Indian couple's ₹5.5 lakh per night stay at Maasai Mara resort stuns internet
New Delhi: An Indian couple has captured the attention of social media with their extraordinary stay at the JW Marriott Masai Mara, a luxury resort in Kenya. Anirban Chowdhury, a credit card enthusiast, shared details of their experience in a series of posts on X (formerly Twitter), revealing that the cost of their stay amounted to an eye-watering ₹5.5 lakh per night, including taxes.
Just ticked off a bucket list experience at one of Marriott's most exclusive and expensive properties—JW Marriott Masai Mara! 🌍💎 If you're dreaming of luxury safaris, this is the place. Stunning tented suites, epic game drives, and personalized service in the heart of the Mara!… pic.twitter.com/rwWv5sk77b
— Anirban chowdhury (@VoyageBliss) September 15, 2024
Chowdhury documented their trip, which featured an all-inclusive package that covered accommodation, meals, selected beverages, bush meals, sundowners, and daily game drives. Additional activities such as horse riding, hot air balloon rides, and Maasai village tours were available at extra cost.
Despite the high cost, Chowdhury secured the stay using Marriott Bonvoy points, disclosing that he used 106,000 points per night for two. He praised the value of the experience, noting that it was worth even more points and that out-of-pocket expenses were minimal unless opting for additional paid activities.
Chalo, it's time for some myth-busting:
— Anirban chowdhury (@VoyageBliss) September 17, 2024
1. The price per night for two isn’t 3.5L, it's actually 5.5L INR with taxes. For 5 nights, that totals 27.5L INR.
2. I offset that cost by using 424,000 Marriott Bonvoy points.
Marriott has a 5th night free program on award bookings. So,… https://t.co/2ZEPTNDkSd
The post has garnered over 1.5 million views and numerous reactions. Many users expressed amazement at the luxury and expense, with comments ranging from astonishment at the cost to admiration for the luxurious details.
Chowdhury clarified that the total cost for five nights was ₹27.5 lakh, offset by using 424,000 Marriott Bonvoy points, thanks to Marriott's 5th-night-free program. His posts have sparked significant interest and discussion about luxury travel and the use of reward points for high-end experiences.
Some users admired the luxurious details. "This is next-level luxury. The attention to detail sounds incredible!" wrote one user. "I'm saving up my Marriott points just for this-hoping to experience it someday," said another.
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'The Ba**ds of Bollywood’ mirrors my life, damages my reputation: Sameer Wankhede tells Delhi HC
New Delhi: IRS officer Sameer Wankhede has submitted his reply to the Delhi High Court in the defamation case he filed against Red Chillies Entertainment, the production company owned by actor Shah Rukh Khan. The case pertains to the recently released series The Ba**ds of Bollywood*, which Wankhede claims has defamed him.
In his statement to the court, Wankhede asserted that the show’s portrayal of a police officer is clearly based on him and has caused serious harm to his public image. He cited four key reasons supporting his claim.
First, he said the character in question bears physical similarities to him, including facial and body features. Second, he noted that the character’s working style and mannerisms closely resemble his own.
Third, Wankhede highlighted that the officer in the show is depicted making a high-profile arrest involving a major film personality, which he said directly mirrors his own involvement in the Aryan Khan drug case.
Fourth, he pointed out that the character frequently uses the phrase “Satyameva Jayate,” a motto he himself had used during media interactions in the course of that investigation. He argued that using the national motto in such a context cannot be dismissed as creative expression or humour.
Wankhede also referred to an interview in which Aryan Khan allegedly admitted that the show was “inspired by some real events.” This, he said, contradicts Red Chillies Entertainment’s claim that The Ba**ds of Bollywood* is purely fictional.
He further alleged that the tone and intent of the series indicate personal and institutional vendetta, aimed at discrediting and defaming him rather than engaging in artistic storytelling.
Wankhede informed the court that the fallout from the show has affected his family, with his wife and sister receiving abusive and vulgar messages online.
Rejecting Red Chillies’ argument that he is a “thin-skinned” officer, Wankhede said that a public servant cannot be expected to tolerate false and damaging portrayals simply because of his position. He emphasized that his legal action seeks to protect the constitutional rights and dignity of both himself and his family.
