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Editor’s note
Gauri Devidayal is a highly successful serial restaurateur and founder of a number of well-known establishments in Mumbai, including Magazine St Kitchen, Mag St Bread Co, Iktara, Mag St Toppings and Miss T. And she is getting ready to launch her first cafe space, Mag St Cafe. We’re not sure exactly how she finds the time, but she also hosts two excellent podcasts The Colaba Cartel and This Round Is On Me.
Over to Gauri…
Travel for me is not just about getting out of Mumbai and discovering a new destination—in fact often I go back to the same place year after year. For me, travel is also invariably about the food, recharging and the locals who’ve become friends over the years. One of the best things about the lockdown was that it made us look at our home turf and discover some hidden gems of places to head to. So I’ve decided to reveal my secret list of a few of my favourite places I’ve been to right here in India.
Maya’s Crest, Kasauli: A homestay in the hills that’s invariably covered in clouds and when it isn’t, the retreat has views that make you want to stay in bed all day and stare out of the window. It’s the home of artist Usha Hooda and her two dogs, Max and Mastaan, and it’s been done up entirely by her—one brick, door and bed stand at a time. It’s the kind of home I would always dream of having. And if you’re lucky she’ll take you on a gorgeous walk every evening.
Jalakara, Havelock Island: This is a boutique hotel that’s not on the beach but so charming that you’re willing to forego the view. It’s where I lost my virginity to diving, and it’s the best thing I ever did. I can’t recommend the experience enough—it’s literally life altering. Jalakara was a great place to enjoy gourmet food and meet fellow travellers, some of whom have remained dear friends, and most times the owners Marko and Atalanta, and their gorgeous daughter, are around to ensure you’re having the best time.
Elsewhere, Goa: Goa is hardly an unknown destination. Yet after visiting for so many years, I think I finally found my favourite place to stay. Elsewhere is a hidden treasure quite literally on the beach between Morjim and Mandrem—where you pretty much roll out of bed and into the sea. With only 5 rooms or beach houses and a few lux tents, and a favourite for anyone who has ever stayed there, it’s hard to get a room, but persist and you can thank me later. Or maybe just be really nice to its owner, the renowned photographer, Denzil Sequeira.
Highlands Park, Gulmarg: This really is home away from home for me. I’m not uber sporty, but you just won't be able to resist putting on your skis and getting on to the slopes, especially when they begin just over the fence of the hotel. And if you’re not one for the snow, those very same slopes serve as a golf course the rest of the year. The heritage hotel is owned by the ever so gracious Khaver Jeelani and managed by the incredibly warm and efficient Mr Assadullah. From Kashmiri wazwan to mulled wine at the bar, the atmosphere is what really makes Highlands Park unique. The rooms are fantastic, the views awesome and the service exceptional.
I think it’s time to start planning my next vacation.
Note: This is NOT sponsored content. We use this section to spotlight the recommendations of people we trust and admire.