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The Romancing Yachts

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 Yachts, the ultimate symbol of luxury are sailing into Cochinite lifestyle 

There was a time when Indians thought only rich boys could afford bikes; a private car was beyond our wildest dreams and we knew only the Queen of England had a yacht. But today, the queen probably doesn’t have one, but many Indians do have. After Mumbai and Goa, the direction of the wind is turning to Kochi where sailing is getting popular rapidly.
Its not surprising that Kochi owns India’s first Marina, because the best boating opportunities are in Kerala, with amazing back waters and unspoiled marine landscape. The marine landscape of Kochi, known for its Chinese fishnets and slow-moving barges, is on an image makeover with the luxury yachts doting the marina.
“Indians are expanding their lifestyle to the seas and now many Keralites are exploring this beautiful leisure. The growth is being fuelled by an upbeat economy with disposable income and reduction in import duties” says Capt. Mathew Cherian, President, Nautilus Yachts, the pioneers in yachting business. “Moreover, Kochi is less expensive than Goa or Mumbai when it comes to leisure and water sports.” he continues.
“We are getting a number of queries from individuals as well as corporate,” says George Pottamkulam, who runs Indmerc, a marine solutions company. “The old-fashioned holidays and business meetings are giving way to more innovative ones. While the rich in the state are eyeing to own the pleasurable experiences, the hospitality tycoons see new business potentials with yachts,” he continues.
One of the reasons for the surge in yachting is that it is in tune with the Gen-Y’s attitude towards life: “Get on and have fun.” The mushrooming of waterfront properties in Kochi also fuels the trend as the luxury lovers who own them will naturally think of owning a yacht. And, interestingly, a few have explored yachts as a mode of transport to beat the horrible traffic jams. In the peak hours, a 10-kilometre drive from Kochi to his waterfront villa in the suburb of Maradu would take more than 45 minutes for George. But his speedboat transports him to his office in seven minutes!
Industry estimates say that the increasing popularity of leisure boating will make India one of the favorite market of yacht makers soon. So the business goes on and for those who love the waters, these are splashing times!!!

Here’s a pick of what’s available in yachts this season:

“From jet skis, sports boats and speed boats it can be a luxury personal villa on the water” says Capt. Mathew. A luxury yacht is perfect private space with your family, friends or build business relationships. “We slowly guide them in understanding the brands and what they represent,” he continues.
Luxury yachts from USA, Italy and Spain dominate the market. The price of models moving in India ranges from 0.5mn to 4bn.
Every model is fully customizable to the owner’s need with choice of furniture, fixtures, fittings, premium material and cutting edge technology to offer up to a 7 star experience on board. Though not popular in Kerala, there are Hotel Yachts, from USA and Europe which has great scope in the hospitality industry.

Yacht Owners

It’s no longer just the Mittals, Mallyas and Singhanias. Estimates of yacht dealers say that there are more than 20 yacht owners in Kochi alone. Yacht dealers refuse to disclose the names of their clients as the yacht owners do not wish to be spoken about, for fear of attracting undue (the taxmen’s) attention.
To mention a few, a former MP owns a 32-foot Bayliner, a seafood exporter has a 42-foot Sea Ray, a tyre tycoon keeps a 32-foot Bayliner and the Taj Malabar at Fort Kochi owns a 55-foot Gulf Craft Ambassador, a famous group in the hospitality industry owns a 36-footer…the list goes on. Capt. Mathew reveals that they have a Non-Resident Keralite customer who had booked one tagged 50million dollars!!

Tips for Buyers

•Yacht buying is a very personal and important decision which requires professional advice and reliable support.
•Yachts come in various sizes from 18 feet sport boats costing around Rs.15 lacs to super yachts of over 200 feet costing millions of dollar. For a true yacht experience it is advised to consider yachts in 40-55 feet, enough to spend time with family and friends.
•For the super-yacht and mega-yacht models, it is better to experience a factory tour for customizing and personalising. This ensures that you are not just picking up something ready made.

Lesser Costlier Options

• You can recoup the costs by hiring out the yachts when they are not being used.
• Pre-owned vessels can be bought with a considerable lower price compared to a new one.
• Hassles of private owning can be reduced with fractional owning option, which means a group of people collectively own a yacht and share the expenses.
•  There are options to own a yacht by paying an EMI as low as Rs.3000/-
•  At an even lesser cost, you can enjoy yachting by joining a yacht club or simply book a yacht for a day or two just like booking a room in a hotel!!

Leisure Yachting in Kochi:

Malabar Yacht Club,
12/167, Kannamaly P.O. Kochi.
Tel: 91-484-2282899, 2228389, Mob: +91 984 739 7735

Vivanta by Taj – Malabar
Willingdon Island, Kochi.
Tel: 91 484 664 3000. Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.vivantabytaj.com/

Taj Gateway
Marine drive, Kochi682 036
Tel: 91-484-6673300. Email: [email protected].
Website: www.tajhotels.com/

Cochin Yacht Club
Konthuruthy, Thevara, Kochi
Tel: 91-484-2310293. Email: [email protected].
Website: http://www.cochinyachtclub.com

The Kerala Yachting Association
D 3103, JNI Stadium, Kaloor, Kochi
Tel: 91-484-3233933, Email: [email protected],
Website: www.keralayachting.com

Luxury Yachts of the Super Rich
Tne Tian Yacht

Owner: Anil Ambani
Price: approx $ 80 million

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This luxury yacht which has been gifted by Anil Ambani to his wife is nicknamed as the ‘Rolls Royce on waters’ for its interior décor and design. Amenities aboard include a classical formal dining area and 5 cabins occupying 2 berths each, and 6 pristine bathrooms. ‘Tian’ stands for ‘Tina’ and ‘Anil’

Indian Empress Yacht
Owner: Dr. Vijay Mallaya
Price: $ 942,681

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This 311 footer has several luxuries on board like a Jacuzzi, sea scooters, water sport equipments, extensive dining area, sun-bathing area, satellite television and wi-fi. Its power generation capacity is 15000 HP.

Did you know?

• The Kochi Marina is set to break a new ground in the worldwide marina market with the Bolghatty Island Project. This is the only marina in the world to house its own golf course.
• A place to see hundreds of yachts all at one time is Cannes during the film festival.

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Expensive jewels owned by Nita Ambani

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The Ambanis are renowned for leading “King”-sized lives, and any glimpse into their world instantly becomes viral on social media. They rank among the wealthiest families in the world, and their notable contributions across a wide range of industries are matched by their admirable sanskars and grounded demeanour. At every public event, the family never passes up the opportunity to showcase their elegance and charm. The Ambani family’s women are also the best at styling some of the most gorgeous ensembles and accessorising them with distinctive pieces. One of the nation’s pioneering ladies, Nita Ambani, is married to the biggest business magnate and possesses an enormous collection of ostentatious jewellery. Let’s examine the list of some of Nita Ambani’s most stunning jewelled pieces.

Diamond choker necklace with pearl drops

At the lavish wedding celebration for Sonam Kapoor and Anand Ahuja in 2018, Nita Ambani wore a necklace made of flawless diamonds. Nita wore an embroidered lehenga in a beige shade from the collection of Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla, the designer partnership. She completed her ensemble with a choker made of pearl and diamonds, layered pearl necklace, and bold earrings.

Princess-cut diamond neckpiece

Nita Ambani was immaculate and lovely during her daughter Isha Ambani’s reception with Anand Piramal. She donned a baby pink chiffon saree that was profusely embroidered with buti work and cream-colored stones. She exuded elegance by pairing her outfit with a shirt embellished with intricate embroidery. All eyes were drawn to her princess-cut diamond neckpiece with cuboid-shaped diamonds and matching earrings, though. It was just too good to miss.

Jadau polki diamond jewelry set

On December 12, 2018, at Antilia, Isha Ambani’s mother Nita dressed simply like a queen. She chose a white lehenga by famous designers Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla, which she accessorised with a dupatta, matching choli, and a red chadar with crystal embellishments tucked under her left shoulder. But her dazzling jewellery was what really made her look elegant. She wore a sleek nath, a maang teeka, bangles, a necklace, matching earrings, and a haath phool with jadau polki diamonds.

Polki Diamond Jewellery Set

During her daughter Isha Ambani’s wedding, Nita Ambani looked stunning in an ethnic outfit the colour of sunshine. Nita paired it with one of her statement pieces of jewellery, which included a sleek maang teeka, bangles, matching diamond drop earrings, and a polki diamond neckpiece exquisitely crafted with golden strings, to complete her look book.

Kundan set with gold-wired diamonds

A glance at Nita Ambani’s gorgeous ensembles with bold jewellery conveys a sense of royalty. During one of her public outings, she was observed displaying her elaborately designed jewellery to complement her traditional style. She chose a vivid orange lehenga choli and accessorized it with a haathphool, matching jhoomar earrings, and a gold-wired diamond kundan necklace that was fastened with two enormous pendants.

Two-tiered necklace made of diamonds and emerald stones

Nita Ambani wore a multicoloured choli with a bandhani lehenga at her son Akash Ambani’s wedding. She also chose to wear stunning diamond jewellery, which included a sleek nath, a maang teeka, matching earrings, and a two-tiered necklace set with emerald stones. The whole outfit she was wearing made her appear stunning.

Giant emeralds embellishment an uncut diamond necklace

With her poise and grace, Nita Ambani may easily outshine any Bollywood diva in terms of style statements. The wealthiest business tycoon’s wife possesses some unusual diamond jewels. During one such occasion, she was observed wearing a distinctive necklace set with enormous emeralds and uncut diamonds. She looked stunning when she wore her neckpiece with matching earrings, a large ring, and flower-shaped diamond bangles.

Saat Nori diamond necklace

Nita wore an orange silk saree and beautifully matched it with diamond jewels for Radhika Merchant’s Arangetram programme. She was undoubtedly one of the most beautiful women of that era. Nita’s jewellery choices included a large locket and a diamond Saat Nori Haar with pearl tiers, matching flowery jhumkas connected by diamond long chains, a massive heart-shaped ring, and diamond bangles.

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Decoding Wedding Looks of Rakul Preet Singh & Jackky Bhagnani

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The most anticipated nuptials of the year were that of Rakul Preet Singh and Jackky  Bhagnani. When the famous couple released official images from their wedding ceremony a while back, the anticipation surrounding seeing them in their wedding finery finally subsided. The couple looked stunning together as they exchanged vows in a sundowner ceremony in South Goa, becoming husband and wife. 

The wedding outfit of Rakul Preet Singh has everyone in awe! In terms of bridal style,she is a shining example of grace and elegance. Examine her gorgeous lehenga in great detail, taking note of its elaborate design and the symbolic significance of its colours. Examine her jewelery selections, beauty tips, and hairstyle specifics. Take inspiration from Rakul’s sophisticated and magnificent wedding look and pick some style advice for your own unique occasion.

Rakul Preet Singh and Jackky Bhagnani, the romance of the hour, likewise made the choice to forgo the vivid colour scheme in favour of delicate pink and ivory tones. The couple held their partners close to each other while flashing their million-dollar smiles in the official pictures they shared on the internet.

Rakul’s custom-made pastel pink lehenga by Tarun Tahiliani made her look like a dream. The actress donned a skirt covered in hundreds of small floral designs that were heavily glittered, beaded, and pearl-studded. She chose to wear a bustier for her choli, which was made with layers of net fabric that matched the colour of her lehenga. She chose full sleeves with a soft, see-through material buttoned down towards the end of her wrist as opposed to the short-sleeved option. Her dupatta was exquisitely adorned with numerous tiny, vibrant flowers throughout. Pearl and bead embroidery adorned the portion of the chunni that was precisely fastened to her bun.

The groom looked great in his ivory-coloured Tarun Tahiliani sherwani, which was embroidered with more elaborate flower patterns. He wore an achkan-style attire that gave off a royal vibe, and his exquisitely tied pagdi matched his choodidaar. It was covered in little studs all over and bordered with embroidery. The actor-producer channeled his inner Akbar by wearing a traditional mojris and carrying his drape in an elegant manner that matched his turban. Jackky also had a sarpech on his safa and a layered neckpiece made of kundan in shades of green. He was observed donning a sophisticated watch, his wedding band, and an additional emerald ring on his other hand.

Regarding Rakul’s jewelry, she opted for a stunningly crafted choker instead of the lengthy neckpieces. Her necklace’s enormous, blingy stones may easily cause blindness in anyone. Pearls, beads, and a few more medium- and small-sized gemstones were used to balance and assemble them. A maangtika and large, hanging earrings finished her ensemble. The massive, elegant, and shimmering engagement diamond she flashed on her ring finger was the talk of the town. Additionally, she donned pink kaliras and custom-made, minimalist choodas by designer Mrinalini Chandra.

The actress chose to use soft glam makeup in hues that complemented her wedding attire for her makeup look. For her D-day, she accessorized her eyes with eyeliner, a glowy base, and dark arched eyebrows, all complemented with a delicate pink lipstick shade. The actress also sported a modest mehendi on her hands, in keeping with the trend. They even decided on a backdrop and décor made of flowers. Baby’s breath flowers and enormous pink roses were used to make the varmalas.

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Say ‘I Do’ in Style: Unveiling India’s Best Wedding Destinations

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Congratulations on your engagement! Now that you’ve decided to embark on the beautiful journey of marriage, it’s time to plan the wedding of your dreams. India, with its rich cultural heritage, diverse landscapes, and magnificent venues, offers a plethora of options for couples seeking a memorable destination wedding experience. The locations can embellish the most special occasion of a person’s life with charm and an incredible magnificence. Perhaps that’s why Destination Wedding in India have become so frequent and sought-after. So, whether you love the beach or the palaces, the mountains or the forts, India has all of it to make your marriage ceremony an unforgettable event. Below is a list of wonderful sites for a Destination Wedding in India.

A Royal Celebration in Udaipur

The pinnacle of Rajasthani tradition and beauty is Udaipur. Anybody who loves India should visit this city, with its beautiful lakes, intriguing tombs, and elaborate temples. It’s one of the locations for weddings held abroad. You can choose from a wide range of locations, including gardens and palaces, to create the ideal atmosphere for your special day. Numerous internationally known wedding experts that will make your day flawless reside in the city as well. Udaipur offers weddings that are both traditional and contemporary, so there is something for everyone. One of the greatest wedding locations in India is Udaipur, if you’re looking for a royal feel for your special day!

A Beautiful Affair on Golden Beaches in Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Known for its azure skies, crystal-clear oceans, golden sands, and tiny islets, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are among the most picturesque locations in India. It’s a wonderful place to have a wedding because of its beaches and lovely location. This island has also seen the construction of numerous stunning resorts, which in recent years have grown in popularity as venues for destination weddings. Additionally, the resort nestled among coconut trees provides a distinctive setting for the couple’s portraits. 

A Beach-Themed Goan marriage

Goa is among the greatest places in India for weddings if you want to exchange vows outside, on a beach with the setting sun in the background. You can arrange a wedding in one of Goa’s five-star hotels or in a gorgeous outdoor setting on a beach. In addition to these, you can arrange to get married in one of Goa’s historic churches. In Goa, the monsoon season runs from June to September, whereas the peak season is from November to February. For this reason, the ideal time to have a destination wedding in Goa is from late September to late October.

A Magnificent Jaipur wedding

With a tonne of lavish ceremonies and parties, Jaipur is a fantastic destination for weddings. With so many palaces and forts dotting the city and its surroundings, it’s the perfect location for weddings. For couples looking for something a little different, Jaipur is among the greatest destinations for destination weddings in India. There are many alternatives for ceremonies, including Hindu and Muslim rituals. Couples can hold their wedding ceremonies and parties in one of the city’s breathtaking gardens, which are among India’s most beautiful. There are numerous other locations in Jaipur, such as opulent hotels, resorts, and golf courses.

From Neemarana Fort, An Ages-Old Tale

One of the most beautiful and ideal locations for destination weddings in India is Neemarana Fort. There are both simple and ornate forts in this lovely location. Come here, then, if you’d like a regal-themed wedding. The Neemarana forts are encircled by lush chambers, tier-style patios, breathtaking views of the sunrise and sunset, and more. If you want to have fun, this is among the greatest locations for destination weddings in India.

In Shimla, A Green Heaven

If you want to get married while seeing the sun set over the hills, Shimla is the perfect location. It’s not as difficult as you may think to have a wedding in this hilly area. Actually serving a variety of ethnicities, Shimla is one of today’s most multicultural hill stations. Any style of wedding can be planned here, regardless of your preferences. With its breathtaking snow-capped mountains and verdant plains all around, Shimla offers the ideal backdrop for an unforgettable wedding.

Kerala – God’s Own Country

Embrace the serene beauty of Kerala as you embark on a romantic journey amidst lush greenery, tranquil backwaters, and mist-clad hills. Exchange vows in a traditional houseboat gliding along the scenic backwaters of Alleppey or host an intimate ceremony amidst the verdant tea plantations of Munnar. Kerala’s eco-friendly resorts, heritage properties, and luxury houseboats offer the perfect blend of natural beauty and hospitality, ensuring a truly memorable wedding experience.

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