The Eiffel

Like a familiar rush,
That of a first date,
A little nervous, mixed with anxious,
And little butterflies giddy with excitement.
Simmering hope,
And jitters of ‘this could be it’,
Shaking legs and beating heart,
She walks toward the gate.

She had known it from before –
The feelings that it strikes,
Had read about in books,
Had watched it movies all her life.
In the city of love,
With bridges and cathedrals,
Sitting next to a vintage carousel,
The Eiffel stood out.

No realistic expectations,
She had dreamt it too much-
A little rosé and cold medicine,
Newly, out of words.
It had been a long road,
There had been prayers,
Lost loves, some tears,
And a happy, hopeful girl.

A long sigh,
Under the glittering lights,
It was the Eiffel,
Beckoning her home.

February 1, 2019

Story Time: I left my camera in Prague

I’ve been known for being clumsy, forgetful and, everything in the general theme that my dad would describe as ‘irresponsible’. I try my best to not let that shadow over my great achievements which include not losing my passport, my wallet, or accidentally reading the wrong time and missing my flight anymore. But, it is hard, you know. When falling down a single stair while standing perfectly still is not upto you, it’s hard to not fall.

Anywhoo, earlier in June, I was on a family (parents, sibling, grandparents, family friends & their kids) trip around Europe, beginning with Czech Republic (Prague & Cesky Krumlov), Austria (Hallstatt, St. Gilgen, Wolfgangsee, Salzburg, Vienna), Slovakia (Bratislava) and ending in Hungary (Gyor & Budapest). So, Prague was literally our first destination in a long list of many.

After spending 3 days in Czech Republic, we were taking the train to Salzburg at some 7 AM, and had called for taxis. Always one for the back seat, I sat there – with my backpack and camera bag and a small stroller. When we got down, I was in such a rush, I picked up whatever I could and got down.

We were way too early for the train (nothing new about that), and everything on the station was closed (really nothing new about that) – so we just sat and waited. We boarded our train to Salzburg.

Now, there was some work going on in a station in the middle so they stopped our trains and said there are buses waiting outside that’ll drive us to next station – but meaning with an obvious delay of an hour. Confused, dazed and very sleepy, we got on the bus.

Let me tell you, the country-side was stunning. Green everywhere, hills, small coloured houses, giant fields- it was things right out of poetry. As soon as I sat, I was wow-ed. I put in my music – at this point, the bus hadn’t even begun moving. And I hastily looked for my camera bag – when the realization struck. In the backseat of the bloody taxi.

My first thought was obvious – find a different bus and run away. And as I suffer a very frequent case of ‘speaking with thinking’, I blurted out OMG I LEFT THE CAMERA IN PRAGUE. For the tiniest second, my dad looked at me hoping I was joking, but then he realized the kind of monkey I am and looked like he wanted to kick me out on the side of Czech/Austrian countryside.

But that wasn’t worse, my grandparents were with us, and they only know me for my very stupid actions (you should ask my entire family – I’m very popular for them!). Luckily they were sitting in the front of the bus – so it wasn’t gruesome all at the same time.

At first, I got several repeated lectures of being silly, irresponsible, in-no-possible-way-of-ever-being-mature, immature, and so on. And then he called the taxi agency we’d booked the taxis through. Luckily (for me!!!!), they did find the camera and had it in their offices. Since it we were only in Salzburg for 2 nights, we asked them ship it straight to our address in Vienna.

When we arrived in Vienna, the camera didn’t. It was still somewhere between Czech and Austria. It arrived the day after we left for Budapest. So, my dear, dear dad just asked them to ship it to our home in Dubai.

The result was (backstory: my family friend’s kid broke his camera while actually going down the stairs in a castle in Prague) so we didn’t have any DSLRs to take beautiful pictures. So, everyone just took it on their phone – which kinda sucked for image quality. Considering how beautiful everything was!

But –

Happy ending: It did arrive – like a month after I first saw it – came with the memory card, nothing broken. 

 

 

Storytime: Vienna’s Sacher Torte

I have a sweet tooth, in fact, I believe all my teeth are actually the sweet ones. And as someone who loves to travel, my one mission in life is to eat a lot of desserts – especially ones that might be special to the country or the place.

Vienna’s Sacher Torte – essentially known as the world’s best chocolate cake with the most controversial history – is a cult brand. It is a must do, when in Vienna. So, in the walking tour which we arrived to (very rushed and huffing and puffing), our lovely tour guide stopped us right in front of Hotel Sacher – the famous hotel that lends its name to the delicious cake.

A recipe created 200 years ago, the original cake – that is served at Hotel Sacher is a chocolate cake with a layer of apricot in the middle and on the top – with a final layer of chocolate icing on the top. It comes with an official Sacher Chocolate seal.

In 1832, Price Metternich commissioned his chef to create a new dessert. The chef was ill, so his apprentice, Franz Sacher (If you’ve been to Austria – you’ll learn that ‘Franz’ is a very common name) took over and created the cake.

At that time,  chocolate cakes had already been around for a 100 years in Vienna – and this was just a new amalgamation – that created its own history. The cake quickly gained popularity and was deemed suitable for the Imperial court (aka the king and the queen).

The recipe was actually perfected by his son, Eduard Sacher – who was working at Cafe Patisserie Demel at the time. Demel, also close to where the Imperial Court is – was already a popular choice for desserts and pastries for the elite. His Sacher Torte was deemed delicious and continued to serve to the Imperial Court and the public.

In those times, if the Imperial Court approved of something – it became the cult thing – pretty much how it goes with celebrities these days.

The cake’s sudden popularity got lots of money – and in 1876, 34 years after the original recipe, Eduard founded the Hotel Sacher – and of course, started selling the cake there (exclusively). The cake became known as ‘Eduard Sacher Torte’

It was probably not all good sailing, because in 1934, the hotel went bankrupt, and Eduard Sacher’s son – also named Eduard Sacher (not at all confusing), went to work at Demel (where his father used to). He eventually transferred the single ownership of the Eduard Sacher Torte to Demel.

Four years later, around the same time when Hitler conquered Austria, the battle between Hotel Sacher and Demel began. All because Hotel Sacher wanted to register their Sacher torte as the official sacher torte.

The two argued about the number of layers of apricot jam and whether it was made with butter or margarine. Up until this point – I thought those two were the same.

Still with me? Great!

It took almost 20 years for the dispute to resolve and the tired court (I hope they got to eat a lot of the cake, at least), decided that Hotel Sacher will have two layers of apricot jam, the official stamp and be known as the Original Sacher Torte; while Demel will have one layer of apricot jam, their own triangular stamp and be known as the Eduard Sacher Torte. Demel now calls it Demel’s Sacher Torte. 

The conclusion is its chocolate cake. Just eat it.

7 Best Wedding Locations in the United Arab Emirates

When it comes to Indian weddings, there is one thing for sure, there are lots of ceremonies, grandeur, red and glitter. From the little details to the much bigger ones, everything about them – whether big or small- requires a lot of attention (and some “relative” scrutiny). But, since the bigger things lay heavier on the mind, we will help narrow down your wedding venue options in the UAE very quickly.

Ritz Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal

There are several properties in Abu Dhabi that would be ideal, but Ritz Carlon Grand Canal Abu Dhabi stands out. With an essence of Italian Renaissance in their architecture, it blends in beautifully with the traditions of the Middle East, and the elaborate sparkle that Indian weddings require. Along with their luxurious accommodations, beachfront spa, several fine-dining restaurants, their Venetian-inspired hotel grounds overlooking the canal and Grand Mosque elevate romance to new heights. They have indoor and outdoor venues that are designed to host up to 1,000 people including a beautiful wedding hall, a sprawling lawn, the hotel olive garden and a canal-front beach.

Speaking to Roshini Daswani, a Bahraini fashion and lifestyle blogger, who got married at the property, she said, “I have always loved the Ritz Carlton Grand Canal Abu Dhabi property, it is so opulent and grand. It was always a dream to get married there, and I knew that only their hotel could meet our needs for our dream wedding. It’s a huge property, and I wanted to have all our events in one hotel, so it becomes easy for our guests. The best thing about the UAE as a wedding location is that the properties are all so opulent and the staff are very polite and hospitable.”

FIVE, Palm Jumeirah

Surrounded by azure seas with stunning views of the Arabian Gulf and Dubai Marina Skyline, FIVE Palm Jumeirah would be the perfect place to host your wedding. Offering a selection of grand and intimate weddings, the hotel has a choice of different sized venues, including its 14^th floor Vista Ballroom, and a selection of world-class restaurants to provide the catering that is synonymous with luxury and style.  Their team of wedding experts are excellent and will take all your stress away very quickly.

Waldorf Astoria, Ras Al Khaimah

A hidden gem, Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah, probably caught your attention with Mohit Marwah’s wedding. The hotel has several choices for venues, the backdrop of the Arabian Gulf and the Hajar Mountains, as well as the hotel’s impressive staircase and a promise of magnificence alluring in every corner. The entire hotel feels like a palace, complete with marble fountains, spectacular chandeliers and huge wedding halls to host all kinds of gathering.

Oberoi Al Zorah

The recently opened gorgeous property is located in Ajman amongst mangrove forests and white sand beaches. Setting tone for more intimate weddings, the venue offers their ballroom that can host up to 250 guests for the wedding functions, along with an adjoining outdoor garden area. There are also al fresco venues on the beach and poolside lawns that can host up to 120 people.

Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island

Offering picturesque locations and memorable views, Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island has not one, not two but thee resorts to choose from; including the beachside haven at Al Yamm Villa Resort, an African inspired retreat at Al Sahel Villa Resort or contemporary luxury at Desert Islands Resort  & Spa. You can choose between having a beachside wedding, or one between the island’s exotic wadis or the classic ballrooms studded in flamboyant luxury.

Intercontinental Fujairah

The beachfront property located on the shoreline of Al Aqah Beach boasts a beautiful backdrop of the sparkling Arabian Sea that will add to your wedding pictures. Curating perfectly unforgettable memories for your wedding, the hotel makes for a sophisticated venue with their beautiful ballroom that you can overrun with your selection of colourful flowers, followed by the pheras on the beachside.

Address Boulevard

Located in the heart of Dubai, the Address Boulevard Hotel makes for a stellar wedding venue. With a vast array of sophisticated catering options and ballrooms, your wedding will become even more momentous. The hotel offers packages to suit your unique needs and even the most discerning attendee (we all there is at least one).

Dubai’s Newest Sanctuary of Wellness

A well-kept secret, Desert Palm Dubai is only 20 minutes from Dubai’s urban heart. Located on an extensive polo estate, the resort is nestled amidst lush polo fields. An oasis of calm, this sumptuously and discreetly luxurious retreat is a hidden world with cosy private pool villas, chic spaces for culinary refinement and spa indulgences surrounded by vast green landscapes, rare birds and endless sunshine.

A sanctuary of wellness and serenity only a short journey away from the city, Samāna Spa provides the perfect escape to unwind and recuperate. Born from Sanskrit, Samāna means calming or soothing. We want you to be able to escape from the pollutants of the world to a place that will leave you feeling revitalised and renewed through carefully selected products and curated treatments.

Begin your journey of restoration with our Experience Guides and Gurus who will help you explore our apothecary styled homoeopathic Aromatherapy Bar available only at Samāna Spa.

Since 1974, Tisserand UK has been carefully harvesting wild ingredients to produce pure organic essential oils. From a range of over 40 essential oils, we have carefully selected 20 essential oils with blends to aid you to relax, restore, rejuvenate and ready to tackle the world.

“Aromatherapy is a caring, hands-on therapy which seeks to induce relaxation, to increase energy, to reduce the effects of stress and to restore lost balance to mind, body and soul – Robert Tisserand” 

Guests can not only immerse in the latest spa therapies designed to stimulate the senses and indulge in the ancient practice of combining aromatherapy and massage for the perfect treatment but can also choose from unique aromatherapy blends or their own bespoke combination of essential oils to suit individual needs. With a selection of nourishing oils that absorb into the skin and penetrate deeply into the body tissue, guests will feel the positive effect on the mind, body and spirit to enhance emotional well-being.

One of my favourite Tiramisu Recipes!

If you know me, you KNOW I’m obsessed with Tiramisus. It’s a secret mission of my life to eat Tiramisus everywhere in the world. I have had the crappy ones, the okay-fine ones, the ooh-this-is-good ones and the I-propose-marriage-to ones.

A bit of struggle that I face is, I bake without eggs. I’m a Jain, and for the life of me, I’ve never used eggs. I don’t think I know to crack, break or use them. I do, however, don’t mind eating cakes with eggs in it.

So, I keep trying random Tiramisu recipes, that would be delicious without eggs. My search finally ended up in getting a fantastic recipe from Chef James of Vida Downtown. If you are around Dubai, you HAVE to go have it!

The Preparation Time is 20 mins, and it should ideally be refrigerated for at least 4 hours.

Here’s what you will need for a small serving:

• 1 cup chilled heavy cream (whipping cream)
• 1 cup mascarpone
• 1 packet ladyfingers or sponge fingers
• 3 tbsp powdered brown sugar
• 1/2 cup strong black coffee (espresso shot can also be used)
• 15g chunk dark chocolate
• 2 tsp cocoa powder (unsweetened)
• 1 serving jar

And here’s how you make it:

1. Place the cream, mascarpone and sugar in a bowl and whisk until all ingredients are mixed and form a thick whipped cream.
2. Take your serving jar and layer the bottom with sponge fingers (cut in half).
3. Pour half of the espresso over the sponge fingers and leave for a few minutes until absorbed.
4. Grate the dark chocolate chunk and sprinkle grated chocolate over the sponge layer.
5. Then add half of the whipped cream to the jar.
6. Repeat the above steps to add remaining ingredients and create another layer of sponge, coffee, chocolate and then cream.
7. Sprinkle top of the mixture with cocoa powder and cover.
8. Chill for at least 4 hours in the refrigerator before serving.

 

 

Where I’d Rather Be: St Regis Maldives

One of the world’s most coveted destinations, St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort seems to be a tropical haven.

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A year ago paradise was found in the Maldives. . . Thank you so much for all the love and support and cheers to many more celebrations with you. #LiveExquisite #StRegisMaldives #FinestOne #maldives #anniversary 📷: @lenselects

A post shared by The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli (@stregismaldives) on Nov 1, 2017 at 4:25am PDT

Like many resort properties in the Maldives, St. Regis, features island and outwater villa accommodations. Located on the 22-acre Vommuli Island, the report incorporates aspects of contemporary architecture and interior with Maldivian traditions, marine life and culture.

The overwater villas resemble a manta ray while the beach villas were designed as a modern interpretation of fishing huts. The interior design reflects the textures and patterns found on the island including a coral chandelier, headboards made of recycled glass beads and sofa fabric that replicates ripples of water.

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When your dream destination includes white sandy beach and coconut trees #liveexquisite #stregismaldives 📷: @dag823

A post shared by The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli (@stregismaldives) on Jul 6, 2017 at 4:23am PDT

The resort’s sunset bar reflects the shape of the whale shark. Inside, a mural etched into the wooden ceiling using a traditional Maldivian art form known as pyrography. It tells the story of the owner and his son who built a resort on Vommuli Island to celebrate its natural beauty.

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Eid Mubarak! Wishing you a joyful and peaceful celebrations. #stregismaldives #liveexquisite 📷: @bon_gard_ 📍: Garden Villa with Pool

A post shared by The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli (@stregismaldives) on Aug 31, 2017 at 4:16am PDT

The library lounge is sculpted in the spiral shape of a seashell shell and the carpets are inspired by the waves of the lagoon.

Iridium Spa and its Blue Hole Pool

The overwater Iridium spa is famous for its Blue Hole Pool that replicates the deep sink holes sometimes found in reefs. The most expansive hydrotherapy pool, which is located on the sheltered terrace and commands picturesque ocean vistas.

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Because there is such a thing as "heaven" on earth. #StRegisMaldives #LiveExquisite 📷: @annwubaby 📍: Blue Hole at Iridium Spa

A post shared by The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli (@stregismaldives) on Sep 25, 2017 at 3:41am PDT

Swim with Mantra Rays and Dolphins. Create an unforgettable experience on one of the resort’s excursions where guests will get up close and personal to the underwater wildlife, photograph the colourful corals and admire the rich marine life of Vommuli Island.

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These three "musketeers" are on a mission. ☺️ #stregismaldives #eagleray 📷: @patkahlo

A post shared by The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli (@stregismaldives) on Aug 11, 2017 at 4:08am PDT

Women’s Bp. Zandra Beaded V-Strap Sandal • BP • $59.95

Roberto Cavalli 55MM Round Mirrored Metal Sunglasses • Roberto Cavalli • $395

Quay After Hours Sunglasses • Quay • $38.50

Chloe Carlina Round Wire Metal Sunglasses • Chloé • $396

Melissa Odabash Classic Pareo • Melissa Odabash • $110

9seed Tulum Cover Up • 9seed • $136

Halter Tie One-Piece • Diane von Furstenberg • $137–228

Solid and Striped – The Anne-marie Striped Swimsuit – Light blue • $119

Kimchi Blue Riley High-Rise Brief • Kimchi & Blue • $19.99

BOWER Dream Baby One Piece • $135

 

Enjoy a Winter Wonderland in Geneva

Geneva was voted Europe’s leading city break, dubbed as a shopping paradise, is one of the world’s safest cities, and is a favourite among Gulf travellers during the summer. Yet to be discovered this winter season, Geneva transforms into a winter wonderland.

Taking advantage of its lakefront location, experienced Clefs d’Or and unrivalled 150-year-old reputation, there is no better way to soak in what the city has to offer than by staying at the oldest hotel in Geneva, Beau-Rivage.

Here are some of the activities that are sure to enrich every discerning traveller’s experience:

• When booking a room in the city, visitors receive a free perk with a “Geneva Transport Card“, allowing them to use Geneva’s public transportation for the entire duration of their stays. The seasoned staff of Beau-Rivage will provide their visitors with a city exploration guide and the free transport card upon request.
• Mountain lovers can go all the way to Mont-Salève, the French side of the city, using their card, as it’s just a few bus stops from Beau-Rivage. An ideal spot for sports fanatics where they can choose to go hiking, paragliding and even cross-country skiing.
• Admire the magnificent view of Geneva and its surroundings from the Salève cable car.
• The award-winning Clefs d’Or of Beau-Rivage can arrange a scenic boat tour on the lake, organise a luxurious vehicle to take the travellers on a day-journey to discover the most spectacular villages for a grape-tasting experience or even have a unique drive on the lonely forest roads leading to the summit of La Barillette.
• Travellers can explore the open-air history of the region. The English Garden is just a few steps from the hotel, and there lies the famous Flower Clock and National Monument. Its paths are the perfect place for an idyllic stroll in the centre of the city where in winter it’s laden with Swiss food stalls and tasty treats.
• A few steps up from the old town is the Vieille-Ville, the largest historic town in Switzerland, dominated by St. Peter’s Cathedral, the symbolic location of the Reformation.with creative, modern fare from chef Dominique Gauthier.

With these recommendations of things to visit, the scenic, historic and serene city of Geneva is a must-visit destination in the winter. Nestled between white mountain peaks and a crystal-clear lake, the Swiss city is ideal for all seasons, as each brings with it attractions that will sure to make any getaway a memorable one.

St. Moritz’s hidden Christmas Fantasy

If you’re planning on heading to St. Moritz for the festive season, you must think about staying at Giardino Mountain. It is located in the Swiss Alps’ most breath-taking setting, The Engadine.

Nestled in the quaint village of Champfèr, the retreat is hidden from the hustle-bustle of St. Moritz’s busy streets yet it is a few minutes away from the town’s luxury shopping district. Travellers looking for a magical Christmas experience can explore the town twinkling with Christmas lights or simply sip hot chocolate in any of the hotel’s 78 luxurious Alpine-style rooms and suites.

With access to over 80 slopes, Giardino Mountain is a haven for adventure-seekers. Guests can also revitalise their senses with warm relaxing massages at the retreat’s signature dipiù Spa. Alongside, the hotel provides a therapeutic and non-medical health programme for guests, called Ayurveda by Giardino. The concept focuses on holistic well-being for the body and mind achieved through consultations, treatments, nutrition and exercise.

Room rates start at CHF 465 per night. For more information or bookings, visit www.giardino-mountain.ch or call +41 (0)800 333 313.

If you’re looking at the details of their Festive highlights and activities, see below:

Festive season highlights:   

19^th December, Snowshoe tour – Guests can discover the unparalleled beauty of the Engadine with snowshoes strapped to their feet. Both beginners and intermediates can explore the beautiful spots at their own pace with a pit stop for tea, punch and cookies. Alternatively, they can also opt for Nordic Walking.
20^th December, Engadine flight – Guests can book a helicopter ride to soak in breathtaking views of the Piz Palu and Piz Bernina peaks, lake and glaciers. The unforgettable experience is priced at CHF 210 per person.
23^rd December, Gospel Concert – The festivities at Giardino Mountain begin with soulful international melodies on the terrace. The gospel band will also play pop, funky and R&B tunes. The winter evening will be complete with warm drinks and scrumptious dishes available at the Christmas market stands.  
24^th December, Christmas Eve Dinner – Diners celebrating Christmas Eve at the rustic Stüva can savour specials such as Marinated salmon served with beetroot, apricot mustard and granola, Potato leek soup with truffle, Whole Duck roast served with bread dumplings and red cabbage along with the indulgent Kaiserschmarren with plum compote and cinnamon ice cream. The menu is priced at CHF 98 per person. Children will also get a chance to meet Santa Claus while he is visiting the hotel’s restaurants.
25^th December, Christmas Gala Dinner- The retreat’s casual dining restaurant, Hide & Seek will offer an exclusive Christmas menu created by Executive Chef Michel Hojac. The gala dinner will include dishes such as Epoisses cheese crème brûlée, Octopus Massaman curry and Duo of deer served with pear, brussels sprouts and Tasmanian pepper. Priced at CHF 130 per person.
26^th December, Snow Fight – The hotel’s Kids Club will host a fun snowball fight for all little guests in the garden.

 

 

 

Explore Lake Como from Grand Hotel Tremezzo

Since opening its doors in 1910, Grand Hotel Tremezzo has always attracted renowned artists and writers, while inspiring many with its rich history and charming nature. As part of the romantic route of the European grand tours in the early 1900s, the property has become a must-stop destination for the international travelling elite.

With more than 73 museums, 11 medieval castles and lots of legendary villas spread around Lake Como, one visit will not be enough to discover all the gems around Grand Hotel Tremezzo.

Guests can go back in time hundreds of years by hiking up on the stone path between the forests to one of the oldest castles on the shores of Lake Como, the late 11th- century Castello di Vezio. At the castle, guests can learn about and recognise the genuine taste of exquisite extra virgin olive oil with other small appetizers, while visiting an old oil mill and a typical olive grove on the hillside during a stunning walk along Varenna’s lakeside.

The love and passion for silk has ancient origins in Como, and this can be discovered at the Educational Silk Museum, which houses collections and displays of machines, objects, documents, samples and instruments that played witness to the glorious past of the textile industry that to this day recognises Como as the “City of Silk”.

The Theatre of Como (Teatro Sociale di Como) was built on land that was originally occupied by the Castello della Torre Rotonda. Como’s opera theatre was originally designed by Giuseppe Cusi in 1811, but many other eminent Italian architects were involved in its various modifications and restorations over time.

The Villa Carlotta is the most famous on Lake Como, from its centuries-old botanical gardens to its paintings, sculptures and tapestries inside.  Villa Carlotta hosts many cultural events and festivals such as the Lake Como Festival. Taking place between July and September, the festival includes several artistic and cultural events from celebrating the 120^th death anniversary of famous German composer and pianist, Johannes Brahms in memory of his residence in the Villa, to the marble room where the young Como-born pianist of international fame, Christian Leotta, will perform the second part of the 32 piano sonatas by Ludwig van Beethoven.

An art-nouveau landmark with its enduring sophisticated atmosphere, extraordinary location and proximity to the region’s charming villas, Grand Hotel Tremezzo has remained at the top of its class for over a century, enticing and entertaining discerning world travellers season after season.

 

Maldives’ Different Kind of Luxury

Nestled on one of the Maldives’ most generously proportioned and picture-perfect islands, LUX* South Ari Atoll delivers a different kind of luxury. Inviting adventurous epicureans to effortlessly walk the line between beach relaxation and active adventure, the resort offers everything from cutting-edge spa treatments to the hottest trends in water sports in the ultimate beach chic setting.

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Sunset are magical at LUX* South Ari Atoll #theplacetobemaldives #luxsouthariatoll

A post shared by LUX* South Ari Atoll (@luxsouthari) on Oct 2, 2017 at 7:07am PDT

Dotted at the water’s edge along two miles of powder-fine beach and perched on stilts above a crystal-clear lagoon teeming with colourful fish, reside LUX* South Ari Atoll’s 193 pavilions and villas. On land or water, sunset or sunrise facing, the top-to-bottom redesign of these super-spacious rooms and suites by renowned design studio P49 Design add a cool nautical vibe. Award-winning landscape architect Stephen Woodhams has also ensured that the tree and plant life abounds with fragrance everywhere.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BXhwMS4AA2J/?taken-by=luxsouthari

Once settled, food and drink quickly becomes a way of island life at LUX* South Ari Atoll. The resort’s unparalleled offering of seven restaurants and five bars make every mealtime a thrilling experience.

As for wellness, the LUX* Me spa is a sanctuary within a sanctuary. Incorporating a traditional Chinese teahouse, a dedicated zone for brand new skin and body care experiences, a Zen wellness pavilion and lagoon-view relaxation area, the spa offers treatments for the mind, body and soul. There’s also a Zhengliao treatment specially designed for LUX* Me Spa and daily activities such as yoga, meditation, Pilates, Taichi and Qigong overseen by an expert wellness concierge.

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Like a dream 😃 📷 @lilyrose – Made it home and it seems that the past few days were nothing but a dream 💗💦 @luxsouthari #luxsouthariatoll#Maldives #MaldivesInsider #BeautifulMaldives @BeautifulMaldives #MaldivesNetMv

A post shared by Beautiful Maldives 🇲🇻 (@beautifulmaldives) on Oct 21, 2017 at 12:09pm PDT

Located at the core of one of Maldives’ largest marine protected areas, LUX* South Ari Atoll is a perfect place to dive into underwater delights. Climb aboard one of the daily boat trips guided by the resort’s Marine Biology Centre to search and swim with resident whale sharks, manta rays and sea turtles. Or take a traditional dhoni or luxury catamaran to be part of the unforgettable experience of getting close and personal with marine life while helping to protect it.

 

Are you Vain about your Vanity (bags)?

It often happens that when I’m packing, whether it’s for travel, work, or a regular day, I always leave my trusty vanity bag for the last. In my head, I’m always thinking, pack all the big stuff, or get ready first and then you could just throw all these things together and rush out the door.

And needless to confirm, every time I’ve done that, I’ve always forgotten something necessary. Take today morning, for instance, I took out my trust Tangle Teezer from my makeup bag, brushed my hair and thinking if I put it right there on there on my dressing table, I’ll put in the bag after I’ve packed my laptop and the charger. And what happened? I left my brush at home, only to remember when I got to work and to brush my hair before a meeting. The hair tie came in handy as I managed a “purposely” messy bun.

There are several occasions where we forget to pack the little things, even if it’s not going to be a rainy day (pun-intended if you’re thinking I definitely sound like the kind who forgets her umbrella as she’s packing for Mumbai’s monsoon).

Different occasions will call different requirements, your everyday vanity won’t be ideal if you’re travelling or spending the day at the beach. Here are my recommendations on things you’ll need.