Sterling Holiday Resorts has announced the launch of Sterling Valley of Pine, Lansdowne, a boutique mountain retreat nestled amid dense pine forests near Gumkhal, marking the brand’s ninth resort in Uttarakhand. Designed as an off-the-grid escape, the property is aimed at travellers seeking slower, more meaningful stays surrounded by nature, with warm pinewood interiors, open terraces, and uninterrupted valley views.

All rooms feature private balconies overlooking forested landscapes, while select indulgent havens offer access to open terraces facing the pool and the valley beyond. The retreat is positioned for leisure holidays, workcations, leadership offsites, and intimate celebrations, while also fitting seamlessly into Sterling’s wider Uttarakhand circuit for drive-to travellers from Delhi NCR and Western Uttar Pradesh.

The guest experience revolves around food, togetherness, and time outdoors, supported by three signature spaces: Lans Café, an all-day dining venue with valley and garden views; Sky Social, an open-air terrace for sunset gatherings, bonfires, and small celebrations; and Sky Vista, a glass-walled meeting venue overlooking the forests, designed for focused offsites and workshops.

Commenting on the launch, Vikram Lalvani, Managing Director & CEO, Sterling Holiday Resorts, said the new property adds a calmer, more design-led dimension to Sterling’s mountain portfolio while strengthening its presence across Uttarakhand’s key destinations. Ms. Meghna Bhatnagar of Dev Bhoomi added that partnering with Sterling brings refined hospitality and national scale to their Lansdowne vision.

With curated regional cuisine, a swimming pool, wellness facilities, guided nature walks, bonfire evenings, and pet-friendly stays, Sterling Valley of Pine, Lansdowne offers a well-rounded forest retreat within easy driving distance of Rishikesh, Dehradun, Mussoorie, Nainital, and Jim Corbett National Park.

Toscano Restaurant has announced the appointment of Chef Dinesh Parshad Bhatt as its Cluster Chef, a move aimed at strengthening culinary leadership, consistency, and innovation across its restaurant portfolio.

 Chef Bhatt brings with him an extensive career spanning luxury hotels, fine-dining restaurants, and high-volume culinary operations in both India and international markets. Prior to joining Toscano, he served as Chef de Cuisine at Elements by Rosetta in Varca, Goa, and as Head Chef at Patang Re-Evolve Restaurant in Ahmedabad, where he led contemporary concepts and premium dining operations. His international exposure includes roles at Black Spoon Restaurant in Riyadh and multiple TDIC properties in Abu Dhabi, including Caramel Restaurant and Lounge, BOA Steakhouse, and Fanr at Saadiyat Island. His culinary expertise spans Modern Indian cuisine, Indian curries and tandoor, Italian fine dining, molecular gastronomy, American cuisine, tapas concepts, banquets, formal sit-down dinners, outdoor catering, and multi-ethnic buffets, reflecting a balance of tradition and modern global techniques.

In his role as Cluster Chef, Chef Bhatt will oversee pre-opening operations, kitchen setup and maintenance coordination, central kitchen production, supplier management, menu engineering with detailed food costing, staff training, audit compliance, and strict adherence to hygiene and food safety standards.

 Speaking on his appointment, Chef Dinesh Parshad Bhatt said, "I am honoured to join Toscano Restaurant as Cluster Chef. Toscano has built a strong reputation for quality and consistency, and I look forward to working closely with the team to create innovative menus, strengthen operational systems, and deliver memorable dining experiences that exceed guest expectations while maintaining the highest standards of hygiene and culinary excellence." With this appointment, Toscano Restaurant continues to reinforce its commitment to culinary innovation, operational discipline, and delivering world-class dining experiences across its locations.

Renowned Italian architect Stefano Tardito has received the Rēgula 2025 Award in the Hospitality category for his masterful restoration of the historic Borgo di Monchiero complex, now reimagined as Borgo Monchiero Heritage by Atmosphere, marking Atmosphere Core’s debut property in Italy.

 Presented at the 8th edition of the Rēgula | 100 Italian Projects Award in Milan, the honour recognises Tardito’s nuanced transformation of the 18th-century monastic and religious complex in Piedmont’s Langhe region, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, into a refined luxury hospitality destination.

 The jury cited the project as an exemplary balance of conservation and innovation, applauding its seamless integration of aesthetics, technology and historical authenticity while showcasing the depth of Italian architectural and cultural heritage. Reflecting on the recognition, Stefano Tardito said, "This is a truly ambitious project based on a delicate balance between conservation and enhancement, guided by authentic historical research and technological innovation. The result is a harmonious encounter between past and present that allows the monastery to preserve its historical authenticity while evolving into immersive and seductive spaces where guests can enjoy unique experiences. The Borgo will thus be reborn and become an exceptional narrator of its past".

The award has further heightened anticipation for the official opening of Borgo Monchiero Heritage by Atmosphere, which represents the first step in Atmosphere Core’s European expansion. Set on a hill overlooking vineyards and rolling landscapes, the property features 19 rooms converted from former monastic cells, an ancient private chapel repurposed for intimate ceremonies, a restaurant with a wine room dedicated to local cuisine, an elegant lounge bar in frescoed halls overlooking a panoramic swimming pool, and a distinctive wellness area housed within vaulted brick spaces and an old terracotta cistern. Owners Franco Giampetruzzi and Gian Maria Debenedetti welcomed the recognition, stating, “This recognition celebrates skilful restoration and conversion by architect Stefano Tardito and enduring spirit of the property, and we are proud of his achievements. It reinforces our commitment to preserving its heritage while welcoming a new chapter”. With its tranquil cloisters, preserved architectural details and contemporary comforts, Borgo Monchiero Heritage by Atmosphere is poised to offer global travellers, wine enthusiasts and lovers of Piedmontese cuisine a deeply immersive and rejuvenating stay in one of northern Italy’s most evocative destinations.