Escape the Mumbai Hustle: Relax at Alibaug's New Starbucks!

Escape the Mumbai Hustle: Relax at Alibaug's New Starbucks!

By Author

Published on October 18, 2023

Tata Starbucks has anchored its first-ever island store in Alibaug, a picturesque seaside destination that’s fast becoming a second-home hotspot for Mumbaikars. The store isn’t just another pin on the Starbucks map; it’s a 2,500 sq. ft. haven where the aroma of high-quality Arabica coffee blends seamlessly with the tranquil sea breezes of the Arabian Sea.

Now, if you’re wondering why Alibaug, let’s spill the beans. The coastal town has been basking in rapid infrastructure and economic growth. It’s not just the serene beaches and tranquil environs that are drawing folks in, but also the burgeoning demand for premium food and beverage experiences. Nestled at the M2M Ferry Terminal, the store isn’t just a place to grab your favourite coffee; it’s an experience, a ‘Third Place’ where the distinct spirit of Alibaug and globally celebrated Starbucks coffee converge.

Michael Conway, the Group President for Starbucks International Channel Development, and Sushant Dash, CEO of Tata Starbucks, are steering the ship with an eye on innovation and deeper connections. Every cup of coffee, from the South Indian Filter Coffee to the Signature Milkshakes, is a nod to the diverse and vibrant coffee culture in India. It’s not just about sipping coffee; it’s about savoring moments of human connection, underscored by the welcoming embrace of green apron partners.

The store, adorned with nautical artworks and striking depictions of the legendary Moby Dick, is a sanctuary where each sip of coffee is a journey through the rich tapestry of maritime mythology. Emmy Kan, President of Starbucks Asia Pacific, emphasizes the brand’s dedication to catering to the evolving tastes of customers. It’s more than a store; it’s a canvas where global and local flavors paint a masterpiece of sensory delight.

In a world that’s ever-spinning, the Starbucks Island store in Alibaug is a pause, a serene space where every visitor is more than a customer. They’re a cherished guest, a part of a narrative that’s woven with threads of unparalleled coffee experiences and human connection. As Tata Starbucks continues to brew innovation in diverse store formats across India, the Alibaug island store stands as a testament to a brand that’s as diverse as the country’s rich cultural

tapestry. Every cup, every smile, and every connection is a story, and at the Alibaug Island store, these stories find a picturesque haven. A visit here isn’t just a coffee run; it’s a soulful sojourn where every sip is a serenade to the senses. Welcome aboard!


Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2026 Reveals Extended 51–100 List

Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2026 Reveals Extended 51–100 List

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on March 16, 2026

Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants, sponsored by S.Pellegrino and Acqua Panna, has unveiled the extended 51–100 list for 2026 ahead of the main awards ceremony set to take place in Hong Kong. The list provides an early glimpse into the region’s evolving dining landscape and recognises outstanding culinary establishments across Asia.

The rankings are compiled by the Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants Academy, which consists of more than 350 influential industry leaders including chefs, restaurateurs, culinary professionals, food writers, and critics from across the region.

This year’s extended list spans 27 cities, four more than last year, reflecting the growing diversity and reach of Asia’s dining scene. Ten new cities are represented in the 2026 list, with Busan, Chengdu, Kanazawa, and Nishikawa appearing for the first time.

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A total of 12 restaurants have made their debut on the 51–100 list, highlighting the continued growth and innovation shaping Asia’s culinary landscape.

Seoul leads the rankings by city with seven restaurants featured on the extended list, including the new entry San at No.54. Busan has also made its first appearance in the rankings with Fiotto placed at No.99.

Bangkok has five restaurants on the list, while Singapore and Hong Kong each claim four spots. All three destinations have also welcomed a returning entry this year.

Japan continues to demonstrate strong representation, with Tokyo featuring three restaurants including new entry Sushi Shunji at No.63. The city of Kanazawa has two new restaurants on the list, Kataori at No.82 and Respiración at No.92. Nishikawa also celebrates its debut with Dewaya at No.93, reflecting the growing recognition of culinary excellence across various Japanese cities.

In China, Chef 1996 in Beijing stands out as the highest-ranked new entry, placed at No.52. Chengdu also joins the extended ranking for the first time with restaurant Co- positioned at No.69.

Kuala Lumpur’s Dewakan has recorded the highest rise on the extended list, moving up 22 places to secure the No.62 position.

A spokesperson for Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants said, “We are delighted to unveil this year's 51-100 list, welcoming more outstanding establishments into this year's extended ranking. The 51-100 list once again highlights the incredibly diverse and thriving culinary scene of the region, this year including restaurants from 27 cities, with 12 restaurants represented on the Asia's 50 Best Restaurants list for the first time.”

The complete list of Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants for 2026 will be announced during the awards ceremony scheduled for March 25, 2026 in Hong Kong. The event will be held in collaboration with the Hong Kong Tourism Board and will be streamed live on the 50 Best YouTube channel starting at 20:00 Hong Kong time.


LOT Polish Airlines Begins Rolling Out In-Flight Wi-Fi on Dreamliner Fleet

LOT Polish Airlines Begins Rolling Out In-Flight Wi-Fi on Dreamliner Fleet

By MAnu Vardhan Kannan

Published on March 15, 2026

LOT Polish Airlines has begun the process of introducing in-flight Wi-Fi across its long-haul fleet, marking a significant step in enhancing the passenger experience. The service has already been activated on the airline’s first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft, registered as SP-LSA.

The national carrier plans to gradually expand the service across its Boeing 787 fleet, with two additional aircraft expected to receive Wi-Fi connectivity by the end of April. The rollout forms part of the airline’s broader strategy to strengthen its onboard offerings and respond to growing passenger expectations for continuous internet access during flights.

The connectivity service is powered by Viasat’s next-generation solution, Viasat Amara. The technology is designed to provide fast and stable internet access, allowing travellers to stay connected with family and colleagues, work remotely, or enjoy online entertainment while travelling.

Izabela Leszczyńska, Director of the Product Development and Customer Experience Office at LOT Polish Airlines, highlighted the importance of connectivity for modern travellers. She said that internet access has become an essential component of long-haul travel, particularly for passengers flying for business or leisure.

“Internet access has become an expected part of the offering on long-haul flights. Therefore, we view its implementation across our fleet as a natural stage in the development of our product, one that responds to the needs of passengers – both those traveling for business and for leisure. We wanted a solution that would ensure stability and high quality, which is why we chose a partner with well-established experience in aviation, whose technology is used by airlines around the world. Our passengers travel with different purposes and expectations. We want them to be able to spend their time on board exactly as they need, productively, staying in touch with loved ones, or in complete relaxation.”

Don Buchman, President of Viasat Aviation, also commented on the collaboration, noting that the introduction of Viasat Amara represents an important milestone in enhancing connectivity for passengers travelling on LOT’s Dreamliner fleet.

“We are proud to bring Viasat Amara to LOT Polish Airlines as they take this important step in elevating the long-haul passenger experience. Delivering fast, reliable in-flight Wi-Fi on the Dreamliner fleet is a meaningful milestone, and LOT’s commitment to offering high-quality connectivity reflects a deep understanding of what today’s travelers expect. With Viasat’s global satellite network and Viasat’s Amara connectivity solution, passengers can stay productive, entertained, and connected throughout their journey, from gate-to-gate—whether they’re working, streaming, or keeping in touch with family and friends. We look forward to continuing our partnership as LOT expands connectivity across its fleet.”

Passengers will have access to two paid Wi-Fi packages. The Chat package, priced at $7, allows instant messaging services, while the Streaming package, priced at $29, enables broader internet access, including browsing websites, watching videos and working online during the flight.

Complimentary internet access will be available for LOT Business Class passengers and members of the Miles & More programme from select partner airlines who hold eligible status, regardless of their travel class.

The range of connectivity packages has been designed to provide flexibility, allowing travellers to choose services that suit their needs, from basic messaging to more advanced internet usage during the journey.

Viasat, the connectivity provider behind the service, is a global communications company with offices in 24 countries. The company focuses on building a global communications network that supports reliable and secure connections across land, air and sea. In May 2023, Viasat completed the acquisition of Inmarsat, combining the technologies and resources of both companies to strengthen its global connectivity solutions.


Disney Cruise Line Debuts in Asia with Maiden Voyage of Disney Adventure

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on March 14, 2026

Disney Cruise Line has officially entered the Asian cruise market with the maiden voyage of the Disney Adventure, which set sail from Singapore on March 10. The ship becomes the eighth vessel in the Disney Cruise Line fleet and the first to operate in Asia, marking a significant milestone in the company’s global expansion.

The launch of Disney Adventure strengthens The Walt Disney Company’s presence in one of the fastest growing travel regions while also tapping into cruising, one of the most rapidly expanding segments of global tourism.

Joe Schott, President of Disney Signature Experiences, highlighted the significance of the new ship, describing it as a global brand ambassador for Disney Cruise Line. He noted that the vessel brings together Disney’s storytelling, entertainment, and renowned service into a fully immersive cruise experience designed to create lasting memories for guests.

The debut of the ship forms part of Disney Cruise Line’s broader expansion strategy. The company has announced plans to introduce five additional cruise ships between 2027 and 2031, further strengthening its presence in the global cruise industry.

The Disney Adventure is also helping introduce new travellers to Disney cruise vacations. According to a survey of the first guests who booked sailings on the ship, more than 90 percent are sailing with Disney Cruise Line for the first time. The data also indicates that most passengers are first-time cruisers, highlighting the brand’s ability to attract new audiences across Southeast Asia.

Families make up a significant portion of the passengers, reinforcing Disney Cruise Line’s strong appeal in multigenerational travel, a travel trend that is particularly popular in the region. Additionally, many guests plan to spend time in Singapore before or after their cruise, which is expected to contribute positively to the local tourism economy.

Although many passengers are new to cruising with Disney, their familiarity with the brand remains strong. Most guests report having previously experienced Disney through theme parks, films, television shows, or consumer products, making the cruise journey a natural extension of the Disney storytelling universe.

The new ship also brings the Disney experience closer to travellers in the region. For instance, Hong Kong Disneyland is located more than 1,500 miles from Singapore, and the arrival of the Disney Adventure provides a more accessible way for guests in Southeast Asia to enjoy Disney-themed experiences.

Looking ahead, Disney is continuing to expand its cruise footprint in Asia. The company has previously announced plans to collaborate with Oriental Land Co., Ltd. to introduce Disney cruise vacations in Japan, with operations expected to begin by early 2029.

With its Asia debut through the Disney Adventure, Disney Cruise Line aims to connect with new audiences, strengthen its presence in the region, and further grow its global cruise tourism portfolio.

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