Innholdsfortegnelse for December 2017 i Travel + Leisure India & South Asia

SIMON CLAYS It’s a close-run thing, but after a year of hectic travel that’s taken me across three continents, it has to be a recent trip to London that tips it. It was my first time back in almost three years to the day and it was a total tonic to see the old city with fresh eyes. Washed away was the jaundice of having worked in the city for over a decade and the daily drudgery of a monotonous commute. Gone were the daily stresses of making ends meet in a city renowned for its crippling rents and caustic cab fares. To drink in the city’s architectural marvels without fretting about a gas bill, to gaze into that ‘dirty old river’ as it drifts along without worrying which bit…

With diverse communities including the Lepchas, Bhutias, and many Nepali sub-groups, Sikkim’s ethnic fabric is rich and varied. Cultural influences from around the region—Tibet, Bhutan, and Nepal—have seamlessly amalgamated with the state, giving rise to a cuisine that liberally borrows from all these styles. Think hot dalley chillies and cheesy soups, fluffy Tibetan breads and handmade local pastas. While traditional flavours rule, Gangtok is a forward-looking city, with chic cafes and buzzing bars with live music. From city institutions to hidden gems, this guide tells you how to eat your way through the capital city. ABSOLUTE DEMAZONG When asked where to find truly local food, residents are likely to direct you to the hard-to-locate Absolute Demazong. Decked with bamboo furniture and private booths, the large space remains off most tourists’…

STEP 01 Download the App On Google Play o› ioS Sto›e. Log-in th›ough you› Facebook o› email›account. STEP 02 Explo›e Places to Stay Choose you› pe›fect stay f›om p›ivate ›ooms to enti›e homes. When sea›ching fo› a place, make su›e to include you› dates and numbe› of guests to get the most accu›ate p›icing. STEP 03 Choose You› Pe›fect Holiday Home Check photog›aphs and ›ead ›eviews, desc›iptions, house ›ules, cancellation policy, and amenities fo› each home. You can always contact the host if you have any questions. STEP 04 Book It You’ve found you› pe›fect place. Now, you can book instantly o› ›equest the host to accept you› booking ›equest. You can pay online fo› you› ›ese›vation using c›edit o› debit ca›d.…

Aland synonymous with vibrant dandiya nights, colourful costumes and abundant culinary delicacies, Gujarat conjures images of one of the largest salt deserts in the world—Kutch. Rann itself means ‘salt marsh.’ While it stretches into the Sindh province of Pakistan, in Gujarat it is divided into the Great Rann of Kutch and the Little Rann of Kutch. The Wild Ass Sanctuary Possibly the biggest attraction of the Little Rann of Kutch, the Wild Ass Sanctuary spreads across nearly 5,000 square kilometres. Locally known as ghudkhar, the wild ass is found exclusively in this part of the world and looks like horse and donkey, but hails from the horse family and has similar strength and grace. The population of this endangered species is around 3,000 and the best time for sighting them…

THE KNICKERBOCKER New York This Leading Hotels of the World member promises the closest view of the Ball Drop from its electrifying rooftop bar, St Cloud Social. Book a private Skypod for an exclusive experience and enjoy premium bottle service and a menu curated by Chef Charlie Palmer. From 399,201; book a Skypod for 4,908,210; theknickerbocker.com SHANGRI-LA HOTEL Sydney Be one of the first in the world to usher in the New Year with views of the spectacular fireworks at the Harbour Bridge from the Grand Harbour View Suite. From 55,628 per person; shangri-la.com ARMANI MILANO Milan Celebrate New Year’s Eve at one of the most stylish hotels in the world. Reserve a deluxe suite at Armani Milano and indulge in the finest dining and wellness experiences that the city…

Geometric Gin This liquor has a deep, complex flavour thanks to a grape-spirit base and buchu, an aromatic mountain shrub. geometric drinks.co.za TRY IT at the Gin Bar, a speakeasy hidden behind a chocolate shop. Order the Spice GG&T, with Geometric Gin, Symmetry Spicetonic, grapefruit zest, and foraged citrus buchu. theginbar.co.za Pienaar & Son Master Distiller Andre Pienaar, one of the youngest and brightest minds in Cape Town’s drink scene, makes his zesty, English-style Empire Gin with corn, cucumber, and native botanicals. pienaar andson.co.za TRY IT in the gin-based Old-Fashioned at Hank’s Olde Irish on Bree Street, which plays up the spicy notes of Pienaar & Son. hanks.co.za Musgrave The brand’s signature Musgrave Pink Gin uses a blend of 11 African botanicals (including citrus, coriander, and rose) to create a flower-forward spirit…

DOMESTIC Le Meridien New Delhi The iconic glass building of Le Meridien New Delhi lies in close proximity to institutions of both power and pleasure. The hotel takes pride in its boardrooms and meeting venues that offer magnificent views of city landmarks such as Rashtrapati Bhawan, Parliament house, and India Gate. Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre The Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre offers state-of-the-art technologies for event and meeting spaces, and sees an influential crowd walk through its doors. The corporate offices of IT and Pharma giants are all located within a six-kilometre radius. INTERNATIONAL Jumeirah Emirates Towers Minutes from the major business centres in Dubai like the Dubai World Trade Centre and Dubai International Financial Centre, the hotel overlooks the financial district and offers eight meeting suites, a large ballroom, as…

InterContinental Chennai Mahabalipuram Resort Travelling with the young ones or elderly members of your family becomes effortless when you have a hotel that's equipped with services to meet the tiniest needs. InterContinental Chennai Mahabalipuram Resort has won the award for the Best Family Hotel in India for its top-notch service. In the evenings, enjoy the hotel’s culinary joints, like the Gatsby Lounge, a bar and pub with a pub-speakeasy ambience; the Melting Pot: The Market Café that has three live kitchens serving up European, South Asian, and Indian Peninsular cuisines; Tao of Peng, a Chinese specialty restaurant offering classic flavours of Hunan and Canton. Fairmont Jaipur Fairmont Jaipur dons many hats for its incoming guests. Whether you’re celebrating a milestone anniversary, flying in with your cousins for a bachelor(ette) party,…

World of Hyatt Going beyond suites, loyalty points, and traditional benefits, The World of Hyatt that launched in March this year is designed to deepen the relationship between the guest and the hotel. Hyatt divides all worldwide properties into seven categories, each requiring a different number of points for a free night. Award redemptions start at 5,000 points per night in category one, and increase to 30,000 points per night at category seven properties. One of the highlights include a lifestime Globalist status when you make one million base points over the course of your programme membership.…

DOMESTIC Jharkhand A state still in its teen-years, Jharkhand has been put on the world map because of its abundance of natural wonders and minerals. According to a recent study, the state's tourism promises to better present growth rates of eight per cent and nine per cent for domestic and foreign tourist arrivals respectively. The ‘Land of Forests’ offers an optimum mix of experiences—from rural tourism to adventure to eco-tourism and even mining excursions. Assam The land of the red river and blue hills, Assam is the gateway to a largely untouched part of India. The tea plantations, substantial biodiversity, and the largest freshwater island in South Asia, Majuli, make it a major draw for tourists. In an effort to bring together the culture of Assam and the prospects of…

DOMESTIC Andhra Pradesh The notoriously spicy cuisine of Andhra Pradesh draws inspiration from the various communities that reside here. The food here is characteristically spicy and tangy with a liberal use of chilies, tamarind, coconut, and other traditional spices. While the Telangana region has flavours rooted in Persian and Afghan cuisines, the coastal region of Andhra takes pride in its slow-cooked delicacies. Dishes such as pulihora (tamarind rice), karapu annam (chilli rice), chapala pulusu (fish gravy), bhuna gosht (slow cooked mutton), and shahi tukre (dessert) will leave a riot of flavours in your mouth. West Bengal The first thing that comes to mind when you think of Bengali cuisine is fish, rice, and sweets such as rosogulla and sondesh. The mishti doi, served in an earthen bowl, is another popular…

INTERNATIONAL Changi Airport Singapore For the second time in a row, readers have voted Changi Airport as the Best Airport worldwide. Long layovers become enjoyable here: there's a butterfly garden, the world’s largest kinetic sculpture, video game consoles, free movie theatres, and Singapore’s tallest slide. This apart, there's a long list of restaurants, shops, lounges, and airport hotels. With the recently opened Terminal 4, Changi Airport will be able to handle up to 16 million passengers a year, increasing its annual capacity to 82 million passengers. The new terminal features new systems and procedures, such as a facial recognition system, centralised security screening, as well as start-to-end self-service options for check-in. DOMESTIC Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi When IGI Terminal 3 launched in 2010, it set the benchmark for Indian…

THE FIRST AND LAST TIME I SAW RIHANNA—IN A SWIMSUIT, NO LESS—WAS AT THE airport. Her likeness was just behind the customs booth, hanging in a place typically reserved for government leaders. I had expected to see Barbados’s most famous daughter many, many times over the course of my weeklong stay. But I quickly discovered that the locals aren’t especially caught up in Rihanna’s allure. They’d rather focus on people and places that the rest of the world hasn’t already discovered. Barbados has always been a bit of an outlier in the Caribbean. Geographically, this former British colony is the region’s easternmost country, a pear-shaped island jutting far out into the southern Atlantic. (It is so far east, in fact, that it is usually spared by hurricanes.) And though the Caribbean-facing…

 Last month, Travel+Leisure India & South Asia hosted the sixth edition of India’s Best Awards at ITC Maurya, New Delhi. It was a night of glamorous camaraderie as some of the world’s leading hoteliers, regional and international tourism board professionals, and friends from the luxury fashion and lifestyle industry got together to celebrate the winners. The award for Best Hotel Group went to Hyatt Hotels Corporation and AccorHotels, Best Country to Switzerland, and Best Emerging Destination to Bahrain and Korea. Over the course of the night, popular VJ, TV host, and entertainer Cyrus Sahukar anchored the show, Mr Hans Christian Winkler, Head of Press Department, German Embassy delivered the keynote speech, and guests networked over dinner consisting fine delicacies from ITC Maurya’s signature restaurants, Bukhara and…

Celebrate the spirit of holidays in Goa with a range of new experiences put›together by Grand Hyatt Goa. Be›spoiled with an eclectic cocktail menu featuring 18 specially crafted cocktails by›the mixologists to go with the extravagant spread of more than 20 food and beverage bars at the Wicked Liquid Brunch. It’s more than just a›brunch; you can begin your day with an indulgent spa treatment at the Shamana Spa, or by taking a dip in the whirlpool. While you pamper yourself, the kids are well taken care of at the kids club—Camp Hyatt. You can ease out all the frown lines, as the chefs present the kids-mini buffet along with an exclusive kid’s drinks bar that includes favourites such as marshmallow milkshakes, chocolate smoothies, and fruit milkshakes. Ignite romance with…

“We’d love to settle down in New York. The energy there is different and the food scene has everything—from simple food trucks, to amazing cocktail bars, casual cafes, and the most innovative fine dining experiences.” DIRECTORS, AMBROSIA HOSPITALITY>> RANDEEP AND NAVNEET BAJAJ The restaurants under Ambrosia Hospitality-Town Hall, Public Affair, Amour Bistro, and Mr Choy-have made a wave in Delhi and the firebrands have their hands full. Randeep handles the overall operations, while Navneet, who holds a degree in Fashion and Textile Design from the Instituto di Europeo in Milan, is in charge of the details. The power couple is always on-the-go, finding inspiration for these restaurants from their travels. RECOMMENDATIONS Chef Augusto’s signature sushi rolls and hand rolls at Town Hall (town-hall.in); wood fired pizzas and cheesecakes at Amour…

The high ceilings, floral furnishings, and spiral staircases lend an imperial charm to the 19 th  -century hotel. It’s that time of the year when giant lanterns will be fashioned as Santa and his reindeers at Chiswick House and Gardens, the shops on King’s Road will spread Christmas cheer with their shining displays, and the Duke of York Square will light up the neighbourhood. Close to all the action, a boutique hotel hidden in plain sight will indulge its guests like it once did the lord of the manor. The four townhouses that make 11 Cadogan Gardens were built by Lord Chelsea in the 19th century as part of his estate. Even today, the interiors romanticise the Victorian era and whisper the tales of its yesteryear occupants. Walking in…

Park Hyatt Chennai Park Hyatt Chennai has rolled out its red carpets for some of the biggest events in the city. Located just 15 minutes from the airport, the hotel features a 10,122-square-feet space for conferences, 20 suites, and sophisticated venues for business events. After work, wind down at the infinity pool that offers spectacular views of the Guindy Reserve Forest. St Regis Mumbai The hotel boasts the country’s tallest hotel tower and is equipped with over 55,900-square-feet of event space and a 45,200-square-feet ballroom. All resident guests enjoy the uncompromising service of the St Regis Butler.…

Namah, Uttarakhand If you enjoy long weekends in quaint luxury properties, Namah, perched on the edge of Jim Corbett National Park in Uttarakhand offers 50 rooms embraced in the arms of nature, with jungle safaris and elephant rides to spot free-roaming wildlife on. Niraamaya Retreats Cardamom Club Thekkady In the south, Niraamaya Retreats Cardamom Club Thekkady has won top votes for its focus on wellness, apart from an immersive list of activities that guests can try out: trekking, bamboo-rafting, cultural shows, spice walks, among others.…

Gujarat Gujarat has a varied terrain with not just hills and mountains, but beaches and a vast stretch of arid plains in Kutch. Voted the Best State by readers, Gujarat offers a variety of natural and architectural sites. Popular are the sites of the Laxmi Vilas Palace, the Sun Temple, the Prag Mahal, and the ancient city of Lothal. The best time to visit is between now and March when the weather is cool; in summer, temperatures rise above 45 degrees. Tamil Nadu Dravidian architecture, classical dance forms, and medieval poetry make Tamil Nadu an exhilarating experience for visitors. Besides, this is the land of beautiful hill stations such as Ooty or serene beaches like Marina Beach. The capital city of Chennai, reported as the safest city for women in…

DOMESTIC Uttarakhand The rugged topography makes Uttarakhand a hub for adventure sports. Located in the foothills of the Himalayas, the state is blessed with numerous small streams that criss-cross through the rocky terrain and dense forests to join the Ganges. Besides trekking, rock climbing, mountaineering, skiing, and camping, river rafting and kayaking are popular in the region. Go paragliding for a breathtaking aerial view of the snow-capped mountains of Uttarakhand. Sikkim Meandering roads, snow-clad mountains, exotic wildlife, and thick forests; Sikkim is an untouched beauty in the lap of the Himalayas. The icy cold waters of the rivers Teesta and Rangit make Sikkim one of the most challenging destinations for rafting in the country. You can also camp at the white-sand banks of these rivers or go mountain biking across…

DOMESTIC Kerala Palm-fringed beaches, lush green mountains, salubrious spas, and top-class hospitality make Kerala a favourite amongst honeymooners from India and across the world. Disappear into mist-covered coffee plantations, rejuvenate at the finest spas, enjoy candle-lit dinners on the beach or climb a hill—God’s own country has something for every couple. While art-lovers can check out the heritage streets of Kochi, the more outdoorsy couples can choose to stay in a tree house resort in Athirappilly. Jammu & Kashmir Soak in the natural beauty of rolling meadows, pristine lakes, chinar trees, and tulip gardens in Jammu & Kashmir. Enjoy long walks in the verdant Shalimar and Nishat Bagh, lay back in a shikara while cruising along the Dal Lake or simply lay cocooned in a plush houseboat. INTERNATIONAL France France…

I’VE A CONFESSION TO MAKE: A LOT OF CITIES START TO BORE ME AFTER A COUPLE OF DAYS. CABIN FEVER SETS IN AND I GET ITCHY FEET. NOT SO BANGKOK. I STILL GET THE SAME LIME TWIST, GIN ‘N’ TONIC TINGLE OF EXCITEMENT THROUGH MY STOMACH AS THE PLANE KISSES THE TARMAC AND THE GREEN BROWN SHIMMER OF PADDY FIELDS DISAPPEARS FROM VIEW, BEHIND SERIOUS AIRPORT BUILDINGS. Still, I get the feeling, as I roll over the final stretch of concrete, that this particular snake still plays host to a writhing underbelly of counter-culture; a chattering old Siam with its steaming street food counters, hustle and bustle, betting and buns. But, it’s only a feeling and I wonder if the new is finally beginning to tarmac over the old. I’ve…

THIS WINTER, DON’T SETTLE FOR A HOT CUPPA IN BED. Here are six reasons you should book the next Malaysia Airlines flight for a holiday in Australia. http://travelandleisureindia.in/nature-holiday-in-melbourne THESE AIRBNB HOMES ARE PERFECT FOR CAST-AWAY FAMILY VACATIONS where no time will be wasted to strengthen your bond with your loved ones. http://travelandleisureindia.in/family-holiday-with-airbnb 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 CORRIGENDUM This is with reference to the November issue of Travel+Leisure India and South Asia, Photographer Credit on the Contents Page. It is to be informed to all the readers that there has been a mistake in the credits published in the Contents Page wherein, Cover›Photographed by Ashish Chawla has been published in place of Photographed…

VILLA SOLITUDE SIOLIM The four-bedroom Villa Solitude is a postcard home in the quaint village of Siolim in North Goa. The picturesque property with its blue and white façade, traditional Goan architecture, and breezy verandahs is a window into the state’s past. Culture vultures can take a day trip to Goan landmarks such as St Anthony’s Church and San Joao Chapel, close to the home. For a more local experience, let hosts Ruth and Wilbert chart out an exclusive itinerary for you. Nearest Beaches Vagator, Morjim, and Ashwem. SUMMERTIME CALANGUTE Owned by Dutch-Indian couple Hans Tuinman and Sucheta Potnis, the three-suite villa is designed to let guests follow the sounds of nature. Perched on a hilltop, Summertime offers magnificent views of the surrounding greenery through its floor-to-ceiling glass doors. Also,…

The Rotterdam-born wildlife photographer has travelled across all seven continents, covering more than 20 countries including Greenland, Tanzania, and New Zealand. From following lions in Africa to camping with giant tortoises inside a volcano in the Galapagos, he documents his adventures for his 618K followers on Instagram, @franslanting, and contributes to leading publications around the world. He has also been inducted as a Knight in the Royal Order of the Golden Ark, the highest conservation honour in The Netherlands. After an exhilarating trip to Madagascar, Lanting is all set to photograph Polar Bears in Canada for his next photographic journey. lanting.com…

Mikkeller Bar  Many regard co-founder Mikkel Borg Bjergsø as a mad scientist, and his bold approach (before crazy infusions were everywhere, he was making seaweed pilsner and porter with chilis) single-handedly put Scandinavia on the 21st -century beer map. Bjergsø’s brews are beloved by beer geeks, and Mikkeller now has 32 pubs and taprooms, but this was the first. Now seven years old, it’s still the crown jewel, with 20 taps and a lengthy list of bottles. mikkeller.dk WarPigs  An ode to and roll, craft suds, and Texas barbecue, WarPigs is the product of the dream team of Mikkeller and 3 Floyds Brewing Co.—the Indiana group behind some of the globe’s most coveted bottles. At this beer hall in a converted slaughterhouse, brewer Lan Xin Foo leads the charge on…

An evening in Bogotá should begin at Salvo Patria (salvopatria.com), a revamped townhouse in the Chapinero Alto neighbourhood with spartan, candlelit interiors reminiscent of a chapel. Regulars swear by the bracing tequila highball with flavours of green mango and chilli, but if you’re a beer drinker, order the house American pale ale, which is infused with roasted peppers from a nearby farm. A couple of miles north, brass light fixtures and 20-foot ceilings lend vintage-y glamour to Segundo (restaurante segundo.com), a fashionable new hangout near the upscale El Retiro centre. Try El Draque, an updated mojito made with rhum agricole and the bark of the Amazonian chuchuhuasi tree, which adds a bitter note to temper the drink’s sweetness. For a more adventurous sampling of indigenous Colombian ingredients, check out El…

WINTER WONDERLAND AT HYDE PARK Head to the 11th Winter Wonderland to enjoy a dazzling array of activities and entertainment and live music at the UK’s largest open-air ice rink to watching the enchanting interpretation of Cinderella on Ice. hydeparkwinterwonderland.com HOGWARTS IN THE SNOW At Warner Bros. Studio Tour London, for the first time ever, the top section of the Great Hall stage will be themed as the iconic Yule Ball in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, covered in shimmering silver, dripping icicles, and sparkling snow, and a replica festive feast including the flaming Christmas pudding laid out on the long tables. From November 18 - January 28; wbstudiotour.co.uk CHRISTMAS SHOPPING The much-loved Peter Jones department store at Sloane Square in the heart of Chelsea is ready to…

DOMESTIC The Lalit Mangar, Faridabad Just an hour’s drive from the capital, The Lalit Mangar sits pretty in the lush valley of Faridabad, ensconced by the Aravallis. It is an experiential hotel designed to follow the sounds of nature and offers an assortment of outdoor activities such as rock climbing, cycling, and village walks to name a few. The Lalit Mangar bags our award for the Best New Hotel for its farm-to-table approach in dining and the use of natural raw materials such as chalk and gravel as part of its specially rammed earth architecture. Andaz Delhi Andaz Delhi is the stylish new hotel that blends together a personal and uncomplicated approach to hospitality for its guests. The luxury lifestyle brand of Hyatt has registered its footmark in the galaxy…

DOMESTIC Taj Falaknuma Palace Perched 2,000 feet atop the City of Pearls, Falaknuma Palace, the former abode of the Nizam of Hyderabad was acquired by Taj in 1994. Today, this is a heritage property to reckon with: regal Belgian chandeliers and eloquent stuccowork, monograms of the sixth Nizam on furniture, walls and ceiling, and a concierge desk offering regal experiences for discerning travellers. The Imperial New Delhi An iconic landmark in Connaught Place, The Imperial New Delhi was built in 1931 by Reginald Blomfield, one of Sir Edwin Lutyen’s associates, and later inaugurated by Lord Willingdon in 1936. The Imperial and Heritage rooms reflect classic designs, with beautifully appointed baths, marble and parquet flooring, and intricately carved furniture reminiscent of the British Raj. Visit the famous 1911 bar that stands…

ITC Hotels ITC Hotels has more than 100 properties in over 70 destinations. Among these are some of the most opulent hotels in the country such as ITC Grand Bharat in Gurugram, ITC Grand Chola in Chennai, ITC Maurya in New Delhi and ITC Maratha in Mumbai. Many of these properties are the preferred choice for visiting heads of state and the royals of many countries. The group has also pioneered the concept of ‘Responsible Luxury’ in the industry and incorporates exemplary sustainability practices for safeguarding the environment.…

Baden-Baden, Germany The thermal springs, luxury spa hotels, and the 140-year old Friedrichsbad, along with the Mediterranean flair of the Belle Epoque make Baden-Baden a great vacation destination. The city is home to Germany’s oldest casino, which according to Marlene Dietrich, is ‘the most beautiful casino in the world.’ Dive into the world of roulette and poker in a unique Belle Epoque ambience, or escape into a luxury hotel for a spa staycation. Monte Carlo, Monaco Monte Carlo may be a tiny commune in Monaco, but it is packed with the most luxurious offerings in the country. Expect celebrity sightings along the French Riviera; here the rich and famous rent a Lamborghini to drive along the harbour or a luxury yacht to experience a Champagne sunset.…

DOMESTIC Rajasthan From the ramparts of forts and courtyards of palaces to undulating dunes and stunning sunsets, Rajasthan offers an array of venues and backdrops to host the most magical wedding. The desert state’s rich culture and heritage continues to attract couples from all over the world who want to get hitched in regal style. Family and friends are treated as royalty in heritage hotels that are steeped in the glorious folklore of their former royal residents. Goa There is an inmitable charm about Goa that transcends into dream weddings. Host your wedding by the beach or organise a cocktail evening for friends under the stars—Goa has something for all your pre- and post-wedding ceremonies. INTERNATIONAL Abu Dhabi More and more couples, especially Indians, are looking towards the Middle East…

INTERNATIONAL Regent Seven Seas The all-suite cruise line is all set to celebrate its 25th anniversary this year and is close to completing a fleet-wide US$125 million enhancement designed to elevate it to the standard set by their newest ship, Seven Seas Explorer. All four ships—Mariner, Explorer, Navigator, and Voyager—are exclusive and carry a small number of passengers in order to provide an intimate and tailored service. Regent Seven Seas invests hugely on crafting excursions that offer you an opportunity to explore a new dock every morning. DOMESTIC BEST LUXURY TRAVEL CURATOR The agents of travel wisdom that curate the best itineraries. Cox & Kings and TUI Anytime you want to take off to exotic destinations that are hard to plan, you head to the experts! While TUI is known…

We felt as if we’d travelled through time, and not just because of the classic car we’d arrived in. The word Tropicana glowed against glossy palm fronds, a sign that was part cool mid-century glamour, part Caribbean fever dream. The illuminated letters appeared to shiver, as if to the beat of an unheard rumba. We had reached Havana’s famed open-air cabaret. Built in 1939 on the lush, manicured grounds of a private home, Tropicana was once the only major Cuban-owned casino in town. After the revolution, it was among the few allowed to remain open. Today, ghosts linger in its photo-lined café: here, Carmen Miranda; there, Paul Robeson. At the door, my partner was handed a cigar. I received a single red rose. Through the haze of smoke, I recognised…