By: Ritwika Gupta
 

Sinful. Royal. Mystical. Chocolate. Aroma. Wellness. Relaxation. Indulgence. Haven.

Ponder over these words with your eyes closed and it?s likely that your senses will immediately transport you to a quiet serene aromatic environment with soothing music playing in the background. Welcome to the wonderful world of Spas!

?To make the right choices in life, you have to get in touch with your soul,? said Deepak Chopra. Swamped in the rigmaroles of daily life, the mind, body and soul often seek a retreat. Whether you?re a working professional, homemaker, entrepreneur or student, it is imperative for everyone to unplug from your routine life once in a while and escape to another world - where you can relax and rejuvenate.

What?s more, if you love indulging in spa therapies, you?ll be happy to know that these rituals come with a set of amazing health benefits as well. A visit to the spa not only caters to one?s cosseting needs but also offers the much needed care and benefits that our body and skin require.

Studies have shown that physical therapies are necessary for our overall well-being. The spa at The Deltin Resort, Daman, offers a variety of treatments that modulates energies and stimulates the body's natural healing abilities. Deltin Spa operational manager Mahalaxmi Pillai says, ?Every treatment we offer is based on the concept that the body?s own energy is the natural source of healing and well-being. People visit our spa for our unique Balinese massage, which is a form of a traditional Indonesian massage that originated in Bali.?

According to Pillai, the Balinese massage uses a variety of techniques including stretching, skin rolling, kneading, stroking, pressure-point stimulation and aromatherapy to stimulate the flow of oxygen and ?qi? (energy) around the body. The massage not only helps in calming down the body but also boosts blood circulation and targets knotted tissues in the body. When combined with the aromas of essential oils, a Balinese massage is sure to give you a relaxing experience while addressing physical issues as well.
Treatment: Balinese Massage
Duration: 60 min/90 min
Price: Rs 3500 ? Rs 4500 (excluding Tax)

Traditional Chakra therapies are also beneficial for deep healing and balancing. Chakras refer to the seven centres of spiritual power in the human body.  At Aura Nand Spa, Mumbai, qualified master therapists called ?ajarns? provide Chakra treatments that take customers on a tranquil journey.

Aura Nand Spa & Moh Spa CEO Derek Machado elaborates, ?For Aura, we have introduced the Chakra therapy, a customized treatment that will focus on your chakras to help you find balance. It increases awareness and also the strength of your immune system.?

The Chakra therapy at Aura Nand Spa is based on a traditional lomi lomi technique that involves the usage of palms, forearms, fingers, knuckles, elbows, knees, feet, sticks and stones to knead, rub and sooth the skin.

According to a research study conducted by Marc Zollicoffer for Aveda Corporation, each chakra of our body is associated to a specific aspect of our lives and by focusing on that chakra we can become aware of those issues and then work with them to achieve greater health and happiness.
Treatment: Chakra Therapy
Duration: 60 min
Price: Rs 2600 (excluding Tax)

Hot oil massages have also increasingly become popular within the spa and salon industry. It helps improve blood circulation in the body from head to toe. The head oil massage at the Deltin Spa is a thirty-minute treatment that improves concentration and activates blood circulation. Pillai explains, ?The head oil massage aids in quick and sound sleep. It strengthens your hair roots, relaxes, calms your mind and reduces stress.?

Treatment: Head Massage
Duration: 30 min
Price: Rs 2000 (excluding Tax)

Similarly, the newly introduced hot oil massage at the Mumbai based Moh Spa can bring lasting relief to body aches, tensed, exhausted and painful muscles. Machado elaborates, ?In 2015, we?ve introduced the hot oil seasonal treatment where heated candle oil is poured directly onto the skin of the customer in order to warm and massage the whole body. Hot oil massages calm the nerves and promote longevity.?

Treatment: Hot Oil Massage
Duration: 60 min
Price: Rs 1600 (excluding Tax)

The Duo massage offered at the Deltin Spa uses techniques based on healing traditions. Pillai informs that two therapists mirroring each other?s movements perform the massage. Not only is this synchronized massage the ultimate form of indulgence, but it also targets the deeper layers of connective tissues and focuses on areas of tight muscle fibers that form in the muscles after injuries. Pillai adds, ?It can be like experiencing two full body massages at the same time. The therapists will use the client body as a canvas onto which they choreograph slow, detailed moves of varying paces and pressures.?

Treatment:  Duo Massage
Duration: 30 min/45 min
Price: Rs 4500 ? Rs 6500 (excluding tax)

Apart from the physical benefits, spa therapies also take good care of the skin. Good skin care helps delay the natural aging process and prevent various skin problems. Shvasa Spa at Hyatt Regency in Gurgaon offers the Revitalize Facial, which purifies the skin, removes excess oil and stimulates circulation. Hyatt Regency Gurgaon director of rooms Vishal Sapra says that the skin treatments reduce impurities and restore balance.

?We have a treatment called Shvasa Ritual that is also part of our bridal package. It begins with a gentle exfoliation enriched with rice, milk, oatmeal and honey. Rice and oatmeal gently peel off dead skin while milk and honey enrich the skin with deep nourishment. Skin is detoxified with sandalwood and fuller?s earth mud wrap, which draws out impurities, nourishes the skin and refines skin pores,? Sapra says.

Treatment: Facials, Shvasa Ritual & Hand Feet Treatment
Duration: 3 weeks package
Price: Rs 7000 (excluding tax)

So, the next time you visit your favourite spa, consider these various modern day therapies, which promise some amazing health benefits!

There just aren?t enough days in the weekend! Most of us anxiously wait for Friday in order to refuel and indulge in our favourite activities. After an exhausting long week, the one way to unwind would be to experience a fun and relaxing weekend. Indiantelevision.com?s Exec Lifestyle will give you a checklist on the best of weekend events and activities in the country. From where to go and what to do, The Event Diary will be your definitive guide to the exciting events, festivals and activities that are take place from Friday to Sunday.

Run through our list of the coolest ways to usher in this weekend.

Friday, 30 Jan 2015

Jhumroo, 2.30pm @ Kingdom of Dreams, Sector 29 Delhi, NCR
Catch the musical drama Jhumroo, a moving tale of a fan and his belief in his Idol. Jhumroo will take the audience through the story of a lovable young boy Bhola, who finds himself in the finals of a singing reality show. How the music and spirit of Kishore da whom Bhola considers his idol makes this possible is an enchanting tale in true sense of the word.

Dance Like a Man, 9.30pm @ Bandra Base, Mumbai
Mahesh Dattani?s cinematic adaptation of a theatrical performance stars Lilette Dubey, Vijay Crishna, Suchitra Pillai-Malik and Joy Sengupta. It is the story of Jairaj and Ratna, two Bharatanatyam dancers past their prime, and their daughter Lata, who is on the brink of establishing herself as a brilliant dancer. Her imminent success creates tension and jealousy and the audience is drawn into the dark secrets of family relationships and conflicts between generations.

Krishan Vs Kanhaiya, 6.45pm @ Kala Mandir Auditorium, Kolkata
Paresh Rawal?s much loved and highly acclaimed play Krishan Vs Kanhaiya talks about a small time street smart conman and antique dealer, Kishan, who is an atheist married to a very religious woman. There is always an argument about religion in the house. Hilariously funny situations are created due to this conflict. Suddenly, a dramatic event occurs in his life which changes his outlook and leads him to question the very existence of God or ''Kanhaiya''.

NeObliviscaris B-School Of Rock, 6.30pm @ IIM, Bangalore

Ne Obliviscaris, a violin-laden six piece metal band, is coming to perform in India for the first time this weekend in Banglore. The band, known for their unique sound and intense live shows rose to fame in 2012 with their album Portal Of I. They have headlined festivals such as Progfest and Sonic Forge, while gaining fans across the globe.

Saturday, 31 Jan 2015

Unfaithfully Yours, 8:00 pm @ NCPA Tata Theatre, Mumbai
For all theatre buffs, catch a poignant love drama, ?Unfaithfully Yours? directed by Raell Padamsee, starring Mona Singh and Rohit Roy. The play begins with a chance meeting between two strangers, Akash and Preet, which blossoms into a 25 year relationship. The audience follows their story at 5-year intervals and experiences how the characters grow both as individuals and as a couple.

Barbecue Master Class, 11.00am @ Weber Experience Center, Banglore

Anyone who wants to learn to barbecue at home and prepare delicious grilled fare, should attend the Barbecue Master Class in Banglore. Learn simple techniques to barbecue or roast food perfectly. Cook everything from whole chickens to chocolate brownies, and the grilling method can be used for veggies, chicken skewers or even pizzas and desserts.

India Art Fair 2015, 2.00pm @ NSIC Ground, Delhi

India Art Fair is one of the leading art fairs for modern and contemporary art from across the world. India's premier modern and contemporary art fair, now in its 7th edition,will showcase a breadth of modern and contemporary art practices including painting, sculpture, new media, installation and performance art.

Sunday, 01 Feb 2015

Most Comedy Ever with Kanan Gill, 7.30pm @ Sirifort Auditorium, Delhi
Kanan Gill, who exploded onto the stand-up comedy scene with his YouTube channel where he co-created the show ?Pretentious Movie Reviews?, is all set to crack you up in Delhi this weekend. Witness an impromptu night filled with laughter and hilarity with the funny man!

Sunday Brunch at Indigo Delicatessen, 9:00 am @ Andheri West, MumbaiAdd a bit of fun to your Sunday brunch at Cafe Indigo Delicatessen. You can enjoy a wide spread of delicious food like the yummy pancakes, egg benedict, wafer-thin classic margherita pizza, chicken lasagne and European-Continental main course. The outside canopy seating is the best place to eat under with natural light and a pleasant morning temperature.

Pitcher Perfect Live Stand-Up Comedy, 8.30pm @ HAL 2nd stage, Bangalore

Watch stand-up comedians Nitin Gupta and Rupen Paul as they narrate their funny tales and tickle your funny bones. Live comedy and beers, it doesn't get any better!

Exec Lifestyle?s Weekend Watch, recommends and previews the television shows & films that you simply cannot miss this weekend! Stay at home to watch your favourite show or grab some popcorn at the theatre near you as we present a comprehensive listing on the tv programmes and movies playing this weekend.

Television ?

Bigg Boss 8 ( Halla Bol)

Catch the Grand Finale of the controversial and popular reality show Bigg Boss 8 (Halla Bol) on 31 January 2015 at 9 pm on Colors. This season of Bigg Boss has been mired in controversies and has managed to grab eyeballs.  With the four month long reality show finally coming to an end, one can only ponder over who will take the title this season! This season of Bigg Boss has been mired in controversies and has managed to grab eyeballs.  With the four month long reality show finally coming to an end, one can only ponder over who will take the title this season!

Movies ?

Hawaizaada

Hawaaizaada starring Ayushmann Khurrana, Mithun Chakraborty and Pallavi Sharda in pivotal roles is one of the much- awaited films this month. Directed by Vibhu Puri, the story is about Shivi who gets  expelled from his school. An eccentric yet genius scientist and Vedic scholar enters Shivi's life and inspires him to pursue his dream of doing the impossible - making the world's first aircraft. Will he ever be able to live up to his guru's dream? Will the Hawaizaada ever touch the sky? Catch the film and find out for yourself!

Khamoshiyaan

Khamoshiyaan stars Ali Fazal, Gurmeet Choudhary and Sapna Pabbi in lead roles. A Mukesh Bhatt production the film which is written by Vikram Bhatt and directed by Karan Darra tell the story of a young novelist who is on an inspirational journey to find himself. He travels to a new place and meets a young and beautiful lady who is married to the owner of the guest-house he is staying at. This encounter leads to many unusual happenings and he discovers secrets about the house and the mysterious lady. 

By: Ritwika Gupta
 

?The belly is an ungrateful wretch, it never remembers past favors, it always wants more tomorrow.? Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn wrote in his book One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich.

And Indiantelevision.com?s Exec Lifestyle section knows just how to whet that ungrateful wretch?s appetite!

In my short career as a lifestyle journalist, I have come across a handful of dining places, which have made my taste buds do cartwheels of delight. Catering to the gastronomic cravings of those who have made it their lives? missions to indulge in fine dining, in this section I bring to you five top notch restaurants and cafeterias across India, which will tickle your taste buds and leave you yearning for more. These eclectic eating destinations cater to diverse palate cravings and are unique in their concept and ambience. These restaurants have also achieved at least a 4.2/5 rating on Zomato and 4/5 rating on Tripadvisor.  So indulge in my Top 5 eating out places for the weekend and I assure you that there?s something for everyone in this listing!

1. HAKKASAN 

Situated in the heart of Mumbai?s fashionable Bandra district, Hakkasan is a Michelin star Chinese restaurant that opened three years ago in India. If you want your daily dose of glitz and glamour, this is the place for some celeb-spotting. From Saifeena, Deepika Padukone, Katrina Kaif to Karan Johar, a galaxy of stars can regularly be seen shining and dining here!

The glamorous interiors of the restaurant have been designed by the renowned Gilles & Boissier. The restaurant, which can accommodate up to 120 guests, has an elegant ambiance with dark-stained English oak screens and a backlit blue glass that fully surrounds the restaurant.

?The experience speaks for itself,? said a spokesperson from Hakkasan. In 2015, Hakkasan will be launching Dimsum Weekends, which will comprise special set menus for every weekend starting January. February will see an exciting lineup of Chinese New Year special food. Hakkasan signature offerings include Edamame Dumplings, Stir-Fried Lotus Root with Asparagus and Yam Bean, Baked Chilean Sea Bass and Pi Pa Duck.

206, Krystal Waterfield Rd, Bandra West, Mumbai
Opening hours: 12:00 pm?4:00 pm, 7:00 pm ? 12:30 am
Contact: 022 2644 4444
Price for two: INR 2500 plus taxes

2. THE MEGU

On their first visit to India, Masterchefs from Australia, Gary Mehigan and George Calombaris gorged on Sushi for lunch at The Megu. This Japanese restaurant is housed at The Leela Palace in New Delhi and its unique concept is well-defined by its sophisticated interiors, which offers an amazing dining experience for all. The Megu specialises in hand-made tofu, exquisite sushi and sumibi aburiyaki - a grilling technique using Kyoto charcoal known as bincho-tan.

Vivek Oberoi, Sonam Kapoor and Katrina Kaif can often be spotted at this fine dining hub. Talking about what sets this Japanese restaurant apart, a spokesperson from The Megu told us, ?Our chef, Yutaka Saito works with you way in advance to tailor-make menus as you entertain your business associates, close friends or family.?

In February 2015, the restaurant will dish out a fresh menu for its patrons, showcasing unique presentations of tantalizing summer flavours with authentic Japanese ingredients at the core. Signature dishes include Yellowtail Carpaccio, Megu Oriental Salad, Salmon Tartare, Spicy Baked Unagi, Shira Ae, Pan Seared Sea Bass, Silver Cod, Spicy Ebi Cracker Roll, Megu Original Crispy Asparagus, Grilled King Crab and Vegetable Rainbow Roll.

The Leela Palace, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi
Opening hours: 12:00 pm?2:45 pm, 7:00 pm ? 12:00 am
Contact: 011 3933 1360
Price for two: INR 5500 plus taxes
 

3. OH! CALCUTTA

Oh! Calcutta stands amongst India?s biggest culinary hits and is one of the few eating destinations that can now be found across major Indian cities.  

?Great ambience, new food innovations and warm hospitality have always been our plus points,? said a spokesperson from the restaurant, which is situated at Elgin Road in the City of Joy.  

With a touch of European d?cor, photographs of famous personalities and landmarks of Kolkata framed on the walls of the restaurant, Oh! Calcutta is definitely an ode to Bengali food and celebrates the city of Kolkata. Cricketing legends likes Sachin Tendulkar and Sourav Ganguly love eating here, as does the Bollywood legend Mithun Chakraborty. 

Currently, there is an Anglo-Indian festival being held at the restaurant and it is recommended that you book a table at least a day in advance and reserve your seat. Oh! Calcutta offers legendary Bengali recipes and its mouthwatering menu includes Cholar Daal, Fish Fry, Kasha Mangso, Bhapa Hilsa, Smoked Bhetki and Mutton Rezzala. There is a good mix of traditional Bengali, Nawabi and colonial cuisines.

No.10/3, 4th Floor, Forum Shopping Mall, Elgin Road, Bhawanipur, Kolkata
Opening Hours: 12.30 pm-3.30 pm, 7.00 pm-11.00 pm
Contact: 033 2283 7161
Price for two: INR 1500 plus taxes
 

4. LE PAIN QUOTIDIEN

A must visit for starry-eyed couples in love, the very romantic Le Pain Quotidien is situated a stone?s throw away from the Gateway of India.

?There?s simple food with a different ambience, which dins the noise from the ruckus outside,? said a spokesperson when describing the Belgian caf? chain, which has eye-catching artwork comprising wooden tables and chairs. The communal tables at Le Pain Quotidien allow friends and strangers to come together and interact over freshly baked breads and croissants.

Le Pain Quotidien is highly popular for its Sunday Brunch. In 2015, the restaurant plans to put together a special menu comprising six to seven dishes, every three months.  The menu will also consist of the Baker?s Basket that includes an assortment of organic bread, served with jam and eggless spreads. Signature dishes include Five Spiced Chicken Skewers, Forest Mushroom Tartine with Gruyere Cheese, Potato R?sti, Pan Seared Basa and the special seasonal Mango Mousse slice along with a variety of pastries, soups, salads, beers and wines. An exclusive menu catered for all vegans and a Valentine?s Day special meal is also in the pipeline for the first quarter.

The caf? caters to a range of people from business professionals, families, tourists and celebrities. Its eminent guests include Hrithik Roshan, Arjun Rampal, Jacqueline Fernandez, Juhi Chawla, Rishi Kapoor and Sidhartha Mallya amongst others.

Dhanraj Mahal, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Marg, Colaba, Mumbai
Opening Hours: 8 am to midnight
Contact: 022 6615 0202
Price for two: INR 1200 plus taxes

5. MADRAS PAVILION

Largely considered as one of Chennai?s best fine dining buffet restaurant, Madras Pavilion serves a wide range of dishes that stem from both Western and Eastern roots.  These include modern antipasti, signature world cuisines, flavours from South India and authentic Indian delicacies. Along with a first-class dining experience in a refined setting, this fine dining restaurant has a set of diverse table arrangements with thematic zones like Love Seats, The Crown, The High Table and The Private Zone.

?The concept of a buffet walking to the table is something to look forward to in 2015. It is a service design where in on a rotational basis, each section of the main kitchen dishes out grazing portions of culinary delights, served individually to the seated guest,? said a spokesperson from the restaurant that is located at the palatial ITC Grand Chola in Chennai.

In 2015, the restaurant is also poised to add to its menu an impeccable spread of Indian and international selections. The options range from Chettinad cuisine, Poached Eggs and Bacon, Chicken Dum Biriyani, Dim Sum and even north Indian cuisine.

Madras Pavilion?s specialty, Big Sunday Brunch includes chef?s signature BBQ Grills, Hand Rolled Thin Crust Pizza, International Carvery, Antipasti & Gourmet Cheese Board, international desserts, waffles, oven fresh breads, baked alaska and more.  Apart from that, some of the most loved dishes at Madras Pavilion include Beatle Leaf Wrapped Chicken with Tamarind Jus, Lotus Chip and Lemon Meen da Gassi  (Fish cubes simmered in aromatic gravy of coconut and spices), Kodi Biriyani( Biryani from Ambur region of Tamil nadu , made with special Jeera Samba rice), Gosht Bohri Biryani (Lamb Biryani from the Bohri community), Moist Chocolate cake and Decedent Mud Crumble.

ITC Grand Chola, 63, Anna Salai, Guindy, Chennai
Opening Hours: 6:30 am?10:30 am, 12:30 pm?2:30 pm, 7:00 pm ?11:30 pm
Contact: 044 2220 0000
Price for two: INR 3200 plus taxes (Lunch) and INR 3400 plus taxes (Dinner)

Every place has a story and it is always exciting to visit a new city, country or destination. We reached out to several of India?s top executives who revealed their favourite holiday spots!

If investing in art is not your scene, try investing in vintage guitars. The symbol of rebellion is now up for grabs. For real guitar fanatics, the stringed instrument is no just their prized possession, but also a smart investment option.

"You-must-be-out-off-your-mind," were the jeers from friends and family when front man and Mumbai based guitar teacher Larry Lopez bought his JACKSONKV_2 (special edition ) in the US, which cost him over Rs 100,000. Among his other collection of guitars, this prized beauty demands attention. "It's such a beauty but is purely an investment. I hardly play it. "The guitar has a silver swirl finish and is a single piece of the finest wood with no joints anywhere."

Another Guitar lover, Fali Damania, a sound engineer who has a sound studio OVER THE TOP, in Bandra, Mumbai, owns a vintage GIBSON LESPAUL GUITAR. Fali bought this guitar for Rs 30,000 (while the original cost is Rs 200,000). "A couple of lakhs spent on vintage guitars is worth the investment," says Damania. Not just this, he has also got 10 other FENDER VINTAGE GUITARS ranging from Rs 25,000 to Rs 70,000 apiece. "At least 60 per cent of the buyers are either music buffs or inspired by those around them," says Fali.

But do guitars make for a smart investment?

"The popularity of the guitar as an investment option, will rise by 30 per cent by next year. The best thing is that the 

prices don't dip after shooting up," says Larry.

Music experts say that the trend has caught on mostly in the past two-three years among people in the age group of 40s and 50s. Explains Delhi based professional Navin, "After they are all settled, they want to hold on to something that will make them feel young."

Now that's what you call a double treat -- a lucrative investment option and also a great anti-aging treatment. What are you waiting for? Can you ask for anything better? "GO GUITAR HUNTING!"