Innholdsfortegnelse for February 2019 i Travel + Leisure India & South Asia

No.1 Gran Canaria, Spain One of Spain’s Canary Islands, Gran Canaria is often called the playground for the LGBTQ+ community. Fine weather through the year, coupled with welcoming locals, makes the island a huge draw for queer tourists from around the world. The Yumbo Shopping Centre is at the forefront of the scene. During the day, some of the shops here sell adult toys and elaborate costumes; as night falls, it transforms into one of the biggest gay-nightlife spots on the continent. Visit between February and March—when the city hosts the Maspalomas Gay Pride (gaypridemaspalomas.com); the drag queen galas too are a major draw for tourists across the spectrum. Los Almendros (losalmendros.es) and Villas Blancas (villasblancas.com) are properties exclusively open to the LGBTQ+ community. No.2 East Village, New York, USA…

Sitting pretty near the quaint beaches of Baga, Anjuna, and Vagator, Fairfield by Marriott Goa Anjuna captures the stress-free vibe of the Sunshine State in its well-appointed living and dining spaces. The hotel is surrounded by the lush green hills of North Goa and offers easy access to the region’s top hangout places. The 130 rooms at this tropical property cater to the modern traveller and successfully reflect the beauty of simplicity. They fall under three categories—with twin beds, queen beds, or interconnecting rooms—and each comes with a private balcony. So, rest assured, your morning cup of coffee is accompanied by sweet birdsong. The 24x7 multi-cuisine restaurant, Kava, offers a sumptuous choice of local flavours in both, indoor and outdoor settings. If you choose to lounge by the pool or…

WHEN YOU’VE MADE YEARLY VISITS to Goa for over half a decade, it’s difficult for a beach resort to surprise you. And yet, that’s exactly what ITC Grand Goa Resort & Spa did to me last November. Even though the hotel opened in October 2018, it isn’t exactly a new property. In fact, it’s been around for 15 years—as the Park Hyatt Goa Resort & Spa. After a 2015 auction, the Supreme Court granted the property’s ownership to ITC in March 2018, and the gigantic gates of ITC Grand Goa Resort & Spa were swung open to guests seven months later. Sprawled over 45 acres by the breezy Arossim Beach in Cansaulim, in the party-free quietude of South Goa, the ITC hotel has retained the wholesome charm of the original…

DISCERNING DINERS in Mumbai welcomed the new year at the city’s largest-ever dining space on the sea with the launch of a floating restaurant. Two luxury cruise ships of Queensline (queensline.in)—once the preferred choice of the European and British royal families—have been transformed into gorgeous dining destinations, Sea Yah and Neverland. While Sea Yah has started receiving diners, Neverland is all set to launch this month. With open deck seating, guests can look forward to absorbing stunning views of Mumbai’s iconic skyline from the waters of the Arabian Sea, while relishing a sumptuous multi-cuisine feast. The deck will soon host a lit fest—the first-ever to take place in the middle of the sea. The two-hour-long experience begins near the Gateway of India and gives you a tour of the city’s…

WITH FRANCE TO ITS WEST and Italy to its south, Verbier—the ritzy little Swiss town perched on the Pennine Alps—is a favourite year-round destination among skiers, hikers, and of course, couples in love. Add to this a charming little chalet dusted with snow where all things spell luxury, and you find yourself at The Lodge by Virgin Limited Edition. From a warm welcome with house Champagne to organising a mountain-bike ride or a yoga session in the woods, the private mountain retreat by Sir Richard Branson’s Virgin Limited Edition sure knows how to keep its guests entertained. Cosy suites offer picture postcard views and your meals are prepared by Michelin-star chefs—there is no restraint on luxury here. Moreover, the place organises dream dates for couples—romantic dinners with a view, couple…

Rodricks & Marrel say they are travel twins! How many countries have you two travelled to together? W&J: Between us, we have visited 140-150 countries of the UN’s 193 countries. We desire to see the rest of the countries too. Which was the last trip you took together? W&J: The recent trip was to Chennai. Anybody visiting the city should definitely plan to vist Kalakshetra (kalakshetra.in). We love India and are trying to explore as much as we can of this large, diverse country. Overseas, we went to Croatia last summer. Zagreb, Hvar, Split, and Dubrovnik are fabulous, as are other islands and cities of the Dalmatian Coast. We went beyond Croatia to explore Paris, Reims, Épernay, Champagne, Milan, and Lake Como. The fact that we went around on private…

THE TAJ MAHAL HAS long been upheld as a beacon of lasting love. It is ironic then that the city, Agra, has traditionally not featured among the top wedding destinations in the country.The Oberoi Amarvilas (oberoihotels.com) is fast changing that with its grand ballrooms and banquet venues, which offer the perfect setting for opulent celebrations. Located just 600 metres from the Taj Mahal, the hotel captures the splendour of Mughal architecture in its living spaces, while offering uninterrupted views of the iconic monument. Exchange your vows under sparkling chandeliers at the Roshanara or Jahanara ballrooms, which can be combined to host up to 100 guests. Or, tie the knot under the stars in the candlelit banquet gardens, as exquisite marble fountains and vibrant bougainvillea flowers lend your wedding album a…

SWITZERLAND… THE VERY NAME invokes images of a romantic holiday in cosy wooden chalets and ski resorts, wildflowers bobbing in alpine meadows, warm fondue and raclette on wintry evenings, and cows grazing in idyllic pastures—their bells tinkling softly—as farm-fresh milk is crafted into fine chocolate and 450 varieties of cheese. For years, Switzerland has been the gold standard for what a mountain destination should be, with hill stations around the world claiming the epithet, ‘The Switzerland of ....’ Only when you visit Switzerland do you realise that every cliché—picture postcard homes, snowy peaks, and placid lakes the colour of copper sulphate—is actually true. It’s not hard to see why artists, poets, and writers have always been enchanted by Switzerland. Johanna Spyri set the tales of Heidi in the Swiss countryside.…

THERE WERE STREAKS of fiery orange, hints of soothing pink, and a scattering of yellow over the blue sky. Another picture framed a dusky purple sky filled with twinkling silver stars. This wasn’t a painting feeding off someone’s imagination of utopia; it was dusk on Anse Source d’Argent—reputed to be one of the most photographed beaches in the world—that I’d framed on my camera. Waxing lyrical on this ample beauty, my guide proclaimed, “There’s a sunset just as gorgeous every day. Don’t miss out on too many of them.” Over the next few days, I saw beauty everywhere in Seychelles. I was in awe of the dramatic rust-coloured rock boulders that sit on talcum sands. They come with a surreal backstory. Millions of years ago, when dinosaurs roamed the Earth,…

“HOW DO I GET TO the Széchenyi Thermal Baths?” “Take the M1.” “And the Opera?” “M1.” “Heroes’ Square” You guessed it, “M1.” I was just settling in my Airbnb on Erzsébet körút (Elizabeth Boulevard), near Oktogon, on the Pest side of Danube in Budapest. I was making enquiries about the places I was keen to visit, as my host Ambrus handed me a can of beer. Her staccato answers punctuated with references to M1 (or Metro 1) intrigued me. “What is M1?” I asked. “It is the underground train you can take from Oktogon.” I have travelled to many large European cities. Most of them labyrinthine. I had to criss-cross these cities to visit their major attractions. And here I was in Budapest, needing a single metro line to check…

ONE OF THE several cons of being a workaholic is that I never give time to myself. I can’t remember the last time I got my nails done, leave alone get my hair cut. In fact, I dread the thought of getting my hair cut! I am used to having my long, thin hair tied up. So, obviously, I’ve been procrastinating, and visualising doomsday on the idea of my cutting my hair! Enough tomfoolery, I tell myself, and sit down at the hair station at Magnifique. Raj approaches me, examines my hair, and tells me how I can improve its quality. Then he gives me a ‘Keratin Express Ritual’ that promises to hydrate my tresses. The neck and shoulder massage that follows loosens me up considerably, and I can’t wait…

IN A SWISS SUMMER, you can be excused for thinking you just cycled into a picture postcard, with emerald green fields on either side, and plump cows grazing against a horizon of deepest blue. Then, the sun reminds you that this is reality—hot and thirst-inducing. That, and the two familiar young men a hundred yards ahead. “Stop, Kedar!” I yell to my son as I look up into the dark shade of a cherry tree. By the time he and his friend Simon join me, my hands and mouth are stained a deep red with the juice of fresh cherries—tart, sweet, and possibly stolen. Beyond the tree, the light is harsh, but the forest is only a couple of kilometres away, and soon we’re pedalling along a shaded path. The…

It’s that time of the year when sun-kissed beach holidays are the need of the hour. Maldives, with its endless white-sand beaches, gorgeous resorts, and crystal-clear turquoise waters, is arguably one of the most desirable beach destinations in the world. Located in this singular archipelago within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll is an idyllic resort where barefoot luxury and unassuming elegance are at the heart of sensory indulgence. Vakkaru Maldives sits pretty on a secluded reef island, which is endowed with surreal beaches and a house reef brimming with unique marine biodiversity. Inside, sustainable practices join hands with pared-back luxury to offer an unrivalled experience. If you plan to tie the knot here or renew your vows by the azure sea, two celebration packages come with personalised assistance.…

RAGHAVENDRA RATHORE IS KNOWN as the pioneer of the classic Jodhpuri Bandhgala. The lifestyle designer who has roots in royal Rajasthan pretty much put the traditional aesthetic of the state on the global fashion map. Apart from making waves in the fashion industry with his designs, Rathore is also credited with setting up a first-of-its-kind design school in India, the Gurukul School of Design (GSD) in Jaipur. The iconic designer had to wade through some initial criticism for the idea of the institute, but eventually joined hands with those who believed in his vision for design education, including Amrapali Jewels. Taking inspiration from the traditional gurukul methodology, the GSD curriculum draws from the ancient values of Indian education and everyday life, and combines them with modern technology and industry-relevant lessons.…

UNFURLING LIKE A DREAM on the white sand of a pristine coral island of Baa Atoll, The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort (westin.com) has marked, in style, the arrival of the brand on the surreal archipelago. With its stunning overwater villas, close proximity to Hanifaru Bay, which is known for the largest gathering of manta rays, and its special focus on wellness and rejuvenation, the new resort effortlessly stands out from the hundreds of properties that dot the Maldivian oasis. Westin Hotels & Resorts prides itself on its wellness quotient that spans across 200 properties over 40 countries. The Maldives resort continues the Group’s sharp focus on six pillars of well-being: feel, work, move, eat, sleep, and play well. The Heavenly Spa by Westin lets you indulge in a wide range…

HUGO BOSS OPENED its first factory in Metzingen in the 1970s. By then, the German city already had a storied relationship with the textiles industry going back to the 19th century, and with the fashion giant itself—the brand’s tailors had made the idyllic region their hub. The story only grew from there—the annual four million visitors to the city are a testament to that. Perched serenely at the foot of the Swabian Alps, Outletcity Metzingen is now home to over 85 of the world’s leading luxury fashion houses, including Armani, Bottega Veneta, and Gucci. Along with a personalised retail experience that can’t be imitated—think savings up to 70 per cent all year round—the European outlet hub offers a deep-dive into the culture of Metzingen. Half-timbered houses flank the paths to…

LOCATED CLOSE TO the exquisite Al Aqah beach, and set against the lunar landscapes of the Hajar Mountains, InterContinental Fujairah Resort near Dubai makes for an exceptional destination to host a bespoke wedding. Unparalleled Arabian hospitality marries modern comforts to create priceless moments for both, the hosts and the wedding guests alike. The gorgeous poolside, a private beach, or an opulent ballroom-take your pick from myriad venues for your ceremonies and functions. The luxe beachfront retreat offers 190 rooms and suites, besides a ballroom with a capacity of up to 320 guests. Its private beach is certainly the most bewitching spot to exchange rings as you walk down the aisle with the hum of waves playing in the background. While a dedicated wedding team makes sure your floral decorations are…

SURROUNDED BY GORGEOUS beaches and a peaceful lagoon, the Maldivian island of Kihavah Huravalhi rises above the azure Indian Ocean like a dream. On this pristine land rests the plush resort of Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas (anantara.com) with its 80 exquisite beach and overwater villas and residences. A short seaplane ride from the Malé International Airport brings you to the resort, where swaying coconut groves invite guests into a cocoon of unparalleled luxury. The private infinity pool, sundecks, canopies and hammocks, and dining pavillion at each of the villas and residences make sure the guests remain close to nature during their stay. Whether you choose a beach villa, an overwater villa, or the bigger beach residences, you will be treated to uninterrupted views of the glistening ocean as a dedicated…

THE LIGHT FOLLOWS US as we walk down the wooden corridors, exploring the gigantic Six Senses Spa at Jaypee Greens Golf and Spa Resort in Greater Noida. In fact, it is everywhere, filling the 90,000-square-feet space with a golden energy, which, when combined with the soothing fragrances that waft through it, instantly uplifts. Ayisha, the assistant spa manager, walks me into the Watsu pool area. A Buddha statue basks calmly in the sunlight by the circular pool. “That’s our meditation cave,” Ayisha says, pointing at the wooden ceiling. She leads the way up a flight of stairs, into a little garden, and through a narrow doorway into a corridor. I walk through a door to find myself in a circular space that is so full of positive vibes and healing…

Located in the heart of Bhubaneswar, MAYFAIR Lagoon is among the few luxury hotels in the city that combine a comfortable stay with a sharp focus on wellness. MAYFAIR Spa, a dedicated wellness destination at the hotel, offers an extensive range of holistic treatments. The serenade of flowing water and a burst of green provide the perfect setting for a relaxing session. On the menu is a careful mix of therapies—from Swedish to Balinese to Ayurveda to deep-tissue massages. Take the Mayfair Signature Treatment, which employs a four-hand massage technique that combines the goodness of Swedish, Balinese, and deep-tissue massages. The Aroma Oil Massage, on the other hand, rejuvenates you using a selection of aromatic oils; it’s the perfect end to a long day of sightseeing in the state’s capital.…

Kaya Kalp - The Royal Spa, HARYANA Part of the ‘Unhurried Luxury’ experience at ITC Grand Bharat, Kaya Kalp - The Royal Spa offers luxurious spa journeys that draw inspiration from traditional therapies, Ayurveda and international healing forms. You can indulge in a variety of treatments at the Couples’ Treatment Suite here with your partner. ‘Sangam’ is a soothing 90- or 120-minute ritual that begins with a body scrub and massage. This is followed by zone therapy and the application of poultices that harmonise body, mind, and spirit. ‘Kundalini Devi’, an 80-minute nourishing and rebalancing treatment, makes use of chakra balancing and sound healing to activate your kundalini. Step into the hammam for the 60-minute ‘Benin Hamam’. Designed exclusively for couples, the treatment cleanses and nourishes your skin. You can…

Sitting along the pristine white sands of Bai Khem beach, surrounded by the crystal clear waters of Emerald Bay, on Vietnam’s largest island, the JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay is a destination in itself. Ever since its launch in January 2017, the resort has amassed plenty of attention for its unique and eclectic design story inspired by the mythical Lamarck University, which is said to have existed on the same site in the early 20th century. With a whimsical setting featuring bright-coloured streets lit with lanterns and parts of the resort named on the lines of departments of an academic institution, the resort exists in a parallel universe. The creative brain behind the intriguing concept, accliamed designer Bill Bensley, has lent equal parts drama and exuberance to this Marriott…

LYING TIMIDLY BESIDE Koh Rang Noi, a private island that’s a short ferry ride away from the Royal Phuket Marina, is a yacht that makes the other ones envious-a difficult feat because being a yacht itself seems like a milestone. But Titania is unique. Rumour has it that a Russian oligarch owns it but charters it out for 42 million approx. per week-the price, a summertime low; the duration, a minimum. Others keep the pool going by speculating over a British tycoon-ownership. Whichever it is, a billionaire pedigree is a given. But the yachting sector is an accommodating one, allowing entry at most levels and offering a product that still isn’t able to belie the vastness of the sea-if anything, it’s just a sharper spotlight. Departing from the east coast-located…

A SEASIDE WEDDING is bound to be magical—think powder-soft sand, cool sea breeze, and the tropical sun setting in the backdrop of your wedding photographs. Now picture this on a private Greek beach with the finest bespoke services, gourmet dining, mild scent of wild-flowers from surrounding botanical gardens, and an azure Aegean Sea shimmering in the background. Out of the Blue Capsis Elite Resort (capsis.com) in Greece adds an element of magic to vows taken on its premises. Set on its very own private peninsula lining the coast of the romantic island of Crete, the luxury beach resort has 465 accommodations available, ranging from bungalows to suites, maisonettes, and villas with private pools, spread across stunning botanic gardens. A holistic wellness centre with the Euphoria Rejuvenating Spa and the Fit4life…

NOTHING BRINGS THE SPARK back into a relationship like an island getaway. Vakkaru Maldives, a picturesque resort in the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll, is imbued with unassuming elegance and idyll that transports you and your partner to a timeless sanctuary of love and relaxation. This season, there is more than one reason to plan an escape to this gorgeous resort. The ‘Couple Island Getaway’ offer allows guests to save up to 35 per cent on the room rates, including breakfast and dinner. The offer is applicable for a minimum stay of four nights completed by April 30, 2019. Guests staying for seven nights or more between March 1 to March 30, 2019 are eligible for complimentary return island transfers by either seaplane, domestic flight, or speedboat. These offers…

ARRIVING IN GUWAHATI, the gateway to the Northeast, the change of setting is felt instantly. As early as five in the evening, the sun slips behind the horizon. There’s a nip in the air, a misty cover over the Brahmaputra, and a million stars in the night sky—all powerful aphrodisiacs for the lovestruck. Guwahati may not have the obvious charms of a Parisian honeymoon, but an evening sail on the orange-hued Brahmaputra may just hold the je ne sais quoi that you need to kickstart your romantic getaway. Put your luggage away in the hotel and head down to the river to hop on the ‘Alfresco Grand’. As the cruiseliner struts along the river and the sun begins to set, stand on the deck, pour yourselves a glass of champagne…

Grand Hyatt Kochi Bolgatty. I am sitting in the lobby lounge, sipping on a refreshing welcome drink, and I can’t take my eyes off the glistening waters seen through tall glass windows. “This side of Lake Vembanad opens into the sea,” I’m informed by a staff member. I secretly wonder what it’d be like for him to work in such a dreamy setting every day. Such is the backdrop of this stunning resort and our cover shoot this month. Perched amidst the backwaters of Lake Vembanad, on Kochi’s Bolgatty Island, this Hyatt gem claims an enviable location. It is a mere 40-minute drive from the airport, and yet, it feels like a different world altogether. The fact that it is home to 264 guestrooms—including 38 suites and four villas, one…

Simply Swell Sitting on the edge of the subcontinent, Mahabalipuram offers a unique blend of historic sites and coastal beauty. Celebrations in this old town have their own sweet way of unfolding. Unlike in a fast-paced metropolis, a laid-back vibe envelops your time here. Owing to the fact that this South-Indian town is home to many old temples, a sense of divinity lingers in the air and blesses your big day. To add the stunning quotient to your Mahabalipuram wedding, choose a resort like the InterContinental Chennai Mahabalipuram. Plush with state-of-the-art function spaces, a Coromandel-style design aesthetic, and with an exclusive stretch of the Bay of Bengal shore, the property is an opulent contender for a destination wedding. Think an al-fresco mehendi by the Gatsby Lounge, a nighttime celebration by…

EVERYONE WANTS TO BE FIT and healthy today, even when you’re on the move. While there are several popular paths you can follow to achieve your fitness goals, there is always the fear that the exercise will not be intense enough and motivation levels will dip. Enter boot camps. These fitness programmes are all the rage because they work on every muscle group, can be performed anywhere, don’t require much equipment, and combine two factors that are of utmost importance to those who want to stay healthy—exercise and nature. WHAT ARE BOOT CAMPS? Before we delve deeper into the subject, let’s understand what boot camps are. To be honest, they literally kick your boot. Boot camps usually swear by intense workouts—focussing on your strength and conditioning—and are designed to push…

It’s like a scene from a Bond film. I’m lying face-down on a futon in a tatami-matted ryokan suite perched over Arashiyama’s river. A comely creature straddles my back, impaling me with needles. But she’s no Bond girl. She’s Hoshinoya Kyoto’s svelte-waisted acupuncturist, Yoshida Zukeran. Cooing by me, composing incense fragrances in a pot, is the bone-china-fine manageress Saeko. At my feet kneels the gentle Kanna. She dispenses complimentary hand-crafted chestnut and dandelion sweets sourced from a centuries-old Kyoto sweet-shop. They make up a harem of three angels—every man’s dream. Maybe not on honeymoon. River-set on Katsura’s jade-blue silken sleeve, on a peel of land wound around Arashiyama’s verdured hills, this heritage villa is accessed romantically via boat. Incense perfumes the air; a strumming musician seems afloat on a waterbody;…