Insider Stories

The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands is pleased to welcome Sandrine Boutin as the new Director of Sales and Marketing for the property. Sandrine's esteemed career spanning over 24 years in travel, hospitality, and ultra-luxury, brings a wealth of experience and strategic insight to her new role. Sandrine has held leadership roles with globally renowned brands such as Soneva, The St. Regis Bali, and AMAN, where she consistently delivered outstanding results. Her expertise encompasses diverse market segments, including travel trade, corporate, MICE, as well as partnerships. In her new role at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, Sandrine will lead the commercial team, including sales, marketing, and reservations, while overseeing the strategy and direction of sales and marketing to ensure the resort is well represented in all key markets. Her proven ability to develop and execute innovative strategies in a fast-moving and highly competitive market positions her to guide the resort into the future and explore new and developing markets, aligning with its ethos of delivering unparalleled luxury. Sandrine's appointment reflects The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fair Islands' commitment to excellence as it continues to redefine luxury hospitality in the Maldives.

JW Marriott Mumbai Juhu is delighted to announce the appointment of Chef Yashraj Ranade as the new Chef de Cuisine at Dashanzi, the progressive modern Asian restaurant at JW Marriott Mumbai Juhu.  Bringing with him a wealth of experience from leading luxury hotels across India, Chef Yashraj’s career began with a deep rooted passion in Asian cuisine, which he recognized during his tenure at Ibis Mumbai. His journey progressed with extensive training at the Oberoi Centre of Learning and Development (OCLD), where he excelled at skills across different culinary stages, earning him a coveted gold medal for his excellence in kitchen management. Chef Yashraj’s impressive portfolio comprises of roles at premier properties, like The Oberoi Amarvilas, The Oberoi Mumbai, Trident BKC, and Taj Lands End, where he showcased his versatility and flair in high-end kitchens, particularly at acclaimed restaurants like the Masala Bay and Ming Yang. In his new role at Dashanzi, Chef Yashraj’s passion and expertise will not only enhance the restaurant’s sophisticated culinary experiences, but will also complement it with his own innovative flair. Chef Yashraj aims to delight guests with a redefined dining experience, offering an artfully curated menu that combines the rich, authentic flavors of Asia with his personal culinary touch. Known for serving dishes that are as visually appealing as they are flavorful, diners can anticipate Chef Yashraj’s signature dishes like the Triangular Dimsum, Scallop Siu Mai, Sichuan Lobster, and Crispy Fried Pomfret amongst others.  Chef Yashraj’s extensive background in classical Asian techniques as well as innovative presentation is a perfect addition to the Dashanzi kitchen. Come indulge in his signature fare alongside some Dashanzi classics at the liveliest Asian restaurant in town.

Rajani Nair Deb has been appointed as the General manager of DoubleTree by Hilton Agra. With over 22 years of hospitality experience, Rajani most recently served as Commercial Director at Hilton and Hilton Garden Inn Bengaluru Embassy Manyata Business Park, where she played a pivotal role in driving exceptional growth in hotel performance metrics.  Prior to joining Hilton, Rajani served as Pre-Opening Director of Sales & Marketing at The Leela Gandhinagar and The Mahatma Mandir Convention and Exhibition Centre, where she made significant contributions to business growth. Rajani's career is a testament to her expertise in business development, revenue management, and pre-opening planning. She has been a part of pre-opening landmark hotels like the Leela Palace Bengaluru, The ITC Sonar Bangla, HICC & Novotel Hyderabad – in various capacities in Food & Beverage Operations and Business Development. She is a passionate advocate for gender equity and inclusiveness. She has led key initiatives like “Conversations that care” and “Shakti at Hilton” which delve into sensitive gender-inclusive issues and has been a member in Hilton’s Women Team Member Resource Group (WTMRG).  Her journey to becoming a General Manager has been shaped by continuous learning, having undertaken several leadership training programs like Shine 2 and Lead 3.1 to master aspects of hotel operations. She was also a part of the Woman in Leadership programme in 2023 (the 1st cohort of Hilton India). Beyond her professional achievements, Rajani is an avid traveller who enjoys discovering new cuisines and cultures, and she loves to work with feline rescue initiatives, which adds a touch of warmth to her dynamic and driven personality Her family consists of her husband Rudrojit and their cats – Felix and Fuzz Aldrin who joins her in Agra.

Abdeali Zoomkawala comes to The Khyber, Gulmarg with more than two decades of work experience in the hospitality industry. “We are happy to welcome Abdeali on board The Khyber as he brings with him a solid and varied experience in the hospitality industry. With The Khyber completing twelve years this year, his contribution to taking it to greater heights is eagerly anticipated,” says Vinit Chhabra, General Manager, The Khyber Himalayan Resort & Spa, Gulmarg. Abdeali honed his professional skills whilst working with renowned brands such as The Taj Mahal Palace & Tower, Mumbai, The Trident Mumbai, The Leela Palace Bangalore, The Ritz Carlton Bangalore, Trident Hyderabad, The Leela Ambience Convention Hotel Delhi, Oakwood Premier Prestige Bangalore, Bookmark, Manali (Justa Hotels & Resorts) and most recently with IF.BE Ice Factory Ballard Estate — a 140 year old ice factory that is now A place for the creative—A place for the community in the heart of Mumbai.       Abdeali has extensive experience in hotel management, pre-opening operations, and strategic leadership roles. Proven track record of achieving operational excellence, maximizing revenue and fostering guest satisfaction. An alumnus of IIHM Aurangabad and Huddersfield University, Yorkshire, Abdeali holds a BA in Hotel/ Motel Administration and Management. He further enhanced his skills by enrolling in various training programmes including on Positive & Effective Communication, Certificate of Recognition for Sales & Service Foundations Training, Sales Advantage Training by Dale Carnegie, "Magic of Fish" training by Interactive Skills, a course of ISABS (International Society for Applied Behavioural Sciences), Programme on Team Synergy conducted by Academy of Human Excellence and Certification in Butler Training Programme from the Ivor Spencer School of Butlers, United Kingdom. Speaking on his appointment, Abdeali Zoomkawala, said, “I look forward to working with the talented team at The Khyber, India’s only luxury ski Resort. As a team we will strive to keep the flag flying high with world-class services, while continuously innovating to exceed the expectations of our guests. I hope to curate bespoke experiences, enhancing the property's brand identity.” Proficient in English, Hindi, Marathi, Gujarati, Arabic (reading only) Abdeali is an avid and voracious reader and sports enthusiast.

Sheraton Grand Bengaluru Whitefield Hotel and Convention Center is delighted to announce the appointment of Ravi Rawat as its new Assistant Pastry Chef. A culinary artisan with over nine years of experience, Chef Ravi is renowned for his expertise in bakery and pastry arts, blending creativity with precision to deliver exceptional gastronomic creations. Chef Ravi’s impressive career spans some of the country’s most esteemed establishments, including Grand Hyatt Kochi, The Westin Hyderabad, and Aloft Hotel Bengaluru. At Grand Hyatt Kochi, he led bakery operations, crafting innovative recipes and mentoring a team of pastry chefs. His remarkable contributions to the culinary world have earned him accolades. Among his notable achievements is the creation of the tallest edible Christmas tree at The Westin Hyderabad, a feat that garnered widespread acclaim. Guided by a culinary philosophy that champions the use of fresh, locally sourced ingredients, Chef Ravi curates’ desserts that cater to a diverse range of palates. His passion for innovation drives him to experiment with new techniques and flavors, ensuring every creation is a memorable indulgence. In his new role, Chef Ravi will oversee the bakery and pastry operations at Sheraton Grand Bengaluru Whitefield Hotel and Convention Center. With his artistic vision and leadership, the hotel’s dining experience is set to reach new heights, offering guests an exquisite array of desserts that perfectly complement its world-class hospitality. In his leisure time, he enjoys food photography and experimenting with new, creative recipes.

Seow’s innovative approach and proven expertise in the industry make her a great asset to the team

Mahesh is known for his problem-solving abilities and unwavering dedication to fostering a culture of teamwork and sustainability

Sarovar Premiere Amritsar has appointed Abhilash Menon as the General Manager. Abhilash began his journey with Taj Hotels in 2006, after graduating from the IHM Jaipur. His career has been marked by significant milestones, including his tenure at the iconic Leela Gurgaon, others where he played a pivotal role in managing the Food and Beverage portfolio, during high-profile events, such as the visits of two US Presidents and the Various Country heads, along with numerous other heads of state.  Guided by the hospitality philosophy of India – “Atithi Devo Bhava” which means "the guest is God". Abhilash has been committed to enhancing guest experiences and positioning the hotel as a premier luxury destination in Amritsar. He aims to cultivate a culture of excellence and innovation, ensuring every guest experience is memorable and unique.  A versatile hotelier and confident individual, Abhilash is known for confidently managing medium to large-scale hotel operations and bringing a wealth of leadership experience to the industry. Expressing his enthusiasm about his new role, Abhilash said, “I am honoured to join Sarovar Premiere Amritsar and excited to open the first Sarovar Premiere in Punjab. My vision is to build a vibrant and dynamic environment where guests get a refreshed experience every time they step in. Together with my team, I aim to establish Sarovar Premiere Amritsar as a benchmark for hospitality in Amritsar.”

Gabrielle Mendoza, a renowned trainer in restorative yoga and the creator of the Uncovering the Oasis Within concept, has been specially invited to hold classes at Banyan Tree Krabi resort in southern Thailand from December 6 - 15, 2024. During her 10-day residency as visiting practitioner, Gabrielle will be offering a plethora of mindful and holistic practices, including Vinyasa Yoga, meditation and sound healing, as well as her signature classes of restorative yoga, where one maintains deep breaths and maintains asanas (yoga poses) for longer - a technique accredited with alleviating stress, and helping with sleep, flexibility, and overall wellbeing. Based in Singapore, Gabrielle says that she “crumbled under the stress of the corporate world” and later only reclaimed her lost self through yoga. She says she now follows her dharma to help others manage stress through the means of mindfulness, meditation, and the discipline of yoga. Her appearance at Banyan Tree Krabi is another step forward in the hotel’s “Wellbeing Sanctuary” programme, which was initiated in 2021 and allows guests an option to combine a leisure vacation with a tailor-made daily itinerary designed to enrich mind, body and soul — from meditation and spa treatments to Thai boxing and nature trails — complemented with a nutritious diet and personal consultations. The Wellbeing Sanctuary programme is based on Banyan Tree’s own “8 Pillars” principle (Nourishment; Movement; Mindfulness; Rest; Groundedness; Growth; Connection; and Practice). Banyan Tree Spa Krabi was recently singled out by the prestigious MICHELIN Guide as one of the seven most luxurious spas in Thailand. MICHELIN also accredited the hotel with 2 Keys in its inaugural hotel listings for Thailand.  Located on tranquil Tubkaek Beach, some 25 km west of the town of Krabi, Banyan Tree Krabi has 72 pool suites and villas, among them seven two-bedroom options, one three-bedroom villa, and a majestic seven-bedroom Presidential Beachfront Pool Villa. The resort backs into a lush forested national park, and each of the 72 rooms faces westward towards uninhabited islands in the Andaman Sea. Facilities at this 5-star hotel include two restaurants and a beach bar, a beach club, a kids’ club, a fitness centre, meeting rooms, and the award-winning Banyan Tree Spa Krabi. For more about Gabrielle Mendoza’s upcoming courses at Banyan Tree Krabi, visit: https://www.banyantree.com/thailand/krabi/gabrielle-mendoza For more information or bookings, contact: reservations-krabi@banyantree.com, or tel +66 075 811 888.

Khizer brings over 17 years of experience in the hospitality industry and great enthusiasm to his role DoubleTree by Hilton Pune-Chinchwad has appointed Khizer Khan as its new Hotel Manager. With over 17 years of extensive experience in the hospitality industry, Khizer brings a wealth of knowledge and a dynamic leadership approach to the role. Khizer has worked with some of the most esteemed brands in the industry, including Marriott in London Kensington, Hilton at London Heathrow Airport, and Hampton by Hilton in London Waterloo. His impressive career spans various leadership positions, providing him with a deep understanding of hotel operations and guest services and driving operational excellence across diverse environments. "I love the challenge of overseeing the entire operation and ensuring everything runs smoothly. I thrive on building a strong team and fostering a culture of collaboration and excellence. It’s rewarding to develop strategies that enhance guest satisfaction while driving the hotel’s success,” says Khizer. “Each day brings new opportunities to innovate and improve, keeping my passion for hospitality alive and vibrant.” In his new role, Khizer will oversee all aspects of operations at DoubleTree by Hilton Pune-Chinchwad, with a focus on enhancing guest experiences, improving operational efficiency, and strengthening the hotel’s reputation for exceptional service. Khizer’s passion for creating a welcoming atmosphere for both guests and staff complements his vision of building a culture of excellence. His strong commitment to collaboration and innovation makes him the perfect fit to lead the hotel into its next chapter.

Ms. Van Vu takes the role at the newly opened Fusion Resort & Villas Da Nang. Fluent in Vietnamese, Spanish and English, Vietnamese-Costa Rican dual citizen Ms. Van brings 15 years of experience in luxury hotel management, operations, and revenue management, including 12 years at her previous post as a resort manager in Phu Quoc Island. Nestled on the pristine coast between Da Nang and Hoi An ancient town, Fusion Resort & Villas Da Nang is the ultimate family-friendly beach holiday destination. Offering a range of stylish private pool villas and spacious hotel rooms featuring a unique “resort in the sky” concept, complemented by an enticing array of dining options and one of the largest resort spas in Vietnam, this tropical oasis promises an enjoyable and memorable wellness experience like no other.

Bringing in over a decade of experience in the hospitality sector, JW Marriott Goa announces the appointment of Annam Lubana as Director of Operations. With extensive experience in luxury hotels, Annam began her career in the rooms division, where her strong leadership skills with a strategic guest focused disposition stood out. This propelled her ascent to the position of Director of Operations, rapidly advancing through roles at renowned properties such as JW Marriott Pune, JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar and The Oberoi Group of Hotels. Recognized for her inspiring leadership, Annam consistently garners the respect and admiration of colleagues and stakeholders. Annam has been pivotal in driving guest satisfaction, boosting loyalty program performance, and optimizing department profitability. Her commitment to excellence is highlighted by her wins as a Digital Guest Experiences Trailblazer, representing the Asia Pacific region and her recognition as the Operations Leader of the Year in 2023. At JW Marriott Goa, she will oversee key operations departments, including Food & Beverage, Culinary, Front Office, Housekeeping and Spa, with a focus on delivering the brand’s hallmark of exceptional service. She has been with Marriott International for the last several years and has a strong foundation and understanding of the JW Marriott brand. Annam will focus on the revenue and reputation of JW Marriott Goa, helming a dynamic operational team and leading them to create exceptional moments for each guest. She will strategize with the team to achieve high guest satisfaction scores, drive Brand Standard audit performance, enhance and maximize operational profitability and productivity. Armed with a Post-Graduate Diploma from the prestigious Oberoi Centre of Learning & Development and a degree in Hospitality and Hotel Administration from Institute of Hotel Management, Mumbai, she is the proud winner of the T.R Oberoi Gold Medal in Academic Excellence as a Guest Services Management Associate. At JW Marriott Goa she will aim to work towards efficiency and consumer satiation. Annam is passionate about visiting new destinations to explore diverse cultures and experience renowned dining Venues and Bars. She enjoys a spot of reading in her spare time and is an ardent animal lover.