Mystras, A Journey Through History's Foothills in Greece

Mystras, A Journey Through History's Foothills in Greece

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on March 17, 2024

Nestled amidst the slopes of Mount Taygetos in southern Greece lies Mystras, a captivating town whispering tales of a glorious past. Once a powerful Byzantine Despotate, Mystras today stands as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, an open-air museum where history and breathtaking beauty intertwine.

Mystras' story begins in the 13th century. William II of Villehardouin, Prince of Achaea, constructed a formidable castle on the mountaintop, laying the foundation for the town that would become a cultural and political hub. Following the Byzantine recapture in 1262, Mystras flourished under the Despots, transforming into a center of art, literature, and scholarship.

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Today, Mystras stands as an open-air museum, captivating visitors with its well-preserved ruins. As you wander through the cobbled pathways, remnants of the past come alive. The imposing fortress, perched atop the mountain, offers breathtaking panoramic views, whispering tales of its defensive might.

Mystras offers more than just historical landmarks.  Wander through the ruins of the Despot's Palace and imagine the whispers of courtly life. Explore the Pantanassa monastery, known for its breathtaking views and the haunting beauty of its bell tower.

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As you traverse Mystras, don't forget to look up. The town boasts panoramic vistas that will leave you spellbound. Gaze upon the majestic Taygetos Mountains, their peaks often capped with snow, and marvel at the endless expanse of olive groves that blanket the valley below.

Mystras isn't just a historical wonder; it's a place where the past infuses the present. Sample local delicacies at charming cafes nestled amidst the ruins. Savor fresh Greek yogurt drizzled with honey, indulge in flaky pastries, or sip on a cup of strong Greek coffee, the aroma transporting you back to a bygone era.

Mystras beckons travelers seeking a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty.  Whether you're a history buff, an art enthusiast, or simply someone seeking an escape into the past, Mystras promises an unforgettable experience.  So, pack your bags, lace up your walking shoes, and embark on a journey through time to discover the magic of this hidden gem in Greece.


Kairali, The Ayurvedic Healing Village India Announces Exclusive North American Partnership with Sky Vacations

Kairali, The Ayurvedic Healing Village India Announces Exclusive North American Partnership with Sky Vacations

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on February 12, 2026

Kairali – The Ayurvedic Healing Village (KTAHV) has announced its exclusive North American partnership with Sky Vacations, one of North America’s premier luxury tour operators known for curated and culturally immersive travel experiences. The collaboration aims to bring the healing benefits of authentic 5000-year-old Kerala Ayurveda practice to travellers across North America.

Located in the lush foothills of Palakkad and spread across 63 acres, Kairali The Ayurvedic Healing Village has been welcoming global guests for more than 26 years. Recognised worldwide for its authentic Ayurveda-based wellness experiences, the retreat blends traditional healing therapies with modern comfort, personalised care, and a strong focus on sustainability and wellbeing.

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“Bringing travellers the most authentic and enriching travel opportunities is one of our core pillars,” said Richard Krieger, Director of Sky Vacations. “As Kairali The Ayurvedic Healing Village’s exclusive representative partner in North America, we are thrilled to expand our health and wellness portfolio with a property that so perfectly embodies authenticity, excellence, and purpose."

At the heart of Kairali’s offering is a medically guided and personalised wellness approach. Each guest undergoes customised programs supervised by experienced Ayurvedic doctors and therapists. The treatments combine traditional therapies, yoga, meditation, and lifestyle guidance. Supporting this journey is farm-to-table cuisine prepared using organically grown, locally sourced ingredients, ensuring that nourishment and healing go hand in hand.

“It is a great honour for us. Ayurveda is a 5000-year-old science, and working with Sky Vacations as our North American partner and representative helps us introduce the benefits of truly authentic Ayurveda and its healing benefits to more North American audiences,” said Abhilash Ramesh, Director of Kairali Ayurvedic Group. “Sky Vacations has a stellar reputation for creating extraordinary global journeys, and their depth of knowledge and experience in India is truly unparalleled”.

KTAHV offers a wide range of wellness programs designed for both preventive and restorative health. These include detoxification and rejuvenation therapies (panchakarma), weight and dietary management, stress relief, energy restoration, women’s wellness, immunity enhancement, pain management, and long-term lifestyle reset plans. Each program is carefully structured to ensure benefits that continue well beyond the stay.

For Sky Vacations, this partnership strengthens its focus on meaningful and transformative travel. With decades of experience in designing high-end journeys across Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas and strong expertise in travel to India, the company is well positioned to introduce KTAHV to the North American market.

“This partnership reflects everything our guests expect from Sky Vacations: carefully curated experiences, exceptional quality, healing in a globally recognised Ayurvedic retreat and access to the very best the world has to offer.” Further, continued Mr. Krieger.

At KTAHV, guests can access traditional, medically guided Ayurvedic programs including Ayurvedic Massages (treatments), Detox programs, Yoga, Meditation, lifestyle guidance, diet programs, Farm-to-table food using organic, locally sourced ingredients, and authentic Ayurvedic supplements and medicines, all overseen by experienced Ayurvedic doctors and therapists aligned to each individual requirement.

This exclusive collaboration reflects the growing global demand for wellness travel that delivers more than relaxation. Through this partnership, Sky Vacations and Kairali aim to create a new benchmark for authentic Ayurvedic wellness travel in the North American market.


Ronil Goa – JdV by Hyatt Celebrates Valentine’s Season with Inclusive, All-Heart Experiences

Ronil Goa – JdV by Hyatt Celebrates Valentine’s Season with Inclusive, All-Heart Experiences

By Hariharan U

Published on February 11, 2026

This Valentine’s season, Ronil Goa – a JdV by Hyatt Hotel – is embracing love in all its forms, inviting guests to celebrate togetherness with partners, friends, family, pets and even themselves. Rooted in the values of diversity, equity and inclusion, the boutique pet-friendly resort in the heart of North Goa has curated a month-long lineup of experiences throughout February 2026, ensuring every guest feels welcome and free to celebrate love their own way.

Recognising that love often comes with paws, Ronil Goa continues to offer pet-friendly stays with dedicated amenities, pet menus and open spaces designed for relaxed bonding. Guests can book these stays via Hyatt.com and enjoy the brand’s best rate guarantee. The resort also encourages reunions and staycations, inviting families and friends to reconnect at its Indo-Portuguese inspired setting through customised gatherings, offsite excursions, pool parties and celebratory experiences.

Valentine’s at Ronil Goa also places strong emphasis on self-love and wellbeing. Guests are encouraged to slow down with wellness rituals at The Spa, energising poolside afternoons and relaxed evenings at Patrao’s, creating space for rest, reflection and indulgence. Adding a fun twist to the celebrations, Galentine’s Day on 13th February 2026 brings together groups of women for cocktails and canapés, while singles can look forward to a social mixer later in the month.

For couples, the specially curated ‘Couples’ Edit’ package includes daily breakfast, a couple spa ritual, a poolside dinner and thoughtful inclusions designed to rekindle connection. Valentine’s Day dining experiences on 14th February range from curated buffet dinners at Ronil Bistro to intimate poolside and cabana dinners, while Galentine celebrations continue from 13th to 15th February at The Hub. With its inclusive spirit and joyful vibe, Ronil Goa positions itself as a destination where guests can truly come as they are.


Flight Centre Travel Group Partners with TCS to Transform Enterprise Technology Services

Flight Centre Travel Group Partners with TCS to Transform Enterprise Technology Services

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on February 10, 2026

Flight Centre Travel Group (FCTG), one of the world’s largest travel groups, has partnered with Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) to support its global digital transformation journey and modernise its enterprise technology services.

Through this strategic partnership, TCS will help future-proof FCTG’s cloud and network services, strengthen operational resilience, and modernise service platforms across the group’s global operations. Leveraging its deep expertise in technology, data, and AI within the travel sector, TCS will work to streamline and consolidate core systems, unlock greater value from existing technology investments, and improve overall performance across FCTG’s enterprise technology stack.

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FCTG operates an extensive leisure and corporate travel sales network spanning Australia and New Zealand, the Americas, EMEA, and Asia. The collaboration aims to create a more standardised and simplified global operating model, enhancing both customer and employee experiences across regions.

Graham Turner, Chief Executive Officer, Flight Centre Travel Group, said, "We are delighted to be working with TCS as we continue our evolution as a business. Strengthening our technology backbone is an ongoing priority and we look forward to collaborating with the TCS team to deliver tangible benefits to our people and, ultimately, our customers and shareholders."

Krishnan Ramanujam, President of Consumer Business Group, Tata Consultancy Services, said, We are happy to partner with Flight Centre Travel Group on this pivotal transformation to simplify and uplift the customer and employee experience. Together, we are transforming the enterprise technology services of one of Australia’s most iconic travel brands to adopt an AI-first simplified global operating model.”

As part of the engagement, TCS will help FCTG develop and execute a clear strategy focused on platform standardisation, continuous service-level improvements, and transparent governance. The partnership builds on TCS’ long-standing expertise in the global travel sector, where it has worked closely with leading travel operators across consulting, customer service management, supply chain, marketing, pricing strategies, and business model reinvention.

TCS continues to strengthen its presence in Australia, serving as a digital partner to several leading enterprises in the region. The company operates across multiple locations in the country and has been recognised for its workplace culture and employer excellence.

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