Eros Hotel New Delhi in Collaboration with the Embassy of Iran, Organizes a Spectacular Iranian Food Festival

Eros Hotel New Delhi in Collaboration with the Embassy of Iran, Organizes a Spectacular Iranian Food Festival

By Author

Published on December 20, 2024

Eros Hotel New Delhi, in association with the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Iran Culture House, and CD Foundation, proudly hosted the Iranian Food Festival from 11th to 17th December 2024. This week-long celebration brought the vibrant hues of Persian culture and cuisine from the heart of Iran to Delhi, creating an unparalleled experience for food lovers and celebrating the spirit of Indo-Iranian camaraderie.

For seven delightful days, master Iranian chefs curated an authentic and exquisite menu, showcasing the diverse culinary heritage of Iran. Each day's Featured Dish explored unique regional flavors, offering guests a memorable gastronomic journey through Iran's rich culinary tapestry.

The festival began with the exclusive event, 'Coffee Morning with the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran,' which focused on tourism and trade promotion. On 12th December, the final round of the much-anticipated Iranian Food Competition and Workshop took center stage. This was followed by the grand Indo-Iranian Cultural Show on 16th December, where vibrant performances celebrated the shared cultural ties, culminating in a Gala Iranian Dinner, where all participants were felicitated by the Iran Embassy and the Iran Culture House.

The Iranian Food Competition, judged by an esteemed jury panel comprising Mr. Kazem Samandari, Executive Chairman of Lopera; Chef Mostafa Taheripour Isfahani from Maccan Tourism; and Chef Diwas Wadhera, Executive Chef of Eros Hotel New Delhi, saw incredible talent and innovation. Chef Neda Tavakoli from Iran emerged as the winner, while Mr. Hem Chandra Arya from Eros Hotel New Delhi secured the 1st Runner-Up position, and Chef Bharat Khemani was declared the 2nd Runner-Up.

The festival's culinary offerings included delicacies such as Shirazi Salad, a refreshing medley of cucumber, onion, and tomatoes; Ash Reshteh, a hearty noodle soup with chickpeas and kidney beans; and the aromatic Gheimeh, a Persian lamb stew infused with split chickpeas, tomatoes, and cinnamon. Other highlights included Kuku Sabzi, a medley of fresh greens; Korshet-e-Bademjan, a velvety eggplant and tomato stew; and a variety of decadent Iranian desserts such as Rhubarb Rose and Pistachio Trifle Pots, Soleh-Zard, and Tahini Cinnamon Swirls.

image

The ambiance at Blooms Restaurant and other event venues radiated the essence of Iran with breathtaking Iranian décor. Traditional elements enhanced the spaces, transporting guests to the heart of Persia and creating an immersive and enchanting experience.

Reflecting on the festival, Chef Diwas Wadhera, Executive Chef of Eros Hotel New Delhi, said, "It was an incredible experience to be part of this cultural exchange. Despite the language barriers, the collaboration between the Eros Hotel team and the Iranian chefs was seamless and inspiring. Together, we breathed new life into traditional recipes, blending authenticity with contemporary flair for our guests."

The Iranian Food Festival was a magnificent celebration of culinary art, cultural heritage, and the enduring bonds between India and Iran, leaving an indelible impression on all who attended.


Planet Hotels & Resorts Accelerates India Expansion with Lifestyle Hospitality Focus

Planet Hotels & Resorts Accelerates India Expansion with Lifestyle Hospitality Focus

By Hariharan U

Published on April 7, 2026

Planet Hotels & Resorts is steadily strengthening its presence across India, with a clear focus on lifestyle-driven hospitality and premium travel experiences. Based out of Mumbai, the brand is building a strategically curated pipeline aimed at high-potential leisure, urban, and spiritual destinations.

Under the leadership of Anand Chatterjee, who has led the hospitality vertical for over a decade, the company is positioning itself as a key player in India’s evolving premium hospitality space.

The group’s journey began with the launch of Planet Hollywood Beach Resort in Goa in 2013, which set the tone for its design-forward and experience-led approach. Since then, the portfolio has expanded across destinations such as Thane, Powai, and Manali.

Flagship urban properties like Planet Hollywood Thane City and The Beatle Hotel reflect the brand’s commitment to design-led stays and immersive guest experiences. Expanding its boutique footprint, the group also marked its entry into the hills with a Manali property under The Beatle brand in 2025, catering to travellers seeking elevated mountain retreats.

In line with its focus on the elite segment, the brand recently introduced Kings Mansion in North Goa. Designed as an ultra-premium destination, the property aims to deliver privacy, bespoke services, and a refined hospitality experience tailored to discerning travellers.

Looking ahead, Planet Hotels & Resorts has outlined an ambitious roadmap with upcoming projects planned across New Delhi, Tirupati, Udaipur, and Hyderabad, while also evaluating additional markets. The expansion strategy is focused on tapping into India’s most sought-after travel destinations, spanning leisure, spiritual, and urban segments.

Speaking on the growth trajectory, Anand Chatterjee highlighted that the brand’s expansion is driven by a deep understanding of emerging lifestyle destinations and evolving consumer expectations. He emphasised that the focus remains on creating design-forward environments, intuitive service, and immersive experiences that go beyond traditional hospitality.

With a growing portfolio that blends aesthetics, personalisation, and experience-led offerings, Planet Hotels & Resorts is positioning itself to play a significant role in shaping India’s next phase of premium hospitality growth.


Banyan Tree Samui Named Thailand’s Best Spa Resort for 2026

Banyan Tree Samui Named Thailand’s Best Spa Resort for 2026

By Hariharan U

Published on April 2, 2026

In a significant recognition for luxury wellness hospitality, Banyan Tree Samui has been named the “Best Spa Resort – Thailand” at the Global Spa Awards 2026, presented by The Luxury Spa Edit.

The award reflects a combination of expert panel evaluations, insights from global travel journalists and sustainability specialists, and over 85,000 public votes, reinforcing the resort’s strong positioning in the global wellness space.

At the heart of this recognition is the resort’s integrated approach to holistic wellbeing. The spa experience at Banyan Tree Samui goes beyond traditional treatments, offering a thoughtfully curated journey rooted in its “8 Pillars of Wellbeing” philosophy, focusing on rest, nourishment, mindfulness, movement, and personal growth.

A standout feature is its signature hydrotherapy facility, The Rainforest, which takes guests through a multi-sensory circuit of water jets, saunas, steam rooms, ice fountains, and vitality pools. This immersive experience has become a defining element of the resort’s wellness offering.

Speaking on the achievement, Naphasawan Badklang, Spa & Gallery Manager, credited the team’s rigorous training at the Banyan Spa & Wellbeing Academy and their commitment to delivering personalised guest experiences. Each treatment begins with a detailed consultation, followed by customised herbal oils and signature rituals that include sound healing, breathwork, and traditional techniques.

The award also coincides with the rollout of Banyan Tree Spa 2.0, an evolved concept that blends ancient Asian healing practices with modern wellness techniques. From personalised therapies to curated closing rituals featuring herbal foot cleansing and tea ceremonies, the experience is designed to create a deeper sense of relaxation and renewal.

Set against the scenic backdrop of Koh Samui’s Lamai Bay, the resort’s 88 private pool villas further enhance the sense of seclusion and calm. Complemented by curated dining experiences, wellness programmes, and nature-integrated design, the property continues to offer a sanctuary for travellers seeking both luxury and restoration.

With this recognition, Banyan Tree Samui strengthens its reputation as one of Asia’s leading wellness destinations, setting new benchmarks for immersive and experience-driven hospitality.


The Leela Gandhinagar Marks Earth Hour with Sustainability Initiatives

The Leela Gandhinagar Marks Earth Hour with Sustainability Initiatives

By Hariharan U

Published on April 1, 2026

The Leela Gandhinagar marked Earth Hour 2026 with a focused set of sustainability-driven initiatives, reinforcing its commitment to responsible hospitality and environmental stewardship.

As part of the global movement, the hotel switched off non-essential lighting and reduced power consumption across key areas for 60 minutes, from 8:30 pm to 9:30 pm. The symbolic gesture reflected a collective effort towards climate awareness while maintaining the refined standards associated with luxury hospitality.

Beyond the hour, the initiative underscored the hotel’s broader sustainability philosophy. From energy-efficient systems to responsible resource management, environmentally conscious practices are integrated into its day-to-day operations, aligning with the evolving expectations of modern travellers.

Speaking on the occasion, Vikas Sood said, “Earth Hour reminds us that meaningful change begins with small yet consistent actions. At The Leela Gandhinagar, sustainability remains integral to how we operate and deliver thoughtful luxury experiences.”

Through its participation, the hotel continues to build on its commitment to sustainable hospitality, contributing to a more responsible and environmentally aware future.

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.