The Newsletter from the Creative Travel Family of Brands
Dear Industry Colleagues,
Welcome to another edition of 'Creatively Yours'.
As we embrace February, we reflect on an exciting year ahead, filled with memorable moments and new opportunities. January saw our much-anticipated annual Chaat Party, a celebration of camaraderie and the vibrant spirit of our travel community. (What is Chaat?) Looking ahead, we remain dedicated to curating extraordinary travel experiences across South Asia and beyond.
This edition brings you exciting updates from the industry. Jaipur welcomes 1932 Trevi, a new Italian dining destination, while new hotels and flight routes continue to enhance connectivity and guest experiences. Our Story of the Month explores India’s enchanting spring season, showcasing its beauty and cultural significance
In our Indians Around the World section, we pay tribute to Ravi Shankar, a visionary virtuoso whose musical legacy resonates across generations. For our Cool Location feature, we transport you to The Source at Sula, India’s first heritage winery resort in Nashik—a haven where the romance of wine country meets indulgent luxury.
Culinary enthusiasts will enjoy our Recipe of the Month: Tandoori Prawn Skewers, an exquisite Indian starter combining smoky aromas, juicy textures, and bold flavours. Meanwhile, in our Iconic Things to Eat section, we celebrate Kulfi: The Ice Cream of Kings, a regal treat born in the Mughal kitchens and now beloved across South Asia.
We are also gearing up for key industry events, including The Meetings Show Asia, Singapore, and ILTM Frankfurt. We look forward to reconnecting with industry friends and forging new partnerships that will shape the future of travel.
We are delighted to present our 2025 ‘Be our Guest‘ portfolio to our partners. This gives you the opportunity to experience not only India, Nepal and Sri Lanka, but also the legendary services that have made us what we are today. Many will copy us, but there is only one ‘Be our Guest‘.
For personalized training and strategy sessions tailored for travel advisors and tour operators, feel free to reach out to us at knowledge@creative.travel Stay informed with weekly updates from The South Asia Travel Journal.
See details here.
They say, “seeing is believing”.
Can words describe 3.2 million sq. kms. of the Indian subcontinent? Can pictures capture a terrain as diverse as lush green forests, golden deserts and the majestic Himalaya range? Can stories tell you all you want to know about the complex cultures of the Indian people, their languages and dialects, their rituals and traditions? To feel their magic, be touched by her spirituality, experience her intensity or join in her celebrations, you have to be in India.
Creative Travel’s annual ‘Chaat Party’ continues its proud legacy
The much-awaited Creative Travel’s annual Chaat Party was celebrated over two days on 31st January and 2nd February 2025, at the Kohli residence. Both days dawned bright and sunny, bringing welcome relief during Delhi-NCR’s coldest winter spell. With the who’s who of the travel trade in attendance, it was full of bonhomie and good cheer shared over mouth-watering chaat.
Air India to Launch Daily Delhi-Bhuj Flights from February 1
Air India has commenced daily flights between Delhi and Bhuj starting February 1, 2025. The airline will operate Airbus A320 aircraft on this route, offering the only full-service option for travellers to and from Bhuj.
Radisson Collection launches beachfront resort in Galle, Sri Lanka
Radisson Collection has expanded its luxury hospitality offerings to Sri Lanka by opening a new beachfront resort in Galle. This marks the brand's first property in the Southeast Asia and Pacific region. The resort, located near Galle's historic fort and pristine beaches, offers guests a blend of cultural heritage and modern luxury. Amenities include upscale accommodations, diverse dining options, wellness facilities, and a dedicated kids' club.
Air India Express has announced an increased free checked baggage allowance for passengers from Gulf countries to India. Effective immediately, travellers can now check-in up to 40 kilograms of luggage without additional fees. This enhancement aims to provide greater convenience for passengers on these routes. In addition to the increased baggage allowance.
Timbertales Luxury Resort has officially opened in Coorg, featuring 71 villas spread across 100 acres. Designed by architect Abdul Manan, the resort combines eco-luxury with traditional local craftsmanship, utilizing Murukallu (Laterite stone) to harmonize with the surrounding greenery. Amenities include the Bamboo Buzz restaurant, offering over 250 curated dishes with lakefront views, and the Cellar Lounge Bar, featuring Winchester-style seating. Prasad G P, joint managing director, emphasized that Timbertales aims to provide an experience that embodies the charm of Coorg while redefining luxury tourism in India.
Indian Railways Introduces Vistadome Train on Kalka-Shimla Route
Indian Railways is set to introduce a new Vistadome train on the historic Kalka-Shimla route, aiming to enhance the travel experience for passengers. Inspired by Switzerland's Glacier Express.
1932 Trevi is a new Italian restaurant in Jaipur, located within the Santha Bagh estate. Spanning 14,000 square feet, the establishment artfully combines Italian and Indian design elements, featuring motifs like peacocks and lotuses throughout its decor. The restaurant offers four distinct areas: the Plume Bar, the open-air Bagh dining space, the Vanity Room for exclusive multi-course meals, and the Tuscan Alley with a live Italian kitchen centred around a Trevi-inspired fountain.
Air India Express has launched new direct flights from Patna to Bengaluru, Bhubaneswar, and Hyderabad, enhancing connectivity for travellers in Bihar. The airline now operates 21 weekly flights from Patna, offering direct access to these three cities. Additionally, passengers can connect to destinations such as Kozhikode.
JW Marriott opens second Maldives Resort in Kaafu Atoll
JW Marriott has announced the grand opening of its second luxury retreat in the Maldives, the JW Marriott Kaafu Atoll Island Resort. Located just 15 minutes by boat from Velana International Airport, the resort offers an idyllic sanctuary designed for ultimate relaxation in an oceanic paradise. The resort blends traditional island aesthetics with modern luxury, featuring 80 private pool villas, including 47 overwater villas. Each villa is thoughtfully designed with expansive terraces, uninterrupted ocean views.
Five more Cheetahs were released into Kuno National Park
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has released five more cheetahs into the wild at Kuno National Park, furthering India’s ambitious Cheetah reintroduction program. This follows the earlier release of two Cheetahs, Agni and Vayu, bringing the total number of free-ranging Cheetahs in the park to seven.
Holi, celebrated across India, is a festival that symbolizes joy, unity, and the arrival of spring. Known for its colour-throwing celebrations, the festival also features traditional rituals such as the Holika Dahan, where bonfires are lit to mark the triumph of good over evil. Each region in India has its own unique way of celebrating Holi.
Held annually at the UNESCO-listed Khajuraho temples, the Khajuraho Dance Festival is a week-long event dedicated to India's classical dance traditions. The open-air performances take place against the backdrop of intricately carved temples, creating a breathtaking setting for cultural expression. The festival features Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Odissi, Kuchipudi, Mohiniyattam, Manipuri, and Sattriya, performed by some of India's most renowned artists. Alongside the dance performances, the festival hosts crafts fairs.
Held annually near the Taj Mahal, the Taj Mahotsav is a ten-day festival celebrating India's rich artistic and cultural traditions. The event features handicrafts, textiles, sculptures, and paintings, bringing together artisans nationwide. Visitors can explore various traditional crafts, including Banarasi silk.
Spring in India does not arrive quietly; it sweeps in like a melody full of colour, scent, and rhythm. The first signs appear in the air, warmer and sweeter, thick with the fragrance of mango and apricot blossoms. Mustard fields ripple like golden waves while the flaming reds of Gulmohar and Palash trees blaze against the softening sky. Bougainvillea spills over whitewashed walls in a riot of pinks and purples. It is a season that stirs the senses, awakens old memories, and invites joy in its purest form.
Perched atop a hill in the Aravalli Range, Raas Devigarh offers sweeping views of Delwara village and the surrounding countryside. Built-in 1760 under the reign of Rajrana Sajja Singh II, the palace was constructed using locally sourced marble, a tradition that was carefully upheld during its restoration. Once a neglected fortress, it has been thoughtfully transformed into a refined heritage retreat, maintaining its historic character while embracing modern design and comfort.
Tucked within the rolling vineyards of Sula in Nashik, The Source at Sula is where the romance of wine country meets the indulgence of a luxury retreat. As India's first heritage winery resort, it offers an experience that unfolds in layers, much like a fine vintage. Time slows down here, allowing you to savour sun-drenched landscapes, crisp country air, and a seamless blend of rustic elegance and contemporary comfort.
Kulfi is no ordinary dessert. It is India's original ice cream, rich, velvety, and steeped in history. Born in the royal kitchens of the Mughal era, its name comes from the Persian word Qulfi, meaning "covered cup," a nod to its traditional preparation. Once an exclusive treat for royalty, Kulfi has become a street-side favourite, loved across South Asia and beyond.
Born in 1920 in Varanasi, Ravi Shankar’s artistic journey began as a dancer in his brother’s troupe, travelling across India and Europe. But destiny had other plans. Under the rigorous tutelage of maestro Allauddin Khan, he dedicated himself to the sitar, spending years mastering the intricate ragas of Hindustani classical music. His deep knowledge, emotive playing, and improvisational brilliance made him a force to be reckoned with in Indian classical music. By the 1950s, he composed for films and All India Radio, shaping the sound of an evolving nation.
Tandoori King Prawn Skewers are a delightful treat for seafood enthusiasts, offering a perfect combination of smoky aroma, juicy texture, and bold flavors. This traditional Indian dish features large, succulent prawns marinated in a rich and flavorful blend of yogurt, garlic, ginger, and an array of aromatic spices such as cumin, coriander, and garam masala. The marinade not only enhances the natural sweetness of the prawns but also infuses them with a tantalizing depth of flavor.
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