Emirates Unwraps Christmas Magic in the Skies This December

Emirates Unwraps Christmas Magic in the Skies This December

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on December 10, 2025

Emirates is adding festive cheer to every part of the travel experience this December, inviting passengers to enjoy the warmth and joy of Christmas from the moment they begin their journey. With more than 2.3 million departures and 2.5 million arrivals expected in the coming weekends, customers flying with Emirates can look forward to winter-themed menus, special treats, and holiday entertainment.

Throughout the month, the airline is serving festive flavours in all classes. From 17 to 26 December, customers can enjoy aromatic hot chocolate across all cabins. Between 24 and 26 December, travellers departing Dubai will receive seasonal treats, including dark chocolate truffles in Economy Class, homemade gingerbread cookies in Premium Economy and Business Class, and a raspberry Paris-Brest pastry in First Class.

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In First, Business, and Premium Economy Class, festive dining begins with dishes like salmon gravadlax marinated in beetroot and orange, pickled herring with potato and quail egg salad, or smoked salmon topped with crab mayonnaise and salmon roe. Main courses include classic turkey with jus, chestnut and turkey bacon stuffing, truffle potato gratin, caramelised chestnuts, and roasted brussels sprouts. Select routes will also offer dishes such as herb-crusted lamb shank, duck confit glazed in cranberry jus lié, and seared venison with sage butter and blackberry sauce. Desserts continue the celebrations, with First Class guests receiving an edible Santa made from fresh strawberries and cream.

Economy Class passengers will enjoy roasted turkey with chestnut and turkey bacon roulade, maple-roasted parsnips, and desserts like orange-soaked fruit cake or a mini mousse cake decorated with one of Santa’s reindeer.

At the A380 Onboard Lounge, the festivities continue with sweet treats such as mince pies, stollen, panettone, festive macarons, ginger profiteroles, dark chocolate ganache, cranberry financier, hazelnut and cranberry jars, biscotti, and candy canes. Guests can also enjoy a hearty Christmas sandwich filled with turkey, roast beef, cheddar, cranberry sauce, and chilli tomato relish. Seasonal selfie props are available for passengers to capture festive moments.

From 15 to 31 December, Emirates’ First and Business Class lounges in Dubai transform into festive culinary spaces offering traditional roasted turkey with jus and cranberry sauce, glazed chestnuts, vegetables, and new potatoes. Guests can enjoy festive cocktails like the Emirates Cognac Crème Panettone and a refined Champagne selection, including Moët & Chandon Ice Brut and Ice Rosé, paired with special sorbets. Elegant new canapés such as foie gras bon bons and miso-pumpkin tart are also part of the menu. Desserts include traditional stollen, mince pies, apple pie with cinnamon ice cream, and cranberry sorbet. Visitors can warm up with gingerbread lattes or Galaxy hot chocolate by Costa Coffee.

Across Emirates lounges worldwide, guests will find Christmas dishes tailored to regional tastes in countries including Australia, China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Italy, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Switzerland, Thailand, the UK and the USA.

The celebrations also extend to fine wines and Champagne. In First Class, Emirates will debut the rare Dom Pérignon Plénitude 2, 2006, along with wines from the airline’s exclusive cellar, including Montrachet Grand Cru 2013 – Bouchard & Fils and Château Montrose 2005. Business Class will offer wines such as Chateau Larrivet Haut-Brion 2010, Chateau Olivier 2010, Beaune du Chateau 1er Cru 2020, Two Hands Bella's Garden Shiraz 2021, and Boekenhoutskloof Syrah 2020. Premium Economy travellers can enjoy wines like Tenuta Luce Lucente 2021 and Chablis Saint Martin Michel Laroche 2023 or choose the exclusive Chandon Vintage Brut 2018.

Emirates will also celebrate Orthodox Christmas from 24 December to 8 January on flights between Russia, Cyprus, Ethiopia and Dubai. First and Business Class menus will feature dishes such as Olivier salad, lobster tail with celeriac purée and Sevruga caviar, pickled herring, smoked salmon with crab mayonnaise, duck confit with cranberry jus lié, herb-crusted lamb shank, and festive desserts like white chocolate and peppermint mousse cake with cranberry compote or chocolate gingerbread cake with cranberry jelly. Economy Class offerings include Russian potato salad, Waldorf salad, barbecued chicken with chestnut and turkey bacon roulade, creamy beef stroganoff, and desserts such as peppermint mousse or classic fruit cake.

Emirates’ inflight entertainment, ice, will feature 39 Christmas movies, including new releases like Tinsel Town and Dear Santa, along with classic favourites like Last Christmas, The Holiday, Elf, The Polar Express, and Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer from 1964. Passengers can also explore 42 Christmas TV shows and specials, along with festive music albums and playlists.

Travellers searching for last-minute gifts can explore the EmiratesRED Winter 2025 catalogue featuring over 300 products from brands such as Armani, Creed, Amouage, YSL, Kilian, and Van Cleef & Arpels. Customers using the EmiratesRED pre-order service will receive a 10% discount with the code RED10. Emirates’ festive capsule collection at the Emirates Official Store offers Christmas jumpers, family pyjamas, themed stockings, hats, and mugs.

Emirates is also encouraging festive kindness with its ‘You Donate, Emirates Doubles’ initiative, where the airline will match customer donations up to $10,000 to support the Emirates Airline Foundation. Donations can be made in any currency through envelopes onboard or via credit card, cheque, Skywards miles, or bank transfer.


FIFA World Cup 2026: Argentina vs Spain Final to Keep Karnataka Hotels Open Till 3:30 a.m.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Argentina vs Spain Final to Keep Karnataka Hotels Open Till 3:30 a.m.

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 17, 2026

The stage is set for the FIFA World Cup 2026 final, with defending champions Argentina set to take on Spain on Sunday, July 19, in what promises to be one of the tournament's biggest encounters.

Argentina booked its place in the final after a thrilling 2-1 victory over England in the semi-final. Enzo Fernández and Lautaro Martínez scored late to complete the comeback, while Lionel Messi played a key role by providing two assists. Spain, meanwhile, reached the summit clash after maintaining its impressive run throughout the tournament.

Ahead of the final, former England striker Robbie Fowler and Germany goalkeeping legend Oliver Kahn, speaking as ZEE5 experts, said Spain has been one of the standout teams at the World Cup. However, they also believe Argentina has the experience and quality to challenge the European champions if it can capitalise on the opportunities created.

With football fever building across the country, the Karnataka government has announced extended operating hours for hotels and restaurants in Bengaluru to allow fans to enjoy the late-night matches.

Following a representation from the National Restaurant Association of India (NRAI), the state government has permitted hotels and restaurants to remain open until 3:30 a.m. on July 14, July 15 and July 19, when key FIFA World Cup matches are scheduled to be played late at night in India due to time-zone differences.

Sharing the announcement, Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar said the decision was taken to ensure football enthusiasts can enjoy the matches without inconvenience.

The relaxation has been granted under the provisions of the Karnataka Police Act, allowing hotels and restaurants to continue serving guests until 3:30 a.m. on the notified dates.

Following the government's decision, Bengaluru City Police Commissioner Seemanth Kumar Singh issued the necessary orders permitting late-night screenings of FIFA World Cup matches and extending the operating hours of hotels and restaurants.

The move is expected to benefit Bengaluru's hospitality sector, with restaurants, cafés and hotels preparing to welcome football fans for the much-awaited Argentina vs Spain final on Sunday.


Azerai Ke Ga Bay Appoints Praveen Subramanian as Spa Manager

Azerai Ke Ga Bay Appoints Praveen Subramanian as Spa Manager

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 17, 2026

Azerai Ke Ga Bay has appointed Praveen Subramanian as its new Spa Manager, reinforcing the luxury resort's focus on wellness and holistic guest experiences. The appointment marks another step in enhancing the resort's acclaimed yoga and spa programme at its peaceful bayside property in southern Vietnam.

Bringing extensive experience in yoga and holistic health, Praveen will oversee a range of wellness sessions including traditional yoga, elemental yoga, signature breathwork, ocean breath meditation, and specialised programmes focused on anxiety and stress relief. He will also lead sessions centred on the art of massage, offering guests personalised wellness experiences.

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Commenting on his new role, Praveen Subramanian said:

"Azerai Ke Ga Bay offers the perfect setting to reconnect with nature and oneself. We bring together healthy habits, mindful living, and inner balance to create true harmony. By tailoring personalized wellness experiences, we inspire sustainable wellbeing, vitality, and joyful living every day."

The resort's outdoor yoga sessions are among its key wellness experiences, allowing guests to practise amidst lush natural surroundings with views of the sea and refreshing coastal breezes.

Spread across 4.5 hectares of landscaped gardens, Azerai Ke Ga Bay is surrounded by scenic attractions, with Hon Ba Island and its historic lighthouse to the east and expansive sand dunes to the west. Conveniently located around 2.5 hours from Ho Chi Minh City via a new highway, the resort was awarded a MICHELIN Key in 2025 and was recently recognised among Vietnam's top upcountry hotels by Travel + Leisure this year.

The resort's spa offers a broad selection of treatments, including deep-tissue and relaxing massages, stone therapy, body scrubs, wraps, facials, and hand and foot rituals. Many of these therapies are inspired by traditional Vietnamese healing practices that have been passed down through generations.

Azerai's sister property, Azerai La Residence in Hue, also continues to expand its wellness offerings. The heritage art deco hotel overlooking the Perfume River recently introduced a new Wellness Package featuring daily breakfast, Vietnamese afternoon tea, a 60-minute daily spa treatment for two, a signature bath ritual and complimentary late check-out.

Earlier this year, Azerai La Residence was named among the "500 Best Hotels" by Travel + Leisure and was also recognised as one of Vietnam's best upcountry hotels in the Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia-Pacific 2026.

Both Azerai Ke Ga Bay and Azerai La Residence are part of the hospitality portfolio of legendary hotelier Adrian Zecha.


Poltrona Frau Unveils Infinitamente 2.0 Dining Table by Roberto Lazzeroni at Milan Design Week 2026

Poltrona Frau Unveils Infinitamente 2.0 Dining Table by Roberto Lazzeroni at Milan Design Week 2026

By Hariharan U

Published on July 16, 2026

Italian luxury furniture brand Poltrona Frau has unveiled Infinitamente 2.0, a new sculptural dining table designed by Roberto Lazzeroni, marking a new chapter in the evolution of the Infinito family. The latest creation was presented during Milan Design Week 2026 and joins the brand’s permanent collection following the limited-edition Infinito table launched in 2021 and the Infinitamente table introduced in 2023.

Designed as an expression of timeless elegance and Italian craftsmanship, Infinitamente 2.0 expands the original concept into an extra-large dining table measuring over three metres in length and capable of seating up to twelve guests. The design continues Poltrona Frau’s philosophy of creating furniture pieces that transcend trends and become part of personal stories, memories, and everyday experiences.

At the centre of the design is a distinctive staggered double-oval marble top, inspired by the symbolism of infinity and the complementary balance of Yin and Yang. The sculptural form represents harmony, continuity, and connection, making the table a statement piece designed for contemporary spaces focused on gathering and shared experiences.

The table’s two helicoidal bases feature softly chamfered surfaces upholstered in Pelle Frau® ColorSphere® Impact Less leather, showcasing Poltrona Frau’s renowned craftsmanship. The leather application technique draws inspiration from luxury automotive interiors, reflecting the brand’s expertise in combining traditional artisan skills with advanced manufacturing processes.

Infinitamente 2.0 offers a wide range of marble options, including Bianco Carrara, Calacatta, Arabescato Venato, and Ombra di Caravaggio, available in polished, semi-polished, and naturally polished finishes. Each marble top is crafted from a single slab divided into two sections and reinforced with technical mesh to improve resistance against bending, breakage, and impact.

A stainless steel blade insert elegantly completes the connection between the two marble sections, adding both structural strength and visual refinement. The different surface treatments enhance the natural character of the stone while improving durability and resistance for everyday use.

The table base is constructed using MDF and birch plywood components, with internal beech pins and metal plates ensuring stability and strength. The leather-covered supports create a contrast between the natural richness of marble and the warmth of handcrafted upholstery.

Infinitamente 2.0 represents the continuation of Roberto Lazzeroni’s exploration of sculptural furniture design. The original Infinito table, presented in 2021 as a numbered limited edition, featured an exclusive Rosso Lepanto marble top sourced by Poltrona Frau and positioned as a collectible objet d’art. The 2023 Infinitamente edition further developed the concept with a white Versilia marble top and multiple size variations.

With the new Infinitamente 2.0, Poltrona Frau transforms the artistic vision into a permanent collection piece designed for luxury residences, hospitality environments, and sophisticated interiors worldwide.

The table debuted exclusively on April 14, 2026, at the Poltrona Frau flagship store on Via Manzoni 30 in Milan during Milano Design Week. It will subsequently become available through selected Poltrona Frau stores globally and the brand’s European e-commerce platforms.

Part of Haworth Lifestyle, Poltrona Frau continues to represent the intersection of Italian design heritage, craftsmanship, and contemporary luxury. Founded in 1912, the brand has built a global reputation for premium furnishings, leather craftsmanship, custom interiors, and collaborations with leading international designers.

Through Infinitamente 2.0, Poltrona Frau reinforces its commitment to creating enduring design pieces that celebrate material innovation, artistic expression, and the timeless value of handcrafted luxury.

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