Topic – Shoba Narayan

Jasmine perfume in Madurai

A Sufi saint was asked what forgiveness is. He said, “It is the scent the flower gives out when it is crushed.”

Embracing the goddess within

“Dakini represents the feminine energy in Buddhism,” says Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse Rinpoche, 57. “It is a raw naked cognizance, like a baby: unaltered, uncontrived, unfabricated, uneducated.”

It is a broad statement, so broad as to be quite meaningless to me. In this age of #metoo, what is the role of “feminine energy,” even one that is about 5000 years old and lauded, quite contradictorily as one of Buddhism’s most fundamental yet subtle truths?

Heritage Spirits of India

We had a sold out event. Took us two months to put it together– Jenny Pinto and I. Thanks to our panelists who flew in for the event. Thanks to Jenny for the after party 🙂 where we tasted Desmond’s Mahua in her beautiful Bangalore home. Visit her website for the lovely paper lamps that she makes.

Iceland for the Robb Report

By: Shoba Narayan January 15, 2018January 15, 2018

Hotels, Luxury, Topic, Traveleldar lodge, iceland, reykjavik, Robb Report, sandhotel, tower suites, TravelLeave a Comment

I wrote about Iceland for the January 2018 Travel issue of the Robb Report.

Vivanta by Taj, Yeshwantpur Hotel Review

By: Shoba Narayan January 14, 2018January 5, 2018

Bangalore, Destination, Hotels, The Telegraph UK, TravelBangalore, taj group of hotels, Taj Hotels, Vivanta by Taj, YeshwantpurLeave a Comment

I attended a gorgeous wedding at this hotel. The Jiva spa here is really quite lovely.

Sandhotel, Reykjavik, Hotel Review

By: Shoba Narayan December 31, 2017January 3, 2018

Europe, Hotels, Publication, The Telegraph UK, Topic, Travelboutique hotel, deisng hotel, featured, iceland, reykjavik, sandhotelLeave a Comment

Sandhotel is situated in the heart of Reykjavik’s hip shopping street, Laugavegur, and is bordered by Iceland’s oldest gentleman’s tailor and a cult bakery. Warm staff and thoughtful touches including a mobile phone, and chic comfortable rooms with locally sourced organic toiletries, make it a great place to stay.

Marriott Whitefield Hotel Review

By: Shoba Narayan December 18, 2017

Hotels, The Telegraph UKBangalore, Bengaluru, Marriott hotels, WhitefieldLeave a Comment

This sprawling hotel in the midst of the evolving business district of Whitefield – a busy and buzzing district on the outskirts of Bangalore – has 321 rooms, unintrusive service, great restaurants, and an amazing spa.

Alexander Technique

By: Shoba Narayan December 18, 2017December 18, 2017

Health/Spa, HT Media, The Better Life/Life HacksAlexander Technique, healing, mind body, Padmini Menon, posture, relaxation, Robin Simmons, somatic therapiesLeave a Comment

For the post-yoga generation, somatic therapies like the Alexander Technique, used to correct structural alignments, are gaining popularity

Cricket in Mumbai for Qantas

By: Shoba Narayan December 11, 2017December 11, 2017

Airline Magazines, Asia, Destination, India, Kids and Family, Mumbai, Publication, Topic, Travelbraebourne stadium, Cricket, Mumbai, tendulkar, wankhede stadiumLeave a Comment

Cricket in Mumbai for Qantas Please click on the above for the article

28 Kothi Hotel Review

By: Shoba Narayan November 17, 2017November 17, 2017

Asia, Destination, Hotels, India, Publication, Rajasthan, The Telegraph UK, Topic, Travel28 Kothi, Gem Palace, KasliwalLeave a Comment

This boutique guest house with just five individually-styled rooms makes a virtue out of its quirky minimalism. The Instagrammable interiors are dotted with thoughtful design touches. Dinner, which is prepared on request, is superb and served in the candlelit garden.