Galentine’s, Rewritten: Five Trips, Five Moods, One Unbreakable Girl Code

Galentine’s, Rewritten: Five Trips, Five Moods, One Unbreakable Girl Code

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on February 14, 2026

Flowers wilt. Chocolates disappear. But the friendships that have survived bad haircuts, questionable exes and group chats that should never see daylight? Those deserve something bigger. This is Galentine’s with altitude, adrenaline, spa robes and shared stories you’ll retell for years. Here are five destinations, five moods and one unbreakable girl code.

Ras Al Khaimah: For the Friends Who Push You to New Heights

For the thrill-seekers in the group, Ras Al Khaimah is pure playground energy. Start at Jebel Jais, the UAE’s highest peak, where crisp air and sweeping views set the tone. Then comes the ultimate bonding test, the world’s longest zipline, where you’ll soar at speeds of nearly 120 km/h, screaming, laughing and questioning your life choices together.

After the adrenaline rush, refuel at 1484 by Puro, the UAE’s highest restaurant. Share plates, replay the zipline footage in slow motion and collectively agree that yes, you were incredibly brave.

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Galentine’s takeaway: Trust is letting your best friend strap you into a harness and promising it’s safe.

Phulay Bay, Krabi: A Vow Renewal, But Make It Friendship

At Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, stillness becomes the shared language. Begin mornings with sunrise yoga overlooking the Andaman Sea. Spend afternoons drifting between spa rituals and barefoot beach picnics. Snorkel over coral gardens or simply exist in that rare, peaceful silence only true friendship allows.

As dusk falls, gather for a candlelit dinner by the ocean. No grand declarations required, just a quiet promise to keep choosing each other, no matter where life leads.

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Galentine’s takeaway: Romance is optional. Loyalty is not.

Tokyo Skytree: Because You’ve Come Too Far to Stay Grounded

Some friendships are built on ambition and evolution. At Tokyo Skytree, ascend above the city and watch Tokyo stretch endlessly below. It’s the kind of place that invites reflection, on hostel dorm days, first jobs and every chaotic chapter in between.

Mark the moment with dinner at Sky Restaurant 634 (Musashi). Raise a toast to growth, grit and the women who have witnessed every version of you and stayed.

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Galentine’s takeaway: Elevation hits differently when shared.

Kenya: The OG Crew and the Big Five

For the friends who’ve known you since before the glow-ups, Kenya offers something raw and unforgettable. Picture sunrise game drives in Maasai Mara, scanning the horizon for lions, wrapped in blankets and disbelief. In Amboseli National Park, elephants cross your path with Mount Kilimanjaro standing impossibly still behind them.

Mornings begin with strong Kenyan coffee. Afternoons dissolve into bush lunches and golden-hour sundowners. Safari strips away distractions, it’s just land, sky and the women who’ve seen every version of you.

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Galentine’s takeaway: The real luxury isn’t the lodge. It’s the history you share.

Seychelles: Soft Life, Strong Friendships

For the beach-loving crew, Seychelles is pure soft life energy. Lounge on Anse Lazio or Anse Intendance, where powdery sand meets impossibly blue waters. Wander through Vallée de Mai beneath ancient palms and discover the iconic Coco de Mer.

Snorkel at Anse Source d'Argent, hop on a catamaran between islands and end the day with barefoot dinners under the stars. No emails. No rush. Just time, the rarest luxury of all.

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Galentine’s takeaway: Some friendships don’t need adventure. They just need turquoise water and time.

The Twist

Galentine’s isn’t about replacing romance, it’s about honouring the friendships that often last the longest. These trips are affirmations: of bravery, of loyalty, of choosing each other again and again.

This year, skip the clichés. Book the flight. Plan the adventure. Order the extra dessert.

Because girl code? That’s forever.


Novotel Cairo Airport Joins Hands with Egyptian Clothing Bank to Support Community

Novotel Cairo Airport Joins Hands with Egyptian Clothing Bank to Support Community

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on March 3, 2026

Hospitality is not just about service, it is also about giving back. Novotel Cairo Airport has partnered with the Egyptian Clothing Bank, a well-known charitable organisation that provides clothing to families in need across Egypt.

As part of this initiative, two donation boxes have been placed within the hotel premises, allowing both guests and staff to contribute clothing and directly support those who need it most. The effort offers a simple yet impactful way for the hotel community to come together and make a real difference.

Sharing his thoughts on the collaboration, Mr. Atta El Dessouky, General Manager, said, “At Novotel Cairo Airport, we believe true hospitality extends beyond our doors. Partnering with the Egyptian Clothing Bank allows us to support families in need and contribute to initiatives that have a real, positive impact on society.”

The partnership reflects the hotel’s ongoing commitment to social responsibility and community care. By supporting initiatives that uplift people and strengthen society, Novotel Cairo Airport continues to extend its role beyond hospitality and into meaningful community engagement.

The hotel looks forward to participating in similar initiatives in the future and remains committed to supporting causes that create lasting, positive change.


Chef Keshav Kumar Chaudhary Appointed as Assistant Chef at Sahib & Dhaba Restaurant, New York

Chef Keshav Kumar Chaudhary Appointed as Assistant Chef at Sahib & Dhaba Restaurant, New York

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on March 3, 2026

Sahib & Dhaba Restaurant has announced the appointment of Chef Keshav Kumar Chaudhary as Assistant Chef, strengthening its culinary leadership in New York. An experienced hospitality professional, Chef Keshav brings a strong mix of creativity, operational knowledge, and team management to the restaurant’s growing kitchen team.

Known for his innovative approach and hands-on leadership style, Chef Keshav has built a reputation for creating diverse menus that reflect changing guest preferences while maintaining quality and consistency. In his current role at Sahib & Dhaba Restaurant, he has played a key role in improving customer satisfaction through high food standards, appealing presentation, and smooth kitchen operations in a fast-paced setting.

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Sharing his thoughts on the new role, Chef Keshav Kumar Chaudhary said, “It is an honor to be part of Sahib & Dhaba Restaurant in New York. My focus is to combine authentic flavors with modern culinary techniques while maintaining consistency and excellence in every dish. I look forward to contributing to the restaurant’s growth and delivering memorable dining experiences to our guests.”

Before joining Sahib & Dhaba Restaurant, Chef Keshav served as Executive Chef at Compass Group, where he was responsible for training and developing kitchen teams through structured programs, performance reviews, and leadership support. He also ensured discipline and professionalism across operations while maintaining strict compliance with health department regulations. His role included designing cost-effective menus, controlling food expenses, managing inventory, and overseeing overall kitchen and business operations.

Earlier in his career, Chef Keshav gained valuable experience with leading hospitality brands in India, including The Westin Gurgaon, The Leela Ambience Convention Hotel, Hilton Jaipur, and Kempinski Ambience Hotel. His professional journey also includes roles at Radisson Blu Hotel Greater Noida, Sahara Aamby Valley City, The Dukes Retreat, and TGI Fridays Gurgaon.

With his strong background, leadership skills, and passion for excellence, Chef Keshav Kumar Chaudhary is set to play an important role in further enhancing Sahib & Dhaba Restaurant’s presence in New York’s competitive dining landscape.


Amber India Unveils Holi Special Menu at Indian Restaurant Week San Francisco

Amber India Unveils Holi Special Menu at Indian Restaurant Week San Francisco

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on March 3, 2026

Amber India has launched an exclusive Holi Special Menu as part of Indian Restaurant Week San Francisco, bringing the festive energy of Holi to the Bay Area through a refined yet joyful culinary showcase.

Curated under the leadership of Specialty Chef Ram Pratap Singh Kushwah, the limited-edition menu celebrates the festival of colors by blending traditional Indian flavours with modern techniques. The result is a dining experience that feels festive, thoughtful, and rooted in contemporary Indian gastronomy.

Inspired by the warmth and vibrancy of Holi, the menu unfolds like a celebration on the plate. The experience begins with an Amuse-Bouche featuring Tandoori Avocado Chaat, Khandvi, and Paniyaram. This opening course sets the tone with colour, texture, and a nod to India’s diverse regional kitchens.

The Appetizer Course offers guests the option to choose between vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. Vegetarian selections include Asparagus Dahi Kebab & Malabari Mushroom, known for their balanced flavours and gentle spice notes. For non-vegetarian diners, the menu features Tandoori Chimichurri Chicken Breast & Prawn Pepper Fry, combining classic tandoor elements with bold coastal influences.

The Entrée Course draws inspiration from royal Indian culinary traditions. Vegetarian diners can enjoy Royal Awadhi Paneer, where cottage cheese is served in a pumpkin-infused gravy enriched with cream, nuts, and aromatic spices. Non-vegetarian highlights include Awadhi Lamb Chops, slow-cooked in a brown onion and yogurt-based sauce, and Kashmiri Murgh Gustaba, featuring tender chicken meatballs simmered in a smooth, mildly spiced yogurt gravy. These mains are paired with Dal Amber, a curated Bread Basket, and fragrant Zaffrani Pulao, completing the experience.

Desserts bring the celebration to a graceful close with Elaneer Pudding and Mango Kulfi Tiramisu, blending familiar Indian flavours with a modern presentation.

Speaking about the special menu, Chef Ram Pratap Singh Kushwah said:

“Holi is a celebration of colors, togetherness, and joy. With this menu, we wanted every dish to reflect those emotions, vibrant ingredients, bold flavors, and a balance of tradition with creativity. Our aim is to give guests an experience that feels festive, nostalgic, and exciting all at once.”

With this Holi Special Menu, Amber India continues to strengthen its presence in the Bay Area dining scene, offering guests a festive journey that celebrates culture, colour, and Indian culinary artistry during Indian Restaurant Week San Francisco.

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