Hey Girl, Stay Woman! I’ve always loved this line oft used in songs and ad jingles. Now, getting to experience a weekend without the worries was something I was looking forward to. So when the email with the subject line “For Our Beautiful Lady” staycation package dropped into my mailbox one fine morning outlining the fun I would have in the next two days, I just had to say yes and do a small jig right there. A weekend featuring a curated buffet lunch, a pampering spa session followed by some action on the dance floor, dinner and then another round of drinks over gossip – who can resist such an alluring package? Without much ado, I let my hair loose, packed my PJs and of course the diva dress and geared up for a day of playing princess at Hyderabad Marriott Hotel & Convention Centre, Tank Bund over the weekend.
Isabella vibe
Designed to pamper single lady travelers, the Isabella rooms are a blend of luxury accommodation with enhanced security. Did you know that all calls would be scrutinised and transferred only after confirming with the guest! Just so you don’t have to walk all through the corridor, my room was right next to the elevator. The rooms are apparently inspired and named after the 19th-century English explorer Isabella Bird who made her name travelling the world and writing subsequent travel books. The view of the pool from the window was an instant lift-me-up for someone like me who checked in after half day’s work on a Saturday. Interestingly, the room had women-centric essentials and choice of lifestyle magazines besides a lip balm and a sleep balm by Forest Essentials.
Party tonight
The staycation began with a welcome drink and an in-room personalised check-in. There is also a 24-hour lady butler service, your Woman Friday at your beck and call, if you need one at the staycation, I am told. The luxurious room with plush bed furnishings was so well-kept that I had no heart to unpack my suitcase and clutter the place. So I headed to Okra for a leisurely lunch with the girlfriends, busy women with whom I otherwise don’t get time to catch up with. After a nap, it was time for a relaxing neck and shoulder massage as part of the spa session. My therapist used a mix of essential Ayurvedic oils Dhyana, Pavitra, Visharama and Pranati to give me the best massage I could ask for. The evening ahead beckoned me with multiple options. Some amazing cocktails on the rooftop pub Altitude Next or an early dinner at Bidri. But when I get to know the real action in the rooftop pub begins post-midnight what with their new concepts like DJ Nights and even a Stilletto Night (discount as tall as your heel), I decided to check this one out.
And it begins
With DJ Murthovik on the console and sipping Altitude Old Fashioned, a classic made of Whisky and discs of burnt orange, and Sangrita, a tequila-based drink with fruit infusion, tabasco sauce and Italian lemon, the city looked even more gorgeous. Bar manager Ankit Vasisht and Sayak Roy, food and beverage manager, were ready with the right recommendations. Just the thought that tomorrow is Sunday made me feel warm and fuzzy. The sleep balm worked like magic. Or was it the spirits? Or was it the spa therapist’s touch? I’ll never know. What happened in Marriott with the girls was obviously up as Insta stories for others to see and envy. The night ended with enjoying the cool evening lake breeze and some girly gossip. The creative towel art made by the hotel staff kept me company till I fell asleep.
Brunch time
Sunday was a bright and beautiful day and it was a day to snooze a little longer. The beautiful pool beckoned me for a dip and I swapped a few laps in the pool for the brunch. The girls were dressed in bright maxi dresses and waiting for me at the Sunday brunch table. Oh, Okra even had a cute Doraemon cartoon character to regale the kids around. Who says you can’t turn a kid on a staycation? The long lunch session lasted for a couple of hours and then it was time to face the reality, of going back (to my cluttered) home. Wish all good things could last forever.
(The writer was invited for staycation by the hotel.)
Staycation price depends on the rack rate of the room and the inclusions.
Rs.7,000 ++ for double occupancy.
Pictures by S Senbagapandiyan and Vinay Madapu.