A recovery, they say can take just a few days, or years — depending on the damage. This year has been a rollercoaster for us all, whether we are business-owners, salary-earners or service providers; financial losses, emotional losses, physical losses. Trauma of unthinkable magnitudes for some, and businesses shutting down for others.
Did you think of the hospitality industry in all this? The travel industry, for one, is one of the main damage-receivers during COVID-19 — whether it is travel agencies, airlines, hotels and on-ground service providers; many shut down, many hustling for loans to stay afloat. A simple tourist-guide made enough to support himself; what is he to do now, when he cannot educate tourists about a certain location, its myths, its legends.
Hotels, running at less than half-capacity, but still keeping all overheads intact — it is a game of pure chance, whether they will make it or break it. In India, since the lockdown has been slowly lifting off, various hotels have stayed on top of their cleanliness and disinfection regime — all in the hope to attract tourists, guests, bread-givers. A few spends for a hotel stay can add up and save the industry; this is what they hope for. AirBNB, everyone’s favourite, and my personal searching ground for a peace haven at times, has been ensuring that homeowners give their all when it comes to hygiene, safety and cleanliness measures.
What we do in our homes at leisure, to stay clean, is something that teams at a hotel does, to convince you that ‘Hey, I’m keeping this place spotless clean, so that you feel safe on vacation too!’. Whether it is rescue flights, special trains, airport situations or local transport — people waiting to serve you with safety and faith; faith that you will trust them, and faith that they can trust you too. It is a rat race, really. Who’s the best and who’s the safest? Where should I go so I can feel at home, yet not at home? A thousand questions pouring into our tiny brains at a time, when the decision to travel is made.
A year ago, I would have completed a multitude of weekend getaways, lazing on the beach, or driving up a mountain, or long walks on a seafront. This year, I fumble with my fingers, hoping to book a stay away from home, that feels as safe as home. One such place on my bucket-list is La Villa, Pondicherry; a beach paradise with French influences, handicrafts, quality chocolate-makers and the Aurobindo Ashram!
Whether it’s an enchanting local experience or a relaxing sojourn, Pondicherry is my choice for a quick and easy getaway. Grab a cycle and meander around the town lanes, stop by a cafe or two for delicious meals and a snack or so. When the day is over, relax in your hotel; housed in a 19th century manor with exclusively 6 suites (yes, privacy and exclusivity is their mantra). Think — heritage lampshades, mosaic all around, sunshine-filled sit-outs and a luxuriously homely vibe. Just a stone’s throw from the Promenade, a lively walking path along the beach, and the highlight of most of your evenings to catch a sunset and some quick bites, La Villa is our pick with a plain yet elegant exuberance to make you feel at peace with your stay.
A visit to the Aurobindo Ashram gives you access to a multitude of handicraft workshops, and a cute cafe buzzing with staff waiting to feed you with excellent food — whether it is a sandwich or a pastry, your tastebuds will be pleased. As we look forward to a brighter recovery from the pandemic, I do hope I can pack my bags and whisk away to a beach-town very soon. This year and its events have made us all realise — don’t wait to experience something you have wished for. Time is an abstract, and it’s always a good idea to hit the beach — for fun, for peace and for some down-time!
Written By Mohit Gupta
Week 38, September ’20
