Imagine starting your day with a stunning Maldivian sunrise, a gentle sea breeze whispering through your private villa. Or perhaps, wrapping yourself in a warm blanket, sipping champagne by a roaring fire in a picturesque Alpine retreat. Valentine’s Day is all about celebrating love, and what better way to do so than by escaping to some of the world’s most romantic destinations?

For couples seeking sun-kissed shores and turquoise waters, the Maldives offers an unparalleled blend of tropical luxury and serenity. Private overwater bungalows, candlelit dinners on the beach, and vibrant coral reefs make it a dream destination for romance.

If lush landscapes and spiritual serenity call to you, Bali is the place to be. Explore tranquil beaches, enchanting rice terraces, and luxurious jungle retreats, perfect for couples craving both relaxation and adventure.

For those who adore winter’s charm, a ski retreat in the Alps provides an idyllic setting. Cozy cabins, breathtaking mountain views, and world-class skiing create the ultimate mix of adventure and romance.

Seeking old-world charm and timeless beauty? Amsterdam’s canals and heritage hotels set the stage for an intimate escape. Wander through historic streets, enjoy picturesque boat rides, and indulge in fine dining at waterfront restaurants.

Nothing spells romance quite like Paris, the City of Love. Whether it's strolling along the Seine, indulging in haute cuisine, or experiencing luxury shopping, the city offers endless unforgettable moments.

For couples looking for a lavish and exclusive experience, tailor-made romantic getaways are available across Italy, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Switzerland, and Luxembourg. Bespoke luxury experiences also extend across UAE, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, Russia, and CIS countries, ensuring that every love story unfolds in an extraordinary setting.

This Valentine’s, make your celebration truly special by choosing a destination that speaks to your heart. Whether it’s tropical beaches, snow-covered peaks, or European elegance, the perfect romantic escape is waiting for you.

The 14th edition of the Exotic Wedding Planning Conference (EWPC) is set to take place in Ras Al Khaimah from February 26-28, 2025, bringing together the most influential names in the global luxury wedding industry. The highly anticipated three-day event will feature over 400 industry leaders, 100+ elite exhibitors, and attendees from 80+ countries, making it one of the largest gatherings of wedding professionals worldwide.

This year, Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) is hosting the event, reinforcing the emirate’s growing prominence as a luxury wedding destination. The conference will feature B2B meetings, immersive workshops, expert panels, and keynote speeches from some of the most renowned wedding planners and experiential designers in the world.

Why Ras Al Khaimah? A Destination of the Future

A rising star in luxury tourism, Ras Al Khaimah offers a unique blend of ancient heritage, stunning landscapes, and world-class hospitality. With destination weddings gaining popularity, especially in India, the emirate has positioned itself as a premier location with easy accessibility and seamless visa processes.

"Hosting a second edition of EWPC in Ras Al Khaimah is a proud testament to our growing prominence as a weddings destination," said Iyad Rasbey, Vice President – Destination Tourism Development at RAKTDA. "With our diverse landscapes, versatile venues, and unparalleled hospitality, Ras Al Khaimah provides the perfect canvas for unforgettable celebrations."

Rishikesh Shetty, CEO of Exito Media Concepts, added, "EWPC isn’t just a conference — it’s a catalyst for industry-defining conversations and game-changing collaborations. Ras Al Khaimah embodies everything the modern luxury wedding industry represents — opulence, exclusivity, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences."

Global Wedding Icons Take the Stage

EWPC 2025 will feature some of the biggest names in the wedding and event planning industry, including:

• Colin Cowie – Chairman & CEO, Colin Cowie Lifestyle

• Sarah Haywood – CEO, Sarah Haywood Weddings & Celebrations

• Johnny Roxburgh – Founder, Johnny Roxburgh Designs Limited

• Devika Narain – Founder, Devika Narain and Company

• Zainab Alsalih – Founder & Creative Director, Carousel Events

• Tara Fay – Director, Tara Fay Events

• Andrea Naar Alba – CEO & Founder, Italian Wedding & Events Ltd

• Raj Somaiya – CEO, Silverfox Events

• Christina Holt – Founder & Director, Wedding Concepts

These visionaries will lead expert panels, masterclasses, and interactive workshops, sharing insights into the future of luxury weddings and destination events.

An Exclusive Gala & APEX Awards

A major highlight of EWPC 2025 is the spectacular gala dinner and the prestigious APEX Awards, hosted in partnership with Wynn Al Marjan Island. While the ultra-luxury resort is set to open in 2027, it is already making waves in the industry with its visionary approach to hospitality and entertainment. This exclusive evening will celebrate creativity, craftsmanship, and excellence in the luxury wedding space.

What to Expect at EWPC 2025?

• This edition promises to be the most dynamic yet, offering:
  
   B2B Networking – Curated meetings to unlock global business opportunities
   High-Impact Keynotes – Insights from world-renowned wedding planners
   Masterclasses & Workshops – Learning sessions with industry pioneers
   Exclusive APEX Awards Gala – Honoring excellence in wedding planning

The Future of Luxury Weddings Starts Here

EWPC 2025 is more than an event — it’s the epicenter of the future of luxury weddings.

For registration and event details, visit weddingplanningconference.com/rak.

Hyderabad witnessed an intense culinary showdown as the 11th edition of the Young Chef Olympiad, organized by the International Institute of Hotel Management (IIHM), concluded its Hyderabad round. Among nine participants, young chefs from Uzbekistan, Uganda, and the Philippines secured their spots in the semi-finals. They will now compete with 17 others from different cities in the next stage, scheduled for February 7 in Kolkata.

The Young Chef Olympiad, widely recognized as the world’s biggest culinary event, has seen its largest-ever participation this year, with 50 countries in contention. The first round of the competition was held across multiple cities, including Kolkata, Goa, Delhi, Bangalore, Pune, Ahmedabad, and Hyderabad. The top 20 chefs from this round will move on to the semi-finals, while only the top 10 will battle it out in the grand finale on February 8. The ultimate winner will claim a golden trophy and a cash prize of ₹10 lakh. Azerbaijan has dominated the competition for the past two years, winning back-to-back titles.

Representing India in the competition is Ali Akbar, a student from IIHM Bangalore, who competed in Round 1 in Goa. Meanwhile, Bangladesh’s participant was unable to attend due to visa-related issues.

Speaking on the Olympiad’s remarkable growth, Dr. Suborno Bose, Chairman of IIHM and the International Hospitality Council (IHC), remarked, “What began as a small competition with 15 countries has now expanded to 50. This event is not just about winning; it’s about fostering friendships, professional networks, and unity through food. It also helps promote Indian culture and cuisine on a global platform.”

This year, the Olympiad has embraced AI as its central theme, showcasing its impact on the culinary world. Dr. Bose highlighted how AI is revolutionizing the industry by enhancing meal personalization, optimizing kitchen operations, improving food presentation, and minimizing waste. “AI is cooking a lot in the culinary industry,” he quipped.

Held under the aegis of the International Hospitality Council, UK, the Young Chef Olympiad has been a premier global event since its inception in 2015. Organized by IIHM, a part of the Indismart Group, the competition continues to set new benchmarks in culinary excellence while celebrating cultural diversity through food.

About IIHM

The International Institute of Hotel Management (IIHM) is a leading institution for hospitality education, with campuses across India and beyond. Renowned for its world-class training programs, IIHM has played a pivotal role in shaping future culinary leaders through platforms like the Young Chef Olympiad.