Belle Magazine

Edition 1

Belle

The Many Shades Of Belmondo Discover an array of luxury experiences you can indulge in at your new home away from home

Find out how to host a great party at your home at Lodha Belmondo Featuring a step by step guide on recreating our signature 'Bajra Bhakri Biscuits with our creamy Organic Brinjal Caviar' from The Reserve Cafe

My #LifeAtBelmondo by Vinti Lodha

Investing in a second home

Your guide to Pavana

The many shades of Belmondo

Make hosting a breeze!

Our collaboration with Isprava

Belmondo In The News

Are You An Indoor Or Outdoor Person?

In your opinion, what are some highlights of being a resident at The Reserve at Lodha Belmondo?

Ans: The Reserve at Belmondo offers not just beautiful and spacious homes but also great hospitality and service by our in-house masters – Saint Amand. Every experience from in-house dining, to arranging picnics, to the restaurant and the café is great. The comfort of having your home well-done and ready before your stay is an added advantage and the feeling of warmth and care by the teams at site along with great amenities and open spaces makes the overall living experience at The Reserve at Belmondo truly memorable.

What makes Lodha Belmondo different from other holiday homes?

Ans: According to me what truly differentiates Lodha Belmondo from other holiday homes is the feeling of living in an international resort along with the warmth and comfort of your own home. The great service, amenities and endless experiences around the property make it stand out as one of the finest weekend homes in the country.

As we all know that this may not be the last pandemic of our lives and having a weekend home that offers numerous experiences is so important. While the outside world may be shut, there is so much that we can do in a weekend home destination like Lodha Belmondo. Moreover, the advantage of having a scenic and lovely river flowing through your development is so unique and offers truly a serene and peaceful experience.

What are the favorite activities of each of your family members at Lodha Belmondo?

Ans: We enjoy spending time in the open greens which we miss out on in our busy city-life. The boating and horse-riding experiences are also our top favorites.

Is there a sense of community among the residents at Lodha Belmondo? Can you describe what that is like?

Ans: It is great to live around like-minded people in Belmondo and there is definitely a strong sense of community where everyone enjoys meeting up over special barbeque sessions, picnics and all the other fun experiences that the team organizes.

How often do you stay at your Villa located at The Reserve at Lodha Belmondo?

Ans: Our villa at Lodha Belmondo is our second home and I find every opportunity to escape the city’s hustle and bustle and stay amidst open greens and nature at Lodha Belmondo.

As the week dredges on - slow, stressful and tiresome - what is that one thing you can’t wait to rush back to Lodha Belmondo for?

Ans: The thing I long the most for on a tiring day is unwinding with a gorgeous view of the golf course and the sunset by the poolside surrounded by the sound of nature.

How does having this safe-haven of a weekend home keep you closer together as a family?

Ans: Considering we as a family are always busy with our own schedules, a weekend home at Belmondo gives a chance for us as a family to slow down, take in the openness of the place, savor every moment and enjoy the little things which the city life doesn’t allow. While the entire world was under quarantine, we didn’t feel that at all due to the many activities within Lodha Belmondo that we were able to enjoy. In fact, I also learned how to grow our own greens and vegetables with my kids. Boating was another activity we all enjoyed a lot and even though all the pools were shut, our private pool ensured that the kids had a great time.

Are there any new skills or hobbies you have picked up due to the wide range of activities you are free to engage in at Lodha Belmondo?

Ans: As mentioned earlier, gardening and growing our own veggies is one of the hobbies I’ve picked up and I’m sure I’ll pick up some new ones soon enough.

Can you see yourself living here for more than just a weekend? Are homes at Lodha Belmondo a good place for a temporary work-from-home scenario?

Ans: Absolutely! It not only is a great place for the current WFH scenario but also makes you feel more connected to nature, yourself and your family. I try and sneak in as many opportunities I can to come back!!

To conclude, if you had to give us one reason why someone should buy a home at Lodha Belmondo, what would that be?

Ans: One of the biggest reasons would be that Lodha Belmondo is a 100-acre resort on the banks of Pavana River that offers a great luxury weekend experience, a short 2 hour drive from Mumbai. The vast open greens, endless amenities & experiences for everyone in the family as well as the exceptional hospitality make Lodha Belmondo a truly special weekend home destination.

Additionally, people have recognised that having a positive attitude matters and that is possible comes from living a stress-free life, and balancing work and play in a setting that is familiar, comfortable and luxurious.

Future-forward folks from all over the world have stated their intent to buy a second home, presumably to enhance their lifestyle and to use as a retreat in the event of future outbreaks**.

They’re looking for homes that mirror primary residences and have home offices, outdoor spaces, are packed with modern comforts and offer privacy.

Millennials prefer buying over renting— the sense of security associated with physical assets has motivated many to consider buying a home.

And they are eyeing city peripheries, seeking second homes that are at a motorable distance from their primary residence, or city of work***.

In a post-pandemic world, the idea of home has changed.

Today’s homes need to be functional, comfortable and safe, capable of administering to the many demands of an under-lockdown family — social distancing, remote work, online schooling, staying fit, and more.

Once upon a time, booking a stay at a resort or a homestay served as the perfect break, away from the din of city life. Post the pandemic, people have started investing in second homes where they can retreat in the event of future outbreaks and be one with nature. The aspiration for a holistic living environment and the innate desire for belongingness has made people invest in a home away from home, which is not just an ephemeral experience but an everlasting one!

COVID-19 spurred homeowners to seek second homes within driving distance of main cities. Work-from-home options (WFH), lowered and negotiable property prices, a decline in home loan rates, and reduced stamp duty and registration rates in some states have spurred the growth in demand.

Lately, the most important thing for people across gender and age, is spending time with family*. The pandemic has made people focus on family-time, which they can do in the luxurious and safe settings of a second home.

Thus, rooms need to be more adaptable, helping define the boundaries between work and play. Another important factor being considered is the rise of co-living — spaces need to be flexible enough to accommodate the needs of multigenerational home-sharing.

Second homes are where people go to find this work-life balanced lifestyle. The thrust is on wellness amenities and unrestricted access to greenery. Today’s luxury second homes come with private gyms, badminton and tennis courts, golf courses, swimming pools, yoga studios, defined outdoor areas, and even home theatres.

The absence of immediate travel in the near future is compelling people to choose homes in what were once holiday destinations.

In recent times, domestic vacations have become major household purchases along with experiences like spa trips and day outings*. A second home thus offers people the perks of a holiday: peace and quiet, and for those who seek it, adventure.

In Mumbai, the emerging locations for second homes are Alibaug, Karjat and Pavana. Pavana’s location is prime — close to Pune and driving distance from Mumbai. Marked by a river that runs through the place, abounding in natural beauty that comes alive in the monsoons, and near the buzzing hotspots of Lonavala and Khandala, Pavana is slowly emerging as a solid real estate destination for luxury home buyers.

Once upon a time, booking a stay at a resort or a homestay served as the perfect break, away from the din of city life. Post the pandemic, people have started investing in second homes where they can retreat in the event of future outbreaks and be one with nature. The aspiration for a holistic living environment and the innate desire for belongingness has made people invest in a home away from home, which is not just an ephemeral experience but an everlasting one!

COVID-19 spurred homeowners to seek second homes within driving distance of main cities. Work-from-home options (WFH), lowered and negotiable property prices, a decline in home loan rates, and reduced stamp duty and registration rates in some states have spurred the growth in demand.

Lately, the most important thing for people across gender and age, is spending time with family*. The pandemic has made people focus on family-time, which they can do in the luxurious and safe settings of a second home.

Owning a second home is now a part of life for the affluent. It is not just another space. It’s a place where you can unwind and relax, be close to nature, spend time with family, indulge in your hobbies, and lead a life of comfort.

*Global Web Index (GWI) data for India (ending March 2021) ** Knight Frank’s Global Buyer Survey 2020 ***ANAROCK Real Estate Purchase Perspectives: From the Lens of the Consumers

1. Embrace the beauty of a lake Pavana Lake is a majestic lake surrounded by hills. The water is pristine and the lake affords mesmerising sunset and sunrise views. There’s a buzz of activity for those seeking an adrenaline hit, from glamping, paragliding and kiting, to the simple pleasures of boating. The lake is a photographer’s delight, with serene waters against a backdrop of distant mountains and a brilliant blue sky above. The trees bordering the lake are home to a variety of birds, whose songs fill the quiet air.

2. Explore a Buddhist cave Karla Caves are among the oldest Indian rock-cut cave complexes. The oldest shrine in the protected monument dates back to 160 BC. It boasts the magnificent chaityagriha (hall) — it resembles a church, with a central dome, pillars and side-aisles. There are wooden cornices, elephant structures, monks’ dwellings and carved figures of Buddha. Look out for the Ashokan pillar, and the horseshoe arch. The cave also has a temple dedicated to the goddess Ekvira Devi.

It’s the monsoon season. The fields are lush, the trees sport a shiny new coat, and the surroundings, sheathed in vibrant green. Early morning, with the birds chirping a greeting song, the quiet of nature is at its most alluring.

You breathe in these views from your second home at Lodha Belmondo on the Pavana River.

For days when you want to step away from the luxury gated enclave of Lodha Belmondo, Pavana and its surroundings have much to offer a discerning visitor. Start your trip at the mesmerising Pavana Lake, move on to exploring Buddhist caves at Karla, follow the fireflies trail at Rajmachi, go birdwatching at Bhimashankar and end your journey at a waterfall that defies gravity.

5. See a waterfall defy gravity Witness an amazing monsoon phenomenon: a waterfall that appears to defy gravity. The high-pressure wind pushes back the current, making the water move upwards and flow in a reverse direction. Though common at many waterfalls in the Western Ghats, the best place to glimpse this marvel of nature is at Naneghat. Stand at the top, and you will get soaked. There’s a trekking route to reach the waterfall. Once a mountain past the trading route, the trek path takes you through fascinating caves and impressive rock cut-outs.

3. Follow the firefly trail Rajmachi is a picturesque place known for its two fortified structures, besides small temples, caves, and a water reservoir.

The start of the monsoon season heralds the mating season of fireflies. They light up to attract a mate, turning forests into magical places at night, filled with twinkling golden lights.

Feeling a bit more adventurous? You can rappel down the waterfall to experience this truly unique destination.

A good way to spot this phenomenon is by doing an overnight trek at Rajmachi. Venture out at dark and trek alongside these glowing orbs that whizz and speed around you, lighting up the forest and giving it an ethereal, magical glow.

4. Go birdwatching at a wildlife reserve Bhimashankar is an important pilgrimage site — the Jyotirlinga Temple is one of the twelve in India. Beyond this, the place is home to Maharashtra’s state animal, the Indian Giant Squirrel. The squirrel can be spotted in the Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary, which is also home to a variety of animals, reptiles, amphibians, butterflies, insects and birds. Keep your binoculars trained to spot the Malabar Whistling Thrush, Pink-necked Green Pigeon, Quaker Babbler Lesser Kestrel, Jerdon’s Baza, Southern Tree Pie among other birds.

The secluded sanctuary is best visited in the winter, when the pleasant weather makes explorations a breeze.

Away from the city’s hustle, sprawled across 100 acres of lush greens, with 90-acres of vast open spaces and a 45-acre 9-hole golf course designed by golf legend Greg Norman himself, Lodha Belmondo offers residents access to unparalleled experiences and exceptional comfort.

The property has been developed to embody the delicate balance between the rawness of being close to nature and the finesse of sophisticated living. Lodha Belmondo is nestled on the banks of the Pavana River at the intersection of the Mumbai-Pune Expressway - a breezy 2-hour drive from Mumbai, 20 minutes from Lonavala and just a short ride from Pune.

This safe haven is easy to get to, yet reassuringly private and secluded.

The vision behind this one-of-a-kind development has been to create the ultimate resort-inspired living experience — one where every corner exudes luxury.

The homes at Lodha Belmondo are the brainchild of Christopher Benninger, an award-winning architect with a reputation for impeccable urban planning and design.

After innumerable hours at the drawing board, Benninger has worked his magic to ensure that every square inch on the Belmondo premises is discerningly designed; and works in tandem with nature to create an environment that is both soothing and energising at the same time.

How would you describe an ideal weekend?

Lazing by the pool, diving into the wonders of your favourite novel?

A leisurely stroll by the river with your family?

An exhilarating game of golf with your buddies?

Perhaps you’d like nothing more than a delightful, uninterrupted evening with your kids - one which ends with full bellies and beaming smiles?

At Lodha Belmondo, there’s room for it all, and much more.

Within the luxurious 100-acre Belmondo premises , on the banks of the sparkling Pavana River, lies The Reserve, an exclusive gated enclave of luxuriously designed spacious apartments, gorgeous villas and exquisite country houses overlooking a stunning and expansive golf course. Complete with exclusive privileges and amenities.

It’s no revelation that we all love weekends. At The Reserve, you realize what it feels like to have the weekend love you back.

The Reserve at Belmondo offers a luxury lifestyle to ensure no two weekends are the same. The Reserve Club - an exclusive members club offers experiences over and above the 50,000 sq.ft clubhouse. With every comfort of a global lifestyle created for a select few, The Reserve truly offers a luxury living experience. After all, this is a weekend home like no other, and your home flourishes under the keen care of Belmondo’s attentive staff. The Saint Amand concierge service is available at your beck and call to make sure all your needs are catered to, and you are always beyond satisfied.

The luxury to go about your day without a care in the world.

To know that everything you need, and more, is available and that you and your family are safe loved and cared for in one of the finest places in the world.

Your very own home at Lodha Belmondo.

From pre-visit clean-ups, stocked groceries and daily housekeeping, they ensure that your weekend home is looked after while you’re away and ready to receive you before you arrive.

With the pandemic hitting reset buttons all over the world, we know firsthand what it means to be stuck within four walls and experience relentless cabin fever.

We understand the nostalgia that comes from looking back on fond memories where drinks flowed and laughter echoed. It is in moments like these that we come to truly appreciate the privilege of having a home away from home, far from the doldrums of city life, wrapped in the gentle and comforting arms of mother nature. A home where you have the space to breathe without feeling like the walls are closing in. Where the kids can run free, and where the outdoors inspire wonder rather than fear. A home where you find the privacy you need but are also supported by a strong sense of warmth and camaraderie.

Because, the truth is, when one talks about luxury living, we understand that the finest things in life are not merely things. Luxury is an environment that allows you to be your best self, and abstract that extracts your true passions. One that equips you to dance to the beat of your own drum, and allow yourself to unwind, rewind or reset on your own terms, at your own pace.

Step 2 - Répondez s'il vous plaît In this day and age, one can easily sanction out e-invites and call it a day, but why not take things up a notch?

Try rolling out RSVP invites as they did in good ol' days. You can even make an event out of it by slipping in a dedicated response card that can be returned in the provided envelope. A well thought out invitation goes a long way in making a good first impression.

But if this seems like too much of a hassle then you can do the same with glorious, custom-made e-invites too.

Develop a system where only the ones attending have to respond and others needn't bother. This also saves the time of keeping tabs on every invitee.

Step 3 - Thème The best parties are an embodiment of their hosts. A brand in themselves. And a good theme helps you do just that.

It does most of the talking for you. It captures the stories from your travels via your choice of ambience, décor, food and music. This is your bedstone to what makes you outlandish, outrageous and off the wall.

Having a theme doesn’t have to mean playing dress-up. Simply reiterating the event and treating it as a theme can go a long way in giving structure and opening up the possibilities for your get-together.

Themes can be as common as a Diwali theme, a Farewell theme or a birthday bash. Use the theme as a springboard to liven things up and decide what the other elements of your party will be.

Step 4 - Décor You see your house as your own corner of comfort - but this time, see it differently. See it as the playground for your party. See which areas need to be revisited or revamped. This is also a very good time to identify the talking points; the centre-piece, the side-piece and the fillers of your lovely abode. See them, let them talk to you, and let your creativity transpire.

Be it a couple of friends coming over or a large get-together, hosting a grand soiree is no child's play. Throwing a successful party is much like performing a magic trick, it leaves your guests giddy with excitement and in awe of how you achieved the marvellous feat.

Here is a roadmap for party planning, that will help you be the kind of host that leaves their guests with curiously raised brows and dropped jaws!

Step 1 - La Planification This goes first on our list, as there is much-needed emphasis that needs to go towards planning. Consider your party to be very much like a director's cutting edge vision. And at Lodha Belmondo, you have the freedom to turn this vision into a reality - no matter how extravagant or impossible it might seem.

We give you the freedom to delegate, and our Saint Amand Concierge service is here to cater to all your wishes.

So, envision, delegate and celebrate!

Do you see sub-groups mushrooming around your mantelpiece or is it by the corner overlooking your french window? Do they need some help? Perhaps a Victorian candle holder for the mantlepiece or a fiddle leaf fig to liven up that Parisian corner?

Remember, indoor plants of all sizes and shapes are your friend.

Do not forget to stock up on wine and other liquor glasses. There's a reason there's a glass for every drink and one must honour the tradition. And if you are missing a few, you now have a reason to splurge, and complete your collection.

Step 5 - La Carte If the party is that of the people, then the people need to be fed!

We’ll never know if the way to a mans' heart is through his stomach but we can tell, with utmost certainty, that the way to any guest's heart is most definitely through their stomach. And a party with a continuous flow of Hors d'oeuvres keeps the harmonious energy flowing.

Let us assist you in making this a seamless experience.

Allow our caterers and in-house chefs from our Saint Amand service and The Reserve Cafe, use their expertise to turn the menu of your dreams into a scrumptious reality.

Here’s one of our recipes, that is not only likely to tingle your taste buds but also makes for a delightfully healthy snack - the Bajra Bhakri Biscuit with Organic Brinjal Caviar.

Bhakri biscuits can be enjoyed with this smoky, organic brinjal caviar dip, all you have to do is spread a generous layer of the dip over your biscuits and garnish it with pomegranates or cilantro and voila! Your dish is ready to be served!

Bajra Bhakri Biscuits (serves 4) Ingredients: Finger Millet (Bajra) four: 200g Clarified Butter (Ghee): 40 ml Carom Seeds (Ajwain): 5 g Cumin Seeds (Jeera): 5 g White Sesame seed (Safed Til): 5 g Black Sesame seed (Kala Til): 5 g Turmeric powder (Haldi): 3 gm Salt: 7 g Water: to knead Method: Mix millet flour, carom seeds, cumin seeds, white sesame, black sesame, turmeric powder, ghee, and salt together.

Add hot water and knead a tight stiff dough.

Cover the dough and let it rest for 10-15 minutes.

Divide the dough into equal portions and make round dough balls.

Take one dough ball and roll it into small rounds about ½ inch thick bhakri using the rolling pin.

Heat tawa on a medium flame, once the tawa is hot.

Place the bhakri on tawa. On low flame, roast from both sides while putting light pressure on the bhakri with wooden press or muslin cloth.

Keep flipping the bhakri and roast till it turns light golden brown from both sides (6-8 minutes).

(Do not add oil or ghee while roasting the bhakri) Remove it on a plate and apply a generous amount of ghee on it.

Enjoy with your Organic Brinjal Caviar Chef ’s Tip: The dough should be stiff, harder than that of normal roti dough, only then it will become crisp like a biscuit.

Organic Brinjal Caviar This special brinjal caviar is flavoured with basil and red peppers.

Ingredients: 1 Brinjal 1 Onion 1 Red Pepper 1 tbsp. basil chopped 2 tbsp. Tahini paste (Mix 2-part white sesame seeds and 1 part olive oil, some water and blend to smooth paste) 1 tbsp. lemon juice 2 tsp chopped garlic 2 tbsp. Greek yogurt Salt to taste 2 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil

Method: Wash the eggplant, pepper and pat dry.

Make a few incisions on the eggplant and roast directly on a gas stove or in an oven till the skin turns black and the flesh is softened.

Roast the onion and peppers also till the outer side is completely charred, throw in a bowl and cover for a few minutes Remove the charred skin carefully using cold water and reserve.

Remove the blackened skin of the eggplant.

Chop all the flesh (Except red pepper) and remaining ingredients with a knife or in a blender to a coarse mince texture.

Cut fine dices of pepper and add to the mixture along with basil Add remaining ingredients and adjust seasoning Garnish with olive oil, coriander, and pomegranate kernels.

Enjoy with Bajra Bhakri biscuit Chef ’s Tip: Roasting the eggplant on a direct flame makes the dip smokier. But you can also roast it in the oven.

Step 6 - Musique Imagine a movie without music. It’s an abomination. Likewise, to not think of music while planning your party is to commit an inexcusable crime.

Your theme can help you flavour your choice of music too. Ensure the music caters to the different moods and emotions of your party.

Begin with music that's warm and welcoming followed by something that cajoles your guests into a tête-à-tête, succeeded by something that ensues a fury on the dance floor or sets the mood for romantic ballroom dancing, end it with something that lures everyone to settle down and enjoy that very well thought-through menu.

Lastly, here’s a little tip - having some empathy towards yourself goes a long way. Go easy on yourself and be the host who remains calm -- storm or no storm. Embracing the idea of striving for perfection but not wallowing at small mishaps is what will make you unparalleled.

On that note,

faisons la fête and tchin tchin!

21

This rare craftsmanship is visible in all its glory with The Reserve’s upcoming bespoke offering - two exclusive luxury villas that are being designed by Isprava, the luxury second-home developer. These villas will be located at The Reserve, within Lodha Belmondo’s 100 - acre luxury resort on the banks of the Pavana River, fringed by the magnificent Sahyadri hills.

When a world-class chef looks at a tomato, they don’t just see a tomato - they see a velvety bisque, a divine shakshuka, or a scrumptious penne arrabbiata. When a skilled interior design professional walks into a bare room, similarly, their eyes widen with a world of possibilities. They read the room and understand exactly what it needs - where, why, and just how much. They craft the space in a way that breathes life into the walls and makes the ceilings sing.

Each of these 4 bedroom villas will stand three stories tall, complete with their very own private pool and garden. The interiors of the villas are being crafted to create an intricate synergy between the indoors and the outdoors, where sunlight streams in through pristine glass doors and highlights the dark, rich polishes of the glorious wood-finished furniture.

The magnificently high ceilings will be complemented with dramatic lights and custom wall panels. The vision is to marry the old and the new - with art-deco elements that will merge seamlessly with crisp, modern design details.

A well-designed home can read your mind. It knows what you need before you can say the words out loud, or even whisper them to yourself. It inspires you to rekindle the passions you had forgotten and ignites sparks you didn’t know you had.

They create the kind of home that is not just a roof above your head, it’s the wind beneath your wings, a warm hug after a hard day, a whisper of comfort away from the clamour.

So whether you choose to spend your weekend stargazing on your private terrace, making memories with loved ones in your grandiose double-height living room, or experimenting with flavours in your state-of-the-art ultramodern kitchen - the Isprava villas at Lodha Belmondo have room for it all.

A home that invites, understands, cares, and welcomes. A home that knows. It’s part science, part art, part intuition, and part experimentation -simply put, it is mastery at work.

These villas exude luxury at their finest and will be built to cater to all that one’s heart desires.

“Second homes take centre stage against the backdrop of rising COVID-19 cases & the fear of a third wave”

“Rush hour for millionaire homes”

“Design Pataki - An Exclusive Preview Into Lodha Luxury’s Collaboration With Isprava At The Reserve, Lodha Belmondo”

AD100 2019: Studio HBA

Q. What do you fancy more?

A. A curated dining experience at a gourmet restaurant B. DIY picnic by the riverside Q. What is your preferred workout routine?

A. Sweating it out in the state of the art gymnasium B. Stroking it out in an outdoor swimming pool Q. What's your preferred way to de-stress?

A. Rejuvenating your mind and body at the yoga and meditation centre B. Therapeutic healing of tending to an organic farm

“Weekend homes gaining popularity, should you invest in one?”

“From Urban Fantasy To Sheer Bliss”

“Lodha Belmondo - a perfect weekend home nestled in nature”

Lodha Group taps ultra-rich through 'The Reserve'

Q. How would you spend your Sunday evening?

A. Sit back and catch your silver screen favourite at the private theatre B. Take in nature's best at the riverside promenade Q. What does leisure look like to you?

A. Choose between carrom, table tennis and foosball at Club Belmondo B. Compete with your friends on the cricket ground or the golf course Q. What will be your pick for your kid's playtime?

A. Rock climbing at the kids' activity centre B. Running freely in the outdoor play areas

“Resort-themed living: 5-star homes that come with wave pools, restaurants”

“Second homes take centre stage against the backdrop of rising COVID-19 cases & the fear of a third wave”