Desi Bachelorette: More and more Indian brides-to-be are opting for wild weekends in Turkey
Turks love Indians and are aware of the value of the desi tourist buck. Girls are spoilt silly in the superbly appointed hotels dotting Istanbul
Shobhaa De
Okay, get this parents and in-laws — bahus are doing it, too! And it's not what you are thinking! Bahus on the prowl at various party destinations across the world are easy to spot...after all, how can anybody possibly miss a shattered dulhan-to-be whooping it up at a bar in Istanbul, clad in designer resort wear with a tiara sitting crookedly on her messy hair and a satin sash screaming BRIDE falling off her bare shoulders? Yes, Sir! It is indeed a desi bachelorette in full swing. And chances are the destination is Turkey. Yup. Taksim Square or no Taksim Square. Bachelor girls are flocking there. "Have gal pals, will party" is the new mantra. That's the spirit.
More and more Indian brides are opting for wild weekends in exotic destinations just before saying, 'I do'. It was once the prerogative of bachelors to go off and binge with guy friends, all of them bound together by the oldest guy-oath in the world ("Our lips are sealed!"). What happened in Las Vegas/ Phuket/ Bodrum/Mykanos/ Bangkok was supposed to stay there — and generally did! Today, it's the turn of the chicks. If the guys get their personal belly dancer to teach them a few moves, the gals can as easily hire male strippers or local escorts to entertain them (at this point, my lips are sealed!). The idea is to let go — from Sati Savitree to Sizzling Sheila — before settling for staid, safe, structured domesticity. What the ladies have been up to on these wicked weekends is enough to make naani take several dips in the Ganga. Or, in this case, the Bosphorus!
The Night is Still Young...
Rumour has it the night never ends in Istanbul. I can vouch for it. Talking Turkey (the country, not bird) is something our adventurous Young Things have been doing for a while. Desis love the vibe in Turkey for several, entirely valid reasons. I'd say it's primarily because of the friendly and polite Turkish people. Turks love Indians. And are aware of the value of the desi tourist buck. Girls, who just wanna have fun, are spoilt silly in the superbly appointed hotelsdotting Istanbul. Take your pick from one of the oldest luxury properties in Europe (The Conrad Hilton) with its stunning rooftop bar, to the recently launched Shangri-La on the edge of the sparkling Bosphorus Strait (Four Seasons is close by). Or, if you want to live like a sultan's favourite concubine, check into the magnificent, all-marble Kiragan Palace (Kempinski group). The posh Inter-Continental, Grand Hyatt and Diwan aren't too far off either. Start with a really long evening that begins with a champagne toast in your hotel suite.
Then, take your cues from locals, especially the swish set you'll spot smoothly sliding out of their Ferraris and Lamborghinis. Remember, everything starts late in Istanbul. To get the gal pals in the right mood, I recommend the flamboyant Flamingo as the first stop. It's a comparatively new, but totally hot destination where you can expect wall-to-wall glamour, retro music, innovative cocktails and the coolest people in town. Kick off the evening with Bubbles, the signature drink (fresh s t r awberry juice, champagne, Campari, mint, exotic fruits and crushed ice). It beats a Bellini hollow. Enjoy a pricy - but -yummy carpaccio of duck ravioli. By then, the sprawling place, with a classy colonial vibe, will be buzzing and jumping. It will soon be time to discover other Turkish delights (equally sinful!).
Kapadokya is the other cool spot Istanbul's trendsetters swear by, insisting that the more well-known Reina is for tourists. All I can say is that Reina rules! Here's how to 'do' Reina, if you want to be noticed. Gal pals should willingly and happily shell out serious money to hire a swanky yacht for the bride-to-be. The only way to arrive at Reina is in your own boat... like the richierich party set of Istanbul. If you want to bar hop stylishly along the Bosphorus and for God's sake hire a speed boat. Most restaurants and bars have their own jetties. Reina also has alert security staff to help swaying party goers get into the throbbing, multi-level night club that sees international celebs on its crowded decks. The atmosphere is electric and sexy... be prepared to dance under the stars till 7 am. That's when the boats come to take tired revellers back to their comfy beds.
From Spas to Retail Therapy
A lavish brunch beckons. Combine that with a tan-plan and head to Suado, armed with your skimpiest bikini and sun hat. Suado is a charming pool club in the middle of the Bosphorus ( yup, the same venue booked out by the high-flying Mittals recently). Grab a deck chair, order a tall drink, ogle the hunks and you are set for an afternoon of serious recovery after the giddy hedonism of the previous night. If you have the energy, the upscale Bebek area is a must, especially cocktail halts at Biber and Luca, two amazing bars which attract a chilled out global crowd. I recommend a day trip to Sabamci Museum which has a super restaurant (you absolutely must sample the delicately flavoured Isabella Grape Sorbet at Changa). On the last day girls who want to catch their breath and pamper themselves some more can opt for an authentic Turkish hamam experience (all top hotels offer the real thing at their fabulous spas).
Or if it is retail therapy that does it for you, head to the Grand Bazaar (one of the world's most fascinating historic markets selling everything from furs, diamonds, handbags to rare ittars and carpets). I preferred shopping for artistic Byzantine icons and glassware at Pasabache, a treasure house of Turkish artefacts. It's tempting for the bride to want to grab exquisite home accessories here for her new residence. The rest of the crew can take a final relaxed break at George — one of the chicest addresses close to the centre of the city in Istikal. An address so discreet, you need a local to get you in since there is no visible signage! Once there, you can loll around on gaddis with fat bolsters to prop you up. A sheesha goes wonderfully well with the many cocktails on offer here. I call it the best champagne stop in Istanbul. And as we all know, there is no such thing as too much champagne. Especially during a bachelorette!
(The writer is a columnist and author)
Okay, get this parents and in-laws — bahus are doing it, too! And it's not what you are thinking! Bahus on the prowl at various party destinations across the world are easy to spot...after all, how can anybody possibly miss a shattered dulhan-to-be whooping it up at a bar in Istanbul, clad in designer resort wear with a tiara sitting crookedly on her messy hair and a satin sash screaming BRIDE falling off her bare shoulders? Yes, Sir! It is indeed a desi bachelorette in full swing. And chances are the destination is Turkey. Yup. Taksim Square or no Taksim Square. Bachelor girls are flocking there. "Have gal pals, will party" is the new mantra. That's the spirit.
More and more Indian brides are opting for wild weekends in exotic destinations just before saying, 'I do'. It was once the prerogative of bachelors to go off and binge with guy friends, all of them bound together by the oldest guy-oath in the world ("Our lips are sealed!"). What happened in Las Vegas/ Phuket/ Bodrum/Mykanos/ Bangkok was supposed to stay there — and generally did! Today, it's the turn of the chicks. If the guys get their personal belly dancer to teach them a few moves, the gals can as easily hire male strippers or local escorts to entertain them (at this point, my lips are sealed!). The idea is to let go — from Sati Savitree to Sizzling Sheila — before settling for staid, safe, structured domesticity. What the ladies have been up to on these wicked weekends is enough to make naani take several dips in the Ganga. Or, in this case, the Bosphorus!
The Night is Still Young...
Rumour has it the night never ends in Istanbul. I can vouch for it. Talking Turkey (the country, not bird) is something our adventurous Young Things have been doing for a while. Desis love the vibe in Turkey for several, entirely valid reasons. I'd say it's primarily because of the friendly and polite Turkish people. Turks love Indians. And are aware of the value of the desi tourist buck. Girls, who just wanna have fun, are spoilt silly in the superbly appointed hotelsdotting Istanbul. Take your pick from one of the oldest luxury properties in Europe (The Conrad Hilton) with its stunning rooftop bar, to the recently launched Shangri-La on the edge of the sparkling Bosphorus Strait (Four Seasons is close by). Or, if you want to live like a sultan's favourite concubine, check into the magnificent, all-marble Kiragan Palace (Kempinski group). The posh Inter-Continental, Grand Hyatt and Diwan aren't too far off either. Start with a really long evening that begins with a champagne toast in your hotel suite.
Then, take your cues from locals, especially the swish set you'll spot smoothly sliding out of their Ferraris and Lamborghinis. Remember, everything starts late in Istanbul. To get the gal pals in the right mood, I recommend the flamboyant Flamingo as the first stop. It's a comparatively new, but totally hot destination where you can expect wall-to-wall glamour, retro music, innovative cocktails and the coolest people in town. Kick off the evening with Bubbles, the signature drink (fresh s t r awberry juice, champagne, Campari, mint, exotic fruits and crushed ice). It beats a Bellini hollow. Enjoy a pricy - but -yummy carpaccio of duck ravioli. By then, the sprawling place, with a classy colonial vibe, will be buzzing and jumping. It will soon be time to discover other Turkish delights (equally sinful!).
Kapadokya is the other cool spot Istanbul's trendsetters swear by, insisting that the more well-known Reina is for tourists. All I can say is that Reina rules! Here's how to 'do' Reina, if you want to be noticed. Gal pals should willingly and happily shell out serious money to hire a swanky yacht for the bride-to-be. The only way to arrive at Reina is in your own boat... like the richierich party set of Istanbul. If you want to bar hop stylishly along the Bosphorus and for God's sake hire a speed boat. Most restaurants and bars have their own jetties. Reina also has alert security staff to help swaying party goers get into the throbbing, multi-level night club that sees international celebs on its crowded decks. The atmosphere is electric and sexy... be prepared to dance under the stars till 7 am. That's when the boats come to take tired revellers back to their comfy beds.
From Spas to Retail Therapy
A lavish brunch beckons. Combine that with a tan-plan and head to Suado, armed with your skimpiest bikini and sun hat. Suado is a charming pool club in the middle of the Bosphorus ( yup, the same venue booked out by the high-flying Mittals recently). Grab a deck chair, order a tall drink, ogle the hunks and you are set for an afternoon of serious recovery after the giddy hedonism of the previous night. If you have the energy, the upscale Bebek area is a must, especially cocktail halts at Biber and Luca, two amazing bars which attract a chilled out global crowd. I recommend a day trip to Sabamci Museum which has a super restaurant (you absolutely must sample the delicately flavoured Isabella Grape Sorbet at Changa). On the last day girls who want to catch their breath and pamper themselves some more can opt for an authentic Turkish hamam experience (all top hotels offer the real thing at their fabulous spas).
Or if it is retail therapy that does it for you, head to the Grand Bazaar (one of the world's most fascinating historic markets selling everything from furs, diamonds, handbags to rare ittars and carpets). I preferred shopping for artistic Byzantine icons and glassware at Pasabache, a treasure house of Turkish artefacts. It's tempting for the bride to want to grab exquisite home accessories here for her new residence. The rest of the crew can take a final relaxed break at George — one of the chicest addresses close to the centre of the city in Istikal. An address so discreet, you need a local to get you in since there is no visible signage! Once there, you can loll around on gaddis with fat bolsters to prop you up. A sheesha goes wonderfully well with the many cocktails on offer here. I call it the best champagne stop in Istanbul. And as we all know, there is no such thing as too much champagne. Especially during a bachelorette!
(The writer is a columnist and author)
Source : ET
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