Ascott Unveils Oakwood Erode Resort: A Milestone in Indian Hospitality Expansion

Ascott Unveils Oakwood Erode Resort: A Milestone in Indian Hospitality Expansion

By Author

Published on December 28, 2023

CapitaLand Investment Limited's lodging unit, The Ascott Limited, is set to make a mark in India with the signing of a management agreement for Oakwood Erode Resort in Tamil Nadu. The collaboration with Sensation Hospitality Avenues LLP, the hospitality arm of Sensation Infracon, signifies a strategic move in Ascott's expansion across India.

Located in the vibrant city of Erode, Oakwood Erode Resort aims to redefine luxury and comfort. The signing ceremony, graced by Hoshang Garivala, Country General Manager, Ascott International Management India Pvt. Ltd, along with representatives from Sensation Infracon, marks a significant step in bringing unparalleled hospitality to esteemed guests.

Erode, strategically positioned on the banks of the Kaveri River and surrounded by the Western Ghats, has emerged as a key investment destination for the hospitality sector. Its connectivity through the Bangalore-Coimbatore-Kerala route and ongoing infrastructural development have enhanced its appeal as a travel and business hub.

Scheduled to be operational by December 2026, Oakwood Erode will be situated in Periyasemure, Sathy Road, offering a modern façade, 90 rooms, diverse dining options, and versatile meeting spaces. The hotel is poised to cater to the varied needs of both leisure and business travelers.

Hoshang Garivala expressed excitement about the collaboration, stating, "We are thrilled to unveil our latest addition in the vibrant city of Erode in collaboration with Sensation Infracon. The new property epitomizes elegance, offering guests an oasis of tranquility and sophistication. This property embodies our unwavering commitment to redefining luxury and delivering exceptional hospitality."

Khushbu Kumari, Partner at Sensation Hospitality Avenues LLP, shared the enthusiasm, saying, "We are excited to bring the Oakwood Resort brand to Erode, a city known for its cultural heritage and economic significance. Our aim is to elevate the hotel to high international standards and offer guests an exceptional stay experience while exploring the scenic beauty of the state."

As Ascott continues to strengthen its presence in India, Oakwood Erode Resort emerges as a testament to its commitment to delivering world-class hospitality experiences. The hotel's strategic location and focus on blending regional charm with contemporary amenities align with the rich cultural legacy of Erode, promising an extraordinary stay for every guest. Cheers to the new era of luxury in the heart of Tamil Nadu!


Etihad and Vietnam Airlines Announce New Codeshare and Loyalty Partnership

Etihad and Vietnam Airlines Announce New Codeshare and Loyalty Partnership

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on November 23, 2025

Etihad Airways and Vietnam Airlines have taken their partnership forward with the launch of a new codeshare agreement. This move builds on Etihad’s recently introduced Abu Dhabi–Hanoi service, creating smoother travel options between the UAE and Vietnam.

With this partnership, Etihad guests can now book onward journeys to major domestic destinations in Vietnam as well as popular cities across Asia, all on a single ticket. Travellers also benefit from one check-in and automatic baggage transfer, making Abu Dhabi an easy connection point to the Middle East, Europe, and Africa.

Arik De, Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer, Etihad Airways, said: "This partnership with Vietnam Airlines delivers significant value to our guests by unlocking access to some of Asia's most dynamic and popular destinations. Our new Abu Dhabi-Hanoi service has been warmly received, and this codeshare agreement transforms it into a gateway to Vietnam's most exciting cities. Combined with our frequent flyer partnership, which enables loyalty members of both airlines to earn and redeem miles across our combined global networks, this collaboration underscores our commitment to providing our guests with greater flexibility, broader reach, and superior travel experiences."

From Vietnam Airlines’ perspective, this collaboration builds on the Memorandum of Understanding signed earlier. Nguyen Quang Trung, Director of Corporate Planning and Development, Vietnam Airlines, said: “Vietnam Airlines is pleased to advance our partnership with Etihad Airways through this new codeshare agreement, following the Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2024. The collaboration offers seamless access to Etihad’s network across the Middle East, Europe, and Africa, while allowing more travellers to experience Vietnam Airlines’ signature warmth and hospitality. Together with our expanded frequent-flyer partnership, this agreement enhances convenience, broadens destination choices, and strengthens tourism and economic ties between Vietnam and the UAE.”

The rollout of the codeshare will take place in phases. As it expands, passengers of Vietnam Airlines will gain access to six destinations beyond Abu Dhabi, Athens, Addis Ababa, Bahrain, Muscat, Cairo, and Istanbul, opening up a wider network across the Middle East, Europe, and Africa through Etihad’s strong connectivity.

Etihad and Vietnam Airlines already have a frequent flyer partnership in place. Launched in July 2025, it allows Etihad Guest and Lotus Miles members to earn and redeem miles across both airlines’ networks. This loyalty integration adds more value to the newly announced codeshare, giving travellers broader options and smoother travel experiences.


Adarsh Sweets Brings Back Its Sunday-Only Winter Undhiyu Tradition

Adarsh Sweets Brings Back Its Sunday-Only Winter Undhiyu Tradition

By Hariharan U

Published on November 23, 2025

Adarsh Sweets in Goregaon East has brought back one of its most loved seasonal offerings, the Winter Special Undhiyu. This dish isn’t just a recipe; it’s a tradition the family has kept alive for more than five decades, prepared with the same care and method they started with.

Undhiyu is a classic Gujarati winter dish known for its slow cooking, rich flavours, and mix of fresh seasonal vegetables. At Adarsh Sweets, the preparation stays close to its roots: premium produce, age-old techniques, and the signature spices their regulars look forward to every year.

The Sunday batch is made early in the morning and includes favourites like root vegetables, papdi, green beans, methi muthiyas, purple yam, and the family’s special masala blend. Each portion carries a warm, homely taste that feels just right for the season.

Available only on Sundays and sold until stock runs out, this winter special tends to get picked up quickly. Guests who don’t want to miss it are advised to visit early or call ahead to reserve their share.


Phulay Bay Unveils Its Reimagined Thai Restaurant and All-New Pirom Bar

Phulay Bay Unveils Its Reimagined Thai Restaurant and All-New Pirom Bar

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on November 23, 2025

Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve in Krabi, has introduced two refreshed spaces that bring new energy to the region’s dining and bar scene. The resort has reimagined its signature Thai restaurant, Sri Trang, and opened Pirom Bar, a stylish gin and whiskey lounge set against the Andaman Sea.

Sri Trang now welcomes guests with a warm and contemporary look after a detailed renovation. Its new interiors blend elegant design, custom-made furniture and a homely feel that complements the restaurant’s calm atmosphere. Alongside the refreshed space, Chef Aong has curated a new Southern Thai menu shaped by the coastal character of Krabi. Her dishes take inspiration from local produce like coconuts, herbs, palm sugar, shrimp paste and sustainably sourced seafood. Each recipe reflects flavours from her childhood and highlights traditional preparations that are rarely found beyond this region.

Pirom Bar adds a contrasting mood with its intimate setting on the 2nd floor between Sri Trang and Jampoon. The bar is designed to mirror the shift from day to night, offering a relaxed space for sunset cocktails and slow evenings. Guests can enjoy gin and whiskey creations, handcrafted cocktails and fine Champagnes, many of them infused with Thai herbs and spices. True to its name, Pirom,  which means “supreme joy" , aims to spark connection, comfort and memorable conversations.

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Phulay Bay will also host an exclusive Four Hands Dinner featuring Christian Herrgesell and Syrco Bakker at Lae Lay, the resort’s seafood restaurant. The special evening will present a six-course menu inspired by Chef Syrco’s Dutch-Indonesian roots and rare ingredients, offering a unique dining moment for guests. More updates will follow from the resort.

“Southern Thailand is one of the world’s great culinary destinations – a vibrant melting pot where cultures converge and fresh produce thrives. We are delighted to invite our discerning clientele to savor the authentic flavors of Krabi and its surrounding provinces with reimagined dining experiences at Sri Trang, and innovative mixology at Pirom Bar. Our new venues will further underscore Phulay Bay’s vision of creating guest journeys that stimulate the senses and evoke the essence of this idyllic, intriguing region,” said Mr. Vidya Sagar, the resort’s General Manager.

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