CEO Vol 1 . Issue 4 . J u l y 2014 . `100
MASABA ON WHO WEARS HER DESIGNS BEST
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bespoke luxury products to call your own
DECK YOUR TECH MAKE YOUR GADGETS LOOK GOOD
DR.BATRA'S Healing Hands CEO LIFESTYLE
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‘The Spirit of Vanquish. The Art of Aston
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Aston Martin’ PERFORMANCE CARS ( Division of Infinity Cars Pvt. Ltd.)
Aston Martin Mumbai
No.3, Crystal Building, Altamount Road, Mumbai-400 028.
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Tel: +91 22 65811007 www.astonmartinmumbai.in
www.kudoslondon.co.uk CEO LIFESTYLE
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Spread Ad
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PE OP L E Style Check
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Healing Hands
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Living On The Sunny Side
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The First Lady Of Social Media
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Masaba, Stylish & Sassy
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CEO Lifestyle brings you some of the best of Canali’s SS14 collection
Dr. Mukesh Batra talks about his love for Shakespeare, photography and jiving
Mastek’s Sudhakar Ram on his love for children and dream of directing a film
Sabine Heller of ASMALLWORLD talks to CEO Lifestyle on why she lives to travel
Masaba Gupta on what the Indian fashion industry needs right now
Signature Statements
Six bespoke luxury products from around the world that you can call your own
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56 PANACH E
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Brand Factory
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Luxury Takes A Furry Turn
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Are You Driving A Smart Car?
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Deck Your Tech
The elitist’s library of new launches
Who says pets cannot have designer homes or blingy accessories?
Check out some of the niftiest safety features available in today’s automobiles
Our pick of some gorgeous accessories to stlye your tech with
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P L AC E S
Set Sail At Royal Phuket Marina
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Of Castles, Coastlines And Cups Of Tea
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Going Greek At Iconic Santorini
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A peek into the one of the most luxurious marinas in the world
We take a look at Wales, the ‘Castle Capital’ of the world
If you are planning a Greek holiday this year, this is the place to stay at
Finding Wellness In Wilderness
Escape to Vana Retreats to disconnect from the chaos of concrete jungles
The Writing Is On The Wall
Everything you need to know about designer wallpapers
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WINE & DINE
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High Up In The Sky
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Savouring Asia At EEST
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At Home With Wine
Bengaluru’s hippest new lounge is where you should head this weekend
Read about our culinary extravaganza at EEST, the panAsian restaurant at The Westin Chennai Velachery
Drinking it, storing it, serving it - all you need to know about handling wine
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H E ALT H
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Get Up, Get Going
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Crazy (For) Diets
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Shining Through
Can offices be made into more vibrant, active and most importantly, fun places? Yes, they can
Our pick of five diets that you should never try
Our time at at Shine Spa for Sheraton in Bangalore leaves us feeling relaxed like never before
e ve n ts
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Sites & sounds
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Mark your calendar
The Wild Wild West Dance to the rythm of PalĂŠo
What we are looking forward to next month
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RAADIA MUKADAM GROUP EDITOR & BUSINESS HEAD raadia@eyeballmedia.in ASSISTANT FEATURES EDITOR
Neha Malude FEATURE WRITERS
Rekha Shanmugham Nifty Jacob ART DIRECTOR
Veeranandhan Kittappa GRAPHIC DESIGNERS
Narayanan Sathish M. Ashok MARKETING & BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
Abhijit Basu
abhijit@eyeballmedia.in
Sandhur Goutham
s.goutham@eyeballmedia.in
M.I. Vijay Kumaran
vijay.kumaran@eyeballmedia.in
Kunal Khedkar
kunal@eyeballmedia.in SALES COORDINATOR
Indu Vigneshwaran CIRCULATION & SUBSCRIPTION G.A. Manjunath A. Rathinavel Pandian G.SAKTHIVEL MANAGING DIRECTOR Eyeball Media Pvt.Ltd. 30-32, Subramanian Street, Abiramapuram, Chennai 600018, India. Tel: +91 44 4567 1150. www.ceolifestylemagazine.com Printed and published by G.Sakthivel for and on behalf of Eyeball Media Pvt. Ltd. Published at 30-32, Subramanian Street, Abiramapuram, Chennai 600018, India and printed by IKON Print Solutions at Shed No.B-10, Quaide Milleth Street, SIDCO Industrial Estate, MMDA, Arumbakkam, Chennai - 600 106. All rights reserved. The different trademarks published in this issue belong to their respective owners. CEO Lifestyle cannot be responsible for unsolicited material. The contents of CLS shall not be published or reproduced in any from without the written permission of the Group Editor, Raadia Mukadam. The copyright in the contents of this magazine, including photographs printed and published, rests exclusively with Eyeball Media Pvt. Ltd.
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EDITOR’S NOTE Dear Reader,
From perfumes to monogrammed Goyard bags and made-to-order paintings to exclusive meals, one can get the royal ‘red carpet’ treatment whenever one fancies, at the right cost
The other day, I was out catching up with my gang of girls in the evergreen coffee shop at the Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai, when I could not help but comment on a rare and unfamiliar perfume that my friend was wearing. On asking, she quite casually answered, “That’s me!” and folks, she was not joking. On her recent trip to Milan, she had a perfumery customize her perfume with the choicest fragrances to create this signature brand. For many, real luxury is about ordering bespoke products with heaps of customization. These are made either entirely for them or simply not available to anyone else because they are completely unique creations. From perfumes to monogrammed Goyard bags and madeto-order paintings to exclusive meals or a tune composed especially for you, one can get the royal ‘red carpet’ treatment whenever one fancies, at the right cost. You’ll never feel more you than with a piece you contributed to. I believe that it’s all about personality and being unique. More and more successful people with a high available income take their freedom to follow their own minds and do not follow the mass trend anymore. They don’t have to show their success by using brands and labels which are the ‘standard status symbols’, this was a bridge they crossed ages ago. They can afford to buy individuality and they don’t care if a few do not realize the value of their signature brand. We say, instead of a known brand, put your own label everywhere. It’s a new kind of timelessness, because isn’t it true that the best things you own are the ones with a story, whether it’s a monogrammed bag found at a vintage store or your grandmother’s charm bracelet? Only last month, Berry Bros. & Rudd, Britain’s oldest wine and spirit merchant, made a winemaking experience in Bordeaux available to its select clients through a partnership with Viniv, a French winery. Wine enthusiasts can now head to Chateau Lynch-Bages to make their own vintages and can try out every step of vinification, from grapepicking to bottling, including designing a customized logo and bottle label. So, if you want to take off on a wine trail, you could try this experience next time and come back with a bottle of your own label or for more options, in this issue, you can catch a glimpse of six bespoke luxury products you can own. I know that this is definitely on my agenda the next time I feel like some retail therapy!
Raadia Mukadam
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Contributors Shivi Saxena
Kirthi Jayakumar
Shivi is a perfect concoction of wit with the right jugglery of words. The zany copywriter dwells in Mumbai, is an outlandish ideator, and her high jinks have a rib-tickling impact on others. She also pens down life’s happenings unimpaired.
A writer and peace activist. She enjoys reading, music and going on long walks by herself. A nomad by stateof-mind, for Kirthi, writing is her life-blood.
Bhisham Mansukhani
Kingston David
Saving the world one pour of sublime ferment at a time, Bhisham hopes to retire to life amongst the vines someday and until then part time between a battered keyboard, deadline violations and a smattering of wines, beers, single malts, dirty martinis and cognacs.
In an eternal affair with technology and gadgets, an obsessive automobile freak, avid gamer, passionate about cricket and driving. An electronics engineer by chance and a writer by choice.
Rahul Dutta Gupta
Nitiz Kaila
A recovering workaholic, a beer connoisseur, a self confessed dare devil and maggi master-chef, Rahul has a penchant for losing/breaking/ accidentally flushing down outrageously expensive smartphones - the only reason he doesn’t dare treat himself to the iPhone 5s.
Fashion fanatic, writer and a creative possessed by perpetual wanderlust and inspired by all things radical and surreal. Driven by instincts and a bit eccentric with profound devotion to movies and music.
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HOHMANN
Painting by Bob Freimark (1922-2010)| Sculpture by JD Hansen & Cheryl Ekstrom
HOHMANN FINE ART
73-660 El Paseo | Palm Desert, CA 92260 | U.S.A. | +1.760.346.4243 | art@hohmannfineart.com | www.hohmannfineart.com | International Shipping CEO LIFESTYLE 25 JULY 2014
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PEOPLE
STYLE CHECK
STEP UP WITH CANALI This Spring/Summer 2014 collection from Canali is a class act as usual. Take your pick and watch the style quotient soar.
It is time to go casual with this cosy cotton sweater from Canali. The asymmetric turtleneck with the embroidered mermaid is comfortable cum smart and looks fabulous with the pure cotton striped trousers. The suede goatskin espadrilles enhance the casual do.
Embrace your rugged side with this twotone nappa leather biker blouson. Team it with a pair of linen-woolsilk trousers and smart suede Derby shoes and own the look.
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An interesting addition to your wardrobe this summer would be this linensilk four button jacket with Korean collar. The striped shirt and trousers, polka dot tie and the suede Derby shoes seamlessly team with the jacket to make for a fun combination.
A comfortable choice for the summer would be this pure cotton macro striped jacket with ticket pocket. The pure cotton shirt, linen-silk double pleated trousers and the monkstrap with printed Canali texture and fringes complete the look. CEO LIFESTYLE
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This unlined woolmohair striped dust coat is as comfortable as it is suave. Pair it with Canali’s own calfskin briefcase and you are all set to head out in vogue.
STYLE CHECK
This linen-silk, four button, Korean collar jacket speaks subtle elegance. The striped trousers made of pure cotton and the calfskin Derby shoes ensure comfort and class while the drummed calfskin travel bag makes the ensemble wholesome.
Available at Palladium Mall (Mumbai), DLF Emporio Mall(New Delhi), Oberoi Retail Arcade (Gurgaon), Bergamo Mall (Chennai)
It is brilliance all the way with this wool-mohair, double breasted, striped grey jacket. The silk knit piquet shirt adds to the class factor while the trousers with overlapping polka dot pattern team well to make it slightly adventurous yet sophisticated.
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Bold and chic, this lined nappa leather biker blouson is a must-have this season. The casual striped pure cotton trousers bring out the colour while the Derby shoes make for an interesting addition.
Oozing subdued elegance, this wool-mohair peak lapel jacket with ticket pocket would do well at the high profile board meetings. You could team it with the overlapping polka dot pattern trousers as shown to give it that daring edge.
Let blue rule this summer with this linensilk peak lapel, double breasted suit. The comfortable pure cotton shirt and striped espadrilles follow the palette and complete the suave monochrome look.
This stylish reversible polka dot blouson teams well with the pleated chino polka dot trousers; the soft and comfortable striped espadrilles stand out, making a statement. The knitted collar, cuffs and bottom give it a wintry spin.
Picture Courtesy:Canali’s Spring/Summer 2014 collection CEO LIFESTYLE
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TITAN TALK
H
ealing ands
A visionary who propelled the dawn of an era, Dr. Mukesh Batra sits at the helm of a multicrore business that revolves around homeopathy. Busy as he is, the man makes time to jive, dive with the sharks in South Africa and take his yacht out for a spin, finds out Rekha Shanmugham.
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Batra is quite pumped up about going to New Orleans later this year for the 40th reunion of Campion School, Mumbai, where he spent an integral part of his childhood. A cornerstone in the life of Batra, who had come to the busy cosmopolis from Agra, the school was also home to Rishi Kapoor and Shashi Tharoor, both good pals with whom he keeps in touch. He tells us that it was here that he taught drama to Kapoor who was three years his junior and debated with Tharoor, who he says was an outstanding student. “At the reunion this year, I hope to meet and network with people whom I haven’t met in over 40 years,” he says, eyes lighting up in excitement. From celebrated violinists to scientists conferred with India’s top civilian awards, there is expected to be a diverse and accomplished array of exschool mates. Batra himself is a Padma Shree awardee for his spectacular contribution in the field of medicine. Not only did the man revolutionize the ancient science of homeopathy in India, he also managed to create a hugely successful and extensive network of clinics, products and services under the umbrella brand of Batra’s with 140 Positive Health clinics in over 70 Indian cities along with UK and Dubai. He even had his cyber clinic featured in the Limca Book of Records for treating the maximum number of patients. A champion of the cause of homeopathy, Batra even took out a procession to the Health Minister when he was in college, demanding that homeopathy not be given step motherly treatment. He smiles as he reminisces about the chaos he created, causing the minister to write, ‘This boy is not interested in academic pursuit’. Batra even took the Mayor of Mumbai to Court when he was all of 19. “The court clerk announced ‘Mr. Mukesh Batra 19 versus Mayor of Mumbai 82’,” he chuckles, eyes betraying an endearing spark of mischievousness not eroded by the wisdom he has attained with time. Today, Batra sits at the top of a kingdom which encompasses Batra’s Homeopathy, Dr. Batra’s Aesthetics, Dr. Batra’s Products, Dr. Batra’s
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TITAN TALK
International, Dr. Batra’s Media, Dr. Batra’s Academy and Dr. Batra’s Foundation. From five generations of Bollywood’s Kapoor family to Dr. Manmohan Singh himself, most of India’s celebrated faces have benefitted from the healing powers of this man and feature in his faithful clientele list. He even holds the distinction of being the subject of a two-part film made by the Mauritian Government. Batra has anchored and co-produced television shows himself, apart from doing live dial-in shows for Europe. Newspapers have carried his expert columns. In fact, he is the owner of India’s first lifestyle cum Homeopathy magazine and has written several blogs and books including the highly popular ‘Healing with Homeopathy’ which was launched by cricketer Anil Kumble. Despite the raging success in recent times, initial years were tough thanks to the low acceptance for science then. He would, through rain and shine, board three buses and waddle his way through water to reach office, sweat it out in the slums of Dharavi and fight against all odds for a place to open his clinic. In fact, during the first nine years of his career he never took a holiday. But life has changed drastically for Batra now. “Now, I can go to any part of the world anytime I want to,” he says. Today, if you were to spot him rushing out from his board meetings, he is most likely heading to watch a play. His interest in English literature dates back to his time in Campion school when he knew all of Shakespeare by heart. CEO LIFESTYLE
The poignancy struck a chord with little Batra who had had a rather lonely early childhood in Agra with his grandparents. Formally trained by none other than veterans Alyque Padamsee and Pearl Padamsee and a member of Tata Theatre, he is so passionate about the performing arts that he manages to catch at least two plays everyday even if he were to visit London for just two days. “I have watched almost all plays from around the world,” he says. Before hitting the sack, he dedicates at least an hour to practising music, his ardour for which coupled with the philanthropist in him, translated into the ‘Yaadon Ki Bahaar’ series, his annual charity show for the Shepherd’s Widow Home. The proceeds from his annual photography exhibition which is presently in its tenth year, go towards charity as well. Yes, the man is a shutterbug and considers photography his second love – a delightful medium of expression that ‘keeps him connected to the incredible even when mired in the mundane’ as says his website. Coached by friends like Atul Kasbekar and Farzana Contractor, he travels far and wide, looking for inspiration, with the Greek islands providing fodder for last year’s exhibition. “When in Hawaii two years ago, I flew to another island just to capture a live volcano,” he says. “I am in that phase of my life where I have money and can enjoy it,” he says. He enjoys sailing his private twobedroom yacht, parked outside the Taj Mahal Palace in Mumbai. Two holiday homes provide weekend getaways
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His interest in English literature dates back to his time in Campion school when he knew all of Shakespeare by heart
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: Dr. Mukesh and his son, Akshay Batra, his holiday home in Goa, Casa Batra
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TITAN TALK
from the noisy cities. There is one in Aamby Valley and another in Goa, a beautiful Portuguese-style villa with a heated swimming pool called Casa Batra. While there, not only does he bask in the Goan sun and swim but also has a dance instructor who teaches him to jive. “I would like to take it further,” he says. “I want to feel comfortable with my body.” He used to follow a very strict fitness regime but not anymore. Batra says he can eat anything under the sun but admits to have turned vegetarian given his love for animals. Batra enjoys spending time with his grandchildren. He is divorced and lives alone but hardly ever stays at home, and a lot of that time is spent reading on the Internet. “I am not a geek,” he smiles. Except for his iPhone which he deftly operates for work, other gadgets fail to capture his fancy. Brands do not matter to him too, these days, although they did once. “I wanted to show the world that a Homeopath can make statements too,” he says. Parties do not excite Batra anymore either. “Contradictory to what people think, I am not a social person,” he says. He likes to meet people one-onone. He is spiritual but not religious, and considers himself fortunate to have interacted with several Indian and International gurus who are either his patients or well-wishers. He remembers the time when Sathya Sai Baba blessed him saying “whoever you touch shall be healed.” Batra believes in karma and goodness of people. “I try to make people who come in contact with me happy,” he says. “My foundation does a lot but I would like to do so much more. There is so much pain and suffering around me.” And immediately, the literature enthusiast in him speaks out as he recites Sir Robert Frost with astounding precision, “...The woods are lovely, dark and deep, but I have promises to keep. And miles to go before I sleep.” Miles to go indeed.
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TITAN TALK
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LIVING ON THE SUNNY SIDE When Sudhakar Ram speaks, one can’t help but listen to the sincerity in his voice about the things he cares for. Neha Malude speaks to the Group CEO, co-founder and managing director of Mastek, a man who dedicates his time to finding meaning in life.
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“The way we’re living our lives isn’t sustainable in the 21st century, we should focus on things that are more meaningful. That’s one part of it,” says Ram about his recently released book ‘The Connected Age’. “If the last hundred years are anything to go by, aren’t we justified in expecting dramatic changes in the next hundred?” he says. Recently turned into an author, Ram calls for an overhaul of the way we run our lives, our companies and our planet, so that we can leave behind a better world for future generations. The book was a result of his ramblings on his blog which he religiously posts on every week, on myriad topics ranging from globalization, environment and wellness to politics. The subject closest to his heart though, is people. “People have a lot of potential but they can’t live up to it. If we can get people aligned to the right principles, everything will fall into place automatically,” says Ram. An immensely positive person, Ram believes that every moment in life is an opportunity to do something wonderful and creative. After all, how many people can make light of losing their passport in a foreign country? “A few years ago, I was in Boston for business and on the last day of the conference, I found that my bags were missing. My passport, laptop and all my personal belongings were in that bag. I was supposed to return to India but without a passport I was stuck in the US,” he recounts, smiling. “Normally, anyone’s first reaction would be ‘Why me?’ but I decided that here was an opportunity to experience something entirely new and maybe I’ll learn something great out of it!” These are the kind of ideas Ram lives by and he has extended them to his daughter, Samvitha who is now off to college to pursue a degree in Liberal Arts at Princeton. Not particularly fond of travelling except for when he has to take business trips, Ram prefers spending time with his family at home. He and his wife, Girija, are movie buffs and a day off at home mostly comprises a movie marathon. When it comes to food, nothing betters home cooked meals but if abroad, Thai, Mexican or Italian are his favourite cuisines. As a young man, he used to enjoy cooking at home but now he is much fonder of reading. Ram’s love for the written word sprouted with fiction but he is drawn more towards the non-fiction genre now, especially books on economics, history and biography. “My most recent read was Arvind Kejriwal’s ‘Swaraj’. He is so much in the news so I had to read about him to figure out what the man is all about,” he says. It comes as no surprise that Ram’s bookshelf is replete with the writings of Mahatma Gandhi, Buckminster Fuller and Stephen Covey. As a student at IIM Kolkata too, Ram had an academic bent of mind. Though not overtly studious, he always fared well. But his biggest takeaway from college was the exposure to people. Says Ram, who studied at Chennai’s Vidya Mandir and CEO LIFESTYLE
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TITAN TALK
I have harboured a wish to try my hand at directing films but haven’t yet had a chance. But I still haven’t given up on it
later Loyala College, “You spend day and night with the best brains in the country and you realize there is so much to learn. The conversations and perspectives I developed in my time at IIM were the best part of it.” Not quite, we would say. For it was here that Ram also met his soul mate and wife, Girija. “The thing about IIMs is that there are only a handful of girls,” he says, laughing. “I was lucky to meet her, we both had similar backgrounds and we hit it off instantaneously and decided to get married right after college.” But if Mastek hadn’t happened, Ram would have probably given his secret ambition of becoming a film director a shot. “This is something no one else knows about me. I have harboured a wish to try my hand at directing films but haven’t yet had a chance,” Ram smiles, “but I still haven’t given up on it. Someday...” After having focussed on their respective careers for a long time, Ram and Girija have now taken up the task of supporting NGOs and other similar organizations. “We spend a lot of time with NGOs in India and the UK to see if there is any way we can help. Most of them are children oriented since both of us love kids. I love spending time with children because I find them far more energizing than adults. The key thing is that you need to treat them like adults and adults like children,” Ram tells us. Apart from dedicating his free hours to working with NGOs and the like, Ram also ensures he takes out time for his health. Every day starts at quarter to six with a half hour meditation session and some other form of physical exercise, like yoga or a brisk walk. For a man who dedicates every hour of his day to something or the other, it becomes obvious that for him, time is luxury. So it comes as no surprise when he tells us that the time that he has to himself, even if it is for an hour, is precious. “I think a day at a spa, getting pampered would be luxury for me,” he says, smiling. CEO LIFESTYLE
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TITAN TALK
the FIRST LADY of SOCIAL MEDIA
Charismatic, elegant and super stylish, Sabine Heller doesn’t fit the usual mould of an Internet mogul. Rahul Dutta Gupta talks to the CEO of ASMALLWORLD who is, quite literally, living her dream of travelling the world and taking everyone along as well.
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A travel junkie herself, Heller seems to have travelled all over the world and claims India is her second home. This, we guess, makes her uniquely suited to lead a platform that revolves around travel. However, given her eclectic career graph, which began around 1998 and served to initiate her into the fascinating world of the dot-com business, no one
could have predicted the fascinating twist she would give to the website. For the uninitiated, ASW is one of the most exclusive social media platforms you could ever hope to join. If you love to travel and have pockets deep enough to fuel your frequent fliers account, ASW can take you on a journey, the memories of which would last you a lifetime. Says
Sabine Heller, Kick Kennedy and Waris Ahluwalia
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Heller, “That’s exactly what makes ASMALLWORLD, different from other social platforms. Irrespective of where our members travel, they are never alone. With a push of a button, they can tap into local communities and experiences and end up making real friends for life.” A self-confessed homebody, Heller’s idea of unwinding is smartly integrated within her work schedule itself. She prefers to walk to her various appointments across the city, and it is something that relaxes and invigorates her. “Contrary to what many presume, I can be quite a homebody and I love cooking, especially for groups. I spend evenings in the city at parties with my friends, or at home with a book and my cat, Lady Bug. On weekends you may find me hibernating from the metropolitan life at my country house in the Catskills,” she tells us. Heller is quite the voracious reader too. “I must confess that I am a bit of a bookworm. I particularly love T.S. Eliot, William Blake, and romantic poets. I am currently halfway though Marcel Proust’s ‘In Search of Lost Time’ (for the umpteenth time), and I highly recommend it.” Not only does she love to whip up things in the kitchen, she loves to eat as well. And considering her extensive travel schedule, she has had a chance to experience numerous cuisines, including Indian street food. “Having spent a major part of my childhood in Bombay, of course I have tried Indian street food! In order to truly experience a city, you have to leave diets and inhibitions back at home,” she says, adding, “If Montezuma wants his revenge, let him have it!” However, apart from walking a lot, Heller isn’t really a health freak. “I don’t believe in dieting, but I do believe in choosing fresh and organic food over factory-processed fixes, whenever possible.” She is also too spontaneous a person to follow a strict regimen, we are told. “I wish that I were a Yoga or Pilates person but I would rather pick up a backpack and trek up the Annapurna or swim island to island across the Maldivian archipelago in a heartbeat.” Heller love for visiting exotic places is well known. She informs us that she recently visited Lamu and fell in love with the never ending Savannah grasslands. “It’s something I had dreamed about since I was a girl. We travelled around on donkeys, fed giraffes, and participated in a host of Masai customs and ceremonies.
TITAN TALK
I wish that I were a Yoga or Pilates person but I would rather pick up a backpack and trek up the Annapurna or swim island to island across the Maldivian archipelago in a heartbeat
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: Heller with Kangana Ranaut and Freida Pinto
CEO LIFESTYLE
The experience was absolutely magical,” she says. Her travel survival kit is rather interesting too. No, it is not jam-packed with sunscreen lotions and the like. “There are four things that I have to have in my bag, no matter which part of the world I might be in – the latest copy of the The Economist and The New Yorker, A plug-converter (little, but profound), Kiehl’s Sunblock, Rosebud Lip Salve and my Moleskine journal,” she reveals. Take note, female travellers. Trotting around the globe, it is obvious that Heller must have collected a lot of mementos on the way, and she readily agrees. “I love collecting meaningful artefacts during my travels that characterize the journey for me. I have curated an eclectic array of garments, lampshades, typewriters, and paintings to decorate my home with. I have a giant tiger mural in my living room, which I inherited from my grandmother. I would say that it is my favourite art piece.” We do have one last question for Heller. What is it like to be a woman and head of a company that has even been described as ‘Facebook for the Few’? Heller responds, “Don’t pretend to be a man, access the unique qualities of womanhood. Discrimination in the workplace is unfortunately still alive, but you’re only the victim when you begin to believe that you are. That said, don’t perpetuate the same patriarchal hegemony when you have a chance to make a difference.” Amen to that.
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TAILOR MADE
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MASABA stylish & sassy
Fabulous, flirty and oodles of quirk best describe Masaba Gupta’s designs. The designer herself spells élan like no other. Nitiz Kaila speaks to the woman who has been one of the quickest to trailblaze her way to the top of the Indian fashion industry.
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Whether you are a fashion junkie or not, it is impossible to never have come across a classic Masaba Gupta piece. Be it the graphic camera print collection that heralded the young designer’s label Masaba, the fluorescent lipstick print or the table fan print, it is eye-catching and it is fabulous. She is a wunderkind in every aspect, from showcasing at Lakme India Fashion Week while still in college and winning the most promising designer award, to being the youngest designer to open Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week and helm the label Satya Paul. A distinctive blend of graphic prints on Indian silhouettes has been the modus operandi that has helped Gupta bring in a never-seen-before and new take on Indian fashion, establishing a unique place for herself. A signature that has been built on the plinth of abounding nature of print, one she has stuck to all this while including this season’s showcase. The most recent collection for her own label, Masaba, has been scribed with derivates of Hindi scriptures and repeats created with Sanskrit and Urdu motifs while for Satya Paul she has tried to put forth another diverse take on prints. The prints, as she puts it, are “more interactive and engineered. There is an open bottle of water falling into a glass and there is an open tap that’s crashing into a plant, representing a lot more movement”. Fusion and quirk that have been the underlining elements of the designer’s characteristic design aesthetic are a translation of her personal inclination towards doing things in a different way and her upbringing rather than a conscious effort. “If I had to go for a wedding, I wouldn’t want to buy a regular zardozi outfit. Instead, I would probably get some fabric printed, cut up my mom’s old stuff and make something from it. I’m naturally drawn towards that. My mother is also like me, she would never ever wear stuff that she’d bought. She would cut it up, CEO LIFESTYLE
alter it and always make it her own,” she reveals. Masaba’s designs are influenced by what the youth reacts to, since they are her prime consumers. She also tries to incorporate pop culture determinants in her work. And her way of gauging the pulse is scanning social media channels like Instagram and Twitter. But what is it like managing two labels at the same time? “The real challenge lies in trying to understand what the changing customer wants since the Indian woman’s aesthetic and psychology right now is still strong but evolving at the same time. I have let my instincts take over and I work around what holds true to the individual identities of both labels,” she tells us, adding, “Masaba is more graphic and bold while Satya Paul is more fluid.” The Indian market, Masaba feels, “currently demands affordable Indian wear that has its own signature. Something that can easily translate from day to night, is comfortable and looks good at the same time”. And that is a need she has very successfully identified and fulfilled by giving a much required makeover to the quintessential Indian saree and kurta with her idiosyncratic motifs, all befitting the contemporary Indian woman’s lifestyle. At the same time, she feels that Indian fashion needs to advance to level with the west, not only in terms of actualization of design innovation but the cardinal understanding of design by members of the industry, even the ones at the root levels – critics, bloggers, editors or photographers. So who is her favourite? “I love the way Sonam Kapoor, Shilpa Shetty and Alia Bhatt carry my designs,” she reveals. On the international front, she recognizes the need gaps to bridge and aspects that she needs to build on. “I’m currently working on expanding my repertoire of fabrics.” As of now, Middle Eastern markets are more receptive than European ones to her current design sensibility in terms of colours and
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Picture Courtesy: Masaba Gupta silhouettes. The future is all about shuffling between projects as business collaborations and expansions have plenty in the offing for the designer. “I’m also working on a collaboration with a yet-to-be-disclosed cosmetic brand involving packaging and design to be unveiled in October, a soon to be released line of decor and undertaking of designing team uniforms for the women’s IPL-style tournament to be held in Australia,” Gupta tells us. The designer accredits her success to right mentorship, tapping into the need for a fresher take in Indian fashion through a prêt line and breaking away from the clutter of bridal wear especially at a time when pop art and eccentricity were having a moment in fashion. However, Gupta says, “The next step for me is to evolve by stepping away from quirkiness and just do something more regular now. I think I have to keep evolving in terms of silhouette, how I present my work and the colour palette.” ‘Regular’ just isn’t a term we associate Masaba Gupta with. No matter how she chooses to do something regular, we can be sure of one thing: Gupta will not fail to surprise, right? CEO LIFESTYLE
If I had to go for a wedding, I wouldn’t want to buy a regular zardozi outfit. Instead, I would probably get some fabric printed, cut up my mom’s old stuff and make something from it
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LUXE CENTRAL
Signature Statements Signatures are more than slant ink strokes. From distinctive styles to personalized scents and the props we carry, each testifies to a unique persona. And we love leaving a mark. Guided by maestros of the art, Nifty Jacob brings to you a list of products that can be conceived with your sartorial sense, are exclusive and one-of-a-kind.
Couture Cobbling
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Shoes have always been a subject of intrigue. Perhaps it is due to the snag that is involved in acquiring a perfect pair. And more often than not, a compromise has to be made with misfits. If the measurement is spot-on to accommodate wriggling toes, the heels may break your spine. And if the leather is great, perhaps the trims are not to your liking. The smart solution would be a handsome pair from Gaziano & Girling Ltd. With over 80 models to choose from, we suggest having a look at their traditional British Brogue shoes. To get a customized pair, head to the store at London’s renowned Savile Row. If that option seems strenuous you can also make contact through the website, though it is recommended that you try the former before proceeding to order. The Made to Order option starts at 1,125 pounds and can take up to four months. To design a pair that is unique to your taste, you can handpick all the details right from the colour to the type of sole preferred and the material. If you would rather implement an exquisite design of your choice, you can order a bespoke pair. This involves personal meetings in order to procure the right measurement and fitting. The bespoke range starts at 3,600 pounds and can take anywhere from six to eight months. For details, visit www.gazianogirling.com CEO LIFESTYLE
Picture Courtesy: Gaziano & Girling Ltd.
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Tying The Knot Walk into a black tie event, and you are expected to play the part – leather shoes that tap with a confident rhythm, a black tux, a hint of musk, and of course, the tie. It is said that in 1661, Louis X1V was the first to have instituted the position of tie maker. And ever since, a well dressed man is he, who has a well tied cravat. Nelson Wade deals with bespoke neckties and bowties. Ties are made with the finest of cotton, wool, Italian and English silk that is cut and sewed by hand and that which adheres to the definition of bespoke. We recommend you try out the Italian silk tie which is a bestseller. The turnaround time from placing your order to delivery is about three to five weeks and the average price ranges from 350 to 450 US dollars. You can choose from around 400 standard patterns such as checks, classics, dots, paisley, solids and more. A given style has up to 16 base colours, though you can always work on colours of your choice as well. The length and breadth of the tie can be crafted to your liking. You can also work on options of contrasting colours in different areas of the tie to complement your suit or adopt personal embroideries. The ideal mark of bespoke tie making can be noted in the silk threads used to saddlestitch and fasten the folds. After all, Oscar Wilde did note that a ‘well-tied tie is the first serious step in life’. For more information, visit www.nelsonwade.com
Picture Courtesy: Nelson Wade CEO LIFESTYLE
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Silver Statement The genesis of setting up the table with silverware is said to date back to the 17th century in France. Over time, meals became an extravagant affair exceeding over eight courses that required a special piece of silver for each course. Eventually, polished silverware that reflected like a mirror became a matter of pride. It doesn’t matter if you were born with a silver spoon, it is time you got yourself one. Enter Hermitage Bespoke, the world’s first and only luxury brand that produces hand-crafted silverware with an impressive clientele that includes royalty, head of states and billionaires. The silver tableware and accessories are created by expert silversmiths with artisan skills handed down through generations. In order to develop a bespoke range, contact the company representatives via email or telephone. Your queries and requirements will be duly addressed by the staff. Any sketches and photographs that depict your personal taste can be sent to Hermitage, post which the ideas are translated into a set of sample designs by experts. These will be sent across for approval and based on your choice, a select model will be authorised for manufacture. A bespoke set calls for a minimum period of 12 to 16 weeks. Rest assured, it is worth the wait. To know more, visit www.hermitagebespoke.com
Picture Courtesy: Hermitage CEO LIFESTYLE
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The Right Move Also known as ‘Shatranj’, chess originated as a game meant for kings. Carved many a time from expensive materials like marble, wood or bronze, royalty and the elite have often displayed it as an object of stature. Over time, enthusiasts of the game have entertained the idea of customized sets. Purling London is a luxury brand that incorporates the beauty of abstract art with the intricacy of hand carved Staunton pieces that have won the fancy of many, including chess grandmasters and leading art collectors. Purling offers customizing options between Dark Chess and Art Chess. Dark Chess works with cutting edge board technology that creates an incredible shadow effect, while the Art Chess category consists of one-off, hand painted pieces by British based contemporary artists of your choice. And if you would prefer an exclusively crafted design from scratch, the bespoke service will do just that. To begin your quest for the perfect chess set, you can enquire or outline your ideas via email or fill up the contact form. Based on the inputs provided, you can choose from the sample designs sent. Once approved, the set is manufactured and delivered along with a certificate by the designer. The ideal time frame is six to eight weeks for customized boards with prices starting from 2,500 pounds. For more information, visit www.purlinglondon.com
Picture Courtesy: Purling London CEO LIFESTYLE
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Parfum Sur Mesure From the scent of orchids, a hint of vanilla pod and sublime sea salts to pine wood in the winter or even rusty old books, our olfactory receptors are said to evoke a flood of old and powerful memories associated with a particular scent. Many prefer developing a scent that is unique to them and reminiscent of things they love and enjoy. Today, a generous rub of bespoke fragrance can also add to an elite status. Francis Kurkdjian has been in the business of creating bespoke perfumes since 2001. His clients include the upper crust and leading fashion houses like Dior and Cartier. Maison Francis Kurkdjian caters to all sorts of olfactory whims and imaginations. To begin this extraordinary journey of discovering your scent, you can schedule an appointment, post which a traditional telephone call to discuss topics such as fragrance preferences, inspiration, etc. will take place. A bespoke creation will require personal meetings with the master perfumer himself. About three to four weeks post the meeting, you can select from the set of samples sent. A trial and test session will follow based on inputs provided until the scent is finalized. The process takes roughly six to eight months and the fee starts at 15,000 euros. In case of semi-bespoke perfumes, five distinct scents are developed based on requirements, post which a scent can be confirmed. The semi-bespoke scent takes a month and is priced at 4,500 euros. The product is delivered in a hand engraved bottle with a fragrance that is uniquely you. To know more, visit www.franciskurkdjian.com
Picture Courtesy: Maison Francis Kurkdjian CEO LIFESTYLE
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Haute Humidors We know there is nothing like it, a vision of the ideal cigar roll, tucked between your index and middle finger as you bask in the aroma. A man’s taste in cigar says much about him. Those who know their cigars also realize that humidors are an imperative buy in order to preserve the exhilarating quality of a cigar. Now, how about considering a personalized humidor? Vanderburgh Humidors is a maker of custom-made, fine cigar humidors, that overrides the beaten path of mass production and prefers the time-consuming method of working with old world craftsmanship. You can choose from a desktop or travel humidor. The products are made of natural materials like hardwood, stone, leather and alloy. Many a time, glass is also used to create pieces of art. You can send across sketches, photographs and put forward your thoughts. The design process is developed in 3D CAD that provides a realistic image of the planned product. Once approved, the manufacturing schedule is set into place and could take an average time period of six to eight weeks. The price range starts at 1800 US dollars and 150 US dollars for custom desktop humidor and travel humidor, respectively. To know more, visit www.vanderburghhumidors.com
Picture Courtesy: www.123rf.com
Picture Courtesy: Vanderburgh Humidors CEO LIFESTYLE
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CEO LIFESTYLE 55 - www.facebook.com/calonge.group JULY 2014 www.calonge-group.com - calonge@calonge.in
BRAND FACTORY
PANACHE
A GIRL’S BEST FRIENDS Diagold’s new diamond jewellery collection, ‘The Panache’ looks like every woman’s dream come true. Each piece features a complex cyclone of brilliant diamonds on delicate white gold wires that swirl around a centerpiece stone creating the eye of the storm. Price on request
CLASSIC AND CONTEMPORARY TIt is time to lay your hands on these gorgeous time pieces from French Connection. A beautiful blend of classic and contemporary, this collection is exceptionally designed and will add oomph to any outfit, formal, casual or dressy. Price: Upto Rs. 7,995/-
MONSOON MAGIC Mirari launches the Beeline Bling collection to cherish the approaching monsoons. The linear dangler collection is designed on 18 karat white gold with the significant choice of intense colour diamonds, red rubies and sapphires. Price on request
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BELLISSIMO! Italian luxury brand, Visionnaire brings you its 2014 collection titled ‘The Great Dandy’. A hymn to dandyism is the inspiration behind Visionnaire’s collection this time, with its almost fairytale-like atmosphere that seems to give the nod to 19th century Victorian London. Price on request
SET YOUR HEART AFLUTTER For all the ladies who love butterflies, Dwarkadas Chandumal’s new butterflyinspired jewellery collection is the perfect gift. The rings, set in gold encrusted with red rubies, blue sapphires, yellow sapphires, green emeralds or brown diamonds, reflect the colours and vibrancy of the fluttering beauty. Price on request
EYE CANDY This summer season, grab yourself a stylish pair of eye-wear from Diesel, available in four models. Denimize shades make their third comeback with Diesel coloured denim inserts on the temples and (drum roll), the first full denim optical! Price: Rs. 9,900/-
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GUESS WHO? GUESS introduces its newest collection of watches in the RIGOR collection – a beautiful blend of sport and dress. The RIGOR silhouette is available in a variety of textural and tonal variations including genuine leather straps, steel linked bracelets and a new smooth blue silicone. Price: Upto Rs. 12,700
WORK IN STYLE Going to office just became more exciting. Don’t believe us? Check out Home of the Traveler’s new collection of corporate accessories. The range includes ipad covers, magazine baskets, file boxes, paper trays, suede and pen stands. Work away! Price: Upto Rs. 6,450
TRAVEL IN STYLE For all those who believe that travel gear is more than ‘just gear’, Corneliani’s new range of travel bags, hold alls, travel clutches and organizers are a great buy. Made from Nappa calfskin, these innovative designs will have you packing your bags in a jiffy. Price on request
THE FRENCH CONNECTION Renowned French luxury furniture brand Roche Bobois introduces its new ‘Les Contemporains collection’ comprising of contemporary pieces of furniture in cutting edge designs for modern and chic living rooms, dining rooms and bedrooms. Price on request CEO LIFESTYLE
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FOOTBALL FEVER Fancy footwork is not just for the players this summer! Cheer your favourite football team in fun, colourful clogs, flips and loafers inspired by competing teams’ flags from Crocs’ True Colors collections. Price for clogs: Rs. 2,795/-, flip flops: Rs. 2,295/-
LOVING LACOSTE! The Spring/Summer 2014 Lacoste Eyewear collection continues to take inspiration from the key codes of the brand, such as pique, stripes, piping, and colour block. These key codes are carried throughout all their product categories, unifying and creating a story that pays homage to the brand. Price on request
SCALE IT UP Rolf Benz, the world’s most premium brand for Sofas from Germany, is here to give your home a complete makeover with Rolf Benz SCALA: Modern form of relaxation. Organically inspired upholstery and the filigree grace of the aluminium feet create an urban, avant-garde appeal in this luxurious modular seating range. Price on request
KEEPING TIME With the Manero AutoDate, Carl F. Bucherer launches another classic timepiece. In addition to the striking Dauphine hands, the dial has gold or silver-coloured wedge-shaped index marks. The final aesthetic touch, in ‘retro’ style, is the bracelet in 18 K rose gold, stainless steel or a Louisiana alligator leather strap available in brown or black. Price on Request CEO LIFESTYLE
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LUXURY TAKES A
FURRY TURN
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If the master loves to don a Versace tie then why can’t his dog flaunt a branded collar? We are talking luxurious beds, Swarovski collars, branded leashes and even swanky pet hotels. That’s right. For those who love their pets as much as they love their brands, pampering has an all new meaning. They can have spa sessions, stay at exotic hotels for vacations and even have a private chef, we kid you not. Shivi Saxena finds out how pet lovers across the globe pamper their furry (or non-furry) friends to no end.
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Picture Courtesy: Fuzzy Wuzzy
Bling Bling A dog that sleeps in the mansion and travels in designer carriers cannot go without a luxury lifestyle. According to some studies, the pet care market in India is estimated to reach Rs. 800 crore by 2015. The upkeep of the pets is no longer confined to getting the best vaccines, or meeting their oral and food requirements; it has more to do with their overall persona. So if we tell you that some owners spend thousands of rupees on making their pooches look perfect, don’t be surprised. There are a slew of designer pet labels, complete with a quirky range of canine couture and accessories for pets these days. Lumberjackets, perfumes, harnesses, sweaters, whacky bandanas, tiaras and Swarovski-diamond studded pet collars and even shoes, to name a few. Traditional nylon or rubber collars are now being replaced by the avant garde luxury collars and leashes CEO LIFESTYLE
priced at Rs.15,000 a piece. Seasoned fashion designers like Ritu Beri had come up with designer tote bags and custommade beds in 2011 and since then, many fashion designers have plunged into the pool of creative product designing for pets. Paws the pet store, a high-end boutique pet store in Bangalore, is frequented by many celebrity pet lovers and retails Swarovski collars that are priced at Rs 12,000 and above. Delhi based designer brand Heads Up For Tails designs ‘pawsh’ and fun doggie couture, right from dog beds to chic collars to fashionable dog apparel. In fact, it goes one step ahead with their Wag Box. You tell them about your pet, what it likes and they customize a special hamper just for your dog. And check out the snazzy cat hats and the pearl collar from Fuzzy Wuzzy, the Bengaluru-based Pet Styling Studio & Spa.
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Picture Courtesy: Heads Up For Tails CEO LIFESTYLE
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Pet Vacations and Hotels Are you one of those folks who keep cancelling their vacations because you have a pet? No problem. Your pets can take a break too, thanks to over 500 pet friendly hotels, bungalows, resorts, serviced apartments and home stays India has. There is also The Barkley Pet Hotel & Day Spa, in Ohio and California, regarded as one of America’s best pet care luxury hotels. They provide resort-style vacations for dogs and cats, even birds by combining homelike amenities with recreational activities. There is an entire array of overnight accommodation options to choose from, ranging from traditional guest rooms to luxury suites furnished with flat screen televisions, webcam access and customer furniture. Breaking away from the regular day care and boarding facilities, their trained and caring staff provides unparalleled services to please the animals. The award-winning Barkley pet care brand has quickly become one of the most recognized and trusted names in pet hospitality. The services menu ensures each pet stays active and happy. The salon and day spa offers spa baths to full body massages and ‘pawdicures’. And the day camp is a cage-free, dog-friendly outlet to expend excess energy, socialize and exercise. India too has come up with such pet stay facilities. Della Adventure resorts in Lonavala allow owners to bring along their pets and have them experience an adventure holiday too. Crazy K9 Campers is a Mumbai based group providing weekend getaway camps for the pets. They engage the pets in fun games, organize treks with pets, doggy birthday celebrations, and much more.
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Picture Courtesy: The Barkley Pet Hotel & Day Spa
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Picture Courtesy: Fuzzy Wuzzy
Make Me Fabulous A one-of-its-kind facility in Northbrook, Chicago, is believed to have an underwater treadmill facility for the dogs. These water-resistant machines are automated at a temperature higher than the pooch’s body which in turn helps it to lose excess weight. Gone are the days when a chubby pet was cute, owners are now looking to keep them in shape. But that is good for the pets too, right? Fitness centres for the pets come with inbuilt swimming pools, treadmills and pet toys to engage them in some activity. And it does not end there. “Earlier grooming meant just bathing or haircut for a pet. Nowadays, it’s got to do more with styling, hair extensions, colouring, nail art, colour art etc. We offer hydro-sol massages and infused aromatic therapy massages which are in vogue,” says Yashodhara, the owner of Fuzzy Wuzzy. Fuzzy Wuzzy also specializes in canine colour restoration and rejuvenation. Prices vary according to the size of the pet and the time and effort that is taken to make the difference in their looks. They have a wide range of pet tiaras and jewellery with precious stones and luxury carriers for the pets. Prices range to suit the pet lovers, depending on their requirements. Artificial stone studded collars and leashes cost between Rs.1,500 and Rs. 2,500. Semi precious studded collars and leashes range from Rs. 2,500 to Rs. 5,000 and crystal studded collars and leashes cost as much as Rs.10,000. “We travel to the US, Europe and other countries to keep up with the changes and stay up to date with current trends and technology in this industry,” says Yashodhara. Fuzzy Wuzzy also offers an exclusive valet service for pets that need to fly long-haul. CEO LIFESTYLE
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Pooch Pampering Who says pets can’t have a spa session? After all, they need a break from humans too, we think. Tailwaggers, India’s first pet salon, has found a mention in the Limca book of Records and offers a range of pet spa services including baths, blow dries, haircuts and hairstyling and even oil massages, apart from tick and flea control treatments to rejuvenate the muses. What’s more, there are specialized skin treatments for the dogs to beat the cloying summers. In India, a dog spa can cost anywhere between Rs. 8,000 to Rs.15,000 depending upon the services availed. If you would like to get a special fragrance for your pet, well that is available too. The Oh My Dog brand from Paris came up with the first premium selective unisex fragrance designed for all dog breeds. Not just that, it boasts of an exhaustive range of pet cosmetics like regenerating shampoos, sleek and shine conditioners and nourishing balms. And for that oh-so-annoying wet dog smell, look no further. You can now bank on Dog Fashion Spa, a Manhattan-based line of upscale cosmetic products for pets and their choosy owners which houses some really sophisticated fragrances for pets. Also a great option is Mungo & Maud, the London based dog and cat outfitters. Their range of dog shampoos is perfect for those bath times.
Picture Courtesy: Dog Fashion Spa, Oh My Dog! and Mungo & Maud CEO LIFESTYLE
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Picture Courtesy: Bitch New York
Picture Courtesy: The Spoilt Brat Barkery CEO LIFESTYLE
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Canine Cuisine Those who love their pet to bits know what food it enjoys. And when it comes to food, they don’t leave any stone unturned. In fact, actor Salman Khan is believed to fly his pet pooches along with him to shoots abroad. He is accompanied by a personal chef to cater to the gastronomic needs of his pets. Dog bakeries like Gourmutt and Waggy Bags Gourmet Dog Bakery in Mumbai cater to a dog's diet with a dash of delectable surprises. So if you want to give your pets a day of culinary magnificence, check these places out for pet-special muffins, cupcakes and even pizzas. Pet food no longer means just a bag of Pedigree. In fact, with the presence of umpteen gourmet bakeries and chef prepared food options, India’s pampered pooches are all set to be spoilt for choice. So be it your dog’s birthday or a dogs’ sleepover, there is a range of doggy treats to choose from. What will really impress you though is what we have next on the list – The Green Stove in Mumbai. This one is a must-visit for the vegans and those who want their pets to be vegan too! Owner of the store, Rithika Ramesh, runs a home based catering service where she makes vegan dog delicacies, special treats and birthday cakes for the pets. Haryana’s Doggie Dabbas is a gourmet super premium food service for dogs, a customized luxury service with meal plans for weight loss, skin conditions, old age, gastro and heart problems with all the goodness of home cooked meals. The average price for the regular doggie dabba ranges from Rs. 3,000 to Rs. 10,000 per month depending on the breed. Not only that, you can order gourmet ice cream specially created for dogs and which is not harmful to their health in any way. Another popular ‘barkery’ is the Mumbai based The Spoilt Brat Barkery owned by Yadika Sharma, which offers wholesome, all natural, oven baked gourmet biscuits & treats, muttkins & pup cakes and birthday cakes. Who says your dog can’t eat like a king?
Picture Courtesy: The Green Stove CEO LIFESTYLE
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Picture Courtesy: Fuzzy Wuzzy CEO LIFESTYLE
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Snooze in Style Let’s begin with some fancy digs, shall we? Brands like Hello Kitty have come up with their signature Hello Kitty’s Crystal Dog House which comes at a staggering price of 30,000 US dollars. Dog mansions by the German company Best Friends Home are customised to suit your pet’s comfort and the owner’s choice of design. Perhaps, it could be a kennel replica of the owner’s home. These stylish and comfortable canine cribs are available from 2,800 US dollars onwards. Bitch New York, the online canine elite store, showcases the work of many designer brands such as PawLlure and the Superfine. PawLlure is a revered designer who is a complete animal lover. His creations are fairly priced, allowing this type of luxury to a larger audience. They say, ‘With PawLlure, no one is a mutt’. Superfine, the Italian company makes beautifully handcrafted pet beds that are precious, functional and unbreakable. The price point ranges from 2,681 US dollars to 5,357 US dollars. Another fun brand in the category is Mungo and Maud which has adorable deluxe doggie dwellings like the Classic Dog Bed and the Leather Dog Bed. And do not miss the gorgeous beds available from Heads Up For Tails, especially, the four poster bed. Your pet deserves the best and surely, these count amongst the best, right? Picture Courtesy: Heads Up For Tails
Picture Courtesy: Heads Up For Tails CEO LIFESTYLE
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GARAGE
GRANDEUR
ARE YOU DRIVING A
SMART CAR?
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Cars are smarter than ever. Gone are the days when the only features you paid for in high-end luxury cars were the extra powerful engine and interiors. Cars these days have technology that seems to have been borrowed from sci-fi movies. Kingston David talks about a few features that you never knew existed.
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GARAGE
GRANDEUR
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All of us long to know what makes a Mercedes or an Audi costlier than the rest. Yes, the engine is way more powerful than a regular family saloon, the interiors are designed and built without any cost-cutting measures and then there is the brand image. But, it is the technology that really sets these luxury cars apart. A lot of automobile enthusiasts would unanimously approve of the Benz S-Class as the world’s best car. BBC’s premier car show ‘Top Gear’ once mentioned that if you want to prophesy the technology that would be found on affordable family cars in the coming decades, then the best place to look for it would be the current generation Mercedes Benz S-Class. True to their bold statement, safety features that were once introduced to the world by the S-Class like the airbag and ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) are now available on all cars at least as an option. Even the 3-point seat belts that are standard equipment on any car sold now, were first introduced by the S-Class. A noteworthy creature comfort of the S-Class worth mentioning would be the stateof-the-art massage system on all the seats of the car. The seats themselves are ventilated, read as heated/cooled and powered (motorized) to adjust themselves in an infinite number of ways for you to find that perfect position. The 14 air cushions in each seat can be programmed to perform six different massage routines and from your phone too. Nothing precedes safety when you are on the move and especially when your car is capable of 200kmph without breaking a sweat. Among the luxury car manufacturers, right from the humble Volvo to the regal Rolls Royce, Mercedes is known to take safety very seriously. The headlamps need special mention – each unit is made of 56 LEDs powerful enough to light up the night while being smart enough to protect the oncoming drivers from the dazzle. This feature would do a world of good, at least in India where drivers love using high beam all the time. The LEDs work in conjunction with a set of cameras and motors that scan the oncoming traffic and change the lighting pattern and spread to avoid glare. Mercedes has even gone to the extent of using unusually high powered LED tail lamps. They glow only at 80 percent intensity and drop to 60 percent during night or during standstill to avoid distraction to fellow motorists. However, when the car detects a vehicle approaching too fast from the rear, they flash at full intensity to warn the tailing driver to brake. The car also goes on to pre-tighten your seatbelts, CEO LIFESTYLE
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CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: The 56 LED headlamps in Mercedes, Land Rover’s Transparent Bonnet Concept, Volvo’s Blind Spot Information System
preparing for a crash. If at standstill, the brakes lock-up to avoid your car being pushed into a junction or the car in front during a crash. This system is proudly called PRE-SAFE by Mercedes. A Mercedes owner would not want to test PRE-SAFE but would definitely love to use its Distronic system, an improved version of the Adaptive Cruise Control that was introduced in the previous generation of the car. Cruise Control systems can be found on the top-end models of mid-size saloons. It is a system which automatically maintains the throttle of the car to help you cruise at a pre-set speed. The Distronic system pushes the envelope further as it does the steering too. The cameras in front monitor the lane markings on highways and follow them with gentle steering inputs. The car also slows down for traffic and halts completely if there is an obstruction ahead. While braking, the car also monitors the surroundings and slows just enough to avoid a collision, both at the front and from the rear. And when it comes to safety, how can we not mention Volvo? Even as urban runabouts, Volvos have always been about safety and most of them have 5-star NCAP crash ratings. The headlamps turn according to the steering input which means the direction in which you are going always stays illuminated. Though the S60 does not have the equivalent to Merc’s Distronic system, you still get an Adaptive Cruise Control with Collision Warning on the windscreen and automatic braking. The car also constantly monitors your driving pattern and steering inputs and detects if you are drowsy and alerts you to take a break. There is also a Lane Departure Warning system which will alert you if you stray from your lane without indicators and a system that will not allow you to spin off at a corner if you enter it at high speed. There is also a Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) which subtly alerts you if there are vehicles at the blind spots of your rear view mirror. A few other Volvos have an automatic parking assist where the car takes over steering, throttle and brakes from you and parks itself in a tight space. The same system is also there in the Mercedes S-Class. Volvo is also currently working on a system where you can get out and the car goes in search of a parking space all by itself. Speaking of nifty features, how about a transparent bonnet for all you off-roading fanatics out there? Off-roading can always be tricky and SUVs with huge bonnets pose a visibility threat to the driver who cannot see the terrain. Range Rover seems to have a solution and by using a screen on the windscreen which displays the video from a camera, the driver gets an impression of the bonnet being transparent. Not yet on sale, but it will change the off-roading rules forever. CEO LIFESTYLE
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TECH TRACKER
DECK YOUR TECH
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While it is hard to imagine paying more for a phone case or a tablet sleeve than you would for an actual phone or a tablet, it could definitely happen. In this fantastic compilation of ultra-luxurious accessories, dressed in a delightful array of precious metals, gemstones, rare leather and exceptional artwork, you are sure to find something that would tickle your collector’s fancy. These handcrafted pieces symbolize the near perfect amalgamation of craft, opulence and technology, making them a must-have for those who are always on the lookout for the next big thing, to make an ever bigger lifestyle statement. Solid Gold iPhone 5s Cases from Brikk Already getting the 5s in gold? Then why not splurge on a gorgeous solid gold case from Brikk? Each custom made CEO LIFESTYLE
case has a thick layer of 24K yellow gold covering all areas of the case. Additionally, they are individually numbered and engraved so people will know you are really a true ‘baller’. Price: Rs 2.4 lakh Where to Buy: Order online at www.brick.com. Minot iWood Handcrafted Wooden Case for iPhone, iPad If you are looking for something impeccably elegant and artistic yet something that is not with an over the top price tag, we would recommend Miniot’s exquisitely crafted wooden cases. ‘Affordably’ priced, these cases are a constant reminder that true beauty does indeed reside within nature. Price: Between Rs. 14,000 & Rs. 25,000 (depending on the features of the product)
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Where to Buy: Order online at www.minot.com Genuine Alligator Skin Leather Sleeve for iPad If the bling of gold and Swarovski crystals is something that matches your understated sense of style, we have for you this incredibly plush iPad sleeve from the luxury brand Tod. Almost six times more expensive than the iPad itself, it is made from genuine alligator skin. The skin comes in a variety of different colours and is available in all Tod’s stores. Animal lovers would give this a miss though. Price: Between Rs 2.16 lakh Where to Buy: Order online at www.tod.com Solar Charging Laptop Bag from Voltaic Systems Who doesn’t love to flaunt their gadgets? Those who truly love carrying around the latest in gadgetry are rarely happy with the usual factory assembled specs. This is especially true when it comes to laptops. So if you just spent a small fortune customizing your dream laptop with enough computing power to launch a missile attack (just joking), would you carry it in a faux leather bag or will you go extreme and designer? Yes, you can have a luxurious laptop bag — for the price you paid for your computer. Truly futuristic, this is the perfect bag for those hard working tech-start up geeks who like to go on ten hour coding marathons. The Voltaic Generator by Voltaic Systems boasts of an aluminium frame, which is covered in fabric which is made from recycled water bottles. The solar array can generate enough power to charge a laptop along with your other electronic devices. It is the ultimate in eco-friendly gadgetry, making it a truly useful ‘bag’ well deserving its price tag. Price: Rs 33,000 Where to Buy: Visit www.voltaicsystems.com Greenwich Laptop Bag from Louis Vuitton If you are looking for something with unadulterated style, sporting a jaw dropping price tag, check out the uberpremium messenger Greenwich Laptop bag from Louis Vuitton. With its palladium finished hardware, top grain leather put on high density foam, it exudes subtle elegance which few others in the boardroom can hope to match. Price: Rs 2.45 lakh Where to Buy: Visit www.louisvuitton.com The Sony MDR EX 1000 Earphones If it’s true that you get what you paid for, you can expect quite a lot from the Sony MDR-EX1000 earphones. Almost exorbitant, these high-end earphones will provide you with a new appreciation of sound and music. The Sony MDREX1000 earbuds boast a custom 16mm driver made from liquid crystalline polymer, which encourages by far the most realistic sound production. Price: Rs. 31,952 CEO LIFESTYLE
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Where to Buy: Available in both Amazon and Ebay However, if super premium sound is what you are after you should really go for a… Vertu V Bluetooth Headset Exquisitely made in black resin and stainless steel, the Vertu springs into shape by way of a mechanism, which we believe is a cantilever. It lives in an elegant two-part resin case, one section of which is its charger base. The case is styled like an oversized Montblanc pen, so it can be clipped to the inside pocket of a jacket, or be stored in its own soft leather sleeve. The headset is subtly Vertu branded, and it seems to whisper that you are that rare person who has a Vertu but chooses not to flash it around and keeps it concealed in their person. Price: Rs 43,000 Where to buy: Visit www.vertu.com Monster Diamond Tears Edge on-Ear Headphones Monster Diamond Tears Edge On-Ear Headphones aren’t just breathtakingly beautiful, but have been reviewed to be technically one of the best headphones in the market. In terms of looks, the picture hardly does justice. The plastic is of a very high grade quality, created using vapour disposition procedures – the same methodology used for creating reflective coating on astronomical mirrors. The design makes the coating actually glimmer and change colour, when it catches light. Complementing the pinkish-glimmering diamonds are solid whiteleather ear cups that would cradle your ears. While we checked out a number of headphones enamelled in gold and encrusted in bling, this was really the one that almost had us click the ‘add-to-cart’ button. Price: Rs 24,500 Where to Buy: Visit www.amazon.in Compiled by Rahul Dutta Gupta
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PLACES
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set sail at
Royal Phuket Marina If the sun, sand and sea define you and a quiet rendezvous with your yacht amidst the azure waters of the ocean is something you could do for a lifetime, you might want to consider a certain community in the Pearl of the Andaman.
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On the east coast of the gorgeous island of Phuket sits Royal Phuket Marina, one of Asia’s premier and sophisticated yachting destinations. Kissed by some of Asia’s best cruising waters, including Thailand’s well-known Phang Nga Bay and the limestone cliffs of Krabi, this luxury yachting retreat aims to provide an all-encompassing experience by way of presenting a fine amalgamation of luxury waterfront living and a world-class marina. That this yachting haven is a holder of the 5 Gold Anchor Award bestowed by the British Yacht Harbour Association is definitely a yardstick to go by and a sound recognition of its efforts to remain amongst the best of its kind. With 86 berths and 24-hour security, the marina is only minutes away from the Phuket International Airport. “One should always strive for the best, and Royal Phuket Marina is the result of my quest for perfection,” says Gulu Lalvani, ace businessman and the brain behind Royal Phuket Marina. His love for yachting is what propelled the conception of Royal Phuket Marina. However, there were certain constraints that needed to be looked into, namely the mammoth import duty on yachts and absence of good CEO LIFESTYLE
marinas. Lalvani then approached the Prime Minister of Thailand promising well-heeled tourism by way of a stateof-the-art marina in exchange for reduction of import tax, and thus was born Royal Phuket Marina. The response to the initial phases one and two has been great. With both of these residential developments being sold out, the place has ventured into a subsequent third phase with hopefully many more to follow. The splendid third phase promises affordable access to the quintessence of Royal Phuket Marina which is luxury waterfront living. The 40-unit two building condominium with hospitality services provided by a hotel operator, comes with classy interiors, all the while taking care not to sacrifice functionality of design. Fancy moving into a fully-furnished and ready-to-move-in unit? The place has that covered too, with their furniture and fit-out packages at your disposal. One of the best features of the residential development is of course, their rooftop Sky Pool. Imagine lounging on one of the comfy daybeds or lazing in the infinity edge pool with the enchanting views of the Phang Nga Bay for company. Add
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Imagine lounging on one of the comfy daybeds or lazing in the infinity edge pool with the enchanting views of the Phang Nga Bay for company
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Picture Courtesy: Royal Phuket Marina your favourite cocktail to the experience. Blissfully perfect holiday, we can hear you saying. Whether you choose to use it as a home for those yachting holidays or as your primary residence, these deluxe one and two-bedroom condominiums ensure that you get all that you need to make your stay satisfying. Rental facilities are available at the place too and so are units for re-sale. Royal Phuket Marina lets you purchase your own boats or make use of the yacht charter and berth booking options. And as is the case with every destination, Royal Phuket Marina has its own jewel or rather five jewels, to adorn its crown. Yes, we are talking about the Royal Villas, the five estates which are right at the zenith of the sophisticated yachting lifestyle the place has to offer. We wouldn’t be surprised if you have heard about them already, especially the yachting enthusiasts, as they are said to hold the distinction of being the only villas in Phuket that offer the luxury of private yacht berths. With berths that can hold vessels of up to 25 metres that are right at the foot of each waterfront estate, the villas are royal indeed, true to their christening. Also note that Royal Phuket Marina features a slew of professional concierge services and the villas have access to not only these but also the marina maintenance services. And as you may have already guessed, the estates in classic Thai architectural style feature extremely lavish interiors, what with stately master bedroom suites, cabana pool and bar, roof Jacuzzi and the like. Done up in cool tones, they seem to seamlessly CEO LIFESTYLE
merge with the panoramic and breathtaking views. Gear up, step out of your villa only to step into your yacht and cruise in style to the beautiful bays and islands around. Ranging between just 10 and 40 minutes by boat, there are several places worth exploring around the stunning island of Phuket. There is the beautiful Rang Yai island, just 10 minutes away, with its tree-lined beaches and coconut groves, the Koh Khai Nok in the Phang Nga bay, a hit amongst scuba divers and snorkelers, what with their kaleidoscopic coral reefs and different variety of fishes. Not to forget the picturesque limestone island of James Bond, a famous spot amongst tourists and of course, the uninhabited island of Racha well known for its diving spots. Remember ‘The Beach’, starring Leonardo DiCaprio? The breathtaking islands which formed the backdrop, namely the Phi Phi islands are just about 40 minutes away too, with the Phi Phi Don being the most developed amongst the lot. An equal distance away is the Krabi, which houses over 150 scenic islands, a haven indeed for a lazy holiday, with its leisurely pace and natural glory intact. Explore the otherworldly Phang Nga Bay, discovering mysterious caves, creeks, coves and shallow water lagoons on the way, in the true spirit of a sailor. Anchoring is no issue in north Phang Nga Bay, thanks to the large part of the area north of Koh Yao which is less than 10 metres in depth. The joy of sailing simply knows no bounds in Phuket. And after a joyous episode of sailing you can head back
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to the bustling boardwalk of Royal Phuket Marina to indulge in the multitude of options it provides. Ready for a heady round of gastronomic indulgence with pleasing views of the Marina? There is Madame Saigon, with its authentic Vietnamese cuisine and Pasta Basta, the fun create-your-own-pasta joint. There is also the highly coveted Les Anges Patisserie whose signature pastries and chocolates find a place in many of the 5-star hotels and the prohibition era venue The Speakeasy where you can sip on your favourite craft cocktails 1920s Sino-Portuguese style. Segueing into sartorial indulgence, there is the exquisite Daughter of Eve which houses designer bridal wear from some of the best in the industry - Carolina Herrera, Oscar de la Renta and Elie Saab. Water sport and beachwear lovers have reason to rejoice too, as Surfer Paradise, StarBlu and several other stores ensure that you do it in absolute vogue. Art lovers can spend some quiet time at the Island6 Gallery. And hey, did we mention one of the perks of living in Royal Phuket Marina is an eternally youthful you? Leave it to Dr. Orawan Kitchawengkul, said to be Thailand’s leading holistic anti-aging guru to work his magic on you, as aging suffers a double whammy from both the anti-aging institute and holistic beauty spa. With its glorious white sand beaches, Thai food, tropical weather year-round, world-class facilities and yet a check on over-commercialization, Phuket seems to be attracting a lot of foreign investments. Add to it the cocktail parties, regatta, golf courses and the stunning villas at Royal Phuket Marina, we couldn’t agree more that you might want to check this one out. CEO LIFESTYLE
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Of castles, coastlines and cups of tea Miles of virgin coastlines to stroll on, centuries old castles that you can spend a night in and of course, a steaming hot cup of English tea with buttered scones – Wales is a country of myths, fairy tales and an old world charm that you will find in few places in the world.
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If someone were to ask us the question ‘Where would you like to live when in Wales?’ the answer on the top of our list would be a haunted castle. You heard it right. In a country that is popularly known as the Castle Capital of the World, it is hard to miss these grand, architectural wonders. Picture this: Wales is half the size of Massachusetts or Switzerland but has over 600 castles. Naturally, the first choice would be Craig Y Nos, located in Brecon, Mid Wales which is said to be haunted by the spirit of Madame Patti, noted singer and entertainer. If you have a penchant for the supernatural, the castle has a few spooky areas that you can venture into. Pets are welcome at the castle which is a good thing considering their sixth sense, eh? But jokes apart, the castle has been often used for weddings and is an ideal holiday getaway, given the rich interiors and lush surroundings. Wales is a country born of an intriguing history that traverses the period of Celtic tribes and Saxons, with tales of conquerors and a bounty of myths, from Merlin, the magician to the Mabinogion, that originated anywhere from the high mountain peaks to the lush greens and long coastlines. Cymraeg, derived from the Celtic tribe during the sixth century, is one of the official languages spoken, but not to worry as the Welsh speak English too. Renowned writers like Bob Dylan and Roald Dahl and other popular actors like Anthony Hopkins and Catherine Zeta Jones are also Welsh. A long and tumultuous history of conquests has also left CEO LIFESTYLE
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behind large mansions, forts and ruins. In the early 1270s, the much-hassled King Edward I set forth on a spree of building an Iron Ring of castles, as a part of strategic defence against Welsh uprisings. And since then, there has been no looking back. Up in North Wales, the Caernarfon Castle is a mammoth built by Edward I in 1280s and is said to be the most expensive castle ever built by a king of England. Far more than a snobbish display of power, the castle has an excellent defence mechanism with murder holes, arrow loops and spy holes. Thankfully, they don’t need to be used anymore. It also became a venue for investiture ceremonies of the future Wales ruler, including that of Prince Charles’, which was held in 1969. Cardiff Castle, in the heart of the capital is fringed by an extensive expanse of green in the Bute Park. This gothic beauty has 2000 years of rich history and is worth a visit. Perched atop a rock above the Conwy estuary is the Conwy castle and you dare not miss taking a stroll across the dark stoned towers to catch a stunning view of the Snowdonia skyline. Speaking of vintage, how about touring the countryside in one of these age old steam locomotives? It is a fantastic way to discover scenic valleys and mountain tops in the country. You can journey with The Brecon Mountain Railway, located in Mid Wales at Pant and move across Brecon Beacons National Park, lined by Merthyr Tydfil, the greatest iron making town in the world during the 1800s. Touch down at Pontsticill and saunter across the Taf Fechan Reservoir or gaze across the beautiful lakeside in the cafe. If you are CEO LIFESTYLE
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As much a romantic getaway for couples, Wales is a great place for adventurists too. The extraordinary landscapes make way for fun-filled adventure sports of your liking
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a serious train buff, don’t miss the Rheilffordd Ffestiniog railway, the world’s first narrow gauge locomotive and one among the four original that still remain. You can ascend the majestic mountain slopes and navigate through stretches of rough terrain ‘far from the madding crowd’, as Thomas Hardy would have put it. As much a romantic getaway for couples, Wales is a great place for adventurists too. The extraordinary landscapes make way for fun-filled adventure sports of your liking. If you are an adrenalin junkie and don’t mind throwing yourself off a cliff, coasteering is for you. Fancy diving off a cliff into Wales’ largest natural lake, Llyn Tegid? But it is not just about jumping off cliffs, you can also explore caves and tunnels that naturally occur in Wales, thanks to its rocky coastline. If you are lucky, you might be accompanied by dolphins as well. Places like Abereiddy, a former slate quarry in Pembrokeshire, have an excellent climate year round and some friendly seals too. For the hydrophilic, surf’s up along the beaches of Gower, said to be of outstanding beauty. Snowdonia National Park is a great location for hikers amid clear waterfalls. If you are up for a long haul, Pembrokeshire Coastal Park spans across 186 miles, 14 enchanting harbours and 58 beaches, though you can always walk the shorter path.
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Another great way to discover the vicinity is on horseback. You can trot you way through the Snowdon Valley, gallop away in the Brecon Beacons National Park or ride with the wind along the shorelines of Pembrokeshire. We bet this experience is one of a kind and will turn you into a romantic in no time. Back in the days, Wales was well-known for its underground mining activities. It is said that the Celtics buried many mysteries while digging up coal and gold. King Arthur’s Labyrinth is a cave beneath the mountains of Snowdon. You will be guided by a boatman as you uncover tales of dragons, trolls and feats of the mighty king’s bravery. Llechwedd Slate Caverns, located by the town of Blaenau Ffestiniog, makes for a thrilling journey into the underground mines as you give ear to stories of miners quarrying for slate. For fans of the 1960s cult TV series, ‘The Prisoner’, Portmeirion is calling. The small village is a unique coastal resort, designed by Sir Clough Williams-Ellis and nicknamed ‘Little Italy’. Situated on a cliff, fringed by woodlands and sandy beaches that has attracted many tourists, Portmeirion is said to reflect the Italian village Portofino which was much loved by the designer. The place is said to have had many a famous visitors such as actors Gregory Peck and Ingrid CEO LIFESTYLE
Bergman and Beatles’ Paul McCartney. You can settle in one of the many cottages or book yourself a hotel as there is plenty to see with quirky architecture, Celtic crafts and arts, and of course, great food. And speaking of food, your journey isn’t complete without a pot belly of Welsh dishes, not to forget the drinks to down it with. Penderyn Distillery is the world’s smallest and Wales’ only whiskey distillery. Pay a visit to explore the process. You can also participate in a wine tasting session at Llanerch Vineyard. Do not forget to ‘say cheese’. From cheddar to Caerphilly and more, we recommend you bite into the finest of Welsh cheeses and also dig into the famous Welsh Black Beef. Of course, it would be a travesty to miss out on a sip of fine English tea and scones so just duck into any one of the numerous cafes on the sidewalks and grab yourselves a cup. Gliffaes in Powys is one such place to have your own tea party, nestled among the swaying trees in an open lawn, perhaps reading of the myths from Mabinogian or planning your next castle trip? As a heads up, the ideal time to visit is between the months of June and August, so better make haste while the sun shines, really. All pictures Crown copyright (2014) Visit Wales
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Going Greek atIconic Santorini Tucked away in the quaint and whitewashed village of Imerovigli, in the stunningly beautiful volcanic island of Santorini, the boutique cave hotel of Iconic Santorini is reason enough for you to plan your next vacation to the ethereal Greek Isles, says Rekha Shanmugham.
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Literally carved out from the Santorini volcanic caldera and blissfully surrounded by the infinite glistening blue waters of the Aegean Sea, the five-level luxury property of Iconic Santorini rightfully found its place in Tatler Travel Guide’s ‘101 Best Hotels in the World’ list. About a 10-kilometre transfer from the Santorini airport takes you to Immerovigli, the highest settlement along the Santorini caldera cliffs, where Iconic Santorini sits. The hotel, with its non-fuzzy, simple and cool interiors looks like an extension of the azure spectacle by name of the Aegean Sea that surrounds it. The immaculate, white washed walls and the clean and simple lines with specks of the calming blue thrown in are obvious touches of the Greek architectural style. To call it a personification of understated elegance would perhaps be an understatement by itself. What with the once-active volcanic landscape and the soothing waters of the sea all around you, the views from the place can be quite bewitching. It is no wonder that they say a trip to the Iconic Santorini is worth it, simply for the CEO LIFESTYLE
magnificent views. Another thing that is sure to stand out and make you come back is the traditional Hellenic hospitality. The smiles are genuine, staff multilingual, and utmost care that goes into ensuring that your stay is nothing lesser than perfect; definitely not a faultfinder’s haven. The hotel has 22 residences for you to choose from. Note that it is just 22, true to its mission of providing a highly personal atmosphere that does not overwhelm you with crowded spaces. These individualized, traditional cave accommodations are done up Greek-style and transport you to the historic Cycladic times. Apart from the Traditional and Deluxe rooms there are five different kinds of suites to choose from – Classic, Caldera, Grotto, Cliff and Iconic in ascending order of the luxe factor. Get to the Iconic suite fast, we can hear you saying, and here goes. Apart from the ample living area, separate bedroom that leads you to the private terrace, separate breakfast and lounge seating and several other first-class amenities, the suite features a private indoor heated and jetted grotto pool and a similar one on the
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outside terrace as well. Yes, you heard it right, two pools, to cater to your whims and fancies. Think swimming the blues away with the calming blue views of the Aegean Sea and the magnificent caldera for company – The Iconic Suite is just about the best it can get. Irrespective of the type of accommodation you choose, however, Iconic Santorini stays true to the philosophy that luxury is defined by the attention paid to the smallest of details. What thrills the visitors immensely is the bedding program, the Aesop luxury bathing facilities and the impeccable internet service. The Oversize All-Natural COCO-MAT 4 Layer bed especially deserves mention; it is so huge and inviting that you would want to laze forever. At Iconic Santorini, it is all about spoiling you silly. You can bask under the glory of the fine Aegean Sun in the beautiful blue and white terrace seating and lounge area and have your complimentary breakfast served at your own personal table just outside your accommodation. The Iconic Santorini Wellness & Fitness Centre, on the other hand, takes the pampering several notches higher. While here, it is definitely worthwhile to try out their Signature Holistic massage. The one hour treatment, in utter privacy with the just scented candles and soothing music for company and your partner too, if you choose, is sure to squeeze out every bit of stress lurking in your body. The staff is happy to do this within the comfort of your accommodation as well. Once that is done, there is of course, the indoor grotto pool to make the experience wholesome. Alternatively, you could spend a few hours in the crystal clear waters of the outdoor infinity pool and lounge in the jetted tub seating, indulging in some delicious complimentary Greek snacks and beverages. These delightful treats, gotten indoors as well, are accompanied by quotes by the ancient Greek fabulist Aesop, a fine Greek touch indeed. Talking about food, you can sample typical Greek fare, complete with the authentic flavours and oils at the Pergola restaurant. Reserved exclusively for guests of the hotel, the place serves breakfast, lunch and dinner; and as with anything Iconic Santorini, the homely setting and breathtaking views take the experience to a whole new level. The place has private seating arrangements too, in case you have a romantic dinner in mind. If you have the time, do drop in to say hello to the chef as he whips up the day’s menu, you could take home a thing or two about the great Santorini cuisine. If you are a wine enthusiast, you are lucky indeed, for the place, with its dry volcanic soil and over 40 home-grown grape varieties, is world-renowned for its fine wine. The Santorini winery Domaine Sigalas was presented by Wine Spectator’s Grand Tour Event in San Francisco, in May 2013, while choosing their 2012 Assyrtico, a dry, aromatic white wine, as one of the world’s 200 finest wines. It happens to be the most popular grape on the island, tempted much? Your wine experience needn’t just end with the tasting, there are several wineries and wine museums to be visited CEO LIFESTYLE
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Picture Courtesy: Iconic Santorini, Greece
If you are a wine enthusiast, you are lucky indeed, for the place, with its dry volcanic soil and over 40 home-grown grape varieties, is world-renowned for its fine wine
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in Santorini. The picturesque island, with a rich history that dates back to as early as 4th millennium B.C., has several archaeological sites, apart from villages, restaurants, pretty blue-domed churches and stunning black-sand beaches. From going on a hike or a sailing trip along the caldera to enjoying a sunset boat tour with a buffet onboard and being chauffeured around on a luxury private tour of the island, the activity options simply abound. We strongly recommend that you try out cave exploration and diving. The promontory of Trypiti in Therasia, and the shipwreck in Taxiarhis, Palia Kameni are particularly ideal to take the plunge. Not an adventure lover? Opt for a heady round of swimming followed by sunbathing along the caldera and stare in awe as the glorious Aegean sun vanishes amidst the kaleidoscopic expanse of a sky in the romantic village of Oia. And that reminds us, Santorini with its abundant natural beauty has time and again been voted as the best amongst honeymoon destinations. Iconic Santorini takes the experience even further by tailor-making your romantic getaway, honeymoon or even wedding to perfection. Leave it to the round-the-clock concierge service to assist you with choosing your perfect luxury ‘Iconic Santorini Romance Package’ to explore the various romantic options around the island. From a leisurely hand-in-hand saunter down the village to a blissful sunset concoction at your private terrace, there is much to be experienced. And with the dreamy indoor grotto pools carved out of the caldera rim and oversized COCOMAT beds, need we say more?
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Finding wellness in wilderness
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Since last July, our ears have been buzzing with the tale of an enchanted forest with luscious fruits that thrive on pure mountain breeze from the Himalayas, guided by a vision of well-being, uniquely tailored for every individual. We take a look at the utopian world of Vana Retreats.
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Would you like to discover a getaway that will enrich you with the ancient practices of medicine, but in a divergent and luxe environment? Situated in Dehradun, Uttarakhand, a wellness resort rests on a plateau with a stunning view of the Himalayan foothills. Spread across an expanse of 21 acres, it is surrounded by sal forests and beautiful orchards. Welcome to Vana Retreats, first among a planned chain of retreats in the pipeline. It all began when Veer Singh, Founder of Vana Retreats, nurtured his passion through five long years and over a sum of Rs. 300 crore to fabricate a program that is sui generis. In January 2014, Vana, Malsi Estate opened its doors to the world and worked its way through many charts, to become one of India’s top-notch holistic centres. Said to be a contemporary ‘Ashram’ of sorts, it draws from the ancient disciplines of Ayurveda to Purist Yoga and Tibetan healing, while blending it with modern practices of Spa and Aqua therapies to deliver a holistic approach. If you are looking for a standardised plan, you won’t find one as Vana Retreats strongly defies the assumption that one size fits all. The programs are culled in different proportions by an expert team of nutritionists, Ayurvedic doctors and fitness instructors in order to customize them for each individual. Your arrival is followed by a consultation session with the assigned doctor, who will also guide you to arrive at a wellness objective that you need. You can chose from ‘Immersed’ or ‘Involved’ programs available. The treatments range from authentic Ayurvedic therapies like Panchkarma that aids in restoring body-mind equilibrium to the early science of yoga, fitness training, detox and de-stress programs, therapeutic beauty regimes and more. Recommendations? Perhaps you can try the Tibetan healing, which is administered by specialists trained from Men-Tsee-Khang, established by His Holiness, the 14th Dalai Lama. Word has it that it is not just the concept that has grabbed eyeballs. The architecture, designed by Esteva i Esteva Arquitectura, a studio in Spain, has found a note worthy mention in many leading journals.
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The contemporary approach of neat lines is merged with subtle earthy hues of brown and white that perfectly complement the dense green forests, roofed with deep blue skies. The interiors are minimally done with spacious areas, adorned in modern fittings. At Vana Retreats, nature finds a key spot. Hardwood and bamboo adorn much of the flooring, while bedspreads are made of certified organic linen. And who better to design the organic robes, than the well known duo, Abraham & Thakore. A variety of art, by renowned artist Siraj Saxena works its charm from the ‘kila’ to guest rooms. Vana also has its own energy centre and is working its way to a LEED rating through its mission to save an impressive count of upto 100,000 bottles a year by way of a bottling plant. The living space consists of 66 rooms, four villas and 16 suites. Separate spaces are dedicated for different forms of treatment. For those who would like to stay tuned in to nature, the Forest Suite is a good option. On the other hand, if you prefer to be pampered with a luxurious setting, the Vana Suite is your best bet. The rooms are each designed to have open balconies and are incorporated with amenities like Wi-Fi and study desks. In an effort to conserve energy, automatic sensors are installed in every room. In maintaining a relaxed and detached environment, Vana has a strict no gadget policy and so the answer is ‘nay’ when it comes to indispensable gadgets like mobile phones, iPods, and laptops, which will need to be put to sleep in public areas. Yoga aficionados will be delighted at the option of four yoga studios and an open air temple that can be used for meditation. The Ayurveda Centre has a separate
floor for men and women. The Fitness and Aqua centre consists of an indoor Watsu pool. Those with a penchant for outdoors can take laps on the rooftop pool as they witness a stunning view of the sal forest. Others can sweat it out in the tennis courts or the state-of-the-art gym, or simply opt for a leisurely stroll amidst the mango and lychee orchards. If some quiet, indoor time is what you want, head to the Library and immerse yourself by choosing from the wide range of books available. And if the experience urges you to carry back a memento, a visit to the Dukān, a retail outlet, is recommended. It houses an interesting collection of pure cashmere shawls, Tibetan incense, recycled stationery, Vanaveda, a range of personal care products inspired from ancient Ayurvedic sciences, and works of art by Siraj Saxena, among other things. The boutique houses an exclusive collection from the line of ‘Abraham & Thakore for Vana’ that includes simple, yet sophisticated attire for both, homme and femme. The main highlight though, is the comforting tune that emanates from the on-site flute maestro. Ideally, all treatments are crafted to achieve wellness that goes as far as the grassroots, and this also involves a customised cuisine that is specially created in accordance with the individuals’ treatment plan. Vana has two restaurants christened Salana and Anayu. While the former brings a wide range of delightful international cuisine, Anayu caters more to the
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LIVING IN-STYLE
Picture Courtesy: Vana Retreats
For those who would like to stay tuned in to nature, the Forest Suite is a good option. On the other hand, if you prefer to be pampered with a luxurious setting, the Vana Suite is your best bet
CEO LIFESTYLE
Indian palate. Guests undergoing the Ayurvedic Panchkarma have a separate menu to choose from. With food such as ice, sugar and flour thoroughly avoided, weight watchers and fitness patrons can rest assured. Here, soy is the new ‘milk’ and butter and ghee is churned indoors from fresh milk. Healthy goodness from freshly baked bread, dips, gluten free chocolates and lemon grass pudding will come to your aid. The restaurants use organic fruits, vegetables and herbs harvested from their own gardens along with seasonal produce that is locally sourced. And should you be disappointed with the ban on aerated drinks and alcohol, the provision of fine wine and champagne makes up for it. To experience the wellness program, guests are required to stay for a minimum of five days. Those who are pressed for time can avail of a three day option. Guests should at least be 16 years of age. The retreat price includes treatment plans, meals, activities, airport transfers and can range from Rs. 35,000 to Rs. 1,52,000 per night for a single person. The venue is a 40-minute drive from Dehradun airport. For more information, visit http://www.vanaretreats.com/
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PICTURE PERFECT
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The writing is on the wall Décor is not just about fancy furniture or grand carpets, it is also about one other feature of the room that we hardly ever think about the wallflower, wallpapers. Kirthi Jayakumar takes a look at the bright new world of promise that luxury wallpapers usher in and gives you a few ideas on how you can use them to give your home a facelift.
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Paris-based interior décor artist and wallpaper designer Lisa Jacques laughs when we can’t hide our curiosity. Gold, silver, Swarovski crystals and diamonds on a wall? “It isn’t a style statement, you know? It is about the people behind the spaces. I want my space to be mine, so why shouldn’t it reflect what I stand for, right? When you have built your own kingdom of affluence, you jolly well deserve to be nestled in the midst of it all.” A tapestry unveils itself in grandeur, sprawling across the length and breadth of a wall. It lends personality to the room, a packaged sense of charm that has a dash of rich elegance. Look closer and you will realise that it is, after all, the modest wallpaper. But here is what is different: this isn’t your average printed or embossed wallpaper, but wallpaper with a touch of luxury. Crafted out of paper as the base, these wallpapers have everything from strings of gold to Swarovski crystals, from tiny embedded precious and semi-precious stones to little panels comprising intricate details. About 2000 years ago, rice paper was plastered on the walls of the houses of the affluent sections of society in China. It was a symbol of wealth, of power and influence, to have something beyond the realm of the ordinary brick, mortar and lime combination to create walls. With time, colonialism took the trend outside the oriental environment, adapted it to suit the more occidental tastes, creating what we know today as wallpaper. Designer wallpaper has been around for quite a while. The demand for exclusive décor has pushed the envelope further, creating newer styles that keep the market afloat. When the world of metallic shades took wallpapers by storm – first starting out in the 1970s as retro, shiny and loud adornments for the walls in powder rooms – the first tryst with designer and eclectic wallpapers began. Crafting exclusive wallpapers soon became the norm, as different designers brought different aesthetic sensibilities alive through their work on wallpaper art. Quite recently, the influx of uncommon materials in crafting wallpapers has begun to get much attention. The key to wallpaper is not just in its print but in making that print stand out and come alive. Techniques that create textural CEO LIFESTYLE
surfaces with interesting detail have crafted the entire realm of luxury wallpaper – incorporating everything from glass beads and crystals, to dried leaves and flowers, and from sequins and gemstones, to even vintage movie posters and rare fabric. What it results in is a richly textured tapestry that has its own story to tell, crafting ambient narratives that give a space light and life. Price points Lisa explains, “Depending on the material you choose, the designs you want to craft on your walls and the quantity, prices are varied. A typical price range could start from a modest 150 US dollars per square foot, going right up to about 1200 US dollars per square foot of the wallpaper.” There are two ways to work a deal out in designing your wallpaper. You can either opt for pre-made wallpaper in specific materials and stones, or, you can pick out a designer creation and opt for an embellishment of the finished product with stones, Swarovski crystals, gold and silver threads among other things. “These wallpapers can’t be handled by anyone and everyone. You need professional paper hangers when it comes to sticking up the paper. Each kind of material needs a certain kind of adhesive, a certain amount of pressure and a specific way of handling that all culminates in achieving the right finish. Care must be taken to ensure that none of the paste or adhesive gets caught on the body of the wallpaper, especially since the element constituting the wallpaper isn’t exactly cheap.” Lisa adds. As designs found themselves in the forefront, artists wanted to be eclectic in the erudition, while also finding a niche market that would receive and enjoy their sensibilities alike. Gold and silver wallpapers came about – as subtle sheens began to embellish designs on plain coloured wallpapers, bringing the design alone to life. When these patterns were presented in the right lighting, they brought a whole microcosm of beauty to life. With time, little jewel stones and gems, crystals and semi-precious stones began to find their way into wallpapers – adorning embossed designs and capturing light in the tiny spaces they housed
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within. Once discarded dark wallpapers, particularly those with small designs and prints began to make a comeback, as precious and semi-precious metals and stones added a dash of brightness to them. The Luxe Angle Jewellery and accessorization are not just for people any longer. The birth of design styles that culminate in embellishing one’s spaces in an anthropomorphic pursuit of aesthetics has infused room for much experimentation. Lisa explains, “There is no limit to how much you can embellish your walls these days. I work with crystallised embosses, Swarovski elements, diamonds, pearls and gemstones to create rich colour combinations that are highlighted with metallic accents. These elements add a perfect touch to the meeting of the old world charm of wallpaper and the new age CEO LIFESTYLE
style of textured artistry as an extension to the personality of a space.” Luxury wallpapers are not like the regular fare – in that they are not meant for all the walls of a house, unless one wants to be overtly flamboyant and indulge in some serious overkill. Lisa explains, “The deal is to get it right. You can’t be papering up every corner in your house with diamonds, Swarovski or pearls – it just looks awful, because it is far too much of a good thing. When we decorate, I ensure that we pick a ‘main wall’, a large or long-running wall space that is far too expansive to be left bare. I then use contrasting wallpapers to embellish the other walls around the space, which are more stark, plain and less luxurious. The contrast is built around the main element in the luxury choice, gold, silver or stones are off-set with contrasting colours. Crystals are off-set with simple monochromes.”
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Take the Swarovski range of wallpapers, for instance. The brainchild of British designer Karen Beauchamp, the range comprises a repertoire of crystals being presented on different backgrounds and textures ranging from flock, mirror foil, layered ink and fabric. The crystals used are multifaceted, and shimmer through the sheer trapping and reflection of light. The Swarovski Elements’ Wallpaper Collection has nine wallpapers that are embellished with crystals, and can be offset with two kinds of plain coordinating wallpapers. There are also a three kinds of wallpapers that are crafted with layers of crystals, called the Crystal Strata, which catches light and changes colour very subtly. The fad has caught on in many designer homes across the world. It isn’t surprising though, because the essence of grandeur lies in living amidst it, not preserving it within the folds of a locker, never to be displayed. CEO LIFESTYLE
The Swarovski Elements’ Wallpaper Collection has nine wallpapers that are embellished with crystals, and can be offset with two kinds of plain coordinating wallpapers
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WINE & DINE
PERFECT BITE
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HIGH
up in the sky Located on the 31st floor of World Trade Centre, Bangalore’s hippest new restaurant cum bar, High Ultra Lounge definitely aims for the zenith. But does it meet our lofty expectations? Neha Malude says yes, it definitely does.
PERFECT BITE
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It was a Saturday night and when we walked in, it seemed like the entire city of Bengaluru had descended to the city’s newly opened High Ultra Lounge. At a height of 10,000 square feet atop the World Trade Centre, the folks at Brigade Hospitality were really serious about the name of the place. The approach to the restaurant cum lounge, a 30-floor long elevator ride, is one of the best parts and will really get your blood pumping. So if you have a fear of heights, don’t look down. No, really. The elevator doors open to a space decorated in tones of red and a walk through the hallway decorated in different colours on different days (all white for a full moon day party, for instance) will lead you to High
View, an open air area. The space is close to 3600 sq ft and is ideal for groups and large parties. For those looking for a lazy evening, High View has sunbeds where you can lounge while sipping on sangria and watching the sun go down. High has two more sections called High Dine and High Edge, the former for a fine dining experience and the latter is a private dining space for special occasions. The reds, pinks and purples in the decor and furniture give the entire place a really slick look that will definitely attract the young crowd. The restaurant is divided into an open air as well as an inside seating area called High Mix but outside is where all the fun is. The decor is minimalistic yet comfortable with vertical
Picture Courtesy: High Ultra Lounge, Bangalore CEO LIFESTYLE
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gardens and we recommend you grab the tables next to the glass walls to get an astounding view of Bengaluru at night while you sip on your drink. We were escorted to a table and promptly offered the menu by the staff which, it must be mentioned, is tremendously friendly and quick. If you are looking for recommendations, don’t hesitate to ask. The music is very peppy and loud so do not step into High for a ‘quiet Saturday evening’ otherwise you might have to resort to hand signals and yelling all night long. We settled in and asked for suggestions and not minutes later, received our drinks, Constellation, High Tai and Kiss of Flame. Constellation, a gin and vodka based drink immediately caught our fancy. Served in a tall glass with elderflower, it not only makes for a pretty picture but for a great drink too. The Kiss of Flame, a concoction of pineapples, orange juice, raspberry puree and chillies, is interesting but the chilly was a tad too hot for us but hey, if you have a penchant for all things hot, give this one a shot. It is really different from the usual cocktails that restaurants and lounges tend to have. We kicked off our dinner with a vegetarian platter, an assortment of Sesame cheese rolls, Cottage cheese in zhang sauce (which we believe is a special creation of Executive Chef Zhang Hao), Spring rolls and Sweet corn. The sesame cheese rolls, with cheese and strawberries inside a roll and sprinkled with sesame seeds, though indicative of an interesting thought, could have had more texture. The spring rolls were good but the sweet corn, with coriander butter sauce was really good and quite a welcome finger-food change from the usual fare. The mains fared slightly better with Chicken satay being the best of the lot. The chicken was tender and juicy and the accompanying peanut sauce was bang on. The Banoffie pie, we hear, is quite spectacular so do not forget to try that when you call for desserts. It must be mentioned here that though the food may not appeal to everybody, especially considering that the cuisine is pan-Asian, in a place like High View, one goes for the ambience and experience more than for the food. And so, we would definitely suggest checking High Ultra Lounge out, especially on a weekend night. The drive to Malleshwaram might be painful for some, but it is worth it. If you want to get high, there is no better way. Nor a better place. CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: Inception, Grilled Cottage Cheese With Tomato Compote, Assorted Sushi Nigiri and Grilled Scallop With Pickled Plum
PERFECT BITE
Picture Courtesy: EEST, The Westin Chennai Velachery CEO LIFESTYLE
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Savouring Asia at EEST If you are in search of a bewitching culinary experience that includes aromatic flavours and comfort food with a tinge of fine dining glamour, Nifty Jacob testifies, EEST restaurant at The Westin Chennai Velachery, is the place to be.
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Our rendezvous with EEST began one evening as we sought solace in good food that was a digression from the staple diet, yet worked well for our palate. With five branches of EEST, one among them situated in The Westin Chennai Velachery, we looked forward to a night of fine dining and authentic goodness. Perched on level two, the restaurant has deftly integrated the concept of ‘less is more’ in a harmonious juxtaposition of traditional architecture combined with modern detailing. The dark wooden flooring and walls are complemented by large glass windows and soft contemporary tunes that played in the backdrop. Warm face towels infused with the lingering scent of lemongrass and tea tree oils greeted us, gently calming our senses. We were then directed to the private dining area built in a circular fashion and flanked by horizontal wooden bars instead of walls. Petite bird cages hung around the periphery of the ceiling with candle sticks centred inside, dimly illuminated the space. With an aim to offer international flavours that are close to home, EEST allows you to choose from their menu of Chinese, Japanese and Thai cuisine. While there, we learnt that each cuisine gets served in a certain colour code – Japanese in red, Thai in ginger-brown and Chinese in black. To neutralize the colour effect, food is served in a set of yellow dinnerware. As the oriental theme started sinking in, we began our starters with some Stir Fried Spicy Corn. The sweet crunch of corn was balanced by the savoury schezwan sauce and was thoroughly enjoyable. The Gai Satay consisted of skewered chicken and had a rustic flavour with a hint of turmeric that lingered. We also had some vegetable and shrimp tempura which were complimented with an array of dips. But what we CEO LIFESTYLE
truly loved and would recommend was the Larb Gai (minced chicken salad). A handful of finely chopped sesame added the perfect crunch to tender shreds of chicken, and along with it a good balance of flavours.We didn’t hold back from venturing into some Thai goodness with the Som Tam or raw papaya salad. The sweetness of papaya slices were mellowed down with a dressing of tangy lime juice along with a hint of chilli, garlic and galangal. Fresh and light, it was a palate cleanser of sorts. While at EEST, we also suggest you don’t leave without a taste of the Tom Yum soup. To the naked eye, it just seems like a string of veggies floating in clear broth. But don’t be fooled by its appearance, a mouthful of it and you will be glad for having tasted the lemony snippet of Kaffir lime and lemongrass. This definitely goes on top of our list of comfort foods. With enough of Chinese and Thai, we decided to try some Japanese. The restaurant has a sushi bar where you can watch the chef yielding his knife, but as we were high on Thai, we had the sushi come to us. The thumb sized rolls were neatly bound with crisp sea weed and buttons of salmon or tuna. A hint of wasabi with a dollop of soy sauce and it was a sushi lover’s haven. Soon our table was adorned with all the colour codes of EEST, and before we exhausted their dinnerware, we decided to foray into the main course. We began with a dish of Stir fried vegetable noodles. They were slightly oily so we made up for that by indulging in some Jasmine Rice and Thai green vegetable curry. Our verdict? Never before has a concoction of coconut and Kaffir lime worked such wonder. Fried rice addicts must try the X.O. Chao Fan. We loved the fact that the rice was well cooked and despite the sauce, managed to maintain a
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dry texture. A blend of sweet and salty flavours coupled with tiny shrimps won us over. The Prik Thai Dum Gai made for succulent chicken cooked in black pepper sauce, although the sucrose level was a notch more than required. We finally decided to call it a day as we felt heavy and hearty, but not before we called for a round of desserts. An assortment consisting of Water Chestnut with Coconut Milk, Coconut Icecream and Red Bean Sago greeted us. The dish of coconut milk and water chestnuts was sweet, cold and crunchy. The Red Bean Sago was a combination of rich bean paste coupled with soft rice pearls. But the obvious winner was the ice cream which was sweet with a distinct flavour of coconut. It was balanced just right and felt light and comforting. We quickly scooped along with our spoons till we hit the bottom and could scoop no more. The service at EEST deserves a mention. Our server was on his toes and all smiles, as the plates piled high along with the orders. To make for a complete dining experience, we suggest you pair your food with some sake or raise your glass to good wine. The idea of setting out on a spree of dimsums and anything else we missed out from the menu did occur, but batting heavy eyelids and saved by an unabashed paunch perhaps, we marked it down for our next visit, which will be quite soon, we assure you. CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: Vietnamese Rice Paper Roll, Prik Thai Dum Gai,Thai seafood salad with Glass noodles and Baby oyster, Yasai Tempura
IN HIGH SPIRITS
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AT HOME WITH WINE Enjoying wine is not without its efforts but the promise of a sublime sensory indulgence makes the attention to detail worthwhile, says Bhisham Mansukhani.
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The mere drop of the word wine can coax sheepish aversion out of otherwise self confident mortals, such is the unfair stigma of opacity that this ferment is burdened with. Wine is simple and all about appreciation – only a minority of oenophiles believe that but as wine has permeated India’s social culture, it is opportune to set the record straight. Wine is simple and its only distinct nuance is attention to little details. Add up these little details and one gets to enjoy the wine just as its maker intended, ripe ferment at its finest. A short word on the attentive watch of viticulturist and wine maker can perhaps underline the importance of getting the roadmap right all the way up till the wine lands on the palate. While the viticulturist stresses the vines just enough to yield quality fruit, the winemaker takes considerable pains to ensure faultless fermentation and storage. However, once the bottle is dispatched out of winery storage, the fate of the wine is vulnerable to the elements, chiefly heat, sunlight and oxygen. The retailer, restaurateur and ultimately, the consumer, all have a responsibility because the eventual goal is to enjoy the wine as best as it can be. So, how do you do it? First up, buying wine for home consumption in India is perhaps a bigger challenge than in the west. What with a warm climate compounded by a tiny smattering of shops that care to store wine well, getting one’s hands on a wine can be a nightmare. To begin with, wine should never be purchased from vanilla ‘wine shops’ that have zero temperature controlled storage for wine. Some even take ignorant pride in displaying wine bottled in glassed shelves of their storefronts – the continuous sun exposure destroys the wine – and sell it to beginners whose impression of wine is doomed to be bad.
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Consumers are better off buying wine from the mushrooming clutch of wine and beer shops in some Indian states, chiefly Maharashtra and Karnataka and in other cases seeking out shops that invest in temperature controlled storage for their wine stock. Similarly, once the wine is bought it needs to be stored in a cool, dark place, laid down or refrigerated until opened, especially if under cork. A cork closure is vulnerable to both heat and the lack of humidity, both of which cause it to contract, letting in oxygen which is wine’s worst enemy, attacking its delicate fruit character and structure. Therefore, storage conditions assume paramount importance. A fridge isn’t the best of options either because constantly opening the fridge disturbs the wine, spoiling it in the long term. Better than refrigerating, investing in a wine cooler that stores wine horizontally at a constant temperature of 16 degrees Celsius is the ideal solution. Then there is the important business of serving wine which also requires certain details to be mindful of. It is crucial to serve wine at the ideal temperature, 10 to 12 degrees Celsius for whites and 16 to 18 degrees Celsius for reds. Serving temperature is vital to the drinking experience because a higher temperature masks the subtle fruity aromas of the wine and accentuates the alcohol level. Conversely, serve the wine too cold and the wine will smell and taste rather closed. Opening the bottle is another necessary step lest one forgets. Opening a bottle of wine ranges from merely twisting free a screw cap closure to using a basic corkscrew to remove the cork. Beginners are well advised to have the failsafe butterfly corkscrew, which makes wine opening a no-brainer. Lastly, glassware is the veritable final hoop in the wine journey from vine to palate. Just the sight of a wine glass
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alongside a standard highball glass should get the uninitiated thinking there must be a good or strange reason why this bulbous glass sporting a towering stem came to be. And they are right. How the wine will taste on the palate is determined right from the time the wine is poured into the glass, coming into contact with the surface and breathes, unbolting its aromas. Swirling in the glass further helps this process so that when it is nosed and finally sipped, the wine is at its aromatic best. In fact, the shape of the glass determines where the wine lands on the palate and hence how it tastes. This is why there are several different wines glasses specially designed for whites, reds, sparkling, dessert and fortified wines and specific regions, even. But perhaps that can be delved into indulgently, on another day. Then on to the restaurants, stand alone and within hotels. The ‘on premise’ segment that these are part of has in fact been credited with proliferating the wine culture. However, a restaurant itself can be a minefield of mistakes without an attentive, knowledgeable staff and proper equipment and glassware. Indian wine drinkers are more discerning than CEO LIFESTYLE
they have ever been thanks to international travel and the Internet and less inclined to suffer a bad wine experience without knowing it. Questions about the temperature of the wine, its storage conditions and as to when the bottle was opened are critical towards knowing if the wine eventually poured is in pristine condition. Importantly, when ordering wine by the glass, one should ask if the establishment has wine dispensing machines or vacuum pumps that are meant to keep the wine reasonably safe from oxidising once opened. When ordering a bottle, patrons are well within their rights to have the wine waiter or sommelier open the bottle in front of them, pour a tasting portion for them to assess the wine’s condition and even send it back if unsatisfied. And then there is the very Indian blunder of serving red wine at ‘room temperature’, which ignores the visible difference between European and Indian climate. The eventual goal is to be able to appreciate the wine in its element, all things constant. That is the least that wine enthusiasts owe themselves, the towing winemaker and viticulturists and the immaculate ferment itself.
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Google’s office in Zurich designed by Camenzind Evolution CEO LIFESTYLE
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GET UP, GET GOING Did you know that sitting for long periods of time could kill you? Well, almost. The average Indian trying to find that elusive work-life balance ends up sitting in office for at least 66 hours a week, if you include Saturdays. Rekha Shanmugham asks CEOs to ‘stand’ up and take notice.
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Research has shown that constant sitting can directly affect your metabolic function leading to a host of medical terms which we do not really want to get into, but the bottom line is that it severely affects your health and gets you at least a little bit closer to death. And the worst part is, even people who otherwise lead an active life aren’t guarded. Which means that hitting the treadmill after sitting for about 11 hours continuously is not going to help you get back to the pink of your health, although people who refrain from doing even that can be doubly affected. What this otherwise means is get up as you are reading this! It is no rocket science that employee health and mental well-being is key to clocking those enormous profits. It is imperative therefore, that heads of companies make that extra effort to create a workplace that is stimulating and healthy. Sometime back on the other side of the Atlantic, in the coveted tech haven of Silicon Valley there was something along the lines of a revolution where people realized that office spaces needn’t be just desks and cubicles with the occasional canteen and restrooms. They came up with some stellar ideas, which in turn required gargantuan budgets, and therefore not all of them are replicable. But who says you can’t draw inspiration from those who know how to do it best? Stop sitting – the two key words to fostering health inside office spaces. Create a dynamic environment where people are required to move around and more importantly, want to move around. It is interesting to note that in the survey conducted during the expansion of Google’s EMEA Engineering hub in Zurich, designed by Camenzind Evolution (who also designed their Dublin office), it was found that the ‘Zooglers’ ‘preferred to reduce their personal net area of workspace in order to gain more communal and meeting areas.’ Interaction and communication is crucial in every office and especially in the ones that require a high dosage of creative energy. And note that these interactions need to take place on a daily basis, the one-off odd meetings during a special occasion has an almost negligible effect. It is necessary to have the communal areas dispersed throughout the office. Be it the library, spa, lounges, gaming areas or the cafeterias, have them all over the office and never concentrated in a particular area. Also, apart from the standard
Picture Courtesy: Peter Würmli
BODY BASICS
Picture Courtesy: Ben Rahn - A Frame meeting and board rooms, have a couple of vibrant, informal meeting spaces where people can together for a fun session of brainstorming. Another interesting point: how to get from one point in the office to another? Walk? Sure. But there is still a lot of scope for exercise. And no, we are not talking about merely replacing elevators with stairways. That would be a little wicked, in fact. Fancy going down a fire pole? Or how about a fast and steep slide to reach the cafeteria? That is how the Zooglers do it anyway. This is similar to the one in Toronto-based Corus Entertainment, designed by Quadrangle CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: Corus Entertainment’s office in Toronto designed by Quadrangle Architects, Google’s Dublin office designed by Camenzind Evolution, Google’s Mexico office designed by SPACE
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Architects. The building, named as one of the best in the world, has a three-storey slide apart from a large lounge with a vertical garden and several broadcast studios. The broadcast aspects of the building encompass new state-of-the-art studios, pre and post production rooms and back-of-house functions supported by a central technical plant. A little farfetched as it may sound, themed offices are simply becoming the rage these days. In whatever little way possible, incorporating a theme would help to break monotony and encourage people to explore and move around. Walking into a fun and refreshing office is the best way to beat the Monday Blues indeed. Googlers in Mexico walk into a miniature Mexico city, designed by a Mexican firm SPACE, every morning. From parks which can hold casual get-togethers to swings and a pond to cafes, the office has it all. There are metros and taxi cabs where you can have phone calls and video conferences and subways which hold all the
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Picture Courtesy: Peter Würmli
Picture Courtesy: SPACE technical rooms. Go further south to find the Trajinera, the traditional Mexican boat inside which you can have a video conference. The colours inside your office play a vital role in determining mood and efficiency. While personal areas are often preferred to be subtle and functional, common areas are better when they are louder and visually appealing. If you want to see your top line growing, make sure you splash around a lot of yellows and oranges, known to promote motivation-intellect and creativity, respectively. Greens are very good too, and come with a lot of healing capacity. It doesn’t hurt to include a lot of natural greens too, and of course, the blues, known for their soothing and calming effect. Come to think of it, relaxation is of extreme importance to working effectively and it wouldn’t hurt to ‘invest’ in some lounging rooms, spa and gaming centres in your office for that time of the day when your eyelids are CEO LIFESTYLE
threatening to close. You could perhaps have a lounge and a game room complete with a billiards table and video games. And while there is absolutely no debating that cafeteria is a must in every office, (not only does it solve food hassles, it also acts as a good meeting place for people from various departments), a fitness centre, at least prompting the idea of keeping fit, is an absolute necessity too. A medium sized gym perhaps, yoga mats, or Zumba sessions once a while; the options abound. Offices are also embracing the concept of once-a-day short fitness meets these days. Done mostly early on, these sessions wake you up like a splash of cold water. The other oft-ignored thing that can increase productivity manifold is natural light. It is absolutely necessary that offices promote outside activity. It could be a simple promenade or maybe a park with a swing and couple of benches. Who knows, your employee’s Eureka moment might happen while at the park with his laptop.
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BODY BASICS
Crazy (for) diets?
Let us admit it, shall we? We have all tried it at some point of time. Yes, that dreaded d-word, diet. But hey, there are good diets and then there are some really kooky ones. Nifty Jacob brings to you some of the wackiest diet regimes that we suggest you don’t try. Ever.
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It often begins with that growl in your belly, followed by your brain battling the debate between that small white angel whispering in your right ear to ‘hold on’, versus the miniature you in deep red with a pitchfork urging you on with “just another bite”. Hell yes, the answer is an easy guess. We are talking about dieting, big time. The concept even gained the contempt of Mark Twain, who once quoted, “Be careful about reading health books. You may die of a misprint”. Going from the bizarre dieting trends which gained popularity like ‘Fletcherism’ that encouraged chewing a mouthful of food at least a hundred times, right up to ingesting tape worms and going on vinegar diets, we would say the man has a point. CEO LIFESTYLE
Gaga over Grapefruit The Grapefruit diet a.k.a the Hollywood diet was introduced as early as the 1930s and rose to fame in the 70s. Celebrities like Brooke Shields and Kylie Minogue are said to have shed pounds by following the grapefruit diet. Apart from the myth that grapefruit helps burn fat, the diet involves heavy intakes of grapefruit with small portions of protein, and completely cutting down on carbs and sugar. A report published in the British Journal of Cancer states that eating small amounts everyday can increase the levels of oestrogen which ups the risk of breast cancer. According to the Food and Drug Association, large portions of regular grapefruit
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also hinder the effect of any medication undertaken, causing liver and kidney ailments. The diet can help in fast weight loss and the genius behind it is the below average intake of 800 calories per day, for 10 days. So while we like our grapefruit, we definitely don’t recommend the diet.
Apparently a recent fad known as the Baby Food Diet was kick started by celebrity trainer Tracy Anderson a few years back
Lemon Love The Lemonade Diet, also known as Master Cleanse Diet apparently flushes toxins and makes you lose fat. Said to be practiced by Beyonce and Matthew McConaughey, the diet is quite popular. It is a guaranteed method to shed weight at an alarmingly fast pace, which is no rocket science considering you only survive on a concoction of freshly squeezed lemon, maple syrup, cayenne pepper and water for at least 10 days. Side effects involve headaches, nausea, and plenty of restroom visits. Plus, much of the weight loss is due to loss of muscle mass and water, not fat. We say, lemons are meant for lemonades, and maybe a nice cheesecake. Baby Food While most individuals have had their share of baby food as a toddler, they may never have considered eating
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BODY BASICS
it to diet. Or have they? Apparently a recent fad known as the Baby Food Diet was kick started by celebrity trainer Tracy Anderson a few years back. Soon, Hollywood divas like Jennifer Aniston and Gwyneth Paltrow followed suit. It is relatively easy to figure this one out; you will be eating around 14 jars of baby food a day. They say the method helps control the food intake owing to smaller portions (from a jar). But be warned as the low fibre and calorie will have you binging on solid food in no time. Expert reviews have called the method ‘a silly gimmick’ that does not help in weight loss. What it will do is make a deep hole in your pocket as the food jars pile high. If you want to lose weight, try fruits and veggies. Isn’t that why we have molars and canines? Gluten-less It is said to have begun with Chelsea Clinton’s wedding. The idea of going g-free wasn’t exactly deemed popular until the wedding cake was pronounced ‘gluten-free’. Gluten is a protein found in grains like, wheat, rye, barley and many other products. The Gluten-free Diet was developed for people who suffered from celiac disease, which made them gluten intolerant. Many who tried this diet experienced CEO LIFESTYLE
loss of weight, which made it extremely popular among celebrities. Ever since, many self-prescribe it as a method to slim down but experts have reported that avoiding essential foods like whole wheat and cereals can result in deficiency of calcium, iron, zinc and folate that can increase the risk of a heart attack and cancer. Fruit Frenzy When a celebrity like Ashton Kutcher gets hospitalised after following a diet, it is bound to gain notoriety. In an attempt to grow into Steve Jobs’ character (who, it is said, passed away due to pancreatic cancer that was said to be a result of his fruit-only diet) for a biopic, Kutcher is said to have followed the Fruitarian diet which left him doubled over in pain with bad nails, dry skin, brittle hair and a diagnosis of pancreatitis. The Fruitarian Diet does not have a defined plan and involves eating varieties of fruits in an attempt to lose weight. While an attempt for a day or two can help in detoxifying, its prolonged practise can lead to numerous deficiencies including that of protein and calcium. It also increases the risk of cancer. Too many apples a day, clearly doesn’t keep the doctor away.
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HOLISTIC HEALING
Shining through In the midst of a city that is dizzyingly fast-paced and forever on the move, Neha Malude suggests Shine Spa for Sheraton Bangalore where you can enjoy a few hours of peace at the hands of masseurs who really know their stuff.
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HOLISTIC HEALING
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On a hot, late Saturday afternoon, I found myself standing at the reception of Shine Spa for Sheraton in Bangalore in a quest for something to soothe my travel-ravaged muscles. Shine is the in-house brand of Sheraton but the one in Sheraton Bangalore is the first to open in India. While there are treatments you can experience with your loved ones or friends, I was happy at the thought of being alone, not wanting to encounter another living soul for the next few hours. The decor is simple and contemporary, the interiors are inspired by classic elements of the Regency period and the ambience immediately has a calming effect. While there are several interesting therapies you could go in for, like the Indian Spice Scrub (a body treatment involving finely ground pulses, herbs and nuts) and Marine Mud Wrap (fresh flowers, fruit juices, vegetables and herbs blended with clay), I chose their signature massage called Shine Massage. The spa recommends that their guests arrive before time to enjoy the steam and sauna prior to their treatments. This CEO LIFESTYLE
helps warm and relax the muscles so that your therapy is even more beneficial. After a few minutes in their waiting area, I was beckoned by a petite masseuse down a carpeted, spiral staircase where it suddenly got darker and if possible, even quieter. The feeling was a tad unsettling, much like being led down a rabbit hole. Amusingly, the spa encourages you ‘forget about sombre and silent spa experiences, feel at home and burst into laughter or relax’. The subterranean world, shall we call it, is a long candle-lit corridor that leads to several rooms behind closed doors. The rooms are adequately furnished with wardrobes, an attached shower, a sofa and a dressing area. For the next hour or so, this was to be my sanctuary. I was asked to change into a fluffy robe following which I did the unthinkable: I switched my phone off. They are rather keen, and rightly so, about respecting their guests’ privacy. And so began a glorious 65-minute session of much-sought pleasure. As with each treatment, this massage too, began
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with a ritualistic foot wash. I then lay on my back while the masseuse prepared a generous mixture of lavender and mandarin oils blended with salt butters. She began with long, gentle strokes that seemed to pull at all the dormant, tired sinews of my legs which resisted at first but eventually felt weightless. And then it was time for my back, which in that moment, was transformed into a canvas. My masseuse may well have been a painter, what with her hands’ brush strokes, sometimes feathery soft and at other times, quite strong. You can, however, request yours to go easy if the pressure feels too much but I enjoyed it despite the little stab of pain now and then. As the knots in my back dissolved gradually, I felt more at peace. The music, though, needs rethinking. If they could have had the soothing sound of water, it would have uplifted the experience. The next 30 minutes involved the same rhythm and strokes on the upper body with a rectangular piece of cloth filled with round, cold stones on the eyes presumably to provide a cooling effect. CEO LIFESTYLE
The masseuse began with long, gentle strokes that seemed to pull at all the dormant, tired sinews of my legs which resisted at first but eventually felt weightless
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HOLISTIC HEALING The last ten minutes or so, the deft masseuse shifted her attention to the head, starting from the mane to the temple, gently stopping at the pressure points. The fragrant, warm oils worked their magic as they seeped into the scalp – can’t deny the magic of a good head massage, can you? By the time she was done, I was in a near-comatose state and much to my embarrassment, had to be prodded twice to be woken up and told that it was over. A short meditative shower later, I was fully dressed and ready for the chaotic world outside but not without a slight buzz at the back of my mind, possibly the after effects of the past wonderful hour. The staff, very courteously, offers a cup of herbal tea so that the after effects of the calming spa are extended for the guest and we would definitely recommend it. In my case, I was content beyond expectation and the only thing on my mind while walking out of the spa was a plan to return as soon as I could. The Shine Massage is priced at Rs. 3500 (for 65 mins) and Rs. 4500 (for 95 mins). Other signature Shine Spa experiences include Shine for Two, Shine Facial, Shine Hands and Feet and Shine Body treatment. You can also go in for the more conventional treatments like their Hot Stone Massage, Swedish Massage or the Deep Tissue Massage.
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EVENTS
SITES & SOUNDS
Picture Courtesy: news.calgarystampede.com
The wild wild West
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As dust clouds the air, a mob of people cheer the struggling contestant, as he tries to avoid from getting knocked off an angry bull. For a cowboy, there is nothing as exciting as the Calgary Stampede. In the early 1900s, Guy Weidick, a cowboy and a romantic at heart dreamt of promoting the wild west. Come 1912, the Calgary Stampede was initiated. Over the years, this extreme sport has had a multitude of visitors donning their cowboy hats and arrive from all over the world, the most recent being Prince William and Kate Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge. The event spans over a period of 10 days from July 4th to 13th. The Calgary Rodeo is one of the richest tournaments to be held with two million US dollars in prize. The action-packed afternoons showcase the best of the best and make for great entertainment. GMC Rangeand Derby, the most popular chuck wagon event, is another popular sport nicknamed ‘Half mile from hell’, and for good reason. Witness an adrenalin pumping race CEO LIFESTYLE
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as over 30 drivers and 200 horses compete for a prize money of over 1.15 million US dollars. The celebration continues with musical performances. Tap to the tunes of leading artists like Shania Twain and Keith Urban. The event has a little something for everyone, including the little ones. The wide range of rides and games is any kid’s dream come true. Introduce your children to their favourite cartoon characters like Sponge Bob and Dora-the explorer, in the BMO kids Zone. The Stampede Store has an array of interesting brica-bracs from souvenirs to furniture and beauty products, that you can take home. While there, do not forgo the chance of indulging in freshly baked donuts, ice-creams, cookies and lemonade among other things. To bask in the true cowboy spirit, put on your boots and a snazzy pair of jeans. Also, don’t forget the imperative white hat. And if you don’t have one, the Grandstand Market has a collection of merchandise meant for the Rodeo show. So you better giddy up. JULY 2014
Picture Courtesy: © Paléo / Pierre Descombes
Dance to the rythm of Paléo
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Since its inception in 1976, Paléo Festival has been Europe’s most notable musical show. A bevy of artists who perform a variety of genres from Jazz, Pop and Hip-Hop to classics enthral an audience of over two million people every year. And this time is no different. If you have a ear for good music, Paléo is the place to be. The event is held from July 22nd to 27th in the town of Nyon in Switzerland. The event is spread over 170 concerts and six huge stages dotted among 84 hectares of open land. Interesting performances by Elton John, James Blunt, The Prodigy, M.I.A and many more are lined up and if you are up for it, you should ensure that you book your tickets in advance. More than just music, Paléo is an amalgamation of culture and tradition that can be enjoyed at the Village-du-Monde. Located in Andes, this edition will highlight the work on Terre des Hommes, a non-governmental organization that focuses on the well-being of youngsters. Theatre aficionados can visit ‘La Ruche’, also known as ‘the Hive’. The area would be buzzing with creativity from street theatres. You can also spot a few artists as they perform trial gigs here. And if you are looking for something CEO LIFESTYLE
more, you can hope to see circus arts along with other surreal exhibitions too. Those who plan to come along with children won’t be disappointed either. Children aged six to twelve can enjoy a host of games and activities to keep themselves engrossed. There is no harm if grown ups would like to stay back and enjoy playing tag with the kids. But the festival does not begin until the feast is laid out for everyone. Titillate your buds with a host of international flavours across 120 stalls of goodies. The area is segregated into various zones based on the cuisine. From Mediterranean and Latin to the sweet savoury goodness of Asian cuisines like Chinese, Indian, Thai and Japanese and more, there is something for everyone. Apart from this, you can also check out one of the six restaurants open. You can also find cocktails, wine champagne or even fruit juices and tea to quench your thirst. Find interesting merchandise from the Paléo Shop like CDs banners and more. We suggest you do not miss out on this perfect opportunity to groove to great music, fine food and enthusiastic company. Paléo is calling and you better be there.
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Mark Your Calendar
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What: Darwin Lions Beer Can Regatta 2014: A fun gathering with quirky What: The wild west: golf tournaments, kayak The exciting Calgary competitions, building Stampede is around the boats with beer cans, corner. So pick up your beer and some more boots, a white hat and beer. gear up for the wild When: July 6th, 2014 west. Where: Mindil Beach, Darwin When: July 4th to 13th NT, Australia Where: Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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What: PalÊo Festival: Europe’s most notable music show brings a bevy of artists with street theatre performances and world cuisines.
What: Pflasterspektakel: Witness outstanding street comedies, mimes, acrobatics and When: July 22nd to 27th more, performed by Where: Nyon, Switzerland professional artists across the globe. When: July 17th to 19th
11 What: International Folk Art Alliance: A true haven for artists, the festival has stiff art competitions, craft markets, fine food and of course, plenty of art. When: July 11th to 13th Where: Santa Fe, New Mexico
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What: Fiesta de Merengue: A night of sandy white beaches, great music and good company. The perfect spot to enjoy la vie. When: July 25th to August 10th Where: Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
Where: Linz, Australia
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18 What: Pitchfork Music Festival: A true musical extravaganza with a line-up of delightful numbers by leading artists that will have you tapping your feet in no time. When: July 18th-20th Where: Union Park, Chicago, USA
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What: Splendour in the Grass: A one stop festival with great music, food trucks, yoga and meditation and bare feet dancing in the open. When: July 25th to 27th Where: North Bryon Parklands, Queensland, Australia
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