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The Hindu
5 days ago
- Lifestyle
- The Hindu
Disfrutar's Chef Oriol Castro Hosts First-Ever Superclass in India
In less than 24 hours of landing in Delhi, Chef Oriol Castro went on a spin around the city, experienced its markets, tasted local food and sat through half a dozen interviews. Yet, there was no trace of fatigue on his face. It could be because of his trademark energy, or because he was really excited to be in India — a place, he says, he has been waiting to come to forever. 'I am so happy to finally be here! I have always wanted to see this land of great history and immense gastronomical culture,' quips the cheerful chef, who was at The Oberoi New Delhi courtesy of global culinary exchange platform Culinary Culture and Don Julio tequila. Incidentally, Oriol was not in the city to cook a meal but to teach people how to cook some of his signature dishes from Disfrutar, the three Michelin star restaurant in Barcelona, currently regarded as the world's best restaurant. And why is he not cooking for us? We are compelled to ask. 'Our cooking needs certain ingredients, equipment, technique, and labour, all of which is only possible in our own kitchen, but we do many collaborations like this where we teach our recipes,' explains the chef whose restaurant is endorsed by the who's who and sees over a year long waitlist for reservations. Creating a legacy A protégé of the iconic El Bulli, a restaurant that reinvented Spanish cuisine and put it on the world map, Oriol along with his co-owners, Chef Eduard Xatruch and Chef Y Mateu Casañas, is known to have taken revolutionary culinary techniques (like foaming and spherification) from El Bulli to new heights at Disfrutar. While they offer a 28-course classic tasting menu — and a 30-course option called the Festival Menu — it was Bulli that had introduced the concept of elaborate tasting menus. 'In the beginning tasting menus meant serving only two-three starters. In the 90s we began changing that by adding more tapas and small plates. Slowly, we made it to 10 courses — which was an important turning point in the history of tasting menus and something that has caught on since. Some of these courses change for regular diners to ensure there is no dining fatigue.' The idea behind the large menu, he explains, is to showcase a variety of techniques, flavours and tastes. 'Creating a tasting menu, I feel, is like making music — just as the combination of many notes make a song, many little things come together to make an experience like this.' Sharing knowledge Like Bulli, that openly shared and published all its recipes, Disfrutar has been documenting all its recipes too. Their cookbooks (they publish one every three years) also come with scannable codes that take you to videos showcasing the methodology behind each recipe. When questioned on whether he feels sharing their recipes openly might be a self-sabotaging practice, Oriol shrugs. 'Life is about being generous and sharing your knowledge, so no problem at all! C'est la vie!' he grins. Taking the philosophy forward, the superclass at The Oberoi New Delhi, focussed on showcasing the complex methodology of some of the signature dishes at Disfrutar. Participants, which included India's top chefs like Avinash Martins, Varun Totlani, Kavan Kutappa, Manish Mehrotra, young culinary students and food enthusiasts, got to witness the making of recipes such as The Goose That Laid The Golden Eggs, a dish with a shimmering golden egg yolk that is in fact a spherified, intensely savoury crustacean bisque made with prawn heads; Calçotada 2023, a dish made with sweet onions called calçots that sprout across Catalonia every winter; and Pizza Truffle, a flourless cocoa pizza with truffle, among several others. Impression of Indian food It may have been his first visit to India, but the chef's knowledge of Indian food is remarkable, something he owes to the Indian restaurant in front of his home where he and his children love to regularly dine, and to Indian chefs that work with him in his kitchens. 'There are so many bright young Indian students across culinary schools in Spain. Even at Disfrutar we have many Indian chefs and we learn so much from them everyday.' Oriol, who visited a host of wet markets in Delhi, also equates Indian markets to Spanish mercados, 'with fresh greens, potatoes, tomatoes, and a large variety of seasonal vegetables and meats just like our markets.' Having grown up by the sea on freshly made home cooked food, his fondness for seasonality relates with that of India just like he correlates the complexity of our cooking techniques to that of Spanish cuisine. So where does he see India fitting in the culinary map? 'Indian food is waiting to be the next big thing. It has flavours, it has technique and it has this vast cultural history backing it,' he says, adding 'I truly feel it is the time for India to shine.'
NDTV
25-04-2025
- NDTV
Caravans, Palaces, Kasbahs: The 10 Best Hotels And Resorts In Morocco
Morocco is on every travel lover's bucket list for all the right reasons. From the sandy dunes of the Sahara Desert to the colourful souks of Marrakech, it is a place full of life and adventure. If you are in India and planning to visit Morocco, you will usually need to fly in to the country. Major Moroccan cities like Casablanca, Marrakesh and Fes are connected to Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru, with a layover or two along the way. How To Get A Visa For Morocco? Getting a Morocco visa for Indian passport holders is pretty straightforward. Just head over to the official website - Once you fill in the details, they will ask for your email address and a confirmation link will be sent on it. Click on it and fill out the form with your personal info and passport details. Do not forget to upload a passport-sized photo and a copy of your passport. After you confirm everything, make the payment, and you are all set. The processing time for a Morocco tourist visa for Indians is usually around three working days. If you are in a hurry, there is an express option too - it can be done in just one day. Most-Visited African Country Morocco is not just popular - it is the most-visited country in all of Africa. According to UN Tourism data, 17.4 million international tourists explored Morocco in 2024, which is a solid 20% jump from 2023. Clearly, the world can not get enough of its charm, colours and culture. Where To Stay In Morocco While Morocco offers a range of stay options, from traditional riads to the best of modern hotels, here's a look at the most luxurious hotels and resorts across the country. 1. Royal Mansour, Marrakech View this post on Instagram A post shared by ROYAL MANSOUR MARRAKECH HOTEL (@royalmansourmarrakech) This ultra-luxurious stay is the real deal - it was built by and is owned by Morocco's King Mohammed VI. Think private riads, rooftop pools, lush gardens and gold-dusted everything. 2. The Oberoi, Marrakech View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Oberoi, Marrakech (@theoberoimarrakech) A peaceful paradise surrounded by orange orchards and olive trees. The Oberoi blends Indian hospitality with Moroccan beauty - expect grand architecture, serene courtyards and flawless service that makes you feel like royalty. 3. La Mamounia, Marrakech View this post on Instagram A post shared by ???????? ???????????????????????????????? ???????????????????????????????????? (@lamamouniamarrakech) An iconic hotel, La Mamounia oozes old-world glamour and charm. With its dreamy interiors and lush gardens, it is like stepping into a Moroccan fairytale with a luxury twist. 4. Fairmont Royal Palm, Marrakech View this post on Instagram A post shared by Fairmont Royal Palm Marrakech (@fairmontmarrakech) This resort is where elegance meets relaxation - imagine sprawling suites, mountain views, a giant golf course, and a spa that is basically a dream. It's a perfect blend of style, peace and pampering. 5. Nobu, Marrakech View this post on Instagram A post shared by Nobu Marrakech (@nobumarrakech) Trendy, stylish, and buzzing with energy - Nobu Marrakech is for the cool crowd. With its sleek design and world-famous cuisine, it is the ultimate hotspot for a luxe urban escape. 6. Caravan by Habitas Agafay View this post on Instagram A post shared by Caravan by habitas Agafay (@caravanhabitasagafay) Desert glamping with a soul! Set in the Agafay Desert, Caravan offers boho-chic tents, fire-lit nights, live music and a magical escape under the stars. It is perfect for adventurers who also love comfort. 7. Royal Mansour Casablanca View this post on Instagram A post shared by ROYAL MANSOUR CASABLANCA HOTEL (@royalmansourcasablanca) Bringing old-school glamour to the heart of Casablanca, this hotel is all about refined luxury. With plush interiors, fine dining and top-notch service, it is a favorite among travellers. 8. Four Seasons Casablanca View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kyub Restaurant (@kyubrestaurant) Wake up to the sound of waves and ocean views at this coastal stunner. Whether you're into beach walks, spa days or sunset cocktails, Four Seasons Casablanca is all about chic seaside luxury. 9. Kasbah Bab Ourika, Ourika Valley Set high above a valley, this eco-friendly hideaway offers jaw-dropping views of the Atlas Mountains. With charming rooms, earthy vibes and fresh farm-to-table food, it is a peaceful escape into nature. The 2024 Netflix movie Lonely Planet, starring Chris Hemsworth and Laura Dern, was shot at this retreat. 10. Fairmont Tazi Palace, Tangier View this post on Instagram A post shared by Fairmont Tazi Palace Tangier (@fairmonttazipalacetangier) Once a royal palace, now a luxury resort with serious style. Fairmont Tazi Palace is where heritage meets glam - think regal decor, lavish gardens, panoramic city views and a taste of Tangier's golden past.
NDTV
24-04-2025
- NDTV
A Jungle Resort In Madhya Pradesh To Atacama Desert In Chile, The World's Best Hotels For Stargazing
Astrotourism has become one of the most sought-after travel trends these days. This unique experience offers tourists the opportunity to observe starry skies and celestial events like auroras, meteor showers and eclipses. A destination with minimal light pollution is necessary for seeing these stunning celestial phenomena. From the secluded landscapes of Utah in the US, to the arid expanses of the Atacama desert in Chile, there are plenty of sites to enjoy astrotourism. In fact, several luxurious hotels and resorts have embraced this trend, offering their guests an unparalleled stargazing experience. If you are also willing to soak in the beauty of the cosmos without compromising on comfort, check out these top 10 upscale accommodations that will fit your requirements perfectly. 1. The Oberoi Beach Resort Mauritius View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Oberoi, Mauritius (@theoberoimauritius) Where: Turtle Bay, Pointe aux Piments, Mauritius Located off the coast of Madagascar, Mauritius is the prime spot for unobstructed stargazing. During the off-season (May and October), the island's cooler temperatures reduce humidity, paving the way for crystal-clear night skies. Visitors can enroll in the resort's Touching Senses programme to witness the superb display of constellations. The sessions are scheduled weekly. 2. Banyan Tree AlUla, Saudi Arabia View this post on Instagram A post shared by Banyan Tree AlUla (@ Where: AlUla, Saudi Arabia The Ashar Valley in Saudi Arabia is a picturesque destination, pulling globetrotters in in large numbers. Banyan Tree AlUla is located far from the city lights in a vast desert, presenting tourists with the world's most enviable clear skies. At Banyan Tree AlUla, an expert astronomer guides tourists through the constellations with state-of-the-art telescopes. 3. Como Cocoa Island, Maldives View this post on Instagram A post shared by COMO Cocoa Island (@comococoaisland) Where: Makunufushi South Malé Atoll, Maldives An idyllic retreat, the Como Cocoa Island provides unspoiled views of the night sky, and is perfect for stargazing enthusiasts. Situated far from urban light pollution, the resort provides clear, unspoiled views of the night sky, allowing guests to witness constellations from both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. The resort's overwater villas and beachfront areas serve as vantage points for observing celestial events, making it a serene haven for those seeking a cosmic connection. 4. The Kumaon, Uttarakhand, India View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Kumaon (@ Where: Gadholi, Uttarakhand Nestled in the lap of the Himalayas, The Kumaon offers a celestial escape for stargazers. The resort's high-altitude terrain and low light pollution make it a stunning stargazing location. On cloudless nights, the Milky Way stretches vividly overhead, and constellations seem close enough to touch. The air is crisp, the surroundings serene, and the cosmic display uninterrupted - making The Kumaon a dream destination for astrophotographers and night sky enthusiasts alike. 5. Sao Lourenço do Barrocal, Portugal View this post on Instagram A post shared by MintaEats (@minta_eats) Where: Sao Lourenço do Barrocal, Portugal This Portuguese estate is tucked within meadows, vineyards and olive groves, emanating an old-world charm. The hotel is situated within Portugal's 3,000-square-kilometre Dark Sky Alqueva Reserve. Visitors can step inside their official observatory to explore the galaxies. The hotel allows guests to take a private astronomy lesson as well. 6. Primland, Auberge Resorts Collection, USA View this post on Instagram A post shared by Primland (@primlandauberge) Where: Meadows of Dan, Virginia Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains will bring you closer to nature than ever before. Nestled on a private 12,000-acre mountain estate, the lodge houses a special observatory where guests can marvel at planets, stars and nebulae in the clear skies. 7. Our Habitas Atacama, Chile View this post on Instagram A post shared by Our Habitas | Atacama (@habitasatacama) Where: Antofagasta, Chile Bestowed with the advantages of low population, high altitude, stable air and a dry climate, Chile's Atacama Desert makes up for clear skies almost all year-round. This hotel recently launched its five-night stargazing package, Explorer's Delight. The programme is designed to coincide with 2025's celestial occurrences. 8. &Beyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge, Namibia View this post on Instagram A post shared by andBeyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge (@andbeyondsossusvlei) Where: Namib-Naukluft Park, Namibia This lavish Namibian lodge has earned a gold-tier status, indicating that it is one of the darkest places in the world. Every evening, resident astronomers invite tourists to visit their observatory and use the Celestron telescope to satiate their quest for stargazing. 9. Longitude 131, Australia View this post on Instagram A post shared by Longitude 131° (@longitude131) Where: Yulara, Australia This wilderness camp in Australia's Red Centre provides unobstructed views of the southern night sky. Guests can relish scrumptious meals under the stars at Table 131. Guides will accompany them, offering valuable insights on the constellations and the Milky Way and Southern Cross. 10. Park Hotel Kenmare, Kerry Dark Sky Reserve, Ireland View this post on Instagram A post shared by Park Hotel Kenmare (@parkkenmare) Where: Kenmare, Ireland Tucked away in Ireland's mystical southwest, the Park Hotel Kenmare sits on the edge of the Kerry International Dark Sky Reserve, which is one of the few gold-tier reserves in the world. This luxurious retreat blends old-world charm with celestial wonder, offering guests a unique astrotourism experience. On clear nights, the sky above Kenmare transforms into a breathtaking dome of stars, planets, and the Milky Way, all visible without the aid of telescopes. The hotel even curates stargazing experiences, inviting guests to explore the cosmos in one of Europe's most pristine nightscapes, all while wrapped in the comforts of five-star hospitality. 11. Baghvan, A Taj Safari Lodge View this post on Instagram A post shared by Taj Safaris (@tajsafaris) Where: Pench National Park, Madhya Pradesh The Pench Tiger Reserve was named India's first Dark Sky Reserve in January 2024, and since then, astrotourism has seen an uptick in the area. Baghvan, A Taj Safari Lodge, is a collection of 12 colonial bungalows near a riverbed. The resort is a stone's throw from the Pench National Park. Baghvan has in-house naturalists who sit with you to tell you stories over a stargazing session.
Forbes
03-04-2025
- Forbes
This Newly-Opened Indian Resort Is A Top Destination For Birdwatchers
The Oberoi Vindhyavilas Wildlife Resort officially opened in March 2025. With more than 1.4 billion people living within its borders, India currently ranks as the most populous country on the planet—but it's not just humans that thrive across this storied nation. From the Asian elephant to the gharial, there's a staggering array of native wildlife that's been calling India home for eons, with no shortage of iconic mammals, birds and reptiles to be found during a visit. And while top-tier ecotourism destinations abound across the country, few destinations can offer such a seamless blend of luxury and wildlife experiences as The Oberoi Vindhyavilas Wildlife Resort. Located in the central state of Madhya Pradesh, this lavish property sits on the edge of India's Bandhavgarh National Park, a renowned preserve that's brimming with all sorts of majestic megafauna. While tigers abound across the refuge, the surrounding region also offers unparalleled opportunity for birdwatching, with The Oberoi Vindhyavilas Wildlife Resort operating several avian-inspired tours taking place both on-property and within the neighboring park. During a Kalpvriksha and the Birdsong excursion, guests can marvel at colorful sunbirds and bee-eaters thriving in the surrounding forest, while the Palash Pathways experience is available at both dawn and dusk, allowing visitors to spot species like the jungle nightjar and Indian scops owl as they search the surrounding area for food. The Malabar pied hornbill is native to India and Sri Lanka. Of course, no stay at The Oberoi Vindhyavilas Wildlife Resort is complete without embarking on a Jungle Safari across Bandhavgarh National Park. While the Bengal tiger is by far the most famous resident of the park, a typical expedition also offers the opportunity to spot sambar deer, striped hyenas and sloth bears—and there's no shortage of eye-catching birds that call the park home as well. In addition to world-renowned species like the common peafowl and Malabar pied hornbill, there's a wealth of passerines that can be found flitting from branch to branch, with the Indian paradise flycatcher, Indian pitta and Asian green bee-eater being three particularly striking species. As an added bonus, the property offers a wide range of luxurious amenities to enjoy in between birding sessions. During the afternoon, guests can seek refuge from the sun in the 18-meter outdoor infinity pool, while there's no shortage of high-end dining experiences to enjoy all throughout the day. For a deep dive on the storied culinary culture of Madhya Pradesh, The Dining Room offers a diverse range of curries, kebabs and other dishes, while those wishing to dine in harmony with the surrounding wilderness should be sure to book a dinner at The Bush Kitchen. Perched on the edge of a glittering lake, this open-air venue is perfect for a sunset meal, with all sorts of smoked and grilled dishes gracing the menu. The Asian green bee-eater feeds primarily on insects, with prey ranging from ants to wasps to—of ... More course—bees. While the Indian coastline boasts top-tier ecotourism destinations like Marine National Park and Sunderban National Park, the interior of the country is home to world-class wildlife destinations as well, with The Oberoi Vindhyavilas Wildlife Resort serving as a prime example. Ferocious felines thrive just beyond property limits, and to sweeten the deal, the hotel grounds are brimming with all sorts of dazzling avifauna both large and small. If you're planning an all-out ecotourism expedition across India anytime soon, be sure to save some room on the itinerary for this world-class ecolodge.
