IN REVIEW

UK 27 THE FERN BELAGAVI - A PERFECT BLEND OF LUXURY AND ECO-FRIENDLINESS

by Rajesh Ghadge Images by: Fern Belagavi

Strategically located in the center of the city, The Fern Belagavi is the first 5-star- hotel and a leading environmentally-sensitive ecotel that provides a perfect blend of luxury & environment-friendliness. This hotel chain has won 200 awards across many spectrums in ‘ outstanding management and environmental practices ’ making this property the only ecotel hotel in Belagavi city. Belagavi is a most sought-after area for Goans and The Fern Belagavi provides unmatched customer service along with top-

class luxury for their guests. The cherry on top is their eco-friendly approach to the entire experience and you ’ll feel right at home during your stay. The property comprises 90 well-equipped rooms which are again subcategorised into aesthetically built 33 Wintergreen rooms, 33 Wintergreen Premier Rooms, 6 studio rooms, 6 Premium studios and 12 suites. The Fern Club Suite and the Hazel Suite are the most spacious and luxurious and each suite carries a stamp of excellence. Earlier Belagavi did not have many options for travellers in the segment of budget hotels clubbed with world-class facilities. There were options of either very expensive rooms or lowbudget hotels that do not provide any facilities, but now the Fern Belagavi provides top-notch luxury and world-class facilities at the most affordable rates. Why spend more when you get both at one price? The Fern Belagavi also provides the facilities such as a well-designed world-cuisine restaurant, coffee shop, multicuisine and a Pan-Asian restaurant, lobby lounge deli shop, a rooftop retro-bar and swimming pool, a state-of-the-art banquet hall, a meeting room and the board room beside a large lawn to cater for social and corporate events. The Fern Belagavi believes in the principle of hospitality with responsibility and sustainable tourism, and it offers the perfect blend of luxury and coexistence with nature. The Ecotel The term Ecotel derives from eco-friendly and hotel. The hotel is equipped with a premium standard of amenities and services with a true passion for the environment. Normally, luxury and eco-friendliness do not go hand in hand but this is not the case with the Fern Belagavi.

According to them, the fern is a perennial plant, retaining a rare consistency and many of its best characteristics over millions of years. It is an epitome of pedigree flora and it aptly represents them. In an era where guests require proactive, individualized service, The Fern delivers much more luxury with elegance and personalized service and all the contemporary facilities come together with minimal impact on the environment. The Rooms As mentioned above the hotel has 91 wellequipped rooms with top-class amenities and the rooms are divided into multiple types which include, 1 Winter Green room spread across 354 sqft area, 33 King Bed Rooms, 33 Fern Club Premium Studio 430 sq ft, 06 Studio Rooms (with Twin Beds and Showers), 4 Fern Club Premium Studio 588 sq ft, 06 Studio Rooms 03 Studio Rooms (with King Beds, Bathtub and Kitchen) 03 Studio Rooms (with King Beds, Showers and Kitchen), 5 Hazel Suite 896 sq ft, 06 Suites (with a dining area), 6 Fern Club Suite 924 sq ft, 06 Suites 03 Suites (with a Dining area) 03 Suites (with a Dining area and Jacuzzi). The Amenities The Fern Belagavi provided the world-class amenities at the most affordable cost, some of which include express check-in and check-out, complimentary buffet breakfast, high-speed internet connectivity, complimentary bottled drinking water, in-room tea & coffee facility, LED TV, in-room dining, banquet and meeting rooms, health club, swimming pool, travel desk, doctor on call, car parking, airport and local transfers (on chargeable basis) Melange Melange is a world-cuisine restaurant which

takes you on a rollercoaster ride of tastes from across the world. There ’ s a spectacular fine-dining experience on offer featuring their a la carte menu. The restaurant offers a culinary trail spanning the length of Indian, Chinese, Mediterranean & Continental. Also, when you are here do not forget to try the confectionery items from the bakery. The custom décor and the personalized services make ‘Mélange ’ the ideal location to pamper oneself. Yaki Yaki is a Pan-Asian restaurant situated in the Fern Belagavi and if you are wondering what it means, then you ’ ve come to the right place. Pan-Asian encompasses special dishes from different nations and cultures throughout the entire continent of Asia. On a Pan-Asian menu, you are likely to find a spicy curry dish from rural Southern India, pork, rice, and vegetable dishes from Vietnam, and a traditional Chinese rice and shrimp dish, all offered on the same menu. UK Lounge Rooftop Restro The Lounge is a chic haven based in the heart of Belagavi, where you can eat, drink & savour the breathtaking views. At UK 27 Lounge, they make every possible attempt to provide guests with a distinct experience on every visit, boasting a wide range of entertainment. Curve The GYM The layout is designed for quick and effective exercise. Equipment options include elliptical machines, free weights treadmills and include personal trainers. Rooftop Pool The property also has a rooftop pool with an amazing 180° City view. Sunbeds are arranged for relaxing. The Lawn Only when we connect to nature, and engage with nature, we are truly alive and vigorous. To really be alive, one must be under the sun, the moon, and the shining stars and surrounded by beautiful greenery. The Lawn, with an extraordinary gazebo, creates wonders itself.

Address: UK 27 The Fern, Belagavi, Ayodhya Nagar, Sadashiv Nagar, Belagavi, Karnataka 590019 Contact: +918326645858 / 0831 427 2727 Average Room Tariff ₹5,000 on Twin Sharing Basis with CP Package

IN PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS IN SAWANTWADI

by Jade Dsa Images by Jade Dsa

The fast-paced urban life has made us lose touch, not just with ourselves, but also with nature. A study of 20000 people in 2019 showed that spending at least 2 hours every week in nature could drastically improve physical and mental well-being.

These results remained the same despite differences in age, gender, ethnicity, physical disabilities and presence/absence of chronic illnesses. Regardless of where you are or what you do, it is crucial to consciously remember to hit the pause button and unwind in the company of nature as and when need be. Happiness Estate Konkan in Sawantwadi is one such place that offers precisely that. The rolling green estate is snuggled into the Western Ghats, surrounded by an abundant forest and rich biodiversity. This means you could wake up to the sound of birds, not alarms, and breathe clean air that is not suffused with harmful automobile emissions. The exclusive property only maintains six rooms, including two heritage suites, ensuring guests are offered privacy and solitude. The rooms are built in-keeping with the style predominant in the area - with laterite stones and tiles as well as beautiful Warli paintings on the exterior. During my 2-day stay at Happiness Estate, I was spoiled with simple pleasures. A glass of kokum sherbet on arrival, walking barefoot on the grass that is maintained by bringing in the neighbourhood cows to graze, an afternoon dip in the pool, an evening under the palm trees enjoying snacks and pleasant conversations with the host, Vikrant, his family and other guests. For breakfast, I looked forward to the array of home-made jams and preserves made using the fruits grown on the property. This, accompanied by a hot cup of chai, some toast, puri bhaji and more - a blissful way to start the day. Oh, did I mention? Happiness Estate is pet-friendly, so apart from the Chief Happiness Officer, Bhuri, a beautiful brown indie dog, there were guests ’ pets to play with and cuddle!

Moreover, your entire stay there will be curated around the Konkan experience. You could spend time at a beach, discover new waterfalls, engage in cultural activities and enjoy locally prepared food. The cooks at Happiness Estate specialize in Malvani cuisine, and the taste of the prawn curry I enjoyed still lingers in my memory. While I love a day or two of solitude in the lap of nature, I must confess, I can ’t do without connectivity. Happiness Estate had excellent phone signal and internet, allowing me to work uninterrupted in my room. Speaking of my room, the beds were among most the comfortable I’ ve ever slept on. The property pays due emphasis on nature and sustainability - with glass bottles of water and ‘daatun, ’ which is a twig of the neem tree to brush your teeth in the morning. Upon check-out, guests are requested to plant a sapling to offset the carbon footprint created during the holiday. Things to do in Sawantwadi around Happiness Estate: Go cycling The land around Happiness Estate is lined with over 200 km of cycling routes that run along the coast and through forests. The region of Sindhdurg is well-known for its pristine beauty and tranquillity which makes it perfect for cycling. Waterfall treks The Western Ghats are home to some of the most mesmerizing waterfalls in the country. With a little guidance from the locals, you can easily find waterfalls around the property. If you are the more adventurous kind, you can also drive down to the Chorla or the Amboli Ghats and explore the waterfalls there.

Eat local cuisine One does not leave the Konkan coast without experiencing its seafood. Malvani seafood is unique in its own way and worth indulging in. At Happiness Estate in Sawantwadi, you can indulge in lunches and dinners comprising of meats and seafood, with a couple of veg options, too. Visit a Museum The Thakkar Adivasi Kala Angan Museum and Art Gallery at Pinguli, is around a 25 min drive from the farm stay. Here, you will get a glimpse of the dying art forms that the family-run museum preserves - from puppetry to Chitragatha. This 15-acre farm stay is just the place to disconnect and enjoy a few days away from it all, so if you ’ re looking for a quick getaway from Goa or Pune, head on over.

AVO’S KITCHEN - TRADITIONAL RECIPE CURATED BY MOTHER

By Tanisi Kakodkar Images - Tanisi Kakodkar

Beaches, late-night parties, pubs, cheap drinks, isn

’t this all Goa is famous for? Not to mention all the stereotypical films shot in goa and portrayed Goa the way it is. While everyone out there is going gaga over all the new cuisines, two Brothers from Goa, who graduated from IHM Amey and Gaurish, with their passion for Authentic Goan Cuisine, started a place which screams true goa every time you stop there.

Traditional recipe and masalas curated specially by their Mother Mrs Vidya Naik, Avo

’ s kitchen stands by its name by all means. Opened up back in May, this trending place has set up a benchmark of good food. Situated in the heart of Assagao, with a picture-worthy board outside the place, this cosy place will offer you a peaceful meal in a homely way. The moment you enter this place, the interiors will have your heart at the first sight.

A good love at first sight, right? This beauty won 't only impress you with the rustic interiors, but the homely food will make sure your heart sings the melody. Celebrating a good Goan soul, this place serves authentic Goan Cuisine. Doesn ’t your heart melt every time you relish the authentic Goan palate? Cooked on a wood fire (traditional way of cooking on fire), served with Ukde rice (traditional Goan Rice), in clay pots, Avo has made sure we have a full experience like never before. the food here will tickle your taste buds and ensure you experience the true flavors of the little state. Goa is all about the local food every season, from Ghota (ordinary Mangoes), Bibe (Soft Cashew), nirphanas in summers, to all the local greens in the rains. Can you believe they serve Ghotanche Sasanv in a restaurant? The fresh fish beautifully cooked in golden semolina, the reds of recheado Masala, yellows of the fish curry, not to forget their flavorful Sugatchi Kadi, this place is blasting Goan colours in all possible ways. The IHM graduates, Amey and Gaurish make sure to source their raw ingredients local. Whereas Avo makes sure that everything is cooked with full love.

My personal Favorite, The Fish Thali, reminds me of home away from home. The beautifully cooked ukde rice, served with fish curry, fried fish, Kokum cry with coconut (I was dancing with joy when I saw this), other Goan Sides and Desserts. Avo ’ s kitchen is filled with smiley faces who will make sure you have an astounding experience. Right from planting their own greens, to cooking in an open kitchen, the grand entrance and galaxy stairway, will take you down food heaven. They have Ample parking spaces and a comfortable sitting area that can easily cover around 80-100 people at once. Make sure you plan a meal with your loved ones soon here if you have not till today.