Vanakkam Chennai - A Pleasantly Surprising Vacation You Must Do

The Health Capital of India or our beloved Chennai is not always on a vacation wishlist - but trust me there is so much to do there! From surfing to spirituality, the city holds something to keep everyone engaged. If you think the city is only about Marina Beach and dosa, you’re dead wrong. It is home to all things cosmopolitan albeit being wrapped in its own old world charm. From the most sensational electronic parties to tranquil classical music conferences - Chennai has it all!

Middle East Calling!

The Middle East is home to the most stunning monuments and locations in the world. From Biblical histories to Eastern civilization, from the Byzantine civilization to the classic Greco-Roman one, from pyramids to gold souks, the Middle East is one of those few areas that still retains the exuberant old-school charm that spells wonder for one. For me it is always going to be the paradoxical land of glorious wonders. 

Bangalore - A city waiting with myriad experiences for you!

Having lived in Bangalore for 4 years of my life, let me tell you that the Silicon Valley of India is not only about multi-national organizations and a forever on-the-move, cosmopolitan crowd. Bangalore is a treasure trove of offbeat activities across the city - from heritage walks to adventure sports to gourmet experiences. If you are visiting Bangalore, my suggestion would be to ditch the common sightseeing spots and schedule your itinerary with activities like micro-light flying, wine tours, meditation programs and more, and enjoy a vacation that in every way will be unique.

Scuba Diving in the Andamans at Havelock Island - Dream Come True!

Scuba Diving at Havelock Island, Andaman was one of the most surreal experiences of my life! Quite proud of myself to have beaten my fear of the deep sea and done this for myself! My partner in crime was my younger brother, who motivates me to try out all these challenges along with him, and I am so thankful for that. The sounds you hear in the sea are just like what you can hear in the video below and I felt like I was in a dream!

The Best Luxury Hotels in Bangalore

Last year I made a trip to Bangalore after a good number of years and was surprised to notice a vast change in the hospitality offerings. Luxury hotels had sprung up in every nook and corner. It was no more just about business and budget hotels with a few luxury hotels which only the uber-rich could afford. I did check out a few hotels though while I was there, and then with further inputs of friends in Bangalore, I zeroed down on a list of the 'Best Luxury Hotels' in Bangalore. The hotels below are definitely on my recommended list and I'll tell you why they should be on yours as well. 

On my Travel Bucket List: Israel

“People don’t take trips, trips take people.” – John Steinbeck

That is exactly how I feel about travelling. I'm just went to Goa last month and my mind is already working on where to go next! Like other years I have not done an international trip this year and it is high time that I now start planning my next international trip. One of the latest additions to my travel bucket list has been Israel as I landed up checking on it when a couple of friends decided to plan a trip there, and I was amazed at what all it had to offer. The fact that it is considered to be part of the Holy Land as Judaism, Christianity, Islam and Bahaism all have historical relations to the region, is what first intrigued me. On further research, not only the history and culture but also the fact that it is a beautiful scenic country with so much to offer right from beaches to vineyards, from museums to forts, finest of architecture to being a technologically advanced economy is what made me put it on my bucket list.

Weekend Diaries: Thanksgiving At Renaissance!

Life today rushes by us at lightning speed, and we don't really get the time with hectic schedules to slow down and take a break until and unless we are not heading out of the city. Taking a break within your own city is not something that most people think of, but trust me we have some real jewels in Mumbai where you can head for a break. Renaissance Mumbai Convention Centre Hotel is one such retreat on the banks of the Powai Lake that I take off to whenever I need an escape within the city as this place spells tranquility for me.

Hitting the Beach Shacks!

A woman is not really dressed unless she is wearing a hat. - Victoria Graham

An Extraordinary Weekend at Goa - The Axis Regatta CEO CUP by #AxisReserve

55 CEOs + The first ever Axis Regatta CEO CUP for Sailing powered by Aquasail + The amazing Grand Hyatt Goa + Sailing in the blue sea = An Extraordinary Weekend!

Monsoon Magic at Igatpuri!

I lovvvvveeeeee roadtrips! Especially during the monsoons! There is a charm in the greenery that builds up at this time making the landscape around so beautiful. Being a sucker for mountains, I always make sure to plan one road trip with my family just to enjoy the magic of nature and feel the rains upon and around us. But this year, before I could plan my own trip, American Tourister planned it for me and took me to this beautiful place in Igatpuri(on the way to Nashik) named Khambale, which is a mesmerizing place with mountains, waterfalls, fields and huts that give a very rustic feel and please your senses.

Travel Diaries: Johor Bahru - 2 day itinerary with Legoland and Johor Premium Outlets (Kid Friendly)

Last year when I visited Singapore for Aryaa's first international trip on her first birthday, I made plans to visit a city in Malaysia called Johor Bahru which is the border town of Malaysia to enter Singapore. History calls it a not so safe and chaotic border town, but advancements have happened and it is slowly changing into a nice touristy town with Legoland, Johor Premium Outlets, Sanrio Hello Kitty Town, Angry Birds Activity Park and a handful of museums, temples, hotels, shopping zones and swanky cafes.

Creating the perfect travel memories with the Asus Zenfone 2 Laser - Ganpatipule

The new year has begun and it obviously has to start with a bang. For me travel is what gives me peace, and so I kicked off the new year with a family road trip to Ganpatipule in the Konkan region of Maharashtra. It’s a really small coastal town roughly 7 to 8 hours from Mumbai with beautiful beaches, the renowned Ganpati temple and amazing local food to offer. 

Creating memories is an essential part of all my trips, but by that I mean not just in my mind but also loads of pictures and videos. This trip I decided to test the Asus Zenfone 2 Laser phone on it's camera capabilities and let me tell you I have come back super impressed. Anyway the Asus Zenfone 2 Selfie phone had really left a mark on me but in a phone at 2/3rd of it's price too, Asus hasn't compromised on the features one bit. Once again Asus has wowed me with the picture quality, so much so that I left my camera in my room on most days. Let's start with my favourite picture from the trip with my better half trying to do a take on Gerua from Dilwale inspired with the scenic beauty ;-)

My favourite business hotels in The "Garden City Of India" Bangalore

The "Garden City Of India" and once upon a time my second home - Bangalore, is a city very close to my heart. Living out of a suitcase and checking out practically every hotel, used to be a part of my travels. Looking for deals so that I could fit my hotel stays into my allowances and limits and in the process checking out a couple of interesting hotels in Bangalore was definitely a lot of fun. Now that I have cousins there, staying in a hotel doesn't figure on my list anymore. However for you guys, I'm going to recommend some lovely business hotels which you must check out on your trip to Bangalore not just for the stay but also for some more advantages that each one of them have.

Mövenpick Hotel and Spa

A strategic location close to key business parks and industrial areas and also the closest city hotel to the airport, makes this the first choice for most business travellers. Other than the world class facilities that this hotel offers, it has a spa that delivers some really good services. Rooms start at a price point of INR 6000 and I think it is complete value for money. Their pastry shop is amazing with all the Swiss delicacies available all in one place which a person like me would head to right away. The breakfast buffet at the restaurant 'My Place' is a potpourri of different cuisines along with the option of terrace seating which I love as it instantly uplifts my mood. Dining options are numerous and so are other unwinding options like their Obsidian Sports + Music Bar.

Hotel Royal Orchid

Hotels with great views are always my favourite and that is the case with Hotel Royal Orchid that has sweeping views of the 18-hole golf course managed by Karnataka Golf Association situated right next to it. The rooms are really cosy and you also have the option of taking up serviced apartments. It's located close to the old airport, Indiranagar and Kormangala. I love their coffee shop Lime Light for the late night buffets and you can also dine in the outdoor dining area under the shade of gazebos which I find really romantic. The other best thing about them is Geoffrey's, their British theme pub with wooden interiors and a bar right in the center. Room prices start at INR 5,000.

 Oakwood Residence Prestige Whitefield

A lovely property of serviced residences that can be booked for short and long stays, the Oakwood Residence Prestige Whitefield is a charmer. Residences range from a studio to a 2 bedroom apartment. All the apartments have kitchenettes but the amenities depend upon the type of apartment. You can easily whip up something for yourself in the comforts of your room in case you are feeling lazy or don't feel like stepping out to eat. The Studio apartments start at INR 4,500 and you also have the option of a private terrace facing the swimming pool. Breakfasts are sumptuous and the Oakleaf Restaurant serves some amazing cuisines all day long. You don't feel that you are living in a service apartment even for one moment during your stay because the service is just like a hotel.

The Gateway Hotel - Residency Road

Formerly known as the Taj Residency, this is one of the most popular hotels in central Bangalore. Spacious rooms greet you when you check in and a comfortable stay with the Taj hospitality at around INR 5,000 per night is a steal. Select rooms at this property are designated as Green Rooms as part of their 'Earth' initiative where these rooms have the air-conditioning set at 24 degrees, there are CFL lamps, laundry is done every 2 days and so on just to be earth-friendly as in their terms. You also receive 15% extra Taj InnerCircle Points if you stay in the Green room. They have the well known Seafood restaurant Karavalli that has been recently restored, that serves some of the best sea food that Bangalore has to offer under Chef Naren. They have developed new must not miss experiences like Tiffin Karrier, South West Coast Grills in the garden and Wood Fired dishes that give you a taste of their 25 years of excellence.

Ramada Encore Domlur

This hotel is one of the newest ones on the block and is located within walking distance of the Embassy Golf Links Park which houses offices of major corporate giants in India (Yahoo, IBM, Goldman Sachs, Microsoft, Mercedes Benz, Fidelity Investments). It is also very close to Indiranagar and Koramangala. The rooms are spanking new and it is a perfect place to stay when at work because the rooms come with free WiFi and generously spaced work desks with ergonomic chairs. I love glass walled bathrooms as the rooms look bigger and this is just how it is here. The Hub Restaurant serves multi-cuisine food and the buffet meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The good thing about the restaurant is that it's not just for food, you can actually sit and work there with your laptop while having your meals and it is perfectly okay to do that. People who have pets, you will be really happy to know that this is a pet-friendly hotel. Prices work out to about INR 4,500.

While Bangalore spoils you for choice with its hotels and serviced apartments, I have recommended my favourites that are also pocket friendly. Hotel bookings in Bangalore are so easy now a days with either a call to the hotel or logging on to their website doing the work, or on checking out the extensive list of travel websites we have these days. Bangalore also has some really great leisure luxury hotels and if you guys are interested in those then let me know and I would love to do a blog post on those for you too.

If you like what you see on Ri(t)ch Styles and want to stay updated regularly, follow Ri(t)ch Styles on 

    

You can also email me on ritchstyles@gmail.com :)

Pocket friendly Luxurious Boutique Hotels in Jaipur

Any traveller to the Pink City can see the beauty of Jaipur in its magnificent palaces, forts, hilltops, lakes, food(as shared with you on the thalis in my post here) and of course the beautiful hotels that you can choose from. I love how the influence of the historical palaces and forts has been beautifully imbibed by the hospitality sector in creating world class luxury and boutique hotels in Jaipur. It's nice to feel like royalty once in a while and I know you will love it too. So here are some of my favourite affordable hotels that I or people known to me have stayed in and loved, that will help you plan an absolutely wonderful stay in Jaipur!

Trident

The lovely Trident hotel on way to Amber fort is located bang opposite the Mansagar lake and the view of Jal Mahal Palace from the uber-comfy rooms facing the lake is beautiful. The rooms are spacious with a 'jharokha' style extended window in every room which is perfect to get a gorgeous view of the lake or the gardens depending on which room you have chosen. I had chosen the lake view room and the sunset was one of the prettiest I have seen with the Aravallis in the background. They have a lavish buffet breakfast with health friendly options too which is synonymous with Trident breakfasts across the country. Jal Mahal is their main restaurant which offers authentic Rajasthani dishes but if you interested in some mouth-watering grills and barbeques, The Verandah is where you should head for an al fresco dining experience. You can also laze by the pool and soak in the sun, listen to your music or read a book. The spa is brilliant. All in all this property is ideal when you want to split your holiday between doing touristy stuff, shopping and relaxing. They have some brilliant offers most of the time and room for kids under 12 is complimentary in most cases. Imagine the savings! Room prices per night start at about INR 3,500 depending on the stay duration and package. It is an absolute steal!

Samode Haveli

The Samode Haveli is a luxury heritage hotel housed in a restored 19th century haveli and is located in the centre of the city.It was originally the manor house of the royal family of Samode and the descendants still live there though they have converted the property into a hotel. It still has the unique feature of an elephant ramp. Antique furniture decorates the room, while rich mosaic work and paintings adorn the walls and ceiling. The beautifully decorated bathrooms are lavish and well equipped to make your time within most comfortable. The balconies of the rooms open onto views of the pools, gardens and fountain courts which make for really pretty sights. The main restaurant which was formerly the dining hall of the royals is bedecked with colourful hand-painted murals, where the the chef offers a choice between traditional Rajasthani cuisine and continental food. If you are the tea drinking types like me, then the regal Verandah Lounge is where the afternoon tea is served. For unwinding head the pool or the jacuzzi or the spa. There is a wade pool for the little ones too which is a big factor I need to keep in mind now. Evenings can be fun with the traditional puppet show or a Rajasthani music and dance performance that the hotel arranges for. The hotel is situated at easy access to important monuments like the Hawa Mahal, the City Palace, the Nahargarh Fort and the famous Bapu Bazaar. Room prices start at INR 6,300 but then what you experience in over a 200 year old property can't come cheaper than that.

Lebua Lodge at Amer

This is one of the best boutique hotels that I have seen in the world. It is located on the outskirts of Jaipur city near the Amber fort which is also known as the Amer fort. There is a valley that the fort wall leads to and that is where the Lebua Group has created a geometric wonder.  Amazing looking tents, patterned canvas cubes set over a sculpted landscape in between the hills - sounds incredible doesn't it? It keeps in mind traditional yet modern concepts. Tents have been a regular feature in the hunting lodges and deserts of Rajasthan since centuries and that ideology has been put forward with modern technologies to create the Lebua Lodge experience. The luxurious tents have large bay windows with light filtering latticework and a high ceiling that gives you the feeling of enormous space other than the fact that it is also 500 sqft in area. The interiors are done in leather, wood and shades of brownish reddish stone and you just don't feel like you are living in a tent. A cute looking pavilion with a day bed extends into a private outdoor garden so there is so much more than just the room even if you want to just laze around the room. The Toran restaurant is a beautifully created arch and the food prepared here is with ingredients from their own garden. You can even do a romantic dinner they can organize by the sunken poolside area or a campfire dinner by the historic Amer fort wall. Their spa treatments from la Terre Spa by L'Occitane which you could enjoy in the spa cabana near the pool or in your private pavilion are impeccable and puts you in a state of nirvana. Babysitting options are also available for you to get some moments to yourself. The tent prices start at INR 4500 depending on the offers and these prices took me totally by surprise for an experience this different!

Each of the hotels that I have shared with you are different in their own respects and pocket friendly having the prices of mid-segment hotels in Jaipur while being luxurious. Doing hotel bookings in Jaipur is very simple as each hotel has their own online booking system or you can log onto any of their travel partners and book through them. I hope these inspire you to go check them out and I would love to know your experience.

If you like what you see on Ri(t)ch Styles and want to stay updated regularly, follow Ri(t)ch Styles on 

    

You can also email me on ritchstyles@gmail.com :)