Desa Potato Head: Where Creativity Meets Sustainability in the Heart of Bali

Desa Potato Head: Where Creativity Meets Sustainability in the Heart of Bali

By Nishang Narayan

Published on September 15, 2024

Imagine a place where vibrant creativity meets tropical bliss, where every detail is crafted to elevate your experience while embracing sustainability.

In the heart of Seminyak's creative village, just steps from the sand, Desa Potato Head is more than just a boutique hotel. Here, an ever-evolving vignette reveals modern rooms that sit aside art installations, a buzzy beach club, sound stages and studios, a library and unique concept stores. It's a holistic scene that draws globetrotting creatives, hedonists and sun-kissed locals alike.

Welcome to Desa Potato Head Resort, beach club and creative playground. Inspired by Bali we built a Desa: a creative village that embodies the world we want to live, create, and dream in.

image

Spaces That Transform Moments into Memories

Whether you're working, socializing, or celebrating, these versatile venues are crafted to offer unforgettable experiences.

Studio Eksotika

image

A multifunctional space offering a co-working centre with a curated selection of architecture, design, art, food and wellness reads. On special occasions, watch the interior transform into a hub for sharing ideas, audiophile sessions, and even late-night dance sessions.

Beach Front Pool Deck

image

Overlooking the sparkling Indian Ocean, the Beachfront Pool Deck exudes classic tropical charm. With ample space for socialising, from the inviting long bar to cosy table setups and relaxing daybeds, it's the perfect spot to unwind and enjoy the ocean breeze.

Sunset Park

image

An elevated expanse overlooking the ocean on the third floor of Potato Head Studios. Sunset Park has a bar area perfect for large groups seeking a private socialising space.

Klymax

image

The newest addition to Potato Head, is a multi-functional venue that offers a diverse program of sonic experiences, including a listening bar, cinema screenings, morning raves, conferences, and mindful sessions. The highlight is the Klymax Discotheque, open every Friday and Saturday, showcasing international and resident DJs with house, disco, and techno dance nights.      
 
Special Features

Comfort, Style & Sustainability in Every Detail

imageEclectic accommodation set: The wide array of studio and suite types offers couples, families, large groups, or friends gathering together with plentiful options to choose from. The beachfront living spaces are a quiet haven offering seclusion to wind down or party in your private accommodation.

imageUltimate Event Destination: The Oceanside Village boasts a diverse selection of venues and event spaces ideal for private rental, catering to a variety of gatherings—from weddings and birthdays to corporate meetings. With a blend of distinctive indoor and outdoor options such as the Amphitheatre, Nightclub, Beach Club, Library, and several outdoor venues, guests can bask in the enchanting sunset while enjoying their event.

image

Commitment to sustainability: A firm belief in sustainability is ingrained in the hotel's DNA with a focus on planet-positive practices like a strict no single-use plastic policy, its own water filtration system, composting organic waste, recycling, zero waste policy and more. In its journey towards zero-waste, the hotel has reduced the amount of garbage going to landfills by 90% as compared to when it first opened, twelve years ago.

image

The Beach Club: As a guest, you have free access to an array of amenities: two infinity pools, locally-accented eats & drinks and a sun-drenched soundtrack fuelled by our favourite DJs & musicians from across the globe.Variety of art installations including the famous 5000 Lost Soles. A large-scale installation constructed from over 5,000 plastic flip-flop sandals salvaged from the beaches of Bali with a powerful message: "Everything we throw away comes back to us—via the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the soil we grow."

image

Library - The extensive in-house library features over 500 hand-picked titles covering a wide range of subjects, including music, art, fashion, architecture, well-being, philosophy and local Balinese culture.

image

In-room cocktail bar - In all Suites and the Oceanfront Studio and Residence Studio only, a built-in ice well, custom cocktail tools, house-infused spirits, natural syrups, aromatic bitters, fresh fruit, and a recipe book from award-winning mixologist Dre Masso.


Green signal for ₹136cr city-side hub at Thiruvananthapuram airport

Green signal for ₹136cr city-side hub at Thiruvananthapuram airport

By Hariharan U

Published on September 15, 2025

Thiruvananthapuram International Airport is moving closer to a major transformation, with the Union environment ministry’s expert appraisal committee (EAC) recommending environmental clearance for a ₹136 crore city-side development project. The initiative, planned by Adani Airport Holdings Ltd (AAHL) at Chackai within the airport grounds, aims to reshape the capital city’s gateway into a modern hospitality and commercial hub.

The project will feature a 240-room luxury hotel, expansive food and beverage areas with over 600 seats, and world-class infrastructure across nearly 34,000 sq. m. Spread over two basements, a ground floor and four upper floors, the complex will rise up to 23 metres. Once clearances are finalized, the hotel is expected to come under a global five-star brand such as Marriott, Hilton or Intercontinental.

This city-side facility is part of the larger terminal expansion plan, "Project Anantha" The project faced delays after the state environment impact assessment authority (SEIAA) sought changes in the basement design, citing environmental risks. The revised proposal has now cleared hurdles, and with pending cases moved to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), the project is finally back on track.

Construction could begin within three months. Alongside enhancing airport facilities, the project is expected to generate around 300 direct jobs and nearly 900 indirect employment opportunities. “The project will not just address rising accommodation needs but also give a strong push to Kerala’s hospitality sector,” said a source close to the airport.

The EAC has attached strict environmental safeguards. Construction will rely on recycled water and rainwater harvesting. Once operational, the complex will need 318 KLD of water, with nearly half supplied by an in-house sewage treatment plant. Solid waste, expected at 418 kg daily, will be processed sustainably—biodegradable waste will be converted on-site while non-biodegradable material will be handed over to authorized vendors.

Other eco-measures include rooftop rainwater harvesting tanks, a 20% reduction target in energy use, and transplantation of 40 trees within the airport boundary. The land, currently serving as open parking, was allocated to AAHL under a 50-year concession agreement signed in 2021 with the Airports Authority of India (AAI). The EAC has clarified that the site is free from ecologically sensitive zones, coastal regulation restrictions or protected habitats.

Thiruvananthapuram airport is already handling record traffic, with nearly 4.9 million passengers between April 2024 and March 2025, and this new city-side development is expected to further elevate the airport’s standing as a gateway to Kerala.


Air India Group Adopts SITA Tech to Boost Efficiency and Cut Emissions

Air India Group Adopts SITA Tech to Boost Efficiency and Cut Emissions

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on September 15, 2025

Air India Group has taken a major step in its modernization journey by deploying SITA OptiFlight and eWAS, two advanced data-driven digital solutions designed to improve flight efficiency and reduce environmental impact. The rollout is aimed at tackling rising fuel costs and the growing need to reduce carbon emissions, challenges faced by airlines worldwide.

The new technology is now active across the Air India Airbus A320 fleet and the Air India Express Boeing 737 fleet, covering both domestic and international routes. Deployment on Air India’s widebody fleet is set to follow. Together, the solutions are expected to help the group cut carbon emissions by 35,000 tons annually.

“As the aviation industry navigates growing regulatory and environmental pressure, the need for intelligent, predictive solutions has never been more critical,” said Sumesh Patel, President, Asia Pacific at SITA. “Air India’s deployment of SITA OptiFlight® and eWAS is a strong example of how smart digital technologies can cut emissions, save fuel, and unlock real operational value across every flight.”

Basil Kwauk, Chief Operations Officer, Air India, added: “Sustainability and efficiency are core to our transformation into a world-class airline. With SITA OptiFlight and SITA eWAS, we’re taking meaningful steps to modernize our operations, reduce our carbon footprint.”

SITA OptiFlight® uses historical flight data, aircraft-specific performance models, and 4D weather forecasts to optimize key flight phases. At its core is OptiClimb, which provides pilots with customized climb-out schedules tailored to each aircraft. This reduces fuel burn during one of the most energy-intensive stages of flight while maintaining safety and performance.

SITA eWAS complements this by providing real-time weather updates and predictive forecasting, enabling pilots to avoid turbulence, reroute efficiently, and make informed in-flight decisions. Together, these solutions strengthen operational performance while supporting Air India’s sustainability goals.

With these tools, SITA continues to expand its footprint in Indian aviation, helping carriers achieve operational resilience, cost efficiency, and reduced environmental impact.


Historic Moment: Mizoram Joins India’s Railway Map with Bairabi–Sairang Line

Historic Moment: Mizoram Joins India’s Railway Map with Bairabi–Sairang Line

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on September 13, 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate the 51.28 km-long Bairabi–Sairang railway line in Mizoram on September 13, marking a historic moment for the northeastern state. With this, Mizoram will be connected to Kolkata by train for the first time, significantly improving accessibility and connectivity.

The Kolkata–Sairang–Kolkata express train will operate three times a week, providing a vital link between the state capital and West Bengal. In addition, the Prime Minister will also flag off two more services, a weekly Rajdhani Express to Anand Vihar and a daily express train to Guwahati, officially bringing Aizawl onto the Indian railway map through its nearest station, Sairang.

Constructed at an estimated cost of ₹8,071 crore, the Bairabi–Sairang rail line is a feat of engineering that navigates Mizoram’s challenging hilly terrain. The route passes through 48 tunnels, 55 major bridges, 87 minor bridges, five road overbridges, and six road underbridges. Among the engineering highlights is a bridge that rises to a height of 114 metres, taller than Delhi’s iconic Qutub Minar by 42 metres. Adding cultural significance, the tunnels are adorned with local artworks that reflect Mizo heritage and traditions.

Officials emphasized that the project, part of the Central government’s Act East policy, is more than just an infrastructure development. It is expected to bring multiple benefits, including enhanced trade opportunities, improved inter-state travel, and a major boost to tourism in the region. “Through this project, Mizoram, long deprived of railway service due to its difficult geographical conditions, has now been gifted with direct connectivity close to Aizawl,” a railway official said.

Experts believe that this rail link will not only make travel easier but also spur socio-economic development. Raj Basu, convenor of the Association for Conservation of Tourism, noted that increased accessibility will attract more visitors from West Bengal and beyond. He highlighted Mizoram’s reputation as a safe, welcoming destination with strong women-led entrepreneurship, especially in homestays, which is drawing all-women tourist groups to the state.

Currently, Mizoram is connected to Kolkata only by air and road. With this new railway line, the “Land of Blue Mountains” is poised to emerge as a more accessible and attractive destination, paving the way for stronger tourism and cross-border opportunities.

Stay up-to-date with the latest Hospitality news and trends in the Hospitality industry!

Subscribe to Hospitality news e-magazine for free and never miss an issue.

By clicking subscribe for free you agree to the Terms & Conditions and acknowledge our Privacy Policy.

Advertise With Us

We have various options to advertise with us including Events, Advertorials, Banners, Mailers, etc.