
JET, SET, BACHELORETTE

JET, SET, BACHELORETTE
The best last-minute travel plans with the girls to celebrate your bond together.
— BY RADHIKA BHALLA
RAISE A TOAST
The hot new destination to visit is the picturesque country of Georgia, that is at the intersection between Europe and Asia. And its capital, Tbilisi is a haven of historical beauty, delectable food, and party-worthy spots. The Courtyard by Marriott Tbilisi is a majestic building that overlooks the Freedom Square, offering scenic views of the city. Located in the heart of the city, the hotel offers chic, modern rooms and impeccable service, and most places to visit are close to it, such as the Georgian Art Museum. The rooms are spacious and affordable, and ideal to settle into after a day of exploring. To give your bridal glow an extra boost, consider visiting the sulphur baths of Old Tbilisi, where the dome-shaped Orbeliani Bath House is home to warm, mineral-rich water emerging from underground. Along with the lovely blue-and-white mosaic patterns on the walls, this therapeutic space offers private rooms and modern amenities while you get a good scrub massage. The best time to go is early in the morning to avoid the tourist rush—the 8 AM visit will be entirely worth it. For some much-needed retail therapy, Meidan Bazaar is the perfect labyrinth of art, artefacts, and souvenirs. This underground tunnel bazaar is a stone’s throw away from the baths, and you can even find good Georgian wine here to sip on later and take home for your beau. To satiate your hunger after your morning escapades, there are many restaurants where you will get local cuisine…which is a melange of European and Asian fare. A must-try is the popular traditional dish, Khachapuri, where a boat-shaped bread dish is served with cheese, butter, and eggs. Another iconic dish is the Khinkali, a dumpling that is stuffed with meats, fish, and vegetables.

For great photo-ops, head to the Leaning Clock Tower in Old Tblisi that almost looks like it’s going to fall— except that it won’t. This charming structure is right next to a puppet theatre of the famous Rezo Gabriadze, who created both buildings from reclaimed structures. Barely half an hour away from Tbilisi are the Chronicles of Georgia, which were built in 1985 but look like an elaborate, ancient site. This imposing structure records Georgia’s history, starting 5,000 years ago. Fun fact: the earliest evidence of wine is from Georgia, and you’ll learn similar conversation-starters while here. Speaking of which, Georgian wine is certainly to be indulged in…it has been an integral part of the nation’s fabric for 8,000 years! Some of the most famous ones here include wines made from Saperavi, Tsolikouri, Mtsvane, and Rkatsiteli grapes, to name a few. And the party life of Tblisi, located on Akhvlediani Street and Shardeni Street, is a mix of clubs and live performances at bars. Recommendations include El Centro, Fabrika , Mtkvarze, and Bassiani—each has a different vibe and a host of musicians/DJs. Booking flights in advance is a good way to save on your expenses, and all airlines have one stop before reaching Tblisi. Jazeera Airways, for instance, has some of the most affordable return tickets for your group of girls, and booking via the website has the best rates. Especially for those on a budget, this option turns out to be affordable, with a layover in Kuwait at the airway’s own terminal.

A LUXE PARADISE
Goa’s new secret is the ultra luxurious Baale Resort in Arpora village, a Bali-inspired, bespoke property that is already a favourite with Bollywood celebrities and high fliers. Seven, fully-serviced, artisanal villas come with a signature 40 feet-long private swimming pool, landscaped garden, lily pond, and personalised 24/7 butler service that will leave you feeling completely pampered (as you should). Each villa has either three or four spacious rooms, a living and dining room, a fully-equipped kitchen, bar, and a staff room, spread over two floors. The rooms are tastefully done, in soothing tones of blue, beige, and brown, and there is an outdoor shower and bathtub for those who enjoy being close to nature. The first thing you’d want to do is take a dip in the pool, so pack a few extra swimsuits for great pictures. On a side note, they’ll even serve you breakfast in the pool on a floating tray… the nicest way to wake up, really. At the resort, you’ll be able to leave your worries behind, since the in-villa trained staff will look after all your needs. Call for what your stomach fancies as your personal chef whips up a treat for you, or ask for the butler or housekeeping to help you with details or orders. Privacy is key here, and you will appreciate the attention to detail, both in terms of service and the aesthetics of the property. By evening, your friends and you can head to your private cabana for a gossip session and drinks, or you can check out the resort’s The Gong Bar that stocks an impressive selection of fine wines and cigars. Feel like experimenting? Ask the bartender to put together an off-menu cocktail for you. For a scrumptious meal, The Mandala Restaurant may, in fact, align all your chakras with its mouth-watering cuisine, where dishes can be prepared for your specific dietary requirements. The bustling nightlife of North Goa is close by, and after a night of partying, book yourself for a relaxing spa session. In case you need to sweat it out, the state-of-the-art gym will help get you well on your way for another day of pure indulgence.

NATURE’S BOUNTIES
Ancient temples, breathtaking views, and a nightlife that is as much fun as affordable, Vietnam is a five-hour, non-stop flight away from New Delhi. Before landing in Hanoi, Vietnam’s capital, make sure you have a checklist of the places to visit, as the city is centuries-old, boasting a melange of architecture from Southeast Asian to Chinese and French influences. The Hoàn Kiém Lake, with its green waters, is a pristine spot of the city. The lake features a Turtle Tower in its middle, referring to the legend of the turtle who collected the fabled Emperor Le Loi’s golden sword after he defeated the Chinese. There are plenty of cultural activities in Hanoi, from delightful performances at the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre to visiting the opera house, temples, pagodas, and museums. Once you have soaked in the history and art, The Bia Hoi Junction in the Old Quarter is the place to go bar-hopping as it is home to over 200 bars. This relaxed part of town is kitted out with outdoor seating, so remember not to wear your heels when there. For a more upmarket experience, you can visit The City Centre or West Lake Area that have a number of fancy bars and clubs. While in Vietnam, it’s imperative that you visit some of the other destinations—Halong Bay in the Northeast is an island with rainforests, and literally a vision out of a movie. Here, you can go kayaking or scuba diving, rock climbing, or hiking. The Anantara Quy Nhon luxury resort is situated on the beautiful coastline in central Vietnam, and is a less-explored spot for holidayers. Surrounded by mountains on three sides and the bay on the fourth, this resort is dotted by 26 villas, each with a view of the ocean. You’ll bide your time easier than ever here, with in-villa classes for martial arts or Vietnamese cooking, water sports, local excursions, and even a cliffside jungle spa experience. The best part is the luxury train that will bring you to the destination, The Vietage. The train departs from Da Nang Railway Station near Hoi An each morning, and you’ll reach Quy Nhon by the afternoon. Book a private booth for yourselves and along the way, raise a toast with the girls as you make a selection from their champagnes or wine cellar. To nibble on, there are Vietnamese and French treats, caviar, and local and international cheeses before you reach your destination by the afternoon. Once you have settled into the villa, take a dip in your private pool before stepping out for a scrumptious meal at their fine dining restaurant, ‘Sea. Fire. Salt.’. Feel like a bespoke dining experience? The Dining by Design concept on the beach allows you to select your favourite meals from the special menu or even collaborate with a personal chef for a gastronomic adventure. Needless to say, a visit to Vietnam is incomplete without a spa experience, and you can indulge in Anantara’s signature treatments such as the Chakra Crystal Balancing to the Journey of Vietnam where you slip into a milky coconut bath overlooking the ocean. Both Eastern and Western massage techniques are used to soothe your body and mind, and a facial will ensure you are glowing. Before the wedding madness begins, a trip to Vietnam is just what will rejuvenate your soul, with your BFFs by your side.

A TRANQUIL GETAWAY
For the group of girls that enjoys breathtaking views and outdoor adventure as much as fine wine, the boutique property Kaudia Estate on the Chamba—Mussoorie Road is the ideal weekend break. The thoughtfully-designed luxury villas are tucked away in the serene landscapes of Uttarakhand, nestled withina cedar forest. Each villa boasts three rooms for your friends and you to have an entire home to yourselves. In order to get to the estate, you and your will need to drive through the breathtaking Kaudia Forest, a most refreshing way to change your mood. Upon entering your villa, you will be immediately transported to the charm of the hills as you are greeted by a heady fragrance of cedar. The unobstructed views of the mountain peaks of Neelkanth, Satopanth, Bandarpunch, Chaukhamba, Dunagiri, Badrinath, and Kedarnath are abundantly visible from each of the villas. These have been designed as private homes, with a living room and a fireplace, dining room, and even a greenhouse to soak in the sun. Since there are only three villas at the estate, you can be sure that you’ll be pampered with special attention. Feel like having a picnic in your private lawn, or a barbecue in the evening? Consider it done. Eco-friendly travellers will appreciate the practices here, from not throwing away fruit and leaving it for the birds to preparing local cuisine with freshly-procured produce. Immerse yourself in rich flavours of Garhwali and traditional Kumaoni delicacies. And don’t miss out on trying popular dishes like Kafuli (a spinach-based curry), Bhang ki Chutney (a tangy condiment), and Gahat Dal (horse gram lentil soup), while there.
At the estate, you and the girls can enjoy indoor activities after catching up, such as foosball, table tennis, pool, or even a movie. And for those who are on a strict exercise plan, the estate will bring on board yoga acharyas to help you with your yoga and meditation journey… something every bride can need in the run-up to her wedding. To get some adrenal pumping, there are many adventure sports to indulge in—from sky walking and zip lining to rock climbing, rappelling, and even a jungle safari that is home to Nilgai, falcons, ravens, musk deer, bears, and even the elusive snow leopard. Take a day to appreciate the sheer beauty of nature’s creations—barely 30 minutes away from the destination are the most inviting trek paths. The Dhanaulti Eco Park, for instance, is home to beautiful birds and animals. Carry a pair of binoculars or two to spot unique species like the multi-hued Himalayan monal, the Fulvous-breasted woodpecker, or the Eurasian jay. Another option is the Kanatal trekking route, or a visit to the nearby Kainthogi village for a traditional experience. While exploring, keep a lookout for locally-sourced honey and homemade jams—you can use in your wedding favours and hampers. A weekend spent in the cosy company of friends is just what the bride needs to prep herself for the big day, and the Kaudia Estate is just the place for that.
