Radisson and Radisson Blu's Remarkable Year in Sri Lanka: A Celebration of Hospitality Excellence

Radisson and Radisson Blu's Remarkable Year in Sri Lanka: A Celebration of Hospitality Excellence

By Author

Published on December 23, 2023

Sri Lanka witnessed a triumphant year with the Radisson and Radisson Blu brands, as they commemorated a successful year of operations at their three distinguished properties located in Colombo, Kandy, and Galle. The celebratory event, hosted at Radisson Hotel Colombo, marked not only a milestone but also served as the launchpad for an enticing destination marketing video featuring all three hotels.

Under the adept management of La Vie Hotels & Resorts and owned by Sino Lanka, these hotels have redefined hospitality since their debut in May 2022. The trio, strategically positioned in Colombo, Kandy, and Galle, has become synonymous with a hospitality standard that exceeds expectations, offering warm and attentive staff and carefully curated amenities.

Alan Christie, the Area General Manager overseeing the three properties, expressed heartfelt gratitude to key stakeholders and partners during the celebration. He emphasized that these hotels are more than just places to stay; they are destinations where unforgettable moments are created and cherished memories are made.

Shankar Sreekumar, Head of South & Southeast Asia for La Vie Hotels & Resorts, lauded the cluster hotel teams for driving exceptional performance through effective leadership, a strong cultural foundation, and substantial owner returns in a dynamic year. He also acknowledged the positive trajectory of these three signature hotels under the Radisson Hotel Group portfolio in Sri Lanka.

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Andre de Jong, the Area Senior Vice President for South East Asia and the Pacific at Radisson Hotel Group, extended gratitude to guests and partners, reflecting on the remarkable 18 months since the launch of these three hotels. He eagerly looks forward to strengthening the partnership with Sino Lanka and La Vie Hotels & Resorts, with a continued focus on creating memorable moments for guests and partners alike.

Among the trio, the Radisson Blu Resort Galle stands out as an award-winning destination wedding venue, nestled along a pristine stretch of soft sand. Boasting 172 well-appointed rooms and suites with captivating sea views, a spacious lagoon pool, and a dedicated kids club, the resort recently earned the prestigious Apex Award for the 'Most Scenic Destination Wedding Venue' at the 12th Exotic Wedding Planning Conference in India.

The other two urban hotels, Radisson Hotel Colombo and Radisson Hotel Kandy, offer a modern and comfortable retreat with world-class amenities. Featuring 158 and 122 well-appointed rooms and suites, respectively, they contribute to the collective success story of Radisson and Radisson Blu in Sri Lanka.


XECH Eyes Pan India Retail Growth, Launches Experience Centres in Ahmedabad & Hyderabad

XECH Eyes Pan India Retail Growth, Launches Experience Centres in Ahmedabad & Hyderabad

By Nishang Narayan

Published on July 3, 2025

XECH is making bold strides in its retail journey with the opening of its latest Experience Centre in Ahmedabad, located at Dhanlaxmi Complex, Ashram Road, Usmanpura. Designed to provide an immersive, hands-on shopping experience, the store caters to walk-in customers, resellers, and corporate buyers alike. This is XECH’s third major retail expansion, following the successful debut of its Hyderabad Experience Centre on 31st May, 2025, at Rudram Towers, PG Road, Secunderabad, and its flagship outlet in Pune which launched on 19th October, 2023.

The Ahmedabad inauguration saw participation from the company’s leadership team and local channel partners, making it a standout moment for tech enthusiasts and the retail community in western India.

Each of XECH’s stores is strategically set in high-growth urban centres, functioning as brand hubs where customers can explore the expanding range of lifestyle tech products, smart gadgets, and premium corporate gifting solutions. With robust expansion plans in place, XECH is targeting a 2X revenue growth this fiscal year, driven by its omni-channel approach, innovative product portfolio, and scalable business model. These Experience Centres are central to XECH’s goal of bridging the digital-physical divide — creating spaces where quality, speed, and tangible engagement meet.

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Speaking on the expansion, Mr. Pranay Punjabi, Founder and CEO of XECH Technologies Pvt. Ltd., shared,

“Each city plays a strategic role in our retail vision. Pune gave us our first physical touchpoint, Hyderabad validated our scale strategy in a dynamic tech market, and Ahmedabad will strengthen our presence in western India — connecting us to customers who value smart, dependable tech. These are more than just stores; they’re brand experience hubs where people can interact with our innovations firsthand. We’re focused on making practical, well-designed technology accessible to those who need it — whether at home, work, or in business.”

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Shoppers visiting these stores can explore XECH’s entire tech ecosystem, including its bestsellers and upcoming launches, all in an interactive setting. From portable kettles and cordless vacuum cleaners to Bluetooth clocks, eye massagers, tyre inflators, and garment steamers, XECH’s range is sharply focused on addressing real-world needs with intuitive, multi-functional, and thoughtful tech — equally suited for individual users and corporate gifting.

To celebrate the Ahmedabad launch, XECH is offering an exclusive 10% in-store discount throughout July, inviting customers to experience their innovations firsthand.

Looking ahead, XECH plans to continue expanding its retail footprint across India in the coming quarters, building more such immersive spaces that blend tactile experiences with the convenience of modern retail.


From Numbers to Nutrition: Parag Milk Foods Elevates Nitin Kanodia as Business Head of Avvatar Sports Nutrition

From Numbers to Nutrition: Parag Milk Foods Elevates Nitin Kanodia as Business Head of Avvatar Sports Nutrition

By Nishang Narayan

Published on July 3, 2025

Parag Milk Foods Ltd., one of India’s leading dairy FMCG and nutrition companies, has announced the elevation of Nitin Kanodia as Business Head of Avvatar, its rapidly growing sports and active nutrition brand. This strategic move underlines Parag’s strong belief in grooming internal talent and fostering leaders who exemplify its core values of performance, purpose, and passion.

A Chartered Accountant by training, Nitin joined Parag Milk Foods with a robust foundation in financial strategy and operations. Over time, he displayed remarkable agility, moving beyond the world of numbers to take on roles in marketing and brand building. His leadership has been instrumental in crafting impactful campaigns and positioning Avvatar as a credible, homegrown challenger to global protein brands—cementing consumer trust and driving the brand’s expansion in India’s health and wellness market.

Speaking on his new role, Nitin Kanodia shared,

“It has been an incredible journey — from decoding balance sheets to now decoding the minds of modern consumers. Avvatar is not just a product; it’s a mission to bridge India’s protein gap with clean, effective, and trusted nutrition. I look forward to scaling this brand to new heights, building stronger consumer trust, and innovating across formats.”

Akshali Shah, Executive Director, Parag Milk Foods Ltd., echoed these sentiments, saying,

“At Parag, we believe that when individuals grow, the organisation grows with them. Our culture is built on recognising performance, empowering potential, and giving people the freedom to evolve across functions and roles. Nitin’s progression from finance to marketing to now leading a high-growth brand like Avvatar is a reflection of this belief. We’re equally focused on bringing in strong leadership talent from outside and nurturing promising individuals from within. This balance is helping us build a future-ready organisation that values entrepreneurship, agility, and accountability at every level.”

As India witnesses a growing shift toward health-conscious lifestyles and protein-rich diets, Avvatar stands poised to play a pivotal role in this wellness transformation. With forward-thinking leadership and a talent-first approach, Parag Milk Foods continues to set benchmarks not only in product innovation but also in building a workplace where passion seamlessly meets purpose.


Uncover the Soul of Krabi with 5 Extraordinary Experiences in 2025

Uncover the Soul of Krabi with 5 Extraordinary Experiences in 2025

By Nishang Narayan

Published on July 3, 2025

As Thailand captures the world’s imagination—serving as the backdrop for the newest season of The White Lotus and the much-awaited Jurassic World Rebirth—there’s never been a better time to visit. Perched gracefully on Krabi’s stunning Andaman shoreline, Phulay Bay, a Ritz‑Carlton Reserve, gives travellers a chance to step into these cinematic stories, all while immersing in Thailand’s rich cultural and natural beauty.

Here are five unforgettable ways to experience Krabi’s soul in 2025:

Explore Krabi’s Untouched Wonders

Embark on Phulay Bay’s exclusive Discover the Jurassic Paradise adventure—a curated journey inspired by Krabi’s prehistoric charm and its starring role in the upcoming Jurassic World film. Start with a stroll on Pak Bia Island’s powdery sands, hemmed in by towering karst cliffs and turquoise seas. Then kayak across the still waters of Klong Root—also known as Mirror Lake—where lush canopies reflect so perfectly, it feels like paddling through a painting. From secret lagoons to wild forest trails, this is Krabi in its raw, magical form.

A Taste of Thailand: Cook Like a Local

Food is at the heart of Thai culture, and there’s no better way to connect than by learning to cook like a local. At Phulay Bay, join a small, hands-on Thai cooking class that starts with hand-picking fresh herbs and produce. Discover how to balance sweet, sour, and spicy notes, pick up time-honoured kitchen techniques, and prepare classic dishes. The best bit? You’ll feast on your creations in a serene nook of the resort—often at the Chomtawan Bar—paired with sunset views and a soft sea breeze.

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Reconnect with Yourself at The Spa

Begin your day with yoga by the sea, where gentle Andaman waves and rustling palms set the rhythm for breathwork and meditation. Then retreat to The Spa at Phulay Bay, an expansive haven with 11 treatment rooms, vitality pools, steam and sauna facilities. Indulge in rituals drawn from Thai and global wellness traditions—whether it’s a warm herbal compress, sound therapy with singing bowls, or a detox session with local botanicals. It’s restoration, reimagined.

Muay Thai: A Cultural Workout

Blend fitness and tradition with Phulay Bay’s Muay Thai sessions. Held in a calm indoor-outdoor studio, these workouts are led by seasoned trainers and tailored to all skill levels. You’ll learn the art of Thai boxing—mastering punches, kicks, and elbow strikes—while uncovering stories behind Thailand’s national sport. It’s as invigorating for the body as it is enlightening for the mind.

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Walk with Giants: The Elephant Sanctuary Experience

In partnership with the Krabi Elephant House Sanctuary, Phulay Bay offers a respectful, deeply moving way to meet Thailand’s gentle giants. Spend your morning alongside rescued elephants: feed them, give them playful mud baths, or join them for a dip. Guided by passionate sanctuary workers and the resort’s dedicated team, this immersive experience highlights conservation efforts and forges connections that last long after you leave.

Plan the Extraordinary

At Phulay Bay, every moment is artfully crafted—where personal butlers, bespoke experiences, and Krabi’s natural splendour come together in seamless harmony. Whether you’re chasing cinematic landscapes, culinary adventures, or soulful Thai traditions, this is where you embrace the extraordinary.

Plan your journey to Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, and let Krabi’s spirit become part of yours.

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