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.


The Ritz-Carlton, Bangalore Announces New Leadership Appointments

The Ritz-Carlton, Bangalore Announces New Leadership Appointments

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 25, 2026

The Ritz-Carlton, Bangalore has announced two new appointments across key departments, welcoming Mohammad Sadiq as Quality Manager and Divyansh Khanna as Front Office Manager. The appointments strengthen the hotel’s focus on operational excellence and personalised guest experiences.

Mohammad Sadiq Appointed as Quality Manager

Mohammad Sadiq joins The Ritz-Carlton, Bangalore with more than a decade of experience in luxury and lifestyle hospitality across India, Qatar and the Maldives. He has worked with leading brands including Leela, Marriott, Hyatt and Accor.

His experience includes roles with Marriott International Maldives, Park Hyatt Chennai, Accor Hotels Doha, The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts, and The Park Chennai, where he worked across quality assurance, pre-opening projects, operational audits and compliance programmes.

Known for his focus on continuous improvement, Sadiq has worked on strengthening quality processes and applying international standards to improve operations and guest experiences.

"I am delighted to join The Ritz-Carlton, Bangalore and look forward to working alongside a talented team to further strengthen our quality culture and uphold the exceptional service standards that define the brand," says Mohammad Sadiq. "It is a privilege to be part of a hotel renowned for its commitment to excellence, and I look forward to contributing to memorable experiences for our guests."

In his new role, Sadiq will oversee the hotel’s quality management systems, internal audits and compliance programmes, while working with teams across the property to further strengthen service standards.

Divyansh Khanna Joins as Front Office Manager

Divyansh Khanna brings more than a decade of luxury hospitality experience to his new position. His career includes experience with The Postcard Hotel, Trident Nariman Point, and The Oberoi Centre of Learning and Development.

Having worked across housekeeping, duty management and front office leadership, Khanna has developed experience in hotel operations, guest engagement, team management and service delivery.

"I am delighted to join The Ritz-Carlton, Bangalore and become part of a team that is recognised for its exceptional hospitality," says Divyansh Khanna. "I look forward to working closely with the team to create memorable first impressions for our guests while fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement."

At The Ritz-Carlton, Bangalore, Khanna will lead the Front Office team and oversee guest arrivals and departures, concierge services, daily operations and team development. He will also work closely with other departments to ensure a seamless guest experience.

Speaking on both appointments, Reuben Kataria, General Manager, said,

“These strategic additions to our leadership team reflect our continued commitment to excellence across every aspect of the guest experience. As we continue to build a team with a high emotional quotient and further evolve our approach towards creating more meaningful and experiential stays, the appointment of leaders who embody these values is especially important. Mohammad's expertise in quality management and continuous improvement, combined with Divyansh's strong operational leadership and guest-centric approach, will further strengthen our ability to deliver the intuitive, personalised service that defines The Ritz-Carlton experience. We are delighted to welcome them both and look forward to the valuable contributions they will make to our hotel, our ladies and gentlemen, and our guests."

With the addition of Sadiq and Khanna, The Ritz-Carlton, Bangalore looks to further strengthen its leadership team while continuing to focus on quality, collaboration and personalised hospitality.


Welcomhotel The Savoy Mussoorie Appoints Surender Singh as Food & Beverage Manager

Welcomhotel The Savoy Mussoorie Appoints Surender Singh as Food & Beverage Manager

By Hariharan U

Published on August 25, 2026

Welcomhotel by ITC Hotels, The Savoy, Mussoorie has announced the appointment of Surender Singh as its new Food & Beverage Manager, strengthening the property's leadership team and focus on elevated dining and guest experiences.

In his new role, Singh will oversee the property's food and beverage operations, including its restaurants, bar, banqueting and in-room dining services. His responsibilities will include maintaining service standards, strengthening operational efficiency and enhancing the overall dining experience for guests.

Singh brings extensive hospitality experience to the role, having worked across leading hotel groups including ITC Hotels, The Leela, Accor, The Roseate Hotels and The LaLiT. His career spans multiple areas of food and beverage and hotel operations, giving him experience in service excellence, team leadership and guest-centric hospitality.

Commenting on his appointment, Surender Singh, Food & Beverage Manager, Welcomhotel by ITC Hotels, The Savoy, Mussoorie, said, “I am delighted to join the Welcomhotel by ITC Hotels, The Savoy, Mussoorie family. This iconic property has a rich legacy of hospitality, and I look forward to building on that heritage while delivering memorable food and beverage experiences to our guests.”

With his experience across established hospitality brands, Singh is expected to contribute to the continued development of the property's food and beverage operations while supporting consistent service delivery and memorable guest experiences.

Located in Mussoorie, The Savoy is a historic hill-station property under the ITC Hotels group. The hotel combines colonial-era heritage with contemporary hospitality, offering elegant accommodation, dining experiences and views of the Himalayan landscape.


Ramee Group of Hotels Appoints Jacob Mojes Balla as General Manager – Sales

Ramee Group of Hotels Appoints Jacob Mojes Balla as General Manager – Sales

By Hariharan U

Published on August 24, 2026

Ramee Group of Hotels has appointed Jacob Mojes Balla as General Manager – Sales, strengthening its commercial leadership as the group focuses on revenue growth, market expansion and the development of its growing hotel portfolio.

With over 16 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Jacob brings expertise across sales strategy, key account management and revenue generation. In his new role, he will lead the commercial sales strategy for Ramee Group's new, existing and upcoming properties.

Jacob has previously held senior sales positions with established hospitality and real estate brands. His professional experience spans hotels, restaurants and outdoor catering, giving him a broad understanding of customer requirements and diverse business segments.

His experience across different hospitality formats is expected to support Ramee Group's efforts to strengthen market relationships, expand its commercial reach and drive business growth across its portfolio.

As General Manager – Sales, Jacob will focus on developing sales strategies, strengthening key accounts and identifying opportunities to improve revenue performance across the group's properties.

The appointment comes as Ramee Group continues to expand its presence, with a focus on building a stronger commercial foundation across its existing and upcoming properties.

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