Innholdsfortegnelse for May 2021 i Travel + Leisure India & South Asia

FEATURING NEOCLASSICAL interiors behind a glitzy facade, Radisson Blu MBD Hotel Noida stands tall in the national capital region. Offering state-of-the-art amenities, the five-star hotel is as fit for a luxurious staycation as it is for an elegant dining experience. SXVIII, the all-day brasserie at the hotel, located at the lobby level, is a versatile venue. Be it a relaxed breakfast, an elaborate lunch, or a scrumptious dinner, SXVIII has something special for every event. The Sunday Brunch, however, is the most popular among guests. The extensive menu at the restaurant features cuisines ranging from North Indian to Middle Eastern, Italian, and Continental. Some of the highly recommended dishes are the smoked salmon, risotto Milanese, Chettinad chicken, and the signature murgh biryani. Overlooking the poolside, the restaurant can seat up…

A35-MINUTE SEAPLANE ride from Malé, Amilla Maldives Resort and Residences is all about laid-back luxuries. Featuring a mix of stylish villas and expansive residences, each with a private pool, the property lends itself to romantic couple holidays as well as family getaways. While the villas are no smaller than 220 square metres, the residences are vast sanctuaries located on an exclusive territory on the island. The most spacious of them all, The Amilla Estate, is spread across 2,550 square metres and comes with a rooftop bar, a cinema room, a private spa, and more. It’s ideal for up to 14 guests. Another luxury of the destination is its ample green space; 70 per cent of the island is a tropical jungle, which allows you to immerse yourself in nature. The…

LOCATED ON THE Madivaru island in North Malé Atoll, VARU by Atmosphere is a 40-minute speedboat ride away from Velana International Airport. Your holiday begins as soon as you set foot on the resort’s jetty; the team welcomes you with spirited boduberu drumming and conch shell music. The resort offers 108 villas across eight categories. Whether you decide to bask in the sun on an overwater deck or lounge in your private garden, nature is always at your disposal. The three Majlis Suites are ideal for multi-generational family holidays; each features two bedrooms, a central courtyard with a pool, an oceanfront dining and living room, and a nanny’s bedroom. You can also opt for the one-of-a-kind Water Suite or the expansive Family Villas, which boast kid-friendly features. Moreover, all guests…

LOOKING BACK AT the last two quarters, it is safe to say that the Maldives has emerged as the most popular international destination among Indian luxury travellers. According to statistics released by the Maldives Ministry of Tourism, for the year 2020 India was the number one source market for the island nation with an 11.3 per cent share of the total pie, followed by Russia, the UK, and Italy. For some context, in 2019, India occupied the second place with a 9.7 per cent share. We are barely halfway through 2021 and the numbers are encouraging once more, with India leading the pack of tourist arrivals with a whopping 23.4 per cent share of the tourist pie, translating to 69,730 arrivals between January and March 2021. The most obvious explanation…

Getting There Delhi and Mumbai serve regular direct flights to Velana International Airport in the capital city of Malé. The Westin Maldives Mirandhoo Resort is a 25-minute seaplane ride from this airport. Alternatively, book a 20-minute domestic flight to Dharavandhoo airport, which is located on an island of the same name and is a stone’s throw away from the island resort. Stay There are eight types of accommodations, including overwater villas and beach villas—with and without a pool. Any of the 70 villas, including a two-bedroom residence, helps you cut off from the rest of the world and bask in the beauty of the Maldives. Price on request; westin-maldives.com…

IF YOU’VE HAD YOUR fill of soothing oil massages and body polishes, turn your gaze towards some of the more unorthodox spa treatments around the world that are redefining the wellness industry. Today, the popular hot-stone massage has given way to adrenaline-pumping snake massages, freezing cold sauna sessions, and more. We have handpicked seven unusual spa treatments that you can put on your checklist. CACTUS MASSAGE A massage with a cactus sounds like a painful version of acupuncture, but it’s not as prickly as you’d expect. For this bodywork, heated nopal cactus paddles are used on the skin with their gooey side down—and after removing the needles. Also known as hakali massage, this therapy is great for detoxification and healing sunburn. Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita (fourseasons.com) in Mexico famously…

YOU PROBABLY haven’t heard of them. You almost certainly wouldn’t be able to find them on a map. But there’s a case to be made that eastern Indonesia’s tiny Banda Islands—or the Spice Islands, as they were once known in the West—have done more to shape the last 500 years of human history than any other place on Earth. I’ll come right out and say it: the Banda Islands are the birthplace of modern capitalism. Whatever you think of the economic system that rules the world and likely your life, you may find it intriguing to learn that it could have originated about 966 kilometres north of Australia, on a cluster of palm-fringed volcanic formations smack in the middle of an azure sea—a place that could hardly feel more distant…

#1 Iconic encounters at the Palace of the Dukes of Burgundy  capital Burgundy is home to a majestic palace in the heart of its historical town centre. Renovated during the 17th century, the Palace of the Dukes and Estates of Burgundy is still one of the most visited monuments in the city. #2 A brush with culture at the Fine Arts Museum of Dijon Occupying the western wings of the Dukes’ Palace, the Fine Arts Museum of Dijon has undergone major restoration over the last 10 years and offers 1,500 pieces on display. The museography has been completely redesigned, and a few contemporary extensions have been added to enhance the visitor experience. #3 Making a wish and having it come true at the Owl of Dijon Dijon…

The muse of many a French Impressionist, Provence holds a special place in the heart of gourmand For me, Provence is the land that Peter Mayle wrote about in his book A Year in Provence. Published with little fanfare, it went on to become one of the most successful travel books of all time, selling more than a million copies in the UK and six million internationally, and then became a TV series. In his subsequent book, A Good Year, which was made into a film starring Russell Crowe and Marion Cottilard, it was clearly the villages and vineyards and unmistakable “light” of Provence that were the real stars. Stunning villages built into the hillsides amidst vineyards, white oak and olive groves, lavender fields and rosemary bushes. I had to…

LAUNCHED ON APRIL 14, 2021, Beyond Green (part of the Preferred Hotel Group) is a global portfolio of 27 hotels, resorts, and lodges that exemplify sustainability in action. From The Brando in Tahiti and the private Vermejo Estate in New Mexico to Francis Ford Coppola’s Family Hideaways in Belize, and camping options that are part of Wilderness Safaris and &Beyond, the brand aims to help discerning travellers discover properties that give back to the environment in positive, consistent, and impactful ways. With the launch comes the opportunity to get your hands on a limited-edition Journeyer’s Pick Package, available at 15 participating properties for bookings made by September 30, 2021—for travel through December 31, 2021. It includes the best available rate with a local experience, as well as 5,000 I Prefer…

SET ON AARAH ISLAND in Raa Atoll, Heritance Aarah brings you closer to the ocean in everything it offers. Its wide variety of gastronomical experiences, however, are the finest of all. With 12 different dining options, the resort offers a culinary journey in its own right. The offerings range from Middle Eastern dishes and fresh seafood to Sri Lankan cuisine and delicacies inspired by French, Italian, and Mediterranean brasseries. Begin your gourmet journey with Ranba’s down-to-earth cooking, inspired by eastern hawker stalls and western farmers’ markets. At Ralu, you can relish hearty European classics any time of the day. The resort’s beach grill, Ginifati, delights you with the catch of the day and rum punch in an intimate setting. Ambula takes pride in the brand’s Sri Lankan heritage and offers…

SET ON THE ORIVARU ISLAND in Noonu Atoll, a 45-minute seaplane ride away from Malé, ROBINSON CLUB Noonu is a resort dedicated to family-friendly holidays. With its in-room amenities, dining options, and vast range of activities, the resort has enough and more to keep you and your loved ones engaged. Accommodation is offered across four room categories. While the two-bedroom Family Room that comes with a sea view, two sofa-beds, and a baby bed is perfect for those travelling with kids, the Presidential Suite set over an offshore lagoon is fit for a couple’s getaway. To make your stay hassle-free, avail the ROBINSON Dream Room offering—it allows you to book the exact room you like using the hotel’s interactive map. Featuring three restaurants and two bars, the hotel offers a…

1. BAG Brown Backpack, Da Milano, ₹12,999; damilano.com 2. WATCH Motorsport, Seiko, ₹24,000; ethoswatches.com 3. SUNGLASSES Aviator-frame Sunglasses, Gucci Eyewear, ₹51,340; farfetch.com 4. PERFUME Noir Eau De Parfum, Tom Ford, ₹7,900 (50 ml); nnnow.com 5. SKINCARE Acne-Action Face Mask, Phy, ₹550 (60 g); thephylife.com 6. PEN Contemporary Rollerball Pen - Pearl with Chrome Trim, Lapis Bard, ₹8,500; williampenn.net 7. SHOES Leather Strap Sandals, Stemar, ₹24,652; harrods.com 8. HAIRCARE Coconut Shampoo, Truefitt & Hill, ₹2,700 (365 ml); truefittandhill.in 9. CLOTHES Spring 2021 Menswear, Fendi, price on request; fendi.com…

1. HEADPHONES JBL ENDURANCE DIVE Affordable, rugged, and equipped to deliver eight hours of playback time, the JBL Endurance Dive is perfect for all kinds of travel. What makes this ideal for a beach holiday is its water resistance (IPX7 rating) and 1GB music storage that lets you leave your phone at home as you go for a swim. ₹5,999; harmanaudio.in 2. TENT ALVANTOR BEACH TENT This nifty tent will maximise your time on the beach and keep you safe from the scorching sun. A fiberglass frame makes it light (just about a kilogram); it folds into a compact package; and it’s easy to use—unlock it and fling it up into the air, and watch as it unravels. There’s also a mesh for ventilation. ₹5,382; ubuy.co.in 3. KAYAK ITIWIT INFLATABLE…

IF YOU ASK ME, the ideal form of relaxation is one that takes you on a journey. The minute I set foot in the spa of The Lodhi, New Delhi, my voyage begins. As I sit on the floral green sofa in the waiting room, sipping on my welcome drink—a cooling peach iced tea—I find myself transfixed by the views of soaring bamboo plants beyond the glass windows. My therapist, Achumi, leads me to the therapy room soon after and explains what I should expect in the signature therapy—The Lodhi Experience—that I have signed up for. “First, change into a bathrobe and take a shower, post which the oil massage will begin,” she says. The lavish therapy room features an open shower, seating for reflexology, a bathtub laden with fresh…

Did you know that authentic champagne comes only from the Champagne region in France? The region is home to prestigious brands and their captivating cellars, succulent gastronomy, a rich cultural heritage, and, of course, its eponymous nectar. Here is our essential checklist of spirited experiences in Champagne. VINEYARD VISITS Bubbly lovers can choose from five exciting circuits on the Champagne Tourist Route, all of which guarantee an up close and personal discovery of the drink through vineyards, authentic champagne villages, and encounters with wine-growers who reveal a few, if not all, secrets of champagne making. The town of Épernay invites you to discover its vineyards differently. Choose from funky tuk-tuk rides to vintage 2CV Citroëns. Hop aboard a bus that has you participating in a chocolate making workshop or attending…

Famous for its vineyards and medieval architecture, Burgundy is a bon vivant’s delight. In the charming town of Beaune, once the residence of the Dukes of Burgundy, Hôtel Le Cep ticks all the boxes for a stay par excellence. Located in the heart of the medieval town, this five-star property is a stone’s throw from the famous Hospices de Beaune or Hôtel-Dieu de Beaune and the Basilica Notre-Dame. Part of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World, Hôtel Le Cep has been the recipient of many awards. DISCOVERING THE HOTEL Hôtel Le Cep receives its guests with its courteous staff and warm ambience, and envelopes them in its magical ambience. Its unparalleled hospitality makes every guest feel special. The hotel’s charm lies in its two merged private mansions and their…

As India’s only Master of Wine, I’ve had the privilege of visiting the vineyards of Bordeaux every other year. My first visit to Bordeaux was as a student, pursuing rigorous studies to become a Master of Wine. I soaked in the history of the region, understanding the business of wine and discovering its wine making. My subsequent visits helped me establish the broader cultural context of wine in France, its association with haute gastronomy, its promise of a healthy lifestyle and its joie de vivre. Wine, indeed, is a way of life for the French. In the recent past, I have had the privilege to visit some of the grand châteaux of Bordeaux and partake in unparalleled wine experiences on lush pastoral estates amidst magical settings. One of my most…

WHETHER YOU ARE on a sabbatical from city life or looking for a summer-long escape, two of the most stunning addresses in the Maldives are game. OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI and OZEN LIFE MAADHOO (part of THE OZEN COLLECTION) are offering Long Stay packages, with a 40 per cent discount on the best available rate if you stay for 30 days or longer. At OZEN LIFE MAADHOO, located on the Maadhoo island in South Malé Atoll, you can choose between the Earth Pool Pavilion and THE OZEN RESIDENCE. Similarly, at OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI, located on the Bolifushi island in Kaafu Atoll, choose from the Earth Pool Pavilion, Sunset Earth Pool RESERVE, and Private Ocean RESERVE (with the option of an infinity pool). As part of the Long Stay packages, you can…

OF LATE, THE MALDIVES is everywhere you look. Instagram handles of Indian celebrities and honeymooning couples are brimming with stunning images of the archipelago. It has become the international pandemic getaway for India. And according to recent reports, tourist arrivals surpassed 300,000 during the first three months of 2021. In addition to tourists, the nation also sees a substantial influx of working population, mainly from the neighbouring countries of India, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh. According to a 2014 Population and Housing Census, at least 16 per cent of its population was made up of expats. And the resorts that occupy close to 200 islets of the 1,190 in the Maldives employ many of these expats. Stephane Laguette, for instance, moved to the Maldives in late 2018 to begin his stint…

1. HAT Dreamer Floppy Hat (Classic Bow), Myaraa by Namrata Lodha, ₹2,199; myaraa.com 2. RING Fluttering Romance, PP Jewellers by Pawan Gupta, price on request; ppjeweller.com 3. PERFUME Naso Profumi, Gardenia Marigold, ₹6,000 (50 ml); nasoprofumi.com 4. BAG Bon Bon, Jimmy Choo, price on request; jimmychoo.com 5. LIP & CHEEK Beet Mighty Pink Lip and Cheek Tint, TAC - The Ayurveda Co., ₹595; theayurvedaco.com 6. SKINCARE Ubtan Gulab Face Scrub, Love Organically, ₹1,310 (50 gm); loveorganically.in 7. SHOES Amlul Satin Creus Flat Sandals, Pedro Garcia, ₹29,578; harrods.com 8. HAIRCARE Extra Virgin Coconut Oil, The Tribe Concepts, ₹499 (200 ml); thetribeconcepts.com 9. CLOTHES Resort 2021, Marina Moscone, price on request; marinamoscone.com…

JW MARRIOTT MALDIVES RESORT & SPA SET ON THE SECLUDED Vagaru island in Shaviyani Atoll, JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa is a 55-minute seaplane flight from Malé. Each of its 60 villas comes with a private pool, beautiful wooden deck, and many other luxuries that ensure an indulgent experience. The resort features a library, two pools, a spa, and a kids club. Its culinary destinations are diverse, with five restaurants, three full-service bars, and a wine room featuring 1,620 bottles and 320 labels of new and old-world wines from across the globe. Begin your gastronomic adventure with a hearty breakfast at Aailaa, the all-day dining restaurant. Open exclusively for lunch, the al fresco Fiamma, located on the poolside, is where you’ll find the best of Italian fare. Kaashi is…

SOOTHE THE SKIN What you need Pulp of one ripe mango 2 tbsp rosewater 1 tsp lemon (optional) Method Mix rosewater with mango pulp and add drops of lemon to adjust consistency. Blend the concoction to form a smooth paste and apply it on your face evenly. Wash with lukewarm water after 30 minutes or after the mask dries completely. Use on alternate days for best results. Benefits Rich in Vitamins C and E, as well as antioxidants, mangoes are known to fight free radicals, thus preventing skin damage. When paired with rosewater—a soothing agent, particularly for sensitive skin—the pack’s anti-inflammatory properties heighten and it combats skin irritation in hot weather conditions. Lemon doubles up as a skin astringent to close open pores. GET THAT GLOW What you need Pulp…

DRIVING WEST LAST OCTOBER through the stretch of southern Utah where the Mojave Desert, Great Basin, and Colorado Plateau collide, I found myself reflecting on the word ‘greater’. The name Greater Zion was coined in 2019 to encourage visitors to think beyond the spectacular yet relatively small Zion National Park, which is a mere 601 square kilometres, compared with, say, Yellowstone’s 8,992. The new designation is an implicit reminder that Zion itself is just one chunk of beauty within an excess of staggering scenery. Following roads that wound through blazing canyons and valleys of russet-coloured Navajo sandstone, I began to consider ‘greater’ less as a geographical or marketing term and more as a superlative. Greater as in more beautiful, more awesome, more sublime than anywhere else. Like so many places…

For French wines, the year, also called “vintage”, is significant because the weather has a big influence on the ripeness of grapes. Each region has its own grape varietal, and the same year can be great in Bordeaux and bad in Burgundy. From the following vintages, you can select wines from pretty much any region. 1 1947: For me, this is probably the vintage of the 20th century! The weather was incredibly hot, the harvest was huge, and the wines outstanding. Yes, it is old, rare and expensive, but if you can drink a single glass of a well-aged 1947 wine, you will never forget it. You can choose a red or a white, a dry or a sweet, a Bordeaux or a Burgundy. My choice: Château Doisy-Vedrines in Sauternes.…

If you’ve always associated French wine with everything but Indian cuisine, it’s time for a rethink. While this pairing may not be the most apparent ‘match made in heaven’, it is definitely a pleasurable palatable experience. We’ve carefully created a four-course menu that reveals many mouth-watering surprises and may tempt you to create your own fusion menu at home. COURSE 1 LET’S START AT THE BEGINNING Entrées pair very well with the king of wines: champagne! Did you know that champagne is a perfect match with greasy and salty foods, especially the brut varieties? Opt for the Taittinger Brut to complement butter garlic prawns, grilled fish or even the robust tandoori paneer. If, however, your entrée menu includes chicken tandoori, veggie cutlets or succulent lamb kebabs, then your best bet…