February 06, 2017

The charm of luxury vacations...




Google defines luxury as a state of great comfort or elegance, especially when involving great expense. When money isn't an issue (even post demonetisation) and the need for relaxation in a huge spacious area with unlimited benefits is your thing, then luxury vacations are a must for you! 

Vacation is the best way to destress, create happy memories, innumerable photo opportunities, gastronomical journey and so on.. 
You can lounge in your casual wear and be at ease with your true self.
 Now, you may ask why the need for spending so much on a room wherein you can do the trip with a lesser budget! 
True that !! 
This is my feeble attempt to highlight the features!

The ROOM -- Imagine a huge sprawling living room welcoming you with its brightly coloured cushions, chandeliers/state of art lighting, gigantic television with a printed menu of programmed channels, a side bar area/dining table for digging in your room serviced food without messing the sleeping area, a humongous bed ( imagine king+queen bed makes it royal bed ) with excellent turndown service, a walk in closet along with a private safe and an adjoining bathroom which gives you an awesome feel of doing your ablutions in luxury! 
Whether it is the sunken bathtub or the private shower cubicle with best complimentary essentials ( ex: forest essentials), or the additional sit out in the balcony,overlooking a beautiful landscape or just the kick of getting free knick knacks like pastries, fresh fruit and sweets ! 
The housekeeping personnel are like magical elves who keep everything spick and span! some even make interesting swans and elephants out of towels and place them on your bed !! 
Be ready to inhale rose petals smells and see beautiful arrangements when the hotel discovers you are on a special occasion trip :) 
The extra space gives you tremendous breathing space, cozy corners and value for money!

The Property -- Manicured lawns, smiling and courteous personnel wishing you during your stroll, beautiful and artistic locations wherein you can click pics and get those tons of likes on FB! The ease of checking in and checking out.. the golf cart rides and beautiful pathways for your serene walk..

Private pools -- The best feature money can buy/rent ! :) ideal for couples looking for some wicked fun! this is the latest trend in the hottest properties around. 
advisory warning- avoid winter time while booking this since none of them are heated pools.. Splash around with your special someone or indulge in a water volleyball match with family! 
In India, Serai - chikmagalur, Orange County ( Hampi,Kabini and Coorg), Leela Goa are good places with private pools.




The Food -- Chefs go out of the way to accommodate all your requests.. The spread of buffet and taste is so good that you want to overstuff yourself! The room service delivers your food with aplomb! Proper cutlery meets brilliant packaging!

Privacy -- Luxury places offer you the perfect serene environment with good crowd. You can be assured of a good guest list owing to the high price tag ( am not being racist here)! Discretion is the middle name of the staff who wouldn't disturb you until you call for them!

However, as life isn't bed of roses, similarly luxury vacations have many cons as well..


Price Tag : Its definitely not for the faint hearted! imagine paying minimum Rs.25,000-30,000 (plus taxes) for a single night! It works out best for people who are likely to be more indoors and use the facilities than for adventurous sorts! basically, for sloth bears :) 


Pricey Food and Beverage : Most properties (like leela and orange county) have a american plan system wherein the buffet breakfast,lunch and dinner are included for a small fee or with the room. In case, this isn't available, best way is to get a takeaway for at least one meal from outside. If the resort is on extreme outskirts then no option but to opt for the food plan. 

Also, if you are a avid drinker and love your 3-4 pegs or just want to have some fun... smuggle a bottle and coke tins/soda inside your room ! it just isn't practical to spend Rs.350 on a can of soda/coke! 

2 peg in room (with ice bucket on request) and 2 peg in their lounge will balance your wallet's status :) 

Veg food jugaad : places abroad have lesser varieties for vegetarians and in Indian Cuisine. My Hack is to carry a packet of haldiram's bhujia and relish it with bread and ketchup available in the hotel! Problem solved, happy tummy!

Instant food packs like sambhar rice, pav bhaji,bhel puri etc from haldiram's, MTR and priya are your best friends when you travel and also, if you wish to save few bucks! 

Its not wrong to be cost effective while being extravagant! :P (quite an oxymoron)


Some of the fabulous properties can be listed as : 

Atlantis - Dubai 
Orange County - Kabini, India
Kurumba - Maldives
Park Hyatt-- Hyderabad
Hyatt -- Hyderabad 
Westin Villa --Langkawi
Nusa Dua hotel and spa - Bali 


If you need any additional info about any of these hotels or generally, pls do comment :) will be happy to help !!

thanks for reading ! :) 

Love, 

Anu !