Resort Review: ONENESS Rishikesh by Ganga Kinare, Byasi

 

This review was first published online on 20th June 2024 in Luxury Lifestyle Magazine, UK https://www.luxurylifestylemag.co.uk/travel/hotel-review-oneness-rishikesh-by-ganga-kinare-in-byasi-india/

Urban Oasis

Set in the heart of downtown Bangkok, the Mövenpick BDMS Wellness Resort is a fecund, tropical paradise with a lot on offer. Raul Dias checks in for some much-needed R&R!

By Raul Dias

A great fan of both my home city of Mumbai and that of my ‘adopted’ second home aka. Bangkok, I always find myself drawing several parallels between the two. Yes, both are equally chaotic, traffic-saturated and supremely exhausting! But both also have an indomitable spirit that cannot be defined or quantified. A spirit that keeps drawing me back to Bangkok’s urban charms time and again…
It is also a well-known fact that I will never refuse an opportunity to head to the Thai capital, even if it means a short, three-day trip. So, when I was very kindly invited to join in on GoAir’s inaugural daily, direct flight from Mumbai to Bangkok (check out our Travel Bytes section below for more details) on a trip they had jointly curated with AccorHotels to experience both the new flight as well as one Accor’s newest properties, the Mövenpick BDMS Wellness Resort Bangkok, I jumped at the opportunity.

Plush Living
A unique urban health retreat surrounded by 1.2 acres of lush greenery, the Mövenpick BDMS Wellness Resort Bangkok is one of those ultra-rare properties in that it is a proper, full-fledged resort set in the buzzing center of Bangkok. A classically elegant retreat, the property stands below tree height, shaded by the canopy of the adjacent Nai Lert Park, famed as Bangkok’s only remaining private city center park. Within the resort a refined, minimalistic décor meets every modern convenience to take your stress away, reflecting Mövenpick’s renowned commitment to genuine comforts delivered exceptionally well.
Another aspect of its setting that literally took my breath away was the range of accommodation options the resort has on offer. While the Deluxe Rooms extend 42 sqm of personalised comfort, the Executive Suite where I was staying is a spacious 74 sqm with separate living rooms and bedrooms. However, irrespective of room category, each offers either city views across the capital, or serene garden views from their broad balconies. And yes, in-keeping with the Mövenpick’s wonderful world-wide policy of a free mini bar for the first day of one’s stay, here too one can enjoy a range of non-alcoholic beverages on the house. I sure did!
And while the signature Wellness Suites are unique to the resort, encompassing 74 sqm of therapeutic comfort, the Presidential Suite and Royal Suite are the pinnacles of Mövenpick’s renowned standards of comfort and style, stretching across a mammoth 164 sqm with private entrances.

Where Serenity meets Bliss…
Speaking of wellness, the resort shares its property with the BDMS Wellness Clinic which is the latest of the Bangkok Dusit Medical Services group’s centres of medical excellence. It applies world leading therapies and technologies to treat an illness’ root cause in seven specialised clinics with individually trained nurses and administrators.
Taking full advantage of the wonderful Fitness Centre, I made sure to factor in at least an hour every day to working out on the David Health Solution System machines, designed to aid spine and orthopaedic recovery and thus perfect for my chronic lower back pain. The outdoor pool surrounded by thick vegetation that drown out all ambient noises from outside makes it almost impossible to believe that one is truly in the heart of chaotic Bangkok.

Sips and Bites
At the resort, international dining tastes are fully catered at a range of venues and all in-keeping with the resort’s wellness leitmotif. So, one can dine at the Tamarind all-day dining restaurant offering healthy and organic produce, generous breakfast buffets and themed buffet dinners. The Rim Klong Café serves famed Mövenpick coffees and ice creams, international breads and pastries, including gluten-free options, healthy mocktails, slow-juice selections, tea-infusions and nutritious boosters. It is a great place to simply unwind.
The Sala pool bar is perfect for refreshments of local and imported beers, fresh smoothies and original cocktails under cooling tree shade. For live music, soothing dayime tunes or an evening aperitif, head to the Cinnamon Lobby Bar. Serving juices and coffees and with a complimentary chocolate hour for guests, it’s a daytime family (and my personal!) favourite.

Things to do around the resort
Mövenpick BDMS Wellness Resort Bangkok’s city center location places guests at the heart of shopping and entertainment with a host of things to see and do:
* The Ratchaprasong retail district is packed with designer boutiques and shopping centres.
* The nearby Erawan Shrine is a serene place of pilgrimage for many Asian travellers just five minutes away.
* The Bangkok Art and Culture Centre, opposite the MBK Mall, offers quiet galleries of ancient and contemporary art as a refreshing respite from the bustling markets.
* The city’s famed nightlife welcomes visitors just ten minutes from the hotel in Sukhumvit Soi 11 and Soi 8.

Mövenpick BDMS Wellness Resort Bangkok
2 Wireless Road, Lumpini, Pathumwan, 
Bangkok 10330, Thailand.
Telephone: +66 (2) 666 3333 | Fax: +66 (2) 666 3334
E-mail: resort.bdms.sales@movenpick.com 
www. movenpick.com


(An edited version of this article first appeared in the 17th August 2019 issue of The Free Press Journal newspaper's Saturday Great Escapes section on page 21 https://www.freepressjournal.in/travel/this-bangkok-resort-is-a-tropical-paradise)

That Royal Touch

Inspired by India’s rich, royal heritage, the opulent Noor Mahal in Karnal is perfect for that dream destination wedding…and more! Raul Dias recently discovered this truly incredible palace hotel over one magical weekend.

By Raul Dias

Although I had heard of Karnal before and had even driven through it a few years ago en route from Delhi to Mori in Uttarakhand, I knew embarrassingly little about the city that seemed to be the pride of the state of Haryana. Gaurav, my rather chatty driver who ferried me from the Delhi Airport towards Karnal two-and-a-half hours away kept regaling me with tales of the Mahabharata as we drove past historical towns like Panipant and Sonipat—the former famous for its epic Battle of Panipat. It was as though he was preparing me for the grandeur and awe-inspiring beauty my final destination—the palatial Noor Mahal Hotel—had in store for me…

Grand Beginnings
Nestled in the mystical land of the Mahabharata, the truly breath-taking Noor Mahal is one of those ‘Incredible Indian Palace Hotels’ that has been built on a monumental scale. And that was evident to me as we drove up to its mighty gates that made me feel like I was entering some sort of an actual palace. But then again, it is a five-star luxury palace hotel that is inspired by India’s rich heritage and one that captures all the grandeur and luxury enjoyed by Indian Maharajas over the centuries.
A reflection of Rajputana and Mughal architecture, the grand structure that stands out as a true blend of history, culture and aesthetics, has been designed by one of India’s notable architects, Himmat Singh. Set amid the culturally rich land of Karnal, this palace hotel enjoys equal proximity to both Delhi and Chandigarh. With lush green fields and farms surrounding it, the hotel is situated on the old course of the Yamuna river traversing its way to Delhi.
Upon entering the hotel, an impressive lobby featuring beautiful architecture, intricately carved furniture, antique paintings and artefacts welcomes guests like myself with an outstanding first impression. The hotel has two courtyards laid out along the east and west axis. The first courtyard is called the Deewan-e-Aam on the lobby level, providing an access from all four sides. The second is the Deewan-e-Khas on the first floor which is surrounded by rooms and balconies with low jaalis and chajjas.

Sumptuous Living!
Speaking of rooms, Noor Mahal offers a selection of 122 heritage-imbued rooms and suites, uniquely designed to provide luxurious royal splendour. Apart from the Presidential suites and heritage suites, Noor Mahal boasts a special royal sleeping chamber called the ‘Khwabgah’ which includes two bedrooms, a living room, a dining room, a private bar, an office chamber and a spacious terrace that gives one an overview of Karnal city.
From the architecture, design and service to the intangible atmosphere and modern luxury they provide, the rooms and suites are perfect for a royal staycation. They are elegantly decorated with a mix of bespoke furnishings, beautiful antiques and carefully chosen object d’art that underscore an exceptional attention to detail. Special traditional hand-paintings on the wall enhance the grandeur. The bold and impressive ‘4 Hiran Minars’ or 4 golden towers stand 100 feet high with octagonal chhatris at the four corners on top.

Grand Feasting
Besides a totally separate banqueting kitchen, Noor Mahal takes great pride in its F&B offerings. For a unique dining experience, Frontier Mail has been designed recreating the legendry Frontier Mail train that operated between Mumbai and Peshawar during pre-independence days. Even its menu comprises of dishes from the regions through which the train made its initial journey.
And while the all-day dining Brown Sugar offers both buffet meals as well as an a la carte menu showcasing global favourites, the leather and dark wood-finished Polo Bar is the perfect place to unwind as it sets the perfect ambience for evenings with an eclectic collection of fine spirits, cognacs and cigars.

Of Dream Weddings
Spread over 10 acres and 35,0000 square feet of carpet area, Noor Mahal is an ideal venue for that dream destination wedding, offering everything from 13 beautifully appointed banquet halls to an in-house salon, spa, gym and a team of wedding planners who are at your beck and call. No wonder then, Noor Mahal has become a one stop shop for all wedding requirements as the hotel follows an innovative approach in keeping up with the times and offering guests trendy and personalised wedding experiences. The mix of royal grandeur and the rich modern hospitality makes this beautiful palace a dream destination to take those marriage vows and plan those memorable pre-and post-wedding celebrations.
No wonder then that earning the title of one of the country’s most splendid option for romantic weddings, Noor Mahal is nothing less than the epitome of intimacy and tradition.     

Noor Mahal Crossing, NH1,

Sector-32, Karnal (NCR)

Telephone: 09996787884 / 891 / 892

Email: sales@noormahal.in / salesbqts@noormahal.in

www.noormahal.in 

(An edited version of this article first appeared in the 3rd August 2019 issue of The Free Press Journal newspaper's Saturday Great Escapes section on page 23 https://www.freepressjournal.in/travel/that-royal-touch) 

Conscious Coupling

The opulent Dhara Dhevi resort in Chiang Mai, Northern Thailand is the perfect place to host a luxurious destination wedding. Raul Dias you on a journey through this breathtaking getaway.

By Raul Dias

The wind rustles through the emerald-hued paddy fields, lush and verdant after the previous night’s rain. The heady fragrance of frangipani permeates every nook and cranny, as the chirruping of cicadas provides the ambient sound track, competing with the gentle gurgling of a nearby brook. The sky is a shade of deep purple, speckled with golden bursts of light. You stop. You ponder. “Could this be really happening to me?” seems to be a question your mind asks no one in particular on a repeated loop. Then, suddenly, it all begins to sink in, every piece of this mind-boggling puzzle fitting in perfectly with each other…
Now, imagine this very same place as the venue for that dream destination wedding. Nestled in the fecund valley of Chiang Mai, in the Northern Thailand region of Lanna, this is one getaway where breathtaking beauty and opulent luxury are a way of life. A picture postcard perfect setting to exchange those lifelong vows.

Wedding wows!
With its expansive lawns overlooked by the sacred Bo trees and a delightful Lanna prayer hall set among verdant gardens, the location of the resort offers unparalleled advantages for weddings. As a wedding venue, you can choose from a variety of wedding receptions: the elegance of a European-style white wedding or the magnificence of a Lanna nuptial ceremony, rich in ancient traditions. Dhara Dhevi Chiang Mai will take great care to make the moment unique. Weddings at Dhara Dhevi Chiang Mai blend ceremonial pomp with traditional Lanna rituals, bringing together Thailand’s gentle charms with the expertise of well trained staff. In the grounds, the couple can ride away on a horse-drawn carriage or drift into the sky in a hot air balloon. Banquet menus are prepared using only the freshest ingredients, while the wine and champagne list caters for the most expert palates. Floral arrangements make use of northern Thailand’s abundant roses, jasmine and strelitzia, as well as exotic orchids, for which the country is famous.

Luxe unlimited
Offering some of the world’s most spacious and exclusive accommodation for you and your wedding guests, Dhara Dhevi’s 123 luxurious villas, colonial suites and signature residences have been crafted in keeping with traditional Lanna architectural styles. They feature extensive museum-quality artifacts, sumptuous Thai silks and local hill-tribe textiles, spacious terraces, some of which incorporate private plunge pools or swimming pools. The exquisitely designed interiors seamlessly blend age-old tradition with modern convenience and high technology. The resort’s unique design draws from the region’s rich architectural and cultural heritage that flourished during the Lanna period, which lasted from the mid-13th century until the mid-16th century and enjoyed a further resurgence in the last 200 years. It is these essential elements that contribute to an overall atmosphere of unparalleled luxury and serenity.

Suite surprise
For your wedding night, the piece de resistance has simply got to be The Royal Residence. Located in a self-contained area, the Royal Residence is a small ‘private retreat’ and is ideal for guests who seek exclusivity and privacy. It comprises six bedrooms, three with a king bed and three with twin beds. The ancient palace style architecture epitomises a grandeur and opulence of a bygone age, whilst every modern convenience and facilities have been incorporated into the unit - spacious bathrooms, generous living room space, large dining room and pantry, all connected by a walkway. Three private pools and three Jacuzzis complete the picture of ultimate luxury.

Dine (and wine!) like a royal
For the other smaller pre- and post-wedding functions, take your pick from a whole cornucopia of restaurants, bars and cafes that can be found sprawled about the extensive property. Set in a cluster of traditional Lanna style buildings, Le Grand Lanna—the specialty Thai restaurant serves regional cuisine from both Northern and Central Thailand.
Serving imperial Chinese cuisine along with dim sum in an elegant two-storey Sino-Portuguese style mansion, Fujian is another great dining option. Highlighting ‘French Progressive Cuisine’ Farang Ses is an opulent French restaurant serving modern French cuisine. For your cocktail evening, the Horn Bar featuring masks from different regions of Myanmar, depicting mythological characters is THE place to unwind.

Spa time
Speaking of unwinding, no destination wedding experience in Thailand can be complete without a soothing spa session. And the Dhara Dhevi’s Dheva Spa and Wellness Centre takes care of all your pre-wedding beauty and grooming needs to the hilt. Spread out over 3,100 square metres, this spa is a destination in itself and features signature ceremonies adapted from traditional practices from Northern Thai, Burmese and Indian cultures. Key treatments include The Royal Thai ceremony, Lanna ceremony, Mandalay ceremony and yes, even a typically Indian Ayurvedic ceremony.

Dhara Dhevi Chiang Mai
51/4 Chiang Mai-Sankampaeng Road, Moo 1,
T. Tasala, A. Muang, Chiang Mai 50000 Thailand
Telephone: +66 (53) 888 888
www.dharadhevi.com  

(An edited version of this article first appeared in the 13th June 2019 issue of The Free Press Journal newspaper's Saturday Great Escapes section on page 21 http://epaper.freepressjournal.in/m5/2239923/Free-Press-Mumbai-Edition/13-Jul-2019#page/21/1)

Notes from Kodaikanal

By Raul Dias

The gravitas of each of the 21, notorious hairpin bends one encounters en route to Kodaikanal via Palani below, was beginning to take its toll on me as I battled the ensuing waves of nausea. A raging earache threatened to exacerbate my misery, whenever my trusted SUV’s wheels made contact with the pothole-ridden asphalt of the hilly road. To top it all, I had just burst a blood vessel in my right eye thanks to a spontaneous subconjunctival haemorrhage that left me looking like the antagonist of an 80s Ramsay Brothers’ horror flick!
Little did I know then that I was following the same path—both literally and figuratively speaking—taken by a bunch of American missionaries way back in the mid-1800s. It was then that the bucolic hill station of Kodaikanal provided them with the much-needed succour as they convalesced from the dreaded malaria contracted in the plains below. But more on that little vignette later. First a bit of a revelation…

Cleanliness and Godliness
Having had my soul scarred for life by images of the disastrous effects mass tourism ‘bestows’ upon other Indian hill stations of its ilk, I was prepared for a place strewn with used chip packets, juice boxes and other ugly tourist detritus. But not Kodaikanal, apparently. Here, it was evident that the neatly lined garbage bins and ‘Keep Clean’ signage were clearly doing their job. Clean, freshly swept roads and sidewalks greeted me as I passed shop after shop on Kodaikanal’s famous Seven Roads junction selling rock candy, homemade chocolate and other sundries that are crucial elements to the tuck boxes of the students who board at the many schools Kodaikanal is famous for.
I was later to learn of the vital role both students and local youth play in keeping Kodaikanal as clean as it is. Both the Kodaikanal Lake Protection Council and the Vattakkanal Organization for Youth, Community and Environment (VOYCE) is active in preserving Kodaikanal’s environment where plastic bags are banned, and vendors encouraged to use recycled paper bags. All these measures were adopted after a study conducted by the Department of Atomic Energy confirmed that Kodaikanal Lake had been contaminated by mercury emissions.
Another surprise for me was the high concentration of churches that can be found here. Christianity brought over by the aforementioned American missionaries seems to be thriving here, as I recognised the Tamil versions of popular hymns sung in the La Salette Church next to where I was staying. The daily evening novenas, as a lead up to the annual 15th August feast of the Assumption of Mary, were followed by orderly processions taken out by the devotees with decibel levels well in check.

American ‘Invasion’
In another interesting departure from the idea of the ubiquitous colonial British-established Indian hill stations that served as cooling off places in summer, Kodaikanal was established in 1845 by a posse of Americans who sent up their women and children from Madurai below to both, seek refuge from the bloodthirsty mosquitos of the plains, and to recuperate from the rampant Malarial epidemics.
And the American influence is amply evident in Kodaikanal to this very day, specially in the unique architecture one sees there. Many of the original cottages and bungalows with names like Sunny Side and Shelton and modelled on those found in America’s colonial north-eastern New England region have today been repurposed keeping the original aesthetics as they were. In fact, the hotel that I stayed at is one such building that was one of the earliest structures constructed in Kodaikanal. Today known as The Tamara Kodai, the large barn-like building itself was originally called Baynes Bungalow owned by Mr. Baynes, a District Judge. When it was later sold to Father Louis Cyr in 1860, it was renovated to serve as a chapel thanks to its high-pitched roof and long wraparound balcony with its rooms used as a rest house for priests from Nagapattinam.  
Speaking of chapels, the former St Peter’s church that once stood in the abandoned old American cemetery along the town’s fecund Lower Shola Road had a tin roof salvaged from the many biscuit tins the convalescing children would go through. Well, they do say that necessity is the mother of invention, don’t they?     

(An edited version of this article first appeared in the 26th August 2018 issue of The Hindu newspaper's Sunday Magazine section on page 8  https://www.thehindu.com/life-and-style/travel/notes-from-kodaikanal/article24770764.ece)

  

The Hills Are Alive…

While Kerala may be more well-known for its stunning coastline and placid backwaters, its hill stations like the sublime Thekkady in the heart of the state’s spice country show us a different side. Raul Dias recently checked in at the Niraamaya Retreats Cardamom Club, Thekkady for a weekend of pure, unadulterated hill bliss!

Pics courtesy: Niraamaya Retreats Cardamom Club, Thekkady

Did you know that nutmeg and mace are actually part of the same spice fruit, wherein the former is a seed wrapped by the latter in a fragrant reddish pink membrane web? Or that, what we, in India call ‘cinnamon’, is in reality cassia bark—a species of tree similar, yet very different to the actual cinnamon tree? Well, I for one, didn’t. Nuggets of information like this—pertaining mainly to the world of spice—peppered (pun intended!) my journey as I was being driven by Tommy my very well-informed driver from Madurai airport to the lush, fecund hill station of Thekkady that’s located slap bang in the middle of Kerala’s spice country, very close to the Tamil Nadu border in Kumily.

Plush Digs!

My destination was the newly refurbished resort, the Niraamaya Retreats Cardamom Club, Thekkady that gets its name from the multitude of cardamom trees that surround this very well-appointed 12-cottage haven. Complementing the existing plantation-style cottages, the newly added wooden cabin-like rooms are built on stilts to maximise the majestic mountain views. The rooms have cleverly positioned floor-to-ceiling windows, so guests like I could wake up to stunning views of nature. The interiors, a play of muted tones with pops of colour feature minimal decoration and vibrant art. All rooms have air-conditioning, a feature exclusive to only few properties in the region as I was soon to learn from the very affable Sreejith, the resort’s manager; and amenities such as a minibar, Wi-Fi, and luxurious bath amenities.

Set amidst verdant forest canopy, the resort’s new 15-meter infinity pool overlooks the valley and the misty mountains beyond. The terraced decks from the all-day dining restaurant, Café Samsara leading to the pool offer the perfect perch for an early morning yoga session or for guests to enjoy the expansive views of the forest. In the evening, the deck elegantly transforms into an outdoor space that draws pre- and post-dinner guests to savour the pure mountain air.

Relaxation Guaranteed
The new Niraamaya Spa, built on stilts and made from Bangkirai wood from sustainable plantations in Indonesia is the perfect combination of functionality and elegance. The design is simple and minimalistic, pavilion-style with a sense of openness to highlight the stunning tropical landscape. Spread across 1,200 sq. ft., the spa features a lobby and fully-equipped Ayurveda and international therapy rooms with private outdoor sit-outs. The interiors follow a warm palette complementing the green backdrop.

But what my body needed most of all that evening after a three-hour’s long drive as a spot of pampering. And that was taken care of by Matthew, the spa’s Ayurvedic massage therapist with a superb hour-long traditional abhyanga massage which put me in a deep sleep.
Awake, but still in relaxation mode, and suddenly ravenous, a comforting plate of Kerala-style lamb stew made with coconut milk and accompanied by fluffy, bowl-shaped appams with crispy edges was what I wolfed down at the very elegantly appointed Café Samsara. A traditional coconut and jaggery payasam for afters and I was done. Ready to hit the soft pillows and ready to take on what the next day had in store for me.

Of Spices and More…
Located at the foot of the hill, atop which the resort is perched, is the wonderful, arboreal Green Land Spice Garden. Where, for as little as Rs 100 per person, you can partake in an hour-long guided spice lesson. So, that was where I found myself the next afternoon—after a late sleep in and a hearty brunch at Niraamaya—being educated in all things ‘spicy’ by Tigin a very knowledgeable local guy who took me through everything that is grown in the spice garden. From the de rigueur cardamom and clove trees to the more exotic passion fruit and avocado, I was given a crash course in how they are grown, harvested and then packaged. Speaking of which, at the attached spice shop, I tanked up on all my favourites to take back home like mace, cinnamon quills and the fragrant allspice.
Having been booked in for a double performance of Kathakali and Kalaripayattu (both for Rs 200 each, per person) in the early evening, I made my way to the super clean and neat little town of Kumily which is where both the arenas are located in the same compound. The Navarasa Kathakali Centre for a Kathakali performance was first on the list. A mere shed of a place, the center encourages guests to come in a little earlier before the scheduled performance so that they catch the performers apply their very elaborate make-up and dress in their costumes before the show commences and also learn a bit about this ancient art form.
Now, for the uninitiated like myself, Kathakali is a combination of two Malayalam words, “katha” which means story and “kali” which means play and is a derivative of one of the oldest classical dance forms of Kerala known as Ramanattam, which was earlier only conducted in royal palaces. And as I was to see, the performance was a story (taken mainly from Hindu mythology and puranas) acted out with the aid of mime, hand and eye gestures, drama and music by two men, one of whom was dressed as a woman, as women performers are generally not part of the repertoire.
An hour later, it was time to walk a mere 10 feet up to the Kalaripayattu performance staging area of the Kadathanadan Kalari Centre which was a dug-out space much like a swimming pool, with spectator seats on all four sides of the upper floor. Seemingly dance-like in the performers’ movements, Kalaripayattu is one of India’s oldest martial arts at over 3,000-years-old and can be traced back to the sage Parasurama who is believed to be the father of this martial art. Ending in a spectacular fire-hoop-jumping display, the performance had me spell bound.
But then, so had almost everything I had seen, heard, ate, smelled and experienced in this alternate, parallel dimension of God’s Own Country—Kerala!
 

FACT FILE

Getting There
The idyllic hill station of Thekkady where Niraamaya Retreats Cardamom Club, Thekkady is situated in, is a scenic three hours’ drive from Madurai and a five hours’ drive from Kochi which many avoid due to the long winding, nausea-inducing ride up the mountainous roads! Both Madurai and Kochi have daily direct flights to and from Mumbai and most other major Indian cities.

For More Information Contact
Niraamaya Retreats Cardamom Club, Thekkady
66th Mile, V&V Estates, Springvalley,
Thekkady, Kumily, Kerala - 685509
Tel: +91 80 4510 4510
E-mail: reservations@niraamaya.in
www.niraamaya.in
www.periyartourism.org
greenlandspice@gmail.com
kadathanadankalari@gmail.com

(A shorter, edited version of this article appeared in the 22nd April 2017 issue of the Afternoon Despatch & Courier newspaper, India http://www.afternoondc.in/mumbai-mix/the-hills-are-alive/article_193208)