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.


Sayaji Raipur Introduces Curated Monsoon Stay, Wedding and Celebration Experiences

Sayaji Raipur Introduces Curated Monsoon Stay, Wedding and Celebration Experiences

By Hariharan U

Published on July 27, 2026

Sayaji Raipur has launched a new range of curated hospitality experiences for the monsoon season, offering guests customised stay packages, wedding solutions, and event services designed for leisure, business, and celebration needs.

The seasonal offerings include weekend escapes, extended stay packages, Shubh Vivah wedding experiences, and outdoor catering solutions, strengthening the hotel’s positioning as a preferred destination for stays and celebrations in Raipur.

The Weekend Escape Package has been designed for couples and families looking for a relaxing break. The package includes accommodation in Grande Rooms, daily buffet breakfast at Cravings, one buffet lunch or dinner, dining benefits, and flexible check-in and check-out options, subject to availability.

For business travellers and guests planning longer stays, Sayaji Raipur has introduced the Monsoon Long Stay Offer, which includes daily breakfast, one major meal, airport or railway station transfers, complimentary laundry services, welcome refreshments, and personalised guest assistance.

The hotel is also focusing on celebrations through its Shubh Vivah offering, providing customised wedding experiences with banquet venues, wedding lawns, décor solutions, curated menus, and dedicated event planning support. The offering caters to both intimate ceremonies and larger wedding celebrations.

Expanding beyond the hotel premises, Sayaji Raipur’s Outdoor Catering (ODC) services provide customised food and beverage solutions for weddings, corporate events, private gatherings, and social occasions. Supported by experienced chefs and banquet teams, the service aims to deliver the hotel’s hospitality standards across different venues.

Commenting on the initiatives, Mr. Mayank Mandela, Director of Operations, Sayaji Raipur, said, "Hospitality today is about creating experiences that extend far beyond accommodation or dining. Whether guests are planning a weekend getaway, celebrating a wedding, organising a corporate event or looking for an extended stay, we endeavour to offer personalised experiences backed by exceptional service and memorable hospitality."

Through these seasonal offerings, Sayaji Raipur continues to enhance its hospitality portfolio by creating experiences that cater to evolving traveller preferences, from leisure escapes and business stays to weddings and social celebrations.

Experience Highlights:

Weekend Escape Package

  • Daily buffet breakfast
  • Buffet lunch or dinner
  • 15% discount on additional F&B
  • Early check-in and late check-out (subject to availability)

Monsoon Long Stay Offer

  • Daily breakfast and one major meal
  • Airport/Railway station transfers
  • Complimentary laundry

Shubh Vivah

  • Wedding packages starting from ₹25 lakh onwards
  • Venue planning, catering, décor, and event services

Outdoor Catering

  • Customised catering solutions for weddings, celebrations, and corporate events

Summit Hotels & Resorts Introduces Pet-Friendly Stays Across Hill Destinations

Summit Hotels & Resorts Introduces Pet-Friendly Stays Across Hill Destinations

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 26, 2026

Responding to the growing trend of pet-inclusive travel, Summit Hotels & Resorts has introduced pet-friendly accommodation across selected properties in Eastern and Northeast India. The initiative comes as more Indian travellers choose to include their pets in holidays instead of leaving them behind.

The hospitality group said the move reflects changing travel preferences, with guests increasingly looking for personalised and experience-driven stays where pets are treated as part of the family. Industry trends have also shown a steady rise in demand for pet-friendly accommodation, particularly in hill stations and nature-based destinations.

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As part of the rollout, Summit Hotels & Resorts will offer designated pet-friendly room categories at selected properties in Gangtok, Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Kaziranga and Tashigang. The offering will initially be available in specific accommodation types, including cottages, villas, premium rooms and select ground-floor rooms.

Commenting on the initiative, Sumit Mitruka, CEO, Summit Hotels & Resorts, said:

"We are seeing a noticeable shift in travel patterns where guests increasingly want their pets to be part of the holiday experience. Destinations in the hills and nature-focused locations naturally align with this trend because travellers are seeking more relaxed and family-oriented experiences. Hospitality today is becoming more personalised, and adapting to changing guest preferences is becoming increasingly important."

The introduction of pet-friendly stays is part of the company's broader strategy to enhance experience-led hospitality across its portfolio of leisure destinations. Summit Hotels & Resorts is also finalising a nominal fee structure for pet stays, which will apply to the designated pet-friendly room categories.

With this initiative, the hotel group aims to provide greater flexibility for travellers while responding to the increasing demand for accommodation that welcomes both guests and their four-legged companions.


Novotel Vijayawada Varun Strengthens Sustainable Hospitality Initiatives on World Nature Conservation Day

Novotel Vijayawada Varun Strengthens Sustainable Hospitality Initiatives on World Nature Conservation Day

By Hariharan U

Published on July 25, 2026

Novotel Vijayawada Varun has reinforced its commitment to sustainable hospitality practices on the occasion of World Nature Conservation Day, observed on July 28, by highlighting its ongoing initiatives focused on environmental responsibility, resource conservation, and responsible tourism.

Aligned with this year's theme of “Living Sustainably in Harmony with Nature,” the hotel continues to integrate sustainability into its daily operations through cleaner energy solutions, waste reduction practices, and responsible resource management.

One of the key sustainability initiatives undertaken by the property was the transition from diesel to Piped Natural Gas (PNG) for boiler operations used in laundry steam generation. Implemented in March 2023, the initiative has contributed to an estimated annual reduction of approximately 98 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions while eliminating sulphur dioxide emissions associated with diesel-based operations.

The hotel has also expanded its renewable energy adoption through solar power. Since early 2025, solar energy has contributed approximately 33 to 44 per cent of the property's monthly electricity requirements, resulting in an estimated annual reduction of around 1,476 to 1,968 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions.

Beyond operational efficiencies, Novotel Vijayawada Varun has incorporated sustainability into the guest experience through initiatives such as complimentary electric vehicle charging stations, encouraging cleaner mobility among travellers. The property has also eliminated single-use plastics as part of its efforts to minimise waste and promote environmentally conscious practices.

Commenting on the initiative, Manish Pathak, Hotel Manager, Novotel Vijayawada Varun, said, "World Nature Conservation Day reminds us that every organization has an opportunity to contribute towards a healthier planet through meaningful action. We remain committed to adapting responsible practices that create a positive environmental impact while delivering a seamless experience for our guests."

The hotel's sustainability efforts have also received international recognition through the Green Key Certification, awarded by the Foundation for Environmental Education, acknowledging its commitment towards responsible environmental practices.

As sustainability continues to influence the future of travel and hospitality, Novotel Vijayawada Varun remains focused on creating a greener hospitality ecosystem through cleaner energy adoption, conscious operations, and responsible guest experiences.

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