The Newsletter from the Creative Travel Family of Brands
Dear Industry Colleagues,
Welcome to another edition of 'Creatively Yours'.
We’re also in the final month of our 2025 ‘Be our Guest‘ portfolio for partners - a unique opportunity to experience not only India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka, but also the legendary service that defines us. While many may try to imitate, there is only one ‘Be our Guest‘.
This month, we spotlight the famed Indian sweet Rasgulla, a beloved delicacy from Eastern India. In our Cool Locations section, we feature Coral Pearl, Lakshadweep — an island retreat offering stunning views of turquoise waters and golden sunsets. Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose takes center stage in our Indians Around the World section as one of the most iconic leaders of India’s freedom struggle. For our Recipe of the Month, we bring you the rich and comforting flavors of Malai Kofta, a true gem of Indian fine dining.
As always, we continue to offer custom training and one-on-one strategy sessions for travel advisors and tour operators worldwide. If you'd like to plan a session for you and your team, just email us at knowledge@creative.travel with your details.
Lastly, we’re honored to be nominated once again in three categories at the prestigious 32nd World Travel Awards. Your support means the world to us, find the voting links in our Creative in the News section and across our social platforms.
Creative Travel and Jungle sutra have been nominated yet again by the prestigious World Travel Awards
It's about trust, continuity, and reliability of 48 years we have honoured the trust our clients & partners have placed in us across India and the subcontinent. We have never let a partner down and never will.
We are humbled and honoured to have been nominated yet again by the prestigious World Travel Awards in three categories -
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.
Oberoi Hotels & Resorts Ranks #2 Globally, Wins Top Honours at Travel + Leisure USA World’s Best Awards 2025
Oberoi Hotels & Resorts has once again cemented its place among the world’s finest, receiving multiple prestigious accolades in the Travel + Leisure USA World’s Best Awards 2025.
It might sound surprising, but even the Taj Mahal needs a face pack sometimes. In the early 2000s, conservationists used Multani mitti (Fuller’s Earth) to clean the marble surface—removing layers of dirt, pollution, and biological deposits that had dulled its shine. The natural clay treatment proved highly effective, restoring the marble’s brightness without damaging the stone, and has since become a trusted method in the monument’s care.
Air India Express Connects Bengaluru and Kathmandu with New Direct Flights
Air India Express has launched a new daily non-stop flight connecting Bengaluru to Kathmandu, strengthening air connectivity between India and Nepal. This route marks the airline’s entry into the Nepal market and expands its international footprint to 55 destinations.
Gir Aatithya Clarks Inn Brings Nature-Inspired Hospitality to Sasan Gir
Clarks Hotels & Resorts has unveiled its newest property, Gir Aatithya Clarks Inn, located in the scenic wilderness of Sasan Gir, Gujarat. Spread over 16 lush acres and just a short drive from the renowned Somnath Temple, the resort offers a serene escape for wildlife enthusiasts, pilgrims, and families alike.The property features spacious Deluxe and Premium rooms, each equipped with private balconies overlooking mango orchards and natural surroundings. Guests can enjoy.
Autograph Collection Hotels Makes South Asia Debut with The Soaltee Kathmandu
Autograph Collection Hotels, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s global family of distinctive brands, has launched its first property in South Asia with the opening of The Soaltee Kathmandu, Autograph Collection in Nepal’s capital.
Hilton Garden Inn Makes Mumbai Debut Near International Airport
Hilton has officially launched the Hilton Garden Inn Mumbai International Airport, marking the brand’s debut in India’s financial capital. Strategically located in Andheri East, the 140-room hotel offers convenient access to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, major business hubs, and city landmarks like Juhu Beach and Bandra Kurla Complex.Developed in partnership with Fariyas Hotels & Resorts, the hotel is designed for both business and leisure travelers.
Minimalist Hotels Launches Second Property in Varanasi to Meet Rising Demand
Minimalist Hotels, a fast-growing lifestyle hospitality brand, has expanded its presence in Varanasi with the launch of its second property, Minimalist Hotel: The Varanasi Edit.
Royal Jordanian Airlines Resumes Operations to India
In a significant move to strengthen connectivity between the Middle East and South Asia, Royal Jordanian Airlines has announced its return to the Indian skies. Starting soon, the airline will operate flights connecting Amman, Jordan’s capital, with Delhi and Mumbai.This strategic relaunch marks a revival of ties between the two regions, facilitating smoother travel for business, leisure, and diaspora passengers.
SAS to Resume India Operations with Direct Copenhagen–Mumbai Flights from June 2026
Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) is set to reconnect with India after a 17-year hiatus, launching a new direct route between Copenhagen and Mumbai starting June 2, 2026.
IndiGo Debuts Long-Haul Flights to Manchester and Amsterdam
IndiGo has officially entered the long-haul market with the launch of direct flights from Mumbai to Manchester and Amsterdam, marking a major milestone for India’s largest airline. The Manchester route began on July 1, followed by Amsterdam on July 2, both operated by Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners leased from Norse Atlantic Airways.This move marks IndiGo’s transition from a regional powerhouse to a carrier with global ambitions.
Dusit Unveils First All-Inclusive Lifestyle Resort in the Maldives with dusitD2 Feydhoo
Dusit Hotels and Resorts, the hospitality arm of Dusit International, is expanding its footprint in the Maldives with the launch of dusitD2 Feydhoo Maldives, the group’s first all-inclusive lifestyle resort and second property in the island nation. Set to soft open on July 27, 2025, the vibrant new resort joins.
Le Méridien Opens in Ahmedabad with a Cultural Twist
Le Méridien Hotels & Resorts has officially launched Le Méridien Ahmedabad, bringing the brand’s signature blend of timeless sophistication, mid-century aesthetics, and cultural immersion to one of India’s most historic and vibrant cities. The property marks a rebranding and transformation of the former Courtyard by Marriott Ahmedabad and represents a major addition to the city’s luxury hospitality scene.With 164 thoughtfully designed rooms and suites, the hotel showcases a refined design palette inspired by Ahmedabad’s textile traditions and architectural legacy.
Vanghat: India’s Hidden Wilderness Retreat on the Edge of Corbett
Vanghat, one of the most remote wildlife lodges in India, is nestled deep within the western wilderness of Jim Corbett National Park. Set on the banks of the Ramganga River, the lodge is accessible only on foot and by raft.
Janmashtami, this year will be celebrated on 16th August 2025, is one of the most cherished Hindu festivals in India and Nepal, marking the divine birth of Lord Krishna, the eighth avatar of Vishnu. The festival is steeped in devotion, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil and the importance of righteousness, love.
Nehru Trophy Boat Race: A Mesmerizing Spectacle on the Waters of Kerala 30th August, 2025
The Nehru Trophy Boat Race, a vibrant celebration of Kerala’s rich cultural heritage, is an event like no other. Named after India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, this annual race transforms the serene Punnamda Lake in Alappuzha into a pulsating arena of excitement and festivity. Traditionally held on the second Saturday of August, the 2025 Nehru Trophy Boat Race will instead take place on August 30 due to a scheduling decision by the organizers.
The Hidden Link: How World War II Shaped India’s Path to Independence
World War II is often recalled for its dramatic battles and geopolitical shifts across Europe and the Pacific. Yet its impact reached far beyond these frontlines, profoundly shaping colonial India’s path to freedom.
As Britain diverted its military and economic resources to fight on multiple fronts, vulnerabilities in its grip over India became increasingly apparent. During this critical period, a bold and unconventional chapter of India’s independence movement emerged: the rise of the Azad Hind Fauj, or Indian National Army (INA), under the leadership of Subhas Chandra Bose.
Indulge in the exquisite allure of Handcrafted Silk with our exclusive Textile Tour through India. Prepare to be enchanted as you delve into the legacy of Indian craftsmanship, where each thread whispers tales of tradition and elegance. Embark on a captivating journey, exploring the intricate beauty of premium and vintage designer handlooms.
Coral Pearl, Lakshadweep: An Island Retreat on Bangaram
Set on the untouched shores of Bangaram Island, Coral Pearl, Lakshadweep invites guests to experience one of India’s last true island sanctuaries. Here, 50 elegant glamping tents are thoughtfully designed with expansive glass panels, offering sweeping views of turquoise waters and golden sunsets. Interiors use gentle natural textures and calming hues, creating spaces that echo the easy rhythms of island life.
In Eastern India, Rasgulla is more than a dessert; it is nostalgia scooped and simmered in syrup, a bite of memory conjured at weddings, festivals, and lazy summer afternoons. To Bengalis and Odias alike, it is a matter of gentle rivalry, an emblem of culinary pride, and, sometimes, of sweet diplomacy.
A force of nature in India’s struggle for freedom, Subhas Chandra Bose was more than just a leader—he was a vision in motion. Born in Cuttack in 1897, he excelled academically and entered the Indian Civil Service, only to abandon it for the cause that flowed stronger than obligation: independence.
Malai Kofta – A Royal Punjabi North Indian Delight
Bring the magic of Indian fine dining into your home with this irresistible Malai Kofta – soft, golden-fried paneer-potato dumplings luxuriously coated in cream, gently nestled in a velvety, spiced tomato-cashew gravy. This North Indian classic, often the star of vegetarian menus, is a celebration of textures and rich, nuanced flavors that promise to enchant every palate.
Global Sales Offices: Creative Travel has network of sales teams around the world to assist you in your region. Specialists are available to assist you with information on leisure travel, special interest trips, corporate, meetings & incentive travel and wildlife products. For details please visit www.creative.travel/contacts
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