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

IN THE UNSPOILED embrace of the Aravalli foothills, where the golden hues of mustard fields ripple like an artist’s brushstrokes, Ananta Spa & Resort, Ajabgarh, rises as a sanctuary of wonder. This is no ordinary retreat—it is a masterstroke of architecture and design that melds the primal elements of earth, water, fire, and air into a living, breathing experience. As you journey through Rajasthan’s timeless villages, the air thick with the fragrance of marigolds and tradition, Ajabgarh beckons. Near the Sariska Tiger Reserve, the resort carries whispers of history, blending the region’s rich past with contemporary luxury. A Sanctuary that Breathes Splashing wall spouts and blooming trees greet you at the cobbled entrance. The resort’s design seamlessly integrates with its surroundings, creating spaces where boundaries blur: a lobby of sweeping…

“YOU PRESS THIS button and push forward,” said Steve Martin, the butler who was showing my husband, Julian, and me how to use the drop top on our loaner Mini Cooper convertible. A few minutes later, Martin, who laughed with us about sharing his name with the celebrity, would hand over the keys and send us off for an afternoon in Willemstad, the capital of Curaçao. It was hardly the all-inclusive experience I had expected when I booked a stay at the Sandals Royal Curaçao (doubles from ₹35,000). For sure, the property had that completely carefree, roll-up-to-any-bar vibe and next-level pools and beaches. And it had plenty of dining options on site: eight restaurants and a trio of food trucks. But the explicit suggestion that we go out and explore…

At THE CRACK OF DAWN, a crew of seven arrive at Laxmi Vilas Palace in Vadodara—the largest private residence in the world—even bigger than Buckingham Palace. It almost feels surreal, as we are ushered in by the hospitable staff of the palace—and walk through long, winding corridors, with rooms on either side. A guest room is opened up for us to set up for our cover shoot—and as we gear up, I’m expecting an entourage to walk in with the queen. Instead, a lady in cotton trousers and a long green kurti with freshly washed hair rushes in, apologising for being a few minutes late. And with that, the uncertainty about the vibe of the day, the anticipation of how ‘easy’ or ‘tough’ it will be, is all put to rest.…

It WAS THE MONTH OF MARCH IN 2006, and autumn had gently caressed Sydney. The weather was oscillating between a breezy 25°C and a chill 10°C when this writer sauntered into one of the city’s historic locales, Oxford Street, and unknowingly walked right into the annual Mardi Gras Parade. Here, the city’s—and possibly the world’s—LGBTQ+ community gathered to partake in the bustling festivities, embodying a sense of gay abandon (pun intended). Couples threw caution to the wind, embracing each other with renewed passion. It was a sight that could be unusual for someone yet to familiarise themselves with what a Pride parade is. And yet, it was an eye-opener, as it exposed you to the realities of those individuals who were forced to lead dual lives in other countries where…

travelandleisureasia.com/in Calm on a Cruise Ambiverts often drift between worlds, unsure of where they fit. For one such traveller, it took a solo cruise to find her footing. travelandleisureasia.com/in/trips/solo-cruise-on-resorts-world/ Religious Reflections Experience the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 through the eyes of a pilgrim who embraced her sacred side during this once-in-a-lifetime event. travelandleisureasia.com/in/destinations/india/a-first-timers-guide-to-the-2025-maha-kumbh-mela-in-prayagraj/ Sanctuaries of Healing Discover the healing power of Ayurvedic treatments at some of Kerala’s most luxurious spas. travelandleisureasia.com/in/trips/wellness-spas/best-spas-in-kerala-for-ayurvedic-massages/ DISCOVER Look beyond the usual haunts of Madrid for a peek into its artsy side. travelandleisureasia.com/in/destinations/art-lover-guide-to-madrid/ PEOPLE Meet the luxury travel podcast host who encourages you to look beyond the brochure. travelandleisureasia.com/in/people/interview-with-luxury-travel-podcast-host-john-oceallaigh/ Download Travel + Leisure India & South Asia digital editions, and follow us for the best in hotels, food, style, culture, and trends. travelandleisureindia tnlindia tnlindia traveleisurein SPECIAL SUBSCRIPTION…

THERE IS SO MUCH to see and do in Victoria, one is spoilt for choice. Located in the south-eastern part of Australia, it is known for its vibrant beaches, wildlife, culture and cuisine, and sports. Aparshakti Khurana and his wife Aakriti Ahuja recently explored the vibrant state, and their itinerary offers a perfect guide to the region’s diverse experiences. Melbourne, the state capital, with its global connectivity and world-class accommodation, was the base from where they began. Get into the spirit of Melbourne by taking a walk through the many laneways filled with trendy stores, cafés, and art studios. Be sure to keep your camera handy, as you’ll find plenty of opportunities to fill your Instagram profile, especially as you pass through artsy laneways such as Hosier Lane and ACDC…

JUST MINUTES FROM Munich’s Oktoberfest field, the industrial neighbourhood of Schwanthalerhöhe might be best known to travellers for its breweries. It’s where many of the Bavarian capital’s iconic beer houses—including its oldest, Augustiner-Bräu, which moved from its original downtown location in 1884—are located. But recently the neighbourhood has morphed beyond beer tents. Today it’s dotted with coffee shops and galleries, family-run groceries and chic restaurants, all anchored by a convivial atmosphere. “In the summer we have beer and pizza on the street and get to know the neighbors,” says Martino Hutz, an up-and-coming architect who opened his practice in Schwanthalerhöhe in 2020. The 280-key Roomers Munich, Autograph Collection (doubles from ₹19,000) has playful interiors—like beds raised on round platforms. The 1960s-style bar serves far-out cocktails like the Kissaten, which blends matcha…

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AS THE LATEST ADDITION TO the culinary scene at JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar, BarQat is a celebration of authentic North Indian cuisine and Awadhi flavours. Nestled by the serene poolside, the restaurant offers an enchanting al fresco dining experience, allowing guests to savour the essence of Indian gastronomy under starlit skies. With its seamless blend of heritage and modernity, BarQat keeps it intimate and regal with 34-40 covers, ensuring that every guest enjoys a personalised experience. The menu reflects India’s rich culinary heritage—from succulent kebabs to aromatic curries and freshly baked breads, each dish celebrates the use of authentic spices, ancestral recipes, and traditional cooking techniques. BarQat’s signature cocktails, such as the Spiced Old Fashioned—a unique, refreshing drink combining Jim Beam with Indian spiced syrup—and other expertly crafted beverages, are…

One might assume that seasoned wildlife photographer Aparupa Dey has explored every corner of India’s national parks. However, as we drove to Madhya Pradesh’s Satpura Tiger Reserve, Dey casually mentioned this would be her first visit to the famed reserve. It was quite a surprise that someone so passionate about wildlife had yet to experience this lush haven. As we continued, Dey shared her favourite spots—Kaziranga National Park in Assam and Jim Corbett National Park in Uttarakhand—places she had returned to time and again. But this was different. This was new, and she was genuinely excited. What caught my attention was Dey’s choice of gear. The self-taught photographer had ditched her heavy equipment for the new vivo X200 Pro. “I started with a point-and-shoot, then mirrorless, and now a professional…

“THIS IS MY HUSBAND’S YOUTH, all his life is here.” Hyun Kyung Soo nudges me with her hip and slides onto the banquette next to me. We’ve been ‘chatting’ using a translation app for half an hour, and there’s something heartbreaking about watching her slowly type out a few attempts at a sentence that first reads ‘He’s sleeping’, before settling on ‘He passed a year ago due to sepsis’. Yet, with a beaming smile and frequent laughter, she shows me photos of her grinning husband, Cho Kyo Nam, pictured hunched over carrying heavy bags of records. She finally comes to a photo of her sitting by his grave, explaining that he was buried with his two favourite LPs, as well as his wedding ring, an everlasting nod to his two…

UDBRICK HOUSES AND TALL MINARETS poke out of grassy banks sprinkled with palm trees gently swaying in the cool breeze. An old-fashioned dahabiya (traditional wooden sailing boat) unhurriedly glides down the glistening waters while two men paddle a small boat piled with fishing nets. I am transported back in time as I gape at the mystical riverine scenery from our spacious cabin aboard Mayfair Cruise’s M.S. Mayflower moored by El Watania dock of Southern Egypt’s Luxor. The elegant vessel boasting Ottoman-meets-modern interiors is our home for the extraordinary seven-night voyage—a round trip between Luxor and Aswan—along the iconic Egyptian waterway. After all, en-Nīl or the Nile, stretching over 6,650 km and snaking its way through 11 countries, has been indispensable to Egyptians since time immemorial. The life-giving natural resource has…