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.
Arrival by boat
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
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.
Champagne breakfast by Lake Pichola
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.
View of the Spa Tent with the Pool
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.
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
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
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
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 Camellia Suite
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 Water Lily Bungalow
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.
Tea with a view
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 Glenburn Lodge by River Rungeet
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.
YACHT WATCH | Charting the high waves is the super indulgent and much talked-about 'The Indian Empress'
There are only a few things that spell luxury and indulgence like a well-appointed yacht. And when connected with the king of now-not-so-good times, it falls in a different realm altogether. The Indian Empress, Vijay Mallya’s former yacht, is up for hire. With a rich history of famous guests and absolutely stunning facilities on board, the Empress will not fail to impress anybody with the right budget.
Indian Empress is one of the most exquisite pieces in the superyacht category
At 95 metres, the Indian Empress is one of the prettiest sights on the sea with a dedicated crew of around 30. Nearly 500 guests can be entertained at the same time, which gives you a good idea about its size.
The Empress was conceptualised at a Dutch shipbuilding yard by designer Richard Hein. “It is one of the most exquisite pieces in the superyacht category and is a favourite for charters throughout the year because of its colourful history,” says a spokesperson from the company that acts as its charter agent at present.
The superyacht is a favourite for charters throughout the year because of its colourful history
Its grandeur is evident from not just its huge, well-crafted suites or the three 10,000 hp monsters but also in its detailed nuances. When Vijay Mallya owned it, he displayed his love for the boat every now and then with various personal additions of his own. And those touches are what make it truly an exotic experience for guests. Take, for instance, the grand piano at display or the exclusive toy garage or the classic paintings by Dali and Picasso among others.
To charter The Empress, you need to make a booking at least two weeks in advance for the crew to customise the cruise facilities and arrangements as per your preference. Once you’re done paying an advance of 50%, you are good to sail to your destination for a minimum duration of one week. The charter takes into account every little detail. Says the spokesperson, “We even have the provision of an Indian chef on board.”
To charter The Empress, you need to make a booking at least two weeks in advance
For the Empress, the south of France rules the list of favourite places, especially in summers. Another peak time when The Empress is in demand is during December during Christmas and New Year celebrations.
LUXURY ON WINGS | A customised private jet announces your arrival like nothing else does
An economy that is waiting to pick up pace does not imply luxury experiences have become a blip on the radar. Senior executives understand the relationship between productivity and comfort. While this might not be the best time to buy a private jet in India, alternatives to spread wings in comfort exist in plenty through charters that offer choices from small Phenom 100 jets to spacious and flamboyant Gulfstreams.
Keeping your budget in mind, the foremost thing is to ensure you are leasing the right sized jet for the right distance and of course, your requirements. While shuttle flights from a bustling Mumbai to a neighbouring city like Pune by Invision Air are becoming popular, others are discovering that Taj Air’s connectivity between 130 locations in India is a great way to indulge in hotel hopping.
Seaplane by Mehair. Photo by Mehair.com
Mehair’s seaplanes will soon operate flights from Juhu airport to Nasik, Amby Valley, Lavasa, and Lonavala for around Rs 6,000. Mehair is also launching a seven-minute Rs 750 flight from Juhu to Chowpatty.
In the meanwhile, Baron Aviation has found a niche for women looking at bespoke shopping in Dubai. As has Taj Air with a fleet of Falcon 2000, a brand new Falcon 2000LX jet and mid-sized P.180 Avanti II turbo-prop aircraft with Italian interiors. Taj Air offers special packaged deals to all its resorts in the country. Its tagline says: “Charter flights with Taj Air are like staying in your favourite suite at the Taj, and whilst you take care of business or spend time with your loved ones, Taj takes care of everything else.”
Interiors of Taj Flacon 2000EX. Photo by Taj Air
However, before booking your flight, you should weigh a few factors. A reputed company will ensure confidentiality and anonymity, treat you as if you’re the last client left on earth by planning every detail, draw out your tailor-made iternary to save you costs of overnight parking, offer your cuisine choices and ensure you can take-off within the shortest time of your arrival at the airport. It is generally a good idea to book three working days in advance.
While it costs between Rs 60,000 to Rs 6 lakh an hour, ensure there are no hidden surprises as, often, the customer does not know what he is paying for. Rajeev Wadhwa, CEO of Baron Aviation, tells The Luxe Café that every cost is transparent. “We give the client a break-up of flying costs, ground handling, crew accommodation, airport charges, and taxes. Costs are based on flying time actuals, not sitting time,” he says.
If you are planning to fly regularly, check whether the charter service offers a jet card, similar to an airline frequent flyer miles card that earns you benefits along the way.
Around 40% of Indian airports are not geared for larger jets as they have restricted runway length. This has led operators such as, Baron, Invision Air, and Air Charter Service to offer smaller aircraft, from small, medium and large to helicopters. Baron’s mixed fleet of eight on offer, for instance, includes two Challenger 604s, Falcon 2000s, Global Express, Hawker 750, AS3555N, Bell 412 and 407.
If you are planning to fly regularly, check whether the charter service offers a jet card, similar to an airline frequent flyer miles card that earns you benefits along the way. Baron’s global corporate card, Platinum for $0.33 million, for instance, allows issue of four cards that can also be transferred, and is refundable. Membership of the platinum card “enables bookings to be made from anywhere to anywhere in the world,” said Wadhwa. The card has been customized to Indian corporate traveller’s specific requests for music and cuisine, in particular. “Once a request is made, including (for) medicines, it will be followed through the journey, whether in India or abroad,” says Wadhwa.
Interiors of a private jet by Invision Air. Photo by Invision Air
Baron’s Gold card at $0.08million, permits bookings from India to any international or domestic destination. Silver for $0.04 million, is purely a domestic card primarily for entry-level customers, says Wadhwa. Invision’s jet card is for 25, 50, and 100 hours of flying.
Spend a few minutes and check on payment mode, cancellation policy and the type of insurance being provided by the operator.
Meanwhile, if you’re based in the south, K-Air claims to be have one of the best deals for a jet card with great benefits including guaranteed aircraft availability with as little as 10 hours’ notice and a choice of up to 20 aircraft types including helicopters, offering an option to exchange your jet for a smaller or a larger cabin depending on your needs (subject to availability) and no long-term commitment—you can buy blocks of 15/30/50/100 hours and renew or walk-away when complete.
At the end of the day, what is essential is the value proposition. With many unreliable operators in the business, you need to be aware of the nitty gritties that can get you seamless service for your money. Spend a few minutes and check on payment mode, cancellation policy and the type of insurance being provided by the operator.
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.
MARK OF A MAN | To choose the right cigar needs not only inclination but also expert information
Where to buy Cigar?
If this is the first time you are buying, make it a point to do it from a brick and mortar shop or online. Never buy a cigar from a convenience store. They may be cheap but they may not be well-stocked. Reputed cigar shops always keep the cigars preserved in a humidor. Beginners can also get some good suggestions from the tobacconist there.
Humidor: Helps in maintaining the quality of cigar with just the right moisture required for tobacco. The cigar will loseits flavour and aroma if not kept in humidor.
What kind of cigars?
You need to decide the type of cigar you want to start with.Ideally, one should start with mild to medium flavoured cigars. Jumping to stronger ones may ruin the first experience.
Mild to medium flavoured cigars are also slightly less expensive and being a beginner you will not have to worry about the technique of cutting an expensive cigar and lighting it in a wrong manner. A lot of inexpensive cigars are also considered to be good.
Cigars from countries like Brazil, the Dominican Republic and Honduras are considered to be good
Though, the size of cigar is just a matter of preference. We suggest you start with medium or large ones as they are slightly milder compared to the small cigars that are stronger.
Cuban cigars are considered excellent. Not only do they use the best quality tobacco, they are also rolled by the some of the most highly-skilled cigar makers in the world.
Cigars from countries such as,Brazil, the Dominican Republic and Honduras are also considered to be good.
Are handmade cigars better?
Handmade cigars score over the ones that are made by machines. They are made with pure tobacco while machine-made ones contain chemicals and preservatives. Right from the filler to the binder that holds the filler, the entire body of handmade cigars is made from pure tobacco leaves and yes, they taste better.
Buy a only a few in the beginning
Don’t buy a box just because its looks or smells good.
In the quest to find the best cigar, you may have to try quite a few. So, it would be a good idea to buy two or three cigars at a time. Sometimes, you may not be sure of your first smoke but may develop a liking after second or third cigar.
Tobacco quality, cigar construction and its freshness are considered to be most important while choosing a cigar.
Inspect your cigar carefully
Tobacco quality, cigar construction and its freshness are considered to be important. So how do you inspect the cigar? To check, hold the cigar between your thumb and index figure. It should be smooth, consistent,without any lumps when you are running through the fingers. The taste of the cigar is directly related its construction. If the construction is bad, you may have not have a smooth draw when
you inhale it.
Look at all the cigars in the box carefully for cracks and discoloration. If the cigars are hard to touch, it indicates that they have been tightly packed. Ideally, they should be tender to touch.
Buy good accessories
a) Humidor: If you are serious about cigars, a humidor is a must. You need to keep the cigars well-preserved so that they stay fresh for a longer period of time. A humidor helps maintain the right moisture required for tobacco. Moist cigar could be bitter to taste and dry cigars develop cracks and burn quickly.
Humidor case to preserve cigars
Humidors come in various sizes. A humidor could be a piece of box, or could be as big a size of a room. Our suggestion? You can either buy a personal humidor for home or a portable humidor for travel that can accommodate up to 100 cigars. It can range anywhere between Rs 3,000 to Rs 15,000 or more.
If you can’t get that, you can preserve the cigars in a simple air-tight plastic bag or a container to prevent them from drying out. You can also buy humidor pouches from a tobacco shop that can keep cigars fresh for up to three months.
Cigar smoking is an art. You cannot smoke a cigar
like a cigarette.
b) Use the right lighter
A lighter makes a lot of difference. It is a sheer waste of an expensive cigar if you light it up with a wax match or fluid filled lighter or a Zippo lighter. Cigars may acquire a chemical flavour and spoil the experience. It is better to use an ordinary matchstick or a gas-filled lighter.
Let the match head or lighter burn properly for few seconds before you start the process of lighting. While lighting, do not let the cigar touch the flame. Rotate it slowly and let the heat do all the work. While you are doing this, take gentle and small puffs, till the cigar lights up evenly.
c) Use a good cutter
Be wise and invest in a good cutter. There are many cutters available in the market offering different cuts. Our suggestion? Go with a straight cut using a double blade guillotine cutter. It gives a clean fine cut to the cigar
A double blade guillotine cutter gives a clean cut to the cigar
Follow the etiquette
Cigar smoking is an art. You cannot smoke a cigar like a cigarette.
Do not inhale the smoke. Allow the smoke to roll in your mouth for a while and savour the aroma before you blow the smoke out.
As much possible, try smoking slowly with small puffs. It helps develop a better aroma.
A newbie is often found chewing on the cigar. It not only puts you down but also tastes bitter.
The ash at the tip of a burning cigar should not be allowed to grow more than half an inch.
As much possible, try smoking slowly with small puffs. It helps develop a better aroma. Smoking fast will burn the cigar very quickly and give it a bitter taste.
Never share your cigar.
A good drink for all the hard work
SANCTUARY OF REJUVENATION | Awe-inspiring expanse of greenery for healing and repose at the Vana Malsi Estate
An ashram of the contemporary world or a sanctuary near the forest, the Vana Malsi Estate is an ideal cosmos of real life, so if an authentic wellness vacation is on your mind, you must arrange for a visit. Spread over 21 acres in the quiet awe-inspiring surroundings of mountains in Uttarakhand, it is a modern place for re-connecting with your inner self. It offers wonderful experiences of Ayurveda, Tibetan healing, natural healing, spa, fitness and yoga.
Vana Malsi is an ashram of the contemporary world
The property has around 90 luxurious rooms and 50 treatment rooms, with nature as the focus that bring together various elements ofcontemporary design aesthetics, bespoke and natural materials, exceptional comfort and thoughtful lighting. One of the distinct features of this retreat is ‘bespoke art’ in various mediums, complementing the deep root philosophies and principles of Vana. The property has nearly 500 pieces of artwork including oil on canvas, oil on paper, kite paper, metal mesh, mirror and a variety of ceramics.
Living suite at Vana
When you arrive at Vana, the experts will craft a bespoke wellness program for you, with the aim to deliver tangible and measurable results.
“Guests choose one or two from a list of 12 possible retreat objectives being offered. They may even choose ‘don’t know yet’, if they wish to decide later. These queries are related to individual goals and what they wish to achieve during their stay here,” says a Vana spokesperson. “We understand the different perspectives of wellness and work with each guest to restore balance, using what works best for them. Our contemporary design, daily guided meditation and yoga, music performances, fruit orchards and herb and vegetable gardens create an overall experience of wellbeing.”
If you have time on your side, we vouch for the Panchakarma program, which is one of the most profound experiences at Vana, lasting 14 or 21 days.
If you have time on your side, we vouch for the Panchakarma program, which is one of the most profound experiences at Vana, lasting 14 or 21 days. Be it the temperature in the room or the right cuisine, painstaking attention is paid to the Panchakarma guest. The program aims to restore equilibrium using basic principles, treatments, supplements and nutritional advice. To experience Vana, a minimum of three-night stay is recommended.
The food served at Vana will help you rediscover your sense of taste
The food served at Vana is seasonal, organic and sourced locally. It is the kind of menu that will help you rediscover your sense of taste. According to the Vana spokesperson, they do not airfreight food, nor do they use refined sugars, grains or oils.
Guests at Vana have the option of two restaurants: Salana based on Vana’s wellness principles inspired by a variety of cuisines and Ańayu that infuses Ayurveda principles into Indian cuisine.
Vana doesn’t offer fixed packages. The Retreat price per night includes daily treatment(s) based on retreat type and objective(s), guest room/suite (as selected). Guests at Vana, Malsi Estate must be 16 years of age and above. Tariffs start at around Rs 35,000 per day.
INTER-TWINING FOOD & FASHION | Cavalli Caffé, New Delhi
They say you can’t have the best of both worlds. But when fashion flirts with food, the two most amorous and artistic mediums conspire to whisk you away to a different world. Cavalli Caffè in Delhi’s uber-luxe DLF Emporio is a chic addition to such fine dining experiences. Let’s just put it this way: It seamlessly bridges the gap between haute couture and your taste buds.
Bar at Cavalli Caffè offers some exclusive Cavalli vodka and wines
The Cavalli Caffè showcases designer Roberto Cavalli’s passion for sensuality and elegance. The designer’s everlasting quest for beauty and clever combinations of fine materials and iconic prints are embodied in its ambience. Great attention to detail has been dedicated to the creation of this café:
Decorated with unique elements created personally by Roberto Cavalli and inspired by the interior-design elements present in his homes, his boutiques and his Cavalli Clubs where textiles and elements of décor are carefully selected in order to convey the exclusivity and prestige of the Cavalli style.
Fittingly furred over in zebra print and leopard spots, a unique Cavalli characteristic, the cafè was conceived to stimulate and inspire every moment of the day, offering a refined menu. From breakfast to aperitif, from coffee break to after-dinner drinks, the Cavalli Caffè atmosphere enables its clients to savour different moments throughout the day in an intimate yet classic setting where the cuisine proposes a wide range of traditional Italian products and flavours.
Try Contadina Pizza, the thinnest pizza in Delhi (as claimed by the chef) generously topped with spinach, asparagus, artichokes and zucchini.
For starters, opt for a tangy and delectable salad-Beetroot Vinaigrette—that’s served with feta and rocket leaves. The crunchy zero-calorie aspect makes it an instant winner with men and women alike. Continue with the designer-food excursion by trying Contadina Pizza, the thinnest pizza in Delhi (as claimed by the chef there) generously topped with spinach, asparagus, artichokes and zucchini. The Chilli Caramel Basa with Wilted Spinach & Wok Tossed Noodles is generally cooked to perfection, and Burrata Ravioli in Burnt Butter and Sage is a flawless preparation complementing the richness of the burnt butter.
Pull the curtains down with the Hot Chocolate Foam with Rum Granita—a highly recommended dessert made of chocolate foam as light as a feather and made to rest atop iced-rum waiting to be scooped out. The cafè also has Cavalli merchandise on sale: Cavalli chocolate gift boxes, Cavalli vodka and exclusive Cavalli wines.
