I don't recall mentioning that I love travelling. The first time when I dug my toes in the powdery sands of Langkawi, before Langkawi was a "thing", I decided that I should dedicate my life to this pursuit. And it doesn't hurt when the hotels that you stay at are easy on the eye. For me staying at places that are aesthetic perfection is an absolute must. And I'd be lying if I said that travelling to such diverse places hasn't shaped my decor style. What's even better is that my daughter Sayuri loves travelling as much as we do.
Here are five beautiful places I stayed at that I can think of at the spur of the moment, and would recommend to every one.
Taj Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur
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If you love Beaux-arts and are curious how that would blend in with the classic Indian decor, you must visit this jaw-dropping and sublimely brilliant place they call Umaid Bhawan.
And if you don't mind sharing your breakfast table with peacocks, while gazing at mughal gardens carved out of bougainvillea, you would never want to leave this place.
Relais Bourgodisch, Brugges
All the beautiful furniture without all that formal pomp. When you add a beautiful place to sleep while you roam around a place so stunning in itself, it's just perfection. This beautiful place is full of almost a country decor while maintaining beautiful French Bergères, armchairs everywhere. The wall sconce are to die for, and let's not ignore the wall papers. Seen above is Mr. Butters, my little cute bipolar teacup Poodle on a cycle basket in the Brugges.
Kahanda Kanda, Sri Lankan Countryside
If you think that staying at tropics only means a beach front property, and the almost dreary modernistic furniture, think again. This beautiful hill top property with its own tea gardens will take you to a magical world. Too bad, last year we couldn't revisit this place with Sayuri and have to wait till she turns six but can't blame them for a child policy.
The aesthetic, the food and of course the wonderful Sri Lankan hospitality, Oh I wish I could be there on this cold day.
Castello di Bevilacqua, Italian Countryside
It's not everyday that you get to stay in ancient Italian frescoed rooms with true Aubosson carpets, and sip wine on Italian renaissance chairs. This beautiful castle will give you new decor goals. What's even better is their dark cellar full of finest wines from the Veneto region.
Hotel Metropol, Moscow
Sure this iconic hotel is located right in the red square. Sure, they have harp playing in the day and piano in the evenings. But the real reason I love this magical place is the authoritative Art-nouveau decor with brilliant imperial Russian pieces of Furniture that rival the fine plaster work on their ceiling. Their casual bar has French Bergères and louis XV tables - the perfection. And the home made ice-lollies with fresh berry flavours gives your baby reason to cross the lobby ten times a day.
Other Beautiful Places to Stay at- Taj Nadesar Palace- Varanasi, The Oberoi Cecil- Shimla, Villa Illuketia- Srilanka, Hotel Kahala- Hawaii, Quincy Pool Villas- Lombok, Indonesia, Palacio del Bailio-Cordoba, Spain, Colomba d'Oro- Verona, Le Mas d'Aigret- Les Baux des Provence