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Kerala - Human By Nature, Kerala Tourism, Indian Travel Blogger

Kerala – Human By Nature

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Kerala – Human By Nature

Hi guys,

I visited Kerala last year and it was one of my most special travel trips, it’s a place I can never forget. Although I had only 6 days and I divided it between Munnar and Varkala, there is so much more I wanted to see and experience and would definitely be going back again soon!

Munnar

Kerala, popularly known as God’s Own Country had evolved a way of life that is distinct from the rest of the country – a way of life that expresses a fascinating interplay of nature and humanity across the most diverse terrains one could imagine – all in a tiny green land. Here every human act is a way of connecting with everything in nature around them. Whether it’s the vast stretch of tea estates or taking a shower in the river with the elephants or spending a night in a house boat in the beautiful back waters, you would be one with nature everywhere in Kerala.

If you have been to Kerala, I am sure you will vouch for the amazing people of Kerala. They are so friendly, warm and helpful, they will go out of their way to help you. Different religions, different ideologies, different cultures or different food habits, they still mesh together and co-habit peacefully. And not only just humans, they co-habit with the nature and animals as well.

Humanity interconnected with nature is a way of life in Kerala that also drew from its history of trade and seafaring that led to it being a melting pot where the most diverse ideologies, faiths and cultures co-existed like no other place.

This video, Human By Nature, is drawn from real stories of the land. It is an ode to the people of Kerala whose everyday lives are, in a way, epic in scale. It emerged from continual conversations with travellers to Kerala, who over the years spoke of a fascinating human’scape’, beyond the stunning landscapes.

The vast, beautiful, lush green tea gardens at Munnar or the stunning sunsets at the beaches of Varkala, I just couldn’t have enough of Kerala and I wished to stay longer.

Varkala Beach

The food of Kerala is equally amazing, although I am a vegetarian there were so many new dishes to try. I tried Ela Ada, Idiyappam, Puttu, so many things for the first time in Kerala and absolutely loved them. I love to try and experience the local food, local culture whenever I am travelling and Kerala did not disappoint in the food aspect as well.

The culture of Kerala is a fusion of Aryan and Dravidian cultures, advanced and mixed for centuries, under inspirations from other parts of India and abroad. It is well-defined by its antiquity, relic and the organic continuity sustained by the Malayali people. Any time you visit Kerala, most likely there will be at least one local festival you can experience. Kerala trace its non-prehistoric cultural genesis to its membership (around the AD 3rd century) in a vaguely defined historical region known as Thamizhagom — a land defined by a common Tamil culture and encompassing the Chera, Chola, and Pandya kingdoms. Kerala has an opulent cultural heritage with its diverse ethos is influenced by three main religions of Hinduism, Christianity and Islam. Exquisite sculptures, music and dance forms can be seen in the historic growth of Kerala’s cultural traditions. Trissur Pooram, The traditions of Kathakali and Mohiniattam are highly developed art forms that have established from their folk origins into highly evolved classical dance forms.

Varkala Beach

We also got to watch the traditional martial art form of Kerala, Kalaripayattu and it was mind blowing. Kathakali show was also on my list but the timings didn’t match unfortunately. But I have so much more to experience in Kerala, that I am definitely going back. Alleppey, Wayanad, Kumarakom, so many places, honestly you need 15-20 days to experience Kerala.

Munnar

From the wildlife, to the nature, the mountains, the beaches, the people, Kerala is so warm and lovely and one of those places you can never forget once you visit and would want to revisit again and again.

See my previous post on Kerala HERE for more places to visit and things to do in Kerala.

Have you been to Kerala? Which is your favourite place? If not, which place is on your wishlist? Let me know your experience in the comments below.

P.S.: Sponsored post by Kerala Tourism

Qatar Travel Experience: Qatar Airways QSuite, Places to Visit | Where to Eat

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Qatar Travel Experience: Qatar Airways QSuite, Places to Visit | Where to Eat

Hi guys,

I was in Qatar in March with Qatar Airways and it was majorly for the Qatar International Food Festival. We covered all the major places in Qatar and ate some amazing food, all types of cuisines, at the best restaurants in Qatar. I have tried to include everything from my 5 day trip in this 31 minute vlog.

I got to experience the Qatar Airways Qsuite Business Class service and it was just amazing. I didn’t even feel I was on a flight and I slept so comfortably. The space is so well designed and well utilized. If you are travelling in 2 or 4, you can pull down the cabin separator and have the whole area to yourself. The quad is absolutely perfect for a family of 4. Food and service again absolutely amazing, the whole range of entertainment options, sound quality, each and every thing and every minute detail was absolutely perfect. You cannot find a single reason to be unsatisfied with the QSuite.

They have Al Maha services at Doha/Hamad International Airport and you need to book it online in advance. A person will escort you to their separate lounge as soon as you land. They will get your luggage while you have your breakfast or relax at the lounge, they also have a separate immigration for the lounge, so no standing in queues. Basically everything is done pretty quick and you don’t have to practically do anything. I loved the Al Maha services! More airports should have such similar services.

I was staying at Intercontinental in Doha, which is a stunning property with a private beach. The staff was so warm and helpful, and though I only got a chance to have breakfast there once or twice, they were kind enough to make me eggless breads and pancakes. Overall experience at Intercontinental was really good!

On Day 1, we went to Argan Restaurant at Souq Waqif and covered some museums. In the evening, we covered Corniche and Katara Cultural Village. Corniche is absolutely stunning and I can practically sit there for hours and just look at the view. You can see entire Doha skyline from there. Katara Cultural Village is also beautiful and the evening sky looked magical there. It is inspired by the Roman architecture.

For dinner, we went to Riyasat at St.Regis Doha. We had an elaborate Indian meal prepared by Chef Jolly who was also a part of the Qatar International Food Festival this time.

On Day 2, we first went to Qatarat Agricultural Development Co. (QADCo.). It’s basically like a farm which produces tonnes and tonnes of fruits and vegetables and supply to major Qatar companies, markets, even Qatar Airways. They create conducive environment for the fruits and vegetables to grow because Qatar is basically a desert, so the whole process of converting desert to making fertile land is intriguing. We had some yummy breakfast there and they also gifted us some veggies and honey from the farm.

They also have horse stables and we saw how the horses take a bath, exercise, most take part in racing and they were very strong and active horses.

Next stop was Fire Station Exhibit and it was so beautiful. Anyone can submit their art creations with it’s meaning and they will display it at the Exhibit. Some of them had so much thought going, and were created by 15-16 year olds.

We had lunch at Al Terrace at Souq Waqif and in the evening was the opening ceremony of QIFF 2019. We had dinner at Morimoto, Mondrian Doha and even met Chef Morimoto himself. I was not very excited about Japanese food as I am a vegetarian but I had the best veg sushi, tempura, grilled veggies there and the desserts were out of the world! I love Mochi <3

On Day 3, we had breakfast at the Helipad of Shangri-La Doha and trust me, the view was the best ever! It was an amazing experience and I am sure, the evenings there would be magical.

Then we went for Supreme Legacy 2022 which is a road map to 2022 FIFA World Cup, being held in Qatar. They are changing Qatar 360 for that and so much infrastructure and work is going on, on a daily. From 7 huge stadiums to metros, they are working at an amazing speed. Each stadium has some significance, a specific shape and dedicated to something which is a part of Qatar or their culture.

Then we went to Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) followed by the best meal I had in Qatar. We went to Em Sherif at Sheraton Grand in Doha and the meal was fit for royalty. We were served everything on the menu and the table looked unbelievable. The mirror table, cutlery, decor, chair, view, colours, everything at Em Sherif was just too stunning and beautiful. 80% of their dishes were vegetarian and I had the best vegetarian Lebanese experience at Em Sherif. The flavours in every dish were so good, it was like a blast of flavours in every bite.

In the evening, we went to The Pearl and trust me when I say this, it was prettier than Venice! It’s like a pastel dream come true. The buildings, the canals, the lights, it was all so pinterest-y. The Pearl had all the designer brands possible and the evenings again looked magical and beautiful to just sit there and have a cup of coffee and admire it.

We had dinner at La Mar at our hotel Intercontinental itself, it was Peruvian cuisine. Two of us in our group were vegetarian and though we did try 2-3 dishes, we were so full and satisfied with our afternoon Em Sherif lunch, that we didn’t try much 😀 We were pretty happy and content with Em Sherif, I believe it’s at two other places in UAE and if you ever go to a place with Em Sherif around, you have to try it out!!

On Day 4, we went for Desert Safari at Messaied Sand Dunes and we also saw the Inland Sea/Khor Al Adaid, which connect the desert to the sea and is only one of the 3 places in the world. It also shares borders with Saudi Arabia across.

We went for lunch at Al Mourjan Restaurant, loved the desserts and Karak (tea) there. In the evening, we attended the AR Rahman Concert at Khalifa Stadium. It was amazing, the whole team was so good. The stadium was lit up with phone torches during the finale 2-3 songs, magical.

On Day 5 which was our final day, we only went to Zekreet as we had our flight back in the evening. We saw the UNESCO Reserve, Richard Serra’s East West-West East, Film City and Mushroom Rock. We also spotted Oryx and Ostrich there.

And then it was time to head back and pack. Qatar was such a wonderful experience and I thoroughly enjoyed those 5 days. A big thank you to Qatar Airways for this memorable trip, I will always cherish it.

 

My Sharjah Experience: Al Noor Island, Rain Room, Mleiha, Sharjah Light Festival

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My Sharjah Experience: Al Noor Island, Rain Room, Mleiha, Sharjah Light Festival

Hey guys,

If you follow me on Instagram, you know I was in Sharjah in February for 5 days for the 9th Annual Sharjah Light Festival.

We covered so many places in 5 days and also 3 evenings were dedicated to the Sharjah Light Festival where different city landmarks were lit up with the light shows created by an array of international artists. And the Grand Finale was amazing, the fireworks were spectacular.

Sharjah is UAE’s cultural capital and rightly so with some of the best museums and art galleries in the country.

Let me start with my day by day experience..

Day 1:

We checked in to the Sharjah Sheraton Beach Resort, and after resting for a while and catching a bit of sleep, we headed to Mleiha. First we were given a guided tour of the Mleiha Archaelogical Centre and Indoor Museum. We learned some interesting facts about how people formed a society, how migrants from Africa came to Gulf through Mleiha and saw some preserved tools and weapons used by people in those days.

We then did buggy bashing and dune bashing which was a lot of fun, and stopped for a few pictures in the middle. Finally we headed to the last destination for the day, Mleiha Overnight Camps where we had barbeque dinner, did some star gazing (saw a piece of meteorite as old as the Earth!) and slept in tents. I have never done camping, that too in a desert, so it was kind of an interesting experience and I did enjoy it.

Day 2:

We had breakfast at the Mleiha camps and saw the most beautiful sunrise at 5.52 am. I have not seen many sunrises in my life as I am not a morning person, and this was the most beautiful sunrise I have ever seen!

Later we came back to the hotel and after freshening up, we left for Rain Room. Rain Room was one of my favourite experiences in Sharjah. You walk through continuous downpour of rain, without getting wet! Yes! How you ask? There are sensors which detect your presence and the water stops pouring in that area. But you have to walk slow and alone, keeping distance from others, for the sensors to work.

Post the amazing Rain Room experience, we went to Souq Al Arsah in the Heart of Sharjah where we met Fatima and her colleague. They served us Gahwa (Arabic Coffee) which is their welcome drink and dates. Gahwa doesn’t have sugar and hence they drink it with a date, so it balances the bitterness from the coffee. They also explained and taught a bit about the culture and hospitality, how a glass is shaken if you don’t need more gahwa and how they eat dates in odd numbers always (it is said to balance the insulin in the body). We then headed to the Sharjah Heritage Museum which was also a part of Heart of Sharjah.

For lunch, we went to Al Bait which is Sharjah’s first luxury resort and is a part of the Leading Hotels of the World. Al Bait is a part of Emirati Conservation Project and the entire resort is made up of heritage buildings that are more than a century old. The lunch there was amazing and the entire experience was pure luxury.

By evening we came to Al Noor Island which had the most beautiful view and again one of my favourite experiences in Sharjah because it had butterfly house 😀 We played with the butterflies and clicked some pictures with them.

Then we headed to our first day of Sharjah Light Festival. We covered American University of Sharjah, Sharjah Police Academy & University City Hall. We had dinner at Sutis at Al Majaz Waterfront and it was one of the best Lebanese in Sharjah.

Day 3:

We left for lunch at the Shooting Club and also tried our hands at archery there. Shooting was the original plan but there was some technical issue, hence we tried archery.

Later we went to Kalba Birds of Prey center and Al Hefaiyah Mountain Conservation Center where we saw some rare and interesting species of birds, reptiles and animals.

In the evening, we reached our Sharjah Light Festival locations Khorfakkan Municipality, Municipal Council and Town Planning Department.

We had dinner at Fatima’s house, her house was stunning and every corner was so pretty. We even tried some traditional outfits and jewellery.

Day 4:

On Day 4, we went to the Sharjah Islamic Museum and the Sharjah Aquarium. We had lunch at Jones The Grocer which was my favourite meal in Sharjah! Everything we ordered was so fresh and full of flavours, and the desserts were mind blowing.

Then we went to Al Jubail Market and bought some Medjool dates. It was a like an air conditioned vegetable market, and had everything you would need. The variety of dates here is amazing, and the prices are really good plus the quality. I highly recommend shopping for dates in Sharjah, I regret not getting more.

We also went to Irani market and bought some Oud perfumes. This was the final day of the Sharjah Light Festival and we went to Al Qasba and Al Noor Mosque. Then we headed for the Closing Ceremony and Gala Dinner at the Al Majaz Waterfront. The lights, music, laser shows, fire crackers, it was a beautiful closing ceremony!

Day 5:

Day 5 was our last day in Sharjah. We went to Kingfisher Lodge for lunch, it’s a beautiful property and the chef was Indian, so we finally had Indian food on our last day and it was pretty good. We were supposed to do Kayaking but it was raining that day, hence we couldn’t. But we did tour the property and the luxury lodges were beautiful, definitely wish to stay there once.

We went to Sahara Shopping Centre for some shopping and then finally headed to the airport.

It was quite a different and unique experience, and I loved being a part of it. A big thank you to Visit Sharjah for having me, it was quite a memorable trip.

I am glad I could capture it all for you guys through this vlog. The total footage was of 80-82 mins, and I have cut it short to 40 mins. I know it’s a long vlog, but I wanted to show everything and I didn’t want to make two parts of it and cut the flow. Also all my Instagram stories from the trip are under the ‘Sharjah’ highlights.

I hope you enjoy this blog and the vlog, do let me know your favourite part in the comments down below or any questions/doubts related to Sharjah.

Places to Visit and Things to Do in Dubai

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Places to Visit and Things to Do in Dubai

Hi guys,

Dubai is one of the easiest and closest destination to travel, from India, which is a perfect mix of shopping and beautiful experiences.

It’s been a long time I had been to Dubai and I believe a lot of new places/experiences have come up in the last 4-5 years. So I thought of putting together a list of places I have personally visited and which are on my wishlist for my next Dubai trip..

Dubai Desert Safari

1. Desert Safari

Dubai Desert Safari is a whole one day experience with 4×4 dune bashing, ATV rides, camel rides, barbeque dinner and lights shows/belly dancing. It is one of the major tourist attractions and an experience worth having.

2. Burj Khalifa

Burj Khalifa
At The Top Burj Khalifa

Burj Khalifa at 828m is the tallest man-made structure in the world. It is one of the most prominent attractions of the Middle East. The view from At the Top Burj Khalifa i.e. 124th floor is mind blowing. You can pretty much see the whole of Dubai from the top.

3. Dubai Mall/Mall of Emirates

Dubai Mall has the famous Dubai Aquarium and a lot of other entertainment options like ice skating rink, gaming zone, etc. apart from every brand in the world for shopping. It’s huge and is the second largest shopping mall in the world. Mall of Emirates on the other hand has Dubai Ski, apart from the amazing restaurants and of course shopping.

4. Dragon Mart

Dragon Mart is 1km long with 4000+ stores selling Chinese products. If you like shopping on a budget, you should definitely visit Dragon Mart

5. Miracle Garden

If you love nature, flowers and greenery, then Dubai Miracle Garden should definitely be on your list. It is the biggest natural flower garden in Dubai and the vivid colours are just beautiful to look at.

6. The Frame

Dubai Frame is the biggest architectural landmark in Dubai and is known as the biggest picture frame on the planet. It is 150m high and 93m wide. The observation deck on top gives you a complete view of the old and new Dubai, The whole frame lights up at night and is a beautiful sight

7. Palm Jumeirah

The tree-shaped man-made Palm Island, has everything from luxury hotels to a water park to shopping malls and beach clubs. It is surely a must visit, when in Dubai.

8. Dubai Dolphinarium

It is located near Creekside Park in Dubai and who doesn’t love dolphins. They have a 45 mins dolphin show which is not to be missed!

9. Dubai Gold Souqs

How much gold is too much gold. A visit to the Dubai Gold Souq will blow your mind. Clothes and complete body ornaments made of gold, you will get every jewellery piece in gold here. Whether you need to buy gold or just window shop, the Gold Souq is worth a visit.

Apart from these, if you are travelling between November and March, you should definitely check out Global Village.

Have you been to Dubai? Which is your favourite place/experience?

P.S.: Burj Khalifa pic from tiqets.com

How To Book The Cheapest Flights Possible | Flight Booking Hacks

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How to Book the Cheapest Flights Possible | Flight Booking Hacks?

Hi guys,

When it comes to travel, flight cost forms a substantial part of the overall cost, especially in case of international destinations. Here are some tips and tricks we use to get the cheapest flights or the best possible rates.

1. Where to book

Now there are different operators when it comes to flights booking. Check different websites and compare prices, including the airlines’ own website. You can also try flight search engines, but they usually add their own margin too. So, it’s better to compare and not book the first option you see.

2. Hide your search

Always search for flights in incognito or private browsing mode, and a new incognito window for each flight search. Based on the cookies of your browser, repeated search for a flight route will show you increased prices to scare you into booking the flight asap.

3. Find the cheapest day to fly

If you don’t have a time constraint and don’t mind one day before/after, always check the monthly calendar at the start which shows flight rates for each day. Sometimes it’s Sunday, other times a Monday when you would find the cheapest flight.

4. Smaller airports

Flights starting from smaller airports or arriving at smaller/newer airports are often cheaper than the ones from big/major airports. If your city or a nearby city has another airport, check for flights departing from that airport as well.

5. Coupon codes/miles/credit cards

Always find coupon codes and check each one of them, to see which one is giving you maximum cashback or the lowest cost. You can also use check for points in certain credit cards which can be used against flight bookings.

6. Nonstop v/s one stop

I know everyone prefers a nonstop flight and hence the cost for that is super high, check for one stop flights too. Sometimes just a few hours at one stop, can reduce your flight cost a lot.

7. Local/smaller airlines

Always check for smaller airlines flying to your destination. If you are flying on a less popular route/remote region, chances are there would be some local airlines offering tickets at a cheaper cost. Also check their own website for more deals and offers.

8. Time

If your trip is decided, don’t waste time and book its ASAP. Prices aren’t going to decrease closer to the departure date, the earlier you book the better. Or you can set up a price alert if you are not in a rush, and you will be notified when the prices fall.

9. One way or return

Usually one always books a round trip with the same airlines, but it’s not guaranteed that you would get the best deal that way. Try finding one way for both to and fro; and go for the cheapest option, it could be a different airline too if you are saving big bucks!

So, these were all my tips and tricks to find the best rates on flights. Do you follow all these? Do you have any additional tips? Do let me know.

P.S.: Image from Google

8 Things You Must Do while You Spend Your Vacation in Barbados

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8 Things You Must Do while You Spend Your Vacation in Barbados

Barbados. The name itself takes us to some images filled up with of turquoise water, white sands, calypso, cricket, a bottle of rum and variety of fish delicacies. Let us look over some facts and funs of this little country, measuring 166 square miles in total, before you plan for your next vacation over there.

The indigenous people of this region, Kalinago, were lost to the Spanish in the 15th century. Then the British came and started sugar cane plantation and industry. Back then, they brought the African slaves to do the plantations works. British rule ended in 1966 and the people, mostly with African origin, got their independence.

British has left the power of this country more than 50 years ago. But still, more than 50% of tourists occupying the streets and cafes and restaurants and villas on the beach in Barbados are Britishers only. No wonder, why the country is called as ‘Little England’ affectionately.


Now Barbados has secured its place as the most developed island in this region. It welcomes the tourists worldwide to indulge themselves into some cracking fun with all its natural subtropical climates, beaches, colonial history, mouth-watering menus and festivals.

Time to check out 8 real points that would count in your itinerary.

1. Hit the Beaches

Though the area of this country doesn’t compare to the most ones in mainland, it has a real pride for its number of beaches along the sea among them the Crane Beach, Bottom Bay, Rockley Beach, Paynes Bay, Pebbles Beach, Mount Standfast Beach, Bathsheba Beach, Dover Beach and Carlisle Bay are most famous. Some of them are popular for their rocky facades, while the others are adorned for the white sands. Whatever it is, no one can ignore to explore by the sea when in Barbados.

2. Swimming with the Turtles

This one adds a totally new perspective when visiting a place. There is a wide range of cruises and tours that make it possible to swim with the turtles. Most turtle tours are conducted on catamarans which provide lunch, masks and snorkels. It is a great outing – sailing down the magnificent coastline, a delicious lunch, some rum and of course, seeing the beautiful turtles and snorkelling in the Caribbean Sea. Some tours include stops at the beach and snorkelling over shipwrecks.

3. Explore the Harrison’s Cave

At the heart of Barbados lies one of its greatest wonders – the magnificent Harrison’s Cave. Located in the central uplands of the island, this crystallized, limestone cave is characterized by flowing streams, deep pool of crystal clear water and towering columns. Gaze in wonder at the white flowstones and in awe at the beauty of the speleothems which adorn the cave. Harrison’s cave is a gem of an experience, so be sure to visit and unearth the adventure.

4. St. Nicholas Abbey

No, it is not a church or has no connection with religion at all. St. Nicholas Abbey is a former sugar plantation and now turned into a museum and a rum distillery. Visitors get a glimpse of the plantation life of the past centuries in the museum. There is a 1930 film also depicting many sides of the plantation. Sugar plantation here was closed down in 1947 but still one can see the mill working. There is also a rum distillery that produces St. Nicholas Abbey rum which can accompany the tourists while going through the pages of history in the museum.

5. Take a Sip of Rum at its Homeland

We already have come across rum at the previous destination and who can think of a tour in the Caribbean without rum and when in Barbados, the homeland of rum, it will be a crime to not have it at least a little bit. It is believed that rum was first produced in Barbados. And the culture of this country, or even in the Caribbean as a whole, has always been touched up with rum since then. You will find some of the oldest distilled rums here to make the spirit high while touring.

6. Flying Fish Cutter

Here comes one of the most special attractions of the country. One can never ignore seafood and fish while visiting in this region. And flying fish cutter is a speciality of Barbados as to say that flying fish are a big part of the cultural identity of the island is a bit of understatement. So never forget to have a taste of the indigenous form of sandwich which looks like a burger though.

7. Nidhe Israel Synagogue

The only synagogue in Barbados, Nidhe Israel Synagogue, is one of the oldest synagogues in the western hemisphere. Built in the 17th century, this establishment has lots of stories to be revealed to the tourists as it has turned a part of it as a museum that traces Jewish history in Barbados dating back to the arrival of the earliest Jews in 1628 and highlights their contribution to the Barbadian society. So do not miss this cluster of history.

8. Crop Over

Crop Over is the premiere summer festival of Barbados. Not only that, arguably the most colourful festival of the Caribbean is considered as the identity of the country’s people. This attracts tourists worldwide. Even the Bajans who live off the island also get back to the country in this festival season to celebrate with the family and friends. The main festival is held by the government itself but there are many other small Crop Overs take place with no government undertaking.

P.S.: Images from Google

Marbella Travel Guide: Places to Visit, Things to Do

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Marbella Travel Guide: Places to Visit, Things to Do

Puerto Banús, Photo by M. Pilar Fernández, CC0

The city of Marbella is one of glitz and glamour, dreams and dancing. It’s a favorite with tourists seeking sunshine along the Costa del Sol and with the rich and famous looking to holiday in style. With perfect summer weather almost year-round, and miles of white sandy beaches to enjoy, it’s the ideal place to kick back and relax in a lavish, indulgent atmosphere.

The Old Town by
Michael Vadon, CC BY 2.0

The Old Town

Marbella’s Old Town or Casco Antiguo is a charming area filled with colorful buildings, romantic balconies and an abundance of vibrant flowers. Its maze-like alleyways and hotchpotch of different buildings lend it a unique eccentric air that will have you wandering through the streets, marveling at the magic buzz all around. It’s a wonderful place to take a leisurely morning stroll among the boutique shops and tiny, jewel-like cafes. Or alternatively, you could partake in a sophisticated evening drink as the Old Town comes to life at sundown.

Puerto Banús

Just a 15-minute drive down the coast from the center of Marbella is the small town and marina of Puerto Banús. It’s the place to be if you want to be entertained, with its wealth of high-end shops, bars, restaurants, casinos and sports venues. Marbella has long had a reputation for being a glamorous party town with its love for all things bling, and the range of exclusive bars and clubs. The city attracts glitzy events every summer like the Global Gift Gala and Poker Stars Festival Marbella, attracting plenty of A-listers who you might just catch a glimpse of while
you’re in town. It’s the perfect area to host such events as it values so highly luxury, beauty and extravagance.

Marbella by night. by José Sáez, CC BY-SA 2.0

Check out the Nightlife

The nightlife in Marbella is one of its most talked about features. Whether you prefer a quiet glass of wine overlooking the sparkling sea or an all-night party in one of the city’s hottest clubs, there is something for every taste here. Places like La Suite, Mask Marbella and Olivia Valere offer an elegant clubbing experience in the city center whereas favorites like Aqua Mist, Pangea and Scream dominate the party scene in Puerto Banús. Wherever you choose to go, you are guaranteed the night of your life as Marbella knows how to put on a good time! A-list celebrities like Kylie Jenner and Paris Hilton have been known to stylishly jet in whereas Antonio Banderas and Simon Cowell have even made their home here.

Tour the Historical Sights

Marbella has a varied history harking back to the Romans. You can explore the city’s roots by finding surviving landmarks, such as the Roman baths, ruins and bridges, that are still (mostly) standing today. Also, there are still structures built during the Moorish rule of the town, evident in the architecture of many houses, towers and plazas dotted around the city. Planning a treasure hunt of these historical sites not only opens more of the city to any visitor but is also a fun way to learn more about how the city’s way of life developed in accordance to those who lived and loved here.

Located in the shadow of the impressive Sierra Blanca Mountains, this beautiful Spanish coastal town has so much more to offer than the obvious sun, sea and sand. It’s a hot spot for outstanding cuisine, sophisticated soirees and fascinating local history. A trip to Marbella will leave you feeling rested and refreshed, yes, but it will also feed your mind with its captivating clash of cultures and enchanting high society.

5 Reasons Crete Should Be First On Your Travel List

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5 Reasons Crete Should Be First On Your Travel List

The sheer size of the world is both a blessing and a curse. On the one hand, you’ll never see everything there is to see. On the other hand, well, you’ll never see everything there is to see! You’re never going to get bored traveling, but there are inevitably going to be places you won’t have a chance to explore. Think about it. In a country like Greece, there are multiple islands that you can spend months exploring. To truly see everything in Europe alone will take you more time than anyone has on Earth.

Which is why we all prioritise certain countries and cities. Ultimately, however, you end up knowing that certain places will keep bringing you back. Other countries can wait, because you’ve fallen in love with a particular city.

For me, that place is Crete. I can never get enough of it and, while I know everything is a matter of personal preference in the end, I believe that Crete can be that place for almost everyone. It has everything you want in a travel destination: culture, history, luxury, natural beauty, and a vibrancy that makes me never want to leave.

I’m going to share with you exactly what draws me back to Crete over and over again, and I hope I can convince you to give it a chance sooner rather than later. There are plenty of Crete rentals available for all types of travelers, including those who like to live in luxury no matter where they are.

Living History

Greece as a whole is shaped by its history. You cannot visit without being reminded over and over again that it is the birthplace of democracy, home to some of the most important philosophers of historic times, along with the genesis of modern science. The sheer weight of its history can be enough to make it a bit of a bore sometimes, especially if you’re with someone intent on going to every museum and learning about all the mythology and everything that’s happened in the past few millennia.

But Crete is anything but boring, even if you do get caught up in the history. This is because the history is still there, both in its landscapes, its ruins, and its towns and villages. The Palace of Knossos is one of the most famous landmarks, considering it has been around for thousands of years. And it is incredibly striking and will leave a lasting impression.

However, my favorite piece of living history is the Old Town in Rethymnon. Rethymnon’s Old Town is a seaside village that dates back to the 11th century. Quaint does not begin to describe it. Renaissance architecture with Turkish influences, endless alleys to explore, and excellent food in little stores throughout. I could spend weeks there, just wandering around, and I guarantee you’ll find something there to love.

Endless Natural Beauty

While you may associate ancient history with dust and ruins, Crete’s landscape is a vibrant beauty to behold. It has a nice variety of natural wonders, which you can experience however you like.

If you just want to relax in an unimaginable paradise, Elafonisi Beach is ideal. Its pink-tinted sands make it unlike any beach you’ve lounged on before. The crystal clear water rivals any island fantasy you may have concocted. Feeling a bit adventurous? Simply cross the shallow lagoon to a small island with a lighthouse, chapel, and hundreds of interesting plant species.

Those who like getting a bit of exercise on their travels will treasure the Samaria Gorge National Park. The gorge itself is one of the longest canyons in Europe. It is a natural wonder and a sight to behold. You can spend a few hours hiking the area. It is a walk that most people will manage, but sunscreen and lots of water is recommended. It is open from May through October.

There are, of course, plenty more beaches and spots to hike. Vai Palm Beach is a particular favorite among tourists for its Caribbean-like beauty. Hiking around Balos Lagoon is a great way to get stunning pictures that will break your friends’ Instagram feeds.

Towns To Visit and Things To Do

Crete is not all about appreciating the aesthetics of ancient history and natural beauty. There is also plenty to do there. Every town on the island has its own special charm. Loutro, for example, is a tiny fishing village that is relatively cut off from the rest of the island. It is not flooded with tourists and you will feel like you’ve discovered a hidden gem. You can’t even get there by land, after all, but will have to take a boat or attempt a mountainous climb.

Then there’s the city of Chania, which is gorgeous to look at while having a heck of a lot of activities to do. It is one of the biggest cities throughout the Greek Islands, after all. The Venetian Harbour, the old lighthouse, and the Agora Marketplace are the perfect start. It has its fair share of historical attractions as well, including the 16th century Firka Fortress and the Archaeological Museum which will give you an insight into how the ancient Minoans once lived.

Some other unmissable activities include a visit to the Cretaquarium which is home to over 2,000 sea animals. The shark tank is a particular favorite with travelers, especially if you love getting close to majestic animals without giving them the chance to cause you permanent damage!

Crete is a wondrous place that will never fail to keep me coming back. In an ideal world, I would get the chance to live there for a few years. As is, I’m happy to settle with frequent returns.

P.S.: Images do not belong to me

OOTD: Green Leaf Print Summer Dress

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OOTD: Green Leaf Print Summer Dress

Hi guys,

This green leaf print has been everywhere on the internet, it’s a perfect summer dress. This banana palm leaf print was first introduced at Dolce & Gabbana and now you see it everywhere.. Zara, TopShop, Shein, For Love & Lemons, Asos and you see it in jumpsuits, maxis, short dresses, pretty much everything. It’s a nice tropical, summer print and the white and green combination looks really good.

I got this maxi from Shein, it comes with a self print tie-up belt.

I paired it with my Cult Gaia Large Bamboo Ark Bag and nude bow shoes. Kept the accessories minimal to big pearl studs from Kazo and my Daniel Wellington watch.

We shot this at Worli Sea Face, with the Bandra Worli Sea Link in the background. Though it was super hot and sunny and we tried to click without over exposing the pictures.

The link for this Shein dress https://goo.gl/YW7JSz (search ID : 348511)

Dress: Shein
Shoes: Truffle Collection
Watch: Daniel Wellington
Bag: Cult Gaia
Earrings: Kazo

With Shein being in India now, it’s really easy to shop with no customs and easy payment options including COD and Paytm. You can get 20% off using my coupon code ‘bhumika20’ on Shein.in

I hope you liked the outfit, do let me know in the comments below.

Top 10 Makeup Setting Sprays Available in India, Prices, Buy Online

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Top 10 Makeup Setting Sprays Available in India, Prices, Buy Online

By Sanchita

Applying makeup is not just enough; you have to make sure that the makeup lasts throughout the day. When you are going full glam for any occasion or want that popping highlighter to remain lit all day long, you have to invest in a good makeup setting spray. It helps to keep the makeup intact, remove any extra layer of power and makes you look impeccable. Every makeup artists uses a makeup setting spray. These are available in variants like dewy, matte or simply keep the makeup intact. While using a makeup setting spray, shake the bottle well, hold it 8 to 10 inches away from face and spray 2 to 4 times in an “X” and “T” motion. We have compiled a list of some of the best makeup sprays available in India to help you through it.

1. MAC Fix + Spray – Price Rs. 1800 for 100ml (BUY HERE)

MAC Fix + Spray is by far one of the best makeup setting sprays that you won’t mind splurging on. This is a magical and most important product in your vanity. You can use it as a primer for face, makeup setting spray or simply on the eye shadow brush to apply the loose pigment. You can also apply powder foundation for day time and spray this mist to make it last all day long. This is one of the favorites of most of the MUAs all over the world. This is basically a lightweight mist of water packed with vitamins and minerals, infused with a blend of green tea, chamomile and cucumber to gently soothe and refresh the skin. It instantly hydrates the skin, gives a refreshing and soothing touch and suits all skin types.

2. Kryolan DermaColor Fixing Spray – Price Rs. 800 for 150ml (BUY HERE)

Kryolan DermaColor Fixing Spray is one of the best makeup setting sprays with an easy price tag. The product has alcohol content in it. It keeps the makeup all day long even if you have very oily skin. The product is excellent for brides and it also feels cool on the skin. If you have gone overboard with powder, this product will fix it in a minute without looking patchy at all. It has SPF 20 which is really great and the product will give you a medium-dewy finish without looking shiny. It will not break you out but requires a good cleanser to remove makeup.

3. Clinique Moisture Surge Face Spray Thirsty Skin Relief – Price Rs. 3250 for 125ml (BUY HERE)

The Clinique Moisture Surge Face Spray Thirsty Skin Relief is excellent for dry and dull skin and can be used as a hydrating moisturizer or primer, facial mist for refreshment or a makeup setting spray to get a soft dewy look on the skin. It is very hydrating and completely fragrance free. It gets absorbed quickly without any residue and it does not feel sticky on the face at all. It works well on every skin type and helps to remove dry patches. Thus, you can sue it before applying makeup and also as a finishing spray.

Also Read: 10 Best Sunscreens for Different Skin Types in India

4. NYX Makeup Setting Spray – Price Rs. 875 for 60ml (BUY HERE)

NYX Makeup Setting Spray is available in 2 variants – Dewy and Matte. Thus you can use it as per your preference. The sprays are lightweight and comfortable and set the makeup really quickly. It takes away the patchy powdery look and gives a matte or dewy effect as per your pick. It forms a protective film on the makeup and makes the makeup on the face last longer. The only drawback is that it has odd chemical odor.

5. Freedom Makeup Pro Studio Fixing Spray – Price Rs. 1000 for 100ml (BUY HERE)

Freedom Makeup Pro Studio Fixing Spray is al lightweight spray that helps deflect surface shine for a natural matte finish. It has various ingredients that will help you achieve a flawless look that will keep foundation and eye makeup in place with no smudging or fading for that just- applied natural look lasting up to 12 hours. The T-zone remains less oily and shiny and the powdery look is all gone. The finish is a balanced matte and dewy and great or any occasion.

6. Makeup Revolution Pro Fix Makeup Fixing Spray – Price Rs. 1000 for 100ml (BUY HERE)

Makeup Revolution Pro Fix Makeup Fixing Spray is pretty much like the Freedom one but has various variants like Illuminating, Oil Control version or Matte one. It helps to keep your makeup in place all day long and also protect the skin against heat and humidity, cold, and windy conditions and also the prevention of makeup breakdown. The makeup remains intact for up to 8hoours. This product will not break you out and gets readily absorbed in a couple of minutes.

7. L’Oreal Paris Infallible Pro-Spray & Set Makeup Extender – Price Rs. 999 for 100ml (BUY HERE for 749)

The L’Oreal Paris Infallible Pro-Spray & Set Makeup Extender is a lightweight, oil free setting spray that sets the makeup like no other. It will prevent the makeup from melting, fading and no-touch ups are required. It will also prevent the foundation from smudging or settling into fine lines for all-day long. The mist gets absorbed very quickly, giving you a matte look. The product is dermatologist tested, non-comedogenic and will suit every skin type. Also, there is no residue left behind after use.

Also Read: Best Bridal Foundations in India

8. L.A. Girl Pro Setting HD Matte Finish Spray – Price Rs. 850 for 30ml (BUY HERE for 680)

The L.A. Girl Pro Setting HD Matte Finish Spray has an ultra fine in texture which is super lightweight with a non-sticky formula that evens out the base. It dried very quickly without any residue and prevents makeup transfer. It has almost no fragrance and cruelty-free and vegan in nature. It also prevented the skin from getting oily and keeps oily area of the face from getting patchy. Although it says a matte spray, the finish is more of a natural matte that addsa a glow but takes away all the extra powdery-ness from the skin itself.

9. Milani Make It Last and Dewy Setting Spray Prime + Correct + Set – Price Rs. 1300 for 60ml (BUY HERE)

Milani Make It Last is available in two variants – “Hydrate + Illuminate + Set” and “Prime + Correct + Set”. This product works as a primer and makeup setting spray that gives you a natural finish and takes away all the patchiness, unevenness and cakey look. It delivers just the right dose of dewy or matte look to the complexion with a cooling, refreshing feeling while locking in your makeup for up to 16 hours without creasing, smudging or fading.

10. PAC Micro Finish Makeup Fixer – Price Rs. 850 for 120ml (BUY HERE)

The PAC Micro Finish Makeup Fixer is a very light weight makeup setting spray with the indulgent ingredients of beneficial vitamins that protects skin and makes makeup last long all day. It has herbal and floral extracts and this aero spray technology eliminates blotchy watermarks, cakey look and gives a flawless natural look with illuminating high points of the face.

Thus, these are the best makeup setting sprays available in India.

Editor’s Note: That’s a perfect list Sanchita. I would like to add the Colorbar Stay The Day Finishing Mist (Buy HERE) which was the only one available here in India earlier apart from Fix+. I absolutely love that and again it’s affordable at Rs.850/- Currently loving the PAC one, NYX and Makeup Revolution ones are also nice.

Which is your favourite makeup setting spray?