Apurva Saxena

Phuket Patong Beach: Complete Review

June 12, 2022

Phuket is divided into two moods. South Phuket, is all about crystal beaches, relaxed luxury resorts, and serenity for miles. The other mood of Phuket is the central city, which is where the city comes to life at night. It has everything from seafood cafes to boutique fine-dining restaurants, beach picnics to the walking street, and international malls to flea markets! So if you wish to explore the latter mood of Phuket, it is ideal to book a stay in the central part of Phuket only. This way, you don’t get to rely on the Tuk Tuks or any other public transport for the to & fro and a simple walk around is enough to explore the nightlife of Phuket’s main city area. I feel the best area to stay in has to be the Patong Beach stretch, where all the high points of their nightlife are a stone’s throw away. My stay at Phuket Patong Beach was such an exciting experience. From a roof-top bar, multi-level swimming pool facilities, and spacious rooms to fine-dining restaurants, it had it all! I guess you need a bit more details for me to justify how brilliant of a stay option this is, for people who are looking at partying all night long in Phuket. PHUKET PATONG BEACH The hotel is situated right across from Patong Beach. It is a palatial hotel with 384 contemporary-style guestrooms. I will say that the highlights of this resort are its multi-floor swimming pools and its rooftop bar with a 360 panoramic view of Phuket island. The property also has a Thai spa with highly skilled staff, a fully-equipped fitness centre, an entire area called Kid’s World which has an amusement and recreational activity zone area that would tempt even the adults, two restaurants, and five bars …

Uncategorized

Indian Fashion Trends That Made History

August 15, 2015

Happy Independence Day to all my ‘Desi Swaggers’! Hope you’ve all had an inspiring start of the day with a power packed speech by Mr. Modi over a cup of your hot Darjeeling Tea. The history of our country’s Independence is truly remarkable. Although we can never analyse the depth of struggle that our heroes put into giving us a free world that we live in now, such notable days are still worthy of paying tribute to our heroes and remembering them for their work and sacrifices. Their are several ways in which Indians celebrate the Independence Day. While some opt to fill their social media feeds with inspiring posts, few celebrate the day by watching historic movies over a palette of Indian cuisines; and then their are some who put up their best ethnic avatar to add on to the celebrations. Everything tangerine, green and white is their motto. Well, I too have been shuffling through my wardrobe, trying to pick the right trio coloured #ootd for the day. But don’t you think the same trio style every independence day has become a bit mundane? Well, for those who are feeling patriotic and are looking at adopting it to their personal style, how about a throwback to our Indian history and the styles of our great heroes? Fashion is a piece of art that too strives on inspiration that can float in from almost anywhere. On the occasion of India’s 69th Independence Day, presenting to you a list of some remarkable trends that were sworn in as a signature by our great Indian Heroes. Take a look! THE GANDHIAN GLASSES The father of our nation was known for his khadi drapes, a walking stick in hand, kolhapuri flat chappals and his famous round reading glasses. The simplicity of these wired frames were soon taken over …

Staycations

Vlog Room Makeover – Nerolac Impressions

August 13, 2015

There are so many things that go into building up a strong content. Minute details leave in a greater impact on the overall perspective. Confused? Let me put it down in a blogger’s verbals. Been having an itch to start up my own vlog for a very long time, I just couldn’t settle down with making videos because of one major issue – the set up. I thought investing in the right light and camera will do the trick, but it is much more to a video that one can anticipate. The background or video making set up is equally important in this video making business. Although I have two floors in my house, but couldn’t settle down with any corner of the house for video making purposes. Most of the walls in my house are cramped with décor or household utilities like Almirah, study table, etc. Even my own room has not even a single wall empty for the purpose. One of the living rooms of my house is less utilized, since my grandmom stays there; but is spacious enough to pan out videos and other photo features. Having found the right location to shoot (finally) I was still stuck with one issue – dull looking non-appealing walls! Decorated with antique woody furniture and un-justified curtain sets, I was not happy with having such a set up as my video background. Well, where there is a will there is a way! India’s top wall paint and décor brand ‘Nerolac Impressions’ in association with Blogadda took in the responsibility of painting my living room bright to serve the purposes. And thus began a 2 weeks assignment of giving the dull looking living room a makeover. Unstoppable by Delhi monsoon, the entire team of Nerolac was spot on with their services …

Staycations

Green Heroes – Welspun Renewables Initiative

August 12, 2015

It really is not news that the amount of environmental degradation taking place is just growing day by day. Even though our government has taken steps to curb this degradation, it really doesn’t seem to be having the necessary effect. But it does not mean that nothing can be done. A random act of kindness (towards mother earth) could really help turn back the clock and return our beloved earth to its former glory. At the end of the day, we are the ones responsible for the sorry state of our planet, and we are the only ones who can truly help. And we need to start now. Little things like: Not throwing garbage on the road, whether it be while travelling to another place or even near your own house, one can ensure that the surroundings remain clean and hygienic. Carpooling or using public transport will help in reducing the amount of pollution caused by vehicles as there would be lesser cars/bikes/scooters on the road and not to mention that you’d definitely be saving bucks on the petrol. Also opting for organic, eco-friendly and cruelty free beauty products would ensure you retain your glow without hurting the very essence of our existence. There are a lot of brands in the market which are actively campaigning for the environment, and such brands should definitely be promoted. I know we tend to get lazy at times, but following the proper disposal method for bottles and packets would also have a positive impact on the environment. A proper education to self and youngsters that we live with on the knowledge of types of disposal bags is a must. We all need to adapt the green, blue and black disposal bags system to ensure a smoother and more organized dumping of waste and …

Indian Tourism

Quan Spa – JW Marriott, Delhi Review

August 11, 2015

There was a time when Delhi had a few selective spa salons. But over the years this western version of a massage has found it’s way into our metro cities as a full flourished business. Every defined region of Delhi has at least one spa standing, which is kinda convenient for the daily churners who like to avoid travelling; but how many of them actually stand by the hygiene and excellency terms that a spa requires? I have had good experience at spas and have had never-going-back kinda nightmares at some spa setups too. Although, their are a few spa abodes in the city that are not only at par with the standards of a successful spa, but are also a niche above the rest in the luxury department. One such spa of excellence and luxury is the Quan Spa at JW Marriott, Aerocity – New Delhi. I was recently invited to experience their hospitality and also try out their ‘Monsoon Special’ Spa rituals. I warded off the #MondayBlues by opting to get a spa therapy at this exquisite spa. On arrival at the grand JW Marriott Aerocity, I met Mr. Nikhil from their marketing department, who guided me on to the 2nd floor which is reserved for Quan Spa. The moment the elevator gates opened, I got a whiff of soothing lemon grass and a vague melody of relaxing music with dimmed out lights and a very unwinding environment. Boy! I was in spa heaven. Pools of rose petals welcomed me to the reception area where I was seated for my appointment. The receptionist discussed which monsoon spa ritual will work best for me and asked me to fill out their acquaintance form which helps the masseuse understand pressure points and problem areas to be focused on. Since I …

Staycations

#SayThanks To The World with Hindustan Times

August 8, 2015

It’s not how hard we work that makes us a better person, it’s how much we give back to the people in our lives that defines our goodwill. ‘Thank You’ are two magical words that can bring a smile to any person’s face or can even make one forget stress of the whole day. Hindustan Times is a known media house of the country and now they are campaigning for the promotion of a positive lifestyle and a gesture to thank their loyal readers. We strive to stay positive on a daily basis. The wish for the day is always to have a happy one, but the goal gets diluted in following up the mundane churn of life instead. It is said that your first few steps in the morning are responsible for setting up your mood for the day. For most of the people, their day begins with a cup of hot drink and the news feed from their local newspapers. Good and bad, the printed parchment volumes include news that moves us and shocks us. Agree, the life has become more complicated than ever, but it hasn’t become difficult to not put a smile on our faces. “What you give the world is what you receive.” This age old quote of living up life and treating everyone nicely is indeed true! Small gestures of goodwill put in a long lasting impact on your positive being and of those around you. One such small gesture is saying ‘Thank you’ to the people whose lives are woven with yours. A simple thank you to the people who are a part of your daily life brings in a positive change for all. #SayThanks to your Mom A mother’s love is unconditional. It’s like a special mother-child bond that lasts for the …

Staycations

Barbeque Nation Worli, Mumbai – Food Review

August 3, 2015

Barbeque Nation is the place for all the tandoori fans who love there smoked succulent meat with a glass of wine or beer. This place offers an array of flavours on a single palette. The buffet only restaurant is family oriented and is an equally happening hangout place for youngsters too! As the name suggests, the restaurant offers some engaging BBQ items, right on your table. With their specially designed tables to hold up a BBQ grill right in the middle, it becomes fun to hold up your favourite skewers of chunky meat/vegetables, laced with wholesome marination and grill it just the way you like it; on the red hot charcoal pit. The BBQ also comes with some extra marination flavours like black pepper, lemon and Japanese dip. For the starters, barbeque nation serves a variety of Indian kebabs (Veg and Non-veg) and sea food. Chicken Kalmi Raan was our personal favourite along with Gulabi Mutton seekh kebab. The meat was well cooked and succulent and a bit tangy and spicy which satiated our taste buds. Fish Jhangri and Coastal BBQ prawns were quite tempting too! We also recommend vegetarians to miss the traditional Paneer Tikkas and try out their grilled vegetables and Cajun Spiced baby Potato skews. Most of the Barbeque Nation outlets in India offer cocktails and heavy alcoholic drinks. The bar serves refreshing cocktail and mocktail recipes that balance perfectly with their buffet offering. To curb our rich platter, we opted for their signature Jal Jeera Mojito, which is a must try for its digestive goodness. Post a delectable start with BBQ on the table, The Barbeque Nation offered a wide variety of the main course items, which were self-served. While some of the their signature dishes remain the same throughout the week ,there are few add-ons and menu changes …

Himalaya Herbals Hair Care Range Review

July 30, 2015

The beauty of women might lie in her eyes, but it is her beautiful tresses that woo a man away. So much so, that our very own Bollywood has been writing song odes to the magic of wide flowing hair. But the picture looks more like a drama than a real life segment because nobody’s got smooth silky hair, say what?! Truth be told, it is a task in today’s time to take care of a healthy hair care regime. Forget the styling part, but the basic requirement of keeping the hair in the best condition possible is no less than going to war. From dryness, flakiness, dehydration, hair fall, dandruff, oily scalp, split ends to the rigorous prayers of growing hair longer than the deadline is no less than a nightmare. Top it all with the evil eyes of commercial hair (not so) care brands that promise fighting for you, while in reality they are the chemical gods in disguise hiding the multiple after effects of curing one problem. Imagine applying a serum/shampoo to ward off dandruff, which actually ends up drying your scalp off to the extent that the pores become dehydrated, resulting in dull and weak hair strands. In our desi world of Ayurveda and centuries old ritual of applying organic formulas to cure almost any bodily problem, there are certain brands that are still following the norms. Scientifically proven, most of the organic bases are harmless to our body and their results are long lasting as opposed to the chemical treatments that come with an expiry date. Himalaya Herbals is one such Indian brand that is not only convincingly priced, but their ever evoluting products too are quite promising. Been following their products since a long time now, I have seen their products and ranges developing …

Awadh Food Festival – Indyaki Food Review

July 28, 2015

Food is the identity of each region that landmarks this globe. Be it a small mud-abode accumulation of villagers or a full blown metro city; their are certain flavours of that particular land that differentiates from the other imported delicacies that are prepared. Derived from the local produce of particular regions, these delicacies are a kind of trophy that the residents proudly boost about. India too is defined by such cuisines, that are locals of a particular region. Be it the ingredients used, the preparation technique or even the moisture in the air; achieving the exact flavours is a delicate affair, when prepared in a foreign land. In this modern world where import-export has become a daily wager, it is no biggie to find cuisines of far of lands being prepared and served with utmost excellence, almost anywhere and everywhere. But like I said earlier, it is very hard to brush up the exact flavours that are authentic of that particular dish or cuisine. And given the immense amount of spices that we are now able to purchase effortlessly, the actual taste of a dish can be altered with and prepared in the easiest way we like. One such celebrated cuisines of India comes from the land of the Nawabs – Awadh (Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh). Not to be mistaken as a ‘Mughal cuisine’, Awadhi food is largely influenced by the Kashmir, Punjab, Hyderabad and Central Asian cooking techniques. Quoted as the food for the royals, Awadhi food is rich in spices and specializes in both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. From Kebabs, Biryanis, Sheermal or the Indian breads like Roomali rotis and Warqi Parathas; Awadhi food is a paradise for non-vegetarian (lamb & chicken meat) lovers. Also, Awadhi Bawarchis (chef) and Rakabdars (Gourmet Cooks) were the ones who introduced ‘dum style of cooking’ …

Staycations

Indigo Deli 10th Anniversary Special Menu Review

July 20, 2015

In this world of hospitality and restaurant market, it indeed is a nerve-wrecking competition to secure a place and maintain it on a longer run. As my parents picture the days gone by, in the older days it was indeed a rare treat to plan out a restaurant get together and shell out a month’s savings to savour the delicacies and live up the luxurious ambience. But in this uptight corridor of pleasing the masses, every large and small city (even countryside towns) of the world now have restaurant chains and hoteliers dishing out cuisines of the globe. Sure, producing some eclectic platters is the current hot-seller in this market, but their are certain flavours of a house that have helped them stretch out as one of the best in business, over decades. One such chain of food & beverages recently celebrated its 10th Anniversary. Woah! Called ‘Indigo Deli’, the restaurant chain is spread across Mumbai and Delhi. A part of deGustibus Hospitality, Indigo Delicatessen is not only famous for its array of gourmet style food platters, but also for its in-house range of bakery produces. Also excelling in fine gastronomy, Indigo Deli serves mouth watering nibblers, continental main courses and a divine range of in-house ice creams and other sweet-tooth servings. Did I mention that they are located in one of the best city view lands of Delhi and Mumbai? The one where I reviewed their platters was at Ambiance Mall, Vasant Kunj. Go for a romantic table for two with a view of the city or plan out a bottoms-up eve or brunch with girlies at their roof-top set up! If all this was not enough, they introduced a whole new range of delicacies to mark their 10th anniversary. Burgers were their main attraction, but being a foodie looking …