Top Destinations to Celebrate India's Independence Day Long Weekend

Top Destinations to Celebrate India's Independence Day Long Weekend

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on August 15, 2024

With India’s Independence Day falling on a long weekend this year, it's the perfect time for an extended getaway. Whether you're seeking luxury, adventure, or relaxation, these destinations offer something special for every type of traveler.

The Ritz-Carlton, Bangalore - A Luxurious Urban Retreat

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In the heart of Bangalore, The Ritz-Carlton invites guests to indulge in a world of elegance and serenity. The hotel offers unique experiences like an art walk showcasing over 1,200 installations, a traditional Yakshagana dance, and a private poolside cabana dinner. Families can enjoy a fun-filled weekend creating lasting memories at this opulent retreat.

Reservations: 080 49148000

Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai - A Culinary and Spa Escape

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Experience the new Opus at Four Seasons Mumbai, an all-day lobby restaurant that offers a diverse European-led menu. Guests can enjoy everything from gourmet coffee to fine wines, all in a beautifully designed space. To complete the experience, indulge in a luxurious spa treatment and enjoy special staycation rates for the long weekend.

Dates: August 13-20

Price: Starting at Rs. 12,000 plus taxes per night

Reservations: +91 22 6982 8000

Four Seasons Hotel Bengaluru - Celebrate with Desi Chaat

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The Four Seasons Bengaluru offers a "Joy of Celebration" package that includes a relaxing staycation with access to their Infuse Spa and a special Desi Chaat menu at CUR8, their all-day dining restaurant. The menu celebrates street food from across India in a luxurious setting.

Desi Chaat Price: Rs. 3,200 plus taxes

Reservations: +91 76191 46004

Four Seasons Maldives - Monsoon with the Mantas

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Spend your long weekend at Four Seasons Maldives, where you can swim with manta rays during the prime season at the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The resort offers a unique "Manta-on-Call" service, alerting guests when manta rays are nearby for an unforgettable experience.

Reservations: +960 66 00 888

Four Seasons Dubai - Rejuvenate with Wellness Retreats

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Prioritize your health and well-being at Four Seasons Dubai with their Sky Bliss package. Enjoy spa treatments, dining, and refreshing dips in the pool, all while soaking in stunning skyline views. The Pearl Spa and Wellness offer meditation and art therapy for a holistic retreat.

Price: AED 650

Reservations: +971 4 270 7732

Four Seasons Riyadh - A Tea Journey

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Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh invites you to an afternoon tea experience featuring a selection of JING Teas. This exclusive menu takes guests on a Silk Road journey through Asia, offering a taste of the region’s finest single-garden teas paired with delicious pastries and sandwiches.

Reservations: +966 11 2115000

The OZEN COLLECTION, Maldives - Crafting Memories

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Escape to The OZEN COLLECTION in the Maldives for an ultra-luxurious experience. Choose between OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI for exclusivity with private villas and personalized butler service, or OZEN LIFE MAADHOO for a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere. Both properties offer a perfect blend of luxury, adventure, and relaxation.

Reservations: reservations@ozenreserve-bolifushi.com | reservations@ozen-maadhoo.com

Jaisalmer Marriott Resort and Spa - The Freedom Buffet

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Celebrate Independence Day at Jaisalmer Marriott Resort and Spa with the largest buffet in town. The Freedom Buffet at The Jaisalmer Kitchen offers a culinary journey through India with dishes curated by Executive Chef Jamal. The resort is also offering a 25% discount for service personnel.

When: August 15

Price: INR 2,000 plus taxes

Reservations: 9027307405, 8273678273

This long weekend offers the perfect opportunity to explore these luxurious destinations and create unforgettable memories.


Air India Express to Launch Direct Flights from Bengaluru to Kathmandu from June 2025

Air India Express to Launch Direct Flights from Bengaluru to Kathmandu from June 2025

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on June 1, 2025

Air India Express has announced the launch of direct flights between Bengaluru and Kathmandu, starting 1 June 2025, marking the airline’s official entry into Nepal. With this route, Kathmandu becomes the 55th destination in the carrier’s expanding network, furthering its reach in South Asia.

The launch establishes a direct air corridor between South India and Nepal’s capital, enhancing cultural and economic connections between the two nations. With this move, travellers from 20 Indian cities and two international hubs, Abu Dhabi and Dammam can now access Kathmandu via convenient one-stop connections through Bengaluru.

Introductory fares for the new route start at INR 8,000 for Xpress Lite and INR 8,500 for Xpress Value, available through the airline’s official website and booking platforms.

Kathmandu, known for its spiritual landmarks, scenic landscapes, and nearby destinations like Lumbini and Pokhara, appeals to both religious and adventure travellers. The new connection offers smoother travel for leisure tourists from India, supporting the rise of short-haul international tourism.

Aloke Singh, Managing Director, Air India Express, stated, “We are delighted to expand our footprint to Nepal, our neighbouring country in the subcontinent, further strengthening the deep-rooted cultural and economic ties we share. This new route brings people, tales, and traditions closer, while reinforcing our vision of making travel more accessible and meaningful.”

Air India Express currently operates over 450 weekly flights from Bengaluru, connecting to 31 Indian cities and three international destinations. With the recent addition of Bangkok and Phuket, the airline continues to focus on short-haul international leisure destinations, expanding its presence across Asia.


Ras Al Khaimah Launches Tourism Excellence Awards to Honour Hospitality Trailblazers

Ras Al Khaimah Launches Tourism Excellence Awards to Honour Hospitality Trailblazers

By Nishang Narayan

Published on May 31, 2025

Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) made a landmark move in the Emirate’s hospitality journey with the debut of the Tourism Excellence Awards, a prestigious platform honouring those transforming Ras Al Khaimah into one of the world’s fastest-growing travel destinations.

Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Public Services Department in Ras Al Khaimah, the inaugural ceremony took place on 21 May 2025 at the stunning Mövenpick Resort Al Marjan Island.

The awards celebrated outstanding performers across six dynamic categories:

  • Corporate Hospitality Excellence

  • Individual Innovation

  • Culinary Artistry

  • Hospitality Leadership

  • Community Involvement

  • Environmental Responsibility

This comprehensive recognition structure reflects RAKTDA’s intent to spotlight excellence at every level—be it individuals, teams, or companies.

Speaking at the event, Raki Phillips, CEO of RAKTDA, said,

“The Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Excellence Awards mark an important milestone in our journey to become a leading global destination. By recognising those who go above and beyond to deliver unforgettable experiences, we are not only celebrating their achievements, but fostering a culture of continuous improvement, innovation, and community engagement.”

More than just accolades, the awards align with RAKTDA’s wider mission of building a sustainable, inclusive, and culturally rich tourism ecosystem. They aim to enhance traveller confidence, elevate service standards, foster innovation, and drive collaboration between businesses, local communities, and government bodies.

Phillips added,

“These awards mark a new era of recognition and inspiration in Ras Al Khaimah’s exceptional tourism story—one driven by shared ambition, pride in local achievement, and a commitment to excellence at every touchpoint.”

For more information and interview requests, reach out to:
Nidhie Raj Singh | +91 9999 266134 | nidhies@branditindia.com
Priyanshi Jain | +91 8527217660 | priyanshij@branditindia.com

To explore Ras Al Khaimah’s journey and initiatives, visit www.visitrasalkhaimah.com
Follow: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTube
Hashtag: #VisitRasAlKhaimah


Vietnam Golf Coast Evokes a Sense of Place This Summer

Vietnam Golf Coast Evokes a Sense of Place This Summer

By Nishang Narayan

Published on May 28, 2025

The Vietnam Golf Coast is calling travellers this summer with its unique blend of lush landscapes, cultural immersion, and exclusive seasonal packages. Stretching across Central Vietnam, this renowned golf destination is offering more than just top-tier fairways—it’s inviting players to experience the soul of Vietnam through its rice paddies, highland mists, seaside breezes, and traditional flavours.

At Laguna Golf Lang Co, harvest season paints the course with shades of gold as rice paddies reach their peak through May and June. “This is one of the most enchanting times to play,” says Stephen Banks, Director of Golf, noting how the course deeply reflects Vietnam’s natural rhythms and traditions. This summer, golfers can enjoy curated offers like the Golf & Spa package, the time-friendly Golf Express deal, and the Golden Rice Flash Sales that celebrate the vibrant harvest.

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Nestled in the cool highlands beyond Da Nang, Ba Na Hills Golf Club offers a completely different ambiance. Surrounded by pine trees and misty mountain air, it provides a tranquil escape from the coastal heat. “Every time I walk this course, I’m reminded why golf in the mountains feels different – calmer, clearer, and more connected,” shares General Manager Simon Mees. The summer lineup includes a Twi-Night Golf package, with weekday slots available until 2:15 PM (3:00 PM on Wednesdays) at just VND2,600,000 (USD100), complete with a refreshing beer. The Night Golf experience, starting at VND2,500,000 per player, adds local flair with craft beer and Ba Na sausage.

Closer to the coast, Montgomerie Links offers the classic charm of seaside golf, where the sea breeze dances through casuarina pines and fishing boats drift along the horizon. “Montgomerie Links captures the spirit of true links golf, but with a distinct Vietnamese character,” says Club Manager Le Vo Hoang Van. Their Stay & Play package is available until September 30, 2025, starting from just VND4,770,000, offering unbeatable value by the beach.

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What sets the Vietnam Golf Coast apart is its ability to fuse sport with culture. From caddies in traditional non la hats to clubhouses serving iconic Vietnamese dishes like ca phe sua da, banh mi, pho, and bun thit nuong, every detail adds to the experience.

Off the greens, golfers are spoilt for choice. Laguna Golf Lang Co is close to the historic city of Hue, while Ba Na Hills and Montgomerie Links are a quick drive from Da Nang’s beaches, fireworks festival, and buzzing food scene. And of course, the UNESCO-listed town of Hoi An, with its lantern-lit streets and timeless charm, is always worth a visit.

For golfers seeking more than just a round, this summer on the Vietnam Golf Coast promises a sense of place, pace, and unforgettable play.

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