Little black book

I love different kinds of earrings. I am very fond of them because I think no matter what I am wearing, if it's a bad hair day... if I add a pair of earrings, I think, it look just fine.

Rockstar. I think Imtiaz Ali's vision of Ranbir Kapoor as a rockstar, as a lover and his whole journey... All of it was magical.

FAVOURITE HAUNTS OF STYLISH PEOPLE

There’s no one fragrance that I like. I am open to different kinds except for floral which are too sweet. In general, I love sandalwoodand mogra.

I don't read much. The only book that I had started reading and also finished was The White Tiger. Secretly I do feel that I should get into books as reading opens your mind and gives you a perspective.

Dal makhani and Paneer makhani along with Tandoori roti with butter on top... Because whenever I eat that, I am reminded of my childhood in Delhi...

Singer SUNIDHI CHAUHAN made her debut at the age of 12. She has won three Filmfare Awards: two for Best Female Playback and one RD Burman Award for New Music Talent besides other awards

ADDITION IN KARMA’S PORTFOLIO ADDITION IN KARMA’S PORTFOLIO

ADVENTURE OF THE

SONEVAFushi, the award-winning luxury resort in the Baa Atoll, is inviting young guests to embark on the Adventure of the Corbin and delve into the Maldives' remarkable maritime history. The one-of-a-kind experience is part of the new Soneva Academy, which offers a range of thought-provoking, educational courses to children and teens aged 12 and above at Soneva Fushi and Soneva Jani.

Combining nautical history, ancient navigation techniques and essential survival tips, the experience traces the journey of the Corbin, a 400-tonne French galleon carrying a cargo of silver from St Malo to cross the Indian Ocean and trade with the East. The ill-fated vessel ran aground on a reef just off the coast of Goidhoo on July 2, 1602, sinking with its precious cargo.

The three-night, three-and-a-half-day adventure enables young Sonevians to follow the footsteps of the early 17th century sailors who would have sailed on board the Corbin. Armed with GoPro cameras to record every step of their intrepid voyage, the quest begins at Soneva Fushi, with a barbecue on Turtle Beach and the chance to learn about the marine world and island life of the Maldives archipelago.

On the second day, participants travel by speedboat to Innafushi, an uninhabited island near the Corbin wreck, where they pitch their tents for a two-night stay. During their time on the island, the young adventurers follow the real-life accounts of

THEKarma Group has a new addition to its Northern Hemisphere portfolio. The Karma Salford Hall can be found in the quaint English Cotswolds, a region in the south of England, with its rolling hills and historic villages.

The retreat in the Vale of Evesham is housed in a building, both rich in history and architecture, with Salford Hall dating back to the 14th century, and belonging once to King Henry VIII. Guests can stay in one of the 36 bedrooms and avail of facilities like restaurants, meeting and conference rooms, games areas, libraries and bars.

The estate has manicured gardens, a wedding marquee and tennis court. Further expansion plans include a pool, leisure centre and more guest suites.

Days at the Karma Salford Hall can be spent strolling the estate, or exploring attractions nearby, from revered restaurants to the iconic River Avon and neighbouring Stratford-uponAvon, the birthplace of Shakespeare.

The other latest acquisition in the group’s portfolio includes the Karma Salak in the western Javanese highlands in Indonesia.

CORBIN AT SONEVA

François Pyrard de Laval, a French navigator who survived the sinking ship, to get a glimpse of what it was like to be shipwrecked in the Maldives. This includes learning how to navigate using only the stars and learning basic survival skills, such as how to fish, prepare and cook the catch, and how to determine which plants and sea creatures are edible or poisonous.

A visit to the site of the shipwreck on day three is an opportunity to snorkel in the clear waters, which are rich in colourful marine life, and learn about Corbin's lost treasure. There is also a visit to the Rose Garden, a thriving reef system, that is considered one of the best snorkelling spots in the Maldives. As evening falls, local Maldivian drummers teach the group how to play the Boduberu drums, an ancient musical tradition in the Maldives' Dhivehi culture, believed to have been brought to the islands by sailors in the 11th century.

After returning to Soneva Fushi on day four, each participant produces a short film of their adventure, with a special family screening and certificate ceremony in the evening.

The Adventure of the Corbin experience is suitable for children and teens aged 12 to 15, with group sizes of between eight and 16 participants. The fully inclusive experience is priced at $1,500 ++ per child when travelling by speedboat, or $2,500 ++ per child when travelling on the Soneva in Aqua yacht.

AUTHENTIC IFTAR AND SUHOOR AT ATLANTIS, THE PALM

THROUGHOUTthe Holy Month of Ramadan, Atlantis, The Palm, invites UAE residents to break their fast at iftar or enjoy suhoor at the resort’s celebrated Lebanese restaurant Ayamna, with delicious set menus hand-selected by the Beirut-born Chef Ali.

A favourite amongst Arab celebrities and royalty the world over, and one of the most prominent Lebanese chefs in the region, Chef Ali’s iftar experience is priced at AED 210 (`4,275 approx) per person for a set-menu including water and Ramadan juices, whilst suhoor is a minimum spend of AED 185 (`37,66 approx) per person from the a la carte or set menu. Diners can feast on Chef Ali’s signatures including lentil soup, hot and cold mezzeh, a selection of meat dishes such as slow-cooked lamb shoulder and mixed grill as well as fish tagine, baked ouzi, and shrimps kunafa. Sumptuous desserts will include Date cheescake with baklava icecream , katayef, Opera cake, and a moist maamoul mad bil ashta (semolina butter cake).

Bespoke, pre-recorded entertainment will bring both iftar and suhoor to life, whilst a special drinks menu complementing each dining period will feature an array of specialty coffees, teas, and Ramadan juices. Guests are also invited to enjoy shisha from the Lebanese-style, starlit terrace from 9:00 pm-1:00 am daily. A decadent private dining room is also available for those looking for a more intimate experience.

Ayamna is translated as “our memorable days” and is a Lebanese restaurant that pays homage to the tastes, flavours, and traditions of Lebanon.

5 THINGS TO SEE 5 THINGS TO SEE & DO ALONG THE & DO ALONG THE GEORGETOWN GEORGETOWN WATERFRONT WATERFRONT

WHILEGeorgetown’s cobblestone streets, cupcake stores, historic bars and stylish boutiques account for many of its charms, Washington, DC’s oldest neighbourhood also sports a bevy of waterfront recreation that any visitor can thoroughly enjoy. From on-the-water revelry to dining accompanied by spectacular scenery to highly anticipated annual events, the Georgetown waterfront presents an array of activities for you to explore. PADDLE THE POTOMAC: Key Bridge Boathouse is the place to go to rent kayaks, canoes or to take a paddling lesson. Enjoy the panorama of the Potomac River and the DC and Virginia skylines while also getting a workout. HANG OUT AT THE WASHINGTON HARBOUR: Georgetown’s river waterfront is home to tons of restaurants – many, including Sequoia, Tony and Joe's Seafood Place and Farmers Fishers Bakers, offer patio seating in warm weather – and plenty of outdoor activities. In summer, children (and adults, too) can splash in the sprinkler-style water fountain, watch the boats and feed the ducks. Before or after, shop in the historic neighbourhood. BIKE, HIKE OR RUN NEXT TO THE RIVER: Georgetown also presents miles of trails for walking, biking or running alongside the Potomac River and the C&O Canal. The gorgeous C&O Canal Towpath and Capital Crescent Trail, are two of the most popular trails in the region, with each presenting vistas of water. There are nearly 50 public bike racks located throughout the neighbourhood. GET YOUR GLOW ON: Set against the historic backdrop of DC’s oldest neighbourhood, GLOW in Georgetown is the region’s only free curated outdoor public light art experience. Established in 2014, the innovative exhibition has quickly become one of DC’s most anticipated events each year.

The 7th edition of GLOW, which is on till June 27, is an extended, two-part series featuring eight artworks, including six by local DC artists. EAT, DRINK AND PLAY ALL DAY DURING TASTE OF GEORGETOWN: Check out the bustling Georgetown Cupcakes or make your way to waterfront-facing The Berliner, a cafe that offers crave-worthy brunch favorites and delicious pastries. Other unique favourites include Fiola Mare at the waterfront, consistently ranked one of the city’s top fine dining restaurants and, of course, DC’s very first ‘cat cafe’, Crumbs & Whiskers, where you can enjoy coffee, pastries and snuggles with dozens of adoptable furballs.

THE WESTIN GOA AT THE THE WESTIN GOA AT THE INDIAN BEACH CAPITAL INDIAN BEACH CAPITAL

WESTINHotels & Resorts, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of 30 brands, announced the opening of The Westin Goa, marking the brand’s debut in the coastal state. Committed to delivering on the brand’s foundational pillars of Sleep Well, Move Well, and Eat Well, the new hotel features signature brand programmes that enable guests to maintain and enhance their well-being while traveling.

Located within easy access to the main tourist attractions, The Westin Goa is perfect for beachgoers who enjoy a healthy dose of pampering, matched with holistic wellbeing offerings and access to a fun-filled nightlife. The beach is home to big and small eateries offering local delicacies, as well as water sports and great beach parties. The Goa International Airport – Dabolim is located approximately 40-minutes drive away from the hotel, making it easily accessible from other regional and international destinations.

The new hotel has 171 guestrooms and suites, as well as deluxe patio rooms where guests can relax over a dip in the outdoor pool accessible directly from the rooms. All the rooms are equipped with the brand’s iconic Heavenly® Bed, which is uniquely designed to revitalise the body and mind with a night of restorative sleep. The sleek bathroom featuring the Heavenly® Bath redefines the shower experience with a revitalising rain shower and features luxuriant White Tea Aloe bath amenities, extra-large bath sheets and plush bathrobes to help guests start the day feeling pampered and invigorated.

Eat Well is one of the three core pillars of the Westin

experience and at the four food and beverage outlets on the property, guests can enjoy the local cuisine.

Guests looking to stay fit and Move Well can make use of the 24-hour Westin WORKOUT® FITNESS STUDIO that is replete with state-of-the-art fitness amenities. The outdoor pool complements the workout and there is also a kids’ pool for families to enjoy. As part of the brand’s signature Move Well programmes, a local Run Westin Concierge is available to provide guided group runs along a five-km trail around the neighbourhood adjoining Anjuna beach. Guests can also enjoy a sustainable healthy ride along the stunning coastline on an E-Bike or a moonlight yoga session to reconnect with themselves.

Guests can pamper themselves at the Westin Heavenly Spa which offers massages, bath rituals, body wraps, facials and exfoliation treatments.

For younger travellers, the Westin Family Kids Club features fun activities such as origami, sandcastle making, dancing, baby Zumba classes and a playful kids activity area.

It has over 14,000 sq ft of event spaces and features a Grand Ballroom with separate breakout spaces which are ideal venues to host weddings, social events, conferences or corporate meetings.

LORE GROUP’S NEW DC HOTEL

LYLEWashington DC, a new independent hotel from Lore Group, opened in the capital’s Dupont Circle neighbourhood on April 15. Lyle, the second U.S. property from the international hospitality company —behind renowned hotels Sea Containers London, Pulitzer Amsterdam and Riggs Washington, DC —is located on New Hampshire Avenue in an early 1940s Art Deco building constructed originally to house apartments.

In the rooms and penthouse suite, there are comfortable and calming spaces in neutral tones featuring natural materials including Burl wood art deco headboards, rattan seating and berber

carpets. The mattresses and linens were chosen for comfort while artworks and the majority of furnishings are bespoke.The rooms are inviting and residential, as are the bright bathrooms with their handmade tiles and D S Durga amenities. Additionally, 56 of the 196 bedrooms feature kitchenettes which are convenient for long-stay visitors.

The restaurant and bar features bespoke furniture, a custom Herman Miller pendant cluster and an open kitchen. Nestled into the corner of the building, it serves breakfast, brunch and dinner as well as familiar cocktails. It offers seasonal, contemporary American fare.

Perfect symphony

Even when you don’t understand the words that Italian tenor ANDREA BOCELLI sings, his voice has the power to move you, says SAIMI SATTAR

THEREis a voice which soars, catapults to great heights and, at the same time, quietly embeds itself in the deepest corners of your heart while reducing you to tears. But what makes it even more special is the fact is that you cannot understand a single word of what the Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli is singing. Yes, of course, he is a successful crossover artiste, having teamed with the likes of Celine Dion and Ed Sheeran but more often than not, his Italian vocals convey the emotions seamlessly and, perhaps, even more effectively than the English ones.

So, when, last month, Bocelli was performing at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hegra at AlUla, Saudi Arabia, it seemed to be nothing short of a haunting echo from the past. He was accompanied by musicians from the Arabian Philharmonic and special guests Loren Allred, Matteo Bocelli, soprano Francesca Maionchi with Eugene Kohn at the piano. The aura of the ruins of the Nabataean tombs, built in the first century BCE, made the experience the closest that one can get to ethereal.

At AlUla, the songs included favourites from Giacomo Puccini, the Italian opera composer, hits from his most recent album, Believe, as well as songs from the Greatest Showman and Carousel. Of course, no Bocelli performance is complete without an encore of Time to Say Goodbye, which he had performed, for the first time, as a duet with English soprano, Sarah Bright and the members of the London Symphony Orchestra as a farewell at the final bout of German boxer Henry Maske.

For those in the know, Italy’s most famous tenor in recent times, Bocelli can bridge the gap between classic and pop music with ease and finesse that are his hallmark. That becomes even more commendable if you know that Bocelli, born in the small village of La Stera in Tuscany, lost his eyesight at the age of 12 after a football accident and music was the only thing that could bring him some kind of hope and succour. His struggles inspired the Italian biographical film, The Music of Silence (2017), directed by Michael Radford, where actor Toby Sebastian played the lead.

Bocelli gave his first concert in a small village not far from where he was born. He won his first song competition at 14 with O Sole Mio at the Margherita d'Oro in Viareggio. It was in 1992 that he catapulted to big-league when Italian rock star Zucchero Fornaciari held auditions for tenors to make a demo tape of his song, Miserere, to send to Luciano Pavarotti. After hearing Bocelli on tape, the Italian tenor, Pavarotti, urged Zucchero to use the newbie instead of him. That is how Bocelli found himself accompanying Zucchero on his European concert tour in 1993. And the rest, as they say, is history.

I DREAM OF A WORLD THAT CAN ALWAYS WELCOME AND CELEBRATE THE GIFT OF MUSIC IN PEACE AND SERENITY, PRECISELY FOR OUR CHILDREN AND FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS. IN SPITE OF EVERYTHING, I REMAIN OPTIMISTIC. IN SPITE OF ALL THOSE WHO DO NOT PURSUE GOOD, THE WORLD IS GETTING BETTER AND BETTER AND PEOPLE OF GOODWILL ARE MORE AND MORE

(Clockwise from left): With daughter Virginia; soprano Francesca Maionchi and son Matteo Bocelli

While Bocelli went from strength to strength, one of his biggest crossover moments came in 1998 when he recorded a duet, The Prayer, with Celine Dion which featured as a soundtrack in the film Quest For Camelot. And to Dion, he also owes the description, “If God would have a singing voice, he must sound a lot like Andrea Bocelli,” which she used while introducing him during her Christmas Special for her show, These Are Special Times, in 1998.

The 52-year-old went on to collaborate with other artistes but it was Perfect Symphony with Ed Sheeran where the duo sang in English and Italian that set the charts on fire to become the No. 1 trending video on YouTube in 2017.

In an e-mail conversation, Bocelli talks about the importance of music, his involvement in charitable causes and more.

What does music mean to you?

I dream of a world that can always welcome and celebrate the gift of music in peace and serenity, precisely for our children and for future generations. In spite of everything, I remain optimistic. In spite of all those who do not pursue good, the world is getting better and better and people of goodwill are more and more. Although good rarely ‘makes

I AM INSPIRED BY LOVE, ALWAYS AND IN ALL ITS FORMS. WITHOUT LOVE, LIFE WOULD NOT MAKE SENSE. IT IS THE ENGINE OF THE WORLD. I SET MY WHOLE EXISTENCE BY PAYING HOMAGE, THROUGH MY SONGS, TO THE POWER OF LOVE AND, THEREFORE, TO LIFE

With son, Matteo, and a falcon that was presented to him on stage news’ but represents for the whole of humanity the only possible way.

Italy, India and the world have been through tough times since the past year...What does music, in the current times, mean for us?

During the pandemic, I matured a project that gave shape to the album Believe. I managed to find time for my Andrea Bocelli Foundation (ABF) that has been at the forefront since the beginning of the health emergency.

I have lived these complex and unpublished months with great concern and sadness. I was forced to cancel dozens of concerts and greatly missed public interaction.

There are many projects, both from a concert and a record point of view and the agenda is full for the next two years and beyond. I'm excited about the annual summer event, Theatre of Silence, which is scheduled for July 22-24 in my native country, Lajatico, in Tuscany, gathering thousands of spectators from all over the world. It will be beautiful and great to meet people in my beloved Italy.

You seem to be indefatigable. Where do you get the strength from?

I am inspired by love, always and in all its forms. Love is fire. Without love, life would not make sense. It is the engine of the world. I set my whole existence by paying homage, through my songs, to the power of love and therefore to life, which is the most beautiful and greatest of gifts.

You have been a part of many charitable causes as well. What were the initial ones? and any particular incident that prompted you initially?

Being a philanthropist is not just a moral duty. It is an act of intelligence and should be perceived by everyone without alternatives. Solidarity means joy to share. In life, you can choose between the solution that takes the path of good or that of evil. Our conscience always has the answers, even the most uncomfortable ones.

The ABF bears my name. My wife, Veronica, and

OUR PLANET IS BEAUTIFUL AND MUSIC IS THE WORLD'S GREAT UNIFIER SO THIS MOMENT FOR US HAS BEEN ABOUT SPREADING A LITTLE JOY AS WE ALL SEE THE LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL AND LOOK FORWARD TO ENJOYING MUSIC TOGETHER AGAIN SOON

I strongly wanted a large extended family that carries out, in the world, projects aimed at giving opportunities —especially to young people —to express their talents.

The gestures of affection I receive fills my heart. There are people who tell me, “I have listened to you and I have regained confidence in life”. To mention a specific episode, at Belo Horizonte in Brazil, where many camped in tents, 48-hours before my concert. When I arrived with my wife, we wanted to pass among the people, through those makeshift campsites to hug and thank them.

What did the concert at AlUla mean to you?

AlUla is a spectacular and magical witness of man’s ground passage and his impetus towards beauty. AlUla is an archaeological paradise of shocking beauty with a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was a renewed, great emotion and an equally great privilege to perform at AlUla. It’s rare to perceive such strong empathy as that experienced in this land. This is my third concert at AlUla and at every concert, I am amazed by the warmth with which I am welcomed and see the opportunity to witness the power of music as a great gift and an equally great privilege.

It was the first time I shared the stage with my children —daughter, Virginia (with whom he sang Hallelujah) and son, Matteo. Singing with my children is another gift that I received from life and that fills me with joy.

Our planet is beautiful and music is the world's great unifier so this moment, for us, has been about spreading a little joy as we all see the light at the end of the tunnel and look forward to enjoying music together again soon.

To be here, in AlUla —creating a piece of history in such an inspirational setting which is so rich in human ingenuity, heritage and culture —is truly a moment we will never forget.