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Reviews

I've been reviewing hotels in India now for twenty two years. I get frustrated by how five star properties can get simple things wrong, I am more forgiving with simple properties where the genuine, home-grown hospitality far outways any shortcomings they may have in terms of 'standard' classifications. My reviews don't list numbers of rooms and amenities, quite frankly, I don't care about those; a mini bar or iron in the room does not, in my opinion, add to the experience of the property or the destination. I try to capture the essence of my stay, the experiences, yes the service and the food, but there is no format to my reviews. They are moments captured, the ambance and experiences that will inspire you and that you can look forward to.

Thinking About Pushkar Camel Fair?

I made a plea about this last year. Please, please please, to all those of you traveling to the Pushkar Camel Fair or are making money out of it by sending tourists there, think about the real people behind the event, the Raika Camel Herders. Their situation is now critical, they receive no financial support…

Hotel Review: Amaryllis Kerala

There is something wonderfully indulgent about doing nothing. It’s something I have to admit being hopeless at and yet, a stay with Victor Bernard Dey and Ranjini Dey renders this avid explorer immobile every time. For eighteen years now I’ve been advocating their hospitality and it is unwavering in its warmth. Their’s has been a…

Top Five Safari Lodges in India

My list of top five lodges focuses on lodges which are either owner managed or managed by people who are not only keen wildlifers but also serious conservationists, follow eco tourism practices and have a passion for preserving India’s wildlife. They also, not coincidentally happen to be in my favourite parks. 1. Reni Pani Jungle Lodge,…

Escape to Manali, soak in the paintings at Roerich Gallery in Raison and later tuck into roast chicken and chips.

‘’Can this this really be India?’’ I wonder as I sit on the terrace of the most charming stone and timber built cottage, gazing out over immaculate and spacious gardens all overlooked by deodar-clad, forested hillsides?  The only sounds are of the River Beas churning and gurgling by, the birds flitting between the branches of…