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.”


Della Resorts & Adventure Announces Its Elegant Christmas Festive Package for 2025

Della Resorts & Adventure Announces Its Elegant Christmas Festive Package for 2025

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on December 10, 2025

Della Resorts & Adventure has unveiled its Christmas Festive Package for 2025, bringing the holiday season alive in a way that feels warm, thoughtful and pleasantly personal. The package offers a two-night stay, available for either 24–25 or 25–26 December, giving guests a simple but memorable festive escape.

The experience is designed around meaningful moments rather than extravagance, a stay that feels slow and unhurried, mornings that ease into a relaxed breakfast and an Adventure Day Pass that brings a playful spirit to the holiday. Guests can enjoy The Vegas Noelat, the resort’s annual Christmas production, and begin their evening at Café 24 with festive cocktails or mocktails that set the mood just right.

A Christmas Brunch becomes the highlight of the day, and every guest leaves with a traditional pudding, a nostalgic touch that adds to the charm of the celebration.

Children have their own world of December cheer with gingerbread decorating, a Santa Meet-and-Greet and curated activities designed just for them. For adults, the experience sits between a refreshing getaway and a soft festive reset, celebratory without being loud, joyful without being predictable.

The package is ideal for anyone wanting to step away from the city’s usual December rush and spend the holiday in a setting that feels warm, relaxed and a little extra special.


Novotel Vijayawada Varun Begins the Festive Season with a Heartwarming Tree Lighting Ceremony

Novotel Vijayawada Varun Begins the Festive Season with a Heartwarming Tree Lighting Ceremony

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on December 9, 2025

Novotel Vijayawada Varun welcomed the festive season with a warm and elegant Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony that brought together families, friends and the wider Vijayawada community. Guests arrived dressed in cheerful shades of red and white, adding to the cosy mood and reflecting the inviting spirit the hotel is known for.

The evening honoured the global tradition of lighting the Christmas tree, a custom that symbolises hope and togetherness. Novotel blended this festive heritage with its local connect, creating an experience that celebrated both culture and community. As the tree lit up, the space took on a magical glow, making it a picture-perfect moment for everyone present.

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Sharing his thoughts on the occasion, Hotel Manager Manish Pathak said, “Christmas at Novotel Vijayawada Varun is about creating meaningful moments for our guests. Our aim is to bring people together in a space that feels warm, familiar and joyful. This evening reminds us of the power of community and the happiness that comes from sharing simple, heartfelt experiences.”

Children were excited to meet Santa Claus, who handed out chocolates, adding a joyful moment to the evening. Christmas hats were also given to guests, and families gathered around the beautifully decorated tree to click photographs, creating memories that captured the joy of the season.

One of the highlights of the evening was the curated high tea at the Gourmet Bar. Guests enjoyed hot beverages and a refined selection of appetizers, all set within the venue’s stylish and warm ambiance. The Gourmet Bar once again proved to be one of the hotel’s most comforting and welcoming social spaces.

With thoughtful details, festive warmth and heartfelt hospitality, Novotel Vijayawada Varun created a memorable beginning to the holiday season.


The Leela Ambience Convention Hotel Delhi Unveils ‘The Tree of Hope’ This Christmas

The Leela Ambience Convention Hotel Delhi Unveils ‘The Tree of Hope’ This Christmas

By Hariharan U

Published on December 9, 2025

The Leela Ambience Convention Hotel, Delhi has welcomed the festive season with a thoughtful and inspiring showcase that reflects the brand’s long-standing commitment to sustainability. This year, the hotel introduced ‘The Tree of Hope’, a creative installation that blends conscious luxury with innovative design.

At The Leela, sustainability isn’t just a practice, it is woven into the guest experience, operations and community engagement. This philosophy shines through in the hotel’s festive décor for 2025.

The highlight of the celebrations is the impressive 80-ft façade Christmas tree, created using repurposed waste pipes and wires. Standing tall at the hotel’s exterior, the installation shows how everyday materials can be transformed into something elegant and meaningful through mindful design.

Inside the hotel, the centrepiece installation, The Tree of Hope, takes the concept further. Designed and built by the hotel’s in-house Engineering team, the structure uses reclaimed floorboards sourced from within the property. Each element reflects the hotel’s 15-year legacy, celebrating its journey while symbolising renewal and resilience.

Adding a personal and community-driven touch, all the festive ornaments have been handcrafted by local artisans. This collaboration brings authenticity to the décor and reinforces the hotel’s commitment to supporting local talent and promoting responsible sourcing.

Speaking about the initiative, Harkaran Singh, General Manager, said, “At #ThePrimeAddressofEastDelhi, we believe celebration must go beyond aesthetics to create impact. Our festive installations reflect our dedication to sustainable luxury, innovation and community engagement. Through these conscious creations, we hope to inspire our guests to celebrate with purpose and mindfulness.”

More than festive décor, these installations tell a powerful story of sustainability and creativity coming together. Guests are invited to see the season not only through its lights and colours, but through the values it represents, responsibility, innovation and care for the environment.

With The Tree of Hope, The Leela Ambience Convention Hotel continues to set new standards in conscious hospitality, redefining how luxury hotels can celebrate the festive season with purpose and vision.

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