CEO Vol 1 . Issue 5 . A u g u s t 2014 . `100
A night At
VErSACE’S
A peek at Miami's hottest new address
Quick Look:
Luxury yAChtS
in india
riding with the hogs
Down the road with Harley Davidson
Anirudh dhoot A talkathon with the Videocon czar
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‘The Spirit of Vanquish. The Art of Asto
on Martin’ PERFORMANCE CARS ( Division of Infinity Cars Pvt. Ltd.)
Aston Martin Mumbai
No.3, Crystal Building, Altamount Road, Mumbai-400 028.
Tel: +91 22 65811007 www.astonmartinmumbai.in
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www.kudoslondon.co.ukCEO LIFESTYLE
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P EOPL E
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Style Check
Must-have luxury products this monsoon Quick peek into the Marks & Spencer Madras Couture Fashion Week
Living Modern Loving Vintage
Anirudh Dhoot talks about his love for gadgets and ghazals
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Booked For Life
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It’s PAYBACK Time
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Made in India Famed world-over
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The World Of Luxury Yachting
Amrita Chowdhury on her ‘2-states’ love story and her penchant for finer things
Rahul Rana, CEO of PAYBACK, on experimenting in the kitchen and travelling solo
Designer Rahul Mishra talks to CEO Lifestyle abour empowering Indian craftsmen
A quick look at the most luxurious yachts India has to offer
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PANACH E
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Brand Factory
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The Gem Stars
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Riding with the Hogs
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Get With The Time
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The elitist’s library of new launches
Our pick of India’s best gem jewellers
CEO Lifestyle takes a trip with the Hogs
A look at four smartwatches that every tech-loving CEO needs
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P L AC E S Life Is A Roller Coaster We bring you the world’s best amusement parks
A Night At Versace’s
Miami is now home to the legendary designer’s mansion-turned-luxury hotel
Where Nature Marries Luxury
In the middle of nowhere, but Hilton Shillim Estate Retreat & Spa has everything you will ever need
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Making art a Sublime experience
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Get Wise, Art-Wise
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Sublime Galleria’s Uzma Irfan on Indian artists, old and new
Taking care of your art collection during monsoons
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122 WINE & DINE
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Getting Sassy With Rachel Allen
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A Taste Of Goa In Chennai
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When The Sassy Spoon menu gets a Rachel Allen twist
Why you must visit the only authentic Goan cuisine restaurant in the city
The Global Guzzler’s Diary
Everything you need to know about drinking customs worldwide
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H E ALT H
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6 CEOs share their fitness mantra
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Indulge, The Nizami Way
Six biggies share their secrets to a healthier lifestyle
An afternoon of getting pampered royally
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Sites & Sounds
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Mark your calendar
Hail tomatoes at La Tomatina A mighty procession
What we are looking forward to next month
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RAADIA MUKADAM GROUP EDITOR & BUSINESS HEAD raadia@eyeballmedia.in ASSISTANT FEATURES EDITOR
Neha Malude FEATURE WRITERS
Rekha Shanmugham Nifty Jacob ART DIRECTOR
Veeranandhan Kittappa GRAPHIC DESIGNERS
Narayanan Sathish M. Ashok MARKETING & BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
Abhijit Basu abhijit@eyeballmedia.in
Sandhur Goutham s.goutham@eyeballmedia.in SALES COORDINATOR
Indu Vigneshwaran CIRCULATION & SUBSCRIPTION G.A. Manjunath A. Rathinavel Pandian g.SAKThIvEL MANAGING DIRECTOR Eyeball Media pvt.Ltd. 30-32, Subramanian Street, Abiramapuram, Chennai 600018, India. Tel: +91 44 4567 1150. www.ceolifestylemagazine.com Printed and published by G.Sakthivel for and on behalf of Eyeball Media Pvt. Ltd. Published at 30-32, Subramanian Street, Abiramapuram, Chennai 600018, India and printed by IKON Print Solutions at Shed No.B-10, Quaide Milleth Street, SIDCO Industrial Estate, MMDA, Arumbakkam, Chennai - 600 106. All rights reserved. The different trademarks published in this issue belong to their respective owners. CEO Lifestyle cannot be responsible for unsolicited material. The contents of CLS shall not be published or reproduced in any from without the written permission of the Group Editor, Raadia Mukadam. The copyright in the contents of this magazine, including photographs printed and published, rests exclusively with Eyeball Media Pvt. Ltd.
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EDITOR’S NOTE Dear Reader,
Though bungee jumping, mountain climbing and wild water rafting are food for adrenaline junkies, we implore you to test the rides at some amusement parks globally that will redefine the term ‘fear factor’
Planning a break, however short, is the one thing that keeps me going through exacting schedules and rigorous deadlines and if it’s an experiential holiday with a difference, all the more better. My favourite memories are the short stay vacations with an adrenaline boost. Adrenaline junkies seek extreme holidays. Dedicated thrill seekers will travel the world to find an experience that pushes them to their limits. To these chasers of the ultimate rush, going out of their comfort zone and going beyond the boundaries of a normal person is something to be pursued. Though bungee jumping, mountain climbing and wild water rafting are food for adrenaline junkies, on your next break, we implore you to test the rides at some of the amusement parks globally that have been picked out for you in this issue, that promise to redefine the term ‘fear factor’. Whoever said that amusement parks are for kids, believe me, could not be more wrong. Any time I can enjoy an opportunity of visiting a theme park, some place I haven’t been, I take full advantage of it. The fear that causes the adrenaline effect, and in turn a sense of euphoria you experience after riding a roller coaster at an amusement park is unassailable. If your idea of a perfect summer day involves an adrenaline-infused rush from a truly frightening ride, then hold on tight as we take you through the most spine-tingling, hair-raising roller coaster rides, free falls, and 4-D rides offered by some of the world’s best parks in this issue. And whilst on the subject of adrenaline rushes, let me draw your attention to another article within this issue, ‘Riding with the Hogs’ a journey embarked on by one of my associates on the Harley Davidson not so long ago. I have had the privilege of riding pillion with the Hogs from Bangalore to Goa and can safely say that it was one of my most memorable travelogues. I can hardly recall what my rider looked like, but I can sure remember how I felt on that bike. The sound and feel of the bike, the rush of a ten lakh worth mean machine under you that makes you feel like you are practically floating two feet above the ground is what makes this job worth the while. Of course, CEO Lifestyle is about bringing you the finest things in life but this issue is going to be just as great a treat for adrenaline junkies. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as we enjoyed bringing it out.
Raadia Mukadam
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Painting by Bob Freimark (1922-2010)| Sculpture by JD Hansen & Cheryl Ekstrom
HOHMANN FINE ART
73-660 El Paseo | Palm Desert, CA 92260 | U.S.A. | +1.760.346.4243 | art@hohmannfineart.com | www.hohmannfineart.com | International Shipping CEO LIFESTYLE 21 AUGUST 2014
Contributors Kirthi Jayakumar A writer and peace activist. She enjoys reading, music and going on long walks by herself. A nomad by state-of-mind, for Kirthi, writing is her life-blood.
Sonal Ved Ever since Sonal discovered her writing abilities she has been scribbling about food, eating and everything in between. She is a vegetarian baker and a creative cook who concocts her own recipes.
Momy Saikia is an engineer, writer, communication specialist, marketer and an entrepreneur. A jack of all trades but master of one - writing. She finds writing very liberating because it provides her a medium to express.
Leena Ghosh If not a writer, Leena would have been a comedian. Till date, she has never failed to introduce herself without cracking a joke. When not dreaming about dishes she’d present to impress the Master Chefs, Leena likes to have imaginary conversations with Linda Goodman.
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Shivi Saxena Shivi is a perfect concoction of wit with the right jugglery of words. The zany copywriter dwells in Mumbai, is an outlandish ideator, and her high jinks have a rib tickling impact on others. She also pens down life’s happenings unimpaired.
Kingston David In an eternal affair with technology and gadgets, an obsessive automobile freak, avid gamer, passionate about cricket and driving. An electronics engineer by chance and a writer by choice.
Jyoti Balani An independent culinary writer and wine enthusiast, Jyoti started her culinary journey in a hotel management institute. When not writing, reading or traveling, she can be found in the kitchen, the garden or on some vineyard !
Dharma Prakash A Chennaiite at heart, Dharma loves his filter coffee and when he is not drinking coffee, he is busy capturing the beauty that is Madras on his camera lens. He also loves experimenting in the kitchen but that is a talent he is lesser known for.
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Nitiz Kaila Fashion fanatic, writer and a creative possessed by perpetual wanderlust and inspired by all things radical and surreal. Driven by instincts and a bit eccentric with profound devotion to movies and music. AUGUST 2014
PEOPLE
CLUB CLS
BBQ Bonanza by CLUB CLS
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Alila Bangalore was the place to be on 11th of July, 2014 as a bevy of the Garden City’s well-heeled descended upon Whitefield for an evening of barbeque, wine and all other things fine. The ‘CLUB CLS BBQ Bonanza’ hosted by CEO Lifestyle magazine in celebration of the overwhelming response and phenomenal run thus far saw the crème de la crème of Bengaluru socialize at the barbeque-themed event. It brought together eminent personalities from various walks of life such as Mukul Ronak Das, CEO of The Waltair Group, Nikhil Isaac, Marketing Head of Hebron Properties, Dr. Zulfia Shaikh, Founder & Director of Bangalore School of Speech & Drama, Vijay N. of Overseas League Club, Nitin Mittal, Sr. VP – Business Development of WWstay etc. Julian Ayers, Regional Vice President India & Middle East at Alila Hotels & Resorts was seen having a great time interacting with the guests too. Alila Bangalore, with its serene and picturesque ambience, played the perfect host for CEO LIFESTYLE
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the evening. Come dusk, the charming, open-air lobby transformed into a suave setting complete with cabanas housing delicious live counters specially curated by Executive Chef Suvaranjan Banerjee. Diametrically opposite was the bar which ensured an unlimited supply of the finest ferments. There were western, Asian, Arabic, Tandoor counters and of course, one each dedicated to vegetarians and some lip-smacking desserts. After the initial warming up, the gathering was addressed by Raadia Mukadam, Group Editor and Business Head of CEO Lifestyle followed by Hemal Jain, General Manager of Alila Bangalore. Chef Banerjee took centre stage to demonstrate fast and easy-to-do barbeque techniques. Guests were seen having a splendid time interacting with the chef, benefitting from his expertise and afterwards indulging in the sumptuous spread. The revelry went on till the wee hours of the night, the atmosphere getting livelier by the second. Well, with great food, wine and company, can one really ask for more? AUGUST 2014
CLUB CLS
STyLE ChECK
It’s raining luxury MONSOON MAYHEM With the deep puddles and mud galore, the monsoon season is best spent indoors, they say. CEO Lifestyle asks you to step out and how!
Braving the monsoon season was never easier with this Logo Camouflage Bomber Zip Jacket from Armani Jeans.
Needless to say, monsoons and eye infections go hand in hand. With this uber-stylish monsoon eyewear collection from Salvatore Ferragamo, listening to your doctor’s advice becomes so much more fashionable.
What with the monsoon gloom permeating the streets, there is never a better time to sport these candy coloured bags from Furla. Going monochrome and adding the bag to the ensemble for a pop of colour is just one way of doing this, of course. CEO LIFESTYLE
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Isn’t the good old umbrella just man’s most dependable friend during the monsoon? It can be a snazzy accessory too, with Paul Smith’s ‘umbrella doodle’ print self opening umbrella range for the season.
Needless to say, trench coats are a must during the rains. Make sure you have this particular piece from Canali. The leather collar ups the style quotient, of course. Add to that the Caban jacket with the leather collar as well, and you’ve got yourself a wardrobe.
Manoeuvring your way through the puddle-ridden roads might seem like a daunting task this season. Make it fun with the latest collection of footwear from Crocs. The bright and lively colours lend life to the all-pervasive grey typical of the monsoon. CEO LIFESTYLE
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STyLE ChECK
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A weekend of glam
Couture ruled Chennai as top models sashayed down the ramp in designer wear at the Marks & Spencer Madras Couture Fashion Week held at the Radisson Blu, GST road, Chennai on the 20th and 21st of June. The show aims to promote the burgeoning fashion industry based in Chennai by serving as the right platform for promising designers and students with a degree in the sartorial art and had ace choreographer Sunil Menon dictating the moves. Top male and female models from the southern cities of Bangalore and Chennai strutted their stuff in the fashion show which was organized by Jupiter Events, an event management firm based out of Chennai. The glitterati of Chennai rocked the two day event which had designers from Bangalore and Chennai displaying their collections. Fresh out-of-college fashion designers had an exclusive slot each day for themselves while students belonging to the Dream Zone School of Fashion were seen showcasing their talent too. Complementary to the fashion CEO LIFESTYLE
extravaganza, GRT Hotels and Resorts in association with the Madras Couture Fashion Week launched the GRT Hotels Dining program – Great Foodie with a special edition of the Great Foodie Cookbook. A collector’s item, the cookbook houses a selection of signature recipes of the GRT Hotels collection of almost 25 restaurants across 10 hotels. In a twist that was new and refreshing, chefs were seen walking the ramp along with the show stopper sporting edible accessories. Various noted designers including Tamizhselvan of GORGEOUS ME and Niranjani Sunder of STUDIO THARI amongst several others impressed the audience with their designs. Krithika Jain presented her nature-inspired collection ‘ARDOR RUSH’ while the grand finale was by Madhu Mitha of DARAA. Also showcased at the show were Marks & Spencer’s Spring/ Summer wear and Kiah’s Bollywood theme collection while Chennai diamonds presented their wedding jewellery collection.
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LIVING MODERN LOVING VINTAGE Passionate about technology and inspired by simplicity, the dynamic heir of Videocon Industries, Anirudh Dhoot is a man of many interests. Momy Saikia talks to him about his fervour for cricket and Jagjit Singh’s ghazals.
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Simplicity is the mark of true greatness, that is the first thing that came to my mind after meeting the scion of Videocon Industries, Anirudh Dhoot, who is leading the company’s Consumer Electronics and Home Appliances division. Acknowledging my thought, he admits it in his own words, “I believe in simple living.” A technology enthusiast and a gadget-junkie himself, Dhoot says, “We want to make frugal technological innovations to make our products affordable. We want to focus on the younger generation and are creating youth-friendly and environmental-friendly products.” For his personal collection, he likes to own the latest smartphones and tablets, especially the Samsung range, even before they are officially launched in the market. Anticipating my next statement, he quickly adds, “Although Samsung is considered a direct competitor of Videocon, they have a different benchmarking approach.” A few years after Dhoot was born (in Kolkata), the family relocated to Aurangabad, which is also the place where the first Videocon plant was later built. He reminisces about the indelible days in Aurangabad, especially during Holi, Diwali and Ganesh Chaturthi, when the whole family got together to organize a grand celebration. The festivals were also celebrated in the factory with the same pomp and grandeur. As he leans forward in his chair, he leaves behind the tales of past and speaks about how things have changed today. Yet, he manages to visit his near and dear ones on the most important occasions, he tells us. Although introduced to the
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A sports enthusiast and health nut, Dhoot regularly hits the gym and makes time for playing table tennis and badminton. He also attended all the IPL matches that saw the Mumbai Indians and Kolkata Knight Riders play this year
family business at a very young age, the young 20-something Dhoot wanted to start an e-commerce business in India after graduating from Cardiff University with an MBA degree. He even conducted a preliminary study of the Indian market to explore his prospects. However, he was soon persuaded by his family to join the family business and he never looked back again. In the initial years at Videocon, Dhoot and his cousins were mentored by the best in the company, including top leaders like S. K. Jain and S. Padmanabhan and his own uncles Anil and Pradeep Dhoot. His business acumen and his love for technology apart, Dhoot is a man of many other interests. From sports, music and enjoying culinary delights to exploring lesser known places in the world with family, he is living it up. But unlike his penchant for mobile devices, Dhoot is not much into the mobile machines on the roads. Nonetheless, being technology driven and inspired by innovation, he is a great admirer of German cars and drives a BMW 5 series, a class apart indeed. A sports enthusiast and health nut, Dhoot regularly hits the gym and makes time for playing table tennis and badminton. A member of the Cricket Club of India, he also enjoys watching cricket and attended all the IPL matches that saw the Mumbai Indians and Kolkata Knight Riders play this year. The Dhoots have also built excellent sports facilities in all their Videocon factories to encourage their employees to remain physically active. On a finer note, Dhoot likes to listen to Pankaj Udhas and Jagjit Singh ghazals and attend A. R. Rahman concerts. Not particularly pleased with the latest CEO LIFESTYLE
trends in music, he tends to like more of the classics. The man sure has great taste and great style too. A loyal Armani customer, when it comes to shopping for any occasion, Dhoot looks nowhere else. For the casual days, he prefers to enjoy the comfort of M&S clothing. And, if given the luxury of time to go shopping anywhere, he is most likely to take off to Dubai or Singapore. While on the business front, he constantly explores new technology, on the personal front he likes to explore little known, interesting places around the world. He says, “I do not like the popular destinations swamped with tourists or those which have nothing new to offer.” And when not in the mood to explore, he takes off to his regular holiday destinations in Europe, Malaysia and Turkey. “In Europe, I am particularly fond of London, mainly for its food and architecture.” But when he is visiting a new place, he also likes to try something new, like the local food, new hotels or even adventure sports. After paragliding and skydiving, the next on his itinerary is scuba diving in the Red Sea, in Jordan. In India, Dhoot loves to unwind with his family and friends in Goa, attending events or celebrating festivals, or just driving around on the roads during monsoons. It is not always the adventure or activities that lure Dhoot to a certain place. He loves to explore the cuisines of different places that he visits. With an acquired taste for oriental cuisine, especially Japanese, Dhoot frequently visits Wasabi restaurant at the Taj Mahal Palace and Fifty Five East at the Grand Hyatt, when he is in Mumbai. When he is in the capital, he visits Megu at the
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Leela Kempinski. Recently introduced to Mexican food, the self-proclaimed foodie is already hooked to the taste and has marked a couple of restaurants in the city, including the new Mexican restaurant Sanchos, for pleasing his refined palate. Despite his demanding professional and personal life, Dhoot ensures that he spends quality time with his family, especially on Sundays, which is the designated family day. From taking his son for swimming and badminton sessions to having an elaborate lunch with the family, he is as much a family man as he is the man of the family. At work, though, the boss likes to work as a team. In fact, he is often involved in the team building efforts organized by the company. Although he believes in the power of many for completing a task, when it comes to undertaking many tasks, he prefers to work on one or two at a time. Time is of essence to him and hence you will find him setting time oriented goals for every task. Under his leadership, the company is now gearing up to tap into the growing Indian market by rolling out new range of affordable consumer electronics. With a smile on his face, he leaves us with the news that the company is soon going to launch the curve TV, which is the latest technological development in the category. Dhoot has successfully assumed the mantle of his family business and is relentlessly taking it forward to achieve new highs. He is a visionary, who is working towards creating affordable sustainable innovations, so that the benefits of technology can be enjoyed by people at large. A sophisticatedly simple man, Dhoot is as committed to life as he is to his business, which is probably the universal mantra for success.
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BOOKED FOR LIFE Being at the helm of Harlequin, India, is one side of her multi faceted personality but that does not go to say everything about Amrita Chowdhury. Tracing her journey from the campus of IIT Kanpur to the Golden state of California to Australia and all the way back to Mumbai, Nifty Jacob discovers Amrita’s secret hobby and with her real life version of ‘2 states’.
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For the smart and vibrant Amrita, life’s journey has been topped with various achievements and milestones that span four decades of her existence, although you would find it difficult to believe that the sprightly look on her could translate to anything over 30. As the Country Head and Publishing Director of Harlequin, India, Chowdhury and the team streamline operations, discover new voices and market them innovatively. She has found the best of both worlds and “loads of fun” in a crossover between her personal passion and area of professional expertise. An IIT graduate with a degree in MS from UC Berkeley and an MBA from Carnegie Mellon, she holds seven patents for semi-conductor fabrication to her credit, along with published research papers and an impressive portfolio of providing strategy consultancy to Fortune 500 clients and ASX & FTSE listed major firms. Born in the town of Patna to a doctor and a psychologist, she describes her childhood as “growing up among books”.
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“It was my secret hobby,” she says, recounting the personal haven she would sneak into while penning down her poems and stories, a trait she acquired from her mother. Her talent with words in good time has evolved into her first published book in 2009, ‘Faking It’, a fictional thriller spun around the subject of art. More than a pleasant detour, the plunge into publishing was a personal dream she had long harboured. “Back in those days, there were only two professions,” she tells us, referring to the clichéd conventions of engineering and medicine in the Indian education system. She chose the former, considering a mild case of hematophobia that resulted in a stupefying effect at the sight of blood. The decision held good for Chowdhury as it was in IIT Kanpur that she met her husband, Sumit. Their tale dates two decades back when the Patna girl met a guy from West Bengal, a story that reminds us of the popular movie ‘2 states’. In an attempt to get acquainted with each other’s families “we used to direct
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The year 2014 for the Chowdhury house began with a wildlife trail in Madhya Pradesh followed by a skiing vacation to Switzerland in March, although “skiing is not as easy as it looks”
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a few scenes when he would meet me under the pretext of borrowing books while my parents were around or vice versa”, she fondly reminisces. In late 2000, the couple decided to move to Australia, after having lived the American dream for six years. “We felt too young to settle down and Australia seemed like a good way to disrupt things,” Chowdhury laughs. While she first found freedom amidst California’s city lights, the adventurous side of Australia appealed to her. Apart from being a full-fledged working mother, she also nurtured her passion for writing by attending various workshops and short term courses. Six years down the line, her husband’s job took them to the city of dreams, Mumbai, where Chowdhury realized hers of writing a book. “It was absolutely maddening,” she says, recalling the days of long hours spent going back and forth over numerous chapters. And the stint also made her realize that being a full time author was not her cup of tea. “It didn’t feel like a career,” she says. Eventually, Chowdhury resumed working full time. With 36 countries covered and still counting, it is easy to deduce her penchant for travelling. “There is much of India that I am yet to discover,” she says and has Coorg, Ladakh and Kashmir on her travel list. The year 2014 for the Chowdhury house began with a wildlife trail in Madhya Pradesh followed by a skiing vacation to Switzerland in March, although “skiing is not as easy as it looks”, she adds in her defence. Her passion for art has also found its place in her collection of artefacts and trinkets collected over the years. And there is more that catches her fancy. “I love Prada,” she says. Her trips abroad have brought home shoes, clothes and bags picked anywhere from designer brands to old books which find a rank among her collectives. After all, “which woman doesn’t like shopping?”she laughs. While Chowdhury’s much loved passion for art and thrillers is established, her husband and children also share her interest of reading, although the genre varies from fiction read by her children to non-fiction and crime by her husband. Given that, the in-house library with over 5000 books won’t come as a surprise. Come weekends, she devotes her time to baking cupcakes and brownies. Apart from a wholesome diet followed by the family during the week, personally charted and pinned on the fridge by the woman herself, Chowdhury also practices a fitness mantra of yoga and long walks through the week. Next on her agenda is her second book – a thriller set in cyber space, soon to be released by the end of the year. And to add to the final touches of her story, a family vacation to China is on the cards. “I have done a bit of research on China, but visiting it would be even more wonderful,” she says. For the vivacious Chowdhury, a future paved with more books seems likely. And while she has moved coast to coast, will Mumbai be her final residence? “I don’t know,” she laughs. “Time will tell.”
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It’s PAYBACK time He was recently named the CEO of PAYBACK India, but Rahul Rana always wanted to be a doctor. In a chat with Neha Malude, he reveals his love for mountaineering and the book on his reading list right now, the Quran.
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Born in Assam, Rana’s early memories are that of growing up on estates amidst tea plantations, for his family was in the tea business. When he was a young boy, he was packed off to St. Paul’s, a boarding school in Darjeeling which presumably gave shape to Rana’s personality. “I was a part of the school photography club, under-18 hockey team, cricket club, elocution team, drama team and I was a marathon runner as well,” says Rana. “I was also the school captain and the hockey team captain,” he adds. We are a little flabbergasted by now. “Well, I was reasonably good at studies and I enjoyed sports so I tried out everything. But I was not a troublemaker,” he says, smiling. Definitely an overachiever, we think. The Bachelor’s Degree in Economics and MBA from Delhi University, however, was perchance. “Actually, I wanted to be a doctor. I was very fascinated by the profession after I read Erich Segal’s ‘Doctors’ but I am an only child and my parents wanted me to pursue a different career path. So somewhere along the way, my plans suddenly changed. For the better, I might add,” he says. Rana loves his job, one can tell. “It’s a brand new business, in fact, it’s not even an industry yet, so there is something new to learn at work every day. We have the freedom to try out new things. Sometimes the hours are endless but it’s very exciting.” When not at work, Rana enjoys spending time with his six-year-old twins. “They are at a fascinating age and I spend a lot of time with them, whether it’s going cycling, swimming or a pillow fight,” he says. He also enjoys watching plays and tries his best to catch one wherever he may be. But it is his other interest that really grabs our attention, reading religious scriptures. The Quran is on his current reading list. “My mom is an astrologer and she is a very religious person. I think that is where the interest in reading the Bible, Mahabharat, Bhagvad Gita, etc. sparked. I am not religious personally but I am very interested in different cultures and our scriptures are a big part of them. Right now, I am reading the Quran verse by verse and I am mesmerized, to say the least,” he tells us. Apart from that, Rana is a diehard fan of Ayn Rand’s ‘Atlas Shrugged’. “It is possibly the most inspiring book I’ve read in my life and I would recommend it to anyone.” He also never misses an issue of ‘The Economist’. CEO LIFESTYLE
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My most memorable trip was the climb to the Everest Base Camp, it is a great route with gorgeous scenery. It is a great way of disconnecting from the world and meeting interesting people
As much as a book-lover, Rana loves the outdoors. While he takes trips with his family at least twice a year, mountaineering is his passion. “I began trekking when I was 12 years old but now I am into mountaineering, at least once every two years. My most memorable trip was the climb to the Everest Base Camp, it is a great route with gorgeous scenery. It is a great way of disconnecting from the world and meeting interesting people,” he says. But mountaineering is something Rana enjoys doing solo. “When I am alone, I am on my own and I do things on my own terms without any constraints. It’s fun doing it with friends but I definitely enjoy going alone more.” Speaking of disconnecting, Rana is self-admittedly tech-impaired, though he treasures his Blackberry. He likes to shop from Zara and Boss but Nike is his go-to brand when it comes to sportswear for when he plays tennis or hits the gym over the weekend. Though not a big fan of junk food, Rana has one big weakness: Indian sweets and if he had his way, could probably live on them. When he travels, he prefers Italian or Thai fare abroad. But he is not just a foodie, he likes to cook as well. “I enjoy cooking from my heart and I conduct wild experiments in my kitchen, on the receiving end of which are generally family and friends. I never follow recipes, if I like the ingredients I just throw them in and hope for it to work like magic. Sometimes it does and sometimes it doesn’t. But that doesn’t deter me,” laughs Rana. Maybe he would be an aspiring chef if not heading PAYBACK? No. “If I weren’t at PAYBACK, I would be a historian or an archaeologist, something that would involve being out and about definitely. Maybe like Indiana Jones,” he quips. The thirst for adventure? Check. The experience of climbing mountains? Check. Interest in archaeology? Check. Indiana Jones could very well have happened.
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www.calonge-group.com - calonge@calonge.in - www.facebook.com/calonge.group
TAILOR MADE
INDIAN Craft, GLOBAL Appeal Craft over just art, design over fashion and global over western are the beliefs and philosophies that have steered Rahul Mishra’s success. Nitiz Kaila spends an afternoon with the designer at his studio and talks about his views on fashion, Indian versus global, his vision and the challenges to be countered.
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Graduation in science, a master’s degree from NID (National Institute of Design) followed by a scholarship at Istituto Marangoni in Milan paved the way for Mishra’s thriving journey in Indian fashion, a journey that he started in the villages, taking inspiration from them and developing his trade and art with their crafts. This journey has led him to the streets of Paris, Milan and other fashion districts after winning the International Woolmark Prize in 2014. Brought up in a village, Mishra says that his background enables him to communicate with the weavers and artisans in their own language, and that they feel more connected to him. Indian handicrafts plus a thorough know-how of design have indeed been Mishra’s métier, whether it was the Chanderi fabric woven with merino and Zardozi emblazoned with lotus motifs and hexagon shapes (for the Woolmark presentation), his reversible dresses from 2009 with Kerala Mundu on one side and Banarasi fabric on the other or his much-admired initial collections. Much has changed for the designer after matching steps with the likes of Joseph Altuzarra and Sibling for the Woolmark competition. Though long over, his excitement is still unabated, especially when he talks the upcoming documentary to be telecast on the FOX network. For the next season, Mishra
well formed. According to him, “We should not be apologetic about making western wear. It’s a part of evolution, being global, and it has been happening not only in India but also throughout the world. A Japanese woman doesn’t walk around in Kimonos anymore and gone are the days when luxury in fashion was only about the exaggerated gowns of couture from the pre-Chanel era. So ‘global’ is a far better term than ‘western’, I think.” And to him, his dresses with authentic Indian handiwork are more Indian than most of the bridal lehengas with overuse of materials wrongly perceived as Indian. Indian craftsmanship is more understated than intricate, Mishra states. “Indian workmanship is more about technique than materials. Original Indian techniques such as tie and dye comprising of white and blues, terracotta, Kerala’s white and gold are far more pristine and pure,” he asserts. Whether
is working on showcasing at the Paris Fashion Week for the S/S’15 edition. A big step forward, probably the best in context of world fashion. But the roots of his design ideology and the core remain the same – to work with Indian art and craft whilst blending it with global influences and creating a product that exudes a “balanced contradiction” which gives it a universal appeal. “My dream is to make a really big brand that comes from India,” Mishra admits. As for the Indian market, it is a completely different ball game, thanks to the disparate perspective on fashion consumption. The designer will present a separate line for the Indian market with a completely different price bracket. “Fashion is still not consumed in India. An Indian consumer would rather invest in a bag than a trench coat,” he reveals. Mishra’s perceptions about international fashion are quite distinct and
TAILOR MADE
targeting international or local markets, the core of Mishra’s work lies in getting authentic Indian craft the value and respect it deserves. And the result he is looking at is a two-fold growth. Mishra wants his work to make the ‘Made in India’ label international but not just that, he also wants the Indian artists behind it to get equally rewarding returns. “One thing I strongly believe in is that design is far more effective when it leaves the hands of the designers. When an idea leaves the studio and reaches the villages, it helps them realize their dream through participation. So I don’t want to create just a product for consumption but a bilateral system that also enables job creation, which is of dire importance in India.” For the same reason the designer sticks to different clusters he works with, season after season. It is challenging, since he has to revive and reinvent the craft for every collection but continued association is crucial for sustained development. “I have been working with Chanderi for the last five years, Pochampally for the last two. It’s not a safety net but a means of providing them sustained employment.” Mishra trains and works with artists using the most up-to-date means of communication like Skype and Facetime. Another challenge is compliance that goes beyond quality control and timelines, which are a given. Factor in these challenges and one realizes how big the achievements of Mishra are. His award winning Woolmark collection is going to the best of places and beyond. The retail and e-commerce takers include mytheresa.com in Germany, Colette in Paris, Harvey Nichols in London, Saks Fifth Avenue in New York and Joyce in Hong Kong. Mishra’s ambition is to “take his brand to be a Rs. 500-crore company within eight years and to take the employment numbers to millions from the 1000 who work with him right now”. Amidst all the grand plans, progression and aspirations Mishra’s heart lies in the belief that his effort has to be sincerely rooted while being with the times and “which can fulfill a villager’s dream who has never seen a classroom.” CEO LIFESTYLE
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A Japanese woman doesn’t walk around in Kimonos anymore and gone are the days when luxury in fashion was only about the exaggerated gowns of couture from the pre-Chanel era. So ‘global’ is a far better term than ‘western’, I think
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Luxe Central
The World
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Luxury Yachting
Remember the scene in ‘Titanic’ where Jack and Rose stand at the bow of the ship, arms open and staring at the sea and the setting sun? If you have a secret wish to do the same, Neha Malude suggests taking a look at four uber-luxurious yachts from the best in India.
Picture Courtesy: Marine Solutions CEO LIFESTYLE
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Marine Solutions’ Sea Ray Sundancer-510
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A brainchild of Major General S. Dutta VSM, Marine Solutions boasts of a variety of yachts that cater to the rich and famous – motor yachts, sailing yachts, fishing yachts and super yachts. The Sea Ray Sundancer-510 is a motor yacht which personifies luxury boating. With an overall length of 15.49 metres (approximately 50 feet) and Standard Twin Cummins® QSC 550 HO Diesel V-Drive Inboards with DTS, the yacht features large hull windows and graceful hull and deck lines. There is an enclosed cockpit Sunroom with two retractable sunroofs and a pivoting double helm seat. The cabins are carpeted and the main cabin, which receives plenty of natural light is done up in Walnut or Rift Cut White Oak. The salon has an L-shaped sofa with a pull out bed and along with an entertainment centre gaming system, there is a flat screen TV, a DVD player, a storage cabinet for CDs and videotapes, The Forward Stateroom comprises a full-sized island style bed, a storage compartment and a shower area while the Mid Master Stateroom consists of a queen-sized bed with a carpeted floor, a flat screen TV with a DVD player, and an en suite bathroom. If your heart desires to sail away into the sunset in the lap of luxury, we suggest you give this one a dekko. Base Price: 21,00,000 uS dollars For more information, visit: http://www.marinesolutions.in
LUxE CENTRAL
Navnit Marine’s Princess 42
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The Princess 42 is like poetry on water, one might say. At a hull length of 13.23 metres (approximately 44 feet), the yacht is an iconic model in the Princess range and is an entry level yacht from the LMVH portfolio (Louis Vuitton group). The spacious flybridge provides a dining table and a U-shaped seating area that converts to a berth, decorated in pristine, white upholstery and teakwood furniture – a perfect place to entertain guests, thanks to a refrigerated coolbox, a barbeque and a wet bar integrated into the console. U-shaped sofa with dining table to starboard (converts to double berth). Steps connect the flybridge to the cockpit which features a large lazarette and storage below the seating. Triple sliding doors will take you to the salon that boasts of wraparound screen and panoramic windows. The lower accommodation comprises an elegant master cabin and a twin guest cabin, with ensuite bathrooms equipped with the latest gadgetry and facilities in place. The galley consists of a recessed 3-zone gas hob with flame-failure protection and cover, a combination microwave/conventional oven with grill and dedicated crockery and cutlery stowage. The owner’s cabin is a plush space complete with a large double bed with drawers below, wardrobe and a dressing table. The 800 HP Twin Volvo Inboard conventional drive diesel engines with a fuel capacity of 1362 litres & 33 knots speed. With so much to look forward to, what more could one ask for? Base price: 4,03,600 British pounds For more information, visit www.navnitmarine.com
Picture Courtesy: Navnit Marine CEO LIFESTYLE
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Luxe Central
Picture Courtesy: Ocean Blue CEO LIFESTYLE
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Ocean Blue’s Azimut 55E
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A company that claims to be India’s largest boating group, Ocean Blue has diverse interests across dealerships, charters, marina development & management, yacht management services, water sports, sailing & training courses. Amongst one of their most fabulous yachts is the Azimut 55E, a boat manufactured by Italy’s Azimut Benetti Group, the world’s largest mega yacht production company. With a hull length of 16.8 metres (approximately 55 feet), the Azimut 55E is the perfect yacht for Indian waters. It comes with a Twin Caterpillar® CAT C12 (715 mHP) engine and cruises at a speed of 29 knots. The exterior and the concept have been designed by Stefano Righini and the matte cherrywood interiors, by Carlo Galeazzi. The Azimut 55E comprises three cabins (plus crew) and two head compartments (plus crew). The salon has been designed in such a way that the yacht is flooded with plenty of daylight, whether you are lounging with an afternoon pre-lunch cocktail or lunching with friends and family. The boat has been designed such that every space is used optimally and yet, with a touch of luxury. The owner’s cabin comes with a comfortable double bed with a generously large wardrobe and our favourite, a nook in the corner where you can sit in the evening and read a book. There is also a separate twin guest cabin. The dining area has been tastefully done up in wood and grey upholstery to lend an extra tinge of chic to the entire look. If you are looking to just spend an enchanting evening hosting a party, you can charter the yacht as well. We can talk and talk about how beautiful Azimut 55E is but really, you have to own it to know it. Base price: Rs. 16 crores (varies based on customization) For more information, visit www.oceanblue.in
Luxe Central
Picture Courtesy: West Coast Marine CEO LIFESTYLE
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West Coast Marine’s Majesty 56
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Touted as one of the most popular yacht sizes in the Majesty range, Majesty 56 may well be called a cocoon of luxury. Enter through the patio door and you will see tastefully designed decor in a blend of hand-crafted maple wood and wenge wood. The main deck, the largest in the Majesty range, can comfortably seat up to eight guests. Marvel at the panoramic view of the sea through the large side windows and entertain your guests in style, thanks to the large dining arrangement and a fully-equipped bar and galley. The large cockpit area has a bench seat with an optional teak dining table to enjoy casual outside dining on the aft of the yacht. The owner can rest in a full beam mid-ship placed cabin that comprises a double bed surrounded by a vanity desk and an en suite bathroom. There is also a VIP cabin and another guest cabin with two single beds that can accommodate two people. The yacht, which has a 20KW Kohler diesel generator, stands at a length of 17.27 metres (approximately 56 feet) with a maximum speed of 30 knots. West Coast Marine deals in other services such as charter, management, refitting, etc. The company also boasts of a sailing school and has different programs to suit different individuals, such as leisure sailing and corporate packages.
Base price: Rs. 12 crores (varies with customization) For more information, visit http://www.westcoastmarine.co.in
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PANACHE
BRAND fACTORy
DECK uP IN DIAMONDS Leave it to the exclusive range of diamond jewellery from Dwarkadas Chandumal Jewellers to look like a million bucks this season. The statement earrings, grand necklaces and bangles are sure to lend that exquisite dazzle. Price on request.
VIEW IN VOGuE Head out in style this season with Roberto Cavalli’s latest eyewear collection. The unique contours and fine materials are sure to grab many eyeballs. Price on request.
DINNER TIME Dine in style with luxury home decor brand Address Home’s new collection of tableware, including a smart and contemporary range of leather table mats, trays, coasters, runners, napkin rings, candles and candle holders. Price: Rs. 1200 onwards. CEO LIFESTYLE
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Pachyderm power Time to look every bit royal and majestic with Mirari’s Elephant Extraordinaire’ Collection. The necklace and earrings are handcrafted in 18 karat rose gold using brilliant diamonds and a myriad of coloured sapphires weighing 9.08 carats, ranging from intense blue to vibrant yellow. Price on request.
Blazing luxury It is class all the way with French luxury brand S.T.Dupont’s new Blazon collection. The Blazon theme is illustrated through a stunning, haute assortment of Line D leather goods crafted with calfskin leather, a pair of cufflinks and a Line D Heritage belt with the D emblem. The collection also comprises of Line D writing instruments and lighters in chrome and black lacquer. Price on request.
Luxe technology English luxury mobile phone manufacturer Vertu launches its new high-performance smartphone model – Signature Touch. This pinnacle smartphone model from the maker blends best-in-class technology with superior handcrafted materials, including grade 5 titanium and hand-finished calf leather. Price: Rs. 7,80,000 onwards.
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BRAND fACTORy SILVER STATEMENT Luxury gets redefined with The Silver Sterling collection by Alchemy De Luxe. Solid silver of 92.5 per cent purity has been used to design these exclusively handcrafted pieces which are detailed with 24-carat gold designs. Price on request.
FOuNTAIN OF YOuTH Keep aging at bay with Vichy’s LIFTACTIV ADVANCED FILLER. This anti-wrinkle innovation promises to smooth and fill deep wrinkles, even vertical ones. Price: 30ml at Rs. 2650.
BAG MANIA Stay chic with Bottega Veneta’s new collection of Olimpia Bags. The entirely hand-woven shoulder bag is soft in structure, with shape enhanced by a unique flap that falls to a supple drape, and features a metal chain linked to a leather strap. Price: Rs.1,80,000 (approx.)
A FINE FRENCH TOuCH Give your house a fashionable spin with French luxury furniture brand Roche Bobois’ contemporary furniture designed by well-known designer Sacha Lakic. The range of furniture with a futuristic edge includes sofas, sideboards, cocktail tables, book cases and bars. Price on request.
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step out in wonderful, colorful translucents
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Available in all Crocs stores. For a detailed list of stores, log onto www.crocsindia.com. Shop online at www.jabong.com and www.amazon.in
ELITE CLUB
e h T GEM STARS A precious piece of jewellery is the best way to describe your personality. In fact, it adds a lot to the treasure of heirloom that can be passed on from one generation to another. R Vandana lists seven eminent gem jewellers who are the best at what they do.
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Picture Courtesy: Ghanasingh Be True CEO LIFESTYLE
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Picture Courtesy: Amrapali Jewels
Amrapali
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The rich heritage and culture of the country inspired two history students, Rajiv Arora and Rajesh Ajmera, and they started travelling to remote places in India to search for and buy old jewellery pieces. This was the foundation of Amrapali. Founded in 1978, Amrapali creates magnificent gem jewellery infused with rich Indian culture and precious materials. Amrapali’s clientele boasts renowned names from Indian cinema, international celebrities, royalty and business tycoons. Halle Berry, Kirron Kher, Sonakshi Sinha, Deepika Padukone, Sonam Kapoor and Selena Gomez are just some of the celebrities who have been spotted flaunting the Amrapali brand. The core of the brand is to deliver ethnic jewellery to its clients that can be worn with almost every garment, be it western or traditional. The brand follows national and international trends that can be seen in their collections in terms designs and colours. The brand believes that to keep the jewellery line exclusive its essential to understand the demand of the clients. Their European, American and Indian clients have different needs in terms design, colour and materials. So far, Amrapali has introduced many trendsetting fine jewellery collections, however, their association with fashion designer Manish Arora was quite interesting and popular. It is an amalgamation of Manish Arora’s signature vision and Amrapali’s finesse in jewellery making. This collection is inspired from the decadence of Indian royalty and both the teams created a magnificent range of necklaces, earrings, bracelets, bangles, cuffs, rings and hair accessories. The designs have been used from the Amrapali archives using a contemporary pastel colour palette, 18k gold plating, stone setting and Indian art of meenakari. This association is continued till date and this season the brand has launched its Spring Summer 2014 collection designed by designer Manish Arora. This year in March, Amrapali has also launched a grand store at Terminal 2 of Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport, Mumbai. To evolve the brand presence globally, the brand has also entered the e-commerce segment.
ELITE CLUB
Entice
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The label is known to design exquisite jewelley with painstaking craftsmanship and rare diamonds procured from mines. Entice, part of KGK Group, has won many awards and titles that not only speak volumes about its distinct design philosophy and commitment to deliver a work of art through each collection. In the last few years, the jewellery label has bagged many prestigious titles, ‘Best Designer Jewellery of the Year’ at IJ Jewellers Choice Design Awards 2013, ‘Best Coloured Stone Jewellery’ (Over Rs 5, 00,000) Award at IJ Jewellers Choice Award 2012,. to name a few. Their design philosophy is to embody elegance in an effortless combination of classic and contemporary designs. Entice is heralding a new era of jewellery design and retail that is inspired by the traditional heritage roots of the country. It combines intricate designs with detailed workmanship and redefines the meaning of lightweight jewellery. At Entice craftsmanship is combined with state-of-the-art technology that fine jewellery at incomparable prices where each jewel comes with a quality certification to endorse its value. Obessions is their most popular collection that was launched in 2012 at India International Jewellery Week. When necklaces make a statement and rings look understated, earrings always exude grace and elegance. The collection was classified in three sub collections, diamond chandeliers, innovative hoops and earrings made with bright coloured stones such as rubies, emeralds and blue sapphires to mix and match with almost every outfit. Entice has 16 standalone boutiques at Hong Kong, China, UAE and India. In India, the jewellery brand is present at Delhi, Jaipur and Mumbai. The brand has plans to expand its reach in the country and abroad. A new boutique in South Mumbai is under construction and soon there are plans to present a one-of-its-kind retail space to the clients in Mumbai.
Picture Courtesy: Entice CEO LIFESTYLE
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ELITE CLUB
Ghanasing Be True
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The jewellery brand stands for innovation, craftsmanship and rich heritage that spans over 109 years. Combining authentic antiquities with distinctive contemporary aesthetics, Ghanasingh Be True has been creating bold jewels that fuse the past with the present. The wearable quotient is the USP of the brand that comes from ethereal designs and impeccable finish. It offers traditional yet modern jewellery that is exquisitely crafted and versatile enough to be worn with any ensemble and occasion, be it a Sunday brunch or a cocktail party. Fashioned from high-carat diamonds and lustrous gemstones, the detail, artistry and lyrical evocation of the natural world deliver finely crafted designs. El Clásico is one of the most well received collection from Ghanasingh Be True. It portrays a supremely confident aesthetic that crosses cultures. The brand enhanced the jewellery canvas using vibrant materials such as diamonds and exotic coloured stones including tourmalines, rubies, emeralds and sapphire. This collection was a brilliant example of craftsmanship, sharing an eternal bond with the radiance and splendor that surrounds the true spirit of women. The collection further boasts precious stones, orange quartz and baby pink rose cut. Ghanasingh Be True has won the ‘Best Couture Jewellery Award’ at the 9th Retail Jeweller Awards 2013. Recently the brand launched their newly crafted ‘Be True Salon’ at Waterfield Road Bandra. To expand the brand further, the team is working on the global expansion, which also includes plans for e-commerce.
Picture Courtesy: Ghanasingh Be True CEO LIFESTYLE
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Picture Courtesy: Ganjam CEO LIFESTYLE
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Ganjam
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In 1889, gold yielded its secrets to Ganjam Nagappa and a legacy was created from a little town called Ganjam, in Orissa. Over time, Ganjam’s exquisite craftsmanship and design found favour in Wodeyars, the royal family of Mysore and then, the royal family of Nepal. Even today, their associations with the royalties of India, the United Kingdom and Japan are unremitting. After being jewellers to Indian royalty, Ganjam has become one of India’s leading affluent brands offering exquisite blend of modern and traditional jewellery. Their forte is to design handcrafed jewellery with utmost precision and details. All the collections are designed in an in-house studio. Several karigar and their unmatched skills and designs have made Ganjam the connoisseur’s delight. Their Heritage, Exotica and Ikat collections have seen a large demand from their clients. Ganjam Heritage jewellery is crafted in 22k gold using precious stones like rare rubies, emeralds and fvvs standard of diamonds. The peacockinspired Exotica Collection is designed in round brilliant diamonds, precious stones in the colours of the bird - pear, marquise and round cut coloured sapphires, tourmalines, peridots, siberlites and lapis lazulis with a contemporary and classic touch. The Ikat Collection draws inspiration from the traditional Ikat wave of Gujarat. It highlights Burmese rubies and diamonds set in exquisitely crafted 18k yellow gold. Ganjam has presence in three different cities, Bangalore, Mumbai and Delhi. In terms of future plans, the brand aims to expand Ganjam on the global map and keen on to have a store in Europe.
ELITE CLUB
Minawala
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“It all began with my mother…” says Shehzad Zaveri, Creative Director of Minawala. His mother pushed him towards diamonds and gem jewellery in which she had seen a bright future. Zaveri started with a small makeshift shop in 1982. After receiving a warm response from his clients, Zaveri opened the first boutique at Heera Panna Arcade, Mumbai in 1993. And now, the brand caters to palatial homes of Napean Sea Road, Mumbai to palaces of Sheikhs in the UAE and Castles of Monte Carlo. Minawala is best described as jewels of passion, drawing natural attention and pure adulation. At their store everything is on offer, and further conceptualized and crafted in-house. No jewel is outsourced and then sold in the stores, unlike other competing jewellers. Their mantra is ‘If we do not make it, we do not offer it’, says Zaveri. For the brand, nothing has been more rewarding than being able to enjoy their creations on the clients that reflect their strong personalities. This has inspired Minawala to create classic designs with a contemporary twist using extreme colours. In 1982, the creative director created a collection ‘Flowers in Fire’, working intricately with a team of two artisans. He tried to bring out the charisma of colours inherent in precious-semiprecious stones and fiery diamonds. During this long journey, the brand has bagged many accolades, ‘Best Designer Jewelry of the Year 2008’. It was nominated for the ‘Best Coloured Stone Jewellery’ of the year 2009 and also received the ‘Innovative Jewelry’ award of the year 2013 at The Retail Jeweler India Awards. At present, the brand is working on a plan to open a luxurious and spacious boutique at Turner Road, Bandra, in Mumbai.
Picture Courtesy: Minawala CEO LIFESTYLE
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Varuna D Jani
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Varuna D Jani, daughter of veteran jeweller Ramchang Popley, force behind Popley Eternal, was fond of jewellery since the tender age of eight. However, she didn’t get the opportunity to develop her love for jewellery. After getting married at the age of 18, she relocated to Dubai. The city exposed her to international runway trends that helped her evolve the aesthetic sense for jewellery designing. In 2005, on her return to India she launched her own jewellery line, Varuna D Jani. Her first flagship store was opened in Bandra. Initially the jewellery line was for niche clients with only 40 handcrafted pieces. Later Varuna launched both, prêt and couture line for the larger target group. Jani believes in adorning women with jewellery that suit their personality, face structure and skin tone. Each of her collections and pieces is versatile and exudes timeless sophistication and versatility. It is the new age heritage jewellery design that will not fade away even after 20 years from now. VOW, ‘Very Own Wish’ is her most popular collection that came in 2008. Inspired by the global woman, the collection is a balance of 80 percent diamond and 20 percent coloured gemstones. The handcrafted designs are multioccasional that can be worn any time at any occasion. Jani has won many accolades, ‘Best Wedding Jewellery’ 2011 at the Indian Retail Jeweller Awards 2011, ‘Power Brands Leadership’ Award in Dubai for Rising Jewellery Entrepreneur of the Year 2012 to name a few. In terms of expansion, the designer intends to open stores in Calcutta and Ahemdabad and promote the art of Adornology.
Picture Courtesy: Varuna D Jani
ELITE CLUB
Zoya
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Zoya is not merely a jewellery store but a dazzling gallery of fine art. Each piece is created through an inspiration and is rare and unique in itself. At Zoya, each stage of jewellery designing is an intricate process, be it the craftsmanship, design or the quality of stones . Every piece of Zoya jewellery has a story to tell and that is what makes it special. It is certain that everything they create finds its inspiration through various cultures, the history of the region, its architecture and everlasting heritage. The collection that finds place in everyone’s heart is the Banaras collection launched in 2012, inspired from the timeless city. The kundan and pokli coupled with enameling work forms a picturesque image of the divine lotus, temples and floating diya on the river Ganges at dusk. The recently designed Espania line is also iconic for the contemporary designs based on the vibrant architecture of Spain and its rich culture. Zoya is aiming at escalating their reach in Mumbai. Targeting mid-April of this year, Zoya is planing to launch their outlet in Bandra, sprawling over 5200 sq.ft. It is a one of its kind jewellery boutique in terms of ambience that also has an exclusive lounge area for high-end clientele.
Picture Courtesy: Zoya CEO LIFESTYLE
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garage
grandeur
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Riding with the Hogs Harley Davidson is the one name that holds 110 years of history in motorcycles that are defined by their thirst for power and raw magnetism. Chandni K. finds out that each and every Harley has a unique story to tell, a story that million others have voiced before in their own way.
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I have always been a bit skeptical about whether a Harley Davidson is worth all the hype but all inhibitions were let go, just as I let go of the helmet and let my hair fly as I sat in the back of the lovely Street Bob. Bob, as I liked to call it, was all black and beautiful. The bike let out a scream like that of an Eagle, true to the name of its acoustics and whisked us away in the dawn like a flash of steel. The power of the bike soared through, ripping in the wind, setting the road ablaze. All eyes were on the motorcycle as we fled through mild traffic. Riding on what felt like a cloud, I realized that the mechanics of the motorcycle were much easier to learn than learning the alphabet all over again. The Coromandel Chennai Chapter of the Harley Owners Group (or H.O.G. as they are popularly known) meets every Sunday to ride a distance of 100 km, from Chennai City Harley Davidson Showroom to Mammallapuram and back. Members ride in a group following a person in the front who decides the speed of the group’s movement. The last person of the group, the follower, is usually a Harley expert who deduces any problems any of the members in the group face. The Hogs stand a class apart, thanks to their ‘Screamin’ Eagle’ accessory that accounts for the unique Harley Davidson motorcycle movement sound. Although no less than a beast in traffic, the full potential of a Harley is extracted mostly on the open roads and long journeys. Street Bob along with Fat Boy floated as the FortyEight chugged along with an attitude that can be matched CEO LIFESTYLE
only by the Street Glide. I cupped the wind in my palms, and the group fell silent as we entered the roads along the coastal side, the beach on our left. With the sun just on the horizon, the other ordinary motorcycles on the road gave us way. The kings were pleased, no doubt. As we headed back after breakfast, the real adventure began. The weather got hotter and the roads even more so as the Harleys touched speeds to avoid the building traffic and reach quickly. The beauty of a Harley is that every time you accelerate and the wind hits you, the power of the bike matches the wind to propel you forward and hold you in place. Purchasing a Harley doesn’t stop just with the motorcycle. You become a part of a legacy, part of a new family. Every Harley Davidson owner is automatically entered into the Harley Davidson local chapter of their city. There are over hundreds of thousands of chapters all across the world, and four in India, namely the South, North, East and West Chapter. Being a member of the chapter not only gets you a new circle of friends but also comes with its perks. The Hogs have tie-ups with several hotels and restaurants in various cities in the country. The Hogs get discounts on bills and special parking spaces. They also get to attend the annual chapter meet where customization seminars and other offers are available. Although Hogs do not get offers on mechanical accessories, membership of the group enables you to get offers on outfits, apparel and other products. The Hogs also receive updates
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Picture Courtesy: Harley Davidson
and newsletters informing them of events happening around the country, like rock concerts, the Sunburn festival, and other parties. To own a Harley is to be a rider and to complete the look, and that is where the Harley Davidson accessories come in. From jackets and helmets to beer holders and lighters, there is an endless line of options to look your best when riding or just sitting on your Harley looking at the horizon. Jackets custom-made with features like waterproof mid-weight leather, interior and exterior pockets, weatherproof zippers, removable kidney vents and body armour are just the beginning. Helmets with reflective piping and Harley graphics are available in a wide range starting from as low as Rs. 10,000. Contrary to popular opinion, a Harley need not be purchased keeping your body stature in mind, personality is the key here. A Harley signifies freedom, efficiency and all the finest things in life. Choose a Harley that is closest to your personality trait, we say. As my journey drew to an end, it felt as if the last five hours had just zipped by. I realized that you don’t choose a Harley, a Harley chooses you. But as I returned the test drive motorcycle to the representative, I realized the story does not have to end here. I can own my own Harley and write it all over again. CEO LIFESTYLE
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TECh TRACKER
The concept of smart watches is increasingly gaining momentum with big players like Sony and Samsung making huge strides. With rumours of an Apple iWatch coming in and the annoucement of Google’s Android Wear, things just got a little more interesting. Kingston David traces the history of smart watches and tries to find out if the current generation of smart watches are really smart.
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Before the advent of the cell phone, watches were the most prominent gadgets that you would carry on you all the time. It has been that way for more than a century and so imaginations on developing it into something better have never really run out of steam. Even before powerful processors started powering our mobile devices, there have been watches which do smart things. More than a decade back, watches could store contacts, phone numbers, memos, appointments and even show temperature and position of the moon. If any of this sounds familiar, it is because these are some of the basic features that the smartphones of today have as a standard. Even though there were a few attempts from reputed manufacturers like Casio and Fossil to make watches smarter, IBM was the one who kick-started the smart watch revolution
with their WatchPad in 2001.We regard this as the first smart watch since it ran on Linux and the tiny screen was touchsensitive. It also had Bluetooth, IrDA, an accelerometer and even a fingerprint scanner. This serious venture was put down by the critics who called it a publicity gimmick, which at that time was justified because the watch would run out of battery within a few hours. But the tone was set by IBM and smart watches have come a long way ever since. Microsoft attempted something big with their SPOT (Smart Personal Objects Technology) project in 2006. The project aimed at providing potential customers with the choice of customizing their watch faces and displays. They planned at making the watches wirelessly receive radio signals which will push your Outlook notifications and MSN messages to your watch. This
Picture Courtesy: Sony CEO LIFESTYLE
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Picture Courtesy: Microsoft initiative wasn’t a success which was not a surprise since the idea had limited functionality. The first real attempt at making your watch smarter by connecting it to your phone came from the Japanese electronics giant Sony. In 2007, their MBW-150 was able to connect with Sony Ericsson phones via Bluetooth and notify the wearer when the phone received calls and messages. A lot of local manufacturers had already started rolling out watch phones by then, and Samsung had an idea that the future is making your watch, the phone. The brainchild of this concept was the S9110. It came with a painfully small 1.8inch touchscreen display that you had to use to dial and read messages. The watch had Bluetooth, email and MP3 support but never really made it big. The 6th generation Apple iPod Nano was not actually intended to be a watch. It was basically an iPod with a touch screen that had the option of showing the time through various watch faces. You needed to buy a wristband for it to be a watch but thankfully there were a lot of manufacturers who did it. The present generation of smart watches are more refined and are much more capable than their predecessors. CEO LIFESTYLE
The 6th generation Apple iPod Nano was not actually intended to be a watch. It was basically an iPod with a touch screen that had the option of showing the time through various watch faces
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Tech tracker
The first of these was the highly impressive Sony Smart Watch. It functions as a secondary touch screen to your mobile phone and notifies you about calls and messages, allows you to read mails, Facebook/Twitter feeds, see weather updates and even accept or reject calls if you have a headset connected to it. Perhaps the most interesting of all the smart watches till date has been the Pebble. While the Sony Smart Watch worked only with Android phones, Pebble worked for iPhones too. It pretty much did everything which its counterpart did and was waterproof too. But what made the Pebble interesting is that the display stayed on all the time like a regular watch while the other smart watch had to be turned on to see the time. Even then, with the e-ink display technology that is legible under direct sunlight, the Pebble has a longer battery life. It is available in India for Rs. 14,500. Sony immediately struck back with its Smart Watch 2 in response to the Pebble. Now, slightly bigger and better it is most importantly water and dust proof. Sony also tweaked the interface to make you feel more at home if you are already familiar with Android phones. The Smart Watch 2 costs around Rs. 12,000 and works with most Android phones available in the market. Samsung, which has been the forerunner of Android mobile innovation in the past few years, had been left behind in the smart watch race. It came CEO LIFESTYLE
back strongly with the Galaxy Gear last year. While some features like calling, a camera and the auto-lock feature (which locks your phone if away from the watch) were welcome, a lot of others were not. The watch only notifies you about messages or mails but does not allow you to read them and the fact that it compatible only with the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 and 10.1 is a let-down even for faithful Samsung users. It costs Rs. 23,000. The future looks promising with the big player Google stepping into the smart watch race. They recently announced Android Wear, an operating system that will power the smart watches of the future. This will bring in the much-needed unison among the various brands which was lacking in the past. Android Wear also focuses on a lot of things that the current generation of smart watches had not paid attention to, like navigation and simplifying tasks like messaging. Android Wear will reduce the load of research on top manufacturers like Sony and Samsung and will help them concentrate better on just the hardware while Google will focus on making the software better with every update, adding more features and functionality. Hence, this marks an important juncture in the history of smart watches, just the way the introduction of Android marked a turning point in the history of the Smart Phones. With rumours of the Apple iWatch getting hotter and Android Wear just round the corner, watches are indeed going super smart.
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Life’s a Roller Coaster
PLACES
Lifestyle Holidays
Picture this – you are anxious and buckled in. The miniature panorama from a height of 100 metre causes acrophobia. Then it begins. The gentle trut-trut signalling a slow up-climb. Adrenalin pumping, pupils dilating, breath held. Your stomach flips as you approach the zenith and hurtle down a second later. Nifty Jacob introduces you to the best amusement rides in the world. Ready for some wicked fun?
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PortAventura, Spain
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Español with its wild bulls, cheerful Latinos and great entertainment gets even better with PortAventura. We are talking 105 hectares of delight, spaced out into six themes that cover the islands of Polynesia and China all the way to Far West with 39 attractions, 48 outlets and 31 shops that house souvenirs from mugs and key rings to incredible crafts, teapots and kimonos. But sensing eager eyes scanning for some crazy fun, we cry ‘Shambhala’. This one is located in ‘China’, with a record for the roller coaster that is Europe’s highest, fastest and has the longest descent. Saunter across Mediterrania to discover the quaint village setting with boat rides and of course, Furius Baco, a really fast ride that will whizz you at 135 km/h in just three seconds. Mexico comes alive with a 100 metre fall from the Hurakan Condor, along with fiery surprises in the quest for treasure in Templo del Fuego. The Far West with its wooden settings
and cowboy hats is great to practice target shooting. For a good splash, try Costa Caribe Aquatic Park, packed with water rides, including a children’s pool with activity areas. Kids are going to love the world of Sesame Street, staged at SésamoAventura with plenty of fitting entertainment and low-intensity rides. The park has four onsite hotels you can pick from. If the wild west is on your mind, Hotel Gold River inspired by 19th century Victorian architecture is for you. Alternatively, Hotel El Paso spells Mexican with colourful haciendas and great Mexican cuisine served at Marida and El Coyote. Vinosfera Tapes i Vins offers a wide assortment of wines and if you crave good old American food, head to The Iron Horse Hotel. It is not just a food fusion but also a cultural amalgamation with theatre, acrobatics, dance and live performances that are held often. For details, visit http://www. portaventuraholidays.ie
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Walt Disney World Resort, Florida
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The world revolving around the story of two mice has forever been an enigma that has drawn many, from toddlers to their parents and grandparents. And while the world of Disney needs no introduction, here’s a nip into the best. Of course, nothing beats the Magical Kingdom with the ever popular Tomorrowland and the quintessential Cinderella’s Castle, where your little princess can dine with Cinderella in a fairy tale setting. Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park brings it on with private safaris, where you can visit over 250 species and 1,700 animals. Getting to the best bit, there is absolutely no dearth of fun packed joy rides, but we guess you already know that. Slip into your swimsuit, pull on your snorkels and get buckled up for Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon. Gang up in fours to slide down 300 feet in the Gangplank Falls. Want to ride solo? The Humunga Kowabunga offers double the thrill with a steep, five storey drop that ends with a big splash. Snorkel you way into the Shark Reef to get a close look at scary sharks and sting rays. And if the surf’s calling, enrol for a private session with a 100 waves to hang ten. When your tummy starts to rumble, you can choose from 1900 Park Fare that offers family buffets, Boatwright’s Dining Hall or Boma, if you are in for African flavours. Disney also has a variety of hotels and resorts from the Disney’s BoardWalk Inn to Disney’s Yatch Club Resort and more. This is more than we could say or you could imagine. So come aboard to the happiest place on earth. For details, visit https://disneyworld.disney. go.com/
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Efteling, Netherlands
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We think that everyone needs to believe in a little bit of magic and what better place to experience a little magic than at Efteling? Said to be an alternative to Disney and Europe’s oldest theme parks, it has been a world of enchanted forests with fairies fluttering their tiny wings and pixies blowing magic dust to open your eyes to a whole new world. The Fairy Realm is packed, from the jibber-jabber of trolls to the old Fairytale Tree that narrates well, fairy tales, of course, the city of Raveleijn, oppressed by Count Olaf and much more. If adventure is on your mind, try The Flying Dutchman’s cursed ship, known for its hair-raising effect, or the Python that will spin you through infinite loops of a roller coaster. Also, journey through Laafland on the Monorail as you see the Laaf People go about their business. George and the Dragon will test your courage in a joyride against another team to outwit the dragon. In winters, Efteling turns into a cross country ski track where you can ski beneath the snow capped trees or skate on the ice rinks. If you would like to swing your club, the Efteling Golf Park makes for an outstanding course. The cottages and apartments amidst the woodlands of Efteling Village Bosrijk are a great place to lodge. And when it is time to nap, Mr. Sandman appears to tell bedtime tales and sprinkle his magic sand for happy dreams. Come morning, enjoy a breakfast buffet at De Hoffelijke Heraut and follow that up with lunch from Station de Oost, set in a railway station or Wapen van Raveleijn to enjoy a medieval setting. And that covers only a small side to the adventure called Efteling. For details, visit www.efteling.com
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Picture Courtesy: Efteling CEO LIFESTYLE
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Lifestyle Holidays
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Hersheypark, PA
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If you had the option to team the sinful goodness of Hershey chocolates with incredible fun, don’t think twice, head to Hersheypark. And what better way to begin, than at Hersheys Chocolate World? Fancy adding an official Masters degree in Chocolate Tasting to your merits? All you need to do is indulge in a Chocolate Tasting Adventure. After the sweet tooth has been taken care of, hit the joyrides to experience gravity defying coasters set to scare the life out of you. We suggest Comet for the classic roller coaster with steep turns and bumps with G-forces. Upgrade to an aggressive ride of the highest order with Fahrenheit, a near vertical drop of 121 feet with inverted loops that will hold you upside down for a chilling second (not recommended for the weak at heart). Sidewinder, Sooperdooperlooper and Storm Runner are just the beginning of an extensive list of wild coasters. Splash around with the water rides. The Kiddie Rides has great entertainment where kids needn’t be bumped off with the height bar. You can also pack in a wildlife tour with ZooAmerica, adjacent to Hershey PA. Tour the Broadway shows and witness live concerts performed by leading artists from Bruno Mars to 3 Doors Down at Hersheypark Stadium. With AAA Four Diamond rating, The Hotel Hershey offers exceptional accommodations from Guest Rooms, to Suites and Woodside Cottages with a panoramic view of Hershey Valley. Of course, where Hershey is concerned, sweets abound with great food. Have breakfast with life sized Hershey bars or choose from the array of restaurants available. Perhaps, it is time you visited ‘the sweetest place on earth’. To know more, visit http://www.hersheypark.com/
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Parc Astérix, France
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Do you confess to countless hours spent reading comic strips and watching cartoons of little Asterix and his big friend, Obelix? We bring good tidings. Now, you can relive those days with Parc Astérix – a theme park prevalent with Gallic spirit, six cultural zones, rides aplenty and, need we say it, Asterix himself. Visit Gaul to discover ‘Gallic’ times. At 12:30pm, your favourite comic characters come alive in Village Gaulois where you can take a coveted snap with Asterix and Obelix by Getafix’s hut. Head to Egypt where Oziris, the inverted coaster-ride will leave you weak in the knees. More thrillers await with La Trace du Hourra that offers an unmatched sliding experience. In Rome, Caesar plans to infiltrate the Gaul camps at Le Défi de César, and you can offer help. Or how about witnessing legions perform stunts and tricks in the Roman Arena? No kidding. When in Rome, eat pizzas from Caïus Pizzarum. Take the Travel Through Time ride to catch a glimpse of France in the 1900s, where Main basse sur la Joconde gives a 25 minute insight on the greatest theft planned in history. With incredible stunts and chases, you are sure to stay glued. L’oxygénarium is a heart-stopping descent of 195 metres, guaranteed to knock the wind out of you. Little ‘Gauls’ can enjoy a ride on dragon back with Les Petits Drakkars, smash into bumper cars and so much more. Bang in the middle of the forest, The Hotel des Trois Hiboux with its no-fuzz, wooden architecture and manicured lawn is a great place to book your accommodation. And when you are craving for food, try Le Relais Gaulois or Le Restaurant du Lac. For details, visit http://www.parcasterix.fr/
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Picture Courtesy: Parc Astérix CEO LIFESTYLE
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Lifestyle Holidays
Picture Courtesy: Universal Orlando Resort CEO LIFESTYLE
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Universal Orlando Resort, Florida
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With two theme parks, an entertainment complex and much more, we suggest you take a long leave, the keyword being ‘long’. Wizards can swish their wands from Ollivanders, as the much loved world of Harry Potter comes alive. From the castle of Hogwarts to shops at Hogsmeade, there is much to discover, not to forget some Butterbeer and Cauldron Cakes. Universal’s Islands of Adventure has some nerve wracking rides. Get a taste of The Incredible Hulk Coaster that speeds you up from 0 to 40 miles per hour in two seconds, flat. Dragon Challenge is a chase between two high speed coasters. Be sure to buckle in before it starts spinning. Little ones can watch a stunt show performed by Sindbad, as he rescues Princess Amoura from the clutches of evil. If you would prefer a ‘splash’ of time, Wet ‘n Wild Waterpark has it all. Go in pairs to The Black Hole, as you experience a flash of light and well, explosion. Bomb Bay is a 76 feet drop from a near vertical slide that will have you clinging on for dear life. While here, be assured that you will have a hard time, yes, a very hard time deciding what to eat. If seafood is to your liking, head to Lombard’s Seafood Grille for some New England Clam Chowder. For an experience of Tinseltown or a simple romantic evening, Mel’s Drive-In offers the all time American favourite – burger and fries. The resort also has onsite hotels that you can choose from. Lewis Royal Pacific Resort is just the kind of luxe lifestyle you are looking for, with its tropical surroundings. If you are in the mood for some Rock ‘n’ Roll, Hard Rock Hotel is the one for you. We suggest you get busy for fun that will last a lifetime. For details, visit www.universalorlando.com
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A night at 
Versace’s In Miami, things just got bigger and better. Calling out from across the Ocean Drive is an abundance of unabashed
opulence masked by a gentle white facade. A prior residence of one among the biggest names in fashion and a holiday stopover to leading luminaries from Princess Diana to Madonna and the Kardashians, The Villa By Barton G. has become the new lap of luxury, says Nifty Jacob.
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Think Miami and ‘pop’ appears a vision of sandy, white beaches, uber-luxurious abodes lining the coast, swanky rides, a dazzling nightlife and an aura of ‘fabulous’ that permeates everything. The Magic City of Miami has forever been in the neon coloured spotlights flashed by the seven star hotels and discotheques and even more so, after worldrenowned fashion icon Gianni Versace bought the quaint Casa Casuarina by Ocean Drive. After Versace’s unexpected demise on the white-tinged porch, the villa changed many hands until a whopping 41.5 million US dollars acquisition by the Nakash Family of Jordache enterprise. Acclaimed restaurateur and events manager, Barton G. Weiss’ expert services were sought in transforming the former Versace residence into a luxury boutique hotel, which has since been rechristened as The Villa by Barton G. While one doesn’t expect anything short of grandeur from a villa speckled with Versace’s genius, nothing will prepare you for the actual experience. The subtle exterior with its medium sized metal gates may not cry out ‘glam’, but don’t be fooled. The expanse of 23,000 sq ft is said to be the ‘Mona Lisa’ of real estate where royalty and celebrities like Princess Diana, Elton John and Madonna have stayed. Personally designed by Versace, the architecture follows an oriental theme subservient to his expensive and over the top aesthetic. The villa boasts 10 luxury suites dolled up with an amalgamation of the finest interiors and furnishings, each CEO LIFESTYLE
going by a unique theme visible in the fresco ceiling and walls. Classified into Superior Hotel Suites, Exceptional Hotel Suites and One Bedroom Suites, each offers a sweet escape, ornate with rich furnishings, including imported Egyptian linen, king-size beds, custom Villa toiletries, a Kindle along with a Sonos music system, products by Thierry Mugler and the well thought-out Gourmet Nightly Villa Nibbles. The services have been taken a notch higher with a certified personal English butler to see to your every need. We bet there is no better place to marvel at and relive a mini-version of the fashionista’s life than at the former chambers of Versace himself, The Villa Suite, which is spread across 1,174 square feet. Stepping into Versace’s space is an experience unlike any other. We are talking around six custom made closets designed to stock the man’s endless wardrobe and an oversized shower with custom Italian marble. Plush tapestries, ornate rugs and Frette linen add a vintage appeal, along with murals that adorn the walls. Step inside The Villa Suite and you step into a different era altogether. The soft clouds riding the blue sky on the ceiling will hold your gaze as you plonk down on the nine foot, double king size bed. Take a few steps down to the balcony if you feel like spending the evening watching waves crash at the Miami Beach. The Suite also has a private living room and a bar. The Venus Suite is the largest, with an area of 1,428 square feet with two private balconies,
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while the Medallion Suite is the smallest with an area of 434 square feet. The eminent Versace symbol on the floor is complemented by the clear white walls and dark Versace drapes. On the other hand, the Mosaic Suite was personally designed by Versace for Madonna and has the only goldplated bathtub in the entire villa. This one personifies regal. But you ain’t seen nothing until you have laid eyes on the Mosaic Garden in the South Wing. The flooring with its artistic display of the classical insignia of Medusa in pebbled mosaic is a sight for sore eyes. The slew of classical statues found around the space is said to have been bought by the man himself, from a chateau in France. This was a popular spot of entertainment to countless parties that were hosted by Versace. The 54 feet long pool has since been an alluring subject. The Thousand Mosaic Pool, as it is popularly known, brims with opulence, with its 24 karat gold lining and a thousand Italian tiles designed in semblance to a Versace scarf. Now, who wouldn’t want to take a quick dip in that? The exuberance of the villa extends beyond the suites to the open courtyards decked with classical designs, where you can de-stress by the poolside sipping on a drink. And if you are in the need of some tender loving care, we suggest the 80 minute, four handed, Villa Indulgence Massage. If you find the Miami sun too intense, the spa can come to you in the comfort of your suite. The Rooftop Lounge has a serene vibe with its minimal decor of white walls and wooden flooring. CEO LIFESTYLE
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Picture Courtesy: The Villa by Barton G.
The jewel in the crown is Il Sole, the latest amongst Miami’s upscale restaurants. There could be nothing more romantic than having dinner with your loved one in the Mosaic Garden as you gaze at the starlit sky
CEO LIFESTYLE
Lazing on the cabanas would be the best way to indulge in a panoramic view of the Atlantic shore kissing the skyline. Romantic as it is, you can make it even more so by taking your wedding vows or bending one knee with a diamond ring. Right from planning to offering customized menu options and more, The Villa puts its best foot forward to create a beautiful setting as you say ‘I do’. Private events and group dinners can also be accommodated. However, the jewel in the crown is Il Sole, the latest amongst Miami’s upscale restaurants. There could be nothing more romantic than having dinner with your loved one in the Mosaic Garden as you gaze at the starlit sky. If a boisterous evening with friends or family is what you want, the Dining Room with its beautiful pebbled walls and royal blue furniture awaits you. Acclaimed Executive Chef Scott Linquist delivers Mediterraneaninspired goodness with a focus on seafood. We are talking fresh fish flown in from Honolulu on a daily basis, sumptuous caviars, fresh ravioli and spaghetti, and great meat served in the Rosenthal China designed by Versace. To enjoy the gastronomic experience to the fullest, pair your food with fine beverages from the menu, alternatively, enjoy dinner on the terrace with the wind in your hair and an enthralling view of the coast. It definitely couldn’t get better than this and we are sure you agree. Do we hear you zipping your travel bags? Tariffs at The Villa start from 695 US dollars for Superior Suites, 1,050 US dollars for Exceptional Suites and 1,550 US dollars for One Bedroom Suites. For more information, visit http:// thevillabybartong.com/
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Where nature marries luxury
A unique concept by Hilton hotels, The Hilton Shillim Estate Retreat and Spa houses probably the world’s largest spa. With 99 ecologically designed luxurious villas and a restaurant that serves organic food, the retreat focuses on environment sustainability and holistic rejuvenation of the mind, body and soul, says Jyoti Balani.
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Away from the hustle and bustle of Pune, Hilton hotel’s first resort in India is set in the heart of the Western Ghats in Maharashtra, an unexplored location which is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. In fact, Shillim village was unheard of until this resort came up here. The hour and half drive from Pune to Shillim took us past villages, magnificent views of the picturesque expanse of Shillim valley and peaks of the Sahayadri mountain ranges. Those who travel from Mumbai airport will have to drive for two and a half hours. The retreat offers helicopter transfers on request which can transport a guest from Mumbai to Shillim in 30 minutes. As we stepped into the resort which is spread over a massive 350 acres, all that the eye could see was greenery and vast open spaces, a refreshing change from the concrete jungle that Pune has become. A warm welcome by the friendly staff was accompanied with a refreshing drink and a muesli bar. A buggy transported us from the reception to a luxurious villa, which seemed to blend in harmoniously with the surroundings. Our villa came with a magnificent view of the Shillim valley, a garden and a private heated pool equipped with an outdoor shower. This stylishly designed villa featured a 47 inch HD TV in the living room and large glass doors with sheer curtains in both the living room as well CEO LIFESTYLE
as the bedroom. The mini bar was equipped with an espresso coffee maker as well. We were given a tour of the property which consisted of a visit to The Shillim Institute, the spa, the four villas, the restaurants and the Meditation Cave. All the 99 villas with living spaces of between 100 and 150 square meters have been constructed using local and natural materials. The Hilton Shillim Estate Retreat and Spa houses many kinds of accommodation options that include the King Deluxe Valley View Villa and King Spa Pool Villa. The spa villas and the spa pool villas fall into the spa zone and where one can avail of the conventional sauna, infrared sauna, outdoor hot tubs, hydrotherapy tubs as well as meditation sessions and yoga sessions. Even when the resort was being constructed, the objective was to avoid disrupting the natural surroundings as much as possible. The Shillim institute offers guests a chance to gain insight into the indigenous culture and way of life by means of workshops, courses and excursions. The idea is to preserve the natural and cultural heritage of the Western Ghats and to promote discussions on sustainability in the region. The Meditation Cave is a perfect spot to go within as it has absolute stillness all around. The property tour was followed
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by lunch at the Terrazzo, which is a multi cuisine restaurant. Post lunch an activity schedule was given to us, like a time table for the entire week. For example, 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Sunday one could attend an Ayurveda talk on how to balance the body type at the Tea House and head for the Yoga Nidra Meditation at Meditation Cave from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. in the evening. Aqua yoga, cycling, jogging, swimming, watching movies, herbal tours and tea discussions are other interesting options for activities. We chose to spend the afternoon at the spa which is spread out into seventy acres of land and has 17 individual treatment rooms that offer a variety of therapies such as Ayurvedic massages, acupuncture and acupressure, Reiki, Shamanic therapies, hydrotherapy and colour therapy. The treatment rooms are scattered throughout the valley such as the Ayurvedic treatment rooms with the traditional wooden table for Shirodhara, a Thai Therapy Room with a teak mattress stand, two beauty rooms complete with the latest hydraulic tables, a hydrotherapy room with a chromo-therapy couple’s Jacuzzi, bodywork rooms and massage therapy villas. After a consultation with Dr. Rajneesh Kumar, The Spa Director, (who suggested that we try Release-by Sundari) we were escorted to the treatment room, an individually built CEO LIFESTYLE
The idea is to preserve the natural and cultural heritage of the Western Ghats and to promote discussions on sustainability in the region
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Picture Courtesy: Hilton Shillim Estate Retreat And Spa
structure, located about 10 minutes walking distance from the spa reception. Release-by Sundari, a full body marma massage, blends mobilization techniques, positional release and breathing to soothe the body into a pain free range of motion where tensions melt away and new movement patterns become possible. The spa comes with an Antariksha Shanti Wet Zone where we were advised to relax after a spa treatment. This zone consists of both conventional and infrared sauna facilities, a steam bath, a Jacuzzi and a large swimming pool for those who wish to go for a dip. Apart from Terrazzo, CEO LIFESTYLE
we had an option to dine at The Green Table, their organic restaurant, or the Mountain Bar and Pool Bistro for regular fare. We decided to try The Green Table where an interesting set menu for dinner was presented by the Chef De Cuisine. First up was the Shillim Garden Walk (greens grown in and around Shillim), followed by a creamy Porcini consommé, shitake, crispy bread and garlic chips. The main course featured a chicken accompanied by XO sauce, mushroom sauce with baby greens and mashed potatoes. This excellently plated meal ended with hazelnut chocolate accompanied with berry compote garnished with lemon curd and garden flowers. Chef de Cuisine Binit Pandey and his efficient team whip up a unique menu using only local organic produce, top quality meat and seafood sourced from sustainable fisheries. “The idea is to provide our guests with not just a world class gourmet experience but an emotionally rich experience that lays emphasis on simplicity and purity of the ingredients,” says Pandey. The natural beauty of this retreat, interesting cuisine dished up by expert chefs that was complemented by efficient service ensured that we had a fabulous stay at Hilton Shillim Estate Retreat and Spa. This retreat is the quintessence of everything that luxury seeking travellers expect when it comes to rejuvenation amidst natural surroundings.
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ANEWPLACETO STAYANDPLAY
ALOFT BENGALURU CESSNA BUSINESS PARK. NOW OPEN.
Different. By Design. For those who love open spaces, open thinking and open expression. Aloft Bengaluru Cessna Business Park is the new destination sensation in the city's hot hi-tech hub. Book now at alofthotels.com, or call 1 800 258 2555.
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picture perfect
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Making art a
SUBLIME
experience A mother, a daughter, an astute businesswoman, an art connoisseur and the owner of Sublime Galleria at UB City, Bangalore, Uzma Irfan dons many hats. And Leena Ghosh finds that she does so with ease and finesse.
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We meet on a sunny day, by the pool. It is a Saturday, a time when Uzma Irfan, Executive Director Corporate Communications, Prestige Group and Founder of Sublime Galleria, likes to relax and spend with family and friends. She is accompanied by her daughter who sits patiently by her mother, as we discuss her life and passion for art over a glass of fresh watermelon juice. Uzma, who loves travelling, got lured into the world of art when visiting a friend in the US. “I was visiting a friend, Pragya Jain, in the US and she showed me her works of art. It was fantastic. I asked her if she had shown it anywhere and she said no. I said, ‘are you insane?’ I told her to bring whatever works she had during her next India trip as I felt this work needed to be showcased. We did an opening show for her and it was a complete sell out. After that, other artists started approaching me and I did a few shows for them. That’s how I got involved,” she said. However, for Sublime Galleria, India’s first sky gallery, to come into being, Uzma needed a little nudge from her father, Irfan Razack. “One day my dad told me that while I was doing many successful shows, which got great media coverage, he wondered what happened to the artists after that. I told him that we were mentoring them. Then he asked me if I would like to have a gallery of my own to give them a platform to showcase their talent? That’s how Sublime Galleria came up.”
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Bangalore is still at a nascent stage when it comes to the field of art. While people don’t think twice about buying art from known artists, they hesitate when it comes to newcomers
CEO LIFESTYLE
But running a successful art gallery requires a balancing act. “While Sublime is a platform for upcoming artists, you have to showcase the work of both known and unknown artists. It is necessary to showcase popular artists to bring in people. Bangalore is still at a nascent stage when it comes to the field of art. While people don’t think twice about buying art from known artists, they hesitate when it comes to newcomers,” she explains. So Uzma has a method to the madness. “Every month we have a show. One month, we showcase upcoming artists, another month, it is for known artists and the next month it is for charity,” she explains. Talk about how some art galleries are struggling to keep themselves afloat and Uzma’s confident smile is answer enough. “It is not hard. It’s all in your mind. People are not foolish. They travel a lot now and read about art on the web. They know what you are putting on show. You cannot have unjustified prices for art. Besides, money is not everything. It’s the relationships you build in your life that matter,” she points out. Uzma has learnt a lot about art from her travels. While nowadays, she doesn’t travel that frequently, she feels that compared to the West, we do not appreciate or take an effort to preserve art. “The way everything is done there is different. They don’t have a rich heritage like ours. But
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whatever they do have, they preserve and appreciate. We need to be proud of our culture,” she says. Her favourite place for art is of course, The Louvre, in Paris. “It’s just the way they have collected and showcased everything,” she adds. Culture and tradition is an important part of Uzma’s life outside art as well. “Every Friday afternoon, we meet with our parents. During holidays my daughter stays with her grandparents. When we used to stay in joint families, family values used to be a very important thing. We are forgetting it slowly,” she says. In office though, Uzma is a team player. “I am not a boss. If I have set goals for my team, I have also set goals for myself. There are 13 of us in the team and we achieve our goals together. We don’t work on islands and I have an open door policy. I don’t like to shout. I really need to be pushed to the edge to do that. There are no weekends and I am always reachable on my phone. Mondays are a ritual where we sit down as a team and discuss our goals and achievements. I believe today should not be like yesterday,” she explains. But at home, she’s a strict mom. “Everything shouldn’t be so easy for kids. Otherwise they would never learn the value for money. You can ask my daughter what she thinks about me as a mom,” she says, looking at her daughter. Her daughter agrees after a little coaxing. “She is strict,” she says simply. CEO LIFESTYLE
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pICTURE pERfECT
Get Wise, Art-Wise
F
Kirthi Jayakumar takes notes while artist and pottery designer Anju Kumar shares tips for the monsoon and on caring for ceramic vases, murals and sculptures.
For all those who love their art and sculpture that they so lovingly collected from their travels and decorated their homes with, taking care of their objets d’art means dusting them regularly or maybe cleaning it with a moist cloth, at most. Is it enough, though? Anju Kumar, artist and pottery designer, has some intriguing ideas to keep in mind for your spatial dÊcor needs, while the rain falls soft upon your feet. Be it vases, murals, sculptures or anything crafted out of ceramic, these tips are perfect to-dos when it comes to the rains. CEO LIFESTYLE
Keep it clean Intricately carved vases can be perfect environments for fungi to thrive and dust to settle in, especially in the dampness that monsoon creates. Keeping the little nooks, crannies and crevices crafted by design clean is easily most important. Take a dry brush and clean out the small particles of dust embedded in the little spaces. The regular cleaning ritual can ensure that there is no fungus whatsoever. Art work, whether two dimensional or three dimensional, freestanding or attached to the ground, can effectively collect dust and
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grime. To avoid exposure to dust and grime, using a soft cloth moistened with distilled water to clean out your decorative pieces can be a helpful trick.
place them on a granite tile or a stand, elevating them just about enough so they can avoid being soiled.
Protect proactively Decorative vases and showpieces that are left outdoors to make a statement as an extension of your spatial dĂŠcor needs can wind up struggling under the gushing torrents of water that the monsoon brings in with it. Make sure to use a thin coat of silicon or PU to make these vases waterproof. This must be done much in advance so that you are not left struggling at the last moment when rains pour down.
Liven up with lustre Monsoon can be a rather damp sponge (no pun intended) when it comes to ceramic sculpture. All too often, the colourful lustre and the intensity of the hues can lose their sheen because of the damp atmosphere that monsoons create. To keep the colourful lustre alive, the best way to go is to maintain a routine of buffing your ceramic-ware and occasionally brush them sparingly with a dab of neutral wax shoe polish before buffing them.
Go minimal When it comes to sculpture, there is not much for you to do. They require minimal care, and just need to be dusted with a soft cloth and then can be washed well once in a while, just to ensure that they remain clean. On the other hand, terracotta sculptures need a whole different kind of attention. Since they can absorb minerals from rain, soil and atmosphere and get stained easily, it is always a wise idea to
Placing it right The monsoon already brings much dampness to your spaces, and this can be a big dĂŠcor-destroyer. During the monsoon season, it is a wise idea to keep your ceramic ware, murals, sculptures and vases in places that are dry. Placing them in damp or hot areas or areas that are predisposed to heat and dampness might lead to fungus, salt problems and even encourage the growth of mold.
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WINE & DINE
PERFECT BITE
CEO LIFESTYLE
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Getting ‘Sassy’ with RACHEL ALLEN
Celebrity chef Rachel Allen recently visited Mumbai to give patrons a taste of her culinary experiments via a pop-up menu at Nariman Point-based The Sassy Spoon. Sonal Ved visits the restaurant to give us a proof of the pudding.
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What do you do when one of the best chefs in the world visits one of the best restaurants in your city? You clear your calendar and make a trip to the restaurant to get a whiff and bite of that food. We visited Nariman Point’s restaurant The Sassy Spoon just so we could tick that one thing off our bucket list. Curated using recipes by popular Irish television show host and chef, Rachel Allen, The Sassy Spoon’s cooking collaboration was a mix of food and philanthropy. Food, because each recipe on the menu was handpicked from Allen’s cookery notebooks and philanthropy because all the proceeds from the event were donated to GOAL foundation, an NGO supported by Allen that works with underprivileged children across the world. CEO LIFESTYLE
It is interesting to note that Chef Rachel Goenka from The Sassy Spoon who has a spectacular menu and a plush restaurant to her credit, studied at the famous Ballymaloe Cookery School in Ireland where Allen was her teacher. “When they got in touch with me, I was delighted,” says Goenka about the collaboration. The weeklong event consisted of a 7-day pop-up menu that displayed Allen’s recipes along with the regular restaurant’s fare. This was followed by an evening of meet and greet with Allen herself where selected guests were treated to a six course menu. Each recipe present on the menu (comprising nine dishes) was designed by Allen herself. Belonging to Allen’s published cookbooks, family secrets, television shows and
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PERFECT BITE
The talking point of the restaurant, however, is one of the walls that is decorated using vintage suitcases and trunks piled on top of each other
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: Barley salad with green apple, pomegranate seeds, toasted nuts and smoked scarmoza cheese, Baked trout served with parsleysprinkled potatoes and a spinach-flavoured butter sauce, Irish coffee meringue roulade
CEO LIFESTYLE
website, each recipe was handpicked to suit the restaurant’s style. Considering Sassy’s menu focuses on eclectic European cooking, Allen’s dishes precisely reflected continental undercurrents with some of Allen’s signature, no-fuss cooking techniques. For the uninitiated, the restaurant boasts a sunny ambiance and a casual vibe. At first glance, it has a SoHo loft-esque appeal. On its high ceiling hang huge bare-bulbed chandeliers. The large windows encased with transparent glass make room for ample sunlight to fill up the room and white sheer curtains hang loose on the panes. The main dining area is loosely packed with rustic brown tables and chairs upholstered with bright coloured fabric. The talking point of the restaurant, however, is one of the walls that is decorated using vintage suitcases and trunks piled on top of each other. Our meal started with a salad, made using grainy pearl barley, cubed green apples, toasted nuts, smoked scarmoza cheese and bits of pomegranate seeds. The dish is best for those looking to beat Mumbai’s heat and can easily be called a meal on its own owing to the usage of ample whole grains. For those of you who don’t know, whole grain salads are the latest buzzword on food menus across the world. Considering culinarians around the globe are realising the importance of consuming full grains, lots of chefs and restaurants are recreating popular salad combinations using various whole
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Picture Courtesy: The Sassy Spoon CEO LIFESTYLE
grains from barley, quinoa, brown rice and millet. The pearly white grains, soft green granny smith apples, pink pomegranate seeds and dusky brown roasted almonds looked beautiful on the plate. The salad itself was merely dressed with olive oil, finely chopped parsley, lemon juice and a hint of freshly crushed mustard. Flavourful and full of texture, this one was a delight. Next came the soup of carrot and cashew nut which had the right balance of both ingredients, broken by hints of coriander pesto. The beautiful sunset coloured soup comes in cappuccino cups along with a bread basket, of which our favourite was the Mashed Potato and Coriander Bread that blends the goodness of creamy potatoes into an Italian ciabatta. Though ciabatta is generally a crusty bread, this one was soft and oval with a sprinkling of oats, sesame seeds, poppy and coriander seeds. It is kneaded with milk instead of water which explains its velvety texture and a fuller mouth feel. For mains, we chose a dish of pumpkin, goat cheese and kale tart, very reminiscent of the beautiful pies that Allen baked on her popular television show Rachel Allen: Bake! Served in a portion that is good enough for two, the tarts had simple and rustic flavours. The egg-less tart base was crusty thanks to the extra dollop of butter. The filling was mild but came alive with flavours of mushy kale, smooth goat cheese and cubes of pumpkin that hid below. The tart had a dense taste and worked wonderfully on its own without any sauces or accompaniments. Our second main course coincidently went perfectly well with this tart. It was a penne dish tossed with roasted cauliflower, zucchini, water chestnuts, chilli and garlic. Chef Ifran Pabaney from the restaurant told us that the original dish was a tad bit different, “With only cauliflower and pasta, we made a few changes to amplify the dish’s appeal, like adding bits of zucchini and water chestnuts to add crunch to the otherwise plain choices,” he says. But doesn’t making changes dilute the purpose of having a new chef to create a new menu? To this, Pabaney says, “All the changes that we made are in sync with Allen’s in-house team. And once they saw our menu, they knew we understood food and would only convert the dish into something better without meddling with the key flavours.” For meat lovers, we would recommend the baked trout served with parsley-sprinkled potatoes and a spinachflavoured butter sauce, and lamb chops served with rosemary smashed potatoes, broccoli and parsley mint sauce. The herbed potatoes and broccoli enhanced its denseness and the touch of parsley mint sauce really sparked up the otherwise plain preparation. We wrapped up lunch with a simple dessert of Irish coffee meringue roulade. Considering Allen’s Irish origins, the dish hit the spot with its bitter-sweet coffee inclusion. The bite of the meringue sheet played well against the soft cream inside and gets our vote. All in all, an afternoon well spent and we are really glad Rachel Allen came to India and hope that she plans more such trips.
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pERfECT BITE
The things we consider synonymous to Goa, more often than not, include the beaches, churches, and of course, the seafood. With Goa Portuguesa though, you have access to your own little slice of the coastal paradise right here in Chennai, says Neha Malude.
S
Situated in the city’s hippest area, Khader Nawaz Khan Road, Goa Portuguesa is the only true blue Goan restaurant in Chennai. It offers open-air seating and for those perpetually scorching summers, an air conditioned seating arrangement inside. The interiors are done up in coloured glass and the walls flaunt the much loved Goan cartoonist, Mario Miranda’s art work. Not surprisingly, the servers sport the quintessential blue Goa-themed shirts with palm trees and beaches. The decor is comfortable at most but if they really want to up their ante, they could innovate with sandy floors, don’t you think? It would really feel a little bit more CEO LIFESTYLE
like Goa, we think. For those who aren’t aware, although a reputed chain of restaurants all over India, Goa Portuguesa was started back in 1988 to give Mumbaikars a taste of local Goan cuisine and is the brainchild of Dr. Suhas Awchat and his wife, CEO and masterchef, Deepa Suhas Awchat. No matter what you want to start your meal with, make sure you order their Kokum Sarbat – you are going to need it, especially for their fiery dishes like Goenche Wagh (Tiger prawns) or the Vindaloo. The cold, tangy and sweet drink is the perfect accompaniment to the hot climate and food. Another favourite is the Sol Kadhi, a wonderful salty
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BAR-BE-QUE (HUNTER)
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concoction of kokum and coconut milk, garnished with coriander. For those going green, the Green Peas Potato Chops (mashed potatoes with green peas and spices deep fried) are a decent start. While there isn’t anything Goan-esque about it, you can never go wrong with deep fried anything, correct? Carnivores, you lucky folks, try the Chicken Cafreal if you want something different from the usual tikkas and kebabs but what you should definitely order is the Goenche Wagh prawns. The tiger prawns stuffed with the trademark red Goan masala, shallow-fried and served whole are a real gut buster but hey, that is what the Sarbat is there for. Should you want something a tad milder, get yourself Sacramento Prawns, which are sautéed with onions, tomatoes and spices. The prawns are tender and juicy and you can’t eat just one. Enough said. A little less impressive was the Pork chilli fry we had for mains, the meat being a little too chewy but the Pork Vindaloo more than compensated for it. Again, this is not meant for those with frail spice tolerance levels but if you are going to be brave, make sure you have something on the side to cool your insides. The popular Goan dish, heavily influenced by Portuguese cuisine in its usage of vinegar and thanks to the flavourful pork fat, is smashing with plain steamed rice, which does plenty to offset the spiciness. If you want, try it with Amboli, pancakes made from fermented rice and split black gram and which taste a lot like plain uttapam. There is also the choice of Butter Garlic Pao or Sannas, steamed, savoury rice cakes. The portions are quite generous so don’t go without friends or family, otherwise you might have to carry a doggy bag back home. We were quite curious about the trademarked Tender Coconut Cashewnut Sukke on the menu. A signature recipe by Deepa Suhas Awchat, this one left us a little
underwhelmed. The idea, mind you, is quite interesting – juliennes of tender coconut prepared like a vegetable by sautéing them with tomatoes, spring onions and Goan spices – but the execution left us wanting something with more texture and depth of flavours. Perhaps it would do well as an appetizer, shallow-fried, spiced and served with roasted cashews, perhaps? In the middle of lunch, we realized that the restaurant had filled up quite suddenly, a sign of the restaurant’s popularity, no doubt. The service is reasonably quick and friendly and always ready to give recommendations should you need any. When it came to final course of the meal, not wanting to go the usual route of a brownie with ice cream or caramel custard, we went for Bibinca. Yet, it wasn’t the traditional, much-loved Goan pudding that quite pleased us as much as Dodol, a dessert made from ragi (finger millet), milk and palm jaggery. It had a certain rural charm to it and was a welcome departure from the numerous run-of-the-mill desserts restaurants offer these days. It has a halwa-like consistency and is a dish that one must appreciate for the pain it involves in preparation. To the uninitiated, Dodol might taste too strong because of the very noticeable flavour of palm jaggery but we found the sweetness quite appealing. A welcome addition to Chennai, Goa Portuguesa is definitely worth many visits, and if you are headed there for the first time, we would strongly recommend Goenche Wagh, Pork Vindaloo and Dodol. Just don’t forget to keep those glasses of Kokum Sarbat coming.
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: Bibinca, Tiger Prawns, Chicken Xacuti, Keli Halwa, Papaya Shak, Bharlela Papad
Picture Courtesy: Goa Portuguesa
In High spirits
G
The
lobal uzzler’s Diary
Did you know that diluting vodka with cola or juice in Russia is akin to a crime? Or that in Japan, filling up your own glass is frowned upon? The next time you are travelling for work, it would be a good idea to keep that country’s drinking etiquette in mind, says Shivi Saxena.
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When in Rome live like the Romans but make your drink the Irish way. The anecdote goes like this – one cold winter night in the 1940s there was a group of American tourists who were stranded in the port of Shannon, Ireland and taking pity on the harrowed group, the bartender added some whiskey to their coffees to make them feel better. Thus was invented the much revered Irish coffee and began the tradition of making drinks ‘Irish’ by simply adding a bit of whiskey to them. CEO LIFESTYLE
Drinking habits, cultures and customs differ from country to country. Nearly every civilization has its own process of brewing beer, distilling spirits and fermenting wine, from maintaining the right temperature to the kind of glasses to the technique of holding it right. If making wine is an art, so is drinking it. Most countries and ethnicities associate drinking with merry making. An occasion that needs to be celebrated is accompanied by raising a toast. It is not about drinking
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your sorrows away but about toasting to good times. Whether it is ‘Cheers’ in India, Australia, the UK and the USA, ‘Santé’ in Belgium and France, ‘Gan Bei’ in China, ‘Na zdravi’ in Czech Republic or ‘Prost’ in Germany, it essentially connotes an expression of joy and togetherness. A beautiful glass of wine or champagne appeals to our senses of sight, smell and taste, creating a psychedelic experience. To come across as a polished drinker, all one needs to do is to follow the country’s drinking protocols. For instance, drinking in Australia necessarily implies having company. It is customary to invite a few friends, clink glasses together and pay not just for oneself but by doing the rounds or ‘shouts’ as they call them. In the USA, be it in New York, LA, San Francisco, Seattle, Austin, or New Orleans, tipping well for each drink ordered at the bar is considered chivalrous. In Turkey, the Turks follow the custom of filling their neighbour’s glass every time it is half full. In Sweden, the art of clinking glasses requires maintaining an eye contact. Grabbing a couple of cocktails like Mojito, Jägermeister (Jager Bombs), Rusty Nail etc. while pub hopping is very common. When it comes to Spain, Barcelona is the place. Wine from the Rioja, the pintxos of the Basque region and the free tapas that are served in all the countryside bars makes for a great tipple treat. Drinking on the streets is a strict no-no for the Spaniards. For the Russians, it is downing your vodka bottoms up. Here, diluting vodka with juice or cola is a crime and once the bottle is open it ought to be finished to the dregs. In Japan, it is considered impolite to refill one’s own glass. An ‘izakaya’ in Japan, is where people sit around, sipping beer, eating ‘okashi’ and singing to the local karaoke. The Italians detest binge drinking or heavy drinking. They enjoy drinking small portions accompanied with their meal. The Hungarians love their drinks and will keep refilling glasses for others till they learn to leave their glass half full. As for the French, men are expected to serve the ladies and keep it always just above the halfway mark. The Danish enjoy letting their guard down over the weekend and keeping sane throughout the week. But getting blotto is just not the idea. In Germany drinking at public spots is legal and commonplace. So one can blissfully enjoy their drink while walking down the street, reading under the tree, strolling around the lake or in one of the beer gardens. This country never fails to take its ale seriously. In South Korea, a CEO LIFESTYLE
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In High spirits pleasant evening would involve soaking up as many ‘bombs’ – concoctions of ‘golden ratios’ of beer and whiskey – and then speaking one’s heart out. It also acts as a catalyst for weaving professional relations. The strongest tradition of toasting is found in the eastern European, Germanic and Scandinavian countries. Here, the host may begin with a welcome toast and end with another. Toasting to celebrate an occasion, an event, or a reunion, etc. is common. The art is pretty simple - apt eloquence, wit and a little jugglery with words does the job well. So when travelling for work or pleasure and consuming alcohol, one should be careful about the different perspectives of drinking in that country. Be it social drinking or at business meetings, binge drinking, session drinking or speed drinking, the art needs to be mastered with precision as it paves ways for new friendships, business alliances, stronger bonds and insightful conversations. Rudyard Kipling rightly said, “Here’s to us that are here, to you that are there, and the rest of us everywhere.” So, indulge and let your hair down, but not before stocking up on the dos and don’ts of drinking. Cheers!
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Drinking on the streets is a strict no-no for the Spaniards. For the Russians, it is downing your vodka bottoms up. Here, diluting vodka with juice or cola is a crime
AUGUST 2014
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HEALTH
BODy BASICS
6
CEOs share
their fitness mantra
Round the clock meetings, no time for exercise, dieting rules going haywire – sound familiar? If inspiration is what you are looking for, look no further. Here is how some very health-conscious CEOs work their way around the scales.
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We admit things have never been the same since the term ‘corporate’ was coined. So, between managing the home, laundering clothes and creating power point presentations, one would be lucky to find time for a quick breakfast in the mornings, much less pull out a pair of running shoes. And ironically, the flight up the ladder is, in some ways, tied to the attention garnered towards one’s physical grooming and fitness. In this issue of CEO Lifestyle, we give you a peek into the ambitions and fitness mantras practised by some head honchos to keep them from falling on the other side of the needle.
Dilip Kapur - President, Hidesign We show you the Kapur way of staying fit. Certain edibles like processed food and alcohol gets vetoed, except for wine, given the wine aficionado that he is. A few hours in the morning are dedicated to exercises and meditations, apart from long walks accompanied by three pet dogs.
Mittu Chandilya - CEO, AirAsia, India The young and accomplished 30s something CEO has it going well for him, including a great physique. The answer probably lies in the early morning running sessions, which also gives him some time to zone out from the rest of the world. The evenings are dedicated to swimming laps with his boys. Chandilya also limits beverages to a few sips of wine in a social gathering and says no to sucrose of any kind and yes, plenty of protein. But perhaps, the key to his good health could also be the support of his wife, who is a fitness freak herself. CEO LIFESTYLE
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Shahnaz Husain - Founder of Shahnaz Group of Companies A pioneer in herbal cosmetics who heads one of India’s leading enterprises, Husain undoubtedly has a beauty regime that still helps her maintain a glowing skin. So, how does she do it? The day starts with breathing right. An hour of Prayanama followed by other yoga execises helps in getting rid of fatigue while building mental energy. A good intake of fresh fruits, juices, salads, sprouts and yogurt complements the skin.
Gauri Jayaram - Founder of Active Holiday Company Before we begin, we would like to hint that you are entering an adrenalin pumped, adventure junkie zone. A regular participant in marathons, both within the country and overseas, she finds ‘sanity in running’ and vigorously trains thrice a week. Her most recent achievement was a trek to the base camp of Mt Everest. She also recently sold off her Honda City so she could cycle to work on her Trek 7.1. Beat that. Gulu Lalvani - Founder and Chairman of Binatone, Royal Phuket Marina We know that machines don’t lie. So, if the machine at Lalvani’s gym detects his metabolic age to be 49 years, as opposed to his 74 years, you better believe it. ‘You are what you eat’, believes the man who has a consistent diet of two glasses of vegetable juice a day, followed by plenty of alkaline based foods with a conscious ban on caffeine. Plenty of exercise also aids in snipping off the effect time has had on the body and mind. But the key ingredient to an enriched life is “to love and be loved. And that begins by loving yourself first”, says Lalvani.
umang Bedi - Managing Director, South Asia, Adobe Who says there is no gain without pain? He has a routine that will not just make a regular at the gym envious but also marks him as a man with a suave lifestyle. Bedi prefers having fun at the break of dawn by teeing off and we are talking a good four hours of playing the gentleman’s game, enough to make him a pro while also enjoying the workout. When do you plan to swing your club? CEO LIFESTYLE
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HOLISTIC HEALING
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Indulge, the
Nizami way
An afternoon of getting pampered the royal way got Rekha Shanmugham’s curiosity piqued. Little did she know she would return with literally double
i
the satisfaction of a regular massage.
It was a typical Hyderabadi hot summer’s day. As the sun stared cruelly, the only thing that made me move in the sweltering heat was the consuming thought of the royal pampering that awaited me at my destination. I entered the plush locality of Banjara Hills to arrive at Park Hyatt Hyderabad where the lavish lobby of the hotel welcomed me, giving a fair idea of what to expect at my to-be haven for the next hour. With lofty expectations, I entered the Mezzanine level of the hotel and there it was – The Spa at Park Hyatt Hyderabad inspired by the culture of the erstwhile Nizams who ruled the city or should I say, empire. The first thing that struck me as I entered was the ambience, of course. The place was surprisingly well lit and cheerful for a spa. But then again, I have never been able to understand why most spas believe in dim lights and an almost eerie tranquility. The colours were subtle yet rich and the decor was unassumingly regal. Creams and browns dominated with accents of Amethyst and Swarovski crystals and care was taken to ensure that harmony was not sacrificed anywhere. It was splendid how age-old materials like teak wood, stone, white polished marble and limestone blended with posh furnishing to create a contemporary ambience of opulence. As I sat on the plush beige couch staring at the beautiful chandelier, the smiling lady behind the onyx reception counter offered me a cold towel as a welcome ritual. Presented on a Mother of Pearl tray and accompanied by a small brooch of Jasmine flowers, the towel, I realized, had the unmistakeable essence of jasmine. Jasmine flowers were at the forefront of any stately welcome during propitious occasions in the Nizami times, I was told, while I sipped on the signature Kewra herb welcome drink. As the last few drops of the refreshing drink went down my throat the spa manager arrived with a welcoming smile and the next few minutes were spent touring the Mezzanine level. There were the treatment suites, the beauty salon and the gymnasium but what caught my fancy best was the outdoor pool.. The thought of lounging on one of those inviting cabanas with a cocktail in hand was overwhelming. Probably after the spa treatment, I told myself, as I headed inside for the next hour of pampering. Choosing
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the treatment was a tad more difficult than I had imagined. There were the Active Renewal, Jet Lag, Pressure Point, Reflexology, Ultimate Aromatherapy and many others apart from the Hydra Facial technology, said to be the newest advancement in non-laser skin resurfacing to combat acne, anti-aging and pigmentation. Maybe the Marmaroma Massage? I did not come across that one often. The Aromatic Crystal Uplift? Ten years later perhaps, I thought to myself, before finally settling for the Four Hand Sync Massage with a little prodding from the spa concierge. That done, it was time to be escorted to the treatment suite. The mood lighting, which was yet to be dimmed allowed me to notice that the place was as spacious CEO LIFESTYLE
(including the dressing area and wardrobe, which I realized as I got comfortable in the snug bathrobe and slippers) as it was regal. A sheer white curtain hinted at a spectacular view while an inviting soaking bathtub, equally spotless, lay beyond the treatment bed. ‘Aromatherapy Associates’ adorned the place. The routine began with the ritualistic foot massage of course, this time with fresh jasmine petals and rock salt crystals. The masseuse took her time, massaging as I relaxed, asking me if there were spots in the body that had to be dealt with care. She then presented me with four types of ‘Attars’ or fragrances inspired by the Nizami period, asking me to take my pick. My olfactory nerves were unanimously skewed towards the mogra and pink rose, which won over white lotus
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and henna leaf, sandalwood and nutmeg, vetiver and neroli. “Mogra and pink rose it is,” said she as the co-masseuse dimmed the lights. Lying on my stomach on the treatment bed with head gently rested and jutting out, the only thing that my eyes could see was a small gold plated bowl holding precious stones. I could feel two pairs of hands, one on either of my shoulders gently pressing and massaging. Could they be more in sync, I thought to myself and instructed my mind to stop thinking about the morrow’s agenda. I was treading the periphery of relaxation as their hands slowly headed south. Deftly and in circles I could feel them at work, both pairs simultaneously tending to my upper body. My eyes gently CEO LIFESTYLE
shut as I gave in, mind near-oblivious to the surroundings, in tune with the cascade-like pressure that had enveloped my back and found its way to my legs by then. One after the other their hands swiftly went down my legs, making sure that every bit of stress lurking got squeezed out. My body revelled in the uniform attention that both the sides received, as this was a first for me. Usually one gets pampered while the other eagerly awaits its turn. After a while, it was time to lie on my rear, by which time my brain had almost stopped thinking for itself and was merely following the instructions of the masseuses. The massage resumed and my mind went blank again, as if on cue. As a finale came the head and foot massage. The
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HOLISTIC HEALING masseuse’s fingers traversed my forehead and I knew I had only seconds left before Hypnos had me under his control. I aroused from what seemed like a deep slumber to feel a comforting hot towel on my forehead followed by my feet. The masseuse gently removed the excess oil from my feet before helping me get out of the bed as the lights went bright again. Luxury is in the attention paid to the seemingly insignificant details indeed, I thought to myself as she said, “There goes your 90-minute massage,” with a warm smile and escorted me to the vanity area. “How long was I sleep anyway?” I thought to myself as I sipped on the warm organic rose tea and lounged in the relaxation area lit with sparkly yellow chandeliers. Every muscle in my body seemed to rejoice the pampering that was due for a very long time. Getting myself to get up and leave Park Hyatt Hyderabad seemed like a Herculean task then. All I wanted to do was laze there forever.
My body revelled in the uniform attention that both the sides received, as this was a first for me. Usually one gets pampered while the other eagerly awaits its turn
Picture Courtesy: Park Hyatt Hyderabad CEO LIFESTYLE
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EVENTS
SITES & SOUNDS
Picture Courtesy: www.srilanka.travel/
A mighty procession
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This 10 day extravaganza that happens in Kandy, Sri Lanka is definitely the most spectacular of festivals that the Pearl of the Indian Ocean has to offer. What with incessant drumming and the jugglers, musicians, dancers and fire breathers parading the streets, the event is a cornucopia of sorts and will leave onlookers utterly bewitched. Not to forget the ornate pachyderms sashaying with pride and adding to the spectacle. The kaleidoscope of colours and bright lights makes it one of the most visually pleasing festivals. If you have already been to this island nation, it is highly unlikely that you did not visit the temple of the tooth relic in Kandy. The very origin of this festival has to do with the tooth relic as well. We are talking about as early as fourth century AD when Kirti Siri Meghawanna was at the helm. Legend has it that the tooth relic arrived in Sri Lanka then and he is said to have ordered that it parade the CEO LIFESTYLE
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city by way of a festive procession once a year. This event gained momentum with time, turning into what it is today, a major festival featuring in the bucket lists of various travel enthusiasts and attracting thousands of tourists from all over the world. Currently however, Hindu gods take centre stage at the festival which is done in honour of the city’s four most pivotal deities - Vishnu, Natha, Pattini, Kataragama. It is now believed to be an amalgamation of the two processions, with the origins of the latter dating back to the 3rd century BC, done in order to be blessed with rainfall. The festival begins with the traditional felling of the jack tree and features smaller processions and gatherings at shrines for the first five days. It progresses into a more fervent affair as the days roll by, before finally, on the last full moon night, metamorphosing into the spectacle that has the world in awe.
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Hail tomatoes at La Tomatina!
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And it is that time of the year again when tomatoes rule. Yes, we are referring to none other than the much anticipated La Tomatina festival that has, especially in recent times, garnered a lot of visibility making it to the agenda or wish list of almost of anyone who does not mind getting a little dirty. Well, a little is an understatement of course, considering that over a hundred metric tons of over ripe tomatoes are at the mercy of tens of thousands of locals and tourists alike whose only motive in that high-octane one hour is to aim their tomatoes square at the other person. La Tomatina which is most often referred to as the ‘World’s Biggest Food Fight’ and rightly so, as we can clearly see, falls on the last Wednesday of August of each year as a ritual and happens in the town of Bunol, Spain. Bunol is close to Valencia where most of the people descending upon the country for the festival find accommodation too. Due to the enormous popularity of the event, thanks in part to our own film directors as well, there is now a number on the amount of people who can participate CEO LIFESTYLE
in this event, making it a ticketed fest. It is a fantastic sight to see the numerous trucks bringing the weapon of the day into the town square before the start of the event. The one thing that everyone eagerly awaits is the firing of the water canons of course, signalling the grand beginning. Utter chaos ensues for the next hour resulting in some of the most amusing sights the world has ever witnessed and continues till the next shot is heard, after which everything must come to a stop. After the madness every bit of you would be covered by the gooey tomato pulp, of course. Fret not, for the Bunol river helps you to wash yourself. If you are lucky, some of the residents would be kind enough to hose you down. People are advised to wear safety gloves and protective goggles to protect themselves from the impact. They are also forbidden to carry anything that could potentially cause any harm to fellow participants, for instance glass bottles. And oh, make sure you squish them tomatoes before you take that deadly aim!
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Mark Your Calendar 07 13 09 What: It is pretty much a cornucopia of everything at the Wilderness Festival. The lush surroundings, waterfalls and lakes are a bonus shall we say? When: Aug 07 - 10, 2014 Where: Charlbury, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
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What: Tribal spin on house music and an ocean of crazy music lovers against the backdrop of the dry African scrub – the Oppikoppi is not your average music festival. When: : Aug 07 - 09, 2014 Where: Limpopo, South Africa
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What: It’s merriment, lanterns and candles galore at this important Japanese religious festival Obon when the gateways to hell and heaven are believed to be open. When: Aug 13 - 15, 2014 Where: Japan
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22 What: Rest assured that the quintessential EDM fanatic’s playlist comes alive here. Creamfields is, after all, one of the biggest and craziest outdoor electronic dance music festivals around. When: Aug 22 - 24, 2014 Where: Daresbury Estate, Cheshire, United Kingdom
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What: If a bog snorkelling What: You do not really need race gets your a guitar to woo this curiosity piqued, do crowd. The Air Guitar What: In for an absolutely not forget that the Championships is just bizarre art and culture What: Dance away your World Bog Snorkelling about as electric an fest? Pack your differences and go Championships are just atmosphere can get. bags and head to the berserk at one of the around the corner. When: Aug 27 - 30, 2014 Burning Man. world’s largest street When: Aug 24, 2014 festivals – Notting Hill Where: Oulu, Finland When: Aug 25 - Sep 01, 2014 Carnival Where: Llanwrtyd Wells, Where: Black Rock City, United Kingdom When: Aug 24 - 25, 2014 Nevada, United States Where: London, England
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