Chapters by Conrad Pune Brings Wine and Words Alive with Sonal Holland’s ‘One in a Billion’

Chapters by Conrad Pune Brings Wine and Words Alive with Sonal Holland’s ‘One in a Billion’

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on October 28, 2025

The third edition of ‘Chapters by Conrad’ at Conrad Pune unfolded into a memorable evening that beautifully blended storytelling and fine wine. The spotlight was on Sonal Holland, India’s first and only Master of Wine, who captivated guests with stories from her memoir ‘One in a Billion’, a book that traces her journey of passion, perseverance, and purpose.

Hosted at Conrad Pune’s award-winning Asian restaurant MASU, the evening brought together an intimate gathering of the city’s cultural enthusiasts, wine lovers, journalists, and tastemakers. The event celebrated not just Sonal’s achievements but also the art of storytelling, where every conversation felt as rich as the wine poured.

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In a warm and engaging conversation moderated by Mr. Abhishek Sahai, General Manager, Conrad Pune, Sonal reflected on her inspiring path, from leaving a corporate job at thirty-three to pursuing a passion that few understood at the time. “Everyone thought I was crazy to leave a stable job for wine, but I was chasing meaning, not money,” she shared, drawing smiles and admiration from the audience.

Sonal spoke about her transformative experiences in the world of wine, including dining with Barone Ricasoli at the world’s oldest wine estate in Italy and tasting vintages steeped in centuries of tradition. These moments, she said, helped shape her understanding of purpose, balance, and the importance of pursuing one’s goals wholeheartedly.

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The session concluded with a lively Q&A followed by an exclusive wine-tasting experience curated by Sonal Holland in association with Grover Zampa. Guests enjoyed a selection of fine red and white wines paired with a specially designed high-tea menu by Conrad Pune’s culinary team, enhancing the evening’s elegant atmosphere.

Reflecting on the success of the event, Mr. Abhishek Sahai shared, “At Conrad Pune, our vision with ‘Chapters by Conrad’ has always been to curate experiences that go beyond the expected, where stories, ideas, and inspiration come together. Having Sonal Holland with us for this edition was truly special, her story is one of purpose and persistence, much like the Conrad spirit itself.”

Speaking about the experience, Sonal Holland said, “It was such a delight to be part of ‘Chapters by Conrad’. The evening felt like a celebration of dreams, dialogue, and stories that persevered. Sharing my journey over conversations, laughter, and a glass of wine was truly special. I was touched by the audience’s warmth  and of course, delighted to raise a glass to storytelling, as like great wines, stories only get richer with time.”


The Leela Gandhinagar Introduces E-Cycle Experience to Promote Sustainable Luxury

The Leela Gandhinagar Introduces E-Cycle Experience to Promote Sustainable Luxury

By Hariharan U

Published on April 26, 2026

Marking Earth Day, The Leela Gandhinagar has introduced an immersive e-cycle experience in collaboration with Svitch, reinforcing its focus on sustainability-led luxury.

The initiative is designed to offer guests a low-impact, mindful way to explore Gandhinagar, encouraging slower, more conscious travel while reducing carbon footprint. By integrating eco-friendly mobility into the guest journey, the hotel continues to position sustainability as a core element of its hospitality experience.

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Set against the city’s serene surroundings, the e-cycle experience allows guests to engage more deeply with their environment, blending wellbeing, exploration, and environmental responsibility. The offering reflects a broader shift in luxury travel, where guests are increasingly seeking experiences that are both meaningful and sustainable.

Commenting on the initiative, Vikas Sood, General Manager, highlighted the hotel’s commitment to creating experiences that are enriching while embedding responsible practices into everyday operations.

The launch was complemented by an Earth Day cyclethon, bringing together guests, hotel associates, and members of the local community. The activity aimed to foster a shared sense of responsibility towards sustainable living, while encouraging active participation in eco-conscious initiatives.

Following the ride, guests experienced the hotel’s signature Aujasya breakfast, aligning the sustainability narrative with wellness-focused dining.

Through initiatives like this, The Leela Gandhinagar continues to evolve the concept of responsible luxury, where sustainability is seamlessly integrated into the guest experience, enhancing both comfort and awareness.


WelcomHeritage Parv Vilas Resort & Spa Elevates Luxury Escapes in Kasauli

WelcomHeritage Parv Vilas Resort & Spa Elevates Luxury Escapes in Kasauli

By Hariharan U

Published on April 25, 2026

WelcomHeritage Parv Vilas Resort & Spa is redefining luxury getaways in the hills with its expansive offering set amidst the scenic Kasauli Hills.

Perched in the lush Shivalik range, the resort blends natural beauty with refined hospitality, offering guests a tranquil escape marked by panoramic views, fresh mountain air, and a thoughtfully curated luxury experience. Designed as a sanctuary for relaxation, the property combines modern amenities with a serene setting that encourages guests to unwind at a leisurely pace.

Operated under the WelcomHeritage umbrella since December 2022, the resort has positioned itself as a full-scale five-star destination in Solan. With 93 well-appointed rooms, the property caters to a wide range of travellers, offering accommodation options that include deluxe rooms, suites, family-friendly cottages, and an exclusive four-bedroom luxury villa.

The resort is equipped with a comprehensive range of amenities, including a luxury spa and salon, wellness centre, and an all-weather heated indoor swimming pool, along with a dedicated children’s pool. These features ensure a seamless and comfortable experience for guests across seasons.

Beyond leisure stays, the property has also emerged as a preferred venue for destination weddings, corporate conferences, and large-scale events, supported by its expansive layout and premium infrastructure.

The design philosophy strikes a balance between modern sophistication and timeless charm, creating a space that feels both elegant and inviting. From intimate vacations to grand celebrations, the resort offers an environment that blends comfort with understated luxury.

With its scenic location, comprehensive facilities, and focus on guest experience, WelcomHeritage Parv Vilas Resort & Spa stands out as a premier mountain retreat, offering travellers a refined escape in the hills.


IHCL Partners with Etihad Guest to Expand Global Loyalty Benefits

IHCL Partners with Etihad Guest to Expand Global Loyalty Benefits

By Hariharan U

Published on April 25, 2026

Indian Hotels Company Limited has announced a strategic partnership between its loyalty platform Taj InnerCircle-Neupass and Etihad Guest, expanding global benefits for travellers.

The collaboration brings together two established loyalty ecosystems, enabling members to access enhanced travel and stay privileges across participating hotels worldwide. As part of the alliance, Etihad Guest members can enjoy exclusive savings at IHCL properties and earn miles on hotel stays.

The benefits extend across IHCL’s diverse portfolio, including brands such as Taj Hotels, SeleQtions, Vivanta, Gateway, amã Stays & Trails, and Claridges Collection.

Commenting on the partnership, Praveen Chander Kumar, Executive Vice President – Commercial, IHCL, noted that as travel becomes increasingly seamless, guests are seeking familiarity and added value across destinations. He highlighted that the collaboration will allow IHCL to engage with a broader global member base while enhancing the overall loyalty experience.

From the aviation side, Etihad Airways strengthens its ecosystem by extending benefits beyond flights. Mark Potter, Managing Director, Etihad Guest, stated that the partnership enhances value for members by offering more opportunities to earn and redeem miles across a wider travel network.

The alliance reflects a growing trend in the travel and hospitality industry, where integrated loyalty ecosystems are becoming key to delivering seamless, personalised experiences. By combining hospitality and aviation rewards, the partnership aims to create a more connected journey for global travellers.

With this collaboration, IHCL and Etihad Guest are set to broaden their global reach, offering members a more rewarding and cohesive travel experience across destinations

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