MAR - APR 2018
WHERE DO YOU WANT TO GO NEXT?
MAGAZINE OMAN
A SHOPPING ODYSSEY
FINDING HEAVEN IN THE CITY OF ANGELS
HURAWALHI ISLAND RESORT NEW TRAVEL TECH
PHILLY MARKETS
MUMBAI’S SECRET SUPPER CLUBS
PUBLISHER’S LETTER
W
elcome to another issue of Explorer Magazine, the digital, eco-friendly travel magazine for true world wanderers. While it seems only a few weeks ago we were saying goodbye to 2017 and welcoming
the festive season, 2018 is well and truly off to a trot, and our team has already branched out across the world looking for new and inspiring travel experiences for you. In this issue, we cover the whole travel spectrum. Nick Walton travels to that most favourite of Indian Ocean playgrounds, the Maldives, to check out one of the archipelago’s newest luxury retreats, Hurawalhi; while Reshma Krishnan Barshikar delves behind Mumbai’s secret supper clubs and meets the innovative figures behind these elusive kitchens. We also shop until we drop in both Oman, home to ancient souqs where bartering is infused in the local culture, and in Philadelphia, the City of Brotherly Love; check out one of Bangkok’s coolest new hotels; and keep you in the loop with the latest travel tech to help ease the road ahead. Wherever you’re travelling this season, we hope you’ll continue to be inspired by Explorer Magazine.
Safe Travels,
David Leung Publisher
WORLD IN PICS
Adventur
At The RitzCarlton, Dove Mountain guests gather around a fire pit and listen to a Dove Mountain Ranger recount local folklore, which is complemented by a Native American flautist.
Stunning scenery in Croatia during the Classic Croatia itinerary from Katarina Line.
From the frozen landscapes of the South Australia, adventure travel inspir 4
WWW.EXPLORER-MAGAZINE.COM
WORLD IN PICS
re’s Afoot
Tackling one of Western Australia’s most iconic waterways with Horizontal Falls Seaplane Adventures
Delving into Italy’s stunning landscapes with CaminoWays.com
Up close and personal with the whales of Antarctica with OneOcean. Kosovo’s on the up with Much Better Adventures.
Hit Route 66 to mark Harley Davidson’s 115th anniversary with Eagle Riders.
Hit the trail on the Australia Zoo Coral Crocs & Rocks expedition
Pole to the barren rock beauty of Western res our photography this season. MARCH - APRIL 2018
5
WHAT’S HAPPENING
New Orleans Jazz Festival April 27-May 6, 2018 New Orleans, LA
When you have a festival that stretches over two weekends, it’s going to need an impressive lineup. Fortunately, the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival always delivers. As 2018 marks New Orleans’ 300th anniversary, music and culture are at the soul of the festival. With 12 stages, Jazz Fest has hosted some of the greatest artists of the last half century, so expect to see some spectacular performances from the likes of; Lionel Ritchie, Aerosmith and Jack Johnson. www.nojazzfest.com
Camp Bestival July 26-29, 2018 Dorset, UK
Not to be confused with UK sister festival Bestival, Camp Bestival is a festival holiday with family at the heart of the experience. A colourful camping weekend, Camp Bestival is packed with entertainment for the kids plus something for the oldies. Famous comedians, poets, theatre troops and musicians are set to perform, including Clean Bandit, Rick Astley and Basement Jaxx. www.campbestival.net
6
WWW.EXPLORER-MAGAZINE.COM
WHAT’S HAPPENING
L’Isola del Cinema June-July 2018 Rome, Italy
L’Isola del Cinema film festival is held in the heart of Rome, on Tiberina Island, situated between the shores of the Tiber River. The festival is dedicated to cinematic arts but offers history, culture, art and cinematic innovation. Running since 1995, around 300,000 spectators attend the various movie previews, retrospectives, and reviews. www.Isoladelcinema.com
Aladdin
Until June 2018 Queensland Performing Arts Centre, Brisbane
Board your magic carpet and fly to a whole new world with Disney's hit Broadway musical Aladdin at Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC). Based on the Academy Award-winning animated film, the second Australian production boasts a 34-person ensemble cast and a staggering 337 glittering costumes made with more than 500,000 Swarovski crystals. www.qpac.com.au
MARCH - APRIL 2018
7
NEWS
Conservation & Creature Comforts Paul Gauguin luxury cruises has announced a lineup of Wildlife Discovery Series lecturers, in partnership with the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), aboard its 2018 voyages. The series of six unique voyages aboard The Gauguin gives guests the opportunity to learn about marine wildlife from some of the world's top scientists and conservationists. Highlights of the lineup include a presentation by Ken Kassem, marine director from the WCS Indonesia Program, who will share his expertise on marine conservation in the heart of the Coral Triangle during a cruise through Tahiti and the Society Islands; and a talk by Natalia A. Rossi, from the WCS Mesoamerica & Western Caribbean Program, who will speak about the conservation and biology of sea turtles during the October voyage through French Polynesia. www.pgcruises.com 8
WWW.EXPLORER-MAGAZINE.COM
NEWS Your New Bali Retreat A new boutique hotel and private villa concept is raising the bar for luxury villa hospitality in Bali. Situated in the hills surrounding Jimbaran, The Longhouse is an expansive villa that recently emerged from an extensive renovation to offer six luxurious individually-designed suites, each of which is named after an Indonesian island. With a high staff to guest ratio, your new Bali homeaway-from-home comes with a dedicated team on hand around the clock to cater to all guest needs, whether it’s a cooking course, a tour of local villages, or an in-house Balinese massage. www.thelonghousebali.com
G Adventures for Good
Support local community initiatives as you travel with G Adventures’ new community development projects, which recently launched in aid of International Women’s Day. The travel company has partnered with the Planeterra Foundation to support 13 community initiatives worldwide, each dedicated to helping women redefine their roles in society by providing access to dignified jobs, reliable income and job-training. During the 12-day Discover Sri Lanka tour with National Geographic Journeys, visit the Sthree Craft Shop and Café, which Planeterra granted US$30,000 to renovate and outfit the Center's working space, transforming it into a commercial craft shop and café that brings vital income to the community. On the Classic 12-day G Adventures tour of Cape and Namibia Adventure, there are opportunities to visit Penduka, in Windhoek, a restaurant and handicraft workshop which directly employs 30 disadvantaged women and creates livelihoods for more than 300 others; while the Classic 15-day Absolute Turkey tour will introduce travellers to Cöp(m)adam, a Turkish social enterprise in Ayvalik that leverages the creative talent embedded within the local culture and provides environmentally-impactful opportunities for the city’s women. www.gadevntures.com
World Cup with a Twist If you’re planning to travel to the 2018 Russia World Cup, why not explore Moscow on two wheels with UTracks’ Moscow and Beyond eight-day guided cycle tour. Running from May to August, this new itinerary offers everything from sightseeing in Moscow, to following the banks of the mighty Volga River between the cities of Dmitrov, Vladimir and Tver. While cycling is an important component of the trip, you’ll also have the opportunity to take a traditional Russian cooking class and paint your very own Russian wooden doll. www.utracks.com
MARCH - APRIL 2018
9
NEWS Heart Thumping Action in the UAE Adrenalin-junkies will love Ras Al Khaimah's new Jebel Jais Flight zipline, which was recently named the world’s longest by the Guinness World Records. The multi-million dollar attraction now means thrill-seekers can travel at speeds of up to 150kph at a height of 1,680 metres above sea level from the top of Jebel Jais mountain. The zipline, which measures 2.83 kilometers - the equivalent of 28 soccer fields - is operated by Toroverde Ras Al Khaimah, among the world's most experienced zipline managers. Action seekers are suspended above the mountain as they prepare to take the flight headfirst in a 'superman' style position; participants wear a special suit for the flight, which takes approximately two to three minutes. Once completed, guests will finish the bucket list flight on a suspended landing platform - unique in the world where they will be transferred to a second line, measuring 1km in length, to complete their journey back to the ground. https://jebeljais.ae
10
WWW.EXPLORER-MAGAZINE.COM
NEWS Family Friendly Buds by Shangri-La has opened on the first floor of Shangri-La Hotel, Singapore’s newly rejuvenated Tower Wing. An interactive indoor and outdoor play space spanning 2,150 square metres, Buds by Shangri-La features specially curated installations - ranging from a music studio to a fully-equipped cooking classroom - to take younger guests on a journey of discovery. Children under four years old will enjoy the specially-designed Toddler Zone inside Buds, with swings and slides, a piano floor, and soft wall buttons that produce animal sounds, while parents can relax at the Recharge café nearby and monitor their little ones by RFID wristbands. The fun extends outdoors, where kids can play make-believe inside a giant pirate ship structure offering challenging climbs and slides, and to the Tower Wing’s dedicated Themed Family Suites and Deluxe Family Rooms, which are decked out with specialized amenities for the youngest travellers. www.shangri-la.com
A Culinary Cruise Luxury cruise line Windstar has added new foodie voyages as part of its partnership with the James Beard Foundation. From an experimental series of three cruises in 2016, the Culinary Cruise Collection has grown to six sailings in 2018. Each voyage features a different James Beard award-winning chef, who will guide local market tours, shore-side excursions and interactive cooking demonstrations, giving guests a chance to taste dishes from America's best chefs while exploring unique destinations. www.windstarcruises.com
Five Star Spanish Design Spanish hotel group VP Hoteles has opened its fifth flagship property in the heart of Madrid. VP Plaza España Design 5*, located on the iconic Plaza España, features 214 stylish rooms with state-of-the-art design and enviable city views. Rooms feature private terraces, walk-in closets and private gyms. In keeping with VP Hoteles' dynamic interior gardens, vertical greenery stretches from the underground parking area to the 17th floor, while at the center of the property a 25m metallic waterfall sculpture tumbles from the glass bottom of the 12th floor swimming pool to the lobby below. Complete with a 360-degree Gingko Sky Bar and a fully soundproofed nightclub, the VP Plaza España is set to be a new social hub in the Spanish capital. The hotel also offers a 24-hour gym, spa and the indulgent Biloba Wellness Centre. www.plazaespana-hotel.com
MARCH - APRIL 2018
11
OMAN
Oman A Shopping Odyssey
If you love to shop, whether it be pottering through ancient alleyways in a traditional souk, visiting local villages for one of a kind pottery pieces, sifting through shelves of high quality silver or spending up on designer fashion in a world-class shopping complex, then Oman just might be the place for you.Â
12
WWW.EXPLORER-MAGAZINE.COM
OMAN
MARCH - APRIL 2018
13
OMAN
Muttrah Souq Since ancient times the traditional market places in Oman have been much more than a place to do trade. Omani souqs are places for social gatherings and there is nowhere better to experience this than Muttrah Souq. The oldest marketplace in the capital, Muttrah Souk located behind Muscat’s Muttrah Corniche - is a maze of tightly packed, narrow lanes that lead in and out of each other revealing gold, silver, textiles, pottery and dates, together with piquant aromas of incense, spices and varying qualities of frankincense, which waft through the alleyways. Also plentiful are traditional coffee pots and plates, along with handicrafts, incense burners, Bedouin jewellery and silver khanjars traditional Omani daggers worn by men. Gold and silver are well priced and are mainly sold by weight. The best time to visit is either early morning or late afternoon.
Nizwa Souq Once considered a symbol of wealth, silver has been one of Oman's most precious metals for four thousand years. Visitors to Nizwa, a place famous for the work of its silversmiths, will find some superb silver pieces at Nizwa Souq. Don't miss the Friday cattle market where you will witness locals converge to sell or buy a prized new cow, goat or camel. Afterwards take in the views of Nizwa fort with a delicate cardamom scented Omani coffee and Oman's most famous Halwa (local sweet) from Al-Saifi's store. 14
WWW.EXPLORER-MAGAZINE.COM
OMAN
1.07 in
MARCH - APRIL 2018
15
OMAN
Bahla Souq Based in the centre of this mystical village is Bahla Souq, where, if you are lucky, you can witness the modern form of magic that takes place daily with master potters creating their wares. Many of the incense burners, pots and dishes you see around Oman originate from Bahla so it is a treat to be able to visit the source and Bahla Fort is also well worth a visit.
Ibra Souq One of Oman's most interesting souqs is at Ibra, where the Wednesday market is a 'ladies only' event. Operated by women, the souq's specialties cater to women and include silks, handicrafts, Bedu jewellery and sandalwood. Although the real highlight, is viewing the women shopping and chatting with their colourful attire.
Al Hafah Souq Set amid Salalah's coconut groves in Oman's southern Dhofar region is Al Hafah Souq, one of the best markets to buy perfume or high-grade frankincense, myrrh and rose. Once worth more than gold, frankincense is in high demand along with the brightly-painted Dhofari incense burners. Local vendors also sell regional food including hummus and mishkak -- Omani barbecue meat cooked over a spit.
A New Wave Oman is full of contradictions of old and new and many modern shopping complexes have recently sprung up across Muscat. Fully airconditioned, they have a selection of local and international stores, local boutiques, supermarkets, cafes, food courts and play areas for children. Here are 3 of the best;
16
WWW.EXPLORER-MAGAZINE.COM
Opened in 2015, Oman Avenues Mall is the largest mall in the Sultanate of Oman, boasting an impressive line-up of prestigious retailing brands, fine dining options, fun and entertainment experiences to across 72,000 square feet of striking architecture. With more than 150 retail stores Muscat Grand Mall boasts a modern department store at one end and a traditional Arabic souk at the other with a landscaped oasis in the middle. The family friendly food court is near an entertainment arcade and the upper level offers spectacular sea views. Home to Oman's largest cinema, Muscat City Centre is the largest premium lifestyle shopping destination in Oman. With over 200 international and local lifestyle brands over 70,000 square metres, City Centre Muscat is not your typical neighbourhood shopping mall.
Homage to Amouage When it comes to shopping a special mention goes to Oman's world-famous scent, Amouage. One of the world's most valuable perfumes, it is available at the flagship store, The House of Amouge, in Muscat's Sabco Centre. Guy Robert, the renowned French perfumer behind the scents of Hermés, Dior and Rochas, was commissioned to formulate the celebrated fragrance, incorporating native Omani ingredients - frankincense and myrrh as well as rosewater extracted from the rarest rock rose found in Oman's Jebel Akhdar region. Heading off with this prized scent in your luggage will evoke memories of your Omani adventure long after you have departed its exquisite shores.
OMAN
MARCH - APRIL 2018
17
MALDIVES
A Private Paradise The newest luxury retreat to open in the Maldives, Hurawalhi offers a blissfully adults-only respite from the urban coalface, discovers Nick Walton
18
WWW.EXPLORER-MAGAZINE.COM
MALDIVES
I
f you haven’t been to the Maldives yet, then it’s time you did yourself a favour and booked the next flight to paradise. The Indian Ocean playground has never been more sought after, and the arrival of its newest adultsonly retreat only adds to its glorious seduction. We arrive at Hurawalhi, as all guests do, by seaplane, vibrant turquoise seas wreathing submerged coral gardens racing past below as we descend, 40 minutes after leaving the resort’s signature seaplane lounge in Male. You know you’ve arrived somewhere special even before pontoon touches lagoon; a string of overwater bungalows branches out from a tree-encrusted
island framed by white sand beaches. As the sun rises the colours leap to life; deep greens in the canopies that hide luxurious beachfront bungalows; aqua and turquoise blues in the lagoon’s waters; blazing white in the uniforms of traditional Maldivian drummers that greet new arrivals. It’s as if someone’s nudged the saturation levels – everything just pops. A clutch of 90 villas set against breathtaking house reefs in the heart of the Lhavivyani Atoll, this beautiful new hideaway epitomizes the Maldivian escape to perfection, and with an adults-only policy that welcomes guests 15 years and up, you won’t have to share your romantic escape with everyone else’s ‘little darlings’. MARCH - APRIL 2018
19
MALDIVES What an escape it promises to be, thanks to brilliant, infinitely-cheerful staff, gourmet dining, sophisticated accommodation, and all-inclusive packages that implore you to order another cocktail, take up a poolside perch, and make the most of every moment. Guests can choose from Hurawalhi’s four room categories – essentially Ocean or Beach Villas, with or without the added pleasure of a private plunge pool. Our Ocean Villa is superbly spacious, with vaulted ceilings, a 48-inch flatscreen television, and a heavenly king-sized bed facing a deep-set sun deck and the expanses of the Indian Ocean. Can’t resist the lagoon any longer? There’s direct access from your sun deck, while Beach Villas, nested in deep tropical foliage, offer direct beach access and a touch more privacy. All guest rooms boast expansive bathrooms with rain showers (though curiously no bathtub); a pair of comfy sun lounges, gleaming timber, vibrant art work, and feather-light linens. There’s complimentary internet, a minibar and wine fridge packed with all-inclusive goodies, and diligent villa attendants that ensure your villa is the
20
WWW.EXPLORER-MAGAZINE.COM
perfect tropical home-away-from-home. For many guests the villa is where they spend much of their holiday, and I can appreciate such seclusion; with plenty of privacy, and azure seas and pristine beaches beckoning, each villa offers the perfect escape from hectic urban life. But don’t get too comfortable, there’s plenty more to see. For the active, Hurawalhi has everything you’d expect from a luxury Maldivian resort, from a tennis court, games room, and a comprehensive water sports center with hobbie cats, wake boarding and jet skis; to a resident marine biologist; and an outpost of Prodive, which offers a raft of dive courses and experiences for those who like to explore below the waves. Early one morning I head out with resident Dutch dive master Morton. Rather than having to take a boat out to a remote dive site, we simply gear up and step from one of the resort’s piers into thriving seas packed with coral gardens. We trace our way along the resort’s house reef, with its mezmerising coral walls, home to blennies, coral hawkfish, hawksbill turtles, black tip reef sharks and, if
MALDIVES
you’re lucky, manta rays. Later that afternoon my wife Maggie and I take to the house reef again, this time as part of an included guided snorkeling excursion, and encounter Moorish idols, Napoleon wrasse, and a fever of elegant eagle rays, which dart through the shallows and trail our group before eventually diving deep. Despite being cast in the middle of the sprawling Maldivian archipelago, Hurawalhi really sets itself apart with its innovative dining. The crowning jewel of the resort has to be 5.8 Undersea Restaurant, which, as the name suggests, is submerged below the gently lapping waves of the lagoon. Underwater venues are not a new thing in the Maldives but 5.8 Undersea Restaurant has refined the concept; imaginative, slightly eclectic multicourse tasting menus are presented to just 12 guests each night, with tables set beneath a mezmerising canopy of aqua blue water packed with colourful and inquisitive reef fish. As we dine on the intriguing wine-paired menu of shy German chef de cuisine Bjoern van den Oever, a veteran of leading Michelinstarred kitchens, angel, butterfly and even puffer fish meander through the coral polyps beyond the glass, their aquatic home taking on an inky hue as the daylight fades six meters above our heads. For diners who prefer a less submerged dining experience, Aquarium Restaurant is located above 5.8, on a pier that reaches out into the lagoon, and serves a contemporary menu of delectable Asian-inspired dishes laced with organic ingredients and complemented by an intimate Teppanyaki bar. At the other end of the resort, the Champagne Pavilion is the perfect spot for utterly romantic sunsets, enjoyed over a chilled bottle of bubbles, while Coco Bar, adjacent to the resort’s infinity pool, is the heart of the property and offers a comprehensive menu of sharing-style bar snacks and tiki-esque cocktails, most of which feature on the all-inclusive menu. Beyond the bar, most meals are served in the stunning Canneli restaurant, a shrine to great cuisine complete with an
international buffet, al fresco dining, crisp yet friendly service, and live cooking stations. The diversity of fresh, contemporary dishes prepared by New Zealand executive chef Shannon Batten and his multi-national team is remarkably, especially considering how remote his kitchens are from suppliers. If you’re really looking to kindle the fires of love, the culinary team can also set up a private candle lit dinner on a deserted beach or send you off to nearby Dream Island, a local sand bank, for the ultimate private picnic. If fine dining and jaw-dropping vistas aren’t enough to sweep you from urban drudgery, then head to the Duniye Spa, a chic citadel to pampering perched over the waters of the lagoon. Here a host of Asianinspired treatments, using Healing Earth organic products, are conducted by a team of experienced therapists in beautifully-appointed spa suites that feature portholes to the lagoon below. Be sure to leave time for a spot of serenity in the relaxation lounge, located above the spa reception and boasting views of the lagoon that will have you falling in love with the Maldives all over again. www.hurawalhi.com MARCH - APRIL 2018
21
ESSENTIALS
STAY IN
REACH Next time you decide to venture off the beaten path, avoid the embarrassment British explorer Benedict Allen endured when he recently became lost in Papua New Guinea, with one of the savvy inReach devices from Garmin. The
inReach SE+ and the
inReach Explorer + are Garmin’s first devices with inReach satellite communication technology. With pole-to-pole coverage through the global Iridium satellite network, the two new devices offer two-way messaging and SO alerting with the press of a button. Both models include a built-in GPS for location tracking and basic navigation, and the inReach Explorer+ adds preloaded TOPO maps, a compass, a barometric altimeter and an accelerometer. With flexible subscription packages that can be paused when you’re not on the road, travellers can send and receive text messages to any cell phone number or email address, even when out of cellular range, making the devices a smart choice for that next safari or Arctic cruise.
www.garmin.com
22
WWW.EXPLORER-MAGAZINE.COM
ESSENTIALS
HIGH OCTANE
CARRY-ON Marking the brand’s 120th anniversary, GlobeTrotter has created the limited-edition 20-
Globe-Trotter Carbon Fibre Trolley Case. Each of
inch Formula One-inspired
these ultra-light-weight yet durable cases is constructed from revolutionary Hypetex material created by engineers from the world of motor sports. An outer shell is accented by leather corners and straps in either rich burgundy or classic black for a timeless look that fuses the past and the future seamlessly. Within, the case features a plush quilted microfibre lining. The limited run of 120 silver carbon fibre cases in its classic Centenary design will be available from the end of September. www.globe-trotter.com
MARCH - APRIL 2018
23
ESSENTIALS
Sound SOLUTION British speaker gurus Bowers & Wilkins has launch cancelling
PX,
the company’s first noise
wireless
headphones.
Boasting
drive units derived from the company’s P9 Signature headphones, offering best-in-class sound quality, the new PX model responds intelligently to the wearer’s behavior – pick them up and they’ll switch on automatically and start playing. A smart suspension system allows the PX to produce the precision required for great high frequencies up to 30kHz, as well as the compliance needed for deep and dynamic bass, while the active noise cancelling function has been refined to provide optimum isolation without ‘crushing’ the music. The headphones feature the latest aptX HD Bluetooth technology, and offer full digital audio through a USB connection. www.bowers-wilkins.com
24
WWW.EXPLORER-MAGAZINE.COM
ESSENTIALS
THE PRO TOUCH Nikon’s newest full-frame game changer for true photography enthusiasts is the D850, an optimized combination of high resolution and high-speed performance. The D850’s effective pixel count of 45.7 megapixels and ISO range of 64-25600 makes this powerful system a wildlife photographers new best friend. Capable of high-speed continuous shooting at approximately 7 fps (or 9fps with the optional battery grip), the new D850 adopts the same high-speed, high-precision 153-point AF system used by the D5 to offer greater certainty of capturing moving subjects, especially when coupled with the new backside illumination Nikon FX-format CMOS sensor and the latest image-processing engine, EXPEED 5. The D850 also takes full-frame 4K UDH video as well as 8k time-lapses, making it the ultimate creative tool for photographers of all persuasions. www.nikon.com
MARCH - APRIL 2018
25
INDIA
Behind Mumbai’s Hidden
Supper Clubs
Mumbai’s secret supper clubs are the perfect destinations for foodies looking for company and cuisine in equal measure, discovers Reshma
Krishnan Barshikar.
T
here was a time when all you wanted was a bar where everyone knew your name. Move over Cheers; going incognito is what it’s all about today, especially in India’s thriving commercial capital, Mumbai. The city’s growing secret supper club scene offers a place where you can reinvent yourself and spend an evening in blissful small talk with no obligations to ever meet again; a place where you can be completely yourself, or anything else you want to be. It’s like a culinary one-night stand. Secret suppers have become all the rage in Mumbai because, as Kanu Gupta, founder of Savor Experiences and
26
WWW.EXPLORER-MAGAZINE.COM
INDIA
host of Secret Supper, says, “the beauty of Bombay lies in its people and yet they never get a chance to connect.” The four-year-old Secret Supper project has been built around the element of surprise. Diners have to commit to an evening not knowing where it’s going to be held, what’s on the menu and, of course, the company they’re about to keep. But are you worthy? While it’s not about whom you know anymore, extremely refreshing in a city like Mumbai where, ‘don’t you know who I am?’ had become so common it’s simply been replaced by a belligerent stare, it does depend on how you answer questions when you RSVP. The Secret Supper, for instance, asks that deceptively simple question, ‘if it’s your last meal on earth, what would it be?’ No right or wrong answer here but you can bet someone’s stewing a good half hour before they press ‘send’. Turning Tables, an event hosted by the relentless punsters at Brown Paper Bag, goes one step further. You have to wax lyrical about yourself in a few lines and you’ll be ‘picked’ if they think you’re interesting enough. It feels like high school all over again, doesn’t it? Only here, it’s egalitarian in that no one cares if you have acne or your laces are the right kind of neon, and your rejection is blissfully private. An added bonus is that the dinners, if you get in, are free and BYOB.
a couple of weeks and will prioritize referrals from current members. Think of it as a sophisticated version of Tinder that also throws great shindigs, a few limited only to singles as they account for a large portion of their membership. Turning Tables is quite clear they are not a singles event per se, even though they’re happy to have played cupid on occasion. They welcome all sorts, including the committed; you just need to leave the spouse at home. What all of these unique concepts have in common though, is the belief that nothing makes us happier, or more talkative, than good food. While The Secret Supper likes to keep everything under wraps, Turning Tables has featured chefs from restaurants like The Fat Duck while Magazine Street Kitchen just hosted Italian TV star Cristian Borchi. And you don’t even have to jump through any hoops for that one; you can buy tickets to any Magazine Street Kitchen event online. As fine dining becomes more ubiquitous, and the food less fine, it’s no surprise everyone wants to sit at the chef’s table and feel like you’ve been let into the best secret in the city, even if it’s just for the one night.
With no standing space in bars, an opportunity to meet, and breathe a little, and perhaps even shake a leg with like-minded people, is an attractive proposition to not just singles, but couples who want to be part of a unique experience. A World Alike, a private community that hosts events, boasts a waiting list of over 7,000 would-be diners. The ‘invitation only club’ is rolling out its own app in
MARCH - APRIL 2018
27
HOTEL REVIEW
FINDING HEAVEN IN THE CITY OF ANGELS One of the most innovative hotels in the Thai capital, 137 Pillars Suites & Residences Bangkok combines the timeless grace of the group’s iconic Chiang Mai property with unashamedly contemporary urban flare, discovers
Nick Walton
What’s the backstory? Lovers of luxury will know that 137 Pillars is a byword for timeless colonial-esque refinement. The acclaimed 137 Pillars Chiang Mai property is the kind of property wellheeled travellers like to keep secret from the masses. Now, the beautiful new 137 Pillars Suites & Residences Bangkok gives savvy travellers even more reason to stay mum.
What’s the style? 137 Pillars Suites & Residences Bangkok is chic and modern but also a little eclectic – like all good hotels it can be many things to many travellers. The hotel boasts 179 ‘residences’ and 34 ‘suites’, but this is where the confusion starts. Unlike at many other hotels, the Suites are the coveted spaces here; while the Residences are great for longer-stay guests, and feature separate living rooms and kitchenettes (they actually go for less per night), the Suites start from 64sqm and offer access to private enclaves throughout the hotel.
How are the rooms? Our Sukhothai Suite is dark, sexy, and cosy, with a flatscreen television on the wall, plush 400-thread count linens on the bed, an oversized bath in the marble bathroom, and brilliant views from the spacious day bed-lined balcony. There’s a fully-stocked maxi bar, a Bose sound system, 24-hour butler service, and an ambiance of utter indulgence. However, it’s not a suite per se as there’s no separate living space. For a true suite experience, you’ll need to go for one of the other room categories, each named for Thai dynasties, including Ayutthaya and Rattanakosin. 28
WWW.EXPLORER-MAGAZINE.COM
HOTEL REVIEW
MARCH - APRIL 2018
29
HOTEL REVIEW
So, the suites come with perks? That’s right, Suite guests have access to a private rooftop pool and sun deck that’s so mesmerising it’s worth the upgrade all by itself. The rooftop infinity pool has to be one of Asia’s most breathtaking and the four oversized day beds on the roof come with intimate pool butler service and access to an exclusive cocktail bar. In addition, Suite guests have access to the refined Leonowens Club, an exclusive lounge that serves sublime breakfasts and afternoon teas by Michelin-starred Roger van Damme by day and cocktails and canapes by night. The Club is a great spot for meetings or casual catch ups and as a first destination before heading out to bar hop Bangkok’s mixology hotspots.
What else is there to do? There’s plenty, from a state-of-the-art fitness centre with personal trainers, including Thai kick boxing instructors; a golf simulator and putting green; another pool with pool bar and jacuzzi that’s also open to Residences guests, and a traditional London cab to whisk you off to the BTS station. For spaophiles, the Nitra Spa specializes in Wellness by Design, and offers a host of innovative treatments and rituals, including a newly launched sleep series.
What about dining? The hotel offers dining at both ends of the spectrum; while Nimitr is the home of chef Nanang Prasetya Aditama’s elegant yet cutting-edge Thai gastronomy, where traditional dishes are given a modern and delectable twist – think North Atlantic langoustine with matcha soba noodles, lemongrass aspic and namprik gel – downstairs, the all-day Bangkok Trading Post is often packed with chic locals and has a brilliant menu of Asian and Western dishes, as well as al fresco seating in the hotel’s gardens. Be sure to leave time for a classic cocktail in the hotel’s speakeasy, the luxurious Jack Bain’s Bar, a cosy, gentleman’s clubstyled cigar and cocktail divan filled with leather chairs and quirk art pieces (don’t miss the Asmodeus, a blend of vodka, vermouth, and house butterflypea syrup). Below, the Marble Bar, with its al fresco seating and breathtaking views, is the place to while away a warm Bangkok evening. 59/1 Sukhumvit Soi 39, Klongton-Nua, Wattana, Bangkok; +66 2079 7000; www.137pillarsbangkok.com 30
WWW.EXPLORER-MAGAZINE.COM
MARKETS
Dining Out on brotherly Love
Philadelphia's Reading Terminal Market, one of America's largest and oldest public markets, recently celebrated its 125th birthday. A foodie hub for the city, the markets are home to over 80 merchants selling food, groceries, gifts and more. Here’s some of our favourite spots.
Slow-Roasted Brisket at DiNic's
Carmen's Famous Italian Hoagies & Cheesesteaks
The chicken at Dienner's Bar-B-Q arrives fresh every morning from farms in the Philadelphia region and with three different flavours of wings and a selection of home-style sides and signature sauces, travellers will find just the thing to satisfy even the strongest BBQ craving.
A trip to Philadelphia isn't complete without a taste of a Philly cheesesteak, which consists of thin slices of steak, onions and melted cheese served in a long, crusty roll. Carmen's also serves up a vegetarian version made up of onions, peppers and cheese, and Italian-style hoagies, a long sandwich typically filled with deli meat, salad and cheese.
Whoopie Pies at Flying Monkey Bakery Every one of the meticulously crafted desserts on offer at Flying Monkey Bakery is made from scratch in small batches, including the bakery's award-winning whoopie pies, which consist of two soft cookies sandwiched together with a marshmallow cream filling.
Founded by the four Nicolosi brothers in 1954, DiNic's menu includes a line-up of classic Italian sandwiches, including the Roast Pork Sandwich made from thinly sliced pork, sharp provolone, broccoli rabe and a long hot (spicy pepper). This has become a firm favourite with locals and tourists alike and was even crowned the Best Sandwich in America by the TV series 'Man vs. Food' in 2013.
Amish-Style Rotisserie Chicken at Dienner's Bar-B-Q
Corndogs at Fox & Son Fancy Corndogs A key foodie attraction at American festivals or fairs, corndogs can also be found in Philadelphia's Fox & Son's at Reading Terminal Market. A traditional corndog consists of a sausage coated in deep-fried batter, but travellers at Fox & Son's can also enjoy gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan-friendly varieties. www.readingterminalmarket.org
Burgers at Hunger Burger Hunger Burger aims to provide guests with mouthwatering burgers, while also making a positive impact on world hunger. Owned by a husband and wife team, Hunger Burger donates the equivalent of one meal for the sale of each burger to several anti-hunger organisations. Burgers on the menu include the Mac 'n' Cheese Burger, the Fun Guy Burger and for vegetarians, the Bello Burger. MARCH - APRIL 2018
31