Adrian Zecha Shares His Vision for Azerai’s Boutique Resorts

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.

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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.


Jockey Strengthens Youth Fashion Play with New JKY Groove™ Winter Drop

Jockey Strengthens Youth Fashion Play with New JKY Groove™ Winter Drop

By Hariharan U

Published on December 16, 2025

Jockey India, operated by Page Industries Ltd, has launched the latest winter drop of its athleisure line JKY Groove™, continuing its push to strengthen connect with Gen Z consumers across India. The new collection blends everyday comfort with fresh seasonal tones and relaxed silhouettes that mirror the easygoing style of today’s youth.

Designed for the winter season, the latest drop features a curated range of modern essentials for both men and women. The collection includes oversized T-shirts, hybrid sweatshirts, wide-leg pants, and utility-inspired pieces, all crafted using comfort-focused fabrics and functional design details.imageThe new range reflects how athleisure has become a key part of youth culture, shaped by relaxed dressing, streetwear influences, and the growing preference for versatile, functional clothing. For Gen Z, fashion is not just about comfort but also self-expression, a shift that JKY Groove™ aims to address through trend-right colours and contemporary silhouettes.

Speaking on the launch, Nihal Rajan, Chief Marketing Officer, Jockey India, said, JKY Groove™ has quickly become one of our strongest youth propositions, and this drop builds on that momentum. We’re sharpening silhouettes, refreshing the colour palette, and focusing on functionality to match how young consumers style themselves across college, work, travel, and social settings.”

The latest JKY Groove™ collection is now available at select Jockey Exclusive Brand Outlets, leading online marketplaces, and on www.jockey.in, with a focused rollout across major metro cities. Supporting the launch is a youth-centric, multi-platform campaign featuring an energetic brand film, strong digital storytelling, and immersive in-store experiences aimed at spotlighting the collection’s blend of comfort, versatility, and modern style.


Malabar Gold & Diamonds Hosts 15th Edition of Brides of India Showcase in New Delhi

Malabar Gold & Diamonds Hosts 15th Edition of Brides of India Showcase in New Delhi

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on December 16, 2025

Malabar Gold & Diamonds, one of the world’s leading and most trusted jewellery brands, hosted a special edition of its flagship Brides of India campaign at its South Extension Part 2 showroom in New Delhi. The showcase celebrated the wide range of bridal styles and traditions that shape weddings in Delhi and across India.

Now in its 15th year, Brides of India has grown into one of the country’s most recognised bridal jewellery platforms. The campaign honours how every bride carries her rituals, memories and identity into the jewellery she chooses for her wedding. The current national edition features 22 brides from across India along with 10 well-known film personalities, reflecting the cultural diversity and emotional depth that the initiative represents.

Speaking on the launch, Mr. Thanseer K K, Showroom Head, Malabar Gold & Diamonds, South Extension Part 2, New Delhi, said, “South Extension Part 2 has always been a starting point for many Delhi families when they plan wedding jewellery. We meet brides who want classic heirloom pieces for traditional ceremonies, lighter designs for destination functions and contemporary sets for receptions, often in a single visit. With the 15th edition of Brides of India coming to our showroom, we created a focused experience around this reality. Our aim is to help every bride and her family find jewellery that respects their customs, sits comfortably through long celebrations and matches the way they have always imagined themselves on their wedding day.”

The event was graced by Ms. Arpanaa Agarwal, Luxury Consultant and Brand Strategist, Founder of Wonder Women Connect, President of Wonder Women Elite Club, India Chairperson – Business Networking, All Ladies League, and Director at Magneto Cleantech, as the Chief Guest. She interacted with guests, brides-to-be and couples, and joined the celebrations that highlighted the importance of jewellery in expressing identity, confidence and personal style during weddings.

The campaign came alive through a thoughtfully curated in-store experience. Select models and customers walked the ramp wearing Malabar’s bridal creations, showcasing complete looks for different wedding functions. An in-store photoshoot with brides-to-be and recently married couples from New Delhi captured how real families plan and build their bridal trousseau with the brand. The atmosphere blended the energy of a fashion showcase with the warmth of an authentic wedding shopping experience.

During the showcase, the South Extension Part 2 showroom presented an extensive range of bridal jewellery, including classic North Indian designs, regional inspirations from across the country and modern silhouettes suited for cross-cultural weddings. Guests explored necklaces, chokers, long necklaces, bangles, bridal earrings, mangalsutras and rings, all crafted with a strong focus on purity, finish and wearability, keeping in mind the multiple events of a contemporary wedding.

With the successful completion of the Brides of India showcase in New Delhi, Malabar Gold & Diamonds has further strengthened its connection with bridal shoppers in the capital who seek jewellery that blends cultural authenticity, thoughtful design and the assurance of a trusted brand.


Gulshan Group Partners with Taj to Launch Luxury Hotel and Branded Serviced Apartments in Noida

Gulshan Group Partners with Taj to Launch Luxury Hotel and Branded Serviced Apartments in Noida

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on December 16, 2025

Gulshan Group, one of North India’s most respected real estate developers, has announced the signing of a Taj hotel and Taj Branded Serviced Apartments in Noida, in partnership with The Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL), India’s largest hospitality company. The greenfield development is located in Sector 129 along the Noida Expressway and marks a significant step in Noida’s journey as a global destination for luxury living, business and hospitality.

Developed by Gulshan Group, the project reflects the Group’s long-standing philosophy of creating future-ready landmarks that enhance urban lifestyles while delivering long-term value. The collaboration with Taj further strengthens Gulshan Group’s focus on developing high-quality projects aligned with global standards of excellence.

Gulshan Nagpal, Chairman, Gulshan Group, said, "This collaboration represents more than a partnership, it is a convergence of two legacy-driven brands committed to excellence. Bringing Taj to Noida under Gulshan’s vision is our way of shaping the city’s luxury narrative and delivering an address that will stand as a benchmark for generations to come."

Yukti Nagpal, Director, Gulshan Group, added, "This project is our statement to the industry, reimagining luxury beyond traditional boundaries by blending the glamour of hospitality with the magnanimous scale of real estate. At Gulshan Group, we are driven by trust, design integrity, and a long-term vision. In partnership with Taj, we are envisioning what we believe will be India’s tallest Taj, a global-standard address destined to become one of the most iconic landmarks in the country."

The development will feature a luxury Taj hotel comprising 150 guest rooms along with 74 Taj Branded Serviced Apartments. The hotel will offer premium dining options including an all-day dining restaurant, a bar and two specialty restaurants. For events and business gatherings, the project will include an expansive 8,000 sq. ft. ballroom, supported by refined pre-function spaces and flexible meeting rooms.

Wellness and recreation form an integral part of the experience, with facilities such as a swimming pool, gym, health club and Taj’s signature J Wellness Circle.

The Taj Branded Serviced Apartments will feature ultra-luxury residences spanning approximately 7,500 sq. ft. each, designed for discerning residents seeking elevated living. Residents will have exclusive access to a private Residents’ Club with terraced gardens, a children’s play area, lounge spaces, sports facilities and an infinity swimming pool.

Located in the National Capital Region, Noida has emerged as one of India’s fastest-growing urban centres, driven by robust infrastructure, corporate growth and an evolving lifestyle ecosystem. This development further strengthens the city’s position as a preferred destination for luxury hospitality and long-term investment.

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