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By Nithyakala Neelakandan
Published on June 18, 2024
Virgin Hotels is bringing its luxury lifestyle hospitality experience to London for the first time. Set to open on August 1, 2024, the new hotel will be located in the vibrant neighborhood of Shoreditch. This move marks a return to Virgin's roots, with Sir Richard Branson's iconic brand making its debut in the city where it all began.
The 120-room hotel will be situated at 45 Curtain Road, right in the heart of Shoreditch. Known for its creative arts, tech scene, and fashionable culture, Shoreditch is the perfect fit for Virgin Hotels’ innovative and dynamic approach. The hotel’s striking building is set to become a prominent feature of East London's landscape.
Guests can look forward to a range of elevated experiences at the new Virgin Hotels London-Shoreditch. The hotel will feature a glittering rooftop bar, pool, private members club, and treatment rooms managed by Ibiza’s Blue Marlin. The existing Spanish restaurant BiBo, in partnership with renowned chef Dani Garcia, will remain open, as will the lobby bar and café, Christina’s, which will undergo a transformation into a unique Virgin-branded eatery by 2025.
The interiors of the hotel will reflect Virgin Hotels’ distinctive style, including patented beds and mattresses, red Smeg fridges, and a top-tier suite named Richard’s Flat. Guests will also have access to the Lucy App, which allows complete room control via their phones.
This new London location is part of Virgin Hotels' ongoing global expansion. It will be the 17th property in the Virgin Hotels Collection, following recent openings in Edinburgh and New York in 2023. The London hotel will also feature Virgin’s The Know loyalty program and Virgin Red, allowing members to earn points for their stays to be redeemed across the Virgin Group.
Richard Branson, founder of the Virgin Group, expressed his excitement about the new hotel: “We’re all absolutely delighted that Virgin Hotels Collection will be opening a Virgin hotel in London. Since the inception of Virgin Hotels, we’ve had our sights set on London; a place that so many of our customers either call home, or name as one of their favorite destinations – and of course where Virgin’s story started.”
James Bermingham, CEO of Virgin Hotels Collection, added: “This year will mark 10 years of Virgin Hotels, and what a way to celebrate as we announce our newest hotel in one of the world’s most famous cities. Shoreditch, London, will be home to the next location for Virgin Hotels, and what an extraordinary one it will be.”
The London hotel is part of a long-term agreement between Virgin Hotels and Reuben Brothers, leaders in real estate investment and development. Jamie Reuben of Reuben Brothers highlighted the strategic partnership and the exciting future of the property in Shoreditch, emphasizing the synergy between Virgin’s innovative spirit and their own development goals.
Virgin Hotels London-Shoreditch will open its doors on August 1, 2024. Reservations will be available starting early July 2024. For more information and to book your stay, visit Virgin Hotels London-Shoreditch.
Join Virgin Hotels in celebrating a new era of luxury hospitality in London, blending the brand’s signature style with the vibrant culture of Shoreditch.
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By Manu Vardhan Kannan
Published on July 8, 2025
In a landmark move, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has introduced a new route for Indian citizens to obtain the prestigious Golden Visa — now without the need to buy property or launch a business. This shift is part of a pilot program that simplifies the path to long-term residency, specifically targeting skilled Indian professionals and creators.
The Golden Visa offers a 10-year or lifetime residency permit that allows foreigners to live, work, or study in the UAE without needing a local sponsor. With the new update, eligible Indians can apply by nomination through approved UAE partners and pay a one-time fee of AED 100,000 (approximately ₹23.3 lakh).
This initiative reflects the UAE’s strategic efforts to strengthen its knowledge-based economy and deepen ties with India under the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), signed in 2022. The program is expected to receive over 5,000 applications in its first 90 days.
What’s New for Indians?
Under the new scheme:
No property purchase, business license, or investment is needed.
Applicants must be nominated by approved UAE partner organizations.
A fixed one-time fee of AED 100,000 covers lifetime visa eligibility, including admin costs.
No recurring taxes or investment maintenance required.
The visa allows unrestricted re-entry and continued residency even if the holder spends extended periods outside the UAE.
Who Can Apply?
The pilot program is open to individuals with experience or expertise in sectors of interest to the UAE, such as:
Senior professionals in education, healthcare, and corporates
University lecturers, school teachers, and experienced nurses
Digital creators (YouTubers, podcasters, filmmakers, authors)
Coders, esports professionals, yacht owners, and maritime workers
Application Process:
Contact an authorized agent. The Rayad Group, in partnership with VFS Global and One Vasco, is managing the nomination process in India.
Submit your qualifications and background at One Vasco centres.
Pay the one-time fee.
Complete background checks, including criminal, financial, and social media history.
Receive Golden Visa approval and lifetime residency rights upon clearance.
This simplified path to UAE residency makes the Golden Visa more accessible to talented Indians from non-investment backgrounds, marking a significant policy shift in the region’s migration landscape.
Namak Indian Restaurant & Bar, a top culinary destination in Greenville, US, has announced the appointment of Chef Kishor Singh as its new Sous Chef. Known for his versatile expertise and creative finesse, Chef Kishor brings over a decade of experience from some of the world’s most esteemed kitchens. His impressive portfolio includes celebrated names like Sanjh Restaurant in the US, Pincode by Kunal Kapoor in Dubai, Masala Library by Jiggs Kalra in New Delhi, Andaz Delhi by Hyatt, and Taj Jai Mahal Palace in Jaipur.
At Namak, Chef Kishor is set to infuse fresh energy into the kitchen, blending traditional Indian flavours with contemporary culinary techniques. His leadership in pre-opening teams and flair for modern plating, menu conceptualisation, and operational excellence makes him a vital addition to the brand’s evolution.
“It’s an honor to join Namak and bring my culinary journey full circle,” said Chef Kishor Singh. “This role is not only a personal milestone but also an opportunity to showcase refined Indian gastronomy with global finesse.”
His previous role at Sanjh saw him thriving under high-pressure service environments and gaining acclaim for his innovation and team training. His foundation at Masala Library and Punjabi by Nature helped shape a culinary philosophy rooted in Indian tradition and presented with modern flair.
Chef Kishor will work closely with Namak’s head culinary team to develop seasonal menus, experiment with regional dishes, and create memorable dining experiences. His appointment reflects Namak’s ongoing commitment to pushing the boundaries of Indian cuisine while honoring its roots.
Atmosphere Kanifushi Maldives continues its reign as the Maldives’ top family getaway, securing the title of ‘Maldives Leading Family Resort’ for the sixth year in a row at the World Travel Awards 2025. Blending serene beauty with vibrant energy, the resort strikes a unique balance between tranquillity for couples and adventure for families, making it a preferred choice across age groups. “This win is a testament to our team’s passion and commitment to making each stay unforgettable,” said Ram Bhoyroo, General Manager, Atmosphere Kanifushi. The resort, known for its lush landscape and turquoise seascapes, boasts one of the highest guest repeater rates in the region and constantly innovates to keep experiences fresh.
Recent additions include the launch of the new Essens Spa, offering immersive wellness journeys, detox sessions, and even dedicated spa treatments for kids and teens. With a heart for inclusivity and an eye for detail, Atmosphere Kanifushi continues to elevate family holidays in the Maldives, earning both loyalty and accolades in equal measure.
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