The Professional Housekeepers Association (PHA) proudly hosted the 5th Young Visionary Housekeepers National Convention and the 7th PHA YUVA Anniversary on September 14th, 2024, at Fortune Park JP Celestial, Bengaluru. The event drew nearly 250 participants, including YUVAs from 16 Hotel Management colleges and professionals from various sectors, including hospitality, healthcare, facility management, and aviation. This year's theme, "Technology Enabled Housekeeping" (TEHK), explored the transformative impact of technology on the housekeeping industry.

A key highlight was the panel discussion on "Housekeeping Management with Automation and Digitization", moderated by Ms. Sunita Srinivasan from T. John College. The panel featured industry experts, including Mr. Satyabrata Samal, Associate Director of Housekeeping at Clarks Exotica Convention Resort & Spa, along with leaders from ITC Windsor, Apollo Hospital, and Olive by Embassy. Mr. Samal offered valuable insights into how Clarks Exotica has embraced AI and automation in its housekeeping operations, resulting in improved efficiency, guest satisfaction, and sustainability. He emphasized that while technology is key, Clarks Exotica maintains a personalized service touch, setting a benchmark in guest experience.

Mr. Bhavya Kaura, General Manager of Fortune Park JP Celestial, commended PHA for nurturing future hospitality leaders, while Mr. Ajay Jain, CEO of Bed and Bath Depot, stressed the importance of standardized linen quality and inventory management in hotels.

Demonstrating its commitment to developing emerging talent, Clarks Exotica sponsored meal and lifestyle vouchers for participants, underlining its active role in supporting future professionals in the hospitality industry.

The event concluded with awards for various competitions, including a housekeeping design challenge, in which M. S. Ramaiah University claimed the Champions Trophy. The day also featured cultural performances by PHA YUVA members from across India and an expert talk on AI in Housekeeping by Mr. Girish Prabhu, CEO of Instio Experiences.

Clarks Exotica's leadership in integrating technology with personalized service was a key takeaway from the convention, reinforcing its position as an innovator in the hospitality sector.

About Clarks Exotica Convention Resort and Spa:

Set amid tranquil surroundings, Clarks Exotica Convention Resort and Spa provides a luxurious haven for both leisure and corporate travelers. With its expansive rooms, gourmet dining experiences, and world-class event facilities, the resort promises an exceptional stay marked by luxury and hospitality.

Website:
Clarks Exotica Website

Sterling Holiday Resorts, India's leading leisure hospitality brand, is proud to announce the launch of its second resort in the Pench region, located on the Maharashtra side of the Pench Wildlife Sanctuary. The newly opened Sterling Orient Woods is strategically positioned near both the Khawasa and Khursapar Gates, offering wildlife enthusiasts easy access to the sanctuary.

Spread across 4 acres of secluded wilderness, this resort promises a serene and immersive experience for guests looking to escape into nature. Manicured lawns and flagstone paths surround the property, making it not only a beautiful getaway from the bustling city of Nagpur but also a perfect base to explore the Pench jungle.

The resort features villa-style rooms and luxury tents, each designed to blend seamlessly with the rustic surroundings while providing modern comforts. All accommodations come with private sit-outs, offering guests a space to relax amidst nature, especially during the cool evening hours. Premier rooms also come with additional perks like open-to-sky showers, bathtubs, and a private lawn space, ensuring an elevated experience for visitors.

Dining at Sterling Orient Woods is a unique affair, with the resort's signature restaurant, Sigri, offering an open-format dining experience. Guests can savor popular favorites as well as local delicacies from Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh while enjoying stunning views of the lush surroundings. For those looking for something more exclusive, the Machan, a treetop dining area, provides a perfect setting for private celebrations or intimate dinners, all while overlooking the natural beauty of the region.

For events and gatherings, the resort boasts a 4,500 sq. ft. banquet space and a 20,000 sq. ft. lawn, ideal for hosting small conferences, weddings, and social events. After a morning safari, guests can relax and unwind by taking a dip in the swimming pool or indulging in a soothing treatment at The Spa.

Speaking about the new launch, Mr. Vikram Lalvani, Managing Director & CEO of Sterling Holiday Resorts, said, “Sterling Orient Woods is our second resort at Pench. The rustic setting and lush greenery make it an ideal getaway for people from Nagpur, and a great way to explore the Pench Wildlife Sanctuary while enjoying all modern comforts.”

Mr. Afzal Mitha, MD of Orient Group of Hotels & Resorts, added, “We are extremely pleased to collaborate with Sterling Holiday Resorts. With Sterling's strong expertise in both hospitality and wildlife resorts, we are confident that Sterling Orient Woods Pench will be a grand success.”

Guests can also enjoy a variety of activities, including safaris, boating on the Khokha River, nature walks, and visits to the local pottery village, where they can try their hand at pottery-making. The resort also offers a holiday activity center with options for indoor and outdoor games, allowing families and friends to bond while spending quality time together.

About Sterling Holiday Resorts Ltd.:

Sterling Holiday Resorts Ltd. is one of India’s leading hospitality brands, managing over 3,000 keys across 53 resorts, spread across 46 destinations in the country. Sterling caters to leisure travelers, MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions), destination weddings, and group travel. Their resorts are situated in some of the country’s most popular holiday destinations, from hill stations to beach getaways and wildlife sanctuaries.
Sterling operates under two brands: Sterling and Nature Trails, with resorts located in places like Goa, Darjeeling, Munnar, Corbett, Ooty, Rishikesh, Mussoorie, and more. Their eco-adventure retreats under the Nature Trails brand are spread across Maharashtra, including Durshet, Kundalika, and Sajan.
Sterling Holiday Resorts Ltd. is a part of Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Thomas Cook (India) Limited (TCIL).

For more information and bookings, visit Sterling Holidays.

Evolve Back, Chikkana Halli Estate, Coorg, is proud to announce its prestigious inclusion in Fodor’s Finest Hotels 2025, marking its place among the 100 best hotels in Asia. This significant recognition underscores the resort's dedication to delivering luxurious, eco-friendly experiences in the heart of nature. Evolve Back’s latest accolade reaffirms its position as a premier destination for travelers seeking both tranquility and unmatched comfort.

Located in the mist-shrouded hills of Coorg, Evolve Back offers an idyllic escape for guests wanting to reconnect with nature while enjoying top-tier hospitality. The resort features five exclusive accommodation options, each offering the luxury of private pools nestled by tranquil lily ponds. The expansive 300-acre estate offers guests an array of immersive experiences, including nature walks, gourmet coffee-making sessions, and electric cycle tours through the lush greenery. For those looking to unwind, the Ayurvedic spa treatments and the stunning infinity pool provide the perfect relaxation.

Beyond its many outdoor activities, the resort also caters to those seeking quieter moments of reflection. The stilted reading lounge offers guests the perfect place to unwind with a good book while soaking in the breathtaking natural scenery.

This inclusion in Fodor’s 2025 list continues the legacy of excellence established by Evolve Back, Hampi, which was previously honored as one of Asia’s best hotels by Fodor’s in both 2020 and 2022. Speaking about this recognition, the management of Evolve Back stated, “We are incredibly proud to be featured in Fodor’s Top 100 Hotels for 2025. This award is a testament to our unwavering commitment to creating unparalleled, sustainable luxury experiences for our guests.”

With its blend of eco-conscious design and luxury amenities, Evolve Back continues to raise the bar for hospitality in India, offering its guests more than just a stay—a journey into the heart of nature and heritage.

About Evolve Back, Coorg:

Evolve Back, Chikkana Halli Estate, Coorg, is a luxury eco-resort offering exclusive accommodations and immersive experiences within a sprawling 300-acre coffee plantation. Renowned for its commitment to sustainability and luxury, Evolve Back offers unique experiences such as nature walks, Ayurvedic spa treatments, and private dining by serene lily ponds.