Staycation! Who would want to spend a fortune to stay in the same city, right? Wrong. Well, for one you don’t need any traveling to hang your shoes, put your feet up, lay back, and enjoy a relaxed day – away from all the things that you otherwise do on a weekend.
And if you think of it, it is a wonderful idea to spend the weekend, at half the cost. Or, think of it this way. You can spend all that fortune you would spend on the air tickets, on another night at a luxury hotel in your city.
The reasons for a staycation over vacation can be many. You might be parenting young kids and are too nervous to go far away. Or you might be caring for a senior and going away for days is just not feasible. Whatever your reasons, a luxurious staycation can give you all the relief of a vacation and none of the headaches of a vacation. No long queues at airports!
One of the drawbacks of living in a growing, nearly-metro is the daily commute. People spend hours on the bike, in bus, or a car traveling everyday and wasting precious time. It also means that people don’t venture out to other parts of the city that often. One way to make your staycation interesting is to select a luxury hotel at the other end of the city. So if you live in the western parts of the city, The Westin Pune is an amazing destination to explore the East.
The Westin Pune
Nestled in lush green surroundings on the banks of Mula-Mutha rivers in Pune, The Westin Pune offers the best views of Pune skies and the city.
You can check-in at around 3.00 PM and settle into their luxurious Deluxe room and disconnect from the daily grind.
The amazing evening view of the sunset, is the perfect time to enjoy a cup of coffee. Too much time on your hand? Feeling restless? No. Don’t even think of picking up that phone!
The best way to relax and let go of all the worries is to get a massage. The Heavenly Spa at The Westin Pune is just the place. Even if you are not jet lagged (everyday commute is known to be worse), the Jet Lag Reliever Massage will loosen all the muscles and the steam will get all the toxins out.
Wouldn’t you love to have a nice evening walk to a restaurant and an entertaining, yet private evening. Westin Pune has an advantage here too, with numerous restaurants in Koregaon park at a walking distance. Euriska, only a few minutes down the road is one great option at a walking distance. Not only does it have delicious Greek and Mediterranean food, you can also sit in on a live show for that perfect evening.
And don’t forget to join the complimentary Yoga session that you get when you opt for some of the weekend specials. You will have a busy, wonderful time, delicious food at Seasonal Tastes, and a rejuvenating weekend.
And while there, you might just be lucky to stumble upon a Masterclass and add to your culinary skills.
Four Points By Sheraton, Pune
Four Points By Sheraton on Nagar Road is another hotel that, according to me is a perfect weekend getaway. Among other many things, the staff at Four Points by Sheraton is exceptional and you will immediately feel pampered as soon as you enter the hotel. If you read my blog, you will know that I am a frequent visitor at the Pune FPBS.
Four Points By Pune has an additional advantage, it is situated near one of the best malls in Pune, if not the best – Phoenix Marketcity. You and your family can check-in for the weekend and spend a relaxed weekend at the hotel and the vicinity and spend time shopping at Phoenix Marketcity.
Well if shopping in a mall is not your idea, no worries. You can carry a book of your choice and relax at the open air pool. Winter is just round the corner, and lounging at the poolside chairs, sipping a nice drink can be transcendental.
Evenings are for some quality time. Open-air dinners in cool winter air are an experience of a kind. The Al-fresco dining at The Eatery gives you just the kind of experience. Munch on barbecue preparations from different cuisines to make that evening special with your partner.
In our hectic lifestyle and daily grind, simple pleasures like long baths too are a luxury. The spacious Bathrooms at Four Points By Sheraton are designed for your comfort. Soak in the warm water and let your muscles relax before you crash on their orthopedic mattresses that give just the right support to your body.
Staycation sounds like so much fun! But if you insist on getting away from the city, I have just the place for you.
Fort Jadhavgarh Hotel
Located on the Hadapsar-Saswad road, this heritage hotel is just an hour and a half away from Pune Station. Although near to the busy life of the city, you will be transported to a different era as you enter the Fort Jadhavgarh hotel.
Like every other fort, Fort Jadhavgarh has an interesting story. That of Pilaji Jadhavrao and his heroic battles to regain control from the Mughals and restore the Maratha empire that spanned parts of today’s Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Gujrat, to its former glory.
Fort Jadhavgarh is the perfect spot if you want to get away from the city and be one with nature. You will enjoy the long walks in the hotel grounds. The fort hotel also has some special shows like the Shivaji Martial Arts show that highlights the Maratha warfare.
So, next time you think of a vacation, ponder over a staycation. It might just make sense to have a short staycation to rejuvenate yourself and get ready to face the week.
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