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

and insulting as calling all of India south of the Vindhiyas, the land of Madrasis. Date palm trees, sand dunes, monstrous looking Rolls Royce Phantoms and souped up Humvies, dizzyingly tall glass skyscrapers, and lots of gold. That’s the standard image most people have of the Middle East. They think it’s that barren strip of desert that sprawls between Asia and Europe, and is only good for one thing: shopping. In fact, as much as I like Dubai and its spirit to outdo itself in glitz, we tend to paint the rest of the region in the same shade of gold. When in reality there’s so much to interest those who travel for food, culture, nature and sport. Every year we celebrate this region during this season (the best time…

CANTONESE BEEF BRISKET NOODLE SOUP A light broth made of beef tendon, fresh veggies, and flat noodles swirling in oyster and soy sauce, delivers a subtle taste on the palate and is best had when hot. If you don’t mind a fatty meal, head to Kau Kee (21 Gough St, Central; +852/2850-5967). EGG WAFFLES Arguably the city’s favourite snack time sweet, these delicious egg-shaped waffles are served hot and pair well with tea or hot chocolate. The best ones come from Lee Keung Kee North Point Egg Waffles (178 Nathan Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui). CHICKEN FEET In any other part of the world, you may not imagine yourself munching on chicken feet. But here, the cheapest Michelin starred restaurant in the world, Tim Ho Wan (timhowan.com) in Mongkok District, serves…

The wine shop and cellar Grand Cru has access to many names around the world and is my absolute go-to place for wine shopping. ( grandcruwineshop. com.au) HANGOUTS Restaurant The restaurant Balthazar (balthazar.com. au) is where my wife Mel and I celebrate our landmark occasions. With intimate lighting and sound recluse, it’s our secret hideout. Sports Bar Being a sportsman I frequent the Crown Sports Bar at Crown Resort (crownperth.com.au) specially during major sporting tournaments. Family Hangout Nothing beats downtime with family on a quirky shack at the Cottesloe Beach, the most popular in Perth. Picnic Spot Matilda Bay is one of the most photogenic cityscapes of the Swan River. The statuesque backdrop comes alive with the vibrant locals in harmony with the flowing river. Weekend Getaway Rottnest Island,…

MINI MOONS Rewarding week-long short breaks. ITALY: Go on an evening Baccari Tour in Venice for a glass or two of Ombra and Cicheti wines. And if you’re a literary aficionado, make reservations at the ruined Roman villa which once belonged to the Latin poet Horace. SANTORINI: Towering hills bedecked with white and turquoise villages overlook the dazzling Aegean Sea in this small Greek village. Soak in a sundowner at a place that receives 300 days of sunshine each year! MONTENEGRO: The southern coast has over 20 miles of golden sand and warm blue sea, sharply contrasting with the imposing mountains of the north and the clear lakes of the interior. MOROCCO: Take in the spectacular aerial view of the Atlas Mountains and Marrakech from a hot air balloon with…

1 In a Dazzle All eyes are on the Parisian Macao on the night of the launch. As fireworks escape the Eiffel Tower, the city of Macau witnesses one of the most glamorous hotel openings in the city. 2 Heads Up The team behind the dream project are called on stage. As they push down the long white lever in front, the Parisian Macao is officially launched. The light and sound show commences as well. 3 & 5 Red Carpet CEO of Las Vegas Sands Corp, Sheldon Adelson strikes a pose with wife, Miriam Ochsorn; Hong Kong singer Jonathan Wong and Korean actress Clara Lee are among the many stars that grace the red carpet. 4 Paris Love Dancers perform at the foot of the Eiffel. This is a musical…

From the Emirates to Egypt, we explore the best places to shop for dazzling gold, magical carpets, and aromatic spices. CAMEL SOUK AL AIN The Camel Souk in Al Ain is the last of its kind in the UAE, offering a unique look at local customs. In the emirate of Abu Dhabi, Al Ain is a lush green garden city, and the perfect spot to discover more about traditional Arabic culture. The city is equidistant from Abu Dhabi and Dubai and is also a short drive over the border from Oman. The souk can be difficult to access, but a half hour taxi ride from the city centre will save a long walk in the heat. Within the souk itself, camels are brought in via lorries and lined up for…

MEILING One of the most famous fashion designers far West, Meiling Esau was declared a national icon in 2013. Known largely for her edgy urban wear, Meiling has recently ventured into vintage and contemporary bridal wear as well. Check out her flagship studio at Woodbrook, Port of Spain. meilinginc.com CLAUDIA PEGUS Also known as the ‘Grand Master of Caribbean Fashion’, Claudia Pegus’ signature style includes a wide range of hand-embroidered silk work on different fabrics. Operating out of her store in Woodbrook, she runs the Claudia Pegus couture label and the prêt label, CBFS. claudiapegus.com ANYA AYOUNG CHEE After winning Project Runway Season 9, Anya Ayoung Chee started her clothing label, Pilar and lingerie line, Anya de Rogue. Among the country’s younger crop of designers, she collaborates with other designers…

YERETTÊ Hidden amidst the lush slopes of the Maracas Valley, Yerettê is the home that the Fergusons share with 13 of the 17 species of hummingbirds inhabiting Trinidad and Tobago. Sit back on their patio and spend hours being enamoured by their songs, vivid colours, and aerial acrobatics. yerettett.com TURTLE SANCTUARY, MATURA Spearheading the country’s developing eco-tourism efforts, the sanctuary started as a conservation and mapping project for leatherback turtles. The long drive to Matura at night gives you the surreal experience of watching the endangered species lay eggs in the sand, under the moonlight. turtlevillagetrust.org CARONI BIRD SANCTUARY A boat ride on the Caroni Swamp is perhaps the best place to see the widest variety of the islands’ wildlife in their natural habitat. Strain your eyes on the mangrove…

“You can cut and paste various parts of DNA, and see an organism grow.” 1 Hyper-Wired Museums Early in the last century, when the American Museum of Natural History in New York began placing taxidermied animals in the ‘natural’ context of dioramas instead of traditional glass cases, some observers were aghast. Critics accused curators of popularising science and emphasising entertainment over research. “It was cutting-edge at the time, and the museum was accused of dumbing things down,” says Jake Barton, principal of the renowned New York exhibition-design firm Local Projects. He sees the dioramas as a pioneering step toward today’s visitor-oriented museums: “It began transferring the focus from things to people.” Today that process continues with technology, which is revolutionising how we engage with storied institutions. New techniques are eliminating…

I BOARDED THE SUNRISE TRAIN TO GANGWON PROVINCE JUST BEFORE MIDNIGHT, IMAGINING THAT IT WOULD BE FULL OF LONELY PEOPLE seeking the solace of the mountains and the endless blue sea. Though Gangwon is only a few hours east of Seoul, it is another world. It contains Seoraksan National Park, beloved for its dramatic peaks, deep valleys, and unparalleled autumn foliage. But until recently, Gangwon was one of South Korea’s most treacherous regions. Folk tales abound about farmers being devoured by tigers. In the 19th century, bandits were known to take travellers captive. As late as the 1980s, buses made the evening news by tumbling off cliffs. Today, the roads are much improved, and the area has become more accessible. Visits increased after 2004, when the South Korean…

SAI KUNG AND CLEARWATER BAY Expats looking for slightly larger homes are at ease in this sparsely populated area of the city that offers gorgeous views of a warm sandy beach and rolling hills. Tee up at the Clearwater Golf and Country Club (cwbgolf.org); nearby in Sai Kung, there are surfing and diving schools as well. TAI PO Although a away of HK, this neighbourhood is popular with expats for its spacious condos with clubhouses. This is also the quiet part of the city where you can get a real slice of traditional life: open-air markets and post-war walk ups included. TUEN MUN Beach houses with private gardens or high rise buildings with rooftop terraces, you’re at one of the most expensive neighbourhoods in Hong Kong. International eateries line the…

Amrish can really pick his French cheese and saucisse (dried sausage). He also has a great collection of posters. FASHION DESIGNER>> AMRISH KUMAR CEO, RITU KUMAR BRANDS HE LOVES Chloe, Prada, Valentino, and Isabel Marant. WHAT MAKES HIM TRAVEL NOW He’s looking at expanding the brand presence globally, getting reactions from newer markets, and discovering influences that can be incorporated into the designs. HIS FAVOURITE ADVENTURE TRAVEL DESTINATIONS National Parks—in India and elsewhere. A HIGH-FASHION CITY HE VISITS OFTEN He likes going to Japan to explore new trends and styles and to Paris for fresh inspiration. PLACES TO UNWIND IN THE CITY Artusi (artusi.in), Perch (71, Khan Market, +91-083/739 76637), Piano Man (thepianoman.in) BOOKS BY HIS BEDSIDE Sapiens by Yuval Harari, Freedom by Jonathan Franzen. THREE THINGS HE CAN’T…

A TOP TOUR Le Méridien Jaipur organises a delightful tour curated by the hotel’s hugely knowledgeable staff that will show you a side to Jaipur you may not have actually seen before. You’ll visit Sri Chaturbhuj and Roop Chaturbhuj both grand old temples situated at ‘Choti Chauper’ the city square. As old as the city their elevated location provides excellent views of the surrounding area. See a beautifully restored haveli owned by a welcoming family, who have a great taste for traditional art and architecture of the city. Visit a private Tantra Temple with beautifully carved doors. This Shiva temple used to serve as a prominent seat for Tantric rituals in the ancient times. At Shri Gopinath Ji Krishna Temple—a popular and lively temple of Jaipur—visitors can have a firsthand…

WHERE Standing opposite each other on the banks of Dubai’s creek are the spice and fabric souks—the former on the Deira creek, while the latter is situated in the city’s old trading centre of Bur Dubai. WHAT Find colourful and patterned fabrics, with handspun pashminas being amongst the best-selling items. The souk also houses some of the most skilled tailors in Dubai, who make affordable, beautiful and high-quality suits and dresses. EXTRA The drapers in the souk sell silks and cottons off the roll by the metre. WHY The souk occupies a traditionally restored bazaar and with a wooden roof, makes shopping a pleasant experience even on the hottest days of the year.…

FRENCH Chaud A veal cheek cannelloni served with sautéed escargots, the chicken al mattone, or a Crème Brûlée Napoleon— everything about Chaud screams French. The restaurant has separate lunch and dinner menus, and enlists a long list of cocktails and sorbets. chaudkm.com ITALIAN Aioli Owned by Chef John Aboud, Aioli is one of Trinidad’s most popular and favoured fine dining destinations. The menu uses the choicest of local produce to create a grand Italian fair and boasts a mouth-watering Crab Risotto and the Venetian Fritto Misto. aiolitrinidad.com CARIBBEAN Waterfront This Caribbean speciality restaurant at Hyatt Regency Trinidad contemporises traditional recipes that are complemented by an impressive wine list. A warm ambience and a great view later, the restaurant delivers a well-rounded meal. trinidad.regency.hyatt.com INDIAN Apsara Restaurant This has been Trinidad’s…

Drive to the Tobago Cocoa Estate (tobagococoa.com) on Cameron Canal Road to experience a day out on a cocoa plantation, the best time being the harvest season between December and March. Walk amidst the twitter of birds, the rustle of leaves, and open cocoa pods, on a journey to understand the science of making cocoa. End your trip on a high note by taking a rum and chocolate pairing session at the property, followed by sumptuous local dinner. All the finished products here are made by the artisan chocolatier, Francois Pralus, who uses the Trinitario cacao beans, native to this country. DUANE DOVE Owner, Tobago Cocoa An absolute purist, the Academy of Chocolate Silver Award winner says he has always focused on the raw material, and so, the tree-to-bar process…

Angostura 7 Year Old This amber coloured rum smells of chocolate and honey, and lets off a deep, woody aroma. Soaked in oak barrels, the rum has a nice, clean flavour and leaves behind a beautiful heat at the back of the throat. Ideal for buttered rum and cuba libre. Angostura 1919 Named to honour Fernandes—the local rum maker who bought charred casks full of rum made in 1919 after a warehouse fire—this is a smooth and mellow eight-year-old rum with high caramel and vanilla notes. It’s best when had neat or in a daiquiri. Angostura 1824 The mature, twelve-year-old rum is a heady and complex concoction of notes of raisin, clove, licorice, and a final hit of tobacco. Named after the year the German doctor, Johann Gottlieb Benjamin Siegert…

THE FINAL FACE-OFF: MONTREAL VS TORONTO The rivalry between Montreal and Toronto has gone past Montreal Canadiens and Toronto Maple Leafs. It’s now also about food, lifestyle, culture, and booze (obviously). travelandleisureindia.in/the-finalface-off-montreal-and-toronto DO ICELAND OUR WAY Home to the oceanic wonders, Northern Lights, and ice-covered volcanoes, Iceland boasts of scenery that will make you stop and linger, and you will be struck by how beautiful and unadulterated nature can be. travelandleisureindia.in/do-icelandour-way 5 REASONS TO VISIT THE SAN MIGUEL MARKET IN MADRID The iron-and-glass San Miguel Market in Madrid beckons intrepid travellers with its delicious food, great ambience, and historic significance. travelandleisureindia.in/travelandleisureindia.in/5-reasons-to-visit-the-san-miguel-market-in-madrid5-reasons-to-visit-the-san-miguel-market-inmadrid 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…

CHINA TANG Someone has squirted this newly-opened fine dining Chinese restaurant with floral patterns. Try their glazed chicken, roasted duck, and dimsums, or take your wine glass to the outdoor terrace for harbour views. It also features five decorated private rooms. chinatang.hk VIVIENNE WESTWOOD CAFÉ The world’s second Vivienne Westwood Café opened in Harbour City in October last year, and it’s just as elegant as its Shanghai predecessor. One side conjures the image of an 18th-century French tearoom and the other takes you backstage of a fashion show with a photo shooting panel. +852/3188-2646 HOMIE COOKIES Singer Joyce Cheng sells drool-worthy cookies at this pop-up store. Try John Lemon (lemon and poppy seeds), Keyser Soze (chocolate chip), Rude Boy (oatmeal rum raisin), and cookie of the month. homiecookies.com CHA LING…

She told me the ‘monkey brain’ would improve. One Saturday last spring, seven strangers and I plopped down on leather couches in the great room of Masseria della Zingara, a beautifully restored 18th-century farmhouse in Puglia, in southern Italy. Everyone looked a little nervous. It was the first day of Time to Log Off, a new week-long retreat that asks guests to unplug from their devices while participating in a battery of yoga, meditation, and mindfulness exercises. Tanya Goodin, the retreat’s founder, dramatically passed around a basket, asking guests to surrender their phones and declare their intention for the week. “I really need to catch up on sleep and just chill the hell out,” said an oil-and-gas executive. “I’m desperate to feel less frantic, less like I need to always…

Pondi’s French Quarter is refreshingly sleepy; the honking horns, zooming vehicles, and chaos are largely absent. The French laid out their streets in a formal grid pattern. This was White Town. Over the canal, or Drain, the Tamil Quarter, Black Town, grew up in its own organic way—albeit with a great number of fine mansions built by wealthy traders. Hit the streets for a wander through Pondi’s charming French Quarter, which seems refreshingly sleepy; traffic and horns largely absent, replaced by colourful villas. As you get your bearings, you’ll discover beautiful churches and quaint former governmental buildings established by the French, many of which have been beautifully restored and painted in tropical hues of pink, yellow, and blue. Settled amidst these streets or on the waterfront, there are eight amazing…

DAY 1 Start at Pigeon Point and once you are done admiring the beauty of the bluest waters, take a glass-bottomed boat to Buccoo Reef, one of the world’s largest concentrations. You can either peer down at the world of corals through the bottom of the boat, or snorkel and swim with fish of every colour and reach the corals that fl and flutter in the undercurrent. The Rooftop Seahorse Inn Restaurant (seahorseinntobago. com) place up after an exhausting day. Try their Pan Fried Mahi Mahi with some Riesling, as you hear waves hit the shore in the distance. DAY 2 Put on your hiking shoes and climb up to the Argyle Waterfall, the country’s highest waterfall that accumulates in pools at three different height levels; dip your feet…

HEADING NORTHWARDS The northern coast boasts the best beaches in the country; driving through the Maraval village, one can stop by St Andrews Golf Course before viewing all of the La Vache Bay on the way to Maracas Beach. Customise your bake and shark sandwich by the beach and end it on a sweet note with some local homemade ice cream. CITY SIGHTS A drive around the capital city of Port of Spain reveals the various cultural influences history has had on the city. A cityscape of many contrasts and dotted with Brutalist architecture, it has a beautiful house of parliament, a 200-year-old Anglican Church, the colonial Queen's Royal College and for the lovers of literature, VS Naipaul’s house. LIMING LOVE Driving up to Lopinot from Port of Spain is…