Ultimate Escape at The Fern Brentwood Resort, Mussoorie

Admin

Published on July 3, 2024

In this exclusive interview, we had the opportunity to sit down with Arindam C Bahel, General Manager of The Fern Brentwood Resort in Mussoorie. We discussed his role as GM, culinary offerings at the resort, sustainable initiatives at the resort, and more.

Nestled amidst the breathtaking Himalayan foothills, The Fern Brentwood Resort, Mussoorie, promises an escape unlike any other. This luxurious haven transcends the ordinary, offering discerning travelers a haven of comfort, adventure, and unparalleled vistas.
Imagine waking up to the gentle whispers of the mountain breeze, sunlight dappling through your window, and the majestic Doon Valley stretching out before you. The Fern Brentwood Resort isn't just a hotel; it's a portal to a world of serenity and rejuvenation.

Beyond the stunning location, the resort boasts a plethora of amenities that cater to diverse interests. Unwind in the luxurious spa, indulge in delectable culinary experiences at the on-site restaurants, or take a refreshing dip in the sparkling pool. For those seeking adventure, the resort can arrange trekking expeditions, nature walks, or visits to nearby historical landmarks.

How has your background as a chef influenced the dining experience at The Fern Brentwood Resort?

Chefs are meticulous, consistent, and focused on quality. The Fern Brentwood resort’s dining experience features innovative themes and designs, high-quality food, and top-notch service. Our managers and the kitchen team regularly interact with guests to create personalized dining experiences. The culinary team receives ongoing training to maintain consistent excellence. This blend of creativity, expertise, and dedication results in a memorable and elevated dining experience for all guests.

What unique culinary experiences can guests expect when they dine at The Fern Mussoorie?
At The Fern Brentwood Resort, we are known for our themed festivals and pop-up events, as well as our excellent breakfast spread, which rivals the best food establishments in the city. We regularly host chefs from other states to ensure authentic flavors.

How do you balance luxury and sustainability in the operations of The Fern Brentwood Resort?

The Fern Hotels believes that luxury in hospitality must be environmentally sustainable. Alkaline drinking water, bottled in-house at our own plant, is a standard offering—making us one of the few hotels in the state to do so. Even the straws in our drinks are made of rice paper. Our napkins and toilet rolls, made from Bagasse (a by-product of sugarcane), are entirely paper-free. Additionally, our key cards are crafted from board, and our suite rooms feature bamboo supplies. We are constantly striving to achieve our goal of a zero-garbage hotel while providing top-class service to our guests.

What initiatives has the resort implemented to promote environmental sustainability?

Introduction of Glass Bottles: We have replaced plastic bottles in guest rooms with safe and sanitized glass bottles filled with healthy alkaline water. This initiative helps us reduce the use of 60,000 plastic bottles annually.

Eco-Friendly Rice Straws: We have eliminated hazardous plastic and paper straws, opting for eco-friendly rice straws instead. These FSSAI-approved straws are a safe and sustainable alternative, significantly reducing single-use plastic and virgin paper consumption.

Natural Unbleached Napkins: Our F&B areas now use natural unbleached napkins made from 100% agro-fiber sourced from sugarcane waste, completely eliminating the need for paper towels.

Solar Water Heaters: By installing solar water heaters, we conserve electricity and provide alternative energy to heat water for room usage, saving approximately 80 to 100 units of electricity per day.

Rainwater Harvesting: We have created rainwater harvesting tanks with a capacity of 10 KL to promote water conservation within the hotel.

Herb Garden and Plantation: We have established a herb garden and increased plantation around the hotel to enhance the green cover.

Sustainable Guest Room Amenities: We have introduced sustainable and locally sourced amenities, such as bamboo toothbrushes and combs, as part of our guest room supplies, ensuring our commitment to eco-friendly practices.

Can you share a memorable guest experience that highlights the resort's commitment to hospitality?

Most of our guests commend our sustainable efforts, which is reflected in our rankings on TripAdvisor and other OTA channels.

How do you ensure that The Fern Brentwood Resort stands out in the competitive hospitality market of Mussoorie?

Mussoorie, as a hill station, has limited resources. Today’s discerning travelers are increasingly conscious of their environmental impact, and as a brand, we have a significant role to play in this market. We are pioneers in environmental sensitivity, creating a niche with our slogan, “Hospitality with Responsibility.”

What future plans or expansions do you have for the resort to enhance the guest experience further?

Since this year, we have launched a series of cultural food shows called “Flavours of India,” where we host chefs and artists from different regions to promote Indian cuisine at our hotel. The recently concluded “Padharo mare Des” – Rajasthani festival received tremendous acclaim and was a resounding success. Our upcoming festival, starting on June 14th, will highlight “States on the streets.” Additionally, we are expanding our hotel services to include a Spa, enriching the guest experience.

How do you train and motivate your staff to maintain high standards of service and guest satisfaction?

During and post-COVID, attrition has posed the greatest challenge to our organization and the industry at large. To counteract this, we intensified our team engagement efforts and focused on local recruitment from institutes in Uttarakhand and the Garhwali community renowned for their hospitality. We’re proud to highlight that over 80% of our team comprises local residents.

Recognizing and reinforcing positive behaviors, our salary disbursements are scheduled from the 7th to the 1st of each month. We provide accommodations for all outstation employees and host a range of employee engagement activities such as “Movie of the Month,” induction walks, picnics, and the informal “Chai pe Charcha” sessions. Additionally, our new employee meetings include monthly trainee sessions with the GM.

New joiners participate in an “Induction Walk” with the GM, where they learn about the local flora, places of interest in Mussoorie, and the town’s historical significance. Our “Chai pe Charcha” sessions serve as icebreakers for new team members and provide a platform to address any concerns they may have. These initiatives have been instrumental in fostering a supportive and engaging work environment at our organization.

Crafting Destinations with Character: Ramit Sethi on Redefining Boutique Hospitality

Ramit Sethi

Published on August 1, 2026

Boutique hospitality is steadily redefining the way travellers experience destinations, placing greater emphasis on authenticity, meaningful connections, and memorable stays. Among the brands leading this shift is Seclude Hotels, known for transforming unique homes into immersive hospitality experiences that celebrate heritage, local culture, and personalised service.

In an exclusive conversation with Hospitality News, Ramit Sethi, Co-founder and Director of Seclude Hotels, shares the vision that has shaped the brand's remarkable journey. From the inspiration behind the successful Creators Club initiative to Seclude's commitment to responsible tourism, Sethi discusses how the company continues to build experiences that extend far beyond accommodation.

The conversation also explores Seclude's role in strengthening local tourism ecosystems by creating employment opportunities, collaborating with surrounding communities, and encouraging travellers to discover offbeat destinations through authentic experiences. Drawing from his corporate leadership background and entrepreneurial journey, Sethi reflects on the guest-first philosophy rooted in seva bhav that continues to guide every decision at Seclude.

Readers will also discover how the brand's carefully curated 'Rent Your Home' model helps preserve the individuality of every property while ensuring consistent quality and personalised hospitality. In addition, Sethi shares Seclude's long-term vision for purposeful expansion, explaining why the company prioritises destinations with heritage, character, and unique stories over rapid growth. The discussion further highlights why Seclude's boutique properties have become preferred venues for intimate weddings, milestone celebrations, anniversaries, and family reunions, where every occasion becomes part of a memorable story.

Packed with insights on boutique hospitality, destination development, experiential travel, creator-led marketing, and evolving guest expectations, this exclusive feature offers an engaging perspective on one of India's most distinctive hospitality brands.

It was a truly insightful conversation with Ramit Sethi, offering valuable perspectives on the future of experiential hospitality and destination-led travel. To read the complete exclusive interview, pick up the August edition of Hospitality News magazine or visit our website to explore the full feature.

Exclusive Feature: Sanjeev Kumar FIH on Building the Future of Hospitality with HOSPI Sigma™

Sanjeev Kumar FIH

Published on August 1, 2026

As India's hospitality industry accelerates into a new era of growth, conversations around talent, operational excellence, and future-ready leadership have never been more important. While the sector continues to expand with strong government support and increasing investment, one question remains at the heart of its success, how can hospitality professionals be better prepared for the realities of modern hotel operations?

In this exclusive feature for Hospitality News August Magazine, we had the opportunity to engage with Sanjeev Kumar FIH, Founder of HOSPI Sigma™, whose decades of leadership across some of the world's most respected hotel brands have shaped a unique perspective on hospitality capability and operational excellence.

Drawing from over 30 years of experience spanning Taj Hotels, ITC Hotels, Starwood Hotels & Resorts (now Marriott International), Premier Inn, and international leadership assignments, Kumar shares the journey that led to the creation of the world's first Unified Lean Six Sigma-based capability framework designed exclusively for hospitality. His insights go beyond conventional training, exploring how structured thinking, operational discipline, and decision-making under pressure can transform hospitality professionals at every stage of their careers.

The feature also explores the industry's widening skills gap, the growing importance of capability-based learning, HOSPI Sigma™'s expanding collaborations with hospitality institutes and hotel groups, and how the framework aligns with India's ambitious vision for hospitality education and workforce development.

Adding further depth to the conversation, the leadership team behind HOSPI Sigma™ discusses the importance of globally recognised professional development, stronger academia-industry collaboration, inclusive talent development, and building an ecosystem that prepares professionals for long-term success.

Rather than revealing every insight here, this feature offers only a glimpse into a conversation that examines where hospitality education stands today and where it must go next. From operational challenges to leadership philosophy, and from structured capability development to the future of hospitality talent, the discussion presents valuable perspectives for hotel leaders, educators, students, and industry professionals alike.

It was a privilege to engage in such a thoughtful and forward-looking conversation with Sanjeev Kumar FIH and the HOSPI Sigma™ leadership team. To explore the complete feature and gain deeper insights into their vision for transforming hospitality capability, read the full interview in the Hospitality News August Magazine, available on our website, or experience it in the print edition by getting your physical copy.

Exclusive Conversation with Rahul Makhija: Leading Hospitality Through People, Purpose, and Innovation

Rahul Makhija

Published on August 1, 2026

With over two decades of experience in the hospitality industry, Rahul Makhija, General Manager at Apeejay Surrendra Park Hotels Limited, has consistently championed a guest-first philosophy while leading The Park Navi Mumbai with a vision rooted in innovation, service excellence, and meaningful hospitality.

In an exclusive featured conversation with Hospitality News, Rahul Makhija shares valuable insights drawn from his extensive leadership journey, offering readers a deeper understanding of the evolving dynamics shaping India's hospitality landscape. From building resilient hospitality businesses and creating personalised guest experiences to navigating global uncertainties, embracing sustainability, and responding to changing food, beverage, and nightlife trends, the conversation explores the priorities that define modern hotel leadership.

The interview also highlights how The Park Navi Mumbai continues to strengthen its presence as Navi Mumbai evolves into one of India's fastest-growing business and infrastructure destinations. Rahul Makhija discusses the hotel's role in supporting this transformation through world-class hospitality, talent development, community engagement, and experiences that reflect the brand's distinctive lifestyle philosophy.

Readers will also discover his perspectives on balancing innovation with operational excellence, understanding changing guest expectations, leveraging technology without compromising the human touch, and creating long-term value for guests, employees, partners, and stakeholders alike. His thoughtful responses offer meaningful takeaways for hospitality professionals, industry leaders, aspiring hoteliers, and business enthusiasts seeking to understand the future direction of the sector.

Whether it is adapting to global market conditions, delivering memorable guest journeys, or building a more responsible and sustainable future, every response reflects a leadership approach centred on trust, consistency, and continuous evolution. The conversation offers practical insights into how hospitality brands can remain relevant while staying true to their identity in an increasingly competitive marketplace.

It was truly a meaningful and insightful conversation with Rahul Makhija, whose perspectives reinforce the importance of people, purpose, and innovation in shaping exceptional hospitality experiences.

To read the complete exclusive interview, explore the Hospitality News August Magazine on our website or grab your physical copy and discover the full conversation along with many more inspiring stories, industry insights, and exclusive features from the world of hospitality.