WILDFLOWER HALL, OBEROI SHIMLA | Nestled amidst lush green scapes, this is the ultimate hill-station resort to while away your summer in style
If you are looking for the most luxurious Himalayan holiday resort, then it has to be Wildflower Hall in Shimla. The former residence of Lord Kitchener, a British commander-in-chief of the Indian army, this is now 22-acre forest property surrounded by virgin woods of pine and cedar.
The Lobby reflects the true colonial heritage of the hotel. Photo by Wildflower Hall, Oberoi
Tufted sofas, marquetry tables, original artwork, rich furnishings andrichly upholstered lounge chairs reflect the colonial heritage of the hotel. One can spot Burmese teak everywhere, on the walls, floors and ceilings. Each boasts specially-commissioned Bokhara carpets, with up to 240 hand knots per square inch.
You must book The Lord Kitchener’s Suite at least a month in advance. Photo by Wildflower Hall, Oberoi
Reflecting the true Lord Kitchner style is the Lord Kitchner’s Suite. You must book the suite at least a month in advance. Located on the fourth floor of the property, it features a separate living room and two bedrooms with dormer roofs. A four-poster bed does duty in the master bedroom while the living room sports a fireplace. One of the advantages of the suite? Spectacular views of the Himalayas.
The spa services offered at Wildflower Hall, Oberoi, makes it one of the best luxury spa resorts in the world.
The resort offers in-house dining facilities, which include restaurants serving Indian, pan-Asian and continental culinary delights.
With a stunning view of the Himalayas that can give even the well-travelled a pleasant surprise, the property was restored and rebuilt by Ranjit Sabikhi, of Ranjit Sabikhi Associates, the New Delhi architect who has also worked for the Indian Embassy in Kuwait, the Taj Bengal hotel in Calcutta and the Mughal Sheraton in Agra.
The outdoor Spa Pavilion. Photo by Wildflower Hall, Oberoi
Perched at 8250 feet above the sea level, Wildflower is also an interesting spa destination. The spa services offered makes it one of the best luxury spa resorts in the world. The spa therapist will rejuvenate you with holistic treatments inspired by Indian traditions along with Oriental and western techniques.
You can even opt for private spa suits or pavilions inside the dense forest, where you can enjoy tranquil views of cedar and pine trees and the majestic Himalayas. A complete solution to detox yourself.
Picnic in the forest. Photo by Wildflower Hall, Oberoi
Adventure seekerscan try river rafting, trekking, mountain biking, golf excursions (at Naldhera), and ice skating (in winters). You can even try your hand at tennis in the courts during summer.
BEST FOOT FORWARD | Nothing quite beats the feel and classiness of a pair of plush Bestettis. Photo by Ricardo Bestetti
When it comes to men’s bespoke shoes, nothing quite beats the feel and classiness of a pair of plush Bestettis. Its reclusive maker, Ricardo Bestetti, works from his officional in Vigevano, a town and commune in Lombardy in Northern Italy popular for its thriving shoe trade. In an exclusive interaction with The Luxe Café, Bestetti, considered by many to be the best self-taught bespoke shoemaker in the world at present, talks about his craft and why it is time for you to opt for the luxury of bespoke shoes.
Ricardo Bestetti at his workshop in Italy
The Luxe Café:Why bespoke shoes?
Bespoke shoes, they are completely different from the normal shoes, every curve of the foot is stroked from the shoe and you experience a new feeling, comfortable and very unique.
What’s so special about a pair of Bestettis? Bestetti shoes, have some peculiarities evident in the curves of the forms, highlight detail and boasts meticulous care in finishing.
How could someone from India own a pair?
I’ve never had clients of India so far. For bespoke, personally, I always see the feet of the customer, but for other lines, you can do without any problems by email.
Can you brief us about the various steps involved in creating a bespoke shoe? What special requests do clients usually come with?
A bespoke customer wants comfortable walking, and only a bespoke, can satisfy him.
What inspires you?
Inspirations come from what I like and would wear personally.
Why only men? Is creating a woman’s shoe a more complicated process?
Because my taste is too masculine…
How long does it take for you to create a pair?
To make a pair of shoes by hand, and custom-made, there are thirty hours of work, the form, the model and the shoe, are all strictly handmade.
“To make a pair of shoes by hand, and custom-made, there are thirty hours of work, the form, the model and the shoe, are all strictly handmade.”
What is the most popular style made at your workshop? Can you tell us about your personal favorite?
There is no particular model. The most classic models are the most popular. My favorite is the Maverick model.
Classic Maverick model is Bestetti’s favorite. Photo by Ricardo Bestetti
Most of your styles look narrow? What about people who have really broad feet? Is it possible to create such beautiful designs for them as well?
The bespoke shoe, it also serves to make the thinner foot wide and ugly.
What are the finest skins to work with?
For me some varieties of leather are fantastic, but the French calf is the most beautiful.
“The men’s shoe segment is starting to grow. Today’s man is a new important point.”
You don’t advertise and you don’t market yourself at all…?
A customer’s word of mouth is the best advertising
Do you feel the demand for bespoke shoes have changed over the years?
The men’s shoe segment is starting to grow. Today’s man is a new important point.
What is luxury to you?
It is difficult to answer this question, it is always in danger of being banal, banality, I do not like.
CLASS APART | Maharani Gayatri Devi of Jaipur was a style icon of her time with her natural sense of dressing
Indian women may have adopted western sartorial style but it feels beautiful to get back to our roots and traditions and look as stylish, elegant, charming as our Maharanis of yesteryears. They epitomized fashion, triggered trends and became a source of inspiration for many.
These royals chose to dress traditionally on most occasions whether attending a high tea, royal event or addressing the people.
The Luxe Café suggests some style tips on how you can add an essence of “Your Highness” to your closet.
Chiffon sarees: Make it a point to add some gorgeous chiffon sarees to your wardrobe.
Chiffon sarees were a trademark of Indian Maharanis, something that gave a style identity to India. Maharani Indira Devi of Cooch Behar was the first to start the trend and convert the six yards of the fabric into high fashion. Her sarees were created in the looms of Lyon in France to her specifications. Later she also introduced silk chiffon to many royal families.
Indira Devi’s daughter Maharani Gayatri Devi too followed her mother’s footsteps and popularized the soft flowing chiffons. She became a style icon of her time with her natural sense of dressing and became a source of inspiration across the globe. She was even particular about how the pallu of her saree covered her head.
Maharani Gayatri Devi in a pastel flowing chiffon
Pastel color palette: With chiffons, do as the Maharanis did. Chiffon sarees are ideal for our climate and look best in soft pastel shades. The softness, lightness, elegant and delicate drape comes out best in colors like Dutch blue, ivory, old rose pink and citron. Even Rajmata of Jaipur had a liking for light and pastel shades and preferred turquoise and old rose pink.
Long sleeve blouses: Maharanis preferred long sleeved blouses, around 10 inches with the saree. Buttons were handmade.
Minimal make up: Go minimal with the make up as much possible. A bright/dark shade of lipstick, a small bindi can do most of the look. Maharani Gayatri Devi mostly wore a dark shade of red lipstick.
“Never wear emeralds with a green saree as I had, they look so much better with pink”—one of the three etiquettes Maharani Gayatri’s grandmother told her.
Pearls and emeralds: You can never go wrong with the classic two or three stranded pearls. Maharanis were very particular about jewellery. Classic pieces such a string of pearls or emeralds were among their favorites. In Rajmata Gayatri Devi’s autobiography A Princess Remembers, one of the three etiquettes of a maharani her grandmother told her was: “never wear emeralds with a green saree as I had, they look so much better with pink”.
Maharani Indira Devi of Cooch Behar in classic pearl jewelery set
We suggest you pick up some vintage jewellery pieces like traditional earrings or Mang Tikas from your grandmothers wardrobe.
If we talk about bangles, Ivory, Jadau and onyx were very famous. You can buy such bangles from Bibaji in Jodhpur, who has been selling to the royal ladies since ages.
Gem Palace in Jaipur is quite a famous jewellery store among royals. Maharani Gayatri was often seen at Gem Palace with her friends and VIP guests.
French fashion house Chanel hosted a Chanel Bombay Paris Fashion Week inspired by India and its traditions where they used pearls, diamonds to design accessories including Mang Tikas, traditional clutches and neck pieces.
When the chiffon sarees became quite a rage in the social gatherings, it was worn with jaali, net or embossed silk waist length jackets.
Waistcoat over blouses: Try a sleeveless richly embellished waistcoat over the blouse. That is what the maharanis in the Deccan used to do. When the chiffon sarees became quite a rage in the social gatherings, it was worn with jaali, net or embossed silk waist length jackets. Some of them were even embroidered with pearl and zardozi to give a rich look.
Embellishments on sarees: Maharanis preferred sarees embellished with delicate zardozi, gota, pearl and gold embroidery. The artwork on the fabric was catchy and nicely detailed. For your trousseau, you can get a similar look by getting a plain saree embellished with stitched woven borders in various works.
TIMELESS BEAUTY | Bayswater, the iconic leather bag by Mulberry can be carred by handle, in the crook of the arms or over the shoulder. Photo by Mulberry.com
Nothing sums up your look and attitude like the perfect handbag. It is your agony aunt and your personal assistant—and your brand ambassador, too. The right one can make your day or dress up your night. Whether you are just toying with the idea of new arm candy, or seriously upgrading your accessory collection, here is our take on style and fit of some top models based on your body type.
The tall and slender type should go for shapes that are more curvy or slouchy, and broad rather than tall. A workday outfit can be worked to its optimum with a subtle and functional style. You could carry a tote with longer handles that will play up your stature—some delightful options include a Givenchy Antigona with a detachable strap in and the Michael Kors Skorpios shoulder bag. A solid hold-all tote from The Row is a fuss-free and versatile investment, too. In case your style is more adventurous, have a look at the McQueen printed padlock tote, or one of Gucci’s sumptuous patent-leather options in pop colors.
Although these styles work well with a professional wardrobe, they can easily fit in with casual day dresses and denims. For formal evening events you can try Chloe’s charming Marcie crossbody bag, or an elegant shoulder bag—such as the mini polly snake from Marc by Marc Jacobs. A clutch or a wristlet bag is a smart and versatile option: McQueen for snakeskin, studs and skulls; Givenchy, Saint Laurent or Tory Burch for a softer tonal look.
Valentino totes. Photo by Valentino.com
If you are petite, in general avoid styles that are far too large. An edgy Valentino Rockstud mini tote or a Ferragamo Verve double zip tote in pebbled calfskin are great options. Also consider the Burberry Drawstring tote bag and an understated Fendi 2Jours. A hobo is a great option too, but it may not keep all your things organized—even then, it may be difficult to resist a classic intrecciato shoulder bag from Bottega Veneta. If your daily luggage is as petite as you, the small Chloe Baylee tote is just perfect. Dress up your evening with a quilted Michael Kors shoulder bag, Ferragamo mini bag or a neat and shiny Proenza Schouler PS11 Tiny Mirror model. Avoid cross-body styles that cut across your torso.
Tiny Mirror bag by Proenza Schouler. Photo by ProenzaSchouler.com
A balanced curvy silhouette is best offset by structured and angular luggage, but can carry mostly any proportionate style. Think Givenchy Easy Shopper, with its clever croc panelling; or the striking bicolor Lanvin Trilogy tote. Heavy-duty looks feature the Marc Jacobs Globetrotter Calamity and the Mulberry Willow Tote in gentle tones. Excellent evening bag options include a subtle Michal Kors Clutch in ostrich and a Saint Laurent Y Clutch.
Saint Laurent classic Y clutch in Fushia leather. Photo by SaintLaurent.com
If you are top-heavy, avoid styles that are above waist. Instead, opt for models that hit at hip level. Look at a DKNY tote with a longer strap, a Chloe Paraty that reverses the proportions. Evenings look great with larger clutch bags taking the limelight: The Jimmy Choo Chandra or one of the statement pieces from Charlotte Olympia. An envelope clutch from the Row or a Lacca bow clutch from Valentino could be the star of your evening.
Jimmy Choo Chandra bag by Jimmy Choo. Photo by JimmyChoo.com
Heavier hips call for styles that focus on the upper body. Look for shoulder bag styles that end above waist and diagonal detailing taking the eye upwards. Great day performers: the timeless Ferragamo ‘Sookie’ satchel, the Saint Laurent ‘Cassandre-Lisse’ shopper with gold hardware and diagonal quilting. Tod’s Borse-Grande Leather shopper in solid or color-block will also tuck safely under your arm. The same thought continues for evening: go for styles that have shorter straps, and when carrying a clutch, keep it high. Try the bold Fendi Grande Bi-Color Clutch bag or any of the minimalistic wrap clutches from the Row. A large envelope bag in a light or metallic color looks great: think Tory Burch or Stella McCartney Beckett envelope.
Go through several styles, definitely trying them out in front of a mirror. Look at various colors, materials and shapes that attract you and go with your personality and your wardrobe.
These are only styling suggestions—and since investing into a handbag is the beginning of a relationship, you will need to look around before you jump into it. Go through several styles, definitely trying them out in front of a mirror. Look at various colors, materials and shapes that attract you and go with your personality and your wardrobe. You will experience many Goldilocks moments: too large, too small, too bright, too plain. But chances are, your bag and you will be united by destiny. Or efficient sales staff.
IN FLIGHT IN STYLE | Options to spoil your silly like the gourmet on-board dining in Qantas
Reviewing first class seats, or ‘suites’ as they are called, has become a tad difficult. Choosing the best one is a step further. Various airlines are set to outdo each other when it comes to spoiling their top clients. And for good reason too—for instance, 70% of American Airlines’ revenues comes from 20% of its well-heeled customers. This puts you in a tough spot. But don’t break into that frown—not yet. The Luxe Café tells you how to get airborne in style.
Broad flat beds and quality of mattresses, duvet and soft cotton pyjamas (British Airways), privacy (Jet Airways), large screens, quality of champagne and caviar, designer toiletries, and chauffer drops to and from the airport (Emirates), are all close to becoming passé now. While travellers tend to choose their airlines based on frequency, timings, and frequent flier programs, here is why you should bypass the ordinary.
The need for exclusivity and new levels of privacy have resulted in check-in areas that are truly exclusive and discreet. Emirates’ new concourse in Dubai for instance, has a lounge on the top floor for its premium passengers with direct boarding to the cabin of the double-decker Airbus A380.
For valued Air France clients, the first class lounge in Charles de Gaulle’s Terminal 2 has a Didier Lefont-designed space that serves an Alain Ducasse menu accompanied by award-winning vintages like a Premier Cru Sauternes and a Domaine du Chevalier Bordeaux.
International First class lounge, Singapore Airlines. Photo by Singapore Airlines
For an extra Rs 2.5 lakh at London’s Heathrow Airport, a private suite area will be made available to you where British Airways has a champagne bar while the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse lounge is equipped with a spa and hairstylist. Lufthansa’s separate premium terminal in Frankfurt has a restaurant, cigar lounge and immigration officers. You are driven to the aircraft in a Mercedes-Benz S-Class or Porsche Cayenne.
At Etihad’s Champagne bar in the air, you can sip Billcart-Salmon in a chic setting with Bang & Olufsen electronics. And Singapore Airlines serves its signature Singapore Sling, a mix of dry gin and Angostura bitters that you would have tried at the Raffles Bar & Billiards Room in the city.
Take a mid flight break and stretch your legs in Emirates Onboard Lounge. Photo by Emirates
Then there are in-flight cabins that are becoming personal sanctuaries in their own. Etihad, for instance, has seats that are upholstered in Poltroon Frau Leather. Built into them is a mini-bar, a wardrobe and built massage options. There is also a changing room replete with Six Senses products.
British Airways is the first airline to offer electronic blinds. And its amenity kits are upgraded regularly. JAL recently introduced new kits from Loewe, the first time the brand has collaborated with an airline. The colours will be changed for you through the seasons!
In-flight cabins that are becoming personal sanctuaries in their own. Etihad, for instance, has seats that are upholstered in Poltroon Frau Leather. Built into them is a mini-bar, a wardrobe and built massage options.
And when it comes to Qantas Airlines, Australian designer Marc Newson in collaboration with his associate architect Sebastien Segers & Woods has sourced the finest materials and worked with luxury brands across the globe to produce the Qantas suite that has a sheepskin mattress, and a fully flat bad that reclines to 212cm. ANA’s square cabins in wood tones have 23-inch LCD monitors with access to 170 films, videos, music, and games. While, American Airlines’ Flagship Suite on the Boeing 777, provides the first swivel seating to enable face-to-face business meetings.
Qantas Bedding Down service features luxurious pillows, blankets, a duvet as well as a sheepskin mattress. Photo by Qantas
And last but not the least on the menu is gourmet food. To savour some of the celeb chefs’ dishes on ground, you will have to cough up as much as Rs 3.5 lakh, the price tag of a suite on board a Singapore Airlines A380 from Australia to Singapore return. In the air, this is on the house. Menus created by celebrity chefs for Singapore Airlines include New York’s Alfred Portale, Kyoto’s Yoshihiro Murata and Sydney’s Matt Moran. Carlo Cracco, a two-star Michelin chef in Milan, is the latest appointee for Italian food.
Inflight meals at Qantas are designed by Neil Perry, prepared on board & made to order with finest ingredients. Photo by Qantas
Qantas has Neil Perry. Heston Blumenthal is with British Airways. Air France has roped in Michelin-starred chef Joel Robuchon while Peter Gordon consults for Air New Zealand. Similarly, Virgin Atlantic’s launch of its ‘Little Richard’ (Branson) ice cubes is a quirky addition to its first-class services. The bespoke ice cubes crafted in the image of its founder is being served on board on its new Upper Class Cabin at the new bar—the longest of any airline—designed for those who are keen on socialising while flying.
The Author contributes to major aviation and tourism-related publications, having written for inflight and specialist publications all over the globe for the past twenty years. Her passion for aviation has resulted in her taking a ride in some of the swankiest private jets, and following the sector at a regular pace.
GET THE LOOK | Infuse your summer wardrobe with a vitamin shot and go for some relaxed dandy looks with a selection of various Bermudas styles. Photo by JilSander.com
Every iconic piece of clothing has a story behind it. If, as legend has it, the Bermuda shorts were born out of desperation—when the British troops started cutting off their standard issue trousers to deal with the Asian summers—then they have definitely made it far, starring on all menswear spring-summer 14 runways. Not everyone agrees that Bermudas and Tux are a match made in heaven, but Pharrell Williams did try to make his point at the Oscars. Yet, in an Asian climate, we should grab the trend by its shirt-tails and claim ownership, before the starched fronts and pleated trousers start haunting us again. Infuse your summer wardrobe with a vitamin shot: go for some relaxed dandy looks with a selection of various styles.
Bermudas may spell casual to most, but to create a stylish look avoid the typical beach references: flip-flops, casual t-shirts and sloppy accessories. Keep it together with well-crafted footwear and sumptuous haberdashery—and a perfect duffel or man-purse.
Damir Doma’s grey high-waisted shorts. Photo by DamirDoma.com
LOOKS
Tailored cuts in neutral solids and tone-on-tone checks can be combined with light summer shirts or superfine cotton knits and half-lined blazers for a breezy, smart casual look. Staple solids like chino shorts from Thom Browne or Lanvin; or high-waisted shorts from Damir Doma are easy to build a look around. Junya Watanabe boasts some great options in subtle small and medium checks. If you prefer looser styles, you may try the loose, pleated, slightly longer silhouette from Jil Sander or a similar look from Z Zegna. Loafers in shades of tan, mint, electric blue can complete the look. Moccasins can do the job equally well. For a more casual look, there are always slip-on sneakers.
The key to everything is understanding the balance in proportions.
If you are in a mood to experiment with exotic colors and patterns, have a look at the optical patterns at Kris Van Assche, subtle floral prints explored by Dirk Bikkemberg or the geometric speaker prints at Givency. Issey Miyake has worked with washed and graded treatments with bursts of rich blues and reds. These can combine well with clean color blocks and solids. Think slim shirts, cotton summer sweaters and cardigans with broad bands and polo shirts in exquisite piques. Finish off with leather sandals.
Optical pattern bermuda by Kris Van Assche. Photo by KrisVanAssche.com
Deconstructed silhouettes have been deftly combined on the runway with more subtle and earthy palettes. Dropped-crotch shorts (Drkshdw by Rick Owens) in shades of stone and grey make for a youthful and sophisticated look with zip-up summer jackets and lightweight long t-shirts. Yohji Yamamoto’s look, on the other hand is more draped and loose, like the layered apron-shorts. It may seem a tough look to carry, but you will be surprised at how practical it is a warm weather—and it can be combined with lightweight jackets for a more formal feel, or loose silhouettes, even an Indian kurta for the new-age bohemian. Footwear to complement this style could be canvas or leather slip-on loafers, moccasins or leather sneakers.
Subtle floral print shorts by Dirk Bikkemberg. Photo by Fashion one
DOING IT RIGHT
The key to everything is understanding the balance in proportions. If you have a shorter stature, work with a neat silhouette and monochromes rather than contrasts. Don’t go for the longer styles, these work better for a lean and tall frame. In case you have bulk around your waist, work with the pleated styles and comfortable shirts in smaller patterns, avoiding large prints and horizontal lines. And for all shapes and sizes: always, always buy the right size. No-one will see your size label, but eyes will be drawn to unsightly creases around the hip area, or the sagging waist and crotch in a tailored garment.
Most of the designer labels mentioned are available through international retailers shipping to India.
LUSCIOUSLY SPA-CIOUS | A strikingly serene space at the Tamarind Springs Spa in Koh Samui, Thailand
Call it tranquillity redefined. Still wondering about the absolute beauty and wisdom whispered in my ears. It’s the unknown, it’s the mysterious. The beauty of Koh Samui lies in the art of ignoring, the art of imagining and in the art of dreaming.
If ever there was ever a ‘most imaginatively and uniquely designed’ spa in the world, then this is it. Tamarind Springs is heaven on earth. An absolute admiration which comes from absolute non-existence, inspired by its superb location. Located off the ring road between Chaweng and Lamai in middle of a jungle, it is surrounded with lush coconut groves.
Refresh yourself with a dip in the rock pools
The serene surroundings gives a perfect ambience to connect with your inner self. It’s a place where time takes a back seat.
You just need to book the preferred time, and day of your visit. You can choose the massage combination of your choice on the day of treatment.
Keep yourself away from your cell phones, cameras and worries. They are not allowed here. Just be in a relaxed frame of mind as the shortest package lasts for four hours.
Each massage includes at least 1.5 hours of unique herbal steam, sauna caves, the scrub (from home-made fresh ginger and tamarind paste), besides a water dip in the rock plunge pools, which is beautiful.
Right from a simple traditional Thai massage to the most unique ‘Oh baby’ pregnancy massage, Tamarind is always ready to surprise you. Experience is divine as the massages are done in beautiful, open sided suites. High quality standards are maintained by the well-trained staff, who can even accommodate your specific needs.
Experience the herbal caves for steam and sauna
Each massage includes at least 1.5 hours of unique herbal steam, sauna caves, the scrub (from home-made fresh ginger and tamarind paste), besides a water dip in the rock plunge pools, which is beautiful.
Even if you don’t avail the entire massage package, you can still experience the herbal caves and the cold water rock pools as long as the spa is open.
After the massage, you can proceed to a thatched shelter for refreshments.
The overall experience will land you to a different world. Undoubtedly, the magic is real.
AFTER A PREGNANT PAUSE | Check in for some high-end post-natal therapy at the Ananda in the Himalyas
Baby bump is the new black. It’s in fashion to flaunt it. But behind all that hoopla around baby showers, high tech delivery rooms and celebrations, there is the new-age woman trying to get back in shape post pregnancy and moreover deal with the post natal stress. While we are no experts, we have got you India’s top destination spa’s director to tell you how checking in at a destination spa for pre or post natal treatment is a good idea. Meet Colin Gary Hall, Spa Director of Ananda in the Himalayas. He tells you all that you ever wanted to know about such programmes.
PICTURE PERFECT | Music Pavilion at Ananda in the Himalayas
First a quick lowdown on the packages offered to pregnant women and for post-partum. According to Colin, The Ananda Renew package is the most ideal for pregnancy in both stages. The package ranges from one to three weeks and is customized depending on the stage of pregnancy and based on each individual’s body type. Colin says these packages are getting lapped up by Indian women especially during post natal stage.
“Few of the techniques that we use at Ananda in the Post Natal Stage Burner or bath with Mogra and Bergamot essential oils for anxiety, bath with Mogra, Lavender and Frankincense essential oils for depression,” says Colin.
Though it’s still not an easy thing to handle the post-partum blues that Indian women face, they often come with a question in their heads. How the therapist or people at a spa will perceive me? But with the right kind of treatment, Colin and his team ensure that the woman gets all the pampering to feel good about herself again.
Colin tells us that aromatherapy is extremely effective for women who want to deal with the depression. “Few of the techniques that we use at Ananda in the Post-Natal Stage Burner or bath with Mogra and Bergamot essential oils for anxiety, bath with Mogra, Lavender and Frankincense essential oils for depression,” he says.
FALLING IN BLISS | Detox yourself in the lap of nature
With career being a top priority for many women today, pregnancy in thirties is a reality. Colin tells us that age does play an important factor in the kind of treatment or package that is offered. “The older the woman, the more sensitive the body, so the therapists have to be more careful with the abdomen area in pre-natal stage. Post natal—older the woman, the longer it takes to regain body elasticity, so at Ananda we would use more nourishing and nurturing oils like Jojoba in our massages,” he says.
Best time to visit Ananda for wellness programs, especially those which are focused on Ayurveda is April to September.
Ananda, the destination spa known for being a tranquil resort does not allow kids under the age of fourteen. So we are curious to know if the women who come for post-natal treatments leave their new-borns behind?
Says Colin: “Well we recommend that women come to a destination spa like Ananda after five to six months of delivery. That way, the critical initial bonding stage with the baby is undisturbed. Post that, the mother would have to leave the child behind with their husband or parents and join the program at Ananda. This is the time for her to recoup and rejuvenate and take care of herself in a tranquil setting.” This luxury is good!
READY RECKONER
Ananda offers serene and spiritual ambience and has expert therapists.
The gourmet cuisine offered at the destination resort is prepared using Ayurveda principles based on individual dosha or body types.
Ananda offers serene and spiritual ambience and has expert therapists
Best time to visit Ananda for wellness programs, especially those which are focused on Ayurveda is April to September as the natural humidity in the air opens the pores of the skin and allows the oils to penetrate deep with maximum impact
There are two types of menus. For those who are on wellness programs, Ananda offers a dosha specific menu which changes every day. Doshas are determined for each guest by an Ayurvedic Doctor at the start of the program and each day the guest is presented with an Ayurvedic Menu (a la carte) which he selects as per the individual dosha or body type. Ananda’s expert chefs have mastered the art of preparing cuisines from across the world using Ayurveda principles so the food here is of the highest international fine dining standards. For those who are at Ananda more for a simple break in a fabulous setting to rest and rejuvenate, Ananda offers an international menu selection.
ART MEETS TASTE | Savour the best Japanese food in India with a variety of authentic offerings
If you are planning to try sushi, a few words of caution first—it is not what the Japanese eat on regular basis. However, the sheer experience of eating sushi is entertainment at its best where one can sip Saki (rice wine) and ‘aah’ over the skilled chefs who dice, slice, roll and tuck flavourful tuna, salmon, eel, veggies etc. into flavourful concoctions. In Japan, Tokyo’s fast food Izakaya’s are buzzy, yummy and pocket-friendly bars that serve food and follow a formula of an open counter where the chefs’ work.
From a Sushi menu, one can pick Hosomaki (traditional sushi rolls with seaweed (Nori) on the outside) rolled with a variety of fillings. The Salmon Roll, Prawn Roll and Spicy Tuna Roll make for the perfect options to sample this delicious treat. The vegetarians too have many choices with the pickled radish roll, shitake mushroom roll and cucumber and avocado roll. The Uramaki which is believed to have originated in America is prepared by rolling the rice inside out. The more popular rolls like the California roll, the Philadelphia roll and the Prawn Tempura roll are all featured on menus of most Japanese restaurants here, and are an inviting yet not-original-Japanese options as these are prepared with fish that are well-done. The Uramaki menu features veg options like the Midori, a heady mix of asparagus, cucumber and avocado.
Non Veg Sushi at the Grand Hyatt, Mumbai
Celebrated Korean chef Akira Back whose celebrity clientele includes Taylor Swift and Eva Longoria, at his restaurant at the JW Marriott in Delhi has created dishes such as, Tuna Pizza, seared Foie gras and wasabi pepper tenderloin. Chef Vikramjit Roy at the Pan Asian in ITC Chennai has worked on creating food that his patrons can connect with without compromising on authenticity. It’s hard to go wrong at Megu at The Leela Palace in Delhi—fresh sushi and sashimi, tempura delivered to your table crackling and wagyu that melts in your mouth like butter. Another highlight includes the Ishiyaki where bite-sized meat or fish is cooked on Lava stones from Mt Fuji.
Katsuya Honda, leading chef at En’s, which overlooks the stunning Qutub Minar in Delhi, has over a 15 year experience in Japanese Washoku food, an art that has been awarded UNESCO Heritage Status. The menu bears witness of the rich epicurean roots of Japan, breaking down the diverse styles that highlight Japanese people and their culture. Sakura at the Nikko Hotel in the capital has adopted a new look as well as a new menu by celebrated Japanese Master Chef Tetsu Akahira. How’s that for starters!
COFFEE FOR THOUGHT | Iconic cafés from around the world have been the fertile grounds for revolutionary ideas stirred over a cup of coffee
It’s hard to believe that the chestnut-hued beverage that inspires passion, opinion and addiction is perhaps something that slips unnoticed every day by most of us. When you sip from light to dark, the taste gets ramped up in bitterness and effervescence. And that’s how the alchemy of coffee works its magic. If you take your cup of java seriously, you may as well not think twice before spending anywhere between Rs 30,000-60,000 for the world’s most expensive coffee cup by Deviehl, so that you wake up to nothing less than velvety greatness every morning. But coffee most certainly plays a memorable role in your travels, as true luxury involves travelling to new and extraordinary places for a great cup of coffee.
We bring you a list of five most beautiful cafés in the world, which used to be the preferred hangouts of the city’s intellectuals in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. With sumptuous café interiors, Old World grandiosity and unblemished cultural heritage intact, these bistros offer a perfect balance between charm and authenticity.
Caffé Greco, Rome
Caffé Greco, Rome’s oldest café that’s located on the city’s most luxurious shopping street
When in Rome, even if you don’t know what the Romans do, make sure you are familiar with the unspoken rule of drinking coffee: cappuccino in the morning, and an espresso after a meal. Sip a caffé corretto in Rome’s oldest café that’s located on the city’s most luxurious shopping street while watching the sun go down. The dreamy atmosphere and period furnishings inspire you to practise your new-found caffeine vocabulary where the likes of Goethe, Gogol and Keats met to exchange ideas. Stellario Baccellieri, the café’s painter famous for his frescoes, can’t get enough of the place. “Having at least four espressos from the tuxedo-clad servers makes my day,” he says.
Anecdote has it that on the day the New York Café opened, writer Ferenc Molnar and his friends threw the keys into the Danube River to convey their desire that the remains open to all forever.
New York Café, Budapest
The city that is summed up by long and tumultuous political history has a secret in every corner. So, sipping a delectable cup of coffee along with consuming some Hungarian literary history is what takes this grand café’s experience to a brand new level of elegance. Anecdote has it that on the day the New York Café opened, writer Ferenc Molnar and his friends threw the keys into the Danube River to convey their desire that the remains open to all forever. Marble columns and gilded ornaments that make up its interior are testimony to this century-old beauty’s enduring charm.
Caffè Florian, Venice
The Old World charm beautifully merges with contemporary radical-chic settings at Caffè Florian, Venice
Robert De Laroche, in his book ‘Florian, Venezia 1720’ writes about the Venetian coffeehouse, “Sweet, but also lively; suave, yet with a sharp tang; both exciting and vital. In fact, just like coffee itself, with its Oriental origins—a plant which has become inseparably intertwined with the history of the Caffè Florian.” There is no other way to describe the opulence of this café that has been the coffee temple to worshippers like Casanova, Charles Dickens, and Marcel Proust. Enter Florian through doors encrusted with heavy marble plaques, leading into the most exquisite monument ever to be erected to the glory of a Venice immortalised by Goldoni, Vivaldi, Tiepolo, Longhi, Canaletto and Guardi. The Old World charm beautifully merges with contemporary radical-chic settings, while the orchestra strikes up a tango.
Café Central, Vienna
Leon Trotsky came at Café Central to play chess, while Sigmund Freud delved deeper into his soul to answer the complex
If you retrace Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy from ‘Before Sunrise’ in Vienna, you will know why the coffee capital’s Kaffeehäuser are not ordinary. Other than great coffee, you are sure to find a couple of things more here—soul and inspiration. Some of the world’s greatest minds second our opinion about this palatial coffee house: Leon Trotsky came here to play chess, while Sigmund Freud delved deeper into his soul to answer the complex. Its impressive interior of marble pillars, arched ceilings and glittering chandeliers encouraged Peter Altenberg to spend days writing poetry and love-letters. The live classical music in the evening is complimentary!
Café de la Paix, Paris
Spend some time catching up over a cup of coffee at this French capital’s most stunning café. Photo by Café de la Paix
Legend has it that you are bound to run into a friend because of this café’s popularity and reputation. We suggest you spend some time catching up over a cup of coffee at this French capital’s most stunning café. The florid interior in an opulent Neo-Baroque style is the work of the same architect who created the famous Opera House across the street. The rococo stucco ceiling and the historic terrace bear testimony to the times when Oscar Wilde, Josephine Baker, Emile Zola, and the likes soaked in the best of times in this Belle Époque magnificence.
