Dar Dhiafa (guest house)

While browsing through Mixr, I came across this lovely picture and I had to know more!! I found out that this is an image of a beautiful boutique hotel called Hotel Dar Dhiafa located in Tunisia. A cluster of old and typical Tunisian village houses restored to create this stunning property. This guest house styled hotel makes me think of the Arabian Nights.........distant lands and magical moments :-)

Dreams are made of these.............

Love the pink against the blue...............exotic!!

 

Images: via

A trip to the Pataudi Palace

A few days ago, my parents spent a night at the Pataudi Palace in Haryana, India. The Pataudi Palace is a heritage property which belongs to the Neemrana group of hotels. Recently this stunning palace was also one of the locations for Julia Robert's movie, Eat Pray Love. The palace was designed by the Austrian architect Karl Molt Von Heinz in the style of the grand colonial mansions of Imperial Delhi. I  love the look and feel of these old colonial mansions. The dreamer in me relates to the history and romance of these old buildings. These lovely buildings in all their restored glory stand today as a testament to a bygone era.

I asked my Dad to take some pictures of the lovely palace......and as usual, he did a splendid job!!!

My absolute favorite images are these night shots......sigh!! What a beautiful sight.......don't you think??

A peek into the next door colonial bungalow which the current royal family uses whenever they are in Pataudi!

All images : My Dad :-)

Sir Richard Branson's Moroccan retreat

Sir Richard Branson's retreat Kasbah Tamadot is an hours drive from Morocco. This fabulous hotel is part of the Virgin Limited Edition, Richard Branson's portfolio of unique retreats.

If you want to feel like royalty then here is your answer........sweeping views, tastefully decorated suites and tents, scrumptious food......you see where I am going with this :-)

I especially love the decor of the first bedroom. To know more about this property, visit their website and you might be in for a surprise :-)

Images: via

A Love Affair

A love affair between and French General and an Indian princess....sigh!! Well, that is the story behind the fabulous Pan Dei Palais hotel in St Tropez in France. When I saw these images I was convinced that this was a hotel/palace in India........France somehow was far from my mind :-) However, this is the home of the dashing General Allard and his beautiful Indian princess, Princess Bannu Pan DeÃ. He built this Indian colonial styled home in 1835 as a tribute to his bride.

The home was transformed in 2006 as a neo-colonial style hip boutique hotel in the heart of St Tropez. The suites in the hotel have Indian names like Shakti, Deva, Durga.........and more. A hotel filled with history, romance and exquisite decor............it totally appeals to the dreamer in me :-) I am so in love with this place, and I wish I could be on a jet plane to the glamorous and chic St Tropez.......

Read a fascinating article in the Deccan Herald about this property and the legend here.

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Images: via

Luxury in the Pyrenees

Ah...Spain!! The two weeks I spent there five years ago was never quite enough. This elegant and charming home makes me want to return even more :-) I am not sure, if I can afford to holiday in the Pyrenees mountains but.........it doesn't hurt to dream??

This 1000 year old property is now the Casa De San Martin hotel. A beautifully restored property which once belonged to the oldest monastery in Spain. Its rustic elegance and modern amenities makes it a dreamy and idyllic retreat for me :-)

Perched away high up in the mountains and away from reality, where time stands still. The Casa De San Martin beckons.......

Images via

A riot of colors from the Yucatan!!

A Happy Monday everyone!! Mexico beckons, and I am drooling over the interiors of the Hacienda Puerta Campeche. A restored 17th century mansion with a unique architecture and design. The colors and textures gives the Hacienda a traditional setting surrounded by modern luxuries!! As an aspiring photographer this place fascinates me!!!! Don't you just love the colors, and the gorgeous pool?

If wishes had wings......

Images: via

Amalfi beckons

I know I tend to feature the Amalfi coast often in my blog. What can I say, I am obsessed :-) The beauty of this gorgeous area haunts me till today. I spent 2 weeks in Italy many yeas ago and made a brief visit to the Amalfi coast area. I think the brief part is what bothers me!! I need to go back and soon:-) I read about this gorgeous property on Conde Nast a few months ago and the memories came flooding back. I may not stay a a Gold list rated hotel but I can certainly plan to go back there :-)
Il San Pietro Di Positano is built into a cliff overlooking the Mediterranean, with an elevator set in the cliff to access the private beach. They have 61 rooms with private balconies overlooking the sea.
Perfect isn't it???

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