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NDTV
27-05-2025
- NDTV
From Forest Views To Farm-Fresh Flavours: Why The Reimagined Leela Ambience Gurugram Is The Ultimate Urban Escape
There are luxury hotels, and then there are sanctuaries. The Leela Ambience Gurugram Hotel & Residences has recently stepped into a new identity, firmly planting itself as the latter. I recently had the pleasure of spending a fabulous weekend here with my husband and daughter, and it truly redefined what a family staycation could be. A seamless blend of holistic wellness, sustainability, and indulgence, this reimagined property has etched itself into our hearts as a haven of calm and curated luxury. From the moment we arrived, the warmth of the hospitality was unmatched. Every interaction- from the front office to the restaurants to the spa- was rooted in genuine care. We felt welcomed like family. As we checked into our serene Forest View Room, overlooking a lush 1,000-acre forest, I felt an immediate sense of calm wash over me. It's hard to believe such tranquillity exists just minutes from the heart of Gurugram's commercial bustle. A Space Designed For Families And Mindful Living Positioned now as a luxury urban sanctuary, The Leela Ambience Gurugram invites guests to immerse themselves in a space where nature and modern comfort coexist harmoniously. With direct access to a high-end mall and beautifully appointed rooms, suites, and residences, it's perfect for both business travellers and families seeking restorative escapes. One of the most heartening aspects of our stay was the hotel's commitment to holistic wellness, not just as a service, but as a way of life. I was really impressed to see their recently constructed in-house hydroponic Green House that grows lettuce, herbs and tomatoes without soil. I even tasted a few herbs, and they tasted so fresh and clean! It's a great step towards saving the environment and upholding the ethos of sustainability. In fact, all the restaurants at The Leela Ambience Gurugram incorporate the fresh produce into their meals, not just from the Green House but also the nearby nursery and 3.5-acre Leela Organic Farm, just 30 minutes away. The commitment to clean, fresh produce is inspiring. At Forest View Deck, an open-air dining space by the pool, one can enjoy a nice meal made entirely from ingredients sourced directly from these farms. The view of the green expanse paired with dishes full of colour and flavour would create an experience that was both luxurious and grounding. Spectra - Multi-Cuisine Restaurant We began our culinary exploration at Spectra, the hotel's vibrant 24-hour multi-cuisine restaurant. With its seven live kitchens, Spectra offered everything from comforting omelettes to indulgent vada pav and chole bhature at breakfast to an elaborate Asian and Indian spread at lunch. My favourites were the soft baos and the extensive dessert bar, featuring everything from tarts and cakes to ice cream. Courtyard Garden: For High Tea And Walk In Nature I experienced luxury in the lap of nature at the all-new Courtyard Garden. In the evening, we settled into the Courtyard Garden for high tea under a cabana. With barefoot luxury beneath us and lush greenery all around, the health-inspired teas were a delight. I particularly loved the blueberry green tea, which paired wonderfully with open sandwiches, bruschetta and a burger- guilt-free and delicious. We ended the evening with a leisurely walk through the courtyard, feeling completely at ease. Zanotta: Italian Restaurant After a great swimming session at the pool, we were famished, and my daughter demanded pasta. I was thankful for Zanotta, a fine dining Italian restaurant right there in the hotel. The chef curated a special set menu that surprised and delighted. My daughter's request for pasta was met with flawless spaghetti in white sauce, while we enjoyed a memorable dining experience showcasing fresh ingredients and refined techniques. Each dish was better than the last one, and all of them were mouthwatering. Aujasya Cafe: Holisitc Wellness Cafe Wellness at The Leela Ambience Gurugram isn't limited to massages and mindfulness. It's woven into the very soul of the hotel. Post-spa Aujasya Cafe is the place to be to continue your wellness journey. This thoughtfully curated cafe, located beneath the Spa lets you dive deep into a holistic culinary world. Every dish is created with superfoods, local ingredients, and sustainability in mind. I absolutely loved the Thar Quinoa Salad with baby spinach and slow-roasted ash gourd. The Himalayan Earth Bowl, with red rice kedgeree, tofu, and beets, was nourishing yet light. The Bitter Chocolate Orange Pave gave us the perfect ending to our meal-indulgent yet guilt-free. I realised how all the ingredients felt fresh and tasted great. The beverage selection deserves a special mention: from the Blueberry & Chia Seed Smoothie (a hit with me) to a classic vanilla shake (a hit with my daughter), the drinks were fresh and invigorating. I also plan to try traditional wellness teas like Turmeric Ashwagandha latte on my next visit. Yes, I will definitely go back for another hearty meal at the cafe. Perks Of Staying at The Leela Ambience Gurugram Hotel: Kids Club by The Leela: My daughter had an absolute blast at the Kids Club by The Leela- a safe, engaging play zone with a slide, basketball ring, and crafts. She spent a great deal of time there, engaged with drawing and other fun activities. That meant I had some time to myself. The Leela Spa: Knowing my daughter was happily occupied gave me the perfect opportunity to indulge in a blissful Swedish massage at The Leela Spa. The spa rooms were clean and well-kept. The therapist was well-trained and accommodating. The best part: soothing aromas of oils left me feeling completely revitalised. The spa's elegant design and post-treatment green tea added an extra layer of serenity. The Leela Pool: We all look forward to some pool time on a staycation, and the weather was perfect to enjoy the dips in the clean water, surrounded by the beautiful view of the forest. We could also enjoy beverages and snacks at the cabanas around the pool. Staying at The Leela Ambience Gurgaon was a thought-provoking experience What left the deepest impression on me was how every touchpoint at The Leela Ambience Gurugram reflected a thoughtfulness rooted in sustainability. From the in-house water bottling plant that eliminates single-use plastics to rainwater harvesting, water aerators, and the Leela Nursery that supplies every flower and plant across the hotel, it's a place that takes its responsibility to the planet seriously... without compromising on luxury. Our weekend at The Leela Ambience Gurugram was a journey into mindful indulgence. It's the kind of place where families can unwind, reconnect, and discover that true luxury lies not just in opulence, but in how well it makes you feel. And feel good, we did. We returned home feeling lighter, happier, and already planning our next stay and a definite visit to Zanotta and Aujusya Cafe.
Press and Journal
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Press and Journal
Nuart OFF this year - with Aberdeen arts spectacular to return next April
Aberdeen's renowned art festival Nuart has been postponed until next April. The event has been a staple in the city's summer calendar for years, attracting thousands of visitors from across the globe. It is usually held in June, with artists from all over the world descending upon the Granite City to transform its grey walls into colourful works of art. However, the next instalment of the popular festival has been pushed to next spring as organisers focus on preparations for the Tall Ships. Aberdeen Inspired have been running Nuart for nearly a decade. Normally, they would begin planning the mural extravaganza months in advance. But unlike previous times, this year they decided to pause putting everything together until they received the needed funding from Aberdeen City Council. This essentially cut their time for preparations shorter. And with the huge spectacle planned for the arrival of the Tall Ships in July, they decided it was best to leave Nuart for next spring. Aberdeen Inspired chief executive, Adrian Watson, said they have already started working on some fresh ideas on how to make the festival even better. He added: 'Given that Nuart is all about transformation and bringing life and colour to the city, we felt there could be no better time for its return than in spring. 'Nuart isn't just for one weekend – it leaves a lasting legacy imprinted on the fabric of Aberdeen itself.' The four-day festival will take place from April 23 to April 26 next year. Aberdeen Inspired hopes the next edition of Nuart will be as successful as previous years, drawing thousands of visitors into the city centre. The council's culture spokesman, Martin Greig, said events such as Nuart, Spectra and the upcoming Tall Ships help make Aberdeen a 'high-quality destination'. He added: 'Once again we can look forward to the city being transformed into a canvas for imaginative street art.'
Chicago Tribune
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Chicago Tribune
With the sculptures of ‘Vivid Creatures,' the Morton Arboretum goes for color this time
As drivers on Interstate-88 zoom past the Morton Arboretum in the western suburb of Lisle, they can now glimpse a new creature overlooking the highway on the hill where Joe the Guardian, a giant wooden troll, previously stood watch from 2018 to 2021. The new sculpture, titled Spectra, is a 16-foot brittle button snail whimsically rendered in bright oranges and reds, with a metallic-accented rainbow spiraling across her shell. Spectra is one of five sculptures featured in 'Vivid Creatures,' a new exhibition by Portland-based artists and married couple Heather BeGaetz and Fez BeGaetz. Ranging from 8 to 23 feet tall, the figures are inspired by wildlife native to Northern Illinois and include Scamp (fox squirrel), Generosity (white-tailed deer), Cadence (sandhill crane) and Nimbly (blue dasher dragonfly). 'Vivid Creatures' opens to the public on May 17, with the final sculpture, Nimbly, set to be unveiled on June 2. The series represents the latest biannual outdoor exhibition the Arboretum has commissioned in recent years, following 'Troll Hunt' by artist Thomas Dambo, 'Human+Nature' by Daniel Popper (2021-23) and 'Of the Earth' by Olga Ziemska (2023-25). The overarching theme of 'Vivid Creatures' is the interconnectedness of all living things, or the fact that 'all of the elements of nature support each other's existence,' said Amy Scott, Morton Arboretum's head of exhibitions. Generosity, a white-tailed deer that stands 22 feet tall, exemplifies this idea. With his branchlike antlers and root-shaped legs, he plays a similar role to the trees of the forest by serving as host to smaller living things. Keen-eyed viewers will spot all four of the other animals from the exhibition perched in his antlers or painted on his body. Scott said that another goal of the exhibition is 'hopefully inspiring people to maybe slow down and take a breath and look around at the world, at nature around them. The Morton Arboretum really wants to inspire people to get more observant and curious.' When the Arboretum began planning this project more than two years ago, its team was drawn to the large scale of the BeGaetzes' work and their use of vibrant colors. 'Our environment here and our landscape is gorgeous and beautiful, but because it's so big, it tends to swallow up the pieces, so we really need pieces that are very large in order for it to feel impactful,' Scott said. The artists visited the Arboretum in March 2023 to gather ideas by observing local wildlife and learning about the ecosystem from the scientists on staff. Scamp was inspired by their young daughter, Calliope, feeding nuts to a squirrel and trying to play ball with it during their visit. The posture of the sculpture, which depicts a fox squirrel clutching a nut in her paws, is modeled after a photo of that interaction. Before becoming a visual artist, Heather worked as a theatrical writer, director, performer and mask-maker, and this background informs her sculptural works. 'I always lead in from a place of story, using all art to tell story, to create worlds, to invite people into other worlds,' she said. The BeGaetzes created a backstory for each of the five creatures — with overtones of fairytales and mythology about the natural world — and wove elements of these stories into the designs. For example, the sandhill crane's dancelike pose and the orange moon painted on her chest offer clues to her tale. 'Cadence's story is that her parents were dancing as cranes do when they're mating, and they were dancing in a pond where the full moon was reflected in the surface of the pond,' said Heather. 'And then the next day, they laid this egg. And so, she is a being through whom the moon can touch the Earth whenever she lands.' Working with a small crew at their Portland studio, the artists used 3-D modeling software to design the creatures, then built each sculpture by constructing a steel support structure, packing it with crumpled aluminum foil and applying fiber-reinforced concrete. After transporting the sculptures to Illinois in five semi-trucks, their process continues with assembling and installing the massive structures — which are supported by underground concrete blocks — and painting and sealing the surfaces for durability. On the opening day of 'Vivid Creatures,' a limited number of visitors will hear directly from the BeGaetzes about their creative process during a ticketed walking tour. Each weekend from May 24 through Sept. 1, the arboretum will offer free art workshops in the Children's Garden, where families can create artwork inspired by the exhibition. 'I really like to use art to inspire wonder, creativity, play,' said Heather. 'These are all qualities that we literally need to face hard things in our life, and so, I just hope that people will arrive before these creatures and kind of see them as an invitation to unwind, to play, to relax, to connect, to make a memory, and carry that with them.'
Hans India
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hans India
Panther Ignites the Desi Hip-Hop Scene with Explosive EP ‘Dhoom V'
Indian rapper Panther has set the Desi Hip-Hop stage ablaze with the release of his newest EP, Dhoom V. The five-track project is a sonic adrenaline rush, featuring heavyweight collaborations and Panther's trademark lyrical prowess, further cementing his status as a trailblazer in India's evolving hip-hop movement. Known off-stage as Anubhav Shukla, Panther delivers an electric collection that blends hard-hitting beats, socially-charged themes, and unmatched flow. Dhoom V features standout tracks like the punchy 'Vyapari,' the politically charged 'Dharna' with Spectra, the high-energy homage 'Milkha Singh' alongside Fotty Seven, the introspective 'Fikar' with Bella and J Trix, and the anthemic closer 'Pahiye.' In Panther's own words, Dhoom V is "a bold, high-octane EP that aims to shake up the Desi hip-hop scene." The project isn't just a collection of tracks — it's a declaration of intent. With production credits going to Panther himself, along with Retro Blxxd, Nikhil-Swapnil, Akshay The One, and Vision, and engineering by Basspeak, every beat and bar has been crafted with precision. The album's striking visuals, created by Tuhin Chandra and Tushar Chandra, complete its powerful aesthetic. 'This EP is about raw energy, street wisdom, and anthems that you'll blast on repeat,' Panther said. 'Each song carries a piece of the hustle and the fire we bring to this genre.' Dhoom V is more than just music—it's a cultural statement. With its bold collaborations and Panther's fearless approach, the EP adds a fresh and uncompromising voice to India's growing hip-hop narrative.
Time Business News
05-05-2025
- Business
- Time Business News
7 reasons why companies need Managed Security Services
With cybercrime increasing day by day, companies need to tighten their security measures to remain secure. That is why managed security services are more necessary than ever. But first we need to understand, Managed security services entail hiring the services of cybersecurity specialists who safeguard a business's systems, data, and networks from cyber threats. A number of network security service providers, such as Spectra, provide managed WiFi solutions that come with inherent security features aimed at avoiding cyberattacks. A 2023 IBM report found that 95% of organizations have experienced at least one cybersecurity incident. Whether it's a startup or a large company, cyber threats can lead to severe financial and reputational damage. Offices, retail businesses, healthcare institutions, and educational centers are all at risk. Implementing managed security services can make all the difference between preventing an attack and facing huge losses. Here are seven key reasons why businesses should consider managed security services: Cyber threats don't operate on a schedule. Attacks can happen at any time, so businesses need constant security oversight. Managed security providers track threats in real-time and stop potential breaches before they escalate. Maintaining an in-house cybersecurity team can be expensive. Hiring specialists, buying advanced tools, and keeping security systems updated require a significant budget. Managed security services offer high-quality protection at a lower cost. A slow reaction to a cyberattack can make matters worse. Studies reveal that only 1/3rd of security breaches are detected internally by company teams. Spectra as a Network as a service provider with its managed wifi ensures swift detection and response, reducing the impact of an attack. Cybercriminals constantly develop new hacking techniques. Managed security services use advanced threat intelligence to identify and block these risks before they cause harm. Many industries must follow strict data protection laws, like GDPR and HIPAA. Failing to comply can result in hefty fines and legal trouble. Managed security services help businesses meet these requirements by keeping security measures up to standard. IT teams often juggle multiple responsibilities. Adding cybersecurity tasks can overwhelm them, increasing the chances of mistakes. With a managed security provider like Spectra along with its 24/7 pro active monitoring, businesses can let experts handle security while IT teams focus on core operations. Cyberattacks can bring operations to a standstill, leading to downtime and financial losses. Managed security services create strong defenses and backup solutions, ensuring businesses can recover quickly from security threats. No company is too small or too big to be targeted by cybercriminals. As security threats continue to rise, investing in managed security services is a smart move. With expert monitoring, cost-effective protection, and quick response times, businesses can focus on growth while staying secure from cyber risks. Choosing the right security partner today can protect businesses from major security breaches in the future. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
