World Traveller March 2019

INSPIRED BY 

ISSUE 131 | MARCH 2019 | COMPLIMENTARY COPY 

BEAR 

ESSENTIALS 

WALKING WITH 

POLAR BEARS 

IN SUBARCTIC 

CANADA 

SEYCHELLES 

BANGKOK 

TOKYO 

STAYCATIONS 

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Spring Awakening 

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Welcome note 

Spring has arrived and if you need a little nudge in the right 

direction, our comprehensive guide to where to travel this 

season (p26) provides all the inspiration you need to book 

your next adventure. 

Managing Director 

Victoria Thatcher 

Editorial Director 

John Thatcher 

General Manager 

David Wade 

Managing Editor 

Faye Bartle 

faye@hotmediapublishing.com 

Content Writer 

Habiba Azab 

Editorial Assistant 

Julianne Tolentino 

Art Director 

Kerri Bennett 

Senior Designer 

Hiral Kapadia 

Senior Advertising Manager 

Mia Cachero 

mia@hotmediapublishing.com 

Production Manager 

Muthu Kumar 

INSPIRED BY 

From the most coveted springtime experiences 

on the planet (such as catching the cherry 

blossoms in Kyoto, whale feeding in Alaska and 

seeing Damask roses in bloom at Al Jabal Al 

Akhdar), to going off-grid or heading deep into the 

countryside, our top picks are sure to recharge you 

before the long hot summer strikes. 

Also in this issue, we invite you to take a closer 

look at Bangkok through the eyes of our welltrodden 

travel writer Lara Brunt (p64). In her 

four-page feature, she shines a light on why this 

dynamic city is the most popular place in the world 

– gilded palaces, rooftop terraces and intoxicating 

markets included. 

If you've an eye out for a deal, have a flick 

through our exclusive reader offers (p78), which 

rounds up a selection of great value weekend 

escapes, and will tempt you with fantastic holidays 

as far-flung as Japan and Ireland. 

Happy travels, 

Faye Bartle 

Win! 

Find out how you 

can win a stay 

at Renaissance 

Downtown Hotel, 

Dubai on p83 

FIVE THINGS 

WE LEARNED 

THIS ISSUE: 

1 

At Hatta Wadi hub, 

you can try your hand 

at lots of adventurous 

activities, including axe 

throwing, p14 

2 

Travelling solo, dressing 

the part and checking 

in later are among the 

factors that could boost 

your chances of a free 

flight upgrade, p22 

3 

The Republic of 

Seychelles comprises 

115 islands, p48 

4 

Bangkok has been 

crowned the most 

popular place on the 

planet for the last three 

years, attracting more 

than 20 million annual 

visitors, p64 

5 

The cherry blossoms 

in Kyoto are so 

fleeting that the Japan 

Meteorological Agency 

issues an annual 

forecast to predict the 

dates the buds will 

bloom, p29 

Photography credits: 

Getty Images and Phocal Media 

Reproduction in whole or in 

part without written permission 

from HOT Media Publishing is 

strictly prohibited. HOT Media 

Publishing does not accept 

liability for omissions or errors in 

World Traveller. 

Tel: 00971 4 364 2876 

Fax: 00971 4 369 7494 

COVER IMAGE 

Santani Wellness Resort & Spa, Sri Lanka 

Find us at… 

ONLINE worldtravellermagazine.com 

FACEBOOK @worldtravellermagazine 

INSTAGRAM @dnataworldtraveller 

TWITTER @WT_Magazine 

worldtravellermagazine.com 3

Contents 

March 2019 

Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara 

26 

WHERE TO GO: SPRING 

regulars 

8 13 22 26 84 

TRENDING 

DESTINATIONS 

This month's go-to 

places include the 

stunning island of 

Sicily and 'cowboy 

country', Houston 

GLOBETROTTER 

The region is having 

an art attack – what 

to see at Louvre Abu 

Dhabi; Art Dubai, and 

Bahrain's ArtBAB. Plus, 

starry glamping spots 

THE KNOWLEDGE 

dnata Travel's product 

manager Julia Broome 

shares her insider 

secrets, including what 

you can do to boost your 

upgrade chances 

COVER FEATURE 

Spring is in the air and 

our total guide to where 

to travel this season 

takes in everywhere 

from vibrant cities to 

remote escapes 

SUITE DREAMS 

You won't have to 

venture far to find a 

room with a twist this 

month - head down to 

Deira for a Bollywoodthemed 

boudoir 


CONTENTS 

features 

42 48 

HUSH HOUR 

LIVING COLOUR 

Tokyo is an assault on Each Indian Ocean 

the senses, but beneath island has its charm, 

the madness lies 

but none is quite as 

serenity - if you know charming as Seychelles, 

where to find it... argues Ed Grenby 

54 

BEAR NECESSITIES 

Polar-bear spotting in 

Canada tends to require 

the safety of a hulking 

4WD, so what happens 

when you're on foot? 

42 

TOKYO 

weekends 

62 64 

REASONS TO VISIT A LONG WEEKEND 

THE POINTE 

IN BANGKOK 

Dubai's latest go-to Lara Brunt heads to 

hotpsot is a gourmand's Thailand's buzzing, 

dream destination colourful capital 

70 

STAYCATIONS 

Feel in need of a break? 

We have four more 

good reasons to book a 

weekend escape 

78 

TRAVEL OFFERS 

It's time we sent you 

packing. Choose your 

next adventure from 

our exclusive offers 

6 worldtravellermagazine.com

Rembrandt van Rijn (1606-1669), Self-Portrait with Shaded Eyes. 1634. Oil on panel, New York, The Leiden Collection. Image courtesy of The Leiden Collection, New York 

Exhibition 

14 Feb - 18 May 2019 

REMBRANDT, VERMEER 

& THE DUTCH GOLDEN AGE 

Enjoy a day at Louvre Abu Dhabi and see this unmissable exhibition of Dutch masterpieces. 

Exhibition entry included in your museum admission ticket. AED 63, children under 13 free. 

Only 60 minutes from Dubai and 30 minutes from Abu Dhabi Airport. 

BOOK NOW 

louvreabudhabi.ae

TRENDING DESTINATIONS 

Emily Williams, dnata Travel’s resident globetrotter, 

reveals the places that are trending this month 

Marrakech 

Known for its lively markets, namely Jemaa el-Fna (the central souk), Marrakech is a delightful place to visit 

for some retail therapy. Gaining popularity are Morocco’s Atlas Mountains, which frame Marrakech and offer 

spectacular hiking opportunities to some of the most remote villages in North Africa. Embark on one of the 

popular trails in the springtime, while the weather is mild. 

Highlights 1 Admire Koutoubia Mosque and its famous minaret, which has become a symbol of Marrakech. 

2 Visit the Yves Saint Laurent Museum for a deeper insight into the work of the legendary fashion designer. 

3 Be pampered at a hammam, with a traditional black soap scrub. 



Taipei 

Known as the heart of Asia, Taiwan is becoming increasingly popular as a travel destination due to its epic landscapes 

(think beautiful mountains and natural springs), dynamic cities, delicious street food, and year-round calendar 

of festivals. Its capital, Taipei, is an excellent base from which to explore. This exciting city is famous for its night 

markets, and is home to one of the tallest buildings in the world, Taipei 101. 

HIGHLIGHTS 1 Head to Yangmingshan National Park, home to the famous hot springs. 2 Catch an art house movie at 

SPOT-Taipei Film House. 3 Head to Hello Kitty Kitchen And Dining on Jinshan North Road for the cutest snacks. 


Houston 

It’s rodeo time in Houston – what better time to visit the most populous city in southern USA? Until mid-March, 

twenty championship rodeo competitions will take place at the city’s NRG Park, concluded with entertainment 

from music superstars. Also, don’t miss Space Center Houston for a close-up look at NASA and the US Space 

Programme. It takes 16hr 35mins to get there direct on Emirates, but it's worth it. 

HIGHLIGHTS 1 Head to the city’s largest waterpark, SplashTown, for 40-acres of wet and wild fun. 2 Soak up the carnival-like atmosphere at 

Kemah Boardwalk, which is a hive of restaurants, shops, and entertainment. 3 Sit down to a breakfast of Southern style wings and waffles – 

The Breakfast Klub in Midtown has a dedicated following. 



Sicily 

In spring, the weather is perfect here, with almond trees blossoming on the island. Witness the natural wonder of 

Mount Etna while travelling along the stunning Italian coast to one of its most picturesque hilltop towns, Taormina. 

Stay and experience classic Sicilian glamour at the Belmond Grand Timeo Hotel, which is close to the beach with 

views of Teatro Antico di Taormina, an ancient Greek theatre. Flydubai goes non-stop from Dubai to Catania. 

HIGHLIGHTS 1 Sicily is rich in UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Syracuse, which is brimming with archaeological wonders. 

2 Visit the Santa Venera al Pozzo thermal baths, where waters arrive from Etna’s sulphureous base. 3 Indulge in traditional pastries 

prepared with ricotta cheese and almond paste. 


MARCH 

Globetrotter 

Be informed, be inspired, be there 

DON’T BURST 

THE BUBBLE 

You can go glamping in the 

Maldives thanks to the luxury 

Beach Bubble tent at Finolhu. 

Situated on a secluded stretch 

of sandbank, the inflatable tent 

is available exclusively for a one 

night only experience under 

the stars. At sunset, take the 

short stroll to the bubble where 

a beach barbecue awaits. After 

dinner, tuck up and catch some 

zzz’s so you can be up in time 

to see the sunrise and have 

breakfast by the water’s edge. 


GLOBETROTTER 

SLEEPING UNDER THE STARS 

Get back to nature at these other great glamping set-ups around the world… 

HATTA 

Trailer treasure 

This outdoorsy Dubai enclave 

has had a trendy makeover 

by Meraas to lure adventure 

seekers, complete with cosy 

lodges and vintage trailers to 

bed down in along the bank 

of Hatta Dam. After a restful 

night’s sleep, get active by 

setting off on a mountain 

bike, going zorbing, ziplining, 

or whizzing down the shoots 

at the water jump park – you 

can even test your skills at 

axe throwing. It’s all part 

of the Hatta Wadi Hub 

experience (visithatta.com). 

MALDIVES 

Welcome to the jungle 

Do the Maldives, safari-style, 

by staying in the Jungle 

Tented Villas at Fairmont 

Maldives Sirru Fen Fushi. 

In this secluded spot, you can 

brave the wilderness from 

your rustic abode, albeit with 

a few little luxuries on hand, 

including an outdoor rain 

shower and roll-top tub. 

The atoll is a 50-minute 

seaplane ride from Malé 

International Airport. 

PORTUGAL 

Carmo’s Boutique Hotel 

Discover the traditions, 

cultural heritage, and distinct 

architecture of the beautiful 

Minho region of Portugal 

at this boutique hideaway, 

which is nestled in the hills 

of Ponte de Lima, the oldest 

town in the country. Ditch 

the more traditional rooms 

in favour of the Portuguese 

Colonial style luxury tent 

experiences and you're 

sure to feel at one with the 

beautiful countryside. The 

property is just 40 minutes 

from Porto. 


Whatever your vision of the perfect vacation – be it a fun family beach 

holiday, honeymoon romance or just relaxing in beachfront exclusivity 

– Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort offers a uniquely luxurious escape, 

inspired by Thai exoticism and the heartbeat of Dubai. 

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

GLOBETROTTER 

Louvre InterContinental Abu Dhabi Shanghai Wonderland 

ON OUR 

RADAR 

Holiday like Rami Malek, who 

rates Mandarin Oriental, 

Bodrum due to its 

“tranquility and 

peace”. The actor 

is the newest 

ambassador 

for Mandarin 

Oriental’s global 

ad campaign “He’s 

a Fan/She’s a Fan”. 

NEW HOTELS 

ADD TO ITINERARY 

STAY... SHANGHAI 

Nicknamed ‘the earthscraper’, the 

subterranean InterContinental 

Shanghai Wonderland in Sheshan has 

been built directly into the side wall 

of a quarry that was decommissioned 

for over a decade. Just two floors are 

above ground while 16 stretch below the 

surface, with the lowest two submerged 

inside an hypnotic aquarium. 

RESERVE... BANGKOK 

Set on the riverbank of the Chao 

Phray, the ultra-luxurious, all-suite 

Capella Bangkok, opening in Q2, is 

courting tastemakers with its signature 

restaurant by Michelin-starred chef 

Mauro Colagreco and Asian spa 

therapies. Chill at The Capella Living 

Room, which brings the neighbourhood 

vibe to life with its hip line-up of local 

artisans, music and culinary events. 

WAIT FOR IT... DUBAI 

You’ll have to hold tight until 

September, but when JA Lake View 

Hotel opens, it’ll make JA The Resort 

in Jebel Ali Dubai’s largest experience 

resort. Adding a further 348 rooms and 

suites to the 128-acre holiday haven, it 

promises restaurant concepts driven 

by Michelin-star chefs, three outdoor 

swimming pools and a rooftop bar with 

views of the golf course and the sea. 

Be inspired by 

The Emirates 

Airline Festival 

of Literature 

in Dubai (1-9 

March), which 

has an engaging 

line-up of sessions, 

including the Happy 

Ever After talk devoted to 

crafting fairy-tale endings. 

Monte-Carlo Société 

des Bains de Mer in 

Monaco boasts 

the highest 

number of 

Michelin stars 

of any resort in 

Europe. The title 

was clinched thanks to 

a star recently awarded to Le 

Grill (headed by Chef Franck 

Cerutti), bringing the resort’s 

total number to seven. 

Travelling can take a toll on 

your complexion, 

but you can guard 

against changes in climate, 

pollutants, and other skin 

stressors with the Aesop Dubai 

kit, Dhs275, created especially 

for city hoppers. 

We’re loving the collab 

between TUMI and fatherdaughter 

duo Lenny and Zoë 

Kravitz, which was shot in the 

Bahamas. “It was amazing to 

travel to the other 

side of the island 

for my first time 

to see where my 

family originated 

from and to pay 

respect to our 

elders and those 

who came before 

us,” says Zoë. 


GLOBETROTTER 

The Coco Chanel Suite, Ritz Paris 

Stylish stays 

Passionate about luxury labels? We 

shine a light on some of the most 

fashionable hotels around… 

FLORENCE 

Rocco Forte, Hotel Savoy 

x Emilio Pucci 

Strut across the historic Piazza della 

Repubblica and into the world of 

Florentine fashion house Emilio Pucci at 

Rocco Forte, Hotel Savoy, which features 

choice touches throughout the lobby and 

restaurant area, including statement black 

and fuchsia cushions, velvet flower print 

armchairs and a hand tufted rug featuring 

the iconic Lamborghini print from the 

Emilio Pucci Archives. The Maison has 

also produced an exclusive scarf for 

the property, which is encased in glass 

table tops in the terrace restaurant, and 

available to buy at the shop. 

DUBAI 

Palazzo Versace Dubai x 

Donatella Versace 

With its interiors showcasing the 

Versace lifestyle, Palazzo Versace Dubai 

epitomises grandeur and luxury in every 

inch of its spacious rooms and suites. The 

artistic direction of Donatella Versace 

is evident throughout, with the Medusa 

head, the Greek key and the house’s 

legendary prints prominent – something 

that’s captured especially well in the twobedroom 

duplex Imperial Suites. 

PARIS 

Ritz Paris x Coco Chanel 

“A girl should be two things: classy and 

fabulous,” according to Coco Chanel, 

who lived at Ritz Paris for more than 30 

years and decorated her very own suite. 

Today, you can revel in the grace and 

refinement championed by the French 

fashion designer by staying at The Coco 

Chanel Suite, which reflects her love for 

Asian lacquer, gilded mirrors and pairing 

black with white. 

Rocco Forte, Hotel Savoy 


WORLD TRAVELLER X SINGAPORE TOURISM BOARD 

MUST-SHOP 

Shopping in Singapore isn’t confined to 

Orchard Road and Marina Bay. You'll find 

shopping malls and markets all around, 

offering a mixture of international 

and local brands, as well as must-have 

keepsakes. Vivo City at Harbourfront and 

Bugis Junction are also popular shopping 

spots, and that's not forgetting the hip 

Haji Lane. With an efficient and reliable 

public transport system of buses, trains 

and taxis, you can easily hop from one 

shopping location to another in minutes. 

PASSION PASSPORT 

Discover the fabric of Singapore with these fresh 

experiences curated for a memorable holiday 

Famous for its striking attractions, 

mouth-watering culinary scene, stellar 

shopping and immersive tours and 

experiences, dynamic Singapore has 

something for everyone. 

MUST-SEE 

From the iconic Marina Bay Sands with its 

dreamy infinity pool overlooking the city 

skyline, to the award-winning Gardens 

by the Bay, and the myriad attractions on 

Sentosa (including Southeast Asia’s first 

and only Universal Studios), you'll never 

be bored here. More top attractions to 

visit include the S.E.A. Aquarium, home 

to more than 100,000 marine animals, 

Madame Tussauds for its life-like 

waxworks, and the suspended bridge over 

the trees at the Tree Top Walk. 

MUST-DO 

What better way to enjoy a destination 

than to experience it how the locals do? 

Join one of the Passion Tours, which 

have been especially curated to offer 

a memorable, cultural experience. 

From exploring vibrant Chinatown, 

to eating your way around Little India, 

discovering the ethnic Kampong 

Glam neighbourhood, and much-loved 

heritage area Katong, you can immerse 

yourself in the colourful, aromatic DNA 

of these precincts. Don’t miss the food 

tours, which'll help you understand why 

Singapore is known as foodie's paradise 

and there are lots of museums and art 

galleries to check out too. 

MUST-EAT 

Eating is a passion among Singaporeans 

and you won't go hungry, with delicious 

bites available in every corner of the 

island state, come day or night. 

Indeed, Singapore is a melting pot of 

many cultures, resulting in a cuisine 

that melds flavours, textures, aromas 

and spices from Asia and beyond. Halal 

and vegetarian food is easy to find. Flit 

between affordable hawker centre food 

stalls to fine dining restaurants – you'll 

find Michelin-star food at both. 

Find out more at visitsingapore.com 


CREATE 

SPECIAL 

MOMENTS 

WITH US. 

Standing tall in the heart of 

Dubai Marina, featuring 

incomparable panoramic views 

of the city, combine the best 

of all worlds with luxurious 

accommodation, three 

contemporary dining 

destinations and a blissful 

caravanserai-inspired, Saray Spa. 

DUBAI MARRIOTT HARBOUR HOTEL & SUITES 

KING SALMAN BIN ABDULAZIZ AL SAUD STREET 

DUBAI MARINA, PO BOX 66662, DUBAI, UAE 

T. 971.4.319.4000 | DUBAIMARRIOTTHARBOURHOTEL.COM 

Dubai Marriott Harbour Hotel & Suites 

@marriottharbour

GLOBETROTTER 

PRIVATE VIEWING 

Art aficionados have another reason to travel this month, as the region 

lifts the lid on a number of exciting events and acquisitions 

Rembrandt van Rijn. 

Head of a young 

man, with clasped 

hands: Study of the 

Figure of Christ, ca. 

1648-56. Oil and oak 

panel. 25.5 x 20.1 cm. 

© Louvre Abu Dhabi 

/ Photo by Seeing 

Things – Ismail Noor 

Psst! Over in 

Bahrain, ArtBAB 

2019 (Art Bahrain 

Across Borders) 

is taking place 

from 6-10 March 

at Bahrain 

Exhibitions & 

Convention Centre, 

shining a light on 

the kingdom’s 

contemporary 

art scene. 

Gilded masterpiece 

If you’re a fan of the artistic movement of the Dutch Golden Age, you’ll be eager 

to see the new Rembrandt acquisition at Louvre Abu Dhabi. The rare masterpiece, 

Head of a Young Man, is one of the finest examples of Rembrandt’s seven surviving 

oil sketches from the Face of Jesus group, and marks the first work by the Dutch 

Master known to have been acquired for a public collection in the Gulf region. It’ll 

be displayed permanently at the museum following its inclusion in the exhibition 

Rembrandt, Vermeer & the Dutch Golden Age: Masterpieces from The Leiden 

Collection and the Musée du Louvre, which is taking place until 18 May. 

Base – by Valentin Korzhov 

HOLD YOUR GAZE 

Featuring more than 90 galleries from 41 countries, Art Dubai is back (20-23 March) with a brand-new 

structure, giving you greater access to artists and galleries from non-Western geographies 

SEE. There are four main sections: 

Contemporary, Modern, Residents, 

and the new gallery Bawwaba. The 

latter features 10 solo presentations 

addressing themes of global migration, 

socioeconomic structures and identity. 

SHARE. Get involved in the programme 

of talks – a highlight is the Modern 

Symposium’s 60-minute masterclasses 

mapping out the cultural shifts and 

trends instigated by Baghdad, Beirut, 

Dakar and Lahore in the 20th century. 

STAY. Join the creative set staying at the 

four hotels on-site at Madinat Jumeirah. 

From the family-friendly Jumeirah Mina 

A’Salam to the Arabian styled Jumeirah 

Dar Al Masyaf summerhouses, you won’t 

have to suffer for your art. 

Chourouk Hriech, Exhibition view "De quoi ce monde 

est-il le miroir?", 2017. Courtesy: ©Nicolas Giraud-Cacc, 

courtesy of the artist Galerie Anne-Sarah Bénichou 

Art Dubai Modern Symposium 2018, 

courtesy of Photo Solutions 

Gulf Arabian Suite, Jumeirah Dar Al Masyaf 


KNOW-HOW 

The Knowledge 

HOW TO... 

Upgrade your travel experience 

Julia Broome, product manager at dnata Travel, gives us the inside track 

on some of the most frequently asked questions about travel 

If I book trip at the last minute, 

am I likely to get a better deal? 

It depends on how flexible you’re 

willing to be. Availability will always 

naturally be pressed closer to the time 

of travel and popular resorts, flights 

and tours, for instance, more likely to 

be occupied. Overall, it’s typically more 

cost effective to book in advance. If 

you are flexible, you may be able to 

secure a last-minute deal to more of 

an off-the-beaten-track destination. 

Instead of travelling to France, for 

example, try an up-and-coming 

destination in Eastern Europe. Or you 

could travel at an off-peak time. 

Is there anything I can do to boost 

my chance of a flight upgrade 

without having to pay for it? 

Joining frequent flyer programmes 

is the best way. Each airline has a 

different upgrade process, however, 

for the majority, passengers that 

reach the highest tier of the loyalty 

programme are more likely to be 

upgraded if the flight is overbooked. 

Seasoned travellers and members 

of such programmes will know that 

dressing appropriately, and checking 

in later, can sometimes provide a 

better opportunity for an upgrade, 

depending on availability. Travelling 

solo and without excessive luggage 

can also work in your favour, but 

nothing is ever guaranteed. 

If I want a room upgrade, is it best 

to negotiate before I arrive or once 

I’m there? 

Join hotel brand loyalty programmes 

to experience additional benefits 

during your stay including potential 

room upgrades. If you have a particular 

room or suite in mind, it’s always best 

to book in advance. You are less likely 

to be upgraded if you have booked 

Emirates airline Zero-gravity position in the Boeing 77 First Class Suites 

the lowest tier of room, or if you are 

looking to stay for a significant period 

of time. 

What are the key times of year 

to keep an eye open for the best 

holiday deals? 

Hotels and airlines can have sales at 

any time of year. In the lead up to 

public holidays, long weekends and 

school breaks, we will start to promote 

our best deals in advance so always 

look out for this. If you’re able to be 

flexible, we’d recommend booking 

your holiday at off-peak times or the 

days directly before or after these 

holidays commence. 

When I’m booking through a 

travel agent, are the prices I see 

negotiable? 

You have to be able to be flexible. 

Cheaper sale airfares are restricted to 

certain dates, for example. One of the 

best reasons to book via a travel agent 

is that they can help you to customise 

your trip to achieve the best price 

possible. If you are open to taking a 

travel agent’s advice, they have the 

knowledge and skills to find you the 

best prices depending on variables 

such as times, locations, flight duration, 

group versus smaller tours and the like, 

so can find the best solution for you. 

Can I get a better price for paying 

in full at time of booking? 

Some hotels and resorts offer the 

ability to pay a deposit and then the full 

amount at the time of departure. When 

accommodation or airlines have special 

rates on, you typically have to pay in 

full at the time of booking, but you 

can benefit from cheaper rates. Hotels 

can offer cheaper prices on a nonrefundable 

basis so again it all depends 

on how set you are on your chosen 

holiday or how flexible you want to be. 


WORLD TRAVELLER X LE MÉRIDIEN AL AQAH BEACH RESORT 

Bundle of fun 

Luring thrill seekers and beach bunnies alike, 

discover this thrill-a-minute coastal retreat in Fujairah 

Nestled between the Hajar Mountains and the 

glistening Indian Ocean, the family-friendly 

Le Méridien Al Aqah Beach Resort in Fujairah 

provides a scenic setting for a fun-filled weekend 

away. Currently, there are some great deals to be had 

on family staycations, with children under 12 staying 

for free in their parent's room, and rates inclusive of 

breakfast. Choose a sea-facing room for serene views. 

You can dine around at the resort's nine 

restaurants, each of which will take you on a culinary 

journey to a different part of the world. Highlights 

include the recently rejuvenated seafood restaurant 

Gonu, located on the beachfront, where you can taste 

the fresh catch of the day while lapping up the barefoot 

vibe. Alternatively, Views Restaurant lays out a suitsall 

themed buffet every evening. 

Thrill seekers will be pleased to know that this is the 

perfect place to unleash your adventurous side. Step 

up to the Al Aqah Challenge, the first ever obstacle 

rope course on the East Coast, where you can test 

your skills at ziplining, climbing and abseiling. Little 

ones can hit up the Le Méridien Family Club, where 

they can take part in fun activities under the watchful 

eye of childcare professionals. And when it's time to 

relax, you can drift into a deep and peaceful state of 

meditative bliss in Spa Al Aqah’s oasis of calm. 

To find out more, call +971 9 244 9000 

or visit marriott.com 


24 worldtravellermagazine.com 

STAY DIFFERENT WITH JUMEIRAH 

THE FAIRER ESCAPE 

Reconnect with the leading ladies in your life on 

a pampering spa break, or at a girls' brunch, at 

selected Jumeirah Hotels and Resorts in Dubai

WORLD TRAVELLER X JUMEIRAH 

Strong, wise and ever-deserving of a 

pampering break away, women are in the 

spotlight this month with International 

Women’s Day falling on 8 March. To mark 

the occasion, Jumeirah has dreamt up a divine 

Women’s Escape package, which invites you 

on a revitalising stay and spa escape, with 

lots of added extras for females in the party. 

Whether you want to spend some quality 

time with your best friend, or embark on a 

multi-generational break away with your 

nearest and dearest, this relaxing holiday 

package is sure to bring you closer together. 

There are five hotels participating: Jumeirah 

Beach Hotel, Jumeirah Al Naseem, Jumeirah 

Al Qasr, Jumeirah Dar Al Masyaf and Jumeirah 

Mina A’Salam. Whichever property you choose 

to stay at, you’ll be treated to the same great 

benefits, including a welcome glass of bubbly 

with chocolate and strawberries for every 

female guest. With daily breakfast included, 

you'll be all set to take advantage of unlimited 

access to the two-kilometre-long private 

beach, Wild Wadi Waterpark, and state-of- 

Rise and shine to 

views of Burj Al Arab 

the-art facilities at Talise Fitness. Plus, female 

guests can wave goodbye to tension thanks to 

the 60-minute Swedish massage at the awardwinning 

Talise Spa*. And with late check-out 

until 2pm, you won’t be in a rush to leave. 

The offer is valid until 19 December 2019, 

simply use the code JWOMEN upon booking. 

To find out more, visit 

jumeirah.com/womensescape 

Ladies Who 

Brunch 

Grab your girlfriends 

and head to the recently 

renovated Jumeirah Beach 

Hotel, where there's a 

brand-new bubbly brunch 

especially for women. Tuck 

into the buffet brimming with 

seafood, oysters, sushi and 

sashimi, before heading to 

the full roast lunch station 

for a traditional dinner with 

all the trimmings, or feasting 

on homemade dim sum, 

pizza and pasta. There’s also 

a gluten-free section and 

dedicated vegan kitchen 

serving dishes cooked to 

order, as well as healthy 

superfood juices. 

If you want to bring the 

kids along, they’ll have 

plenty to entertain them at 

the supervised children’s 

area. Even better, you can 

drop your other half at the 

Husband Creche in Kitchen 

Connection where they’ll be 

occupied with drinks on tap, 

delicious bites, a library of 

newspapers and magazines, 

and table football. 

Glitter make-up artists 

bring a festival vibe and 

there's a photobooth for 

snapping some take-home 

memories. Carry on the party 

by using your voucher for an 

additional drink or glass of 

fizz at Uptown Bar or Beach 

Lounge, enjoyed to sunset 

views of Burj Al Arab. 

Ladies Who Brunch takes 

place at Kitchen Connection, 

Jumeirah Beach Hotel, every 

Friday from 1-4pm. Dhs415 for 

the soft drink package, with a 

free upgrade to the bubbles 

package for ladies. 

* For up to two ladies per group, once per stay 

Wave goodbye to 

tension at Talise Spa 


These pages: 

Dancers at the 

Rio Carnival 


SPRING BREAK 

Where to do 

SPRING 

Spring is in the air, the 

season of renewal, the 

perfect time to get 

away and recharge 

before the long hot 

summer strikes. We’ve 

got the lowdown on 

how to do it, any way 

you like it… 


in the city 

New York 

The Big Apple’s weather 

can be extreme, with 

bone-chilling winters and 

scorching-hot summers, 

which means spring is 

the sweet spot. Catch 

the acclaimed Warhol 

retrospective at the Whitney 

Museum of American Art 

(until March 31), and explore 

the brand-new Hudson 

Yards neighbourhood, 

which this month opens 

its first shops, restaurants 

and cultural attractions 

on Manhattan’s west side. 

In May, the new Statue of 

Liberty Museum opens 

on Liberty Island, with 

multimedia displays and 

iconic artefacts including 

Lady Liberty’s original torch. 

WHERE TO STAY: The Edition 

has 273 sophisticated rooms 

– the best overlook the 

Empire State Building – and 

a Michelin-starred restaurant 

by Jason Atherton. 

Paris 

Paris is always a good idea, 

especially in springtime. 

As cherry blossoms and 

chestnuts start to bloom, 

make the most of the city’s 

glorious gardens and then 

park yourself at a pavement 

café to sip café crème 

and people-watch. After 

you’ve done the big-name 

sights, explore lesser-known 

locales such as the 11th 

arrondissement. Check out 

L’Atelier des Lumières – the 

city’s first digital museum of 

fine art – and refuel at the 

Michelin-starred Septime 

(reservations essential) 

or the seafood-focused 

Clamato next door. 

WHERE TO STAY: Near 

the Champs-Élysées, the 

40-room La Réserve is a 

fashion editor favourite 

with a luxurious spa 

and two-Michelin-star 

restaurant, Le Gabriel. 

Copenhagen 

As Copenhagen wakes 

from its winter hibernation, 

you’ll discover a city that’s 

equal parts Scandi cool and 

storybook charm. To get a 

feel for Denmark’s capital, 

take a canal boat tour past 

must-see sights including 

the Amalienborg Palace 

and Little Mermaid statue. 

But to experience the city 

like the locals do, hire a 

bike and whizz around on 

two wheels. Design fans 

should make a beeline 

for the Denmark Design 

Museum, while foodies 

can savour the seasonal 

seafood menu at Noma. 

WHERE TO STAY: Near the 

royal palace, Hotel Skt. 

Annae has 145 rooms in 

neutral tones, as well as a 

buzzy Italian restaurant. 


SPRING BREAK 

Amsterdam 

Home to gable-lined canals 

and treasure-packed 

museums, the Dutch 

capital is a popular city 

break destination yearround. 

Come springtime, 

Amsterdam bursts into 

bloom during tulip season, 

which can last until early 

May, while the annual King’s 

Day celebrations take place 

on April 27. Pack some 

orange threads and join the 

crowds for one of Europe’s 

biggest street parties, with 

live music and markets. Art 

lovers, meanwhile, should 

pre-book tickets online 

for fast-track entry to the 

world-famous Rijksmuseum 

and Van Gogh Museum. 

WHERE TO STAY: In the hip 

Noord neighbourhood, Sir 

Adam Hotel has 108 rooms, 

a gourmet burger joint and 

a fun rock n' roll vibe. 

Ljubljana 

It may be small in size, but 

Slovenia's charming capital 

makes a big impression. 

At this time of year, café 

tables start to spill onto 

the car-free streets of the 

Old Town, while locals stroll 

along the leafy banks of 

the Ljubljanica River which 

flows through the city. Take 

the funicular to the 16thcentury 

castle that hovers 

above the city, resplendent 

with Baroque architecture, 

then head to the Museum 

Quarter to browse the 

exhibitions at the Museum 

of Contemporary Art. 

WHERE TO STAY: In the 

Old Town, Vander has 20 

cool and contemporary 

rooms, along with a 

rooftop pool and trendy 

Slovenian restaurant. 

Rio de Janeiro 

Rio’s rainforest-meets-beach 

scenery and samba-fuelled 

spirit make it a bucket-list 

destination. If you don’t 

mind the crowds, visit the 

Marvellous City in March for 

Carnival, the biggest weeklong 

party in the world. 

Samba dancers parade 

in exotic costumes, while 

drum beats ring out from 

every corner of the city and 

revellers boogie at exuberant 

blocos (street parties). The 

post-party weather remains 

warm, so you can spend your 

days lazing on Copacabana 

beach, hiking up Sugarloaf 

Mountain, and exploring the 

city’s world-class museums, 

including the Oscar 

Niemeyer-designed Museum 

of Contemporary Art. 

WHERE TO STAY: In 

upmarket Ipanema, the 

91-room Hotel Fasano 

features a mid-century 

aesthetic, rooftop infinity 

pool and contemporary 

seafood restaurant. 

Cherry blossoms 

in Kyoto, Japan 

Opposite: View from 

Central Park, New York 

This page, from top to 

bottom:Paris, Amsterdam 

NATURAL 

SPRING #1 

During this time of the 

year, blush-hued posies 

plunge from the trees to 

make pools of pink on the 

normally spotless roads 

of Kyoto. Springtime in 

this city (once the capital 

of Japan) is synonymous 

with Hanami (flower 

viewing), the centuriesold 

tradition of enjoying 

the blooming cherry 

trees, resplendent in pink. 

Though Kyoto is the 

country's most popular 

destination for flowerwatchers, 

cherry trees 

blossom across Japan, 

starting in the south 

and moving northward. 

Yet the bloom is shortlived, 

typically lasting a 

just a couple of weeks. 

As such, the Japan 

Meteorological Agency 

issues an annual forecast 

to predict the dates that 

the buds will bloom. JT 


SPRING BREAK 

of f-grid 

WHERE TO 

POWER DOWN 

IN STYLE 

1On one remarkable 

island, where flocks 

of flamingos wade in 

a mangrove lagoon and 

a coalition of cheetahs 

roam the land, are three 

equally remarkable resorts 

comprising Anantara Sir Bani 

Yas Island. Each sets a slow 

pace you'll succumb to in an 

instant. 

2One of the most unique 

(and remote) resorts in 

the world, the multiaward-winning 

Amangiri 

neighbours the largest Native 

American reservation in the 

US, from where it blends 

into some 600 acres of 

raw beauty in Utah's 'red 

rock' landscape of canyons, 

mountains, rapids and desert. 

3 

A legendary resort 

hidden within the 

sweeping sand dunes 

of a wildlife rich conservation 

reserve, at Al Maha Desert 

Resort & Spa you can switch 

off beneath a nightly show 

of stars after a day spent 

watching the graceful Arabia 

oryx saunter passed your 

infinity pool. An easy escape 

from the bustling big city 

that never fails to enchant. 

4Backdropped by 

the World Heritagelisted 

Greater Blue 

Mountains, Emirates 

One&Only Wolgan Valley 

invites guests to explore their 

spectacular surrounds (on 

bike or horseback) which 

are alive with native animals, 

before seeing sunset from 

their soaking tub. 

Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island, Abu Dhabi 

Al Maha Desert Resort & Spa, Dubai 

Amangiri 

Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley 


A TOUCH OF ARABIA 

Explore Habtoor Grand Resort, Autograph Collection, a Marriott luxury lifestyle hotel 

located right in the heart of the world-famous Jumeirah Beach. An “exactly like nothing else” experience 

offers the best of both worlds for business and leisure travelers. The resort features 14 themed restaurants 

and bars, meeting venues and extensive recreation facilities with an immaculate private beach and spa. 

Habtoor Grand Resort, Autograph Collection 

Al Falea Street, Jumeirah Beach | Dubai, UAE | T. +971 4 399 5000 | F. +971 4 399 4547 

www.marriott.com/dxbhg

SPRING BREAK 

by the water 

The Maldives 

With white-sand beaches 

and balmy temperatures 

averaging 28.5°C yearround, 

the scattered isles 

of the Maldives make an 

idyllic getaway at any time 

of year. But the spring 

shoulder season brings 

fewer crowds (bar the 

Easter break, of course) 

so you’ll have no trouble 

finding a secluded patch of 

sand to work on your tan. 

Conditions are also perfect 

for snorkelling and diving 

among coral reefs, while 

whale shark sightings are 

all but guaranteed in 

the South Ari Atoll. 

WHERE TO STAY: On a 

powdery, postage-stamp 

sized island, JA Manafaru 

packs in idyllic experiences 

and fine dining to boot. 

Bali 

As the rainy season comes 

to an end and the mercury 

stays high, spring is a great 

time to visit Bali. Head to 

the south coast for palmfringed 

beaches, pumping 

surf breaks and hip beach 

clubs, then find your zen in 

the lush highlands of Ubud, 

home to wellness retreats, 

terraced rice fields and Tomb 

Raider-style temples. This 

month, join thousands of 

yogis from across the globe 

for workshops and world 

music at Ubud’s annual Bali 

Spirit Festival (March 24-31). 

WHERE TO STAY: Overlooking 

Echo Beach in the island's 

south, the Como Uma 

Canggu resort boasts a 

swanky spa, buzzing beach 

club and huge lagoon pool. 

Udaipur 

On the shores of Lake 

Pichola, Rajasthan’s most 

romantic city seduces 

travellers with its magnificent 

palaces, whitewashed havelis 

and maze of tightly winding 

streets. Summer is scorching, 

but low season brings hot 


Opposite: JA Manafaru 


bottom: COMO Uma Canggu; 

Taj Lake Palace 

weather and fewer crowds, 

so you can explore the sights 

at your own pace. Cruise the 

shimmering lake, admire the 

peacock mosaics at the City 

Palace, and catch a nightly 

screening at a rooftop café 

of James Bond’s Octopussy, 

filmed here in the eighties. 

WHERE TO STAY: With 83 

opulent rooms and roundthe-clock 

butlers, Taj Lake 

Palace is an all-white marble 

dream that seemingly 

floats on the lake. 

Ibiza 

Before the midsummer 

madness ensues, the White 

Island feels like a tranquil 

slice of paradise. With clear 

skies and temperatures 

nudging 20°C in April and 

May, Ibiza’s pine-clad hills 

are perfect for hiking and 

mountain biking – although 

it's tempting to spend your 

days lazing on crowd-free 

beaches and swimming in 

remote rocky coves. Dine 

among locals in quaint 

villages such as Santa 

Gertrudis and Es Cubells, and 

shop for unique handicrafts 

in arty Sant Carles de Peralta 

and Sant Rafel de sa Creu. 

WHERE TO STAY: In a 

19th-century farmhouse 

near Santa Gertrudis, the 

boutique Cas Gasi has just 

12 rooms, plus a spa, yoga 

deck and outdoor pool. 

Ohrid 

In the newly named Republic 

of North Macedonia, this 

picturesque town on the 

edge of Lake Ohrid is the 

country’s most popular 

tourist destination. 

Outside of July and August, 

Ohrid is still, somehow, 

an undiscovered idyll 

of cobblestone streets, 

medieaval buildings and 

lakeside cafés. Wander 

around the Old Town, 

sunbathe at rocky beaches 

and visit the Fortress of 

Tsar Samoil for the best 

lake views. Just out of town, 

Galicica National Park, 

situated on Mount Galicica, 

is a biodiversity hotspot 

dotted with hiking trails. 

WHERE TO STAY: With 

gorgeous lake views, the 

four-star Park Lakeside 

Hotel has an outdoor 

pool and 49 modern 

rooms and apartments. 

Sydney 

March may signal the start 

of spring in the northern 

hemisphere, but it’s autumn 

Down Under. Daytime 

temperatures hover in the 

low 20s and the harbour 

city’s relaxed outdoors 

lifestyle is still in full swing. 

Stroll along the spectacular 

clifftop coastal trail from 

Bondi to Bronte – keep your 

eyes peeled for migrating 

humpbacks in May – and 

pack your glad rags for the 

Sydney Autumn Racing 

Carnival, the city’s biggest 

horse-racing festival held 

over six weeks in March 

and April. 

WHERE TO STAY: The 

200-room QT Sydney has 

highly Instagrammable 

interiors and a so-called 

Director of Chaos to help 

craft unique experiences. 

NATURAL 

SPRING #2 

Whale feeding at 

Glacier Bay, Alaska 

During the spring, 

humpback whales travel 

to the 5,000-squarekilometre 

Glacier Bay 

National Park, on the 

southern tip of Alaska. 

And they do so for one 

reason; food. Back from 

their fast from winter 

season, these colossal 

mammals will feed here 

for the entire summer to 

fill their empty stomachs. 

Serving as a humpback 

whale sanctuary, the 

mammals benefit from 

Glacier Bay's strict 

protection, which has 

resulted in a steady rise 

in the number of whales 

spotted every year. Along 

with the chance to see 

these serene mammals 

up close, springtime at 

Glacier Bay bestows 

spectacular scenery 

(most of the snow has 

melted, allowing the 

green of the mountains 

to peek through) and 

a chance to see the 

aurora borealis. JT 


SPRING BREAK 

on the move 

FOR THOSE 

IN NEED OF 

ADVENTURE 

Venice Simplon-Orient-Express 

1The alien-like landscape 

of Turkey's Cappadocia 

region is among the 

world's most dramatic - all 

distinctive cone-shaped 

rock formations lovingly 

christened 'fairy chimneys' 

and Bronze-age homes 

carved into cave walls. For 

a view of it that is equally 

wondrous, book a balloon 

ride, best taken as the sun 

rises to illuminate all below. 

2 

Nothing 

represents the 

style and glamour of 

a bygone era of travel 

quite like a train. And no train 

does it quite like the Venice 

Simplon-Orient-Express, 

which made its first journey 

from Paris to Venice back 

in 1883. You can take the 

same trip in April, departing 

springtime Paris and arriving 

next day in the City of Water. 

3 

Take 

the strain out 

of travel this season 

by cruising your way 

across the Mediterranean 

aboard the flagship Costa 

Diadema. You'll fly in for a 

night in Barcelona (spend 

it dining at the restaurant 

Disfrutar) before seven nights 

at sea and stop-offs in the 

likes of Civitavecchia, your 

gateway to Rome and its 

myriad ancient wonders. 

4 

Swathes 

of bright and 

blooming wildflowers 

(and a merciful lack of 

fellow visitors) make driving 

the Amalfi Coast an absolute 

joy in spring, winding around 

cliff-hugging roads that 

bestow astonishing views. 

Gaudi's Casa Batlló in Barcelona 

Balloons over Cappadocia 

Amalfi Coast 


in the country 

Gidleigh Park, England 

Hidden in a peaceful valley 

on the edge of Dartmoor 

National Park in Devon, this 

postcard-perfect country 

house hotel features Tudorstyle 

architecture and classic 

English interiors (antique 

furniture, wood panelling, 

stone fireplaces). The 24 

individually-decorated 

rooms come with giant 

marshmallow beds and 

roll-top baths, while a 

two-bedroom thatchedroof 

cottage overlooks 

the croquet lawn. There’s 

a tennis court, bowling 

green and 18-hole putting 

course, but most guests 

come here for the Michelinstarred 

restaurant. The menu 

features traditional, pareddown 

British dishes, such 

as salt-aged beef with 

potato terrine and 

cauliflower purée, with 

seasonal ingredients often 

sourced from the hotel’s 

own vegetable garden. 

Montali Country 

House, Italy 

High on a hilltop in 

Umbria with views of 

Lake Trasimeno, Montali 

is a rustic country house 

hotel with a difference: 

Brazilian-born chef Malu 

Musacchio serves purely 

vegetarian cuisine. Sublime 

dishes such as ravioli with 

truffle and saffron risotto 

will convert even the most 

devout meat-eater, while soft 

balls of mozzarella drizzled 

with olive oil equals Italian 

simplicity at its best. Nestled 

among an olive grove, the 

converted farmhouse has 

nine comfortable rooms 

with traditional stone walls 

and tiled floors. Days are 

best spent lazing by the 

sun-dappled pool, with 

occasional sorties to nearby 

Perugia, Assisi and Siena. 

Villa La Coste, France 

Surrounded by 600 acres 

of rolling vineyards, pine 

forests and lavender fields in 

Provence, this contemporary 

hotel features artworks by 

the likes of Damien Hirst 

and Ai Weiwei. There are 

28 villa-style suites with 

all-white interiors, cleanlined 

furniture and marble 

bathrooms; 10 come with 

private pools, while all have 

muslin-draped four-poster 

beds and private terraces 

offering bucolic valley views. 

Once you’ve settled in, head 

to the sleek spa for salt scrub 

exfoliations, mud massages 

and frankincense facials. 

All three restaurants serve 

organic produce from the 


SPRING BREAK 

Opposite: Gidleigh Park 


bottom: Four Seasons Resort 

Chiang Mai; Santani Wellness 

Resort & Spa, Sri Lanka 

garden, but the highlight is 

the Argentinian restaurant by 

star chef Francis Mallman. 

Four Seasons Resort 

Chiang Mai, Thailand 

For those who prefer lush 

countryside and elephant 

sanctuaries to swaying palm 

trees and coral reefs, this 

tranquil resort in northern 

Thailand ticks all the boxes. 

Dotted among the rice fields 

are 64 pitched-roof pavilions 

and 12 pool villas, along with 

all the five-star facilities 

you’d expect, including a 

nirvana-inducing spa and 

resident yogi. The signature 

restaurant serves lesserknown 

local dishes such as 

crispy catfish with tangerine, 

while the acclaimed 

cooking school is a must 

for gourmands. But what 

really sets this resort apart 

are the individually-tailored 

experiences, from planting 

rice with local farmers to art 

classes with a watercolourist. 

Santani Wellness Resort 

& Spa, Sri Lanka 

On a former tea plantation 

near Kandy, Santani is Sri 

Lanka’s first dedicated 

wellness resort. The 20 

hillside villas are deliberately 

minimalist – think polished 

concrete floors, floor-toceiling 

windows and teak 

beds draped in mosquito 

netting – to promote rest 

and relaxation. There’s a 

similarly stripped-back 

aesthetic in the spa, with 

a thermal salt pool, cedarwood 

sauna and open-air 

treatment rooms. There’s 

an Ayurvedic doctor on 

hand to diagnose your 

dosha, daily yoga, and 

meditation classes, plus 

hiking trails through lush rice 

fields. The dress code for 

dinner is ‘barefoot’ and the 

customised cuisine – ranging 

from cleansing to ketogenic 

– is healthy and delicious. 

Castell Son 

Claret, Spain 

Set on a rambling private 

estate in the foothills of the 

Tramuntana Mountains, 

Castell Son Claret is 

Mallorca’s most exceptional 

hideaway. There are just 

38 neutral-hued rooms 

spread throughout the 

18th-century manor house 

and former stables; some 

boast private pools and 

all have sun-trap terraces. 

Active travellers can fill 

their days with tennis and 

hiking, while sybarites will 

love the blue-tiled pool 

and subterranean spa. 

Meanwhile, Zaranda is the 

only the two-star Michelin 

restaurant in the Balearics. 

NATURAL 

SPRING #3 

Damask roses on 

Al Jabal Al Akhdar 

Peaking at 2,500 metres 

above sea level, Oman's 

Al Jabal Al Akhdar 

(commonly known as 

Green Mountain) is where 

one of the world’s oldest 

roses adds colour to 

rugged mountain terrain. 

Indeed, from the end 

of March through April, 

scores of the dusty pink 

damask roses mask 

the mountain range, 

infusing the air with 

their fragrance. Stay 

at Anantara Al Jabal 

Akhdar Resort at this 

time of year and you can 

fully immerse yourself in 

this seasonal highlight 

by meeting the local 

families who continue the 

centuries-old tradition of 

making rose water from 

the damask bounty. JT 


WORLD TRAVELLER X QASR AL SARAB DESERT RESORT BY ANANTARA 

Full of promise 

For a quintessential Arabian desert adventure, look no further than this luxurious 

resort nestled deep within Abu Dhabi’s Empty Quarter 

Grains of golden sand dance across 

the dunes, arabesque music fills 

the air and the flickering flames 

of the campfire lend a magical glow to the 

Bedouin style dinner setting. What may 

sound like an Arabian dream is delivered on 

a golden platter to travellers who journey to 

Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara, 

a resort that’s sure to earn a place on your 

wish list due to its unique blend of Arabian 

heritage, culture and luxury. 

Located in the majestic Empty Quarter 

(the largest uninterrupted sand mass in the 

world), it feels a million miles away from 

the capital, yet is just a two-hour drive from 

Abu Dhabi’s Western region (Al Gharbia). 

If you’re feeling flash, however, you can zip 

there via helicopter in 50 minutes flat. 

Emerging like a mirage amid the dunes, 

this fortress-like resort offers relaxation and 

adventure in equal measure. Rooms feature 

hand-crafted furnishings made by local 

artisans that evoke the spirit of Bedouin 

culture. Stunning desert views come as 

standard, so you feel fully immersed in your 

surroundings at all times. 

There’s so much more to do than gaze 

at the shifting sands, however, thanks to 

the extensive line-up of experiences that 

make the most of the landscape’s rugged 

beauty. From traversing the dunes atop 

a camel to zooming over the sand in a 

four-wheel drive and learning more about 

the region’s fascinating heritage during 

the falcon and saluki show, your passion 

for adventure will be fired up here. There’s 

ample opportunity to try something new, 

from off-roading at your own pace on a fat 

bike to renting a sandboard (it's Arabia’s 

answer to snowboarding), and taking the 

kids on an educational walk to learn more 

about local fauna. 

After a day of activity, Anantara Spa calls 

you to unwind with a soothing treatment. 

A highlight is the Moroccan hammam, 

although the desert fusion massage 

combining hot stone and Liwa sand massage 

techniques is something out of the ordinary. 

Dining against a desert backdrop never 

gets old. For the most Instagrammable 

views, head to The Sunset Lounge for 

drinks. Next, make your way to Al Falaj 

for a traditional dining experience. Get 

comfortable on the floor cushions and let 

the hypnotic sound of the qanun unwind 

the mind as you tuck into delicious Middle 

Eastern grills under a blanket of stars. 

To find out more, call +971 2 886 2088 

or visit anantara.com 


Deluxe Twin Room with balcony 

Al Falaj restaurant 

Villa with private pool 

Moroccan hammam 


ESCAPE TO EUROPE 

THIS SPRING 

Make the most of the season with a holiday 

package to Europe. With our city break 

offers, experience the delights of 

Madrid, Milan, Geneva, Vienna, Paris 

or London. Take in the culture, 

shop for the latest fashion or 

indulge in some of the 

world’s best cuisine. 

Book at dnatatravel.com 

call 800 DNATA (36282) or 

speak to us in-store 

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far and wide 

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CANADA p54 


TOKYO 

The rush of Tokyo is bewitching, but often 

bewildering. When you hit overload, retreat to 

its quiet corners, says former resident Alicia 

Miller. Then you’ll see the city like a local: 

electric and serene, in equal measure 


LAOS 

These pages, from left: 

All quiet as a lone 

taxi crosses the Ginza 

intersection: the sky-high 

spa at Aman Tokyo 


n the shadows the whitecloaked 

master works 

slowly, rhythmically – 

painstakingly executing 

his ritual with reverence. 

His tools are basic, but no 

matter. He has done it all 

before, a thousand times 

over, cloistered in this tiny, 

dimly lit room — creamwalled, 

fringed in polished wood, bare, 

but not unfriendly. Seated in a semicircle 

around his workspace is a hushed 

audience of eight — myself included. 

Entranced, we feel like intruders on 

his sacred task. No-one dares disturb 

Gen Yamamoto as he toils. After 10 

minutes of tap-tap-tapping and swishswish-swishing 

in the darkness, he’s 

ready. He reaches across the gleaming 

wooden bar and presents me with the 

precious fruit of his labour: a juicy pear 

cocktail. It’s a taste of nature’s simplicity 

in this manic, modern megacity. 

In Tokyo, many things are not what 

they seem. Contradictions are rife: the 

sky-scraping, technicolour tangle of the 

transport-hub Shinjuku is futuristic — 

with robot-themed eateries and lavish 

department stores — yet locals prefer 

to flock to old-school, cash-only ramen 

joints in ramshackle alleyways. Service 

in shops is endlessly polite, yet there’s 

nothing courteous about the metro: 

no sharp elbow on the planet is more 

eviscerating than the one served up on 

the Yamanote Line come rush hour. 

Most contradictory of all is that, 

for all the city’s chaotic, unrelenting 

backdrop of swallow-you-whole neon 

glitz, thronging masses and brash 

consumerism, you can find serenity. And 

in the most unexpected of places. It is the 

clash of rampant and placid that makes 

Tokyo, well, Tokyo. Home to more than 

13 million people, to the uninitiated the 

city is an uncharted ocean, a mercurial 

monolith. But dig deeper, and you’ll 

find an ancient, sedate side waiting to 

be discovered. Escaping the crowds is 

easy, if you know where to look — and 

necessary, I realised on this return 

visit, in order to preserve your sanity. 

I lived in Tokyo during my party-loving 

early 20s and I couldn’t get enough of its 

flashy scene. Returning 10 years later, 

it’s a different story: I found myself 

overwhelmed by its brash vastness. 

These pages, clockwise 

from above: Women wearing 

kimonos walk through lit paper 

lanterns at Yasukuni Shrine; 

Mount Fuji backdrops the 

Tokyo skyline; a traditional 

tiny restaurant in 'memory 

lane'; street art in electronics 

shopping district Akihabara 


TOKYO 

‘ 

LOCALS PREFER 

TO FLOCK TO 

OLD-SCHOOL, 

CASH-ONLY 

RAMEN JOINTS 

IN RAMSHACKLE 

ALLEYWAYS 

’ 

On my first morning, the crush of 

Shibuya, the trendy shopping district, 

left me breathless. At the famed Shibuya 

crossing, the illuminated, advert-flooded 

intersection — Piccadilly Circus on 

steroids — crowds scurried like ants 

across zebra crossings. Every direction 

provided a fresh assault: hole-in-thewall 

katsu curry bars, their plastic food 

displays pulling weary-eyed tourists 

into dingy basements; CD emporiums 

pumping out syrupy J-pop tunes; queues 

snaking from $2 sushi joints; purplehaired 

girls chattering outside malls. 

Of course, in Tokyo, the gaudy chaos 

is a ‘sight’ in itself — so, despite the 

hectic scene, I progressed. Rubbing the 

jet lag from my eyes, I wove through the 

thicket, heading north past lanes lined 

with shoe shops and towering homeware 

stores. I passed through the vintage 

boutiques of rammed, pedestrianised 

Cat Street; I perused the bizarre anime 

merchandise at bewildering megashop 

Kiddy Land. Before long I was 

in Harajuku, Tokyo’s teen-fashion 

epicentre, and bravely turned left onto 

Takeshita Street. Whatever madness 

had come before, it had nothing on this: 

hundreds, no thousands, of kids, a tidal 

wave rushing into discount sunglasses 

shops and out of cat cafés. Music was 

blaring from every direction; cloudlike 

puffs of rainbow cotton candy and 

bags of chocolate-smothered crisps 

were passed around by the dozen. 

And then, as if it wasn’t squeezy 

enough, along came a matsuri – a 

traditional Japanese festival procession. 

Where men and women in traditional 

happi coats bounced a golden shrine 

through the crowd, chanting excitedly. 

Once I reached the end of the street — 

it was just 400m, but it took more than 

an hour — I siphoned myself off from 

the human tide. I could have carried 

on with the flow, bound for the famed 

Meiji shrine, a grand series of wooden 

buildings in a sprawling nearby park. 

But experience told me that today — a 

Saturday — any sliver of tranquillity 

would be shattered by camera-clicking 

hordes and ooh-aahing tourists. I wasn’t 

22 anymore, and rather than more 

insanity, what I needed was a break. 

I fixed a quick plan: after a 20-minute 

zip on the metro, I stepped out from 

Gokokuji station, in central Tokyo’s 


TOKYO 

northwest. I strode towards the 17thcentury 

Gokoku-ji building, directly 

ahead, passed under its grand red gate 

and was plunged into another world. 

Apart from a handful of grey-haired 

local ladies shuffling up the stone steps, 

there was no-one around. I had visited 

this place a decade before, at the time 

thinking the low-key vibe was rather 

dull. But now, I seized the silence, 

wandering past statues and vast wooden 

structures that had survived WWII 

bombings, padding through a room 

festooned in ornate gold decorations, and 

switching off to the rustle of a gnarled 

pine tree. Scores of cats prowled eerily 

around gravestones, my only company 

until a monk momentarily darted 

by, his robes flicking behind him. 

The whole serene scene was a different 

Tokyo, one I could now fully appreciate 

— and, impatient as I was to soak it up, 

it was a full, contemplative hour before, 

placidly, I stumbled out. I was a relative 

skip from crazy Shibuya — but there 

were no skyscrapers, few shops and 

hardly any people. Instead, wandering 

south towards the undulating Kanda 

River, I saw little houses framed with 

flower pots, and tiny noodle bars with 

makeshift signs. Had it not been for the 

luminous vending machines glimmering 

at every corner, I would have thought 

I’d gone back in time. Eventually, a 

thin alley led me past a clutch of art 

museums, before spitting me out on the 

leafy riverfront walkway. And there, cut 

from a creamy wall, was a tile-roofed 

entranceway to Chinzanso Garden. 

I’d forgotten how verdant Tokyo 

can be. From Imperial Palace parks 

to regal Hamarikyu gardens, little 

landscaped patchworks of green provide 

figurativeand literal breaths of fresh 

air among the cityscape’s suffocating 

intensity. Inside Chinzanso, among 

twisted trees and winding paths, I 

discovered craggy stone carvings, a 

pond fed by tinkling waterfalls, red 

tori shrine gates with a string of 

prayer notes fluttering in the breeze. 

Glamorous Japanese newlyweds, 

taking a pause from their wedding 

festivities in the nearby hotel, posed for 

pictures in front of blooms. I climbed 

‘ 

LITTLE 

LANDSCAPED 

PATCHWORKS OF 

GREEN PROVIDE 

FIGURATIVE 

AND LITERAL 

BREATHS OF 

FRESH AIR 

’ 

uphill to a three-storey wooden pagoda, 

a creaky, half-century-old witness to the 

city’s transformation. In the distance 

rose a contrasting clutch of new buildings 

— the frenetic concrete city pushing 

against this lush green pocket. For now, 

at least, it couldn’t quite reach us. 

As evening descends in Tokyo, you feel 

the city revving up — doubling its electric 

energy to fever pitch. Below the rainbow 

signs blinking in the darkness, waves of 

identikit office workers rush from office 

to bar in a messy jumble; at 6pm, the 

city collectively loosens its tie in smoky 

yakitori grill bars. But up in my hotel, the 

Aman Tokyo, I felt none of it. It was my 

second day, and I had spent it huddled 

under an umbrella, exploring clogged 

Ginza — the ritzy designer-shopping 

area by Tokyo station. It was exhaustingly 

busy, especially in the rain; but a short 

walk and a zippy, 34-floor elevator ride 

had catapulted me far above the insanity. 

Tokyo is famous for its soaring 

buildings, but they do more than provide 

much-needed extra living space — 

they’re veritable floating oases above 

the city’s earthly rush. Up here, seen 

from the hotel spa, the buzzing traffic 

looked like toy models, the tower-block 

lights like flickering stars. In Aman’s 

dark-slate infinity pool in the sky, 

lined with floor-to-ceiling windows, I 

could paddle in peace, recouping my 

energy. I could laze on fluffy loungers 

and sip nutty, roasted hojicha tea, 

watching the mesmerising show unfold 

below. It was so very peaceful... Dare 

I say, after a while, a tad too peaceful. 

Because, however much Ginza’s earlier 

crowds had tired me out, I didn’t feel 

quite ready to hole up for the night. 


TOKYO 

Credit: Alicia Miller/The Sunday Times Travel Magazine/News Licensing 

Maybe it was just fond old memories 

beckoning me to play. In any case, the 

pull of the Tokyo night felt too strong. 

I soon found myself emerging from 

Akihabara station, in the city’s weird, 

wonderful electronics district. Lights 

throbbed; adverts for gaming arcades 

covered every facade. Electronics megashops 

such as Bic Camera — selling 

everything from cult action figures to 

rice cookers — encircled the station; 

‘maid’ cafés jostled with warren-like DVD 

shops. I stepped into quirky, only-in- 

Japan superstore Don Quijote in search 

of souvenirs. It was packed. I persevered 

through endless floors briming with fake 

horse heads and peculiar beauty 

products, emerging with a cutprice 

haul of my favourite Japanese 

sweets and facial sheet masks 

infused with green tea. 

The clock hands were inching towards 

11pm — these days my usual bedtime 

— but the frenzied mob spurred me 

onwards. Tokyo’s not ready to call it a 

night, so why should I? I elbowed my 

way through the crowds to a karaoke 

bar, where I met an old Japanese friend 

for a nostalgic singalong. As we were 

guided to our private room, the din from 

outside became increasingly muffled. 

Curling up in our cosy, cushy space — 

that Tokyo chaotic-calm contradiction 

again — we ordered pizzas. Sheltered 

from the mayhem outside, microphones 

in hand, song catalogues in our laps, 

we drank and sang dramatic, cheesy 

power ballads — Bonnie Tyler, Bryan 

Adams, you name it — until we were 

hoarse, and very late became very early. 

Over the next two days, further 

glimmers of my twentysomething self 

were teased out by Tokyo’s frenetic 

energy — I was falling back in love. 

But whenever my stamina wavered, a 

moment of peace was always waiting. 

Behind crowd-crammed Senso-ji 

temple, a stop on every tourist’s hit list, I 

discovered sleepy shopping arcades with 

kitchenware shops and old-school hotpot 

eateries. After braving frantic Odaiba, 

a Disneyesque mallscape with a replica 

of the Statue of Liberty, I caught my 

breath on a relaxed riverboat ride. On my 

final night, I booked myself into a swish 

restaurant, Sushi Kokoro. After a busy 

day museum-hopping, tranquillity here 

was practically guaranteed: intimate 

This page: Garden Lounge 

at Aman Tokyo 

omakase (chef’s choice) sushi spots such 

as this are famous for being respectfully 

hushed, as diners watch chefs prepare 

artful courses in awed silence. 

At 7pm, I pushed open the door and 

my chef-host, Oba-san, welcomed me 

with a polite smile. I joined seven other 

guests — together we filled the counter 

restaurant — and began the noiseless 

gourmet parade. We greeted a goblet 

of silky salmon roe with silent nods 

of approval. A blushing pink prawn 

was met with a shy ‘arigato’ (thank 

you). But the drinks were flowing, and 

somewhere between the gleaming 

silver mackerel and the creamy sea 

urchin, a Japanese salaryman next 

to me turned, practising his English 

with a simple ‘Where are you from?’ 

A switch had been flipped, and the 

raucous descent began. Soon, all nine 

of us — Oba-san included — were 

doubled-up with giggles, wolfing down 

nigiri with cries of delight. Group 

photos were snapped, email addresses 

were swapped, and as we finished 

our meal with a simple flourish — 

a handful of sweet grapes — we 

decided to carry down the road. As we 

tottered out of the restaurant, Tokyo 

was, for once, cloaked in midnight 

silence. But only for a moment. 

Because that rare, sleepy stillness 

was suddenly shattered — by the 

sound of my own crackling laughter. 

Inspired to travel? To book a trip, call 

+971 4 316 6666 or visit dnatatravel.com 


XXXXXXXXXXXXX 

Paradise doesn’t have to be deathly dull. 

Alongside the Seychelles’ perfect beaches, 

Ed Grenby finds giant tortoises, edible bats 

and a local party scene 


These pages: Four Seasons 

Resort Seychelles at 

Desroches Island 

SEYCHELLES 

I’m pretty sure George & Amal 

— headed to the same tiny 

Seychellois island as me — 

didn’t do it this way, aboard 

a ferry where holidaymakers 

and commuters and cargo 

share deckspace (as well as 

sick bags). But more fool the 

Clooneys and their helicopters, 

because this was exactly why 

I’d come to the Seychelles. 

True, I could live without the 

nauseous shipmates, but hanging out 

with islanders? Gawping gobsmacked 

at vast green mountains? Ambushing 

my tastebuds with crazy Creole cuisine? 

These — not to mention the humming 

towns and fascinatingly weird plant 

and animal life — were the reasons 

I’d given Mauritius and the Maldives a 

miss this year and dropped in on their 

Indian Ocean neighbours instead. 

See, the Seychelles has all the 

screensaver good looks and endlessly 

exquisite sandy shores of its brochure 

rivals, but with more. While the Maldives 

has nothing but pancake-flat microislets 

staffed by international automata, 

with little to do but stare at the sea or 

argue with your loved one, the Seychelles 

archipelago is a beach paradise with 

an actual country attached. (The main 

landmass is Mahé, and there’s 114 more 

once you’re done with that one.) 

Previously, the price you paid for all 

that was universally indifferent, shoulder 

shrugging service. But a bunch of new 

hotel openings has taken the pain 

out of paradise. And, for the moment 

at least, it’s still thrillingly exotic. 

Take my first stop, the Four Seasons 

resort on Desroches Island, a half-hour’s 

flight from Mahé. Here, instead of some 

desultory strip of sand and an ersatz 

‘village’ on stilts, you get a proper island: 

14km of fringing beach wound like 

wrapping paper around chunks of virgin 

forest, a village of traditional Tobleroneshaped 

Creole houses, a settler cemetery, 

a serious conservation centre — and, 

of course, a nice high-end hotel. Here, 

between massages performed with a 

giant ostrich egg (now that could have 

gone wrong in less expert hands) and 


SEYCHELLES 

sipping drinks perched halfway up a 

lighthouse, I loaded up the basket of 

my villa’s bicycle with a picnic of limezest-dusted 

smoked salmon bagels 

from the deli and set off to explore. 

With secluded bays and vibrant 

snorkel spots mapped out all round 

the island, it wasn’t hard to find my 

own perfect stretch of driftwoodstrewn 

sand. And unlike those slightly 

self-conscious, private sandbank 

experiences in the Maldives, this 

was real privacy: no conveyor belt of 

couples queueing up for my spot, no 

surreptitious staff hovering behind me. 

Even better, the Seychelles does 

shade: instead of a spindly palm or two, 

gorgeous thick jade-green jungle has 

your back here. Fragrant lantern trees, 

flowering dogwoods, native mulberry, 

velvetseed.... Then there are the beasts 

(Sundberg’s day gecko, amberwing 

emperor dragonfly, marbled mantis) and 

the birds (wading whimbrel, tropical 

shearwater, firetruck-red fody), not to 

mention the prehistoric monsters. 

Roaming free-range across 

Desroches’s interior are 160-odd 

giant tortoises: cute as cubs, but 

disconcertingly, agelessly primordial, 

too, as if Jim Henson got the Jurassic 

Park gig. I’m introduced to George, 120 

years old and the size of a go-kart, but 

with the khaki colouring and armourplating 

and (once he sees food) slow, 

crushing, single-minded unstoppability 

of a tank. He was wrinkly and twinkly 

and genial-looking, but there was 

something in the coolly reptilian eyes of 

his companion, Naughty Lulu, that made 

me want to get out of her way before I 

found out how she came by the name. 

The island’s size comes in handy come 

nightfall, as well. Try escaping from 

the lights of your resort in the Maldives 

and you end up neck-deep in the ocean. 

But here, you can slip away unnoticed 

under some of the world’s darkest — 

and so most star-spattered — skies. 

I wandered up to the island’s airstrip, 

with its 360-degree horizons and 4,000 

hectares of inky black above, and saw a 

true, uncountable infinity of heavenly 

bodies. Mars glared an angry hot red 

on one side of the firmament, Venus 

sheened a cool clear liquid-mercury 

‘ 

THE 

SEYCHELLES 

HAS ALL THE 

SCREENSAVER 

GOOD LOOKS 

AND ENDLESSLY 

EXQUISITE 

SANDY 

SHORES OF ITS 

BROCHURE 

RIVALS, BUT 

WITH MORE 

’ 

on the other; and between them, a 

creamy, full-fat Milky Way was smeared 

across the sky as thick as the good stuff 

at the neck of a bottle of gold-top. 

The darkness has drama in the 

Seychelles. Bats wheel overhead, waves 

crash noisily on those millenniasmoothed 

granite boulders that bookend 

the beaches, and (unlike Mauritius 

or the Maldives) people go out. 

I crashed a couple of the impromptu 

parties that pop up around the bigger 

islands’ beaches and parking lots: 

barbecue smells effervesced into the 

warm night air along with the seggae, a 

blend of trad sega and modern reggae, 

and just the most tropical-sounding 

music you’ll ever hear. Even the resort 

islands have a bit of life to them. On 

my next one, Six Senses Zil Pasyon, 

guests cheerily pilfer the local rum from 

mini casks in the (dis)honesty bar. 

Zil Pasyon has adventures on tap, too. 

One morning I canoe to the next islet 

along. Another, I hike a path, ducking 

beneath umbrella-sized spider webs (I 

felt very Indiana Jones, but the critters 

are harmless) to a secret beach, big 

enough for just two. And on a third, I 

snorkelled early, right off the beach, and 

saw an eagle ray soaring through the 

water, serene as a seraph, then a turtle, 

just as benignly beatific, fading in and 

out of sight like a dream. Unsure what 

ancient wisdom the visitation was trying 

to impart, I interpreted it as ‘Have the 

scrambled-eggs-with- crab for breakfast’. 

Most guests get between the 

Seychelles’ outer-island resorts 

by helicopter, and that’s certainly 

the quickest and most glamorous 

way to do it (though you may not 

feel quite so Clooney when they 

weigh you before take-off). 

I loved the views from up there — the 

water’s neon blues glow even brighter 

from above — but I loved chuffing 

about by boat and bus, too, for a taste of 

island life you wouldn’t get in a month 

of Maldives. I saw impish schoolkids 

gambolling through their break-time 

games on the beaches beside their 

classrooms (who needs playgrounds?), 

picnicking families pulling cars over 

en route to siphon crystal water from 

roadside natural springs (who needs 

Evian?), and bantering fishmongers 

selling the morning’s catch off upended 

crates at street corners, the fish so fresh 

and many-coloured you’d think they 

were for the aquarium, not the plate. 

At Port Glaud, I got a bit damp myself. 

Here, just metres from a luxury resort 

in Mahé’s northwest corner, is a 1km 

path that winds through a hamlet (and 

shortcuts through someone’s back 

garden, for which privilege he’ll charge 

you $2 odd) to the Sauzier Waterfall. It’s 

pretty rather than dramatic, but at its 

base is a deep, cool, green natural pool, 

utterly irresistible, where I whooped 

and wallowed alongside a bunch of local 

lads until my fingertips wrinkled. 

That resort, Constance Ephelia, 

sprawls across two delectable bays, a 

handful of thickly forested hills and 

a mangrove swamp, so to tick off a 

few more items in my ‘I-Don’t-Spy’ 

book of things you wouldn’t expect 

on an Indian Ocean holiday I zipline 

through those forests and kayak 

through those mangroves, scrumping 

milky-sweet cocoplums as I go. 

I also spent a day in the capital (which 

is more than I’ve managed in eight 

trips to Mauritius and the Maldives). 

Victoria has a real working fruit and fish 

market (you can tell it’s not for tourists 

because it’s early and it smells), named 

after one Sir Selwyn Selwyn-Clarke 

(who seems, idiosyncratically, to have 

been named after himself). There’s 

the Botanical Gardens, too, where 


XXXXXXXXXXXXX 

This page, clockwise from top left: 

The Lighthouse Lounge; a staff member 

at Four Seasons Resort Seychelles at 

Desroches Island; Constance Ephelia from 

above; a fruit seller at Victoria Market; and 

a spa therapist at Constance Ephelia 


NORWAY 

you can feed giant tortoises; and the 

Natural History Museum, where a dusty 

roomful of pickled mini sharks stare 

forlornly from their formaldehyde. 

It’s not just museums that are cheap 

in the Seychelles, either. You can get a 

decent beachside hotel for $150 a night, 

and a lovely one for $200 (my favourite 

is Mahé’s Anse Soleil Beachcomber). 

And — take that, Maldives! — there 

are plenty of self-catering options. 

(You won’t be spoilt for choice in the 

supermarkets if you go that route, 

mind, but there are good Creole 

restaurants all over. Do order: octopus 

curry, a fizz bomb of spicy-juicy fusion 

flavours. Don’t order: fruitbat — a 

gamey-but-boney, grit-your-teeth-soyou-can-say-you’ve-done-it 

affair.) 

In fact, with every beach a beauty 

round these parts, the main difference 

between the Seychelles’ megabuck 

resorts and its mom-&-pop guest houses 

is privacy. The resort that hosted George 

& Amal’s honeymoon — and Kate & 

Wills’s — is North Island, and they came 

because every one of the 11 villas sits 

in its own hectare or two of gardens, 

secreted among an island-wide jungle. 

(The discretion extends to the staff. 

Whenever I try to draw anyone into 

sharing even the tiniest detail about 

those other guests, I’m told firmly ‘I 

won’t tell you about their stay, and I 

won’t tell anyone about yours either’.) 

North Island is the most 

understatedly indulgent place I’ve 

ever stayed — it wears its luxury as 

lightly as a linen shirt — but it’s not 

the five showers in each villa, or the 

supernaturally good service, or the 

personally tailored menus and drinks 

list drawn up for each guest, that get 

me. It’s that I essentially have all this 

‘ 

NORTH ISLAND 

IS THE MOST 

UNDERSTATEDLY 

INDULGENT 

PLACE I’VE 

EVER STAYED 

’ 

to myself: 200 hectares divided by a 

maximum of around 22 guests equals 

never having to share your sunset. 

So, every evening I barefoot a few 

paces across the sherbet-soft sand 

for the (full multi-sensory) show. 

Waves shush, their dayglo ultramarine 

mellowing to mere aquamarine; the 

early-evening breeze on my forearms 

tempers the late-afternoon warmth 


SEYCHELLES 

These pages, clockwise from left: Chef 

offers up a plate of sushi; North Island; invilla 

BBQ set up at North Island 

Credit: Ed Grenby/The Sunday Times Travel Magazine/News Licensing 

on my face; the scent of woodsmoke 

and herbs and chargrilled langoustines 

drifts down from the barbecue; the 

citric zing of grapefruit washes over my 

tongue; and I watch the sun, blazing 

defiant, incandescent orange as it 

slowly drowns on the watery horizon, 

bleeding pink into the sky behind it. 

But, turning back inland towards 

the mountains and the bats and the 

people and the food and the waterfalls 

and the tortoises, I’m aware that, in the 

Seychelles, the life-changingly beautiful 

beaches and #inspirationalquote 

sunsets aren’t even half the story. 




54 worldtravellermagazine.com 

Come summer, Canada’s polar bears get playful. Skip the 

bus tour, sign up to walk with the white giants, and you’ll 

get close enough to gatecrash, says James Draven

CANADA 

splutters the feeble report from guide 

Andy MacPherson’s pistol. I was hoping 

for something a little more dramatic: 

‘Pop,’ 

we’re standing not 20m from a 250kg 

polar bear (yes, 250kg). Her head down, eyes fixed 

on mine, she’s in a predatory trance as she lifts 

her muzzle and sniffs the air for my scent. Such a 

scene may be what my mother feared, when I told 

her I was going to subarctic Canada to walk with 

polar bears. Family and friends kept repeating 

the word ‘walk’ back at me with incredulity. 

Andy pulls the trigger twice more with similarly 

pitiful results: ‘Pop-pop.’ The minor commotion 

is not enough to deter a curious bear, but at least 

it’s drawn focus away from me: Andy has valiantly 

put himself on the menu. It’s only now though, 

as he regards his gun with a disdainful glower, 

that I realise there’s something wrong with his 

ammunition: he’s fired three duds in a row. 

Terrible timing for a weapon to malfunction. 

With remarkable sang-froid, he smoothly reloads 

his gun from a fresh box of rounds, while our 

taciturn, indigenous Cree guide, Albert ‘Butch’ 

Saunders, silently surveys the scene, the very 

definition of composure. I calm myself with the 

thought that Churchill Wild, my tour operator, has 

been organising polar-bear walking safaris for 22 

years without incident. This is the first time in more 

than five years that Andy, veteran guide, has even 

needed to fire a banger deterrent from his starter 

pistol. Perhaps his ammo, having sat idle for so 

long in his pocket, has passed its sell-by date… 

It’s been a long journey to reach the shores of Lake 

Hudson. Nanuk Lodge, our cosy wilderness retreat in 

northern Manitoba, is remote. I’ve taken four flights, 

going via Toronto and Winnipeg, stopping over at the 

end of the third leg for a night in Churchill, Canada’s 

famous polar-bear town, where the crack of special 

shotgun shells, designed to scare off inquisitive 

bears, can be heard in the streets at night. They’re 

such frequent visitors to town that Churchill even 

has a team of ‘bear cops’, the conservation officers 

of the Polar Bear Alert Program, and the world’s 

only polar-bear holding facility — locals call it ‘bear 

jail’. For most tourists this is the end of the line, and 

many flock here for vehicle-based polar bear tours 

each winter. But my journey doesn’t end here. I’ve 

gone one step further to meet these iconic animals 

on their own turf: in the height of summer, the 

green shores of Hudson Bay are so busy with the 

giants, it’s known as ‘the polar-bear waiting room’. 

So, on the fourth and final stage of my journey, I 

fly out of Churchill and over Wapusk National Park 

down to Nanuk Lodge, in one of the tiny tin-can 

propeller planes that ply this route. The vast expanse 

of grassland green and samphire reds below contrasts 

with the blues and turquoise of Hudson Bay. Beluga 

whales splash in the water, while caribous and wolves 


CANADA 

roam the plains. This sunny, frost-free 

scene is not the kind of place you expect 

to see polar bears, but see them you 

do: bright-white against the verdant 

spread of nature, hundreds can be 

spotted dozing. You can’t miss them. 

It’s not the only reason to be here 

in August. Sure, come winter, this 

polychromatic panorama transforms 

into snow-bleached tundra, and 

the azure bay freezes over. 

It’s then that — after a long summer 

stranded on land — thousands of 

hungry polar bears finally step out onto 

the ice shelf over the water to hunt 

seals, and gorge themselves on blubber. 

This is when most tourists arrive in 

their droves. But what visitors don’t 

appreciate is that bears are at their 

most aggressive and elusive at this 

time of year; witnesses are seeing only 

one side to the polar bear. And during 

winter, visitors only get to see polar 

bears from articulated tundra buggies 

— gargantuan, enclosed tour vehicles 

that roll out of Churchill, while people 

try to snap photos through windows 

over their neighbour’s shoulder. 

Against the lush backdrop of Hudson 

Bay’s subarctic summer I get an 

altogether more intimate insight into 

the lives of these fluffy white bears. 

There’s a reason they call this ‘their 

waiting room’: with full tummies from a 

winter season of hunting, this is where 

they loll and laze in the undergrowth, 

occasionally poking a nose above the 

wild flowers, whiling away long days in 

slumber until the bay freezes again. 

This is why, during my stay at Nanuk, 

we can approach bears on foot — even 

enormous males with the power to 

pulverise us. Perhaps more thrilling 

still, we sneak up on mothers cuddling 

their cubs. In each case, when they see 

us creeping up on them, they either 

take a few hesitant steps towards us 

— to investigate the strange creatures 

with telescopic noses that click and 

whirr and whisper — before fleeing 

the scene; or they roll over and nurse 

their cubs, stretching out among tall 

grasses and pawing the air. Sometimes 

they simply go back to sleep. The 

summer is a wonderful time to see these 

creatures up close, when they’re in a 

seasonal slump — like grandad after 

lunch. It’s a rare privilege to be able to 

stand on the same ground with them. 

If you want to picture how this 

once-in-a-lifetime experience actually 

unfolds, imagine a safari, just a few 

notches lower on the thermometer. 

Everything about the experience — from 

the short-hop flights in light aircraft, to 

the 4WDs used to traverse sparse plains, 

dense underbrush, river crossings and 

swamplands — is redolent of a Kenyan 

lion-hunt. And because it’s summer, 

our vehicles are completely open to 

the elements. Even the weather has its 

own chilly charm. A dawn safari reveals 

dew-bejewelled spiders’ webs and steam 

rising from lakes with ethereal beauty; 

at night, the diaphanous drapes of the 

Aurora Borealis ripple through the sky. 

The season offers up encounters 

you could only dream of at other times 

of year. Polar bears, I soon realise, 

are easily startled and, back at my 

accommodation, I even scare one off 

myself. Big Momma, a well-fed female 

bear, has been hanging around Nanuk 

Lodge all summer. She can easily 

be seen approaching through the 

panoramic lounge windows, and guests 

all bring their cameras to the table, 

poised to dash to the terrace to take 

pictures. One such lunchtime, on her 

daily lolloping constitutional around 

the perimeter, Big Momma emerges 

from behind an outbuilding to find me 

waiting with my camera on the other 

side of the fence, just a metre or so 

away. The majestic matriarch dwarfs 

me, but the shock of seeing a human 

sparks a comedic double-take, and 

I’m bemused to watch her run away. 

The bear that prompts Andy to get 

his gun, however, isn’t budging, and 

remains undeterred. I remember the 

advice Rose, a tour rep who lives in 

Churchill, gave me a few nights before. 

If confronted with a bear, a) make 

yourself look big, b) don’t turn your 

back on it, and c) move away slowly. 

‘Try to get into any building or car,’ 

Rose told me. Nobody locks anything 

in Churchill, because they wouldn’t 

want to deprive anyone of an escape 

route. ‘I couldn’t even tell you where 

the keys to my house are. I’ll go on 

a two-week vacation and leave my 

front door unlocked,’ she swears. 


Opening pages: A polar bear 

swimming in Hudson Bay 

This page: Melting ice blocks 

line the rocky pathway 


CANADA 

This page: A tundra buggy 

ferries passengers looking 

for polar bears at sunset in 

Cape Churchill 

Opposite: A polar bear 

rests up 

We’re pretty far from Churchill now 

though, so — puffing up my chest and 

looking as big as I can — I glance over 

my shoulder at our purpose-built polar 

exploration vehicle: a hulking 4WD 

powerhouse, with huge wheels and 

seats bolted to it. Staff have dubbed it 

‘the rhino’. Unfortunately, it has neither 

doors nor roof, so won’t provide much 

protection from a 2.5m (8ft!) bear. 

Andy usually discourages them from 

approaching us simply by talking, or 

clicking a couple of rocks together — 

methods that I’ve already seen him 

use — but his chatter goes unheeded 

this time. Butch remains mute. His 

grandfather once advised him, ‘Don’t 

tell the white man all our secrets at 

once,’ and the tight-lipped guide has 

apparently taken this lesson to heart. 

In fact, I’m also relishing the 

opportunity to study this polar bear up 

close. Her unique physiology — slightly 

webbed toes and musculature across 

her chest designed for swimming — 

defines her species as the world’s only 

marine bear. Even as she stalks us 

‘ 

THEY’RE SUCH 

FREQUENT 

VISITORS TO 

TOWN THAT 

CHURCHILL EVEN 

HAS A TEAM OF 

‘BEAR COPS’ 

AND A POLAR- 

BEAR HOLDING 

FACILITY 

’ 

she still looks utterly adorable, but I 

realise the situation has escalated when 

Butch, whose hawk-eyed tracking has 

hitherto been silent, bursts into life 

and launches a few stones towards the 

bear. They explode like waterbombs 

in the puddles around her and she 

retreats, momentarily startled, before 

fear turns to annoyance and she’s back. 

Butch jumps into the rhino and 

aggressively revs the engine, making the 

vehicle lurch forward. After his ballistic 

assault on the polar bear, though, 

she barely breaks stride at the racket, 

and as soon as he kills the motor her 

attention is again fixed solely on us. 

Bang! At last, a projectile rockets 

from the barrel of Andy’s pistol. The 

low-powered round arcs through 

the air and bursts just by our polar 

bear’s brow. It even makes my ears 

ring where I’m standing, so our poor 

bear must be deafened and, with a 

thunderclap that enshrouds her head 

in a cloud of smoke, she finally flees. 

As Andy bins his spent cartridges 

and pours us coffee from a flask, 

I spy Butch’s redundant shotgun 

sat idle in the rhino, and note the 

absence of a pistol on his hip. 

‘Sure, I have one,’ he smiles 

over the brim of his mug, and 

produces a gun from a leatherette 

case. ‘The company gave it to me 

years ago when I first joined.’ 

‘When did you last have 

to use it?’ I ask him. 

He smirks in a way that silently 

betrays millennia of untold landlore 

(maybe he just thinks I’m 

an idiot) and replies: ‘Never.’ 



Credit: James Draven/The Sunday Times Travel Magazine/News Licensing 


This page: Soft, 

colourful corals around 

Lizard Island 

Credit: Andrew Eames/The Sunday Times Travel Magazine / News Licensing 


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Weekends 

Staycations and short-haul escapes 

MALDIVES MEETS DA DONG 

What’s a stay at a private island resort without a meal 

prepared by a Michelin-starred chef? Indian Ocean favourite, 

JA Manafaru, has teamed up with chef Dong Zhenxiang (aka 

Da Dong), to offer an exclusive pop-up dining experience 

at White Orchid. The culinary maestro, who founded the 

Michelin-starred Da Dong Roast Duck restaurant concept in 

Beijing, combines his signature dishes with Maldivian flavours 

for a stand-out dining experience, served throughout the year. 


WEEKENDS 

Reasons to go back to… 

THE POINTE 

Dubai’s latest foodie destination on Palm Jumeirah is upping the ante 

with a new wave of hot happenings that are sure to whet the appetite 

Hawker hotspot 

Immerse yourself in the 

sights, tastes and aromas 

of Asia’s late-night 

markets at the newlyopened 

Asian District. 

Dubai’s largest Asian food 

market, the split-level 

hub has eight restaurants, 

each with a distinct theme. 

Take your pick from the 

live cooking stations 

offering freshly-made 

sushi, noodles, ramen, 

teppanyaki, dim sum, 

dumplings and more. You'll 

chow down to a backing 

track of livestock sounds, 

motorbikes, car horns 

and bicycle bells, with 

quirky performers, such as 

sumo wrestlers and actors 

playing mahjong, bringing 

the concept to life. 

Asian District 

Star power 

Rue Royale is causing a stir 

on Dubai’s dining scene, 

luring gourmands to taste 

fine French cuisine in an 

unlicensed setting. It’s the 

brainchild of two-Michelinstar 

chef Mathieu Viannay, 

the culinary mastermind 

behind the century-old La 

Mère Brazier in Lyon, which 

has welcomed numerous 

high-profile guests through 

its doors. Rue Royale takes 

inspiration from its French 

sibling, serving a selection 

of La Mère Brazier signature 

dishes, alongside new 

creations that nod to the 

culinary heritage of the 

Middle East. The best way 

to experience it is at the 

chef’s table. 

Sun King mocktail, Rue Royale 

Brunch with a view 

Seafood fans can soak up the sea air while 

chilling to a Balearic Islands soundtrack at the 

all-new The View brunch at Seafood Kitchen. 

Taking place every Friday from noon to 4pm, 

you can taste a delicious array of seafood 

specialities while sipping on free-flowing drinks. 

Menu highlights include red snapper ceviche, 

Spanish seafood paella and a piled-high platter 

of clams, mussels, soft-shell crab, prawns and 

char-grilled, locally-sourced fish. Yum. 


long 

the 

weekend 

Bangkok 

Get set to explore 

one of Asia’s most 

dynamic cities, 

where you'll discover 

gilded palaces, 

rooftop terraces and 

intoxicating markets 


THE LONG WEEKEND 

For the past three years, Bangkok has been 

crowned the most popular place on the planet, 

attracting more than 20 million visitors. Sprawling, 

steamy and often smoggy, the Thai capital radiates 

an infectious energy. 

The city was founded in 1782 on the Chao Phraya 

River by the Chakri royal dynasty, which is still 

in place today. On the eastern riverbank, the Old 

City is home to must-see sights such as the Grand 

Palace, while nearby Chinatown is a colourful and 

chaotic maze. Along the river, Bangrak is the centre 

of the ever-evolving Creative District, with hip 

restaurants and grand riverside hotels. Elsewhere, 

Silom serves as the financial district by day and 

buzzing nightlife destination by night; Siam is 

the main shopping district; while the sois from 

Sukhumvit Road offer bountiful shops and eateries. 

Read on for our curated list of the best luxury 

hotels, talked-about restaurants and only-in- 

Bangkok experiences… 

HEAVENLY HOTELS 

From family-friendly resorts to boutique 

boltholes, here are the best places to stay 

Opened last year in the 

Siam shopping district, 

the Waldorf Astoria 

Bangkok has 171 rooms 

ranging from spacious 

to sprawling. There are 

five restaurants and 

lounges, while the 16thfloor 

infinity pool boasts 

Instagram-ready views 

over the city. 

In the same 

neighbourhood, 

the resort-like Siam 

Kempinski Hotel 

Bangkok has 401 rooms 

and four saltwater pools 

set amid landscaped 

gardens. Foodies will love 

the Michelin-starred Thai 

restaurant, while families 

will appreciate the 

complimentary kids’ club. 

Tucked away in acres of 

gardens and lotus ponds 

near Silom’s Lumpini Park, 

The Sukhothai Bangkok 

has 210 rooms outfitted 

with silks, teakwood and 

muted earthy colours. Chill 

out by the rooftop infinity 

pool or in the spa, and 

don’t miss the fabulous 

Sunday brunch. 

In tranquil grounds by 

the river, The Siam is an Art 

Deco-inspired gem with 29 

antique-filled suites and 10 

private pool villas. Lounge 

by the infinity pool or fill 

your days with cooking 

classes, spa treatments, 

Muay Thai boxing sessions 

or sunset cruises aboard an 

historic rice barge. 

In the heart of 

Chinatown, Baan 2459 

(baan2459.com) is a 

romantic heritage hotel 

which offers just four 

rooms. Each one is unique; 

plump for Room Two with 

its own private entrance, 

four-poster bed and 

clawfoot bath. 

Then there's the storied, 

riverside Mandarin Oriental 

Bangkok, forever ranked 

among the world's best. 

Opposite page: Lady selling fruit 

from her boat at Floating Market 

This page, from top: Chao Phraya 

river flows through the city; The 

Sukhothai, Bangkok 

sizzling 

street food 

Hit the streets to find 

some of the city’s most 

mouth-watering Thai food 

Despite recent attempts 

by city authorities to rid 

the pavements of food 

carts and stalls, Bangkok’s 

street food scene remains 

thrillingly vibrant. 

Septuagenarian chef, 

JAY FAI, is the undisputed 

queen; her eponymous 

shophouse in Rattanakosin 

became the first and only 

Thai street-food spot to 

receive a star in Bangkok’s 

inaugural Michelin guide in 

2018. Patient foodies won’t 

mind the long wait for her 

famous crab omelettes 

and crab curries. Close 

by, THIP SAMAI is widely 

considered to serve the 

city’s best pad thai. 

In Chinatown; Yaowarat 

Road and the surrounding 

sois are street-food central, 

with plastic tables set up 

from around 5pm 'til late. 

Keep your eyes peeled 

for GUAY JUB OUAN 

POCHANA, T&K SEAFOOD 

and LIM LAO NGOW. 


top of the 

shops 

Tailor on Ten 

For made-to-measure and 

bespoke gents tailoring, 

head to this little slice of 

Savile Row in Sukhumvit. 

The in-house tailors can 

create shirts and suits 

using high-quality Asian 

and European fabrics, 

plus the prices are fixed 

so no haggling is needed. 

tailoronten.com 

Warehouse 30 

This former WWII 

artillery warehouse in 

the Bangrak district has 

been transformed into the 

city’s coolest mixed-use 

space. Browse the stores 

selling locally designed 

fashion, homewares 

and accessories, and 

refuel at the excellent 

café. facebook.com/ 

TheWarehouse30 

Lhong 1919 

On the opposite side of 

the river, this cluster of 

restored 19th-century 

warehouses features 

beautifully-preserved 

Chinese murals and a 

dozen boutiques selling 

homewares, clothing and 

leather goods. Stay for 

lunch or dinner at the 

hip Nai Harng restaurant. 

lhong1919.com 

ALL-STAR 

DINING 

Bangkok has long 

been street-food 

nirvana, but you’ll 

also find plenty of 

Michelin-starred 

establishments 

shaking things up 

Gaa 

Opposite Gaggan 

– regularly named 

Asia’s best restaurant 

– you’ll find the lesshyped 

but equally 

impressive Gaa. Chef 

Garima Arora, a former 

Noma and Gaggan 

alumnus, serves a 10- 

or 14-course tasting 

menu inspired by her 

Indian background, 

Thai ingredients and 

Nordic philosophies, 

with dishes like duck 

doughnut and liquid 

banana bread. 

gaabkk.com 

Paste 

Located in the upmarket 

Gaysorn Village mall, 

husband-and-wife team 

Bee Satongun and Jason 

Bailey draw inspiration 

from centuries-old 

royal Thai cuisine to 

create bold, colourful 

dishes made for sharing. 

Highlights include 

slow-roasted goat curry 

and pickled chive root 

salad with lobster and 

morel mushrooms. 

pastebangkok.com 

Saawaan 

Housed in a converted 

shophouse with moody 

dark walls and floor-toceiling 

windows, chef 

Aom Pongmorn serves 

a seasonal 10-course 

tasting menu with tea 

or grape pairings. From 

the first amuse bouche 

– kai luk koey (poached 

egg in tamarind sauce) 

– to the final pumpkin 

pudding, the dishes will 

surprise and delight. 

saawaan.com 

BUZZY MARKETS 

If you’re in town on the weekend, take a 25-minute cab ride from downtown to Taling 

Chan floating market. Stroll along the floating dock as vendors serve up freshly 

cooked specialities such as hoy tort (fried oyster omelette) from moored boats. 

Then climb aboard a longtail boat and cruise the nearby canals. Make Chatuchak 

weekend market your next stop. The teeming market is divided into 27 sections and 

has more than 10,000 stalls, so download Nancy Chandler’s comprehensive map 

(nancychandler.net) to pinpoint the areas you’re interested in. Best buys include 

traditional textiles and handmade leather goods. After dark, head to hipster-rich Rot 

Fai night market in Ratchada (there’s also a larger sister market on the eastern edges 

of the city). Shop for vintage fashion and kitschy curios and tuck into street food from 

converted VW vans strung with fairy lights. 


THE LONG WEEKEND 

Opposite page, from top: 

Saawaan; Warehouse 30 

This page, from top: Oriental 

Spa; Mahanakhon SkyWalk 

SENSATIONAL SPAS 

If a spa day is top of your wishlist, here are 

three of the best places to get pampered 

ORIENTAL SPA Housed in a century-old teak 

house, the Mandarin Oriental’s spa is reached by 

boat across the river from the main hotel. There 

are 15 treatment rooms, including a handful with 

hot tubs, and menu of traditional Thai and modern 

Western treatments. mandarinoriental.com 

PANPURI ORGANIC SPAThis all-white spa at the 

Park Hyatt specialises in anti-ageing facials and 

hot oil massages from Thailand's leading organic 

skincare brand. There’s a second spa with five 

Japanese-style thermal pools at Gaysorn Village 

mall. panpuriorganicspa.com 

THE PENINSULA SPA In a colonial-style building 

overlooking the Chao Phraya, this three-storey spa 

offers a full range of treatments, from a two-hour 

Thai massage to a hi-tech Second Skin facial using 

3D-printed hyaluronic strips. peninsula.com 

Words: Lara Brunt 

ask a local 

Somrak Sila, 

co-founder of WTF 

Café & Gallery 

(wtfbangkok.com), 

shares her insider 

tips for Bangkok 

“Soul Food 

Mahanakorn (soulfoodmahanakorn.com) 

is my favourite restaurant. It serves 

consistently great Thai food in a simple 

dining space – the pomelo salad with 

chilli jam and popcorn tiger prawns 

is a must-try. Overlooking the Chao 

Phraya River, Loy La Long Hotel 

(loylalong.com) is a tiny hidden 

gem in the grounds of a temple 

and a top spot for a quiet sunset 

drink. A few doors down from my 

own café and gallery, Studio Lam 

(facebook.com/studiolambangkok) 

is perfect for those who love an 

intimate club with incredibly diverse 

music. And don’t leave Bangkok 

without buying some Tiger Balm 

– it’ll fix all of your problems!” 

HEADY HEIGHTS 

Enjoy sensational sunsets 

and sky-high views 

atop some of the city’s 

tallest towers. When the 

golden hour approaches, 

those in the know head 

skyward to one of the 

city’s many rooftop 

terraces. Join them 

at the newly opened 

Mahanakhon SkyWalk 

(kingpowermahanakhon. 

co.th), a two-tiered 

observation deck 

314 metres above 

the busy streets of 

Silom, complete with 

a glass floor section 

and Bangkok’s highest 

rooftop bar. 

Meanwhile, the 

aptly-named Vertigo 

(banyantree.com) pairs 

upscale al fresco dining 

– think smoked Wagyu 

carpaccio topped with 

crayfish and caviar – with 

spectacular views from 

61 floors above the city. 

Before you sit down 

for dinner, drop by 

Moon Bar next door for 

sundowners. 

Across the river, 

ThreeSixty (www3. 

hilton.com) sits atop 

the Millennium Hilton 

Bangkok. Listen to 

live jazz while taking 

in the unfettered 

panorama of the city 

skyline and filling up 

your Instagram feed. 


WORLD TRAVELLER X DCT ABU DHABI 

THREE WAYS TO EXPERIENCE ABU DHABI... 

Immersed 

in nature 

Swap the concrete jungle for the great outdoors 

by exploring these stunning natural attractions 

Photo: Abu Dhabi Mangroves 

1 

The mangroves. A mega 

eco asset, the capital’s 

Mangrove National Park 

is a biodiversity hotspot, 

with lush mangrove forests, 

salt marshes, mudflats 

and algal communities 

to discover. In addition 

to its tropical vibe, the 

mangroves act as a natural 

windbreak, and guard 

against tidal surges, while 

the body of water helps 

remove carbon dioxide from 

the atmosphere. Eastern 

Mangroves Hotel & Spa 

by Anantara offers guided 

kayaking tours for guests. 

You’ll likely spot herons, 

foxes and turtles as you 

paddle and, if you’re really 

lucky, you may even catch a 

glimpse of dolphins. 

2Al Wathba Wetland 

Reserve. It may be 

famous for its pink 

flamingos, but there’s much 

more to these wetlands than 

pretty pink birds. More than 

250 avian species, 37 plant 

species and a variety of 

dragonflies and damselflies 

call the five-squarekilometre 

landscape home. 

Break out the binoculars 

and explore on foot, or join 

one of the tours hosted 

by local nature fan and 

photographer Sultan Karrani 

(see visitabudhabi.ae). 

3Al Ain Oasis. Rewind 

some 4,000 years to 

when the people who 

lived here started taming the 

desert and you’ll get an idea 

of the historic significance 

of this sprawling oasis. A 

UNESCO World Heritage 

Site since 2011, it is shaped 

by a complex shared water 

supply based on wells and 

falaj (the UAE’s traditional 

irrigation system), and 

you can wander through it 

under the shade of myriad 

date palms. Make it an 

educational experience by 

learning more about efforts 

to preserve the delicate 

ecosystem, and showcase 

traditional farming methods, 

at the Eco-Centre. 


A world of 

ideas to be 

discovered 

Register now at 

arabiantravelmarket.wtm.com 

Follow us 

#IdeasArriveHere

WORLD TRAVELLER X DUKES DUBAI 

STAYCATION 

Dukes Dubai 

With its Palm Jumeirah address and distinct British character, Dukes Dubai reigns supreme 

THE ROOMS & SUITES 

Offering the best of British hospitality 

in the UAE, Dukes Dubai has all the 

ingredients for a fun-filled holiday. 

Choose a Junior Suite and you’ll get access 

to the Executive Lounge, which comes 

with a host of benefits, including early 

check-in (and late check-out, so you can 

stretch your stay to the max). If you want 

to stay for longer, the tastefully furnished 

hotel apartments are just the ticket. 

THE FOOD 

Tuck into hearty classics with a twist 

at Great British Restaurant (GBR) or 

taste a North Indian palette of flavours 

at Khyber. Just be sure to keep Friday 

afternoons free for the DUKESY Family 

Brunch, which takes place at West 14th 

Steakhouse from 1pm-4pm. Grab a seat al 

fresco and tuck into tasty food from the 

live cooking stations while the children 

get stuck into the self-serve buffet. 

To find out more, call +971 4 455 1111 or visit dukesdubai.com 

THE ACTIVITIES 

Make the most of the private beach 

access, take a refreshing dip in the 

infinity pool and navigate the lazy river 

on a pool float. Next, have a personal 

training session at the gym, unwind with 

a yoga class by the indoor pool, and book 

the kids in for a swimming lesson*. Little 

ones can run off steam at DUKESY Kids 

Club (for ages 5 to 12), where they can get 

creative with arts and crafts and more. 

* Bookings for activities are subject to availability 


WORLD TRAVELLER X BAB AL SHAMS DESERT RESORT & SPA 

STAYCATION 

Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa 

Take time out at this luxurious desert resort that'll whisk you away on an Arabian adventure 

ROOMS & SUITES 

A 45-minute drive from central Dubai, 

Bab Al Shams has been designed in 

harmony with the surroundings, and 

its 115 rooms and suites make the most 

of the Arabian styled setting. Book a 

Terrace Room for views of the golden 

dunes or the lush Palm Grove. Ideal for 

families, the Deluxe Suite is the largest 

room, with ample space for two adults 

and two children. 

THE FOOD 

The focus this month is firmly on 

brunch. The picnic style 360 Nature 

Brunch, on Saturdays, invites you to 

settle on blanket on the grass and tuck 

into a hamper of delicious treats. The 

Garden Brunch, every Friday, indulges 

foodies with an extensive buffet and livecooking 

stations offering global cuisine. 

Kids' entertainment and supervised play 

areas make these brunches fun for all. 


Mums can take advantage of the special 

Mother's Day spa packages available this 

month (on weekdays only), which are 

designed to offer respite and adventure 

in equal measure. The 'relaxed' package 

includes a Balinese massage while the 

'active' package offers you a choice of 

archery, fat biking or cycling. Plus, 

each includes a leisurely lunch and 

access to the swimming pool. 

To find out more, call +971 4 809 6100 or visit babalshams.com 


YOUR ULTIMATE DESERT ESCAPE.. 

Nestled among the dunes, Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa is the world’s favourite 

choice for dream desert getaways. 

This oasis of tranquility combines rustic charm with top-tier hospitality and luxury 

to bring to life an authentic desert experience. 

BOOK DIRECT & SAVE 

BAB AL SHAMS DESERT RESORT & SPA 

Dubai,United Arab Emirates 

+971 4 809 6100 

BAS.info@meydanhotels.com 

babalshams.com 

/babalshamshotel /babalshamshotel /babalshamshotel

WORLD TRAVELLER X THE ST. REGIS ABU DHABI 

STAYCATION 

The St. Regis Abu Dhabi 

Located at the vibrant heart of the city, opulence abounds at this five-star royal retreat 

ROOMS & SUITES 

Soar up high in the clouds at the 

world’s highest suspended Abu 

Dhabi Suite, with two-floors of jawdropping 

grandeur – a cinema, spa 

and private elevator are just some of 

the highlights. If the budget doesn't 

quite stretch to this, enjoy the 36 Hour 

Escape staycation offering a Superior 

King Sea View Room with breakfast for 

two at The Terrace on the Corniche. 

THE FOOD 

Not for the faint of heart, those with 

a head for heights can experience a 

Helipad Sunset Supper, 255 metres 

in the air, with a spread of exquisite 

dining delights to spice up the evening. 

Alternatively, keep it simple at Villa 

Toscana, where the interiors are 

reminiscent of Italian summer vibes, 

and the food speaks a tale of ancient 

culinary traditions. 


For weary travellers, Remède Spa's 

75-min Jet-Lag Recovery treatment 

is the perfect fix for travel fatigue. 

Bask in the comfort of stimulating 

back and foot massages, accompanied 

by a hydrating, bespoke facial as 

your body’s internal clock adjusts. 

Afterwards, you can chill at Nation 

Riviera Beach Club, which boasts its 

own private stretch of sand. 

To find out more, call +971 2 694 4444 or visit stregisabudhabi.com 


Abu Dhabi’s Finest Urban Resort 

The St. Regis Abu Dhabi soars to new heights of splendour and service beyond 

expectation. Located at the vibrant heart of Abu Dhabi with a 200 metre stretch of 

pristine beach, overlooking the turquoise waters of the Arabian Gulf which is home 

to the Nation Riviera Beach Club at the finest address in the city. 

The St. Regis Abu Dhabi 

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates t. +971 2 694 4444 stregisabudhabi.com 

©2019 Marriott International, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Preferred Guest, SPG, St. Regis and their logos are the trademarks of Marriott International, Inc., or its affiliates. 

Stay exquisite at more than 40 St. Regis hotels and resorts worldwide. 

@stregishotels

WORLD TRAVELLER X JUMEIRAH 

Jumeirah Emirates Towers 

ONE CITY, TWO SIDES 

Jumeirah Creekside Hotel 

Bisected by the Dubai Creek and offering a duo of unique experiences, make your next 

city break a Jumeirah Creekside Hotel or Jumeirah Emirates Towers occasion 

Contemporary art-styled luxury minutes from the city’s 

heritage heartland, or a lifestyle destination with 

architectural prominence on the doorstep of Dubai’s 

retail and entertainment scene, this duo of five-star Jumeirah 

hotels are tailor made city break destinations. 

Five minutes’ drive from Dubai International Airport places 

you in the soaring sunlit atrium of Jumeirah Creekside Hotel, 

with its commanding views of Dubai Creek. Recognised 

as much for its living art gallery spaces as for its historic 

waterway vistas, and views of the golf club, it’s the perfect city 

base for those looking to get a feel for Dubai’s rich past. 

Get a sense of the city from the comfort of a spacious Club 

Room, your haven of calm after a day spent wandering the 

lanes of the nearby Gold Souk and Spice Souk, or after a sunset 

stroll along the banks of Dubai Creek. 

The view from Jumeirah 

Creekside Hotel 

Premium Deluxe Bedroom, 

Jumeirah Emirates Towers 

Post-exploration downtime also comes in the form of an 

eclectic collection of restaurants and lounges, including the 

gorgeous rooftop setting of Cu-Ba, whose cantilevered pool 

with its sleek glass floor dramatically extends out over the 

building façade. 

A prominent design presence at the head of Sheikh Zayed 

Road, Jumeirah Emirates Towers’ reputation for sky-high 

hospitality is grounded across 56 floors of leisure, dining 

and relaxation focused space that includes award-winning 

grill restaurant The Rib Room and blissful Talise Spa with its 

flotation pool and oxygen bar. 

The stylish accommodation includes the Chopard Ladiesonly 

floor complete with all-female staff, bespoke amenities 

and walk-in shower with separate marble tub. 

Linger at your leisure, but with a clutch of galleries and 

wealth of on-trend eateries housed within the DIFC district, 

located adjacent to the hotel, and the record-breaking 

attractions of Downtown Dubai a few minutes drive away, 

there’s added incentive to explore the area. 

To find out more, visit jumeirah.com/citybreaks 


HAPPINESS 

KNOWING THIS WILL LAST FOREVER 

Save up to 25% when you book your next 

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Unwind and enjoy exclusive privileges 

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entry to Wild Wadi Waterpark, Talise Fitness 

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jumeirah.com/citybreaks 

*Terms and conditions apply

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Get peace of mind and exclusive benefits of travel insurance with AIG through dnata. 

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THROUGH 

THE LENS 

Orrido di Ponte Alto, 

Trento, Italy 

"I wasn't familiar with the 

Trentino region in Northern 

Italy before visiting, but 

within minutes of arriving 

its hidden mix of dramatic 

mountains, mirror-like lakes 

and charming scenery had me 

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idyllic small towns, it doesn't 

boast the huge crowds like 

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something that came in handy 

as our guide ushered our small 

group into this dramatic gorge. 

Standing behind the sheer 

power of the cascading waterfall 

is something I'll never forget. As 

the crashing flow deafened me, 

I was left completely in awe of 

nature's beauty." 

Photographer, Daniel James 

Clarke, loves to travel because 

"it's the best classroom we 

can enter, it’s full of voices and 

diversity you’ll never find in 

any school." @danflyingsolo; 

danflyingsolo.com 

EMAIL US YOUR BEST 

TRAVEL PHOTOS 

in high-res jpeg format, along 

with the stories behind them to 

habiba@hotmediapublishing. 

com and you may end up 

being featured 

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DIGITAL 

Now win! 

BE OUR TRAVEL 

COMPANION 

Stay up-to-date with all that’s 

happening on our social channels 

and join in the conversation by 

sharing your experiences. Here’s 

where you can find us… 

@dnataworldtraveller 

Double tap our dreamy 

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Stay up to date with travel 

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Make the most of your 

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#dnataworldtraveller 

A luxurious stay at Renaissance 

Downtown Hotel, Dubai 

Situated a stone's throw from Burj Khalifa, this hip and 

happening property offers a sense of place with its expansive 

guestrooms featuring indigenous accents. You could be in 

with the chance of winning a one night stay in a Deluxe Room 

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worldtravellermagazine.com/win (terms & conditions apply). 

TRAVEL INSPO AT YOUR FINGERTIPS 

Let our travel news and round-ups, available to read on our website, 

inspire your next trip… 

1The Knowledge. 

Read our handy 

how-tos, from 

getting to grips with 

travel insurance to 

helping kids beat jet 

lag, and more. 

2Staycations. 

Take a peek 

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hotels and resorts on 

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then book your next 

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Check out our 

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Suite dreams 

Our monthly finish with a flourish, delving into a 

suite that has a character and style all of its own 

The Bollywood Suite 

Aloft City Centre Deira 

Get your Shah Rukh Khan on inside this 

vibrant suite, which will immerse you in 

the Hindi film scene with its collection of 

movie memorabilia, in-room cinema screen 

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built-in vending machine dispensing snacks. 

Teamed with a stellar view of the Dubai 

skyline, it's sure to give you a taste of the 

A-list lifestyle. The Bollywood Suite is one of 

four cinema themed suites at the property. 


Ronald Codrai © Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi 

رونالد كودراي © دائرة الثقافة والسياحة - أبوظبي 

DISCOVER 

THE STORIES 

OF OUR NATION’S 

PROUD PAST. 

ABU DHABI’S 

LEGACY AND HISTORY. 

Qasr Al Hosn is the oldest and most significant building 

in Abu Dhabi. It includes the city’s first permanent 

structure, a coral and sea stone watch tower built to 

protect the settlement of Abu Dhabi established on the 

island in the 1760s. Qasr Al Hosn became home to the 

ruling family, a seat of government, and it now stands as 

our nation’s living monument, telling the story of 

Abu Dhabi and its people. 

Book your experience at qasralhosn.ae

Inspiration. Expertly crafted. 

Comprising two iconic towers, the JW Marriott Marquis Dubai, the world’s tallest 5-star hotel, 

is centrally located beside the Dubai Water Canal and offers a spectrum of facilities and services for 

a seamless experience. The hotel features: 1,608 luxurious guest rooms and suites, 

over 15 award-winning restaurants and lounges, Saray Spa featuring traditional hammams, 

a Dead Sea Floatation Pool and 17 treatment rooms, state-of-the-art health club and fitness facilities, 

as well as 8,000 sqm of spectacular meeting spaces. 

JW Marriott® Marquis® Hotel Dubai 

jwmarriott.com/DXBJW 

Sheikh Zayed Road, Business Bay, PO Box 121000, Dubai, UAE | T +971.4.414.0000 | jwmarriottmarquisdubailife.com

World Traveller March 2019

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