The Ashok Hosts a Festive Christmas Luncheon with Culinary Elegance

The Ashok Hosts a Festive Christmas Luncheon with Culinary Elegance

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on December 11, 2024

The Ashok, New Delhi, brought the festive cheer to life with an enchanting Christmas Luncheon at its iconic restaurant, The Oudh. Guests were welcomed into a warm and festive ambiance, enhanced by dazzling holiday décor and a thoughtfully curated menu that celebrated the best of the season.

Set amidst sprawling lawns and sunny patios, the open-air setting perfectly complemented the winter afternoon, offering a cozy yet luxurious dining experience. Every detail, from elegant holiday accents to festive table settings, added a touch of magic, inspiring attendees to elevate their own Christmas celebrations.

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The culinary highlights of the luncheon left guests in awe. The menu showcased a variety of gourmet delights, starting with a Cheese and Meat Board featuring premium selections like Gouda and Parmesan, complemented by charcuterie favorites such as galantine and pâté. Sweet and savory accompaniments, including fig jam and truffle honey, added depth to the flavors.

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Among the main courses, the Roast Turkey with Cranberry Sauce stole the show, paired with exotic vegetables. For plant-based diners, the Vegan Festive Board offered a delightful mix of gluten-free breads, hummus, pickled vegetables, and roasted nuts.

Dessert lovers were treated to an indulgent spread of holiday classics. From Plum Pudding served with warm sabayon to intricately crafted Yule Logs, Gingerbread Cheesecakes, and Christmas Stollen, each dessert reflected the chef’s mastery. The creative Chocolate Lovers’ Board - featuring pralines, chocolate-dipped fruits, and cocoa-dusted almonds - was a crowd favorite, complemented by whimsical treats like hot chocolate bombs and hazelnut pastry trees.

Guests also found inspiration for hosting their own festive gatherings, thanks to the chef’s inventive menu pairings and the venue’s exquisite décor. The Ashok’s dedication to creating exceptional moments was evident in every detail, from the artistry of the dishes to the joyful atmosphere that resonated throughout the event.

With its long-standing tradition of delivering unparalleled festive hospitality, The Ashok has once again proven itself as a premier destination for holiday celebrations. Whether it’s an intimate family gathering or a grand festive affair, The Ashok promises to make every Christmas truly unforgettable.


Hyatt Hotels to Sell Playa’s Real Estate Portfolio for $2 Billion

Hyatt Hotels to Sell Playa’s Real Estate Portfolio for $2 Billion

By Nishang Narayan

Published on July 5, 2025

Hyatt Hotels is doubling down on its asset-light strategy with a major move—selling Playa Hotels’ real estate portfolio to Tortuga Resorts for $2 billion. This follows Hyatt’s acquisition of Playa in February for $2.6 billion, including debt. Playa operates 24 luxury all-inclusive resorts across Mexico, Jamaica, and the Dominican Republic.

The sale covers 15 of Playa’s resort assets, effectively reducing Hyatt’s net purchase price for the remaining Playa business to around $555 million. The deal, still pending regulatory nods in Mexico, is expected to close before the end of 2025.

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As part of the arrangement, Hyatt and Tortuga will enter into 50-year agreements for these properties, allowing Hyatt to continue managing the resorts. Thirteen of the resorts will operate under Hyatt’s standard management fee structures, with two under separate agreements.

Hyatt CEO Mark Hoplamazian called the move transformational, noting it turns the Playa acquisition into a fully asset-light transaction. "It also ramps up our fee-based earnings," he added. Hyatt now anticipates its asset-light earnings mix could hit at least 90% by 2027.

Analysts view the swift real estate divestment positively, seeing it as a smart way for Hyatt to stay nimble while bolstering returns. Proceeds from this deal will primarily go toward repaying loans taken to finance the Playa buyout.


Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach Earns Green Key Certification

Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach Earns Green Key Certification

By Nishang Narayan

Published on July 5, 2025

Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach, a flagship Accor property, has proudly announced that it has been awarded the Green Key Certification, a globally recognised eco-label that underscores excellence in sustainable tourism and hospitality.

Granted by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE)—one of the world’s leading environmental education organisations and recognised by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC)—the certification marks a significant milestone in the hotel’s ongoing efforts to integrate eco-friendly practices without compromising guest comfort or luxury.

Lakshmi Sridhar, General Manager, Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach, said, “At Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach, we believe that sustainability is not just a responsibility, but a way of life. Being Green Key certified reinforces our commitment to offering eco-conscious experiences that align with global environmental standards.”

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The hotel has rolled out various impactful initiatives, from using clean, renewable energy and implementing robust waste management practices to driving water conservation, enhancing energy efficiency, and sustainably sourcing products. These measures are designed to benefit not only the environment but also the local community.

As travel trends increasingly lean towards conscious luxury and responsible tourism, this certification positions Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach as a leader in sustainable hospitality in India.


IHCL to Open New Vivanta in Anjuna, Strengthening Goa Portfolio

IHCL to Open New Vivanta in Anjuna, Strengthening Goa Portfolio

By Nishang Narayan

Published on July 5, 2025

Indian Hotels Company (IHCL), India’s largest hospitality player, has announced the signing of a new Vivanta property in Anjuna, Goa. This greenfield project marks another step in IHCL’s strategy to grow its presence across key leisure destinations in India.

Strategically located in Anjuna, celebrated for its vibrant culture and beaches, the upcoming Vivanta Anjuna, Goa will feature 110 well-appointed rooms. Guests can look forward to an array of facilities including an all-day diner, a bar, a swimming pool, a fully equipped gym, and modern conference spaces, catering to both leisure and business travellers.

Suma Venkatesh, Executive Vice President - Real Estate & Development, IHCL, shared, “IHCL has been at the forefront of pioneering destinations and has played a defining role in putting Goa on the global tourism map for over five decades. This signing is in line with our strategy to expand IHCL’s presence across segments in key leisure markets. We are delighted to strengthen our partnership with Fiesta Hotels with this new project.”

The hotel is being developed by Fiesta Hotels Pvt. Ltd., led by directors Ravinder Kumar, Manju Vardhan, Raj Vardhan, Harsh Vardhan, Gagan Garg, and Gaurav Garg, who have deep investments in real estate and hospitality. Ravinder Kumar, Director, Fiesta Hotels Pvt. Ltd., said, “We are proud to collaborate with IHCL through the addition of our second hotel in Goa. It stands as a testament to our shared vision to deliver exceptional experiences in one of India’s most cherished destinations.”

Goa continues to attract travellers with its sun-soaked beaches, Portuguese-era architecture, thriving culinary and music scene, and vibrant local communities. With this signing, IHCL’s Goa portfolio grows to 18 hotels, including five under development, underscoring its long-standing commitment to shaping Goa’s tourism landscape.

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