Culinary Excellence Embarks at The Leela Bhartiya City Bengaluru: Welcoming Chef Roberto Apa

Culinary Excellence Embarks at The Leela Bhartiya City Bengaluru: Welcoming Chef Roberto Apa

By Author

Published on November 3, 2023

Bengaluru, October 31, 2023 – The Leela Bhartiya City Bengaluru, a beacon of luxury and culinary sophistication, has announced the appointment of Chef Roberto Apa as the new Executive Sous Chef. With a career spanning over a decade, Chef Roberto brings a wealth of experience and culinary flair to this esteemed property.

Chef Roberto's journey in the culinary world is illustrious, marked by his tenure with globally recognized brands such as Marriott International. Before joining The Leela Bhartiya City Bengaluru, he honed his skills at Scalini Restaurant in Doha, where he served as the Executive Chef.

On his appointment, Chef Roberto expressed his commitment to culinary excellence. “My goal is to create memorable dining experiences that leave a lasting impression on our guests. The property's dedication to offering the best in class resonates with my approach to culinary art," he stated.

A graduate from IPSAR Lucio Petronio and ALMA of National Academy of Italian Cuisine, Chef Roberto combines deep industry knowledge with a passion for quality and innovation. His expertise in managing large kitchen operations without compromising on excellence makes him a valuable addition to the team.

Chef Roberto's culinary philosophy is deeply rooted in his heritage and experiences. “Each dish I create carries a piece of Italian culture, intertwined with family traditions and my global culinary experiences. I believe in reinventing these recipes through innovative techniques, ensuring each meal tells a story,” he remarked.

The Leela Bhartiya City Bengaluru eagerly anticipates the unique flavors and creative dishes Chef Roberto will introduce, confident that his appointment will further enhance their already distinguished culinary reputation.

About The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts:

Headquartered in Mumbai, The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts represents the pinnacle of Indian luxury hospitality. With eleven award-winning properties across India, the brand is celebrated for its unique blend of art, culture, and cuisine in each location. Recognized globally for its service and excellence, The Leela has been voted the World’s Best Hotel Brand in consecutive years by Travel + Leisure, USA. The brand continues to expand its presence with upcoming projects, including a leisure resort in Ashtamudi, Kerala. As a member of the Global Hotel Alliance and in marketing alliance with Preferred Hotels & Resorts, The Leela continues to set benchmarks in luxury hospitality, offering experiences that encapsulate the rich heritage and ethos of India.


Atmosphere Core Appoints Three New General Managers Across Its Maldives Resorts

Atmosphere Core Appoints Three New General Managers Across Its Maldives Resorts

By Hariharan U

Published on December 2, 2025

Atmosphere Core, one of South Asia’s leading hospitality names with strong expansion plans across Asia and Europe, has announced the appointment of three new General Managers across its well-known Maldives resorts under Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts and COLOURS OF OBLU. The move reflects the company’s growing focus on seamless operations, consistent brand experiences and innovation in guest engagement.

Under the Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts portfolio, Mr Maurice Van Den Bosch assumes leadership at VARU by Atmosphere, while Mr Mario Stanic takes charge as General Manager at RAAYA by Atmosphere. Within the COLOURS OF OBLU brand, Mr Brett Craig Castleman joins as the new General Manager of OBLU SELECT Sangeli.

Mario Stanic, who steps into his role at RAAYA by Atmosphere, brings an international career shaped by over 30 years of experience across luxury resorts in the Maldives, Indian Ocean, Europe, the Middle East and APAC. Known for reimagining guest journeys with emotion-led hospitality, he blends creative thinking with strong operational discipline. “True hospitality is about emotion. It’s the feeling guests take home. My aim is to craft moments that resonate, driven by teamwork and genuine care,” says Mario.

Joining VARU by Atmosphere, Maurice Van Den Bosch brings over 25 years of global experience across the Maldives, Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. His easy-going, collaborative leadership style reflects his Australian roots, and he is widely recognised within Atmosphere Core for his ability to translate strategy into consistent results. “Varu has a unique rhythm. It’s vibrant and full of soul. My goal is to lead with energy and collaboration, ensuring guests feel that joy in every interaction,” says Maurice.

At OBLU SELECT Sangeli, Brett Craig Castleman steps in with 27 years of hospitality experience across Africa, the Indian Ocean and the Caribbean. Known for his warm, intuitive approach, he focuses on creating heartfelt, meaningful guest experiences. “Great hospitality begins with genuine connection. When a team feels valued, guests feel it too. My vision is to nurture that shared passion every single day,” says Brett.

Speaking about the appointments, Mr Ashwin Handa, Chief Operating Officer, Atmosphere Core, said, “Leadership agility and strong operational alignment are vital to our continued success. Mario, Maurice and Brett bring not only extensive international experience but also a deep commitment to our philosophy of heartfelt hospitality. Their leadership will strengthen our collective mission to deliver the Joy of Giving.”

These appointments come at a time when Atmosphere Core continues to grow its portfolio, expand global partnerships and strengthen its presence across key destinations


Novotel Kolkata Hotel & Residences Appoints Subhadeep Saha as Front Office Manager

Novotel Kolkata Hotel & Residences Appoints Subhadeep Saha as Front Office Manager

By Hariharan U

Published on December 1, 2025

Novotel Kolkata Hotel & Residences has announced the appointment of Subhadeep Saha as its new Front Office Manager. With over 12 years of experience in the hospitality industry, he brings deep expertise in front office operations, guest engagement, and loyalty programme management.

Subhadeep began his hospitality career with Hilton Bangalore in 2013 and has since worked across properties in Bangalore, Goa, and Trivandrum. Over the years, he has been part of multiple pre-opening teams and task force assignments, strengthening operational systems and driving consistent service quality.

In his most recent role at DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Bengaluru, Outer Ring Road, Subhadeep led several initiatives focused on enhancing guest satisfaction, improving loyalty metrics, and elevating overall experience delivery, contributing to stronger brand positioning in a competitive market.

Announcing the appointment, Rajneesh Kumar, General Manager, Novotel Kolkata Hotel & Residences, said, “At Novotel Kolkata, our success is driven by the people who bring our vision to life every day. With over 12 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Subhadeep embodies the spirit of dedication, warmth, and excellence that defines our brand. His leadership and commitment to creating seamless guest experiences truly reflect the standards we strive for at Novotel Kolkata.”

With this addition to the leadership team, the hotel aims to further elevate its guest experience, strengthen front office efficiency, and reinforce its position as one of Kolkata’s prominent hospitality destinations


DoubleTree by Hilton Goa Panaji Appoints Jitin Kapoor as General Manager

DoubleTree by Hilton Goa Panaji Appoints Jitin Kapoor as General Manager

By Hariharan U

Published on December 1, 2025

DoubleTree by Hilton Goa Panaji has appointed Jitin Kapoor as its new General Manager, marking a key leadership addition for the property. A seasoned hotelier with 23+ years of hospitality experience, Jitin brings deep operational knowledge, commercial acumen, and a strong commitment to guest satisfaction.

Before joining DoubleTree by Hilton Goa Panaji, Jitin served as Hotel Manager at Fairfield by Marriott Belagavi, where he played a key role in improving guest experience, enhancing operational efficiency, and strengthening team culture. His professional journey spans a mix of luxury and upscale brands including The St. Regis Goa Resort, The Leela Palaces, Hotels & Resorts, Taj Hotels, Radisson Hotel Group, along with restaurant experience in Scotland.

Over the years, he has gained rich exposure across Food & Beverage, Rooms Division, and pre-opening hotel operations, giving him a holistic understanding of hotel functioning. His strong commercial focus and people-first approach are expected to drive the next phase of growth for the Goa property.

Jitin holds a Diploma in Hotel Management from IHM Lucknow and an Executive MBA from the National Institute of Business Management, combining academic depth with practical industry expertise. Known for his collaborative leadership style, he is also multilingual and team-oriented, aligning seamlessly with Hilton’s service culture.

Speaking about his new role, Jitin said, “I am truly honored to take on the role of General Manager at DoubleTree by Hilton Goa Panaji. The property has a strong legacy of warm hospitality, and I am excited to work with the exceptional team here to deliver memorable experiences, drive operational excellence, and continue strengthening our market presence.”

With this appointment, DoubleTree by Hilton Goa Panaji looks ahead to elevating its service standards, enhancing guest experience, and strengthening its presence in the competitive Goa market.

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