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RCI ASSOCIATE STORIES
The Two
Tales of India
YVES KANGLEON AND OLIVIA DE VERA EXPERIENCE THE FAMED WONDERS OF COLOURFUL INDIA, AND SHARE FIRSTHAND JUST WHAT THE COUNTRY HAS TO OFFER
– FROM ITS NATURAL BEAUTY TO THE INCREDIBLE CULTURE.
STAY
RCI AFFILATED RESORTS IN INDIA INCLUDE:
Royal Palms #3594
The Royal Goan Beach Club at Royal Palms is an elegant colonial-style building tucked in a sanctuary of pools, palm trees, sidewalk and flowers. There are various apartments and villas to choose from. Plan excursions with the help of the receptionist, or simply enjoy the resort’s gym, beauty parlour, massages, games room and restaurant.
7 nights from SG$175 Studio 7 nights from SG$205 1brm 7 nights from SG$250 2brm
Monterio #3820
Not far from the Royal Goan Beach Club is the Arpora River, flowing serenely to the sea. Take
a 10-minute walk to Baga Beach for one of the most picturesque beaches in Goa. For a relaxing day in, the resort offers facilities including 2 swimming pools, a restaurant, a workout room, a game room and a convenience store.
7 nights from SG$175 Studio 7 nights from SG$205 1brm 7 nights from SG$250 2brm
Haathi Mahal #4129
Blending Indian and Goan atmosphere with modern Western amenities, this Royal Goan Beach Club features a 3-tier swimming pool with sunken bar, surrounded by landscaped gardens and waterfalls. Have fun at water slides, jacuzzi and children’s pool, or relax at the sauna, steam rooms and spa at the health and fitness centre. There is also a gym, a squash court and a handful of dining establishments.
Exchange only
Written by RCI Associate:
Yves Kangleon
Manager, Revenue Management
I was in India during the Diwali festivities in November 2015. I have long intended to visit, but travelling solo requires intense logistics planning. So when some friends started planning for a trip to India, I unabashedly invited myself along. We travelled from Singapore to Kolkata, and to Bodh Gaya. Then we were at Varanasi, travelling to Delhi, to Agra, and back to Singapore.
India is a very interesting destination. The trip was, for, me, a sensory overload of colours, noises and aromas. It was also a unification of co-existing contrasts. Bodh Gaya and Varanasi are great examples. Both are epicentres of the world’s two major religions, Buddhism and Hinduism respectively; yet trade and scams take place just within a kilometer radius from the sacred spaces. While some areas of the country are very dense and packed with its people, other areas boast sprawling lawns sprinkled with beautifully symbolic tombs.
Poverty is everywhere — invisible, if you spend your entire stay in India luxuriating amidst your first class accommodation. But head out, and you will be pleasantly welcomed by warm, huge smiles despite the less-than- ideal living conditions of most of its citizens.
As one blogger so succinctly puts it, “you don’t visit India, you experience it.” I highly recommend a trip down to India for an experience of a lifetime.
GO GOA
“You don’t visit India, you experience it.”
India is a spectacular burst of colours, spices and traditions. From sacred temples to dazzling landscapes, beautiful people to the majestic wildlife, India unceasingly surprises with unique experiences. Hugging the country’s western coastline and bounded by the Arabian Sea is a glorious slice of India, Goa. Nowhere else in India will you experience the soothing serenity of Goan midday languor.
In place of bustling cityscapes are clear skies, sand and sea. Goa may be the smallest state of India, but you will discover brilliant beaches, spice plantations, gentle rivers, ancient cathedrals and even spot a dolphin or two in this pocket-sized charmer.
44 MAY 2016