ABU DHABI…. AN INCREDIBLE BLEND OF THE OLD WITH THE NEW

If you happen to be in Abu Dhabi for a day, I am sure you will extend your trip at least by two more!  This history-rich capital city of the UAE has the cultural richness which is most intriguing. It is amazing to absorb how well deep-rooted traditions can co-exist with contemporary sensibilities

A GOOD START

Holiday at Abu Dhabi had always been a musing of mine for as long as I can recall. I always desired to discover the Grand mosque, Sip Arabic coffee, Ravine on Machboos and Harees, and grip the marvels and characters of Abu Dhabi. So I set out with mother dear this Ramadan to undo the magical Islamic nation of Abu Dhabi on Business Class (travelling offseason has its advantages too) if you please and with Etihad Airways. The 3 1/2 hour flight from Delhi was very comfortable. Once off the plane, we sway rapidly through visa on arrival. Within a few minutes we reach the Ritz Carlton on Canal road, set against the Backdrop of the magnificent Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.

The Ritz Carlton is a spectacular luxury five star resort, with design reminiscent of the Italian Renaissance. It has one enormously large pool which looks onto an expanse of reserved beach, as well as eight restaurants. No, it didn’t feel like one of those massive resorts which is tourist infested. It was calm, welcoming and hugely relaxing. We have a deluxe room with a large balcony overlooking the pool. It has a widespread spa which tumbles out onto the poolside with deals of gratis leg and foot massages!

SHEIKH ZAYED GRAND MOSQUE

I cannot recall if I have ever visited a mosque before, but I am confident this is my first time being in one of this calibre, easily the largest and most magnificent mosque in the country. I wear a salwar kameez with dupatta and my guide gives me an appreciative nod; it’s imperative to be clothed from head to toe while visiting the mosque.

Intensifying theatrically from primeval manicured gardens, the architecture here leaves me stunned. Greek marble walls adorned with glittering gemstones, creating subtle bloomy designs on the marble pillars; the beautiful pools, the prayer hall with the largest carpet in the world seven chandeliers, each made up of millions of Swarovski crystals have me mesmerized. Visiting times are Saturday-Thursday from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. The mosque is open for tourists from 4:30 to 11 p.m. on Fridays.

A DAY OUT AT FERRARI WORLD

Abu Dhabi is home to the world’s only Ferrari-branded theme park, and of course being a thrill seeker I simply had to go. On offer are a multitude of adrenaline-charged Ferrari-themed rides and lures that got my blood pumping, It’s ingenious that the theme park is indoors, bearing in mind how hot it can get in Abu Dhabi. Ferrari World is the largest indoor theme park in the world and houses the world’s fastest roller coaster, Formula Rossa.

I am bit nervous seeing the loops, so I skip it. I guess if I did ride the Formula Rossa though, I probably would have loved it. Fast-tracking from 0–240km/h in 4.9 seconds, as close to a real F1 experience as most of us will get. I love the Interactive 4D family adventures, it’s like being the hero yourself!

For lunch we stop at ‘Mama Rossa’. As the name implies, the restaurant gets back to basics with simple Italian dishes that highlight their quality ingredients. Classic luscious carbonaras, pizzas with perfect crusts … Mama Mia!

FANCY A FALCON HOSPITAL?

You cannot visit Abu Dhabi and not go see the falcons. Acknowledged for handling thousands of birds each year, this one of a kind hospital is spread in an enormous area and has everything right from an ICU, X-rays departments, ophthalmology centre and more. On arrival, at the hospital, I am warmly welcomed by chivalrous staff with these regal birds of prey perched on their arm. On course of the tour, I learn about the importance of falcons in Emirati culture, as well as the vital caretaking prerequisites of the beautiful birds.

A truthfully gratifying experience awaits me at the end; the honour of having a captivating falcon perched on my arm. And by the way, these falcons have personal passports too!

FAST FACTS

Best way to Reach: Fly Etihad Airways

Visa: If you hold a valid US Visa, you can get visa on arrival

Best Place to stay: Ritz Carlton on Canal Road, for its location

My story first published in Statesman

HIGH ON BURMESE- THINGYAN BURMESE NEW YEAR CELEBRATIONS AT BURMA BURMA

Burma Burma not only records tremendously soaring on pleasure points owing to its decadent ambience & service but it should be straightaway on your must-eat-at ranking even if you are a scrounger by nature. The Thingyan Menu is on for just a limited time and I would say don't miss it for the World! 

This the best spot in town, to try out good Burmese vegetarian flavors. It is definitely a paradise for vegetarians, though it doesn’t fail to impress the other tarians as well. The restaurant is large in size and is characterized by traditional Burmese art. The vibrant interiors and the fluorescent lighting give this tearoom and restaurant an edge above the rest. Burma Burma serves up a good blend, of flavorful soups, spicy salads and delicious noodle items. The distinct flavors that come out while experiencing this type of cuisine include spice, brine, fermentation, the usage of fresh herbs and nuttiness. Not many people are aware but tea plays a crucial role in Burmese cuisine, whether savoring it in its regular form, or pickling and preserving the leaves (laphet) to be used in salads. I recently visited Burma Burma to try out the Thingyan Menu,  

Thingyan symbolises the Burmese New Year, and here I get an idea of the dishes prepared during this  time. Reccomendations go all out for the Pumpkin and Basil soup.. a must try on this special menu, it is well balanced, has the correct amount of spice, and leaves you with a little tangy note, and the basil compliments the pumpkin extremely well. Another star dish on the menu are the Crunchy Tofu Steamed Buns, the tofu is crumb fried and is stuffed in a delicious soft steam bun, which melts in your mouth with each bite. The salads are very impressive too; the two, which stand out for me, are the guava (Mala Ka Pin Thoke) this was guava tossed with crushed peanuts, red chilly and brown onions and the rainbow salad (Le Thok Sun), four varieties of noodles tossed with spring vegetables in a nice tamarind and soy dressing, they each had there own unique flavors and were simply delicious to eat. The Thingyan Menu also features decadent desserts; the matcha ice cream and the coconut ice cream with black sticky rice are new entries and are definitely worth trying. This restaurant never fails to impress and is truly a crowd favourite.

WHERE? 

DLF Cyber Hub, Gurgaon. TEL: 0124-4372999

Select City Mall, Saket , Delhi. TEL: 011-49145807

                     

THE HAVELI HARI GANGA - A HERITAGE HOTEL IN THE LAP OF GANGA

My first moments in Haridwar were spent absorbing the sights from a rickshaw that picked me up from the railway station. I have got to admit, when I arrived in Haridwar, I wasn’t smitten like I am by so many other places. I fell hard for Haveli Hari Ganga, Haridwar!

There are some places that just pull you in – and Haveli Hari Ganga, Haridwar was that for me. The people, with their wide smiles and positive spirit, welcomed in a way that Hints of a rich culture could be found all over this Heritage property.

The Haveli faces the Ganga, and although you would swear you are off the beaten path, it’s just a short walk to Har Ki Pauri with more shops and small eateries than you can count. The rooms are spacious and have beautiful traditional touches.

It is unquestionably worth shelling out a little more for a Ganges View Suite room, with a cheerful sit out overlooking the river. Sipping morning tea in the balcony overlooking the holy Ganga in all its grace seems like worship in itself. The Superior rooms come with expansive living areas, with some of them opening towards the temple in the courtyard or colossal mountains of Haridwar.

EARLY MORNING BE LIKE

Okay, confession time. I am NOT really a morning person and especially not on Holidays (needless to add on work days, I certainly am very punctual which is a given for any person in the hospitality trade); and a Nature walk before the sun is up never sounds alluring to me. But the walk I do with the guide organized by the Haveli astounds me and makes me think, I should do this more often ( that’s something I keep saying to myself each time I do a morning walk). It was a pleasant walk all over the little town with not many people in sight. The Haveli also organizes Hiking trails for those interested.

FOOD

Prior to my trip to Haridwar I did not have much experience with Hindu Temple cuisine apart from the occasional Halwa & Puri, my grandmother makes during Navratri. But on this trip I did learn! The walk also includes a stop at the traditional market where we are able to check out the local fruits and vegetables. Pumpkin and potatoes are in abundance! Small eateries offering temple food occupy nearly every block, and you can’t walk far without almost bumping into people in the narrow alleyways. The landscape shifts flawlessly from quiet to a hustle and bustle. And the food -- with options from vegetarian to traditional Temple fare -- is as diverse as my cravings.

Haridwar is known for its amazing street food, and the best bites I have are from unassuming shops with plastic chairs.  Absolute must tries include the ‘Khasta Kachori’, ‘Samosa Chole’ and ‘Semolina Halwa’ from Mohan Ji Puri Waale.  Then there is the ‘Chotiwala’ which has been around for many years offering even Desi Chinese now, but I’d stay stick to the Indian when In Haridwar. But the highlight for me is all meal times at the Haveli Hari Ganga. Simple & homely food with the perfect amount of Oils & Desi Ghee used. The Lunch thali is exceptional as are the breakfast and dinner buffets with emphasis on freshness and seasonal produce. They also do a few continental and Asian dishes at dinner which can give any Non Vegetarian food run for its money.

TRANQUILITY

Sample this…. golden echo of thousands of floral diyas in the River Ganges! Trust me it is the most enthralling panorama that you get to observe during the Ganga aarti ceremony at the ghat. And imagine I can actually witness this fascinating scene right from the sitting area of my suite.

Next morning I book myself for a Spa which revitalizes me like never before, have the decadent thali for lunch one last time, buy some ganga water to carry back home and soon it’s time for the evening Shatabadi… I have to come back to relive in this tranquility at the Haveli Hari Ganga…at least one more time!

FAST FACTS

The Haveli Hari Ganga, Haridwar

21 Pilibhit House, Ramghat, 

Haridwar - 249401 | Map

Phone 1: +91 1334 265207/ Phone 2: +91 1334 226443

Mobile: +91 7500263336/ Email: hhg@prasadheritage.com

Haveli Hari Ganga is located 6 km from the historic Chandi Devi Temple. It is 52 km from Dehradun Domestic Airport and provides free parking. The hotel also offers free railway station transfers via private rickshaws.

 

The Haveli Hari Ganga also has its private bathing Ghat

HISTORICAL FACT

Built in 1913 for the personal guests of the royal family, this Haridwar hotel was the personal residence of Maharaja of Pilibhit which now serves as the perfect hideaway for devotees visiting Haridwar. The tranquil river and hill views on one side, and the mesmerizing maelstrom of central Haridwar on the other will certainly complement your stay in Haridwar.

LIVING IT UP IN STYLE AT THE HYATT REGENCY LUCKNOW

Lucknow is a bustling city and one of the most popular destinations In India for its food. The city offers unique historical monuments, culture and great food to satisfy all palates! The streets are colorful, captivating and at times, completely overwhelming.

Standing tall and serene amidst all the chaos is the Hyatt Regency Lucknow. This reliable hotel provides a calm retreat and is a great choice for families looking for some home comforts.

ACCOMMODATION

Just a quick turn in the corporate hub of Vibhuti Khand, transports you into a lush paradise. We (Grandma, Dad & Mom) arrive late afternoon and I am super happy to enter the hotel lobby, which is very beautiful. 

Love the welcome !!

After check-in we are brought to our room. Excuse me, did I say room?  I mean a mini apartment. Our home for the next four days comprises of a suite with a master bedroom and another bedroom with a bathroom which are interconnected, pretty much breath-taking, spotless clean and extremely comfortable. 

When I walk in, the first thing I see is a bunch of welcome goodies that puts me in a good mood. Looking in a little further I notice a giant living room, with a bigger flat screen LCD television, two couches with plenty of comfy pillows, a guest Powder Room that is connected to the living room and this is great for those of you who have friends over and do not wish to share your bathroom and a study that offers more than we need.

Adjacent to which is the master bedroom that sits behind two sliding doors. Needless to say, there are flat-screen TV in the bedrooms so there is no reason to leave the bed unless you really have to. The bathroom design is well-appointed and bright and oh so classy! There is a huge bathtub and a shower with a glass door. Something worth mentioning is that there is a giant closet (read walk in) in the suite so I can really stack up all of my things because I own so many. (Just kidding!). There is something about the accommodation I realize from the second I had enter the door. The fragrance... Everything smells so incredibly fresh and good. The towels, the bed sheets, the pillows, the shower gel, it is addictive; It is extraordinary!

REJUVINATE

The Hotel makes fitness extremely rewarding for its guests with its state of the art fitness centre and a refreshing view of the swimming pool. Three massage rooms manned by professional trainers…it’s all there and the Siddh is the only Spa in Lucknow in a 5 Star hotel.

The Spa uses ingredients which revitalise the face and body and Work with your skin to deliver outstanding results. I try a Siddh-Spa special massage and the soft and gentle strokes put me into a passive snooze, a reason why this massage is mainly useful for those who find it tough to shut eye ( though of course I have no such problem, I can sleep just about anywhere).

KHAANA PEENA

The restaurants and bar congregate at first floor and provide an unmatched meal experience.

It houses ‘LukJin’ a sumptuous Chinese Thai cuisine restaurant where the exotic cuisine compliments the exotic ambience. For breakfast my popular haunt is ‘Rocca’, which is conceptualized as an open and airy place with a lot of natural lighting. The clean lines and the minimalism reflect the simplicity of its structure and form. It sure is a balmy strip of foodie fun and the Buffet with its many counters add a measure of gustatory refinement.

There couldn’t have been a more peaceful retreat than ‘UP’s’ Bar offering a host of exciting drinks to choose from….my favourite being the ‘Bareily Ka Jhumka’ ….and I have two of those, as not only do I like the taste, but also want the pair ( they give one jhumka with a drink)! And yes there is the ‘Market’ to grab and go if you are in a hurry…. (As for me I am on a holiday…so don’t use this one)

REGENCY CLUB

The Regency is exclusively designed for the comfort of guests staying in the Regency Club Rooms & Suites. Being a suite guest I am entitled to access this area, which proves as the ideal setting for our evening tea. A Regency club guest also gets privileges like exclusive access to the Club Lounge, where one can enjoy a complimentary breakfast each morning, cocktails in the evening, and hot beverage service throughout the day.

SO LONG FAREWELL, I HATE TO SAY GOODBYE

There is so much more I could say about the Hyatt Regency Lucknow but most important four days were not enough!! It was overwhelming in a positive way. A first class hotel for those who just want to relax in beautiful designed place and explore Lucknow the way it is meant to be….( food and chickan). 

The famed Makhan Malai of lucknow...try the one at the Chowk...a winter special

The staff is amazing, friendly and welcoming; it seems they clearly love to work there. Well who wouldn’t in such a lovely environment?  I leave relaxed, with a big fat smile and still thinking back about the fantastic times I spent there. Thanks to the wonderful staff for these memorable days at the Hyatt Regency Lucknow.

AT A GLANCE

Best way to reach: Fly Jet Airways or Vistara, most economical and always on time airline.

Where: Vibhuti Khand, Gomti Nagar, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh 226010

Facilities: State of the art conference facilities with a dedicated team. The Regency Ball room is perfect for a wedding plan. Fresh banqueting concepts, vibrant theme parties and innovative catering positions Hyatt Regency Lucknow as a logical choice for banquets, meetings and conferences.

Phone: +91 522 426 1234

Email: lucknow.regency@hyatt.com