Latest news with #Assi
News18
26-07-2025
- News18
Where Wellness Meets The Ocean: The Future Of Healing Holidays
Last Updated: Wellness tourism has witnessed a spike. Amidst this, destinations such as Thailand that offer opportunities for holistic wellness and slow travel are emerging as a top choice. The world of travel is evolving, moving beyond mere sightseeing toward a more meaningful pursuit of well-being. In the post-pandemic world, holidays have become more than just a break; they're a conscious journey toward rejuvenation, mental reset and balance, and inner connection. This shift has sparked a growing demand for wellness-led escapes, where travellers seek curated experiences that restore the mind, invigorate the body, and uplift the soul. The Indian travel industry, mirroring global trends, is at the forefront of this wellness revolution. Discerning Indian travellers are increasingly seeking luxurious, immersive wellness experiences, a shift underscored by recent global data. According to the Global Wellness Institute, the wellness tourism market is poised to nearly double, from $651 billion in 2022 to an estimated $1.4 trillion by 2027. In Asia, this transformation is even more pronounced. A 2025 report reveals that 90% of travellers across the Asia Pacific now consider wellness offerings a key factor in their travel decisions, up from 80% the year before. As wellness travel evolves, nature-led therapies are taking centre stage, with the ocean emerging as a particularly potent source of healing. More than a scenic backdrop, the ocean delivers tangible health benefits. The practice of thalassotherapy, which uses seawater and marine ingredients, is gaining traction for its revitalising effects. Rich in essential minerals, seawater is believed to improve circulation, soothe inflammation, and elevate serotonin levels. Thailand's Koh Samui Leads the Way Among Asia's leading wellness destinations, Thailand continues to shine. Its ancient healing traditions, pristine coastlines, and immersive hospitality have made it a sanctuary for seekers of holistic transformation. Between 2022 and 2023, Thailand's wellness tourism spending more than doubled, signalling one of the fastest-growing segments in the region. Explaining this trend, Jasjit Singh Assi, General Manager at Four Seasons Resort, Koh Samui, notes, 'At the heart of this resurgence is Koh Samui, an island where lush tropical landscapes meet tranquil beaches, and where the art of well-being is woven into every experience. Long regarded as a haven for detox and rejuvenation, the island has become a global epicentre for oceanfront wellness." 'Among its standout destinations is Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui, a luxurious retreat that captures the essence of healing by the sea. Nestled within a secluded cove along the Gulf of Thailand, the resort offers a deeply immersive journey shaped by nature, tradition, and thoughtful care," adds Assi. At Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui, wellness is rooted in the ancient Thai philosophy of the four elements, brought to life through personalised rituals like sound healing, Reiki, and Nam Vibration, where water-filled singing bowls awaken chakras. Guests can also engage in open-air Muay Thai training overlooking the Gulf for a powerful blend of movement and mindfulness. The rise of healing holidays is more than a trend; it's a reflection of a collective realisation that well-being is paramount. In a world that constantly demands our attention, these purpose-driven luxury experiences are no longer an indulgence but a necessity. view comments Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
L'Orient-Le Jour
23-07-2025
- Business
- L'Orient-Le Jour
Lebanese man convicted in the United States for attempted illegal export to Iran
A Lebanese businessman, Brian Assi, was sentenced by a federal jury in Gainesville, FL. to 44 months in prison for attempting to export drilling equipment to Iran, in violation of American sanctions, according to a statement from the Department of Justice's Public Affairs Office. His real name Brahim Assi, the Beirut native sought to ship two mining drills worth $2.7 million through intermediaries based in Iraq and Turkey. He was employed as a sales representative for a multinational heavy equipment manufacturer, whose name was not disclosed, based in the Middle East with a subsidiary in Florida. The exports were to be carried out in collaboration with the Tehran-based company Sakht Abzar Pars. On the Justice Department website, the prosecutors handling the case explained that the drills to be exported are a type of heavy equipment used to create holes in the ground that are to be filled with explosives deployed in mining operations. According to the statement, released Monday, Assi intended to make the transaction through an Iraqi distributor, a front buyer, to whom the final destination of the goods — to Iran — had been concealed. The man was also convicted for falsifying official transportation documents in the Automated Export System (AES), a U.S. government database containing information on exports from the United States, and for deceiving American regulatory authorities regarding the final recipient of the shipments. To his employer, Assi also claimed that the drills were destined for Iraq. Assi planned to route them through Turkey before sending them to Iran, in order to circumvent export controls. "The defendant threatened the economic and national security of the United States by conspiring and concealing his efforts to circumvent our export controls to provide heavy machinery to Iran," said John P. Heckin, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, in the statement. "My office will continue to resolutely prosecute anyone who violates our laws and provides material support to America's enemies." The Lebanese man was found guilty on Oct. 24, 2024. Following this conviction, Monday's judgment set the sentence based on various charges, notably conspiracy to violate sanctions, attempted unlawful export, smuggling and money laundering.
Eater
23-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Eater
Sanjh's New Executive Chef Comes From the Restaurant That Invented Butter Chicken
The only fine dining Indian restaurant in the Metroplex, Sanjh, has a new chef: Sarabjit Singh Assi. Assi cut his teeth working at the award-winning Daryaganj Restaurant in India, whose original location purported to be the place that created butter chicken. Sanjh, known for its waterfront dining room in Las Colinas and classic Indian menu of curries and freshly-made breads all served in upscale style, has made the Eater Dallas 38, and found chef fans in local legends like Stephan Pyles, who called his Sanjh dining experience one of his most remarkable of 2024. With Assi at the helm, the kitchen remains focused on tradition, storytelling, and offering a taste of the Punjabi spirit. Eater: How did you end up at Sanjh? Sarabjit Singh Assi: The story starts in 2018, when one of the owners visited the ITC Hotel [in India], where I was working as the chef in charge. He promised me that when he opened an Indian restaurant in Dallas, I would be his first choice as chef. In 2023, I got that opportunity. We created a menu that isn't too modern and instead focused on the authenticity of the food. Before opening, I did research and development for the menu with the 14 chefs who work at Sanjh — I am blessed to have 14 chefs from India. Our pastry chef Rajat Sachdeva is crucial for us. Chef Sarabjit Singh Assi at work in the kitchen. Sanjh Restaurant and Bar Before opening the restaurant, we visited the 20 best restaurants in the United States, to see what was going on. I came to the conclusion that we need to stick to what we were doing in India. So we stick to the basics. People love curries here, that I know [laughs]. That's why we serve butter chicken, although it's different — it's coarse and not sweet, like we used to make at Daryaganj in Delhi, which is called the place where butter chicken was invented. What makes the cuisine at Sanjh fine dining? Being an Indian fine dining restaurant doesn't mean putting the dishes on a fancy plate, or anything like that. We need to create an experience. The dishes coming to your table need to have a story behind them and be a reflection of the chef who created them. The perception of Indian food is that it is spicy. Spicy does not mean hot; it means flavorful. It means that the experience for the guest includes telling them what we are serving, what state the dishes are coming from, how they are made, and who made them. You serve a kori gassi with dosa, a Southern Indian dish that isn't typically served at Indian restaurants in North Texas. Tell me about why that is on your menu. Primarily, we are a North Indian restaurant, but in Dallas, 30 to 40 percent of our diners are from South India. They do have the option of butter chicken, but we need to offer more to them. I am from Southern India and don't want to divide the country into parts on a menu. Dosa, a savory crepe, in ordinary restaurants is made from rice flour, but we make it with buckwheat. It's very light, not heavy like naan. In the kori gassi, we sear the chicken thigh and make a blend of spices. We use stone flour and black peppers of different varieties. Before opening the restaurant, we tried making this dish with spices from local vendors but came to the conclusion that it didn't taste exactly how we wanted. So we got a full container of spices from South India, and that is what we still use. After we put the spice blend on the chicken, we finish with coconut milk to bind it together. The chicken we're using in the restaurant, and in the kori gassi, is free-range. I am careful about selecting the ingredients. Our fish is wild caught. The ingredients are what tell the story of the dishes. Indian bread making techniques have taken over a whole room in Sanjh. Sanjh Restaurant and Bar What is the best feedback you've received from diners? When they say it reminds them of their mom or a home cooking thing, I feel proud. Any chef has a story of being close to their parents and learning to cook. For me, it was my mother, who taught me to cook and always critiqued me, telling me I wasn't good. That's what makes me a good chef. Being part of a Punjabi family — Punajbis start at breakfast when they talk about lunch, and at lunch they talk about dinner. Then at dinner they talk about what they want for breakfast. Punjabis are very particular about their food. Now, my mom is a little proud of me and thinks I'm cooking the right way. When people come in now, either for the first time or returning, what is the one thing at Sanjh they have to try? We make our own paneer, and I tell people they won't find a paneer like this. I am confident that what we are making is a work of art. Nothing can match it. We have bharwan paneer tikka that is in a different class. Our lamb chops, too, need to be tried. People tell us they're just like they had in India. We also offer a full chaat menu, which is particular for Delhi people. Chaat means 'to lick,' and it gives you a start and a craving to have more. I try to keep five per menu, and innovate. I am working on adding a kulle ki chaat, which is fruit-based and a very different thing.
Scoop
18-05-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
Journalists Being Forgotten On The Frontline, Warns Injured War Reporter
16 May 2025 'I believe in nothing right now. Our press vests are turning us into targets and it's becoming a death sentence for us,' Christina Assi told UN News. On 13 October 2023, Ms. Assi - who was working as a photojournalist for Agence France Presse (AFP) - lost her right leg after two Israeli air strikes targeted the exposed hillside where she and other colleagues were observing the ongoing conflict between Israeli forces and Hezbollah militants. This year's commemoration of World Press Freedom Day on 3 May provided a moment to reflect on the fact that more journalists were killed in 2024 than in any other year since the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) began collecting data more than three decades ago. At least 124 journalists and media workers were killed last year, nearly two-thirds of them Palestinians killed by Israel, the CPJ data shows. Ms. Assi stands among the few survivors, and she never imagined that she would be targeted simply for doing her job. The day of the attack She recounted the harrowing events of that day – one of her first major assignments, which quickly became the most traumatic experience of her life. 'It was starting to get dark and that's when we were about to leave and then suddenly, out of nowhere, we were targeted,' she said. 'The first time I was on the ground, I couldn't really understand what was happening, and I was screaming for help. So, my colleague Dylan rushed to help me and put a tourniquet on me. But then, like 40 to 47 seconds later, we were targeted again.' After the second strike, Ms. Assi found herself alone beside a burning car. Bleeding and gravely injured, she had no choice but to crawl away to save her life. 'My press vest was too heavy, and the camera belt was suffocating,' she recalled. In that moment, she began to lose faith in international laws and conventions. 'As journalists, we are left alone," she insisted. The silence of the international community For Ms. Assi, the international community's response to the attack - including condemnations and UN calls for investigation - has been utterly ineffective. 'I do believe that we need more than words. We need concrete action and something to happen where that should lead to justice in one way or another. If it's not now, then later,' she said. She strongly condemns the impunity with which attacks on journalists continue. 'Our cases are being dismissed as collateral damage when, in fact, they are not. These are war crimes, and there should be a real investigation.' The forgotten journalists of Gaza Ms. Assi also emphasized that the same impunity applies to Palestinian journalists in Gaza, who have been documenting the war there since day one. 'They've been silenced, targeted in every possible way. It's all over social media and in the news—and yet nothing has been done. No action has been taken to protect these journalists,' she said. She pointed out that the lack of international presence hasn't stopped the violence. 'It's clear how horrific everything is. But the world hasn't reacted the way it should have. No one has even tried to stop it.' Carrying the flame Nearly a year after losing her leg, Ms. Assi carried the Olympic torch in the French city of Vincennes, ahead of the Paris Games in July 2024. It was more than a symbolic gesture but a powerful opportunity to pay tribute to her colleague, Reuters journalist Issam Abdallah, who was killed in the same attack. 'It was a great opportunity for us to honour all the fallen journalists and let the world and the international community and the Europeans and all those who didn't know about what happened to us, let them know about what happened,' she said.
Web Release
06-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Web Release
Spinneys' 2025 Flower Festival – A Unique Experience Blending Art, Nature, and Contemporary Lifestyle in Collaboration with ESMOD
By Editor_wr Last updated May 5, 2025 As part of its annual Flower Festival, which supports local farmers and promotes sustainable agriculture, Spinneys hosted a special event at its Hazmieh branch under the theme 'The Art of Flowers' , in collaboration with ESMOD Beirut. The event featured a creative fashion show of stunning designs inspired by flowers and nature, crafted by students of the institute, and attended by media figures, influencers, and Spinney's representatives. This initiative aims to strengthen the bond between nature and art. Through its collaboration with ESMOD, Spinneys also seeks to empower young talents by offering them a platform to showcase their nature-inspired creations, promoting a culture of sustainable fashion and raising environmental awareness within the local community. On this occasion, Mira Assi, Head of Communications at Spinneys, remarked that 'This collaboration reflects Spinneys' genuine commitment to supporting and empowering young talents and the local creative scene. We believe that creativity is a powerful tool for awareness and positive impact. Merging the world of sustainable agriculture with the world of design is a perfect example of that.' Ms. Assi also added that 'Through this initiative, we highlight the inherent beauty of nature and emphasize the crucial role of new generations in building a more sustainable future.' Ghada Kazan , a representative from ESMOD warmly expressed that they 'thank Spinneys for this inspiring initiative that allowed our students to express their creativity, that is inspired by the beauty of nature. This experience not only enhances their artistic skills but also embeds environmentally friendly values into their designs. Today's creatives are tomorrow's designers—and supporting them is an investment in a more conscious and sustainable future.' The event also featured vibrant live music performance and a floral-themed cocktail reception, adding a sophisticated and refreshing flair that matched the festival's spirit and identity. Through this annual initiative, Spinneys reinforces that the Flower Festival—running until May 14—has evolved into a dynamic platform celebrating beauty and nature. It highlights the brand's commitment to crafting experiences that combine shopping and culture, promote sustainability and modern living, and encourage environmental awareness and sustainable practices. Prev Post MANSORY makes global real estate debut with Amaal partnership Next Post ROKA's Saturday Family Brunch! Comments are closed.
