Innholdsfortegnelse for November 2023 i Travel + Leisure India & South Asia

AS WE RAISE A TOASt to our 17th year, we celebrate not just another birthday, but a significant chapter in the journey of Travel + Leisure India & South Asia. It has been a roller coaster ride, with its share of lows and highs, just like the transformative journey of the Indian travel and hospitality industry. At T+L India, we are committed to playing our part in this transformation. We are dedicated to ‘Transforming Your World’ in various ways, from guiding you on where to travel and how to travel, to suggesting great dining experiences and ways to connect with locals. Furthermore, we encourage you to make travel choices with a conscience. Along with #GoingPlacesWithPeople, we also endeavour to transform the way you envision and immerse in luxury travel and…

I HAVE BEEN AN avid traveller all along. For me, travel is not a hobby. It’s a way of life, an ongoing love affair with the boundless beauty and diversity our planet has to offer. I have been very lucky to be able to immerse myself in various cultures. It was my time living in the UK and Paris that truly transformed me; where I fell in love with nightlife, burlesque shows, and cabaret, and got to experience the true art of drag. It was there that the seed for Kitty Su was planted in my head. I came back to India and emphasised what I learned abroad—to create and find your tribe and make a safe space for queer people. Hospitality and Safe Spaces Globally, many travel and hospitality…

At the second edition of ‘Laughter On The Menu’, held on October 19, 2023 at Novotel Mumbai International Airport, comedian Atul Khatri took his home turf audience on a laughter ride. Curated especially for members of ALL - Accor Live Limitless (Accor’s lifestyle loyalty programme), the evening was a huge success as guests were treated to signature Atul Khatri punch lines. This was the second leg of the three-city tour curated exclusively by Travel+Leisure India & South Asia and Accor. Reema Chugh, director of Loyalty & Partnerships at Accor India said, “The second edition to this year’s Limitless Experience, Laughter on the Menu, was a unique and exclusive event curated for members of ALL. It provided a remarkable opportunity to personally engage with our supporters, hear about their experiences, and…

You’ve shuttled between the south and the Hindi film industry. How challenging is that? How has working in both industries impacted you as a person and as an actor? It has taught me to hustle. India is diverse, so shuttling between the industries has helped me understand women in different places better. For instance, a woman in a small town would react differently to situations than a woman in Mumbai or Hyderabad. I get to work with directors who don’t speak the same language as me; their work ethic is different, there’s a lot of hard work and sleepless nights, but it’s worth it. It’s not easy for an outsider to create a niche for themselves in the movie business. But you have managed to do that well. How would…

What are some experiences signature to Envelop and what are the challenges you face while bringing them to life? Dinner Show—a collision of Broadway with casual dining—is Envelop’s copyrighted love child! It combines a restaurant meal with a staged play or musical. It requires the management of a live theatre, a restaurant and a bar, where guests watch, listen, eat, drink, and breathe the story. However, with live entertainment, you have little control. Getting the client to agree with the idea is challenging. People don’t understand [its] commercial value, high costs, and technicalities but they tend to fancy [similar experiences] abroad. Secondly, Indians don’t give performance arts and artists their due respect. With Dinner Show, we aim to change this. Wild Party is another Envelop signature. We do bizarre the…

How did the idea of community-driven sustainable tourism first come to you? The seeds were sown with the first hotel on board RARE India in 2003. It was a small key, owner-run, wildlife lodge set on 40 acres with an open fence and just 12 tents, and it employed the local community. From this point, most of the hotels that joined our community were owner-powered, committed to the destination, and made conscious choices. What are some of the latest trends in sustainable tourism that are here to stay? We must stop calling sustainability a trend. All hotels and tourism businesses should be built consciously, and [should be] destination-focussed while being community-inclusive. And with governments calling for a net zero goal, it is imminent for every business. Pivot or perish is…

How has the destination wedding scene evolved since The Wedding Design Company was launched? Vandana started this over 35 years ago and we can proudly say that she put the grandeur of Indian weddings on the world map. Today, the approach and perspective are more modern and give weddings by The Wedding Design Company a different, more enthusiastic, and newer perspective. Destination weddings have become much more popular today. While Rajasthan has always been a popular destination choice in India, over the years people have explored destinations like Goa, Kerala, Himachal Pradesh, and many international locations. WDC as a company has worked in over 35 countries. That in itself says a lot about the evolution and demand. Wedding themes and decor have become more elaborate and personalised, with couples opting…

I HAD ALWAYS WONDERED how Carrie Bradshaw could leave behind her passport while being so engrossed in buying shoes. As I stood in Souq Waqif in Doha, that scene from Sex and the City 2 finally made sense. While Bradshaw got lost in the world of shoes, I was faced with a similar circumstance at an ittar shop. The air was thick with the smell of flowers, herbs, and spices; the shopkeeper, on the other hand, did not shy away from bringing out bottles one after the other, some near replicas of famous fragrances. The whimsical alleys of Souq Waqif hold more secrets than what meets the eye. At first glance, you are led to believe that it is home to souvenir shops and tiny karak chai stores, but the…

CULINARY EXPLORATIONS have been a part of my travels since very early on. As a child, when I travelled with my parents, much of our time was spent planning and eating the local food in cities we were travelling to. After I got married and started travelling with my husband, Aditya, on his work trips, I began experimenting with food even more. We planned all our meals to ensure we could experience the finest food in the city we were in. This paved the way for my food explorations around the world and I also signed up for short courses and internships. Whether it was working with a street food specialist in Southeast Asia or taking a baking class in Europe, I’ve done it all just out of interest and…

DESPITE MAKING Delhi my home, my heart always yearned for the quietude of nature. The increasing pollution in the capital became a strong nudge to return to the mountains. For someone like me, hailing from the hills, Delhi can be a harsh contrast. My journey in journalism and photography led me to venture into eco-tourism. Humble Beginnings As a journalist, my travels took me across India and around the globe. I encountered some truly fascinating lodgings. It was only when I turned inwards and began exploring places like mine, did I realise the beauty of my homeland. It struck me, why not create something similar here? Thus, I embarked on the restoration of my grandfather’s old Himachali house in the hills, transforming it into a charming farm stay. The future…

HUEMN’S AUDACIOUS journey into gender-less fashion signifies not just a style statement but a profound cultural shift. The brand’s collections are a kaleidoscope of styles, colours, and silhouettes for the tastemakers of our generation. Given the current state of fashion, where wardrobe curation supercedes trends, Kirti’s one-of-a kind statement pieces are here to become wardrobe mainstays for years to come. EXCERPTS FROM THE INTERVIEW: What led to the start of Huemn? Hunger. Huemn is an idea that has grown into a brand with the constant evolution of the human mind, and that is possible only when you surround yourself with inspiring artists who are as hungry as you to deliver and create. Great creative work often happens at the edge of your comfort zone. I believe that if you don’t…

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Panache World is over two decades old. How has the travel landscape evolved? The travel landscape has become so much more meaningful. One of the most significant shifts is the way people approach travel. In the early 2000s, tourists were often content with surface-level experiences and checking off major attractions. Today, we see a shift—from being mere tourists to becoming indepth travellers who yearn to connect with the soul of their destinations. The internet and social media have democratised travel information. Travellers research destinations extensively and often have a clear vision of what they want to experience. According to you, what are the travel trends that will dominate 2024? Two things are bound to happen soon—a new and emphasised focus is going to be on sustainable travel. People are making…

With an international relations degree, you have worked across various fields and travelled extensively as well. What led you to launch Encompass Experiences? I’ve always believed that travel is critical to self-discovery. For me, travel is like living and breathing. Travel makes us better people because it allows us to prioritise ourselves and introspect. When we challenge ourselves, we automatically contribute more to the world. Encompass caters to the luxury travel segment. What are the things you pay attention to while curating an immersive experiential tour? Attention to detail is a crucial aspect of luxury travel planning. Luxury travellers often have high expectations and seek personalised unique experiences. As a luxury travel designer, it is essential to pay close attention to every detail to ensure a seamless and memorable trip…

What inspired you to start The Q Experiences? The inspiration stemmed from a passion for creating unique luxury travel experiences. We, at The Q, believe travel is not just about seeing new places, it’s about living an experience that will make for a great story. We aim to offer discerning travellers once-in-a-lifetime experiences. What are some experiences at The Q that promote transformative travel? We pride ourselves on being pioneers in promoting transformative travel. We are the only organisation in India to have successfully undertaken groups to the Arctic and Antarctica and are always striving to craft exceptional experiences. Be it savouring Michelin-starred culinary delights in Antarctica, venturing into remote tundra regions to witness the breathtaking polar bear migration, indulging in a supercar adventure along Europe’s uncharted wine routes, or…

EXFOLIATING THE past can result in warriors, and Bandana Tewari—luminous writer and sustainability advocate—is proof. Eight years ago, after shedding toxic trappings in Mumbai, Tewari moved to Bali, where her daughter Myra, now a talented musician, attended The Green School. Tewari, meanwhile, healed her heart among a new family of friends, some of whom I met at a shindig hosted by Cynthia and John Hardy at their property, Bamboo Indah, an Ubud mainstay overlooking river rapids and spring pools. Writers, designers, and healers comprise Tewari’s coterie here, evidence that we start out in life with a biological family but end up with a logical one—a ragtag team of spiritual allies and heartbreak first responders. “This is my family,” she said proudly. “And Bali is home.” Tewari had suggested that I…

1 SCOTLAND GLASGOW Glasgow, Scotland’s vibrant heart, has evolved over the last couple of decades to become Britain’s most intriguing metropolis. With its stately Victorian architecture and artistic heritage, the city is home to museums, art galleries, and proud institutions such as the Scottish Opera (scottishopera.org.uk), the Scottish Ballet (scottishballet.co.uk), and the National Theatre of Scotland (nationaltheatrescotland.com). But on the other hand, this smart city also seamlessly blends its rich history with cutting-edge technology and eco-friendly initiatives. Glasgow’s commitment to sustainability is evident through its ambitious renewable energy projects, such as wind farms and solar arrays. The city’s transport system is a marvel, boasting electric buses and a well-connected subway network. Green spaces like the Glasgow Green and the Botanic Gardens add a natural touch to the urban landscape, with…

THE SOURCE VINEYARDS, one of India’s leading producers of premium wines, recently launched The Source Pinot Noir. Made from carefully selected Pinot Noir grapes grown in the cool climate vineyards of Nashik, Maharashtra, the wine is aged in French oak barrels for five months to give it a soft velvety texture and a lingering finish. With a light ruby-red colour and aromas of red cherries and raspberries, The Source Pinot Noir is a good choice for those who prefer lighter styles of red wine. “Wines from Pinot Noir are soft and delicate as compared to Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon which are much more robust. Our Pinot Noir is best enjoyed lightly chilled making it the perfect red wine for the Indian climate”, said Karan Vasani, COO and chief winemaker at…

IN MAY THIS YEAR, designer duo Shivan and Narresh visited the Glenmorangie Distillery and House (glenmorangie.com) in Tain, Scotland. The distillery, situated in the Scottish Highlands, is nearly 180 years old. The duo not only traced its longstanding history, but also understood the brand’s legacy and sustainability practices. Talking about the distillery’s spectacular location, Shivan says, “We didn’t know what to expect. But we were surprised to find out how charming and beautiful it was. I felt as if we were sitting in somebody’s living room and cherishing the views while enjoying the drink,” adding, “It was our first time at a distillery that makes the most beautiful scotch in the whole world. The whole experience—the story, process, and tasting—was eye-opening. And what was interesting for us was the ideology…

You’ve always championed the cause of women’s empowerment. As an Emirati woman achiever, what were some of the challenges you faced in your journey? My upbringing instilled in me a genuine passion for empowering women; I come from a family where women outnumber men. And my inspiration comes from the nurturing environment created by my grandmother and mother. They gave me the confidence to spread my wings 30 years ago. My journey has been marked by unconventional challenges—like pursuing higher education abroad during a time when very few women ventured beyond their homeland to study. Some of the choices I’ve made have defied societal norms. I have had to navigate the complexities of embracing a global mindset and approach, all while remaining steadfast in my commitment to my Emirati culture…

Location The Londoner Macao “Navy blue looks good on him,” says Sandra West, David Beckham’s mom in his docu series on Netflix. And this accounts for the colour palette in the David Beckham suite at The Londoner Macao, the location for our cover shoot with pan-India actor Pooja Hegde. The clean, clutter-free, and elegant interiors remind one of Beckham rattling on in his documentary about how he likes to clean his space right after a party when everyone’s in bed as he likes to wake up in a home that’s in perfect order. As the crew prepared for the first shot, our cover star Hegde, a popular name in both Bollywood and the southern film industry wandered off to explore the space that has “all the home comforts he (Beckham) enjoys…

Adventure tourism is growing in popularity. How did you come up with the idea of starting Snow Leopard Adventures, and what unique experiences do you offer adventure enthusiasts? My expeditions and travels across the world exposed me to the vast potential of adventure tourism. For me, adventure isn’t just a hobby; it’s a passion and a profession. Recognising India’s diverse landscapes brimming with unexplored avenues, I was inspired to establish Snow Leopard Adventures in 1990. Our mission is to offer genuine, unforgettable, and sustainable experiences that bring individuals closer to nature. We meticulously curate trips including river rafting, trekking, mountaineering, sea kayaking, and wildlife safaris, both in the Indian subcontinent and globally. You’ve received numerous awards and recognitions for your contributions to adventure and tourism. What achievements are you most…

You joined Liberty International Tourism Group almost 17 years ago. What are the major changes you’ve seen among travellers over the years? Travel is becoming more about immersive experiences rather than ticking items off a bucket list. People want to experience a destination like a local. It is becoming more experiential—from authentic local experiences to off-the-beaten-path vacations. Solo travel is becoming more popular, as are mindful retreats. Corporations are now looking for trips where their employees may practise mindfulness through yoga and meditation sessions, individualised therapies, and other activities. Customisations are key for any trip planned by Liberty International Tourism Group. What is the process of crafting these experiences? It commences with a comprehensive consultation, where our expert advisors engage with clients to understand their preferences, desires, and goals. [We…

What’s new with Shaadi Squad? This year we’ve tapped into two new destinations—Bali and Andaman. We never looked at the Andaman as a potential wedding destination because of logistical and operational constraints but are very excited to foray into this region and see what lies ahead. Which destinations in India offer a transformative wedding experience, according to you? Uttarakhand, Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Darjeeling, Andaman Island, Wayanad in Kerala, and Jaipur in Rajasthan offer unique experiences for guests. What are some sustainable practices that Shaadi Squad incorporates in its preparations? We consciously try to incorporate the local culture and craftsmanship of the destination where the wedding is happening. For a wedding that we executed in Jaipur last year, we identified a local hand-block printing manufacturer and curated giveaways for guests entirely based on…

What are some of the unique experiences that Footprint Holidays offer? Wine trails, soft adventure, local events and festivals, multi-generational family trips, celebrations, and a few fully customised special interest holidays like walking holidays, supercar experiences, a 100-day honeymoon, and more. When was Footprint Holidays founded and with what objective? Seeing a dearth of good bespoke and experiential holiday companies, in 2010, we decided to start a very small yet ultra personalised holiday management company. The sole focus was to weave holiday experiences based on individual preferences. Do you think travel has the power to transform? How does Footprint Holidays align with that vision? Absolutely. Travel removes tunnel vision that is ingrained into humans by their geography and opens one up to other countries’ cultures. Footprint always tailors historical, cultural,…

ONE DAY IN July 2023, my husband and I ditched modern conveniences and went off to climb the world’s tallest freestanding mountain, Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. For over two gruelling months, we dedicated ourselves to rigorous strength training, climbing countless stairs, and sacrificed our weekends with early morning hikes in preparation. We were met with the curious question from friends, “Why?” Our worried but well-meaning parents asked, “Why not go scuba diving again?” Others suggested, “Europe this summer could be fun?” Even as we started climbing, the persistent question lingered; it became an icebreaker among our hiking group, allowing us to connect and understand each other’s motivations. We listened to fellow climbers share their compelling motivations, such as a father-daughter duo embarking on their third hiking trip and a couple…

NEARLY A DECADE AGO my husband, Jason, and I stumbled upon the obituaries of the artist-architects Shusaku Arakawa and Madeline Gins in the New York Times. It was a strange way to learn about a duo whose motto was “we have decided not to die.” In the early 1990s, Arakawa and Gins built a sprawling installation—part theme park, part land art, part philosophy come to life—in Japan’s Gifu Prefecture. The Site of Reversible Destiny, as they called it, promises to stave off death by challenging both body and spirit. As soon as we read about it, we knew we had to go. Set on a hill at the foot of the Yoro Mountains, the park is dramatic and lovingly maintained, with different species of trees that bloom in chorus. It…