Abdeali Zoomkawala Joins The Khyber Himalayan Resort as Director of Operations

Abdeali Zoomkawala Joins The Khyber Himalayan Resort as Director of Operations

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on November 14, 2024

Abdeali Zoomkawala has been appointed as the new Director of Operations at The Khyber Himalayan Resort & Spa, Gulmarg. With over 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Zoomkawala brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his role at this luxury property, located in the pristine Pir Panjal range of the Himalayas.

Welcoming Zoomkawala to the team, Vinit Chhabra, General Manager of The Khyber Himalayan Resort & Spa, expressed enthusiasm for the appointment. “We are happy to welcome Abdeali on board The Khyber as he brings with him a solid and varied experience in the hospitality industry. With The Khyber completing twelve years this year, his contribution to taking it to greater heights is eagerly anticipated,” Chhabra stated.

Zoomkawala’s career journey spans several prestigious brands, including The Taj Mahal Palace & Tower in Mumbai, The Trident Mumbai, The Leela Palace Bangalore, The Ritz Carlton Bangalore, and Trident Hyderabad. He has also held roles at Oakwood Premier Prestige Bangalore, The Leela Ambience Convention Hotel Delhi, Bookmark in Manali (part of Justa Hotels & Resorts), and more recently at IF.BE Ice Factory Ballard Estate—a historic 140-year-old ice factory in Mumbai that now serves as a community space.

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Known for his expertise in hotel management, pre-opening operations, and strategic leadership, Zoomkawala has a proven track record of enhancing operational performance, increasing revenue, and prioritizing guest satisfaction.

Academically, Zoomkawala is an alumnus of IIHM Aurangabad and Huddersfield University in Yorkshire, where he earned a BA in Hotel/Motel Administration and Management. His skill set is further enriched through various certifications and training programs, including sessions on Positive & Effective Communication, Sales Advantage Training by Dale Carnegie, and a program on Team Synergy by the Academy of Human Excellence. He also holds a Butler Training Certification from the Ivor Spencer School of Butlers in the United Kingdom.

On his new role, Zoomkawala shared his excitement about contributing to The Khyber’s reputation as India’s only luxury ski resort. “I look forward to working with the talented team at The Khyber, India’s only luxury ski Resort. As a team, we will strive to keep the flag flying high with world-class services, while continuously innovating to exceed the expectations of our guests. I hope to curate bespoke experiences, enhancing the property’s brand identity,” Zoomkawala remarked.

The Khyber Himalayan Resort & Spa, perched at 8,825 feet in the Himalayas, is known for its luxurious ambiance and dedication to sustainable practices. Since its opening in December 2012, the 85-room resort has been celebrated for its stunning views of the Affarwat peaks, The Khyber Spa by L’OCCITANE, and wellness facilities that include a gym and a heated indoor swimming pool. Located close to Gulmarg’s renowned Gondola and the world’s highest golf course, the resort is a popular destination for both ski enthusiasts and leisure travelers alike.


India’s Top Luxury Wedding Photographers Turning Celebrations into Fine Art Stories

India’s Top Luxury Wedding Photographers Turning Celebrations into Fine Art Stories

By Nishang Narayan

Published on July 12, 2025

In the ultra-luxury wedding space, photography has transformed dramatically. It’s no longer just about documenting the day—it’s about legacy, artistry, and emotion. Across India, some of the country’s top wedding photographers are not only preserving these grand celebrations but elevating them into globally relevant, editorial-quality narratives.

Whether it’s an opulent palace wedding or a private international elopement, ultra-high-net-worth families, celebrities, and legacy households trust these artists to capture the very soul of their special moments. Each brings a distinctive vision to the evolving language of Indian wedding photography, merging tradition, fashion, emotion, and fine art into timeless keepsakes.

Here are five standout names leading this movement:

  • Karan Sidhu: Renowned for his soulful, cinematic storytelling, Karan’s emotive style is rooted deeply in authenticity, capturing honest, unscripted moments.

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  • Joseph Radhik: A global name synonymous with iconic celebrity weddings—like Anushka-Virat and Priyanka-Nick—Joseph weaves poetic visual narratives that transcend cultures.

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  • Ombre by Harsheen Jammu: This luxury boutique studio is redefining fine art wedding photography with profound emotional depth and aspirations that extend far beyond India.

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  • Ramit Batra: A seasoned storyteller with more than 500 weddings shot worldwide, Ramit beautifully blends grandeur with genuine sentiment.

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  • Reels and Frames (Anand Rathi): Based in Mumbai, this studio is behind several high-profile weddings, known for its modern, cinematic flair and a collaborative approach that resonates with clients.

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Together, these photographers illustrate how Indian wedding photography today is an immersive art form—one that turns moments into masterpieces, memories into legacies, and emotions into stories cherished for generations.


Stone Wood Hotels & Resorts Appoints Priyanka Kumari as Corporate Training Manager

Stone Wood Hotels & Resorts Appoints Priyanka Kumari as Corporate Training Manager

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 12, 2025

Stone Wood Hotels & Resorts has announced the appointment of Priyanka Kumari as the group’s new Corporate Training Manager, a strategic addition aimed at enhancing team capabilities and maintaining consistent service standards across all properties.

Priyanka brings with her over a decade of experience in the hospitality industry, having worked with leading global hotel brands such as Marriott, Wyndham, Carlson Rezidor, and Le Méridien Bangalore. Her expertise lies in designing and executing training programs that drive performance, uplift service delivery, and cultivate a culture of continuous learning.

In her new role, Priyanka will lead training and development initiatives across all Stone Wood Hotels & Resorts, ensuring staff are equipped to deliver superior guest experiences. She will oversee the development of standardized training frameworks, implement best practices across operations, and support team engagement and career progression.

Known for her approachable leadership and tailored training strategies, Priyanka has consistently empowered frontline staff and management teams alike. Her programs have contributed to tangible improvements in both guest satisfaction and operational efficiency.

Commenting on the appointment, Shikhar Kumar, Managing Director, Stone Wood Hotels & Resorts, said,

“We are pleased to welcome Priyanka Kumari to our leadership team as we continue to focus on delivering exceptional guest experiences across all our properties. Her extensive experience with leading hospitality brands and proven expertise in training and team development make her the ideal candidate to elevate our service standards.”

Outside of work, Priyanka enjoys exploring new destinations and connecting with people from diverse backgrounds—an interest that further enriches her understanding of guest service and hospitality excellence.

With this appointment, Stone Wood Hotels & Resorts reaffirms its commitment to professional development, consistency in service, and excellence in hospitality.


The Fern Brentwood Resort, Mussoorie Appoints Eshant Rajput as Senior HR Executive

The Fern Brentwood Resort, Mussoorie Appoints Eshant Rajput as Senior HR Executive

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 11, 2025

The Fern Brentwood Resort, Mussoorie, a leading sustainable hospitality destination in the hills, has appointed Eshant Rajput as its new Senior HR Executive. With more than six years of experience in HR operations, payroll, compliance, and administration, Eshant steps into the role with a strong operational foundation and people-centric approach.

Eshant has previously handled HR responsibilities for over 150 employees across sectors like hospitality, healthcare, and waste management, giving him a diverse and agile perspective. He is well-versed in HRMS tools, ISO audits, labor relations, and employee engagement, making him a valuable addition to the resort’s evolving people strategy.

Mr. Arindam Bahel, General Manager, The Fern Brentwood Resort Mussoorie, expressed his optimism about the new appointment, saying, “We are delighted to welcome Eshant to the team. His extensive operational know-how and people-first mindset align well with our mission of building a motivated and service-oriented workforce.”

In his new role, Eshant will be responsible for recruitment, statutory compliance, employee engagement, and other core HR functions, with the goal of ensuring smooth operations and a positive work environment. He will also play a key role in strengthening staff retention efforts and aligning HR practices with the resort’s broader service goals.

Sharing his thoughts on the appointment, Eshant Rajput said, “I’m excited to be part of a brand like The Fern Brentwood, which is as committed to its people as it is to sustainability. My focus will be on driving operational efficiency and enhancing employee engagement to support the resort’s vision of exceptional hospitality.”

With Eshant’s appointment, The Fern Brentwood Resort reinforces its commitment to both employee well-being and guest satisfaction, setting the tone for a culture rooted in excellence, care, and collaboration.

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