TravelX Hospitality

vol II issue 4 u may 2013

Hospitality

Putting the zing back to exploring the world

plus ď ą

The Mobile SPA with endless benefits

Real Island escape Bintan can spoil you Halfway House for an exciting experience

Art imparts soul

Fabulous decor and faultless services are the key ingredients of every successful hotel, but these days classy works of art are being used to engage guests.

editor’s

editor’s note W

hat does art have to do with hotels? On the face of it, nothing at all. But let us take a closer look.

After all, art has a lot in common with the finer things in life: it is only when you are totally satisfied with your life do you venture out to seek pleasure in art, music, and, even the finer aspects of hospitality. When you sit in the lobby of a hotel, instead of watching the streams of people coming in and going out, isn’t is more delightful to gaze at a Husain, a Gujral or a Kishen Khanna?

There are scores of people who will differ with my view saying that a hotel is a place to spend a night or two and nothing more. But then, you are missing the whole point.

A hotel is more than that. Not too long ago, artists used to give their work instead of paying up for their stay. In fact, one of New York’s hotels, Chelsea Hotel, has scores of such paintings. Today, however, the situation has changed—dramatically—and our hotels have joined those around the world that boast of works by renowned artists. Such regular ‘exhibitions’ of art— and sometimes sculptures—are part of a hotel simply because hoteliers and those who own them love art. But installing works of art or photographs is a way of asking guests to reflect about their experience in the hotel. Simply put, art is no longer an ornament—it is necessary in the design of a hotel.

Take the Gramercy Park Hotel in New York. Refurbished in 2006, the boutique hotel’s collection and display of art is so impressive that the Museum of Modern Art once took a tour group to see it. Home to creative minds for almost a century, the hotel boasts of custom-designed, handcrafted furnishings and a rotating collection of 20th century artwork, including masterpieces from Andy Warhol and JeanMichel Basquiat. The works change so regularly that loyal guests never get to see the same Gramercy. In fact, it was designed by artist Julian Schnabel, who was inspired by the vibrant

colours and the artistry of that time.

The ‘arty’ flair is seen in each of the 185 rooms that are at once unique in their colours, textures, a rare collection of art, photographs and objects.

Art-loving hoteliers point out that the art is one of the identities of a hotel.

It meshes into the architecture and the design to create a special vibe that is the intellectual soul of the hotel. Simply put, any guest whose imagination is involved becomes totally dedicated as a repeat customer. They become part of an experience without actually knowing why.

Then there are other hotels that, one would say, carries the ‘arty’ theme far. One such hotel is the Le Clervaux Boutique and Design Hotel in Luxembourg where even the public toilets are so stylish that they have become iconic.

The men’s, for example, has pretty faces of women. These have become conversation pieces and help the hotel to become popular. In the women’s washrooms, not only do the glass basins sparkle but the red frames of the mirrors do so too. The ultimate result is that the bathroom’s beauty energises the ladies who visit it. They remember the experience to be special. The hotelier has gone by the thumb rule that if a bathroom’s décor looks luxurious, its users will feel more attractive when they look at themselves in the mirrors.

What follows is that the ‘feel good’ factor about their appearance makes them inclined to enjoy their time in the rest of the hotel. Known as the ‘transference’ phenomenon—guests will spend longer time (and, perhaps, more money) in these places that are fashionable.

In turn, they could repeat their ‘experiential’ stories to friends. Just imagine what works of art and design can do.

Hospitality Volume II n No 4 Editor-in-Chief

K SRINIVASAN Managing Editor

TIRTHANKAR GHOSH Sub-Editor-cum-Reporter

Punit Mishra

Editorial Coordination

anjana tanwar Sr. Proof Reader

venugopalan k. k

Design

Nagender Dubey, Mohit Kansal CHANDrAJeeT

Picture Editor

Pradeep Chandra

Photo Editor

HC Tiwari

Staff Photographer

Hemant Rawat

Director (Admin & Corporate Affairs)

Rajiv Singh

Director (Marketing)

Rakesh Gera

Asst. Manager (Subscription)

Ashna pandit (+91-9650433044) Executive Director

Renu Mittal

For advertising and sales enquiries, please contact: +91-9810030533, 9650433088

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Tx hospitality

3 may 2013

Editorial & Marketing office: Newsline Publications Pvt. Ltd., D-11 Basement, Nizamuddin (East), New Delhi -110 013, Tel: +91-11-41033381-82

CO NTEN TS 30

 Get Going

Playground Bintan Everyone’s dream destination is Bintan Island

33

 Tea with Lunch

Midway ’tween lunch and tea A spinoff on the Western influenced High Tea Tx hospitality

4 may 2013

06

 News & More

More Stars Experience true hospitality

16

 Get Dazzled

Best Western AVN Arogya Experience hospitality at its best with Ayurveda

18

 SPA Special

SPA on wheels Arrange a spa party at home with friends, relatives or neighbours

 COVER STORY

22

26

 Perfect stopover

Singapore’s Changi Airport Enjoy waiting at Changi Airport from now on

Arty Hotels Hotels find art an important element in their business

35

 Restaurant Review

Halfway House An interestingly designed restaurant with lots of good food and hospitality

vol II Issue 3 u APRIl 2013

Hospitality

Putting the zing back to exploring the world

plus 

The Mobile SPA with endless benefits

Island escape: Bintan can spoil you Halfway House for a exciting experience

Art imparts soul

36

Fabulous decor and faultless services are the key ingredients of every successful hotel, but these days classy works of art are being used to engage guests.

cover design: Nagender Dubey

 Hotel Review

W Hotels Fruitful experience at Barcelona’s dazzling hotel Tx hospitality

5 may 2013

cover photo: ITC Maurya

hotel news

Travellers

Honourable Mention

endorsements Citrus Hotels and Resorts

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itrus Hotels and Resorts also received a TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence award for earning exceptional traveller ratings over the past year for seven of their properties in India.

The Certificate of Excellence has been given to Citrus Hotels, owned by the Mirah Group has eight properties in India namely Citrus Retreats — Alleppey, Citrus Bengaluru, Citrus Gurgaon Central, Citrus Hotel Goa, Citrus Hotel Lonavala, Citrus Chambers Mahabaleshwar, Citrus Pune and Citrus Sriperumbudur.

Cardamom County

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he Muthoot Group has announced that its Cardamom County resort has been awarded with the 2013 Certificate of Excellence by TripAdvisor. This prestigious award recognises Cardamom County’s position in the top-performing 10 per cent of all businesses worldwide on TripAdvisor and is awarded to businesses that consistently earn high ratings from TripAdvisor travellers.

Cardamom County is perched atop a gently sloping hill facing the Periyar Tiger Reserve on one side and a vibrant spice-trading community on the other. The resort has cottages and rooms each with a patio from where guests can enjoy the lush natural habitat. The hotel is also home to Ayura, Cardamom County’s Green Leaf certified Ayurveda wellness centre provide traditional stress-relieving therapies.

Miramar Residency

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iramar Residency, Goa too received the ‘Certificate of Excellence’ from TripAdvisor. Sanjay Chodnekar, General Manager of GTDC, said, “We thank TripAdvisor reviewers for bestowing this honour on us. Miramar Residency is indeed a unique property of GTDC with a fantastic location. We will persist in maintaining the high standards and delight our guests through continuous excellence.”

Radisson Blu

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adisson Blu Plaza Delhi and its iconic restaurant The Great Kabab Factory (TGKF) received TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence 2013. “Radisson Blu Plaza Delhi and its restaurant The Great Kabab Factory are pleased to receive Certificate of Excellence awards from TripAdvisor,” said Javed Ali, Vice President and General Manager, Radisson Blu Plaza Delhi.

Movenpick Hotel and Spa

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ovenpick Hotel and Spa Bangalore has received a TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence 2013. To qualify for a Certificate of Excellence, businesses must maintain an overall rating of four or higher, out of a possible five, as reviewed by travellers on TripAdvisor. Additional criteria include the volume of reviews received within the last 12 months.

Biswajit Chakraborty, General Manager, Movenpick Hotel & Spa Bengaluru, said, “This accolade would not have been possible without our guests and we thank them whole heartedly for their support. We will continue our efforts to offer our customers a memorable experience."

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6 may 2013

hotel news Opening

Fourth Gateway in Hubli

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he Gateway Hotels & Resorts, part of the Taj Group of Hotels, launched The Gateway Hotel Lakeside Hubli.

This is the fourth Gateway branded hotel in Karnataka, in addition to the existing hotels at Bengaluru, Mangalore and Chikmagalur. The Gateway Hotels & Resorts cater to the upscale segment and has expanded its footprint in North Karnataka with this launch. With the opening of this hotel, The Gateway Hotels & Resorts now has 22 hotels in its portfolio.

Commenting on the launch, Prabhat Verma, Chief Operating Officer, The Gateway Hotels & Resorts said, "The launch in Hubli is a proud moment for us and essential to the brand’s growth

Opening

Grand Kempenski opens

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empinski Hotels has signed an agreement with Shanghai Suncuba Co. Ltd to take over the management of the Gran Melia’ Hotel Shanghai in Pudong, Shanghai. The hotel was rebranded as Grand Kempinski Hotel Shanghai and titled as the group’s 18th property in China.

The Shanghai hotel is centrally placed in the Lujiazui financial and trade section of the prestigious Pudong district and offers sweeping views of the Huangpu River and the Shanghai skyline. The hotel features 678 rooms and suites, the majority of which overlook the dramatic Bund skyline. The rooms have been given a contemporary look and range from 43 to 245 square metres in size.

The hotel has four restaurants and three bars offering international fare, Chinese cuisine, Italian flavours and Spanish/South American cuisine.

In addition, an Executive Lounge offers special privileges and amenities for frequent business travellers.

Guests can avail the facility of full scale fitness centre and spa facilities.

strategy of catering to the new age traveller. With this opening, we endeavour to pioneer new and unique destinations. We promise to bring a fresh flavour and style to hospitality in the city. With the immense growth and development potential in the state of Karnataka, The Gateway Hotel Lakeside Hubli is well equipped to cater to both leisure and business travellers."

The Gateway Hotel Lakeside Hubli has 92 spacious rooms including four suites, each room offering serene views of Lake Unkal.

Guests can work out at the Active Studio or the swimming pool, Splash or relax at the Spa. The hotel has a spacious

3800 sq ft Ballroom for large meetings, conferences and weddings.

Green concept

TUNE HOTEL's another property in ahemdabad

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une Hotels opened the door of another property in Ahmedabad with guests welcoming new standards of hospitality from the award-winning international hotel chain.

The 100-room Tune Hotel Ahmedabad has received its first guests, many of whom took advantage of its preopening promotional room rates that started from `599.

Group CEO of Tune Hotels, Mark Lankester said, “The Tune Hotel Ahmedabad is our first opportunity to present our services to India’s vibrant and vast hospitality market. Our excellent amenities combine with top-class environmentfriendly practices and we are encouraged with the response from our guests.

It is heartening to note that guests have liked our ecofriendly character.”

Tune Ahmedabad is looking to serve both domestic and international travellers, especially members of the large non-resident Indian (NRI) community from Gujarat.

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7 may 2013

hotel news Expansion

Results

Fortune Park unveils Mussoorie property

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ortune Park Hotels Ltd. has expanded its bouquet of hotels with the opening of the brand’s 40th hotel, in India and second in Mussoorie, ‘Fortune The Savoy’. The 50-room

Victorian resort has been restored to reflect the glory of its centuryold past, aided by thoughtfully conceived services and state of the arttechnology.

Speaking on the occasion, Suresh Kumar, Chief Executive Officer, Fortune Park Hotels Ltd., said, “Fortune The Savoy is a milestone achievement for us as we continue to expand our brand portfolio in the high end leisure segment. The hotel is a judicious blend of old-world charm and newage conveniences and an expression of the Fortune brand promise of unparalleled experience and exceptional value.” The guest rooms and suites at Fortune The Savoy have been specially crafted with muted shades and unique design, combining elements of comfort and convenience. The well-appointed rooms include 26 Savoy Chambers, 12 Fortune Exclusive Rooms and 12 Fortune Suites.

Quarterly results of TAJGVK HOTELS

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yderabad based TAJGVK Hotels and Resorts Limited posted a steep-fall in total income during the fourth quarter of FY 2012/13. The company’s total income was lower at `64.26 crore as compared to `71.49 crore in the corresponding period last year. The slowdown in the Indian economy along with increase in competition in all geographies have negatively impacted operations. Furthe r, an additional hit of Rs 1.69 crore arose in the quarter on account of the Fuel Surcharge Adjustment demand by the Central Power Distribution Company Ltd of Andhra Pradesh.

The company has major expansion plans in hands including its flagship project 'The Krishna Expansion' as well as investment in Mumbai Hotel to recover in the global as well as Indian economy.

Appointments Alila Diwa Goa appoints GM

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lila Diwa Goa appointed Siddharth Savkur as General Manager.

Siddharth is responsible for strategic planning, managing day to day operations Siddharth Savkur and exploring new business opportunities for the resort. Beginning his career with the Oberoi Group of hotels in Bengaluru in 1996, he then moved on to Carlson Hospitality Worldwide.

He headed the Chennai sales office and handled the mandate for promoting Radisson Hotels in Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata and Kathmandu and The Regent in Mumbai. Siddharth then moved to Hyatt Hotels as Director of Reservation where he overlooked the reservations function for all Hyatt hotels.

Foodpanda appoints MD

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oodpanda announced the appointment of Rohit Chadda as Managing Director, India and Product Head, Asia.

Chaddha will be responRohit Chadda sible for the dual role in one of the top food ordering platforms in India, Foodpanda. With a view to achieving projected business plans and increase scale on a sustainable basis, Rohit will be responsible for conducting idea generation, gap identification, feature prioritisation, and feature definition for the product for all Asian countries. He will also be lending crucial support to the overall strategic roadmap to build innovative solutions and solidify business objectives.

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ITC Mughal, Agra appoints GM

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TC Hotels announced appointment of Ashutosh Chhibba as General Manager of ITC Mughal, Agra.

Chhibba took charge of ITC Ashutosh Chhibba Hotels’ Agra property which is known for its unique architecture.

Chhibba brings with him 21 years of expertise in Food and Beverage. His journey began with ITC Hotels in 1992 as Banquet Manager in Chola Sheraton, Chennai and he has been posted at various ITC Hotels properties to shoulder responsibilities in different capacities and position. Prior to this, Chibba moved to Aurangabad to take charge as the General Manager, WelcomHotel Rama International.

hotel news Rock-on

Partnership

TAJ Corporate Social Responsibility

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he Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL), a part of Tata Group has announced its partnership with the Government of Maharashtra to provide skill training facility at the Industrial Training Institute (ITI) campus in Lonavala.

Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Prithviraj Chavan, inaugurated the training facility. On the inauguration of the facility, Chavan said, "We are proud to partner with the Taj Group and provide underprivileged youth in the state an opportunity to develop necessary skills sets for employment in the hospitality sector. It is a noble step by a brand synonymous with Indian hospitality to give back to the society."

ALOFT HOTELS PRESENTS 2013 'LIVE AT ALOFT HOTELS'

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loft Hotels is set to rock Asia Pacific with the return of its sizzling smash-hit 'Live at Aloft Hotels' live music platform series. Starting from May 31, 2013, Aloft has started to showcase the hottest on-theverge artists and bands at Aloft Beijing, Haidian; Aloft Bengaluru Whitefield; Aloft Bangkok — Sukhumvit 11; and Aloft Kuala Lumpur Sentral, offering the latest trend in music.

Vincent Ong, Asia Pacific, Senior Brand Director, Sheraton, Westin, Aloft, Four Points by Sheraton and Element, said, “Aloft Hotels has been conquering the globe with its game-changing concept and groundbreaking initiatives in design, tech, and

pop culture. Leveraging our passion for music, ‘Live at Aloft Hotels’ aims to attract a larger audience beyond in-house guests, positioning Aloft Hotels as the local go-to hangout to mix and mingle. It also activates Aloft public spaces with the brand’s signature fun-loving social vibe." 'Live at Aloft Hotels' features live acoustic performances from emerging artists. It also drives hotel exposure, generating buzz through social media channels, including videos, blogs, and social networking sites. The performance series promises a venue to connect with new audiences, as well as access to thousands of music fans worldwide.

Modern hospitality

Stay at Taj Cape Town and earn SAA points

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eading carrier South African Airways (SAA) is offering its frequent flyers the option of earning triple bonus points when visiting Cape Town and staying at the super luxury Taj Cape Town between April 15 and July 31, 2013.

Situated in the heart of the Mother City and offering an unrivalled fusion of warm sophisticated hospitality, world class-service and modern amenities, Taj Cape Town’s celebrated partnership with SAA is indicative of the hotel’s extensive value provided to its guests.

The Taj Cape Town reinterprets the tradition of hospitality in a refreshingly modern way to create unique experiences and lifelong memories.

“Travellers are exposed to inner-city tourism when staying in the heart of the Mother City, allowing them to emotionally connect with the historical and cultural voice of the city”, said Williams. “Our hotel is perfectly positioned, by virtue of its unique location, to meet the needs of those not

only wanting five-star comforts in a luxury setting, but also to the sophisticated traveller wanting to experience the soul of the city.”

LUXURY TRAIN TRAVEL DOUBLES UP ON SUMPTUOUSNESS

The Blue Train, a 5-star luxury passenger train in South Africa, now offers its guests a complimentary night’s accommodation at either 131 on Herbert Baker in Pretoria or the super luxury Taj Cape Town, a property owned and managed by the world renown Taj Hotels, Resorts and Palaces.

This luxury rail service, which runs between Pretoria and Cape Town and boasts features such as a private butler service, marble-clad bathrooms and gourmet cuisine, now, offers discerning travellers the option to extend their travel experience, affording them a chance to enjoy the country’s top tourist destinations in high style.

Willie Williams, Director of Sales and Marketing at Taj Cape Town, said, “Cape Town is one of South Africa’s

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9 may 2013

most vibrant and beautiful cities, and there’s no better vantage point from which to experience all it has to offer than Taj Cape Town,” says. “A stone’s throw from many of the city’s top tourist attractions, the hotel offers guests a chance to experience the Mother City in style, with most of our rooms and suites offering sweeping views of Table Mountain, recently named one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature.”

The Blue Train’s 27-hour journey between Pretoria and Cape Town covers 1600 kilometres (994 miles) of diverse and spectacular scenery, showing off the very best of South Africa’s dramatic landscapes. Stopping in historic towns like Kimberley and Maatjiesfontein, the trip offers travelers a breathtaking snapshot of the subcontinent in an opulent setting.

Guests looking to learn more about Cape Town’s fascinating history also have access to the hotel’s unique ‘Footsteps to Freedom’ service, which comprises a leisurely and informative walking tour of sites.

hotel news Cooking Innovation

First Ever Michelin Guide to

Hiroshima M

ichelin has recently published the 2013 Special Edition MICHELIN guide Hiroshima.

The first ever guide to Hiroshima lists the region's best eating establishments, 278 restaurants, 48 ryokans and 36 hotels that are featured in the guide.

Michelin inspectors visited Japan’s Hiroshima region, with the goal of helping readers to find its best restaurants, hotels and ryokans (Japanese inns similar to a bed and breakfast). They also discovered gastronomy that is rooted in Japanese tradition as well as local culinary specialties like anago (salt-water eels) and okonomiyaki (Japanese crepe).

Apart from this, the inspectors noted very high-level cooking standards based on top-quality ingredients and carefully prepared dishes. The 2013 selection also includes the region’s first three-star restaurant — Nakashima–located in the city of Hiroshima, which joins the select circle of the world’s very best restaurants. In addition, two stars were offered to 5 restaurants and one star to 23 restaurants and 1 ryokan.

Commenting on the occasion, Motonari Adachi, Executive Director Singapore office, JNTO said, " With the launch of Tokyo edition in 2007 as the first Michelin Guide in Asia and the increase in Michelin starred restaurants we have come a long way to being known as one of the world's top gourmet cities (Tokyo). Today Tokyo has more Michelin stars than any other city in the world. With the introduction of Michelin special edition guidebook of Hiroshima, it clearly demonstrates that cuisine in Japan is gaining momentum through which there has been a rise in demand for the local cuisine in the restaurants."

Alongside the starred restaurants, the 2013 Special Edition MICHELIN guide Hiroshima lists 49 Bib Gourmand restaurants, chosen by the inspectors for their excellent value for money. All offer a complete menu for not more than 3,500 yen (`2131.33). Featuring a very Tx hospitality

10 may 2013

broad array of cooking styles that includes Japanese curry, ramen, udon, yakiniku and yoshoku, as well as Thai, Italian, French and Spanish cuisine, the wide range of establishments enables readers to find exactly what they’re looking for, regardless of their budget or desires.

Michael Ellis, International Director of the MICHELIN guides commented, “We’re very pleased to expand our collection with this new guide, which will allow lovers of Japan to discover the gourmet dining scene in Hiroshima. The inspectors began preparing this Special Edition in autumn 2011 and their diligent efforts have allowed them to unearth and showcase a number of culinary treasures that are particular to Hiroshima and illustrate the region’s gastronomic wealth, including such specialties as anago, okonomiyaki and dishes made with oysters.

This represents the first time that these cooking styles have been featured in a MICHELIN guide. In the end, this very broad selection will enable our readers travelling in the Hiroshima region to discover local dishes.” The 2013 Special Edition MICHELIN guide Hiroshima was released in Japan on 17 May 2013.

The selection comprises 362 establishments, of which 278 restaurants 48 ryokans and 36 hotels.

Specifically, it includes

ÊÊ 1 three-star restaurant ÊÊ 5 two-star restaurants ÊÊ 23 one-star restaurants and 1 onestar Ryokan ÊÊ 49 Bib Gourmand restaurants The MICHELIN guide collection comprises 24 editions available in 23 countries. The latest addition to the collection, the 2013 Special Edition MICHELIN guide Hiroshima, is the fourth guide introduced in Japan following the MICHELIN guides to Tokyo-Yokohama-Shonan and Kyoto-Osaka-KobeNara, as well as the 2013 Special Edition MICHELIN guide Hokkaido.

Food& Drink Cooking Innovation

Tandoor Concept by Electrolux — accredited by ICF

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symphony of taste and convenient cooking was presented by Electrolux with the introduction of the new Tandoor style cooking. On May 28 2013, the Electrolux Professional Innovation Centre in Gurgaon had Chefs from ICF giving accreditation to Electrolux for its innovation and perfection.

Launched on October 2011, The Electrolux Innovation Centre is a hub for training, innovation, and demonstration on Electrolux Professional equipment that provides demonstrations for culinary skills with Electrolux Chef Academy.

Dedicated to enhancing culinary

arts and supporting chefs, ICF has come a long way in achieving this endeavor through a whole spectrum of programs. Launched in Bangalore in front of an audience of over 300 chefs from the Indian hotel industry at Indian Culinary Congress by IFCA on March 2012, and subsequently in September 2012, at the Electrolux Food Theatre in Fine Food India at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, Electrolux Professional India is successfully spreading the Tandoor concept to chefs across India, and encouraging them to apply this concept in their daily operations.

The President of ICF and VP of F&B Production at the Le Meriden

Chef Davinder Kumar said, “A lot has been talked about equipment. We have been associated with Electrolux since a very long time and have been very satisfied. ICF is a dedicated team of a community of chefs. Having seen demands in hotels, canteens and QSR’s have put a lot of pressure in culinary today. ”

New Initiative

Westin Culinary Academy brings food connoisseurs and chefs together

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chance to meet the finest chefs of The Westin Gurgaon is now possible with the newly introduced Westin Culinary Academy. Aimed to bring food connoisseur and chefs together, the Academy is one of its kind that promise to promote popularity of different cuisines. The newly launched initiative —Westin Culinary Academy shall continue to entice regular guests at the hotel with a culinary session each month. World class team of chefs shall continue to team up with food lovers and share their exotic recipes.

Now guests can also enjoy unique flavours showcased by hotel venue — EEST and PREGO, thereby allowing guests a chance to gain greater insights into different cuisines and cooking styles.

Not only that, each month the guests will be given a chance to showcase their talents and exhibit their culinary expertise in front of the Westin chefs.

Speaking about the initiative, Sanjay Sharma, Complex General Manager, The Westin Gurgaon, New Delhi and The Westin Sohna Resort and Spa said “We are extremely thrilled to launch The Westin Culinary Academy. The curate cooking classes are a fantastic opportunity to get first-hand insights into the techniques of our professional chefs.” He further elaborated, “We are proud of our culinary talent and the whole idea behind this concept is to allow our guests not Tx hospitality

just learning from the best but also an experience of producing tantalising meals first and from top chefs.”

Priced at `1500, each session of Westin Culinary Academy trains eight to ten guests, followed by a lunch at the specialty venues cuisine has been showcased at the culinary session.

-Reena Batra

11 may 2013

Food& Drink Festival

Indian style

Hinglish-Vinglish Pasta Festival

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his Summer Season let the Italians go on a trip the Hinglish way.

Enjoy your favourite Pasta dish the 'Hinglish-Vinglish' way at Hinglish, the colonial cafe, be it Penne, Spaghetti, Farfalle or Fusilli the 'HinglishVinglish Pasta Festival' is gives you your 'Buon Appetito' Pasta moment just the way you like it.

Be it desi or angrezi, there's a pasta dish to tickle your taste-buds. If Hinglish flavours are your choice of flavour, choose from Kadhai Paneer Pasta, Keema do Pyaza Pasta, Butter Chicken Pasta, Paneer Makhani Pasta or just a makhani one. Another option is to take your pick from the range of Angrezi styled Pastas with a Bella Roma (veg/non-veg), Arrabiata (veg/ non-veg), Tomato Broth with Vodka

(veg/non-veg), or Wild Penne Pasta (with 3 varieties of mushrooms).

So, go ahead and pick your choice of pasta and make your experience more spirited by adding 2 glasses of wine and go 'Al Salute'!

Maharashtra in Bengaluru

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aharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) in association with St. Mark’s Hotel celebrated Maharashtrian cuisine and culture at St. Mark’s Hotel in Bengaluru from May 1, 2013 to May 5, 2013. The Maharashtrian food festival did not only tickle the taste buds of local Bengalurians but also gave them an opportunity to witness the colourful dance form of the state. Speaking at the food festival, Managing Director of MTDC, Jagdish Patil said, "We are happy with the warm reception we have received in this festival second year in row. This festival will give an opportunity to present the sumptuous delicacies of Maharashtrian cuisine in a thematic festive environment.

We acknowledge the association of St. Mark’s Hotel and I would like to appreciate their efforts in setting up this brilliant concept." The festival received a good response for the second year in succession. During this year's festival, the festival showcased Maharashtra as a premier tourist destination. A team of special chefs flew in from Mumbai who specialised in dishing out authentic Maharashtrian cuisine.

Online

THE FOODPANDA MOBILE APP LEADS WORLDWIDE

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oodpanda has become the number one food delivery app worldwide, within three months of its launch. According to the leading app analytics platform appannie.com, the Foodpanda app has been listed in top five food app in countries including India, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore etc. Overall, it has been ranked and positioned amongst the top ten in 20 countries (as of 16th April, 2013).

Foodpanda’s mobile app is available on Android and iOS in 23 countries and has made food delivery service easier and quicker by providing a restaurant index that facilitates you to simply enter your area and search for cuisine type, restaurants, price range, the expected delivery time and other details. The new version of the app enables area search similar to the website.

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12 may 2013

Destination news cruiser

Largest Cruise Ship to be based in Asia arrives this summer

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ariner of the Seas® to start maiden Asian season from Singapore in June 2013 Royal Caribbean International's Mariner of the Seas® will become the largest ship to be based in Asia, when it enters the region later this month. At 138,000 Gross Registered Tons (GRT), Mariner of the Seas® can carry 3,807 guests and stretches more than a thousand feet in length.

Passing through the Indian ports of Goa and Kochi on 24th and 26th May respectively, this ship will begin her much anticipated maiden Asian season from Singapore on 1st June 2013.

Construction of new cruise terminals has paved way for bigger and more innovative ships to homeport in Asia, thereby fuelling consumer demand for cruises in the region.

Speaking about the Asian cruise market, Ratna Chadha, Chief Executive, TIRUN Travel Marketing, India Representative of Royal Caribbean International, said, "In the past one year, Royal Caribbean International's guest capacity in Asia has witnessed a three-fold increase and our regional cruise offering has been augmented with the arrival of Mariner

of the Seas® and Voyager of the Seas®. We are pleased to bring more opportunities for WOW! closer to home for our Indian guests."

Mariner of the Seas® brings 15 decks of activity, first-at-sea innovations, luxurious staterooms, entertainment and dining options. In

Exhibition

Music Gallery at Udaipur’s City Palace

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daipur’s City Palace Museum unveiled a Music Gallery titled ‘Symphony of Mewar’ on May 20, 2013 that exhibited musical instruments of the bygone era.

The renovation and restoration of Zone D, Zenana Mahal where the Music Gallery is located was undertaken with financial assistance from the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, New Delhi under the scheme 'Setting up, promotion and strengthening of regional and local museums'. The exhibition displayed 23 royal musical instruments belonging to members of the Mewar family, some of which are over 100 years old.

The collection was unveiled by Rolee Agarwal, IRS, Commissioner—Income Tax, Ahmedabad, Gujarat in the presence of Shriji Arvind Singh Mewar, Chairman and Managing Trustee of Maharana of Mewar Charitable Foundation (MMCF) and 76th Custodian of the House of Mewar.

Remarking upon the idea behind opening such an exhibition for musical instruments, Shriji Arvind Singh Mewar of Udaipur said, “This gallery is just another step towards preserving Mewar’s living heritage with various commercial and non-commercial sectors of Mewar striving to do so. The foundation of this Music Gallery at City Palace is connected to the same project of preserving our heritage.”

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13 may 2013

June the ship will offer a three and four night sailing from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur and Langkawi in Malaysia. Subsequently, it will move to China and offer a choice of four/five/ seven Night and longer North Asia sailings from Baoshan (Shanghai).

Destination news Tourism Fest

Chandigarh to host first CII Tourism Fest in December

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ith the plan to promote India as a global tourist destination, Chandigarh will host the inaugural Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Tourism Fest at the end of this year. The CII's Northern Region is planning this mega event from December 5 to 7, 2013 to promote India as a tourism hub to local tourists as well as foreigners.

Film and rural tourism will be promoted in a big way. The governments of Punjab, Gujarat, Jharkhand, MP, West Bengal, Jammu and Kashmir and Chhattisgarh have pledged participation, whereas, Uttarakhand, Gujarat, Goa, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala and Odisha have shown interest as well.

The festival may acquire an international flavour. Thailand has confirmed participation while Germany, Malaysia, China, Russia, Australia, USA, Canada, South Africa, Jordan, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, Singapore, Macau and UK are likely to join. Arjun Sharma, chairman, CII Tourism Fest 2013, said, "Through this event we hope to contribute to overall GDP growth. The aim is to showcase India as a global

tourist destination by creating synergies between various stakeholders, devising enabling policies and infrastructure, and attracting investment in the tourism and hospitality sector."

Enjoy monsoon

Goa promotes monsoon tourism

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oa tourism industry is all set to sell raindrops to visitors, who usually flock this beach destination for its sun, sand and surf and stay away during monsoons. State Tourism Director, Nikhil Desai said the department would hold roadshows and publicity campaigns across eight states from mid-June onwards to invite domestic tourists in Goa while it rains. “The private and state-run hotels have offered special packages for the season. The state-run Goa Tourism Development Corporation has launched several new attractions like white water rafting in the Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary,” he said. The tourism department has launched special contests on Facebook, where winners are offered packages in Goa. The Director added, “The state is also promoted as monsoon wedding destination and for MICE (meetings, incentives, conference and exhibition) tourism.”

While average room occupancy remains 60 per cent in the State during monsoons, as beach shacks are removed due to gusty winds as well as unfavourable weather conditions on the shores, private players are expecting big footfalls from West Asian countries during this season.

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14 may 2013

Destination news Cruise

Largest cruise ship to sail in 2014

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oyal Caribbean International has announced the world’s largest and most innovative cruise ship Oasis of the Seas which will be sailing in Europe for a short autumn season in 2014.

Award-winning Caribbean cruise vacations, Oasis of the Seas now will offer a sampling of its unrivaled Oasis-class experience in Europe.

Ratna Chadha, Chief Executive, Tirun Travel Marketing, India Representative of Royal Caribbean International, said “The Oasis-class vacation experience finds its way to the bucket list of every travel enthusiast. Indian vacationers will now be able combine Europe's rich cultures and history with the world's largest and most innovative cruise ship for a unique and ultimate holiday. Convenient access to Europe for Indian travellers will further augment the ship's popularity in our country enabling more guests to partake in first-at-sea innovations and exceptional onboard amenities.” Guests will sail the Atlantic and Western Mediterranean and delight in Oasis-class exclusive amenities and concepts throughout its seven themed neighbourhoods, such as an 82 foot-long zip line, the Rising Tide elevating bar, Broadway musicals, the

Aquatheater high-diving performance venue, and Central Park with more than 12,000 live trees and plants. Oasis of the Seas also offers amenities that can only be found on Royal Caribbean, such as twin FlowRider surf simulators, cantilevered whirlpools, an ice-skating rink, the H2O Zone kids aquapark, and the Royal Promenade etc. Royal Caribbean’s family programming will help ensure that guests of every generation can share in an unforgettable Europe family vacation aboard Oasis of the Seas. The cruise line’s complimentary Adventure Ocean kids programme offers ongoing educational and entertaining sessions for three age groups from three to 11 year-olds. Vacationers can choose among two roundtrip sailings on a five-night Western Mediterranean itinerary from Barcelona, and a sevennight Spain itinerary sailing from Barcelona to Rotterdam, The Netherlands.

Exclusive offering

Toshali Resorts promotes Buddhism

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oshali Resorts International, which manages four properties in the Buddhist circuit of Odisha has come up with special offering to allure scholars, archaeologists, historians and students to visit, stay and study the Buddhist art and culture of ancient Kalinga dedicated to the Mahayana and Vajrayana sect.

To promote study tours and academic conventions on Buddhist heritage, Toshali has made an exclusive offering of `1000 per room night plus taxes for scholars including breakfast. Also there will be a 10 per cent discount on meals and a free access to the state-of- art library cum interpretation centre at Ratnagiri property. The scholars need to produce their identification and assure a minimum stay of three nights. This offer is valid till

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Cruise December 15, 2013 and is applicable to the properties situated at the heritage sites of Ratnagiri, Udayagiri and Lalitgiri.

All the three properties at Ratnagiri, Udayagiri and Lalitgiri are upgraded with star class amenities. The flagship property of Toshali Ratnagiri situated in front of the museum of Archaelogical Survey of India (ASI) is equipped with 19 rooms and a state-of- art library cum interpretation centre having a rare collections of books on art, culture, history and religion along with a multi-cuisine restaurant, conference hall for 70 guests and coffee shop. Toshali Udayagiri Convention Centre, with a capacity of six rooms and a conference hall for 350 pax has recently hosted the 3-day International Conference on Buddhist Heritage of Odisha which is attended by a total of 1,547 domestic and 66 foreign scholars.

15 may 2013

Well & Tour

Experience ayurveda

in luxury Enter stressed; leave relaxed. That, in short, is what Best Western Arogya does. Set in natural surroundings, the recently-opened hotel in Madurai, brings together the best of both worlds — Ayurveda and Hospitality — to provide a complete wellness package.

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uxury and wellness have never been so impressive in the hospitality sector. Nestled in a quaint village in the picturesque temple city of Madurai, Tamil Nadu, the Best Western AVN Arogya brings forward the best treatments in the lap of Mother Nature. Running successfully with 41 hotels, in operation and under development in India, Best Western recently joined hands with AVN Arogya Healthcare to create Best Western AVN Arogya. The epitome of luxury and wellness, it aims to empower medical tourism and hospitality in the region.

Mr Sudhir Sinha, President and COO Best Western India says, “The Best Western group has International standards and experience of over 4000 hotels worldwide and AVN Arogya has 80 Tx hospitality

years of hard core experience in Ayurveda. This unique blend has been made to bring Indian and International tourists who are inclined to wellness. The tie-up signifies that Best Western is the brand of choice internationally for accommodation as well as health, fitness, and treatments even in the midscale segment. Our rapid growth in India is a testament to the relevance of our brand in a fast-growing economy like India. We are happy to announce its launch, expanding our presence in the state of Tamil Nadu. We are sure this will only be the beginning of our expansion in this region.”

Dr. Ramesh R Varier, Managing Director and Senior Physician, AVN Arogya Healthcare Ltd, says “We believe in complete holistic wellness.

When a patient approaches us, we make sure that

16 May 2013

Well & Tour he is given utmost attention and personalised care amidst natural surroundings. AVN Arogya is backed with an experience of healing over 80 years where we have senior physicians with a vast experience of about 25 years directly treating patients. Founded in 1930, we are the third generation managing the hospital with the same administration as our ancestors. While our products are manufactured here, we market them in different cities for the convenience of people.

We realised that although there is no dearth of ayurvedic treatments in India, the hospitality is not all that great. On the other hand, good hotels only take care of hospitality and not the treatment. Thus, we decided to collaborate: Hospitality and preventive cure. This marriage will help us in reaching further to not only the vast Indian community across different parts but also international audiences that the Best Western International presence in over 100 countries can provide.”

“We already cater to many International customers for our ayurvedic treatments and this association will help us in increasing our visibility and customer base further. Best Western follows global best practices and adheres to strict guidelines. Best Western properties stand for the best Hospitality and Quality which are essential for good business practice.”

Synonymous with luxury and comfort, Best Western Arogya is spread over 15 acres of lush greenery, with swaying palm trees and tiled pathways. The picturesque Ayurveda resort gives a relaxing break from the bustling city life and pampers the mind, body and soul. With features like yoga, health and beauty therapies and wellness programmes, the resort is a holistic retreat for health enthusiasts. The Best western Arogya captivates the senses with a row of 20 beautiful cottages categorised as Deluxe rooms, Classic Villas, Deluxe Villas and The Royal Villa amidst well maintained gardens. With all the comforts and amenities of a luxury hotel, these villas make any stay a memorable one.

Holistic treatments

Treatments at Best Western Arogya are holistic with a touch of personalised attention and care.

Doctors are all well-trained therapists who scan the patient’s life history and give the treatment accordingly in terms of their basic constitution, state of mind, surroundings, food habits, climatic conditions and digestive capacity. Wellness therapies for the patient are all tailor-made to suit individual needs and convenience. Usually, traditional Panchakarma therapies like Vamanam, Virechanam and Nasyam and special rejuvenation therapies like Nhavarakizhi are given to deliver absolute mind and body fitness in a natural environment for acquiring ideal health and longevity. Masseurs well-trained in authentic Kerala massages provide relaxing massages to

soothe your body, mind and soul. Abhyangam massage is one of the most preferred treatment for improving eyesight, longevity, sleep and healthy skin. It is done by applying herbal oil on head, neck, ears, shoulders, chest and back. The second preferred treatment is Siro Dhara which gives an overall benefit for the body and mind while delaying the ageing process. The person is made to lie on a wooden bed with the whole body smeared with medicated oil. A herbal concoction in milk is poured on the forehead gently and swayed sideways throughout for about 40 minutes. The concoction goes deep inside the roots of the hair and enlivens every cell in the brain making the person fall asleep. This soothing massage is usually followed by a warm bath with a chemical free soap and shampoo that refreshes and relaxes every nerve in the body.

Food for the soul

Food at the Best Western Arogya is light and easy to digest. Prepared by master chefs from the south, the palatable dishes are cooked in little oil and with fewer spices. The Saffron restaurant has buffets with the best home-cooked authentic South Indian delicacies and a la carte options for diners. Tamarind Tree, the garden restaurant, provides a relaxed dining experience in the midst of nature. n

Text: Reena Batra

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17 May 2013

“A herbal concoction in milk is poured on the forehead gently and swayed sideways throughout for about 40 minutes. The concoction goes deep inside the roots of the hair and enlivens every cell in the brain making the person fall asleep”

SPA Special

SPAlendour Wel

on Whee Bachelorette party, bridal party, corporate event, employee appreciation or wellness spa parties — reasons aplenty for a spa treatment. Let’s discover what two prominent mobile spas of the country have to offer.

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18 May 2013

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els

SPA Special

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icture this — A four-wheeler comes with a van full of goodness, promising pure luxury and oodles of wellness on wheels. Specialised aroma therapists come along loaded with sparkling bottles of fragrances, garden-fresh flowers and petite portions of endless range of creams and soulful music to soothe your daily stress away. And all that you lovely people have to do is pick up the phone, call and let them turn your bedroom or garden area into a blissful, scented haven of peace.

Yes, you must have pictured it by now; we are talking about personalised services of spa and saloon experiences.

Nowadays, many mobile spas promise to give you a stupendous spa experience within the comfort of the four walls of your house. So, if you are somebody who likes professional therapists to bring his/her expertise right to your bedroom along with the paraphernalia required for face and body treatments, then the mobile spa and salon experiences are meant for you! Travelx exclusively caught up with two such spa owners and found out what exactly they have to offer.

Rubina Guleria, the brains behind The Bangalore Mobile Spa, Bengaluru, offers a menu of spa treatments meant exclusively for women. Also known as a fairy godmother with an army of magic hands therapists, Guleria is trained in cosmetology and aesthetics from Christine Valmy, New York.

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19 May 2013

SPA Special

‘It’s all about peaceful rejuvenation’ Rubina Guleria, owner of The Bangalore Spa, on the total spa experience

Why would anyone go to a spa?

There are several reasons why one would go to a spa. One goes to a spa to distress and rejuvenate, to hang around with girlfriends and get pampered, couple bonding, spend time in quiet calming surroundings in order to get a therapeutic massage.

Do spas differ greatly from region to region?

Spas might differ from one another in the service menus; however, the basic tenet of a spa would remain largely the same: peaceful rejuvenation. The type of therapies and ingredients used in therapies and messages might differ from region to region — like a spa in France might have grape and its ancillary products factored into its services while on the other hand, the spas around the dead sea region might use a lot of the purifying properties of the dead sea in their services.

What is the benefit of having a spa outside vs. one inside?

A spa at home definitely saves you the ride in traffic. After all, who would want to drive back after a relaxing treatment. At home, you can continue the relaxation for as long as you wish. It is an extremely lucrative offer for young mothers as the kids can be around and is also great fun for spending the time at home on a Saturday or a Sunday morning.

Is duration a big factor in getting a therapy?

I think, more than the duration it would be the

expertise of the therapist and the calming accompaniments that would matter to anyone. An expert therapist can calm you and get you to start rejuvenating almost immediately with the first calming touch.

What are the few things you would recommend when deciding on a spa resort?

I would recommend the service menu, therapist expertise and most definitely the front desk. If the front desk of the spa knows everything about the services, it’s a good pointer that the therapists will be well versed too.

Few signature therapies of The Bangalore Spa are:

Facial — Hot Chocolate Decadence: Softening, moisturising and rejuvenating.

Aroma oils combined with organic produce for beauty benefits. Along with powerful skin regenerative essential oils of frankincense, absolute rose, tea tree, and licorice extracts, this signature treatment promises a facial, you will fall in love with forever.

Bio-aesthetics beauty: Swedish and Ayurveda fusion. Essential aroma oils are combined with vegetable extracted vitamin C and B-6, organic calcium and magnesium for deep moisturising, reducing wrinkles, clearing blemishes, lightening tan, effectively repairing dry skin.

Post-partum Rejuvenation: Toning, rejuvenating, therapeutic after-delivery care for mother.

Therapy at this time noticeably helps in preventing postpartum depression, breast engorgement and upper back ache related to breast feeding.

Massage oils are custom blended to treat stretch marks, third-day blues, muscle toning and hair rejuvenation.

Additionally, they also offer especially crafted wraps for toning the belly area. It’s a 30-day treatment with a mix of herbs and essential oils that help immensely in toning up the belly with guaranteed inch loss. They also have c-section scar massages that helps minimise its appearance and severity.

Prenatal Indulgence: Therapeutic, wellness, toning and Pregnancy care. Therapies during prenatal help with leg cramps, relieving water retention, back and shoulder ache. Their therapists will also consult you on lactation methods and train you in feeding care.

Pocket-friendly packages: Combining any two body works entitles a 25 per cent discount. Monthly package of `2900 for a cleanup, body work, manicure and pedicure.

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20 May 2013

SPA Special

The Power Spa

‘Massage rubs the employee the right way’, is the main motive behind The Power Spa, Mumbai, owner Kim Sharma. Exclusively meant to provide wellness and health services to corporate and individuals, they offer therapies which would be between 10 to 20 minutes in your office/working attire itself.

And guess what for doing all this you do not even need to change your office wear.

‘Spas for relaxation, beautification…’

Swadeep Patil, Director, The Power Spa on signature therapies

Why would anyone go to a spa?

A Spa is primarily a place to get de-stressed. There are various therapies (body massages, pody polish & wraps, water therapies like Jaccuzzi, Hamam, Steam etc) that one can choose from to get de-stressed. Most spas also add a few beauty therapies (facials, salon services etc) to give their guests a one stop solution for the de-stress and beauty needs.

What is the fundamental difference in the spas available – traditional, European, Asian?

The differences arise from each community’s understanding of the human mind and body and their experience in the healing process that is derived from many centuries of of practice. For example the diagnosis of a guest itself is vastly different in various forms of alternative medicine. An experienced Thai reflexology therapist can diagnose areas of concern in the body by simply working on the sole of the feet whereas in Europe and America the therapists use medical testing facilities to diagnose problem areas and suggest alternative therapies for healing. In Ayurveda the diagnosis is done using 8 ways which are external (body shape, speech, etc)

Is duration a big factor in getting a therapy?

The duration depends on the nature of the concern a guest has. Some guests visit us with severe back ache and usually one or two sessions of therapeutic back massage fixes the problems. Some guests might be looking at a holistic detoxification therapy in which case it could take over 10 days of Tx hospitality

Panchakarma to address such concerns.

Who should be doing the therapies – therapists or qualified doctors?

There are various schools (Thai, Ayurveda, etc) of alternative therapies and only people (therapists or doctors) who are formally trained should be performing the therapies.

What are the few things you would recommend someone when deciding on a spa resort?

One should look at are the quality of the therapists and the products used. Before booking your spa holiday its always a good idea to check with the resort on the brand of products used for the therapy and also inquiring whether there products are natural, organic and safe on the body.

Few signatures therapies of The Power Spa are:

Foot Therapy: This 10 to 30 minutes massage is specifically targeted at the reflex points on your feet.

Hand Therapy: This 10 to 15 minutes massage specifically targeted at the reflex points on your hand. The therapists will work on both hands, from the elbow to the fingers.

Back, Neck and Shoulder Massage: This 10 minutes massage is performed while you are in a sitting position. This is an extremely popular service because many feel the stresses of work and usually end up with tight and knotted muscles in the upper body.

Other than this, a few special therapies of The Power Spa are head massage, scrubs, wraps, facials and Thai foot massage.

So, what are you waiting for? Organise your next get-together with friends by keeping a few wine, cheese, healthy nibbles handy along with the awesomeness of mobile spa massages and conversations thrown in good measure! n

Text: Mansi Kohli

21 May 2013

Cover Story

Hospitality

invites Art

Stories of artists offering up their work in exchange for rent after a hotel stay still do the rounds of various hotels. But that was a long time ago, these days artists are commissioned to create a series of paintings that are an integral part of a hotel’s design.

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t is interesting to note that hotels install art in the most unexpected of ways and challenge guests to think more deeply about their experience. Showcasing art in hotels is not just an ornamental element but rather a fundamental one. Several hotels in India have high calibre artwork which integrates into the architecture, concept and the intellectual soul of the hotel. Let’s take a look at hotels in our country where the display of art is serious business.

From the commissioning of great artwork for the chain’s very first hotel, the acquisition of exceptional art was integral to ITC Hotels. In the decades that have elapsed since then, ITC Hotels’ Tx hospitality

engagement with art has grown to encompass a series of art camps, art exhibitions and specially designated areas for art galleries in many properties. At ITC Maratha, with dedicated seating area on each floor, corridors are adorned with various paintings that draw inspiration from the themes ranging from Ajanta frescoes, Chitrakatha drawings to the Warli tribal art and tantric art forms. A profusion of artefacts, framed coins and jewellery also line the walls. The 11th floor of ITC Maratha weaves in the immeasurable wealth of Tribal Art form of Warli paintings. Ensconced in the central square is Palaghata, the mother goddess, symbolising fertility, the pivot of all existence. More than

22 may 2013

Cover Story

Cover story

The changing shafts of natural light illuminate this beautiful work, creating a fascinating panorama which never stales, no matter how often one may gaze at it.

100 paintings on the 14th floor at ITC Maratha are based on epics of Ramayana and Mahabharata.

These are in form of Paithan paintings of Indian deities — being tagged with a description/meaning of each. The 16th floor at The Towers, inside ITC Maratha, brings alive the sheer artistry of the ancient rock hewn caves of Ajanta and Ellora. It has 103 such paintings each of which is going to be tagged with a description of its architectural heritage which enshrine the core of Buddhism.

As the very first hotel in the group was being readied for opening in the southern city of Chennai, artist Krishen Khanna was commissioned to create a mural for the lobby. Using the theme of the seafaring activities of the great Chola rulers, he created a unique work in a series of panels, 71½ x 80” using a simple lead pencil. This unusual depiction of the past is now at the ITC Green Centre headquarters in Gurgaon, Haryana, illuminating the atrium style lobby. When work began on ITC Maurya in New Delhi, Krishen Khanna was invited to commission and assemble a collection of contemporary work on the theme of the great

on glass by internationally-renowned Late MF Hussain, considered one of India’s greatest contemporary artists. Ten panels highlight the major events of the reign of the foremost Mauryan ruler in arresting images. The work of other major artists such as J Swaminathan and A Ramachandran, Akbar Padamsee and Tyeb Mehta, whose names all have an international resonance are also be seen on the walls of ITC Maurya.

Each and every hotel reflects ITC’s commitment to promoting Indian art and artists, especially through its much visited lobbies and exclusive lounges. In places such as Agra and Jaipur, in Baroda, Hyderabad and Mumbai, original works by contemporary artists find pride of place in ITC Hotels, creating islands of aesthetic interest.

For the Baroda hotel (WelcomHotel Vadodara), Anjolie Ela Menon was specially commissioned to do a series of canvases for the lobby. All these paintings were inspired by the street scenes of Gujarat; she brought her acute sense of empathy with the characters. In these canvases one sees a collage of bits of Gujarat — a melancholic woman framed

Mauryan dynasty. He fulfilled his brief by gathering paintings and sculpture by India’s most distinguished artists and the result may be seen at locations across the hotel. On every lift lobby floor and in the lobby, memorable paintings and sculpture provides moments of contemplative beauty.

In fact, guests often ask for an art tour of the hotel, given its vast repertoire of indigenous and exceptional art forms. Some have even called it an Art Museum in a Luxury Hotel. Krishen Khanna’s own ‘piece-de-resistance’ was an enormous mural on the ceiling of the lobby, which depicts “The Great Procession” which is India. The changing shafts of natural light illuminate this beautiful work, creating a fascinating panorama which never stales, no matter how often one may gaze at it. In addition to this mural is a series of paintings

within an open window, a barely glimpsed birdcage in the background is typically Gujarati or a canvas with a little boy looking out of a door has a typical Menon trademark of a checked pattern on the floor, the torn curtain or an abandoned chair.

In Hyderabad, ITC Kakatiya’s lobby and other levels have works of contemporary artists both senior and younger ones. An art camp was specially organised before the hotel started in 1995. A mix of young and senior artists were invited to do a canvas each. Some top most senior artists works adorn the hotel walls — Gulam Mohammad Sheikh, Neelima Sheikh, B V Bhaskaran, Vaikuntham to name a few. Among the younger ones — Bulbul Sharma, Subrata Kundu, Kanchan Chander, Jagdish Chander, DLN Reddy and Surya Prakash’s works could be seen in rooms and public areas. Some of

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24 may 2013

cover story these artists’ work could be seen at ITC Rajputana — M Reddeppa Naidu, Sanjay Bhattacharya, M Murlidharan, Shobha Broota, Abbas Batliwala, Rajnish Kaur, Subrata Kundu, Pooja Broota and John Tun Sein. Some of these artists were part of the art camp that was organised in 1996. ITC Mughal in Agra possesses two of the major artist’s works in their suites and rooms. Krishen Khanna’s canvas and J Swaminathan’s works could be seen in the suites. The works of Harshavardhana, Jeram Patel, Jatin Das and Samshad Hussain’s works could be seen in some of the rooms.

Hyatt Regency Pune is home to over 350 masterpieces of Fernando Hocevar, an award-winning avant-garde artist from Argentina who developed a unique way of creating landscapes using digital processes. All of the rooms feature exclusive digitally worked paintings from Fernando’s most celebrated series: Landscapes Under the Hidden Moon. The public areas of the hotel display impressive and unique contemporary works of art by artist, Jane Mason. An expert in site-specific art, Jane specialises in distinctive paintings and

has displayed works of over 5000 artists displaying a mix of work ranging from paintings, sculptures, graphics, installations and photographs. Art Junction organises cultural evenings showcasing classical music and dance forms. Paintings at Art Junction are selected basis its beauty and power to attract the eye,” reveals curator of the art junction at The Lalit New Delhi, Naresh Kapuria.

The Park Hyatt in Hyderabad has a lot of art showcased in various areas of the hotel. These artworks were chosen by the international design team Hirsch Bedner Associates. The stylish and contemporary interiors feature Indian motifs inspired by henna patterns, while silk and vibrant colours add a sari inspired element to the decor.

Anuradha Thakur’s Paintings are inspired by rural India whereas Beatrice de Fays Paintings reflect the element of India as they are made on muslin cloth, the usage of stamps. In one of her paintings she has painted a girl she spotted in Charminar.

Says General Manager Sven Hoffmeyer, “At Park Hyatt Hyderabad there is a lot of emphasis on attention to detail as all the artwork in the hotel has

wall mounted sculptures using a broad palette of styles, textures and contemporary design. As one begins to view her paintings for a while, they begin to change form, with colour and light emerging from the uniquely crafted layers of paint.

The Lalit Legacy Suites marry luxurious comfort with elements of tradition to create a unique living space. Curated by Dr Jyotsna Suri, the 53 designer suites draw inspiration from the creations of legendary artists Jayasri Burman, Paresh Maity and Satish Gupta.

“Art junction at The Lalit New Delhi was started in 1998 and was the first art gallery to open in a hotel in India. Art Junction is an institution in itself and provides a platform dedicated to promoting art from across the country through the medium of innovative interpretations. Art Junction, till date,

been handpicked, which reflect luxury in its true form.”

The Goa Marriott Resort & Spa houses a mini art gallery in one of its guest corridors. Named ‘Gallery M’, this is a joint initiative between the hotel and Sunaparanta — Goa Centre for the Arts.

The selection of art on display showcases a range of local talent in drawing, painting and mixed media. This is an endeavour by the hotel to showcase and thus, support the budding local art scene. Of special mention is the Blue Shores Silent Project, an independent prison art programme developed

by Margaret Mascarenhas and Swatee Nair for the Aguada Central Jail which, in 2010 was seed-funded by Sunaparanta. n

Text: Jyoti Balani

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25 may 2013

Art Junction is an institution in itself and provides a platform dedicated to promoting art from across the country through the medium of innovative interpretations.

Perfect Stopover

The Changi Experience

Stopovers We Can you imagine a perfect airport? Super efficient staff and systems, great restaurants and shopping complexes, lots of things to keep kids entertained, free Wi-Fi and computers, relaxing green atmosphere — we have just described Singapore’s Changi Airport.

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The impressive moving sculpture has 1,216 bronze pieces sculpted into droplets that move in synchrony as they slide up and down a line to form waves and shapes that embody the dream of flying fused with the concept of tropical rain.

veryone loves to travel but most people hate to be at airports especially during stopovers. Stopovers add to travel time and increase fatigue levels. While that might be true in most cases, it is quite the reverse if the stopover airport in question is Singapore — the dazzling city-state. While Singapore itself never loses its charm and draws over 1.3 crore visitors per year, we are not talking about a long stopover and stay in the city, it is Singapore’s Changi Airport which is a magnetic draw for a transit passenger. It has won the Best Transit Airport of 2012 Award by SKYTRAX. Winning awards is nothing new for Changi, last year Airport Quality Data (ASQ) report — compiled by Airports Council International — places Singapore’s Changi Airport in the second position in the world’s best airport award.

Singapore’s Changi Airport is the seventh busiest international airport today. It serves more than 100 international airlines flying to some 220 cities in about 60 countries and territories worldwide, Changi Airport handled more than 46 million passengers in 2011 (that’s more than 9 times the size of Singapore’s population). A flight takes off or lands at Changi roughly once every 100 seconds.

Changi has it feet firmly on ground zero and eyes focus on the target — the customer. In-spite of its size and volume, it manages to maintain a personal touch. The key differentiator with Changi Airport is that the airport doesn’t think of itself as part of the transport industry but identifies itself as with the hospitality industry.

Changi Airport operates with three main terminals and a budget terminal. It was made operational with Terminal 1 in 1981. Terminal 2 and Terminal 3 were added in 1990 and 2009 respective to meet infrastructure requirement of the growing traffic.

Terminal 1 which till recently was considered the poor cousin due to its older design and facilities has undergone a stunning makeover. By far the most impressive addition is Kinetic Rain, the Tx hospitality

world’s largest kinetic art sculpture. The impressive moving sculpture has 1,216 bronze pieces sculpted into droplets that move in synchrony as they slide up and down a line to form waves and shapes that embody the dream of flying fused with the concept of tropical rain. The Kinetic Rain sculpture at the departure hall entrance releases electronic water droplets that change every 15 minutes to create different aviation-themed objects such as planes and kites. Its ‘wow’ factor leaves visitors entranced.

26 may 2013

Perfect Stopover

lcome

Terminal 1 has some excellent shopping and restaurants too. Food court at T1 is reputed to be the best. It has the fast food options of Subway, KFC and Burger King of-course but also has ‘1983 Taste of Nanyang’ which has fantastic Singaporean fare. Since Singaporean fare is a mix of Malaysian, Cantonese, Indian, Indonesian etc. Try Nasi Lemak — the fragrant rice cooked with coconut milk and Pandan leaves or if you are looking for a taste closer to home then the Assam fish served with ice is a favourite. Top is off with Teh Tarik — the wonderful teas with condensed milk. To indulge your sweet tooth head off to the Polar café for melt-in-the-mouth cakes with the unusual flavour of coconut milk.

The iconic Harry’s bar, located above the cactus garden is an open air welcome escape for smokers seeking a cool beer. The view of the airplanes taking off and landing adds to the atmo-

sphere. The bartenders’ easy smiles give you a chance to relax and unwind.

If you are travelling from India, you are quite likely to land at Terminal 2. The green theme of Terminal 1 is reflected in the thematic outdoor garden and the orchid and Sunflower gardens in Terminal 2. However this terminal seems to lack the extra special touches of Terminal 1 and 3… we are getting a bit spoilt here. Terminal 2 is also to be the home of budget airlines from September 2012 onwards till the new Terminal 4 for the budget airlines is ready.

Since most Indian travel through T2, the best vegetarian food choices, the Ananda Bhavan and Kaveri Vegetarian restaurant are located in Terminal 2. Welcome to the sounds and sights of India, from the décor to the servers. In both places the South Indian food is a better bet than the North Indian — so go for the dosas and uthapams, just do not expect the same prices that you have back Tx hospitality

27 may 2013

The iconic Harry’s bar, located above the cactus garden is an open air welcome escape for smokers seeking a cool beer.

Perfect Stopover

home in Udipi restaurants.

Terminal 2 also has some great fast food restaurants, cafes, fine dine establishments and bistros. Sushi fights for attention with soups and pasta with paella. If you are craving some of Singapore’s famous hawker food, fear not — Universal Dining, open 24 hours, is a commendable collection of hawker stalls offering dishes you would expect at any hawker centre.

Terminal 3 is the newest terminal and opened in July

Tx hospitality

2008. Terminal 3 ushered a new era in hospitality.

Whoever would have conceived a tropical forest in middle of an airport! Here we are in Terminal 3, surrounded by greenery. Large-scale vertical planting evoking a South East Asian equatorial rainforest was introduced into the interior of Singapore’s Changi Terminal 3 to structure and soften an otherwise cavernous industrial building.

A woven tapestry of living plants not only divides the mega-building in plan into landside/airside sections but also connect the vertical space of the check-in/arrival areas, which are separated by a glass security screen.

The Butterfly Garden, world’s first in an airport, is opened in Terminal 3’s Departure Transit Lounge. The 330 square metres, two-storey openair garden, designed as a tropical nature retreat, is home to more than 1,000 free roaming butterflies. You can wander throughout this incredible humid enclosure. There is a staircase takes you to an upper level roof area overlooking the whole enclosure from above a waterfall. Don’t miss the viewing cabinet to watch the chrysalis open when the butterflies spread their wings for the first time.

This attraction is a must see for adults and children alike if you are passing through or visiting Singapore.

If you longing for some good food and nostalgic music head off to the Hard Rock Café, spending an hour or two here will send you spiralling back to the era of great rock music. The walls have some guitars, memorabilia and old photographs of great rock legends as decor and it makes an interesting was to pass time to give them a closer look. The food at Hard Rock is typically American, consisting of a choice of burgers, fries, sandwiches, barbecued chicken etc and portions are American size i.e. huge. The Crystal Jade Shanghai restaurant has the reputation of preparing Chinese food at its best. Unfortunately the airport outlet is a bit of a letdown in terms of food and service. If it is Chinese food you seek, the food courts might be a better bet. If it is wood fired pizza that your heart desires then head to Spageddies where you can see the chefs tossing pizza in the open kitchen. We can heartily recommend the Pesto Chicken Pizza with the five cheese blend.

If you have a longer transit time at Singapore’s Changi airport and need some rest and relaxation, you will be spoilt for options. There are comfortable napping areas at all the three terminals. You can also use the facilities of the Rain Forest Lounge for catching a nap, enjoying a luxurious massage or taking a refreshing shower.

The Ambassador Transit hotel is available at all three terminals if you are in need of a longer rest. You can book the hotel room for 6 hours blocks extendable on a per hour basis. Where the Ambassador is strictly utilitarian — for a more luxurious stay — the futuristic Crowne Plaza is waiting for you on the threshold of Terminal 3.

Large soundproof rooms, great food options and

28 may 2013

Perfect Stopover beautiful interiors make it worth the extra dollars you pay. The Crowne Plaza swimming pool has many hidden nooks and corners and a lovely view to the runway. They serve an excellent breakfast to kick start the day.

Do you need to catch up with some work between flights? The Airport offers free Wi-Fi, just take a password at the information desk. There are free computer terminals available for passengers too. Besides, there are business centres with services like typing, photocopying and faxing available 24/7 at all three terminals.

What is the most irritating sound at airports — cranky kids, well not at the Changi Airport! From Slides to 4D movies, playground to interactive acts, shopping for children and their favourite eating places, it’s all here. The only time you will hear the child protesting is when you check in for your flight. Head to the Entertainment deck at Terminal 2 and let your child have a go at the X-Box Kinetic and PlayStation games. How about catching a movie? There are movie theatres available free of cost on Terminal 2 and 3.

Retail therapy is at its best at Singapore Airport. Luxury brands like Gucci, Hermes, Prada and several others are vying for your attention.

Singapore is historically known as one of the best priced spot to buy the latest in electronics, Changi Airport does not disappoint with the variety of electronic outlets, the latest and most notable is Electronics Hub @ T3. The Duty Free shops are known for the immense variety of alcohol, fine cigars, chocolates, perfumes and cosmetics.

Need a haircut, manicure or salon services, fret not, Changi takes care of it all. It is no wonder many of Changi airport’s shops and restaurants are before immigration. With 360 retail stores and 130 F&B outlets occupying over 70,000 square metres of commercial space across its four terminals, Changi Airport is also one of Singapore’s best places for shopping and dining. Increasingly, the airport has become a favourite destination for Singapore residents, especially families.

One of the main reasons Changi Airport wins awards every year is because it does not rest on its laurels. There is a constant strive for excellence.

Changi has a community of over 28,000 people working to achieve that excellence. Changi collaborates with over 200 companies and agencies to deliver the ‘Changi Experience’. Several services are contracted that include maintenance, baggage handling and facilities management services amongst others.

While receiving the Singapore Service Excellence Medallion, Lee Seow Hiang, Chief Executive Officer, Changi Airport Group (CAG), said, “For Changi Airport, service is not an add-on activity.

It is at the core of who we are and everything we do. CAG is first and foremost a service company.

Having this clarity helps us build a strong service culture because everyone knows it is our DNA, and our raison d’être.”

To maintain its high standard of service, Changi uses effective feedback from passengers with the implementation of SWIFT or Service Workforce Instant Feedback Transformation. This is a system that enables issues on-the-ground to be identified quickly and rectified promptly. Passengers are also empowered to give immediate feedback at various customer touch points, providing real-time feedback for frontline staff and their supervisors. As an example, the use of SWIFT in washrooms at Changi Airport will enable roving inspectors to request for immediate rectification of faults they have identified and customers to alert cleaning supervisors if the condition of a washroom is unsatisfactory.

The SWIFT inspectors get a notification when passengers rate the cleanliness of the washrooms via an interactive touch screen based on a fivepoint scale. For less satisfactory ratings, passengers are then prompted to indicate the reasons for their rating by selecting on-screen icons to indicate their dissatisfaction, e.g. wet floors, no toilet paper, dirty basin etc. Once any of these options is selected, a mobile alert is immediately transmitted to the Smartphone of the cleaning supervisor, who will then initiate the necessary corrective action.

Even the most cynical travellers wax lyrical at the simple pleasure that are provided at no extra cost at Changi, be it a free trolley or internet or massage chairs or simply a comfortable longue chair to catch forty winks.

You may have flown economy but when at Singapore’s Changi Airport, it is first class all the way. Next time when you fly via Singapore, indulge yourself with a longer stopover and enjoy the pleasures of Changi. n

Text: Shalini Amarnani

Tx hospitality

29 may 2013

One of the main reasons Changi Airport wins awards every year is because it does not rest on its laurels.

There is a constant strive for excellence. Changi has a community of over 28,000 people working to achieve that excellence.

Get Going

Book, Pack

and Go

A place where you wouldn’t mind walking barefoot, a place in the wilderness, where you would willingly switch off your mobile and disconnect yourself from the outer world, a place so soothing and calm that it would bring you at the undisclosed point of the eternal serenity within you, a place just out of your dreams where you are walking on crystal clear white sand—spread across a wide area—takes you to the waves of blue plain water, you touch it and feel an adrenaline rush in your body, shove of fresh air strike you and bring a smile on your face.

Get Going

Perfect Stopover

S A look at the sparkling water surrounding the plantation all around under a blue plain sky is all that you can ever want. Add to that dollops of luxury and what you end up with is: Club Med.

uch destinations are everyone’s dream as there comes a point when not just the body, but the soul too wants to take a break from the stereotypical daily life.

The much needed rejuvenating break is all what is in demand. Till now you must have reached once to the spot of your dreams, but it is not just a dreamland my friend, it is a reality and the reality lies in Bintan Island.

Bintan Island, Indonesia — spread across a 1230-acre tropical park, south of Singapore – is a destination that completes your dream. And what better place to have these dreams than Club Med, that has many resorts all over the world. The resort on Bintan Island is surrounded by real form of nature in its most pristine form. A look at the sparkling water surrounding the plantation all around under a blue plain sky is all that you can ever want. Add to that dollops of luxury and what you end up with is: Club Med. Club Med Bintan is a hub of activities that gives visitors a chance to have fun, relax, party and — yes, be fit too. The Golf Academy at the resort not only provides a complete environment for golf lovers but also offers group classes with quality teaching to beginners. There are classes for badminton, basketball, beach volleyball, soccer, squash, volleyball, water polo, tennis, mini soccer, weight, cardio training, kayakTx hospitality

ing, bocce ball, table tennis and swimming.

Complementing the luxurious stay at the resort is its special arrangements for kids. Guests can leave their children (toddlers to pre-teens) with Club Med without any hassle as they will never face a dull moment after entering kid’s most favourite spot. The time just flies between a host of activities like land and water sports, workshops and many other exciting games.

Food at Bintan is as ultimate as its other highlights. The resort offers a variety of options to its guests. In fact, so varied and delicious are the dishes that guests continue to talk about them days after their return home. There is a wide selection of international cuisine buffets. Fine dining options are available on the terrace with the wonderful view of the China Sea. There is also an endless array of drinks available at The Begus Bar and the Panorama Bar. Guests can also be served at the beachside from the Matahari Bar. After hearing so much about the place, it is impossible to resist an exciting trip to Bintan Island — at least once in your life. If you want to experience a place that not only serves you endless amenities but a complete-at-home feel then it is time to pack and go for a true island escape.

32 may 2013

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Text: Anjana Tanwar

Tea with Lunch

Make that

tea lunch Plea

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es lunch new r e v o e Move igh tea, th ate l and h prefers a world ch n tea-lu

T

ea lunches. The name itself may sound a little faddish. For many, and this includes those in the hospitality industry and otherwise, it may be too, just like Afternoon Tea, High Tea or their longer-staying cousin, Brunch. In fact, Nachiket Shetye, Owner, 36 Oak & Barley, an all-day dining restaurant in Mumbai, calls ‘tea lunches’ an ‘amazing spinoff from the western influenced High Tea: “It’s neither lunch nor tea, but something in between — more like a spill over of lunch into early tea hours.”

We agree. Yet, there is no denying that tea lunches, with special mention to urban India that is, aren’t new or a fad. As a matter of fact, tea lunches have been around than the now famous brunch – only it wasn’t too evident or in your face like now. Says Hemant Tenneti, Director Food and Beverage, Renaissance Mumbai Convention Centre Hotel, “Tea lunches have been a corporate phenomenon that has existed inside the lavish walls of the coffee shops in hotels. Its genesis back in the early 80s and 90s was credited to convenience and economics of times than anything else. Guests preferred squeezing an informal meeting with a friend/old acquaintance or a former colleague around this time as it was easy to implement. You didn’t have to think on what to order as the menu was tailormade, reservations weren’t a worry and service provided was more personal. The time — usually post-lunch to five in the evening — ensured that you had a calm, quiet place to do your dealings.”

So what has brought tea lunches to notice now, you may wonder? Two things, says Cordon Bleu Chef, stylist and food writer Michael Swamy, “One, the rising popularity. More and more people now prefer to meet over a short and sweet tea lunch than a lunch or a dinner as a matter of convenience. And

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33 May 2013

Tea with Lunch Nachiket Shetye

Sabysachi Gorai

People now can walk into restaurants completely assured that they would have the right atmosphere, good food and quality service.

Pankil Shah

two, the shift from hotels to standalone restaurants, which has ensured more alldining restaurants opening today than before.”

Agrees Chef Sabyasachi Gorai, Director of Kitchens, Olive Bar and Kitchen. Chef Gorai has seen the phenomenon gradually develop into a dining culture in the past few years. And though the award winning chef admits that tea lunches are still in their, ‘nascent stage’ but will grow into a brunch-like cult in the coming years, thanks to the rise in theme-based all-day dining and high class coffee shops like Starbucks and Costa Cafes. ‘I feel’, adds Chef Gorai, “the ease of such places has done its bit in giving such a trend a boost. People now can walk into restaurants completely assured that they would have the right atmosphere (the quietness), good food (mostly comfort, finger foods) and quality service. The price points given that most of these menus are affordably priced is also an added advantage, Plus, the fact that one doesn’t really need to dress up (or down) for such an occasion makes it perfect for many, especially working individuals.” Seasoned restaurateur and coowner of The Pantry, Pankil Shah has a more pragmatic thought to the change in preference.

“Over the past few years, the dynamics of meeting at casual spaces has changed greatly. The traTx hospitality

ditional thought behind meetings scheduled around lunch time was due to the formality associated with discussions.

We believe that this dynamics has evolved into a more casual thought, where people are choosing simple, non-intimidating surroundings in order to stimulate discussion and debate. Previously, there was a disparity in the type of spaces that were conducive to conduct these meetings. Also, the economics has come to play a big role where one has to choose between five stars, which were expensive, and the chain coffee shops, mostly noisy, to a standalone restaurant. We provide a creatively stimulating atmosphere sans the cacophony of crowded voices at in a familiar, comfortable ambience. And that is what, we believe, tea lunchers are looking for at the end of the day.”

Polpo Cafe and Bar owner Ashok Datwani who has also witnessed the rise of ‘tea lunches’ in the past, seconds the thought. “This,” says Datwani, “is one of the reasons that we introduced a set menu for late lunch visitors when we reopened Polpo. Polpo isn’t the only place to have gone a step ahead to develop a menu for tea lunchers, Dim Sum speciality restaurant Yauatcha too, has similar dim sums, macaroon and tea paired menu especially designed for corporates around its block, and has claimed success. But just having a new menu isn’t the only thing that restaurants and theme-based places are doing to whet the appetite of the tea lunchers. Silver Beach Café, for instance, has worked its menu to keep the health aspect intact while having the added advantage of making it easy to use. Says co-owner Dharmesh Karmokar, “The convenience and price effectiveness aside, one of the other reasons that most people come in for such tea lunches is also because of the kind of work pressure and the travelling time — oft-seen reason in metropolitan cities like Mumbai. Then just serving them the usual salads, sandwiches and such doesn’t really serve the purpose. So, we at Silver Beach Cafe have designed a menu that is easy to prepare… a brunch that’s easy to eat, healthy and allows the meeting to continue minus a hassle. For this reason, we have a server appointed at every table so that minute details like filling the water glass is taken care of without being asked.” n

34 May 2013

Text: Madhulika Dash

Restaurant Review

No half-measures

here

Don’t settle for refreshing drinks only. Go for the taste-rich dishes and the cool ambience that Halfway House in the heart of south Delhi has for you.

H

alfway House in South Delhi’s Kailash Colony is nowhere near a flashy place — in fact, it is rather non descript. The entrance to the first floor joint is not where you think it is. You are escorted to what can really be called a hole-in-the-wall entrance and up three flights of stairs with a railing covered in rope. Reminds you of the shady places Bond visited in one of his movies in Cuba. Once you are in the place, the loud music hits you as you grope around in the near-dark woodenfloored room. If it’s not too late in the evening, you can sit anywhere you want since the Saturday we went there were only a couple of office-types keen to finish their quota of three beers before proceeding home. But then you start wondering: why does Halfway House want to keep its identity hidden?

The ambience within is off-putting. There is more darkness than light all around. But one must say that the seating is comfortable and there is a special glassed-in room for kids to play in with their Mammas and Papas looking on.

The place has recently been relaunched since owner Ansh Srivastav is a strong believer in constant reinvention. The décor of the place — bare brick walls and old posters — is minimalist. But the add-ons are not minimal: there is Wi-Fi that can be accessed inside the café as well as the deck where one can spend a relaxed afternoon or a beautiful evening — of course, not in the height of summer. First the drinks. The

well-stocked bar serves just about anything: from cocktails and mocktails to wines, champagnes, liquers and whiskeys. All of them were surprisingly priced: 30 ml of Laphroaig for `400 is first class but it would take nerves of steel to enjoy the booze with the boombox banging away in the background. Perhaps, one should visit the place on a weekday when the music is softer because we were told that the theme of music changes every day, keeping in sync with the HWH philosophy that change is the only constant.

HWH prides itself on its cuisine that is an eclectic mix of Continental delicacies and a few south Asian preparations. There are dishes like PoPo’s Parmesan Crusted Sole, Rosemary Lamb, Kicky’s Piri Piri and Drunken Penne.

We tried the Grilled Fish with Garlic Chilli Butter Sauce with the Chicken Malakoff Soup — you might have to wait a while because even with a handful of diners, service was rather slow. Both came out with flying colours. The Special Red Thai Chicken Curry and Kitty’s Chicken in Shroom, our entrees were good. But the dessert—Warm Chocolate Brownie with Ice Cream — was indeed a cut above any served in a 5-star.

Ansh Srivastav says, “what you do makes a difference and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make. People in Delhi are looking out for more options where they can sit, relax and unwind” and HWH in the heart of the city is a great option.

Tx hospitality

35 May 2013

GET DAZZLED

The Wow

Factor Visitors to the city of Barcelona are no strangers to the unique architecture that dots it. Even as one is left gaping with wonder at the spectacular structures created by Gaudi, a contemporary structure designed by Ricardo Bofill, a Catalan architect, catches the attention. Shaped like a sail, it rises above the stark blue of the Mediterranean Sea like a vision of gleaming glass.

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36 May 2013

GET DAZZLED

T

he W Hotel is just a ten minute walk from the marina and the famous restaurants of Passeig de Joan de Borbo.

The exterior has an uncanny similarity with the famous Burj Al Arab Hotel. With the sea kissing its feet, the Hotel Vela (as it is known locally due to its sail shape), stands on seven hectares of reclaimed land, towering over Sant Sebastià beach, its avant garde design boasting of a 360 degree panoramic view of the Mediterranean.

Inaugurated in October 2009, the hotel is managed by Starwood Hotels and Resorts hotel chain and marketed under the brand W Hotels. With 26 floors, 473 guest rooms (of which 67 are suites), a rooftop bar with panoramic city views, spa and fitness centre, indoor and outdoor pools, terraces, beaches, restaurants, ball rooms, several terraces and a host of facilities, the W Hotel is meant for people looking for luxury. The lobby, a large expanse filled with large floor to ceiling windows overlooking the ocean, buzzes with sophisticated clientele enjoying their comfortable stay. The entire place exudes a ‘hip’ atmosphere.

A rich, red corridor leads to rooms that overlook the sea.

Framed by wall-to-wall windows, each room comes with a fantastic view of the Mediterranean. Tiny telescopes are provided as complimentary fixtures, just in case someone wants to look beyond the visible. The rooms are categorised under rather unusual names. There is the Wonderful room, the Fabulous Room, Studio Suite, Cool Corner Suite, Marvellous Suite, Spectacular Suite, Wow Suite and Extreme Wow Suite. Although the names are enough to give one an idea about the kind of room that the hotel offers, the stunning view from the window comes as a pleasant surprise.

The Wonderful Room, at the bottom of the ladder, is a

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GET DAZZLED

There is a free standing bathtub along with the rainfall shower and also a steam room

sprawling 40 square metres space with a comfortable W signature bed. The King size bed with its light as fluff duvet and pillows is carefully crafted for restful slumber.

A word about the lighting — the lightbox in the room can be adjusted to match the colour of the room to the intensity your mood perfectly. It can either flood it with bright light to reflect the iridescent golden curtains or dip the lighting to create a shadowy and romantic ambience.

State-of-the-art entertainment system with Tivoli radio alarm clock, iPod docking station and 32” LCD TV complete the fixtures in the room. There is a chaise lounge by the window to loll on for a lovely view and an oversize work desk with high speed internet access, to catch up with business. In the bathroom, there is a rainfall shower and sink-side amenities provided by the Bliss Spa. For those who want a midnight bite, there is a well stocked mini-bar with ‘Munchie Box’ as the W Hotel calls it. The box even has lollipops!

All this comes at the price of €245!

The décor in the rooms is minimalist, keeping in mind that the focus is on the superb view Tx hospitality

from the windows. The comfort factor climbs up significantly in the costlier suites. For instance, the Marvellous Suite is located on higher floors to provide for better view and comes with private terrace complete with their sunbeds, separate living room and a dining table that seats four. There is also a free standing tub in the bathroom, along with the rain shower. Each room has a fabulous view of the Mediterranean Sea, of course.

The Extreme Wow Suite, at the uppermost end, has all the trappings of uber luxury. The suite comes with a spacious entrance lobby, three separate bedrooms with their individual bathrooms and a 59-square-metre private terrace that is provided with sun beds as well as a Jacuzzi. Personally designed by Ricardo Bofill and brought to life with contemporary wooden walls and floorto-ceiling mirrors, nothing is left to the imagination when it comes to the only 3 bedroom suite with 360-degree views of Barcelona and Mediterranean Sea. The spacious living room with 32” Bang and Olufsen LCD TV, BeoSound surround system, and telescope, Bofill’s personal book selection and beautifully designed furniture make it a haven of comfort.

There is a free standing bathtub along with the rainfall shower and also a steam room in the huge bathroom. The suite also brings with it an exclusive access to the Eclipse Lounge and a private cabana on the Altitude Terrace. If this is not luxury, what is! Of course, all this comes at a steep tariff of € 10,869.

The hotel has several restaurants, bars, and terraces. Bravo 24, reputed to be one of the best restaurants in Barcelona, is run by Carles Abellan, a Michelin star rated chef. The Wave restaurant has a more casual atmosphere and is very popular with the guests. It offers Mediterranean cuisine — mezzes, tapas, Lebanese and Arabic dishes.

The W Bar and the Wet Bar are stylish spots that provide an opportunity to party till wee hours of the morning while the Eclipse rooftop bar/lounge is a lovely place to spend the evening with drinks, tempuras, ceviches and sushi.

W Hotel boasts of ultra modern meeting spaces called the Great Room, which also provides spectacular sea views. There are a total of 11 meeting rooms in W Hotel, spread over 2,100 square metres. A fully equipped 3000 square feet gym and Spain’s first Bliss Spa, complete the list of amenities provided by the hotel.

The USP of the W Hotel is its resort like ambience with uber luxurious facilities and spacious rooms. The Style factor is undeniable. n

38 May 2013

Text: Tanushree Podder

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