Tourism Breaking News
The Hotel And Restaurant Association (Western India) – HRAWI celebrated excellence at its 5th Empowering Hospitality Conclave & Awards on 26th June 2025 at Della Resorts & Adventures, Lonavala. Graced by Chief Guest Shri Mohamed Farouk – Regional Director (Western Region), India Tourism Mumbai, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, the event recognized pioneers reshaping Lonavala and Khandala’s hospitality and culinary identity through innovation, sustainability and leadership.
Among the distinguished recipients was the Late Subhash Thakker, the pioneer behind Dukes Retreat, Khandala recognized with the Lifetime Achievement Award. Maganlal & Sons, the iconic Lonavala Chikki brand founded in the 1880s at a railway cart, now a four-generation legacy of authentic taste and tradition, and Cooper’s Fudge & Chikkis, the family-run Lonavala institution since the 1950s were bestowed with Founder’s Excellence in Regional Cuisine.
Jimmy Mistry (Della Group), the Creator of Sky Garden – India’s first levitating fine-dining experience 150 ft. above ground, was recognized with Innovation in Dining Award as well as with the Best Adventure Resorts Award for Della Adventure Park, which is India’s largest extreme adventure destination.
Kishore Keswani MD & Founder of Kailash Parbat Hotel was recognized for his Outstanding Contribution in the hotels category. The award for the Best Iconic Hotel in Lonavala was bagged by the Fariyas Resort and The Fern – An Ecotel Hotel was awarded the Best Hotel in Lonavala.
Rhythm Hospitality, the innovator of the ResiTel model was recognized as Best Boutique Resort in Lonavala while Mr Madhav Todi Director of Triose Boutique Hotel was awarded the Sustainable Hospitality Award for the championing of green practices including solar energy, zero plastic, rainwater harvesting and waste recycling. Ikshana Resort & Spa won the award for the Best New Hotel in Khandala and Enrise by Sayaji won the award for the Best New Hotel in Lonavala.
Faisal Nafees of Radisson Resort & Spa Lonavala is a 25-year veteran who rose from bartender to GM, was recognized as the General Manager of the Year. Mr Nitesh Yadav, the dynamic leader who expanded Discover Resorts into a top Maharashtra chain across Karjat, Khandala and Pali won the Young General Manager of the Year award.
Chef Nandan More of the Dukes Retreat was recognized as the Hotel Chef of the Year for his 30+ years’ global expertise in menu innovation, kitchen design and experiential dining. Ranggat Family Restaurant was awarded the Best New Restaurant in Lonavala and Hotel Chandralok, the fourth-generation guardian of Lonavala’s iconic Gujarati thali since 1962, won Best Restaurant Thali.
The conclave and awards reaffirmed HRAWI’s commitment to accelerating hill tourism growth, spotlighting Lonavala-Khandala as India’s premier experiential destination whilst recognizing the efforts of individuals and organizations that continue to elevate the sector.
“We honour the architects of Lonavala and Khandala’s hospitality renaissance. Your pioneering spirit, whether in sustainability, adventure tourism or preserving culinary heritage, fuels Maharashtra’s global appeal. Our sincere gratitude to Shri Mohamed Farouk for championing our vision and to every attendee who strengthens this ecosystem. Together, we’re not just awarding excellence; we’re building legacies,” concludes Jimmy Shaw, President, HRAWI.
