The Westin Mumbai Wins ‘Socially Responsible Hotel of the Year’ 2025
The Westin Mumbai Garden City has been awarded the ‘Socially Responsible Hotel of the Year’ in the Upscale – Midscale category at the Hotelier India GM Summit & ESG Excellence Awards 2025, Western Region. This recognition underscores the hotel’s dedication to sustainability, community engagement, and inclusive hospitality.
“At The Westin Mumbai Garden City, we believe in creating a positive impact—not just for our guests but also for our community and the planet,” said Sumeet Suri, General Manager, The Westin Mumbai Garden City. “This award motivates us to continue innovating and setting new benchmarks in responsible hospitality.”
The hotel actively fosters social impact through initiatives like which empowers underprivileged girls by funding their education, offering on-the-job training, and providing career-building opportunities. In addition, The Westin Mumbai Garden City champions inclusivity with a 26% women workforce, a goal to increase it by 10%, and employment opportunities for specially-abled individuals, ensuring they thrive in an inclusive environment.
By integrating Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles into its operations, the hotel has prioritized eco-friendly practices, skill development programs, and initiatives that promote diversity and work-life balance. The Life on Time initiative further supports associates, ensuring flexibility and well-being.
Through these efforts, The Westin Mumbai Garden City continues to lead the way in responsible hospitality, proving that opportunity and empowerment drive lasting change.
Study Group Hosts ‘Destination USA’ to Empower Indian Students
24th February 2025: Study Group, a global leader in international education, expanded student opportunities with its much-awaited event, ‘Destination USA: Your Route to Success’. The mega event was designed to bridge the gap between ambitious Indian students and top-tier U.S. educational institutions. The recently conducted landmark event represented a pivotal moment for students seeking higher education in the U.S.
The event stood out as a comprehensive education fair featuring direct access to representatives from 11 prestigious U.S. universities, including California State University San Marcos, DePaul University, Florida Atlantic University, James Madison University, Long Island University, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, Towson University, University of Hartford, University of Nebraska at Omaha, and Western Washington University. With the U.S. emerging as the foremost destination for higher education among Indian students, the event offered some exclusive perks, including direct meetings with university experts, a visa masterclass with expert tips to simplify the complex process of the visa journey and a hands-on STEM session, highlighting the USA’s role as a global hub for innovation and leadership in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. More than 200 students attended the event which also presented an opportunity for participating students to earn exclusive scholarships along with big savings on application fees through visa fee waiver (exclusive attendee perk).
Mr. Alex Marston, General Manager, North America for Study Group, said, “Destination USA: Your Route to Success is not a run-of-the-mill event. By bringing multiple U.S. university partners under one roof, we are addressing the evolving international education landscape, focusing on the premium benefits of enrolling at a U.S. university and helping Indian students make informed decisions for their futures. It has served as a substantial opportunity for students to explore, understand and realize their global academic aspirations in a convenient, student-centric event. Today, and with our ongoing bespoke partnerships and admissions services, Study Group provides a solid foundation for future global leaders by simplifying their path to premier U.S. institutions.”
Poonam who attended the event, shared, The event was very helpful. University booth representatives carefully reviewed the profile and shared details like program overviews, intake details, and university offerings. During the event, the staff was friendly and patient with every student. Overall, it was a great experience.
The mega event also facilitated student counseling and supported their applications to U.S. universities while providing insights into educational opportunities across premier U.S. locations like California, Florida, New York City and Chicago. Mr. Marston’s comprehensive Visa Masterclass session equipped students with crucial insights into navigating the U.S. F-1 visa process successfully. Additionally, the event also featured a networking junction that provided a dynamic platform for students to connect, share experiences, and forge collaborative relationships.
The event featured university representatives Dr. Mahadevan Subramaniam (Subu), Chair of Computer Science, University of Nebraska at Omaha; Dr. Sven Thijssen, Assistant Professor, Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Florida Atlantic University; and Mr. Edwin Christian Allen, Assistant Director of Graduate & International Recruitment, Towson University, to name a few.
Study Group remains committed to providing Indian students with world-class international education opportunities. The ’Destination USA: Your Route to Success’ event demonstrates this dedication by offering a gateway to the U.S.’s excellent academic avenues and global career prospects.
IBNII Coorg Unveils Aarogyaa A Sanctuary for Ayurvedic Healing
Coorg, India, 11 February 2025: The IBNII Coorg, an Eco Luxury Nature resort, where sustainable living meets luxury, as the Luxury of tomorrow, has announced the opening of Aarogyaa by The IBNII, an exclusive Ayurvedic healing sanctuary within its premises. Offering guests a transformative wellness experience, rooted in ancient Ayurvedic principles and eco-sustainability, Aarogyaa by The IBNII is designed to rejuvenate the mind, body, and soul through a multi-faceted approach to holistic well-being.
Aarogyaa by The IBNII is spread over 15 acres within The IBNII, which sits over a 125-acre lush premise. This dedicated Ayurveda sanctuary is located amidst three water bodies, with a dedicated Kitchen and restaurant for preparing diet-based food according to each patient’s satvik requirements, a large Yoga deck overlooking one of the Natural ponds, inhouse Ayurvedic Doctor with 6 male & female therapists and dedicated 8 new Ayurveda cottages.
Dr. Sherry Sebastian, Managing Director, The IBNII Coorg, said “Opening an Ayurvedic Sanctuary was always part of our plan. Our approach integrates the wisdom of Ayurveda with the serenity of nature, ensuring a unique and rejuvenating experience for every guest to balance their doshas. This area also boasts of herbal trees, for the guest to heal through the herb-infused fresh air. At Aarogyaa, we invite our guests to embark on a journey of self-discovery, relaxation, and inner balance,”
An Ayurvedic Wellness Retreat, Aarogyaa by The IBNII Coorg integrates Ayurveda, Yoga, Pranayama, and therapeutic activities, providing guests with a well-rounded, immersive experience. By combining traditional healing techniques with modern relaxation therapies, the luxury retreat fosters a deep sense of inner balance and rejuvenation.
- Ayurvedic Rituals: Drawing from India’s rich heritage, Ayurvedic therapies at Aarogyaa include specialized massages, herbal treatments, and personalized wellness programs aimed at restoring harmony between the body and mind.
- Yoga and Pranayama: Guests can engage in guided yoga sessions to improve mobility and strength, while breath-control techniques (pranayama) enhance focus, reduce stress, and declutter the mind.
- Therapeutic Activities: The retreat offers various therapeutic engagements, including painting, pottery, baking, and gardening—activities that stimulate the senses and promote mental well-being.
- Eco-Sustainability Commitment: Consistent with The IBNII Coorg’s commitment to eco-conscious hospitality, Aarogyaa integrates sustainable practices to minimize environmental impact while enhancing the guest experience.
Muddappa Kuppanda, General Manager, The IBNII Coorg said “At The Ibnii, wellness is not just about personal health—it’s about creating a holistic, balanced connection with the environment. Aarogyaa, our signature wellness program is designed to rejuvenate the body, mind, and spirit and integrates all traditional wellness practices like Yoga, Meditation, and Ayurveda with modern healing therapies”.
Aarogyaa also offers multiple seven-day packages including Abhasa and pre-wedding packages for a transformative experience.These packages include accommodation, all meals, and various Ayurvedic therapies such as Foot Ritual and Consultation, Shiro Abhyangam, Abhyangam & Swedhanam, Potli Massages, and Shirodhara. The Aarogyaa packages are designed exclusively for individuals or couples, with a recommendation to abstain from alcohol during the program to maximize its benefits.
At a driving distance of 5.5 hours from Bangalore Airport and 2.5 hours from Mysuru railway station, The IBNII Coorg is nestled amidst the lush landscapes of Madikeri.
Spread over 125 acres of the pristinely wooded resort, with lakes and mist and early morning dew, bird songs and cicadas and a deep hue of lush green, The 47 cottages of The IBNII are a perfect honeymoon destination as much as a luxury family resort. It has 22 private pool villas of which 11 are temperature controlled pool villas , 10 wooden cottages, 8 Ayurvedic Cottages, 2 Presidential Suites with indoor temperature controlled pool , 2 Honeymoon suites with indoor temperature controlled pools , and 1 premium honeymoon suite. The IBNII has refined luxury and comfort to match the highest expectations of the global traveler and yet maintain their delicate balance with Nature. The IBNII boasts over 2.5 acres of density per cottage with ample space separating every villa offering adequate privacy.
Vinay Dahiya Named Security Manager at Crowne Plaza New Delhi Okhla
New Delhi, February 5, 2025 – Crowne Plaza Today New Delhi Okhla is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Vinay Dahiya as Security Manager. With over nine years of expertise in security management, risk assessment, fire & life safety, and asset protection, Vinay brings a sharp strategic vision and a proactive approach to safety and risk mitigation.
His career spans leadership roles at DoubleTree by Hilton Gurgaon, JLL (Jones Lang LaSalle), The Westin Gurgaon, and Crowne Plaza Jaipur Tonk Road. This marks Vinay’s second tenure with IHG, having previously played a key role in strengthening security operations at Crowne Plaza Today New Delhi Okhla itself.
To deepen his expertise in security and risk management, Vinay has pursued several professional certifications. He holds the Certified Security Professional (CSP) credential, along with a Post Graduate Diploma in Disaster Management (PGDDM) and a Post Graduate Diploma in Security Intelligence Management (PGDSIM). These qualifications have equipped him with advanced knowledge in handling security threats, crisis response, and intelligence-based risk mitigation strategies.
Recognized for his proactive leadership and crisis management skills, Vinay has successfully handled high-profile security operations, including VIP movements, large-scale event security, and emergency response planning. His ability to implement robust security frameworks while ensuring a seamless guest experience makes him a valuable asset to the team.
Ritesh Sharma, General Manager, Crowne Plaza Today New Delhi Okhla, commented on the appointment:
“Security in hospitality is not just about vigilance—it’s about foresight, adaptability, and instilling confidence in every guest and team member. Vinay’s extensive experience, combined with his deep understanding of evolving security challenges, makes him the right leader to drive our safety initiatives forward.”Expressing his enthusiasm, Vinay Dahiya said:
“I am excited to take on this role at Crowne Plaza Today New Delhi Okhla. Security is at the core of exceptional hospitality, and I look forward to working closely with the team to uphold the highest standards of safety and operational excellence.”
Beyond his professional expertise, Vinay is passionate about fitness, cars, and travel.