Unmissable Romantic Restaurants Across India for a Perfect Valentine’s Day

Unmissable Romantic Restaurants Across India for a Perfect Valentine’s Day

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on February 12, 2025

Valentine’s Day is the perfect opportunity to step away from the daily rush and indulge in a memorable dining experience with your special someone. Across India, several restaurants offer enchanting settings—from poolside elegance and seaside charm to cozy garden retreats and rooftop celebrations. Here are some of the best places to celebrate love this year.

1. ViVi Poolside Café, Thane

For couples seeking a tranquil, poolside escape, ViVi Poolside Café at The Thane Club offers an intimate setting with candlelit ambiance and indulgent Italian flavors. Guests can enjoy signature wood-fired pizzas, handcrafted pasta, and decadent desserts, paired with a selection of fine wines, sangrias, or mocktails. Dine under the stars, with the serene reflections of the pool adding a magical touch to the evening.

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Where: The Thane Club, ViVi Italian Bar & Kitchen, Thane West, Maharashtra
When: February 14, Valentine’s Day Dinner

2. Rude Lounge, Multiple Locations

For those who love a lively and vibrant Valentine’s celebration, Rude Lounge is the perfect pick. With locations in Powai, Malad, and Vashi, this rooftop hotspot offers a dynamic atmosphere with great food, upbeat music, and stunning sunset views. Couples can enjoy a mix of signature cocktails, loaded nachos, and juicy burgers, all while soaking in the energetic vibe. As a special touch, guests can snap a selfie, tag Rude Lounge on Instagram Stories, and receive a complimentary ‘Red Velvet Hearty’ Brownie - a sweet treat to celebrate love!

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Where: Rude Lounge, Powai, Malad, Vashi
When: February 14

3. Pantree by Nestay, Mumbai

For couples looking to escape the city rush, Pantree by Nestay offers a peaceful retreat amidst nature. This hidden gem near Karnala Bird Sanctuary creates the perfect setting for a leisurely, off-the-grid Valentine’s lunch. Guests can enjoy a thoughtfully crafted meal in a cozy, serene ambiance, followed by a visit to the sanctuary to admire native and migratory birds. Whether you’re sharing a romantic meal or taking a scenic nature walk, Pantree promises an experience of tranquility and togetherness.

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Where: Tara (Karnala), Post: Barapada, Mumbai-Goa Highway, Panvel, Maharashtra
When: February 14

4. Dot in the Park, Goa

Nestled in the heart of lush greenery, Dot in the Park offers a laid-back yet intimate dining experience. Designed as a picnic-style retreat, this charming space allows couples to enjoy freshly prepared Goan delicacies, artisanal dishes, and handcrafted cocktails under the stars. Adding to the unique experience, guests can take a dip in Goa’s only natural swimming pool, making this celebration of love truly one-of-a-kind. With an open-air setting, warm ambiance, and a perfect blend of nature and romance, this is an escape like no other.

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Where: 1689, Panchayat, behind DevKuteshwar Temple, Anjuna, Goa
When: February 14

5. Zeno by the Sea, Vagator, Goa

For a romantic Santorini-inspired coastal experience, Zeno by the Sea at Ozran Beach, Vagator is the perfect destination. Sprawling across 10,000 sqft with breathtaking ocean views, this newly launched spot offers exquisite two-level seaside dining. The menu, curated by Celebrity Chef Nishant Chaubey, features a delightful mix of coastal and Mediterranean flavors—including Mini Koobideh, Truffle Mushroom Cream Cheese, and Korean Chicken Wings. Guests can toast to love with signature cocktails while watching the sun dip below the horizon, making this an unforgettable Valentine’s celebration.

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Where: Zeno by the Sea, Ozran Beach, Vagator
When: February 14, noon onwards

Celebrate Love with an Unforgettable Dining Experience

Whether you’re in the mood for poolside serenity, rooftop revelry, a garden escape, or seaside romance, these handpicked restaurants promise a memorable Valentine’s celebration. With enchanting settings, indulgent menus, and special touches designed for love, this Valentine’s Day is all about creating beautiful moments with your special someone


Monkey Shoulder & Ospree Duty-Free Create Buzz with ‘Liquid On Lips’ Travel Retail Activation

Monkey Shoulder & Ospree Duty-Free Create Buzz with ‘Liquid On Lips’ Travel Retail Activation

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on June 20, 2025

In a bold and spirited collaboration, Ospree Duty-Free and Monkey Shoulder have stirred up excitement across airport terminals with their latest experiential campaign — “Liquid On Lips.” Designed to break the monotony of traditional airport shopping, this activation turned duty-free into a vibrant playground for travelers.

The journey began the moment passengers were chauffeured to the store in Monkey Shoulder-branded buggies, making a bold first impression. On arrival, they were welcomed with a complimentary shot of Monkey Shoulder, setting the tone for an immersive in-store experience.

Inside the Ospree Duty-Free departure outlets, tent cards, branded communication, and voucher distribution helped guide customers through each touchpoint. The business assistance team further enhanced the engagement by educating guests about the activation, ensuring every traveller got the full Monkey Shoulder experience.

Adding to the buzz was a giant mixer truck stationed at the terminal, where a live DJ spun a specially curated Monkey Shoulder playlist. The festive vibe spilled across the space, complemented by exclusive giveaways like branded coasters that added a memorable takeaway for shoppers.

The “Liquid On Lips” campaign is more than just a product promotion—it’s a clever reimagination of how lifestyle brands can create storytelling-led engagement at high-traffic travel hubs. By turning routine shopping into a sensory celebration, Monkey Shoulder and Ospree Duty-Free have successfully tapped into the modern traveler’s desire for experiences over transactions.

A spokesperson from Ospree Duty Free shared, “This collaboration with Monkey Shoulder is truly one-of-a-kind, and we're proud to bring something so fresh and engaging. The DJ setup, the larger-than-life truck, branded golf carts, and the whole Liquid On Lips vibe creates a fun, experiential moment for travellers ensuring to cover each touch point. At Ospree Duty Free, we're always looking to create new ways for travellers to pause, engage, and take back a unique memory, and this one checks all the boxes.”

From interactive buggies and in-store activations to curated music and clever branding, this campaign highlights the rising relevance of experiential travel retail, making "Liquid On Lips" not just an event, but a moment travelers will remember long after takeoff.


Stone Wood Hosts Goa Travel Agents at Aralea Beach Resort to Strengthen Tourism Ties

Stone Wood Hosts Goa Travel Agents at Aralea Beach Resort to Strengthen Tourism Ties

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on June 20, 2025

Stone Wood Hotels & Resorts recently brought together over 60 travel professionals from across Goa for an exclusive meet-up at its stunning Aralea Beach Resort, Morjim. The scenic gathering set the stage for a meaningful afternoon of connection, collaboration, and conversation—focused on enhancing Goa’s presence as a leading destination for travellers.

Hosted with a blend of relaxed charm and business purpose, the event underscored Stone Wood’s continued commitment to strengthening partnerships within the travel ecosystem. From industry insights to discussions on guest experience enhancement, the meet-up served as a platform for open dialogue and mutual growth.

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We are delighted to have brought together such a vibrant community of travel professionals under one roof,” said Shikhar Kumar, Managing Director of Stone Wood Hotels & Resorts. “This gathering represents our ongoing commitment to building stronger partnerships that will ultimately benefit travelers seeking exceptional experiences in Goa. The enthusiasm and expertise shared by our guests reinforces our belief in the collaborative spirit that drives our industry forward.”

Set against Morjim’s serene shoreline, Aralea Beach Resort offered the perfect venue—providing not only breathtaking views and premium hospitality but also a real-time showcase of what Stone Wood stands for: quality, comfort, and thoughtful service.

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Abhijit Dey, Vice President of Stone Wood Hotels & Resorts, added: “The meet-up exemplifies the power of bringing together diverse perspectives from across the travel ecosystem. The insights shared by our esteemed travel agent partners will be invaluable as we continue to innovate and enhance our offerings. These collaborative efforts ensure that we remain at the forefront of delivering seamless and memorable experiences for every guest.”

From immersive conversations to first-hand property experiences, every detail of the event reflected the brand’s guest-first approach and forward-looking vision. As Goa’s tourism landscape continues to evolve, Stone Wood Hotels & Resorts is actively shaping that future—focusing on sustainable growth, stronger collaborations, and exceptional hospitality.


AHP Hospitality Challenge & Awards 2025 Returns with Focus on Skill, Scale & Inclusion

AHP Hospitality Challenge & Awards 2025 Returns with Focus on Skill, Scale & Inclusion

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on June 19, 2025

The Association of Hospitality Professionals (AHP) is gearing up for the 8th edition of its flagship event, the AHP Hospitality Challenge & Awards 2025, bringing together the best of India’s hospitality talent this July. Known for its nationwide impact and industry relevance, this year’s edition raises the bar once again with a sharp focus on skill development, scale, and inclusivity.

Running from 3rd to 9th July, with the grand awards night on 30th July at The Suryaa, New Delhi, the event offers a dynamic blend of competitions and recognitions across hospitality domains—culinary arts, front office, F&B service, and housekeeping. With over 300 participants, judged by 50 distinguished jury members across 20+ competition categories, the platform reflects the depth and dedication of India’s hospitality sector.

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AHP has carefully curated a multi-venue format to provide a professional, real-world setting for each skill category:

  • Banarsidas Chandiwala Institute of Hotel Management (3–5 July): Culinary Challenges

  • Indian Hotel Academy (8 July): Front Office Master

  • Radisson Blu, Paschim Vihar (9 July): Art of Bed Making & Towel Folding

  • The Suryaa, New Delhi (7 & 30 July): War of Spirits, Table Setting, and Awards Ceremony

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Vinod Gulati, President of the AHP Executive Committee, shares:
"Hospitality is a deeply human profession. This platform recognises the unseen excellence of those who shape guest experiences every day. It’s their moment to shine."

A cornerstone of the 2025 edition is “Sashakt – Empowering Special Ability Professionals”. This initiative invites specially-abled individuals to participate in the same categories as their peers, without separate judging criteria. By offering equal opportunity and thoughtful accommodations, AHP champions inclusion and celebrates skill over limitations, pushing forward a hospitality culture that’s accessible to all.

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From live cooking showdowns and F&B innovation to bed-making artistry, towel folding, and front office simulations, every contest is designed to challenge and celebrate the multidimensional nature of hospitality.

Devipshita Gautam, Founder and General Secretary of AHP, adds:

"This isn’t just a competition—it’s a tribute to intent and craftsmanship. As we host the 8th edition, we reaffirm that hospitality is more than service—it’s a calling, deserving pride and visibility."

The event culminates in a grand recognition ceremony on 30th July, where AHP will present the Hospitality Excellence Awards 2025, Tourism Excellence Awards, and Food Awards. The honours will celebrate individuals and institutions alike—from chefs and housekeepers to boutique hotels and sustainable dining brands—that define excellence in India’s hospitality industry.

As a not-for-profit organisation registered under the Societies Registration Act of 1860, AHP continues to elevate India’s hospitality community through skill competitions, award platforms, training initiatives, and industry collaborations—fueling pride, performance, and progress in one of the world’s most human-centric professions.

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