Ellenborough Park: An English Countryside Escape Beckoning Indian Travellers

Ellenborough Park: An English Countryside Escape Beckoning Indian Travellers

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 16, 2025

In the rolling green heart of England’s Cotswolds lies Ellenborough Park, a five-star estate that blends old-world charm with modern luxury. A little over two hours from London, this 90-acre retreat is becoming a dream destination for Indian travellers looking for a true British countryside experience.

Tucked near the famous Cheltenham Racecourse and scenic villages like Bibury and Bourton-on-the-Water, Ellenborough Park sits in a restored 15th-century manor. The property celebrates its rich heritage with a fresh take—offering a peaceful escape with all the comforts of the present day. Think grand architecture, charming gardens, and world-class service.

Inside, each of the 61 rooms and suites has its own personality, complete with luxurious Hypnos beds, crisp linen, roll-top baths, and high-end amenities. Whether you're a family needing interconnecting rooms, a couple after a garden view, or a solo traveller seeking solitude, there's something tailored for everyone.

For those who love privacy, The Lodge is a highlight. This one-bedroom private cottage includes a cosy sitting area with a wood-burning stove, a full kitchen, and even a private garden. It’s ideal for romantic getaways or small family breaks. Guests also get the option of spa treatments and private dining without stepping out of their retreat.

Food lovers can indulge in two unique dining experiences. The Horse Box Brasserie serves up hearty British favourites, afternoon teas, cocktails, and a vast wine list, all in a stylish equestrian-themed setting. For a more refined meal, The Restaurant offers fine dining in a grand room with stained-glass windows and wood-panelled charm. During warmer months, guests can dine alfresco in converted vintage carriages, watching the sun dip over the Cotswolds with a glass of bubbly in hand.

Wellness takes centre stage too. The hotel’s serene in-house spa includes six treatment rooms, a gym, a thermal suite, and a heated outdoor pool. The newest addition, the Spa Garden, is an exclusive hideaway featuring a glass-roofed hot tub, a sleek sauna cabin, and a one-of-a-kind Taittinger yacht box filled with chilled champagne. For those feeling adventurous, there's even an ice bath perfect for boosting mood and energy.

General Manager Marwan Hemchaoui shares, “At Ellenborough Park, we invite our guests to enjoy all that our hotel, and stunning Cotswolds region has to offer by combining history, nature and elegance to ensure guests enjoy an unforgettable British experience.”

Outside, there’s plenty to explore. Guests can walk scenic trails around the estate or visit nearby gems like Sudeley Castle, Cotswold Farm Park, and the area's storybook villages. A special treat for racing fans: Cheltenham Racecourse is just a short walk away via a private track—making Ellenborough Park an unbeatable stay during the Cheltenham Festival or Gold Cup.

Getting there is simple. A drive from London takes less than 2.5 hours, or guests can hop on a train from London Paddington to Cheltenham Spa, followed by a short cab ride. Whichever way you go, the journey ends in a place where every corner tells a story and every moment feels timeless.


Swap Monsoon Grey for Starry Nights Under the Milky Way

Swap Monsoon Grey for Starry Nights Under the Milky Way

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on September 16, 2025

Tired of cloudy skies during the Indian monsoon? This season, swap the grey for clear, starry nights and watch the Milky Way unfold above you. Across the world, there are destinations where light pollution is minimal, skies are pristine, and the galaxy shines in its full brilliance. All you need is a curious mind and a bit of warmth in your backpack.

Ras Al Khaimah, UAE

The northernmost Emirate is a magical stage for stargazing, with the Al Wadi Desert and Hajar Mountains offering some of the region’s darkest skies. Jebel Jais, the UAE’s highest peak, provides an incredible vantage point where the Milky Way’s galactic core is visible between May and October. Guided astronomy sessions at the Jebel Jais Observation Deck and luxury desert resorts make the experience even more memorable.

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Mahé & La Digue, Seychelles

Beyond its turquoise waters and palm-fringed shores, Seychelles transforms into a natural planetarium between May and October. On Mahé, Anse Intendance Beach and Morne Seychellois National Park are perfect dark spots. On La Digue, Grand Anse offers uninterrupted views of the galaxy. With just a pair of binoculars, you can glimpse constellations and even the hidden heart of our galaxy.

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Azerbaijan

The Caucasus nation is a rising star for astronomy lovers. The Shamakhi Astrophysical Observatory, the largest in the region, hosts guided telescope sessions. In the Shahdag Mountains and remote highlands, summer nights from June to September reveal the Milky Way in sweeping clarity. It’s a unique blend of science, tradition, and unspoiled nature.

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Kenya

Kenya is as spectacular by night as it is by day. With its equatorial location, both northern and southern constellations are visible. Regions like Turkana, Laikipia, Samburu, and Amboseli offer skies almost untouched by light pollution. Pair this with safaris, astro-camping, and Maasai star lore, and you have a celestial safari unlike any other.

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Qatar

In Qatar, deserts transform into stargazers’ sanctuaries. The Zekreet Peninsula, Al Aamriya, Dukhan, and Sealine Beach deliver dark skies from March to October. Visitors can join Bedouin-style stargazing safaris or simply spread a blanket and watch the Milky Way emerge. With a cup of hot karak in hand, it’s a desert night of silence, wonder, and whispered shooting stars.

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Negev, Israel

Mitzpe Ramon and the vast Ramon Crater in Israel’s Negev Desert have been recognized as an official Dark Sky Park. From April to October, the galaxy appears in stunning detail across the desert. Guided astronomy tours and the sheer silence of the landscape make it one of the world’s most authentic stargazing experiences.

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The Milky Way reminds us that the best souvenirs from travel are often not tangible but moments etched in memory and stars captured in our cameras.


Wynn Brings Back Signature Hypercar Exhibition 2025 with Luxury Collaborations

Wynn Brings Back Signature Hypercar Exhibition 2025 with Luxury Collaborations

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on September 15, 2025

Wynn is set to redefine the luxury auto exhibition experience with the return of the “Wynn Signature – 2025 Hypercar Exhibition.” Now in its third edition, the exhibition will run from September 29 to November 16 across Wynn Palace and Wynn Macau, coinciding with the prestigious Macau Grand Prix. Visitors can look forward to a spectacular celebration of speed, craftsmanship, and luxury, featuring over 20 of the world’s most coveted hypercars alongside innovative collaborations between leading automotive names and luxury brands.

At Wynn Palace, the highlight will be the Macao premiere of a Formula 1 car, showcasing a striking monogram design created in collaboration with a global fashion house. Other notable debuts include the Lamborghini Huracán GT3 in Roger Dubuis colors, the Huracán in A BATHING APE’s signature camouflage, and the Pagani Utopia with a BAPE crossover design, blending Italian artistry with Japanese street fashion. The vintage Mercedes 300SL Gullwing is also on display, paired with exclusive creations from Swiss jeweler Chopard.

At Wynn Macau, an innovative display by Wristcheck presents limited-edition timepieces in futuristic capsules alongside the Aston Martin Valkyrie Spider, creating a seamless blend of horology and automotive engineering. The exhibition also highlights China’s electric supercar future, showcasing cutting-edge EV hypercars with fast-charging capabilities and sustainable technologies.

Adding to the excitement, Swiss artist Saiff Vasarhelyi will transform a McLaren 600LT through a live spray-paint performance, displayed alongside HUBLOT’s street-art watch collection. Visitors can also take part in professional-grade Formula 1 simulators that replicate world-famous circuits, with hourly competitions rewarding winners with exclusive caps designed by Vasarhelyi. Entry to the competition is available with same-day purchases from Wynn retail or dining outlets.

Exclusive pop-ups further elevate the experience. The “Hyper Shop” offers rare F1 merchandise, LEGO  builds, collectible helmets, and Amalgam models, while the BAPE pop-up presents Asia’s first exclusive Pagani crossover collection.

With free admission open to the public, the “Wynn Signature – 2025 Hypercar Exhibition” cements Macao’s position as a hub for global luxury experiences. By aligning with the Macau Grand Prix, Wynn continues its tradition of creating unforgettable #OnlyAtWynn moments that combine automotive innovation, high fashion, and luxury lifestyle.


Nepal eases visa and exit rules for stranded foreign nationals amid curfew

Nepal eases visa and exit rules for stranded foreign nationals amid curfew

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on September 14, 2025

Nepal authorities have announced temporary relief measures for foreign nationals stranded in the Kathmandu Valley due to the ongoing curfew. The initiative aims to ease travel disruptions and ensure smooth departures for international visitors.

According to immigration officials, international travellers whose visas were valid through September 8 can now obtain exit permits and regularise their visas without paying extra charges. The facility will be available at immigration offices as well as departure points.

Authorities have also made arrangements for visa transfers in cases where passports were lost during the disturbances. Travellers carrying emergency passports or other travel documents issued by their respective embassies will be able to transfer their visas to the new documents under existing rules.

Officials assured that these measures would provide stranded visitors with a streamlined process and reduce difficulties caused by the current situation.

A prohibitory order is currently in place in Kathmandu from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm. Additionally, a night curfew is being enforced from 7:00 pm Friday to 6:00 am Saturday, which will continue throughout the night.

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