Indholdsfortegnelse for March 2025 i Travel + Leisure India & South Asia

You know the feeling—rushing to the airport, the hustle through security, and then you step into Terminal 2, fondly known as the ‘Terminal in a Garden.’ Suddenly, time slows down, and the usual chaos gives way to calm, like the world outside is on pause. This, I realised, is where the journey begins. The 080 Domestic Lounge at T2 I arrived at T2’s 080 Domestic Lounge on Level 4, already feeling the weight of travel. But the moment I entered, it felt different. It wasn’t just a lounge; it was a reflection of Bengaluru. The menu, curated by celebrity chef Ranveer Brar, was a celebration of Karnataka. Each dish, from dosas to global flavours, told a story of the state’s heritage. I couldn’t resist the Kodagu Café blend, which took…

THERE’S PEACE IN knowing that your luxe experiences don’t come at the cost of the environment, right? Surrounded by the dense forests of Madhai in Madhya Pradesh, on the backwaters of the Denwa River, the Denwa Backwater Escape by Pugdundee Safaris is a charming, luxurious resort that focuses on responsible tourism. Mindful of its surroundings, the property makes judicious use of local and sustainable materials, such as baked tiles, stones, and recycled old furniture, including wooden railway sleepers. Local arts and crafts, including wrought iron artefacts from Bastar (a tribal homeland in the neighbouring state of Chhattisgarh), beautify the walls and rooms, and while lunch is served in ‘kansa’ (bell metal) thalis, dinner is served in handmade pottery. Denwa Backwater Escape is strict about its ban on single-use plastic. Soon…

SYDNEY ASPEN Snow, sun, ski, and slopes—your key to looking perfect in sub zero temperatures. IBIZA Dance the balmy nights away in these iridescent outfits that will make any sundowner feel like a breeze. HAVANA Experience old world charm and heritage in these classic silhouettes with touches of gold to up your style game.…

How have women historically shaped India’s travel, tourism, and hospitality sectors, and what impact do we see today? Women are often not given much credit for shaping India’s travel and tourism sectors, but we have had quite a few pioneering women. Mughal women were patrons of architecture, be it Nur Jahan, who is credited with the construction of monumental tombs (Itmadud-Daula in Agra and the tomb of Emperor Jahangir in Lahore), caravan serais on the Mughal highway through Punjab (Nurmahal Sarai), gardens in Kashmir (Achabal), or Shah Jahan’s daughters Jahanara and Roshanara, who commissioned pleasure gardens. Ahilya Bai Holkar, in the 18th century, established the spectacular town of Maheshwar, giving it a unique architectural and cultural character, promoting weavers and even building temples and ghats as far as Varanasi. Could…

AS MY MERCEDES SUV glides to a smooth halt after a 45-minute drive from the airport—complete with legendary tales of Monkey Gods that once graced Koh Samui by the driver—I find myself engulfed in a familiar wave of sweet, salty tropical heat. “Saw-wadee-ka,” a poised yet warm greeting reaches my ears, embodying Thailand’s refined hospitality. My eyes adjust to the glaring sun as two grand wooden doors swing open, revealing a breathtaking panorama. From my hilltop perch at the Four Seasons Koh Samui, I take in the landscape—hundreds of rolling coconut trees, pristine beige sands, and the cool blue of the Gulf of Thailand. “Welcome to White Lotus,” a mischievous voice chimes, pulling me out of my trance. My perplexed reaction causes my host to burst out laughing. “Welcome to…

Slow travel in Indonesia Wanderers often seek balance between adventure and stillness. For one traveller, it was the Indonesan island Gili Trawangan that taught her to embrace the art of slowing down. travelandleisureasia.com/in/ trips/how-gili-trawangan-teaches-you-to-slow-down/ Explore Jasper National Park, Canada Experience the perfect blend of comfort, scenery, and adventure with the Rocky Mountaineer’s “Journey Through the Clouds” luxury train ride. travelandleisureasia.com/in/ trips/this-luxury-train-journeyis-among-the-best-ways-toexperience-jasper-national-park-canada/ Bike, Hike, Snorkel Away from the city’s hubbub, St John’s Island’s balmy terrain is perfect for picnickers and nature lovers—the marine ecosystem is a bonus. travelandleisureasia.com/in/ destinations/southeast-asia/bike-hike-snorkel-how-tospend-a-perfect-day-at-stjohns-island-singapore/ DIGITAL COVER Abhay Deol on Living the ‘Susegad’ way in Goa. travelandleisureasia.com/ in/people/digital-interviewwith-actor-abhay-deol/ DISCOVER If you’re a curious foodie, stop by Chäs im Kloster, a cheese shop tucked away in picturesque Engelberg in the Swiss Alps. travelandleisureasia.com/ in/dining/relish-localdelights-at-a-cheese-shopin-a-swiss-monastery/ INSTA INSPO Stay tuned…

Vivo X200 Pro The first memory Larissa D’Sa has of dreamy Coorg is from a decade ago—in chilly weather, when she visited for a holiday. We marvel at what we see together as we drive down the winding roads—she quips that there’s so much more to see now, as she pulls out her vivo X200 Pro, capturing the lush green coffee plantations. Exploring Coffee Estates With vivo X200 Pro Coorg is mostly always thought of for its coffee—and while we hopped from one coffee estate to another—we were curious to see more of its offerings. This also came from Larissa’s own sense of exploration, which, she narrates, was evoked by a combination of curiosity, observation, and a desire to connect with the world in a way that felt meaningful. “Growing…

FROM DREAM WEDDINGS to family retreats and romantic escapes, the resort curates experiences with luxury and personalisation at its core. Guests enjoy elegant accommodations, diverse dining, immersive cultural activities, and adventure-packed days, ensuring there’s something for everyone. A Feast for the Senses Food lovers will revel in an array of dining experiences—Trout House’s Garhwali flavours, Teppan’s Pan-Asian mastery, Wisteria Deck’s Mediterranean delights, and JW Café’s international buffet. Every bite is a celebration of local and global flavours. Say “I Do” in Paradise With stunning backdrops and versatile venues, JW Marriott Mussoorie makes weddings extraordinary. From vibrant mehendi brunches to magical sunset vows, each celebration is uniquely crafted, making every moment unforgettable. Luxury with a Purpose Sustainability is at the heart of the resort’s mission. The JW Garden provides a farm-to-fork…

HOW DOES A HOTEL stand out for its premium offerings in the middle of a city? Ask Novotel Jaipur Convention Centre and Jaipur Exhibition & Convention Centre–Managed by Accor. These twin facilities, located near each other, are just a 15-minute drive from Jaipur International Airport. In addition to a 50,000 sq. ft. Convention Lawn and a 24,000 sq. ft. Poolside Lawn, the expansive JECC Exhibition Ground is perfect for large open-air concerts outdoor events. The pillar-less Mugdha–The Convention Centre, with a pre-function area, can seat up to 1,100 guests. The 14 versatile meeting rooms and flexible spaces include U6, the largest meeting room, measuring 4,000 sq. ft. The two JECC Exhibition Hall have the capacity to accommodate up to 18,000 guests. The property offers 226 well-appointed rooms, including eight premium…

WITH A POPULATION of half a million, Montenegro (visit-montenegro.com) can be best described as a Venetian town with views reminiscent of the French Riviera, without being too obvious. We’re all curious to understand, if not live the old-money lifestyle that has become a buzzword online, often used to describe a particular dressing style. Let me save you some scrolling time—nothing beats understanding this vibe better than actually living it like a local. During my four-night trip to Montenegro, I not only learned about the history of this disputed Balkan country but also got the chance to live like a true local. As a writer specialising in fashion and travel, I focus on the atmosphere of the places I explore and the emotions they evoke. A quick Google search will reveal…

KEEP UP, MUMMY,” bellowed Sebastian, my fearless five-year-old, as he and my husband, Eamonn, descended into a crypt under Antwerp’s cathedral. A shiver crept up my spine as I stood among the crumbling tombs, so I returned to the ground floor to gaze at the Baroque masterpieces by the Flemish artist Peter Paul Rubens. The three of us reconvened at the cathedral’s bar and bistro, De Plek, which serves its own brews, with names like Aurora and Me mento Mori. Only in beer-loving Belgium, I thought to myself, would you find craft ales served in a cathedral. This was day six of a seven-night family cruise along the Rhine aboard the Sena, a new ship from A-Rosa Cruises. Our voyage had started in Cologne, Germany, and taken us northwest to…

Vivo X200 Pro Kaziranga, alive with the symphony of rustling reeds and chirping cicadas, welcomed us with its raw beauty. Before even entering, a deer flashed across the forest, its emerald coat gleaming in the dappled sunlight. Further in, a rhino grazed quietly, its skin a mosaic of mud and wrinkles, while a herd of elephants wandered, a baby trailing close behind. The forest pulsed with life, untamed and vibrant. Wildlife photographer Ayush Singh, an explorer at heart, was there to capture it all. The Innovative vivo X200 Pro Our journey began at Jorhat Airport, where Singh, a solo traveller, stood out—not for his gear, but for the lack of it. Instead of bulky camera bags, he held a cutting-edge, imaging powerhouse smartphone—the vivo X200 Pro. As we spoke, I…

DISCOVER WILDLIFE LIKE never before, from swimming with whale sharks to thrilling safaris. Jumeirah, a global leader in luxury hospitality, has partnered with the Thanda Group to offer two new extraordinary destinations: Jumeirah Thanda Island in Tanzania and Jumeirah Thanda Safari in South Africa. Jumeirah Thanda Island is a five-hectare private island in Tanzania’s Shungimbili Island Marine Reserve, accessible by helicopter or boat. This intimate getaway offers a five-suite villa and two traditional Bandas. Guests can enjoy bespoke experiences like guided boat trips, dhow sails to nearby Chloe Island, and eco-conscious activities supporting coral reef restoration and endangered sea turtles. Jumeirah Thanda Safari is a luxury safari retreat in KwaZulu Natal, South Africa. Set in a Big Five game reserve, it features exclusive Jumeirah Residences and a membersonly Royal Thanda…

In your retail career spanning over three decades now, how have you seen travel influence retail trends? Shopping tourism is a segment that we own from a very, very early stage. I think we started this segment in 2002. At the time it was clear in my mind that when we build every village, we’re building them for people beyond the five-kilometre domestic radius. Learning about our traveller has really helped shape our services. When customers from India, China, South America or the Middle East come, there is a certain customisation that is required. When the Middle Eastern customer comes, it is important for us to know that having halal food and prayer rooms is an important part of the offer. Or when the Indian customer comes, having a high…

ON THAT FIRST SAFARI along the shores of Lake Manyara, we go looking for lions. But we are not scanning the ground ahead; instead, we crane our necks to search for them in the treetops. After all, this tiny national park in northern Tanzania is known for its unique tree-climbing lions, a sighting I had been dreaming of while planning this trip with andBeyond Safaris (andbeyond.com). It is not clearly known why the lions here choose to climb trees to sleep during the day. For unlike leopards, who prefer to keep a watchful eye on apex predators (tigers or lions, depending on where you are) from a height, and are blessed with long tails to provide them with perfect balance, lions have neither the survival need nor the physical agility…

‘Home for the next few days’ is a caption our Instagram feeds are no strangers to. Last summer, this aforementioned ‘home’ looked a little different for me, a far cry from the usual suspects—no balcony overlooking snow-capped mountains or double doors opening onto a verdant garden leading to the beach. Instead, my window offered a new view every time I peeked outside. I was, after all, aboard a mobile train-hotel: Costa Verde Express by Renfe—Spain’s national state-owned railway company—on a quest to explore the northern belt of the country. From the moment the white-gloved team welcomed us aboard with champagne and cheese, I knew this experience would be a far cry from the train journeys I went on every summer in my childhood. No vendors selling Indian street food at…