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

It’s that time of the year when you let adulting take a back seat. ‘Tis the season to be merry, indulge in some R&R, and get ready to bring in the New Year with a bang! Our ‘Reasons to Travel Now’ section (p. 10) reveals the hottest party destinations you should seek out this New Year’s Eve. Speaking of partying, how can one miss the City of Lights—extravagant and sophisticated in equal measure. Our cover star and author of the critically acclaimed The Last Song of Dusk and the recently launched The Rabbit & the Squirrel, Siddharth Dhanvant Shanghvi walks the streets of Paris, while being captured by the inimitable Farrokh Chothia. The bestselling author spills the beans on those luxe nooks of the city that only an insider is…

ANOTHER STAR IN THE glitzy metropolis of Dubai, the spanking new Gevora Hotel aims to take hospitality standards to new heights, literally. At 357.8 metres high, the hotel edged its closest competitor by one metre when it launched in February this year. With 528 rooms and suites across 75 floors, five culinary venues, a state-of-the-art health section, and plenty of recreational activities, the hotel caters to all the possible needs of the globetrotter. It also spoils, with opulent touches like gold-coated revolving doors at the entrance. Looking out to Dubai’s cityscape, the guestrooms are stylish and lively. All three categories-Deluxe Rooms, Premium One Bedroom Suites, and Two Bedroom Suites-feature an in-built kitchenette, separate seating area, an interactive television set, premium toiletries, and more. The smallest of them is 46 square…

Imagine walking into a space that exudes the warmth of home, but offers the services of a luxury hotel. This ideal lies at the crux of Andaz Residences, an array of apartments that guarantee carefree and effortless living in the capital. A new concept of urban living, Andaz Residences offers fully-serviced apartments for business and leisure travellers. From those who are moving into the city, to business travellers visiting for long periods, there’s many a modern city slicker who will find himself at home in one of these tastefully designed and furnished apartments. The 129 residences here come in the configuration of one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments, along with townhouses, with easy access to the hotel facilities, including a 24-hour gym, spa, restaurants and bars, and event spaces. The serviced…

Ensconced amidst the azure blue waters of the Indian Ocean is a French island relatively unknown to the holidaying crowd crisscrossing the region to travel to its more popular neighbours, Madagascar and Mauritius. La Réunion, a French overseas department, lies at the crossroads of European, African, and Asian cultures, with almost 40 per cent of its territory classified as UNESCO World Heritage Site. Besides being a melting pot of cultures, the island also offers an unparalleled mix of outdoor and gastronomical experiences to satiate every kind of traveller. From exploring its exceptional biodiversity to finding Asian influences in its native cuisine, the destination is indeed a true revelation. 1 THE GREAT OUTDOORS Stretching over 1,900 kilometres of inland and coastal trails, La Réunion offers a mind-boggling range of outdoor activities…

The restaurant at the Kandy House hotel in Kandy is a must-visit to taste amalgamations of Sri Lankan and western dishes. 24,000 for twothekandyhouse.com You cannot go wrong with Ministry of Crab. Located in the Old Dutch Hospital in Colombo, it rustles up some of the best seafood in South Asia. It’s good for lunch or dinner. 3,500 for two; ministryofcrab.com Try the hoppers-the Sri Lankan version of the appam-with curry at Café on the 5th , which is a charming al-fresco restaurant in the business district. Come here for breakfast or tea-time treats. 800 for two; 108 5th Ln, Colombo 00300. Barefoot Café in Colombo is tucked behind a shop of the same name. Come here for a laid-back vibe, their iconic black pork curry, and live jazz on Sundays.…

ONE OF THE CLOSEST NEIGHBOURS of India, Sri Lanka has long been overshadowed by its turbulent past and years of uncertainity. However, all that is changing now, and the island nation is finally getting its due attention on the tourist map. It wasn’t long ago that Sri Lanka was hailed as a beach destination. But, there is more to the country than its pristine beaches and national parks. Only a few places have as many UNESCO World Heritage sites (eight) packed into such a small area. An experiential trip across the Cultural Triangle—Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, and Kandy—gives one a closer look at its vibrant history and ancient civilisations. The expedition deserves at least a week and your undivided attention. Therefore, travel cashless and plan your trip in advance with a global…

GETTING THERE Colombo is well connected by flights to most major Indian cities. Galle is two hours away from Colombo, and connected by road and rail. STAY Travel back to the colonial era at the Galle Face Hotel ( 13,000; gallefacehotel.com), or enjoy an intimate experience at the Havelock Place Bungalow ( 6,500; havelockbungalow.com). When in Galle, experience the best of Dutch architecture at Amangalle Hotel ( 49,000; aman.com) or the Galle Fort Hotel ( 18,000; galleforthotel.com), a former gem merchant’s mansion-turned-boutique hotel. SEASON Colombo and Galle experience tropical climate through the year, with November to February offering cooler climes.…

Many years ago, the writer Tash Aw and I were wandering the streets of Paris. On that Sunday, it was overcast, and even the nobby 7 th arrondissement lacked an open bistro. “I hate this city,” I mumbled. “Let’s head to the Lutetia,” It was a well-known five-star hotel. “They have a great restaurant. It’ll be open on Sunday.” Visiting the Lutetia (hotellutetia.com) at the time was like calling on an aunt who once enjoyed a celebrated romantic career, but had since fallen into an era of bad thighs. “I’m never coming back,” I told him. “Don’t be silly,” Aw said. “You’ll love Paris, it’ll creep up on you like a fever.” Seven years after this trip, Aw—author of the wonderful and acclaimed bestseller Five Star Billionaire— made good on…

SPOTTED Sachin Tendulkar recently holidayed in Bhutan. And his Insta images tell you why it’s such a happy place. travelandleisureindia.in/sachintendulkar-bhutan-holiday/ DISCOVER This secret deep diving spot in Honduras is the au courant favourite among divers. We have all the deets on this Caribbean paradise. travelandleisureindia.in/roatan/ #TELLTNLINDIA ROME IS EXQUISITE FROM EVERY ANGLE, AND THIS SHOT BY @LOVELARIEXO CONFIRMS IT. TO GET FEATURED HERE, TAG @TRAVELANDLEISUREINDIA ON INSTAGRAM AND USE THE HASHTAG #TELLTNLINDIA. NOTE TO READERS This is with reference to the November issue of Travel+Leisure India & South Asia. The article India’s Top 20 Hotels stated that the Oberoi Udaivilas, Udaipur was ‘the erstwhile residence of the Maharana of Mewar’. Instead, it stands on the 200-year-old hunting grounds of the Maharana of Mewar. Download Travel + Leisure India & South…

BIG BANG UNICO RED MAGIC HUBLOT After coming up with Magic Gold in 2011, Hublot has now created the first vibrantly coloured ceramic. The Big Bang Unico is the first to use the invention with its 45mm case and bezel made of red ceramic. The flange, indexes, minute and second counters, Arabic numerals, and hands, all match the red hue. 500 pieces; 18,17,700 TRÉSOR COLLECTION OMEGA This new collection offers nine models for the ladies with cases (39mm or 36mm) made of stainless steel or 18k Sedna™ gold. Diamonds curve along both sides, and a single diamond is set within the crown. Each crown also includes a red liquid ceramic flower, with a design made out of five Omega logos. 2,74,700 CLASSICO JADE 37MM ULYSSE NARDIN Powered by the self-winding…

CHEF, FOOD STYLIST, AUTHOR, photographer, restaurateur, Youtuber-Michael Swamy is all of this and more. Among the first to introduce food media in India, the Cordon Bleu London luminary goes beyond the kitchen to celebrate the different aspects of food with projects involving filmmaking, styling, and photography. While his cookbook, The East Indian Kitchen, won the prestigious Gourmand Award, his latest, Masala Dabba, is earning rave reviews for its soulful insights into traditional Indian recipes. The chef revealed to us his current obsession and best travel memories. Chefs you looked up to in your initial years? Chef Anton Mosimann, the Roux brothers-chefs Albert Roux and Michel Roux, and Chef Marco Pierre White. Their professionalism towards food is outstanding, and it inspired me to be honest with my preparations. Career-defining moments. During…

HOW TO GET THERE Air Austral operates direct flights between Chennai and La Reunion. ARRIVAL INFORMATION Indian nationals do not need a visa for stays upto 15 days in La Réunion. For more information on visas, visit en.reunion.fr CURRENCY As a French overseas region, the currency of La Réunion island is the Euro. All major bank credit cards and debit cards are accepted on the island. CLIMATE Given its position in the southern hemisphere, La Réunion enjoys tropical climate. Summer falls between November and April with an average temperature of 30° Celsius, while winter stretches from May to October with the average temperature at 20° Celsius. The temperature can plummet drastically at high altitudes (such as the volcano) to 4° Celsius. SAFETY With very little to no crime, the island…

Santani Spa, Kandy Ranked among the best spas in the world by international titles, Santani Wellness Resort & Spa offers minimalist regalia. It is Sri Lanka’s first-ever full-service destination spa, and a pioneer in hydrotherapy in the country. Its three-level spa fits into its natural surroundings. Take advantage of its cedar wood sauna and open-air thermal salt soak pool. Choose from among Ayurveda, yoga, detox, healthy living, and ‘address your stress’ packages. Doubles from 18,400; santani.lk Anantara Spa, Kalutara With a tropical vibe, the spa at Anantara Kalutara Resort offers a wide range of Ayurvedic, western, and Asian therapies. The must-try signature treatments here are the Kalutara King Coconut Delight (130 minutes), which uses the king coconut, and the Anantara Kalutara Tea Journey (120 minutes), a curated green tea treatment…

Amaya Resorts is a preferred destination to travellers visiting Kandy, Psikudah, and Wadduwa. Mastercard users can avail up to 60 per cent savings. Those travelling to Dambulla can check-in to Hesitance Kandalama for up to 10 per cent savings. Other properties from the Atiken Spence Hotels group include Hesitance Ahungalla, Hesitance Negombo, and Turyaa Kalutara with 10 per cent discount on bookings. If Sigiriya Rocks features on your itinerary, JetWing Vil Uyana makes for an ideal base. Use Mastercard to save up to 15 per cent on rooms.…

LUNCH During daytime, the Michelin-star restaurant of Céleste at The Lanesborough, Oetker Collection, is awash with natural light, let in by its domed glass roof. The meals showcase the finest British heritage, thanks to Chef Patron, Éric Fréchon, who holds five Michelin stars and oversees the menu at this dazzling diner. You can also book a spot for their special festive dinners, wine tastings, or masterclasses. oetkercollection.com AFTERNOON TEA Don’t go without the very English afternoon tea experience. And where better to have it than The English Tea Room at Brown’s Hotel, London’s first hotel and the place that Queen Victoria often chose for her royal cuppa. roccofortehotels.com DINNER Awarded two AA Rosettes, the Winter Garden at The Landmark London offers a modern European dining experience with impeccable service in…

ASAP Born in Milan, this concept store in the 7th arrondissement is best known for its commitment to sustainability, based on a conscious consumption model. Made in Italy, the products are both, chic and responsible. 99 Rue du Bac; asaplab.it Le Bon Marché The first ever department store to be established in Paris in 1852, it now sells the finest items in Paris, from fashion to home decor, stationery, and beauty products. 24, rue de Sèvres; 24sevres.com Harry’s New York Bar The alleged birthplace of Bloody Mary, and the preferred watering hole of writers like Fitzgerald and Hemingway, this Manhattan-inspired bar is an iconic place for a drink. 5, Rue Dauno Merci This store in the historic district of Haut-Marais brings together the best of fashion, design, and household goods.…

December is about putting your best fashion foot forward. From exploring the ‘cool’ cities to hopping studios in Barcelona, and picking the right attire for winter travel-this is your year-end glamour guidebook. 10 Most Fashionable Cities to Live in Go beyond the Big Four-New York, London, Milan, and Paris-to discover the cooler cities that are rapidly becoming fashion havens. travelandleisureindia.in/10-top-fashionable-cities 7 Eclectic Fashion Studios You Can’t Miss in Barcelona From trawling the hottest fashion boutiques to discovering a studio known for handmade espadrilles, enjoy some retail therapy in Barcelona. travelandleisureindia. in/barcelona-fashion-studios Jackets to Give Your European Holiday a Stylish Makeover Ladies, listen up! Planning a winter getaway in Europe this Christmas? This is how to layer yourself right, while you’re on the move. travelandleisureindia.in/womens-fall-jackets…

TIMEPIECE DiaMaster automatic chronograph, Rado, 2,54,800; kapoorwatch.com SUNGLASSES Havana and silver tone sunglasses, Dior, price on request; dior.com BELT Chocolate brown leather double keeper classic belt, Paul Smith, 9,470; paulsmith.com SHIRT Cheongsam flower shirt, Kenzo, 15,381; kenzo.com FRAGRANCE Terre d’Hermès eau intense vétiver eau de parfum, Hermès, 12,498; hermes.com SHORTS Bermuda shorts, Ami, 14,859; amiparis.com FOOTWEAR Canvas espadrille, Gucci, 40,714; gucci.com BAG Puzzle leather cross-body bag, Loewe, 67,035; matchesfashion.com…

Smart city Bhubaneswar, also the host city of the 2018 Men’s Hockey World Cup, is all set to shed its ‘Temple City’ tag with one of India’s biggest city festivals, Bhubaneswar Dot Fest. Co-organised by Odisha Tourism and Bhubaneswar Development Authority, the inaugural edition will take place from December 1 to 16, and will propel the city into an exclusive list of must-visit food, storytelling, art, and entertainment festival destinations in the country. Eminent artists, such as Farhan Akhtar, Sona Mohapatra, Shreya Ghosal, Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy, and Vishal-Shekhar will grace the occasion. For the visitors from across the globe, Dot Fest will put on display the grandeur of food, entertainment, stories, and trails that compose Bhubaneswar. This will provide a wonderful opportunity for the tourists to interact and engage with the resplendent…

Head to the Traveller’s Bar ( 1,500 for two) for wanderlust-inspired cocktails, followed by lots of dancing at the King of the Mambo ( 2,000 for two) at the Galle Face Hotel (gallefacehotel.com). Rooftop reveries, tapas, and drinks are always on at ON14 at the Ozo Colombo ( 2,200 for two; ozohotels.com) and Cloud Red at the Cinnamon Red Hotel Colombo ( 1,900 for two; cinnamonhotels.com). CÉ LA VI, located in the seaside Kingsbury Hotel, offers modern-Asianmeets-Japanese-cuisine along with potions whipped up by the region’s premier mixologists ( 4,000 for two; cmb.celavi.com).…

“HOW DOES IT DIFFER FROM the British-era colonial buildings scattered throughout our country,” asked my friend, when I suggested we include Dutch colonial landmarks in our Sri Lankan itinerary. I confess that I had to Google the answer to his question. Dutch architecture often faces the same fate as Dutch colonial history—it is lumped together with, or overshadowed by its British counterpart. The Dutch conquered significant trading outposts in Asia, such as Sri Lanka, Indonesia, and India, before being displaced from most by the British. In the process, they left imprints of their architectural style across the continent, and elements of their heritage have been well-preserved in the Sri Lankan cities, Colombo and Galle, with the seaside Galle Fort being a notable UNESCO World Heritage Site. We take an early…

I ADMIT TO BEING AN ODDBALL in a generation of selfie-obsessed millennials, where every moment is captured in a smartphone and celebrations become animated boomerangs. Over the years, I have shunned mobile phone photography, with a staunch belief that these tiny contraptions could never compete with my bulky professional gear. A recent trip to Pokhara, Nepal, however, changed my outlook and led to a realistic approach to photography—the best camera is the one that’s with you. Accompanying me on the trip was the skilled street photographer Vineet Vohra, ambassador of Leica cameras in the country. We were on a mission to explore the limits of mobile phone photography with the Huawei P20 Pro, whose triple back camera ranges in resolution between 8 MP and 40 MP. “The camera works exceptionally…

It is our business to keep track of the travel industry—what the latest trends are, where the best sights are, which restaurants serve the most sumptuous food, what the best way is to reach a destination, and how to make the most out of your time there. And we have delivered all these exciting insider tidbits to you every month, for the last 12 years. But sometimes, you, the reader, spring a surprise or two at us with your choices. And so, in 2012, we started an annual ritual—India’s Best Awards—to find out what you thought was the best country, airline, luxury hotel and hotel chain, lounge, and so on. This year, in the seventh edition of IBA, we counted as many as 2,00,000 reader votes spanning 58 categories, before…

Organised by asiaSpa India, the two-day WELLFEST 2018 took Mumbai by a wellness storm. The event was supported by Airline Partner Lufthansa, Wellness Destination Partner Amazing Thailand, Hospitality Partner The Westin Mumbai Garden City, Luxury Destination Partner Visit Monaco, Beauty Partner IOSIS Wellness, Well-being Partner Balance and Souvenir Partners Seer Secrets, Radhika Fine Teas and Whatnots, and Love Organically. The first day was filled with panel discussions by stalwarts from the beauty, fitness, wellness and hospitality industries, combined with activities such as face yoga, sound healing and a cooking lesson. The second day saw a star-studded evening that felicitated Fit & Fabulous personalities, including actors Shilpa Shetty, Raveena Tandon and Suniel Shetty, and experts Shivoham and Namrata and Sameer Purohit. Scan the code to get more updates on WELLFEST Mumbai…

On November 12, 2018, Travel + Leisure India & South Asia hosted the seventh edition of India’s Best Awards at ITC Maurya in New Delhi. The glamorous night was a culmination of a three-month-long online voting process, where nearly 2,00,000 votes registered by T+L readers decided the winners of 58 award categories, which covered the entire gamut of luxury services and products in the travel and hospitality industries. The night was anchored by film and TV actor Ira Dubey, and was graced by the world’s leading hoteliers, international dignitaries, domestic and international tourism board representatives, and influencers from the lifestyle, fashion, and publishing sectors. SOUVENIR PARTNER DIGITAL PARTNER Aindrila Mitra (centre) presents the award for Best Hotel For Women Travellers–Domestic to Ruchika Mehta, Corporate Director–Communications and Public Relations, and Pramode…

While half the world gears up to revel in year-end celebrations, winter enthusiasts will be making their way to snow-clad havens to indulge in winter sports—their way of ushering in 2019. Zakopane on the Poland-Slovakia border is one such hotspot. Better known as Poland’s ski capital, it is home to six exciting ski slopes and 16 individual tracks, served by 20 ski lifts. Zakopane is also the headquarters of the Polish territory of Tatra National Park, which means it is blessed with abundant hiking trails (275 to be precise), Emerald Lake being a coveted spot. If you’re not content with the typical stop-and-drop ski vacation, there are guided tours that take you from one ski resort to another, with nights spent in traditional mountain chalets—symbols of Zakopane-style architecture. The closest…