Getaway on a staycation

The travel diary this year began with good news of way too many long weekends. Yet another reason to make travel plans. In fact, during the last such weekend, travel industry saw a surge of bookings to Indian destinations like Goa, Himachal and North East, and easy Visa countries like Singapore, Thailand, Hong Kong and Sri Lanka.

Rakshit Desai, Managing Director, FCM Travel Solutions - Indian Subsidiary of Flight Centre Travel Group, Australia shared, “The week has particular been a super busy time to travel owing to summer vacations. As compared to last year, this time, we have seen a rise of 35 per cent in bookings to such destinations.”

There is surely an increased travel during long weekends. But, not everyone is able to make it. And then what about the short weekends when you want to get away but cannot. A short and sweet holiday that keeps the kids busy, spouse happy, while you chill. Now that’s like a perfect recipe when you can’t travel. Conjuring up this recipe to relax and rejuvenate over the weekend are the hotels that have introduced the concept of staycation – a quick vacation that doesn’t need you to travel far, or plan extensively.

Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre Hotel situated in the midst of the bustling business district of Kondapur offers a Staycation that comes in an attractive package. What begins with a Saturday check-in, a leisurely lounging around, followed by a dip in the pool, also includes all the amenities that staying in a good hotel entails, thrown in; a dinner at Square, the multicuisine coffeeshop or at La Cantina restaurant – outdoor or indoor based on the weather, followed by a night cap while the children entertain themselves at the play area that has console equipped with the best of games, and a few other board games for the younger kids.

Saturdays are usually one of the most happening nights at The Bar – the lounge that comes alive with live music and happening crowd. Tuck in the kids in their warm beds and read them a story until they fall asleep in the lap of comfort; then sneak away to party until late.

Sunday can begin with yet another dip in the pool, a quick gym session, therapy at the O2 spa with its variety of massages to revitalise the tired body and make it as ready as new to deal with the world outside, followed by a lazy extended Sunday brunch with live grill counter, pastas and pizzas for the kids, and tasty dishes from across the world put on the lunch spread, plus the beverages for the spirited you – now that’s what an ideal weekend getaway should be all about. While the package includes stay, use of pool and gym and one meal and breakfast complimentary; the rest of the amenities are available on discounted prices.

The sister property Novotel Hyderabad Airport, Shamshabad too has the staycation option. By virtue of being situated in the airport zone, away from the hustle and bustle of the city, the hotel is indeed a getaway with all the amenities intact.

There are many resorts too around Hyderabad, that have been providing retreat options, but the popular ones among them tend to get busy over weekends. A fairly recent entrant into this space is the Hidden Castle, which is 69 km from Jubilee Bus Stand on Secunderabad- Karimnagar Highway.

Built in the model of the medieval castle with high stone walls, moat and a gate that lifts itself up after you enter, the resort that has been hosting corporate events and get togethers is an interesting option. It is a luxury resort with good rooms, a lake on which one can try boating, a few adventure sports for the energetic ones, and well landscaped grounds.

With increasing popularity there are going to be more such staycation options added to the city space, offering a family getaway that doesn’t tire you out with just the right amount of party fun and relaxation thrown in.