Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai welcomed the festive season with its annual Christmas Cake Mixing Ceremony, bringing together guests, hotel leadership and the culinary team to celebrate one of the most cherished Christmas traditions. The gathering offered an opportunity for everyone to share the excitement of the upcoming celebrations and enjoy the spirit of the season.

Speaking about the celebration, Nitesh Gandhi, General Manager, Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai, said, “There's something quite special about the anticipation that comes with Christmas. For me, the cake mixing ceremony is one of those occasions that makes the season feel real; bringing people together around a table, sharing a tradition and looking forward to the celebrations ahead. At Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai, we believe that some of the most memorable experiences are found in these simple, meaningful moments. It is lovely to see our guests and team come together in the spirit of the season, and I look forward to welcoming everyone to celebrate the weeks ahead with us,”

The ceremony brought guests together with the hotel's culinary team to prepare the traditional Christmas cake mixture. The ingredients included a generous selection of dried fruits, nuts, candied peel and aromatic spices, combined with spirits and juices to create the festive mix.

Following the ceremony, the mixture will be left to rest and mature over the coming weeks. This process allows the fruits, nuts and spices to blend together, bringing out the rich flavours that give traditional Christmas cakes their distinct taste.

With its first festive celebration of the season, Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai is looking forward to welcoming guests for more special gatherings and culinary experiences. From relaxed festive dining to celebrations with family and friends, the hotel aims to make the season memorable through its gracious service and understated hospitality.

Atmosphere Core is bringing Michelin-starred Italian chef Pasquale Palamaro to the Maldives for the latest edition of its Fire: Smoke: Soul culinary series, creating a cross-cultural dining experience that combines Mediterranean cooking techniques with the flavours and ingredients of the Indian Ocean.

Taking place from January 13 to 23, 2027, the programme will travel across three resorts — VARU by Atmosphere, OBLU SELECT Sangeli and OBLU NATURE Helengeli by SENTIDO. Palamaro, who leads the kitchen at Indaco at Regina Isabella in Ischia, Italy, will collaborate with each property's Executive Chef through special dinners, cooking classes and Four Hands dining experiences.

The initiative builds on the culinary exchange established through Mediterranean Soul, Maldivian Heart in 2025. This edition places particular emphasis on seafood, island produce, charcoal cooking and the interplay of fire and smoke.

Speaking about the programme, Anupam Banerjee, Vice President – Food & Beverage, Atmosphere Core, said the series aims to bring chefs and guests together through food, local ingredients and shared culinary traditions. He added that the experience is intended to create lasting memories beyond the meal itself.

Chef Palamaro said returning to the Maldives would give him an opportunity to explore new expressions of Mediterranean cooking while exchanging ideas and techniques with the resident culinary teams.

VARU by Atmosphere: Embers, Seafood and Shades of Blue

At VARU by Atmosphere, the collaboration will unfold across Charcoal, the resort's beachside grill, and NÜ, its seafood-focused dining venue.

Working alongside Executive Chef Ajaya Kumar Sahoo, Palamaro will explore responsibly sourced seafood and Mediterranean techniques, bringing together the flavours of the sea with the character of charcoal and smoke.

The programme begins with a GM Cocktail on January 13, followed by dinner at Charcoal on January 14. A cooking class and Four Hands Dinner at NÜ are scheduled for January 15.

OBLU SELECT Sangeli: Fire Beside the Lagoon

At OBLU SELECT Sangeli, the collaboration will take place at Just Grill, where lagoon-side dining provides the setting for Mediterranean-inspired preparations and live-fire cooking.

Palamaro will join Executive Chef Ravindra for a GM Cocktail on January 17, followed by a special dinner at Just Grill on January 18. A cooking class and Four Hands Dinner, both at the same restaurant, will take place on January 19.

OBLU NATURE Helengeli by SENTIDO: Smoke, Sea and Island Hospitality

The final chapter of the series will be hosted at Just Grill at OBLU NATURE Helengeli by SENTIDO, where Palamaro will collaborate with Executive Chef Anirudh Deshpande.

The programme opens with a GM Cocktail on January 21, followed by dinner on January 22. A cooking class and the concluding Four Hands Dinner are scheduled for January 23.

Sustainability and Culinary Exchange

Beyond the menus, Fire: Smoke: Soul will highlight responsible sourcing and mindful kitchen practices. The programme places emphasis on traceable ingredients, responsibly sourced seafood, locally available produce and circular kitchen practices aimed at reducing food waste.

Seasonal vegetables will receive attention alongside seafood and grilled preparations, while considered wine and alcohol-free pairings will complement the dining experiences. Guests will also have opportunities to interact with the chefs, with live music from each resort's band adding to the atmosphere.

The exchange is also intended to extend beyond the scheduled events, allowing the resident culinary teams to take forward techniques and perspectives shared during the collaboration.

Across three resorts, Fire: Smoke: Soul brings together Mediterranean culinary craft and Maldivian island ingredients through a programme of collaborative cooking and dining. For guests, it offers an opportunity to explore the destination through its food, while giving the participating chefs a platform for culinary exchange.

Taj is showcasing a different side of luxury travel in Bhutan through two resort experiences set amid the Himalayan landscapes of Paro and Phobjikha Valley. With a focus on local architecture, cultural immersion and wellness, Taj Paro Resort & Spa and Taj Gangtey Resort & Spa offer travellers opportunities to experience Bhutan beyond its scenic mountain views.

Taj Paro Resort & Spa: A Stay Amid the Himalayan Heritage

Located in Paro Valley, with views of the revered Tiger's Nest Monastery, the 45-key Taj Paro Resort & Spa, Bhutan draws inspiration from the region's architectural traditions. Its design incorporates local stone, reclaimed wood and handcrafted elements created by Bhutanese artisans.

Dining and social experiences are spread across several venues. Vista serves regional and international cuisine, while Paro Lounge & Bar offers signature cocktails and rare whiskies. The Suja Tea Lounge provides a quieter setting for guests to enjoy tea.

The resort also introduces visitors to Bhutanese traditions through folk performances, artisan-led workshops, prayer flag rituals, traditional archery and culinary experiences inspired by local culture.

Taj Gangtey Resort & Spa: Discovering Phobjikha Valley

Set in the pristine Phobjikha Valley, the 35-key Taj Gangtey Resort & Spa, Bhutan is positioned within one of the country's celebrated natural landscapes. The property has been designed to complement its surroundings, with sweeping views of the valley.

Guests can spend time by the fire at Chang Lounge & Bar, enjoy meals at Vista or explore local spirits and handcrafted teas at the Gangtey Lounge.

The resort's cultural experiences include opportunities to shape a clay stupa under the guidance of monks, walk the historic route to Gangtey Monastery and print traditional prayer flags. Guests may also observe seasonal sightings of the revered black-necked cranes, which make the valley an important destination for wildlife enthusiasts.

Wellness Inspired by Bhutanese Traditions

At both properties, wellness experiences draw on Bhutan's emphasis on mindfulness and a balanced way of life. Guided meditation, prayer ceremonies and mindfulness sessions offer opportunities for reflection.

The J Wellness Circle, Taj's signature spa, features therapies inspired by Ayurveda and Bhutanese healing traditions. Guests can also experience a traditional Bhutanese Hot Stone Bath. Additional facilities include an indoor heated swimming pool and fitness centre.

Suite Surprises at Both Resorts

Travellers planning a stay at either property can avail the Suite Surprises offer, available throughout the year. The offer includes 15% savings on suite stays, along with daily breakfast, early check-in, access to the Taj Club Lounge and airport transfers.

Through its properties in Paro and Gangtey, Taj brings together Bhutan's natural landscapes, cultural traditions and wellness practices within two distinct luxury hospitality settings.

Resort Information

• Taj Paro Resort & Spa, Bhutan: Official website

• Taj Gangtey Resort & Spa, Bhutan: Official website

• Offer: Suite Surprises

• Benefits: 15% savings on suite stays, daily breakfast, early check-in, Taj Club Lounge access and airport transfers