LETTER FROM THE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
WITH JANUARY’S BRISTLING COLD FINALLY BEHIND US AND
the searing summer sun still a distant threat, spring is in the air in all its balmy glory– perfect for all things outdoors: languorous brunches, moonlit picnics, wine trails, hiking trips and of course, it’s the country’s unofficial convertible season. While a lot of luxury cars come with bragging rights, it’s the rarefied world of sports cars, and convertibles in particular, that truly capture the spirit of spring. Apart from nailing the looks and the drive, the Mercedes-AMG E53 Cabriolet’s interior simply writes its own tribute. At a price tag of `1.3 crore, it has all thew bells and whistles to match its sixcylinder magic. After all, what’s the point of fame and fortune unless they come with toys that remind the world to envy you. The accompanying swagger, of course, is part of the factory settings.
From vintage to classy and sexy to muscular, this issue of Spice springs some of the sleekest wheels in being launched in the market this year, including legacy giants such as Mercedes, BMW and Audi. Of course, the prancing horse offers its model, the Ferrari Purosangue, the brand’s first SUV. For those who can’t get enough of raw performance, Mercedes’ offerings include the Mercedes Benz AMG SL, Mercedes GLC, and the Mercedes EQE.
While we were impressed with the sporty S-line styling package that Audi has reserved for its Audi Q3 Sportback, it is the striking Turbo Blue Paint shade exclusive to this version that captured its essence. We’re not the type to judge a book by its cover alone, and we tested the quattro performance of two Audi cars—RS e-tron GT and the RS 5 Sportback—on conditions that don’t quite classify as your everyday drive. Spice signed up for the highly-coveted Audi ice-driving experience in the Austrian town of Seefeld in the Tyrol region.
But driving exercises such as dynamic drifting, oversteering or understeering are not for everyone; so Spice also explored the more universal charms of a road trip, albeit with a slight difference. Caravan Tourism allows you the luxury and comfort of freewheeling down the highway ensconced in a souped-up RV (recreational vehicle). After all, modern day caravans pack in many conveniences from swanky wooden interiors, to large sofas, smart TVs,a miniature kitchen and a mini-bedroom with a queen-sized bed and even mood lighting. Watching Netflix on the go, sipping on a wine spritzer while tucked into bed does seem extra idyllic when the journey is the destination.
While our RV trip took us from Delhi to Jodhpur, Spice also made a whirlwind trip to the newly-opened Sawantwadi Palace Boutique Art Hotel, currently the only royal residence-hotel in Maharashtra. This heritage property guards palace recipes just as fiercely as it does its collection of heritage art forms such as ganjifa paintings and lacquerware.
Toasting classics has long been a Spice imprimatur, and our heady journey came full circle with a list of the newest bars around the country that celebrate innovation, panache, and unwavering hospitality. India has finally risen to the occasion, grabbing eight of the top seats at the last Asia’s 50 Best Bars. Scoring on both the surprise and the delight quotient, this is the golden hour for Indian mixology.
Here’s to raising the bar!