Looking for a job in the new year?

Even if you are just thinking about looking for a job, having a "ready to go" rsum is always a good plan. Here are some things to remember when prepping your 2014 rsum. 1. Know your audience. Think about the position(s) you would like to target. What are the top five requirements? If you already have a copy of a job description, you can use that as a guide. If not, you can run a search on LinkedIn, Indeed or another job board to find positions similar to what you are targeting. Once you review two to three job postings, you will have a solid list of required qualifications. 2. Know yourself. Now that the position requirements are clear, how does your experience match up? An effective rsum clearly establishes that you are qualified in each of the primary desired prerequisites. Your goal is to make it easy for a busy hiring manager to look at your rsum and quickly determine that you are a strong candidate for the open position. A "one size fits all" rsum never works as well as one that is customized to a specific role, because it requires the reader to think about how other experiences relate to desired qualifications. Hiring authorities may not take the time or have an interest in doing the extra work. 3. Move beyond the duties. Most recruiters know the general duties related to careers within their specific fields. What really stands out is the impact and results you had within your career. For example, a sales associate may have duties of making outbound calls to prospective customers and documenting activity in their customer relationship management system. A more unique way of describing this same position is: "Initiated a minimum of 60 outbound calls daily to C-level professionals in the software industry. Exceeded company activity standards with an average connection rate of 20 percent. Planned and tracked sales funnel in Salesforce.com." Almost every role has a measurement of success - customer satisfaction, time to complete a task, volume of activity completed, error rate or even internal performance measurement rankings. Whenever possible, list those accomplishments or the impact you made in the role. 4. Consider "curb appeal." A rsum is a visual document. This means that using a layout that is organized, symmetrical, allows resting places for the eyes with good use of white space and is not overly text heavy or overly styled works best. A document that looks like a novel often scares off the reader because it looks like too much work. 5. Location, location, location. Rsums are often opened first on a mobile device. Take a look at your document and see if the top one-third would entice the reader to scroll down. The most important and tailored information should be at the top to get the most attention. 6. Print and review. Make changes, print and review again. Writing a rsum is not fun. It is tedious and requires thinking about a tremendous amount of detail. Furthermore, to give you the greatest advantage, it requires customization for each position. However, the beneficiary of all of this

effort is YOU. Hiring managers look at the rsum as your one chance to make a great first impression. If you take the easy way out with your rsum when you are trying to make the best impression, what will that mean when you are an employee? Take the extra time to print out and review your rsum thoroughly. Have a second person print out and review your rsum too. Then make changes and print out again. It is not uncommon that you may print out five copies before it is error free and exactly what you want. A rsum is one the most important tools for the job seeker. While it is not a joyful task for most,writing a well-crafted rsum really helps to sell why you would be an excellent employee. A great one displays commitment to making a great impression, professionalism, writing skills, attention to detail, knowledge of a desired profession and assessment of an individual's skills. In 2014, give yourself the gift of a great rsum. It may take a little more time - but the investment is worth it. Happy New Year. Robin Reshwan is the founder of Collegial Services, a consulting/staffing firm that connects college students, recent graduates and the organizations that hire them and a certified Women's Business Enterprise (WBE). She has interviewed, placed and hired thousands of people across a broad spectrum of companies and industries. Her career tips and advice are used by universities, national clubs/associations and businesses. A Certified Professional Rsum Writer, Robin has been honored as a Professional Business Woman of the Year by the American Business Women's Association. She graduated Phi Beta Kappa and as a Regents Scholar from University of California, Davis.

Emily Main for Rodale News It helps you live longer, lose weight, and gain a stronger heart. It can help you cope with stress and depression and boost your self-esteem. Exercise: It's the best medicine available, yet few doctors are going to write you a prescription for a daily 30-minute jog. "Millions of people in our society suffer from a ridiculous number of health problems--some major, some minor that could become major--because they lack basic fitness," writes Jordan Metzl, MD, in his new book The Exercise Cure.And it's not just making us fat and lazy--it's also bankrupting the nation. "Based on current estimates, the United States spends more than $2.6 trillion--17 percent of the gross national product--on health care. That's $8,300 per person," he adds. "And somehow we rank 28th in the world for life expectancy."

If you're sick of being sick, and of paying through the nose for expensive drugs that don't work, Dr. Metzl says that a simple exercise prescription could be just what you need. In fact, he reviewed all the research on exercise as a potent therapeutic agent and outlined quite a few conditions in his book that can be treated just as effectively, if not more so--with exercise as with drugs. Here are nine: PLUS: What's Your Exercise Personality? Find out to get fit. 1. Anxiety There's the day-to-day anxiety we all suffer from, worries over work, money, and family issues. (Sometimes it even creeps up on you--learn to tune in to your body's cues in 13 Silent Signals You're Stressed.) Then there is chronic clinical anxiety that can stem from other mental health issues like depression. Exercise can be helpful for both, since it releases feel-good endorphins and provides an immediate mood lift. And people who exercise are 25 percent less likely to develop anxiety than people who don't, research has shown. Best exercises: For chronic anxiety sufferers, meditative exercises that focus on breathing, such as yoga, are best, as they work to calm a nervous system that's on overdrive. (Are you breathing the right way? Click here to find out.) For general day-to-day anxiety, any regular exercise is fine, although the higher the intensity, the better. 2. ADHD While there is no cure for ADHD, exercise can improve focus, still fidgeting, and regulate emotions in both children and adults with the disorder. Exercise temporarily raises levels of dopamine, yielding results similar to the drugs Ritalin and Adderall. It also stimulates the part of the brain responsible for decision making and impulse control, and at its most basic, exercise alleviates tension that can arise from dealing with this often-frustrating condition. Best exercises: Adults can benefit from any exercise, while kids are better off engaging in structured aerobic activity that fosters teamwork and boosts their self-esteem. RELATED: The Best Workout for Your Body Type 3. Memory Loss/Cognition Problems Exercise stimulates blood flow to the brain, something that can be hindered by heart problems like high cholesterol and hardened arteries; after all, a healthy brain depends on a healthy heart. In addition to counteracting poor cardiovascular health, exercise stimulates growth and adaptation in the brain, particularly in areas that control memory, finds a growing body of research. Those studies have shown that adults who exercise score higher on tests of memory, attention, decision making, multitasking, and planning. Best exercises: Anything, particularly if it's new. "Repetition of a familiar task doesn't seem to stimulate nearly the same brain growth as learning a new skill," Dr. Metzl writes. "Learn to square

dance, do tai chi, play tennis, do a martial art. Or, alternatively, simply hike a new trail, plant a new garden, or change your cycling route." (Plus, try these Brain Games That Make You Smarter.) 4. Sleep Problems Pumping iron is just as good at helping you get your z's as popping pills, and multiple studies have shown that people who exercise experience deeper, higher-quality sleep than people who don't, Dr. Metzl writes. Not only that, but insufficient sleep is linked to a whole host of health problems that exercise can counteract: weight gain, fatigue, lethargy, heart disease, and an inability to cope with stress, just to name a few (learn the not-so-obvious consequences in 7 Surprising Ways Sleep Affects Your Health). Weight gain can also cause or exacerbate sleep apnea, a condition that can interfere with a good night's rest. So if you suffer from sleep apnea, you have another reason to hit the gym. Best exercises: A 30-minute session of exercise of any sort is all it takes to improve sleep quality, Dr. Metzl says, but meditative exercises, such as yoga or tai chi, are particularly effective. 5. Asthma It seems counterintuitive, but if you have asthma, the more you exercise, the less you'll suffer; studies have found that improving your cardiovascular health reduces the severity of asthma symptoms. Furthermore, asthma is frequently made worse by weight gain because fat cells can produce inflammation, which causes asthma to flare up. And what's the best way to beat the bulge? Exercise. Best exercises: Anything that interests you, be it cardio or strength training or an outdoor sport. If you do exercise outdoors, be sure to avoid any environmental triggers--mold, pollen, pollution, or even really cold air--that might trigger an attack. BEWARE: 7 Hidden Workout Killers 6. Erectile Dysfunction and Low Libido Yes, exercise can help your sex life--whether you're a guy or a girl. Erectile dysfunction (ED) and low sex drive can stem from stress, poor sleep quality and the fatigue it causes, and poor circulation caused by sedentary lives, but they can also result from heart problems and metabolic disorders, all conditions that benefit from exercise. Exercise even combats depression, and may rule out the need for antidepressants that kill your sex drive and your ability to maintain an erection. Best exercises: Any type of lower-body exercise will improve your circulation below the waist and help with ED. One exception is biking, which can put stress on the genital area. You can boost your libido with any exercise--provided you do it as a couple! TRY THIS: 7 Exercises That Guarantee Better Sex 7. PMS and Menopause-related Symptoms Studies have shown that women going through menopause or suffering PMS symptoms who exercised saw a reduction in their symptoms, compared with women in control groups who didn't

exercise regularly. Why? Women with PMS and menopause symptoms suffer from mood swings, anxiety, and depression, and in addition to being a natural energy- and mood-booster, movement helps alleviate the hormonal shifts common in both conditions. For older women, exercise can increase bone density, which drops as you age, and it can counteract cardiovascular disease and obesity, the risks of which increase as you go through menopause, due to hormonal changes. Best exercises: For menopausal women, a combination of aerobic and strength training, but aerobic exercise has been shown sufficient for reducing PMS symptoms. Also, yoga, tai chi, or Pilates counteract stress and other hormone-driven emotional swings. 8. Lower-Back, Hip, Knee, and Neck Pain Pretty much any form of pain can reduced by exercise because many people's pain can be attributed to sitting at a desk all day and other markers of a sedentary lifestyle, stress, and obesity--all of which exercise can alleviate. Many forms of pain are caused by weak muscles in an affected area; for instance, knee pain can be attributed to a weak iliotibial band, the tendon that runs along the outside of your thigh. Shoulder and neck pain might come from sitting hunched over a computer for long stretches of time. Best exercises: Strength training and stretches around the affected area, and Dr. Metzl provides detailed exercises for each different type of pain in his book. 9. Osteoarthritis Osteoarthritis causes pain and inflammation around your joints due to the wearing away of cartilage, which protects your joints. But don't let the pain deter you from exercising. For one, staying active helps you lose weight, which reduces stress on painful joints. And, as with other forms of pain, exercise, particularly strength training, strengthens muscles around those painful joints so the muscles can relieve some of the pressure being placed on them. Finally, Dr. Metzl writes, inactivity can cause cartilage to atrophy, exacerbating an already painful problem. Best exercises: Weight-bearing cardio exercises, such as walking, swimming, or water aerobics; basic strength training, based on how much pain you're experiencing; and stretching to improve muscle flexibility.

Our idea of a Bed and Breakfast is largely borrowed from the West, where they serve as travellers inns, providing those on the road with a clean room in which to sleep, and a delicious, hearty breakfast before theyre on their way again. Usually, Bed and Breakfasts are quaint properties, without the specialised facilities (spas, gyms, multiple restaurants) offered by five-star hotels and

smaller, professionally managed chains. A B&B may not have an infinity pool, 24-hour room service or a concierge desk that can get you a reservation at the local it restaurant, but it provides a far more intimate and homely atmosphere. Its owners often live on the property, caring for their guests every needfrom cooking breakfast and acting as local guides to providing insider tips about the city they live in. Using these elements as our yardstick, weve picked Indias 20 most charming B&Bs, where spending a night (or four) will be an experience to remember.
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In pictures, the world's best B&Bs

An annual ranking of the world's best bed and breakfast (B&Bs) establishments has suggested that the UK offers the best in the world. TripAdvisor revealed the results of its annual Travelers' Choice Awards with British B&Bs taking eight of the top ten places around the world -- here, a round-up of the winners. (AFP Relaxnews)

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The Old Manse, Invermoriston, Scotland: The Old Manse dropped from last year's top spot to second in the global rankings.
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The Rose, New Delhi What makes it special? Surrounded by a mishmash of art galleries, antique furniture shops, restaurants, bars and boutiques, this hidey-hole in South Delhis trendy Hauz Khas Village is a world away from the rest of the city. Owner Pio Coffrant decorated it himself with homeliness in mind. The ambience is relaxed and the dcor personal; each of the 11 rooms has its own character and a view of the Hauz Khas Village Rose Garden. The beds are supremely comfortable, with luxurious quilts and sink-your-head-into pillows. CNT tip: The staff members go out of their way to entertain requests such as flight bookings; they also provide travel advice, so make the most of their help. Signature breakfast dish: Banana pancakes, straight up. Theyre thick, sweet and packed with banana-y deliciousness. Sadly, the chef refuses to reveal his secret recipe.(www.therosenewdelhi.com) Doubles from Rs4,300 Bed&Cha, New Delhi What makes it special? This delightful spot, a 10-minute walk from one of Delhis best markets (M Block, GK1), offers the citys best chai on tap. Owners Clara Kanner and Coraline Joveneaux, from Lille in France, arrived in India four years ago and fell in love with the country. They set up Bed&Cha a year and a half ago. Both live just five minutes from the guest house and are very hands-on, assisting Madhu, their friendly 20-year-old Nepali chef with the cooking, and guests with anything and everything (travel bookings, city advice). Thoughtfully decorated, the bathrooms have mosaics made with Jodhpuri tiles and the five bedrooms are fitted out with furniture inspired by Indian handicraft and recyclinga lamp made out of a teapot, a sofa draped with a sari.CNT tip: Theres an open kitchen so guests can cook for themselves. Alcoholic drinks arent served, so guests should bring their own to sip on the rooftop or one of the two terraces. Signature breakfast dish: The healthy Western breakfast, including toast, fruit salad, eggs, juice, coffee and chai. Their scrambled eggs are famous. (www.bedandchai.com) Doubles from Rs1,900

G9 South Extension, New Delhi What makes it special? Designer Jivi Sethihe makes furniture and jewellery, and is often the best-dressed man wherever he goesowns this gem of a place along one of South Delhis quieter localities. Mixing art deco with contemporary pieces, this one-bedroom apartment also features a terrace garden. CNT tip: Sethi recommends his guests explore the lively Thursday market near his house for good deals on fabric and furniture. Signature breakfast dish: Pickled feta-stuffed paratha served with olive raita and a tomato-basil salad.(www.justjivi.com) Doubles from Rs6,500 On The House, New Delhi What makes it special? This B&B in the posh Safdarjung Enclave is all about the design. Owner Aradhna Lanba is also an interior designer, which has resulted in each of the eight rooms featuring a different theme and colour scheme, and bric-a-brac ranging from Warli art and brass idols to phulkari headboards and colourful mirrors. Lanba is a Taj protge, which means she has the ABCs of hospitality down pat. Also available to guests is a well-stocked library of

rare coffee-table books and DVDs. CNT tip: On The House is particularly safe for female travellers, thanks to a 24x7 security team and three caretakers on the premises. Besides, Lanba is always on hand to organise guests transport and offer sightseeing recommendations. Signature breakfast dish: The oatmeal and cottage-cheese pancakes, which are made by blending egg whites, vanilla, cottage cheese and oatmeal. They are nutritious yet utterly delicious.(www.bedandbreakfastnewdelhi.com) Doubles from Rs3,000 Jai Vilas, Jaipur What makes it special? Jaideep and Archana Singh, a young couple, expertly manage their five-bedroom ancestral home in the heart of the bustling state capital. All rooms have a vintage appeal, featuring four-poster beds covered in bright Rajasthani quilts, and the bungalow has a terrace with a fountain at its centre, which is the perfect spot for a lazy afternoon read. The food is a highlight at this property, so make sure youre around for dinner, which includes succulent safedmaas (lamb pieces in a yoghurt-based gravy with almond, poppy seeds and cardamom inflections). CNTtip: Be part of the citys social scene by attending a polo match, where you can mingle with Jaipurs fun-loving crowd. Polo season is in the winter months, starting from January, and avid sportsman Jaideep will be happy to arrange game passes for you. Signature breakfast dish: Those with a sweet tooth will love the jalebi milk on offer. (www.jaivilas.com) Doubles from Rs3,000 The Cottage, Jeolikot, Uttarakhand What makes it special? As a little girl, owner Bhuvan Kumari dreamt of owning a stone, ivy-covered cottage. Her dream came true in 1994, when she bought a cottage in Jeolikot, with an eight-acre orchard teeming with wildlife such as barking deer, birds and pine martens. Although this shabby-chic B&B initially had just one room, it now has six all very homely and decorated with colourful quilts, oversized lampshades, durries on the warm, sheesham floors and doors made from vintage Kumaoni wood. The owner lives there, so is always on call to advise guests on local activities, from sailing on Naini Lake and bird-watching at Pangot, Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary and Naukuchiatal to boat rides at Saattal and treks in the Kumaon hills. CNT tip:On arrival, youll be given a scrumptious slice of freshly baked chocolate cake. Youll also be spoilt with the complimentary tea, coffee, lassi and lemonade during your stay. Signature breakfast dish: Fresh, seasonal fruit and homemade aloo parathas with yoghurt, pickles and freshmint chutneyserved under Kumaris cheerful supervision. (http://thecottagejeolikot.com) Doubles from Rs4,000

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Thengal Manor, Jorhat, Assam What makes it special? Constructed in 1929, Thengal Manor is a heritage mansion that offers guests a rich taste of North-East Indian hospitality. Owned by

Padma Shri Award winner Hemendra Prasad Barooah, this five-bedroom house was repaired and refurbished in 2000, and kitted out with colonial furniture and fixtures. With fireplaces in each room, an expansive drawing room and recreational activities including carrom, chess, croquet and fishing, this historic house has everything you need for a comfortable stay. CNT tip: Make sure you visit the homes of the areas indigenous artisans and weaversthe staffwill happily arrange for tours.Signature breakfast dish: Pitha, a typical North-East Indian dish, consisting of small pouches made out of rice flour, then filled with dry fruits or jaggery and slow-roasted over the fire, are a particular highlight. The egg bhurji and poha are also popular with guests.(www.heritagetourismindia.com) Doubles from Rs6,500 Rosaville heritage guest house & resort, Shillong What makes it special? This heritage, no-frills, neo-colonial house was built in 1935. The owner, Rosa Kamte, has managed to preserve its original architecture and extended the annexe to include seven guest rooms. Now managed by Kamtes neice Tapoti Rynjah Bawri, the house is immaculately appointed with period furniture and knick-knacks. You can choose from one suite, two standard rooms and four deluxe rooms. CNT tip:Barooah is always very much on hand to help guests out if they require anything and take them to local markets to pick out sweets or handicrafts. Signature breakfast dish: The egg bhurji, made in-house with a secret blend of spices, is particularly popular. (www.rosaville.in) Doubles from Rs2,200 WEST Ccaza Ccomodore, Alibaug What makes it special? Built in 1993 as a retirement home for Navy Commodore Surinder Mongia and his wife Neena, this boutique villa (which was Alibaugs first full-service luxury pool villa) is now run by their son Nitin. Food is a strong focus on the property, most of it sourced locally and cooked with bold flavours. Activities available are sailing and treks to nearby attractions, such as the Kankeshwar temple. CNT tip: Nitins latest gourmet venture, Kikis Cafe and Deli, is only 10 minutes away from the B&B and offers wholesome and delicious meals.Signature breakfast dish: The Whole Hogwhich includes a three-egg, double-cheese masala omelette, sausages or bacon, pancakes with warm honey or maple syrup, fried toast and tea or coffee.(www.ccazaccomodore.com) Doubles from Rs12,000 Arts Reverie, Ahmedabad What makes it special? This restored haveli in the historic quarter of Ahmedabad now functions as an international centre for artists and craftsmen, promoting the work of the local population. Classified as remarkable by the citys heritage department, the house is a winning combination of traditional structure coupled with modern amenities. CNT tip: The establishment offers arts, architecture and handicraft tours of the city and its surroundings.Signature breakfast dish: The bajrina rotlas, served with hand-churned white butter, are the most sought-after items on the menu.(www.artsreverie.com) Doubles from 5,500

Capella, Goa What makes it special? Operated by Jamshed and Ayesha Madon, the owners of speciality Italian restaurant J&As, this charming house is located in the Goan village of Parra. A stay here is a homely affair, with the family, staff and pets always around the house and home-cooked meals on request. Accommodation on offer is Heliconia, a first-floor room with hill views; Silk Cotton, an independent cottage in a bamboo grove; and Frangipani, a ground-floor room ideal for single travellers. CNT tip: The owners can organise bird-watching trips for enthusiasts and are happy to assist with other services such as reliable cab drivers, restaurant recommendations and yacht charters. Signature breakfast dish: The banana, strawberry and yoghurt crpes with honey are a highlight. (www.capellagoa.com) Doubles from Rs4,000 Sunbeam, Goa What makes it special? Designer Jivi Sethi brings his eclectic style to this heritage home in Assagaon, North Goa. Lush foliage envelops the four rooms he rents out for short stays and the house affords great views of a cobbled lawn and a pool. Staying at Sunbeam is a masterclass in interior designthe house successfully juxtaposes vinyl with the finest brocades, and traditional bronzes with abstract paintings. CNT tip: The terrace-top Mughal Garden, which comes with a bar as well as barbecue facilities, is a great spot for hosting parties. Signature breakfast dish: A range of fresh fruits alongside a tall glass of tender coconut lassi. (www.justjivi.com) Doubles from Rs6,500 The Only Olive, Goa What makes it special? This beautifully restored Portuguese villa gets its name from the olive tree in the garden. Rumoured to be 100 years old, owner Adrian Pinto believes its Goas only genuine olive tree. Situated on a pretty hillock in the Goan village of Aldona, The Only Olive offers unique experiences, from fishing in the nearby river to sipping feni with the villagers.CNT tip: The local market, Tintowith supermarkets, bakeries, local bars, restaurants and even a fish marketis just around the corner. Signature breakfast dish: The Royal Goan, including poi and local sausage, served with eggs. (www.theonlyolive.com) Doubles from Rs4,000 for a minimum two-night stay SOUTH La Maison, Nilgiris What makes it special? French owners Anne and Benot have brought their unique artistic touch to this heritage bungalow, located in the middle of a tea plantation in the hills of Kotagiri. The house, built back in 1897 by a Scottish family and later owned by a Tamilian from Ooty, boasts wooden floors, oil paintings, acrylics and antique fittings. Enjoy a delectable range of French-Indian fusion cuisine throughout your stay. CNT tip: The property comes with a jacuzzi, an expert nanny service and plenty of space to play outdoor games, making it the ideal spot for a family holiday. Signature breakfast dish: Their jams, including the delicious orange-andlavender marmalade, are made with ingredients picked from the organic garden. La Maison is also famous for its poulard omelettesmade by first cooking the yolk and white separately in a pan, then togetherthat are incomparably light and fluffy. (http://lamaison.in) Doubles from Rs7,920

The Wilds at Northernhay, Masinagudi, Tamil Nadu What makes it special? Ask Ambreen Sait, who co-owns the 120-year-old property with husband Junaid, and shell compare a stay here to a jungle adventure, albeit with all the trappings of modern comfort. At The Wilds, a private estate on the edge of the Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park, you can well expect to see the parks residentsblack bucks, deer, gaurs, tigers, leopardsmarch past your balcony on their way to the nearest watering hole. There are four large bedrooms, two cottages, a tree house for nature lovers and three log cabins to choose from. Some rooms have TVs, but the main living room is the place to hang outhere, you can meet other travellers and exchange stories over cups of tea and coffee (the staff will brew them fresh when you need them). If you have time on hand, ask resident naturalist Shantanu Naik to take you on treks and bird-spotting walks. CNT tip: When walking around the main house, pause to examine pieces of Tipu Sultans armour that have been part of the familys antique collection for generationsyoull feel as if youre living in your own private museum. Signature breakfast dish: Go for the mutton mince with peasthe mince is made with Saits mother-in-laws closely guarded recipe and uses masalas ground in-house. Also try the toast with bilberry jam, which is created with fruit harvested from the B&Bs orchards each monsoon.(http://thewildsnorthernhay.com) Doubles from Rs3,999 Villa Camelot, Bengaluru What makes it special? In 2003, air hostess-turned-entrepreneur Yamini Khanna built her dream home in Whitefield, an IT hub surrounded by eucalyptus and gulmohar trees. Ten years later, it is one of the citys most charming escapes. Yamini and her husband, Raghuveer, have done everything themselves, from the interior design to the seed-sowing in the garden. And the result is a truly characterful Bed and Breakfast, with six rooms that have an old-world charm and ooze comfort. Personal touches include handmade paisley patterns on the walls of the living room and mosaic tiling on the spacious terraces, imaginatively created out of recycled construction material. Yamini and Raghuveer do all the work themselves, from cooking and housekeeping to taking bookings for their guests. CNT tip: While theres no room service here, your hosts will do everything they can to keep you happyeven offering the occasional glass of wine or cocktail on the house. Signature breakfast dish: Home-style masala dosa (the spices are procured directly from village shops and hand-ground by Yamini). (www.villa-camelot.com) Doubles from Rs2,500 Gratitude, Puducherry What makes it special? Step inside, past the tall wooden doors of this colonial home in the French Quarter, and youll enter a space thats both silent and serene. The owners of this chic, eight-room Bed and Breakfast are passionate about textiles and pottery, and the house is peppered with knick-knacks collected from their many travels (such as ikat fabrics from Peru and Indonesia) mixed with furniture made by local artisans. Without a doubt, the propertys highlight is its central courtyard and the giant mango tree which dominates it. Settle on the traditional Tamil oonjal (or swing) with a book and youre bound to doze off soon. Your sleep will be uninterrupted, as the house does not allow children under the age of 14 and encourages residents to

keep the volume down, both on their vocal chords and music equipment. There are no TVs in the rooms, but wi-fi is complimentary and the staff will do your laundry for a nominal fee. Co-owner Kakoli Banerjee is amiable and happy to invite guests for a meal with herthe staff will also take them to the local fish, fruit and vegetable markets or Auroville if they prefer. CNT tip: On special request, Gratitude can create a lovely, canopied bedroom on their terrace, complete with white-linen drapes and candle lighting. All you need is a moonlit night to complete the romantic experience. Signature breakfast dish: Paniyaram, a type of dosa that is made with a Western twist. The fermented rice batter is mixed with a liberal dose of garlic and pepper, along with some finely chopped spring onions, grated cheese and butter. The result? The paniyarams come out brown and crisp on the outside, with a warm and moist core. (http://gratitudeheritage.in)RsDoubles from Rs3,500 Les Hibiscus, Puducherry What makes it special? This quaint, 100-year-old, four-bedroom home on the French Quarters Rue Sufren belongs to French-Tamil couple, Bascarane and Gladys. Tanjore paintings hang on its living-room walls and in the corridors. The rooms are simply furnished with furniture that has been in the family for generations, and feature flat-screen TVs and kettles to brew your own tea and coffee. The Bascaranes are hands-on managers, so whether its restaurant recommendations or travel arrangements to visit the Chettiar mansions of Karaikudi or temples of Chidambaram and Gangaikonda Cholapuram, they are happy to help you. CNT tip: If you dont feel like stepping out for lunch, ask Gladys to make you her ham-and-prawn cheese bake with bchamel sauceits soul food at its best. Signature breakfast dish: The fat, home-style dosas, fresh off the griddle, are served with a spicy but delicious coconut chutney. (www.leshibiscus.in) Doubles from Rs2,500 Kabbe Holidays, Coorg What makes it special? Kabbe is a slight detour if youre travelling from Bengaluru to Madikeri, Coorgs capital city, but the warmth of the welcome youll receive from owners Dilip and VidyaChengappa is worth every extra kilometre. Housed on their 50-acre coffee, cardamom and pepper plantation, its two bedrooms and two standalone cottages are furnished with family antiques and come with French windows that offer unending views of the Nilgiris. Spend your days taking long, guided plantation walks with Dilip, learn to pick Arabica coffee berries (if youre here between November and January), and white-water raft or swim in the Kabbe River to digest the large meals Vidya serves. Evenings are best spent nursing a drink or two in the company of the couple, who will narrate interesting tales of life in the hills. CNT tip: For a peek into traditional Kodava life, ask Dilip to arrange a trip to his family home. The Kodavas are split into clans, each with a house that is the venue for most celebrations. Dilips is an imposing, wooden structure thats been beautifully maintained. Signature breakfast dish: Traditional dishes such as rice rotis are served with sesame-seed chutney thats mixed with ghee and locally sourced honey. It may not sound very tempting but believe us, its a meal youll always remember. (http://kabbeholidays.com) Doubles from Rs3,250

Anthraper Gardens, Cherthala, Kerala What makes it special? More than a hundred years old, this house is surrounded by water on three sides and is managed by the five Anthraper sisters, who take turns to run it. Its three rooms have attached verandas affording arresting views of Lake Vembanad. Theres also a private boat jetty, from where guests can embark on sunset boat rides. An early-morning visit to the local fish market on the beach in Arthunkal is a definite mustdo. CNTtip: Learn to cook coastal cuisine from the B&Bs expert chefs and gain access to family recipes that have been handed down for generations. The standout dish is the meenpolli chathu, where a freshly caught fish is wrapped in a banana leaf and slowly cooked over a low-set flame. Signature breakfast dish: String hoppers with egg roastmade from steamed rice flour that is cut into strips and garnished with coconut shavings, then served with partially roasted hardboiled eggs.(www.anthrapergardens.com) Doubles from Rs5,200 What do you think of this story? Tell us on Facebook or Twitter You may also like: INDIAS BEST STREET FOOD INDIAN CITIZEN? HERES WHERE YOU CAN GO VISA-FREE 10 BEST SWIMMING SPOTS IN THE WORLD Laura Griffith-Jones, Jasreen Mayal Khanna, Sunayana Kumari, Anushka Patodia and Prasad Ramamurthy