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My Magical 1-Night Getaway at Raffles Udaipur – A Slice of Heaven on an Island

If there’s one word to describe my experience at Raffles Udaipur, it’s dreamlike. Nestled in the heart of Udai Sagar Lake, surrounded by the mighty Aravalli hills, Raffles Udaipur isn't just a luxury resort—it’s a private oasis of calm, culture, and indulgence. My one-night stay in May 2025 was short, but it was packed with moments I’ll cherish for a lifetime. Arrival – The Journey Begins Even Before Check-In The experience begins 20 minutes before you even step onto the island. After a scenic drive through Udaipur’s countryside from Maharana Pratap Airport, I arrived at Raffles Lakeshore, the resort’s private arrival terminal. Greeted by the ever-courteous Raffles butlers, I was smoothly escorted onto a luxurious electric boat. As the boat glided over the placid Udai Sagar Lake with views of the palace looming in the distance, I could feel the weight of the world lifting off my shoulders. A Warm Welcome – Raffles Style On arrival, I was welcomed with traditional Rajasthani...
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Premium Airport Experience: My Visit to the Chase Sapphire Lounge at Hong Kong Airport

 During my recent trip from Hong Kong to Delhi, I had the pleasure of accessing the Chase Sapphire Lounge by The Club at Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) — and what a hidden gem this turned out to be! As someone who used to wait near the gates for hours, skipping overpriced meals or settling for average fast food, my travel experience has evolved dramatically, thanks to credit card perks and airport lounge access. On this journey, I first enjoyed   The Centurion Lounge  courtesy of my American Express Platinum Charge Card, and right after that, I explored the Chase Sapphire Lounge — which honestly felt even more premium and serene. 📍 Location & Timing The Chase Sapphire Lounge is located in Terminal 1, near Gate 40. I accessed it around 8 AM, and it was blissfully quiet and uncrowded — a perfect setting to unwind before a long international flight. 🎟️ How I Accessed the Lounge I entered the lounge for free using Priority Pass, which was issued to me by Ame...
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A Regal Stay at Taj Amer Jaipur – Luxury, Views & Unmatched Hospitality

 Located amidst the majestic Aravalli hills and a stone’s throw from the iconic Amer Fort, Taj Amer Jaipur is a regal oasis that brings together luxury, culture, and unmatched hospitality. This new jewel in the Taj portfolio opened just last year and has already become one of the most sought-after luxury stays near Kukas, Jaipur. I had the pleasure of experiencing this stunning property during a recent visit, and here’s a detailed look into my 1-night stay. Before this stay I also stayed at  Le Méridien Resort & Spa   and  Faimont Jaipur Palace located in Kukas and just few miles away from Taj Amer. ✨ Location & Arrival Just 25 kilometres from Jaipur International Airport, Taj Amer offers easy accessibility while providing a serene escape from the bustle of the city. The hotel’s prime location near Amer Fort makes it ideal for travellers looking to explore Jaipur’s historic grandeur. I used a ₹10,000 Taj Gift Card voucher—a generous birthday gift from my Ame...
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Le Méridien Resort & Spa Jaipur – A Serene Luxury Escape in Kukas

 Located in the peaceful outskirts of Jaipur, in the lush and royal neighborhood of Kukas, Le Méridien Resort & Spa Jaipur offers an opulent yet serene getaway just a few kilometers from the iconic Amer Fort. Nestled beside ultra-luxury brands like Fairmont Jaipur and the newly launched Raffles Jaipur, this is the only Marriott property in Kukas, and it beautifully holds its own among the elite competition. First Impressions and Arrival As I entered the grand, Mughal-inspired gates of Le Méridien, I was instantly taken by the vast open landscape, dotted with lush greenery, tall trees, heritage-inspired architecture, and beautifully landscaped lawns. The resort sprawls across a large area, offering a perfect blend of traditional Rajasthani charm and the modern elegance that the Le Méridien brand is known for. Thanks to my Gold Elite status, my early check-in request was promptly honored, and I was also offered a complimentary room upgrade, which was a delightful surprise and a g...
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Flying Premium Economy on Air India from the World’s Best Airport – Hamad International Doha

  I recently flew from Doha (Hamad International Airport) to Mumbai in Premium Economy on Air India, and the journey turned out to be a seamless and comfortable experience—largely thanks to my Maharaja Gold status. Here's a detailed review covering every aspect of the trip, including lounge access, airport facilities, boarding, and in-flight experience. ✨ Check-in Experience at Hamad International Airport (HIA) Hamad International Airport, consistently ranked among the world’s best airports, lived up to its reputation. As a Maharaja Gold elite member, I was able to bypass the long economy check-in queues and use the dedicated Business Class counter for check-in. This saved me a considerable amount of time and effort, especially during peak evening hours. Though I didn't need priority baggage tags since I chose to travel with only cabin luggage, the Gold status also ensured a priority boarding pass and an invitation to the Oryx Lounge, which was printed directly on my boarding p...
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Fairmont Doha 1 night Stay using Points

  After memorable stays at Fairmont Mumbai and Fairmont Jaipur, I had high expectations for my third Fairmont experience—this time at the iconic Fairmont Doha, located in the architectural marvel that is Katara Towers. Booked entirely using my Accor ALL points, this one-night stay promised luxury, heritage, and breathtaking views. While the property’s design and amenities were top-tier, the service fell short—especially for a loyal Accor Gold member. 📍 Location: A Jewel in Doha's Marina District Fairmont Doha is perched in the shimmering Katara Towers, overlooking the Arabian Gulf and the modern skyline of Lusail. It's perfectly located near the Lusail Iconic Stadium, Marina Promenade, and Place Vendôme Mall, making it an ideal base for luxury travellers and Qatar visitors alike. 🏨 First Impressions & Check-In Experience Unfortunately, my experience started off on a slightly sour note. Despite being an Accor Gold member, I received no pre-arrival communication from the ho...
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SATS Premier Lounge Changi Airport Terminal 2

 As a frequent traveler who values comfort and convenience at airports, my recent experience at the SATS Premier Lounge in Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 stood out as a pleasant surprise. On my journey from Singapore to Pune last year in September 2024, I had the opportunity to access this lounge thanks to my Vistara Gold status. ✈️ Lounge Access with Gold Status If you're a Gold member flying internationally, you may already know that certain privileges include lounge access. In my case, the invitation to the SATS Premier Lounge was printed directly on my boarding pass. While Vistara Gold members did not traditionally have the option to bring a guest, that policy changed after the migration to Air India’s Flying Returns program, where Maharaja Gold status holders are entitled to bring one guest. This is a valuable upgrade for frequent flyers traveling with companions. 🕘 Early Morning Visit – Peaceful Ambience I accessed the lounge around 9 AM, just before my flight. To my de...
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Udaipur to Mumbai Flight on Air India Using Points – A Smooth Journey with Maharaja Gold Perks

 If you're a frequent flyer like me who loves to optimize travel using loyalty points and elite benefits, this post is for you. On my recent trip from Udaipur to Mumbai, I booked my Air India flight entirely on points — spending just ₹715 on taxes. Here's a detailed breakdown of my journey, the benefits I enjoyed as a Maharaja Gold member, and what to expect if you're flying from Udaipur Airport. ✈️ Booking with Points on Air India App I booked my one-way flight from Udaipur (UDR) to Mumbai (BOM) using 6,000 Flying Returns points via the Air India app. The app experience was seamless, and I was pleasantly surprised to find award availability on my preferred date. The only amount I paid was ₹715 in taxes — making this flight almost free! I earned an additional 10x rewards by making this payment of INR 715 through american express platinum charge card. This card gives 1 point for every 40 INR spent, but I got accelerated 10x points as Amex and Air India has an ongoing offer. ...
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