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Have you ever dreamed of wandering around an indigo metropolis, drenched in soft pink skies as soon as the sun calls it a day? Some call Jodhpur ‘an exploration to the senses’, others would say it’s an intriguing maze of azure alleyways. One thing is for sure: this humming city in the Indian state Rajasthan is full of colours, exciting architecture and ancient traditions.

Alleyways and architecture

In Jodhpur’s lanes, rickshaw drivers and bikes rush to their next destination, accompanied by flocks of pigeons. Tiny courtyards breathe a more peaceful air, a blue serenity that’s rarely found on the main streets of Jodhpur. Here’s where chai vendors sell their milky delights and shoe polishers carefully brush leathery footgear. Certain houses in Jodhpur’s used to be decorated with indigo paste because priests of the Brahmin caste lived there. These days many more buildings are covered in blue, providing cooler air while dispersing the afternoon glow that makes every living creature simmer away in ‘Sun City’.
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Traditional blue windows and wall in Blue City Jodhpur

Interior of Mehrangarh Fort by Don Mammoser

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During a private tour through Jodhpur, one gets to see the lively pathways and serene yards, but also spectacular pieces of architecture. One specific sight that’s hard to miss is the majestically Mehrangarh Fort. Overlooking the entire blue oasis at its feet, this 17th-century stronghold is the icon of this ancient city. Brave souls can choose to see the fortress and its surrounding from above. An adrenaline pumping network of zip lines connects several towers and walls of the ancient fortification, providing a birds-eye view of Jodhpur.
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Old man smoking water pipe by Mark52

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Flying through the air or with both feet on the ground; the guide will provide all information concerning the halls, staircases and rooms and their former inhabitants. In this jewel in Jodhpur’s crown, you’ll follow in the footsteps of mighty rulers and medieval princesses. Seven of the maharajas built their own entrance gate, giving the visitor a choice of where to enter the magnificent fortress. Black kites circulating high in the sky have replaced the traditional royal guards, keeping an eye on Mehrangarh Fort.

Celebrate the Makar Sankranti festival

During Makar Sankranti, the amount of kites in the blazing atmosphere is drastically multiplied. But rather than the birds of prey, this festival revolves around plastic or paper playthings on an invisible string for three days in a row. Makar Sankranti is celebrated every year starting on January 14 and is one of India’s few festivals dedicated to Surya, the god of the sun. Showing gratitude for the harvest in the year that’s behind, the locals send kites and lampions towards the sun. In Jodhpur, the festivities are also held at the Polo Ground.
Scenes of the silhouette of Mehrangarh Fort and the illuminated lampions trying to chase the setting sun will be printed in the visitors’ memories.

Explore the Mandore Gardens

Between the lanes of Jodhpur and the deserted ghost town Mandore lies only ten miles, but the surreal difference in experience seems to tell a time travelling story. Mandore housed the thrones of many kings, but after the construction of an elevated fortress further south, the city lost its once noble purpose. Jodhpur became the most important metropolis in the region, and the citizens of Mandore left their previously beloved capital leaving nothing but silent witnesses. Lovers of royal Indian architecture will bask in the ruins of the Mandore Gardens, the evidence of a glorious king’s residence.
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Umaid Bhawan Palace is today a large luxury hotel by Stefano Barzellotti

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Excursions around Jodhpur

The pattern of rolling sand dunes around Osian ranges beyond anyone’s perception. A sandy ocean called the Thar Desert covers a large part of Rajasthan, including this old town 45 miles north of Jodhpur. It is believed that the people of Osian got converted to Jainism, given the sculptures and shrines enclosed in the city walls. Exploring the stairs, arches and delicate shrines of this sacred well in the desert awakens the fantasy of every traveller without any effort. The imagination might wander off to past times when the kingdom of Marwar reigned in this part of Rajasthan. One of the most exciting ways to explore the vast emptiness of the Thar Desert around town is on the back of a camel. Go for a ride just before sunset, when the sand dunes blush in the lowering sun. In case the appetite increases on arrival, a traditional Marwari style dinner will be served while the last daylight proceeds to the other side of the globe. Private tours that include a traditional meal can be arranged in Jodhpur as well.

Stay overnight in Jodhpur

The Umaid Bhawan Palace Hotel used to be the residency of the former Jodhpur royal family. The 4,850 square feet Maharani Suite makes the guest feel like a monarch indeed. A pink bathtub made from Italian marble, a private yoga room and 24-hour in-room dining are just a few of the superior amenities.

Getting to Jodhpur

Jodhpur’s domestic airport is located a mere 5 kilometres from the city centre. The Jodhpur Airport (JDH) is well-connected to other major cities in India, including Delhi and Mumbai, and you’re likely to find multiple flights from Air India and Jet Airways arriving daily.
For the more scenic route, head to Jodhpur by a luxury train. The historic Palace on Wheels, an ultra-luxurious train service that travels through India, offers routes that depart from New Delhi and makes a stop at Jodhpur. Regular express trains also frequently depart train terminals in New Delhi and Mumbai. ◼
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_basic_grid post_type=”ids” element_width=”12″ initial_loading_animation=”none” grid_id=”vc_gid:1544746951880-22b42cb4-d15c-8″ include=”16162″][vc_column_text]Subscribe to the latest edition now by clicking here.

© This article was first published in Dec-Jan 2019 edition of World Travel Magazine.
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The post Discover Jodhpur, India’s Stunning Blue City first appeared on World Travel Magazine.

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Nestled amidst a network of some 800 scattered islands and vibrant coral reefs, the island of Pila in Myanmar was known only to the indigenous people of the Mergui Archipelago, the Moken, for centuries, and only opened to foreigners in the late 1990s. Since then, the island has remained relatively untouched by the ravages of modernisation. It’s newest, and only resort, Awei Pila, aims to maintain the balance of the island’s ecosystem while simultaneously providing guests with an exclusive resort to call home.
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Myanmar’s stunning Mergui archipelago

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Awei Pila prides itself in its unique brand of sustainable luxury. Each of its 24 tented villas strives to integrate itself into islands untouched beauty, taking design cues from the natives’ nomadic seafaring lifestyle – the Moken only come ashore to live during the monsoon season, building their homes out of light, tented structures.
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Awei Pila’s arching pool

One of Awei Pila’s airconditioned tents

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So uncharted is the island that it is believed that there several undiscovered beaches remain on Pila. Strict regulations on the use of plastics and pollutions in Awei Pila also help the island maintain its otherworldly aura, and the resort offers numerous nature experiences – including trekking tours and snorkelling – to help guests understand the surrounding ecosystem more. aweipila.com ◼

(Last edited: 15 Jan 2019)
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_basic_grid post_type=”ids” element_width=”12″ initial_loading_animation=”none” grid_id=”vc_gid:1543538848094-6ef62272-cc9e-2″ include=”16012″][vc_column_text]Subscribe to the latest edition now by clicking here.

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The post Be one of the first to discover Myanmar’s luscious resort island of Pila first appeared on World Travel Magazine.

[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_separator color=”black” border_width=”10″][vc_custom_heading text=”The members only Soho House Mumbai”][vc_separator color=”black” border_width=”2″][vc_widget_sidebar sidebar_id=”sidebar-page”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]
Members-only clubs tend to have a particular image – that of straight-laced suits and unerring corporate businessmen. Soho House takes a different spin on members clubs: it welcomes a city’s creative community – including artists, film-makers, writers, designers – and offers them an exclusive place to mingle with like-minded visionaries in a plush, curated space.

Founded in London in 1995 for mavens of the creative industry, Soho House has grown to have outposts in major metropolises around the world, including in Istanbul, Barcelona, the UK – and now, Mumbai. Each House is designed distinctively for the city that it resides in, and in the newly opened Mumbai outpost, things are no different.
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Main Members’ Space- Dinning Area- 8th Floor

Main Members’ Space- Lounge Area- 8th Floor

Main Members’ Space- Bar Area- 8th Floor

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Situated in an 11-storey townhouse in Juhu with 38 bedrooms, the Soho House Mumbai offers 38 bedrooms for hotel guests, a rooftop bar and pool, as well as two restaurants on the ground floor for visitors, Cecconi’s Mumbai and The Allis. The rest of the building is restricted to members-only: that includes an exclusive lounge area and a state-of-the-art screening room.
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Soho House Mumbai Ground Floor- The Allis

Soho House Mumbai Rooftop- Bar View

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Every room recalls elements from Indian culture and design, including sisal carpets, lampshades draped in sari fabric, and meticulous woven-cane furniture. Much of the fittings in the new Soho House Mumbai are locally sourced, some vintage, some custom-made for the property.
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Soho House Mumbai – Eva Room- Events Room, 1st Floor

Soho House Mumbai Big Bedroom

Cinema on the 1st Floor

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Founder Nick Jones noted that visiting any Soho House around the world allows members to experience the locality of the area, and to feel like they are part of an established local community, rather than to feel like a tourist in a foreign country.

Jones said that one of Soho House’s main aims was to create a welcoming home away from home for its international community of creatives – and judging by the luscious balconies, homey rooms and swaying palm trees that line the beachfront Soho House Mumbai, we’d say he’s hit the mark. www.sohohousemumbai.com ◼
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_basic_grid post_type=”ids” element_width=”12″ initial_loading_animation=”none” grid_id=”vc_gid:1543535820641-c54bdc15-f0c9-6″ include=”14346″][vc_column_text]Subscribe to the latest edition now by clicking here.

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The post Toast to views of the Arabian sea at the newest entrant in Mumbai first appeared on World Travel Magazine.

[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_separator color=”black” border_width=”10″][vc_custom_heading text=”Shanghai today is home to upscale global dining but search hard enough and you can still find local gems.”][vc_separator color=”black” border_width=”2″][vc_widget_sidebar sidebar_id=”sidebar-page”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]Glitzy IAPM Mall on Shanghai’s Huai Hai Zhonglu, one of the city’s two main shopping arterials, seems a strange place to start to delve into the city’s food culture. But as Lost Plate helps you discover, shadowing it a couple of blocks either side are hidden local eateries.

Shanghai for the late Anthony Bourdain meant two culinary obsessions, namely soup dumplings (xiaolongbao) and noodles. Unfortunately the famous Nanxiang version featured in Parts Unknown has succumbed to the tourist hordes. Instead Lost Plate takes you to a shop off Changle lu.

Behind a glass window a young chef dexterously wraps pork dumplings. “There are three important things with xiaolongbao. First the size – they should be bite size. Then there is the delicacy a good one has 20 pleats whereas many street vendor versions only have 10. Thirdly the soup should be light coloured. If it is dark they have added soy sauce and sugar because they are not confident of the taste” says Nick Zhang, guide and manager Lost Plate, Shanghai.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Crossing Huai Hai Central Road the groups call in on what was one of the first private restaurants in Shanghai after China opened up. Run by the same family for over twenty years it looks as if not much has changed during that time, and why indeed change when the food is this good? Most of the tables are conversing in the local dialect and not only is the menu here in Chinese but you also have to write down your order making it near inaccessible for outsiders. Food is a modern interpretation of Shanghai style. There is marinated beef covering baby bok choy with a raw egg on top, morning glory (water spinach) with a fermented soybean sauce, and finally deep fried winter melon chips.

Noodles were a solitary affair for Bourdain and given the comfort food reputation of scallion oil noodles many Shanghainese would agree. In a tiny shop just off the main shopping street noodles come topped with caramelised green onions harbouring tiny piece of pork which are then mixed. The experience is all about the food, Bourdain would have loved it. ◼[/vc_column_text][vc_basic_grid post_type=”ids” element_width=”12″ initial_loading_animation=”none” grid_id=”vc_gid:1542931169777-8bf7eba6-10fb-8″ include=”15463″][vc_column_text]

Subscribe to the latest edition now by clicking here.

© This article was first published in Oct-Nov 2018 edition of World Travel Magazine.

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The post Discovering Bourdain’s Lost Shanghai first appeared on World Travel Magazine.

[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_separator color=”black” border_width=”10″][vc_custom_heading text=”At Fort Bazaar on Sri Lanka’s southern coast, an earthy interpretation of luxury takes one back in time.”][vc_separator color=”black” border_width=”2″][vc_widget_sidebar sidebar_id=”sidebar-page”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]

Does nostalgia end up having far too easy a way with me? I suppose there’s a ring of truth to this. I’ve been compelled by the textures of the past, from ever since I can remember. My bureau of travels and writings lies tinged with the fabric and the fragrances of times gone by, my navigational compass automatically attuned towards horizons and desires drenched in vintage. Perhaps it’s a sense of longing that lies at the heart of this, the need to hold on to things and places and people often already gone.

But in the courtyard of Fort Bazaar – the Teardrop Hospitality Group’s white-accented star, I’m finding an undeniable affirmation to my love affair with wistfulness. This tango with the past has landed me, yet again, smack dab in the heart of something special. I’m in the coastal gem of Galle for an encounter with relaxation and resonance. Fortune and good judgement having played their parts, Fort Bazaar is my home for the next three nights. This is the sort of address with which I’m preconditioned to forming an immediate connection.

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First built by the Portuguese in 1588 and fortified by the Dutch in the late 17th-Century, Sri Lanka’s best-preserved colonial township is now purveyor of all things hip and boutique on the island

I feel a palpable buzz to my new home. It revels in the white and lime green timbre of its colour palette; it comes to life in the lilting cadence of a courtyard dappled with divans, lamps that flicker with nonchalance come nightfall, a sprinkling of red tables and chairs, and an air of serenity that compels writers to reach for their pens; and it sparkles in the communal vibe of its mainstay – the Church Street Social Restaurant & Bar – which, being accessible from the main road, is everyone’s entry point to the property. There is a quiet grace to everything I’m coming across. This is an interpretation of luxury that believes in holding back, rather than showing off.

Location-wise, this couldn’t have worked out better. Galle is a town filled with customary hustle and bustle, but the Galle Fort – also known as the Rampart of Galle – is a treasure-trove of bohemian charm that cradles the town on its southern tip. First built by the Portuguese in 1588 and fortified by the Dutch in the late 17th-Century, Sri Lanka’s best-preserved colonial township is now purveyor of all things hip and boutique on the island. There are bars that play a bit of jazz, there are family-run Sri Lankan restaurants that serve spice and heritage with every spoonful, there are homegrown fashion labels that pour on the ethnic swagger, there are bistros that hint at the area’s long-ago heritage, and there are poster shops that offer up the perfect island memento or an homage to a nearby homeland in the form of vintage Bollywood posters.

Given my hotel’s location on Church Street, all these lie within walking distance; most of them, in fact, are an aimless amble away. I pick up a poster dappled in moonlight and the area’s defining lighthouse at Stick No Bills; I head for a vodka martini to the Amangalla; I pick up some shirts and fabric from Odel; Exotic Roots welcomes me with its Pandora’s Box of trinkets and art; Fortaleza bids me farewell after feeding me with seafood brought in that morning from the tides; The Kitchen serves up pasta in an alfresco setting kissed by ocean breeze; while my fondness for quirk and a touch of whimsy are sated at the Three By TPV boutique (on the deliciously named Leyn Baan Street). Around every corner, I feel I’m walking into a confluence of old Goa meets unapologetically unanchored Riviera… ripe with the intoxication of Bohemia, blessed by the indulgences of a maritime vibe.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Galle’s outlying beaches are their best at dawn

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Amidst conversations and laughter, amidst deep discussions and light-hearted flirtation, I duck in and out of a bouquet of pleasures. Each night ends with much drunken revelry and friendships forged. Sunsets are cherished at the Galle Lighthouse, which casts a faraway eye on the ocean beyond; fresh coconut water is partaken of on early mornings from a parade of shacks lining one of the Fort’s ramparts. Sri Lanka was once known as Serendib; as serendipity would have it, I run into friends of friends who colour this experience with their accounts of Sri Lanka. My connection with the address grows a notch deeper.

From among its 18 rooms, my Bazaar Bedroom delivers uninterrupted views of a courtyard I’m much in love with – its trees, divans of cane and white wood, curios plucked from Sri Lanka’s wealth of homegrown artistry, and candlelight that frolics in the night breeze are the stuff of poetry and memoirs. Fitzgerald would’ve loved the place, I note to myself. My room’s lime green countenance houses a queen-size bed of old wood, a bathroom with a sun-light that floods its granite form with brightness, and even a retro telephone, all of which compel you to accept the past without much protest.

I’m made privy to the property’s other rooms as well: the Banyan Bedroom with its private verandah; the Upper Suite that looks out over the Fort from a private balcony; and finally, an Upper Family Suite with its additional bedroom. Fort Bazaar’s devotion to hospitality doesn’t falter at any stage; all rooms come inclusive of breakfast, mini bar soft drinks, afternoon tea, and evening mocktails.

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Healthy, seasonal produce forms the bistro’s main philosophy

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]In this boutique townhouse hotel, I find my senses and my literary proclivities being nourished with a restrained sense of grace. I head to the upper level library whenever the mood, or a phrase, takes me, and find myself consumed by its lush green setting; the Z Spa enhances my sense of languor to perfection by pampering me with a bouquet of luxurious treatments and therapies, including a collection of signature massages, each administered via homegrown red, green, pink, and black tea-blended Ophir products.

Teardrop’s hospitality legacy in Sri Lanka extends wider to some of the most compelling small boutique hotels on the island. It’s this schooling in the art of the small hotel that delivers courtesy, warmth, and respect each time I interact with Fort Bazaar’s staff.

Galle is a town filled with customary hustle and bustle, but the Galle Fort – also known as the Rampart of Galle – is a treasure-trove of bohemian charm, as witnessed at the Odel flagship

The only time the service ethic slips is at the Church Street Social Restaurant & Bar (the latter currently sans alcohol, serving more as a café). My companions and I have placed our lunch orders 35 minutes ago, and there’s no sign of a single plate or piece of cutlery, leave alone the food. “This is how things are right now in Sri Lankan hospitality,” a local friend tells me. “Good waiting staff keeps getting poached on rote.” When the food does arrive, most of it is worthy of the wait – including a Chicken Caesar where the poultry has been replaced by the dark sizzle of crisply grilled prawns.

Rustic family-style sharing platters of charcuterie and cheese, lagoon crab salad, and the mélange of Sri Lankan and Asian fusion cuisine have managed to rescue the hotel’s flagship restaurant from its island-like slumber

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Island life idles by from one of Galle Fort’s many cafes

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Galle, and this address, continues to leave its mark on me. I soak up atmosphere within the Fort’s centuries old walls; I savour the minutiae of Sri Lankan hospitality; scones and high tea at the verandah hit just the spot at 4, as the world idles by. It’s at the verandah café that I sit as I write this to you. The thoroughfare in front of me is eliciting notes of sepia from the air. Light and life stream though the open arches. An old jazz record plays away. Once home to a merchant who dealt in spices and tea, Fort Bazaar has ended up adding an indelible fragrance to my journeys. Nostalgia, wouldn’t you know it, remains the headiest of affairs. ◼

[/vc_column_text][vc_basic_grid post_type=”ids” element_width=”12″ initial_loading_animation=”none” grid_id=”vc_gid:1542277917590-6ace6cb7-f82b-1″ include=”11470″][vc_column_text]Subscribe to the latest edition now by clicking here.

© This article was first published in Aug-Sept 2018 edition of World Travel Magazine.

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The post A Teardrop From Serendib first appeared on World Travel Magazine.

[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_separator color=”black” border_width=”10″][vc_custom_heading text=”The fine art of forest bathing in South India”][vc_separator color=”black” border_width=”2″][vc_widget_sidebar sidebar_id=”sidebar-page”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]Vibrant, colourful, exotic and ethnic, with attractions as diverse as the mind can visualise- this is Southern India. Allow it to lure you this winter.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Beautiful vistas along the quaint hilly roads of Munnar

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]Southern India offers rich diversity to its visitors all through the year including the winter months of December and January. With its salubrious climate and breathtaking locales, one needs to look no further for an exclusive holiday. Undoubtedly, a lot is there in store for the eager traveller.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Scenic drive along Munnar Thekkady

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Scenic drives

Rated among the top 10 drives in the world, the drive from Munnar to Thekkady is a journey that wholly justifies its rating. This drive, roughly around 90 km, is to be experienced to believe. The sheer beauty of nature that travels alongside you as you eat up the miles is sure to compel you to stop ever so often to soak in the scenes.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Tea plantations in Munnar

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]From tea plantations and cardamom estates to beautiful hills and waterfalls, there’s indeed a lot to enchant you. Another beautiful drive is from Bangalore in Karnataka to Masinagudi, stretching over 225 km. With the forest areas of Mudumalai and Bandipur on the route, you have a good chance to encounter wild elephants on the way. It does not matter if you do not have a destination in mind; it is the journey that will enchant you all through. Feasting your eyes on the greenery along the way, taking in the splendour of nature, savouring the occasional glimpses of wildlife as you traverse the route, these are drives that will rejuvenate you inside out.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Sarovaram Ayurvedic Health Center

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Ayurveda

A relaxing massage, oil bath, therapeutic massage, and the likes are the hallmark of Kerala and to a large extent in Karnataka as well. Some of the most exclusive ayurvedic retreats are to be found in this part of Southern India. To have your daily stresses and worries eased out in the hands of trained staff and having oil massages tailored to your needs is the ultimate lure for your winter holiday in South India.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Ayurveda rejuvenation therapy in Kerala

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]Some of the most luxurious and prominent resorts are located along the seas and their sole objective is to pamper your senses with various medicinal as well as relaxing massages and packs. Experience the sublime and retreat to a world of utter indulgence while having the cares of daily life expunged from your system.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Padmanabhapuram Palace

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Unusual temples and palaces

South India is characterised by a typical architectural style for its temples known as gopurams. All major temples are built on this pattern. There are, however, some offbeat and exemplary architectural instances that stand out for their unique styles. Away from the humdrum, standing in their own majestic splendour are some of the lesser known but more exquisite temples and palaces in this region of India.

The Padmanabhapuram Palace is one such in Kerala. It is famous for its intricate woodwork and breathtaking finesse and detail. Halebidu and Pattadakal temples vie for attention in Karnataka, steeped in history and reflecting the cultural richness of a bygone era.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Padmanabhapuram Palace’s ornate gate

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]These temples will appeal to your aesthetics for the sheer artistry and carvings on display, more than perhaps the accent on the religious aspect.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Beautiful and serene backwaters of Kerala

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Exotic beaches and backwaters

Rippling seawaters in every imaginable shade of blue and green, sun-kissed and adorned by generous groves of coconut palms, lapping waves and the serene calm of backwaters, a lazy dusk colouring the same waters a vivid red as you savour a sundowner by the waters while coconut fronds provide a beautiful backdrop- could there be anything more idyllic? Known for backwaters that rival the best in the world, Valiyaparamba and Kumarakom in Kerala beckon with their pristine beauty.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Its the simple life at its best on a boathouse in Alleppey

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]You need just to reach these places and let go, sit back and relax in a setting that has all the ingredients to pamper every one of your senses to the maximum.  Complementing the calm backwaters are the countless number of beaches dotting the coastline of Kerala and Karnataka that can give you the luxury of exotica.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

By far the best way to explore the backwaters is on a House Boat

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]It is worth travelling to some of the lesser-known virgin beaches and let the sheer beauty of the surroundings take over.  Gokarna and Kanwatheertha are two such beaches that make for a luxuriant but quiet getaway.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

A haven for wildlife in Thekkady

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Going wild

Kerala and Karnataka are known for their abundant and varied wildlife, although the majestic elephant dominates in almost all the national parks and reserve forests.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Wild elephants in Munnar

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]The parks have beautiful resorts in the lap of the forest where one can chance upon herds of blackbuck while sipping on the morning tea, hear the cautionary call of the langur to signal a big cat on the prowl nearby, and invariably wake up to a cacophony of bird calls. You can trek within these parks or laze around and enjoy the sights and sounds. Kudremukh and Periyar sanctuaries need special mention here.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Kori Gassi (Mangalorean chicken curry)

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Kerala Kalamandalam

Kerala Kalamandalam is a one-stop destination for every traveller who wishes for a quick immersion into the culture and heritage of this ancient land that traces its traditions back to 3rd century BC. This is, in fact, a deemed University for performing arts of different types that abound in this state. One can experience a rare Mizhavu recital here, a single major percussion instrument that forms part of the Sanskrit theatre, as well as come across various martial art forms indigenous to Kerala. The campus in itself is worth a visit with every pillar, every thatched roof, every wall being an ode to the rich cultural heritage of this state.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

South Indian thali colourful as ever

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Pamper your palate

The quintessential cuisine of Kerala and Karnataka is as full-flavoured and colourful as are the locals. Subject your palate to an explosion of tastes, go for the regional cuisine apart from the ever-famous dosa; although it must be said that the sheer variety of dosas across these states is enough to stump you. Indulge in various coconut dishes in sweet and savoury tastes, such as Korri Gassi and Obbattu. The Udupi cuisine of Karnataka and Malabar cuisine of Kerala are outstanding examples of local foods that bring out the masterchef amongst all. Make sure you taste the unique red banana of Kerala and various dishes built around it.

It is in the subcontinent’s peninsula that one comes to experience the exquisite. Unexplored vistas await you this winter in Southern India! ◼[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]Subscribe to the latest edition now by clicking here.

© This article was first published online in Nov 2018 edition – World Travel Magazine.

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The post Spend Your Winter In Winsome Southern India first appeared on World Travel Magazine.

[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_separator color=”black” border_width=”10″][vc_custom_heading text=”Hokkaido’s Hakodate to Shikoku’s Kochi”][vc_separator color=”black” border_width=”2″][vc_widget_sidebar sidebar_id=”sidebar-page”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]

When you think of urban Japan, you think of Tokyo—and maybe Osaka, or perhaps even Hiroshima. Regardless of the Japanese city in question, you probably imagine a sprawling metropolis filled with millions of people, serpentine rail lines and blaring neon signs that light busy thoroughfares all through the night. In fact, many of Japan’s most incredible cities bear little resemblance to this stereotype—Kyoto is perhaps the best-known counterexample. While you probably won’t recognise the names of these unsung Japanese cities, from Hokkaido’s Hakodate to Shikoku’s Kochi, you’ll definitely want to visit them by the time you finish reading.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Aomori

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Aomori

Located at the northern tip of Honshu island, underrated Aomori ticks culinary and culinary boxes. At A-Factory, an impressive array of apple-flavoured products (and a self-serve cider bar) highlight the importance of apple crops to the economy of Aomori prefecture. If you can’t visit Aomori in August for the annual Nebuta Matsuri Festival, make sure to visit Nebuta House Warasse, where the massive paper lanterns are on display the rest of the year. Popular excursions from Aomori include charming Hirosaki Castle and massive Lake Towada, while understated luxury of Hotel Aomori (HotelAomori.co.jp, rooms from S$129) makes you feel at home in the heart of the city.

Getting there:Ride the Shinkansen Hayabusa (currently, the fastest train in Japan) from Tokyo to Shin-Aomori, then take a local train to Aomori Station. Or, hop one of several daily flights to Aomori from Tokyo’s Haneda Airport.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Fukuoka

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Fukuoka

Fukuoka is the largest city in Kyushu island and serves as the gateway to all its incredible attractions. Walk up to the little-known Atago Jinja Shrine for a panorama of Fukuoka’s sparkling skyline, or cool off during the humid summer months with a swim at Momochi Seaside Park. A day trip to the reclining Buddha at Nanzo-in will work up an appetite, which any of the 43 Michelin-starred restaurant in Fukuoka (TIP: If you want to dine at Sagano, which has earned three stars, make reservations far in advance) will deliciously take care of. Grand Hyatt Fukuoka (Fukuoka.Grand.Hyatt.com, rooms from S$248) is arguably the most luxurious hotel in the city, though the ocean views you get at Hilton Fukuoka Seahawk (Hilton.com, rooms from S$200) are hard to beat.

Getting there: The Shinkansen Nozomi takes you directly from Tokyo to Hakata station (Fukuoka’s bullet train hub) in about six hours; otherwise, take one of the nearly 50 daily flights from either of Tokyo’s airports to Fukuoka’s.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Hakodate

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Hakodate

Formerly reachable only by plane, Hokkaido’s southern hub Hakodate gained a chance at great notoriety when the Shinkansen connected it directly to Tokyo by train for the first time, in 2017. And thanks to the city’s impressive range of attractions, which include Hakodate Morning Market (home to the “Dancing Squid” viral internet sensation), star-shaped Goryokaku Fort, the Russian Orthodox churches of Motomachi and Mount Hakodate, whose night view is consistently rated the best in Japan, it’s really only a matter of time before Hakodate’s secret is out. Bourou Noguchi Hakodate Ryokan (Bourou-Hakodate.com, rooms from S$268) pairs an ultra-modern take on the traditional Japanese guest house with soothing Japanese hot springs that flow from nearby Yunokawa Onsen.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Dancing Squid in Hakodate

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]Getting there: Ride the Shinkansen Hayabusa about an hour past Shin-Aomori station, then catch a local service to Hakodate station, which is just steps from Hakodate Morning Market. Or, fly ANA nonstop from Tokyo-Haneda.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Himeji

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Himeji

Himeji Castle is widely known as the most stunning one in all of Japan, having been built in the 17th century at what was then the apex of Japanese architectural prowess. After riding a boat through the castle’s moat, or enjoying views of it from the platform of Himeji Station and the hilltop Otokoyama Senhime Tenmangu Shrine, get dressed for dinner at the Michelin-starred Sushiichi, which serves up sushi and sake (what pairs better with Japan’s finest castle than an acclaimed take on its most famous food and beverage) on traditional tatami mats. The four-star Hotel Nikko Himeji (HotelNikkoHimeji.co.jp, rooms from S$92) likewise priorities simplicity over sumptuousness, though after the day you’ve had you’re sure to sleep soundly.

Getting there: Himeji Station is just 90 minutes from Shin-Osaka Station via any westbound Shinkansen.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Kochi

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Kochi

Situated right in the heart of oft-overlooked Shikoku island, Kochi is as excellent as a jumping-off point for adventure on the Seto Inland Sea as it is for a standalone city trip. Its own 17th-century castle rivals the beauty of Himeji’s, to say nothing of the stunning panorama you enjoy from its open-to-the-public keep. Hirome Ichiba Market is a foodie’s paradise, with several stalls serving seared tataki-style Bonito, Kochi’s most famous culinary specialty.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Kochi

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]Take a spiritual walk through the grounds of Chikurin-ji Pagoda, whose stone Buddhas wear knitted red caps to honor the memories of babies who didn’t make it past infancy, and make your home at the century-and-a-half old Jyoseikan Ryokan (Jyoseikan.co.jp, rooms from S$352).

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Kochi

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]Getting there: Take one of several nonstop flights from Tokyo-Haneda to Kochi Airport. Or, ride the Shinkansen to Okayama (3-4 hours west of Tokyo), then take the JR Nanpu Limited Express for 2.5 hours until you arrive at Kochi Station.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Takayama

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Takayama

Everything worth seeing in Takayama centres around the ruby red Nakabashi Bridge, so you’ll want to make

sure this landmark is your first stop, not your only one. Shop for local handicrafts in the three streets of Edo-era Sanmachi Suji, or enjoy a serene stroll through the hillside Higashiyama Cemetery, which (perhaps surprisingly) is one of the city’s most popular walking tracks. Takayama sits within day-trip distance of UNESCO World Heritage site Shirakawa-go, though you might simply decide to hunker down in the on-site onsen at the impeccable Honjin Hiranoya Kachoan (HonjinHiranoya.com, rooms with full board from S$417), particularly if you visit during the frigid winter months.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Takayama Ginkgo

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]Getting there: The Wide-View Hida express train runs direct to Takayama from Nagoya, which enjoys air and bullet train connections to Tokyo several times per hour.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Tottori

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Tottori

Tottori is most notable for its proximity to Japan’s only desert, itself notable as the setting for Kozo Abe’s seminal 1962 tome Woman in the Dunes. However, the Tottori Sand Dunes (where you can actually spot real-life camels, in case you were curious) are but one reason why a trip to this small city on the northern shore of Honshu is so worthwhile. Hakuto Shrine’s stone rabbits make it a quirky counterpoint to the dunes themselves, while lunch or dinner at Wakabayashi allows you crack open Tottori’s famous crabs (the prefecture produces more of them than anywhere else in Japan) while looking out onto a fisherman’s village. Hotel New Otani (NewOtani.co.jp, rooms from S$146) is the most high-end place to sleep, though you should keep in mind that Tottori isn’t known for luxury hotels.

Getting there: ANA flies nonstop from Tokyo-Haneda to Tottori five times daily, while the train journey from Osaka (onboard the Super Hakuto Limited Express) takes about three hours.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Yokohama

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Yokohama

To the uninformed observer, Yokohama is simply part of the Tokyo metro area. The moment you arrive here, however, you’ll realize how untrue this assumption is, whether you traipse through the turn-of-last-century Sankein-en Garden (one of the city’s top sakura spots), marvel at views of Tokyo Bay from Cosmo Clock 21 ferris wheel or enjoy a decidedly modern shopping experience inside the historical Red Brick Warehouse. The best place to eat in Yokohama is the city’s Chinatown (Japan’s largest—try Heichinro Yokohama Honten to savor refined dim sum in an intimate, luxurious setting), while a sleep at the lavish Intercontinental Yokohama Grand (IHG.com, rooms from S$150) is reason alone to spend a night away from Tokyo.

Getting there: Any westbound Shinkansen will take you from Tokyo station from Shin-Yokohama in just 15 minutes, while a taxi from Tokyo will run you about ¥14,000 (S$178) one-way.◼[/vc_column_text][vc_basic_grid post_type=”ids” element_width=”12″ initial_loading_animation=”none” grid_id=”vc_gid:1541062723445-8181dc44-6d94-1″ include=”15651″][vc_column_text]Subscribe to the latest edition now by clicking here.

© This article was first published in Aug-Sept 2018 edition of World Travel Magazine.

If you would like to comment on this story or anything else you have seen on World Travel Magazine, head over to our Facebook page or message us on Twitter.

And if you liked this story, subscribe to our bi-monthly World Travel Magazine, a handpicked selection of editorial features and stories from Global Destinations, Inspire Me, Insider, Style File, Wellness & Travel, City Travel, Suite Life, At Leisure, Short Breaks and much more.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_masonry_grid post_type=”post” max_items=”9″ style=”load-more” items_per_page=”9″ gap=”10″ grid_id=”vc_gid:1541062723448-484d29b0-8b94-6″ taxonomies=”698″ exclude=”15205, 14466, 11296″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

The post Japan’s Unsung Cities first appeared on World Travel Magazine.

[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_separator color=”black” border_width=”10″][vc_custom_heading text=”Sensual tranquillity in Bali”][vc_separator color=”black” border_width=”2″][vc_widget_sidebar sidebar_id=”sidebar-page”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]Jungle luxury at its finest, you have discovered the most romantic bedroom in Indonesia. Fantastic bamboo architecture and dramatic construction will sweep you off of your feet and into a cocoon of magic. The Moon House features an open-air shower and copper bathtub, your own butler and private plunge pool. Natural tiered swimming pools with a view of the Ayung River enchant here as do the gardens.

Your stay is an adventure in itself. Enjoy the sustainable kolam, or swimming pond, made out of all natural materials leaving the usual concrete and chemicals of resort pools behind. Find tranquillity in the wonderful harm-free environment with a turn on the rope swing, rest in the deck chairs as you take in the beautiful view, or take a refreshing swim in the pool and admire the natural mountain stone hardscape as you float along with a few fish.

Indulge your inner child by playing the musical strings of the minang harp, an installation by visiting sound architect Rudiger Schodel. Enjoy restoring your own inner harmony in the magical world of sound therapy and vibration therapy. Cultural immersion includes participation in Balinese blessings and ceremonies, and a bamboo tour where you can learn how to make an architectural model taught at a local bamboo factory. bambuindah.com ◼[/vc_column_text][vc_basic_grid post_type=”ids” element_width=”12″ initial_loading_animation=”none” grid_id=”vc_gid:1540514320714-988540fa-e771-0″ include=”16012″][vc_column_text]

Subscribe to the latest edition now by clicking here.

© This article was first published in Oct-Nov 2018 edition of World Travel Magazine.

If you would like to comment on this story or anything else you have seen on World Travel Magazine, head over to our Facebook page or message us on Twitter.

And if you liked this story, subscribe to our bi-monthly World Travel Magazine, a handpicked selection of editorial features and stories from Global Destinations, Inspire Me, Insider, Style File, Wellness & Travel, City Travel, Suite Life, At Leisure, Short Breaks and much more.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_masonry_grid post_type=”post” max_items=”9″ style=”load-more” items_per_page=”9″ gap=”10″ grid_id=”vc_gid:1540514320716-647253c3-e032-5″ taxonomies=”1211″ exclude=”15205, 14466, 11296″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

The post Moon House, bamboo, music and romance first appeared on World Travel Magazine.

[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_custom_heading text=”World Travel Partnership” font_container=”tag:h4|text_align:left|color:%231e73be”][vc_separator color=”black” border_width=”10″][vc_custom_heading text=”Luxurious romance at Four Seasons Hotel Hangzhou at West Lake”][vc_separator color=”black” border_width=”2″][vc_widget_sidebar sidebar_id=”sidebar-page”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]

Your legendary wedding begins on the water, feeling the flow of nature and the romance of picture-perfect West Lake. Upon arrival, you and your beloved sail to the Four Seasons Hotel Hangzhou at West Lake onboard a Chinese-style wooden rowboat. The bewitching, fairytale setting the perfect place to launch your life together or a romantic retreat.

Water has always been a symbol of love. You immediately succumb to romantic recollections of Marco Polo and the ancient days of sailing, crossing over into the realm of total rest and relaxation, in the arms of your beloved. Cruising through willow-fringed waters, you breathe in the stunning panorama of West Lake not wanting to forget one detail of the beginning of the rest of your life together, or simply this sacred moment. As you float past Three Pools Mirroring the Moon and its elegant, Qing Dynasty miniature pagodas that sit in the water, the boatman regales you with tales about the statues providing magic views of the moon in the water. It occurs to you that your love has been just as awe-inspiring.

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If this is a dream, no pinch would ever wake you. Instead you fall deeper into the spell that is West Lake and the enchantment of your unique happily ever after at the Four Seasons Hotel Hangzhou where intimate, striking pagoda-style pavilions string along walkways like pearls through lush waterfall gardens and jungle landscapes. Say I do surrounded by ancient temples, pagodas, gardens, dramatically carved man-made islands, and causeways. Your vows just as timeless as the UNESCO world heritage surroundings.

After docking, a lavish welcome tea greets you to further set the mood. You decide to take the boat out again later that afternoon, this time with a bottle of your favourite champagne––after the bride has her traditional String Resonance Massage at the Jiang Nan-inspired SPA. Her beloved decides on a traditional Dragon-Well Tea and Jade Spring Ritual.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Our favourite way to explore West Lake is aboard a traditional Chinese wooden rowboat

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]78 guestrooms with many featuring breathtaking terraces with remarkable panoramas of the lake, forest glades and water gardens. Framed with willow trees, ponds and lagoons, the hotel provides a picturesque setting for open-air weddings and intimate receptions. Make your dreams come true when you promise to love and honour each other––for the first time or fortieth––on the Love Bridge hovering above a stunning infinity pond overlooking the ancient landscapes that surround West Lake.

The changing seasons here add different, unforgettable, personalities to the flora and fauna. From the lavish, abundant, heavy blooms of summer to delicate, wind-whipped branches of winter, every day and every season unfolds the beauty of West Lake in new and exciting ways.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Four Seasons Hotel Hangzhou at West Lake

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]Join the legends of star-crossed poets, mythical white snake ladies, painters and ancient royals to celebrate your union or intimate retreat at the wonder that is the Four Seasons Hotel Hangzhou at West Lake. Your boat awaits to take you deeper into the most romantic voyage of your life on the sea of love.
Visit www.fourseasons.com/hangzhou ◼[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]

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© This article was first published in Oct-Nov 2018 edition of World Travel Magazine.

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The post Sailing The Sea Of Love first appeared on World Travel Magazine.

As teenagers, Eddie and Jack worked together in an Edinburgh bar where they decided to build a boat and hire a local fisher-pirate captain to explore the islands around the Philippines. After their money ran out, they invited tourists to join them onboard for a fee, arranging for their accommodations with islanders. The rest is history.

Over a glass of jungle juice––the Tao signature cocktail a soothing blend of rum, pineapple juice, and water––you meet your expedition leader and a few dozen travelling companions. The next five days will be epic in ways you can’t imagine. Onboard you receive a little more information about the next five days. The handout says it all––

“We call it an expedition because we are exploring the islands together….the experience is all there for you but it cannot be listed on a menu, you have to explore it yourself.” There is no plan. Only the promise that exploration can take many forms. The exploration of the outside world is what lured you here to Camp Ngey! Ngey!, but you hadn’t expected waking up every morning in an open-air bamboo ‘Tuka’ hut. After an ocean breeze coaxes you out of bed, you dive into crystal clear waters in the early morning. This exploration puts a new twist on the typical fun and sun package.

Camp Ngey! Ngey!

Family-style meals feature Tao Chefs to cook up fresh fish caught by Islanders and produce from the Tao organic farm. Adventure comes easy here. Exploring the island’s jungle trails as you skirt wild beaches and windswept cliffs, brings a discovery of hidden caves. Enjoy snorkelling around the island’s preserved reefs rich with a variety of sea life and shipwrecks too on an escape to this Neverland of wonder and freedom. taophilippines.com ◼

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© This article was first published in Oct-Nov 2018 edition of World Travel Magazine.

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And if you liked this story, subscribe to our bi-monthly World Travel Magazine, a handpicked selection of editorial features and stories from Global Destinations, Inspire Me, Insider, Style File, Wellness & Travel, City Travel, Suite Life, At Leisure, Short Breaks and much more.

The post Welcome To Neverland, An Off-The-Grid Luxury Escape first appeared on World Travel Magazine.