One Michelin-starred Rooh San Francisco has announced the appointment of Chef Deekshyant Karki as its new Pastry Chef. With experience across some of the world’s leading hospitality brands, he brings global exposure, strong technical skills, and a refined creative approach to the restaurant’s dessert offerings.

At Rooh, Chef Karki will head the pastry kitchen and shape a dessert menu that complements the restaurant’s progressive Indian cuisine. His style combines classical European pastry methods with modern Indian flavours, textures, and presentation. The aim is to create desserts that not only showcase precision but also reflect cultural depth, offering guests a thoughtful finish to their dining experience.

Chef Karki’s professional journey is rooted in luxury hospitality. He worked with The Oberoi Group at The Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra, and The Oberoi Gurgaon, where he developed his expertise in fine-dining standards and premium guest service. He was also part of a special task force at The Oberoi Al Zorah, UAE, gaining further exposure to international luxury operations.

He began his career with Marriott International, Jaipur, and Wyndham Grand, Agra, after completing his industrial training at Trident Jaipur. These early roles helped him build a disciplined foundation in pastry techniques and hotel operations.

Taking his skills abroad, he joined Soho Hospitality, Bangkok, and later moved into cruise hospitality with Carnival Cruise Lines as a Pastry Chef. He also worked with MSC Cruises Yacht Club, the premium division of MSC Cruises, where he handled large-scale premium pastry production and menu development in multicultural environments.

Back in India, he worked as Jr. Sous Chef at Olive Bar & Kitchen, New Delhi, known for its modern European cuisine. In the United States, he served as Pastry Sous Chef at Andaaz Restaurant & Caterers, New Jersey, contributing to menu planning and high-end catering services.

His new role at Rooh San Francisco marks an important milestone in his career. The appointment reflects Rooh’s continued focus on quality and innovation, while also highlighting the growing global recognition of Indian pastry professionals on the international stage.

Atmosphere Core has ended 2025 on a strong note with three wins at the Layalina Editor’s Choice Awards 2025. RAAYA by Atmosphere, Atmosphere Kanifushi Maldives, and OBLU XPERIENCE Ailafushi were each recognised for delivering distinct resort experiences while maintaining consistent standards of quality, comfort, and guest satisfaction.

At the awards, RAAYA by Atmosphere was named Best New Luxury Resort of the Year - Maldives. Atmosphere Kanifushi Maldives received the title of Best All-Inclusive Luxury Resort, and OBLU XPERIENCE Ailafushi was honoured as Most Stylish Resort - Maldives. The awards are based on Layalina’s independent editorial review and quality benchmarks, celebrating excellence across luxury hospitality, all-inclusive offerings, and lifestyle-driven design. Layalina is a leading Arab lifestyle publication under 7awi Media Group, with strong reach across the GCC and the wider region.

Each of the three resorts brings its own character to the portfolio. RAAYA by Atmosphere, located in the Raa Atoll, is known for its peaceful setting and unique castaway-artist concept. The resort encourages guests to slow down, connect with nature, and enjoy adventure at their own pace.

Atmosphere Kanifushi Maldives stands out for its spacious layout and generous Kanifushi Plan™, offering an expansive all-inclusive experience. With large villas and a long natural island, it appeals to both families and couples looking for comfort and variety.

On the other hand, OBLU XPERIENCE Ailafushi offers a lively island vibe with contemporary design and a vibrant social atmosphere. It is well suited for travellers who enjoy shared spaces, active experiences, and a modern holiday setting.

Commenting on the achievement, Mr. Ashwin Handa, Chief Operating Officer of Atmosphere Core, said: “We are truly honoured to receive the Layalina Editor’s Choice Awards 2025, recognising RAAYA by Atmosphere as Best New Luxury Resort of the Year, Atmosphere Kanifushi Maldives as Best All-Inclusive Luxury Resort, and OBLU XPERIENCE Ailafushi as Most Stylish Resort. This recognition reflects our thoughtfully curated experiences, rooted in genuine care and a strong sense of product and space. These awards are a testament to the passion and commitment of our teams, as well as the continued trust of our guests. They inspire us to consistently deliver meaningful and distinctive hospitality experiences across the Maldives.”

At the core of these wins is Atmosphere Core’s philosophy of the Joy of Giving. The brand focuses on care, generosity, and close attention to detail, shaping experiences that feel personal and effortless. Each stay is designed to leave guests with meaningful memories that last well beyond the holiday.

Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor has announced the appointment of Jackson Kirkwood-Dowd as its new Director of Rooms. The move is aimed at further strengthening the legendary butler service at the 94-year-old luxury hotel, which continues to be one of the most recognised hospitality landmarks in the region.

Jackson Kirkwood-Dowd joins from Raffles London at The OWO, where he was closely involved in the hotel’s opening and led its Front of House team. The property made a strong debut by entering the World’s 50 Best Hotels in its first year of operations, marking a significant achievement.

In his new role in Cambodia, Kirkwood-Dowd will oversee the entire rooms division while driving the vision of the butler programme. He will also support local experiences under Raffles’ global ‘The Butler Did It’ campaign. The initiative is known for offering personalised and signature experiences shaped around each guest.

At Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor, the butler plays a central role in the newly introduced ‘Raffles Angkor Discovery’ stay package. From welcoming guests on arrival to arranging spa appointments, temple passes, afternoon tea, a private bar session, and even transfers within Siem Reap, the butler curates the journey at every step. Here, the butler is not simply a service, but the architect of the entire experience.

“I am thrilled to be continuing my professional journey with Raffles at another iconic property and helping to provide guests with truly one-of-a-kind service that leads to unforgettable moments in this magical and historic city,” Kirkwood-Dowd said.

‘The Butler Did It’ is recognised worldwide for crafting unique experiences across five continents, with a strong focus on uncompromising levels of personalised service delivered by Raffles’ legendary butlers.

“We are delighted to welcome Jackson as our new Director of Rooms, and we look forward to seeing his imprint on our fabled butler programme, which has helped set the global standard for this distinctive hotel service since 1887,” said Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor General Manager Joseph Colina.

With this appointment, the hotel aims to further refine its guest experience and continue its legacy of thoughtful and highly personalised hospitality in Siem Reap.