Ultimate Spa Experience at Urban Oasis Spa

My trip to Thailand will always be incomplete without a pampering session at The Oasis Spa. Hence, this time around too I had to make sure that I indulged in my favourite treatment and got my husband to experience a worthwhile spa journey at The Oasis Spa too.

 Urban Oasis Spa in Thonglor

The cherry on the cake had to be the fact that we got to try an all new branch of theirs which is extremely plush and modern. Without making any bones about it, I have to say that when you talk about luxury spa in Thailand, The Oasis Spa definitely is a strong brand to trust and reckon with!

Soon after you walk-in for your appointment, you will be asked to fill in all your details specifying the pressure points and other important information which the therapist must know before starting your treatment. They offer you a welcome drink as you complete the formalities and are then guided to your spa room. The room is well equipped with a shower and other essentials. I had opted for the King of Oasis Massage while my husband went in for Lanna Secrets.

Lanna Secrets is all about the ancient time-honored techniques of Northern Thailand where they re-open blocked energy pathways which cause fatigue and weariness. Relief begins when acupressure is applied during a Traditional Thai Massage followed by Thai Herbal Hot Compresses which dissolve soreness and further releases energy. Finally, an Aromatherapy Hot Oil Massage adds further relief. My husband felt thoroughly relaxed and rejuvenated post the treatment which lasted for two hours.

King of Oasis is one of their signature two hour treatments where one feels majestic by the end it. This stress-buster treatment combines Thai massage techniques with Aromatherapy massage. It begins with a Thai Herbal Hot Compress placed along the strong muscle lines. Then a Hot Oil Massage stretches the muscles to reopen the body’s energy pathways, enhance circulation, increase energy levels and promote overall health and well-being.

I have to say, it was the best decision we made to start our Bangkok holiday with The Oasis Spa and we were so glad to have gone back after all these years. Also, they follow all Covid-19 related safety protocols so you can enjoy the experience to the fullest. On completion, we took a quick shower and sipped some tea and yes, clicked lots of pictures for it is a gorgeous property.

Until next time, thank you The Oasis Spa! Cannot wait to be back again already!

BEST OF BALI, PART-2

Well, I have shared quite a bit and continue to do so for our love for Bali should come across loud and clear. In this post, let me highlight few experiences which you too can indulge in on your next holiday.

1.Bali Safari and Marine Park- It is slightly expensive but for someone like me who hasn’t ever experienced night safari before- we didn’t think much but just went ahead and booked! I would say- it made for a fascinating experience moving around and getting to feed the animals through the caged bus and then ending the evening with a cultural performance and dinner. In our case, we took out that extra moolah for some chilled beer! I must add that the way the entire tour is handled is very smooth and professional!

2. Bali Swing- It is truly a wonderland for a girl who loves Instagram. You can take the experience a notch higher by hiring an outfit and professional photographer from the site itself. But be ready to stand in a long line waiting to experience the Swing.

3. Spa Time- Well, when in Bali- a good massage session is a must! While most hotels do have worthwhile spas, you can always explore quality and standalone spas too. We experienced the Sundari Day Spa in Seminyak for a foot massage and absolutely loved it, half way through the service both husband and I had dozed off which for me is a sign of an excellent experience.

4. Uluwatu Temple- Well, in case you are staying in Seminyak, then I would recommend heading to Uluwatu for a day trip. You should visit the temple too! I have to say the location of the temple would leave you awe-struck!

5. Coffee Tasting Session- For first-timers, this too is a worthwhile experience as you explore a tray full of a variety of tea and coffee. And well, you’ll learn quite a bit about their very famous Luwak coffee!Lastly, get packets of what you enjoyed the most. I remember picking up the Mangosteen Tea.

6. Seminyak Village- It is a cute little mall but if you are looking at buying some quick gifts for family and friends back home, then I would definitely recommend this place. Also, its location definitely makes it very convenient to visit!

While Bali has endless number of good cafes, bars, clubs and the like- making a little effort of exploring and experiencing few of its other offerings shall truly let you have a complete holiday!

Ubud & Us…

Well, this was my first time to Bali and my husband’s and mine first time ever to Ubud and while after all the wedding madness- I was quite kicked to visit what seemed from pictures like a very relaxed place, my husband- Ishan wasn’t too excited but on reaching Ubud- we both were instantly on the same page and absolutely fell in love with it!

I feel Ubud is nice quiet, the quiet that you cherish and not the quiet that haunts you.

Here’s sharing few notes on Ubud and I truly hope that they come handy on your next visit!

Our Stay: We stayed at Alaya Resort which was on a fun and relatively bustling street. But just putting it out there quite clear that Ubud didn’t feel like a place for night-outs, so don’t really expect otherwise. We loved our hotel- the staff was extremely helpful, the pool though small was fun, the breakfast spread was decent and delicious and yes we were truly happy with our room as it was really well done up and from the balcony- we were witness to ample greenery.

Shopping: Truthfully, by my normal standards I didn’t shop much but I did pick up lovely stuff for our home. Also, you can pick up amazing gifts such as handmade jewellery, dream-catchers, cane bags and so on. Also, the boutiques though very fancy stocking fashionable stuff are on the expensive side.

Food: There are umpteen options to binge!

We quite liked this placed called Simply Social! Also, we tried coffee at several cafes and at all places it was really good! Also, when in Ubud, a smoothie bowl is a must!

Nearby Attractions: I have never before been on a Night Safari and opted to go with the husband and it truly made for a worthwhile experience. Also, Bali Swing is a must for those looking for lots of instagrammable pictures and take our advise, hire their photography services. Both places offered meals and we decided to end the Night Safari with a cold beer each!

I must add that there are several waterfalls in the vicinity and a visit to at least one is a must!

We loved to walk around so I’d suggest carry/wear comfortable shoes, sunscreen is a must as the sun was strong while we were there at least which is beginning December. There are several temples throughout Ubud- we definitely did stop by at one of them! There are also plenty of Departmental Stores where you can pick up your essentials from! We didn’t really visit the Monkey Forest as we got a feel just walking past it but you could plan a visit there!

On our next trip- we are looking at trying several spa treatments, visiting the rice fields and yes some yoga classes for me 🙂 Ubud, call us back soon! And I have to say that every local we encountered was a gem and ever so cheerful and helpful!

Happy Travelling!
Sonali

Memorable Eat-outs in Hyderabad

Hey everyone, apologies for having been missing in action but well, I am back with something fun and exciting!!!

As work takes me to Hyderabad multiple times-I thought why not share with you all some of my favourite meals and places you must check out when in Hyderabad next! Trust me, the food in the city wouldn’t disappoint you even a bit! So in no particular order, here are few of my recommendations…

1. The Food Court at Ikea,Gachibowli- Well, I was damn hungry so the meal here was a good respite. This makes it to my list for the different experience it offered and is worth exploring specially when you have had a hard day shopping!!!

2. Fab Cafe, Banjara Hills-Hyderabad is also lucky to house this gem! I absolutely loved their twist to the mainline dishes. My favourites here include the Tri-Grain Papdi Chaat Medley, Spicy Sprout Filled Golgappa and Chocolate Cake.

3. The Glass Onion, Boulder Hills Golf & Country Club, Gachibowli- Truthfully, I have never really had a bad meal here. Each time around, the taste and presentation have been on point. While evenings here are amazing with the golf course in the backdrop, the Sunday Brunch is equally fun and leaves you with much to choose from! On a regular day, I would definitely order the Quinoa Avocado Chaat and Broccoli Cheese Kebab!

4. Ulavacharu, Jubilee Hills & Gachibowli– It serves authentic South Indian Telugu cuisine and is a good place to taste the local food. However, to be honest I have had both good and ordinary experiences here but the reason for that I blame on poor ordering. So, be very clear with what you want and they would be happy to help!

5. Exotica, Banjara Hills- I absolutely love their Mughlai and North Indian food. Their Roti Pe Boti and Galouti Kebab are absolutely divine. For me they are among the best for North Indian food in Hyderabad! And to add to that, the ambience of the place is pleasant and soothing!

6. Sante Spa Cuisine, Jubilee Hills– The food here is made with healthy ingredients without compromising on the taste factor. And for someone like me who is quite conscious of my food intake, a healthy eat-out option is absolutely a great idea!!! Their Valrhona Chocolate Pie with an oat flour base was absolutely heavenly so much so that we ordered it twice and so were the Thai Spiced Fish Cakes!

7. The Fisherman’s Wharf- Well, this place absolutely has my heart. Ask me why? One of the major reasons is that it quickly disconnects you from the city life and that itself is a super reason to keep visiting this place. Their food and drinks are worthwhile as well but trust me, the vibe of the place pretty much takes you to Goa in no time!

8. Feast, Sheraton Hotel, Gachibowli- It totally lives up to its name and makes for a memorable feast. The Sunday Brunch is absolutely worth visiting. Take my pro tip, have a light breakfast and then, have a meal to remember and let it be stretched outing!

9. Yi Jing, ITC Kohenur, Madhapur- This is another top favourite of mine and no matter how many times I have been here, each time around the experience has only been better than before. We swear by Chef Shloke Chhabra’s recommendations and he does not disappoint ever! If you are on a look-out for a quality Chinese meal, this is it!

Here’s wishing you the best meals and experiences in Hyderabad and I look forward to sharing much more with you all!

Love,
Sonali

Hyderabad-it doesn’t get greener and prettier than this!

Well whether you’re a local or a tourist or visiting for a business meeting- when in Hyderabad besides gorging on Biryani or experiencing the Ramoji Film City or visiting the Charminar or for that matter shopping at Ikea- you must make time to visit the Boulder Hills Golf & Country Club!

The 18-hole championship golf course has been designed by Peter Harradine and truly has it all to challenge a golfer and for the rest, it is a beauty like no other!

And you need not stress about bringing your own equipment, the club is well stocked to offer a variety on rental and their very friendly panel of coaches shall make your golf lesson extremely fun! Taking to golf has a plethora of advantages- you meet an excellent profile of people, invest in a sport that you can pretty much play for life, spend enough time amidst nature and the list can go on!

The weekends at the course are extremely busy so make sure your book your tee time or lesson in advance! Also, when at BHGCC- do grab a seat at their cafe which is pool facing and gives you a jaw-dropping view of the golf course and order some tasteful snacks!

In fact, Boulder Hills is a lot more than a great golf course. It offers venues for your special occasions, whether it is a wedding or a proposal or even a corporate day-out, discuss with them and see them going all out to ensure the delivery is top-class!

Having mentioned about the swimming pool already, the club is also equipped with   squash court and gymnasium facilities.

Now, wait no more and gift yourself an experience like no other!

Pictures Courtesy: Boulder Hills Golf & Country Club

Club Address: Opposite Indian School Business, Beside Infosys, ISB Road, Gachibowli, Hyderabad, Telangana 500032

On Top Fashion Gear with Avnni Kapur

Well, truthfully you can’t ever really have an overdoze of weddings considering quite a few celebs got married lately but fact is that the wedding season is on and the charm and beauty of a bride or the excitement of the groom are sights which seldom go out of demand so to say.

Weddings are beautiful, no matter how simple or lavish they maybe- weddings are just beautiful. And the most talked about are the brides at these weddings (sorry guys but guess you know it too). Also, we reckon the looks for the pre-wedding day celebrations are rather important as they let you truly experience and create a build-up to the big day!

So, since it is the wedding season and we want our brides to look their gorgeous selves- we got talking with one of our favourite designers from Delhi. Well, not that she just has a youthful take on design herself but her clothes are unique, colourful and playful. And I must add that every time I visit Avnni Kapur’s store- I am always pleasantly surprised by something or the other for the pieces wouldn’t be very routine.

When asked about the Mehendi celebrations, she said, “A trend that is hitting this season for Mehendi is the mid-length skirt and crop top which is comfortable and allows the wearer to show their beautiful Mehendi designs. What is more is that it is practical and very easy to carry. People are also trying to experiment with more vivid and vibrant colours, therefore no greens.” Further commenting on the hues for Mehendi, the designer said that to feel and look different, she would recommend trying colours like lilac, shades and tints of bright blues, or maybe even corals.

And with the hits, you also got to know the other side. Avnni said,” A complete no-no for Mehendi will be over-accessorizing with Jewellery, a little bling is what is needed but do not go overboard with it. Also, a no-no to Churidars please.”

And no such celebrations are going to be complete without the bride’s squad. Yes, we are talking about our bridesmaids. Avnni suggested, “The bridesmaids can always opt for something simpler like dhotis, crop-tops and skirts or maybe a jacket with cigarette pants and can have that element of co-ordination with matching dupattas, maang tikkas or even same colour skirts.”

And the most action-packed function has to be the Cocktail night! The designer said,”The brides of today are keen on having an Indo-western look for their Cocktail with stylish cuts. They also prefer unique drapes, unconventional tops or even long capes. Keeping it traditional yet modern is the way for the brides of 2018-19.” We do agree with our ace designer, don’t we?

Lastly, do check out the fabulous work of our designer-

Perks of staying in Pratunam, Bangkok

Well, with the airport less than an hour away, there sure are some fancy perks of staying in the bustling Pratunam area of Bangkok.

 

Talking from experience, I have thoroughly enjoyed my stay at hotels in Pratunam on each of my trips besides the times I have stayed with my friends at their residence in Sukhumvit.

 

Be on a Shopping Spree:

 

There is never a dull moment especially when you are staying in this area. During the day, no matter how much time you spend- you shall still be left wanting for more at the Platinum Fashion Mall. What’s more is that a newer building of the mall has been developed as well. 

From clothes to bags to shoes to accessories to beauty products-this one is an absolute haven for girls and from the point of convenience- there is a floor where you can leave behind the love of your life or even better if he is not accompanying you, then take back something for him from that floor.

One of my personal favourite shops is the Pink Pvssy for their gorgeous and stylish clutches.

Handy Hacks for the Platinum Fashion Mall:

 

1. If there is anything particular you have in mind- seek their Help Desk and they give you the exact shop numbers dealing with the requested category of products.

 

2. Their food court is a must visit, there are ample choices and you would get a very affordable meal.

 

3. Carry a big empty bag as you land up shopping enough to stress your arms and hands- a bag with wheels would be a true blessing.

 

And, for the tech-savy, just few steps away is the Pantip Plaza.

As you step out of the Mall, do grab a slice of Pizza at Crispy Pizza or a Japanese Soft Serve at  Demi Concept or how about some Mango Sticky Rice?

Some of the other malls not too far would be:

 

Almost a 10 minutes ride away would be the very well known MBK Mall and then not too far from MBK are the Siam Malls for all the branded shopping.

And must mention my current favourite- Central World.

 

And, as the sun sets down- the streets of Pratinum also liven up further with the night markets. My recent most discovery was the Neon Night Market- it was quite fun and casual.

 

However, a market I truly recommend for the evening would be Asiatique The Riverfront  which though would be about half an hour away from Pratunam but would be totally worth the visit. There are plenty of shops, amazing restaurants by the river, live entertainment and there is just this fabulous festivity in the air.

Hotels at Pratunam, My picks would be:

 –Centara Watergate Pavillion Hotel- you would love their breakfast and land up clicking umpteen pictures here for sure!

 

–The Berkeley Hotel-the room size is a complete luxury and we thoroughly relished all the dishes we ordered in our rooms. The location for me was perfect.

When looking for hotels, make sure you cross-check that it is not too in the interiors or isolated as then you would be far-off from the action. 

 

Binging Big:

Just about five minutes away from the Platinum Mall is this cute place called Hungry Nerd. From their pasta to their burgers- I have always loved everything here.

Another favourite place in this area which we love for desserts is the  B Story Cafe.

 

Hope this information comes handy and connectivity isn’t really an issue with Grab, regular cabs, tuk-tuk and so on.

 

Wishing you an ever amazing trip to Thailand!

xoxo,

Sonali

For the love of Health- Sante Spa Cuisine, Hyderabad

So, while it has been a while since I last posted here, I am extremely excited to share with you, all about a fun yet unconventional dining experience (it’s an all day eat-out) in the heart of Hyderabad, i.e. Sante Spa Cuisine in Banjara Hills. Before you get thinking that there is a spa twist to this as well, hold on as there isn’t but the food here promises to be made with the choicest of healthy ingredients without compromising on the taste factor. And for someone like me who is quite conscious of my food intake but has been travelling quite a bit in the recent teams, a healthy eat-out is absolutely a great idea!!!

Getting Started- They have an elaborate menu on offer and just because their offerings are healthy does not mean that they have a limited menu! You in fact, would land up spending some good amount of time mulling over what really to order. In the starters, the Thai Spiced Fish Cakes totally won our hearts!!!

WOW Factor- Well, for a pizza lover, pizza on the order is a must! And believe it or not but most of their pizzas have a Ragi Base! And as you can see our pizza was very colourful and trust me, very tasteful as well!

Sweet Endings- You have to really love a dessert to ask for a repeat, right? Their Valrhona Chocolate Pie with an oat flour base was absolutely divine!

Lastly, its not a compact but a rather well spread out outlet with a good vibe to it!!! And we were told the Activated Charcoal Lemonade is a must order as well. You can even buy their homemade healthy cookies…The owner was extremely welcoming and we truly believe much hard work is going in to deliver a very international yet healthy experience! Having said all this, as I have visited here- I am happy that I have been able to get another tick on my- MUST VISIT PLACES IN HYDERABAD list 🙂

Best,
Sonali

The Oasis Spa for an experience like no other!!!

Okay then, some of the finest things take time… Hence, this review is coming now- well, I was in Bangkok in February like many of you already know and a ritual of sorts for me is to pamper myself at the top quality and extremely rejuvenating spot- The Oasis Spa.

Once you enter its surreal setting, you’re sure to leave behind all your worries and stress and trust me on this, I always feel when I am here that I am no longer in a city but truly in heaven.

It truly is an Oasis of everything pleasant and positive! The tranquility develops as you pass through the gate into an exotic world of beauty, serenity and pleasure. Here you are in company of a place of lush foliage, wooden bridges and walkways, waterfalls, reflective ponds and private treatment villas encompassed in the arms of ancient venerable trees.

The manner in which you are greeted as if they were only waiting for you (even though they keep quite busy), the welcome with fruits, towel and a drink that follows, then the entire process of ensuring you get the most appropriate and effective therapy taking into consideration several factors- everything is dealt with utmost care and professionalism.

I am not new to this spa at all as have been visiting it for years but this time around I wanted a loved one to try it for she is getting married soon. And with the wedding preparations comes enough anxiety and stress, so I thought this would be the most ideal spa date and gift for her! And while I shall take you through our treatments, I must share upfront itself that my lovely was blown away by the services and the experience and towards the close of our trip, said without a doubt that the visit to The Oasis Spa was the highlight of the entire trip for her!

While she opted for the King of Oasis Signature Massage which is a two hours massage and ensures utmost level of release, relief and contentment using a unique combination of “East meets West” massage techniques. It employs kneading, thumb pressure, stretching and compression combined with a warm aromatherapy oil massage and a Thai Herbal Hot Compress. Tired muscles are soothed to allow stretching that removes energy barriers and re-open all the body’s energy pathways. Eventually you find relief from stiff muscles and muscular discomfort, and gift yourself improved sleep and reduced stress.

 

And I this time around went in for the Queen of Oasis Signature Massage which is also a two hours massage combining the best of Eastern and Western therapies to promote a woman’s health and sense of well-being. The ancient oriental massage integrated into this therapy concentrates on the Meridian Lines to detoxify, improve organ function and promote self-healing. The Swedish, Hot Stone and Aromatherapy massage further restores and enhances vitality. It realigns a woman’s life-energy, improves digestion and promotes inner harmony. And you know what? This treatment quite rightly has been compared to doing yoga without the effort while receiving acupressure treatments!

And let me make an honest confession here that the hot stone therapy is absolutely blissful. I also believe that a good spa experience always helps you get some relaxed sleep and guess what? We both woke up totally refreshed post our treatment, still wanting more.

 

I always say this and shall say this again- when in Thailand, a visit to The Oasis Spa is a must!!! The Oasis Spa has over 10 branches in Thailand’s most popular tourist destinations of Bangkok, Chiangmai, Pattaya, and Phuket. This is a special year for the brand as it completes 15 years of excellence in 2018!

Happy Spa-ing you all!!!

xoxo,

Sonali

Nailed it with ease and style!

Hey, so finally I am getting to talk all about the wonderful experiences I had in Bangkok lately, though all of you who follow us on Instagram would be privy to all the fun that we had but time to blog it all out too…

So, when girls decide to spend some time on personal care and pampering… nails definitely feature in the to-do list! Hence, we decided to take some time out for our nails and give them a good make-over! So, we headed to the Pretty Cozy Nail Cottage in Thonglor. The name of the place truly gets reflected in its ambience and interiors, for they seemed both pretty and cozy!!!

This nail spa provides a plethora of services including Classic Spa Manicure/Pedicure, Manicure/Pedicure Spa with Gel Colour, Soak-off Gel Removal, Polish Change, Acrylic Nail Extension, Nail Art, Kiddies Manicure/Pedicure and a lot more.

Here’s sharing about the service we opted for which was a Spa Manicure and Gel Polish Color with Nail Art. For Spa manicure, first, they started with nail clipping and filing, and then scrubbed with a high quality spa product. The scrub we were told helps to remove the dead skin. Then they cleaned and soaked our hands, put some lotion, then pushed back our cuticles which was followed by buffing. Then came in the sanitisation of our hands with alcohol. The last step was to put moisturizer and massage our hands for the much needed relaxation. After the spa was done, they started the process of putting Gel Colour on our nails. Well, choosing the nail colour here was no easy task for their options seemed just unlimited. We were informed that they have more than 180 Gel Colours available from OPI and CND shellac.

After the nails are properly prepared with OPI Bond Aid (to up the durability and ensure less chipping), they normally start with base coat, then do the colours/nail art, then put the top coat of our choice (glossy, matt, chrome) then finish it off with cuticle oil .

Well, both of us were extremely happy with our nails but what truly impressed us was how meticulously the nails were done and also with much swiftness otherwise I always shy away from such treatments, thinking that the whole day will go in just a salon visit but the staff here was extremely professional and valued our time.

So, when in Bangkok and in search of a quality nail spa- Pretty Cozy Nail Cottage is a good pick and also you would be thrilled to know that they aren’t expensive.

xo,

Sonali