From the oh-so-gorgeous Ophelia in Delhi to the Kolahoi Green Resort, a quaint escape in Kashmir, First Look brings curated luxury for the ‘gram.
OPHELIA, OLD-WORLD TASTE FOR THE MODERN GIRL
Serving the coolest cocktails in town, Ophelia located in a picturesque corner of Hotel Ashok in the heart of New Delhi is a must-visit for every girl and her girl gang. As a host of culinary thrills await you at Ophelia, the flavours range from Turkish to Italian. This high-end Mediterranean European eatery promises to whisk you away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The popular mezze platters are a must-try if you are a fan of Turkish cuisine. Falafel, paneer shashlik, and grilled broccoli command the vegetarian fare, while parsley and garlic fish, lamb Adana, and chicken and cheese adana are the stellar non-vegetarian options.
KOLAHAI GREEN RESORT, WILLOWING WHISPERS ON THE BANKS OF LIDDER
A gorgeous alpine retreat, the Kolahoi Green re-sort is a boutique property set in the hillside with a crystal-clear sight of the river Lidder that surrounds itself with mesmerising views of the Himalayas. Presenting a personalised experience in the harmony of luxury, nature, artistry and tradition, the hotel since its inception in 2014 has been a hallmark of elegance. The retreat gets its name from Kolahoi, one of the highest peaks of Kashmir, known in local parlance as ‘Gaash Braer’, Goddess of Light. It has been carefully shaped by mountaineers and naturalists who have treasured and known handlooms for seven generations. Hence, Kolahoi’s commitment to environmental consciousness. The property houses an exclusive range of 30 rooms and suites. Cafe Deodar, an in-house multi-cuisine restaurant, is dear to visitors and locals for its authentic Kashmiri cuisine. The hotel offers a range of adventure, trekking, hiking and leisure activities. With traditional Kashmiri tea served on the banks of Lidder in their gardens by the gurgling streams amidst the looming walnut and willow trees, this place is nothing short of a slice of paradise. With another noteworthy bait like the Swiss chalets amidst the lush gardens brimming with indigenous alpine plants, such as juniper, pines, Hee Posh (Jasmine), Gul e Aftaab (Sunflowers), Golab (Kashmiri rose), Saza Posh (Hollyhock), all very typical of the Kashmiri landscape, Kolahoi holds the Limca Book of World Record for Asia’s largest Igloo Cafe at Kolahoi Green Heights, Gulmarg. An artsy cosy studio in Pahalgam and Gulmarg by Shaw Brothers by Mifi & Mubi, their sister company is an art connoisseur’s paradise with a fabulous collection of handlooms of Kashmir, particularly hand embroidered Pashmina shawls in Sozni, Kalamkari, Kani and Tilla craft that take upto two years to make. With an exotic collection of carpets, rugs and antique jamawars, Shaw Brothers has remained dedicated towards exquisite craftsmanship since 1840.
Text by: Aishwarya Chattoraj