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New kids on the block

Banana Leaf, Mumbai

A new South-Indian eatery, Banana Leaf has opened at Andheri, Mumbai. Functionally designed, the walls display scenes of village life and a photograph of the Meenakshi temple. Customers can listen to traditional Carnatic music, while trying the varied fare which includes over 20 varieties of idlis and dosas, 15 varieties of uttapams, a dozen rice dishes, as well as fusion combinations like coconut-honey and tomato-sev uttapams and spinach garlic dosas. Dessert comprises hot or cold payasam and gadbad ice cream - a very popular dessert in the South.

Laika Resort, Bangalore

Located off MG road in Bangalore, the new Laika resort is an interesting pot-pourri of different places and time, carefully chosen from old houses and monuments for their heritage contribution. All eight rooms are spacious with colourful decor, air-conditioning, television, telephone, hot and cold water options. The resort also provides laundry, room service and housekeeping facilities.

Grand Sarovar Premiere, Mumbai

Sarovar Hotel & Resorts has launched the Grand Sarovar Premiere, Mumbai. A contemporary business hotel, targeting international and Indian business and leisure travellers, Grand Sarovar Premiere is strategically located in the heart of the commercial district in Goregaon, just a few minutes away from InOrbit Mall and Mindspace - the BPO hub of Mumbai. It is also in close proximity to both the international and domestic airports.

The hotel features 98 guest rooms comprising 67 superior, 30 superior deluxe and one presidential suite with modern conveniences and guest amenities that include flat screen TVs, in-room tea/coffee maker, personal safety deposit box, direct dial telephone and broadband internet access.

Tamaya, Delhi

Jaypee Group, in association with Pevonia Botanica, has launched Tamaya - Spa, Salon and Wellness Centre in its Vasant Continental property in Delhi. This is in keeping with the hotel's mission to combine traditional Indian hospitality with modern systems and processes for its guests. Some of the specialised treatments being offered are Caviar treatments for men and women, Moroccan Rassoul Body Wrap, Aromatic Anti-Fatigue Moor Mud and Sabai Stone Therapy, to name a few.

Ramada Powai

Nestled in a green environment near the Powai and Vihar lakes, Ramada Powai is located in close proximity to Hiranandani Gardens, SEEPZ and MIDC in Mumbai. With both the domestic and international airport nearby, the hotel has been designed keeping in mind the needs of executive and leisure travellers.

Accordingly, it offers 134 aesthetically designed guest rooms that include grand suites featuring a panoramic view of the green valley and the lake, deluxe rooms, superior rooms, handicap rooms, as well as smoking and non-smoking rooms.

INTERNATIONAL

Mandarin Oriental Riviera Maya, Mexico

Located 30-minutes away from Cancún International Airport, the newly-opened Mandarin Oriental Riviera Maya, Mexico features 128 guest rooms in contemporary-styled bungalow villas or two-storey villas, overlooking the many streams and lagoons that surround the resort. Spread over 36 acres, each room includes an attached private terrace or garden, while some also feature plunge pools and garden bathrooms. A variety of restaurants and bars serving a wide range of contemporary Asian and international cuisine is on offer, and the resort also offers special spa cuisine and healthy fare. In addition, the resort features a 25,000 sq ft spa which provides a combination of spa, beauty and heat experiences, as well as traditional Asian healing therapies.

Jumeirah Carlton Tower, Knightsbridge

The Jumeirah Carlton Tower, Knightsbridge has announced the launch of six new luxury suites. All six suites mirror a similar style but with subtle changes demonstrated through individually commissioned art works by British artists. While the entrance to the suites is through a private lobby equipped with a mini-bar, the suites themselves feature upholstered couches, dark wood furniture and hand tufted rugs. Bathrooms include amenities like double sinks and a concealed toilet and shower area.

Rasa Ria Resort, Kota Kinabalu

Shangri-La's Rasa Ria Resort, Kota Kinabalu has opened a new five-storey luxury Ocean Wing. Offering 90 sea-facing Premier guestrooms, décor reflects Sabah's natural environment, yet are equipped with a full array of modern amenities, like in-room check-in. Each room's terrace comes complete with a private outdoor bathtub for two. A choice of arranged bathing experiences includes candlelight, flower petals, chocolate and champagne. A free-form swimming pool and 30-metre lap pool are reserved for the private use of Ocean Wing guests, as is The Coast restaurant for breakfast.

Mövenpick Hotel, Izmir

An upscale Mövenpick hotel recently opened its doors in the vibrant Turkish city of Izmir. Located in the heart of the city, the five-star business hotel is in close proximity to the business and shopping district and the trade fair grounds within walking distance, and Adnan Menderes International Airport is just 18 km away.

Carlson Hotels, Asia Pacific

As part of its expansion plans in Asia Pacific, Carlson Hotels is soon to launch two new hotels under the Regent and Radisson brands in Manila Bay, The Philippines. Expected to be completed by the fourth quarter of 2009, the new hotels will showcase a unique hotel-within-a-hotel design, with the 80-suite luxury Regent Manila Bay housed within the Radisson Hotel Manila Bay, but with its own driveway, entrance, lobby, guest facilities and staff.