Thirteen may be unlucky for some but not for Harsh Singh and family–the great grand children of Thakur Chhatra Singh of Nimaj, and certainly not for wildlife enthusiasts or those planning to discover rural Rajasthan. The family has set up tented camp site with 13 camps atop the Chhatra Sagar, a more than 100-year-old reservoir named after their great grandfather. It takes about two and a half hours from Jodhpur to reach this beautiful green oasis.
Beautiful interiors of the tent
The camp site entertains visitors only from October till March. You can choose from 11 traditional Rajasthani tents on the dam and 2 atop of the hill. Every tent has comfortable beds, attached bathroom and a sitting area. The fans will keep you cool during summers and heaters were keep you warm during winters. The local geyser is perennial source of hot water.
By the Campfire one eats the best traditional Rajasthani food
The Singhs are hands-on whether it is managing the daily affairs of the camp or organising bird-watching trips, tours to adjoining villages or even walks in surrounding fields. The traditional Rajasthani cuisine cooked using old family recipes includes traditional items such as laal maas and saangri, and uses vegetables mostly grown in the fields around the camp. Harsh’s wife Shrinidhi supervises the cooking. The camp also offers cooking sessions conducted by the beautiful ladies of the house.
Private Sundowners
The family is like an encyclopedia about the place, its tradition and the rural lifestyle. Those wanting to know all about rural Rajasthan can visit local temples, nearby Bishnoi villages and tribal settlements in the Todgarh-Raoli Sanctuary. Bird walks in the evening are must. The wetland, the dense forest, open farms have made Chhatra Sagar a paradise for birds. It boasts of more than 200 species of resident and migratory birds and you can watch them from almost anywhere on the camp.
Bird walks in the evening are must
After spending the day watching birds, taking nature walks around the lake and the surrounding countryside or enjoying the complimentary jeep safari, dining can be as special as you want it to be — whether it is in the tent overlooking the lake or by the campfire, under the stars. Wifi internet access ensures you can enjoy your solitude without being cut off from the world on the banks of this picture-postcard lake.
ON-BOARD MAGICAL WATERS | Vrinda offers a memorable journey through the waterways and leisurely meanders through a series of picture-book pretty canals and lakes
Traversing the intricately networked backwaters of Kerala in a traditional thatched Kerala houseboat is a quintessential Kerala experience. The houseboats are huge, slow moving barges and are a modernised version of the kettuvallams of olden times which were used for transport largely. Literally meaning ‘boats tied with knots’, the houseboats are artisanal works involving elaborate handiwork from the traditional experts who are now dwindling in numbers.
The endless expanse of calm waters fringed by lush green, that surrounds the houseboats, allows you to get away from the chaos of the city and to escape into the rustic charms of Kerala, a life beyond the seen. Imagine a trek back into time and a largely untouched space which moves at its own pace and has its own intrinsic rhythm of life, where vegetable-laden boats row across to a customer’s house, where fishermen cast bait under open skies and where hordes of ducks just swim by leisurely.
View from a guest cabin at Motor Vessel Vrinda
At some point in history the kettuvallams also transformed into living spaces for the local royalty. And now there are houseboats with all the conveniences in place, with plush wooden interiors and private decks. Many resorts and luxury hotels also have their own houseboats. The options to pick from are endless, but few selected ones hold their own with unparalleled luxury on offer. One such is the Oberoi Motor Vessel – Vrinda.
Vrinda takes its guests on a two night or a three night journey through the waterways and leisurely meanders through a series of picture-book pretty canals and lakes. The cruiser’s well-appointed interiors come replete with timber flooring and house eight tastefully done-up Deluxe Cabins with king size beds, large picture windows overlooking the lake, and private en-suite bathrooms with shower. The beautiful beast of a motor vessel, Vrinda, will offer you all the amenities of a star holiday even on water, like an upper deck with a lounge and bar offering a pictureque view, a uniquely crafted international and South Indian menu, and entertainment options like TV, DVD fitted in the rooms.
The Lotus, Kerala rooms combine the heritage and the modern amenities
Then there is Lotus Kerala which puts itself forward as an ‘imaginative new interpretation of the traditional Kerala houseboat’ combining the heritage and the modern amenities. It has two light-filled, airy and cheerful rooms – Sukhima [Happiness] and Lalima [Beauty] with teak floors, handmade teak furniture and en-suite bathrooms fitted with a bathtub and shower.
A private sit-out verandah to lounge in and relax at The Lotus, Kerala
And the buck does not stop here, as each room has its own large glass observation window with insect proof screens to look out and dream, murals to decorate the walls for you to gaze at, and a private sit-out verandah to lounge in and relax. You can soak in the rays at the sundeck with an al-fresco dining area, book an exclusive Yoga session or Ayurveda massage therapy, and in general, settle in more comfortably with the help the house-staff and your personal chef. What more could you wish for in a retreat?
Vivanta by Taj–Bekal, Kerala, has 71 laterite lined villas and rooms inspired by the design of the Kettuvallam houseboat
Moving a little further inland is Vivanta by Taj–Bekal with its 71 laterite lined villas and rooms inspired by the design of the Kettuvallam houseboat and with motifs woven in Balinese design. Another haven of relaxation and refreshment, this property has its individual courtyard spaces, private plunge pools, rain showers, soak-tubs and the Jiva Grande Spa to indulge the spa addict among you.
Private boating experience at Vivanta by Taj–Bekal
Should you long for the backwaters, you will find it running across the property as seamlessly as the Kappil beach shoreline touches the manicured lawns and landscaped gardens. The adventurers can also amp it up by taking up some boating, rowing, kayaking, fishing, trekking or just packing a picnic basket for a jaunt to the spice plantations and historic forts surrounding the property. So, you can relish the joys of both land and water at the same time in this luxurious hideout.
SUSPENDED OPULENCE | Grand chandeliers on display in The Ancestry Antiques Gallery in Delhi
“Luxury is regency, it’s classic,” say Dinsha and Munchi Shroff, turning towards the elaborate chandeliers around them. The brothers are also known as ‘Osler twins’ for being one of the largest collectors of F&C Crystal chandeliers.
Osler Twins | Dinsha and Munchi Shroff
Owners of the Royal Treasures gallery in Dubai and The Ancestry Antiques Gallery in Mumbai and New Delhi, the twins handpick the 19th-century Osler masterpieces from owners, carefully restoring them. They are extremely passionate about what they do. Here, Munchi Shroff talks to The Luxe Café on the sidelines of the opening of their new store Ancestry in the capital :
The Luxe Café: How did it all start? It initially started with porcelain but when we actually bought one Osler chandelier, which also featured a fountain from a leading Mumbai family, the chandelier got sold within three days at double the price. It was then, we realized the worth of an Osler and that’s how we got into the business. The price of an Osler goes up at a faster rate compared go any other artifact including porcelain. So, it came out to be a profitable business proposition for us.
Royal Treasures Antiques, Dubai
From where all do you collect the Osler masterpieces? We source these masterpieces from across the world. London is one of my favourite cities for antiques.
What kind of collection do you have in India? Quite a lot in fact, but not as much as we have in Royal Treasures Gallery in Dubai. One of our largest chandeliers is ten feet tall. Ancestry in Mumbai deals in Osler and Baccarat chandeliers including other crystal artifacts. We also sell artwork from the Orient and Europe. Apart from these, we do have colored chandeliers that are unique because of their rarity. Creating them was definitely not easy.
GREEN ERA | The colored chandeliers are unique because of their rarity
And what if someone in India wants to buy an Osler piece from Dubai? You can but we don’t take the risk of transporting it to India. You have to do it on your own.
Besides Osler, what is your most prized piece at Delhi store? The French Empire candelabras. These ones are the real things from Napoleon’s era.
French Empire Candelabras
You also have Baccarat chandeliers at the Ancestry but you have not talked about it much? Baccarat is popular. But if we talk of Osler, the crystal factory got shut in 1920. So most of the chandeliers are at least one hundred years old and rare.
Which antiques give a good return on investment? One should invest in crystal, not ceramics.
F and C Osler of Birmingham, London was founded in 1807 by master craftsman Thomas Osler and his two sons Follet and Clartson. The firm gained fame by creating spectacular crystal chandeliers, fountains, mostly for buyers in the Indian sub-continent. The maharajas of India in the mid-19th century were the main patrons of the factory, and almost all the leading palaces of India flaunted Oslers’ handiworks. F&C closed down in 1920. The stunning masterpieces that are no longer in production, have since become the most sought-after crystals in the world.
Cattaro residences | Services and style meet to redefine luxe living
Indian fashion couturiers and luxury housing project, Cattaro, have joined hands to roll out India’s bespoke designer residences in Gurgaon. Couturiers JJ Vallaya, Tarun Tahiliani, Shantanu & Nikhil and Abu Jani-Sandeep Khosla are working together to offer a mix of art and design in these bespoke homes.
While the designers Shantanu-Nikhil, JJ Valaya and Abu-Sandeep will design and style the 84 boutique homes of Cattaro, Tarun Tahiliani, will add a touch of class to the common areas of the designer project. With such leading names in tow, the project will be a landmark on Gurgaon’s landscape.
Cattaro promises to be an island of luxury with its own sky lounge, business centre, multi-cuisine cafe, state-of-the-art fitness centre, swimming pool, salon, spa and with complete access to the clubhouse. The residents would also be entitled for the world-class concierge services to spoil them further with all the choices. So, whether it’s booking for a vacation or any special service, it will be taken care of by the concierge.
Located in sector 70, this 24-storey building is surrounded by the Aravalli hills and is at a very close distance to the three world-class golf courses. It is a whole lifestyle that Cattaro envisages for its discerning residents and not just homes. With the idea of residences becoming so much more than just brick-and-mortar structures and with the definition of luxury coming to include more custom and exclusive features, Cattaro residences are going to be not only an uber cool address but also well-deserved cocoon of tailor-made conveniences for the jet-setters.
So if buying a designer home has been on your mind for quite some time, Cattaro could be a perfect bet for it.
REGAL FLOVOURS | The resident ‘King’ of the tea estate, Rajah Banerjee sipping the exotic Maikabari
Luxury teas and tea blends have become a popular dining accompaniment even as premiere café’s and tea-rooms are becoming the favourite haunts of the well-heeled, much-travelled tea-snobs and wellness-enthusiasts alike. In India, no mention of fabled tea brands is complete without the mention of the iconic Makaibari tea estate, located in Kurseong, the land of the white orchids in Darjeeling. Pioneering in many aspects, Makaibari is known to house the world’s first tea factory, and its legacy dates back to 1859.
Makaibari is known to house the world’s first tea factory, and its legacy dates back to 1859
Verdant green landscape flirting close with the cloud-laden horizons make Makaibari a scenic extravaganza, not atypical of lush tea plantations which transport you back into time and nature. What adds to its singular charm is the rich bio-trope with tea bushes co-existing with the diverse flora and fauna, encouraged by the much-talked-about sustainable biodynamic farming practices championed by the inimitable ‘Rajah of Makaibari’, Swaraj Kumar Banerjee. This tea plantation is a must-have stopover for the global traveller, the environmentalist, the ornithologist and the urban eco tourist, for whom there are quaint home-stays, run by the Makaibari locals, providing an authentic experience of tea-estate living.
Interestingly, Makaibari Tea was also the official tea partner at Beijing Olympics in 2008 and was served again at the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
So much for beauty, now for the flavour itself that the name stands for! With its single estate tea reflecting the pure essence of this iconic plantation, Makaibari has been recognized as one of the finest tea gardens in the world commanding highest prices at tea auctions for some of its brands, like the Silver Tips. Fourth generation planter, Mr Rajah Banerjee, says, “The passion is to make the specific personality of Makaibari reflect in a cup anywhere you drink it in the world. Darjeeling tea is not an industry. It’s a handicraft, a very specialized art”. Interestingly, Makaibari Tea was also the official tea partner at Beijing Olympics in 2008 and was served again at the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
Makaibari has some its own exotic varieties of tea like the Makaibari Tea Treasures collection, comprising the First Flush Vintage, second flush muscatel, the Silver Green, the white tea or Bai Mu Dan.
To bring the tea enthusiasts a real peek into the world of Makaibari and its chai, we have here a short te`te-a te`te that The Luxe Café held with the resident ‘King’ of this tea estate, Rajah Banerjee.
The Luxe Café:Could you please tell us about the Makaibari signature tea—Silver Tips Imperial, which is apparently the most expensive tea ever sold? My great grandfather Girish Chandra Banerjee established Makaibari in 1859. Prior to Makaibari, only hand-made teas were available from China and Japan. What has carried us through harsh times is the magic that this special area has. The diversity of flora and fauna, is unmatched elsewhere. The tea is the surplus of this essence that has created Brand Darjeeling globally. Realising this, successive generations of Banerjee’s continued honing their passion for the perfect tea, till I got lucky. However, though the Silver Tips is a peak, we at Makaibari feel that there are more pinnacles to scale. Indeed, the Silver Tips Imperial is a benchmark for others in the industry to emulate, and it is the symbol for the pursuit of excellence.
Fourth generation planter, Banerjee working at the tea estate
As a fourth generation ‘tea planter’ steering ahead this iconic estate, could you please share your expert insights on some exclusive varieties of tea? Makaibari tea is a single estate, bio-dynamically grown ‘magical Himalayan herb’ which has some its own exotic varieties like the Makaibari Tea Treasures collection, comprising the First Flush Vintage, second flush muscatel, the Silver Green, the white tea or Bai Mu Dan.
“I still contend that being a trainee tea taster in an old established tea broking house at Kolkata is the best learning ground for the nuances of tea tasting,” Banerjee says.
With tea becoming ‘trendy’ in the recent times, what is your take on the trend of tea sommeliers? Are there any national/international names you’d recommend? What a delight that tea is gaining popularity amongst the young and trendy, as opposed to being a stuffy old maid’s drink in my generation! This has spawned many tea institutes which educate one on source of origin, and offer a gateway to tea being a great career option futuristically. I still contend that being a trainee tea taster in an old established tea broking house at Kolkata is the best learning ground for the nuances of tea tasting. This could be further honed by working at tea-houses in China, Japan, U.K, to acquire the holistic fullness of learning about the other varieties of tea. Keeping this in mind, Makaibari is contemplating a Tea Institute to bring in all these aspects under one roof, replete with tea masters from famous regions.
Makaibari has been recognized as one of the finest tea gardens in the world commanding highest prices at tea auctions for some of its brands, like the Silver Tips
Tea drinking is an experience enhanced by the accessories—silverware, china etc. Would you have any personal brand favourites in terms of such tea-time accoutrements? My preferences is always for the exquisite bone china tea sets, which are simple, elegant and transport a tea buff to the realms of their dream world with every sip of the Makaibari tea.
“The wondrous part of tasting any Makaibari treasure is the retention of the delicate aftertaste in the palate for at least a half hour after a sip.”
Makaibari is the ultimate brand for a connoisseur of Darjeeling tea. How can one distinguish this authentic tea, in terms of texture, taste, aroma, and colour? The parameters of tea-tasting and wine are absolutely similar. A single sip of any of the Makaibari Tea Treasures, imparts a soft genteel aroma of peaches, grape or mango stein, following the seasonal subtleties. The wondrous part of tasting any Makaibari treasure is the retention of the delicate aftertaste in the palate for at least a half hour after a sip.
Time Magazine featured Makaibari Teas as one of Asia’s top ten produces, not only for its flavour but also for the working practices behind it. Given that you introduced many of these practices, what would you have to say about sustainability and luxury? The world is marching on borrowed time, as the world is focussed solely for improving the ‘flavour’ in the balance sheet. Makaiabri offers one a window to pursue the holistic flavour of life by growing and participating and contributing positively to the environment. The last bit is the ultimate luxury.
On the eve of the launch of the A3, a stunning automobile placed between the compact luxury hatchback and an entry-level luxury sedan, German carmaker Audi’s India head Joe King talks about what’s necessary to look at before buying your first luxury car. In this beautiful film, exclusively produced for The Luxe Café, Joe bares his heart about Audi, the luxury automobile brand that is taking the country by storm. In between lovely shots of some of the carmaker’s iconic cars, King, the quintessential Australian who jumped at the opportunity to come to this country to lead his employer’s operations, emphasizes the importance of catering to customers in smaller cities and towns. In hindsight, he seems to be reiterating our belief that luxury cannot be bound within the walls of traditional notions. It’s too beautiful to be put into a corner, facing the wall. Like one of the outstanding automobiles captured in the film above, luxury is about passion and excellence. Perfection, on the other hand, lies in the eyes of the beholder. So, go ahead, click play, and judge for yourself.
YOURS TRULY | Louis Vuitton offers personalization services on leather goods for men
The French luxury brand, Louis Vuitton known for its personalized services since 1854 has planned to offer initialization services to men on soft leather goods.
Placing a unique stamp on the luggage has been a key element in Louis Vuitton’s heritage. While trunks and other hard pieces continue to be painted by hand even today, the brand offers technology where original initials can be applied to the soft leather pieces like Keep all bag, Zephyr rolling luggage, small leather goods like Passport Cover and the organizers.
The brand introduces Mon Damier Graphite – Louis Vuitton’s signature grey check canvas for men. The iconic grey checks have been zeroed in on considering men’s subtle, discreet, sophisticated, sense of style.
New color shades including some soft and pop tones have been added to the personalisation color range to reflect elements such as sports and nature, nautical luxury, race cars, luxuriant foliage and water. In short, the colors are muted to add personal and masculine approach.
Initials can be stamped either on the center (over the stripes), or in a new configuration on the side on the Mon Damier Graphic.
The services has started September onwards, available through 70 LV stores worldwide and online.
ONE FOR ALL | Resort wear at its simplest is fashionable yet practical cloth that you can dress up in when on vacation, whether on the beach or an evening party. Resort wear by Pria Kataria Puri
Gone are the days when going on a holiday meant packing a duffle bag and getting ready to let your hair down. The well-heeled holidaymakers follow a strict dress code. The chic today spend as much time and energy on choosing the right resort wear as on any other aspect of the trip.
But don’t worry if you are not sure which outfit offers the best combination of style and comfort and, the deluge of information on what’s chic is making it even harder for you to choose. The Luxe Café will help you pick the resort wear which goes with your body type and will get you a lot of wows and maybe even a few wolf whistles, that is if there are exceptions in the crowd of the well-heeled.
Resort wear at its simplest is fashionable yet practical cloth that you can dress up in when on vacation, whether on the beach or an evening party.
Resort Wear by Preeti Chandra
Easy and free-flowing silhouettes, bright colours and interesting cuts make the dress standout. Indian women should remember that their body types and curves are different and must choose the cuts and fabric accordingly.
“My first advice to clients is to shun clingy materials. Organza, sheer and georgette are great picks for resort wear. Next comes the colour scheme. One should go for brights and neons in solid colour or pastels in interesting prints,” says Preeti Chandra, a Delhi-based resort wear designer.
Nishka Lulla’s vinatge-inspired Resort Wear
Different shades of blue, fiery orange, aqua and corals are the hottest colours this season. Experimenting with sheer and solid separates with pastel hues is the new trend, especially after Nishka Lulla’s display of resort wear collection dominated by vintage yet sexy separates.
Sarong-inspired dresses and maxis which give a chic beach vibe to your look without making you conscious are another interesting option.
India’s first dedicated beachwear designer duo, Shivan and Naresh advice the bold and the beautiful who are game for experimenting to wear funky bralets with high-waisted shorts and trikinis with interesting cutout detail. For evening outings, wear their glammed-up avatars with embellishments, tassels, sequin and crystal work. Also don’t forget to accessorise well.
Another great way to perk up a dress is to use printed scarves or a piece of jewellery which makes the statement and to ditch the rest
“Accessorising right is crucial, as it means half the battle’s won,” say Falguni & Shane Peacock.
Their advice is to go for bold add-ons like cuffs, leather bracelets and embellished slip-ons to add glamour to an otherwise simple look.
Another great way to perk up a dress is to use printed scarves or a piece of jewellery which makes the statement and to ditch the rest. Remember ‘less is more’.
To recap, kaftans, asymmetrical cuts and dresses in sheer play remain the best bet for women in their late 30s or 40s, but the honeymooners as well as the young and the restless can experiment with bold prints, bralets and a lot of high-waisted skirts and shorts. As they say, you are young only once, so don’t be afraid to go the whole hog.
PERFECT BLEND | Fresh, fun and fabulous meets old world hospitality at Marriott's Walnut Grove in Mussoorie
If you are looking out for that perfect Himalayan holiday with your kids in Mussoorie, you must head out to The JW Marriott Walnut Grove resort and Spa.
Soon-to-be opened in September, the resort is far from the maddening tourist traffic of the mall road.
Tucked in a scenic valley in the Tehri Garhwal Himalayas, 7 kms away from Mussorie, the resort offers one of the largest kid’s entertainment centre equipped with gaming consoles, bowling alleys and many more attractions. Just while the kids would be busy in the entertainment area, the spa enthusiasts can indulge in some Ayurvedic therapies at the Cedar Spa by L’Occitane. The Signature treatments here are inspired by the cedar trees of Mussoorie providing you the perfect does of wellness.
The JW Marriott Walnut Grove, stands true to its name. The property has two ancient walnut trees which produce more than 250 kgs of walnuts every year. Moreover, the resort has planted some 500 trees around its periphery, of which many are walnut.
King Guest room at the Marriott, Mussoorie
The five acre wide resort is set amidst a beautiful valley offering panoramic views of the mountains from each of its 115 ultra-luxurious rooms (including 10 suites). The interiors speak out loud of the era gone by. From the old vintage photographs and frames, to the portraits of its famous residents like Ruskin Bond, the resort is dripping with old world charm, hospitality and splendour.
Asian Specialty Restaurant
To make sure the food scores as much on the palette scale, the restaurants at JW serves everything from Indian, Asian to Italian, all cuisines prepared using home grown ingredients. You must try out their fine -dining Asian restaurant ‘Teppan’ for dinner and “Wisteria Deck” if you like Italian.
With all of this in place, this address will leave you looking no further when it comes to the highgates of luxury amidst the mountains of Mussoorie.
FINEST ADDRESS | Spread tastefully over five acres, Le Cap Estel is flanked by the Mediterranean and the Maritime Alps
The craggy cliffs talk an ancient language with the surf while the frosted moon listens to their conversation with her soft kind heart. At Le Cap Estel, time stands still.
A few hills throw away from the tiny sparkling airport at Nice in the South of France, the extraordinary Le Cap Estel is a gated resort tucked away on a private peninsula that juts rudely into the azure serenity of the Mediterranean Sea.
Unlike most seaside destinations this side of the world, the weather is crisp as a sprightly nippy breeze will gently buffet your romantic heart around
It’s a hush-hush life that one leads at one of the most revered addresses in the French Riviera. Spread tastefully over five acres, flanked by the Mediterranean and the Maritime Alps, Le Cap boasts just eight guest rooms and 12 suites. The suites are large, sometimes exceeding 5,000 square feet.
The suites at Le Cap Estel are quite large, sometimes exceeding 5,000 square feet
On a bright sunny day, which is usually the norm in Cote d’Azur, you can step out in your balcony to be greeted by palm trees and the blue sea receding into the horizon. Unlike most seaside destinations this side of the world, the weather is crisp as a sprightly nippy breeze will gently buffet your romantic heart around.
Le Cap Estel is one of the most revered addresses in the French Riviera
Le Cap has played host to some of the most famous yet reclusive celebrities in the world. Read Greta Garbo, Ernest Hemingway and the Beatles among others. You will do well to grab a glass of your favourite wine (I prefer Scotch hopelessly stirred and not sassily shaken) and walk down to one of the many hidden corners around the resort to watch the sun splash down into the cold bleak water in a burst of his masculine glory.
There is an inexplicable nostalgia around the place, almost hinging on loneliness. Le Cap’s impeccable service is unobtrusive yet special. That’s how the celebs—the real ones—dig it.
For those of you who prefer sculpted pecs over stiff pegs, Le Cap offers two personal trainers in its ocean-view training facility. You can also savour a Mediterranean menu that will be designed especially for you, even before you set foot in France, at one of the many dining spots scattered across the property.
Leave your guts and generosity for the next evening. One of the world’s best casinos is just a drive or a boat ride away, in Monaco.
I for one, prefer philanthropy. That’s how the rich—the really rich—dig it.
