Innholdsfortegnelse for July 2016 i Travel + Leisure India & South Asia

I LIKE TO THINK THAT NO PERSON IS EVER BORN STUPID, BUT AIRPORTS REALLY TEST MY PATIENCE FOR this idea. There are long lines at Bangkok immigration—no one must pass the yellow line unless indicated, lots of stern, serious faces — but some guy always steps over it. Immigration officers resort to English with foreigners — whether you’re Chinese or Dansk — so it’s always, “No! Mister, no! NO!” in an escalating tone of voice. Whoever the guy is—he always answers in his own language. Like he has a perfectly good explanation for what he’s doing. But immigration is lucky. They’re allowed to just say ‘No’ until you listen. Language is funny like that. At Hong Kong airport, I was impressed by a security guard whose only word of vocabulary…

In September 2014, Hurricane Odile wiped out Los Cabos, destroying dozens of hotels along the coastline and shutting down parts of the international airport for months. The damage was widespread—and since then, Cabo’s hotel scene has been completely revamped. We checked out the major players to help you find the property that is right for you. WHERE TO EAT Venture out to La Lupita for a twist on tacos al pastor, where the tortilla is enveloped in fried cheese. lalupita tym.com. GREAT GUIDE Alex Vidal’s company, Incabo, coordinates yacht tours of El Arco and hiking trips to Sierra de la Laguna's waterfalls . incabo travel.com…

From the luxuriously outfitted beds to daily guacamole and drinks delivery, Esperanza has a way of making you want to stay put in your casita the whole weekend—particularly now that all the rooms have been completely refreshed. But if you did that, you’d miss out on complimentary foot massages and fruit skewers by the adults-only pool; passion-fruit-infused margaritas in a stunning new outdoor bar with fire pits and sofas; and dinners served on the precipice of a beachside cliff, all with an only-in-Cabo soundtrack of intense crashing waves. Doubles from US$550 . aubergeresorts.com…

If you’re looking for a grown-up, sophisticated spin on spring break, head straight to the restored Pedregal, where nobody will judge you if you’ve got a drink in hand before noon. The resort has by far the best swim-up bar in the area, with tonnes of seating and addictive variations on classic beach cocktails, like jalapeño micheladas and a guava Collins. Before dining at the seafood-centric El Farallon, stop by the new Champagne Terrace for a glass of Louis Roederer to bring to your cliff-side dinner table. Doubles from US$625. theresortatpedregal.com…

SOM TUM What to Expect A spicy-sweet-sour salad of thinly sliced green papaya, chillies, peanuts, and dried shrimp that delivers a funky finish. Where to Get It Thiptara (bangkok.peninsula.com), the Peninsula Hotel’s outdoor restaurant headed by Thai chef Chamnan Thepchana. It serves some of the best home-style cooking in the city. KOR MOO YANG WITH NAM JIM JAEW What to Expect Roasted pork neck with a fiery tamarind dipping sauce. Where to Get It The Never Ending Summer (41/5 Charoen Nakorn Rd; +66-2/861-0953), a former warehouse-turned-restaurant with an open kitchen on the riverside. PAD KRA PAO What to Expect Minced chicken or pork sautéed with holy basil and chillies and served over rice. Where to Get It A number of street carts around the Grand Palace by the…

Bangkok’s museums are one-note and frankly uninspiring. For a more compelling look at the city’s creative scene, gallery-hopping is the way to go. 100 Tonson Gallery (100tonsongallery.com) showcases emerging artists alongside boldfaced names like Erwin Wurm and Damien Hirst in a beautifully bare-bones space. Across town, American expat H Ernest Lee focuses on regional artists at H Gallery (hgallery bkk.com), with an array of contemporary works that reveal a seldom-seen avant-garde side of Asia. Kathmandu Photo Gallery ( 87 Pan Rd, Silom; +66-2/234-6700) occupies a narrow shop-house where owner and photographer Manit Sriwanichpoom is unafraid to confront taboo subjects, including the state of Thai society and politics. His work is at once critical and irreverent—and not to be missed.…

HO-HUM SOI COWBOY The red-light district is seedy and overrun with expats and gawking tourists—the shock value isn’t worth your time. SIAM PARAGON One of the world’s most Instagrammed places, this mall is home to a 5,000-seat concert venue and an aquarium. siamparagon.com.th EFFORTLESS JIM THOMPSON HOUSE Sip a cool drink in the shade and get a glimpse of the past at this garden oasis . jimthompsonhouse.com WAT PHO This temple is well worth a trip for the 150-foot reclining Buddha and the expert foot massages available on site. watpho.com GRAND PALACE The opulence of this former royal home has to be seen to be believed. palaces.thai.net AMAZING WAT ARUN Once restoration is complete this year, visitors will be able to climb up the intricately adorned spire. But the Temple…

We all have our addictions. We want to feel the buzz, float against gravity, and get that kick which catapults us into the sky. I need to get that fix very often, from Bhutan. Every time I visit, there are rituals that have to be gone through and a particularly elaborate one with food. Pork and Beef Chilly THE ZONE My first meal on arrival in Thimphu has got to be at The Zone. It serves up a fiery pork and beef chilly, some mean pork ribs, juicy house beef burgers and one of the best apple strudels I’ve ever had. The meal is always complemented with Red Panda, Bhutan’s local beer. Chang Lam;+975-22/331-441 Pastry shelves CLOUD 9 The best breakfasts and heavy duty meals are served at Cloud 9.…

A curtain of birds flies into the horizon, their chatter and songs catch your attention from afar, and you point your binoculars and cameras in the direction of their flight. For hours, you hold back all your thoughts, mesmerised by this play of nature before you. Gujarat has a special place in the hearts of bird watchers. With bird sanctuaries, lakes, and national parks, it invites bird lovers in big numbers and allows them to enjoy nature without encroaching on it. Whether you’re a seasoned bird watcher or merely pursuing a hobby, there are many places in the state—some widely known, some less so—that will help you in your quest. KUTCH AREA Wild Ass Sanctuary, Little Rann of Kutch The endangered Indian Wild Ass calls this sanctuary its home—the only…

Making an afternoon of it, Travel+Leisure India & South Asia recently hosted a Masterclass in Tapas with Vivek Bhatt, the newly-appointed executive chef at JW Marriott New Delhi Aerocity. Having spent a considerable amount of time in several Spanish cities, Chef Bhatt took the ladies through some quick, easy-to-make dishes like Gazpacho, Gambas al Vino Blanco (prawns cooked in white wine), and Albondigas (meatballs in garlic-tomato sauce). During the interactive cooking session that was held at the K3 restaurant, Chef Bhatt shared with the ladies, culinary techniques and insider tips that come handy while experimenting with Spanish cuisine. K3 is an all-day dining, multi-cuisine restaurant that features live kitchens. 1. Executive Chef Vivek Bhatt shares handy tips with the ladies at K3 restaurant. 2. Ruchira Bose, Editor, Travel+Leisure, with Chef…

BÊN NGHÉ Home to the Saigon Central Post Office, Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon, and the Saigon Opera House, all testament to the city’s French colonial history. PHAM NGU LÃO A backpacker’s district, come here for a pubcrawl, art and book stores, and ‘Bia Hoi Sai Gon’ shops on Bui Vien street where locals and tourists relax over locally distilled beer. BEN THÀNH MARKET This indoor market serves up many delights: traditional áo dài dresses, handicrafts, local food, sweets, and pretty much everthing under the sun. WAR REMNANTS MUSEUM The museum, along with the Independence Palace, is a poignant reminder of the Vietnam War and the American influence on the country’s past. SAIGON RIVER Running from Cambodia and right through the city, its banks teem with life and are marked…

CU CHI TUNNELS Visit the 121-km long underground tunnels built by the Viet Cong army in the sixties to combat American troops. War campaigns like the Tet Offensive were planned here. Enter the tunnels to gauge the tough circumstances in which they lived. There is a shooting range where wartime rifles like the AK-47 and M-16 can be fired. A walk through the complex reveals various aspects of the soldiers’ lives. DA LAT Escape to the temperate haven of Da Lat, located 1,500metres above sea level in the Central Highlands. This hill station, replete with boulevards and villas, retains most of its French charm (it has its own Eiffel Tower!) from the days of the Federation of Indochina. Stroll around the Xuan Huong lake, explore its pine forests, tea gardens,…

Let’s get this out of the way: The greenest way to travel is not to. Spare the jet fuel, the cruise waste, the gas-guzzling rental car. Just stay home and recycle. Clearly that’s not going to happen—nor should it. Tourism produces five per cent of the world’s carbon emissions, according to the United Nations Environment Programme, and contributes to the depletion of natural resources, the degradation of ecosystems, and the proliferation of the waste found from shorelines to trekking trails. But the US$1.5 trillion travel industry is also crucial for economic stability, development, and the conservation of natural and cultural heritage. The answer is to travel responsibly. That’s getting easier, because the industry has upped its eco-game. “What was seen as good practice 10 years ago would not be good…

Check for third-party certification. This ensures that hotels, airlines, cruises, and tour operators are being honest. Also, check a company’s website for a comprehensive programme. If your hotel says it recycles soap, assume it only recycles soap. Consider impact in context. Water conservation should be commended, especially in parts of Africa where there are shortages. But it’s less important in places where water isn’t scarce. “You have to address the local needs and use tourism to support that, not just tick boxes,” says Sarah Faith of booking site Responsible Travel . Apply common sense. “If claims seem excessive, they probably are,” says Fiona Jefferey of WTTC. Seek specifics—a company should know how much energy it’s saving. Many operators post sustainability reports online.…

Green Machines THE TOP FIVE PERFORMERS -Finland -Iceland -Sweden -Denmark -Slovenia Very Improved COUNTRIES THAT HAVE GOTTEN MUCH GREENER SINCE 1996 -Comoros -Kuwait -São Tomé and Príncipe -Egypt -Djibouti Losing Ground THE BIGGEST DECLINES IN PERFORMANCE OVER THE LAST DECADE -Suriname -Singapore -Uzbekistan -Seychelles -Myanmar Source: Environmental Performance Index, 2016 Release…

Energy Star What It Does The EPA’s programme scores hotels on their energy efficiency. Properties have to submit a year’s worth of verified energy bills for review. What It Doesn’t Do Assess other environmental policies, like recycling or water use. TripAdvisor GreenLeaders What It Does To get the leaf badge, hotels have to meet minimum standards, including having recycling and linen-reuse programmes, and educate guests about their practices. What It Doesn’t Do Make it easy to find green hotels—you have to do an advanced search. LEED What It Does The US Green Building Council puts its stamp on buildings and upgrades that meet minimum green requirements and adds points for extras, such as building on land that has already been developed. What It Doesn’t Do Ensure that a project is…

Millionaireasia India and Tourism Fiji joined hands to celebrate The Precious Events, a gala hosted to felicitate the winners of the sixth edition of the Precious Golf Cup at the Peacock Ballroom, Pullman New Delhi Aerocity in the Capital. The event saw in attendance some of the most talented ladies of the golfing circuit, who had competed in the two-day, all-women golf tournament. The affiliate sponsors of the event managed by Brandon D’souza Management services were Tourism Fiji, The Ultimate Travelling Camp, BMW, Godrej Properties, Ananda in the Himalayas, Carnoustie Spa, Grand Hyatt Goa, House of Ishatvam and Toni & Guy. Parineeta Sethi, Editor and Chief Publisher, Millionaireasia India, speaking at the occasion said, “We are thrilled with the response Precious Golf Cup got this year. The cup in its…

Chris Burkard PHOTOGRAPHER Instagrammer of the Month The California-based photographer, Chris Burkard, is our favourite Instagrammer this month. A passionate traveller and surfer who spends anything between four and six months pursuing new and offbeat destinations, and more than three years planning his remote travels, Chris believes that his trips are a success only if he gets what he is looking for—amazing photographs. When he isn’t travelling, he is giving TED talks, publishing photobooks, and working with commercial clients like Apple and Microsoft. Inside you will find glimpses of his latest and most trending shots. Mita Kapur CONTRIBUTOR Bhutan Nom-Nom Mita Kapur is the founder and CEO of Siyahi, one of India’s leading literary consultancies. She has been in the forefront of many literary festivals, including the Jaipur Literature Festival,…

A total departure from the typical hacienda vibe of so many Cabo resorts, Mar Adentro, which opened in December, looks like a white-on-white, hypermodern cluster of sugar cubes. The 205 sleek rooms have terraces with outdoor bathtubs and glass railings for uninterrupted views of the Sea of Cortés—which you can also see from your bed through floor-to-ceiling windows. The sushi restaurant, El Nido, is the hotel’s biggest design statement: it’s tucked into an upside-down nest (actually fashioned out of hand-hewn twigs) that appears to float on a shallow pool of water. And the food lives up to the setting—the hearty huevos rancheros at breakfast are a knockout. Doubles from US$620 . mar adentro cabos.com…

This 60-year-old icon sets the bar for service in the area. Attentive butlers unpack your bags and book the spa, restaurant, or babysitter. And there’s entertainment for the whole family: a gleaming new kids’ club makes programming interesting and locally relevant, with activities like sandcastle competitions and tutorials on marine life. For teens , there’s also paddle-boarding and snorkelling off one of Cabo’s rare swimmable beaches. And while the kids are occupied, parents can relax by the adults-only infinity pool, where the only disturbance is the occasional sound of a conch, which signals that whales can be spotted from the deck. Doubles from U$525. oneand only resorts.com…

RIVERSIDE RETREATS OLD WORLD The 140-year-old Mandarin Oriental recently reopened its Author’s Wing , with suites that offer views of the tropical garden by the river. Author’s Wing suites from US$1,090; mandarin oriental.com . NEW WORLD Take in the skyline views from a balcony at the Shangri-La Hotel. Warm-hued silk accents and carved teak panels give the rooms a sophisticated but relaxed feel. Doubles from US$175; shangri-la.com. DESIGN DRAWS OLD WORLD For a taste of 1920s Shanghai, try the Cabochon Hotel. An elegant façade and plank floors lend it a colonial air, and a café au lait on the tiled terrace is Instagram catnip. Doubles from US$139; cabochonhotel.com. NEW WORLD Find urbane luxury at the Metropolitan by Como, in the buzzy Sathorn neighbourhood. Its clean, minimalist interiors are sleek yet airy,…

For a mod take on Japanese, head to Kom-Ba-Wa (kom-ba-wa.com; entrées US$14–US$50) in the happening Suan Phlu neighbourhood. You’ll find ingredients straight from Tokyo’s Tsukiji Market served with a Western spin, like the fresh Maine lobster with black-cod-miso gyoza and squid-ink-infused ramen. Expect Thai-style tapas at Err (entrées US$3– US$11; errbkk.com), a quirky new spot by the Thai-Australian couple behind the popular Bo.lan. Coconut-smoked Chiang Rai–style curry sausage is a hit, as is the braised pork belly and ribs with pepper and toddy-palm sugar. Baa Ga Din (entrées US$8–US$25; baagadin.   com), from American Chandler Schultz and local chef Thitid ‘Ton’ Tassanakajohn, offers a Western-influenced interpretation of Thai staples. Try the hoy tod (fried oysters) with egg mousse and garlic purée, plus the wings with fermented-chile…

GENTLE RAMS “This place, hidden in Black Amber Social Club, is a great spot to find handcrafted men’s clothing and accessories.” gentlerams.com JJ GREEN NIGHT MARKET “I can always find beautiful vintage furniture at this flea market, and the atmosphere is fun and laid-back.” 1 Kamphaeng Phet 3 ANYROOM “This furniture studio is where architecture types love to shop—it’s stocked with simple Thai designs.” anyroom.com…

SRETSIS “This line of clothing and accessories created by the Sukhahuta sisters is full of whimsical, dreamy designs—it reflects the sisters’ personalities so well.” sretsis.com // KLOSET “I go here to find my favourite vintage-inspired footwear from Croon Shoes—the designs have a touch of glitter and bling, and they’re incredibly comfortable.” klosetdesign.com // ERB “This is my favourite Bangkok beauty brand. I’m always using their body lotion and a perfume that I personalised at the store’s Bespoke Fleurfume Bar.” erbasia.com…

A ruined fortress town set atop a plateau in Madhya Pradesh, Mandu takes you back to the time when voices of ballads echoed in the royal courts, battles were fought to defend honour, and tales of valour travelled from one corner of the kingdom to the other. Founded by Raja Bhoj in the 10th century, it has seen reigns of the Mughals and the Khaljis. The town’s favourite love story is recounted almost as soon as you begin the uphill climb. And then there are pieces of Afghan architecture that instantly catch your attention. JAHAZ MAHAL The ‘ship palace’ rests between two artificial lakes, Munj Talab and Kapur Talab. It was built in the 15th century by Sultan Ghiyas-ud-din-Khilji, and vastly impressed Jahangir and his wife Noor Jahan with its…

DESIGNER JAYESH SACHDEV CO-FOUNDER/PARTNER QUIRK BOX DESIGN MASTER Call him an artist, an entrepreneur or a designer, Jayesh Sachdev, co-founder and Partner at Quirk Box is a bundle of surprises. From growing up in the by-lanes of Pune to being a communications student in Singapore, and receiving awards like the British Council Recipient for the Top Five Art Entrepreneurs in India at the age of 28, Jayesh believes his label is an extension of his personality. POP ART Quirk Box is all about pop, artsy, eccentric clothes, and accessories for those who relish the art and design combo. A distinct feather in his artistic cap, is his project that turned Ravi Varma paintings into cool pop art! Having held exhibitions in New York, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Singapore, his art…

The Tip: The word for ‘vegetarian’ in Vietnamese is ‘chay’, but since the language is tonal, have it written down as well. Spring Rolls The fresh spring rolls (or summer rolls) are made of rice paper and stuffed with crunchy vegetables. It is served with peanut or sweet chilli sauce. Vegetarian Pho A soup made with vegetarian broth, noodles, diced vegetables, tofu, ginger, and spices, all cooked together till it becomes a broth. Banh-Mi A must try. Banh-mi is a French-style baguette with a Vietnamese twist. Mayonnaise, tofu, pickled carrots (daikon), cucumber, cilantro, and jalapeño are the typical fillings. Ca Ri Chay The flavourful curry with the goodness of wholesome vegetables, coupled with Vietnamese curry powder, when eaten with steamed rice, hits all the right notes. Che Chuoi A banana…

LEMONGRASS: Sing Buri in Thailand is well known for having abundant river fish, particularly the Mae La catfish. Attractions include Wat Phra Non Chaksi, a temple that plays the backdrop to a daily open-air market in the heart of Thailand’s most significant lemongrass growing region. RICE VERMICELLI: Made of rice, and more popular than wheat noodles. The terraced paddy fields of Chiang Mai and Bali, are also offers coveted views from beautiful properties like The Four Seasons, Chiang Mai and Alila Vilas Soori, Bali. BEAN SPROUTS: Kids in Thailand, Vietnam, and Malaysia learn how to grow bean sprouts in elementary school along with learning local crafts like batik and bamboo weaving. RED CHILLI: Red chilli is the accessory that brings dishes alive with a heat kick. The Laotian bird eye…

TRIP A FLIGHT | An economy seat on a nonstop round-trip flight from JFK to Cancún on JetBlue creates about a half-ton of CO2 . A carbon offset from airline partner Carbon Fund costs US$5.64 . LODGING | Stay at an off-grid hotel, saving the roughly 37 pounds of CO2 per day the average hotel room generates. Extra points for a property off the oceanfront—it won’t contribute to beach erosion. MEALS | Dine at spots that serve local produce and seafood. Small-scale fishing tends to be less destructive than industrial fishing, and eating local ingredients supports the local economy. TRANSPORTATION | Use a bike or—even better—walk to get around. ACTIVITY | Volunteer for a beach clean up. Collecting trash near coastlines could help keep 31 per cent of microplastics out…

There was a large colourful hoarding at the Manila Airport that read: “It’s more fun in the Philippines.” I glanced upon it, naively conjuring images of the usual sun, sand, and sea in my mind. Thankfully, I was to be proved wrong because I hadn’t the slightest idea that a trip to Philippines can be all encompassing. One that includes, the vastness of the sea and the magical marine life that secretively lives under its calm waters in Palawal, the intense nightlife in Boracay and rare species of mammals at Bohol that are credited to have inspired the likes of Stephen Spielberg himself. With more than 7,000 islands, I narrowed in on three—all of which offer visitors a unique experience to take back home. PALAWAL No sooner had we said…

On the South Island of New Zealand, just about anything grows—and a group of inspired chefs and winemakers are turning the fruit of the land into a distinctive national cuisine. Kevin West digs in.   It was on toward getting sunset at Annandale 4 000-acre , a cattle sheep , farm and turned lodge on luxury the Banks Peninsula a slightly flattened asterisk of land southeast of Christchurch, New Zealand. The light had turned rich and golden, and the twin newborn lambs dozing 0n the gravel road glowed like movie idols. Annandale’s director of hospitality, Callum Farnell, slowed the SUV to a crawl until they got the picture. They wobbled to their feet and then, all of a sudden alert and quick, dashed away, their legs clacking like a marionette’s.…

LONDON’S TOP HAT MAKERS This month, London’s luxury milliner Emily Baxendale is setting up stage at Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London, and giving a shout to ladies in need of a stylish hat. travelandleisureindia.in/londonstop-hat-makers HAVE YOU TRIED SMOKE HOUSE DELI’S NEW MENU? When Smoke House Deli launched its healthy menu, T+L decided to let a junk food fanatic have a go at it. And the results were a pleasant surprise. travelandleisureindia.in/smokehouse-deli-new-menu VINEYARD VACATIONS IN SOUTH AFRICA Just outside Cape Town, there are several wine producing areas set among beautiful mountains. Shibani Bawa has intel on best wine estates and experiences. travelandleisureindia.in/vineyardvacation-in-south-africa DOWNLOAD US T+L Tablet Editions Available on iPad, Android, and Windows Tablets. FOLLOW US INSTAGRAM/ TRAVELANDLEISUREINDIA FACEBOOK.COM/  TNLINDIA PINTEREST.COM/  TRAVLEISUREIN TWITTER.COM/  TNLINDIA SPECIAL SUBSCRIPTION OFFERS EMMINDIA.COM 41% INDIA N…

The hotel emerged from Odile relatively unharmed—it remains a draw for its gorgeous rooms filled with local textiles. And now the resort is offering new experiences with access to Baja’s folk-art communities. Las Ventanas takes guests to studios to learn how to make vibrantly coloured embroidered linens from the indigenous Otomi people or get a beadwork tutorial from Huichol tribe shamans—known for their beaded animal figurines based on spiritual symbols and visions. Doubles from US$925. rosewoodhotels.com…

STUDIO 21 JEWELRY “Pieces from Thai designers that use elements from around the world—antique coins, precious stones—in one-of-a-kind cuff links and jewellery.” studio21original.com // ART RESOURCES “This shop is filled with understated home goods with unique touches, like mosaics of bronze and stingray skins .” 142/20 Soi Sueksa Witthaya; +66-2/235-4846 // P. TENDERCOOL “I adore this design studio—they build reclaimed-wood furniture using traditional techniques.” ptendercool.com…

Thailand has a spa tradition all its own—and the sheer number of options in the city ensures you’ll find a cure for what ails you. First on the list should be a Thai massage at Ruen Nuad (traditional massage US$10 per hour; 42 Convent Rd). Don’t expect much kneading: instead, your body will be pressed, stretched, and manipulated to release tension. Still stressed? Try luk pra kob , an aromatherapy massage that uses hot poultices made with fragrant herbs like lemongrass and eucalyptus. Elemis Spa (Luk Prakob Thai Herbal Compress, US$120; elemisspabangkok.com) does a nice one. Or indulge with a round of shirodhara—an Ayurvedic technique—at Dii Spa (Ayurveda Black Marine Package, US$440; dii-divana.com). It involves a stream of warm oil poured over your forehead and scalp, which is supposed to…

Genus THE AUSSIE EXPAT Habitat JONES THE GROCER This is the grazing area for out-of-their-element Aussies who want some home cooking. The go-to order: a flat white and a Jones big breakfast of artisanal sausage, eggs, tomatoes, wild mushrooms, and potato Rösti. Breakfast US$3–US$11; jonesthegrocerthailand.weebly.com. Genus THE SCHOOLKID Habitat FOOD COURT A mix of Western staples (the ubiquitous Starbucks) and quirky Bangkok mainstays (Ka Nom Fashion Bakery) has made this a popular study spot among local youth. And even without calculus homework, you shouldn’t miss the charcoal- matcha ice cream from Kyo Roll. Genus THE FASHION PLATE Habitat QURATOR With more than 64,000 square feet of space, Qurator is a house of worship for this class of mall-goer. It houses a…

 THE ELITE X2 1012 IS QUITE THE TRAVEL BUDDY. IT SAT WELL WITH ME ON THE PLANE, PLAYED A GREAT COMPANION ON COFFEE RUNS, AND DIDN’T MIND THE BUMPS ALONG THE WAY. Want to do more with your 2-in-1? With a flexible, rotating display and a detachable keyboard, you can turn it into a desktop, or get the HP Active Pen to jot down your ideas on the tablet. 1 It’s really light. That's the first thing you notice about the X2 1012. I slipped this thin, light-as-an-envelope machine (it weighs less than one kilogram) into my tote, and didn't end up with shoulder welts like I usually do. 2 It gets a lot of attention. I loved showing how easily the keyboard detaches to anyone who admired it—fellow travellers,…

“I love to bring back the Grappa and Limonchello that Italy is famous for.” My First Time Three years ago, I went on a vacation with my family and fell in love with this quiet and peaceful town. Later, we bought a holiday home in Laglio and since then, it’s become the place I visit when I need to unwind. The Best Breakfasts I would recommend the Grand Hotel Tremezzo (grandhoteltremezzo.com) or Villa D’ Este in Cernobbio (villadeste.com). Dining Soft Spot Navedano (ristorantenavedano.it) is one of the most celebrated restaurants for its fine Italian cuisine and seasonal menus. It is complimented by a beautiful ambiance and run by a warm Italian family. Bar I frequent Harry’s Bar in Cernobbio (harrysbar cernobbio.it) is a quaint and busy joint on the main…

EACH YEAR WHEN THE IPL runs its course, travelling becomes an integral part of our lives—moving from one venue to another; never bored, never tired. If there is one thing that I have observed during these tours, it is that every city is beautiful and has its own mystique charm. It’s a pleasure to travel in India for the IPL. I cherish the ambience of Kolkata, food at Karavalli (one of my favourite restaurants in Bengaluru), and always look forward to visiting my favourite childhood haunts in my hometown Delhi. It was a momentous decision when the second season of IPL was hosted in South Africa, and I can still recall every moment vividly. Such is the power of travel! We travelled extensively all over the country in those 30…

A professional photographer and artist based in California, @chrisburkard is one of the most Instagrammed profiles in the world with over 1.7 million followers. Not only has he worked with some of the biggest commercial clients imaginable (Apple, Microsoft, Volkswagen), he has published some widely received photobooks including High Tide in 2015, and has recently been honoured with the PMDA Visionary Photography Award for his surf images. His breathtaking landscape photography is marked by a humble portrayal of a human against the untameable nature, some of which he’s shared below. FOR A DETAILED INTERVIEW OF CHRIS BURKARD, GO TO TRAVELANDLEISUREINDIA.IN.…

The Tip: Revealing Bali’s best side are raw food restaurants, vegan establishments, and organic markets when you want to cook your own meal. Relax, you’re meat-proof. Bakwan Jagung Corn fritters. This snack made with corn, onions, celery, and garlic, is found at street corners as well as posh restaurants and serves as a quick midday snack. Vegetarian Mie or Nasi Goreng ‘Mie’ or noodles, ‘nasi’ or rice, ‘goreng’ or fried. An Indonesian favourite, yellow noodle or white rice is stir-fried with shallots, spices, and vegetables. Gado Gado A speciality peanut sauce served over boiled vegetables and rice. While it sounds simple, the peanut sauce is made with the right blend of spices, shallot, palm sugar, and other secret ingredients that render it delicious. Sayur Lodeh A soup made with vegetables,…

Hayman’s one-quart daiquiri is served in what might just as well be a birdbath. Private-island resorts come in all sizes on the Great Barrier Reef, from tiny to titanic. Hayman is one of the big ones, with a feel and MO similar to certain supersized properties in Acapulco (I’m thinking of the Fairmont Princess), Maui (the Grand Wailea), and Puerto Rico (El Conquistador). Given the thousands of miles and the multiple time zones that separate Hayman from these places, not to mention the ostensible cultural differences of the countries where they operate, the similarity is a little weird. Still, there are people who collect reassuringly traditional, scripted resort experiences the way other people collect unprescribed one-of-a-kind boutique-hotel experiences: They’ve got to have them all. How big is Hayman? The resort…

MAYBE IT WAS THE GENUINITY OF THE LOCALS OR THE LANDSCAPE, BUT THAT VERY TWILIGHT MOMENT SET THE TONE FOR THE REST OF MY MYANMAR EXPLORATION; UNPRETENTIOUS AND UNERRINGLY MAGICAL. It’s quite likely that your most endearing memory of Myanmar will have something to do with the moody, honey-dripping ball of fire. The country holds good reputation for gorgeous sun-kissed backdrops for lone boats (or otherwise) to be silhouetted in theatrical slow motion, leaving the fragrance wafting off a fresh bowl of a mohinga (rice noodle fish soup; de rigueur local breakfast), tobacco-stained smiles cracking through a fisherman’s face, and rosy cheeks of cherubic babies, to look pale under the grand romance of the Burmese sun. It was on the second day of cruising from Yangon (formerly Rangoon) to Bagan,…