“The best time to take break is when no one wants to take one” is the husband’s modus operandi to be far away from the crowds. That explains his off beaten and off season choices of holidays. And while the overdose of “trump-ets” types clashing with the ringing cash counting machine at the bank add to our daily din in the real and virtual world, it may after fall not be a bad idea to squeeze in a weekend break of solitude. Two of my handpicked spots, a short drive away from the city to let you just be as the evenings of November nip take over.
Understated- Just the way I like it is “Over Water”, a private ‘get–away’ conceived by Arathi Parigi, an architect, story teller and dear friend from days when yesterday’s ten rupee notes had more value than today’s 100 rupees. Yes, college days! This private retreat wrapped in countless wooden joists has energy to calm the most jangled nerves, as the sun and shadow play endless hide and seek, making it a design delight in many ways. Throw in a village experience from the nearby Ghore Khurd hamlet for a delicious Maharashtrian snack – The fresh green thechaa and yummy thalipeeth power you up better than rocket fuel. Though I am happiest star gazing from its wooden deck, as lullaby of lapping waters of the Khadakwasala Dam put me to sleep. Bespoke bliss!
While Over Water fits “good things come in small packages” adage, luxury at large can be found in at the award winning Atamantan – A wellness centre that many already know about. But what most aren’t aware is that prefixed Ayurvedic body type – Dosha menus that work like magic. Curative cuisine. Spa eats. Call them what you like. A runaway hit with celebrities and the influence set, this Well-appointed rooms, customized massages and the unremitting views of the Sahayadris. What more does a mere mortal wants? Definitely not the White House, as driving forces behind it – The Agarwal clan definitely rollout the red carpet for every guest.
And hopefully you can cut off from the inane WhatsApp jokes on the orange’d votes and pink notes, to bring back the sanity in your lives and evenings of November nips, in silence. Both Over Water and Atmantan have nature’s noise cancellation earphones come to our rescue!
Creative unfolded: Check out the Children’s Day workshop by origami expert Roopika Sood for little ones at homes. Concertation and perfection to create joy out of paper.
Don’t miss: Pune’s best export to the international art world and Raza’s protégé, Sujata Bajaj’s continues her “Ganapati show” at Lisa Pingale’s charming Monalisa Kalagram until November 17th! She shares a colourful fascination for my favourite elephant god, and And don’t feel shy to get her autograph – Mark my words, she is on her to become one of the biggest artists of our times.
Trumping around: Amazed and amused at “fastest finger race” on Instagram with city swish set posting their selfies with the Yankee president from his 2014 visit to Pune. A lesser known investment banker who pipped the obvious ones to win this one. Expect the unexpected, even here.
- 8 Great ‘Shop-talk’ Coffee Shops’ in Pune - May 29, 2017
- Diary of a Weekend Puneite: Why Osho is no longer Pune’s Pride… - November 19, 2016
- Diary of a Weekend Puneite: Breaking away to celebrate the November nip - November 12, 2016
