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!


Chef Rajat Nunwal Appointed Executive Pastry Chef at Dough & Cream

Chef Rajat Nunwal Appointed Executive Pastry Chef at Dough & Cream

By Hariharan U

Published on June 16, 2026

Dough & Cream Private Limited has announced the appointment of Chef Rajat Nunwal as its new Executive Pastry Chef, reinforcing the company’s focus on innovation, quality, and excellence in the bakery and pastry segment.

With more than 14 years of international culinary experience spanning India, the United Arab Emirates, and the United States, Chef Rajat brings deep expertise in artisan breads, viennoiserie, plated desserts, chocolate artistry, celebration cakes, luxury buffet presentations, and large-scale bakery operations. His career reflects a strong blend of technical precision and creative expression, consistently delivering refined dessert experiences across diverse hospitality environments.

In his new role, Chef Rajat will oversee pastry and bakery production at Dough & Cream Private Limited, while also leading product development, maintaining quality standards, and driving training initiatives across teams. He will be responsible for expanding the company’s portfolio of breads, cakes, desserts, and seasonal specialties, with a focus on both innovation and consistency.

Before joining Dough & Cream, Chef Rajat served as Pastry Chef at SANJH Modern Indian Restaurant in Texas, USA, where he developed contemporary Indian desserts and managed premium bakery production. He also worked as Sous Chef – Bakery & Pastry at Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel & Villas, where he handled luxury pastry operations, buffet presentations, and team coordination.

His earlier experience includes leadership roles at Savorworks in Delhi and Andaz Delhi by Hyatt, where he contributed to pre-opening culinary operations and managed key bakery and pastry functions. Chef Rajat began his career with leading hospitality brands such as Le Méridien New Delhi and Hilton Mayur Vihar, building a strong foundation in pastry production and luxury hospitality standards.

Speaking on his appointment, Chef Rajat Nunwal said he is delighted to join Dough & Cream and looks forward to contributing to the company’s growth by creating innovative products, mentoring teams, and delivering memorable dessert experiences.

With this appointment, Dough & Cream aims to further strengthen its innovation pipeline and enhance its position in the premium bakery and pastry segment, while continuing to deliver high-quality offerings to its growing customer base.


Emirates to Stream FIFA World Cup 26™ Live Onboard via Sport 24

Emirates to Stream FIFA World Cup 26™ Live Onboard via Sport 24

By Hariharan U

Published on June 16, 2026

Emirates has announced that it will broadcast every match of the FIFA World Cup 26™ live onboard its flights through its dedicated live sports channel, Sport 24, available on the airline’s ice entertainment system.

From the opening ceremony in Mexico on June 12, 2026, to the final match in the United States on July 19, 2026, passengers will be able to follow the entire tournament in real time while flying. The initiative ensures that travellers do not miss any key moment of one of the world’s most widely watched sporting events, even at 40,000 feet.

The live coverage will be available via Sport 24 and Sport 24 Extra, part of the airline’s onboard entertainment ecosystem. The service is designed to bring global fans together in the air, allowing passengers from different nations to experience the excitement of the tournament simultaneously while travelling.

To further enhance accessibility, the full match schedule has been featured in the June edition of the ice magazine, enabling passengers to plan their journeys around key fixtures and stay updated throughout the competition. Availability of live TV services may vary depending on aircraft type and route.

Select matches of the FIFA World Cup 26™ will also be screened in Emirates Lounges Dubai, where possible, extending the viewing experience beyond the aircraft.

Alongside football, Emirates’ onboard entertainment platform will also feature additional global sporting events. From June 4 to 20, Sport 24 and Sport 24 Extra will air the NBA Finals. Other scheduled broadcasts include the Canada Sail Grand Prix in Halifax, the Formula 1® Moët & Chandon Belgian Grand Prix on July 19, and the Formula 1® AWS Hungarian Grand Prix on July 26.

Through this expanded live sports offering, Emirates continues to position its in-flight experience as a global entertainment hub, bringing passengers closer to major international sporting moments regardless of their destination.


Celebrate Father’s Day with a Culinary Experience at Loya, The Taj Mahal Palace Mumbai

Celebrate Father’s Day with a Culinary Experience at Loya, The Taj Mahal Palace Mumbai

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on June 16, 2026

This Father’s Day, Loya at The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai, is offering families an opportunity to celebrate the special bond they share with their fathers through a memorable culinary experience inspired by the rich traditions of North India.

Located within one of Mumbai’s most iconic landmarks, Loya combines regional flavours, storytelling, and warm hospitality to create a dining experience that brings families together over meaningful conversations and exceptional food.

The celebration comes at a special time for the restaurant as Loya marks its first anniversary with the introduction of its new S.P.I.C.E. cocktail programme and a refreshed menu inspired by the lesser-known culinary traditions of Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, and Uttarakhand.

Built on extensive research and traditional cooking methods, the menu highlights indigenous ingredients and time-honoured techniques such as dum cooking, stone-grinding, open-fire roasting, and slow simmering. The result is a collection of dishes that showcase the depth and diversity of Northern India's culinary heritage.

Guests can savour signature offerings including Kachhi Haldi aur Chuare ka Paneer, Kim Khatte Waali Machhi, Chamba Gosht, and Kurmuri Moongri, each crafted to reflect authentic regional flavours and traditions.

Complementing the food is Loya’s newly launched S.P.I.C.E. cocktail menu, which reimagines familiar Indian flavours into contemporary beverages. Signature creations such as Loya Chaa, Loya Mary, and Patria's Martini bring together nostalgia and innovation in every sip.

To round off the experience, guests can indulge in traditional desserts including Doodh Jalebi, Kulfi Pops, and Gud ke Maan, offering a comforting and memorable finish to the meal.

With its blend of artisanal presentation, regional cuisine, thoughtful service, and immersive storytelling, Loya provides an ideal setting for families looking to celebrate Father’s Day through shared experiences rather than traditional gifts.

This Father’s Day, Loya invites guests to raise a toast to fathers, family, and the moments that create lasting memories.

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