INSPIRED BY
ISSUE 150 | JULY-AUGUST 2021 | DHS 15
Produced in Dubai Production City
PHUKET STAYCATIONS SRI LANKA TRAVEL OFFERS
Why Florida’s glammest spot ensures a colourful summer escape
A once-in-a-lifetime experience awaits you at Lily Beach Resort & Spa, where luxury and bliss entwine together under the vibrant colours of the setting sun. The natural beauty of the Maldives surrounds this award-winning, 5-star resort, just a short 25-minute seaplane flight from the international airport. An encompassing All-Inclusive Platinum plan, delectable food options, and a variety of leisure and sporting activities create the perfect holiday for couples and families alike. Enjoy life to the fullest at Lily Beach Resort & Spa, the Best All-Inclusive Resort in the Maldives, where you may come as a stranger, but you will surely leave as a friend.
Welcome note
The summer is officially upon us, and never has a long holiday been so needed. After we abandoned all hope this time last year, vaccinations and colour-coded quarantine systems have us seeing the light at the end of the travel corridors.
Managing Director Victoria Thatcher Chief Creative Officer John Thatcher General Manager David Wade Content & Social Editor Hayley Kadrou Deputy Editor Sophia Dyer Art Director Kerri Bennett Digital Media Manager Muthu Kumar
Top of our travel-now-not-later list is Phuket (p48), which has just reopened to international tourists. The Thai province, home to 33 islands, has all the components of a classic summer vacation – blue skies, white beaches, verdant landscapes, and, of course, great food. For cuisine worth a duplicate passport stamp, meanwhile, one of our writers makes a case for revisiting Sri Lanka (p34), when possible. Discover why it's just as awe-inducing second time around. If you’re more about star-spotting when sun-soaking, make Miami beach your summer getaway. Turn to page 42 to be pulled in by the allure of sunbathing beside Grammy winners and partying into the early hours. Get away. Seize the summer. And stay safe. The World Traveller Team
FIVE THINGS WE LEARNED THIS ISSUE: 1
You can book in for your best night’s sleep yet, thanks to a new sleep hotel opened in Portugal. p12
2
Route 66 was the inspiration behind Jack Kerouac’s On The Road, as well as John Steinbeck’s The Grapes of Wrath. p17
3
Spain’s annual tomatothrowing festival, La Tomatina, started after a food fight broke out between locals in 1945. p25
4
Yala National Park in Sri Lanka is home to the highest density of leopards in the world. p37
5
Due to The Man with the Golden Gun filming there in 1974, James Bond Island is still called so today. p52
INSPIRED BY
Photography credits: iStock by Getty Images, supplied Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission from HOT Media is strictly prohibited. HOT Media does not accept liability for omissions or errors in World Traveller. Tel: 00971 4 364 2876 Fax: 00971 4 369 7494
COVER IMAGE Miami, USA, Getty Images
Find us at… ONLINE worldtravellerme.com FACEBOOK @WorldTravellerME INSTAGRAM @worldtravellerme TWITTER @WTravellerME
worldtravellerme.com 1
Contents July -August 2021 Hästens Sleep Spa
12
GLOBETROTTER
regulars 06
11
64
68
The places topping our go-to list this month include mainland Greece and the rural beauty of Trabzon.
With a chance to finally spread our wings (ok, more like flutter them a litle bit) this summer, we've selected three escapes to fit your mood.
It's time we sent you packing. Choose your next adventure, whether near or far, from our exclusive reader offers.
New York is open and calling. You'll likely find us holed up in the 5-Bedroom Penthouse at the city's celebrated The Mark Hotel.
TRENDING DESTINATIONS
2 worldtravellerme.com
GLOBETROTTER
READER OFFERS
SUITE DREAMS
CONTENTS
features 16
ESSENTIAL TRAVEL
The final part of our writers' top travel experiences see us Ascend Mount Kinabalu and drive Route 66.
34
NEVER CAN SAY GOODBYE
Katie Bowman usually craves new horizons. So why does Sri Lanka keep calling her back? .
42
48
As it opens up for select international visitors (that's us), we've got the intel on Florida’s glammest spot.
Wanderlusters of the world rejoice - Phuket is open, Here's what to do, see and experience in the Thai favourite.
WELCOME TO MIAMI
BACK TO THE ISLANDS
48
PHUKET, THAILAND
worldtravellerme.com 3
WORLD TRAVELLER X ALILA HINU BAY
Back to Nature Oman's newly opened Alila Hinu Bay is inviting guests to reconnect with Mother Nature
O
pening its doors in Oman in June, Alila Hinu Bay couldn't have come at a better time. When eco-friendly travel is more in demand than ever before, the newcomer is a strong sustainability advocate. A haven of relaxation and reflection, it's the ideal place to detach from the world's stresses, and recharge instead. Situated on a secluded beachfront in Dhofar, visitors are immersed into pictureperfect scenes of sapphire waters of the Arabian Sea, towering peaks of the Jebel Samhan mountain range, and vibrant flora that thrives in the surrounding creeks and wadis. As Alila Hinu Bay is dedicated to preserving the largely untouched regional ecology, guests can engage with the resort's natural neighbours with a clear conscience. The eco-journey continues inside each of the 112 rooms and villas. Modern and minimal, the interiors incorporate many materials from the region. With lagoon or sea views, nature-seekers can take
4 World Traveller
advantage of their surroundings from their private terrace. If residing in one of the 16 pool villas, they can unwind in their personal plunge pool, or outdoor bathtub and enjoy direct access to the beautiful private beach. Design across the luxury property is likewise inspired by the Omani vernacular, as traditional culture can be seen in the archway corridors, while the marble façade and falaj water features pay homage to its local landscape and climate. Yet sustainability is also about preserving and respecting the local culture, which is why Omani hospitality is fused into every element – not least in the restaurants. All dining options source local ingredients where possible, but each boast different specialities – Seasalt takes visitors on a coastal dining journey, while The Lobby Lounge introduces guests to authentic Arabian flavours. From cultural exploration to outdoor adventure, days can be seized by embarking on bespoke experiences.
Three to tick off the list are the journeys Above the Clouds, to the Wadi Darbat, and to a Thousand Stars. The first invites view-seekers to discover one of the largest sinkholes in the world and enjoy panoramic scenes from Jabal Samhan. The second serves up mouthwatering cuisine specially selected by the hotel's Executive Chef, under the stars. The final takes explorers on a hike and swim through the breathtaking wadis. While many of the experiences also include tailored treatments at Spa Alila, every guest is invited to indulge in bespoke treatments that are performed using natural products, from massages to facials. Yoga and meditation classes are also on offer. Regardless of why, where from or when guests may arrive at Alila Hinu Bay, one thing's for sure – they'll leave feeling calm, content and connected to Mother Nature. To find out more, visit alilahinubay.com
Resort pool
Pool Villa bedroom
Jabal Samhan guided tour
Private pool
Starlight dining experience
World Traveller 5
TRENDING DESTINATIONS
As borders open, Emily Jenkins, dnata Travel’s resident globetrotter, reveals the places you should visit
Protaras, Cyprus
Cyprus is situated off the coast of Turkey, making for a short flight time for travellers from this region. With its accessibility, the range of picturesque beaches and historical sights on offer – alongside its cooler temperatures – this is an ideal place for a Mediterranean island escape from the summer heat. The resort town of Protaras is known as one of the best destinations on the island for a family-friendly getaway. Located on the east coast next to lively Ayia Napa, Protaras is fringed by golden sand beaches, including popular Fig Tree Bay, offering a plethora of water sports. Protaras also offers a gateway to pretty nature trails for a memorable hike including Cape Greco National Forest Park, with its protected pine forest trails. During the summer, tourists in Protaras enjoy beach-hopping, boat trips, walks along the promenade, and dining in the myriad restaurants.
6 worldtravellerme.com
TRENDING DESTINATIONS
Galaxidi, Greece
Greece and its glorious islands are high on many a travellers’ wish list. With many focused on an island-hopping adventure, some forget to discover the top sites of the country’s mainland, across gorgeous cities, pretty villages, ancient sites, epic mountains, scenic lakes and barely touched beaches. For a truly local experience, we recommend heading to the historic capital of Athens to marvel at the Acropolis, walk its colourful surrounding neighbourhoods, and enjoy its surrounding coast. Follow it by exploring the mainland, with a first stop in Galaxidi. A short drive up north (just over two hours), find this picture-perfect coastal village and explore its beautiful harbours, walk its narrow cobblestone streets, and marvel at its neoclassical buildings and old captains’ mansions. Unconnected to the rest of the mainland until the 1960s, Galaxidi maintains its untouched island feel and offers a true, authentic taste of Greece. Combine with a trip to Ancient Delphi on nearby Mount Parnassus.
worldtravellerme.com 7
Trabzon, Turkey
Turkey is a country of diverse landscapes which continue to amaze its visitors; from the beaches of the Turkish Riviera, to the unique rock formations of Cappadocia, the natural springs of Pamukkale, and beyond. One of the greenest, rural landscapes in the country can be found surrounding the city of Trabzon. The largest city and busiest port in the eastern Black Sea, Trabzon sits close to Turkey’s border with Georgia and represents one of the country’s most famous trading ports – an important stop on the old Silk Road. You can still view parts of its rich history here, including its museum within an historic mansion, and the towering Walls of Trabzon which surround its Old Town. Looking to get back to nature? From Trabzon city, head in-land to the nearby village of Uzungöl and get lost amongst its breathtaking scenery, where a beautiful lake of the same name is set in a valley surrounded by forested mountains.
8 worldtravellerme.com
TRENDING DESTINATIONS
Granada, Spain
Travellers flock to the Spanish city of Granada to witness the wonders of Alhambra, a grand hilltop palace and fortress complex. Built between the 1200s and 1300s in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains as part of Granada's affluent Islamic history, this fascinating city is an artistic and cultural hub with extended Arabian influences. The historic Albaicin neighbourhood, a protected site, features winding alleyways and white-washed buildings where serene Arabian architecture and flavourful street life can be discovered. Alongside the grandeur of the Alhambra, visitors to the Granada province are spellbound by its charming people and fascinating landscapes, where travellers can find themselves skiing or hiking in Spain’s highest mountain peaks in the morning, before soaking up the sun on the beaches of its ‘Tropical Coast’ in the afternoon.
worldtravellerme.com 9
WORLD TRAVELLER X SUN SIYAM RESORTS
Maldivian Possibilities
Sun Siyam Iru Veli Known for its dedication to absolute relaxation, this is the resort to pick for the ultimate easy island living experience. Encouraging guests to forget dress codes and to embrace barefoot living, this full all-inclusive resort assures you needn’t worry about a thing, from taking out your purse to planning what to do. Whether you choose to spend the day on a private isle on the ocean, or to make friends at the weekly pool party, this family-friendly option puts leisure at the forefront of each of the experiences. And if you like to recuperate in total seclusion, each villa, both on the water and in-land has a private pool in which to do so.
How your atoll agenda should guide which of the Sun Siyam Resorts to book
T
he Maldives is home to some of the best resorts in the world, but with so many options comes the complicated decision of picking the right fit for you. Promising laid lack luxury, Sun Siyam Resorts has four unique properties, each with a different offering, so all you need to do is select the one in line with your holiday-style.
Sun Siyam Olhuveli Calling all adventure-lovers, this all-inclusive resort is designed with action in mind. Spanning across two islands, there’s plenty to keep you busy here. From world-class water sports including kitesurfing, parasailing, and windsurfing, to exploring the nearby shipwreck of Vaavu Atoll, adventure is waiting around every turn. In between memory-making, there are two spas to help you rejuvenate, along with 10 10 worldtravellerme.com
bars and restaurants where world-class chefs make it their mission to refuel you for the next excursion. Sun Siyam Vilu Reef A boutique hideaway for lovers, if it’s romance on your schedule it’s the couple centric Vilu Reef resort that will capture your heart’s desire. A favourite for honeymooners, choose one of the luxury five-star villa options, either on the Indian Ocean or upon sandy shores. During your romantic island retreat, you and your loved one can float between bespoke dining experiences and joint-spa treatments, before exploring the depths of the ocean together during a dive.
Sun Siyam Iru Fushi Those on the hunt for the perfect resort for family-fun will find Sun Siyam Iru Fushi holds the answer to your perfect Maldivian getaway. With 14 food and drink venues, an award-winning spa, craft classes and a well-run kids’ club, there’s something to please every member of your party. Plus, with spacious villas that assure privacy, quality time is guaranteed. And with the littlest of holidaymakers a priority at this luxury property, two children under 15 sleep and eat for free, when sharing a villa with two adults. To find out more, visit sunsiyam.com
XXXXXXXXXXXXX
JULY /AUGUST
Globetrotter Be informed, be inspired, be there
PARTY, DETOX, REPEAT Advancing their world domination in a flurry of straw hats, frozen cocktails and funky DJ tracks, Nikki Beach's 13th beach club has thrown open its doors in Montenegro. Nikki Beach Resort & Spa Montenegro is the luxury brand's fifth resort, and has boutique status as it sleeps just 250 in 45 rooms. A tenminute boat ride away from Porto Montenegro, this mountainfacing resort has all the usual party vibes with exceptional views over The Bay of Tivat to boot. Inviting guests to unwind after day-to-night clubbing, Nikki Spa has teamed up with Clarins Spa to bring rejuvenating treatments, such as 'whole body detox' to keep guests pristine and party-ready.
worldtravellerme.com 11
GLOBETROTTER
Sun Siyam Iru Fushi
BOOK IT Appearing now on the coffee tables of stylish globetrotters, Assouline’s Travel Classics Collection of weighty tomes takes readers on a journey to offbeat destinations such as Comporta, bringing each to life with imagery shot by some of the world’s best photographers. This summer, until August 8, the full collection will be on sale at a pop-up Assouline store housed within the Philippe Starck-designed Brach Paris hotel.
HOW TO HOLIDAY ACCORDING TO YOUR MID-YEAR MOOD Three new hotels to visit for three different reasons
1
For those in need of a little indulgence… If you’ve stuck to your New Year’s resolutions religiously, the summer is the time to swap your green juice for pure indulgence in the Maldives. The all-inclusive package at Sun Siyam Iru Fushi serves up 11 restaurants and five bars that take your tastebuds on a global tour.
2
For the sleep deprived… Are you blocking time out this summer to catch-up on all those missed z’s from the past year? If so, the Hästens Sleep Spa in Portugal’s Coimbra is calling with its customisable sleep
12 worldtravellerme.com
experience. Designed with rest in mind, choose from five types of goose feather pillows and take part in a 'Bed Talk' conversation led by a doctor, who guides participants to the ultimate good night’s sleep.
3
For those yearning to reconnect with nature… City dwellers who’ve spent too long beneath skyscrapers instead of trees should get back to nature under canvas at the Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle in Thailand. The ultimate ‘glamping’ resort has devised a host of new guest experiences, including a guided cycling tour through lush paddy fields and thick forest.
TOP-FIVE TRAVEL TOKS With travel restrictions remaining in place, people around the world have been experiencing new places through the screen of their phone, as content creators share snippets of their home countries. When looking at the most popular destination hashtags on TikTok, it’s Dubai that tops the list of the world’s most virtually visited destinations. DESTINATION Dubai New York City Istanbul London Barcelona
VIEWS 40.4 bn 23.8 bn 18.0 bn 15.4 bn 4.4 bn
GLOBETROTTER
HOW I TRAVEL THE FIRST PLACE ON MY POST-PANDEMIC TRAVEL LIST IS… Cape Town in South Africa, to visit my close friends and favourite restaurants. Followed by the Mutasa District in the Eastern Province of Zimbabwe to see Midway Bhunu, the Midway Technoserve’s Coffee Farmer Trainer.
hesitation. This city never sleeps, and I love its constant movement. Plus, the coffee scene in Berlin is huge and is worth going out of the way just to experience it. MY TRAVEL ESSENTIALS ARE… My bamboo toothbrush; two to three graphic novels; and my passport. I also go prepped with an exhaustive list of fine-dining restaurants and mixology bars that I want to visit.
THE THING I LOVE MOST ABOUT TRAVELLING IS… Meeting new people and absorbing new cultural knowledge. I love travelling alone to get out of my comfort zone and (re) discover myself more. It’s a great confidence booster! IF YOU’RE LOOKING FOR A HOLIDAY WITH GREAT COFFEE, VISIT… My first recommendation would be Vienna, for its renowned coffee house culture. My second would be Tokyo. There’s so much passion to the art of brewing and serving coffee that the experience itself is worth the trip there. MY TOP THREE COFFEECENTRIC HOLIDAY DESTINATIONS ARE… Ethiopia, to discover the birth country of coffee along with its amazing people and vibrant traditions; India, to visit the magnificent coffee farms in the middle of the abundant forests of Karnataka and Kerala; And finally, Los Angeles and its surrounds, as it is the hub of innovation when it comes to the experiential coffee culture. THE TRIP THAT CHANGED MY LIFE WAS… Japan. In 2017 I travelled
Yassir Corpataux
The Coffee Ambassador of Nespresso in Middle East & Africa shares his favourite ways to experience the world
there alone for three weeks. The level of politeness, kindness and respect showed to me during my stay made me realise why putting the ego aside for the greater good is beneficial. MY FAVOURITE CITY BREAK IS… Berlin! Without any
I KEEP MYSELF ENTERTAINED WHILE TRAVELLING BY… Hopping on public transport on day one and riding for an hour to see where I end up. This is a travel tradition I established a decade ago. The goal is to be able to get back to the hotel without the use of technology – and most of the time with the help of locals. ON MY BUCKET LIST IS… To be able to travel for a whole year and visit every single restaurant and bar featured on The World’s 50 Best Restaurants and The World’s 50 Best Bars lists. Imagine the amount of culinary knowledge you’d get by tasting local specialties mastered by zealous chefs That would be a dream year! WHEN I TRAVEL, I PACK… Almost nothing! I am a minimalist traveller and I like to buy local goods if I do need anything. worldtravellerme.com 13
WORLD TRAVELLER X HARD ROCK HOTEL MALDIVES
Play Hard, Pause Hard Just in time for school holidays, Hard Rock Hotel Maldives has launched a special Summer Family Camp-Cation, so there's no need to decide between kids' camp and a family vacation
B
athing suit on, book in hand and a refreshing beverage on its way. But just as you start to switch off, you hear, 'Mum, Dad; I'm bored!' As every family knows, keeping little ones amused when schools break up can be challenging – especially on vacation. But for the savvy parents opting to visit Hard Rock Hotel Maldives, boredom isn't an option. Promising to keep kids entertained all day long, the luxury five-star hotel has launched a brand-new Summer Family CampCaption, bringing together all the action-packed fun of a children's summer camp with the beauty and tranquillity of the Indian Ocean. With full-day itineraries split into three sections – sports, arts, and crafts – kids of all ages and interests will have plenty to do, see and explore. One of the high-energy activities available is aerial arts. Taught in a specially designed studio by an award-winning instructor, children
14 worldtravellerme.com
can test their coordination skills with apparatus such as silks, hoops, and trapezes – leaving little ones with serious showing-off credentials on their first day back in gym class. Then there's the street-safe programme led by a Brazilian jujitsu expert, designed to develop confidence while introducing young athletes to basic body movement skills. Dance lessons, music classes, gardening tutorials, marine life discovery sessions and educational tours are just some of the many activities on offer. Grown-ups keen to keep fit can also participate in sporty activities, from volleyball to kickboxing, and even Rock Om – an exclusive programme combining yoga with energetic music. If taking to the seas is high on the agenda, they can head out to The Watersports and Dive Centre, where snorkelling equipment is free of charge, and activities from diving to jet skiing is on the menu. Parents set on relaxing, meanwhile,
can head to the Rock Spa for a transformative treatment. With accommodation offerings that have everything guests need for a peaceinducing break, spending a day ordering room service is also an inviting option. Those in the themed overwater villas can take a dip in their private infinity pool, while families in the beach villas can take advantage of secluded beach access. When it's time for everyone to exchange tales of the day's adventures, guests can explore the resort's venues, such as Latin-American inspired restaurant, The Elephant and the Butterfly, or cross the 800-metre footbridge to The Marina. As part of the Indian Ocean's only lifestyle hub, CROSSROADS Maldives, visitors can access more dining experiences, familyfriendly pastimes and shopping outlets than elsewhere in the archipelago. There's never a dull moment when you visit Hard Rock Hotel Maldives. To find out more, visit hardrockhotel.com/maldives.
Platinuim Overwater Pool Villa
Overwater Villas
Treatment Room at Rock Spa
Roxity Kids Club & Teen Spirit Club
The Elephant and the Butterfly Restaurant
Essential Travel: Part 4 The 100 favourite travel experiences of our globetrotting writers has reached its finale – has yours made the list?
16 worldtravellerme.com
ESSENTIAL TRAVEL
These pages, left to right: Mexico; USA
Drive Route 66 USA First established in 1926, Route 66 was one of the USA’s first highways and is easily its most famous. It runs from Chicago through Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico and Arizona, finally reaching its conclusion some 4,000km away in Santa Monica, California. It was the inspiration for Jack Kerouac’s seminal On The Road, as well as John Steinbeck’s The Grapes of Wrath. For the most all-American experience it’s possible to have, we’d recommend hiring a Ford Mustang, setting aside three weeks and going on the world’s most iconic road trip, taking in all the sights and incredible scenery along the way.
worldtravellerme.com 17
ESSENTIAL TRAVEL
See the sights of Rome Italy Rome is a city for all of the senses – the kind of place that excites and rejuvenates in equal measure. The dome of St Peter’s Basilica is a constant companion, peeping over the rooftops to remind you that you’re in the presence of some heavyweight history. Feast your eyes on the Renaissance riches of the Vatican museums and Museo e Galleria Borghese, before following your nose to seek out a real Romanesque cup of coffee: dark and bittersweet on your tongue. Finally, indulge your sense of touch within the Forum and Colosseum, tracing your fingers over the same stones that witnessed gladiators taking on the fight for their lives.
eight nautical kilometres from the imposing mountain. Ideal for those short on time, an Everest mountain flight lets you view in a matter of minutes what would take days on the ground.
Stay somewhere unique in London England Gir Lion Lodge sounds straight out of the Serengeti, but it’s actually in the heart of the UK-capital, at London Zoo. The abode is the gateway to experience the zoo after-hours, before retiring to one of nine bespoke private cabins within the Land of Lions development. Not looking for a love-in with the King of the Jungle? Brave the ghouls with a night at ancient
Ascend Mount Kinabalu East Malaysia The humidity can get stifling in Malaysia, but not up here. The air is clear at Low’s Peak, 4,096m above sea level atop the tallest peak in Southeast Asia (and the highest mountain between the Himalayas and New Guinea). Starting from Timpohon Gate, the Summit trail is the route with various shelters along the way, while the Mesilau trail is for those seeking more of a challenge (and it’s the route of choice for scientists looking to study the great mountain’s ecology). Engage a guide to help you navigate the plateaus and peaks of this granite behemoth. Four to six hours climb away is the alpine-inspired Pendant Hut, for a night on the majestic mountain.
Take a flight over the Himalayas Nepal If trekking isn’t your forte, don’t despair as you can still appreciate the wonder of the Himalayas with a flight aboard the Everest Express. Take your pick from Yeti Airlines or Buddha Air and depart Kathmandu Airport in the early morning for an hour’s adventure high over the Himalayas. Soar over snow-capped mountains and into valleys so narrow you almost skim the rock face, then wonder at the beauty of Everest herself – you’ll fly a mere 18 worldtravellerme.com
These pages, clockwise from above: England, UAE, Nepal
Hampton Court Palace in Fish Court for a true sense of history, or for a more private affair, book The Georgian House built by King George I. Enjoy breakfast overlooking time-worn Tudor cobbles, then stroll the rose gardens. Both ideas ensure a London stay with a difference.
Take a tour of Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque UAE An iconic sight within the UAE capital of Abu Dhabi is the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque – one of the largest and most beautiful such buildings in the world. Considered a showcase of historical and modern values of art and architecture, it was built under the
worldtravellerme.com 19
These pages, from left to right: Scotland; Kenya
20 worldtravellerme.com
ESSENTIAL TRAVEL
vision of Sheikh Zayed, the founder of the country. With a capacity big enough for over 40,000 worshippers, it also houses the world’s largest hand-knotted carpet. Spectacular white columns surrounded by glistening blue pools of water make this one of the most visited sites in the nation.
Immerse in the epitome of football fever Argentina Commandeering more than 70 per cent of all Argentine football fans between them, Club Atlético Boca Juniors and River Plate represent the very best (and fiercest) in the country’s footballscape, and have a rivalry unlike any other in world football. Matchdays when they lock horns divide Buenos Aires – into yellow and blue (for Boca), or red, white and black (for River Plate).
Thousands of football fans from across the country (and hundreds more from overseas) know this is a sight not to be missed: a riot of colour, noise and energy that makes other derby days look like a tame playground kickabout.
in clay pigeon shooting, gallop across sandy beaches on horseback, or swim in a mirror-still loch – just watch out for the infamous monster.
See the Highlands aboard The Royal Scotsman Scotland
A cloud of dust billows on the horizon and the ground starts to tremble. Your truck edges closer to the sound in the distance. You’ve been transported inside a real-world nature documentary; a chaotic mix of hooves, fur, tails and manes come thundering over the plains. It's the magic of the Masai Mara migration, that takes place from July to October. Having travelled from Tanzania’s Serengeti, millions of wildebeest attempt to cross the raging Mara River, where hungry crocodiles lie in wait. With off-the-beaten-track luxury camps to stay in, if you’re going to do a safari then this is the place.
Rural Scotland: a concoction of hauntingly beautiful landscapes, fascinating history and time-honoured tradition. Get to the heart of this rugged land with a journey on board the Royal Scotsman, a luxury train with the atmosphere of a country house hotel. Relax in your luxurious cabin or the observation car, to enjoy gliding by castles, villages and glens. You’ll hurtle through Cairngorms National Park and past Ben Nevis and Loch Lomond. Depart the train to partake
See the great Wildebeest migration Kenya
worldtravellerme.com 21
ESSENTIAL TRAVEL
Explore Prague on foot Czech Republic It’s been a little over 30 years since the Velvet Revolution blessed Europe with the City of Spires. Wearing its past proudly on its sleeve, this place is a history buff’s haven, and the best part? It’s entirely walkable. Wander streets where Gothic architecture and Renaissance, Baroque and Neoclassical buildings stand cheek to jowl. Meander Prague’s 200 historic gardens and parks, shop for antiques in Karmelitska Steet, stop for dinner at Ginger & Fred’s in Frank Gehry’s surreal Dancing House, and enjoy vistas of its main waterway the Vltava River – which inspired Moldau, the celebrated classical -music composition.
22 worldtravellerme.com
Straddle East and West Turkey Standing in two continents, Istanbul is a metropolis of contrast, where green hilltops command unforgettable views over magnificent waterways, and spectacular mosques are just the tip of a vibrant history. Visit the architectural wonder of the Blue Mosque, with its curvaceous domes, elegant minarets and over 20,000 blue tiles. Then head to Hagia Sophia, an incredible building that is now a mosque, but reflects the city's eclectic and shifting past (and that of Turkey as a whole). The Grand Bazaar is the world’s largest covered market: have fun losing yourself in the labyrinth of winding streets and passageways.
worldtravellerme.com 23
Island hop in Greece Greece With its sugar-white beaches and wild herbscented cliffs, the Greek archipelago is the stuff of summer holiday dreams. Move over, Maldives: these tiny isles are lapped by lapis lazuli-coloured waters, and warmed by the rays of year-round sunshine. If you want a picture-perfect beach retreat with superlative seafood, characterful hotels and charming whitewash villages thrown in for good measure, this is the spot – just refer to Shakespeare and Louis de Bernières, who were both inspired by the isles. With only 227 of the whopping 6,000 islands inhabited, you won’t have to venture far to find a beautiful, private muse of your own.
24 worldtravellerme.com
ESSENTIAL TRAVEL
Sleep in Oman’s mountains Oman Follow in the footsteps of Wilfred Thesiger and head to the Sultanate of Oman and Jebel Akhdar – part of the Al Hajar mountain range. Rising to 3,000m above sea level and encompassing the great Saiq Plateau, the ‘Green Mountain’ offers an elevated retreat with views to remember. Discover villages and valleys stacked against vertical hillsides and filled with terraces of rose fields, hidden natural springs, friendly villagers and open-air mosques. Explore well-hidden wadis and terraces in the cooler mountain climates, and bed down in the lap of luxury in one of the two five-star hotels perched on the curving rim of this great canyon.
Throw tomatoes at La Tomatina Spain Don your shoddiest clothes and a pair of goggles and get ready to pelt people with tomatoes at the food fight festival in the Valencian town of Buñol. Inspired by a spontaneous 1945 food fight between locals in this tomatoproducing region in the east of Spain, the annual fiesta celebration next takes place in August 2022. See the cobbled streets run red with pulp as tens of thousands of partygoers hurl 170 tonnes of over-ripe tomatoes at one another. Then, wander intricate streets lined with century-old mansions, cosy cafés and the occasional antique store. Only after you’ve had a wash and a change of clothes, of course.
Dine at the ‘best of the best’ restaurant Italy Modena's impressive claims to fame: Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati, Pavarotti and the production of that world-famous balsamic vinegar. It can now add another to the impressive list - Osteria Francescana, twice voted the world’s best restaurant and since elevated to the prized position of ‘best of the best’. Under the guidance of Chef Massimo Bottura, this three Michelin-starred enclave serves reinterpreted Italian classics. Post dinner, the surrounding, inherentlyworldtravellerme.com 25
ESSENTIAL TRAVEL
walkable town of Emilia-Romagna offers Romanesque architecture and bustling covered markets.
Conjure the magic of Disneyworld USA It’s easy to be cynical about Disney’s calculated grabs at the hearts of kids and the wallets of their parents – but all that cynicism melts away as soon as you enter the-theme-park-to-endthem-all and realise just how good Disney is at what it does. Don’t miss the genre-defining rollercoaster Space Mountain, the highly imaginative Tower of Terror, and the thrilling Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge area. For younger riders, Splash Mountain is a must. Don’t forget to download the park’s app before you visit, which allows you to reserve timed access to rides and attractions before you leave home – vital for those who don’t want to wait in long lines for some of the bigger rides.
stores, malls and luxury boutiques. Dip into any experience you desire: the fashionista paradise of ION Orchard, high-fashion frolics in Mandarin Gallery, the vibrant 313@ Somerset Mall and many more. It’s Asia’s Oxford Street, with a kiss of warm weather and bargains proudly co-habiting with coveted luxury treasures.
Float on the Dead Sea Jordan As wellness tourism blossoms around the world, a visit to what was one of
Tango through the night in Buenos Aires 26 worldtravellermagazine.com Argentina Originating from the back streets of Buenos Aires by lonely immigrants over a century ago, Tango is Argentina’s most famous social export, even listed by UNESCO as a cultural icon. The music, dance and poetry of tango is truly beautiful and there’s no better place to see it in action than in the sultry confidence of Argentina’s capital. Head to San Telmo’s Plaza Dorrego for a Sunday night Tango spectacular, as locals and tourists, old and young, dance together. Buenos Aires is a place full of Milongas, where even the kids will want to stay awake and dance into the small hours of the morning.
Shop the retail delights of Orchard Road Singapore The economic rise of The Lion City has been astounding, and this main road is a microcosm of SG’s futuristic ambition, architectural inspiration and respect for history. A visual feast, Orchard Road is 2.2km long and packs a punch as a shopping haven, home to countless department 26 worldtravellerme.com
These pages, clockwise from above: Jordan; Argentina; Singapore
the world’s first ever health retreats is a must. One of the most unique places on Earth, the Dead Sea – which is actually a salt lake – is Earth’s lowest elevation on land, measuring in at 423m below sea level, and was frequented by both Herod the Great and Queen Cleopatra, who believed in the regenerative properties of the stimulating mud and healthy minerals of the lake. Thanks to its unusually high salt concentration, floating in this body of water in Jordan’s Rift Valley is effortless, so take your favourite novel and head out onto the water.
worldtravellerme.com 27
ESSENTIAL TRAVEL
Peruse the Museum of Islamic Art Qatar The legendary I. M. Pei made his mark on the Doha skyline (along the Corniche waterfront) with a traditionally-inspired blocky building, surrounded by calm pools of water and protective palm trees. Yet what's inside equally astounds. The ambition of ‘MIA’ is to spearhead Doha’s emergence as a cultural capital, and choice works from a canon of 1,400 years of Islamic creativity are safeguarded here, with courses, talks and lectures opening dialogue of the genre.
28 worldtravellerme.com
Eat your way round Copenhagen Denmark The cool kid on the Scandinavian block, Denmark’s capital is an edgy, style-centric city where gastronomic delights await. At latest count, a total of 20 Michelin stars were awarded to 13 restaurants in Copenhagen: not bad for a municipality of just over one million people. Topping the list with three stars is Geranium in the city’s Common Gardens, while stalwart Noma, where the Nordic food revolution started, was named the World’s Best Restaurant four years in a row (it's that good). The cobbled city’s bike-friendly streets offer candlelit cafes, hotdog stalls, delis and open-faced sandwich bars aplenty – all more palatable for your wallet. worldtravellerme.com 29
ESSENTIAL TRAVEL
Dive the underwater cave network of the Riviera Maya Mexico Out of the light, and into the darkness. Those who take the plunge into the cavernous Cenotes in Mexico need to keep a firm grip of that mouthpiece: the underwater sinkholes are gasp-inducing. The Riviera boasts the six longest underwater cave systems on Earth (Ox Bel Ha at 238km, Sac Aktun at 215km, and 82km-long Dos Ojos being the giants), formed millions of years ago by collapsed limestone caves. Despite certification, expert advice and 800km of guidelines, danger lurks in the freshwater-filled, enclosed spaces of this Yucatan Peninsula highlight. The rewards, though, far outweigh the risk.
Get adventurous in Patagonia Chile An adventurer’s delight, Patagonia's immense land seemingly stretches into infinity, covering some 1.4 million sq.km. Get up close to one of the world’s largest glaciers, hiking through an otherworldly, white-onwhite landscape. Or take an off-road glacier adventure over treacherous terrain. Hike through National Parks with pristine alpine lakes, spectacular waterfalls and hurtle through downhill mountain bike trails. Go rock climbing in Patagonia’s wilderness, plunge into the night on a snowmobile ride through whispering forests. This wondrous land, tucked away at the southernmost tip of the Americas, awaits discovery.
Say hello to David in Florence Italy There are actually two statues of Michelangelo’s David, both found in art-obsessed Florence. The original – created in 1504 by the great sculptor, who famously said “I saw the angel in the marble and carved until I set him free” – now stands in the Accademia Gallery. An identical replica can be found in the Piazza della Signoria, on the same spot where Michelangelo’s opus posed – his white eyes blazing towards Rome 30 worldtravellerme.com
(David became a symbol of Florence’s fight for independence). No trip to the birthplace of the Renaissance is complete without clapping eyes on Italy’s most charismatic warrior – naked and ever-defiant.
Drive the Ring of Kerry Ireland While Ireland has more than its fair share of scenic drives, the most popular is the Ring of Kerry, and it’s not hard to see why. A 179km circuit round the Iveragh Peninsula, the
road winds past remote beaches, rural seaside villages, silent lakes and historic ruins, alongside breathtakingly panoramic Atlantic Ocean views. There are plenty of places worth stopping for along the way. Wander sites like Puffin Island or Skellig Michael, explore the colourful Portmagee village or the bigger, bustling Killarney, cycle around Lough Caragh, visit fifteenth-century Ross Castle and stay overnight in Sneem, a tiny village known as the ‘knot’ in the Kerry Ring.
These pages, from left to right: Ireland, Chile
worldtravellerme.com 31
WORLD TRAVELLER X AMILLA RESORT AND RESIDENCES
Remarkable marine life, awe-inspiring natural landscapes, and space to spend the sun-soaked days unwinding in peace and privacy. That is what so much of the Maldivian archipelago offers to visitors near and far. But stay at Amilla Maldives Resort and Residences, and you can experience these signature Indian Ocean scenes in technicolour.
Located in the UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll, the aquatic landscape is especially vivid and vibrant. With only 67 contemporary accommodations features nestled with the 23.5 hectares of tropical landscape, the expanse of the island allows for an
unrivalled sense of privacy. Guests can enjoy self-contained luxury amenities such as pools, private beaches, and al fresco dining areas in a blissful bubble, whether they are floating above the glistening ocean or perched among the jungle canopies.
With over ten food and beverage outlets to suit every taste, a supersized infinity pool, a heavenly spa, and a dense portion of undisturbed natural landscape to roam amongst, guests at Amilla Maldives Resort and Residences will feel equally at home outside of their villa bubble, too.
Discover the fresh take Amilla – one of the Maldives' biggest islands – has on conscious and contemporary luxury for yourself, and be immersed in the playful Maldivian spirit as you explore natural landscapes, luxury accommodations and wellness-inspired amenities and cuisine. 12 worldtravellerme.com 32
Sri Lanka
XXXXXXXXXXXXX
Postcards Where to see the seasons shine
SRI LANKA p34 MIAMI p42 PHUKET p48
worldtravellerme.com 33
34 worldtravellerme.com
SRI LANKA
goodbye
Never can say
Katie Bowman usually craves new horizons over return trips. So why does Sri Lanka keep calling her back? Hmm, where to start?
worldtravellerme.com 35
haranga waved at us from our agreed spot in Arrivals. We beamed in return rather than wave, our hands caught up with two weeks’ worth of luggage. We were back in Sri Lanka – and back so soon after our last trip that we had a friend to meet us at the airport. Not only that: we were here for 15 deliciously long days… I don’t get to say those statements often. Perhaps like you, insatiable travellers reading this piece right now, I prefer to visit new places, only returning – if ever – years after my first trip, and certainly not for more than a week. But that’s Sri Lanka for you: you’ll never get your fill. Which other destination rolls out wild deserted beaches, tranquil tea country, thrilling surf, elephant safaris, cool colonial hotels, ancient temples and spicy cashewnut curry? Sri Lanka is worth every duplicate passport stamp and expended holiday allowance. Ten times over. So let me and Tharanga – a Sri Lanka local, guide, driver, proud dad, horoscope-reader and secretbeachfinder – show you how we’d see the island for the first time. You don’t need three, or even two, weeks – you can cover the best bits in 10 days. If you do have longer, I’ll show you what to add on (and what to skip), turning this into your very own Sri Lankan adventure. Will you choose the closest beach? Or a jungly retreat near the airport? Your call, then set off on your escapade the next day. Even those with the toughest constitution should hire a driver in Sri Lanka – you’ll pay roughly $80 a day if hire one yourself, or up to double that if you leave it to an agent. We’re off on a greatest-hits tour of the country – beaches, hill country, wildlife, temples and more – but you’ve a three-hour journey ahead of you, whether you take the circuit clockwise or anticlockwise. Will you climb eastwards, up to the cool tea plantations first, or head south to the sultry coast? I always do the latter (the cuppa can wait). There’s a full cocktail menu of beaches between the two tropical towns of Galle and Tangalle, and each are able to slake any kind of thirst. At boho Wijaya Beach, 36 worldtravellerme.com
turtles swim between your legs in the placid lagoon. On Mirissa Bay, boats whisk you off to seek out blue whales – the largest animal ever to have graced planet Earth. At Koggala, fishermen on stilts pose in the shallows at sunset. Surf lessons and squid curry are up for grabs on postcard-pretty Weligama Bay, and bodyboarding and juice bars on backpackery Hiriketiya. It’s cooler and calmer on the crescent they call Talalla, and positively soundless if you make it as far as Tangalle – especially if you track down what they call ‘Silent Beach’ (but please keep the directions to yourself). Three days of loafing and eating kottu roti – a onedish wonder of shredded roti flatbread, egg, vegetables, chicken and spices – should do it. This leisurely
SRI LANKA These pages, clockwise from inset: Nine Arch Bridge; traditional dishes; Mirissa Beach
‘
AFTER DARK, IN THE GLOW OF GELATO STANDS AND CAFES LACED WITH FAIRY LIGHTS, THE NARROW STREETS COME TO LIFE
’
launch into your holiday needn’t be utterly culture-free, either. Easy to reach from all these beaches is Galle (between 15 minutes and an hour’s drive); some people use this gorgeous colonial ex-capital as a base from which to see the coast, others vice versa. My advice is to stay on the beach, but duck into waterfront Galle for sunset, when locals come to fly kites, schoolchildren to play cricket and young couples to smooch on the sea wall beneath umbrellas (which never see rain). After dark, in the glow of gelato stands and cafes laced with fairy lights, the narrow streets come to life: old print works and rampart homes, reinvented by entrepreneurial folk as small inns, have terraces abuzz with feasting families under wicker ceiling fans. Ask any Sri Lanka devotee to name their favourite spot in the country and it’s guaranteed that 99 out of 100 will say ‘Galle’. Now comes your next crossroads: big cats or elephants? Yala National Park is home to the highest density of leopards in the world, not to mention the bucket-list Wild Coast hotel, a collection of canvas-wrapped space-craftaccommodation pods scattered along the Indian Ocean (so ‘wild’ that we once had to stay indoors when staff warned that a feline stalker was at large in the grounds). But from Galle, Yala is also three hours east in the wrong direction if you later want to go inland to temples and tea country (you do). Instead, many travellers – especially those with kids in tow, or anyone tight on time – make the journey via Udawalawe National Park, land of the pachyderm. Sightings worldtravellerme.com 37
SRI LANKA
aren’t just guaranteed, they’re trunksquirtingly close, since the reserve is a manageable size and numbers are high; Udawalawe is the favoured hangout also of water buffaloes, langur monkeys, eagles, kingfishers and crocodiles. One night here should do it, as long as you arrive by late lunchtime (game drives depart 3pm and 5am, organised by your hotel), enabling you to venture into the reserve twice. Onwards and upwards now, climbing and twisting along a waterfall-splashed road that ascends through the clouds and delivers you to the tea hills two hours later. Were this India or China, you could never hope to tick off hill country and surf beaches as well as a big-cat safari in a seven-day holiday (unless you had your own chopper or time machine), but you can in Sri Lanka. And then you can take one of the world’s most scenic train routes on to your last stop. For just $3! It’s difficult to articulate the attraction of tea country, but it seduces everybody. Is it the drop in temperature? The rise in altitude? The lack of wi-fi signal? It seems suspended in time somehow, with an altogether different pace from the one you’ve been used to. (You’ll sleep for about 10 hours nightly, exhausted, despite doing nothing more taxing than playing Scrabble and eating lemon drizzle cake each day.) There are the main hub towns – Ella, Nuwara Eliya, Hatton and Haputale – but, honestly, there’s really not much between them. There are botanic gardens, grand Victorian manor houses, tea factory tastings and, of course, countless classic bars in which to drink a cooling G&T. But for me, tea country is about finding a remote bungalow hotel, pouring a cup of Ceylon’s finest, and inhaling the scenery: hillocks looking like knees draped in a green blanket; distant misty tea-covered valleys; wild alliums, dahlias and agapanthus. Hike, if you must, but be sure to stop for a while and simply breathe it all in. If there is a meaningful difference between the tea towns, it’s where they fall on the train route north to Kandy (your next, and last, stop). This trundle of a journey, which often seems to take one lurch forward only to take two back, is – nevertheless – rated one of 38 worldtravellerme.com
These pages, clockwise from below: Kandy Lake; tea picker on the plantation
the world’s most picturesque railways. Train bloggers and tour operators will tell you it’s absolutely critical that you book a seat in the pricey First Class Observation Carriage, but that’s really not true. As long as you nab a window seat (and as long as your window can open), that’s really all that matters; that and the fact that you take the most spectacular stretch: between Ella and Hatton (hence choosing a hotel that lies near the beginning and not the end of this portion). Along the way, you’ll see emerald tea bushes growing in unfeasibly neat rows on unfeasibly steep surfaces; you’ll spy flashes of red, orange and yellow – tea-pickers bent low, sacks on their backs; you’ll spot wild orchids, cliff-hugging creeks and the glorious blue arc of your train ahead as it rounds yet another curve in the track. But what you can’t capture in your viewfinder is the smell of hot samosas wafting through the carriages and the echo of kids’ hoots every time the train goes through a tunnel. Unforgettable. All alight here for Kandy, please. It’s
‘
ALONG THE WAY, YOU’LL SEE EMERALD TEA BUSHES GROWING IN UNFEASIBLY NEAT ROWS ON UNFEASIBLY STEEP SURFACES; YOU’LL SPY FLASHES OF RED, ORANGE AND YELLOW — TEAPICKERS BENT LOW, SACKS ON THEIR BACKS
’
MOROCCO
worldtravellerme.com 39
‘
SRI LANKAN LEGEND HAS IT THAT THE THEN-KING’S HAREM USED LAKE KANDY FOR BATHING AND IT WAS CONNECTED TO THE PALACE BY A SECRET TUNNEL 40 worldtravellerme.com
’
SRI LANKA
Credit: Katie Bowman/The Sunday Times Travel Magazine/News International
These pages: Walakulu Bamma, an historic wall built around Lake Kandy
time for the Temple of the Tooth (and time to pack away that hill-country cardigan – this city swelters). The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic is what lures most to Kandy – a gorgeous set of golden-roofed stupas, halls and shrines, with one inner room that is said to contain a tooth of the Buddha. Warning: you won’t actually get to see this. It’s in a box in a box in a box, which then sits behind a curtain, but that’s not really the point. You’re here to get barefoot and immerse yourself in the incensethick atmosphere, shuffling up against hundreds of fellow worshippers, lighting a candle, stopping to marvel at the flower offerings and glorious garlands that have made their way here from devout households all over the country. At the temple exit you’ll soon realise you’re on the banks of Lake Kandy, big enough for pleasure boats, with a pretty island in the centre. Sri Lankan legend has it that the then-king’s harem used it for bathing and it was connected to the palace by a secret tunnel. All I know is that it makes a cracking sunset photo. If you’ve squeezed all of this into 10 days, pat yourself on the back, head reluctantly for the airport, and start planning your return trip. If you’re travelling at a more leisurely pace, now’s the time to take advantage of your position in Kandy and move further north – to Sigiriya (an ancient rock fortress) and the Dambulla Caves (an amazingly preserved temple cave complex). Got even longer? Lucky you. These two ancient sites mark the perfect pit stop en route to Trincomalee, the serene shoreline of the east coast. (‘Trinco’ beaches are also at their loveliest for the opposite six months to the choppier southern beaches, so a great option if you can only get away between March and August.) I’ve yet to make it to Trincomalee myself. Tharanga taunts me, describing how beautiful it is, how his young family love to take holidays there. But what he doesn’t realise is that it’s all part of my cunning Sri Lanka plan: if I ticked off Trinco on this trip, what reason could I give my editor to go back? Again? To book a trip, call 800 DNATA or visit dnatatravel.com worldtravellerme.com 41
Welcome to
42 worldtravellerme.com
MIAMI
Miami Katie Bowman has the intel on Florida’s glammest spot
worldtravellerme.com 43
MIAMI
nd that’s when the bodybuilder in pink Speedos launched his jet-ski from ocean to sand and cried out to the bikinied onlookers: ‘Yep, it’s a manatee, folks!’ This is the sort of thing that only happens on Miami Beach. Last time I was there, in fact. If there’s somewhere worth flying all those hours for, it’s this place. You’ll get so much extra thrown in for free: the city-beach buzz of Sydney; the nightlife of Ibiza; the wildlife of Brazil; and a local crowd that’s as diverse as on any you’ll find elsewhere. The weather, you ask? Oh, it’s sunny and 24C. In
‘
IT’S A CITY WHERE YOU CAN EAT GEFILTE FISH FOR BRUNCH, TACOS AT TEATIME AND HAITIAN GOAT CURRY FOR POSTDISCO MUNCHIES, ALL ON THE SAME STREET
’
44 worldtravellerme.com
January. Once Pierre, the jet-ski guy, had confirmed the manatee sighting, everyone climbed out of the turquoise shallows reverentially and the standup paddleboarders and speedboaters cruised away from the area. The manatees needed their space, after all. I would have returned to bask in my pool cabana, but I’d vacated it earlier after a spiky-headed iguana made it clear he favoured the spot. This is Miami Beach in a nutshell: a vibrant, micasa-es-tu-casa town, where Grammy winners sunbathe within a respectful distance of reptiles (Lady Gaga was catching rays on my most recent visit). It’s a city where you can eat gefilte fish for brunch, tacos at teatime and Haitian goat curry for post-disco
munchies, all on the same street. That street is Collins Avenue. It runs parallel to the shoreline, from the mangroves of Biscayne Bay to the country clubs of Aventura. The bit you want to get to know, if you don’t know it already from a million music videos and ’80s movies, is South Beach (SoBe). Home to a fabulous, preserved collection of Art Deco buildings, it is daubed in every colour from nacho yellow to gecko green. Some are cute cafés, others bling boutique hotels, while some still house the same family who moved there in 1959. My most recent hotel, Cadillac, was one such stunner: a 1940 white wonder built in the ‘streamline’ style, with the signage of a retro sports car and the
This page, clockwise from top: Miami's sun-kissed sand; Ocean Drive, by day and by night; lifeguard tower and surfboards on South Beach
Vagator Beach is one of the most scenic beaches in Goa
worldtravellerme.com 45
These pages: Ocean Drive
MIAMI
‘
SOUTH BEACH IS HOME TO A FABULOUS PRESERVED COLLECTION OF ART DECO BUILDINGS, DAUBED IN EVERY COLOUR FROM NACHO YELLOW TO GECKO GREEN
46 worldtravellerme.com
And then? Well, you could hit the clubs. Me, I prefer the uniquely Miami late-night pastime of shopping. In acknowledgement of the fact that people sleep late in this party town and that they prefer to spend their daylight hours on the beach, SoBe stores stay open ’til 11pm. And what stores! There are DJs and limited-edition sneakers at Kith. At Violet and Grace you can buy a bikini that costs more than the transatlantic flight you took here. Or you can simply mooch. Lincoln Road Mall is a ‘mall’, sure, but Miami style, with no roof and open-air shops that will sell you a $80k watch, or Botox, all within a 25-metre stretch. Arty types will love the Wynwood, Downtown and Little Havana neighbourhoods, all just an Uber away from the beach. Meanwhile, families can be at Disney World in about three-and-a-half hours, making Miami the most decadent of antidotes to Mickey. Road-trippers can shuttle down the Florida Keys, a convertibleconducive highway if ever there was one. Adventurers might hit the Everglades National Park, golfers West Palm Beach and the itchy-footed can even day-trip to the Bahamas if they really feel the urge. Miami means so much more than loungers and loafing. The manatees can vouch for that. To book a trip, call 800 DNATA or visit dnatatravel.com
Credit: : The Sunday Times Travel Magazine/News Licensing
majesty of a royal cruise ship. Cadillac’s architect was Roy France, credited with creating Miami Beach’s famous skyline – many of his historic hotels puncture the blue sky, providing a backdrop to your snaps that you won’t find in any other winter-sun spot. Next door is the equally magnificent Confidante hotel, where Dua Lipa filmed her New Rules video. Even if you don’t know the song, you will probably have seen her strut amid the aqua-blue parasols and plastic pink flamingos of its beach club (pay for day access, if you’re not staying). But if you think Miami Beach only suits limber young singles, you’d be wrong. Up the road is Tidal Cove, an upmarket water park, built to placate the growing number of parents who love Miami’s scene; you can rent a chic gazebo and order Rose-ritas while the kids ride the Boomerango slide. Kick-start your evening with an El Diablo cocktail at Diez y Seis, an alfresco Mexican joint set around the cool pool of the Shore Club hotel. Move on to the tropical gardens of Leynia, a restaurant that brings together the flavours of Argentina and Japan (don’t roll your eyes; it works!) and serves dishes to a relaxed, tanned posse. Round things off at the extraordinary Night Bazaar, a Friday-night spectacle at the Setai hotel, where contortionists and fire-eaters work the room.
Credit: ©Katie Bowman/The Sunday Times Travel Magazine
’
Vibrant bungalows and towering palm trees on Palolem Beach
worldtravellerme.com 47
CROATIA
Back to the Islands As Phuket reopens for tourism this summer, we've put together the checklist of things to do, see and experience in the beautiful Thai province
48 worldtravellerme.com
PHUKET
These pages: James Bond Island
worldtravellerme.com 49
T
o date, 2021 has been one big game of chicken. Us, the Wanderlusters of the World, versus the Travel Lords that reign almighty. The usual routine; restrictions ease, flights are booked, rules change, borders close. But, despite past defeats, we’re determined to make that summer vacation this year. Because when the Tourism Industry of Thailand announced it would be reopening the province to international visitors as of July 1, we knew this was one destination we weren’t willing to back down on. We researched hotels, purchased tickets, bought new swimmies and stocked up on SPF, happily (naively?) daydreaming about far-flung adventures. Why? Because Phuket has it all. Really, it does. Beautiful beaches and clear seas? Check. Authentic markets that delightfully ooze local culture? Of course. Scenic spots that mesmerise, nightlife worth missing bedtime for, and once in a lifetime wildlife experiences? You bet. Oh, and ever tasted Thai cuisine? We rest our case. So, when we do get there *ahem*, here’s how we’re going to fill our carefree days.
WALK ALONG PHUKET’S LONGEST BEACH The best way to explore a new destination is by foot, and nothing says holiday mode like a leisurely walk along white sands. The nature of being an island – Phuket is Thailand’s largest, while a further 32 off its coast make up its homonymous province – this isn’t a mean feat. So why not tick off this holiday activity by strolling along Patong Beach, Phuket’s longest. Leave footsteps in the sand along the 3km stretch, and, should the urge arise, there are plenty of dining outlets and water sports opportunities along the beachfront.
These pages, clockwise from below: Patong beach; Trickeye Museum; a street food vendor; Phuket Elephant Sanctuary; Big Buddha
FILL YOUR CAMERA ROLL AT THE TRICKEYE MUSEUM Say ‘museum’ on vacation, and you’re bound to get mixed responses. But there’s no fossilised bones or browning scrolls here – head to the Phuket Trickeye Museum for optical trickery galore that the whole family will enjoy. Approximately 100 painted and sculpted scenes create illusions that will supersize or shrink museumgoers, place them between the jaws of a crocodile, or have them crossing a crumbling bridge over treacherous waters. Just clear up memory space on your phone before you arrive. CLIMB TO THE TOP OF BIG BUDDHA …Or, The Great Buddha of Phuket, the Phra Phutta Ming Mongkol Eknakiri, or Ming Mongkol Buddha, all names it's also known as. The name might be a giveaway here, but this famous landmark consists of a 14-metre high concrete and marble structure depicting the figure in his famed seating pose. Nestled on top of the Nakkerd Hills between Chalong and Kata, you can view it from across the island – but that’s no excuse to skip the up-close experience. It’s free of charge and is equally impressive whether you marvel at it from below, or take the climb towards the 360-island view. EMBARK ON AN ETHICAL ELEPHANT ENCOUNTER Elephant tourism has earned a bad reputation in the last few years, with information about how these magnificent mammals are captured and treated more widely known. But when you visit Phuket Elephant
50 worldtravellerme.com
PHUKET
‘
SKIPPING THE STREET FOOD EXPERIENCE WHEN VACATIONING IS CRIMINAL
’
Sanctuary, there’s no need to do so with a guilty conscience, as it operates as a retirement home for working elephants to relax and roam, having been rehabilitated back into forest life. The up-close experiences keep ethics in check, from scenic drive-bys with feeding opportunities, to trailing a 500 metre-long canopy walkway above the elephants to watch them roam, forage, bathe and socialise. SAMPLE STREET FOOD AT A LOCAL MARKET Restaurants serving up fine fare are plentiful, but skipping the street food experience of Thailand when vacationing is criminal. Covid-19 (sorry, we had to bring it up) permitting, head to the Sunday Walking Street Market for a little bit of everything in an historic setting. Opt for modest but authentic Kor Jaan Market for foods the locals would snack on, and spend the evening at Chillva Market if you’re after a more upbeat vibe. GRAB THE CLUBS FOR A GAME OF GOLF Not a golfer? Hear us out. Phuket’s tropical climate, mountainous landscape, and leafy green aesthetic make it the ideal place to simply bask in the great outdoors – and a game of golf is a great way to do so for hours on end. Red Mountain Golf Club gives you a glimpse at the natural geology with worldtravellerme.com 51
red soil and granite rocks, Blue Canyon Country Club is set on 730 acres of land with lakes running through it, and Katathong Golf Resort & Spa is nestled between three misty mountains.
‘
SEE NATURE AT ITS FINEST AT KHAO PHRA THAEO, PHUKET'S UNTOUCHED RAINFOREST
TREK THROUGH UNTOUCHED RAINFORESTS The beauty of nature is all around in Phuket, but if you want to see it at its finest, head to Khao Phra Thaeo National Park. The only untouched rainforest on the island, it is home to towering trees, creepers and climbers. But it’s not just the plant life that draws in visitors here; wildlife includes mammals such as langurs, mouse deer, wild boar, and gibbons, as well as over 80 species of birds and 120 species of reptile. Plenty to spot as you hike through, whether you follow the trailing routes, climb the 442-metre peak, or explore the park off-track. ESCAPE RAINY DAYS AT JUNGCEYLON It was the name used for Phuket island for over 100 years, and now Jungceylon is the moniker of a supersized shopping and leisure centre. One of the biggest in the region, 200,000 square metres of space is filled with branded and boutique shops, international restaurants, a fast-food court, and entertainment options. There's a soft play zone for little ones and a movie theatre and bowling alley for all-aged family fun – and don’t forget to catch the daily light and water show, too.
These pages, clockwise from below left: Jungceylon; ziplining; Phuket's old town; snorkelling at Paradise Beach
ZIPLINE THROUGH THE JUNGLE If you’re an adventure seeker keen to immerse yourself into the greenery, then ziplining through the foliage is one great way to do so. Head to Flying Hanuman to be elevated 40 metres above a jungle landscape spanning an 80,000 square metre plot. A self-proclaimed eco-adventure, preserving the trees and the wildlife is crucial to the park’s original design and ongoing upkeep. OBSERVE THE PAINTINGS AT WAT CHALONG TEMPLE Of the 29 temples in Phuket, Wat Chalong (officially Wat Chaitararam) is the biggest and arguably, the most revered. So if you’re only adding one temple visit to your holiday agenda, make it this one. For centuries, locals have made their way to this historic landmark daily to say their prayers, with some citing it as a place where miracles and healing happens. There’s plenty to be absorbed as you wander around, but the grand pagoda – said to contain a splinter of Buddha’s
52 worldtravellerme.com
’
bone – is a must-see, as you can take time observing the intricate wall paintings depicting his life story. DON’T MISS A SIGNATURE CABARET SHOW The province is no amateur when it comes to booming nightlife. In fact, it’s one of the most popular nightlife destinations in Thailand – with bars, evening markets, beach parties and festivals a regular occurrence in pre-pandemic times. Although it’s not clear if bars and entertainment venues will reopen come July 1, what is for sure is that an evening cabaret show is a must, if they do. Simon Cabaret Show is the one to see, as there are three performances per evening, and the show is family-friendly. TAKE A DAY TRIP TO JAMES BOND ISLAND Named and famed for its appearance in the 1974 movie, The Man with the Golden Gun, James Bond Island is one of the most striking of the 33 islands
PHUKET Palm trees line the beach at Labengki Island in Sulawesi
that make up the province. Koh Tapu (as it is referred to by locals) is 20 metres tall, with a diameter stretching from four to eight metres as its limestone cliffs rise from the sea. Guided day trips include everything from kayaking and snorkelling opportunities, to simply cruising the waters for the perfect picture opportunity. SNORKEL THROUGH CLEAR SEAS AT PARADISE BEACH Phuket is famed as a snorkelling destination, with manta rays, leopard sharks, turtles and much more available to gawk at through goggles. Even if you don’t spot the big guys, the creatures and corals that lie within the Andaman Sea are still worth the trip. Options are endless, but if you are a relative
beginner, we suggest Paradise Beach. The reef is just 100 metres offshore, and the beach stretch is managed by Paradise Beach Phuket Club, meaning seachopping jet skis are off-limits and helping hands are never far. TAKE A TOUR THROUGH OLD PHUKET TOWN You don’t need a guide to step back through this historic neighbourhood, but strolling through the streets with a cluedup local is the better way to learn a thing or two and support the local tourism industry. Observe the SinoPortuguese architectural influence, spot the colourful street art, and sip on tea in charming cafes. Once you’re done there, seek out the area's Chinese shrines and Thai temples. worldtravellerme.com 53
WORLD TRAVELLER X JW MARRIOTT MARQUIS DUBAI
STAYCATION
JW Marriott Marquis Dubai The sky's the limit inside the world’s tallest five-star hotel THE ROOMS & SUITES Wake up in the clouds and revel in stunning floor-to-ceiling views of the city's futuristic skyline or the turquoise waters of the Arabian Gulf. Sleek suites boast marshmallow soft beddings and soundproof windows for a serene slumber, while Executive Rooms come with perks including complimentary drinks, a continental breakfast and afternoon tea in the Executive Lounge.
THE FOOD Foodies are spoilt for choice with over 10 multi-award winning restaurants. Splurge on a unique sky-high dinner at Prime68 steakhouse before heading for a nightcap at Vault. Serving up delicious Asian spices, is dinner-only restaurant Tong Thai. Meanwhile, authentic coastal Italian cuisine is on the menu at Positano, which serves up unlimited pizza from Dhs95 on Tuesdays and Saturdays.
THE ACTIVITIES Discover the shiniest gems the city has to offer with top attractions including The Dubai Mall, Dubai Canal and Dubai Opera right around the corner. After a day out and about, pamper yourself back at the hotel with a mini refresh at Saray Spa. Signature hammam treatments, bespoke facials and holistic rituals draw upon the spa's Arabian heritage for a topto-toe rejuvenating experience.
To find out more, call +971 4 414 0000 or visit jwmarriottmarquisdubailife.com 54 worldtravellermagazine.com
Inspiration. Expertly crafted. Comprising of two iconic towers, the JW Marriott Marquis Dubai is centrally located beside the Dubai Water Canal and offers a spectrum of facilities and services for a memorable experience. The hotel offers 1,608 elegant guest rooms and suites, over 12 exceptional restaurants and lounges, the award-winning Saray Spa featuring traditional hammams and a state-of-the-art health club.
JW Marriott® Marquis® Hotel Dubai marriott.com/DXBJW Sheikh Zayed Road, Business Bay, PO Box 121000, Dubai, UAE | T +971.4.414.0000 | jwmarriottmarquisdubai.com
WORLD TRAVELLER X THE ABU DHABI EDITION
STAYCATION
The Abu Dhabi EDITION Try this waterfront concept hotel that offers a new way to stay in the capital THE ROOMS & SUITES Sitting on Al Bateen Marina, each of the 198 neutrally decorated guest rooms has been crafted to blend sophisticated design with comfort. The balconies boast impressive marina views and all the modern comforts. Those booking into the Royal Penthouse will benefit from 462 sqm of private luxury including two living rooms, a kitchen and your own VIP lift.
THE FOOD With three restaurants, each helmed by Michelin star winning chef Tom Aikens, good food is a sure-thing here. The Oak Room brings culinary drama and British rock 'n' roll flair to a steakhouse serving. While the marina vista restaurant Alba Terrace, serves light Mediterranean bites from day to night. And social space ANNEX is your go-to for Peruvian-fare and cocktails.
THE ACTIVITIES A stay here lands you right on Al Bateen peninsula with its myraid restaurants and cafes. But keeping you busy inside the hotel there are three bars, two pools, two fitness centres, and three-floor social space ANNEX. Plus, the seven room EDITION Spa has a variety of rejuvenating options on offer such as the Gold Hydra Lift facial and sound healing experience.
To find out more, call +971 2 208 0000 or visit editionhotels.com 56 worldtravellerme.com
WORLD TRAVELLER X LE MÉRIDIEN AL AQAH BEACH RESORT
STAYCATION
Le Méridien Al Aqah Beach Resort Perfect for a family getaway this summer, take a trip to Fujairah's most iconic resort THE ROOMS & SUITES The Emirate known for its mighty mountains and pristine beaches, Fujairah is all about natural beauty, which is why every room at the resort offers panoramic views of the Indian Ocean. With 66 interconnecting rooms, the largest standard room on the East coast, and higher floors equipped with balconies, the resort has all the makings of a luxurious staycation spot.
THE FOOD With six distinct dining outlets under one roof, resort dwellers can embark on a culinary journey. Those seeking endless views should visit Gonu Bar & Grill, while cravings for Thai and Indian cuisine can be satisfied at Taste. After a day soaking up the sun and enjoying poolside bites at Baywatch, head to Sapore, located in the picturesque garden, for classic Italian fare.
THE ACTIVITIES As far as pools go, this resort's is unrivalled. The largest along the East coast, days spent dipping in the luxurious pool is an activity in itself. And, with a Kids' Club equipped with a splash pool and indoor activities, everyone is happy. For the more adventurous, watersports are bountiful, while those who prefer to stay grounded can try their hand at crazy golf.
To find out more, call +971 9 244 9000 or visit marriott.com 58 worldtravellerme.com
LE MERIDIEN AL AQAH BEACH RESORT T +971 9 244 9000 lemeridien-alaqah.com
YOUR ALL-INCLUSIVE STAYCATION Stay and dine at Le Méridien Al Aqah Beach Resort on the East Coast with our All-Inclusive Package. Your stay includes: • Guaranteed sea-facing room overlooking the pristine Indian Ocean • Daily breakfast, lunch and dinner inclusive of house and soft beverages • Access to Al Aqah Spa • Access to the largest swimming pool in Fujairah • Non-motorised watersports • Access to private beach For more information, or to book contact us on: +971 9 244 9000 or visit lemeridien-alaqah.com
N 25° 30’ E 56° 21’ DESTINATION UNLOCKED
WORLD TRAVELLER X CONRAD ABU DHABI ETIHAD TOWERS
STAYCATION
Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers Spend the weekend taking in unbeatable beach views in the heart of Abu Dhabi THE ROOMS & SUITES Situated on the pristine sands of Abu Dhabi’s Corniche, every room and suite promises stunning views of the glistening Arabian Gulf, with striking floor-to-ceiling windows. Chic interiors and state-of-the-art amenities are found in each spacious accommodation offering, while larger parties seeking ultimate luxury can check into the Royal Etihad Suite, which is fit for eight.
THE FOOD With 11 exceptional outlets inviting diners to taste exquisite cuisine from around the world, deciding where to eat will be the hardest part. Families must try Le Petit Chef at Ray’s Grill, while afternoon tea at Observation Deck 300 on the 74th floor is a must for view-seekers, as the restaurant is home to the highest vantage point in Abu Dhabi.
THE ACTIVITIES Keen to sunbathe or take to the seas, private beach access makes it easier than ever. Adventure-seekers can explore the watersports options, from jet skis to kayaks, while those hoping to cool off can do so in the pool. For a day of pampering, visit Conrad Spa to experience a range of unique treatments such as Rasul – a traditional Middle Eastern detox.
To find out more, call +971 2 811 5555 or visit hilton.com 60 worldtravellerme.com
WORLD TRAVELLER X AL MAHA, A LUXURY COLLECTION DESERT RESORT & SPA
STAYCATION
Al Maha, a Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa Romantic getaway? Head to the Arabian Desert for the most serene experience THE SUITES With only 42 secluded suites, a staycation in this famed desert retreat is always an exclusive experience. Resembling a luxurious Bedouin encampment, every suite is decorated with Arabian artefacts and antiques creating an authentic ambiance. Each suite is completed with a temperaturecontrolled private pool, meaning tranquility is in abundance.
THE FOOD Guests can make everlasting memories with unique private dining experiences, such as deck dining from the comfort of their pool terrace, to dune dining, where they can eat under the canopy of twinkling stars. Al Diwaan, meanwhile, is the resort's signature restaurant, where guests can enjoy Middle Eastern and international cuisine alfresco, taking in panoramic desert views.
THE ACTIVITIES Located in Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, the resort is ideally situated for guests to see local flora and fauna in their natural habitat. While desert activities such as falconry, amel trekking and nature walks provide educational insight, archery and wildlife drives offer an adrenaline rush. Relaxation seekers can unwind at the Timeless Spa and main infinity pool.
To find out more, call +971 4 832 9900 or visit marriott.com 62 worldtravellerme.com
DES ERT ROMANCE Treat your loved one to something unique and memorable this month at Al Maha, A Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa. Providing privacy and tranquility in equal measure, the Desert Romance Package includes two-night stay in a luxurious, secluded suite with your own private temperature-controlled swimming pool, exclusive VIP amenities, premium sparkling beverage upon arrival, gastronomic dining experience at Al Diwaan, romantic deck dinner and a 60-minute spa treatment for both guests.
*Terms & conditions apply FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO BOOK YOUR STAY PLEASE CALL 971 4 832 9900 OR VISIT AL-MAHA.COM
1
INSPIRED BY
Reader offers Great deals to get you packing
2
4
3
FOUR FANTASTIC HOLIDAYS ITALIAN VILLA STAY VILLA LA BORGHETA, TUSCANY
10 nights starting from USD 1,575 per person Includes: 10 nights stay in a Charme Room, breakfast daily, 11-days car hire, including unlimited mileage. Valid: until 31 Aug 2021
64 worldtravellerme.com
COTE D'AZURE, FRANCE ANTIBES, MARSEILLES, NICE
10 nights starting from USD 1,730 per person
SPANISH ADVENTURE
BEST OF SWITZERLAND
BARCELONA, VALENCIA, MURCIA, GRANADA, SEVILLE, CORDOBA, MADRID
GENEVA, INTERLAKEN, LUCERNE, ZURICH
11 nights starting from USD 1,230 per person
Includes: 2 nights in Barcelona; Includes: 3 nights in Antibes 1 night in Valencia; 1 night in at the Hotel Helios; 4 nights in Murcia; 2 nights in Granada; Marseille at the Grand Hotel 2 nights in Seville; 1 night Beauvau Vieux Port; and 4 nights in Cordoba; and 2 nights in in Nice at the Beau Rivage Nice Madrid; breakfast daily; 12-days Hotel; breakfast daily; 11-days car car hire, including unlimited hire, including unlimited mileage mileage. Valid: until 31 Aug 2021 Valid: until 31 Aug 2021
10 nights starting from USD 998 per person Includes: 3 nights in Geneva at Warwick Geneva; 2 nights in Lucerne at Kastanienbaum Swiss Quality See Hotel, 2 nights in Interlaken at Hotel Metropole Interlaken; and 3 nights in Zurich at Opera Hotel; breakfast daily; 2nd class train tickets from Geneva to Lucerne & Lucerne to Zurich. Valid 01 July - 31 Aug 2021
DNATA TRAVEL OFFERS
WEEKEND ESCAPES ESCAPES
Andaz Dubai The Palm
UAE KHOR KALBA, SHARJAH KINGFISHER RETREAT 1 night starting from USD 195 per person Includes: stay 1 night in a Luxury Sea View Tent with breakfast and dinner Valid from: until 31 August 2021
CROWNE PLAZA DUBAI FESTIVAL CITY 1 night starting from USD 80 per person Includes: stay 1 night in a Family Suite with breakfast and dinner Valid: until 31 August 2021
ANDAZ CAPITAL GATE, ABU DHABI, A CONCEPT BY HYATT 1 night starting from USD 90 per person Includes: stay 1 night in a Standard Room with breakfast and dinner Offer: 20% discount on food & beverage, kids stay free Valid: until 31 August 2021
MELIA DESERT PALM, DUBAI 1 night starting from USD 490 per person Includes: Stay 1 night in a Polo Pool Villa with breakfast Offer: Complimentary park access & kids stay free Valid: until 31 August 2021
THE ST REGIS SAADIYAT ISLAND RESORT, ABU DHABI 1 night starting from USD 125 per person Includes: stay 1 night in a Superior Room with breakfast and dinner Offer: complimentary upgrade to half board Valid: until 31 August 2021
TH8 PALM, MANAGED BY ACCOR 1 night starting from USD 235 per person Includes: Stay 1 night in a One Bedroom Suite with breakfast & dinner Offer: 25% saving on stay & complimentary upgrade to half board, kids stay free Valid: until 31 August 2021
FUJAIRAH ROTANA RESORT & SPA 1 night starting from USD 195 per person Includes: stay 1 night in a Classic Room on all-inclusive basis Offer: kids stay and eat free Valid: until 31 August 2021
LAPITA, DUBAI PARKS AND RESORTS, AUTOGRAPH COLLECTION 1 night starting from USD 140 per person Includes: stay 1 night in a Family Suite with breakfast and dinner Offer: Complimentary park access & kids stay free Valid: until 31 August 2021
THE RITZ-CARLTON, RAS AL KHAIMAH, AL HAMRA BEACH 1 night starting from USD 400 per person Includes: stay 1 night in a Tented Beach Pool Villa with breakfast Offer: kids stay free Valid: until 31 August 2021
GRAND HYATT DUBAI 2 nights starting from USD 130 per person Includes: Stay 2 nights in a Grand Standard Room with breakfast Offer: 20% discount on Food & Beverages and Spa, kids stay free Valid: until 31 August 2021
How to book
By calling dnata on 800 DNATA
Andaz Capital Gate, Abu Dhabi
SLS Dubai
Grand Hyatt Dubai
Melia Desert Palm, Dubai
By stepping into a dnata outlet or by visiting dnatatravel.com
The Oberoi Beach Resort Al Zorah, Ajman
Th8 Palm, Managed by ACCOR, Dubai
On the website you can also sign up to the dnata newsletter and receive more offers direct to your inbox. T&Cs apply.
worldtravellerme.com 65
Our team of experts is waiting to welcome you to take you on sensory journeys around the world. You’ll be completely immersed in local experiences and meet the incredible storytellers who make our tours unique.
SPANISH WONDER
BEST OF GREECE
9 DAYS FROM US$1895
PP*
BEST OF ITALY
8 DAYS FROM US$1995
PP*
13 DAYS FROM US$3295PP*
BOOK WITH CONFIDENCE • Free 3-day booking hold • $200 risk-free deposit • Change your mind within 30 days of your booking and get your deposit refunded • Industry’s first ‘Wellbeing Travel Director’ • WTTC approved safety & hygiene protocols
*Terms and conditions apply.
To book call 800 DNATA (36282) or visit your nearest dnata Travel retail store
DIGITAL
Competition Time
GET SOCIAL WITH US
Stay ahead of the travel news by connecting with us on our social platforms and join the conversation by sharing your experiences. Here’s where you can find us…
@worldtravellerme Share some love on our dreamy destinations shots and tag us in your own for a chance to feature on our grid @WorldTravellerME Be the first to see our travel stories when we post them. @WTravellerME Tweet us your best travel moments with the hashtag #WorldTravellerME
Win a one-night stay for two with breakfast and brunch at JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai We're inviting you and a guest to beat the heat this summer with a one-night stay in the heart of the city. Check-in on a Friday morning, before heading to the party-goers favourite Wanderlust brunch. That evening retire to your room and rest-up before waking to an impressive breakfast spread in the morning. To find out more information and to enter the competition, head to worldtravellerme.com
THERE’S MORE ONLINE
Join us on our website for exclusive content, including the breaking travel news and tips on travelling during the pandemic…
1
INSPIRE ME Inspiration from the places we can travel to now and those on our postpandemic list.
2
TRAVEL NEWS Learn the latest on air-travel, plus breaking stories from the resorts here and around the world.
3
HOTELS & RESORTS Your go-to when deciding where to stay in the Middle East and beyond.
worldtravellerme.com 67
Suite dreams Our monthly finish with a flourish, delving into a suite that has a character and style all of its own
THE MARK PENTHOUSE The Mark Hotel, New York City
Spanning the top two floors of The Mark Hotel, this 5-bedroom penthouse is how the rich and famous experience The City That Never Sleeps. And with a full-sized Grand Ballroom, two wet bars, plus a private rooftop terrace that beckons for alfresco entertaining, no sleep is likely for guests here. Although, if you did want to catch some afternoon shut eye – after reading in the private Library Lounge, or hosting afternoon tea in the penthouse's own conservatory – the Master Bedroom with Jacques Grange furniture is the perfect place for concrete jungle dreams.
68 worldtravellerme.com
MALTA
IS OPEN TO EXPERIENCE
With travel restrictions now eased, head to sunny Malta to explore its stunning shores and endless list of sandy beaches. With its incredible history, impressive attractions, and the backdrop of some of the most beautiful and unique island locations in Europe, Malta offers an impressive mix of culture and adventure.
To discover and plan your next travel adventure on the beautiful island of Malta...
Scan here
Wellness Haven at Saray Spa
A relaxing realm of quiet luxury, Saray Spa at the JW Marriott Marquis Dubai is an authentic wellness spa, where ancient healing techniques and locally sourced natural ingredients are combined to pay homage to its Arabian heritage. The spa features 17 treatment rooms, inclusive of two private hammam rooms and and two Private Luxury Spa Suites. Experience the wonders of the Middle East through Arabian body or hammam rituals, or benefit from anti-aging and hydrating facial treatments.
Luxury Facial and Massage Package Treat yourself to a relaxing top-to-toe retreat that begins with a customized Saray Spa facial and finishes with a complimentary massage of your choice. Starting from AED 680 for a 1 hour facial and a complimentary 1 hour massage.
Oriental Hammam Experience Relax and unwind with a special offer on all hammam treatments. Book the offer of your choice and pay 40% less. Valid until 31st October.
JW Marriott Marquis Dubai | Sheikh Zayed Road, Business Bay, PO Box 121000, Dubai, UAE T +971 4 414 6754 | mhrs.dxbjw.spa@marriott.com jwmarriottmarquisdubailife.com