Bold Issue #28 Winter Escapes

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THE ROYAL HIDEAWAY PLAYACAR An escape away from it all

AVIONER KATHERINE HAS THE RIGHT TO ®

FLY TO PARIS

TO SHOP

’TIL SHE DROPS

® / TM Trademark(s) of Royal Bank of Canada. RBC and Royal Bank are registered trademarks of Royal Bank of Canada. ‡ All other trademarks are the property of their respective owner(s). ≈ Current as of April 1, 2014.

RBC Rewards points, for a maximum ticket price of $350. To receive the 15,000 bonus RBC Rewards points which will appear on your first statement, your application form must be received by November 30, 2014 and are not eligible for this offer. Other conditions apply. For complete terms, conditions and restrictions that apply to the RBC Rewards program, visit: rbcrewards.com or call 1-800-769-2512.

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Editorial Note

FULL CIRCLE

As I write these words, I’ve just boarded a flight from San José, Costa Rica to Guatemala during an intensive jaunt through Central America. One of the reasons why I chose to take this road trip during the long and harsh Canadian winter - was strategic in nature.

I had promised myself that as soon as I turned 40, I was going to escape to a destination that didn’t require me to shovel snow or wear hats, gloves and long johns for at least three months of my existence.

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I was excited to know that our sojourn would end-up in Tikal, Guatemala - one of the largest archaeological sites and urban centres of the pre-Columbian Maya civilization, a destination that I had the privilege of visiting multiple times when I was a child - and in my humble opinion, one of the most magical places I have now seen as an adult.

And inspired, as I stood in front of the towering pyramids peeking above the jungle’s canopy to catch the sun, it gave me an opportunity to reflect and to be grateful of what I have accomplished during these past few years. I have learned along the way as I enter a new decade, that what you choose to do with the opportunities presented to you, is how you shall be measured. Also, I have learned that there is no such thing as deserving: You work hard for what you want and create your own opportunities. And more importantly, if you want something, always take risks. Life is an adventure.

When we started this magazine a few years ago, we took a gamble and never thought we were going to make it this far - as many publications - fold within six months or a year after they are launched.

However, this issue marks our fourth year anniversary, along with the fact that I just turned 40 - everything has come full circle. This magazine, is a testament that with discipline and tenacity you can go as far as you dream. Looking back, I remember the immense sacrifices, number of hours that have gone into production and insurmountable obstacles that we have overcome over the years, yet, If you ask me today at 40, with all the highs and lows that come from taking risks - I can honestly say

these past few years have been the best of my life.

In this issue, we offer a springboard of experiences, starting off with our cover story - Sam Ion Nod off Like Nobility - page 27, walks us into a world of opulence and luxury at The Royal Hideaway Playacar, an atmosphere inspired by total liberation of the soul. And while the rest of the world melts away at this gorgeous beachside treasure on the Riviera Maya, just moments from Playa del Carmen, we go off the beaten path to another side of world: Thailand. As award-winning writer Carol Perehudoff puts it in Thailand’s Escapes, page 33 - “for some, Thailand’s beaches are its siren call, for others it’s the remote jungle, and there is no place as far- flung and infused with mystique as the Golden Triangle, at the confluence of the Ruak and Mekong Rivers where Laos, Myanmar and Thailand meet.”

There is more of course, Isabel Putinja explores Pondicherry: Old World Charm in South India, page 40 - a charming coastal town of heritage villas and gardens of bougainvillea which offers visitors a step back in time and an escape from the hustle and bustle of big Indian cities.

As the unfamiliar becomes increasingly rare, moving slowly through a destination and taking it all in can be the key to unlocking the authentic and unique. We invite you to fuel yourself, taking risks and imagining yourself in a destination you have never been before - will be the best gift to yourself as you turn one year wiser.

Good Travels Marlon Moreno Founder + CEO

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THAILAND’S ESCAPES For some, Thailand’s beaches are its siren call, for others it’s the remote jungle, and there is no place as far-flung and infused with mystique as the Golden Triangle, at the confluence of the Ruak and Mekong Rivers where Laos, Myanmar and Thailand meet.

By Carol Perehudoff

View of the Mandarin Oriental Riverside Terrace Restaurant, Bangkok.

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Image by Melbourne based award-winning photographer, George Apostolidis.

Contents

GUERLAIN BOUTIQUE & INSTITUTE 110 Bloor Street West, Toronto 416.929.6114

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Contents

Pondicherry: Old World Charm in South India Isabel Putinja explores this charming coastal town of heritage villas and gardens of bougainvillea which offers visitors a step back in time and an escape from the hustle and bustle of big Indian cities.

Image courtesy of Le Maison Rose

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R ichaRd a ndeRson , c oopeR at the Balvenie foR 18 yeaRs .

His hands know American oak from European.

They hold knowledge from the routine of repairing leaking staves and cracked ends. Only the cooper’s touch is trusted to get the best from the wood, releasing the flavours within to mature the spirit, so it becomes The Balvenie.

Handcrafted to be Enjoyed Responsibly.

THE BALVENIE DISTILLERY COMPANY LIMITED Registered in Scotland.

Registered Number SC138003 Balvenie Maltings, Dufftown, Banffshire, Scotland AB55 4BB Represented by PMA Canada Ltd. | pmacanada.com

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marlon moreno ceo + editor-in-chief america’s editor magda de la torre GUEST CONTRIBUTORS Sam Ion Carol Perehudoff Lauren Wildgoose Mehreen Shahid Isabel Putinja Andrew Brudz CREATIVE DIRECTor Mauricio Mejia Del Valle Graphic designer LUZ GALEANO-MEJIA PHOTOGRAPHY Carlos Bolivar MAKEUP ARTIST Diego DeMatos PRODUCTION Gustavo Reid Laly felix WEB DEVELOPMENT Rahul Nair BUSINESS ADVISoRS Roger Gingerich MEDIA SPONSORSHIPS PRESS@MORENOINC.CA CORRESPONDENCE Hudson Bay Centre 20 Bloor Street East #75075 Toronto ON M4W 3T3

BOLD® is published four times a year by MORENO INC. MEDIA. Opinions expressed in BOLD are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the view of the publisher or advertisers.

BOLD does not assume liability for content. boldmagazine.ca THE BEST OF THE GOOD LIFE® For Advertising, Promotion, Reprints and Sponsorships inquiries marketing@boldmagazine.ca Phone: + 1 647 780 8082

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SHORT TRIPS TO THE U.S. WHY YOU NEED TRAVEL INSURANCE FOR THOSE WEEKEND VACATIONS Most people think about getting travel insurance for a vacation to Europe or the Caribbean; but when it comes to weekend trips to the United States, many people don’t even consider insurance. For travellers who need emergency medical assistance during their trip, this can be a costly oversight. In fact, a 14-day U.S. hospital stay for trauma associated with a motor vehicle accident could cost around US$363,000.

“Whether you’re planning a weekend trip across the border to shop or attend a sports event, emergencies can happen — even on a short trip,” says Isabelle Forget, Head of travel, RBC Insurance. “The cost of medical services in the United States can be very high, and Canadian government health insurance plans typically only cover a small part of these costs.”

“Purchasing comprehensive travel insurance, whether it’s through a premium credit card such as the RBC Infinite Avion card or a separate insurance package, will help give you the peace of mind you need while travelling,” explains Isabelle.

RBC’s emergency medical insurance coverage comes with a variety of value added services, including: •

One of the largest and most experienced 24/7 global emergency travel assistance networks in the world;

•

Assistance from multilingual representatives who speak a minimum of two languages;

•

Access to an emergency medical team of specially-trained, multilingual co-ordinators, doctors and nurses who are available to help clients who become injured or sick while travelling;

RBC Infinite Avion cardholders also have the ability to add-on to the trip cancellation and interruption insurance coverage included on their credit card which can also be purchased separately. Trip cancellation and interruption covers your non-refundable travel arrangements when you have to cancel your trip, come home early, or stay later at your destination.

“As Canada’s largest travel insurance provider and a leading supplier of travel and emergency assistance, RBC Insurance is well equipped to assist travellers — no matter where they are,” adds Isabelle.

For more information, visit www.rbcroyalbank.com/travelinsurance.

‰ / tm Trademark(s) of Royal Bank of Canada. Use under licence.

Special Feature

BOLD presents DESTINATION: THAILAND

A SERIES DEVOTED TO THE ART OF CULTIVATING TRAVEL EXPERIENCES IN UNIQUE DESTINATIONS, PRESENTED BY BOLD magazine.

Real people crafting real memories while on the road in far-flung destinations, bringing these exotic places a little closer to home.

FIRST TIME IMPRESSIONS The people are incredibly friendly and you really understand why people call Thailand the “Land of Smiles”. From the moment we arrived at bustling Bangkok’s airport and throughout the entire trip, we were surrounded by the friendliest and most hospitable people. The locals were certainly a highlight of the adventure.

Adventure, travel and talking are a way of life for Timothy Chan, Public Relations Manager at G Adventures. He believes tourism can be a force of good when its done correctly by “lifting communities out of poverty, creating employment opportunities and fostering a more peaceful world.” In 2011, he travelled to Thailand and this is what he had to share.

INDELIBLE MOMENT

THE EXPERIENCE IN THAILAND that made the trip unique I think the three-day hill-tribe trek was one of the top highlights of the trip.

We visited various hill-tribe minority groups, each with their own language, clothing and religion. It was fascinating to learn about their way of life. We also had the opportunity to savour tasty home-cooked meals!

We had the opportunity to head north to Chiang Rai and the Golden Triangle. In this remote area Myanmar, Thailand and Laos meet. Mountains form the natural border between Thailand and Myanmar, while the Mekong River divides Thailand from Laos.

In Chiang Mai, we enjoyed some of the best massages and explored several temples.

Markets are one of my favourite things to experience wherever I am in the world. It’s often a place teeming with opportunities to try the local cuisine and interact with locals. I’m also a sucker for handicrafts.

Chiang Mai’s Night Bazaar is certainly worth a visit. Approximately one kilometre long, the night market is energetic and lively. It’s crowded with people, yummy food and a variety of things to buy.

THAILAND HAD ALWAYS BEEN ON MY RADAR and I was looking for somewhere warm to escape the Canadian winter.

Prior to visiting Thailand in 2011, I knew the country had beautiful beaches. However, there is definitely a lot more to Thailand than beaches. The country offers a good mix of culture, natural highlights, relaxation and delicious food – a perfect combo for me! Tourism infrastructure in Thailand is also fantastic, making it easy to get around.

Thailand is a wondrous kingdom, featuring Buddhist temples, exotic wildlife, and spectacular islands. Along with a fascinating history and a unique culture that includes delectable Thai food and massage, Thailand features a modern capital city, and friendly people who epitomize Thailand’s “land of smiles” reputation.

Share with us in instagram your Thailand travel experiences: #boldthailand

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www.BookThailandNow.com

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STYLE AND SUBSTANCE AT METROPOLITAN BY COMO, LONDON Overlooking Hyde Park, The Metropolitan, with its sleek, urban aesthetic sets an innovative benchmark. Ground-breaking Nobu restaurant features Japanese-Peruvian, Michelin-starred cuisine, while the recently renovated Met Bar is a cult classic. Experience the Metropolitan and experience London. www.comohotels.com

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METROPOLITAN LONDON THE HALKIN COCOA ISLAND MAALIFUSHI UMA PARO UMA PUNAKHA PARROT CAY METROPOLITAN BANGKOK POINT YAMU UMA UBUD COMO SHAMBHALA ESTATE METROPOLITAN MIAMI BEACH

THE BEST OF THE GOOD LIFE

HOTEL COUTURE

COOL AND COLLECTED Located on Playa del Carmen’s famous 5th Avenue, Hotel Cacao, is in the heart of the destination’s chic scene of boutiques, restaurants, bars and nightclubs. Globetrotters are being immersed in a kicked-back, relaxed “Hippie Chic” lifestyle of sophisticated accommodations and cutting-edge dining and mixology experiences.

The property is imbued with dramatic architectural elements such as a light-bathed central court with a hyacinth lily pond, bamboo, palms, birds of paradise and banana trees, and huge canvas accents in geometric shapes that provide shade and protection from the elements.

The open-to-the-heavens roof-top bar features spectacular views of the Caribbean and Cozumel Island. The interior design is clean and contemporary with bold color accents, Mexican travertine marble walls, tropical wood and stone floors, a flowing waterwall, and many intriguing special art and design touches such as three antique native canoes, a front desk cut from the trunk of a massive ceiba tree, and colourfully painted, shell-encrusted VWs by Tommy Hilfiger. hotelcacao.com.mx

- Lola Brown

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Editor’s Pick 1

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IN THE BAG

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What else should a man bring along to his paradise?

We round up 14 of the most coveted accessories from around the globe made just for the globetrotter in you.

By Gustavo Reid and Laly Felix.

Photography by Carlos Bolivar.

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1 Moroccanoil - Styling Gel - Medium. moroccanoil.com 2 PRZMan Man-a-Morphosis Botanical Body Lotion and Hair conditioner. manhoodtv.com 3 CLARINS - After Sun Moisturizer Ultra Hydrating. clarins.ca 4 Harry’s Razon for Men “The Truman”. harrys.com 5 CHANEL’s Allure Homme Sport. chanel.com 6 Neutrogena Age Shield™ Face Lotion Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 110. neutrogena.com 7 Fossil Double Zip Travel Kit. fossil.com 8 L’Oreal Professionnel Homme Sculpte - Sculpting Fibre Paste. lorealprofessionnel.ca 9 Biotherm AQUAPOWER Oligo - Thermal - Moisturizing - Anti-dryness. biotherm.ca 10 The Conair Lithium Ion Cord/ Cordless 20 Piece Professional Haircutting Kit. conaircanada.ca 11 Nixon Drab The Rubber Player Watch. nixon.com 12 Jabra’s Solemate™ Mini Wireless Speaker. jabra.ca 13 Jabra MOVE Wireless Bluetooth Stereo Headset. jabra.ca 14 The PKG DRI Collection -Slim Laptop Briefcase - nice-pkg.com

Essentials SMALL WONDERS

From Mexico to Paris, stay chic, comfortable, stylish and refreshed with these must-have travel essentials.

By Gustavo Reid and Laly Felix.

Photography by Carlos Bolivar.

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1 Schwarzkopf OSiS Dust It - Mattifying powder. schwarzkopf-professional.ca 2 Lancôme’s Rouge in Love - Lipstick. Lancome.ca 3 Moscot’s Vintage eyewear. moscot.com 4 CHANEL’s PERFECTION LUMIÈRE Long-Wear Flawless Fluid Sunscreen Makeup. chanel.com 5 DOLCE & GABBANA Dolce Fragrance. dolcegabbana.com 6 Artdeco Soft Eye Liner Waterproof “Color & Art”. artdeco.com 7 Clinique Turnaround Instant Facial. clinique.ca 8 Misslyn - Nail Polish. misslyn.de 9 ECCO Firenze Crossbody Bag. ca.shop.ecco.com 10 Clinique Even Better Clinical Dark Spot Corrector. clinique.ca 11 DOLCE & GABBANA Dolce Perfumed Body Lotion. dolcegabbana.com

GUERLAIN BOUTIQUE & INSTITUTE 110 Bloor Street West, Toronto 416.929.6114

The strange story behind the Caribbean’s most colourful cityscape writer Andrew Brudz

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he most indelible image one is left with when visiting the Caribbean island of Curaçao, 65 kilometres north of the Venezuelan coast, is probably the first thing you’ll see when you arrive: the colourful Façade in the capital city of Willemstad.

The Dutch island, captured from Spain in 1634, was once a stopover and auction site for the slave trading industry. Today, it is most famous for the ubiquitous blue liqueur distilled here.

Although Curaçao marked its independence from the Netherlands in 2010, centuries-old Dutch architecture still dots the landscape.

Home to over 140,000 Curaçaoans, Willemstad is divided in half by the Sint Anna Bay, with denizens crossing from side to side using the Queen Emma pontoon bridge. On one side is Punda, founded in 1634. It’s home to jewelry stores, cafes and souvenir shops that attract the flocks of Dutch tourists who still vacation here every year. And on the other side is Otro banda (which literally means “the other side” in the local Papiamentu dialect), with less glamourous but equally vibrant bars, casinos, barbershops and fast food joints. Founded in 1707, today it’s where many locals call home.

From Otrabanda, the view of Handelskade, Punda’s main strip, is an unforgettable array of tropical-pastel structures.

Tall, narrow buildings with gabled roofs and red tiles that mimic their Dutch counterparts.

Over time, the 17th- and 18th-century Dutch designs were modified for life in a tropical climate, adding verandas, shutters and porches.

Another island adaptation: building materials consist of stacked chunks of coral stone, mud and coral stone plaster.

(Look closely at cracked or crumbling buildings to see the fossil patterns in the plaster.)

So, how did this tropical palette come to be?

The story goes: Albert Kikkert, a Captain in the Dutch military, first arrived in Curaçao in the 1780s to protect the Dutch property from the British. He played an instrumental role in the Netherlands during the Napoleonic Wars, and worked his way through the ranks of the Dutch military, eventually becoming knighted. King Wilhem I awarded him the governorship of Curaçao (along with nearby islands Bonaire and Aruba) in 1816.

After suffering from migraines on the island, he visited a doctor who claimed they were the result of all that island sun reflecting off the white washed buildings. Kikkert’s solution: a command to the island’s people to paint all the buildings any colour but white. After a rush on Curaçao’s only paint store, Willemstad’s citizenry were soon painting the town red….and pink, yellow, blue, green, purple and orange.

It wasn’t until after Kikkert’s death in 1819 that it was revealed his motivations may have been financial rather than medical. Turns out he also held stocks in that prosperous paint store.

But hundreds of years later, downtown Willemstad is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the vibrant tradition is still upheld, creating one of the most uniquely stunning and picturesque cityscapes in the Caribbean.

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The most indelible image one is left with when visiting the Caribbean island of Curaçao, is probably the first thing you’ll see when you arrive: the colourful Façade in the capital city of Willemstad.

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The Luxury Collection: your portal to paradise Book the 5-star Royal Hideaway Playacar in Riviera Maya for superior inclusions in addition to the added value of our Luxury Collection, the gold standard in upscale travel! Luxurious accommodation, in-room extras, concierge service, gourmet dining, premium brand drinks, a 30% spa discount and 24-hour room service are all part of the experience, plus free airport lounge access, private transfers and an Option Plus upgrade on your Air Transat flight!

Visit transatholidays.com

NOD OFF LIKE NOBILITY Writer Sam Ion

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SPECIAL FEATURE

The Royal Hideaway Playacar

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by Occidental Hotels & Resorts

he Riviera Maya is more than a beach destination, it offers a glimpse into the mysterious Maya civilization, where you can discover ancient temples, trek through jungles, kayak through waterways in the famous biosphere reserve and explore eco-archaeological theme parks. You can swim snorkel or dive in the underground Cenotes that the ancient Maya considered sacred places, home of the rain Gods. And of course you can golf, ride, fish, windsurf, sail, and take a ferry to Cozumel for the day.

To enjoy this amazing area, you need a fabulous place to stay and The Royal Hideaway Playacar by Occidental Hotels & Resorts is an adult’s only property, and a member of The Leading Hotels of the World, which certainly qualifies! It’s elegant, it’s timeless and there are no buffet restaurants.

It’s an easy five minute walk into Playa del Carmen for world class shopping, or an evening of clubbing. This property feels more like a large private villa then an allinclusive resort. It’s elegant but not stuffy, the 13 acres beautifully landscaped, feel spacious, but not so large you feel the need to call a cab to the beach. The main building referred to as the “castle”, hosts the reception area, an elegant dinner theatre, shops, restaurants, bars, business centre, a lending library for books and DVD’s and the world renowned spa.

Two stunning marble staircases lead down to the heart of the resort making a grand entrance to everything the property has to offer. There are 200 fully renovated guest rooms and suites in small villas of two or three floors, each with a courtyard in the centre, where a concierge is ready to help make your stay special. Inside your room or suite, you’ll find everything you need to feel pampered, from the monogrammed terry bathrobes and slippers, to Ferrero Rocher chocolates. There are fresh cut flowers on the side table and candles to add romance. An upholstered plantation chair creates a very Zen like atmosphere, and the dark sliding wooden shudders add to the feeling of an old traditional plantation house.

The bed is one for dreams, and you can choose pillows just right for your taste. The magnificent marble bathrooms have two sinks, appointed with upscale toiletries. The hydro massage bathtub will be filled with rose petals and bubbles when you arrive, and the closet is big enough for your entire wardrobe.

Guests rave about the exceptional service that starts before you arrive when

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the concierge books your preferred restaurants and the times you wish to dine. The resort is also equipped with complimentary WIFI throughout the property for those that just can’t get away.

There are six award winning à la carte restaurants, and 24-hour room service. This isn’t acceptable dining it is exceptional! What is really nice is that they have a daily lunch buffet poolside; you can eat while you are sitting at the pool or you have the option to go to the Beach Club Restaurant and have a served lunch, or do both. Each day the food is different, Paella day is a special treat and the chefs do an amazing job poolside!

The variety and culinary creativity is simply unmatched anywhere in Mexico. Each restaurant has a unique ambience and dinning menu, the bars are stocked with only top shelf liquor, wines and bubbly.

The Royal Hideaway Playacar is the only resort in the whole Yucatan Peninsula to offer a Chef’s Table experience. Guests staying here have the chance to interact with executive chef Eugenio Villafaña, while enjoying the magical world of aromas and flavours in his creative contemporary cuisine. “We serve unique dishes for our unique guests.”

“The resort receives fresh produce daily, and I can say 95 percent of our foods are homemade, and all food is from organic sources.” The Chef’s Table is not part of the allinclusive package.

I’ve been many times and the experience just gets better. Perhaps it is because the General Manager, Lorenzo Chan listens to his guest’s recommendations, which has only enhanced the service. Truth is, The Royal Hideaway Playacar broke out of the all-inclusive category to stand alone in a league of its own.

The resort is the perfect option for weddings, or a romantic getaway, it offers a highly personalized level of service with only one wedding a day, so a bride gets all the attention she deserves.

There is synchronized swimming at the pool, daily yoga and water aerobics, salsa lessons, and cooking classes. They have live music by the pool, a salsa band, an electronic cellist, and a saxophone player. The resort also hosts a Beach Party, where tables are set up on the beach with ice sculptures, a full bar and a band with a Fire Show that rivals the one they used to have at the Blue Parrot in downtown Playa Del Carmen. Who doesn’t like a party on the beach? There are always fresh, warm towels and the senior management staff come around with fresh fruit, books, or ice cream on a daily basis.

If you’re on the beach, and want a drink, just raise your flag in the sand and a server will be right by.

This is a place where people can actually sit outside in comfort without being in beach chair loungers. There are comfy padded chairs with umbrellas on the oceanfront bi-level decks, a wonderful spot to watch the beach.

The beach Club with its extensive lunch menu is also a place to linger overlooking the ocean, the pools and hot tubs.

The property has six pools, two of which are located in front of the ocean; the other four are nestled in the palms providing quiet privacy to those looking for it.

After a tough day of relaxing, it is a treat to take a moment, or an hour to enjoy a spa experience of truly personalized therapeutic treatments, or serenaded by the live piano music in the lobby, before dinner.

Enter a world of opulence and luxury at The Royal Hideaway Playacar, an atmosphere inspired by total liberation of the soul. The rest of the world melts away at this gorgeous beachside treasure on the Riviera Maya, just moments from Playa del Carmen.

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Mehreen Shahid

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tretching across the golden sandy beaches in Mexico, the adults-only The Royal Hideaway Playacar by Occidental Hotels & Resorts, occupies a central location just a few minutes south of Playa del Carmen, in Mexico. Guests can gaze into the fading sun as they quench their burning appetites with the help of Chef Eugenio Villafaña’s special Chef ’s Table gastronomic experience.

A unique concept started by Chef Villafaña, the Chef ’s Table experience at theThe Royal Hideaway Playacar by Occidental Hotels & Resorts is available to groups of up to 10 guests through their private concierge. The table is a gourmet 12-course meal paired with the best available wines. Served in a private dining connected with the kitchen, it gives the guests a glance behind the scenes. Chef Eugenio and his team of professional chefs can be seen preparing each dish through a live video feed from the kitchen. Along the way, the chef and his teammates explain how each ingredient made it on the menu.

“When sitting at the chef ’s table, you will enjoy

a full view of our busy Las Ventanas kitchen through a glass wall,” says Chef Villafaña. “You will be able to watch in detail the plating of the food, while you guess what the ingredients are.”

Each night, the team of chefs creates new menus, considering likes and dislikes and any food allergies or dietary restrictions. “We believe each of our guests is different and unique,” explains Villafaña, “so, we offer different and unique menus every night.”

Chef Villafaña was born and raised in Guadalajara, Mexico, and his taste buds first tingled for culinary creation in his mother’s kitchen at a young age. His passion for food has taken him around the world, to more than thirty countries, working on some of the world’s most luxurious cruise ships. He studied at worldrenowned culinary institutes and restaurants around the world, to name a few, the Culinary Institute of America in Napa Valley, as well as the three-starred Michelin rated Waterside Inn in England. He strives to continually expand

his knowledge by learning new cooking trends such as handling raw and vegan food, molecular cuisine, organic and healthy eating trends.

Nowadays he keeps himself busy with his Chef ’s Table at The Royal Hideaway Playacar

by Occidental Hotels & Resorts. “Mexican vast culinary heritage is so impressive that we find new and exciting ingredients and ways to cook, day by day,” he says. “Part of my standards is that I normally meet with our guests at the Chef ’s Table one or two days prior to their experience, so I can ‘scan’ my guests and figure out what I will be serving for them.”

Personalization is not the only special focus of this unique experience. The Chef teases taste buds with his specialty cooking known as molecular gastronomy. “It is a sub discipline of food science that seeks to investigate the physical and chemical transformations of ingredients that occur in cooking,” he explains. “Its program includes three axes, as cooking has three components: social, artistic and technical. Also, molecular

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cuisine refers to a modern style of cooking, and takes advantage of many technical innovations from the scientific disciplines.” Chef Villafaña learned molecular gastronomy on his delightful journey to becoming a world-renowned chef. He likes to keep the cooking simple and prefers using sustainable ingredients 95 per cent of which are local grown and high-quality organic products. “That’s the way to go!” he says. “If we, as cooks, want to keep going with our passion for foods, we need to go sustainable.”

As a professional food connoisseur, he finds it interesting to delve in the vegetarian and vegan world.

“To create great dishes only with elements from the vegetarian and vegan world is a big challenge” He adds. “Normally, for good food, animal-based ingredients are involved, but my challenge is to create foods without animal precedence that will fill the palate of any person.” He explains that usual modern techniques require some kind of chemical additive(s) to prepare those foams and other textures, but since his approach to food has been always taking in consideration the nature of the ingredients he “avoid some of that additives and substitutes them with natural ingredients.”

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“In order to make a foam” for example, “I use the liquid left behind by soaking chia seeds, so, by using this natural ingredient and caring about its nutrients, we reach a level of new possibilities to give fantastic and nutritious food, great in taste and beautiful in appeal” he ads.

For a personal meal, the Chef prefers to cook using fresh ingredients that travel straight from farm to table. “I use organic foods that will fill me up with nutrients and satisfy my palate and appetite.”

The sophisticated Royal Hideaway Playacar by Occidental Hotels & Resorts has more than just molecular cuisine to entice its visitors. It strikes a winning balance between boutique and vibrant chic residence with a two-story, colonial style Mexican villa perfectly blending tropical magic. Those staying at the lavish lodgings are welcome to try food from six exceptional restaurants that boast innovation in taste and regional dishes. Aromas of cuisines from around the world fill up the dining halls of the manor.

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N

ot many people have heard of Koh

Suwan, and there’s no reason they should have. It’s a slip of an island, an islet really, shaped like a bra.

Bright green and lacy with palms, slightly lopsided, one cup more padded than the other. I’d been staring at it from my deck chair at the Emerald Cove Resort in Koh Chang, Thailand’s second largest island after Phuket.

Located across a placid stretch of turquoise water, Koh Suwan kept calling me with a melody as playful as the splash of whitefrilled waves on sand. A mere speck compared to Koh Chang, it didn’t seem to get much larger as I kayaked toward it. Nonetheless the journey fuelled my fantasy of finding the next perfect spot, the next deserted island or isolated mountain retreat that, once you discover it, seems to make Thailand uniquely your own.

The quest to find the next unsung destination in Thailand has long been a tourist cliché. You only have to read Alex Garland’s The Beach to get a sense of the passion that propels travellers to keep moving, as if Thailand, with its glittering temples, shirt-soaking heat, soft beaches and incense-lit shrines is a series of doorways always leading you onwards toward a place where you can plant yourself in a hammock and stay forever, or at least, once you have returned home, to adopt a look of smug superiority as you say, “But everyone does Phuket. Have you been to Koh Mak, Koh Bulon Lae or Pai?” I’m no more immune to Thailand’s beckoning fingers than any other traveller, and that’s why I’d come to Koh Chang. Located on the eastern seaboard up near Cambodia, Koh Chang, or Elephant Island, is part of the Mu Koh Chang National Marine Park and the main stop in an archipelago of 52 islands. With its paved coastal road and beachfront resorts Koh Chang is no stranger to development, but its mountainous interior is dense and unspoiled, a tangle of rainforest trees and waterfalls, home to barking deer, small Indian civets and stump-tailed macaques.

As I paddled up to Koh Suwan, its tiny beach sandwiched between mangrove trees, I saw another couple was already there. They’d set up a romantic picnic and had clearly hoped to be alone. “I’m sorry I’m here,” I said, “but I didn’t expect you either.” They laughed and we made an unspoken pact to ignore each other. I found a trail between the island’s two humps and crossed to the far shore. The ocean was wilder here. Waves splashed up onto slabs of rock and I stared out, already scanning the horizon for my next stop - Koh Kood perhaps, where I’d heard the beaches were shaped like moon slivers. Instead I travelled to Thailand’s far north, to the notorious Golden Triangle.

For some, Thailand’s beaches are its siren call, for others it’s the remote jungle, and

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there is no place as far-flung and infused with mystique as the Golden Triangle, at the confluence of the Ruak and Mekong Rivers where Laos, Myanmar and Thailand meet.

Once a dark hub of the opium trade, the Golden Triangle’s lush hills still conjure visions of opium dens, clandestine drug deals and CIA spies – though times have changed and these days the fascinating Hall of Opium in the Golden Triangle Park is the closest the average tourist will get to a poppy field.

The tourist centre of Sop Ruak is a popular destination for day-trippers, with tourists shuttling in from the northern cities of Chiang Rai or Chiang Mai to take a boat ride between countries and maybe stop at the Laos island of Don Sao to buy souvenirs. They’re missing out, I thought, sipping a G&T at the Burma Bar at the Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle as the sun set over the Ruak River and the hills of Myanmar faded into shadow. To call the Four Seasons Tented Camp an all-inclusive jungle experience does not do it justice. From the moment I glided in on a sleek longtail boat, I had the sense of being transported to a different world – a world more reminiscent of elegant 19thcentury expeditions than of any hotdog-andbonfire campsite of my childhood.

There are rescued elephants to feed sugar cane snacks to, a spa in a bamboo forest and a free-form pool. Yet the camp has only 15 tents, most stretched out along the hillside like sentry posts. Each tent – and I use the word lightly – has reclaimed teak floors, a hand-hammered copper tub and private deck with rain shower – plus Wifi and air conditioning, of course – and I had to keep poking the canvas walls to convince myself I was camping.

Eventually the thought of sun and sand lured me back to Thailand’s beaches, but here I had a dilemma. Did I go to Koh Samet, the nearest resort island to Bangkok, where I had fond memories of beach hopping barefoot down the length of the island, stopping for fresh grilled crab and cold Singha beer?

Or did I revisit Railay Beach in Krabi Province, where limestone cliffs plunge into the aquamarine Andaman Sea, a sight so breathtaking it’s the visual equivalent of a bungee jump? In the end I went further south to Koh Phangan, the Ibiza of Asia. A short ferry ride away from larger Koh Samui on Thailand’s east coast, Phangan’s claim to fame is the vibrant Full Moon Parties held monthly on the beach at Haad Rin. There was no full moon when I visited, but Haad Rin was still lively, the youthful crowd so sun-polished and leggy it looked like a bumped-up movie version of what Thailand beach life should be.

Away from Haad Rin the pace slows and travellers can find everything from meditation centres to 5-star resorts. After whiling a few days away on the quiet west side, I ended up

where I always end up, on the island of Koh Samui. No one, anywhere, could call Koh Samui undiscovered. Many mourn the loss of six-dollar-a-night bungalows and jet-ski free beaches. What I celebrate is Koh Samui’s parallel side. Away from the bars and the bakeries and bustle of Chaweng Beach is the island’s holistic core. A number of spas, retreats and detox resorts are dotted around the island and one of the best is Kamalaya.

Situated on Koh Samui’s southern coast, Kamalaya drifts up a hill with a beach at the bottom and ancient granite boulders rising out of the foliage. There is a centuries-old monk’s cave, lotus ponds, yoga pavilions, a lap pool and deluxe spa facilities with programs ranging from Optimal Fitness to stress-relieving Asian Bliss.

Kamalaya has a unique earthy energy, and after a Vital Essence Oil Massage I padded to the outdoor Jacuzzi, sitting in solitary contentment amidst coconut palms and fluttering birds. I’ve stopped looking onward, I realized. The quest to find Thailand’s next ‘It’ destination is addictive – and with so many hidden corners it can be a lifelong event - but sometimes it’s just nice to sit back and touch ground.

STAY The 5-star Emerald Cove Resort is located on quiet Klong Prao Beach in Koh Chang. emeraldcovekohchang.com The Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle is a luxury tented camp where you can interact with elephants, spa, trek and enjoy the serenity. fourseasons.com/goldentriangle/ Kamalaya Wellness Sanctuary and Holistic Spa Resort on Koh Samui offers wellness programs, holistic medicine, spa and healing therapies. kamalaya.com Searching for a luxurious hideaway in Bangkok? The sumptuous Shangri-La Hotel, Bangkok on the banks of the Chao Phraya River offers a tranquil retreat from the hustle of the city with silk and teak finishings, riverside pools and its world-famous CHI, The Spa. shangri-la.com/bangkok/shangrila For more information on Thailand visit the Tourist Authority of Thailand at na.tourismthailand.org

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Old World Charm in South India

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D

asked the local Tamil man I had stopped for directions.

“My French is better than my English,” he explained apologetically. This took me aback. I knew French used to once be the lingua franca in Pondicherry, but I couldn’t help but be surprised by the lingering French influence on this small seaside city located in South India.

Indeed Pondicherry, renamed Puducherry in 2006 but still referred to by most locals by its French name, has many vestiges of its French colonial past, I discovered as I strolled through this seaside town. Streets have names like Rue du Bazar Saint Laurent and Rue de la Marine displayed on French vintage-style blue and white enamelware signboards. The sign over the doorway of the Public Works Department says Travaux Publics, and the police sport bright red caps called kepis. Also, as I was reminded, French is still spoken by many of the older pondichériens.

The mix of European and Indian influences is revealed in Pondicherry’s unique architecture.

On the quiet, tree-lined streets of the French quarter, sandwiched between the seafront and the canal, I found colourful colonial-style villas with elaborate gateways and high walls hiding gardens of bougainvillea. Meanwhile in the bustling Tamil quarter beyond the canal, I came across many examples of traditional Tamil houses with their characteristic street verandas, carved doors, ornamental parapets and inner courtyards.

It is this mélange of East and West and heady dose of old-world charm that intrigues foreign visitors and offers its many Indian tourists a completely different ambiance compared to other Indian cities.

Pondicherry is a popular weekend destination for overworked out-of-town visitors looking for some down-time, the opportunity to taste some excellent continental food the city’s many top-end restaurants are known for, and a chance to hit the bars in a place where liquor is cheap and more easily available compared to neighbouring Indian states.

I found that the best way to explore Pondicherry’s rich architectural heritage was on foot: the city’s small size makes it ideal for walking.

I picked up a heritage map at INTACH (Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage), located in a beautifully-restored Tamil-style house on Rue Aurobindo. Browsing through their exhibition of old photographs and historical documents, I learned that it is thanks to INTACH’s efforts that many of Pondicherry’s heritage properties have been restored to their former glory.

The handy map lists the buildings which have been renovated and converted into stylish shops, luxury hotels and high-end restaurants.

I set off to visit them all. I quickly discovered that many are located in the French quarter, but I was delighted to also see many stunning examples of a unique Franco-Tamil style of architecture on Rue Calvé Subbraya Chetty in the Tamil quarter, and traditional Tamil row houses on Rue Mulla and Rue Cazy in the Muslim neighbourhoodas. I learned that

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“The mix of European and Indian influences is revealed in Pondicherry’s unique architecture.”

INTACH also organises heritage walks during the tourist season from November to February which offer an excellent introduction to Pondicherry’s unique cultural heritage and the efforts underway to preserve it. A must-do for my next visit!

Pondicherry’s old world charm is best experienced by staying in one of the city’s many unique heritage properties which have been converted into luxury guesthouses and hotels.

The Hotel de l’Orient, located on leafy Rue Romain Rolland in the French quarter, is one of the city’s landmark hotels and one of INTACH’s first restoration projects with 14 rooms and two suites in a restored 18th century mansion. Further down the street is Gratitude, a lovingly restored 9-room guesthouse with long pillared balconies offering street views and a charming inner courtyard, which has been tastefully decorated with Anglo-French furnishings. A new addition to the city’s growing number of heritage accommodation options is La Villa, an intimate 6-room boutique hotel on Rue Surcouf. Architects Tina Trigala and Yves Lesprit have preserved this 19th century colonial manor’s period features like its high ceilings, elegant columns and ceiling beams while successfully incorporating elements of contemporary design.

At the end of Rue Romain Rolland I stumbled on the lovely La

Maison Rose, another beautifully restored colonial-style mansion with three stylish boutiques offering a true treasure trove of vintage style furniture, antiques, lampshades, glassware and designer clothes, bags and jewellery. The shady garden café and restaurant is delightful and one of the most atmospheric places in the city to dine al fresco.

Indeed the only way to dine in style in Pondicherry is under the stars. From traditional South Indian to French nouvelle cuisine to Creole fusion, there’s something for every taste in the city’s many stylish outdoor restaurants and garden cafés. The courtyard restaurant at heritage hotel Maison Perumal has a menu which changes daily, featuring innovative Franco-Tamil dishes made with fresh local ingredients. Another excellent option for al fresco dining is the elegant courtyard restaurant at stylish Le Dupleix.

Thanks to all these applaudable local conservation efforts, Pondicherry is one of the few cities in India where you can take a step back in time. Its charming colonial villas, tree-lined streets, gardens of bougainvillea, and scenic seaside location make it one of South India’s most unique and enchanting destinations and a place I will keep coming back to.

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EAT

STAY

Maison Perumal, No 44 (Old No. 58), Perumal Koil Street, Pondicherry; cghearth.com/maison-perumal

Hotel de l’Orient, 17 Rue Romain Rolland, Pondicherry; hotel-de-lorient.neemranahotels.com

Le Dupleix, 5 Rue de la Caserne, Pondicherry; ledupleix.in

Gratitude, 52 Rue Romain Rolland, Pondicherry; gratitudeheritage.in

La Maison Rose, 8 Romain Rolland Street, Pondicherry; lamaisonrosepondicherry.com

La Villa, 11 Rue Surcouf, Pondicherry; lavillapondicherry.com

SHOP & DO La Maison Rose, 8 Romain Rolland Street, Pondicherry, lamaisonrosepondicherry.com Boutique d’Auroville, 38 Nehru Street, Pondicherry, tel: +91 (0)413 233 7264 INTACH, 62 rue Aurobindo Street, Pondicherry; intachpondicherry.org Seaside promenade, Goubert Avenue Sri Manakula Vinayagar Temple, Manakula Vinayagar Koil Street Botanical Gardens, Ambedkar Nagar

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The two southernmost states of Tamil Nadu and Kerala perfectly depict the contrasting nature of India. Seeing them on two wheels gives the opportunity to soak up the rich culture and appreciate the different landscapes as you cycle by.

This trip passes some of the most impressive sites of southern India, including the former French colony of Pondicherry and the magnificent Meenakshi Temple at Madurai. After the cooler highlands and tea estates of the Western Ghats you reach the tranquil backwaters of Kerala, where a relaxing houseboat cruise offers the chance to reflect on a memorable journey.

From $3,135 www.exodustravel.com

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R O YA L H I D E A WA Y P L A Y A C A R R I V I E R A M AYA , M E X I C O Set on the most pristine stretch of white sand beach in Royal del Carmen, Mexico is Royal Hideaway Playacar.

This elegant adults-only all-inclusive resort features highly personalized service with a dedicated concierge for every bungalow and a myriad of other amenities to ensure you have a relaxing vacation. Enjoy sumptuous dining at any of its 6 restaurant or partake in a more private dining experience at The Chef’s Table at Las Ventanas. Bask in the sun around the pool or on the beach while our beach concierge ensures that you stay refreshed. And at the end of your day enjoy a relaxing massage or take a stroll down 5ta Avenida for some of the area’s best shopping and nightlife.

Book your Occidental vacation at transatholidays.com

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