World Traveller August 2019

INSPIRED BY 

ISSUE 136 | AUGUST 2019 | COMPLIMENTARY COPY 

Set sail on a family-friendly tour 

of Greece’s Ionian islands 

IBIZA 

SWEDEN 

READER OFFERS 

STAYCATIONS 

Produced in Dubai Production City 

Our pick of... 

Palm Jumeirah

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@JAManafaru_Maldives

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Welcome note 

Summer’s in full swing and whether you’re leaving on a jet 

plane, packing your overnight bag for a staycation (or three) 

or already eyeing your next trip, we’ve got a whole load of 

inspiration inside this issue. 

Managing Director 

Victoria Thatcher 

Editorial Director 

John Thatcher 

General Manager 

David Wade 

Managing Editor 

Faye Bartle 

faye@hotmedia.me 

If it’s always been a dream to holiday on a 

luxury yacht, turn to page 50 to read Jeremy 

Lazell’s story of sailing Greece’s Ionian islands with 

his family in tow. It’s a trip he decided to make 

following a ‘life’s too short’ revelation. If you’re 

in the mood to throw caution to the wind, then 

perhaps it’s time you sampled the charms of Ibiza 

(it’s family friendly now, p38). Or maybe you can 

plump for a total change of scenery in Sweden 

(p40), where Scandi cities and rugged countryside 

compete for attention. 

You don’t need to venture far to have an 

excellent time, however. We shine a light on 

Dubai’s very own Palm Jumeirah (p20) and all 

the wonderful things to see and do there. From 

spreading out in a plush suite, to cooling off in 

sparkling swimming pools and ticking the very 

best experiences off your list – this man-made 

island never fails to impress. 

FIVE THINGS 

WE LEARNED 

THIS ISSUE: 

1 

Jaipur is nicknamed 

The Pink City due to 

its uniform terracotta 

colour pallete that was 

established during the 

19 th century, p8 

2 

No longer just a go to 

party hot-spot, Ibiza 

serves up a veritable 

family-affair, p34 

3 

In Sweden, the concept 

of fika means it's 

customary to share a 

cup of coffee and a cake 

with friends every day, 

p40 

Content Writers 

Habiba Azab 

Sophia Dyer 

Art Director 

Kerri Bennett 

Senior Designer 

Hiral Kapadia 

Happy travels, 

Faye Bartle 

Win! 

A two night stay at 

Anantara The Palm 

Dubai Resort in 

Duabi, p75 

Senior Advertising Manager 

Mia Cachero 

mia@hotmedia.me 

Production Manager 

Muthu Kumar 

INSPIRED BY 

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 

Getty Images 

Find us at… 

ONLINE worldtravellermagazine.com 

FACEBOOK @WorldTravellerME 

INSTAGRAM @worldtravellerme 

TWITTER @WTravellerME 

4 

At Astir Beach in 

Athens, the designated 

archeological site of 

Temple Apollo Zoste 

sits just a stone's throw 

from the beach, p54 

5 

Kingdom of Perfumes 

in Bahrain is the place 

to go for an bespoke 

mix of your perfect 

aroma, p56 

worldtravellermagazine.com 3

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Korean product line, which uses Diamonds. Yes, you read that right! Diamonds are 

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For more information or to make a booking please call +971 4 414 6754. 

JW Marriott Marquis Dubai | Sheikh Zayed Road, Business Bay, PO Box 121000, Dubai, UAE 

mhrs.dxbjw.spa@marriott.com | jwmarriottmarquisdubailife.com

Contents 

August 2019 

8TRENDING DESTINATIONS 

regulars 

8 13 17 74 76 

TRENDING 

DESTINATIONS 

This month's go-to 

places include lively 

summer hot-spot 

Seattle, and historical 

pink city, Jaipur. 

GLOBETROTTER 

Test the waters of 

these new luxury 

hotels, or embark on a 

culinary journey. Plus, 

we shine a light on 

family-friendly breaks. 

THE KNOWLEDGE 

Make sure you leave 

a positive mark on 

the places you visit 

by swotting up on 

the principles of 

responsible tourism. 

DIGITAL DOWNLOAD 

Head online for 

exclusive content and, 

better still, the chance 

to win a two-night stay 

at Anantara The Palm 

Dubai Resort. 

SUITE DREAMS 

Check into The 

Kimpton Fitzroy 

London Hotel's Corner 

Suite for oodles of 

19 th century drama 

and class. 


CONTENTS 

features 

20 34 

PICK OF THE PALM BABY BLUES 

Get the skinny on the Amanda Hyde revisits 

best suites, restaurants, her 90s party haunt, 

pools, spas and 

Ibiza, for a family affair 

experiences on this manmade 

island of wonder. in 

with husband and kids 

tow. 

40 

SCANDI CRUSH 

Liz Edwards gets to 

know both sides of 

Sweden in just one trip, 

from the chic city to the 

rugged countryside. 

46 

THE LONG YACHT 

SUMMER 

Jeremy Lazell whisks 

his family away on a 

glamorous cruise around 

Greece's Ionian islands. 

weekends 

54 56 

CULTURE TRIP A LONG WEEKEND 

Head to Athens for IN BAHRAIN 

a steady line-up of Peel back the layers of 

historical feats and this fascinating Pearl 

cultural hot-spots. of the Gulf. 

62 

STAYCATIONS 

Feel in need of a break? 

We have a few more 

reasons to book a 

weekend escape. 

34 

IBIZA 

70 

TRAVEL OFFERS 

It's time we sent you 

packing. Choose your 

next adventure from 

our exclusive offers. 

6 worldtravellermagazine.com

DISCOVER FAMILY 

FUN HOLIDAYS 

Thailand has always been a fantastic place for all sorts of holidays - it offers affordable 

luxury, warm hospitality and a variety of attractions and activities for everyone to see 

and do. 

Centara Hotels & Resorts offers great value family-friendly accommodation in gorgeous, 

tropical Thailand including Bangkok, Pattaya, Hua Hin, Phuket, Samui and Krabi. 

Relax in the comfort of our top-quality rooms, suites and pool villas, with glorious 

beaches, exhilarating water activities, relaxed beachfront dining, local culture and 

endless entertainment just moments away. Meanwhile, kids can go wild at our 

sensational waterparks and at our fully-supervised, multi-age Kids’ Club. 

FREE HALF BOARD 

Your Breakfast & Dinner are on us! 

From only AU$ 54 per night 

View offers: centarahotelsresorts.com/world-traveller 

Plus, 2 kids 

stay and 

play for free. 

BOOK DIRECT FOR OUR BEST PRICE PROMISE centarahotelsresorts.com reservations@chr.co.th 

MEMBERS GET MORE 

CentaraThe1 members 

receive 10% off any online rate, 

plus many more privileges.

TRENDING DESTINATIONS 

Emily Williams, dnata Travel’s resident globetrotter, 

reveals the best places to hop on a plane to this month 

Seattle 

It's an excellent time to visit Seattle, with its sunny weather and variety of outdoor events. In August alone, there's 

Seattle Art Fair, Watershed (a country music festival) an air show, car show, film festival, and even a salmon festival. 

Famous for its coffee culture – the world’s first Starbucks opened here at the popular Pike Place Market – this 

Washington city is also a great spot for whale watching around the San Juan Islands. 

Highlights 1 Uncover a host of oddities, including shrunken heads and washed-up mermaids, at the century-old Ye 

Olde Curiosity Shop. 2 Take to the sky with a scenic seaplane tour and experience the Emerald City from above. 3 Go north 

and pay a visit to the 18-foot-tall stone troll that lives under Aurora Avenue Bridge. With any luck, he shall let you pass. 



Tunis 

Where else can you visit the Sahara Desert, the beach and some of the world’s most impressive Roman ruins 

all in one day? Tunisia is expecting a record number of tourists this year. Its capital, Tunis, is located on the 

Mediterranean coast and is home to some of North Africa’s most beautiful beaches. Here, you can discover a land 

brimming with atmospheric souks, aromatic spices and incredible local cuisine. 

Highlights 1 Tuck into a traditional lamb with apricots dish at the popular homegrown restaurant El Ali on 

Rue Jamaa Ez Zitouna. 2 Pay a trip to Zitouna Mosque. Built in 732 CE, its prayer hall is a dazzling sight. 3 The largest 

Roman amphitheatre in Africa, El Jem (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), is about a two-hour drive away. 


Jaipur 

Live like a Maharaja in the majestic city of Jaipur. The capital of India’s Rajasthan state, the Pink City (a moniker 

inspired by the trademark colour of its buildings) evokes a regal ambience – it was founded and ruled by the royal 

family until 1971. Visit the opulent City Palace complex and explore its courtyards, gardens and museums, or 

venture into the surrounding former palaces, some of which are now converted to five-star hotels. 

Highlights 1 Drink a traditional masala chai at Sahu Tea Shop – one of the most famous places for a brew in the city. 2 Head to Hanuman Ji 

Temple to soak up the peaceful ambience and to see the mischievous monkeys that call the place home. 3 Before your time in the city is up, 

visit Jantar Mantar, the world’s largest sundial – it's one of five such observatories in West-Central India built by Jai Singh. 



Larnaca 

It’s peak summertime on the Mediterranean island of Cyprus. Just a four-hour flight from Dubai, it is an enduringly 

popular place to escape the desert heat. Fly into Larnaca, a beautiful town on the coast with long stretches of golden 

sand. Next, head further inland to explore the modern downtown district, historic Old Town and atmospheric 

Turkish Quarter for the perfect blend of relaxation and activity. 

Highlights 1 Take a trip to Larnaca Salt Lake and see its dry shores strewn with pink flamingos. 2 Seasoned scuba divers can venture 

below the surface to see the Zenobia Shipwreck, a ferry that sank in 1980 – you'll find it just off the fishing harbour. 3 Got kids in tow? 

Hire a car and make the one-hour drive to Nicosia's Fairytale Museum, which brings the magical world of fairy tales to life. 


AUGUST 

Globetrotter 

XXXXXXXXXXXXX 

Be informed, be inspired, be there 

Photo: InterContinental Hayman Island Resort 

WE ARE FAMILY 

Jetting off for some quality time 

together? The newly-opened 

InterContinental Hayman Island Resort 

beckons with its mix of luxury and fun. 

Tucked away in The Whitsunday Islands, 

at the heart of the Great Barrier Reef, 

this idyllic resort offers a host of family 

adventures, from swimming with turtles 

to group meditation classes. For large 

broods, the Three Bedroom Hayman 

Beach House delivers the ultimate 

private island holiday experience. 


Anantara Villa Padierna Palace Benahavis Marbella Taj Rishikesh Resort 

Resort & Spa, India 

FAM TRIPS 

One of the busiest 

months of the year for 

family travel, we've 

rounded up three options 

for last-minute breaks... 

1 

FOR MUSICAL FANS 

Hotel Grand Elysée, 

Hamburg: Opt for the 

musical package here, 

and you'll receive tickets 

to Disney's The Lion King 

show at the nearby theatre. 

NEW HOTELS 

Fresh places to stay 

Race you to these newly-opened hotels and resorts 

DREAM 

LOCATION 

KEMPINSKI HOTEL 

HANGZHOU 

China's southeast 

coast has natural 

beauty aplenty – 

the Grand Canal 

stretching from 

Beijing to Hangzhou is 

a feat to behold. 

ANANTARA VILLA 

PADIERNA PALACE 

Amid rolling hills 

overlooking the 

Med, Anantara Villa 

Padierna Palace 

Benahavis Marbella 

Resort shines on 

Spain’s southern coast. 

WALDORF ASTORIA 

MALDIVES ITHAAFUSHI 

Accessible only by 

yacht, you can expect 

classic Maldivian 

magic: white sand 

beaches, crystal clear 

waters and breathtaking 

vistas. 

2 

FOR PAMPERING 

JA Manafaru, Maldives: 

Check into The Royal 

Residence and dial down 

the pace together with the 

Mum & Me and Father & 

Son spa treatments. 

OUR PICK OF THE 

ROOMS 

WHY WE 

LOVE IT 

The Grand Canal View 

Room has serene 

views and a lush 

rainforest shower, 

while the Executive 

Room includes access 

to the lounge. 

For equal amounts of 

modern luxury and 

historic significance 

on your doorstep. Plus 

authentic Hangzhou 

cuisine at Zi Chen 

Chinese Restaurant. 

The Presidential Villa 

sleeps two adults and 

one child, and has 

a private swimming 

pool, rooftop terrace, 

and butler service 

during the day. 

Home to 1,200 original 

artworks, this gallery 

hotel has a private 

beach club, spa, and 

three golf courses, with 

Spanish cuisine on tap. 

The ultra-exclusive 

Ithaafushi Private Island 

has five bedrooms, two 

villas, five pools, and an 

entertainment centre – 

a private sandy island 

paradise. 

Foodies are spoilt for 

choice with 11 dining 

concepts to discover. 

We rate Terra where 

you can dine amid 

the treetops in one of 

seven bamboo nests. 

3 

FOR CITY TOTS 

Mandarin Oriental, 

New York: Offering 

bespoke tours of the Big 

Apple, and an awesome 

new line-up of interactive 

books before bedtime. 


GLOBETROTTER 

CULINARY JOURNEYS 

Got a taste for adventure? Set off in pursuit of these 

culinary happenings on our radar this month 

CHEF COLIN CLAGUE 

AT AQUA, COCO BODO 

HITHI, MALDIVES Rüya 

Dubai's award-winning 

executive chef is bringing 

his signature Turkish cuisine 

to Maldivian shores. His 

six-course tasting menu will 

showcase Anatolian flavours 

with a local twist, served at 

overwater restaurant Aqua 

on 11 and 15 August, with a 

special masterclass on 14 

August. cococollection.com 

NETSU, MANDARIN 

ORIENTAL JUMEIRA, 

DUBAI Let the hotel's new 

restaurant Netsu introduce 

you to the traditional 

Japanese cooking technique 

of Warayak. Originating 

from the Kochi Prefecture in 

Shikoku, the chefs grill food 

using dry straw instead of 

charcoal for a unique flavour 

and taste, with soaring 

flames bringing the drama. 

mandarinoriental.com 

CLONAKILLA TRUFFLE 

DINNER, EMIRATES 

ONE&ONLY, WOLGAN 

VALLEY This scenic resort 

in Oz has a mouthwatering 

line-up of foodie events 

taking place during its winter 

period, including a truffleinspired 

degustation dinner 

prepared by executive 

chef Nancy Kinchela on 

the 16 and 17 August. 

oneandonlyresorts.com 

A dish by chef Colin Clague at 

AQUA, Coco Bodo Hithi, Maldives 


GLOBETROTTER 

INTERVIEW WITH... 

Pie Aerts 

The Dutch photographer who has 

travelled far and wide, capturing 

shots of local people in the name of 

art, tells us how he does it 

Be prepared. When I travel to a new destination I 

do my research by looking up work that has been 

shot by other photographers. It helps me figure 

out which parts of a city or country can offer an 

authentic experience. 

As soon as I arrive I start exploring with my 

camera inside my bag. I search for street markets 

or places where local people hang out. Not a 

single guide book in the world will beat the tips of 

local people. 

The most magical moments happen when you go 

with the flow. That is what travel is all about for me. 

A destination that has changed me is India. It’s a 

place that puts things in perspective; going there 

has altered my outlook on life. 

Shoot as much as you can. Always carry a camera, 

as practise makes perfect. But 

remember that photography 

requires patience and persistence, 

so enjoy the ride. 

Tales from the Roads Less 

Traveled by Pie Aerts, published 

by teNeues and MENDO. Avaliable 

at teneues.com and mendo.nl 

Photo credit: Brief encounter with a shepherds' daughter in the outskirts of Pushkar, 

India, Rajasthan - Pushkar, Photo © 2019 Pie Aerts. All rights reserved. 

ON OUR RADAR 

Keeping Omani culture 

alive, author Azhaar 

Ahmed has written the 

perfect bedtime story for 

kids visiting Jabal Akhdar. 

Tales from Jabal Akhdar: 

The Mountain That Touches 

The Stars is available to all 

those bedding down at 

Alila Jabal Akhdar Oman. 

alilahotels.com 

Ever wondered what a 

holiday in 2119 would look 

like? Hilton's Future-Gazing 

report give us an idea. From 

under-the-skin microchips 

modifying how the hotel 

looks to you, to holographic 

personal trainers and 

3D-printed dinners, the 

future looks bright. 

Like father, like son. How 

cute are these matching 

swim shorts? Emirates 

airline has teamed up with 

sustainable fashion brand 

Joseph & Alexander to 

create The Emirates 

Landing Collection. The 

eco-friendly garments are 

avaliable to buy at emirates. 

store.com 

Luxury leather brand MCM 

has released its neon 

Summer Travel Capsule 

collection just in time 

for your next trip. And 

the bright colours are a 

surefire way to keep the 

holiday spirit alive long 

after you've returned 

home. mcmworldwide.com 


KNOW-HOW 

The Knowledge 

HOW TO... 

Have a holiday that gives back 

Make sure you leave a positive mark on the places you visit by swotting up on the 

principles of responsible tourism. Here’s what you need to know… 

Not to be confused with sustainable 

travel, the responsible tourism 

movement is all about empowering 

travellers to make a positive 

contribution to destinations 

around the world. “It aims to help 

create better places for people 

to live in and better places for 

people to visit,” says responsible 

tourism expert Dr Harold Goodwin 

(haroldgoodwin.info). “This means 

taking action to help make tourism 

more sustainable by maximising 

the positive economic, social and 

environmental impact of your trips.” 

Here's how... 

CHECK IT BEFORE YOU 

WRECK IT 

“Before setting off, the most 

important thing to do is to learn about 

the local issues, whether it’s a lack 

of employment or water shortages… 

get informed,” says Harold. Once you 

have the scoop on the hot topics of 

the area you can tweak your plans, 

if needed. For instance, you could 

spend some of your holiday time 

volunteering for a worthy cause. 

At Anantara Dhigu Resort in the 

Maldives, you can join the Coral 

Adoption Programme and help care 

for coral in the resort’s reef while 

at Atholl Palace in Perthshire in the 

UK, you can plant your very own tree 

on the grounds. Being responsible, 

however, can even be as simple as 

making sure you’re up to date on all 

your vaccinations and have a good 

travel health insurance policy in place. 

By taking control of your health, you’ll 

be less likely to need to draw upon the 

local health services. 

MEET THE LOCALS 

While travelling, make an effort to 

broaden your cultural understanding 

of the traditions and values of the 

native people. “Tourism is positive 

when it increases the understanding 

between cultures and people,” 

says Harold. During your trip, get 

stuck into meeting the residents 

by visiting local haunts. “By using 

a tour guide who is from that 

region, you’ll get to understand and 

share some of the real atmosphere of 

the place,” says Harold. Find a local 

guide who can curate your perfect 

tour by thinking outside the box – 

enjoying a home cooked meal at 

your host's house may well rival your 

typical fine dining expeirence. 

GO FOR HOMEGROWN 

Quite often, countries and local 

families are reliant on the income 

brought in by tourism so you can pay 

it forward by carefully selecting where 

you spend your money. If you’re in the 

market for some unique keepsakes, 

use the knowledge of your tour guide 

to hunt down the boutiques of local 

artisans where you’ll find a range of 

handmade items that not only look 

good but do good supporting local 

trade. Choose to stop for coffee in an 

independent café rather than a global 

chain and your money will go straight 

into the hands of a local entrepreneur. 

BRUSH UP ON ETIQUETTE 

As in our home towns, each place 

you visit has a set of social norms 

that you will do well to adhere to. In 

Japan, it’s considered rude to tip the 

waiter and while you may be used 

to jumping in the back of a taxi, it’s 

a social faux pas to not ride shotgun 

with the driver in Australia. It’s easy 

to research and, just like making the 

effort to learn some language basics, 

it’ll help put a smile of the face of all 

those you meet. 

To learn more, check out Harold’s 

book Responsible Tourism: Using 

Tourism for Sustainable Development, 

available at amazon.com 


Straight to the point 

Journey to the peak of luxury at Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort 


WORLD TRAVELLER X ANANTARA AL JABAL AL AKHDAR RESORT 

Unwind in a Garden Pool Villa 

Delightful Omani details 

Soak in stunning canyon vistas 

from your villa's infinity pool 

In 1986, a helicopter delivered a 

British royal couple to the untouched 

wilderness of Jebel Akhdar in Oman. 

For hours, Prince Charles painted the 

canyon’s rugged beauty while Princess 

Diana read a book. Fast forward to 

today and, thanks to scenic winding 

roads that climb up to that very same 

spot on the Saiq Plateau, you can soak 

up the stunning view over drinks and 

nibbles, rise with the sun for a yoga 

session, or indulge in a romantic feast 

of local delicacies with your loved one 

from Diana’s Point at Anantara Al Jabal 

Al Akhdar Resort. 

A two-hour drive from Muscat 

International Airport, this ancient-fortlike 

resort is uniquely situated 2,000 

metres above sea level, deeming it the 

highest five-star resort in the Middle 

East. You can choose to stay secluded 

amid lush green foliage, or with direct 

views of the captivating canyon. Either 

way, all 115 rooms pay homage to Omani 

heritage, with design details that 

encapsulate the barren yet strikingly 

beautiful landscape that surrounds 

you. For ultimate privacy, we rate the 

Cliff Pool Villas, which each feature an 

infinity pool spilling out towards the 

mountains as far as the eye can see. 

It won’t be long before the striking 

scenery beckons you to venture 

outdoors to explore Oman’s natural 

wonders. Take to the hills either 

trekking or on a mountain bike and 

admire the breathtaking beauty of the 

western Hajar Mountains or enjoy a 

culture-packed visit to the historic city 

of Nizwa, renowned for centuries as 

the ‘Pearl of Islam’. Back to the resort, 

retreat to Anantara Spa and indulge 

in a hammam ritual that draws on 

the healing power of rose water and 

pomegranate for a glowing complexion. 

With six dining venues to pick from, 

foodies will be spoilt for choice here. 

Feel the Italian vibes at Bella Vista, 

where home-style regional classics 

are served with contemporary flair. Al 

Qalaa takes you on a savoury journey 

steeped in the region’s culinary 

roots while Al Baha serves a range of 

speciality teas around the courtyard’s 

open fireplace – a setting that’s best 

enjoyed under a starry night’s sky. 

Epicureans can grab an apron and delve 

into the secrets of Thai and Omani 

cuisine with the step-by-step Spice 

Spoons cooking class so, by the end of 

your trip, you’ll have the all the knowhow 

you need to recreate your favourite 

dishes back home. 

To find out more, call +968 25 218000 

or visit anantara.com 


Pick of thePALM 

Dubai's Palm Jumeirah is one of the largest man-made islands on the planet, 

from its two-kilometre-long trunk to the tips of its 17 fronds and the surrounding 

crescent. Launched in 2001, this awe-inspiring isle reclaimed from the sea has 

developed into a glamorous mixture of luxury hotels, high-end restaurants, 

thrilling attractions and more that combine to make one of the emirate's most 

magnetic tourist spots. Discover the very best bits with our round-up of musthave 

activities and experiences... 


PALM JUMEIRAH 


Pick of the SUITES 

Stay at these plush suites where panoramic Palm Jumeirah views 

meet private pools, direct beach access, round-the-clock butler 

service – and even waking up to aquarium views 

1Royal Suite, Waldorf Astoria 

Dubai Palm Jumeirah 

This coveted two-bedroom suite 

occupies the entire top floor of the 

hotel, taking the crown as the largest 

suite in the emirate (1,567sqm). 

Opulent woods and Italian marble 

set the tone for a VIP stay, with large 

living and dining areas, as well as a vast 

terrace from which to admire those 

panoramic Palm views. Your entourage 

is sure to be impressed by the 

20-guest majlis and kitchen with butler 

service, and there's two additional 

bedrooms for your assistants. 

2Luxe Two Bedroom Suite With 

Private Pool, FIVE Palm Jumeirah 

This plush 175sqm suite is great for 

groups, comfortably sleeping up to 

five adults. There’s a separate kitchen 

area and living room to hang out in, as 

well as a social dining room set-up for 

meals shared around the table. You’ll 

soon be inspired to take the party 

outdoors, however, as the large terrace 

beckons with its private pool directly 

facing the Arabian Gulf. It’s the ideal 

way to chill while watching the sunset 

against a Dubai Marina backdrop. 

Grand King Suite, Rixos 

3 The Palm 

Step into the private elevator and 

journey straight to this vast (580sqm) 

penthouse suite that'll wow you with 

its floor-to-ceiling windows, sparkling 

views and awesome outdoor space. 

Bagsie the master bedroom for its 

king size bed, spacious walk-in closet, 

and en-suite bathroom complete with 

whirlpool bathtub and standalone 

rainfall shower. 

Underwater Suite, Atlantis 

4 The Palm, Dubai 

Dive deep into relaxation as you 

unwind to majestic views of the 

Ambassador Lagoon (boasting 

65,000 marine inhabitants) through 

floor-to-ceiling windows in your 

bedroom and en-suite – simply watch 

on in wonder as the fishes swim past. 

This impressive three-storey suite, of 

which there are just two (Neptune 

and Poseidon), sets out to impress 

with interconnecting bedrooms, a 

grand living room and chic amenities 

including 24-karat gold smellies. 

5 

Palm Beach Executive Suite With 

Pool, One&Only The Palm 

This sophisticated, one-bedroom 

130sqm suite comes complete with 

a private pool and is just steps away 

from the beach. There are just two of 

these suite types available, offering 

round-the-clock service by a team 

of dedicated hosts. Unwind on your 


PALM JUMEIRAH 

BRITISH 

CHARM 

Experience the best of British 

hospitality against a stunning 

backdrop of sun, sea and sand at 

Dukes The Palm, a Royal Hideaway 

Hotel. Take your pick of the 

luxurious rooms and suites, 

with the option to stay allinclusive 

allowing you to 

fully unwind. 

Opening pages: Atlantis The Palm, Dubai Opposite page, top to bottom: Palm Beach Executive Suite with 

Pool, One&Only The Palm; Royal Suite, Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah This page, clockwise from top 

left: Anantara Two Bedroom Beach Pool Villa, Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort; a suite at Dukes The Palm, a 

Royal Hideaway Hotel; Underwater Suite, Atlantis The Palm, Dubai 

private beachfront patio or take a 

dunk in the sumptuous oversized 

freestanding marble tub. Distinctive 

Moorish and Andalusian architecture 

enhances the holiday vibe. 

6Superior 3 Bedroom Penthouse, 

Kempinski Hotel & Residences 

Palm Jumeirah 

If you’re travelling with the 

whole family in tow, this 440sqm 

penthouse’s three bedrooms 

(sleeping up to 6 adults and 2 

children) is just the ticket. With a 

separate kitchen and living room with 

terraces overlooking the lagoon and 

the sea, there’s plenty of room to 

socialise. Luxury décor with hues of 

gold create an air of opulence. 

7Anantara Two Bedroom Beach 

Pool Villa, Anantara The Palm 

Dubai Resort 

The resort’s popular overwater villas 

are unique to Dubai but the beach 

pool villa option transports you from 

the shores of the Arabian Gulf to 

exotic Asian lands with barefoot luxury 

in spades. Bi-fold patio doors open up 

onto a private terrace and infinity pool 

with its own chic dining sala, bordered 

by a lush green lawn and the beach 

mere steps beyond. 

8The Palm Suite, Sofitel the Palm 

Dubai Resort & Spa 

Designed especially for large 

entourages or extended families 

travelling together, this four-bedroom 

(450sqm) penthouse suite occupies 

the entire top floor of the resort’s 

central building. Retreat to the master 

suite with its king-size bed, en-suite 

bathroom, separate dressing room 

and private gym. Beyond the French 

doors are two expansive terraces, 

both with magnificent views. 

9Grand Imperial Suite, Jumeirah 

Zabeel Saray 

Follow in the footsteps of royalty 

and A-listers who have stayed in this 

grand 310sqm suite, which is tucked 

away at the highest point of the 

resort. Breathtaking sea views, richly 

appointed interiors, a personal spa 

and private butler service delivers the 

VIP treatment. 

Presidential Suite, Fairmont 

10 The Palm 

With its mix of Arabic-influenced 

décor and contemporary interior 

design, this 390sqm suite marries 

style and comfort. It's all about the 

view, however, with its expansive 

terrace offering 180-degree vistas of 

the Dubai Marina skyline. 


Pick of the RESTAURANTS 

Get set for a meal to remember at these top-notch 

restaurants that will win you over with a compelling 

combination of tantalising fare and a stunning setting 

TORNO SUBITO, W DUBAI 

- THE PALM 

Despite being a shiny, smiley, seaside 

affair, Torno Subito carries the 

weighty expectation of Chef Massimo 

Bottura on its shoulders, he of three 

Michelin stars and 2018’s World’s 

Best Restaurant (for Italy’s Osteria 

Francescana) acclaim. It doesn’t 

buckle. A playful gem topped by the 

best gelato in town. 

What to order: The mere but 

magnificent margherita pizza takes 

centre stage, edging the too-rich-forour-taste 

chef’s favourite. 

MEKONG, ANANTARA THE PALM 

DUBAI RESORT 

Pan-Asian restaurants usually suffer 

by being, as the saying goes, a 

jack of all trades but a master of 

none. Not so Mekong, which has 

proved itself skilled in Chinese and 

Vietnamese and a master of Thai. Park 

yourself in rickshaw-style seating for 

complementing views across to the city. 

What to order: The comes-with-a-kick 

phad kaprow goong. 

101 DINING LOUNGE AND 

MARINA, ONE&ONLY THE PALM 

Nowhere says you’re having dinner 

on the Palm quite like this place, the 

terrace of which bestows glorious 

across-water views of the city’s spiked 

skyline. With a new menu rubber 

stamped by three-Michelin starred chef 

Yannick Alléno, the food doesn’t suffer 

by comparison. 

What to order: Anything plucked from 

the sea is good, but Alléno’s take on 

bouillabaisse is best. 

RUE ROYALE, THE POINTE 

The pride of the Palm’s foodie hotspot 

The Pointe, Rue Royale is the result 

of chef Mathieu Viannay’s ambitious 

quest to sprinkle his Michelin stardust 

over an entirely Halal and alcohol-free 

menu inspired by classic French fare. 

TRUCK ON… 

Swap fine dining for side-ofthe 

road bites at the 11km-long 

The Boardwalk, which is home to 

several dozen food trucks serving 

everything from fish and chips 

to shawarma, which you can 

tuck into while soaking up 

the sea views. 

Dishes are on the pricey side, but worth 

it for the prized ingredients used. 

What to order: The milk-fed lamb 

shoulder from the rotisserie. 

THE RIB ROOM, JUMEIRAH 

ZABEEL SARAY 

Its elder sibling in Jumeirah Emirates 

Towers is a city stalwart, but this 

outpost tops it. Here you can truly 


PALM JUMEIRAH 

These pages, clockwise from bottom left: 101 Dining 

Lounge and Marina; Khyber; Rue Royale; Mekong 

indulge in ingredients as opulent as 

the resort itself: beluga caviar, purebreed 

master kobe wagyu beef, foie 

gras, oysters, lobster… you get the 

idea. Just be sure to save space for the 

well selected cheeses. 

What to order: That master kobe wagyu 

is almost worthy of its price tag. 

LITTLE MISS INDIA, FAIRMONT 

THE PALM 

A vibrantly decorated and playful 

restaurant that excels in house-made 

spice mixtures and marinades, used 

to brilliant effect in both the food and 

inspired drinks that put an Indian spin 

on classic recipes. Dishes are served 

for sharing – make sure you’re first 

to the spoon. 

What to order: The soft-as-a-pillow 

murgh malai kebab, fresh from 

the tandoor. 

AKIRA BACK, W DUBAI 

- THE PALM 

Akira Back is the headline act, but 

his Chef de Cuisine Giovanni Ledon 

is the star of this particular show. To 

go alongside Japanese hot and cold 

plates – including what’s arguably 

the best sushi in the city – Ledon has 

created a full vegan menu that packs in 

incredible flavour. 

What to order: The sushi is a must, but 

ask Ledon for a sample plate of vegan 

desserts. You’ll be wowed. 

KHYBER, DUKES THE PALM, 

A ROYAL HIDEAWAY HOTEL 

Embark on a spice-laden journey 

through northern India at this Mumbai 

import, which serves up great views 

across to Dubai Marina – though it’s 

the dishes served that take our full 

attention. Spiced to perfection, the 

curries are faultless (the service not 

far from it), and there’s a substantial 

vegetarian offering. 

What to order: Tiranga paneer tikka 

– you’ll be ever so glad you’re on a 

meat-free day. 


PALM JUMEIRAH 

Pick of the POOLS 

If being surrounded by the sparkling sea isn't enough to satisfy your chill-o-meter, don't fret. 

The island is spilling over with swimming pools to take a refreshing dip in, so go on, dive in! 

1The infinity pool at Dukes The 

Palm, A Royal Hideaway Resort 

Kick back at this Insta-worthy infinity 

pool and gaze at the turquoise waters 

that appear to blend seamlessly into 

the sky. This temperature-controlled 

pool is the ideal spot at which to cool 

down. Plus, it's just a hop, skip and a 

jump away from the hotel's lazy river. 

2Highlights pool bar at Rixos the 

Palm Dubai Hotel & Suites 

Perfect for an uninterrupted pool 

day, this lush oasis is surrounded 

by palm trees, with a swim-up bar 

keeping you well-fed and watered. 

You can dry off on one of the many 

comfy sunloungers or exclusive beach 

cabanas. The kids will enjoy splashing 

around in the dedicated shallow pool. 

Infinity pool at Anantara the 

3 Palm Dubai Resort 

If you're eager to get some lengths in, 

you'll be in your element in this Thaiinspired 

resort's 50-metre infinity 

pool. Swim to your heart's content, 

admiring the charming architecture 

and shoreline views as you go. Don't 

leave without taking a relaxing 

dunk in the Jacuzzi overlooking the 

Arabian Gulf. 

The main pool, Sofitel Dubai 

4 The Palm 

With six outdoor pools to choose 

from, you're spoilt for choice here. 

The main pool faces the beach, with 

its sun decks surrounded by palm 

trees, vibrant bougainvillea and more 

lush greenery. For a dash of fun, hunt 

out the pools featuring slides and 

waterfalls, as well as the splash area 

just for kids. 

Psst! You'll soon be able to take a dip 

52-storeys high at the rooftop infinity 

pool at The Palm Tower complex 

that's set to open in 2020. 

This page clockwise from top left: Infinity pool at Dukes The Palm, A Royal Hideaway Hotel; Highlights Pool Bar at Rixos The Palm Dubai 

Hotel & Suites; Infinity Pool at Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort; The Main Pool at Sofitel Dubai The Palm 


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

PALM JUMEIRAH 

AWAY Spa 

Pick of the SPAS 

Take a load off at these top 

pampering havens that'll help 

you wave goodbye to stress 

If your MO is to unwind, you'll be 

pleased to learn that the Palm's spa 

game is strong. The Retreat Palm 

Dubai MGallery by Sofitel is home 

to the world’s first Rayya Wellness 

Centre (+971 4 524 7777) offering 

an impressive line-up of holistic, 

tailor-made health and wellbeing 

programmes. If you can't squeeze in a 

package, plump for a treatment off the 

à la carte menu – the laughter yoga 

group class followed by an Emotional 

Freedom Techniques coaching session 

will have you feeling like a new person. 

Treatments take place in the luxury 

spa or on the beach. 

Not your traditional zen spa, AWAY 

Spa (+971 4 245 5533) at W Dubai - 

The Palm will wow you with its striking 

design that harks back to Dubai’s 

pearl diving heyday. Make your way 

past the shimmering entryway to 

the Beauty Bar and join the city's 

social set as they take their seats 

for touch-ups such as party lashes, 

quick polish changes, and nourishing 

lip masks while sipping on drinks. If 

you require more privacy, there are 11 

treatment rooms, including a couples' 

suite, although the outdoor cabana 

treatments (from 15-60 minutes) are 

perfect for teaming a soothing session 

with serene sea views. 

For one of the best hammam 

experiences, head to Anantara Spa 

(+971 4 567 8140) at Anantara The 

Palm Dubai Resort. Available for 

men, women and couples, let those 

aches melt away in the traditional 

Turkish hammam that will soak, steam, 

scrub and massage you to gleaming 

perfection so you emerge refreshed. 


PALM JUMEIRAH 

Pick of the EXPERIENCES 

From jumping out of a plane to whizzing down a near-vertical 

waterslide and living it up at the hippest beach clubs, the 

fronded island brings the fun factor in spades 

Take the leap of faith 

It takes some nerve, but if you haven't 

flung yourself down the near-vertical 

Leap of Faith waterslide then you've 

not had the full Atlantis Aquaventure 

experience. It takes just one second 

to ride this nine-storey-tall mega 

slide before being whooshed through 

a transparent tube surrounded by 

sharks and cownose rays. It's the star 

slide at this sprawling family-favourite 

waterpark at Atlantis The Palm, Dubai. 

Jump out of a plane 

Time to tick skydiving off your bucket 

list? You've come to the right place, 

as Skydive Dubai (skydivedubai.ae) 

invites you to leap out of an aeroplane, 

tethered to a professional, for a 

tandem jump experience over Palm 

Jumeirah. It's the best (albeit most 

extreme) way to see the island from 

above – unless you've got your eyes 

closed, of course. 

Meet the dolphins 

Deep water hugs, kisses and dancing 

– the dolphins at Dolphin Bay at 

Atlantis The Palm, Dubai are showered 

with affection. We rate the Dolphin 

Adventure experience (for confident 

swimmers aged 8+), which includes a 

thrilling belly ride from the centre of 

the lagoon, among other activities. 

Feel the need for speed 

Make like James Bond on a thrilling 

speedboat tour around the island. 

Splash Tours (splashtours.ae) sets off 

from Dubai Marina, before looping 

around Palm Jumeirah, pausing at 

Atlantis The Palm and Burj Al Arab for 

photo opportunities. The 90-minute 

sightseeing trip is a family-friendly 

affair that's ideal for catching a 

glimpse of all those famous landmarks 

along the coast. Another great option 

is The Yellow Boats (theyellowboats. 

com), which runs a super cool 

99-minute tour of Palm Jumeirah, Burj 

Al Arab and Dubai Marina, with the 

option to arrange a private charter. 

Live it up at the beach clubs 

Synonymous with Dubai’s party scene, 

Palm Jumeirah plays host to a slew 

of hip beach clubs. The boho themed 

Playa Nomade (playanomade.com) at 

Rixos The Palm Dubai, serves up laid- 


PALM JUMEIRAH 

back weekday vibes, with 

lively brunches and house DJs 

ramping up the pace at weekends. 

Families should head to Riva (rivabeach.com) 

at The Shoreline to 

splash around in the sparkling pool 

and unwind on the sand. Meanwhile, 

Wet Deck (wetdeckdubai.com) at W 

Dubai - The Palm attracts an energetic 

crowd with its partially submerged 

day beds, colourful inflatables, and 

steady line-up of DJs and performers. 

Ride the waves 

Watersports company SeaYou 

(seayou.ae), which operates from 

Sofitel Dubai The Palm Resort & Spa, 

offers all manner of activities in the 

water, including dragonboating for 

groups. There needs to be a minimum 

of eight people to take part – simply 

LET'S 

DO BRUNCH… 

Brunch in Dubai remains an 

institution, with restaurants pulling 

out all the stops to tempt your 

tastebuds. That's no more apparent 

than on the Palm, where for 

families we rate the fun vibes 

at West 14th, while foodies 

will fall hard for Akira 

Back. 

Opposite: Skydive Dubai, photo © Skydive Dubai This page, clockwise from top left: The Penthouse Dubai; Wet 

Deck; The Leap of Faith 

row to the beat of the drum – but if 

you can't make up the numbers don't 

fret, as you can also take a guided 

kayak tour around the island, or go 

sailing, windsurfing, stand-up paddle 

boarding and more. 

Peace out under a full moon 

Inhale and exhale beneath the light of 

the full moon at Fairmont The Palm. 

Taking place on the Saturday closest 

to the full moon each month, seasoned 

yogis and novices alike are invited to 

practise their asanas while the resident 

yoga teacher talks you through the 

different postures. Each session ends 

with a relaxing meditation. 

Sip sundowners 

With the Palm’s stunning vistas, it’s 

little wonder there’s sundowner spots 

aplenty here. Our favourite places for 

watching the sun go down over with a 

drink in hand include West 14th (soak 

up the view from the terrace) and 

Phantom House at The Pointe (offering 

direct views of Atlantis The Palm). 

Check out The View 

Situated 240 metres high, The View at 

The Palm is a public observation deck 

offering stellar vistas. What’s more, this 

new attraction, set to open in 2020, 

shares the story behind the making 

of the island through its interactive 

museum and dedicated gallery. 

Accessible via Nakheel Mall, you’ll 

make the three-minute ascent in the 

hi-tech elevator (it has a floor-to-ceiling 

digital sea, sand and sky display) to 

the observatory at the top of The Palm 

Tower, where you can soak up those 

360-degree views. 


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IBIZA p34 

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GREECE p46 



IBIZA 

These pages, from left: 

A staired street in Ibiza town; 

a bird's eye view of Ibiza and 

Formentera islands 

Baby 

Blues 

The Balearic isle of Ibiza was party central in the 

’90s, when Amanda Hyde rocked up, young, 

free and single. But can it still thrill now that she’s 

grown up and married, with kids in tow? 


he last time I went to 

Ibiza, I checked into a 

ridiculously expensive 

villa, stayed out partying 

for two days straight, and 

made it to my beautiful, 

boho-chic bedroom just as the flight 

I’d booked home was taking off. My 

weekend consisted of over-the-top 

kaftans, overpriced rosé and overhyped 

DJs, but I thought it was the best 

holiday I’d ever had. A decade on, I was 

ready for a rematch, but something had 

changed. I’d grown up. This time, I’d be 

going with my husband, Nat, and two 

other travel companions — our kids, 

Amelie (four) and Sonny (two). 

As parents, we were slightly hesitant. 

To us, Ibiza represented the thumping 

belly of super-clubs, and erratic binges 

on dodgy tapas. But we’d seen our most 

sensible friends holiday on the island 

with kids in tow, and read a string of 

newspaper articles proclaiming that 

Ibizan clubs were over, anyway (ruined 

by a clientele who would rather take 

selfies outside the gates than actually 

hit the dance floor). With the loss of 

the island’s hard-partying reputation, 

family bookings are soaring — up 125% 

from 2013. But could trading big-name 

DJs for early-night PJs really make for 

a fun holiday on this island? We were 

about to find out. 

We touched down early in the 

morning, driving towards our hotel 

through countryside ticker-taped with 

sudden glimpses of neon-blue sea. As 

we passed the kind of villas I’d rented 

on my previous visit — rustic-luxe 

restored farmhouses made for floating 

on giant inflatable unicorns — I could 

only wave them a forlorn farewell. This 

year, we were making the ultimate 

kid-friendly sacrifice: an all-inclusive 

behemoth in the far west of the island. 

The behemoth (also known as 

Sensatori Resort) promised a kids’ 

club, kids’ pools — even a kids’ cabaret 

after dinner. What it didn’t promise 

was thrilling evenings for us, since we 

were all sharing one room. Nat and I 

assumed we’d spend each night sitting 

silently in the dark until they started 

snoring. Our reasons for choosing it 

weren’t entirely altruistic, though. 

Round-the-clock ice creams and free 

‘ 

AT DUSK WE 

SWADDLED 

OURSELVES 

IN TOWELS 

FOR AN IBIZAN 

CLASSIC - 

WATCHING A 

FLAMING SUN 

DRIP LIKE 

SYRUP INTO THE 

OPALESCENT 

SEA 

’ 

buckets and spades would buy us the 

bargaining power needed for some 

adult-friendly, nostalgia-stirring 

excursions during the holiday. 

It was a bonus to find that the hotel 

was quite nice. 

Built behind the craggy bay at Cala 

Tarida (home to the best sunsets on 

the island), it felt more like a quasi 

boutique hotel. With 402 rooms, it 

was undeniably humongous, but with 

little touches such as a sunset bar and 

posh spa to soften its edges. For some, 

it is a kind of Hotel California: I met a 

couple who hadn’t left it for their entire 

fortnight, not even for the postcardworthy 

beach just beyond its gates. But 

I knew better. It takes 50 minutes max 

to get anywhere on Ibiza and, kids or 

no kids, I couldn't make my comeback 

without returning to places I'd been 

when I was too young to appreciate 

them. First stop, IbizaTown. 

After rotating our hire car into a 

space the size of a saucer, the whole 

family jumped out and made straight 

for the cobbled, pastel-washed centre. 

In my party days, it had felt like the 

epitome of chic. We mooched past 

touristy boutiques (some jewelled 

skulls and embellished beach bags 

catching Amelie’s eye) and searched out 

bougainvillea-laced squares off narrowalley 

mazes. But, after a quick lunch 

of salads on a terrace on the cobbles, 

Amelie had something to say. ‘Boring, 

boring, boring,’ she muttered. Frankly, 

she was right. Without my rosé-tinted 

specs, the whole place seemed cynically 

touristy. Luckily, the kids had an idea: 

we should take a boat trip. 

Many Ibiza visitors splurge on this 

part of the holiday, spending hundreds 

on private charters to the neighbouring 

island of Formentera. We considered 

this, but ruled it out on the grounds 

that our two-year-old might launch 

himself off the side if it went on too 

long, rendering it poor value. Instead, 

we opted for the shortest boat trip 

available — the $5 return from Ibiza 

Town's Dalt Vila area to the glitzy 

marina next door. 

It might not have been my personal 

dream boat, but the rusty old ferry 

that ploughs this route was manned 

by a proper old sea dog in a captain’s 

hat (much to the kids’ delight). And 

it was worth it to see Sonny’s face as 

he pointed out passing mega-yachts 

and seagulls, while Amelie gleefully 

scanned the water ‘for sharks’. From 

across the bay, I photographed 

Ibiza Town rising from the sea in a 

whitewashed haze. It looked as it must 

have before the souvenir shops arrived: 

houses wrapped like icing tiers around 

a fortress topping. The magical setting 

and infant enthusiasm combined in 

one of those annoying smug-parent 

moments. Sadly, it lasted exactly three 

minutes — until we got off at the 

wrong stop. 

There are two, it turns out: first, 

industrial wasteland; second, glitzy 

marina. Ashen-faced, we realised we’d 

have to wait for the ferry to do another 

one of its circuitous routes before it 

could pick us up. Still, every cloud - 

‘Playground!’ shouted Amelie. 

Sure enough, there among the 

tumbleweed was a playground 

seemingly unvisited since 1986. We 

had no choice but to kill an hour 

there — the kids making the most of 

empty swings, my husband glaring at 

the water from a crumbling, graffiticovered 

wall. 

Back aboard the ferry, he took control 

of the situation. ‘Right, you’ve had 

your fun. Tomorrow it’s Mummy and 

Credit: The Sunday Times Travel Magazine / News Licensing 


IBIZA 

This page, clockwise from 

above: Whitewashed buildings 

in Santa Eulalia on the east 

coast of Ibiza; Dalt Vila in 

Ibiza Town; decorative 

detailing and flowers adorn 

the traditional houses 


IBIZA 

These pages: Houses perched 

on rocks in Ibiza town 


‘ 

WE LOVED THE ISLAND’S 

RELAXED EASTERN SIDE SO 

MUCH THAT WE BUSTED AMELIE 

OUT OF THE KIDS’ CLUB 

’ 

Daddy’s turn,’ Nat asserted. ‘We’re going 

to a beach club.’ It was a brave move. 

Any recent excursions in that direction 

had involved travel potties, panic over 

eating unsavoury sand, and no clubs 

whatsoever. Fortuitously, it turned out 

that one of Ibiza’s best was a stroll from 

the hotel, so we could always run back 

if anyone erupted. 

Cotton Beach Club is among a handful 

of restaurants at Cala Tarida, and a 

favourite with the yachting crowd. A 

glance at Instagram suggested it was a 

place where pneumatic blonde beauties 

came to pose with the sea in the 

background. Lord knows what they’d 

make of us. 

Slightly sweaty from ascending the 

hundreds of steps from the beach, we 

stumbled into the all-white interior 

to find it staffed by model types in 

minimalist black outfits. Spa music 

played softly as we looked out over the 

wide terrace, facing the glimmering 

sea. It was so glacially beautiful that, 

for a moment, we considered legging 

it. Then we spotted a sprinkling of 

families — even one or two with 

children worse-behaved than ours. 

In the end, we devoted three languid 

hours to lunch, something we hadn’t 

achieved since Amelie was born. 

Nat and I nibbled fresh prawn curry 

and polished off a bottle of decent 

white; Amelie and Sonny befriended 

some Dutch children and dashed 

around a terrace meant for sunset 

contemplation. Below, boats skimmed 

across the bay as the sun cast millions 

of glinting diamonds over the sea. 

We had finally hit our Ibizan 

stride. We returned to Cotton Beach 

later in the holiday, for sushi on its 

sunloungers. The kids dipped in and 

out of the water and, when boredom 

threatened, the jolly bartenders were on 

hand with banter and mocktails. 

At dusk we swaddled ourselves in 

towels for an Ibizan classic — watching 

a flaming sun drip like syrup into the 

opalescent sea. 

Only two things threatened our island 

adventures: Karl and Koral. The pesky 

Sensatori’s kids’ entertainers were so 

damn perky that Amelie instantly loved 

them more than she did us. How could 

my day-trips compete with mornings of 

messy science experiments? 

Frantically scouring the internet, I 

found an evening out that would pry 

her from the kids’ club: Babylon Beach, 

a restaurant on a forested spit of sand 

at the opposite end of the island, with 

children’s entertainment and a Tarzanstyle 

rope playground. Bingo. 

We arrived to find a kind of crossgenerational 

paradise. Nat and I 

settled down for drinks under a straw 

umbrella, while Amelie had her face 

painted as a unicorn, chatting to sixyear-old 

boys with press-on Pacha 

tattoos. Sonny scribbled in a dragonthemed 

colouring book he’d been gifted 

before dropping off to the lilt of the sea 

and the persistent throb of background 

dubstep. With the kids occupied, we 

met the owner, Vaughan, a dreadlocked 

giant clad in bright African prints, who 

first came to Ibiza in the '80s to dance 

at Pacha and ended up running the 

club’s Funky Room. Now, he watches 

over this place alongside business 

partner, Angie (not to be outdone, she 

was rocking vintage Pucci). 

Vaughan told us that Babylon Beach 

was reminiscent of Ibiza before 

the social-media age and police 

crackdowns. We agreed: the whole 

place radiated a refreshing hippy 

permissiveness. And there were kids 

— including the owners’. Perhaps when 

you’ve seen it all, there’s not much a kid 

can do to shock you. 

We loved the island’s relaxed eastern 

side so much that we busted Amelie 

out of the kids’ club again the following 

day, making for the crescent of yellow 

sand at Cala San Vicente. We went via 

the whitewashed hilltop village of Sant 

Joan (brightly painted shutters and 

empty lanes instead of noisy clubs and 

tourist-trap restaurants) and found 

ourselves sharing the beach with just 

two people, a pair of bohemian types 

with a bongo. Thankfully, it remained 

unplayed, and we whiled away the 

afternoon tucking into just-caught fish 

amid the unreconstructed ’60s charm 

of Restaurant Es Caló, the children 

building sandcastles between courses. 

It was the perfect day, unmarred 

by the pressures of fitting in with a 

designer-clad crowd at a posh hangout. 

In fact, the whole holiday had hit the 

spot, packed with low-key places that 

appealed to all of us (on other less 

successful trips, we’ve alternated 

soft-play days and disgruntled adults 

with museum days and bored kids). It 

was even a relief, eventually, to have 

Karl and Koral on call, should Nat and 

I want to visit a spa or have a drink on 

our own. Nevertheless, as I joined the 

kids in scooping up seashells in the 

afternoon sun, I prayed that Amelie had 

forgotten the evening disco. 

Inspired to travel? To book a trip, call 

+971 4 316 6666 or visit dnatatravel.com 


SWEDEN 

‘ 

OVER THE 

COURSE OF A 

LONG WEEKEND, 

COULD I HAVE MY 

CINNAMON BUN 

AND EAT IT? 

’ 


Style in the cities, rugged good 

looks in the country – Liz Edwards 

has always harboured two 

separate Swedish fantasies. Would 

combining both in one break be 

too much of what she fancied? 


SWEDEN 

icture Sweden 

and what do you 

see? An ice-cool, 

design-forward 

place of chic 

interiors shops, 

progressive 

attitudes towards 

cyclists and coffee 

shops filled with paternity-leave ‘latte 

papas’? Or endless miles of pine-spiked 

wilderness, interrupted only by sparkling 

stretches of water, cutesy wooden cabins 

and wholesome types in hiking boots 

and Fair Isle jumpers? Unhelpfully for 

holiday-booking purposes, my mind’s 

eye was split-screen, with both versions 

playing out side by side (plus a few clips 

of Abba and Alexander Skarsgård thrown 

in for good measure). Torn between 

the two, and with my husband short 

on annual leave, I made an executive 

decision — we’d try to squeeze in both. 

OK, more like an executive indecision. 

But over the course of a long weekend, 

could I have my cinnamon bun and eat 

it? I settled on west-coast Gothenburg as 

our city start before we headed off into 

the wilds. A bit of a Scandiphile, I’d long 

had my eye on Stockholm’s little sister, 

with its reputation for excellent food. 

Swedish friends had promised an edgier 

feel than I’d found in the sophisticated, 

clean-cut capital. I was expecting beards. 

What was great, in theory, about my 

plan was that it meant two holidays in 

one. What was terrible was the packing. 

Desk-to-forest fashion may be a thing 

in Sweden, but not in my wardrobe. So 

the ‘wear your bulkiest items on the 

plane’ rule saw us making our entrance 

at the glossy Clarion Hotel Post in 

scuffed walking boots, clumping in 

among the beautiful, city-chic Scandis. 

Of course they didn’t care, and nor 

did we once we’d re-urbanised slightly 

and landed back out on the streets. 

Gothenburg began as a 17th-century 

trading settlement, fortified and 

surrounded with zigzag canals that were 

later adorned with handsome bridges 

and Neo-Classical houses built by East 

India Trading Company merchants. 

And it was modern-day merchants that 

we were after now — there’s no quicker 

route to a Scandi state of mind than a 

drift round its effortlessly, ineffably 

‘ 

EVEN THE 

UNCOOL BITS OF 

GOTHENBERG 

WERE CHARMING 

AND QUAINT 

’ 

cool shops. (My husband might have 

preferred shortcutting via the cinnamonbun 

route, but there was time for that, 

too...) The area around Magasinsgatan 

has been the trendy part of town for the 

past few years, I’d heard, and sure enough 

we found plenty of the sort of store 

that allows you to daydream yourself 

Swedish: there was the homegrown 

Nudie Jeans shop; Granit’s simplefunctional 

interiors; and fashion and 

accessories in Miksajo, whose owner 

also runs a local project promoting 

female street artists (you wouldn’t 

get that in graffiti-free Stockholm). 

In one single square just off 

Magasinsgatan, we hit peak 

gorgeousness: lifestyle store Grandpa 

with its designer toothbrushes, retro 

dartboards and minimal fashion; wantwant-want 

interiors shop Artilleriet; 

and groovy café Da Matteo, sharing a 

sparrow-hopping backyard with florist 

Floramor & Krukatös. As we sat there 

over home-roast coffee with cardamom 

and cinnamon buns (husband now 

happy), I realised this was, officially, 

fika: Swedish snacking is only fika when 

it’s sociable. The scene was an uncanny 

match for one half of my split screen. 

Before you eye-roll at the relentless 

perfection of it all, it’s worth pointing 

out that from some angles, the skyline 

is dominated not by spirey churches, 

but by the red-and white Lego-ish 

‘Lipstick’ tower, generally accepted to 

be one of Sweden’s ugliest buildings. 

Gothenburg is also the home of Volvo, 

and — don’t yawn! — the Volvo Museum. 

A city break’s not a city break without 

a culture fix, but even in our walking 

boots, we’d have felt too cool for that. 

So, the next morning, we set our sights 

on Vasastan, the boulevardy museumand-gallery 

district. Alas Röhsska, 

the museum of design and craft, was 

Credit: The Sunday Times Travel Magazine / News Licensing 


SWEDEN 

Opening pages, from left: 

Traditional cinnamon bun; boats and 

colourful boat houses on Sweden's 

west coast 

These pages, clockwise from left: 

Dusk descends over Gothenberg; 

the managers and a sample dish 

from Gothenberg's Michelin-starred 

restaurant Koka 

still under wraps after a two-year 

renovation (it’s open again now), but 

standing at the top of Kungsportavenyen, 

surrounded by concert hall, state 

theatre, library, two cinemas and two 

art centres, I reckoned we’d cope. 

And the Gothenburg Museum of 

Art, an industrial looking yellow-brick 

edifice, was a treat: a pleasing mix of 

international styles — Picasso, Monet, 

Braque, Degas — alongside a good 

collection of Scandinavian artists. Not all 

moody Munchs, either — Carl Larsson’s 

cheeky 19th-century family portraits 

were a revelation. It was in Gothenburg 

that, at the turn of the century, the 

Artists’ Union formed in opposition to 

the stuffier Stockholm Academy, and 

playfulness is still in evidence. The most 

striking piece of all was by local woman 

Cajsa von Zeipel: a giant sculpture of a 

scrawny, stony-faced dancer, revolving 

slowly upside-down round a pole. 

Lately, it’s been in the culinary arts that 

Gothenburg’s been making a name for 

itself. The city’s six Michelin stars might 

sound modest, but that pips London to 

the post for stars per inhabitant. Dinner 

the night before had been at Familjen, 

the casual sibling to Koka, one of those 

six. Excellent sourdough came with sour 

cream and smoked cod roe; a delicate, 

umami-laced arctic char with pickled 

shitake and mushroom vinaigrette 

was like Scandi summer in a dish. It 

couldn't have been more Swedish had 

it been made by the Muppets' chef. 

And our post-art lunch was 

similarly on-message. 

Over in Långgatan, the new up-andcoming 

district west of the city centre, 

we sat in Kafe Magasinet’s magazineshoot-ready 

glass-roofed courtyard 

among macramé pots, bamboo furniture 

and industrial bulbs. On the menu were 

vegan salads, generously filled bagels and 

the best avocado and egg on sourdough 

I think I’ve ever had. Honestly, it felt like 

Gothenburg could do no wrong. Even the 

uncool bits were charming and quaint: 

our wander back to the hotel through 

Haga, the picturesque old district of 

cobbles and timbered houses, took in an 

artisan clog shop, a higgledy-piggledy 

Aladdin’s cave-ish vintage store, and 

a bakery selling cinnamon rolls the 

size of cinema reels. (Volvo museum, I 

reminded myself.) Time for the other 

Sweden. You don’t have to go far out 

of Gothenburg to find an outdoorsy 

escape. West of the city, ferries from 

Saltholmen will deliver you to islands 

such as Styrsö, with its golf buggies and 

holiday-vibe cafés, in 40 minutes. But 

my internet quest for waterside cabins 

had led me towards a village in the 

Bohuslän region north of Gothenburg, 

Lyckorna — in some translations, 

that’s a place called Happiness. 


SWEDEN 

Driving north of the city, we were 

quickly out among birches and pines, 

spotting red-roofed farmhouses and 

squadrons of geese. And 45 minutes 

after waving the Lipstick building 

goodbye, we were pulling up just outside 

Lyckorna — actually beyond Happiness 

— at Anfasteröd Gårdsvik. It’s a seaside 

campsite, but not really what you might 

expect if British seaside campsites are 

your benchmark. Yes, there were plots for 

tents and caravans and motorhomes, and 

no, it wasn’t in the depths of wilderness 

among moose and wolves. But it was 

instantly beguiling. A white clapboard 

reception-and-restaurant building sat 

facing the sheltering islands that keep 

the sea lake-calm. Little jetties reached 

out into the water; fields and beech trees 

ran along the shore either side; clouds 

like whipped cream hung in the blue, 

skimming distant hilltops. And besides 

the temporary plots, there were a handful 

of simple cabins with kitchenettes. Ours 

stood on the edge of the site; from its 

veranda, our view was basically of sea 

and forest, and the occasional rainbow. 

The loudest sound we heard was the 

ping of acorns dropping onto the deck. 

So we could play at splendid isolation, 

then wander over to the main building 

for knockout breakfasts, boat and bike 

hire, and local intel from owners Hanna 

and Magnus (H&M! So Swedish). 

That first afternoon, Hanna showed 

us one of the walking trails through 

the woods above the site, pointing 

out edible mushrooms and berries 

beneath the spruces, ferns and oaks. 

‘The forest is so good for kids,’ she 

enthused. ‘It’s like a museum where 

you can touch everything!’ Even 

without a Fair Isle jumper, she basically 

completed the picture in the other half 

of my split-screen. Then improved 

on it when she broke out the flask of 

coffee and home-baked cinnamon 

buns. Fika in the forest with sea-island 

views would take some beating. 

But beaten it was, by Gårdsvik’s floating 

‘ 

OUR 36 HOURS 

ON THE COAST 

PASSED IN A 

WHOOSH OF 

FRESH AIR, ROSY 

CHEEKS AND 

ADVENTURES 

IN NATURE 

’ 


These pages: Tall pine 

trees aside calm water 

in the forest 

sauna. I told you this was no normal 

campsite; I thought I might keel over in 

delight when I saw it. Fired up for us after 

our walk, the wooden cabin was tethered 

to one of the jetties, so we bobbed gently, 

soaking up scenery and piney heat for 

as long as we could bear, before dashing 

outside to plunge into the sea, swim a few 

strokes, clamber back up the steps and 

start again. It was tingly, invigorating, 

therapeutic. It was wonderful. 

And so our 36 hours on the coast 

passed in a whoosh of fresh air, rosy 

cheeks and adventures in nature, as if 

we were characters in a children’s book 

(somewhere between Pippi Longstocking 

and Swallows & Amazons). We cycled along 

the coast to some excellent restaurants 

(their proximity another reason to 

choose campsite over wilderness). We 

tried crabbing off the jetty: aquavit-clear 

water gave the crabs a disadvantage, our 

lack of skill levelled the playing field. 

And we hired a little blue-and-white 

motorboat from Magnus. He kitted us 

out with wooden fishing reels, pots 

of bait, a map showing sea depth and 

nearest islands, and a weighty picnic 

basket. Beyond the mussel farms, where 

cormorants perched to hang their 

wings out to dry, we killed the engine 

and followed Magnus’s instructions 

as best we could on the bait and lines. 

And eventually had to accept that our 

‘fishing’ was really just an elaborately 

slow way of feeding the local mackerel. 

So we picked one of the dozens of 

castaway islands for our picnic. A shellcrunchy 

sand bar between boulders, 

heather and trees gave us easy mooring 

on, I think, Birch Island — Björkholmen. 

Sure enough, it was oh so quiet; Sunday 

yachts drifted past, but we had the 

place to ourselves. We sat on lichengilded 

rocks and unpacked lunch: 

moose sandwiches, homemade rock 

buns. Sweden had worked its magic: 

Gothenburg seemed aeons ago, home 

even more distant. And maybe this was 

where the beauty of my indecision lay. 

By taking two holidays in one, it felt like 

we’d left everyday life twice as far behind. 





GREECE 

Who said you had to be Abramovich to voyage 

in sumptuous style? Jeremy Lazell and family sail 

Greece’s Ionian islands on a rarefied odyssey 


quite fancy being a Russian oligarch. 

Pootling about on my superyacht, 

motoring ashore for cocktails and 

calamari, securing pipeline deals on 

deck, while staff top up my drink. 

Trouble is, I don’t have a superyacht, 

there are no pipeline deals, only an 

ever-expanding overdraft and 27 years 

left on the mortgage. But two things 

happened recently to change all that. 

First, my mother died and left us 

some money, simultaneously wiping 

out the overdraft and reminding me 

that life is too short for 'What's the 

sensible thing to do?' Second, a fellow 

boat-nut told me about Argentous — 

a four-cabin, 20-metre yacht based 

in the Greek islands that bridges 

the gap between no-frills skippered 

yachts and all-frills Abramovich-level 

superyachts. It's long been a fantasy of 

mine to island-hop in private luxury, 

so we weigh everything up, convince 

ourselves it's what my mum would have 

wanted, and fly out en famille to Corfu. 

We are picked up at the Corfu Imperial 

Grecotel, skipper Charlie scooping us 

up from the hotel’s beach in a mini 

speedboat that later packs away like 

something out of Thunderbirds into 

— those reading this in the hope of 

improving their yachting vocabulary 

should look away now — the 'boot' of 

Argentous. Speeding out across the 

bay, my 11-year-old stares at the sailing 

boat, which gleams like an Aston 

Martin among a fleet of Trabants. 

'People must think we›re millionaires', 

he says, stifling an enormous grin. 

On board, the grins get bigger. And 

it's not just the kids. Upstairs (abovedecks?), 

the area beyond the steering 

wheel (helm?) looks like the VIP chillout 

zone of an uber-hip Ibiza nightclub, 

with wraparound slate-grey sofas we 

instantly earmark for sundowners. 

Beyond that, slung between a towering 

27-metre mast and spinnaker, a 

hammock beckons just back from 

the bow. Half of me instantly frets 

about the havoc my kids will wreak 

on the pristine decor; the other half 

is happy sipping the welcome drink 

brought by our host, Joy. 

Because although Argentous costs at 

least twice the price of most skipperedyacht 

charters on the Med (which, 

incidentally, generally require you to 

cook for the skipper), it also comes 

with the aforementioned host, who 

cooks, cleans, tidies your room, makes 

your bed and generally spoils you to 

within an inch of your indecently 

privileged life. 'What time would you 

like canapés?' Joy asks as we bounce 

on the sofas and giggle. 

The plan is a five-day sail around 

Paxos and Antipaxos, with Charlie, a 

Royal Yachting Association instructor, 

eager to let us help out or — in our case 

— let us lie back as the mood dictates. 

Before coming, I’d pictured my three 

boys pulling on ropes and clambering 

up rigging, blinking at the horizon 

and turning into men before my eyes. 

However, not 20 minutes into our 

first sail across the Corfu Channel, all 

three disappear below deck to watch a 

DVD. For about seven seconds the wife 

and I wonder whether we mind, then 

sink back on to the sofas and gaze at 

the waves. 

That evening is a strange one. We 

drop anchor about two hours south 

of Corfu town in a secluded bay. We 

play Uno over canapés, Joy serves us a 

delicious dinner above-decks, a warm 

sea-breeze drifts in below a pulsing 

smear of stars. We are living the family 

holiday dream. And yet, the problem is 

we're on a boat. Yes, it's a seriously nice 

boat. Yes, the bed in our master cabin is 

bigger than our double at home. But it's 

still a boat. It rocks, it creaks, it wakes 

me up with urgent noises from the ensuite. 

Some time around 4am, $13,000 

suddenly feels like a lot of money to 

‘ 

AT 6AM I GO 

UP ON DECK. 

IT IS A SCENE 

OF ALMOST 

LUDICROUS 

BEAUTY 

’ 

spend on a week of no sleep, with three 

kids who’d rather watch Harry Potter 

DVDs than learn to sail. 

At 6am I give in and go up on deck. It 

is a scene of almost ludicrous beauty, 

like the British Virgin Islands circa 

1950. We are all alone below a rocky, 

uninhabited island, the water slack 

and glassy, the only signs of life a pair 

of gulls painted pink against a vast, 

rising sun. I step down to the back of 

the boat and dive in. It is sunrise in the 

Mediterranean, I am swimming on my 

own, drifting round the boat — my 

boat. Climbing back on board, I found 

it utterly impossible to remember what 

made me so grumpy the night before. 

It is the start of perhaps the best 

day in this family's life. The original 

plan was for a three- or four-hour sail 

to Paxos, but Charlie, sensing we’re 

a lot less Ellen MacArthur than most 

Argentous clients, suggests we stay and 

play instead. Because as well as having 

its own mini speedboat, Argentous has 

more water-sports toys than you can 

shake a selfie stick at. For the entire 

day, the boys snorkel, windsurf, 

paddleboard, waterski, jump off rocks 

or scream as they hurtle behind the 

speedboat on inflatable tyres. 

That night, Charlie runs us by 

speedboat to Sivota, a pretty seaside 

town on the mainland with a few 

modest tavernas and armies of 

friendly stray dogs and cats. We feast 

on calamari and kleftiko, and feed 

fish off the jetty between courses, 

sipping drinks in the balmy night air 

as the boys lick ice cream and cuddle 

kittens on their lap. ‘I love Greece,’ 

says the eight-year-old, a splash of 

freckles on his sunkissed cheeks. I 

know exactly what he means. 

The next day we do sail to Paxos. I say 

‘we’, but the actual sailing is, obviously, 

down to Charlie. 

I'd love to reveal that, having fallen 

in love with the sea the day before, 

the boys are impossible to prise 

from the helm, but as it happens, 

they're mostly back below-decks with 

Harry Potter. 'Those box sets won't 

watch themselves', says the 12-yearold. 

Still slightly heady on yesterday's 

Credit: The Sunday Times Travel Magazine/ News Licensing 


GREECE 

This page, clockwise from above: 

Erimitis beach on the west coast 

of Paxos; a plate of fried calamari; 

an elderly local surveys the 

harbourfront from a first floor 

window in Gaios, Paxos 

Opening pages: grilled 

prawn salad; climbing a 

tree against the backdrop 

of a fiery sunset 

This page: Petit Piton 

above Margretoute Bay 


GREECE 

‘ 

IT’S A CATERED VILLA, 

A LUXURY MOBILE HOME 

AND SPORTS RESORT ALL 

ROLLED INTO ONE 

’ 

success, it is impossible for me to get 

cross with him. 

That afternoon we drop anchor in a 

preposterously cobalt-coloured bay, 

Lakka, beloved of postcard-sellers 

and yacht charters. We windsurf, 

paddleboard, and take selfies 

against the improbable blue, but 

somehow the magic is gone, crowded 

out by the yachtie hoi polloi. 

‘How about a walk?’ suggests Charlie, 

delivering a masterstroke. He drops 

us ashore, then takes Argentous along 

the coast to pick us up in the next 

village, Longos, leaving us to follow a 

thyme-scented donkey track between 

beaches and abandoned watermills, 

olive groves and hamlets. I’m not 

saying there’s no moaning, but in 

between grunts the boys chase crickets, 

stroke goats and play Marco Polo 

in the shallows at Manadendri Beach. It 

feels like we’ve wandered off the tourist 

trail to glimpse a Greece that few 

people get to see. 

What you don’t get on Argentous, 

we discover waking to a force-six 

wind the next day, is guaranteed good 

weather. But Plan A's loss (we had been 

aiming for the indecently photogenic 

Voutoumi Bay on Antipaxos) is 

Plan B’s gain, as we divert to Porto 

Ozias, a one-taverna inlet at the 

eastern end of Paxos. Glassily calm 

and inexplicably free of other boats, 

the inlet is a gloriously windless shelter 

from the storm. For hours we windsurf 

and wakeboard, sunbathe and read, 

eventually sailing in for dinner in 

Paxos’s main town, Gaios, where our 

boys play football on the cobbles below 

the church. 

So far, so Instagram, but don’t you 

get exactly the same memories — for 

half the price — on a bog-standard 

skippered-yacht charter? Well, actually, 

no. For one thing those bog-standard 

charters might occasionally have a 

mini speedboat to ferry you between 

boat and port, but with nowhere near 

enough horsepower to tow a waterski or 

wakeboard. Take away the water sports, 

and a yacht — for kids — is basically a 

floating prison. 

But more than that, Argentous makes 

you feel like royalty. It’s partly just the 

sleek lines, the teak deck, the towering 

mast. As we pulled into Gaios, people 

actually got out of their boats (daubed 

in rental-agency logos) for a better look. 

But it’s also the service: no-frills yacht 

charters are hard work. You cook, you 

clean, you pull ropes, you shop: it’s fun, 

but you’ll need a holiday afterwards. With 

Joy below-decks and Charlie at the helm, 

the only finger you lift on Argentous is 

the pinky on your drink. It’s a catered 

villa, a luxury mobile home and sports 

resort all rolled into one. 

On our last day, we sail back into 

Gouvia marina on Corfu, all five of us 

sitting silently on-deck in pre-emptive 

mourning. ‘You’ll just have to come 

back next summer,’ says Joy. Yeah, 

right. At $13,000 a week and without 

another inheritance on the horizon, it's 

a 'probably not' from us. However, there 

were times on this trip — wakeboarding 

in that abandoned cove, swimming 

round the boat at dawn, playing cards on 

deck — when we felt so truly spoilt, so 

dizzyingly privileged, I knew it was worth 

every penny. 

A year on, Argentous’s owners have 

added three more luxury yachts to 

their fleet. One, Aurous, is a five-cabin 

catamaran with a trampoline and 

sundeck. My advice? Nab it before my 

kids get wind of that trampoline. 




These pages: Sunset bridges the gap 

between Corfu and Sivota island 


BOOK NOW AND REVEAL YOUR 

PERFECT STAY 

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Discounted staycation deals from AED145pp, offers 

include FREE room upgrades, FREE half board, spa 

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Weekends 

Staycations and short-haul escapes 

HANG OUT 

Suspend disbelief and succumb to mother 

nature at Anantara Kalutara Resort on 

Sri Lanka's picturesque southwest coast. 

A tropical modernist retreat inspired by 

renowned local architect Geoffrey Bawa, 

its utterly beguiling setting has the added 

distinction of being the only resort to 

offer panoramic Indian Ocean and Kalu 

Ganga estuary views. Enough said. 


WEEKENDS 

CULTURE TRIP 

Let us reacquaint you with this 

culture spot that’s ideally placed 

for a mind-nourishing mini break 

3 

ATHENS 

Odeon of Herodes Atticus 

Photo @Thomas Daskalakis 

HISTORICAL SITES 

In the heart of the city lies the famous Acropolis. 

These ancient hilltop ruins, widely considered 

the birthplace of democracy, are home to 

several historic buildings including the standout 

Parthenon. Be sure to arrive early to beat the 

crowds that gather to admire this sculptural 

feat. To admire a blend of old and new, head to 

Astir Beach (a favourite holiday spot among the 

Athenian elite just 20 minutes south of the city 

centre), where the Temple Apollo Zoster sits just a 

stone’s throw from the sparkling sea. 

MUSEUMS AND ART GALLERIES 

Back at the Acropolis, brush-up on your Grecian 

history at the Acropolis Museum (the Chisel and 

Memory exhibition is running until 31 October). 

Next, head downtown to the Benaki Museum in 

the downtown area. This compelling culture spot 

has a lively line-up of exhibitions and events, as 

well as an impressive collection of Islamic art. 

Check out The Same River Twice: Contemporary 

Art in Athens exhibition from two locally-based 

artists, which focuses on the city's evolving artistic 

landscape. Trendy creative hangout Trii Art Hub 

(in Koukaki opposite the National Museum of 

Modern Art) is the place to go to view works by 

emerging artists. 

THIS MONTH'S HIGHLIGHT 

The city's annual Athens and 

Epidaurus Festival is running 

from June to October, with 

artists including Andrea 

Bocelli and Florence and the 

Machine taking to the stage. 

Performances take place at 

various venues, including 

the ancient theatres of the 

Odeon Herodes Atticus 

and Epidaurus. Hot tickets 

this month are the Opera 

ARTISAN FINDS 

Gala (28) and Prometheus 

by Aeschylus (29 and 30). Athens is a famous hub for pottery and 

ticketmaster.gr 

earthenware, and there are plenty of places 

to shop for ceramics. At Trabala Studio in Koukaki, 

you can pick out pieces that have been handcrafted 

before your eyes. A destination where 

olive trees thrive, it's natural that olive oil is also a 

popular buy – you'll find a number of shops selling 

it in Plaka and Monastiraki. 

LOCAL FLAVOUR 

Dine at the critically acclaimed ManiMani in Plaka, 

where traditional dishes are served with a modern 

twist. And don’t miss the home-style cooking and 

live Greek music at Tavern Klimataria in Theatrou – 

a rustic restaurant open since 1927. 

The Margi 

WHERE TO STAY 

The family-run The Margi luxury boutique in 

Vouliagmeni places you steps away from the 

sandy beaches yet within easy reach of the city's 

historical sites. Design hotel AthensWas, in the 

heart of the city, is a sound choice for art buffs. 


YOUR GUIDE TO DUBAI’S 

MUST-HAVE VISITOR EXPERIENCES 

www.dxbcityexpert.com 

5

long 

the 

weekend 

Bahrain 

A fascinating knit of age-old tradition 

and modernity, this Gulf island draws 

you in with its wave of contrasts 

This page: The Kingdom of 

Bahrain © Bahrain Tourism 

and Exhibitions Authority 

Opposite: Sheikh Isa Bin 

Ali House in Muharraq 

© Bahrain Tourism and 

Exhibitions Authority 


LONG WEEKEND 

Known as The Land of the Two Seas, the Kingdom of Bahrain is 

something of a double-sided coin. You’ll find all the trademarks 

of modern Arab opulence here – stylish mega malls and daringlyhigh 

skyscrapers – but beyond all that glitz and glamour, intriguing 

historic sites and a burgeoning culture scene speak loudly of the 

city’s proud heritage. 

Long considered the epicentre of the Gulf’s pearling past, 

Bahrain has been the hub for the world’s richest oyster beds for 

centuries, an asset that shaped the island's fortunes for millennia. 

It’s also home to one of the oldest civilisations in the Middle East, 

the Dilmun civilisation, where ancient burial mounds that date 

back to 3000 BCE can be found in A’ali village. Today the kingdom 

boasts its own Formula 1 Grand Prix, a thriving art scene and a 

globally diverse mosaic of fantastic cuisines. This multi-layered 

and multicultural destination is a hidden gem often overlooked 

by travellers but scratch the surface and you’ll find an allencompassing 

adventure. 

While it may maintain a lower-key reputation among its Gulf 

neighbours, Bahrain has its own share of heavyweight attractions 

and therein lies the kingdom’s genuine charm. Here’s how to craft 

an itinerary that takes in all the best bits… 

STYLISH SLEEPS 

Sink into luxury at these chic abodes 

Jumeirah Royal Saray 

The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain 

Perched on a five-hectare 

private island in the 

kingdom’s capital, Four 

Seasons Hotel Bahrain 

Bay is an architectural 

gem that has a great 

view of the bay – you can 

opt to arrive by boat for 

a glamorous entrance. 

A short cab ride away, 

Jumeirah Royal Saray sits 

confidently on a private 

beach in Manama’s new 

Seef district, beautifully 

enclosed by the Arabian 

Sea. The hotel has 167 

guestrooms, including 

two Royal Suites and 

a variety of impressive 

restaurants to choose 

from. Also located in Seef, 

The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain 

has its own private beach, 

lagoon and island as 

well as 11 dining venues, 

including an authentic 

Mexican restaurant with 

vibrant décor inspired by 

Frida Kahlo. Over on the 

western shores, Sofitel 

Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa 

Sea & Spa Hotel is home 

to the only sea water spa 

in the GCC – ideal for a 

detox session without the 

hardship. Exciting dining 

options and nightlife are 

also on menu, from local 

specialities to the sway of 

belly dancing. 


spice it up 

Savour the true flavours 

of the city 

EMMAWASH. This eclectic 

bistro first began as the 

dream of two childhood 

friends who wanted to 

bring the flavours of their 

homes to the restaurant 

scene. Today, it's one of the 

most beloved eateries in 

the kingdom for its homely 

ambience. Tuck into 

Bahraini favourites such 

as balaleet – a traditional 

sweet and savoury dish – 

and beef tikka. For those 

who wish to end their meal 

on a sweet note, qayamat is 

the dish to plump for. 

CHAI CAFÉ. Chai, meaning 

tea in Arabic, has been a 

breakfast staple in Bahraini 

culture for years. And 

when you can get your 

sweet and milky karak Chai 

in an edible biscuit cup, 

visiting this cosy café in the 

morning is a no-brainer. 

SAFFRON BY JENA. 

Playing testament to the 

unique flavours of authentic 

Bahraini cuisine, this 

family-friendly restaurant 

combines the old with 

the new to bring you a 

contemporary twist on 

culinary traditions passed 

down the generations. You 

won’t find a menu, but a 

bunch of tasty, traditional 

dishes served in customary 

Bahraini fashion. 

DOWN TO 

A FINE ART 

Discover the city’s 

artistic flair 

La Fontaine Centre 

of Contemporary 

Art. Capturing the 

grand essence of a 

European château 

while maintaining the 

charm of authentic Gulf 

Islamic architecture, this 

150-year-old creative hub 

blends the distinctive 

work of traditional 

artistry with innovative 

contemporary delights. 

With a yoga and Pilates 

studio, a fine-dining 

restaurant, an open-air 

amphitheatre and a 

spa within the complex, 

exploring here can easily 

be a day-long affair. 

Arabesque Art Gallery. 

Widely recognised as the 

main outlet for antique 

Middle Eastern art, this 

long-standing gallery 

exhibits the oil and 

watercolour paintings 

of its owner, Wahab Al 

Koheji, as he depicts 

everyday life in Bahrain. 

An added bonus is its 

great selection of 19th 

century lithographs 

created by David Robert 

during his long tours of 

the region. 

Al Al-Jasra Handicraft 

Centre. From brightlycoloured 

woven baskets, 

tapestry and mats to 

exquisitely painted 

stained glass mosaics 

and pottery, learn 

more about the city’s 

indigenous art forms as 

you watch local artisans 

perfect their crafts. Love 

what you see? Craftworks 

can be bought directly 

from their maker or from 

the on-site gift shop. 

Shop 'til you drop 

Bring home these cultural gems 

Slip on your comfiest shoes and pound the cobblestone 

alleyways of a market that still evokes the ambience of 

ancient times, Manama Souq. Here, you’ll find quaint 

little souvenir shops that display local goodies, from 

exotic Persian rugs to spices and shisha pipes. But you 

can’t really visit the Pearl of the Gulf without checking 

out Gold City, a pearl-lover’s paradise overflowing with 

precious gemstones of all shapes, sizes and colours. 

A simple custom-made gold pendant of your name in 

Arabic is a must-take-home keepsake. Haggle your way 

until you reach Kingdom of Perfumes and watch the 

mesmerising way a perfumer can mix seemingly random 

oils to produce the very aroma you requested. 


LONG WEEKEND 

OUTDOOR ALLURE 

Enjoy an action-packed weekend 

Opposite page, from top: The traditional 

Bahraini dish Balaleet; La Fontaine Centre of 

Contemporary Art; display of traditional Bahraini 

clothes in Manama Souq 

This page from top: Pearl diving in the Gulf 

© Jumeirah Royal Saray Hotel; UNESCO World 

Heritage Site Qal'at Al Bahrain 

PEARL DIVING. For more than 2,000 years, 

Bahrain’s pearls have been prized as one of 

the most beautiful natural gems in the world. 

Dive into the warm azure waters of the Gulf 

and unravel Bahrain’s legacy while seeking 

underwater treasures. There are four diving 

sites to discover. Simply don your scuba gear 

and set sail from Ras Rayya to collect some 

oysters – you can keep any treasures inside. 

BAHRAIN INTERNATIONAL CIRCUIT. With its 

roaring engines and thrilling atmosphere, daredevils 

are in for a ride as they watch top drivers jostle for 

a prime position at this impressive motorsports 

venue, which hosts the annual Formula 1 Gulf 

Air Bahrain Grand Prix. Better yet, buckle up 

for an exciting drive around the karting track. 

ARABIAN HORSE RIDING. Experience a 

true taste of Arabia as you ride a pure blood 

Arabian horse across the stunning landscape. 

Book your experience with Ghazwan 

Equestrian Centre and enjoy a picturesque 

sunset gallop along Karbabad Beach. 

insider tips 

Jeremy Tutt shares 

insider tips and 

tricks on exploring 

the city 

Words: Habiba Azab 

“Whether it's pearl 

diving with Scubalife, making waves at 

Durrat Marina Yacht Club, or just lounging 

on the sand, the azure waters around 

the island are stunning and should be 

enjoyed. I particularly like the beaches 

at Jumeirah Royal Saray and The Ritz- 

Carlton, Bahrain, however there are a 

lot of other options, including the ART 

Rotana in Amwaj Islands as well as Coral 

Beach Club at the Coral Bay Resort. A 

trip to Hawar Island is also a must-do for 

all nature lovers and wildlife adventurers. 

Alternatively, check out Adliya, the 

bohemian neighbourhood is the place to 

go for a gourmet meal. I love the Thai at 

Hash House and the curry at Lanterns 

is consistently good, whereas Re Asian 

Cuisine on the 48 th floor of the Four 

Seasons Hotel offers spectacular views.” 

MANY 

MOONS AGO 

Take a stroll through 

history and discover the 

beauty of a bygone era 

The cradle of one 

of the most ancient 

civilisations in the 

Middle East, the Dilmun 

civilisation, Bahrain is 

steeped in a 6000-year 

history. Explore the 

northern side of the 

kingdom and unravel 

the beauty of one of 

the world’s largest 

mosques, Al Fateh 

Mosque, as well as one 

of the first museums 

in the gulf, Bahrain 

National Museum. 

After you explore 

its diverse range of 

treasures, including 

artefacts uncovered 

at local archaeological 

sites, make UNESCO 

World Heritage Site 

Qal’at Al Bahrain your 

next stop. Believed 

to have been the 

capital of the ancient 

Dilmun Empire, soak 

up breath-taking 

views of the sparkling 

blue waters and the 

city skyline at one 

of the most prolific 

archaeological digs in 

the Arabian Gulf. 


WORLD TRAVELLER X DCT ABU DHABI 

THREE WAYS TO EXPERIENCE ABU DHABI... 

Museum hopping 

Renowned for its forward-thinking art scene and landmark 

institutions, the UAE capital is a top spot for exciting exhibitions… 

1If you have kids in tow, you can 

send them on an interactive 

educational journey thanks to A 

Costume Adventure at the Children’s 

Museum at Louvre Abu Dhabi. Little 

learners can view the original artworks 

on display and complete various 

challenges, collecting accessories to 

transform them into real-life versions 

of the art. Mission complete, head out 

into the museum galleries to see all 

the great exhibits. Suitable for ages 

4-10 (a toddler space for under 4s is 

also available). louvreabudhabi.ae 

2The oldest and most significant 

heritage site in the UAE capital, 

Qasr Al Hosn has been carefully 

restored as a cultural monument 

dedicated to keeping the emirate’s 

history alive. The Inner Fort exhibition 

tells the story of the site and all it has 

witnessed, offering a glimpse into 

everyday life in the fort, which was 

once home to the ruling family. The 

Outer Palace displays the stories of 

the people who lived in there through 

film, interactive displays and spoken 

testimonies. alhosn.ae 

3 

Relive your college days by 

paying a trip the NYU Abu 

Dhabi campus, which is home 

to its very own academic museumgallery 

showcasing international and 

local exhibitions. Art buffs can expect 

to see experimental pieces that step 

outside the box. This September, the 

Speculative Landscapes exhibition is 

set to do just that, with installations 

by four UAE-based artists that offer 

an ethereal take on the natural 

environment. From 16 September to 

7 December. nyuad-artgallery.org 

Photo: Qasr Al Hosn 


DESTINATION: 

LOUVRE ABU DHABI 

© Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi / Photo by Hufton+Crow. Architect: Jean Nouvel. 

SEE HUMANITY IN A NEW LIGHT 

Louvre Abu Dhabi brings different cultures together 

to shine light on the shared stories of human creativity. 

Admission: AED 63, children under 13 free 

BOOK 

A DAY 

AWAY 

louvreabudhabi.ae

WORLD TRAVELLER X JW MARRIOTT MARQUIS DUBAI 

STAYCATION 

JW Marriott Marquis Dubai 

Reach for the sky at the world’s tallest five-star hotel 

ROOMS & SUITES 

Wake up in the clouds and revel in 

stunning floor-to-ceiling views of the 

city's futuristic skyline or the turquoise 

waters of the Arabian Gulf. Sleek suites 

boast marshmallow soft beddings 

and soundproof windows for a serene 

slumber, while Executive rooms come 

with perks including complimentary 

drinks, a continental breakfast and 

afternoon tea in the lounge. 

THE FOOD 

Foodies are spoilt for choice with 

more than 14 dining venues offering a 

selection of delicacies from around the 

world. Splurge on a unique sky-high 

dinner at Prime68 steakhouse before 

heading for a glitzy nightcap at Vault. 

To spice it up, the recently opened 

Masala Library by Jiggs Kalra serves 

traditional recipes from ancient India 

with a contemporary twist. 

THE ACTIVITIES 

Discover the shiniest gems the city has 

to offer with top attractions including 

The Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa and Dubai 

Opera right around the corner. After a 

day out and about, pamper yourself back 

at the hotel with a mini refresh at Saray 

Spa. Soothing body massages, bespoke 

facials and holistic rituals draw upon 

the spa's Arabian heritage for a top-totoe 

rejuvenating experience. 

To find out more, call +971 4 414 3000 or visit jwmarriottmarquisdubailife.com 


25% off your stay and free breakfast. 

Take advantage of an exclusive summer offer* at the world’s tallest 5-star hotel. Enjoy a 25% off your 

stay and a complimentary breakfast for stays until 30 September 2019. Sign up for free as a Marriott 

Bonvoy member and unlock a world of summer adventures across more than 250 hotels in Middle 

East and Africa. 

Available at more than 250 hotels across the Middle East and Africa. Join Marriott Bonvoy 

to take advantage of this exclusive offer. 

Terms and Conditions: 

Only valid when booking directly on Marriott.com or via its reservation centers. When booking through other channels, 

as well as when no Marriott Bonvoy membership is provided, the discount is 15% off and breakfast is not included. 

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 X THE ST. REGIS ABU DHABI 

STAYCATION 

The St. Regis Abu Dhabi 

Soar to new heights with this royally memorable staycation 

ROOMS & SUITES 

Timeless tradition and Arabian 

decadence combine to create a regal 

experience for all guests. Start by calling 

upon your private butler (a signature 

service of the hotel) to help you unpack 

in the world’s highest suspended suite. 

The Abu Dhabi Suite is ideal for hosting 

gatherings with its three bedrooms, 

private cinema and spa. Host a special 

occasion here from Dhs300 per person. 

THE FOOD 

Gourmands will delight in the creative 

flair and flavour at each of the restaurants 

here. Dine at Villa Toscana for authentic 

Tuscan and Italian cuisine. Inspired 

by tradition, you can expect dishes 

handcrafted to perfection. For tastes of 

the Mediterranean and sunset views, 

head to Azura where we recommend you 

start with the baked feta and follow with 

a signature table grill. 

ACTIVITIES 

The littlest of staycationers should 

head to Treasure Island Children’s 

Club for an exciting host of supervised 

activities and games. Meanwhile, 

mum and dad can get in the zone for 

some serious summer relaxation with 

the Remède Spa Shared Indulgence 

package. And as the sun begins to set, 

enjoy some family fun looking out on 

the clear waters of the Arabian Gulf. 

To find out more, call +971 2 694 4444 or 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 DUKES THE PALM, A ROYAL HIDEAWAY HOTEL 

STAYCATION 

Dukes The Palm, a Royal Hideaway Hotel 

Where British hospitality meets Dubai-style luxury 

ROOMS AND SUITES 

Check in to a luxurious room at this 

Palm Jumeirah property, which will 

win you over with its British charm. 

Larger families will find all the creature 

comforts they need inside the one- or 

two-bedroom family suites. Unwind in 

the separate living area to experience 

a 'home away from home' feel. Book 

a staycation over Eid Al Adha for just 

Dhs650 per night with breakfast. 

THE FOOD 

From sumptuous breakfast buffets 

to light lunches, good food is a given 

at this five-star hotel. Enjoy a British 

supper at the award-winning Great 

British Restaurant (GBR). For a spiceladen 

affair, indulge in the Mugal-era 

menu of Mumbai's showstopping 

Khyber restaurant. Or get dressed up to 

dine at West 14th Steakhouse, offering 

scrumptious steaks and delicate fish. 


Little visitors aged 4-12 will be fully 

engrossed in the DUKESY Kids Club, 

where edutainment activities provide 

hours of fun. While the kids are busy, 

you can make the most of the top-notch 

leisure facilities. Venture to the private 

beach for a dip in the sea, bring out your 

playful side by floating along the Lazy 

River, or escape the heat by retreating to 

the indoor pool. 

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


AED 

* 

650 

per night 

Kids Go 

Free 

9 - 17 August 2019 

YOUR PACKAGE INCLUDES COMPLIMENTARY: 

• Upgrade to premium room • Breakfast buffet • Lunch or Dinner 

• Access to Infinity Pool, Indoor Pool, Private Beach, Fitness Centre and Lazy River 

• Shuttle service to Dubai Marina, Mall of the Emirates and Dubai Mall 

MAKE IT SPECIAL & STAY LONGER 

Stay 2 or more nights and get an additional 10% discount 

*Price excludes Tourism Dirham Fee. *Subject to applicable taxes. 

* Up to 2 kids under 12 years go free. 

+ 971 (0) 4 455 1100 reservations.dubai@dukeshotel.com 

DUKES THE PALM, a Royal Hideaway Hotel 

Oceana | Palm Jumeirah | P.O. Box 120015 | Dubai UAE 

Tel: +971 (0)4 455 1111 | Email: Info.Dubai@dukeshotel.com 

@dukesthepalm| royalhideaway.com

WORLD TRAVELLER X DUBAI MARRIOTT HARBOUR HOTEL & SUITES 

STAYCATION 

Dubai Marriott Harbour Hotel & Suites 

For a longer stay, make yourself at home in a stylish suite overlooking Dubai Marina 

THE ROOMS 

If you're planning on staying in Dubai 

for a while, or simply appreciate the 

convenience of having your own kitchen, 

the stylish suites at this four-star 

property in Dubai Marina is just the 

ticket. There are one-, two- and threebedroom 

suites available, each featuring 

a modern kitchen and a sleek marble 

bathroom with an oversized tub. Room 

service is available around the clock. 

THE FOOD 

Jump-start you day with a cup of coffee 

and a pastry at Counter Culture Café, 

which, like all the apartments, offers 

free Wi-Fi so you can stay well connected 

to the wider world. For hearty British 

fare with a twist, The Croft is the place 

to go. On the 52nd floor, Observatory 

Bar & Grill is where you should head for 

classic dishes and crafted drinks, with 

panoramic views of the waterfront. 


Your fitness regime needn't suffer, as all 

guests enjoy access to the fitness centre. 

When you want to unwind, head to Saray 

Spa, which offers a range of pampering 

treatments, such as the signature Saray 

Arabic Coffee Awakener, which includes 

a body scrub, mask and massage. Get out 

and explore Dubai, including Jumeirah 

Beach Residence and Dubai Media City 

which are just a short stroll away. 

To find out more, call +971 4 414 3000 or visit jwmarriottmarquisdubailife.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

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| Follow us on

THROUGH 

THE LENS 

Vatnajökull Ice Cave, 

Iceland 

"Ice caves in Iceland are an 

incredible sight to behold. 

The intricate patterns and 

formations of the cave walls 

melt and freeze each year, 

creating beautiful designs that 

simply take your breath away. 

The trek to get to these caves 

often requires a long hike across 

the glaciers, but it's definitely 

worth the effort. On this visit, 

our experienced guide drove us 

to the edge of Vatnajokull where 

we hiked two miles across the 

glacier and eventually made it 

into the cave entrance to capture 

this beautiful display of light 

illuminating the glacial walls. 

My local friend Hörður here is 

posing for scale." 

Travel photographer John 

Weatherby loves to travel 

because: "Exploring the 

natural beauty of the world 

is incredibly liberating." 

@whereisweatherby, 

weatherbyphotography.com 

EMAIL US YOUR BEST 

TRAVEL PHOTOS 

in high-res jpeg format, along 

with the stories behind them to 

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may end up being featured 

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A two-night stay at Anantara 

The Palm Dubai Resort 

Occupying a premium spot on the East Crescent of Palm 

Jumeriah, this Thai-style resort is famous for its luxurious overwater 

villas. Guests can enjoy dining at Pan Asian restaurant 

Mekong, or rejuvenate with a traditional hammam treatment at 

the spa. We've teamed up to offer one lucky reader a two-night stay 

complete with a spa treatment. To find out more and to enter, visit 

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 

inside these top 

hotels and resorts on 

your doorstep, and 

then book your next 

mini break. 

3Insider Guides. 

Check out our 

in-the-know 

travel edits of some 

of the most popular 

holiday destinations 

on our radar. 


XXXXXXXXXXXXX 

Suite dreams 

Our monthly finish with a flourish, delving into a 

suite that has a character and style all of its own 

Corner Suite 

Kimpton Fitzroy London Hotel 

From its prime location aside the leafy garden squares and storied 

streets of Bloomsbury (which house the fabulous British Museum 

and gave their name to the famous circle of writers, artists and 

intellects, the Bloomsbury Set), to the 19th century landmark building 

it occupies, there is much to love about this beautifully designed hotel 

– not least its impeccably attired suites. There's no better place to 

soak-in all this rich history than from the bedroom-based bathtub of 

the Corner Suite and its windows to Russell Square below. 


AT THE EDGE OF THE 

WORLD, WHERE THE SKY 

SWIMS IN SEA BLUE 

this island sanctuary 

welcomes you with breeze 

and birdsong, candlelit dinners 

and infinite views. 

Just daydreams away 

from the buzz of the capital, 

you can lose yourself 

in the peaceful luxury 

of your own perfect universe. 

YOUR EXTRAORDINARY STORY 

Zaya Nurai Island Resort 

#InAbuDhabi 

visitabudhabi.ae

Indian cuisine 

 

Now Open 

From Mumbai to New Delhi, Masala Library by Jiggs Kalra, a pioneering 

contemporary Indian restaurant, has made its debut at the world’s tallest 5-star hotel. 

Join us and experience a one-of-a-kind signature 12-course menu! 

Open daily from 6pm until 11.30pm 

JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai 

Sheikh Zayed Road, Business Bay, PO Box 121000, Dubai, UAE 

T +971.4.414.3000 | jwmarriottmarquisdubailife.com | masalalibrarydxb

World Traveller August 2019

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