South Palms Resort & Spa Panglao – MGallery Collection Elevates Guest Experience with Alcatel-Lucent Enterprise

South Palms Resort & Spa Panglao – MGallery Collection Elevates Guest Experience with Alcatel-Lucent Enterprise

By Hariharan U

Published on December 3, 2025

South Palms Resort & Spa Panglao – MGallery Collection has taken a major step toward elevating guest experiences by choosing Alcatel-Lucent Enterprise to power its digital backbone. The resort, which spans 6 hectares of pristine beachfront in Panglao and features 188 rooms and suites blending tropical charm with modern style, needed a reliable, scalable and seamless technology setup to match its luxury standards.

To meet these needs, Alcatel-Lucent Enterprise delivered a complete turnkey solution built to support smooth guest services and efficient operations. The resort selected ALE for its ability to provide strong, high-speed connectivity throughout its varied spaces from indoor lounges and dining areas to beaches, gardens and pools. Working closely with the property owner, a local partner and technology consultant Pertlink, ALE helped shape a network design that is future-ready and easy to manage.

The solution includes the Alcatel-Lucent OmniSwitch® 6360 Stackable Gigabit Ethernet Switch, ALE’s Hospitality Hybrid Passive Optical LAN, and OmniAccess® Stellar Access Point WLAN products designed to handle both indoor and outdoor conditions. A unified management system brings everything together, allowing the resort to run its entire network and telephony infrastructure under a single brand.

With this setup, the resort now has secure, uninterrupted connectivity across guest areas and back-of-house operations. The digital foundation supports high data usage, strengthens operational efficiency and helps reduce long-term costs, contributing to the resort’s sustainability goals.

Sharing the impact of this collaboration, Dirk Dumortier, Director of Strategic Partnership, APAC, Alcatel-Lucent Enterprise, said, “To meet the scale and luxury demands of South Palms Panglao MGallery, we knew the solution had to be more than just technology, it had to be a unified ecosystem. Working closely with our trusted partner and the strategic guidance of consultant Pertlink, Alcatel-Lucent Enterprise delivered a future-ready, single-brand Hybrid POL/WLAN infrastructure that guarantees both a seamless guest experience and long-term TCO reduction. Partnership was the true foundation of this digital transformation.”

Terence Ronson, Founder and Managing Director of Pertlink, added, “From the very start, the project's horizontal layout made it clear that HPOL was the optimal solution. After extensive due diligence, we identified ALE as the ideal technology partner — not only for their robust solutions but also for their exceptional pre- and post-sales support. Together with their delivery partner NERA, ALE demonstrated a seamless, professional approach throughout the entire process. Combined with ALE's Wi-Fi infrastructure, we've created an outstanding, connected guest experience.”

The collaboration between ALE, the resort team and Pertlink has laid a strong digital base for South Palms Panglao – MGallery Collection. The resort is now equipped to serve guests with reliable connectivity, personalised services and smooth operations designed to match the expectations of modern luxury travellers.


Summit Hotels & Resorts to Open 17-Villa Retreat in Lachung, Sikkim

Summit Hotels & Resorts to Open 17-Villa Retreat in Lachung, Sikkim

By Hariharan U

Published on October 25, 2026

Summit Hotels & Resorts is set to expand its Signature Collection with a 17-villa retreat in Lachung, North Sikkim, scheduled to open in December 2026. The upcoming property will strengthen the company's premium hospitality portfolio in the Eastern Himalayas, with an emphasis on local architecture, cultural experiences and the region's natural landscape.

Located at an altitude of approximately 8,600 feet, Lachung is around 118 km from Gangtok and serves as a gateway to destinations including Yumthang Valley, Zero Point and Katao. The retreat will feature 17 villas inspired by traditional Sikkimese architecture, reflecting the area's cultural character and mountain setting.

Beyond accommodation, the property is expected to offer experiences that encourage guests to explore North Sikkim beyond conventional sightseeing. Planned activities include guided village walks, opportunities to discover Bhutia traditions and cuisine, visits to nearby orchards and monasteries, and excursions to alpine valleys. Seasonal experiences such as rhododendron viewing, winter snow excursions and stargazing are also being considered, subject to local conditions.

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Commenting on the development, Sumit Mitruka, CEO, Summit Hotels & Resorts, said, “North Sikkim has considerable potential to develop beyond conventional sightseeing-led tourism. Lachung is already an important stop on the Yumthang and Zero Point circuit, but we believe there is an opportunity to encourage travellers to spend more time in the destination itself. With this retreat, we want to introduce a premium stay experience that draws on the region's architecture, culture and natural surroundings. We also see opportunities to work with local communities through employment, sourcing and destination experiences as tourism develops.”

The project comes amid renewed tourism interest in North Sikkim, supported by improved accessibility along the Lachung–Yumthang–Zero Point circuit. Known for its Himalayan scenery, rhododendron forests and traditional Bhutia settlements, Lachung offers opportunities to develop longer, nature-focused stays alongside established sightseeing itineraries.

The retreat will join Summit's Signature Collection, which includes Summit Norbu Ghang in Gangtok and Summit Rungkhung Village Resort in Dirang, Arunachal Pradesh. The collection forms part of the company's wider strategy to develop premium, destination-focused hospitality across the Eastern Himalayas and other leisure markets in India.

With the Lachung project, Summit is looking to combine premium accommodation with local culture and nature-based experiences, while creating opportunities for community participation as tourism in North Sikkim evolves


The Long Weekend Escape You Didn't Know You Needed: Cintacor Island, Karwar

The Long Weekend Escape You Didn't Know You Needed: Cintacor Island, Karwar

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on October 22, 2026

Looking for a peaceful escape this Dussehra? Cintacor Island Resort in Karwar, Karnataka, offers a private island getaway where guests can enjoy the beach, explore the sea and unwind amid nature. Spread across a 33-acre private island along Karnataka's lesser-explored coastline, the resort offers an alternative to crowded holiday destinations for the festive long weekend from 20–22 October 2026.

Surrounded by the Arabian Sea, the resort brings together relaxation, outdoor activities and scenic coastal views. Guests can spend their days at the private beach, enjoy the swimming pool or explore the island's NatureLab, making it a refreshing choice for travellers looking to slow down and enjoy a few days away from their usual routine.

For those who want more than a relaxed beach holiday, Cintacor Island offers several experiences on land and at sea. Guests can try kayaking and fishing or head out on dolphin cruises to explore the surrounding waters. Those looking to unwind can visit the private Kurmasana Spa, which offers a peaceful setting to relax during their stay.

One of the island's highlights is Nemo's Deck, located at its highest point. Offering panoramic views of the Arabian Sea, it provides a beautiful spot to watch the sunset. As the day winds down, guests can head to Jolly Rogers for a leisurely meal while enjoying the island's relaxed atmosphere.

With its private beach, sea-facing experiences and natural surroundings, Cintacor Island Resort offers a different way to celebrate the Dussehra long weekend. Whether travellers are looking for a quiet break, a little adventure or simply time by the sea, the island provides an opportunity to step away from busy holiday destinations and enjoy a coastal retreat.

For those planning a festive getaway, Cintacor Island Resort, Karwar, presents an inviting option to spend the long weekend surrounded by nature, with the Arabian Sea setting the scene for a memorable holiday.

  • Venue: Cintacor Island Resort, Karwar, Karnataka
  • Location: Cintacor Island Resort
  • Dates: 20–22 October 2026.


Sayaji Raipur Brings Dussehra Dining and Halloween Celebrations to October

Sayaji Raipur Brings Dussehra Dining and Halloween Celebrations to October

By Hariharan U

Published on October 20, 2026

Sayaji Raipur is bringing the festive season to the table with two special dining experiences this October, combining a Dussehra celebration at Cravings with a themed Halloween evening at its rooftop destination, Horizon.

Designed around food, festivities and social gatherings, the hotel's October calendar offers guests opportunities to celebrate traditional occasions and enjoy a contemporary seasonal experience with family and friends.

Dussehra Celebration at Cravings

On October 20, 2026, Cravings at Sayaji Raipur will mark Dussehra with a special festive dining experience featuring traditional flavours and a celebratory atmosphere.

Guests can avail themselves of a 2+1 offer during lunch, providing an opportunity for families and groups to gather over a festive meal.

Halloween Night at Horizon

The celebrations will continue on October 31, 2026, with a themed Halloween Night at Horizon, Sayaji Raipur's rooftop destination.

The evening will feature Halloween-inspired food and drinks, themed décor and an entertaining ambience, bringing a seasonal twist to the rooftop dining experience.

Guests can also enjoy 15% off the à la carte menu, while drinks will be available at MRP.

Together, the two events reflect Sayaji Raipur's approach to seasonal dining, bringing traditional festivities and contemporary themed celebrations into its October programme.

Event Details

Dussehra at Cravings

  • Date: October 20, 2026

  • Offer: 2+1 during lunch

Halloween Night at Horizon

  • Date: October 31, 2026

  • Offer: 15% off the à la carte menu

  • Drinks: Available at MRP

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