REVIEW: GRAND HYATT (MUMBAI)

 

How would you describe it? Seamless, practical, cultured, visionary, and well-resourced.

Who’d love it? International business folk, from singles to conferences groups, would feel right at home. The Grand Hyatt is a hop, skip and jump away from the airport and merely 5 minutes away from Mumbai’s business hub (the Bandra Kurla Complex). Home to several meeting rooms, state-of-the-art technology, a mammoth ballroom, high-quality catering and an events team, this hotel would be a perfect place to host a conference.

How were the rooms? Elegant and understated. The Grand Hyatt knows how to make its rooms luxurious without being ostentatious, so guests feel completely at home. While the design is more functional than other Grand Hyatt’s, catering for a practical business market, they are still cosy and inviting.

How was the service?

Practically unparalleled in its professionalism. But, that’s not to say the staff weren’t warm and friendly. In fact, they were absolutely delightful, having a polite yet childlike enthusiasm towards guests. They seemed genuinely interested in my travels, eagerly asking questions but wary of being too intrusive. The staff (especially the chefs) also loved explaining their role at the Hyatt; it was wonderful to see their passion.

While service at the Grand Hyatt seemed “no fuss” on the surface, the staff were undoubtedly working hard in the background to keep guests happy. Their attention to detail was highly discrete, so Ben and I barely noticed when tasks had been performed to make our stay as comfortable as possible. While taking a tour of the hotel complex, we passed a store which happened to stock Vegemite. I let out a squeal of delight at the time, in true “Aussie abroad” fashion. During check out, Ben and I were treated to a beautiful gift box containing the best road trip goodies imaginable, including: muffins, baguettes, gourmet chocolates, doughnuts and…a jar of Vegemite. We’ll never forget the kind, personalised gesture.

What were the highlights?

It’s hard to go past the food. Standing at the Grand Hyatt’s restaurant nexus, Ben and I couldn’t decide which fine dining option to indulge in…so we made our way through them all, one bite at a time. We started our food tour at the hotel’s international restaurant, Fifty Five East. Our eyes were met by the ultimate world-class buffet, with interactive breakout kitchens serving Thai, Japanese, Lebanese, Western and Indian fare. The dessert bar was deliciously cruel, serving more tantalising sweets than my body could handle (but I wanted to try them all). All I can say, is thank goodness for the Grand Hyatt gym. Ben and I decided right then that we’d spend our time between eating and exercising!

Our next meal was at the highly acclaimed China House Restaurant & Lounge. Renowned for its impossibly tender peking duck, fresh dumplings and extensive tea menu, Ben and I submitted our bodies to yet another gastronomic adventure. In between tastings, we wandered around the restaurant’s dimly lit alcoves, jam-packed pantries and open kitchens. The whole experience transported us to the sensual and alluring backstreets of exotic China.

By the next day, Ben and I were craving simple flavours, so an Italian affair at Celini was in order. We were told the famous, thin-crust pizzas were a must and they certainly didn’t disappoint. It was clear the Grand Hyatt had managed to attract the talents of incredible chefs from around the world. I’d challenge Naples to serve up better pizza than Celini!

Finally, we couldn’t stay at the Grand Hyatt without a meal at its much-loved Indian restaurant, Soma. According to the rumours, Bollywood stars travelled from far and wide to feast on Soma’s Dal Makhani. I must admit, when I placed the first spoonful in my mouth, I lost myself for a moment. The rich, buttery flavour and smooth, velvety texture were completely captivating. Then came the tandoor-grilled lamb. In Ben’s words, it was like the meat had never really been joined to a bone. It was melt-in-your-mouth magic. If you’re a gastronome like me, put the Grand Hyatt (Mumbai) on your bucket list. It’s worth staying here just for the food.

What’s different about the place?

While exploring the vast halls and spaces within the Grand Hyatt, I was delighted to see its walls were lathered in local art. From contemporary pieces to traditional designs, the unique celebration of Indian culture and creativity gave the hotel soul.

Beyond its grand art gallery, the Hyatt also offers more facilities than a mini-city. Beyond the usual suspects (gym, spa, business centre etc.), the hotel hosts serviced apartments and boasts its own international shopping plaza, complete with high-end fashion boutiques, jewellery stores, cafes and beyond. Set on 12 acres of perfectly manicured land and offering a perfect mix of leisure and relaxation, the Grand Hyatt isn’t just a hotel, it’s a lifestyle destination.

How would you rate the overall experience? 9 out of 10 peking ducks.

Resort Details:
Off Western Express Highway, Santacruz (East), Mumbai, India
Tel:+91 22 6676 1234
www.mumbai.grand.hyatt.com

SHOULD I STILL TRAVEL TO NEPAL?

A couple of months ago, there was seemingly no better place for adventure than Nepal. However, in light of the recent earthquakes, many travellers have placed this bucket list destination in the “too dangerous” bin.

Having felt the first major quake on route to Nepal, I certainly considered doing a U-turn and ditching my dreams of exploring the mighty Himalayas. The Nepal I saw on the news looked terrifying, chaotic and devastated. A number of nervous thoughts started running through my head. Does Nepal even want tourists at the moment? Would I be causing a strain on resources, which are desperately needed by the locals? Would there be more earthquakes? Would I become a missing face on the news back home and create hell for my loved ones?

I suddenly remembered what it was like living in Queensland (Australia) when Cyclone Yasi hit. Millions of people around the world were bombarded with images that made the entire Sunshine State look like a war zone. The message? Queensland was closed to holiday-goers indefinitely. Don’t bother visiting anytime soon.

The reality on the ground was very different. Don’t get me wrong; there were several towns which had been severely affected by the cyclone. What the international community didn’t see were the many beautiful destinations that were alive and well. The result? All of Queensland (and, even, Australia) suffered the effects of a hard hit tourism industry, one of the main arteries supporting the economy. It took years for tourists numbers to get back to normal.

Then I thought about Nepal. After a few in-depth discussions with my husband, Ben and I decided to push on with our plans, see the situation for ourselves and inject some tourism dollars into the country. So, we packed our Land Rover with extra resources (food, water, petrol, and a tent) and called ahead to make sure we were welcome. The operators we spoke to all said the same thing, “Please come, we need you!”. And so our Nepal adventure began. Here’s what we experienced during our 30-day Himalayan holiday – sights, highlights, hiccups and all.

KATHMANDU

As we drove into Kathmandu, there was no denying the capital had been hit hard by earthquakes. Mammoth buildings had crumbled like concertina paper houses…I started to think we’d made the wrong decision. But then we reached Thamel.

While surrounding suburbs showed signs of damage, Thamel seemed frozen in time – a happier time. This tourist Mecca and world-renowned hippie hub was buzzing with travellers, life, and old-world charm. Before Ben and I knew it, we’d lost ourselves to the laneways and restaurants for over a week – there certainly wasn’t a shortage of food and fun! We absolutely loved the place.

During our time in Thamel, the second major quake shook Kathmandu. Based on local advice, we’d opted for a modern hotel with an open courtyard and pre-planned our emergency exit route just to be safe. While the experience was a little nerve-racking, we felt comfortable enough to stick around and continue with our plans.

POKHARA & BEGNAS LAKE

Following the footsteps of many hiking enthusiasts before us, we travelled to Pokhara in preparation for the Annapurna Base Camp Trek. While the town’s infrastructure seemed relatively unscathed by earthquake damage, tourist numbers were definitely down.

The funky pockets of Lakeside and Oldtown, once heaving with international visitors, had become tranquil urban sanctuaries. On the plus side, Ben and I were able to enjoy massages and meals on a whim – no bookings required. Staying at the luxurious Begnas Lake Resort, we had the entire place to ourselves and more support staff than we knew what to do with. While it wasn’t what we expected, the experience worked out for the best. Ben and I found the peace and quiet we needed to truly unwind.

ANNAPURNA BASE CAMP TRACK

When my husband first suggested tackling the 9-day trek to Annapurna Base Camp, I was a bit nervous. I had visions of us being taken out by landslides and avalanches triggered by earthquake tremors. So, we chose to travel with a veteran guide from InterTours who knew the mountains like the back of his hand. He assured us the track would be safe as long as we followed his lead and took precautions along the way.

Throughout our journey, we witnesses very little damage to villages and the mountains. We were encouraged to walk quickly through landslide and avalanche prone areas (which were rare and had posed a potential threat for many years), just to be safe. Thanks to our savvy and supportive guide, Ben and I enjoyed the adventure-of-a-life-time on the Annapurna Track. It was one of the most physically challenging and visually epic things we’d ever experienced. If it’s on your Bucket List, keep it there!

CHITWAN NATIONAL PARK

Chitwan was our big surprise and delight moment of the trip. Not knowing much about the area, we didn’t expect close encounters with rhinos, river baths with elephants, walks through wildlife-rich jungles, and romantic sunrise canoe rides. But that’s exactly what we got, and then some! Chitwan National Park was incredible and there were no signs of physical damage to reserve post-quake. It was teeming with cool creatures, many I’d never seen out of captivity before. The safaris were stuff of dreams and I’ll never forget them – they need to be on your itinerary if you’re planning to visit Nepal.

 

So there you have it. Nepal is still a place you should visit in the near future, just be safe and savvy while travelling around this stunning part of the world. Source local intelligence, take precautions and be smart about things.

While remote villages with significant earthquake damage will take time to recover, the main tourists hubs have more than enough resources to support locals as well as visitors. Many of the major draw cards tempting travellers to Nepal are still open for business – operators are eager and able to offer wonderful travel experiences.

If you find yourself in the heart of the Himalayas anytime soon, share your experiences through blogs, social media and beyond. Help Nepal get its positive news stories out to rest the world. There are many of them just begging to be told. 

REVIEW: TIGERLAND SAFARI RESORT

How would you describe it? Welcoming, spacious, understated, relaxing and natural.

Who’d love it? Families, couples, seniors, and wildlife lovers (especially bird watchers).

How were the rooms? Not flashy but perfectly comfortable and pleasant. The private balconies provided the perfect chill out zone, while the air-con was heaven in the midday heat. I enjoyed falling asleep to the sound of Chitwan’s nocturnal wildlife with a good book in hand, as there wasn’t any TV in the room.

How was the food? The Western-style food left a little to be desired, but the Nepalese cuisine was absolutely delectable. I also adored the lemon sodas, which were completely moreish in the hot weather.

What was the vibe like? Tigerland Safari Resort offers true escapism, threading the safari theme throughout much of its design. I loved the bamboo décor, giant rope swings and tranquil viewing hides, which looked out over the national park. There’s a calm magic about the place which is truly wonderful. If you like a bit of buzz and the company of fellow travellers, visit Tigerland Safari Resort during peak season (Oct-March). If you prefer peace and quiet, and the feeling of having a place to yourself, you will certainly get it during low season (April-Sept).

How was the service? The staff were attentive, smiley and pretty impeccable in terms of their service. You know the staff are particularly awesome when you befriend them enough to connect on Facebook. I loved the addition of the welcome drink and aromatic chilled face cloths – it’s like they’d read my mind.

What were the highlights? It’s all about the guided safari tours through Chitwan National Park. While Tigerland Safari Resort offers walking tours and Jeep adventures, its major drawcard is the elephant safaris and bathing sessions. They offer an unforgettable opportunity to get close to nature. The experience of riding an elephant bareback and scrubbing the dirt off its leathery skin in the river is a childhood dream come true.

What’s different about the place? The food was all pre-arranged and arrived like clock work, so I didn’t need to dillydally my way through a menu. It was nice to lose control and go with the flow.

How would you rate the overall experience? 7.5 out of 10 lemon sodas.

Resort Details:
Chitwan National Park, Jagatpur, Chitwan, Nepal
Email: info@tigerlandsafari.com.np
www.tigerlandsafari.com.np

REVIEW: BEGNAS LAKE RESORT

How would you describe it? Elegant, tranquil, picturesque, refreshing and impeccable.

Who’d love it? Couples and honeymooners, burnt-out corporates, creatives, and less budget-conscious hikers. It’s the perfect hideaway for those needing to recharge their batteries or enjoy a little privacy.

How were the rooms? They were perfectly plush, but in an understated way. Jumping into bed was like diving onto a soft, white marshmallow – sooooo comfy! The bathrooms were beautifully modern and spacious, with a free-standing bathtub awaiting lovers or weary-bodied travellers. The private balcony was the highlight for me – I was happy to ensconce myself in the outdoor reading chair and look out over Begnas Lake and the ice-capped Annapurna Mountains.

How was the food? Divine. It took a while to reach the table, but for good reason. The in-house chef obviously cared about the quality and presentation of his food. Everything that came out of the kitchen was delicious, hearty and vibrant. I especially loved the brioche style rolls and chocolate scrolls – I actually swore when I bit into them for the first time!

What was the vibe like? SO relaxing. Everything was just perfect. The grounds were masterfully manicured, the rooms were spacious and luxurious, the staff were attentive and friendly, the view was truly decadent…Begnas Lake Resort felt like heaven on earth. Tucked away from the hustle and bustle of central Pokhara, it was seriously peaceful and revitalising.

How was the service? Pretty faultless. The smiley staff were always happy to help…even when it came to carting our hefty bags up the brutal, never-ending staircase leading to the main road.

What were the highlights? The location and the view. It really is the perfect place to get away from it all – stress, chaos, urban junk, pollution, unhealthy distractions, demanding people etc. Located around 20-minutes away from central Pokhara, you feel completely removed from the hustle and bustle. The resort rests on the back of a lush hill, which has its toes in Begnas Lake and its eyes on the Himalayas. The closeness to nature is hard to beat. When the heat of the day kicks in, its a perfect chance to unleash your inner child and jump into the lake.

What’s different about the place? You can either arrive like a royal by boat or like an adventurer by forest track. Both options are pretty cool. The canoe ride is an unforgettable experience, as Begnas Lake is a beautiful sight to behold (especially with the Annapurna Mountains in the background). The trek down the mighty cobblestone staircase is also picturesque, with dense greenery surrounding you from every angle…though the climb back up is a little brutal!

How would you rate the overall experience? 9 out of 10 chocolate scrolls.

Resort Details:
Sundari Danda, Begnas Lake, Pokhara, Nepal
Tel: (+977-61) 560030, 560070, 693304
Email (sales office): begnasresort@fewamail.com.np
www.begnaslakeresort.com

HAPPY DAY 9 // BANGKOK BY BICYCLE

Today was simply epic – a definite “best day” for 2015. Strangely enough, it was dedicated to sampling Bangkok’s local transport. It saw Ben and me dodge the traffic in a tuk-tuk; navigate the streets of central Bangkok by bicycle, foot and ferry; and then hitch a knuckle-biting a ride on a motorcycle taxi. But these experiences were only part of the fun. I will never forget the things I saw along the way…and the way they made me feel: captivated, delighted, thrilled, curious, happy. Perfect.

At the heart of everything was the Follow Me Bicycle Tour. It was a feast for all of our senses, an energy boost for our weary bodies, and a taste of Bangkok life for our hungry imaginations. My hubby, Ben Southall, took some beautiful photos throughout the tour, which really captured the experience. So, jump on your bike and let us take you on the journey…

Upon arriving at Follow Me Bike Tours‘ home base, Ben and I were encouraged to try the Siam Boran Tour, a popular choice amongst Bangkok first timers. The 22km, 4.5 hour journey promised to reveal the old-world city to us and provide more photo opportunities than we could poke a Nikon at. We were sold.

Our intimate group of five sprang into gear and got its rusty legs peddling. We wandered through the charming backstreets of Sathorn like kids in a giant maze. Around every corner we encountered a boldly coloured character wall, each more enchanting than the last. Busy Thais with untold stories caught our eye as we zoomed past, giving us a mere moment to feel the embers of intrigue before something in the distance stole our attention.

It wasn’t long before we arrived at our first temple. We enjoyed the calm after the storm of the previous tour group (which was much bigger). There was nothing to do except explore the temple in happy silence and appreciate its ornate, narrative-rich walls.

Our next stop was China Town, which didn’t originally make it on to our “must see” list. We figured it’d be like any other China Town around the world. How wrong we were. It was China Town on steroids – huge and loaded with energy. The traffic (pedestrian and otherwise) moved an inch a minute. But, it was awesome. There was so much to take in, the hustle and bustle didn’t affect my stress levels. From the freaky foods, curious smells and vibrant colours, to the intense street negotiations and utter disorder, it was a multi-layered experience like no other. We had to make it back someday.

Next, it was time to turn the energy down a notch and park our bikes at another majestic temple. Our guide, Matthew, taught us how to open lotus flowers like pros. We then offered them as gifts to Buddha, along with a silent prayer for good luck. Ben got excited when it came time to ring the giant bell, which reverberated its song through our entire bodies. There was a beautiful spiritual mystery about this place.

Our next stop was the highly anticipated flower market, Pak Khlong Talat. Bags of petals where packed sky high, creating a rainbow mountain range down the street. I couldn’t believe nature had given birth to such intensely beautiful colours: sunshine yellow, rose madder red, velvety fuschia. But the sweet aromas that danced through the air said they were real.

After a speedy ferry ride across the Chao Phraya River, we were ready to make the journey back to Follow Me Bike Tour’s home base. This meant navigating the backstreets again, which were just as entertaining as the major sites we’d visited.

At one point, we crossed paths with the most comical police officer we’d ever seen. His “siren” sounded like something out of a kid’s toy truck and his mode of transport was… questionable (see image below). Ben almost wet himself with laughter. After exchanging a friendly wave with the cheerful police office, we moved on.

Throughout our bicycle tour, we encountered many Thai children who were eager to cheer us along. It seems like the first thing they’re taught to do is say “Hi!” to strangers (the complete opposite to what they learn in Western cultures). Babies too young to walk, waved enthusiastically at us and it was heart-warming. We felt like local celebrities or family friends.

Finally, we reached Follow Me Bike Tours and it was time to head back to the Shangri-La. Unfortunately, it was peak hour. The only way home was to jump on the back of a motorcycle taxi. The experience was genuinely one of the scariest things I’ve ever done. I would’ve felt safer if I’d been blind folded. As we weaved through the traffic, I’m convinced there was a millimetre between me and death. Yet, oddly, it was one of the highlights of my day. Such a thrill! Who knows what tomorrow will bring?

REVIEW // FULL MOON PARTY (THAILAND)

It’s said to be one of the best bashes the 21^st Century has to offer. Most of us have heard about it. Many of us have dreamt about it. Millions have conquered it. Thailand’s Full Moon Party is undoubtedly a bucket list item we should all tick off at some point. This February, I did just that.

While researching this notorious shindig, I discovered it takes place on a number of islands throughout Thailand. I chose Koh Phangan as our party destination of choice, as it’s the original Full Moon Party island and it’s said to host the biggest and best event.

Expectations were high; doubts were low. My friends and I were ready to pop our Full Moon Party cherry. Except for one thing. We had to do the customary pre-party shop, which involved buying fluorescenteverything…clothes, jewellery, hair flowers, hats, glasses and body paint. It’s one of the few occasions where it’s important to look like everyone else. We’d discover why later.

Before we knew it, 10pm had arrived and it was time to start “the walk” to the beach. It was hard not to get caught up in the anticipation and thrill of it all. As we made our way through the windy little streets and side allies – the techno beats taunting us every step of the way – we finally felt our feet hit the sand. We looked up to see everything we’d imagined…and a whole lot more.

To start with, there must have been 50,000+ people covering the beach from end to end. Drowning in UV light, the moving sea of technicoloured fluoro was making itself known. So were the signature liquor buckets, slippery slides, hula-hoop rings and flaming skipping ropes. Drunken daredevils were jumping right into the action while epic circles of rowdy onlookers formed around them. This was nuts!

We slowly made our way down the beach, attempting to find some breathing space. So it seemed, there were dozens of stages and DJs spaced along the sand to make sure everyone’s “scene” was covered. Tech house, techno, psytrance, garage, rave, drum ‘n’ bass and electrohouse all seemed to draw strong crowds, each with their own dance styles and substance preferences.

I started to tell myself I was getting too old for this. But, then I looked around and realised people of all ages were in on the fun. I’m talking teens, adults, parents and grandparents alike. I had no excuse! Then I remembered what a Full Moon Party veteran had told me the day before, “It’s a special event where people of all ages, races, preferences and backgrounds unite to have a good time – free from judgement and rules.”

And so it was true. The fluoro dress code was an invitation to be both anonymous and part of a community. So it seemed, the only thing left for me to do was let go and succumb to the debauchery. But, for some reason, I couldn’t. The Full Moon Party was almost too much to take in. I could literally do whatever I wanted. But, I felt like an animal that had been released into the wild for the first time, only to discover it wanted the safety of its pen.

So, I sat in the sand and decided to watch the theatre before me. Was it the best party in the world? Not for me in the place I was in. However, if I’d been in the mood to go it alone (you are guaranteed to lose your friends), test my limits and let go all of the stresses and expectations of “real life”, I have no doubt it would have been the best party of my life.

It’s not all bad news though. The following night, I finally found my bliss at the Full Moon After Party. It was a smaller, more intimate event – much more my style. I felt safe to be free because I knew there was only so much I could get up to in this environment and everyone else was at the same level.

Overall, I found the Full Moon Party season to be a worthwhile and memorable experience. It made me realise it’s fun to sample things that test your limits rather than live by them. A number of Koh Phangan addicts looked like they’d lost themselves to the party scene a long time ago – it wasn’t a pretty site. But, then again, they all had smiles on their faces.

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