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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CM Siddaramaiah alleges ‘criminal conspiracy’ in Sringeri recount, vows legal action
Bengaluru (PTI): Alleging a “criminal conspiracy” by BJP candidate D N Jeevaraj in the Sringeri Assembly poll recounting, Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah on Tuesday said the outcome was manipulated after valid postal ballot votes in favour of Congress leader T D Raje Gowda were tampered with during the recounting process.
Following a Karnataka High Court order on an election petition filed by Jeevaraj, challenging Raje Gowda’s election, the reverification and recounting were conducted on Saturday.
After the reverification and recount of postal ballots for the Sringeri Assembly constituency, votes polled in favour of Raje Gowda were reduced by 255, the returning officer said.
A report on the matter has been submitted to the Election Commission of India for further action, the officer added.
Congress leader Raje Gowda had won the 2023 Assembly polls from Sringeri by 201 votes, defeating his nearest rival Jeevaraj.
Addressing a press conference in Bengaluru, Siddaramaiah said the High Court had directed the recounting of postal ballots and that irregularities were noticed during the exercise conducted on May 2.
“This is a clear case of criminal conspiracy,” Siddaramaiah said, alleging that valid votes cast in favour of Raje Gowda were altered after being accepted by counting agents of all parties, including Congress, BJP, and JD(S).
He claimed that during the recounting of postal ballots, 255 votes were initially accepted as valid by all agents but were later tampered with by subordinate officials.
“There is a second mark on the votes polled in favour of Raje Gowda. They had accepted these as valid votes. Subsequently, another mark was made by officials. This is a clear case of criminal conspiracy,” he said.
When asked who was behind the alleged conspiracy, the CM replied, “It was hatched by Jeevaraj and others. It is planned.”
Siddaramaiah further alleged that the returning officer acted improperly by declaring the result despite the presence of an Election Commission observer during the recounting.
“Immediately after the counting, the returning officer announced the result. He should not have done so; this is against the law,” he said.
He pointed out that Raje Gowda had originally won by 201 votes, but after the recounting, the BJP candidate was declared the winner by 52 votes.
“The BJP has committed a criminal act of conspiracy. This is not vote chori but vote dacoity,” he alleged.
The CM said a police complaint had already been filed by Raje Gowda’s election agent, Sudhir Kumar, and emphasised the need for electoral integrity.
“We want transparency and free and fair elections. That is what our Constitution mandates,” he added.
Stating that the government would pursue legal remedies, Siddaramaiah said, “We are preparing an appeal challenging the returning officer’s announcement in a court of law.”
Responding to a separate query on elections in other states, the CM said there appeared to be an anti-incumbency factor in West Bengal, while results in Tamil Nadu were “surprising,” adding that Vijay’s party was emerging as the largest there.
Following the victory of party candidates in Bagalkote and Davanagere South, Siddaramaiah expressed confidence about future electoral prospects in Karnataka.
“Even in 2028, we will win the Assembly elections. We will come back,” the CM said.
Siddaramaiah added that he would order a forensic examination into the alleged tampering of postal ballots.
