22 minute read
UPFRONT
AIR MILES
We talk to Nungshi and Tashi Malik, the rst female twins to climb the Mount Everest. ey tell us about their recent ascents in the Swiss Alps and how mountaineering became their fundamental drive.
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Could you tell us a little bit about your accomplishments including the ascent to Mount Everest and the recent ones in the Swiss Alps?
Nungshi: On May 19, 2013, Tashi and I scaled Mount Everest, becoming the first twin sisters to do so. We're also the first female twins to complete the Seven Summits (highest peak in every continent) and complete the Explorers Grand Slam (seven summits plus the two poles: North and South) in just over two years. We have a total of nine Guinness World Records! Tashi: In September 2019, Nungshi and I led Indian team “Khukuri Warriors” in the “World's Toughest Race: Eco-Challenge Fiji” (Amazon Prime) that pitched 66 teams of adventure athletes from 30 nations against forces of nature and against each other traversing 671 km of rugged Fijian landscape, ocean, rivers, lakes and jungles using dozen adventure activities.
We were part of the 100 per cent women peak challenge in Switzerland wherein the core idea was to address the “gender challenge” in mountaineering and adventure! By scaling peaks of 4000 m altitude with all women crews, we aimed to inspire women to see mountaineering as a gender-neutral activity because as we always say “mountains do not discriminate based on gender”!
How did you realise mountain climbing is your passion?
Tashi: It was absolutely by default! We were initiated into this sport soon after leaving school by the end of 2009. Nungshi: It is our life’s most incredible turning point. What started out as a oneo exposure for personality development and self-awareness was to emerge our deepest passion!
What's the next big feat you have in your bucket list?
Our life journey is directed by our vision and values of the kind of person each of us would like to be and mountaineering is just one dimension of that vision. Our "bucket list" is growing and we like to keep a general direction of pursuits based on our passion or likes and stay ready to seize emerging or sudden opportunities that may come our way!
Our mind, heart and soul are longing for more expeditions in the Swiss alps, especially the Matterhorn!
PM MODI'S ADDRESS TO NATION ABOUT 100 CRORE VACCINE MILESTONE
PRIME MINISTER NARENDRA MODI, in his address to the nation a er the country crossed the milestone of 100 crore vaccinations, said it was not just a number but representative of the country’s ability and of a “new India”. “100 crore vaccines is just not a number. It is the re ection of the capacity of this country, this is a new chapter of the country, a country that knows how to achieve huge targets,” said the Prime Minister. Saying that the achievement was an answer to all those criticising India’s vaccination drive, Modi said, “Everyone is comparing India to other countries but remember India’s starting point was di erent. e other countries have always participated in medicine and vaccination for a long time and everyone questioned whether India will be able to do the needful. 100 crore jabs is the answer to all the questions.” india.gov.in
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INTERCONTINENTAL ABU DHABI
HOTEL
OFTHE MONT H
THIS NOVEMBER, INTERCONTINENTAL ABU DHABI is our hotel of the month. Boasting of a private beach front and world-class facilities such as multiple swimming pools and premium wellness o erings, Intercontinental Abu Dhabi is a sought-a er property in the UAE. Its spacious guest rooms overlook a panoramic park and marina views. e suites of this property are tted with whirlpool baths that are ideal for relaxation a er a busy day. A wide range of F&B o erings include Cho Gao Marina Walk for pan Asian, Byblos Sur Mer for Lebanese and e Bayshore Restaurant - the hotel’s private beach club. Unique convention venues, a lavish Club Intercontinental lounge and close proximity to the Louvre Museum further make it a great choice for both business and leisure travellers. ihg.com
WORLD'S FIRST WARNER BROS. HOTEL TO OPEN ITS DOORS IN ABU DHABI
MIRAL ASSET MANAGEMENT with Warner Bros. announced that e WB Abu Dhabi hotel on Yas Island, operated by Hilton under the Curio Collection brand, will open its doors to guests on November 11, 2021. Featuring one of the nest collections of Warner Bros. archives, guests at the world’s rst Warner Bros. hotel will be treated to a journey of discovery through lm and television, as they enjoy Warner Bros.’ rich history and library of timeless productions at every touchpoint from arrival to checkout. While dining in one of ve restaurants on the property, you can listen to the piano tunes from “Westworld”. Visitors can stroll through the lobby or admire 360-degree city and sea views alongside their favourite props and costumes from Warner Bros. lms and TV shows. And kids and families can ring up one of their top Looney Tunes characters for a room service treat brought to them by the Wascally Wabbit, Bugs Bunny himself.
wbworldabudhabi.com
HONG KONG WINE AND DINE FESTIVAL 2021
THE HONG KONG WINE and Dine Festival, organised by the Hong Kong Tourism Board, has long been the city’s annual gastronomic extravaganza. is year, the festival is riding high on the city’s recovery, with an exciting monthlong celebration in November that includes digital events as well as physical itineraries. is festival will serve as a bold reminder for foodies around the world that Hong Kong will continue to be at the top of the list of dining destinations in the post-Covid era. e disruptions caused by the pandemic have not deterred the city from its enterprising ambitions. Despite the uncertainty, plenty of new restaurants have opened in the past year, adding to the already diverse and vibrant F&B scene. visithongkong.gov.hk
SPICEJET ADDS KUSHINAGAR – INDIA’S NEWEST AIRPORT
SPICEJET ANNOUNCED THE addition of Kushinagar to its domestic network starting November 26, 2021. e airline will add Kushinagar in Uttar Pradesh as its newest UDAN destination and connect it with the national capital. e airline will be connecting Kushinagar with two more key metros – Mumbai and Kolkata – starting December 18, 2021. Kushinagar, known as the iconic city where Lord Buddha attained Mahaparinirvana, is a major tourist spot and attracts Buddhist pilgrims from all over India and the world. spicejet.com
VIETNAM’S PRIVATE CARRIER Bamboo Airways is working with IBS So ware to power its passenger service system and its fast-growing Bamboo Club loyalty program, as it continues its focus on crisis recovery and enhancing the digital customer experience. With Vietnam’s pandemic under control, and travel sector growth in close reach, Bamboo Airways resumes its plans to achieve its ambitious goals. is year, the target is to grow its eet to over 40 aircra whilst expanding services to the US, Europe and around Asia Paci c. As traveller’s needs evolve, digital touch points become ubiquitous and personalisation more pervasive. Adopting new technology is even more essential and for the airline, this means working to become the leading digitalised airline in the region. bambooairways.com
SIX SENSES FORT BARWARA OPENS IN RAJASTHAN
TO REINTERPRET THE regal ambience of a bygone era dating back 700 years, 14th-century Fort Barwara has been sensitively transformed into a 48-suite Six Senses resort, including ve specialty suites, in a conservation e ort that has taken more than a decade to complete. It is within easy striking distance of Ranthambore National Park for guests looking to take a walk on the wild side with the local tiger population. Originally owned by a Rajasthani Royal Family, Six Senses Fort Barwara incorporates two original palaces and two temples within the walled fort.
sixsenses.com
KERALA GOVERNMENT SETS UP FUND TO SUPPORT TOURISM SECTOR WORKERS
KERALA GOVERNMENT HAS set up a revolving fund to provide interestfree loans up to `10,000 to those employed in a wide range of activities in tourism sector without any collateral security, as part of schemes to revive the pandemic-hit industry that provides jobs to thousands across the state. ose employed in a range of activities that fall under the umbrella of the tourism industry with membership in any of the registered tourism sector organisations are eligible for this nancial assistance. ose engaged in units registered under the Responsible Tourism (RT) mission are also entitled to apply for the loan. kerala.gov.in
TO MARK QATAR AIRWAYS’ continuous support for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, passengers are being o ered an exclusive “ ink Pink” experience in the sky as well in Hamad International Airport lounges, including custom-designed limited-edition Bric’s amenity kits and pinkthemed special menus. Designed by Qatar Airways in collaboration with the stylish Italian luggage brand – Bric’s, the limited-edition amenity kits are made from vegan leather and are o ered in two di erent designs – a pink and white kit for female passengers, and a black kit for male passengers, both with the iconic breast cancer ribbon prints. Each kit includes products from Italy’s Castello Monte Vibiano Vecchio, the environmentally friendly olive oil company, including lip balm, hydrating facial mist, and antiageing moisturiser in special limited edition pink branding. qatarairways.com
BRITISH AIRWAYS REOPENS LOUNGES AT GENEVA, MILAN AND ROME
BRITISH AIRWAYS HAS reopened three of its European airport lounges, as the carrier continues to rebuild its network following the relaxation of travel restrictions.
Global lounge operations manager Mark Murphy con rmed that the carrier had reopened its lounges at Milan Linate, Rome Fiumicino and Geneva.
BA’s Rome Fiumicino facility was one of the rst to feature the carrier’s new lounge design concept when it opened in 2018. is was followed by the refurbishment of the airline’s Milan Linate and Geneva lounges in 2019.
BA has gradually been reopening its lounges worldwide, with Murphy also con rming that a ra of US facilities had resumed operations in recent weeks including Boston, San Francisco, Houston, Chicago and Washington. e carrier’s New York JFK lounge reopened in late August, and a new gin bar was recently unveiled on the lounge’s outdoor terrace, with bartenders serving Aviation American Gin alongside Betty Buzz non alcoholic mixers. ba.com
PARK HOTELS ANNOUNCES SIGNING OF DARJEELING HOTEL
APEEJAY SURRENDRA
PARK HOTELS has announced the signing of Zone Connect Darjeeling in West Bengal. Zone Connect brand falls under Zone by e Park portfolio. Nestled in the hills of Darjeeling, a prominent tourist destination in West Bengal, the hotel is ideal for travellers and tourists seeking a relaxing getaway and looking to experience the scenic charm of the city. e hotel is undergoing changes in phases and is being primed to open its doors to welcome guests in the coming winter season. theparkhotels.com
IHCL ANNOUNCES THE OPENING OF TAJ LAKEFRONT BHOPAL
IHCL ANNOUNCED the opening of its new hotel, Taj Lakefront in Bhopal. With its landmark location and contemporary design, the hotel derives architectural inspiration from the rich history and culture of Madhya Pradesh. Puneet Chhatwal, Managing Director and Chief Executive O cer, IHCL, said, “IHCL’s iconic brand, Taj, steps into Bhopal with Taj Lakefront. is addition is in line with IHCL’s strategy of being present in every state capital. Bhopal, one of the greenest cities of India, has tremendous business and tourism potential. It is the doorway to Madhya Pradesh, one of the largest states in India. We look forward to bringing our trademark service ethos, which has de ned us for over a century, to the city of Bhopal.” tajhotels.com
MINOR HOTELS TO DEBUT IN EGYPT IN 2025
BANGKOK-BASED HOTEL owner, operator and investor Minor Hotels is set to debut in Egypt with its Oaks Hotels, Resorts and Suites brand. Oaks Egypt New Capital Apartments and Suites is scheduled to open in 2025 in the Egyptian New Administrative Capital, with construction starting early next year. Located a short drive from Cairo, the new-build property will be housed across two wings, connected centrally at the roo op and on the ground oor with a spacious retail area. One wing will include a mixture of suites and studios, and one- and two-bed branded apartments, while the other will feature 203 branded suites. In total, there will be approximately 400 apartments and suites, multiple restaurants, a lobby lounge, a spa and gym, meeting and co-working spaces, and a roo op pool deck for guests and residents. minorhotels.com
HYATT ANNOUNCES THE OPENING OF NEW HOTEL TAOXICHUAN IN JINGDEZHEN
HYATT HAS ANNOUNCED the opening of Taoxichuan Hotel, an addition to e Unbound Collection by Hyatt in China. e 196-room hotel has been developed as part of the landmark Taoxichuan cultural and creative quarter in the heart of downtown Jingdezhen. Jingdezhen is encapsulated in an aura of innovation and creativity, as residents of the city are renowned for producing ne porcelains spanning across many centuries and imperial dynasties. Taoxichuan Hotel wants to welcome these creative individuals, bridging history with a new era of ceramic cra smanship expressed through the contemporary design inspired by the ceramic culture of Jingdezhen. hyatt.com
TAJ SAFARIS REOPEN FOR THE SEASON
IT IS THAT TIME of the year again – the jungles are calling and Taj Safaris is welcoming guests back to the country’s diverse wildlife circuit. Explore the beauteous expanse of the jungles and seek enthralling adventures in some of the world’s most renowned national parks in India and Nepal. Guests can explore the wilderness through the eyes of expert naturalists as they track the rich wildlife through the diverse ora and fauna, to spot the elusive royal Bengal tiger. e safari drives, breakfast in the jungle and dinners by the river, all make for a magical holiday. Experience the local way of living through the Taj Safaris lodges in Mahua Kothi in Bandavgarh National Park, Baghvan in Pench National Park, Banjaar Tola in Kanha National Park, Pashan Garh in Panna National Park and Meghauli Serai, Chitwan National Park, Nepal. While enabling livelihood for neighbouring communities such as the Pardhis, Gonds and Baiga, Taj Safaris’ tourism model provides a deeper insight into the forest ecosystem. tajhotels.com
FOUR SEASONS BENGALURU LAUNCHES SPECIAL DIWALI MENU
THE CHEFS OF Four Seasons Hotel Bengaluru are displaying timehonoured specialties from this famed style of cooking in their special Diwali Menu.
“A con uence of in uences from the royal kitchens, nest of ingredients and the most fragrant premium spices will infuse a magical touch to our special Diwali showcase this year,” remarks Executive Sous Chef Dirham Haque, himself an expert of the dum pukht style of cooking.
Spread across two weeks from November 2 to 15, 2021, there will be an a la carte menu at CUR8 for both lunch and dinner.
Expect to start the meal with appetisers such as palak aur anjeer ke kebab, delicious spinach and g patties, fragrant with mace and sa ron, succulent jumbo prawns in cheese and hung yoghurt marinade or kebabs, from meltin-the-mouth lamb or lightly spiced chicken.
Mains will feature some delectable and lesser-known culinary gems such as dry apricot dumplings, ripe guava and fresh watermelon curry, murgh handi lazeez featuring prime cuts of chicken, lamb chops cooked on the griddle, and a fresh sea bass cooked in spices, among other specialities. Since no decadent meal is ever complete without a sweet ending, chefs will feature sweet treats such as malai ghewar, rabri, malpua and others.
fourseasons.com
COURTYARD BY MARRIOTT EXPANDS ITS PORTFOLIO IN WESTERN INDIA
COURTYARD BY MARRIOTT announced the brand’s debut in Mahabaleshwar with the opening of Courtyard by Marriott Mahabaleshwar. Located in the beautiful hills and valleys of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of western India, the new hotel is set to provide a sophisticated yet comfortable environment for guests to elevate their travel experience in this alluring destination.
Connectivity to Mahabaleshwar is smooth and hassle free with enhanced roadways linked to metro cities like Mumbai and Pune – the property is a few hours’ drive from Mumbai and Pune Airport.
Courtyard by Marriott Mahabaleshwar features 93 well-appointed, spacious guestrooms with private balconies and soon to open villas with beautiful balcony views and direct access to a plunge pool. Every design element and amenity in the guest room is geared towards comfort, convenience, and relaxation, including comfortable bedding, a window side lounger, 49-inch TVs and complimentary high-speed wi .
Delivering authentic dining experiences, Courtyard by Marriott Mahabaleshwar hosts four dining outlets. is includes e Berry Library, an all-day dining venue that o ers local and international avours and Sigri, the Indian ne dining restaurant is an ode to the decadent royalty and richness of the cuisines of the Nawabs. Savour delicacies prepared the traditional way, slow cooked over smouldering wood res, bringing alive in all its authenticity, the rich, aromatic avours of imperial India. Set against the backdrop of the valley, Quarter Deck is the perfect spot for guests to enjoy sunset views with fresh cocktails and light bites and nally – Cloud Café, located on the roof-top, under the open skies, the causal café serves delicious snacks and specialty co ees.
marriott.com
CONSUMERS BEGIN PRIORITISING WELLNESS AND MENTAL HEALTH: REPORT
ACCORDING TO THE Amex Trendex, a trend report from American Express, consumers surveyed in the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Japan, Mexico, India, and Canada are investing more time and money in their physical and mental health to combat the toll the Covid-19 pandemic has taken on their well-being. e Amex Trendex is a trend index that tracks how consumers, small businesses, and merchants are feeling about spending, saving, travelling and more. Data is sourced on a monthly basis in the United States and biannually globally, including in the United Kingdom, Australia, Japan, Mexico, India, and Canada. about. americanexpress.com
IHCL EXPANDS ITS PRESENCE IN ODISHA WITH A NEW SELEQTIONS HOTEL
IHCL ANNOUNCED THE signing of a new SeleQtions hotel in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. Currently operating as “ e Crown”, the hotel will be re-branded as an IHCL SeleQtions hotel. is hotel is in partnership with Sukhamaya.
Commenting on the signing, Suma Venkatesh, executive vice president – real estate and development, IHCL, said, “ e signing of this hotel further strengthens our presence in Odisha, which apart from its tourism potential, is fast becoming a key business hub. is new SeleQtions hotel is ideal for business travellers, while also o ering distinctive experiences that embody the destination’s rich culture. We are delighted to partner with the Sukhamaya for this project.” e hotel, featuring 80 rooms, will undergo renovation and open under the SeleQtions brand with a more contemporary approach. Strategically located in the heart of Bhubaneswar, the hotel is well suited for both, business and leisure. With an array of dining options and large outdoor spaces, the hotel also o ers multiple banqueting and meeting venues. With the addition of this hotel, IHCL will have ve hotels across brands in Odisha.
ihcltata.com
ACCOR OPENS DUALBRANDED ADAGIO AND IBIS STYLES PROPERTY IN ZURICH
ACCOR HAS OPENED its latest dual-branded or “combo” project, located in Switzerland’s largest city of Zurich. e development features the 64-unit Aparthotel Adagio Zurich City Centre, and the 202-room Ibis Styles Zurich City Centre.
Accor said the Adagio apartments had been designed in “Hygge Style”, with other features of the property including a tness centre and sauna, and a sixth- oor restaurant and bar with views of the city.
Meanwhile the Ibis Styles hotel features an “optical illusion” theme “characterised by geometric style elements and various optical illusions designed by the artist M. C. Escher”, and also o ers Yuka restaurant, Blue Bar, and three meeting spaces ranging from 24 to 42 sqm. all.accor.com
IHG DEBUTS INTERCONTINENTAL BRAND IN BARCELONA
IHG HOTELS AND RESORTS has opened its second Intercontinental property in Spain, located in Barcelona’s Montjuic district. e existing property was previously known as the Fira Palace Hotel, before becoming the Crowne Plaza Barcelona Fira Center in 2014.
Following extensive renovation the hotel has now reopened as the Intercontinental Barcelona, o ering 273 rooms including 17 Junior suites and the 180 sqm Presidential suite.
IHG said that the property features “nods to the richness of a European city built on unique Catalan culture, including the use of natural wood interiors with hues of blue, ochre, and neutral tones woven into the so furnishings”.
Facilities include Quirat restaurant, headed up by Michelin-starred chef Victor Torres, who will o er “a specially curated menu designed to o er guests a unique experience tailored around the chef’s interpretation of the earth” – the word quirat translates as “the measurement of purity amongst the elements that make up the earth”.
All day dining restaurant Arrel features an open kitchen and daily set menu, and there is also a roo op swimming pool, Boira Co ee Lounge, Gebre cocktail bar, and a 1,200 sqm spa with six treatment rooms, hydrotherapy pool, jets and water beds, steam bath, sauna and a hammam.
Intercontinental Barcelona joins the existing Intercontinental Madrid on Paseo de la Castellana in Spain’s capital. ihg.com
MARRIOTT TO OPEN EDITION HOTEL IN REYKJAVIK
MARRIOTT IS OPENING its rst Edition hotel in Iceland’s capital, with a so launch scheduled for November 9. e hotel’s 253 rooms and suites feature window-facing beds to make the most of the view, and some include outdoor terraces. Dining venues include the lobby bar, which has a menu of global wines and cocktails with an Icelandic twist to be enjoyed by the open- ame replace. e restaurant and café Tides on the ground oor is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and has an outdoor terrace and waterfront entrance. Overseen by chef Gunnar Karl Gislason, guests can enjoy modern Icelandic cuisine focused on seasonal local products and ingredients mainly cooked over an open re.
Leisure facilities include a gym and spa with three treatment rooms, a hammam, steam room, sauna and plunge pool o ering hydrotherapy, plus a spa bar with snacks like volcano bread with black lava salt. marriott.com
