World Traveller May'17

Issue 109 | May 2017

Flamenco fever in MadRid

Complimentary copy

wheN iN roMe

Secrets from the Eternal City

Produced in International Media Production Zone

The real hearT of CroaTiaN MauriTius MagiC wiThouT The Masses

raÄąnbow Eid EscapEs Taste the

in Rajasthan Discover Sri Lankan tea trails or laze on a Seychellois

Behind thethese colours in the of kings bay‌ jaunts areland all less than five hours away

Take a left, follow the trees, and there, through the rocks.

Paradise found.

From amazing restaurants to cultural experiences and breathtaking sights, Platinum Concierge can supply a little inspiration wherever you find yourself. Get your Platinum Card with renewed travel and lifestyle privileges.

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Editor’s note

Editor’s note

Managing director Victoria Thatcher Editorial director John Thatcher Group Commercial director David Wade Editor Hayley Skirka Art director Kerri Bennett sub-Editor Emma Laurence illustrations Adam Avery Business development Manager Mohamed Galal mohamed@hotmediapublishing.com +971 4 369 0915 Production Manager Muthu Kumar

Phew – it’s been a super busy month of travel for the World Traveller team not that we're complaining, of course. First up, we headed south to Sri Lanka to visit the new Anantara Kalutara.

Designed by Geoffrey Bawa – the country’s most renowned architect – the colonial abode was the perfect base for exploring all the colour, character and culture that the teardrop nation offers. Next, we went north: destination Iceland. In this frozen playground we drove monster trucks through rivers, over rocks and to the top of snow-covered mountains, before chilling out in some of the country's amazing alfresco hot springs. Find out what we thought about these natural pools on page 31.

In this issue, we’ve also been to Croatia’s beautiful Dalmatian Coast.

Come summer, this region will be thronging with Europe’s travel elite so we show you why you should get there now to enjoy the island at its most peaceful. In that same line of thinking, we’re scoping out Saint Ann on the northernmost tip of Massachusetts. With stunning seascapes, rugged coastlines and pretty fishing ports, it’s also where much of Oscar-winning epic Manchester by the Sea was shot.

Closer to home, Eid is just around the corner so we’ve gathered together some of our favourite vacation spots – all less than five hours from the UAE. Whether you want to spot a leopard in Sri Lanka, stay in an overwater villa in Qatar or go mountain climbing in Oman, we’ve got you covered.

Finally, don’t forget to enter our fantastic competition (page 79) where you could win a three-night stay for two at the legendary Mandarin Orchard Singapore, another great choice for the upcoming holiday.

Safe travels and enjoy the issue.

Hayley skirka hayley@hotmediapublishing.com

Jun-Dec 2016 | 22,984 | BPA Consumer Audit Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission from HOT Media Publishing is strictly prohibited. All prices mentioned are correct at time of press but may change. HOT Media Publishing does not accept liability for omissions or errors in World Traveller.

Tel: 00971 4 364 2876 Fax: 00971 4 369 7494

World Traveller 5

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Unwind in an enchanting Beach Pool Villa, with your very own private infinity pool. Soak up tranquil Arabian Gulf views from your Over Water Villa. Step straight from your room into the crystal clear waters of our 10,000 square metre lagoon pools. Culinary journeys excite with a melange of mouthwatering flavours. The prestigious sanctuary of Anantara Spa rejuvenates and renews, from a range of inspirational treatments, to indulgent rituals in the Turkish Hammam.

LIFE IS A JOURNEY. Visit anantara.com

ANANTARA THE PALM DUBAI RESORT P.O. BOX 71607, EAST CRESCENT, PALM JUMEIRAH, DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES T +971 4 567 8888 E resdubaipalm@anantara.com

Contents May 2017

25 Be Here Now Celebrate Norwegian National Day in Bergen’s colourful playground filled with fjords and fishing ports and head to Mykonos now, before summer crowds arrive

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spotliGHt oN pHuket Rainforests, mountains and some of Thailand’s most popular beaches, we detail the must-sees on this southern isle

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GloBetrotter Your guide to uncovering hidden hotel secrets, new Eurostar routes to France and Portugal’s latest luxury resident

CHef’s top taBles From a converted firehouse in London to experimental Moscow eats, Chef Paolo Pettenuzzo shares his favourite eateries

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21

My City Away from Big Ben and Buckingham Palace, London has plenty to discover.

Author Rachel Felder offers an insider’s tour of the city’s best-kept secrets

esCape Take the plunge in Iceland’s Blue Lagoon, detox as you sleep and feel rejuvenated with a best friends getaway

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tHe loCals’ GuiDe to roMe Make like the Italians with our burgher’s tips for eating, shopping and sightseeing

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Contents

40 Destinations

WeekenDs

40

DisCover iBiza Salt flats, mystical rocks, untouched bays: explore the other side of this Balearic star

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a loNG weekeND iN katHMaNDu Make the most of a visit to the roof of the world with your guide to the city’s essentials

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Croatia’s DalMatiaN Coast One of Europe’s hippest summer spots, get there before the crowds for bucketloads of southern Croatian charm

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48-Hour fooDie Where to chow down in Goa for the best of this colourful fusion cuisine rich in Portuguese and South Indian delights

eiDspiratioN From trekking Sri Lanka’s jungle to kayaking around Doha’s islands, these picks are perfect for an Eid getaway

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travel Notes Hold your breath as we try free-diving, the adventure sport that gets you closer to the heart of the ocean

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New eNGlaND Escape the rat-race in the wilderness on the north tip of Massachusetts’ Bay

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stayCatioNs Fancy a weekend getaway? Choose from our hand-picked selection

Be here now CheCk In

Be here now

Mykonos, Greece

Perhaps the most well known of all Greece’s islands, pretty Mykonos is a fusion of Ibizastyle partying coupled with Formentera laidback vibes. Wander beautiful golden beaches and be reassured that turquoise waters – often with crashing waves – are never far away. If food is your forte, get ready to dine on some of the freshest seafood you’ll ever taste at cafés teetering oh so close to the ocean’s salty spray.

If you’re more of a night owl, then take your pick from club nights, beach parties and live music scattered across the island. While the full season doesn’t really get underway until June, May is perhaps the best month to visit for guaranteed perfect weather, less crowds and lots more value for your money.

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Check in

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Be here now

Bergen, Norway

Easily one of the most beautiful countries on Earth, Norway is a playground of fjords, valleys, northern lights and fishing ports.

Yet Bergen – on the country’s southwestern coast – has a charm all of its own. Formerly the country’s capital, this haven of seafaring tradition, surrounded by seven mountains, is a patchwork of primary-coloured houses on hillsides, flitting ferryboats and a buzzing big-city atmosphere paired with a smalltown charm. Every 17 May the entire country celebrates Norwegian National Day and in Bergen it’s a celebration of epic proportion, with street parties far bigger than those held at New Year. Expect red, white and blue flags galore, traditional costumes, fireworks and feasts in what is Norway’s second-largest city.

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CheCk In Be here now

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At the heart of life

At Rotana, we believe time well spent, is a life well lived. This enduring thought is at the heart of every experience we promise when you stay with us.

Our distinct collection of brands include Rotana Hotels & Resorts, Arjaan Hotel Apartments by Rotana, Centro Hotels, Resorts and Hotel Apartments by Rotana, Rayhaan Hotels & Resorts by Rotana and The Residences by Rotana.

Transform moments into memorable experiences as we present a selection of diverse destinations, ideal for every journey.

To find out more, visit rotana.com Treasured time. Our promise to you.

P.O. Box 95100, Abu Dhabi, UAE. T: +971 (0) 2 699 4444 F: +971 (0) 2 699 4445, head.office@rotana.com

rotana.com

globetrotter From hidden hotel secrets to eco happenings, here’s what’s hot in travel this month…

IntroducIng: AnAntArA VIlAmourA AlgArVe resort Beachside luxury in Portugal’s southernmost region Nestled among orange groves and wetlands in the beautiful Algarve, the first European venture for Anantara has been worth the wait. A 15-minute drive from Faro International Airport, the resort boasts a prime position close to the Algarve’s ocean, marinas and beaches, and has gorgeous golf-course views.

Each of the 280 rooms welcomes visitors with natural woods and fibres indigenous to the region, and no detail

has been overlooked – Anantara even teamed up with local artisans to create handmade woven bags, locally sourced cork coasters and Algarvian ceramics.

Guests will be able to get acquainted with local traditions through on-site workshops run by artisans.

Renowned for its exceptional wellness offerings, the Anantara Spa won’t disappoint. A wide range of therapies including centuries-old Ayurveda rituals and locally sourced ingredients await.

When it comes to eating, there’s a strong focus on Portugal’s culinary traditions throughout the resort’s six restaurants. Ria serves freshly caught seafood emulating a traditional Mariqueira, while Tivoli Victoria aims to embrace

the hotel’s previous incarnation as Tivoli Victoria.

With gorgeous gardens, stunning swimming pools and endless fairway views of the Arnold Palmer-designed Oceânico Golf Course, this new arrival is set to be one of the Algarve’s star players.

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Globetrotter CheCk In

stylIsh sIngAPore Most travellers have Singapore somewhere on their visit list, but will you opt to go ostentatious at one of the tallest buildings on the city’s famous shopping street or prefer small is beautiful? mAndArIn orchArd What to expect?

A marble-clad lobby complete with oversized chandelier where privacy is preserved thanks to fifth-floor access.

With over 1,000 rooms there’s plenty to pick from – go for one on a higher floor for fantastic views of the city’s shores or sparkling skyline.

Where?

When it comes to location, this place is in the pick of the heap with two MRT stations no more than five minutes away and the famed Mandarin Gallery in the same building. must-do?

Soak up some rays in the outdoor pool and sundeck, don’t miss Japanese Shisen Hanten for double-Michelinstarred debauchery and take advantage of Meritus’ ingenious Handy Phone.

hotel VAgABond What to expect?

Housed in a 1950s heritage Art Deco building, this adult-only luxury boutique hotel designed

by Jacques Garcia offers an art-inspired experience paired with old-world hospitality.

Book a courtyard room for gorgeous red shutters leading to a pretty courtyard.

Where?

Near the heritage zones of Kampong Glam and Little India, expect intoxicating sights just a few minutes from the Central Business District and Singapore River. must-do?

Take in a live performance at Vagabond Salon, a modern interpretation of Parisian salons of days gone by. Head to Little India next door to excite your senses or wander

by Rochor Canal.

V S

culture

InsIder

green

nose Art Plane spotters, take note – the MB&F M.A.D. Gallery Geneva is celebrating the world of aviation with an exciting exhibition by acclaimed artist and photographer Manolo Chretien.

Reflecting Chretien’s love for flying, the eight photographs turn iconic aircraft into emotional art – no mean feat that involved tripods and trusty forklift trucks being used to capture the very best angles of some of the world’s most legendary flying machines.

muscAt BAy Fancy a tropical escape within easy reach of the UAE? Then you’re in luck as two new Jumeirah resorts are set to open at Muscat Bay in Oman. With the first hotel due to open by the end of 2017, tropical Omani weekends are within touching distance. Expect some of the region’s best scuba diving and mountainscapes coupled with all the luxury you’d expect from Jumeirah: we have a feeling it may quickly become our brand-new weekend escape.

dIcAPrIo’s eco-luxe lodgIngs Perhaps as famous for his environmental activism as he is for his acting, Leonardo DiCaprio is opening an eco-resort off the coast of Belize.

The 104-acre Blackadore Caye resort is cited to launch in 2018 and will be entirely powered by solar energy. As well as supporting a mangrove-tree reforestation project, it will also help to preserve the super-cute local manatee population – go Leo. This is one for your future eco-luxe bucket list.

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FA B L E D S A N C T UA RY, B E D O U I N S O U L AL MAHA DESERT RESORT & SPA THE LUXURY COLLECTION DUBAI DESERT CONSERVATION RESERVE PO BOX 118887 DUBAI, UAE T 971 4 832 9900 — F 971 4 832 9211 WWW.AL-MAHA.COM

CheCk In Globetrotter

Instead of shouting about their most unique assets, some hotels prefer to do things a little more covertly

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ways to… uncover hidden hotel features

Reserve an unlisted casa Not listed on the website and only available for returning guests, UXUA Casa Hotel & Spa in Brazil’s Bahia has a hidden casa that’s concealed behind the retreat’s ‘town square’. With a private garden, weathered wooden pillars, antique furnishings, an indoor/outdoor bathroom and hammocks on the patio, this is totally covert eco-luxury.

Find a secret sanctuary The Wellington Hotel in Madrid’s Salamanca neighbourhood is a hugely popular choice but the hotel has thought of a fantastic solution for any guests looking for a quiet spot away from the crowds. Behind a secret door in the library, concealed behind a bookcase, sits a plush drawing room: a hidden place to enjoy a beverage or divulge your daily newspaper.

Dine in a private garden A hidden gem inside the elegant Sofitel Beverly Hills in sunny Los Angeles, Le Jardin at Esterel (pictured above) is an alfresco dining space packed with candycoloured garden furniture, lush green walls and multiple outdoor mirrors.

Head here to tuck into dishes inspired by the South of France, while enjoying endless summertime vibes.

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FooD FoR ThoughT Travel and food: combine two of your favourite things for a deeper understanding of the local culture in these spots…

Market vibes Sri Lanka’s Anantara Kalutara offers you the chance to traverse a local market with the hotel chef, pick fresh seafood and local vegetables, and watch spices being milled before whipping up authentic curries, samabals and tempas.

Tropical spice Tucked away in a secluded corner of lush gardens surrounded by jungle trees and exotic wildlife, learn how to create authentic Peranakan curries, salads and spring rolls at The Tropical Spice Garden in Thailand’s Penang.

goIng up In The woRlD Delicioso eats At the upscale all-inclusive boutique Villa Buena Onda in Costa Rica you can learn how to prepare a typical local dish of corn tortillas in the hotel’s gourmet kitchen. Afterwards, tuck into your creation around the hotel’s social pool.

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French exploration where? Bordeaux, France why? With Eurostar, the high-speed rail service linking the UK and mainland Europe, launching a brand-new route to the dynamic French city from July 2017, these sunlit vineyards are about to get busier. what? As well as its famous vineyards, Bordeaux offers grand architecture, a dynamic restaurant scene and a whole wealth of art and culture. It’s also well connected to some

of France’s most popular seaside resorts, such as Cap Ferret, making it a prime twin-trip destination. where to stay? Custom-designed by architect Jean Nouvel, the contemporary Le Saint-James, a Relais & Chateaux hotel, is located in the vineyards on the Balcony of Bordeaux. Luxury abounds at this stunning abode where the restaurant is headed up by Michelin-starred chef Nicolas Magie and regarded as one of the finest in the Aquitaine region.

CheCk In My city

My City

london Away from Big Ben and London Bridge, the UK’s capital has a wealth of boutiques, quaint eateries and up-and-coming diverse neighbourhoods

Rachel FeldeR

The author of Insider London gives us a local’s guide to the capital’s best-kept secrets For most people, London is synonymous with iconic landmarks like Westminster Abbey or Big Ben; for me, the city is immutably linked with its charming and distinctive neighbourhoods, especially the residential ones that aren’t very far from the centre of town and give a true sense of London’s warm and wonderful personality. Breakfast in one of those communities is an ideal way to start a day in Britain’s capital, surrounded by people who live nearby and fuelled by copious amounts of deeply brewed tea, of course. Two of my favourite morning spots are The Modern

Pantry in Clerkenwell – with its notto-miss soft prawn omelette and spicy sambal – and Rochelle Canteen, tucked on school grounds in Shoreditch. On a busy morning, there’s nothing better than Beigel Bake’s fresh and marvellously chewy bagels, filled with smoked salmon and best enjoyed when on the go.

London is undeniably a city of culture, with the world-class museums you would expect. I especially love some of the quirkier, specialist institutions like Pollock’s Toy Museum in Fitzrovia or The Fashion and Textile Museum in Bermondsey. The Geffrye Museum of the Home offers a fascinating glimpse into the way Londoners have lived for many generations; on a sunny day, relaxing on the large lawn outside is bliss.

Despite the city’s legendary rainy weather, its open-air markets are

always bustling. For foodies, Maltby Street’s Saturday market is a haven of creative, delicious creations; on Sundays, Columbia Road in the East End gets packed with vendors selling colourful flowers from the around the world and shoppers buying them. It might be touristy but there are still great finds to be had on Portobello Road, while Camden Passage in Islington is also a great source, especially for antiques.

Although London has plenty of lavish places to stay, I’d usually opt for somewhere small and cosy like The Portobello Hotel in Notting Hill or Hazlitt’s in Soho. Nonetheless, for a moment of old-school grandeur, stop and unwind over a light lunch at a classic property like the Connaught or Claridge’s: it’s an undeniably fabulous way to start or end an evening in London.

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Ask The experT rob Arrow Head of product at dnata With over a decade of experience in the luxury travel industry, Rob loves nothing more than talking hotels and discovering destinations.

His favourite country is Lebanon, his beloved city is Melbourne, and his dream is to own a boutique retreat in the Italian Alps

Q A

I want a proper British country house or castle stay, where’s good?

Over the past few years, country house and castle stay options in the UK have boomed, fortunately with a big investment in luxury lodging, allowing people to really explore what the UK has to offer. There are now some great options that are not too far from the major centres or airports, perfect for a stay of a few nights. If you’re limited on time, but want the ultimate Country House experience – something that is wow from arrival to departure – taking in amazing food, a great spa and miles of open land, then Coworth Park, just 25 minutes from London Heathrow, is the place to go.

The manor house has traditional highceilinged rooms with big windows and fireplaces, and the stable yard has also been converted if you want something more modern located around a lovely courtyard. Opt to dine formally in the manor house or eat in the Stables, which offers good hearty British food; don’t miss the fish and chips! Top Tip: Be sure to pop your head underwater in the pool to hear the latest classical tracks.

If you’re looking for a slightly longer family retreat, there’s no better place in the UK than Chewton Glen, it truly is an experience to top all others. My advice would be to reserve one of the stunning treehouses. Built in a secluded wooded area, it is treehouse living at its most luxury – think hot tub on the balcony and breakfast baskets delivered in the mornings. It really is an experience like no other and the kids will love their very own little bedrooms, built into the roof of the treehouse. Enjoy the surrounding New Forest with its open lands and fantastic walks, dotted around the forest are a number of other great country houses, including Limewood which has an amazing spa that’s worth a visit.

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Kids will love Chewton Glen’s luxury treehouses

For castles, head north to Scotland for some amazing spots to choose from like Inverlochy Castle which was Queen Victoria’s favourite or closer to Edinburgh the stunning Dalhousie Castle and Spa.

Q A

What Safari destination would you suggest, outside of Africa?

A good place for an easy safari is Sri Lanka as the reserves are not too far away from the resorts and coastal regions so you can easily do a one-day safari experience. With elephants, amazing birds and reptiles and possibly even leopards to spot, the brand new Wild Coast Tented Lodge is opening soon in Yala National Park and is an inspirational property owned by the Dilmah Tea family who certainly know how to keep nature at the core. Not too far from here is India’s Penge National Park where you can see the Bengal tiger, Indian leopard, elephants, sloths and more, this place was also the inspiration for the

original Jungle Book. Experience amazing flora and wildlife in luxury surrounds at Baghvan, a Taj owned safari lodge that gives you a unique local experience with amazing native guides too. For a different type of safari, try an aquatic safari in the Maldives. People know the waters are abundant with fish, but pick the right atoll (such as Baa Atoll)and you’ll see a true underwater safari of marine life with everything from massive Manta rays feeding in the warm waters to dolphins following boats on their way to Male. You can also see sharks and turtles in the coral gardens and on the edge of the deep rifts.

If you really want to get away from the resorts, try a few nights on board the Four Seasons Explorer yacht. Sailing from Kuda Huraa to Landaa Giravaruu, you’ll get to see some dive sites that are totally off the beaten track. For all these trips and more, log on to dnatatravel.com, visit one of our stores or call +971 800 dnata

A New Best Friend We go the extra mile to put big smiles on little faces

Taj Dubai is an inspiring blend of contemporary style, authentic Indian craftsmanship and legendary Taj service. The hotel features richly appointed accommodations, club rooms serviced by intuitive Taj butlers, five restaurants and bars and a Jiva Spa. Just minutes from the commercial and business districts and overlooking the Burj Khalifa and its dancing fountains, the best of the city is right at your doorstep.

RATES STARTING FROM AED 900 PLUS TAXES PER NIGHT. To reserve call +971 4 438 3100 | www.tajhotels.com

A MODERN HOTEL IN THE VIBRANT HEART OF THE CITY, JUST A SHORT DRIVE AWAY FROM EVERYWHERE That’s what matters to me.

Corner Abu Baker Al Siddique and Sallahudin Road, Dubai, UAE T +971 4 6013999 | E dubai.deira@avanihotels.com avanihotels.com

CheCk In Spotlight

What to see sunset at Promthep Cape Perhaps the island’s most photographed viewpoint, it’s no wonder that every evening sees crowds of buses, scooters and cars sweep through Rawai Beach, up the island’s southernmost hill to wonder at the Thai sunset from its spectacular peak. While it’s defintely not serene – expect to be surrounded by crowds of people from every corner of the world – the gorgeous scenery and amazing colours that light up the sky make it a must-see.

Portuguese wonders Sino-Portuguese splendours and funky shops in the most unlikely places will surprise and delight you in the heart of Phuket’s sleepy provincial capital.

A unique blend of colonial and Chinese architecture, along with a tangible quaintness, makes for a fascinating afternoon spent sauntering the Old Town.

What to do

Spotlight on Phuket The advantage of Phuket is that there’s always something to see and do, both on and off island, come rain or shine.

Here’s our pick of the bunch

optical illusions Take the little ones to the Phuket Trickeye Museum. Set up as an interactive museum, kids can engage with the art by actually becoming part of it. There are plenty of 3D visuals to be amazed by, in the permanent installation and the changing temporary ones. Great for a rainy day.

Night-time retail therapy Not far from Phuket Town is Naka Market, great for picking up all sorts of things from fruit and clothes to fabrics and anything else you can think of. It’s best to arrive late afternoon to get a good look around before it gets too busy. Make the most of the local food on sale, too – try the golden buttered corn on the cob.

Where to stay?

Where to eat aNd driNk Fit for a queen For authentic Thai food fit for royalty, head to Ban Rim Pa Patong. This place serves dishes that were once only found in the Grand Palace of Thailand. Tuck into spicy soups, herbed salads, and tangy green and yellow curries in a two-storey Thai building that’s perched on a cliff and serves up a generous side of stunning views across Patong Bay.

Settle into a tropical oasis On the very northern point of the island, the Anantara Mai Khao Phuket is a tropical oasis where you’re spoiled with untouched panoramas.

Wake up to the sight of virgin powder-white sands backed by the lush greenery of Sirinath National Park, where jungle adventures await. Go for a Sala Pool Villa for the ultimate in romance.

Fun for everyone If you’re travelling in a pack, then Outrigger Laguna Phuket is a great choice. Set on pretty Bangtoa Bay in the gated Laguna community, the resort is nestled between the ocean and a lagoon, and all rooms are big enough to host a family.

French-inspired feasts One of Phuket’s highest restaurants is Le Versace, where panoramic views over the town and the Andaman Sea are second to none. With arched windows, golden statues and original Versace décor, the setting is as impressive as the cuisine.

Tuck into French tapas, home-made ravioli, seafood and meat dishes, all cooked with a strong French know-how; you won’t be disappointed.

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LONDON Chiltern Firehouse The place to see and be seen, this stylish Marylebone eatery not only has an outstanding menu but a guest list that includes everyone from Kate Moss to Bill Clinton, and an atmosphere that is constantly buzzing. Make sure you book well in advance to sample the genius of Chef Nuno Mendes.

The design is something else – with chair webbing on the ceiling, sleek tiles adjacent to patterned carpeting and humongous doors that once led to one of the first purposebuilt fire stations in the land.

FavourITE dIsH: The halibut served with mushroom caramel Chiltern Firehouse lives up to expectations

Chef’s top tables Join us on an expert-led culinary whirl around the world as chefs in the know give us their picks for eating out on a global scale

LONDON Twist London

Having had a passion for fine food from a young age, Paolo Pettenuzzo was a member of the Italian National Team of chefs by the time he was just 16. Now heading up Grand Cuisine by Electrolux Professional, the welltravelled chef shares his pick of eateries across the world…

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Indulge in Twist London’s fusion European tapas

With a focus on sourcing impeccable high-quality ingredients, Amalfi-born head chef Eduardo Tuccilo serves up delicious fusion European tapas in the very heart of London. Dishes are beautifully plated, designed for sharing and brim with passion. Everything is cooked in such a way that the natural flavours and textures speak for themselves. It’s a great spot to go for a relaxed evening where you’re guaranteed great food every single time.

FavourITE dIsH: Risotto with fermented black garlic, buffalo yoghurt and smoked sun-dried plums Michel Bras brings dishes to life

CheCk In Chef's top tables

MOSCOW Zodiac

Zodiac’s inventive volcano with river eel

In this fusion restaurant in the heart of Russia’s capital, chef Vladimar Mukhin serves up a whole variety of Pan-Asian dishes, all with a European influence. The portions are filling, the dishes well presented, and everything is served by super-friendly staff.

The dishes are as whimsical as the décor, which includes an entire wall of plants. It’s the perfect place to escape the madness of Moscow and enjoy a little gourmet-focused respite.

FavourITE dIsH: Crispy sweet eggplant with tomato and cilantro leaves, or the crispy squid with chilli

Traditional dishes are reinvented at Cucina Teochef

BASSANO DEL GRAPPA Cucina Teochef A really relaxed eatery with absolutely amazing interior design that wouldn’t be out of place in Manhattan, owner chef Zannus has reinterpreted Italian food and serves traditional Venetian dishes inspired by his travels around the world. Taking staples from the region, he adds a twist or a hint of spice and transforms them into deliciously memorable delights. A true diamond in a wonderful old city, with a super-cool chef to boot, this is definitely one for all the carnivores out there.

FavourITE dIsH: I’d have to recommend the papa al pomodoro e stracciatella di burrata World Traveller 27

Escape

Get away from it all with our monthly shot of wellness

Declutter at Aja Malibu Restore, rejuvenate, transform and reactivate your spark at Aja Malibu in the Malibu Mountains. Nestled on 23 ocean-view acres once owned by President Roosevelt, this luxury boutique mountain retreat is ideal for the health and wellness-seeking connoisseur. The realisation of a lifelong dream for mystic owner Inannya Magick, it incorporates deep Earth wisdom with ancient teachings from around the world to create the signature residential programme, ‘The Magick Process™’, an immersive mind-body-spirit tune-up and restorative cleanse designed to support the realignment and balancing of the body’s chakras.

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Escape ChECk In

Mates’ esCapes Studies show that close friendships boost our happiness and even our health.

So head off on a happy getaway with your chosen few

Nestled in the rolling green Suffolk landscape, Moat Cottage Wilderness Reserve in Suffolk is eccentric rural chic at its finest. This pink five-bedroom cottage will feel like your very own fairy-tale retreat. With golden corn fields, wild pheasants and the moat that gives this place its name as neighbours, lounge in a hot tub, enjoy hunting or get cooking in the rustic kitchen to feast together with your closest friends. This place is wellness guaranteed.

the Monthly Fix We can’t wait to get our hands on the latest innovation from the beauty experts at the organic pharmacy.

Designed to radiate inner and outer beauty, these drops are added to your favourite organic cream, serum or mask, or to a glass of water to give skin an instant boost. Made with ginseng, gotu kola and bilberry, known for their anti-inflammatory, regenerative and stabilising properties, get set to be radiant.

What’s youR poison?

Delivering on its holistic promises, neom offers 100% natural fragrances designed not just to smell incredible, but to make us all feel better too. With the mantra ‘small steps, big difference’, Neom has created a unique scent discovery test to help you identify the underlying needs of your body and mind. The 40-second test allows you to select from Sleep, De-Stress, Energy or Happiness scents that will get you back to your very best.

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Detox in youR sleep With 360 meridian points, more than 60 of which are located on your feet, ancient Chinese medicine has long taught that the stimulation of such points releases toxins from the body. stellame has created a range of detoxifying foot pads that can combat sleep disorders, relieve fatigue, help digestion and even encourage weight loss. Containing tourmaline, green tea, lavender and grapefruit, the negative ions in the pads stimulate meridian points, which leads to detoxification. And the best part?

You can simply pop them on while you sleep. Job done.

CheCk In escape

Watery-inspired Wellness We head to Iceland to try out its most famous pool, where the healing properties of water are believed to improve wellbeing It’s a weird feeling, changing into your bikini and heading outdoors when the temperature is hovering around -1°. Every inch of you seems to be screaming at you that it’s simply cray cray, especially given that just five minutes previously you were warm and cosy in the elegant surroundings of the Blue Lagoon’s Lava Restaurant. But, as nice as that is, it’s not what we were in Iceland for. That honour lies under the steaming vats of air billowing off the neighbouring pool of water.

So, in the name of journalism, we brace ourselves, throw off our towels and make a run for the pool. The cold barely has time to take hold as the steaming hot water laps over our exposed skin. There’s definitely something surreal about wallowing in milky hot liquid while lifeguards stand around wearing down jackets, ski gloves and woollen hats. Close by, in the midst of Iceland’s otherworldly volcanic landscape, is a geothermal station that harnesses the country’s natural powers to provide heat and light for its capital city.

It’s this same station that provides heat for the magnificent Blue Lagoon.

The water is a vivid blue thanks to the natural minerals present in the mud, which explains why people all around us are scooping it from

the lagoon bed and massaging it into their skin.

There’s also a mud bar where you can claim a free mud mask to slather over your – or your partner’s – face. Both the mud and minerals are good for the skin, while the sheer pleasure of wallowing in the biggest bath you’re ever likely to encounter – the water is actually that hot – is wonderfully therapeutic. Born out of accident, the Blue Lagoon has been clinically proven to aid psoriasis sufferers. Bathing in geothermal seawater is also said to offer significant other benefits to the skin and the psyche.

As the sun begins to set, and the sky transforms from bright blue to a haunting purple and green haze, the northern lights tempting us in the distance, our sense of being has certainly been revived. And, if we get soft skin to boot, we’ll definitely be joining the happy ranks of the Icelandic people, who’ve been ranked the third happiest in the world. Perhaps that’s down to the abundance of natural beauty found across much of the country, from the bright-blue rivers to the breathtaking glaciers.

Sipping on a smoothie, our faces slathered in mud as hot water cocoons us, we can’t help but feel content, so long as we don’t need to get out of the water and into the cold anytime soon.

take a dip Enjoy some water-based wellness closer to home…

JumEIrah ZabEEl Saray, DubaI The Talise Ottoman Spa at this hotel has not one but two thalassotherapy pools. Set in a beautiful Ottoman-inspired indoor cavern, explore the experience showers, snow room, sauna and steam room before taking a dip in one of the pools. a gorgeous retreat and a haven of wellbeing.

SOfITEl bahraIn Zallaq ThalaSSa SEa anD Spa, bahraIn perched on the pristine beaches of Zallaq with gorgeous views over the arabian Gulf on bahrain’s west coast, this spectacular seawater spa hotel and resort offers individual thalassotherapy treatments, wraps and massage, and relaxing or stimulating sessions in a heated seawater pool.

It’s the ideal weekend spot to restore your inner energy.

SALT, Norway

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The locals’ guide to…

Rome

Renowned for its iconic monuments, impeccable style and delicious eats, we discover the secrets of the Eternal city from those in the know

Piazza Navona in Centro Storico is the city’s cultural hub

Janita Helova

Stylist janitahelova.com What’s your go-to shopping destination?

You can find the biggest Italian fashion haute-couture stores – like Fendi, Valentino, Prada, Armani and many others – in Via Condotti shopping street near the Spanish steps. Via del Corso and Via Cola di Rienzo are also very good shopping streets.

What’s the street style like?

The Italian way is to buy quality over quantity. For Italian men, shoes are very important – always high-quality leather shoes. Almost all Italians own some type of scarf, no matter whether 38 World Traveller

you’re young, old, male or female.

What would you recommend buying as a memento of a visit to your city?

A silk scarf or pashmina wool wrap would be a good idea and it’s light and easy to transport. Roman-style jewellery is another elegant choice, and leather goods are extremely good quality in Italy so go for a pair of gloves, a wallet, belt or small purse. Piazza Navona is full of talented artists; here you might find an original line drawing or oil painting to take home.

A small bottle of extra-virgin olive oil, an espresso coffee-maker or Parmesan cheese and chocolate are other good choices.

What’s the city’s most stylish restaurant?

Michelin-starred restaurants like La Pergola, Imago, Il Pagliaccio, Aroma and Glass Hostaria are favourites with the international jet set. Antica Pesa serves Roman classics in the trastevere area and A-list celebrities love this place.

Tell us one thing about Rome that only the locals know…

The secret keyhole of the Knights of Malta during night-time on Mount Aventine is a must-visit. Find the large door in the Piazza dei Cavalieri and look inside the keyhole there – you’ll find an unexpected surprise. Afterwards, take a walk along the Appian Way – Via Appia is officially the first paved road in history.

CheCk In The locals’ guide

Sofia Aquino Gomez

Photographer flickr.com/photos/sofia-aquino What’s the most exciting cultural aspect of the city?

It’s literally steeped in culture, history and art – wherever you go there’s something cultural waiting to astound.

Is there anything visitors are surprised by when it comes to culture in Cairo?

People always seem impressed by how important family life is for Italians, and that means extended families – grans, aunts, cousins, second cousins. No matter what day you visit, you’ll see big families enjoying meals or evenings together.

The best area in Rome for exploring?

Most people head to Centro Storico as that’s where lots of the big sights like the Pantheon and Piazza Navona are.

It’s also typical Rome with cobbled streets and narrow alleys.

What about hidden gems?

Technically still part of Centro Storico, Campo di Fiorri is a quieter region as there aren’t many big sightseeing sites here. It’s wonderfully atmospheric and a great place to simply wander – it’s made up of street cafés, independent boutiques, local art stores and cosy trattorias.

Anything we should know about for 2017?

Yes, if you want to be one of the first then head to Palatine Hill, where the House of Augustus and the House of Livia – the most intact of the hill’s ruins – are finally opened to the public.

Wander quintessential Campo di Fiorri

Restaurants and trattorias spill onto Rome’s cobbled streets

Katie Parla

Food expert and blogger katieparla.com; @katieparla What’s your go-to restaurant in Rome?

Cesare al Casaletto is my go-to; whether I’m entertaining visiting chefs, hungry friends or family, I know Cesare will impress with its flawless fried starters and Roman classics like rigatoni con la pajata and simmered tripe.

What’s the city’s best-kept foodie secret?

The restaurants and trattorias here often have lots of seasonal veggies that aren’t on the menu, so ask to hear the contorno specials.

What’s trending food-wise in the city?

Fast food and street food are hot right now. Trapizzino is a popular local chain that serves pizza pockets stuffed with classic Roman combinations including braised oxtail and chicken cacciatore.

The hottest area in town at the moment?

Rome’s trend cycles move way slower than London or Paris so we don’t have a super-hot neighbourhood. Pigneto has been going strong for years, as have Ostiense and Testaccio.

What’s the city’s most stylish restaurant?

The newly opened Romeo in Testaccio is probably the restaurant with the most attention to modern design. It’s experienced some serious growing pains since moving from its original location near the Vatican, but the interior design and the way the space makes use of an old car dealership is really quite impressive.

And the must-try local food?

Rome’s cuisine is unique and there are so many dishes here that you can’t find in other Italian cities. Visitors should never leave without trying pizza by the slice (Pizzarium is my top spot), carbonara (Roscioli does a beautiful version), cacio e pepe (Cesare al Casaletto makes one of my favourites) and offal (literally every Roman place I recommend on my site serves innards).

Tell us one thing about Rome that only the locals know…

You have to earn the respect of the restaurant, bar and market-stall owner with habitual visits before they really open up. This is true whether you’re a tourist or a local. The good news is, it doesn’t take long to become a regular – just consistency!

World Traveller 39

DISCOVER Ibiza

Part hedonistic playground, part UNESCO-protected heritage site, the white isle is a place of excess blessed with scores of stunning beaches, dense forests and a history worth discovering. We discover the most famous of Spain’s Balearic islands, without a foam party in sight‌

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Destinations

MystIcal Es VEdra Standing at almost 400m high, this mysterious uninhabited rock island off the west coast of Ibiza is shrouded in myth. Not only is it one of the most magnetic spots on the planet – so much so that it’s almost impossible to get a direct compass reading at the site and homing pigeons often lose their way flying overhead – legend has it that it was home to the sirens who tried to lure Ulysses from his ship in Homer’s Odyssey and that the limestone rock is the tip of the sunken civilisation of Atlantis. Whichever fable you choose to believe, a visit to this otherworldly structure that played a supporting role in the 1958 hit musical South Pacific is a must.

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stEp Back In tIME

For wonderful panoramic views and a treasure trove of history spanning some 2,500 years, make your way to the historic site of Dalt Vila, or Ibiza Old Town. Sensible shoes are the best option as you wander the narrow, winding cobbled streets of the upper town. Cross an ancient drawbridge flanked by mighty Roman statues and enter a cobblestone courtyard that leads onto the Plaza de Vila. Elderly black-clad locals, untouched by time, go about their tasks in ancient Catalan buildings while sturdy wooden doors open to reveal abundant local galleries and crafts. Enjoy a sundowner gazing at beautiful vistas over red-tiled cupolas or make your way to El Convento, an old Dominican structure built between the 16th and 17th centuries, where you may be lucky enough to catch an open-air cinema screening in this historic setting.

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destinations discover

UnwInd BEnEath BalEarIc rays

Just a 10-minute drive from its loud and brashy peer San Antonio, Cala Salada has somehow managed to escape the overdevelopment of its neighbour to become one of Ibiza’s picture-perfect-postcard destinations. Nestled at the foot of a pine forest, it’s the ideal cove on which to soak up some Balearic sunshine with calm, Caribbean-esque waters and a gentle breeze drifting in off the Mediterranean Sea. The long climb back to the top of the cliff seems to keep tourist buses and crowds away, making it the perfect sunny respite spot. There’s a popular little eatery called Cala Salada where you can enjoy delicious paella or cool down with an ice cream and, if you’ve had your fill of sunbathing, head to The Caves at Ses Fontanelles. Look for the dirt track right before the bay and head on up – the walk is long but it’s worth it for the views.

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lIVE lIkE thE a-lIst

Ever since the Sixties, when Elizabeth Taylor graced the beaches of the white isle, Ibiza has been a beacon for celebrities. Drawn to the Balearic star by its laid-back lifestyle and lack of paparazzi pressure, Naomi Campbell has a bolthole here; so too do Shakira and Jade Jagger. For an A-lister experience, try rustic-chic farm Atzaro. Set on a centuriesold property, this places oozes Zen with its gorgeous dÊcor and decadent spa, and it’s played host to more than a sprinkling of stars over the years. Another celebrity favourite is Cas Gasi, where both Kate Moss and Mario Testino have stayed. Expect an eclectic agrotourism hotel surrounded by pine-filled fields and a distinct Moroccan vibe.

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destinations discover

World Traveller 45

secrets

Croatia destinations

Off-seasOn

For Med island-hopping without the crowds, Dalmatia’s spectacular coast knocks the spots off anywhere else, you just have to time it right‌ worDs: Alex robinson

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destinations Croatia

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Croatia destinations

I

’m still panting from the stand-onthe-pedals climb, when I cycle round a bend and, finally, see the view. If I’d any breath left it would be taken away. The town is framed by the moving branches of breeze-blown pines: terracotta roofs jumble around the Baroque belltower of a Venetian building and tumble through tiny streets, over battlements, to a sheet of Adriatic shaded Matisse blue.

A dragonfly lands on the handlebars, its wings rainbow-coloured in the light.

Daria, my guide, pulls up alongside and holds out a flask of water. I take a long, cool swig, still mesmerised by the landscape. This is my first day on Korcula, one stop on an island-hopping trip I’m making among Croatia’s pinecrested Dalmatian islands in early May. Already I’m in love with its bays and coves, its timeless good looks.

Odysseus, falling under their spell on his voyages, found it a wrench to take leave of their lonely beauty. Today – certainly in season – he’d be knocking hulls with thousands of European yachties. As for me, I’ve barely seen another tourist.

I owe my solitude to Daria, a Croatian friend-of-a-friend with whom I got chatty via texts and Facebook. Soon she was singing the praises of her home idyll and she was having none of it when I told her I didn’t like hordes and heat. “Dalmatia is all about timing,” she fired back. “And the right time is spring. There’s lots of warm sunshine, no crowds, and the wild flowers are coming into bloom. It’s really beautiful.”

As I’m discovering, the Dalmatian coast is one vast scenic landscape, shattered into thousands of islands sprinkled across the clear, inviting waters. Scattered with photogenic villages, scented with wafts of wild herbs and aromas of pan-fried fish, they are every bit as varied and beautiful as those further east in Greece.

And while holidaymakers are absent outside summer, ferries are frequent and cheap. Which is how I managed to get three of its biggest high-season stars – Korcula, Hvar and Mljet – all to myself.

My spring fling began on Hvar, the Juneto-September playground of celebrities and rowdy partygoers. I coasted in on an exhilarating seaplane flight from the international airport on the mainland at Split. Below, through the window,

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Dalmatian-coast crowds disappear outside of the summer season

“There’s lots of warm sunshine, no crowds, and the wild flowers are coming into bloom. It’s really beautiful” A muddle of red roofs clamber up Hvar’s hillside

Dalmatia’s capital sprawled briefly, a muddle of red roofs and suburbs that clambered up hillsides to the coastal mountains. We banked and were over a wavy sea, dark as velvet. After about 15 minutes, the water colour faded to lapis lazuli and we skimmed into Hvar.

If in summer there’s barely space to swing a sarong in the capital’s handsome Renaissance piazza, for now everything

was as drowsily Dalmatian as I could have wished – peopled by locals sipping coffee at café tables beneath belltowers.

Red-tailed hawks soared over the fortress walls, built on the steep hills to defend the town when the port was a wealthy stopping point between Byzantium and Venice, and re-fortified during the wars against the Ottoman Turks. Wandering the quays, I could picture Venetian silk

destination india

Bicycles on the harbourside promenade in Hvar Town

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Croatia destinations

Local legend states that the population of Malo Grablje is descended from Henry VIII

merchants stepping off their brigantines 300 years before me. Their purses had been fat enough to build palaces and bring the artistic likes of Tintoretto to Dalmatia.

Back in Hvar Town, I watched the few bars and restaurants that were open cast rippling reflections on the water, under a lilac evening sky. I dropped in at one to down a cold beverage and, hopefully, to glean some tips from the locals – a virtual impossibility in summer. I couldn’t have struck luckier.

Berti, an off-duty tour guide, was clearly surprised to see a foreigner. But he had all the time in the world. He also had an unlikely name for a Croatian.

When I told him I was from London, he grinned: “England!” He slapped a bottle between us and filled two glasses.

His family was English, too. “Tudor,” he told me. “You know, like king.” Tall and as gaunt as a stork, Berti had a family story straight out of the Who Do You Think You Are? television show. Henry 50 World Traveller

VIII, he said, had an illegitimate son who was shipwrecked on Hvar while gallivanting around the Mediterranean.

He loved it so much he refused to leave, marrying a local woman and siring an entire village, Malo Grablje.

“Tomorrow I will show you,” Berti insisted. “We will take a boat ride and swim, before I cook dinner there.” And so, next day, we cruised Hvar’s crenellated coast in dazzling sunshine. Stepped vineyards, cut into the grey granite, stretched above to distant hamlets.

We stopped to snorkel and, in the late afternoon, swapped the boat for Berti’s rickety car, to travel to Malo Grablje.

As the light thickened into gold, a nightjar scissored past the windscreen.

For 15 minutes we rumbled up a mountain track through boulder-strewn hills.

The village, lit by the red afterglow of the setting sun, was little more than a few cottages around a lichen-spotted church. It looked deserted – so tranquil

that birds of prey perched unperturbed on garden walls, and I could hear the distant tinkle of a mountain stream.

“It’s a local secret. Even in summer,” said Berti. “No-one lives in the island centre nowadays. Everyone moved to Hvar Town. Closer to the sea. But here is the best place on the island for a barbecue – beautiful at night.” The sky was now full of stars. Berti grilled the fish over an open fire, which wafted scented wood smoke into the warm air. Moths fluttered.

An owl hooted in the wood. I sat in a wicker chair, glass of fruity grape in hand, thinking, surely Croatia can’t get any better than this? It could, as it turned out – although things would not be so indolent again. Korcula, my second port of call, was quieter than Hvar – the Dalmatia of decades ago, where locals have time to stop and chat, and where piazzas and ports are uncrowded. The island is celebrated for its fresh seafood and fine grape, so I’d hoped to eat, drink

destinations Croatia

and put my feet up. Daria had other plans.

I guessed as much when she handed me a bike and pointed us to the hills.

But that ascent was a high point in more ways than one, as we quenched our thirst and gazed down from the summit of the hill. The sea was lakecalm, stippled white with resting gulls, the dark crags of the snowcapped Dinaric Alps hunched on the distant mainland beyond, warm with yellow light.

When I woke the following morning, I found Korcula Old Town perfect for wandering in solitude. On an early walk, I could hear my footfalls echo on the stone streets. In the museum, I traced the history of the island’s most famous son, Marco Polo. He was, I learned, born Marko Pilic in Korcula, when it was under Venetian rule.

Croatians claim him as one of their own, much to the fury of Italians. I strolled hilly trails in the south, past turquoise coves and terraced olive groves. A drive to the heart of the island revealed only sleepy villages, where, as if hired from Central Casting, widows wore black and men in cloth caps led donkeys down lanes.

The evening before setting sail for my next (and last) island stop, I had oysters for supper at a quayside restaurant as the waves lapped on the harbour walls. A wave of contentment washed over me – Dalmatia was surpassing my expectations. Yet Mljet, the island I headed to on an almost empty ferry after waving goodbye to Daria, was even more remote and romantic. Much of it lay carpeted in Illyrian pine forest. I spotted dolphins at play in a bay. Something primeval hung about the place.

There was only one person on the dock as the ferry pulled in: Jana, the guide I’d pre-booked. As we drove up into the crags that ran along the spine of the island, she told me that Mljet has more wild boar than people. We dropped into a steep valley where the woods were broken by patches of wild meadow, coloured orange, pink and red with thousands of early flowers.

The air was confetti-filled with butterflies.

There was not another soul in sight. The road passed ponds busy with kingfishers and ducks. Eventually, around a bend, a huge lake came into view: Veliko Jezero, Mljet’s watery heart. On an island in the middle stood the medieval monastery of St

You’re more likely to come across a donkey than other tourists in Korcula

The serene island of Mljet is carpeted in lush pine forests

“The air was confetti-filled with butterflies.

There was not another soul in sight. The road passed ponds busy with kingfishers” Mary. It looked like a Dalmatian Camelot against the verdant hills and mirror waters. I admired it from a quiet cove, for the first time in days with company – a lone distant tourist, soaking up the sun.

Finally, the spell was broken. When I stepped off the ferry from Mljet the next morning, Dubrovnik felt hectic. Luckily there was time, before my flight home, to take the cable car up Mount Srd, behind the city, for a final view. In the summit café, Panorama, as I sipped a last glass of Croatian grape, suddenly I became

aware of English being spoken all around me. I’d barely heard any for a week.

It seemed odd, foreign – the soundtrack of a season yet to come. In summer, I reflected, there would be more tourists on Hvar, Korcula and Mljet than wild boars or locals. The flower-filled valleys would be dry, the air hot rather than balmy.

What a difference a month makes. I’d been privileged to know another Dalmatia.

Another time, and another place.

Inspired to travel? To book a trip, call +971 4 316 6666 or log on to dnatatravel.com World Traveller 51

Enjoy a long weekend in paradise

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destinations eid escapes

Pure serenity is just a few hours away

Eidspiration With Eid just around the corner, we round up some short breaks that are perfect for a long weekend escape. All less than five hours away from the UAE, grab your carry-on and get ready to enjoy

Maldives

If you’re after an Eid break to remember then the Maldives will not disappoint.

Over-water villas, pure serenity and some of the best scuba diving in the world: you simply can’t go wrong. Whether you’ve entertained fantasies about being marooned on a desert island or you’ve got some energetic kids in tow, there’s a resort to suit you on one of the hundreds of islands that make up this nation. With each one offering a heady mix of water sports, fine food, endless ocean and indulgent spa treatments, everyone’s taken care of.

Where to stay? soneva Fushi This is one of those once-in-alifetime spots with some of the Maldives’ highest prices, but what you get in return is out of this world. Laid-back luxury at its finest, thatched villas circle a private island nestled under verdant jungle. Expect fine dining, personal butlers and the best kid-friendly activities in the archipelago.

Kids will love Soneva Fushi

the sun siyam Iru Fushi Maldives A 45-minute seaplane trip from Malé, this place has a first-rate spa, villas with private plunge pools and world-class diving on its doorstep.

It’s also extremely family-friendly thanks to the Koamas Kidz Paradise.

Vacation easy knowing that they also make a dedicated effort to give back to the local communities.

Relax at The Sun Siyam Iru Fushi Maldives

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Eid escapes dEstinations

Sri Lanka

No matter what month it is, there’s always somewhere the sun is shining in Sri Lanka and, at this time of year, your best bet is to head to the east coast.

The good news is that this side of the island is much more sweeping beaches, untouched coastlines and tourist-free scenery. Surfer types will be in their element at Arugam Bay – the country’s famed moon-shaped curl of sand where the break point is awesome. Elsewhere, peaceful Tangalle offers pictureperfect postcard vantages, swing-in-a-hammock resorts and national parks chock-full of wildlife… so there really is something for everyone.

Amanwella Resort’s infinity pool

Where to stay? anantara Kalutara

amanwella resort

Elegant and colonial, this retreat in the quiet town of Kalutara is for those who seriously want to kick back. A lagoon-facing infinity pool, tropical gardens and freshly squeezed king coconuts coupled with authentic Sri Lankan cuisine and the finest Italian restaurant in the land… press pause and enjoy.

Top tip: don’t miss the on-site spa.

Coconut palms sway above the golden sandy beach at Amanwella, a tranquil hideaway set in a secluded cove on Sri Lanka’s rugged south coast. Contemporary suites are dotted around the hillside above the Indian Ocean, all with private terraces that offer up awesome ocean views. The surf is also perfect.

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Lagoon views at Anantara Kalutara

destinations eid escapes

Oman

Just an hour’s flight from the UAE, not only is Oman seriously easy to get to – you can even drive there if you’d rather not brave the airports – it’s got a whole host of luxury resorts on offer. Take your pick from palatial enclaves, mountain getaways or lush coastal retreats. While summer temperatures may have started to creep in, the upcoming Khareef season keeps things decidedly cool as it catches the end of the African monsoon season. If tradition is what you’re after, head to the capital for age-old souks and authentic Arabian hospitality, then escape to the mountains for cool breezes.

Enjoy canyon vistas from Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar

Where to stay? anantara al Jabal al akhdar Perched on the Green Mountain, escape to this resort pitched 2,000m above sea level where temperatures are delightfully cool.

Wake up to canyon vistas, see grazing mountain goats, try a locally inspired spa treatment and wonder at the region’s clearest night-time views where stars abound.

al Baleed resort salalah by anantara Oman’s newest resort is nestled on the coast and offers dolphinwatching tours, an amazing spa, yoga on the beach and tours of the ancient Al Baleed Archaeological Park. Choose a villa for a huge private pool and your very own sunbathing cabana.

The spa at Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara

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Eid escapes dEstinations

Amazing marine life, island vibes and national parks – the Seychelles is an obvious choice

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destinations eid escapes

Seychelles

Quite possibly the archetypal romantic escape, the Seychelles is the place to head if you’re looking for pristine resorts on some of the world’s most photographed islands. And what’s particularly great about this destination is its perfect yearround temperatures, which, because of its proximity to the equator, rarely drop below 24° nor rise above 32°. Since it’s always beach weather, it’s an ideal Eid destination, but where to stay on these pristine islands?

Where to stay?

Four seasons resort seychelles This is the place to stay if you’re after a long weekend of absolute indulgence. Treetop pool villas with what are some of the best plunge pools we’ve ever seen, spectacular scenery and world-class service await. Treat yourself to a visit to the spa for amazing treatments coupled with breathtaking views. Hillside and beachside restaurants offer an authentic taste of the Seychelles. Sheer paradise.

Constance ephelia resort Revive your senses at this resort set on not one but two of the most beautiful beaches on Mahé, overlooking Port Launay marine national park. Gorgeous villas are nestled within the resort’s 120 hectares of tropical grounds. One for the scuba divers, expect to see manta rays, turtles, dolphins and even whale sharks: guaranteed Indian Ocean memories.

Expect sheer indulgence at the Four Seasons Resort Seychelles

Gorgeous villas at Constance Ephelia Resort

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Eid escapes dEstinations

Qatar

Head to Doha, the Qatari capital that’s within touching distance of the UAE and offers impressive skyscrapers, opulent hotels, world-leading restaurants and fantastic shopping – everything you need for an Eid escape. A peninsula nation, you can even enjoy an island getaway where you’ll certainly feel like you’ve gone further than that one-hour flight. For a city stay, discover Doha’s neighbourhoods with the corniche and marina or explore sites like Souq Waqif, the Museum of Islamic Art, Kingdom of Aladdin amusement park and The Pearl. There are also great shopping options if you’re after Eid gifts.

Where to stay?

Banana Island resort Doha by ananatara For an absolutely tropical stay without having to spend hours on a plane, this is your best bet.

With over-water villas, stunning marine life and 800m of private beach, you’ll feel like you’re in the Maldives but will be just 25 minutes from downtown Doha – it’s the best of both worlds.

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Maldivian vibes at Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara

souq Waqif Boutique hotels Set in the heart of Doha’s historic Souq Waqif yet just 15 minutes from the airport, Souq Waqif Boutique Hotels is a great choice for a long weekend. Take your pick from a collection of nine historic buildings featuring Arabian décor and traditional architecture, and all the service you’d expect from a boutique property.

Enjoy intimate hospitality at Souq Waqif Boutique Hotels

destinations eid escapes

India

While it’s truly impossible to summarise all of India in one paragraph, suffice it to say that this land of ancient diversity, sheer colour, blatant unpredictability and magnificent landscapes has something to offer everyone.

Head to pretty Kerala for a relaxing waterside Eid escape or the pink city of Jaipur for a whirlwind stay bursting with colour. Elsewhere, indulge in a Portuguese-inspired break in coastal Goa or visit Agra and its surrounds – including the Taj Mahal, India’s most famous landmark. No matter where you go, be prepared for a heady assault on all of your senses.

Where to stay? taj Jai Mahal Palace Get ready to celebrate Eid like a Rajasthani king at this Indo-Saracenic architectural masterpiece. At 270 years old and set amid Mughal gardens, it’s a great spot for culture enthusiasts. Embrace history in style in Jaipur, the gateway to India’s most flamboyant state.

Celebrate in colour at Taj Jai Mahal Palace

the W Goa A playground for Bollywood stars and travellers alike, Goa marches to its own beat. The brand-new W Goa capitalises on that with Arabian Sea views, kaleidoscopic interiors, an iconic Clarins spa and a host of delicious dining options.

Inspired to travel? To book a trip, call +971

A coastal Goan retreat

4 316 6666 or log on to dnatatravel.com

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An Oscar-worthy wilderness Forget Cape Cod – visit serene Cape Ann, the New England setting where Manchester By The Sea was shot that’s also home to the Captain Birdseye empire words: James dean

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destinations new england

North of Cape Ann is Essex, one of New England’s prettiest coastal towns

S

alt hits the back of my throat.

As I step out of my car, I suck deeper on the icy sea air.

Freezing waves crash below me as I gaze out towards the Atlantic from Gloucester, an old fishing settlement on the New England coast, while the sun slowly drops below the horizon.

In the distance is the glimmer of the Eastern Point lighthouse, the last sight of home for many Gloucester fishermen before they sailed into the vastness of the ocean. Dotted around the harbour are small wooden houses from which fishermen’s wives would look anxiously into the bay.

Fishing has run thick in the blood of Gloucester since English settlers arrived in 1623. The city – the oldest seaport in America – is on Cape Ann, which juts into the Atlantic just north of Boston. Across the Cape, stretched over some of the most beautiful coastline in America, are working fishing towns, beaches of white sand, marshes, old colonial buildings and, of course, bucketloads of fresh seafood.

In the winter, with the fishermen at rest, the pace of life slows to match the region’s calm, understated beauty. This is perhaps the reason that Manchester By The Sea, the brooding drama and recent Oscar-winner starring Casey Affleck and Michelle Williams, was filmed here in the winter months. Although the movie (most of which was filmed in Gloucester) follows the lives of a working-class family, Manchester-by-the-Sea itself, which lies to the west of Gloucester, is unabashedly World Traveller 61

With sand stretching out into the Atlantic, Good Harbour Beach is one of Cape Ann’s most popular

wealthy. Just off the main road are $14-million mansions with great sea views.

When outsiders think of the Massachusetts coastline, we think of the dreamy panoramas of Cape Cod. Indeed, most Bostonites head south to the sand dunes and salty air whenever they take a break from the city. If Cape Cod and its quaint little villages possess a special kind of serene beauty, so does the lesser-known Cape Ann. And with fewer tourists, Cape Ann – unlike Cape Cod – stays in character.

To get a daytime view of Gloucester’s handsome harbour, I ventured round the coast to Rocky Neck, an old artists’ colony.

Here, white picket fences line the façades of rickety wood-slatted houses, daubed in bright shades of pink, blue and orange.

Sailor Stan’s café, perched on an island in the middle of the road, mixes every shade into a vibrant melange of colour and fish murals. Many of the homes, some of which date back to the 1700s, are now ice-cream parlours, cafés and art galleries.

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“Manchester-bythe-Sea itself is unabashedly wealthy.

Just off the main road are $14-million mansions with great sea views” Good Harbor Beach, to the east of Gloucester, is one of the best in New England, a stunning expanse of white sand bordered by dunes and marshes. In the summer the beach is home to surfers, bodyboarders and divers. In winter it is deserted save for a few dog walkers dressed in big coats and wrapped in scarves.

The sea views are spectacular too from the Beauport Hotel where I stayed, built on the spot where Clarence Birdseye founded his frozen-fish empire in 1923. It’s at the

base of Gloucester Harbor, not far from the charming Harborview Inn, whose six cosy rooms offer views of Rocky Neck.

It would have been a disservice to Captain Birdseye to eat anything other than Cape Ann seafood, so that’s what I did. The sushi chefs at Latitude 43, on Rogers Street, carved me a huge platter of tender sashimi and spicy California rolls. At Tonno, on Main Street, I followed a fresh tuna tartare with a grilled tuna steak, pink in the middle.

In Essex, which is a short drive up the road, Village Restaurant served a hearty cup of clam chowder. Its baked haddock was stuffed with lightly sweetened cornbread, which soaked up the buttery juices. At Woodman’s on Main Street, I had fried clams, the local speciality, with lobster tails and fries. Lawrence “Chubby” Woodman, the restaurant’s founder, is said to have invented the fried clam here in the summer of 1916, and it has since become a Cape Ann institution.

destinations new england

From Niles Beach, just below Gloucester, I could see Boston’s skyscrapers shimmering in the distance. The city is so close, it makes a great twin break with this little-known part of the coast. It’s just an hour’s drive to explore the historic city centre: the gold-domed Massachusetts State House, the red-bricked Old South Meeting House and the Old State House.

From a balcony window here in July 1776 the Declaration of Independence was first read to Bostonians gathered below.

Back in Cape Ann, midway through an evening drive along the coast, a few red rays of sun broke through the trees to my right. It was too good an opportunity to miss. I snuck past rows of upturned canoes onto a private beach to meet a deep red sunset that stretched wide across the bay. Under the bright specks of the evening’s first stars a small fishing boat chugged into view, lights ablaze. And then, for the last time, I sucked deeply on the cold, salty air, bottling it up inside me before taking the long road home.

The colourful seaside village of Rockport lies at the far eastern end of Cape Ann

Inspired to travel? To book a trip, call +971 4 316 6666 or log on to dnatatravel.com

Annisquam Harbor Light Station on Wigwam Point in Gloucester, Massachusetts

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CITY SEASONS TOWERS ALWAYS GREAT MOMENTS! Stay in the heart of Dubai

Located in Bur Dubai, beside Burjuman Mall, City Seasons Towers is the perfect stay for business trips and family getaways.

Metro: Burjuman

City Seasons Towers, P.O. Box 5847, Khalifa Bin Zayed Road, Mankhool, Dubai, U.A.E. T +971 4 516 3333 | F +971 4 516 3334 | E info.dubaitowers@cityseasonshotels.com www.cityseasonshotels.com A Member of City Seasons Group of Hotels

Weekends There’s much you can do in jusT a few days

Get away In need of a weekend escape? Then you’ve come to the right place; our Weekends section packs in all the essentials for a welcome getaway. We hand-pick a selection of luxury hotels in the GCC perfect for a staycation, and detail the magical delights waiting to be discovered in ancient Kathmandu on a long weekend.

For foodies, we’re devouring dishes in beautiful Goa, where Portuguese influences still run strong. From here on in, we’ve got your weekends all wrapped up…

Pictured: Alila Jabal Akhdar (p76) World Traveller 65

A long weekend in…

Kathmandu Prepare to be enchanted by the magic of Nepal’s capital.

A visit to the roof of the world is a trip bursting with highs and lows, from glorious mountain peaks to horn-honking chaos. Make the most of it with our guide to the best bits

Find a bargain in Kathmandu’s colourful street markets

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You can’t visit Kathmandu without tucking into momo.

Try it at The Gangri Sui Mai Restaurant in Teku, where they’re served open with peanut, green chilli and tomato sauce.

Or head to Bishal Everest Momo in Kalimati for delicious fat-less versions of the stuff served on small steel plates with local favourite jhol achaar.

If you’re after a bargain, then scouring the street markets is your best bet.

For monks’ robes, soft silks, mountaingoat cashmere or unusual artefacts, head to Freak Street, just north of Durbar Square. Nearby Makhan Tole is another great spot where you can pick up thangka, paubha and other fine arts not often found outside the country.

With a history spanning 2,000 years, a walking tour of Durbar Square is a must.

Located in the old city, this area is packed with temples, pagodas and monuments on every corner. While many of the ancient sites were damaged in the devastating earthquake of 2015, there’s still plenty to see. Start beside the Royal Mahendra Museum and wander east, taking in

weekends kathmandu

Kumari House, Jagan Nath Temple and Bodhi Tree, before winding up at Ganesh Mandir. Watch out for pesky pigeons.

If it’s nightlife you’re craving, make for Thamel.

The Factory at Sagarmatha Bazar is the place to be seen – head to the rooftop for the perfect hideaway in the heart of the city. If you’re looking for post-hiking entertainment, legendary Rum Doodle – if you can find it – is where trekkers come to list their adventures on the giant cardboard foot provided for doodling on.

Travelling with little ones in tow? Go see the monkeys at Swayambhunath.

Kids will love spotting these cheeky creatures hopping around on the temple’s 365 stairs. Afterwards, mesmerise them with the wonders on offer at Kathmandu’s bazaar, and you won’t have to search too far to find non-spicy, kid-friendly eats.

If you want some romance amid the chaos, head to the Garden of Dreams.

Locally known as Swapna Bagaicha, this beautifully restored park is just two minutes from central Thamel but feels a million miles away thanks to lush greenery, fountains and ponds.

Afterwards, get cosy on cushions at Or2K and try tasty eats accompanied by some great music.

For the very best views of Kathmandu, you’ve got to head for the hills.

Some of the best vistas are to be found atop shaumbhu nagarkot or gowdari, where panoramic scenes of the sprawling city below backed by green forests are framed by beautiful snow-capped mountainscapes.

Not for the faint-hearted, a visit to Narayanhiti Palace Museum is fascinating.

Formerly the primary residence of Nepal’s monarchy, this was the site of the 2001 royal massacre, when Crown Prince Dipendra wiped out the entire ruling family in an act of revenge. Try not to gawk at the tawdry décor.

Kids will love catching sight of Kathmandu’s monkey residents

Ask A locAl The best time to visit Nepal is October and November or March and April, although there’s something be seen or done all year round. Try a morning yoga class at Kantipur Temple House, so called after the ancient city name for Kathmandu.

– lokendra karki

Did you know?

Nepal’s flag is the only one in the world that’s not quadrilateral in shape. Instead, it’s made of two triangles that are said to represent the country’s two main religions and also depict the soaring Himalayan Mountains.

Where to stAy Escape the hustle and bustle of Kathmandu by checking into the quiet realm of the Hyatt Regency Kathmandu. Designed in a traditional Newari style and set on 37 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens, there’s a walking trail if you’re feeling active, a first-class spa inspired by Nepali traditions and rooms that offer fantastic views of the Boudanath Stupa or surrounding mountains.

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48-hour foodie weekendS

48-hour foodie

A whistle-stop tour of what and where to eat from dawn till dusk Illustration: Adam Avery

Goa

Once a Portuguese territory, India’s smallest state is renowned for its fusion of spiced seafood and coconutinfused dishes. From delicious street eats to glorious riverside dining, there’s as much reason to visit Goa for the food as there is for its beaches

day one

day two

Breakfast

Breakfast

Artjuna serves contemporary dishes inspired by the Mediterranean. It’s chilled out, staff are friendly and the background

place to tuck into buttery croissants, sandwiches, pastries and delicious coffee.

Dine under a thatched roof with billowing

insiders’ tips

music merry. Super-popular with European diners, everything is freshly made. Pop into the boutique next door to pick out handmade souvenirs.

white canopies and fellow diners that hail from all over the world.

regional delights Try Kulkul, a sweet Goan recipe made from coconut cream and flour. While here, you’ll definitely try curry; make sure it’s served with sannas – made from rice flour, they’re what Goans dish up in place of bread.

Clay Fernandes

Set in an old Portuguese house surrounded by a beautiful garden, alfresco

Lunch

Tucked away from the main beachside roads in the narrow lanes of Nerul Village, Bhatti Village is a family-owned spot that serves Goan home-made food. There’s no menu and dishes change depending on the season, but no matter when you visit, you’re in for a treat. Try local favourites like gaboi and samarchi kod.

dinner

Le Poisson Rouge is an authentic French restaurant peppered with subtle Goan flavours. Headed up by Gregory Bazire – a man with a wealth of Michelin-starred experiences – expect delicious offerings in the beautiful alfresco setting replete with twinkling fairy lights. Try the river crab and fresh turmeric tortellini.

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Lila Café near the Baga River is run by a friendly German couple and is the best

Lunch

For something a little different, head to Thalassa on Vagator Beach, where the views are just as good as the Greek food.

Perched on a hilltop overlooking the Arabian Sea, this tavern dishes up typical Greek dishes that fit the setting perfectly.

Tuck into souvlaki wraps, gyros and kleftiko along with some of the freshest seafood and grilled meats in all of Goa.

dinner

One of Goa’s only famed Indian-born chefs, Cyrus Todqiwala, heads up proceedings at The River Restaurant.

Overlooking the Baga River and Arabian Sea, views are second to none and the friendly service sets you instantly at ease.

If it’s nice enough, grab a table outside and order the dukkah-dusted lagoon tiger prawns. Unforgettable.

hot right now You’ll feel like you’re actually in Greece when you visit Thalassa: order the deep-fried brie to start then indulge in delicious lamb kleftiko.

Don’t miss the steak at Chef Souyanem and head to Tito’s for sundowners – it’s where the tourism industry in Goa really got started.

Edel Cunnane

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WEEKENDs Travel notes

Into the blue Hold your breath and get ready for an adventure beneath the waves, where it’s all about you and the ocean blue Emirates Palace Marina, Abu Dhabi

I

t’s the stillness that I notice first.

Having scuba dived before and enjoyed the experience of being in the ocean surrounded by the wonders of the marine world, there was always something about having a huge piece of breathing apparatus stuck in my mouth that made me feel a bit odd. Add to that the amplified sound of my breath in my ears, and the bubbles trailing out of the mouthpiece, and it’s fair to say that I was fairly distracted on the handful of times I’d tried diving.

But this was different – entirely different.

Here, in the watery depths of Emirates Palace Marina, surrounded by salt water and colourful schools of fish, there were no such distractions. And that, I came to learn, is the joy of freediving.

In terms of extreme sports, freediving might not be quite up there with what you would expect. There are no supersonic speeds, dizzying heights or highly specialised gear required. Instead, it’s all about calming your mind, focusing on your breath and – perhaps most importantly – watching out for your diving partner. And yet, while it may not be extreme in the conventional sense, it’s certainly a sport that requires you to exert yourself to the fullest, pushing your body way beyond its comfort zone in both the physical and mental sense.

At present, there’s only one club in the UAE that offers professional accreditation

in freediving. Running monthly courses certified by the International Association for the Development of Apnea (AIDA) in both Dubai and Abu Dhabi, Freediving UAE also hosts weekend diving trips where qualified freedivers can enter the big blue along with a bunch of other free-spirited divers.

And that’s where we found ourselves on a sunny Friday morning, having very recently completed our beginner’s theory and in-pool sessions. Diving without any equipment other than a pair of fins and a face mask is amazing, but it takes technique – something AIDA are pretty strict about. That said, once you get into the ocean, the long theory sessions and written examinations feel worthwhile.

Venturing into the underwater world down below the waves with no air tank on my back, I realise just how easy it is to enjoy the suspended silence of the sea.

It somehow feels easier to connect with the underwater environment.

Despite still being very much an amateur, it’s amazing to see the progress I’ve made from my first attempt at breath holding – a pathetic 20 seconds – to being able to remain submerged for just under two minutes. The feeling of being at one with the ocean is something that’s impossible to put into words so my advice to you would be to simply give it a go – you won’t regret it.

Words: Hayley Skirka

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Staycations

Sometimes you just need to get away from it all. Our round-up of places to escape to across the GCC will guarantee you’re all set for a weekend of stress-free fun

Banana Island Resort Doha by Ananatara

Fairmont Bab Al Bahr

Location DohA

Dukes Dubai

Aloft Al Ain

dukesdubai.com

aloftalain.com

Location Abu DhAbi

Location DubAi

Location Al Ain

In a nutshell In want of an island escape?

Satisfy your craving with a stay at this paradisal resort that's just 20 minutes from Doha but feels like a world away.

In a nutshell Striking views of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and a gorgeous glass-heavy design, this place is perfect for a stylish break in the capital.

In a nutshell Located on Palm Jumeirah, this British themed spot is as charming as it is stylish.

Selected suite A two-bedroom overwater villa sets you up beautifully for the duration of your stay. Dip in your private pool or lounge in the huge cabana on your exclusive sundeck as you drink in the endless waterscape views.

Selected suite Opt for the Presidential Suite for over 2,000 sq ft of marbleheavy luxury and floor-to-ceiling windows that make the most of the gorgeous Abu Dhabi waterway views.

Selected suite One for the ladies travelling solo or on a girly weekend escape, check into one of the Ocean View Duchess Rooms on the 11th floor, where no men are allowed. Decor is ultra-feminine, there's private lift access and all rooms have sweeping views of the glistening Arabian Gulf.

In a nutshell A stylish addition to the garden city and part of the impressive Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium development, be among the first to check this place out.

Cuisine This sanctuary is solely soft drinks so the focus is on the food.

Feast on Italian at Riva, try casual beach bites at Tanzerin and don't miss Zest Chocolate Cafe.

Cuisine Head to Marco Pierre White Steakhouse & Grill for Michelininspired fare. Meanwhile Frankie's Italian is one of our alltime favourites.

Cuisine Chef Martin Cahill keeps things simple at GBR, crafting Britishclassics with quality ingredients and playful presentation. Don't miss the walnut whip.

doha.anantara.com

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fairmont.com/abudhabi

Selected suite The top floor Breezy suite has awesome views, a walk-in rainforest shower and a private dining suite, ideal for munchies and mixed drinks after a day of sightseeing.

Cuisine Olive Tree does all day dining, WXYZ Bar is a funky nightspot worth a visit and the rooftop is the ideal spot to watch the sun set against a beautiful mountain backdrop.

weekends staycations

Sheraton Grand Doha Resort Convention Hotel sheratongranddoha.com

Location DohA In a nutshell A pyramidal luxe high-rise right on the shores of West Bay, on the corner of the serene Doha Corniche. Haute waterfront suites and an awesome location.

Selected suite With a balcony that wraps around the entire suite, sunset views of the waterway and the twinkling city skyline await when you book the impressively elegant Penthouse Suite.

Cuisine Try Latino Steakhouse – one of Doha's finest, feast Italian style at La Veranda or ensure everyone's happy at all day dining Al Hubara.

Afterwards, enjoy a beverage at Irish Harp.

Al Wadi Desert, Ras Al Khaimah A Ritz-Carlton Partner hotel ritzcarlton.com

Location RAs Al KhAimAh In a nutshell Get back to nature at this elegant desert resort with adventure on hand for the entire family.

Selected suite We absolutely love the Al Khaimah tented pool villa with its gorgeous bedouin inspired design, private swimming pool and awesome sundeck.

Cuisine Dinner with a personal chef and private butler atop endless desert dunes? Yes, please.

• Ask the concierge Jennifer Naranjo-Garcia, Guest Experience Manager, gives us some insider tips What’s your favourite spot for sundowners?

Moon Bar is the perfect place to sit back, relax and enjoy a spectacular desert sunset over some refreshing drinks and snacks, many guests enjoy it so much they return every day, making it their sunset signature moment.

The hotel’s standout feature?

The Experience Concierge meets guests upon arrival and crafts a personalised itinerary for their stay. Activities include archery, horse riding, camel riding, nature walks, stargazing, and lots of kid-friendly activities.

Tell us a hotel secret…

Two tiny, fluffy baby owls recently hatched at the resorteveryone loves them and we called them Ritz and Carlton.

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Abu Dhabi weekenDs

Musical nights With two nights of exceptional music taking place in the capital this month, it’s time to get classical

Led by the baton of conductor Tugan Sokhiev, Abu Dhabi is set to host two fantastic evenings with the Toulouse Symphony Orchestra this month.

Playing in the capital for the first time, don’t miss what’s sure to be a fantastical musical feast inspired by the tales of One Thousand And One Nights.

Under the guidance of Sokhiev, the internationally acclaimed Russian conductor who’s the musical director of the Orchestre National du Capitole de Toulouse, 2 May will see the entertainment unfold at the beautiful 74 World Traveller

Emirates Palace auditorium. The orchestra will be performing pieces surrounded by a fantasy-like atmosphere that captures the colourful characters of the stories of One Thousand And One Nights. One of the most popular is sure to be the story of Aladdin and yet another highlight is the most famous piece ever inspired by the collection: Rimsky Korsakov’s majestic symphonic suite Scheherazade.

For their second evening, the orchestra will make their way to the garden city of Al Ain, where the Great Hall of UAE

University will serve as the perfect backdrop for a second night of classical entertainment. Be enthralled as the Orchestre National du Capital de Toulouse and Tugan Sokhiev resume their musical journey through the famed tales of the Arabian nights.

One of the top orchestras in France, the group acts as both a symphony orchestra and permanent orchestra of the Théâtre du Capitole in Toulouse. Don’t miss this unique set of performances in the capital this month.

For more information, visit abudhabimusic.ae

GO ON, ENJOY YOUR SUMMER

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Weekend offers To book any of these offers, call +971 4 316 6666, visit a dnata outlet or log on to dnatatravel.com

Clockwise from top left: Lapita, Dubai Parks and Resorts, Autograph Collection Hotels; Alila Jabal Akhdar; Bab Al Qasr; The Oberoi Beach Resort Al Zorah; Grand Hyatt Doha Hotel & Villas; W Dubai-Al Habtoor City; The Westin Dubai, Al Habtoor City

UAE

Includes: Stay in a Deluxe Room with breakfast Validity: Now until 31 Aug 2017

Lapita, Dubai parks anD resorts, autograph CoLLeCtion hoteLs 1 night from USD90 per person Special offer: Complimentary upgrade to half board, free minibar once per stay and 25% discount on spa Includes: Stay in a Deluxe Room Resort View with breakfast Validity: Now until 30 Sep 2017

W Dubai-aL habtoor City 1 night from USD92 per person Special offer: 5% discount on room rate when booked 14 days prior to arrival Includes: Stay in a Spectacular Room with breakfast Validity: Now until 31 Aug 2017

the Westin Dubai, aL habtoor City 1 night from USD77 per person Special offer: 5% discount on room rate when booked 14 days prior to arrival

bab aL Qasr 1 night from USD65 per person Special offer: Complimentary breakfast and complimentary upgrade to next room category Includes: Stay in a Superior Room

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Validity: Now until 30 Sep 2017 the oberoi beaCh resort aL Zorah 1 night from USD243 per person Special offer: Complimentary breakfast Includes: Stay in a Premier Room with Private Terrace and breakfast Validity: Now until 25 May 2017

OMAN

aLiLa JabaL akhDar 2 nights from USD349 per person Special offer: 25% discount on room rate, complimentary upgrade to Horizon View Suite, plus 2 children under 12

stay and eat for free Includes: Stay in a Mountain View Suite with breakfast and dinner daily Validity: Now until 30 Aug 2017

QATAR

granD hyatt Doha hoteL & ViLLas 2 nights from USD173 per person Special offer: 5% discount on room rate, complimentary room upgrade, late checkout, 10% discount on food and beverages and 20% discount on spa Includes: Stay in a Grand Room with breakfast daily Validity: Now until 15 Jun 2017

WEEKENDs Recommended

World Traveller’s recommended

Beach stay

In the heart of Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, this spot isn’t quite a beach but endless sand dunes and your own private pool make it even better

Where? Al Maha Desert Resort and Spa

don’t disrupt the silence of the desert.

Romance is guaranteed.

The LOW-DOWN: A sanctuary in the heart of Dubai’s beautiful conservation reserve, oryxes and gazelles roam around outside your tented suite in this Arabianinspired resort. A raft of personal touches and beautiful design that pays homage to tradition set this place apart.

The rOOM: For true Arabian luxury, stay in a Bedouin Suite. Decorated with hand-carved wood furnishings, you won’t want to leave. Right on your doorstep is your own private pool and sundeck with impossibly beautiful 180° desert views.

The SCeNe: Quite possibly the most romantic hotel in the city, this resort is unsurprisingly packed with couples.

There’s a strict ‘no children under 12’ policy that ensures screaming little ones

TO DO: Try your hand at falconry, saddle up atop an Arabian horse or take a nature walk through the desert. A 4x4 dunebashing experience is a great choice, while a camel trek across the dunes, including

a stop for sundowners, is a must-do.

TO eAT: Make the most of the location by indulging in a fine-dining picnic to remember. Under the magical starlit sky of the desert, surrounded by flaming torches, settle down on an Arabian carpet before tucking into delicious cuisine.

Our fAvOuriTe pArT: It has to be the location – right out in the desert, endless dunes and untouched wildlife make you feel like you’re almost alone in the world. Sheer perfection.

Find out more at al-maha.com World Traveller 77

Recommended WEEKENDs

World Traveller’s recommended

cIty stay

In the heart of Dubai and part of the bustling Habtoor City complex, this hotel is elegance refined

Where? The St. Regis Dubai Al Habtoor City The LOW-DOWN: Breathtaking from the moment you enter the immaculate tree-lined drive, this place brings the legacy of the Astor family to Dubai for the first time. Inside, the sweeping spiral staircase and huge chandeliers set the tone for a stay fit for royalty.

The SCeNe: A favourite with locals and families, guests here tend to fit the refined tone of the property itself. There’s a good mix of visitors from around the GCC. 78 World Traveller

The rOOM: All the rooms are gorgeous but for something truly representative of The St. Regis, stay in the Caroline Astor Suite, named after the mother of the hotel group’s founder. One of a whopping 52 suites in the hotel, grand double doors lead to an equally grand living room and adjoining study, plus king-size bed, walkin wardrobe and mansion-like bathroom.

head to the state-of-the-art fitness centre.

TO DO: The rooftop pool is seriously serene, perfect for soaking up some sun.

The Iridium Spa is a great choice if you need a bit more pampering, or if you’re looking for something a bit more active,

Our fAvOuriTe pArT: If other hotels are luxury, this would have to be superluxury. We loved being spoiled by our private butler and the elegant, relaxed vibe.

Find out more at stregisdubai.com

TO eAT: Dining here is a delight.

Carnivores will love J&G Steakhouse, while the Parisian-inspired Le Patio offers a European getaway where the flavours are divine. Brasserie Quartier does a delicious continental breakfast and Sidra is a great spot for a calming cup of tea.

WEEKENDs Competition

WIN!

A 3-night stay at Mandarin Orchard Singapore Established in 1971, this legendary hotel is the perfect base for exploring the Lion City.

Standing tall in the heart of Orchard Road, enjoy panoramic views, fantastic shopping and Michelin-starred dining. Two lucky people are in with a chance of winning three fabulous nights in a Superior Deluxe Room, inclusive of breakfast. To be in with a chance, simply answer this easy question:

In what year was the hotel established?

A) 1917 B) 2007 C) 1971 Email answers to easywin@ hotmediapublishing.com by May 31, 2017.

Prize includes 3-night stay for two people, subject to advance reservation. Not valid during blackout dates, voucher valid 6 months from date of issue, non-extendable, transferable or exchangeable. Original voucher must be presented upon check-in. For more info, call +65 6737 2200 or visit meritushotels.com

World Traveller 79

Suite dreams

Suite dreams Our monthly finish with a flourish, delving into a suite whose character and style are sure to set you apart

80 World Traveller

The Anantara Suite at Anantara Kalutara

An hour from Sri Lanka’s capital and just 10 minutes from the charming town of Kalutara, arrive to a world of colonial history and wondrous nature on a peaceful lagoon setting.

Nestled between the Indian Ocean and the Kalu River, you’ll be truly spoiled for waterscapes with stunning ocean vistas on one side and lush lagoon frontage on the other – both vying for your attention.

The stunning low-rise tropical modernist building enchants from the moment you enter and it’s no wonder, really, given that the original plans for the resort were designed by the renowned Geoffrey Bawa – Sri Lanka’s most famed architect.

Of the 141 rooms, suites and villas across the resort, our pick is the Anantara Suite. Charmingly decorated in neutral tones, there’s a subtle peppering of local touches with beautiful Sri Lankan teak beams and intricate batik prints dotted throughout. Your paradise retreat will be perfect in this abode – wake up in your king-size bed to gorgeous lagoon views. As the day begins to transform into evening, an in-suite humidor ensures you can enjoy perfectly chilled sundowners on a pretty private sundeck. Of course, your very own villa host is on hand to offer dedicated service with all the warmth of Sri Lankan hospitality, something you’ll remember long after you’ve left this little slice of the teardrop island behind.

ON T H E W I N G S O F A D R E NA L I N E , you fly like the ace of aces l o o p i n g a t re c o rd h e i g h t s , or feel the horsepower o f t h e w o r l d ’ s f a s t e s t r o l l e rc o a s t e r.

A s j o y r u s h e s t h r o u g h y o u r b o d y, f ro m z e ro t o 2 4 0 k m / h i n f i v e s e c o n d s , you will find that fun always comes first.

Ferrari World Abu Dhabi #InAbuDhabi

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JW MARRIOT T® MARQUIS DUBAI

Elevating Luxury to New Heights.

Comprising two iconic towers, the JW Marriott Marquis Dubai is centrally located beside the Dubai Water Canal. Offering a spectrum of facilities for the most discerning travellers, it is the ultimate destination of exceptional taste featuring an array of diverse restaurants and lounges.

1,608 LUXURIOUS GUEST ROOMS AND SUITES OVER 14 AWARD-WINNING RESTAURANTS AND LOUNGES SARAY SPA FEATURING TRADITIONAL HAMMAMS, 17 TREATMENT ROOMS AND A DEAD SEA FLOATATION POOL STATE-OF-THE-ART HEALTH CLUB AND FITNESS FACILITIES 8,000 SQM OF SPECTACULAR MEETING SPACES For more information please call +971 4 414 0000 or visit jwmarriottmarquisdubailife.com

Sheikh Zayed Road, Business Bay, PO Box 121000, Dubai, UAE | T +971 4 414 0000, F +971 4 414 0001 | jwmarriottmarquisdubai.com JW Marriott Marquis Dubai | @JWDubaiMarquis | JWMarriottMarquisDubai