The Leela Palaces Launches 'Shefs at The Leela' Program

The Leela Palaces Launches 'Shefs at The Leela' Program

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.


Wyndham Grand Unveils a Stunning Lakeside Luxury Escape in Udaipur

Wyndham Grand Unveils a Stunning Lakeside Luxury Escape in Udaipur

By Hariharan U

Published on December 11, 2025

Udaipur welcomes a new luxury landmark as Wyndham Hotels & Resorts opens Wyndham Grand Udaipur Fatehsagar Lake, a lavish lakeside retreat set across 26 acres of scenic landscapes. Overlooking the Aravalli mountains and minutes from Fatehsagar Lake, the resort marks Wyndham’s flagship debut in India’s luxury space.

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The grand opening saw an elegant gathering of hotel leaders, industry names and special guests. A traditional Rajasthani welcome set the tone—flower showers, tika and pag rituals, followed by vibrant Kachi Ghodi dancers and live regional music. With dusk settling over the hills, the celebration moved into curated culinary experiences that showcased Udaipur’s artistic and cultural charm.

Wyndham Grand Udaipur Fatehsagar Lake represents a defining milestone in our India journey. This resort is a perfect blend of Rajasthan’s timeless charm and Wyndham’s global standards,” said Rahool Macarius, Market Managing Director – Eurasia, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts.

The property mirrors Udaipur’s royal heritage, featuring 140 guestrooms and suites with Gokhda-style sit-outs, indulgent marble interiors and whirlpool bathtubs in select rooms. The upcoming Palace Wing will add 60 more rooms designed with an elevated heritage feel.

As a pure vegetarian resort, guests can enjoy Indian and global flavours at Pyaala, Shakahari and O Sian, each focusing on fresh, local ingredients.

The resort offers some of Udaipur’s most impressive event spaces, including:

  • One of the largest amphitheatres in the city

  • A lavish ballroom

  • Expansive Vintage Lawn for large gatherings under the night sky

For leisure, guests can unwind at the heated outdoor pool, indulge in wellness rituals at Zivaya Spa, or enjoy multiple sports—from tennis and badminton to cricket. Thoughtful services such as concierge support, childcare, butler service, bridal studios and even EV charging make stays seamless.

“Our goal was to create a space connected to the spirit of Udaipur, where mornings begin by the lake and evenings flow with warm Rajasthani hospitality,” the team shared.

With its blend of natural beauty, royal-inspired design and global comforts, Wyndham Grand Udaipur Fatehsagar Lake sets a fresh benchmark for luxury travel and celebrations in India’s beloved City of Lakes.


Atmosphere Core Launches ONE Atmosphere, Its New Extended-Living Brand

Atmosphere Core Launches ONE Atmosphere, Its New Extended-Living Brand

By Hariharan U

Published on December 11, 2025

Atmosphere Core has introduced its fourth brand, ONE Atmosphere, marking its entry into the extended-stay space. The new brand is designed for modern travellers who prefer a flexible lifestyle, one that combines the comfort of home, the structure of a workspace, and the convenience of hotel services.

ONE Atmosphere will offer fully serviced apartments that bring together spacious layouts, branded amenities, seamless support and design-led interiors. These spaces aim to serve today’s work–live–travel pattern, giving guests a place that adapts to different routines and longer stays.

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Speaking about the launch, Mr. Salil Panigrahi, Managing Director, Atmosphere Core, said, “As travel becomes more fluid and work becomes borderless, guests expect more than a hotel room, they expect a lifestyle solution, ONE Atmosphere is designed to meet this shift by offering a reliable model of flexible living that blends the warmth of home with the precision of hospitality.”

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The design philosophy will focus on calm materials, efficient layouts and local art, creating warm and intuitive environments across locations. Each apartment will feel residential, supported quietly by hotel-style services in the background.

Built for long stays, relocations, holidays and hybrid travel, the brand will deliver a consistent ‘ONE Experience’, supported by a wide range of work, leisure and convenience amenities under the ‘ONE Promise’.

Highlighting the growth opportunity, Mr. Sandeep Ahuja, Managing Director, ONE Atmosphere, said the segment is expanding quickly but remains fragmented. He added that the brand aims to set a strong global benchmark by combining scale with dependable, high-quality experiences, drawing from Atmosphere Core’s proven operational strengths in the Maldives.

The upcoming pipeline includes urban, metropolitan and leisure destinations across South Asia, Southeast Asia and the Gulf, with more international markets being evaluated for future expansion.


Della Resorts & Adventure Announces Its Elegant Christmas Festive Package for 2025

Della Resorts & Adventure Announces Its Elegant Christmas Festive Package for 2025

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on December 10, 2025

Della Resorts & Adventure has unveiled its Christmas Festive Package for 2025, bringing the holiday season alive in a way that feels warm, thoughtful and pleasantly personal. The package offers a two-night stay, available for either 24–25 or 25–26 December, giving guests a simple but memorable festive escape.

The experience is designed around meaningful moments rather than extravagance, a stay that feels slow and unhurried, mornings that ease into a relaxed breakfast and an Adventure Day Pass that brings a playful spirit to the holiday. Guests can enjoy The Vegas Noelat, the resort’s annual Christmas production, and begin their evening at Café 24 with festive cocktails or mocktails that set the mood just right.

A Christmas Brunch becomes the highlight of the day, and every guest leaves with a traditional pudding, a nostalgic touch that adds to the charm of the celebration.

Children have their own world of December cheer with gingerbread decorating, a Santa Meet-and-Greet and curated activities designed just for them. For adults, the experience sits between a refreshing getaway and a soft festive reset, celebratory without being loud, joyful without being predictable.

The package is ideal for anyone wanting to step away from the city’s usual December rush and spend the holiday in a setting that feels warm, relaxed and a little extra special.

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