Hyatt Regency Chennai has announced the appointment of Pankaj Behl as its new Director of Rooms, a move that strengthens the hotel’s leadership team and reaffirms its focus on exceptional guest service and operational excellence.

Behl, with over 14 years of experience across leading hospitality brands including Hyatt, Marriott, IHG, Starwood, and Taj, brings with him a stellar reputation for enhancing service delivery, driving innovation, and mentoring high-performing teams. His past roles have seen him lead operations at flagship properties, contributing significantly to both guest satisfaction and brand positioning.

In his most recent role at Andaz Delhi and Hyatt Delhi Residences, Behl was responsible for 401 rooms and luxury serviced residences, supported by a team of over 150 associates. His leadership helped the property attain a 98% room cleaning YTD score, top-tier green zone audit results, and accolades such as Department of the Year and Leader of the Year (2022).

Currently also serving as the Area Guest Experience Specialist – West Region for Hyatt Hotels Corporation, Behl has been instrumental in implementing guest insight programs, enhancing CES and NPS metrics, and conducting hotel audits across 11 Hyatt hotels.

Speaking about his appointment, Behl said, “Joining Hyatt Regency Chennai as Director of Rooms is a proud milestone in my professional journey. I believe that every moment of the guest experience counts, and I look forward to leading a team that strives for excellence, consistency, and heartfelt hospitality at every touchpoint.”

Earlier in his career, Behl held senior roles at The Westin Sohna Resort & Spa, Crowne Plaza Today Gurugram, JW Marriott, The Leela, and Taj Bengal, where he led major operational improvements and championed training, sustainability, and guest satisfaction.

In his new role, Behl will oversee front office, housekeeping, guest services, and residences, with a clear focus on service excellence, workflow enhancement, and building a team culture rooted in care, accountability, and memorable guest experiences.

Raksha Bandhan is more than just a festival. It's a tribute to the sibling who's been your sparring partner, your secret-keeper, and your biggest cheerleader through every triumph and tantrum. It's about the quiet strength of sibling love, those inside jokes that never grow old, and the timeless promise to show up for each other. This year, skip the usual sweets and impersonal vouchers. Whether you're shopping for a skincare-obsessed sister, a well-dressed brother, or picking something special for yourself, here's a curated guide of thoughtful gifts that celebrate the relationship in all its beautiful, chaotic glory.

For Both: Experiences That Go Beyond the Expected

1. Why Tie a Rakhi When You Can Eat One? Fantasie's Limited-Edition Rakshabandhan Range Is Here

This Raksha Bandhan, Fantasie Fine Chocolates brings a delicious dose of nostalgia with a festive collection that blends tradition with timeless taste. With over 75 years of chocolate-making expertise, the brand is marking the occasion with a range of edible Rakhis and chocolate bars designed to make sibling gifting a little more thoughtful and a lot more indulgent.

The edible Rakhi collection features handcrafted pieces made with pure milk chocolate, rich 70 percent dark, and rare variants like white, ruby and blond chocolate. For a more classic option, Fantasie's Raksha Bandhan chocolate bars come in crowd-pleasing flavours such as roasted almond, fruit and nut, and cashew crunch.

All products are made with high-quality ingredients using generations-old recipes. The result is a collection that feels familiar yet festive, with just the right amount of indulgence for the occasion.

Available on: Swiggy and Zomato
Order directly at:
022 2207 1229
75060 69980
Website: www.fantasiefinechocolate.com 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fantasiefinechocolates/?hl=en

2. Deep Tissue Couple Session at Dessange

You've both earned a break from the festive chaos. A deep tissue massage at Dessange will melt away the stress, whether gifted solo or shared as a sibling bonding session. Add a mani-pedi for a full blown pampering session, a moment to reconnect or simply recharge side by side.

3. HydraFacial at Arisia Skin Clinic

Is glowing skin on the wishlist? Let's be honest, it always is! For the sibling who's always camera-ready, this cult-favourite facial delivers instant radiance with no downtime. Perfect for festive selfies or wedding season prep, it's a gift that ensures they shine as brightly as they do in your life, with results that speak for themselves.

4. Glutathione IV Therapy at Dr. Bindu Sthalekar's Clinic, Skin Smart Solutions

For the wellness junkie who's always chasing that inner glow, this high-performance IV drip detoxifies, evens skin tone, and boosts energy. It's a thoughtful way to support their post-festive reset. A gift that truly gives back, long after the rakhi is untied.

5. Coffeeverse

Those late-night chats over steaming cups, stolen café moments, or mornings spent laughing over nothing. Coffeeverse's trio of offerings is crafted for siblings whose connection is steeped in these moments. The Bialetti Moka Pot Classic, an Italian legend since 1933, brews rich, soulful espresso, perfect for recreating those late-night chats or cozy breakfasts together. The Hario V60 Ceramic Coffee Dripper, sleek and precise, transforms your pour-over ritual. And the Bialetti Dolce & Gabbana Moka Pot, a stunning fusion of Bialetti's heritage and Dolce & Gabbana's bold aesthetic, is a showpiece that elevates your kitchen and your sibling coffee dates, making every brew a celebration of your bond.                  

For Brothers: 

1. Treasures by Tiara – Ocean Star Cufflinks

You've seen him steal the show at every family function, suited up and effortlessly charming. These handcrafted starfish cufflinks are your way of adding a spark of personality to his polished looks. Their subtle whimsy, perfect for boardrooms or festive dinners, mirrors his ability to balance seriousness with a playful streak. A keepsake that'll remind him of you every time he wears them.

2.  The Crescent Ring by Oropel

This gold signet ring from Oropel, customisable with a crest or initial, is a nod to your brothers strength and individuality. Its blend of heritage craftsmanship and modern finesse feels like a tribute to the bond you both cherish, making it a gift that grows more meaningful with time.

3. Scarters – Watch Case

You know he's meticulous; his watch collection is proof. This sleek 3-slot watch case from scarters, crafted with Mindful Microfibre™ and plush velvet, is your way of supporting his obsession with style and order. Compact for his travels, elegant for his dresser, it's a practical yet refined gift that says, "I get you".

4. The Func Lab – Hydration Salty Berry

Be it gym sessions, late nights, or crushing it at work, he's always on the go. The Func Lab Hydration Salty Berry mix is your way of keeping him fuelled without slowing him down. This antioxidant-packed hydration mix's bold berry flavour turns a post-workout boost into a ritual, a small but thoughtful gesture for the brother who's always pushing forward, just like you've seen him do your whole life.

5. Gifting Concierge - Health Freak Hamper

You've teased him about his protein shakes, but you admire his discipline. This hamper, brimming with high-protein snacks and clean indulgences, is curated for the brother who lifts as hard as he lives. Customise it with his favourite treats that fuel his goals and reminds him you're cheering him on, even through the sibling roasts.

6. Wisdom Fragrances- FOUGERE & WOODS - Masculine Mystique

You've seen him lead, push through, and stay sharp under pressure, even if you still joke about his obsession with being perfect. RULER is the fragrance for the brother who's built differently. With fresh, fougère, and woody notes, this long-lasting scent is strong without being overpowering. It stays with him through long days, late nights, and everything in between. Gift it as a quiet nod to his focus, his drive, and the way he always shows up. This one's for the brother who rules with calm, not noise.

For Sisters: Beauty, Bling & Everything In Between:

1. Oropel – Gulabi Studs (Sajra Studs)

She's the one who makes every occasion sparkle, and these 14K gold studs, with blush enamel and heart-shaped diamonds, are the perfect gift for her. Their delicate charm transitions from festive brunches to late-night dates, just like she does with ease. A gift that captures her radiance and reminds her you see her shine, always.

2. NOYO – Luxe Kaftans

You've seen her turn lounging into an art form, and these breezy kaftans are her new go-to. Crafted from soft, breathable fabrics, they're perfect for slow mornings or jet-setting to her next getaway. Their effortless elegance matches her ability to make every moment chic, a gift that feels like a hug from you.

3. Beauty by Bie – Anti-Pigmentation Kit

Her skincare routine is practically a religion and Beauty by BiE's Anti Pigmentation kit, featuring Superpower Eternal Youth Cream, O2WOW Mask, and Halo Face Oil, is the perfect gift. Designed to even skin tone and enhance radiance, it delivers visible results, making it a ritual she'll treasure. It's your way of saying you admire her commitment to herself, inside and out.

4. SUYU – Shine All Over Gift Box

She's all about clean beauty with real results, and this thoughtfully curated superfood-powered set delivers. With a Raspberry Body Scrub, Grapefruit Body Oil, Bakuchiol Mask, and Night Elixir, it's a sensorial escape that aligns with her values. A gift that pampers her skin and soul, just like she's always nurtured yours.

5. House of Makeup – Hot Glossip & Pearly Glow Liquid Highlighter

The makeup bag upgrades she didn't know she needed. Her makeup game is always on point, and this chic, minimal and endlessly wearable duo takes it up a notch. Perfect for festive glam or everyday radiance, it's a gift that celebrates her effortless beauty, reminding her you notice the way she lights up every room.

6. Brillare – Saffron Swirl Gift Box

You know she cherishes her moments of self-care, and this Ayurvedic-inspired saffron-and-cardamom body care duo is her perfect way to help her unwind. Its nourishing formula soothes her skin and soul, making it a post-festive ritual that feels like a luxury.

7.  Gifting Concierge- Snack Hoarder Hamper

For the sister who loves food more than she loves you, this is the only hamper that makes sense. Packed with fries, chips, donuts, burgers, pizza, and her ride-or-die cheese dip, this board is basically her personality on a platter. Midnight cravings, post-work munchies, movie marathons, break-up comfort food, it covers it all. Customise it to her spice or chocolate love for a gift that's as bold and unapologetic as she is. 

This Rakhi, gift like you mean it. From glow-boosting beauty to luxe keepsakes and wellness experiences, this edit is about giving with thought, not just obligation. Because no one knows how to get on your nerves and steal your fries and your heart quite like a sibling does.

Crowne Plaza Lucknow, the landmark 50th property under IHG Hotels & Resorts in India, has welcomed Sachin Bhardwaj as its new Operations Manager, strengthening the hotel’s leadership as it continues to grow within the Indian hospitality market.

With a career spanning over 16 years, Sachin brings deep industry insight and a strong operational background to the role. Known for his strategic thinking and team-focused approach, he will be overseeing daily operations, driving brand standards, and enhancing the overall guest experience at the property.

Before joining Crowne Plaza Lucknow, Sachin worked with top hospitality names like Accor, Marriott, The Lalit, and IHG, where he held various key positions across renowned properties. His experience across multiple formats and markets has helped him master the art of delivering consistently high service standards and operational efficiency.

Strategically located on the Lucknow - Varanasi Road, Crowne Plaza Lucknow is designed to serve both business and leisure travellers, with a focus on providing modern comforts, thoughtful amenities, and a seamless experience aligned with the global Crowne Plaza promise.

Sharing his thoughts on the new role, Sachin Bhardwaj said,

“As I step into this role, my focus is on ensuring every guest's experience is exceptional and fostering a culture of excellence within the team. We strive to create moments that leave a lasting impression, and I am committed to working alongside a talented team to elevate Crowne Plaza Lucknow as a leading destination for hospitality.”

This appointment comes at a key moment for IHG, as it celebrates its 50th hotel milestone in India, underscoring the brand’s commitment to growth, guest satisfaction, and operational excellence. With Sachin at the helm of operations, the hotel is poised to set new benchmarks in service delivery in the region.