Exclusive: Alisha Chitalwala on Crafting Luxury & Inclusivity in Hospitality Design

Exclusive: Alisha Chitalwala on Crafting Luxury & Inclusivity in Hospitality Design

By Nishang Narayan

Published on March 8, 2025

Great hospitality design goes beyond aesthetics—it creates experiences that stay with guests long after they’ve left. For Alisha Chitalwala, Associate Designer at Designers Group, the focus is on crafting spaces that seamlessly blend comfort, functionality, and brand identity.

“My role revolves around ensuring each project exudes a distinct character, setting the property apart with its unique charm,” she shares. From conceptualization to execution, every detail is carefully curated to enhance the guest experience, making hospitality spaces more than just places to stay—they become destinations in themselves.

A Commitment to Sustainable Luxury

Sustainability is no longer an option; it’s a necessity. Designers Group has been at the forefront of integrating eco-conscious practices into hospitality design without compromising on luxury. “We believe in delivering luxury through a thoughtful, sustainable approach,” Alisha explains. “By prioritizing environmentally conscious practices, we contribute meaningfully to the evolution of the design industry.”

With travelers increasingly valuing responsible tourism, hotels and resorts are now looking at design as a way to minimize their environmental footprint while maintaining high-end appeal. This shift is shaping the next generation of hospitality spaces—ones that are both indulgent and environmentally responsible.

Innovation & The Role of AI in Hospitality Design

Technology is revolutionizing the way designers conceptualize and execute spaces, and AI is leading the charge. “The future of design is being reshaped by AI-driven solutions, offering boundless opportunities to push creative boundaries,” Alisha shares.

From AI-assisted space planning to immersive 3D visualizations, technology is making it easier to create more precise, functional, and engaging hospitality interiors. This not only enhances efficiency but also allows for greater customization, ensuring every space meets the evolving expectations of modern travelers.

Fostering Inclusivity & Women in Design

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The design industry has long been a space where creativity thrives, and at Designers Group, gender is never a barrier to success. “Creativity knows no gender,” Alisha states. “We champion equal opportunities and take immense pride in having a significant number of female professionals who bring innovation, passion, and excellence to every project.”

As more women step into leadership roles, the industry is witnessing a positive shift towards inclusivity and representation. By fostering talent without bias, hospitality design continues to evolve as a field where fresh perspectives and diverse voices shape the future.

A Vision for the Future

The hospitality industry is embracing change, with sustainability, adaptive reuse, and immersive experiences leading the way. Looking ahead, Alisha envisions smart, responsive spaces that elevate guest interactions while prioritizing eco-conscious luxury. “Opportunities lie in redefining hospitality through a forward-thinking approach,” she says.

As hospitality design continues to evolve, one thing remains clear: innovation, sustainability, and inclusivity will be at the heart of the industry’s transformation.

A Message for Women’s Day

On International Women’s Day, Alisha shares an empowering message:
“We are empowered women shaping the world, and our strength multiplies when we uplift and support one another. Together, we create, inspire, and lead with unwavering confidence.”

A fitting reminder that when women support each other, the industry—and the world—flourishes.


Hyatt Hyderabad Gachibowli Appoints Nisha Mundliya and Suresh Raju to Key Leadership Roles

Hyatt Hyderabad Gachibowli Appoints Nisha Mundliya and Suresh Raju to Key Leadership Roles

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on November 12, 2026

Hyatt Hyderabad Gachibowli has announced two leadership appointments, welcoming Nisha Mundliya as Director of Finance and Suresh Raju as Human Resources Manager. These appointments are aimed at strengthening the hotel's leadership team and supporting its focus on operational excellence and people development.

In her new role, Nisha Mundliya will oversee the hotel's financial operations, strategic planning, compliance, budgeting, forecasting and business performance initiatives. A Chartered Accountant with over eight years of experience across the hospitality and assurance sectors, she brings expertise in finance management, auditing, compliance, financial planning and operational excellence.

During her career, Nisha has worked with leading organisations such as Hyatt Hotels Corporation, Marriott International, KPMG and PwC. Before joining Hyatt Hyderabad Gachibowli, she served as Assistant Director of Finance at Hyatt Regency Jaipur, where she handled complex financial matters, strengthened the finance team's capabilities, improved reporting processes and supported the property's operations. She has also held finance leadership positions at Park Hyatt Hyderabad and Kochi Marriott Hotel.

Suresh Raju joins the hotel as Human Resources Manager and will lead its HR function, focusing on talent development, employee engagement, organisational culture and people practices that support associate wellbeing and business growth.

With over 16 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Suresh brings expertise in human resources management, talent acquisition, employee relations, learning and development, performance management and HR operations. He has held key positions with hospitality brands including Hyatt Hotels Corporation, Radisson Hotel Group, Starwood Hotels & Resorts and The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts.

Before this appointment, he served as Associate Director of Human Resources at The Leela Hyderabad, where he worked on talent initiatives, workplace culture and organisational growth.

Commenting on the appointments, Ruban Das, General Manager, Hyatt Hyderabad Gachibowli, said, "We are delighted to welcome Nisha and Suresh to Hyatt Hyderabad Gachibowli. Nisha's strong financial acumen and strategic approach, combined with Suresh's extensive experience in people leadership and talent development, will be instrumental in driving our continued growth and success. Their expertise, passion, and commitment to excellence align perfectly with Hyatt's purpose of caring for people so they can be their best. We look forward to their valuable contributions as we continue to elevate the guest and associate experience at Hyatt Hyderabad Gachibowli."

With these appointments, Hyatt Hyderabad Gachibowli looks to further strengthen its finance and human resources functions while continuing to focus on business performance, employee development and guest experience.


Hyatt Regency Chennai Promotes Syed Annsar Ali J to Associate Director of Sales

Hyatt Regency Chennai Promotes Syed Annsar Ali J to Associate Director of Sales

By Hariharan U

Published on November 10, 2026

Hyatt Regency Chennai has promoted Syed Annsar Ali J to Associate Director of Sales, recognising his contributions to the hotel's commercial growth and client relationship development. Annsar previously served as Senior Sales Manager at the property.

Annsar joined Hyatt Regency Chennai as Sales Manager in May 2023 and was promoted to Senior Sales Manager in October 2024. His latest elevation, effective April 2026, marks the next step in his professional journey with the hotel.

During his tenure, he has contributed to strengthening the property's contract and negotiated business, while developing strategic relationships with travel agents, sports teams and medical associations.

In his new role, Annsar will lead the hotel's Sales team and oversee key revenue-generating segments, including Corporate, Contract and Negotiated accounts. His responsibilities will include steering Request for Proposal (RFP) strategies, monitoring team performance and mentoring sales managers to support business growth and organisational objectives.

Commenting on the promotion, Puneet Baijal, General Manager, Hyatt Regency Chennai, said, "Annsar's journey with Hyatt Regency Chennai over the past three years reflects his dedication, business acumen and ability to build strong client relationships. His contributions have been valuable to our commercial growth, and we are confident that he will lead the Sales team towards greater achievements in his new role."

Annsar holds an MBA in Marketing and Human Resources from the University of Madras and a Bachelor of Engineering in Biotechnology from PES Institute of Technology, Bengaluru.

His professional experience spans sales roles across the hospitality, vacation ownership and financial services sectors, bringing together commercial exposure and relationship management experience.

His promotion reflects his progression within Hyatt Regency Chennai, where he has moved through three roles in the Sales function since joining the property in 2023.


Dale Cabral Promoted to Housekeeping Manager at Radisson Hotel Mumbai Andheri MIDC

Dale Cabral Promoted to Housekeeping Manager at Radisson Hotel Mumbai Andheri MIDC

By Hariharan U

Published on November 10, 2026

Dale Cabral has been promoted to Housekeeping Manager at Radisson Hotel Mumbai Andheri MIDC, marking an important milestone in his hospitality career and recognising his experience in housekeeping operations and service management.

With a background in the hospitality industry, Cabral brings experience in operations management and customer service, supported by a strong understanding of housekeeping standards and operational efficiency. His professional strengths include time management, operational coordination and proficiency in Microsoft PowerPoint.

Cabral holds a bachelor's degree with a specialisation in Housekeeping, providing him with an academic foundation in hotel operations and service excellence.

In his new role, Cabral will take on greater responsibilities within the hotel's housekeeping function, focusing on maintaining operational standards, supporting efficient service delivery and contributing to the overall guest experience.

His promotion represents a significant step in his professional journey, reflecting his dedication, professional growth and continued commitment to excellence in housekeeping operations

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