The Talented Chef Duo, Arjun & Nisha at Natti’s Naturals, Anjuna.

It’s a delight to know of restaurants and cafés nearby that serves delicious & healthy food sometimes just the requirement after a crazy party weekend. Natti’s Naturals is one such hangout for me. Whether it be a quick meeting with a client, or a healthy meal, or an exotic smoothie, Natti’s Naturals is my preferred little haven. A bunch of us working folks decided to kick away our Monday Blues this week at Natti’s Naturals.

It was a delight to meet with the talented Chef Duo Arjun & Nisha. They gave us a sneak peek into what’s new and what’s fresh at the cafe. Both these young and talented people excelled at hotel management school and went through intense internships, workshops and hands-on kitchen apprenticeships. After a successful year-long stint with the Marriot Gaylord properties, they are back and are set to tickle our taste buds across various eateries they plan to open.

I was pleasantly surprised by the change in the overall vibe of the place and the tasty and healthy additions to the menu that is affordable and exotic.

We settled into a very happy Monday afternoon with the delicate starters! Bite-sized assorted wholewheat crostinis – fig jam and kokum infused goat cheese topped with Arugula and cured pear, Cluck and the Oink in a maple mustard dressing topped with pickled mustard seeds. This was followed by the Goan mezze platter, Prawn Rissois, Goan style pork chorizo with crispy local poie.

We were also served a roasted pumpkin and beetroot petal salad topped with crumbled goat cheese tossed in a lemon vinaigrette which went perfectly with the entire culinary flow. For the main course, we had a French-inspired chicken ballotine with a creamy mash quenelle, their signature mushroom patrao sauce and a side of chilled zesty orange quinoa salad!

The Funky Monkey dessert just made us go BANANAS, a shot of funky monkey smoothie, banana cake with a dollop of avocado banana gel and a spoon of tangy banana granita, was a perfect ending to a perfect meal. Everything we ate was so tasty, yet healthy and easy on the stomach.

The warmth and hospitality of the staff and the owner (Shimonti) Rumi is the icing on the cake. Natti’s Naturals on the Anjuna, Calangute main road is the perfect place to revive your creative energy, recover from a hangover or just eat a great meal. They have something for every mood!

For Bookings & Reservations: +91 96209 16166

 

Splendid Saffron Sunday Brunch at Village Cafe – Park Hyatt Goa Resort & Spa.

Sundays are a day of rest or as I would prefer, a day for a drive out for a fabulous brunch with good friends or family. On hearing that the Park Hyatt Resort & Spa had started their Saffron Brunch at Village Cafe, their signature restaurant, we headed south for a culinary experience – Masters of Food & Wine showcasing the most ancient Spice of India ‘Saffron’.

With a refreshing view of the property from the heart of the Resort, Village Café is the place to start the perfect Sunday with a delectable and exquisite brunch. Guests have a plethora of choices, including live grills, unique beverage offerings and a lavish spread of five distinct culinary experiences under one destination.

Chef Lynton, Chef Sumit & Chef Ashish from their speciality restaurants, come together to host an exquisite Park Hyatt Masters of Food & Wine experience.

The brunch features an exotic seafood bar, cheese counter, antipasti platters, steamed dim sum, khao suey, oven-baked pizza, freshly baked bread station, Goan delicacies combined with Indian and Western delicacies to choose from.  As part of the Saffron Brunch, we savoured chef crafted treats like Saffron Hummus, Milanese, Lamb Osso Bucco, Zaffrani Sabz, Badami Shwarma, paired with a celebration of Paul John whiskey.

 The cooking stations at Village Café, each featuring a different culinary style, are showcases for the best of international and local cuisines, stages for the talented chef’s engaging performances.

Some of the famous beverages were served during the brunch, Kokum cooler, Pan Martini and Tiki Puka Puka. Besides these ones can enjoy spirits and sparkling wine. 

All in all the ‘Fantastic Five Brunch’ has an array of fun activities for the entire family to delight for a relaxed and fabulous Sunday. We ended our day with a walk around the vast gardens of the property enjoying the freshness of the monsoon rains. 

 

Fabulous Five Sunday Brunch is the new Sunday brunch offering at Park Hyatt Goa Resort and Spa. It features the best of food & beverages from their award-winning restaurants. Village Square –  12:30 PM onwards INR 1400* per person onwards with an array of special beverage add-on packages, kids area and special activities for the family.

Contact: + 91 9923207075  D. + 91 8322721211 marylou.demello@hyatt.com

Trek to Hidden Waterfalls from Nature’s Nest, Tambdi Surla

If you’ve been dreaming about getting away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and heading to a tranquil place, Nature’s Nest could provide your perfect escape. It’s situated at the foothills of the Western Ghats, which is home to one of the world’s hotspots of biological diversity. Rare species of birds, amphibians and mammals only found in the Western Ghats are part of the flora and fauna. The soothing sounds and beautiful backdrop of greenery will take your breath away. The exact location of Nature’s Nest is Tambdi Surla, in Goa which is in close proximity to the Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary.

The Monsoon is the time when beach getaways are not an option but what is more ideal is a visit to the interiors of Goa and see the beauty of the nature this state has to offer. With the monsoon now in full swing, I love nothing more than getting the waterproofs on and getting away from it all. I was delighted to hear of the new experiences that Nature’s Nest had to offer.

Nature’s Nest is the only birding lodge in Goa, which makes it the ideal location for bird lovers. From encountering leopards on a jeep safari to spotting charming peacocks while trekking, this jungle stay allows you to truly connect with nature. The greenery is even more beautiful during the monsoon. Since Dudhsagar waterfalls are closed in the monsoon, tourists in Goa will not be disappointed to discover two other enchanting waterfalls, which are off the beaten path.

Nature’s Nest is the brainchild of nature enthusiasts, Pankaj Lad, Sangam Patil and Ramesh Zarmekar who are interested in popularising the conservation of biodiversity in Goa and its protected areas. Awareness is also created by conducting interactive educational seminars by experts throughout the year. We were delighted to meet all 3 partners who are there to share their wealth of knowledge with all their guests.

Over the weekend, we enjoyed a morning of birdwatching around the outskirts of the nearby wildlife sanctuary. We got to see the Grey-fronted Green-pigeon, the Greater recket-tailed Drongo, the Red-watted Lapwing, the Indian peafowl, the Orange-headed Thrush & the Little Spiderhunter.

Greater Racket tailed Drongo

Grey Fronted Green Pigeon

Red-Watted Lapwing

Post breakfast and ready to go, we headed off with our guide to the most ancient temple in the whole of Goa, Mahadeva Temple, Tambdi Surla built in the 12th century. It was here we started our trek. It took 90 minutes to walk to the waterfall and we were not disappointed when we got to our destination. The waterfall was at its finest with the recent monsoon rains. It was breathtaking !

Delighted with our round trip trek, we reached back in time just for lunch. Natures Nest lays on a mouth-watering banquet at its Kokum Tree restaurant. Fresh vegetables, herbs and spices are meticulously sourced locally which maintains the consistency of the tantalizing flavours. This generous feast includes sumptuous chicken masala, vegetable curry, Frenchbean Foogath, local Ukdem rice and bhakris made out of nachni or rice. Sol Kadi provides the perfect accompaniment to guzzle down, while a delicious red sheera is served for dessert.

The best part about Nature’s Nest is that you can visit for the day or plan an adrenaline-fuelled weekend. It’s packed full of exciting outdoor activities, such as rock climbing, rappelling and flying fox. There is a natural spring pool to cool off when needed and a fish spa, where the fish gently nibble away at the dead skin.

 

The Nature’s Nest packages include Bed and Breakfast, which are very affordable for backpackers or tourists on a shoestring budget. It’s also an ideal short vacation destination for families. There are 10 eco cottages which are extremely comfortable and surrounded by greenery.

With my new found monsoon passion, I am already looking forward and planning my next trip.

For Bookings Contact: 8407954664 / 9923754664. 

Or Email: resv@naturesnestgoa.com

Top 6 experiences not to miss in Gujarat

Tucked away on the west coast of India, the state of Gujarat is a treasure trove of unique experiences. The land ranges from paradise beaches to lush forests, vast salt flats and mountains soaring towards the clouds, while the ancient forts and palaces offer glimpses into bygone eras. There’s a wild side, too — world-famous animal sanctuaries, exotic birdwatching sites and remote desert outposts offer an unrivalled sense of adventure. Discover six of the state’s most unforgettable experiences:

Gir National Park: A lion’s share in conservation
Renowned as the home of the Asiatic lion, this iconic national park covers nearly 470sq miles in the south west of the region. In 1975, when the park was created, the Asiatic lion was on the brink of extinction. Now around 300 thrive in the sanctuary’s dusty, rugged terrain, dotted with open scrub and teak forests. Lions are, of course, the stars at Gir, but many other animals prosper in its forests. Keep your eyes peeled for the likes of leopards, chitals, sambar, wild boar, jackals, hyenas, pangolins, sloth bears and honey badgers.

Little Rann of Kutch: Exhilarating explorations
Largely unexplored and a haven for some of the region’s most colourful wildlife, the Little Rann of Kutch, in the north-west of the state, is a salt marsh that appears bleak but is, in fact, richly biodiverse. Although there are a number of wildlife sanctuaries and reserves scattered throughout the desert, it’s perhaps best known as the only haven of the Asiatic wild ass and the favoured breeding ground of many rare bird species.

Navratri: Celebrating nine nights of rhythm, colour, dance and a vibrant culture
Navratri is, in its purest essence, a festival that celebrates the triumph of good over evil. Meaning ‘nine nights’, the name refers to nine nights of prayer and festivities that retrace the fight between good (durga) and evil (mahishasura). Each night, people gather in open spaces across towns and villages to celebrate feminine divinity, referred to as Shakti. The festival of Navratri is known for its vibrant, colourful displays when both men and women dressed in traditional attire put on stunning performances set to music. From 10-18 October 2018.

A handful of handicrafts
Gujarat’s people produce a wide variety of handicrafts and artisanship. When exploring the state, be sure to discover this thread of local culture, be it anything from hand block printing, puppet-making or leatherwork, to beadwork, embroidery, and woodwork — each skill is a careful preservation of Gujarat’s traditions and are all expressions of great taste, skill and artistry.

Rann Utsav: Unique thrills await 
When the winter sets in, the curtain rises on Rann Utsav’s mystical, magical and memorable events and experiences. Under the full moon, the salt desert of Rann glows in the white light, when travellers are given a breathtaking glimpse into a land that brims with ethnic arts, crafts, music and dance. Folk performers with vibrant costumes, Sindhi bhajan recitals, and an array of stalls selling Kutchi embroidery, as well as camel riding, rifle shooting and paramotoring all go into making the carnival here a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Gandhi Circuit: Take a trailblazing path 
Trace the remarkable journey of Mahatma Gandhi on The Gandhi Circuit, a trail that takes visitors to the major destinations of the activist’s life. From his birthplace in Porbandar to the various locations across Gujarat where his life’s philosophy was formed and put into practice, this special route allows you to follow in Gandhi’s footsteps and discover more about the man who helped to shape today’s India.

Discover more of Gujarat here.

An Eye for Detail in Interiors – ISABEL HERNANDEZ LELLI.

 

She has a weakness for colour but her strength lies in style. Stylist and interior decorator Isabel Hernandez Lelli works from the heart. Her fashion and interior design creations stand testimony to a perpetually ignited love for beauty.

With more than 10 years of experience in the corporate world in Europe and Asia, and an almost equal number in fashion and interiors, Isabel Lelli is able to bridge the gap

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between what people desire and what they can carry with grace.

Although she is currently based in Goa, Isabel does not restrict herself by geographical location. Her work and curated fashion collections are sourced from all over the world, mostly leaning towards European and Indian chic.

It all began when she was a student, taking a keen interest in redecorating her apartment in Bordeaux, France. Her ability to create beauty with practicality and comfort within the restrictions of a particular space found many admirers.

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She took her talent for interior design wherever she went. Isabel found herself drawn to all sorts of spaces. The designer was able to translate energies and ideas into dream creations for a range of places – bringing an ultra-modern edge to a minimalistic duplex in the skyscrapers of Beijing to hand-selecting antiques for an ancestral barn high up in the Italian mountains.

As part of her projects, she immersed herself in a complete remodel of the interiors, paying close attention to setting up and placement of décor as well as landscaping the gardens and green zones to intensify a connect with nature.

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Here in Goa, she has completely remodeled an old Goan-Portuguese home into a cosy yet elegant haven, balancing furniture and art from her travels around the world with the charming traditional structure.

She lay focus on the garden and outdoor areas, as well as the ‘middle zone’ – balconies, sit-outs and porches – which are used as a comfortable space to entertain friends and family. It strongly emphasised the warmth of her home more than a showcase of her talent.  

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Isabel has played an important role in the décor for Earth Body Spa at Little Red Door in Porvorim where she chose the colour theme and usage, and also oversaw space distribution and the placement of decorative items.

Her fashion stores in Goa – Bebel – also found her inimitable style running right through. Isabel designed every detail of her boutiques, positioning retail effectiveness and product display on the same level as customer comfort, layout and overall look of the store to enhance the attributes of her collections and increase sales.

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Her design sense found an outlet in the collections she sold there too. She melded her experience from her travels across the world with a perceptive insight into changing trends to focus on styles that were chic, trendy, and yet laid-back and comfortable.

Through Bebel, she gave her clients what could possibly have been one of the best collections of curated accessories in the country. Shoppers were constantly coming away with non-conventional items that her roving eye picked up from various talented Indian designers.

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Her collections stayed true to her fashion ideals – chic, impeccable design and high quality – and she always looked at wearability and value when choosing items. This work ethic is strongly reflected in her interior work as well, where she combines function and design to create beautiful spaces that more than meet their requirements.

For Bebel, she designed two stores in Goa each bearing a different look. In Calangute, she worked with a small area, creating fluidity and the illusion of space that highly appealed to the type of clientele visiting the area. At her seaside shop in Morjim, she adapted to the flair of the area, easing into a more laid-back, young look that took after a chic New York loft and brought in shoppers by the droves.

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Recently, she has moved to hospitality interiors as well, taking on the responsibility of conceptualising and overseeing interiors for Boca Loca, a premium seaside lounge in Candolim, Goa. She drafted the mood board and chose the colour theme of blue hues and white to signify the ocean and added a dash of colour for life.

Her inputs are seen in the use of bamboo for the restaurant’s various cosy nooks, lighting, layout of spaces and design of cabanas. Isabel was instrumental in revamping the look of the furniture and adding decorative items to give the lounge an easy-breezy air. The barnyard-style chairs and tables are given a vibrant touch with clean lines, rustic overtones, a wash of white and blue accents.

The beachside restaurant offers a stunning fluidity in ambience, from relaxed day-time restaurant with soothing views of the Arabian Sea to sunset lounge with lighting and an ambience that does not take away from natural beauty yet still holds its own.

You’ll find a mix of bricolage from old-style bamboo with the contemporary rustic finish of pinewood flooring and furniture to match. Isabel’s focus was on drawing the customer with efficient use of beautiful décor.

She played with the layout by mixing intimate seating for couples or a small group of close friends with ultra-long benches and tables for large families, that can turn perfectly into stunning locales for large events such as weddings or other occasions.

With Boca Loca, her talent for layout and landscaping is evident and Isabel was able to design different yet complementary moods for day and evening, even bringing in plants and greens to complement the design, within a very tight budget. The gorgeous beachside lounge is a marvellous showcase of her capabilities in interiors and she is looking forward to newer challenges of every kind – hotels, old Goan homes, real estate, retail spaces and more.

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Isabel Hernandez Lelli is a woman with a dream. She wants to bring quality and beauty to people and places everywhere she goes. And that dream is certainly taking shape right here in Goa.

Isabel is currently looking forward to newer challenges of every kind – hotels, old Goan homes, real estate, retail spaces and more. For Further Information – Contact Isabel on 9923326324

Jaali Boutique & Café – my place to go in Patnem.

Jaali Boutique and Café in Patnem is certainly one of my favourite hangouts in south Goa with its great vibes and an amazing ambience. The beautifully designed space created by South African Kate Abramovitz who made Goa her home back in 2009 has now completed 3 years of making Jaali a must visit lounge & lifestyle hotspot.

The space initially opened as a boutique selling curated items from around India but expanded into a cute café that sells some of the most delicious coffee and bites in South Goa. Worked into a neat little cottage with paved outdoors surrounded by lush greenery, Jaali Boutique and Café feature blue and white décor with geometrical lattice designs (Jaali) here and there.
The café is a hit in Patnem, particularly for its innovative menu that focuses on tapas-style servings and delicious flavour combinations. It’s a combination of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean dishes, fabulous cocktails and delicious cakes and coffee.

The food is full of flavour and fragrance, with some dishes enjoying a spice hit. The ingredients, however, are mostly locally sourced including mackerel, sardines, tisreo, chouriço, kohlrabi, chilli, tamarind and pomegranate. It also includes a strong vegetarian menu as well as seafood and meat.

 

Adjoining the café is Jaali Boutique which sells a range of Abramovitz’ designs, sterling silver and gold-plated jewellery, block-printed bed linen, vintage items, handloom scarves, shawls, kurtas, accessories, and designer wear by Michelle Banarse.

 

 

Each week during the season, a movie is screened at the café, offering a great opportunity for locals and travellers to get together and enjoy the delicious food and drink. On every 2 weekend, Jaali Presents get funked up with DJ Foor of which I love to groove too. My weekends in the south would not be complete without time spent at my favourite hangout in Patnem, South Goa.

 

For more details: www.jaaligoa.com

Call Kate: 80077 12248

The vClusive Cup – India Yachting Festival makes yachting India’s new passion

Perfect weather and a serene stretch of sun-kissed shores of Goa hosted the vClusive Cup – India Yachting Festival, during the weekend of 26th – 28thof January. An event that lived up to the promised of being South Asia’s leading nautical gathering, it was an occasion that witnessed the perfect blend of yachting, water and beach sport, entertainment, business and networking.Vinu Sundaresan, Founder & CEO, vClusive, Amit Dutta, Founder & Chairman, Luxury Hues Group & Gautama Dutta, Executive Director, Marine SolutionsVinu Sundaresan, Founder & CEO, vClusive, Amit Dutta, Founder & Chairman, Luxury Hues Group & Gautama Dutta, Executive Director, Marine Solutions

Vinu Sundaresan, Founder & CEO, vClusive, Amit Dutta, Founder & Chairman, Luxury Hues Group & Gautama Dutta, Executive Director, Marine Solutions

Organised by vClusive, Luxury Hues Group and Marine Solutions, the event has been conducted under the auspices of the Tourism Department of Goa and Industry Partner CII. vClusive is India’s first rewards in luxury program that provides exclusive access, customized rewards and a host of other privileges that complement lifestyle and luxury.

A bespoke experience, that seamlessly amalgamates sailing, lifestyle and entertainment, the Festival was attended by participants that included the best luxury spenders from across India and marine brands from across the world offering luxury and lifestyle product and service providers.

Speaking on the occasion, Vinu Sundaresan, Founder & CEO, vClusive said, “The vClusive Cup – India Yachting Festival is a platform that focuses on lifestyle experience. Our success lies in the fact that the mega event connects brands and consumers on an engagement platform. We are committed to shaping the development of the luxury and marine sector, hence, we believe in involving the industry towards the growth of the tourism and leisure industry at large.”

Given the demand for leisure which is an important part of human existence, the opportunity for immersive lifestyle experiences is enormous. India’s biggest leisure playground is its 7000 km of coastline and blue waters. This is unexploited from the point of view of marine tourism and lifestyle.

“Yachting is a leisure past time that is waiting to be developed into a highly leveraged lifestyle and leisure activity. We realize its potential and we are committed to developing it in India. We also understand that yachting is waiting to be experienced as a lifestyle that is satisfying, adventurous and thrilling. There is a New India rising. Along with this rise, there is a growing demand for experiential leisure. We believe yachting can fill this space promoting not only marine tourism but also building infrastructure and creating employment,” said Gautama Dutta, Executive Director, Marine Solutions at the Festival.

Present at the Festival, Amit Dutta, Founder & Chairman, Luxury Hues Group, said “Luxury Hues Group is delighted to be a Co-host of the IYF. We are in the business of conceptualising lifestyle platforms, Quintessentially global concierge, experimental travel, etc relevant to the emerging needs of affluent Indians. Affluent Indians aspire to ‘extraordinary ‘ experiences, this platform provides a fantastic blend of water sports, gourmet experiences, music, eclectic company in sunny Goa. We aim to provide our guests an outstanding customer experience, and raise the bar for future editions.”

 

The International Sailing Championships and Regatta, a part of the festival, and attracted more than 125 sailors and yachtsmen from 8-10 countries across the world setting their sails to take home the vClusive Cup. 

Transforming, the famous beach stretch at Candolim, the Festival is enthralling guests with an array of activities such as mixology classes, watersports, white noise, Hobie Cat training, live band performances by Goa’s Alcatrazz, folk & electronic fusion duo Hari + Sukhmani, fusion band Raagas to Riches and DJs Russel and DJ Sameer Zaine. This specially curated event lead by India’s Fashion guru Prasad Bidapa with his excellent showcase of fashion designers became the highlight of the event.  The evening celebrated the joie d’vivre and celebration of the finer aspects of life, the very essence of Goa as a go-to destination for pleasure seekers from around the world.

Prasad Bidapa

Prathamesh Paulingkar

Models wearing Turquoise & Gold

The vClusive Cup – India Yachting Festival was presented by leading Indian and International brands such as Renault, Air Asia and Pernod Ricard (G H Mumm Champagne) and was supported by partners such as Campo Viejo wines, Nescafe, Forevermark, Bro Code and Red Bull.

Presenting Sponsors:

Renault- ‘Renault Captur: India’s most stylish SUV’

 “After turning heads on the streets of Russia, Argentina, Brazil and beyond, the Renault CAPTUR now makes its way to India. With the strong belief that this is one of the best platforms, “Renault Captur: India’s most stylish SUV” has partnered & is one of the Presenting Sponsor for the third edition of India Yachting Festival.” 

 Air Asia – ‘Now everyone can fly’

“Goa is an important market for AirAsia and associating with the IYF is just one of the many ways we work together to build sustainable tourism.”- Ms Kiranjeet Kaur – Director – Commercial, Air Asia 

Pernod Ricard

“We very excited to have Pernod Ricard as one of the Presenting Sponsor. Pernod Ricard’s ‘Mumm Champagne’ is the ‘Official Victory Partner’. In addition, there will be interesting activities like Mixology sessions, Masterclass, Champagne Tower etc. across two days.”

Other Brand Partners:

• Lifestyle ‘Hot Beverage’ Partner – Nestle
• Lifestyle Jewelry Partner – Forever Mark
• Lifestyle Partner – Bro Code

 About vClusive

vClusive (a part of vMobo), is the brainchild of Vinu Sundaresan, a serial entrepreneur with a background in technology, who wanted to use technology to provide a platform to connect brands and consumers from the Indian diaspora around the world starting with those in South East Asia. vMobo was started in 2008 based out of California. It took the team a year and a half to build the platform. vClusive stands for very exclusive privileges for both brands and consumers. It was 2012 that we launched the vClusive platform officially.

vClusive focuses on lifestyle spends across omni- channels both offline and online called “Vault”. It is spread across categories like F&B, Salon and spa, fashion (both Indian and international), lifestyle categories like home furnishing, resorts, art, jewellery, among a growing list of goods and services that are popular with the Indian diaspora across the Middle East & South East Asia.

vClusive is currently in ten cities in India. It started with Bangalore and then added Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai and Hyderabad. Recently the service has been expanded to Chandigarh, Goa and, now, Dubai which is also a large market for luxury buyers. vClusive plans to cover other countries in south-east Asia such as Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Indonesia.

Sukhmani and Hari

About Marine Solutions

Established in 2003, Marine Solutions is India’s first professionally managed company dedicated to the leisure boating industry. The company exclusively represents premier international brands in every category of the boating business in India. Concerns include the elegant Italian models from Ferretti Yachts, Custom Line, Mochi Craft and Pershing of the Ferretti Group, Jeanneau sail and motor yachts from France, the iconic American Sea Ray™ sports boats and sports cruisers, Kawasaki’s Jetski™ personal watercrafts, the complete range of leisure and Milpro inflatable boats of the world famous Zodiac name, Sunstream boatlifts and marine propulsion options and commercial boats from Mercury Marine.

The company is committed to winning people’s hearts and minds to the yachting lifestyle in a nascent market by offering complete boating solutions. Services provided include help in choosing the right product, handling the import, commissioning the boat, warranty service and various options in maintenance backup and boat management.

Marine Solutions has sales and service offices in Bombay, Goa and Calcutta; engine workshop in Cotton Green, Bombay; and boatyard in Mora, 15 minutes by speedboat from Bombay. Marine Solutions also offers clients exclusive services from its fully functional marina, the Britona Yacht Station that provides alongside berthing, fresh

water, electricity and services to a large number of yachts in Panjim, Goa as well as yacht services at moorings off Gateway of India, Bombay and at Eden Garden in Kolkata.

About Luxury Hues

Luxury Hues businesses are focused on offering affluent customers a variety of lifestyle experiences and in partnering with organizations looking to acquire and engage premium customers.
Our span of businesses in the premium space offers us a unique understanding of the lifestyles of affluent customers.  Our engagement with the premium segment across different touch points of their lifestyle spending allows us to mine rich and powerful insights which we leverage to provides significant value to our clients. Our clients include some of the best-reputed organizations In the country. The Quintessentially concierge member base comprises of the upper crust elite and who’s who in society.
Our strengths in creating a world class & truly differentiated customer experience flows from our organization values of  “Customer centricity and innovation” as the heart of the business.Our ability to deliver a seamless experience is underpinned by the expertise & passion of our high-quality management team.

For more information on yachting visit https://www.goasailingweek.com/

To experience the good times visit https://www.vclusive.com/

Smooth Sailing for Favourites – Goa International Sailing Week

The top seeds sailed through on the concluding day of the Goa International Sailing Week conducted by the Goa Yachting Association (GYA). Local star Dayne Coelho of GYA maintained his clean slate and comprehensively won gold medal in the Olympic windsurfing class RS:X. In the other Olympic category, the Laser Standard, favourite Upamanyu Dutta of INWTC Mumbai warded off EMESA’s Deelip Kumar’s challenge to retain his title.  Both Upamanyu and Dayne are India’s rising stars who have been picked by the Yachting Association of India (YAI) to train and prepare for the forthcoming Asian Games and the Olympics 2020.

The Hobie 16 fleet too saw favourites Kaushal Kumar and Girish M of AWSA Hyderabad defend their top rank status with a dominating display.

However, there was some disappointment for the young Goan sailboarder talent Avelino Fernandes who did not race today on account of equipment damage to relinquish his title lead in the Techno 293 category.

With the winds picking up in the afternoon, the kiteboarders got airborne and the Calangute – Baga beach stretch witnessed some exciting action. Veteran Philippe Dartnell showed his experience to win the kiteboarding event.

Local MLA from Calangute, Mr Michael Lobo extended his support for the Goa International Sailing Week and expressed his desire to see more such eco-friendly adventure sporting activities in Goa. Also encouraging the sailors today was Mr Roque Dias, ED Sports Authority of India, a long time supporter of the sport of sailing in Goa.

 

The final standings after today’s races –

Laser Standard: 1st Upamanyu Dutta (INWTC Mumbai), 2nd Deelip Kumar (EMESA), 3rd Ajay Singh (INWTC Mumbai).

Upamanyu Dutta 

Laser Radial: 1st Ramesh (NST), 2nd Puneet Sahu (INWTC Mumbai), 3rd A Sanjay Reddy (EMESA)

RS :X: 1st Dayne Coelho (GBSA), 2nd Kamalapati (EMESA), 3rd Vijay More (INWTC Goa).

Techno 293: 1st Ishwarya Ganesh (GYA), 2nd Keona Rajani (GYA), 3rd Avelino Fernandes (GYA).

Race Board: 1st Tarif Ali (CESC), 2nd Katya (GYA), 3rd David Estebeiro (GYA)

Bic Nova: 1st Kavindra Kulegi (INWTC Goa), 2nd Vishant Singh (INWTC Goa), 3rd NS Rawat (INWTC Goa).

Hobie 16: 1st Kaushal Kumar – Girish M (AWSA), 2nd Ashish Patel – Nagan Behera (EMESA), 3rd Dilip Sarmah – Darshan Dixit (AWSA)

KIteboard : 1st Philippe Dartnell (GYA), 2nd Sunil Rajani (GYA), 3rd Derrick Menezes (GYA)

 

Treat yourself to a staycation @ Kenilworth Resort & Spa Goa

Trawl through TripAdvisor and you’ll find five-star ratings and gushing reviews. Not surprising for this five-star hotel, at all. Not too long ago, Kenilworth Resort & Spa Goa seemed to be laying low for some reason. Now it has returned with amped-up energy and an exquisite variety of services.

Located in south Goa on one of the most beautiful beaches in the state, the resort is sprawled across 15 acres and is filled with everything a guest would desire on vacation. One trip is enough to understand why Kenilworth Resort & Spa Goa is perfect for all sorts of day or stay options. 

The resort focuses on great hospitality so staff are well-trained to respond to any needs a guest might have from the minute they step into the property. Lush manicured lawns and equally well-maintained facilities dot the landscape.

Management has divided rooms into five categories – all focusing on its stunning views of the sea, pool and gardens. Even its standard rooms have a full range of amenities and facilities, including premium bedding, complimentary high-speed WiFi and private balconies.

Its suite rooms are large and luxurious, with sweeping views of either the pool or the sea, and styled after the old Portuguese heritage homes. For the full Kenilworth Resort & Spa Goa experience, opt for the Presidential Suite, 87 square metres of absolute luxury and high living. From here, guests can take in the beautiful lawns, the gorgeous blue pool or the calming sea, allowing one to feel close to nature.

While day visits are common, staying at the Kenilworth Resort & Spa Goa is the only way to truly enjoy its entire range of facilities. Its superlative gym is surrounded by lush green lawns giving you the wonderful feeling of exercising outdoors in the comfort of air-conditioned cooling. Certified fitness experts keep you motivated to stay on track even on holiday.

For more family-oriented things to do, the activity centre helps guests choose from its variety of offerings. There’s movie nights for rainy or hot days, art and craft for the creative souls, cooking classes for the gourmet in you, and a toddler’s creche to make vacations easier for parents. You can also get scuba diving or tennis lessons, or stay active on its world-class basketball court, or play outdoor chess and table tennis.

The pampered life is not too far from Kenilworth Resort & Spa Goa. A complete wellness experience through a mix of traditional Ayurveda and international treatments means you can enjoy a truly wholesome holiday. The Sohum Spa menu is filled with options for everything from body wraps and facials to body polishes, reflexology, and other spa treatment packages including a very romantic couple’s massage.

What stands out at the resort, however, is its magnificent pool. At 17,500 square feet, it is one of the largest in Goa where guests enjoy aquazorbing, water slides, water polo and even an open-air jacuzzi. The favourite spot for most guests is usually the Sunken Bar, where they can swim up and enjoy deliciously fresh fruit juices, cocktails and mocktails while relaxing on an underwater bar stool. 

Which brings us to food and beverage. A highlight at Kenilworth Resort & Spa Goa is its exquisite variety of dining options. You can put your feet up and relax or dress up and be fancy, go casual or formal, have a healthy meal or go all out. A ‘staycation’ at the resort is the only way to experience all of these choices before you.

For a taste of the truly traditional, head to Mallika. It’s open only for dinner, so reserve your table early so you can enjoy a culinary tour of India’s vegetarian delicacies. Portofino takes you several thousand miles away to the kitchens of Italian grandmothers, with its aromatic pizzas made in a wood-fired oven, an authentic selection of anti-pasti, risotto and pasta.

The resort’s most popular restaurant during season time is Seahawk. Set on the beach and specialising in Goan and Portuguese cuisine, it exudes a relaxed rustic shack-like feel, but with a classy ambience and décor.

Kenilworth Resort & Spa Goa also has numerous options for a more laid-back dining experience. The Lobby Bar is fuelled by amazing entertainment, a well-stocked wine and spirits cellar, with bartenders ready to conjure up a cocktail or mocktail as you fancy.

Swim and drink at the Sunken Bar, or let your hair down at Liquid Lounge where there’s mesmerising music and an ambience to match. You can grab some quick bites at Aquarius, the resort’s poolside cafe, or head to the Gourmet Shoppe for the most decadent treats and desserts this side of town.

And if you, like me, have the midnight munchies, Kenilworth Resort & Spa’s all-day dining restaurant The Palms will welcome you with open arms. Its 24-hour coffee shop has delicacies from around the world and a tranquil dining experience so you can enjoy some foodie time’ even at 2am!

All of this and more, make Kenilworth Resort & Spa the perfect option for a staycation in Goa.

For more details – http://www.kenilworthhotels.com/goa

The Christmas Spirit at Kenilworth Resort & Spa, Goa

Christmas is one of my favourite times of year. Here in Goa, the festive lights and décor, particularly in hotels, gets me into the swing of things. I was pleasantly surprised to find such a warm spirit at Kenilworth Resort & Spa’s lighting of the Christmas tree, marking the spark of that fuzzy feeling that comes with this season.

Nestled on the beautiful sands of Utorda in South Goa, Kenilworth Resort & Spa got into the Christmas spirit by switching on the glittering lights on its tree to much fanfare. The sounds of carols, old and new, sung by little school students floated through the air bringing smiles to faces and an absolutely nostalgic feeling, particularly to me.

The towering 24-foot tree, festooned with myriad decorations, came alight with a glorious range of colourful lights. Adding to the festivities was Santa Claus to enthral all the excited children milling around him with goodies and sweets. The evening was a time of merriment and scrumptious dining filled with traditional Christmas dishes.

Kenilworth Resort & Spa has an elaborate schedule planned for the coming weeks, to bring exciting times worthy of the season to its guests. Its Christmas Eve Dinner at Aquatica Lawns (December 24) promises special Christmas cocktails and food, an appearance by Santa for the children, and top Goan band Silver Strings and DJ Denzin. It is followed the next day by a lazy Christmas brunch featuring a lavish spread, lucky draw and exciting prizes, all overlooking some gorgeous views.

The most awaited night is December 31, when Kenilworth Resort & Spa hosts its New Year’s Eve Party, this year themed after The Great Gatsby. There’ll be vintage cars, unlimited champagne, titillating music by Pure Magic and DJ Aliston, novelties, fancy cocktails, a scrumptious buffet spread and some of the best fireworks display around.

All through the season, the resort’s Gourmet Shoppe sells authentic Christmas goodies and other sweets to keep your cravings satisfied.