Innholdsfortegnelse for August 2022 i Travel + Leisure India & South Asia

India is the one land that all men desire to see, and having seen once, by even a glimpse, would not give that glimpse for all the shows of all the rest of the globe combined.—Mark Twain TWAIN’S DESCRIPTION OF India might seem like a hyperbole at first glance, but there’s merit. Having travelled to almost every corner of the world, ask me where you find the best hospitality. And the answer promptly is India. Without any bias. Atithi devo bhava finds tremendous significance in our country, and unsurprisingly some of India’s unique experiences feature on top of discerning global travellers’ bucket list. Our August issue focuses on #WhyWeLoveIndia. While global influencer and the ‘gram’s popular content creator and avid traveller Masoom Minawala travels to Raffles Udaipur to bask in…

TÜRKIYE IS A LAND of beautiful dualities, and a land dotted with different adventures, ideal for all kinds of travellers. Be it history buffs, couples on honeymoons, shopping enthusiasts, or solo travellers—there’s something for everyone in Turkiye! ISTANBUL Heart of Civilisation ANY VISIT TO Türkiye inevitably kickstarts with Istanbul, home to the nation’s largest international airport. An apt stepping stone into the country and its many wonders, this magnificent city was once the imperial capital of many empires for thousands of years. A slice of this history finds its way into Istanbul’s architectural and cultural fabric even today. The Historical Peninsula of Istanbul—surrounded by the Sea of Marmara, Boğaziçi (Bosphorus), and Haliç (Golden Horn)—continues to house a large part of these structures. Think Hagia Sophia, the Ottoman Imperial Süleymaniye Mosque, the…

COUTURIER MANISH MALHOTRA has played a major role in shaping Bollywood fashion. Right from the 90s till now, his famous muses have set many trends. It isn’t surprising, considering he has designed costumes for 800 films and has spent more than three decades in the industry. Through his 16-year-old eponymous label, he has revived traditional Indian crafts and embroideries, giving indigenous artisans a global platform. We caught up with the veteran designer and got him to tell us how the perception of Indian fashion has changed on the global ramp over the years and how his travels have influenced his work. EXCERPTS FROM THE INTERVIEW: How would you describe your journey in the industry so far? Exciting, exhilarating and sometimes exhausting, but over all empowering. With over 800 films to…

HEADPHONES Sony WH-1000XM5 Is this the best noise-cancelling headphone around? Many would say so. The newest iteration of Sony’s flagship range ramps up the tech overload: dual processors and eight mics for more accurate auto noise cancellation, a new driver, and as you’d expect, the usual Sony goodies like wireless high-res streaming, and DSEE Extreme upscaling. ₹27560; amazon.com LAPTOP MacBook Air M2 There’s a new processor—the Apple Silicon M2—but it’s the design tweaks that make the 2022 MacBook Air near perfect: MagSafe charging makes a comeback, the display is brighter, there’s a new flat, slim-bezel design, a Full HD webcam, and a midnight black colour option. From ₹1,49,900; apple.com/in SMARTWATCH Maserati Hybrid Traguardo Smartwatches can sometimes leave you cold, especially if you’re a watch person. But that’s why hybrid watches were…

GLOBAL INFLUENCER, digital creator, and entrepreneur Masoom Minawala’s endearing success story is what most girls dream of. Minawala started a fashion blog in 2010 called Miss Style Fiesta and now with over 1.48 million followers across her social media platforms, she commands some serious influence in the Indian fashion and lifestyle ecosystem. She is one of the first creators from India to have walked the red carpet at Cannes Film Festival thrice in a row, and has attended Paris Fashion Week multiple times for brands like Hermes, Louis Vuitton, Christian Louboutin, Dior, etc. Besides representing India at global events, Minawala is also a serial entrepreneur. Excerpts from the interview: What does luxury mean to you? The luxury landscape is changing, and how we as customers consume it is also dynamically…

IN THE WINTER OF 1777, the writer Johann Wolfgang von Goethe set off on horseback from his home in the central German city of Weimar and travelled a hundred miles north to the forests of the Harz region. The 28-year-old Goethe, who had been struggling since the death of his sister the previous summer, hoped to encounter a sign. On December 10, accompanied by a forester, he climbed the Brocken, a mountain in the Harz that is, at almost 1,219 metres, the highest in northern Germany. Visiting this snowy, densely wooded landscape left him exhilarated and renewed; the experience later inspired the poem “Harzreise im Winter.” An altar of grateful delight He finds in the much-dreaded mountain’s Snow-begirded summit, Which foreboding nations Crown’d with spirit-dances. The story of Goethe’s bracing…

WITHIN YOU, THERE IS a stillness to which you can retreat anytime. And the physical proof of this is Meadow of Flowers, Gulmarg, a large meadow that sits at 2,650 metres, 52 kilometres south-west of Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir. I visit this place time and again and every time, I find myself mesmerised. To me it’s heavenly! The views of the valley are splendid and ooze divinity and peace. The lush lavender lupines lift my soul and transfix my gaze. And when the gentle cool breeze touches my face softly, and whispers in my ears, the notion that the entire universe is in sync with me is reinforced. —AZIB KHAN ON HIS PHOTOGRAPH, TAKEN WITH A NIKON 5300 ON JUNE 30, 2022…

1. NECKLACE The Butterfly Effect Choker, Lune, ₹8,500; shoplune.com 2. EARRING Half Flower Earrings, JODI, ₹9,490; thejodilife.com 3. WATCH Cookie (Mystique Collection), Horpa, ₹12,000; horpawatch.com 4. VISOR Classic Visor - Ochre, Tann-ed, ₹4,800; tanned.in 5. RINGS Gravity Rings, Zaavorr, ₹15,525; zaavorr.com 6. CLOTHES The Franzi Dress, Virshete, ₹25,000, virshete.com 7. BAG Envelope Sling - Tan, Nappa Dori, ₹4,800; nappadori.com 8. FOOTWEAR Bermuda (Sandal), Needledust, ₹4,690; needledust.com 9. WALLET Double Chamber Wallet (Tan), Cord, ₹4,500; cordstudio.in…

“I keep changing my bag depending upon my mood and where I’m going.”…

Tell us about Darlings, your role in it and how did this come about? Darlings happened to me in the middle of the first lockdown. I received a call from Alia [Bhatt’s] manager saying she wanted to send across a script. I was absolutely arrested by it. The theme is relatable but dark, and it has been treated in a unique way. We’ve made it palatable and accessible to households across the globe. I [somehow] felt safe to get into the skin of a character that is so devious, interesting, and juicy for an actor. How challenging was it to portray the role of Hamza? I think the major challenge was to give 100 per cent to the role and be truthful even in the most difficult scenes. There is…

You’ve played a major role in putting India on the global map for motor racing. How has the experience been? It has been a real privilege to represent India during my 13 years of international motorsport. Due to lack of infrastructure in India, it is not very common to see Indian—or even Asian—drivers compete in motorsport globally. Hence, competing against the world’s best on a global stage feels special. Winning the race and hearing the national anthem playing out on the podium is motivating. How do you deal with the pressures and responsibility of representing India globally? There’s always pressure when you’re racing at this level, but, honestly, I don’t feel any additional pressure because of my nationality. When you’re in the car, and the helmet goes on and the…

ON ONE HAND, tectonic movement has endowed India with bountiful nature. On the other, there are landmarks left by the many visitors who made the country a temporary home. UNESCO has taken both of these into account and inscribed many of India’s nature reserves and historical sites. I had the good fortune of visiting a few of these sites and found in them awe-inspiring architecture, craftsmanship, town planning prowess, structural innovation, and in-depth understanding of special disciplines like astronomy. From the Victorian Gothic Revival style of architecture at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus or Victoria Terminus (UNESCO 2004) to the Nagara style architectural symbolism in the 1000-year-old Khajuraho group of temples (UNESCO 1986), I was wowed by every structure that came my way. A pure Dravidian imprint is visible at the…

‘MAA GOURI SWEET STALL’ reads the letters painted in pale yellow on one side of the blue board. On the other side, the same thing is written in Odia. A picture of Durga smiles from the edge, three bikes stand neatly underneath. Two steps lead into the shop where some tables are placed by the wall. The food counter is manned by three men from three different generations; each of them are handling a large aluminium pot. One is filled with thin and heavily garnished dahi-bara, second with orange coloured upma, and the third with pale brown rasgullas. Some samosas rest nearby in a large tub. I ask for a rasgulla and a samosa and take the corner table. I have arrived in Bhubaneswar with a singular agenda: to experience…

1 Sip on a Sundowner at a Deserted Riverbed, MADHYA PRADESH This gets our vote for India’s most unique - and secluded - sundowner. At Bori Safari Lodge in Madhya Pradesh, you drive around in an open-top jeep, through this relatively undiscovered national park, and do a bit of spotting as scheduled. The team then takes you to a deserted riverbed on the Tawa River where they set up high tea and sundowners. The river dries up significantly during certain months leaving gorgeous sandy banks where you are parked. One of the specialities of the area is a local brew called mahua. Have a mahua martini on the sandy riverfront as you watch the sun set over the national park. Approx ₹35,000 per room, jehannuma.com/bori-safari-lodge 2 Enjoy Private Dinner With a…

WITH THE MAGNIFICENT views of the azure Indian Ocean, the Jumeirah Maldives Olhahali Island, situated on the North Male Atoll, approaches wellness creatively. Apart from the conventional sunrise yoga classes, the resort also has on offer a variety of yogic practices. Whether an avid practitioner or a beginner, the Jumeriah Maldives has classes to suit every individual’s needs. In addition to their 24-hour overwater fitness centre—with the scenic views of the shoreline—one can also hire a personal trainer to meet one’s fitness and wellness goals. Moving on to their holistic wellness practices and signature therapies at the spa, one should look out for the Heyovaru Si Hatu treatment, that draws inspiration from Shiatsu—a form of therapy using the same principles as acupuncture finding its origin in Japan. As a part…

1. HAT Floral Bucket Hat (Arctic Blue), prxkhxr, ₹1,199; prxkhxr.com 2. WATCH Jumping Hour Watch - Blue 40mm, Jaipur Watch Company, ₹50,200; jaipur.watch 3. BAG Blue Croco Effect Men Sling Bag, Da Milano, ₹10,999; damilano.com 4. FANNY BAG Blue Vintage Bud Fanny Pack, Masaba, ₹1,500; houseofmasaba.com 5. ORGANISER Tora Tech Organiser – Stripes, Nicobar, ₹3,500; nicobar.com 6. SUITCASE Istanbul, Nasher Miles, ₹10,999; nashermiles.com 7. CLOTHES Navy Waistcoat with Zipper, Shantanu & Nikhil, ₹22,500; shantanunikhil.com 8. CREAM After-Shave Cream, BodyCafé, ₹500 (50 gm); bodycafe.in 9. SHOES Blue Deep Cut Croco Leather Chelsea Boots With Stylish Buckle Strap For Men By Brune & Bareskin, Brune & Bareskin by Voganow, ₹12,999; voganow.com…

Premier Precious Peacock Automatic 36mm HARRY WINSTON This majestic watch celebrates the iridescent plumage of peacocks with a handmade micromosaic glass dial. The 18K white gold automatic timepiece showcases HW2008 calibre and is water resistant up to three bars. Price on request. Radiomir 10 Days GMT Automatic Acciaio (PAM00553) PANERAI The water-resistant 47mm timepiece is engraved with the Gateway of India on the back. The automatic mechanical watch runs on Panerai P.2003 calibre with a power reserve of 10 days. Price on request. Roman Baagh Gold Plated JAIPUR WATCH COMPANY The 43mm stainless steel watch runs on a Japanese Miyota 8215 automatic movement and was created using a one-rupee coin from the year 1947 (the last coin minted under British Rule). The timepiece reserves power for up to 50 hours. ₹50,000.00…

When we talk about India as a luxury destination, what aspects of our country do you feel need to be showcased? We have such hidden jewels in our country, we need to really reveal them. It’s sad that we haven’t yet been able to really show them to the world. Rajasthan and its palaces are beautiful, but everyone knows about them. There are other beautiful places and homes in Goa and Kerala that no one knows about. I am glad now a lot of people are offering their homes to guests. This way one gets to sample local food, culture and also experience the luxury of a five-star hotel. Big hotels [chains] are passé now. You have travelled all over the world, what is it about India that makes it…

AS I stepped into the battery-operated wooden boat waiting along the bank of lake Udai Sagar, my mind instinctively drifted towards WB Yeats, the English poet and his Lake Isle of Innisfree. Yeats famously wrote about inner peace, sanctuary, and serenity that he found on a small island located in County Sligo, Ireland. I was off to a secluded, private island too. Would I find my inner peace there? I looked expectantly at the brightly lit edifice situated on the island at a distance. I was staring at Raffles Udaipur, the uber luxury property that opened gates in India last year. It stood like a fascinating vision at dusk. The boat, almost magically, smoothly sailed towards it, and all I could hear was the chirping of birds. The calmness made…

IN A CRISP spring morning, I am ushered from the iconic Rumi Darwaza to a slightly raised part called Laxman Tila. In between rose plantations and a soft-hued Awadhi sky, my eyes fall on the motif of a pair of fish. Mahi Maratib (the fish standard) was the highest honour of bravery in the Mughal empire. It was conferred upon the highest dignitaries by the emperors. The twin fish gained more prominence in time and became the chief element of the royal insignia of Awadh. Over the day, I would realise that the fish is omnipresent in the Awadh region, from every ancient gate in the city and the state crest to organza chikankari saris and modern-day logos. My guide Samir Kher is a Lucknow native who runs a conscious…

Rejuvenation at Hilton Maldives Amangiri Resort & Spa Nestled in Amangiri Island in North Malé Atoll, the recently opened Hilton Maldives Amangiri Resort & Spa boasts 109 overwater and beach villas. With scenic turquoise water all around, the property embodies a harmony of Maldivian accents and contemporary touches. Amidst its various wellness offerings, the one that stands out is the Amingiri Spa that offers an extensive menu of rejuvenating treatments and purifying hammam rituals that are sure to up your well-being. While here, one can also consult a naturopathy doctor for body alignment and lifestyle goals. hilton.com Harmonious Transformation at Raffles Maldives Meradhoo Lying in the lap of the Indian Ocean with an unrestricted visual access to the ocean, an authentic well-being experience awaits the patrons at the famed Raffles…