Travel + Leisure - India & South Asia
‘Staycation’ is a 21st-century word.
To rule out common misunderstandings about the concept, here’s a little back story. The portmanteau comes from the idea of stay-ing back and having a va-cation; it first became a trend during the economically nasty times of the early 2000s. The fuel costs skyrocketed, and people began exploring holiday options closer home that wouldn’t burn a hole in their pockets. (Although lexicographers have traced the first instance of its usage all the way back to
1944 when it alluded to efforts to save gasoline during times of war.) And thus, a different kind of vacation was born. From a timely trend, staycations have now become a significant sector of the travel industry. More so in fast-paced metropolitan cities, where a holiday in the backyard not only lets you save time, money, stress, and effort, but also reduces your carbon footprint. We knew we couldn’t ignore the trend any longer.
Actor and fitness enthusiast Bipasha
Basu said an instant yes to our suggestion of a staycation at Conrad Pune for this issue’s gorgeous cover shoot. At a convenient 155-kilometre distance from Mumbai, the flagship Conrad property is hard to say no to. The smooth tarmac of the Mumbai-Pune Expressway and the verdant Western Ghats make the drive a breezy affair. Moreover, it helps that our destination is also known as the ‘most liveable city in India.’
But I notice the allure of Pune, and specifically of the luxury hotel, only on my drive back to Mumbai, after we’ve wrapped up a soothing staycation and a successful cover shoot. Looking back, I realise this trip was subtly different, in a good way, from most of our cover shoots. As gorgeous as our travel covers may look, the process behind making them is usually strenuous, and often entails a tight schedule. Although this one had its fair share of running around, it didn’t leave us exhausted. With plenty of frame options at the stunning property, an enthusiastic crew, a comfortably planned schedule with multiple breaks at the Coriander Kitchen (that became our go-to restaurant for breaks), and the hospitable team at Conrad Pune, the cover shoot felt like a pleasant gust of monsoon breeze on the face.
We began by the property’s outdoor swimming pool. As rose-tinted skies and windy weather added oomph to Basu’s natural charisma, the photographer and his team had a field day. Along the lush green pathways, in front of the Conrad Spa, at the chic seating lounge by the pool— the laid-back vibe that spans the entire property is evident in the shots. The best part was the ease of access that came with shooting multiple frames on the dedicated rejuvenation floor that is also home to a 24-hour fitness centre.
“It doesn’t feel like a working day; I feel like I’m on a holiday,” Basu exclaimed, as we moved for a change of outfit and location. In the al fresco area of Coriander Kitchen, the stylist decided to dress her up to match the location. And this, he did—in a beautiful purple gown. After navigating some anticipated fans among the guests dining at the restaurant, we wrapped up the last shot with great ease.
Back from the reverie, I find that the mist on the highway has disappeared, and I’m on the fringes of Mumbai. “That was quick,” I think to myself, “now I know how some people do the Mumbai-Pune route every day.” Every day must feel like a getaway. A staycation.