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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 Nishang Narayan
Sterling Holiday Resorts, a pioneer in India’s hospitality space, is making waves beyond leisure as it champions accessible healthcare through a high-impact CSR initiative. Partnering with the Fairfax India Charitable Foundation (FICF), Sterling is supporting The FICF Dialysis Mission—an ambitious effort to deliver dialysis care to remote and underserved parts of India.
In FY 2024–25, Sterling contributed ₹7.5 million, facilitating the deployment of 16 dialysis machines across healthcare centres in Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh, and Assam. Recognizing the deep need for such interventions, the company has pledged another ₹15 million in FY 2025–26 to install 22 additional machines, focusing on micro-communities near its resort locations.
Collectively, these 38 dialysis machines are expected to deliver over 18,000 free or subsidized sessions, potentially saving patients an estimated ₹36.4 million—a major relief for individuals burdened by the high cost of chronic treatment.
“This initiative reflects Sterling’s belief that hospitality brands can be forces for good,” said Vikram Lalvani, MD & CEO, Sterling Holiday Resorts.“Through this CSR initiative, we are proud to extend our purpose beyond hospitality to touch lives through essential healthcare access.”
The FICF Dialysis Mission follows a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model—combining government infrastructure, private healthcare operators, and CSR funding. The mission envisions 2,000 dialysis machines across 450 centers in 350 districts, offering 4.5 million free/subsidized sessions, saving ₹920 crore for patients and creating over 4,500 rural jobs.
Sterling’s involvement reflects a shift in the corporate narrative—where responsible business translates into inclusive development. By intertwining healthcare access with hospitality footprints, Sterling Holiday Resorts is championing meaningful, measurable social impact—one dialysis session at a time.
Published on June 9, 2025
In a strategic push to expand its luxury presence in India, Hilton has signed an agreement with GMR Group-led Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) to open two iconic hotels—Waldorf Astoria and Hilton Hotels & Resorts—at GMR Aerocity, New Delhi.
This move not only marks Waldorf Astoria’s debut in the Indian capital but also strengthens Hilton’s footprint in the NCR, where it currently operates four properties. The agreement aligns with GMR’s ambition to transform Aerocity into India’s leading global business and hospitality hub.
The upcoming Waldorf Astoria New Delhi will feature 150 luxurious rooms and suites, elevated dining experiences, and world-class wellness offerings—bringing the brand’s signature elegance and service to India’s capital for the first time.
In addition, Hilton Hotels & Resorts will debut its first full-service hotel in New Delhi with 350 rooms, adding scale and flexibility to Hilton’s offering in the region.
Chris Nassetta, President & CEO, Hilton, said:
“The signing of a Waldorf Astoria and Hilton in Delhi Aerocity with our partners at GMR-led DIAL underscores Hilton’s long-term commitment to India. These landmark properties and partnerships play a pivotal role in expanding Hilton’s portfolio and delivering elevated experiences for global travellers.”
Kiran Kumar Grandhi, Corporate Chairman, GMR Group, commented:
“Partnering with Hilton to bring Waldorf Astoria and Hilton to GMR Aerocity reflects our continued commitment to bring world-class global brands to Aerocity, thereby positioning the facility as a force multiplier for Delhi’s tourism and business economy.”
The partnership strengthens GMR Aerocity’s image as a future-ready urban ecosystem, integrating global hospitality, business infrastructure, and modern city planning. Both hotels will be part of the Hilton Honors loyalty programme, further enhancing value for business and leisure travellers alike.
This agreement is part of Hilton’s broader strategy to expand its luxury and full-service footprint across India, which includes brands like LXR Hotels & Resorts, Signia by Hilton, and existing Conrad properties in Bengaluru and Pune.
By Author
Lemonridge Hotels Group has proudly unveiled its third property in the dynamic city of Hyderabad, further strengthening its presence in the hospitality sector. The newly launched Lemonridge Hotels IDPL Balanagar Hyderabad is strategically located in the thriving area of IDPL Balanagar Chintal, a hub known for its industrial vitality and connectivity.
Featuring 30 well-appointed keys, the hotel offers an ideal blend of comfort, convenience, and functionality for both business and leisure travelers. Guests can indulge in an eclectic dining experience at the in-house multi-cuisine restaurant, and the hotel also features versatile event spaces designed to accommodate gatherings ranging from 30 to 300 guests.
Convenience is at the heart of this launch. The property is approximately 36 kilometers from Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, just 7 kilometers from Secunderabad Junction Railway Station, and only 4 kilometers from Balanagar Metro Station, making it easily accessible for domestic and international travelers alike.
On the occasion of the launch, Mr. V.V. Narayana, Mr. Srinivas Reddy Uppathi, and Mr. Vijay Kumar Garine, Co-founders of Lemonridge Hotels Group, jointly expressed their excitement:
“We are thrilled to announce the launch of our third hotel in Hyderabad. IDPL Balanagar (Chintal) is renowned for its robust economy, rapidly expanding pharma and hardware sectors, and significant tourist attractions, making it an ideal destination for both leisure and business travelers.”
They also highlighted the location’s logistical advantage, noting:
“It is conveniently connected to other major parts of the city through National Highway 65 (NH-65), ensuring easy access to key locations such as Begumpet and Ameerpet.”
Lemonridge Hotels continues to expand its footprint with a commitment to delivering round-the-clock personalized service, contemporary comfort, and quality hospitality across emerging business destinations.
To learn more or make a booking, visit: www.lemonridgehotels.com
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