Fariyas Hotels Private Limited has announced the appointment of Santanu Guha Roy as the general manager of its flagship property, Fariyas Resort Lonavala. The appointment is part of the group’s strategy to strengthen its position as a leading name in India’s luxury hospitality sector through exceptional guest experiences, operational excellence, and sustainable growth.

With more than three decades of hospitality experience, Guha Roy has held leadership roles at several leading properties, including Holiday Inn Kolkata Airport, Radisson Blu Resort & Spa Karjat, Radisson Blu Hotel Ranchi, Radisson Blu Resort & Spa Alibaug, Radisson Hotel Varanasi, and Taj Hotels. His tenure at Radisson Blu Resort & Spa Karjat in 2022 was marked by sustained revenue growth, while his leadership across multiple properties earned Tripadvisor’s Certificate of Excellence and Hall of Fame honours.

Guha Roy is recognised for his results-driven leadership, building high-performance teams through mentorship, skills training, and fostering a culture of empowerment. His approach combines data-driven decision-making with a people-first ethos, ensuring operational efficiency, guest satisfaction, and stakeholder profitability. Known for his guest-centric service philosophy, he continues to inspire teams to deliver elevated hospitality experiences.

Commenting on the appointment, Shreenath Shashtry, CEO of Fariyas Hotels Private Limited, said, “We are delighted and excited to welcome Santanu to the Fariyas Family. His operational experience and empowering leadership will be invaluable. We look forward to working together to achieve the company’s goal.”

This leadership move is set to further enhance the resort’s reputation for excellence, reinforcing Fariyas Hotels’ vision of delivering world-class hospitality in India’s luxury travel landscape.

The Serai & Barefoot Resorts has announced the appointment of Prachi Tandon as General Manager, Marketing & Communications, further strengthening its leadership team and brand positioning in the luxury leisure segment.

With over 16 years of experience across luxury, hospitality, and entertainment marketing, Prachi is known for her expertise in growth marketing, digital storytelling, media relations, and brand communication. She has previously worked with leading brands including The Leela Palaces, Hotels & Resorts, Raffles (Accor), Conrad Hotels & Resorts, PVR- The Luxury Collection, and The Oberoi Hotels & Resorts.

Bringing together strategic precision and creative excellence, she has built high-performing teams, designed impactful campaigns, and crafted brand narratives that balance business acumen with artistry. At The Serai & Barefoot Resorts, Prachi will focus on shaping the brand voice, enhancing guest engagement, and elevating the experiential luxury quotient.

Welcoming her to the team, Malavika Hedge, Director, Café Coffee Day Hotels & Resorts, said, “We are delighted to welcome Prachi Tandon to The Serai & Barefoot Resorts leadership team. Her expertise in marketing, digital innovation, and brand storytelling, combined with her ability to elevate luxury experiences, makes her an invaluable addition as we strengthen our presence in the growing leisure segment”.

Sharing her excitement, Prachi Tandon added, “I am truly excited to join The Serai & Barefoot Resorts at such a dynamic time for the industry. With the leisure segment witnessing remarkable growth, there is immense opportunity to craft elevated experiences that resonate with discerning audiences. I look forward to contributing to the journey of innovation, excellence, and strengthening its luxury presence in this evolving landscape”.

About The Serai & Barefoot Resorts:
Part of Coffee Day Enterprises, The Serai & Barefoot Resorts offer a blend of authentic experiences and refined comfort. The Serai spans Chikmagalur’s lush coffee plantations, Kabini’s riverfront wilderness, and Bandipur’s tiger reserve, while Barefoot at Havelock in the Andamans brings barefoot luxury to the pristine Radhanagar Beach, ranked among Asia’s finest. Together, they embody understated elegance, sustainability, and unforgettable escapes.

Grand Mercure Bangalore has appointed Nilesh Kumar as its new food & beverage manager, further strengthening its leadership team with his extensive expertise in luxury hospitality and guest experience management. With over a decade of experience across India’s finest hotels, Kumar brings a proven track record of driving operational excellence, enhancing guest satisfaction, and leading high-performing teams.

He joins Grand Mercure Bangalore from Renaissance Bengaluru Racecourse Hotel, where he served as assistant food & beverage manager, spearheading daily operations across multiple outlets, optimising profitability, and elevating service standards. His career journey also includes impactful tenures at Taj West End, Sheraton Grand Whitefield, and The Oberoi, Bengaluru, where he successfully delivered exceptional guest experiences, implemented innovative service enhancements, and managed pre-openings.

Commenting on the appointment, Parag Shah, general manager, Grand Mercure Bangalore, said, “We are delighted to welcome Nilesh to the Grand Mercure Bangalore family. His wealth of experience across iconic hospitality brands, coupled with his commitment to service excellence, will further enrich our food and beverage offerings. We are confident that his vision and passion will bring fresh perspectives and set new benchmarks in creating exceptional experiences for our guests”.

Kumar holds a bachelor’s degree in hospitality management from Punjab Technical University and is recognised for his ability to reimagine F&B operations while maintaining a strong focus on staff training, guest engagement, and profitability. With his appointment, Grand Mercure Bangalore reaffirms its commitment to curating exceptional dining experiences that blend tradition, innovation, and heartfelt hospitality.