The Lalit Group Joins Hands with IHMs for Hospitality Excellence

The Lalit Group Joins Hands with IHMs for Hospitality Excellence

By Nishang Narayan

Published on December 1, 2024

The Lalit Suri Hospitality Group, one of India’s premier luxury hotel chains, has announced a strategic partnership with the Ministry of Tourism's Institutes of Hotel Management (IHMs) in Srinagar and Chandigarh. This collaboration is part of a national initiative aimed at elevating Indian hospitality to a global scale under the Ministry’s “Skill in India for the World” vision.

Bridging the Gap Between Academics and Industry

This partnership focuses on enhancing hospitality education by combining academic learning with practical industry exposure. Students at IHM Srinagar and AIHM Chandigarh will gain hands-on experience through internships, specialized training programs, masterclasses, and mentorship sessions conducted by industry leaders. These initiatives aim to build core competencies, refine soft skills, and instill values essential for thriving in the competitive hospitality sector.

Leadership Perspective

Expressing his excitement, Mr. Vivek Shukla, CEO of The Lalit Suri Hospitality Group, stated:

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"Education and industry must work hand in hand to build a strong foundation for the future of hospitality. We are thrilled to partner with IHM Srinagar and AIHM Chandigarh. Our collaboration reflects our commitment to empowering young talent with the skills, knowledge, and values essential to excel in this dynamic field. This provides a great opportunity for us to share our expertise with future hospitality leaders, preparing them for successful careers in an ever-evolving industry."

A Model for Excellence

This initiative sets a benchmark for hospitality education, aligning academic programs with industry standards and preparing students to excel on a global stage. By fostering young talent, The Lalit Group aims to contribute significantly to India's growing reputation as a global hub for hospitality and tourism.

The partnership underscores The Lalit Suri Hospitality Group’s dedication to nurturing future leaders and enhancing the hospitality landscape through innovation, education, and collaboration.


The Orchid Hotel Mumbai Showcases ‘Weddings with Orchid’ Curated Wedding Experience

The Orchid Hotel Mumbai Showcases ‘Weddings with Orchid’ Curated Wedding Experience

By Hariharan U

Published on May 6, 2026

The Orchid Hotel Mumbai has introduced ‘Weddings with Orchid’, a thoughtfully curated showcase that brings together the evolving elements of modern Indian weddings, blending scale, intimacy, and personalised hospitality under one roof.

Designed to reflect how weddings are increasingly becoming immersive and multi-layered experiences, the showcase presented a seamless journey from intimate pre-functions and wellness-led preparations to grand celebrations and comfortable guest stays. It offered couples and families a clear perspective on how every stage of a wedding can be thoughtfully planned within a single destination.

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Among the highlights is The Upper Deck, a rooftop venue spanning 13,680 sq. ft., accommodating up to 800 guests. With sweeping skyline views, it provides an expansive setting for sunset pheras, receptions, cocktail evenings, and destination-style celebrations. The space allows for large-format décor, live entertainment, and curated dining experiences, creating a fluid and engaging celebration environment.

For more intimate gatherings, Prive offers a refined setting across 1,840 sq. ft., hosting up to 200 guests. Ideal for Haldi ceremonies, Mehendi functions, and close-family celebrations, the venue’s natural light and adaptable design allow each event to carry its own distinct character.

Indoor venues such as Chambers + Meadows and Chancery further enhance the hotel’s flexibility. Chambers + Meadows spans 4,464 sq. ft. and accommodates up to 300 guests, with the option to divide the space for multiple simultaneous functions. Chancery, designed for smaller gatherings of up to 100 guests, creates an elegant setting for engagements, private dinners, and milestone moments.

Adding a vibrant, social dimension is Cascade, a 7,750 sq. ft. poolside venue suited for Sangeet nights, cocktail gatherings, and festive celebrations. With ample space for performance stages, interactive food counters, and immersive décor, it brings energy and movement to wedding festivities.

Food remains central to the experience, and The Orchid’s culinary programme reflects both scale and detail. Guests can explore an extensive selection of appetisers, artisanal breads, mezze, and gourmet salads, complemented by live stations offering Asian, South Indian, Maharashtrian, and global cuisines. Signature highlights include Dim Sum counters, Teppanyaki grills, Gunpowder Vada Pops, Dragon Fruit Pani Puri, and the distinctive Naanza concept. The dessert experience features a dedicated dessert studio, live halwa counters, and innovative takes on traditional favourites such as Mini Ghewar.

A culturally rooted touch is added through elements like a curated coffee bar and traditional tea service in kullads, blending nostalgia with contemporary presentation and enhancing the overall guest experience.

The hotel also integrates essential wedding services within the property, including dedicated planning teams, venue styling support, guest experience management, and in-house salon and spa facilities. This ensures that families can prepare, celebrate, and host with ease, all within a single destination.

Located close to Mumbai airport, the hotel offers added convenience for travelling guests, while its accommodation facilities enable families to stay together and extend celebrations beyond individual events.

The showcase also highlighted wedding opportunities across the broader Kamat Hotels portfolio, opening avenues for destination weddings and multi-city celebrations.

With ‘Weddings with Orchid’, The Orchid Hotel Mumbai presents a comprehensive wedding experience, where every detail, from intimate rituals to grand festivities, is brought together through thoughtful planning, personalised service, and versatile spaces designed to bring each celebration to life


Essentia Hotels & Resorts Launches Luxury Hotel & Convention in Nagpur

Essentia Hotels & Resorts Launches Luxury Hotel & Convention in Nagpur

By Hariharan U

Published on May 6, 2026

Essentia Hotels & Resorts has announced the opening of Essentia Luxury Hotel & Convention in Nagpur, marking its strategic expansion into one of Central India’s fastest-growing cities. The launch reflects the brand’s continued focus on tapping into emerging urban markets with strong business and tourism potential.

Located in Khairy, the hotel offers convenient access to Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport and Nagpur Junction Railway Station. Its proximity to key city landmarks such as Zero Mile Stone, Deekshabhoomi, Futala Lake, Ambazari Lake, and Sitabuldi Fort makes it well-suited for both business and leisure travellers.

The property features 81 well-appointed rooms, including seven premium rooms and a presidential suite, designed to offer a refined and comfortable stay experience.

A key highlight of the hotel is its expansive banqueting and event infrastructure, spanning over 41,000 sq. ft. The property includes a large convention centre along with multiple conference and boardroom venues, catering to MICE and wedding segments. Signature venues such as the Grand Ballroom, Orion Lawn, and Carnival meeting room are designed to host a wide range of events, from corporate gatherings to destination weddings.

The hotel’s food and beverage offerings are positioned as a central part of the guest experience. Citron, the all-day dining multi-cuisine restaurant, serves a mix of global favourites and regional dishes, along with a private dining space suited for intimate gatherings and business meetings. Nirvana Lounge Bar adds a social dimension with a curated selection of beverages and artisanal small plates in a relaxed setting.

To complement the stay, the hotel also offers recreational amenities including a swimming pool and a fully equipped fitness centre, alongside guest-focused services designed for a seamless experience.

Sharing his thoughts on the launch, Mohammed Parvez, CEO of Essentia Hotels & Resorts, said, "Nagpur marks a truly meaningful step in our journey, and this launch reflects our deep belief in the potential of emerging cities that are shaping India's future. Our focus has always been on building destinations that go beyond just hospitality, spaces that seamlessly cater to business, leisure, weddings, and MICE, while consistently delivering service excellence and operational strength."

He further added, "This opening marks an important chapter in Essentia's national growth journey. We have consciously chosen to invest in cities like Nagpur, recognising their emergence as key commercial, logistics, and cultural hubs. With this property, we are not just introducing a hotel, but creating a destination that we believe will play a meaningful role in the city's growth and the experiences it will host in the years to come."


The Leela Gandhinagar Hosts Moonlit Sound Healing by the Pool

The Leela Gandhinagar Hosts Moonlit Sound Healing by the Pool

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 6, 2026

The Leela Gandhinagar recently introduced a unique wellness experience with a moonlit sound healing session by the pool, offering guests a peaceful break from their daily routine. Set on a calm full moon evening, the experience created a soothing atmosphere focused on relaxation and self-reflection.

Surrounded by still waters and the soft glow of the night sky, the setting naturally enhanced the sense of calm. As the session began, gentle sound frequencies filled the space, helping guests slow down, unwind, and settle into a meditative state. The experience was carefully designed to balance sound and silence, allowing for a deeply relaxing and refreshing pause.

The evening also included a specially curated Hi-Tea by Aujasya, the hotel’s wellness program. Focused on mindful living, Aujasya brought together light, nourishing selections and refreshing infusions that complemented the overall experience. This combination of sound healing and thoughtful dining created a seamless flow, supporting both physical and mental well-being.

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Speaking about the initiative, Vikas Sood, General Manager, said,

“At The Leela Gandhinagar, we are committed to creating experiences that are deeply restorative and thoughtfully layered. Through Aujasya, our wellness philosophy finds expression not only in mindful cuisine but also in immersive, sensory-led experiences that bring together nourishment, stillness, and a deeper sense of balance.”

Designed as a reflection of mindful luxury, the experience highlights how wellness can be naturally woven into hospitality. It offers guests not just a moment of relaxation, but a meaningful experience that stays with them even after it ends.

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