Soot by O2 Opens Near the Airport, Setting a New Standard in

Soot by O2 Opens Near the Airport, Setting a New Standard in Luxury Hospitality

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on October 1, 2024

Soot by O2, a new luxury hotel next to the airport, has officially opened its doors. The 4-star property spans 75,000 square feet and features 110 elegantly designed rooms, setting itself up as a key destination for those seeking luxury with ease of access. The opening ceremony also marked the launch of a Durga Puja special menu, providing both traditional and modern takes on festive dishes for guests to enjoy.

The hotel was inaugurated by several notable personalities, including Tollywood actress Rituparna Sengupta, MLA Tapash Chatterjee, Councillor Debraj Chakraborty, and the Loharuka family—owners and directors of Soot by O2.

During the event, Managing Directors Anisha Loharuka and Shrija Loharuka shared their vision for Soot by O2. "We are thrilled to introduce Hotel Soot as a premier destination for travelers seeking exceptional comfort and personalized service. Our rooftop bar and swimming pool offer magnificent views, including a direct sightline to the airport runway from our terrace, enhancing the overall guest experience. Our team is dedicated to creating memorable experiences through meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to excellence. This launch represents our vision to offer a unique blend of luxury and hospitality that exceeds expectations. We look forward to welcoming guests and making every stay unforgettable," they said.

Actress Rituparna Sengupta also spoke about her excitement for the opening. "I am excited to inaugurate Soot by O2, ideally located next to the airport. This hotel offers travelers unparalleled convenience without compromising on luxury. It's a perfect retreat for those seeking comfort and exceptional service, right at their doorstep."

Soot by O2 aims to provide guests with an array of dining and entertainment options. The hotel features multiple restaurants and bars, including:

Venezia: A 56-seater multi-cuisine restaurant.

Caffeine: A cozy café that also accommodates 56 guests, offering diverse dishes.

The Drunken Monkey: An English-style pub with seating for 120.

Aire: A rooftop pool bar offering an impressive view of the airport runway.

Guests can also enjoy the hotel’s spa and gym facilities.

Soot by O2 also caters to events and celebrations with three spacious banquet halls:

Victoria: A 3,000-square-foot hall with a capacity of up to 300 guests.

Aurum: Also 3,000 square feet and suitable for 300 attendees.

Olive: A smaller, more intimate venue of 1,000 square feet that accommodates 100 guests.

The launch event ended with a celebratory toast, emphasizing the hotel's dedication to delivering a luxurious guest experience with a focus on sustainability. Soot by O2 aims to redefine hospitality by combining comfort, luxury, and convenience in one unique location.

Six Ways to Celebrate the Festive Season the Reserve Way at Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve

By Author

Published on December 29, 2025

Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, invites discerning travellers to celebrate the festive season in an atmosphere of timeless rituals, refined gastronomy, and serene natural beauty along the untouched shores of the Andaman Sea. This year-end, the ultra-luxury retreat presents six thoughtfully curated experiences that blend cultural authenticity, culinary excellence, and meaningful moments of celebration.

The festive journey begins with a sacred traditional Buddhist monk blessing at Sala Srichan, coinciding with Phulay Bay’s 16th anniversary of warm hospitality. As the sun sets over the sea, guests are welcomed with cocktails followed by a special anniversary dinner inspired by the four elements—Earth, Water, Air, and Fire—artfully crafted by Michelin-starred Executive Chef Christian Herrgesell.

Christmas Eve at Phulay Bay is marked by one of the resort’s most enchanting traditions, as Santa arrives by long-tail boat at sunset. The day unfolds with a festive breakfast, engaging children’s workshops, and culminates in an elegant Christmas Eve dinner under the stars at Jampoon, where classic holiday flavours are reimagined with a tropical twist.

On Christmas Day, the celebration continues with “Gifts from the Grove,” a showcase of handcrafted ornaments by local artisans, family-friendly activities, and a vibrant Christmas Buffet and Market Fair on the Pool Lawn. Guests can enjoy gourmet food stations and a lively festive ambience beneath the night sky.

For those seeking an elevated culinary experience, the Intimate Champagne Pairing Evening on 28 December offers an exclusive dinner for just 20 guests at Sala Srichan. A refined four-course menu is paired with exceptional Ruinart champagnes, creating an evening of elegance, artistry, and indulgence.

New Year’s Eve transports guests back in time with “A Night of Siam,” inspired by the era of King Rama VI, when Western elegance merged seamlessly with Siamese grace. The evening features sunset cocktails, a grand gala dinner with cultural performances, and transitions into a beachfront countdown party with live DJ music and fireworks illuminating the Andaman Sea.

As midnight approaches, celebrations move to the sandy shores of Chomtawan Bar, where festive cocktails, energetic music, and a spectacular fireworks display welcome 2026 in signature Phulay Bay style. The festivities conclude on a serene note with a New Year’s Day brunch at Jampoon, followed by the traditional Thai monk offering ceremony, Tak Bat—a meaningful ritual symbolising gratitude, generosity, and new beginnings.

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A First for Indian Hospitality: Taj Exotica Goa and Tata Power Champion Clean Energy Storage

By Author

Published on December 28, 2025

In a landmark step towards sustainable luxury, Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Goa has partnered with Tata Power to implement one of the most advanced Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) in the Indian hospitality sector. This initiative marks Tata Power’s first BESS deployment in the hospitality industry and positions Taj Exotica Goa as the first hotel in India to adopt this pioneering clean energy solution.

With an approximate storage capacity of 2 MW, the BESS project represents a significant milestone in IHCL’s decarbonisation journey under Paathya, aligned with the Tata Group’s Aalingana vision for climate-positive growth. The installation has been executed by Tata Power following detailed technical feasibility studies, with an investment of approximately ₹3.50 crore and projected annual savings of around ₹1.50 crore, while substantially reducing dependence on diesel-based power generation.

Commenting on the initiative, Ms. Sheetal Singh, Area Director – South Goa and General Manager, Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Goa, said:
“Sustainability is at the core of our ethos at Taj Exotica, Goa. The BESS project is an exemplary step in modernising the way hospitality manages energy. By reducing diesel dependence and enhancing power reliability, we are embracing innovation that directly contributes to a greener, more resilient future for our hotel and our community.”

The system is expected to reduce nearly 2 lakh litres of High-Speed Diesel (HSD) annually, leading to a substantial drop in carbon emissions and operational costs. Beyond financial and environmental benefits, the BESS improves power quality, minimises generator runtime, and significantly lowers air emissions.

Given Taj Exotica Goa’s multi-source power ecosystem, comprising grid supply, diesel generators, and solar energy, a sophisticated interlocking and protection system was jointly developed with Tata Power. This includes automated source prioritisation logic, prevention of backfeed and overload, real-time monitoring, advanced safety cut-offs, thermal and surge protection, emergency shutdown protocols, and manual override operations.

To ensure uninterrupted guest comfort and electrical stability, comprehensive safety simulations and load-bank tests were conducted. The physical installation was completed in mid-November 2025, followed by full-load testing, where the system demonstrated stable discharge curves and precise switching performance.

The engineering team, led by Mr. Athen Chellappa, Area Director Engineering – Goa, carried out extensive simulations of power outage scenarios. These validated automatic diesel generator synchronisation, priority-based charging from solar and grid sources, interlocking accuracy, changeover timings, and internet connectivity critical for cloud-linked operations. The system is further supported by an interactive digital dashboard offering real-time energy flow visibility, battery health diagnostics, predictive maintenance alerts, and detailed historical reports on consumption and savings.

Summarising the impact of the project, Mr. Ranjit Phillipose, Senior Vice President – Operations, IHCL Goa, stated:
“The BESS project at Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Goa is not just an engineering achievement—it is a defining moment in our sustainability journey. By embracing cutting-edge technology and reducing our reliance on fossil fuels, we are setting new benchmarks for responsible luxury. This initiative reflects our belief that the future of hospitality is clean, resilient, and climate-conscious, and we are proud to pioneer that change.”

With this breakthrough collaboration, Taj Exotica Goa and Tata Power have set a powerful precedent for the Indian hospitality industry, demonstrating how innovation, sustainability, and luxury can seamlessly converge to shape a cleaner and more resilient future.