Ceo lifestyle magazine jan'15

CEO Vol 1

Issue 10

January 2015 `100

the brit

Vogue london wiTnesses

raro

Luxury

red carpeT hoTness

of Kings and palaces

live royally this new year

a peeK inTo The opulenT bespoKe brand

do dubai

The quinTessenTial ciTy of gold Turns paradise for all

THE CULINARY MONARCH

Vikas khanna

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Style Check

The who’s who of designers, celebrities, and models take part in the glam and glitz of the British Fashion Awards

Tales from the Kitchen Runway

Vikas Khanna reminisces about the journey that made him the rockstar chef he is today

For the love of liquor

Lisa Srao, India’s first liquor baroness, is the quintessential woman who has broken down all the societal barriers

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The laundry laurels

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Ethinicizing the ramp

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The ‘In’pod way of living

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Indian quirkiness

Balachandar R, the unassuming owner of Wassup Laundry, talks to CLS about his life of start-ups and love for anything leather

Vaishali Shadangule’s quest to convert the abstract or vague ideas into a fantastic collection

The modern solution to set up your dream home anywhere you want within the minimum time possible

Happily Unmarried brings back Indianness in style and is equally taking over the young and the ages

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PANACH E

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Brand Factory

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Palatial Extravaganza

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The Bonneville Diary

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The elitist’s library of new launches

Our pick of India’s grandest palaces to stay in. Experience the king-sized life in these awe-inspiring palaces

The Triumph Bonneville is any rider’s paradise

For the fireball in her The must-get watch for all the beautiful ladies out there

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P L AC ES Decadent Dubai

Experience the luxurious, high-end Dubai replete with adventure and eminence

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The Isla Mallorca ParaĂ­so

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Revel the French way

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With enchanting beaches, vineyards and the countryside, Mallorca is a tranquil paradise

The classy Sofitel is a product of Indian flavour and French design

Turkish delight at Four Seasons

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The House of Luxury

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Modernity meets Ottoman magnificence at the Four Seasons, Turkey

The sister duo at the House of Raro talks about their inspiration in making the most luxurious furniture for the Indian audience

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WINE & DINE

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Europe in a plate

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Fly Elephant, Fly

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Unlocking the Vault

Chef Bogdan talks about his decision to start Basil With a Twist in Chennai and his love of quality European food

A gastronomical tour through the Flying Elephant in Park Hyatt

Indians taste for spirits is being inspired by this new concierge service in town

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H E ALT H

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Get, set, fit!

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Get the look, and how

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Serenity of the senses

The lowdown of the latest trend to hit the fitness circuit, the HIIT

Thermage, the new skin treatment in town

The Serena Spa has the perfect remedy those tired muscles and sore spots

e ve n t s

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136

Pick, sip and savour

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Welcoming winter wonderland!

JANUARY 2015

Mendocino country Crab, Wine and Beer festival is back again for a cause

Party it out, this winter at the Quebec winter Carnival

CEO Vol 1

Issue 10

January 2015 `100

the brit

Vogue london wiTnesses

raro

Luxury

red carpeT hoTness

a peeK inTo The opulenT bespoKe brand

do dubai

of Kings and palaces

live royally this new year

The quinTessenTial ciTy of gold Turns paradise for all

THE CULINARY MONARCH

Vikas khanna

RAADIA MUKADAM GROUP EDITOR & BUSINESS HEAD raadia@eyeballmedia.in ASSISTANT COPY EDITOR Arathi M. FEATURE WRITERS

Nifty Jacob Isha Sharma Sahithi G. ART DIRECTOR

Veeranandhan Kittappa GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Narayanan Sathish Divya Murali SALES & marketing R. Rajasekar K.N. Karthikeyan SALES COORDINATOR

Indu Vigneshwaran CIRCULATION & SUBSCRIPTION A. Rathinavel Pandian rathinam@eyeballmedia.in 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,

Whoever said, Dubai was a budget destination needs to revisit its luxurious offerings.

We have lined up some exciting activities you can consider if you decide to ‘Do Dubai’ this year.

Come December, the only conversation that makes the rounds is where one is heading for the New Year. Well, this year, I decided to spend it with family in Dubai. A destination that always leaves me fascinated. Just when you think you know everything they have to offer and you have been there and done that, they go right ahead and reinvent themselves. So this year I got a peek into a very fresh take on Dubai. Staying at the Atlantis The Palm I had the opportunity of romancing the dolphins and having a close encounter with the sea lions. And in the true spirit of the new year, I decided to kick off one thing from my bucket list by enrolling for Ski lessons at Ski Dubai, the first indoor ski resort in the Middle East. I confess that I may not have succeeded very much, but it is the effort that matters in the end. Wow!! That was really an eventful new year, one that I lived up to the hilt. Whoever said, Dubai was a budget destination needs to revisit its luxurious offerings. We have lined up some exciting activities you can consider if you decide to ‘Do Dubai’ this year. Well, I would say you really should.

What made the New Year sweeter was interacting with one of my favourite chefs, Vikas Khanna. All women be warned, as you sit across Vikas being seduced by the most charming smile that does not hesitate to reach his eyes, you will most certainly forget the dish least of all the cuisine he is offering you. A great take away from my recent meeting with him was that true magnanimity was not in being voted sexiest chef alive or serving the President of the USA, it was in sitting humbly savouring Rajma Chawal with the same elan as he would a Michelin star dish. Do read more about him and his very interesting journey thus far in this issue of CEO Lifestyle.

And as you sit back and enjoy yet another smashing issue, I wish each and every one of my readers an extremely prosperous year ahead.

Raadia Mukadam

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Contributors Bhisham Mansukhani Saving the world one pour of sublime ferment at a time, Bhisham hopes to retire to life amongst the vines someday and until then, part time between a battered keyboard, deadline violations and a smattering of wines, beers and cognacs.

Ushamrita She’s a latent enthusiast who harbours a deep affinity for nature. Art, music, fashion, technology, travel, photography & human interactions are among the few things that attract this communications enthusiast.

Aparna Kaistha Interior Decorator, Stylist, Writer and Teacher. A lifestyle junkie in general.

When not involved in dĂŠcor can be found partying, travelling or shamelessly pinning every free moment of the day.

Kamala Thiagarajan Kamala Thiagarajan is a freelance journalist, who has written articles on health, fitness, travel and lifestyle while somehow miraculously surviving as a caffeine-and-chocolate dependant life form. Her alternative career choices involved arranging rhino safaris in the wild, selling parachutes in Peru and overseeing incredibly intense cup-cake eating competitions.

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Sidharth Sharotri I review interesting cars, bikes and motoring experiences. Over time, I’ve raced the Shatabdi Express from Bangalore to Chennai in a BMW M5. I’ve been called bigoted, opinionated, ruthless, childish and many other things. Thankfully, nobody’s ever called me boring. I’ll keep doing this until they do.

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 !

Archana Pandey A vacation in the Nilgiris ended in a love affair with travel. Archana is a travel and lifestyle writer with most major lifestyle magazines and newspapers. She loves travel, tea, Gin and Gerard Butler in that order.

She loves roadtrips and fantasizes landing in a desert someday. She firmly believes that travel can give you the kind of euphoria like nothing else can.

Shashi Sunny Shashi Sunny loves meeting newsmakers and telling their stories. When not writing, reading, watching films or travelling, she loves to watch thrillers and crime serials on the idiot box or break bread with friends - and any time still left is spent furiously walking to counter the effects of that bread CEO LIFESTYLE

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PEOPLE

STYLE CHECK

The belles and the dandy Sexy backs, glittering gowns, tux dresses, towering heels, and cameras going wild!

The British Fashion Awards had the who’s who of designers, celebrities, and models making an appearance. Isha Sharma takes you through the glam and glitz and who held the awards on the, literally, starry night.

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STYLE CHECK

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Britain’s biggest night of fashion, the British Fashion Awards 2014, was held recently at the London Coliseum. As expected, the night saw the most important names in fashion and style taking to the red carpet with the guest list including names such as Rihanna, Kate Moss, Victoria and David Beckham, Naomi Campbell, Cara Delevingne, Emma Watson and Anna Wintour.

The award ceremony is held every year to celebrate people who have made outstanding contributions to the fashion industry during the year and is attended by the industry’s who’s who. Voted for, by over 400 members of the global fashion industry, the ceremony saw 17 winners out of the 63 nominees. Fashion world is imagined to be catty.

However, the recent award ceremony brought out people’s emotional sides and the general mood was far from that.

Victoria Beckham held back tears as she accepted the Brand of the Year award. Anna Wintour was the winner of the Outstanding Achievement Award for her contribution to the industry and was presented with the award by her long-time friend and designer, John Galliano.

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Model of the Year award went to Cara D and Emma Watson won the British Style Award. Louis Vuitton got the Creative Campaign Award, while Nicolas Ghesquiere won International Designer of the Year.

The award ceremony is not the only thing to look forward to at the BFA, with the guests walking the red carpet who did no small business of adding to the heat in the air. What better place to showcase their sense of style than the British Fashion Awards? As the ceremony honours the most forwardthinking designers, models and plain ol’ good dressers, who have made an impact across the pond, some of the guests are worth a mention. Kendal Jenner looked stunning in her statement ensemble, a black and white jumpsuit. Nobody can rock a red carpet quite like Rihanna, who was spotted wearing an oversized velvet tuxedo jacket as a dress, styled with a dazzling diamond necklace. Other stars in attendance included Karlie Kloss, Kylie Minogue, Anna Kendrick, Alexa Chung, One Direction’s Harry Styles, Rita Ora, Lily Allen, Suki Waterhouse and Naomie Harris. The evening, indeed, had it all!

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TITAN TALK

‘Sexiest Man Alive’, a celebrity, Michelin starred chef; these are some of the terms used to describe Vikas Khanna. Over a tête-à-tête, Nifty Jacob gets drawn into his world of rolling pins, spices and discovers the chef’s secret ambition, the omission of Chicken Tikka Masala from the menu and the story behind the star that is equally astounding and heart-warming.

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It was just another day for the people living in the heart of the world, New York City. The streets bustled as usual as the traffic inched gently. The crowd moved in synchronization, parting ways at the signals, moving forward in confident strides to address their possibilities and grab chances. In a country of new beginnings, there was yet another individual who travelled a long way from home, the starry-eyed look betraying the American dream he came in search of. “I was in New York and there was no one waiting for me,” Vikas Khanna reminisces.

His childlike innocence and the ever visible smile are traits that quickly single him out. Caught up between a jam-packed timetable of shooting for Masterchef India and an upcoming series, the man, who dons many hats, laughs, “I am wearing a white chef’s coat one second and the next, I am dressed in jeans and casuals.” Bearing an unassuming nature, one that is easy to like and rare to come by, it is not hard to see how the boy from Amritsar has won the hearts of Indians and Americans alike with his passion and food. “I CEO LIFESTYLE

find language to be a very small medium of communication,” begins Khanna. “The best of expressions comes from art, from the zeal to create. It could be anything from a piece of Italian music or a dish made with much love. The world has always best remembered artists,” he adds, his love for food clearly evident and still burning bright.

As much as he harbours a passion for whipping up culinary delights, the thought of why a Michelin starred chef would refuse to serve the evergreen Chicken Tikka Masala is anybody’s guess. “Indian food is a lot more than what people deem it to be,” he explains. In an attempt to open up the Indian cuisine to his beloved New Yorkers, Khanna went against popular vote and scrapped off the Paneer Sag and other common dishes to make room for more variants that would force his guests to get a taste of India. What’s more? Anything that becomes too popular is removed from the menu, an action indicative of a bold mind with fervour for innovation. He likes to believe that experiments by way of culinary fusion are akin to “a fashion show”, where food

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TITAN TALK

becomes a medium through which creative splurges are accounted for. Although, a purist at heart, he believes in serving food that is at its authentic best.

Khanna’s first obsession with food started at the Golden Temple in Amritsar and had the innate knack of delivering perfect, round chappatis when he was but seven. “Perhaps, it was a blessing in disguise,” he says referring to his struggle with dyslexia. Expelled from school twice, he soon sought solace in his grandmother’s kitchen and cooked ‘dal’ for the first time when she fell sick. “Everyone hated it,” he says with a chuckle, quite a paradox for the man who is one of India’s most acclaimed chefs. Almost three decades later, Khanna’s emotions resurface in the recently penned illustrated book, which talks about a young boy with a magical rolling pin. Speaking of rolling pins, “I think I own over a thousand of them,” he says and we quite understand.

But what about the knives? “Yes, that one too,” says Khanna admitting to hoarding them with a count that has broken the charts. And if not for those, he shares his weakness in hoarding spice boxes. “In fact, I am now looking at a spice box that is nearly four decades old,” he exclaims.

CEO LIFESTYLE

The road to fame did not come easy to Khanna. In fact, he recalls His Holiness, the Dalai Lama once say “the Universe must have shifted for you.” His ambition was as simple as the town he hailed from. Prior to opening his first entrepreneurial venture, Khanna would knit uniform sweaters along with his mother and grandmother for a year in order to save enough.

“I still remember the colour of blue vivdly,” he narrates. At the age of 17, Khanna set up the Lawrence Garden Banquet with the money he had saved. “We bought one tandoor, three tables, 23 plates and 24 chairs,” he recalls like it was yesterday. The place catered to kitty parties and small events, where unlimited Chole Batture was sold for `20 a plate.

Khanna was constantly tested and faced severe setbacks for the lack of being able to communicate in any language, save Punjabi. Whoever said laughter is the best medicine, said right. When poor English skills cost him an entrance test for Hotel Management course, he urged to meet the principal who sent him to Manipal. The interview resulted in a bout of laughing session for the jury as Khanna ranted off in Punjabi about the food he cooked and aunties who would haggle with him when he billed their daughters, who were twice as big as he was. Persistence and humour on his side, he earned

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his spot. “I had much to learn,” says Khanna who initially considered shrimps to be worms and plopped them into the trash. It was the first day of production in college.

Today is another story altogether as he wakes up in his abode, nestled in Manhattan by a lake across the United Nations. There is very little to count for a routine in the life of a celebrity chef, except the diet that he has religiously followed for the last 14 years. The mornings begin with jogging, after which it is a hearty protein shake and four eggs for breakfast. Lunch is usually a portion of 12 oz of grilled fish. The evenings are supplemented by coffee for the addict right before he begins his tasting sessions. A round of swimming or light gym follows with a dinner of simple dal.

Of all the dishes that he has mastered, Khanna finds that the art of creating the perfect sushi often escapes him. “Although my nieces love it when I bake cakes for them,” he says with an unmistakable tone of joy. He also enjoys penning down his thoughts and is currently working on his latest book, Utsav, which offers an insight into the culturally rich diversities, highlighting the various festivals and cuisines. “I have been working on this dream for the last 12 years,” he says. “This book is going to be a guide to India.”

CEO LIFESTYLE

In an attempt to open up the Indian cuisine to New Yorkers, Khanna went against popular vote and scrapped off the Paneer Sag and other common dishes to make room for more variants that would force his guests to get a taste of India

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TITAN TALK

While Khanna rarely has the time to take off for a vacation, it wouldn’t be anywhere else but Bhutan, a place he has fallen for over and over again. When we gently nudge the topic of a secret ambition, pat comes the reply.

“A week of living a monk’s life in Cambodia, devoid of cell phones, credit cards and hair on my head,” he says. “My staff laugh and beg me not to, but perhaps someday,” he adds with the determination in his voice, unmistaken. “How about settling down?” “Someday,” he answers again, but for now there is much to be done and greater heights to be scaled. And we wait just as expectantly, fingers crossed.

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Painting by Bob Freimark (1922-2010)| Sculpture by JD Hansen & Cheryl Ekstrom

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TITAN TALK

For the love of liquor Walking on unmapped territories and making her own rules on the way, Lisa Srao is becoming a name to reckon with as she becomes India’s first female liquor baroness.

Isha Sharma talks to the spirited lady and finds out what gets her going.

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Lisa Srao belongs to the rare breed of humans who are ready to go the length to carve a niche for them in the rough-andtough world of Indian alcohol. Rewriting the rules of the liquor business and questioning the age-old notions such as the ‘alcohol industry is not a place for women,’ Srao has stood against time and tide, entering a male-dominated industry and arriving with a bang.

Today, she is the Chairman and Managing Director of I Brands Beverages Ltd., a company that started in Uttarakhand in August 2010. Srao’s knowledge of liquor comes from her family. Her father, Amarinder Singh Srao found the popular British beer, Double Dutch, and his daughter followed suit when she founded her own whiskey brand. However, getting into the liquor business was not what she had planned for herself. Srao has worked in the media sector for ten years in the UK and has always loved creating something new. Thus, it comes as no surprise that she was involved at every step in creating her brand.

Born and brought up in the UK, Srao moved to Bangalore in 2003 when she married Manoj Varma. Srao was busy with her married life and two kids Isabella, 9, and Marcus, 6. It was only in 2008 when she got some time for herself, that the Aston University graduate decided to set up a business of her own. During her research, she discovered that there provided very few products of international quality that were value for CEO LIFESTYLE

money. “This got me thinking as to why in India, we do not have quality international goods,” she says.

The Indian liquor market is the third largest in the world after China and Russia. Srao’s first idea was to get her father’s brand to India, but after considerable research she realised that bringing a product from abroad will not work in the Indian market at all. “I knew I will have to cater to the Indian market specifically,” she says. The baroness soon got acquainted to the Indian mentality of value for money and it did not take her time to figure out that the premium sector that caters to the mass market was uncluttered.

Her study led her to realise that in the liquor sector there is a gap between premium and affordable alcohol; either good quality products were extremely expensive or the affordable products were of bad taste. This gave birth to her premium yet affordable label. Srao found out that there was less competition in this segment and created her flagship brand called Granton Whiskey, which after four years is available in multiple states. Her aim was to make products of international standard in terms of blend, design, feel and look, and make it affordable to her consumers.

There is no doubt that all her hard work has brilliantly paid off. Granton Whiskey won four awards in 2014. “I did this alone to begin with; identified the segment and looked into its processing very closely,” she says. Starting with a

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TITAN TALK very humble project, the brand is growing with four products in the market — Granton Whiskey, Rum 99, Three Royals and Granton XO Brandy.

However, starting the business in itself was not an easy task. Srao was constantly asked why she cannot take up a “girl’s job”.

According to her, in India, there is a lack of equality and it comes out every day. This platform is a taboo, more so if you are a female.

“It is a nine billion dollar industry and there are a lot of conglomerates that are entering from abroad into the market. So why not an Indian woman?” she ponders aloud.

It is not just selling liquor that Srao enjoys.

The lady loves her glass of wine too and has an affinity towards the world’s exquisite wines.

“I believe in drinking responsibly, since I am in this business,” she clarifies. She has always been exposed to production of liquor and had tried beer when she was 14, “but I did not like the taste.” Ask what her favourite whiskey picks are, and she is quick to reply that she is not a very big fan of whiskey, but likes Arran and Bruichladdich, brands that her husband enjoys as well.

Apart from work, Srao loves to paint and sees it as a way of meditation. The family loves to travel too, and has travelled to Europe extensively. Apart from that she has been to Cambodia, Capri, Bali and Phuket. Whenever the couple travels, they pick up local art for their home.

Travel is not her only passion; Srao is a self-proclaimed foodie and will never let go of any chance to try out a new cuisine, and is always on a lookout for new restaurants. The London-bred is also quite fond of shopping.

Apart from her all-time-favourite Channel, few other brands she likes include Jimmy Choo, Christian Louboutin and Tom Ford. When not working, or travelling or shopping, Srao can be found catching up on Bollywood movies or listening to Bollywood songs. However, being the workaholic that she is, Srao cannot be kept away from work for too long.

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Balachandar R. claims to be no different than an average man who prefers to listen to classical music and enjoys working hard, except that he is. Between earning gold medals at college, singlehandedly initiating three start-ups and having a keen eye for things ‘leather’, Nifty Jacob discovers that the Founder and CEO of Wassup Laundry is more than what meets the eye.

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Of the many childhood memories that one can recount, playing cricket on the street while substituting a few sticks for stumps and the alleys across home for a field, is a very common ‘sport’ and Bala, as he is called by friends and family, has certainly played through his days of ‘streetcricket’. For a boy who hailed from Chennai, things were pretty much planned for him before-hand, such as taking over the reins for the family’s leather export business.

Considering his reserved nature, one wouldn’t have expected any different. “I was a serious kid who would shy away from parties,” he explains. But of course, that changed once he joined the IIFT programme in PSG College where, surrounded by extraordinary achievers, his thoughts changed direction. “I wondered if I had simply landed in the wrong place,” he says, reminiscing about a sudden change of environment peppered with strong portfolios that crossed hands and talks of serious things in life. Clearly, Bala did not realize that he would end his tenure as a Gold Medalist.

Of course, the love for leather is something as inherent as his genetic make-up, one can conclude. In fact it runs so deep that although his first stint in Delhi saw his career fast tracking, owing to the excellent performance, his dreams lay entangled within the confines of the leather industry edging between marketing and entrepreneurship. After bombarding Hidesign’s inbox with a slew of mails and being politely denied for being over-qualified was not an option that the soft-spoken man would settle for. Bags packed and his mind made up, he joined Hidesign, drawing a salary that was oneCEO LIFESTYLE

fourth of his previous package. It wouldn’t go as surprise to know that after a year of consecutive promotions, he went on to become the Head of Retail for Asia.

Of the things that Bala is known for, being a serial entrepreneur is at the top of the list. The idea of being just another member of the family business was not his calling.

“If I were to join, I wanted to up the game with new ideas and bring in a fresh perspective.” Over the course, he has conceptualized and sold off two ventures after bringing them to fruition. “I believe everything has a life and a time frame,” he tells us. His passion for leather paved the way for H&S World, which produced chic accessories for a variety of brands, including Zara. After selling it off within the family, he bridged the gap between new designers and untapped demands of the youth by developing a retail outlet, Lime&Vodka that offered Gen X everything from quirky tee’s to boxers for couples.

But thereon, how the space of a laundry business chanced upon the man is another story altogether. While, Bala sought angel investments for his store, fate had other plans and soon he was smitten by figures in the organized Laundry industry, not to mention a basic amenity that fetched a sizeable revenue stream. Soon, Lime&Vodka changed hands and Wassup Laundry was up and running. Today, the brand has 25 stores across Chennai and Bangalore and is steadily working its way forward.

Bala also shares a passion for music with his wife, Honey, albeit with polar differences in their taste. Like any Indian

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TITAN TALK love story, a bond between the Marwadi girl and the Telugu boy wasn’t going to be easy. “We put forward our applications to be married with our respective families after a year of dating,” he piques. Today, the couple complements and harbour their love for the north-south Indian divide with the number of festivals celebrated, having grown two-fold in the household, not to mention two Diwalis and Ganesh Chaturthis. “Marriage has changed me for the better,” Bala assures us with a soft smile. He now gets hauled by his lady to the dance-floors, frequents social gatherings, not to forget an imperative change in his playlist from numbers of Illaya Raja and Rahman to pop music, which he has come to greatly enjoy.

“I’m also the designated chauffeur for the after-party dropoffs,” says the man who was once a hardcore teetotaler.

“Before handing over major, international accounts such as Pepsi and Frito Lays to me, my boss in Delhi had the talk with me,” he begins narrating. “Being a non-drinker was considered rude in the company of the senior and eminent individuals.” He soon joined the drinker’s club in a very humble fashion, beginning with testing his taste buds with limited quality of beer. We cannot say that he has come far since that day. “A glass of red wine is just about enough for me,” he says.

Travel is another option that Bala quite enjoys. “That comes as a privilege of working in the export industry,” he says, having covered ground across Europe, the interiors of China and parts of Africa such as Somalia, Nigera and Uganda where he stayed weeks and sometimes even months while living on cartons of noodles. Today, he shares the same passion with his better-half and together, plans small vacations every three months. This year has taken them across Thailand, Goa and the Maldives. Plans are on for a New Year get-away, that is, after Bala clears his schedule of course. He also “feels at home in a mall and loves to indulge in retail therapy”. He loves shopping from Zara and Paul Smith, not to forget his affinity for leather jackets and accessories. In fact, he also credits himself for being able to assess “one’s personality by the type of bag they carry.” A complete fan of the Apple ecosystem, it is safe to assume that the iPad and Macbook are not replaceable.

For now, Wassup Laundry is a priority as he plans to expand the brand across the country, but certainly not the last of his many ventures. “I will, in this avatar, or the next, go right back to leather and work around it,” he says, signing off.

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TAILOR MADE

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Ethnicizing the ramp With the dream of reviving Indian textiles, Vaishali Shadangule has taken the fashion world by storm. Jyoti Balani discovers how creating a new collection of garments is a journey of converting an abstract or vague idea into a fantastic and mature design for the designer.

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Indian women with a passion for sarees either own Chanderis, Maheshwaris, vibrant Paithanis and Khands, Khadis, Jamdanis and Tangails, Mekhla Chadder or ideally all of these. Vaishali. S, a label by Vaishali Shadangule that has managed to create ripples in the fashion industry recently, has experimented with all these textiles and presented them in her various collections.

Born in Vidisha, a small town in Madhya Pradesh, Shadangule’s journey into the fashion world has been an inspiring tale. A graduate in science, she moved to Mumbai to pursue her dreams of being a fashion designer.

Her commitment to remain true to her one-of-a-kind vision of creating contemporary designs from traditional Indian, hand woven textiles has borne fruit, which reflected in her success in recent fashion weeks. As a clothing line, Vaishali S encompasses contemporary and traditional Indian wear, Indo-western and western wear.

The label stands for a modern approach, comfort and innovative style stemming from a wealth of ideas that blends modernity with the vastness of Indian textiles.

Besides designing for her label, she has licensed her label and designs for retail houses.

With more than 60 people working for her brand, Vaishali’s designs have been worn by the likes of Vidya Balan, Sonam Kapoor, Amrita Rao, Shweta Salve, Tanishaa Mukherjee and many others. Her products are retailed from Fuel, Ogaan (Delhi), Rudhraksh (Pune), Aza & Atosa (Mumbai) and her own outlets in Mumbai.

Her collection isn’t limited to just Indian wear. She also designs pants, tunics, skirts, gowns and dresses.

Vaishali debuted at Lakme Fashion Week Summer Resort 2011 with a collection called ‘Virus Free’. After, which she successfully showcased three more seasons, CEO LIFESTYLE

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one after the other. Her debut at Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week showcased her autumn winter 2012 line “Khwaja” that amalgamates art and fashion. “I am a small town girl who hardly had any knowledge about fashion.

But my interest towards art, culture and understanding of colours drew my interest towards fashion,” she reveals.

Vaishali’s hunger to explore the rich heritage of Indian art and craft moves her to travel and research through the mines of hand woven textiles of the country.

She challenges herself every time by choosing a new traditional textile from different states of India. Her approach to design is very intuitive and spontaneous. This designer draws her inspiration from the fluxes of life.

She loves to transform her emotion and obsessions into designs to express herself. Her collection is wearable, graceful, contemporary and different.

“I feel fashion cannot be generalised and is subjective.

For some it is more than a matter of appearance or looking good. Few take it as a way of life, comfort of mind and feeling of fulfillment. For me fashion is passion,” she adds. “The modern human race wishes to have a permanent state of peace, comfort and joy and we all are engaged in a constant attempt to ensure that. But there is a tribe which does not believe in permanency.

They have learned to read the pattern which is underneath the layer of indefinite, uncertain and impermanent texture of life. They have discovered joy and peace in the random flow of life. The tribe is known as “RABARI”. Their attitude, philosophy, tradition and spirit can be interpreted through their clothing style.

The collage of colors and cloth patches on the outfits creates a pattern which reflects their belief in a moment. The collection appeals because of the contrast of JANUARY 2015

TAILOR MADE

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traditional look with modern silhouettes. It includes long and short dresses, ghagras and lehengas and sarees,” she says.

“The main attraction of the collection is the textile which is developed after extensive research and the days spent with weavers to bring out the best of different textiles. The unique blend of linen, silk and cotton yarns, Jacquard Weaves from the holy city, Varanasi and Jamdani from West Bengal, finally appear like a family when they are put together. The hand woven and hand crafted collection includes combinations of design, texture, fabric and silhouettes but also finally comes across as one idea. Subtle mixes of linen, wool and gold thread zari used for surface texturing creates the perfect glamorous look for a bridal wear. Colour story travels through red, orange, pink, yellow, blue and gold. I feel the entire collection carries a mood of celebration, which is an inherent feeling of the life we all look for,” she tells us about her latest collection.

“I specifically love my entire range from Anhad collection for the colour combination, the detailing, the concept – all of it is very close to me,” she reveals.

Speaking about current and future trends in fashion, Vaishali feels that the sari will always be evergreen. Dhoti style of pants, long straight cut dresses, cut work texturing, cropped tops or jackets are in vogue now. “Mumbai has a mixed fashion sense. Where on one hand I can find people who like bright colours and chic attires, on the other hand I can also find people who like earthy colours specially white and black, which are core colours of hand woven attires.”

All her garments are made from hand woven fabrics, and weaving a fabric takes a lot of time, translating into a couple of months to make an outfit.

She aspires to keep creating styles that do not die easily and that can be used even after years of purchase. Her dream is to make Indian textiles the most widely used fabric all over the world.

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Luxe Central

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A miniature lavatory for an ashtray, loudspeakers for pen stands, milk containers for cocktail shakers and with such many more innovative ideas, Happily Unmarried has brought back the Indianness, in style. Nifty Jacob follows through on the sensational theme that draws youth and aged, alike.

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Luxe Central

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About two decades back, India casually opened its arms wide to welcome the policies of liberalisation and globalisation, bringing with it a fair share of new products with names that sounded highly anglicised. We were carrying briefcases instead of jholas, wearing shoes instead of joothis, while the shirts replaced kurtas. And now, we are back to our gold old Indian self. Sanskrit alphabets are being constantly displayed on t-shirts, classic Hindi lines are trending and the jhola has made a comeback, not to mention that the Indian element has made a raving appearance.

Happily Unmarried credits itself on being one of the elements that has inspired this change. Their offerings, although initially aimed at serving the young and unmarried population, has grown past the target audience with people of either marital status hording on the quirky products. How a brand with a name that comes close to being taboo in India has made it big is a topic, which will surely make for a hot debate. In fact, what is even more interesting is that a lot of newlyweds are gifted products from ‘Happily Unmarried’.

As ironic as it may seem, we hear that the young and senior folks are equally enjoying their share of fun from the brand. Ideally, recalling the days of your youth and making you feel quite young with smart, catchy lines and novelty that are grotesque and hilarious in equal measures, could be a fine reason.

What started as two young software engineers peril to find simple, yet smart home décor to go with their (marital) status, soon turned into something bigger than they ever imagined.

“When we first started, we had no idea what to include,” says Rajat Tuli, Co-Founder and Director. Today, the brand has significantly expanded to accommodate a wide range of interesting artifacts, replete with witty designs that go across a range of categories. Eventually, the young men did succumb CEO LIFESTYLE

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and tie the knot, so we believe that they now juggle a rather interesting paradox of being in a ‘happily married’ state along with the ‘Happily Unmarried’ brand. The website has a couple of unique sections that is sure to force you to take a second look and skim through the page. For instance, the section ‘Hot’ essentially gives you a list of fast selling items`, from a miniscule bean bag that serves as a mobile holder to a camera shaped bag for, well, cameras. What’s more, Indian lingo is big with products such as the ‘bery bery funny glasses’ meant for your round of evening beers (or morning, our apologies). They also have the most hilarious accessories to go with your bar effects such as a set of shot glasses that come in a small (egg) crate, bottle stoppers shaped as taps, cushion covers with an A to Z alphabets theme that enlists various words (related to drinking sessions) to cheer you on and much more.

Of course, the most appealing aspect of the brand has been the unique twist on Indian elements that has been a rage with the young lot today. “At our core, we are a desi brand,” says Tuli, adding, “When we started there was hardly anyone who did quirky, Indian designs, and that has worked for us.”

Happliy Unmarried has clearly taken the Indian theme, added a hint of fun, adventure and offered the principle of utility to go with it, which has gone a long way. The perky designs are produced by a team of in-house designers who share the ethos and believe in spunk. Today, Happily Unmarried sells at 60 outlets across the country along with a huge traction running through the website.

“What is new,” we ask? “Big things,” Tuli replies. Well, there has been an addition of the Christmas page that depicts the classic ‘skull and bones’ symbol wearing a red santa hat, asking customers to write a confession letter. Clearly, naughty is what they are looking for. Anything but conventional, is it? Aye, we believe.

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Luxe Central

The ‘In’pod way

ofliving

Have you always dreamed of living in a beautiful home that overlooked the ocean one day and a panoramic view of the countryside the next day? Nifty Jacob discovers Inpod, a modern solution to ensure you have the perfect pod at the right spot, anytime you want.

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The word ‘home’ to the human subconscious resonates with emotions. It is the place you eagerly await to return to after putting up with the nine-to-five hours. The green ferns or ‘your spot’ with a bestseller read accompanied by a hot coffee, beckon you like no other place. Now how about the time you considered remodeling or constructing your dream home? The classic features such as space, cost and material are ubiquitous factors pertaining to the construction and real estate. Such analysis is often followed by endless weeks and months of scouting for an ideal location to call ‘home’.

Of course, making a call between wishing for a place in the suburban greens versus the sea-salted air by the bay is hard and kudos to those who manage to do it, and moreover, remain content with their decision. But, what if a small voice in your head keeps nagging you with a ‘what if’. Fret not, for you can get your dream spot over-looking the cliff today and the beach on another day—we kid you not.

Going past the traditional norms of the industry, Inpod is a novice venture that aims at tailoring pods that are streamlined to suit the needs of your home, office or even a holiday spot.

The interesting feature about these pods are their mobility, which enables them to be packed at the back of your truck and reinstalled in the any location of your choice that would have otherwise been far-fetched or impossible considering the traditional modes of construction.

Over a span of just two years, the brand has catered to the needs of clients such as Linhoff, JSW Steel and HYDAC, as well as galleries for Mahindra Lifespaces. Inpod’s smart design and architecture has also landed them a few laurels.

Although it is anyone’s guess as to how an idea, as innovative and daring took the leap in the Indian vistas. “I wanted to look beyond the brick,” says Nilesh Jhadav, Founder of Inpod. It would be interesting to know that the idea was roughly conceived by defining the concept of building a dream home or office that could be put together with Lego blocks, thus, producing the country’s first monolithic building system.

What makes this concept work is the benefit of a variety of traits that would have been once considered undoable and would have outperformed its counter-parts in the industry.

“On a global scale, the construction industry now uses alternate materials that enable the setting up of a factory in half the time,” says Jhadav. The idea of being able to set up your home with a turn-around period that is a 100 times faster than the conventional methods of building, is quite impressive. At this juncture, certain queries are bound to arrive, and it is no shocker if you are wondering how a pod in the middle of nowhere might be able to provide basic amenities. The pods come inbuilt with concealed wiring equipment and functional plug points. A ceiling based light system, complete with mood lights and Led fittings, the pod is all set to present a replete splendid visual appeal.

Luxe Central

Inpod also uses state-of-the-art German technology known as Inskin, a unique material that is used in and said to be four times as strong as the brick-and-mortar methods adopted. In addition, it also provides quality fire resistance, heat insulation and is also earthquake proof clearly ensuring that security takes a prime spot on the priority list.

With verticals such as in-office and in-house, you can choose from the range of small, medium and large pods available. A basic in-office pod of 2.5m by 5m can start at ` 800,000 whereas; a S1 unit that comprises a bedroom, kitchen and bath starts at ` 14, 50, 000. If you are aiming for a luxurious standard of living, the L1 unit offers a fullfledged pod that comes with three bedrooms, a kitchen and a Living and Dining space. The process is equally sporadic and simple. After placing an order for the preferred unit along with an initial deposit, the process takes anywhere between a month to three to complete. The best bit is the Mep services that allow utilities that can be readily plugged in for use. It goes as an easy guess that with such features, the installation is a breezy process, which takes about four to six hours. But CEO LIFESTYLE

past the comfort of saving on precious time, the winning aspect is the fact that you can have your place set up even in the most remote and arduous geographical locations.

Using materials of the highest quality such as John Guest plumbing, Laminam flooring, Daikin AC’s etc, we figure that those qualms about scouting for the right finish, material or even location can go out the window. And if the concept is anything to go by, the interiors are done with considerable attention to detail to guarantee an exquisite, aesthetic appeal.

Also, let us not forget the panoramic windows that also double as walls creating quite an ambience if you are on a hillock or a forest.

With a target market aiming at the affluent strata, Inpod has cleverly initiated the start of a much needed trend along with gaining the first-mover advantage. “However we do see ourselves eventually making products in different price bands. In the future we would think of formulating buy back policies that would then make our pods available to a mass market,� says Jhadav. So what is to going to be folks, a home on a cliff or by the beach? Perhaps both!

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PANACHE

BRAND FACTORY Diamonds, and some more To make this wedding season more memorable, Hema S Kothari has come out with Bejewelled collection. Combination of fine diamonds and gemstones makes the collection look beautiful and delicate. The designs follow a contemporary as well as an elegant taste. Price on request

Get the look!

For the fashion savvy individuals, Calvin Klein introduces their latest Platinum A/W 2014-15 eyewear collection, for both men and women. A perfect blend of sophisticated sensuality with a distinctive edge, the collection is sure to make heads turn. The sporty and chic sunglasses also come in unisex range and as optical glasses. So, grab the stylish look now! Price on request

Watch out!

Bling meets sophistication in these highly elegant timepieces by Seiko. The collection comes in both stainless steel and leather for the stylish go-getter.

The sporty yet elegant looking watches express Seiko’s infinite dedication to perfection. Price on request

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The ticking time Inspired by nature, this Omega collection with delicate butterfly design is destined to be cherished by the women who wear them.

The butterfly motifs on the dial are inspired by the Chinese popular culture, which associates the delicate being with love and longevity. Price up to `19 lakh

Play ball Ayesha accessories have come up with baseball caps and trendy fedoras.

As the cold weather draws closer, it is time to work on the ways to keep warm in style. Interesting and quirky designs will surely make heads turn.

Price: `898

Girl’s best friend Mirari celebrates the most adorable of bonds through their latest collection, Topical Treat. Keeping simplicity as the main design focus, the couture collection is an exquisite mix of metals, cut diamonds and precious stones. The contemporary designs are versatile and perfect for any occasion. So, what are you waiting for, lassies? Price on request

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BRAND FACTORY

The bejewelled Breaking away from the traditions, Angaaraa expresses the most regal stone, the diamond, in unique and unconventional ways through Mannat. Mixed with minimal metal, the diamonds are replete with precious stones in various settings and are a perfect blend of sophistication and style.

Set in 18K gold, each piece displays fine craftsmanship with a strong design philosophy.

Price on request

Silver madness

Start the New Year with Alchemy De Luxe’s Pitter Platter collection that showcases some of the exquisite sterling silver platters on marble and Venetian murano glass that is surely to raise the temperatures and grab the attention of your guests.

The quirky look and the mix of chirpy colours have it all. This royal assortment is as offbeat as it can get. Price on request

Let there be light LimeRoad introduces their latest winter home decor to make your winters even more comfortable. With products such as lampshade, bean bags, hot water bag, etc. break the monotonous dreary colour palette of the winters with beautiful, colourful designs that will keep you snug and warm.

Price from `2000

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Happy feet Crocs’ Busy Day collection, especially for women, is a range of multipurpose, easy-on shoes that are perfect for every occasion. Whether you are dashing to the shops, heading to the gym, picking the kids up from school or walking the dog, they are perfect for all the chores. Available in vibrant colours, the collection offers allday comfort. Price starts with `2995

Oxfords and brogues Whether you are in office, a club or playing a sport, a good pair of shoes is a must. Arrow’s latest range is the one to go for as it gives the classic designs a contemporary twist. Oxfords, derby, brogue, take your pick and get rolling. Price starting from `3999

Traveller’s collection From the House Of Valaya comes The Home Of The Traveler. The spirit of the products offered transcends time, place and cultures and offers luxury in the form of service. THT, the first of its kind, is a concept store that infuses the old with the new, creating a harmonious synergy out of contradiction. Each THT product will bring a character, a narrative and a piece of history to your home. From cutlery to vases to birdhouses, the store is a treasure trove. Price on request

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ELITE CLUB

Abounding in culture, heritage and tradition, the bygone era has left behind its traces in some mesmerizing palatial properties and accommodations. Dating back to centuries and replete with exotic elements, these define opulence the best. Nifty Jacob brings to you some of the perfect spots in the country that epitomizes timeless luxury, quite literally. Pray, would you like to live like royalty for today?

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Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur

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Nothing beats the breathtaking beauty of the stunning white marble that sits trapped in the centre of Lake Pichola, resting in an azure blue backdrop.

The Lake Palace is one of Udaipur’s most romantic and dramatic creations, making it a work of art.

History has it that banned from the island palace of Jag Mandir by his father, Maharaja Jagat Singh, set out to build his on lake palace that has since attracted elite and royalty alike. With 66 rooms and 17 magnificent suites to choose from, we hear the most coveted is The Chandra Prakash Suite with its marble columns and beautiful moldings where the Maharaja used to hold court. The Grand Royal Suites are replete with bounties of Goodnite Chocolates, a bottle of wine, fruit platter, private bar and more. While here, there is much to see and the Heritage walk guides you through the secrets of the palace, followed by an interesting session of the art of miniature painting or even, cooking lessons. The boat trip across the lake to the palace is a fairy tale of sorts. The ceremonial Gangaur cruise is all about a magical setting with candlelight, followed by a live grill. If exploring the vicinity is on your mind, a two or four day itinerary can be arranged, complete with cruising in the sunset to spas’ and everything in between. The adventurous can enjoy elephant rides or get on horseback. Jeep safaris and trekking can be arranged at the royal hunting lodge. Come evening, the traditional ‘shadow dance’ takes place at the Jhankar Courtyard, an experience that is even more enriching as you sample a collection of vintage wines with it. Dinner is best enjoyed at the Mewar Terrace or the Lily Pond as you enjoy world class delicacies. For details, visit http://www.tajhotels. com/Luxury/Grand-Palaces-And-Iconic-Hotels/TajLake-Palace-Udaipur/Overview.html

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Umaid Bhavan, Jodhpur

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This gorgeous palace made of Chittar sandstone stands dazzling in a golden hue amidst a vast landscape of gardens. Built by Maharaja Umaid Singh, it was completed 15 years after work first began in 1928. Renowned architect, Henry Lanchester’s skill was put to the test, which conspired to produce a wonderful confluence of western and eastern elements. With a 105-foot tall cupola, towers influenced by Rajput tradition, 64 luxurious rooms, 15 gardens and a museum, it is one of the worlds’ largest residences. In fact the Royal family still resides in one portion of the palace.

Much of the interiors capture mural paintings, the handiwork of Stefan Norblin, a self-exiled Polish artist. To enjoy the aura of the rich heritage and bask in the luxury, you can opt to bank at the Maharaja or Maharani Suite, originally designed for the King and Queen. The Royal Suites, the erstwhile residence of the Maharaja and the Queen, is furnished with elegant decor inspired by the Art Deco style; the rooms overlook a dazzling view of the Baradari Lawns and the resplendent Mehrangarh Fort. Even better, the Bath menu comes with four tempting options, incuding the Rani Padmawati milk bath, which is nothing short of royalty. Of course, the experience isn’t complete without dining at the Palace as you enjoy the best of the local and global cuisines. To add a private setting, simply contact the Palace butler. If you are a history buff, the museum showcases a wide collection of timepieces, miniature paintings and much more. You can also enjoy a game of billiards, squash on the marble courts, or go for a spin in the city in a vintage drive accompanies by a butler. And, there is Jodhpur at its best for you.

For details, visit http://www.tajhotels.com/Luxury/ Grand-Palaces-And-Iconic-Hotels/Umaid-BhawanPalace-Jodhpur/Overview.html

ELITE CLUB

Taj Falaknuma Palace, Hyderabad

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There is a certain charm in the notion of living in the ‘mirror of the sky’. Rightly named owing to a height that goes as far as 2000 feet, the palace, one could say, was built among the clouds. The construction was first initiated by a Hyderabadi nobleman and passed hands over the years until it was bought by Nizam V1 in 1895. While the basic structure took a period of 10 years, it is said that it took another 22 years under the aegis of British architect Willam Marret to perfect it. Over the time, leading dignitaries of the state and European Monarchs, including the Duke of Windsor have made their presence felt, reaffirming that it is one of the finest places to experience royalty at its best.

Accommodation spans across 60 phenomenal rooms.

The Grand Presidential Suite is said to be the largest in the country and previously served as residence to the Nizam himself. The suite is the penultimate in luxury, replete with a private swimming pool and Jacuzzi, including extravagant furnishings and state-of-the-art-facilities. To keep one occupied would be quite an easy task, it would seem. The Billiards room is a convenient spot to match skills along with the finest brandy. Enjoy a stroll in the beautiful private gardens or a Champagne Palace Walk where you will be recounted with tales of opulence, drama and much more. Of course nothing matches having a meal at the world’s largest dining table with a seating capacity of 101 individuals.

The offerings are another story altogether, with delicacies ranging from Indian to Asian and Western.

The Nawabs hunting expeditions followed a rich meal of game, which is recreated with ‘Shikaar ka Khaana’—a grand feast of the finest meat cooked with traditional recipes, delectable kebabs and hookah to go with it. It couldn’t get better than this.

For details, visit http://www.tajhotels.com/Luxury/ Grand-Palaces-And-Iconic-Hotels/Taj-FalaknumaPalace-Hyderabad/Overview.html

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Fernhills Royal Palace, Ooty

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The Maharajas of Mysore considered it their summer palace; the striking edifice spread over 40 acres of lush green, located in the Blue Hills of Nilgiris.

The Palace was built in 1844 during the peak of the British era and was the first English holding to be bought over by an Indian Royal, His Highness C. Wadiyar X in 1873. Divided over five categories, the all-suite Palace has 19 suites including Super Luxury Suites, which was once the abode of the Maharaja himself. Abounding in the vintage aura, the interiors offer a rich and charming English appeal with a panoramic view of Ooty and luxurious furnishing.

Not to mention all the necessary requirements from an in-room fax machines to coffee makers, mini bars and Jacuzzi. The Curry and Rice restaurant serves culinary excellence with authentic recipes used six decades ago. And if the name rings a bell, it is inspired from a satirical work by George Atkinson.

While here, if you taste buds yearn for a slight detour from the curry (which is considered to be a little too spicy, as it rightfully should) you need only ask. From Continental to Chinese and Niligiri cuisine, you can indulge in the finest of flavours.

Whilst here, be sure to explore the indigenous beauty of Ooty. Take a walk uphill and discover the Lamb’s Rock, an ideal spot that is perfect for picnics while you enjoy the breeze and the view. Also, not to forget the tea plantation that serves some of the finest in tea in the world. The palace is also known to be an excellent destination for group gatherings where a comfortable setting can be arranged in the open woods across running greens. Many a weddings have been celebrated in the Banquet Halls.

Between the beautiful hillocks and royal treatment, this one makes for a great getaway. For details, visit http://www.welcomheritagehotels.in/hotel-facilities/ fernhills-palace-ooty

ELITE CLUB

Hill FortKesroli, Alwar

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Standing tall, the Hill Fort-Kersroli in Alwar, Rajasthan is set atop the beautiful and much too rare Hornstone Breccia rocks. The fort was built over seven centuries ago by Yaduvanshi Rajputs who claimed to be descendants of Lord Krishna. Besides the very courteous welcome in true Rajasthani style, there is much you can enjoy. There are 21 rooms that are classified as regular Rooms, Suites and Grand Rooms. These are segregated based on the ground level, lower pool level and first level. The rooms retain all the charisma from an era bygone and depict the best of Indian architecture. Set amidst a quiet place, it makes for an ideal getaway if you would like to unwind with mustard fields and camels passing by in the vicinity. There are also a host of activities to be enjoyed, everything from the royal game of chess to caroms and trying your hand at cards. If you are up for flexing those muscles, you can also enjoy a game of badminton with your partner here. For a truly surreal experience, head to the private pool situated on a cliff and throw in a rejuvenating massage. Situated in the ‘golden triangle’, the fort is equidistant from Delhi, Agra and Jaipur, this comes as an added advantage if you are on a long vacation. Take off on a cultural journey and visit the Sariska Tiger Sanctuary, Neelkanth temples, the lakes of Siliserh and Jaisamand, hot springs of Talvriksh and much more. If adventure is on the cards, you can opt to have bicycle excursions arranged. We suggest you come geared up for a thoroughly fun experience, walking shoes, swimsuits, hats and sunscreen in tow. Hill-Fort is also known to be a popular destination where many a fairy tale weddings have been held. For more information, visit http://the-hill-fort-kesroli. neemranahotels.com/

ELITE CLUB

Neemrana Fort Palace, Rajasthan

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Standing testimony to one of the most loyal and proud lineages, Neemrana Fort housed the mighty Chauhan dynasty. When they vehemently refused to succumb to the British Raj, their lands were taken away over time. Built in 1464, it is one of India’s oldest heritage palaces. At a distance of approximately 120 km from the Delhi airport and 140 km from Jaipur airports, this fort attracts a fair number of visitors who head over to explore the magical countenance of the stunning panorama and indulge in a rich experience. The fort sits atop a hillock and has seven palace wings on different levels that spread over six acres of lush green with hanging gardens, perfect for a quiet getaway. The interiors have been restored to keep much of the original designs intact, along with the addition of colonial furniture, making it a suitable juxtaposition of the old and new. You can choose your accommodation from an array of Mahals or luxury rooms. The Chandra Mahal was once the Hall of justice and comes with a beautiful baithak that you can substitute for a bed. The Uma Vilas, on the other hand, offers the most beautiful view of the westward hills. When it’s time to indulge in a rejuvenating session, Sansha offers the best of ancient therapies from sunlight-spectrum meditation to modern treatments like body scrubs and exfoliating routines.

For adrenaline junkies, we recommend the zip tour, a thrilling aerial adventure as you slide over the village. You can also opt to go a long camel ride or explore the step well that lies nine stories below ground level, once used as a famine- relief project by travellers in the past. It gets even better with vintage car rides across the village and evening performances of cultural dances and entertainment by local artists, summing it up into a rich cultural experience. For details, visit http://fort-palace. neemranahotels.com/

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grandeur

With Metzelers and five gears, the last one being able to take you all the way from 50 to 165 kph, the Triumph Bonnoville is a rider’s paradise. Sidharth Sharotri zooms away to Jaipur on his new love.

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It was just like any other morning, I suppose. Coffee, cigarette and a blank sheet of paper. The old noodle was racing in multiple directions trying to work out what you, dear CEO, would like to read about should you find yourself early for a dentist’s appointment by about ten minutes. My only specific instruction from the editor of the magazine was not to use the words ‘mid’, ‘life’ and ‘crisis’. Being a motoring critic, the easiest option for me was to bring you a Road Test of a Mercedes S Class or a Range Rover. But that would be easy. So I’m going to do something I have never done before. I’m going to take you with me on a tour to what is currently my most frequented part in India, Rajasthan.

For those of you who value cleanliness, comfort and convenience over everything else, I suggest you skip to the luxury hotel feature. For the rest, read on.

Any good luxury car would do the job of taking us there in proper comfort. But if it has to be a car, I’m thinking either the Jaguar XJ because of how it (weirdly) embodies the true spirit of everything Rajput or the Audi Q5 because I’ve driven it through Rajasthan and it has the unique ability of being able to average high speeds on really bad roads in great comfort. But no! A car is still too easy. That brings us to the doorstep of Harley Davidson; the icon of touring motorcycles. But Harleys are getting to be a bit too clichéd.

They have slowly gotten into the quintessential category of I’m-not-allowed-to-use purchase. Superbikes will break our backs before you can say ‘chiropractor’. And the new breed of sports tourists is not entirely suited to Indian roads. So let’s strip this back to the Triumph Bonneville T100. Trust me, you’ll love it.

While you get your riding gear on, let me explain why this is probably the most iconic motorcycle in the world.

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grandeur

Triumph has been the favoured ride of the who’s who of Hollywood for ages. James Dean, Steve, McQueen, Bob Dylan, Marlon Brando and Paul Newman did for the brand what no amount of advertising ever could. Culturally speaking, they were all Rockers. You know the sort; blue jeans, white T Shirt, black leather jacket and of course boots.

There was none of the posturing and positioning back then that is so evident today. They weren’t paid to ride them, or to turn up on them at some red carpet. Today, the likes of George Clooney, Ryan Reynolds, Shia LeBeouf, Hugh Laurie and Tom Cruise have some variant of this new Bonnie. That’s the image. Whichever way you look at it, my friend, you’re about to park your privileged posterior on the 21st century take on a rather timeless icon.

The bike itself is a straightforward beast. See those two chunks of metal just above the cylinder block? They’re not carburettors, because Bonnie dearest is fuel injected. But that’s the only style-for-style’s-sake here. Below the fake carbs, you’ll find an 865cc parallel twin, which develops 61bhp and as many Newton Metres of torque. And, a simple CEO LIFESTYLE

one-down-four-up five-speed gearbox. That doesn’t sound like much, but wait till you see what it can do. In case we chance upon a farmyard animal at 150kph, hold on tight, because the combination of one disk brake each and sticky Metzeler tyres will bring us to a grinding halt. And attempt to rip your head clean off in the process.

Another thing just before we leave for the ride. Please leave your Bulgari watch and your Zegna suit at home because, firstly, it’s just the wrong kind of thing for this bike and secondly you get one saddle bag which will just about take two days worth of clothes and a toothbrush.

If you are ready, it’s time to hit the road. Set the SatNav for Lebua Resorts in Jaipur, please. And getting out of Delhi through Manesar requires every ounce of my riding abilities.

I really hope you’re a good passenger because squeezing through traffic rather ruthlessly is our only way to make to Jaipur by 10:00pm. I need you to hold on tight because we’re about to go off road. Damn….it’s…..bumpy. Don’t worry, I’ll get us out. Persevere, my friend. It’s all worth it. You’re about to experience motoring nirvana.

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Aaannd breathe! We’re finally on the highway. It is only an 875cc twin cylinder engine. But man it sings! That is what a proper Triumph twin sounds like. We’ve only got 61bhp and as many Newton Metres of torque. But you’d never tell because we’re already up to 150 kilometres an hour!

Are you ready for a chai stop? It has been 120 kilometres.

Your ‘quarters’ must be pretty sore. Let us do a quick stop because it’s starting to cloud over. The last thing we want is to get caught in the rain. That was pretty quick even by my own mental standards. We covered 120 kilometres in about an hour and 10 minutes. The next 120 is pretty straightforward.

If memory serves me correctly, we should be in Jaipur in less than two hours. We are really going to enjoy this bit. It’s a full-on thrash all the way to Pink City. The Bonneville covers ground like a sports tourer. That’s another 100 kilometres gone in an hour. I know you are a bit sore and stiff but please try not to wiggle about so much. If we crash at these speeds, they’ll have to clear us off the road with a broom.

Is it this left or the next one? Come on! Look alive, CEO! I need proper directions. Oh wait. I see the board – Lebua CEO LIFESTYLE

Resorts 7 km. Home stretch. Ten more minutes to a hot bath and cold beer.

There it is! Wow. That looks really beautiful. We’re there.

Why don’t you go and freshen up and we’ll meet at the bar in half an hour. Yeah! I was just going to say that we both look about four shades fairer than we did an hour ago. Riding does that to you. Especially, through the industrial belt of Rajasthan. In fact, today was a lot cleaner than the last time I rode this stretch. But that was fun. Tough. Elemental. But massive fun. That is why I insisted on doing this on a bike.

And the Triumph Bonneville T100 in particular. I mean, just look at it. It looks like a classic bike. You would never expect it be half as good as it was. I certainly didn’t. I didn’t expect it to be able to cruise at high speed at all because it has only got five gears. But that fifth gear held all the way from 50 to 165 kph. Brilliant tyres too. They have Metzelers with tubes in them so they’re easy for anyone to fix. All in all, you look pretty happy, Mr CEO. You should’ve started riding a long time ago, eh? I’ve got one more treat in store for you.

Here are the keys. You’re riding back.

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Tech tracker

Taking the phone out of your pocket or your clutch, logging into the account, activating the GPS is as tiresome as it can get for the women out there who are busy balancing work, home and of course their health. So why not have all of it on your wrist. CEO Lifestyle takes a look at the new Astron GPS Solar Watches for women that are as petite, classy and effective as it can get.

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advance technology Astron came up with, which allows the watch to connect to the GPS network with the help of a smaller antenna. Attractive to the core, the sapphire crystal glass with super-clear coating adorning the titanium case studded with white diamonds on a crocodile strap instantly makes you pull out your purses. With a perpetual calendar correct to the year 2100 and a chronograph up to 6 hours in 1/5 second increments in addition to the bright dials and striking colour accents, this collection is definitely nothing short of an eye-turner.

This limited edition watch with just 1000 pieces is perfect for the go-getter woman, who doesn’t stop at anything to achieve her goals. Of course some exquisite passions are not free or cheap. Costing about ₏3,300, women are clocking the Astron watches like hot cakes.

The world has always been a slave to the watch culture, with people being judged by the timepiece they own. From the pocket watches to digital, the timepieces have come a long way leading to the eons of smartwatches. Not only are these watches smart, literally, they have everything including GPS. This is where the Astron GPS Solar Watches have succeeded magnificently. Taking the world by storm, Astron has come up with the first GPS solar watches for women.

The only GPS watch to receive signals from four or more satellites; it identifies your location and adjusts to your time zone automatically.

Smartwatches have always been bulky to wear as well as even look at. To breathe a sigh of relief into this matter, Astron has made possible the reduction in size of the new designs by at least 30%, thus making it possible to include more colours in the dial. The size reduction was due to the CEO LIFESTYLE

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PLACES

Lifestyle Holidays

Dubai and hedonism go hand in hand. This playground of the rich offers luxury and is also a haven for those seeking the adrenaline factor. Arathi M takes a heady tour of this hustling, bustling City of Gold.

Lifestyle Holidays

Safari through the desert A perfect amalgamation of strong, dusty winds as well as steep, sharp sand dune hills, the Desert Safari in Dubai is not as peaceful as you might want to believe. A heaven for the adrenaline junkies out there, a Desert Safari through the sands of Dubai, either on a car or a camel is a must-do for tourists. With the golden sunlight falling over the sand dunes, head out on a four-wheeler skillfully maneuvered by an experienced driver as these dunes have a mind of their own and can easily lead astray the less aware. The vehicles jump and leap, making it seem like you are flying or skiing through the sand. Wel, we told you it was a heaven for the adrenaline junkies! You can also get out and climb up the sand dunes, but beware; it is no cake walk as the sea of sand beneath your feet prefers you rather glide than climb. As the Sun sets, head out to your plush campsite, where you will be greeted by a good meal, natives who are all ready to give you an insight on their culture and entertainment in the form of songs or performances by belly dancers. During the night, the stars stretch out till the horizon and you can actually hear the silence in the desert. Not satisfied? Then head out for an overnight safari on a dune buggy and feel the dark desert let you in on its secrets.

CEO LIFESTYLE

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The fear factor During the cooler times in Dubai that is between October and April, the city attracts a wide range of adventure travellers, because of the innumerable number of opportunities presented to them in the form of skydiving, sailboat racing, wall climbing, kayaking, surfing, etc.

To enjoy the sprawling landscape of Dubai with its skyscrapers and luxury hotels, jump out of a Cessna, strapped to an instructor. Do the waters call out to you?

Then, head out to the coast of the Arabian Peninsula, which has some excellent sea kayaking areas. You will be accompanied by turtles, flamingos, white-collared kingfishers and cormorants. Experience the sea life in close quarters in the waters of Fujairah emirate, with its abundant reefs. You can also spot black-tipped reef sharks, turtles as well as scorpion fish. The Omani territory of Musandam also has some best rift diving, where whale sharks are frequent visitors. Head to the coast of Dubai, and take part in the Dhows race, the most beautiful sailboat racing in the world. The race is organized by the Dubai Offshore Sailing Club and attracts people from all over the world.

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Lifestyle Holidays

Sports, the royal style What happens when you add a city renowned for its rising tourism credentials, thanks to fine-dining, shopping festivals and luxury, to a fantastic collection of world class golf courses? Yes, quality. A game, generally associated with its rich tradition and standards of playing, is slowly stepping away from being played for the sake of corporate bonding and is making its mark among the elites of Dubai. The burgeoning golf scene was a product of the city’s plan to reinvent itself to attract more tourists. With the Dubai Desert Classic becoming European Tour’s popular event, attended and won by the likes of Tiger Woods, the city is the proud owner of Dubai Golf club, Emirates Golf club, Arabian Ranches Gold Club, etc. with fee ranging from $100 to $200.

In addition to this, Dubai also sees about 2,60,000 rounds of golf played every year, due to the array of courses designed

by Greg Norman, Ernie Els. If you believe that the golfing clubs in the city are restrained only to those enjoying the sports, then you are sinfully wrong. A wide array of luxurious restaurants, offering the most exquisite cuisines, in addition to spas solely dedicated to pampering your senses, are the icing on the cake.

CEO LIFESTYLE

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The winter wonderland Thought that the feel of wintry breeze on your face as you swish past on your snowboard was confined to the mountains?

Think again, as the Kempinski Hotel of the Emirates in Dubai offers Ski Dubai, which is the biggest indoor ski resort in the Middle East. Yes, there was no way that a little heat would get in the way of this effortlessly ambitious town revelling in some snow. The winter wonderland built right in the middle of the colossal mall, looks like something straight out of a Christmas card. Trudge along in ski boots, gloves and caps on the faux mountains and igloos in the gargantuan 22,500 metre space, which can hold about 6,000 tonnes of chemical free snow that is generated by snow guns at night. Ski Dubai’s longest run stretches for around 400 metres with a fall of nothing short of 60 metres. The facility also caters to every kid’s fantasy with bobsleds, hills for tobogganing, spaces dedicated to build snowmen, etc. To make it even hotter, there is an enormous dragon built from large blocks of ice. A little out of breath and want to relax for a while? Fret not, as the Ski Dubai is home to Avalanche Café, where you can kick back your spent, boots clad feet with fondue, hot chocolate as well as non-alcoholic mulled wine. It is of no surprise that Ski Dubai has been fondly called the wintry perfection of Dubai.

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Lifestyle Holidays

Up, up and away A view of the grand desert below you, as you rise higher and higher in your hot air balloon, is nothing short of mesmerizing. A must-do for tourists, the bird-eye-view of the red sand dunes as you float over them, is humbling and at the same time enthralling, as you experience the desert in the finest possible manner. Start off in the wee hours of the morning and get a gripping view of the Sun rising across the desert, and better not forget your cameras. This magic carpet ride will also give you an extravagant view of oryx, gazelles, and wandering camels of the desert. There are various groups undertaking the tour, many of which could be associated with your hotel, so do not forget to ask. Ranging from Small Private Charter, which would have about 8 passengers, the Large Private Charter, the size of a mini bus, to the Romance, a tiny balloon created explicitly for the benefit of the gooey-eyed couple, the options are varied and will leave you spoilt for choice. The perfect time for going on a hot air balloon ride is between October and May, when the weather is at its best.

CEO LIFESTYLE

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Lifestyle Holidays

Seclusion from the buzzing world is, sometimes, a boon. When this seclusion is accompanied by enchanting beaches, vineyards and the countryside, it is easy to slip into a sense of tranquillity. Archana Pandey and Sidharth Sharotri head out to Mallorca to enjoy this much-deserved prize of a place.

Lifestyle Holidays

CEO LIFESTYLE

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Even those who hate clichés will agree that given a choice they would like their next holiday to be some place secluded, a spot that almost feels like a slice of heaven, where happiness is not scheduled. Yes, an island beach just popped into my head too.

Now let me take that fantasy one step ahead with clear white sands, turquoise waters, lavish vineyards, fresh seafood, all this while some of the A-list celebs are sunbathing on a man-made island right next to you. In addition to this, there is also an enticing countryside waiting just for you.

How would you like to get away from the humdrums of life and relax in the remotest of corners of the island with little to no accessibility to mobile networks? That is the magic Mallorca is known for.

My first trip to Mallorca felt quite like my first date, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. Some pre-date homework did help. Mallorca or Majorca is the largest of the four Balearic Islands, which lie off the East coast of Spain in the Western Mediterranean. And it is this Mediterranean climate that the city owes its 300 days of sunshine in a year to.

The fact that Antonio Banderas and David Beckham have been the last visitors does add to its perks. Michael Douglas recommended it, Jennifer Aniston did so too. Stories of how Sharon and Kelly Osbourne being thrown off a nudist beach here for refusing to strip couldn’t have helped much anyway.

For a destination that offers one of the most varied landscapes that include plains, mountains, islands, more than 200 beaches, 47 marinas coupled with an unspoiled coastline and some fantastic cycling and hiking trails, you definitely have no lack of choices. And the moment the tourist in you is about to burp, you realize that you are yet to experience some of the best sun-kissed meals.

Mallorca has gone beyond its natural beauty and emerged as a city with a luxurious lifestyle, be it the beautiful white sand beaches, chic hotels, fine restaurants, new luxurious

Lifestyle Holidays

rural hotels, stunning coastline or just the lush countryside in the interiors. Well it was a tough choice to make first thing in the morning if I should laze around a bit longer in my Black Balinese pool or head out to the alluring white sands of Port d’Alcudia. A wide range of cuisines made from the finest local produce for breakfast didn’t help me in decision making. By the time I finished my sumptuous breakfast, I had made up my mind to head out to Port d’Alcudia, which was recommended to me by one of my traveller friends.

As I approached the beach, I was awed by the surreal look it donned. The beach’s relative remoteness made it easier for me to find a quiet spot. Soaking up the sun on my sunbed watching the turquoise waters, I didn’t quite notice the palm trees. Speaking of beaches here, the stunning Cala Mondrago has a sense of seclusion and remoteness that is quite hard to find elsewhere.

Not that I am much of a sea baby but then privacy and luxury have always been the hallmarks of my recent getaways. And so, indulging my whims a little further was the luxury marina of Peurto Portals, located on the South coast of Mallorca, just about 9 km west of Palma. While supercars top most luxury lists, a first proper introduction to luxury yachts here blended perfectly well with the scenery.

Peurto Portals not only hosts several yachting regattas but is also the top spot for sporting events, exhibitions and the Three Kings Festival and Carnival held at beginning of every year. No wonder the marina is a prime hub for Bill Gates, Jenson Button, Paris Hilton and the likes, who queue up in their designer boats.

Although I wasn’t quite done yet with appreciating the finer things in life, it was now time to give my stomach a taste of Mallorca. And if Jimmy Kerr and the Rolling Stones have favourited a restaurant on the island, it would be only fair to check out what the fuss is all about. What followed was a gastronomic delight at Tristán, one of the CEO LIFESTYLE

most exclusive restaurants in Peurto Portals, not just for its ambience but also for the fine dining that ranges from the most exotic wines to fruits. It is refreshing to see how the Mallorcan chefs are slowly adapting traditional recipes to suit the modern tastes. After a delightful gourmet, the shopaholic in me didn’t quite mind breaking the bank at the designer shops outside, absolutely unaware of A-list celebs passing by.

A wise man once said that it helps if you take life with a pinch of salt. I would say add a slice of lemon as well as a shot of tequila. And that is exactly how I ended my night in the classy interiors of one of the most exclusive bars in Mallorca, the Karma Bar. A closer look at the Moorish style doors and ambience explains what could have possibly caught Brad Pitt’s fancy other than the designer cocktail bar.

Speaking of bars, if like me, you too believe in the old world romance and want to experience amor a primer vista all over again with your loved one, then Abaco in the narrow streets of Palma should just do the trick. With its classic theatrical grandeur and music coupled with its wine and cocktails, this one surely is overwhelming.

Your tryst with pure Mallorcan beauty cannot be complete without a stroll through the island’s old narrow streets, farmhouse villas and Bohemian village houses that have slowly transitioned into rural retreats. And as for the culture, even if your right grey cells didn’t quite dominate the left ones like mine, you would be crazy to not fall in love with the old culture and tradition here.

As my royal sojourn was coming to an end, I wanted to soak in everything about the Mallorcan world, a paradise I knew I’d sorely miss upon my return to reality. Mallorca is really a bundle of secret destinations of which you are completely unaware and once you discover, you do not want to let go. But, some dreams come with a price tag. Having said that, you can still get there for just under `32,000 via Frankfurt and Duseldorf. That too Lufthansa, no less.

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Living IN-STYLE

When the Indian flavour met French design, Sofitel was conceived. Energetic, classy and a knack for unmatched hospitality makes this hotel what it is today. Ushamrita Choudhury takes in the feel of this creative genius.

Living IN-STYLE

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Cruising down the recently minted highway on a crisp day listening to the radio, abounding with the anticipation of spending a day at the Sofitel Hotel, I was excited, and how, as I drove closer to the pièce de résistance.

Bandra-Kurla Complex is a grand expanse punctuated with assertive structures boasting of the who’s who of the corporate ecosphere. Here, in the heart of boardroom solemnity and stiffness, emerges the energetic Sofitel Hotel. Ensconced like a jewel in the core of the business district, this French-born hotel is elusive and difficult to find at first, but once you catch a glimpse of the asymmetrical glass structure, brace yourself for a burst of creativity and unmatched hospitality.

I entered a compact lobby buzzing with people.

The hotel was hosting a fashion show that evening, due to which a smattering of models and designers were scuttling around. Fashion, design and aesthetic beauty – each element exact in its presence – engulfed my senses.

“Bonjour, Namaste!” chimed Aarti Lotlikar, my host for the day. “Hi! It’s so good to see you!” I responded plainly fearing a mispronunciation of the salutation that succinctly expresses Sofitel’s trademark salutation.

A melting pot of the cultures, cuisines, design and hospitality sensibilities of France and India, Sofitel is a CEO LIFESTYLE

soulful experience in a space that is otherwise, to sugar coat it, robotic.

Designed by Parisian Isabelle Miaja, who grew up in the thick of French ethnicity, the hotel is a luxurious enactment of the classical and modern French elements.

She envisioned Sofitel Mumbai, the brand’s flagship presence in India, as a statement of uber couture and cordiality. With a healthy infusion of Indian emblems and motifs across all facets of the property, she has curated a space so elegant yet grounded, it makes you want to come back for more.

My tour began with Artisan, the French café replete with a community table laid out with wine glasses and high stools. It houses a wall of wine, a chocolatier, and a patisserie. Freshly pressed coffee is available through the day. Not to mention the floor-to-ceiling windows that stream the right amount of sunlight to warm you while you’re sipping on your cuppa. Need I say more?

Our next station was the Pondicherry Café. Akin to Indians, the French are food lovers. This multi-cuisine restaurant functions as the kiln in which cuisines from not just the two host countries, but from across the world, is prepared. The highlight of this gracious outlet is the Kitchen Garden, an organic herb garden that offers the

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choice of customizing your dish on the basis of your taste.

The Tower of Wine, a conical glass structure, contains more than 800 types of wine. What’s more? You can select a perfume, and the in-house sommelier will present a wine that mimics the perfume. Although I don’t drink, this concept surely captured my fancy!

Gastronomy is a vantage feature of Sofitel. To add to variety, there is also a pure vegetarian restaurant and bar, Tuskers. For Awadhi cuisine, Jyran, the Franco-IndianMoroccan inspired eatery is the ideal place to be. A tranquil outdoor setting can be customized for soirees. Those looking for respite during a stressful day can unwind with Jyran Balanced, a healthy 45-minute calorie-conscious meal planned for working executives.

We sauntered through the rich carpeted alleys leading to the rooms, each resplendent with deep mahogany furniture, hardwood timber flooring and opulent bathrooms. The beds, made of feathers and a soft duvet, are as comely as they are comfortable. I was given a view of the rooms post a delicious lunch of Fish Rampuri and Murgh Biryani at Jyran. So you can only imagine how inviting the beds appeared. Then there’s the option of ordering a bunch of pillows of varying sizes, soporific oeuvres you can hardly resist.

“You have the pool, gym, club and spa to visit, so get going!” I kept reminding myself. I duly followed Aarti towards the recreation zones on the different floors of the

Lifestyle Living Holidays IN-STYLE

Designed by Parisian Isabelle Miaja, who grew up in the thick of French ethnicity, the hotel is a luxurious enactment of the classical as well as modern French elements

CEO LIFESTYLE

hotel. We arrived at L’Oh, the elevated open-air pool; apart from a daily barbeque and bar, it hosts Sunday Sundowners with live music, unending food and vodka cocktails.

For the high-fliers, 24-hour Club Millésime is your home-on-the-move. It is equipped with a butler and business services that cater to every need of yours. The gym, not surprisingly called FIT, can be booked as per your schedule.

If there is a chance that you will be jet-lagged after a long trip, make sure you opt for the pre-jetlag treatment at So SPA. You can also opt for a boutique of gemstone massages available on the menu.

To conclude my voyage through the artistic and inspiring Sofitel, Aarti and I unwound at Artisan with a coffee served in a double-walled glass tumbler. While we chatted away towards sunset, she told me of the lamp lighting ritual followed across all Sofitel properties between 6 and 6:15 pm every day. “It is a ritual to welcome the end of a day,” she informed me. With the reverberating beats of fusion music emanating from Hriday, the open courtyard that showcases events like fashion shows and cigar tasting sessions, I finished the smooth Latte served to me. “Till the next time, then,” I said to Aarti with a satisfied smile. Au revoir!

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Living IN-STYLE

Turkish delight at

Four Seasons

The Four Seasons lures you in with its grandeur, cuisines and panorama, while the harmonious existence of luxury with Ottoman features oozes a magical character. Shashi Sunny recounts her experience in the enchanting hotel in the fabled city.

Living IN-STYLE

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The drive from Istanbul’s Attaturk airport to The Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at the Bosphorus, I realised later, was a forerunner of what was to come reflecting the changing face of the capital city. In keeping with the flavour of this city that straddles the east and the west, The Four Seasons Istanbul has been fashioned out of a 19th century Ottoman palace that flanks the European waterfront of the legendary Bosphorus strait and offers a panoramic view across to the hills on the Asian side.

As I walk in, I can see how traditional Ottoman elements have been given a modern twist to prepare you for an opulent experience that made me feel like a sultan albeit for the two days that I was there. On arrival I was welcomed by a large retinue of smiling hotel staff ready to cater to my smallest whim. A refreshing welcome drink and a swift check-in later, I was lucky enough to be escorted to one of the seventy rooms of the original palace building and even luckier to get a glimpse of the beautiful Bosphorus straits from my room. The remaining rooms of the total 170 (25 are suites) are housed in the two new wings and do not, sadly, have a Bosphorus view. The room I was presented with had light, understated interiors reflecting the coastal location, while decorative Turkish touches and traditional artworks introduced me to the culture of the magnificent Ottoman dynasty as the hotel is housed in one of the secondary summer palaces of the Ottoman elite.

After a rejuvenating short nap, I was ready to check out the outdoor amenities, including the heated pool and whirlpool, bar pavilions and the Wedding Garden, all of which are located along a long waterfront terrace, framed by the Bosphorus. Here I sat sipping aromatic Turkish tea and watching an everchanging landscape of boats, yachts, cruise ships and ferries. Beneath the terrace, is a lavish 2,100 sq m spa, sky-lit from above, featuring three hamams.

Later, I was taken on a tour of the hotel palace once called Atik Pasha, which is part of a group of several palaces or known as the Feriye Palaces situated near the Sultan’s summer palace. No surprises here that it has a spectacular view of the Bosphorus.

If the view is superb in the daytime, by dinner it just gets better. At night, the frontage of the Four Season Bosphorus, which faces the river, is lit by flaming torches and takes you back in time to a bygone era, more so if you arrive for dinner by ferry CEO LIFESTYLE

at the hotel’s private, waterfront dock. You feel like royalty walking languidly along the wide promenade extending in front of the palace building that is landscaped with lawns, bar pavilions, seating areas that give you a clear view to the forests and Yalis on the far side.

However nostalgic the ambience, the hotel is adept in contemporary interpretations of the old architecture and include wooden windows and copper roofing with stone and stucco finishes, which infuse an old world charm to a hotel that has the best modern amenities. Shades of aqua, silver and taupe reflect the shimmering hues of the river, and the marble and cool blue glass keep the inside fresh. Prints of the 18th century engravings of artist, architect and voyager, Antoine Ignace Melling, geometric motifs, handpainted ceiling details, Turkish carpets and interesting marble inlays add a touch of the Ottoman opulence.

Lunching at Aqua, the hotel’s main dining option, which offers Mediterranean dining with a Turkish accent and al fresco options, I could choose a combination of Turkish and international elements. For lunch and dinner, Italian classics are complemented by Mediterranean staples such as the kebabs as well as a expansive list of local and international wines. I feasted on the superb ravioli accompanied by fish, which was fresh out of the Bosphorus, and the crunchiest green salad and a glass of delicious red wine. And then, it was time for the not-to-be missed selection of international desserts of panna cotta, homemade ice cream and the classic tiramisu.

And if business isn’t pressing, the sweet strong Turkish coffee simply must be had at the The Yali Lounge with its outdoor terraces. On an afternoon when the winter is yet to set in, it was warm and inviting. I came back in the evening to the Aqua for a sumptuous Turkish dinner with its rich and vast local flavors that range from fish to meats and wonderfully fresh crunchy greens and vegetables. As for the live music, it sounded even better after a short stint at the relaxing Yali Mezze & Wine Bar with its selected Turkish wines and tasty mezzes that emphasize the many Turkish flavours. For dinner, Yali Lounge serves traditional Turkish menu in an intimate atmosphere, truly a charming location for the romantically inclined.

The morning after, the expansive breakfast with its spread of fresh warm breads, a huge array of

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Living IN-STYLE

At night, the frontage of the Four Season Bosphorus is lit by flaming torches and takes you back in time to a bygone era, more so if you arrive for dinner by ferry at the waterfront dock

cheeses and yoghurt and meats and a variety of fresh Mediterranean fruits were fit for a sultan. For those who want to dine in their rooms, I was told The Four Seasons provides quick and delicious room service meals in just fifteen minutes. In addition, special options such as champagne breakfasts, candlelight dinners, picnic baskets and flight boxes are also available.

When in Turkey do as the Turkish do. I took time out for the hamam, which combines the traditional cleansing bath with an indulgent massage and scrub. At The Four Seasons spa, the experience is even more decadent as it blends the time-honored Turkish bathing ritual with a modern sensibility. After a journey through several stages of cleansing, purification, massage and relaxation, scented with traditional attar of rose, pine, sandalwood or lemon, I have surely never been cleaner in body, mind and spirit.

The spa includes three separate hamams (men, women and couples) – a first in the city. The Spa customizes the hamam treatments, combining it with one or more modern therapies, such as salt peels, facials and wraps, to take the hamam experience a notch even higher.

A wide option of activity ranging from the Fitness Studio Power Plate, TRX, Pilates and private training, hair and beauty salon are present to you in the hotel. The salon offers a range of hair and beauty services, a heated outdoor swimming pool and whirlpool located on the waterfront terrace, parallel to the Bosphorus. Golf enthusiasts can tee off at Kemer Golf and Country Club, which is just a 40-minute drive away.

The Four Seasons Bosphorus was recently named the Best Large City Hotel in Europe – 2012 by Travel & Leisure Magazine. I couldn’t agree more!

picture perfect

The House of

Luxury

House of Raro by Rajeeta and Rolly Gupta, a highend and exclusive interior design brand, intends to transform customer space by providing designs and products that are extraordinary yet comfortable, with the only constant being luxury and elegance. Aparna Kaistha speaks to the dynamic duo about the classic rise of their brainchild.

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Founded in 1997, House of Raro is today renowned for its range of high-end furniture, suited for residential as well as contractual purposes. The brainchild of Rajeeta and Rolly Gupta, both of whom have a design background, House of Raro is all about luxury furniture and complete interior design solutions.

Created to fill a void in the luxury furniture market in India, each piece is meticulously detailed in terms of sourced materials, design and execution. The sister duo is greatly inspired to create furniture of rare style and beauty, which are timeless, classic and luxurious. They create designs by borrowing elements from the past and fusing them with international contemporary trends and the sensibilities of their clients. “The emphasis has always been on the use of high quality materials combined with flawless handcraftsmanship Raro takes pride in reconstructing classic art deco pieces, by pushing them to new dimensions, giving them just that slightly over the top appearance,�

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picture perfect

says Rajeeta. “We understand that charm, magical appeal, esoteric references and decorative elements combined with sophistication of materials is what leads to the birth of a piece of luxury and that is what we wanted to bring to the Indian homes,” she emphasises.

So what inspires these exclusive designs? “We are mostly inspired from 1920s Art Deco movement and there is a constant interplay between the rough and the classic French art deco influence with a modern edge. On the other hand, raw materials inspire us and the same is reflected in the unique nature of our bespoke furniture design, where rare and luxurious materials are adapted; from two centuries old heirloom ebony, to sterling silver, to 24-karat gold leaf, semi precious stones, rich leathers and silk chenille and many more. They add to the opulence of the various articles of furniture,” says Rajeeta.

“The use of these raw materials also challenges us as designers,” adds Rolly. “For instance, take ebony wood. As CEO LIFESTYLE

a raw material it has its own limitations and it pushes us to design in a particular way. Similarly, our Italian collection embodies global refinement and an indigenous design sense reflective of the contemporary and classic designs. The collection is unusual with its commitment to both the eye and the hand of great design with extensive use of silver leafing.

Cloud console from the collection is a veneered console in a silver leaf with drawer fronts in leather, metal leg caps and handles in gold plating,” she asserts.

“The couture furniture collections are all impeccably handcrafted, from two centuries old heirloom ebony to rare crocodile and stingray skins, lapis lazuli, sterling silver, 24-karat gold leaf, semi-precious stones, rich leathers and silk chenille that add to the opulence of the various styles of the furniture. In fact, a lot of the decorative hardware is specially commissioned in sterling silver, antique brass as well as bronze. All this indulgence is exciting as we work closely with our clients, getting inputs on materials and

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finishes so it ends up being one of a piece and it is their baby too, and usually there is nothing minimal about such unique commissions,” she concludes.

When asked whether the Indian society is open to bespoke luxury products made in India, the answer is quick and to the point. “Let us be honest,” asserts Rajeeta, “our clients are not running behind foreign brands. They see value in exquisite creations irrespective of whether it is Indian or international.

Since our natal stage, we have conceptualised luxe products and for our clientele it is this exclusivity that matters most.

This classiness and elegance is synonymous with our products and along with that we offer a high percentage of customisation. Targeting the luxury segment has always been a pre-meditated conscious decision,” she finishes.

“Our clients see and appreciate quality and our design pieces are truly unique. For us there has been no looking back as we have filled homes with furniture that oozes with splendour. Our designs have always been about magnificence, CEO LIFESTYLE

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The products available at both places embody global refinement and an indigenous design sense reflective of the contemporary and classic designs from the world of interiors

JANUARY 2015

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extravaganza and grandeur. At the House of Raro we simply answer the inner calling of those who want to live with art and celebrate the heritage of their belongings. For instance, our Here Armand Chair & Ottoman, is one of our most hot selling product. Tantamount of the brand, it was designed 10 years back with vintage art deco feel, with silver plated legs cap and sterling inlays on armrest and ottoman. Made in luxe leather, it is our all time favourite and the clients as well,” she concludes.

Along with working for the discerning clients in India, House of Raro has been doing special contracts for Boca Developers, Florida, as well as with prestigious interior designers of great international repute such as John Stefanidis Ltd, London; Nick Luaces and Associates, Miami; LRF DESIGNS LTD, London & Hong Kong. So what set House of Raro apart and gets them international recognition? “To be able to compete or get recognised in the international markets one must have originality of designs, superior craft and very effective marketing. Without these three elements it is hard to make a mark in the global design scene,” asserts Rolly.

The House of Raro has its flagship store opened on MG Road in New Delhi, which is spread over 7500 sq ft along with a private studio at the lushly laid out 4000sq.ft. Sainik Farms and can be visited by appointment only. The products available at both places embody global refinement and an indigenous design sense reflective of the contemporary and classic designs from the world of interiors.

House of Raro is definitely one of the finest luxury brands for bespoke luxe furniture.

WINE & DINE

PERFECT BITE

Authentic European food in India is as elusive as a needle in a haystack. So, Bogdan Maksimovic’s Basil With a Twist is definitely a breath of fresh air.

Arathi M eats her way through European cuisine at its best.

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PERFECT BITE

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A European restaurant called Basil With A Twist was enough to awaken the inquisitive in me. Instantly likeable, this place came as surprise, most importantly because they were not masquerading as European while serving nothing authentic. Set in a friendly neighbourhood in Chennai, Basil was not elusive. As you walk in, you realise that from the chairs and tables to the podium, the affably spacious interiors were, of course, in love with wood. The yellow lights hanging from the ceiling did add to the coziness of the place.

A Christmas tree placed inside strategically was all decked up in bedazzling jewels.

Amidst all of this, you can see the man behind this innovation, bustling about. Bogdan Maksimovic, the Co-Founder of Basil, is as dynamic and charismatic as it can get. This Serbian in town is hardworking, and ready to give Chennai the taste of Europe. A nomad of sorts, Bodgan has had his fill of North and South America, Africa, Europe and north India, where he was the operations manager for a company specialising in manufacture facilities. So, why this shift to the world of palates, we ask. “It is my passion,” Bogdan, who recently opened two restaurants in Europe, candidly informs us. With a love for the gastronomical pleasures since a very young age, Bogdan is a taskmaster who believes in making “no compromises as far as quality and authenticity go”. The idea behind Basil is to present authentic European dishes to the Chennai crowd. The twist? “It is a metaphor for what we do. From Europe all the way to Chennai,” laughs Bogdan.

Gastronomy is not every Tom, Dick, and Harry’s game. Especially, if you are dabbling with the dishes from Balkan and Mediterranean regions, in Chennai.

“You will find all dishes to be extremely credible here.

There is no adjustment and you will get what you smell and touch as there are no imperfections. We do not put anything in front of you unless we are 100% happy with it,” explains Bogdan.

We were presented with the leather-feel menus, but decided to go with the specialized menu for December. After a refreshing drink of the Twist,

which was a splendid combination of watermelon and orange, we decided to go for the soups. The Greek Chicken Soup had meatballs and boiled vegetables.

In spite of the presence of meatballs, the soup was light on the stomach making it much recommendable.

We also tried the Mushroom Potage, a rich and creamy soup, made with two kinds of mushroom.

Quite hearty! Then, the Mediterranean Chicken Strips made their way to us. Made by using minimal oil, this dish with the combination of home-made dips, were quite delightful from the taste buds and the health perspective. Next up were the Tapenade and Goat Cheese Bruschetta. The ones with the heady combination of green, black olives mixed with caper and sundried tomatoes were bewitching, while the bruschetta with goat cheese was light and crisp and entirely more delicious, owning to the goat cheese.

Then came the turn of the mains. Ushtipci, a unique Balkan dish having minced tenderloin beef in addition the soft Italian cheese, had out palates tingling thanks to the home-made dill sauce served with baby potatoes tossed in garlic and herbs. Are you a fan of the legitimate pizza with its thin crust and mozaarella cheese? Then, do try out the Pizza Serbiana, with its Spanish pepperoni, bacon and prunes which is any pizza-lover’s dream come true.

For the vegetarians, the Pesto Tempura Broccoli with Creamy Spinach is nothing short of pure pleasure.

The crunchy broccoli on a bed of creamy spinach is mouth-wateringly decadent. We were also served Yakitori Skewers. Succulent chicken pieces grilled to perfection, presented with baby potatoes was the winner of the night. Even though our buttons were threatening to pop, we decided to say a hearty hello to desserts. The Mousse Chocolate and the Cheese Cake saw us greedily hogging the creamiest of desserts ever.

As we stood up to thank Bogdan for the wonderful experience, we realised that the walk to the door is not going to be easy. If you are a fan of quality European food, mixed with great ambience, then do make a beeline for Basil With a Twist, as they will surely cater to every fancy of yours.

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: Stuffed bell pepper, Dubrovnic grilled fish, Yakitori skewers, Bruschetta, Exotic salad

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The Flying Elephant in Park Hyatt, Chennai, is nothing short of a culinary marvel and offers flexible gastronomical experiences. Arathi M savours the ambrosial dishes as well as the architectural whiz that is the restaurant.

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‘Celebration of the culinary senses’, ‘multi-sensory experiences’, ‘definitely worth a visit’, were some of the phrases swirling in my head as I thought about what I had heard about The Flying Elephant, on my way to have dinner at the restaurant in Park Hyatt. I was about to find out that what awaited me was much more than what mere words can possibly portray.

As I walked into the restaurant, I found that the adventurous and swanky place was filled with festive cheer.

My host, like a proud father showing off his rebellious, yet compliant child, took me around the restaurant. And, when I say around the restaurant I do not mean two floors and a few rooms. No sir! The grandeur of the restaurant cannot be simplified into one slot. Covering a total of five floors and seven levels, the vast, culinary beauty lies like a true testimony to some God of ambience. This vertical, architectural marvel can seat more than 200 guests, without them rubbing shoulders in any manner.

The dramatic design comprises chocolate-coloured walls near the stairs, which get darker as we go up. If on one level, the walls are orange adorned with intricate Jaipuri cut glass designs, the other level would have a glass window overlooking the pool, enhancing the vibrancy of the restaurant. In these seven floors, the restaurant has everything ranging from the Den, which includes a selection of books you can pick up to read while sipping a glass of Chardonnay (think Robert Langdon’s abode), to the Bedroom, a private area complete with 72-inch TV and cozy sofas to lounge

PERFECT BITE

If on one level, the walls are orange adorned with intricate Jaipuri cut glass designs, the other level would have a glass window, enhancing the vibrancy of the restaurant

CEO LIFESTYLE

on. With a total of five live kitchens, ranging from Indian, Turkish, Teppan, and Western to Southeast Asian, the restaurant churns out cuisines, which include North Indian, Italian, Middle Eastern, Southeast Asian and Western. The best part? You can order any cuisine while sitting anywhere in the restaurant, as the seating is not arranged according to the live kitchens.

As I sat down to wait for the food, I noticed the music for the first time because till then the architecture and ambience had taken my breath away. The music varied from pop to rock to jazz of the 80s and 90s, magically setting the mood for a delightful culinary experience. When asked about what I would like to eat, I decided to handover my culinary preferences to the suggestions of Grzegorz Odolak, the executive chef of Flying Elephant. What followed was a delectable hoopla in my mouth.

The well-dressed staff is a pleasure to interact with. Polite and quick on their toes, they are well-versed on the dishes in the menu and will answer all the queries with a smile. First, I was served with the Megha Salad replete with a passion fruit flavour. Being light and without an overdose of mayonnaise, the salad was, sorry for the cliché, a perfect start. Then came the Green Asparagus. This spring vegetable was cooked to perfection, making it soft yet crunchy at the same time. After that, I was presented with the most delightful Ricotta and Strawberry Compote. The dish was sinful and made me want to have more and more of it, till I burst. Just when I thought it cannot get better than this, I was presented with the Teppan Fried Prawn, a delicate and supple treat.

Even before the main course arrived, I was lulled into a state of comatose yearning and wanted to lay my head on the comfy sofa I was sitting on and travel to the land of delicious ricotta and asparagus. For the main course, the chef had dished out Grilled Seabass and a Lamb Shakriya. Yes, it does taste as piquant as it sounds. The seabass was succulent and fluffy, with the sauce in it making the flavour not too overpowering and just right. Then, I broke into the lamb, which was definitely a winner. Boiled and then added to the concoction, the lamb was perfect to the T. So far, the food had pampered my taste palates to submission.

I felt I was bursting at the seams and thought I could not eat even a bite more, but every mortal knows that no meal is complete without the sweet tooth being satiated. What did I know about the delights waiting for me in the form of dessert? The Flying Elephant Signature Chocolate Cake was presented to me, along with a chocolate cocktail and éclairs.

One bite into the chocolate brownie was enough to transport me to another world.

The soft music, post dinner lull in conversation, the lightheadedness after a delightful meal, and the restaurant’s perfect amalgamation of old world charm and eclectic, made me think – yes, another visit is definitely on the cards. Soon!

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CRESCENT 13732A

In High spirits

Unlocking

The Vault That Indians have a fondness and voracious appetite for spirit has never been in doubt. Their keen bent for appreciating and collecting rare spirits and talking and learning about it, however, is a contemporary trend, nurtured by a company that is bringing home certain fine spirits that are fundamentally changing the way Indians view and enjoy spirits. Bhisham Mansukhani welcomes you to The Vault.

In High spirits

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Alcohol is perhaps India’s most durably amusing paradox; we drink a lot of it but remain shy of the idea of broaching it as a subject of discussion or more ‘shockingly’ a high brow pursuit. It is something of an indispensible that Indians have commoditised and consumed for centuries but never claimed a passion for or any amount of knowledge about, for the fear of being labelled alcoholics. Fortunately, there is a mushrooming niche within the present generation, who is nothing but amused by this hitherto closet mentality about alcohol and have begun to not only openly profess their enthusiasm and curiosity for a variety of ferments and distils but initiate entire communities around this pursuit.

And while in India, wine appreciation has come a long way from a mere attempt to sniff a glass of red, but spirit remained astonishingly unrecognised for its capacity to be contemplated and savoured.

One individual, who intimately believes in that capacity, has sought to fill this conspicuous void with an idea whose time, many believe, had come at least a decade ago. Vault is a rare spirits concierge founded and fronted by Keshav Prakash. Keshav discovered his bent for collecting and appreciating fine spirits whilst living overseas and travelling CEO LIFESTYLE

across Europe, the United States and the Caribbean. In the course of nurturing this passion, he also became a BNIC (Cognac interprofessional association) certified Cognac Educator. When he subsequently came back to India, he formed a single malt enthusiast community called the Oak League and it was around this time that Keshav cited a growing interest among peers for the fine spirits. He was also surprised by the absence of a platform or purveyor for these spirits. So, it was combination of his own personal desire to access and appreciate fine spirits and find likeminded aficionados that led Keshav to discover The Vault.

The Vault is essentially a concierge service that assists its members to get access to, and appreciate a selection of fine and rare spirits curated by leading international experts.

Members need only call a hotline to have access to the spirits as well as a range of services including home bar management, bar tending, glassware, home appreciation sessions and spirits and food pairing.

The Vault’s most visible and immediate impact, Keshav believes, is the sheer availability of boutique and peerless spirits in a country that its makers would have never otherwise sold to, given how little they produce and how

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India is viewed in the context of fine spirits. A sterling instance of this contemporary revolution is Kilchoman single malt Scotch Whisky produced by a modest but acclaimed distillery in Scotland’s Islay region. Having won several accolades in a relatively short period, Kilchoman found common ground in The Vault’s philosophy of fine spirits discernment and hence chose to export to India. Similarly, The Vault has a collection that includes boutique cognac, vodka, rum and tequila. “That we have managed to create a substantial catalogue of fine spirits for our members and have also been running out of stock for some of them, confirm that there was a growing affinity for fine spirits and there is also a fundamental shift in how Indians perceive alcohol. These premium spirits are sought after for appreciation, not mere consumption for the purpose of intoxication.”

The Vault itself in the last few months has grown beyond its core concierge service, after having some of its rare spirits showcased at The Oberoi and Trident Mumbai where guests can both enjoy the spirits as well as learn about them from the staff whom The Vault has extensively educated. Notably, The Vault will launch its fine spirits in Chennai at the Park Sheraton, Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Delhi are on the anvil CEO LIFESTYLE

in 2015. This year will also see The Vault open experience studios, first up in Mumbai. The experience studios, Keshav avers, will be the first of its kind for spirits discernment, education and select gourmet experiences and is likely to open within a five star hotel. Himself a business traveller, Keshav will also focus on getting such likeminded people to look beyond duty free stores to browse and buy spirits.

“It’s almost a cliché that business travellers buy spirits predominantly from airport duty free outlets, literally on the go. While duty free is an admittedly convenient avenue, it is also a limiting one and the choice is at times similar to that of the airports across the world and many a times may not even be representative of the given country. So, one of the objectives for The Vault is to enlighten corporate road warriors about fine spirits and where to find them in the respective countries they visit and also to give them the option to intimately encounter them at the very place these were created,” Keshav proffers. The Vault, he believes is not simply about bringing a clutch of fine spirits to India but taking an entire generation of evolving Indians to them and that the journey is a long, interesting one. The Vault of a culture of spirits appreciation has been undoubtably opened.

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HEALTH

BODY BASICS

Get, set, FIT! The latest trend to hit the fitness circuit, High intensity interval training (HIIT), promises quick and lasting results. Often used by professional athletes as part of their fitness training, today, exercise enthusiasts everywhere are embracing this technique to tone and strengthen the body. Kamala Thiagarajan gives you the lowdown.

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Just ten minutes into the gruelling routine, I am sweating bullets as a qualified instructor on YouTube takes me through a series of fast-paced exercises, sandwiched by a minute or so of rest in-between each set. In half an hour, my workout for the day is complete. My body feels a surge of energy, flooded as it is by feel-good endomorphins brought on by the sheer magic of movement. In a world where exercise is of late taking much priority, it is easy to see why HIIT has become such a popular global trend of late. It promises fitness in bite-sized doses that can be squeezed into even the most demanding of schedules, obliterating the excuse that one simply doesn’t have the time to exercise!

This training involves a series of structured high and low intensity exercises. After an initial warm up, where you stretch your muscles, you perform one intense aerobic exercise for a period of one to three minutes. This is often followed by a minute of rest or a low-intensity exercise, such as slow jogging or walking, which allows you to catch your breath and recover from the high intensity routine that preceded it.

For an entire half to one hour, you will alternate between bursts of high- and low-intensity exercises. Sometimes, you perform HIIT without even recognizing it, and this is often the secret to your fitness. For instance, when you sprint up the stairs and climb down slowly, repeating this several times a day, you are in fact doing the same thing as you would in a HIIT routine.

Rewarding Benefits There is a growing body of evidence that suggests HIIT can be the most effective way to exercise, especially for the young and middle-aged people who are otherwise beset by lifestyle diseases and obesity. One study, conducted in 2012 and published in the Journal of Obesity reported that just 12 CEO LIFESTYLE

minutes of an HIIT workout, usually done three to four times a week because of its vigorous intensity, significantly reduced fat from all over the body, especially in the abdomen, trunk, thighs and most notably, visceral fat, which is buried deep under the skin over the vital organs and which is considered the most difficult kind of fat to lose. Another interesting study published in the journal Cell Metabolism 3 stated that when inactive people exercised intensely, even if there routine was brief, it still produced an immediate and measurable change in their DNA. So, if you feel that your genes have given you a bad rap, predisposing you to obesity, regular HIIT workouts can, over the time, increase its production of fat busting lipolytic enzymes.

This can ensure that your weight loss is long-term and lasting. Other studies found that HIIT significantly increases insulin sensitivity and blood sugar regulation after just two weeks, which is especially important in a country such as India, which is second only to China in having the highest number of diabetic patients in the world. The study involved people with Type 2 Diabetes and found that they were able to regulate their blood sugar better in the 24 hours that immediately followed a single session of HIIT. HIIT can also minimize the ageing process by giving you a glowing skin and hair; prevent diseases and lower daily stress levels.

Understanding muscle use A HIIT session challenges the fast twitch muscle fibers, which are great for building strength, stamina and power, but can also leave you prone to injury. For this reason, always ensure that your HIIT routine is preceded by a warm up and that it ends with a cool down. These series of low intensity stretching exercises will get your muscles flexible and warmed up for the intense session that comes up next, helping you avoid muscle pull, tears or injury.

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Matters of the Heart “Never launch into a high intensity exercise regimen like HIIT without a thorough heart and health checkup,” says Dr. Alok Kumar Singh, interventional cardiologist at Heritage Hospitals, Varanasi and Editor-in-chief of the medical publication ‘Heart India Journal’. “If you’ve been sedentary for a while, it is best to do one to two months of low-moderate intensity walking before starting a HIIT routine. Ideally, I would recommend a treadmill test under the supervision of a cardiologist, an ECG and a 2-D Echo before you begin any high-intensity exercise. This is because a great deal of the Indian population suffers from structural defects of the heart and other heart conditions that are often silent. Any high intensity exercise does have the potential to aggravate these conditions and in extreme cases can even cause sudden and untimely death. These factors must be ruled out first.” In healthy individuals, Dr. Singh recommends a 30-minute HIIT routine, not more than four to five days a week for effective fat burning and muscle building.

Rest and refuelling No matter how good your exercise is, you can never reap rich health benefits unless you learn to rest and recover.

Eating right is a very important part of that process. “The objective of the diet before an intense training is to provide the athletes with energy, prevent hunger and dehydration and increase the stamina. Ideally, it is best to eat one to two hours prior to the training so that there is enough time for digestion,” advises Rohini Saran, expert dietician and nutrition consultant at the Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD). “Meals should ideally be high in complex carbohydrates (like wheat, whole grains, and brown pasta) and low in sugar content. Adequate fluids are a must. The meal can be roughly 300-500 calories,” she adds.

Refuelling after a workout is crucial as well to build the muscles, and gain strength.

“Post-workout, a protein shake can help refuel the body.

Good carbohydrates should again be the focus of the diet in order to spare the proteins for muscles and tissue repair.

As carbohydrates are also the best glycogen providers, carbohydrate rich fluids will also help replenish the body.

Intakes of foods such as oats, sweet lime, corn salad, juice are some good choices. Eating wholesome fruits and vegetables will also ensure the consumption of vitamins and minerals required by the body,” says Rohini. Hydration is an important part of the training, as the person loses electrolytes via sweat during a high intensity workout. “Avoid alcoholic drinks after the workout session or tea or coffee. Water is the best choice of liquid. In case of very high intensity workout, sport drinks may be used,” she suggests.

If you’ve always wanted to change the shape of your body, a HIIT routine that allows you to workout in the comfort of your own home in short bursts of time, and which requires no equipment at all may be the most practical solution for today’s desk straddled, time-starved executive.

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For half to one hour, you will alternate between high- and lowintensity exercises. Sometimes, you perform HIIT without even recognizing it, which is often the secret to your fitness

JANUARY 2015

BODY BASICS

Get the look, and how Spending lakhs on plastic surgery to keep away from wrinkles and saggy skin is the norm of today. Why not take a detour and spend much less on the more effective, non-invasive Thermage treatment.

Sanjay Bhutani, Managing Director of India and SAARC Bausch and Lomb Eyecare, explains the benefits of this anti-ageing remedy.

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Representing the gold standard in non-invasive skin tightening and body contouring, Thermage, a treatment offered by companies such as Bausch & Lomb and Atelier, introduces its new Thermage Comfort Pulse Technology™ (CPT™) System into India. The new system leverages the proprietary CPT™ and greatly improves patient comfort in non-invasive skin tightening/anti-ageing treatment. This treatment is the premier procedure in helping to smoothen, tighten and contour the skin for a naturally younger looking appearance with no surgery, no injections and little to no downtime.

Thermage utilizes proprietary monopolar radiofrequency technology to deliver uniform volumetric heating into the dermal layers of the skin. This treatment just takes 90 minutes and can be easily completed in a single sitting. It is the US FDA approved skin tightening procedure for the treatment of wrinkles and rhytides including the upper and lower eyelids and the temporary improvement in the appearance of cellulite.

Thermage utilizes the best in-class radiofrequency technology and now, with the introduction of the new system, delivers more therapeutic heat across the treatment area, allowing for more effective skin tightening results.

Thermage® heats the deeper layers of your skin to help tighten existing collagen and stimulate your body’s natural renewal of collagen. This creates subtle, natural looking results like smoother skin, softened wrinkles and lines and an overall younger looking appearance.

The new Thermage CPT System represents a significant leap forward in skin tightening and body contouring technology utilizing Comfort Pulse Technology to get the skin back to its healthy, youthful appearance.

As we age, collagen breaks down, resulting in loose, sagging skin as well as wrinkles. Thermage CPT uses radiofrequency technology to safely heat the deeper layers of the skin, which stimulates existing collagen and promotes new collagen production. This lifts and tightens the skin, thus reducing the appearance of wrinkles. The Thermage CPT system incorporates proprietary Comfort Pulse Technology.

The Comfort Pulse Technology works on a whole new level.

CPT energy algorithm simulates TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation), a proven method for pain relief by affecting sensory nerves and interfering with sensorydiscriminative pathways, interspersing cooling bursts with radio-frequency heat energy, blocking neural discomfort signals and dramatically increasing patient comfort. It is the smart technology that works on patients’ bodies while working with their mind.

Visible results are often immediate and improve over time. Measurable tightening and contouring improvements appear gradually over a two to six month time period following a single treatment session. The treating doctor will determine the course of treatment that is right for each patient, based on the patient’s needs and goals.

The Thermage CPT procedure is a completely noninvasive, safe treatment that is performed only in a doctor’s

office. The procedure duration depends on the size and location of the area to be treated. (ranging from 20 minutes to couple of hours) Unlike surgery, there is no pre-procedure preparation, such as blood work or fasting required. With little to no downtime, most patients can return to their regular activities immediately following treatment.

Some patients exhibit a temporary redness or minor swelling after treatment, which usually resolves within 24 hours. Good skin care and sunscreens are recommended as part of your regular skin care regimen. The only signs of treatment are naturally smoother, younger and healthier skin.

Your skin will essentially look “normal”.

Make-up may be applied after your treatment if desired.

Normal activities may be resumed as there is no down-time, and no special care is required.

The Thermage CPT procedure helps tighten existing collagen and stimulate new natural collagen production for up to six months following the treatment. Results may last for years depending on the patient’s skin condition and natural aging process. The cost for the Thermage CPT procedure depends on the areas being treated. In the US, the price of a face procedure may range from $ 2,500 to $5,000 however, in India, it costs lesser, between ` 1lakh to 1.4 lakhs. Other body procedures vary based on the area being treated. The physician will discuss his or her fees with the patient at the time of the consultation. The costs of Thermage can be significantly lesser than plastic surgery and the results are more natural looking than surgery.

HOLISTIC HEALING

Be it sore muscles, or an irritant headache, Serena Spa in Radisson Blu Temple Bay, Mahabalipuram, is a haven to get rid of it all. Arathi M enjoys a day at the Spa where the holistic remedies and the traditional oils create magic!

HOLISTIC HEALING

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‘Aah the smell of the sea’, is all I could think as we drove far from the madding crowd of Chennai to the soothing town of Mahabalipuram. But I was not heading out to the beaches or the temples. My destination was the Serena Spa in the renowned Radisson Blu Temple Bay, which was soon going to prove a solace to my sore muscles and aching joints for the next three hours.

As we entered the resort, I was greeted by a tranquil and spacious property that instantly had a calming effect on me. On getting out of the car, I felt a soft breeze against my cheeks, as my eyes feasted on the slightly swaying palm trees surrounding the grandeur of the hotel, which in spite of its stately aura had an intensely homely atmosphere. All these combined had already made me wish for a pleasant lull. Chiding myself, I marched ahead to the reception area, a portion of the large hall adorned with South Indian artworks and paintings. Wooden furnishing seem to be the norm as exquisite sofas, chairs and tables adorned the reception area, giving it the aura and feel of the age gone by.

After a swift check in, we were taken to the Serena Spa on a buggie. On our way, we saw the plush 44-acre that covers the Temple Bay property, replete with nothing smaller CEO LIFESTYLE

than a 27,000-sq-foot pool. Set amidst coconut trees and near the sea, the capacious, unruffled and quiet Spa dazzled me to a great extent. The premises of the Spa was adorned with a variety of artworks such as paintings and sculptures, generally from north Indian states such as Rajasthan and Gujarat, maybe to make the north Indian population storming the hotel feel at rest. We were ushered away from the reception to have a look at the Spa, with its wooden floors and classy ambrosial aura. It came as quite a surprise that not only did this Spa provide the rejuvenation every tired body needed, they also has a salon.

After a quick tour of the various spacious rooms, their salons, I wanted a haircut, pedicure, manicure and what not.

But I could not be greedy as my dear friend, time, was not on my side due to which a much-deserved treat was limited to a relaxing, rejuvenating spa.

A menu detailing all the treatments provided there was given to us. The Spa provides treatments ranging from the Swedish massage, Balinese Asama Raga massage to the Yin Yang Aromatic therapy. In the mood for some hardcore pampering, my eyes caught sight of the Marma treatment and never let go. We were told that the Marma treatment

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came into existence centuries ago and was used to alleviate the pains and aches of the royalty. The meaning of Marma is ‘key point of the body’ and the treatment is a deep tissue massage, which focuses on the application of pressure to these 107 spots on the human body will do wonders in terms of inducing vital energy flow.

I was then ushered into a room, a haven where my senses were revived and my body relaxed. The classy and spacious room, which was dimly lit, had wooden flooring, which clashed brilliantly with the grey walls replete with the Rajasthani artwork, which lay like a tribute to some forgotten architecture. The sparsely furnished room, which had a lowlying bed, chair and a table replete with scented water and petals, also had a private bath and restroom, accompanied by a wooden cupboard and a dressing mirror.

My ever-smiling masseuse, whose short, calming phrases in itself were ataractic, asked me to sit on a chair and keep my legs on a bowl filled with warm water. Gloating at the thought of a long-pending foot massage that was in store for me, I did as I was told. As soon as my heels touched the warm, herbal-scented water, I let out a sigh of relief. With her massaging my calves and my heels, alternating between horizontal and vertical strokes, I felt my legs unwind and the stress in me simply melting away. Thanks to the pressure she was applying, the soreness in my heels and ankles

disappeared. After a few minutes of repeating this process, she began the traditional head oil massage, while I was sitting on the chair. As she gently prodded my head and ran her nimble fingers through my scalp, I felt myself cooling down.

After this, I was asked to lie on a specially designed low lying bed, which, little did I know then, was to be my abode of rejuvenation. The masseuse then kneaded my back gently with hot herbal oils after asking whether the pressure was right. Perfect, that was the only word I could think of! Then she started with the typical Marma treatment, which involved the masseuse massaging you with her feet in long strokes while balancing herself using a rope hung from the ceiling.

This deep massage not only helps in healing the tissues, but also accentuates this effect with the combined effort of traditional herbs and natural oils used during this treatment.

As her legs gently pressed against the ‘key points’ in my body, I felt all the earthly weights lift from my shoulder and I became one with leisure and relaxation. This rhythmic massage had a great effect on me as I felt an induced deep relaxation taking over my senses with each stroke her feet played on me. Then I was shifted to a massage bed where the masseuse started with long strokes all over my body, after which she rubbed my body with the traditional green gram scrub, used to cleanse the body and soak up all the oil. The gram which acts as a scrub had a cleansing effect on my body

HOLISTIC HEALING

As my masseuse’s legs gently pressed against the ‘key points’ in my body, I felt all the earthly weights lift from my shoulder and I became one with leisure and relaxation

CEO LIFESTYLE

and I could feel my skin smoothening under the masseuse’s touch.

Then she rubbed the warm, soothing oil on my face and massaged gently. I felt the hands of sleep slowly rubbing against my eyes, asking me to give in. Finally, I did. After some minutes or maybe hours or years, I wouldn’t know due to my blissfully relaxed, comatose state, I heard a voice from far away telling me that the massage is over and I can get up and take my shower.

No! My body and mind protested.

After a quick hot shower, which cleansed my body and soul alike, I sat at the lounge looking at the trees and shrubs surrounding the building, giving it the reprieve from the scalding Sun overhead, making it cool and breezy. In the lounge were wooden sofas inspired from the 18th century palaces, giving you a feeling of the bygone royal era. Surreal, tranquil and noble, the lounge was like an added bonus to my already refreshed and relaxed body. As my host served me orange juice, I could not help but feel ambrosial sitting amidst the beautiful chairs and sofas, standing like a tribute to the royal architecture of yesteryear.

The 90-minute Spa, in every manner, was rejuvenating and helped me forget all about my worldly troubles. As I relaxed in the lounge, waiting for my ride back home, I realised my mind and body would definitely drag me here again and again.

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EVENTS

SITES & SOUNDS

Pick, sip and savour

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North California has once again booted up to celebrate its most appetizing and abundant natural resource, fresh crab from the Pacific. An annual winter celebration, Mendocino country Crab, Wine and Beer festival is back again for a cause. The 10-day festival, which is from January 16th to 25th, spotlights crab feeds, wine and beer dinners and crab-centric menus for health benefits.

The capstone event on January 24th, ‘Crab cake cook-off’ and ‘Wine Competition’ in Fort Bragg, is where you can binge yummy crab cakes and sip country wines. Beguilement of the event is to savour, sip, pick your favourite chef and check if your vote matches with that of the professional judges. Raffle and auctions are added to the excitement as well. It is not just the Fort Bragg where you can eat to your heart’s fill, you can stop and hog at any restaurant, for over a dozen of restaurants offer seasonal crab menus throughout the festival.

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Also, do not miss the Cioppino feed. Luscious Dungeness crab blended with tomatoes, mussels and clams simmering in a giant Cioppino pot, is a feast for the eyes and the taste buds. You can feast on curried crab, salads, Cafe Beaujolais bread, dessert and thanksgiving coffee for the amicable and authentic Cioppino dinner.

The best about it is that you are served the dinner for three seatings at 4.30, 6.00 and 8.00 pm.

Last, but definitely not the least, do not fail to pair your seasoned crabs with crafted beers and country wines in crabby bar.

More to the fun is your passport getting stamped! Each stamp on your passport in tasting rooms brings you closer to the opportunity to win a trip package. Get ready to feast on the captivating tastes of the region. Yes, it is definitely time for a trip to North California!

To know more about the festival, visit http:// www.visitmendocino.com/ JANUARY 2015

Welcoming winter wonderland!

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Planning to venture out in the cold and celebrate your winter? Here you will know, and there you will go!

Quebec winter Carnival in Quebec City, Canada, is on its way to beat the winter chills. The 17-day carnival kicks off with opening night on January 30 and ends with a rousing finale on February 15. This year, the festive brings out “Bonhomme’s winter wonderland” as its theme for the entire run.

As you get to the winter wonderland of the Plains of Abraham, a humongous figure, with a traditional red hat and an arrow sash, welcomes you by hopping and dancing all around you. Said to be a childhood friend of Santa Claus, Bonhomme Carnaval is a renowned key figure and a living replica of the snowman that had enchanted the Quebecers for generations.

Lot more to the winter pleasures! For the sport freaks out there, why not a canoe ride and a sleigh ride with an enormous crowd along? Fifty teams take part in the canoe racing, while it is much more CEO LIFESTYLE

for the sleigh races that take place every year. The most happening event of the carnival is the snow sculpturing and people have already lined up for registrations. No surprises there.

To impress you, the fest is set with 600 characters, dance troops, differing bands and percussions for night parades. And, it doesn’t stop there. Indulge in a glass of caribou, dress up in your nicest snowsuit and with loud music performed by various artists and get set to dance under the stars all night.

Marking its 61st anniversary and all inspired by the carnival history, the duchess contest is added to the festivities this year. The get together is to create a festive solidarity and cheer the seven duchesses who take part in assorted activities within their neighbourhood.

So, pack up and get the “Carnaval Effigy”, a miniature pendant, which will be your passport to wear so as to take part in this extravaganza.

To know more visit http://carnaval.qc.ca/en/

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Mark Your Calendar

09

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What: Dance away in the pulsating BPM festival. The electronic music festival is What: Are you a bird lover? finally here with line Then head to the up of the world’s top Morro Bay 2015 artistes and DJs. Winter Bird Festival.

When: Jan 09-18, 2015 Also, participate in various field trips and Where: Playa del Carmen, workshops as part of Mexico the festival and spend some quality time with thousands of birds in Morro Bay, California.

22 What: Parties, alcohol, movies, celebrities are the words that excite you? Then prepare yourself to be the part of the 10-day extravaganza Sundance film festival.

When: Jan 22 – Feb 01, 2015 Where: Park City, United States

When: Jan 16 - 19, 2015 Where: California, United States of America

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05

09

What: Winter lovers, attention! Chill out to Harbin this winter and dwell amidst giant What: Get set and head to the snow carvings and Banff national parks, ice sculptures at the Winter Wonderland Harbin International and celebrate the entire Ice and Snow month. Enjoy the Sculpture Festival. winter scenery, sports When: Jan 05 – Feb 28, 2015 and food on the snowy land.

Where: Harbin, China When: Jan09 – Feb 08, 2015 Where: Douz, Tunisia

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What: Film enthusiasts, bundle up to California for eleven days of the celebration of cinema What: The snowy paradise What: The most intriguing at 30th Santa Barbara is all geared up Chinese New Year International Film again to throw a is around the corner.

Festival. white party with Head up to China When: Jan 27 – Feb 07, 2015 Europe’s largest to celebrate the snow fest, the spectacular Chinese Where: Santa Barbara, Kiruna Snow festivities for two California Festival. weeks.

When: Jan 22-26, 2015

When: Jan31-Feb14, 2015

Where: Kiruna, Sweden

Where: Hong Kong, China