Based in JBR

Varsha Pherwani

It's Nice To Meet You

Hi, I am Varsha.

With over 40 countries under my belt and counting, my love of travel knows no bounds. I have been a Travel Counsellor with Travel Counsellors for over four years now sharing my expertise with other travellers and helping them organize their travels from budget to luxury, lazy to adventurous, city break to off-the-beaten-track.

Inspiring and getting people excited about travel is what makes me jump out of bed every morning. Creating Experiential journeys and personalizing every detail of my client’s trip is my area of expertise and something that I am really proud of. As a Travel Counsellor, I want to build relationships so that I can anticipate your every travel need, look out for holidays that are perfect for you, suggest places you might like to explore and create meaningful journeys.

Whether you want to travel to taste the essence of a new culture, feel the thrill of a new experience, help those less fortunate than us or take that next step in your career ladder? Whether it is in the zen-like Yoga retreats of Asia or in the beautiful capitals of Europe. As your personal travel consultant, I will take care of all aspects of your trip, creating the ultimate, stress-free holiday for you.

I travel because it brings out the creativity in me, broadens my perspective on life and most importantly I get to make connections with people. And I love my business because it combines my love for people and travel. I am fortunate enough to have a husband and a seven-year-old son who share this love of travelling. I have, as a result, also had the pleasure of experiencing travel as a mother and really understand the needs of this sector.

In current times, it’s so important to feel safe and confident if you want to book some travel. That’s why when I work on your travel plans, you can rest assured that you will have choice, flexibility and bespoke service.

So, please get in touch. I look forward to making plans and creating exceptional journeys for your next destination.

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Contact Me

Whatever your holiday needs I'm here to help you, so simply give me a call or send me an email with your contact details on and I can get things started for you:

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My Videos

#WEARETRAVELCOUNSELLORS

4/7/2021

This lovely poem by Tony Walsh sums it all up! Who we are as Travel Counsellors and how we are all binded together with a common passion for travel.

A Quick Introduction

1/17/2021

A quick intro into who I am, what I do, how I do it and what makes me more than just a Travel Agent.

My Blog

I absolutely live and breathe travel and I love to write about my experiences! Please take a look through my posts - you might find your own holiday inspiration.

Varsha Pherwani sets sail on Disney Wish

07 February 2024

Jump onboard with me as I share the enchanting experiences of a 3-night cruise aboard the Disney Wish, the newest ship from Disney Cruise Line. Joining a group of Travel Agents from the GCC on a Familiarization trip, we set sail from Port Canaveral in Florida, exploring the captivating ports of Nassau and Disney's private island, Castaway Cay. Our adventure began with a seamless check-in at the port, creating eager anticipation for the magical escapade awaiting us. After a quick tour of the ship and various staterooms, we prepared to discover firsthand the wonders that Disney Cruise Line had to offer. The trip wasn't just play; we delved into the details of the ship's accommodations, ensuring we could recommend the perfect rooms and suites for our clients. Meeting with Brian Rangell from Disney Cruise Line provided insights into the cruise's offerings, setting the stage for an exploration of imaginative dining venues, world-class entertainment, and theatrical experiences. Our first evening set the tone with the Sailaway party, hosted by the inspiring Captain Minnie. Dancing alongside fellow guests, we marveled at the unique touch of having Minnie Mouse as the captain, sending a powerful message to girls worldwide. The Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah offered a luxurious retreat, complete with innovative design features and ample storage space. Ship Highlights: The ship's highlights included a twisted slide from the Grand Hall to the Oceaneer's Kids Club, where children could be magically transported into the central hub of the club. Three Broadway-style live shows, including the spectacular Disney's Aladdin, left us in awe. Dining at Arendelle and Worlds of Marvel immersed us in captivating storytelling, complementing the overall magical experience. Our journey extended beyond the ship as I explored the Bahamas for the first time, relishing the joy of discovering a new country from the comforts of a world-class cruise ship. Castaway Cay, Disney's private island, offered a serene beach experience with crystal-clear waters, powdery beaches, and Disney's unmistakable charm. A day of beach BBQ, sun-soaking, and exploring the island on bikes created idyllic memories. Disney Cruise Line proved to be a haven of enchantment for kids, families, and adults alike, offering something for everyone. The Disney Wish Cruise is a dream come true for those seeking a magical escape, ensuring an unforgettable addition to your Travel Wish List. For future Disney cruisers, a quick tip is to complete your online check-in before embarking, saving valuable time at the port. Don't miss this boat for an extraordinary journey into the magical realms of Disney aboard the Disney Wish Cruise!

Journey through Walt Disney World Florida with Disney VIP Tours

26 February 2024

Our 4 Nights | 5 Days itinerary to Walt Disney World Florida, was a whirlwind of joy, filled with unforgettable moments. In this blog, I am thrilled to share our enchanting experience, highlighting the advantages of staying at one of the two dozen Disney properties on site and the incredible enhancement brought by the Disney VIP service. Day 1: Arrival at Disney's Port Orleans Riverside Resort Our journey into the enchanting world of Walt Disney began with a stay at the captivating Disney's Port Orleans Riverside Resort. Southern hospitality met fairy tale ambiance, making every moment a magical experience. Day 2-4: Exploring Disney's Diverse Resorts Venturing beyond our enchanting base, we explored other Disney properties like the Beach Club Resort, Yacht Club Resort, Coronado Springs, Polynesian Resort, and the Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. Each property offering a unique charm, contributing to the overall tapestry of the Disney experience. Why Disney Properties? Exclusive Dining Reservations: Booking character breakfasts and must-try dining experiences is a breeze, with the privilege to reserve 60 days in advance. Convenience for Naps: Free transportation options make it easy to retreat to our room for a midday nap, ensuring a refreshed return to the parks. Versatile Accommodations: Disney World caters to all family sizes with a variety of room types, including one, two, and three-bedroom suites and villas. Immersive "Disney Bubble": Staying in the heart of the magic, Disney hotels provide an immersive experience, with cast members going the extra mile to create special moments. Free Transportation: Navigate the vast Disney World property seamlessly with complimentary boat, bus, gondola, and monorail services for hotel guests. Access to Disney Springs: A ferryboat ride from select Disney hotels grants access to the vibrant Disney Springs Shopping Promenade. Early Theme Park Entry: Disney Resort guests enjoy a head start, entering any of the four theme parks 30 minutes before the posted opening time every day. Extended Evening Hours: Select Disney Resorts offer extended evening hours, letting guests savor the magic even after the sun sets. VIP Tours & Disney Parks Embarking on VIP tours, we glided effortlessly through all four parks, relishing attractions without the usual queues. A highlight was watching parades and fireworks from private VIP viewing areas – a touch of pure Disney magic. Why Choose Disney VIP Tours? Experiencing the parks with a VIP tour guide, Mathew Dean, was nothing short of extraordinary. Personalized tours, expedited access, and fulfilling even the craziest photo requests – the VIP tour made our Disney adventure truly unforgettable. Living the Dream with Disney These 5 days unfolded into an incredible journey, showcasing that Disney's magic transcends age, creating cherished memories that will last a lifetime. Our Familiarisation trip to Walt Disney World Florida was truly a magical odyssey. Staying at a Disney property and indulging in the VIP service not only elevated our experience but also made every moment count. Whether you're a seasoned Disney enthusiast or a first-time visitor, the magic of Walt Disney World is a journey worth taking, and I am thrilled to have shared my joyous adventure with you.

A Birthday Bliss at the InterContinental Maldives - Maamunagau Resort

23 December 2023

As the 2023 travel season came to a close, I decided to cap it off with a spectacular birthday celebration at the InterContinental Maldives in the mesmerizing Raa Atoll. Nestled in the heart of the Indian Ocean, this luxurious resort promised an unforgettable experience, accessible only by a thrilling 45-minute seaplane ride from Velana International Airport, followed by a brief 5-minute speedboat journey. Join me as I recount the enchanting details of my stay in this tropical paradise. Departure from Abu Dhabi's Terminal A: The journey began with a red-eye flight on Etihad Airways from Abu Dhabi's newly opened Terminal A—a colossal testament to modern aviation infrastructure. This world-class terminal set the stage for an adventure that was bound to be extraordinary. Seaplane Adventure and Personalized Welcome: Upon landing at Male airport, the personalized experience commenced with the seaplane check-in. From that moment, the warmth of the welcome at the resort felt like a genuine embrace, foreshadowing the magic that awaited. The anticipation was palpable as we embarked on a seamless transition to our island haven. Lagoon Pool Villa Extravaganza: The Lagoon Pool Villa, curated by the attentive Dwi, exceeded all expectations. The reality surpassed the allure of the pictures, offering a harmonious blend of sunrise views from the bedroom and sunset vistas from the pool deck. Every detail was meticulously considered, ensuring an exceptional stay that felt like a true home away from home. Surrendering to Mother Nature: My birthday wish for a serene connection with Mother Nature was fulfilled the moment I set foot on the island. A pervasive sense of calm and tranquility enveloped me, providing the perfect backdrop for a celebration in harmony with the natural beauty of the Maldives. Culinary Delights: Indulging in a variety of dining options, from the Collective serving delectable pizzas to the Lighthouse Restaurant's Mediterranean cuisine, the Fish Market's Southeast Asian seafood flair, and the Japanese-Asian fusion at Cafe Umi—each culinary experience was a perfect 10/10. A particular highlight was the enchanting dinner at the Fish Market, where we dined under the stars on the jetty, serenaded by the rhythmic sounds of the Indian Ocean waves. InterContinental Club Benefits: All guests at the resort are treated to InterContinental Club benefits, including high tea at the Collective and aperitif hours at the poolside bar. These added touches enhanced our overall experience, providing moments of relaxation and indulgence. Adventures in Raa Atoll: Mornings were spent snorkeling at the house reef, with Raa Atoll's renowned Manta population adding an extra thrill to the underwater exploration. Bicycles provided with each villa allowed for easy exploration of the island, while buggies were available upon request. The Staytus app facilitated seamless communication with our curator Dwi, ensuring our needs were met promptly. Champagne Sabering at Sunset Bar: The pinnacle of my birthday celebration was the Champagne Sabering experience at the Sunset Bar. This enchanting event, set against the backdrop of the setting sun, added a touch of glamour and festivity to the occasion, creating a memory that will be cherished forever. The InterContinental Maldives in Raa Atoll proved to be a haven of luxury, natural beauty, and unparalleled hospitality. From the personalized service to the culinary delights and captivating experiences, every moment was a celebration of life. As I bid farewell to this tropical paradise, I carry with me the memories of a birthday spent in the lap of luxury and the embrace of Mother Nature.

Sri Lanka Unveiled : A Week of Adventure, Culture and Natural Beauty

10 October 2023

I embarked on a week-long adventure with my fellow Travel Counsellors to the beautiful island nation of Sri Lanka to explore, discover, and share the diverse wonders of ‘The Emerald Island’ with our clients. This familiarization trip was sponsored by SriLankan Airlines and partnered with Columbus Tours Sri Lanka, our trusted Destination Management Company. Our journey took us through a captivating itinerary that included Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Yala National Park, Tangalle, and the serene Kogalla Beach. Day 1-2: Kandy - The Cultural Capital Our adventure began with a red-eye flight from Dubai to Colombo, landing at Colombo Airport, the main international gateway to Sri Lanka. Our first destination was Kandy, the island's second-largest city. Nestled within its lush hills, we stayed at the charming Kandy House, a traditional boutique villa. The highlight of Kandy was undoubtedly the Sacred Tooth Relic Temple, where we witnessed the enchanting evening prayers amidst thousands of oil lamps and fragrant blue water lilies. Stepping on the moonstones at the temple's entrance, we embraced the local tradition of surrendering our worries. Kandy - Trekking and Village Exploration Our adventurous spirit led us downhill to Knuckles Peak, starting from Rangalla in the Central Highlands. This trek, curated for beginners, allowed us to delve into the biodiversity hotspot and immerse ourselves in village activities, forging connections with the locals. Day 3-4: Kandy to Nuwara Eliya - A Scenic Train Ride Leaving Kandy, we embarked on a scenic train journey to Nuwara Eliya. This mode of travel is highly favored by both locals and tourists, offering breathtaking views of the central highlands. Nuwara Eliya - Tea Plantations and Waterfalls Our two days in Nuwara Eliya were filled with adventure and culture. We explored the lush tea plantations, visited the Labookellie tea factory, hiked to the Bomburella waterfalls, and paid a visit to the Lord Rama - Sita temple, steeped in legend and history. Day 5: Ella and Yala National Park - A Glimpse of Colonial Heritage En route to Yala National Park, we made a brief stop at Ella to witness the colonial-era Nine Arch Bridge, a favorite among Instagrammers. Our destination was the newly opened Hilton Yala Resort, where we experienced the magic of a Bush Walk in the heart of the national park. Day 6: Yala National Park - A Wildlife Safari Extravaganza An early morning wake-up call brought us an unforgettable wildlife Jeep Safari in Yala National Park. Our luck seemed boundless as we spotted a leopard, an elephant, peacocks, wild boars, and various birds and deer. Sri Lanka, the "leopard country," lived up to its reputation. Day 7: Tangalle and Kogalla Beach - Serene Coastal Retreat As our action-packed adventure concluded, we headed for Tangalle, stopping at the Old Town of Galle to relive Sri Lanka's historical past. Our second-to-last night was spent at Coco Tangalle, a boutique-style beachfront stay, indulging in delicious homemade curries by our in-house chef. Our final stop, Kogalla Beach, welcomed us with open arms at the Fortress, a stunning property overlooking the Indian Ocean, where the sight of Stilt Fishermen painted a picturesque scene. Sri Lanka, with its incredible diversity, left us yearning for more adventures. From the cultural marvels of Kandy to the scenic wonders of Nuwara Eliya and the wild beauty of Yala National Park, our journey was a testament to the island's allure. As we bid farewell to Kogalla Beach, the emerald island etched unforgettable memories into our hearts, promising a return for even more adventures in this mesmerizing destination. Sri Lanka had truly cast its spell on us, leaving us eager for the next chapter of our travel adventure.

A Memorable Family Getaway to W Abu Dhabi YAS Island

16 October 2023

Last week, my family and I embarked on a delightful escape to W Abu Dhabi YAS Island, and it was a trip filled with special moments. We had two compelling reasons for our getaway: first, the extended weekend in the UAE due to the celebration of Prophet Muhammad's birthday, and second, a special treat for my son, who turned 10 this week. We decided to take full advantage of the 'Stay and Play' offer by W Abu Dhabi, which granted us access to the fantastic parks on YAS Island. Our main attraction was the newly opened Sea World in Abu Dhabi. We couldn't wait to see what all the buzz was about. Our stay lasted three nights, and we were delighted to have access to any three parks during our stay. We decided to explore Sea World Abu Dhabi and Warner Bros, two parks we had not visited before. Here, I'll share some valuable tips for anyone planning to visit Sea World Abu Dhabi. 1. Arrive Early to Beat the Crowds The park tends to get busier around midday, so it's advisable to start your day early. The park opens at 10 am, and being among the first to arrive allows you to experience the attractions with shorter wait times. 2. Plan Ahead with the Performance Schedule To make the most of your visit, check the presentation schedule on Sea World's website before your trip or obtain one upon arrival at the park. This schedule outlines the performance times in different zones throughout the day, ensuring you won't miss out on any of the captivating shows. 3. Prioritize the Micro Ocean Rides The rides in Micro Ocean are incredibly popular and tend to get crowded later in the day. We heeded the advice of a friendly volunteer at the reception and prioritized these thrilling rides. The Eel Racer and the Octo Zoom were perfect for my son, who isn't a big fan of roller coasters. 4. Secure Good Seats for the Shows Following the performance schedule like clockwork took us to various zones in the park. Arrive at least 20 minutes ahead of showtimes to secure the best seats for performances. We were impressed by shows like the seal presentation at the Rocky Mountain and the dolphin show at the Tropical Ocean, which were not just for entertainment but also delivered important messages about sustainability and the significance of play in children's well-being. 5. Dress Warm for Polar Ocean Don't forget to pack warm clothing, like hoodies or jackets, when visiting the Polar Ocean zone. You'll need them to fully immerse yourself in the snowy world of the Arctic. 6. Don't Miss Interactive Digital Games Inside the park, there are interactive digital games that reward you for participating. Make sure to collect your card at the entrance, which will be customized with your child's details. Our stay at W Abu Dhabi YAS Island was a perfect blend of relaxation and entertainment. Our Half Board Package included dining at three diverse restaurants over our three nights. We had the chance to savor delectable Indian cuisine at Angar, mouthwatering Italian dishes at Amici, and a wide range of world cuisine at Garage. The warm and friendly staff at W Abu Dhabi went the extra mile to make my son's birthday even more special, surprising him with a cake and adorable bed decoration. His delight was truly heartwarming. In summary, our family getaway to W Abu Dhabi YAS Island was a fantastic experience, with Sea World Abu Dhabi as the crown jewel of our trip. We left with cherished memories, a deeper understanding of marine life, and a strong desire to return to this captivating destination.

Croatia Road Trip: From Istria to the Islands

01 September 2023

Croatia is a country that stretches on the Adriatic Sea. It is a mix of manicured cobbled streets and breathtaking azure sea. What impresses a person who visits this country is the welcoming nature of its people and the excellent quality of its restaurants.   Our journey began in Zagreb with a bicycle tour of its old town and a dinner in one of the many restaurants nestled in the Uptown district. We spent the rest of our time in Zagreb exploring its central park and visiting its many museums, of which, the Museum of Broken Relationships is a MUST VISIT). Our stay at the Hotel Westin in the city Centre was splendid and the service here was exceptional.   Our next stop was Rovinj. One of the highlights of this stop at this beautiful seaside town was a sunset kayak tour. It was here that we were able to see the cleanliness of the water and the many islands that adorn the coast. This village also has a mesmerizing old town with many cobbled streets, restaurants and beachside cliffs. For those who prefer comfort, there are also beach clubs with sunbeds available at the foot of the bay.   Plitvice Lakes was the next stop. A full day of walking took us around crystal-clear lakes, forests and waterfalls. Make sure to book your tickets for this experience ahead of time. We stayed for 2 nights at a beautiful hotel called Lyra Hotel about 10kms away from the entrance of the Plitvice National Park so we could enjoy the National Park at leisure. Croatia is known for its eight breathtaking National Parks and Plitvice Lakes is one of them. A visit to Plitvice Lakes was a must for us on the itinerary as we couldn’t have given it a miss to see and experience one of Croatia’s most iconic natural wonders. Our third stop on the itinerary was Primošten, a small village leading into the Dalmatian coast which is very close to the city of Šibenik. Buildings of white limestones with red tiled roofs cover every inch of the Old Town making Primošten so picturesque. We decided to stop over here for a few nights to break the journey on our way to Split from Plitvice. There are not many hotels in Primosten instead you will find a lot of holiday homes or apartments run by the locals. Our next stop was Split. This city was our gateway to the Dalmatian islands of Vis and Hvar. We stayed at the Hotel Atrium which is a 20 mins walk from the Riva Promenade. Besides exploring the narrow alleys of the Diocletian’s Palace we also took a day trip to Trogir and Blue Lagoon and had a chance to wind down for a day by the pristine waters of Kasjuni Beach. My son (9 years old) had his first white water rafting experience on the Cetina River which we did as a day trip from Split and he highly recommends it. Our ferry to the island of Vis was from Split. For the most authentic experience, we chose to stay at one of the Croatian houses run by a local. The apartment overlooked a scenic spot of the bay in Komiza. There are some places that resonate with your soul and the island of Vis was just that. The island is raw and untouched as it was not open to tourists until 1989 due to its military past. A day trip to the Blue Cave is a must when visiting the island of Vis. Unfortunately, we were not able to go on this tour due to weather conditions during our time in Split. Instead, we did the Military Tour on the Quad bikes and had an amazing time exploring the military bunkers, and tunnels, riding the quad around the island's countryside and vineyards with the spectacular views of the Dalmatian Coastline. Our last and most picturesque stop on the trip was the island of Hvar. Although there are a handful of nice hotels around the old Town of Hvar many choose to stay in the apartments run by a local or choose to explore the islands on a boat charter that comes with a skipper. Hvar is known for its Lavender production. Walking around the streets of the Old Town of Hvar you will be surrounded by the fragrance of Hvar from the pop-ups managed and run by the locals that sell Lavender products as souvenirs for tourists to take back home. And finally, we were able to tick off the Blue Cave from our wishlist as a day trip from Hvar. I must say that the experience is absolutely worth it. What made the Blue Cave experience thrilling and adventurous was that we had to make ourselves really small while on the boat so that the boat could squeeze through a small hole into the cave. “Because the greatest part of the road trip isn’t arriving at your destination. It’s all the wild stuff that happens along the way.”

Maldives - A Garland of Islands

26 June 2023

Maldives is a name derived from two Sanskrit root words, Mala meaning garland and Dvipa meaning island. The archipelago of the Maldives consisting of 26 coral atolls when seen from an aerial view indeed looks like a garland of islands. I was fortunate to visit 4 resorts on 3 different islands under the portfolio of Atmosphere properties in the Maldivian paradise with each of them catering to a different kind of holiday. I along with my fellow Travel Counsellors was invited to experience the properties in the month of July which is the low tourist season in the Maldives. We were lucky enough to have clear skies and sunny days throughout the 7 days. The summer months are generally the best time to get good deals for the Maldives as most of the resorts offer great discounts during this time of the year. The added cherry on the cake is that now getting to Male is even more affordable thanks to the daily flights with Wizz Air from Abu Dhabi. Wizz Air’s brand-new Airbus Neo A321 is a treat and, at under 1,000 Dirhams per person, a very good opportunity for those who are keen on spending more when they get to their destination than on the way there. My first destination was the Oblu Xperience Ailafushi and Oblu Select Lobigili located on an interconnected island which are fresh, newly built resorts on the portfolio of Atmosphere properties. With merely 15 mins speedboat ride from Male airport, this tropical paradise welcomes you with different shades of blue waters surrounding the resort. Oblu Xperience Ailafushi is a 4* family-oriented property offering a good value-for-money holiday. We had one night on this island and we were put up at the Water Villa on the sunrise side and the views of the morning sunrise were spectacular from the villa. My personal favourite room type was the Ocean View Family Room which comes with a separate room with bunk beds for children. Before our departure from the island on the next day we also had a chance to have a look around at the Oblu Select Lobigili which is an adults-only resort and is connected by a jetty with Oblu Xperience Ailafushi. The underwater restaurant, Only Blu at the Oblu Select Lobigili is absolutely stunning and is the largest underwater restaurant in the Maldives. On our second day, we headed back to Male Airport by speedboat to catch our seaplane to get to our next island, Atmosphere Kanifushi. We had a chance to experience the newly built seaplane terminal at Male Airport. Our Trans Maldivian experience began the moment we were ushered to the TMA Coral Lounge on the second floor. Chic, tasteful and quietly sophisticated, it was the ideal setting to unwind before our flight. In over an hour, it was time to hit the gates. Once aboard the seaplane, there was nothing to do but sit back, relax, and take in the gorgeous sights. The short journey of 35 minutes afforded us an incomparable bird’s-eye view of the Maldives' unique topography. I couldn’t help but marvel at the splendour of it all. We felt truly special as we arrived with the traditional welcome at the arrival jetty. The staff performed ‘Bodu-Beru,’ which is a vibrant and lively form of greeting that is deeply rooted in the culture and traditions of the Maldives. A group of drummers played a rhythmic beat on the drum using their hands and escorted us along the jetty to the resort. The term "bodu beru" translates to "big drum" in Dhivehi, the local language. I was truly touched by this Maldivian cultural expression. During our next 3 days on the island, we packed in so much, including a sunset cruise, snorkelling, bike rides, spa treatments and so much amazing food. The speciality restaurants at this resort were truly exceptional, my favourite being Just Veg which had 100% meat-free recipes from Arabic, Mediterranean and Indian cuisines. The views from this fine dining restaurant of the turquoise blue Indian Ocean were absolutely gorgeous. We were put up in Kanifushi Grand Pool Villa and I was absolutely smitten with the pool in the villa that is 42m2 in size, the biggest pool for a 1 Bedroom Beach Villa that you can find in the Maldives. My next favourite room category was the Kanifushi Residence. The 2 bedroom unit comes with a living cum dining room with a fully equipped pantry and a nanny’s room. The pool of Kanifushi Residence is an absolute oasis of enchantment. Nestled amidst lush tropical surroundings, the pool exudes an aura of serenity and tranquillity surrounded by a spacious wooden deck with table seating and a Maldivian swing. Kanifushi Residence is a perfect chilled-out spot for family moments. Atmosphere Kanifushi is a long stretch of natural island about 2 km long covered in dense vegetation. I would definitely recommend not less than 4 nights stay on the island to enjoy the island and make the most of the Kanifushi All-Inclusive Plan. Our last and final destination was Ozen Life Maadhoo, boasting the best water villas available in this archipelago of islands. Just a 35-minute luxury speedboat ride away from Male lies this resort that I would recommend for couples who want the privacy and romance that the Maldives is renowned for. The highlight of my stay here was dining at the exotic underwater restaurant at the M6m. As I sat torn between the enchantment of the view of the underwater world and the seduction of the flavours, I found myself suspended in a moment of pure bliss. The last day on the island before heading back home was spent on the beach. We also managed to join in on a snorkelling trip in the morning to a nearby snorkelling site. An overwhelming sense of awe enveloped me as I found myself swimming at a mere arm's length away from a graceful turtle in its natural habitat. The encounter was nothing short of magical, a moment of enchantment that words struggle to capture. As I swam through the crystal-clear waters, the world beneath the surface unfolded in all its vibrant beauty. The sunlight pierced through the depths, casting an ethereal glow that illuminated the underwater realm. Schools of colourful fish dart past, their iridescent scales glistening in the shimmering currents. Corals sway gently, adorned in a myriad of hues, creating a breathtaking backdrop. I am filled with gratitude for this serendipitous encounter, knowing that it will forever remain etched in my memory as a testament to the wonders that lie beneath the waves.

Around Japan in Eight Days

08 May 2023

There's always a first time for everything!! And although this was not my first time to visit Japan what made it really special was that this was the first time I travelled by myself along with my son. Japan is a destination like no other when travelling solo and experiencing this country through the perspective of my son who is 9 years old made it a trip that we will cherish forever. Our eight-day visit to Japan included stops in Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka. Along the way we had the pleasure of eating Japanese food to our heart's content and breathing in the true energy of 'The Land of the Rising Sun' The abundance of nature intertwined with its ornate temples whilst nestled in the chaotic streets of cities like Osaka and Tokyo made it a once in a lifetime experience. Our first stop was Tokyo which included visits to Asakusa Temple and a day in Disneyland. At the temple, we witnessed the dedication of the Japanese people to their wonderful Kimonos and their offerings to this holy site. Around Asakusa, one could eat every snack under the sun such as prawn tempura, sushi, miso soup, chicken teriyaki and desserts like cherry blossom-flavoured cakes and mochis. It is clear that Japanese cuisine played an integral part in our trip! Just a two-hour bullet train away was our next stop, Kyoto, the cultural hub of Japan. In this uniquely authentic city, we had the good fortune of renting kimonos for our visit to the Fushimi Inari temple. We then were taught the tea-making ceremony with the locally made matcha tea. Our next visits included Kinkakuji Temple and two-day trips to Nara and Arashiyama. Nara is known for its deer park and Todaiji temple which has the largest Buddha bronze statue in Japan. Arashiyama on the other hand is popular for its Onsen Baths, Bamboo Grove Forest and the monkey park. My 9-year-old son’s highlight was Universal Studios in Osaka which included activities linked to Harry Potter, Nintendo World and Jurassic World. This park had the most futuristic VR rides I have seen. If you like gaming and digital entertainment then this is your place. Our final day was spent in Kawaramachi Market in Kyoto. This is known as the Geisha District and includes many shopping opportunities for traditional and modern items. We boarded our return flight to Dubai reluctantly but happy with the memories we had experienced. The highlight of our trip was the Tea Ceremony at Koto. Here we had the opportunity to delve into the culture and the Zen living. What I learned at the tea ceremony gave me a deeper understanding of the ways of Japanese people's lives. Every place that I visited and every person I interacted with in Japan reflected the energy of calmness and the simplicity that I had experienced in the Tea Room during the Tea Ceremony. What seemed like a daunting idea at the planning stage of this trip to travel by myself along with my son actually turned out to be a truly magical journey of new experiences, self-discovery and adventure. Sayonara and see you soon!

A Kaleidoscope of Islands - Krabi

07 May 2023

We often forget how much Thailand has to offer to travellers from all walks of life. My latest trip to Krabi in the southern west part of Thailand reminded me once again of the warmth of this Southeast Asian heaven. This enamouring island destination filled with beautiful islands, spectacular beaches and friendly people provides the backdrop to what is probably the best value week-long break any family can ask for. Our days were filled with day-long boat rides on Longtail boats rented for private use complete with helpful skippers. This affordable and adventurous method of travel took us to some of the best snorkelling sites in the area. We also visited some amazing beaches found on curiously named destinations such as Chicken Island, Hong Island, Tub Island and Railay Beach. I highly recommend Bamboo Island for snorkelling and a swim on a deserted beach. Be mindful of trips to Maya Bay on Phi Phi island as swimming is not allowed and crowds of tourists fill every corner of the island. Personally, I would skip this excursion. Our other days in Krabi included a fabulous kayak trip in the mangroves of Klong Root, a visit to the Ao Nang Elephant Sanctuary and a 45-minute climb to Tiger Cave Temple. Needless to say, the climb was exhausting with over 1.200 stairs to climb. The visit to the Elephant Sanctuary included a 30-minute mud bath and a shower of these wonderful creatures. This was a truly memorable experience. What makes Krabi so special is its people. Whether eating a truly tasty meal at the Night Market or riding a taxi to the Emerald Pool and Hot Springs, you were guaranteed a laugh and a good chat. Most of our days ended with a massage which even my 9-year-old son became a fan of. The massage was greatly appreciated after a two-hour session of Muay Thai where for just 400 Baht we got to practice with some incredible local and foreign fighters. Our son also found an 11-year-old sparring partner. Overall this trip was a breath of fresh air. A no-frills, high-return trip that makes Krabi a destination that one likes to return to more than once.

Club Med Grand Massif - C'est Magnifique

13 March 2023

Life is about experiences, memories, scents, melodies, and flavours. Club med Grand Massif gives us all of this and so much more. Accessible from both the cities of Lyon and Geneva, lies this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for those wishing to experience all things winter, snow, and adventure. My arrival was akin to any of the best 5-star resorts that Dubai can provide with airport transfer, a glorious breakfast and an elegant suite with the softest of mattresses. However, it was important not to forget my real reason for being there, learning how to glide on the snow and be at one with the French alps. Being a Mumbaiker, skiing was never one of the things I could do growing up but I was determined to learn, and what better place than Grand Massif?! Complete with my newly purchased winter clothing, I ventured to meet Patrick, my instructor. This man had the patience of a Buddhist monk and the enthusiasm of a child in a candy store. While surrounded by the most adorable 3-year-old students cruising down the beginner slope, I was taught the famous pizza slice and, more importantly, how to break once I gain speed. It was exhilarating and something I thoroughly recommend doing with the family. The trip itself was 4 nights and 5 days with direct flights to either Lyon or Geneva. This all-inclusive resort had many choices of entertainment when not skiing to keep everyone busy, but my favourite experience was snowshoeing in the hills surrounded by white mountain tops and breathing in the crispest, healthiest of air. Our dinners had a plethora of local dishes with the cheese fondue evenings providing a truly local culinary experience. Club Med is a green-certified resort with a lot of incredibly sustainable practices. One of the ways they incorporate Responsible Tourism is by integrating local cultural experience into your stay. There is an opportunity if you wish to visit the local markets or go hiking in the nearby villages. After two days of skiing done I decided to venture into the local market of Samoens. This wonderful market included a smorgasbord of pastries, coffees, handwoven sweaters, affordable ski gear and so many other local products at the palm of your hand. The next afternoon was spent moving to the chalets for two days of the real chalet experience. The rest of the day was spent with some much-needed rest and relaxation by the pool. It is on this day there that I had a spiritual experience in their indoor pool with floor-to-glass windows and views of the alps and mountains. I could have stayed there forever! It was then time to destress at the sauna and Hammam. I was now pure zen at this point. My last day had a gift of fresh snow falling around me and the experience of me using the kitchen in the chalet to cook myself an omelette to accompany the other breakfast items delivered to my room. My transfer then arrived by lunchtime to take me back to the dunes of Dubai. I will end with the words of my instructor and who taught me how to ski, “C’est Pas Vrais’’ (It cannot be true). Although he meant it cannot be true that I had fallen again, I will use it to say that this corner of mankind is definitely too good to be true. I would love to help you live it as I did.

Cape Town and Beyond

13 January 2023

With the entry restrictions lifting this year it was a great opportunity to plan and book our trip to South Africa which had been long overdue to be ticked off from our Travel Wishlist. Our dreams to explore the Mother City, Cape Town, go Shark Cage diving in Hermanus, see the African Big 5 and go on the Wine Tram to experience the Wine tasting all came true on our two-week-long family holiday to the Western Cape. During the planning stage, we were considering to self-drive from Cape Town along the Garden Route to end our trip in the Eastern Cape and although we had our friends recommending us to do this route we decided to stay less adventurous during our visit to the country this time. In this blog, I have shared a few tips that would be helpful if you are planning to explore the Western Cape. Our itinerary included 3 nights in Cape Town, 2 nights in Hermanus, 4 nights at the Aquila Game Reserve, 3 nights in Stellenbosch and 2 nights in Cape Town before our flight back home to Dubai. Since we didn’t want to do a self – drive we had private transfers booked to take us from one place to another. Our driver, Mr Younes, a Capetonian himself, was also our guide to show us around the city of Cape Town on the two must-do tours of the Cape Peninsula and the City Orientation Tour with a visit to Table Mountain. I would definitely recommend getting a private tour to explore the city of Cape Town as Mr Younes was not only able to make amendments to our plans due to the weather being windy and rainy on our first two days in Cape Town but he also shared a wealth of information about the Rainbow Nation and its people making the long drives more engaging and informative. He also made sure that before we left Cape Town we were able to do everything that we had planned. During both stays in Cape Town, we wanted easy access to the V&A Waterfront so we decided to stay at the hotels around the area. However, Kloof Street and Camp’s Bay are two other locations with easy access to V&A Waterfront to consider for your stay in Cape Town. Both Camp’s Bay and Kloof street are buzzing with tourists and Capetonians alike at the restaurants and bars. There is a variety of restaurants offering seafood, steaks, and game meat if you fancy trying that which you can pair with the local South African wines at all these 3 locations. A visit to Cape Town is not complete if you have not visited the infamous Café Caprice at Camp’s Bay offering all-day casual dining. The highlights of our stay in Cape Town were definitely the visit to Table Mountain with the Cable Way, coming across ostriches when driving past on our way to the Cape of Good Hope and an inspirational and educational visit to the Robben Island. When planning the itinerary I also had to keep my 9 yr old in mind so we also managed a visit to the Two Oceans Aquarium which was a big hit with Luca and a boat trip from Hout Bay to Duiker island to see the seals. The stories and the facts that Mr Younes shared with us about the colourful town of Bo Kaap, Chapman’s Peak Drive and Simons Town made our stay in Cape Town a really memorable one. Our next stop was Hermanus where we did the two boat trips on both days that we were there which called for an early morning pick up. The boats leave from the town of Gaansbai so if Shark Cage Diving or spotting the Marine Big 5 is on your list of things to do then Hermanus is a lovely little coastal town to be based for a few nights. Although we didn’t see the great white sharks on our dive we did get up close with the bronze whalers and spotted dolphins, seals, penguins and birds common to the region. We were also fortunate not to have any interruptions due to load shedding and watched the World Cup Finals during our stay at the Lavender Manor guest house in Hermanus. Our four-night safari experience at the Aquila Game Reserve in the Western Cape was a blast! Here, we had a chance to catch up with some R&R in the lap of nature. Besides spotting the African big 5 on our game drives, the game reserve organized fun activities such as quad biking and a horseback safari. The highlight of the stay was gathering for sundowners at the fire pit, roasting marshmallows in the evenings and a stargazing experience at night. The game reserve has a kid’s club and also organizes children-oriented activities like Junior Rangers Program. I highly recommend this game reserved for families with young children. Wine lover or not you must definitely put the beautiful wine region of the Western Cap on your list to explore. We stayed at the Devonvale Valley Golf & Wine estate during the festive Christmas weekend. On boxing day we set out to explore the vineyards of Franschhoek on the Wine Tram. We picked the grey line on the Wine Tram as it stopped at the vineyards that were family-friendly and offered playgrounds for kids. We were offered a Kiddies pairing at the Rickety Bridge which was a hit with Luca and he also had a chance to try oysters for the first time at the Grand Provence. We concluded our trip in Cape Town for the last two nights before our flight back home. A little bit of serendipity on our last day led us to Scratch Patch Mineral World and Cave Golf, an interesting place where you can have loads of fun collecting gemstones with your family. Do check this out on your visit to Cape Town next. A few tips to remember if you are visiting South Africa in summer – Carry layers of clothing and even a rain poncho as you might experience 4 seasons in a day. A visit to Table Mountain is weather permitting so give yourself a few days to make this happen as mostly during the summer months the city gets heavy winds and the access to the Mountain gets shut for the whole day. A fast-track ticket to Table Mountain is advisable if you want to avoid the peak hours from 9:00 am to 4 pm but if you want to see the glory of the Mother city from the top during sunset then after 4 pm is a good time to go when the queues have subsided. The view from atop the Table Mountain of the Cape Town stadium proudly anchored at the V&A waterfront represented the progress the nation has made. This trip to South Africa left me inspired when I went deeper into the history of the rainbow nation and how it has evolved in the current times. Looking forward to visiting this bountiful country again and definitely will venture into exploring the country on a self–drive trip from the west to the east coast the next time we visit.

Freestyle Cruising with Norwegian Cruise Line

08 June 2022

The three things to consider when deciding to go on a Cruise Vacation are the ship, the itinerary & the duration of the trip. It is undeniable that there were also concerns before going on this trip due to the new COVID era. However, my mind was put at ease when I went through the Health & Safety protocols in place during the planning stage of my recent cruise expedition with Norwegian Cruise Line. I embarked on 8 days, 7-nights sailing adventure through the Mediterranean with one of the Norwegian Cruise Lines' most talked about ships, the Norwegian Epic. Our itinerary included sailing to and from Barcelona with a new port to disembark every day of the cruise itinerary. One of the greatest perks of this trip is being able to see the true pearls of Western Europe without having to pack and unpack repeatedly. Within the space of 8 days, I ate a delicious Sfogliatelle on the shores of Positano, saw the imperial Colosseum, saw the sunset in Cinque Terre while sipping on Limoncino, took in the wonderful crystal clear water of Nice, tanned in Palma Nova and managed to fit in 14 hours of exhilarating sites, thanks to the hop on hop off bus in Barcelona. Phew.. Now I can breathe again. I challenge anyone to tell me they saw more than this in 8 days without having to pack more than once. With most cruise itineraries you have only one pre-assigned embarking and disembarking port but in the case of Norwegian Epic on this routing, you have a choice to embark and disembark also from the port in Rome. The stringent health and safety protocols in place were adhered to as we reached the Cruise Terminal. In addition to showing a PCR test pre-boarding the ship, all passengers who have passed 270 days from their last 2 EU approved vaccine doses need to also show proof of a booster dose of their vaccination. This rule is also valid for children above 12 years of age. We breathed a sigh of relief as we had our documents in check and were glad that we had not missed out on any pre-check-in forms that had to be filled as we checked in. The ship was recently refurbished in 2020 and I brimmed with the anticipation of experiencing Freestyle Cruising for the next 7 nights as I made myself comfortable in the Balcony Stateroom Cabin overlooking the marina in Barcelona where the ship was docked and set to sail that evening. What is Freestyle cruising? With over 20 different F&B restaurants to choose from you can choose where to dine, who to dine with and what to eat. The experience also includes sensational and jaw-dropping entertainment shows every night, a water park for small children and also for young kids at heart, the Epic Casino for the gamesters, the Splash Academy, a Sports Complex, and the Entourage Teen’s Club and the Mandara Spa. You are free to slide into vacation mode just the way you want it, with no timetable to follow but your own. With that in mind, I would recommend booking the most popular shows, speciality dining as well as shore excursions ahead of time as these get booked out fast. You are able to pre-book the latter two as early as at the time of booking your cruise. We made a pretty intense schedule for both land and sea and were glad that we stuck with it. Besides indulging ourselves with the delectable dining on board, my highlight on the ship was the dazzling show, Burn the Floor. The energy of the performers left me awestruck. This was my first cruise vacation experience and I fell in love with cruising. Imagine being in a floating hotel with a change of scenery every day! There are moments that stay with you forever from every trip that you take and for me, it was on the first morning of our sailing when I watched the sunrise without any distractions from the journey ahead. The only people on deck 15 at the crack of dawn were me, another Japanese family and the housekeeping staff who were washing up every inch of the deck which was very reassuring to see. What’s next on my wish list for a Cruise Vacation? The youngest fleet of the Norwegian Cruise Line is on its way. Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva are first in class ships coming up ready to set sail in the Summer of 2022 and in the Summer of 2023 respectively with exciting itineraries. With the infinity pool that spreads all the way around the top deck on these ships, this will be a happy place of choice for many sundowners.

A Glimpse of Goa

10 June 2022

It’s very rare that one gets the chance to experience what I have at such an affordable price. Goa is a true gem on the landscape of Indian Ocean resorts. Its main claim to fame is the heavy Portuguese influence on its architecture and way of life. This laid back seaside city is a true foodie paradise and why not throw in a number of spectacular beaches whilst you tuck into a delicious Goan Chilli Fry? Goa has at least 30 beaches that are worth the trip. From the mayhem of Calangute to the Hippie influenced Anjuna and the peaceful palms of Paloleam, there is a beach for everyone’s taste. All beaches will open a new world to you which coupled with its incredibly hospitable local community makes Goa your home away from home. Indeed it is its people that are the true essence of Goa. Staunchly catholic and passionate lovers of life, they strum their guitars and negotiate the narrow roads with a constant smile on their faces. One thing that they also love to do is party. Whether it’s a picturesque shack by the sea or the mesmerizing Club Cubana at the top of Goa’s hills, a party is not far away. What is also at hand are a number of tempting dishes cooked by the experienced local chefs. It is impossible to have a bad meal in Goa. But beware, the spice level is high. Whether it is the curries, vindaloo dishes or Sorpotel, be ready to set your mouth on fire. What was really close to my heart was that Goa is truly a family-friendly place. My son explored most of this beautiful coast and was never tired. Every beach was a new adventure. Thanks to our visit to Palolem beach he embraced the beauty of bodysurfing and took advantage of the beautiful waves that hit the Goan shore every day. Together we saw the sunset and slowly heard the waves crash in the darkness of the night. In Goa, you are truly at one with nature. The convenience of Goa lies also in the fact that it is a three-hour direct flight from Sharjah making it also an ideal long weekend destination from the UAE. Goa is one of those places that manages to attract return visitors. With so much choice at our fingertips, this is no mean feat and with reason. I have been to Goa now at least eight times and counting. Are you ready to experience Goa’s 'Susegad' way of life?

Stories from Finnish Lapland - Northern Lights Village

25 February 2022

Northern Lights is not on my travel wishlist, said no one over!! In the space of 6 days, I along with my husband took my 8-year-old son from the 25-degree temps of Dubai in February 2022 to the -25 degrees of Finland. Our first four days we spent at the Northern Lights Village located in a village called Saariselka in Finnish Lapland and we spent the last 2 nights in the capital, Helsinki to break our journey on the return back to Dubai. It is really hard to put your finger on what makes the northern part of Finland also known as Lapland so special during winter. Is it the miles of adulterated fresh snow or could it be that there are more chances of witnessing the waves of beautiful colours adorning the wintery skies during nighttime. The more north you go to the Arctic the more chances you have of witnessing the Northern Lights. To reach our village in Saariselka which is in the northern part of Lapland we took a flight to Ivalo from Dubai via Helsinki with Finn Air. Lapland is not your everyday commercial tourist destination. It is a genuine encounter with Nordic nature at its purest form and we were here just to experience that. During our 4 nights at the Northern Lights Village in Saariselka, we rode with huskies and reindeers, drove snowmobiles, had countless bonfire nights, jumped in the ice baths from the hot saunas, walked in snowshoes in the arctic forests to chase the Northern Lights and met with the local indigenous Sami people. Sami’s are the only indigenous group of people left in Finland and also in the entire European Union. It was indeed very special to interact and learn more about their culture and tradition. Northern Lights or Aurora Borealis as we know it is also called 'Revontulet' which translates as 'Fox Fires' in Finnish. I learnt about this Finnish name for Aurora Borealis and the legend behind it from Sergio our guide on the expedition in the Arctic Wilderness when we went chasing for the Northern Lights. I did some more research afterwards on this mythology and it left me as speechless as I was when I witnessed the brilliant display of lights along with my family on our expedition with Sergio. I want to believe in the legend more than the actual scientific reasoning behind the occurrence of the Aurora Borealis. We were very fortunate to witness the Northern lights on two nights out of the four that we stayed at the Northern Lights Village in Saariselka. The first time we witnessed was on the day we arrived at the village and were walking to our cabins after check-in. The lights started to appear before us as we were walking to our cabin. We needed more time to acclimatize to the cold that embraced us with a tight hug so we dashed into our cabins. We watched the spectacle of the night skies from our glass roof Aurora Cabin that night which lasted for about 3-4 hours. The Glass Roof at the Aurora Cabins at the Northern Lights Village is built facing the North West giving an opportunity to witness the lights from the comfort of your heated cabins. There is a soft alarm that goes off in the cabin to alert you of the lights when they appear so you don’t miss them. On frosty days the glass windows get covered with snow so if you were oblivious of the northern lights appearing outside the alarm then helps and so you can defrost the windows just with a click of a switch in the cabin that warms up the windows for the frost and the snow to melt and make the viewing more clear. We were more acclimatized to the weather in the following days with layers of thermal clothes that we carried with us and also the Arctic Snow Suits and Snow boots that were provided by the village to us during our stay. The freezing temperatures were made more bearable by those who we met that lived here and are in love with the region's simplicity and cold embrace. The guides here shared a genuine love for the area and they all know and care deeply about the experience of the guests. They not only familiarized us and made us comfortable with the climate but also prepared some incredible Lappish Cuisine for us and kept us warm with supplies of warm Lingon Berry juice on all of our expeditions. Our last night here we were indulged in Nordic Cuisine by our guide Abe who cooked us a 3-course dinner in a private Kota, a Sami Hut in the middle of the Arctic Forest. Abe prepared for us Solianka Soup, a Russian vegetable soup with olives followed by Reindeer Fillet with root vegetables and we finished the meal with a dessert made with Leipajuusto cheese with caramel sauce and cloudberry jam. Looking back at all the wonderful memories we made in frosty Finland warms the cockles of my heart.

Budapest - The Pearl of the Danube

09 December 2021

Budapest is pronounced ‘Budapesht’. The capital city of Hungary is a merge of 2 cities, Buda and Pest. There are eight iconic bridges over the River Danube unifying the leafy Buda which is built on a series of hills to the commercial pest. Also known as ‘Pearl of the Danube’, it is one of the three cities on the Golden Triangle of central Europe with Vienna and Prague being the other two. In the quest of exploring a city that I had never been to before, I was delighted by this opportunity. I was accompanied by other travel consultants from around the GCC to experience Budapest, a city which surely deserves being talked about a bit more. With only 6 hours flying time from Dubai, this is an alluring short getaway for a relaxing city break. Hungarians who know their country as the ‘Land of Magyars’ are unique among the nations of Europe in that they speak a language that is not related to any other major European language. I got a glimpse of it as I explored through the streets of Budapest that are laid out with interesting facts about the history and past of the country. The buildings, the castles, the architecture, the bridges, the Christmas markets, the food, the people, the language, the caves, the thermal baths and even the trees in the woods are an amalgamation and reflection that mark the evolution of time and the influence of different civilizations that make Hungary what it is today. Knowledge of the first Celtic tribe settlements coming to Hungary and then handing the reign to different monarchies, like the Romans and Ottomans, is only a scratch of the Hungarian history that I was able to gather during my visit to Hungary around this time. In this blog, I have shared the not so touristic and less talked about places I visited and unique experiences I had during my four-night stay in this eclectic city. After a sumptuous Champagne breakfast on our first day at the Kempinski Corvinus, we headed to the largest and the biggest Christmas Market in Budapest at the Vorosmarty Square which is just a stone’s throw away from the hotel. We were required to show our vaccination cards and a face ID to enter the market. Our culinary tour at the market began with a taste of Kürtoskalács, a traditional Hungarian chimney cake. The aromas of spicy, meaty, hearty, colourful and delicious Hungarian cuisine filled the air as we walked around soaking in the Christmas atmosphere at the market. Wandering around the Vorosmarty Square we came across a quaint little Christmas store called the Philtanthia. This store is a dream for every Christmas fanatic. From the well-travelled street food at the Christmas market, we headed for a sit-down lunch at the first-ever Spago Restaurant by Wolfgang Puck in Europe at the majestic building of Matild Palace. By the end of the Culinary tour, we soon picked up on the word “Egészségedre”, introduced to us by our local guides. In Hungary this is said when raising a glass in a toast, means “to your health”, i.e. may the content of the glass turn into good health for you. Our afternoon was jam-packed exploring the panoramic views of Budapest atop from the Buda Castle District then followed by a luxury boat experience on the River Danube in the evening. Our day ended recapping the highlights of the day over dinner at the St. Andrea Restaurant. The next day was all about immersing ourselves in the local culture. We started our day with a Herendi workshop at the exclusive Herendi Porcelain Palace which is just a few minutes walks from the Kempinski Corvinus. What is Herendi? Luxury porcelain is a popular collectable amongst the royals and aristocrats of the world. We got messy crafting porcelain rose and attempted to hand paint the Queen Victoria pattern on a plate. Did you know? Some well-known patterns of Herendi art are named after their first customers. At lunchtime, we headed to Leo, a charming restaurant at the cusp of Chain Bridge and Tunnel Bridge. With floor to ceiling glass windows, this restaurant has the best aerial view of both sides of the city Buda and Pest with River Danube flowing through in between the two cities. The most awaited experience of this itinerary was the indulgence at the Szechenyi Bath for a thermal spa experience which was planned for the evening. We drove past the Andrassy Street lit up with the most spectacular festive lights for Christmas. At the roundabout of Heroes Square, we caught the glimpse of the largest outdoor skating rink in Europe where skaters glided away in harmony on the ice. At the curb of the City Park is where the Szechenyi Baths are located and soon we found ourselves escorted by the spa host for a ‘sparty’ which is a spa + party that takes place every Saturday at the baths. Just like a goulash is incomplete without seasoning of Paprika, no visit to Budapest can be complete without a visit to its Thermal Baths & Spas. The experience of dipping into the outdoor thermal baths with the outside temperature being 6 degrees and the water temperature of the baths around 28 degrees made it a unique experience to keep warm. Our program for the last day was an off the beaten track kind of adventure. We headed to the Matra Mountains that lie on the outskirts of Budapest. If you are a hiker, maybe you have heard about the most famous Hungarian trail, the National Blue Trail (Országos Kéktúra) that runs between Írottko and Hollóháza. Kekesteto is the highest point in Hungary at 1014 m and is part of this legendary Blue Tour (Kektura) route. The hiking trip to the Matra Mountains, surrounded by nature, was definitely the highlight of my four days in Hungary. The possibility of encountering the Yeti, a legendary myth that wanders around the woods of the Matra, was another interesting bit of local folklore that I picked up along the way. However, the scene that was set up by the nature for us with the weather being foggy and misty on top of the mountains created a once in a lifetime experience that will never be forgotten. Buda and Pest are like the Yin and Yang. The first offering the relaxing vibe for those seeking solace and the latter has the buzz for those seeking the eclectic vibe of the city. Budapest is now one of my top favorite cities in Europe. I am definitely returning back to explore more for what this country has to offer. If you want to explore deeper and explore farther, then I recommend planning a trip that is at least a week long if not more. Koszonom!! Budapest for amazing memories...

Heartfelt Luxury at the Oberoi Beach Resort Mauritius

13 January 2022

I was so looking forward to exploring Mauritius and taking it off my Travel wish list in 2020, but COVID had other plans! Luckily, I got another chance to visit this paradise on earth in November 2021. I found myself accompanied by nine other Travel Counsellors on an educational trip to Mauritius where we were going to spend the next 5 days in absolute luxury hosted by the Oberoi Beach Resort Mauritius. The flight from Dubai to Mauritius landed at around 9:30 in the morning. After a 45-minute scenic drive through the highway surrounded by sugarcane fields and volcanic mountains, I found myself awestruck beholding the immense wonder of nature that surrounded me. As we arrived at The Oberoi Beach Resort which is located in a very picturesque location in Turtle Bay Marine National Park on the west coast of the island, we had a swift rapid antigen test that was organized by the resort. The lush grounds of the resort were an absolute treat to the eyes and soul. We were escorted to our Luxury Pavilion after check-in that had floor to ceiling glass windows and doors that opened up in front of a verandah with beautiful views of the landscape filled with palm trees, clear blue summer skies and the range of volcanic erupted mountains in the background. The four-poster bed in the villas and the sunken bathtub with an outdoor shower overlooking the frangipani tree gave it all the exotic feels. Today’s Luxury Traveller seeks not only a strategic location to have complete privacy with all the finer things catered for, but what is also important is how these elements of luxury are delivered to the most discerning traveller. At the Oberoi Beach Resort in Mauritius, we had the next few days to experience just that. The heartfelt hospitality that the Oberoi group of hotels is well-known for. The island nation of Mauritius in the Indian Ocean is 65 Km long from north to south and 45 km wide from east to west, making it easy to explore and maximize your holiday if you are on a short getaway for 5 – 7 days. While the east and the south coast of the island is favoured by kite surfers, as the stunning beaches here are more favoured by the winds, the west coast is more popular with the families with the flat, calm beaches with arguably the most spectacular sunsets. The weather in Mauritius is tropical all year round and has only two seasons, Summer, which lasts from November to April, and Winter, which lasts from May to October. On my second day there I woke up at the crack of the dawn and decided to take advantage of the onset of the beautiful summer weather. I decided to take a stroll through the nearby areas of Balaclava Beach on the bike. The lady at the reception at the resort handed me a map of the biking trail and the bike keys that are available at the resort exclusively for the in-house guests. My little expedition from Balaclava beach led me to Grand Baie to the upper northwest of Mauritius on a 15 Km bike trail. I stopped along the most popular beaches and witnessed the daily lives of the locals that were getting ready to start their day. The French windows flung open on the row houses lined along the beaches to let the morning light and the songs of the birds seep into the lives of the locals as I strolled by. The priests were performing their morning chants and offering their prayers to the deities in the many colourful Hindu temples that dotted the scenery. The colours of Gulmohar trees and Bougainvillea got more vividly orange and pink as the sun got brighter. I am not sure if I was experiencing a ‘De Ja Vu’ moment here but I felt like I had been in this moment here before. It was like a dream to experience paradise unfold in front of me. Our itinerary included a day trip to the southwest part of the island on our fourth day, where we got to visit a few of the many beautiful locations in Mauritius. We started off with a quick pit stop at a sacred lake and then continued on the Black River Gorges. Our next stop was the famous Chamarel 7 earth coloured Geopark. After a busy morning, we had our lunch at the nearby highlands very close to Chamarel at the Domaine De St. Denis. I highly recommend this restaurant to anyone planning their visit to Mauritius. The restaurant sits on top of a mountain with a 360-degree view of huge hectares of lush greenery. We spotted deers roaming around freely not too far from where we were seated as well as some endemic plants of Mauritius. ‘Experience is a new luxury and this is what made my short stay at the Oberoi Mauritius even more special. We were fortunate to indulge ourselves in some of the incredible unique experiences that were handpicked and curated exclusively for us from the collection of ‘Touching Senses’ at the Oberoi Beach Resort which gave us an opportunity to connect and make memories. We shared some deeper conversations amongst ourselves as we sat painting palm trees during the painting classes and had a few laughs over the wine tasting session. We also enjoyed the silence during our meditation and yoga classes beholding the spectacular sights that lay in front of us. The impressions that were created and the moments we shared through these experiences will remain with me forever. What are the destinations that you have been dreaming of taking off your wishlist this year?

Slow Travel at the Sun Siyam Olhuveli, Maldives

10 November 2021

Our travel planning for Summer Holidays as a family begins as soon as the Christmas Holidays are over. We shortlist our next travel destination from our Travel Wishlist and secure it as early as the beginning of the new year. If we are not going home for the summer then we try and pick a different country to explore for 4-5 weeks and really like to go with the flow. Since my four years with Travel Counsellors, I have planned 'Slow Travel' for my personal family holidays to countries like Austria, Switzerland and Bali. This year we picked the Maldives. In this blog, I have shared why I choose Maldives as my pick for 'Slow Travel during Summer', our experience at the Sun Siyam Olhuveli and why we had to cancel and rebook our trip to travel 3 days later due to positive PCR test results. Why the Maldives? During this stage in a pandemic, there were not many countries open and accessible yet for travellers from Dubai for Tourism purposes. Maldives was a popular hotspot at this time not only out of the UAE but also from the rest of the world for the obvious reasons that it is naturally made for social distancing and privacy. The one island one resort concept of the Maldives and having your own private beach villas on the island means you will not see anyone if you don't deliberately want to. This is not the kind of holiday we were looking for after being isolated in our homes already for so long. We were seeking new experiences, meeting local people, getting immersed in a new culture and the novelty of something new. We had been to the Maldives on our honeymoon a decade ago so this was not a new destination for us. It was just this urgent need to travel somewhere so we took the plunge and locked in the Maldives as our destination for our Summer 2021 anyways. We were prepared to return back to Dubai either as single parents or a bigger family and maybe who knows even both, after all, we were going to be spending three weeks on the island. We took a chance and tried to test it out and see if this Slow Travel to the Maldives will sustain our marriage. After all the research and planning we decided to make Sun Siyam Olhuveli our home for 3 weeks in the Maldives. The Maldives is an expensive destination and is an ideal place to visit for 4 - 7 days. While the word expensive can be a relative term it is advisable to book your trip well in advance to secure the best deals and to find availability especially when you are planning to spend more than 7 days on any of the islands. We took advantage of Travel Counsellors Low Deposit Travel to secure our resort at the beginning of the year with a minimum deposit. Sun Siyam Olhuveli is not only a slice of paradise with Sun, Sand and Sea but it went beyond our expectation of what we were seeking from our holiday, the joy of doing things for the first time and experiencing the new. The highlight of our trip was swimming with Nurse sharks on the 3 point snorkelling trip organized by the resort. I would recommend this trip to anyone who wants to feel alive again, you will feel every goosebump on your skin and the dopamine flowing through your brain as you are aware of these giant sharks about hundreds of them swishing past you underwater. The staff at the Sun Siyam Olhuveli were very gracious and hospitable in welcoming us to their island and making us feel at home. They went out of their way to meet and socialize with each and every in house guest on the island at the cocktail evening that was organized by the resort. The staff that were locally from the Maldives were very proud of sharing their traditions and cultures with us including the chef who prepared sumptuous Maldivian dishes for us every Wednesday. The Dive Centre at the house reef at the Sun Siyam Olhuveli was just another reason that made this resort more alluring. Having access to the reef all day whether we spotted colourful fishes underwater either during the day or at night gave us a chance to reconnect as a family. We really had a chance to slow down while our 3 weeks in the Maldives and appreciated the small things. My son has a new fascination with hermit crabs thanks to this holiday. They are hard to miss, you will find them everywhere on the island. Thanks to the surge in demand that the Maldives has seen in the last few years there are only a few resorts in the Maldives that are exclusively adults-only while the rest cater to families with children. Although my son who is 8 yrs old thought he is too cool and old enough to be at the Kids club gave in once he joined the other children at the Maakanaa Kids Club at the resort for some fun activities like Fun Tube rides and Mocktail making classes. We had an amazing holiday and definitely a one to remember and cherish with so many magical sunsets that we had a chance to experience as a family. It was not so much of the domestic drama that we were expecting on the holiday but what really weighed us down was the fact that I and my son were tested positive before taking the flight to the Maldives. As a result, we had to cancel down our holiday and rebook it once we had two negative results after getting a positive. After the retests that I and my son had to go through until we were good to go which was 3 days later our holiday booking had already unravelled. After a few phone calls and emails, the booking was reinstated and we needed no more reasons but to make the most of our time in the Maldives. Hope you enjoyed reading this blog. I want to leave you with a quick tip for PCR testing before travel which I learnt from my own experience this time when travelling to the Maldives: If your PCR requirement is 96 hrs before travel then get your tests done as soon as possible within that time frame so if you do need to make any changes to your booking once you have your results then you have enough time to do so.

Sustainable Travel - Switzerland by Train, Bus and Boat

18 July 2021

Sustainability is at the forefront of everyone's mind when travelling in the 'New World'. Hotel chains, tour operators, airlines, nations and even travellers are making a conscious part in reducing their carbon footprint and think responsibly. As we see the shift in the way the millennials are choosing to travel we are also noticing ‘ gen-X and even ‘baby boomers’ switching over to travelling more consciously. In this blog, I have shared my recent travel experience in Switzerland where I had the opportunity to travel by train, bus and boat in absolute luxury surrounded by the lakes and mountains of this wonderful country. When it comes to the world-famous Swiss watches we all have heard the term Swiss precision. The Swiss precision is also evident in the ‘Swiss Travel System’ network throughout the country. The transport system connectivity between the trains, buses and boats work hand in hand with each other. I had a chance to experience this for myself on a one week trip organized and hosted by the Switzerland Tourism Board to explore three different cities in Switzerland. The trip was organized and sponsored by our Swiss Partners including Swiss International Airlines, Swiss Deluxe Hotels, Park Hyatt Zurich, Lucerne Tourism Board, Hotel Schweizerhof Lucerne, Mt. Pilatus, Swiss Travel System, Park Hotel Vitznau, Ameron Davos Swiss Mountain Resort, The Dolder Grand and Davos Klosters Tourism Board. My one-week itinerary in Switzerland included one night in Zurich, two nights in Lucerne, two nights in Davos and one night in Zurich before my flight back to Dubai. What's it like to fly Premium on Swiss International Airlines? After dropping off our bags at the dedicated check-in counter for Premium Class we headed straight to Ahlan Lounge pre-departure to catch up over a glass of Prosecco. The airline of Switzerland takes pride in showcasing its tradition and culture and you can experience this right from boarding with the small personal touches and attention to details throughout the flight with their service, amenities and food onboard. The seats were total comfort with fully reclining beds and we were glad we had the opportunity to shut our eyes on this red-eye flight from Dubai to Zurich. Highlights of the Swiss Travel Pass: Travelling around Switzerland by train, bus and boat is not only a transfer from a destination to another - it is part of the Swiss experience! The Swiss Travel Pass is an all-in-one ticket, it is the key to Switzerland’s public transport network. It does not only include unlimited travel by train, bus and boat but it also gives you admission to some of the mountain excursions as well as free admission to more than 500 museums throughout Switzerland. I highly recommend taking advantage of their luggage services which can be organized for a fee. With this service, your luggage is transported from point A to B. We had the opportunity to use this service and it was absolutely seamless to travel hands-free from one city to another. Day 1: Our transfers were organized by Park Hyatt Zurich and we made our way to the hotel in style in a chauffeur-driven Rolls Royce. We were put up at Park Hyatt Zurich which is centrally located by Lake Zurich and is easily accessible to all major tourist hotspots in Zurich. During our one night stay here we had the opportunity to explore around Lake Zurich and the Old Town not only by foot, bike and E Tuk Tuk but we also hopped on the tram and ventured out to the city centre to dine at Hiltl, the oldest vegetarian restaurant in the world. Day 2: I took the train from Zurich main station to Lucerne around mid-day and found myself in Lucerne within an hour. I joined the other crew at Hotel Schweizerhof where we were put for our two-night stay in Lucerne. Set on the lakefront the neoclassical building features palatial rooms with a view of Lake Lucerne and the Alps. If you are in Lucerne it's hard to miss this grand hotel with its windows lit up with different colours at night right at the beginning of Schwanenplatz, the famous shopping street for watches. Day 3: Today was a jam-packed day full of adventure in Lucerne starting with a trip to Mt. Pilatus, followed by a boat cruise from Alpnachstad on Lake Lucerne to the Verkehrshaus Lido. We visited the Vekherhaus Swiss Transport Museum and hopped onto the Swiss Chocolate Adventure Show in the same complex of exhibits. We took the public bus from the Verkehrshaus Lido station back to the city centre in time for dinner. Our Swiss Travel Pass gave us free access to all the transport we took on this day except for the admission to mountain excursion atop Mt. Pilatus and to the Swiss Transport Museum where we availed of a fifty per cent discount for the entries to both these places with our Swiss Travel Pass. Day 4: Before heading to Davos in the afternoon we had a quick walking city tour of the Lucerne. This was not my first time in Lucerne, it's my favourite city with its chapel bridge and narrow alleyways. This time around I fell even more in love thanks to our local guide who us around this quaint city. In the afternoon we departed by train from Lucerne to Davos Klosters. We checked in at Ameron Davos Swiss Mountain Resort. Upon check-in, at any resort in Davos, you receive a Davos Premium Card which gives you free access to many activities and excursions in the region that suit different ages and people with varied interests. Day 5: We started our morning with a visit to Schatzalp also known as the Magic Mountain. We then took a horse carriage ride through the valleys of Davos to a traditional restaurant Bergfuhrer for lunch. We visited Family Conrad’s farm where we baked Nusstorte, a regional tart. We then walked off the lunch with a hike up to see the waterfall in the nearby mountains. Day 6: This morning before heading back to Zurich we took a train ride in Nostalgic train to Filisur and back which was included as an excursion in the Davos Premium Card. Our last night in Zurich was spent at the magnificent The Dolder Grand. The Grand Tour of Switzerland combines the most beautiful panoramic train lines and highlights. Why not take your travels to the next level and travel in luxury by hopping on the Grand Tour of Switzerland with Swiss Deluxe Hotels which can be tailor-made as per your preferences and varied interests whether your interest lies in Art, Museums and Boutique Towns; UNESCO World Heritage Sites; Mountain Passes or Wellness, Spa & Water.

Zen in Zanzibar

20 June 2021

A milestone birthday to celebrate, tired of being stuck on zoom calls for over a year, aching for a retreat with a dash of wanderlust were not the only reasons we picked Zanzibar for a 4- night/5-day short escape at the end of May 2021. Why Zanzibar? We had shortlisted a few other destinations that were open and accessible for travellers at the time for safe travel from the UAE. However, once we looked at the PCR test and quarantine requirements, there was only one practical and exhilarating choice, Zanzibar. The trip included 6 hours of direct flying time from Dubai and only a PCR test required both before departure from Dubai and before returning from Zanzibar. We also had to fill out a Travelers Surveillance form 24 hours prior to departure from Dubai and this is all there was to it in terms of paperwork required which made our holiday in planning to Zanzibar seem hassle-free and made it more alluring out of the countries that we wanted to visit. Zanzibar is an island located on the east coast of Tanzania and is a part of mainland Tanzania. Most of the hotel chains are scattered along the coast of Zanzibar including Stone Town on the west coast, which is the capital of Zanzibar, and where the main international airport is located. Since it was two female travellers on this trip, we had a clear vision of what we both were expecting from the holiday and it didn’t take us much time to decide on making Nungwi our base for the entire duration of our trip. Nungwi is the liveliest beach spot, located in the most northern tip of Zanzibar. Day 1: Our sanctuary for the 4 days in Nungwi was Riu Palace Zanzibar, an all-inclusive property located right on the beachfront. We took the red-eye flight from Dubai that arrived at Zanzibar early in the morning. The resort was exceptional in making us feel welcome until our check-in time. We left our bags at the reception, changed into our swimming gear, had breakfast, and went exploring around the resort until we found the much-needed spot for us to settle down until check-in. We parked ourselves at Makuti bar at the resort that is perched on the hill overlooking the crystalline blue waters and white powdered sandy beach of Nungwi. The rest of the afternoon we spent cooling ourselves with the best cocktails served by the most hospitable staff at the Riu Palace Zanzibar and picking up a few words of Swahili from them. Day 2: We were in for a total treat at Riu Palace Zanzibar. We stayed in a Sea View Junior suite waking up to the sounds of birds from the lush grounds of the resort with an unobstructed view of the sea from our terrace. On this day besides getting tan lines and soaking up the sun, we headed to the nearby Baraka National Aquarium which was merely a 7 mins car ride from the hotel. This is a natural saltwater pool connected to the sea where you can swim with rescued turtles from the sea. The turtles that get caught in fishermen’s nets and get injured are brought here to be treated and released back into the ocean once they have healed. It was such an amazing feeling to be able to feed them and pet them up close. Day 3: On this day we had to head to Stone Town to get our PCR test done for our return journey back to Dubai. We decided to make a day out of it since it is almost over an hour’s drive from Nungwi. We combined our PCR test visit to the clinic with a walking city tour of Stone Town and a visit to Prison Island. The city of Stone Town truly deserves the title of UNESCO World Heritage Site. We walked back in time through Stone Town’s labyrinth laneways guided by our local guide who explained to us the history and culture of Zanzibaris. We conversed with the locals at the souvenirs shops who got friendlier when they heard us speak a few words of Swahili with them and gave us a good bargain for our purchases. After the city walking tour, we hopped on a 25 mins ferry ride from Forodhani Park that brought us to Prison Island. Day 4: A must when you are in Zanzibar, Safari Blue. I highly recommend this trip to anyone who loves snorkelling. We headed to Fumba beach early this morning by car and we spent the rest of the day on the traditional Zanzibar boat that took us island hopping to many different islands. Our first stop was a snorkelling stop, followed by a sandbank picnic and then onwards to more snorkelling on another island. We then sailed through mangroves and had a pit stop for the ones who wanted to swim in the mangroves and take pictures with an amazing backdrop of natural rocks jutting out of the sea. We ended the tour at the Safari blue Camp another island where we were served late lunch as part of our trip. The aromas of seafood and other meats on the barbeque grill that were being prepared before the arrival of famished tourists made us head straight to the tables that were laid out under a tent on the beach. Day 5: This was the last day we were in Zanzibar and I didn’t want to leave Zanzibar without seeing the dolphins. A half-day trip to Mnemba island from Nungwi and I was able to tick that off the list too. Over the course of 4 days that we were in Zanzibar, all the conversations we struck with our fellow travellers of their time and their experiences in Zanzibar all mentioned a visit to Mnemba Island which is a heart-shaped coral atoll cast-off Zanzibar’s north-eastern shores. It is not much for the possibility of sighting dolphins but the colour of the blue lagoon surrounding Mnemba island is breathtaking. It is no surprise that tech billionaires and Hollywood heavyweights choose to come here on the island’s only resort by ‘&Beyond’ to get away from it all. We took the red-eye flight back to Dubai and with our souls full we headed back on the 5th day. Asante Zanzibar!! Until next time….

Back on the road to Abu Dhabi from Dubai in the New World

24 March 2021

Being part of the bigger company that is Travel Counsellors we are the only Travel Company in the UAE that gets hosted to exclusive hotel site inspections with top luxury hotels. And this time what brought me to Abu Dhabi was the Hotel Site Inspections with St. Regis Abu Dhabi, W Abu Dhabi Yas Island and the Abu Dhabi Edition, three very unique properties of Marriott Hotels. I have a special connection with Abu Dhabi. Every time I visit it brings back special memories as this was my first home when I first arrived to settle in the UAE 14 yrs ago. Glad it is easily accessible in the New World (Post COVID) for the residents of Dubai and the Northern Emirates with PCR testing. *(This is applicable to regulations when the trip was taken, please check entry requirements as per your current travel dates) Hotel Site Inspections might sound like a very pompous term but building relationships with hotel partners and travel trade is very essential for our business giving us an opportunity to gain a thorough insight into the product so we are able to recommend it to the right clientele. Not only that but when it comes to extending a personalized service while my clients are staying at the hotels/resorts I can rest be assured that they will be well looked after with a personal touch. My journey to Abu Dhabi required me to take a PCR test 48 hours before passing through the Dubai – Abu Dhabi border. Regardless of whether you are getting your PCR tests done at the government laboratory or at your local clinic, it is recommended to download the Al Hosn App for a swift clearance at the border. My negative test results on the app along with my Emirates ID was checked at the border and I was cleared in less than a minute. Let me take you there St. Regis Abu Dhabi – Grand, Opulent, Elegant are three words I would use to describe this beautiful city hotel located on the Corniche. The Grandeur can be felt the moment you step into the reception hall at the grand staircase lobby with a tall dual curved staircase and magnificent chandeliers. The hotel rooms and suites have captivating views of the Arabian Gulf with floor to ceiling glass windows. The suites here are magnificent with some of them featuring a pantry, dining room, cinema, spa treatment rooms and an exercise room. Anything else? Helipad, private VIP entrance and St. Regis Butler service are also available to fulfil every desire of a Discerning Traveler. We had a first-hand experience of Arabic hospitality during lunch at the hotel's Italian restaurant, Villa Toscana. The ambience of the restaurant indoors was that of an Italian Summer house with a wood fire oven spreading aromas of freshly baked pizzas and bread. We cashed in on the beautiful spring weather and dined outdoors on the balcony to try some of the most deliciously different rustic dishes from Tuscany. The highlight of this hotel was the luxurious tunnel which is built under the roadway and connects the Main Hotel building to the Beachfront. The end of the tunnel opens up to the Catch Restaurant which offers both al fresco and indoor dining options with the vistas of the blue waters of the Arabian Gulf. Next to it is the Nation Riviera Beach Club offering access to the in-house guests to their outdoor swimming pool and private beach area. If you do visit the St. Regis Abu Dhabi then do not miss out on experiencing the Champagne Sabering experience which is a signature ceremony of the St. Regis properties all around the world to mark the beginning of the night. W Abu Dhabi – Funky, Chic, Fun are three words I would use to describe this hotel that is full of character the moment you step into the hotel lobby. This is the only hotel in the world located on the race-track and also the only hotel in Abu Dhabi to welcome your furry friends. The vibrant rooms and suites here are either facing the race-track or the Yas Marina and all come with a floor to ceiling soundproof glass doors. The design and the interiors of the hotel make it very instagrammable, especially the Garage Restaurant which is their all-day dining restaurant and the W Lounge. W Abu Dhabi likes to do things differently they are always up to bringing you the most electrifying experiences. Every month they have offers that are themed around the events and festivities. This month in March as we celebrate Mothers all over the world, W Abu Dhabi have curated special offers for mothers for F&B and Spa Day treats. Sip & Savour at the newest dining destination in the Capital with their latest F&B offers that are curated monthly to fuel your gastronomical journey. We had the pleasure of experiencing the afternoon tea from the TARTs N TAPS menu at the Garage restaurant with savoury crunchy bites, sweet treats and a selection of delectable teas from around the world. Their Stay and Play offer is always enticing for families with children offering complimentary access to the Ferrari World, Warner Bro.s and Yas Water World. The Abu Dhabi Edition Hotel & Residences: Classy, Minimalist, Cosy are three words I would use to describe this modern hotel located in the downtown district of Abu Dhabi on the waterfront promenade of Al Bateen Area. The Abu Dhabi Edition is one of the 11 Edition properties all around the world. I have had the opportunity of staying at the London Edition and this time I had the opportunity to rest my head at the Abu Dhabi Edition after a busy day of meetings and hotel viewings. This lifestyle Boutique hotel brand is known for curating the taste of the locale, reflecting the best of the cultural and social milieu that truly defines the destination. The architecture of the Abu Dhabi Edition and the design of the interiors is a reflection of the local culture and beliefs. What I do want to highlight about this hotel is their Royal Penthouse Suite overlooking the Marina which can accommodate 6-8 people. It has private access via a Private VIP lift making it an ideal choice for a group of delegates, celebrities or a big family. On the next day before heading back to Dubai I took the opportunity of visiting the Fossil Dunes in the Al Wathba area in Abu Dhabi. It is around 45 mins driving time from the Abu Dhabi Edition. No 4 x 4 is required and is easily accessible by foot from the parking. The weather was just perfect at the wee hours in the morning before sunrise and we got plenty of photo ops. If I was not pressed for time I would have definitely checked out the Al Wathba Wetland Reserve in the locale.

Chasing the sun on the mountains of the UAE

05 January 2021

I am a beach person, a good book, the smell of sunscreen and the sound of undulating waves is all I need. I am fortunate to be living in Dubai and blessed to have beach days pretty much every day of the year. After the lockdown was lifted this year, everyone was craving to be outdoors more than ever before, the beaches were getting flocked with people in search of fresh air and being outdoors. We cooled off on the beautiful beaches that Dubai has to offer in the Summer of 2020. But as the temperatures started to cool off in the UAE, the mountains called me, and I had to go. I decided to explore the different peaks of the UAE, to chase the winter sun and see it rise from beyond the horizon. In this blog, I will be sharing my newfound love of trekking across the mountains of the UAE with some tips and suggestions that will be helpful for amateur hikers like me and even for the far more experienced ones. My recent adventurous expeditions include trekking on Wadi Showka Dam, Yanas Mountain, Wadi Shah in Ras Al Khaimah and Fossil Rock in Sharjah. Some points to consider when you are going trekking: 1) Go with a group of experienced trekkers and never trek alone. I was introduced to trekking by my friends who are experienced trekkers that showed me the way as I accompanied them on these treks. I had done a few treks with my family before on holidays to Switzerland where cable cars transported us atop the mountains and exciting legs helped us trek your way down to the bottom. My experience of trekking in the UAE was way different than in Switzerland. The mountains in the UAE are dry and rugged and the trails are not defined. 2) Chasing sunrise at the crack of dawn and finally seeing it rise above the horizon can be a magical experience that will surely take your breath away, but this also means that you will require additional planning. Planning the drive to the bottom of the peak and the trekking up the mountain must be calculated keeping in mind the varied fitness levels of all the participants. Wikiloc is a good app to help you plan your trek loop and for directions. Once on top you also need to keep a track of time and calculate your descent to avoid the mid-day sun which can be quite strong here in the UAE. 3) The most obvious essentials you will need are enough water, energy bars, snacks, hats, sunglasses, sunscreen and the not so obvious ones for moderate hikes would be hiking shoes, sticks, gloves, hydration tablets, headlamp, first aid kit and kneecaps (Yes, knee caps as sometimes the fittest of all can have their knees give way.) The key is to travel light. Wadi Showka, Ras Al Khaimah – (Easy to Moderate) If you prefer to follow the easy trail, then as soon as you reach the Wadi Showka Dam you will see a long flight of stairs going into the horizon. This will take you right to the top of the mountain where you can see the sunrise from. For the moderate trail, you can set your trek as much or as little as you intend to do depending on your fitness levels. We did the latter and out of the 4 treks, the sunrise we witnessed on this trek was the most spectacular. Yanas Mountain, Ras Al Khaimah - (Moderate) Not recommended for beginners. The last 9 KMS of the drive to the hiking trail from the bottom of the mountain is an unpaved windy road so it is a must to go with a 4x4. Once you reach the top the trails are marked with faint yellow paint dots every 100 m so watch out for them in case you lose track. There are small little villages along the way as you go deeper into the trek. Picture the morning dew lifting from the air as the sun comes up defining the horizon with the hues of pink, blue, purple, and amber with the backdrop of the rugged terrain of Ras Al Khaimah’s mountain range. This mystical mountain peak should be on every trekker’s wish list. Wadi Shah, Ras Al Khaimah – (Difficult) We started off at the bottom of the Bear Grylls Explorers Camp in Ras Al Khaimah. This hike is intense and not suitable for beginners. I had done my own research to find out the fitness level required for this trek before joining my friends as I had been warned it was a difficult trek. After reading the mixed reviews online I decided to do it anyway. The mountain range here was quite rugged and dense with the topmost peak which was almost inaccessible and hence the view of the sunrise from the highest peak that we reached was not a 360-degree landscape like from that of the other mountains. Fossil Rock, Sharjah – (Easy to Moderate) This is a popular trek with the residents of the UAE. With its easy access from Dubai, the trek can be anywhere from easy to moderate depending on the route you decide to take. Fossil rock juts out imperiously from the terracotta desert in Sharjah. We needed a headlamp to navigate our way through the trek in the wee hours of the morning. You can either go through the desert or choose the rocky path to climb up to the peak. We chose the latter to climb up and descended through the sand on our way back. The peak was showered in the warmth of the morning sun and beautiful vistas of what looked like a perfect marriage between the rock and the desert. This scenic hike was mesmerizing as we sat on top of the peak appreciating the beauty of it all. I have done all of the above expeditions as day trips out of Dubai. If you wish to explore the cultural, historical and the rich heritage of both Emirates then I have the below hotel recommendations for you to consider. In addition to exploring the beautiful beaches and other adventurous activities that both Emirates have to offer you could add the above treks as a day trip out of either Ras Al Khaimah or Sharjah to your itinerary. 1) Cove Rotana RAK 2) Hilton Resort & Spa RAK 3) Waldorf Astoria RAK 4) Ritz Carlton Al Wadi RAK 5) Chedi Al Bait Sharjah 6) Mysk Kingfisher Retreat Sharjah

Experiential Travel Rwanda - Delve with me into Africa's best kept secret...

14 October 2020

Home to the world-famous Mountain Gorillas where you can get up and close to see them in their natural habitat. This Sub-Saharan African country lies in Central East Africa surrounded by the neighboring countries of Uganda in North, Tanzania to its East, Democratic Republic of Congo to its West and Burundi to its South. Find out with me more about the uniqueness of this country and what makes it so special. Having spoken to a few people that have been to Rwanda once, twice or a few times already I wanted to find out more on what makes Rwanda so desirable, what do the travelers seek that makes them want to travel to Rwanda again and again. Here’s what I have found out: ‘Not only that there is so much more to see and do but it’s the Rwandese people, their story, their passion and love for their country. The pride with which they host people from around the world to share the unique experiences that their country has to offer is remarkable. Rwanda is now open and welcoming tourists. With a flying time of six hours from Dubai on a direct flight with Rwand Air you will land into the international airport in Kigali, the capital city of Rwanda where your adventure begins. Why Rwanda? • #1 safest country in Africa • #5 safest country in the world • Kigali is one of the cleanest cities in the world. Emerging and leading the world in green growth with a mission to maintain a clean and healthy environment. • Also known as the land of a thousand hills with incredible landscapes - rainforests, lakes, grasslands, tea plantations, volcanos and national parks. • 15 species of primates and wildlife that is synonymous to Africa in a pristine environment. • Pioneering and leading the way in sustainability in all of Africa. Rwanda was the first country to ban plastic bags. • Conservation efforts by bringing back the deficits of the African Big 5 back into the wild that were getting extinct a few years ago due to illegal hunting. • Good Infrastructure and transport network making it seamless for the travelers to navigate the country. • Cultural Heritage Corridor – Immerse yourself in the culture and traditions of Rwanda at one of the cultural villages or enrich your local experience with Community based tourism • Umuganda – Come together with the locals for a community service in Rwanda. Rwanda is not a huge country to navigate and this suggested Itinerary of 10 days/ 9 Nights is a good introduction of the country to the first time visitors. Day 1: Kigali Arrival Day 2: Genocide Memorial Visit and Akegera National Park - Afternoon Game drive. Day 3: Akagera National Park Morning Boat ride & Afternoon Game Ride – Safari drives, camping, boat rides, picnicking, birding, cycling, fishing and paramotor activities. Day 4: Volcanoes National Park and Village Community Tour – Primate trekking, Cave tourism, hiking through eco-parks and mountains are some of the fascinating activities to choose from. Day 5: Volcanoes National Park - One & only Gorilla’s nest Gorilla Trek Experience & Relaxation. Day 6: Golden Monkey Trek Day 7: Nyungwe National Park & Tea Ceremony – Hiking, Nature walks to waterfalls & canopy walkways, Chimp tracking, tea & honey experience, wellness activites. Day 8: Nyungwe National Park - Chimpanzee Trek and Canopy Walkway Day 9: Nyungwe National Park - Colobus Monkey Trek Day 10: Kigali Coffee Master Class Lake Kivu can be added to the itinerary time permitting. This is Rwanda’s beach side region with surrounding Tea and coffee plantations in Rubavu. The Congo Nile trail is recommended for the serial adventure seekers and requires 10 days or more to explore around the region. Given our experience of 2020 so far highlighting Rwanda as a tourist destination couldn’t be better timed. The Genocide Museum in Kigali is a must visit to learn more about the country’s dark past when the genocide took place. It has not been less than 25 years ago that Rwandese have come out of a Civil War. They are leading and setting an example for other countries with their resilience and their commitment to make their country a vibrant place. Hope you are as inspired as I am to experience this phenomenal country with incredible journeys that await for us in Rwanda. If you do plan to visit Rwanda there is an extra planning required as there are permits that need to be organized atleast 6 months in advance. The efforts made to conserve and protect the mountain gorillas to thrive, the permits released are restricted and limited to a small no. of people. If you have put away a romantic getaway or that much needed holiday then Rwanda is that place, for those seeking something different from the norm go as soon as you can. This is the time to turn your dream into reality… If that’s sealed the deal for you then let’s explore the options of where to stay. I have some hotel recommendations for you to consider. Whether you are looking for luxury lodges, 5* hotels or a boutique lodge Rwanda has some extraordinary properties in imaginative locations with magnificent views. Below is a mix of some recommendations if you are thinking of combining different regions on your travel to Rwanda. Akagera National Park: Akagera Game Lodge – It’s like literally floating on top of the clouds when you stay at Akagera Game Lodge with exceptional views of the savannah below. This only luxury hotel is stands on top of a hill top offering guests a truly exceptional wildlife experience. Volcanoes National Park: Bisate Lodge – Not only is this lodge the most instagramable hotel in Rwanda but it is also an eco-friendly haven and can be chosen as your base for the immersive Gorilla Trekking Experience in the nearby Volcanoes National Park. Nyungwe National Park: One & Only Nyungwe House – Explore the largest mountain rainforest on the African continent at One & Only Nyungwe House. Chimpanzee trekking, interactive and engaging tea plantation tours, wellness activities and curated experiences for couples are some of the unique experiences at One & Only Nyungwe House to be added to the mix. Lake Kivu: Cormoran Lodge – This lodge has the most magical sunrise and sunsets over the beautiful lake of turquoise blue on the shores of Lake Kivu. Cormoran lodge is an intimate sanctuary to explore the surrounding region of Rubavu which is an agri-tourism destination for tea and coffee. Relax here in Rwanda’s beachside region in hot springs and activities like kayaking and mountain biking.

Six Senses, Zighy Bay for the ones who like to experience Out of the Ordinary - Day 2

12 February 2020

...… Continued from previous blog: Six Senses, Zighy Bay for the ones who like to experience Out of the Ordinary. I walked to the beach to catch the sunrise the next morning. It was a spectacular morning with the Hajjar mountains in the background on one side and the sun slowly emerging from the bay on the other side, adding colourful hues of pink purple and blue to the morning sky. It was so relaxing to just watch and listen to the waves and see the sun come up. It was blissful to take a few moments to sit back and reflect on my thoughts, clear my mind and take in the beautiful energy from the mountains and the waves that I was surrounded by. I was looking forward to a great day of spending time out on the sea on a Dhow Cruise. I headed back to my villa to get ready for the day after spending some time on the beach in peace and quiet. I rang my GEM to bring in my breakfast which I devoured alfresco on my patio in the company of little birds chirping and watching the sun rising above the palm trees. To my surprise when we all gathered at the lobby we found out that the Dhow Cruise was cancelled due to choppy weather and we were going to instead do the Site Inspection first followed by the visit to the Dibba farm. We were shown around the property by the Sales Director and I was delighted to learn about the efforts that Six Senses, Zighy Bay is putting in towards their commitment to Sustainability. After the site inspection, we were driven back up and over the mountain to Dibba farm which is located not too far from the border. This farm is exclusive to Six Senses, Zighy Bay where all the produce is grown to be used at the resort, a farm to table concept. We were shown around by the Farm Manager and a local guide who let us interact and feed the cows, goats and chickens at the animal husbandry section. They showed us the different vegetables and fruits grown at the organic produce section and also took us to a room where they make their own cheese. We were taken to a private dining area for a cheese tasting session, this is where guests can also organize a private dining experience for breakfast where they get to pick their own eggs and vegetables from the farm to be prepared by the chef. After a jam-packed morning, we were all ready for lunch and headed back to the resort. On the way back we decided to stop at the Cliffs Edge that overlooks the panorama of Zighy Bay. This is the spot where you can paraglide your way into the resort and also where the resorts signature restaurant Sense on the edge strategically hangs off the cliff overlooking the valley. Cliff's Edge is the place where you can tandem along with the hotel's experienced paraglider and check-in at the resort in style. We arrived back at the resort and hung out by the Salt Water Pool before we were served lunch at the beach restaurant. This pool is located by the beach and is the only one in the region with a high density of salt similar to the one in the dead sea. As I floated my aches and pains away in the pool I was kind of glad that the Dhow Cruise was cancelled as we got to enjoy and experience more of the facilities at the resort. Our lunch was served in Bento Picnic Boxes that we were supposed to take with us on the Dhow cruise but were now having it al fresco at the beach restaurant listening to the sounds of waves over some good laughs. We had the rest of the afternoon free at leisure after lunch so we made plans of how to best spend the next few hours. We walked off our lunch on the beach to the Zighy Bay Marina which is exclusive for Zighy Bay guests arriving via speedboats. This was our last evening at the resort and wanted to explore the rest of the resort. There was no better way to do this then do it on the bikes that were assigned to our villas upon check-in. The hotel staff waved at us as we explored around. We headed to the Camel Stable for feeding the camels. The Camel family had 3 camels when we were there - Mum (Wednesday) who was pregnant then, Dad (Humphrey) and Sister (Camille). They are the in house pets at the resort and looked well after. You will be glad to know that there has been a recent new addition to the family as I write this blog. Wednesday has given birth to a baby camel recently and everyone at the resort is thrilled by the news. Guests have an opportunity to interact with the family of pet camels at the resort at 5 pm every evening. After feeding the camels it was time to feed ourselves so we gathered at one of our villas for tea time and a dip in the plunge pool. What a fantastic day it had been as we sat chatting and recollecting all the fun things we did on the day. We had a business meeting planned at the Zighy Bar with the Sales Director in the evening during sundowners. While we were at the bar we were recommended by the staff there to try the Shua Shack for dinner. Shua Shack is the signature culinary experience of traditional Omani dining. We were curious so we decided to give it a go. We were taken on a culinary journey where the chef explained to us the process of cooking the lamb in Omani way. The chef had marinated the lamb for 24 hours and had slow cooked it in the pit oven underground since morning. This was the highlight of my stay at Zighy Bay to experience Omani food, its culture and its tradition. The meat was served to us in a big steel platter to be shared with saffron basmati rice and vegetable salad. I must say I have never tasted meat cooked tender to such perfection. The next morning we chose to have breakfast at the Spice Market that serves both local and international dishes. The entries were to be picked from the buffet spread and the ala carte was to be ordered at the table. The staff were very attentive at explaining and recommending the local dishes to the guests. As we sat enjoying our breakfast al fresco on the balcony of the restaurant overlooking the Hajjar mountains it started to rain down heavily. We were not fortunate with the weather this time around as the Microlight experience that was booked for us after breakfast had to be also cancelled due to bad weather. So we decided to check out earlier than we had planned to if the weather got any worse on our way back to Dubai on the roads. The two days we spent in the mountains by Zighy Bay left us relaxed and brought us back to Dubai all-new also with a wish to come back again and try all the experiences that we missed out on this time.

Six Senses, Zighy Bay for the ones who like to experience Out of the Ordinary - Day 1

11 February 2020

Six of us Travel Counsellors set off from Dubai on a drive to Six Senses Zighy Bay for a familiarization trip in the 2nd week of December for 2 nights. We were invited by the resort to experience some of their signature experiences and have a taste of their approach on how they put holistic wellness and relaxation at the heart of everything that they do. Our drive from Dubai to Musandam border was around 90 mins and after a quick clearance at the border checkpoint, we entered Oman, Musandam. We drove for a few mins from the border until we hit an unpaved road which took us further away from the civilization and in towards the Hajjar mountains. We had a soggy start of the trip with some rain showers on our way to the resort which was very unusual for the weather in December. The weather made the landscape look stunning with rain clouds hanging down low on the tip of the Hajjar mountains that we were soon to approach. After another 15 min of off-road driving on the unpaved road, we reached the foothills of the Hajjar mountains where the arrival lounge of the resort is located. The resort lies on the other side of the mountain which is about 8 Km drive from the foothills of the mountain. Guests have a choice of either driving by themselves over the mountain if they have the nerves of steel or park their car at the arrival lounge and be driven by the staff from the resort in a 4x4. We chose the latter and didn’t question our choice of parking the car at the arrival lounge once we started our ascend over the mountains. At 20 Km per hour on winding roads, we were too excited to see what lay ahead of us. I had seen the landscape of Zighy Bay several times on a screen before but as we were driving past the cliff the landscape was gradually opening up and the view of the bay kept expanding in front of us. That moment was truly breathtaking and the drive itself I must say was quite an experience. I was all ready and looking forward to the other exciting experiences to be had in the next 2 days. We were escorted for the check-in at the lobby of the resort which had a very cosy feel to it with traditional Omani flair. We had a warm welcome by the check-in staff who brought us cold towels and a traditional date and nut smoothie to refresh. Each one of us was assigned a Gem which stands for Guest Experience Manager for personally looking after our needs and requests during our stay. This resort is a villa-only resort with 82 family-friendly pool villas nestled in a secluded enclave surrounded by Hajjar Mountains on one side and the beach on the other side. We have driven in a buggy to our villa through the palm-fringed lanes along with our Gem who gave me a quick show around the villa and reminded me to customize and place my order for the picnic that we had planned for next day on the Dhow Cruise. The villa was quite spacious, Bedouin-style made out of natural stone that gave a very homely feel of being in a traditional Omani house. The villa had an open plan consisting of a lounge area, bar, bedroom and the bathroom with separate shower and toilet. The backyard had an outdoor shower of course with complete privacy which I put in my things to try out in the next 2 days. The front of the villa opened up into a patio with its private pool with sunbeds and a dining area. A huge part of the patio also had a Majlis giving guests an opportunity for entertaining friends and family. I was so ready and looking forward to my spa which was booked within the next hour. I headed to the Minibar area to prepare myself some tea and was delighted to see the welcome letter specially curated and personalized for me along with the detailed itinerary for the next 2 days. I helped myself to some welcome snacks of dates, nuts and chocolates that were presented with such attention to detail. The entrance to the spa area was infused with aromatherapy oils that immediately relaxed all my senses. The lounge and the reception area of the spa had a cabinet jam-packed with trophies which is no surprise at Six Sense. This is a brand that boasts itself in taking guests through their personal wellness journeys with not only relaxation but also with the eat well and sleep well programs. I was given a personal consultation by the spa therapist and was given a choice of massages that would be fit for my lifestyle. After a terrific and a much-needed massage I was escorted to the relaxation area where I was offered ginger tea and nuts for detox. I could have stayed longer and enjoyed the steam and sauna facilities at the spa which are complimentary for the guests to enjoy but left that for another time as we all were catching up for sundowners at the Zighy Bar shortly. On this night we decided to try out the Summer House restaurant which serves International Cuisine with lots of seafood options on the menu too. I tried the French Bouillabaisse soup for starters and Grilled Sea Bass with chives crème Fraiche, garden peas, fresh mint. The menu itself is very varied and we noticed how every dish was marked of course with its contents such as Gluten-Free, Dairy-free etc… but it also mentioned whether the dishes were good for sleep, detox or fitness. I have been inspired by their menu and I try making some of their recipes at home whenever I need detox or better sleep. We were all feeling very relaxed after dinner and decided to call in an early night followed by a lie-in the following morning. We took advantage of this situation and decided to call in for an In-Villa Private Dining for breakfast to be had for the following morning before we headed back to our villas for a good nights sleep. I was super impressed with the turndown service when I arrived at my villa and tucked myself in bed for an early morning start...….. Continued on next page. Six Senses, Zighy Bay for the ones who like to experience Out of the Ordinary - Day 2

Nusa Dua Beach Hotel & Spa - A Resort dotted with Culture

03 September 2019

We booked a week at the Nusa Dua Beach Hotel & Spa at the beginning of our month long holiday in Bali this summer from mid July to mid August. This resort is located in the South of Bali on the beachfront promenade of Nusa Dua. It is half an hour drive from Ngurah Rai International Airport. This is the first property that was built in the area 35 years ago and still continues to dominate the scene as an authentic Balinese resort. The architecture of the resort is similar to that of a Balinese Palace and the interiors of the resort are filled with intricate details of the Balinese Culture. My first memory of the resort as we entered the hotel grounds was the sight of the traditional Balinese gate beyond which laid a tranquil space where I would be resting, relaxing and reconnecting with my family over the next 7 days. The highlight of my stay at the Nusa Dua Beach Hotel & Spa was the cultural tour that was organized by the resort. Bali is filled with culture, a uniqueness that permeates through every aspect of its people, their lifestyle and religion. This tour gave us an opportunity to experience the resort from a cultural perspective. It gave us an up-close look into the wonders and deeply-rooted cultures of the Balinese people their lifestyle and history. Our tour began with a visit to the temple on site. Majority of the Balinese people follow Hinduism. Most of the temples in Bali are devoted to the shrines of three main Hindu gods also known as Trimurti (a three – dimensional figure) Brahma being the creator, Vishnu being the preserver and Shiva being the destroyer. Balinese Hindus make offerings to god everyday as a way of expressing gratitude. These offerings are handcrafted everyday from palm leaves in the shape of a tray filled with flowers, rice, incense stick and then sprinkled with holy water. These offerings are known as Canang Sari and placed at the entrance of temples, houses and shops. The main feature of this hotel is the Cendi Bantar, the traditional gate split in two symmetrical mirroring structures, creating a passage in the center as you enter the hotel. A Balinese gong is placed at the entrance of the hotel and is rung for the new guests arriving at the hotel as a way of welcoming them to the hotel and announcing of their arrival to the other members of the staff. Episodes from Hindu epics of Mahabharata and Ramayana are intrically woven into the interiors of the resort. The pillars of the resort show a 360 degree view of how an individual inherits his status as a result of his or her past life and is influenced by the principles of Karma depicting the cycle of a Balinese life. The Bale Kul Kul which is a drum pavilion sits at the heart of the hotel grounds. Every village in Bali will have its own drum tower or Bale Kul Kul as a means of communication and to summon or a hold a religious gathering. There are themed night dinners held in this pavilion with traditional dances like Kecak & Legong performed on different nights. Bali has many ceremonies and one of the ceremonies called the Melasti ceremony and the Nyepi day is depicted beautifully on the handrails made out of Bronze in the resort. Melasti ceremony is performed a day before the day of silence (Nyepi) where the whole island comes to a standstill. On this day the locals refrain from any non-prayer activity. This is the day dedicated to cleanse ones soul and the shrines of the temples with water. The Balinese people walk to the beach and lakes in their prayer outfits with Gamelan orchestra to perform their rituals on this day. We found out that one of the most important ceremonies of Galungan and Kunningan were falling in the same week so we took this opportunity to experience the festivities and get involved with the locals. We dressed up in traditional Balinese clothes and visited the temple to participate in the rituals on this auspicious day. This festival is similar to Diwali celebrated by the Hindus in India that signifies the victory of Dharma over Adharma (good over evil). This tour was a great introduction to the Balinese culture and what lay ahead of us in the next 3 weeks that we were going to spend in Bali. No wonder Bali is known as the island of the gods with its rich and diverse culture that’s quite peculiar from the rest of Indonesia and the surrounding archipelago. Nusa Dua Beach Hotel & Spa was an absolute hit with my whole family as everyone was kept entertained and busy with various organized activities at the resort. Some of the complimentary activities organized by the resort for the in-house guests included coconut leaf weaving, fruit carving, spa class, aqua aerobics etc. Me and my mother learnt how to make traditional facial masks of Lulur and Boreh at the spa class one day and participated in coconut leaf weaving on the other. My son was absolutely thrilled with the activities at the Geckos Kids club. They had a schedule of fun and cultural activities for the little ones too like fishing in the lagoon, origami, Balinese dress up sessions and dance class and some of the days they also organized visits to the temple on site. While my father and my husband spent their time unwinding and enjoying the tropical Balinese weather outdoors by the pool. We stayed in a Premier Room that was furnished with wooden flooring and a balcony overlooking the hotel lawn. There are squirrels everywhere in the resort and we often found them hanging out with us on the balcony. The room was spacious and comfortable to fit an extra bed for my son. The other facilities at the hotel boasts a luxurious spa with different treatment rooms and adjacent to that is the sports center that includes a tennis court, aerobics room, players room with board games for rainy days. This is where you can also rent a bicycle to ride along the Nusa Dua promenade and explore the nearby area. There is also a shopping arcade, a clinic, a bank and a mosque on site. The hotel also caters for Halal food if notified well in advance. We had a fantastic stay at the Nusa Dua Hotel Beach & Spa and can highly recommend it for families with children or anyone looking to experience an authentic Balinese resort. Our family photo on the Galungan day where we are dressed as Balinese people was taken by the photographer based on site. I hope you do enjoy the photos of our stay at the Nusa Dua Beach Hotel & Spa. I know I will be reminiscing looking at these pictures years down the line as a memory of my cultural trip to Bali.

The Green School Effect - Bali

29 August 2019

I spent a month in Bali this summer with my family in pursuit of golden hours, sandy beaches and the unique culture of Bali. We explored, we discovered, we connected, we experienced, we made memories but most importantly we learnt. I have lots to share with you and have recommendations on things to do from the east coast in Nusa Dua to the west coast in Seminyak and to the center of Bali in Ubud but a little voice inside me says to first do what is right. So I would like to share with you what I learnt when I visited the Green School in Bali and how it touched my heart. The Green School Bali is an internationally accredited, non-profit school that has been at the forefront and is a pioneer in educating Sustainability. It has intrigued not only the educators around the world but also environmentalists, entrepreneurs, governments and even the United Nations for raising and nurturing change makers. We had to find out for ourselves what made the Green School so extraordinary and experience how the transformation is taking place at its unique wall-less environment. The Green school Bali is located on Ayung River and is a 30 minutes drive from Ubud. Green school is a Green School because of the learning model that it facilitates and curates to help students through their personal journey. Their holistic teaching approach in an open progressive environment is constantly refining, evolving and is grounded on research. The learning model of green school is based on the Spiritual Quotient/Inspirational Intelligence, Intellectual Quotient/ Rational intelligence, Emotional Quotient and Kinaesthetic Quotient. Children are engaged in thematic learning, spiritual learning and experiential learning. Arts & Music is given great emphasis for the early years and entrepreneurial skills are introduced on continuum to develop a powerful mindset. The idea to introduce entrepreneurship at an early stage is not about turning them into businessmen but how they can function in life. So besides the curriculum learning how does the school impart and instill the idea of Sustainability in young minds so they take ownership of the problems that we are facing in the world today such as deforestation, global warming, loss of biodiversity etc… Below are the various ways that the school has facilitated the environment in its most organic form for the well-being of their students where they can thrive and excel as kind human beings. 1: Open Space - The School campus is made out of bamboo and is set on 23 acres of lush, tropical landscape. It is a prepared environment that allows students to align themselves with nature. It allows them to connect, build relationships, make mistakes, innovate, ideate and find solutions to the problems. 2: Bamboo: Bamboo is an integral part of the Green School environment. It is the strongest and most sustainable plant in the world. It is renewable, reusable and versatile. 2: Sustainable Architecture: The three huge structures in the center of the campus made out of Bamboos that are built by the local Balinese artisans. These structures are inspired by nature and serve as classrooms for students. One of these structures is called the Heart Centre where everyone including parents, teachers, early years, primary, middle and high school students gather during lunch time giving the students opportunity to connect with one another. 3: Sustainable Living: The school promotes vegetarianism. The food that is served at school is organically grown in the Kul Kul farm on site. The Kul Kul project is a noble mission where there are jobs created for the people from the local community on the farm. 4: Project Hub – Is where students gather together to ideate and innovate. They build and engineer models out of 3D laser printers before they actually implement a design. 5: The Bridge: Green School is not only a school it is a Community. The Bridge is a coworking space for parents to connect, network, collaborate and be a mentor for each other in their field of expertise. I was absolutely awe struck when I walked through the campus as I visited the various projects that the students get involved in: Chicken Project, Aquaponics, the Healing Center, Compost Site, Energy Vortex and rice paddies. The Green School Tour can be combined with one of the many Sustainable Living Workshops that are organized for the visitors at the School. We learnt how to make soap from used Palm Oil at the Organic Soap Making Workshop with my 5yr old son. Our tour lasted around 1 hour and after the Soap Making Workshop we were thrilled to have lunch at the Heart Centre. It was indeed a special experience to be having lunch with the Green School Community at the Heart Centre with all the students, teachers and parents. We had to self-serve our meals in banana leaves and our dining area was low lying seating made of wood where you sit cross legged. We realized the bread that we were served with a healthy bowl of soup and salad was being baked by the chefs earlier that morning which we had seen during our tour. After we finished our lunch I marveled at the sight of my son as he was helping others to dispose off the leftovers in the dedicated bins. If you are ever in Bali and want to do something different at the same time want to make a difference to the community and to the world then you must definitely visit the Green School. All the proceeds collected from the Green School Tour fee, Workshop fees, Camp fees and other donations that are made by individuals or corporates is allocated to fund the Local Scholarship Programme which benefits the 43 full-time Balinese students enrolled in Green School’s Local Sponsorship Program. The Green School Bali taught me that as adults we need to understand that sustainability is only possible when we operate from our head and spiritual center of our heart and when we are aligned with our natural surroundings in our most authentic form. We need to set ourselves free from the dogma surrounding the current education system and understand that transformation and self – driven learning takes place only when children are given space and the right kind of environment to thrive in as happy individuals. I left feeling inspired, hopeful and most importantly the effect that the Green School in Bali had on me was to self-reflect on whether I am living a sustainable lifestyle. I am glad I took that one small step towards Sustainability and I am certain that this is the only way forward.

Ubud and beyond in the island of gods - Bali

27 February 2020

Ubud the cultural capital of Bali is the most popular of all and is frequented by travelers every time they visit Bali. Some come here in quest of spirituality and join a yoga retreat, some come here to explore the cultural side of Bali, the adventurous ones like to get off the beaten track and the ones suffering from wanderlust like me make Ubud as their base to go in search of the most magnificent sites that can be witnessed around the rivers, forests, mountains and waterfalls of Bali. I travelled to Bali with my family – my parents, husband and my son who was then 5 years old. We based ourselves in the heart of Ubud for the last 2 weeks of our 4 weeks vacation in Bali. We stayed at a family run hotel very close to the Sacred Monkey Forest overlooking the rice paddies. There is a wide range of hotel accommodations to choose from for every kind of traveler; luxury wellness retreats, 5* Balinese Hotels, family run hotels, guest houses and hostels for budget travelers. Spiritual Experiences: Sacred Monkey Forest – You can spend upto 2-3 hours or more at the forest exploring so its recommended to set half a day aside for the trip here. We went here after breakfast and were out just before lunchtime. There is a nominal entrance fee to get into the forest for adults and children. The walk in the forest itself is very refreshing and it is a spectacle to watch the families of monkeys and how they interact with each other in their natural habitat. Balinese Monkeys also known as Wanars have deep rooted connections in Hindu Mythology and so are worshipped and considered sacred by Balinese people. Tirta Empul Temple: No visit to Bali is complete without a visit to the holy Tirta Empul Temple. We hired a guide who explained to us the religious beliefs of Balinese people and also the story behind why this temple was built. The process of the ritual involves with making an offering of Canang Sari, a square shaped tray woven out of palm leaves that are filled with flower petals, incense stick, rice and money. Balinese people follow Hinduism and are strong believers of Karma. The ritual involves setting an intention and sending out your prayers to the universe to wash your bad Karma and start a new by washing your body, mind and soul in the holy spring water flowing from the waterholes of the Tirta Empul Temple. Cultural Experiences: Gautama street in Ubud is vibrant at night and buzzing with energy. The night shopping markets have people hustling and bargaining over their purchases. There are ample of warungs and restaurants to choose from to dine in. If you are inclined towards learning a traditional skill or two then you can sign up for sculpting, pottery, batik printing and mask making classes in this area. There are a couple of theatres in the area showcasing the traditional Kecak and Legong dances which is not to miss. These dances depict episodes from Indian Mythology of Ramayana and Mahabharata. Of all the restaurants that we tried in Ubud my favourite one was the Liap Liap serving Indonesian grills. Another quirky French bistro called Café Du Monyat on Monkey forest street is quite a treat during lunch hours with the options of vegan and gluten free dishes on the menu. Off the beaten Track: Downhill Cycling is a full day adventure that starts in the morning before breakfast and you are back in Ubud just before tea time. We got picked up from our hotel with our local guide and were taken to the Tegalalang Rice Terrace first and then to Laksmi Bali for Coffee Luwak experience followed by our cycling adventure. The guide showed us around the rice terrace and explained to us the process of how rice is grown using the traditional irrigation system of Bali called Subak. Our next stop on our way was the Luwak Coffee experience at Laksmi Bali after a further 15 mins drive into the village. Here we were given a tour of the uncommon method used in processing Kopi Luwak, the worlds most expensive coffee. It gets produced from the coffee beans that have been digested by an animal called Luwak. This was a rather fascinating experience for my little one and us adults alike. We were offered a Luwak Coffee and tea tasting experience at the Coffee house but we choose the later. After this tour we then headed to Kintamani village which was the starting point of our downhill cycling adventure. We were given a safety briefing and the right bicycle according to our riding capabilities. 4 hours of downhill cycling at 50 Km per hour, gliding through the rice paddy fields and scenic villages, stopping over to interact with the locals was the most fun experience and the highlight of our holiday in Bali. A must do when in Bali. Lovina – We were north bound in the wee hours of morning on the empty streets of Bali in our pick up transfer with our local guide to reach in time for sunrise at Lovina beach to watch the dolphins. After a 3 hour drive we reached the bay and the guide arranged the tickets for us to get on to the Dolphin Sunrise Cruise. Not only did we witness the spectacular show by the dolphins in the wild but we were also grateful to share the moment as a family and watch the most beautiful sunrise ever with the hues of pink, purple and golden of the morning sky. Amed – This place is a far cry from the upscale tourist hot spots but a great place to spot marine life. The Jemeluk bay is full of family run hotels and Scuba Diving Schools that cater mainly to professional Scuba Divers and Diving beginners. We made a snorkeling day trip to this bay that is over a 2 hour drive from Ubud. There are a couple of 5* hotels too within a few kms drive to Amed. The sand here is black and pebbly so it is advisable to take beach shoes if you plan to visit. The rest of the equipment for both Scuba diving or Snorkeling can be hired on site. You can also rent a sunbed from a Warung for free as long as you dine with them during the day. Wanderlust: There were two things that were a must do for me while I was in Bali. One was to experience the Bali Swing and the other one was to get my Instagram picture sorted on the Birds Nest. After a lot of research I came across a place called Dtukad River Club which had not only the Bali Swing and the Birds Nest but also that gave us access to the Blangsinga Waterfalls. We spent the day at the pool of Dtukad River Club which is around 40 mins drive from the centre of Ubud. Sustainable Bali: Refer to my previous blog on the Green School Effect Bali on my webpage

India by the Oberoi

26 June 2019

India is on the bucket list for many but a lot of people shy away from the sheer size of the country and the volume of population. I had an opportunity to explore the Golden triangle of India – Delhi, Agra and Jaipur on an educational trip organized by the Oberoi Hotels and I must say that I was truly charmed by the Oberoi Hospitality. India by the Oberoi or Exotic Vacations is a seamless way to explore India for a discerning traveler. So what is India by the Oberoi or Exotic Vactions? You can create your own itinerary by combining any of the Oberoi properties for 6 nights or more from the map below as per the regions you would like to explore in India. A minimum of 6 night entitles you to complimentary airport transfers and complimentary upgrade to the next room category. Our four day journey - India by the Oberoi started on Saturday evening with Indigo flight departing from Dubai to Delhi. We arrived at Delhi airport at 3.00 am in the morning. After a night flight it made perfect sense to break our journey at the Oberoi, Gurgaon as that is the closest one to the airport than the Oberoi hotel in the city of New Delhi. A warm welcome at The Oberoi Gurgaon was all that was needed to put a smile on our faces on our arrival. A quick pit stop for a few hours to relax and unwind at this beautiful property located right in the centre of Delhi’s Corporate hub in Gurgaon. I was dreading the weather in Delhi to be a sweltering 45 – 50 degrees at this time of the year but I guess we got the weather with us and on our first morning we were welcomed by showers and a pleasant balmy weather of 31 degrees. We gathered at the lobby for breakfast and then for the site inspection of the property and I was amazed to see how the building was flooded with natural light from all corners of the hotel. The hotel is designed paying attention to the height, light and space to bring in a lot of natural light into the building. At Travel Counsellors we always find ways to incorporate and promote sustainable and responsible tourism and I was pleased to find out that the Oberoi Gurgaon was fully powered by Solar energy. This is a great feat for India going forward in the direction of Sustainability for the future of the country. We also had a chance to explore Trident, Gurgaon which is a sister property of the Oberoi Group and is about 50 m away from the Oberoi Gurgaon. This hotel has more of a resort like feel with a minimalist approach. It is an affordable luxury for the budget conscious traveler designed by Thai architect, Lek Bunag. After a quick recharge and site inspection at both these properties we made our way to experience the Oberoi, New Delhi for a one night stop over. This is an iconic hotel that was constructed on the piece of land given by the first prime minister of India Mr. Jawaharlal Nehru in 1965. The hotel has gone through a complete renovation in 2016. This hotel is known for maintaining the air quality within the hotel with its inbuilt air purifying system. It’s a place of respite as the capital city of Delhi is in major crisis of air pollution. The grandeur of this hotel can be seen from the sleek marble flooring and interiors that are influenced by the temples of India. The architecture of this building is the artwork of Adam Tihany who has successfully merged Sir Edwin Lutyens style of work for the interiors of the rooms. This property overlooks the lush green acres of the Delhi Golf Club on one side and Humayan’s Tomb on the other side. I was glad to find out that you can pick from any of the three Oberoi properties i.e. the Oberoi Gurgaon, the Trident Gurgaon and The Oberoi New Delhi to choose from as your first stop in the journey of the Golden Triangle. The excitement was all built up as we made our way to the City of Love on a three hour bus ride from Delhi on the next day to witness the monument of love, the Taj Mahal from the comfort of our room balconies. On the way to the Oberoi Amarvilas we made a quick pit stop at the Trident Agra for a site inspection of the property. The Trident properties distinguishes itself from the Oberoi properties with more of a resort like feel giving an option for an affordable luxury for the budget traveler. On our arrival into Agra we were all looking forward to our stay at the Oberoi Amarvillas, Agra with huge anticipation. As we entered the hotel grounds a courtyard as huge as a football field with Mughal architecture opened before us. I was spellbound with the welcome we received from the staff at the Oberoi Amarvillas who lined up every corner of the courtyard joining their hands in ‘Namaste’ to welcome us. The pictures and my words won’t do justice to the beauty of this property. You have to stay at this property to witness the mystical nights and the beauty of the Taj Mahal from the balcony of your room. It really is a unique property as it is the only closest property to the Taj Mahal. It was time to say good-bye as we headed to the Pink City of India, Jaipur the following day. Our transfer time from Agra to Jaipur was 5 hours on the coach. Once again the welcome at the Oberoi Rajvilas in Jaipur didn’t fail to impress us. This resort is spread over 32 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens with around 200 peacocks roaming around freely adding to the beauty and charm of this place. We stayed at the Premier room which was decorated with local handicrafts and artwork from the region. The four poster bed and the sunken marble bathtub added to the charm of the room. The hotel grounds turned into a place of magical beauty at dusk as the moon began to peek through the clouds. A very romantic setting indeed! You can choose to stroll through the hotel grounds with your partner or enjoy folklore music and dance over cocktails at one of the courtyards. Jaipur was the last stop on our four day journey of the Golden Triangle in India. We took the direct flight out of Jaipur on Thursday back to Dubai on the following day with a flying time of three and a half hours. India by the Oberoi was truly an Incredible experience and I can recommend this journey to anyone looking to immerse in the rich culture of India, learn about its ancient past and history, appreciate the architecture and its bountiful nature. This particular trip can be a good idea for honeymoon registry or a gift idea as a wedding gift for that special couple. I hope to return back to explore more of India with India by the Oberoi.

Taj Mahal - A Gift of Love

19 January 2020

Taj Mahal – A Gift of Love Have you ever had that feeling in your gut that is so powerful that swells up emotions in your heart and leaves you speechless. This is the picture that was taken to freeze that moment when I set my eyes on Taj Mahal from the balcony of my room at the Oberoi Amarvilas. What was drawing me towards this timeless icon of peace, purity and love? Was it the serenity of the lush acres of land that surround it, the grandeur that reflects from its ivory-white marble façade or the story of passion and romance that echoes from its past. As I stepped into the balcony to get a closer look I was not surprised to see a similar reaction from my fellow Travel Counsellors who I was travelling with on this trip of the Golden Triangle in India. We were all synchronized on our balconies mesmerized by the beauty of it all and trying to take it all in as much as we could. This beautiful hotel has all the rooms facing the Taj Mahal and is the closest hotel to the monument with a distance of mere 650m, making it a perfect way of appreciating its beauty from the comfort of your room. Our journey of the Golden Triangle in India started from Delhi and our next stop on the itinerary was Agra where we were going to spend one night at the Oberoi Amarvilas to witness the mystic Taj Mahal. Our road trip from Delhi to Agra took us about 3 hours in the transfer coach on the Yamuna expressway. We were greeted by the hotel staff like family and were made to feel at home with their warm and genuine welcome as soon as we entered the hotel grounds. The entrance of the hotel opens into a huge courtyard with terracotta-coloured walls and pillars that house small ponds with water fountains reflecting the ancient Moghul architecture. The lobby and the check-in area is a huge foyer with a regal ambience. Upon check-in, we were given the itinerary for our stay at the Oberoi Amarvilas. Since we arrived at around 2 pm we were given a choice to explore the city of love, Agra for those that were keen. We were accompanied by a local guide to the Agra fort who took us on a journey of India’s rich history and ancient past but most importantly we also had an opportunity to take in the sights, sounds and smells that the city had to offer. After our quick spin around the city, we headed to the hotels' terrace for sundowners followed by dinner at the hotels only Mughlai restaurant, Esphahan to experience the traditional flavour and flair. We were given an early start the next morning so we could beat the tourist rush to visit the Taj Mahal. At the crack of dawn, we all gathered around at the lobby of the hotel where our guide for the day waited for us. We were transported in golf buggy carts provided by the hotel and within a mere 5 mins drive from the hotel we found ourselves at the entrance of the Taj Mahal surrounded by the pink and purple hues of the June morning sky and the mist rising from its grounds. Silence… Awe… Surrender… Peace… Love… Surrender… And then pure joy and happiness to have experienced something so real. This unforgettable experience was truly special and worth the early morning start. Taj Mahal has been inspired out of love for Mumtaz, the wife of the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan who commissioned to built this mausoleum in 1632. This was his way of expressing his love for the woman he loved. If you have not been to the Taj Mahal yet then who is that special person that you would like to witness this eternal fable of love with?

Ayubowan

17 April 2019

The emerald island of Sri Lanka is known for its sandy white beaches and turquoise sea, its abundance of rare wild-life and rich foliage, its precious gem mines, its rolling hills carpeted with the best teas in the world, and its rich history and cultural heritage. But it’s the warm and hospitable people of Srilanka is what makes this country more beautiful than it already is that you would want to go back there time and again. I was privileged to be part of the Familiarization trip sponsored by Anantara Resorts, Sri Lankan Airlines and Columbus Tours in December 2018 along with 9 of my fellow Travel Counsellors. Sri Lanka is situated in the Indian Ocean just three degrees north of the Equator, meaning the weather is constantly hot, humid and tropical making it ideal for holiday-makers throughout the year. Our trip to Sri Lanka was 4 nights which was split into 2 nights stay at the Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle and the next 2 nights at the Anantara Kalutara resort. We took the 23:00 Sri Lankan Airlines flight out of Dubai and landed into Colombo airport at around 05:00 am local time. We were received at the airport and were escorted by Columbus tours staff that arranged the transfers, tours along with an English-speaking guide for us. The transfer from the airport to our first resort Anantara Peace Haven in Tangalle was 4 hours and well worth the drive. The transfer coach organized by Columbus Tours was a large bus and comfortable enough for a large group. It is highly recommended to get a good quality private transfer arranged on the winding and narrow roads of Sri Lanka. There is also a VIP transfer option for clients who would like to make their way to Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle via seaplane that takes about 30 mins and can be arranged from the airport to land straight at the resort. This could be perfect for a honeymoon couple. My understanding of ‘Ayubowan’ began here on our arrival into the absolutely stunning Anantara Peace Haven Resort in Tangalle. We were greeted by folklore and refreshing drink of King Coconut. ‘Ayubowan’ literally means ‘Long Life’ in Singhalese and it is said as a greeting by joining your hands in a prayerlike manner. We stayed in the Ocean View Room with a really large view of the ocean from the window. The balcony had a nice lounger overlooking the hotel grounds and the sea. The overall standard of the hotel facilities was excellent with spa, gym, yoga studios and some really fantastic F&B outlets with jaw dropping settings. My two favourite restaurants that we dined at were IL mare located on top of a cliff serving Italian Cuisine and the Verele where we got to try our hands at cooking Sri Lankan food at the Spice Spoons experience. You could also arrange a ‘Catch of the Day’ where the chef accompanies you to the beach in the morning and you get to pick your own fish from the fish monger that is later prepared for you by the chef the way you like it. There was more to do in the resort than anticipated like yoga sessions, aqua aerobics, badminton, tennis and paddle boarding. We were also taken on a 90 mins nature walk around the hotel grounds which is complimentary for all guests. We had an amazing 2 days at the resort here and learnt so much about Sri Lankan culture with the interactions we had with the staff, the rituals and ceremonies that they prepared for us to give us the whole Anantara experience. Our next resort was Anantara Kalutara that was 2 hours transfer from Tangalle on the way to Colombo airport. This resort is located on the banks of Kalutara river where the river meets the ocean and so the property has both ocean facing and lagoon facing rooms. We were put up in a Lagoon View Room which overlooked the river. The two pool areas were lovely out of which one pool was strictly adults only. Unlike the previous resort we had an opportunity to get out and about on our second day at this resort. We started our day with the visit to the Handunugoda tea plantation where they you can learn how the tea is harvested and processed. We also learnt about the tea making history about a particular Virgin White Tea which is completely untouched by hand. It follows an ancient Chinese ritual where the Mandarins employed virgins to cut the tea leaf with golden scissors into a golden bowl. Only the emperors lips touched the tea. We picked up a few tea boxes at the shop on the premises as gifts before we headed to the Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery. This was a brief tour of the place where we learnt how they rescue turtle eggs from the beach. They collect the eggs from the beach, harvest them and bury them in the sand until the turtles are born. They let the baby turtles grow for a few weeks before they are released back into the ocean. Not many turtles survive as they are either eaten by birds and animals or consumption of plastic. The next place we visited was the Galle fort which was built by the Portuguese and fortified by the Dutch. If you are looking to shop some authentic Sri Lankan gemstones then there are a few shops in the area along with other small boutiques selling all kind of different things such as srilankan handicrafts, spa products, sarongs, clothes and teas. The colonial streets of Galle Fort are lined up with quaint little cafes and pubs where you can grab a bite after some retail therapy. We were back to the hotel in the evening in time for our dinner and our final night at the resort. The next day we spent at leisure in the spa and admiring the laid back colonial charm of this resort. The resort grounds are huge and can be explored on a bike which you can borrow from the resort. For the adventurous one there are lots of opportunities for motorized and non motorized water sports and there is also a Zip line that is on its way this year over the Kalutara river. It was time to say good bye to the amazing hospitality of the Anantara Staff and the Sri Lankan people. I will definitely be returning back soon to explore more of this beautiful country.

I Travel For....

18 March 2019

I travel for…. the unexpected!! What do you travel for?! People travel for different reasons. Some travel for new experiences, some travel to make memories, some travel for adventure….the list is endless. The message is that whatever reason you travel for the Uk has so much to offer to satisfy every different kind of traveler. I have been to the Uk several times before and I definitely learnt a lot from my trip this time around courtesy of the Great Britain Tourism Board, Etihad Airways and the Claviger Middle East. A new perspective and a new take on why Britain is still one of the most competitive visitor destination. The purpose of this familiarization trip was to give us an overall on the UK as a destination that has so much to offer to the travelers and to showcase other opportunities that travelers can explore on their trip to the UK. London is and will be the most visited city in the world. The idea is not to deviate travelers from visiting London but making it easier for visitors to travel beyond London and experience all the world class attractions that the UK has to offer. Our fam trip itinerary was full on and started from the time we landed and checked in at the London Edition. The Superior Room had a cozy cabin like feel to it with oak panelled floors and wooden walls. The USP of this hotel is its location. It is located a few mins away from Oxford street and Regent Street which is well known for its shopping, nightlife and pubs and restaurants. The lobby of this hotel is always buzzing with people and is the most lively at night. They have a lobby bar serving drinks all day and Berners Tavern, the all day dining restaurant which is the only F&B outlet in the hotel. They also have a Punch room which is very popular among the locals serving punches and cocktails in the evenings. This hotel is most suitable for the discerning traveler mostly couples, singles and honeymooners who wants to explore the vibrant city life of London at their doorstep. We had an opportunity to have a site inspection of the penthouse and it was simply stunning with the skyline of London visible from the terrace. After our check in and a quick lunch at the Edition we were transferred to The London Heli for a short helicopter ride for the most exciting way to enjoy breathtaking, uninterrupted panoramic views of London. I have been to London several times before and this time I was experiencing London with a different perspective soaring along the Thames at over 1000 ft in a Helicopter and experiencing some of the city's greatest landmarks as never before, including The Shard, Tower Bridge, Buckingham Palace and St Paul's Cathedral. I was amazed to see how many green spaces there are in the city of London when you look from above. The next day was spent exploring London by Big Bus Tour, London Eye experience and Madame Tussauds’ experience which TC Ted enjoyed to the max. We waved good bye to London and were headed to Manchester on the Virgin First Class trains out of Euston. The journey to Manchester from London is approximately 3 hours and if you have opted for a first class journey on Virgin trains you can access the first class lounge at the train station before boarding. Welcome to Manchester! Youthful, diverse, energetic and bursting with character; Manchester is one of the most exciting places to visit in the UK right now. Known throughout the world as the birthplace of the industrial revolution, Manchester has a proud history in science, politics, music, arts and sport. And today the city combines this heritage with a progressive vision to be a city that delivers surprise and delight in equal measures. We were put up at The Lowry hotel in Manchester for the next two days before our departure back to Abu Dhabi. The Lowry Hotel is a five-star contemporary hotel where Salford meets Manchester on the banks of the River Irwell and is popular amongst the sports people including footballers, cricketers and celebrities. Offering 165 bedrooms, six suites and the Charles Forte Presidential suite with floor-to-ceiling windows all of the bedrooms have plenty of space, with a super-king-size bed or two singles dressed in a custom-made wool blanket with bathrooms in Italian porcelain. We had the opportunity to go on a site inspection of the hotel and The Charles Forte presidential suite is the ultimate penthouse: at 145 square meters, it is the largest, most luxurious accommodation in the city. There’s even a baby grand piano in the lounge-dining room. You can seat eight for dinner, and host a small gathering with the numerous sofas and chairs. In the adjoining bedroom you’ll find a super-king-size bed, vanity area, walk-in dressing room, and a bathroom in Italian porcelain with bath and double shower. The two days in Manchester I learnt a lot about the history of Manchester and its plans in 2019 to make it one of the most popular cities to be visited in England. We visited the John Rylands Library, had a team building game at the infamous Crystal Maze and had a chance to go on a private tour of the Etihad Stadium in Manchester. We were also given an insight into the Miss Selfridges Premier Tax Free and Personal shopping experience which gives shoppers a hands free personalized shopping experience and they can also claim their tax back on the goods purchased in store at Miss Selfridges. We had built quite an appetite after our visit to the Etihad Stadium in the morning and was thrilled to know that we were going to Mowgli Street Kitchen for lunch. I heard of Mowgli at our Travel Counsellors Conference in Glasgow last year from the founder of this Indian restaurant Ms. Nisha Katona who shared with us her inspiring journey of how Mowgli came into existence and her passion that led her to quit her full time job as a barrister and go after her dreams. If you are ever walking around the streets of Manchester and find yourself craving for some home cooked Indian meal then head to Mowgli Street Kitchen that is conveniently located at the Corn Exchange within a few walk from the shopping area and Miss Selfridges. Whether you’re seeking culture, nightlife, history, or just good fun, there are plenty of things to do in Manchester. Be absorbed by the beautiful attractions such as the gothic architecture at John Rylands Library and Manchester Cathedral; take in fine art at Manchester Art Gallery and the Whitworth; discover history, old and new, at Manchester Museum and the Imperial War Museum North

Top 5 cities to explore in Switzerland

07 October 2018

It is no secret that Switzerland is one of the most picturesque countries in the world with its snow capped mountains and resplendent lakes. I had the pleasure of going with my husband and five year old son during the summer months and needless to say it did not disappoint. If you have two weeks to spare then here are five things to do for a whirlwind tour of this natural paradise; 1.A must see is the beautiful city of Zermatt and the adjacent Matterhorn trail. Even with a five year old we were able to take the cable car to the surrounding peaks at the helm of the Matterhorn and were able to do a five to six hour trek down back to the town of Zermatt. Our favourite peak was the Sunnegga where we had close encounters with the black nosed Wolli sheep, famous breed of the region. The family-friendly peak of Sunnegga has lots of fun activities for kids with a playground and a lake for a swim. Don't forget to pack your sunscreen as this is the "sunny corner'' of Zermatt as the name Sunnegga suggests. 2. Lucerne’s wooden Chapel Bridge with its long standing Water Tower is placed right in the middle of what looks like a Camelot themed city. With the famous Mount Pilatus and Mount Rigi as backdrop, the city gives you an enchanting taste of life in the medieval ages with its chimneys and castle like architecture. You must also spend a day on Mount Titlis and Engelberg with yet more amazing views and snow filled activities. There is a Globi’s playground for children at Ritsis in Engelberg on your way to Mount Titlis that boasts a rope park and an Alpine Coaster. The city of Lucerne can be explored by foot in a couple of hours. We spent a day at the transport museum and my son was intrigued with all the fun activities related to locomotive and transport. It also has a planetarium, a large format cinema and a Swiss Chocolate adventure all in the same premises. Just across the Transport museum is the Lucerne Lido and was a place of respite for us on a hot day in Lucerne. 3.Interlaken is yet another gem in Switzerland’s crown situated between the lakes Thun and Brienz and hence the name Interlaken which means in between the lakes. Interlaken is a post card worthy city that provides a number of treats for the adrenalin junky in you. With parasailing glides off the various surrounding peaks during sun rise and white water rafting trips you definitely have a lot to do here. You will find yourself doing a number of mountain excursions to the peaks such as the Jungfrau, Schilthorn and Harder Klum. Top tip for mountain excursions is to check the weather and plan your trip accordingly as you don’t want to miss the stunning views due to a cloudy day. If possible get there as early as possible to avoid crowds and uninterrupted views. On peaks like Harder Klum they have a swiss folklore sessions of yodeling that is worth checking out. Details of which can be obtained from the tourist office located on the Interlaken west side near the train station. 4. Montreux’s numerous boat rides and a visit to Chillion castle will definitely be another great memory of your time in Switzerland. There are numerous ferry departures from the promenade in Montreux next to the statue of Freddie Mercury that take you to other areas of interest such as Laussane, Vevey and also to Geneva. The ferry rides can last up to half a day travelling up and down Lake Geneva and hopping on and off the many villages in between. Laussane has a beautiful promenade of its own along with an Olympic Museum which is worth exploring. Vevey is another village that houses some of the most interesting museums such as Chaplin’s World, Alimentary museum and Nestle’ Museum. While Chillon Castle can take upto 15 mins by ferry or 45 mins on foot if you choose to walk up the Montreux promenade. Chillon Castle can easily take up to four hours of your time as you explore its narrow alley ways and secret chambers. The promenade of Montreaux is also a beautiful and relaxing walk that can take anything from one to two hours to complete fully. The promenade itself has numerous restaurants of with all type of cuisines including Indian and Chinese. 5. Zurich is one of the biggest cities in Switzerland yet it doesn’t fail to mesmerize you with its natural beauty that you will find dotted around Lake Zurich. There are a number of great swimming spots and playgrounds to keep children busy. A short walk away from the Zurich Hauptbahnhof you will find Sihlcity, Fifa World Cup Museum and Thermalbad & Spa. A much preferred place by the locals, Sihlcity is a shopping complex with some of the high street shopping brands, a cinema, a nightclub and numerous restaurants. There is also a Kinder paradise in the mall itself if you wish to drop off your kids and go shop. When you are in Zurich you must indulge yourself in a day at the Thermalbad and Spa for a relaxing and rejuvenating experience that has plenty of baths, saunas, steam rooms and relaxation areas all in a beautiful setting.

Kinderhotel Kesselgrub

13 September 2018

This was the first time I chose a family run traditional Bavarian hotel over the well renowned hotel chains just because I was too curious to check out all that fuss about what the Kinderhotels had to offer. We booked a four night stay mid July at Hotel Kesselgrub which is located in a small village called Altenmarkt on the outskirts of Salzburg. The weather was a crisp sunny of 20 degrees during the day and chilly 14 degrees at night. Why Kinderhotel? Kinderhotel as the name suggests is a hotel that caters for families with young children. lf you want to spend quality time with your children or your partner or a mix of both the choice is yours. Hotel Kesselgrub has the Bavarian charm in all the minute details of the building both inside and outside including its staff that are dressed in traditional outfits. After check in at the resort we were excited to explore the out-of-doors and the whole world of nature. The hotel is located amidst a valley of Alpine trees with a picturesque backdrop from every part of the property. The environment has been designed in a way that is conducive for older children to move around independently in the resort whilst young children have lots of opportunities for free play in the courtyard that boasts a petting farm, a horse stable, a trampoline, mini golf, cycling tracks, swings, slides and a beautiful lake amidst of it all. Our stay at Kesselgrub brought back memories from my childhood when we stayed at our grandmas house where all our needs were taken care of and all that was asked of us was to have fun. My son aged 4 yrs was of course in paradise exploring his new surroundings with curiosity and making friends along the way. Considering this is a hotel full of young families on an All Inclusive board basis this was far way more civilized than any other all inclusive resort that I have ever been to. The hotel provides ample opportunities for keeping young ones occupied. Every morning we were given the days program for children with organized activities and also areas of interest that could be ventured out as a couple whilst the kinder staff kept children busy while parents were away. We were spoilt rotten with the choice of traditional Bavarian meals during meal times. The entrees were to be picked from the buffet but the mains and the desserts were made on order and each dish they whipped out for us was beautifully presented and appealing to the senses. This resort turns into a ski resort during winters and boasts a Spa and Sauna for the same reason which is also functional during summers. Sauna is a good place to hangout after a run or a bike around in the mornings around the nearby scenic villages. In summer you can rent out bikes from the hotel for a small fee. They offer both winter and summer programs to keep guests entertained. One of the summer activities they offered was horseriding lessons for children which my son thoroughly enjoyed. Thank you to our hosts the Thurner family for looking after us so well and giving us the opportunity to create memories in harmony with living beings and nature on our trip to Austria this summer.

Mini Getaway To Sir Baniyas Islands

29 April 2018

If the convenience of the smart phone has put you off the DSLR lately then its time to gear up your beast if you are headed to the Sir Baniyas Island in Abu Dhabi. There are lot of opportunities for some rare shots as you get up and close with the wildlife on the island. The island is situated on the Southern Western part of Abu Dhabi that is accessible via water, land and air. To visit the island you could choose to either hop on a Gulf Cruise that has departures from Dubai and Abu Dhabi during the winter months or drive to the island and then connect via ferry or if you like to indulge in a bit of luxury then you have an option to hire a seaplane or get a domestic flight charter from one of the emirates. This spring break we wanted to do something off the beaten track as a family with our five year old so we booked ourselves for a 2 night stay on the Sir Baniyas Islands. With an alluring choice of three Anantara properties on the island and the organized activities at the hotels we certainly got the fix of adventure that we were looking for. The drive from Dubai to Sir Baniyas ferry terminal took us roughly around three hours. The mesmerizing drive once you hit the causeway connecting Abu Dhabi to the ferry terminal is breath taking with its blue waters along the coast that transports you to a serene world away from the hustle and bustle of the city. After parking our car at the ferry terminal our luggage was checked in at the terminal itself and we were then escorted on to the ferry. Our little one was quite excited to hop onto the ferry to explore the incredible experience that awaited us on the other side of the island. The ferry transfer was then connected by a swift shuttle bus to our hotel that took us through a scenic expanse of acres and acres of savannah on both sides. The children on the bus were excited to witness the wildlife surrounding us as they spotted the oryx, gazelles, antelopes, giraffes and deers. We were welcomed at the Anantara Desert Islands Resorts and Spa by the warm staff who truly made our stay memorable. There are three Anantara properties on the island that offers 64 rooms and suites and 60 luxury villas that you can choose from. Anantara Desert Islands Resorts and Spa which is the main hotel boasts an incredible spa haven for people looking for a bit of R&R. This hotel also caters mainly for families with young children with an infinity pool, kids and teens club to keep them occupied. The other property Anantara Al Sahel Villas is also a stunning property with villas in the savannah, a real safari kind of experience where you get a chance to get up close with gazelles, peacocks and other animals. Anantara Al Yamm Villas is another beautiful property for people looking for something a bit more romantic with an easy access to the beach. The hotels are within ten minutes distance from each other and there are shuttle bus transfers that can be arranged to the other resorts if you wish to use the facilities of the other resorts or if you choose to dine at one of them. We stayed at the main hotel but had the opportunity to spend one of the days at the Anantara Al Sahel Villas which is located in the middle of the Arabian Nature Park. I think I was more excited than my little one to be hanging out with the gazelles and peacocks by the pool side and the restaurant. The highlight of our trip was this unique glamping and alfresco dining experience at the Savannah Grill restaurant in Al Saleh Villas that has a beautiful African setting out in the wild. With African songs playing in the background, torches lit at night and distant cries of the animals from the Savannah you really are in for a mini safari kind of an experience. As the name suggests Savannah Grill is a South African restaurant and we were quite pleased with the selection of our meats that were thoughtfully prepared by the Zimbabwean Chef Thomas. The service and attention to details at this restaurant is impeccable and I highly recommend it to people who visit Sir Baniyas to dine at this restaurant atleast once to experience the hospitality and the ambience of this place. We had an amazing time exploring the island and learnt a lot about the history of this little paradise which felt like a piece of Africa right here in UAE. It’s a place for family fun and adventure so if you have children aged 4 years and up then they are sure to be kept entertained with many organized activities like kayaking, archery, falconry, wildlife safari, mountain biking to name a few. The Wildlife Safari comes in highly recommended for families with young children and tends to sell out fast so it is advisable to book in advance. We had a short stay on the island and we hope to return back again to explore the rest of the island!

Summer fun in Malta with family

27 February 2018

Malta is an island in the Mediterranean known for its history that dates many centuries ago. The charm of the maltese islands lies in its endless blue coastline where the sea meets the sky at the horizon. It's a great holiday destination for beach lovers to soak up the sun during the hot summer months and for Scuba Divers alike. Last year we escaped the sweltering temperatures in Dubai and travelled to Malta with our three year old. Traveling with children can be challenging if you don't have an itinerary planned to engage their curious mind and to provide them an outlet to burn off their energy. We definitely wanted to enjoy the outdoors for the four weeks we were going to be in Malta. Apart from the many sandy beaches there are a number of amusement spots to tickle the little ones pink. These are some of the things we enjoyed whilst our stay there. Mostly outdoors fun with a bit of indoors too when we needed to take a break from the sun. 1. Popeye Village: An amusement park for kids and adults. A place for the whole family to enjoy. You can either get a sun bed by the bay or you can perch yourself with the kids on the pool deck area. We nestled ourselves on one of the gazebos in the pool deck area while our son enjoyed the water slides in the baby pool. You can take up a water challenge on the inflatable water slides on the bay or just stroll through the various small huts in the village and travel back in time to celebrate the making of Popeye that was filmed here and hence the name. Other things included in the ticket price is a boat trip around the bay and access to jungle gym for kids on your way out. 2. Playmobil Funpark: Located a bit further away from the airport this place is sure to keep the curious minds busy at work. They have both indoor and outdoor play area for children aged 2-8 years. The indoor play area has many different stations to build and construct with Playmobil and the outdoor area offers many opportunities for free movement. 3. Mdina: Best enjoyed in cooler temperatures at dusk in the company of little troopers. The view of the sun setting over the island that splits the sky into myriad of colors is breathtaking. The panoramic view can be enjoyed from either the view point or from the balcony of Fontanella Café during tea time. Explore the narrow alleys of this ancient city also known as the Silent city and travel back in time. 4. Petting Farm: The petting farm is located in Ta'Qali and is not very far from Mdina. You can fit both in a day if you are pressed on time. Just make sure to carry ample of change preferably 20 cents coins as you will be vending out food for the animals from the vending machines. 5. Buskett Gardens: Nature trails at Buskett gardens can be a fun way of exploring the surroundings with the curious minds. Make sure to carry a bug repellent. 6. Barraka Gardens: Followed by a brief history about the place at 4.00 p.m every evening there is a ceremony of firing the canon held to keep the old tradition alive. You can enjoy the panoramic views of the Grand Harbour or just simply grab a gelato at a kiosk and enjoy the shade in the garden. 7. Valetta: Explore the European Capital of Culture 2018 on a horse carriage, by foot or a train ride. Valetta is a place with abundant history. Every block has a story that dates many centuries ago. Walk through this ancient city where once the knights walked in their shining armors. The pavements with low lying steps were especially designed for the horses that were used by the knights to get around the city. Valetta is truly a timeless city with its many historical buildings, churches, cafes and open squares. 8. Malta National Aquarium: Buggiba is the most upcoming tourist spot of Malta. There are plenty of things along the Buggiba promenade to keep the busy bees occupied. We spent the afternoon at the Aquarium and wound up in the evening at the play area outside the aquarium. There is also a lovely restaurant at the aquarium overlooking the sea serving kids menu. 9. Bird park: Located at Salina bay this place is a best bet to beat the heat. Take plenty of bread with you to feed the ducks, peacocks and flamingos that are free to wander. Bird Park houses many more species including the Nocturnal bird of prey, the Owl. 10. Beach Clubs: There are plenty of beach clubs in Malta that cater to families. Our favorite pick was Cafe Del Mar in Buggiba with an infinity pool for kids overlooking the mesmerizing Mediterranean sea. 11. Sliema: Take a leisure stroll on the Sliema front with your family. This is a perfect place for children to scoot away on their scooters along the promenade that stretches from Balutta to Gzira. You can spot many Luzzu (colourful Maltese fishing boats with an eye of Osiris that is believed to drive away bad luck) on Balutta bay. Make a pit stop at the many open outdoor spaces with climbing frames, slides and swings on your stroll or if you are up for some real fishing activities with your kids then head to the many shops along the Sliema front that sell fishing nets for kids. Head straight down to surf side and join the many locals in this fun activity. 12. Munchies Café, Melleiha Bay: Munchies Café at Melleiha bay is a secret spot hidden away from the tourists and is quite popular amongst the locals. This part of the beach is more calmer as it is less crowded and the café dishes out some good pool menu. Don't forget to order your Slush Puppie while you are on the beach. 13. Splash and fun Waterpark: Water! Water!! Water!! the name Splash and fun says it all. This is an entertainment and amusement park for the whole family. Water slides for all ages starting age 2 onwards. If you are in for some water adventure this is the place for you. This was my fifth visit to Malta but the first time with my son and exploring through his eyes made my trip even more special. Can't get enough of Malta and its so ever welcoming people who make me want to keep coming back for more.

The Blue and Green Spaces of Sydney

27 February 2018

Sydney, the cosmopolitan city of Australia is a perfect blend of architecture and nature no wonder making it one of the most livable and beautiful cities in the world. We escaped the sweltering temperatures of Dubai in the summer of 2017 and headed down under to enjoy the cool that it offers during these months. The average temperature in Sydney can be anywhere between 13-15 degrees during the day in the winter months. Our main agenda for this holiday was to relax, take in the nature's bounty while our little one was kept entertained. We loved our time in Sydney as it offers the infrastructure of a modern city and also the blue and green spaces to recharge and rejuvenate your senses. I would like to recommend some of these beautiful scenic locations that you must definitely visit whilst in Sydney. 1. Royal Botanical Gardens: Situated in the heart of Sydney right adjacent to the Sydney Opera House, this is one of the most visited attractions in Sydney. Pack a picnic and spend the day in the lush greenery around you with stunning views of the city skyline along the walkway. Enjoy the flora and fauna and spot the many bird species. Your little ones are sure to enjoy the mini train guided tour of the gardens or stroll round at your leisure. 2. Bondi to Coogee Walk: No trip to Sydney is complete without the scenic walk from Bondi to Coogee. The coastal stretch from Bondi to Coogee will take you around two hours so make sure you wear comfy shoes, bring a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and fully charged camera for some great photo opportunities. Bondi is located in Sydney's eastern suburbs and is a most popular beach for the locals and surfers. 3. Children's Playground at Darling Harbour: A must visit if you are travelling with children. This playground is equipped with water fun activities designed with mechanisms that work with cause and effect to keep the curious minds engaged for hours. Make sure to pack ample change of clothes and a towel. 4. Centennial Parklands: Absolute heaven on Earth!! Home to many bird species this park is divided into many areas to enjoy various activities. Get a bike rental, pack a picnic, get together for a barbecue, rollerblade, bird watch, go on a self guided walk or go horse riding the options are limitless. Don't forget to pack a loaf of bread for the ducks and the birds in the lake. Its a place for the locals to hangout with their families on the weekends. 5. Watsons Bay: This Scenic Bay is located around 11kms away from the city in the Woollahra district. Due to its location on the South Head peninsula you can enjoy panoramic views of the city skyline atop the ocean cliff which is known as the Gap that overlooks the pacific sea. People often go whale spotting on the Gap and is a popular place amongst the locals for their morning runs or walks. Watsons bay is known for its seafood restaurants and tea gardens. Grab a bag of fish and chips or dine al fresco in one of the restaurants along the bay with the stunning views of the harbor. 6. Manly Beach: One of the many reasons you want to go to Manly Beach is that you get a chance to enjoy the scenic ferry ride from Circular Quay that takes you around the Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge. We went playground hopping along the way from Manly to shelly beach. Manly Beach is a popular destination for surfers and locals who enjoy snorkelling underwater the Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve. Whilst there are so many things and paid attractions to do in Sydney that can leave you overwhelmed these are some of the trails we explored and thoroughly enjoyed as a family.

My customer stories

Sent by Sushma Perla

Excellent services provided and suggestions according to what we needed.

Sent by Maree Corda

Very pleased we assigned Varsha to arrange our UAE travel plans! She knew exactly what type of experiences our family was looking for in a vacation and delivered. Her response times were speedy, keeping us updated with all the details and associated costs. Using an experienced & professional travel consultant meant we were able to enjoy our holiday. Varsha eliminated the stress for us and minimised any risk involved when planning, booking and coordinating our schedule. We have no hesitation in working with Varsha again for our next family travels as she was a dream to deal with!

Sent by Ashok Bohra

Varsha has been excellent in responding to all our queries and arranging our travel needs so far. We look forward to the trip.

Sent by Ibrahim Almaliki

Best travel counsellor ever, she recommended us a cruise trip and everything was smoth and perfect very high quality service well recommended

Sent by Ibrahim Almaliki

Best travel counsellor ever, she recommended us a cruise trip and everything was smooth and perfect very high quality service well recommended

Sent by Ruchi Arora

It’s my fourth or fifth time booking a Holiday with Varsha and I can safely say that she takes all the stress out of my holiday planning. She has the know how of all destinations, gives me good advice while also helping me save money on my bookings. If there are any last minute flight changes, she is always on top of things and makes sure nothing goes haywire. Personalised attention, detail oriented and travel tips from her own experiences are some of the things that make her stand out as a Travel Counsellor. Highly recommend!

Sent by Rafat Marji

Great and transparent service! Good prices!! I love that!!!

Sent by Ajith Thankachan

I would definitely recommend Travel Counsellor to friends and family. Varsha and Ivana helped me find a good staycation in Abudhabi for the EID holidays, the hotel we stayed was amazing and one of the best In Abudhabi. They gave me a very good offer, Would definitely recommend Varsha and her team and will be contacting the for my future travels. Thank you Travel Counsellors and team.

Sent by Swati Soni

I reached out to Varsha to help book a staycation in Abu Dhabi for my family when they visited and she was great- right from getting me the best deal to ensuring everything was in place from the time we checked in till we checked out. Definitely going to reaching out to her for my next travel bookings! Highly recommend Varsha for her professional and quick service!

Sent by Sinead Davin

I recently had the pleasure of working with Varsha who made my experience booking a two night stay at the Intercontinental absolutely seamless and delightful. The booking was incredibly smooth and easy, Varsha patiently listened to my preferences and provided me with all my options. Upon arrival at the hotel, I was greeted with a warm welcome that included a beautiful welcome plate in my room and a welcome letter from Varsha. Thank you Varsha for making my stay unforgettable.

Sent by Sumit Arora

Varsha was super helpful with all our enquiries regarding different properties and in choosing the best-suited flight options.

Sent by Aishwarya Arvind

It was a pleasure to interact with Varsha and she has been very helpful to plan holidays for us very efficiently.

Sent by Shreenik Sheth

I was very happy with the personalized and professional approach by Varsha.

Sent by Tanvir Kaur Kooner

Patient, efficient and always so helpful.

Sent by Bhawnaa Goyyal

Varsha is amazing! She is always there whenever I need any assistance regarding my travel. Hotel booking, tickets, going to places and anything, if she is not doing some service she will give you a reference for the same. She has always suggested a nice place which matches my needs. Sometimes I even trouble her at odd hours but she is available. She is my go-to person for any travel needs! Her colleague Ivana is equally good and efficient. When she is not available she takes care that someone is available to help you out during your travel. They are with you from the start till you reach back home. Thank you so much for making our holidays memorable.

Sent by Shahla Abraykulova

It has been an amazing experience for us to book holidays with Varsha. It was the first time we used a travel agent and I do realise now how important it is to have the right person who would accommodate all our personal needs into one amazing holiday trip we had. From the first conversation till the end of holidays everything was smooth, and very well organized and we look forward to having more holidays booked through Varsha.

Sent by Yuriy Zalutskyi

Varsha is incredible to make your greatest travelling experience. It is so pleasant when you find out a simple welcome letter from Varsha in your hotel room on the first day. Moreover, she is super responsive and she sorts out competitive packages and offers for us. All our stays made by Varsha were simply outstanding!

Sent by Anuraj Pillai

I came through Ms. Varsha through my friend few years back. From then till now she is my family travel consultant. She knows very well, our preferences and what we need in our vacation or a staycation whichever we plan. Whenever she has booked and recommended us any property or a trip. It was perfect and just as we need and wished for. She is like a savior from our busy schedules of work like, always helped us to relax and take a break from our daily routine is a much fantastic way and knows very well how to make me and my family have a memorable and fun time. Really recommend Ms. Varsha to be contacted whenever anyone needs a trip to be planned, as she will know you and plan accordingly, will be like a customized trip which is just for you. Should say, she is the best in her job. God bless you Varsha, you rock.!!!

Sent by Dunia Abdelrahman

I would like to appreciate the help and guidance I got from Varsha, her advice was absolutely amazing, Versha guided us through the whole trip from choosing the good resort to the end of our trip. I feel That we got a luxurious help. Thank you

Sent by Dima Abdul Jabbar

Varsha Was amazing guys, she has been to most of the places I requested a quote for, she’s very knowledgeable, very smart and very easy-going. She never gets mad by change in plans. She is excellent, I really recommend using her in booking any vacation. I already shared her number with my friends. She’s very smart and able to give you different options with price range that you’re looking for. Thank you very much for all the help you provided me.

Sent by Latifa Soobedar

Varsha is super helpful and very very obliging! Honestly I am someone who constantly changes plans and she rolls with this so politely. Super happy!

Sent by Suzanne Saleh

Varsha is super accommodating and offered me great guidance in my travel planning.

Sent by Julianne Grima

What a brilliant experience to be looked after in making big travel decisions. Varsha handheld us through the process, giving us many options to choose from and guiding us every step of the way not only in making and booking our travel plans but also once we got to our destination. Couldn't recommend her services more!

Sent by Priyadarshini Bipin

Varsha has delivered once again. She makes the whole process so easy. Thanks, Varsha for being a star.

Sent by Samantha Green

Thank you so much Varsha, for not only being extremely patient with my hundreds of questions but looking out for me so much along the way. Varsha was so good at making sure I got the best deal while still making sure we found the holiday right for us. She came so highly recommended and I can see why. I would definitely book with her again and recommend her to many other people too! Thanks so much again.

Sent by Toni Jones

Varsha was amazing when it came to booking the Maldives through her. She listened to exactly what we wanted and gave us lots of options. Whenever we had a question she answered it and always responded quickly to messages! It made booking our holiday so much easier. Will definitely book my holidays through Varsha again!

Sent by Hafedh Gaby

Varsha had an immediate answer to our staycation query. She has provided us with an outstanding choice with a very competitive package. She sorted out the booking/quotation/special queries in a record time. The stay was simply outstanding from all aspects. We highly recommend being in touch with her if you are looking for a wonderful staycation/travel.

Sent by Neaha Nagpal

A few weeks back after a lot of struggle to do this myself, I got in touch with Varsha who booked a short staycation for my husband's 40th birthday. After a brief conversation about what I was looking for, Varsha suggested & booked us into The Intercontinental hotel RAK. Her recommendation was absolutely spot on. She suggested the perfect staycation that we were looking for as a family. She totally understood what we wanted & with her exceptional service, she made the entire process extremely simple.

Sent by Malek BEN HAMIDA

Looking for a hotel during the staycation period is difficult and expensive. Varsha, helped us spot the perfect hotel within our budget limits. She booked us the room very late at night to avoid a price increase the next day. Excellent assistance from Varsha and perfect choice. We enjoyed the stay and the food too. Thanks, Varsha for the help and assistance, talk to you soon.

Sent by Pankaj M Gugaria

Varsha is a true professional when it comes to delivering service. Her understanding of client requirements is quintessential and I think she is able to deliver a world-class product.

Sent by Aishu Arvind

Varsha gave us a seamless, stress-free experience to book our big holiday. We could get a really good deal because of her expertise and the quotes were quite competitive too. We didn’t have to think twice before we signed up with her. She is always ears for all our queries and keeps constantly updating us on travel requirements if any. We would 100% recommend and use her services in the future.

Sent by Noha Hamimy

Varsha is amazing, she is very responsive and professional. I already recommended her to a lot of my friends and they are so happy with the plans she offers for vacations and getaways. I’m so happy with all her help.

Sent by Michelle Brocklebank

We have used Varsha now to organise a number of trips. Her attention to detail is fantastic and always great to see a surprise last-minute offer on her page just when we really need a break. You know when you book through Varsha that everything will run smoothly, which was super important for us since the pandemic started. Look forward to working with Varsha to organise our honeymoon too

Sent by Yasin Ahmed

I am super satisfied with Varsha’s performance. She’s been nothing but helpful and supportive throughout the entire reservation process. Highly recommend

Sent by Mariana Koch

Varsha is such a pleasure to work with and always goes out of her way to ensure all our travel arrangements are perfect. She is pleasant and professional, easy to communicate with and always makes herself available to us. Her quotes and itineraries are clear, detailed and she always points out the fine print. Varsha takes the headache out of bookings for us and has been instrumental in our family making memories. I cannot recommend her enough! Thank you, Varsha xxx

Sent by Egle Jasaite

Very happy with booking process and all the help while choosing the resort. Thank you!

Sent by Francesco Guarino

Varsha has been super supportive, helping us in choosing what we hope to be our dream vacation to the Maldives. We showed all the boxes we wanted to be checked and she found for us the place satisfying our needs. Amazing!

Sent by Gemma Howe

On deciding we wanted to organise a last-minute honeymoon I contacted Varsha about options in the Maldives. She was quick to respond and offered us a variety of options that fit within our criteria. Throughout organising, Varsha was prompt with communication and incredibly helpful! She found for us a great deal at a wonderful location in the Maldives and arranged everything, ready for us to travel five days later! We would certainly recommend using her services for a stress free process of booking a trip, whilst knowing you’re in safe, reliable hands!

Sent by Alexanderia Machado

Varsha was very professional, she understood our family requirements and was able to give us a number of holiday packages to choose from. She answered all our queries, especially those relating to the new rules and regulations for travel during the pandemic. Varsha kept following up and sending us reminders for the PCR tests and other travel documents. She made our travel and stay seem-less and hassle-free.

Sent by Chirag Lathigara

Varsha has planned our honeymoon trip to Maldives and I can say it was very well planned, and she is always available to resolve our queries. Thank you so much for planning this wonderful trip for us.

Sent by Seema Desai

Varsha offers an excellent personalized service

Sent by Michelle Maritz

WOW! Varsha's service is impeccable. From communication, various quotes for different destinations to helping me navigate the site late at night! She really knows how to put her customer and their needs first! Thank you, Varsha for all your assistance and support.

Sent by Laura Bugler

Varsha was a dream to work with! She booked us an amazing stay at the Park Hyatt! The deal was incredible and the stay was flawless! Would recommend Varsha to anyone looking for a relaxing break stress-free and at a great price!

Sent by Chahira Osman

We are frequent travellers and we generally manage our own bookings but Varsha made us change our concept.. she was great during the booking phase presenting us with loads of choices that fits our budget and requirements also we were about the cancel the trip last minute and she was very supportive and helpful and when we ended up going she was supportive too.. really a professional.. highly recommended

Sent by Abraham Roy

Varsha has been so friendly and prompt in getting my travel arrangements done. I would certainly recommend to my friends to get in touch with Varsha for planning for your holidays. Thank you. Varsha

Sent by Sarah Zia

I highly recommend booking your next vacation/holiday through Varsha Pherwani. She found us a great deal and the perfect family resort. She curated a list of resorts that matched our family's needs and the type of experience we were looking for. Varsha is now going to be my “go-to” person to book my next holiday.

Sent by Elisa Stephens

Varsha helped us organise an amazing family break to the Maldives. It had been a bucket list destination of mine for a while and was a dream come true. Everywhere I looked, looked like a postcard. She considered our requirements (having a young son there were quite a few) and found us the ideal place. Thank you so much.

Sent by Emily Hughes

Varsha was very helpful in organising our 2-night trip. She sent us all the details promptly and paying was very quick and easy. I would recommend her to others and definitely request her services for our next trip!

Sent by Paul Ryan

Everything was organised swiftly, with ease and at a better rate than was being offered online. We had a great stay and would highly recommend booking with Varsha. Thanks again for your excellent service.

Sent by Carl Kitson

Varsha took the hassle out of arranging a holiday. I didn't really know what I wanted but we worked through some suggestions and went from there! The whole process was easy and all requirements were met. Nothing more you can ask for and I would highly recommend using Varsha's services.

Sent by Yuriy Zalutskyi

Thank you, Varsha for your great and professional service. I was surprised by her fast feedbacks and professional communication level. She was always responsive and ready to offer the most suitable deals. As result, I had a wonderful vacation. Thank you Varsha! I highly recommend Varsha as a professional Travel Counsellor.

Sent by A D I T I B A J A J

Varsha was so helpful and guided us throughout, for booking a great staycation with our friends. Thank you so much for being patient and accommodating all our request.

Sent by Jillian Clegg

Varsha is such an organized, efficient and client focused professional. I have had the opportunity to have Varsha plan multiple trips for my fiancé and I and they all exceeded our expectations. She was very time efficient by providing us a variety of options. Patient when I had hundreds of questions. Knowledgeable and detailed which was put my indecisiveness at ease. Varsha makes travel easy and ensures everything is taken care of.

Sent by Colin Scicluna

A one stop shop for travel. A trusted and experienced professional. I visited Austria, Switzerland and Indonesia thanks to her. Immensely grateful.

Sent by Vivek Drolia

It's quite seldom that you come across powerhouse individuals like Varsha in everyday life. We sincerely recommend her as your travel solution guide. She's quite planned with a 360 degree view of the task. Pre-planning to post-feedback, plus regulatory follow up are few of her main strengths. Would definitely recommend her for your travel solutions. Thanks Varsha for the memories.

Sent by Donata Anderloni

Varsha is a professional consultant, she is a good listener and we worked together more than 3 time for complex trips and she did it carefully! I trust her suggestions.

Sent by Ruchi Arora

Varsha is very thorough in her approach. She understands the requirements of the client very well before suggesting tailor made solutions for the itinerary. She is very approachable and ready to answer queries round the clock.

Sent by Sabah Rashid

Varsha was able to coordinate a group of four friends with varied interests in finding a great deal for a vacation internationally and for a staycation. She was patient and understanding and able to answer questions promptly. She provided multiple options and the documentation was professional and detailed.

Sent by Allison Crizzle

I would like to thank Varsha for being proactive in informing me regarding the Travel Insurance and being prompt in her communication. Thank you for all the help, Varsha!

Sent by Sabeeha N

Varsha was super helpful and efficient in making sure I had the right hotel booking! Thank you

Sent by Donata A

Varsha is smart and quick in understanding our travel needs.

Sent by Payal Guyer

Actually, I already have been recommending Varsha to my friends, as my experience with her has been absolutely delightful. She removed all the stress from our travel plans and was very willing to help and recommend alternatives to the many changes we made to our trip. Thank you Varsha Pherwani.

Sent by Joseph Giglio

Varsha was extremely helpful, reliable and efficient. She provided us with detailed information and helped us with all our bookings so we could have peace of mind our holiday will be a guaranteed success - a real 6 star service!! :)

Sent by Anishia Frederic

Varsha went above and beyond what was required of her. She even worked on her vacation to do my transfer bookings. Thanks a lot Varsha.

Sent by Lara Hamdan

Varsha was super friendly and very understanding of our needs as a family while booking. Communication was very smooth and will definitively recommend Varsha as a Travel Counsellor.

Sent by Aaron Loats

Varsha provided great support in arranging my family's staycation in Ras al Khaimah.

Sent by Sam .

Varsha has been extremely supportive, communicative and customized the programs to meet our requirements. She also intervened on the spot to address hotel problems at the destination. Varsha is a pleasant and easy person to deal with. We will use her services for our future vacations.