Innholdsfortegnelse for December 2020 i Travel + Leisure India & South Asia

From Gangs of Wasseypur to Mirzapur and now Ludo, how has the bad guy in you evolved? What’s your process of getting into character? I approach every character afresh. There is no formula. Formulas belong in science, not art. Also, there aren’t positive and negative characters for me. We all live in grey areas. In fact, I expect some positivity even from my most negative characters. I have evolved the same way a traveller does. Novice travellers go to the popular spots in the most visited destinations. But experienced ones choose to explore the interiors. What does travel mean to you? I originally took up acting only so that I could travel! In the films of yesteryear, even if the story was based in India, a song or two would…

Ludo was scheduled to be in theatres in April. But due to the pandemic, it was released on Netflix in November. Was the wait unnerving? Just five days before the trailer release of Ludo, public gatherings got banned. Things changed fast after that. I heard about the film’s OTT release sometime in April, and honestly, it was a bit unsettling. Over two years of shooting, I had dreamed of seeing it on the big screen. But the wait, however unnerving, turned out to be in our favour in the end. Had it been a theatre release, it would have been released in just a few countries. But now, the film is streaming in over 190 countries with millions of viewers watching it. How different is an OTT release for the…

BEING PARENTS TO A TEENAGER and two dogs and running an international fashion label, we seldom get to spend quality time together. Travels to the most exotic of destinations, too, involve work more often than not. So, once in a while, a holiday that feels like a staycation for two is good for us. With most international borders shut this year, we decided to head to Kochi to experience a slice of ‘god’s own country’. The beautiful Presidential Suite at Grand Hyatt Kochi Bolgatty is our home for a promising weekend. Equipped with a kitchenette, an elegant study, a guest room, and a large living area with floor-to-ceiling windows, it is the perfect place for a lavish stay. The suite is on the seventh floor of the hotel, and its…

BEFORE YOU PLAN your next island adventure, consider Indonesia’s underrated destinations that prove there’s always more to a country than meets the eye. Beyond Bali’s spectacular shoreline flanked with diving and surfing spots, there’s Ubud. This mountainous area is the tranquil side of Bali, and is home to the beautiful rice terraces of Tegalalang. Surrounded by community villages, Ubud is the ideal choice of destination for art and cultural devotees as well. Then there is Banyuwangi, home to vibrant arts, culture, and traditions. It serves as the gateway to the conservation of Alas Purwo National Park. For adventure seekers, trekking and exploring the savannah in Baluran National Park comes highly recommended. If you’re lucky, you can find turtles nesting on Sukamade Beach. Better still, make the most of your visit…

OWNED BY SOHAM Leisure Ventures Pvt Ltd, and operated by Hilton under its flagship brand Hilton Hotels & Resorts, the brand-new Hilton Goa Resort extends the latter’s signature hospitality to business and leisure travellers in Goa. The full-service resort is located atop one of the terraced slopes of Saipem Hills and overlooks the River Nerul. Speaking on the launch, Navjit Ahluwalia, senior vice president and country head of Hilton India, said, “Hilton Goa Resort marks a significant milestone in our journey to expand our presence in India and also gives us an added opportunity to offer our world-class hospitality to guests and Hilton Honors members.” Just 10 minutes away from the Candolim and Calangute beaches, the resort features 104 guest rooms and suites with private plunge pools, four outdoor pools,…

1. EXCALIBUR TWOFOLD ROGER DUBUIS This timepiece is powered by the manually wound calibre RD01SQ with a double-flying tourbillon. With a 45 mm case, its glacial touch is enhanced by the bezel and the case created from Mineral Composite Fiber, an ultra-white composite material made of 99.95 per cent silica. A patented process lights up every angle of the upper plate of the movement composed of MCF. The strap is made from a specific FKM rubber and is luminescent as well. Eight pieces only; price on request 2. BIG BANG ONE CLICK SAPPHIRE 39 MM HUBLOT As part of its constant innovation, Hublot is now adding sapphire to its women’s collection. In this watch, the bezel—set with 42 diamonds—dazzles with the brilliance of one carat of precious stones. The strap…

A FAVOURITE AMONG FAMILIES, Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Dubai offers guests the chance to sit back and enjoy five-star amenities along with world-class service, stunning seascapes, exemplary dining experiences, and premium entertainment. The hotel recently achieved the Safeguard Label from Bureau Veritas, an internationally renowned leader of testing, inspection, and certification services, for the Beit Al Bahar Villas and The J Club. Those looking for a secluded getaway should look no further than Beit Al Bahar’s One and Two-Bedroom Royal Villas that offer an exclusive hospitality experience. Combining elegant decor with traditional Middle Eastern elements and modern contemporary design, the villas evoke a sense of luxury, which is further enhanced by private terraces and plunge pools. With spectacular views of the iconic Burj Al Arab and an unrivalled beachfront location, Jumeirah…

FOR UTAH, ITS SLOGAN ‘The Greatest Snow on Earth’ is more of an assertion backed by data than a punchline. With 15 ski resorts, this western US state transforms into a winter wonderland at the end of every year. And although the pandemic cut short a rather successful season in March earlier this year, Utah has already received its first big snowfall and is all set to welcome skiers and snowboarders from around the world. While the capital, Salt Lake City, turns into a big ski town with its 11 buzzing ski resorts, visitors looking for less-crowded slopes and small-town charm can head to the Beaver Mountain or Cherry Peak resorts in northern Utah. Southern Utah, with the resorts of Brian Head and Eagle Point, beckons with its one-of-a-kind red…

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1. LAPTOP Apple Macbook Air (M1) Even die-hard Windows fans will find their loyalties tested by Apple’s new Macbook range. The centrepiece is the new Apple M1 chip, which runs remarkably fast while sipping on power and staying cool. The fanless Macbook Air can actually hold its own against powerful desktops and its graphics performance can put machines with dedicated graphics cards to shame. From ₹92,900; apple.com/in 2. EARBUDS Samsung Galaxy Buds Live There s a flood of true wireless buds’ in the market, but ones with active noise cancellation are few and far between. Striking looks and ANC apart, Samsung Galaxy Buds Live also has Qi wireless charging, touch sensors, 12mm drivers tuned by AKG, one-touch Spotify access, and Samsung’s proprietary Scalable Codec for high quality audio. ₹11,990; samsung.com/in…

FOR SOMEONE LIVING IN Mumbai, Goa is always a great idea. The quintessential short-haul vacation spot beckoned to me last month as the fog around travel seemed to be clearing. But the clouds of worry were still steadfast. I was to take a flight from Mumbai to Goa. After months spent at home, the thought of sharing a confined space with strangers, whose travel and health histories I was unaware of, made me squirm in my seat. Vistara ensured I didn’t literally squirm in my seat, though. The airline provides a safety kit comprising a face shield, sanitiser, and face mask to all its passengers. With the promise of intensified aircraft sanitisation procedures at every turnaround and deep cleaning every 24 hours, I was assured of a clean cabin. The…

SECOND COURSE: CHIFFON RAVIOLI. Phones out. Click-click. Everyone has an iPhone. “The iPhone is tedious,” I announce. “It takes five steps to delete one message!” A honeymooning Californian construction billionaire agrees, “Android is smarter. But I’ll always use the iPhone anyway.” As shall I. Why? There’s a smart choice. Why don’t we make it? This question will niggle at me as others continue clicking dainty French-style courses, dissecting the six accompanying wines. We are at Decanter, the underground wine cellar at The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort, enjoying an exclusive wine dinner for 13, recalling The Last Supper. The 13th guest isn’t in a white flowing robe turning water into wine but all tuxedoed up. I don’t immediately realise he was on the same seaplane to the resort, springing about…

#Tnlsalutes COVID HEROES SONU SOOD Bollywood actor Sonu Sood emerged as a real hero this year for his contribution to humanity. From offering rooms of his Juhu hotel to frontline workers, to feeding almost 45,000 people daily with his initiative Shakti Annadanam, to arranging inter-state buses and permissions to send migrant workers to their homes during the lockdown, Sood pulled off tasks he had no prior expertise in. A believer of compassion and kindness, he says, “It is our duty, as responsible human beings, to extend a helping hand to those in need.” MYLAB DISCOVERY SOLUTIONS When COVID-19 cases first surged in India and importing testing kits was proving to be expensive, Pune-based molecular diagnostics company Mylab Discovery Solutions Pvt Ltd started developing the first indigenous RT-PCR test kits. In…

SAN FRANCISCO, USA Few cities are as instantly recognisable as San Francisco. ‘The City by the Bay’ is known for its attractions such as the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, and Fisherman’s Wharf. One look at its hills, coastlines, and architecture will tell you why it’s one of the most beautiful cities in the world. San Francisco’s open-mindedness and optimism mean it welcomes diverse outlooks, making it a leader of innovation. It lets you view the world through different lenses and embrace the differences. gousa.in AUSTRIA For those who are looking to experience something unique and authentic, Austria is an excellent choice. Yes, it is best known for alpine hiking and skiing, and Vienna’s historic architecture, but there’s much more to a holiday in Austria. The country is the centre…

Jack Whitehall: Travels With My Father Comedian Jack Whitehall and his father travel to Australia in the fourth season of this hilarious travel series released on Netflix this September. The show pits the English comedian’s jovial nature against his father’s conservative outlook as they experience a new culture. The show gives its audience the chance to see beautiful places and cultures through a unique, and extremely entertaining, lens. It is the perfect fix for those who miss travelling with family. Axone Northeastern culture finds itself ill at ease in a typical cramped neighbourhood of Delhi when a group of friends decide to prepare a delicacy from Nagaland for their friend’s wedding. The dish in question is axone, a fermented soybean dish with a strong smell. Released on Netflix in June…

NESTLED IN A PLUSH corner of Mumbai, along Juhu Beach, this five-star hotel has been the preferred choice for business and leisure travellers alike. Accor’s Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach offers seaside luxury, while being au courant with the new normal. Many of its 203 rooms and suites enjoy sunset views over the sea. The recently refurbished rooms are warm, cosy, and state-of-the-art, and imbibe the city’s spirit with familiar motifs. The idea is to evoke a sense of belonging. The hotel also fits the bill for a beach staycation with multiple dining options. Add to that Accor’s ALLSAFE label, developed and vetted by global inspection leader Bureau Veritas, which promises utmost hygiene and safety for all guests and staff. The hotel also makes for a great venue for a beachside…

FOR ETIHAD AIRWAYS, the safety and well-being of passengers have always been priorities. Known for creating, testing, and implementing new technologies that make travel safer and sustainable, the leading airline has introduced a series of innovative, tech-first solutions so that you can plan your travels at ease. In partnership with Sitata, a Canadian travel risk management company, Etihad has launched an interactive travel map on its website to offer its guests easy access to a comprehensive overview of the situation related to COVID-19 at each destination in its network. Guests can access the map while booking their flights. The contactless devices installed at Abu Dhabi International Airport by Etihad, in collaboration with Australian company Elenium Automation, can monitor the temperature, heart rate, and respiratory rate of any person using any…

PERCHED ON THE BANK of River Dhela near Jim Corbett National Park in Ramnagar, Uttarakhand, The Golden Tusk is sprawled across seven acres of landscaped estate. The leisure resort celebrates the picturesque countryside of the region through its design elements, unique stay options, nature-inspired dining outlets, and specially crafted excursion itineraries. With 40 well-appointed accommodations, including villas, suites, and luxury tents, the resort makes sure you live close to nature. The luxury camps located away from the rest of the resort are equipped with all the modern amenities, and feature separate lounging spaces, spacious bedrooms, changing rooms, and en-suite bathrooms. Its one-of-a-kind water dining facility is perfect for those who wish to experience romance in absolute wilderness. Set in a pool, the dining experience lets you and your partner enjoy…

THE POSITIONING OF THE Maldives as a luxury destination has been a resounding success, with almost every major international luxury chain and independent hotel having representation there. The government’s proactive stance at promoting the destination and raking in the tourist dollar has been clear since the early 1970s, when the first two resorts opened up. But it’s only in the last three to four years that India has entered the top five feeder markets for the Maldives, thanks to increased connectivity and demand for luxury accommodation. In fact, numbers issued by the tourism ministry of the Maldives indicate that in 2019 India was the best-performing individual market, as arrivals recorded a year-on-year growth of 83.5 per cent, going up to 1,66,015 from 90,474 in 2018. Indian travellers had a 9.7…

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What were your first thoughts about offering your Delhi home to strangers for an exclusive Airbnb stay? Delhi holds a special place in our hearts and will always be home. Each visit brings back cherished memories of our early days. Airbnb has made us feel at home throughout our travels across the world, and we are excited to open the doors of our own home through this exclusive partnership. What can one expect when one checks in? It’s all about design.Airbnb (airbnb.co.in) focusses on the concept of ‘home away from home’. The Delhi home has all our memories and collections. It’s a glimpse of our life—Shah Rukh’s and mine–together as a couple, of the kids, and of us as a family. What was your design inspiration? My Delhi home is…

AROUND 10 KILOMETRES from the city of Bikaner stands a sprawling compound. Enclosed by a low, white boundary and surrounded by a barren desert, the compound is home to dozens of domes of various sizes. The structures wear hand-painted frescoes inside and hand-carved motifs outside. A small shrine of a local deity stands nearby, as if protecting the structures from the vagaries of nature. But this is no palace or castle. These are cenotaphs of the royal family of Bikaner. Traditionally erected to honour the memory of a person or a group of people, cenotaphs literally translate to empty tombs. While they are seen throughout the world, in India they are mostly found in the central and western states, with the largest and most ornate ones spread around Rajasthan. Every…

BELLE ÉPOQUE ARCHITECTURE, astronomical clocks, castles and châteaux, and frosty pines—a series of things come to mind when I think about the Czech Republic. But just west of its most rewarding hotspot and capital, Prague, is a sedate Imperial-era triad that shows the popular European destination in a different light. The Western Bohemian Spa Triangle, comprising the spa towns of Karlovy Vary, Mariánské Lázne, and Františkovy Lázne, is home to a great concentration of hot mineral springs and was once frequented by sovereigns and elites for its healing waters. Today, Western Bohemia is slowly reclaiming its place on the modern spa circuit with its plentiful offerings. BACK IN TIME Although the ritual of drinking and bathing in spring waters has been shared by many cultures—from Egyptians to the Chinese and…