Neha Mehrotra
28-Aug-2025
From where to shop, dine, and travel to the latest in luxury and lifestyle—consider this your ultimate edit.
What’s in the News:
1. Ferrari F50 GT1 Wins Best of Show at The Quail 2025
The Quail returned for its 22nd edition on the grounds of The Quail Golf Club, where Art Zafiropoulo’s 1996 Ferrari F50 GT1—a one-off prototype built to take the marque into GT1 racing was named “Best of Show” and inducted into the Rolex Circle of Champions. With its carbon-fiber monocoque, 750-hp V12 engine and purposeful design, the F50 GT1 embodies Ferrari’s blend of race-bred performance and uncompromising beauty, making it one of the most coveted cars in the world. Highlights also included the 30th anniversary of the Ferrari F50, a historic IROC reunion featuring legendary drivers and Bonhams’ prestigious Quail Auction, all complemented by gourmet pavilions, fine wines and live entertainment.
2. Sri Lanka Tourism Brings Multi-City Wedding Shows to India
Sri Lanka Tourism is rolling out a series of luxury wedding shows in India—Mumbai (Sept 7), Ahmedabad (Sept 9), and New Delhi (Sept 11)—to position the island as a top wedding destination for Indian couples. The events will connect wedding planners, travel agents, and media with Sri Lanka’s leading hotels, resorts, heritage venues, and service providers. With seamless connectivity, easy visas, and diverse venues ranging from beaches and tea plantations to colonial mansions and luxury resorts, Sri Lanka is becoming a go-to destination.
3. Vietjet Launches “Startup Flight” to Strengthen India–Vietnam Innovation Bridge
Vietjet, in partnership with Amity Innovation Incubator (India) and Vietnam’s National Startup Support Center, has unveiled Startup Flight, a cross-border initiative fostering entrepreneurial collaboration between India and Vietnam. Open to individuals and teams, the contest invites proposals in AI, E-commerce, EdTech, and Logistics by September 15, 2025. Eight finalists will receive mentorship and pitch to investors, with winners awarded USD 1,000, Vietjet round-trip tickets, and access to networking and accelerator opportunities.
4. A Theatrical Tribute to the Legendary Anand Brothers by Sohaila Kapur at Radisson Blu Plaza Delhi Airport
Acclaimed theatre personality Sohaila Kapur presented her much-loved production Anand Hi Anand at Radisson Blu Plaza Delhi Airport. Hosted in association with Media net Works and Travel Secrets Magazine, the performance transported the audience into the golden era of Indian cinema through the lives of the legendary Anand Brothers – Chetan, Dev, and Vijay (Goldie) Anand. The evening was further elevated by the exquisite food and beverage offerings curated by the Radisson Blu Plaza Delhi Airport team.
Where and What to Shop:
5. A Legend Returns: Timex Intrepid x Dimepiece
Timex, the American watchmaker has unveiled the Intrepid x Dimepiece Edition—a modern reimagining of its iconic 1995 sports watch. The watch is created in collaboration with Brynn Wallner, founder of women’s watch platform Dimepiece, and vintage curator Alan Bedwell of Foundwell. Housed in a sleek 36mm stainless steel case, it features a cream-and-black dial, a rotating bezel, and Timex’s signature INDIGLO backlight accented by Wallner’s signature purple. It also offers a durable rubber strap and 100-meter water resistance.
6. Casio India brings its First-Ever Automatic watch to India
Casio India unveiled its first-ever automatic watch in India with the introduction of the EFK-100 series under its renowned Edifice brand. The EFK-100 series debuts with five distinctive models, led by the EDIFICE EFK-100XPB-1A, which incorporates forged carbon in the dial & case. The EFK-100CD-1A also features this premium forged carbon texture in the dial, while the EFK-100D-2A, 3A, and 7A replicate the dynamic aesthetic using advanced electroforming techniques. The event also featured a pre-launch reveal of the EDIFICE ECB-2300, an upcoming multi-hand chronograph model set to hit the market in December.
7. TimeVallée Opens Third Boutique in India with Art of Time
Swiss luxury watch retail concept TimeVallée has opened its third India boutique in Chennai, in partnership with Art of Time, following successful launches in Mumbai and Bengaluru in 2024. Spanning three immersive floors, the new 340 sqm boutique blends heritage with contemporary design, featuring a striking façade, curated collections from maisons like Cartier, IWC Schaffhausen, and Piaget, and an experiential Time Café.
8. United Colors of Benetton Available at Bagline
United Colors of Benetton takes travel style up a notch with its new range of sleek cabin suitcases, designed for Gen Z on the move. Featuring metallic logos, bold colours, and 360° self-rotating wheels, these trolleys are as fashionable as they are functional. A smart front laptop compartment, lightweight build, and durable finish make them perfect for getaways or work trips.
9. Trestle Debuts in Delhi with Flagship Showroom
Trestle, the contemporary Indian furniture brand from the S.R. Jindal Group, has opened its first flagship store on MG Road, Delhi. Spanning 5,000 sq. ft., the showroom highlights refined craftsmanship, natural textures, and versatile modular designs across living, dining, bedroom, and bar setups. Featuring collections like Orelli, Rivona, Diora, Luma, and Anora, the space blends clean lines with earthy palettes, embodying Trestle’s philosophy of understated elegance and functional living.
What’s New in the Hospitality Business
10. Mandarin Oriental to Debut in Downtown Dubai this October
This october Mandarin Oriental will launch its second property in Dubai, the Mandarin Oriental Downtown, set within the striking Wasl Tower. The property will have 259 elegantly appointed rooms and suites, 224 exclusive residences and unobstructed views of both the Arabian Gulf and the Dubai skyline. The Spa spans two floors and is guided by the pillars of nourishment, in-room wellness, beauty and intelligent movement. Culinary connoisseurs can look forward to a collection of ten exquisite concepts and bars, spanning French, Chinese, Greek, and Italian cuisine and more. The property will also unveil Dubai’s first-ever Mandarin Oriental branded residences, available for lease.
11.Sri Panwa Phuket Launches Transformative Sleep Retreats
Sri Panwa Phuket, in collaboration with BDMS Wellness Clinic, introduces a series of immersive Sleep Retreats designed to restore rest and rebalance. Set atop Cape Panwa’s lush 40 acres, the new programmes—spanning 2, 7 and 14 nights combine advanced medical diagnostics with holistic therapies. Guests will undergo personalised sleep tests, hormone panels, IV therapies, and doctor-led consultations, complemented by sound healing, yoga, meditation and signature massages. Each retreat includes accommodation in Sri panwa’s private pool villas or suites, offering an idyllic backdrop for transformative rest.
12. Zorawar Kalra’s Farzi Experience Comes to Goa
Zorawar Kalra has brought an exciting new venture to Goa — Farzi Beach. Celebrating 10 successful years, Farzi presents an exclusive 8-course tasting menu—The Farzi Journey. The menu offers a mix of Modern Indian and Goan flavours. You can try the Farzified Tempura Prawns or the Daal Chawal Arancini, a classic Farzi dish with fried lentil and rice dumplings. If you’re a vegan, go for the vegan spin on the classic Lucknowi Kebab. To complement the food, there’s a range of signature cocktails that are just as innovative.
13. Hilton Embassy Manyata Unveils Grand Wedding Showcase
Hilton Bengaluru Embassy Manyata Business Park, in collaboration with Hilton Wedding Diaries, recently hosted a spectacular three-day Wedding Showcase, positioning itself as North Bengaluru’s premier destination for world-class weddings. From August 8 to 10, over 100 top wedding planners, influencers, and socialites experienced the hotel’s versatility. Highlights included a Jasmine Luncheon Feast, Carnatic music and Kathak, followed by a Parisian-inspired gala dinner with dazzling cabaret performances. With expansive convention spaces, lush outdoor venues, and luxurious accommodations, Hilton Bengaluru is coming up as a sought-after wedding destination.
14. Uppal Brewers & Distillers Expands Whisky Portfolio with Madhvan
Uppal Brewers & Distillers (UBD) has launched Madhvan, a premium blend of fine Scotch malt whisky and Indian grain spirits. Bottled at 42.8% ABV, Madhvan is currently available in Delhi and Punjab, with a wider rollout planned by year-end. Targeted at ambitious, style-conscious consumers aged 25–45, Madhvan combines layered aromas of pear, toffee, vanilla, and spice with bold, contemporary packaging featuring neon tiger motifs. Anchored in the brand philosophy Dahaad Iraado Ki, UBD’s second label underscores its ambition to redefine Indian spirits.
New Events and Happenings:
15. Kumari Nahappan Makes her India Debut with Chromatic Currents
Gallery Pristine Contemporary, New Delhi, presents Chromatic Currents, the first solo exhibition in India by Singaporean artist Kumari Nahappan, curated by John Tung. Running from 12th September to 30th October 2025, the show draws on ancient spice routes linking India and Southeast Asia, weaving seeds, spices, and myth into vibrant canvases and sculptures. Known for monumental works like Nutmeg & Mace at ION Orchard, Nahappan now invites Indian audiences to explore cultural memory, cosmic energies, and shared histories.
16. The Parliament Is Now In Session — A Group Exhibition at Method Mumbai and Delhi
Method presents The Parliament Is Now In Session, a powerful group exhibition running simultaneously in Mumbai (14th Aug–21st Sept) and Delhi (17th Aug–21st Sept). Featuring artists across regions and practices, the exhibition addresses themes of dissent, erasure, identity, and resistance—where art becomes evidence, interruption, and defiance. Works span the body as archive, land as witness, and image as indictment, demanding attention over neutrality.
Cover Credits: Trestle
