Epically epicurean

Photography and brand storytelling are taking social media influencer Naina Redhu places, in more ways than one. The luxury and lifestyle photographer and blogger, known for her vibrant photographs, has travelled to the USA, Canada, parts of Europe, Southeast Asia and the Middle East. She shares her five most luxurious experiences so far — from a dinner on the dunes in Jaisalmer to the luxury of lots of walking in New York.

NEW YORK USA

New York

Can you imagine the luxury of not being looked at, no matter what you look like? I spent a whole month in New York, moving to a new location each week, from the most luxurious Airbnb apartment in Lower East Side — with spectacular views of the NY skyline (on the same street as Katz Deli; you must try the Pastrami sandwich there) to another apartment in the Financial District at Wall Street and then Brooklyn. It’s the only city in the world I’ve been to so far, where you can truly be yourself and do whatever you like, with no  judgement. And then there are New York’s public parks. When the sun’s out, you can sunbathe all day, every day. The well-connected subway lines will take you from your doorstep to wherever else you want to go. Lots of walking, which for me was a luxury I cannot afford living in NCR in India.

RADHANAGAR BEACH HAVELOCK ISLAND, ANDAMANS

Radhanagar Beach

Fancy a swim in the ocean with an elephant for company? Radhanagar Beach is the place to be. I’ve stayed at the Barefoot Resort a couple of times and will never forget the caramel custard, the walks on the beach and the thick forest that suddenly interrupts the pristine white beach sand. Radhanagar is supposed to be one of the most beautiful beaches in Asia. Havelock is still not crowded and gives you a lot of privacy. Hire a local boat and go fishing, or watch the sunset from the middle of the ocean. You can also hire a two-wheeler and drive to the other end of the island, to the foothills where the elephants are taken care of. On one of the beaches, there’s a world-class scuba diving school, where you can stay, learn, and even go for your first diving experience. Or, there’s the option of occupying a hammock and relaxing the whole day, while you’re supplied with liquids to keep you hydrated. Don’t miss the beach at night when the sky is spectacular.

LA MIRANDE HOTEL AVIGNON, FRANCE

La Mirande Hotel

Southern France has a town called Avignon, well-known for The Palace of the Popes (Palais Des Papes). I got to spend a night at La Mirande Hotel, which shares a cobbled street with the walls of the palace. The breakfast was like you’d imagine a real-life Alice in Wonderland set-up. All the food was locally produced and procured: fresh olive oil, milk, cheese and eggs. A desk in the vintage room had bowls of locally grown plums. They produce their own beautiful and delicate ceramics. The hotel is a five-star property, renovated from what was originally an 18th Century nobleman’s townhouse, with origins believed to be from the 14th Century! Vintage details like doorknobs and wallpaper have been preserved and make it one of the most quaintly French places. It is a romantic little hotel and the views from the balcony can be breathtaking. The food is exquisite — they even have a 19th-century wood oven that is still in use. If there’s a book you’ve been wanting to finish writing or if you’ve been looking for a private romantic experience, I recommend La Mirande!

BAAN MAI KHAO PHUKET, THAILAND

Thailand

Sunshine, soft sand, sound of waves, and fresh coconuts — one of my definitions of luxury. We stayed at a ground floor apartment at the Baan Mai Khao condos. You step out of the room and the swimming pool begins. At the end of the pool, the beach begins! Mai Khao is the more luxurious part of Phuket. Settle for freshly-cooked street food or the Turtle Village market for fine dining. We also walked and bicycled around the lush green mangrove forest and lake right outside the condo. There are golf courses a cab ride away.

SURYAGARH JAISALMER, RAJASTHAN

Suryagarh, Jaisalmer

Close your eyes and imagine being in the middle of nowhere — in a desert, atop a dune, at night, with traditional Rajasthani music playing in the background, junglee maas being grilled and a champagne bottle being popped. Suryagarh was probably the most luxurious experience I could’ve imagined smack in the middle of a desert; especially the dinner on the dunes. And they brought quilts for when the night got chilly; apart from all the extra wine bottles. Suryagarh’s staff do their utmost to make you feel at home. I’d be remiss to not include the villas and the courtyard. The bathroom window looks out onto the desert as you relax in a stone bathtub. Go to the roof at sunrise. You can see the hotel rising out of the desert as the glowing sun is reflected off it. Swimming pool and spa complete the resort experience. The courtyard is a special place especially at 7 am, with peacocks, Golden Retrievers, pigeons, a donkey called Romeo, sparrows descending at your table and some more Rajasthani music twanging off the walls. It would be a tragedy to miss the Rajasthani fare!