Journeys Magazine - Edition 5

DISCOVER A NEW WORLD IN TRAVEL LUXURY

STARLIGHT EXPRESS

THE MALDIVES AFTER DARK GREAT ESCAPES

WELLNESS RESORTS AROUND THE GLOBE JOIN THE GULF CLUB

SAVOUR THE MAGIC OF THE EMIRATES

FLOWER POWER IMMERSE YOURSELF IN THE WHITE LOTUS LIFESTYLE

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T H E W E E K E N D E R by B E N N E T T W I N C H

We champion the escape artists. Those who shed all surplus and live with only the hardiest of companions by their side. We are not concerned with the fleeting or seasonal, inspired only by heirloom quality products of soul and purpose. The road is long, carry yourself well.

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FOUNDER’S LETTER

THE LOTUS LIFESTYLE ANANTARA LUXURY TAKES CENTRE STAGE IN SEASON THREE OF THE WHITE LOTUS

W

elcome to the latest edition of Journeys. We’ve had many highlights at Minor Hotels this year, but undoubtedly one of the most exciting was to have three of our Anantara resorts in Thailand seen by millions of viewers worldwide in season three of the massively popular HBO TV series The White Lotus.

As a Thai luxury hotel brand dedicated to immersing guests in local traditions, Anantara Hotels & Resorts was the perfect choice for a series featuring the breathtaking landscapes, rich heritage and stunning architecture of this extraordinary country. And we were delighted to see three of our island resorts – Anantara Bophut Koh Samui Resort, Anantara Lawana Koh Samui Resort and Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas –

featured prominently throughout the third season.

If you haven’t done so before, I encourage you to visit at least one of these resorts and experience some of the most iconic locations from the season for yourself. I guarantee you will not be disappointed, and we also have plenty of tips on “living The White Lotus lifestyle” later in the issue.

Speaking of la dolce vita, I also wanted to share with you that the inaugural Anantara Concorso Roma historic car event, scheduled for April this year, was postponed out of respect for the passing of Pope Francis. The event will now take place in Rome from 16 – 19 April 2026, featuring many of the automobiles confirmed for the 2025 Concorso, alongside luxurious moments and the best of contemporary Italian cuisine at Anantara Palazzo Naiadi Rome Hotel.

WILLIAM E. HEINECKE FOUNDER AND CHAIRMAN – MINOR INTERNATIONAL

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CONTENTS MOMENTS 10. Amazing views from the world of Minor Hotels – an island in the Maldives, a safari camp in Kenya and a luxury hideaway in Phuket.

��

Tenerife is a natural wonder.

EXPLORE 16. Fall in love with Milan.

20. Celebrate NH Collection’s 10th anniversary.

22. Discover a world of indulgence.

28. Tastemakers assemble at the World Gourmet Festival.

30. Join the private jet set.

33. Why branded residences are the ultimate lifestyle experience.

34. Unmissable events for

travellers in the know.

STYLE 39. Heart of gold: the colour of the season is Celestial Yellow.

40. When it comes to carry-on luggage, you’ve got to roll with it.

42. Lisbon’s grande dame is a shining star of European hospitality.

FEATURES 44.

The White Lotus

You’ve watched the fictional TV series, now here’s your guide to living out your White Lotus fantasies in real life.

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CONTENTS CONTRIBUTORS

FORM

VOICE

Ryan Thompson is a UKbased writer, editor and co-founder of his own travel magazine, which he started with the British menswear

Stephen Hobbs’ lifelong love of travel has led him to many surprising places, from eating chicken wings with Mary J. Blige

designer Oliver Spencer. His work has appeared in the Financial Times, the Sunday Times, Mr Porter, The Rake, Brummell, and many more.

in Manhattan to diving with sharks in Devon. He has written about these experiences for British GQ and Condé Nast Traveller.

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FEATURES 54.

Maldives After Dark

From night swimming to stargazing, island fun really starts when the sun sets.

60.

The Art of Escapism FLOW

VISION

Bringing some invaluable composure to the creative process, Jade Smith has produced standout campaigns in the travel sector, as well as for brands like Burberry and Boden. As our client lead, she ensures ideas are well-crafted but always fashionably on time.

Art Director Craig Baxter honed his craft at Condé Nast, developing a distinctive visual style that is the envy of the travel sector.

A gifted collage illustrator and book designer, Craig brings sharp attention to detail and a refined eye to everything he touches.

Travel broadens the mind, but it can also heal the body and soul.

68.

United Arab Emirates

Experience modern cityscapes and ancient cultures in the Middle East.

ON THE COVER

SUNDOWNER

Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas

74. Cocktail hour packs a (rum) punch in the Maldives.

Editor Morgan Rees Creative Director Tan Parmar Associate Editor Paul Henderson Contributing Editor Fergal Barry-Murphy Art Director Craig Baxter Picture Editor Katie Byrne Sales Director Patrick Dunne Advertising & Media Partnerships Daisy Heyes, Emma Horsted, Anya Mrkic, Jennifer Brown, Kane Hopps Head of Finance Phil Mcilwaine Head of Ad Operations & Logistics Jamie Rabey Reprographics KFR Pre-Press Ltd Chief Executive Officer Michael Keating Chief Operating & Financial Officer Jim Campbell Managing Director, Ink Studio Jonny Clark Director of Strategy & Innovation Ric Stockfis Account Lead Jade Smith TO ADVERTISE IN JOURNEYS, EMAIL patrick.dunne@ink-global.com Or telephone +44 (20) 7625 0700

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MOMENTS AMAZING VIEWS

FROM THE WORLD OF MINOR HOTELS ISLAND OF ADVENTURE NH MALDIVES KUDA RAH RESORT There are many reasons people choose to visit the Maldives. Perhaps they are on honeymoon, or hoping for some family fun. Some go for overwater villas, while others want undersea excitement. A good spa is always welcome, great food and impeccable cocktails are a must and, of course, most visitors want crystal-clear waters and sand as soft as sun-kissed flour. Not all resorts deliver that… but we know one that does. Combining effortless relaxation with epic adventure, NH Maldives Kuda Rah has it all. With 51 beach and overwater pool villas and suites, world-class diving, a choice of remarkable restaurants, beautiful lagoons and wellness rooms, this is a tropical fairytale made real.

Plus, it is only a 25-minute seaplane hop from Malé airport. So you can go from arrivals to welcome drinks quicker than you can say, “Take me there now.”

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AMAZING VIEWS FROM THE WORLD OF MINOR HOTELS

AWE-INSPIRING ECO-LODGE ELEWANA TORTILIS CAMP AMBOSELI If you only went to Elewana Tortilis Camp Amboseli for the spectacular views of Mount Kilimanjaro, that would be enough… but it would be such a shame if you didn’t take the time to meet the locals. From your base at the edge of a forest in a private conservancy, you are perfectly placed to witness the 1,000-strong elephant community that roam the Amboseli National Park eco-system.

However, just because you are there to see wild animals, doesn’t mean you have to live like one.

The camp, named after the distinctive flat-topped Acacia Tortilis tree, offers guests accommodation in spacious makuti-roofed tents with en suite bathrooms and private verandahs. Between game drives and scenic walks, visitors can relax in the central lounge and dining area, soak up the majesty of the vast wilderness, and immerse themselves in the ultimate safari experience.

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MOMENTS

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AMAZING VIEWS FROM THE WORLD OF MINOR HOTELS

THE WHITE LOTUS RETREAT ANANTARA MAI KHAO PHUKET VILLAS To set the scene for season three, at the start of the first episode of The White Lotus, viewers got to marvel at one of the overwater treatment suites in the impossibly beautiful Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas. The resort is also used as the backdrop for the show’s fictional Wellness Sanctuary Spa, but there was no faking the luxury of the Family Pool Villa where one of the characters stayed. Set among lush gardens and close to the lagoon, this southern Thai-style building is one of 83 pool villas, 30 pavilions and 70 private suites available to guests. There is also an award-winning spa, the fabulous Tree House restaurant and a variety of treatments and activities to keep you entertained from dawn till dusk. But if you do have some free time, you could retreat to your villa and watch The White Lotus. And the next day you’ll get to live it. J

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MOMENTS

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STRAP STYLE - LEVEL DOWN

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EXPLORE

STRAP STYLE - LEVEL DOWN

MILAN • TENERIFE • BANGKOK • MALDIVES • MARBELLA

DESIGN FOR LIFE GET UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL WITH THE CITY OF MILAN, WHERE BEAUTY IS BUILT IN — FROM RADICAL ARCHITECTURE AND RACY APERITIVO HOURS TO A RISOTTO THAT SIMPLY GLOWS

WORDS BY ANDY HILL

GETTY IMAGES

E

ven in Italy, a country renowned for heart-stopping beauty and lofty aesthetic ideals, Milan is without peer. It’s where Leonardo da Vinci painted The Last Supper and sketched flying machines long before the Wright brothers took off. It’s where Prada ripped up the couture rulebook and Alfa Romeo made speed seductive. In Milan, architecture evolved from Renaissance formality into radical new forms of Modernism – think Gio Ponti’s soaring Pirelli Tower, or the uncanny vertical forest of Bosco Verticale.

Here, form doesn’t just follow function – it falls madly in love with it.

Nowhere is Milan’s devotion to divine design better expressed than at the Duomo di Milano.

This exquisite cathedral took six centuries to complete and looks for all the world like it was dreamt up by angels who specialise in architecture as a side hustle.

Just a short walk away, NH Collection Milano President offers a more contemporary sort of splendour. This is particularly evident at the shiny new Panhini Bar, where Milan’s fashionable set – you might say the city’s

Milan’s drawing room: the 19th-century glass-domed Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is Italy’s oldest shopping arcade.

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EXPLORE MILAN

In Milan, form doesn’t just follow function – it falls madly in love with it movers and shakers – gather nightly over note-perfect cocktails. And make no mistake, fashion is woven into the very fabric of Milan.

The city made its name on impeccable tailoring in the post-war years, when legendary houses like Armani and Versace elevated their distinctively Italian stylistic vision onto a global stage. Milan Fashion Week still pretty much decides what the world wears next, and the city’s boutiques are temples to both heritage and experimentation.

Stay at Avani Palazzo Moscova Milan Hotel and you’re close to Corso Buenos Aires, one of Europe’s coolest shopping streets – over a kilometre of retail theatre, from historic haberdasheries to boutiques brimful of edgy new labels. But the capital of la dolce vita isn’t

all brash fashion and bombastic architecture.

There’s a quieter side to the city – a side you’ll typically find tucked away behind unassuming gates and ivy-accented walls.

Milan’s courtyards, or corti, are true oases of serenity – a legacy of forward-thinking 19thcentury town planners who prioritised privacy and shade from the intense Italian sun. Today, i cortili is where you’ll meet locals lingering over leisurely lunches or salacious late-night chit-chat, sheltered from the city’s pace but never far from its pulse.

At NH Collection Milano Touring that tradition is alive and well, and the hotel’s courtyard-style restaurant is a tranquil backdrop for sampling Milan’s most iconic dish – risotto alla Milanese. What gives it such a golden glow? Saffron, a nod to the spice trade that once flowed through this northern hub. It is a mouthwatering example of Milan’s reverence for richness and tasteful restraint.

For all its historic connections with wealth and elegance, Milan never leans too hard on past glories. It reinvents, refines, and raises the bar – quite literally. A bold new generation of artisan distilleries is giving Milan’s aperitivo scene a very different sort of renaissance, with local vermouths and botanical spirits serving looks in decidedly design-forward spaces.

Because in this city, even your nightcap arrives dressed to impress. J

From top: Camelia’s Yard cocktail bar at NH Collection Milano Touring; aperitivo hour; classic risotto alla Milanese.

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NH COLLECTION

A LIFE LESS ORDINARY A

decade ago, NH Collection Hotels & Resorts made a promise.

To all the guests who chose to visit them around the world, they vowed to deliver one thing: “A stay driven by extraordinary feelings.” And in the years since they welcomed the first travellers through their doors, they have stuck by their principles relentlessly.

Unwavering and without compromise, the mission was, has always been and will always be, to make every visitor feel extra special and to make their trip unforgettable.

To capture this ethos and to celebrate their 10-year anniversary, NH Collection have collaborated with acclaimed Spanish actress Amaia Salamanca and hugely talented photographer and artist Cristina de Middel to create a visually compelling and emotionally evocative campaign that captures those life-affirming and life-changing travel moments we all yearn for. Using NH Collection’s birthplace and

spiritual home, Madrid, as the backdrop, the imagery not only explores iconic locations in the city such as NH Collection Madrid Palacio de Tepa and NH Collection Madrid Eurobuilding, but seeks to encapsulate the emotional, spiritual and personally fulfilling sense of place and time that premium travel offers. Little wonder, then, the project has been named, “The Quest for the Extraordinary”.

“This collaboration is a celebration of everything NH Collection stands for – elevated experiences, sensory richness and emotional depth,” said a spokesperson for NH Collection. “Amaia and Cristina embody two sides of our story: the guest who collects the feelings, and the creator who helps make those feelings come to life. Together, they bring our brand’s journey into a powerful visual dimension.”

The beauty of this visual collection is that it tells the stories we can all relate to. Those special seconds on a trip that make us smile, catch our breath, or stir something inside of us that we didn’t quite expect but that last a lifetime. And it can be anything. The view from a bedroom window over the rooftops at dawn. A romantic meal on a terrace in a vibrant restaurant. Or a glass of cold Champagne on a balcony at twilight. These are the memories that are unique to us, but tap into the emotions that countless NH Collection guests have felt over the last 10 years.

And in that time, NH Collection has changed a lot. Today, the number of hotels and resorts stands at over 100 properties spread across 24 countries worldwide. Wherever you visit, from city retreats in Barcelona, Rome, Buenos Aires, Dubai or New York, to more remote outposts in the Maldives, Doha, Venice and Helsinki, the welcome you receive, the romance of the moment, and the sense of wonder you get will always shine through.

It has been an incredible journey so far, but in truth it has only just started. There is still a lot to feel together... J

CRISTINA DE MIDDEL – MAGNUM PHOTOS

TO CELEBRATE NH COLLECTION HOTELS & RESORTS’ 10TH ANNIVERSARY, A NEW ARTISTIC CAMPAIGN HAS CAPTURED THE ESSENCE OF THE BRAND’S QUEST TO BRING MEANINGFUL TRAVEL EXPERIENCES TO MILLIONS

Left: Amaia Salamanca checking out in style. Opposite: the extraordinary glamour of NH Collection in Madrid.

Photography by Cristina de Middel, Magnum Photos.

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EXPLORE

IMMERSIVE INDULGENCE Close encounters with nature’s largest land animals remain a bucket-list experience for many. Set amid the mountains of northern Thailand, Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort offers an opportunity to witness elephants in their natural habitat. The resort’s Jungle Bubble experience elevates this further still, allowing guests to spend a night in custom-designed outdoor observatories. With meals cooked by a private chef and served by a dedicated butler, it offers a privileged dusk-tilldawn perspective of the resort’s rescued elephants.

IS IT TIME FOR A LITTLE INDULGENCE? TIME AWAY OFFERS AN OPPORTUNITY TO DITCH THE ROUTINE AND FOCUS ON SELF-FULFILMENT. JOURNEYS FINDS THE PLEASURE PRINCIPLES IN SOME OF THE WORLD’S MOST LUXURIOUS LOCATIONS WORDS BY BEN OLSEN

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ADOBE STOCK

EXPERIENCE FINDER

SHOPPING INDULGENCE

TRAVEL INDULGENCE

DINING INDULGENCE

For those seeking retail therapy on the French Riviera, a stay at Anantara Plaza Nice Hotel offers an elevated personal-shopping experience led by in-house stylist Malgorzata. Visiting salons, private collections and hidden gems, this four-hour session takes in the city’s most stylish stores during a bespoke experience shaped by expert advice, which concludes with a fashion illustrator capturing new looks with an exclusive portrait.

Exploring Vietnam is an adventure in its own right, but to discover the lush landscapes and glistening shores between Da Nang and Quy Nhon onboard the country’s finest locomotive is a dream come true. The Vietage by Anantara is a luxury single-carriage railway experience from another era, offering gourmet dining, afternoon tea and unforgettable views along the way. Magical, mesmerising and unique.

Zambia’s Avani Victoria Falls Resort has always had a strong reputation for serving guests superlative menus across its two restaurants and pool terrace.

However, its concierge team offers a unique private dining experience that overlooks one of the world’s largest waterfalls.

The magnificent Victoria Falls forms an awe-inspiring backdrop to a three-course meal that promises to be one of life’s most memorable.

AFTER-DARK INDULGENCE

FAMILY INDULGENCE

MUSICAL INDULGENCE

Anantara Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky Amsterdam began life as a 19th-century coffee shop. Its founder, a trained tailor, is referenced in the name of the hotel’s exquisite bar. Atmospheric, with decor that nods to its namesake’s trade, The Tailor’s cocktail menu – created by some of the city’s top mixologists – excels in elevated classics underpinned by homemade infusions, liqueurs and sodas.

Quality time with loved ones is the ultimate privilege for many, yet finding a holiday destination suitable for family groups is rarely straightforward. Anantara Layan Phuket Resort, situated between lush jungle and golden sands, has become a byword for quiet luxury in Thailand, with suites and villas scattered on the hills offering stunning coastal views. This stylish sanctuary sets the tone for a memorable escape.

Harnessing the transformative power of dance and channelling the creative energy of the capital, nhow Berlin has created an events roster that invites guests to tap into techno nights at cult clubs like Berghain and Panorama. Sample workshops at urban dance school Flying Steps and enjoy DJ sets overlooking the city at Solar Sky Bar where visitors can embrace both the mindset and movement of this metropolis. J

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Manyara Headquarter: Alexander - Bretz - Straße 2 D-55457 Gensingen Tel. 0049-6727-895-0

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info@bretz.de

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EXPLORE MILAN • TENERIFE • BANGKOK • MALDIVES • MARBELLA

ON THE

WATERFRONT TENERIFE’S SOUTHWEST COAST IS ALIVE WITH ABUNDANT NATURAL WONDERS — ALL YOU NEED TO DO IS LOOK BENEATH THE SURFACE WORDS BY ANDY HILL

Ocean colour scenes: the exclusive Tivoli La Caleta Tenerife Resort in Costa Adeje has views out to sea.

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EXPLORE TENERIFE

From top: the new beach club, SEEN by Olivier; the spectacular Moroccan-style Alma Cocktail Bar; and the large, light-filled lobby.

All at Tivoli La Caleta Tenerife Resort.

T

enerife is Mother Nature at her most enchanting. Born of volcanic fire, honed by wind and time, the grandest of the Canary Islands is nothing short of a geological masterpiece. But beyond those uncanny black sand beaches and Spain’s loftiest peak lies something far stranger and more wondrous: an oceanic Eden of rare richness and beauty. Along Tenerife’s southwest coast, where rugged cliffs meet the surging Atlantic, friendly dolphins surface at dawn, pilot whales cruise in formation, and bioluminescent plankton shimmer in the starlit-wake of sailboats. And it’s not just a popular party island – it’s one of Europe’s most inspiring natural wonders, if you know where to look.

The southwest coast is situated at a sweet spot, where cool Atlantic currents collide with balmy subtropical waters, enriching the marine habitat with abundant nutrients that,

in turn, attract a dazzling array of sea life.

Over 20 species of whales and dolphins can be spotted throughout the year, from impish bottlenoses to the majestic blue whale. Manta rays glide spectrally over teeming volcanic reefs, green turtles graze sun-dappled seagrass beds, and coy angel sharks – nearly invisible on the seabed – lurk in rocky shallows. Small wonder this coastline is a certified Whale Heritage Site. The sea isn’t just scenery here.

It’s a bona fide sanctuary.

The best way to explore it? Get wet.

Begin with a snorkelling trip to El Puertito, a peaceful cove where turtles paddle just metres offshore. For an even deeper dive, local guides offer marine biologist-led excursions near Playa Paraíso, where you’ll encounter octopuses, moray eels and schools of Pixar-perfect fish frolicking over lavahardened ridges. Fancy something a touch more romantic? Take a twilight sailing tour

from Los Gigantes, where the sky turns violet and the sea, on certain nights when conditions are just right, positively glows with bioluminescent light.

At the heart of it all is Tivoli La Caleta Tenerife Resort, a sublime seaside fivestar hotel that pitches itself as part-luxury hideout, part-tropical paradise. Designed by legendary architect Melvin Villarroel, this ravishing retreat weaves together Andalusian courtyards, fragrant gardens and meandering paths that lead down to the twinkling Atlantic. From here, guests can book exclusive excursions like private boat trips out on the cetacean-rich channel between Tenerife and La Gomera, where whales and dolphins breach in abundance. Back on dry land, the hotel’s beachside restaurant serves local favourites like cherne or salt-baked sea bream, often sourced by fishermen from nearby La Caleta.

Which is well worth exploring, too.

Once a sleepy fishing village, La Caleta still oozes authenticity. At La Masía del Mar, you can dine just metres from the harbour that landed your supper. Meanwhile, Restaurante La Vieja serves a seafood feast of lobster, octopus and, if you’re lucky, limpets still briny from the bay. Squeeze in a detour to the Barranco del Infierno ravine – an epic hike through lunar terrain that ends in a seasonal waterfall – and you’ve got the perfect Tenerife itinerary. Salt-sprayed, sun-kissed and quietly spectacular – a truly immersive adventure. J

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L O N D O N • D U B A I • M I A M I • A B U D H A B I • H O N G K O N G • R I YA D H • L I M A S S O L • D O H A • L A S V E G A S • M Y K O N O S

Founded in London in 2007, with now ten internationally acclaimed restaurants in locations including Dubai, Miami and Hong Kong, La Petite Maison have brought the essence of the Côte d’Azur to the global dining scene. The French Riviera-inspired restaurants are known for their light, imaginative menus using Mediterranean ingredients, laid-back and friendly service style, open and airy dining rooms with striking art and Belle Époque influences. There is a joie de vivre to be found in LPM that is hard to find elsewhere.

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WORLD GOURMET FESTIVAL

A FEAST FOR THE SENSES THE WORLD GOURMET FESTIVAL IS ASIA’S MOST PRESTIGIOUS CULINARY CELEBRATION. CURATOR AND BON VIVANT KRISTIAN BRASK THOMSEN LIFTS THE LID ON THIS YEAR’S SILVER ANNIVERSARY EVENT WORDS BY STEPHEN HOBBS

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ristian Brask Thomsen, curator of the World Gourmet Festival’s 25th anniversary celebrations in Bangkok, is fizzing with excitement as he talks about his plans for this year’s landmark event.

“The festival is about once-in-alifetime dining experiences from the world’s most talked about kitchens,” he enthuses. “Whether you’re a gastronome, a chef, a global brand or a passionate diner, WGF is more than a food festival – it’s a cultural moment.”

Hosted at Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel, WGF is one of the hottest dining tickets in the gastronomic world because of the global talent it attracts.

Taking place from 22 – 28 September and featuring celebrity cooks and culinary trailblazers, the event is famous for its eclectic pairings of chefs, creating special dining experiences that sell out faster than Michelin-starred hot

cakes! Bringing his unique storyteller’s approach to the festival, Thomsen tells us what he’s cooking up for this year’s special anniversary edition...

Twenty-five years of WGF is a major achievement. What secret sauce will you bring to spice things up this year?

In my perfect world, it will be a funloving combination of artists, music and big surprises. I don’t want it to be a sitdown thing. It has to be a feast for the senses. Bangkok is such a fascinating mix. It’s Asia’s sin city and has an incredible vibrancy and atmosphere all of its own. We’re going to create a culinary party that is unique to the city.

Apart from incredible food, what else can visitors expect from the festival?

Food festivals can sometimes be guilty of focusing too much on the meal. I want this to be extraordinary.

To have a real sense of fun. We can’t

take ourselves too seriously. People have to enjoy the atmosphere – not just a restaurant dining room.

What unique food tales will you be bringing to this year’s WGF event?

I want to tell an international story that brings together a global culinary family.

Food is the common language – we just speak different dialects. I have shared beef head cheese with cartel bosses in Guadalajara and eaten caviar at the Kremlin. Food bridges barriers. I want to bring that to Bangkok.

Were there any chefs you were desperate to bring to Bangkok?

Yes, definitely. One of them, Vaughan Mabee, literally hunts what he cooks in the forests of New Zealand. His dishes look like something from Game Of Thrones! Then there’s Eric Vildgaard, a culinary Hans Christian Andersen story. A former gang enforcer, he found

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EXPLORE MILAN • TENERIFE • BANGKOK • MALDIVES • MARBELLA

redemption through a passion for cooking. He makes these unbelievably delicate dishes that are as close to perfection as it’s possible to get.

What is the most extravagant meal you have ever had, and where was it?

I was in Barcelona in 1999 and was invited to eat at the legendary molecular gastronomy restaurant, El Bulli. I had this 40-course meal in the kitchen with Ferran Adrià. I was still young and didn’t really know what was going on, but at the same time, I knew it was something special. His signature dish was to insert the essence of many olives into a single bite that bursts with flavour. I can still taste it now.

From left: World Gourmet Festival curator Kristian Brask Thomsen; Eric Vildgaard, chef-owner at Restaurant Jordnær.

Below: a tawaka mushroom dish by Vaughan Mabee.

Opposite: Eric Vildgaard’s turbot from Langø.

When it comes to food, what does true luxury mean to you?

Luxury is the time to enjoy something special. Being the guest of a chef is like going to the theatre. The actors have been rehearsing until every moment is perfect. Food is the most fleeting of art forms because it disappears, and yet those moments are unforgettable.

JESPER RAIS; SAM STEWART

Chefs are known for their hot-blooded characters – are you expecting any kitchen flare-ups during the event?

Of course, chefs are big characters!

I hope with good preparation and planning we can avoid the biggest explosions – but it is our job to manage that. To harness it. So often it is the competitive tension that makes exceptional things happen!

What makes WGF so special and what will it be taking into the future?

Chefs are like rock stars now. We need to provide something that is more than just a meal! It’s art and entertainment.

If music be the food of love, play on! J For the latest news and chefs confirmed for the event, follow @worldgourmetfestivalbkk on Instagram. Tickets are on sale now at worldgourmetfestival.asia

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PRIVATE JETS

Join the jet set: private air travel offers convenience and new levels of luxury. Opposite: if you are travelling for business or pleasure, flying independently makes sense.

FLIGHT

CLUB

PRIVATE JET TRAVEL IS EVOLVING. WITH ON-DEMAND APPS OPENING UP NEW AND EXCITING FRONTIERS, LUXURY AVIATION IS BEING TRANSFORMED FROM RAREFIED INDULGENCE TO SMART TIME-SAVER WORDS BY MARK WILLIAMS

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EXPLORE MILAN • TENERIFE • BANGKOK • MALDIVES • MARBELLA

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hink about it. Imagine having no passport queues. No boarding group announcements. No long hours marooned in fluorescent terminal limbo. Private aviation – once the exclusive preserve of CEOs and heads of state – has undergone a quiet reinvention of late, evolving from an elite trophy asset into a practical, pragmatic travel solution. Driven by online platforms, on-demand private flight is now as easy as summoning a car ride-sharing service, offering savvy travellers something refreshing and distinctly 21st-century: access without ownership, autonomy without commitment.

After all, you no longer need a hangar, a pilot on call, or a Gulfstream parked on the drive. You just need an app – and a desire to get somewhere faster, more peacefully and with minimal hassle at either end. This new private aviation paradigm offers flexibility without long-term commitment. And it’s part of a wider cultural shift.

Luxury nowadays isn’t about more. It’s about less. Less friction, fewer delays, less pressure to race along to gate 34B. New luxury isn’t about what you own. It’s about how you spend your time and, crucially, how little of it you waste getting from A to B. Private aviation isn’t just keeping up with this trend. For companies like MJets, Thailand’s leading private jet operator, it’s about quietly redefining what luxury travel looks like at the top. Not only do they offer private jet experiences, but they can also arrange air ambulance charters and private aircraft management. MJets’ ethos is that while commercial first class keeps you tethered to someone else’s schedule, a VIP jet moulds around you. You choose your departure time. You bypass security. You fly direct. And best of all, you land where you actually want to be.

That’s why more travellers are choosing private aviation. It is not for the pomp or spectacle, but for practical and

straightforward logistics. Whether you’re coordinating a big family trip, heading somewhere especially remote, or you just refuse to lose half a day in transit, private aviation is no longer an indulgence. It just makes good travel sense.

Take Mozambique’s Bazaruto archipelago – a discreet haven of bone-white beaches with no roads. Until recently, getting there meant three commercial flights and a long, dusty trek. Now, guests at Anantara Bazaruto Island Resort can charter directly to the island’s private airstrip, arriving minutes from warm shallows teeming with iridescent life. The benefit isn’t just speed – it’s continuity. No interruption, just immersion.

Or consider the Golden Triangle, one of Thailand’s most evocative landscapes but

still a bit of a slog from Bangkok. Travellers heading to Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort can now book a private charter through MJets, arriving via longtail boat or helicopter. It’s an arrival that feels cinematic, somehow, and entirely in keeping with the scale of the adventure that awaits.

And then, of course, there’s family travel.

All too often it is measured out in little ones’ meltdowns. At Niyama Private Islands Maldives, jet access to Dhaalu Atoll means no missed connections, no luggage trolleys and no long queues at immigration. Guests are transferred directly to their villas, allowing kids to explore and parents to exhale.

You realise soon enough: the real luxury isn’t the jet itself – it’s what you do with the moments it gives you back. J

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Unique as Your Love Unique as Your Love Every love story deserves a ring that embodies its unique beauty.

Designed with timeless artistry, our pieces capture the elegance and depth of a rare bond, a reflection of individuality to be cherished for generations.

Every love story deserves a ring that embodies its unique beauty.

Designed with timeless artistry, our pieces capture the elegance and depth of a rare bond, a reflection of individuality to be cherished for generations.

Scan to discover more Scan to discover more Capucinne 1pp.indd 1

capucinne.com

capucinne.com 20/06/2025 13:43

EXPLORE MILAN • TENERIFE • BANGKOK • MALDIVES • MARBELLA

AS E GOOD AS IT GETS

BRANDED RESIDENCES ARE TRANSFORMING LUXURY TRAVEL, TURNING HOLIDAY ACCOMMODATION INTO A WAY OF LIFE WORDS BY REBECCA STANWYCK

ver dreamed of a second home-fromhome? Perhaps a pied-à-terre in Bahrain or a secluded beach house in Phuket? Maybe even your own island retreat?

You’re not alone, and with branded residences now one of the fastest-growing travel trends, that dream may be closer than you think.

In recent years, Minor Residences has been pioneering the next generation of luxurious travel accommodation. Through ownership and investment opportunities such as The St. Regis Bangkok and The Residences at Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai – among the first of their kind in Thailand, if not the world – these branded residences offer a personalised lifestyle experience that a hotel can’t match.

The appeal is clear. By combining home comfort with world-class leisure and fivestar amenities, branded residences provide the very best of all worlds. They offer movein-ready luxury, where limousine transfers,

Island living: an aerial view of Layan Residences by Anantara.

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BRANDED RESIDENCES

The next generation of branded residences promises to take things to a new level private pools, spa treatments, private chefs and butlers, plus exceptional personal service, come as standard.

Owners enjoy all the benefits and prestige of the luxury hotel experience without having to share their space with other guests. From unpacking your bags and arranging excursions, to simply providing an umbrella on a rainy day, unerring attention to detail can elevate every moment in your new home-from-home.

With Minor Residences, owners gain exclusive access to a world-class portfolio of destinations and brands that would be impossible to achieve as a private individual.

Take The Estates Samui, a collection of 15 ultra-luxury villas managed by Four Seasons on the coast of Koh Samui. These villas blend southern Thai aesthetics with modern luxury, and each residence forms part of a sophisticated, eco-conscious community.

A Minor branded residence is much more than a luxurious home-from-home. It’s an

investment that pays dividends for years and decades to come, backed by the prestige of brands such as Anantara, Four Seasons, Tivoli and NH Collection. For example, Anantara Chiang Mai Serviced Suites in Thailand has sold multiple residences at prices 50% above market value for comparable properties, while Layan Residences by Anantara in Phuket has achieved new sale prices of more than $15 million a unit.

Owners also enjoy the option to rent their homes through the Minor Residences platform, creating significant income while the property isn’t in use as a second home. It’s the perfect mix of luxurious living and a smart investment in your future.

Even better, the next generation of residences promises to take things to a new level. Minor Residences is expanding across regions and brands with new ownership opportunities in Europe, Africa and the Middle East. Take for example Anantara Benahavís Marbella

Residences overlooking Spain’s southern coast. A landmark development, this new Anantara outpost – created in collaboration with BE:YOND – offers a blend of elegantly refined architecture, contemporary Mediterranean living and accessible five-star resort service. Designed for the discerning global traveller, when it opens in 2028 these branded residences will offer sea and mountain views, a private lagoon, fine dining and a 24/7 concierge in one of southern Europe’s most prestigious destinations.

When it comes to experiencing the very best in holiday accommodation, branded residences don’t just upgrade your room size; they elevate your entire travel experience, transforming a holiday into a luxury lifestyle.

Why just visit somewhere incredible when you can live it? J To find out more about Minor Residences’ ownership and investment opportunities, contact: propertysales@minor.com

From top: one of the master bedrooms at Layan Residences

by Anantara.

Dinner is served at Anantara Chiang Mai Serviced Suites.

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T H E E S TAT E S SA M U I

KIARA RESERVE

A N A N TA R A D E SA R U C OAS T R E S I D E N C E S

Ultra-Luxurious Living Elevate your lifestyle with our collection of award-winning branded residences – now available for private ownership. From the shores of Thailand’s Andaman Coast to the lush jungles of Bali, these exclusive residences bring you all the privileges and benefits of the world’s leading luxury hotel brands. Owners and investors can choose from Layan Residences by Anantara, Avadina Hills by Anantara and Kiara Reserve in Phuket, Anantara Desaru Coast Residences, Anantara Ubud Bali Residences, Anantara Chiang Mai Serviced Suites, The Residences at St. Regis Bangkok, The Residences at Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai and The Estates Samui.

T +66 (0) 854 848 752 | E propertysales@minor.com

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12/06/2025 11:32

EXPLORE

UNMISSABLE EVENTS FOR THOSE IN THE KNOW From bright lights to beautiful sounds, let Journeys be your guide to a world of sensory delights WORDS BY MATT GLASBY

FLOWERS FIT FOR A KING RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival London, England 1 – 6 July 2025 Stroll through glorious floral displays and gorgeous garden designs at the former home of Henry VIII. STAY: NH London Kensington is just a short walk from Kensington Palace.

THE SEASON GETS A GLOW UP Illuminate Adelaide Adelaide, Australia 2 – 20 July 2025 Brighten up your winter stay in South Australia with a series of entrancing light installations and immersive events such as “Night Visions”, which turns the botanic gardens into a neon wonderland. STAY: Avani Adelaide Residences is a great place to base yourself to explore the city and see the lights.

Experience opera, drama and classical music from some of the world’s greatest performers amid the old-world charms of the Austrian city. STAY: NH Collection Salzburg City is just across the bridge from Mozart’s birthplace, now a museum.

TAKE TO THE STREETS Feast of San Gennaro New York, United States 11 – 21 September 2025 Celebrate the patron saint of Naples in bold NYC-style as a colourful procession fills the streets of Little Italy with music, revellers and floats. STAY: NH Collection New York Madison Avenue shows off Manhattan’s more refined side. J

© RHS/OLIVER DIXON; GETTY IMAGES; ADOBE STOCK

A SYMPHONY OF SOUNDS Salzburg Festival Salzburg, Austria 18 July – 31 August 2025

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Everywatch™

The Sealander is our ‘GADA’ (go anywhere do-anything) range. With 36mm and 39mm sizes, it’s an anytime watch for everyone. Here, its Lightcatcher™ (another trademark) case protects a precision Swiss movement with a dual time ‘complication’. So you can ‘be’ in two time zones, at once. Every Sealander sports highly legible, highly luminous indices and hands, contrasted against dial colours including three different hues of blue. They’re available on leather, hybrid and canvas quick-release straps. And a choice of either our marine grade Bader Bracelet™ or the more glamorous five-link Consort™ (yup, more trademarks) featured here. Thus revealing another complication: which Everywatch™?

Do your research.

christopherward.com

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12/06/2025 15:44

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dance nhow, change now!

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Every nhow hotel sets the new rhythm of the destination.

Every stay is a transformative experience.

Creative. Disruptive. Magnetic. Artivist.

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23/5/25 10:11 29/05/2025 13:21

PLEATS PLEASE

STYLE

Sarah Burton has reinvigorated Givenchy, and this bodysuit distorts traditional tailoring with a clever use of pleats.

FAIRY QUEEN You can always count on Rodarte to bring the romantic into your wardrobe, as evidenced by this fairytale of a yellow mini dress. $1,830. mytheresa.com

CLUTCH CONTROL This Italian-made light yellow shoulder bag by Jacquemus is accented with a gold fastening. $1,270. mytheresa.com

GRECIAN GOLD

STYLE

If Celestial Yellow is a gift from the gods, then why not be a goddess in Marmar Halim’s stunning one-shoulder draped plissésilk gown? It’s manna from heaven. $3,915. net-a-porter.com

THE MUST-HAVE COLOUR FOR THE SEASON IS CELESTIAL YELLOW. COMING SOON TO A WARDROBE NEAR YOU WORDS BY RYAN THOMPSON

PROUD IN PUMPS Gucci’s slingback pumps are the perfect bookend for your cutest summer mini dresses this season. $1,005. mytheresa.com

MIGHTY MINI Gucci’s Jackie Notte Mini shoulder bag is a great day-to-night piece for any Mediterranean sojourns. $3,780. mytheresa.com

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ashion followers take note: the key tone for AW25 is Celestial Yellow.

Described as “a radiant, multisensory colour that is both restful and surreal”, it’s a colour that people turn to in uncertain times thanks to its spiritual properties.

Regardless of how much you believe in colour psychology, the fact is that this refined shade is heaven-sent, offering a calming splash of individuality to your looks.

But don’t just take our word for it. The likes of Saint Laurent, Elie Saab, Givenchy and Versace all agree, weaving variances of the tone throughout their AW25 collections, from bold knitwear highlights to delightful dresses with matching clutches (we’re looking at you, Gucci). This cosmic light has also been applied to jewellery and accessories.

Whichever way you incorporate this colour into your aesthetic, we’re confident it’s going to pay dividends long after the fashion pack has found a new shiny toy to play with, which is why we’ve handpicked some of our favourite Celestial Yellow pieces from the AW25 runways and collections. J

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CARRY-ONS

WHEELS UP! WHEN EVERY JOURNEY IS A CURATED EXPERIENCE, THE LUXURY CARRY-ON TRANSCENDS UTILITY TO BECOME A TIMELESS STYLE STATEMENT, REDEFINING TRAVEL AS THE ULTIMATE FASHION FLEX WORDS BY RYAN THOMPSON

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Gucci Porter Cabin Plus Trolley Created in collaboration with the Italian luxury luggage maker, FPM Milano, Gucci’s Porter trolley features the Italian house’s beige and ebony GG Supreme canvas, contrasted against a silver aluminium trim.

With a 37.5L capacity, there’s enough room to pack for a week at Anantara Convento di Amalfi Grand Hotel.

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n the maddening melee that is a modern airport, it’s amazing how one’s eye always manages to hone in on the person striding purposefully through the chaos with the luxury carry-on. That diminutive four-wheeled spinner isn’t merely a vessel for clothing – it’s a signifier of style and a measure of taste. No wonder it turns heads. Small it might be, but the luxury carry-on punches above its weight and, somewhat comfortingly, nods to the bygone romance of travel. Which, as anyone who has ever caught an early flight from a major hub can testify, is sadly lacking in today’s commercialised globetrotting.

In the 1950s, often referred to as the “Golden Age of travel”, icons like Marilyn Monroe and the Duke and Duchess of Windsor

would step off Pan Am flights with stacks of monogrammed Louis Vuitton trunks, the porter at the foot of the steps ready to whisk them off in a Silver Shadow parked on the runway.

Today, we’ve swapped grandeur for that thirsty commodity called time, which, when travelling, is always of the essence. That’s why the carry-on has become integral to the modern air traveller. Many luxury brands, luggage specialists and innovative disruptors have put the carry-on back on a pedestal, with travel titans such as Rimowa transforming it into a symbol of sophistication without sacrificing utility.

From Louis Vuitton’s Horizon 55, conjured up by rock star industrial designer Marc Newson, to English heritage brand GlobeTrotter’s handcrafted vulcanised

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$3,885 gucci.com B

Louis Vuitton Horizon 55

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Designed by Marc Newson, the Horizon 55 blends Louis Vuitton’s iconic monogram canvas with a featherlight titanium shell and cowhide leather trim. Silent wheels will ensure you keep a low profile in the lounges, while the large external candle handles mean a flat-packable interior.

$3,430 louisvuitton.com

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STYLE

The carry-on is as much of a status signifier as a Rolex or a Birkin

fibreboard Centenary case, the carry-on is as much of a status signifier as a Rolex or a Birkin.

But where luxury fashion has misstepped with overpriced clothing manufactured cheaply, these carry-ons are built to last: their materials and construction ensuring they withstand the rigours of travel, all the while accruing character and heirloom status. They are an invitation to travel with intention and to move through the world with elegance, one stylish journey at a time. J

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Globe-Trotter Centenary Carry-On 4-Wheels Handcrafted in England, the unmistakable Centenary Carry-On blends vulcanised fibreboard with leather straps and gold-tone brass fittings for a unique aesthetic. Its four quiet wheels and roomy interior fuse vintage charm with practicality and panache.

From $2,265 globe-trotter.com D

Rimowa Original Cabin Twist German engineering meets contemporary styling. Rimowa’s Cabin Twist features the now iconic grooved aluminium shell, contrasted with leather accents.

The Multiwheel® System is the carry-on equivalent of velvet slippers, while the internal dividers ensure your items are packed perfectly.

$1,655 rimowa.com C

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Hermès R.M.S. Cabin Suitcase

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Hermès’ R.M.S. Cabin suitcase, in “Pacific” printed H Plume canvas and Taurillon Regate leather, is as luxurious as it gets.

It features a rotating telescopic handle, a caviar canvas lining and a curvilinear zipper. Oh, and it looks like it’s on roller skates.

$11,940 hermes.com

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STYLE

BIRTH OF AN ICON Combining luxurious surrounds with an illustrious history, Tivoli Avenida Liberdade Lisboa is a shining star of European hospitality WORDS BY JAMES HOWLETT

1933 Making a suitably grand entrance Taking its cue from the nearby Teatro Tivoli theatre, the hotel opens its doors with a flourish on the Avenida Liberdade, Lisbon’s answer to the Champs-Élysées.

It is the first property in the prestigious Tivoli Hotels & Resorts portfolio, which now stretches across the globe, with venues in Brazil, China and Qatar.

1956 Setting the scene The hotel is redesigned by legendary architect Porfírio Pardal Monteiro, one of the most important figures of Portuguese modernism.

It becomes a byword for a new kind of metropolitan elegance.

1960S A cast of thousands

1996 Beatriz takes a bow

Celebrities, statesmen and jet-setters fly in to experience Tivoli Avenida Liberdade Lisboa’s particular brand of hospitality. Over the years, highprofile guests include everyone from Roger Moore and Maria Callas to Tom Hanks and Beyoncé.

Actress and singer Beatriz Costa, an icon of Portuguese cinema who lived in the hotel in room 600 for over 30 years, dies in 1996. To celebrate her residence, the hotel later dedicates a room to her – the Beatriz Costa Suite.

2009 The height of luxury Offering views across the cityscape, the Sky Bar opens and quickly establishes itself as Lisbon’s favourite rooftop terrace. A decade later, fêted Portuguese chef Olivier da Costa reopens it as the SEEN by Olivier concept.

Now part of Minor Hotels, Tivoli Avenida Liberdade Lisboa enjoys a $17 million refurb. With updates to the interior, including the art-deco lobby, the new look emphasises the building’s history while readying it for new adventures. J

GETTY IMAGES

2018 Towards a bright future

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Still a lot to feel together 10 years ago, we started with an ambitious promise: to create stays that inspire extraordinary feelings. Now, with over 100 properties in 24 countries worldwide, we can proudly say we’ll continue to craft millions of lifetime memories and unforgettable journeys.

nh-collection.com

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23/5/25 12:05 29/05/2025 13:20

THE WHITE LOTUS

Welcome to the real White Lotus: take a stroll through the lush landscaped gardens of Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas.

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IMPOSSIBLY BEAUTIFUL RESORTS, SUPER-STYLISH FASHIONS AND NEXTLEVEL ASPIRATIONAL LIVING, THE WHITE LOTUS IS THE TV SHOW WE CAN’T GET ENOUGH OF. SO IF YOU WANT A TASTE OF THE HIGH-LIFE IT PORTRAYS, HERE’S ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW…

HOW TO LIVE THE WHITE LOTUS WAY WORDS BY PAUL HENDERSON

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THE WHITE LOTUS

HBO’s satirical anthology series about the lives (and – spoiler alert! – a few deaths) of the wealthy guests at a chain of fictional luxury holiday resorts, and the quietly conflicted hotel staff who serve them, has become unmissable television.

Created by writer-director Mike White during the Covid-19 pandemic, the original idea was to film a show on a self-contained set using a “bubble” of cast and crew members in a spa-hotel on the Hawaiian island of Maui. A mix of scalpel-sharp dialogue, biting social commentary and classic whodunit-

style mystery, it was a sleeper hit that spread through word-of-mouth and social media memes, spawning a three-season franchise that is cult viewing.

According to White, the first season was about money, privilege and class, and helped turn actress Jennifer Coolidge into an unlikely star. The second was shot in Sicily and explored the ideas of sex, infidelity and betrayal – “an Italian bedroom farce” is how he summed it up. And season three – the longest and most ambitious yet – was shot in Thailand and focused on spirituality, Eastern philosophy and death. Thanks to the intriguing plots, outrageous character studies and critical acclaim (15 Emmy awards and counting), The White Lotus is the TV-gift that keeps on giving.

However, what has really captured the imagination of viewers is the luxury lifestyle the show portrays. Not only are the locations spectacular, the resorts themselves give viewers a sneak peak into the high-end five-star hotels that deliver experiences and services that most of us dream of. Then there is the impeccable styling, the pitch-perfect fashions and the outrageously desirable accessories worn by the ensemble cast.

To find out more, Journeys took a deep dive into the world of the most recent season of The White Lotus…

Left: the enchanting entrance to the spa at Anantara Bophut Koh Samui Resort.

Opposite: a breathtaking view of the resort pool from overhead.

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Thanks to the intriguing plots, outrageous character studies and critical acclaim, The White Lotus is the TV-gift that keeps on giving

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The award-winning Tree Tops Signature Dining restaurant seduced visitors, and The Singing Bird Lounge wowed viewers 48

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THE WHITE LOTUS

THE RESORTS Having said a warm “sawasdee” to Thailand, the producers decided to film season three in Bangkok, Phuket and Koh Samui.

To best encapsulate the natural beauty and romance of the “land of smiles” during the seven-month shoot, three Anantara resorts were chosen for filming...

ANANTARA LAWANA KOH SAMUI RESORT On the east coast of the island, on a private beach in Chaweng, Anantara Lawana Koh Samui Resort is an elegant and immaculately landscaped immersive retreat that features Thai and Chinese design influences. A recent refurb of the public spaces, including a full renovation of the stunning beachfront, has taken the resort to a new level. However, it is the award-winning Tree Tops Signature Dining restaurant that seduced visitors, and The Singing Bird Lounge that wowed viewers in the first episode of the series, with its alfresco setting and panoramic views out to sea. Here, guests can now choose The White Lotus Experience, with a choice of cocktails named after the characters (we recommend the Mook, in honour of the character played

by Blackpink’s K-Pop star Lisa Manobal), followed by an exclusive eight-course meal.

From top: the palms and golden beach of Anantara Bophut Koh Samui Resort; a guest villa at Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas.

Opposite: Tree Tops Signature Dining at Anantara Lawana Koh Samui Resort.

ANANTARA MAI KHAO PHUKET VILLAS After her starring role in season one, Emmynominated actor Natasha Rothwell reprised her role as caring spa manager, Belinda Lindsey, in season three. And fittingly, she got to spend most of her time in the Wellness Sanctuary at Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas (the resort was the location for the fictional Wellness Sanctuary Spa of White Lotus in the show). Set on the northern tip of Phuket on the longest beach on the island, between the Andaman Sea and the lush Sirinath National Park, the resort is a peaceful Thai village-style haven. Featuring contemporary accommodation, gardens designed by celebrated landscaper Bill Bensley, and tranquil lagoons filled with lotus flowers, guests can relax their bodies and minds, or go full-on Saxon Ratliff (played by Patrick Schwarzenegger) jock-mode and get pumped

at the indoor-outdoor fitness centre, or climb in the ring for a Muay Thai workout. But whatever you do, take a leaf out of the Belinda playbook and stay in the retreat’s Lotus Villa – a spacious one-bedroom residence with private pool and outdoor bath.

ANANTARA BOPHUT KOH SAMUI RESORT A luxury beachfront retreat in the Gulf of Thailand, it is little wonder that Anantara Bophut Koh Samui Resort was chosen for so many elements in The White Lotus, including the hotel reception, the entryway, the jewellery store, and the security station where the meek and mild Gaitok (Thai star Tayme Thapthimthong) spends most of his days. Tastefully designed around a central pool amid tropical trees and a landscaped pond, it also has a garden wellness spa that covers over 3,000 sqm and is within walking distance of the bustling Fisherman’s Village if you need a break from the luxurious calm. Should you wish to engage your spiritual side, like Piper Ratliff (played by newcomer Sarah Catherine Hook), the resort offers The Way of Lotus – a series of experiences that includes a visit to the Big Buddha temple, the chance to meet rescued pachyderms at Elephant Kingdom, a guided yoga session on the coast, and perhaps the most indulgent, a 60-minute Lotus Essential Oil Massage.

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THE WHITE LOTUS From top: a Jim Thompson kaftan, as worn

by Victoria Ratliff (Parker Posey) in The White Lotus. And below: more resort fashion inspiration. Opposite: the shimmering lagoon at Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas at dusk.

THE STYLE Although the look for season three is best summed up as “loud luxury”, the secret to the show’s successful styling is that the fashions featured are always character-driven. From the expensive Valentino sequin mini dress and the Hermès kaftan worn by fictional famous actress Jaclyn Lemon (Michelle Monaghan), to the louche and lairy resort shirts worn by crumpled-and-unbuttoned but troubledand-tortured Rick Hatchett (the magnificent Walton Goggins), every look reflects the personality of the person.

“The White Lotus costume designer Alex Bovaird has worked on all three seasons of the show and talks to the director in detail about how the characters will look,” says Varisa Anna Chantanakomes, a Thailandbased set costumer who worked on the series.

“But she is really open to hearing ideas from the actors and the wardrobe team, so we had a lot of outfits for each character. On the show we love high- and low-fashion, so we included plenty of designers but also market

finds and bits from second-hand stores. We obviously used lots of international brands – Valentino, Hermès, Loewe, Swaine, Lanvin and Jacquemus – but Alex also wanted to collaborate with brands from Thailand as well.

We sourced items from Sarit, Jim Thompson, Pacharee, Piklik and ASAVA.” Of course, the big challenge for the actors and the costume department ( just as it is for anyone who has travelled on holiday to somewhere hot and humid) was looking good when the weather is doing all it can to spoil things. “I’ve lived in Thailand my whole life and I still can’t get used to it,” says Chantanakomes. “Some of the cast had a difficult time dealing with the heat. To get around this, we had to have special pouches made for ice packs that were then carefully hidden under their costumes just to help keep them cool.

“Just keeping the packs frozen was a challenge in itself!” she continues. “In some locations, we simply did not have access to refrigerators, so we had to find alternative ways to keep them cold. For example, we had to go to nearby restaurants and ask them if we could use their freezers.”

THE BEST LOOKS Everyone has their favourite fashions from the season, but Varisa Anna Chantanakomes has her top three that we can’t really argue with…

JACLYN IN SEQUINS “It is the outfit everyone was talking about online and in magazines. In episode two, Jaclyn wears a colourful V-neck sequin Valentino dress, with Valentino heels, a Star Of Siam clutch bag, and jewellery from Pacharee.”

MOOK’S TRADITIONAL THAI COSTUME “The most spectacular part of the costume is the head piece, which is made from a mixture of fresh and faux flowers.

Hats off to the Thai team for creating such beautiful pieces and keeping them looking fresh throughout the shoot.”

CHLOE ON THE YACHT “Chloe (played by Charlotte Le Bon) wears an all-pink outfit that really pops. She stands out from everyone on the yacht. Her swimsuit, sheer skirt, earrings and sunhat are all from Jacquemus.

She steals the show.”

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To immerse you in the world of The White Lotus, Anantara offers a four-night package called Lotus Awakening Escape 51

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THE WHITE LOTUS

THE WATCHES

ROLEX DAY-DATE 40

HUBLOT BIG BANG UNICO ‘BLACK MAGIC’

OMEGA X MOONSWATCH ‘MISSION TO SATURN’

Nothing says ultra-luxe like his and hers Rolexes. Worn

by Mr and Mrs Ratliff (played

by Jason Isaacs and Parker Posey), their matching Day-Date 40s in 18-carat yellow gold have diamond hour-markers for added (but understated) bling. $49,995. rolex.com

For Saxon Ratliff (Patrick Schwarzenegger), safe and subtle is simply not an option.

That’s why when he rocks up at The White Lotus resort, he is wearing a bold, brash, black ceramic Big Bang on his wrist.

It is sporty, sexy and hard to ignore – just like Saxon. $23,000. hublot.com

Lochy (Sam Nivola) is the youngest member of the Ratliff clan. Timid, immature and insecure, his watch is the perfect choice for a boy who is not yet a man. Part of the Omega and Swatch collab, it isn’t expensive but it is exclusive and playful. $320. swatch.com

Another day at The White Lotus office: a two-bedroom Lawana Pool Villa at Anantara Lawana Koh Samui Resort.

THE EXPERIENCE To immerse you in The White Lotus world, Anantara offers a four-night package called the Lotus Awakening Escape.

Split between Koh Samui and Phuket, this is the ultimate retreat itinerary.

There is indulgent dining and cocktails at Anantara Lawana Koh Samui Resort.

Accommodation, spa rituals, healing therapies and tours at Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas. And a two-night stay, temple visits, a trip to Chaweng and dinner on the beach at Anantara Bophut Koh Samui Resort. This is White Lotusinspired perfection. J

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L I N E IN T H E SA N D. C O M

Sun-safe, water-ready Let nothing hold you back, least of all what you wear. Embrace all of the activities you love on land or at sea.

50+ UPF & quick-drying Made from recycled plastic 100% of profits go to ocean & cancer organizations

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MALDIVES AFTER DARK

THE ONLY THING BETTER THAN SPENDING A SUN-KISSED

DAY IN THE MALDIVES IS ENJOYING THE SENSATIONAL SIGHTS, SOUNDS AND CELESTIAL SYMPHONY OF THE NIGHT WORDS BY ALISTAIR MACQUEEN

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Constellation prize: enjoy an evening of stargazing from the overwater observatory at Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas.

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G The best seats not in the house: romantic al fresco dining at Niyama Private Islands Maldives.

Opposite: the observatory at Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas is the ideal spot for a nightcap.

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G azing up at the night sky and having an awe-inspiring view of the stars, constellations and planets above is one of the most remarkable and humbling experiences we can have. How insignificant we feel, but how soul-stirring it is knowing there is almost nothing between us and the astral objects transmitting their illuminating presence. And all the while, as we try to discern Cassiopeia from Orion’s Belt, we can only marvel at the celestial bodies which have been there longer than the very definition of time itself.

For thousands of years, this bewitching obsession with the seemingly unfathomable expanse above us has defined the human story. From the first ancient civilisations and cultures that viewed them with mystical reverence and the early seafarers who used them as navigational tools, through to the interrogative astronomers of the Renaissance and the scientists, astronauts and astrologers of today, mankind has never lost its fascination with what lies above and beyond the final frontier.

For those of us who live in or near cities, however, the increase in light pollution and construction of high-rise buildings has meant that we rarely get to see these sublime celestial displays, meteor showers or once-in-a-lifetime planetary events.

It’s for this reason that the Maldives is perfectly positioned to give stargazing visitors (and star-crossed lovers) the best shows on Earth.

MALDIVES AFTER DARK

Of course, the islands themselves are blessed with inordinate amounts of natural beauty during the day, with exquisite white sandy beaches, pellucid seas and sealife.

But it’s when the sun goes down that the real action begins.

Take the views from the purpose-built stargazing platforms or the inspiring sights of marine life and phenomena in the ocean, for example. There are so many opportunities to witness unforgettable after-dark moments in this part of the world, it gives new meaning to the word “nightlife”.

There’s no doubt that the Maldives is already a special location, with strings of islands and atolls, many of them situated within designated UNESCO Biosphere Reserves.

Thanks to luxurious resorts, pristine beaches and access to some of the world’s rarest marine life, you wouldn’t think it could get any better. But the area still has one of the most unique aspects left for visitors to experience: the ne plus ultra of stargazing opportunities at Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas’ SKY cocktail bar. At this dream location, you’ll find the purpose built 3.8 metre ASH dome of an overwater observatory. In the evening, when the sun has disappeared beyond the horizon, you’re invited to lay back on one of its comfortable seats or daybeds, with a carefully mixed cocktail or glass of Champagne in hand, and peer towards the heavens.

Once you’re comfortable and engrossed, the resident SKY Guru astronomer will be on hand to explain their histories and share stories concerning the stars above, and provide you with captivating insights about these one-of-a-kind celestial events. Be prepared to be awe-struck as the local expert, armed with a laser pen, points out everything from solar and lunar eclipses to meteor showers and rare planetary positions, often as they unfold before your eyes. Guests can then take turns to look through the observatory’s state-of-the-art super-powerful telescope.

With a viewing range of 30 million light years away, when they say “you ain’t seen nothing yet”, you know what they’re talking about.

What also makes the Maldives such a mecca for stargazers is its geographical position. As the islands are situated in a remote sui generis setting on the equator, it means people are afforded a rare view of both

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MALDIVES AFTER DARK

the Northern and Southern Hemispheres, ever seen. Because much of the sealife and can witness things that many here is nocturnal, the likes of parrotfish European and North American countries and groupers only appear once the sun hardly ever see. goes down. The thrill of entering the water Something you must make time for after dark and exploring the depths of an in the Maldives is a personalised dining ocean bursting with energy and eager to experience. At Anantara Dhigu Maldives reveal its secrets is something you’ll want Resort, you are invited to go one step to dive into again and again. further and choose a private island of It’s not just in the sky where you can very your own to enjoy a meal with a observe a galaxy or two. Depending on friend or loved one. First, you’ll be taken the time of year you visit, you might even to a location even more secluded than catch a glimpse of an ephemeral event, the resort itself. From there, you will be which occurs ex nihilo across some of shown to your table, or possibly a specially the islands’ beaches: the “Sea of Stars.” constructed dining area on the beach.

This phenomenon, which has long Then, with gossamer-soft sand fascinated travellers, looks like someone encircling your toes and the gentle waves has sprinkled the streaks of the Milky Way providing the perfect soundtrack to the along the water’s edge. night, your private chef will be on hand This brilliant experience is actually to prepare and serve you a freshly cooked the effect of a specific species of lobster and a glass (or two) of something bioluminescent plankton that lives in suitably thirst quenching. And just when the clear Maldivian waters. The more it you think the evening can’t get any better, is disturbed, the more bright blue light you can look up to see Saturn’s pale yellow it emits. As the incoming waves split the rings, the captivating belts of Jupiter, or seas asunder, the plankton crashes perhaps the Antares constellation shining against water and sand to create a across the galaxy. In this exclusive eatery, lucent covering of a shoreline nebula. you can see more stars than in all of the Demystifying this magical occurrence Michelin Guide books put together. doesn’t take away any of its wonder, Another way to combine entertainment however, and it remains one of the and the stars – in a celluloid as well as a Maldives’ true standout natural sights. celestial sense – is to watch a movie Finally, what are the Maldives for if not From top: snorkelling the reef at Avani+ Fares under the glorious night sky. This is an for relaxation and self-care? It’s why the Maldives Resort; fish is always on the menu at SEA option at Anantara Veli Maldives Resort best resorts offer exceptional wellness and restaurant at Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas; movie night at Anantara Veli Maldives Resort. with its Cinema Under the Stars evenings. spa treatments that are designed to help Opposite: an aerial view of the heavenly From the comfort of giant bean bags you drift off into the best nighttime state Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas. on the beach, guests can choose from of your life. Sleep, as we know, is essential Hollywood blockbusters, all-time greats to our mental and physical health, as and family favourites for the ultimate in al-fresco movie nights. we use the time to rejuvenate ourselves and enter the dream-like Of course, nighttime in the Maldives doesn’t always have to revolve conditions that allow our minds and bodies to reset. Anantara Kihavah around the stars. Like much of the region, the Maldives makes the Maldives Villas has a 90-minute Slumber Ritual that takes place in the most of its proximity to, and abundance of, the marine life that evening as the stars start passing overhead. First, an essential oil bath surrounds it. With fantastic coral reefs, playful dolphins, gentle turtles, primes your body for relaxation, which is followed up by a soothing graceful manta rays and even the odd whale shark, the waters are a lavender massage, before you climb into a luxurious 1,000-thread-count true diver’s paradise. When the sun goes down, Avani+ Fares Maldives bed for the ultimate night’s rest.

Resort ensures that this vibrant and unique environment can still be Whatever you come to the Maldives for, whether it’s the islands’ explored thanks to its 45-minute nighttime snorkelling expeditions. idyllic natural setting, unique marine environment, or next-level Under the instruction and assistance of trained guides, you’ll be able resorts, you can always find unexpected celestial experiences that are, to gain a whole new perspective on an underwater world that few have by their very nature, out of this world. J

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WELLNESS

Health and happiness: Layan Life

by Anantara at sunset at Anantara Layan Phuket Resort.

AS THE MEANING OF BEING WELLTRAVELLED EVOLVES, DISCOVER THE DESTINATIONS REDEFINING THE WELLNESS ESCAPE AND ELEVATING TREATMENTS TO AN ART FORM WORDS BY KATIE MULLOY

THE SELF-CARE SEEKERS 60

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WELLNESS

P

erhaps it is a symptom of our post-Covid health consciousness or merely the reluctant realisation that the benefits of a static fortnight on far-flung shores, no matter how relaxing, are inevitably fleeting. Either way, the demand for wellness tourism has transcended trend status to become a defining pillar of contemporary travel.

According to a survey in the US, 24% of travellers plan to take a health- and wellnessfocused trip within the next year. And globally, it’s estimated that within the next two years, spending in the sector will increase to more than $900 billion annually.

As discerning travellers increasingly trade indulgence for investment, rejuvenation and relaxation are no longer mere adjuncts.

Instead, travellers are seeking out a more substantial wellness experience – and making it an integral part of their wish list.

And this self-care set don’t just want luxury – they’re seeking authenticity, too. So farewell to the generic hotel massage in the anonymous spa. Just as we want to experience local cuisines and sights beyond the Instahotspots, people want a wellness experience shaped by ancient wisdom and rooted in cultural paradigms. Of course, we humans have always sought answers on foreign shores.

If the familiar grind of the everyday is what’s compromising their health, then perhaps the path back to balance starts with extraordinary moments in undiscovered settings.

Above: a peaceful place to relax.

Opposite, from top: an idyllic treatment room; views of the city from the indoor pool. All at Tivoli Kopke Porto Gaia Hotel.

ESCAPE FROM THE ORDINARY This has always been the mission of Minor Hotels, where the wellness offerings are as diverse and stunning as the geographical locations – from the luxury spas nestled among the silent sand dunes of the Arabian Desert or perched over the twinkling turquoise Indian Ocean in the Maldives, to those serene city sanctuaries in some of Europe’s most exquisite corners. In every location travellers will find local influences woven into the wellness offerings.

Take, for example, Tivoli Kopke Porto Gaia Hotel, where the signature massage treatment begins with a body scrub made with granulated cork and grapeseed oil from the production of local port wine. Posttreatment, relax with floor-to-ceiling views over the terracotta rooftops and the winding sun-dappled slopes of this oh-so-pretty Portuguese city. Or back, for a moment, to the Arabian hinterlands of Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara, which not only provide an ethereal backdrop to treatments, but are an integral part of them; massage treatments here incorporate heated Rub’ al Khali sand poultices, harnessing the restorative minerals from the landscape around you to detoxify and ease tension. A double win for body and mind.

This bespoke, escape-from-ordinary ethos is at the heart of REVIVE Spa & Wellbeing, a new kind of wellness experience coming to handpicked locations across NH Collection’s hotels and resorts. From urban retreats to vibrant beach destinations, these bespoke wellness settings are tailored to seamlessly integrate with, and reflect, their environments. From holistic healing treatments and mind-focused therapies to cutting-edge aesthetics and fitness facilities, REVIVE offers unparalleled solutions to every wellness need. Extraordinary experiences in serene surroundings to rejuvenate the body, refresh the mind and uplift the spirit.

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From urban retreats to vibrant resorts, bespoke wellness settings are tailored to seamlessly integrate with their environments

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THE EDGE OF WELLNESS The birth of REVIVE reflects just how much the wellness landscape is evolving. And leading this evolution are those known as “primary wellness travellers” – individuals who are seeking a deeper, more sustained transformation by booking multi-day wellness programmes tailored to personal goals; from stress reduction and fitness enhancement to detoxification and emotional healing.

These longer, immersive retreats offer journeys where wellness is not just part of the experience but the entire focus. And demand is booming. The settings inspire a calmness that balances the intensity of the programmes.

They are where science and spiritualism meet, where nature provides the ultimate sanctuary and highly trained experts do the rest. Days of consultations, expert diagnostics, cuttingedge treatments and holistic therapies are punctuated by rest, reflection and nourishing food. It is escapism with a purpose – to return home not just well-travelled but truly well.

From top: an IV treatment at Layan Life by Anantara; a rejuvenating facial at Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara.

Opposite: the blissful indoor pool at Layan Life by Anantara.

FOUR PILLARS OF HEALING Traditional Thai wisdom informs cuttingedge technologies at one Andaman-adjacent sanctuary. Step back from the northwestern shores of Phuket into the lush green embrace of Anantara Layan Phuket Resort, and you’ll discover the Layan Life by Anantara wellness retreat. A foliage-fringed, wood-and-glass cube perched by shimmering waters – a fitting setting for a spot of self-reflection – the wellness offering here is about transformative health practices for whatever specific stage of life you are in.

Their signature “Life Method” draws upon four pillars of healing – advanced diagnostics, ancient Thai traditions, complementary therapies and implementable life practices.

You will be offered innovative treatments like cryotherapy, oxygen therapy and vitamin infusions, alongside yoga sessions, spiritual rituals and harmonising Thai herbs from the in-house dispensary. The takeaway? Leave not just refreshed, but reorientated and centred.

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WELLNESS

Immersive retreats offer journeys where wellness is not just part of the experience but the entire focus – and business is booming

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WELLNESS

RESET & RESTORE DOWN UNDER Want to hit pause and find inner peace? There are worse places to do it than in Australia at Elysia Wellness Retreat Hunter Valley, just a few hours north of Sydney. Serenity is stitched into the landscape here, where wide skies stretch towards distant mountains and mistwrapped mornings give way to golden days.

Breathe in that sense of space, unplug from your everyday busyness and tailor your stay to your personal goals with exponential options for self-discovery.

Here, the spa menu offers much more than massage, from soul readings and reiki to hypnotherapy and biohacking. Should you want to get physical, it can be as intense as you choose, with a range of exercise sessions, including the Feldenkrais Method (a movement therapy) and kinesiology. Even your digestion gets a break, with a menu free from alcohol, caffeine, sugar and red meat – focusing instead on nourishing, mindful eating. Expect expert guidance to help you on a journey that’s as expansive as the view.

URBAN TREATMENTS TAILORED TO YOUR NEEDS Take the sleek sophistication of an urban spa, blend it with the holistic traditions of Thai and Chinese medicine, and finish with a dose of cutting-edge technology. The result? Anantara Wellness, tucked within the lush gardens of Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort, on the banks of the Chao Phraya River. This serene sanctuary champions both preventative care and highly personalised treatments.

Guests can choose from a carefully curated selection of bespoke wellness journeys – ranging from sleep enrichment and immunity boost to midlife glow and gut health – each tailored to individual goals and spanning three to seven nights. The resort’s signature Wellness Retreat Programme even includes a river cruise, where guests can enjoy morning meditations on deck and relaxing afternoons exploring Bangkok’s more mindful, less-trodden attractions.

GOOD VIBES & GREAT RESULTS It may be embarrassing to admit, but for most of us, looking good is just as important as feeling good. AvaniWell at Avani+ Hua Hin Resort offers rejuvenation for body, mind and – let’s be honest for a moment – face. With a promise of measurable transformation and deeper rejuvenation, the wellness packages available here include anti-ageing, weight management and detoxification.

Offering one of Thailand’s most extensive and advanced aesthetic treatment menus, this is the place to be if you desire a tropical beach escape alongside results-driven facials, energising IV (intravenous) drip infusions and injectable treatments.

For those who want to explore Thai traditional medicine, one-on-one consultations will teach you about your unique constitution, arming you with treatment recommendations and lifestyle advice.

Explore a more traditional approach further with Thai herbal and massage therapies as well as sound healing performed using seashells and body treatments harnessing mineral-rich local sands. J

From top: the entrance to Anantara Wellness at Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort; a head massage at Avani+ Hua Hin Resort.

Opposite: Layan Life by Anantara is the ideal place to unwind.

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UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

DAYS OF

FUTURE

PAST THERE’S SO MUCH MORE TO THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES THAN DUBAI. EXPLORE A REGION WHERE HISTORY AND HERITAGE RUB SHOULDERS WITH AMBITION AND FORWARD THINKING

WORDS BY BROOKE O'DONNELL

Sunset trip: the towering dunes of the Rub' al Khali.

Opposite: the Royal Pavilion at Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara.

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UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

W

hen people think about the United Arab Emirates, it’s often the ultra-modern skyscrapers and artificial islands of Dubai that spring to mind. But there is so much more to the region than the malls and resorts of the UAE’s most cosmopolitan, futuristic and extroverted city.

Made up of seven diverse Emirates – Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah – the UAE offers visitors unique experiences. From cultural tours and magnificent landscapes to long sandy beaches, and yes, that air-conditioned luxury.

With a rich shared culture, each Emirate brings its own character to the mix. Whether that’s the artistic and traditional Islamic institutions of Sharjah, the rugged mountains and spectacular coastlines of Ras Al Khaimah or the regal grandeur and ancient culture of Abu Dhabi, whatever your ideal holiday, you’ll find a tailor-made experience to fit.

From top: a view of the city from NH Collection Dubai The Palm; global cuisine at Anantara Downtown Dubai Hotel. Opposite: the Greek-islandinspired Anantara Santorini Abu Dhabi Retreat.

CITY & MALL CULTURE Landing at Dubai International Airport is to descend into the ultimate smart city. From the air, you appreciate the full scale of its remarkable profile – from the cloud-scraping spire atop the Burj Khalifa to the amazing architectural geometrics of the Museum of the Future, flanked by the scale of the Palm Jumeirah. Dubai has a skyline like no other.

For those who relish the hustle of a truly 24-hour city, staying a night or two at Anantara Downtown Dubai Hotel is a luxurious way to adjust. Just a few blocks from the Dubai Mall, the hotel is a magnificent monument of steel and glass, providing a sanctuary above the thrum of the city. For many, though, the appeal of Dubai is the mix of vibrant urban living and indulgent beach luxury provided by the resorts along the archipelago of man-made islands that wind along the northern coast. Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort and NH Collection Dubai The Palm offer easy access for urban exploration before guests race back to the solace of a sundown cocktail on the beach or a sumptuous meal.

Despite the glitz and glamour, Dubai has done a fine job of preserving its heritage, and a short taxi ride to Dubai Creek takes you to a different world. It was here that the Bani Yas tribe settled in the 19th century, and the pearl trade on which Dubai’s wealth was based flourished and grew.

From October to April, when the cooler weather makes strolling the waterfront a pleasure, take an abra (traditional wooden boat) across Dubai Creek to explore the gold and spice souks of Deira, the waterfront market on Deira Corniche and the Al Shindagha Museum.

FATHER OF THE GAZELLE If true cultural immersion is your goal, then pack your bags and head to the city of Abu Dhabi, the cultural capital of the UAE and in Arabic translates to "Father of the Gazelle". Just a 90-minute drive from Dubai (although the high-speed railway will get you there in just 30 minutes when completed around 2030), Abu Dhabi feels like a different world from its upstart sibling. It’s the kind of city where locals stroll unhurriedly, taking their time to stop and meet up with old friends (or make new ones) over qahwa, strong black coffee served with dates and

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UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

a staple of Emirati hospitality. It's the kind of place where a leisurely drink can drift into a much longer lunch or dinner.

Handily, there is no shortage of places to eat. Abu Dhabi has a vibrant culinary scene, ranging from traditional Emirati to world cuisine.

A must-try is Mosaic Restaurant on Al-Najda Street. An elegant, traditional Lebanese restaurant with a modern twist, it provides the perfect metaphor for Abu Dhabi’s luxury-meets-legacy experience.

Not to be missed is a sunset visit to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.

One of the most stunning examples of Islamic architecture, in the evening light the breathtaking chandeliers of Swarovski crystal sparkle with an otherworldly radiance that lingers long in the memory.

Combine it with a bike ride or stroll along the Corniche, stopping off at the Heritage Village for handmade pottery souvenirs at this lively reconstruction of a traditional Bedouin settlement.

Home to more than 13,000 animals, including critically endangered species like the Arabian oryx (a species of antelope), half of the island is made up of a wildlife park where giraffes, ostriches and deer roam free.

Along the coast, there is also an abundance of marine life like dolphins, barracudas, and green and hawksbill sea turtles. Sensitively developed by sustainable operators, the island boasts the region’s first wind turbine and solar energy powers much of the island’s needs.

Here, Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island Al Sahel Villa Resort nestles in an expanse of lush savannah, where antelope and peacocks strut around the villas, and in the evening, you can hear the call of cheetahs as you dine under the stars. This intimate resort has only 30 safari-inspired villas, each one with a private pool. Guests can also take advantage of the daily safari drives or kayaking trips among the mangroves. It provides the kind of peaceful isolation rarely found in the UAE’s cities.

OUTDOOR ADVENTURE

DESERT & DUNES

Abu Dhabi’s appeal extends beyond the city itself. For many visitors, it is the lure of the islands and sweeping deserts surrounding the urban sprawl that makes Abu Dhabi unforgettable. For nature lovers, a trip to Sir Bani Yas Island brings a whole new safari twist to visiting the region.

If your goal is splendid isolation, there is nowhere quite like Abu Dhabi’s Rub’ al Khali, known to many as the Empty Quarter. The world’s largest sand desert, it is truly one of the planet’s greatest destinations. A unique environment as mysterious as it can be deadly, the desert encompasses

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From top: the high life at Anantara Mina Ras Al Khaimah Resort; dining al fresco at Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island Al Sahel Villa Resort.

Opposite: Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort

by Anantara.

about one-third of the incredible Arabian Peninsula. Its golden and red sands shift endlessly, as far as the eye can see.

For a unique holiday experience, consider a stay at Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara. Located in the Liwa Oasis, this resort offers a luxurious escape where guests can embark on camel treks to Camp Nujum – an exclusive desert camp – for an adventure under the stars.

This experience blends authentic Bedouin heritage with refined luxury, providing a memorable journey into the heart of the desert.

SEA & SURF If your ideal adventure leans more towards the ocean, the UAE has emerged as a premier destination for surf and water sports. With over 1,000 km of coastline along the Persian Gulf, much of it reclaimed, the region offers pristine conditions for surfing and windsurfing.

Among the most spectacular coastal resorts is Anantara Mina Ras Al Khaimah Resort. Set on a private, natural peninsula overlooking a serene lagoon, the resort boasts 140 rooms, including 30 unique overwater villas, and guests can enjoy kayaking and paddleboarding through mangroves. The resort is also within easy reach of Al Hamra Beach, a stunning sandbar known for its pristine sands. With a gentle offshore breeze throughout the winter, Al Hamra delivers perfect conditions for surfers, sailors and kiteboarders, as well as snorkelling and scuba diving.

Alternatively, a few nights spent at Anantara Santorini Abu Dhabi Retreat offers the serene sanctuary of a Greek island-inspired getaway.

Located on the Ghantoot coastline, approximately 25 minutes from Dubai airport, this adults-only resort features whitewashed domes, curved balconies and Greek-inspired cuisine. From here, Surf Abu Dhabi on Hudayriyat Island is a must-visit for enthusiasts. A state-ofthe-art wave facility that uses surf legend Kelly Slater’s surf technology, it is among the best saltwater facilities of its kind and caters for every level of surfer, from first-timer to gnarly pro.

For the adventurous traveller, the UAE offers experiences as diverse as its seven Emirates. From ancient souks to futuristic surf pools, Bedouin camps beneath starry skies to villas floating over lagoons, the UAE isn’t just a destination. It’s a different world. A place where the past holds hands with the future and luxury meets legacy at every turn.

You may come for the skyline, but you’ll stay for the region’s soul. J

For adventurous travellers, the UAE offers experiences as diverse as its seven Emirates

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SUNDOWNER

SUNDOWNER MALDIVES Before you arrive at the captivating NH Collection Maldives Havodda Resort, you have a difficult decision to make. Should you stay in one of the beach villas that offer privacy, an outdoor tub and direct access to the soft, sandy beach? Or will you opt for the quintessential Maldivian experience and book one of the overwater villas that sit on the lagoon looking out to sea?

As choices go, this is about as hard as life gets on this private island in the Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll. Because once you’ve made up your mind about that, you can relax. You can eat in any of the three elegant and laidback restaurants (or in your room, if you prefer), have your pick of the indulgent signature treatments at the spa, and take advantage of the many water sports at your disposal. And in the evening, you can congratulate yourself on choosing the ideal room at the perfect resort with a sunset cocktail. You’ve earned it. J

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