by helipadonheels

More on Maldives

While my Instagram account was bombarded with posts of my Maldivian holiday thought why not blog about it too!

Hence, I finally decided to pen down my experience which was everything fabulous and memorable.

So, first things first-Maldives is not at all boring if you plan your trip well. I feel you should plan to stay for four days and maybe increase the duration only if you are opting for hotel hopping.
Choosing a good hotel is a must since your entire holiday is all about enjoying your hotel and making the most of the services and activities it has to offer. We chose to stay at Joali and we absolutely loved it.
Make prior bookings- This is an advise you shall definitely thank me later for. Whether its the spa, their specialty restaurant or water sports- all these mostly keep busy with the in-house guests so to be able to enjoy these services at your convenience- it is best to make prior reservations.
Definitely opt for personalized experiences such as a private screening or private meal by the sea.
Meal plan- Basis how cost effective you want to make your trip, you should look into this aspect. Many hotels give an excellent all inclusive deal which works out more economical. But if you want a more personalized experience- then take each day and each meal as it comes.
Clothing & Essentials- Before leave you will definitely check on the temperature but of course you’ll need a lot of beach wear and lounge wear. But make sure to plan your clothing well as the fabrics must be soft and soothing! Also, you would want to click lots of pictures against the beautiful natural backdrop so don’t hesitate in dressing up! And whatever you may forget but don’t forget to apply a good sunscreen. It is also very important to keep yourself well hydrated.

08.26.21

by helipadonheels

Binge over Bikinis in Goa

Well, Goa is truly a VIBE and the whole experience just goes a notch up when the food you eat at your vacation is worthwhile.

Sharing with you a whole range of places which you must check out and explore whenever you are in Goa next.

Tamil Table- This made for one of my most favourite meals in Goa for sure. While their menu isn’t the most exhaustive but everything that came to our table was super delicious. Items we tasted and absolutely loved included the likes of Tamarind Aubergine with Black Eye Beans, Slow Cooked Mutton with Ash gourd and Vanaraja Pepper Chicken. Also, worth tasting at your visit here is the Chocolate Pot which is basically chocolate ganache with bourbon, sprinkled with caramelized coconut, ginger and jaggery.

2. Prana Cafe- We stopped by here for a quick lunch and absolutely loved the “no-frill” vibe. We went to the Anjuna outlet and loved the surroundings enriched by Paddy Fields. Everything that came on the table was amazing including the Pad Thai relished by my husband. Though I must admit my sandwich was on the average side as I expected better bread maybe. But overall, I shall definitely return to this one for it pretty much transported me to Ubud.

3. Bomras – This one made for a refreshing pleasant surprise as you walk in without any expectations and just get blown away by the deliciousness of each dish that makes it to your table. The restaurant beautifully delivers high-end Burmese cuisine. Again located in Anjuna, Bomras is a must when you want to surprise your taste buds with something different. We ordered and loved their Spicy Prawn Curry, Soba Noodles and Chilly Chicken.

4. Pizza Delizia– Truly an underrated yet humble joint. Their desserts are to die for and believe it or not but their Karaoke night was the highlight of our trip as the place was absolutely buzzing and we had the most amazing time.

Lastly, talking about two of my absolute favourite places to eat as the food at both these places is absolutely divine and you wouldn’t be disappointed even a bit. We went for breakfast to Baba Au Rhum and the meal was just the best way to kick-start the day and yes they do have an amazing bakery as well.

The other place which was an absolute delight was Yazu- a Pan Asian Beach Club. No matter how much I say about this place, it would be less only as each dish that came on the table whether it was the Dimsums or the Baos was a ten on ten. And guess what? You enjoy your meal with the view of the beach.

Hope you enjoyed this one, until I share more- do check these out on your next trip.

07.13.21

by helipadonheels

Amazing Memories in Amazing Thailand

Thailand for me has not just been a holiday spot. I miss visiting it so terribly in recent times, especially because I would religiously visit the country at least once a year. Hence, most time is spent either talking about it, watching vlogs on it or just researching on our future holiday plans.

It has given me just so much and it is also a place of many firsts besides the one wherein I could truly rediscover myself. The country on my many visits has helped me a great deal in letting go of what had to be forgotten and embrace what needed importance. I rediscover myself here every time and pump in the much needed confidence.

**Reflecting & Rediscovering in Thailand**

It was the first international holiday my late father let me go on, it made for my first solo international flight, it was the first holiday I could give my mother, it was the first place I could display my work that I am extremely passionate about, it made for the first international destination for many of my blog collaborations, it was the first place I discovered the magic of marine life and so on. Hence, it really has helped me revive my zest towards life like no other country.

In Thailand, I have enjoyed hospitality like nowhere else. Luxury has seemed affordable and accessible. But something that money can’t buy are the smiles of the locals which truly fill your heart and one receives those in abundance. Whenever I think of a place to relax and rejuvenate- no other country comes to my mind. That is why whenever I would feel I have saved enough from my salary and needed a break- I would instantly just book my tickets and fly to my favorite destination.

My love for the country was so strong and pure that I attracted a husband who loved Thailand immensely and would also visit the country at least once a year since childhood. Our honeymoon became even more special as we both took each other to our favourite spots and gave each other our take on the city of Bangkok. I will give you a peek into just one of our evenings where we strolled around the Asiatique Night Market, then went to the very fancy ARTBOX night market in Sukhumvit, followed by eating the most delicious fish at Zanzibar, then partied it up at Levels Club and finally, went for a drink to Sirocco. That is what Bangkok does to you, it lets you be and lets you have the time of your life.

**Stay at 137 Pillars Suites & Residences**

What’s more is that some of my closest friends reside in Bangkok and that has truly helped me in enjoying the city and country like a local.

Whether it’s running to catch our ferry back home from Phi Phi or running to make it to the last ferry from Rayong to Koh Samet or attending a Sikh wedding at the Gurudwara in Bangkok, shopping suitcases full of goodies at Platinum Mall or just eating the most delicious food on the streets- I have made memories of a lifetime which are just so special like the country Thailand is- special and amazing!

#BlogYourThailand #AmazingThailand #TATNewDelhi #TATIndia #ResetinThailand

06.09.21

by helipadonheels

You are not alone!

Recent times have been extremely harsh, brutal and challenging. There is immense fear reference one’s health, grief of losing close ones, anxiety of what the future holds and just way too many such emotions. But we all must accept and acknowledge the fact that we are not alone in this! Each one is fighting some or the other battle, some of them may be visible while others may not be. Life has been anything but normal and it is most important now more than ever before to protect our menatl well-being.

Mental health has long been neglected, in turn causing many of us to suffer in silence. We got talking with the experts at Goodlives, who are working tirelessly to make mental health treatment accessible and affordable. They connect people to the right therapist and also spread mass awareness through various means.

In this conversation, we stressed on questions which maybe bothering many of you, for instance-when should one opt for therapy? We truly hope this article proves to be helpful.

Helipadonheels: What are the most common queries with regards to mental health which are pouring in?
Goodlives: Covid-19 has been the biggest trigger for many. The second wave has been more hard as the complications have been severe. Most questions revolve around how to cope with lockdown, covid-related stress, anxiety, depression, loneliness, fatigue. The transition from being outdoors everyday with no worries on social distancing, to being in your home 24/7, alone or with family, is something that’s been most asked for counseling. Also, regarding the uncertainty of this pandemic and how it’s affecting future decisions (career, academics, family etc)- this is also another aspect where help is being mostly asked.

Helipadonheels: What are some of the basic few steps each one of us can take in current times to ensure our mental well-being?
Goodlives: We can take care of ourselves and others in some basic ways:

Firstly, keeping a routine is vital for providing structure during these times of uncertainty.
Having nutritious food (adding fruits and vegetables) and having meals on time. Water intake is also important. Skip the processed drinks and have a glass of natural juice instead.
Choose a specific bedtime and wake-up time. Try to keep it consistent
Engaging oneself in some physical activity. You don’t need to follow rigorous workout sessions. Whatever is your comfort and convenience is important.
Remember to unplug. Excessive consumption of news and screen time is unhealthy for both body and mind.

Helipadonheels: What are the habits which one should use as indicators for seeking help?
Goodlives: If you experience any of the following emotions or feelings to the extent that they interfere with life, therapy is needed:

You might feel like you have too many things to do or too many issues to cope with. You might feel like you can’t rest or even breathe. This overwhelming feeling is the biggest sign.
Everyone feels angry at times. Seeking support to deal with these feelings may be a good idea when they don’t pass, are extreme compared to the situation, or if they lead you to take violent or potentially harmful actions.
It’s normal to worry about things from time to time, but when worry takes up a significant part of your day or causes physical symptoms, therapy can help you deal with it.
Losing interest in usual activities, the world around you, or life in general can indicate mental health issues like depression or anxiety.
There is lack of appetite or even overeating.Fatigue can cause you to sleep more than usual or have trouble getting out of bed in the morning.
Losing hope or motivation, or feeling as if you have no future, can indicate depression or another mental health condition. Feeling hopeless from time to time, especially after a period of difficulty, isn’t uncommon. But when it persists, it may lead to thoughts of suicide.
Many people feel better when they’re able to spend at least some time alone. But, if social withdrawal has become a habit, then it’s time to check-in.

Helipadonheels: Lastly, if someone isn’t feeling their usual self how can they reach out to your specialists and how does the process work?
Goodlives: Goodlives has been operating on a very effective level on this aspect. Whenever you need to reach out for therapy, you just need to go to the website. There is no need to fill up a form. The right therapist is matched according to your needs. Confidentiality is absolutely maintained. And then the therapy session begins in the comfort of your room. We do not only have talk therapy, we also have expressive art therapy like music, dance and drawing. The sessions are continued consistently, as long as the client and therapist seems fit!

To all those reading this one, know that there is light after the tunnel and that you are not alone!

03.27.20

by helipadonheels

Best of Bali, Part-1

I can go on raving about what an amazing place Bali is and I am just ever so thankful to my husband, Ishan for the best memories and finally convincing me to zero in on Bali for our honeymoon, a place which I had been waiting to visit for the longest time.

This post shall be more fun with more pictures and more on our favourites from some of the eat-outs, cafes, restaurants and clubs we visited in Seminyak, Uluwatu and Jimbaran.

Also, for the first time- Ishan too will share his take on the places we visited together. So, in no particular order, here we go:

Neon Palms

Sonali: Well, girls you may just get some insta worthy pictures in here! I ordered from the kids menu for I was craving Mac N Cheese!

Ishan: It is a small-little place but colourful and upbeat! I loved my burger!!!

2. Ku De Ta

Sonali: It was the perfect start to our holiday as we went here on our first evening! It has got a super romantic setting with dim lights and sea-facing seating and the food too was quite good!

Ishan: The place is huge and pretty. We went on a day with not too many people though sitting with my wife over-looking the sea was beautiful!!!

3. Cafe Kim Soo

Sonali: I loved the idea that I could shop gifts and stuff for our home while we waited for our food. And I quite enjoyed the Risotto!

Ishan: The fact that it is attached to a shop makes it fun . The food was average but a nice quaint place!

4. Potato Head Beach Club

Sonali: I loved the vibe! There is not a dull moment when here! I liked the fact that you can do your own thing and just chill without any agenda!

Ishan: I would definitely visit this place again for the sunset view, the vibe and the music!

5. Sisterfields

Sonali: This is one of my super favourite places! Loved everything we ordered whether the food or the drinks. All was 10 on 10.

Ishan: Great location, the food was outstanding, fresh and tasty.

6. Rock Bar

Sonali: Loved the view and our drinks and I would want to go back again!

Ishan: The view was amazing though not being allowed to go to certain areas is a put off!

HKOM1070

7. Finns Beach Club

Sonali: The ambience is so cool, the idea of sitting & partying right in the middle of a pool is quite fancy, what say?

Ishan: A full on party place. It would be ideal to go for a sun-downer to make the most of the place!

Pro Tips from us:

Both La Favela and Motel Mexicola are super amazing for fun night-outs!
Don’t forget to enjoy some Bintang Beer at one of the shacks at Seminyak beach!
Do have your share of Gelatos!
Lastly, and most importantly don’t miss out on some breakfast in the pool when in Bali!

11.17.18

by helipadonheels

On Happiness

Today, I am starting a new #LoveLife series and first up would like to briefly throw light on an aspect which we all strive for, i.e., happiness! We all want to be happy. However, the concept of happiness with time and over the years, I have realized truly is much more deeper than just momentary satisfactions which are also important but rather temporary.

Essentially, happiness should not be equated with arrogance or ignorance. Many people despite several on-going challenges choose to still face it all with a smile. Hence, if they are choosing to be happy- it does not mean (at least in most cases) that they are cutting-off from the realities of every day life. In my opinion, it truly means that they value life and are doing all that it takes to work towards better times not ignoring TODAY.

It is important to value our today, make the most of today! Without being too philosophical- I feel if we cannot fully savour today, tomorrow we may have many more material possessions that we aspired for- but we may still not be able to be happy. Guessing why? Maybe because aspirations and expectations have further gone a notch higher.

Lastly, love your life and respect each one that comes in the orbit of your life. Set your own goals and learn from others. We truly gain nothing comparing ourselves with others as mostly it has more negative repercussions than not. And something that I have been telling a lot of my friends-like they say do not judge a book by its cover- do not judge a person by what you see for each one is fighting their own battle deep within each day and each moment. If someone is happy- be happy for them, sometimes it is this mini gesture that can give you a reason to be happy on one of your dull days!

Best,
Sonali

11.13.14

by helipadonheels

Luxury Anyone?

Luxury is anything that cannot be bound by seams of time and money. It can be anything from sipping coffee on a cold day while being snuggled in a warm blanket or just spending a lazy day at home or how about luxury that transcends accessibility and defines exclusivity; such as buying a personal jet or owning a luxury estate.

The latter mostly comes with a hefty price tag and you cannot go wrong with the choices you make. In a time when India`s luxury market is growing at the rate of 255 million dollars every year, it is important to have media channels that educate people on the same and help make right choices.

Talking about media channel, we want to introduce to our readers India`s very new online magazine- The Luxe Café, which does the job of informing pretty well. Here you cannot expect to read amateurish content as most of it is written by field experts or the people themselves who set luxury trends.

Capture

So, if you are actually planning to buy a personal business jet, then this e-magazine should be your bookmarked information channel.

The Luxe Cafe

If so far we have been sounding biased towards what men look for, then let`s strike a balance with serving women too. The magazine has a beautiful section of wellness, fashion and lifestyle as well where you will find big names such as Tarun Tahiliani talking directly to readers about dos and don’ts of a wedding trousseau. One story that we think might particularly be of interest to a lot of women is about a spa that will make you look good after pregnancy. Well, that does sound like much needed luxury!

The Many Different Categories It Offers

The magazine is editorially directed by former journalist, Manisha Mayur Shekhar who believes in making luxury accessible to everyone who desires it. And the online magazine seems like a perfect way of doing so as internet is quickly penetrating into tier 1 and 2 cities and towns of India. In no time the magazine will become a common platform for those who deliver luxury and those who demand it.

Well, we at Helipad on Heels love to promote anything and everything that takes people closer to fine living. With that thought we leave you with The Luxe Café to explore on your own.

08.28.14

by helipadonheels

Moonshine Café & Bar @ HKV

You would undoubtedly agree that there are umpteen cafes, restaurants and bars in the very plush Hauz Khas Village, but there are a handful places which call for repeat visits. To put it in short- Moonshine Cafe & Bar is that sort of a place. Easy to fall for and has it all for a being a routine hang-out spot!

I was honestly quite intrigued by the name and could not stop myself from asking more.

I was educated that ‘Moonshine’, is an American concept which can be traced back to the 1920’s where distilling of liquor would happen at night “by the light of the moon” during the prohibition era. Interesting thought process, isn’t it?

The place is high on energy. Luckily, I went on a Monday night which is their Bollywood night and I absolutely loved the background scores while I was engrossed in conversations and tasting. This cafe & bar functions on a superlative concept that would let one enjoy three different experiences. Their two indoor spaces would always have different music playing from each other and further ahead the open space is ideal for hookahs!

The vintage décor and dim-lighting, artistic interpretation of Chicago’s skyline on the walls, posters reflective of American culture make for an impressive setting. Each decor piece seems to have been carefully hand-picked and put-together for that rustic charm.

Now, all about their food and drinks… So, good news is that their food menu just got revamped. And for those who like to go big on their Long Island Iced Teas, ask for a coloured version! I am told that their cocktails come with a twist and are highly recommended.

For all pizza lovers like me, think less and get ordering. They know how to get it perfectly right! Besides that, the other hot-sellers include the likes of Moonshine Sliders and Mezze Platter. The cafe pays some serious attention to their culinary offerings, so don’t be misguided that this is not a place for the foodies.

And remember, this moon shines both at day and night!

Moonshine Cafe and Bar Interiors

Moonshine Vegetarian Platter

Blue Lagoon

Moonshine Cafe and Bar

Moonshine Cafe & Bar – Duo Of Bruschettas

French 75

Juicy Chicken Burger

We shall wait to hear on your Moonshine experience…

07.22.14

by helipadonheels

Manish Malhotra @ the India Couture Week 14´

Soon after the much awaited Manish Malhotra fashion show got over in the Capital, one of his show-stoppers and Bollywood’s recent sensation, Alia Bhatt posted her picture on instagram saying, “Dream come true”. I shared her sentiments as this was the very first time, one was able to witness live the opulent creations of our most loved designer. One was left asking for more as the collection was absolutely stunning. The usage of mirrors, Kashmiri-work, richness of reds and greens and the sophistication of the neutral hues- all worked like magic on us. And not to forget his show-stoppers who took everyone by surprise. In such a splendid setting, the fashion icon managed to even make me feel like a princess!

Manish with show-stoppers Alia and Aditya

07.03.14

by helipadonheels

Well Travelled Tenerife

Summers by definition (our definition atleast) mean a beach holiday. Bikinis, tankinis, summer hats, sunscreens, flip-flops, pina-coladas and more become the key essentials. My recent trip to Tenerife, Spain was all about these and here I am sharing a tiny part of my Travel Diary with you guys. To tell you a little about it, Tenerife is the largest of the seven Canary Islands. Being a volcanic island, it is not exactly green but a beautiful blend of high peaks, clear waters, barren roads and lot of adventure. On the one hand there are famous beaches such as Playa de La Vistas, Los Cristianos and Playa de Las Americas that will make you feel like a small part of a big tourist crowd and on the other hand there are those like Playa de La Teresitas that don´t just beautifully beam with their golden sand but also give you enough sense of peace and alone time. Saying that, this island will give you enough space to meditate and party your head down when you like.

Tenerife is not that big and is well connected by a highway. We had hired a cute little Audi for 9 days (its actually cheap) and encircled the island in just a few hours. Since, our experience was good, I can actually suggest hiring from Gold Car. Its a beautiful experience to drive on a smooth highway running through small mountains and right next to the sea.

Starting with my favourite beach of all, Del Duque is for people who constantly seek all things chic. Being located in the buzzing Costa Adeje, this beach was in fact a short walk away from our hotel, H10 Costa Adeje. The sand is a beautiful mix of white and grey and the water is all blue (I know that is a little obvious). However, this beach is a a little rocky and not the best place for swimmers. But girls have something more to look forward to. Check out below the images of this shopping center, `Centro Commercial El Mirador´ lining the beach. It is super stylish with tiny cosy cafes and shops selling everything luxurious.

That also reminds me that you can´t hit a chic beach without a fit body. Well, I myself love Gymondo for being the new age way to fitness. Whenever, I find time during the day, I switch on my laptop and start training with this online fitness studio. I specially love their beach body workouts. At the moment the videos are only in German but exercises ask for no language. 😉 Subscribe for the trial period and see how you like it and do share the feedback.

And when you be done with water, sand and sun, then take a drive down to a pretty little town, La Oratova in North Tenerife. Here you can spend a day walking through old lanes featuring the typical ancient Spanish wooden doors and balconies. When tired, rest by at some cafe and drink local wine for prices so cheap that you will be surprised. I am sharing below lots of pictures from this small pretty town simply because small towns and countryside fascinates me like nothing else.

Every other door got my attention with its exquisite carvings.

And the lanes in which you can just get lost and not care about the world…

There is something very royal about Spanish wooden architecture.

Tenerife is also a proud owner of Parque Nacional Del Teide (Del Teide National Park). It is one of the the most visited heritage sites of the world. To excite you a little bit, this place is extremely similar to Mars in terms of geographical conditions and serves as a testing site for robots. This place is a must see for it makes you feel like in a different world that of rocks and lava. And just BTW films like ‘Planet of the Apes’ and ‘Star Wars’ were also shot here. The way to Teida is an experience in itself that you should not miss and you can easily drive to the highest permissible point from where you can take a rope-way and get further up to the peak.

TIP- Book your tickets beforehand for the rope-way. Also, if you want to trek up till the crater then you have to make prior reservation on their official website. Lastly, do carry a warm jacket with yourself as the temperature keeps falling as you go higher.

Way to the Teida is extremely beautiful and one that you will always remember.

Mount Del Teida

On our way back, we stopped by at this beautiful and quiet beach, El Medano. It´s a black sand beach but great if you don’t want to see lot of people and get some alone time. However, know that there is a section of the beach that is exclusively for naturists.

Another of my favourite things from this place was whale and dolphin watching. Seeing them in the most natural surroundings is way more chic and fun than seeing them dance in a zoo. I am sharing this picture below to give a fair impression of how close you can see them from. I could hear the whales breath. Yea, that close!

DSC_0173-001

And now getting to my favourite part- `fashion´, here are my beach essentials for 2014. You can click on any photo to view enlarged gallery (and also read captions).