Page 203 – Theluxecafe

THE LIVING LEGEND | India's last maharaja, Gaj Singh II is the 38th successive ruler of one of the country's oldest clans

Known across the world as India’s last maharaja, Gaj Singh II is the 38th successive ruler of one of the country’s oldest clans. He oversees two grand forts in Rajasthan (Mehrangarh and Nagaur) and is still the keeper of a treasure trove of ancient artifacts, paintings and rare automobiles. When it comes to Indian royalty, the buck stops at this remarkable royal’s door. Here, The Luxe Café catches up with His Highness for a tête-à-tête on the finer things in life-things that go beyond conventional notions of luxury. Excerpts:

The Luxe Café: Is luxury an art, an ambition or a habit?
Luxury is an art of fine existence.

A precious jewel doesn’t have a brand. A piece of cloth painstakingly handcrafted by artisans in a nondescript village doesn’t have a brand. When looking for luxury, what should one look for beyond just the brand?
One should have own distinct style, which is being comfortable primarily; then it does not matter whether it is a big luxury brand or a simple cloth from a village artist.

ROYAL SPECTACLE | Gaj Singh II in front of Umaid Bhavan Palace in Jodhpur. Photo by Raj Kumar Singh

You have always been a connoisseur of good things in life. What would be a few things that still excite you?
I love to see vintage and classic cars–I’m no mechanic freak but I feel they tell their own story about different exciting eras gone by.

Do you feel that the definition of luxury has changed in the country with more people getting wealthier by the day and with the advent of the term ‘accessible luxury’?
Everyone has their own definition of luxury and it has got nothing to do with wealth or showy accessories. At times, a sound sleep can be a luxury and it cannot be bought however wealthy one is.

What according to you are a few things that money still can’t buy?
Affection and love and respect of people, memorable moments with family and friends and blessings of elders.

What was your last luxury purchase? What would be your next?
I can’t think of anything special recently but am thinking of a comfortable and sturdy SUV as I have to do a lot of road travel and I think this is one luxury I must help myself to!

“Luxury is very personal and rooted to habit—a hot tub bath is a penchant I acquired from by early school days in England.”

Do you prefer tech products? If yes, which ones?
There was a craze for such things at one time but now there are so many, so complex and they keep changing every minute—it’s hard to keep up but the best thing today is a smart phone which offers you every thing—but then one has to learn to operate it.

Please tell us one quirky thing about your taste in luxury that people don’t know of?
Luxury is very personal and rooted to habit—a hot tub bath is a penchant I acquired from by early school days in England.

Which is the most beautiful place that you have ever visited?
The Masai Maara Park in Kenya—it’s like being back to the beginning of creation.

Gaj Singh at Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur. — Gaj Singh at Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur

While traveling, what is that one luxury you can’t do without?
A good drink at the end of the day!

If given a chance, what is that one moment you would want to relive again?
Back to university at Oxford in the late’60s.

What would you judge a person by? His shoes, his watch or his smile?
How he carries both and if his smile is unpretentious.

How can one be stylish without losing one’s culture and tradition?
Not only in context with India, but globally luxury is nothing without culture. Just look at some of our rural and tribal Folk—their sense of colour, style, aesthetics and poise—we need to learn from them.

One thing you would suggest to people who aspire to taste luxury?
Whatever one does for their luxe experience, they should be at peace with themselves and at ease with their environment, culture and heritage.

PRANCING HORSE | Ferrari 458 Spider has been designed keeping grueling Indian conditions in mind

If India’s potholed roads were the only things that were keeping you away from buying your first sports car, you might want to rethink your strategy.

Apart from flying a fighter jet, absolutely nothing in the world can match the sensation of driving a good sports car.

Nearly all the top brands in the world are available in the country at present. But choosing the right model can mean the difference between a smooth drive and a broken ego. Remember the Lamborghini that was crashed by a valet at a New Delhi hotel?

HATS OFF | Ferraris retractable roof that takes around 14 stylish seconds to deploy

Sports cars are fast, notoriously fast. But if you are not a regular at the racetrack, maybe you may want to think beyond just sheer speed.

How about comfort? Blamed for their stiff suspensions, most sports cars these days offer options that can help you shift between different modes such as, comfort and race.

OVER THE TOP | She weighs 40kg less than a traditional hardtop and nearly 25kg less than a sports car with a canvas top

Then comes practicality. So, open-tops that look oh-so-sexy are a big no for Indian conditions, right? Wrong. Some sports cars also combine the magic of convertibles with the level-headedness of hard tops.

One car that manages to tick all the right boxes above is Ferrari’s 458 Spider.

It almost seems that this prancing horse was designed keeping grueling Indian conditions in mind. Her chiseled curves reek of authentic Maranello (the place in Italy where Ferraris are built) pedigree. She goes beautifully—giving you a heady adrenaline rush while managing to pardon your silly mistakes. And her retractable hard top is a superb Ferrari innovation that gives you the protection of a solid roof along with the joy of enjoying the wind in your hair.

Once you pick up pace, a clever mix of notes come together to form the raspy Ferrari soundtrack. Even beyond 250 kph, the 458 Spider just keeps going.

Despite adding a solid retractable roof that takes around 14 stylish seconds to deploy, Ferrari engineers have managed to reduce the weight of the car. She weighs 40kg less than a traditional hardtop and nearly 25kg less than a sports car with a canvas top.

READY TO FLY | Ferrari’s 458 Spider is a brilliant combination of looks, comfort and panache

Thumb the starter and with a delectable growl the mid-rear engine comes to life. The slight wheel spin when you gently touch the accelerator reminds you of the power nestling in the 4500cc 570 horsepower V8. Once you pick up pace, a clever mix of notes come together to form the raspy Ferrari soundtrack. Even beyond 250 kph, the 458 Spider just keeps going.

SPACED OUT | Ferrari’s bespoke luggage made especially for this fine automobile

Rest assured, with her brilliant combination of looks, comfort and panache, the 458 Spider will never let you down even amidst the most dazzling of glitterati. And of course, at the end of the day, she is a blue-blooded Ferrari and nothing less.

Sports cars are not known for generous cabin space, but the guys at Maranello have managed to free up enough space in Ferrari 458 Spider for your weekend trip.

We also recommend Ferrari’s bespoke luggage made especially for this fine automobile. Sports cars are not known for generous cabin space, but the guys at Maranello have managed to free up enough space in her for your weekend trip.

So good weather or bad, this Ferrari will always be ready to whisk you away in style. She is not extreme in the true Lamborghini sense, but she is beautiful to the point of being flawless. That is how sports cars should look and feel, we believe—with a perfect body hiding a vulnerable heart. The Ferrari 458 Spider will break yours for sure.

FASHIONABLY FIZZY | Busting the myth that champagne is only for celebrations, here is Moet Chandon's Ice Imperial Champagne

When was the last time you witnessed the exchange of wedding rings, yes, right here in India, without a bottle of champagne being popped?

Think hard

One of the myths associated with Champagne is that it is only meant for celebratory occasions. But did you know that like wine, it could be paired with food too?

Here’s our Champagne guide to help you enjoy the fizz better.

What the label actually means?

Vintage: They are special. Vintage wines are produced only during good harvest years and are a blend of wines from a single year’s harvest. They are aged in the producer’s cellars for a period of at least three years and some producers even age them for decades. Vintage champagne from different years will be different reflecting the weather of that particular year.

Non-vintage: Non-vintage Champagne is produced by blending wines of different years. The bottle of non-vintage champagne won’t have a year marked on it as it is created from grapes of different years.

Dom Perignon Vintage 2004 Champagne. — Dom Perignon Vintage 2004 Champagne

Blanc-de-blancs: It is made with white grapes i.e. Chardonnay (the green-skinned variety). It can be either vintage or non-vintage.

Blanc-de-noirs: This one is made from red grape types: Pinot noir or Pinot Meunier. The Blanc-de-noirs too come in the vintage and non-vintage category.

Rose: Known to be a lady’s drink due to its pink hue and romantic connotations, rose champagne is produced using lightly pressed red grapes. It can be vintage or non-vintage.

Dom Perignon Rose Vintage Champagne. — Dom Perignon Rose Vintage Champagne

Serve and store it right

The bubbling beverage is served in Champagne flutes as it keeps the bubbles and aroma of the champagne fresh. Pour a small amount of Champagne in each glass and allow it to settle. Then fill each flute two-thirds full. Hold the stem of the glass only—if you hold it by the glass itself, the champagne will warm up and lose its fizz.

In case you have few bottles tucked away at your place, store them uncorked horizontally in a cool and dark place. Non-vintage Champagne can be stored for up to three years while vintage can be stored for about a decade! Yes. But it’s unlikely that you wouldn’t have an occasion to celebrate for that long and uncork the bubbly.

Got guests over but confused if a bottle of bubbly will be enough? Well here is the tip: A bottle of champagne fills about seven Champagne flutes.

While Champagne made from red Pinot Noir grapes goes well with robust flavours like meat and cheese, for fish spiced with lime, you can go for Chardonnay champagne.

Pairing it Right

In India, Champagne is mostly served with desserts (read cake). Here is how you can pair it with food.

While Champagne made from red Pinot Noir grapes goes well with robust flavours like meat and cheese, for fish spiced with lime, you can go for Chardonnay champagne. Mushrooms taste great with a pinot-based champagne characterized by gentle animal and vegetal notes. Asparagus is generally considered to be difficult to bring together with wine, but champagne is a great exception. The timid flavors of Japanese cuisine are very well suited for Champagne, but not with Wasabi and soy sauce.

Taittinger Brut La Francaise Champagne and Tofu Szechuan Salad. — Taittinger Brut La Francaise Champagne and Tofu Szechuan Salad

Vintage champagne aged for more than three years will go well with anything. Also, Champagne today is suited for gourmet dining that many fine dining restaurants in India offer.

Even though the effervescence of Champagne matches the complex flavours of Indian dishes, one has to be careful that it is not paired with curries that have fiery spices.

Also avoid pairing champagne with food that has ingredients like vinegar, raw onions, citrus, tropical fruits, grapes and artichoke.

When are you calling guests over for a Champagne and curry party? If you are, remember the curry shouldn’t have fiery spices. Just keep it subtle like the Dum Pukht variety.

DINE TO WINE | Summer brings with it a selection of wines which do justice to the various delicacies of the season. — DINE TO WINE | Summer brings with it a selection of wines which do justice to the various delicacies of the season

When the weather turns hot and sultry, you know the season of fresh and light food has arrived. If you are eating out, the combination of salads, seafood and grilled items paired with some great wine can balance things out. There are crisp, lower-alcohol white wines which are antidotes to sweltering days and sultry nights and they complement summer staples such as salads and grilled fish. Yet summer is also a season for ribs and steaks on the grill that are served with robust red wines. On the other hand, dry roses are a happy medium between white and red wine and usually pair well with most dishes.

Dividing on the basis of food you like to pair it with, I suggest a mellower Merlot or an Italian Nebbiolo while ordering grills. It also goes well with those who prefer fruity hints in their wines. Cabernet, if that’s your standard palate preference, will also give the meat a hand up.

Temperature is another important thing to be kept in mind while serving wine in summers. Make sure the reds are not too warm and whites not too cold which loses the fruit.

If chicken, pork chops or fish is served and you are bent on a bottle of red, then a Merlot or Pinot Noir would be a safe bet. For white wine afficionados—Chardonnay will perk up chicken and grilled fish (shellfish included). Sauvignon Blanc is also a star for pairing with grilled veggies, chicken, fish and an array of appetizers.

Meanwhile, while ordering salads, the game gets a little tricky as salads are notorious for giving wines a run for their money, in large part due to the acidic vinegar-based dressings or the oil vinegar combinations used for salad dressings. In such cases, Sauvignon Blanc and Rose wines are perfect. Pinot Grigio can also come to the rescue of several salad offerings, especially a chef’s salad with egg, ham or bacon as the main protein components. If you have to tackle a Caesar salad, consider a Chardonnay or perhaps a Prosecco. For a salad topped with a creamy Ranch-style dressing, again reach out for a Chardonnay.

2005 Torbreck Woodcutter’s Shiraz – Barossa Valley, Australia

Temperature is another important thing to be kept in mind while serving wine in summers. Make sure the reds are not too warm and whites not too cold which loses the fruit. For best results put the red wine in refrigerator 15 minutes before drinking and keep white wine refrigerated and take it out 15 minutes before serving to bring out the fruit. Stick to wines which have a lower alcoholic content (12-14%) as they are typically lighter and made for easier drinking. Keep things light, fun and happy as that’s what summers are all about.

Here are my top picks from our wine list for summer:

Wines	Grapes	Price (Rs)
2006 Domaine Leroy ,puligny montrachet les charmes (French)	Chardonnay	20,500
2008 henri bouillot ,batard montrachet grand cru (French)	Chardonnay	42,000
2007 Domaine Louis jadot Clos vougeot grand cru (French)	Pinot noir	30,000
2008 Gaja barberesco (Italian)	Nebbiolo	38,000
2003 Domaine Leroy savigny le beaune 1er cru les ratausses (French)	Pinot noir	22,900

The author, Hanuman Singh Rawat is an Assistant Restaurant Manager and sommelier for the internationally renowned San Gimignano at The Imperial New Delhi. He also represented and won the first Indian sommelier championship back in 2008.

SUIT YOUR STYLE | Identify the problem areas and then choose a right swimwear for your body type. Photo by CarmenMarcValvo.com

This is the season for beaches and cruises, for poolside events—and for swimsuit agony. While every body type comes with its flaws and challenges, Indian women face very specific issues while hunting for great-looking swimwear. So, how do you make the most of this season and avoid a cringe-worthy faux pas?

New Delhi-based designer Rina Dhaka, a favoured name in Bollywood for swimwear, feels that choosing and wearing a swimsuit is a challenging task for Indian women. “The pressures of body image make many of them shy away from the category altogether,” she told The Luxe Café.

Flipping through sultry summer catalogues, featuring frustratingly toned and proportionate models may simply drive you to bundle yourself into some frumpy number. But don’t lose heart. While there is no need to follow the trends blindly, there are some great styles out there, which will flatter your natural curves and address the problem areas.

Popular designer duo Shivan & Narresh, who rose to fame with their exclusive label for designer swimwear for Indian women and their latest innovation, a bikini sari, suggest identifying the main problem area and then counteracting it with colours or cuts. And here’s how you can do it.

But good news first: the one-piece swim tank is back with a splash. This ‘little black dress’ of swimsuits has taken on a new avatar in American designer Carmen Marc Valvo’s version with net panelling and a deep back. New York fashion stylist Lisa Marie Fernandez banks on the season’s sporty trend, with a bold zipper in front reminiscent of scuba gear. Her suits are created out of neoprene, a fabric that flatters a variety of body types by pushing everything into the right place without padding or underwire.

Swimwear by Brazilian luxury swimsuit brand Clube Bossa. Photo by ClubeBossa.com

New York-based RTW and lingerie brand Araks offers the silhouette in unusual solids and clever colour-blocking. Roksanda Ilincic, a Serbian fashion designer based in London, has worked with tonal horizontal panels to create interesting proportions. A lot of Indian women have larger cup sizes—so go for styles that offer sufficient bust support, and keep the focus right there if you want to draw attention away from the hips.

On the other hand, if you would like to minimize the bust area and focus on a slimmer hip area, work with crossover and halter styles. Go for a side-drape piece by Brazilian luxury swimsuit brand Clube Bossa or a minimalist halter by Paris-based fashion designer Rick Owens.

To conceal a little tummy fat, go for a style which is gently ruched at the waist, with plenty of inner support.

Tropical prints are almost a classic when it comes to swimwear. Hawaiian, floral and beach-inspired prints have been reinterpreted this season with a very eighties feel. Miu Miu has recreated the retro chic in gentle florals. All over photoprints with placement detail make a great impact, drawing attention to the picture. These look perfect in classic maillot (one-piece) silhouettes with maximum coverage.

Kaleidoscopic print swimwear by Mara Hoffman. Photo by MaraHoffman.com

A more eclectic take on prints draws on a medley of inspirations. Floral prints and paisleys playfully jostle for space with tribal and animal prints. Gottex Swim, the iconic swimwear brand established in 1956, has engineered its prints to visually slim down hips with its inverted triangle placement. NY-based fashion designer Mara Hoffman’s kaleidoscopic prints also address this trend in lively geometric tessellations.

Lace, sheer panels, macramé and crochet create flattering feminine details, such as waist cutouts that can create curves or sheer shoulders. Christopher Kane, Alexander Wang and Mikoh have all worked with variations of this treatment. If you are fond of bling, such as metal buckles or beads, avoid styles that bring the hardware in contact with your skin, as they can get hot in the sun, causing discomfort.

Swimwear by Norma Kamali, the NY-based fashion designer. Photo by NormaKamali.com

To conceal a little tummy fat, go for a style which is gently ruched at the waist, with plenty of inner support. Norma Kamali, the NY-based fashion designer best known for her ‘sleeping bag’ coat, has particularly worked with this detail, reminiscent of the 1920s Jean Patou style.

Avoid a colour that is similar to your skin tone—contrast is the key. Jewel tones are a safe bet for most skin tones, as is black. Work carefully with neutrals and pastels, especially if you have a light skin tone.

Besides body type, skin colour plays an important role in your choice of swimwear. Here, we are at an advantage, as most of the available styles are created keeping in mind a tanned body. However, work with well-tried colour choices, especially while shopping online.

However, in case you are in a mood to pamper yourself and get an exclusive style, Shivan and Narresh would be more than happy to outfit you with bespoke swimwear of your choice, be it a subtle style or a more dressy style for a honeymoon cruise.

Tags beachwear, bespoke swimwear, bikini, Carmen Marc Valvo, Clube Bossa, designer swimsuits, expensive swimsuits, Mara Hoffman, Miu Miu, Norma Kamali, Shivan and Naresh, summer style, Swimwear

SHEESH MAHAL, THE LEELA UDAIPUR | Panoramic view of the heritage city and Pichola Lake from the plush roof top fine dining restaurant

A palace hotel gives travellers a chance to taste royalty first-hand. And you know you have a winner on your hands if the place is set on a lake, has beautiful rooms that allow you to soak in breath-taking views and offers impeccable service. Yes that’s The Leela Palace in Udaipur for you—set on Lake Pichola with the view of the Arvallis.

Leela Udaipur, which is one of the chain’s newer properties is a gem in Rajasthan’s crown. The location spells luxury as the land of Mewar is known for its grandeur, opulent lifestyle of Maharajas and also hospitality.

Maharaja Suite living room. — Maharaja Suite living room

There are four category of rooms that the Leela Palace offers—Maharaja Suite, Royal Suite, Suite and Rooms. As the name suggests, at Maharaja Suite you live like a king with your own private dining room, a larger-than-life bathroom, a plunge pool thrown-in and a jacuzzi that overlooks the lake and monuments. A royal suite is also quite plush spread over an area of 2,500 square feet.

Just like the design of the hotel, smart attention to detail has also been showered on the menu. There is the Dining Room, a Library Bar and also dining by the pool is a good option when the weather permits. A favourite is the Indian restaurant Sheesh Mahal. At Sheesh Mahal you can dine under the stars as the sounds and sights of Lake Pichola enthral you.

While the Maharajas would have had the best of masseurs at their beck and call, Leela has gone a step ahead by offering international massage experts to its guests. Spa by ESPA, an international spa chain, offers guests luxurious spa treatments in a dreamy setting. What’s even better? You have an option to book a private spa tent or a palace suite with private swimming pools and walled gardens! Rejuvenate and relax in luxury.

If you have made up your mind to visit this property soon, here are a few words of caution: the place is so magical that when you have to say good-bye and leave this palace of indulgence, it’s almost heart-breaking!

ETERNAL BEAUTY | A majestic piece of art by master painter, Tyeb Mehta. Photo by Saffronart.com

“Your perfect artwork on the wall is like that cherry on the top of a classic sundae, the one that ‘makes it’ for you,” often quips popular American TV host and art designer, David Bromstad.

From the age-old traditional Madhubani, Patachitra to inspiring renaissance art to modern contemporary; the art culture in India has come a long way. Modern Indian artwork is selling more than ever and paintings are no longer seen as just an investment or mere stamp of the élite class. Today, the painting on your wall reflects who you are.

So if you’ve been gazing at the empty wall of your living room or office lounge for some time now, it is time.

What’s hot?

While early this year, SH Raza’s Haut De Cagnes fetched a record-breaking price of Rs 5.75 crore; the recent début of world’s largest fine arts auction house Christie’s in India (Mumbai) highlights the popularity Indian contemporary art is enjoying in the global art scene at present.

An old painting by S H Razza. Photo by Saffronart.com

“Contemporary art is the current dominating flavour and kitschy artwork or paintings featuring surrealistic imprints with just a hint of realism are selling like hot cakes,” says Soumen Bhowmick, an upcoming artist from New Delhi.

Are names important?

Not really. Today’s buyer is smart and understands that art is an ever changing phenomenon, hence more willing to experiment than ever. There is the rise of a niche audience that is equally open to embracing an upcoming artist like B Manjunath Kamath as devoted it is to established legends like Tyeb Mehta, Claude Monet or Salvador Dali.

Art work by B Manjunath Kamath. Photo by Saffronart.com

Besides, paintings have now grown out of their image of being an investment and no longer a primary concern for a buyer while acquiring an artwork. People want paintings embodying different moods that speak for that individual touch they seek for their place.

Where do you find them?

Exhibitions: The good old exhibitions, auctions organized by galleries and private exhibitions held by individual artists never fail as a relying option to filter and find artwork that would strike a chord with you.

Online: With everything getting a technology makeover, art is not lagging behind either. A number of artists have their personal websites and several interesting commercial platforms today offer a variety of artists across the global network just a click away.

Popular ones include theworkingproof.com, houzz.com, ebay.com and indiaartvillage.com to name a few.

Social Media: Not only is the credibility factor high with most artists selling their artworks on their personal pages, it’s the easiest and quickest way to reach out to the artists with your queries before you take that decision.

Always take into account the vibe and décor of your room before picking a painting.

Before Buying

Be curious! Know what to ask and feel free to do so. A lot of times, the artists/organizers are only happy to explain.

Once you’ve filtered it down to few artists, do solid homework on them and check out their earlier work to see if their style speaks to you.

Try and speak to the artist, if possible. Find out the time invested in the collection and don’t forget to check the catalogue provided at the exhibitions.

Always take into account the vibe and décor of your room before picking a painting.

Never forget to check the size of the painting beforehand.

If you’re going the online way, ensure that the seller claiming as the artist is authentic and isn’t cheating with details such as hand-painted, stretched/non-stretched. Always check the reviews beforehand.

Last but not the least, have fun during the entire process. Trends come and go, but it’s important that you select the artwork you want for the long term.

Art work by Jogen Chowdhury. Photo by Saffronart.com

When buying

Always check the condition of the painting when buying. Yes, the value of artwork increases over time but this applies only to the paintings that age well without losing their depth of colours that may require expensive restoration work.

It’s very important that the painting you are buying has the artist’s trademark signature and remains non-tampered.

Always check the provenance for any piece before making up your mind about it. This includes the information such as who has had the painting before and how the seller got the access to it along with some proof of documentation. This comes handy while making an online bid.

Original mounting and frame not only enhance the look of an old painting but also result in higher prices when reselling.

Don’t rely just upon the sources provided by the gallery. Again, good research and solid homework about the artists are the key things here.

Original mounting and frame not only enhance the look of an old painting but also result in higher prices when reselling.

Make sure that the place you choose for the painting in your room receives enough light to show its true colours and details. If required, you can also consider using picture lights to enhance the overall effect.

Some interesting options

Indian SH Raza, Jogen Chowdhary, F. N. Souza, M. F. Hussain, Atul Dodiya, Akbar Padamsee, Rabindranath Tagore

International Henri Matisse, Julien Bouillon, Felix Arauz, Yulia Brodskaya, Chris Bradley, Fernando Corona

TIME TO CHANGE | Make your wardrobe look stylish with some great summer accessories. Photo by LouisVuitton.com

Summer breaks are the time to slip into some of your most relaxed yet stylish clothes and have a great time. With some smart changes in your wardrobe, you can stand out from the crowd while at work or in play.

So have a look at these classy summer break accessories that we handpicked for you:

Billfolds: From a functional accessory to a stylish piece of art, billfolds can easily fit into both categories. With a neat seamless stitch, waterproof body and zippered section, this wallet offers enough space for credit cards, chain compartment, chain ring, non-folded bill pockets and much more. Go explore the outdoors or simply enjoy a drink with your colleagues after work!

Louis Vuitton's billfold with 9 credit cards. — Louis Vuitton’s billfold with 9 credit cards.

Our favourites would be Ettinger Sterling Red Billfold Wallet with 12 c/c ($258), Louis Vuitton Billfold with 9 c/c ($390) and Paul Smith Vintage Stripe Leather Billfold Wallet with removable case ($378).

Weekend bags: Escaping a monotonous routine never got any better. When you are packing for your next vacation, opt for these stylish weekend bags that give you the sophisticated look along with comfort of a typical travel bag.

Gucci's large carry-on duffle bag. Photo by Gucci.com — Gucci’s large carry-on duffle bag. Photo by Gucci.com

Pick up a Jack Spade waxed-linen weekend bag ($525), Hunt Leather Overnight Bag ($495), Gucci Overnight Leather Bag ($3235) or Prada Carry Bag ($2590).

Sunscreen and hats: Summer also brings with it harsh weather conditions. But who said you can’t protect your skin while having some fun. Invest in a good sunscreen that gives you a broad range of spectrum protection and don a stylish hat to complete your attire while saving your face a sunburn!

We suggest Mr Kim by Eugenia Kim Tony Straw Porkpie Fedora ($170) and Gucci Original GG Canvas Baseball Hat ($265).

Watches: Watches add a dose of personality your entire look. Keep your classic watches in reserve for a formal occasion and invest in new-age luxury watches that combine the sophistication of a classic watch with the utility of a sports watch.

The DS5 Chronograph range by Dolce & Gabbana is a great option.

DS5 Chornograph by Dolce and Gabbana. Photo by DolceGabbana.com

Sunglasses: You just cannot miss out on a pair of sleek shades! While aviators still remain a favourite, try these out too: Wary Parker Rutherford Sunglasses ($150-$190) or the classic Gucci Technicolor ultra-light aviator sunglasses ($325).

Technicolor ultra-light aviator sunglasses by Gucci. Photo by Gucci.com

Tags Expensive travel gear, Jack Spade weekend bag, Louis Vuitton Billfold, travel accessories, Wary Parker Rutherford Sunglasses

WALDORF ASTORIA BEIJING | A luxurious haven for art lovers decked in oriental opulence

What looks like a copper-bronze jewel box shines on Beijing’s Jinbao Jie in Wangfujing, and that is what is slated to be China’s most luxurious hotel till date. The understated luxury as opposed to the gaudy and gleaming gold attracts every global traveller’s attention. The massive 500kg cooper doors welcome you sans any usual paraphernalia of sweeping lobbies or crystal chandeliers. The nondescript reception hidden in a corner is just another formality, as most of the check-ins and checkouts will be done in-room to save you the plight of standing in a queue (a way-too-common phenomenon in China).

Hotel Reception. Photo by Waldorf Astoria Beijing

The newest member of the Waldorf Astoria club is quite the head-turner-the grand dame at New York’s fifth avenue hosted the likes of Grace Kelly and Marilyn Monroe. While its exterior is more of a boxy latticework that has been made to age gracefully, the interior portrays real elegance and boutique style. With 176 well-appointed guest rooms including 38 suites, the epitome of luxury is the Waldorf Hutong Villa that offers unparalleled privacy right across its 6,092 sq ft area.

While gold-flecked Italian marble makes the staircases, embroidered suzhou silk lines the walls. Photo by Waldorf Astoria Beijing

Gold-flecked Italian marble makes the staircases. Embroidered Suzhou silk lines the walls. Artwork made of chopsticks, hand painted flowers on its walls and Chinese elements in its furniture accentuate the grandeur. Designed by Toronto-based firm Yabu Pushelburg, nothing but cosy-and-discrete describes the subdued yet extensive fusion of old-world charm and contemporary magnificence.

We suggest you skip the breakfast in bed and head to Brasserie 1893, which is classier than any five star international
all-day restaurants.

“History is integral to the Waldorf Astoria brand,” says Waldorf Astoria Beijing’s General Manager Marlene Poynder. “While most of the Waldorf Astoria hotels around the world are set in historical buildings such as the one on The Bund in Shanghai, this one in Beijing is set in a historical area within a new building that I believe will become an icon in its own right.”

Peacock Alley. Photo by Waldorf Astoria Beijing

The famous ‘Peacock Alley’ that connects the Waldorf to the Astoria in New York houses a huge circular canvas of an androgynous face by Shandong artist Ling Jian. We suggest you skip the breakfast in bed and head to Brasserie 1893, which is classier than any five star international all-day restaurants. Zijin Mansion is the other fine dining in-house Chinese restaurant that has a nifty wine-pairing concept.

A cluster of renovated ‘siheyuan’ courtyards house the Waldorf Hutong Villa, a palatial suite with private swimming pool, underground cinema, and a dining room for 12 guests.

The rooms and suites on the upper floors get sweeping views of the Wangfujing Cathedral and pavilions atop Jingshan Park. A stylish balance between contemporary design and hi-tech luxury comes naturally to the Waldorf club. With Apple TVs, Bose sound systems, Nespresso machines, Japanese toilets, heated bathroom floors and Salvatore Ferragamo amenities—you can’t feel lonely even for a second in your room that costs you at least $360. If you thought this was grand, there’s more to indulge in. A cluster of renovated ‘siheyuan’ courtyards house the Waldorf Hutong Villa, a palatial suite with private swimming pool, underground cinema, and a dining room for 12 guests. The Waldorf Astoria Beijing is a world of dichotomies—understated yet stylish, Grand Dame-ish yet with all the hi-tech frills—and most importantly, whispers softly instead of giving a shout-out to look at it.

GLENBURN TEA ESTATE, DARJEELING | Recalling old world decadence, this is the perfect private hide-out for those with a discerning taste

How about a walk down memory lane?

About a pleasant hour’s drive from Darjeeling, the 1600-acre Glenburn Tea Estate holds on to a legacy of a rich colonial past. Established in 1860 by Scottish tea planters, the pleasingly rustic yet tasteful property is now owned by Prakash family, a tea-planting household from Kolkatapopularly known as the Chaiwala.

The property has an awesome view of the pristine snow-capped Himalayas

Anshuman and Husna Tara Prakash have renovated the property. Inspiration came from a beautiful tea estate in Kerala where they stayed earlier, recalls Husna who is actively involved in Glenburn’s operations.

Cane chair in The Rose Gallery. — Cane chair in The Rose Gallery

The property has an awesome view of the pristine snow-capped Himalayas that extend all the way down to the bank of two meandering rivers, Rungeet and Rung Dung. Inside, the beauty of nature is fittingly complimented by Spanish mahogany upholstery and European paintings.

The main attraction of the property is The Burra Bungalow, which is the original planter’s guest house consisting of four charming and spacious individually designed suites and decorated with wonderful hand-made furniture, muslin curtains and bed linen all embroidered with Himalayan flowers and butterflies. Vases of cheerful flowers are in every nook and corner,freshly picked from the terrace garden that overlooks the valley.

The sit down dining room is also a unique feature which doesn’t have any fixed menu. Guests are free to order as per their preferences. “We want Glenburn to be a foodie destination,” says Husna. The food is organic and sourced locally. And the green tea ice cream and tea pakoras are absolute delights.

The morning tea is brought to your room along with delicious cookies followed by a sumptuous breakfast served formally in the Raj style veranda. Lunch is equally interesting, served in fine china at the Garden Pavilion. Expect lip-smacking spicy barbequed chicken, salads and desserts such as grilled bananas in caramelized syrup. And don’t miss out on their candle light dinner which is served in true planter’s style, starched linen and fine cutlery et al.

The estate has enough activities to keep you occupied. You can go hiking in the morning with a trained staff of the resort. The hike starts from an altitude of 3,000 feet to the Glenburn campsite by the river Rungeet, which is at 800 feet at the base of the estate. The journey to the campsite is through beautiful clusters of bright colourful houses, an old village shop, past the waterfalls of SimJhora, into the forest.

You can indulge in a river side picnic lunch arranged by the Glenburn staff or go rafting. We suggest fishing for trouts. You can even spend a night by the river in a two-bedroom cabin. The music of the white water coupled with the barbeque arranged by Glenburn staff under star lit skies can make your overnight stay a romantic one.

The estate’s handpicked tea packed in adorable tea chests are the perfect takeaway to keep you close to the myriad flavours of this regal tea estate.