Leadership with Heart at Lyfe Hotels Bhubaneswar

People First, Always: Vaishakh Surendran’s Vision for Lyfe Hotels Bhubaneswar

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.”

Raffles Cambodia Secures Top Honours in Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards 2026

By Hariharan U

Published on June 30, 2026

Raffles Cambodia’s iconic heritage hotels have secured top honours in the Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia-Pacific 2026, reaffirming their position among the region’s leading luxury hospitality destinations.

Raffles Hotel Le Royal in Phnom Penh was ranked Cambodia’s No. 1 city hotel, while Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor in Siem Reap secured the No. 2 position in the same category. Both properties also featured prominently across additional award categories, highlighting their continued excellence in luxury hospitality.

In the “Best Hotel Swimming Pools” category, Raffles Hotel Le Royal ranked No. 2, while Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor secured the No. 4 position. The Siem Reap property also earned the No. 4 spot in the “Best Hotel Spas” category. Adding to the accolades, Raffles Hotel Le Royal General Manager Dagmar Lyons was recognised among Cambodia’s best General Managers.

Commenting on the recognition, Dagmar Lyons said the achievement reflects the dedication of the entire team in bringing the heritage spirit of the hotel to life while maintaining Raffles’ signature warm and intuitive service.

Joseph Colina, General Manager of Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor, noted that the recognition reinforces the hotel’s role as a historic gateway to Angkor and its commitment to preserving Cambodia’s cultural and hospitality legacy.

The strong performance at the awards follows recent heritage-focused initiatives by Raffles Cambodia, including the launch of the “Grand Path of History” tour and a new publication chronicling the golden age of travel in Southeast Asia. The brand also continues to showcase archival materials and historical artefacts across its properties.

Raffles Hotel Le Royal, originally opened in 1929, is known for its French colonial, Khmer, and Art Deco-inspired design, following a major restoration completed in 2019. Meanwhile, Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor, established in 1932, continues to reflect classic French Art Deco architecture blended with Cambodian influences.

Both properties were previously among the select hotels in Cambodia to receive MICHELIN Keys in the inaugural edition of the guide for the country. Raffles Hotel Le Royal was also ranked the No. 2 hotel in Southeast Asia in the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2025.

With continued global recognition, Raffles Cambodia strengthens its position as a custodian of heritage luxury hospitality, blending history, culture, and refined service across its iconic properties.

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Novotel Cairo Airport Marks World Oceans Day with ‘From the Nile to the Ocean’ Initiative

By Hariharan U

Published on June 25, 2026

Novotel Cairo Airport commemorated World Oceans Day with its "From the Nile to the Ocean" initiative, a sustainability-focused programme designed to highlight the connection between local environmental responsibility and global marine conservation.

The initiative brought together wellness, education, and responsible dining experiences to encourage greater awareness of the importance of protecting water resources. Through the campaign, the hotel sought to demonstrate how local actions can contribute to broader environmental preservation efforts.

The day began with an outdoor yoga session overlooking the Nile River, creating a reflective and mindful setting for participants. The wellness activity reinforced the campaign's message that meaningful environmental change begins with individual awareness and conscious choices.

Following the yoga session, hotel associates participated in an interactive educational presentation focused on water conservation and ocean safety. The discussion highlighted the role local waterways play in supporting larger marine ecosystems and emphasized the importance of protecting rivers such as the Nile as part of a global sustainability effort.

As part of the celebration, Novotel Cairo Airport's culinary team curated a special menu centred on fresh, local, and responsibly sourced ingredients. Served poolside, the dining experience showcased how sustainable sourcing and conscious food choices can contribute to environmental stewardship while supporting local communities.

By integrating wellness activities, environmental education, and sustainable dining into a single initiative, the hotel aimed to create a holistic experience that encouraged participants to reflect on their relationship with natural resources and the environment.

The programme further reinforces Novotel Cairo Airport's commitment to responsible hospitality and sustainability, while supporting Accor's broader vision of promoting environmentally conscious practices across its global portfolio.

Through initiatives such as "From the Nile to the Ocean," the hotel continues to engage both its team members and guests in conversations around sustainability, inspiring collective action toward the protection of vital water ecosystems and the preservation of the planet's natural resources.