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By Nithyakala Neelakandan
Published on July 17, 2024
The Indian Consulate in Seattle has launched new visa application centres in Seattle and Bellevue, providing full visa and passport services to individuals traveling to India. The inauguration was attended by notable figures, including Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell, Port Commissioner Sam Cho, and State Representative Vandana Slatter.
Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell, who handed out the first Indian passport and visa at the event, praised the Indian community's contributions to strengthening ties between India and the USA. Prakash Gupta, Consul General of India in Seattle, highlighted that the opening of these centres demonstrates the Indian government’s commitment to deepening relationships with the Pacific Northwest states.
In addition to the Seattle centre, a drop-off facility in Bellevue has been established to make it easier for residents of the east side to access these services. Both centres are managed by VFS Global, the official visa services partner for the Indian government, ensuring efficient and streamlined processes for applicants.
These centres will benefit the large Indian diaspora in the consular jurisdiction, covering nine Pacific Northwestern states: Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Washington, and Wyoming. Consul General Gupta emphasized that these facilities aim to provide a convenient and efficient experience for all consular applicants.
The Seattle centre is equipped with modern amenities to offer a superior application experience. VFS Global has been a trusted partner of the Indian government since 2008, handling services like visa applications, OCI (Overseas Citizenship of India), passport services, and more. Amit Kumar Sharma, Head of VFS Global, expressed excitement about expanding their partnership with the Indian government and enhancing customer experience.
The opening of these centres follows the inauguration of the Indian Consulate in Seattle in November 2023. Consul General Gupta stated that providing smooth and efficient consular services is a top priority and welcomed feedback from applicants to further improve their operations.
With these new centres, the Indian Consulate aims to make the visa application process more accessible and convenient, thereby supporting the travel and consular needs of the Indian community in the greater Seattle area.
Image Credit: indiainseattle.gov.in
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By Manu Vardhan Kannan
Published on November 8, 2025
InterGlobe Enterprises has announced the grand opening of Miiro Spittelberg in Vienna, the latest addition to its expanding European hospitality portfolio under the lifestyle brand Miiro. Bookings are now open for stays beginning April 1, 2026, marking the brand’s second hotel in Vienna and sixth launch in less than eighteen months.
Located in the charming Spittelberg district, known for its cobblestoned lanes, artisan boutiques, and vibrant cafés, Miiro Spittelberg offers guests a playful yet refined retreat just steps away from the Museum Quartier and other cultural landmarks. The hotel features 132 elegantly designed rooms and suites, adorned with warm neutrals, bold colour accents, and soft lighting. Each room embodies Miiro’s signature “Brilliantly Considered” design philosophy, offering plush beds, rainfall showers, reading nooks, and Le Labo toiletries.
The hotel’s dining and bar experience reflects a seamless transition from day to night, rooted in European café culture and infused with an Italian spirit that encourages both quiet indulgence and lively gatherings. Guests can also enjoy additional spaces including a library, a 24-hour gym, and Miiro’s signature Refresh Room.
Speaking on the occasion, Neena Gupta, CEO of Miiro and Executive Director of Group Strategy and International Hospitality at InterGlobe Enterprises, said,
“With the opening of Miiro Spittelberg, we continue to strengthen our presence in Europe’s most culturally rich cities. The hotel reflects our commitment to creating immersive, design-led experiences that truly resonate with the spirit of each neighbourhood. Following successful openings in Paris, Barcelona, Gstaad, and London, we are excited to bring Miiro’s brand promise of ‘Brilliantly Considered Stays’ to Vienna and continue our expansion.”
To celebrate the opening, Miiro Spittelberg is offering an exclusive launch offer, 20% off the best available rate along with a €30 on-site credit. Bookings can be made at www.miirohotels.com/spittelberg.
Launched in 2024, Miiro has quickly emerged as a collection of design-led hotels that embody the local charm, culture, and character of Europe’s most sought-after neighbourhoods. With properties already open in Paris, Barcelona, London, Gstaad, and Vienna, and several new launches in the pipeline, Miiro continues to redefine contemporary hospitality through immersive and experiential stays. InterGlobe’s wider international portfolio also includes hotels in Amsterdam, Munich, Prague, Budapest, Hamburg, and Melbourne, further cementing its global presence in hospitality.
Published on November 6, 2025
Royal Caribbean has announced its next-level lineup of Caribbean adventures for 2027–28, offering travelers year-round opportunities to explore the tropics from Florida. Starting April 2027, the cruise line will feature an array of 2- to 8-night Caribbean vacations, including 7-night voyages on the spectacular Star of the Seas and the newly amplified Harmony of the Seas from Port Canaveral (Orlando). Guests can also enjoy Oasis Class short getaways aboard Utopia of the Seas from Port Canaveral and Wonder of the Seas from Miami.
Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas, its newest icon of vacations, will sail 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean adventures from Port Canaveral with stops at the cruise line’s top-rated private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay in The Bahamas. The upcoming itineraries also mark Royal Caribbean’s grand return to Samaná in the Dominican Republic, where guests can enjoy scenic hikes, whale watching, and relaxing on pristine beaches.
The 2027–28 lineup extends to three Florida homeports, Port Canaveral, Miami, and Tampa, making island-hopping across the Caribbean and The Bahamas easier than ever. Travelers can look forward to visiting exciting destinations such as Royal Beach Club Paradise Island in Nassau and Royal Beach Club Cozumel in Mexico. In addition, Royal Caribbean’s much-anticipated Perfect Day Mexico will debut in late 2027, expanding its collection of ultimate beach destinations.
From Port Canaveral, Star of the Seas will continue to deliver world-class family vacations with more than 40 dining and entertainment experiences, including “Back to the Future: The Musical” and the largest waterpark at sea. Utopia of the Seas will cater to travelers seeking weekend escapes with 3- and 4-night voyages featuring stops at Perfect Day at CocoCay and the new Royal Beach Club Paradise Island.
The refreshed Harmony of the Seas, post its 2026 amplification, will sail 7-night adventures to St. Thomas, St. Maarten, and Jamaica, along with visits to Royal Caribbean’s beach clubs. Guests can unwind on the new Caribbean-themed pool deck or enjoy tropical drinks at The Lime & Coconut.
From Miami, Wonder of the Seas will operate short 3- and 4-night getaways to The Bahamas, featuring Perfect Day at CocoCay and access to Royal Beach Club Paradise Island. Meanwhile, Radiance of the Seas from Tampa will offer a mix of 4- to 8-night Western Caribbean itineraries, including visits to Royal Beach Club Cozumel.
With its combination of new destinations, upgraded ships, and beach club experiences, Royal Caribbean continues to redefine the Caribbean cruise experience for travelers seeking unforgettable vacations.
Chef Satyajeet Mondal has stepped into a new chapter of his culinary journey as the Cluster Executive Chef of Taj Hotels in Bhutan, where he will lead and oversee the kitchens at Taj Paro Resort & Spa and Taj Gangtey Resort & Spa.
Chef Satyajeet’s love for the kitchen began in 2007 during his internship at The Clark Hotels. What started as curiosity soon turned into a lifelong passion for the culinary arts. His early professional years were spent learning the ropes as a commis chef with renowned brands like Radisson, Cosmic Kitchen (Choko La by Hero MotoCorp), The Grand New Delhi, and The Lalit Suri Hospitality Group, experiences that helped shape his skill, precision, and creativity.
In 2014, he joined Accor Hotels as a Demi Chef de Partie, marking a key step in his growth as a professional. His career continued to rise through the kitchens of JW Marriott and Marriott Hotels, where he earned appreciation for his leadership, discipline, and ability to innovate with flavour and presentation. His journey eventually led him to become Sous Chef, a role that reflected his growing expertise and vision.
By 2021, Chef Satyajeet took on a new challenge at Sheraton Grand Palace Indore as Chef de Cuisine, where he guided his team with creativity, structure, and a deep focus on delivering memorable dining experiences. His leadership style combines hands-on mentorship with an understanding of how local tastes can inspire global flavours.
Before his current role, he headed the kitchens at Le Méridien Paro Riverfront, Bhutan, where he built strong ties with local produce and Bhutanese culinary traditions. Now, as Cluster Executive Chef for Taj Paro Resort & Spa and Taj Gangtey Resort & Spa, he continues to celebrate local ingredients while blending refined techniques and global influences.
Known for his meticulous approach and passion for nurturing teams, Chef Satyajeet brings a vision that reflects both artistry and authenticity. With his arrival, Taj Hotels in Bhutan welcome a chef whose focus on innovation, local essence, and culinary excellence promises to elevate every dining experience.
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