BT India February 2025

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Experience refined luxury and seamless city-center convenience at JW Marriott Hotel Bengaluru. Designed to meet the unique needs of the modern business and leisure traveler, the hotel offers a tranquil retreat amidst the bustling cityscape, with cutting-edge

Rejuvenate with a host of world-class amenities, from elegantly designed rooms and suites to wellness experiences crafted to restore balance to the mind, body, and soul. Delight in a diverse array of gourmet dining options, meticulously curated by our chefs to deliver an unforgettable culinary journey

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AIR MILES

Business Traveller India speaks to Pawan Shahri a restaurateur and entrepreneur based in Mumbai with 14 years experience in building iconic hospitality brands. As the CEO & Co-founder of Chrome Hospitality he has crafted some of the city’s most celebrated restaurants combining innovative concepts with a sharp focus on marketing design and operational excellence.

What is the core philosophy behind Chrome Hospitality, and how has travel influenced its growth and success?

At Chrome Hospitality, our core philosophy revolves around crafting experiences that resonate with emotion, storytelling, and a sense of discovery. We believe dining is not just about food but about creating memories. This philosophy is deeply influenced by travel, which has exposed me to diverse cultures, cuisines, and design sensibilities. It’s through these global experiences that I’ve learned the importance of attention to detail—whether it’s the way a dish is plated or how a space is designed to evoke emotion. Every Chrome property reflects a piece of this journey, bringing the world closer to our diners in a way that feels personal and authentic.

What are the main challenges facing your industry, and how do you tackle them?

The hospitality industry faces several challenges, including rising costs, staff retention, and evolving consumer preferences. One of the biggest challenges is balancing operational efficiency with the need to create personalised guest experiences. We tackle these challenges by leveraging data-driven insights to optimise operations, building a strong organisational culture to retain talent, and staying ahead of trends through constant innovation. Additionally, we focus on sustainable practices and fostering long-term partnerships with vendors and suppliers to

mitigate rising costs without compromising quality.

How do you foresee technology, especially AI, transforming the future of the hospitality industry?

AI has the potential to revolutionise hospitality by personalising guest experiences at scale. From predicting customer preferences to optimising restaurant operations, AI allows us to deliver more with fewer resources. We have started integrating AI into various aspects of our operations, such as chatbots for guest engagement, predictive analytics for menu engineering, or AI-powered tools for inventory management. Looking ahead, I believe AI will enable hyperpersonalisation, ensuring brand loyalty and exceptional service.

What trends in 2025 do you believe will shape the future of the hospitality industry?

I see three major trends shaping the industry in 2025:

1. Sustainability as a Standard: Consumers are increasingly seeking eco-friendly dining experiences. Restaurants that prioritise sustainability, from ingredient sourcing to waste management, will have a competitive edge.

growing emphasis on wellness, menus featuring clean, nutrient-rich options and plant-based innovations will gain traction.

What is your signature trademark for delivering an unforgettable dining experience?

My signature trademark lies in creating the perfect synergy between food, design, and service. It’s about delivering an experience that engages all senses. From carefully curated menus to spaces designed with an emotional connection in mind, every element is intentional.

2. Immersive Dining Experiences: Guests want storytelling along with dining. Concepts that integrate technology, design, and unique cultural elements into dining will dominate.

3. Health-Focused Dining: With a

Each of our restaurants has a unique identity and a story that resonates with our guests. The combination of genuine hospitality, impeccable attention to detail, and a relentless pursuit of perfection ensures every guest leaves with a memory worth sharing.

They say the best things come to those who wait. And that’s certainly true with Timothy, the premium brand of British travel goods. It’s taken 15 years of design and engineering excellence to get here, so why not pay us a visit, before you go anywhere else? A very warm welcome is waiting for you at 108 Jermyn Street and online at www.timothy.london Explore our suitcases. Your perfect travelling companion has just arrived in London. The journey’s taken 15 years.

READ: Build - An Unorthodox Guide to Making Things Worth Making by Tony

A book where the maker of the iPhone, Tony Fadell deep dives into his multiple failures that led to his eventual success with different products which includes the Google Nest. He elaborates on how one should approach building something for oneself which includes a business, new project or even one's reputation. He emphasises on the importance of design thinking in starting as well as running a business of your own. The book acts as a mentor for those navigating their professional choices.

INFLIGHT ENTERTAINMENT

Andrew Huberman, Ph.D., a neuroscientist and tenured professor in the department of neurobiology, and by courtesy, psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Stanford School of Medicine. The podcast explores the fascinating world of neuroscience and science-based tools, delving into how our brain and its connections with various organs influence our perceptions, behaviours, and overall health. It also covers both existing and emerging methods for measuring and transforming the functioning of our nervous system.

Helen, the wife of the Secretary of State of Defence, learns that her secret identity as a spy is in danger after her lover is killed by London's underworld. Her employers, the Black Doves, a spies-for-hire organisation retrieving industrial, political or diplomatic secrets for the highest bidder, send Sam, an old friend, to protect her. It shows how she manages to serve her organisation and protect her own while playing the perfect wife to the Minister and a doting mother to their kids.

Idioms from around the world that have us scratching our heads. We have all heard the famous idioms in our own language, but this issue, it’s a

Latin phrase: “Faber est suae quisque fortunae”

Literally: Every man is the architect of his own fortune

Meaning: This phrase stresses the idea of personal responsibility and self-determination in shaping one’s destiny.

ListEn: Huberman Lab - Andrew Huberman wAtch: Black Doves
Our tips to make time fly by
The Huberman Lab podcast is hosted by

Building a greener Future

Sustainability - A Key Driver For The Future of Travel

JW Marriott Hotel Hong Kong, is dedicated to valuing the planet while delivering exceptional guest experiences that celebrate the beauty of nature. With a strong commitment to enhancing both environmental and social well-being, the hotel integrates sustainability into every aspect of its operations. From eco-friendly guestroom practices to sustainable meeting spaces and dining offerings, the hotel proactively fosters positive change. Through comprehensive green initiatives, guests are inspired to embrace a more sustainable lifestyle during their stay.

At JW Marriott Hotel Hong Kong, we value the planet and recognise that every small action can make a big difference. From waste reduction and energy saving to thoughtfully sourcing sustainable and local ingredients, we strive to minimise our environmental impact while delivering luxury hospitality and enhancing the guests’ stay, as well as meeting and dining experiences. We believe in fostering a culture of responsibility and proactively inviting our visitors and associates to participate in eco-friendly practices. Together, we can create a greener future.

A Green StAy e xperience

Guests are invited to discover the joy of eco-friendly travel at the hotel, where every stay contributes to the hotel’s efforts to reduce environmental impact. By choosing an environmentally conscious stay, guests become part of the solution. Key sustainable practices implemented in the guestrooms include:

 Waste Reduction: Paperless solutions include smooth digital check-in and checkout, along with online newspapers and magazines replacing traditional print editions. In-room dining and minibar

menus are now available digitally, further reducing paper usage. To minimise plastic waste, single-use plastic bottled water and in-room amenities have been replaced with sustainable alternatives. Additionally, water dispensers are strategically placed in public areas throughout the hotel to encourage guests to refill their bottles and reduce waste.

 Recycling Programme: Recycling initiatives include strategically placed recycling bins in guestrooms and staff areas, as well as repurposing leftover soap bars through a partnership with a social enterprise. The hotel also donates used furniture and equipment to non-profit organisations while offering guests recyclable coffee capsules and biodegradable tea bags to reduce waste.

 Energy and Water Saving: Each guestroom is equipped with digital thermostats featuring energy-efficient modulating valves, along with faucet flow regulators to optimise water and energy usage. Guests are encouraged to conserve water by reusing towels and bed linens throughout their stay. Additionally, over 95 per cent of the hotel’s lighting consists

of eco-friendly LED products, further reducing energy consumption.

 Accessible Location: Located in the heart of downtown, the hotel is easily accessible via multiple public transportation options and is conveniently close to local amenities. It is directly connected to the Admiralty MTR station, a major interchange hub linking four MTR lines. The hotel promotes embracing sustainable commuting, helping guests to reduce their carbon footprint.

 Luxurious Stay: Blending luxurious accommodation with a commitment to sustainability, the ‘Stay in the Moment’ room package offers an eco-conscious experience without compromising on comfort or style. Guests will receive a digital green map highlighting the hotel’s sustainable initiatives, nearby green spots, and wellness experiences, encouraging them to explore a holistic and eco-friendly lifestyle.

SuStAinAble MeetinG SolutionS

Integrating sustainability into event planning reflects the growing global awareness of

words GP Yeow, General Mana G er of
J w Marriott Hotel Hon G Kon G

environmental concerns. As an eco-conscious hotel with versatile event spaces, JW Marriott Hotel Hong Kong is committed to sustainable practices. The hotel offers event organisers seamless solutions to host low-carbon events and meetings, ensuring a responsible and environmentally friendly experience.

 Paperless Event: Electronic tools like digital signage, screens, projectors, and QR code menus help minimise paper usage while enhancing the overall event experience. The pillarless JW Marriott Ballroom features state-of-the-art LED walls, perfect for dynamic backdrops and live presentations.

 Eco-friendly Water Solutions: Plastic bottled water has been replaced with recyclable aluminium bottles. Meeting delegates are encouraged to bring their water containers and refill them at water dispensers located throughout the meeting venues and various areas of the hotel, helping to reduce waste.

 Green Food and Beverage: The culinary team carefully selects sustainable ingredients and locally sourced produce. Plant-based menu options are available to cater to guests’ preferences.

 Energy Saving: Venues like the Executive Meeting Suites, the newly launched PRESIDEN private room, and the adjacent open-air HarbourDen—offering iconic harbour views and abundant natural daylight—are designed to reduce energy consumption while providing a refreshing environment that enhances productivity.

 Environmental Impact Review: A Meeting Impact Report provides detailed metrics for measuring the event’s carbon footprint.

The hotel presents the exclusive ‘Meet Green at JW’ package, designed to go beyond the usual by implementing additional strategies to minimise the carbon footprint of every

meeting or event. Key initiatives include:

• Serving a meticulously designed green menu brimming with nourishing and wholesome delicacies.

• Provide one complimentary reusable stainless steel insulated water bottle for each attendee to refill the bottles using the water dispensers.

• Setting up a central stationary desk to provide essentials for attendees’ needs.

SuStainable GaStronomy

The hotel’s culinary excellence meets sustainability across its renowned restaurants and bars. From responsibly sourced ingredients and food waste management to eco-conscious operations, the team is committed to creating low-carbon dining experiences for guests who value both flavour and the environment.

 Responsible Sourcing and Sustainable Menu: Sustainable, organic ingredients and locally sourced produce—such as oceanfriendly seafood, cage-free eggs, and farm-fresh vegetables—are prioritised in the menu design. All restaurants offer a variety of vegetarian options. Guests can also enjoy beverages like ecoSPIRITS and Belu filtered water, which eliminates waste. Sea-aged wine, crafted through eco-friendly winemaking practices, is on offer.

 JW Garden: Herbs grown in the hotel’s JW Garden are thoughtfully incorporated into dishes and cocktails, enhancing guests’ culinary experience with the vibrant flavours of freshly picked ingredients.

 Food Waste Management: Chefs create innovative recipes that utilise every part of the food, such as lemon peels, fish bones, and watermelon rinds, to minimise waste. Surplus food is donated to a local charity, while food scraps are recycled through the Food Waste Collection Scheme, transforming them into energy or valuable resources.

 Eco-Conscious Operations: By adopting simple yet impactful practices like digital menus, portion-controlled meals, and biodegradable takeaway packaging, the hotel’s restaurants foster an eco-friendly approach to operations. The commitment to green dining is evident not only in the sustainable food and beverage offerings but also in the interior design and overall operational strategies of the restaurants.

In the face of pressing environmental challenges, JW Marriott Hotel Hong Kong remains committed to upholding sustainable values and inspiring guests to take tangible steps toward a greener future. BTI

Of Senses and Spices

A Culinary Revolution by Chef Pam: Where Thai Heritage Meets Michelin Star Excellence

CHEF PAM: FROM MICHELIN STARS TO TRAILBLAZING MASTERPIECES

“I believe that the best food is when it touches people’s hearts and souls. What I am trying to do is not only to save traditional ingredients from being forgotten but also to create a bold new genre of food, where a meal can happen on a spiritual level.” – Chef Pam

Potong is an emotion, a vibrant kaleidoscope celebrating a culinary journey that weaves together a rich tapestry of flavours carrying the legacy of generations. Helmed by the groundbreaking Chef Pam, the only Thai female chef to earn a Michelin Star—this remarkable restaurant blends nuanced tradition with innovations in every dish.

Renowned as Asia’s Best Female Chef and a trailblazing force in the culinary world, Chef Pam made history as the youngest Thai female chef to receive a Michelin Star, marking a milestone achievement in the same year she garnered multiple prestigious awards.

As the first and only Thai female chef to earn such international recognition, Chef Pam has become a globally celebrated figure for her culinary prowess and as a television personality. Today, she is one of Asia’s most influential and widely recognised faces in fine dining.

Born in Bangkok, Thailand, Chef Pam is a Thai-Chinese-Australian culinary talent whose journey spans cultures. With a deep-rooted passion for food and a wealth of fine dining experience, she furthered her culinary education at The Culinary Institute of America in New York. Graduating with honours, Chef Pam earned top distinctions in management and culinary arts.

Her career path took a pivotal turn when she joined the renowned JeanGeorges restaurant, a Michelin three-star establishment. There, she honed her craft under the mentorship of Chef Mark Lapico. This invaluable experience, combined with years of training, shaped Chef Pam’s refined culinary techniques and instilled in her a commitment to excellence. At JeanGeorges, Chef Pam perfected her ability to blend French, American, and Asian culinary influences, developing a unique and elevated approach to gastronomy.

POTONG: AN ILLUSTRIOUS EPICUREAN JOURNEY

Potong is a Michelin-star restaurant and winner of multiple awards and accolades. The name that translates as ‘simple’ holds a deep significance in its culinary creations and also in its roots within Chef Pam’s family legacy. It is also a tribute to

words khursheed Mistry

her family's long-standing tradition as the producer of Traditional Chinese Herbal Medicine since 1910.

The building itself is a historic masterpiece, constructed with advanced techniques that were ahead of its time. Its architecture is a striking example of SinoPortuguese design, blending the cultural influences of China and Portugal in a way that is both functional and visually stunning. When it was first built, this five-storey structure was one of the tallest and most eagerly awaited buildings in Chinatown, Bangkok, symbolising progress and modernity in a rapidly changing cityscape.

For over a century, spanning four generations, Chef Pam’s family lived and worked in this iconic space. The building was more than just a home; it was the heart of a thriving business in Chinese herbal medicine and remedies that have healed generations. Over the years, the building has witnessed the shifting tides of history—its walls bearing testaments of the past and the marks of resilience through changing times.

Now, Potong occupies this remarkable space where history and modernity coexist in perfect harmony. The story of the building, from its origins as a medicine producer to its current incarnation as a gastronomic destination, mirrors Chef Pam's journey. Each corner of the building regales stories of legacy, innovation, and culinary mastery, offering guests an experience that is as much about the past as it is about the present. It took two and a half years of dedicated work by a team of specialists and experts to bring the vision of Potong to life, carefully reviving its rich history and honouring its traditional roots.

At Potong, every dish is crafted with the same guiding principle, where each plate holds equal significance. Central to the restaurant's philosophy is the concept of the Five Elements and Five Senses, a core framework that Chef Pam has developed through years of research and culinary exploration. Drawing inspiration from this ancient philosophy, each element is carefully mastered to capture its unique properties.

In Thai culture, there is a belief in khwan, a concept that represents a person's life force or soul. It is thought that memories, especially those tied to powerful emotions, reside within the khwan. For Chef Pam, Potong is more than just a restaurant—it is where her deepest emotions and most cherished memories are rooted. Here, in this space rich with history and meaning, she connects with her past, her heritage, and the powerful legacy of her family, making it a place where the soul truly feels at home. BTI

Patek Phili aute Joaillerie

Patek PhiliPPe has unveiled a white gold version of its most complicated wristwatch, adorned with 118 baguette-cut emeralds and 291 baguette-cut diamonds, set using the 'invisible setting' technique. the watch boasts 20 complications, including two worldfirst acoustic innovations: an alarm that chimes the set time and a date-repeater that strikes the date on demand. its reversible case features a patented swivel mechanism, enabling the display of either dial. the watch features a manually wound Caliber 300 GS al 36 750 QiS FUS iRM movement in a double-faced reversible design. it includes grande and petite sonnerie, a minute repeater, an alarm with time strike, a date repeater, power reserve indicators, a secondtime zone with day/night display, a perpetual calendar, moon phases, 24-hour subdial, and crown position indication. the dial is ebony black opaline with gold-applied Breguet numerals and a hand-guilloched hobnail pattern, set in 18k solid gold. the reversible white gold case is 49.4 mm in diameter and 16.32 mm in height, with humidity- and dust-protection. Using the invisible setting technique, the watch is set with 118 baguette-cut emeralds and 291 baguette-cut diamonds. the strap is hand-stitched shiny black alligator leather with an emerald-set fold-over clasp. patek.com

variety of colours, they provide a stylish and functional listening experience. bose.com

the

Mirador Viento Sur

With no filters, this photo of the south of Valparaiso in Chile on the Pacific Ocean coast was taken by Bengt Johansson on his One Plus phone. “having grown up by the Baltic Sea, I have always liked coastal landscapes, and since I have lived without access to it during my stays in Bengaluru and Pune, I tend to gravitate towards such sceneries whenever I travel.” the lookout is Mirador Viento Sur, which means "Southern Wind Viewpoint."

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