Tucked
away in laidback Pondicherry is a new heritage hotel that has been restored with
great love and beauty. In case you've never heard of Joseph Francois Dupleix,
you wil, the moment you step into the splendid new heritage hotel that has been
named after him at Pondicherry. He was the famous French General and Governor of
Pondicherry who, but for a twist of destiny, might have beaten the English at
their game of empire.
You
can drive down the superb East Coast Highway from Chennai in
two-and-a-half-hours to reach Pondicherry. This town has preserved its French
connection with style and fervour, thanks to the long-term presence of an
international community of creative individuals who were attracted by the
teachings of Shri Aurobindo and the Mother. Certainly, this was what brought
Dilip Kapur and Dimitri Klein of Le Dupleix together. Dilip Kapur is better
known as the highly innovative owner of Hidesign which sells quality leather
products.
At
Le Dupleix a team of architects and designers have lovingly restored both, the
French aspects of the building, with its high surrounding walls, and a private
garden with an immense tree in the middle. They have re-created the intricately
carved wooden ceiling taken from the original house of Dupleix's companion
called 'The Begum' and placed it in the bar. They have also used the pillars
from the old house to create an airy terraced restaurant on the roof. Each of
the l4 bedrooms in the hotel has a different look, with an emphasis on
four-poster beds and authentic accessories with the best of 21st-century
sanitary comforts.
The
garden restaurant in the courtyard is charmingly laidback, with the sound of
running water cascading along rocks that have been cleverly placed under the
clear glass staircase. The food is an interesting combination of Indian and
Continental with excellent fish and chicken dishes served by a very friendly
staff.
So,
are you packing your bags already?
By
Meenakshi Doctor
Palatial
Comfort
Usha
Kiran Palace at Gwalior is the latest addition to the Taj Group of Hotels.
Located next to Jai Vilas Palace, this ancestral home of the Royal Scindia
family, is a gracious 120-year-old heritage hotel, originally built to host the
King and Queen of England.
The
15 superior and 21 deluxe rooms are aesthetically styled to reflect the local
culture and exquisite architecture, yet offering contemporary comforts.
Luxurious royal suites - Chand Niwas and Suraj Niwas - offer a magnificent view
of the Gwalior Fort.
The
hotel has a multi-cuisine restaurant, a café that offers an alfresco
dining experience amidst vistas of greenery; the Bada Bar Lounge has the finest
European wines and spirits, and there are poolside as well as roof-top
restaurants.
For
more information, call India Toll-Free Number: 1 600 111 TAJ (825) or log onto
www.tajhotels.com
For
Globetrotters
If
you're going to...
Sydney,
Australia:
You must stay at the newly opened Marriott International's
third Courtyard hotel in Australia, Courtyard by Marriott North Ryde. The
eight-storey, 196-room hotel is located on the central north shore of Sydney.
And,
if you've planned to be there before December 31, 2004, you get the special
introductory offer that begins at AUS$ 225, including full breakfast (approx
$160 US), per night.
Rome,
Italy:
Here, you have a chance to check at the first Courtyard in Italy -
the five-storey, 187-room Courtyard by Marriott Rome Airport. Rates begin at
EU180 (approx $220 US) per night. It is located in the town of Fiumicino, three
km from Rome's main international airport, Leonardo Da Vinci.
For
more details, call India Toll Free No. 1600-22-0044
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