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Shammi Sandhu, Shammi's India - Expect the Unexpected! Boutique Tours
Q: Shammi, you've got a really interesting and culturally rich mix of businesses where did this stem from?
A: I was born and brought up in India. I went to boarding school in the wonderful hills of Nainital. After High School, went to Art College in Mumbai. Soon after, I lived in London for 4 years in the early 70’s, experiencing a whole lot of travel, dance school, theatre, cinema and working at various jobs as any young person would want to do.
We moved to New Zealand in 1991 and have been residing in Queenstown (the jewel in the crown of NZ). I have 2 sons, one lives in Sydney doing theatre courses at NIDA and the other is working in Queenstown.
Q: Is this is where you launched your restaurant career?
A: Yes, by utter default I got into the restaurant business in 1991. Until recently I owned 3 restaurants. Now, I am focussing on my very special Mantra Restaurant, Arrowtown (a suburb of Queenstown). This has now allowed me to free up and pursue other interests (long pending)! We all know being in hospitality is 24/7!!
Q: Tell us about your other passion
A: I have organised and taken a number of boutique tours to India. I design the tours myself to incorporate the very best of the places we visit, often getting away from the typical.
Being a registered member of maiden-Voyage.com, I realised fellow members would have some commonality of kinship, and am extending this wonderful trip to fellow members along with an invitation to attend my niece’s wedding in Chandigarh (Punjab), a five day celebration!
Q: So this is a very personal tour, is it for ladies only?
A: I thrive on making my tours very personal. Yes this one has been designed for ladies, but if there are ladies who have partners they want to share the trip with, they would be very welcome too.
Q: Tell us more!
A: It's a 17 day trip, departing on the 31st October 2010. Starting in Delhi, we will visit Agra (and of course the Taj Mahal), Jaipur, Jodhpur, Manwar, Devigarh, Udaipur and Chandigarh. There are all kinds of trips and treats included along the way and we will stay in a variety of quality accommodation, including 4-5* hotels, luxury desert tents, heritage properties and home stays.
There will be an optional extension to take in Goa and Mumbai.
Q: India is still unexplored territory for many people, a bespoke tour with somebody who knows their way around would provide an extra level of comfort for the uninitiated. What would you say are the main differences a first-timer would experience in India?
A: India is perceived as being a country where many seem to be afraid of doing it on their own. Many people have said they want to travel to India, but will do it if someone would take them. I saw this niche in the market place, the greatest advantage is that having been brought up, educated and travelled so much in India and now living in the Western world, I am able to mix the best of both worlds with a good understanding of requirements from both sides, in empathy and tolerance. There is absolutely no doubt, that travel to India would be very hassle free, the points of irritants within a different culture and language, just to get by would be taken care of. Most importantly is how much time can we wasted in just coordinating basic things. I believe for the first-timer, the experience of India with me would be a highlight of their life. I say this from past experience, and people who have been on tours with me, where India has not been on the ‘to do list’ – actually one lady is coming on the trip with me for the 3rd time!
Q: What tips would you give to independent travellers to India?
A: Do your research well! Ask as many questions as you need to. Don’t get caught out with the unexpected. Be careful of the ‘cowboys’. Even the seasoned independent traveller has been put in the most unsavoury situations. Go with humility and an open heart, but keep your wits about you.
Q: What has been one of the funniest moments during your travel?
A: So many funny stories to share!
The first of my ‘Boutique Tours’ to India, I had confirmed a rather princely heritage accommodation in Jodhpur. It took us ages to find the property, when we finally did, getting through narrow lanes littered with trash, I started to feel a sense of despair. I asked our coach driver to stop short of about 50 metres from the property so I could go and inspect the property first. This is no Princely Accommodation I said to my self! It smelt of ‘phenol’ and was absolutely hopeless. No way was my group going to stay here. Oh my Gosh! What am I going to do? I thought. Anyhow I then did the ‘unexpected’. I got the whole group booked into one of the finest Palace Properties of Jodhpur, which, believe me cost me heaps! I went back to our bus and explained briefly there was going to be a change in the accommodation. I cried but I laughed and said to myself this is crazy but funny, all part of a journey!
At the start of our travels, I mentioned to everybody that if any one coined up a phrase for my tour company with an agreed consensus by every one else, the winner would be rewarded well!! Lots and lots of phrases came up, a game we all were enjoying!! That night during our B-B-Q dinner, suddenly in a flash, I knew my tours would be called Shammi’s India – expect the unexpected! Everybody gave the thumbs up, so the reward went to me instead, a wonderful bottle of Bubbles that we all shared and heaps more with plenty of laughter!!
In fact I think humour is an essential element when travelling. My ethos is
- Sharing a ‘funny’ when we travel lightens up the journey, makes people friendly and the trip more enjoyable.
- A positive attitude can make the whole travel experience easier to handle.
- A good laugh can always end negative emotions.
- Acknowledging that there is always a possibility that things might go wrong prepares the traveller for any eventuality.
- If we develop a fun attitude towards travel, we will enjoy the trip.
- People can actually laugh at themselves instead of despairing about the things that went wrong, this makes a whole load of difference.
- Just relax and be your spontaneous self and ‘let go’ of self defence.
- Feel free to express true feelings. The knowledge of the feelings of others will ensure a more sensitive travel relationship.
- Those who have already experienced the fun side of travel should share their stories to inspire others. These just show that fun is present even in the most unexpected situations.
For more information on Shammi's India tour, please view the itinerary on the Mantra website, or for more information you can contact Shammi directly at shammi@xtra.co.nz
Sara sanders, Puri Mas, Boutique Resort and Spa Lomok, Indonesia
Q: Sara, as a female hotel General Manager, what do you think you do differently to your male counterparts?
A: It is probably the little things that make the difference in gender management. Attention to small details, are there enough mixtures of pillows, i.e. soft, medium. Is the hairdryer working efficiently, do the towels smell fresh and are there enough. Using essential oil room freshener is a must for me; I just adore the lemon grass crisp clean aroma we use here in Puri Mas.
Q: What litle extra's do you like to see when you are travelling to a hotel?
A: Coffee creamer and a good sized mug for my morning drink. A full length mirror, complimentary 15 minute massage
Q: You are based in lovely part of the world, what would you recommend for ladies travelling to your region?
A: Spas are fabulous in our area and natural treatments used by local village people are a wonderful experience. Go shopping for beautiful pearls as we have some of the best quality pearls in the world here in Lombok. Arts and crafts here are very minimalist in style and the basket work is second to none with fantastic natural colours actually an interior designers paradise. Fabrics here are very unusual and natural with traditional dyes and beautiful colours, perfect to make a special cushion cover or wall hanging as the motives are tasteful and not at all garish.
Q: What has been your most memorable business trip?
Just recently I visited Seoul in South Korea which was fascinating. To see this young country offering such incredible technology and amazing shopping centres, night life and interesting culture at the same time, tied in with amazing efficiency with warmth and welcome was refreshing.
Q: Do you have any travel tips you can share with other female travellers?
Do your best to get an aisle seat, you can get up as many times as you want to and walking and exercising on a long haul flight is a must, and don't forget to carry a very small energising mist with you to counteract the dry air on your flight and replenish lost moisture.
Q: Do you have any travel horror stories to share?
Yes! arriving at Ouarzazate airport in Morocco only to find my flight tickets back to Utrecht in Holland were back in my hotel room in Zagora, scary!!!
Q: Do you have any funny travel stories to share about your experiences at work?
I work in Lombok Indonesia where actually there are so many funny experiences and stories that you really have to visit here to appreciate the absolute hilarity of just trying to get through any given day, guests to this part of the world must have a sense of humour to really appreciate the warmth and hospitality of the Indonesian people.
Q: If it wasn't the Puri-Mas which would be your favourite hotel in the world?
A good question, but the reason I am in Puri Mas is because having stayed in so many hotels around the world as I guest when I found Puri Mas I not only stopped being a guest I made it my ambition to work here, for me there is no better place on earth.
To find out more about the Puri Mas Boutique resort and spa click here
Quote maiden-voyage.com when booking a three night minimum stay to receive a complimentary
one hour spa treatment relaxing massage with essential oils and sweet almond oil.
Deborah D'Alessandro - Nice, France
Q: Deborah, you are a fellow founder of a female focused enterprise, what is it that inspires you about working with women?
A: Most women I meet are filled with creative ideas, knowledge and passions that are not being utilized in their present work and life situations. These talents, combined with their sense of compassion, are the key to their own success and making the world a better place. Working with women who are now questioning the status quo and are taking steps to explore their ideas is my source of inspiration. Helping them to earn the income they want is truly rewarding for me.
Q: You are based in lovely part of the world, what would you recommend for ladies travelling to your region?
A: The south of France is probably one of the most female-friendly places in the world. There is a relaxed atmosphere for women who are alone, whether checking into a hotel or eating "solo" in one of the numerous outdoor cafés and brasseries. Enough English is spoken everywhere to make one feel at home. My only suggestion is to pay attention to your personal belongings as you would do travelling anywhere. The French Riviera is basically quite safe compared to others parts of Europe but prudence is always recommended. Otherwise, unwind and breathe in the air that inspired such greats as Matisse and Picasso!
Q: What attracted you to maiden-voyage.com and what do you think you will get out of it?
A: Maiden Voyage is right on target with its mission to connect women at a global level and offer a needed service. I was most impressed when Carolyn put a human face to the site by calling me personally when I registered. It transformed the website from virtual to real. I look forward to seeing the Maiden Voyage network grow and connecting with like minded women business travellers. I am especially happy to be a reference point here for women who come to the south of France.
Q: What has been your most memorable business trip?
A: Over 20 years ago to Little Rock, Arkansas, in the deep south of the United States. As an Italian-American and native New Yorker, I didn’t know what awaited me. I was in the fashion industry then, and basic black was the “color” to be seen in. Once I arrived I was surrounded by pastel pinks and baby blues on blonds looking like beauty queens from another age. I stuck out like a sore thumb!
Luckily these “Southern Bells” were just as interested in me as I was in them and we quickly connected as women. Many told me how important being married and “staying pretty” was in Little Rock. In those years, being divorced in Arkansas seemed to be a death sentence. Some even told me that poorer women raised their daughters to win beauty pageants hoping to give them a better future. For many, New York City seemed like a frightening and exciting place at the same time. I remember having an attentive audience as I answered all their questions about “New York women”.
What started as a public relations trip to introduce the Liz Claiborne men’s line, turned into one of my most memorable connections with women very different from me. Now so many years later, I think about them and wonder if they ever wandered out of Little Rock…
Q: Do you have any travel tips you can share with other female travellers?
A: Yes, I have two for women traveling to Italy and France. When going to a restaurant, if you have any dietary needs, don’t hesitate to ask the waiter if they can modify the dish for you. Most will happily do it, especially in Italy. I have had many travellers tell me that it is difficult to find vegetarian or vegan dishes. Find a dish on the menu that you like, and ask them to substitute ingredients or parts of the dish. Most restaurants, especially the better ones are very gracious with such requests!
Q: Do you have any travel horror stories to share?
A: This will be a combination of horror and funny. I had gone to the Greek island of Corfu without reservations only to find every decent hotel booked. Arriving at night and not knowing the roads well, I decided to settle for a dingy, 2 star hotel in the middle of nowhere. Exhaustion had the best of me, so I handed over my passport, got the room keys and plopped down onto a bumpy mattress. Lights shut – then on again. There seemed to be something strange but I didn’t know what. I looked around the orderly room and then down on my pillow. There was movement! Countless bed bugs were in the midst of a maze of nocturnal activities!!! Horrified, I threw off my pajamas, got dressed and checked out. The hotel clerk was annoyed and just offered to change the sheets!!
Q: Do you have any funny travel stories to share?
A: This is actually part 2 of the same story. The hotel clerk insisted that he had a clean room. My traveling companion and I wanted to get out of there but the pickings were slim at that hour of night. Our choices – sleeping in a small rented car or looking at his suggested room. We both opted for trying another room. Away from the main building it was too dark too see where he was leading us. In the end, our fears were abated when we entered a lovely little cottage - clean and bug free. Pajamas back on and into bed we went. Sound asleep until 6am we awoke to a thunderous roar. The room was vibrating and thin glass panes of the window were shaking. Pulling aside the curtains, there in front of us was an Olympia jet that had just landed!!! Our little cottage was right next to the runway of the Corfu airport! Relieved that it wasn’t an earthquake, we both burst out laughing.
Q: Which is your favourite hotel in the world?
A: I don’t have a favourite hotel. There have been many that have added so much to my travels. In general, my favourite type of hotel is family run and smaller. I look for hotels that have charm with a unique personality. Travelling as a woman, it is important that the staff go out of their way to make me feel at home.
Deborah D’Alessandro is founder of Esprit Seminars in Nice France. The career enhancement vacations are for women looking to experience more personal fulfillment and self expression in their work. The seminars allow women to create new careers, or enhance existing ones, based on their Natural Abilities and Passions. Women, who never imagined they had a “business sense”, now find financial success more attainable.
Deborah invites Maiden Voyage members to take the “Free Natural Abilities Analysis” on the website
www.espritseminars.com
Deborah looks forward to meeting Maiden Voyage travellers to Nice!
Peggy Hora
Q: Peggy, you've had an amazing career and you are a true inspriation to other women. Who's the most inspirational person you have met whilst on your travels?
A: Every day people who overcome incredible odds and achieve amazing things given little to work with. I think of friends in San Felipe, Mexico, who have little materially but live a rich, full life.
Q: When people learn of your background, what is the most common thing you get asked?
A: People are not very knowledgable about the legal system so they usually preface a query with, "I know this is a dumb question, but..." I tell them it's not and that we in the judicial branch of government have generally done a terrible job of making our world understandable. However if one more person says to me, "Here come da judge" (from the television program Laugh In in the 70's) I shall set my hair on fire.
Q: What has been your most memorable business trip?
A: Osaka, Tokyo and Kyoto to lecture in 01. I fell in love with everything but still lust after the Toto toilet with a "washlette" (sortof a built in bidet with a blow dryer and a heated seat.)
Q: Do you have any travel tips you can share with other female travellers?
A: Do not be afraid to be traveling alone and talk to people. I've met lovely folks all over the world when traveling by myself. I recently heard from a young woman whom I met 20+ years ago. You never know how you will touch someone.
Q: Do you have any travel horror stories to share?
A: Just the usual cancelled flights, fat man in the middle seat, inability to eat what passes for a meal on the plane due to the person in front totally reclining. Recently a flight was cancelled and I wasn't notified that the route was no longer serviced on Sunday so I went from San Francisco to Frankfurt to Istanbul to Delhi to Kolktta all in one horribly long day.
Q: Do you have any funny travel stories to share?
A: Reading "I Hate my Neck" by Nora Ephron and laughing so loudly and often on an airplane that a women about 7 rows back shouted, "What on earth are you reading?"
Q: Which is your favourite hotel the world?
A: The George V in Paris but I've never been there. Ditto the Orinetal in Bankok and most Ritz Carltons.
Peggy is a retired Superior Court judge who has expertise in therapeutic jurisprudence with a particular emphasis on alcohol and other drug issues. She presided over a drug treatment court which emphasized treatment over incarnation for non-violent criminal defendants. There are other “problem-solving” courts such as mental health, domestic violence, and family recovery. There are more than 3,000 such courts in the US and in 20 other countries. She loves to travel and particularly loves to combine her two passions – globetrotting and justice issues. Peggy has spoken all over the world – England, Israel, Chile, Japan – and on a recent trip to Belgium and The Netherlands she contacted two Dutch friends to see if they could meet for coffee. It turned into their organizing a symposium attended by 45 people in the justice system where she spoke for an hour. Peggy’s Dutch lawyer friend then dashed her back to her ship before it sailed. Peggy is off to Australia in August-September, Morocco and Tunisia in October and back to Australia in March-May 2010 and she would love to visit courts, mental health and other treatment programs, and speak with prosecutors, defense attorneys, judges, members of community corrections, police and others who are affected by alcoholism/addictions.
Peggy isparticularly interested in networking on substance abuse, domestic violence, and restorative justice in both the family and criminal law contexts. Her complete CV and lists of entities for whom she has spoken can be accessed at www.judgehora.com She also loves taking about her eight grandchildren, fine dining, cooking, art, dance, and music.
Jane Hoskyn, Guest Editor
Q: Who's the most interesting person you've met whilst on the road?
A: On a recent press trip to Milan I met a Washington journalist. He spent half his time writing for the Financial Times and the other half on a farm in Kenya.
He had a very successful career, but needed to balance his life by "giving something back". It made him an inspiring person to talk to.
More often, I have fascinating chats with people for an hour or two before we catch different planes. Ships in the night.
Perhaps it's the journalist in me, but I love to "interview"
interesting souls when I'm killing time in the departure lounge.
Q: What's your biggest irritant when travelling on business?
A: Finding somewhere to freshen up. When you're off to a meeting, conference or interview you want to arrive looking smart and awake.
Being on a plane for ages doesn't exactly help!
You can try packing wipes, compact powder, a toothbrush and maybe dry shampoo. Dry shampoo sounds old hat but it's incredibly useful.
But then you need a clean and empty loo for a few minutes near the end of your journey, and that's easier said than done. Besides, a few minutes in one of those loos can leave you feeling grubbier than before.
Q: What is your top travel tip?
A: Travel light. It's a basic thing, but I'm amazed by the number of professional women who ignore it.
Earlier this year I was in Las Vegas for the Consumer Electronics Show. On the way there, I saw women (and a good few men) in CES badges struggling under the weight of their Vuitton luggage.
Big US cities like Vegas are full of shops where you can buy business and designer clothes much cheaper than in Britain. Take advantage!
Also you'll find drugstores on every corner, selling everything from mascara to comfy shoe inserts, again at a fraction of UK prices.
Stick to one carry-on bag for the outward trip. That saves time at the carousel and makes your journey more comfortable. If necessary, buy extra clothes and other bits out there – and maybe an extra bag to bring it all home in!
Q: Any funny experiences whilst travelling on business?
A: Last year I went on a weekend jolly to Budapest with a publishing company. It was a chance for us to socialise and brainstorm in a more relaxed setting. (And to try the local wines on expenses.)
We all headed back to Gatwick together, eight of us in the same row on a BA plane. In customs, I realised I'd left my pricey Nikon camera on the plane. Meanwhile two colleagues realised they'd left their duty free on the plane. And another two realised they'd left their carry-on bags.
Half of us had left items on the plane - unlike any other passenger on the whole flight. We weren't drunk, I promise! Happily, everything was retrieved.
It was a funny bonding exercise to finish the trip, but I wouldn't recommend it. We could have lost all our stuff for good.
* Jane is a freelance journalist and photographer based in London. She spent the 90s writing about music, films and naughtiness for magazines including FHM and Just Seventeen, before becoming Features Editor for Web User magazine. She now combines features writing with music photography.