In an industry where passion defines longevity, Mahesh Padala, General Manager at Courtyard by Marriott Madurai, celebrates an inspiring milestone, 25 years in hospitality. His Silver Jubilee journey reflects a rare blend of culinary expertise, operational leadership, and people-first philosophy.

Starting his career in the heat of the kitchen, Mahesh’s path is anything but conventional. From his early days as a chef to leading a full-scale hotel operation, he has carried forward a unique perspective, combining a chef’s attention to detail with a leader’s ability to build strong, motivated teams. For him, hospitality has always been about making guests feel genuinely seen and valued.

Over the years, Mahesh has become a respected figure within Marriott International, contributing significantly to the brand’s presence in India. His decade-long association with the group has seen him lead dynamic hotel environments, bringing a distinct culinary sensibility into operational excellence.

Reflecting on his journey, Mahesh shared that the excitement of welcoming guests remains unchanged even after 25 years. He emphasised that hospitality is not about grand gestures but about consistency, discipline, and heartfelt service. For him, the milestone is not just about years completed, but about the people he has worked with and the countless guest experiences he has helped shape.

Now at the helm of Courtyard by Marriott Madurai, he continues to foster a culture where teams feel empowered and motivated. Under his leadership, the hotel is evolving into more than just a stay destination, it is becoming a space where service, storytelling, and personal connections come together seamlessly.

Mahesh Padala’s journey stands as a testament to how passion, perseverance, and purpose can shape a meaningful career in hospitality, one that continues to inspire both peers and the next generation of hoteliers.

Mumbai-based D2C food brand Millwize has announced its expansion across six key metro markets in India, including Delhi NCR, Mumbai, Pune, Bengaluru, Chennai, and Hyderabad. The move marks a significant step in the brand’s growth journey as it targets urban consumers seeking healthier snacking alternatives.

As part of the expansion, the company plans to distribute 10 million sample packs of its millet-based cookies directly to households. The initiative reflects a shift in the category from marketing-driven claims to real consumer experience.

Divyashikha Gupta, Founder of Millwize™, highlighted the need to rethink what “healthy” truly means in today’s food landscape. She noted that while many products appear healthy on packaging, they may not deliver effective nutritional benefits, adding that the brand aims to address India’s broader challenge of nutrient absorption. Her vision is to move millets from niche diet shelves into everyday consumption within Indian homes.

At the core of the brand’s formulation is the expertise of Dr. Shrikrishna Bilaiya, Principal Scientist in Agronomy, who brings over four decades of experience in millet research and development. His work includes developing improved millet varieties and collaborating with indigenous communities to preserve traditional agricultural knowledge.

Dr. Bilaiya explained that while millets are naturally rich in nutrients, compounds like phytic acid can limit the body’s ability to absorb essential minerals such as iron and zinc. To address this, Millwize combines traditional techniques like controlled sprouting with calibrated thermal processing to improve nutrient bioavailability, ensuring better utilisation by the body.

S. Venkateswaran, Strategic Partner at Millwize™, added that metro cities serve as ideal launchpads due to their role as trend-setting hubs where consumers are more open to adopting clean-label and functional food products. The initiative aims to bridge the gap between health intent and daily consumption by offering snacks that are both nutritious and enjoyable.

Millwize’s product range is built around millet-based formulations that are gluten-free, free from refined sugar, and naturally sweetened with jaggery and dates. The products also avoid trans fats, palm oil, artificial colours, flavours, and preservatives, aligning with the growing demand for cleaner ingredient profiles.

By taking its products directly into homes, Millwize is attempting to shift consumer decision-making from perception to real experience—encouraging a more informed and mindful approach to everyday snacking

CGH Earth has announced the launch of Sanctuary Amaidiyana, a serene 23-key resort and spa set on the tranquil fringes of Auroville. Designed as a holistic retreat, the property brings together wellness, art, conscious cuisine, and immersive cultural experiences, inviting guests to slow down and reconnect with themselves and their surroundings.

Derived from the Tamil word for peace and tranquillity, Amaidiyana reflects CGH Earth’s philosophy of authenticity, sustainability, and community engagement. The retreat is thoughtfully integrated into Auroville’s creative and contemplative landscape, offering a space where stillness unfolds naturally rather than being curated.

Michael Dominic, CEO & Managing Director, CGH Earth, shared that the retreat represents a story shaped with care, a quiet refuge that restores balance while inspiring creative expression. He highlighted that the space blends architecture with nature, celebrates seasonal cuisine, and embraces wellness as a lived experience, positioning Amaidiyana as eco-luxury with purpose.

Designed by Auroville-based architect Mona Doctor-Pingel, the property features contemporary architecture deeply rooted in local context. Every element, from doors and metalwork to ceramics and bas-reliefs, has been crafted by local artisans. Hand-painted artworks by Auroville artists further add a unique, meditative identity to each room.

A key highlight of the retreat is its signature wellness sanctums — Heiwa and a dedicated Watsu pool. Heiwa, envisioned by Poppo Pingel, is designed as an architectural expression of stillness, featuring a prayer-like roof, a rock garden inspired by the golden ratio, and seamless transitions into a tranquil plunge pool.

The Watsu pool, maintained at 32–34°C, is among the few purpose-built warm-water therapy sanctums in India. Housed under a 10-metre dome inspired by ancient construction techniques, it offers a calming space for deep relaxation through buoyancy, breath, and gentle movement.

Speaking on the concept, George Joseph, Vice President – Operations, CGH Earth, noted that Amaidiyana is not just a wellness destination but a philosophy that integrates healing practices, conscious tourism, and quiet restoration. From garden-facing rooms and Ayurveda suites to curated local experiences, every element is designed for calm and connection.

The retreat also embraces CGH Earth’s Conscious Cuisine philosophy, drawing inspiration from Tamil Nadu’s rich culinary traditions and Auroville’s artisanal food culture. Fresh produce is sourced from the in-house organic garden, complemented by locally crafted cheeses, breads, chocolates, and grains. The menus strike a balance between comfort classics, regional specialties, wellness-focused dishes, and coastal seafood inspired by nearby shores.

Guests can immerse themselves in a range of mindful experiences, including craft workshops, yoga, meditation, Ayurveda therapies, and Watsu sessions. The retreat also offers curated explorations of the region, from sustainable living experiences in Auroville to heritage walks in Puducherry, blending relaxation with cultural discovery.

With Sanctuary Amaidiyana, CGH Earth strengthens its commitment to hospitality that heals, inspires, and connects — offering not just a stay, but a deeply rooted experience centred on calm and creativity.