Sterling Holiday Resorts, a leading name in experiential holidays, has launched its latest ‘Discoveries & Experiences’ (D&E) initiative, “Soil to Soul,” at Sterling Wayanad. Nestled amidst Kerala’s lush plantations and spice gardens, this immersive Farm-to-Fork experience celebrates sustainable tourism, local culture, and authentic culinary traditions.

The “Soil to Soul” journey takes guests on a half-day exploration through organic farms and spice plantations, offering a firsthand understanding of Wayanad’s agricultural heritage. Participants engage with local farmers, learn about paddy cultivation, coffee, and spice farming, and harvest fresh produce. The experience culminates in a hands-on cooking session led by Sterling’s expert chefs, where guests use the fresh produce they have harvested to prepare traditional Kerala dishes using time-honoured methods.

Adding depth to the journey, guests also interact with indigenous Wayanad communities, whose stories and food traditions bring authenticity to the experience. Visitors take home handcrafted spice packs and recipe cards, extending their connection to Kerala’s food culture beyond their stay.

“With ‘Soil to Soul,’ we want our guests to go beyond the conventional holiday, to connect with the land, people, and stories that make Wayanad special,” said Harinath Mohanasundaram, Senior Vice President – Marketing, Sterling Holiday Resorts. “It’s a celebration of food, culture, and sustainability, and a meaningful addition to our growing D&E portfolio.”

Sterling’s Discoveries & Experiences platform offers guests curated, locally rooted engagements that bring each destination to life. At Sterling Wayanad, travellers can also enjoy guided nature walks and bird-watching trails, or explore the resort’s collaboration with Uravu, a local NGO that promotes bamboo craftsmanship and tribal livelihoods, each experience designed to build authentic connections with the region’s ecology and culture.

Through “Soil to Soul” and other D&E initiatives, Sterling Holiday Resorts reinforces its commitment to sustainable and experiential travel in India, offering guests memorable journeys that truly go from farm to fork, from Soil to Soul.

This Diwali, JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar celebrates the festival of lights with a special act of giving that beautifully blends hospitality with heart. In a heartfelt collaboration with Salaam Baalak Trust, an NGO dedicated to empowering street and working children, the hotel hosted a meaningful ladoo-making activity to spread joy, inclusion, and festive warmth.

Children from Salaam Baalak Trust were welcomed into the hotel’s kitchen, where they spent the day alongside JW Marriott’s talented culinary team learning the art of preparing traditional Diwali sweets. The experience was filled with laughter, learning, and celebration, bringing alive the true essence of Diwali, one of togetherness and compassion.

Through this thoughtful initiative, JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar reaffirmed its commitment to community-driven hospitality, using its platform to inspire meaningful connections and foster social impact. The event reflected the brand’s belief that true celebration goes beyond decoration, it lies in touching lives and creating memories that last.

As the hotel glows with the light of a thousand diyas, it also illuminates something even brighter, the smiles and hopes of young hearts, reminding everyone that the spirit of Diwali shines brightest when shared with others.

As rising costs challenge India’s hospitality sector, The LaLiT Hotels, Palaces and Resorts stands out for proving that purpose and profit can grow together. Proudly inspired by the Make in India spirit, the brand has built a model where conscious business practices rooted in Indian values create both social impact and steady growth.

At the centre of this approach is The LaLiT Loyalty 2.0, a reimagined loyalty program that’s more than just about offers and rewards. In partnership with Points for Good, guests can now donate their loyalty points to meaningful social causes. Every stay becomes a chance to make a small but powerful difference.

“Loyalty programs have long been seen as a cost to manage,” says Mr. Rakesh Mitra, Chief Financial Officer at The LaLiT Suri Hospitality Group. “But we see them as an investment in brand trust and emotional connection. When a guest aligns with our inclusive philosophy, their loyalty deepens far beyond financial rewards. That’s brand capital that grows exponentially.”

The impact of this thinking is already visible. Over the next few years, the brand expects stronger guest retention and higher engagement across its hotels, restaurants, and events. Guests are showing that they value brands that stand for something bigger than transactions.

But The LaLiT’s story goes beyond numbers. Guided by its People First philosophy, the group’s focus on inclusive hiring, sustainability, and community empowerment has become its guiding principle. This approach not only strengthens the workforce and reduces attrition but also builds emotional trust with guests who see the brand as a force for good.

“Our approach isn’t about competing on price,” adds Mr. Mitra. “It’s about creating genuine value. When a guest knows their stay supports local livelihoods or sustainability efforts, it’s no longer just a hotel booking, it’s participation in a shared purpose.”

This mindset also shapes The LaLiT’s business direction. The group continues to expand steadily through financial discipline, debt reduction, and an asset-light growth model, ensuring progress without compromising its values. It’s a sustainable way to grow, balancing profitability with long-term brand resilience.

Looking ahead, The LaLiT aims to take Loyalty 2.0 to new heights by building partnerships with airlines, fintechs, and lifestyle brands. These collaborations will create a wider ecosystem of engagement, giving guests more ways to connect with causes that matter to them.

As India’s hospitality industry faces tighter margins and greater competition, The LaLiT is proving that business success doesn’t have to come at the cost of purpose. It’s showing that in today’s world, doing good is also good business.