Maldives' Niyama Private Islands Resort Reopens Nest Restaurant for Jungle Dining Adventure

By Author

Published on January 6, 2024

Niyama Private Islands Maldives, nestled in the picturesque Dhaalu Atoll, has unveiled the reopening of its cherished Asian restaurant, Nest. This dining haven promises guests an enchanting jungle dining experience paired with a thoughtfully reimagined menu that tantalises the taste buds.

Located within the twin islands of Play and Chill, Nest finds its home at the heart of the Play island, offering an exquisite Asian fine dining setting surrounded by lush indigenous flora. The restaurant's unique charm lies beneath the shade of a majestic decades-old banyan tree. On the ground floor, guests are enveloped by tribal thatched-roof huts that encircle a captivating teppanyaki showcase. For those seeking an elevated experience, a spiral staircase leads to dining platforms suspended an impressive six metres above the ground.

The original concept for Nest was crafted in 2013 by the visionary minds of Poole Associates and landscape architect Drew Anderson of TOPO Design. It was envisioned as a multi-level treehouse harmoniously integrated with the natural surroundings. After a decade in operation, the resort's Chief Engineer, Michael Selvin, has enhanced the setting with denser landscaping to ensure that every table enjoys an even more exclusive and immersive dining experience.

Executive Chef Thierry Vergnault has introduced an avant-garde menu that takes guests on a culinary journey. Delights include sizzling bo lok lak from Vietnam, wagyu and sea urchin tataki inspired by Japan, and chilli reef lobster sourced from local waters in Singapore.

Nest's commitment to culinary excellence extends to its own garden, where rare Asian herbs and spices are nurtured. These botanical treasures also serve as the inspiration behind an experimental cocktail list crafted by Bruff Drinks consultant Mathew Atkinson.

Hafidh Al Busaidy, General Manager of Niyama Private Islands Maldives, expressed his excitement, saying, "We are thrilled to unveil the new Nest. The reimagined concept, coupled with Chef Thierry Vergnault's culinary brilliance, promises to take our guest experience to another level, and we invite the adventurous from around the world to come to experience the magic of Nest for themselves."

A Glimpse Into the 55th GST Council Meeting at Jaisalmer Marriott Resort & Spa

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on January 3, 2025

The prestigious 55th GST Council Meeting was hosted by Jaisalmer Marriott Resort & Spa from December 20th to 22nd, transforming the venue into a hub of luxury, culture, and collaboration. The three-day event, organized by the GST Council Secretariat in partnership with the Rajasthan Government, brought together over 150 distinguished attendees, including Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Rajasthan Deputy Chief Minister Ms. Diya Kumari.

Reflecting on the event, General Manager Mr. Shiv Bose said, “It was an honour to host the 55th GST Council Meeting. Our team took immense pride in showcasing the culture and hospitality of Jaisalmer while providing an exceptional experience to the nation’s dignitaries. This event reinforces Jaisalmer’s reputation as a premier destination for high-profile events.”

A Grand Welcome

Delegates received a royal Rajasthani welcome upon arrival, featuring a shower of floral petals, captivating folk performances, and personalised bouquets. Bespoke amenities awaited each guest, reflecting the royal heritage of Jaisalmer and setting the tone for an unforgettable experience.

Culinary Masterpieces

The event’s culinary offerings became a talking point, showcasing the richness of Rajasthani and Indian cuisine. A specially curated Rajasthani Thali was presented to Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, featuring delicacies like Dal Bati Churma, Ker Sangri, Bajra Roti, Bhuna Saag, Bajre Ki Khichdi, and Coconut Barfi.

In addition, the “Taste of India” menu delighted attendees with regional specialties, including Kashmiri Dum Aloo, Chicken Chettinad, Chole Kulche, and Sorakaya Pulusu, blending authenticity with culinary artistry.

Cultural Immersion

The cultural richness of Rajasthan was at the forefront of the event. A private performance by Padmashri Anwar Khan Manganiyar and his troupe enchanted the dignitaries, offering a glimpse into the vibrant traditions of the desert state.

An Unforgettable Experience

Jaisalmer Marriott Resort & Spa delivered an impeccable experience through meticulous planning and execution. The 55th GST Council Meeting was not just an event but a celebration of India’s heritage, hospitality, and collaborative spirit. From the grand welcome to the curated culinary delights and cultural performances, the resort set a new benchmark in hosting high-profile events, leaving a lasting impression on all attendees.

ITC Hotels Expands with New Welcomhotel in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh

By Nishang Narayan

Published on January 3, 2025

ITC Hotels has officially launched the Welcomhotel Jabalpur in Madhya Pradesh, marking an exciting expansion in the brand’s strategy to penetrate tier-II and tier-III cities. This new property, featuring 122 rooms and suites, offers a wide array of facilities and is poised to become a popular destination for both business and leisure travelers.

Welcomhotel Jabalpur provides over 15,000 square feet of banquet space, making it an ideal venue for events ranging from destination weddings to corporate gatherings. The hotel’s dining options include the WelcomCafé Reva for all-day dining and Dough & Co., which serves a delightful selection of baked goods and beverages.

Guests at the hotel can also enjoy a variety of amenities, including a fitness center, a swimming pool, and a spa, which will soon offer traditional therapies to enhance the guest experience.

Anil Chadha, Chief Executive of ITC Hotels, commented, “The Welcomhotel brand trajectory is growing fast across both business and leisure locations. The launch of Welcomhotel Jabalpur marks a significant milestone in the continued asset-right growth and expansion strategy of ITC Hotels. This property aligns with the spirit of brand Welcomhotel—each designed to reflect the essence of its region, ensuring that guests enjoy an authentic and enriching stay.”

Located near popular attractions such as Madan Mahal Fort and Bhedaghat, Welcomhotel Jabalpur offers guided tours to these sites, as well as access to nearby national parks, making it an ideal base for exploring the region.

The launch of Welcomhotel Jabalpur follows ITC’s broader expansion plans, which also include a new Welcomhotel in Pushkar, Rajasthan, set to open in 2026.

ITC Hotels Expands in Delhi with Welcomhotel on Delhi-Gurugram Highway

By Nishang Narayan

Published on January 3, 2025

ITC Hotels has announced the expansion of its presence in the National Capital with the opening of a new Welcomhotel by ITC Hotels, located along the Delhi-Gurugram highway. The hotel, which is set to offer a seamless blend of business and leisure experiences, boasts 81 rooms, an all-day dining restaurant, a bar, and an expansive banquet and meeting space totaling approximately 35,000 square feet.

Welcomhotel Delhi is designed to cater to both business and leisure travelers with a focus on superior connectivity and top-notch amenities. Guests can enjoy recreational facilities such as a swimming pool, fitness center, and spa. The hotel’s strategic location offers excellent visibility, making it a prime choice for visitors, with just a 5 km distance from the Indira Gandhi International Airport and 2.5 km from Gurugram’s Cyber Hub. This prime spot not only ensures easy access to Delhi, Gurgaon, and the entire National Capital Region (NCR) but also places guests in proximity to popular hotspots.

Commenting on the opening, Anil Chadha, Chief Executive of ITC Hotels, stated, “We are happy to announce the opening of a Welcomhotel in Delhi, increasing our footprint to 5 hotels in the state and 10 hotels in Delhi-NCR. The property’s unique location will offer unmatchable meeting and banquet space for social and business gatherings, making Welcomhotel Delhi one of the preferred hotels in Delhi-NCR.”

Varinder Aggarwal, Director of City Park Hotels Pvt. Ltd., expressed his enthusiasm, saying, “We are excited to tie up with ITC’s Hotel Group for their vivacious and enterprising Welcomhotel brand. The proximity to the airport and the national capital makes it the much-preferred MICE and wedding destination hotel.” He further emphasized the importance of the Delhi-Gurugram region as a growth powerhouse, making it an ideal choice for modern travelers seeking immersive experiences.

Reflecting the warmth of Indian culture while maintaining ITC Hotels' benchmark service standards, Welcomhotel is designed to provide enriching experiences for both business and leisure travelers. It is poised to become a key destination in the NCR, offering a blend of modern infrastructure and world-class hospitality.

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