Stone Wood Hotels & Resorts Strengthens Leadership Team with Key Appointments

Stone Wood Hotels & Resorts Strengthens Leadership Team with Key Appointments

By Nishang Narayan

Published on March 8, 2025

Stone Wood Hotels & Resorts has bolstered its leadership team with key appointments, further strengthening its commitment to exceptional guest experiences and seamless operations. As the brand continues its expansion across India, these new leadership roles bring extensive experience and expertise to drive operational excellence.

Key Appointments Across Stone Wood Properties

  • A. B. Chaki – Operations Manager, Stone Wood Hotel Kumbhalgarh

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With over 20 years of experience, A. B. Chaki steps in as the Operations Manager at Stone Wood Hotel Kumbhalgarh. His expertise in Front Office Operations, planning, and general management, gained from his tenure at Lords Hotels & Resorts and Via Lakhela Resorts, positions him well to enhance guest satisfaction while maintaining strong financial performance.

  • Laxman Parab – General Manager, Stone Wood Beach Resort, Vagator

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Bringing 27 years of experience in Front Office Operations, Revenue Generation, and Cost Management, Laxman Parab takes charge as the General Manager at Stone Wood Beach Resort, Vagator. His extensive background with Spazio Leisure Resort, Ramatan Resort, and Baga Hideout equips him with the skills to sustain business growth while delivering outstanding service.

  • Abhishek Kumar – General Manager, Stone Wood Hotel, Rishikesh

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With a rich career spanning esteemed brands like Club Mahindra, ITC Fortune, Radisson, Ananta Spa & Resorts, Ahuja Residency Private Limited, and Ramada Encore by Wyndham, Abhishek Kumar joins as the General Manager at Stone Wood Hotel, Rishikesh. His expertise in guest services, front office operations, and property management ensures the highest standards of hospitality at the property.

  • Santosh Bartakke – General Manager, Stone Wood Premier Dandeli

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A seasoned hotelier with over 20 years of experience, Santosh Bartakke steps in as the General Manager at Stone Wood Premier Dandeli. His leadership roles at Le Meridien Pune, Royal Orchid, Spree Shivai Hotel, and Bizzgrow Hotels have honed his skills in hotel openings, revenue management, and customer relations, making him a valuable addition to the team.

These appointments underscore Stone Wood Hotels & Resorts’ dedication to assembling a leadership team that aligns with its vision of delivering memorable and personalized guest experiences.

Leadership Driving Growth and Innovation

Speaking on the new appointments, Shikhar Kumar, Managing Director, Stone Wood Hotels & Resorts, stated:
"At Stone Wood, we believe that strong leadership is the foundation of great hospitality. Each of these industry experts brings immense value to our brand, and their expertise will be instrumental in driving operational efficiency and enhancing guest satisfaction. As we continue to expand, our focus remains on creating memorable experiences for our guests while fostering a culture of excellence within our team."

With its growing portfolio of boutique resorts, villas, serviced apartments, and clubs across India, Stone Wood Hotels & Resorts remains committed to innovation, sustainability, and world-class service. These strategic leadership appointments mark yet another step in the brand’s journey toward redefining hospitality standards in India.

For bookings and more information, visit www.stonewoodresorts.com.


India’s Top Luxury Wedding Photographers Turning Celebrations into Fine Art Stories

India’s Top Luxury Wedding Photographers Turning Celebrations into Fine Art Stories

By Nishang Narayan

Published on July 12, 2025

In the ultra-luxury wedding space, photography has transformed dramatically. It’s no longer just about documenting the day—it’s about legacy, artistry, and emotion. Across India, some of the country’s top wedding photographers are not only preserving these grand celebrations but elevating them into globally relevant, editorial-quality narratives.

Whether it’s an opulent palace wedding or a private international elopement, ultra-high-net-worth families, celebrities, and legacy households trust these artists to capture the very soul of their special moments. Each brings a distinctive vision to the evolving language of Indian wedding photography, merging tradition, fashion, emotion, and fine art into timeless keepsakes.

Here are five standout names leading this movement:

  • Karan Sidhu: Renowned for his soulful, cinematic storytelling, Karan’s emotive style is rooted deeply in authenticity, capturing honest, unscripted moments.

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  • Joseph Radhik: A global name synonymous with iconic celebrity weddings—like Anushka-Virat and Priyanka-Nick—Joseph weaves poetic visual narratives that transcend cultures.

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  • Ombre by Harsheen Jammu: This luxury boutique studio is redefining fine art wedding photography with profound emotional depth and aspirations that extend far beyond India.

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  • Ramit Batra: A seasoned storyteller with more than 500 weddings shot worldwide, Ramit beautifully blends grandeur with genuine sentiment.

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  • Reels and Frames (Anand Rathi): Based in Mumbai, this studio is behind several high-profile weddings, known for its modern, cinematic flair and a collaborative approach that resonates with clients.

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Together, these photographers illustrate how Indian wedding photography today is an immersive art form—one that turns moments into masterpieces, memories into legacies, and emotions into stories cherished for generations.


Stone Wood Hotels & Resorts Appoints Priyanka Kumari as Corporate Training Manager

Stone Wood Hotels & Resorts Appoints Priyanka Kumari as Corporate Training Manager

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 12, 2025

Stone Wood Hotels & Resorts has announced the appointment of Priyanka Kumari as the group’s new Corporate Training Manager, a strategic addition aimed at enhancing team capabilities and maintaining consistent service standards across all properties.

Priyanka brings with her over a decade of experience in the hospitality industry, having worked with leading global hotel brands such as Marriott, Wyndham, Carlson Rezidor, and Le Méridien Bangalore. Her expertise lies in designing and executing training programs that drive performance, uplift service delivery, and cultivate a culture of continuous learning.

In her new role, Priyanka will lead training and development initiatives across all Stone Wood Hotels & Resorts, ensuring staff are equipped to deliver superior guest experiences. She will oversee the development of standardized training frameworks, implement best practices across operations, and support team engagement and career progression.

Known for her approachable leadership and tailored training strategies, Priyanka has consistently empowered frontline staff and management teams alike. Her programs have contributed to tangible improvements in both guest satisfaction and operational efficiency.

Commenting on the appointment, Shikhar Kumar, Managing Director, Stone Wood Hotels & Resorts, said,

“We are pleased to welcome Priyanka Kumari to our leadership team as we continue to focus on delivering exceptional guest experiences across all our properties. Her extensive experience with leading hospitality brands and proven expertise in training and team development make her the ideal candidate to elevate our service standards.”

Outside of work, Priyanka enjoys exploring new destinations and connecting with people from diverse backgrounds—an interest that further enriches her understanding of guest service and hospitality excellence.

With this appointment, Stone Wood Hotels & Resorts reaffirms its commitment to professional development, consistency in service, and excellence in hospitality.


The Fern Brentwood Resort, Mussoorie Appoints Eshant Rajput as Senior HR Executive

The Fern Brentwood Resort, Mussoorie Appoints Eshant Rajput as Senior HR Executive

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 11, 2025

The Fern Brentwood Resort, Mussoorie, a leading sustainable hospitality destination in the hills, has appointed Eshant Rajput as its new Senior HR Executive. With more than six years of experience in HR operations, payroll, compliance, and administration, Eshant steps into the role with a strong operational foundation and people-centric approach.

Eshant has previously handled HR responsibilities for over 150 employees across sectors like hospitality, healthcare, and waste management, giving him a diverse and agile perspective. He is well-versed in HRMS tools, ISO audits, labor relations, and employee engagement, making him a valuable addition to the resort’s evolving people strategy.

Mr. Arindam Bahel, General Manager, The Fern Brentwood Resort Mussoorie, expressed his optimism about the new appointment, saying, “We are delighted to welcome Eshant to the team. His extensive operational know-how and people-first mindset align well with our mission of building a motivated and service-oriented workforce.”

In his new role, Eshant will be responsible for recruitment, statutory compliance, employee engagement, and other core HR functions, with the goal of ensuring smooth operations and a positive work environment. He will also play a key role in strengthening staff retention efforts and aligning HR practices with the resort’s broader service goals.

Sharing his thoughts on the appointment, Eshant Rajput said, “I’m excited to be part of a brand like The Fern Brentwood, which is as committed to its people as it is to sustainability. My focus will be on driving operational efficiency and enhancing employee engagement to support the resort’s vision of exceptional hospitality.”

With Eshant’s appointment, The Fern Brentwood Resort reinforces its commitment to both employee well-being and guest satisfaction, setting the tone for a culture rooted in excellence, care, and collaboration.

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