GONOW
a cross section publication
VOLUME 14. ISSUE 12. JUNE 2014. ` 50
A L L A B O U T T R AV E L A N D T O UR I S M
AIRLINES & AIRPORTS
The wings of travel: International airlines that serve Indian travellers METRO TRAVEL
That special puff: For cigar aficionados DESTINATION GUIDE
Thrills and bliss in Uttarakhand
It’s time for Thailand
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metro travel For cigar aficionados: These dimly lit dens set a perfect mood for business as well as leisure travellers airlines & airports 16 The wings of travel: a guide to connections of international airlines that serve Indian travellers niche destination 20 Wellington: explore the cultural capital of New Zealand which offers experiences of serene beaches to adventure activities and more luxury travel 24 ‘Sea’ you in Mauritius: set in a turquoise sea, it has a multitude of luxurious resorts for you to choose from explore the wild 30 Domain of the big five: get up close to magnificent Big Five encounters and the high-end game reserve lifestyle destination 36 The tucked away islands of Thailand: choose your favourite of all the lesser known islands of the country destination guide 42 Thrills and bliss in Uttarakhand: we take you to the Chopta – Tungnath – Chandrashila trek delhi update 46 A guide to the patisseries of the capital: check out the list of opulent patisseries at the five star hotels in Delhi last page 50 Behind closed doors: from matchmaking to making beds, Accor hotel staff says work never dull
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Turkey says Merhaba to Indian travellers: there are a lot of reasons for you to visit Turkey for your vacations
From the Editor With temperatures soaring, it may be time to beat the summer heat. As you plan a summer escape, to whet your appetite for travel, to help you make up your mind, and for your reading pleasure, we bring you this edition of GoNow. With travel and tourism distinctly in the air, we include a guide, in our airlines and airports segment, to some of the best airlines to fly abroad in, and their unique features and services. The southern hemisphere beckons – it’s winter there – and we bring you a feature on Wellington, New Zealand’s pulsating cultural capital. Perhaps sun, sand and sea are more your idea of summer fun, so you may find our report on some of the most luxurious resorts in Mauritius to be useful. Island fun is the theme of another of our stories as we take you to Thailand’s islands, tucked away, sparkling and serene, perfect for a secluded vacation. A trip to the jungle cool is called for and our account of the Thanda Private Game Reserve in the KwaZulu Natal province of South Africa confronts you with the Big Five – the lion, African elephant, Cape buffalo, leopard, and the rhinoceros – and other animals. We next explore Turkey, at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, and a perfect summer destination, with a mix of history, culture, tradition and modernity. Back home, an account of a trek through the breathtaking magnificence of Uttarakhand shall undoubtedly take away from the summer heat. We catch up with the hospitality trend of cigar lounges in another feature and trace some of the best of these in the country. There are other features besides which bring to the travel buff a whole lot of news and useful information. Our last page is an account from the hospitality industry of how they deal with their guests’ extraordinary requests. Enjoy June’s GoNow.
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Editor: Navin Berry Managing Editor: Priyaanka Berry Features Desk: Anupriya Bishnoi, Nikita Chopra Advertising: Saurabh Shukla Design: Ashok Saxena, Neelam Aswani Circulation: Chandra Tamang Go Now is printed and published by Navin Berry, on behalf of Cross Section Media Pvt. Ltd. Printed at Anupam Art Printers, B-52, Naraina Industrial Area, Phase II, New Delhi - 110 028 Go Now is published from IIIrd Floor, Rajendra Bhawan, 210, Deen Dayal Upadhyay Marg, New Delhi - 110002. Tel: 91-11-43784444. Fax: 91-11-41001627. E-mail: info@crosssectionmedia.com This issue of gonow contains 52 pages
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All inclusive affordable stay at Goa Marriott Resort This season go for a complete Goan experience at the Goa Marriott Resort & Spa. The hotel offers an all meal package with no extra cost, which includes accommodation in the Garden View rooms. Also, it is valid for a minimum stay for two nights and all the three meals of the day for two guests at Waterfront Terrace and Bar. Kids below 11 years can stay for free on room only basis whereas kids below the age of six years can stay for free with all buffet meals. Two-way airport transfer in a luxury car is also a part of the package. Price: `8,500 to `24,000 For further information, visit: www.marriott.com
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Park Hyatt, creating timeless memories in Goa With complimentary buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner for two through the stay, Park Hyatt Goa Resort & Spa offers a Timeless Moments package. The package also offers 20% discount on the spa and laundry services. You can also use the facilities at the hotel like the swimming pool, the fitness centres and the wet spa areas on a complimentary basis during your stay. If you are go-
ing with your kids, then do check out the Camp Hyatt facilities for children which are free as a part of this package. You can also participate in the daily yoga classes except on Wednesdays and avail complimentary lifestyle consultation for two at Sereno Spa. Price: `34,000 + taxes For reservations, call: 08322721234 or visit: www.goa.park.hyatt.com
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Discover happiness at Cidade de Goa
With luxurious accommodation on the sun kissed beaches of Goa, Cidade de Goa offers an exciting package for a minimum of three nights. You can also upgrade your rooms from Standard to Superior room by paying `850 plus taxes per night extra, and `1750 plus taxes for upgrading from Standard to Classic/Deluxe rooms per night. Children between the age group of (6-12 years) would be charged at an additional cost of `2000 per night, Children below six years can stay free in the parent’s room. The hotel offers the fourth night complimentary on room only basis, with mandatory breakfast. Price: `10,000 + taxes/ night (weekdays); `10,450 + taxes/night (weekends). For further information, visit: www.cidadedegoa.com
Kids stay free at Alila Diwa Goa
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his summer vacations take your kids to Alila Diwa Goa where you can craft your own vacation with various different hotel plans. As a part of this package, kids up to the age of 12 years can stay for free at the hotel. The package includes breakfast for two at the all day dining restaurant, Vivo, and you can also avail the hotel credit of `4,000 per day against food and beverage, spa services, laundry or other destination experiences which are designed by the in-house concierge. These can include picnics on the beach, romantic dinners and more. Price: `7,000. For further information, visit: www.alilahotels.com/diwagoa
Avail discounts on spa at Novotel Goa Shrem Resort Helping you to stay beautiful this summer, the In Balance Spa at Novotel Goa Shrem Resort launches its Summer Special Offers. Relax and indulge in special therapies at the spa such as, Balinese treatment, Jet Lag massage, Detoxifying Sable body treatment and more and avail 50% discounts on them. Sit back, relax and unwind while the nourishing touches of the therapists help you de-stress and keep your skin glowing with its natural beauty intact. Book a treatment at the In Balance Spa by Novotel to soothe your senses and feel beautiful this summer. Timings: 8:00 am to 8:00 pm. For appointments, call: (+91)832 2494985 June 2014 GO NOW
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vSnippets Relish the new menu at Vetro with Chef Adriano
Get the 3rd Night complimentary at Marriott
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his season stay for two nights at any Marriott hotel across India and get the third night complimentary. To avail this offer the g uests can make their book ings till 31st August 2014 and the offer can be redeemed for stay till 30th September 2014. The offer will stand valid on the standard / base category room at the
The contemporary Italian restaurant at The Oberoi, Mumbai is pleased to welcome Italian expert, Chef Adriano Baldassarre. He presents a delectable new menu to diners, with the main course including, slow cooked chicken thigh with roast peppers, confit potatoes and honey crystals; Pan seared tuna with Jerusalem artichokes, wasabi puree and soy meringue; Eggplant parmigiana and a whole lot more. The selection of Pastas and Antipasti include, Smoked eggplant tortelli with tomato and basil juice; Braised lamb cappellaci with pan roasted potatoes and thyme foam; Fresh burrata with basil, herb meringue, mesclun salad and porcini dressing. Timings: Lunch: 12:30 pm - 2:45 pm; Dinner: 7:30 pm - 11:30 pm 022–66326215
same property where the booking has been made. The complimentar y stay vouchers can only be redeemed on the next consecutive stay at the same hotel where the original paid reservation has been made. The offer is valid on hotels of Marriott all across India. For further details, visit: www.marriott.com
Heritage at the Sunset Point in Mahabaleshwar
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dding old world charm to modern amenities, the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation invites the tourists to stay at the Mahabaleshwar Resort. The resort has 125 rooms including 25 Heritage Suites. The resort also has a special writer’s suites for the most calm and serene experience. Each of the heritage suites are built as early as 1880 AD and are now carefully remodelled into heritage suites that will have state-of-the-art facilities for its guests. The hotel also boasts of a relaxing spa among other luxurious amenities. The resort is located along the Sunset Point and the guests can get the perfect sunset view from one of these Heritage Suites. Price: from `5,500 to `7,000 For further details, visit: www.maharashtratourism.gov.in
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Stay at My Fortune Hotel in Bengaluru
Located on Richmond road, My Fortune hotel is a contemporary, smart and young hotel for savvy traveller. It provides a range of options, allowing the guests to choose the most suitable out of them, be it for business or leisure. Nestled in the green cover of lush trees surrounding the hotel, it invokes a sense of freshness and is a treat for the eyes. The hotel features well-appointed rooms including 79 Standard Rooms, 32 Fortune Club Rooms and four Suites. All the rooms are thoughtfully equipped with comfortable seating and work desks that are handy for carrying out business functions seamlessly. Conferencing and banqueting space are available at the hotel to accommodate 400 persons and functional public spaces designed for interaction. For further details, visit: www.fortunehotels.in
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tlantis The Palm now offers the opportunity for its guests to interact with the world’s most charming mammal, the South African Fur Seal. Under the supervision of Marine Mammal Specialists, you can share a number of behaviours, including whiskery kisses, cuddles and one-on-one time, whilst learning what makes these marine mammals so unique. By offering a personal and up-close experience in the water, Sea Lion Discovery aims to be enriching for the mammal and the guests too. Each booking includes all day access to Aquaventure Waterpark, 25% off same day admission to The Lost Chambers Aquarium and a free souvenir photo. Price: `8,500 (approx.) for in-house guests and `10,000 (approx.) for visitors. For reservations, mail: DolphinBay@ atlantisthepalm.com or +97144261030
AT N IO L A E S E H T R E V O C IS D ATLANTIS THE PALM
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AirAsia India will start from June 12
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i rA s i a I nd i a w i l l sta r t c om merc ia l operation from Chen na i on Ju ne 12 a n d t i c k e t s a le s f or this began from 30th May. “AirAsia India announced the start of operations with just two weeks notice. This tactical surprise may have c aug ht t he c omp et it ion of f g u a r d a s t he y wer e e x p e c t i ng a l at er d at e . During the initial phase, operations are expected to be modest in scale, with just one or two aircraft, as the carrier tests the waters,” Kapil Kaul, CEO, South Asia, Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation, said. The airlines will launch its domestic services with a flight service between Bengaluru and Goa. They have announced an inaugural airfare of `990 inclusive of taxes for this route. The airlines will not have any business class section but will include some hot seats which will have more leg space and will be priced a little more. The Bengaluru – Chennai route will be launched on June 20th. At present, the airline has one aircraft and more are expected to join. AirAsia India’s fleet will be drawn from the 475 A320 family aircraft ordered by the AirAsia Group. The airline will have a fleet of A320 aircraft offering 180 economy seats. Apart from luring passengers from other airlines, Air Asia India has plans to convert train passengers into air passengers through the offer of low fares. For bookings and further information, visit: www.airasia.com
Jet and Etihad’s partnership improves connectivity
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he extended codeshare agreement between the two airlines will offer access to a number of destinations across Asia and the US as well as additional capacity from Abu Dhabi to cities in India. When flying either of the two airlines, members of Etihad Guest and JetPrivilege will be able to earn and redeem frequent flyer miles on both airlines whenever they fly to over 132 destinations on their shared global network. The mutual benefits also include excess baggage allowance, priority check-in and lounge access based on tier status and with more. Travellers can now travel on these two airlines from different parts of India to Bangkok, Hong Kong and Singapore. Also, one can travel from Brussels to Newark and Toronto and return. For further information, visit: www.etihad.com or www.jetairways.com
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Tigerair flies from India to Singapore at `5999
The airline has recently announced one-way special fares for Indian travellers planning to go to Singapore for the summer vacations. The offer is valid on flights to Singapore departing from Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram and Tiruchirappalli. These fares are on sale from 2nd June to 8th June 2014 and valid for travel between 7th July 2014 to 22nd October 2014. Commenting, Robert Yang, Commercial Director, Tigerair said, “With our special one-way fares to Singapore from India, we aim to provide our passengers greater value for money to enrich their travel experience.” For further information, visit: www.tigerair.com
TajSATS’ hospitality on Singapore Airlines A-380
Enjoy the hospitality of TajSATS in Airbus A380 of Singapore Airlines in India. Guests flying to Mumbai and New Delhi will be able to enjoy a superlative meal experience onboard the world’s largest aircraft. With signature menus, multicourse meals and kid-friendly offerings, TajSATS offers a robust variety of dining choices. Singapore Airlines will operate 14 flights per week to both Mumbai and New Delhi with an Airbus A380 aircraft that has a total capacity of 471 seats across suites, business class and economy class along with 20 crew members. Passengers travelling on this route will now get a taste of the delicious meals prepared by TajSATS. For further information, visit: www.tajsats.com or www.singaporeair.com
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tay at India’s first live-aboard, INFINITI, while enjoying the interesting spots around the island and going for a session of scuba diving. The INFINITI is a brand-new, high end live-aboard that was constructed in Thailand in 2013 specifically for the purpose of live-aboard diving in India’s remote, and relatively unexplored, Andaman Islands or Lakshdweep islands. It is equipped with state-of-the-art systems for complete safety and comfort in all weather conditions. This implies that it can comfortably take you to even those places where boats can also not reach. It can host only a particular number of guests at a time so that it can keep the whole experience special and intimate. It serves a once-ina-lifetime opportunity to scuba divers as it takes them to exotic underwater kingdoms resplendent with beauty and life. For further information, visit: www.infinitiliveaboard.com
P E E W D A H S K A L D N TRAVEL AROU I IT N I F N I H IT W S N A M AND ANDA
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MAGICAL WORLD OF WALT DISNEY IN FLORIDA
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ive the magical world of Walt Disney and experience the fairytales you have always been reading about. Walt Disney World Resort in Florida is all set to elevate the guest experience with MyMagic+. With this, guests can design the Disney World vacation they want – customising everything from their at-home planning to their in-park experiences to capturing memories to share and relive. Guests have the confidence of locking in their ‘must-do’ experiences while having the flexibility to make updates on the go with the My Disney Experience app. Festival of Fantasy Parade, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Festival of the Lion King and Princess Fairytale Hall are some
of the things you should not miss here. Another interesting part of this place is Disney Springs; downtown Disney in 2014 continues its multi-year transformation into Disney Springs, a unique and vibrant shopping/dining/entertainment destination to be set amidst beautiful open-air promenades, meandering springs and waterfront charm. Anchored by a signature water tower and grand entry, Disney Springs will boast four interconnected outdoor neighbourhoods and be home to everything from shopping boutiques to flagship stores to great new restaurants and entertainment venues. For further details, visit: https:// disneyworld.disney.go.com/
vSnippets Three nights’ all-inclusive stay at Club Med Bintan
Go to the picturesque island of Sri Lanka for a luxurious vacation of 3 nights and 4 days. This all-inclusive package includes accommodation on a twin-sharing basis, meals on international buffet (including Indian cuisine) every day. Also, you can enjoy unlimited alcoholic/non-alcoholic drinks, wines and cocktails. The package also serves you with a variety of fun land and water sport facilities, including tuition and equipment. Return airport transfer and daily evening entertainment programme are also a part of this package. Price: `23,999 Duniya Online – 0124-4155461/65
Kids Stay for free at Grand Park Otaru
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he hotel offers a family package where the children can stay for free and enjoy more benefits. For families travelling with children under 12 years old, guests can avail 50% off on their second room booking, complimentary breakfast, Internet access, complimentary kid’s meals and weekend room upgrades. The hotel is also offering in-room amenities tailored for the little ones such as baby toiletries, cots, bathtubs, bottle sterilisers, and more at no additional charge. The hotel is in close proximity to top-notch golf courses and ski-resorts of Japan. The offer is also valid at all other properties of The Park Hotel Group. For further information, visit: www.parkhotelgroup.com
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omplete with a private swimming pool and a separate entrance, indulge in luxury at the two-bedroom Ocean front villa residence at One & Only Le Saint Geran, Mauritius. With two spacious bedrooms, this villa residence is hidden in a peaceful corner of this Mauritian estate. Along with accommodation you can enjoy various other complimentary services like, welcome cocktail, welcome bottle of vintage champagne, a personalised gift upon arrival, a dedicated Villa Host Team and a private chef at your service and daily sundowners cocktail and canapĂŠs. If you are departing on an evening flight, you can enjoy an early dinner at La Terrasse, complimentary from the hotel. For further information, visit: www.oneandonlyresorts.com
LUXURIOUS ABODEGAETRAN ONE & ONLY LE SAINT
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Lufthansa brings ‘Queen of the skies’ to Mumbai
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Cathay, first airline confirming its move to Changi T4
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ufthansa announced the launch of services by its flagship Boeing 7478 between Mumbai and Frankfurt. Mumbai becomes the third city in India to welcome the Queen of the Skies. Lufthansa currently operates the B747-8 to Delhi and Bengaluru. Passengers on the new B747-8 aircraft will be able to maximise in-flight comfort with its state of the art technology. They will also be able to experience Lufthansa’s latest in-flight products, such as the 5 Star ranked First Class, the sophisticated new Business Class and a comfort enhanced Economy Class with 5-7 centimeter more legroom and 52 centimeter wide seats. The storage area, head
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space and the in-flight entertainment system have also been augmented in all three classes. The travellers will also experience Lufthansa’s latest in-flight products, such as a sophisticated new Business Class seat featuring a 6.5 feet long full-flat bed with vastly improved sleeping comfort and greater privacy. The aircraft has 386 seats including eight First Class seats, 80 Business Class seats and 298 Economy Class seats. This aircraft will be operating daily on flights to Frankfurt from Mumbai and on the return journey as well. When: effective from 15th July 2014 For further details, visit: www.lufthansagroup.com
Special fares by IndiGo for families travelling together
f you are travelling with a family of four or more, then check the special ‘Family Fare’ by IndiGo. This will offer a discount of up to 25% for a family travelling together in a single PNR, for a maximum of nine passengers, subject to availability. The offer is valid across all domestic flights and destinations. You can book family fares by clicking the ‘Family Fare’ tab on the home page of www.goindigo. in. With the new ‘Family Fare’, IndiGo also introduces an all-inclusive display of fares in the fare column on the flight result page of the website, where passengers can view the break-up of the total fare. For further details, visit: www.goindigo.in
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Passengers travelling with Cathay Pacific Airways can now look forward to experiencing the exciting services and retail counters, encompassing self-service initiative and dedicated lounge for the premium travellers at Changi Airport T4 as Cathay will operate from the T4 when it opens in 2017. Cathay Pacific’s passengers can also look forward to a new and exclusive premium lounge on the second mezzanine level of the new terminal. At more than 800 sqm, it is larger than the full-service carrier’s current lounge at Terminal 1, with views into the apron and runway, offering passengers in the lounge sightings of aircraft take-offs and landings. For further details, visit: www.changiairport.com
All inclusive holiday to France by Jet Airways
O f fe r i ng a n e n cha nt i ng t ravel ex per ience, Jet Airways introduces a l l-i nclusive Jet Esc apes hol iday package for its travellers going to France. The packages sta r t from 3 n ight s /4 day s a nd go up to 6 nights/7days. The holiday packages include return Jet Airways Economy airfare (inclusive of all taxes), Airport transfers, 3 star Hotel accommodation with breakfast, sightseeing, travel insurance and the chance to earn 5 JPMiles* for every INR 100 spent on JetEscapes. The packages are priced differently, depending on where you are boarding from in India, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad or Delhi. These can be booked from any of the ticketing offices of Jet Airways or any IATA authorised travel agents in India. 1800 209 6101 (toll-free), or +91 22 424 95 999 Mail: jetescapes@jetairways.com
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ituated on Jamaica’s east coast, Portland is without doubt one of the most beautiful places on the island, offering an enchanting vacation experience. With glistening waters falls, sandy beaches, romantic coves, delicious food and breathtaking panoramic views, Portland is a
favourite getaway spot for couples and families. There’s no shortage of activities for you while on vacation in Portland. Do not miss out the Blue Mountains, Frenchman’s Cove, Blue Lagoon, Boston Bay and Rio Grande River when in Portland. Also, visit the Reach
Falls which is a natural waterfall of the island country. Long Bay Beach is another natural partner offering splendid views and a world class swimming experience. For further details, visit: www.visitjamaica.com
S R E V O L E R U T A N F O PORTLAND – LAND ERS K E E S E R U T N E V D A D N A
Frenchman-Cove
Rafting at Rio-Grande, Portland
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Amazing ‘Thailand Grand Sale 2014’
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Colourful Gay Parades in NYC
New York City is an exciting place to discover lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender culture any time of year. But every June, the five boroughs come alive with parades, festivals and parties that bring this vibrant community's heritage to the forefront of public attention. The New York City LGBT Pride Rally serves as the official kickoff for Pride Week. Taking place at Pier 26 in TriBeCa on 27th June, the rally features dozens of wellknown speakers and performers (Lady Gaga made a surprise appearance last year) and attracts thousands of attendees. The rally goes on from 6 to 9:30pm. For further information, visit: www.nycgo.com
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he biggest ever Thailand Grand Sale is all set to begin with 15,000 establishments participating in seven of Thailand’s most important tourism cities. It will be held in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Hat Yai, Pattaya, Hua Hin and Samui. Participants include department stores, shopping centres, accommodation, spa and beauty, golf courses, entertainment centres and restaurants. The Grand Sale is planned to further enhance tourism and visitor expenditure. Thailand is a
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major shopping destination, and travellers can get the best deals around the country during this time. Guests can enjoy up to 80% discounts at departmental stores, shopping centres, shops, spas, hotels and other grand sale participants. One can also participate in the Amazing Thailand Grand Sale Shopping Challenge, which will be held on 18th June 2014. Here, well known celebrities in various fields from Asian countries will have a shopping competition in participating complexes and centres. The winning team will receive a cash prize of 100,000 Baht. Two lucky-draw prizes of “Travel 365 days in Thailand” for two couples (one from abroad, one local) for a trip within Thailand can also be won during this shopping festival. Visitors will get a coupon from participating partners, upon expenditure of every 500 Baht by cash or any credit card at any one place. However, if they pay by VISA card, they will get two coupons. The coupons can be dropped into the lucky draw drop box. The winning couples will get free Thai Airways’ return air-tickets and a stay at Centara’s hotels & resorts chain. As for the prize, the winning couples can take their trip any time within 365 days. When: from 15th June to 15th August 2014 For further information, visit: www. thailandshoppingparadise.com
Kids Summer Camp at Mandarin Oriental, Sanya
Enrol your kids in the exciting kids’ summer camp exclusively by Mandarin Oriental in Sanya. The camp is for kids between the age group of four to 12. The resort will host fun filled days of games, educational activities and creative arts and crafts. Families with children wishing to enjoy the camp can take advantage of the MO Kid’s Camp Package which includes complimentary enrolment into Kid’s Passport Programme, one complimentary extra bed in the room, and daily breakfast in Pavilion restaurant for two adults and two children. The parents can also enjoy a 20% discount at the spa during their stay. When: from 1st July to 31st August Price: CNY 1,726 per night For further information, visit: www.mandarinoriental.com
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INDULGE IN THE SUITE SURPRISES AIT THE OBEROI DUBA
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njoy the Deluxe suite of The Oberoi Dubai on a single/double occupancy basis along with daily buffet breakfast for two at the World Cuisine Restaurant – Nine7One. Limousine airport transfers, complimentary internet and early check-ins and late check-outs are a part of this package. The luxurious suites of The Oberoi Dubai serve aa extraordinary and exclusive experience to its guests. The hotel is located within minutes from the Dubai Mall and the Dubai International financial centre and the 252 opulent rooms and suites of the hotel offers magnificent views of Dubai’s skyline to its guests. Price: AED 2,000 per night When: valid till 30th September 2014 For further details, visit: www.oberoihotels.com/ oberoi_dubai
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airlines & airports In this issue, that comes with the scorching sun and rising heat, GoNow brings you a guide to some of the top airlines, and their USPs, and why an Indian should fly aboard in them.
Cathay Pacific Airways
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athay Pacific Airways along with sister airline Dragonair operate 47 weekly flights from six cities in India. Dragonair operates a mix of Airbus A330 and Airbus A320 aircraft from Bengaluru and Kolkata respectively. The Cathay Pacific flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Hyderabad operate the Airbus A330-300 aircraft that feature the airline’s award winning Business Class seats, the Premium Economy cabin and the refreshed Economy class seats. WHY CATHAY PACIFIC Charlie Stewart-Cox, General Manager, South Asia, Middle East and Africa says “We offer six lounges that are conveniently located in Hong Kong International airport; namely The Wing, The Bridge, The Pier, The Cabin, the G16 and The Arrival lounge that offer passengers’ unparalleled levels of comfort and convenience. Along with these fantastic products our signature ‘Service Straight From The Heart’ is what sets us apart from other airlines and keeps our passengers coming back to fly with us.” Cathay’s mission is to provide the finest possible travel experience for all our passengers hence we never stop striving to improve
our products and services. It is something that is built up over years of development and management and training. This unique service valued by our customers has been built around personal recognition at all service touch points which make our customers feel comfortable, secure and special in choosing Cathay Pacific.
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Lufthansa
ince launching operations to India 55 years ago, Lufthansa German Airlines has emerged as the leading European carrier in the country. In the current summer 2014 flight schedule, Lufthansa offers 46 weekly flights from five Indian destinations, that is, Bengaluru, Pune, Mumbai, New Delhi and Chennai to it hubs Frankfurt and Munich. Apart from flying to Germany, many Indian travellers transfer at the Lufthansa hubs Frankfurt and Munich before often continuing their trip to major cities in North America or Europe, for example London. At those two hubs they can, among other things, enjoy the Lufthansa services provided in the different lounges, including an exclusive terminal for Lufthansa First Class travellers in Frankfurt.
WHY LUFTHANSA Lufthansa strives hard to cater to the specific needs and preferences of Indian passengers, by even customising its products and services down to minute details. According to Wolfgang Will, Director, South Asia, Lufthansa, “First of all, there are Indian flight attendants present on all routes to and from India trying to make the guests feel even more comfortable. On board, passengers are offered a variety of Indian drinks like garam chai for example. The inflight meals selection includes Indian cuisine in all three classes whereas the menu in our First and Business Class aims to fulfill gourmet expectations. Pure vegetarian meals are also provided on all Indian routes. For entertainment, our guests can choose from the latest Bollywood movies, television programmes as well as a special selection of Indian music available on three dedicated Indian radio channels – Rhythm of India, Golden Taraane and Tamil Tunes. On arrival at hubs like Frankfurt, the Lufthansa Welcome Service is available to greet guests in Indian languages including Hindi, Tamil and Punjabi and support them with all relevant procedures at the airport. Since August 2012 Lufthansa offers its guests a new Senator and Business Class Lounge at new Terminal 3 in Delhi. This lounge is Asia’s first lounge designed according to Lufthansa’s new global design concept.‘’
s e n li ir a l a n o ti a rn te In l: e v a tr f o s The wing
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Business Class of Cathay Pacific Airways
that serve Indian travellers B Swiss International Airlines
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wiss International Airlines flies daily from Mumbai and Delhi direct to Zurich, further connecting to over 80 destinations worldwide. The most visited destinations by Indian travellers where Swiss flies too are: Zurich, Frankfurt, Paris, Brussels, Barcelona, Milan, London, New York and Montreal. WHY SWISS According to Titus Fernandes, Marketing Manager, Swiss, India, ‘’One of the biggest USP of Swiss Airlines is its direct flying to Switzerland. Also early morning arrivals into the heart of Europe, ensures convenient connections to other European and transAtlantic flights with a 40 minutes minimum connecting time.’’ Swiss offers 3 classes of service on its state-of-the-art airbus A333 from India to Switzerland. Some of the highlights of the airliner areSwiss First: Highlighted by comfort, luxury, privacy and peace, the very exclusive Swiss First experience begins with separate check-in on arrival and dedicated lounges
prior to departure. The large cabin aboard, with a seat that turns fully into a flatbed, gives the Swiss First travellers a ‘suite above the clouds’. Swiss Business: This has an innovative seating concept that gives fliers a high degree of privacy and ensures comfort with a seat that converts into a totally lie-flat two meter bed. Culinary needs are amply met in the form of a five-course menu created by a leading Swiss chef. Swiss Economy: Excellent value for money, outstanding service and a special touch for families are the features that make Swiss Economy one of the finest products in this segment. A special focus is placed on Indian vegetarian meals, inflight entertainment along with courteous hospitality and efficiency, which are the hallmarks of Swiss. Also Fernandes is proud of ‘Swiss Taste of Switzerland’. He says ‘’It is the name that Swiss has given to its innovative and award winning culinary concept that showcases the cooking and specialties of its home country’s various regions over a threemonth period.’’
British Airways
ritish A ir ways has been f lying to India for over 85 years and currently operates 48 flights a week from London Heathrow (home base) to five cities: Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru and Hyderabad. British Airways’ route network currently serves more than 170 cities in 75 countries f r om L ondon Heat h r ow ( home ba s e ) . British Airways is a member of ‘oneworld’ and through its partners in this alliance, and association with American Airlines, the premium airline covers an expansive network of more than 500 destinations. WHY BRITISH AIRWAYS According to Christopher Fordyce, Regional Commercial Manager (South Asia), British Airways, “We at British Airways always keep our customers at the heart of all our efforts and decision-making. With over 85 years of heritage and a long history of serving our customers, we truly understand what our customers expect from us. It is our constant endeavor to bring new initiatives and offers to suit the needs of our Indian customers. These include revamping the menu to suit the taste of our Indian travellers, launching campaigns such as VisitMum, Go Further to Get Closer and others, increasing services and expanding our market.’’ Their World Traveller Plus, premium June 2014 GO NOW
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with travellers in mind
Swiss International Airlines economy on British Airways, is one of the most popular products with Indian travellers. At World Traveller Plus, the service is aimed at the cost conscious business traveller and the discerning leisure passenger who want more space and privacy.
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SriLankan Airlines
riLankan Airlines currently operates 21 flights a week to Chennai, daily flights to Trivandrum, Mumbai and Delhi, twice daily flights to Tiruchirappalli and Cochin and 11 flights a week to Bengaluru. This means, SriLankan operates a total of 81 frequencies a week between Colombo and seven Indian cities. W i t h S r i L a n k a n ’s e n t r y i n t o t h e ‘oneworld’ global travel alliance in May this year, ‘oneworld’ has introduced a new, great value air pass covering travel within the Indian Sub-Continent. Deepal V. Perera, Manager Media Relations and PR, SriLankan Airlines, believes India is one of their vital markets and it has been seen that many Indian travellers enjoy SriLankan’s convenient connections when flying to European, Middle Eastern and Far Eastern destinations via Colombo. WHY SRILANKAN AIRLINES SriLankan Airlines is the national carrier of Sri Lanka and has a multifaceted task of promoting Sri Lanka as a destination and SriLankan as the airline of choice. ‘’As the
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national carrier, we promote Sri Lanka on SriLankan – this means experiencing Sri Lankan warmth and hospitality right from the beginning of the journey. We offer the customer a travel experience not just a flight to their destination,’’ adds Perera. Srilanka is also a country that makes one feel wanted and welcome; this made most of the visitors to the island come again to enjoy the experience repeatedly. “The airline offers convenient connections across the globe to 85 destinations in 46 counties (including codeshare operations) and operates direct flights to/ from Europe, Middle East, South Asia, the Far East to Sri Lanka and beyond. Today SriLankan has become the most preferred choice of many travellers who are visiting Asia and the Far East”, she adds.
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Thai Airways
hai Airways flies daily from Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Bengaluru, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Gaya and Varanasi to Bangkok. Indian leisure travellers generally travels to Phuket, Koh Samui, Krabi, Chiang Mai and Bali. Indian business travellers prefer Japan, China and Korea. Indian students often opt for Australia and migrants prefer New Zealand. WHY THAI According to Korakot Chatasingha, General Manager India, Thai Airways, ‘We have earned a worldwide reputation for offering high standards of service to our customers
be it Business Class or Economy. Thai gives the high priority to travellers who are entitled to the best in every aspect of service especially with the inflight meals and inflight entertainment. The welcome is always genuine with extra personal touches which come naturally to Thai’s dedicated staff for which friendly hospitality is much more than a duty, which Indians look forward to.”
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Turkish Airlines
rom India Turkish Airlines flies from Mumbai and Delhi to 248 destinations around the world. Turkish airlines mostly take Indian travellers to European countries like Rome, London, Zurich, Helsinki and others as Turkey is the gateway to Europe. WHY TURKISH AIRLINES Alp Alper, General Manager, Turkish Airlines, Northern and Eastern Region says ‘’Turkish airlines is offering chef in cabin concept and that’s a very distinct concept that we have. Turkish Airlines is the only airline which offers four star services in all classes. Also it holds the first position in Turkey as it connects to 50 countries in just three hours from Istanbul. Completing a decade of operations in India in December 2013, at this juncture would like to build up the relationship between Turkey and India and would like to carry more Turkish tourists to India for their holiday.’’ Researched by ANUPRIYA BISHNOI
We invite proposals for Partnership Opportunities at 16th Mumbai Film Festival
Invest in India’s leading International film festival Support and nurture art in cinema, network with some of the finest minds in India’s and International film industry Promote your exclusive products in the midst of glamour and stars! This is a film event with a difference Spread over more than a week
With glittering side bar events including glittering opening and closing nights Red carpet walks
Discussion groups on art, craft, creativity and excellence Our awards, chosen by an acclaimed international jury, ensuring that only the best wins. carry the highest prize money and generate interest from across the globe Press meets
Screening of over 200 of the best film films from across the world, all of them Indian Premieres and some of them Asian Premieres!
Mumbai Film Festival is organized by MAMI (Mumbai Academy of Moving Image), which over its 15 years has drawn inspiration from its trustees that have included Late Shri Hrishikesh Mukherjee, Late Shri Yash Chopra, Late Shri Basu Bhattacharya, Late Shri G.P. Sippy, Yash Johar, Gulzar, Manmohan Shetty, Kiran Shantaram, Amol Palekar, Shabana Azmi, Jaya Bachchan, Karan Johar, Anurag Kashyap and Ashutosh Gowarikar. MAMI is run by a Board of Trustees that has the following members: Shyam Benegal (Chairman since 1998) Ramesh Sippy Amit Khanna Kiran Rao Farhan Akhtar Sudhir Mishra Umesh Kulkarni Vikramaditya Motwane Rakesh Omprakash Mehra Navin Berry To know more about us, we request you to log on to: www.mumbaifilmfest.com www.facebook.com/mumbaifilmfest Contact Saurabh on 09210799523. Email: saurabh@crosssectionmedia.com
The cultural capital of New Zealand
WELLINGTON Relax at Oriental Bay, Wellington’s golden-sand inner-city beach and delve into the many museums, art galleries and theatre shows that make up the city’s pulsing cultural scene. If you’re into the outdoors, Wellington has action-packed adventure activities like mountain biking and sea-water kayaking as well as beautiful walks around the harbour and surrounding hills. 20
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isit the visually stunning Makara Peak track, as well as the City to Sea walk where you can experience the best of Wellington’s waterfront. Ride the cable car up the hill to Kelburn for amazing views of the city and enjoy an ice cream at the top. On the waterfront itself you will find Te Papa Tongarewa Museum, New Zealand’s national museum. Te Papa, as it’s colloquially known, means ‘our place’ and is one of the best interactive museums in the world.
The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit Trilogy
A must for any Lord of The Rings fan, Wellington, New Zealand is home to Peter Jackson’s Weta Workshop and the Weta Cave, where you can get a behind-the-scenes look at movie making magic. It’s also a great base for day tours to experience ‘Middle-earth’ scenery.
niche destination Close to Wellington If you want to visit the South Island, Wellington is the city where you can board the inter-island ferry with or without a car. This three hour ferry ride of which three are daily services, is one of the most spectacular in the world. Leaving regularly from Wellington, the ferry takes passengers past the magnificent scenery of the Marlborough Sounds, before berthing in the picturesque town of Picton at the top of the South Island.
Classic New Zealand Wine Trail
A must-stop on the Classic New Zealand Wine Trail – an adventure that takes you through some of New Zealand’s top wineproducing regions – Wellington is a great place to start your wine-tasting journey. Marlborough, Wairarapa and Hawkes’ Bay are all a few hours’ drive or ferry-ride away from Wellington and offer unforgettable winery experiences.
Gastronomic delights
Wellington buzzes with delicatessens, cafes and restaurants – it’s a city that enjoys
gourmet food and fine wine. Known as the culinary capital of New Zealand, Wellington is famous for its tucked-away bars, quirky cafes, award-winning restaurants and great coffee. Wellington has more bars and restaurants per capita than New York. The locals are passionate and proud about their award-winning cuisine & delicious wines. Abuzz with restaurants, cafés and delicatessens, Wellington is a city that takes pride in its gastronomic reputation. Here, you’ll find freshly roasted coffee, acclaimed regional wines, deliciously fresh seafood and cultural cuisine, all with a strong focus on local ingredients.
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ral capital. Walk around Wellington has a reputation as the cultu Wellington Writer’s Walk. the stunning waterfront and follow the Courtenay Place It’s possible to experience the many elements of Wellington’s Food and Wine scene on foot. The theatre and party district of Courtenay Place is packed with restaurants, bars and theatres; classic places to dine out include Capitol (10 Kent Terrace) and The Tasting Room (cnr Courtenay Place and Cambridge Terrace).
Cuba Street
Cuba Quarter, a short stroll from Courtney Place, is a bohemian culinary hotspot. New Zealand’s self-proclaimed ‘coolest street’, must eats include Cuisine Restaurant of the Year winners Logan Brown (192 Cuba Street) and Matterhorn (106 Cuba Street). You’ll also find a range of authentic ethnic cuisine here.
Miramar
Wellington’s movie-making hub, Miramar, is home to a number of delectable eateries. Around 15 minutes by car from the central city, you’ll need to catch a taxi or bus to get there. Experience the 1930s glamour of Coco at The Roxy (5 Park Road) or enjoy the spicy Mexican offerings of La Boca Loca (19 Park Road).
Seafood
If you’re a seafood lover, you’ve come to the right place. Wellington City wraps around a harbour, and you’ll find worldclass quality fish, shellfish and squid at Martin Bosley’s (103 Oriental Parade) or 22
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the Ortega Fish Shack & Bar (16 Majoribanks Street). For something a little more casual (but just as delicious!) try taking some fish & chips to the top of Mount Victoria, and chow down with a panoramic view of the city.
Where to stay in Wellington?
Hotels in New Zealand come in all shapes, sizes and personalities. From budget to luxury, there are hundreds of hotels to choose from around the country. Hotel accommodation provides a range of facilities which will generally include restaurants/cafes, bars, gyms, and services including valet car parking. New Zealand hotels are of a consistently high standard. Make sure you book a Qualmark star rated property if quality, good service and facilities are important to you. In Wellington you’ll find the top international hotel chains, such as Westin, Accor, Hilton, Hyatt, Rydges and InterContinental. Apart from these, wide views of Wellington Harbour are a very good reason to book a suite at the Amora Hotel. Lambton Quay is a great place to stay – politics and parliament at one end, shopping and restaurants at the other.
Must-see attractions at the destination
Wellington is movie director Peter Jackson’s hometown and many movies have been made here. A tour is the best way to discover the secrets of the making of the movies. Walk or take a bus from the
city to the summit of Mount Victoria for a 360-degree panorama of Wellington. Te Papa is the innovative national museum and a world leader in interactive experiences. New Zealand’s history, art and people are showcased in fun and interesting exhibitions. Set on Wellington’s waterfront, Te Papa is the most visited museum in Australasia and entry is free for most exhibitions. Big bang science meets Maori mythology at the Carter Observatory, located in the Botanic Gardens. Open daily from 10am with telescope viewing on Tuesdays and Saturdays. Wellington has a reputation as the cultural capital. See a live show and concert
Wellington’s waterfront
any night of the week. The Museum of Wellington City & Sea presents local history in a dedicated space. Don’t miss the moving Wahine shipwreck exhibition and kids will love ‘A Millennium Ago’, which tells Maori legends. Free entry. Walk around the stunning waterfront and follow the Wellington Writer’s Walk – quotes from New Zealand writers are celebrated in large stone sculptures. It is best enjoyed with a coffee or ice-cream in hand. A restored, historic cable car travels from downtown Wellington up to the Botanic Garden, where there are sweeping views of the city and harbour. Enjoy a tour of Parliament Buildings which provide an insight into New Zealand’s political Cuba Street cafés, Wellington
heritage or visit the Government Buildings across the road. Visit Katherine Mansfield’s Birthplace, childhood home of one of New Zealand’s most famous writers. The house has been intricately restored to match the descriptions in her stories. Old St Paul’s is a magnificent, gothic style cathedral built from New Zealand native timbers. The suburb of Petone is one of New Zealand’s heritage gems. Wander along Jackson Street, filled with funky cafes, unique New Zealand galleries and fashion. Visit Zealandia: The Karori Sanctuary Experience, just 10 minutes from downtown Wellington. The valley is home to some of New Zealand’s rarest wildlife including the kiwi and the tuatara while the exhibition explains the 500-year vision for this conservation attraction. Enjoy animal antics at Wellington Zoo – New Zealand’s oldest zoological park. Harbour cruises operate between the city, Matiu/Somes Island in the middle of Wellington Harbour and Days Bay, where you’ll find seaside cafes and craft shops. Hire a sea kayak and paddle around the picturesque bays of Wellington Harbour. Take a four-wheel drive tour to the south coast and see a colony of New Zealand fur seals. Mountain bike through the re-generating native bush of Makara Peak, a nationally acclaimed mountain bike park… Take a bush walk in Otari-Wilton’s Bush, New Zealand’s only botanic garden dedicated solely to native forest. Northwest of Wellington is the Kapiti Coast, where you can enjoy stunning beaches and a gour-
factfile Known as the ‘capital of cool’, Wellingto n enjoys a stunning setting between Cook Strait (the great divide between the Nort h and South Islands) and the Rimutaka Range. Multihued hills almost completely encir cle broad Wellington Harbour, known for its intense blue clarity and enjoyed from the city’s arty waterfront entertainment strip. Wellington is also the gateway to the endless wild beaches and museum trail of Kapit i Coast and to Kapiti Island nature rese rve. Nearby Wairarapa is one of New Zeala nd’s top wine-producing regions and is at the heart of the Classic New Zealand Wine Trail touring route. Follow the grape signs from Napi er, through Wairarapa on to Wellington and to Marlborough at the tip of the South Island .
met lifestyle. Kapiti Island Nature Reserve sits just off the coastline – it’s one of New Zealand’s leading conservation islands. Tempt your taste buds at Lindale Tourist and Agricultural Centre, where you’ll find local Kapiti cheese and ice cream tasting. Pay a visit to Southward Car Museum for the Southern Hemisphere’s largest collection of antique and unusual cars. Test your culinary skills at the Ruth Pretty Cooking School. Ruth Pretty is one of New Zealand’s best-loved chefs. Running a purpose built cooking school from home, she shares recipes, cooking ideas and entertaining secrets in the rural tranquillity of TeHoro. Inputs by NEW ZEALAND TOURISM
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luxury travel
‘SEA’ YOU IN
MAURITIUS This multi-cultural island of the Indian Ocean, will enchant you and uplift your soul. The island of Mauritius set in a turquoise sea, has a multitude of luxurious resorts for you to choose from. With golf, spas and water sports and more, these resorts offer you warm hospitality and the best services. GoNow brings you an overview of some of the most luxurious resorts of Mauritius.
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luxury travel Long Beach Resort Mauritius
THE VILLAGE ON THE OCEAN Location Situated on the Coastal Road, on the East Coast of the island, The Long Beach Resort is located on the edge of one of the island’s longest, widest and most stunning natural beaches. The extended wide, white-sand coastline of the resort keeps you closer to the beach and serves you a perfect Mauritian experience. The hotel is located in the heart of the city and is just three kilometres from the City Centre. Also, the airport is around 52 kilometres from the resort, so you can opt for a transfer from the airport while making your bookings.
has. With high ceilings, pastel colours and traditional Mauritian building materials, the resort is perfectly set on the East Coast of the island. It also has luxurious gardens and various natural forms as a part of the resort which serves a very relaxing experience to the guests. With such a scenic location, the rooms of the hotels have wonderful views. Where some have the crystal-clear waters of the lagoon, others overlook the coral reef and the Indian Ocean. Everything in the hotel has been designed in such a way that utmost comfort is ensured for the guests during their stay, whether a couple, family or a group.
Architecture
What to Expect
With its contemporary design, the reception welcomes you and gives you a hint of the modern architecture that the resort
With the contemporary urban theme continuing in the rooms, the hotel offers 255 rooms in three crescents. Every room has
a minimum of 109m2 of its own beach space. Apple green, coral red, white and ash grey-white are the soft tones used in the rooms. Ranging from Asian to relaxed beach and Italian cuisine, the hotel has seven different offerings, with a combination of indoor as well as outdoor seating. Enjoy live cooking sessions at Le Marche, fusion cuisine at Sapori, Japanese delicacies at Hasu, a casual dining experience at Chopsticks, flavours of the regional ingredients at Tides and outdoor dining experience at Shores. The Sea Spa is one of the main attractions of the resort. With a vast menu of services; it can treat you with the perfect massage that you are looking for. While at the resort, you can also access the pools, try out some water sports at the beach, golf, gym and more. The resort has special facilities available for different age groups, like kids, teens, children and adults. factfile Address: Coastal road, Belle mare, Mauritius Website: www.longbeachmauritius.com
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InterContinental Mauritius Resort Balaclava Fort
LUXURY ON THE WHITE SANDS Location
Architecture
Overlooking the bay of Balaclava, the hotel is located at a very pristine site which is far from the hustle bustle of the city and brings you closer to the true spirit of Mauritius. The hotel is situated in the north of the capital of Mauritius, Port Louis. The hotel is near to the main tourist attractions and hubs of Mauritius and is a 15 minutes drive away from the region of Grand Baie. The Plaisance International airport is also not very far from the hotel. It will take you a 50 minutes scenic drive to reach the hotel.
Bamboo plays a major role in the architecture of the hotel, and the combination of soothing shades with bright colours and well-appointed setting brings in the mood of fun and relaxation that Mauritius is known for. The hotel features a total of 140 Deluxe Ocean rooms which are designed in a way that all of them delight guests with an uninterrupted ocean view. In addition, the hotel has 20 Deluxe Terrace rooms which have whirlpool and private roof terraces, elegantly laid out for
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the utmost comfort of the guests. The hotel also features 40 Family Rooms and 10 Presidential Suites which offer the guests their own private hot tubs, terraces and balconies.
What to Expect The rooms at the hotel are very well appointed with modern facilities for the comfort of the guests. Also, all the rooms are non-smoking rooms at the fort. Each of the restaurants at the hotel have an individual identity and serve different cuisines. The finest tastes, colours and flavours from Africa, India, Western Europe and the Far East are found in the sumptuous cuisine on offer. The hotel has two restaurants on the beach, No-
luxury travel Anahita The Resort
A NEW LIFESTYLE RESORT Location Anahita The Resort is located at one of the most beautiful natural sites of Mauritius. With the Indian Ocean and the crystalline waters of the lagoon at its feet, the resort combines luxury, peace and enchantment. Its unique location is further enhanced by neighbouring places that may interest travellers, like, L’Ile aux Cerfs, offering both exclusive and public facilities such as golf, water sports activities and clear sandy beaches. Anahita is approximately a 30 kilometres drive away from Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport (MRU).
Architecture The property stretches out in a grand way over 213 hectares of tropical gardens. Experience the authentic Mauritian charm with its unique accommodation, refined cuisine, dedicated service in a breathtaking natural environment. The resort has different categories of rooms and suites with some offering the garden view, others golf views and the rest sea views. The resort has 70 lavishly furnished suites starting from 160 m2, and it has 28 luxury villas which start from the area of 331 m2. The
villas begin from three bedroom villas and go up to five bedrooms. The villas are situated on the golf course and offer garden, golf and sea view.
What to expect The suites and the villas are well appointed with comfortable and luxurious amenities and offer a number of services too. Whether you are on the beach, or in your suite or villa, you can enjoy the delectable offerings anywhere in the resort. Overlooking the ocean, Origine offers cuisine inspired by the local flavours of Mauritius. On the other hand, Bliss serves a selection of Mediterranean salads, sandwiches and pizzas. Sugar and Savour and Vu Bar are two more options serving a selection of drinks and snacks to the guests. The teens can have good time at the Escape Club and the kids can spend some fun moments at the OurSpace. Anahita The Resort also has Ernie Els Championship Golf Course for you to try your hand at the leisure sport. factfile Address: Deep River, Beau Champ GRSE, Mauritius. Website: www.anahita.mu
ble House and Segala. The former offers Asian fusion cuisine whereas the latter has a beautiful Mediterranean spread on the menu. Senso and Veda are the two restaurants which are located in and around the garden. Talipot Lounge and Palms are the bar and restaurant, respectively which are at the pool area. Spend a relaxing time at one of these selected gastronomic outlets. You can also spend time at the shopping arcade and trying out the water sports and other activities at the hotel. Experience the aroma therapies and other therapeutic sessions at the Angsana Spa at the hotel. factfile Address: Balaclava Fort, Coastal Road, Balaclava, Mauritius. Website: www.ihg.com
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luxury travel Paradis Hotel & Golf Club – Beachcomber Resort
A GOLFER’S DELIGHT Location Spread out along the finest beaches of Le Morne peninsula, on the South West coast of Mauritius, Paradis Hotel & Golf Club offers a marvellous experience to its guests. The resort has its own 18-hole Par 72 international golf course located within the hotel grounds. It is located adjacent to its sister hotel, Dinarobin Hotel Golf & Spa which is another property of Beachcomber Hotels. Together these two hotels add to the options available for the guests. The resort is set against the backdrop of the iconic Le Morne Mountain and edges onto one of the most scenic shorelines on the island.
T he hotel i s s pr e ad out in a ver y thoughtful manner with separate spaces for ever ything and still spacious and comfortable with some room for the guests to unwind. The rooms and suites of the hotel are bright and breezy and overlook a range of majestic mountains and the magnificent sea. It boasts of a total of 286 rooms with terraces or balconies with the starting category i.e. the deluxe room spread out in an area of 50 m2. In the rooms’ category, the largest of all is the Luxury Family Suite which is spread in sprawling area of 223 m2. The Presidential Villa is the most opulent of them all and is covered in an area of 450 m2.
Architecture
What to Expect
With a huge golf course and a connecting sister hotel, the architecture of this part of the island is enormous and attractive.
All the rooms of the hotel are oriented towards the sea and accommodate with luxurious facilities. The culinary
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offerings of the hotel are also vast and the guests staying can also access the facilities offered by the sister hotel. This is an add-on advantage for the guests as they get a myriad of options. Le Brabant is the largest restaurant of Paradis with a capacity for 350 guests. It overlooks the beach and the swimming pool and serves delectable international cuisine. La Palma, Blue Marlin and La Ravanne are the other restaurants in the hotel which are located in the heart of the resort, beachfront and close to the villa, respectively. In addition to the restaurants, you can also sip down your favourite drink at the bars of the resort, Le Paradis Bar and Golf Club bar. For the entertainment of the guests, the hotel has the provision of various water sports, land sports, and other services along with dances and shows. The Spa by Clarins is that place of the resort where you can relax and go in for your favourite massage. factfile Address: Le Morne peninsula, Mauritius, Indian Ocean. Website: www.paradis-hotel.com
luxury travel
Maritim Hotel Mauritius
A PIECE OF HEAVEN Location The hotel is ideally located on the sheltered northwest part of the island, between the capital Port Louis and the lively village of Grand Bay. The hotel is located along the 800m natural sandy beach, bordered by the magnificent Turtle Bay, the first protected marine park of the island. This site includes exclusive points of interest such as the ‘Citron River’ and its waterfalls, and the ‘Historical Ruins of Balaclava’ recognised as a national monument. It is located just seven kilometres from the lush green Pamplemousses Garden of Mauritius. It is also 60 kilometres away from the airport.
Architecture This luxurious hotel covers an historical land of 25 hectares of tropical gardens with many endemic species, a waterfall, ruins and vestiges of the 18th century. It is a haven of peace where service and comfort are synonymous with quality. The services of the hotel and its internationally recognised architecture are a perfect blend of tropical and colonial style. The elegant
and authentic setting of the hotel is ideal for a relaxed holiday e x p er i ence. The architecture of the hotel also includes 215 rooms, suites and villas which are carefully designed and all of them are sea facing.
What to Expect The 215 rooms of the hotel include 15 suites, two Presidential Suites and a Villa with a private pool. So indulge in luxury with exclusive views of the Indian Ocean from your rooms. The culinary offer at the hotel is also quite vast as it includes five restaurants and three bars. These include the main restaurant, Belle Vue, which overlooks the pool and the Indian Ocean and serves international buffet with a few live cooking stations too. The beach and bar restaurant, La Maree, offers a selection
of seafood and grills. Le Banyan Asian Fusion Restaurant, Château Mon Désir, Les Filaos Beer Garden Pub and the Quarter Deck Bar are a few more options for the guests to have a lovely time. Apart from going for a round of golf at the scenic golf course of the hotel, you can also relax at The Maritim Tropical Flower Spa. factfile Address: Maritim Hotel Mauritius, Balaclava/ Turtle Bay, Terre Rouge, Mauritius Website: www.maritim.com
Researched by NIKITA CHOPRA
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explore the wild
DOMAIN OF THE BIG FIVE In the vast Bush territory of KwaZulu Natal in South Africa, KISHORE AND SMITA IYENGAR get up close to magnificent Big Five encounters and the highend game reserve lifestyle. by KISHORE AND SMITA IYENGAR
The Land of Rainbow Colors The four hour swift drive from Durban city on the azure blue Indian Ocean through sweeping green sugarcane fields, high along the scenic Dolphins Coast onto the vast hinterland of KwaZulu Natal offers diverse landscapes in a multitude of colors. The myriad tones of this colorful country were still to unfold their magic as we pulled into the electric fence-ringed territory of the mighty Big Five wild beasts who command absolute awe in their uninhibited existence and environment.
PHOTO: BY KISHORE AND SMITA IYENGAR
Wilderness Wonders Natural beauty is often times harsh and windswept environs can be intimidating yet enigmatic as we discovered at The Thanda Private Game Reserve, the world’s most awarded haven of luxurious biodiversity in all its wild bush glory. In the rugged midst of harsh ravines and gorges that etch their punctuation through the hilly terrain, world class five star luxury has an enviable address. The eco-friendly liberally designed luxurious tented suites complete with outer decks, no electricity, solar powered lighting elements, natural décor and appointments, no phone lines yet a walkie talkie for contact makes it exciting as a romantic escapade. With the finest of guest comforts, the tented lifestyle is like none other. Their Thanda Luxury Lodge villas complete with air-con30
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The king relaxing at The Thanda Private Game Reserve, Kwazulu Natal
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All Action, No Replay We chanced upon two elusive Cheetahs slinking into bushes in wait for their prey, a family of shifty and uneasy Thomson’s Gazelles not far into the bush. With our closeness just five feet from them, they seemed oblivious and dismissive. In a flash they vanished into the thickets, chasing the deer, a swift climax ended the hunt. Our cameras were slower in catching the kill. Dusk was quickly settling. We drove out to a watering pond reflecting a pale moon overhead. The rear hatch of our Landrover opened out as a portable bar, we quaffed some excellent, chilled Pecan Ridge 2009 Sauvignon Blanc white South African wine and Amarula Liqueur on the rocks with roasted hazelnuts and canapes. We
PHOTO: BY KISHORE AND SMITA IYENGAR
ditioning, tribal drapes, chic geometric design, eco-accented furniture and cool thatched roofing allow romance of another kind. As our safari Land Rover negotiated burnt and charred grassy hectares of gruff bush bracken, contrasting lush green patches strewn within the shrub land that sketched a canvas of burnt sienna, dark umber, brown, crimson-black with viridian and leaf green. What a sight to behold! Then we saw them, barely ten feet from our Landrover. A herd of full grown elephants walking towards us in slow langour. The sight evoked sudden gasps from our mouths as their advance forced us to backtrack a few yards till they deviated into the bushes, keeping a sharp eye on our movements. A baby elephant calf rushed out of one of the bushes as one of the males rushed up to cover it protectively, giving us a loud and thundering snort, trunk raised in the air. Bad mood elephants, not easy to negotiate, said our expert guide Theo. We quickly drove off to another location….
Safari guide explaining wildlife aspects to visitors at The Thanda Private Game Reserve, Kwazulu Natal
lent South African wines. A refreshing five course dinner enthralled us with some game meat and nouvelle flavors over candlelight and bush sounds. Our escort, leading us to our luxury tent later after dinner, warned us to be careful of cheetahs slinking on overhead branches. His powerful flashlight beam caught the twinkling eyes of a large male elephant inches away from the electrified fence, following our movement into the darkness.
Drama in Real Life Five thirty in the morning we were riding the Landrover into the open vastness of the Bush, It was still dark. The fidgety movements of a pack of young zebras stopped us near a watering hole. Expecting the electrifying pounce of the leopard from any corner, these striped beauties fox trotted in circles, then vanished into the gruff vegetation suddenly. It seemed like routine, everyday drama in real wild life that we encountered sev-
Wild Wows
Our guide’s wireless alert had us drive into hilly tracks to a ravine where five cats played with gleeful abandon. The family of two lions and two lionesses was a sight to behold, the watering hole in between separating them from a stocky and muscular herd of Wildebeest grunting ceaselessly. The lions seemed uncaring, the lionesses playing and prodding each other. Two of them, brother and sister roughed it up in the thicket, hurling branches, raising dust, grabbing tails and thrashing paws in the air! But our foray into the wild had its other rewards as we sighted a huge conclave of giraffes. Two of them thrashed their necks in competition and territorial assertion, others watched, picking leaves from trees. One evening, we were stunned to be stopped by the sudden frightening dash of a rare black rhino in front of our Landrover, the closest ever we got to wild encounters! That evening was also eventful as we
into hilly tracks to a ravine ve dri us d ha rt ale s es rel wi ’s ide gu r Ou The family of two lions n. do an ab l efu gle th wi d ye pla ts ca e where fiv ld. and two lionesses was a sight to beho cheered the family loyalty of the elephants as we heard their loud trumpet miles away. As bonfires lit up the courtyard outside the Thanda fine dining venue, amber and mauve glows mingled with flying, crackling sparks, we made cheery conversation with others over more excel-
eral times on this unforgettable safari. By dawn, the mystical colors of deep indigo edging into pink flaming morning orange created a gilded grandeur on the overgrowth. By noon time, the earthy tones of bright, sprouting tender leaves glisten with the blazing sun.
nudged close to full grown water buffaloes, eyes bloodshot red, snorting hostility and shifting menacingly to stop us proceeding any further. We halted, engines off, the silence was ominous as we beat a quiet and noiseless retreat with one of the buffaloes about to charge. Wow! Unpredictability sure does shock. We cruised June 2014 GO NOW
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Thanda high in-bush wild game vantage lookout verandah
gearing up for action in the dark. But the bonfires lighting up our Bush Grills dinner in a large clearing hardly reflected that routinely essential carnivorous agenda of the beasts. With chilled welcome Amarula shots, we were ushered into the Boma (wood enclosed open dining area) where spit roasts and delicious grilled delicacies let off inviting aromas. Over fine Western Cape vintage wines and spirited Zulu dancers and belles swinging in the unstoppable tribal rhythms and singing, the night seemed long and relaxing. But action was on the anvil and a closer encounter later that night had us gasping for breath! On our return through the dense, burnt bush overgrowth, with twisty turns and bends our ascent slowed down. Suddenly from out of the thicket three large male elephants charged onto our path, their wide ears flapping furiously, their trunks raised and their wild trumpeting rending the quiet surrounds with stereophonic alacrity. Out driver Theo braved up a familiar encounter he’d had earlier in his job. Constantly raising and revving up the Landrover engine to peak, flashing searchlight and vehicle lights straight on the animals’ faces, he jump started and jerked ahead, shocking and bulldozing the beasts out of the way. Scared and frightened, the elephants thundered off in reverse and vanished into the darkness….. silence prevailed. All was quiet. Relaxing on the comfortable bolsters of the observation desk at The Thanda Luxury Lodge overlooking a pond where Zebras and Inyalas quenched their thirst peacefully, we reminisced about the closest shave we had in the wild the previous night. What had irked the pachyderms was not known, but it was a ride we would never forget ever! As we sipped a fruity
of the observation desk Relaxing on the comfortable bolsters g a pond where Zebras and at The Thanda Luxury Lodge overlookin, we reminisced about the lly Inyalas quenched their thirst peacefu vious night. closest shave we had in the wild the pre along the tracks, our sights scanning the bushes for more animal movement. Late evenings afford a stunning display of mauves and amber tinged with streaks of cerulean above buff naked trees, branch formations and tall branches with Giraffes stoically nibbling dinner over the leaves. Storks in a neat convex arc flew above 32
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us, framed magically against a mellow rising moon. Somewhere the deep growl of a lion announced the action to follow over the long, settling darkness. This was their home, their domain, we were trespassing as humans….
The Bush Beckons Night falls in totality with the animals
2010 Vergelegen Estate Chenin Blanc, we watched eagles soaring at a low altitude above the bushes. A rustle in the bushes prompted a flurry of bird activity, a jackal flitted out and ran for cover as slowly but certainly, the mane of a lion appeared, eyes blinking, watchful. The drama of the Big Five would continue forever. We raised a toast to the magnificence of South Africa’s wild heritage.
"This is Thailand ...
Amazing Family Holiday Destination" Abhinav Chaturvedi & Family
Tourism Authority of Thailand New Delhi Office: B - 9/1A, (GF) Vasant Vihar, New Delhi 110057 Tel: 91-11-46741111, 41663567-9 | Fax: 91-11-41663570 Email: tatdel@tat.or.th | Facebook.com/tat.newdelhi Tourism Authority of Thailand Mumbai Office: 45 Free Press House, 4th Floor, 215 Free Press Journal Marg, Nariman Point, Mumbai 400021 | Tel: 91-22-22042727-8 | Fax: 91-22-22042729 Email: tatmumbai@tat.or.th | Facebook.com/tat.mumbai
Facebook.com/Tourismauthorityofthailandindia Twitter.com/ThaiAmazesYou
destination
F
ood
Turkey is a food paradise with a plethora of options for both Vegetarians and Non-Vegetarians. Turkey is one of the world’s best culinary destinations and it has restaurants to suit every palette from traditional Turkish cuisine to modern global food. The most popular forms of meat used when cooking food in Turkey are chicken and lamb, however there is a wide variety of options for vegetarians including extremely popular delectable dishes such as Mercimek Kofte (meatballs made from lentils), Menemen/ Dolma (stuffed vegetables). Food in Turkey is traditionally accompanied by rice, salad and most certainly bread which is eaten with breakfast, lunch and dinner followed by delicious sweets such as Baklava, Kadayif, Burma and Sobiyet. Turkish cuisine is a bridge between farEastern and Mediterranean cuisines, with the accent always on enhancing the natural taste and flavour of the ingredients. A lot of traditional Turkish food is based on the old ancient Ottoman cuisine and is inspired by Arab, Armenian, Greek and Turkish cuisines combined. Popular vegetable used in traditional Turkish cooking includes beans, eggplant, peppers, leak, spinach, carrot, onion, garlic and potatoes. Turkish cuisine
is in a sense a bridge between far-Eastern and Mediterranean cuisines, with the accent always on enhancing the natural taste and flavour of the ingredients.
Shopping
Shopping in Turkey is quite an exquisite experience with all high quality, local and international brands, some of Europe’s best shopping malls and highly competitive prices. With multiple open air traditional bazaars to streets lined with chic boutiques, it is very easy to indulge oneself in the fashion scene in this popular global destination. One of the best destinations worldwide for souvenir picking, you will be spoilt for choice as you make your way through bazaars spilling over with antiques, lanterns, carpets, tea cups, chess sets, silks, clothes, shoes, evil-eye bracelets and many, many more. Turkey has something to offer to everyone, from the elite fashion hub of Akmerkez in Etiler, a neighbourhood of the Besiktas district to the old district of Galata, which is lined with lively cafes and funky design and fashion shops.
Diversified and Rich Cultural Heritage
Turkey has a rather rich, divine and diverse
TURKEY says Merhaba
to Indian Travellers Ozgur Ayturk, Culture and Tourism Counselor for the Turkish Embassy in India
The Indian market is vigorously booming with a number of travel enthusiasts taking more than one or two leisure trips a year. Turkey is a good option for them as it is just a few hours away and enjoys a strategic location between Asia and Europe. 34
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Turkey is seen as destination of choice for the increasing discerning Indian travellers. Indians must experience Turkey›s contemporary and sophisticated side as well as the many traditional and cultural aspects of the destination.
cultural and religious heritage having both Asian and European elements as well as modern and traditional outlooks. Turkish Culture is unique in that it has been influenced by many cultures and civilizations. Its cultural richness is clearly reflected throughout the country. Turkey is considered to be one of the richest countries in terms of archaeology and is the biggest “open air museum” of the world, a repository of all the civilisations. It has always been a bridge between the East and West and has been noted by scholars far being the “melting pot” of various cultures. For centuries, Turkey has also been a crossroads of religions. Many religious devotees can find a site, a shrine, a monument, a tomb or a ruin connected with their faith or belief.
Unique Natural Beauty
Turkey has natural beauty galore ranging from the cotton castles in Pamukkale to the fairy chimneys in Cappadocia. Turkey is blessed with majestic mountains and valleys, lakes, rivers, waterfalls and grottoes perfect for winter or summer tourism and sports of all kinds. Skiing fans, mountain climbers, trekkers, hikers and hunters are able to enjoy unforgettable experiences in Turkey. It has some of the best climates around the year along with unique natural surroundings. Some of the must visit destinations for culture, heritage, architecture and natural beauty are: Ephesus: the most famous Greek city of ancient times with a heritage dating back to six thousand BC. The ancient city of Ephesus, located close to Seljuk, a district of Izmir was established near the Küçük Menderes River during the Neolithic period. Pamukkale (Hierapolis): Shaped by the hand of nature and extant since ancient times, Pamukkale is an outstanding legacy. Located in the province of Denizli this natural wonder comprises of terraces and travertine formed by hot springs and streams depositing carbonate minerals. Cappadocia: This awesome geography where history and nature intertwine has been host to many civilisations throughout the centuries. The unique landscape of the region took shape as a result of the erosion of the volcanic layers which spread through the area with the eruption of Erciyes, Hasandag and Güllüdag mountains about 60 million years ago. Bodrum: ‘The land of eternal blue’, a stunning town both for its spectacular nature and variety of ruins with a history
Antalya Plajlar Tansu Gürpinar
estimated to go back to the year 1000 BC. It is one of the magnificent bays of Mugla and among the most beautiful areas of the Aegean region. It offers different aspects of beauty to its visitors in every season. Antalya (Aspendos): This ancient city, 48 km east of Antalya, is most famous for its amphitheatre, probably the best-preserved in the Anatolia region. It is still in use today, and stages the annual Aspendos Opera and Ballet Festival every summer.
Easy Access
The excellent location of Istanbul at the
crossroads of Europe and Asia making it the most important hub on the way to Europe for all Indians and the easily available e-visa option for European or US travellers. Istanbul hosts a growing number of travellers and the tourism market in Istanbul is vigorously booming. Its location at the crossroads of Europe and Asia makes it a city of great importance and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. Each type of traveller has multiple opportunities to create memories and experiences to be a part of, from culture and heritage, religion, luxury, backpacking, food trails,
weddings and honeymoons, and so on, Istanbul has something for everyone. Hence, it is also known as the Queen of Cities. To further promote its tourism initiative, the Turkish Government has launched the e-Visa which replaces ‘sticker’ or ‘stamptype’ visas and enables tourists from 94 countries, including India, to obtain a visa in just a few minutes. Applicants just need to log on to www.evisa.gov.tr, provide the requested information, make online payment and download their e-Visa. As told to NIKITA CHOPRA Photo courtesy TURKEY TOURISM
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destination
K
oh Chang
L ocated on t he E a ster n Coa s t of T ha ila nd, Koh Chang is also known as the Elephant Island. Covering a total area of 429 square kilometres, the island has serene beaches on its eastern as well as the western side. The island is also in the area of Koh Chang Marine National Park. About 70% of the island is covered by unspoilt rainforests. For sunbathing or to enjoy a game of Beach Volleyball, you can head to the White Sand Beach. The southern end of the beach tends to be on the rocky side and one should avoid visiting it, whereas the middle and the north end are the most recommended ones. Next you can visit the Klong Prao Beach which is next to the White Sand and is split roughly into three sections by Klong Plu Waterfall’s river estuary. It is the largest beach of the island and is ideal for various activities, including canoeing and kayaking. The Lonely Beach of the island is surrounded by a rocky landscape and offers a stunning view of the jungle-clad mountains in the background. Here also you can enjoy all sorts of beach activi-
ties. Another popular beach of the island is Kai Bae Beach which is a good combination of convenience, peacefulness and freedom. Waterfalls, fishing villages, water sports, diving and snorkelling are the popular attractions. It is a relaxing place to visit. HOW TO REACH THERE: By car from Pattaya, it will be a few hours’ drive. The flight time from Bangkok is about 45 minutes, then a ferry journey of 30 minutes to the island.
Koh Phangan
Located in the gulf of Thailand, a short boat ride from Ko Samui, Ko Pha Ngan is blessed with some of Thailand’s most spectacular beaches, a mountainous interior, lines of coconut trees and gorgeous aquamarine waters. It has miles of pristine rainforest, more than half of the land is designated as a National Park. It is considered as a spiritual place with numerous Buddhists temples helping to exemplify the island’s thriving spa retreats and meditation industry. It is also home to the famous Full Moon Party, a monthly dance music festival held on Haad Rin Nok Beach. Diving and snorkelling are
recommended on this island. There are also a wide range of accommodations suited for all budgets. Located at the remote northern end of the island, Bottle Beach has powdery white sands and clear water. It is difficult to reach here and the best time to visit is around February and March. On the northern side of the island is Thong Nai Pan beach which is divided into two parts, big and little. The sound of the lapping waves, the creaking of the hammocks and gentle music is the blissful experience at the beach. Ban Tai is another well located beach of the island which is perfect for parties and serves a different experience to its visitors. Other must-visit beaches of this island include Than Sadet, Mae Haad, Haad rin, Chaloklam and more. HOW TO REACH THERE: From Bangkok airport, take a flight to Ko Samui, and then hop on a boat for about 30 minutes. There are also government buses from Bangkok to the Na Thon (town in Ko Samui) ferry piers. Tickets can be purchased at Sai Tai Taling Chan (southern) government bus terminal in Bangkok. There are lot of ferries from Ko Samui, Surat Thani too.
The tucked away islands of
THAILAND With sparkling beaches, rocky landscapes, jungles and Buddhist temples, these islands are perfect for a secluded holiday.
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destination Koh Samet
Koh Samet, meaning a Crystal Magic Island, is located off the East Coast of Thailand in Rayong Province. It is situated 200 kms from Bangkok and a few hours’ drive from Pattaya. The longest and the most popular beach of the island is Hat Sai Kaew, which is also known as the Diamond Beach. It is the perfect option for a destination wedding and has snow-white sand and green-blue water. Along with sunbathing you can try jet-skiing, wind surfing, snorkelling and other sports on this beach. Ao Vong Duan is another 500 metres long beach which is shaped like the crescent moon and offers the best sunrise views on the island. This is the beach where you can relax and have a peaceful time. The west coast of the island has only one beach, Ao Prao, which has finite tourists and is preferred by those who only have relaxation on their mind when coming to Thailand. Other popular beaches of the island include, Ao Phutsa, Ao Prakarang, Ao Luk, Ao Tawan and more. Koh Samet is a popular getaway and has 14 fine White Sand Beaches. Snorkelling and diving here is highly recommended.
HOW TO REACH THERE: Take a bus or car
from Bangkok or Pattaya to Ban Phe Pier and take a speed boat to the island. In approximately 10 minutes you can reach the island. Tickets can be purchased at Sai Tai Taling Chan (southern) government bus terminal in Bangkok. There are lot of ferries from Ko Samui, Surat Thani too.
Khao Lak
It has lovely beaches along the Andaman Sea coastline set against a backdrop of jungle-covered mountains. It is located in Phang Nga province in Southern Thailand. 100 kms north of Phuket. It is very popular with honeymoon couples and for weddings. You can easily find your spot of paradise around the beaches on this island. Bang Niang Beach is the second most popular beach of the island but still not very crowded. Thai restaurants and massage huts are available around the beach. With only a few resorts around the
pine trees and palm groves, Khuk Khak Beach is another pristine place to visit at the island. Nang Thong beach is the most popular amongst the tourists in Khao Lak but still has place for all and doesn’t make you feel in a crowded spot. Beside the white sand beach and crystal clear water, Khao Lak Lum Ru National Park is a great option for the jungle lover. Lampi waterfalls are a close drive from the beach. Similan and Surin islands are one of the world’s most beautiful coral reefs and can be visited for a one day trip from Khao Lak. It promises you secluded coastal resorts, a familyfriendly night time environment, scenic beauty and plenty of fauna. HOW TO REACH THERE: By car, it is about 45 minutes from Phuket International Airport and 90 minutes from Krabi. From Bangkok, Khao Lak by road is approximately a 10 hour drive. Researched by NIKITA CHOPRA
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metro travel
For Cigar Aficionados Recently India’s taste for top-notch cigars has given a boom to cigar lounges in the country. These dimly lit dens set a perfect mood for business as well as leisure travellers. GoNow traced some of the chic cigar lounges in the country that offer the best in this business.
Cigar Lounge THE OBEROI, GURGAON A
T
he Oberoi Gurgaon is a luxury hotel and all about luxury and lifestyle. “While we certainly don’t encourage people to take up smoking, we want our
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smoking guests to smoke in a pleasant, welcoming environment,” says Rathijit Dutta – Food and Beverage Service Manager – The Oberoi, Gurgaon. “We also want to offer the choice of the best cigars and pair them with the finest malts. It is all about facilitating and enabling a luxury lifestyle. Also offering a place for connoisseurs to come together and enjoy cigars. We also
have a lot of regular and repeat guests. We have seen an increase in footfalls over the last three years. While evenings are busier, we have also seen an increase during the day and early afternoon. In fact we have instances, when some business meetings have also taken place in the lounge. Evenings are more about social gatherings. Since this adjoins The Piano Bar, we see people from the Bar walk in and smoke or try a cigar when they visit the Bar. So increase in our footfalls has been up to 35-40% since April. A number of guests who appreciate fine cigars have also taken them as gifts and take away for use at their house parties, barbeque evenings. Mainly corporates or CXOs based in Gurgaon. We do have women visiting the lounge but not as frequently as men. Most accompany their male colleagues and friends for a drink in the cigar lounge. We also stock special-thin cigars for ladies should they wish to smoke”, he adds. Gurgaon is now the centre of most activities for Delhi, National Capital Region. People residing in and visiting Gurgaon are well travelled and appreciate fine things. Dining out and visiting hotels has become more experiential and our guests too want to experiment with new things. This makes Gurgaon the perfect destination for a cigar lounge. Dutta also shares some of the most famous picks in the cigar lounge. “Some of the most popular cigars here are Cohiba, Montecristo, Romeo y Julieta, H. Upmann, Bolivar”, he adds. Some of the other options at the lounge include Cohiba Robustos, Cohiba Siglo V, Montecristo Grand Edmundo LTD EDI’2010, Montecristo No 2, Partagas Serie D Especial LTD EDI’2010, Romeo Y Julieta Churchills (T). “Guests can bring their own cigars or select from the in-house collection of 22 varieties of Cuban cigars. The most expensive tipple, the Glenmorangie Hennessy pairs beautifully with the cigars”, says Dutta.
The Cheroot MALT & CIGAR LOUNGE,C ITC GRAND CHOLAA
I
magine a place of rich colours and subdued tones. You inhale the warm, coarse aroma of high quality cigars and relax with the comforting feel of a wellmade drink in your hand. And in an instant, you know you are exactly where you want to be. This feeling is synonymous with The Cheroot – Malt & Cigar Lounge. “The Cheroot – Malt & Cigar Lounge at ITC Grand Chola has become the sanctuary of many discerning connoisseurs in the city of Chennai. Its interiors are tasteful, with plush seating in warm, inviting tones, and the atmosphere relaxed and calm. Inspired by the finesse of the Madras Presidency, The Cheroot celebrates the refined art of rolling Shuruttu or cigars, which Madras was once famous for”, says the spokesperson. With a wide selection of malts and cognacs that perfectly complement the finest of cigars, it is the ideal setting for quiet sittings and engaging conversations. The Cheroot is also home to an Absinthe Wall that pays tribute to the Green Fairy. The Cheroot – Malt & Cigar Lounge houses an expansive library of rare whiskies and malts which include Glenfiddich Rare Collection 40 YO (World’s best Speyside Single Malt 2012), Ladyburn 1973, Royal Salute 38 YO and Girvan Single Grain 1965 - 45YO to name a few. There is also a display of whiskies from around the
world, including Japan, the United States, Canada, Ireland and Scotland. “The experience can be customised with a pick from the Glass Museum which showcases the different types of glasses that various types of malts, scotches, whiskies, cognacs, and brandies are traditionally served in. These glasses complement the hues and aromas of the finest of malts, making sure that you enjoy every part of the experience. Also The Cheroot – Malt & Cigar Lounge at ITC Grand Chola is the only bar with a cigar lounge in ITC Hotels”, adds the spokesperson. Some of the offerings at The Cheroot are Petit Corona (5˝, 42 ring gauge), Corona (5.8˝, 46 ring gauge), Robusto (4.8˝, 50 ring gauge), Torpedo (6.8˝, 52 ring gauge) and Churchill (7˝, 47 ring gauge). They are priced at `550, 750, 800, 1050 and 1100 respectively. June 2014 GO NOW
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Calabash- The Cigar Lounge- The Khyber Himalayan Resort & Spa, Gulmarg 40
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Cigar Diwan FAIRMONT JAIPUR A
F
or an indulgent experience, Fairmont Jaipur’s Cigar Diwan is a classic smoking room with a rich, masculine feel. Cigars are meant to be an accompaniment to the finer things in life, meant to be enjoyed leisurely, allowing the palate to savour every smoke. So, the space is artistically done up with sublime artwork and mirror décor. A built-in humidor and sleek, optic fiber lighting add further touches of panache to the Cigar Diwan. With a mix of high and lounge seating the Cigar Diwan is the perfect after dinner space. Drink
Calabash
THE KHYBER HIMALAYAN A RESORT AND SPA, GULMARG A
A
t Calabash, the cigar and sheesha lounge, guests can light up a Partagas, a Montecristo or any other coveted brand carefully selected for the humidor. There is also an assortment of flavoured tobaccos in the sheesha. Calabash is decorated with fine carpets, a screened fireplace and floor-length windows that look out onto forests of fir and the Himalayas where the seating is designed to encourage lounging for hours. The location of the hotel is exotic enough to support the overall feel of Calabash. Rachna Mehra, Director, Sales and Mar-
service is provided upon request. In this calm, composed space, guests can enjoy a private moment of repose, cigar in hand, or engage in relaxing conversation with other guests. Fairmont Jaipur offers bespoke services such as customised cigars, cigar boxes, cutters and lighters. Sridhar Thota, Director of Food and Beverage, Fairmont Jaipur says, “Cigar Diwan at Fairmont Jaipur offers a total of 20 varieties of cigar from top eight brands. Our repertoire of Cigars comes from popular brands of Cohiba, Romeo Y Julieta, Fonseca, Partagas, Montecristo, and others. Mostly, those who love to have single malts, cognacs and after dinner drinks are the ones who prefer to have cigars. Cigars
are authentic and timeless and there is a variety available to suit every mood and choice. And it’s no surprise that some of the century’s most influential and popular figures have involved themselves in this time-honoured pastime. Also, most of Fairmont’s overseas group hotels have the special cigar lounges welcoming the cigar aficionados or have verities available within a bar of the hotel with trained staff.” Also, Thota believes that the trend that the city is witnessing, is that cigar lounges are becoming more of networking places for those of the well-travelled and cosmopolitan bent to discuss the business at leisure or enjoy the evenings with likeminded people in a relaxed mood.
keting, The Khyber Himalayan Resort and Spa, says ‘’Calabash offers some of the rarest cigars in the country. Also the clientele at Calabash varies from a first timer to a seasoned cigar smoker. Non-smokers experiment with small Cigarillos such as Cuban and American. Our clientele comprises of leisure and holiday travellers. Many of them are connoisseurs and there are those who like to experiment and try new things when on a holiday. Ashton ESG 20 Yr. Salute Churchill is the most popular cigar brand even though it is quite expensive. The Ashton ESG 20 cigars are known for their awesomeness, beauty, consistency, full flavour smoothness, and rarity. This cigar has a 50 gauge ring with 6.75˝ of length.” Some of the offerings at Calabash
include – Cuban selections – Cohibas- La Linea Classica – Esplendidos, H.UpmannCoronas Junior A/T, H.Upmann Magnum 46, Hoyo De Monterrey-Epicure Especial & Hoyo De Monterrey-Petit Robustos, Romeo Y Julieta-Churchills, Romeo Y Julieta-Short Churchills, Romeo Y Julieta- Cedros de luxe no. 3, Montecristo- Montecristo No. 4, Partagas-Coronas Shorts, Bolivar-Coronas Gigantes, Bolivar- Petit Coronas, Nicaraguan Selections- Acid-Kuba Kuba, Nicaraguan Selections- Angel (Robusto), Honduran Selections-la Palina-El Dario Churchill, Honduran selections-Alec Bradley-Maxx The Fix, Dominican Selection-Don DiegoCorona Majors (Tubos) Cigars and Dominican Selection- Ashton-Ashton Estate Sun Grown 20 Yr. Salute Churchill. by ANUPRIYA BISHNOI
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destination guide
Thrills and Bliss in Uttarakhand
Chopta-Tungnath-Chandrashila Trek Text & photographs by SUPRIYA SEHGAL
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wo Russians, a big scruffy hill dog, a mauni baba and I collapse on a rock each, and stay there, dumbfounded for the next ten minutes. Our small coterie is privy to three hundred degrees of sheer magnificence in the form of snow-capped Himalayan peaks,
standing formidable against the bright blue sky. Bound by the thrill of witnessing this amazing summer view, our heterogeneity seems to wan. After a considerable time, I break the silence with a soft appreciation and others reciprocate. The mauni baba, too, nods his inclusion into the conversation. It will be a while before I’m struck
destination guide speechless by another scenic view like this. Nervous about being absolutely out of shape and dipping into my last year’s reserve of hiking acumen, that too in South India, I still decided to attempt the Tungnath – Chandrashila hike from Chopta in Uttarakhand. The slow ascent from Kund, at the edge of the Mandakini River in the Kedar Valley till Chopta was enough to convince myself. After all, the view of the Himalayas from 4000 meters had to be even more exquisite. The road meandered
between a bright green mixed forest of rhododendrons, oaks, pines and other local species, with every bend throwing in a surprise viewing point between the copses. It was a bright sunny day, lucky for someone who had encountered two days of persistent rain before this – the colourful jungle fowls and the gang of langoors seemed to agree that it was surely an apt day to be outside. Unfortunately the nervousness of travel around the Kedar Valley had percolated into this area, even though
it is quite removed from where the disaster struck in 2013. The shops were bereft of any business, as the Char Dham spill over to Chopta was at the lowest. Dhabas lay vacant, with only a handful of locals catching up on the typical hot, sweet tea of the hills. A few campsites were staggering to life on the lush meadows of Duggalbita. For a moment my mind wandered to imagine how these rolling hills would look like in winter, but the beautiful views of Yamnotri, Gangotri and, Chaukhamba and Kedarnath
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destination guide mountains on my left nudged me into staying present to the brilliant summer weather. Finally, we reached Chopta, the base for the trek to Tungnath and Chandrashila. Several mule-owners and guides converged onto my car, hoping that I would hire one, but for me the five km hike was the main draw. Unfortunately, tourists are scarce on this sector, ever since the massive destruction caused by the bursting of the glacial lake in the upper reaches of Uttarakhand in June 2013. The deluge left behind a devastated state, with a major loss to life and property. Instead of the mules and guides, a big hairy bhuitya dog appointed himself as my guide for the next four hours. The hiking path is steep, but not challenging; in fact it is quite staid, with not much variation. I took a few short cuts across grassy hills to add some interest. From 2800 meters of Chopta, I ascended with a steady pace
to the ancient temple of Tungnath at 3680 meters. Enroute, two local shops made for a good pit stop for a quick chat and some water. The locals here come from Malethi gaon and stay for six months, only to leave just after Diwali when the cold becomes unbearable. I silently wondered how they would spend their time these days, as the footfall on these hills has drastically reduced after the June 2013 disaster. The hike, though easy in terms of technique, was surely challenging for someone who hadn’t hit the outdoors too much recently. Rolling green hills, a few small shrines and mammoth Himalayas and ofcourse the dog, kept me company throughout. The last stretch seemed a little unattainable till I saw the grey stone-walls of the Tungnath temple. As per legends, the temple is supposed to be more than 1000 years old and was built by the Pandavas.
On the right of the temple, a small path leads upto the Chandrashila peak, at another 1.25 kms. The ascent here is more sudden, from 3680 meters to 4000 meters. I took the narrow path and watched the colours in front of me change from green, to brown and then different shades of blue – fresh stacks of mountains appearing one after the other. Though there is a well chalked out but irregular stony path, the walk up through the grassy mountain was simpler. I encountered a day old patch of melting snow and decided to follow the mauni baba instead. He could give a mountain goat a run for its money. I huffed behind him, trying to match his quick steps. Behind me, the dog and the Russians navigated through clumps of mud and grass, and slumped at the small Chandrashila shrine just after me. On top of the hill, we basked in the shared excitement
trek to Tungnath and the for se ba the ta, op Ch ed ch rea we y, Finall ides converged at my car, gu d an rs ne ow lemu ral ve Se . ila sh Chandra e was the main draw. hik km 5 the me for t bu e, on e hir uld wo hoping that I A village enroute Chopta
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destination guide The trail to Tungnath
of having trudged up the steep mountain; the very same peak where Lord Rama and Ravana once meditated. The air was rarified at 13000 feet and twenty minutes was ample time to take in the scene. While bounding down, I realised that I hadn’t noticed any Monal (the state bird of Uttarakhand) on such a bright day – if only I could have a glimpse the hike would turn out absolutely perfect. Sure enough, it must be the extra zealous prayers at Tungnath and I sighted a Monal in a short flight. A customary maggi ended my tryst with the Himalayas before I hit the road to Kund again.
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You can use the Himalayan Eco Lodges Campsite in Kund as the basecamp for this trek. The guided treks are done with experts who take an alternative ridge-to-ridge route from the nearby Deoria Taal and also offer camping on the fringes of the jungle at night. This is a three-day trek, meant for beginners and families; a brilliant orientation to the world of mountains. +91 124 4081500 / 1400 / 1300 (Delhi NCR) +91 135 2760080 / 6450197 (Dehradun) info@gio.in | www.gio.in info@trekhimalayas.in | www.trekhimalayas.in
Tungnath 3680m
Chopta 2800m
Chandrashila 4000m
Back to life
Even though an air of despondency hangs heavy over the Kedar Valley, the region is slowly limping back to life after the floods in Uttarakhand in June 2013. Unfortunately, even the regions that were not affected are bearing the brunt of diminished tourism. Reconstruction of roads and infrastructure is on full swing and the state authorities are trying to instill a sense of confidence amongst travellers; the Char Dham Yatra started on 2014 on this route on 2nd May.
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delhi update: Patisserie Pistachio Opera Cake, the star at Viva Deli
Emperor’s Lounge – elegant meetings over hi-tea
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his opulent patisserie at The Taj Mahal Hotel New Delhi offers a lot more than just pastries and options of teas and coffee. The cigar counter is a key attraction of the lounge, and for your sweet tooth the popular bakery section, which has a wide range of plated desserts and cakes. The semi-circular lounge offers an extensive coffee line with finger food.
The Emperor’s Lounge is unique because of its Chameleon Effect as it changes as the day progresses serving premium teas, coffee brews and savories with choicest cigar selections. It has an extensive seating capacity for 61 people.
Savour the variety of pastries and choicest of gourmet delicacies at Viva Deli for a hospitable hi tea with friends and companions. Using only the finest ingredients, Viva Deli offers a range of freshly-made sweets and savouries ranging from croissants, sandwiches, flavoured macaroons, and more. For the calorie conscious, it also serves a variety of healthy breads such as multigrain, whole wheat, gluten free cakes, muffins and an extensive selection of teas. However the beautifully layered Pistachio Opera cake is the highlight of the deli. The happy hours go on from 6 pm to 8 pm at the patisserie. Where: Holiday Inn New Delhi International Airport, Aerocity, Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi. 011 – 42222000
‘Indulge’ at The Grand New Delhi
Where: The Taj Mahal Hotel, Number One Mansingh Road, New Delhi 011 – 66566162
DELIGHTFUL PASTRIES 24/7 AT THE PASTRY SHOP
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hoose from a selection of exquisite pastries, croissants, and macaroons to rival any Parisian bistro or go for an array of delicious desserts with a refreshing cup of coffee/tea at Le Petit Café. It has the modern, trendy panache of an authentic French café and a seating arrangement for 28 people. The happy hours go on from 8 pm to 10 pm and during this time they offer 25% off on cakes and 50% off on confectionary items. The Manjari chocolate slices are created from exceptionally delightful chocolate exclusively from Madagascar. The pastry shop at The Lalit New Delhi is a 24/7 shop.
Manjari Chocolate Bar with Hazelnut Croquant
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Where: The Lalit New Delhi, Barakhamba Avenue, Connaught Place, New Delhi 011-44447777
Located on the Lobby Level, Indulge, the patisserie at The Grand New Delhi offers a variety of freshly made breads, pastries, gateaux and more. Special designer cakes are also available but they are only available on request. If you are a member of the club of The Grand then you can avail discounts on your cards at the patisserie. They have a seating area for 86 people in the Crystal Lounge which is next to the patisserie. Where: The Grand New Delhi, Nelson Mandela road, Vasant Kunj, Phase II, New Delhi 011 – 26771234
delhi update: Patisserie
French Heart – The French Patisserie
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antalise your taste buds with the sweet smell of but ter a nd cho colate and a vast menu of delectable desserts. Taste the harmony of perfectly balanced flavours and textures, and let the blissful experience linger beyond the last bite. Serving quiches, traditional French bread and delicious light lunches alongside the array of sugary creations, at French Heart you can relax and enjoy the warm surroundings with varied floral teas and scrumptious coffees. The happy hours of the patisserie go on from 6:00 pm till 8:00 pm and it also offers an exclusive sit-down area for 20 people.
Relish classical French Pastries at DBC
With a wide range of gourmet delights, Delhi Baking Company serves an extensive menu to its guests. The delightful bakery serves special handmade chocolates, homemade ice creams, classical French pastries and a variety of summer special salads. The patisserie also has a wide range of croissants in addition to the plain ones, like, chocolate, almond and cheese. The Delhi Baking Company also has a special Masala Chai ritual where the relaxing tea is served with homemade matthi. The happy hours go on from 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm and it offers 50% flat discount on morning bakeries and pastries and 30% on cakes. The patisserie has a seating area of 32 covers. Where: JW Marriott Hotel New Delhi Aerocity, Asset Area 4 - Hospitality District, Delhi Aerocity. 011 – 45212121
Where: Crowne Plaza Today Okhla, Community Centre, Phase 1, Okhla, New Delhi 011-46462000
SAVOUR WHOLE WHEAT BREADS AT SIDEWALK Sidewalk at Hyatt Regency Delhi is a European style bakery offering delicious hand-crafted breads, tarts, an assortment of savouries as well as freshly baked cakes, pastries, pralines and truffles. It has a large variety of whole wheat breads selection, homemade chocolates, custom designed cakes made to order, seasonal celebration hampers on offer along with an option of making your own hamper. Take away desserts are also available on request. The happy hours at Sidewalk go on from 8:00 pm to 9:00 pm everyday and it offers 50% discounts on select items. Sidewalk has an exclusive sit down area for 22 people, where tea/coffee and bakery/ confectionery items are served. Where: Hyatt Regency Delhi, Bhikaji Cama Place, Ring Road, New Delhi – 110066. 011 – 26791234
Sweet sensations from Europe at La Baguette
La Baguette at The Imperial is a French patisserie with European sophistication. It is a perfect haunt with its wide range of gateaux, bread, chocolate, sunrise and teatime eats and patisseries and promises to ensnare your taste buds. The exotic array of pastries includes Rich Chocolate and Praline cake, Lemon & Apple Tarts, American cheese cake and more. It has included a new range of West-Asian pastries, and also serves bakery products like Gluten free bread, Italian chibatta, and Raisin and prune bread loaf, and other such items. Where: The Imperial New Delhi, Janpath Lane, Connaught Place, New Delhi : 011 – 23341234
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delhi update: Patisserie
Continental selections at Shangri-La’s - Eros Hotel
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ocated just off the main lobby, UNO2GO is the patisserie and delicatessen at Shangri-La’s - Eros Hotel. UNO2GO offers an assortment of freshly baked breads, croissants, muffins, Danish, sandwiches and quiche from the continental bakery selection. Guests can savour delectable and inviting creations such as macaroons, éclairs, muffins, croissants, Paris Brest, tarts, mousse, cheesecakes amongst other popular desserts at UNO-
2GO. There is also a wide range of chocolates, pralines, cookies and cakes readily available or made to order. Our talented team creates dynamic edible works of art by bringing perfection to each creation. UNO2GO offers a special 50% discount on a wide range of cakes, pastries and bakery every day from 7:30 PM – 9 PM with a seating capacity of 50 persons.
Healthy ‘takeaway’ options by MoMo 2 Go
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or those always on the move, MoMo 2 Go has a number of gourmet options. They serve bakery products, pastries, tarts, fresh sandwiches, salads and cakes, accompanied with freshly brewed premium coffee and teas throughout the day along with hot and healthy take-away options. The cafe caters to the needs of both residential guests as well as guests who would like to drop in for quick savouries and quick bite. Fresh aroma, comfortable seating along with golden lighting creates the perfect sophisticated ambiance. It has a seating area for 18 people and the patrons can avail a flat 50% discount on the bakery items available on shelf from 6 pm to 10 pm. Where: Lobby Level, Courtyard by Marriott Gurgaon, Sushant Lok – 1, Sector 27, Gurgaon. 0124 – 4888444
Buy 1 get 1 free at Hyatt Regency Gurgaon
Where: 19,Ashoka Road, Janpath, Connaught Place, New Delhi. 011 4119 1919
Jaypee Greens Golf Course goes the French way
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t The Old Baker the French desserts along with French macaroons and crunchy chocolate cake are some of the best sellers. The Old Baker has happy hours discount for their valued customer from 6.00 PM to 8.00 PM where they will get up to 50% discount on their favourite pastry item. The patisserie has a capacity of 10 cover sitting area at their Bakers’ studio. Where: Oppo. Sector Alpha-I, Near Pari Chowk, Jaypee Greens, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh 0120 - 232 6725
Dolce Al Cioccolato
Eton Mess
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ituated at the lobby level, The Lounge at Hyatt Regency Gurgaon is casual and cosy, offering a variety of premium teas and coffees, a wide selection of spirits and an assortment of sumptuous snacks and homemade pastries. It has a seating capacity of up to 55 people indoors and 10 people at the bar counter. It serves freshly made seasonal pastries and classic desserts with a modern twist. The happy hours start from 7:00 pm and go on till 9:00 pm, during this time you can avail the offer of buy 1 get 1 free. Where: Hyatt Regency Gurgaon, New Delhi NCR, NH8, Sector 83, Gurgaon 0124 – 6181234
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delhi update: Patisserie Take a coffee break at The Westin, Gurgaon
D ITC WelcomHotel Dwarka serving healthy bakery options
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elcomPatisserie, located next to the ground floor lobby offers an enviable range of goodies to indulge in. With easy access, guests can choose from a wide variety of cakes, cookies, breads and pastries. All the baked goods come fresh from the oven and incorporate forgotten Indian grains like Barley, Millet, Ragi, Amaranth and so on. Through WelcomPatisserie, the hotel aims to reintroduce the use of these forgotten
grains in its offerings which is the USP of the outlet. These grains being highly nutritious are very versatile for baking and also give a lovely flavour. The hotel has recently introduced happy hours where guests can avail a 50% discount on all items from the outlet. The offer, however, is not applicable on advance orders. Timings for the happy hours are from 6 pm to 9 pm. Where: Plot No.3, Sector-10, District Center, Dwarka, New Delhi 011 4222 9222
aily Treat s at Westin is best known for its freshly brewed latte, cappuccino, macchiato, or an iced coffee made from premium coffee beans and prepared at our delightful barista coffee bar. This is accompanied by our unique quick breakfast offering- “Grab and Go”. Relish delicious, reasonably priced, packaged take away treats specially prepared by our master chefs. Also the guests can pick up a treat or a unique gift for their loved ones, sip on an impressive selection of wines from their Wines of the World (WOW) menu, and make the most of custom creations available that help create a sweet sense of comfort for our patrons. Happy Hour at Daily Treats is from 8 pm to 9 pm on fresh bakery and pastries. Daily Treats can accommodate a total of 40 persons. Where: MG Rd, Heritage City, Sector 29, Gurgaon, Haryana. 0124 497 7777
Contemporary offerings at The Suryaa
VAST BREAD OFFERINGS AT THE METROPOLITAN HOTEL & SPA
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ing GourMET Shop at The Metropolitan Hotel and Spa is known for its good quality breads. They have Multigrain, Pumpernickel, Whole wheat, Ginger and Masala, Linseeds and, Sunflower
bread. Happy hours start from 8 pm till 10 pm where 50% discount is given to the guests. Zing GourMET Shop has 74 covers. Where: Bangla Sahib Road, Gol Market, New Delhi. 011 4250 0200
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rench Crust at The Suryaa offers a variety of pastries and cakes ranging from exotic fresh fruit cakes to rich chocolate truffle cakes to opera pastry, contemporary red velvet cake, Russian honey pastry, Austrian sacher torte, popular flavours like pineapple pastry and so on. They do keep on doing regular promotions at French crust to cater to their guests with a huge variety. Happy hours start from 7 PM and go on till midnight where 50% discount is given to the patrons. The sit down area can accommodate 24 guests. Where: New Friends Colony, New Delhi 011 4780 8080
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Behind Closed Doors From matchmaking to making beds, Accor hotel staff says work never dull
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he hospitality industry in the Asia Pacific is expanding at a rapid rate and the need for staff to work in hotels is growing exponentially. Accor recently surveyed some of its staff to find out what an average day consists of for hotel workers and the results proved that there is no such thing as an average day. Overall, the responses showed that working in hotels is challenging, rewarding and full of surprises. Operational hotel staff are asked to find missing underwear, regulate showers, rouse guests who sleep through wake-up calls, forecast weather and provide restaurant and entertainment recommendations on a daily basis. But given the wide variety of guests from all corners of the world with different customs and expectations, employees often deal with much more extraordinary requests. Some are easy to fulfill, like the longstaying guest who wanted a breakfast of porridge with exactly 8 strawberries and 12 slices of apple. Others are baffling like the guest who demanded to know why 50
GO NOW June 2014
Given the wide variety of guests from all corners of the world who have different customs and expectations, employees often deal with extraordinary requests. the same room was bigger the last time he stayed. And some are simply surprising, such as the guest who wanted the furniture in his room to be covered with plastic before his arrival. One of the best things about working in hotels is that guests are often celebrating a special occasion such as an anniversary, a wedding proposal, a birthday or surprise of some kind, so the staff is
called in to help create special memories. An example of this was the concierge who was asked to decorate a room with flowers, chocolates and porcelain chickens for a Thai man who was going to propose to a woman obsessed with collectible hens. Or the guest at Novotel Singapore Clarke Quay who requested his room to be filled with tinsel, holiday ornaments and Santa figurines to surprise his children when they arrived – in the middle of the year! “People come to hotels to celebrate special occasions so it’s great to get to share these special moments and witness such happiness on a regular basis,” says Tarek Beheir y, Rooms Division Manager of the Singapore Resort & Spa Sentosa, Managed by Accor. “We regularly see wonderful things like family reunions, wedding proposals, birthday celebrations and it is these moments that make working in hotels such a joy, especially if we can take part in the organisation of these events.” From rescuing guests caught out in halls without their clothes on, to dealing with sleepwalking guests, at Accor hotels, the operational teams are trained to be diplomatic when dealing with awkward situations. Veronique Augier Nel, HR Marketing Manager at Accor says, “When we look to fill positions in our hotels, we are looking for people who are passionate, creative and can think on their toes, because they have to meet the most unusual demands sometimes. Nine times out of 10, we’ll be able to fulfill the requests, because it’s the level of personalised service that makes our hotels unique.” Working in the hospitality industry also means getting to meet many different people from all over the world, including royalty and superstars, but it is often the most ordinary guests who make the most extraordinary requests.
Time now to look ahead to the 8th Edition Cinema Tourism sets new sights as we position with the prestigious Mumbai Film Festival Contact us for participation options ranging from exhibiting to diverse partnership opportunities. Contact: Saurabh on 09210799523 Email: cinemascapes@crosssectionmedia.com   Website: www.cinemascapes.co.in
ORGANISERS
Date of Publication: 03/06/2014
RNI No. DELENG/2000/3645 Posting Dt. 4-9/06/2014 Licence No. U(C)-299/2012-2014 W.P.P. at NDPSO Postal Reg No. DL-(C)-01/1250/2012-14