Barista Coffee, a leading Indian café chain, proudly opens its largest café, the Barista Diner in Srinagar, offering 4,000+ sq ft of dining with stunning Dal Lake views.

Barista Coffee, a top-tier café chain in India, is thrilled to unveil the grand opening of the Barista Diner in Srinagar. Covering more than 4,000 square feet, this new establishment is Barista’s largest café in the nation, providing stunning views of Dal Lake and offering an outstanding casual dining experience right in the heart of Srinagar.

With seating for over 100 guests, the Barista Diner is set to transform Srinagar’s dining scene by delivering a comprehensive culinary experience along with its renowned coffee.

“We are thrilled to announce the launch of Barista Diner, our newest and largest cafe at Dal Lake, Srinagar. With its strategic location, grand outdoors overlooking The Dal, enabled with great culinary experience, we are confident that Barista Diner at Dal Lake will become a preferred go to place for locals as well as for tourists visiting Kashmir.” Rajat Agrawal, CEO, Barista Coffee

The Barista Diner in Srinagar is the fifth installment in Barista’s expanding flagship Diner format across India, joining the ranks of successful locations in Noida, Gurgaon, Chandigarh, and Kapurthala. Each Diner exemplifies Barista’s commitment to creating a welcoming ambiance where patrons can savor high-quality food and an array of dishes, all complemented by Barista’s Signature beverages. The Diner’s menu features a wide variety of choices, ensuring there is something to delight every taste.

Discover a dynamic culinary journey at Zoco, nestled in the heart of the UAE’s gastronomic scene within V Hotel Dubai, Curio Collection by Hilton. Led by a visionary young chef, this Pan American dining oasis promises an exhilarating experience.

Under the guidance of Peruvian Chef Gustavo Alonso Guin Barnachea, the menu boasts a tantalizing array of dishes, each bursting with flavor and crafted with the finest ingredients, paying homage to the diverse culinary tapestry of Pan America. From the innovative fusion of Peruvian-Japanese Nikkei cuisine to the rich traditions of Mexico, Zoco celebrates the art of sharing, with each dish designed to foster connection and camaraderie.

Adding to the illustrious lineup of dining destinations at V Hotel Dubai, Curio Collection by Hilton, Zoco joins the ranks of Level Seven, V Lounge, and V Deck, offering guests an unparalleled culinary adventure.

“We are delighted to be introducing Zoco and bringing the flavours of Pan America to Dubai, one of the most dynamic and exciting culinary destinations in the world,” says Daniel Hillier, Executive Chef, Al Habtoor City.“Chef Gustavo has drawn upon his passion for Latin flavours to create a menu that excites from the first bite, in a venue that’s just as vibrant as the dishes.”

Upon entering the seventh-floor restaurant, guests are met with awe-inspiring vistas of Dubai’s skyline and a lively open kitchen. Warm natural woods, bursts of vibrant hues, and captivating portraits beckon, while Latin house beats from the DJ booth set the rhythm for the evening, Tuesday through Saturday each week.

Ideal for either a cozy dinner or a group outing, patrons embark on a culinary journey across Pan America, starting with an array of appetizers. Freshly crafted guacamole, tuna tartare, citrusy ceviche, and crispy soft-shell crab grace the menu, alongside hot plates featuring succulent beef short ribs, fluffy bao, crispy calamari, and chicken teriyaki skewers.

For the main course, diners are spoiled for choice with authentic offerings like Mexican-style chicken adobo tacos, Peruvian chifa duck fried rice, and savory sticky beef with udon. Not to be missed is the ‘Black Onyx,’ a sharing-worthy black angus rib-eye with confit garlic and grilled vine tomatoes. Desserts tantalize with options such as elevated ‘Quatro Leches’ cake, churros, cheesecake, and a selection of sorbets to round off the experience on a sweet note.

Beverage aficionados can delight in a stellar drink menu, featuring signature cocktails crafted with Pan American spirits like Espuma De Mezcal, Empresa Cubana, and Cilantro Paloma. For sharing, there are pitchers of Sangria and Margarita available.

Exciting promotions await, including a daily Happy Hour from 5 pm to 7 pm offering selected house beverages and cocktails starting from AED 35, along with a 25% dining discount. Fridays spotlight Salsa Y Señoritas, where ladies can indulge in a three-course set menu and unlimited house beverages for AED 180 for two hours, while gents enjoy the same offer for AED 250. Saturdays invite guests to sway to Pisco Rhythm, treating themselves to a chef’s selection of cold and raw appetizers paired with unlimited pisco for two hours at AED 220 per person.

In its unwavering dedication to sustainable development, The Apurva Kempinski Bali is thrilled to announce its groundbreaking achievement of receiving certification from the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC). This prestigious recognition marks the hotel as the first in Indonesia to attain such an honor. The GSTC is a globally respected organization dedicated to advocating for best practices in sustainable tourism. Through the establishment of stringent standards within the travel and tourism industries, this certification aims to bolster four key pillars: Sustainable Management, Social Impact, Cultural and Community Preservation, and Environmental Stewardship.

Sustainability lies at the heart of The Apurva Kempinski Bali’s brand strategy, encompassing all facets of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) in alignment with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals 17. The attainment of GSTC certification underscores the resort’s unwavering commitment to sustainable growth, providing a framework to assess, improve, and communicate its dedication to sustainable practices. The thorough evaluation conducted by GSTC’s appointed certification body, Control Union, highlighted key criteria:

Enhancing Sustainability Practices: The resort prioritizes sustainability by integrating ethical business practices into its operations, both internally and externally. A dedicated ESG team continuously refines and monitors sustainable initiatives.

Empowering Local Communities: The resort is deeply committed to local empowerment, achieving a notable milestone of 21.7% local employment by December 2023. Through partnerships like the Sustainable Agriculture program with Samsara Living Museum, local farmers are trained in eco-farming techniques, fostering direct supply relationships and eliminating middlemen. Collaborations with educational institutions provide training opportunities, driving economic growth and sustainability.

Preserving Cultural Heritage: The resort serves as a vibrant showcase of Indonesian culture, with every aspect reflecting the nation’s rich heritage. Annual campaigns, in collaboration with diverse partners, curate unique guest experiences that integrate Indonesia’s culture, tradition, and heritage.

Mitigating Environmental Impact: The resort employs a science-based approach to reduce its environmental footprint. Initiatives like the Hydroponic Rooftop Garden, Waste Management, Sustainable Weddings, and Electric Vehicle Experience showcase this commitment. Additionally, partnerships with organizations like Eco-Tourism Bali promote climate neutrality, such as the mangrove planting program which began with the planting of 1,000 seeds.

“At our resort, we continually strive to innovate and find new ways to drive sustainability forward in the hospitality industry. It is truly an honour for us to be the first hotel in Indonesia to receive the prestigious GSTC certification”,  shared Vincent Guironnet, General Manager of the luxury hotel. “This recognition reaffirms our commitment, not only to providing unparalleled luxury experiences but also to leading the charge in sustainable tourism practices. We remain dedicated to creating impactful change while delivering exceptional experiences to our guests, and shaping a more sustainable future for generations to come.”

Discover the sun-kissed allure of ‘Mother of the Bride’ with Minor Hotels. Step into the enchanting locations that captivated over 26.7 million Netflix viewers during its debut weekend and relive your silver screen fantasies. Directed by Mark Waters, celebrated for his work on ‘Freaky Friday’ and ‘Mean Girls,’ this beloved romantic comedy was filmed at Anantara Layan Phuket Resort and Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas, paying homage to Phuket, Thailand’s enchanting island.”

For a taste of celebrity living with top-tier VIP services and amenities, reserve the Two-Bedroom Royal Villa by Jim Thompson, Lana’s (Brooke Shields’ character) on-screen abode. Just steps from Mai Khao Beach’s powdery white sands, this showcase of Thai artistry, adorned with exquisite silk, pays homage to Jim Thompson, Thailand’s silk industry pioneer. Alternatively, indulge in the expansive Pool Villa, offering seclusion and plush towels aplenty, ensuring a comfortable stay reminiscent of Will (Benjamin Bratt’s character).

For ardent romantics, relive the fleeting love story of Brooke Shields and Chad Michael Murray (Lucas) through poolside yoga sessions and starlit cocktails at the Tree House or recreate the intense pickleball match between the protagonists. For a touch of movie star glamour, pamper yourself at Anantara Spa, where the characters indulged in mud facials. Discover more of Phuket’s cinematic allure by venturing to a secluded beach for a gourmet picnic, taking a longtail boat to Lover’s Cove nestled in the jungle, or exploring Phuket Old Town’s shopping delights.

For those enchanted by the experience and reluctant to depart, Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas offers long-stay packages promising an extraordinary adventure where luxury is the only scripted element.

Minor Hotels, a global hotel owner and operator, has named Puneet Dhawan as Head of Asia to spearhead its expansion in Asia and India. Starting in July, Dhawan will oversee the performance of all Minor Hotels properties in Asia, collaborating closely with the senior leadership team and reporting directly to CEO Dillip Rajakarier.

With a rich 30-year career in the hospitality industry across Asia, Europe, and the Middle East, Dhawan brings extensive expertise to his new position. Previously serving as Senior Vice President of Operations – India & South Asia at Accor, he led business development, owner management, hotel operations, and the commercial team, contributing significantly to Accor’s regional growth. Notably, he played a key role in launching India’s first Raffles hotel during his tenure. His extensive experience at Accor also includes roles such as Vice President of Operations for the Middle East and various General Manager positions. Dhawan’s journey in hospitality began at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, where he held roles in the Philippines and Hong Kong.

Dhawan graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Upon joining Minor Hotels in July, he will be based at the company’s Bangkok Corporate Office.

Dillip Rajakarier, CEO of Minor Hotels and Group CEO of Minor International, commented, “We are excited to welcome Puneet to the Minor Hotels family. His operational experience and empowering leadership will be invaluable as we work to achieve our growth ambitions in Asia and India in the coming years.”

In January, Minor Hotels shared its goal of expanding its global portfolio with over 200 new openings by 2026, half of which are planned for Asia. A more recent announcement from the hotel group outlines a plan to launch 50 new properties in India over the next decade, including the introduction of its luxury Anantara brand in Jaipur later this year.

Enhancing Family Connections on Vacation and Beyond

Beaches Resorts, renowned for its family-friendly environment, has teamed up with the global nonprofit Sesame Workshop to introduce new programming that encourages family bonding under the Caribbean sun. The latest addition, Sesame Street Sunrise Yoga, is now available exclusively at all three Beaches Resorts locations. This initiative aims to foster mindful connections during Mental Health Awareness Month in May and continues year-round.

“We know that family vacations are a cherished time for memory making – an opportunity to disconnect from everyday routines to prioritize togetherness, discovery, new cultures, and experiences – with some studies even showing how vacations lead to closer family relationships,” said Heather Effs, Corporate Manager of Entertainment Operations for Sandals Resorts International, parent company of Beaches Resorts. “Together with Sesame Workshop, we are proud to introduce a fun and emotionally nurturing experience for kids and parents to discover together, inspiring memories and mindfulness alike.”

Start Your Day with a Stretch

Sesame Street Sunrise Yoga is now offered at Beaches Resorts in Turks & Caicos and Jamaica, bringing the benefits of yoga to children. Popular Sesame Street characters like Elmo, Cookie Monster, Bert, and Abby Cadabby lead these engaging mindfulness exercises. Families can book sessions through the resorts’ Sesame Street Kids Camps or online as an add-on. The 40-minute classes focus on playful movement, mindfulness, and family fun. Each session includes a custom kids-sized Sesame Street yoga mat for continued practice at home. Classes are held twice weekly, with schedules varying across the three locations: Beaches Turks and Caicos, Beaches Negril, and Beaches Ocho Rios. Additionally, participants receive a 5×7 photo as a keepsake.

Expanding Imagination through Play

“Sesame Workshop is committed to the emotional well-being of young children and families, building on a long history of support in this critical area,” said Jennifer Ahearn, SVP, Global Strategic Partnerships and Themed Entertainment, Sesame Workshop. “Yoga is a playful way to help children practice mindfulness, and we’re proud to offer this new experience at Beaches Resorts, where we’re kicking off 20 years of partnership together.”

The Sesame Street Sunrise Yoga program adds to the diverse activities offered by Beaches Resorts and Sesame Workshop through their Caribbean Adventures with Sesame Street. Families can enjoy storytelling with Elmo, baking with Cookie Monster, dancing with Zoe, crafting with Julia, puppet-making with Bert and Ernie, and magic with Abby Cadabby.

“These programs not only build on our shared core values and commitment to families around the world; they also lead to cherished moments of togetherness that foster traditions. It’s incredibly fulfilling to create opportunities for families to connect over new experiences in the Caribbean with valuable takeaways to enjoy thereafter,” adds Effs.

Community Engagement and Family Values

The long-standing partnership between Beaches Resorts and Sesame Workshop extends beyond the resorts. They bring Sesame Street characters, resources, and educational tools to local families in Jamaica and Turks & Caicos. In celebration of Mental Health Awareness Month, Beaches’ philanthropic arm, the Sandals Foundation, and Sesame Workshop will co-host workshops at the Ministry of Education Early Childhood Commission’s Annual Professional Development Institute in Kingston, Jamaica. Scheduled for May 20-24, 2024, the event will focus on the theme “A Place to Belong: A Child’s Right to Quality Early Childhood Education.” The workshops will share best practices for creating environments where children feel accepted both in the classroom and at home. Attendees will receive a booklet curated by the Sandals Foundation and Sesame Workshop, covering topics such as emotional awareness, social connection, and compassionate mindsets. This resource will provide tips and methods to support children in overcoming emotional challenges.

By integrating playful, mindful activities into vacations and community programs, Beaches Resorts and Sesame Workshop continue to promote family connections and mental health awareness, enriching lives both on vacation and beyond.

“Deep-rooted family values are the very core of the Beaches Resorts brand, with education as a founding pillar of the Sandals Foundation since its inception 15 years ago,” said Heidi Clarke, Executive Director of the Sandals Foundation. “Together with Sesame Workshop, we’re working to create spaces where compassion and connection are at the forefront, and it all begins with meaningful actions and conversations that foster mindfulness and awareness.”