Hyatt,the 12th best company to work for in India

Hyatt Hotels and Resorts was recently conferred with the title of the 12th best company to work for at a ceremony in Mumbaiorganised by Great Place to Work (India).

Out of 708 participants listed, a total of 100 companies made it to 'India's Best Companies to Work for in 2015' list. Hyatt has been included in this prestigious list on the basis of a cultural audit as well as a survey conducted by Great Place to Work. The survey assesses the initiatives undertaken by the company on a daily basis to build trust as well as the respect of its people.

With a tradition of innovation developed over its more than fifty-year history, Hyatt operates with a mission of “providing authentic hospitality by making a difference in the lives of the people every day”. They adhere to a set of core values that further characterises the “Hyatt” culture.Hyatt Hotels and resorts manages, franchise, owns and develops Hyatt branded hotels, resorts and residential and vacation ownership properties around the world. The company's worldwide portfolio consists of a whopping 587 properties.

Hyatt Hotels and Resorts is recognized the world over, as a leader in promoting a nurturing as well as a positive and diverse working environment. The company has received some of the most prestigious workplace distinctions in recent years, including being listed among:

•    The top 10 companies to work for in Asia by Great Place to Work® in 2015.

•    The top 10 companies to work for in the UAE by Great Place to Work® UAE in

•    The top 50 companies to work for in India by Great Place to Work® in 2014.

Also, The Human Rights Campaign named Hyatt as a "Best Place to Work for LGBT Equality" for the tenth consecutive year in 2014.

Hyatt has also been featured in the prestigious list of awardees of Gallup Great Workplace Award recognizing them for their extraordinary ability to create an engaged workplace culture.

About Great place to work:

Head-quartered in San Francisco, is a global research, consulting and training firm that helps organizations identify, create and sustain great workplaces through the development of high-trust workplace cultures.

About C&C Alpha Group:

Private investment firm C&C Alpha Group is a London based equity enterprise with entrepreneurs Mr. Bhanu Choudhrie and Dhairya Choudhrie among the board of directors. The Group’s hospitality subsidiary, Shanti Hospitality has investments worldwide, including Hyatt Hotels and Resorts.

Nira Montana: A Refreshing Slice of Nirvana

Nira Montana, La Thuile’s only 5-star hotel offering, recently got featured in Doitinparis for it’s out of the world stay and accommodation.  Situated in the picturesque town of La Thuile, at the foot of Mont Blanc, it is just steps from the ski slopes and hikiiong trails of the Italian Alps. Carved much like the traditional valley houses of the area, entirely of wood and stone, Nira Montana promotes power optimization and saving and also upholds Nira’s philosophy of unwavering customer service and value for money.

The 55-room luxury hotel offers packages and recreational options to suit the needs of all. If you like hiking through those beautiful tall mountains, opt for the deluxe 2-hour hike in the middle of nature with a mountain guide, who knows the Italian summits like his pocket. On the way, ravel in a zipline river crossing, a footbath in a cascade, and a picnic of local charcuterie and cheese. For others who desperately crave a detox, allow yourself to be pampered by alternating spa treatments, physiotherapy and osteopathy, yoga and outings to the pool, sauna and hammam on offer.  You also get an elaborately designed menu by a nutritionist which aims at your wellbeing and living fit.

For the ones who just want some leisure time of fun and comfort, the beautifully designed rooms and alleys, the bar with an extensive wine cellar as well as an al fresco area – perfect for an après-ski or post-hike and its house spritz revisited with fresh fruit and mountain herbs--and the restaurant featuring the very best Italian cuisine, its la vita è bella…

Planning a trip already?  La Thuile is very accessible and close to the major airports of northern Italy including Milan, Turin and Genoa, as well as to Geneva in Switzerland. So, book now!

About Nira Hotels and Resorts:

Luxury hotel group Nira Hotels and Resorts, is a part of Shanti Hospitality, a subsidiary of holding company C&C Alpha Group Ltd under the directorship of entrepreneur Bhanu Choudhrie. The spirit of Nira is born out of their belief that today’s discerning guests seek a more authentic, exceptional getaway experience.


Source: http://www.doitinparis.com/en/news/art-de-vivre/nira-montana-nouvelle-destination-chic-19757?utm_content=buffer63032&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=buffer

Beat Stress With These Three Yoga Postures from Ananda

Concerned with rising health scares? Kirit Thacker, Head of Yoga at the award-winning Spa, Ananda, suggests three Yoga poses that can help you beat stress, boost health and lift your mood.

•    Shashankasana (hare pose):

Sit in Vajrasana. Inhaling, raise the arms above the head and exhale while bending the trunk forward from the hips, the arms and head held straight and in line with the trunk. At the end of the movement, the hands and forehead should rest on the floor in front of the knees. Bend the arms slightly so that they are fully relaxed and let the elbows rest on the floor. Breathing normally, remain in the final position for 3 minutes. Inhale and slowly raise the arms and trunk to vertical position. Breathe out while lowering the arms to the knees.

Benefits: Alleviates anxiety, regulates the functioning of the adrenal glands and tones the pelvic muscles and the sciatic nerves.

Remember: Must be avoided if you have high BP, slipped disc, or vertigo.

•    Sarvangasana (shoulder stand pose):

Lie on the back with your feet together, arms on your side with palms facing down. Now pressing the arms onto the floor lift your leg and spine up, raising the trunk to a vertical position. Support the back with your hands. Gently push the chest forward so that it presses firmly against the chin. In the final position, the trunk and legs are in one line and the body is supported by the shoulders, nape of the neck and back of the head. Beginners should hold the final position for a few seconds only, gradually increasing to an optimum of 3 minutes. To return to the starting position, bring the legs forward until the feet are above and behind the back of the head. Place the hands on the floor beside the body with the palms down. Gradually lower each vertebrae of the spine to the floor, followed by buttocks, so that the legs resume their initial vertical position. Lower the legs to the floor slowly.

Benefits: Relieves stress, fear and headaches, stimulates thyroid and thymus glands and alleviates asthma, diabetes, impotence and menopause.

Remember: Must be avoided if you suffer from enlarged thyroid, liver or spleen, high blood pressure or other heart ailments.

•    Nadi Shodhana Pranayama (alternate nostril breathing):

Sit keeping the spine and head straight. Hold the fingers of the right hand in front of the face. Rest the index and middle fingers on the eyebrow centre. The thumb is above the right nostril and the ring finger above the left. Close the right nostril with the thumb and breathe in through the left nostril. Close the left nostril with the ring finger, release the pressure of the thumb on the right nostril and breathe out, Next inhale through the right nostril. At the end of inhalation close the right nostril, open the left nostril and exhale through the left nostril. Practise 10 rounds.

It induces clarity of thought and concentration, increases vitality and lowers the levels of stress and anxiety. Cleanses and strengthens the lungs and the entire respiratory system.

About Ananda Spa:

Ananda Spa, the premium hospitality venture is a first of its kind in India. It is managed by the destination spa expert IHHR Hospitality. Ananda Spa has investment interests from Shanti Hospitality Group which is part of the parent holding company C&C Alpha Group Ltd of which Bhanu Chouhrie and Dhairya Choudhrie are Directors.

Source:  http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/de-stress/EXCLUSIVE-Special-yoga-techniques-to-combat-stress/articleshow/47910607.cms

Experience the Himalayas with Ananda

Swaddled amidst the tranquil Himalayas, Ananda Spa is a premium venture managed by destination spa experts IHHR with investments from C&C Alpha Group where entrepreneur Bhanu Choudhrie holds a directorship. With wholesome restorative treatments for the mind, body, and soul –Ananda tunes your body’s inner energy with the flowing positive energy of the nature that surrounds you. The specially tailored programmes inspired from age-old principles of Yoga, Ayurveda, meditation etc., relieve you of the stress and negativity rooting from the daily struggles of life with optimism and peace of mind to kick start your life once again. Be it physical wellness or just a push on your spiritual journey ahead, Ananda helps you forge an inner balance and live life to the fullest.

Ananda is an overall rejuvenation experience which includes everything from private airport transfers to 3 scrumptious meals a day and personalized meditation sessions with personal consultants. The programs range between 5 nights to 14 nights and are tailor-made to meet individual fitness goals. This expansive spa is 25000 sq. ft of sheer bliss and pampering from expert trainers.

Much acclaimed for its gourmet wellness cuisine, the daily wellness menu is based on ayurvedic principles and is further customized based on an individual’s body type. The customised menu professes that food habits play a major role in guaranteeing a healthy lifestyle, and is prepared around the very parameters of healthy living and includes fresh natural foods low in fat and calories with an emphasis on whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, low-fat dairy products and the avoidance of added flavours or sweeteners, colors or salts.

A show kitchen is a regular feature where chefs teach how to recreate the same dishes at home so that patrons can continue with the same healthy way of life.  Apart from basic, spa and other wellness facilities, Ananda offers many exciting recreational activities like Safaris to Rajaji National Park, treks, natural trails and white water rafting and excursions to Rishikesh to experience the Ganga Aarti.

As for those boisterous and hyper-active teenagers out there, Ananda offers Active Teen programs that include escorted treks, yoga sessions and river rafting.

BankMobile: America’s First and Only No Fee Mobile Bank

Customers Bank (NYSE:CUBI), the banking subsidiary of Customers Bancorp, Inc. officially launched the first phase of its free mobile and tablet banking platform, BankMobile. Established in 2014, BankMobile is an independent operating digital banking division of Customers Bank, a subsidiary of holding company Customers Bancorp, Inc. based in Wyomissing, Pa. Customers Bank also has notable Directorships including Bhanu Choudhrie, who is also a Director at C&C Alpha Group, a London based private equity firm.

Introduced in a press conference held at The Harvard Press Club of New York on January 14th 2015, the phase one announced the following three features for use—free checking account, savings account and an unsecured line of credit of up to $ 5,000 depending on the credit score of the individual.

Announced at the Analyst Day of Customers Bank last year, the launch of BankMobile is touted to be a landmark event in the banking industry. With a second phase, which is proposed to begin in next 60 to 90 days, the app will feature text and video customer service chats, preapproved auto loans and the ability to search and buy cars nearby.

A bank designed with a focus on tangible lifestyle benefits, such as smartphone-supported mobility, ease of access, and financial confidence, it certainly is one progressive and youthful bank. Conceived with an aim to disrupt the current banking experience to make it more effortless, enjoyable and financially empowering, BankMobile is the first bank to offer all traditional banking services online.

Speaking about BankMobile, Mr Jay Sidhu, CEO of Customers Bank and BankMobile said, “There’s a once in a 100-kind of change taking place in banking right now. BankMobile is the cool, trendy, young bank.”

Upon the launch, the banking app offers the following exclusive features:

•    A branch experience that fits the palm of hand along with free financial advices from the professionals.

•    High rates on saving accounts that are at least 0.25% higher than those offered by the four largest banks in the United States.

•    An access to 55,000 fee-free ATMs nationwide, and reimburse the customers the cost of ATM surcharges.

•    Multi-layered security checks to protect accounts.

•    Access to a line of credit up to $5,000, depending on the credit score of the individual.

•    Fee-Free banking and a freedom from overdraft fees.

..And it’s a 100th for Alpha Aviation Academy!

Celebrating a proud moment in its rich legacy, Alpha Aviation Academy recently announced that its pilot training center in Sharjah, UAE registered its hundredth cadet to have completed formal training under its wings. 

Established in the year 2008, Alpha Aviation Academy, a subsidiary of holding company C&C Alpha Group where Mr. Bhanu Choudhrie holds a directorship, provides a wide range of services and specialises in programmes aimed at cadet assessment and selection, type ratings and flagship ab initio training programs, all of which are tailored and optimised to meet the operational needs of its partner airlines. Since its inception 7 years ago, trainee pilots from more than 40 different nations around the world have successfully completed the Multi-Crew Pilot Licence (MPL) course, which prepares candidates to carve a niche for themselves in the world of commercial aviation. 

A joint venture between Alpha Aviation Group, which is a global aviation training provider, and Air Arabia, an emerging low-cost airline, Alpha Aviation Academy has state-of-the-art facilities at Sharjah International Airport, along with the most technically advanced aircraft simulators and team of highly experienced instructors.

The programme structured around five phases laid out in a competency based format ensures that each trainee acquires the required skills and behaviours before they move on to the next level. The ground level or the initial stage consist of theoretical knowledge needed to be a commercial pilot, from there they graduate to the next four levels eventually, which involves learning flying skills, culminating in Advanced Flying Skills and training on the Airbus A320. 

With a 100% placement track record for its graduates from the UAE and 97% from the Philippines, Alpha Aviation Academy is also the largest provider of First Officers via the MPL route in the Philippines and the UAE. 

Customers Bancorp to Price Public Offering of Preferred Stock

Customers Bancorp, of which Mr. Bhanu Choudhrie is a director, announced the pricing of its public offering of 2,000,000 shares of the Company’s Fixed-to-Floating Rate Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, the “Series C Preferred Stock” at a price of $25.00 per share. The promoters have been given a 30-day option to purchase additional shares up to 300,000 of the Preferred Stock from the Company at the public offering price minus the underwriting discount. Dividends on the Series C Preferred Stock will accrue and be payable quarterly in deficits, at a fixed rate of 7.00% per annum from the original issue date to, excluding June 15, 2020, and thereafter at a floating rate per annum equal to three-month LIBOR on the related dividend determination date plus a spread of 5.30% per annum.

1. 

With the offering expected to close on May 18, 2015, subject to customary closing conditions; the Company intends to receive net proceeds of $48,425,000 from the offering or even $55,688,750 (after deducting the underwriting discount) if the underwriters exercise their option and purchase the additional shares. According to plan, approximately one-half of the net proceeds will be contributed to Customers Bank and Customers Bancorp will retain half. The Company expects to use the net proceeds for general corporate purposes, which may include working capital and the funding of organic growth at Customers Bank.

The Company also intends to list the shares of this C Preferred Stock on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “CUBIPrC.” If approved for listing, trading of the Series C Preferred Stock on the New York Stock Exchange is expected to commence within 30 days after the shares are first issued.

Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC and UBS Securities LLC are acting as joint book-running managers for the offering. Janney Montgomery Scott LLC is acting as co-manager. A shelf registration statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-188040) relating to the offering was filed previously with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and is effective. An introductory prospectus supplement related to the offering has also been filed with the SEC. Copies of the shelf registration statement (including the base prospectus), the introductory prospectus supplement and other documents that the Company has filed with the SEC and incorporated by reference into the registration statement are available at nil charges if you visit EDGAR on the SEC’s website located at www.sec.gov. A final prospectus supplement will be filed with the SEC and will be available on its website soon. The offering may be made only by means of a prospectus and a related prospectus supplement, copies of which may be obtained, when available, by contacting: Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC (Tel: 866-718-1649) or UBS Securities LLC (Tel: 888-827-7275). This announcement further shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicit an offer to buy any securities of the Company, nor shall there be any offer or sale of securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such an offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction.