After establishing a strong presence in the UAE, Pincode now marks its India debut with the launch of Pincode Bungalow, the brand’s first Indian flagship by Kunal Kapur. Choosing Vagator for its layered cultural character and design-forward appeal, the chef-led concept brings its geographically inspired dining philosophy back home.

At the heart of Pincode lies a menu structured around India’s postal codes, tracing flavours from Indore’s Sarafa Bazaar and Old Delhi’s Dilli-6 to Kolkata’s cabin cafés, Champaran’s sealed-handis and coastal Tamil kitchens. Alongside crowd favourites, the kitchen spotlights dishes such as Dubki Aloo with Bedmi Poori, Nizami Handi, Nadru Kofta and Champaran Meat, using techniques like dum cooking, dhungar smoking, charcoal grilling and fermentation. Personal family recipes from Chef Kunal and Corporate Chef Sadiya Khan add a layer of memory to the mapped culinary narrative.

Set within a restored Portuguese bungalow, the space unfolds in three distinct zones. Indiroom revisits Indian breakfast traditions in collaboration with Caarabi Coffee Roasters, while Baar-Bar, developed with mixologist Mukesh Patwal, presents nostalgic cocktails paired with a dedicated chakhna menu. The design preserves the home’s original character, blending whitewashed walls and timber rafters with subtle contemporary detailing.

“With Pincode Bungalow, we wanted to create a flagship that truly belongs… Three moods, one home,” said Chef Kunal Kapur, Founder & Chef.

DoubleTree by Hilton Bengaluru Airport has announced the appointment of Sanu Sadanandan as General Manager, bringing more than two decades of operational and commercial leadership experience to the property. As India’s largest DoubleTree by Hilton, the hotel plays a strategic role within the brand’s national portfolio.

In his new capacity, Sadanandan will steer overall strategy and daily operations, focusing on business expansion while safeguarding the brand’s globally recognised service benchmarks. His mandate spans complete operational oversight, enhancing guest experiences, strengthening revenue performance, leading sales and marketing initiatives, and cultivating a results-driven team culture.

A seasoned hospitality professional, he brings extensive expertise in hotel operations, revenue optimisation, business development and talent management. Under his leadership, the hotel aims to reinforce its positioning as a preferred airport address by introducing innovative food and beverage offerings and advancing sustainable operating practices, while continuing to deliver DoubleTree’s signature warm hospitality.

Commenting on his appointment, Sadanandan said, “It’s an honour to lead the team at DoubleTree by Hilton Bengaluru Airport, a landmark property in Hilton’s India portfolio. We’ll prioritize seamless operations for business and transit travelers, leveraging our prime airport connectivity to boost occupancy, revenue streams, and guest satisfaction through efficient service and strategic partnerships.”

Prior to this role, he served as Head of MICE Sales at ITC Hotels in Gurugram and as General Manager at Renaissance Hotel Lucknow. His earlier assignments include Director of Operations at Le Méridien Gurugram and leadership roles across Marriott International.

With this leadership transition, DoubleTree by Hilton Bengaluru Airport reinforces its focus on operational excellence, commercial performance and guest-centric service in one of India’s key aviation hubs.

Grand Hyatt Kochi Bolgatty has appointed Rahul Chaudhary as Director of Operations, reinforcing its leadership team as the waterfront property continues to strengthen its positioning as a leading luxury urban resort in South India.

In his new role, Rahul will oversee daily hotel operations, collaborating across departments to elevate guest experiences, streamline operational efficiencies and support growth across leisure, MICE and culinary segments. His mandate includes enhancing service delivery standards while ensuring consistent performance across key business verticals.

With over 20 years of experience in premium and luxury hospitality, Rahul brings strong operational depth across both resort and city hotel environments. A Hotel Management graduate from the Asia Pacific Institute of Management, Ahmedabad, he began his hospitality journey in 2007 and has since developed expertise in food and beverage operations, large-scale events and multi-departmental leadership.

Rahul started his career with Hyatt in 2010 at Grand Hyatt Goa and went on to hold key positions at Park Hyatt Goa Resort and Spa and Park Hyatt Hyderabad. Across these assignments, he contributed to strengthening operational consistency, enhancing service benchmarks and managing high-profile dining and event experiences.

He has also served in senior operational roles at Conrad Pune and The Westin Mumbai Powai Lake, where he managed diverse business segments while balancing guest satisfaction, team engagement and commercial performance.

Known for his grounded and people-first leadership style, Rahul believes that empowered teams and thoughtful execution form the foundation of great hospitality, an approach influenced by his upbringing in Rajasthan and a family background rooted in education and agriculture.

With this appointment, Grand Hyatt Kochi Bolgatty continues to invest in experienced leadership as it builds on its reputation for elevated service, distinctive dining and large-format events in Kerala’s growing luxury hospitality market.