Svatma (Luxury Tanjore Hotel)

Learn from the past, live in the present and create the future befits for our today�s destination. The luxurious boutique hotel with cultural journey that will appeal to any modern day traveler and stand out as a unique destination. Tanjavur, is a city where depth knowledge, passion of architecture and love of art shines through and with an aim to educate guests on the very same art and craft of the region, 'Svatma' (one�s own soul) rewrote the history.

 

Seduced by rare and remarkable newly poured foundation with specific aesthetic taste of 'The Subrahmaniam�s' (Krithika& Sumant) 'Svatma' is a thrilling place for a perfect holiday. The couple, who clearly cared for preservation with their own personal stamp made an accurate interpretation of the original interiors of a century old former grand residence of Carnatic musician Rama Kausalya. 

The entryway is championing fresh and unconventional open concept with 'no reception' approach to steal your heart upon arrival. Heavily influenced by familiar ancient Tamilnadu ethics, the entrance is embellished with characteristic South Indian style pillars.  

Historical Tamil design is represented in antique furniture glut, framed portraits and varied collection of art, furniture and objects with dramatic designs that add the touch of times gone by.  

Traditional color palette is woven throughout giving sophisticated yet relaxed look where guests can indulge in the abundant charm of history. With dramatic designs one can easily get lost in this comfortable retreat for a social chit chat or unwinding after a long day playing tourist in the city. 

The dining room has all the hallmark of history, where old fashioned settings with crisp modernity set the stylish tone. Organic and vegetarian 'Aaharam' is served to please your taste buds.  

Moody bedrooms are layered with vividly patterned �kanjivaram� textiles giving it a fresh and vibrant look. The feel of �Being home� ingredients is peppered with perfect blend of elements that promise relaxation swapping the concrete and chaos of the outside world.  

My flirtation started with �Svatma�the moment I glance at it and I knew that I have to share with you all lovely readers. Lightly traditional and modern accents live in harmony in this �wanna be there soon� kind of a place where feeling of a bit of history is intact. Leaving you dreaming about lolling in the lap of this luxurious hotel. Until we meet again, stay connected, toodles!

(Image Credit: Svatma) 

Lakshman Sagar - A boutique Hotel

As I stay afloat in the midst of spring arrival, one look at Lakshman Sagar is all it takes to be carried away. Get on board with me to tour this quirkiest place bathed in sporadic splashes of color and charmed with old world touches.

 

Feeling of having stepped in another era has been remarkably created using the �ZERO KILOMETRE DESIGN� concept by Sahil and Sarthak Interiors, where all the furniture and accessories are inspired through an understanding of local products and conveniences in this eco-friendly luxury.  Rajasthan, being a craft weighty religion the design inspiration is laid down with an ease. You will be nodding in full agreement with my statement, once you explore this place with me :)

Lakshman Sagar, an environmentally friendly luxury by Sewara group, is excelled by exquisitely ethnic interiors. Scattered on over 32 acres of picturesque village in Raipur, Pali district, Rajasthan Lakshman Sagar is adjacent to Lakshman Sagar lake where centuries old Marwad traditions and eras of time gone by is encapsulated brilliantly.  

Lakshman Sagar�s d�cor approach thrives with an abundance of accessories easily found in the village. The side table here (a �matka�(pot) with few dry hays set on a few wooden branches) is the best example that strikes out the rural living in this mud stamped room.

Psychedelic and bright sitting arrangement is effortlessly mixed by scattering glimpses of local culture and locally found accessories such as terra-cotta pots, brass-copper utensils and hand embroidered cushions.

Zanana (female) and Mardana (male) mahals are detached on this property, which harks back the old times of �Thakurs� where they used to retire and entertain themselves after a busy hunting day in woods. Thakur Lakshman Singh, who possessed the place as a hunting lodge, is now converted into a eco-friendly heritage hotel Lakshman Sagar, which still recaps the know-how of rural life and old world charm. Windy white and blue dining space in Mardana (male) place is dotted with many zarokhas (arches) for overlooking beautiful surroundings of Lakshman Sagar. 

�Farm to fork� principal is applied when you savour yourself in Rajasthani cuisine here in �zanana� (female) dining room which is sprinkled with mild pink theme. Every prepared meal is cooked from freshly home grown spices to home grown vegetables in the village.

Now, who wouldn't want to unwind with a book and a big glass of freshly churned "lassi" to cool down on this beautiful terrace, where the good view is a real plus. 

 

For now, I am going to rain check that thought and wait for actual spring (which is brutally slow) to arrive soon in my part of the world, so we can enjoy heading outdoors again. You stay connected with me as next will be "Holi" post. Until we meet again, toodles!

 

You may read more about this heritage property right here.

Image courtesy: Sahil & Sarthak Interiors

Oriental Splendour (La Sultana Marrakech - Boutique Hotel)

Stepping our feet today at the door step of exclusive, La Sultana, a boutique five star riad supremely located in the very heart of Marrakech, Morocco. Where ancient culture, deep texture and rich colors cohabitate. Unique traditional architecture and authentic riad style property creates a feeling of an exclusive refined decoration.  I was bowled over by the traditional muse with modern touches and hence here I am to take you on a virtual tour with me.

Every square inch here is infused with whimsy and glamour bringing the cheerfulness of Moroccan artistry. The riad is totally empowered with vibrant lively patterns and fine artisanal workmanship.

Silky ethnic fabrics, colorful flirty rugs, carved wood furniture, large antique mirrors and forged metal Moroccan lamps bring these suits alive and engaging.

Strictly limited color palette frames this suite. Traditional intricate Moroccan stool and upholstered plumy velvety chairs pull the scheme together. Handsome giraffe here frames the door smartly, while the large patterned mirror draws your eye towards the fireplace.

Carved cedar wood ceiling, complicatedly carved marble brackets, dark salmon hues on walls with a mix of African accessories scream the traditional riad style d�cor. Loved the rare fusion of style and culture in this suite.

My personal favorite is the bedhead in this elephant suite, bordered by two carved elephant tusks. To unify the punch of pattern, exquisite embroidered quilts and blankets are carefully placed. Vintage styled Moroccan lamp adorning as chandelier adds the soothing and exotic mood in the overall ambience of this suite.

Luxurious pink marbles play a key role in this breathtaking spa. Wall, columns and floors are throwing a bold show here. Charismatic lined up Moroccan light fixtures are well-edited here. I wouldn't mind being treated with Moroccan traditional therapies in this glamorous elegance.

The terrace is bettered by unique lanterns employed perfectly for stunning evening effect. Dinner at this striking terrace over looking the old town with skyline will be the perfect end of the day after all the pampering. 

To see more of this unique and timeless "La Sultana" you can visit right here. Signing off today, but until we meet again, stay connected, toodles!

Image courtesy: La Sultana Hotels