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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 November 10, 2025
Lemon Tree Hotels Limited, one of India’s fastest-growing mid-scale and premium hotel chains, has announced the opening of its newest managed property, Lemon Tree Premier, Thiruvananthapuram.
This launch adds another milestone to the brand’s expansion across southern India and marks its sixth property in Kerala, further strengthening its presence in the state.
Located in the heart of Thiruvananthapuram, the capital city of Kerala, the new hotel enjoys proximity to both business and leisure hubs. The city, known for its blend of heritage and modernity, is home to the Padmanabhaswamy Temple, scenic Kovalam Beach, and the thriving Technopark IT hub, making it a key destination for travellers.
Designed with Lemon Tree’s signature contemporary style, the hotel combines comfort, service, and a refreshing atmosphere. The property features 80 well-appointed rooms and suites, offering a relaxed yet elegant stay experience.
Guests can dine at the Citrus Café, a multi-cuisine restaurant, or enjoy authentic Indian flavours at Kebab Theater. The hotel also houses Slounge, a lively bar and lounge, along with a pastry shop, banquet and meeting spaces, a fitness centre, spa, salon, and swimming pool all designed to deliver a complete leisure and business experience.
Commenting on the opening, Vishvapreet Singh Cheema, President, Lemon Tree Hotels, said, “With the opening of Lemon Tree Premier, Thiruvananthapuram, we are pleased to further extend our footprint across Kerala. This hotel in a prime location is ideal for both the business and leisure traveller.”
With this addition, Lemon Tree Hotels continues its journey of growth across India, bringing its signature blend of comfort, hospitality, and value to more destinations.
The Fern Hotels & Resorts has announced the addition of two new properties to its growing portfolio, The Fern Residency Rajkot, Gondal, Series by Marriott and The Fern Residency Itanagar, Series by Marriott.
With these signings, the brand continues to strengthen its presence across India, combining regional authenticity with modern hospitality.
Speaking about the expansion, Suhail Kannampilly, Managing Director of The Fern Hotels & Resorts, shared, “Gujarat continues to be one of our strongest growth markets and this addition underscores our commitment to deepening our presence across key cities of the state. Gondal’s historical significance, coupled with its growing appeal as a business and cultural destination, makes it a natural fit for our portfolio. This signing represents our continued focus on providing exceptional hospitality experiences defined by comfort, sustainability and regional character.”
He further added, “Itanagar’s blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage and rising economic activity makes it an important destination within our growth vision for the Northeast. This sign-up represents our ongoing commitment to creating sustainable hospitality experiences that reflect the spirit of each location while upholding the brand’s promise of exceptional comfort and service.”
The Fern Residency Rajkot, Gondal, Series by Marriott will feature 55 rooms and suites, blending contemporary design with inviting warmth for both business and leisure guests. The property will house a fine dining restaurant offering a mix of local and international cuisines, along with a relaxed deli for light bites and beverages.
The hotel will also include two banquet halls, two boardrooms, and a party lawn, providing versatile spaces for business meetings, weddings, and social gatherings. Recreational facilities such as a swimming pool and a fully equipped gym will ensure a balanced experience of comfort and leisure.
Meanwhile, The Fern Residency Itanagar, Series by Marriott will offer 70 well-appointed rooms and suites, reflecting a modern design aesthetic that balances elegance with functionality. Guests can enjoy an all-day dining restaurant and a stylish restrobar, ideal for relaxed social experiences.
For events and gatherings, the hotel will feature a spacious banquet hall with an adjoining lawn, designed to host both corporate and social occasions. Leisure offerings will include a swimming pool, gym, and spa, ensuring a complete and rejuvenating stay for guests.
With these additions, The Fern Hotels & Resorts continues to expand its presence across India, staying true to its philosophy of sustainable hospitality and personalised comfort.
Published on November 9, 2025
Chalet Hotels Limited announced a robust performance for the second quarter of FY26, ending September 30, 2025, showcasing steady growth across its hospitality and development portfolio.
The company’s core business (excluding residential) reported revenues of Rs 460 crores, marking a 20 percent year-on-year increase, while EBITDA rose 25 percent YoY to Rs 200 crores. EBITDA margins expanded by 1.4 percentage points, reaching 43.4 percent, reflecting operational strength and efficiency.
During the quarter, the company unveiled its new premium hospitality lifestyle brand, ATHIVA Hotels & Resorts, a concept built around joy, wellness, and sustainability. This brand positions Chalet to capture the rising demand for premium experiential travel, while offering a scalable framework for future developments under a unified brand vision.
Chalet Hotels also achieved a significant sustainability milestone by becoming the first hospitality company to meet Climate Group’s EV100 target, reinforcing its leadership in responsible business practices.
The Board of Directors declared the company’s first interim dividend of Rs 1 per equity share (face value Rs 10), a move that underlines Chalet’s commitment to shareholder value and growth.
The quarter also saw a 10 percent increase in room inventory, driven by strategic acquisitions and the addition of new rooms across properties.
On the development front, several projects made strong progress:
Taj at Delhi Airport is on track for completion in H1 FY27.
Varca Beachfront Resort, Goa, continues as scheduled, with delivery expected in FY28.
The second commercial tower at The Westin Powai Lake and Cignus II, Powai, are both advancing steadily, with completion slated for FY27.
Reflecting on the company’s performance, Sanjay Sethi, Managing Director and CEO, Chalet Hotels Limited, shared, “Chalet delivered a strong and steady performance this quarter, reaffirming the resilience of our diversified portfolio and the power of our operational discipline. Even amid volatile external conditions, from unpredictable weather to geopolitical shifts, our teams executed with clarity, consistency, and purpose.
The quarter also marked a strategic milestone with the debut of ATHIVA Hotels & Resorts, Chalet’s own premium lifestyle brand anchored in joy, wellness, and sustainability. The transformation of the iconic The Dukes Retreat into ATHIVA Resort & Spa, Khandala sets the stage for a broader brand roll-out in the years ahead, strengthening Chalet’s position as an integrated and future-ready hospitality platform.
As I near the close of my tenure as MD & CEO, I am deeply proud of the leadership depth we have built. The seamless transition with Shwetank and the leadership team gives me full confidence in Chalet’s continued growth momentum and its enduring commitment to long-term value creation.”
With consistent growth, expanding assets, and a strong sustainability focus, Chalet Hotels continues to cement its place as a leading integrated hospitality company in India — shaping the future of modern, mindful, and experience-driven hospitality.
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