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If you put nine teenagers, two cars, loud playlists, and a heated pool together for three days, you’re guaranteed chaos in the best way possible. That’s exactly how I celebrated sweet sixteen in Nashik, and honestly, I wouldn’t change a single moment. Day 1 📍 I got to celebrate my sweet sixteen exactly the way I’d always imagined, with my closest friends, for two whole nights, at my new house in Nashik. Nine of my friends came over on Friday evening. They were told to come at 8am, which obviously meant they arrived closer to 8:30. Lesson learned. Next time I’ll say 7:30😂. As soon as everyone arrived, we split into two cars and set off, officially beginning our three hour road trip to Nashik. The car ride itself was half the experience. No one was allowed to sleep. That was genuinely not an option. We had loud music blasting, random games, nonstop talking, and that kind of chaos that only happens when you put a bunch of excited teenagers in a car together. We got to drive on the Samruddhi Highway, which made the journey way smoother and faster. We stopped shortly after getting on the highway for vada pav 🤭 , because priorities, and a quick break, and then it was straight back into the cars. The music got even louder, the excitement got higher, and we still had about an hour left to go. By the time we reached, everyone was buzzing. I was just so happy to be back at The Holland House with my best friends, my mum, and my aunt 🤩. As soon as we arrived, my mum took over with the house tour because honestly, I was done functioning. All I cared about was getting into the pool. We quickly changed into our swimwear and sat down for the most amazing lunch. Veg and chicken Manchurian, chicken chilli, hot garlic sauce, and veg fried rice. Safe to say, we were very well fed. After lunch, we decided to chill without our phones, except for music obviously. We played hide and seek, which sounds random but ended up being so fun. Way better than scrolling endlessly. Then came darkroom, where we scared each other so badly that some people were genuinely terrified, which somehow made it even more entertaining. We played a bit of pool after that and then rested for a while before heading back into the water. The swim that evening was perfect. The weather was amazing, the pool was heated, and everything just felt calm in the best way. We played pool games, listened to music, and did what we do best. Gossip. We ended the night with a delicious dinner and finally cut my birthday cake, even though my birthday was a month ago. It was still such a sweet moment until my friends decided cake belonged on my face. Worth it. Day 2 ☀️ The next day started late, as it should. We had breakfast with waffles and cereal, and then somehow ended up back in the heated pool, where we stayed pretty much the entire day. We swam, floated, talked, laughed, and only got out occasionally to play pool or grab snacks. At some point, we all went to shower in our own bathrooms, with music blasting and everyone yelling jokes at each other from different rooms. Pure chaos, but the fun kind. Later, we hung out in the bar room before dinner, talking with my mum and aunt. What started as casual conversation turned into them giving life advice, but honestly, it was actually really interesting and helpful. That calm moment didn’t last long though, because it quickly turned into singing and dancing again. If you know us, you know dancing is inevitable. Dinner that night was a full barbeque, and it was so good. Surprisingly, the best thing was the barbecued pineapple. I know it sounds questionable, but it was actually amazing. And yes, after dinner, we danced again. My mum and aunt joined in, which was extremely embarrassing for me but my friends loved it, so we danced the night away 😭🙈 . Even after my mum and aunt went to sleep, my friends and I were wide awake. We played games like Jenga and Uno, and then because we clearly don’t know how to rest, we went straight back into the pool. Only four of us lasted until 4 a.m., just floating in the heated pool, slow music playing, gossiping under the night sky ✨ . It was slightly scary when the electricity would randomly go out, but at the same time, it was so peaceful. Around 4, we finally got out, showered quickly, and crashed together in one of the bedrooms, just talking until we fell asleep. Day 3 🥹 The last day was another late morning. We had breakfast, packed up, and right before leaving, my friends pushed me into the pool. I pretended to fight them, but honestly, I secretly wanted one last swim before we left, so I wasn’t complaining. After a quick shower, we hit the road again, made a McDonald’s stop 🍟 , and headed straight home. This sweet sixteen trip was honestly everything I could’ve asked for. I’m so grateful I got to take my friends to Nashik and create memories I know we’ll be talking about forever. It wasn’t just a birthday celebration. It was laughter, chaos, late nights, and moments I’ll always hold close. If you’ve made it this far, I hope this gave you a few ideas for how you might want to celebrate your own birthday, whether that’s a weekend getaway, a road trip with friends, or just switching off your phone and being present. And if Nashik is ever on your list, definitely check out The Holland House. It’s a place full of memories for me, and I hope it becomes one for you too. And to the ones who were there with me, thank you for making this weekend unforgettable. ❤️ Press play below. This playlist was basically the soundtrack to our chaos: Playlist: Sweet Swixteen X RH

Some trips mark places on a map. Others mark moments in your life. This one did both, because somewhere between train rides, quiet conversations, and shared tears, our family grew in the most beautiful way ✨ The Unofficial Start of the Wedding 🫶 My parents and I took the train to Woodbridge to meet my brother, Chris, and his fiancée, Gabby, and honestly, the second we arrived, it finally hit me: this is happening. We were all staying together at The Bull Inn, which made everything feel even more special. It was the last bit of calm before the chaos of wedding celebrations, and I was so grateful for that. We spent the afternoon just being together. Sitting outside, talking, laughing, soaking in the surprisingly sunny UK weather (a rare win) ☀️, and enjoying those small moments that don’t sound dramatic but mean everything. Even though it was only one proper day with them before the wedding madness began, it felt so precious. Those quiet hours really do stay with you. We exchanged a few gifts and chatted endlessly, and halfway through, my brother’s fiancée and my mum popped over to check out the wedding venue. When they came back, we all sat together again, talking and catching up like time hadn’t passed at all. Later, we headed back to our rooms, and this was one of my favourite parts of the day. I had my own room right next to my brother’s, so Gabby and I ended up watching The Summer I Turned Pretty  together. Funnily enough, it was a wedding episode, very on theme, and we were fully invested. We’d been dying to watch it together, and finally getting to do that, just the two of us screaming at the TV like we were part of the show, felt oddly perfect. Team Conrad, obviously. That evening, we rushed downstairs to meet my cousin and her family, which made my heart so full. Spending time with her and her kids, who are genuinely the cutest humans ever, was so special. We all had dinner together at the hotel, which was exactly what we wanted: simple, easy, and focused on family rather than plans or schedules. After they left, Gabby and I went back upstairs to finish our episode. Yes, we were obsessed. No regrets. The Celebrations Officially Begin 🍾 The morning started with my mum and I getting our hair done before packing up and heading out. While waiting in the lobby, I got to meet my dad’s best friends, some of whom I hadn’t seen in years. It was such a surreal and happy moment, filled with hugs, laughter, and a lot of embarrassing stories about my dad, which became a running theme of this trip. We then headed to the church where my brother was going to get married. It was absolutely beautiful, exactly how you’d imagine a wedding church to be. We had the rehearsal there, which is also where I got to meet my sister, Charlotte, after two years of not being able to see her. I’d never been to a rehearsal before, and it made everything feel even more real, and different in the best way. After that, we arrived at Butley Priory, where we’d all be staying together, my family, my brother and his fiancée, and her family too. The place was stunning. My parents and I had this gorgeous space with a massive room and a bathtub, and downstairs I had my own room, complete with the sweetest little gifts waiting for me. That evening was the barbecue night, and it was honestly perfect. I finally got to see the rest of my family after almost a year, catch up with cousins, meet new faces, and just exist in that happy, buzzing pre-wedding energy. There was great food, music playing softly in the background, lots of laughter, and the most beautiful sunset while we ate, the kind that makes you pause and think, this is a moment I’ll remember . When it got a little chilly, we moved inside, where the space felt cozy and warm and somehow even more intimate. It was one of those evenings that wasn’t about doing anything big, just being together, talking, laughing, and letting the wedding excitement slowly sink in. And just like that, the celebrations had truly begun. The Wedding Day 💍 The morning started early. Well, earlier for everyone else, but still early for me. I woke up at 6:30 a.m. because there was a hairstylist coming to help all of us get ready. I had my hair done with Gabby sitting right next to me, also getting ready, and honestly, that felt like the perfect way to start the day. Calm, exciting, slightly nervous, but really special. After my hair was done, I quickly did my makeup, got into my dress, and then my parents and I went to see my brother while he was getting ready elsewhere, since he couldn’t see Gabby. He was wearing a sherwani. Yes, a British man in an Indian sherwani, and it looked incredible. It felt so meaningful that he chose something Indian, but also made it his own. It wasn’t just different, it was his choice, and it was so unique and perfect. We took a few photos, shared some emotional moments, and then just like that, he was off to the church. After that, we met the rest of the family and got onto a special red bus that took all the guests to the church together. It was such a fun idea, everyone arriving as one big group. When we got there, my brother was already standing at the entrance of the church, waiting for us. Hugging him before going in was such a surreal moment. The church was stunning, filled with gorgeous flowers and decorations that made it feel even more magical. By this point, I was already emotional and nervous, because I knew I had to read a poem later in front of everyone. Once we were seated, the ceremony began, led by the sweetest vicar. Then came one of the most beautiful moments of the day, Gabby walking down the aisle with her father. She looked absolutely stunning. We hadn’t seen her dress at all beforehand, so this was the first glimpse, and it was perfect. The dress, the veil, everything about her, she looked gorgeous. It was emotional, joyful, and overwhelming, and yes, I was crying. Everyone was. Shortly after, it was my turn to read the poem. I stood up already crying and barely able to speak, but somehow I managed to compose myself and say it. It might not have been loud enough, but I did it, and I’m so grateful I got to be part of the ceremony in that way. My brother letting me do a reading meant so much to me, and it’s a moment I’ll always hold close. After the ceremony, we followed the bride and groom out of the church, congratulating them as everyone wiped away tears. I hugged my brother right after my parents, and that moment is hard to put into words. I was crying again, obviously, but I was just so proud of him and so happy for him and his wife. I hugged Gabby too, and that’s when I realised I had just gained such an amazing sister. We hugged the rest of the family, took lots of photos outside the church, and headed back on the bus to the priory. ❤️ Once we arrived, the drinks reception was set up outdoors in the most beautiful space. At first, it was just the guests, and then the bell rang and the bride and groom made their entrance, such a fun touch. All of us cousins were chatting when my brother joined us, and we had this small but incredibly special moment together, celebrating him as a husband and also recognising what an amazing brother he is to all of us. It was simple, but being surrounded by my siblings and cousins made it feel huge and unforgettable. We took more photos, and then it was time for lunch. The indoor setup was gorgeous, with flowers and table décor making everything look so elegant. But the most special part by far was the personalised notes each guest received. Every single person had one. My sister and I were crying again, after reading the notes my brother had written for us. It was such a thoughtful and emotional gift, one of those things you never forget. After lunch came the speeches, another beautiful moment. My dad gave a speech that was perfectly balanced, emotional, heartfelt, and of course full of jokes. It was so him. Later on, some of us got changed, the band started playing, and the whole atmosphere shifted into full celebration mode. Music, dancing, laughter, the perfect way to celebrate the bride and groom and end such an unforgettable day. The night ended, with just family in that room, making it a special moment to end the night. As the music played and the night slowly settled in, it really hit me how special the day had been. It wasn’t just about the ceremony or the celebrations, it was about family, love, and being together in a way that doesn’t happen often. Watching my brother start this new chapter with Gabby, surrounded by the people who love them most, is something I’ll never forget. The Morning After 🥹 The next day felt like a soft, quiet ending to all the celebrations. We came together one last time for a relaxed brunch, with both families and our closest friends around. There was no rush and no schedule, just conversations, laughter, and that slightly bittersweet feeling that comes when something really special has come to an end. It was the perfect way to say goodbye, soaking in those final moments together before everyone slowly went their separate ways. Unfortunately, I did have to say goodbye to my cousins, but I can’t wait to see them again next time. But for us, the trip didn’t end there, instead our family got to spend a couple of days in London, still celebrating the wedding. ✈️ Here is the playlist that played while memories were being made, which has a mix of different types of songs: Playlist; Holland Wedding X RH

If you had told me a year ago that my first-ever football match would be at the Euros — watching the England team live — I probably wouldn’t have believed you. But there I was, sitting in the stadium, cheering with thousands of fans, and witnessing it all in real time. This trip was mainly about football, but it was also about amazing cities, quality time with family, and moments I’ll never forget. My very first football match kicked off in Dortmund. I went with my dad, my brother Chris, and his girlfriend Gabby, to Germany in June for the 2024 Euros, and it was unlike anything I had imagined. Let me take you along the journey! Kicking Off in Dortmund On June 14th, my dad and I boarded a nine-hour flight from Mumbai to Frankfurt. Despite a one-hour delay, we still landed on time and took a train straight from Frankfurt Airport to Dortmund — where England’s first game was scheduled. We stayed at the Residence Inn by Marriott Dortmund City , just a 10-minute walk from the city centre. The entire city was buzzing — draped in football decorations, packed with excited fans. We even spotted tons of Albanian fans (their game against Italy was two days later). That evening, we explored the centre, stopped at a pub called Maximilian Dortmund  where I had the best crêpe (yes, dessert before dinner 😋), and later had steaks at ALEX Dortmund , a great spot right opposite our hotel. The next day, we visited the German Football Museum , where I saw trophies, explored football history, and even tried commentating on past games. Then, on Sunday, Chris and Gabby joined us in Dortmund, and we all headed to the Gelsenkirchen stadium for the England vs Serbia match. It was electric. The energy. The chants. The flags. 13 minutes in, our favourite — No. 10, Jude Bellingham — scored. The crowd roared “JUDE!" and I still get chills thinking about it. England won 1–0. I was on a high. We rushed to catch the tram back (first ones in!) and celebrated in the pubs, surrounded by smiling fans and so many police officers. Frankfurt Adventures The next morning, June 17th, we nearly missed our train to Frankfurt — all because we misread the time and rushed like mad! We stayed at the Moxy Frankfurt City Center , but honestly, it wasn’t what we expected. Still, we made the most of our four days there. My parents had visited Frankfurt before, so we already had restaurant and shopping plans lined up. On match day (June 20th), we grabbed lunch at MIZU Restaurant Frankfurt , a Korean-Chinese spot where I got my favourite har gau and bibimbap. Then it was off to the stadium in Frankfurt for England vs Denmark. Kane scored early, but Denmark equalised. Final score: 1–1. A little disappointing, but at least we didn’t lose. After the game, we joined a crowd of England fans singing in the streets — something I didn’t even know happened. But it was honestly so fun and unforgettable. Next Up: Cologne From Frankfurt, we took a train to Cologne. Thankfully, the ride was short, and our hotel — the Cologne Marriott Hotel  — was amazing, way better than the previous two (my personal favourite). While in Cologne, we explored the Schokoladenmuseum (Chocolate Museum) , revisited the gorgeous Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom) , and took a boat ride down the Rhine River . The weather was perfect, and everything felt so relaxed. Our favourite restaurant in Cologne quickly became our go-to spot, and on June 25th, we watched our final match of the trip: England vs Slovenia. Sadly, it ended 0–0, but Cologne was still my favourite stop in Germany. A Quick Detour to the UK After Cologne, we flew to the UK to visit more family — a lovely break before the next big moment. Back to Germany — Round Two! After England beat Switzerland in the quarterfinals, my dad decided we had to go back for the semis and finals. So, on July 10th, we flew to Frankfurt early morning, then took a train to Düsseldorf and checked in to the Mercure Hotel Düsseldorf City Center  — only 5 minutes from the station! That same night, we watched the semi-final: England vs Netherlands. Kane scored a penalty in the 18th minute, and the winning goal came in the 90th minute by Ollie Watkins. The crowd went wild. I was jumping, screaming, and just so grateful to be there in person. England was through to the finals!!! The Big One: England vs Spain Now came the hard part — buying final match tickets, booking trains and hotels last minute — total chaos. But somehow, we managed. On July 14th, I found myself at the Berlin stadium, watching the final with my dad and Chris. England vs Spain. The ultimate match. The vibe? Unmatched. The crowd? Insane. The result? Not what we wanted — but just being there was the most surreal, incredible, unforgettable experience of my life. From watching Jude score to England reaching the finals, and being there every step of the way — I still can’t believe my first-ever football match was part of something so huge. Now I’m Counting Down to the 2026 World Cup!  🌍⚽️ Let’s go, England. More memories. More matches. More magic. I’m so ready. I hope you enjoyed reading this post! To keep the energy going, here’s a link to my personally curated playlist filled with football anthems and tracks that match the spirit of this blog: Playlist; Euros X RH England VS Slovenia One of my favourite England chants! England VS France England VS Denmark - We scored our goal!

Ten years ago, tiny six-year-old touched down in the Maldives for the very first time and totally fell in love—with the ocean, the sunshine, and that feeling of stepping into a real-life postcard. Fast forward to March 2025, and guess what? We went back! This time, it was for my mum’s birthday—and honestly, it was beyond special. The Maldives has always had my heart (like, if I could actually live in the ocean, I 100% would), and when my parents told me we were going again, I nearly screamed. Okay, fine—I did  scream. We stayed for six dreamy nights: three at Soneva Jani and three at Soneva Fushi, and it honestly felt like living inside a Pinterest board. A few days before the trip, both resorts emailed us with these super detailed forms asking for our preferences. I’m talking everything —our favourite activities, bar snacks, even what kind of pillow we wanted. I just sat there thinking, how is this real life? We started our journey with a four-hour flight from Mumbai to Malé (cue all the excitement!), and then hopped onto a seaplane to Soneva Jani—yes, a seaplane. The views from up there? Absolutely insane. Imagine flying over a scatter of emerald-green gems floating in turquoise glass. Unreal. And that was only the beginning. Soneva Jani 🌊 When we arrived at Soneva Jani, the seaplane landed right in the middle of the ocean, and a speedboat came to pick us up. I was buzzing with excitement—surrounded by nothing but crystal-clear water. At the resort, we were greeted by our barefoot guardian, Shafana, who gave us a tour of the whole island. She showed us the restaurants, the activities, and all the little corners of paradise waiting for us. And then… we reached our villa. It was one of the overwater villas, and honestly? I was speechless. It looked exactly like the pictures, but better. A huge slide spiraled straight into the lagoon, there was a living room, office, kitchen, an outdoor seating area upstairs, a gorgeous bedroom, a walk-in wardrobe, and the most massive bathroom ever (complete with an outdoor section). My favourite feature? A section of the roof above the bed that opened up for stargazing. Like, come on. Stepping outside was just as dreamy: the pool deck had an infinity pool overlooking the lagoon, sunken seating, and hammock-style catamaran nets suspended over the water. It was the definition of luxury, and honestly, probably my favourite part of the whole trip. That first evening, we decided to just stay in and soak it all up. We swam in the infinity pool with music blasting from the in-built speakers, sang loudly and badly, danced on the pool deck, and laughed until we were out of breath. Later, Dad and I went biking around the island (which was both fun and kind of exhausting—we even managed to get lost despite following the signs and had to get rescued by staff). Dinner was at So Primitive, a beachside restaurant just two minutes from our villa. Seafood, lamb chops, and a glowing sunset right in front of us. Pure magic. We headed back to the villa afterward, stargazing on the catamaran nets with soft music playing, waves lapping beneath us, and the sky glowing above. The next morning, I woke up to delicious pancakes and then went straight down the slide into the lagoon. The water was perfect, the slide was fast and fun, and honestly? It was the best part of the villa. Later, Mum and I (it was supposed to be Dad, but he hurt his toe—don’t ask) went for a massage at the wellness centre. Even though we picked just a regular massage, they offered everything from hydrotherapy to Ayurveda to full skin analyses. Afterward, we had lunch in the villa and I went for a swim. That evening, before dinner, I went zip-lining (yes, they actually have that). There were so many activities on the island—everything from soft toy making to water sports. My parents went to a pre-dinner party for snacks and drinks while I stayed back, watching the sunset from the pool with music playing. It was so peaceful. Dinner that night was a feast. There were so many cuisines to choose from, and I had ravioli that was literally the best I’ve ever tasted in my life. So good, in fact, that I ordered it twice. No regrets. Soneva Fushi 🌴 After weather delays, we finally made it to Soneva Fushi. Compared to Jani’s open-air ocean vibe, this island was more tropical jungle-meets-beach. Our barefoot guardian led us to our villa, which was nestled right by the beach. The villa had two floors: on the ground floor, a cozy sofa-and-TV setup, plus a door leading to an outdoor bathroom with a bathtub, rock steps leading to a waterfall shower, and even a swing chair. The whole space felt like a spa. Upstairs was another bathroom, a huge bed, and a balcony with views of the island. I stayed on the ground floor while my parents claimed the top. That evening, as I was getting ready, I spotted a baby lizard in the bathtub. Total freak-out moment. I called housekeeping, and they showed up like it was no big deal, just scooping it up like it was their pet. Meanwhile, I was frozen in disgust. Thankfully, lizard gone, I got ready and we headed to Out of the Blue. This event was next-level: food stalls with fresh coconuts, island-made crafts on display, and so many treats. The chocolate room was the highlight—walls and tables covered in unique chocolate combos. And even though the whole room was edible heaven, I weirdly became obsessed with the meringues. Then came the wine cellar: endless cheeses and cured meats. Dinner that night was just as amazing—my favourites were the sushi, chicken satay, and this spirulina drink I got hooked on instantly. The next day, we got upgraded to another overwater villa. And this one? HUMONGOUS. Two bedrooms, two floors, two living rooms, four bathrooms, a kitchen, and of course, a pool deck with a slide into the ocean. It rained most of the day, so we couldn’t spend much time outside, but I still braved the pool in the rain just for the experience. Dinner that night was at Fresh in the Garden, a treetop vegetarian restaurant. Fun fact: I had a “steak” there that was so good, I forgot it was vegetarian. Afterward, we went up to the observatory and saw the moon through a telescope—it looked impossibly close, like I could almost touch it. Back at the villa, we ended the night with a movie projected in our living room, waves as the soundtrack in the background. Unreal. Wrapping Up 🌺 Our last morning came way too soon, but my parents had one last surprise: breakfast in the pool. Floating trays filled with tropical fruit, fresh juice, pancakes, the works. It was such a fun way to end the trip. After a last swim, our barefoot guardian came to take us to the airport, and just like that, paradise was in the rearview. The Maldives has this way of making you feel like you’re in another world, and this trip? It wasn’t just about villas and views—it was about moments. Singing with my parents in the pool, stargazing on the nets, screaming down a slide, or even laughing over a baby lizard incident. And since this trip was right before my IGCSE exams, it ended up being the perfect dose of peace and tranquility before three months of non-stop studying and work. Hopefully it doesn’t take another decade for me to go back 😂. Until next time, Maldives. You’ll always be my paradise. 🐚 Before you leave this page, hit play on my Maldives playlist — your passport to soft waves, sun kissed mornings, and that endless island feeling: https://music.apple.com/in/playlist/maldives-x-rh/pl.u-76oNPvBsvG1egW5 Snorkelling Villa 2 Tour