The Figueiredo House dates back to 1590, a mere 80 years after the Portuguese arrived in Goa. When its first occupants moved in, the world was a very different place. Consider it a privilege then, that today, 400 years later, you can spend a night or threehere, under the lovingly restored walls that have seen a great amount of history.
When you hear the words “The Birdcage” the first thing you probably think of is the epic 1996 Robin Williams, Nathan Lane and Gene Hackman film of the same name. The story of a gay couple putting on a straight act for the sake of their son’s fiancée. But, while there’s certainly a hint of pink tourism here, this is the story of a seven-room homestay that feels more like a boutique hotel.
“We are gay-friendly,” says owner Nishant Singh, “but the name comes from Mukteshwar’s rich bird life. There are some 300 odd species of birds to be found in the forests and orchards around here. Even our property attracts a lot of them.”
Singh’s a former Mumbaiite who quit the city for the hills many moons ago and is opening his second hotel in the hills this month. The first in Manali, Drifters’ Inn and Café, ran steady for seven years before Singh decided to shut it and move further away from the urban jungle, to Mukteshwar.
In keeping with that theme of moving closer to nature, The Birdcage offers “birding walks, drives to nearby lakesides, fishing and adventure activities such as paragliding and flying fox”. It also gives visitors the most magnificent windows to the Himalayas from its rooms and public spaces. Ranges like Nanda Kot (22,500ft) and Panchchuli (22,600ft) are clearly visible on clear, sunny days.
The spirit of the outdoors lingers indoors too when you consider that the natural terrain has been barely disturbed and, instead, been used to provide grassy gardens, not just terraces, for every room. (Even those on the first floor have one.) Water comes from a natural spring 1.5km from the property, and veggies on the kitchen’s menu (Indian and Continental) are grown on onsite organic veggie patch. Meat, too, is mostly local. No, we’re not complaining. Au contraire, we’re wondering where’s that cheap flight ticket when you want one!
The legendary Oberoi New Delhi is all set to reopen with a completely new look and a promise of unparalled luxury. It is due to open from Jan 2018 and they are taking bookings from Jan 2018. The details of the new look is not yet revealed by the management as they are planning for a grand opening party to launch the hotel for trade sometime end of this year. We shall keep you posted when we know more about the hotel and its offerings. In the meanwhile, you can start selling the hotel for travel from Jan 2018 onwards only. For more details and prices please get in touch with Eastbound team.
Fateh Safari Suites, perched at 1100 mtrs above sea level, offers unparalleled views of the Kumbhalgarh Fort and the plains of Marwar. It is the latest boutique offering from Fateh Collection, after the successful launch of Fateh Safari Lodge (Amongst 25 Boutique Hotels of Rajasthan - Conde Nast Traveler 2016). Built on a hill over looking the Fort, it offers birds eye view of the neighboring fields and the countryside. It is spread in an area of more than 75 acres of private forest land, it is home to a number of bird and animal species. The property features a wide range of facilities to make your stay a pleasant experience. Discover all Kumbhalgarh has to offer by making Fateh Safari Lodge your base. Guests can enjoy wildlife safaris to the Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary and soft adventure activities like bird watching, trekking, walking safaris, etc. Day excursions to Ranakpur and Haldighati are also an option.
The latest addtion to the luxurious Vilas properties of The Oberoi Group is Sukhvilas Resort in Chandigarh, it is now open for reservations. The propety opend last month and some of the trade partners had a sneak peak into its offerings and give it a thumbs up for clients looking for a luxury gateway. The Oberoi Sukhvilas Resort & Spa, Siswan Forest Range is a resort in New Chandigarh, surrounded by over 8,000 acres of protected natural forest at the foothills of the outer Himalayas. It is located thirty minutes from Chandigarh city centre and forty five minutes from Chandigarh airport. The drive from Delhi to Chandigarh takes around 6hrs.
Eastbound's pick - with this new property opening in Chandigarh, a new hotel by Taj Group in Amritsar and the boutique village stay at RAKK in Kangra - we can now create a nice off the beaten track itinerary with few nights in Amritsar - Dharamshala / Kangra - Shimla - Chandigarh and back to Delhi. For more details and prices of this itinerary please get in touch with Eastbound team.
