DoubleTree by Hilton Gurgaon Appoints Pranab Paul as Executive Chef

DoubleTree by Hilton Gurgaon Appoints Pranab Paul as Executive Chef

By Nishang Narayan

Published on June 2, 2025

DoubleTree by Hilton Gurgaon New Delhi NCR is delighted to announce the appointment of Chef Pranab Paul as its new Executive Chef. With an illustrious career spanning 24 years, Chef Paul is poised to bring a new era of culinary innovation and excellence to the hotel’s dining experiences.

In his new role, Chef Paul will lead all kitchen operations, blending international culinary trends with authentic flavors to deliver memorable meals. Known for his hands-on leadership, he will mentor and guide the culinary team to uphold the highest standards of quality, presentation, and operational efficiency.

Chef Paul’s responsibilities will span strategic menu development, operational oversight, cost management, and ensuring consistency in quality and guest satisfaction. His approach is grounded in creativity, discipline, and a passion for learning.

Having worked with some of the most renowned hotel brands including Intercontinental Hotels, Hilton, Four Seasons, and Starwood, Chef Paul brings unmatched expertise, particularly in Western and Middle Eastern cuisines. His culinary style marries sophistication with the rich, aromatic notes that resonate deeply with diverse palates.

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Reflecting on his journey, Chef Paul shared, “My passion for culinary innovation while honoring traditional flavors makes me more inclined to learn more every day and create something extraordinary for my guests.”

General Manager Mr. Tuli praised the appointment, saying, “Chef Paul continues to inspire culinary team members, mentoring emerging chefs and fostering a culture of creativity and precision. His vision is to keep pushing culinary boundaries while maintaining the authenticity and integrity of the cuisines he masters.”

With his innovative mindset and dedication to excellence, Chef Paul’s leadership is set to redefine the culinary narrative at DoubleTree by Hilton Gurgaon.


ITC Maratha Mumbai Earns LEED Zero Water Certification, Sets New Benchmark in Sustainable Luxury

ITC Maratha Mumbai Earns LEED Zero Water Certification, Sets New Benchmark in Sustainable Luxury

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on June 4, 2025

This World Environment Day, ITC Maratha, Mumbai, reaffirms its commitment to sustainable luxury by receiving the prestigious LEED Zero Water Certification, a milestone that cements its place among the world’s most environmentally conscious hospitality destinations.

Part of ITC Hotels, one of the largest and greenest hotel chains globally, ITC Maratha was also awarded the LEED Zero Carbon Certification by the US Green Building Council (USGBC), highlighting its long-standing commitment to responsible operations and sustainable innovation.

Sustainability at ITC Maratha has gone beyond concept to become a core value over the past decade. Guests experience a blend of indulgence and responsibility through features like Green Banquets, carbon-neutral meetings, and Sunya Aqua, a zero-mile water initiative that purifies and bottles water on-site.

ITC Maratha sources organic and local ingredients, reducing food miles and supporting farmers via its Local Love program. An on-site biogas plant handles over 100,000 kg of organic waste annually, generating clean energy and reducing landfill burden.

The hotel now operates with over 80% of its energy sourced from renewables, including wind farms, and implements 100% rainwater harvesting. Its efficient water systems allow it to use 47% less water than the USGBC benchmark, while reducing water wastage by 70% through advanced filtration technology.

ITC Maratha has also made a complete shift away from single-use plastics, offering bamboo toothbrushes, wooden cutlery, and other eco-conscious alternatives. The hotel provides 30% more fresh air than global indoor standards, and actively enhances biodiversity with native plants that help cool surrounding urban zones.

This World Environment Day, ITC Maratha exemplifies how green practices and luxurious hospitality can coexist, making sustainability not just a goal, but a way of life.


Cygnett Hotels Signs New Property in Itanagar, Strengthens Presence in Northeast India

Cygnett Hotels Signs New Property in Itanagar, Strengthens Presence in Northeast India

By Nishang Narayan

Published on June 4, 2025

Cygnett Hotels & Resorts, one of India’s fastest-growing hospitality chains, has signed a new hotel in Itanagar, the capital of Arunachal Pradesh. The upcoming Cygnett Park Itanagar is located just 800 metres from the Donyi Polo Airport, making it a convenient destination for both leisure and business travellers. This will be Cygnett’s second hotel in the city and is expected to open in less than two years.

The move marks a significant step in Cygnett’s Northeast expansion journey. With four operational hotels and eight more in development across the region, the group is now steadily progressing towards a 600-key portfolio in Northeast India.

“The Indian government’s focused investments in Northeast infrastructure—highways, rail, and telecom—are changing the region’s prospects. Business sentiment is up, and we’re seeing balanced demand across leisure, business, MICE, and weddings,” said Sarbendra Sarkar, Founder & Managing Director, Cygnett Hotels & Resorts.

Spread over two acres, Cygnett Park Itanagar will offer 100 rooms, over 6,000 sq. ft. of banqueting space, and an adjoining lawn, perfect for events and social functions. Guests can also look forward to an array of upscale amenities including an all-day dining restaurant, rooftop speciality restaurant, club lounge, swimming pool, spa, gym, and recreation zones.

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Designed as a refreshing urban resort, the hotel embraces sustainable architecture and wellness-centric design, in line with the Cygnett Park brand ethos: Green, Refreshing, and Wellness-focused.

“Cygnett Park Itanagar will be a serene getaway that blends urban comfort with the natural charm of the region,” added Mr. Sarkar.

Located near popular attractions like Ita Fort, Ganga Lake, Gompa Mandir, and Jawaharlal Nehru Museum, the hotel also holds tourism appeal beyond business.

As part of its broader growth plan, Cygnett aims to open 10-12 properties annually, working towards becoming a 100+ hotel group nationwide in the years to come.


Turyaa Chennai Celebrates 10 Years of Purposeful Hospitality

Turyaa Chennai Celebrates 10 Years of Purposeful Hospitality

By Nishang Narayan

Published on June 4, 2025

Turyaa Chennai, a five-star deluxe hotel under the Aitken Spence Hotels banner, has officially completed a decade of hospitality excellence. Launched in 2015 and located along Chennai’s bustling IT expressway, the hotel has become a landmark for business travellers, global visitors, and the local community alike.

Conceptualized by the late Deshamanya D.H.S. Jayawardena, the hotel was born from his belief that Indian soil could be a home for Aitken Spence’s hallmark warmth and global standards. A decade later, that legacy continues to shine through every guest experience, every team member’s passion, and every milestone achieved.

To mark this special 10-year anniversary, Turyaa Chennai rolled out a month-long celebration. Events included religious blessings, a dinner for loyal guests and partners, team member awards, and culinary showcases that honoured the hotel’s deep South Indian and Sri Lankan heritage.

Beyond the festivities, the hotel reaffirmed its commitment to community and inclusivity by donating wheelchairs to Tamil Nadu Railways—a thoughtful step towards improving accessibility for all. This meaningful gesture reflects the enduring values of Aitken Spence and the compassionate spirit of its founder.

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“Today, as we celebrate ten years, we’re not just marking an anniversary—we’re celebrating values, people, and the vibrant spirit of connection that makes Turyaa so special. We are grateful to Chennai for embracing us as one of their own,” said Stasshani Jayawardena, Chairperson, Aitken Spence Hotel Holdings PLC.

Over the years, Turyaa Chennai has welcomed world travellers, business leaders, celebrities, and loyal local patrons. With 140+ rooms and suites, vibrant dining venues, expansive event spaces, and a rooftop leisure zone, the hotel has carved a distinctive niche in Chennai’s hospitality landscape.

Looking ahead, Turyaa Chennai is set to deepen its focus on renewable energy, eliminating single-use plastics, promoting community-driven tourism, and using digital innovation to personalise guest stays—continuing its journey with sustainability and care at the core.

As Turyaa Chennai turns 10, it celebrates not just the past—but the people, progress, and purpose that define its future.

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