Vikesh Kumar Bhalaria: Elevating Guest Experiences with 15+ Years of F&B Excellence – HCP F&B Leader Award 2025 Nominee
Vikesh Kumar, F&B Manager at The Fern Hotels Ahmedabad, is a 2025 HCP F&B Leader Award nominee. Discover his 15-year hospitality journey and achievements.

Meet Vikesh Kumar – F&B Manager at The Fern Hotels & Resorts, Ahmedabad
Vikesh Kumar Bhalaria, currently leading as the Food and Beverage Manager at The Fern Hotels & Resorts, Ahmedabad, brings more than 15 years of robust hospitality experience across luxury hotels and resorts in India. His nomination for the People’s Choice – HCP F&B Leader Award 2025 highlights a career marked by innovation, service excellence, and event mastery.
Vikesh began his journey in 2006 with an apprenticeship at Taj Palace, New Delhi, where his potential was quickly recognized. Over the years, he moved from being a butler and team leader to managerial roles, taking charge of restaurant operations, guest delight, banquet management, and staff development. His resume includes stints at The Lebua, Anya Hotels, Royal Plaza Delhi, and the iconic Suryagarh Resort, Jaisalmer.
From 2016 to 2023, Vikesh made a significant impact at Glade One Golf Resort (Essence by Araiya) in Ahmedabad, first as a Restaurant Manager and later as Assistant F&B Manager. He successfully led pre-opening activities, planned major events, and drove the F&B department’s growth in both revenue and reputation.
In August 2023, Vikesh took on the challenge of heading the F&B division at The Fern Hotels & Resorts, a role that sees him managing daily operations, guest service optimization, staff training, and large-scale event execution. His calm demeanor, strong organizational skills, and creativity in menu planning have earned him admiration from both guests and teams.
Key Career Highlights:
-
Best Groomed Employee Award – Taj Palace, New Delhi
-
Appreciation certificate from GM for delivering “WOW” guest moments
-
Part of Process Improvement Team (PIT) to enhance efficiency and reduce costs
-
Served as personal valet to dignitaries including:
-
Mahinda Rajapaksa (President of Sri Lanka)
-
Hamid Karzai (President of Afghanistan)
-
Vladimir Ivanovich Yakunin (Railway Minister, Russia)
-
Gilbert Houngbo (PM of Togo)
-
Business magnate Anil Ambani
-
Fluent in English and Hindi, Vikesh is known for his guest-first mindset, leadership under pressure, and keen interest in learning and developing people. His career reflects a balance of humility, discipline, and creative hospitality, making him an ideal nominee for the HCP F&B Leader Award 2025.