CGH Earth Saha has expanded its Handpicked Escapes portfolio with the launch of Pollachi Riverhouse, an exclusive three-bedroom private pool villa set along a tranquil river amid coconut groves and fertile plains of Tamil Nadu. Located around a 1.5-hour drive from Coimbatore and close to the Anamalai hills, the single-key retreat is designed for families and small groups seeking privacy, space and an unhurried countryside experience. Surrounded by Pollachi’s lush agricultural landscape, the villa captures the region’s pastoral rhythm, with views of coconut farms, open fields and the Western Ghats forming a serene backdrop.

The architecture is shaped around its riverside setting, opening seamlessly to lawns, water views and outdoor living spaces. Floor-to-ceiling sliding doors connect the living areas to the outdoors, allowing natural light, greenery and the gentle sound of the river to define the stay. Clean, contemporary interiors are softened with rustic textures and antique-inspired furnishings, while the infinity pool flows into manicured lawns that meet the river’s edge, creating an ideal setting for relaxed gatherings, picnics and evening barbecues.

Dining at Pollachi Riverhouse highlights the culinary heritage of the region, with authentic Kongunadu dishes prepared using locally sourced produce, traditional spices and time-honoured recipes that reflect Tamil Nadu’s agrarian culture. Beyond the villa, guests can explore nearby Topslip and Parambikulam Tiger Reserves, or engage with local communities through experiences such as palm sugar making, palm-leaf weaving and visits to Pollachi’s well-known handloom centres.

Positioned as more than a stay, Pollachi Riverhouse offers an immersive experience rooted in nature, culture and quiet luxury, reinforcing CGH Earth Saha’s focus on intimate, home-style escapes across South India.

As the Holy Month of Ramadan approaches, Al Habtoor City is set to offer a season of mindful gatherings and indulgent dining through a series of curated Iftar and Suhoor experiences across its landmark hotels. Located between Sheikh Zayed Road and the Dubai Water Canal, the destination brings together serene settings, thoughtful hospitality and diverse culinary offerings that reflect the spirit of togetherness and reflection central to Ramadan.

At Al Habtoor Palace Dubai, the Ramadan Garden at the Winter Garden returns as an elegant open-air venue designed to host up to 800 guests. Enhanced with Islamic-inspired décor, soft lighting and comfortable seating, the space creates a welcoming ambience for breaking the fast. The Iftar buffet features a wide spread of Arabic and international favourites, including hot and cold mezze, lamb ouzi, live cooking stations and traditional Ramadan beverages such as Jallab, Tamer Hindi and Kamer El Dine. Desserts like baklava, knafeh and Um Ali complete the experience. As the evening transitions into Suhoor, guests can enjoy lighter fare, interactive food stations, gentle oud music and classic board games, creating a relaxed late-night setting. Guests staying across the Al Habtoor City Hotel Collection can also enjoy a special Stay & Dine offer with savings at the Ramadan Garden.

For those seeking a vibrant family-friendly setting, The Market at Hilton Dubai Al Habtoor City presents an expansive Iftar buffet from mid-February to mid-March. Featuring live kitchens and a rotating menu, the spread includes Middle Eastern Ramadan staples such as Madfoon, Harees, Machboos and Luqaimat alongside international selections, making it suitable for both small and large gatherings. Special group pricing further enhances its appeal for corporate and social bookings.

Complementing the dining experiences, Silk Spa at Al Habtoor City offers restorative spa rituals designed to rejuvenate the body and mind during the fasting period. Together, these experiences position Al Habtoor City as a refined destination for meaningful Ramadan moments in 2026.

In a significant step towards elevating Indian craftsmanship on a global platform, JSW Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the JSW Group, has announced its collaboration with the Michelangelo Foundation for Creativity and Craftsmanship to support Indian artisans at Homo Faber 2026 in Venice.

The fourth edition of the internationally recognised Homo Faber Biennial will be held from 1 to 30 September 2026 at the Fondazione Giorgio Cini on San Giorgio Maggiore Island, bringing together master artisans from across the world to celebrate craftsmanship as a living and evolving creative practice. Curated under the theme “Homo Faber 2026: An Island of Light,” the biennial will showcase works that span diverse materials, techniques and cultural contexts. Through this partnership, JSW Foundation becomes a Homo Faber Guardian of Creativity and Craftsmanship, enabling Indian artisans to gain international visibility and engage with global peers beyond conventional narratives of heritage craft.

The collaboration was formally announced at the India Art Fair on 5 February 2026, in the presence of Tarini Jindal Handa and Sangita Jindal, reaffirming the Foundation’s long-standing commitment to promoting Indian and South Asian craft traditions on the world stage. Speaking on the association, Sangita Jindal, Chairperson, JSW Foundation, said, "We are proud that JSW Foundation will participate in Homo Faber in Venice in September 2026, creating an international stage where Indian master artisans engage with global audiences, not as representatives of folklore, but as peers in a shared creative language." Echoing this sentiment, Alberto Cavalli, Executive Director of the Michelangelo Foundation, said, "Our partnership with JSW Foundation is allowing us to give space, attention and relevance to a meaningful selection of gifted artisans from India whose work represents the authenticity, beauty and sophistication of contemporary Indian artisanship." With this collaboration, JSW Foundation further strengthens its mission to preserve traditional skills while repositioning Indian artisans as contemporary creators within a forward-looking global framework.