Escape the Ordinary: Aura's Delhi & NCR Nest Awaits
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the world of Escape the Ordinary: Aura's Delhi & NCR Nest Awaits! This isn't your grandma's hotel review, folks. We're talking honest, messy, and probably a little bit over-the-top because, let's be real, that's how travel should be.
First Impressions and the Whole Getting-There Gig (Accessibility, Getting Around, General Stuff):
Right, so, Aura. Sounds… mystical, doesn't it? I'm picturing glowing lights and maybe a guru hiding somewhere. First things first: Accessibility. This is huge, and bless them, Aura actually tries! They've got facilities for disabled guests which, from what I could tell, actually means something. I'm not going to pretend to have all the details, but it's a good sign. They also have an elevator, vital for anyone who doesn't fancy lugging their suitcase up ten flights of stairs. Car parking is a bonus (and free – score!), plus they’ve got both airport transfer (thank GOD) and taxi service. Okay, good start.
My own arrival? Let's just say I spent a solid hour circling the darn thing because the GPS decided to take a vacation. (My brain did too, tbh). Eventually, and after a minor meltdown, I found the 24-hour front desk. Whew. And the look of the place… it's, well, it's got an… exterior corridor vibe. Not exactly the Instagrammable entrance I’d dreamt of, but hey, sometimes practical wins. The check-in/out [express] - or it could just be the staff saw the look of utter defeat on my face and rushed my "getting in" process.
Rooms: The Good, The Bad, and the “Where’s the Remote?”
Okay, let’s talk rooms. Mine (because I'm nosy and peeked at a few other ones too, don't tell) was pretty decent. I'm a sucker for a blackout curtain (hello, sleep!), and Aura delivers. Air conditioning? Check. Free Wi-Fi (it was actually good, thank the travel gods)? Double-check! Free bottled water, a coffee/tea maker (essential for my morning madness), bathrobes, slippers (because luxury) and even a safe box – all the basics are covered. Also, they made a big deal about the individually-wrapped food options - and they're the only ones with high hopes for the world of sanitary food in the post-covid era.
The imperfection part? The soundproofing left a little to be desired. I could hear the existential angst of the guy in the next room watching TV. Note: I have no idea what he watched, but let's face it. The experience mattered more than the quality of the room itself, right?
Food, Glorious Food (Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – Oh My!)
This is where things get interesting. They have a restaurant. I am all in for a buffet in restaurant! Actually their Asian breakfast was quite good. And there's room service [24-hour]. Huge win, especially when you've spent the day wrestling with Delhi traffic and just want to collapse with a plate of whatever. They also offer alternative meal arrangement – that's crucial when you’re traveling with a dietary restriction and don’t want to spend your entire trip with just an "I made it" meal. The coffee shop was a lifesaver for my caffeine dependency and the bar was a nice touch. The Poolside bar for the win!
They do offer vegetarian restaurant options, which matters to me and many other guests, but not everyone might care to eat their salad.
The Relaxation Station: SPA, Pool, Sauna, and…More?
Alright, let's get to that "Escape the Ordinary" part. They've got a swimming pool [outdoor] – a proper one, not just a glorified puddle. And, praise be, a pool with view! Perfect for pretending you're not stressed about your emails. Then there's the whole Spa/sauna shebang. Sauna, Steamroom, Massage – the works. I actually got a fantastic massage – I’m talking "melting-into-the-table" kind of fantastic. Seriously, it was the highlight of my entire trip. The masseuse, a woman with hands of pure magic, worked wonders, and I swear I left feeling ten years younger. I tried the Body scrub and Body wrap too. My experience was, in a word: blissful. The whole thing made me forget, at least temporarily, that I probably need to get my life together.
Safety and Cleanliness (Because, You Know, Life)
Okay, COVID era – we NEED to talk about safety! Aura takes this seriously, and that's a huge plus. They have things like anti-viral cleaning products, daily disinfection in common areas, hand sanitizer everywhere and room sanitization opt-out available. They also give you the option to opt-out of room sanitization. They're doing the right things: Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Staff trained in safety protocol, and Physical distancing of at least 1 meter. The Doctor/nurse on call, First aid kit, etc, gives me peace of mind.
Beyond the Basics: Services, Quirks, and the Little Things
Beyond the obvious, Aura's got a few extra tricks up its sleeve. They do laundry service (thank you, because I always pack way too much), dry cleaning, luggage storage, currency exchange – all those little things that make traveling easier. They have meeting/banquet facilities and even audio-visual equipment for special events if you're feeling fancy. They have a convenience store where you can pick up all the random stuff you forgot!
The "For the Kids" Angle (because let's not forget the offspring!)
I don't have kids, but I did see a few families. Auria had the basics covered for parents: They have a Babysitting service, Kids facilities, and Family/child friendly designation. But, I'm not sure what the kids facilities are. Hopefully something that's not just a sad, abandoned playground…
The Bottom Line (aka, Would I Recommend It?)
Aura is a solid choice. It's not perfect, but it's got a lot going for it. The location might be a little out the way for some, but the price is usually reasonable. The fact that it's wheelchair accessible and cares about safety is a massive plus. The spa is a definite highlight, and the staff is friendly.
My Final, Unfiltered Opinion:
I'd absolutely recommend Escape the Ordinary: Aura's Delhi & NCR Nest Awaits, especially if you're looking for a relaxing getaway with good service and amenities.
NOW, FOR THE MEGA-DEAL! (Because You're Reading This, Obviously):
Are you Ready to Actually Escape the Ordinary?
Here's the deal! Book your stay at Escape the Ordinary: Aura's Delhi & NCR Nest Awaits right now using code "AURAMESSY" and get:
- 15% off your room rate! (Because who doesn't love a discount?)
- A complimentary "pamper me" massage package in the spa! (That's a body scrub, body wrap, and a massage)
- A free upgrade to a room with a view (if available) so you can watch the world go by from your window.
- A free bottle of really good wine (to help you forget the GPS struggles – and everything else).
But wait, there's more! Book before [Date, for example "the end of this month"] and receive a complimentary breakfast buffet for your entire stay.
Stop reading and book now! Let's be honest, you deserve it. Now go out and be a star!
Kampala's HOTTEST 3-Bedroom Apartment: Lyons Park Luxury Awaits!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups! You're about to get a TRIP, not just a travel itinerary. This is my take on The Nest Aura in Delhi and NCR. Get ready for the glorious mess that is… well, me.
Delhi & NCR: A Chaotic Symphony of Sights, Smells, and Soul-Crushing Heat (Maybe, Probably)
Day 1: Arrival & Existential Dread (But With Delicious Food)
Arrival (Late Afternoon): Land at Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport. Okay, first hurdle: surviving the airport chaos. Pray to the travel gods you get through immigration smoothly. Last time, I swear, I waited behind a family taking a photo booth session with the immigration officer. Seriously. Anyway, grab an Uber. Negotiating with auto-rickshaws makes me break out in a cold sweat.
Check-in at The Nest Aura: This is supposed to be a luxury stay, right? Hoping my room isn't facing a construction site. Praying for AC that actually WORKS. My mood depends entirely on how well the AC performs in delhi.
Evening: Dilli 6 (Old Delhi) Adventure (Attempt 1): Okay, so the plan is to brave the madness of Old Delhi. Chandni Chowk, the sensory overload of spicy food and the crowds? That's what I'm aiming for. But getting there, ugh. The sheer traffic of Delhi will make me question my life choices. I've heard the street food is legendary. Shudder I'll start with the famous Parathewali Gali. If the food is bad or if I get Delhi-Belly, I'm blaming the itinerary.
Evening (Possibly): If the food is awesome and the crowds don’t devour me, I need to find the Jama Maszid. I'll probably get lost. I'll probably take a wrong turn. I'll probably see something that makes me gasp.
Bedtime: Back to The Nest Aura. Hopefully, the AC has delivered. I will assess my life choices while I lie on the bed, full of street food.
Day 2: The Grand Plan (More or Less) & The Red Fort Fiasco
Morning: Humayun's Tomb & Lodi Gardens: Okay, I'm trying for culture this morning. Humayun's Tomb is supposed to be beautiful. Hopefully, I don't accidentally wander into a Bollywood filming. Lodi Gardens - serene and quiet. Okay, maybe not quiet, with all the tour groups. I am going to embrace the beauty, and the peace.
Lunch: Let's try somewhere fancy. I'm thinking Indian Accent. Booked in advance, because I am not going to have a meltdown while waiting for a table.
Afternoon: Red Fort (The Crushing Disappointment): So, about the Red Fort… I've been told it's a must-see. I'm bracing myself for the crowds, the security lines, and the general frustration. Maybe I'll get a good picture. Probably I'll be trampled by a tour group and take a selfie with a goat. Actually, I’m going to be honest: last time I went, it was a total letdown. So many people, so much heat, and I couldn't really feel anything about it. Still, I’m supposed to see it, right?
Evening: Connaught Place & Shopping (Possibly): If I'm not too emotionally scarred by the Red Fort, I might venture to Connaught Place. Window shopping is the goal, mainly to remind myself that I can't afford 90% of the merchandise. If I do buy something it will be from the best shop.
Dinner: I'm thinking a proper sit-down dinner. Perhaps at a restaurant with amazing food and fewer selfie-stick-wielding crowds.
Day 3: A Day Trip to Agra (The Taj Mahal - Pray for me!)
Early Morning: The Agra Dash (God help me): This is a BIG day. We're talking Agra. The Taj Mahal. The whole reason I’m going insane. This means an early wake-up call, probably a terrible breakfast, and a long, sweaty, cramped drive.
Morning: Taj Mahal (The Moment of Truth): The main event. This is why I am going. I hope the Taj Mahal lives up to the hype. I hope the crowds don't ruin it. I hope I don't melt from the heat. The pictures online look amazing. I really hope it’s worth getting out of bed at 5 AM.
Afternoon: Agra Fort & Itmad-ud-Daulah's Tomb (The Post-Taj Crawl): After the Taj, I'll try and see some other Agra sights. I suspect I'll be in a daze, sunburnt, and slightly overwhelmed.
Late Afternoon: Return to Delhi (The Long Slog): The drive back to Delhi will be brutal. Possibly the low point of the trip. Trying to stay awake, attempting not to think about how much I sweated.
Evening: The Nest Chill: Dinner at The Nest, collapse in bed, spend the last of my energy reflecting on the sheer insanity of the day.
Day 4: Departure & The Verdict (With a Side of Regret)
- Morning: Last-Minute Souvenirs and Regret: Last-minute shopping for those perfect souvenirs. I have a feeling I'll buy some things I don't need. Maybe a trinket. Maybe a ridiculous hat.
- Breakfast: Enjoy a final breakfast at the hotel.
- Late Morning: The airport. This is the end.
- Departure (Afternoon): Back to the airport, ready for the flight. Reflecting on whether or not I want to come back.
Final Thoughts (AKA: The Real Deal)
- The Nest Aura: I'm hoping it's a refuge from the chaos. Great service, good food, a comfortable bed.
- Food: I'm here for the food. The street food, the fancy meals, the whole damn thing.
- The Heat: Pray for me. Seriously.
- Perfection: This trip won't be perfect. I'll get lost. I'll get frustrated. I may even cry. But it will be an experience, a memory, a story to tell.
Wish me luck. And pack extra sunscreen.
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Escape the Ordinary: Aura's Delhi & NCR Nest Awaits - Let's Get Messy!
Okay, but *why* "Escape the Ordinary"? Is this just marketing fluff? Because, frankly, I'm over that.
Alright, alright, you got me. Yeah, "Escape the Ordinary" sounds a bit… saccharine, doesn't it? Like something you'd find on a motivational poster alongside a picture of a majestic eagle. Honestly, I was a little eye-rolly about it too before I actually experienced it. But then… I got *there*. And the ordinary? Vanished. My apartment in Delhi? Replaced with… well, I'll get to that.
It's not just about escaping the daily grind, the traffic, the constant honking (seriously, the honking!), it's about escaping the rut. The same old boring routine that makes you feel like a clockwork robot. Aura's place? It's the opposite. It's a place where you can… breathe. Seriously. Simple as that.
I mean, I've stayed in plenty of "luxury" hotels in Delhi before. Marble floors, polite staff, air conditioning that could freeze a polar bear. But I always felt… disconnected. Like I was just *visiting* a version of Delhi, not *experiencing* it.
With Aura? It's different. It’s about genuine experiences.
Tell me about the "Nest" part. Is it actually a thing? Like, am I going to be sleeping in a giant wicker basket? Because, no, just no.
Oh god, no on the wicker basket. Unless you’re *into* that, in which case, you might want to have a chat with Aura! The "Nest" is more… metaphorical. It's about creating a sense of coziness and safety, a sanctuary. Think less "birds' nest" and more… a really, really comfortable room.
I actually did sleep in a room like a den one time (I’m not sure which room it was but, it felt like a den!). It was tucked away, quiet, with these amazing hand-painted murals on the walls. (I swear, I spent a half hour just staring at them the first night!)
The point is, each room has it’s own "vibe." Some are minimalist, some are bursting with color, some are super modern, and others are a bit more rustic. But all of them feel… welcoming. And after a long day battling Delhi traffic, that feeling is worth its weight in gold (or at least, a decent cup of chai).
What about the food? I'm a foodie. Is it going to be bland tourist food? Because I will 100% riot.
Okay, okay, hold your horses, hangry traveler. No tourist food. *Never* tourist food. Aura's got connections, baby! (And by "connections", I mean she knows some seriously gifted cooks.)
I'm talking about breakfasts that will blow your mind. Freshly made parathas (I think I ate my weight in potato parathas, and I have zero regrets), spicy curries, and the best chai this side of the Himalayas. And no, she doesn’t skimp on the spices (which I love!).
One morning, there was this incredible dosa. Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and served with a coconut chutney that made me want to lick the plate clean. Seriously, I was tempted. (I didn't, though. Manners, and all that.)
And dinner? Even better. Think authentic Indian dishes, cooked with love and care. One night I had the richest, most flavorful butter chicken I’ve ever tasted. It was pure bliss. And I don't even *like* butter chicken that much normally.
Plus, Aura is amazing about catering to dietary restrictions. If you have allergies or preferences, just tell her! I'm guessing she can work with them.
Okay, so it sounds good on paper. But... what's the catch? What's the *real* story? Spill.
Look, there's no secret, no hidden agenda. But every place has its quirks, right?
First, it's important to remember that it's a home, not a sterile hotel. Things aren't always perfect. You might hear some noise from the neighborhood at night (welcome to Delhi!), or the hot water in your shower might take a minute to kick in. (Pro tip: let it run for a bit! Trust me.)
Secondly, if you’re used to the impersonal service of a big chain hotel, this is *not* that. Aura is friendly, chatty, and will most likely greet you with warmth! It is like staying with a friend (a friend who makes amazing food, by the way).
But honestly, those "imperfections" are part of the charm. It's real life. It's authentic. And that’s what makes it so special.
One other thing: If you like being right on top of all the action, this might not be your thing. It's not *miles* from everything. But it’s also not smack bang in the middle of the chaos. It is more about serenity and avoiding the constant hum of the city.
What if I'm introverted and just want peace and quiet? Would I still enjoy it?
Absolutely! Aura is super respectful of personal space. She understands that not everyone wants to be social butterflies all the time.
The Nest is the perfect place to retreat. You can curl up with a book in one of the cozy nooks, or find a quiet corner in the garden. And your room? It's your sanctuary. Truly.
I'm an introvert myself, and I had plenty of time to recharge. I actually spent a whole afternoon just drinking tea and reading in the sunshine. Bliss.
And hey, if you *do* feel like socializing, Aura's lovely to chat with. But she won't force it. She reads people *really* well.
Seriously, let’s talk location. Is it accessible? And am I going to be stuck in a traffic jam for hours?
Okay, the big question! Look, Delhi traffic is a beast. There's no getting around it. But Aura's location is actually pretty good. It’s in a decent area, not in some obscure suburb that requires a 3-hour journey to get anywhere.
From my experience, getting around was manageable. I used taxis and Uber, and it wasn't a total nightmare (mostly – because the traffic is awful sometimes!). The metro is also an option – it’s an excellent way to zip around the city, and it's usually faster than driving.
And hey, even if you get stuck in a traffic jam, at least you'll be wishing you were backCity Stay Finder
