Go Now September Issue

a cross section publication

BUSINESS TRAVEL

• MICE • METRO TRAVEL • HOLIDAYS • TOURISM

GONOW volume 14. issue 3. september 2013. `50

The World is his Field

JONTY RHODES LEISURE

CORPORATES CHOOSE THEIR PREFERRED HOTEL IN INDIA

Kerala TOP 5 Club Floors

BENGALURU’S

SAXONY Steeped in History KUALA LUMPUR First Impressions

Celebrating Unique Experiences

Kolkata

spaguide

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THIS ISSUE EDITORS’ PAGE

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If travel incites you just the way it incites us, share your experiences on /gonowlifestylemagazine /gonowmagazine

Dear Readers, Travel is in a state of flux as we bring out this issue. With the fall of the rupee, domestic airfares are expected to go up. Shopping overseas will also become exorbitant. Shopping items across malls in India could also become more expensive. It may not be a very Happy Diwali this year. Hotels worldwide will become expensive, in rupee terms.

Further, in this issue, we talk to Adesh Gupta, CEO, Liberty Group on his preferences while travelling for business, and shares some handy tips for his fellow travellers. Adding on to this, Preet Dhupar, COO, BBC World News, India discloses some useful tips that she herself ensures while travelling.

We interview business heads and corporates from different sectors and talk about the hotel they prefer staying at, in India. This we believe can help you make a more informed decision for yourself as well.

Exploring the perks of travelling in business class onboard, we discover what various airlines offer in this elite category.

For the corporate traveller, in MICE we focus on Colombo and showcase contemporary MICE facilities in the welcoming capital of Sri Lanka.

Starting with Mumbai’s finest luxury lounge bars, the Metro Travel section takes you through various splendours that Indian metro cities offer. Very minutely analysing the club floors of some of the finest hotels in Bengaluru, we have ranked the top five, specifying what they offer to the discerning travellers.

Taking our spa saga forward, this time, we take you to the spas in Kolkata.

Discover the traveller avatar of Jonty Rhodes and the Bollywood-Tourism relation in our Tourism Connect section.

The Holiday Travel segment takes you to eastern Germany to explore the sunny side of Saxony. Kerala, a precious jewel of South India holds in itself some unique experiences that are waiting to be experienced.

Furthermore, look at what Kuala Lumpur’s local hangouts have for you. Gul Panag in conversation with Go Now shares the fun and adventure she had on her recent trip to the Andamans.

Happy Reading!

/gonowmagazine

READERS WRITE IN The best bollywood backdrops

Yes, Bollywood has lately been featuring some of the exotic destinations around the world in its movies. And coming from Mukesh Bhatt, it was a delight to read what some of the most commonly showcased destinations interest them. It is great to see how our film fraternity is accepted around the world.

Sanchali Roy, Kolkata

Hyderabad – High on MICE

With every issue of yours, I get to know about new and better destinations for meetings and conventions in our own country. I have been to a conference at Hyderabad International Convention Centre and I would like to mention that it was magnificent, I would suggest people do visit it for its grandeur.

Deepak Gupta, Delhi

Mumbai’s top 5 hotel pools

Being from the city, I would definitely agree that Mumbai has some of the finest five star hotels around the country. The ranking of the hotel pools in the city was an interesting read for sure with the intricate details mentioned and the fair ranking carried out.

Swapnil Dhawan, Mumbai

A tourist guide to Bhutan

I have heard a lot about this place from my fellow travellers and friends, but never got a chance to be there. Your article on the same further took me to the intricacies I would love to experience.

Combining it further with the Taj Tashi was a cherry on the cake.

Nishtha Gulati, Bengaluru

BUSINESS TRAVEL

• • MICE

METRO TRAVEL

•

HOLIDAYS

•

TOURISM

Editor: Navin Berry Managing Editor: Priyaanka Berry Editorial: Anupriya Bishnoi, Nikita Chopra, Varalika Vij Advertising: Saurabh Shukla Design: Ashok Saxena, Neelam Aswani Go Now is printed and published by Navin Berry, on behalf of Cross Section Media Pvt. Ltd. Printed at Rakesh Press A-7, Naraina, Phase II, New Delhi.

Go Now is published from IIIrd Floor, Rajendra Bhawan, 210, Deen Dayal Upadhyay Marg, New Delhi - 110002.

Tel: 91-11-43784444. Fax: 91-11-41001627.

E-mail: info@crosssectionmedia.com This issue of gonow contains 80 pages plus 4 pages cover

drop us a line

Like something we wrote? Wondering how to get somewhere? Or been to a place you want to talk about? Write to us and let us know. Don’t have the words to describe a place? Don’t worry – send us your best travel pictures and we’ll let them speak for you. If your letter or photo is published, you will get a year’s subscription to gonow absolutely FREE! Send your letters and photographs to E-mail: info@crosssectionmedia.com Material not used will not be returned

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AIRLINES & AIRPORTS

Turkish Airlines flies from Istanbul to Kathmandu

Starting round trip flights between these two destinations four times per week, Turkish Airlines adds its 29th destination in the Far East. There is a special offer for the first six months, for the Miles&Smiles members with a 25% reduction in the miles needed to redeem either award tickets or upgrades. The flights will operate on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays from Istanbul, and Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays from Kathmandu. Introductory round trip fares are available from Istanbul to Kathmandu starting at 406 Euros (including taxes and fees). www.turkishairlines.com Call: +90 212 444 0849

British Airways now daily to Hyderabad

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he airlines will fly daily to the city of Nizams, providing seamless connections to over 500 destinations around the world. The daily flights will be operated by a Boeing 777-200 in a three class configuration offering, flat beds in the premium economy, World Traveller plus and World Traveller seats. The flight number BA 276 will fly from Hyderabad at 0655 hrs and flight number BA 277 will fly from London at 1335 hrs daily. British Airways had earlier increased its service to Hyderabad from five to six days a week and plan to increase it more by November 2013.

When: From 27 October 2013. www.ba.com

Emirates increases baggage allowance

Passengers travelling in Economy class of Emirates Airlines from India to Dubai will be allowed to carry an additional baggage of 10kgs for a limited period of time. This means that now they can carry a total of 40 kgs instead of the 30kg offered previously.

The offer is valid for booking till September 30, 2013 and for travel during September 10, 2013 to September 30, 2013. This would be beneficial for the passengers going on long vacations to Dubai. The airline currently operates 185 weekly flights from 10 Indian cities connecting 134 destinations across 76 countries. www.emirates.com

Qatar introduces its Dreamliner in India 787 Dreamliner marks its debut in India on routes from Doha to Delhi, Bengaluru and vice-versa.

This would bring in unparalleled level of service, comfort and travel experience for passengers travelling with the airlines. It includes 254 custom-made seats across its Business and Economy class cabins. Business Class is configured 1–2–1 with 22 seats, while Economy has a 232 seating capacity in a 3–3–3 layout. The flights will operate daily departing from Doha to Delhi at 2100 hrs and Delhi to Doha at 0450 hrs. The flight from Doha to Bengaluru will depart at 2020 hrs and from Bengaluru to Doha at 0440 hrs.

When: Effective from 1st September 2013. www.qatarairways.com

AIRLINES & AIRPORTS

Air India now flies to Delhi-Sydney-Melbourne triangle

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ith its new fleet of Dreamliner, Air India lands in Sydney, Australia serving a direct connection to the country from India. The airlines have recently launched a direct daily flight to Sydney and Melbourne. With this, Delhi has positioned itself as a premier hub airport of South Asia as it very well connects travellers on Europe-Australia route. This service will be operated with the 256-seater Boeing 787-800 Dreamliner.

This fuel efficient fuel aircraft with its smaller noise footprint, larger windows, lie flat business class seats ensure added comfort for their passengers.

On connecting this connection between the two countries, Delhi International Airport Limited, CEO, I Prabhakara Rao said, “Sydney has continuously ranked amongst our top five potential destinations that needed connectivity. With the advent of a non-stop service to Sydney aboard Air India’s Dreamliner, we are convinced that the market will only grow.”

This is a triangular route between Delhi, Sydney and Melbourne as for four days a week the flights will be Delhi–Sydney– Melbourne and for three days they will run Delhi–Melbourne–Sydney.

On this development, Sydney Airport CEO, Kerrie Mather said, “India is Australia’s largest un-served market. Last year, around 1.40 lakh passengers travelled between Delhi and Sydney via Asian hubs.

Sydney has Australia’s highest number of residents with Indian - with 2.17 lakh people of Indian descent, 88,000 of who were born in India – so there is strong demand for direct services between India and Sydney.”

This convenient service has travel time of just around 12.5 hours and will provide a major boost in tourism, trade and investment between the two countries. The airlines has introduced nominal competitive fares to promote this service and its frequent flyer programme, ‘Flying Returns’ also offers generous rewards to its members.  www.airindia.com

Luxury Private Jet service by Emirates

For flyers seeking supreme luxury experience, Emirates airlines have launched its ‘Emirates Executive’ online. It is the ultra spacious Airbus 319 aircraft where you can enjoy the new technology and design. The website is available in English and Arabic and offers a peep into the experience through a video that showcases the premium features of the aircraft. The aircraft offers a new configuration with a high level of comfort and service for up to 19 passengers. It offers diverse travel options for private customers and corporations alike. It also comprises of 10 Private Suites, each featuring a fully lie flat seat and a 32” HD LCD screen. www.emirtes-executive.com

INTERNATIONAL HOTELS

Segway rides at Mandarin Oriental Pudong, Shanghai For the first time in the city, the hotel offers Segway rides to its guests along the Huangpu River, promising a unique perspective of the city. Guests can rent the Segway two-wheelers for a fun ride, accompanied by an experienced guide. These are so easy to ride, that anyone can learn it within minutes. 30 minute tours run daily between 3:30pm and 6:30pm, and this surely can be one of the highlight of your Shanghai trip. This electronic device allows the riders to smoothly glide across the landscape with virtually no effort, by gently adjusting their weight.

Price: RMB400. www.mandarinoriental.com

Romantic days for couple at Bad Ragaz

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ocated at just an hour’s drive from Zurich, nestled amid mountain scenery, the Grand Resort Bad Ragaz is a suitable place for your romantic getaway.

Their special romantic package includes, two nights’ accommodation of your choice in the hotel, including splendid breakfast. To make your trip special, they have aphrodisiac and magic herb potion in your room along with romantic gourmet dinner in the restaurant Bel-Air. The decoration in the room will add on to love in the air. You can also go for one luxury spa treatment of your choice. 36.5˚ Wellbeing Package is also a part of the same. www.resortragaz.ch

Suite indulgence at Yas Viceroy Abu Dhabi

Indulge in unforgettable memories at the Yas Lounge and treat yourself to a luxury stay in the modern suite and enjoy the complimentary afternoon tea for two including a glass of bubbly.

The package also presents you with a goody bag from the luxurious spa, ESPA which entails sample products and a discount voucher for future use. Along with offering complimentary shuttle to Yas Waterworld and Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, It also allows the guest to access Yas Beach. You can have fun at the children’s pool and adult only pool with your family.

Price: Starting at AED 849* When: Valid till 30th September 2013 www.viceroyhotelsandresorts.com

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Bookings start at The Chedi Andermatt from December

Offering 106 guest accommodations, with captivating views of Swiss Alps, The Chedi Andermatt, Switzerland invites bookings from 8th December. Offering four categories of rooms, starting from Deluxe Room, Grand Deluxe Room to Deluxe Suite and Gemsstock Suite, it is a perfect combination of style, service and serenity. Along with daily buffet breakfast, it also offers iPad for in room control and internet, 46 inch flat screen television, Bose sound system and a lot more. This is GHM’s first European property and offers ice skating rink, ski-in living room and a variety of gourmet delights.

Price: From US$1250 to US$2600 per night. www.ghmhotels.com

INTERNATIONAL HOTELS

Cost effective meetings with Centara Grand Located at the Chaweng Beach, Centara Grand Beach Resort Samui has one of the largest event spaces of Samui. Including lunch, it offers a special meeting package where organisers can select the venue for the coffee break, from the pre-function room to the garden or the beach. It also includes complimentary free-flow soft drinks during the lunch break if it involves more than 60 participants.

Along with this, the guests can also enjoy Thai cooking classes at 30% discounts and a lot more.

The graceful villa at Le Saint Géran, Mauritius

Price: Baht 1,500 per person for full day meeting or Baht 1,300 for a half day event For Bookings mail at: salcsbr@chr.co.th using the booking code CSBRMICE01

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he resort offers exclusive benefits to their guests, at the stunning two-bedroom residence with private pool and panoramic views of the Indian Ocean. The package includes a complimentary O&O 3-Course menu dinner on the beach for all occupants in the villa, excluding beverages, once during the stay. Complimentary Half Board applicable at La Terrasse main restaurant only is also a part of the package.

The residents can also enjoy a complimentary two-hour Chakra treatment by ESPA for a maximum of 2 adults, once during the stay. The offer is valid for a minimum stay of 5 nights at The Villa only.

When: Offer Valid Till 15th October 2013 www.oneandonlyresorts.com

VISA family fun package at Atlantis The Palm

Book your stay using the VISA card for an unforgettable trip with your family at Atlantis The Palm. Enjoy one night stay in a luxurious room of the hotel. You can also avail `10,000 dinner voucher to spend at a choice of the exclusive restaurants at the hotel including, Ronda Locatelli, Rostang and Levantine for every night of your stay. Enjoy daily breakfast with your family (2 adults and 2 children) at Kaleidoscope or Saffron.

The package also includes one free afternoon pass for two to Kids Club or Club Rush and two spa sessions for the price of one at ShuiQi Spa & Fitness along with more.

Savour fine dining at St. Moritz, Switzerland

When: Offer Valid till 27th September 2013 www.atlantisthepalm.com

The Engadin St. Moritz being a place with exclusive cuisines, enhancing the flavours are the award winning restaurants and hotels available in the vicinity. The Kempinski Grand Hotel des Bains offers a close combination of traditional and cosmopolitan culinary experience. Les Saison – The Grand Restaurant is the perfect place for best breakfast in Switzerland. Whereas, Enoteca – The Lifestyle Restaurant is famous for its Alpine Trilogies i.e. three delicacies in every course… The Asian Delight restaurant – Sra Bua is open during the winter season and serves a great selection of sake, Shochu, Japanese beer and the best international wines from the Kempinski cellar. www.engadin.stmoritz.ch September 2013 GO NOW

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NATIONAL HOTELS

A natural escape at Aamod Shoghi Wellness therapy at Mana Hotels

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ocated on a gentle hill slope, it is a must visit for those who love enjoying the unlimited glory of nature. This place is a perfect combination of tranquillity, lush green hills, and mesmerising views of the Shivalik range. It is an empire of rejuvenation and revitalisation. With their latest 2 nights/3 days package, the resort serves you with a well-appointed cottage, and various amenities to make your stay a memorable affair. It entails a delightful multi-cuisine restaurant and bar, The Colonial where you can indulge in excellent continental and Indian delicacies.

Price: starting from `13,152 When: valid till 31st September 2013 www.aamod.in

Experience splendid dining at Goa Marriot

To give you a break from your bustling routine, Goa Marriott Resort & Spa serves you with impressive Experiences – Dinning Package. The package is valid for two people, on a minimum stay of two consecutive nights or more. It includes buffet breakfast as well as daily buffet dinner for two guests at the all day dining restaurant, Waterfront Terrace & Bar. The couple will also be ser ved with two-way airport transfers in a luxury car. By enrolling in the Marriott Rewards loyalty programme guests can also avail a late check-out (till 3pm) and complimentary highspeed internet access.

Price: `8,500 to `15,000 For reservations, mail at: reservations.goa@marriotthotels. com or Call: +91-832-246-3333 www.goamarriottresort.com

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With their exclusive health & wellness package, Mana Hotels, Ranakpur are serving a rejuvenating experience in their luxury villas. With the support of Ranakpur Arogyadham and Dr. Ganga Singh Chouhan, an expert in healing lifestyle diseases with the natural environment of discipline and yoga, they are providing the best possible solutions for their guests. The guests will be provided with natural kitchen gardens, herbal plants, 30 minutes yoga sessions, health beverages and an interaction with Dr. Chouhan. This tour requires a minimum of two people to be functional, and will be conducted in a natural environment.

Price: For 2-10 people – `1,000 + taxes For more than 10 people – `750 + taxes www.manahotels.in

Double Tree by Hilton comes to Pune

It is the first international hotel brand to open in Pimpri – Chinchwad and boasts upscale accommodation for travellers. This 115 room property includes four food and beverage venues, an executive lounge, versatile meetings and events spaces along with much more.

With its prime location in the industrial belt of Pune, it fits perfectly for the business and corporate travellers.

The guest rooms at the hotel feature all modern conveniences. Hotel amenities include a 24-hour fitness centre, outdoor pool and a spa, delivering signature treatments based on ancient Indian rejuvenation techniques. www.doubletree.com

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INTERNATIONAL HAPPENINGS

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Brussels celebrates beer weekend

he B e l g ia n B r e we r s a nd Knighthood of the Brewers Ma sh staff organize the fir st weekend of September in co o p e r a t ion w it h t he c it y of Brussels, the Weekend of beer on the Grand Place in Brussels. A wide range of small, medium and large Belgian breweries present you their best selections of beers. For the 15th time many breweries welcome you to let you taste their liquid gold!

There would be more than 350 wellknown and lesser-known Belgian beers to discover. In addition to the Grand Place you can visit again this year Beer Street a counter of 50m with a wide range of Belgian specialty beers.

Where: Grote Markt 1000 Brussels When: 6th to 8th September 2013 www.visitflanders.in

Formula 1 in Abu Dhabi

An extravagant entertainment programme, presenting thrilling motorsport action on-track, the 2013 Formula 1 Etihad airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix will take place at the Yas Marina Circuit. Support races confirmed for the race weekend include the GP2 and GP3 Series, as well as the Porsche Supercup. Abu Dhabi Grand Prix ticket holders enjoy exclusive access to an inclusive and interactive entertainment programme in the Oasis areas behind the Yas Marina Circuit grandstands. More than 50,000 spectators from around the world are expected to witness this motorsport action this year.

When: 1st to 3rd November 2013. www.yasmarinacircuit.com

16 day trip discovering Europe Enjoy an exclusive insider’s view of Spain, Morocco and Portugal with Trafalgar. The deal includes dinner in a typical Andalusia whitewashed Finca. Also a local guide will help you go through the scenic and historical beauty of Madrid, Toledo, Granada, Fez, Casablanca and many more. The trip starts from Spain’s capital Madrid and will take you from Toledo, Granada, Costa del Sol, Fez, Marrakesh, Casablanca, and Lisbon and to Madrid in the end.

Featuring first class hotel accommodation it includes air fares, charges of ferries, baggage charges, tips, travel by luxury air-conditioned coach and a lot more.

Price: starting from US$2750 per person When: Pay in full on or before October 31st, 2013. www.trafalgar.com

The 23rd Monacho Yacht Show Showcasing world’s most spectacular yachts, the Monaco Yacht Show welcomes yacht enthusiasts from around the world. More than 100 of the world’s most significant luxury yachts will be showcased in Port Hercules, either available for luxury yacht charter or being exhibited to promote a shipyards’ expertise in new builds. The Monaco show remains the place to be whether you’re looking to step on-board this year’s finest super yacht offerings or discover the most innovative and tailor-made products and services that make luxury yachting the ultimate art of life.

When: 25th to 28th September 2013 www.visitmonaco.com

INTERNATIONAL HAPPENINGS

Music & food festivals in Wales this October Exciting fall festivals of New York

A city, where festivals and celebrations never stop is all set to invite you for a number of events this October. To savour the local dishes and Neath’s historic market town atmosphere, visit the Neath Food Festival being held on 4th and 5th October at Neath Port Talbot, Wales. There will be lots going on for the whole family including cookery demonstrations, children’s activities, product shows, live music and community projects. SWN Festival in Cardiff Wales going on for four days from 18th October celebrates new music coming in and out of Wales. Dylan Thomas Festival and Abertoir Film Festival are a few more interesting happenings of this place. www.visitwales.co.uk

The next five months bring in a thrilling bundle of festivals including dance festivals, literary and film festivals along with a lot more. It is now in its 87th year and will take place from 12th to 22nd September. Showcasing of cutting-edge dances at Fall for Dance Festival start from September 16 and go on till October 5th. Brooklyn Book Festival is a must visit for the literature enthusiasts as it is one of the renowned literature festivals, having a plethora of options for readers from around the world. Karen Russell, Jamaica Kincaid, Sam Lipsyte and many other well-known authors will be a part of this festival. www.nycgo.com

‘Visit Jordan’ application available on iPhones Explore the beautiful Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, and prepare yourself to be transported to this amazing destination even before you get there.

The official iPhone App from the Jordan Tourism Board provides you with a short description of the many historic, religious, cultural, and natural, adventure, and leisure sites in Jordan, accompanied by incredible pictures, helpful tips and useful maps! It is available on iPhone, iPad and iTouch by the name of ‘Visit Jordan’. The application is currently available in English and French, more languages are in the pipeline to be released soon. www.visitjordan.com

Spot best gardens of Canada with VIA Rail The Garden route of Canada’s VIA Rail features 19 different gardens and dozens of award-winning communities in bloom… it goes around between Toronto and Vancouver on the Canadian link. This route will take you through the Butchart Gardens which flaunt four seasons of colour, spring bulbs, a summer rose garden, summer perennials and Japanese maples shifting to red and gold. Eastward, VIA’s Ocean route connects Montréal and Halifax. In scenic St. Andrews, New Brunswick, Kingsbrae Garden includes a cedar maze, woodland walking trails and more than 50,000 perennials in themed gardens. www.viarail.ca

7th annual edition promoting

Cinema Tourism exclusively promoting cinema tourism conference and B2B meet with Bollywood

7th Annual Conference & Expo

October 19th–20th 2013. Juhu Novotel Mumbai

The networking forum where 300 leading producers from Mumbai cinema, both from the big and small screen, meet with providers and facilitators of ideal destinations suitable as cinemascapes, promoting cinema tourism Mumbai: 19th-20th October, 2013 16

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Mukesh Bhatt

President, Film & Television Producers Guild of India

Ramesh Sippy

Renowned Director & Producer and Senior Member, Guild

Cinemascapes, as we all know, has emerged I a m g l a d t o n o t e t h a t C i n as a viable platform for the stakeholders ema scape s ha s provided this from the tourism and film/television indus- platform and over the years since tries to brainstorm on important matters of its inception in 2006, a host of mutual interest and utilize the takebacks of tourist companies and organizathe event to broaden their long term per- tions from countries all over the spective. globe have utilized Cinemascapes Cinemascapes has well and truly carved to showcase not just their scea niche for itself – what with the ever in- n ic b e aut y a nd pic t u r e s que creasing response of delegates for the events landscapes but also apprised the from a year on year basis providing ample delegates about the various incentestimony to its growing popularity. What tives offered at their end. essentially began as an event to channel- Over the years, Indian cinema ize the enormous potential in the dalliance has traversed various cities and between the tourism and film sectors, has countries across the world and denow exceeded the aspirations of its founders picted the wholesome wonders of and has reinvented the very dynamics of the these locales thereby harnessing term coined as ‘Filmed Tourism’ which has or in some cases multiplying their engulfed a number of developing Indian cit- tourism quotient. At the other end ies in its wake not to speak about the various of the spectrum, Indian audiences countries who have displayed their beautiful get a glimpse of breathtaking visulocales for the past 6 or 7 years. als and natural beauty of countries As an active producer, I have been privi- they may or may not visit in their leged to shoot in more than 20 countries and lifetime. from a personal standpoint, I do understand This event is not just a conglomerathe nitty gritties and obstacles involved in tion of intelligent minds from the shooting abroad. We producers, do encoun- tourism and entertainment worlds ter infrastructural and production hurdles in of India but also a meeting ground many countries and Cinemascapes last year to explore new co-production artried to address this problem by organizing rangements and deals through the a myopic and introspective session on ‘Line one-to-one interaction gateway.

Producers’ involving the brightest minds of Cinemascapes – the annual conthe film & tourism industries. clave supported by the Film & From the Guild’s perspective as its President, Television Producers Guild of Init is my pleasure to witness this sapling of dia – is aimed at collaborating the Cinemascapes slowly but surely growing into efforts and thoughts of the tourism a fully developed tree which has integrated and entertainment industries. The the mutually dependent tourism and film synergies of both the industries worlds under its shade. My best wishesConfederation to neededoftoIndian be combined Industry and inteCinemascapes and a warm round of thanks to grated for mutual benefit and an Mr. Navin Berry and his Cross Section Media opportunity for experts from both Company for joining hands with the Guild in sectors to interact with each other this landmark initiative. was the need of the hour.

ANCHOR PARTNER

INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION PARTNER

Confederation of Indian Industry

Javed Akhtar

Chairman, CII National Committee on Media & Entertainment

Nakul Anand

Chairman, CII National Committee on Tourism

Everybody is familiar with We at Cll are delighted to the locations, rather cinema come on board the presscapes, that the film industigious Cinemascapes try patronises, and glorifies, event for this year. and thereby promotes to the Cinema Tour i sm i s a world through hundreds of growing niche market films shot every year. But for our country, both for what is not often talked film producers within about is the challenge of India, but equally for forgoing about, finding and eign producers. There is shooting in new and diverse a growing understanding cinema scapes within India of how cinema tourism and also overseas. There are work s, how effective the usual problems of getting the backdrops of films the logistics right keeping prov ide an incentive costs in control, keeping for t he audience to t ime under c he c k , a nd visit the countries and getting the shooting done de stinations t hat are without a glitch, while inters h o wc a s e d . C i n e m a acting with the authorities, as a marketing tool for with the weather gods, and a tourism promotional acsundry other imponderables. tivity is excellent value There is coordination refor money spent, a great quired at various levels. Line return on investment. producers become the anA s CII i s t he leading chors at every destination. indust r y body in t he And the platform of Cinec o u n t r y, w e a r e e x mascapes, over the years, cited about t his new has been growing in statpartnership. Our endeavure, by providing an annual our would be to bring to check-in on cinema scapes the table our resources across the globe. The Film to reach out to industry fraternity and the tourism at large, and also to the industry get together and tourism industry in parexchange news and views ticular, in spreading this on what the current trends importance of the film and practices are. medium and to bring We are confident that the about a vibrant interac7th annual edition will of mark tion at the event.

Confederation Indian Industry yet another step forward in We wish the event all this discovery. success.

I with the event every success.

ORGANISER

MEDIA PARTNER

Confederation of Indian Industry

Contact us for participation options ranging from exhibiting to diverse partnership opportunities.

Email: cinemascapes@crosssectionmedia.com Website: www.cinemascapes.co.in September 2013 GO NOW

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BUSINESS TRAVELLER

“I PREFER HOTELS NEAR THE AIRPORT” “I am fussy at the time of planning but relaxed after the preparation,” says Adesh Gupta, CEO, Liberty Group. He shares some essentials one should keep in mind while travelling

like me. Being a Senator member, I enjoy several privileges including exclusive airport lounges, upgrades, excess baggage allowance, confirmed reservations on a waiting list to name a few. Their ground and on board services are exceptional when compared to other airlines. With Emirates also, connectivity as well as the services remains good. The cabin crew is extremely friendly and from a wide range of nationalities. The seat comfort, food options, personalized attention from staff and a quick check-in makes it business friendly.

In terms of hotels, I prefer the ones which are near airports. For this reason, generally the places I travel to, Sheraton has good properties near the airport, and I prefer staying there. Also, they have good service and are value for money.

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ell us something about your top three airport experiences

I have met several eminent personalities at airports. Recently, I met Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Abhishek Bachchan in the lounge at the London airport. Similarly, I recently met Sri Sri Ravi Shankar at the Geneva airport. I find Dubai and Munich airports amongst the best, as they have good lounges, connectivity and are very comfortable and not too big. Unlike, the London airport which is so huge that it takes you 30 – 40 minutes to go from one terminal to another.

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hat are the essential comforts and facilities you look for while travelling?

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While travelling I look forward to the lounge facilities, which should include high quality food and beverages. Also, I would need good shower and spa facilities in the lounge.

Along with this, flat bed seats are essential.

Sometimes, I prefer having a good meal on ground before an overnight flight or journey.

you travel for business?

I generally go for exhibitions in Düsseldorf, Munich o you plan your travel through some D agencies or you do it yourself? Why? and Berlin. I find German exhibitions hich airlines and hotels do you very modern in W prefer and why? terms of signage and ease of things. ow frequently and where do

I travel around the world for business, around 6 to 10 times a year. Mostly I travel to Germany, France, Italy, UK and several Middle Eastern countries such as Dubai, Qatar, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. My travel generally concerns customer meets, exhibitions and meetings.

ADESH GUPTA CEO, Liberty Group

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My choice of airlines is Lufthansa and Emirates. Lufthansa offers the best connectivity in and out of India or within Europe. I am a frequent flyer member with many airlines particularly with these two airlines. Their top end membership, like being a Senator is very useful for frequent business travellers

My travel agency does all the bookings.

However, I deeply involve myself in all the planning considering my experience of 33 years of travel which is difficult to match by any staff member. Travel agencies can help you do all the ground work and you do not need to waste your time in arranging all this.

They give me the best of options, and I just need to choose and I am done.

D

o you attend any exhibitions or events regularly? Tell us something about your experience with the same.

I do attend conventions and exhibitions

BUSINESS TRAVELLER

“My choice of airlines is Lufthansa and Emirates.

In terms of hotel, Sheraton has good properties near the airport, and I prefer staying there. overseas. I generally go for exhibitions in Düsseldorf, Munich and Berlin. I find German exhibitions very modern in terms of signage and ease of things. We participate in footwear exhibitions in Düsseldorf which happen every six months.

W

hich convention and exhibition centers do you find the best out of all those you have visited till now?

Munich, Düsseldorf and Las Vegas are the best. They provide you with good ground support, and have special buses organized for the delegates to travel from the airport to the venue. Also, their exhibition directories are so explanatory that you have everything on your trip and you need not ask anyone for help.

W

Las Vegas Convention Centre, one of the preferred venues by Adesh Gupta

hat gadgets do you always travel with?

Going away on a busine s s tr ip is an experience which is both exciting and nerve-racking. Thus, I always travel with my I-Pad, Blackberry, additional handset with international SIM card, data card for my I-Pad and a digital camera.

C

an you give some tips to other fellow business travellers?

Always use technology to your advantage. Do proper planning of your trip in advance. Eat smart – nothing can ruin your trip faster than an intestinal parasite. If vegetarian, ensure that you have booked the right meal, before the trip. Never leave your handbag alone containing passport, tickets, currency at the time of check in/checkout from airlines/hotels and train stations. And most importantly, take time to unwind from stressful business meetings by enjoying the hospitality and by visiting tourist destinations.

W

hat kind of traveller are you?

Fussy at the time of planning but relaxed after the preparation and bookings are done. Many times I have to travel to five countries in six days. In such cases I want my plans to be well organized and everything as per my preferences. I am relaxed when I know that everything is set according to my schedule.

H

ow much time do you spend for preparing yourself before travelling?

I spend days in preparation of my business engagements, my itineraries and logistics.

Once that is done, I only need 2-4 hours on clothing and accessories and packing my suitcase.

A

ny country/city you are looking forward to visit?

Top on the list is Cape Town in South Africa and then Durban. I am also eager to see the Great Barrier Reef in Australia and travel to New Zealand, Brazil, Argentina.

D

o you think spending extra money for a Business Class seat is worth?

Spending extra money for a business class is worth provided it is value for money. While travelling for business, I prefer going through

business class only but if my children are travelling for a holiday then I would recommend Economy. If the Business Class seat offers a substantial difference in terms of comfort, food and baggage allowance then I may opt for that. Whereas, at some places there is not much difference in the basic fares of the business class seat, so you get more in the same price.

H

ow do you spend your time in the flight?

On short flights I read the newspapers and the in-flight magazines. On long routes or long haul a good movie, good sleep as well as networking with people is an option. Of course, a glass of champagne or a good aged wine is essential.

As told to NIKITA CHOPRA

September 2013 GO NOW

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BUSINESS TRAVELLER

“I prefer direct flights and avoid stopovers” Giving priority to her comfort while travelling, Preet Dhupar, COO, BBC World News, India talks to us about her experiences and discloses some useful tips.

H

ow frequently and where do you travel for business?

I tr y and restrict it to twice a month but sometimes I end up travelling every week. Mumbai and Delhi are both important locations for us from a business perspective, so a lot of travel happens to Mumbai. The South and East are important markets for us and we have an office in Bengaluru so those are business destinations, though less frequent. London is another frequently travelled destination as BBC Global News Ltd, which comprises of the BBC’s commercial arms BBC World News and bbc.com/news, is located in London.

W

hich airlines and hotels do you prefer travelling with and why?

I generally try and take direct flights and avoid stop overs, where possible. There are a few good airlines both for domestic and international travel which pride themselves on providing an efficient service. If a local carrier has a direct flight to my destination, my preference is to use them. I’m a great fan of Indian hospitality and I think some of the Indian chains of hotels are the best in the world in terms of hotel property, infrastructure and most of all service. I think in India we easily set the gold standard in

hospitality. Asia as a region has superior hospitality levels.

A

re you a frequent flyer member with airlines? Do you find it useful?

I am a frequent flyer member with a few select airlines which can be useful for cutting through check in queues and for your baggage to arrive early but beyond that I wouldn’t bother to stick to an airline simply to gather miles. The appropriate flight timing and quality of service is more important.

T

ell us something about your top three airport experiences

Delhi International airport T3 is now great.

The whole process of check in, immigration etc doesn’t take ver y long. Information screens are placed everywhere telling you how long it will take to get to a gate. It is an impressive airport. I wish all airports in India could follow this example, as an airport is the first glimpse you get of the country that you arrive in. Oversees, Singapore was my first international destination many years ago but I still remember being impressed by it.

W

hat are the essential comforts and facilities you look for while travelling?

A hotel in a location that is close to where the meetings are, particularly

Delhi International airport T3 is now great. The whole process of check in, immigration etc doesn’t take very long. It is an impressive airport.

PREET DHUPAR

COO, BBC World News, India

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in Mumbai as it is best to avoid spending too much time on the road wading through traffic. In London for example, I look at tube connectivity to the Central Line, as that’s what takes me to all the BBC offices. Airport transfers are booked in advance so that takes away any stress of looking for cabs. Local travel arrangements can be sorted later.

BUSINESS TRAVELLER

Terminal 3, Delhi International Airport

D

o you plan your travel through some agencies or you do it yourself?

The agency is normally the corporate travel agency that the office uses. It can differ from time to time. My secretary usually helps me sort out the bookings.

W

hich was the last conference/ exhibition you attended? And how was your experience?

One of the best conferences I’ve attended recently was APOS (Asia Pacific Pay TV Operators Summit) in Bali organized by MPA (Media Partners Asia). The conference was at Ayana Resort Bali. It is a large resort, close to the airport and caters surprisingly well to a business conference.

It had well serviced facilities for the size of the conference equipped with the right technology, ample space in the form of smaller meeting rooms for companies who were hoping to do business at the conference and enough interesting venues for evening events - both indoors and outdoors.

W

hat gadgets do you always travel with?

An adapter is an absolute must. The last

thing I want to be stuck with is not being able to plug in my computer or change my phones. I also arrange for an international sim card in advance. I carry my i-Pad as most places have Wi-Fi access. The BBC news app keeps me updated with news, wherever I am.

C

an you give out some tips to fellow business travellers?

Reach the airport ahead of time. It’s better to spend time at the airport than stressing about whether you will reach on time for the flight Check the weather before you pack. The BBC Weather App is best suited for this.

When in London, check the weather before you get dressed for the day!

Pack in advance – don’t leave things to last minute Use web check in wherever possible as it saves a lot of time Eventually don’t stress – as long as you have your passport, your ticket, your laptop and your credit card, everything else is manageable!

W

hat kind of traveller are you?

As a frequent traveller, I am very

relaxed and comfortable with packing and heading on business trip. In terms of preparation, it depends on the length of the trip. Packing for domestic trips is fairly simple and can take max up to 20 minutes.

International trips can take a bit longer.

A

ny country/city you are looking forward to visit?

D

o you think spending extra money for a Business Class seat is worth?

H

ow do you spend your time in the flight?

Austria has a diverse mix of landscapes.

I’ve always been attracted to the mountains.

Austria offers a fair mix of nature, culture and history. I look forward to a trip there.

European cities on my list are Prague and Budapest. I’d also like to go trekking in Bhutan.

Definitely for a long haul flight. I tend to travel overnight and arrive straight for work which is not easy to do if you travel economy.

I like to catch up on my reading so I always carry a book with me. Watch movies on a longer flight, and also catch up on work!

As told to NIKITA CHOPRA September 2013 GO NOW

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BUSINESS TRAVELLER

“Westin and Fairmont maintain world class facilities” SHAILY GROVER Managing Director, OSIM

“I find solace in Leti,” SABINE HELLER CEO & President, ASMALLWORLD

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“I look for hotels that have friendly atmosphere”

“Taj group serves all my demands”

Managing Director and President, EuroKids International

Managing Director, Indian Subcontinent, Tupperware

VIKAS PHADNIS

ASHA GUPTA

“DeviGarh Palace, Udaipur “I like Grand Hyatt and is a perfect retreat away Hyatt Regency for their happy hours” JAYANT SINGH, from the noise” HEMANT Founder, International Hospitality Partners

SAGAR, Co-founder, Lecoanet Hemant

BUSINESS TRAVELLER

MY

Preferred Hotel IN INDIA “Taj Mahal Palace offers personalised services” GEETA BECTOR

Chief Tasting Officer , Mrs Bector’s Cremica Foods

“I like Hyatt as it has got an Asian stroke to it” SUNIL PUNJABI

Business Head, AXN India

GoNow gets varied and interesting responses from interviews with 8 business heads and corporates on their hotel experiences, expectations and preferences when travelling within the country. Here are the highlights of a few emerging themes: • Creating an environment of comfort and warmth by providing the best of Indian hospitality.

• Frequent travellers at times prefer going back to the same hotel due to the comfort of being familiar with the staff and the property.

• Corporates looking for a holiday within India, prefer hotels that are tucked away from the busy city life, provide great views

and an opportunity to relax and unwind with good spa facilities.

• Hotel selection also depends a lot on the location.

For a business trip, corporates prefer accommodation within close proximity to the airport while for a leisure vacation; they go for a hotel located close to leisure activities and within the city’s main activity hub.

• Getting great food is of course a primary factor; particularly hotels that offer good multi-cuisine restaurants.

• Lastly, of course is the personalized service. Nothing like building a loyal guest by remembering their name, preferences and ensuring personal care.

September 2013 GO NOW

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BUSINESS TRAVELLER

“Westin and Fairmont maintain world class facilities” SHAILY GROVER

Managing Director, OSIM

“M

y work at OSIM requires a lot of travelling. In a month I usually travel at least 3-4 times (domestic or international). The reason I travel so often is to understand the market trends, meet business associates and evaluate consumer behaviour. My business trips are generally for a day or two and I prefer staying at Westin and Fairmont hotels as they maintain a similar world class facility everywhere. Fairmont Hotels & Resorts provide unique luxury along with a productive business environment as well as a great hotel experience. Great architecture, structure, expressive décor and artistry give an extraordinary experience while staying there. Westin Hotels & Resorts indulge their guests in elements of well-being. Their refreshing ambience, innovative programs and thoughtful amenities help provide a stay that leaves you feeling better. After hectic headlong meetings, I look for a place that provides comfort, convenience and value for the money spent”.

Suryagarh Palace, Jaisalmer

“I look for hotels that have friendly atmosphere” VIKAS PHADNIS Managing Director and President, EuroKids International

“I

Westin Pune 24

GO NOW September 2013

love to travel and I use every opportunity that I get to explore interesting cities in India and overseas. Being a history enthusiast, I love travelling to places that have a rich historical story to tell. I love exploring the place and experience the culture and the history that unfolds.

This is precisely reason why my favourite destination in India is Rajasthan. And among all the cities in Rajasthan, Jaisalmer is one place that really fascinates me. The fusion of magic and vibrancy of the sand dunes with Rajputana history and culture is a priceless experience. Having frequented the city many a times I have definitely had a chance to try out many hotels.

And while they all have had something that I liked, my personal favourite is Suryagarh Palace. What I look for in a hotel apart from its magnificence is the architecture and a place that has good service and a very friendly and warm environment. Even a small and clean shack that has good service is sufficient for me. What I admire most about Suryagarh Palace is the friendly and efficient staff, comfortable and high quality interiors and traditional architecture that gives me the experience and the feel of royal princely life. I make it a point to visit it at least once a year”.

BUSINESS TRAVELLER

Taj Krishna, Hyderabad

“I

spend 50% of my time travelling both within India and overseas. I am extremely choosy about my hotel preference as I treat it as a home away from home and it should have all amenities and warmth. In India, I have found the Taj Group of Hotels among those who serve all my demands and subsequently has become my preferred chain of hotels. The familiarity and comfort which resides in their each hotel, makes me travel with ease and staying becomes hassle free. Talking of the luxury that I typically look in a hotel are – location, club room and lounge with Wi-Fi access and a hi-tech gym which is open 24 hours. Some of the Taj properties I enjoy staying in most are- Mumbai Lands End, BangaloreThe West End and Taj Krishna in Hyderabad.”

“M

umbai is the city of dreams. Whenever I travel to Mumbai, I personally prefer to stay at The Taj Mahal Palace Hotel. The hotel is located in Colaba, next to the Gateway of India, the most prime location in Mumbai. The simple reason behind why I prefer The Taj Mahal Palace Hotel is that the hospitality i s abs olutely impre s sive.

The staff always remembers you from your last visit and a lway s k now s what your preferences are. They always make it a point to offer you their personalized services in all aspects. I almost feel like being at home when I am staying at the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, Mumbai. The quality of the hotel has never dithered and I have never had any problems during my stay at the hotel. I have always made it a point to stay at the Taj Mahal palace Hotel, Mumbai when I visit the city.”

“Taj Mahal Palace offer personalised services” GEETA BECTOR

Chief Tasting Officer , Mrs Bector’s Cremica Foods Tata Presidential Suite, Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai

“Taj group serves all my requirements” ASHA GUPTA

Managing Director, Indian Subcontinent, Tupperware September 2013 GO NOW

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BUSINESS TRAVELLER

“I

spent par t of my childhood in Mumbai, so the city’s still very close to my heart. That said, my favourite place to holiday would be in Mahe shwar, staying at Ahilya Fort. It’s my grandfather’s family’s place and I went there a lot as a child. My grandfather has done a tremendous job conver ting it into a hotel without losing its character.

It’s well off the beaten path – you experience India not as a

Grand Hyatt Mumbai

“I find solace in Leti, Uttarakhand”

“I

tourist at all, because the interior feels like a palace and he still functions as a prince. When you’re staying there, it’s not like you’re going and visiting temples. You can read in temples or spend the whole day in spaces that people are often only able to briefly visit. Another perfect holiday spot for me would be Raas’ in Jodhpur where you can see the true meaning of luxury through the authenticity of craftsmanship and materials. Finally, it’s the 360° Leti in Uttarakhand where I find solace in the innovative combination of traditional building techniques and contemporary design. 360° Leti is set in a stunning mountain wilderness at 8,000 feet. It is a place where you can take time to reflect, and allow the space, peace and beautiful landscape to work their magic around you.”

SABINE HELLER

CEO & President, ASMALLWORLD

360° Leti Resort, Uttaranchal

“I like Grand Hyatt and Hyatt Regency for their location and business facilities” JAYANT SINGH

founder, International Hospitality Partners (IHP)

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travel to different place s fo r my work and in every major city I have a favourite in terms of hotels. I think there is no use of changing hotels again and again.

One should identif y where his/her comfort lie s and should make it their signature hotel when it comes to staying and unwinding. In Delhi, Bombay and Pune my preferences are Grand Hyatt & Hyatt Regency because of its proximity to airport, there Grand Club, as you can do business throughout the day, Also they provide flexibility in room preferences like sea facing and oceanic view. In Hyderabad, my preference remains with The Park Hyatt, for the hotel ae s t het ic s a nd brilliant interiors and of course for its comfortable rooms. In Bangalore, I l i ke t o s t a y a t Ta j Westend because of the magnificence of the hotel and greenery around it.

Also their F&B outlets are remarkable.”

BUSINESS TRAVELLER

“I

am an avid traveller, and I choose a hotel based on where it’s located, the heritage and culture of the place, and the experience it c a n o f f e r. D e v i G a r h Palace in Udaipur is a good example of this kind of place – it is full of the old-world charm of Rajasthan. Because it is located on the outskirts of the city, it’s a perfect retreat from the noise and

“DeviGarh Palace, Udaipur is a perfect retreat away from the noise” HEMANT SAGAR

Co-founder, Lecoanet Hemant

the crowds. I also like its design aesthetic, which mixes the traditional with the modern. Another favourite of mine is the Taj Mahal Hotel in Mumbai. By the sea, it has fabulous views, and because it’s in the heart of South Mumbai, it is close to all the art galleries. I enjoy walking around the lanes of Colaba, visiting stores for handicrafts and antiques – I recommend it highly.

When I want to relax, recharge and focus on wellness, I visit the Carnoustie Ayurveda and Wellness Resort in Kerala. The simple lifestyle and closeness to nature really appeal to me. Their Ayurvedic philosophy and spa services offer a range of treatments which are holistic and focus on one’s well-being.”

Devigarh Palace, Udaipur

Hyatt Regency Pune

“W

hen it comes to staying in a hotel my preference has always remained with Hyatt not just domestically but also internationally. The reason for this would be their unmatchable hospitality and warmth unlike most of the other hotels where the attitude of the hotel staff is little snobbish. Hyatt hotels have got an Asian stroke in the way they treat their guests to which I can relate easily, home or abroad. There is something about the way they greet you or are ready always to help you with your queries. The other major reason why I like Hyatt is because of its scrumptious food. First the ambience of their food zone and second of course the food itself. They have enormous options when it comes to food and the taste is suitable for every palate. Also the multiple cuisine sometimes confuse me what to choose. So I guess my preference would stay with Hyatt precisely because of its hotel staff and variety of food.”

by ANUPRIYA BISHNOI

“I like Hyatt as it has got an Asian stroke” SUNIL PUNJABI

Business Head, AXN India September 2013 GO NOW

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MICE DESTINATION

COLOMBO AN IDEAL COASTAL MICE VENUE Beyond beaches and tea plantations, Colombo is a preferred location for incentive tours for corporate travellers. Serving to this segment of travellers, it also comprises of state-of-the-art convention centres and MICE facilities perfect for hosting conferences of international stature.

Decorated venue at SLECC

Theatre style setting at Sri Lanka Exhibition and Convention Centre

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Sri Lanka Exhibition and Convention Centre This multi-purpose fully air-conditioned centre was the first in the country under the Board of Investment Approvals. It is the perfect place to meet the demands of organisers looking for venues with high capacity. Located in the heart of the city, it can easily attract people from all across the country. Well connected from all over, the leading modes of transports can be easily reached within 500 meters of reach.

The whole facility is built in an area of 40,000 sq. ft. (approximately) with a totally column free layout. It has a highly formidable floor loading of 4.5 Kn./Sq. m. which helps in easy assembly, installation of any type of machiner y, sensitive equipment and decorative exhibits and is an ideal venue for a multitude of events, like, exhibitions, conventions, product launches, award ceremonies, meetings/get-togethers, musical concerts, weddings, etc. Being a column free facility, it has a highly customizable format and is fit for any type of events and meet the requirements of the organisers, be it a fashion show or a formal conference.

It can easily accommodate 3,000 people in a classroom style arrangement which is a good number for corporate events and international

CAPACITY: Sri Lanka Exhibition and Convention Centre Floor Area (Sq. m.)

CLASSROOM STYLE

THEATRE STYLE

U-SHAPE

LUNCH/DINNER

COCKTAILS

4,000 sq. m.

3,000

4,000

2,050

2,500

3, 000

conferences. Whereas, if it is set in a theatre style, then it can host around 4,000 people, which makes it a lot more comfortable.

Also, the convention centre is very well equipped with break-up rooms or the pre-

function areas which the organisers can use to make their guests comfortable. These can be converted into a meeting room for clients, or for coffee or even a dressing room if required. Updated with latest technology,

Sri Lanka’s Premier International Hotel Supplies Expo

Exhibition at SLECC

September 2013 GO NOW

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MICE DESTINATION Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall

the staff at the centre are also very well acquainted with the same.

Along with this facility, extensive parking space is also a must, and SLECC doesn’t lack behind here too as it can accommodate over 2, 000 vehicles in public car parks within just 500m of distance.

VIPULA WANIGASEKERA General Manager, Sri Lanka Convention Bureau

“Sri lanka’s MICE location are so diverse and unique that Indian corporates always would be inclined to have their meetings or incentives at some point of time in the coming two years. People are attracted towards Colombo, firstly because of its accessibility, you can come from anywhere, secondly, entire Colombo has received a facelift in the last two years with new shopping complexes, entertainment centres and nightlife.

There is massive development of infrastructure in Colombo with new hotel brands such as Shangri-la, Hyatt, Movenpick, OZO, planning to start their operations in the next 3-4 years. We are getting regular Indian groups and most of them are now also visiting outside Colombo and we are hoping to increase the number.”

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Bandranaike Memorial International Conference Hall Built in the memory of the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka from 1956 to 1959, S.W.R.D. Bandranaike, the hall and the gardens cover an area of 37 acres in the Bauddhaloka Mawatha in Colombo. The hall is one-of-its-kind all over Asia.

The main hall is a very beautiful piece of architecture, as it is built in an octagonal shaped building and can accommodate a total of 1,500 people comfortably. It entails a large stage spread across an area of 2,360 sq. ft. Focusing to host large scale international conferences; the hall has a facility for simultaneous interpretation in seven languages.

To accommodate small meetings, this facilit y also include s a banquette hall on the ground floor, this can accommodate 540 people.

A cinema hall is also a part of the ground floor of the BMICH. The over-head bridge connected to the

rear part of the building consists of two large and four small committee rooms, 90 office rooms are a part of the eastern wing of the hall. Srimavo Bandaranaike Memorial Exhibition Centre, the most renowned Exhibition venue in Sri Lanka is spread in a vast area of 4, 500 sq. mts.

A variety of events can take place at two other venues in BMICH, which is Mihilaka Medura, the eco - auditorium and the Open Air Theatre, Kolomba Kamatha.

These various types of exhibition centres, conference halls and meeting rooms, together serve an opportunity for corporate travellers to organise meetings and events of different volumes. Most of the venues are enhanced with P.A. system facilities, recording, interpretation, multi-media projector, stage lighting and a lot more. But, this varies from one venue to another.

CAPACITY: Bandranaike Memorial International Conference Hall Venue

Floor Area (Sq.m)

Capacity

Main Assembly Hall

650

1500

Committee Room A

375

352

Committee Room B

375

500

Committee Room C or D

175

160

Banquet Hall

635

850

Delegates Lounge

1600

1500

Restaurant

250

200

Exhibition Centre

4000

2500

Mihilaka Medura

283

400

SBMEC Auditorium

1865

1700

BCIS Auditorium

220

200

MICE DESTINATION

Taj Samudra Nestled in vast area of landscaped gardens, and facing the historic Galle Face Garden on the waterfront, Taj Samudra, one of the largest hotels in Colombo is appropriately designed for the corporate business traveller.

Along with offering you a choice of 300 centrally air-conditioned accommodation options, it also offers varied choices of meeting rooms.

Its various MICE facilities can effortlessly assist meetings and conferences of national and international level ranging from 20 to 700 people with grace. The Samudra Ballroom, one of the largest indoor meeting facilities of the hotel is put up in an area 5,628 sq. ft. and can accommodate 500 people in a theatre style seating, and 700 people for a cocktail party. If you are looking to host a large number of guests, then you can beautifully organise it at the outdoor facilities, including, two well landscaped lawns and a pool terrace. The North Lawn is a bare land and can easily accommodate 2,500 people.

Whereas, the South Lawn has trees and gazebos and has a capacity of 1,500 people... the pool side area is a picturesque venue for your get-togethers with friends or informal parties with colleagues. It is a private area accommodating around 250 people.

Crystal Room, another venue for your conferences is divided into two parts, one on the lower floor whereas other on the upper floor. Both of them are individually spread across an area of 2,970 sq. ft. and can accommodate from 300 to 350 people.

Longdon and Gregory are the two meeting rooms, at the hotel, appropriate for around 80 people.

The Kingsbury Not only unparalleled venues for your events, but The Kingsbury, Colombo also serve you with attentive and impeccable service to make your event memorable. The hotel has a wide range of venues available

for formal as well as informal events and can host from 10 to 800 people. The venues are equipped with state-of-the-art equipments and excellent services to ensure that every event is a success.

The Balmoral, is an expansive location, with a grandeur of the 20th century and transforms into a true glamour when all set to host its guests. It can accommodate a maximum of 800 guests in a theatre style seating. It has extensive facilities along with high-speed internet for the guests. The Victorian is a rooftop facility, serving its guests with charming views of the Indian Ocean and the Galle Face Green. It is an ideal location for your private parties or formal functions for your colleagues and easily accommodates up to 200 guests.

If you wish to treat your guests royally, then do not miss The Winchester. With iron gates and great architecture, it evokes a thought of the regal era. This is built in an area of 3,999 sq. ft. on the lower lobby level and can accommodate around 200 guests (seated). Kensington Room, Knightsbridge Room, and Dorche ster Room are the meeting rooms accommodating around 10 – 20 people individually.

HxLxW 11x134x42 10.7x80x39 19.7x99x30

AREA Sq. Ft. 5,628 3,120 2,970

Princess suite, Cinnamon Lakeside

CAPACITY: The Kingsbury Venue The Balmoral The Victorian The Winchester Kensington Room Knightsbridge Room Dorchester Room Poolside The Oval

Floor Area 7,725 3,824 3,999 211 203 319 7, 725

Capacity 800 200 200 20 20 20 150 100

Cinnamon Lakeside Cinnamon Lakeside Colombo is home to the first and only custom built floating venue in the city. Bordering the Beria Lake in a beautiful landscaped 7 acre property, this five star hotel is the epitome, of indulgence offering 346 completely renovated rooms and suites with pool and lake, city or sea views. All first floor

CAPACITY: TAJ SAMUDRA VENUE Samudra Ballroom On Golden Pond Crystal Room Upper Floor Crystal Room Lower Floor Longdon Gregory Regency Poolside North Lawn South Lawn

Gregory, Taj Samudra

Theatre 500 300 330

Classroom 120 60 160

Boardroom 150 100 100

U-Shape 120 70 60

Cocktail 700 300 350

13.4x99x30 2,970

250

120

60

60

300

25.2x29x31 899 25.2x29x31 899 7 988

80 80 60

42 36 32 42 36 32 30 24 24 Total Capacity – 250 Total Capacity – 2, 500 (Bare) Total Capacity – 1, 500 (with trees and gazebo)

60 60 40

The Kingsbury

rooms boast private balconies whilst suites are furnished with large private terraces.

It has very unique venues for your meetings and conferences. Giving you an option to organise events with guests ranging from 20 to 500, it serves different menus with cuisines like, Sri Lankan, International, Singaporean, Thai and Indian. Its extraordinarily unique, floating venue, 8° On The Lake is appropriate to host 100 guests across an open upper and air conditioned lower deck. Its boardrooms, very interestingly named, Duchesse Suite, Princess Suite, and Empress Suite are tailormade to fit in various needs of the corporate travellers. Kings Court, Earls Court, Dukes court and Queens Court are a few more venues for weddings and corporate events available at the hotel.

CAPACITY: Cinnamon Lakeside Venue Kings Court Earls Court Dukes Court Queens court

Theatre 700 175 60 100

Classroom 300 70 25 60

Reception 500 250 60 60

Banquet 350 200 50 60

by NIKITA CHOPRA September 2013 GO NOW

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AIR TRAVEL

Singapore Airlines

BONUS OF TRAVELLING IN

BUSINESS CLASS

According to the facts, Business class was originally intended as an intermediate level of service between economy class and first class, but now most airlines offer business class as the highest level of service, providing corporate travellers the best of the lot. Right from the exclusive check-in to the superior treatment inside the aircraft, the amenities that one enjoys travelling in a business-class are enormous. GoNow talks to few leading airlines that provide royal treatment to their customers and try to make a customised atmosphere for them while they travel.

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AIR TRAVEL

British Airways B r i t i s h A i r w ay s’ C l u b Wo r l d c a bi n combines elements from the home and business to create a sleek, yet comfortable environment. Some of the key benefits of Club World include wide, comfortable seats with a ‘z’ bed position, excellent privacy, ample storage, The Club kitchen, audio and video on demand. The beds ‘z’ position, supports the knees and back in a seated recline. The bed can also increase from 6 feet to 6 feet and 6 inches when in the ‘z’ setting. The deep recline angle is perfect for snoozing and lounging and ideal for watching the in-flight entertainment or reading. Also the seat can be customised to each per son’s individual shape a s both the headrest and lumbar areas are adjustable and the headrest includes a layer of memory foam. The privacy screen is electronically controlled, folding down

into the body of the seat. It is made of a type of material called Lumisty, that when looked through directly is opaque, yet when looked through from above is transparent.

This means that customers retain privacy from their neighbour but crew delivering the service can see through the screen.

A storage drawer is included in each seat area. It is easily accessible when seated and can hold a range of items including a laptop, handbag and shoes.

The Club Kitchen enables customers to help themselves to a wide range of chilled savoury snacks, sweet items and drinks between the meal services. The items include noodle salad and fruit pots, sandwiches, wraps, bite-size cakes, organic chocolate, mixed chocolate bars, crisps and smoothies. There is also a choice of wines, beers, lagers and soft drinks available. The galley has glass chiller-units, making it easy to find and select the snacks.

Qatar Airways’ Boeing 777-300ER Business Class

Singapore Airlines The bed in Business Class of Singapore Airlines allows you to work and lounge in a uniquely spacious environment. Featuring a dedicated sleeping surface for added comfort, it is designed to accommodate virtually any sleeping position. The seat has leather seat cushion with 125 degree recline in seating configuration. The width of their existing seat is 30”. The unrivalled space between each seat, providing you direct access to the aisle, is a hallmark of their unique 1-2-1 forward facing cabin layout.

Thoughtfully designed spaces have been allocated to accommodate your personal items like gloves, spectacles and cabin bags in an unobtrusive manner. One of the most popular service is the in-flight entertainment they provide. Singapore Airlines recently revamped the in-flight services that they provide to their fliers, making it more

Emirates Business Class

Airlines

Seat Pitch

Seat Width

Power Connection

WiFi

Seat Recline

Seat Configuration

Bed Length

British Airways (Boeing 777200)

78 inches

25.25 inches

yes

Yes

180 degrees

2:4:2

72 inches

Singapore Airlines (Boeing 777-200R )

63 inches for the centre and 65 inches for the outboard

30 inches

yes

Yes

125 degrees

1:2:1

76 inches

Lufthansa (7478)

57-60 inches

19.68 inches

yes

Yes

172 degrees

2:2:2

77.95 inches

Emirates

NA

NA

NA

NA

NA

NA

NA

Qatar Airways

NA

NA

NA

NA

NA

NA

NA

Cathay Pacific (Airbus A330300)

21 inches

20.2 inches

yes

no

180 degrees

1:2:1

82 inches

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AIR TRAVEL innovative. World Gourmet Cuisine is what is being served to the travellers, which include an exquisite combination of international and local delicacies. The menu also includes the signature dishes from their International Culinary Panel. Customers travelling on the Airline’s new Business Class can look forward to even more refined service and dining experience with restaurant-style full table settings on long-haul flights. All meals on business class are served in serviceware specially designed by Givenchy, and a cheeseboard service featuring the finest cheeses. An enhanced snack service is available where customers can choose from sandwiches and a selection of savoury and sweet items such as biscuits, soup, instant noodles or fresh fruits. Customers on Singapore Airlines enjoy wines from the very best vineyards, selected by some of the world’s most educated palates. They source wines from many of the world’s most famous wine regions. The selection of wines includes pouring from France, Germany, Australia, New Zealand, America, and Italy. Port wine and Charles Heidsieck Brut Reserve champagne are also served.

Also available is a fine selection of brewed coffee comprising Brazil Santos Bourbon, Colombian Supremo, and Kenyan A A Kilimanjaro along with an extensive range of International, Asian and Chinese tea blends.

In fact, Singapore Airlines was the first to introduce Illy coffee on board.

Lufthansa On board, the business class, Lufthansa has the spacious seats with generous pitch that

Club World seat, British Airways

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gives you plenty of space and a high degree of privacy. All aircrafts are gradually being fitted out with the new Business Class which offers you even greater comfort: the new seat can be converted intuitively into an almost two-metre-long bed with a fully flat surface.

Lufthansa treats you on board to richly varied menus by selected top chefs as well as to an extensive choice of alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks. . Through video-on-demand you can customise your entertainment just the way you want. If you would like to use your time on board for business matters, the work table, plug socket and reading lamp at your seat provide the ideal conditions.

Sending and receiving e-mails, accessing your company’s intranet or surfing the web is also possible on an increasing number of our flights by using Lufthansa FlyNet, an on-board broadband Internet service.

Another prime feature of the business class is generous surfaces to put things on and additional storage compartments on the seat itself.

Emirates Enjoy lie-flat comfort on selected aircraft with Business Class seats of Emirates that convert into a flat bed at the touch of a button. Using the touchscreen controller, you can adjust your seat to suit your own preferences and comfort. Each seat extends to form a flatbed up to 79 inches long. The flat-bed seats are tailored to the way you like to travel, with an in-seat power supply for laptops and extra-large table providing a comfortable workspace. Relax with your large-screen personal entertainment system,

Lufthansa Airlines

along with the built-in mini-bar in every seat, personal storage area and privacy divider.

Lie-flat Business Class seats are available on all Emirates A380 aircraft, and most Boeing 777 aircraft. Business Class cabins on other aircraft offer deeply-reclining comfort, or spacious sleeperettes.

T he menu i s r e g iona ll y in s pir e d, including healthy options, all presented on Royal Doulton fine bone china with exclusive Robert Welch cutlery providing Business Class dining that’s unmatched.

Enjoy multiple courses and complimentary champagne and vintage wines, along with other cocktails and beverages.

Cathay Pacific Settling into the contemporar y wingback chair, passengers are cocooned in their own private area which has been sculpted to maximise living space with Cathay Pacific. Individual privacy is assured without compromising freedom of movement. The moment a passenger steps into their private area, they notice the generous space available in the side storage, which is sufficient for handbags or laptop cases. A side cabinet and shoe locker provides secure storage for small valuables and shoes. During the flight the side cabinet can be fixed in the open position to double as a privacy screen. Everything passengers need to control their environment is close at hand. The entertainment handset o p e r a te s a w i d e s c r e e n o n - d e m a n d entertainment system. A premium-car-style seat controller enables passengers to adjust their seat at the touch of a button – from

AIR TRAVEL

Cathay Pacific

upright, through the relax position and into a fully flat bed. The bed is one of the longest and widest provided on any commercial airline, allowing passengers to sleep in any position. The foams have been ergonomically designed to optimize comfort in the sitting position and also to promote deep sleep.

Bed extension deploys automatically as the seat transforms into a bed, increasing t he bed w idt h. T he cent re s eat s a re gently angled towards each other, making them perfect for those travelling with a companion. When reclined into the seat with the screen deployed, pr ivacy is assured. However with a touch of a button the seat slides forward allowing passengers to interact with their travel companions over a central cocktail table.

Cathay Pacific’s in-flight menu carries a wide range of international cuisines.

To cater to Indian passengers, they have Indian vegetarian meal, which has spicy vegetarian combinations, with limited use of dairy products. They also have Indian-style meal that contains no beef, veal or pork,

but with lamb, domestic fowl, other meats, fish and milk products for Indians who would like to eat non vegetarian food on flight. The Chinese main course (signature dish) is served with a bowl of steaming hot jasmine rice. Fliers can have freshly made espresso, cafe latté, cappuccino, or a cup of Chinese tea in all classes to strike a perfect finale to the meal. Recently the airways have introduced a specially selected quartet of Rhône Valley wines from the Rhone valley in Business Class. The four French wines will be served on rotation, so passengers will be able to enjoy one of the promotional wines alongside the regular selection during the promotion period. The featured wines are: Delas, St-Joseph “Les Challeys” 2011, Caves St-Pierre, Crozes-Hermitage 2011, Domaine Mas du Bouquet, Vacqueyras 2010 and Ogier, Rasteau “Helianthe” 2011.

Qatar Airways Fe el at e a s e w it h Q at a r A i r w ay s’ sophisticated and elegant cabin. Generous storage will keep your belongings within

reach and sophisticated LED lighting will help you adjust to changing time zones.

Settle into unparalleled comfort; adapt your personal space to suit your needs. Lounge on an ottoman, recline fully to catch some sleep or make productive use of your time with a large work surface. The seat also features ample stowage options, a vast selection of in-flight entertainment and a contemporary setting for 5-star cuisine. Stay connected with an on air mobile service, laptop power and a USB plug. A large working area and total privacy will enable you to roll up your sleeves and get busy. On board B787, Wi-Fi makes it easy to stay on top of your work with uninterrupted access to colleagues and clients. Take pleasure in signature dishes designed exclusively for Qatar Airways by four celebrity chefs. An on-demand menu service lets you enjoy your meal whenever you like. The wine collection is expertly chosen by 2 Master of Wines who pick the best vintages from the world’s best producers. Enjoy sommelier style service at 35,000 feet.

by ANUPRIYA BISHNOI September 2013 GO NOW

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METRO TRAVEL

Mumbai’s Chic Chill Zones

Sink into the tres cool environs of Mumbai’s finest luxury lounge bars and their singularly enchanting offerings.

By KISHORE and SMITA IYENGAR

T

hey epitomize the city’s eclectic entertainment and rendezvous paradigm with their str ikingly indiv idualistic identitie s. Mumbai’s fine st luxury lounge bars live up the plush sophistication of their uber chic ambience, imploring design aesthetics, food and beverage highlights and mood modes with youthful zest.

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Four Seasons HotelA

AER

Mumbai’s most thrilling high altitude luxury lounge experience without compare. Three sixty degree views command awe and grandeur well past the green turfs and open seas. Atop the five star property, concocted creations create a concoction of high spirits, washed by the breeze, mood lit covers and an elevated circular bar, the centre point attraction. We soaked in the expansive views and the ambience of evening lavender, mauve and lingering crimson, till pearl white and nocturnal seduction took over.

Signature blend ‘Ladyboy’ urged us to an evocative mix with rum, Kaffir lime, coconut syrup

and grapefruit. That set off our sprightly beginning to Melon Monkey and Lust, cocktails with quirky intentions! The vistas looked grander by now! as the nibbles walked in hot and hearty. Whisky smoked Salmon-buttered Pumpernickel, Lamb sliders-onion Brioche-Tzatziki and Wild Mushroom Aranchini-Pimento dip. It was en evening tinted by effervescing maidens in cocktail garb.

Our adventure ascended to new heights and our Aer-Rated tall one came along…Champagne, Elder flower, lime juice. The One Fourteen – vodka, ginger, pineapple soothed the journey further as Summer Love made music with vodka, lemon grass, watermelon and cranberry. Hushed tones, sweet somethings, expectant glances and

METRO TRAVEL

Shangri-La Hotel MumbaiA

THE LOBBY LOUNGE

sensuous poise coloured the ‘Aer’ as we stepped up our experimentation with some of the snazziest cocktails above town.

Langorous shadows cast a spell with our Zephyr –Champagne, gin, rose syrup and Hand Grenade-Tequila, Red Bull (a shooter).

But we rose to alight from our heightened caper to savour incomparable wok-stirred Chinese and grill-tempered Teppanyaki delights at fine dining San Qi on ground level. Our journey was Aer-borne again once more, the heady aromas of a fine Habano Cohiba Robustos cigar applauding the evening with a suave Martell XO, Cognac par excellence.

Exquisitely grand, soft gold and beige undertones, classy fawn and luxurious matt cream sofa covers create sophistication and distinction of another level. Expansive, contemporary, smart and modernistic design evolve around the lobby’s opulence that lends understated strength. Nothing less than the exquisitely finesr, is revealed here as a luxury lounge setting that boasts an exotic Champagne display trolley.

T he celebrated bubbly cajoled us to invoke some of the finest in stock, we began with their signature Champagne Julep, -Tattinger Champagne, Hennessy Cognac, mint leaves, castor sugar crushed ice which uplifted our expectations. The finest of premium Champagne stand tall for discerning connoisseurs, -Tattinger, Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin Rose, Louis Roederer ‘Cristal’, Dom Perignon and Pommery Brut Royal. Choosy guests, choicest bubblies.

As a suave violin concerto softened with the calibrated glows around sofa covers and mirrored reflections, we checked out

their fabled High Tea Selection. Perhaps one of t he few exalted addre s s e s in Mumbai offering a wide range of exotic teas from around the world, matching irresistible bites and eats. One can go in for spinach and smoked cheese quiche with Paneer Kanj Rolls, Maracaibo dark chocolate mousse. In another High Tea combo you can relish delights like Sanwa Paanki with spiced mint chutney, Hara Tawey ka Paneer and Rose petal Panacotta and Raspberry gelee. The third High Tea combo invites you to ingest delicacies like Foie Gras terrine with Truffle paste, duck and mushroom, Prosciutto ham and papaya and caramel pistachio tartlets.

For that exclusive evening out beginning with the celebrated High Tea service, the evening stretches into eclectic Champagne moments, whispered conversation and smiles and informal rendezvous with likeminded folks who cherish a very special part of a concluding day in haloed environs.

A cheery dining experience at ‘Seven’ their all-day global cuisine culinary theatre caps it all with valour and verve.

September 2013 GO NOW

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METRO TRAVEL

Sofitel Mumbai BKCA

LE BAR DIAMANTAIRE

Retro stylish, radiating Parisian oomph and an imploring joie de vivre the glitter and dusky shimmer of this nouveau luxury lounge bar has become the preferred evening out for enterprising Mumbaikars.

Design dynamism revels in it’s exciting layout and décor, a spiral glass stairway leads to a private mezzanine alcove for champagne moments and celebrations. The leit motif dazzle of the diamond theme meets the eye

The Leela MumbaiA

SIX DEGREES

Fawn, teakwood enscons, mellow amber glows and plush lounge covers measure up the interiors, highlighted by the mood-lit rainbow bar counter and frosted glass display.

On either side, you ignite your curiosity with the grand Champagne wall on one side and a vodka wall on the other. The split level seating allows you degrees of quietitude and unwinding repose, the Latino-reggae tunes 38

GO NOW September 2013

in carefully encrusted alcoves, furniture, bar area and diffused lighting.

Choicest of spirits, wines and concoctions command appeal here. An impressive world wine list scaling vintages and fine Champagnes vie for attention, a Dom Perignon Brut 2000 reigns supreme with a Joseph Drouhin Puligny-Montrachet white Burgundy 2006 and a full bodied red Prunotto Barolo DOCG Piemonte-Italy.

Aperitifs, Eau de Vie & Grappas, Cognacs, Armagnacs, Premium Single malts and super

blended whiskies, fine liqueurs and Tequilas line up the amazing beverage numbers here.

For non-alcohol patrons they offer teasers like ‘Merci’, ‘ Bonjourno’ and ‘Belle’.

Creativity is a distinct hallmark here with enthusiastic Asst. Manager Elton Mendes’ surprise offering for us, a cheery bespoke cocktail conjured up with the ‘diamantaire’ (diamond) sparkle. Based on our family name ‘Iyengar’ he welcomed us with an apt tribute, ‘I’ for ice in the cocktail, ‘Young’ for the young mint spring and lemon grass and ‘gar’ for the ginger in the cocktail ! Merci Beaucoup, we toasted.

The music is light jazz and trombone merging into romantic distant vocals, the mood is relaxed chic with an avant garde feel. Take a pick from fresh Salad Nicoise or Murgh Malai Tikka or for that matter a wood-fired Flammekueche (pizza). Pair it with an Australian red wine- Peter Lehmann Art Series Shiraz Barossa valley 2008. Chilli Mumbai Prawns or a Fresh Cheese Platter complete the evening with symphonic flair. As guests move into the nearby all-day gourmet destination Pondichery Café for dinner, the ‘diamantaire sojourn lingers on…..

set up a spring and shake to your expectancy.

Greeting us with pomp was their elaborate and extensive wine list of some of the world’s finest varietals and vintage labels including blue-blood Champagne jewels. Jaw dropping vintage names like the Louis Roederer ‘Cristal’ 1999, the Nicolas Feuillatte grand cru ‘Cramant’ 1996 and ‘Veuve Cliquot Ponsardin ‘La Grande Dame’ 1993. Elegant white wines like Riesling, Auslese, Rothenburg Gunderloch 2006 from Germany and the Super Tuscan red

Sassicaia, Tenuta San Guido DOC from Italy 2010 are just a few names to reckon with for that memorable evening here. The most stunning vodka collection boasts of Kauffman Inauguration Blend, Roberto Cavalli, Beluga Gold Line, U’luvka and O2 945.

As the music blends into a step-beat AfroAmerican hip-hop swing and then merging into fluid pop for special effects, we sip our ‘Test Tube Baby’ – Amaretto, Tequila Silver and Bailey’s Irish Cream. Hmmmm! It wasn’t long before their signature cocktail Long Island Ice Tea walked in tall and dark! Enticing aromas invited us to bite into piping hot Feta and Corn Samosettes, Pork Bratwurst, Seekh Kabab Gilafi and Wakasaji Salmon. An enticing Tapas menu works magic on our palates as we size up the specialties waiting to wow guests.

Effusive Manager Venkat Rao pepped up our evening with a finely chilled Pink Lady –Gin, Fresh cream and Grenadine and the signature Lemon Grass Martini. The light-n-soft cheese spread with prunes set up a revelry only this lounge address can boast of. We joined spice-and-grill aficionados at Jamawar for some delectable Indian dining fare. Our choice of red wine, – Reserva Real, Torres from Spain illuminated the gastronomy experience.

METRO TRAVEL Hilton International Mumbai AirportA

THE LOUNGE BAR

The patrons of this luxur y lounge bar never miss an opportunity to dwell in its most magnetic, sophisticated appeal. The endearing colonial-styled graceful ambience regales in stately arched and shuttered doors, sumptuous, pastel sofa settings, an old world princely charm and warmth not quite evident anywhere in the megapolis. The muted beige and sienna tones and high caparisoned ceiling décor is as endearing as the spirits that uplift the noir spirit like none other.

Signature cocktails invited us to settle down, the Mojito and Singapore Sling arrived in frosted fettle! Delicious indeed.

The sparkling wine Bouvet Saumur Brut Blanc was a fine start going onto Anthilia Donnafugata, Sicily-Italy. To accompany the eclectic whites were erudite Executive Sous Chef Merajuddin Ansari’s Kesari Paneer Tikka and Prawns in Tempura with sweet and chilli dip. The wine sonata continued with a red Miguel Torres San Medin Cabernet Sauvignon-

ITC MarathaA

BOMBAY HIGH

One of Mumbai’s grand luxury lounge bars with a regal touch, it radiates opulence at first entry. Lavishly appointed and richly endowed in décor and comfort, we felt totally at ease once we sank into one of the chequered sofas. The mood-lit bar counter beamed with premium spirits and genial chatter, a saxophone sang melodies of the sixties in understated welcome.

It is the landmark for some of the rarest and finest whiskies in the city with the enviable ITC Hotels rare Whisky Collection

Chile and Manara Merlot from Sicily. Singing along with the labels we chose Batter-fried Baby corn with tangy dip and Chicken basil Tikka. Their cocktail magic works up excitement with names like Grasshopper, Tequila Slammer and Rob Roy. The classic piano lilts with soothing renditions of Bach, Chopin and contemporary jazz living up the elegant environs of

unhurried celebration. After a hearty global dining experience at The Brasserie, for night-capping gentlemen seeking leisurely conclusion to a hectic day, super Single Malts sign off the luxury lounge experience….a Balvenie 21 YO for instance, or a smooth Lagavulin 16 YO or for that matter a crisp Cardhu 12 YO ? The connoisseurs will choose and pick their ‘Water of Fire’ impulsively!

spa nning pre s t igiou s label s such a s Glenfiddich Rare Collection 40YO, Dalmore 40YO, Ladyburn 1973 and Balvenie Vintage Cask. The impressive collection of the finest Single Malts from Scotland cover pedigree names from Speyside, Highlands, Lowlands, Islay and even Japan.

Our summer sensation signature cocktail –Watermelon and Basil Bramble heralded our welcome.

Boating a unique cla s sification of their top-notch wine collection under Old World Classics, New World Specialties, Our Sommelier Recommends and Interesting

Wines, the oenophilic sojourn is a privileged one. A 1998 Chateau L atour Pauillac Bordeaux-French red commands quiet class with other distinguished labels like a 2007 Pommard premier Cru ‘Epenols’ Maison Louis Jadot and 2003 baron de Chirel, Rioja,Spain.

We picked a 20 0 9 C ay mus Vineya rd Conundrum Napa Valley-California white for merriment with Wasabi Mayo Prawns and Chicken Mushroom and Leek Fricasse.

With lively soft conversation interspersed w it h lin ger in g pia no rendit ion s a nd sonorous soprano moments, we graduated to an Argentinian super Malbec-20 09 Clos de Los Siele from Mendoza Valley, paired with a Surmai Tawa Fry and a small portion of Al Carbonara pasta with bacon and black pepper. With a mix of Indian and international guests who find cozy communion with fine spirits and shooters, the ambience is lively yet discreetly private, elegance permeates here with welcoming definition. With royal fine dining waiting for at their signature ‘Dum Pukht’, more was in store for us. As the springy jazz revved up the moods, we concluded our experience with a splendid 2008 vintage Oremus ‘Late Harvest’ Furmint Tokaii, Hungarian desert wine sailin’ along with petite fours and bitter chocolate toffees. Encore, we murmured.

September 2013 GO NOW

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METRO TRAVEL

BENGALURU’S

TOP 5

Bengaluru’s luxury hotels are oases within the hustle and bustle of the city. The club floor rooms in these hotels take luxury to another level altogether.

We pick the city’s five best club floors and compare what’s on offer for the business traveller.

CLUB FLOORS

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By ASHWIN RAJAGOPALAN

METRO TRAVEL

1

Leela Palace SCORE 16a

Contemporary Luxe Living

I

t’s one of the Bengaluru’s most luxurious addresses located on the Old Airport road with easy access to MG Road and the city’s IT Corridor in Whitefield.

The hotel’s Royal Club is located in the fifth floor and consists of 44 guest rooms, 6 executive suites and the Maharaja suite.

The Royal Club is manned by an exclusive well-trained service crew. Club guests have access to the Dining room that features a special a la carte menu crafted by Master Chef Adrian Peter Mellor. On offer are the finest Caviar, Foie-Gras, White Asparagus, Truffles, Escargot, Tournedos Rossini, etc.

Guests also have access to the Champagne Room, an exclusive dining space with one of the city’s most impressive wine lists as well as the Billiard and Cigar lounge where guests can choose from their range of exquisite Havana cigars.

COORDINATES: 23, Old Airport Road,

Kodihalli, Bengaluru: 8 Phone: (080) 2521 1234 Exclusivity/Access: 4 In-room amenities: 4 Additional facilities: 4 Room size: 4 Highlights/What we liked • One way airport transfer in a luxury limo for guests staying in the suites • Exclusive check in • Access to special dining areas like the Dining Room, Champagne Room, Billiard and Cigar Lounge • Valet service • Two hours of complimentary business centre usage • Club lounge access • Five complimentary food & beverage presentations are served at the Club Lounge. Continental breakfast, followed by a mid-day snack, afternoon tea, cocktails & hors d’ouevres and finally cordials and chocolates as a night cap • Toiletries: Quercus – for all Club Rooms, Asprey – Suites in Club floor rooms and Bvlgari for the Royal Suite and Maharaja Suite(Presidential Suite) September 2013 GO NOW

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METRO TRAVEL

2 JOINT

Taj Westend SCORE 15a

A Royal Experience

S

pread over 20 acres in the Exclusivity/Access: 4 heart of Bengaluru, this is In-room amenities: 4 truly a unique business hotel Additional facilities: 3 experience – it’s almost like being Room size: 4 in a resort getaway. Soaked in tradition, this 125 year-old hotel has less than 120 rooms that are spread among its landscaped and manicured gardens. We like the location of the club rooms – they are close to the lobby yet offer a great degree of privacy. Located in the heritage wing of the hotel (Reginae block) and the Gardenia block, the Taj Club Rooms take you back to another time and place – the glory days of the Raj. The hotel also scores with its fairly central location with easy access to the city’s business district.

COORDINATES: 3, Race Course Road, Bengaluru: 1

Phone: (080) 66 605660 Highlights/What we liked • One way airport transfer in a luxury limo (Tata Aria or Toyota Corolla) • Personalised check-in at an exclusive club desk • Valet service during entire stay • Two hours of complimentary business centre usage • Club lounge access • Complimentary cocktail hour at the club lounge • Molton Brown toiletries • Complimentary bottle of wine

3 JOINT

Sheraton Bangalore SCORE 14a

Traveller’s Social Space

L

ocated away from the city’s Exclusivity/Access: 4 traditional business district, In-room amenities: 3 the Sheraton is part of one of Additional facilities: 3 Bengaluru’s most ambitious selfRoom size: 4 contained developments promoted by the city’s Brigade group that includes a world-class hospital, a glitzy mall and the World Trade Centre, an imposing office tower. The hotel also offers easier access to the Bangalore International Airport compared with hotels located downtown. Guests staying in the Sheraton club rooms and suites have access to the club floor lounge. The Sheraton Club at the hotel is a social space that provides the perfect setting for business travellers to interact. With features like communal tables and grouped seating, the emphasis is on interactivity. The Club Lounge is located on the 16th floor with a breathtaking view of the man-made lake and the entire Brigade Gateway campus.

COORDINATES: 26/1 Dr. Rajkumar Road, Malleswaram-

Rajajinagar, Bengaluru: 55 / Phone: (080) 4252 1000 Highlights/What we liked • Airport transfers (On select packages) in a luxury limo (Toyota Corolla Altis) • Personalised check-in at an exclusive club desk • One hour of complimentary business centre usage • Club lounge access • Exquisite breakfast at the Club lounge • Afternoon tea in the lounge (3:30 to 5:30 pm) • Evening cocktails with hors d’ oeuvres at the club lounge (6:30 – 8:30 pm) 42

GO NOW September 2013

METRO TRAVEL

2 JOINT

Moevenpick Hotel SCORE 15a

The Unhindered View

S

wiss hospitality major Exclusivity/Access: 4 Moevenpick launched their In-room amenities: 4 first hotel in India in Bengaluru Additional facilities: 3 about two years ago. This hotel is Room size: 4 also one of the closest 5-star hotels from the Bangalore International Airport. Along with its unique brand of Swiss hospitality, the hotel’s club floor rooms offer a luxurious experience. The Club

by Moevenpick offers Executive club floor rooms that are among the largest in the city which is refreshing for a brand new hotel.

Guests have access to the large club floor lounge with unhindered views of the city, a complete contrast from the cluttered skyline of downtown Bengaluru. The design language of these rooms located on the higher floors of the hotel is largely contemporary with warm colours and fabrics.

COORDINATES: 115 Gokula Extension, HMT Road (near BEL

Circle), Bengaluru: 560054 / Phone: (080) 4300-1000 Highlights/What we liked One way airport transfer in a luxury limo (Toyota Corolla Altis) • Personalised check-in • Personalised butler available on request • Complimentary Wi-Fi Internet access • Four pieces of complimentary laundry every day • 24-hour check-in and check-out • Two hours of complimentary business centre usage • Access to the Executive club lounge • Two hours of complimentary cocktails and snacks at the club lounge • Gilchrist and Soames toiletries • 10% discount at the Spa

3 JOINT

ITC Gardenia SCORE 14a

Thematic Setting

A

sia’s first LEED Platinum hotel Exclusivity/Access: 3 was inspired by Bengaluru’s In-room amenities: 4 earlier reputation as India’s Additional facilities: 3 G a rden cit y. T he hotel s e ek s Room size: 4 design inspiration from the city’s magnificent gardens and parks and is located close to the cities Green lung – Cubbon park.

The hotel is also within easy access to the commercial and business districts of the city. The hotel has a large inventory of Towers rooms (237 rooms) that fall under its club category.

The Towers rooms are spread across ten floors that are themed on moods and representations of various elements of nature, ranging from Stones, Fossils, Earth, Trees, Wood, Water, Fire, Foliage, Animal Life to Flowers and Wings leading up to the Sky. COORDINATES: 1, FM Cariappa Rd, Bengaluru: 25

Phone: 080 2211 9898 Highlights/What we liked • Personalised check-in • Slumber kit placed in every room that includes a range of relaxation oils, with a pillow menu that allows guests to choose from over 6 different types of pillows • Bedside touch pad to control all the features and services inside the room • Club lounge access • Butler service • Complimentary usage of the boardroom at the Upper Crust Lounge (Up to three hours) • Complimentary cocktail hours (6:00 to 8:00 pm) at the Upper Crust lounge • Essenza di Wills Aqua toiletries September 2013 GO NOW

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METRO TRAVEL

The Oberoi Grand

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METRO TRAVEL

SPA STOPS IN KOLKATA

In the last issue, we brought you some exotic spas in its prime hub, Goa. This month GoNow is back with the spas from the capital of West Bengal, Kolkata, as they have found their way to the cities traditionally known for things like their markets (Hogg market) and sweets (Rosogulla). Explore some of the famous and most visited spas of the city to experience the exclusivity.

The Oberoi Grand

‘The Oberoi Therapy’ is a soft to medium pressure massage with rhythmic strokes.

The Oberoi Spa at The Oberoi Grand will make you feel pampered with treatments based on Aromatherapy, Ayurveda, Eastern and Western techniques and will make your body and spirit get gently revitalised. Holistic therapies drawn from Ayurveda along with internationally influenced therapies soothe the senses and restore the vital energy of the body. Spread over 4,000 square feet, the spa will offer you its unique ‘The Oberoi Therapy’ which is a soft to medium pressure massage with rhythmic soothing strokes. It’s an excellent way to release muscular knots, increase circulation and remove daily stress and tension from the body. The massage is priced at `4,700 plus taxes for 60 minutes. Also the spa has an expertise on Balinese treatment which is a luxurious spa therapy evolved on the island of Bali with a deep pressure massage using a variety of techniques including skin rolling, deep tissue manipulation, gentle stretching and reflexology.

This massage is priced at `4,700 each for 60 minutes, excluding taxes. With the products from Kama Ayurveda which are a unique blend of oils and herbs that formulate the skin to look young and healthy, the spa at Oberoi promises a complete rejuvenation.

Customers can enjoy cross massages from the therapists who are qualified from Corporate Spa Training Centre at The Oberoi. Some signature indigenous rituals of the spa are- Journey to India which is a 3 hour spa ritual which includes Ayurveda massage, hot herbal pouch therapy, padabhyanga, marma therapy of face, Indian scalp massage, bathing ritual (`11,050), Tamarind Tranquillity, a 2 and a half hour ritual which includes Tamarind body exfoliation, steam bath, tamarind and bitter orange body wrap, Oberoi massage (`11,000) and Drifting On An Ocean Breeze, a 2 hour ritual which includes hot lava shell massage and thermal healing water facial (`10,500).

factfile Jawaharlal Nehru Road, Kolkata. Tel: 033 2249 2323. Website: www.oberoihotels.com September 2013 GO NOW

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The ‘Kolkata Experience’ is a luxurious session with traditional natural ingredients of Bengal.

Mughal Suite at Aura, The Park

The Park Spread over 4,128 square feet, the Aura spa at The Park has seven therapy rooms that narrate the story of six principle values of human life associated with Indian culture leading you to a state of bliss and harmony – ‘Ananda’ (the ayurvedic room). The colours:

Royal blue, Yellow, Emerald green, Red and Light purple help you strike the right balance between the external world and the inner space to ensure complete wellbeing. Therapists from Thailand possessing an expertise on Thai therapies are sure to take care of your worn out muscles.

Some of the exclusive products used

by the spa are – Pevonia India for Facials and Beauty Treatments, Fragrance India for Massage Oils and Kama Ayurveda for body therapies. Their signature Aura massage where the body is stirred, slackened and stretched is priced at `4,000 inclusive of taxes and The Classic Swedish massage is priced at `3,800. The ‘Kolkata Experience’, which is an exclusive way to experience the indigenous flavour of the city, is priced at `6,000 plus taxes which is a luxurious pampering session in single suite, created by the therapists with traditional natural ingredients of Bengal. Treat yourself to a body scrub with rice, Bengal gram, turmeric and honey.

factfile 17 Park Street, Kolkata. Tel: 033 40049000.

Website: www.theparkhotel.com

Kaya Kalp has 6 treatment rooms and 2 spa suites including a special room for Ayurvedic treatments.

ITC Sonar Kaya Kalp is beautifully laid over 15,000 sq. ft. that offers a delightful retreat from the modern world. Their diverse blend of treatments has been selected from a mix of highly regarded Asian and European health and beauty enhancements. Their signature treatment46

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Exotic Pomegranate, lasts till 120 minutes and costs Rs. 8,000 is a unique combination of natural fruits such as pomegranate (a deep cleaning antioxidant) and lime, mixed with organic brown sugar that gently exfoliates the body. Not only does it have a cleansing effect, it also removes the stresses of daily living.

Using a powerful blend of traditional oils,

the mind is guided into a rested state which induces a sense of peace. This divine state of well-being is then enhanced by the vigorous workout of the therapist’s hand using amazing deep rhythmical movements.

Also the Pomegranate Sugar Scrub is an exotic exfoliation ritual to invigorate and revitalize your senses. Kaya Kalp’s signature blend of exotic pomegranate polishes and softens the body to perfection. Their signature massage is designed to relax the entire body, focussed on relieving muscular tension while combining wonderful soothing strokes for the ultimate massage. This powerful aroma therapeutic massage incorporates dynamic blends of essential oils. Indulge yourself in this majestic land of rituals and customs.

factfile 1, J.B.S Haldane Avenue Road, EM By Pass, Park Circle Connector, Kolkata. Tel: 033 2345 4545 Website: www.itchotels.in

METRO TRAVEL

Kenilworth Hotels Pulse – A world-class health and wellness spa at The Kenilworth Kolkata offers facilities of relaxing massages and pampering beauty treatments. The enticing blend of traditional treatments and exotic massages from around the world are worth experiencing, which not only de-stress, but also infuses a fresh vigour into your body and mind.

The therapists from Manipur and Mizoram have been trained in body massage, facial, body wrap, foot reflexology, Thai massage and Ayurvedic massage from Sohum Spa Training Academy, Mumbai.

The spa uses aromatic blended oil from Breathe and Pevonia for facials. Some of the exquisite massages offered by the spa are Swedish massage at `1,800 plus taxes, Abhyanga massage at `2,000 plus taxes,

The spa uses aromatic blended oil from Breathe and Pevonia for facials.

Aroma at `2,100 plus taxes and Siam at `2,100 plus ta xe s. The se ma s sage s will leave your mind and body feel renewed and increases blood circulation.

Also some of the luxury massages by The Pulse are – Elle (vanilla coco – Aroma – Deep Pore Cleansing Facial) costing `5,200 plus ta xe s, Rela x (Oat meal and rice skin refinement – aroma – foot reflexology) costing `3,500 plus taxes, and Lui (Moroccan cocoon with Rassoul: Purify – Deep pore cleansing Facial – native American hot stone) costing `5,500 plus taxes.

factfile 1 & 2, Little Russel Street/ Theatre Rd, Kankaria Estates, Park Street area, Kolkata.

Tel: 033 2282 3939. Website: www.kenilworthhotels.com

HHI Hotel With its signature salon at HHI Hotel, Tatha Spa is totally committed to provide pure, natural, safe and effective treatments. Their signature treatment, ‘An Ode to City of Joy’ is inspired by the purity of the Ganges and uses local ingredients that leave one totally invigorated. The treatment starts with the Thandai foot soak followed by an hour massage by using various local spices which gives this massage the name of Masala Massage. This is followed by a betel nut scrub which is a fresh scrub made of dried paan leaves. The scrub is followed by a head massage called the ‘Ganga ghat champi’ which uses the local hibiscus flower. Finally this is followed by a steam and shower and is signed off with a steaming cup of organic rose tea. This massage is priced at `7,500.

The oils used at Tatha are blended by using the finest essential oils. Even the scrubs are all freshly made and none of the

The Masala Massage is done using various spices.

product has any chemicals or preservatives.

The treatments can also get customized here according to the client’s requirements.

The spa also gives fresh fruit facial where they use different fruits for different skin types. The Swedish massage is priced at `3,000 for 70 minutes approx. The luxury package ‘Tatha Anubhav’ includes a candle

oil massage, a coconut and ginger body scrub, a fresh fruit facial and a rose hand and Indian foot ritual and is priced at `8,500.

factfile The HHI, AJC Bose Road, Kolkata.

Tel: 033 2280 2323 Website: www.hhihotels.com September 2013 GO NOW

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Kettuvallom: the luxurious boathouse in the backwaters of Kerala

Celebrating Kerala’s Unique Experiences

Traditional Ayurvedic therapy practiced in Kerala

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Interiors of the boathouse at The Lalit Bekal

METRO TRAVEL Famously known as God’s own country, Kerala is one of the most sought after tourist destinations in Asia. With tranquil beaches and a rich stretch of azure backwaters, it serves a magical experience to its visitors. Apart with its scenic beauty, Kerala has a lot more experiences to offer. In addition to the historical and cultural splendour you can experience traditional Ayurvedic treatments recognized globally for their healing properties, enjoy authentic and flavourful seafood, replace the typical hotel room with a beautiful boathouse and take a cruise in the famed Kerala backwaters.

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oing on since centuries, Kerala has been practicing the Ayurvedic system of healing with some of the best practitioners and is known as the home of Ayurveda. With the goodness of nature, and the year-round pleasant climate, it provides the perfect natural setting to experience Ayurveda’s healing touch.

In this state, Ayurveda is not just known for its wellness and healing therapy but is also a major part of people’s lifestyle.

One of the most common and extensive treatments is, The Rejuvenation Therapy also known as Rasayana Chikitsa. It tones up the skin, revitalizes and fortifies the tissues to achieve proper health and longevity. Various other treatments are available for chronic headaches, insomnia, rheumatic diseases and nasal ailments. Kerala lets you blend wellness with leisure in a conducive and inviting environment.

Offering you good Ayurvedic healthcare infrastructure, the state has more than 100

Government-run Ayurveda hospitals with around 2,700 beds, and various private health care centres and dispensaries.

Recommended Resorts ☛ Sur rounded by sea and greener y, Somatheeram Ayurvedic Resort offers 24 massage rooms along with five treatment rooms. Combining rich traditions, history, culture and the best of Ayurveda therapies, this resort perfectly moulds the culture of the city in a luxurious setting.

Somatheeram Ayurvedic Resort Call: +91 471 22 665 01/02/03 Email: info@somatheeram.org Website: www.somatheeram.org

☛ The authentic knowledge of Ayurveda being handed down through four generations at Kairali – The Ayurvedic Healing Village. It maintains traditional practices to achieve beneficial solutions for modern living, peace, wellbeing and longevity. It also offers yoga, Ayurveda and pilgrimage packages.

Kairali – The Ayurvedic Healing Village Call: (+91)-(4923)-222553. Email: info@kairali.com Website: www.ayurvedichealingvillage.com

☛ Located in the foothills of Annamalai range, Kerala, the Kalari Kovilakom Palace offers the union of the mind, body and spirit.

A CGH property, it is divided into two wings, The Old Guest Wing and The Palace Wing.

Here, the former has 20s colonial-western styled rooms, whereas the latter is built in traditional Kerala architecture style.

Kalari Kovilakom Palace. Call: +91 4923 263737 Email: kalarikovilakom@cghearth.com Website: www.kalarikovilakom.com

☛ Another renowned Ayurveda resort, Sarovaram Ayurvedic Health Centre is being managed in the 3rd generation

by Ayurvedic doctors, massage experts and skilled employees with long years of experience. The motto behind this health centre is, ‘less wellness but more health’.

Scenic lake and wonderful views of nature add to creating an unforgettable experience.

Sarovaram Ayurvedic Health Centre Call: 91-474-2704686 Email: mailsarovar@sancharnet.in Website: www.sarovaramkollam.com

Kettuvallam – Luxury in the Backwaters

Fish served on leaves in Kerala

Cruise through the scenic beauty of Kerala’s backwaters in a luxurious houseboat with your loved ones. The houseboats available these days are very well equipped, spacious and are a revised version of the traditional Kettuvallams. Originally, these were used to carry rice and spices and only a part of it was covered with bamboo and coir to form the kitchen and restrooms. But now, special rooms and segments are prepared to accommodate traveller s, including furnished bedrooms, modern bathrooms, and cozy living spaces. Boats are available w it h local oa r smen, or can even be powered by a 40 HP engine. An ideal way to take in and enjoy uninterrupted views of the backwaters.

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Vibrant colours of the art forms of the city

Recommended Resorts ☛ The Lalit Resort and Spa, Bekal, a top of the line luxury beach resort, serves unmatched luxury to its guests. The floating cottage at the resort is called Kettuvallam and includes a 24 hour dedicated Holiday Host ser vice. This helps in arranging everything for the guests, from in-room check-in to restaurant reservations and spa appointments. The houseboat is spread over an area of 916 sq. ft. and serves all modern day facility in a traditional setting.

The Lalit Resort and Spa, Bekal. Call: +91 467 2237777. Email: resvbekal@thelalit.com Website: www.thelalit.com

☛ Kumarakom Lake Resort offers guests houseboats with intricate traditional detailing.

It also gives you an opportunity to spend relaxing time on the serene waters of the Lake Vembanad. Dine while floating in complete ecstasy and experience the timeless beauty of life along with the banks of Kerala.

Kumarakom Lake Resort Call: +91 481 252 4900. Email: klresort@vsnl.com Website: www.kumarakomlakeresort.in

☛ Giving a transformed modern look to the traditional houseboat, The Oberoi Motor Vessel Vrinda is a motored version. It takes guests on a two or three night’s journey through the tranquil waters of Kerala. It 50

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is a cruise like houseboat that gives you a luxurious experience of this traditional service.

by trees and its relaxed atmosphere adds on to the beauty of the game.

The Oberoi Motor Vessel Vrinda Email: reservations@oberoigroup.com Website: www.theoberoihotels.com/oberoi_vrinda

Vivanta By Taj Kovalam. Call: +91 471 6613000 Email: Vivanta.kovalam@tajhotels.com Website: www.vivantabytaj.com

A Golfer’s Delight With the scenic beauty in the background, and the lush green golf courses, Kerala offers extraordinary views for the golfers.

Recommended Courses ☛ Being home to one of the oldest golf clubs of India, Trivandrum Golf Course, came into existence during the time of late Maharaja Sreemoolam Tirunal. This 25-acre, nine-hole golf course is picturesque with 3,400 trees of a thousand different varieties.

The club building is renowned for its architectural beauty. The course is open for visitors between 8:30 am to 3:00 pm on days when there is no tournament scheduled.

☛ Cochin Golf Club is very significantly located at the Bolghatty Palace Grounds.

Three sides of the course are magnificently bordered by the Vembanad Lake.

Cochin Golf Club. Call: 91-484-275 0908, 209 8178 Email: mail@cochingolfclub.com Website: www.cochingolfclub.com

☛ Situated at the top of Kerala, at an altitude of 7,000 ft., Kundale Golf Club is surrounded by tea gardens and forests. You can also spot deer and other wildlife of the region at this 9-hole course. It also has a clubhouse which serves some basic food and snacks during the season.

Kundale Golf Club Address: Top station, Munnar, Idukki district, Kerala

Trivandrum Golf Course.

Call: +91 471 243 5834 Email: golftrivandrum@yahoo.com Website: www.trivandrumgolfclub.com

☛ Preserving its original nature, the High Range Golf Club has a very picturesque and tricky 9-hole course. The membership of this club is restricted to only the corporate planters in Munnar. The club also offers accommodation including cattages and rooms.

☛ Vivanta By Taj Kovalam, on the seaside also has an expansive golf course with 9 hole pitch and putt green. Being surrounded

High Range Golf Club. Call: 91-04865-230253/ 230724. Email: mail@highrangeclubmunnar.com Website: www.highrangeclubmunnar.com

The City of Art Forms

A Kathakali artist all set for his performance

Authentic South Indian seafood South of India serves some of the finest cuisines of the country, with varied textures and tastes. The cuisines of Kerala are a bit high on spices and have a wide range of vegetarian as well as non-vegetarian delicacies. The latter has a high content of dishes with fish, poultry and red meat. As coconut is vastly available in the city, so having it in most of the dishes is not a surprise. It is generally used in dishes in form of cream or milk for thickening and flavouring. Rice is served as an essential part of the main course for lunch and dinner.

Breakfast generally includes rice flour or fresh or dried cassava.

Recommended Restaruants ☛ The Rice Boat restaurant at Vivanta by Taj – Malabar Cochin. Along with savouring the sea food delicacies, it also serves you an experience of a traditional Kettuvalam rice boat. The traditional cane roof and the lanterns add on to the attractive ambience of the restaurant.

Vivanta by Taj Malabar Cochin. Call: +91 484 664 3000. Email: Vivanta.malabar@tajhotels.com Website: www.vivantabytaj.com

☛ Sit close to the beautiful backwaters of Kerala at Hyacinth, The Park Hotel Vembanad Lake and relish the authentic Kerala cuisine. Various international dishes are also served at this lake side restaurant.

The Park Hotel Vembanad Lake Call: +91 478 2584430 Email: resv.vl@theparkhotels.com Website: www.theparkhotels.com

☛ Travancore, at Trident Cochin along wit h ser v ing continental dishe s also prepares a delectable spread of dishes from the regional cuisines. Signature dishes include grilled fish with orange sauce, banana kalan, Cajun spice potato wedges and more. End on a sweet note with the traditional Payasam of different kinds such as Pal Payasam, Semiya Payasam, Parippu Payasam.

Trident Cochin. Call: +91 484 308 1000 Website: www.tridenthotels.com/cohin

Various local restaurants in the region also serve you flavoursome dishes at very reasonable prices, with an essence of the city’s culture. Kalavara Family restaurant in Trivandrum, Suprabhatam in Kovalam, Sreepadam in Verkala, Frys Village Restaurant in Kochi (Cochin) are a few options in this category serving authentic cuisine of Kerala.

As much famous for its food and its waters, Kerala is known for its various art forms as well. From martial arts to various dance forms, it is culturally one of the richest states of the country. Kalaripayattu, the martial art form is known to be the oldest and most scientific of its kind in the world. Its training aims at the ultimate co-ordination of the mind and body and begins with an oil massage of the body until it is alert and flexible. Feats like chaattom (jumping), ottam (running), marichil (somersault) are taught, followed by lessons in the use of weapons such as daggers, swords, spears, maces, the bow and arrow and so on.

Chavittunatakom is the form of musical drama of the city. It is a Christian art form and was evolved during the Portuguese colonisation.

Here, the actors are dressed in Greco-Roman costumes and the language used is a conversational mix of Tamil and Malayalam.

Some of the famous classical dances of Kerala include, Mohiniyattam, which involves graceful movements of body and limbs and is highly emoted through eyes. It is performed by women in traditional white/ ivory dress with golden detailing.

Kathakali, another known dance form around the world, combines some parts of ballet, opera, masque, and the pantomime.

Through this dance form, ideas and stories from the Indian epics and puranas are elaborately depicted. The dress and make-up worn by the dancers are rich in colours with each colour having its own significance.

Recommended Cultural Centres ☛ Cochin Cultural Centre Sangamam, Manickath Road, Kochi-682 016, Call: +91 484 2356366, 2357153, 4011445 Email: director@cochinculturalcentre.com ☛ Chavara Cultural Centre Monastery road, near south railway station, Kochi-11, Call: 0484-4070250, 4070251, 4070259, 2377443. Email: chavaracentre@rediffmail.com ☛ Kerala Kathakali Centre Behind Santa Cruz Bazilica, K.B.Jacob Road, Fort kochi-682001, Call: 0484 2215827 Email: vijayan@kathakalicentre.com ☛ Kerala Kalamandalam Deemed University for Art and Culture, Cheruthuruthy – 679 531 via Thrissur, Call: +91 484 262418, 262562 Email: info@kalamandalam.org

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METRO TRAVEL

PANGAEA: A LOUNGE FOR THE UBER AFFLUENT With lavish décor, flashy lights, neon colours, and ideal music, the iconic Pangaea comes to Delhi as a perfect option for people looking out to party in royal style.

V

enue for legendary parties in New York City, Singapore, London, Miami, Marbella, Spain and Austin, Pangaea, the one-of-a-kind ultra lounge now comes to Delhi. The Ault Group in partnership with Spice global headed by B.K. Modi has rolled out the red carpet for this ultra lounge to Delhi. Transforming the party scene of the city, it is located in the heart of The Ashok Hotel.

Designed in bright and vibrant colours like pink, blue and yellow along with the sophistication of wood, its interiors are perfect to add liveliness to a party. Michael Ault, founder The Ault Group has drifted from his traditional theme of an exotic African Safari Tent and tried to capture the liveliness and richness of Indian culture, history and dynasty.

On choosing Delhi as a destination for his lounge, Michael Ault says, “India is an intriguing country and has immense scope for growth and opportunities especially in the entertainment sector. With the changing dynamics of world economies, India is a growing market with a lot of potential. I am thrilled to bring the global party experience to the country.

We have taken into account that the young, affluent, well-travelled Indian who seek global exposure and experiences. They have a desire to indulge themselves in an enthralling experience and we aim to deliver just that- an unrivalled world-class guest experience.”

The exotic thing that hit your mind while entering the lounge, are the bouncing neon lights and the cloud of artificially produced mist. The walls “I am thrilled are adorned by huge paintings and murals with bold artworks describing to bring the the renaissance era. Also, there is no global party definite dance floor in the lounge; every experience to surface is designed in such a way that you can enjoy dancing at your own spot.

India.”

It can accommodate up to 21 VIP tables MICHAEL AULT and around 400 guests. The furniture is very interestingly designed and customized to add on to the comfort of the guests. The chandeliers all around the lounge are so magnificent and royal that you just can’t miss noticing them.

Huge bar is lined up on both the sides of the lounge with great variety of the best drinks from around the world. This is the place to pep up the party scene of Delhi, offering the party rockers with the most luxurious option of Delhi.

by NIKITA CHOPRA

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METRO TRAVEL

The exotic thing that hit your mind while entering the lounge, are the bouncing neon lights and the cloud of artificially produced mist.

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TOURISM CONNECT Best known as one of the cricket’s top fielders, Mumbai Indians coach Jonty Rhodes is also the ambassador for South African tourism. Go Now caught up with him exclusively to bring you a glimpse of his traveller avatar.

by RAYNAH COUTINHO

J

onty Rhodes’ supernatural fielding abilities were described by a cricket match host as: “80 per cent of the world is covered by water – the rest is covered by Jonty.” This is indeed an apt way to describe his cricketing genius; however it is also becoming true as he unleashes his inner globetrotter. The self-confessed adrenaline junkie says, “Being coach turned me into a traveller. For instance, I was recently snowboarding in Gulmarg, Kashmir.”

He doesn’t hide his delight about the

The World is his Field “80 per cent of the world is covered by water – the rest is covered by Jonty. Being coach turned me into a traveller. For instance, I was recently snowboarding in Gulmarg, Kashmir”

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perks of his job. “I have no bucket list. I get paid [as coach] for doing what I see as nothing. I’ve been holding a bat since I was six. Besides, I travel extensively with the team and as the brand ambassador for South Africa tourism,” he shares.

His most recent delightful experience came packaged as playing chaperone to a bunch of contest winners on a 15-day trip of South Africa. In Mumbai to launch a travelogue ‘My Travel Escapades in South Africa’ documenting the experience, we learnt that he’s a firm believer in escaping staple tourist experiences – instead opting to be a traveller. The well-planned itinerary for heavily videographed trip was disrupted as the monsoon played spoilsport, and an incident like that, says Rhodes, provides you with the opportunity to discover which of the two slots you fall in. “Tourists get flustered when their itineraries are interrupted but a traveller will make the most of any weather conditions. The best way to enjoy a place is to do things you love outdoors.”

His companions had the opportunity to play beach cricket with him amongst other entertaining, memorable experiences.

Deck at Forest Lodge, Phinda Game Reserve

Cheeta at Sunrise at the Phinda Game Reserve

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TOURISM CONNECT Cape Point

Cape Town – Aerial view with Table Mountain

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TOURISM CONNECT A new view of his motherland “As brand ambassador for South Africa Tourism, I’ve seen my countr y through new eyes – those of my fellow travellers. It allowed me to experience (again) places that I haven’t seen in a long time. It allows me to be a boy. South Africa is a good place to be a boy,” he says.

He says it is difficult to pinpoint his mostloved locations back home. For starters, the list is constantly evolving given that he’s seeing the country anew. But a little probing resulted in him spilling a few of his favourites at present. “Private lodges are my favourite as you can go off-road with a ranger. Hamilton is a nice one. These are luxury tents that give you a good sense of being out in the bush,” he explains. He goes on to share an anecdote of two friends at this reserve. “My friend’s wife would ask him to close the windows every night and he’d say yes of course, because if a wild cat is in the mood to devour us, it won’t just tear through the tent, it will get put off by our closed window,” he laughs, adding that “on a serious note, of course, all of these places take good care of you.”

The Phinda Game Reserve has a special place in his heart. “I was just there,” he says, “I celebrated my birthday at Phinda. It offers a pristine wildlife experience and is only

Read his travel diary ‘My Travel Escapades in South Africa’ takes you through the thrills, activities and experiences during the two week jaunt that Jonty Rhodes and his companions undertook. It also gives you factual data. three hours from Durban.”

Even when wearing his traveller hat, he believes there’s no place like home. “Cape Town is so much fun. It’s got the best parties.

And for me, it means returning to family and friends,” he says. He laughs at how his contestwinner companions have a photo depicting a whole block as his home. “It’s actually a few windows in one building in the corner of that block. Cape Town real estate values are not quite as expensive as Mumbai, but I would not be able to afford the whole block.”

India Cape Town may be home, but Mumbai “feels like home,” he says. Since not too many cricket matches happen during the monsoon, his visit at this time has given him something he’s not accustomed to seeing. “It is interesting to see Mumbai during the rain.” The day of the scheduled launch of the book saw a downpour in Mumbai – the event saw a great turnout despite the weather – albeit to get up close and personal with Rhodes. While attendees grumbled about the amount of taxis off the

“The Phinda Game Reserve has a special place in my heart. I celebrated my birthday at Phinda. It offers a pristine wildlife experience and is only three hours from Durban.”

street and difficulties driving there, Rhodes himself appeared thrilled to bits.

“India only took notice of me when I fell over my shoe laces and caught Inzimam [Ul Haq],” he says, laughing. He adds that he loves returning to India because he loves its people. “And the food,” he adds. Gulab Jamun is a must when in India. “I have a sweet tooth,” he admits.

He’s also enjoying the evolution of cricket here: “I played cricket at a time when there was no IPL. I love the way the game has changed.

Besides that, it’s nice to see the love that the Indian public has for the game,” he says.

Favourite world destinations Rhodes took a few minutes to think about his favourite destinations when I quizzed him about it. He is, after all, brand ambassador for South Africa. But he settles on letting me in on his travel experiences through the sport’s lens. “Through my travels as a cricketer, I’ve especially enjoyed New Zealand, where we would travel through its majestic countryside and little villages to get to different locations.

England is one of my favourite cities as a cricketer: Its so much fun to get around on a team bus.

I love India too – the food here is amazing. However, it is very difficult to get around. You mostly catch a flight to different cities but there’s still the task of getting from the airport to the stadium or hotel,” he recounts.

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TOURISM CONNECT

BOLLYWOOD

The Latest Tour Planner

Film makers have been pushing geographical boundaries to impart exotic backdrops and authenticity to their films. While film makers may have several reasons for choosing to shoot in striking locations and different cities, it is inevitable that these destinations are popularized and promoted amongst the movie going audience. Picturesque backdrops undoubtedly are a feast to the eyes and add to that your favourite Bollywood star makes, each one of us want to visit these places for ourselves.

GoNow talks to country heads on how Indian movies shot in their countries helped increase follow of visitors from India.

Spain

This good natured high-spirited country is full of festivities just like our own nation but with unusual and interesting twists.

According to Arturo Ortiz Arduán, Tourism Counsellor, Tourism Office of Spain, “Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara showcased Spain as a very friendly and experiential destination.

Around 70 million people have watched this movie and have been influenced to travel to Spain. It is a dream of every Indian traveller to visit Spain and experience the adventures like scuba-diving, sky-diving and running of the bulls that the actors of the movie experienced in Spain, besides this, La Tomatina has been a huge success since then, every avid traveller wishes to go there and enjoy the tomato festival with the locals”.

“The past experiences with the Indian Film Industr y have been very fruitful to promote our destination. We all know that the

“In 2011, a total of 33,591 and 60,675 Indian tourists in 2012 visited Spain, this recorded an all-time high of 80% growth in the numbers of Indian arrivals in Spain.”

ARTURO ORTIZ ARDUÁN Tourism Counsellor, Tourism Office of Spain

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movie Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara had a great impact on Indian tourism to Spain. With its feel good factor and the urge that it created amongst the Indian tourists, encouraged Indians to visit Spain” he adds.

Talking about the South Indian movies he says “recently, our office in Mumbai supported a Hyderabadi filmmaker to shoot some of the movie Iddarammayilatho scenes in Barcelona. Currently, the same filmmaker shot for his next film Race Gurram in Murcia, Spain and has plans to return to Spain soon for the remaining shoot.”

Also on the kind of interest Bollywood movies generate in the destination, Ortiz says “Television and cinema has a great impact on people’s ideas and thoughts and ZNMD had the same effects. For years to come,

TOURISM CONNECT people will watch this movie on television and choose Spain as their travel destination.”

Substantial Increase in number of visitors post ZNMD As we researched more on the facts and figures, the number of Indian tourists visiting Spain came out to be quite astonishing. “In 2011, a total of 33,591 and 60,675 Indian tourists in 2012 visited Spain, this recorded an all-time high of 80% growth in the numbers of Indian arrivals in Spain. The first 6 months (Jan to June) of 2013 has recorded an arrival of 42.743 Indian tourist arrivals in Spain. 2013 is a positive year for us, we expect to grow this year as well, and also maintain our double-digits in terms of Indian arrivals” clarifies Ortiz.

Efforts to encourage filmmakers “Although India is small market, it is a very potential one and we are doing very well in terms of Indian arrivals in Spain. There are several measures and agreements that have been undertaken by Spain to encourage

filmma ker s to shoot here. T he Indo Spanish co-production agreement which has recently come into force encourages Indian filmmakers to shoot in Spain along with the Spanish production house s / companies, if the movie involves an IndoSpanish co-production film, subsidies from both the Spanish Ministry of Culture and the Autonomous Communities are provided to both Indian and Spanish filmmakers involved in the co-production project. Spain boasts a huge network of local/regional film commissions that support foreign productions in Spain. The existence of these film commissions is very well appreciated by producers across the globe” elucidates Ortiz.

London With the landmarks like Buckingham Palace, the London Eye, Piccadilly Circus, St Paul’s Cathedral, Tower Bridge, Trafalgar Square, and The Shard, London continues to be

one of the favourite destinations for Indian filmmakers. One never gets enough of the pristine beauty of London in films like DDLJ, where the scenery played an equally vital part as that of a script. Some of the unforgettable movies shot in London are Jab Tak Hai Jaan, Cocktail. Ra One, Housefull, London Dreams, Podaa Podi, Thillu Mullu and the evergreen Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge.

Strong Bollywood patronage According to P unam Singh, Count r y Representative – India (London & Partners) “leading Indian film makers like Yash Chopra, Yash Johar, Karan Johar, David Dhawan have regularly and repeatedly shot their films in London. In fact, Karan Johar, has gone on record to state his love for London and how his film Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham can easily be used as

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“Karan Johar, has gone on record to state his love for London and how his film Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham can easily be used as a showcase for London and Britain.”

PUNAM SINGH

Country Representative – India (London & Partners) a showcase for London and Britain.” She further adds “the recently released YashRaj Films Bollywood blockbuster Jab Tak Hai Jaan starring Shah Rukh Khan, Katrina Kaif and Anushka Sharma was extensively shot all over London and was a fabulous mirror of the destination.”

Correlating films with visitor flow “According to the British Film Institute (BFI), among the overseas visitors, 11% resided in the USA, followed by Germany (8%). The next most frequently mentioned countries of origin were France and Australia (6%), Spain, Italy, and India (5%), which precisely is the result of movies shot in London”, explains Singh.

Quite obviously, any big and long term project in any destination (like a film schedule) will result in local employment and revenue generation asides of a location showcase. Also If the film is a box office success or a visual treat, or both; then the interest garnered for the destination can be substantial and would obviously result in a spike in visitor numbers there” comments Punam.

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in place to proffer sops and support. For instance, films with a total core expenditure of £20 million or less, the film production company can claim payable cash rebate of up to 25% of UK qualifying film production expenditure and for films with a core expenditure of more than £20 million, the film production company can claim a payable cash rebate of up to 20% of UK qualifying film production expenditure.

Also, some of the benefits according to the film co-production agreement between the government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the

Government of the Republic of India such as recognising that development of such potential will be to the mutual advantage of each party, in particular in respect of the growth and competitiveness of their film industries and the enhancement of their film cultures, and desiring to encourage the making of films that reflect, enhance and convey the diversity of culture and heritage in both countries.

“The country received 91,000 travellers from India last year with a 24% growth rate over 2011 and we are looking at an increasing rate of 30% this year.”

OZGUR AYTURK

Culture and Tourism Counselor for the Turkish Embassy (India)

London Mayor promotes efforts On a recent visit to Mumbai, London Mayor Boris Johnson called for more big-budget Bollywood movies to be shot in the British capital as he met Indian film executives dur ing a tour of Mumbai to dr um up investment. “Film-making is massively important to both our cities and we need to build on the momentum that already exists. I want to make it as easy as possible to film in the city, whether you want to feature an iconic landmark as a backdrop or take advantage of our second to none post-production facilities,” he said.

Turkey Bordered by eight countries, Aegean and the Mediterranean Sea, some of the movies which have made big on the big screen have been shot in Turkey. Last year some noticeable movies shot here were Race 2 and Ek Tha Tiger. According to Ozgur Ayturk, Culture and Tourism Counselor for the Turkish Embassy (India) “in addition to the movies, we also see lots of songs being shot in regions like Cappadocia, Pamukkale and Ephesus.”

Importance of the Indian film industry E x p l a i n i n g f u r t h e r, h e a d d s , “ I t i s inconte stable that Bolly wood is ver y

important factor and it has a very positive impact on tourism. We do target this segment to increase our tourism numbers. We have been promoting Turkey as a complete destination through various channels. Turkey also has many cultural events that happen regularly and have all contributed to the boost in tourism”.

“In Turkey, you can shoot spr ing / aut umn, s ummer a nd w inter s cene s throughout the year. For example; you can shoot a skiing scene on a snow y mountain and then a swimming scene in the beach in the same day in Antalya for about 9 months of the year. There are luxurious hotels in every region and their prices are far less than those in Europe.

And of course these are all factors that positively affect the tourism potential out of India” adds Ozgur. In fact a noteworthy growth has been seen in the figures of the travellers from India. “The countr y received 91,000 travellers from India last year with a 24% growth rate over 2011 and we are looking at an increasing rate of 30% this year” clarifies Ozgur.

Incentives for filmmakers Talking about the incentives that filmmakers would get on shooting their film here Ozgur comment s, “The nece s sar y technical equipment, world class facilities, logistics and expertise to shoot a film in Turkey is readily available. We have been supporting

production companies for their inspection trips, easy visa procedures and shooting permissions in a big way. Further possible incentives are still being discussed with authorities in the Ministry like creating a free zone for the production companies in Turkey, prov iding direct financial support but it may take time to finalize and actualize these plans. Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Turkey assists the film makers through the related departments of the General Directorate of Cinema. It is mainly for shooting permissions and other legal procedures like VAT refunds. All the other arrangements like on the ground help, visa, accommodation for the cast and crew etc., can be done with the help of a line producer in Turkey. For the same, the production companies may get in touch with various film makers’ associations in Turkey like FIYAB or TESIYAP.” On rebates and refunds he says “The Government is providing a 18% VAT refund for shootings in Turkey. With regard to the production of cinematographic works approved by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, foreign film producers can get a refund of the VAT on goods and services they buy in Turkey within the duration of film shooting. Foreign film producers can submit their requests for VAT refunds to Ankara Tax Department – Baskent Tax Office, Istanbul Tax Department – Beyoglu Tax Office or Izmir Tax Department – Konak Tax Office.”

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Models showcasing designs by Ranna Gill

MAURITIUS

Invites Trendy & Fashionable Young Indians

E

xpressing its faith and looking forward to enhance its arrivals from India, Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority (MTPA) in a one-of-its-kind association with Lakme Fashion Week invites Indians for a rejuvenating experience.

This being the first destination to be associated with Lakme Fashion Week intends to call people from the fashion industry and consumers who have an incline towards being in fashion and looking good.

The authorities say that a visit to Mauritius for a holiday can rejuvenate the mind, body and soul and can make one feel good and refreshed. The fresh and pure environment of Mauritius will fill you with energy and make you look beautiful and healthy.

In this association, Ranna Gill displayed the beautiful

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“We are looking at the trendy and young generation. Ranna Gill’s collection-showcased plethora of colours and designs influenced by contrast of multitude of colours of the island, set in its turquoise sea, aptly named as Resort Collection. We are extremely overwhelmed by the response and look forward for further building this association.”

Designer Ranna Gill & Show Stopper Actress Yami Gautam walking the ramp at Lakme Fashion Week

Mauritius Tourism talking about the current and future marketing initiatives for the India Market

art forms of the tropical destination through a highly fashionable depiction. Her entire concept was about looking comfortable and fashionable when on a holiday.

Minister of Tour ism, Republic of Mauritius – Hon. Michael Sik Yuen said, “We are looking at the trendy and young generation. Ranna Gill’s collectionshowcased plethora of colours and designs influenced by contrast of multitude of colours of the island, set in its turquoise sea, aptly named as Resort Collection.

We are extremely overwhelmed by the response and look forward for further building this association.”

To the same, Ranna Gill says, “I am honored to be associated with Mauritius Tourism for my collection at Lakme Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2013. The collection was inspired by the diverse blend of cultures of the popular island nation and the abundant natural beauty Mauritius has to offer. I am very happy with the response that I have got at Lakme Fashion Week for my resort collection inspired by destination Mauritius. I have been to Mauritius and this beautiful country has greatly inspired me.”

by NIKITA CHOPRA

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Bruehlsche Terrasse

THE SPLENDOR OF SAXONY

The sunshine state of Saxony in eastern Germany is a rich kaleidoscope of culture, music, architecture and fine cuisine Text by NEETA LAL

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“A

trip to Dresden? Isn’t that the place that was bombed to bits in 1945?

Surely there’s nothing left; why would you want to go there?”

This was the standard refrain from friends and family as I packed my bags for this historic German city. Pitched in the far east of the country, 30 miles from the Czech border, Dresden is the capital of the German state of Saxony.

Who can blame the skeptics? Dresden’s past is indeed somber. Flattened by allied bombers in the Second World War, its reduced-to-rubble buildings

were left in shambles for decades in a city that wore a ruinous look. Well, no more. Through the wellsynergized efforts of the government and the local civic bodies, Dresden has risen Phoenix-like to be a stunning metropolis that attracts nine million tourists a year today.

As I look around, the abundance of Baroque architecture still looks incredibly substantial, despite what was lost during the war. The city’s rebuilding isn’t over yet, I’m told, and it’s heartening to see that its architects have followed the old street plan to a ‘T’.

Dresden

The most spectacular reconstruction is of course the Frauenkirche, Dresden’s Protestant cathedral. For 200 years it was the pivot around which Dresden flowed, Germany’s riposte to St Paul’s. But during the war, the church was whittled down to debris. It was reconstructed for the city’s 800th anniversary in 2006 like a gigantic jigsaw puzzle along with a phalanx of other structures like the Zwinger Palace and the Semperoper. Such is the cathedral’s aura that I get goose bumps as the sound of its bells ricochet across the cobbled square!

Dresden is chockfull of other historic sights: a unique, world-famous baroque quarter; the notorious Church of Our Lady; and museums which rival the most splendid in Paris and Rome. How interesting to see one of the world’s finest art collections in a city that is itself a baroque masterpiece!

Dresden’s historic core, mostly dating back to the 18th century, is spliced into two by the glutinous River Elbe. The grand

churches and museums of the Altstadt nestle on the south bank, the elegant streets and shops of the Neustadt on the north side.

I begin my explorations smack dab in the heart of town – at the Zwinger, the sprawling palace complex at Theaterplatz. Even if you’re the non-artsy kind, you’ll find the Zwinger enchanting. In its innards are some wonderful paintings including Raphael’s serene Sistine Madonna, whose sullen angels have become Dresden’s unofficial mascots.

However, the main attraction is Canaletto’s cityscapes, depicting this city as it used to be and has become again.

Basically, the Zwinger is an assemblage of galleries and pavilions, one of the many city landmarks commissioned by Augustus the Strong, elector of Saxony and Dresden’s most controversial monarch who also became king of Poland. Augustus’ ostentatious tastes gave Dresden its ornate beauty as also its moniker – ‘Florence of the North’.

I saunter into the Gr unes Gewolbe

museum and gobsmacked by Augustus’ eye-popping collection of precious objects.

Like Alladdin’s cave, the place is chockfull of precious amber cabinets, ivory carvings, effervescent jewelled creations of the king’s goldsmiths and much more. To add to the visitors’ intrigue, most artifacts are housed within mirrored rooms designed as a walk-in treasure chest inside the royal palace.

To take a break from baroque, I head to Neustadt, the artsy-meets-punk district where exists a pulsating arts and cultural scene and a zinging pub and nightlife. You can party all night long in this neighborhood, my guide informs me, as the place has the highest bar and club density in Germany. The area was largely spared by bombing and is a trove of 19th-century patrician houses and trendy bars, cafes and shops. The Bohemian enclave of Louisenstrasse here enchants with its charming boutiques, bars and record shops.

Neu s t adt’s t iny cour t y a rd s hou s e studios and ateliers including the delightful Kunsthofpas sage complex, home to a turquoise building that ha s rigged it s drains (which are shaped like musical instruments), to play “water music” during the rains!

Since the fall of the Wall, Dresden has mimicked Berlin’s frenetic artistic emancipation, but while the German capital struck me (on an earlier visit) as over-the-top, Neustadt suffers from no such affliction. It is irreverent and scruffy and offers a refreshing antidote to Dresden’s medieval Old Town.

As my guide, Seema Prakash, who has been a Dresden resident for four years put it, “I love the city because it’s not just a prefect holiday destination but also a prefect living destination. The spaces of leisure, of natural beauty, architectural magnificence and history are integrated into daily life. One doesn’t have to ‘escape’ somewhere else to feel transported. Amidst joyful possibilities, one is already there.”

Dresden allows you to be close to nature as well. Amble along the Elbe, past farms and vineyards, out into its open fields.

There’s a lovely riverside palace, Schloss Pillnitz, which you can reach by paddlesteamer from the city centre, and the knights-in-armor castle, Moritzburg, just a short ride away on an old steam train.

Although the key sights can be negotiated on foot, public transport is excellent. Red double-decker buses emblazoned with September 2013 GO NOW

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‘STADTRUNDFAHRT’ are ubiquitous. As are trams. These quirky wooden carriages radiate the charm of a museum piece as they rattle and shake their way along metallic tramlines cutting through the cobbles.

German efficiency helps, too – trains, trams and buses arrive on the dot – so you can get around without hassles.

One cloudless day, I take a steamboat up river past some of Europe’s steepest and most verdant vineyards. Paddle steamers once dominated the European river systems, but no more. In Dresden, however, a whole fleet of these old beauties operates from the Elbe. They chug valiantly -- funnels billowing, paddles thumping the water -- upriver to the castle at Pillnitz, Augustus’ summer palace.

And then onwards into mountainous Saxon Switzerland.

As the ship hoots, and my fun-filled hourlong ride comes to an end, I disembark close to the city. Almost immediately, I get sucked up into the urban whirligig, a world away from the misty pastures I was eyeing not so long ago. Surely, this feat is possible only in a metropolis like Dresden which straddles the modern and the medieval with equal élan!

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Leipzig I ar r ive in L eipzig one br ight and phosphorescent July afternoon. As the car gobbled up the buttery smooth A 14 tarmac from Dresden (my base camp) to Leipzig in about 90 minutes, the drive in the northwesterly direction took me through some of Saxony’s most salubrious surroundings.

Misty meadows, contiguous hills and well-patterned vineyards leapt at me from a landscape that clearly belonged in a Karan Johar potboiler. Occasionally, the scenery was splashed with the azure of water bodies

too, as Leipzig is wedged between three rivers -- White Elster, Pleisse, and Parthe!

However, the biggest draw for me in Leipzig was not nature’s accoutrements (although that too), but a chance to visit the hometown of the granddaddies of music – Johann Sebastian Bach, Robert Schumann, Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy and Richard Wagner. Indeed what could be greater nirvana for a music lover than to set foot on terra firma that has the world’s highest density of original residential and working places of top-notch musicians?

There is musical history at virtually every corner, I discover while ambling through

HOLIDAY TRAVEL Dresden

the city’s sun-splattered streets. Wagner was born in Leipzig, Bartholdy led the Gewandhaus Orchestra to international fame and Schumann, the composer as also an influential music critic studied in Leipzig University. Bach lived and worked in Lieipzig for over 27 years and later was buried in the city’s St. Thomas’ Church.

The Bach Museum, Schumann’s House and Mendelssohn’s House pay an ode to the city’s famous sons.

A popular way to view the city’s musical heritage, I get to know, is through the Leipzig Music Trail. The 5.1-km stroll helps one explore places associated with the city’s famed musicians on a route that winds through the city centre, marked by curved steel inserts in the ground.

Leipzig is cosmopolitan and crackles with life in a way I didn’t expect. Young people are ubiquitous – streaming out of Leipzig University’s glassy facade, squatting on sidewalks, chinwagging in cafes and putting up electrifying street performances…giving the city a fun and energizing vibe.

The reason for the city’s predominantly young demographic, I soon discover, is that September 2013 GO NOW

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Grossedlitz

Leipzig has the second oldest University after Heidelberg where over 50,000 students come every year from across the world to study. Incidentally, it was also within the walls of Leipzig’s St. Nicholas Church that the local youth unleashed a non-violent protest movement that soon engulfed Germany, culminating in the collapse of the Berlin Wall and the reunification of Germany in 1989.

Post reunification, the story in the East has largely been one of deprivation --chronic unemployment, economic stagnation and youth fleeing to greener pastures. However, in places like Dresden and Leipzig, federal funds have continued to pour in. Construction cranes dot the skyline, historic renovation projects are on in full swing, cultural events are aplenty and the dining/nightlife scene is as pulsating as anywhere else in Europe.

Adding to Leipzig’s prosperity is its thriving arts scene and a rich architectural heritage prompting The New York Times to dub it as one of the top destinations in the world to visit.

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a stroll through the dense city center, I spot medieval buildings next to stark modernist boxes, and gorgeous Baroque complexes existing cheek-by-jowl with churches dating circa the 1100’s.

Steeped in history, Leipzig was also the first town in Germany to win the right from the Emperor to hold a trade fair in 1497. Even today, Leipzig is Germany’s largest trading town. The Leipzig Fair is in fact the oldest trade fair in the world and is referred to as the “Mother of all Fairs”.

Leipzig also boasts of the biggest train station in Ger many mainly due to it s provenance as a trade fair town. The current station is not only one of the most beautiful and cleanest, but also the largest terminus in Europe with 26 platforms and 140 shops and restaurants.

The town’s reputation as an automobiles, industries and technology hub is also well - ent renched. Global player s like DHL, Amazon and Siemens have their headquar ters in Leipzig. The Porsche Cayenne is produced here as also the 3

Series of the BMW and the Volkswagon.

A visit to the Volkswagon transparent factory was a sheer delight for me. Not just another manufacturing facility, this was a studio format designer facility where custom made Phaetons are manufactured. The factory produces about 28 cars a day vis a vis a traditional set-up that would typically churn out about 4,000 cars daily.

There are fine cafe s along the Grimmaische Street where we have dinner at a very historical place - the Auerbachs Keller (or Auerbach’s Cellar), a remarkable restaurant in the innards of the most beautiful shopping arcade -- the Madler Passage.

The restaurant, I’m informed, was made immortal by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (a student of Leipzig University), in his famous “Fausthus” novel where Mephisto rides on a wine barrel that is accessible to the visitors of the restaurant even today.

The historical rooms in the Auerbachs Keller are illuminated by almost a 1000 light bulbs and approximately 75000 litres of beer are consumed in the cellar every year. The

filefact HOW TO REACH There is no direct flight to Saxony. To reach there, you can go by air to Munich or Frankfurt and then via road, rail or rental car you can reach Saxony (Dresden or Leipzig). Saxony is bordered by Czech Republic, Lusatian Mountains, Ore Mountains, and Vogtland and this makes it an attraction for tourists from around the world. It is the tenth-largest German state in terms of area. By air the flying time between major gateways in Europe is less than 100 minutes.

FESTIVALS This place has many festivals going around throughout the year. In coming months, you can witness events like Leipzig Festival of Lights, Spring and Wine Festival in Bad Schlema, Tonlagen – Dresden Festival of Contemporary Art and many more.

Meissen

eatery ranks as one of the top 10 most wellknown restaurants in the world. However, the most intriguing part of the cellar is the wine rooms where gourmet cuisine is served. Grosse Keller is where you I experience fine Saxonian hospitality with 100 years of tradition.

As I saunter through Mädler Passage, I’m dazzled by the sheer presence of the big daddies of the luxury market here. Porsche Design, Mont Blanc, Bassetti, Givenchy, Bulgari, Coco Chanel, Prada, Lancome… you name it and the designer brand marks its presence on this slice of prime real estate.

Mesissen The city of Meissen, a 40 -minute drive northwest of Dresden, is picture-postcard pretty. Although European porcelain was invented in Dresden, it was here in Meissen where the porcelain acquired global fame.

Meissen, also known as the Cradle of Saxony was the former capital of this region. German Emperor Augustus the Strong established his rule here by erecting

a castle on the hill during the 10th Century.

The historic part of Meissen was never destroyed and comprises of 1500 quaint buildings, some as old as 350 years and have been re stored after the German reunification. Meissen is also on the Saxon wine trail route as it is one of Germany’s smallest wine growing regions.

Rich in histor y Meissen flaunts the mighty ensemble of Albrechtsburg Castle and Meissen Cathedral, both of which add character to this beautiful town. You can see the banks of the Elbe from the hill above, truly a photographer’s delight. The Albrechtsburg Castle was the first castle ever designed as a royal residence in the German speaking region and was built in Gothic style during the 15th Century. Now a museum, it is truly an architectural masterpiece.

As I stroll through the old city hall, soaking in the Church of Our Lady with its 57-metre spire it gives me a crick in the neck. The medieval streets of this beautiful town with its quiet squares, old houses, small shops, cafes and wine cellars are indeed charming.

Each piece of Meissen porcelain is an original hand made work of artists which makes the porcelain truly a collector’s item.

More than 40,000 visitors, the guide informs us, come to see the highly artistic and masterly production of the porcelain every year at the manufactory which has over 3000 porcelain pieces on display, one of the most comprehensive collections in the world.

After a short documentary, we do a recce of the manufactory. Particularly interesting to watch are the various stages of how porcelain is shaped and how it becomes a finished product that makes it “white gold”.

It is said that Johann Friedrich Böttger wa s s upp o s e d to ma ke gold for t he Elector of Saxony, Augustus the Strong and accidentally ended up developing red stoneware which eventually became the white gold or the European porcelain.

Amongst several impressive works of art was a piano made entirely of porcelain tagged at 200,000 Euros!!! (yes, you read that right).

However, more than the spiffy products, what captivated me most was a unique tea ceremony that the manufactory had organized for us. The sumptuous sight of Meissen porcelain filled with a smorgasbord of confectionaries and chocolates, in tableware sporting decorations and designs from various eras of the manufactory’s history, was a treat as much for the palate as for the eyes!

I quaff tea and coffee from one decorous cup after another feeling like a queen!

The beverage and the snacks taste divine of course. But I suspect their flavor had as much to do with the chef’s culinary skills as the fact that they were served off Meissen porcelain!

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Kuala Lumpur FIRST IMPRESSIONS Make the most of your next business trip or short holiday to Malaysia’s capital with our compelling list of local hangouts that showcase a fun side of KL most tourist guides can’t capture.

PHOTO: MALAYSIA TOURISM

Text & photos ASHWIN RAJAGOPALAN

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T

here was a time when most travellers were content to let their travel agents draw up their daily travel itineraries. The packaged tour might still work for first time holiday makers who want to tick off all possible boxes on a whirlwind tour but today’s evolved traveller wants a holiday experience that goes deeper than the surface. It’s probably why you enjoy a visit to a new city when there’s a friend or a business associate who takes time off to show you around. That kind of trip when you steer clear of tourist traps, shop, eat and party where the locals do.

Kuala Lumpur might not be the most exotic holiday option in Asia but is always in the mix, thanks to easy access from most Indian locations, affordable hotels and sticker prices that are not out of reach despite India’s falling rupee. Scratch the surface and KL has a host of engaging options, perfect to unwind whether you are on business or holiday.

The centre of it all The Malaysian government embarked on a bold and ambitious project to create a new hub where a railway yard once stood. The move not only envisioned shifting the city’s main commuter station from a historic building but also creating

an entire business and entertainment zone around the new station. KL Sentral went live in the early 2000s, gradually high-rise office towers and hotels joined the fray. The mandate for the new development went to Kisho Kurokawa and associates who designed the impressive KL airport. The masterstroke was the express connectivity between the KL International airport and KL Sentral – a 28-minute train ride (Compared to 90 minutes by car) with the option of checking in for your return flight (Only on Malaysian airlines) at the station itself.

The Aloft, KL Sentral’s newest addition Whether its connectivity with the airport or access to KL’s happening zones, the Aloft’s location is almost unrivalled. The hotel is just one zebra crossing away from the KL Sentral and with 482 rooms it is the largest Aloft hotel anywhere in the world. Aloft, part of the Starwood group is one of the youngest hotel brands in the world (commenced operations in 2008) and its vibrant, contemporary design language is crafted for the 2010s traveller. In a city that offers some of South East Asia’s best value for money hotel accommodation, the Aloft KL Sentral finds a great balance

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Poolside, Aloft Hotel

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Publika Mall

between value and style. The hotel is full of funky art with a local flavour and high energy transcends all the hotel’s public spaces.

Breakfast like a king The buffet breakfast at Nook, Aloft’s all-day diner offers a mix of International favourites and local specialities like the Nasi Lemak.

The restaurant’s reinterpretation of classic Malaysian dishes are a must try. But if your first meeting for the day is at 11 am, we’d urge you to take the 20-minute cab ride and head to Bangsar Village, KL’s default dining and party zone. Wondermama is easily one of the city’s finest breakfast destinations, you can opt to sit at the sun deck area if you arrive early and beat the KL sun. The centrepiece of the menu are its wholesome signature breakfast options – each a meal in itself. Tr y their special Nasi Lemak paired with the fiery sambal (a chilli-based condiment). If you arrive after 10 am the Laksa packed with egg, cucumber, prawn and cockles is an absolute must-try. For all those who prefer staying within their comfort zone, the restaurant has its share of International favourites like French toast and fluffy omelettes. Wash it all down with a frothy local ‘pulled’ coffee or tea. You can watch their ‘artist’ work pull the tea or coffee (teh tarek / kopi tarek) from one container to another quite similar to teashops in India.

Lunch getaways “Only those who risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go”. This memorable yet appropriate quote by T.S. Eliot hangs over the bar counter at The Bee, a cosy diner at Publika. Publika at Mont Kiara is not just one of KL’s newest malls but is a break from conventional soulless malls as we know them. Arty, edgy interiors with a mix of retail stores that include both independent boutiques and international fashion brands Mont Kiara might be slightly away from KL’s city centre but this swish residential neighbourhood has become a melting pot for expatriates and the city’s glitterati. The Bee is a great option for an extended lunch with a choice of signature cocktails, nouvelle cuisine and sinful desserts. You can make a quick stop at the mall’s anchor tenant – Ben’s Independent Grocers that stocks a range of gourmet products. Malaysia’s large Tamil population makes KL a home to some of the finest South Indian restaurants that have maintained

Ben’s independent grocers at Publika Mall

the same authentic flavours almost since the large wave of Tamil immigrants moved to Malaysia more than a century ago. Sri Ganapathi Mess in Petaling Jaya offers one of the finest banana leaf meals in the city; their crab rasam is legendary.

Bargain hunting KL has scores of malls like the famous KLCC and Mid Valley mall but if you are looking at bargains then head to KL’s famous night market in the old Chinese quarter Petaling Jaya. Whether its designer handbags, apparel, this street is full of rip-offs. This market is also a great place to buy small souvenirs, trinkets and truly comes alive once the sun sets. It is walking distance from the Pasar Seni station and as you hop off the train you can see a long wall full of eye-catching graffiti.

This is a dedicated and authorised graffiti zone that has been developed in partnership with KL’s city hall and hosts an annual graffiti competition that also draws international participants. If you are looking for gizmos or accessories for your favourite toys the Low Yat plaza is a gadget lover’s paradise.

Let you hair down Here’s no better place to par t y in KL

filefact GETTING THERE AND AROUND THERE The Kuala Lumpur International airport (KLIA) and the LCC (Low Cost terminal) are well connected with direct flights from all major Indian metros. The KL Monorail connects most of the city’s shopping and business districts while cabs are a good option to move around town too.

WHEN TO GO KL enjoys the same weather right though the year – sunshine round the year with a shower almost every second day. Hotel room tariffs don’t fluctuate much either.

than Bangsar. Once a sleepy residential neighbourhood, Bangsar is the pulsating nightlife nucleus of KL, full of eclectic restaurants and high-energy bars. Make Bangsar Shopping Centre your base, grab your first drink and sink your teeth into a delectable steak at Press Room then hop across to at least two other fun bars. We’d recommend the W.I.P. and the Twenty One tables + terrace; contrasting interiors but both filled with the same throbbing energy. Once you are back at the Aloft head straight to Mai Bar, the hotel’s rooftop bar with stunning views for your nightcap – the signature Mai tai cocktail.

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HOLIDAY TRAVEL

From the travel diaries of

GUL PANAG

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HOLIDAY TRAVEL

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hat made you pick Andamans as your holiday destination?

Adventure, my love for travel and discovery made the Andamans an enticing holiday option for me. Many of the islands are still relatively untouched and there is an exquisite raw beauty about the place. I had heard a lot of the turquoise sea, the stunning sunsets, great diving, fresh seafood and the natural beauty of Andamans which is what precisely made me fall in love with this place and hence it became an instant holiday destination.

“Last year I was travelling for 18 days every month on an average, touring and exploring’’ comments Gul Panag. In between her acting stints in Bollywood, this former Miss India is an ardent traveller who sets out to new destinations spontaneously (she claims it is more fun). She is someone who will talk about travel more zealously than any other subject. She is believed to be an intrepid voyager who braves any terrain or climate.

Also her tweets show how passionate she is about bikes, cars and travelling. In an interview to GoNow, Gul shares the experiences of her recent wanderlust, Andamans.

C

an you give a brief about your stay?

My three days stay at the Andaman Islands was an excellent experience. We flew via a sea plane from Port Blair to Havelock and then a decent jeep ride to our hotel from there. At Havelock, the resort provided us with a small cottage of our own which was a beautiful and striking place to stay. The last night was spent at the Fortune Bay Resort at Port Blair and to be fair, it was an enjoyable and relaxing stay.

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ny must see attraction that you highly recommend?

We went to the ‘Cellular Jail’ in Port Blair to witness the beautifully produced sound and light show. The show chronicles the history of the jail known as the dreaded ‘Kaala Paani’, which definitely brought a lump to the throat of even the most stone hearted.

I would recommend visiting the jail in the morning and then watching the show in the evening. You will cherish this experience throughout your life.

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eing an adventurer, any exciting activity that you explored?

Scuba diving and snorkelling at the diving centre were some adventure activities that I undertook which was truly an experience to remember and I will recommend it to all. Your visit to Andamans would not be considered complete without trying these two activities.

filefact How to reach: The easiest way to reach Andamans is to travel by air till Port Blair. All the leading airlines like Jet Airways, Air India and IndiGo operate in Port Blair from all the major metropolitans.

Closest cities: Kolkata and Chennai Where to stay: Hotel Marine View, Near Marine Dockyard, Aberdeen Bazaar, Port Blair, Sea Shell, Marine Hill, Port Blair, Palm Groov Resort, Prothrapur, Port Blair, Hotel Galaxy, Bhatubasti, Port Blair.

Weather: Andamans has moderate temperature all through the year within the range of 23°C to 31°C. There are no severe climate conditions except for tropical storms and rains in late summers and monsoons. The best time to visit Andaman is from October to May.

is probably not the place yet. The location is beautiful and breath-taking. All I can say is you are going to cherish every minute spent here.

A

ny ideal apparel that you would like to suggest for Andamans?

H

ow often you travel and what is your next holiday destination?

Since Andamans is a relaxing destination, clothes should be relaxing as well. Bikinis and sarongs or any light coloured beach clothes will be ideal for a relaxed day wear.

For evenings you can wear flowy and easy dresses like with floral prints.

I travel a lot. Travelling is more than a passion to me. ‘Passion’ in fact would be an understatement. Last year I travelled for 18 days every month on an average. I just returned from an amazing few weeks in London and Munich. As for my next holiday destination, well nothing is decided as of now. I prefer spontaneous trips as unplanned adventures are more thrilling. as told to ANUPRIYA BISHNOI

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an you describe beauty of Andamans? Would you recommend our readers to travel there and why?

The Andamans are in a beautiful location – the vistas are truly gorgeous, the experience of diving will be life-long cherished and will remain memorable. The seafood is always fresh and delicious. There is rawness to the Andamans that other more developed islands have lost like Koh Samui or Phuket.

If you’re looking for five star comforts, this

Any ideal place to stay Barefoot at Havelock.

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HOLIDAY TRAVEL

ABU DHABI HOTELS

A DIVE INTO LUXURY

Qasr Al Sarb Desert Resort by Anantara

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HOLIDAY TRAVEL After growing into a cosmopolitan metropolis, Abu Dhabi has lately emerged as a host to the elite travellers. What GoNow finds interesting about these hotels is their positioningsome are located amidst the quaint deserts while some are placed right in the middle of the hustle-bustle of the metropolis.

We venture through the magnificent beauty of top luxury hotels in Abu Dhabi and bring you their highpoints.

St Regis Saadiyat Island ResortA

THE NEUTRAL PALETTE ADDS A TWIST

The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Re sor t, Abu Dhabi, located on Saadiyat Island, a prestigious resort in is located 500 meters off the coast of Abu Dhabi and 20 minutes’ drive to Abu Dhabi International Airport. The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, inspired by the century-old distinctive heritage of the Astor family’s rituals, innovations and luxuries, is Abu Dhabi’s first true beach resort. Talking of the rooms and suites, each has individual terraces and expansive bathrooms. The interiors of a neutral palette of cool browns and creams are punctuated by the occasional burst of vivid coral turquoise, adding a distinctive twist to the décor. The 377 guest rooms and suites, boasting lavish yet intimate spaces, range from Superior Rooms, at 55 square metre with a 10 square metre balcony, to suites from 83 square metre with a 10 square metre balcony, to the ultimate 2,000 square metre majestic Royal Suite. Also the St. Regis Butler Service ensures that unique preferences are known and understood in every detail from the moment guests arrive to the limousine journey to the airport.

At 3,000 square meters, the impressive

Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort bya AnantaraA

RICH INTERIORS WITH SCENIC VIEWS Located in the legendary Liwa Desert, one of the largest uninterrupted sand deserts in the world, Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort

by Anantara embraces the epic adventures of this evocative landscape by providing a luxury oasis for discerning travellers. Recline by the plunge pool outside your own private villa, or stretch out on a sumptuous day bed surrounded by rich Middle Eastern fabrics and local artefacts.

Every room, villa and suite is considered to be one of the finest abodes among luxury Abu Dhabi resorts and features desert view, amalgamating the rich interiors with the landscape. The glorious Arabian décor that channels one of the world’s most ancient and revered cultures will make you feel enchanted. Located about 90 minutes from Abu Dhabi airport and 7 kilometres from the main Hamim highway, the hotel remains approachable to the city. Qasr Al Sarab is

ballroom features an ocean-view terrace and is adorned with state-of-the-art lighting and sound equipment. Connoisseurs of fine food can indulge in their wide range of restaurants and lounges. From the signature venue, the 55&5th The Grill, inspired by the address of the original St. Regis New York, to delicious sea food and interesting beverages on the beach at Turquoiz, to enjoying the Arabia inspired Bloody Mary – the Arabian Snapper, and authentic Southeast Asian delicacies at Sontaya, guests will relish every moment.

The resort is also home to the region’s first Iridium Spa. With 12 treatment rooms, the spa offers a full array of massages, facials, and relaxation programs for individuals or couples, in addition to Vichy showers, Thai and Balinese specialty treatments and range signature skincare treatments including specialized treatments from BABOR. Other premier facilities of the hotel include the Sandcastle Club, a thoughtfully-crafted children’s club for age groups from one to 10 years: The St. Regis Athletic Club, with stateof-art equipment and five swimming pools.

thehighlights St. Regis Butler service • Private beach stretch • Sandcastle Club • St. Regis Athletic Club

accessible both by road and air, as helipads have also been constructed.

Traditional dishes meet with the finest imported cuts of meat and an extensive menu of wines and champagnes in both fine dining venues and intimate cafes.

Al Waha, or ‘The Oasis’, serves as an allday dining haven of gastronomic delights.

The authentic flavours of this Abu Dhabi desert restaurant include local breakfast items such as shashouka, Emirati pancakes and manaish. Dinner features a live grill station offering lamb chops, kofta, steaks and seafood. Suhail (steak house), an upscale grill restaurant with the best cuts of beef from all over the globe including the acclaimed Australian Blackmore beef known for its flavour and tenderness. Choose from an award winning wine list with their 120 labels.

thehighlights Tennis courts • Children’s supervised entertainment area • Traditional desert activities • Outdoor leisure pursuits like hot-air balloon and cycling September 2013 GO NOW

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Ballroom at The Emirates Palace

Lobby, Jumeirah at Etihad Towers

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The Emirates PalaceA

LUXURY AT ITS BEST

Located on the shores of the Arabian Gulf, overlooking its own private natural bay, Emirates Palace Hotel, a 25-minute drive from Abu Dhabi International Airport and the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre remains one of the most beautiful and a palatial property of Abu Dhabi. Marina Mall and Heritage Village are within 7 minutes’ drive. All room categories experience the same level of immaculate service and enjoy a vast range of amenities, but offer 3 exquisite views: Coral Rooms, which overlooks landscaped gardens and Abu Dhabi’s modern skyline, Pearl Rooms where the views of the tropical gardens, swimming pools, and pristine beach will make you sway and Diamond Rooms: Panoramic views of the Arabian Sea Offering world class luxury, Emirates Palace suites promise an unforgettable exper ience. L av i sh a menit ie s, late s t technology with views of the pristine beach and Arabian Gulf await you alongside your private butler. All Suites comprise a spacious lounge area, bedroom, private terrace and a luxury superior bathroom.

Guests can rejuvenate themselves at Anantara Spa that offers many opulent facilities like private steam room and shower, Moroccan-style Hammam featuring a relaxing heated slab, steam and Jacuzzi, invigorating Ice Cave, couples suites, private Thai suite fit for traditional Thai massage and Vichy room.

Also the hotel consists of an exotic Havana Club that boasts a selection of the world’s finest Cognacs, Armagnac’s and cigars, sure to impress the most discerning connoisseurs.

Jumeirah at Etihad Towersa ResidencesA

THE ARABIC EXPERIENCE

Jumeirah at Etihad Towers Residences offers exquisite serviced apartments in the midst of the city’s vibrant centre. Jumeirah at Etihad Towers serviced residences are Abu Dhabi’s most exclusive and prestigious with spectacular views of the cityscape, Corniche and the Arabian Gulf, close to the central business district and ministries area and 37 kilometres from Abu Dhabi international airport.

The iconic beachfront project features five towers, including a 280m tall luxury hotel (Jumeirah at Etihad Towers. The connecting four-level Podium features contemporary

Ocean suite at St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort

You can taste the world’s most precious Cognac while savouring a rare cigar. Also for the champagne lovers Caviar Bar at the hotel is Abu Dhabi’s first destination for caviar and champagne lovers.

Some of the fun sports facilities offered by the hotel are snorkeling, tennis, ski-ing among others. The Emirates Palace offers state-of-the-art fitness suites, which are Techno Gym equipped, and boast a fitness suite. At Sarab Land let your children experience various fun filled games and activities while you are enjoying the beautiful sunny weather or relaxing on the beach. Sarab Land caters to children between 5 and 12 years old. With a FIFA standard football pitch and home to Manchester City’s winter training ground, Emirates Palace offers the best in world sports action.

thehighlights Havana Club • Sarab Land • FIFA standard football pitch • State-of-the-art fitness suites

restaurants and over 35 premium boutiques in the Avenue at Etihad Towers.

Jumeirah at Etihad Towers comprises of 382 guest rooms and suites, 199 serviced residences and 12 restaurants, bars and lounges. The hotel also offers a private beach, Talise Spa, three pools, gym and an extensive conference centre with 13 meeting rooms and the grand Mezzoon Ballroom.

The dramatic sculptural forms of the towers complement the sophisticated and contemporary interior design. Art works from His Highness Sheikh Suroor bin Mohammed Al Nahyan’s private art collection provide a local Arabian touch in public areas and conference pre-function areas.

The hotel offers guests 382 beautifully appointed guest rooms and suites which are located between Levels 27 to 60, each with luxurious contemporary décor and furnishings. All rooms offer stunning sea views and spread over 40 square meters to 60 square meters in floor area with the latest fully integrated lifestyle technology.

From casual family friendly dining and signature restaurants to chill-out lounges, bars and night life entertainment, the hotel offers an array of unique food and beverage outlets. Jumeirah at Etihad Towers offers a choice of numerous restaurants, bars and lounges with a variety of culinary options like Li Beirut, a chic Lebanese restaurant with sea view and outdoor terrace seating, Brasserie Angélique, offering classic French home-style cuisine, Nahaam, a casual chic poolside restaurant, Lobby Lounge, offers the signature ‘Tea at the Towers’ service, Camelccinos, gourmet light refreshments and desserts from the lobby’s dessert stations.

What’s outstanding is The Observation Deck at 300 located on Level 74 at 300 metres above the nation’s capital which offers visitors 360 degree panoramic views from Tower 2 of the Etihad Towers complex with its uninterrupted bird’s-eye perspective of the city’s skyline, Corniche and Arabian Gulf. The Observation Deck at 300 and its café offering elaborate mocktails, including its signature Etihad Sparkler mocktail, soft drinks, coffees and Abu Dhabi’s highest high tea service, as well as deserts and salads, is a popular destination for tourists and local residents alike.

thehighlights The Observation Deck • Designer boutiques • Private beach and pool • Sky suite.

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HOLIDAY TRAVEL

The Ritz-Carlton

The Ritz-CarltonA

MIX OF RENAISSANCE AND URBAN ARCHITECTURE

The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal is ideally located to take advantage of the city’s clear, warm, turquoise waters. Bringing new prestige to a city that is home to a host of cultural institutions including the National Theatre, the Abu Dhabi Classical Music Society, the upcoming Frank Gehry-designed Guggenheim Museum and the Louvre, The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal is strategically positioned between Mussafah and Maqtaa bridges right across from the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and a 25-minute drive from Abu Dhabi International Airport.

The resort’s prime location, which includes private residential-style villas, is expected to attract local corporate patrons, discerning diners, and international business and 80

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leisure travellers.

The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal features 447 luxurious guestrooms and suites, as well as 85 villas. Inspired by the 15th to early 17th century Renaissance architecture and the urban planning of the city of Venice, the waterfront resort consists of ten stately buildings arranged in a crescent formation, completed with artfully designed water features and manicured gardens throughout the 2,306,70 square meter property.

Leisure travellers can enjoy the allencompassing spa which will provide holistic rejuvenation and relaxation in a serene, meditative setting. Try the hotel’s delicacie s with- Gior notte, an all- day dining Mediter ranean re staurant that features a lovely outdoor terrace overlooking the gardens; The Forge, steak and seafood restaurant that offers specialty cuisine in a

stylish and contemporary setting; the Abu Dhabi Lebanese restaurant, Mijana which showcases the very best in the region’s cooking, and Li Jiang, Asian restaurant, will whet the appetite for all things spicy, authentic and Asian. For those who enjoy a more casually luxurious experience, there is Al Fresco, a breezy pool and beach restaurant, two poolside bars, and a Lobby Lounge and bar, all of which offer guests a great selection of cocktails and bite-sized meals, along with striking views of Abu Dhabi and the Grand Canal.

thehighlights Personalized butler service for The Ritz-Carlton Suite and Villa guests • Ritz Kids club • Upcoming Guggenheim Museum • Abu Dhabi Classical Music Society compiled by ANUPRIYA BISHNOI

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THE LAST PAGE

Say Cheers to Oktoberfest!!

Originating from Munich, Bavaria, Germany, this 16 day long beer festival is being celebrated in various parts of the world in its own form. So get set to say cheers this October.

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long with focusing on beer, Oktoberfest is also about adventurous rides, tents, fun and food. Various countries are introducing new interesting elements to make this celebration more special. Let’s have a look on some of the most happening Oktoberfest around the world.

Germany All set for its 180th edition this year, Oktoberfest in Munich has everything, from tapping the first barrel to rocking at the big brass concert. This year they are introducing new rides like Odyssee, the highest transportable free fall tower Sky Fall (70 meter), the Cobra looping ride and the Pirate Adventure. The traditional Oktoberfest known as Oide Wiesn is back this year. Taking place in the southern part of the Theresienwiese fairground, it will be hosted in traditional tents with historical rides and a lot more. To cherish it throughout your life, you can buy some interesting souvenirs from the shops at the fest selling, beer mug, wheat beer glass, T-shirts, pants, USB sticks, waistcoats, etc.

When: 21st September to 6th October 2013. Where: Theresienwiese fairground, Munich, Germany. For Further Information, Visit: www.oktoberfest.de

USA Celebrated by the name of Great American Beer Festival, it represents the largest collection of beer ever served. Along with having breweries, 82

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the festival will also have food pavilions, bookstores, homebrew marketplace, competition booth, and a lot more designated pavilions.

Silent Disco is one of the most interesting part of the festival; here only the people wearing the headphones can listen and groove to the live DJ whereas for others it is just silence. But whether you hear the music or no, this definitely brings a smile to your face. The festival unlike the one in Germany, takes place only for three consecutive days.

When: 10th to 12th October 2013. Where: Colorado Convention Centre, Denver. For Further Information, Visit: www.greatamericanbeerfestival.com

London Another variant of this traditional festival is celebrated in London, with the party happening on three consecutive weekends. It is celebrated in a tent accommodating around 3, 300 people. The first two weekends will be celebrated in Kennington Park, Lambeth and the last weekend will be held at Millwall Park, Canary Wharf. Starting from 19th September 2013, it will happen from Thursday to Sunday. Bands like Albfetza and Hofbraeu-Regiment will be travelling from Germany to set the theme of Tyrolean music.

When: 19th to 22nd September; 26th to 29th September; 3rd to 6th October Where: Kennington Park, Lambeth & Millwall Park, Canary Wharf For Further Information, Visit: www.london-oktoberfest.co.uk

by NIKITA CHOPRA

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Date of Publication: 03/09/2013

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