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Category: Lifestyle

  • Limited-period diamond exhibition brings Joyalukkas designs to Kondapur showroom

    Dr Joy Alukkas, Chairman and Managing Director, Joyalukkas Group, said the Brilliance Diamond Jewellery Show will run from 23 January to 8 February 2026 in Telangana

    The Brilliance Diamond Jewellery Show by Joyalukkas has opened at the brand’s Kondapur showroom in Telangana, bringing a limited-period showcase of diamond jewellery to the city from 23 January to 8 February 2026.
    Hosted at the Joyalukkas showroom located at Fortune Cyber on Miyapur Road, the exhibition features a curated selection of diamond jewellery designs spanning bridal collections and contemporary pieces suited for everyday wear. The display focuses on craftsmanship and detailing, offering customers access to designs that are available exclusively during the exhibition period.

    Speaking on the occasion, Dr Joy Alukkas, Chairman and Managing Director, Joyalukkas Group, said, “The Brilliance Diamond Jewellery Show is our tribute to the enduring allure of diamonds and our passion for perfection in jewellery design. Kondapur holds a special place in our hearts, and this exhibition during the festive season will offer customers an exclusive opportunity to discover designs that reflect beauty, individuality, and craftsmanship at its finest.”

    As part of the exhibition, customers purchasing diamond jewellery worth ₹1 lakh and above will receive a complimentary gold coin during the show period. The offer is applicable exclusively at the Kondapur showroom for the duration of the exhibition.
    The Brilliance Diamond Jewellery Show is positioned as a time-bound retail experience, inviting visitors to explore a range of diamond jewellery designs within a dedicated exhibition format at the Joyalukkas Kondapur location until 8 February 2026.

    At Prittle PrattleNews, featuring you virtuously, we celebrate the commitment and innovation. Led by Editor-in-Chief Smruti Bhalerao, our platform is dedicated to sharing impactful stories that inspire change and create awareness. Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube for more stories that matter.

  • A collectible rooted in constitutional history is introduced for Republic Day through Times Black ICICI Bank Credit Card

    Harshita Singh, Business Head at Times Black ICICI Bank Credit Card, and Gautam Sinha, Founder and Creative Director of Nappa Dori, discusses the intent behind the limited edition card holder

    Marking India’s Republic Day in 2026, Times Black ICICI Bank Credit Card has unveiled a limited edition archival card holder created in collaboration with Nappa Dori. The collectible draws directly from India’s constitutional history, featuring a reproduced print of the original 26 January 1950 edition of The Times of India.
    Developed exclusively for Times Black ICICI Bank Credit Card members, the card holder is not available for retail sale and is being offered through a restricted, invitation-only programme. Conceived as a keepsake rather than a commercial product, the piece reflects a considered approach to design-led, member-focused collaborations.

    The archival element is integrated into Nappa Dori’s signature handcrafted faux leather format, combining historical material with contemporary construction. Each card holder is produced by skilled artisans, aligning with the brand’s emphasis on craftsmanship, durability, and attention to detail. The result is an accessory intended for long-term use, while retaining its value as a commemorative object.
    Harshita Singh, Business Head at Times Black ICICI Bank Credit Card, noted that the collaboration seeks to translate a defining national moment into a tangible form for members who value history, design, and lasting quality. The initiative reflects the brand’s broader approach to curating culturally relevant experiences that extend beyond conventional card benefits.

    From the design perspective, Gautam Sinha, Founder and Creative Director of Nappa Dori, shared that the project offered an opportunity to engage with archival material through a contemporary lens. By combining everyday functionality with historical significance, the card holder bridges the past and present in a form meant to be retained and carried forward.
    The Archival Card Holder continues Times Black ICICI Bank Credit Card’s focus on thoughtful access, limited edition objects, and collaborations rooted in culture and design. Positioned as a collectible rather than a promotional item, the piece underscores continuity, memory, and craftsmanship as central themes of the Times Black community.

    At Prittle PrattleNews, featuring you virtuously, we celebrate the commitment and innovation. Led by Editor-in-Chief Smruti Bhalerao, our platform is dedicated to sharing impactful stories that inspire change and create awareness. Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube for more stories that matter.

  • Republic Day menus take shape across ITC Maratha, Courtyard by Marriott, Hyatt Centric and more

    Culinary teams across hotels, cafés and restaurants curate tricolour inspired menus, brunches and festive experiences for the long weekend

    Republic Day celebrations across cities are finding expression at the dining table, with hospitality brands and neighbourhood favourites curating menus and experiences that reflect the colours, flavours, and shared spirit of the occasion. From luxury hotels to casual cafés and family friendly spaces, the long weekend has become an opportunity to gather, slow down, and celebrate through food.
    At ITC Maratha, Peshwa Pavilion marks Republic Day with a curated buffet that brings together regional Indian cuisines under the theme “A Festive Spread to Honour the Week”. Tricolour inspired dishes sit alongside traditional favourites and sweets, served through a Republic Week dinner buffet on 23 and 24 January, followed by a Sunday brunch on 25 January. The experience focuses on shared tables and the diversity of Indian culinary traditions.

    A two day celebration unfolds at Courtyard by Marriott Mumbai International Airport, where MoMo Café hosts a Republic Day brunch on 25 January, followed by lunch and dinner on 26 January. Alongside an extensive regional spread covering flavours from across the country, the venue features tricolour themed décor, live music, and a dedicated children’s engagement zone with creative activities. Live counters, regional classics, global additions, and traditional desserts shape an inclusive dining experience designed for families and groups.
    At Hyatt Centric Juhu Mumbai, Sesame hosts a Tricolour Brunch on 26 January. The buffet blends Indian and global influences, with live counters, a sushi station, and desserts inspired by the colours of the tricolour. A buy one get one free offer accompanies the brunch, which is positioned as a festive yet relaxed mid day gathering.

    For those seeking a slower start to the day, T24 Retro, home to Blend Kitchen and Bar, offers a Republic Day breakfast rooted in familiar comfort. The menu spans classic omelettes, pancakes, dosas, parathas, and traditional breakfast staples, paired with freshly brewed coffees and teas, encouraging guests to celebrate at an unhurried pace.
    At Toast Bistro and Bar, located at T24 Residency, Republic Day is marked through a mix of global favourites and local flavours. The menu features dishes designed for sharing, complemented by rooftop seating, upbeat music, and a lively atmosphere that extends the celebration into the evening.

    A playful approach to the tricolour comes through at The Bluebop Cafe, where a vegetarian Tricolour Menu is served across 25 and 26 January. Colour coded pizzas, pasta, desserts, and mocktails shape a light hearted tribute to the national holiday.
    In Bengaluru, Kalpaney uses Republic Day as a moment to highlight vegetarian Indian cuisine as a contemporary global expression. The menu draws from regional roots while reimagining flavours through modern techniques and thoughtful beverage pairings.

    Those craving an international detour can head to Si Nonna’s, where the Republic Day weekend features sourdough pizzas, panuozzos, desserts, and beverages served in a relaxed setting across its Mumbai outlets.
    Completing the line up is Pokiddo Junior, which marks Republic Day with a child focused programme combining creative workshops, themed food and beverage offerings, and interactive activities. Designed for families, the celebrations extend beyond the holiday itself through a calendar of workshops running into early February.
    ogether, these experiences reflect how Republic Day celebrations have evolved beyond formal ceremonies into moments of connection, creativity, and shared indulgence, with food at the centre of the long weekend.
    At Prittle PrattleNews, featuring you virtuously, we celebrate the commitment and innovation. Led by Editor-in-Chief Smruti Bhalerao, our platform is dedicated to sharing impactful stories that inspire change and create awareness. Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube for more stories that matter.

  • Bedse Caves: Unexplored Wonder Just Outside Lonavala

    Tucked away near Lonavala, the ancient Buddhist caves offer quiet trails, early rock cut architecture, and valley views away from crowded tourist circuits

    There are travel destinations that appear frequently on every recommended list, and then there are those that stay quietly hidden in the background, waiting for the curious ones to stumble upon them. Bedse Caves fall into the latter category, offering a sense of intrigue for those who enjoy taking the road less travelled.
    Located near Lonavala, this site is ideal for those seeking a peaceful retreat filled with history and quiet reflection. With fewer crowds and plenty of charm, this spot feels refreshing in its simplicity and offers a meaningful break from regular tourist trails.

    Table of Contents

    A Glimpse into Bedse’s Ancient Past
    The Bedse Caves are believed to have been created during the 1st century BCE, during the rule of the Satavahana dynasty. These caves were used as a place of meditation and residence by Buddhist monks and served both religious and social purposes during their time.
    The complex mainly consists of a Chaitya, a prayer hall, and a Vihara, a space used for living and meeting. The carvings within the caves are modest in size compared to more famous counterparts like Karla and Bhaja, but they feature intricate details such as lotus motifs, animal figures, and symmetrical pillars.
    This careful craftsmanship highlights the site’s significance and its pivotal role in the spread of Buddhism in Western India. Travelling to this site by booking a Lonavala cab servicemakes the journey both easy and comfortable.

    What Makes Bedse Caves Worth the Climb
    Several unique aspects of the Bedse Caves make them worth a visit, especially if you’re someone who prefers to explore lesser-known destinations. Here are a few highlights of what makes Bedse special:

    • No Crowds or Queues: Since this location is not yet heavily promoted, it remains fairly quiet even on weekends, giving you the space to explore freely.
    • Peaceful Environment: The silence here is not accidental but feels like an important part of the experience, making it ideal for those who enjoy being close to nature without distraction.
    • Short and Manageable Climb: Although you need to walk up a flight of stairs to reach the caves, the effort is minimal, and the payoff at the top is absolutely worth it.
    • Interesting Rock-Cut Architecture: The stone-carved interiors and exteriors hold a kind of beauty that is both natural and intentional, making it a delight for anyone interested in history or ancient architecture.
    • Photogenic Views: Once at the top, the wide views of the valley and surroundings offer plenty of opportunities for photography, whether you prefer wide-angle nature shots or detailed architectural frames.

    If you’re looking to explore Bedse Caves at a relaxed pace, with the comfort of a private vehicle and the advantage of a local chauffeur who knows the best routes, booking a Lonavala cab service is a smart move.

    What You’ll Discover Inside: A Peek Into Bedse Caves
    A visit to Bedse Caves feels like stepping into a forgotten chapter of ancient life. After a gentle climb up stone steps, you’ll reach the Chaitya, a beautifully carved prayer hall with a central stupa and curved ceiling, once used by monks for meditation.
    Nearby, the Vihara contains small living cells that offer a quiet glimpse into monastic life. You’ll also spot delicate carvings of animals and floral motifs, along with old water tanks cut into the rock.
    The space is simple and untouched, allowing you to explore freely and connect with its quiet atmosphere. If you’re sold and planning to visit already, book a car rental in Lonavala to avoid unnecessary hassle with multiple transfers or local transport delays.

    Finding Bedse Caves: A Quick Guide for Smooth Travel
    The caves are located approximately 8.8 kilometres from Kamshet and can be accessed via a short drive followed by a brief walk uphill. If you’re travelling from Lonavala, the distance is around 27 kilometres, which takes under an hour by car.
    While it is possible to use local transport options like auto rickshaws or shared jeeps, they may not always be available or willing to go the full distance, especially in the early hours or late afternoon. A more reliable and convenient option is to hire a car rental in Lonavala, which allows you the freedom to explore not just Bedse Caves but other nearby places as well, without having to worry about return transport.
    • Entry Fees: INR 5 per person
    • Timings: 09:00 AM to 05:00 PM daily
    Wrapping Up
    The Bedse Caves offer a refreshing change of pace for travellers who enjoy thoughtful exploration and quiet spaces away from the usual crowd. The site holds strong appeal for anyone drawn to early Indian rock-cut architecture, Buddhist heritage, or peaceful destinations close to Lonavala.
    To make your visit smoother and more convenient, you can rely on Savaari Car Rentals, a trusted name in chauffeur-driven cab services across India. With reliable drivers, easy booking, and comfortable rides, Savaari lets you focus on the experience while they handle the travel.
    At Prittle PrattleNews, featuring you virtuously, we celebrate the commitment and innovation. Led by Editor-in-Chief Smruti Bhalerao, our platform is dedicated to sharing impactful stories that inspire change and create awareness. Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube for more stories that matter.

  • Slow travel finds its moment this Republic Day across Taj, Jaypee and Aahana

    Wellness led resorts around Delhi NCR and the hills offer unhurried stays for a long weekend pause

    The Republic Day long weekend arrives as a natural breather in an otherwise packed calendar, offering a rare chance to slow down without planning a long holiday. Around Delhi NCR and the nearby hills, a cluster of wellness led resorts are shaping short stays that prioritise space, calm, and a gentler pace of travel.
    Just outside the city, Taj Damdama Lake Resort & Spa presents a nature anchored retreat at the foothills of the Aravallis. Spread across a large, reimagined estate, the resort blends open landscapes with thoughtfully designed rooms, suites, and private villas. Days here revolve around unhurried meals, quiet walks, and restorative wellness experiences, with Damdama Lake and nearby heritage sites adding to the sense of escape without distance.

    For those seeking forest bound stillness, Aahana Resort offers a slower rhythm shaped by nature. Set against dense greenery, the resort focuses on privacy and immersion, with private pool villas, shaded trails, and farm driven dining. The emphasis remains on mindfulness, allowing guests to disconnect from schedules and reconnect with the surrounding landscape through long, quiet days.
    Closer to the capital yet distinctly removed in feel, Taj Surajkund Resort & Spa balances accessibility with retreat like calm. Framed by the Aravalli hills, the resort combines expansive views with classic Taj hospitality. Guests can ease into the weekend through relaxed dining, time by the infinity pool, or extended sessions at the wellness centre, all within easy reach of Delhi NCR.

    A short drive further east brings travellers to Jaypee Greens Golf & Spa Resort, where landscaped greens and open skies set the tone. Overlooking a championship golf course, the resort lends itself to slow mornings, spa rituals, and easy indulgence without the need for extensive travel. The setting works equally well for couples, families, or solo travellers looking for a low effort reset.
    For those willing to trade city horizons for mountain air, Jaypee Residency Manor offers a hilltop escape defined by panoramic views. Perched above Mussoorie, the property pairs cosy interiors with sweeping vistas that stretch from sunrise to starlight. The long weekend unfolds here through quiet meals, mountain walks, and evenings that invite stillness rather than schedules.

    Together, these destinations reflect a growing preference for slow travel during short breaks. Instead of ticking off sights, the focus shifts to rest, comfort, and presence. This Republic Day, the luxury lies not in distance covered, but in time reclaimed.
    At Prittle PrattleNews, featuring you virtuously, we celebrate the commitment and innovation. Led by Editor-in-Chief Smruti Bhalerao, our platform is dedicated to sharing impactful stories that inspire change and create awareness. Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube for more stories that matter.

  • Clean formulation takes centre stage in the premium vodka category with Shelter 6

    Badshah, Co-Founder of Shelter 6, and Mokksh Sani, Founder of Living Liquidz and Co-Founder of Cartel Bros, discuss the focus on gluten-free and sugar-free vodka

    Mumbai, 16 January 2026: Clean formulation is emerging as a defining theme in India’s premium vodka category, with Shelter 6 positioning itself around gluten-free and sugar-free credentials at a time when consumers are paying closer attention to what goes into their glass. Co-founded by rapper and cultural icon Badshah, the brand is seeking to reframe premium vodka around purity, transparency, and process rather than image alone.
    Shelter 6 distinguishes itself through a six-time distillation process carried out in Russia, a method that the brand says delivers exceptional clarity and a notably smooth finish. Contrary to common perceptions that tequila is lower in calories than vodka, Shelter 6 claims its formulation contains fewer calories than tequila, reinforcing its positioning as a lighter, cleaner spirit designed to be enjoyed neat.

    Commenting on the thinking behind the product, Mokksh Sani, Founder of Living Liquidz and Co-Founder of Cartel Bros, said the intent was to move beyond generic claims of purity. He noted that Shelter 6 was developed to be genuinely gluten-free and sugar-free without sacrificing taste or character, adding that the absence of unnecessary additives was as important as the distillation process itself in defining the vodka’s identity.
    For Badshah, Shelter 6 represents a personal approach to clean drinking and informed consumption. He said the motivation behind the brand was to create a vodka where consumers know exactly what they are drinking, emphasising clarity, confidence, and a process free of shortcuts. The six-step distillation, he added, was central to achieving the smoothness that aligns with the brand’s philosophy.

    Beyond formulation, Shelter 6 leans into cultural identity. The name reflects a space of belonging and creative energy, while the minimalist bottle design uses bold metallic tones and sharp detailing to stand out in low-light settings, reinforcing its presence across nightlife and social spaces.
    The vodka is crafted by Cartel Bros, the group behind award-winning whiskies such as The Glenwalk and The GlenJourneys. With Shelter 6, the company extends its focus on craftsmanship into the vodka segment, aiming to shape contemporary drinking preferences.

    Currently available across major Indian metros, Shelter 6 plans to introduce flavoured variants later this year. As ingredient transparency and clean formulation gain prominence among urban consumers, the brand is positioning itself as part of a broader shift in how premium spirits are evaluated in India.
    At Prittle PrattleNews, featuring you virtuously, we celebrate the commitment and innovation. Led by Editor-in-Chief Smruti Bhalerao, our platform is dedicated to sharing impactful stories that inspire change and create awareness. Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube for more stories that matter.

  • Everyday habits replace special occasions in how people socialised in 2025, shows SOCIAL Wrapped

    Divya Aggarwal, Chief Growth Officer at Impresario Entertainment and Hospitality, explains the shift toward mood led dining, late nights and community routines

    Hyderabad, January 13, 2026: Everyday routines increasingly replaced occasion driven outings in 2025, with people choosing familiar spaces that could adapt to different moods and times of day. This shift is reflected in SOCIAL 2025 Wrapped, an annual data led release that examines how guests across Indian cities used SOCIAL’s café bar spaces through the year.
    The findings point to SOCIAL functioning less as a destination for specific celebrations and more as an all day, all mood environment. Guests used the spaces for workday meals, informal meetings, live music, late night gatherings, and delivery, often returning multiple times and building personal routines around the format rather than dropping in sporadically.

    Commenting on the behavioural patterns, Divya Aggarwal, Chief Growth Officer at Impresario Entertainment and Hospitality, said that 2025 marked a clear move away from occasion led dining. She noted that people stepped out not only to celebrate, but to seek comfort, familiarity, or a brief reset, whether through food, music, community events, or late night delivery.
    Data from the year shows that SOCIAL hosted 2,025 community events and over 2,100 live music gigs across cities, reinforcing its role as a multi use cultural space. These events ranged from karaoke nights and open mics to workshops, sports screenings, bazaars, and game led formats, drawing repeat participation from local communities.

    Food choices through the year reflected comfort driven behaviour. Guests consumed 1,46,055 bowls of ramen, 1,13,825 plates of chaat, and 63,275 servings of K Krispy Lotus Stems. Certain dishes moved at a steady pace throughout the year, with Fully Reloaded Nachos selling every 1.25 minutes, Couch Potato Platters every 4.25 minutes, and Boss Fried Chicken Burgers every 5 minutes, underscoring the role of familiar, shareable food in social dining.
    An all day beverage culture also emerged. SOCIAL served over 81 million millilitres of cocktails and shots in 2025, including Banarasi Patiala, Longest Long Island Iced Tea, Longest Long Island Iced Coffee, and SOCIAL Kamikrazy, while continuing to operate as a café where cutting chai and matcha coexisted comfortably. This blend reflected the overlap between work hours, casual catch ups, and late evening socialising.

    Delivery patterns highlighted SOCIAL’s relevance beyond in person dining. During the year, the brand delivered over 15,000 kilograms of biryani, with nearly half of all delivery orders placed after 11 pm. Loyalty also deepened, with more new Social Club members joining in 2025 than the seating capacity of a sold out DY Patil Stadium event. At the extreme end of engagement, one guest spent ₹3.63 lakh at SOCIAL over the year.
    Alongside performance metrics, the data also captured everyday realities of shared social spaces. Over 4,82,000 tissue rolls went missing, more than 9,000 glasses were broken, the phrase “chal, last drink” was heard over 87,000 times, and close to 42,000 guests stayed until closing, offering a human lens to how people used the spaces.
    At Prittle PrattleNews, featuring you virtuously, we celebrate the commitment and innovation. Led by Editor-in-Chief Smruti Bhalerao, our platform is dedicated to sharing impactful stories that inspire change and create awareness. Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube for more stories that matter.

  • As registrations open, Rahul Rao outlines the vision behind a nationwide search for excellence

    The Zee Zest Unlimit Awards 2026 invites brands, creators and experiences shaping India’s food and lifestyle space

    Mumbai, January 2026: Registrations have officially opened for the 2026 edition of the Zee Zest Unlimit Awards, a national platform recognising excellence across food, travel, and lifestyle. The upcoming edition is anchored in the theme Redefining Excellence and aims to identify individuals, brands, and experiences that are influencing creativity, quality, and cultural relevance across India’s evolving food and lifestyle ecosystem.
    The Zee Zest Unlimit Awards 2026 will feature a wide range of categories spanning restaurants, cafés, bars, bakeries, spirit brands, breweries, experiential dining formats, hospitality concepts, and content creators. The awards continue to build on their credibility through a structured evaluation process guided by an expert jury drawn from the food and hospitality industry.

    The jury for the 2026 edition includes veteran food critic Rashmi Uday Singh, restaurateur and hospitality entrepreneur AD Singh, chef Rahul Akerkar, chef and F and B consultant Sneha Singhi Upadhaya, chefpreneur and television presenter Ajay Chopra, food writer Priya Ganapathy, mixologist Nitin Tewari, luxury hospitality and lifestyle curator Karishma Sakhrani, and food writer Rukhsana Kapadia, among others. The panel brings together diverse expertise to ensure a balanced and credible assessment process rooted in craft, innovation, and cultural impact.
    Speaking about the upcoming edition, Rahul Rao, Chief Channel Officer, Zee Zest, said the awards continue to recognise individuals and organisations that raise standards and influence the future direction of India’s food, travel, and lifestyle sectors. He added that the 2026 edition seeks to acknowledge originality, consistency, and innovation that reflect the spirit of contemporary India.

    Registrations for the Zee Zest Unlimit Awards 2026 are now open and will remain live until 21 January 2026. Establishments, brands, and individuals from across the country can submit nominations across multiple categories through the official awards platform.
    The previous edition of the Zee Zest Unlimit Awards saw strong participation from across the industry, bringing together chefs, restaurateurs, hospitality leaders, creators, and media professionals. The event featured presentations by leading culinary figures including Chef Vikas Khanna, Chef Ranveer Brar, and Chef Hemant Oberoi, reinforcing the awards’ position within the food and hospitality ecosystem.

    The ceremony also witnessed the presence of actors and cultural figures such as Nushrratt Bharuccha, Adah Sharma, Aparshakti Khurana, Mrunal Thakur, Bobby Deol, Javed Jaffrey, Manoj Bajpayee, Babil Khan, Nimrat Kaur, Chitrangada Singh, Aditi Govitrikar, Sara Afreen, and Sumona Chakravarti, along with influencers and public personalities including Miss Malini, RJ Malishka, and South Korean pop artist Aoora.
    As nominations open for the 2026 edition, the Zee Zest Unlimit Awards continues to position itself as a platform offering national visibility to both emerging and established voices shaping India’s food, travel, and lifestyle landscape.
    At Prittle PrattleNews, featuring you virtuously, we celebrate the commitment and innovation. Led by Editor-in-Chief Smruti Bhalerao, our platform is dedicated to sharing impactful stories that inspire change and create awareness. Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube for more stories that matter.

  • Behind the scenes of villa hospitality comes into focus through a new podcast by EkoStay

    EkoStay Co Founder and CEO Varun Arora explains why the industry needs more honest conversations

    A candid look into the realities of villa and homestay hospitality is taking shape through Ekostay Stories, a new in house podcast series introduced by EkoStay. The podcast is designed to move beyond curated travel narratives and surface the unfiltered experiences, operational challenges, and human dynamics that define the vacation rental ecosystem.
    Ekostay Stories brings together voices from across the hospitality value chain, including founders, guests, homeowners, vendors, and internal teams. The conversations focus on what happens behind a stay, ranging from guest behaviour and homeowner coordination to operational pressures, humour, conflict, and unexpected moments that rarely make it to public platforms.

    The podcast has been positioned as both an industry conversation and a storytelling platform. At a time when hospitality content is often shaped by reviews and influencer driven narratives, Ekostay Stories centres on lived experiences and long form conversations that explain how villa hospitality actually functions on the ground.
    Explaining the intent behind the series, Varun Arora, Co Founder and Chief Executive Officer of EkoStay, said that the idea emerged from a gap in how the homestay industry communicates. He said that while guests frequently share experiences online, especially when issues arise, there is little visibility into the coordination, people management, and decision making that happens behind the scenes. According to him, the podcast aims to open that door and present the industry as it truly operates.

    He added that building and managing vacation homes involves multiple layers, from sourcing properties and preparing them for guests to balancing expectations across homeowners, staff, competitors, and local authorities. These realities, he noted, are often invisible despite being central to the guest experience.
    Ekostay Stories follows an informal and candid conversation format described internally as a tea party, allowing space for humour, disagreement, vulnerability, and reflection. Early episodes explore real incidents and experiences drawn from day to day operations, offering perspectives that range from light hearted to challenging.

    The podcast has been created for a broad audience. It is relevant to hospitality and travel professionals, property owners, and aspiring hosts, as well as travellers interested in understanding how villa brands operate. It also serves as a transparent window for students, managers, and entrepreneurs exploring careers or ventures in hospitality and consumer services.
    Episodes will be released weekly and will cover topics such as homeowner relationships, workforce challenges, competition, regulatory navigation, and changing traveller behaviour. Future conversations are expected to also examine longer stays, remote work led travel patterns, and the role of technology in shaping transparency and trust within the alternative accommodation sector.
    As India’s vacation rental market continues to evolve, Ekostay Stories reflects a growing demand for authenticity and openness. By turning operational realities into shared conversations, the podcast aims to contribute to more informed dialogue around how hospitality brands are built, tested, and sustained.
    At Prittle PrattleNews, featuring you virtuously, we celebrate the commitment and innovation. Led by Editor-in-Chief Smruti Bhalerao, our platform is dedicated to sharing impactful stories that inspire change and create awareness. Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube for more stories that matter.