Adrian Zecha on Azerai’s Boutique Hotel Vision

Adrian Zecha Shares His Vision for Azerai’s Boutique Resorts

By Hariharan U

Published on September 25, 2025

Adrian Zecha, the 92-year-old hotelier behind some of the world’s most iconic luxury stays, recently made his way to Vietnam to spend time at Azerai Ke Ga Bay and Azerai La Residence, Hue. Both properties hold special importance for him, as they represent the core values of Azerai Resorts embracing nature, local culture, and authentic experiences.

Often asked when he will retire, Zecha laughs it off. “I can’t sit there and do nothing. I mean, come on, it’s crazy,” he said. With characteristic energy, he added, “I feel that my new journey is just beginning. There’s so much to do. God gives you life, you should use it.”

At Azerai Ke Ga Bay, a 56-key beachfront resort spread along five kilometers of sandy shoreline, Zecha highlighted how connecting with nature remains central to his vision. “Nature brings me tranquility and peace, supporting my quest to explore new destinations,” he said while walking through the resort’s ginger forest.

Zecha was accompanied by longtime business partner Jonathan Breene, with whom he co-founded Mahaman, the company that owns Azerai Resorts. Breene praised Zecha’s instinct to create spaces that truly connect with their setting, saying there’s no fixed formula for an Azerai property.

Opened in 2020, Azerai Ke Ga Bay offers a quiet oceanfront escape, contrasting with Azerai La Residence, Hue—an elegant 122-room retreat built around a 1920s mansion in Vietnam’s former imperial capital. “I liked both. I thought: Why not do two?” Zecha quipped when recalling the decision to expand.

Julian Moore, General Manager at Azerai Ke Ga Bay, noted how the resort draws charm from its cultural setting. Guests often see local fishermen catching their morning meals offshore. “With Azerai, we want to make sure you feel Vietnam, you feel the people,” Moore explained.

Recognition has followed, earlier this year, Luxury Travel Advisor named Azerai Ke Ga Bay the “Most Instagrammable Hotel in Asia, the Indian Ocean and South Pacific,” and second globally. The Times of London also included it among Southeast Asia’s best boutique hotels.

Up the coast, Azerai La Residence, Hue offers a very different experience. Its riverfront setting, facing the city’s historic Citadel, allows guests to enjoy leisurely cruises past pagodas, temples, and imperial landmarks. General Manager Minh Phan Trong describes the property as a balance between “vibrant city life” and “a tranquil resort feel.”

Breene emphasized its charm lies in the Art Deco flourishes and colonial design touches. “You really feel like you’ve stepped into another time,” he said. The hotel’s accolades include being listed among Time Magazine’s “World’s 100 Greatest Places” and being named by The Times of London as one of Vietnam’s best hotels.

While industry peers regard Zecha as a visionary, he attributes his success to his team. “I lead fantastic people who will continue these legacies, and I’m delighted to be working with them,” he said.

With Azerai Resorts, Zecha continues to prove that age is no barrier to new beginnings his focus on understated elegance, cultural depth, and connection with nature remains as strong as ever.

For bookings:

A.kegabay@azerai.com, azerai.com/azerai-ke-ga-bay/

.laresidence.hue@azerai.com, azerai.com/azerai-la-residence-hue/

About Azerai

Founded by Adrian Zecha, Azerai is a collection of refined resorts known for elegance, thoughtful design, and personalized service. The name draws inspiration from Zecha’s initials and the Persian word “caravanserai,” referencing historic inns that welcomed travelers in unique destinations.

Avvatar India Partners with Amazon MX Player’s Reality Show Rise and Fall

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on September 25, 2025

Avvatar India, the country’s first 100% vegetarian whey protein brand from Parag Milk Foods Ltd., has partnered with Rise and Fall, the reality series streaming on Amazon MX Player and airing on Sony Entertainment Television.

As part of this association, Avvatar India helped fulfill a heartfelt wish of its influencer Varun Yadav, popularly known as Laila, by arranging a reunion with his friend and contestant on the show, on his birthday. The brand came on board as sponsor to make this possible, staying true to its philosophy of strength, community, and #Bhaichara.

Speaking about the collaboration, Nitin Kanodia, Business Head, Avvatar India, said:

“Avvatar India stands for strength, endurance, and the power of community. Our collaboration with Rise and Fall reflects these values, as the show celebrates both individual performance and the bonds that inspire people to push harder. Making Varun’s reunion with his best friend possible through this partnership is a proud moment for us as we continue to champion the culture of fitness across India.”

Through this partnership, Avvatar India continues to reinforce its commitment to fitness enthusiasts by offering premium, scientifically formulated nutrition, while also encouraging motivation, brotherhood, and togetherness within the fitness community.

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Women in Aviation India Celebrates 10th Girls in Aviation Day with Nationwide Events

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on September 25, 2025

Women in Aviation India has commenced the celebrations of its landmark 10th Girls in Aviation Day (GIAD) under the theme “Vimanan Ka Gyan, Nari Shakti Ke Naam.” Dedicated to empowering girls and breaking gender barriers in aviation, the initiative aligns with the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s vision of a Viksit Bharat, and his belief that “When women prosper, the world prospers.”

The nationwide series of GIAD 2025 began with events in Noida and Hyderabad, designed to inspire young students by showcasing the wide range of career opportunities in aviation. Since its inception in India in 2016, Girls in Aviation Day has grown into a movement that has reached more than 50,000 girls across over 30 Indian cities, including smaller towns and remote areas, where awareness of aviation careers was previously limited.

In Noida, students from the NGO Sai Kripa engaged with aviation leaders, including a pilot from Air India, professional trainers, and experts from airport operations, PR, and HR. They shared personal stories of resilience and success, encouraging the girls to dream big. In Hyderabad, Women in Aviation India partnered with GMR Hyderabad International Airport Limited (GHIAL) to highlight the evolving role of women in aviation. The program featured motivational sessions, panel discussions, and exclusive tours of the GMR Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility and the School of Aviation, where students gained insights into aircraft operations and aviation training.

The sessions emphasized the importance of STEM education, mentorship, and skill development as essential drivers for bridging the gap between education and employability. Students also received career guides, GIAD t-shirts, and WAI merchandise as reminders that the “sky is open” for them to pursue aviation dreams.

GIAD 2025 takes place at a time when India’s aviation sector is set for ambitious growth, with the Ministry of Civil Aviation announcing plans to develop 350 airports by 2047, up from the current 162. With demand for a diverse and inclusive workforce rising, initiatives like GIAD play a crucial role in inspiring the next generation of women professionals to be part of the country’s aviation growth story.

The year-long celebrations will culminate in December 2025 with the “Giving Wings to Dreams Awards,” honoring women who have made significant contributions to aviation and have helped empower others.

Reflecting on the milestone, Mrs. Radha Bhatia, President of Women in Aviation India, said, “In the last decade, we have grown from strength to strength, reaching thousands of young girls across India. Today, GIAD is not just an event, but a movement that inspires girls to see aviation as a career within easy reach. Tomorrow looks bright and promising for our young girls, who will play a vital role in India’s growth story.”

With support from the Ministry of Civil Aviation, and partners including Millennium Aero Dynamics, MakeMyTrip, Bangalore International Airport, GMR Hyderabad International Airport, Blue Dart Aviation, and TravTalk, the Girls in Aviation Day 2025 celebrations will extend to more than 15 cities across India.

About Women in Aviation India

Founded in 2015 in New Delhi, Women in Aviation (WAI) India is a non-profit organization committed to encouraging and advancing women in aviation and aerospace. With over 100 members representing diverse fields, WAI provides networking, mentoring, and scholarship opportunities. Supported by the Ministry of Civil Aviation, WAI continues to build a strong foundation for women in aviation, empowering them to take flight in one of the fastest-growing industries.