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.


Rohan Sable Appointed CEO of Charcoal Concepts

Rohan Sable Appointed CEO of Charcoal Concepts

By Hariharan U

Published on May 15, 2026

Charcoal Concepts, the multi-brand restaurant platform under K Hospitality Corp, has announced the appointment of Rohan Sable as its new Chief Executive Officer, marking a significant leadership move for one of India’s leading food services groups.

In his new role, Rohan Sable will oversee the strategic direction, growth, and operations of a diverse portfolio of more than 45 restaurants across India and international markets including London, Colombo, Kuwait, and Dubai. His responsibilities include driving brand vision, business expansion, and operational excellence across marquee brands such as Copper Chimney, Bombay Brasserie, Bombay Borough, and Wagamama India, while also leading new concept development and incubation within the group.

With over 25 years of experience in the hospitality and restaurant industry, Rohan brings a strong track record in operations, brand building, and business expansion. His career includes leadership roles such as Regional COO (South India) at PVR INOX Ltd and Area General Manager Delegate at Accor, along with extensive experience across both Indian and international hospitality formats.

His appointment comes at a time when Charcoal Concepts is entering an ambitious growth phase. The company aims to evolve into India’s premier multi-brand, multi-format, cuisine-driven restaurant powerhouse by 2033. The strategic roadmap includes scaling its footprint from its current presence of 35 outlets in India and 5 international outlets to over 272 outlets across India and global markets over the next eight years.

Under Rohan’s leadership, the company will focus on accelerating expansion, strengthening existing brands, and introducing new dining formats aligned with evolving consumer preferences. His approach is expected to balance operational discipline with innovation, ensuring scalability while maintaining strong brand identity and guest experience.

The leadership transition reinforces Charcoal Concepts’ commitment to innovation, growth, and delivering distinctive dining experiences across markets, further strengthening its position in India’s rapidly evolving food and beverage industry.

For more information, visit K Hospitality Corp


Banyan Tree Krabi Appoints Indian Cuisine Specialist Chef Chander Prakash

Banyan Tree Krabi Appoints Indian Cuisine Specialist Chef Chander Prakash

By Hariharan U

Published on May 15, 2026

Banyan Tree Krabi has announced the appointment of Chef Chander Prakash as part of its culinary team, strengthening the resort’s Indian dining offerings with authentic North Indian and Arabic cuisine expertise.

Chef Chander joins the luxury beachfront resort with over a decade of experience across India and Thailand, specialising in traditional Indian curries, biryanis, kebabs, tandoori preparations, and Arabic cuisine. At Banyan Tree Krabi, he will contribute to the culinary experiences at The Naga Kitchen, further expanding the resort’s international dining portfolio.

Speaking about his culinary philosophy, Chef Chander said cooking goes beyond preparing food and focuses on creating memorable dining experiences through fresh ingredients, balanced flavours, and attention to detail. He added that his culinary journey has always been deeply connected to traditional spices and the art of tandoor cooking.

Known for signature dishes such as Dal Makhani, Butter Chicken, and Paneer Butter Masala, Chef Chander brings extensive experience from premium hospitality brands across Thailand and India. Prior to joining Banyan Tree Krabi, he worked as Indian and Arabic Chef at Sinae Phuket and earlier at Keemala Hotel in Phuket. His previous experience also includes Hotel Germanus Springs in Kodaikanal and De Karavali restaurant in Bengaluru, where he developed his expertise in tandoor cuisine.

Commenting on the appointment, Porntip Narangsiya, Director of Food & Beverage at Banyan Tree Krabi, said the addition of Chef Chander would help strengthen the resort’s culinary identity through authentic Indian cuisine. She added that the resort welcomes a significant number of Indian guests, including destination weddings and celebratory groups, making elevated Indian dining an important addition to the overall guest experience.

Located along Tubkaek Beach in southern Thailand, Banyan Tree Krabi features 72 pool suites and villas overlooking the Andaman Sea. The luxury resort offers multiple dining experiences, wellness facilities, spa therapies, and curated luxury hospitality experiences rooted in wellbeing and personalised service.

The property has also received global recognition, earning Two MICHELIN Keys in 2024 and 2025, while being featured in Fodor’s Travel 2026 list of “The 100 Most Incredible Hotels in the World.”

For more information, visit Banyan Tree Krabi


The Access Group appoints Shashikant Shimpi as Managing Director, India to drive Hospitality growth and APAC expansion

The Access Group appoints Shashikant Shimpi as Managing Director, India to drive Hospitality growth and APAC expansion

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 15, 2026

The Access Group, one of the leading global providers of business management software, has announced the appointment of Shashikant Shimpi (Shashi) as Managing Director, India, for its Hospitality Division. The move marks an important step in the company’s APAC growth plans, with India being seen as a key market for both business expansion and technology development.

Shashi joined the company in May 2026 and will oversee The Access Group’s India operations. His role will focus on strengthening growth opportunities for STAAH, an Access company and one of the region’s hospitality technology platforms, while also supporting wider technology and innovation goals across APAC.

Bringing over 25 years of experience, Shashi has built a strong career in digital transformation, business growth, and client success. Over the years, he has established three Global Capability Centres from the ground up, scaling each to teams of more than a thousand professionals across multiple locations. Before joining The Access Group, he served as Global COO at RunDTC and also held leadership roles at Dentsu, Isobar, and Tata group companies.

Known for driving large-scale growth and creating long-term value, Shashi has experience in strategic planning, P&L management, and expanding businesses through both organic and inorganic growth. He was also recognised as Business Leader of the Year by the World Leadership Congress.

India continues to emerge as one of the fastest-growing travel and tourism markets globally. With both independent and chain hotels increasingly adopting modern technology to improve revenue management, distribution, and guest experiences, the company sees significant opportunity in the market. Through STAAH, The Access Group already has an established presence among hoteliers in India and plans to build further on that foundation with broader technology offerings.

Apart from market growth, India’s strong technology ecosystem and increasing expertise in AI-related fields make it an important location for future capability building. As part of his role, Shashi will also focus on developing strong talent that contributes to the division’s product and technology goals.

“India is an exciting near term growth market for us in the accommodation software space. Through STAAH, an Access company, we already have a substantial footprint with hoteliers across the country, and as we prepare to bring Access Evo to India, our AI-powered platform that empowers hospitality businesses to focus on what truly matters, from answering the biggest strategic questions to completing everyday tasks, having world-class leadership on the ground is critical. Shashi is exactly the right person to lead The Access Group in India," said Louise Daley, Head of Hospitality APAC, The Access Group.

Commenting on his appointment, Shashikant Shimpi, Managing Director, India, The Access Group, said, "Joining The Access Group at this point in its India journey is a tremendous opportunity. We have a strong foundation through STAAH, an Access company, and the broader Access platform opens up possibilities that support even greater options for our customers to grow their businesses and support their employees to do more. My priority will be to build a team that is deeply connected to The Access Group's mission, bring in the best talent India has to offer, and ensure our customers across the region have a technology partner they can genuinely rely on."

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