HRAWI's Pune Conclave Spotlights Hospitality Excellence

HRAWI's Pune Conclave Spotlights Hospitality Excellence

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on April 7, 2024

The Hotel And Restaurant Association (Western India) – HRAWI, in collaboration with the Poona Hoteliers Association (PHA), recently organized a significant conclave titled 'Empowering Hospitality' on Thursday, March 21, 2024. Held at the renowned Radisson Blu Hotel in Pune, this event brought together industry leaders to explore essential aspects of hospitality excellence.

The conclave featured insightful discussions on critical topics such as 'Fire Life Safety Strategies for Hotels' and 'Classification & Industry Status of Hotels.' Distinguished speakers, including Mr. Devendra Potphode, Chief Fire Officer, Pune, and Ms. Shama S. Pawar, Deputy Director, Pune, shared valuable insights drawn from their extensive experience.

Mr. Potphode emphasized the importance of fire safety in the hospitality sector, highlighting the need for adherence to evolving safety norms and the utilization of modern firefighting facilities. He stressed the significance of regular inspections and maintenance to ensure guest safety.

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Ms. Pawar discussed hotel classification and industry status, underscoring the benefits of audits and exploring states that have accorded industry status to the hospitality sector. These discussions aimed to foster excellence and innovation within the industry, aligning with HRAWI's commitment to promoting industry best practices.

The conclave also served as a platform to honor esteemed professionals for their outstanding contributions to the hospitality sector. Mr. Suresh Talera, President of Honour, PHA, received the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award for his exemplary dedication. Additionally, Mr. Amit Sharma, General Manager of Amanora The Fern, Pune, was recognized for his significant contributions to the hospitality landscape in Pune.

As the hospitality sector continues to evolve, events like the 'Empowering Hospitality' conclave play a crucial role in driving positive change and fostering collaboration within the industry. With a focus on excellence, safety, and sustainable growth, HRAWI remains committed to advancing the hospitality sector's standards and achieving new milestones of success.

In addition to Mr. Talera and Mr. Sharma, several other distinguished professionals were recognized for their exceptional contributions to the hospitality sector. Their dedication and commitment serve as inspirations for industry professionals, embodying the spirit of excellence and innovation.

As India's tourism sector continues to grow, it is essential to acknowledge and celebrate the achievements of industry stalwarts. HRAWI's forthcoming convention in Goa aims to propel growth and promote best practices nationwide, in line with India's aspirations of becoming a global tourism hub.


ibis Chennai Sipcot Hosts First-Ever Coffee Rave Experience

ibis Chennai Sipcot Hosts First-Ever Coffee Rave Experience

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on April 29, 2026

ibis Chennai Sipcot introduced a fresh take on morning gatherings with its first-ever Coffee Rave, bringing together specialty coffee, music, and social interaction in a lively setting. Held on April 26 from 7 AM, the event created a high-energy start to the day, offering guests an engaging and experience-driven way to begin their morning.

The concept reflects a growing shift in hospitality, where spaces are moving beyond traditional formats to create more interactive and community-led experiences. With this initiative, ibis Chennai Sipcot positions itself as an early adopter of lifestyle-driven programming that blends culture, creativity, and social connection.

Designed especially for Chennai’s young professionals, millennials, and Gen Z audiences, Coffee Rave taps into the city’s rising interest in experiences that feel active and engaging. The format encourages guests to connect, interact, and be part of a shared environment, rather than simply unwind passively.

“Coffee Rave reflects our strategic approach to reimagining hospitality through an experiential lens creating culturally relevant moments that resonate with today’s urban audience while naturally driving stronger engagement and brand recall. It’s about building a consistent rhythm where culture, community, and everyday interactions come together to deliver experiences that feel both fresh and meaningful,” said Tejus Jose, Director of Operations - ibis & ibis Styles India.

Adding to this, Parvez, Cluster General Manager, ibis Chennai Sipcot and ibis Chennai City Centre, shared, “At the property, there is a visible shift in how guests are choosing to engage with experiences, with growing interest in formats that encourage interaction, collective engagement, and effortless participation. Coffee Rave, introduced as a one-of-its-kind concept at the property in line with emerging experiential trends, responds to this shift by bringing together music, coffee, and community in a morning setting that offers a different way of engaging with the space.”

The morning featured a series of curated experiences, starting with a dedicated coffee station serving both cold brews and classic hot beverages. Guests also explored a hands-on brewing zone, where they could learn the basics of coffee-making through simple, guided interactions, adding a personal and interactive touch to the event.

A live DJ set kept the energy high throughout, turning the space into a vibrant social hub. Guests were seen enjoying conversations over coffee, along with spontaneous moments on the floor, creating a lively atmosphere where music and social interaction blended naturally.

With initiatives like Coffee Rave, ibis Chennai Sipcot highlights a broader change in hospitality, where hotels are becoming spaces for culture and connection. As guest preferences continue to evolve, such formats show how everyday experiences can be turned into something more engaging and memorable.


Red Bowl Introduces Live Teppanyaki Dining in Vijayawada

Red Bowl Introduces Live Teppanyaki Dining in Vijayawada

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on April 29, 2026

Vijayawada has a new dining experience to look forward to this summer. Red Bowl at Novotel Vijayawada Varun has introduced its Teppanyaki Live Grill, bringing an interactive and live cooking concept to the city. The restaurant recently earned the title of “Best Restaurant in Vijayawada” at the 3rd South Edition of the Food Connoisseurs Awards, adding to its growing recognition.

Positioned as one of the first authentic Teppanyaki counters in Vijayawada, Red Bowl offers a live, cook-to-order experience where guests can watch their meals being prepared right in front of them. The concept adds a sense of engagement, making dining more than just a meal.

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“We wanted to turn dinner into an occasion with an authentic Teppanyaki experience, cooked live at the counter, creating a true chef-and-guest interaction that is perfect for families and celebrations,” shares Manish Pathak, Hotel Manager, Novotel Vijayawada Varun.

The highlight of the experience lies in the live grill, where chefs bring together flame, flavour and skill. Guests can enjoy premium proteins, fresh vegetables, and hibachi-style rice prepared with precision. Each dish is made fresh and can be customised to suit individual preferences, while still staying true to the traditional Japanese style of cooking.

The setting at Red Bowl complements the experience with its bold red interiors and clean, modern design. The Teppanyaki counters take centre stage, allowing guests to enjoy a front-row view of the action while dining in a comfortable and refined space.

Whether it is a family outing, a casual get-together, or a special celebration, Red Bowl’s Teppanyaki experience brings together good food, live action, and a lively atmosphere, offering something new for Vijayawada’s dining scene.


A Refreshing Summer Escape Awaits at Four Seasons Hotel Bengaluru

A Refreshing Summer Escape Awaits at Four Seasons Hotel Bengaluru

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on April 29, 2026

As the pink trumpet trees begin to bloom and the city glows in soft golden hues, Four Seasons Hotel Bengaluru welcomes guests to a thoughtfully curated summer experience. Blending international design with Indian heritage, this two-tower retreat reflects the charm of a “Garden City” oasis, offering a setting that feels both artistic and inviting. This season, the hotel brings its global “Summer Made Unforgettable” campaign to life with a unique Bengaluru touch.

At the centre of the celebrations is the “101 Days of Summer,” a special programme that captures the relaxed spirit of the season. A highlight here is The Summer Table Buffet Lunch at CUR8, where guests can explore live cooking stations and watch chefs at work. Mangoes take the spotlight across the menu, with creations such as Mango Saffron Bliss, Alphonso Mango kulfi and Aamrakhand. Refreshing drinks like Kokum, Aam Panna, and the Nandi Hills Spritz add a cooling touch to the experience.

The afternoons are designed for easy indulgence by the pool, where a vintage-style summer cart brings a familiar street-side charm. Guests can enjoy artisanal gelatos, including the Java Plum Promenade Sorbet and the Coastal Cream Magnum Bar, all while making the most of seamless resort credits. As evening sets in, the mood shifts to refined experiences, with creative cocktails at Copitas followed by Pan-Asian dining with sweeping views at Far & East.

The property itself feels like a living gallery, with art thoughtfully placed across spaces and a rotating collection that offers something new each time. On the 21st floor, guests are greeted with sweeping views of the city, where blooming trees and cool breezes create a calm atmosphere above the bustle below. The rooms, designed with glass walls and large windows, offer peaceful retreats, perfect for quiet mornings or relaxed evenings.

For those looking to explore, the concierge team curates experiences that showcase the essence of Bengaluru, from the grandeur of Vidhana Soudha to the lively lanes of KR Market filled with colour and fragrance.

“Summer in Bengaluru is a season of unique beauty. We invite guests to a refreshing homecoming to fully relax this season with Summer Made Unforgettable at Four Seasons Hotel Bengaluru. The curated artistry, Infuse Spa, poolside escapes and the nostalgic flavours of our '101 Days of Summer' culinary program, we have designed every experience to flow like a gentle breeze” says Biswajit Chakraborty, General Manager, Four Seasons Hotel Bengaluru

To complete the experience, Infuse Spa offers a calm and restorative escape. Guests can choose from Indian-inspired therapies such as Revitalise and Saundarya, or enjoy the signature Flowers at Four Seasons ritual. Designed as a peaceful sanctuary, the spa helps guests unwind and carry a sense of balance beyond their stay.

Bringing together relaxation, dining, and exploration, Four Seasons Hotel Bengaluru creates a summer experience that is easy, memorable, and deeply refreshing.

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