Innholdsfortegnelse for June 2018 i Travel + Leisure India & South Asia

Travel is the only constant. That succinctly sums up my status quo. There’s something inevitably surreal about setting foot in a new destination. Meeting new people, experiencing new cultures, and just the ability to let go of all your inhibitions, thanks to a world of anonymity, has a certain je ne sais quoi—one that keeps me looking forward to the next departure every single time. If there’s one thing I’ve learned about the beauty of a voyage, it’s what you imbibe on it—not just about the locale, but more about yourself. Are you brave enough to ski on the slopes of Courchevel (p. 63) without skipping a heartbeat? Are you creative enough to capture the fleeting beauty of the sakura (p. 42)? Are you curious enough to go fossil-hunting in…

ZICASSO HANDCRAFTED TRAVEL It was called a ‘matchmaking service for travellers’ by the New York Times. No two vacations at Zicasso look the same. Choose your duration and interests for Zicasso’s worldwide experts to develop a flexible itinerary. zicasso.com KER & DOWNEY An experiential and luxury travel company, this one also assists with philanthropy during a vacation. The semi-assembled itineraries are slow and can be modified to your needs. kerdowney.com REMOTE LANDS Like the name suggests, the company specialises in remote places of Asia. It puts together ultra-luxe and immersive itineraries. remotelands.com ABERCROMBIE AND KENT A 50-year-old player with travel insiders in over 100 countries, it has its own private jet tour around the world. Pick a readymade itinerary or make one from scratch. abercrombiekent.com BROWN AND HUDSON Self-proclaimed as…

MANUFACTURE HYBRID FREDERIQUE CONSTANT A fusion of mechanical watchmaking and smartwatch functions, this hybrid tracks activity and sleep, reports calibre analyses, and tells world time. Available in stainless steel 2-parts case, dark grey dial with silver printed indexes, dark grey alligator strap with blue stitch, 33 jewels and 42 hours power reserve, seven-plus-day battery life. From 2,27,000; 888 pieces RENDEZ-VOUS CELESTIAL JAEGER-LECOULTRE This women’s bejewelled watch celebrates the starry sky with a hand-painted disk of zodiac signs that rotates in sync with the Earth. White gold case, 52 diamonds and 94 sapphires on dial. 2,800,000 ADAMAVI AUTOMATIC (39 MM) CARL F. BUCHERER Adamavi collection sees four new timepieces for women. This one features a CFB 1950 calibre, silver dial, stainlees steel case, 25-26 jewels, and a Milanese bracelet. From 1,75,648…

GETTING THERE Srinagar is well-connected with Jammu, Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chandigarh, and Amritsar by air. WelcomHotel Pine-n-Peak is 90 kilometres from the Srinagar International Airport. The hotel can arrange a pick-up. STAY The Khwabgah Suite 2 ( 34,000)is ideal for couples. For bigger families, three- and four-bedroom cottages ( 65,000 and 80,000 respectively)are perfect. Those with a penchant for opulence, can book the two-bedroom Presidential Duplex Shabistan Suite ( 90,000). itchotels.in EAT As the sun goes down, treat yourself to a piping hot cup of kahwa and snacks at Hotel Heevan’s restaurant. It is located across a bridge from the WelcomHotel Pine-n-Peak. DAY TRIPS Aru Valley, Baisaran Valley, Betaab Valley, and Chandanwadi. ACTIVITIES Trekking, trout fishing, river rafting, horse riding, golfing, and zorbing.…

After centuries of ruling the market, European wines are starting to watch their backs as countries all over Asia are upping their wine game. Though China is the one most regularly in the news, India has also shown great promise as a wine exporter, thanks to producers’ exploration of the country’s diverse, dramatic landscape. Not to be forgotten are the opposite climates of Thailand—increasingly strong with reds as well as whites—and Japan, which has its very own native grape: the unique, ineffable koshu. Hong Kong-based writer and wine commentator, Heller, gives us a quick tour of the continent’s best finds—from sparkling through to reds, with food pairings, glass pairings, and a visual guide to tasting each wine. Sula Brut Tropicale | INDIA Sula Vineyards Pvt Ltd Rose gold tint; white…

It’s five in the morning, and the seaside town of Nha Trang, nestled along the eastern coast of Vietnam, is already bustling. The beach is dotted with tourists, fishing boats bob on the rocky sea, and morning walkers look like moving dots in a matrix from our sea-facing suite on the top floor of Novotel Nha Trang. The luxury boutique hotel affords unobstructed views of the glorious coastline, and consequently, an aerial insight into the hectic proceedings of the promenade that kisses the beach. A group has assembled for a synchronised workout on upbeat tunes, while elderly onlookers perch on nearby benches. As the sun rises higher in the sky, the locals make themselves scarce and tourists begin splaying out on the beach. The island enjoys tropical climate year round…

For a four-month spell in winter, the ski-resort town of Courchevel in the French Alps booms with activity. Chic hotels usher in glamorous guests from around the globe, dexterous skiers dot the slopes, and restaurants are abuzz with travellers. Time and again I have heard that for the remaining eight months of the year, hotels are shuttered, and the town is a mere shadow of its winter avatar. But I cannot imagine Courchevel without its lively vibe, or the thick blanket of white it so gracefully wears. Part of Les 3 Vallées—the world’s largest ski area with 600 kilometres of ski runs connected by ski lifts—Courchevel is a collection of villages, each named after its altitude. I’m staying at the gorgeous chalet-style Hotel Barrière Les Neiges at Courchevel 1850, where…

My first international trip was to Prague in 2003. What is it like to travel the world as a sportsperson? Travel is essential but challenging for a player. Within a week, you go through a lot. A win means you get a hero’s reception on return; a loss means more rigorous training. My first international trip was to Prague in 2003. I was a minor then (13 years old), so my father was asked to send a guardian certificate for me to enter the country. I don’t remember the hotel or even the stadium I played at, just that I won the tournament. Brazil feels like India. Which are your favourite cities around the world? I like Dubai, Hong Kong, Singapore, and coastal cities of China like Macau. In Europe,…

Hyatt Regency Shanghai Global Harbor The seventh Hyatt hotel in town enjoys a location that most of its brethren would covet. Situated in the Shanghai Global Harbour-a complex that incorporates a shopping mall, office tower, exhibition spaces, and restaurants-the hotel is in the heart of action. Launched in August, it offers the most precious commodity to business travellers: time. Its proximity to the Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport, Zhongshan Park Commercial Area, and the National Convention and Exhibition Centre makes it the best bet in East China. From 8,300; shanghaiglobalharbor.regency.hyatt.com Sofitel Shanghai Hongqiao Located in Shanghai’s modern Hongqiao hub, this new property by Accor Hotels stands out for its French-style furnishing. With rooms soaked in warm hues, the hotel is a welcome change from its rivals in the business segment. The…

ANDINA PANADERIA AND PICANTERIA London got its first Peruvian bakery, Andina Panaderia, along with a new restaurant, Andina Picanteria, last month. Run by Chef Martin Morales, both are beautiful spaces that stand out for their eucalyptus wood tables, oiled oak shelves, and bright upholstery. andinalondon.com TITU Opened recently on Mayfair’s Shepherd Street, this new Japanese bar will quickly become your go-to place for artisanal breakfast spreads. Headed by the noted chef, Jeff Tyler, the place serves some of the best green-tea pancakes and soft-shell crab salads. titurestaurant.com…

Sage Hotel Melbourne, Ringwood  fabric of Ringwood is the 120-room Sage Hotel Melbourne. The hotel is housed above the Eastland Retail Destination-a popular shopping centre. Apart from the two meeting spaces that face the picturesque Dandenong Ranges, the facilities here include a lounge and co-working spaces with a large, open-plan area, and modern seating arrangements. Hit the gym in your free time to keep fit. From 10,660; nexthotels.com Hyatt Place Melbourne, Essendon Fields The first Australian hotel under the Hyatt Place brand, the ethos here follows the market research that showed “leisure time was as important to business travellers as the work stuff”. With the 24x7 StayFit Gym, Wi-Fi, and innovative rooms, the hotel focusses on the new-age business traveller who is always on-the-go. It ßis equipped to handle meetings…

India’s only luxury wellness lifestyle magazine, asiaSpa India saw the who’s who of the wellness, travel, hospitality and film industries at its signature event, GeoSpa asiaSpa India Awards, at The St. Regis Mumbai this April. The 11th edition of the awards was supported by Title Partner GeoSpa, Hospitality Partner The St. Regis Mumbai, Process Validation Partner BDO, Official Trophy Partner EPISODE Silver, Invitation Partner Ravish Kapoor Innovative Invitations and Aroma Partner Iris Home Fragrances. The awards felicitated the best in India's wellness, hospitality and travel industries, as well as several international destinations and spas. This year, the Readers’ Choice Awards segement was bigger and better than ever before; our readers helped select winners in 14 categories. Popular wellness destinations such as Fiji, France, Thailand, Mauritius and California took home the…

COMING THIS MONTH... 10 RESTAURANTS WITH THE WORLD’S LONGEST WAIT LIST Discover restaurants around the world that offer food worthy of waiting for months, and the secrets to reserve your seat quicker. travelandleisureindia.in/restaurants-with-long-waiting-list T+L DELICIOUS FOOD AWARDS Travel + Leisure India’s first edition of food awards, Delicious 2018, is an ode to the best curated culinary experiences in the country. Vote for your favourites at delicious2018.travelandleisureindia.in SPOTTED Parineeti Chopra was recently in Australia and her Instagram page is proof of how great the trip was. Here are the top stops from her trip that you should totally explore! travelandleisureindia.in/parineetichopra-australia #TELLTNLINDIA @BREATHTAKING.POSTCARDS GIVES US A GLIMPSE OF THE BEST PARAGLIDING SITE IN INDIABIR-BILLING. THE AREA IS BLESSED WITH THERMALS THAT PROVIDE THE PERFECT UPLIFT TO FLY UP TO 5,000 METRES. TO…

ASK ANYONE WHO, like me, grew up in Bangkok in the 1970s, and they’ll tell you about suffering through interminable weddings at a riverside hotel in Bangrak, one of the Thai capital’s oldest districts. In those days, status-obsessed locals would shuffle over to Charoen Krung Road, Bangrak’s main drag, elbowing through steamy markets and stalls selling jok, or Chinese rice porridge, to submit to an eternity of long-winded wedding toasts. My father, however, had better ideas. He and I would show up, make our rounds politely, then decamp to the nearby Oriental hotel, now the Mandarin Oriental (doubles from 28,200; mandarinoriental.com), his old friend Nelson in tow. Over cocktails, the men would hatch outlandish plans. They dreamed of launching Bangkok’s first yoga studio, and a hospital-themed aperitif bar called The…

Until a decade ago, the most popular party haunts in North Goa were Baga and Calangute. Then, the families arrived. Wailing infants and whiny toddlers in tow. The ‘cool’ hangouts soon turned into family restaurants with agreeable Hindi music. And so, the beaches farther up north—the Ashvems and the Morjims—became safe havens for the young and the reckless. Now, a new hotel in Baga seeks to change all that. PRIVATE PARTY The Park Baga River is the second Goa hotel of the group, which is celebrating 50 years of offering luxury boutique properties. Heeding to customer requests at its Calangute property, The Park decided to try out an adults-only concept in its four-storey property that faces channels of the Baga River. Located on the Baga–Arpora road, the hotel is a…

no 1 Il Ristorante-Luca Fantin, Bulgari Resort Bali Luca Fantin, honed at Rome’s three Michelin-star La Pergola and voted as the ‘Best Italian Chef in the World’ by Italian guide Identità Golose, has recently brought Tokyo’s only Michelin-star Italian restaurant to Bali. Here, premium ingredients are crafted into contemporised five courses complemented with what is possibly Bali’s only self-respecting wine list-you’re unleashed with Gaja to Planeta and Louis Latour Burgundy, when others just about manage Balinese or New Zealand wines. We’d recommend a sunset at the poolside basking in the vistas of the sea while sipping on the award-winning pandan-infused signature Bulgari cocktail Amaryllifolius. And if you’re dining at the restaurant, don’t miss the fab focaccia drenched in olive oil. bulgarihotels.com no 2 Quila, Alila Villas Uluwatu Spanish Executive Chef…

SEASON The Courchevel ski resort and Hotel Barrière Les Neiges are open from December to April (lhw.com). EAT At the Hotel Le K2 Palace’s SarKara restaurant, Chef Sébastien Vauxion creates a 13-course, all-dessert tasting menu in the afternoon, where each dish is a delicate work of art. Exotic ingredients and local preserves from summer feature in abundance in creations such as the beer and grapefruit sorbet, meringue, celery and bourbon vanilla ice cream, and macaroon biscuit with Muscat grape jelly. Dine with a panoramic view of the ski slopes at this property.…

I’d pack the earthy, therapeutic Turmeric & Myrrh Skin Brightening Soap ( 525) that comes with neroli, frankincense, and myrrh essential oils. The night cream (there’s one for men, and one for women) is sheer night-time decadence and known for evident, rapid improvement in skin texture. The lightweight Extra Virgin Organic Coconut Oil ( 595) is nourishing and healing, but also doubles up as a serum for frizz and flyaway hair strands. For their gentle, cathartic refreshment, I’d go with the Rose Jasmine ( 375 for 50 ml)or Himalayan Deodar ( 375 for 50 ml) Face Cleansers.…

DODU ROTISSERIE FRANÇAISE Trust the young French chefs here to serve the best roast chicken in the city. One of the biggest openings in the city last year, the restaurant offers crispy and herbal chicken servings with delicious sides, such as potatoes roasted in drippings, in an intimate setting. dodu.asia SOBER COMPANY This newly launched place offers a three-in-one concept with Sober Café (for brunches), Sober Kitchen (for modern Chinese cuisine), and Sober Society (for digestif cocktails). The signature creations, Blue in Green and Godfather III, will be your takeaway. facebook.com/sobercompany…

VIETNAM 1 SPEND A NIGHT IN THE WORLD’S LARGEST CAVE Fewer people have seen the inside of Hang Son Ðoòng than stood atop the Mount Everest. Located in the UNESCOlisted Phong Nha-Ke Bàng National Park, it is so large that a Boeing 747 could fly through its largest cavern. Book a package with Oxalis (oxalis.com)-the only operator permitted to take travellers inside-and explore enormous stalagmites as clouds envelop the jungle inside. 2 SNACK ON SNAKES IN LE MAT VILLAGE A local adage says: When a Vietnamese man encounters a new animal, his first question is, ‘Is it dangerous?’, and the second, ‘Is it edible?’. Viator (viator.com) takes adventurous gourmands on a tasting tour in Le Mat village, where snake restaurants are aplenty. Stop at The Hung Snake Restaurant (snake.vn) to…

HOW TO GET THERE There are no direct flights to Rio from New Delhi or Mumbai. Fly Emirates First Class on an A380 to reach comfortably in around 22 hours 20 minutes. GETTING AROUND Public transport (buses and taxis) is the safest way to get around town. Hire a tour guide if you wish to cover more ground, since language may be a barrier. STAY One of the best stays at Grand Hyatt Rio is the Diplomat Suite, a corner suite that offers unhindered views of the Atlantic Ocean from the living room and bedroom. Suitable for families, it comes equipped with a gourmet kitchen, a walk-in closet, and 24-hour room service. 12,000 per night for two on a Bed and Breakfast package; hyatt.com VISIT Confeitaria Colombo The 120-year-old patisserie…

HOTELS Baan 2459 A romantic Sino-European colonial bungalow with a striking garden café. Doubles from 11,748; baan2459.com Capella Bangkok Opening this fall, this contemporary 101-room hotel promises to be an exciting addition to the Chao Phraya riverfront. Doubles from 33,567; capellabangkok.com RESTAURANTS & BARS Asia Today Inventive cocktails made with herbal infusions from the far corners of Siam. fb.com/asiatodaybar Ba Hao Humble home recipes including duck wontons and braised pork. Entrées 469-537; ba-hao.com FooJohn Building Three restaurants are arranged across the three stories of this atmospheric Chinatown shop-house, where live music events are also often held. fb.com/foojohnbkk SHOPS Aoon Ceramicist Nattawan Charuwatcharoen’s raw, ethereal pieces crafted from local clay are complemented by an excellent on-site café. fb.com/aoonpottery Oneday Wallflowers A fashionable, frond-filled florist with a hit cocktail bar on its…

A quick scroll through Chef Daniel Humm’s Instagram profile and you’ll know why this 42-year-old Swiss-born chef is called the undisputed ‘King of Minimalism’. Every creation-black and white cookies, Long Island clam bake, carrot tartare with rye bread and condiments-is a piece of art with bare minimal (read: two to three) ingredients. On his debut trip to India last month for The World Series hosted by American Express, Humm was smitten by the tandoor and green mango powder, and plans to introduce them at his three-Michelin star restaurant, Eleven Madison Park, New York (elevenmadisonpark.com), which was ranked No. 1 on The World’s 50 Best Restaurants List 2017. “The flavours here are quite bold, whereas my cuisine is very subtle. There is one thing that caught my attention, and I would…

Korean beauty has taken the global market by storm. Try Dr. Jart+ Dermaclear Micro Foam Cleanser and Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask—two great additions to your travel kit. Newly launched, the Blithe Splash Mask is my favourite. I love the concept of a splash mask: with its lactic acid formula, it moisturises your skin and gives you an instant glow. Just mix with water, splash on your face and leave it on. CARRY ON In my personal travel kit, you’ll find Laneige’s Sleeping Mask, Kara face wipes, and Sunday Riley’s CEO Serum.…

When Jurassic Park hit theatres in 1993, it captured the imagination of people around the world. As a five-year-old kid in a small town of Kutch (Gujarat), I wasn’t spared by the charms of a world inhabited by dinosaurs. Around the time I was introduced to the colossal T-Rex and the brainy Velociraptors on the big screen, I made up my mind that I’d, one day, touch a dinosaur fossil. I wanted to hold a tangible piece of that history in my hands, a part of the anatomy of a creature that ruled the Earth until 65 million years ago. It seemed like a pipe dream then, of course. What I didn’t know was that one of the world’s largest dinosaur fossil sites lay unexplored in my home state’s backyard.…

AT THE FOREFRONT Ever thought of the peepul tree (sacred fig) as a beauty ingredient? It’s incredibly healing, and beneficial for pigmented skin and dark circles. It soothes reactive skin, improves blood circulation, and gives an even skin tone. The balloon vine is one of Kerala’s top 10 edible plants. Locals enjoy it as a dish, but it is also known to boost the natural moisture in hair, saving it from dullness and dryness. ROLE MODEL I am inspired by Estée Lauder’s, sheer ingenuity, and hands-on multi-tasking nature. She managed to stick to the fundamental premise of giving the consumer what they wanted, without overcomplicating her vision. She also pioneered the idea of free beauty samples with every purchase, giving consumers the opportunity to make informed decisions before making any…

From exquisitely prepared meals to an exceptional caviar service, Etihad has nailed the art of elegant dining. Passengers flying The Residence can choose from the à la carte menu that includes truffle chicken, sea bass in lemon and caper dressing, and chestnut and rosemary risotto; or ask the in-flight chef to create a bespoke dish—the meal is served by a butler on 24-carat-gold-plated Bernardaud tableware and award-winning gold-plated cutlery from Studio William. etihad.com…

BROKEN SHAKER This new rooftop bar sits pretty atop the Freehand Hotel near Madison Square Park. The wood-panelled interiors, egalitarian vibe, and 360-degree views of Midtown seal the deal. Signature creations include Cocoa Puff Old Fashioned and Poppyseed Bagel Fizz. freehandhotels.com SUSHI NOZ Sushi masterchef Nozomu Abe’s debut restaurant, Sushi Noz, opened in Manhattan’s Upper East Side this March with an enviable 17-25 course menu. The place also houses 1,000-plus pieces of ancient Japanese ceramics, dating back to the 16th century.sushinoz.com…

The Ned London Launched last year, The Ned is set in the former Midland Bank building (designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens) and offers 252 rooms and a members-only club. Its six Grade I-listed meeting and events rooms are adorned with intricate chandeliers. From the 10-seater Wren Room to the extravagant Tapestry Room that can house over 120 guests, these spaces offer apt settings for both, corporate and social engagements. From 40,000; thened.com Four Seasons at Ten Trinity Square One of the biggest launches in London in recent times, this hotel is housed in a building that was once the headquarters of the Port of London Authority. Every part of the structure, from the 22-carat gold-tiled reception to the UN Ballroom where the inaugural UN Assembly session was hosted in 1946,…

UPTOWN, JUMEIRAH BEACH HOTEL Uptown is popular with Dubai’s high-heeled party-goers and internationally renowned DJs. Perched on the 24th floor, this unique circular venue offers spectacular views of the ocean and the towering Burj Al Arab, along with the promise of an unforgettable night. jumeirah.com THE CHEESECAKE FACTORY This upscale casual dining restaurant at Dubai Mall is buzzing all day, and you are bound to wait before you get a table. Over 200 dishes, 50 signature cheesecakes and desserts, and an assortment of quick bites are up for grabs here. thecheesecakefactory.com…

The sleepy shoreline of Mumbai came to life one sunny afternoon when 15 boats descended on its shining waters for an exciting regatta organised by India’s leading luxury magazine, Millionaireasia India. Swiss International Airlines came on board as the Associate Partner, and the two-day event was powered by Visit Monaco and Visit California. After the exciting regatta, the participants let their hair down over refreshments at the historic Royal Bombay Yacht Club. Team Premier Cru for Millionaireasia India crossed the finish line first and took the trophy home. Tengi and Avi’s Arc for Team Swiss International Airlines came a close second and third. On the second day, guests were treated to a stunning fashion show by designer Pallavi Jaikishan, who showcased her latest collection ‘Aayat’. The show was followed by…

Located about 250 kilometres northeast of Kunming, the striking terrace fields of Dongchuan Red Land resemble the wavy brush strokes of a Van Gogh oil painting. Called ‘God’s Magical Palette’ for its myriad hues of red, orange, green, gold, blue, and purple, the fields stretch out in startling symmetry as far as the eye can see. While the iron and aluminum content in the soil gives it a beautiful crimson tone, the colourful seasonal crops, such as emerald barley and pink buckwheat, lend a palette of contrasting colours to the ethereal landscape. The place is being increasingly explored by intrepid photographers for its mystical sunrises and sunsets. When the fields are submerged in water, you can see the sun reflected in them. Though the best time to visit Dongchuan Red…