Going Full-Circle
Travel+Leisure India|January 2018

A new year can bring with it, the desire to make some personal adjustments, ‘resolutions’ if you will. In a break from his norm, Simon Clays visits a swanky new hilton welness resort only to fall in love with his Alterego.

Simon Clays
Going Full-Circle

‘CIRCLES!’ PROCLAIMS A BALDING GUY IN A MUSTARD JUMPER SEATED NEXT TO ME.

“Circles,” he repeats, like it’s some mystical, Vedic insight into air transportation in 21st century India.

“Small airports, big circles. See?”

He points out of the window and, as if to reassert his witchcraft, the plane banks hard, carving deep scars into the pink of a cotton-bud morning. Actually, it’s more of a semi-circle, but I take his point. Beneath us, Pune yawns as we straighten up for the final run in to the airport.

On the ground, as I walk across bleached concrete towards the Fisher Price terminal building, half my flight’s passengers plod offalong the runway fringe to board the only other plane in sight, things are just as sleepy. I wonder how such a chocolate box airport can handle a city on such a surge. After all, this is where Mumbai heads for its break from concrete congestion, where whisky bravado hatches pie in the sky condominium plans for that weekend holiday home. It’s where Mumbai comes to flirt with Mother Nature.

Pune herself is brief. Like a Bollywood debutante, wide-eyed and yet to go through finishing school. Hints of her kohl eyes wink at you from the side roads; promises of craft beer, late nights, and tantalising morsels from all corners of the globe. Yet her neon seduction is naïve, sweet over sexy, a concubine eager to please, but with none of the guile of wily Madame Mumbai.

Soon her fragrance has all but left and I’m arrowing out of her grasp and starting the stunning, Instagram friendly climb into the heady oranges and greens of the Western Ghats, and to my final destination, The Hilton Shillim Estate Retreat and Spa.

Bu hikaye Travel+Leisure India dergisinin January 2018 sayısından alınmıştır.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

Bu hikaye Travel+Leisure India dergisinin January 2018 sayısından alınmıştır.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

TRAVEL+LEISURE INDIA DERGISINDEN DAHA FAZLA HIKAYETümünü görüntüle
Retro: Timeless & Trending
Travel+Leisure India

Retro: Timeless & Trending

As AI dominates the tech world, Nikhil Chawla introduces devices and apps that evoke nostalgia with their retro charm and timeless appeal.

time-read
2 dak  |
October 2024
Celebrating Timeless Austin
Travel+Leisure India

Celebrating Timeless Austin

Austin is a melting pot of culture and style, and a personification of the great American lifestyle,

time-read
5 dak  |
October 2024
A Legacy of Art and Activism
Travel+Leisure India

A Legacy of Art and Activism

Mallika Sarabhai reflects on her rich heritage as she discusses her unique approach to blending tradition with modernity, the power of arts in activism and her commitment to bringing about social change, in this conversation with Dipali Patwa.

time-read
4 dak  |
October 2024
Second Course
Travel+Leisure India

Second Course

Noma chef René Redezpi found fame with ingredient-focused fine dining. His new TV show goes even further.

time-read
2 dak  |
October 2024
The Safari Sanctuary
Travel+Leisure India

The Safari Sanctuary

Aamaghati Wildlife Resort, Ranthambore’s latest opening, offers the finest facilities and accommodation in the district and has the park embedded deep inside its soul.

time-read
3 dak  |
October 2024
THE ETERNAL FLAVOURS of our TIMELESS CLASSICS
Travel+Leisure India

THE ETERNAL FLAVOURS of our TIMELESS CLASSICS

India's most-loved restaurants have all stood the test of time, especially in an era when food ventures open with vast market research and modern aesthetics but fail to make a lasting impression. This is what makes our favourites timeless.

time-read
6 dak  |
October 2024
LATE CHECK OUT WITH Ayushmann Churrana
Travel+Leisure India

LATE CHECK OUT WITH Ayushmann Churrana

A film with a social message, a deeply inspiring couplet, a music tour that lets him explore his alter ego of sorts—what makes Ayushmann Khurrana the right fit in everything he chooses to do?

time-read
4 dak  |
October 2024
Luxury Legacy
Travel+Leisure India

Luxury Legacy

Meet Tikka Shatrujit Singh, the visionary who paved the way for luxury brands to thrive in India. One of the most iconic figures in India's fashion and luxury industry, the former head representative of LVMH in Asia tells Samreen Tungekar about his journey, what today's consumer wants, and how Indian tourism can turn the world on its head.

time-read
4 dak  |
October 2024
Global Glamour
Travel+Leisure India

Global Glamour

Attention shopaholics, we've got you covered! From Copenhagen to Cape Town, Marrakech to Melbourne, here are 20 cities across the world where you can indulge in retail therapy. Follow our guide to get your hands on traditional, bespoke, sustainable, slow fashion, and innovative, kitschy must-haves.

time-read
10 dak  |
October 2024
ARTISTIC INGENUITY MEETS ARCHITECTURAL SPLENDOUR
Travel+Leisure India

ARTISTIC INGENUITY MEETS ARCHITECTURAL SPLENDOUR

Architect Simran Boparai's skilled designs blend modernity with heritage, while striving for spatial excellence.

time-read
1 min  |
October 2024