Four Seasons Bengaluru Hosts an Exquisite Evening with Cigar Maestro Rocky Patel

Four Seasons Bengaluru Hosts an Exquisite Evening with Cigar Maestro Rocky Patel

By Nishang Narayan

Published on January 29, 2025

Four Seasons Hotel Bengaluru recently set the stage for an unforgettable evening of luxury and refinement at The Collection, its sophisticated venue known for premium whiskies. The exclusive soiree, curated by Cigar Conexion and hosted by General Manager Biswajit Chakraborty, featured none other than Rocky Patel, founder of the globally acclaimed Rocky Patel Premium Cigar Company.

Cigar aficionados were treated to an exceptional masterclass, sampling rare and limited-edition blends handpicked by Rocky Patel himself. Renowned as one of the foremost names in the premium cigar industry, Patel captivated the audience with his passion and expertise, sharing the intricate artistry behind his handcrafted creations. From the fertile soils of tobacco farms to the meticulous curing and blending process, each cigar told a story of timeless dedication to quality and craftsmanship.

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Curating exceptional experiences lies at the heart of Four Seasons’ hospitality. Collaborating with a renowned cigar connoisseur like Rocky Patel reflects our commitment to offering guests exclusive opportunities to engage with the very best in their craft, creating moments that are as unique as they are memorable,” remarked Biswajit Chakraborty, General Manager of Four Seasons Hotel Bengaluru.

Adding to the sentiment, Rocky Patel shared, “It’s an honour to share my love for cigars with such an esteemed audience in Bengaluru, a city known for its evolving tastes and appreciation for the finer things. Four Seasons Hotel Bengaluru embodies exceptional luxury hospitality, making it the perfect venue for an evening of this calibre.

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The luxurious ambiance of The Collection provided the ideal setting for the event, where each draw of Patel’s masterpieces became a celebration of camaraderie and craftsmanship. This collaboration not only highlighted Rocky Patel’s legacy in the world of cigars but also reinforced Four Seasons Hotel Bengaluru’s standing as a hub for exclusive, high-end experiences.

From rare flavors to unparalleled elegance, the evening was a testament to the art of indulgence, leaving guests with memories as rich as the cigars they savored.


Marriott to Bring Westin to Ludhiana with Vardhman Amrante

Marriott to Bring Westin to Ludhiana with Vardhman Amrante

By Nishang Narayan

Published on July 7, 2025

Marriott International has signed an agreement with Vardhman Amrante, an Oswal Group venture, to bring its premium wellness-focused Westin brand to Ludhiana. The Westin Ludhiana is slated to open in the last quarter of 2030, marking the brand’s debut in Punjab’s industrial and cultural hub.

Planned as part of a vibrant mixed-use development, the new hotel will feature 200 keys alongside retail outlets, a multiplex, and a gaming zone, adding fresh energy to Ludhiana’s growing urban landscape.

Highlighting Marriott’s strategic expansion into high-growth markets, Ranju Alex, regional vice president – South Asia, Marriott International, shared, “Through this collaboration, we aim to redefine guest service while unlocking Ludhiana’s potential. The Westin Ludhiana will empower guests to be the best version of themselves, maintaining their well-being even as they travel.”

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Echoing the excitement, Adish Oswal, chairman of Oswal Group, said, “We’re thrilled to partner with Marriott International to bring the acclaimed Westin brand to Ludhiana. This development is set to become a landmark, offering a wellness-driven luxury experience that matches the city’s growing stature as a regional powerhouse.”

The Westin Ludhiana promises a robust mix of experiences — from multiple dining venues and a chic Lobby Bar to the WestinWORKOUT Fitness Studio, Heavenly Spa by Westin, and an outdoor pool. Business and leisure travellers alike will benefit from the expansive banqueting spaces, lush outdoor lawns, and an exclusive Executive Club Lounge.

With its focus on holistic wellness, the upcoming hotel underscores Marriott’s continued commitment to cater to evolving traveller needs and further strengthen its footprint across India.


Hyatt Hotels to Sell Playa’s Real Estate Portfolio for $2 Billion

Hyatt Hotels to Sell Playa’s Real Estate Portfolio for $2 Billion

By Nishang Narayan

Published on July 5, 2025

Hyatt Hotels is doubling down on its asset-light strategy with a major move—selling Playa Hotels’ real estate portfolio to Tortuga Resorts for $2 billion. This follows Hyatt’s acquisition of Playa in February for $2.6 billion, including debt. Playa operates 24 luxury all-inclusive resorts across Mexico, Jamaica, and the Dominican Republic.

The sale covers 15 of Playa’s resort assets, effectively reducing Hyatt’s net purchase price for the remaining Playa business to around $555 million. The deal, still pending regulatory nods in Mexico, is expected to close before the end of 2025.

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As part of the arrangement, Hyatt and Tortuga will enter into 50-year agreements for these properties, allowing Hyatt to continue managing the resorts. Thirteen of the resorts will operate under Hyatt’s standard management fee structures, with two under separate agreements.

Hyatt CEO Mark Hoplamazian called the move transformational, noting it turns the Playa acquisition into a fully asset-light transaction. "It also ramps up our fee-based earnings," he added. Hyatt now anticipates its asset-light earnings mix could hit at least 90% by 2027.

Analysts view the swift real estate divestment positively, seeing it as a smart way for Hyatt to stay nimble while bolstering returns. Proceeds from this deal will primarily go toward repaying loans taken to finance the Playa buyout.


Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach Earns Green Key Certification

Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach Earns Green Key Certification

By Nishang Narayan

Published on July 5, 2025

Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach, a flagship Accor property, has proudly announced that it has been awarded the Green Key Certification, a globally recognised eco-label that underscores excellence in sustainable tourism and hospitality.

Granted by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE)—one of the world’s leading environmental education organisations and recognised by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC)—the certification marks a significant milestone in the hotel’s ongoing efforts to integrate eco-friendly practices without compromising guest comfort or luxury.

Lakshmi Sridhar, General Manager, Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach, said, “At Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach, we believe that sustainability is not just a responsibility, but a way of life. Being Green Key certified reinforces our commitment to offering eco-conscious experiences that align with global environmental standards.”

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The hotel has rolled out various impactful initiatives, from using clean, renewable energy and implementing robust waste management practices to driving water conservation, enhancing energy efficiency, and sustainably sourcing products. These measures are designed to benefit not only the environment but also the local community.

As travel trends increasingly lean towards conscious luxury and responsible tourism, this certification positions Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach as a leader in sustainable hospitality in India.

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