MGallery Collection Goes Pink for Breast Cancer Awareness Mo

MGallery Collection Goes Pink for Breast Cancer Awareness Month

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on October 14, 2024

MGallery Collection is once again turning pink this October to support Breast Cancer Awareness Month, with a series of global initiatives aimed at raising awareness and funds for breast cancer research. The brand, known for its commitment to female empowerment, is marking its 60th year in this fight, highlighting the importance of early detection and support for those affected by breast cancer, which accounts for 30% of all cancer cases in women.

Costanero Hotel Montevideo - MGallery Collection

Throughout October, MGallery hotels will host events and activities dedicated to raising money for breast cancer research and educating the public about the signs and symptoms of the disease. In addition to pink-themed cocktails, illuminated facades, and NGO partnerships, each hotel will encourage guests and employees—known as "Heartists"—to participate in initiatives designed to support the cause.

Gem Forest Hotel Nairobi - MGallery Collection

One key initiative is an internal competition where Heartists will run as many kilometers as they can during Pink October. The hotel whose Heartists cover the most distance will receive a donation, equivalent to the total kilometers run, to be given to Gustave Roussy, Europe's leading cancer research center. Hotel guests will also be invited to contribute by adding a two-euro donation per night to a local breast cancer awareness organization.

VIE Hotel Bangkok - MGallery Collection

MGallery is also making it easy for guests to educate themselves. QR codes in hotel bathrooms will provide access to a special video podcast, which offers insights into breast cancer prevention, including how to perform self-examinations and recognize early warning signs.

In a visually impactful gesture, a number of MGallery Collection hotels will light up their facades in pink, following in the footsteps of iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and Empire State Building. Hotel staff will proudly wear pink ribbons as they welcome guests with a signature Pink October drink.

The INK Hotel Amsterdam – MGallery Collection

To make the event even more special, MGallery has partnered with renowned French artist Djhor to create a limited-edition Pink Icon, symbolizing health, care, and courage. This exclusive design will be available for purchase both in hotels and online, with proceeds going toward breast cancer research.

Another exciting collaboration for this year's Pink October is the return of MGallery’s partnership with Pour Les Femmes, a sleepwear brand co-founded by actress Robin Wright and designer Karen Fowler. Specially crafted luxury sleepwear will be available for sale, with all proceeds going to breast cancer charities, either to Gustave Roussy or local NGOs, depending on where the purchase is made.

Le Domaine de la Reine Margot Paris Issy - MGallery Collection

Throughout the month, several MGallery hotels will host local events in support of the cause. For example, the Costanero Hotel in Montevideo will display a large pink banner and offer a special Pink Tea event, with proceeds benefiting the Clarita Berenbau Foundation. In Nairobi, the newly opened Gem Forest Hotel will hold a charity pyjama party, hosted by public speaker Pinky Ghelani, and will livestream a charity auction in support of the Faraja Cancer Trust. VIE Hotel in Bangkok will host a Michelin-star dinner and auction, with proceeds going to the Queen Sirikit Centre for Breast Cancer Foundation.

The William Inglis Hotel Warwick Farm - MGallery Collection (Sydney)

Meanwhile, Le Domaine de la Reine Margot in Paris will offer free wellness workshops for cancer survivors, in partnership with the Skin Association. The William Inglis Hotel in Sydney will host a Pink October lunch featuring inspiring women speakers, including champion jockey Michelle Payne. In Amsterdam, the INK Hotel will partner with Mammarosa, a charity that provides breast cancer support to women in various languages and cultures.

Image Credits: MGallery Collection Hotels

Six Ways to Celebrate the Festive Season the Reserve Way at Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve

By Author

Published on December 29, 2025

Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, invites discerning travellers to celebrate the festive season in an atmosphere of timeless rituals, refined gastronomy, and serene natural beauty along the untouched shores of the Andaman Sea. This year-end, the ultra-luxury retreat presents six thoughtfully curated experiences that blend cultural authenticity, culinary excellence, and meaningful moments of celebration.

The festive journey begins with a sacred traditional Buddhist monk blessing at Sala Srichan, coinciding with Phulay Bay’s 16th anniversary of warm hospitality. As the sun sets over the sea, guests are welcomed with cocktails followed by a special anniversary dinner inspired by the four elements—Earth, Water, Air, and Fire—artfully crafted by Michelin-starred Executive Chef Christian Herrgesell.

Christmas Eve at Phulay Bay is marked by one of the resort’s most enchanting traditions, as Santa arrives by long-tail boat at sunset. The day unfolds with a festive breakfast, engaging children’s workshops, and culminates in an elegant Christmas Eve dinner under the stars at Jampoon, where classic holiday flavours are reimagined with a tropical twist.

On Christmas Day, the celebration continues with “Gifts from the Grove,” a showcase of handcrafted ornaments by local artisans, family-friendly activities, and a vibrant Christmas Buffet and Market Fair on the Pool Lawn. Guests can enjoy gourmet food stations and a lively festive ambience beneath the night sky.

For those seeking an elevated culinary experience, the Intimate Champagne Pairing Evening on 28 December offers an exclusive dinner for just 20 guests at Sala Srichan. A refined four-course menu is paired with exceptional Ruinart champagnes, creating an evening of elegance, artistry, and indulgence.

New Year’s Eve transports guests back in time with “A Night of Siam,” inspired by the era of King Rama VI, when Western elegance merged seamlessly with Siamese grace. The evening features sunset cocktails, a grand gala dinner with cultural performances, and transitions into a beachfront countdown party with live DJ music and fireworks illuminating the Andaman Sea.

As midnight approaches, celebrations move to the sandy shores of Chomtawan Bar, where festive cocktails, energetic music, and a spectacular fireworks display welcome 2026 in signature Phulay Bay style. The festivities conclude on a serene note with a New Year’s Day brunch at Jampoon, followed by the traditional Thai monk offering ceremony, Tak Bat—a meaningful ritual symbolising gratitude, generosity, and new beginnings.

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A First for Indian Hospitality: Taj Exotica Goa and Tata Power Champion Clean Energy Storage

By Author

Published on December 28, 2025

In a landmark step towards sustainable luxury, Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Goa has partnered with Tata Power to implement one of the most advanced Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) in the Indian hospitality sector. This initiative marks Tata Power’s first BESS deployment in the hospitality industry and positions Taj Exotica Goa as the first hotel in India to adopt this pioneering clean energy solution.

With an approximate storage capacity of 2 MW, the BESS project represents a significant milestone in IHCL’s decarbonisation journey under Paathya, aligned with the Tata Group’s Aalingana vision for climate-positive growth. The installation has been executed by Tata Power following detailed technical feasibility studies, with an investment of approximately ₹3.50 crore and projected annual savings of around ₹1.50 crore, while substantially reducing dependence on diesel-based power generation.

Commenting on the initiative, Ms. Sheetal Singh, Area Director – South Goa and General Manager, Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Goa, said:
“Sustainability is at the core of our ethos at Taj Exotica, Goa. The BESS project is an exemplary step in modernising the way hospitality manages energy. By reducing diesel dependence and enhancing power reliability, we are embracing innovation that directly contributes to a greener, more resilient future for our hotel and our community.”

The system is expected to reduce nearly 2 lakh litres of High-Speed Diesel (HSD) annually, leading to a substantial drop in carbon emissions and operational costs. Beyond financial and environmental benefits, the BESS improves power quality, minimises generator runtime, and significantly lowers air emissions.

Given Taj Exotica Goa’s multi-source power ecosystem, comprising grid supply, diesel generators, and solar energy, a sophisticated interlocking and protection system was jointly developed with Tata Power. This includes automated source prioritisation logic, prevention of backfeed and overload, real-time monitoring, advanced safety cut-offs, thermal and surge protection, emergency shutdown protocols, and manual override operations.

To ensure uninterrupted guest comfort and electrical stability, comprehensive safety simulations and load-bank tests were conducted. The physical installation was completed in mid-November 2025, followed by full-load testing, where the system demonstrated stable discharge curves and precise switching performance.

The engineering team, led by Mr. Athen Chellappa, Area Director Engineering – Goa, carried out extensive simulations of power outage scenarios. These validated automatic diesel generator synchronisation, priority-based charging from solar and grid sources, interlocking accuracy, changeover timings, and internet connectivity critical for cloud-linked operations. The system is further supported by an interactive digital dashboard offering real-time energy flow visibility, battery health diagnostics, predictive maintenance alerts, and detailed historical reports on consumption and savings.

Summarising the impact of the project, Mr. Ranjit Phillipose, Senior Vice President – Operations, IHCL Goa, stated:
“The BESS project at Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Goa is not just an engineering achievement—it is a defining moment in our sustainability journey. By embracing cutting-edge technology and reducing our reliance on fossil fuels, we are setting new benchmarks for responsible luxury. This initiative reflects our belief that the future of hospitality is clean, resilient, and climate-conscious, and we are proud to pioneer that change.”

With this breakthrough collaboration, Taj Exotica Goa and Tata Power have set a powerful precedent for the Indian hospitality industry, demonstrating how innovation, sustainability, and luxury can seamlessly converge to shape a cleaner and more resilient future.