Travel in 2018: These 4 Scenic Destinations are a Must on your Travel Bucket List

Start the new year with a bang? Definitely! Give a fresh and a dynamic start to 2018 by travelling and rediscovering yourself.
And to help you with just that, here’s a list of scenic destinations to add to your bucket list.

1. Darjeeling, India

Cut off from the busy and monotonous world is a small hill town in India called Darjeeling. The picturesque town is popular for its scenic natural beauty, the iconic heritage toy train, and the world-renowned brand of Darjeeling tea.

When in the town, you can get closest to nature and embrace the scenic beauty. The mountainous skyline of the quaint town is an embodiment of unspoiled splendour. Rejuvenate your senses with the fresh and cool winds during monsoon.

When you visit Darjeeling, make your stay at the Windamere Hotel to fully live the experience of being in the arms of mother nature and the way “it used to be back then”.

2. Perth, Australia

Revered as a quaint city in Australia, Perth is scenically different from the rest of the cities in the country. Perth is home to the most beautiful and largest inner city parks in the world.

Surreal city skyline, stunning views of Swan and Canning rivers, and breathtaking grandiosity of Darling Ranges are some of the scenic aspects of the city that stun travellers from all around the globe.

3. Madagascar

If there’s a perfect testament of unspoiled and rich scenic diversity, then it’s Madagascar. Being the fourth largest island in the world, Madagascar is home to endless jungles, beaches, wild landscapes, and village culture.

Although you can never get enough of scenic treats, Madagascar will make you feel contented.

4. Urumqi, China

Test the adventurous self in you by paying a visit to Urumqi, we bet you it’s worth it!  The isolated scenic beauty of the city is probably going to be one of the best things you’ve ever experienced in your life.

The unspoiled scenic beauty of Urumqi is a lot similar to the Swiss Alps as the city is home to turquoise lakes and snow-capped mountains. The scenic beauty of Urumqi is ethereal and you can just sit back and relax to soak the awe-inspiring views.

Tips to Unwind While Travelling

Who doesn’t love travelling and exploring new places? You can never get enough of it. However, at times, it can be stressing, and that’s where you need to take a break.

Here are some of the easy-to-implement tips for unwinding while

1) Plan your journey ahead

This first tip may seem too obvious, but there are people who are too wanderlust to plan their journey. Are you one of them? It’s essential to plan your journey before you head out of your comfort zone.

Also, have alternative plans in case some parts of your journey don’t go as expected or planned. Things can be frustrating when you have to come up with new plans in between your journeys.

2) Don’t try to cram in too many activities

It’s easy enough to get carried away while listing out the activities that you would pursue in your journey. So much so, you might eventually end up planning activities that will make your journey hard-pressed.

3) Stack your phone away when you need to

The best part of travelling is living in the moment and making magical memories. However, if you are glued to your phone, you’ll miss out the actual zest of travelling to new places and meeting new people.

Also, the push notifications on your phone can distract you from being fully present at meet-ups and dinners. If you are a working professional and have to check your email, set aside a short time each day to check in.

4) Make a to-do list

Having a calm and relaxed state of mind is the art of enjoying your vacation to the fullest. How do you develop one you ask? Well, it can be simple as doing the activity you like the most during your travel.

For instance, reading, sketching, listening to music, or making postcards are some of the productive activities to make the most out of your journey.

5) Stay closer to nature

Nothing beats nature when it comes to replenishing your soul with energy and purity. Making your stay at a hotel which embraces nature is the perfect way to rejuvenate and have a spiritual awakening.

Windamere Hotel in Darjeeling is one such quintessential abode where you can gain your true sense of calm, amidst the beauty of nature. Windamere Hotel is surrounded by a mountainous skyline and offers stellar views of Mt. Kanchenjunga – only to make you go weak in your knees.

Book your stay at the Windamere Hotel

An old-world gem, Windamere Hotel is one of the finest British Colonial hotels in India. Book your stay at the vintage hotel to experience rare English charm and mother nature at its closest.

Tips to Spend a Beautiful Weekend in Darjeeling

Revisit the past? Definitely!

Experience the by-gone era? Of course!

We all have a nostalgic self in us, and we often become excited whenever we get a chance to look into how things were in the past.

Well, here’s a list of Colonial hotels in India that take you back in time – to let you experience the quirky charm of the distant past!

1. Windamere Hotel – India

An abode of vintage experience, Windamere Hotel is a Colonial icon in India –a testament to the grand English charm that prevailed in the country during the British Raj.

Previously a summer boarding house built by English and Scottish tea planters, the property was restored (not renovated) and converted into an exquisite Colonial hotel. The vintage hotel sets its first impression with a stunning, mountainous backdrop.

Step inside the hotel and you’ll find yourself to have teleported back in time. Apart from the pristine English interior decor, the hospitality, unspoiled vintage luxury, and tantalising food will awaken your senses.

2. Eastern & Oriental – Malaysia

The Eastern & Oriental, or simply known as The E&O is a name synonymous with authentic English experience. A perfect embodiment of the by-gone British Colonial era, The E&O has bedazzled travellers from the world over.

The Colonial hotel seamlessly blends old world charm with modern luxuries to ensure that guests are nothing short of ecstatic. Guests have the option of choosing from a number of suites.

3. The Fullerton Hotel, Singapore

One of the grandest examples of Colonial architecture, The Fullerton Hotel’s exterior features such as classic columns and grand porticos are a manifestation of the exquisite neoclassical colonial beauty.

Apart from its beguiling architectural beauty, the Colonial hotel offers discreet luxury with modern sophistication. You don’t just stay at The Fullerton Hotel, you make memories.

4. The Strand, Burma

One of the best Colonial hotels, The Strand is one of those rare Colonial architectures that has remained true to its old world charm while blending in modern luxuries for treating guests with only the best experience.

The Colonial hotel offers four different suites, including Superior Suite, Deluxe Suite, Executive Suite, and Strand Suite. Facilities such as swimming pool, therapy rooms, and offer the guests the best of both worlds, old and modern.

How to Spend a Perfect Weekend in Darjeeling?

Travelling to Darjeeling? Have a plan to spend a perfect weekend in the town? Well, even if you aren’t prepared as to what you should do to make the most out of your visit to the town, you have landed on the right page.

Here are some of the tips to help you spend a great weekend in Darjeeling.

1. Explore some of the popular attractions in the town

There’s a lot you can explore in Darjeeling. To make the most out of your weekend, visit Tiger Hill to witness a spectacular sunrise.  Discover your inner peace by paying a visit to the Japanese Peace Pagoda and many Tibetan Buddhist Monasteries.

Discover some know-how of mountaineering at The Himalayan Mountaineering Institute. Get closer to wildlife at The Darjeeling Zoo, and spend some time in solitude at The Shrubbery Nightingale Park.

2. Rent-a-bike

Are you an adventure freak? In Darjeeling, you get the perfect opportunity to rent mountain bikes and go for a ride in the wilderness – an experience worth living!

3. Savour on some local delicacies and beer

Tantalize your taste buds with local delicacies including hot momos, thukpa noodles, and taipos (another variety of momo). Also, get closer to the culture of Nepali people in Darjeeling by treating yourself with Tongba (locally prepared beer).

4. Remember to sip the world-renowned Darjeeling tea often

The one thing you shouldn’t miss out whilst in the town is to stimulate your senses with a hot cup of Darjeeling tea – a unique breed of tea which is revered the world over.

5. Go out for evening walks at Chowrasta

Chowrasta (crossroad) aka Mall, is a promenade that overlooks the town. The place usually bustles up during evenings as tourists and local visit Chowrasta to spend some leisure time.

Enjoy a refreshing morning or evening walk at Chowrasta and the surrounding areas, mingle with tourists, and get your hands on some souvenirs at the antique local shops.

6. Winter in Darjeeling – Experience a lovely Christmas

If you are lucky enough to plan your Darjeeling holidays during winter, then you can experience a magical Christmas at the Windamere Hotel. The Colonial hotel is one of the finest abode for embracing the natural beauty of the town.

Christmas celebration at the Windamere Hotel is one-of-a-kind. The sumptuous dinner, live performances, and heartfelt prayer sessions - experience the best of Christmas at the Windamere Hotel in Darjeeling.  They have entertainers from the stage district of London…. Don’t wait up, book your next Christmas Holiday in Darjeeling.

Honeymoon Hotels for the Newlyweds

There’s no better way to cherish your marriage than a perfect honeymoon. How would you ensure that your honeymoon comes out perfect and that the memories last forever? Well, here are some of the popular honeymoon hotels to make your trip special.

1. Windamere Hotel, Darjeeling

Rekindle your love by visiting the Queen of Hills, Darjeeling, and make book your stay at the Windamere Hotel as it accentuates the natural beauty of the quaint hill station. Windamere Hotel is one of the finest Colonial hotels in Darjeeling and an unmistakable abode for celebrating your marriage.

From the vintage exterior look to typically old-fashioned English interiors, Windamere Hotel impresses you in every way with its rare old-world charm. There’s everything to love about the exquisite Colonial hotel; the tender hospitality, sumptuous foods, picturesque cottages, Royal Suites and soul-stimulating afternoon Darjeeling tea time.

2. The Machan, Lonavala

Would you love to make your honeymoon exciting? Well, making your stay at The Machan is one way to do it. Lonavala is a perfect escape for couples who want to cut off from the busy cities and embrace their love amidst the surreal beauty of nature.

From stellar views to ultra-modern luxury, the chic hotel has a lot to offer, only to make your honeymoon worthwhile. Some of the quarters of the hotel are embellished with glass views, treating you with spectacular forest views.

3. Elsewhere, Goa
  
Existing in a bubble of solitude, Elsewhere stirs the perfect recipe for couples to discover each other and nurture their love. The cluster of four Portuguese bungalows is located close to Ashwem beach and surrounded by a creek.

Spend the afternoons in the room, swimming in a deep sea of blankets, and experience a magical dinner under the stars on the beach nearby the property – a honeymoon at Elsewhere is unlike anything!

4. Barefoot at Havelock, Andaman Islands

The resort has a reputation of making couples go weak in their knees with its scenic beauty. The 19 cottages and villas of the resort present couples plentiful options. Apart from the beautiful tribal design of the cottages and villas, the properties include modern facilities and loft bedrooms.

Head out for water activities such as fishing and snorkelling and spend lazy afternoons in a hammock, there’s only so much you can do at the resort.

Experience Authentic Colonial Charm in These Hotels

History buffs know their way around treating themselves with antiquities. Are you one of those who finds immense pleasure in delving into historic properties? Well, today is your lucky day as we have a list of vintage Colonial hotels for you to discover.

Read on...

1) Windamere Hotel, India

Perched on the promenade of the picturesque town, Darjeeling, Windamere Hotel is an unmistakable reverie come true. A safe haven for history buffs, Windamere Hotel is one of the best Colonia hotels in India.

The hotel was built as a summer boarding house by English and Scottish tea planters. However, over the years, it was converted into a Colonial hotel to share the authentic English experience with travellers from the world over.

Unlike other Colonial hotels, Windamere Hotel was never renovated, it was restored to retain the pristine old-world charm. The blessed scenic beauty surrounding the hotel adds more magic to its rare, vintage charm – only to delight history buffs!

2) Raffles, Singapore

Raffles is one of the most popular Colonial hotels in the world. Nothing less than an institution in Singapore, Raffles is the masterpiece of the same builders who helped historic greats such as The Eastern & Oriental and The Strand take shape.

Every little aspect of Raffles evokes old world beauty. The Colonial hotel has had welcomed notable personalities as guests including Rudyard Kipling, Alfred Hitchcock, Somerset Maugham, and Ernest Hemingway.

3) Victoria Falls Hotel, Zimbabwe

A quintessential of Edwardian architecture, Victoria Falls Hotel is a rare beauty that welcomes visitors with old world quirks. The Colonial hotel is popular for offering a stupendous view of the Victoria Falls.

Although the property is reminiscent of the past, it has been enhanced with modern luxuries such as free Wi-Fi, safes, minibars, and TV. The hotel has been a luxury icon in all over Africa for a century and mesmerised travellers from around the globe - it’s a calling you must attend.

4) The Strand, Burma

The Strand is very similar to the Windamere Hotel in terms of Colonial charm; there was no new addition to the hotel when it was reopened in 1993. Therefore, it remains true to its architectural past.

Bestowed with a magnificent view of the Yangon River, The Strand offers a luxurious stay with in-room technologies and air conditioning. To present the best of its grand setting, the hotel staff offers a flawless service.