Meliá Chiang Mai is set to light up the city’s skyline with a spectacular celebration this Pride Month, as MAI The Sky Bar—the highest bar in Chiang Mai—reopens on June 28 with “Glow Up! A Black Ruby Pride Party”. The vibrant evening will honour Thailand’s historic legalisation of same-sex marriage and the broader message of celebrating love in all colours.

Located on the 22nd floor of the hotel, the rooftop bar offers panoramic views from the Ping River to the majestic Doi Suthep Temple, with its glass bridge and multi-level terraces offering one of the city’s most breathtaking spots to party under the stars.

The Pride-themed celebration promises:

• A fabulous drag queen show by Chiang Mai’s BLOW Entertainment
  

• Live music from resident DJs
  

• A best costume contest, with the winner earning a complimentary stay at Meliá Chiang Mai
  

• A signature “Black Ruby” cocktail included in the THB 500 entry fee
  

Guests are encouraged to dress in their loudest and proudest outfits, adding to the sparkle of the night. The first seven table bookings will also receive a free cocktail basket, making it a truly exclusive experience.

Drawing on Meliá’s Spanish roots, MAI The Sky Bar will serve up a curated menu of tapas, pinchos, and gourmet desserts, all made using 100% real ingredients with a strong focus on local, sustainable, and organic farming. Highlights include:

• Croquetas and mixed grill skewers
  

• Fresh summer rolls with tamarind dip
  

• Salmon tiradito with mango passion fruit dressing and avocado mousse
  

• Chocolate mud cake and tiramisu jars
  

To pair with the culinary delights, the bar offers an extensive selection of spirits, wines, mocktails, teas, coffees, and fresh juices.

This Pride celebration is more than just a party—it’s a toast to love, freedom, and visibility in a setting as elevated as the occasion itself.

JW Marriott Goa has announced the appointment of Himanshu Taneja as its new General Manager, marking an exciting chapter for the luxury beachfront resort. Backed by over 25 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Taneja is set to lead a dynamic leadership team focused on employee engagement, guest satisfaction, stakeholder relations, and revenue growth.

An alumnus of the Institute of Hotel Management and Catering Technology, Trivandrum, Taneja began his career with The Leela Mumbai and went on to work with premier hotel groups such as Taj Hotels and The Oberoi Group before joining Marriott International in 2010.

His journey with Marriott has been both versatile and impactful. From serving as Executive Chef at JW Marriott Mumbai Juhu to becoming the Director of Culinary for South Asia, Taneja shaped Marriott’s food and beverage vision with trend-setting concepts. In 2023, he transitioned to a broader role as Senior Director of Operations for South and East India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka, overseeing 48 hotels across the region.

Known for his strategic foresight, operational acumen, and people-first leadership, Taneja brings a unique blend of culinary expertise and business intelligence to his new role. His focus at JW Marriott Goa will include strengthening the resort’s positioning in the market, enhancing service standards, and fostering a culture of excellence.

As he takes the helm at this picturesque property, Taneja’s leadership is expected to bring fresh energy and continued innovation to the guest experience at JW Marriott Goa.

Clarks Exotica Convention Resort & Spa has been named 1st Runner-Up in the ‘Excellence in Services & Operations’ category at the Exhibition Excellence Awards (EEA) 2025, held at the CICDO Exhibition Center in Mumbai. This prestigious recognition reinforces the resort’s status as a leading hospitality and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) destination in India.

Clarks Exotica’s strength lies in its precision-driven and guest-centric approach, catering to four key guest profiles: MICE clientele, destination weddings, FITs (Free Independent Travellers), and airline crew—each experiencing tailored hospitality designed for their unique needs.

• MICE guests enjoy bespoke arrivals with company-branded gifts, themed room décor, and signature desserts.
  

• Wedding guests receive thoughtful in-room surprises including festive sweets and handwritten notes.
  

• FITs are treated with wellness hampers, dietary-specific meals, and occasion-based surprises.
  

• Airline crew benefit from streamlined check-ins, restful stays, and time-sensitive efficiency.
  

In FY 2024–25, Clarks Exotica undertook strategic operational and infrastructure upgrades, resulting in improved guest satisfaction across key platforms:

• Booking.com rating rose from 7.4 to 8.4
  

• Tripadvisor ranking improved to #22 of 1,136 hotels in Bengaluru
  

• Won the Agoda 2024 Customer Review Award with a score of 8.1
  

These results were powered by a committed, cross-functional team led by Varun Sharma, General Manager - Operations. His leadership played a key role in aligning departments towards a singular focus on service excellence.

Noteworthy team contributions include:

• Rakesh Kumar (Rooms Division): Streamlined and personalised guest journeys
  

• Chef Suresh (Culinary): Introduced inventive and diverse dining options
  

• Satyabrata Samal (Housekeeping): Rolled out eco-friendly practices and rapid response SOPs
  

• Senthil Kumar (F&B): Elevated banquet services with training and delightful add-ons
  

• Kuldeep Singh (Security): Enhanced safety with seamless guest confidence measures
  

• Raghavendra Srinivasa (IT): Delivered robust digital infrastructure and event tech support
  

• Chetan (Engineering): Ensured operational uptime through sustainable engineering
  

Balaji M, CEO of Clarks Exotica, shared:

"This award is a true reflection of what happens when passion meets process. It’s not about doing one thing differently—it’s about doing everything thoughtfully. Every detail, from food to room service, is shaped by care and consistency. We’re proud of our team and thankful for the trust of our guests."

Located just 15 minutes from Kempegowda International Airport, the resort is nestled across 70 acres of greenery, offering over 15 versatile venues for exhibitions, weddings, conferences, leisure travel, and airline layovers. As it continues redefining luxury hospitality with scale, warmth, and intent, this latest recognition marks another milestone in Clarks Exotica’s journey.