It was by chance that Simon & Garfunkel were singing 'Slow down, you move too fast, You got to make the morning last' through my I-pod as the Serai guest van drove through the verdant green gates. I was instantly hypnotised by the smell of fresh jasmines around my neck and the sandalwood tika that was part of my welcome. This is the only 'traditional' aspect of living at The Serai. This isn't a traditional hotel, but more like a cluster of plush residences. A village of wellness built around a huge swimming pool. I was blown away by the visual appeal of the pool from the lobby area as I sipped on the nimbupani. A blue-topaz-like pool- with lapwings hopping around the poolside - that was fringed with these huge vessels in which grew the most vibrant water lilies - and the town of Chikmaglur sprawled in the horizon.