World Traveller - January 2019 PDF

INSPIRED BY
ISSUE 129 | JANUARY 2019 | COMPLIMENTARY COPY
HONG KONG
BERLIN
NORWAY
US ROAD TRIP
Idyllic Indian Ocean

Produced in Dubai Production City
From over-ocean villas in the Maldives to

natural wonders in Mauritius, we dive into the
Indian Ocean’s treasured islands
Welcome note
For globetrotters like us, the start of a new year calls for a
FIVE THINGS
WE LEARNED
new roster of destinations to visit and mind-blowing travel
experiences to relish, and this issue is packed with ideas that
THIS ISSUE:
are sure to earn a place on your wish list.
Regular readers will notice that, in the spirit of 1
new beginnings, World Traveller has undergone Atlantis Paradise
Island in the Bahamas
a revamp to make way for even more travel tips
is home to the world's
and inspiration from those in-the-know. Our cover largest open-air marine
story (p26) whisks you away to the Indian Ocean, habitat, p10
shining a light on everything from brand spanking
2
new Maldives resorts (get there before the rest), to
where to walk among giant tortoises in Seychelles,
Managing Director and pampering spa havens in Sri Lanka. Thanks to the new
Maputo-Catembe
Victoria Thatcher Drawing on our insider intelligence, dnata
Bridge, you can
Travel’s resident globetrotter Emily Williams tells now reach Southern
Editorial Director us which destinations are trending right now (p8) Mozambique in an easy
John Thatcher while our woman on the ground in Berlin helps 90-minute drive (as
you get under the skin of this achingly cool capital opposed to a bumpy
General Manager in her long weekend guide on p66. five-hour ride) from the
David Wade We hope you like our new direction, and we
airport, p21
invite you to share your own travel stories with
Managing Editor us. Turn to p82 to see how you can carry on the 3
Faye Bartle conversation on our digital channels. If you’re travelling long-
faye@hotmediapublishing.com haul with kids, outsmart
Happy travels, jetlag by booking an
Content Writer Faye Bartle overnight or late-night
flight, p22
Habiba Azab
Art Director
Win! 4
Find out how you can
Kerri Bennett Berlin is nine times
win a three-night stay the size of Paris,
Senior Designer at Gili Lankanfushi, but home to just 3.5
Hiral Kapadia Maldives million people – that’s
five million less than
on p83
London, p66
Senior Advertising Manager
Mia Cachero
mia@hotmediapublishing.com
Production Manager
Muthu Kumar
INSPIRED BY 5
In Hong Kong,
Peking duck
Photography credits:
spring rolls now
come stuffed with
Getty Images and Phocal Media
healthy kale, p44
COVER IMAGE
Jumeirah Vittaveli
Reproduction in whole or in part
without written permission from
HOT Media Publishing is strictly Find us at…
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are correct at time of press ONLINE worldtravellermagazine.com
but may change. HOT Media
Publishing does not accept
liability for omissions or errors in
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Contents
January 2019
Fairmont Maldives Sirru Fen Fushi
29
MALDIVES
regulars
8
TRENDING
15
GLOBETROTTER
22
THE KNOWLEDGE
26
COVER FEATURE
84
SUITE DREAMS
DESTINATIONS New Year travel goals How to avoid jet lag Say hello to your Indian Bookworms need look
From wild Tasmania to aim for; fresh places when travelling with a Ocean paradise... we've no further than the
to the dramatic to stay; mood-boosting toddler in tow – by the rounded up the very best Virginia Woolf Suite
landscapes of the Isle nature trips; and must- nomad parents who've ways to do Maldives, at University Arms,
of Skye – four places to see urban wonders mastered it Seychelles, Mauritius Cambridge
head to now and Sri Lanka
CONTENTS
features
44
MELTING POT
50
ROADS TO
56
BARKING GLAD
Neon-lit skyscrapers RECOVERY Taking the reins
pierce the clouds and An eye-opening drive on a family dog-
big-brand names light through America’s soul- sledding adventure in
up the sky – this is stirring canyonlands northeastern Norway
modern Hong Kong
50
US ROAD TRIP
weekends
64
REASONS TO VISIT
66
A LONG WEEKEND
72
STAYCATIONS
78
TRAVEL OFFERS
DUBAI CREEK IN BERLIN Enjoy a well-deserved Take advantage of our
Check out the new What to see and do in weekend away at these exclusive deals for
wave of openings at the this achingly cool and luxurious hotels your next adventure
historic heart of the city creative capital
6 worldtravellermagazine.com
Inspiration. Expertly crafted.
Comprising two iconic towers, the JW Marriott Marquis Dubai is centrally located beside the
Dubai Water Canal and offers a spectrum of facilities and services for a seamless experience.
The hotel features: 1,608 Luxurious Guest Rooms and Suites, Over 15 Award-Winning Restaurants
and Lounges, Saray Spa featuring Traditional Hammams, A Dead Sea Floatation Pool and
17 Treatment Rooms, State-of-the-Art Health Club and Fitness facilities, 8,000 sqm of spectacular
Meeting Spaces.
JW Marriott® Marquis® Hotel Dubai

jwmarriott.com/DXBJW
Sheikh Zayed Road, Business Bay, PO Box 121000, Dubai, UAE | T +971.4.414.0000 | jwmarriottmarquisdubailife.com
TRENDING DESTINATIONS
Tasmania
The island of Tasmania is witnessing a surge in popularity. This wild
corner of Australia has beautiful (and quiet) beaches, abundant nature and
wildlife, the purest air, cleanest water and an emerging cultural scene. Stay
in the beautiful port capital of Hobart, an ideal base to explore, and home
to the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA).
HIGHLIGHTS 1 See the diverse range of wacky art at world-renowned MONA 2 Bask in the beauty of the 50km-long Bay of Fires
3 Meet and greet a Tasmanian Devil at the Tasmanian Devil Unzoo
Porto
Two hours north of Lisbon, Porto emerges from the banks of the Rio Douro
like a pop-up book of colourful, historic buildings. With its fashionable
hotels, local chefs picking up a growing constellation of Michelin stars,
beautiful beaches and charismatic locals, January (with its mild weather
and affordable rates) is a great time to experience all Porto has to offer.
HIGHLIGHTS 1 Visit the arts block of Rua Miguel Bombarda for your fill of contemporary art and design
2 Admire the old houses of Miragaia 3 Taste classic Portuguese cuisine by Porto-born Chef Rui Paula at DOP
Bahamas
Home to the ‘original’ Atlantis hotel, Atlantis Paradise Island in the Bahamas
features the world's largest open-air marine habitat, a 141-acre water park,
11 incredible pools, five miles of stunning beaches, and a Tom Weiskopf-
designed 18-hole, oceanfront golf course. There’s no bad time to visit the
Bahamas – go island hopping and marvel at its famous pink sand beaches.
HIGHLIGHTS 1 Grab a conch salad and listen to rake ’n’ scrape bands at the ‘Fish Fry’ in Arawak Cay, Nassau
2 Snorkelling at Andros Great Barrier Reef 3 Soak up the sun on pristine pink sand beaches
Words by Emily Williams, dnata Travel’s resident globetrotter
Isle of Skye
The Scottish Highlands are on the radar, boosted by rumours of the prequel
to Game of Thrones filming on the Isle of Skye. Already a popular location for
film and TV crews, be sure to visit the iconic stone structure known as the
Old Man of Storr and the beautiful ‘Fairy Pool’ waterfalls. It's cold in January,
but the weather lends the dramatic landscapes an even more magical vibe.
HIGHLIGHTS 1 Follow guides to mountains, sea-cliffs, and canyons for a thrilling outdoor adventure 2 See an acclaimed collection
of dinosaur fossils at the Staffin Dinosaur Museum 3 Take a boat tour to see basking sharks at sea, the world’s second largest fish
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A NEW WATERFRONT
DESTINATION
AT PALM JUMEIRAH
The Pointe at Palm Jumeirah.

The Pointe is a vibrant new waterfront destination located at the tip of
Palm Jumeirah with scenic views of Atlantis The Palm. Spend the day
with family and friends strolling along the promenade, satisfying your
taste buds with cuisine from across the world, watching the latest
big-screen blockbusters or simply relaxing, unwinding and pampering
yourself. Visit The Pointe and indulge in a unique experience.
@thepointepalm | www.thepointe.ae
Globetrotter
JANUARY
Be informed, be inspired, be there
HIGH SOCIETY
Open your eyes to the mediaeval
architecture and nature-filled walking
trails of picturesque Sintra, a UNESCO
World Heritage Site, which historically
was a popular holiday spot among
Portugal’s elite – hence the exquisite
palaces, mansions and decorative
gardens amid the rolling hills. Embrace
the grandeur by staying at Tivoli Palácio
de Seteais (pictured), an 18th-century
Portuguese palace-turned-hotel, which
can send you on a host of adventures,
including a horse-drawn carriage ride
along the charming cobblestone streets
to taste traditional pastries at century-
old pâtisserie Casa Piriquita.
World Traveller 15
GLOBETROTTER
4
Cook up
a storm in
NEW YEAR Oxfordshire

Tucked away in
TRAVEL GOALS the picturesque

countryside,
the Belmond
Make a meaningful start to your Le Manoir aux
year in travel by embarking on Quat’Saisons
a holiday that gives back cookery school,
by chef Raymond
Emirates One&Only
in Wolgan Valley, Australia
Blanc OBE,
will show you
the secrets
of creating
show-stopping
cuisine. There
are courses for
all skill levels
and, once you’ve
downed tools
in the kitchen,
3
Go wild in you can retire
Wolgan to one of the
Valley manor house’s
Stay at Emirates 32 individually-
One&Only in designed hotel
Wolgan Valley, rooms.
Australia, and Belmond Le Manoir aux
Quat’Saisons
you can make
1 2
Do a digital Join a writer’s a hands-on Maya Ubud Resort & Spa
detox in retreat in contribution to
5
Boracay Sierra Nevada protecting the Nurture
Break free from If you plan on valley and its your soul
a digital rut at penning your own wildlife. Join the in Bali
Mandala Spa & masterpiece soon, conservation Get back in
Resort Villas then Casa Ana’s team as they touch with the
in central creative writing journey into the important stuff
Philippines, retreat provides Blue Mountains with the eight-
which is all the inspiration to care for day/seven-night
surrounded by you need to get Carne Creek and spiritual journey
tropical gardens started. Located in Wolgan River programme
and just a short the Sierra Nevada – important at Maya Ubud
walk from the mountains of habitats for Resort & Spa.
stunning beach. southern Spain, native wildlife. Your itinerary
Stay in the it holds four Learn about key will include
Digital Detox writing retreats issues impacting trips to nearby
Villa, where each year (March, the local wildlife temples, a visit
television and June, August, and and take part to a Balinese
Wi-Fi is strictly November) so in tree planting, healer and a
banned, so you you can focus on wildlife surveys, stroll through
can unplug and your prose in quiet feral animal the verdant rice
spend your surroundings, monitoring and paddies to gain
days nourishing glean advice from wombat surveys, a deeper insight
yourself with the professional among other into the Balinese
healthy food and mentors and take activities, as philosophy of
taking part in part in group you admire the life, with lots of
yoga classes. reading and scenery. spa pampering
critiquing sessions. in-between.
GLOBETROTTER
NEW HOTELS
FRESH
STAYS…
DUBAI
1 Mandarin Oriental
Jumeira, Dubai
Inside scoop: This Jeffrey
Wilkes designed property offers the
best of both worlds, having bagged
itself a coveted spot along Jumeirah
Beach, placing you just steps away from
the seafront and just a short drive away
from icon-packed Downtown Dubai
(in fact, it’s now the closest beachfront
resort). Scheduled to open in Q1 2019,
the hotel’s California-style aesthetic has
us reaching for our overnight bag.
The rooms and suites: You can choose
from a city or beach view, and most
guestrooms have a private balcony.
We say book a room overlooking the
pool and out towards the sea for the
dreamiest views.
The food: There are six restaurants
and lounges to discover, with signature
venues including the Warayakiya-style
Japanese restaurant and Portuguese
poolside eatery Tasca.
The spa: Be pampered in the spa with a
locally-inspired treatment and unwind
in the dedicated hammam-style suite.
Also nearby: It’s just five minutes to
thriving beach community La Mer,
where you can go to shop, grab a bite
to eat and hurl yourself down the slides
at Laguna Waterpark.
JOHANNESBURG MAURITIUS DUBAI

2 The Houghton 3 C Mauritius 4 Zabeel House by Jumeirah,
Keen golfers will be We're lapping up The Greens
lured from the city the tropical vibes Inspired by New
to the ’burbs by this of C Mauritius in York loft living,
luxurious property, Palmar – the first the rooms and
due to its proximity opening for the apartments of this
to the Jack Nicklaus cool new sister hip hotel are decked
signature golf brand of Constance out with SMEG mini
course (it’s literally the front garden). Hotels & Resorts. Warm and stylish, bar fridges, espresso machines and the
The resort has a club-like vibe – expect with incredible views of the lagoon and like. Taste Pan-Asian cuisine at Ah Lah,
the staff to call you by your first name beach, it’s ideal for those who prefer dip a toe in the outdoor pool, and take
– with plenty of ways to stay fit and an all-inclusive stay. (The hotel is in its advantage of the free bike, skateboard
healthy, including 7.9km of illuminated soft opening stage and will be fully and rollerblade rental to explore the
jogging paths. operational in March.) parks and lakes nearby.
GLOBETROTTER
THE POWER OF NATURE

Doctors in Shetland can now prescribe nature to their patients to help treat stress and
other conditions. Make sure the time you spend in nature is well topped up with a few
days' respite at these wonderfully lush hotels around the globe…
FAR-FLUNG ON YOUR DOORSTEP

FOREST SHORT-HAUL DESERT
Big Sur, California BEACH The Dubai desert
Tucked amid the forests of The Amalfi Coast The allure of the golden
California’s rugged central Surrounded by luscious dunes never fades and
coast is Ventana Big Sur, bougainvillea and lovingly the private oasis of Al
where you can watch the cultivated olive groves Maha, a Luxury Collection
sun set over the ocean, and fruit orchards, Hotel Desert Resort & Spa,
explore the rolling hills and Santa Caterina invites you Dubai, nestled deep in the
navigate the hiking trails to experience the charm Dubai Desert Conservation
with a local guide. Rest of this classically beautiful Reserve, takes the breath
your head at its Redwood destination. This historic away whether you’re a
and Canyon Glampsites villa, perched on the cliffs, newbie or a regular. Post
(only accessible by foot), offers direct access to a desert safari, you can gaze
which puts you in the thick private stretch of sand (via at the seemingly endless
of it all in a safari-style elevators carved into the stretch of sand towards the
canvas tent, sharing stories rock face) where you can Al Hajar Mountains from
by the light of the fire. unwind, soak up the sun your suite’s private pool.
and swim in the heated
seawater pool (open from
mid-April to October).
Redwood and Canyon Glampsites, Ventana Big Sur

Credit: Ventana Big Sur, An Alila Resort
EXCEPTIONAL, INDIGENOUS, EXPERIENCE.
Experience the alluring, golden desert landscape, the captivating silence of nature, the free-roaming
wildlife in the reserve, all enjoyed from your private suite and pool. Indulge in a luxurious desert adventure
with camel treks, horseback riding, falconry, archery, dune drives and more.
HOTELS THAT DEFINE THE DESTINATION

FOR RESERVATIONS, PLEASE CALL 971 4 832 9900
OR VISIT THELUXURYCOLLECTION.COM/ALMAHA
feeling like a VIP
that’s Kilban’s
marhaba effect
The difference is the staff. So caring.
I’m just an ordinary traveller but
marhaba makes me feel like a VIP.
With people like this, there is only
one way you can go—up, up and up!
Kilban
Breeze through all the airport formalities with our meet &
greet services in Dubai and Bahrain.
Whether you’re arriving, departing or transferring,

marhaba meet & greet makes your time at the airport
something to look forward to.
You can also relax in style, no matter what your airline or

class of travel, at our lounges in Dubai and Bahrain.
Find your marhaba effect at marhabaservices.com
meet & greet | family packages | marhaba lounge | citystop | transfer service
GLOBETROTTER
Louvre Abu Dhabi
ON OUR
RADAR
Design enthusiasts will want
to be among the first to stay
in the new-look NIKA Private
Residence at Velaa Private
There are now regular non- Island, which has been
stop flights zipping between reimagined by interior
Abu Dhabi and Barcelona, designer Patricia
Spain, thanks to Etihad Urquiola. The beach
Airways, which launched its retreat, which
inaugural flight there at the sleeps up to 10, has
end of November 2018. The a natural tone with
new route (just shy of eight raffia, wood and earthy
textiles creating warmth.
Thanks to the opening of the

Maputo-Catembe Bridge,
the largest suspension bridge
in Africa, the wilderness of
MUST-SEE SIGHTS Southern Mozambique
Urban wonders
just got a whole lot
more accessible.
Stay at White Pearl
The Roman Colosseum and Great towards Sydney Harbour Bridge. Resort, where ocean
Wall of China may already be on Tsukiji Fish Market, Tokyo, for its safaris, game drives
your must-see list, but how many foodie, flea market appeal. and swimming with
of the new wave urban wonders Camden Market, London, due to wild dolphins are among the
are on your radar? Hilton Hotels & its rebellious and exciting persona. adventures to be had.
Resorts has recently unveiled the The Bund, Shanghai with its mile-
Seven Urban Wonders of the World, long stretch of waterfront and real Gordon Ramsay is turning
crowdsourced via influencers and life ‘museum of buildings’. Temple up the heat with the newly-
rated by criteria such as architecture, Street Night Markets, Hong Kong, opened Hell’s Kitchen
activities available and, of course, as a vibrant showcase for culture, at Caesars Palace
Instagrammability. Here’s what made food, and craft. Albertina, Vienna, Bluewaters
the cut… for its history, art galleries and Dubai. Serving
Louvre Abu Dhabi for its impressive museums. Indeed, Albertina is up an experiential
installations. Sydney Opera House for one the city’s most photographed and immersive
its cultural contribution to the city and buildings, commanding more than culinary experience,
picture-perfect viewpoint, looking out 70,000 Instagram posts. its coveted address
on Dubai’s newest island
destination adds to the allure.
TOP BUY Fans of Four Seasons will be

keen to read this new tome,
The MCM Traveler Cabin which takes you behind the
Trolley in Visetos, Dhs6,400, scenes by sharing the
stories of the authentic
is the perfect size for a service and savoir faire
of its people, illustrated
long weekend away and its by Ignasi Monreal.
compartmentalised interior Four Seasons: The

Art of Hospitality.
makes packing easy too. Assouline Publishing,
assouline.com
Just zip it up and go!
World Traveller 21
KNOW-HOW
The Knowledge
HOW TO...
Help kids beat jet lag

With their two-year-old in tow, AJ Ratani and Natasha Sandhir travelled to 31 countries in
just short of nine months. Not surprisingly, they learned a lot about travelling with a toddler
Before you travel…

We always plan to align our son's
sleep schedule to the destination. For
example, in Spain, their culture is to
enjoy dinner much later than we do
in the US, so we’ll do the same when
we’re there. This gives our child the
opportunity to mix with the locals
and taste the local cuisine, rather than
having to eat at an empty restaurant or
just grab a snack and go to bed at the
same time they would back home.
When you’re travelling somewhere
and know the time difference will be
significant, it’s a good idea to start
preparing a day or so in advance. Even
though it can make for a crazy day
or two, depending on whether you’re
gaining or losing hours, wake your child
up a couple of hours’ earlier or later
than normal and have them go to bed read him his books before he goes to will be kids, so try not to get frustrated
earlier or later as well. This will help with sleep. And then, when we say "good if your child can't go to sleep at an ideal
the transition. night", we tell him it's time to go to sleep. time. Your best bet in that situation is to
stay up with them and let them adjust
Booking the best flight time… Is there a noticeable difference over two or three days. To give you an
If you know the flight will be long, we in jet lag when flying East to example, when we flew from Dubai to
prefer to book overnight or late-night West and West to East? Beijing we arrived around midnight,
flights. We have found that our son will We personally prefer flying East to West but it was only 8pm in Dubai. Our son
be tired and typically falls asleep on the over West to East. That's because when wasn’t tired at all and it was useless
flight and (hopefully) sleeps until our you fly West you gain hours and hence to try to force him to go to sleep – we
destination. It also allows us to get some can get to your destination during the knew from experience that it will just
sleep as well, and we aren't stressed day. This means the family just needs to end up in frustration for us all. Instead,
out trying to entertain and manage him stay up until the evening to lessen the we stayed up and went to bed when he
during the flight. For shorter flights, we effects of jet lag. You are so exhausted was tired. For us, that meant going to
typically try to book one which departs having stayed up that you will go to sleep at 4am. However, we made sure to
after 11am. We try and avoid short sleep easily and adapt to the time wake up by 11am, to start our day. Yes,
flights that start around our son’s usual change much easier. we were tired, but it meant everyone
bedtime because that can be disruptive would go to sleep earlier that night.
to his sleep. If your plans fail, just go with Within a day or two, we had all adjusted,
the flow… our child included.
When you’re flying at night… If all of what you’ve planned for goes
We typically try to replicate as much of out of the window, then you simply You can read more about AJ and
what we do at home. For example, we must go with the flow regardless of Natasha’s globetrotting adventures
will put our son into his pyjamas and what happens. As the saying goes, kids at 2idiotstravel.com
Wellness Haven at Saray Spa.
Renew for the journey ahead.
A relaxing realm of quiet luxury, Saray Spa at the JW Marriott Marquis Dubai is an authentic wellness Spa, where ancient
healing techniques and locally sourced natural ingredients are combined to enhance the well-being of each guest.
The Spa features 17 treatment rooms, inclusive of two private Hammam rooms, one Dead Sea treatment room boasting
the UAE’s only Dead Sea Floatation Pool found within, and two Private Luxury Spa Suites.
Experience the wonders of the Middle East through Arabian Body Rituals or Hammam Rituals, or benefit from
the results-oriented facials. An exclusive retail boutique offers luxurious gifts and spa products for every occasion.
JW Marriott Marquis Dubai | Sheikh Zayed Road, Business Bay, PO Box 121000, Dubai, UAE
T +971 4 414 6754 | mhrs.dxbjw.spa@marriott.com | jwmarriottmarquisdubailife.com
The view from
STAY DIFFERENT WITH JUMEIRAH
Beach breaks
Jumeirah Al
Naseem
It's time to hit the sand! Let our handy guide point
you towards your perfect beach holiday in Dubai
You could just find a resort by the sea, or you You could just stay on the beach, or upgrade to a
could stay at a true icon of luxury… place that has its own luxury beach club…
Frequently voted one of the world's most luxurious hotels, Unwind in your very own pocket of beach bliss at Jumeirah
the sail-shaped Burj Al Arab commands attention along Al Naseem, the latest property to open at Madinat Jumeirah.
Dubai's coast. And while it's a given that you'll want to visit All the rooms and suites have postcard-worthy views towards
the architectural gem while on a trip – if only to admire it up Burj Al Arab or the Arabian Gulf, and expansive terraces that
close – staying there is something every discerning traveller edge the sandy beach. But the best bit, in our opinion, is the
should vow to do at least once in his or her life. Ask anyone who lure of Summersalt beach club, which has launched a new
has been lucky enough to check in and they'll admit that the Japanese fusion pop-up concept, Umi Shio, created by Japanese/
experience is impressive from the very start. Upon arrival, you Argentinian chef Cristian Goya. Blending the artful craft of
are discreetly escorted to your duplex suite which, due to the Japanese cooking, with the delicious flavours of South America,
property's smart design, has wow views of your unique location dishes are designed for sharing and feature authentic Japanese
and beyond through floor-to-ceiling windows. The beach and South American ingredients such as miso, yuzu, truffle
experience is as luxurious as you'd expect, and at the exclusive and lime in abundance. Open for lunch and dinner, it also
Burj Al Arab Terrace you'll find Scape restaurant (specialising serves a delicious selection of Japanese-inspired drinks to sip
in Californian-style cuisine), a dreamy infinity pool and cosy while admiring the view. And if you thought you'd reached peak
cabanas. Of course, there's plenty more at the property to relaxation throughout the day, bear in mind that Talise Spa is
entice, including the acclaimed Nathan Outlaw at Al Mahara, just a hop, skip and a buggy ride away. We rate the Hot Sea Shell
and a chauffeur-driven Rolls-Royce to ferry you around town. massage, which helps banish tension and stress.
WORLD TRAVELLER X JUMEIRAH
You could just stay at a hotel with spacious rooms, or

you could stay somewhere with Royal Residences… Madinat Jumeirah
While we're spoilt for choice when it comes to spacious suites in YOUR BEEN THERE,
FIRST TIME DONE THAT
Dubai, there comes a time in life when you want to squirrel yourself
away from the rest. If you're not keen on seeing another soul while SHOP AT SOUK EMBARK ON A DEEP-
MADINAT JUMEIRAH SEA FISHING TRIP
you're away (aside from your nearest and dearest), then a private DO
For an Arabian bazaar Try something new on
villa holiday fits the bill nicely. The Jumeirah Zabeel Saray Royal style shopping experience, the water thanks to the
Residences set the bar high when it comes to exclusive beach browse the barrows and dedicated Water Sports
breaks. Set amid lush tropical gardens and a dreamy lagoon pool, stalls of Souk Madinat Centre – the thrilling deep-
Jumeirah. Each is sea fishing excursion is
the Ottoman era inspired villas have their own private sun terrace,
brimming with treasured sure to take you out of
private swimming pool and stretch of soft sand. You'll also have mementoes that deserve a your comfort zone for a
access to your own private garden while a fully-equipped kitchen space in your suitcase. trip to remember.
means you don't have to decamp to a restaurant – simply call upon
MADINAT JUMEIRAH A THEATRE SHOW
the personalised butler service to take care of all your needs. VIA ABRA With an impressive line-up
Soak up the beauty of SEE of live performances, from
You could just stay at a family hotel, or you could stay Madinat Jumeirah and foot-tapping musicals to
see the authentic Arabian ballet, Madinat Theatre
at a family hotel that's fresh from a stylish refurb… architecture from all is a draw card for fans of
Back on the scene following a six month refurbishment, and angles by setting off on a the arts. Showing in Jan
celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, Jumeirah Beach Hotel 20-min abra tour along the is Blackouts & Charles
is a firm favourite among families. Throw open the doors of your meandering waterways. Nguela (31 Jan) – a hi-tech
Camera at the ready! acrobatics, dance and
family Garden Suite and step out onto the private terrace for some illusions show.
salty sea air, splash around in the swimming pools, build sandcastles
PAI THAI SHIMMERS
with the kids, and swap stories over dinner at Pan Asian restaurant First-timers are sure Seasoned visitors
Beachcombers. What's more, all guests get complimentary access to to be impressed by this EAT can make the most of
Wild Wadi Waterpark. award-winning Thai the winter weather at
restaurant. A short abra Shimmers. Savour bites
ride delivers you to this by Greek Chef Yiannis
To find out more, visit jumeirah.com ambient venue, where Katsikas, and sink your
a feast of aromatic toes into the sand while
dishes await. admiring the never-gets-
Burj Al Arab Terrace
old view of Burj Al Arab.
GET HOLLYWOOD-
STYLE HEALTHCARE
Need more than a
massage? Visit the DNA
Health Clinic at Talise
Spa to explore your
DNA profile and genetic
blueprint for tips on
FULL MOON YOGA slowing down the ageing
AT TALISE SPA process, along with bio-
The full moon is said to SPA aesthetic treatments to
have a powerful effect on help you look your best.
our mood and energy. Feel
the benefits by taking part JUMEIRAH DAR
in this 90-minute yoga AL MASYAF
session under the stars, These summerhouses can
and stretch to a soundtrack go under the radar, but
of waves lapping the shore. their tranquil setting amid
the gardens, waterways,
JUMEIRAH AL QASR and private beach make
You couldn't wish for a them a gem if you're
SLEEP
better introduction to seeking something a bit
warm Arabian hospitality different from the norm.
than at this luxurious hotel,
which is designed in the
style of a Sheikh’s summer
residence. The rooms are
newly refurbished – we rate
the Arabian Deluxe suites,
which fit up to two adults
and two children, with
scenic views of the gardens
and waterways.
XXXXXXXXXXXXX
IDYLLIC INDIAN OCEAN
Hello paradise!
Each one idyllic but uniquely over colourful sea life in
charmed, the Indian Ocean’s the space of an afternoon.
big hitting holiday islands Culturally vibrant Sri Lanka,
make for the ultimate escape, offers abundant UNESCO
if only for a long weekend World Heritage sights and
(although it's a fact you’ll wish an ever-expanding list of
for more when it’s time to luxury resort hotels. And
pack your bags). But which of then there’s the Maldives,
these islands is ideal for you? home to the over-the-water
Awash with history and villa, sugar-white beaches
with outdoor adventures and sunsets so beautiful your
on tap, Mauritius has heart melts.
much to complement its Across the next 10 pages
spectacular scenery, while we’re going to take you to
in the Seychelles you can paradise. What better way to
hike lush trails and snorkel ease yourself into 2019?
Standing tall in the heart of
C R E AT E Dubai Marina, featuring
incomparable panoramic views
SPECIAL of the city, combine the best
of all worlds with luxurious
MOMENTS accommodation, three

contemporary dining
WITH US.
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
Maldives
I've heard that some resorts are more than an hour's seaplane
flight from Malé. Which ones are close to the airport?
Despite being a mere four-hour flight from the down from the upstairs balcony into the ocean).
UAE, some Maldives resorts are remote enough Also just 20 minutes in a speedboat from Velana
to require a further scheduled domestic flight International Airport (commonly referred to as
or, more commonly, a seaplane taxi, which will Malé International Airport) is Gili Lankanfushi.
likely stop at one or two other resorts along the A self-styled eco resort, the dwellings here
way to your own island escape. This can mean were built from sustainably-sourced materials
your actual travel time clocks in at over five while not compromising on luxury. Of them,
hours or more, so if you’re intent on squeezing our firm favourites are the Crusoe Residences:
in every possible moment in paradise, you two-storey, over-the-water villas stood a
should consider a resort that doesn’t require brief boat ride away from the main island.
you to take to the sky once more. One such Having recently removed the wraps from a
place is Jumeirah Vittaveli, which lies atop the two-year renovation, Baros Maldives is ripe for
ocean only 20 minutes (via a transfer aboard rediscovery – and only 20 minutes by speedboat
a motorised catamaran) from the airport. This from the airport. Enhancements to this much-
is a place that adds a splash of wow factor to loved Maldives stalwart (it welcomed its first
many of its offerings: the first ice rink in the guests in 1973) include the all-new Baros Suites,
Maldives and the newly opened Private Ocean just two standalone villas which come with huge
Retreats with Slide (yes, a slide, which winds private pools and stunning sea views as standard.
I want to stay somewhere brand spanking new.

Which places have just opened?
Kudadoo Maldives Fairmont Maldives Sirru Fen Fushi
Comprising only 15 villas – all of them on stilts Water babies take note: Meaning 'Secret
over the ocean – the feeling of exclusivity at Water Island', Sirru Fen Fushi boasts one of
this all-inclusive resort extends to being able the largest lagoons in the Maldives and a
to have Dream Island, a neighbouring slice of huge, 200-metre-long swimming pool. Rest
sand owned by Kudadoo, all to yourself. assured it won't stay secret for long.
LUX* North Malé Atoll Joali Maldives

Taking bookings now for a February 1 Why slum it in a villa that has only one
opening is LUX* North Malé Atoll. Out go the swimming pool when you can have two?
thatched-roof villas common to resorts and Here, two-pool villas are available on the
in come white-washed penthouses. Swish. beach or over the water.
Kudadoo Maldives Fairmont Maldives Sirru Fen Fushi

OUR FAVOURITE
'ONLY IN THE
MALDIVES' MOMENTS
1
Snorkelling or diving
are the obvious ways
to familarise yourself
with Maldives' enchanting
underwater world, but there
are a few more unique ways
to do so. It's home to the
world's first underwater spa
(Huvafen Fushi Maldives);
underwater bungalow
(Conrad Maldives Rangali
Island); and underwater
nightclub (Niyama Private
Islands Maldives).
2
Dining is a big deal in
Maldives, with some
resorts even flying in
LUX* North Malé Atoll Joali Maldives Michelin-starred chefs to
rustle up one-night-only
dinners for guests. Yet a
dining experience you'll
cherish for reasons beyond
what's on your plate is a
sandbank dinner – you'll
dine by flaming torches on
a private slice of sand just
for two. Heart melting.
3
Dolphins aren't
known for being shy,
but in Maldives they
go beyond offering the
odd tantalising glimpse
to staging a fully-fledged,
almost choreographed
show at sea. Myriad resorts
lay on a sunset dolphin
cruise and it's an absolute
must-do.
Our favourite... jaw-dropping dwellings

Be the host with the most by inviting your sprawled in their semi-submerged sun bed before
entire crew to stay in the eight-bedroom The taking the short step into the fish-filled lagoon.
Great Beach Residence – the largest of the Away from the ocean, the sunrise-
eight Amilla Beach Villa Residences at Amilla facing Jungle Reserve at Soneva Fushi
Fushi. This two-story Miami-style abode has plots you amid dense greenery. But don't
a huge living room overlooking the beach and worry should they forget you're there – it
ocean, two pools and sun terraces, a kitchen houses a full kitchen, cellar, library, spa
stocked with all your favourite food, and your suite, gym, sauna and steam facilities.
very own beach buggy and fleet of bikes Of a similar size is the lavish Royal Residence
parked outside for exploring the island. at JA Manafaru. Accessed via a pond-lined
If Velaa Private Island exudes exclusivity, courtyard, the residence's two-storey interior
its Romantic Pool Residence defines it. houses three bedrooms, a spa room, and a
Suspended above a lagoon, this one-bedroom first-floor living room; an elevated position
villa, replete with a spa and slice of cotton- to make the most of stunning sea views by
soft beach, is spied upon by the sunset only, day and the star-filled sky at night, for which
The impeccably designed villas at Park Hyatt the in-room telescope comes in handy.
Maldives Hadahaa (pictured) draw your eye in Outside, two pools fringed by greenery and
an instant, but its over-the-ocean villas (14 in sun-kissed decking lead out to a private
all) take your breath away too. You'll love being stretch of beach, for your feet only.
Our
favourite...
resorts for The iconic One&Only
families Reethi Rah (pictured

left) resort caters as
well as anywhere in the
Maldives to both kids and
adults alike, with dedicated clubs
for all ages (four-nine; nine-11, and
12 and up) manned by certified (and
fun) counsellors. Not only does the
kids' club at Kanuhura offer age-
appropriate activities to two groups,
but if your kids are aged below 12 and
share your room, they stay and eat for
free. Looking for a social spot? The
retro-fun vibes at Finolhu make it a
great choice for young families (one-
bedroom villas fit two adults and two
children under 12), with the Oceaneers’
Club for tots to teens ensuring little
islanders have a blast.
I’m worried we’ll get bored staying on the same

island. How can I see more of the Maldives?
For a start, unless you're averse to Four Seasons Explorer should make
just about every type of watersport it to the top of your wish list. It's a
imaginable, or tire quickly of seeing three-deck catamaran that offers up
stunning sunsets, star-filled skies and to 22 guests an all-inclusive, three-,
frolicking dolphins, it's unlikely you'll four- or seven-night cruise through a
get bored. However, there are options UNESCO biosphere reserve. Daily diving
available that allow you to see far schedules are planned for you by a I want a romantic break
beyond one resort and to explore barely vastly experienced onboard dive team, without the kids (sorry,
touched Maldivian atolls. Soneva in and include visits to wrecks and an
Aqua (pictured) is one such luxury, a after-dark voyage into moonlit waters.
kids). Where do you
two-bedroom 23-metre yacht that's recommend?
yours to share with a dedicated (to you The boutique Milaidhoo Island offers
only) team comprised of a captain, sous not only heart-tugging scenery but
chef, Mr. Friday (that'll be your personal does so with nary a toddler in sight – the
butler) and, on request, a dive master, booking policy here allows for children
massage therapist and astronomer. aged nine or over only.
Another indulgence of note is the Then there's Hurawalhi Island Resort,
glass-bottomed spa tub in the master which is for adults only and houses
bedroom that offers a glimpse of the Insta-worthy features like the world's
vibrant marine life below. largest all-glass undersea restaurant
If you love to dive (and who (pictured). if you don't fall in love all
wouldn't in the Maldives' crystalline over again in these stunning surrounds,
and temperate waters?) then the it's probably time to get the lawyers in...
Seychelles
BEST FOR... feeling you have paradise all to yourself
The aptly named JA Enchanted Island Resort has a mere 10

Creole-style colonial villas spread across a beautiful private
island just off the coast of Mahé. However, if that sounds like
nine too many, you can book the entire island for yourself
(and invite up to 24 fortunate friends). Thinking your budget
probably won't stretch that far? One-of-kind villas hidden
amongst the greenery are the Enchanted Signature Villa (two
bedrooms and direct access to the beach) and the bigger still
Owner's Signature Villa (two bedrooms and direct access to
not one but three beaches). Mesmerizing views of the brilliant
blue sea accompany each dip in your private infinity pool.
Opposite: JA Enchanted
BEST FOR... walking among
Island Resort
This page, clockwise from giant tortoises
top: Anse Georgette; North
Island; sign leading the way A helicopter transfer from
to Aldabra giant tortoises
Mahé, Fregate Island
Private is home to just 16
discreet villas but some
2,000 or more Aldabra
giant tortoises, which roam
free across the forest-
thick island. A resident
conservationist will teach
your kids how to make
them move by scratching
their backs. The island's
myriad other natural
charms extend to organic
ingredients grown in the
resort's own plantation
and used extensively in
inventive menus.
BEST FOR... a royally
good honeymoon
British royals William and
Kate lost their hearts to
the Seychelles on more
than one occasion, heading
there first for a holiday
at the remote Desroches
Island (now the Four
Seasons Resort Seychelles
at Desroches Island) and
again for their honeymoon,
swapping islands for the
stunning, 11-villa North
Island. Hollywood royalty
followed suit – George
Clooney and his wife Amal
celebrated their nuptials at
the same resort.
BEST FOR... beautiful
beaches that rival any

in the world
Those iconic images of
outsized granite boulders
set on golden sands?
That'll be Praslin, the
second largest island in the
Seychelles, but number one
when it comes to the best
beaches. You can debate
long and hard about which
of Anse Georgette or Anse
Lazio beaches is the single
best (both are routinely
voted into the world's top
10), but we say Anse Lazio
for snorkelling and Anse
Georgette for sunsets.
Mauritius
The west and south west
Why stay here? you can now ascend it as part of a
The verdant valleys and pristine swathes guided hike operated by Yanature
of beach make this region the island's (trekkingmauritius.com). The soul-
most diverse and, in our opinion, its stirring views from the top are your
most scenic. In line with the topography, instant reward.
the tourist attractions range from the Get active
Chamarel Coloured Earths (a natural The steady winds that blow in this
phenomenon comprised of seven direction make for excellent kitesurfing
distinctly coloured sands) to swimming conditions. Ion Club (ion-club.net)
with wild dolphins. rents out the necessary equipment and
In the history books offers a complete kitesurfing tuition
The storied mountain of Le Morne programme to beginners.
(fleeing slaves scaled it to build small Where to stay
settlements, before tragically choosing In the shadow of Le Morne is the
to jump when faced with recapture) wonderful LUX* Le Morne, whose all-
is a UNESCO World Heritage Site inclusive packages help take the stress
and a defining symbol of the island. out of having to decide between luxury
Off limits to hikers for decades, temptations aplenty.
Main image: Monkeys
at Black River Gorges
National Park
Inset: Food at Shanti
Maurice
The north and The east and north east

north west Why stay here?
Why stay here? This is arguably where you'll find the
Home to Grand Baie, the island's island's most celebrated stretches
tourism has a bounty of hotels, beautiful of beach, hugging the shoreline or
(although often crowded) beaches and encircling entire, tiny off-shore islands
entertainment, if you like your beach – yours to visit for the day by boat. It's
breaks served with a little bit of buzz, also home to a clutch of superb hotels.
this is the part of the island for you. In the history books
In the history books A 2017 study revealed that sand grains
When in Mauritius, you'll see abundant taken from a beach on the east of
references to the legend of Paul and Mauritius were far older than than the
Virginie, the island's own Romeo island itself and evidence of a drowned
and Juliet, whose love fell victim to a 'microcontinent', which scientists have
shipwreck, which crashed against rocks since termed a prehistoric Atlantis.
on the north end of Mauritius, drowning Get active
Virginie and leaving Paul to die of grief. For a bird's eye view of the beauty
Get active Mother Nature has mapped out below,
The north has a monopoly on the head into the clear blue skies strapped
island's best dive spots, which range in to a parasail. Viator (viator.com) will get
depth from 13 metres onwards. If you've you up, up and away...
packed your underwater camera, the Where to stay
Grand Baie Aquarium site is chockful This is where the island's Grand Dame,
of colourful sea life. the recently refurbished One&Only
Where to stay Le Saint Géran, stands proud on a
The first boutique hotel on the island, private peninusla. As it was before its
20 Degrees Sud benefits from a temporary closure, the service here is
sheltered private beach and a tranquil practically faultless.
setting within a coconut grove.
The south and
south east
Why stay here?
The south's landscape is defined by its
many sugar cane fields and colonial-
style plantation houses. It's less
developed and the beaches can be a
touch more dramatic than elsewhere:
think raging waves crashing into rocks.
In the history books
The fishing village of Mahébourg here
bore witness to the only Napoleonic
naval victory over the English in 1810,
a victory now inscribed on Paris' Arc
de Triomphe.
Get active
A great way to explore the south is from
the saddle of a quad bike. Quad Biking
Mauritius (quadbikingmauritius.com)
offers multiple tours across the rugged
terrain, one of which includes stopping
off to swim in a waterfall.
Where to stay
Set aside the rolling waves. Shanti
Maurice Resort & Spa has the
supersized (and super private) Luxury
Double Suite Pool Villa, which sleeps
four adults and four children.
I WANT TO... STAY SOMEWHERE STYLISH
Tri didn't need to look beyond the natural to
create its luxury design hotel. Crafted entirely
from recycled jak wood and local granite, the
villas here also feature 'living' roofs, planted
with native creepers, water grass, and dwarf
bamboo. The pick of them is the secluded
Lake Villa, so named for affording guests
Sri Lanka
uninterrupted views over Lake Koggala.
I WANT TO... EXPLORE

WORLD HERITAGE SIGHTS
Sri Lanka has more than its
fair share of these (eight
in all) but unless you can
enjoy a leisurely two weeks
driving slow roads to see
each one, you're best to
concentrate your efforts
on the Ancient City of
Sigiriya, home to a dramatic
rock fortress atop which
are the remains, colourful
frescoes among them, of a
palace constructed by King
Kasyapa in the 5th century.
From here, the Ancient City
of Polonnaruwa and The
Dambulla Cave Temple are
within easy reach.
I WANT TO... GO WILD

Sri Lanka has the world's
largest concentration of
elephants, the epicentre of
which is Minneriya National
Park, northeast of Colombo,
where they gather on the
banks of the Minneriya &
Kaudulla Reservoir. Jeep
safari tours of the park are
available daily.
I WANT TO... HIT THE SPA

FOR A WHOLE WEEKEND
Head, then, to Anantara
Kalutara, where in a double-
storey tropical spa you
Clockwise from
top: Sigiriya; mother can try a unique Ceylon-
elephant tending
to her offspring;
tea inspired treatment.
Anantara Peace Double down on the bliss
Haven Tangalle
Resort; tea pickers by transferring to sister
gather leaves
property Anantara Peace
Haven Tangalle Resort, on
Sri Lanka's south coast. Its
award-winning serene spa
offers bespoke treatments.
I WANT TO... TRAVERSE

TEA PLANTATIONS
Ceylon Tea Trails is a
luxurious 'tea' bungalow
resort (each bungalow has
its own chef and butler)
plotted amid tea-blanketed
hills and gardens, which a
resident 'tea planter' will
lead you through.
WORLD TRAVELLER X AL BALEED RESORT SALALAH BY ANANTARA
Find your balance

Make a fresh start on a wellness retreat at
this private pool villa resort in Salalah and enjoy
a transformative travel experience
Stretch out The chickpea
with yoga on burger is a
the beach healthy choice
I
f you’ve pledged to improve your health this year, enrolling Kick-start the
detox process in
in a wellness retreat may give you the nudge you need to the hammam
get started, and we know a great option on your doorstep.
Nestled between a private beach and a freshwater lagoon,
Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara is offering health buffs
an à la carte style retreat experience in serene surroundings.
What’s more, the Balance Wellness by Anantara programme
can be tailored to suit your individual needs, so whether you
want to clean up your diet or build more activity into your
day, you can feel confident that you are getting the most
from the experience. Upon arrival, you’ll sit down with a
consultant to discuss your goals. Depending on how long
you’re staying (there are three-, five- and seven-day packages
available), you’ll be asked to pick from a mood-boosting
combination of nourishing meals, energy-pumping activities
and rejuvenating spa therapies, and your wellbeing expert
will draw you up a bespoke itinerary.
NOURISH YOURSELF
Staying full-board is part of the package, taking the
stress out of planning what to eat and where. Sit down to
a nourishing menu of healthy food created by renowned
Italian vegan chef Valeria Agnelutto. Designed to detoxify
and energise the system while delivering maximum
flavour, dishes include Italian pasta e fagioli and chickpea
burgers with rosemary and parsley and veggie mayo. The
three-course meals also include delicious starters such
as avocado tartare with cucumber and dates and raw
tiramisu for dessert. Plus, each dish comes with a detailed head, to harmonise the entire body. If you're staying for the
nutritional breakdown and is accompanied by vitamin- long haul, you’ll also be able to take advantage of additional
packed raw juice. discounts on all spa and wellness treatments.
BE PAMPERED FEEL MORE ENERGISED

Aside from your prescribed pampering treatments, a Get your body moving with activity sessions that beat
highlight of the wellness programme is experiencing the boring gym workouts into submission. Take part in yoga
resort’s luxury hammam. Drawing on centuries of Arabian and go hiking in the beautiful mountainous coast of Salalah
wellness, the ancient ritual starts with a muscle-relaxing to get your circulation pumping and discover a renewed
steam bath in preparation for a black soap cleansing and passion for being in the great outdoors. Your consultant
kessa mitt exfoliation to sweep away impurities. Once you’re can advise on easy ways to build more activity into your
steamed and scrubbed, a Moroccan rhassoul treatment richly everyday life once you're back at home so you’ll continue to
nourishes and rehydrates, leaving the skin silky soft. Other feel the effects for months to come.
healing therapies to try include the kundalini massage and
shirodhara: a unique ayurvedic therapy focusing on the To find out more, call +968 2322 8222 or visit anantara.com
XXXXXXXXXXXXX
HONG KONG p44
US ROAD TRIP p50
NORWAY p56
Postcards
Stories from journeys
far and wide
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The night market on

Temple Street
44 World
worldtravellermagazine.com
Traveller
HONG KONG
In Hong Kong, ducking off a steep

side street in SoHo around midnight,
through an unmarked door, I fell
headlong for the Old Man.
Looking like Grandma’s living room,
the Old Man is one of the coolest spots
in Hong Kong right now — according
to the trendy couple beside me. It
certainly felt pretty special, from
the drinks, to the design, to a giant
mosaic of Ernest Hemingway’s hirsute
chops on high. Chatter swirled about
tropical-print stools as I scanned the
novel menu, its strange concoctions
each a salute to his stories.
Taxiing to my hotel in the muggy
early morning, I could see why Honkers
has fallen for Hemingway. What a
fitting figurehead for the city, both
man and metropolis so transient and
restless, creative and repressed.
A marriage made in heaven (after
all, he loved the city the one time he
came). Hong Kong’s certainly had its
relationship issues: a British colony
relinquished in 1997, now under China’s
wing. Western no more, yet not mainland
Eastern either. Has anything home-
grown sprouted in between? In pictures it
looks possibly more thrusting than ever,
worldly and confident; a stunning pin-
up. Having fancied a close-up for a long
time, I boarded a plane and booked into
Hong Kong’s great grande-dame hotel,
Neon-lit skyscrapers pierce the Peninsula. (It turned out Hemingway
the clouds and big-brand had been here, too — in ’41, with his
names light up the sky
— modern Hong Kong is war-journo bride, Martha Gellhorn,
a powerhouse. But just on a ‘honeymoon’, which he spent
as potent is its passion cavorting, while she was off reporting.)
for tradition: local young The hotel was 90 years old last year, an
designers ply past skills and icon of the Kowloon district, standing
hip new chefs use ancient tall and timeless, while all around the
ingredients. It’s a ravishing
city works, frantically, on its identity.
recipe of old and new.
Nick Redman tucks in Glamorous new hotels fizz into the sky
Credit: The Sunday Times Travel Magazine / News Licensing
like fireworks in this town, most recently

(at a respectful remove east from the
Peninsula’s patch) the Kerry, resplendent
with Turkish onyx interiors in liquid
sweeps, mimicking the harbour before it;
and the Murray, an update of a ’60s office
block in Central, still with the iconic
recessed windows, plus a roof lounge,
Popinjays, overlooking jungly slopes,
named for the parrots that fly around it.
The Peninsula itself was reassuringly
sumptuous, a comfort blanket in a
territory figuring out the future, made
to cocoon first-timers like me. Under
HONG KONG
‘ I INHALED A HONG
chandeliers, potted ferns stood about like
plumed Tiller Girls. Guests contemplated
the towering scones of its afternoon tea KONG THAT COULD
in the lobby. In its ’50s French restaurant, ONLY HAVE SEEPED
Gaddi’s, I raised a glass to Gable, Gardner UP THROUGH THE
CRACKS BETWEEN
’
and stars who’d been here before me. And
after dark I got the bigger picture, in the
top-floor lounge, Felix, a ’90s-retro zone EAST AND WEST
of gauzy Starck drapes and Barbie-ish
furniture. Across the waters of Victoria
Harbour, lit by the fireflies of red junks
on tourist duty, was Hong Kong Island,
a nightscape of skyscrapers pushing
kaleidoscopic product placements on the A boredom with bland brands? Whatever,
horizon. Panasonic, Prudential, Bank of it was potent. I inhaled a Hong Kong
America, Merrill Lynch. I felt like a transit that could only have seeped up through
passenger in the Lost Land of Brands. the cracks between East and West.
In search of a more local impression, the Down the road, English chef Jason
next day I took the Star Ferry from Kowloon Atherton had scented local promise,
to the island for the funicular railway to the planting his restaurant, Aberdeen Street
Peak. It felt touristy (I became an expert on Social, in a striking piece of retro Hong
Melbourne, eavesdropping on the seven- Kong architecture called PMQ. I admired
minute ascent), but the city explained itself its modernism, pale in the gentle late sun,
more clearly as I saw last night’s view back as Chinese banyans climbed the perimeter
over the waters. Kowloon lay north, the wall and diners lounged on the terrace.
Peninsula the size of a Monopoly piece; A rare survivor in this pull-it-down
the New Territories stretched beyond, town, it was built in 1951 as quarters for
fading, somewhere, to China. Below lay the young married police officers, and spared
view known from postcards: the towers demolition when that closed in 2000.
of commerce splayed by perspective, like It’s a head-turner, the living spaces now
monster shocks of quartz. It was sensational brimming with cafes and pop-ups.
but remote. And robotic on closer One stood out, stacked with nostalgic-
inspection — Hong Kong seemed to move witty ceramics and camp-as-candy ‘Suzie
without much actual human motion: on Wong Night Club’-logo bags — the calling
escalators under the plinths of skyscrapers; card of Goods of Desire, an indigenous
along travelators through endless malls; star in the international city firmament
or in its trademark red-and-white taxis, of Prada and Versace. Douglas Young, the
pouring across flyovers, like torrents of tiny Hong Konger behind the brand, works
kiddies’ sweets off a factory conveyor belt. in an atelier across town, in Kowloon’s
I needed to find my feet — which is Sham Shui Po — Garment District. The
where Wanderlust Walks stepped in. Alex, premises are easy to find, in the Jockey
the German expat behind it, recommended Club Creative Arts Centre — an artists’
a ‘street art’ stroll as the way to taste colony in a converted nine-storey factory
home-grown Hong Kong — and what she (you can sign up for a nose around). He
didn’t know about the city’s emerging was a chatty dynamo, his mission — to
talent you could daub on a dumpling. make the Hong Kong he loves tangible,
Around Tai Ping Shan, a tram ride what with Asian traditions ‘on the verge
from Central, the street walls were a blast of extinction in a western-centric world’.
of psychedelic cartoons, the fruit of the ‘There’s still relatively little study
city’s big spray-can art festival, HK Walls. on Hong Kong culture — books,
We wandered alleys, past a Bruce Lee movies, music,’ he said. ‘I want to make
mural here (signed Xeva, South Korea), things that address that imbalance,
a scarlet strumpet there (Neil Wang, that young people want to buy.’
Hong Kong). A challenge to authority? I adored his Angry Cat toys sticking up
This page, clockwise
from top left: Neon
signs light the night
sky; rainbow village
basketball court;
an office buiding's
illuminated facade;
Popinjay's at The worldtravellermagazine.com
World Traveller 47
Murray Hotel
XXXXXXXXXXXXX
The Peninsula Hong Kong
HONG KONG
‘GLAMOROUS
a middle finger — spoofing the classic
golden waving lucky cats that spell good NEW HOTELS
fortune in Asia. I had a wander around
FIZZ INTO
Sham Shui Po and the streets he strolls
for inspiration. It was intoxicating, all THE SKY LIKE
FIREWORKS IN
’
gaudy tropical prints on cheap fabric
rolls, shabby shopfronts shedding
wizened lettering, and grimy Art Deco
THIS TOWN
curves of wilting apartment balconies.
Sham Shui Po was a whiff of a Hong
Kong loved by generations, where street
food adhered to methods decades old: In Hong Kong, imitation can be an
at Kung Wo Beancurd Factory a noisy amusing game. I loved the way the
antediluvian drum of gloop whirled chef at trendy Mott 32, in Central,
alarmingly, but the tofu pud was a silky seemed to be having such fun with
treat, made to a recipe passed down staples. His Peking duck spring
through the business. I copied the rolls came stuffed with that healthy
regulars and stuck my face silently into western obsession, kale, unexpectedly
my bowl, spooning up sweetness as stunning. His bao buns seemed a
ethereal as a cloud. By evening, south thumbs-up to Spain (Hemingway
of Sham Shui Po, I was with the crowds would definitely have had those).
of Mong Kok area; among love’s young- Things were contrastingly high-
dreams feeding each other tubs of fish temple-serious that last night, at Fish
balls slathered in chilli sauce bought School: a Helsinki-goes-to-Hong Kong
from kiosks lining the pavements. haunt in the San-Francisco-steep quarter
With prices requiring mere shrapnel- of Sai Ying Pun. Counterbalancing the
change, there was no need to know spare aesthetic of stone and timber,
what you were ordering. Just point dishes were rich, the flavours engagingly
and devour (or discreetly discard). alien. Only when Chris, the chef, whipped
I knew where to take my brunch out his phone to show a photo of a
cravings next morning: to Kennedy bramble he’d picked that morning in the
Town, 25 minutes by tram from Central, New Territories to adorn my pudding,
on the western tip of Hong Kong Island did I realise: he’d been foraging.
where giddy-tall tenements meet ‘I like to work with the kind of
tropic-blue sea. Here, tradition seemed stuff my mum used to get from the
content to co-exist with gentrification, market,’ he said, with a sage’s poise, as I
evidenced by rents trailing many hoovered up a starter of glistening fish.
zeroes in estate-agent windows, the It looked like dill-laced salmon but was,
honeypot Lebanese-owned cafe, Catch, he told me, cobia, rolled in seaweed. ‘It’s
doing avocado every which way. local — caught in the South China Sea.’
I gave that one a miss for Cheung With Fish School, the aim was
Heung, a cha chaan teng, or classic to offer ‘a slice of what the city can
Hong Kong tea house. ‘It has been provide’. That didn’t include one
here at least 50 years,’ said Kevin, curious striped specimen in the fish
grandson of the owners, as I tank. ‘It’s a knifejaw,’ he told me. ‘We
snapped the Formica fittings. put it on the menu, but nobody knew
The coconut tarts were hanging what it was, so we kept it as our pet.’
around for seconds, stuffed into paper Some things it seems are still
bags for a patient fan base, queueing. too local, even for the locals.
‘Hong Kong original!’ said the man at the
next table, pointing at my custard tart. Inspired to travel? To book a trip, call
‘If you find in China, it is imitation!’ +971 4 316 6666 or visit dnatatravel.com
ROADS TO RECOVERY
After a
tough year,
Alex Allen feels
the need for
fresh horizons
— and on a
drive through
America’s
soul-stirring
canyonlands, he
discovers the
widest in the
world
US ROAD TRIP
Opposite: Highway 163,

crossing Monument Valley
This page: Vermilion Cliffs
National Monument
T HE ONE THING YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT 24/7 circus, where even time seemed to
have lost its grip on reality. It was fun
WATCHING THE SUNRISE IN ARIZONA’S MONUMENT

to wander on a ‘weirdo-watch’, and get
kitsched-out in Bonanza, ‘the world’s
largest gift shop’ (they’re not joking), but
VALLEY IS THAT IT’S COLD. BREATH-STEALINGLY, when the day came to jump in my rented
Jeep and head out of town, I was ready.
FINGER-STIFFENINGLY, FACE-ACHINGLY COLD.

I was on the road just after sunrise,
the moon still visible as a perfect half-
pill in a sky the blue of a motel pool.
I was on my knees in the red dirt at shimmering deserts, unfathomable The mood was elation. As I streamed
the roadside, camera poised, trying to canyons and mountain-framed prairies along towards my first checkpoint,
keep my hands from shaking. Behind of Nevada, Arizona and Utah, while across the Nevada-Arizona border in the
me, Patsy Grandson, my Navajo guide, ticking off six of the country’s most city of Kingman, I could feel a weight
sat in the heated cab of our minivan. dramatic national parks along the way. lifting. With a local country-music
‘Here they come,’ she said, killing the I was also two months on from the end radio station twanging from the stereo,
engine and headlights. Ahead, emerging of my treatment for cancer, a period of and nothing ahead but desert, running
like ghosts from a glowing, ember-red time consumed by medical scrutiny, to the suede-brown folds of distant
landscape, were two, three, four, white and scary, swallowed-down thoughts. mountains, I felt a rush of wonder
horses. ‘Mustangs — on their way to I’d wanted to take a trip to shake off and exhilaration close to a high. I was
water,’ said Patsy, as I sat paralysed, the mental tethers that had kept me already hooked on the open road.
not by the cold, but by the sight. grounded for more than a year of my Kingman flickered by like a ’50s film
Here I was, in the most emblematic late twenties, and to make the most reel. It’s where an original section
landscape of the American West, of my freedom from routine hospital of Route 66 briefly splits from the
among those towering tombstone- visits. I couldn’t think of anywhere thundering I-40 highway that overlaps
like columns of rock immortalised more fitting to do so than out on my it all the way from Oklahoma City
by the movies, watching a string of own, on America’s most epic road trip. to Barstow, California. This historic
its most iconic animals troop by. I’d started in Las Vegas, giving stretch, running from Kingman to Ash
In fact, I was roughly at the halfway myself just enough time to meet an old Fork, was a procession of chromed-
point of America’s ‘Grand Circle’ university friend. In November, the city out diners, retro petrol stations and
drive, a week-long loop that tours the was mad and sticky-hot — a psychedelic, motels decorated in bubble-gum
US ROAD TRIP
Opposite: Arches
National Park
This page: Route 66
motel sign
‘
shades of pink and blue. In Seligman, down and take stock, to appreciate just
I pulled over for tacos at Delgadillo’s how far from home I did feel — in a good EMERGING LIKE
Snow Cap Drive-In — an eccentric, way. For the last year and a half I’d been
GHOSTS FROM
homespun place, with rusty old almost umbilically-linked to a hospital.
A GLOWING,
EMBER-RED
Chevrolets displayed outside. But the But now the major ties had been cut,
road wouldn’t wait. I had another 280km there was a catharsis in the gobbling-up
to go to my first overnight stop, and of distance. And there was also a feeling LANDSCAPE,
it was a biggie: the Grand Canyon. — despite the unending scale of the WERE TWO,
THREE, FOUR,
’
It is practically impossible to grasp, region — of a comforting familiarity.
let alone convey in words, the scale of
the Grand Canyon. It even defied the
The handful of people I’d had encounters
with, gift-shop owners, petrol-station WHITE HORSES
empirical capabilities of my camera. clerks, diner waitresses, had been
Every picture I took on the slow cruise chatty and open. Every little cottage
east along the South Rim the next day, or cottonwood-shaded farm I passed Nation seal, vehicles bearing an insignia
came out flat and inadequate. ‘Yeah, felt like somewhere I could stop for that at first I thought must belong to
that’s what it looked like’ I could see directions, and maybe a glass of iced tea an environmental agency, but later
myself telling blank-faced friends back on the porch. But then things changed. discovered was the Navajo Nation police.
home, ‘but, like, way bigger!’ In the end The Navajo Nation is the largest Native And then, on reaching the Monument
I realised the only thing to do was just American territory in the US, covering Valley area, I realised I was the only
commit as much to memory as I could: a vast swathe of the ‘four corners’ area non-Navajo speaker in a chattering
the low scud of rain clouds across the (encompassing Colorado, Utah, Arizona grocery store queue. It was a moment of
horizon; the flash of the Colorado River, and New Mexico). And I had absolutely wonderful, unexpected, bewilderment.
just visible from certain angles; and the no idea I had crossed into it until I Before I arrived, I’d imagined
roaring silence of that big red hole. began to spot the signs: placards on Monument Valley — as recognisably
It was also an opportunity to slow municipal buildings carrying the Navajo American as the Coca-Cola logo, or
This page: A Navajo
woman with a loom in
Monument Valley
US ROAD TRIP
‘
IT IS PRACTICALLY
IMPOSSIBLE TO GRASP,
LET ALONE CONVEY IN
WORDS, THE SCALE OF
THE GRAND CANYON
’
the red tab on a pair of Levi’s — as an I eventually chose. ‘The buffalo is simply aren’t enough adjectives (or
over-commercialised film set. I was symbolic of humbleness, a reminder to column inches) to describe all three
sure there’d be corny stagecoach rides, take only what you need.’ In truth, I’d in a way that comes close to doing
a fancy-dress cowboy to take selfies bought it to be polite. But it would end them justice. Each is as memorable
with, and hordes of tourists. Instead, up becoming a treasured souvenir. as the next, from Capitol Reef’s ghost
the following morning, I found myself My next stop, the town of Moab, town of Fruita, to Bryce Canyon’s
alone on Patsy’s minibus, as we rumbled a day’s drive north into Utah, was forest of stalagmite-like ‘hoodoo’
to the valley entrance under a dawn sky a humble kind of place itself — rock formations. In the end, it was a
still frosted with stars. I knew November particularly given its location, as the final standout moment that swayed
was low season, but I didn’t think I’d get gateway to both Canyonlands and it for Zion — the one that left the
it all to myself. Yes, there was a visitors' Arches National Parks. I bedded down deepest lasting impression.
centre and gift shop, and a modest for two nights, just long enough to I was still on the fringes of the park
fee for taking your car along the 27km cover the main sights. In Canyonlands when it happened. Up ahead, and to
scenic loop, but beyond that, the site I took my 4x4 off-road, rattling along the left of the endlessly straight road,
was untouched by tarmac, mascots or sandy, snow-dappled tracks that where the land rolled away in a series
hot-dog stands. ‘That’s just one of the led to plummeting overlooks. of undulating hills, I saw something
advantages of not being a US national If I’d felt alone previously, it was moving. As I stopped and got out to
park,’ Patsy said with a wry chuckle, as nothing compared to what I experienced take a closer look, the dry-cold wind
we stopped to take in a panorama of here. Whereas the Grand Canyon, bit at my face. Leaning on the fence
buttes and cliffs washed in the amber and even Monument Valley, had had post, I watched a herd of buffalo
light of sunrise. Monument Valley a sense of well-trodden familiarity, rumble towards me over the crest of
belongs to the Navajo, and is sensitively Canyonlands felt truly, eerily wild. a hill. There was something touching
managed for the benefit of those who Fearful thoughts began to nag. Who about the way they moved, heads
still live and farm on the valley floor. would find me if I broke down? The bowed under their own weight, both
Credit: The Sunday Times Travel Magazine / News Licensing
As part of the tour, which is the only wolves? The wildcats? Spooked, I formidable and vulnerable — living
way to get off and beyond the marked- sped back to the safety of town. remnants of an older time, when they
out loop road, we stopped at a small In Arches, I was pleasantly surprised would have covered this landscape
homestead that consisted of two prefab to find crowds. I tagged along with in their millions. This time, I didn’t
houses, a chicken coop, a basketball them around the wind-formed bother to lift my camera. Just standing
hoop and a mud-splattered truck. There bridges and towers of rock, like a giant there and watching in silence as they
was also a traditional earthen ‘hogan’ sculpture garden, and followed their thundered past, trailing a cloud of dust,
house, which Patsy ushered me into, cues on where to stop and gawp. It was enough. After they’d disappeared, I
where a Navajo woman sat spinning was nice to be part of a flock again. turned back to the car. Like the buffalo,
yarn on a creaking loom. As the two But it couldn’t last. I had a few more I too was pushing on, moving forward,
women chatted, I self-consciously checkpoints to cross off on this greatest- trying to take only what I needed.
browsed the jewellery displayed along a hits road trip: Capitol Reef, Bryce
shelf. ‘That’s a nice one,’ Patsy reassured Canyon and Zion National Parks. Inspired to travel? To book a trip, call
me, of the buffalo-pendant necklace Frankly, and frustratingly, there +971 4 316 6666 or visit dnatatravel.com
XXXXXXXXXXXXX
NORWAY
Bridget Harrison takes

the reins on a family
dog-sledding adventure
in northeastern Norway
NORWAY
‘OUR TORCHES
y sister is you really get to know an entire pack
kneeling in the of huskies — pet them, feed them,
snow with tears FLASH IN harness them. It’s run by Trine Lyrek, a
cascading down THE SILVERY warm-spirited and passionate musher
her cheeks.
DARKNESS AND who has competed in the Iditarod, the
Nuzzling in
THE STARS legendary 1,000-mile Alaskan husky race.
ABOVE US ARE
the crook of As well as offering a range of
her arm is sledding adventures, her yard is an
AS BRIGHT
’
the tawny black head of Neos. He’s active racing kennel. All the huskies
looking up at her with quizzical honey-
coloured eyes, wagging his tail.
AS LEDS here are elite athletes, but Trine has
purposely bred them to be comfortable
“You’re my new friend, aren’t you boy,” with strangers, starting when her
she whispers. He gives her face a fat lick. puppies are born in the summer and
“I think Neos knows you are Neos. We all find a favourite. I hope my visitors book to go hiking with them.
sad,” says Alexi, my son. sister is finding something more. The dogs are such a welcoming
“I’m not sad,” sobs my sister. Six months previously her beloved bunch, it’s hard to tear ourselves away
“I couldn’t be happier.” dog, Willow, died of cancer. The day the from them — until someone mentions
It’s our first morning at Trasti & Trine, vet came to put Willow down I made a hot reindeer stew. It is waiting for us
a two-acre homestead in Finnmark, promise that, although my heartbroken in the warmth of a rustic farmhouse.
northeastern Norway, and we have been sister was going to take a while to be This is the domain of Trine’s husband,
in the dog yard since we got here an hour ready for a new pet, we would go on a Johnny Trasti. He was a chef for the
ago. It’s minus 5C, the snow is thick on holiday that would be all about dogs. Norwegian prime minister (he has also
the ground and the pale February sun I’d been husky sledding before, but cooked for President Putin) and now
is only just peeping above the horizon, only for a couple of hours, and (as it often runs a Michelin-star-worthy restaurant,
but we’ve barely noticed the cold. is) the trip was just one event in a list of smokery and bakery on the homestead.
We have 60 Alaskan huskies to get snow-based activities. I had found it a All his cooking is based on local,
to know. Each is tethered to a wooden rather impersonal experience with the organic ingredients: wild salmon, Arctic
kennel bearing its name. Some lie in dogs. When we got to the sled they were char and pike from the nearby Alta River;
the snow, some are curled up inside already harnessed up and ready to run. reindeer and elk from the mountains;
their huts, just their snouts poking But Trasti & Trine, just outside the lingonberries and cloudberries foraged
out. Others stand majestically on their small coastal town of Alta, in a remote from secret marshlands; king crab,
kennel roofs. We work our way through area of flat-topped mountains and scallops and cod from the nearby Barents
them with head scratches, pats and snowy forests, offers something unique: Sea. People travel from all over Norway
paw shakes. Crocs, Bacon, Peso, Isma, a chance to stay on a homestead where to enjoy his tasting menus based on the
XXXXXXXXXXXXX
This page, clockwise from top left:

The tree-lined pathway leading to the
Trasti & Trine homestead; owners Trasti
& Trine share a joke; guests enjoy the
winter sun; Johnny Trasti's inventive fish
dish; inside the three-bedroom log cabin
NORWAY
The Northern Lights

over the Trasti & Trine
seasons and take his cooking classes. smoked wild salmon, salted lamb, homestead
We soon warm up, dunking homemade reindeer tongue, foraged berries,

bread flavoured with birch sap into wild mushrooms and scrambled
a rich, smoky broth. This is followed eggs, along with homemade breads,
by a delectable cloudberry mouse. jams, butter and kefir water.
By now the Arctic darkness has We have a day-long sledding trip
descended and it’s time for our first booked and Trine suggests that we do
sledding trip. Back in the yard and a wide circuit down the frozen river
bundled up in heavy-duty snow gear, we — along forest and mountain trails —
are given the names of the huskies that that will keep us near the homestead,
we are to harness. They yelp and dance in case the boys get cold or bored.
about in excitement, desperate to be She need not have worried: they are
chosen. My boys, aged seven and ten, are so thrilled at driving their own sled,
just as excited when they learn that they they would be game for the Iditarod.
are getting their own sled, pulled by Crocs At lunchtime we set up camp in a
and Slipper, their very own dog team. clearing, high on a wooded mountain
My sister lovingly leads four dogs path, where the last rays of the sun bathe
to her sled while my husband and I us in golden light. We lay down reindeer
grapple four excited mutts to ours. skins on the snow and the boys help
Trine’s sled will lead with her team. Trine to make a fire. She gives them each
Then it’s head torches on and we whoosh a sheath knife to whittle skewers for
off in a line out of the homestead. grilling hot dogs. We drink reindeer soup
Down snowy forest trails we speed, and make toast from Trasti’s bread in the
towards the white expanse of the flames. My sister disappears for a while.
frozen river. Our torches flash in the We find her up on the path, hanging
silvery darkness and the stars above us out with the dogs. Neos’s head is in her
are as bright as LEDs. Out here in the lap again. Bacon is nuzzling her ear.
wilderness the night is silent. As the On our way back we have a minor
dogs charge along, all we can hear is the mishap. My sister slips off her sled just
scraping of our sled runners and the as we are heading down a bank on to
whoops of the boys ahead when they the frozen river. She’s not hurt, just
career round a corner or fly over a bump. mortified, because before Trine can
It’s now minus 10c so Trine keeps our stop them the huskies pelt off down
adventure to less than two hours, and the trail, pulling the unmanned sled.
just as our toes are going painfully numb Trine reassures us that the dogs know
we’re back at the homestead, sipping hot their way home and takes my sister in
blackcurrant juice by a blazing outdoor her sled. Then, a short while later up
fire. We finish the day tucking into a meal ahead on the trail we spot our errant
of cod tongue and scallops, followed by huskies rolling about in the snow,
reindeer steaks and lingonberry tart. waiting for us. They pant happily as
Guests sleep in rooms above the we approach, as though they’ve just
restaurant, or, as we did, you can stay played a hilarious practical joke.
in the cosy three-bedroom cabin, which That night, as we finish our last
has its own little sitting room with a delicious supper, still laughing about the
log-burner. It’s a simple place, with pine- cheeky huskies, I doubt anything could
clad walls and large windows. Best of have made this trip better. Then, just
all, exclaims my sister, is that her room as we are tramping through the snow
under the eaves overlooks the dog yard. back to our cabin, the sky turns ablaze
She drifts off to sleep happily listening with green. Out of nowhere, the curling,
to the huskies starting up a communal iridescent fingers of the Northern Lights
good-night howl before they are crossly stretch out above the homestead. We stop
shushed by Trine. Next morning I find and stare at the heavens in wonder. In
her and Alexi in their pyjamas at her the dog yard the pack begins a communal
window, watching the dogs being given howl. My sister and I are both crying now.
hunks of frozen fish for breakfast.
Our breakfast is a perfectly curated Inspired to travel? To book a trip, call
buffet of local fare: slices of home- +971 4 316 6666 or visit dnatatravel.com
XXXXXXXXXXXXX
‘
OUT OF
NOWHERE, THE
NORTHERN
LIGHTS STRETCH
OUT ABOVE THE
HOMESTEAD
’
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Weekends
Staycations and short-haul escapes
OLD KID ON
THE BLOCK
Abu Dhabi’s original urban
block, Al Hosn, has re-opened
to the public following
conservation works. The
oldest, most significant
heritage site in the city, it
comprises four interrelated
components, including Qasr
Al Hosn, which tells the story
of the emirate's evolution
from 18th-century fishing
and pearling settlement to
modern metropolis. View the
exhibition at the Inner Fort
before touring the Outer
Palace, which shares the
stories of the people who
lived there, offering a glimpse
into their everyday lives.
© Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi. Photo by Roland Halbe
WEEKENDS
Reasons to go back to
THE CREEK
Rediscover the historic heart of the city thanks to the
new wave of attractions and activities at Dubai Creek
1
Boutique stays
Tucked away amid the
rooftops and courtyards
of a souk, Al Seef Hotel
by Jumeirah is just like a
traditional Arabian bayt
(home). Spread across
several clusters of buildings,
the hotel transports you to
old-world Arabia with its
views along the ambient
alleyways of the bazaar and
of the waterway, all wrapped
up in authentic design details,
such as woven fabrics and
wooden beams.
2
Shatter your
illusions
For a novel,
Insta-friendly museum
experience, check out the
mind-bending Museum
of Illusions in Al Seef. It's
home to 80 quizzical
exhibits, including the
Alice in Wonderland-
esque Ames Room, where
you shrink or grow as you
move through the space.
Al Seef Hotel by Jumeirah
Jameel Arts Centre
3 4
View a contemporary Floating tours
art gem Docked on the Bur
The recently-opened Dubai side of the
Jameel Arts Centre, located creek, JA Bateaux Dubai
at the tip of Al Jaddaf offers a fresh perspective
Waterfront, is home to on the area's vibrant souks
curated commissions, and aged dhows. Step
projects and exhibitions aboard the Sundowner
drawn from regional and Cruise (from 5-6pm) and
international artists. Even the you can take in the sights
gardens that punctuate the from the outdoor deck.
building are achingly artistic, Or, there's the option to
designed by landscape linger over a meal served
architect Anouk Vogel and to a classy soundtrack.
featuring rare plants.
long weekend This page: Alexanderplatz
and Television Tower
Opposite from top:
the Reichstag building;
Provocateur
Berlin
From a divided city
to an achingly cool
capital, Berlin hums
with creative energy
and exciting things
to see and do, says
resident Lara Brunt
the
LONG WEEKEND
Third Reich, the Cold War left the city brutally divided into
East and West by the Berlin Wall. Following reunification in
1990, ample space and cheap rents lured creative types to
Berlin and resulted in an explosion of art, music and culture.
Today, Berlin offers history and hipsters at every turn.
The central Mitte district is packed with enough attractions
to keep you busy for days, including the World Heritage-
listed Museum Island and Brandenburg Gate.
Straddling the Spree, the hip ‘hoods of Kreuzberg
and Friedrichshain are bustling with clubs, cafés and
restaurants. Heading west, Tiergarten is dominated by the
park of the same name, while upmarket Charlottenburg is
home to Ku’damm, Berlin’s main shopping mile. And no trip
KNOWN FOR ITS CUTTING-EDGE CULTURE, 24-HOUR to Berlin is complete without paying a visit to the splendid
NIGHTLIFE AND FREE-SPIRITED VIBE, you’d be hard- palaces of Potsdam on the outskirts of the city.
pressed to find a capital as cool as Berlin. Our Berlin guide offers a curated list of the best things to
Founded in the 13th century on the River Spree, Berlin see and do, and the hippest places to eat, shop and sleep.
has had a turbulent history. After the devastation of Hitler’s So, let’s start exploring…
The number of hotels explore

in the German capital
has doubled in the last
the wall
decade, with an eclectic Nearly 30 years since the
mix of luxury and design- fall of the Berlin Wall,
led spaces that reflect explore one of the city’s
the arty atmosphere darkest chapters
of the city itself.
Overlooking the THE EAST
Brandenburg Gate, Hotel SIDE
Adlon Kempinski is Berlin’s GALLERY
most glamorous five- Running for
star hotel. The 385-room more than
hotel is sumptuous as 1.3km, this
you’d expect, with a two- open-air gallery is the
Michelin-starred restaurant longest remaining stretch
and a tri-level spa. of the wall. It features
In a former bank near
the State Opera House,
Hotel de Rome features
STYLISH SLEEPS
From historic properties to boutique hotels,
around 100 murals painted
by international artists soon
after the wall came down
four historic suites. Chill discover the best places to bed down commemorating the pain
out in the subterranean of separation and the joy of
spa and head to the Berlin is an Instagrammer’s Shimmy along lamp-lit reunification.
rooftop terrace for dream – think hammocks hallways to the acclaimed BERLIN WALL MEMORIAL
impressive views. in the lobby and a hip restaurant serving Bypass Checkpoint Charlie
The 78-room Das Stue rooftop lounge. Choose French-Chinese fusion. – the old border crossing
on the edge of Tiergarten, from rooms overlooking On the banks of the is now a tacky tourist
the city’s largest park, was the animal enclosures, Spree, the Hotel nhow trap – and instead visit
once the Danish Embassy. or the buzzing streets Berlin is close to the city’s this fantastic (and free)
Plump for a sprawling Stue of West Berlin. best nightlife. It boasts indoor-outdoor museum
suite with a freestanding A short stroll from candy-coloured interiors on Bernauer Strasse in
silver tub, then indulge in the shops of Ku’damm, by Egyptian-born designer Mitte. Alongside remnants
Catalan chef Paco Pérez’s Provocateur has stylish Karim Rashid and round- of the wall, the moving
Michelin-starred cuisine. rooms with lipstick-red the-clock room service monuments and exhibitions
Next to Berlin Zoo, or rich teal hues and offering guitars and decks show the impact of division
25hours Hotel Bikini plush velvet bedheads. for post-clubbing parties. on daily life.
retail
therapy
From fashion to furniture,
Berlin’s shopping scene is
as eclectic as the city itself
KaDeWe
Opened in 1907 and
recently revamped by
Pritzker Prize-winning
architect Rem Koolhaas,
KaDaWe is Berlin’s
counterpart to Harrods. ART GALLERIES book in advance, but
both the contemporary
Strasse as Andreas
Murkudis’ concept store
Spread over 60,000sqm, Home to more than 400 art collection and the (see 'retail therapy'). The
the department store galleries, Berlin has one building itself – a World gallery’s roster of artists
stocks a dazzling array of of the most exciting art War II bunker – warrant a includes top names such
luxury brands from around scenes on the planet visit. Opt for a group tour as Lynn Chadwick, Wim
the world. Don’t miss the The epicentre of Berlin’s (Thursdays to Sundays) Wenders and Bill Viola.
sixth-floor food hall, where post-Wall contemporary or a private viewing of the Finish up at the nearby
you can shop for artisan art scene, Auguststrasse current exhibition, which Urban Nation (urban-
cheese and chocolate, and in Mitte is a great place features works by Andreas nation.com), the world’s
dine at more than a dozen to start your gallery hop. Eriksson and Guan Xiao. first major museum
high-end food counters. Stop by the KW Institute Then continue northwest dedicated exclusively to
Frau Tonis Parfum for Contemporary to the Hamburger street art and graffiti.
Bottle a bit of the Art (kw-berlin.de) and Bahnhof (smb.museum),
city’s bohemian me Collectors Room one of the world’s
spirit at this (me-berlin.com), two largest museums for
sleek perfumery sprawling galleries contemporary art. Housed
near Checkpoint showcasing local and in a former railway
Charlie. Founders international works, station, works range from
Stefanie Hanssen and pop into Clärchens Andy Warhol and Roy
and Christoph Ballhaus to the see the Lichtenstein to the German
Niedermeier’s unique beautiful 19th-century artist Joseph Beuys.
fragrances evoke the Berlin mirrored ballroom. Next, take public
of the Roaring Twenties, Wander over to the transport south to Blain
including the best-selling Boros Collection Southern (blainsouthern.
Violet No.37 inspired by (sammlung-boros. com) in the same former
Marlene Dietrich. You de); you’ll need to factory on Potsdamer
can even get a custom-
blended scent to match
your style, or try your hand
at creating your own.
Andreas Murkudis
In a former printing COOL CAFÉS
factory in the Tiergarten Coffee is serious business in Berlin, with third-wave
neighbourhood, this roasters and independent cafés packed with laptop-
concept store showcases toting locals. In Mitte’s gallery district, The Barn
(thebarn.de) focuses on single-origin coffee, while the
an eclectic edit of more
croissants are so popular you can only buy two at a
than 300 brands in a
time. Over in Friedrichshain, Silo Coffee (instagram.
gallery-like space.
com/silocoffee) does a mean flat white, while in a red-
There’s a mix of established
brick former factory in Kreuzberg, Bonanza Roastery
brands – think Dries
Café (bonanzacoffee.de) serves one of the smoothest
Van Noten and Comme
cappuccinos in town. Their beans are also served at The
des Garçons – and
Store (thestores.com), an über-cool concept store and
freshly discovered café on the ground floor of Soho House in Mitte.
designers that favour a
minimalist aesthetic.
Opposite from top: Artist at LONG WEEKEND
work; Hamburger Bahnhof; a
flat white at The Barn
This page from top: A dish by
Horváth; Boxhagener Platz
HOT TABLES
Once a culinary backwater, Berlin now
boasts innovative restaurants and a
constellation of Michelin stars
RESTAURANT TIM RAUE Not far from Checkpoint
Charlie, Tim Raue serves highly creative, Asian-
influenced fusion cuisine. Dishes such as wasabi
langoustine and Peking duck three ways have earned
the Berlin-born chef two Michelin stars. tim-raue.com
COOKIES & CREAM Berlin is Europe’s vegan capital,
and the city’s first meat-free fine diner has been
awarded a Michelin star. Chef Stephan Hentschel
works his magic on dishes such as mushroom ravioli
with wild herbs and Parmesan dumplings with
Périgord truffle stock. cookiescream.com
HORVÁTH This cosy, wood-panelled restaurant in
Kreuzberg is another of Berlin’s more unconventional
Michelin-starred spots. Chef Sebastian Frank – named
European Chef of the Year – serves imaginative twists
on Austrian favourites. finesse. restaurant-horvath.de
insider tips
Domingos Ruiz
Lepores, editor of
Awesome Berlin
(awesomeberlin.
net), shares his
top picks for...
exploring the city:
“I always take visitors to Dahlem, a leafy
residential neighbourhood with the
most beautiful houses in Berlin. Stop
by the Domäne Dahlem, a small farm
where you can buy homegrown fruits
and vegetables. My favourite hidden
gem is Gartenstadt Falkenberg in the
TO MARKET
Foodies should make a
Street Food Thursday
and Breakfast Market,
which takes place every
and boutiques. On
Sundays, Mitte’s
Mauerpark market
far eastern neighbourhood of Grunau.
beeline for Markthalle third Sunday. is a must for lovers
This UNESCO World Heritage-listed Neun (markthalleneun. On Saturdays, of vintage and vinyl.
modernist housing estate was designed de), a 19th-century head to Boxhagener If the sun is shining,
by architect Bruno Taut, who also market hall in trendy Platz – aka Boxi – in stroll over to the
influenced the Bauhaus movement. Kreuzberg that focuses the hip Friedrichshain amphitheatre for
on regional farmers neighbourhood for Bearpit Karaoke –
And don’t leave Berlin without climbing
and artisan purveyors. the weekly farmers’ easily one of the most
the 285 steps of the Victory Column in Regular events include market and explore entertaining afternoons
Tiergarten for one of the best views of the hugely popular the surrounding cafés you’ll ever have.
To market
the city from above.
Family first
If spending more time with loved ones is at the top of your list this year, then
it's high time to feel the family-friendly staycay vibes at Fairmont The Palm
WORLD TRAVELLER X FAIRMONT THE PALM
T
here are two main camps end. You’ll find the family pools to the right 3 ACTIVITIES
of people when it comes to of the hotel – the first you come across is FOR BUSY BEES
organising family holidays: the shallowest where kids are free to roam,
those who are open to going under a watchful eye, without wandering
with the flow, and those who out of their depth (our two-year-old couldn’t
prefer to precision plan their stays. If you touch the bottom near the basketball hoop,
fall into the latter category, you’ll be cursed but the rest of the pool was perfect for him).
with a checklist as long as your arm that no Just beyond this is the splash park where
doubt has to be carefully cross examined vibrant sprinklers invite water babies to play.
before committing to leaving the house The private beach (open from 6.30am to
with the little ones in tow. Common points sunset, depending on the season) is reached
that are non-negotiable include having an via a short walkway which opens out to a
entertaining kids’ club, toddler-friendly stretch of soft sand and marked swimming
swimming pool and plenty of space to spread area, with great views towards Dubai Marina
out in. Thankfully, families are blessed with and the Ain Dubai Ferris wheel.
an impressive number of staycation options There are plenty of watersports available, Fun at Fairmont
in the UAE, and Fairmont The Palm is on the from kayaking to sailing lessons and there’s Falcons Kids' Club
radar as a top choice for parents in search of also a cool line-up of fitness activities to The little ones will love the line-
a fuss-free break away. try, such as PRAMA by up of activities crafted by the
Tucked along Pavigym, which will put in-house playmakers, along
‘
the trunk of Palm a hi-tech spin on your with books, toys and jigsaw
Jumeirah, the hotel’s
island location lends
The hotel’s training session as you
strive to stay in step with
puzzles to get stuck into.
a fun, vacation vibe island location the interactive floor. If

– there’s something you need to occupy the
about feeling the salty lends a fun, children while you sweat
vacation vibe
’
sea breeze wash over it out, you can drop them
you that screams at Fairmont Falcons Kids'
“holiday”. Those of you Club (for ages 18 months
with younger kids will to six years) where they
agree that a speedy can tackle the climbing
check-in is worth its weight in gold and the wall, get absorbed in arts and crafts, play
aptly named Fairmont Gold experience is dress up or kick back with video games in the
like getting access to a secret hotel within a chillout zone.
hotel. With it, you’ll be able to usher the kids
straight past the main reception and up to Dinner companions Friday family lunch
the ninth floor where a private, lounge-style Family-friendly dining venues are easy at Flow Kitchen
space awaits. Simply collect your key as your to come by, with Flow Kitchen offering Taking place from 12.30pm-
kids gulp down fresh juice and get stuck into something to suit all tastes – the Friday 3.30pm, you can dine al
their activity packs, and you’ll be in your family lunch is especially popular among fresco at this fun family buffet
room in a flash. guests of all ages. Blowfish does American – the pick 'n' mix style sweetie
Fairmont Gold Rooms come with one king style ‘grab and go’ dishes such as burgers and counter will blow their minds.
bed or two queen beds, with cots available crazy shakes by the beach while the vibrant
upon request, and interconnecting rooms interiors of Little Miss India invite you to
available for larger broods. If you need more taste Indian cuisine. There are children’s
space still, you can upgrade to a suite, the menus available at the majority of venues,
pinnacle of which is the Deluxe Suite, which offering a healthy twist on the usual kid-
has a separate living room and dedicated friendly favourites, but if you don’t feel like
dining space, as well as an adjoining butler’s leaving your room, the in-room dining is
pantry, large terrace and access to all the a great option (we’ve never seen our kids
signature benefits, such as complimentary devour so much food in one sitting). Order
breakfast in the lounge and afternoon tea glasses of milk for your pyjama-clad mini-
served from 2-4pm. mes so they can settle down to sleep while Be pampered at
you sneak out onto the terrace to recount Willow Stream Spa
Adventure in spades memories of the day. Unwind with a traditional
If you’re eager to get out and enjoy the winter Moroccan hammam and tip-
sunshine, the swimming pools and beach To find out more call +971 4 457 3388 to-toe body scrub at this multi-
are enough to keep you busy for hours on or visit fairmont.com/palm award-winning spa.
WORLD TRAVELLER X BAB AL SHAMS DESERT RESORT & SPA
STAYCATION
Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa

Let this rustic Arabian oasis charm its way into your travel plans
ROOMS & SUITES THE FOOD WELLNESS

Designed in harmony with the Enjoying a traditional meal underneath Ensure you start 2019 looking and
surroundings, you'll feel at one with a blanket of stars makes for a feeling your best with the three-hour
the dunes inside these abodes – from memorable meal and Al Hadheerah Blissful Desert Rose Experience at
the Superior Room with its desert or more than delivers with its cosy seating Satori Spa, which includes a full-body
courtyard views, to the Deluxe Suite, and live entertainment. Head to Al exfoliation, tip-to-toe aromatherapy
which fits families of four and has a Sarab Lounge for an elevated view of rub with rose oil, body wrap and
terrace with a seating area ideal for the landscape – the warm glow of the soothing facial with scalp massage. Not
gazing at those golden sunsets. The lanterns and soothing oud music add to only will you say "goodbye" to muscle
Junior Suites are decorated with rare, the ambience. Masala is the place to go tension, but you'll emerge a more
handcrafted Arabian furnishings. for delicious North Indian fare. radiant version of your former self.
To find out more, call +971 4 809 6100 or visit babalshams.com
YOUR DREAM DESERT EXPERIENCE IS ON OFFER
AT 20% OFF BEST AVAILABLE RATE!
Behind you lies the urban sprawl. Up front, the rolling dunes and the promise of a luxury desert getaway like no other.
Here, luxury and relaxation are reinvented. And now, this dream desert experience comes with a great deal.
%RRN\RXUVWD\GLUHFWO\WKURXJKRXUZHEVLWHDQGHQMR\RIIWKHEHVWDYDLODEOHUDWH\RXFDQ¾QG
PRICE FROM AED 1000 Superior King per room per night
BAB AL SHAMS DESERT RESORT & SPA

Dubai,United Arab Emirates
T:+971 4 809 6194, bas.reservations@meydanhotels.com
babalshams.com
/babalshamshotel /babalshamshotel /babalshamshotel

WORLD TRAVELLER X GLORIA HOTEL DUBAI
STAYCATION
Gloria Hotel Dubai

Place yourself at the heart of new Dubai at this family-friendly, all suite property
SUITES & APARTMENTS THE FOOD THE ACTIVITIES

When you've a large family to If you feel like a day off cooking, there Take a dip in the pool – lessons for kids
accommodate on holiday, or are looking are plenty of places to dine in the hotel. are available – and keep up your fitness
for a comfortable space where you can Feast on barbecue food on the rooftop regime at the gym, which has a fab
stay for longer in Dubai, these elegant at La Terrasse Tent, or step inside the line-up of classes, such as martial arts
suites and apartments may be the main restaurant (it's open for breakfast, and spinning. For pampering, head to
answer. The Grand Suite Sea View, for lunch and dinner) to dine à la carte in Dreamworks Spa, where all manner of
instance, has views of Palm Jumeirah, a stylish setting. For Lebanese food, revitalising treatments are on offer,
two bedrooms to spread out in, a cosy Qutoof Restaurant is the place to go. from soothing wraps to complexion-
living room, and kitchenette for a Its enclosed terrace area comes in boosting facials. Plus, all the attractions
happy, holiday home vibe. especially handy during the summer. of new Dubai are on the doorstep.
To find out more, call +971 4 399 6666 or visit gloria-hotels.com
Discover the perfect blend of convenience,
stylish comfort for pleasure and business.
Email: info@2seasonshotels.com | Web: www.2seasonshotels.com ‫א א‬

Tel: +971 4 399 6666 | Fax: +971 4 381 8067 | P.O.Box: 502222, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai Internet City, UAE Unlimited Comfort
WORLD TRAVELLER X JW MARRIOTT MARQUIS DUBAI
STAYCATION
JW Marriott Marquis Dubai

Rise to the top at the world's tallest five-star hotel
SUITES & APARTMENTS THE FOOD THE ACTIVITIES

This lofty hotel has ample space to There are 15 award-winning restaurants The hotel is close to many top
welcome guests. Its 1,608 guestrooms and bars at the property, each serving attractions, but there are lots of perks
and suites have luxurious finishings memorable meals. Fans of delicious that'll tempt you to linger for longer at
– think marble bathrooms with rain steak will want to head straight to the property. Take a dip in the sparkling
showers and oversized tubs – and Prime68, while Positano is the place to outdoor swimming pool or, for a spot
views of the glittering skyline or Dubai feast on handmade pasta and pizza. For of pampering, head to Saray Spa, which
Water Canal. Families can book a suite something a bit different, try Japanese is home to the UAE's only Dead Sea
and spread out in two separate living restaurant Izakaya – the resident Wasabi floatation pool. Try the Saray Golden
and sleeping areas. Room service is Girl (she has green hair) will prepare Hammam, which includes a decadent
available around the clock. fresh wasabi at your table. skin massage using 24-karat gold.
To find out more, call +971 4 414 3000 or visit jwmarriottmarquisdubailife.com
Service and detail that shape your journey.
Immerse in the luxury of rich experiences at the JW Penthouse Suite and Marquis Penthouse Suite,
spread across two levels of impeccably designed space with a touch of traditional Arabic design.
Each 624sqm suite features two separate bedrooms with two separate living rooms.
Additional benefits include complimentary airport transfers, private check-in and check-out
and access to the award-winning Executive Lounge on the 37th floor.
Enjoy celebratory dining in more than 15 restaurants and bars, and pampering at the luxurious Saray Spa.
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
1
INSPIRED BY
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ABU DHABI with breakfast and daily and
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300 per person Validity: Now until 20 Jan 2019.
How to book By calling dnata on By stepping into a dnata outlet On the website you can also sign up to the dnata
+971 4 316 6666 or by visiting dnatatravel.com newsletter and receive more offers direct to your
inbox. T&Cs apply.
THROUGH
THE LENS
Sultan Qaboos Mosque
in Sohar, Oman
“This mosque had popped up
in my Instagram feed a few
times so I was determined to
go and photograph it for my
MasjidSeries project, which
documents mosques around
the world to portray Islam in
a beautiful, positive light. Its
architecture is very heavily
influenced by Persian and
Central Asian Islamic design,
and the person in the shot
reveals its scale – this isn't even
the main door, it's just a side
door! I enjoyed my visit so much
that I ended up spending around
four hours there and was able
to pray Asr and Maghreb. It was
the trip that made me fall in
love with Oman.”
Dubai-based investment
banker turned photographer,
Alamash Javed, loves to
travel because “it helps open
up my mind and appreciate
the world” @aljvd;
altamashjaved.com
SEND US YOUR BEST

TRAVEL PHOTOS
in high-res jpeg format, along
with a snippet of the stories
behind them via email to
faye@hotmediapublishing.com
and you may end up being
featured on this page
DIGITAL
Now win! BE OUR TRAVEL

COMPANION
Stay up-to-date with all that’s
happening on our social channels
and join in the conversation by
sharing your experiences. Here’s
where you can find us…
@dnataworldtraveller
Double tap our dreamy
destination shots and tag
us in your images for a chance to
feature on our wall.
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Stay up to date with travel
stories as we post them.
@WT_Magazine
Make the most of your
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by sharing your best travel
moments with us.
#dnataworldtraveller
A 3-night stay at
Gili Lankanfushi, Maldives
We’ve teamed up with this eco hideaway to give away a three-
night stay in a villa suite for two people, including daily breakfast
and return transfers*. Just a 20-minute speedboat ride from Velana
International Airport, this lush resort invites you to pamper
yourself with a tension-busting massage, dine on Maldivian
favourites, an grab a surfboard and tackle the waves (lessons
are available in the lagoon) – there’s so much to discover. Visit
worldtravellermagzine.com for details. *Terms & conditions apply.
THE HOT LIST

Let our travel news and round-ups, available exclusively on our website,
inspire your next trip…
1 2 3
A dunk above Bucket list Rooms with a
the rest. Dip a toe trips. Our view. Feast your
into our selection countdown of eyes on these
of stunning rooftop 100 must-have travel coveted rooms and
swimming pools experiences is still suites with postcard-
around the globe. going strong. worthy views.
Suite dreams
XXXXXXXXXXXXX
Our monthly finish with a flourish, delving into a

suite that has a character and style all of its own
Virginia Woolf Suite

University Arms, Cambridge
Fans of the celebrated British author will have
plenty to write home about while staying in this
sophisticated suite, which nods to the literary
heroine with a library curated by Heywood Hill,
one of London's leading bookshops, and a portrait
of Woolf on the wall. Hints of Cambridge Blue,
bespoke furniture and a statement chandelier
enhance the property's quintessentially
English heritage and the academic spirit of
Cambridge (it has recently undergone a two-year
refurbishment at the hands of Martin Brudnizki
and John Simpson), so you don't have to look far
to find your inspiration.
Ronald Codrai © Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi
‫ أبوظبي‬- ‫رونالد كودراي © دائرة الثقافة والسياحة‬
DISCOVER
T H E S TO R I E S
O F O U R N AT I O N ’ S
P R O U D PA S T.
ABU DHABI’S
LEGACY AND HISTORY.
Qasr Al Hosn is the oldest and most significant building
in Abu Dhabi. It includes the city’s first permanent
structure, a coral and sea stone watch tower built to
protect the settlement of Abu Dhabi established on the
island in the 1760s. Qasr Al Hosn became home to the
ruling family, a seat of government, and it now stands as
our nation’s living monument, telling the story of
Abu Dhabi and its people.
Book your experience at qasralhosn.ae

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INSPIRED BY

ISSUE 129 | JANUARY 2019 | COMPLIMENTARY COPY

Idyllic Indian Ocean

From over-ocean villas in the Maldives to

JW Marriott® Marquis® Hotel Dubai

The Pointe at Palm Jumeirah.

Be informed, be inspired, be there

NEW YEAR Oxfordshire

TRAVEL GOALS the picturesque

JOHANNESBURG MAURITIUS DUBAI

THE POWER OF NATURE

FAR-FLUNG ON YOUR DOORSTEP

Redwood and Canyon Glampsites, Ventana Big Sur

HOTELS THAT DEFINE THE DESTINATION

Whether you’re arriving, departing or transferring,

You can also relax in style, no matter what your airline or

Find your marhaba effect at marhabaservices.com

Louvre Abu Dhabi

Thanks to the opening of the

TOP BUY Fans of Four Seasons will be

compartmentalised interior Four Seasons: The

Help kids beat jet lag

Before you travel…

You could just stay at a hotel with spacious rooms, or

MOMENTS accommodation, three

DUBAI MARRIOTT HARBOUR HOTEL & SUITES

I want to stay somewhere brand spanking new.

LUX* North Malé Atoll Joali Maldives

Kudadoo Maldives Fairmont Maldives Sirru Fen Fushi

Our favourite... jaw-dropping dwellings

families Reethi Rah (pictured

I’m worried we’ll get bored staying on the same

The aptly named JA Enchanted Island Resort has a mere 10

beaches that rival any

The north and The east and north east

I WANT TO... EXPLORE

I WANT TO... GO WILD

I WANT TO... HIT THE SPA

I WANT TO... TRAVERSE

Find your balance

BE PAMPERED FEEL MORE ENERGISED

HONG KONG p44

US ROAD TRIP p50

The night market on

In Hong Kong, ducking off a steep

like fireworks in this town, most recently

The Peninsula Hong Kong

Opposite: Highway 163,

WATCHING THE SUNRISE IN ARIZONA’S MONUMENT

FINGER-STIFFENINGLY, FACE-ACHINGLY COLD.

Bridget Harrison takes

This page, clockwise from top left:

The Northern Lights

We soon warm up, dunking homemade reindeer tongue, foraged berries,

Extend your journey with World Traveller magazine

Dream Read Click Book

Jameel Arts Centre

The number of hotels explore

a fun, vacation vibe island location the interactive floor. If

Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa

ROOMS & SUITES THE FOOD WELLNESS

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

BAB AL SHAMS DESERT RESORT & SPA

Email: info@2seasonshotels.com | Web: www.2seasonshotels.com ‫א א‬