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By Nithyakala Neelakandan
Published on March 20, 2024
The Leela Palaces, Hotels, and Resorts have introduced an exciting initiative aimed at nurturing aspiring female chefs – the 'Shefs at The Leela' Programme. This structured culinary development program not only serves as a pathway to a career in the hospitality industry but also provides a solid foundation for long-term success within The Leela organization.
Launched on International Women’s Day 2024, the 'Shefs at The Leela' Programme was unveiled during the 5th edition of the event held at The Leela Palace Jaipur. The event featured a grand gala dinner curated by globally acclaimed women chefs, showcasing their expertise and celebrating culinary excellence.
Since its inception in 2022, 'Shefs at The Leela' has successfully hosted editions at various Leela Palaces locations, promoting equality in kitchen spaces and offering opportunities for aspiring female chefs to pursue their culinary dreams.
Anuraag Bhatnagar, CEO of The Leela Palaces, Hotels, and Resorts, expressed the organization's commitment to diversity and equity, stating, "We at The Leela are dedicated to creating an inclusive work environment that celebrates the achievements of women in hospitality. With the 'Shefs at The Leela' Programme, we aim to provide a platform for aspiring female chefs to excel and carve a niche for themselves in the industry."
The program, certified by The Leela, combines academic study with comprehensive on-the-job training, aiming to develop the next generation of culinary experts in various cuisines. Additionally, quarterly 'Shefs at The Leela' events will foster a vibrant culinary community, featuring masterclasses, panel discussions, and curated dinners prepared by celebrated women chefs.
Structured over two years, the program consists of two phases focusing on developing foundational culinary skills and advancing expertise. Graduates receive certification from The Leela, priority consideration for internal transfers and career advancement, and serve as brand ambassadors of the program.
Furthermore, The Leela Palaces, Hotels, and Resorts are expanding their commitment to gender diversity with initiatives like the Leela Leadership Development Programme (LLDP), aimed at strengthening competencies and skills across all organizational levels.
The 'Shefs at The Leela' Programme is not just about empowering female chefs; it's about creating a supportive and inclusive environment where culinary talent can thrive and flourish.
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By Hariharan U
Published on December 19, 2025
This festive season, ITC Hotels continue their legacy of creative, responsible celebration with sustainable Christmas trees across ITC Maurya, ITC Mughal, ITC Rajputana, and ITC Grand Bharat. These installations combine artistry, tradition, and eco-conscious practices, reflecting the brand’s ethos of Responsible Luxury, where celebration meets sustainability.
ITC Mughal: Weaving Tradition with Zardozi
In Agra, ITC Mughal’s grand lobby is adorned with a 17-feet Christmas Tree inspired by Zardozi craft, showcasing gold threads, beads, and intricate Mughal-era detailing. Each ornament celebrates the skill of local artisans while highlighting the hotel’s sustainable approach through renewable energy, reduced plastic usage, and biodiverse green spaces. The installation offers a festive experience that is immersive, artistic, and environmentally mindful.
ITC Rajputana: A Christmas Draped in Safa
At ITC Rajputana, a 15-feet pagri-inspired Christmas tree honours the craft communities of Rajasthan. Made with iron, plywood, and over 130 handcrafted safa fabrics in Bandhej, Pachranga, and Leheriya patterns, the vibrant installation reflects the region’s artistic heritage. Positioned in the Jaigarh Lobby, it exemplifies ITC Rajputana’s dedication to culturally rooted hospitality and Responsible Luxury.
ITC Maurya: Eco Elora – A Thoughtful Expression of Christmas
ITC Maurya presents Eco Elora, a 16-feet lobby installation crafted entirely from natural, repurposed, and biodegradable materials, including pine flowers, shola, betel nut skins, corn husk, palm leaves, jute, dried fruits, moss, and coconut coir. With 170 hours of meticulous craftsmanship, this tree embodies patience, precision, and sustainability, merging eco-conscious design with festive charm.
ITC Grand Bharat: Sustain-a-Tree
At ITC Grand Bharat, the Sustain-a-Tree offers a minimalist and eco-forward celebration. Constructed from wood, cane, and jute, each layer of the tree reflects intentional design and a commitment to sustainability, symbolising joy through mindful living and responsible festivity.
Across these iconic hotels, ITC’s green Christmas installations uphold a vision where creativity, culture, and sustainability converge, offering guests a festive experience that is as joyful as it is conscientious.
CheckIn has launched a new global pet-friendly program at all SUNDAY Hotels, allowing guests to travel with their pets at no additional cost. The initiative caters to the rising trend of travellers treating pets as integral family members, offering thoughtfully designed hospitality experiences for guests and their four-legged companions.
As part of the program, SUNDAY Hotels feature trained on-property teams, pet welcome kits including food and water bowls, waste bags, and toys at select hotels. The hotels also provide pet-friendly zones and curated recommendations for nearby services such as walkers, groomers, and vets.
CheckIn is collaborating with pet care brands and animal welfare organisations to enhance guest experiences. Planned initiatives include pet meetups in hotel lobbies, co-branded treats, and adoption drives across properties. Pilot programs in select locations have already shown higher repeat bookings and longer stays among guests travelling with pets.
Speaking on the launch, Varun Jain, COO, PRISM Asia, said, “Our global pet stay program is designed with clear safety and cleanliness standards, drawing on best practices from other group companies like G6 Hospitality in the USA. Guests can expect a consistent, high-quality experience for themselves and their pets wherever they travel.”
The move aligns with rapid growth in the pet care sector. In India alone, the pet care market was valued at INR 7,577 crore in 2024 and is expected to exceed INR 22,000 crore by 2031 (Blue Weave Consulting).
Pankaj Poddar, Group CEO, Cosmo First Limited, added, “Pets are part of modern families, and travel preferences are evolving. By combining Zigly’s expertise in pet wellbeing with CheckIn’s commitment to guest-first hospitality, we are creating a global benchmark for pet-friendly stays that ensures comfort, care, and convenience at every step.”
The introduction of free pet-friendly stays reinforces SUNDAY Hotels’ commitment to inclusive, experience-driven hospitality for travellers worldwide.
For more information: www.checkin.life
About PRISM
PRISM (parent company of OYO) is a global tech and hospitality company serving over 100 million customers across 35+ countries. Its portfolio spans short stays, extended living, luxury escapes, co-working hubs, celebration spaces, and hospitality technology solutions, simplifying urban living through scalable innovation.
By Manu Vardhan Kannan
Ronil Goa – the first JdV by Hyatt hotel in India and Southwest Asia – is celebrating its second anniversary this December, marking two years of heartfelt hospitality, joyful moments, and memorable Goan getaways. Located along the vibrant Calangute–Baga road in North Goa, the boutique hotel continues to reflect the spirit of its neighbourhood while offering guests an experience rooted in warmth, fun, and connection.
Originally part of Goa’s hospitality landscape since 1987, the property was reimagined as Ronil Goa – JdV by Hyatt in December 2023, ushering in a spirited new chapter. Over the past 24 months, Ronil Goa has evolved into a natural gathering space for reunions, milestone celebrations, bachelorette getaways, solo escapes, and carefree holidays, inviting guests to discover the Goa version of themselves in a relaxed and joyful setting.
The anniversary celebrations begin on December 1, 2025, with a Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony held in the hotel’s garden. Designed in collaboration with UseMe Works, Delhi, the Christmas tree has been crafted using upcycled fabric waste, highlighting Ronil Goa’s commitment to thoughtful and community-driven celebrations. This will be followed by the launch of the Tree of Giving, encouraging guests and colleagues to come together to fulfil wishes from children in the local community.
Throughout December, guests can participate in the anniversary festivities by spinning the Anniversary Wheel, which offers joyful surprises including special stay offers, spa experiences, and curated food and beverage treats. World of Hyatt members can also enjoy an exclusive 18 percent savings when booking stays up to 30 days in advance on the 18th of each month.
To further enhance the celebrations, Ronil Goa has introduced the “Your Goa Staycation” package. The experience includes welcome and departure moments, wine on arrival, a complimentary minibar stocked with local beers and snacks, daily spa rituals, farmhouse-style breakfasts with a Bloody Mary bar at Ronil Bistro, daily lunch or dinner, and special savings across dining and curated experiences.
Details and best available rates are available on Hyatt.com.
Reflecting on the milestone, Pratiti Rajpal, General Manager, Ronil Goa – JdV by Hyatt, said, “I have been fortunate to witness the coming together of Ronil Goa – the first JdV by Hyatt in India and Southwest Asia. This is not just a boutique resort, it’s a feeling that stays with you long after your vacation is over, an emotion best experienced firsthand by every guest and colleague who has been part of our journey. We remain committed to creating memorable vacations filled with heart and soul and look forward to welcoming everyone to our boutique resort.”
As Ronil Goa marks this meaningful milestone, it continues to strengthen its identity as a boutique destination where community, celebration, and the joy of travel come together effortlessly.
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