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By Vaishakh Surendran
Published on June 10, 2025
Vaishakh Surendran, the General Manager of Lyfe Hotels & Resorts in Bhubaneswar, brings a rich experience and a people-first philosophy that is redefining the hospitality space in Odisha’s capital. Under his leadership, the hotel is fast becoming a standout in the city’s competitive hospitality scene. With a progressive approach, sustainable practices, and a commitment to nurturing talent, Vaishakh and his team are creating a space where both guests and employees thrive.
We sat down with Vaishakh Surendran to understand the vision behind Lyfe Hotels, the cultural and operational essence of the property, and what sets it apart in the evolving hospitality landscape of Bhubaneswar.
1. What inspired your approach to leading Lyfe Hotels & Resorts in Bhubaneswar, and how do you ensure the property stands out in a competitive hospitality landscape?
“I have worked with various brands and owners during my stint as GM over the last 12 years,” says Vaishakh. “While most focus on improving revenue and profitability, what stood out during my interview with our Chairman Shri Srinibash Sahoo was his emphasis on human capital. He expressed a vision for a hotel with near zero attrition, and that deeply resonated with my personal belief that valuing people is the foundation for long-term success. Happy employees lead to happy guests, and that in turn drives repeat business and profitability.”
Being a relatively new entrant in the Bhubaneswar hospitality scene, Lyfe Hotels has experienced both challenges and milestones. But Vaishakh is confident about their distinctiveness. “Our vision and offerings are designed to align with what modern guests seek—experience-led stays. From our location and unique architecture to stylish rooms and the much-talked-about F&B experience, we’ve set ourselves apart. Notably, our Thai restaurant ‘Sweet Basil’ is the only one in Eastern India to feature an expat chef. At the end of FY 2024–25, we surpassed the topline revenue of many established branded hotels in the city, and that motivates us to aim even higher.”
2. What were some of the key priorities you focused on when you took charge, and how have they shaped the overall guest experience at the hotel?
Vaishakh outlines three key priorities: increasing revenue, optimizing operational efficiency, and improving profitability. “In addition, I’ve always focused on nurturing our People, Product, and Processes,” he shares. “Our Net Promoter Score (NPS) has risen to 85, and we’re targeting 90+. While revenues are strong, we’re continuously identifying areas to improve. Our attrition rate is well within industry standards, and we ensure 100% compliance with all statutory and Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) norms.”
3. Bhubaneswar is a vibrant mix of tradition and progress. How do you blend the city's cultural essence with the contemporary vibe of the Lyfe brand?
“Bhubaneswar is known as the Temple City, but it’s also emerging as a hub for sports, IT, and commercial ventures,” he says. “This blend of the old and new aligns perfectly with our brand ethos. While most hotels follow predictable formats, Lyfe offers something fresh. We bring a contemporary design sensibility and guest experience, while also practicing sustainable tourism rooted in Odisha’s cultural heritage. That’s how we stand out.”
4. How is the property embracing environmentally conscious practices, and what impact have these had on both operations and guest perception?
At Lyfe Hotels, sustainability is more than a buzzword—it’s a core value. “Our brand values are encapsulated in the acronym SPIRIT, where 'S' stands for Sustainability,” Vaishakh explains. “From design to daily operations, every element is conceived to reduce our environmental footprint. We use natural lighting, LED fixtures, motion-sensor-based utilities, solar panels, EV charging stations, paper pens, and an in-house water bottling plant. We avoid single-use plastics and locally source all fruits, vegetables, and meat. These efforts resonate well with our guests and align with global best practices.”
5. What leadership philosophy do you follow to motivate your team and maintain high service standards throughout the hotel?
“I believe in being present on the shop floor,” says Vaishakh. “It helps me get a first-hand feel of the guest experience and staff morale. I interact regularly with guests and team members, and maintain an open-door policy that encourages honest conversations.”
He also focuses on empowering his team through knowledge sharing and skill development. “I conduct regular training sessions based on best practices and my personal experiences. I believe every team member should be empowered to bring out their best. When people feel valued and free to innovate, service quality naturally improves.”
6. What is your long-term vision for Lyfe Hotels & Resorts in this region, and how do you plan to elevate the brand’s presence further?
Vaishakh envisions Lyfe Hotels becoming the preferred hospitality brand for guests, employees, and owners alike. “Rather than replicating a cookie-cutter format, we aim to create unique properties that reflect the spirit of their locations,” he shares. “Each hotel will carry the DNA of Lyfe Bhubaneswar but offer a distinct experience. That’s how we plan to grow—not just in numbers, but in character and guest impact.”
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By Manu Vardhan Kannan
Published on May 20, 2026
As Mumbai experiences rising temperatures and intense humidity during the summer season, Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai is offering guests an opportunity to slow down and recharge through a new wellness experience at The Spa.
Called "Renew & Restore," the specially curated treatment has been designed as a seasonal wellness journey that aims to provide a refreshing escape from the city's fast pace and summer heat. Focused on relaxation and overall wellbeing, the experience is crafted to ease stress, support balance and leave guests feeling lighter and refreshed.
The wellness journey begins with a calming welcome ritual and a soothing foot cleanse to create a sense of relaxation from the very beginning.
Guests are then taken through a 90-minute customised massage designed to reduce physical tension and encourage deeper relaxation. This is followed by a 60-minute personalised facial tailored to refresh the skin and bring out a natural glow.
To further enhance the experience, mindful breathing techniques and gentle stretches are integrated throughout the treatment, helping create a feeling of calm and balance.
The journey concludes with a nourishing closing ritual, leaving guests with a sense of renewal and restoration aligned with the needs of the summer season.
The complete Renew & Restore experience is available for a duration of 150 minutes, offering guests a dedicated wellness break within the heart of Mumbai.
By Hariharan U
Published on May 19, 2026
Kairali Ayurvedic Group has announced its entry into ultra-luxury hospitality with the launch of Villa Raag by Kairali, a yoga-inspired beachfront boutique retreat located at Agonda Beach in South Goa.
Designed as a private sanctuary for global travellers, the property blends Ayurvedic wellness philosophy with contemporary luxury living, offering an experience focused on privacy, mindfulness, and personalised healing. Spread across two acres, the retreat features just six elegantly designed rooms within a single exclusive beachfront villa.
The property offers a curated luxury experience with private butler and concierge services, direct beachfront access, yoga and meditation spaces overlooking the sea, a temperature-controlled saltwater pool, Zen gardens, a rooftop meditation pavilion, and a gourmet in-house kitchen.
According to Abhilash K Ramesh, Executive Director of Kairali Ayurvedic Group, Villa Raag is designed to deliver a five-star wellness experience where nature, comfort, and refined living come together seamlessly. He described the property as a sanctuary that blends serenity, exclusivity, and personalised hospitality, with a strong focus on privacy and experiential luxury.
The architectural vision of Villa Raag has been crafted by Kochi-based Durga Sarath Architects, bringing together coastal design, natural landscapes, and wellness-centric spatial planning to create a quiet, immersive environment for guests.
Each villa room features bespoke interiors, premium amenities, and private terraces overlooking the Arabian Sea, ensuring a highly personalised and secluded stay experience tailored for individuals, couples, families, and small groups.
The retreat places a strong emphasis on customised wellness journeys rather than structured group programs. Guests can access one-on-one yoga sessions, meditation guidance, and holistic healing programmes designed around individual needs, fitness levels, and wellness goals.
Future offerings at Villa Raag are expected to include curated wellness experiences such as Hatha and Vinyasa yoga, restorative therapies, mindful nutrition workshops, and transformational wellness programmes like Mind Renewal, Joint Revival, and Metabolic Reset.
Located in the Canacona region, Agonda Beach has increasingly emerged as a preferred destination for wellness travellers and slow tourism seekers, known for its tranquil coastline and growing reputation as a luxury wellness hub.
With over a century of Ayurvedic heritage, Kairali Ayurvedic Group brings its legacy into the hospitality space through Villa Raag, expanding beyond its established wellness centres and award-winning healing village in Kerala into experiential luxury retreats.
The launch marks a significant step in redefining Goa’s hospitality landscape by positioning wellness, Ayurveda, and slow living at the centre of luxury travel experiences.
Published on May 18, 2026
Sayaji Hotels has announced the launch of Effotel by Sayaji, Gangtok, marking the brand’s entry into Gangtok, one of India’s most sought-after hill destinations.
Located in the peaceful neighbourhood of Tathangchen near the iconic Ridge Park, the hotel brings a refined and contemporary stay experience to the city known for its mist-covered mountains, monasteries, scenic valleys, and vibrant local culture.
Situated at an altitude of approximately 1,650 metres, Gangtok is widely recognised for its panoramic views of Mount Kanchenjunga, the world’s third-highest peak. The city blends natural beauty with urban energy, attracting both leisure and experiential travellers throughout the year.
Strategically positioned close to Ridge Park and within easy reach of MG Marg, the city’s bustling pedestrian boulevard, Effotel by Sayaji offers guests convenient access to Gangtok’s cultural and social hotspots. Ridge Park, lined with Himalayan flora and scenic pathways, remains one of the city’s most visited attractions for both tourists and locals.
Designed for modern travellers, the property features 32 rooms across categories including Deluxe King, Deluxe Twin, and Suite accommodations. The interiors combine clean contemporary aesthetics with functional comfort, catering to both business and leisure guests.
The hotel also houses The Cube, an all-day dining restaurant serving a multi-cuisine menu in a relaxed setting designed for travellers looking to unwind after exploring the region.
Speaking on the launch, Rajendra Joshi said, “We are delighted to bring the Effotel by Sayaji experience to Gangtok, a destination that continues to grow in prominence among both leisure and experiential travellers. With this launch, we aim to offer a smart, comfortable, and well-connected stay option that complements the city’s unique blend of natural beauty and cultural richness. Gangtok represents an exciting addition to our expanding footprint in emerging leisure markets across India.”
Sharing his views on the opening, Sangay Tenzing Norbu added, “We are proud to introduce Effotel by Sayaji to Gangtok, a city that holds immense potential as a year-round travel destination. This hotel has been envisioned as a space that reflects the region's warmth and spirit while delivering the quality and consistency for which Sayaji is known.”
The hotel is conveniently accessible from Bagdogra Airport and New Jalpaiguri Railway Station, making it a well-connected option for travellers visiting Sikkim.
With this addition, Sayaji Hotels continues to strengthen its presence across emerging leisure destinations in India, reinforcing its focus on delivering personalised and contemporary hospitality experiences.
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