Go Now by Cross Section Interactive Private Limited

OF GOA’S SHACKS AND EATERIES

Presidential Pomp: Mumbai’s finest five star Presidential Suites Pune: Six Luxury Business Hotels Mahakumbh Allahabad: A carnival of the devout

this issue editors’ page

Dear Readers,

OF GOA’S SHACKS AND EATERIES

Presidential Pomp: Mumbai’s finest five star Presidential Suites Pune: Six Luxury Business Hotels Mahakumbh Allahabad: A carnival of the devout

If travel incites you just the way it incites us, share your experiences on /gonowlifestylemagazine

This month we take you to Goa for the traditional carnival. The state tourism department is making special efforts to make the destination a year round attraction and not sitting back on the lure of the Christmas and New Year alone. The carnival is Goa’s own little celebration and there is much to see and do. We update you on new airline schedules and connections. We bring you a host of packages specially meant for Valentine’s Day – these packages take you to exotic and romantic destinations both within India and overseas. Business travel is a genre of its own. We bring you the latest trends which are changing the way in which the corporate world plans its travels. We also bring you a collection of presidential suites in select hotels in Mumbai – these are expensive but worth the money and worth your consideration. We also believe that the ‘rate of the day’ concept recently introduced in Indian hoteliering can bring you good price offers as well. Also, for the business traveller, we bring you a review of six leading hotels in Pune city and highlight the facilities specially tuned for the business traveller. For the leisure traveller, we bring you the best spas in Bangkok city and also bring you an update on destination Bali. This month is also time for the Mahakumbh Mela in Allahabad city. Some excellent photo coverage from two consummate photographers give you different edges to the celebration. While the one brings you the spiritual site, the other the touristic dimension of both the mela and the city. Our other photo-feature this month is on Goa – the shacks and the small eateries that make the city so unique and inviting. Much of the appeal of Goa is centred around such venues and we invite you to explore them on your next visit. Of very special interest is Laucala in Fiji and Lucern in Switzerland. Laucala is a hidden jewel and Lucern is well-known only to the often travelled Indian to Switzerland. Both are waiting to be discovered.

/gonowmagazine /gonowmagazine

readers write in Vadodara surprise

I have witnessed the progression of Vadodara, year after year, as I used to visit my grandma’s place every summer vacation. Felt proud to read about the city in your section ‘Destination: Business’; I never realised Vadodara could be read as a buzzing business centre too. While all of my family members enjoyed reading the factual bit about the present scenario of our dear city, we heartily admire you for your exploration. Ravi Gandhi, Ahmedabad

Cinematic Prague

It was remarkable to read Ashish Shukla’s account of the 25-day shoot of his yet-to-release psychological thriller in Prague. Prague, with its changing colours, extraordinary architecture and shifting character has fascinated Indian Cinema and tourists alike. I would love to watch this movie after reading this article. All credits go to the wonder enthused by Go Now! Ram Bhattacharya, Mumbai

Hospitable Sri Lanka

Me and my husband are fanatic travel enthusiasts and are always keen on discovering the best hospitality services. Reading about Vivanta by Taj in Sri Lanka in your section Destination: Leisure, we impulsively knew where to go next! I too would want to experience the welcoming, breakfast on the beach, spa experimentation at Taj’s Jiva Spa and all that has been explained by your writer. Hopefully would be writing back when we return! Rohini Sachdeva, Tamil Nadu

Editor: Navin Berry Managing Editor: Priyaanka Berry Marketing & Sales: Vimal Talwar Advertising: Saurabh Shukla Design: Anirban Bora, Ashok Saxena, Neelam Aswani Go Now is printed and published by Navin Berry, on behalf of Cross Section Media Pvt. Ltd. Printed at Rakesh Press A-7, Naraina, Phase II, New Delhi. 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 80 pages plus 4 pages cover

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Like something we wrote? Wondering how to get somewhere? Or been to a place you want to talk about? Write to us and let us know. Don’t have the words to describe a place? Don’t worry – send us your best travel pictures and we’ll let them speak for you. If your letter or photo is published, you will get a year’s subscription to gonow absolutely free! Send your letters and photographs to E-mail: info@crosssectionmedia.com Material not used will not be returned

February 2013 go now

go now February 2013

contents Destination Business

14 Presidential Pomp: Mumbai’s finest five star hotel Presidential Suites handpicked. 22 Pune Six Luxury Business Hotels: Facilities for business travellers at Pune’s top notch five star hotels.

Leisure

30 Gyeongju: More like a spa for the soul! 42 Thailand: There’s more to it than just temples and beaches...

46 Learn and love at Laucala Island: Celebrate Valentine’s Day in this jewel of the Pacific. 50 Lucern: The Swiss know how to market their past, and their many other intriguing home-grown products... 54 Blissful Bali: Your guide to one of most spectacular holiday getaways.

58 Experiential Holidaying at Singapore: Pegged to revamp the image of this city-state, here’s observing the new marketing campaign, ‘The Holiday You Take Home with You’.

Photo Feature Mahakumbh Allahabad 34 The largest religious gathering of people on the planet. 2

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Goa

60 A Paradise Regained on Earth

Niche Travel Spa

64 Soothing Havens in Bustling Bangkok: Listing the top six luxury hotel offerings.

Culture

70 Dance of the Boy ‘Ballerinas’ Gotipua: Born out of necessity, sculpted by history, parenting a classical performing art, Gotipua is unique in many ways.

Coffee country

72 48 hours in Kodava

Country: Coorg – India’s largest coffee producing region and one of the country’s best weekend getaways.

Metro Travel 76 Strawberry Holidays: Set

amidst scenic, strawberry covered valleys and lush flora in Mahabaleshwar, Evershine, a Keys resort is the ideal weekend getaway for those who wish to unwind and rejuvenate. 78 Parisian Luxury Lounge Experience for Delhiites: Fancy an exclusive drink and one of a kind music in a huge expansive lounge? Try b-bar, located on the fourth floor of Select Citywalk mall in Delhi’s Saket area.

On the Cover villa blanche, the exclusive eatery in Goa. Photo: Ajay Mehra

go now: business travel

Looking set to get mature In the turbulent world of corporate travel, where a complex interplay of dynamics determines how managers and CEOs travel, 2013 looks like a promising year, say analysts.

espite Europe caught in the vortex of a bruising slowdown, and America spooked by a “fiscal cliff”, the global travel industr y will experience an uptick in travel this year mainly due to the promise held out by developing economies like Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS). More and more organizations worldwide, say observers, will thus be re calibrating their business models to leverage opportunities in these emerging markets. According to travel agency C a r l s o n Wa g o n l i t Tr av e l , whose operations straddle 157 countries, Brazil, India and China will be the growth propellers in business travel spend at almost twice the world average. “We are expecting a dynamic landscape for business travel in 2013, with prices likely rising to reflect companies’ interest in doing business in growing economies such as Brazil, India and Russia, but staying flat or even declining in those markets where growth is stagnant,” observed Hervé Sedky, Senior VP and General Manager American Express Global Business Travel. T he New Ye a r, s ay India n industry veterans, will augur well for homegrown business travel as well. “From a business travellers’ perspective, 2013 will be remarkable year,” opines Sanjay Shar ma, Complex General Manager, The Westin Gurgaon, New Delhi. “They will unquestionably experience more choice while choosing a hotel and get value for money. Also constructive technologies will be an irrefutable part of their

go now February 2013

stay, enhancing their experience f u r t h e r m o r e . Fo r h o s p i t a l i t y players, the year will bring more opportunities to create distinct experiences to derive revenue with growth.” Business travel, it is said, is the bellwether for economic growth, and helps companies comprehend where in the world they will likely see price

makes for good economics.” Fiscal prudence will also, adds Martin, lead to business decisions being made virtually and meetings being conducted online or via the myriad online conference tools. Meetings and events held both in person and online (“hybrid” events) will thus be explored by more and more companies to whit-

increases, and by how much to help them make informed decisions. Though travel budgets may be shrinking again this year, (as indeed they have been since the global economic meltdown of 2008), this won’t necessarily be a bad thing. Oliver Martin, Regional General Manager, The Claridges Hotels & Resorts, iterates that pared down budgets will mean “that decisions w ill have to be made more thoroughly, after careful evaluation in terms of the trip’s effectiveness and whether or not its outcome will be worthwhile. Such prudence

tle down costs while leveraging social and other features offered by new technologies. “ C o n s u m e r t e c h n o l o g y,” informs a senior manager with Thomas Cook, “is changing the contours of traveller behaviour and expectations. Organizations and companies are trying to keep up with the latest technological advancements, focusing on cost optimization and performance enhancement while increasing their focus on how technology can better meet their travellers’ needs.” The key though, cautions Sanjay

Sharma, lies in understanding that every business is different and so are the needs of every business traveller. “Therefore the edge will be with those who create value propositions and make their business ‘preferred’, creating experiences that are worth coming back to.” Glocalization (localizing personal trends) and personalization of experiences to delight a guests experience, will be another strong feature this year. Senior managers say they foresee online and social media to be key influencers in deriving customers to conclusions when choosing a hotel, not only from the perspective of information but also in getting reviews for the same. The other influencing factors for a business traveller this year, say trade pundits, will be a combination of cost of airfare, hotel expenditure and time. Demand for low cost airlines will be at an all-time high while business travellers will also be preferring to stay in budget hotels where infrastructure for business is good (read: WiFi, meeting rooms, gym, etc.) How do last year’s business travel trends compare to this one? “Generally, trends are very positive as there will always be travel for business,” explains Ashish Sharma, Vice President & COO, Celebrations, World Tourism Consultancy. “However, today’s discer ning busine s s traveller is far more demanding in terms of quality in every sphere, be it travel, products or quality outcome. This gives the providers the opportunity to reinvent their products, focus on deliverables and fulfil high expectations which is good for business growth.” Airline and hotel reviews by corporate travellers will also be a strong trend this year, say industry watchers. This will improve the travel experience and boost negotiations with hoteliers. Increasingly, more and more business travellers (some disenchanted, others delighted) are already posting online reviews of properties they stay at. Such social reviews will hold more sway in the business travel program with a mushrooming of new corporate review sites. Technology, opine many head honchos, will also be a big influencer with mobile/WiFi connectivity and a growing cachet of business travel apps making travel smoother and

go now: business travel more productive. Low-cost carriers will gain more ground in the travel program as new entrants open up opportunities, especially in Asia Pacific and Latin America. Packed planes, say analysts, will thus be the norm as airlines adjust capacity cautiously to meet traffic growth. Increased awareness of traveller stress may lead some companies to revisit their travel policies to improve the work-life balance, according to Martin. The top travel management priority for 2013 will be optimising hotel spend and driving air and ground transportation savings. New virtual agents or “avatars” provided by airlines and airports will assist travellers with booking, check-in and other inputs, he adds. A m e r ic a n E x p r e s s G l o b a l Business Travel predicts that India will see the highest fare increases in the Asia-Pacific region, of up to 8%. This is largely being attributed to the projected volatility in India’s aviation sector. The demand for hotel rooms in the country though is starting to see an upward spiral after remaining lackluster for the last couple of years. L o o k i n g a t la r g e scale national and global factors, the corporate travel managers expect the cost of fuel to have the most impact on their programs as it essentially dictates the cost of air travel, as well as filters into cost s for ot her commodities that affect travel and significantly impacts budgets. Overall, the corporate sector feels travel will have a larger impact on their programs this year. Unlike broader current events, which have the potential to change quickly and be affected by other socio-economic factors, many of the trends in the business travel marketplace have long been on a steady path and have become part of the ongoing management of business travel. Holistically, there will be five key factors influencing an Indian manager’s biz travel plan this year – Need, Value Proposition, Location, Price and Guest Experience Factors. Air and hotel ancillary fees will also be

the top determiners while freezing travel decisions. The other large trend, which has continued to gain momentum t h r ou g h 2 012 a nd w i l l l i kel y accelerate in 2013, is t he use of mobile technologies. Travel manager s are most optimistic about their ability to leverage this technological development which t hey feel ha s t he potential to maximize favourable outcomes. Looking at large-scale national and global factors, the corporate travel managers expect the cost of fuel to have the most impact on their programs, followed by the U.S. “fiscal cliff”, the ongoing European debt crisis, and a slowdown in developing markets. According to an American Express Global Business

Travel survey, prices are going up in three of the four BRIC countries as China, North America and Western Europe remain stagnant. An interesting and discernible travel trend for 2013 will be a combination of “work and workout”. Most managers concede that they are very conscious of their mindbody wellness and therefore require a good fitness facility at hotels here they’re staying. But how will the time-scrunched professionals be able to squeeze out time for exercise during a hectic travel schedule? “You’ll be

surprised,” explains a bemused Jitender Kocchar, 36, an executive with Religare who travels extensively on business, “but busy executives find more time to do their workouts while travelling. This is because their regimes often get compromised at home when they’re caught up in family, friends, office routine and other activities while during hotel stays this becomes easy.” What tips would savvy managers like to share with others of their ilk to help them optimise cost and time and extract more from their travels? Booking well in advance before

travelling is always a good idea, they reckon. Planning the trip thoroughly to maximize the outcome and meeting a wide cross section of relevant people to deliver good results are also vital. Travelling for business can also be optimised by researching the best available options for airlines and hotels and pre planning your schedule, says Sanjay Sharma. “Hotels can enhance the experience by making the best business technology available to its guests,” he adds. “Think of the reason for travelling and rethink of what else can be done at the travel destination to maximize business, evaluate all channels for airfare and hotel deals and last but not least try to rest while on the road to be refreshed for productive meetings,” advises Martin. Overall, how do the Indian business travel trends compare with those across the world? Business travel in India, according to Kocchar, is still at a nascent stage but very personalized unlike globally where travel is very functional but lacks war mth. “Technologically, the Indian hospitality industry offer the best,” he says. “The business travel is evolving and will reach its full potential as the traveller and their requirements mature.” by neeta lal

February 2013 go now

go now: event

Come Together at the Goa Carnaval, Food & Cultural Festival 2013 Five-day extravaganza will kick-start on February 8, 2013

he Goa Carnaval, Food & Cultural Festival 2013, a grand celebration of its rich culture and heritage, will take place from 8th to 12th of February, 2013. Designed to get people to ‘Come together’ for several days of music, dancing and other activities, this public party and float parade is expected to draw tourists from the country and all over the world. In recognition of Goa’s diverse population including its vast tourist populace, the event promotes a message of tolerance, friendship and inclusiveness. The Opening Ceremony will kick off at D.B. Marg, Panaji on the 9th of Feb-

go now February 2013

ruary, 2013. Goa Tourism has left no stone unturned to take the 2013 Carnaval experience to a heightened level of excitement and entertainment. The festival, as usual, will feature float parades in four cities i.e. Panaji, Margao, Vasco and Mapusa. However, for the very first time, the Carnaval experience will include the Food & Cultural Festival which is envisaged over a period of 5 days, from the 8th to the 12th of February 2013 at the NIWS Grounds, Caranzalem, Panaji. It will offer visitors the opportunity to experience cuisine and culture in a positive way, through a

go now: event

and the cooking competition. The cooking competition will take place at the NIWS Grounds during the Food & Cultural Festival. To make the celebration more inclusive, the Carnaval experience will also comprise live musical performances featuring local bands at

unique blend of food, fun, local and national live music performances, fashion shows, and entertainment. Visitors can expect live music from national level performers like Anushka Manchanda, Parikrama, Remo and Indian Ocean spread across five days, as well as more than 70 stalls providing food, beverages and lifestyle products. The festival will also feature a line-up of famous local bands. A fashion show by ace designer Wendell Rodricks is touted to be one of the main highlights. An element of competition has also been introduced with entries being invited for the King Momo Contest

Colva and Mapusa from the 9th to the 12th of February, 2013. The event management agency entrusted with the responsibilities for conducting the 5-day fiesta of fun, food and frolic is M/s Vinsan Graphics, an agency based in Goa with branches in Mumbai and Delhi. Commenting on the Goa Carnaval, Food & Cultural Festival, a spokesperson from Goa Tourism said, “We strongly urge people to join the festivities and come out in large numbers to participate. We are reviving the yesteryears fervor of the Carnaval with larger-than-life décor, mask installations and a Food & Cultural Festival – the biggest of its kind in Goa.” February 2013 go now

go now: airlines & airports

SpiceJet

Cathay Pacific Airways

SpiceJet to connect Delhi with Riyadh and Guangzhou

Cathay’s premium economy cabins on Mumbai-Hong Kong route Cathay Pacific Airways announced a new level of luxury for passengers to enjoy on t he route bet ween Mumbai and Hong Kong with its new Premium Economy Class cabins. Cathay Pacific will also increase flights between the cities, operating 10 weekly non-stop flights from April 2, 2013.

The airline’s new Pre mium E conomy Cla s s features a quieter, more spacious cabin than traditional Economy. The seat has a wider and bigger recline with a large meal table, cocktail table, footrest, a 10.6-inch personal television, an in-seat power outlet, a multi-port connector for personal de-

Virgin Atlantic

vices and extra personal stowage space. The new schedule will see the additional non-stop flights from Mumbai arrive in Hong Kong at 07.05 hrs in the morning, giving passengers greater choice and the convenience of seamless connections to destinations of choice on Cathay Pacific’s global network.

SpiceJet is adding two new destinations in its international network. The airline is connecting Delhi with Guangzhou, capital city of Guangdong Province’s (People’s Republic of China) and Riyadh, capital city of Saudi Arabia. SpiceJet will be operating direct daily flights on DelhiRiyadh and 4 weekly flights on Delhi-Guangzhou route. Riyadh route is meant to be operational this month while the first flight from Delhi to Guangzhou will take off on 8th February 2013. SpiceJet is the only Indian carrier to connect Guangzhou with India. Booking of tickets for both the routes are open now. With the addition of these two routes, SpiceJet will fly to seven international destinations from India. At present SpiceJet operates to Kathmandu (Nepal), Colombo (Sri Lanka), Kabul (Afghanistan), Dubai (UAE) and Male (Maldives). SpiceJet offers 11 routes on the existing International destinations from India. The airline would be deploying 189-seater Boeing 737 NG aircraft on Delhi-Riyadh as well as Delhi- Guangzhou route. “We at SpiceJet are very excited about these two great new routes to Riyadh and Guangzhou which will give passengers more choice.” said SpiceJet Chief Executive Officer Mr. Neil Mills. Recently, the airline announced its plans to launch three new international routes Kochi-Male, Kochi-Dubai and Ahmedabad-Dubai. While the Kochi-Male flight started on November 29, Kochi-Dubai and Ahmedabad-Dubai started last month.

First ever commercial art gallery in the air Virgin Atlantic has launched the world’s first commercial art gallery at 35,000ft, offering Upper Class passengers flying between London and New York the opportunity to view, and purchase, a series of one-of-a-kind paintings by renowned British artist, Ben Eine, all from the comfort of their seat. Other highlights – The Gallery in the Air, which takes place between 1 to 28 February 2013, is the latest cuttingedge initiative from Virgin Atlantic to further enhance passengers’ inflight shop-

go now February 2013

ping and entertainment experience, taking the display and sale of fine art into uncharted territory· Each piece is inspired by the adventurous and innovative spirit of Virgin Atlantic, its entrepreneurial owner Richard Branson, and the iconic transatlantic cities of London and New York· The eye-catching canvases will be on display across the London Heathrow, JFK and Newark Clubhouses and as passengers take their seats, they can take a virtual tour of the Gallery in the Air.

go now: Packages

DishaDirect’s Goa Theme Project Cidade Vida Disha Direct, a Mumbai based real estate marketing organization presents a premium Goa themed real estate project named Cidade Vida at Alibaug. The location emulates the typical feel of a Goa carnival with architectural representations of colours and celebrations through exclusive elevations, facades and 231 lavish Portugal style apartments. On 4.5 acres during its first phase, it offers nine buildings on stilts plus a three storeyed Goan Township.

The Goan look would also encompass boulevards, signage, town squares, sit-outs, flower pockets, lamp posts, markets, water’s edge, bikes & bicycles and every smallest detail of infrastructure development to give the feel of Goa. Cidade Vida is also provided with a luxurious club house, Bela Vida, endowed with cottages and contemporary recreation facilities like indoor games, swimming pool and more. The gardens recreate the magic of some of the most

interesting tourist spots like Dona Paula and it has its own pristine beaches of Akshi, Nagaon and Revdanda. T he s e e xc lu s i ve G o a - s t y le

apartments start from 19.9 lakh onwards with the special benefit of a scheme which allows payment of 20% at the time of booking and 80% on possession.

Hyatt Regency Delhi: original nature spa treatments

These four original signature spa treatments for face and body are exclusive to Hyatt spas, and offer a different luxury experience using the June Jacob Spa collection of products recognised for their high quality natural ingredients. On offer are customised facials suitable for all skin types, with nourishing and revitalising treatments to illuminate dull, stressed skin. There are also conditioning and hydrating treatments to counteract the signs of ageing skin along with smoothening treatments and massage.

Valentine’s Day the FrenchItalian way at Le Cirque, The Leela Palace Let the celebration of love begin at Le Cirque.Make your togetherness special this Valentine’s Day at Le Cirque, the French- Italian restaurant situated on the 10th floor of The Leela Palace New Delhi. The romantic ambience and sheer elegance along with a live kitchen and breath taking views of the city will make this an unforgettable experience for both of you. A welcoming glass of champagne on the house sets offa finely crafted menuorchestrated by Chef Mickey Bhoiteto make the flavours more endearing.Priced at 6,500 + taxes per person. February 2013 go now

go now: packages

High Sea Romances with Royal Caribbean International

Take part in the St Patrick’s People’s Parade

As a part of its anniversary celebrations, Tirun Travel Marketing India has announced an exciting surprise for Indian travellers. When Two become One is a limited-time special package aboard certain Royal Caribbean International cruise ships for couples on one person’s fare, and allows a complimentary overnight stay as well in Singapore during the romantic five-night sea travel to Bangkok and KoSamui’s innovative glass wonder – Legend of the Seas. The world is your oyster and you can pamper the love of your life with special Romance Package s on any of Royal Caribbean International’s 22 innovative ships, calling on more than

270 destinations in 72 countries across six continents. Plan romantic surprises like chocolate covered strawberries, champagne and vanilla cupcakes, special flower arrangements, 100% Turkish cotton ‘His and Her’ wraps and slippers, a keepsake framed portrait and much more. Enjoy breakfast in bed, elegant canapés before dinner, and delicious petit fours after dinner. Multiple whirlpools, a glass canopied solarium, an adults-only pool, a plethora of entertainment options, multiple bars and lounges without a cover charge, Casino Royale and a host of other innovative amenities await you on the Legend of The Seas.

Much more than a single day devoted to the wearing of the green, St Patrick’s Festival is a nationwide cultural celebration from March 14-18. In celebration this day of all things Irish, The Gathering Ireland 2013 and St Patrick’s Festival are giving 8,000 people from across the world the chance to be part of Dublin’s Grand Parade on St Patrick’s Day next March 17. The People’s Parade is the perfect excuse for the Irish to throw open their arms and invite faraway friends, family or just visitors who feel a connection to the Emerald Isle to come and join in the country’s biggest, most iconic national event. Participants in the ultimate St Patrick’s parade will be cheered on by hundreds of thousands of spectators who throng the streets of Dublin in celebration of Ireland’s national holiday, not to mention millions of TV viewers worldwide. The 2.5km route passes some of Ireland’s most historic landmarks including the GPO, Trinity College and Dublin Castle. It is advisable to apply for participation now, as places in the People’s Parade are awarded on a first come first served basis. Full details are available at www.stpatricksfestival.ie For further information contact: Beena Menon / Huzan Fraser, Tourism Ireland, Mumbai. Tel: + 91 22 329 61625 / + 91 22 329 61624 / +91 22 329 61725 Email: bmenon@tourismirelandindia.com/hfraser@ tourismirelandindia.com Website: www.discoverireland.com/in

Celebrate with Beau Rivage Palace, Lausanne Step into the Beau-Rivage Palace, superbly located in the residential part of Lausanne, on the shores of Lake Geneva, surrounded by 10 acres of private garden and overlooking the French Alps. Next to the harbour, yet only ten minutes away from Lausanne’s shopping district, the hotel provides guests seeking a retreat from everyday life with the opportunity to enjoy many cultural and sporting ac10

go now February 2013

tivities. This Valentine’s Day Beau Rivage Palace is offering its guests a special package to celebrate with their loved ones which includes free access to the Cinq Mondes spa, the fitness centre and the tennis courts. The package is priced from CHF 690.00 in a superior room and CHF 1’075.00 in a deluxe room and is valid every weekend in February and on the night of February 14.

go now: packages

Celebrate love at the Mandarin Oriental Dhara Dhevi, Chiang Mai One of Asia’s best-loved luxur y resorts, Mandarin Oriental Dhara Dhevi, Chiang Mai’s 60 acres of tropical northern Thai countryside is an enchanting setting in which to enjoy a romantic getaway this Valentine’s Day and throughout the season of love. The Romantic Escape package offers exactly this, combining villa accommodation with pampering at the world-renowned Dheva Spa and Wellness Centre, an intimate in-villa barbecue dining experience

and some delightful additional romance-inspired touches. Valid until 31 March 2013, the package includes an 80 minute traditional therapy session and a 30 minute rose petal flower bath at The Dheva Spa and Wellness Centre. The package rate starts at THB 30,600 +++ per night. A minimum three nights stay is required. For more information or reservations, call tel +66 53 888 92933, or e-mail : mocnx-reservations@ mohg.com

Special Rates at two Outriggers, Thailand for April-June The Outrigger Phi Phi Island Resort and Spa and the Outrigger Laguna Phuket Resort and Villas have announced special rates for early low season 2013. The Spa is offering a Superior Bungalow with breakfast for two from THB 5,759 +++ per night. The Resort is offering a One-Bedroom Suite from THB 3,799+++. Outrigger’s Spa wins consistent accolades on TripAdvisor. The unique location in a quiet peninsula of northeast Phi Phi allows guests to step from the resort right on to an 800-metre white sand beach with translucent sea water. Outrigger offers guests snorkelling, scuba diving, private boat excursions, fishing and a full spa facility. There are many dining options from seafood barbecues to classic Thai and international favourites – all served in an idyllic and laid back tropical beach island setting. And Outrigger’s Resort was rated in the top three hotels for families in Thailand in 2012 by TripAdvisor reviewers. The Suites are adjacent to a 25-metre pool (with kiddies’ pool section), a play room, a modern gym, an activities desk offering the best of Phuket, and the Panache all-day restaurant which offers airconditioning and al fresco poolside dining. Bookings have to be made before March 15. Stay dates are from April 1 to June 30, 2013. Bookings and information: Tel (+66) [0] 75 628 900/99. Email: res03.phiphi@outrigger.co.th. Web: www.outrigger.com/phiphiisland.

Valentine’s Day at Baur au Lac, Zurich

Set in its own park, Baur au Lac enjoys a unique location overlooking the lake and the Alps – and yet is still but a few minutes’ walk from the Paradeplatz financial district and the Bahnhofstrasse, Zurich’s celebrated shopping high street making it the ideal location to celebrate Valentine’s Day. They have a special package valid on February 14, 2013 which includes one night in a romantic river suite, a 5-course dinner at the Pavillon restaurant by the river, champagne, and rose petals in the bath. The package is priced at CHF 2’560.00 for two persons per night for the River Suite. February 2013 go now

go now: packages

Valentine’s Day vacation in NYC

Valentine’s Day at a Himalayan valley To celebrate this Valentine’s Day, Royal Orchid Fort Resort has designed exclusive leisure packages especially for couples for two nights and three days valid from February 14 - 16, 2013 with rates ranging from Rs 17000 to Rs. 34,000, all on MAP. The structural grandeur of the resort has been restored with the natural beauty of the legendary six-acre Tara Hall Estate merging well with the modern day layout. What makes Royal Orchid Fort Resort stand apart from other resorts in Mussourie is the spacious central courtyard and the astonishing scenery of the Doon Valley.

California Grey Whale Migration In the autumn, the California, Grey Whale starts a 2-3 month, 8,000-11,000 km (or 6,835 miles) trip south along the west coast of Canada, the United States and Mexico. The animals travel in small groups. The destinations of the whales are the coastal waters of Baja California and the southern Gulf of California, where they breed and the young are born. After several weeks, the return trip starts. This round trip of 16,000-22,000 km (or 13,670 miles), at an average speed of 10 km/h, is believed to be the longest yearly migration of any mammal. This whale watching migrations is one of the most beautiful experiences not just for eco-tourists and marine mammal enthusiasts but for any traveller. When: Ongoing till 30th April, 2013 Where: Newport Beach, Monterey Bay and Big Sur, California 12

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For reservations contact: 0135-2740066, 9837388699 or 9927186333 Or Tel.: 91-1141501101-02 Mob: 0-9350874333, 0-9811007575 website: www.fortresorts.co.in

Take advantage of great rates and special bonus features over the Valentine holiday weekend. Hornblower’s Cruises offer a romantic evening dinner aboard their Valentine’s Day Dinner Cruise on New York Harbour for two-night and longer stays. Perhaps you can see a Broadway play like Wicked, Jersey Boys, The Lion King or any hit show on The Great White Way. There are special sightseeing tours, with customised itineraries for the first-time Big Apple visitor or the veteran New York traveller. Accommodations are at for 2-nights or longer at a midtown Manhattan hotel. Rates from: $312.50 per person for the complete two-night package.

Celebrate with Bagels & Brownies

With Valentine’s Day coming up, Bagels & Brownies, based on an American bakery concept, has special cakes and chocolate on offer. There’s a new range of chocolates as well as a range of cakes from designer versions to the humbler cup cakes with photo chocolates and other interesting variations on both themes. The 24 hr hotline number is 011-49332222 and the outlets are located in Malviya Nagar and Greater Kailash –Part I, New Delhi. website: www.bagelsandbrownies.in

February 2013 go now

business travel: mumbai suites

presidential pomp Mumbai’s finest five star hotel Presidential Suites radiate impeccable class, sophistication in décor and a bouquet of uppercrust privileges for the most discerning high-profile guests. KISHORE AND SMITA IYENGAR handpick the pedigree havens.

ndia’s hospitality capital Mumbai is redolent with the finest of grand luxury Indian and international hotel chains notching up attractive privileges for high spending and celebrity guests at their monarchial Presidential Suites.

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SOFITEL MUMBAI BKCn

The Imperial Suite

t’s a statement of grandeur par excellence. We discovered the magnificent 12th floor Imperial suite at the swank luxury Sofitel Mumbai BKC, beaming unique sophistication and appeal. It is innovatively custom designed as a lavish luxury Parisian apartment in one of the “Grandes Avenues”. The plush suite invited us to a modern, contemporary space married with the cultural ethos of France and the incomparable hospitality accents of the Indian sub-continent. We found the ambience in invoking and warm. Contemporary accents are suave and the décor is a blend of Art Deco stylized elements with interesting wall paper depicting the map of ‘Paris’. On the layout edge, we liked the glass dining table with stunning prints of famous paintings on the chairs. Customized furniture grace muted greys contrasting white walls and bright light from floorto-ceiling windows. Further inside, the sumptuous Master Bedroom radiates opulence inspired by the Tales of the Arabian Nights, with

a glass-enclosed bathroom with twin showers, chaise lounge and a king-sized Sofitel MyBed. It’s a huge, 1700 sq ft haven with a living and dining room, master bedroom, office, second bedroom and a full-service kitchenette for the butler or guests to use…Wow! As one would rightfully expect, the added facilities range from 4 LCD TVs, hardwood flooring, two full bathrooms, one guest washroom, 24-hrs access to Club Millesime Lounge and the services of a dedicated butler, available 24 hours. Needless to say, the VIP status of guests here extends to their ultra-chic Club Millesime Lounge that offers personalized express check-in and check-out (complimentary late check-out till 4 pm), complimentary a-la-carte breakfast, exclusive complimentary evening Millésime wine-tasting cocktails (which is in fact, a first anywhere!). Among other perks we checked out were the complimentary two hours per day usage of the Club meeting room , a mini bar with a selection of Millésime Champagne and wines and other niche complimentaries in line with the premium accommodation. Price: Rs. 1,50,000 + taxes per night.

February 2013 go now

business travel: mumbai suites

THE LEELA KEMPINSKI MUMBAIn

The Maharaja Suite

his address celebrates the Who’s Who from around the world! His Holiness The Dalai Lama, the President of Vietnam – Mr. Tr ng T n Sang, the Prince of Belgium and Prince Phillippe are among global celebrities who have graced this regal landmark. We realized why it was easy to tell why… Located on the 8th floor, this 150 sq. mts. magnificent suite perfectly blends tradition with modernity. It’s Indian-stylized opulence with antique Indian artefacts, glorious paintings, mother of pearl - teak wood cabinet and opulent silk fabrics in light soothing colours, through all these, elements of grace and sophistication comes alive. The magnificent suite has two luxuriously appointed bedrooms with plush king sized beds, a living room with natural lights, floor to ceiling windows overlooking a picturesque view of the city suburbs. The dining room in particular drew our attention with it’s exquisite Rosenthal crockery and a kitchenette. Frette bath linen and Bvlgari toiletries are real-time indulgences. The king-sized luxury extends far ahead. The 24 hours personalized butler service is immaculate and world class. Guests,

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we were informed can lie back with round-the-clock personalized butler service, dining options served from all the restaurants in the suite, complimentary bar setup with premium brands, butler pantry along with an interconnecting room equipped with state of the art conveniences, complimentary soft beverages from the mini-bar and complimentary in room breakfast and all the facilities as the most premium Royal Club Room. That’s King-sized pampering indeed! The super chic Royal Club offers tranquil sophistication. The evening cocktail hour lights up in warm tones of dark mahogany, sienna, and deep maroon with raw silk matt furnishings and brocades that offered us a feeling of royalty. The Royal Club is akin to a hotelin-a-hotel concept, there’s a two way luxury 5 Series BMW luxury limousine airport transfer, dedicated check-in and check-out counter, a chilled welcome glass of champagne (that elates instantly). And yes, The Leela’s well known traditional welcome on arrival with your photograph gifted as memento. We quite liked that bit. Price: Rs. 1,50,000 per night plus taxes.

business travel: mumbai suites

TAJ MAHAL PALACEn

The Tata Presidental Suite

ts palatial and regal. The Tata Presidential Suite at The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai spreads out on a 5000 sq feet awe-inspiring area -its a living tribute to founder Jamshedji Tata’s futuristic vision of the Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces. The first guest welcomed to this suite was US President Barack Obama, whose maiden visit to India was to commemorate the Mumbai attacks and to pay his respects to those who lost their lives. The suite is a symbol of the Tata’s well documented tribute to the glorious art and architecture of the colonial history of India. The décor is bespoke…Clear white Makrana Marble floors, intricate Marquetry timber don gloriously patterned Indian hand knotted carpets that invoke the grandeur of the suite designed by one of Malaysia’s leading designers DesignWilkes. We explored the inlay brass Tarakashi patterns adorning rosewood and teak panel doors along with the finest arts and crafts of India. Furniture is clad in sterling silver metal plate and hand carved rosewood and sandal wood pieces that accent the feeling of royalty in the suite. Hand woven silks are used liberally for draperies and upholsteries, many meticulously embroidered with gold and silver threads, all enlivened with the finest crystal chandeliers. The Presidential suite has graciously appointed spaces with precious art, radiating luxury and state-of-the-art technology befitting the archi-

tectural magnificence of the building, truly romantic. Apart from a spacious and luxurious bedroom with king-size beds, the suite also has a private study room with a sit-out overlooking the Gateway of India and the busy Mumbai harbour. The suite packs in a well equipped gymnasium and an in-suite spa by ‘Jiva’, drawing on the ancient wellness heritage of India and the fabled lifestyle of Indian royalty. The Tata Suite combines royalty, tranquillity and world class hospitality facilitated by an impeccable butler service – right from breakfast, to cocktails or high tea, to recreating the restaurant ambience in the comfort of the suite. Through a hundred years various dignitaries and world leaders have stayed here – Bill and Hillary Clinton, John Lennon, the Chinese and Japanese Premiers, numerous heads of states, royalty and celebrities. Amenities also include complimentary buffet breakfast, Complimentary tea/coffee throughout the day, Cocktails during the cocktail hour at the club lounge, Plasma TV, DVD player and Surround Sound, video library on Demand via Interactive Television Network, complimentary airport limousine transfers, private check-in at the club desk, complimentary bottle of sparkling wine and High tea complimentary at the Palace Lounge. The price of the suite is Rs.10,00,000 + taxes (per night). February 2013 go now

business travel: mumbai suites

ITC GRAND CENTRAL MUMBAIn

sir bartle frere presidential suite

amed after Sir Bartle Frere, the first gover nor of er s t while ‘Bombay’ who wa s credited with restructuring the old city resulting in the rise of modern Bombay it is a haven of 1800 sq feet truly personifying understated luxury. Embellished with elegant design elements, reminiscent of the bygone Raj era, combine with a touch of contemporary designs in a suite that epitomizes a perfect balance between style and comfort. Probably one of the discreetly classy Presidential Suites anywhere. You could treat yourself to an aromatic bath while viewing the fitted mini flat-screen television, host your own private dinner in the dining room furnished with a 6 seater teak wood table and completed with a kitchen for that homely feel. For business or leisure, your dedicated butler is on call for anything you need . The standards

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of personal service are truly exceptional here. The privileges to distinguished guests range across complimentary breakfasts, Express check in & check out, Complimentary access to Business Center, Kaya Kalp-The Spa, swimming pool and Point of View executive lounge, complimentary airport-hotel-airport limousine transfers. Within the Suite Plasma T Vs Refreshment center tea/coffee maker, a private bar, a private kitchenette, a unique private work den with all amenities add to the allure. With a cornucopia of perks here, we also listed out a special dining area, a personal massage chair, an Infinity Bath, steam and Jacuzzi and a 24-hour concierge service, 24-hour laundry and valet service and 24-hour travel desk. Price of the Sir Bartle Presidential Suite available on request.

business travel: mumbai suites

THE OBEROI MUMBAIn

the kohinoor suite

he Kohinoor Presidential Suite presents a sense of exhilarating space with contemporary elegant interiors looking out to expansive views of the Ocean. Located on the 20th and 21st floors of the hotel, the 2050-sq.ft. suite comprises a grand living room with a fullyequipped workspace, dining area, a master bedroom with a luxurious en suite four-fixture bathroom that includes a treadmill and an interconnected guest bedroom with an en suite bathroom. A service pantry is adjacent to the dining area. Now that’s what we call a regal splurge! The impeccable white Thassos marble floor enhances the space accentuated by large picture windows bringing in natural light and offer wide angle panoramas of the Arabian Sea. The living room has comfortable sitting areas, furnished with silk upholstered sofas, wing chairs, coffee and side tables. The workspace, a part of the living room, includes an executive writing desk with a chair, high-speed wired and wireless internet access, data port and facilities for printing, photocopying, faxing and scanning. The living and dining areas are furnished with a four-seater dining table. The master bedroom features a king-size bed flanked by

bedside tables and a silk upholstered ottoman at the foot of the bed. The room also includes a comfortable sitting area furnished with a sofa, chairs, a coffee table and side tables. It’s a complete feel in contemporary excellence. The marble bath is luxurious with a large freestanding bathtub, double vanity counter, treadmill and a 17-inch freestanding LCD television. An interconnecting guest bedroom with twin beds, a writing desk and an en-suite four-fixture glass-walled bathroom is a striking feature. Guests can avail of an entire range of perks from electronically controlled blackout roller blinds, bedside outlet for recharging cellular phones, Down pillows and glass walled bathrooms. There are hypo-allergenic pillows on request, iPod docking station with alarm clock, intelligent thermostat, in-room movies on request, laptop on request, media hub in the writing desk. There’s more! One-hour express clothes pressing, 24-hour butler Service, 24-hour in-room dining, 24-hour laundry / dry-cleaning/pressing service, 24-hour concierge service, 24-hour travel desk service, airport transfers, doctor on call, in-house florist and limousine service. Price: Rs. 3,00,000 per night. February 2013 go now

business travel : mumbai suites

THE HILTON MUMBAI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORTn

the king presidential suite

or celebrity guests like Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Karishma Kapoor, the decadent indulgence in this elegant, two-roomed 175 sq m Presidential Suite, with bespoke décor is gilded living amidst an ambience that radiates the hotel’s yesteryears lifestyle. The very latest in modern amenities and luxurie s await distinguished guests. We approved of the spaciously planned classical suite with its living and dining area and a separate bedroom, characterized by distinct marble flooring and large windows that allow an abundance of natural light and frame sweeping city views. The predominant white flooring and pastel upholstery complement the classic furniture crafted in dark wood and handpicked lamps and artefacts. As we walked across the spaces, we noticed that the custom-designed dining table adds brevity to design. The bedroom includes a luxurious king-sized bed and a wood armoire inlayed with fine marble. The spacious en-suite marble

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bathroom features a double vanity, deep bath and separate walk-in shower cubicle. The colonial warmth is unmistakable. Additional amenities include high speed internet access, LCD television, refrigerated private bar, tea and coffee making facilities, an ergonomic chair with the writing desk. Premium services include personalized butler service and 24-hour in-room dining and laundry and concierge services. Guests here can access all amenities of the plush Executive Lounge that encapsule needs of business, entertainment or personal pleasure. Soft pastel appointments, pleasing beige, buff metallic furnishings add up to the Colonial charms of this lounge. They also pack in airport limo transfers, express check in, welcome gift in the rooms, complimentary breakfast, snacks and beverages, ample space for informal meetings and get-togethers. Price: Rs. 45,000 plus taxes per night.

business travel : mumbai suites

ITC MARATHA MUMBAIn

the shivaji suite

he magnificent Shivaji Suite is a stunner! It takes inspiration from one of the most celebrated leaders of the time – Chhatrapati Shivaji – the iconic Maratha warrior, reflecting the cultural richness of his era. A 22-feet high ceiling, i m p r e s s i v e p o r t r a i t s o f t h e r u l e r, ornate furniture, and embellished The ambience of sumptuousness is beautified by Paithani silk bolsters, silk curtains and framed coins, antique fashioned lamps defining the regal luxury of this 2590 sq ft suite, phew! Round-the-clock customized butler service and facilitation of stepped- up security for high profile guests is just the beginning of the extra-special touch. It’s a complete hotel-within-ahotel experience with, airport facilitation on arrival, personalized in-room check-in, a private gym, a steam room, a personal bar stocked with premium beverages, a 12-seater dining table, a fullfledged pantry, Wi-fi, Master bedroom with a king size 250 sq ft bathroom and a separate guest bedroom. You can take your time over their In-room breakfast service or the exclusive access to the UpperCrust Lounge for breakfast or buffet breakfast at ‘The Peshwa

Pavilion’ – the 24-hour restaurant. There’s more to the haloed offer. This regal addre s s ha s a ma s s a ge chair, complimentary three hour use of 2-hour boardrooms, complimentar y internet access at the business centre for up to 30 minutes each day, complimentary laundry services, complimentary yoga at the Kaya Kalp spa, access to the gymnasium, steam, sauna, Jacuzzi and pool, top-of-the-line toiletries from E s senza Di Wills and designated office space. And look up the crème de la crème guests here – H.E. Mr. Pascal Couchepin – President of the Swiss Confederation, H.E. Mr. Paul Reymond Berenger – Prime Minister of Mauritius, H. E. President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva of Brazil, Mr. Lho Shin YoungFormer Korean Prime Minister Hon. Mr. Gordon Campbell – Premier of British Columbia, James Murdoch-CEO Star TV, Mr. Klaus Baumann – Worldwide Chairman Siemens Ltd., Ms. Karen Katen – President Pfizer, Mr. Niall Fitzgerald- Chairman Unilever, L N Mittal – Chairman Ispat Group, Enrique Igelsias, Shaggy and Mr. GVK Reddy. Price: Rs. 2,00,000 plus taxes per night. by KISHORE AND SMITA IYENGAR

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business travel : pune hotels

Six Luxury Business Hotels Pune’s top notch five star hotels offer various facilities for business travellers in a luxurious environment.

rom a quiet, reticent town popularly known as the pensioner’s paradise, Pune has come a long way. On the hospitality front, the city has on offer smart business luxury hotels. Ranging from reasonably priced to five star deluxe properties, Pune now has umpteen choices when it comes to accommodation. In short, Pune is close on the heels of Mumbai and is ready to receive the business traveller with special amenities on offer.

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yatt Regency

Located on Nagar Road, Hyatt Regency is close to the Pune airport and also enjoys proximity to two of the city’s popular malls: Phoenix Market City and In Orbit Mall. The Single Malt @ Co. Bar and Lounge serves a wide range of Single Malt whiskies, liquors, wines, beers, cocktails in a stylish and intimate setting, a perfect hangout for business travellers. Their pastry shop called Gourmet Avenue serves freshly baked goodies and confectionery. Business travellers on the run can pick up milk shakes, sandwiches, coffee or tea. They can enjoy Ayurvedic massages in the Arogya Spa and 24 hours fitness centre, or take a dip in the 17-metre temperature

controlled indoor swimming pool. The hotel is also equipped with a sauna, a yoga room, a steam room and a whirlpool. Business travellers can avail of facilities such as highspeed internet access, secretarial services, airport transfers on request and sightseeing tours. Hyatt Regency boasts of huge conference facilities for hosting meetings, weddings, events, product launches etc. The Regency Club Lounge is the perfect place to unwind after a long working day. Exclusive Regency Club benefits include personalized check-in and checkout, complimentary internet, boardroom usage and airport transfers, as well as Regency Club lounge access offering Continental breakfast, evening cocktails

business travel : pune hotels

and canapés. Other benefits include complimentary transportation to Phoenix Marketcity Mall, express laundry service, meeting rooms equipped with audio and video, business centre with secretarial services as well as a choice of business newspapers. Hyatt Regency, Pune, Weikfield IT Park, Nagar Road, Pune, India 411014 call: +91 20 6645 1234 Fax: +91 20 6645 1235 Email: pune.regency@hyatt.com Tariff: The hotel offers ‘Best Available Rates’ which can vary anywhere between Rs 70009500 plus taxes, depending on the occupancy of the hotel on that particular day.

ivanta by Taj Blue Diamond

Located near Koregaon Park in Pune, Vivanta by Taj boasts of several well

appointed business spaces in a luxurious environment. Wet wipes, an energy drink and a mobile phone is provided in the car that goes to pick up a business traveller guest, in addition the guest can pre-order their food from the car while travelling to the hotel. High-speed internet and Wi-Fi connectivity, a shopping arcade, a fitness centre, secretarial services, direct international dialing, travel desk, spell out this hotel’s business class credentials. Their 24-hour business centre has Oval and Tango for conducting meetings and conferences. After a hard day’s work, a business traveller can always head to Strategy – the cocktail lounge or unwind at Celsius, the poolside venue. Rhythm on the Mezzanine floor can host private dinner parties for upto 30 guests. Apart from a spa and a salon, this hotel also offers yoga and pranayam sessions for full body relaxation. Their business centre services are operational 24 hours and so is the fitness centre. Business travellers can avail of happy hours from 5 to 9 in the evening at Easy the bar. Latitude, the coffee shop offers a special buffet concept where in guests can pick up a salad and a soup/a soup and a dessert and pay just for that. February 2013 go now

Vivanta by Taj – Blue Diamond, Pune 11 Koregaon Road Pune 411 001 Maharashtra, India Call: +91 20 6602 5555 Fax: +91 20 6602 7755 E mail: Vivanta.bluediamond@tajhotels.com Tariff: Rs. 7000-33,000/-plus taxes

e Meridien

Located near the Pune railway station, Le Meridien is a magnificent blend of palatial architecture and European charm. Le Meridien’s Resident Guest Loyalty program SPG (Starwood preferred guest) provides guests with enviable rewards and benefits by way of free stays. ‘Eat Drink More’ is a food and beverage program that provides discounts and benefits to the business traveler for all his corporate and personal entertainment at the hotel. The hotel is Wifi enabled and secretarial services are available at the business centre. The exclusive Royal Club floor with its private check in facility, lounge serving complimentary high tea and happy hours also duplicates as a perfect informal meeting area to interact with guests. Choice of newspapers and magazines are readily available and there is a formal meeting room

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to conduct meetings. Upon request, a butler service is provided for guests in suites on the royal club floor. The hotel’s Friday Theme Dinners and the Sunday Brunch are popular with business travelers. Keeping in view the fact that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, Le Meridien has transformed the breakfast experience with its Signature Breakfast introduced some months ago. A special additional initiative by Le Meridien Pune is the Japanese selection available with the buffet breakfast. The health club with its gym, massage room and spa apart from the rooftop swimming pool, squash court and a games room provide the perfect setting to rejuvenate after a tiring day at work. Chefs also meet and interact with long staying guests to check on specific dietary requirements or home made food they may be longing for. With eight well appointed meeting rooms, the hotel is capable of handling large business conferences, seminars, etc. Le Meridien Pune R.B.M. Road, Pune-411001 Call: + 91 2026050505 Fax: + 91 2026050506 E mail: reservation.pune@lemeridien.com Tariff: Rs. 13,000-20,000/ plus taxes

he Westin

With 1,470 square meters of meeting space and an excellent location near Koregaon Park, Westin is an ideal destination for business conferences, seminars, and product launche s. This hotel offer s a personal butler for all 24 hours on request and exclusive access to the Westin Executive Lounge providing a plethora of business and secretarial services. There is a package designed especially for business travelers called Westin Elite starting from INR 10999 plus taxes which includes buffet breakfast in Seasonal Tastes, airport transfers by a luxury sedan, 24 hours high speed internet access from the room, upto 10% discount on food and soft beverages, exclusive in room arrival experience with early check-ins and late checkout facilities, evening cocktails at the Executive Lounge, access to boardroom facility at the Executive Lounge and a game of golf at the nearest golf course. A visit to the spa in Westin is perfect to relieve jet lags where a treatment begins with a full body massage followed by a dead sea salt infused bath in the Jacuzzi. This is followed by steam to eliminate toxins. The Corporate Dining Program at the Westin Pune Koregaon

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une Marriott Hotel and Convention Centre

Park is a program where a corporate and all their associates are entitled discounts on food and soft beverage while dining at any of the hotel’s restaurants. The recently revamped Mix@36 which is the ideal venue for corporates to unwind offers discounts upto 50% on selected beverages between 5 and 8 in the evening. Business travellers can avail of happy hours from 5 to 8 in the evening (all days excluding Sunday) at the Alfresco open dining or the Riverview Deck 26

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of the Mix@36. They can also relax in the private lounge area and indulge in a game of pool while sipping cocktails conjured by mixologists in Mix@36. The Westin Pune 36/3-B Koregaon Park Annexe, Mundhwa Road, Ghorpadi, Pune-411001 Call: (91) (20) 6721 0000 Fax: (91) (20) 6721 0021 E mail: reservation.westinpune@westin.com Tariff: Rs. 15,000-50,000/plus taxes

In a location where it faces absolutely no competition in the vicinity (Senapati Bapat Road), this hotel is a blend of contemporary and conventional architectural design. With 12 meeting rooms (a total meeting space of 18,955 sq ft) and seven food and beverage outlets, this is an ideal venue to host seminars, conferences, launches, etc. T he Mar r iott Club act s a s bot h t he Concierge and Bu sine s s L ounge for business travellers who can access it with their key cards. Located on the 23rd floor of the hotel, the Lounge offers a panoramic view of the city and also provides a quiet and relaxed atmosphere for business travellers to both work and unwind. Fitness@ Marriott-the hotels gym is operational 24 hours and is equipped with the necessary workout equipments along with expertise to help a business traveller during their workout. Those who prefer going for rejuvenating massages can visit the Quan Spa. The hotel also caters to quick services like packed lunches from Pune Baking Company for those in a hurry to check out and Spice Kitchen-the coffee shop

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business travel : pune hotels

our Points by Sheraton Hotel & Serviced Apartments

is equipped for late night food and beverages as it is open all throughout. A city tour is given to hotel guests who are interested to help acquaint them with the locality. The hotel also provides two complimentary personal training sessions in the gym every week. Pune Marriott & Convention Centre Senapati Bapat Road, Pune - 411053 India Call: 20-6683-3333. Fax: 20-2563-6363 Tariff: Rs. 7999-14,499/plus taxes

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Four Points by Sheraton is located on Nagar Road, 2.5 kms away from the airport. This hotel has several options for accommodation with interesting offers running throughout the year such as One Bedroom Residence Package, Four for Free, The Longer you Stay the more you Save and Suite Dreams Package. Each of their 217 guest rooms and suites offer High Speed Internet Access, the Four Points by Sheraton Four Comfort Bed and complimentary bottled water. For longer stays, their 48 self-contained studios and 1 bedroom residences are perfect and have separate living and bedroom areas with Deluxe Kitchenette including large bathrooms with rain shower. The hotel can host conferences and meetings in seven flexible meeting rooms and has 1140 square meters of function space. WiFi connectivity, a 24 hours gym on premises, an accessible golf course, packed food

orders which are time and date stamped for quality assurance are some facilities offered to travellers. Bento boxes for lunch are available for guests who prefer Pan Asian cuisine, packed breakfast on request, Single Lady Floor for lady business travellers, concierge and travel desk services, round the clock laundry services and express service in 2-4 hours depending on the nature of request. The hotel also assists in foreigner’s registration and compliances in case of long stay business travellers, a personalized parking facility for guest vehicles and a dedicated elevator to take guests straight to their floor from the parking. Four Points by Sheraton Hotel & Serviced Apartments 5th Mile Stone, Nagar Road, Pune-411014 Call: +91 20 39406699. Fax: +91 20 30930930 E mail: reservations@punefourpoints.com Tariff: Single Rs. 5000 plus taxes Double 5500 plus taxes on Bed and breakfast. Rates are dynamic and change on a regular basis (BAR rates are Best Available Rates and these are available on the hotel website. Corporates are entitled to special rates called CVGR (company volume guaranteed rates) which are given to regular corporates based on their potential of room nights. by jyoti balani

February 2013 go now

leisure : destination

SPA FOR THE SOUL

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leisure : destination

After the whirligig of Seoul – the South Korean capital with its vertigoinducing skyscrapers, a sensory overload of concrete and glass and the crush of 10 million people – Gyeongju felt like a soothing salve, cleansing and rejuvenating. More like a spa for the soul.

ocated in southeastern South Korea, Gyeongju’s landscape is leavened with lush parks, stunning temples, gardens, lakes and sundry other eye candy which justifies its UNESCO heritage status. Also known as a “museum without walls’, the city is also peppered with tombs, pagodas, Buddhist statuaries, palaces and castles. Despite its small size, Gyeongju has contributed to, and benefited from the economic and social trends that shape modern-day, progressive South Korea. Yet it retains its own individuality, is one of the country’s better-known travel destinations and profits from its physical proximity to industrial hubs such as Ulsan. South Korea’s robust tiger economy – whose spectacular rise in the sixties and seventies gave birth to the term “Miracle on the Han River” – is bolstered by industries like information technology, robotics and petrochemicals. Due to this, the country has increasingly acquired geopolitical heft and has also become a tourist curiosity. More and more people are visiting South Korea, particularly Seoul and Busan, the nation’s second city and 2020 Summer Olympics hopeful. But having visited both these cities, my vote still goes out to Gyeongju. And a threeday media sojourn was just perfect to help us to soak in the multifarious flavours of this charming city. Apparently, the city was the political capital of the artistically-inclined Shilla Dynasty which ruled South Korea between seventh and ninth centuries. Because of its small size, the city is also easy to navigate. Our explorations begin with the eighth-century Bulguksa Temple, a sprawling venue that seems to leap straight out of a picture postcard. As the city’s foremost attraction, the temple draws visitors in tsunami-esque proportions. Ergo, we get bumped around ruthlessly here and have to wait with Zen-like patience to snap photos. Even so, this masterpiece of Buddhist art is not to be missed. The temple, the accompanying guide tells us, was razed to the ground by the Japanese in 1593. But Bulguksa resurrected itself – Phoenix-like – in the seventies to its current glorious avatar and has been anointed a

UNESCO world heritage site. You could spend hours here, soaking in the temple’s gentle contours. Or admiring the mist-swathed mountains in the distance. Trees exploding with a staggering colour palette – auburn, russet, copper, orange and everything in between – add to the place’s allure. In front of Bulguksa’s sanctum sanctorum are two stone pagodas – Dabotap and Seokgatap – both national treasures. A few kilometres hike up from Bulguksa is Seokguram Grotto – another architectural jewel – which showcases the exquisite Shilla architecture. It is renowned for its gargantuan Buddha-in-a-meditative-pose statue flanked by a posse of royal guards. Grotesque as it may sound, I found Tumuli Park (grass-covered burial mounds) to be the city’s most fascinating attraction. Wellrounded and ensconced in verdant grass, the mounds are the city’s most conspicuous sights. We stroll through the Park crisscrossed

by beautiful, albeit labyrinthine, pathways. The space is serene, almost meditative. Gyeongju began its cultural renaissance as early as the former half of the 20th century with frenetic preservation and restoration work. Hike Namsan Mountain, a spiritually significant mountain and a stone’s throw from downtown is a wonderful specimen of that endeavour. The mountain is replete with historical Buddha reliefs carved into rocks and boulders as well as dotted with ancient pagodas and temples. It has a grotto behind a panel of glass to protect it from the onslaught of visitors’ breaths which, experts say, can adversely impact its ageing rocks. Photography is also prohibited for the same reason. On the second day of our visit, we arrive at the Shilla Millenium Theme Park bursting with all the enthusiasm of 10-year olds. But are crestfallen to note that there are no wild rides with screaming adults here. Nor Disney

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leisure : destination

parades or fast food joints to tickle our westernized palates! Apparently, the park is meant to showcase traditional Shilla architecture in all its glory. It also has a vibrant theatre which stages plays based on the lives of putative Korean emperors. Think amphitheatre, costume drama, Oriental martial arts sequences and horses galloping which make for a riveting show. Next top – Anapji Pond. A stunninglycrafted palace of red-lacquered wood pillars, clay roofs and ornate ceilings of turquoise, blue, red and gold in quintessential Korean motif style. The palace is surrounded by the 32

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seventh century man-made pond. Legend has it that many a miracle has transpired here. During the pond’s reconstruction, artefacts were found which are now showcased in its interiors. Culturally well-endowed Gyeongju has a rich gastronomic tradition as well. It is renowned for its rice wines, particularly Gyeodong Beopju, a mild wine that pairs well with white meats, rice and pasta. Although the drink is concocted from glutinous rice and spring water, legend has it that a boxthorn or Chinese matrimony vine growing near the source of its water imbues the wine

with therapeutic properties! It is therefore administered as a panacea for all kinds of ills – from rheumatoid arthritis to cancer. Gyeongju’s old-fashioned eating joints or Hanoks (a small, traditional wooden home) are an extension of its charming culinary culture. They are a popular dining venue to explore a spectrum of Korean dishes. Lowseating arrangements offer a central cavity at all tables filled with glowing charcoal. Punters can cook their choice of meats over the fire and savour them piping hot. Our culinary feast begins with the intense kalbi (grilled marinated beef) and the flavorful kimchi, a spicy cabbage traditionally fermented in huge jars dug into the earth and then sexed up with multifarious spices. This is followed by japchae (cellophane noodles stirfried with sliced beef and veggies). A yummy concoction of bean paste, tofu and meat and fried fish spiked with vegetables is up next. In other words, tens of dishes in tiny ceramic bowls are unleashed upon us by an army of waiters at a bewildering pace. The dishes’ names may have been unpronounceable, but they remain etched in my mind due to their explosion of taste, colour and flavour. Indeed for a foodie like me, Gyeongju had hit just the right spot! Text & photos by neeta lal

February 2013 go now

photo feature : mahakumbh

ALLAHABAD

Call it a carnival, congregation or chaos, the Maha Kumbh Mela spikes the collective adrenaline of the devout and the curious across the world. Reckoned to be the largest religious gathering of people on the planet, the event got off to an atmospheric start at Prayag (Allahabad) in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh on January 14, drawing millions of pilgrims from across the world.

he 55-day event, which takes place once in 12 years, revolves around a ritual bathing at the Mahasangam, the confluence of the holy Ganges, the Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati. The dip, pilgrims believe, cleanses one’s soul and liberates one from the cycle of birth and death. The mega event – which rotates between the cities of Allahabad, Haridwar, Nashik and Ujjian – is being considered especially auspicious this year due to a rare planetary juxtaposition that transpires once in 147 years. The primary purpose behind organizing the Kumbh Mela, say pundits, is to commemorate the epic fight between the Gods and the demons over the Amrita Kumbha (Pot of Nectar of Immortality). According to legend, Lord Vishnu vanquished the demons by capturing the Kumbha (pot) of elixir, drops from which spilled over at Prayag, Haridwar, Ujjain and Nashik. During the fair, it is believed, the river water at these spots morph into purifying nectar to help cleanse the devotees’ souls. The fair gained traction during the 8th centur y when philosopher Adi Shankaracharya formally instituted a system of community baths and structured gatherings for scholars and seers to discuss, debate and propagate Hinduism. Faith is indeed palpable amongst the pilgrims at Kumbh, some of who travel for days, occasionally on foot, eschewing all forms of modern transport. They put up

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photo feature : mahakumbh with sundry other hardships as well, such as sleeping on the ground sans a bedding in open maidens (fields) in extremely low temperatures. The belief is that by putting the body through these rigours, followed by the holy dip, moksha (deliverance) will be attained. There are provisions for three shahi snans (royal baths) this year — on January 14 (Makar Sankranti), February 10 (Mauni Amavasya) and February 15 (Basant Panchami). Nearly a million people took a bath at the event on the opening day without any mishap which the devotees attribute to the power of faith. “How can you explain millions congregating and bathing at one place sans any negativity? It can only be only attributed to a sublime force,” elaborates Baba Gururdev, a Delhi-based seer and a fair regular. However, old timers recall that though in

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modern times an established bathing order has been put in place, there are previous records of bloody disputes between religious groups jostling for precedence. Various types of sadhus (seers), belonging to different religious sects, throng the event and are the show’s highlight. However, the stars of this spiritual constellation are inarguably the Nagas (the naked sadhus) with their long, matted hair and ash-smeared bodies. Constant exposure to the weather, it is believed, makes the Nagas immune to worldly pains like extreme cold and heat. They also have bloodshot eyes which is attributed to their penchant for marijuana, a drug they believe facilitates attainment of nirvana. Naga Sadhu Visweswarayya, who claims to be 102 years old, admits that apart from being a spiritual event, the Kumbh Mela is also a great social lubricant. “I meet all my

brothers from across the world here. This is very enriching and forges a close bond between all of us.” The baths usually begin at about 3 am when the pilgrims move in an organized fashion towards the river. After the dip, fresh, new clothes are donned and a ritual evoking the holy Ganges conducted by the river bank. The devotees then move around the venue to listen to religious discourses and gain spiritual insight. Be that as it may, the mega event is a logistical nightmare for the state administration of Uttar Pradesh which has been preparing for it since October. Officials disclose that they are expecting about 15 to 20 million visitors this year with the total budget for the event pegged at $ 219 million. The Kumbh City – a 51-km makeshift venue – is a microcosm of a real city. It hosts hundreds of tents, 125 ration shops

photo feature : mahakumbh and 12 warehouses to cater to the visitors’ daily needs for grains, groceries, vegetables and fruits. State officials inform that 22 doctors and 120 ambulances are in attendance round-the-clock. Near the riverbed, 156 kms of new metallic plate roads have been laid and 571 kms of water pipelines constructed to cater to the pilgrims’ needs. Over 800 kms of electric wires provide electricity to the venue through 48 power sub-stations. Over 30,000 policemen will be guarding the venues supervised by 30 new police stations and 70 new companies of paramilitary forces. “The heavy and visible deployment of police is a huge deterrent for trouble makers,” explains sub-inspector Ram Asray. “It also ensures that rivalries of the assorted religious groups over the sequence of bathing does not trigger violence or a stampede.” However, apart from the basics, there are sybaritic trappings too. The state-owned UP

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Tourism Department has set up a colony of ‘Maharaja’ tents at the venue to cater to upmarket tourists. Tagged at about USD 200 per night, the accommodation offers a master bedroom furnished with an exquisite wooden bed, a coffee table and chairs, a dressing room, a bathroom fitted with modern amenities and a private verandah. Its overt religious overtones notwithstanding, visitors admit that the Kumbh Mela’s real charm lies in its egalitarian and secular nature. The event embraces people from different castes, cultures, nationalities and religious backgrounds. This year’s event, for instance, is being attended by over 2,500 religious and social organizations along with Bollywood and Hollywood stars, film producers and tycoons. Actor Catherine Zeta Jones, who will be attending the fair with spouse Michael Douglas said in a statement: “I’ve been going through 38

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a tough period in my life. What I require for my mental health and well-being is some peace and tranquillity. I swear by yoga, which I believe has its roots in India. So I really want to visit India again specifically during the Kumbh Mela pilgrimage and I am told it is a sight to behold for the eyes and soul.” Business too, will be thriving too at

the cosmic-meets-commercial carnival. Industrial lobby group Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry’s (ASSOCHAM) paper ‘Maha Kumbh Mela 2013- Possible Revenue Generation Resources for Uttar Pradesh’ mentions that the pilgrimage would generate additional employment opportunities for

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over 0.6 million workers in sectors spanning airlines and airports, hotels, tours, infrastructure and also trigger a surge in medical and eco-tourism. Airlines, hotels, tour operators in the state are thus expected to reap a windfall during the event. The government will likely see its coffers swell by about $ 3 billion. The unorganized sector too, stands to gain substantially from the fair with visitors expected from Australia, UK, Canada, Malaysia, Singapore, South Africa, New Zealand, Mauritius, Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka. Uttar Pradesh Tourism and the Railways, who have launched attractive tours and medical tourism packages for the visitors in s y nerg y wit h air por t s and pr ivate hospitals, are in for some tidy profits too, the ASSOCHAM paper says. “We’re targeting 100 per cent occupancy across all segments – the small, budget and luxury hotels – during the Maha Kumbh,” informs Ravi Uppal, general secretary of a local hotels’ lobby group. Text by Neeta Lal Photographs by Mukesh Aggarwal

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ore food for the soul! And yet you have all the touristic glitz that is associated with a typical town or city in the country. Not to be missed is the chaiwala, the trinklets seller and the halwai. The ever present jyotish, the Indian future-teller is a must and always proves to be the best seller. Below is a procession where the Gods are taken out in all pomp and show, led by the holy cow. Allahabad as a city has its own historicity and also close links with the freedom movement. The now restored Anand Bhawan, home of the Nehru family is a regular on every tourist itinerary. The city is steeped in tradition and the Kumbh Mela bestows it with a bigger halo!

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Photographs by

ajay mehra

February 2013 go now

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Swadee Khap Siam

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ABBA must have made the sensational hit, ‘One night in Bangkok’ swaying millions of listeners and enchanting them with the charm of the Thai capital, but little did we know, that there’s more to Thailand than just temples and beaches. Lip-smacking cuisine, breathtaking views and a haven for shopping enthusiasts is what defines the Kingdom of Thailand. We visited the country at its prime season, December, and brought back with us a gamut of memories, shopping finds, and of course the taste of authentic Thai curries! Day

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We commence our journey in style with the Thai airways’ Boeing 777 which stands true to its signature – ‘Smooth as Silk’. A spacious aircraft with individual entertainment systems and a slice of delectable in-flight food options is what greeted us to welcome into Siam, the former name of Thailand. Taking the legacy of courtesy forward are some extremely warm and courteous people, waiting to welcome us in Chiang Mai, the cultural capital of Thailand. Handicrafts, local artefacts and some unique finds at the sprawling night bazaar are some of the distinctive attractions which set the city apart from the rest of the country. Often hidden behind the other tourist spots like Pattaya and Phuket, Chiang Mai is one city that we would personally urge you to explore. We are greeted in traditional style with orchid garlands on arrival at the Chiang Mai airport and accompanied by a gush of pleasant wind and friendly faces enroute our hotel, Imperial Maeping. Perhaps the Thai are more pious about their food as compared to us, that is why we are asked to remove our shoes upon entering the Whole Earth Restaurant, a gesture, in respect to the luscious food that we are about to partake for lunch. Playing host was the Tourism Authority of Thailand, who treated us to a good Indian spread along with Thai delicacies like Tom Yum Soup and some spicy curries.

A s a de st inat ion, Chiang Mai ju st doesn’t have a plethora of options for the culture lovers but is also inching closer to manifest itself as MICE destination. The expansive Chiang Mai convention centre blends together traditional Thai architecture with state of the art technology, letting you conduct meetings and conventions depending on the size of the group or business requirements. The convention centre can hold up to 40,000 people at all times with various rooms to hold meetings, conduct seminars, business events and other conventions, taking care of all your

commercial needs amidst the company of some lofty peaks. As Thai have their dinner early, we proceed to the River Market restaurants, a fine alfresco dining, coupled with the view of the river, hosted again by the welcoming Tourism Authority of Thailand. There could have been no better end to the day than indulging in some retail therapy at the Chiang Mai night market. The market sure houses goods which you may get cheaper in Bangkok, but also some authentic handicrafts which are specific only to the city. We would strictly recommend you pick up a couple of those for sure! February 2013 go now

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Hardly does a tour guide take the effort you make you feel at home, when you are miles away from your nation. In Chiang Mai, he does. ‘Mehendi laga ke rakhna’ and ‘Main toh apne saajan ke dwar chali re’ are some of the songs which serenade us en-route Wat Phra Doi Suthep, the sacred Buddhist temple, atop a hill, which provides spectacular views of the entire city. Beginning the day on a religious note, we move on for some adventure at the Mae Sa Elephant Training Centre and Waterfalls. See the mighty beast kick a goal or create a beautiful painting with great dexterity using its trunk will acquaint you to what these grand creatures are capable of. Here, these majestic creatures are not only kept closer to their natural habitat but also used to boost the country’s recreational and economic options.

tray, called ‘Khantoke’ and diners sit on the floor around the ‘Khantoke’, supported by triangular cushions. We enjoy fried bananas, ‘Soup of the Day’, crispy pork skin, ‘Lanna’ style spareribs among other delicacies, all cooked in authentic Northern Thai style. With this we bid adieu to Chiang Mai and take back with us the picture of an economic, value for price destination to the North of Thailand for tourists looking for their share of luxury and wellness combined with the charm of an old, culturally centric city. Day

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One cannot miss the fast moving capital of Thailand on a visit to the country. Bangkok, of motorcycle cabs, tuk-tuks, expressways, shopping sanctuaries and the Grand Palace, the city has loads to boast of, even before you

lifestyle shopping plaza, Gaysorn which invites you to its 5 levels of exclusive shopping housing more than 100 shops. Brands like Mont Blanc, Burberry, Hugo Boss, among many others make room in this shopping paradise which is just minutes away from Central World Plaza. In the evening, we arrive at Asiatique, Thailand’s first international trading port now converted into an array of shopping avenues, shows and eating options, set against the most romantic and longest riverfront promenade of Thailand. You can pick up souvenirs or keepsakes from over 1500 boutiques or spoil your taste buds for choices at the 40 restaurants within its premises. We experienced authentic Indian cuisine at Siam India and got the taste of some delectable Tandoori Chicken and Laccha Parantha served straight out of our mother’s kitchen, much to satiate the thirst for Indian food we were craving by now. This bazaar is busy but not overrun by tourists; crowds of locals enjoy coming here too. When in Bangkok, we would recommend Asiatique as an attraction worth dedicating an evening to. Day

❹ Don’t forget to feed the elephant some bananas and sugarcane as he may even become your friend and bundle you inside its trunk! Picking one of the multitude of massage parlours swarming the entire city, we reached the Rarin Jinda Wellness Spa and Resort to unanimously experience the best foot massage we had experienced in a really long while. Transporting us into a land of divinity, the hour long massage gave us a glimpse of nirvana. After this taste of paradise, hunger urged to experience a traditional Thai dinner and Thai dance shows at Khoom Khan Toke. The food was served on a wooden pedestal 44

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enter. Near the Phaya Thai Skytrain station in central Bangkok welcomes us our hotel, The Sukosol. As the country promises to give shopping a new meaning altogether, without further ado we leave for Central World Plaza mall- the largest lifestyle shopping complex in South East Asia. Luxury retail brands, electronic goods, kid’s zone, gourmet options with regular promotions and sale create a shopping mood throughout the year. Lay back, get a drink and dinner and enjoy a movie in style sinking in the comfortable beds at the SF World Cinema. If Central World wasn’t enough, take a skywalk to another luxury

The Kingdom of Thailand is a con s t it ut iona l mona rchy governed by King Rama IX who is the world’s longest-serving current head of state and the longest-reigning monarch in Thai history. With the utmost respect that people have for their King, a tour to the Grand Palace was one thing we all looked forward to. Open to public, the Grand Palace the sanctum sanatorium for the people of Thailand. Inside the Palace is the Wat Phra Kaew Temple, which is the most sacred Buddhist temple in Thailand and is made from a single piece of Emerald. Continuing the visit to the various Buddhist temples (wat) of Thailand, we head to Wat Trimit, the architectural marvel weighing 5.5 tons made out of solid gold. If this fact doesn’t captivate your attention, the mystical aura of the place will surely keep you mesmerized for long. Another Buddhist place of worship and recently visited by President Obama is the Wat Pho, the Reclining Buddha, the oldest and longest wat in Thailand and the birthplace of the traditional Thai massage. To experience the same we arrive at Asia Herb Association, a traditional Thai massage arranged for us by the Tourism Authority of Thailand. Focusing on pressure points and

stretching, Thai massages combine a lot of herbal ingredients like kaffir lime, turmeric, tamarind, lemon grass etc to reduce muscle pain and stress. Indeed, it was an experience which makes the trip to Thailand worthwhile, not to forget the serene effect of the massage which accompanies even after we are back in India. Day

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We leave the last day to explore the hotel we were staying in, The Sukosol. Located next to the Phaya Thai Skytrain station,

the hotel is just 2 stops away from Siam Square, Central World, Paragon and MBK, the shopping retreats of Bangkok. All the 470 rooms of the hotel are equipped with general amenities and segregated into Club Siam suit, Club Siam Deluxe room, Premier Family rooms and Ayuthaya Deluxe room and Siam Deluxe room. There are over 8 dining options serving Chinese, Japanese, Italian and Thai cuisines along with an international restaurant and pool terrace. Guests can also enjoy a traditional Thai massage within the hotel premises at the Lotus Spa. Personally, I am not much of a shopping aficionado, but this country and its gamut of shopping options lured me to shop till I drop making me pick up stuff more than I had ever shopped in India. We started with the Jatu Jak Market which stands true to its position as the largest market of Thailand and the world’s largest weekend market. There are over 15,000 shops selling household items, clothing, Thai handicrafts, religious

artefacts, collectibles, foods, and even live animals. Next to the market is the air conditioned JJ Mall, which surprisingly is cheaper than the open market. I couldn’t help spending half the money I carried with me as all goods sold here are not just attractive to look at but also priced very low. Janpath and Colaba have stiff competition now! Apart from Jatu Jak and night markets, make sure to explore MBK mall and Indira market when in Bangkok. Thankfully, Thai airways had room for our extra baggage as we recklessly packed and rushed to catch our flight. Treating ourselves to the plush passenger amenities and delectable snacks at the Thai airways’ Silk lounge at Suvarnabhoomi Bangkok Airport, we leave for India with glittering memories, amazing hospitality and a state of nirvana attained all thanks to the picturesque sights, generous warmth and excessive retail and wellness therapies. Khapun Khap Thailand! Text by Avni mehrotra

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Learn and love at Laucala Island

A dream-like luxurious experience in the lap of nature, complete with a host of adventurous activities to embark on together, await you at this Fijian resort. Go Now tells why you should celebrate Valentineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day in this jewel of the Pacific

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February 2013 go now

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elebrate like world-famous couples do

Laucala Island belongs to Dietrich Mateschitz, the owner of Red Bull, perhaps better known as the owner of Formula 1 team, Red Bull racing. The energydrink magnate fashioned the resort as an extension of his own lifestyle, and that of his peers and social circle. This is your chance to live like world’s crème-de-la-crème. Experience exclusivity at its best: there are only 25-villas on the 12-kilometre island, with 400 staff members to cater to your every whim. Privacy is guaranteed – when not on duty, the staff reside elsewhere. If your whim at a given moment is no disturbances, simply place a red coconut outside your door. Switch that with a green one for when you would like your villa cleaned. Rest assured that your culinary whims will be catered to as well – you can choose from five dining options on this barefoot luxury paradise. You will also be dining with cutlery and tableware that is made exclusively for this holiday-maker’s paradise. Of course, romantic dinners beneath the stars in private coves are a given.

Save your footprint for the sand

Learn together

Worried about how the excesses of your luxury living and loving will impact Mother Nature? Laucala Island’s romance-meetsrustic atmosphere ensures a lighter carbon footprint. About 90 per cent of the products that find their way to the table are grown on the island itself. It has an herb and vegetable garden, and even cattle – yes wagyu beef too – comes from within the island. Organic living is a mantra here and the management will not take unkindly to you not believing them – instead they will take you on a tour of the entire island – including what would otherwise be “restricted areas”. That’s not all. There are hydroponic gardens – even the water comes from the island’s volcanic interiors. The spa products used in that rejuvenating massage too, are produced on the island. But none of this implies that you will lack choices. For instance, countless mushroom varieties and 12 different types of tomatoes are grown on the island. The chef and his team identify what is ripe and that is precisely what goes into the mouth watering cuisine dished out by the world’s best chefs who control the resort’s kitchens.

Upon reservation, you will be asked what kind of holiday you have in mind. For the management of this resort, stereotypes are a strict no-no and customisation invites tremendous focus. Any island-related experiences and adventures you can dream up will be brought to life, no holds barred. Do you want to return home a horse-riding duo? There are the island’s ver y own beautifully groomed horses and a horsewhisperer from New Zealand to help you achieve it. As golf aficionados, perhaps? Learn on the 18-hole championship golf course. You have all day and nobody to disturb you… Or would you simply want to sail the seas together or relive that first date, but this time deep beneath the Pacific Ocean’s waves? Sailing and diving lessons can be arranged too. Some people like going all-out rustic and the resort’s staff are open to coach you in fishing and in cooking local cuisine. Or else, go bird-watching, or join the chef’s team that goes picking exotic fruits and vegetables. Alternately, if you’re the rustic type that revels in the Italian art of il dolce far niente (the

sweetness of doing nothing), head to the rainforests or the volcanic mountain tops of the island. Or soak up some sun on a yacht, or the resort’s glistening white sands. If you are the party-host type of couple – ask to be taught how to whip up exotic cocktails, showmanship included.

Can’t leave the kids at home? The fact that your children are with you need not mean that you will have to put romance on the back-burner so as to be parenting right through the vacation. Even within a single family, you can choose for distinct itineraries to be created. There’s an expanse of outdoors for your children to run around in, besides a host of learning experiences put in place for them, as a part of the Laucala Kids Club. A demanding, engaging schedule is certain to keep the young ones occupied, and delightfully so. There are a host of native artists who are enthusiastic to pass on generations-old crafts. For family bonding, there are the options of barbecues on the beach or atop the mountains, water sports and a 5000-metre pool that is designed for family fun. by Raynah Coutinho

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Lucerneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s iconic bridge

lucern The Swiss know how to market their past, and their many other intriguing home-grown products...

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leisure : destination

rom the heights of Chateau Gutsch, the glacial basin of Lake Lucern and its town spread below us. In the northern horizon, the Mountain of Pilate, Pilatus, was a blue and beckoning myth. A dragon had flown from there, trailing a comet trail of legend, scattering a stardust of stories that the Swiss now spangle over their past. It romanticizes the wars and intrigues, the bloody religious conflicts and sectarian strife that have riven this incredible little country. It also binds it all together the way Lucerne is defined by its bridge. It’s a zigzag bridge, with beautiful old paintings on its inner gables depicting real and legendar y events, some in Gothic, graphic, detail, and a tower-prison in which they incarcerated cantankerous couples till they cooled of and would not disturb their neighbours with their loud bickering. Serene civic order has always been of prime concern to this tiny, conservative, nation. The former prisoners in the tower have now become the stuff of travellers’ tales and when we visited the bridge in autumn, it was bright with cascading flowers. Even here, however, their vexatious past had been preserved. The profusion of flowers concealed the higher parapet of the bridge. In the bad old days it had been a battlement for the town’s defenders to repel their attackers. This is, clearly, the most intriguingly beautiful bridge we have seen anywhere. On one side of the bridge rises an interesting Jesuit Church. The priest who took us around claimed that it had been started by St. Francis Xavier before he voyaged to the east. “You say you are from India. Are you from Goa?” We said we were not Goans but we had visited Goa very often. “A visiting Indian couple once told me that this church, and indeed most of the mission churches built by the Spanish and Portuguese in Central and South America, were patterned on the church established by St. Xavier in Cochin.” We smiled but did not say that he was probably referring to us: we had spoken about this theory of ours to a priest in this church during an earlier visit to Lucerne. But since he did not recognise us, and we did not recognise him, and we didn’t have the time to enter into a discussion about the architectural history of mission churches, we kept silent. February 2013 go now

leisure : destination A cruise boat on Lake Lucerne

A view from Pilatus with a cable car The Lion of Lucerne

On the other side of the lake linked by the bridge, the facades of some of the houses were painted like a gallery of folk beliefs. There was an unusual First Supper in which a very reluctant Christ performed his first miracle, changing water into wine at the Marriage Feast in Cana. Then, on the face of a hotel, painted like an illuminated manuscript, was a fantasy of animals, vegetables and humans. “W hat’s the monkey doing there? ” 52

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we asked. “Ah!” explained our guide. “In those days before central heating, many women had dogs sleep on their beds to keep them warm. The very rich had monkeys because they have more body heat!” That begged an obvious question but we didn’t ask it. After that the images flickered swiftly. In a cobbled square, a military band in grey and green played the Beatles, Souza

leisure : destination and Straus s. Ver y musical, ver y festive but behind it lay a secret: ever y Swis s citizen ha s to do a s t ipulate d a mount of Nat iona l Service. Discipline is the key to the nation’s determined neutrality and dogged independence but status will always assert itself regardless of how egalitarian a society might appear on the surface. We noticed another group, in a different uniform, who were standing around and asked a drummer and a trombone player who they were. They were dismissive... “They don’t belong to the Unit,” they said. “They must be para-medics.” Presumably para-medics are drawn from conscientious objectors, are noncombatant s, and, therefore, belong to a lower stratum of military society! We left them and boarded a twindeck ferry from a jetty and streamed across the crystal-blue waters of Lake Lucerne, with the white-on-red cross of Helvetia fluttering over our wake, tied up under the fin-backed dragon mountain. We boarded the red cars of the Pilatus Bahn: the world’s steepest cog-wheel railway. Recollections rewound as we clickety-clacked from the lake through dark conifers, green meadows and up frowning cliffs to dock in 2,432 meter high Pilatus. Paragliders floated on the wings of the wind, fat ibex chomped on precipitous escarpments. It was heady to be above it all. Later, in a gondola, coasting down, we learnt that another age ago, a kilometer-thick glacier had covered Lucerne and ice-melt whirlpools had carved great wells in the hard rock, still preserved in the Glacier Museum. An audio-visual captured that age of Mastodons and Wooly Mammoths and then offered the multiple illusions of a Hall of Mirrors with the unlikely effigy of a medieval Turk and his hookah in the midst of it all. Carved on a cliff outside, another illusion had been entombed. The great Lion of Lucerne lay stabbed and dead but still protecting the shield of the last king of France. The famed Swiss Guards had died to the last man, defending the cosseted Louis XVI against the

wrath of his own civic society. The only Swiss Guards now left, protect the Pope, and they still wear unreal medieval uniforms. We delighted in other illusions, and perspectives of a separate reality, in the Rosengart Collection. The late Siegfried Rosengart had been an art dealer and a great friend of Pablo Picasso. We were given insights into the evolving attitudes of the world’s most influential modernist by the collector’s daughter, the very elegant Angela Rosengart. She was also one of Picasso’s muses and we photographed her in front of her portrait painted by him. .The great painter’s surname was really Ruiz, as we had learnt in his home town of Malaga in Spain Legend has it that, when he had moved to the avant garde capital of the world, Paris, he had been influenced by Matisse, taken his mother’s name and added another ‘s’ to it. Angela Rosengart, however, dismissed this as wild speculation and since she is the only person we’ve met who was a personal friend of Picasso we’ll take her word for it That evening the past and the present melded seamlessly again. In the Stadthauskeller we let our hair down yodeling, dancing and dining at a Swiss Folklore evening. Everything was truly-rural oriented. Yodeling is a way to make your voice carry across valleys: we were called upon to yodel. We learnt the technique of a new tympanic instrument which involved rotating marbles in a steel bowl. We thought of West Indian steel drum bands. We did not have much success with alphorns but they reminded us of the long Tibetan horns with similarly deep rangespanning tones. There were also musical saws played with bows, a tympanic broom and other adapted village equipment transformed into melodious instruments. The conga line however, was easy, and great fun. All amplified by a hi-tech stereo system Her e to o, t he my t hic a l, t he medieval and the modern have been effortlessly integrated. by Hugh & Colleen gantzer

February 2013 go now

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blissful bali It’s easy to understand why Bali is high on everyone’s dream destinations list. A compelling of pristine beaches, luxury resorts, great shopping, historic Hindu temples and the quintessential Balinese spa treatments – all come together to make Bali one of the world’s best holiday getaways.

Cabanas dot the private beach at the Westin resort Nusa Dua

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leisure: destination

ou don’t need anyone to sell Bali as a tourist destination; most of us are already sold. But even as the flight from Singapore made its way to Bali, the passenger next to me whom I just met was busy making my itinerary and extolling all of Bali’s attractions. She figured that the 60 hours I had earmarked for Bali would do no justice to an island spread over 5700 kms and I was hoping to prove her wrong. I finally arrived in time for dinner at the Westin Resort located in one of Bali’s most exclusive pockets – Nusa Dua. The Nusa Dua quarter has a cluster of luxury hotels built along one of the island’s most exclusive beaches. Most times trips to new beach destinations either end up being frenetic with minute by minute itineraries and little time to left to unwind or trips where you don’t venture out of the comfort zone of your luxury beach resort. I wanted to find that balance in Bali and Day One was reserved for exploring Indonesia’s most popular tourist destination. Indonesia might have the world’s largest population of Muslims but Bali located in the country’s South West is predominantly Hindu. As I drove out of the Westin, I noticed the locals who owned commercial establishments making offerings to God. This custom is repeated once again in the evening. My first stop was Ubut, a culturally rich part of Bali famous for its temples and also a hub for local craftsmen and artisans. There are scores of Batik centres where you can see how the world famous Batik garments and accessories are crafted and interact with the Westin Resort Nusa Dua Bali

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Exclusive Spa Bale at the Westin Resort Nusa Dua

local crafts people. Balinese silver jewellery may not be as popular as its art and Batik but you will find numerous jewellers who retail exquisite silver jewellery that might be pricey but makes for great gifts. Ubut is also full of local artists who put together fine Balinese paintings; you can watch them in action and choose to invest in some of the local art too. Bali has a host of art museums like ARMA (Agung Rai Museum of Art) but I decide to check out the Antonio Blanco museum the brainchild of the egotistical Catalan Antonio Blanco who made Bali his home. He was a favourite at the court of the Balinese king and his museum is full of paintings of sensual Balinese beauties. But more than the art, it’s the grounds of this museum with its idyllic cafe and exotic birds that make it worth a quick stopover. Almost like most of South East Asia, rice is the staple here and Bali’s rice plantations add another green dimension to the island’s kaleidoscope. The Tegalalang rice fields feature a series of terraced rice plantations with stunning views from small cafes above. These rice cultivations are reminiscent of the sloping tea cultivations with a shade of emerald green that looks even more verdant. You can either pose for pictures with this stunning backdrop or just put your feet up at one of the small cafes and sip tender coconut water from one of the bottomless 56

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king-sized coconuts. I sampled some local favourites like Kare Ayam (Chicken Curry) and the Avocado milkshake at one of the eateries overlooking these plantations before making it to the Sukawati market. Bali’s traffic might not be as bad as Jakarta but as the island gets ready to host the prestigious APEC summit in 2013 that will see Barack Obama return to the country where he spent some of his childhood, there is a lot of infrastructure upgradation in progress that slows down the traffic. The Sukawati market is a haven for bargain hunters and just perfect for buying gifts and local souvenirs. It’s a lot more organised than street-side markets and you will need to keep your bargaining skills in overdrive. Most Indian tourists find Indonesians extremely warm and friendly and the Balinese take it one step further. Even as you strike a hard bargain you will find the vendors at Sukawati market hardly ever lose their smile. From masks to stoles to junk jewellery and Balinese art, this market has almost anything that you might want to buy in Bali. Before heading to the next destination I made a quick stop to sample one of the island’s bizarre yet distinctive beverages. Balinese coffee is legendary but what’s more unique is Kopi Luwak or civet coffee. It’s made with beans that are eaten and excreted by the Asian Palm Civets. It might sound revolting but once you sip this unique and expensive

Waterblow at Nusa Dua

Sukawati market

Balinese artist at work

local brew you will realise why it counts as one of the world’s most exotic coffees. Bali is famous for its Hindu temples and my next stop was the Tanah Lot temple, a 16th Century temple that is more about its spectacular setting featuring craggy cliffs overlooking the ocean. It’s tough to pick one temple to visit from a long list of historical temples around Bali but after the spectacular sunset at Tanah Lot, I felt I made a great choice even though it came at the cost of checking out the sunset at Jimbaran Bay one of Bali’s legendary sunset spots. Day Two was all about rest, relaxation and making the best of the luxurious Westin resort in Nusa Dua. After a lazy breakfast and lounging in one of the Westin’s beach Cabanas it was time to experience one of Bali’s must-do experiences. While Balinese Spa treatments have travelled the globe and now become an integral part of Spa menus there’s nothing like

factfile Getting there and around there There are frequent flights to the Ngurah Rai airport in Bali from major cities in the region like Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and Jakarta. Cabs are the best way to commute within Bali. When to go May - June are the best months to visit but if you are willing to brave the rains you can find great deals during the rains in months like October - December before Christmas.

experiencing it where it all began. The Westin has a choice of two locations – a clutch of plush spa bales that are at the ocean’s edge or inside the luxurious confines of the Westin Spa. I begin my treatment at one of the cabanas and move indoors as the afternoon sun appears out of a cloudy sky. The Warming elixir ritual is one of the signature treatments and features a traditional foot bath, the Balinese Boreh consisting of a Balinese full body massage, a wrap made of active volcanic clay, herbs and spices mix, a shower and an Ultimate Elixir Flower Bath with a comforting lemon-tea drink. The decadent spa treatment is the perfect prelude to an authentic Balinese meal at Ikan, Westin’s signature restaurant on the beach. After all that I thought it would take a bulldozer to drag me out of Westin but my fellow passenger turned friend offers me a quick drive through the Kuta beach area during my last evening in Bali and I gladly accept. The Kuta area features eclectic cafes and chic boutiques and is the favourite amongst the large numbers of Australian tourists who flock to Bali and was the fitting finale for my Bali sojourn. South East Asia might have a host of other beach destinations like Phuket and Langkawi but Bali with its myriad experiences and its warm hospitality is probably the first among equals. Text & photos by Ashwin Rajagopalan

February 2013 go now

leisure : destination

Pegged to revamp the image of this city-state, here’s observing the new marketing campaign, ‘The Holiday You Take Home with You’ from a magnifying glass to explore an array of experiences in Singapore.

Experiential Holidaying at

destination frequented by many an Indian traveller; Singapore isn’t new when we think of holidaying abroad. Keeping its popularity within Indians intact and increasing the number of visitors by the year, Singapore recently introduced their new marketing campaign, ‘Singapore – The Holiday You Take Home With You’. The campaign, which promotes ‘do more’ instead of ‘see more’, is pegged to not only attract first time visitors to Singapore, but also re-invite regular tourists to experience Singapore in a never seen before avatar.

New Attractions Barely into the New Year and a plethora of tourist attractions mushrooming in this garden city await visitors from over the world. Gardens by the bay, summarizing the blossoming essence of Singapore, entices nature loving tourists to walk through the park and enjoy the Flower Dome and Cloud Forest cooled conservatories along with light and sound shows at the Supertree Grove and a series of interpretive media and narratives that bring to life the story of plants. The Marina Bay Cruise Centre Singapore provides 58

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an idyllic travel experience for cruise enthusiasts with state-of-the-art facilities and is located at a short distance from the new Marina Bay precinct and Singapore Changi Airport. Giving all the more reasons to visit Resorts World Sentosa, the Marine Life Park is world’s largest Oceanarium housing over 100,000 fishes in over 55 million litres of water. The Marine Life Park will be all about family fun, interactive multi-sensory experiences and, most importantly, ocean conservation. Slated to open soon, River Safari, will be Asia’s first river-themed park, with the largest collection of fresh water wildlife letting visitors journey through the greatest rivers of the world – Mississippi, Congo, Nile, Ganges, Amazon, Mekong and Yangtze.

The Marketing Campaign Breaking into the second phase of the ‘The Holiday You Take Home With You’ campaign, Singapore tourism has increased its partner base from two to four travel partners. Namely Makemytrip, Kuoni India, Mercury Travels and Thomas Cook, these partnerships aim to connect with the Indian traveller and drive consumer interest towards planning their trip to Singapore.

leisure : destination Inching far away from the regular route of a conventional holiday, Singapore offers the promise of a deeper and more engaging experience through exper iential and shared learning and bonding activities. The second burst of THYTHWY campaign will bring the new attractions into focus through multi-platform executions on print and digital media. On the digital front the website will highlight the key experiential pillars and a separate tab will feature the “Top Ten” activities t h a t S i n g a p o r e i s k n ow n for. This list has been drawn up, ba sed on feedback, to showcase the attractions and experiences that are popular and visited repeatedly by the Indian travellers. This will allow guests to find their favourites ea sily and reconnect with the destination. According to THYTHWY, the top 10 visits for the Indian traveller are – 1. Universal Studios 2. Sentosa 3. Little India 4. Singapore Zoo 5. Night Safari 6. Cruise 7. The National Museum of Singapore 8. Jurong Bird Park 9. Orchard Road 10. Singapore Botanic Gardens

Do More, Learn more Targeting 4 niche travel experiences, ‘The Holiday You Take Home With You’ focuses on specific travel experiences amalgamating all the essentials of a well-rounded holiday. Be it reuniting with family or rekindling your romance, THY THW Y includes 4 major facets of experiential holidaying namely Romance, Active Lifestyle, Family Fun and Culinary Experiences to exhibit Singapore as an allencompassing destination. Tag lines like ‘Leave as a foodie, return as a chef’ or ‘Leave as relatives, return as family’ beguile the Indian affection for family fun and love for food with various experiential and bonding activities which let foster a sense of oneness and also let you take back with you a skill or two! While Ultimate Drive and Wave House Sentosa promote active lifestyle, Jurong Bird Park and Rainforest kidz World are catalysts for family bonding. Promoting the tagline ‘Leave as a couple, return as one’, Singapore houses a unique Sky Dining at The Jewel Box while for the adventure seeking couples can indulge in the Dive with the Sharks Programme. With something for everyone, Singapore has the Night Safari, Jurong Bird Park, Singapore Zoo along with the Botanical gardens on one hand while Haji Lane, Suntec City and Holland Village for the shopping aficionados on the other.

Dynamic Singapore Throwing light on the new products and recent developments in this world-class leisure destination, we have Chee Pey Chang, Executive Director - South Asia, Middle East & Africa (SAMEA), Planning Projects and Clara Yep, Area Director, South Asia, Business Development from the Singapore Tourism Board presenting the evolving Singapore tourism product with new offerings and Singapore’s commitment to grow India as a source market. Apart from being a leisure destination, how well do you think Singapore promotes business and a centre for meeting spaces? Yes, we have a gamut of leisure and adventure activities but we have always observed how people look at Singapore to connect with other parts of South East Asia and make more contacts to connect with people from other parts of the continent. As many people already know a lot of business deals within ethnicity are struck in Singapore, as it’s a melting pot of cultures and experiences. Usually, and a lot of business happens outside board rooms in the form of informal meetings and Singapore has a variety of cultural and culinary experiences in which people like to indulge and meet new people. We have Marina Bay Sands, Sentosa Beach Hall, restaurants on beaches, gourmet Safari Express at Night Safari along with golfing and wellness activities to relax and unwind. Tell us more about the new marketing campaign shedding light on the different experiences it caters to? As already mentioned, ‘The Holiday You Take Home With You’ has four pillars for people to experience and experiment. There is active lifestyle, culinary experience, family fun and romance. So depending on whom you go with, how do you want to bond with them and what kind of enriching experiences you want, there are a fleet of experiences and

suggestion. People can head to the beach, go to Universal Studios, head to Sentosa or Marine life park for family fun. Food lovers can experience culinary from a range eateries, be it in malls, fine dining restaurants or in the nooks and crannies of Singapore city. But apart from this the most unique part of the campaign is that you can also learn a skill or two while on a vacation. Maybe you can learn how to be a chef and take home that experience which reasserts our tagline, ‘Go as a chef, return as a foodie’ What are the MICE and business facilities in Singapore? Singapore has a dynamic business ecosystem with a concentration of MNC headquarters and International Organizations. To hold conferences and meeting there is Marina Bay Sands, Resort World, Sentosa Beach Hall, Suntec Singapore International Convention & Exhibition Centre and Raffles Convention Centre. What are the accommodation options in Singapore, both luxury and budget? We are proud to say that we not only have World Class luxury hotels but also 3 and 4 stars for the budget and smart traveller. There are a range of hotels in the Resort World Sentosa, City Centre Hotels and other accommodation options like Ibis Bencoolen, Wanderlust, Santa Grand Hotel Bugis and Fullerton Bay Hotel to name a few.

February 2013 go now

photo feature : goa

Salega

A Paradise Regained on Earth Candolim

Vagator Beach

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photo feature : goa

Shanta Durga Temple, Candolim

aon Church

Aguada Old Lighthouse

Shri Dadeshwar Temple, Nerul

St Jose Batista, Calangute

Salegaon Church

mallest state in India, in area, fourth smallest in population but still the unique one that is a fusion of old cultures, traditions, scenic beauty and a place where the West blends with the local values of fun and exciting moments. Landing in Goa, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s an atmosphere of warmth and fun all along the long exciting beaches, good weather punctuated by the thrilling experience of the Goa monsoons. Its picturesque surroundings

and peaceful people around add to the feeling of Goa being so different from many other states in India. At times and in certain locations overlooking the Arabian Sea in the Konkan coastal region makes it feel like the little heaven for those who live peacefully there along with the seasonal visitors who come in year after year. Goa has created its own importance in trade February 2013 go now

photo feature : goa

La Plage

Ashwen Beach

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photo feature : goa

Candolim shopping Thalassa, Vagator

Ashwen Beach

and commerce, there is a strong influence of the myriad hues of the visitors, who add to the excitement there. Tourism, agro-based industr y and plantations are important attraction for future investments. Goa has a range of museums, for ts, historical churches, temples, beaches and old villages which offers different interest to different visitors, besides the relaxing time spent on the host of beaches at some time and the historical / architectural heritage sites at

other times, which have stood the test of time. Goa has 105 kms of attractive and unspoilt beaches of glorious bright sand laced by the swaying palms amidst the rushing waves of the sea. The North Goa beaches stretch from Fort Aguada and includes names like Sinquerim, Candolim, Calangute, Baga, Anjuna, Vagator, Morjim and Arambol. The South Goa stretches from Margao beach stringing its way through beaches at Velsao, Majorda, Betalbim, Colva, Benaulim, Varca, Cavelossim, Mobor and Betul. Candolim has the most resorts while Calangute is the most sought after beach by all the tourists and visitors. Because of the easy availability, seafood cuisine is the most easy choice and the cooking style is influenced by the Portuguese while the Indian style is influenced by the Brahmins. Today, the food joints established by the expatriate community from Germany, Swiss, Italians, French and Greeks are spotted at the best beaches and in preferred areas in various tourist locations in Goa. Exquisite bakeries and pizza joints add to this vast array of cuisine to experience in Goa.

Photographs by

Villa Blanche, Assa

gaon

ajay mehra February 2013 go now

leisure: destination

Soothing Havens in Bustling Bangkok Think Bangkok. Think spas. And you would be among the high percentage of visitors who indulge in these while visiting the Thai capital. Of course, you are advised to separate chaff from grain â&#x20AC;&#x201C; so listing the top six luxury hotel offerings â&#x20AC;&#x201C; each offering their exclusive spa packages, body scrubs, massages and body wraps, revitalising bath remedies and facials. 64

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niche travel : spa The Oriental span

Charming setting for mind, body and soul From the waterfront Mandarin Oriental hotel, a Thai-style barge takes you across the Chao Phraya River to the opposite bank where The Oriental Spa, designed by Hong Kong-based John Morford, is housed in a restored century-old house. A warm welcome awaits you in the golden teakwood lobby while a staircase goes up squarely to differently furnished suites – 10 Spa, 3 Deluxe and 1 Oriental. A flora-filled linear waterbody adds charm. Over a cup of herbal tea, the menu reveals all-time favourites including the Oriental Signature Treatment, Oriental Or ga nic Jour ney, Jet L a g Ma s s a ge and Herbal Compress and Ayurvedic Treatments. In addition an Indian teacher conducts Yoga and Meditation classes. My husband and I are led by our therapists to our luxuriant 90-minute Oriental Signature Massage comprising a concentrated blend of essential plant oils, available under the Spa’s Private Collection label. Combining Thai and European styles, it eases muscle tension and simultaneously energises the

body with acupressure and stretching. The memorable experience ends with a localised shoulder and spinal homemade compress containing lemongrass, turmeric and plai, a medicinal plant. Now into its 20th year, this undisputed pioneer of the Thai spa industr y, has two recent additions – Spa Cuisine of healthy Thai dishes, and the first and only Moroccan Rhassoul Bath in Thailand, combining the elements. What made our session more special was the fact that we had shared this space with previous celebrity clients – HRH Crown Prince Federick, the late Elizabeth Taylor, Boris Becker, Pierce Brosnan, David Beckham and Demi Moore among others. To continue our feel-high experience, we were invited to indulge in a buffet lunch at the adjoining, river facing Sala Rim Naam Thai Restaurant. The Oriental Spa at Mandarin Oriental Bangkok, Tel: +66 2 659-0444, www.mandarinoriental.com/bangkok/spa Open daily: 9am to 10pm

February 2013 go now

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CHIn

Universal Life Force The spacious reception area, scented incense and serene music against an aura of warm, glowing woodwork, traditional lattice screens and mood lighting, soothe your senses. The 1,000 sq mts interiors designed by Julian Coombs and Associates, was inspired by the architectural principles of Asian temples. The worldwide CHI spas opened its first signature spa of the Shangri La Group in Bangkok in 2004. The 12 spa suites overlooking the Chao Praya River create an en suite ‘spa within a spa’ environment, with an optional 107 sq mts The Garden Suite. Spa Director Vikki Aquino familiarised us with our over two-hour CHI Bespoke Journey – a heavenly experience as our skilled – and intuitive – therapists kneaded, rubbed, applied long strokes and pressures at the right points to ease tense stress knots. The couples’ room was conducive to total relaxation – tastefully equipped with an infinity bath with colour therapy, herbal steam

and shower, relaxation lounge and changing, toilet and vanity areas. Treatments are based on holistic practices from time honoured methods shared by Asian cultures featuring CHI Balance, CHI Hot Stone Massage, Mountain Tsampa Rub, Yin Yang Couples Massage, Element Vitality, Sen CHI, The Refreshing Water Ritual, Thai Herbal Harmony and spa rituals of between 2 to 5½ hours such as Enchanted Journey, CHI Harmony, CHI Ritual, Refreshing Water Revitaliser, Yin Yang Journey, Serenity Ritual and The Sense of Place Ritual. A recent introduction is the Refreshing Water Ritual in two new purpose-built luxury spa suites specially adapted for the treatment. There is the mountain salt exfoliation followed by a healing red mountain mud. This is mixed with silagit, a rare mineral extract used by Indian royalty as a rejuvenator since long past. CHI, The Spa At Shangri-La 2nd Floor, Krungthep Wing, 89 Soi Wat Suan Plu, New Road, Bangrak. Tel: +66 2236 7777 www. shangri-la.com/bangkok Open: Daily 10am to 10pm

February 2013 go now

niche travel : spa The spa by Mspan

An oasis of calm in downtown Bangkok The reception lobby is attractive with two black wrought iron bells in Thai Northern Lanna style, a low black granite wall studded with floating lotus, while the ceiling is studded with rods pinned with orchids. Designed by P49 Design & Associates Co. Ltd., the interior focuses on traditional Thai architecture and artefacts subtly blending with elegant contemporary design, evoking a feeling of ‘spiritual tranquillity and harmony’ with nature. Roman style private tubs, Jim Thompson silk fabrics, sheer gold drapes and matte gold furnishing accented with brilliant fuchsia cushion are infused with blend of Northern Thai Lanna style with a Moroccan flair. Combining Elemis products and local indigenous ingredients ranging from herbs, flowers and fruits to volcanic stones, act as

go now February 2013

detoxifying agents and muscle relaxants. Signature treatments are Elemis aroma stone therapy where warmed volcanic stones are placed on the body’s key energy points; Harmony wave signature massage combining shiatsu, Thai, lomi lomi, Swedish and Balinese styles and performed by two therapists; body scrubs such as Elemis Exotic Lime and Ginger Salt Glow exfoliating ritual; Smooth Glow Detoxifying Green Tea Scrub with its potent antibacterial treatment and Javanese lulur using a blend of powdered spices and sweet woods for a gentle exfoliation, soothed by cool yogurt. In addition there are facials for men and women and a range of relaxing baths. This spa truly is an oasis of calm where professional hands infuse personal well-being. Four Seasons Hotel, Bangkok. 155 Rajadamri Road Tel: +66 2651 9312 www.fourseasons.com/bangkok/spa Open: Daily 10am to 10pm

Seasons span

I.sawann

Inspired by Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter

‘Fifth Level of Heaven’

A central circular reception counter on the 7th floor provides hints at the light toned decor in wood and stone within the 11 treatment rooms. Spa manager Rungravee Ruksaksakul or Gung as she is known, explains the aptly named Seasons Spa philosophy. “Using traditional Elemis products, our signature techniques – Hawaiian (waving movement), Balinese (finger pressure), Swedish (palm) and Thai – based on the four seasons, are suited to each skin type.” Relaxing in a mellow ambience, we indulged in the signature Seasons Spa Massage – a combination of these four – to increase blood circulation and lymphatic flow and improve muscle tone and skin texture. The oil blended with lime, ginger, lavender and peppermint, uplifts, revitalises and clarifies thoughts and calms emotions. Spring’s floral scrub comprises pandanus, bullet wood and jasmine to revitalise tired skin. While detoxifying wraps blend antioxidising white tea, and Centella Asiatica for tired and dull skin. Summer scrub goes exotic herbal with the medicinal plai and turmeric blended with honey and yogurt. The Tropical fruit wraps of green mud and mangosteen extract are healing and detoxifying. Autumn brings in the oceanic treasures – seaweed and luffa in the Oceanic Scrub remove dead skin while essential oils are relaxants. The Black mud wrap blended with honey and mineral rich olive oil releases toxins and restores moisture balance. Winter’s warming effect comes from spice scrub with ginger and black pepper to remove dead skin and reduce cellulite. The Chili Cream Wrap refreshes the body.

The 7,000 sq mts, fifth floor i.sawan Residential Spa & Club, mythically defined as the ‘fifth level of heaven’, or virtually a garden in the sky, was busy with visitors on that Saturday afternoon. Equipped with five elements – accommodation, spa treatments, fitness, relaxation and cuisine – and designed by American interior designer, Tony Chi, a private walkway leads to an out-of-sight, semi-circle of nine en suite single, double, and Thai treatment bungalows. In addition six en suite residential spa cottages open onto a central landscaped courtyard for an overnight get-away. Described as pure, authentic and results-oriented, the treatments at i.sawan use Italian brand Comfort Zone skin care products, making their first appearance in Thailand. The spa menu is categorised under Purity – to release excess energy and stress, to detox and regaining equilibrium of the senses; Energy – to revitalise inner strength while increasing vitality and balancing the body’s energy; Harmony – to achieve a harmonious balance between body, mind and spirit, or Thai age-old oriental traditions imbued with healing massages and treatments to create well-being of your inner self. The Action Sublime facial I opted for comprised a biomultiforce anti-ageing treatment with retinol, hyaluronic acid and lactoproteins for a deep and visible wrinkle reducing effect. Sixty minutes later not only was I feeling totally relaxed under the nimble fingers of the therapist who worked on my face, ending with a shoulders and head massage – but I certainly looked younger and my skin glowed for quite a few days after...

Conrad Bangkok, All Seasons Place, 87 Wireless Road Tel: +66 2690 9999 www.conradbangkok.com Open: Daily 9am to 10pm

Grand Hyatt Erawan, 494 Rajdamri Road, Tel: +66 2254 6310 www.isawan.hyatt.com. Open: Daily 9am to 11pm February 2013 go now

niche travel : culture

n a cloud-scudding day, we drove through the green and watered countr yside of Or is sa to the crafts-village of Raghurajpur. There, trudging down a narrow road with shrines on one side and houses with murals on the other, we stepped into a seemingly ordinary cottage. That was deceptive. It was an ashram in the revered tradition: young students lived here with their guru. It was also an akhara, a gymnasium in which they were trained, massaged and groomed to achieve the flexibility required by their eclectic art. It was called the Dasabhuja Gotipua Odishi Nrutya Parishad: a bust of the founder, Guru Manguni Das, was enshrined outside this cottage in which he had lived and trained his young chelas. But we didn’t know all this when we entered the central room. There was a single line of chairs for spectators, a framed and garlanded portrait of the founder on a wall, pictures of performers and oleographs of gods and goddesses. At one end sat the musicians: the current guru on a harmonium, a percussionist with the two-sided Mardala drum, another with the small cymbals called Gini, and a young Gotipua performer. We sat down, not quite sure what to expect. The musicians began to play and, through a side door, the dancers trooped in. They were all young girls in bright saris and blouses, with anklets of bells, jewellery and elaborate make up on their faces. Their ages ranged from seven or eight to thirteen or fourteen. They were very graceful, very expressive, very devout as the danced the

Close up of a Gotipua dancer

invocation. Then, slowly, it dawned on us that these lissome performers, with their gently feminine movements, were not girls but boys. We felt disoriented. Generations of cultural stereotyping welled up unconsciously: this was bizarre. Then, very deliberately, we opened our minds and began to accept it for what it was: a beautiful expression of devotion evocatively choreographed. Our socially-conditioned mind-sets began to soften in the perfection of their performance. During the hour that we spent with them, we were enchanted by their show. That is what it had been: a visual delight. It was only later that we realised the significance of what we had seen. More than any other classical dance form, Gotipua holds a mirror to the chequered past of this eastern state. We learnt this when we met the elegant and warm Aruna Mohanty. She is an award winning Odissi dancer who heads the Orissa Dance Academy. Our long conversation with

dance of the boy ‘ballerinas’

gotipua

Born out of necessity, sculpted by history, parenting a classical performing art, Gotipua is unique in many ways.

Acrobatics are an essential feature of Gotipua

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niche travel : culture

The musicians in the dance hall

A bust of the Founder

her, as well as the informative Odissi Dance by D.N. Patnaik which she presented to us, suddenly made everything we had seen realign itself. It was as if we had turned a kaleidoscope and a pretty picture had reassembled itself into intriguingly significant patterns. We realised now why, after the invocatory chanted dance, the tempo had changed. It had became more languorous, sensuous. As in many of the arts of Orissa, Gotipua, too, had been influenced by Puri’s great temple to Lord Jagannath. In fact, it had its origins there. It was the temple’s tradition to have professional dancers to entertain the Lord. Like the Vestal Virgins of ancient Rome, these maharis had taken a vow of chastity. But, over the decades, their lives had been corrupted by a succession of libidinous prelates and princes. The women dancers fell into disrepute and the arrival of invaders with their prohibitions about women being seen in public, hastened the decline of the maharis. As a substitute, the Gotipua was created. At first they were goti, or single, pua, boys then they grew into small groups. In that room in Raghurajpur, the dancers were now, clearly, capturing the seductive gestures and movements of the despised maharis. We noticed the three-bend pose, in which the legs are crossed, the out-thrust hip emphasizes the slimness of the waist, and the come-hither inclination of the head, invites attention. This tribhangi, often seen in temple sculptures, creates a gracefully voluptuous body language that is appealing without being blatant. It says much for the skill of the dancers that even though we knew that they were young men and not women, their body language was still evocative. As we watched them, however, a new tempo began to emerge. History was still at work on Gotipua. When the alien invaders had left, a local ruler decided to set up gymnasia in every street to so that future attackers would face stiff resistance from an athletic home guard. This gave rise to a performance which is unique to Gotipua. The dancers now began to execute the most intricate acrobatic formations. To achieve this Bandha Nrutya, Gotipua dancers start very young: at the ages of six or seven when their bodies are still flexible. Even so, nature curtails their careers as Gotipua dancers. Age catches up, and the physical changes that occur in the mid-teens compel Gotipua dancers to leave the ashrams that have nurtured them and been their homes for many formative years. It is a heart-breaking but inevitable farewell. Many do, however, put their arduous years to training to good use: they become Odissi dancers. The late Guru Kelucharan Mahapatra had been born in Raghurajpur and trained in the village Gotipua Akhara before he became our most famous Odissi dancer. Odissi, because it accepts both men and women, does not evoke the social prejudice that boys-dressed-as-girls do. It has been accepted as one of the classical dances of India. Gotipua, its parent, has not. Clearly, however, that sexist mind-set is changing. Girls from traditional families have taken to the sports field and gymnastics, risking public exposure that the orthodox would have once condemned as obscene. If its mentors can insulate it from the insidious inroads of Bollywood ‘item numbers’, publicize it, and open its doors to out-of-state and foreign students, it could become the classical dance of the future. Hopefully, then, girls will also dance with goti puas. Text & photographs by Hugh & Colleen gantzer

February 2013 go now

niche travel : coffee country

ou’ve probably heard of Bangalore’s infamous traffic, you will see shades of that as you drive towards Mysore in what is one of India’s busiest state highways. It doesn’t help that this 140 km stretch has compelling pit stops along the way. There’s Ramnagara that is legendary for its Mysore Pak (The famous South Indian sweet) and it’s in these environs that the blockbuster Sholay was filmed. Further down you will cross Chennapatna that crafts charming wooden toys and Maddur that is synonymous with the Maddur Vada a crispier and yummier version of one of South India’s breakfast staples. It took me six hours to finally reach my final destination – Coorg. Spread over 4000 sq kms Kodagu (Coorg is the anglicised version) is home to the Kodavas, a Kshatriya clan very proud of their Aryan roots and a community that has produced some of India’s finest army generals and hockey players. Once a landlocked region and safely cut off from outside influences, Coorg has a unique identity that is reflected in its language, cuisine and lifestyle. Aside from being one of India’s most picturesque regions, Coorg is also home to the country’s finest coffee and

Coorg coffee is world famous. While Coorg has its share of luxury hotels, old clubs and home stay options, there’s probably no better way to experience Coorg than from within the confines of a coffee estate. Plantation Trails owned by Tata Coffee has transformed seven of its plantation bungalows into exquisite luxury accommodation options. Once homes of British coffee estate managers these well appointed bungalows also come with efficient service crews take you back in time and allow you to experience the planter’s lifestyle. Restoration is always a tricky task and Plantation Trails has ensured that the charms of another era has not been lost in its quest to create a luxurious retreat. From high ceilings, large bathrooms and four poster beds all the remnants of the British Raj live on in these bungalows. And while it’s easy to sink into one of the lounge chairs in the cottage veranda with a book after a sumptuous meal, I had to collect myself and roll out of the cottage to explore Coorg. The first item on my agenda was a round of late-afternoon golf in near perfect weather conditions. Coorg has three golf courses including one that’s just five minutes away from the Cottabetta Bungalow my home

48 hours in

Kodava Country Plantation trails bungalow Cottabetta

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Located just six hours away from Bangalore is one of India’s most enchanting hilly districts that is a treasure house of flora and fauna. Coorg is not just India’s largest coffee producing region, it is also one of the country’s best weekend getaways. for the next 48 hours. The nine-hole Tata Coffee golf course at Polibetta is a typical hill station course full of ups and downs. Despite deficient monsoons at Coorg, the greens are in great shape and there’s a comforting nip in the air. An extended round of golf was all I needed to work up an appetite to do justice to a scrumptious Coorg meal crafted by Chef Girish. Being a landlocked region, Coorg cuisine evolved with locally available ingredients. Before they became a largely agricultural community, the Coorgs used to love their hunting. The meat of the animals

niche: coffee country

Coffee beans at the Tata Coffee Polibetta estate

Tusker at Dubare Elephant Camp

Periyapatna on the Mysore Coorg roadway

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Golden Temple

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niche travel : coffee country that were hunted down, such as deer, wild fowl and wild boar, would be dried, smoked and preserved. Hunting curbs might have put an end to the region’s hunting and gaming traditions but traditional recipes and dishes continue to live on in Coorg homes. Pandi (Pork) curry is probably Coorg’s best known dish and the Plantation trails boast of one of Coorg’s most authentic versions. The Coorgs love their rice and their Puttus (steam- cooked dishes) are legendar y. There are a whole lot of them that include the Kadambuttu (ball shaped puttus) and Nooputtu (thread puttu, pressed into noodle like threads) that make the perfect accompaniment to the Pandi Curry. The Coorgs might be compulsive meat eaters but there’s room for delectable vegetarian dishes like the stir fried raw jackfruit and the seasonal tender bamboo shoot curry. oorg’s hilly terrain and green cover provide the perfect setting for coffee trees that need protection from the harsh rays of the sun. Day two began with an early morning drive through Tata Coffee’s large estates in the Polibetta region and a quick orientation on coffee growing and processing. January and February is coffee picking season and I intentionally picked this time for my first visit to Coorg. The Bean to cup process takes infinitely longer than fixing a cup of instant coffee. The coffee flowers that look and smell like jasmine flowers become coffee berries that require about eight to ten months to be handpicked. That is followed by a cumbersome process that transforms coffee berries into the brown aromatic beans ready for roasting. The roasting process subjects these beans to temperatures between 180 and 230 degrees centigrade and sees the beans change colour from green to the dark brown fit for consumption. Coorg is home to both the Arabica and Robusta bean varieties. My next stop after breakfast was the Dubare Elephant Camp about 25 kms

factfile Getting there Coorg is about three hours away from the Mysore station by road and about six hours away from the Bangalore International Airport When to go December to April are the best months. Coffee picking season is usually January and February. If you are willing to brave the rains, go there during the monsoon season (Around JuneSeptember) when Coorg looks more verdant than usual.

Statues at the Golden Temple

away from the Cottabetta Bungalow that is located on the banks of the Cauvery River. Co-managed by Karnataka’s Jungle Lodges, it’s the perfect enclave to interact with elephants. You can admire them from a safe distance or feed them or even better bathe them as long as you don’t mind wetting your feet and knees! Half an hour from Dubare and near Kushal Nagara town is Bylekuppe one of India’s largest Tibetan settlements. Its home to the Namdroling monastery and the majestic Golden temple. The temple’s large yet tranquil hall houses three large goldplated statues including an imposing 60 ft tall Buddha in the centre. Bylekuppe also has numerous quaint shops that retail Feng Shui and Tibetan souvenirs. With less than 24 hours left I decide to rush back to the comfort of the bungalow instead of visiting Madikeri (Mercara) the district’s main town. Madikeri is close to the stunning Abbey Falls and is the halfway point to Talacauvery that is the starting point of the Cauvery and a place that is revered in Coorg’s culture and traditions. I spend the rest of the evening in the serene environs of the bungalow and recharge my batteries. After all escapes to hill stations are also about unwinding and doing nothing.

ay three begins early and I am joined by Udai an ornithologist and local guide who promises that I will spot at least 20 different birds in 45 minutes. I didn’t take him seriously but after 45 minutes and after spotting about 25 varieties of birds all within the vast expanses of the Cottabetta coffee estate, Udai had the last laugh. Coorg is a must visit destination for bird lovers and is home to an astounding 300 types of birds out the 1300 varieties that are found in the entire subcontinent. The ‘Rocket tailed Drongo’ was the scene stealer; this cheeky bird can mimic at least 15 different types of birds. Coorg has myriad experiences on offer; whether you are a nature or bird lover or if you are just looking for a weekend chill pill there’s enough to keep you engaged. Just like Goa, Coorg is a great place to visit during the monsoons when there’s romance in the air. It’s my love for coffee that brought me here and the desire to travel back to in time and experience the charms of the plantation lifestyle. And as I hit the road back to Bangalore I was convinced that 48 hours is certainly not time to explore all that Coorg has to offer. However it was enough to convince me to plot my next visit; during the monsoons maybe? Text & photos by Ashwin rajagopalan

February 2013 go now

metro travel : mumbai

Key’s Cafe

Sohum Spa

icture perfect

Strawberry Holidays

Mahabaleshwar has been a favourite destination for several tourists all over the country owing to it’s beautiful locales and pleasant weather. Set in this breathtaking hill station is Evershine, a Keys Resort, a contemporary property. A recent holiday in Mahabaleshwar reminded us why this picture postcard hill station is so popular with tourists. Add to it the resort’s stunning architecture and décor combined with warm hospitality and one is bound to go through a fabulous experience. When in Mahabaleshwar, a visit to local markets and the Mapro factory (for crushes, jams,

Set amidst scenic, strawberry covered valleys and lush flora in Mahabaleshwar, Evershine, a Keys resort is the ideal weekend getaway for those who wish to unwind and rejuvenate.

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marmalades of all sorts of flavours) is a must see must do. Take a tour of Mapro gardens to see a strawberry farm at close quarters. Fresh fruits and salad vegetables such as carrots, radishes, luscious strawberries, guavas abound in local markets here. “Evershine, a Keys Resort Mahabaleshwar is a premium upscale resort positioned as ‘Place in the sky’, designed to deliver a world class hospitality experience. Our resort addresses the needs of both, corporate guests and exclusive vacationers, enabling you to enjoy a vacation or a corporate bonding trip just the way you would like to. The resort brings real value quality living away from the hectic lifestyle and maddening metro din, so required on weekend getaways that rejuvenate and revitalize,” says General Manager Manoj Verma. The 85 rooms that this resort houses are categorized into Executive rooms, Executive twin rooms and Deluxe rooms. Every room in the resort comes with a magnificent view of the surrounding mountains and valley. All rooms are well equipped with contemporary amenities to make one’s stay comfortable. For the fitness conscious, there is a well equipped gymnasium which is open 24 hours. This resort is equipped to address the special needs of single women and physically challenged guests.

Poolside pizzeria

Culinary haven Gourmets and gourmands will enjoy feasting at the resort’s three food and beverage outlets. Poolside Pizzeria is a charming little restaurant and an epicurean delight. This eatery serves Mediterranean and Italian fare including traditional wood fire pizzas, a range of pastas and desserts in an alfresco setting. During winters the hotel works up a cozy bonfire for guests so that they can enjoy a delectable Italian meal in the open. Keys Café is a contemporary coffee shop and restaurant which offers some of the finest world cuisine options. One can order à la carte from the Indian or European section or go for their various buffets. Unlock –the Restobar serves interesting cocktails and mocktails along with scrumptious snacks. It also offers gaming alternatives and lounging areas pepped up with soft music and adjustable lighting. There is a 42” TV for cricket aficionados to watch the latest cricket match!

The allure of adventure Sports enthusiasts can visit the indoor games zone for a round of table tennis, pool, chess and carom. There is an outdoor play area complete with slides, swings, merry-gorounds for children. On request, the hotel organizes for various activities such as golf at the club, cooking classes, a picnic at Wilson point, a kid’s day out; a trip to explore the jungle and a special candlelight dinner. A refreshing dip in the swimming pool during summers is an enjoyable way to beat the heat. One can’t help but notice that attentive and efficient staff is always present to keep an eye on children and ensure safety at the pool, allowing parents to relax and unwind without worry. Adventure enthusiasts have plenty to keep them busy in the form of camping and trekking along marvellous

factfile Evershine – A Key’s Resort Mahableshwar Gautam Road, Mahableshwar - 412 806, Maharashtra, India. Tel: +91 (02168) 262000 reservations.evershine@keyshotels.com

nature trails while they are guests in this resort. The resort is also a popular venue for big fat Indian weddings in Mahabaleshwar. Rejuvenate. Evershine houses a capacious Sohum Spa, just the place to de-stress and unwind-a major attraction for guests who visit for rejuvenation. With 8 rooms, a reflexology lounge and a unisex salon, this spa is very well equipped to address various needs. Spacious treatment rooms are equipped with a foot ritual chair, wooden massage tables, a dedicated work area and attached shower facilities. Wellness therapies that are offered consist of body envelopments, skin refinements, body polishes, facials, hair, foot and nail spa therapies. A team of specialists are available for consultation w h ic h i nc lude s qua l if ie d Ay u r ve da physicians and Panchakarma specialists, homoeopaths, nutritionists and dieticians, yoga and meditation specialists etc. Each room in Sohum Spa is named according to the treatment a guest chooses. Before a treatment begins, manipulation of trigger points on the head and neck is administered to effectively relieve tension and ease one into relaxation and healing. Lush green expanses of scenic beauty amidst the Sahayadris, the resort’s strategic location, warmth and facilities offered, all this add up to make a stay in Evershine, a Keys resort in Mahabaleshwar a pleasantly unforgettable holiday. by Jyoti Balani

February 2013 go now

metro travel : nightlife delhi

parisian luxury lounge experience for delhiites Fancy an exclusive drink and one of a kind music in a huge expansive lounge? Try b-bar, located on the fourth floor of Select Citywalk mall in Delhi’s Saket area.

bar ensures value for money with its luxuriously styled ambience, an excellent drink experience, perfect cock ta il s, a nd specia l mu sic. Expectations heighten as you step into an exclusive lift that takes you straight to the bar spread over a huge 20,000 sq. ft, ensuring that it is never unbearably crowded, not even on weekends when entry is restricted. b-bar, from the owners of Buddha-Bar, the iconic Parisian bar and restaurant chain, is the brand’s first outlet in India, at Delhi. But with one difference – it’s positioned

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metro travel : nightlife delhi

factfile Lunch at b-bar can be accompanied with drinks from 1 pm onwards. For those who look forward to their favourite drink in the evenings, the bar opens at 6 pm. Contact: 011 46098989 Meal for two: Rs. 5,000 with drinks

here as b-bar to avoid any controversies over the name. Globally, Buddha-Bars, on which b-bars is modelled, are known for their posh interiors, mood lighting, and large spaces. They are an amalgamation of restaurant, bar, club and lounge. Buddha-Bars can be found in Monte Carlo, Paris, Kiev, London, Monaco, Prague, Budapest, Washington DC – and now New Delhi – among other cities. Worldwide each bar has a massive Buddha statue as a centre piece – but here, a giant peaceful resting Samurai, sitting in

a similar stance, has been used – again to avoid any possible criticism. Other than that, b-bar maintains its international touches throughout, though not necessarily by exact replication. Oriental artefacts and huge chandeliers add extraordinary impact to some truly stunning settings. An extensive lounge overlooks the vast restaurant space as the bar sets the mood with exclusive music every day after 6 pm. On weekends, dedicated Asian underground music plays along with a light show. At b-bar, stay clear of conventional cocktails and try the signature options which use fresh herbs and homemade ingredients to ensure quality. There’s Ying Coco Yang made with Thai chilli infused gin, Pineapple Spicy made w it h T hai chilli inf u s ed vodka, Majestic made with Thai basil and pineapple, Little One made with kaafir lime, passion fruit and tequila, and more. For the Indian palate, b-bar has an exclusive drink called Mahabodhi, a combination of paan infused vodka with passion fruit, blueberry and mango. In addition, b-bar serves a wide collection of fine spirits, including single malts and more than 300 labels, and about 20 signature cocktails. T he ba r snack s to o a re excellent especially the Lobster Dumplings as also the Sushi, Sashimi and Maki rolls. b-bar serves Japanese, Vietnamese, Thai and Chinese cuisine. From appetizers to main-courses, b-bar’s menu mainly offers an assortment of Asian fusion-food. Besides a lively atmosphere, b-bar is renowned for its Asian lounge music and has spawned some world renowned DJs. Famous DJ Naaz plays music in the lounge, and Paris based DJ Ravin who plays at the bar is a global favourite with his CDS on sale at the bar itself. We recommend b-bar for a refreshing change if you are tired of your regular hangouts and look forward to international signature drinks and sparkling indigenous cocktails. by anupriya bishnoi February 2013 go now

in celebration

celebrity promotions In keeping with its mission of promoting the best of French culture, Sofitel Luxury Hotels is presenting a unique photo exhibition, featuring an exclusive collection of close to 30 photos of the legendary film actress Brigitte Bardot.

Brigitte Bardot exhibition extends to Sofitel in Asia

B Forever – Brigitte Bardot, la légende – is an exhibit featuring an exclusive collection of close to 30 photos that trace the career of one of 20th century cinema’s leading icons, the legendary French actress who went on to become the “locomotive of women’s history”. Conceived in collaboration with journalist and writer Henry-Jean Servat, the exhibition traces the life of the famous French star through never-before-seen snapshots. Visitors can admire the different facets of the actress, who throughout her career distinguished herself by her beauty, spontaneity and carefree spirit,

and whose personality led her to be regarded not only as a legend and a sex symbol, but also as the embodiment of women’s liberation. Both baby-doll and femme fatale, she worked with the most renowned film-makers in the industry, embodying lightness and sensuality, and quickly became a sex symbol and international film star – a French Marilyn Monroe. Brigitte Bardot, also known simply by her initials “BB”, is one of the most famous French artists in the world. In keeping with its mission of promoting the best of French culture, and following the great success of the exhibit last year in its hotels in New York, Chicago, Washington and Los Angeles, Sofitel Luxury Hotels is presenting the unique photo exhibition for the first time in Asia, to eight cities including Bangkok, Beijing, Guangzhou, Chongqing, Macau, Manila, Mumbai and Saigon. To launch the tour, Sofitel Bangkok Sukhumvit offers a themed dinner at L’Appart with dishes inspired by the South of France. Special cocktails with the hint of St. Tropez will be served at the bars of L’Appart and Le Bar de l’Hôtel and a traditional classic French pastry Tarte Tropezienne will be a highlight. 80

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February 2013 go now

Date of Publication: 04/02/2013

RNI No. DELENG/2000/3645 Posting Dt. 4-9/02/2013 Licence No. U(C)-299/2012-2014 W.P.P. at MCB-1 Reg No. DL-(C)-01/1250/2012-14