February 2023

FEBRUARY 2023 `150

WORK WITH A VIEW COCKTAILS AU VIN CHARTING NEW COURSES REPORT

Updates and new offerings from leading airlines

GUTEN TAG

FRANKFURT

Discovering the quaint, modern German city

A deep dive into some of the best wine cocktails

A blissful workcation in Goa Japan Airlines, Conrad Osaka, The Okura, Tokyo and more

Welcome to the second and February 2023 issue of Business Traveller India!

With 31 out of 365 days of this year done and dusted, we continue in our endeavour to bring you features and stories we love writing about and hope that you enjoy reading!

e cover story spotlights Frankfurt as our international destination and one of our favourite cities in Germany which is rife with indelible history, heritage and rich culture. is feature highlights some must-visit attractions, luxury hotels and events to look forward to in this contemporary city with its old-world charm. With new working trends that have mushroomed and are here to stay, our workcation story set in the idyllic and popular state of Goa highlights some of the nest luxury properties with a view, new places to visit and restaurants o ering unique experiences.

It’s always 5 o’clock in some parts of the world and we have curated a list of a few wine cocktails to add a twist to the celebrations and keep them going throughout the year! Our aviation feature highlights the latest updates and o erings from the top airlines in 2023 and the food story delves into the globalisation of the Indian palate and how there is a strong demand to push the culinary envelope for innovations and new trends.

With a lot more to read in this issue, we wish you happy reading and safe travels!

IN THIS ISSUE

CHARTING NEW COURSES e latest o erings and updates from the world of Aviation (pg 48)

GUTEN TAG FRANKFURT Discovering the charming and contemporary city (pg 18)

Khursheed Mistry Consulting Editor

THE WESTIN GRAND FRANKFURT

The main route to overall well-being and grand splendour

The Westin Grand Frankfurt opens its doors again after a 25-month renovation phase with elegant new designs and a unique concept. The lobby is equipped with a new cosy sofa corner for relaxing, tables for productive work and a "Grab & Go" store that offers fresh, local snacks and beverages throughout the day and night. It also has vertical green walls to reflect and embody Frankfurt’s green diversity.

The Westin Grand Frankfurt focuses on a holistic approach to living well and to overall well-being, including the 6 pillars of Well-being: Sleep Well, Eat Well, Move Well, Feel Well, Work Well and Play

Well! Each room features a signature bed fitted with high-quality linen, a pillow menu, lavender balm and much more to ensure guests get restful sleep. This 372-room opulent hotel comes tastefully refurbished with floorings in natural colours, new light wood furniture, wall decorations and a sophisticated lighting concept. The bathrooms have top-ofthe-line fixtures like a luxurious shower and a large walk-in shower with a rain showerhead. To keep in shape, the hotel

has a choice of treatments and rejuvenating activities to replenish mind and body, whether it's completing laps in the indoor pool, taking a time-out in the steam room and sauna or maintaining fitness in the fully equipped WestinWORKOUT®. Additionally, the hotel offers guests a ‘Run Concierge’ - a unique concept in which guests have a personal running partner assigned to assist them to know the city and motivate them to stay fit during their stay. The Atrium is striking and distinctive with a new

restaurant concept - The Main Tapas Lounge concept is based on market fresh and sustainably sourced, international flavours and simplicity of preparation to encourage nutritious choices and a casual atmosphere. Whether it is a business trip or a leisure one, The Westin Grand Frankfurt promises a comfortable and memorable stay for its guests. For more information on The Westin Grand Frankfurt visit www.WestinGrandFrankfurt.com

GAYATRI THAKKAR

Gayatri akkar is an avid writer and a diehard enthusiast of food, culture, and travel. She channels her passions for the same in her stories. In this issue, she shares how the Indian taste palate is being globalised. See page 66

KAPIL MAYEKAR

Kapil Mayekar, is a Creative Director at an Advertising Agency in Dubai. He is an avid traveller and has an eye to the capture scenic frames. In this issue, we feature an image taken by him during his recent trip to Cairo, Egypt.

See page 82

Publisher & CEO Ravi Lalwani

Managing Director Julian Gregory

Editorial Director Tom Otley

Executive Director Meena Lalwani

EDITORIAL

Consulting Editor Khursheed Mistry

Assistant Editor Anithya Balachandran

Production & Design Head Amit Chavan

Contributors Gayatri Thakkar and Kapil Mayekar

ADVERTISING

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Email ravi@panaceapublishing.co.in

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Business Traveller India is published 11 times a year at our address (right). Business Traveller India is the first of its kind to be published in India. The magazine is entirely independent of all commercial interests within the travel industry. All rights reserved in respect of all content, articles, illustrations and photography published in Business Traveller India anywhere in the world. Reproductions or imitations are expressly forbidden without the permission of the publishers. Unsolicited manuscripts will not be accepted for publication and Business Traveller India accepts no responsibility for loss or damage to them. The opinions expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the publishers, who cannot accept responsibility for any errors or omissions.

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RNI NO.: MAHENG 2016/71766. Printed & Published by Ravi Lalwani on behalf of Panacea Publishing Pvt. Ltd. Printed at SAP Print Solutions Pvt Ltd, 28, Lakshmi Industrial Estate, S. N. Path, Lower Parel (W), Mumbai – 400 013 Maharashtra and Published at 3 Hampton Court, 123, Wodehouse Road, Colaba, Mumbai 400 005

AIR MILES

Business Traveller India speaks to Dr Ali Irani and Sujoy Kumar Mitra, the duo who have broken the Guinness World Record for travelling to all seven continents of Antarctica, South America, Europe, North America, Africa, Asia and Oceania in the fastest time possible.

What inspired you to embark on this adventure?

Sujoy-Both of us are passionate travellers. Dr Ali Irani has visited more than 90 countries and I am on a journey to travel across 198 countries out of which I have completed 172 and currently hold a record in the Limca Book of Records as well.

Dr Ali Irani-Travel is what keeps us alive and therefore, this adventure felt like the next step in our plans. We believe all records are made to be broken. Today, we might be successful in breaking a

record, tomorrow someone else will break our record.

How did you feel when you completed your travels?

Sujoy-As we completed this, we felt like preparing for the next Guinness World Record. The goal is to keep going and never stop.

What are the essentials you never travel without?

Dr Ali Irani-We travel light and limit ourselves to 7 kg of luggage. We carry the bare essentials such as our passports,

funds, vaccination certificates if needed, 2-3 pairs of clothes as per temperature and place, basic medicines, dental and shaving kits.

What’s next?

We are exploring all options. We aspire to break a few more Guinness Records, for sure!

Sujoy- As a traveller, we should respect every culture to enjoy the destination and honour the country we come from. Dr Ali - Keep striving to do what I am passionate about and truly believe all records are made to be broken.

INTRODUCING TASTE OF UKIYO – EDITION

3.0 AT THE RITZ-CARLTON, PUNE

KNOWN FOR ITS SENSATIONAL modern Japanese recipes, Ukiyo, located at e Ritz-Carlton, Pune has recently introduced contemporary innovations to the comprehensive and alluring menu. e new introductions promise to thrill diners with the best of classic Japanese recipes woven with exceptional ingredients and avours. e restaurant’s kitchen has three sections – the main kitchen, the sushi counter and the robata grill – each presenting a unique twist on traditional Japanese dining. e new menu showcases the best of dishes from all sections. Dishes are authentic but not traditional with intense avours and an emphasis on simple presentation acquired through quality ingredients. Decisive ingredients are imported from Japan in order to maintain the authentic avours; including Wasabi, Miso Paste, Yuzu Juice and almost all of the seafood for sushi and sashimi.

THE TIMES SQUARE EDITION

An idyllic property to experience modern luxury in the heart of New York, e Times Square Edition introduces the next generation of modern luxury with a residential feel through its contemporary design and timeless style. e hotel features 452 guest rooms, a state-of-the-art tness centre, a performance venue, and six unique dining experiences developed by Michelin-starred Chef John Fraser. e hotel ensures guests have a gala time during their stay and revel in the brilliance of Times Square and the city views that the oor-to-ceiling windows in the stylish rooms o er. marriott.com

INDIGO AIRLINES, THE FIRST AIRCRAFT TO LAND AT GOA’S MANOHAR INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

INDIGO AIRLINE’S

in North Goa on January 5. At least 11 arrivals were expected at the new airport on day one of operations, an o cial said and added that Indigo, Go First, Vistara and Akasa Air were in the process of setting up ticketing counters. Indigo ight 6E 6145 landed at the facility from Hyderabad at 9 am on ursday, January 5, a spokesperson from MIA said. e domestic operations started from ursday onwards, while international ights are expected to commence soon. goindigo.in

NAVA, AN INNOVATIVE RESTAURANT LAUNCHED IN MUMBAI

NAVA NEWLY LAUNCHED IN MUMBAI is an ode to ingredients that are intrinsic for a memorable dining experience. e newly launched restaurant draws inspiration from founder Anushka Pathak’s travels and Chef Akash Deshpande’s stints across the globe to serve ingredient-driven cuisine right in the heart of Mumbai, in Bandra. Translating to new, recently created, invented, and innovative, Nava takes a refreshing culinary approach towards ingredients that are not only sourced from diverse Indian regions but also appear as integral elements in modern European cuisine. e à la carte and tasting menus explore one ingredient as the main hero of the dish, and most dishes across the menus are conceptualised to be zero-waste. Opening its doors now to the city of Mumbai, Nava o ers an intimate and memorable experience unlike any other.

ACCOR OPENS NOVOTEL MUMBAI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

ACCOR HAS OPENED its second Novotel property in Mumbai and the 22nd hotel under the brand across India. e 268-room Novotel Mumbai International Airport is located 1.5 km from the airport, with access to the city’s Western and Eastern Express Highways. e room décor is inspired by India's largest city, with wallpaper depicting Mumbai landmarks and attractions including Dhobi Ghat, Juhu Beach and the Dabbawalas. Facilities include 43-inch TVs, glass-enclosed rain showers, and work desks with multimedia panels. e hotel features a roo op bar, lobby restaurant Gourmet Bar, an in nity pool with city views, as well as a tness centre and a 477 sqm ballroom. all.accor.com

AIR INDIA ANNOUNCED

carrier had announced that it has decided to lease six wide-body B777-300ER and six narrow-body A320neo to augment its eet for expanding its domestic and international ight services network. ese aircra are expected to be inducted in the rst half of 2023. Air India’s B777-300 ER will have four class con gurations namely rst, business, premium economy and economy and will be deployed to connect metro cities of the country with more international destinations. airindia.in

IHCL OPENS NORBU THE MONTANNA IN DHARAMSHALA

IHCL ANNOUNCED THE opening of Norbu e Montanna, an IHCL Seleqtions hotel at Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh. It is nestled amidst the Dhauladhar mountain range and surrounded by the landscape of the Kangra Valley. An easy driving distance from Kangra airport, Norbu the Montanna is spread over seven acres and o ers picturesque views of the mountain range. With the addition of this hotel, IHCL will have four hotels in Himachal Pradesh with two under development. ihcltata.com

IN A FIRST-OF-ITS-KIND initiative, IndusInd Bank, British Airways Executive Club and Qatar Airways Privilege Club announced their partnership to introduce the unique multi-branded credit card which is powered by Visa. is credit card will be available in the rst quarter of the nancial year 2023 – 2024. rough this, members will be able to collect Avios, the rewards currency for British Airways Executive Club and Qatar Airways Privilege Club, by signing up and choosing their preferred loyalty programme. is credit card will be available in the In nite variant of Visa and will o er best-in-class rewards and bene ts to international travellers. At the time of application, this credit card will give customers the exibility to choose and select their preferred travel destination to collect maximum Avios and enjoy a host of other bene ts. britishairways.com

AKASA AIR INTRODUCES IN-FLIGHT SAFETY MANUAL IN BRAILLE

AKASA AIR INTRODUCED its in- ight safety manual in Braille for passengers with visual impairments. In keeping with the airline’s core value of empathy and ensuring that each customer has a warm and consistent experience, the Braille in- ight safety manual provides an explanation of the safety instructions, in English and Hindi. Akasa Air has partnered with Xavier’s Resource Centre for the Visually Challenged (XRCVC) to develop this manual which is provided to passengers on board upon request. It covers detailed instructions on seat belt operation, location of emergency exits and life jackets, tactile diagrams that help orient passengers to aircra and aircra positions and other essential safety information. akasaair.com

IHG DEBUTS VOCO BRAND IN INDIA WITH A SIGNING IN JIM CORBETT

IHG HOTELS AND RESORTS has announced the signing of a management agreement with Satyadeo Hospitality Private Limited to convert Corbett Aamod Spa & Resort into India’s rst Voco hotel. e new Voco Jim Corbett is scheduled to be rebranded by July 2024, adding 100 rooms to IHG’s premium portfolio in the country. e signing also marks the introduction of the seventh brand from IHG’s global portfolio to the Indian market. e distinctive, lifestyle brand, Voco o ers a premium experience to guests and combines the informality and charm of an individual hotel with the quality and reassurance of a global and respected brand. Located along the popular Dhikuli gate and in close proximity to the main market, Voco Jim Corbett will have excellent visibility along the Kosi River and easy access to all major tourist spots in the area. ihg.com

DOMESTIC AIR PASSENGER TRAFFIC CROSSES PRECOVID LEVELS

THE AVIATION SECTOR in India continues to progress vigorously, and in December 2022, the monthly domestic air passenger tra c touched 1.29 crores and crossed the pre-Covid levels. Union Minister of Civil Aviation Jyotiraditya Scindia termed the numbers as a good sign and a healthy trend for the aviation industry. Prior to the outbreak of Covid-19, the number of domestic passengers was 1.26 crores. During the pandemic-induced lockdown and other restrictions, the aviation sector completely shut down and incurred huge losses. However, as restrictions eased, the sector gradually began to revive itself and currently seems to have recovered. As the passenger levels are rising rapidly, the government is taking a close look at the airport infrastructure. Analysts and experts from the aviation sector point towards the rising chaotic scenes at the airports due to a large amount of rush of passengers.

RAS AL KHAIMAH SETS TWO GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS

SECURING THE TITLE of the ‘largest number of operated multi-rotors/drones with a simultaneous reworks display’ with record-breaking 671 operated drones, and setting a brand-new world record for the the ‘largest aerial sentence formed by multirotors/drones. e 12-minute spectacle in Ras Al Khaimah lit up the sky with a jaw-dropping pyrotechnic performance and largerthan-life reworks display. Attracting visitors from around the world, the show featured state-of-the-art drones drones, nano lights, colours and shapes all choreographed to electric beats. Covering a stretch of over 4.7 kilometres, it reached a height of 1,100 metres and smashed the previous record of 458 drones.

Culminating in a ‘Happy New Year 2023’, a message to signal new beginnings.

e drones then seamlessly transitioned into the Emirate’s iconic ‘RAKashida’ logo to tie back to the destination. visitrasalkhaimah.com

DGCA TO COMPENSATE INVOLUNTARILY DOWNGRADED PASSENGERS BOOKED ON AIRLINES

THE AVIATION REGULATOR

Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) announced that there will be norms in place to compensate a passenger whose air ticket for a particular class has been involuntarily downgraded by an airline. e move comes as complaints continue to rise about airlines involuntarily downgrading tickets issued to passengers. e amendment will allow the passenger, who is downgraded involuntarily from his booked class of ticket, to receive the full value of the ticket including taxes as a refund from the airline. e airline will y the passenger free of cost in the next available class, the regulator stated. However, the proposal will go through stakeholder consultation. Following this, the nal regulation will be published and made applicable a erwards.

COURTYARD BY MARRIOTT DRIVES

COURTYARD BY MARRIOTT announced the opening of Courtyard by Marriott Navi Mumbai, in the business hub of Navi Mumbai. Located o the Mumbai – Pune Expressway, next to the DY Patil Sports stadium in Nerul, the 105-room hotel is set to provide a sophisticated yet comfortable environment for guests to elevate their travel experience, whether travelling for business or leisure. Strategically located in the planned city of Navi Mumbai, the hotel is 24 kilometres from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, Mumbai and at a hailing distance from most of the business districts and industrials estates of Navi Mumbai, Belapur, Turbhe, Airoli and Mahape.Courtyard by Marriott Navi Mumbai features 105 spacious and thoughtfully designed rooms and suites which are fully equipped with an array of amenities. marriott.com

EXPANSION IN INDIA

GLOBAL TRAVELLERS CAN RETURN TO HONG KONG RESTRICTION-FREE AS ALL

ARRIVAL CONTROL MEASURES ARE LIFTED

THE HONG KONG SAR Government announced the li ing of all mandatory PCR test requirements for inbound travellers upon arrival in Hong Kong, as well as the li ing of vaccine passes which allowed access to speci ed premises and other measures starting from 29 December. In the last few years, numerous attractions, world-class museums and hotels have been opened or revamped to inject novelty into the travel experience in the city. In addition to the new experiences, a strong line-up of all-time favourites continues to await visitors to rediscover in Hong Kong, including its diverse gastronomic options, year-round events and the great outdoors. Inbound travellers to Hong Kong are now only required to present negative results from PCR tests conducted within 48 hours or rapid antigen tests (RAT) within 24 hours before their ights to Hong Kong.

VISA ON ARRIVAL IN QATAR RESUMES

QATAR’S VISA ON ARRIVAL policies were reinstated, replacing Hayya card requirements. Visitors from more than 95 nationalities can enjoy Visa on Arrival and explore the burst of new attractions. With its distinctive combination of cool weather, pristine beaches and authentic warm Arabian hospitality, Qatar’s visitors and residents can continue to experience the unique, family-friendly atmosphere that made this year’s tournament so special and memorable. From the exquisite cuisines and culture on o er in Souq Waqif and Katara Cultural Village to soaking up the sights of the Doha Port and Corniche, some of the tournament’s most recognisable hotspots are still open and ready to welcome guests from around the world. visitqatar.qa

ACI EUROPE: TESTING TRAVELLERS FROM CHINA “NEITHER SCIENTIFICALLY JUSTIFIED NOR RISK BASED”

AIRPORTS COUNCIL INTERNATIONAL EUROPE has released a statement in which it expressed regret regarding the actions of a number of States within the EU and globally for unilaterally imposing health-related travel requirements including systematic pre-departure or on-arrival testing of travellers from China. EU countries including France, Italy and Spain have announced plans for either pre-departure or on-arrival testing for travellers from China, and travellers on direct ights from China to the UK have been required to take pre-departure tests. e move follows the easing of travel restrictions by Chinese o cials, at a time when Covid-19 cases are soaring in the country. ACI Europe said that the focus should be on increasing genomic sequencing to be able to identify possible new Covid-19 variants and related surveillance. aci-europe.org

FIRST RETROFITTED EMIRATES A380 ENTERS SERVICE

EMIRATES HAS COMPLETED the retro tting of the rst of 67 A380 aircra , with the superjumbo entering service on the carrier’s Dubai-Heathrow route. Aircra A6-EVM now features 56 of the airline’s premium economy seats which were unveiled in 2020, as well as refurbished rst and business-class seats, new carpets, wall panels and the appearance of the signature ghaf tree motif in the rst-class showers. As the retro t programme continues engineers will work on two aircra at a time, with one superjumbo being withdrawn from service every eight days. Aircra A6-EUW is the next in line to be worked on and is expected to be back in service by the end of the month. Work is slated to be completed on all 67 A380s by 2024 when the carrier will turn its attention to its eet of B777 aircra . In total, Emirates is to retro t 120 A380 and B777 aircra by 2025 at a cost of $2 billion, in what has been dubbed the largest known eet retro t project. emirates.com

GUTEN TAG

FRANKFURT

The historical and contemporary German city

WORDS KHURSHEED MISTRY

Frankfurt am Main conjures up images of banks, nancial institutions and the stock exchange. e city fuses old-world charm and ultra-modernity to create an unrivalled wealth of history and a rich heritage. Frankfurt is not only a modern city but also the largest nancial hub in Continental Europe, home to several businesses, skyscrapers and Europe’s thirdlargest airport; all of which are state of art.

HISTORY

e name Frankfurt was derived from the Franconofurd of the Germanic tribe of the Franks and furt or ford is where the river Main was shallow enough to be crossed on foot. By the 19th century, the name Frankfurt had been established as the o cial spelling. e city’s full name Frankfurt am Main means ‘Frankfurt on the Main’ since Frankfurt is located on an ancient ford on the river Main. Until World War II, Frankfurt’s old town was the largest medieval city still intact in Germany. e old town was mostly destroyed by Allied bombing in 1944 and was subsequently rebuilt with multi-storey o ce buildings and other modern structures.

e stock exchange was rst established in the city in 1585.

MODERN FRANKFURT

International trade fairs have been held in Frankfurt since 1240, and it is now a leading commercial, nancial, and hightechnology centre. e city is also the home of the European Union’s central bank. annual book, automobile, and computer fairs are popular events, and there are many other fairs held throughout the year. Frankfurt is renowned for manufacturers of automobiles, machinery, chemical and pharmaceutical products, and printing materials. No visit is complete without a stop at the Kleinmarkthalle for an array of fresh produce, groceries, meats, owers, wines and much more! For memorable immersive experiences, visitors can take a 3-hour gin-tasting tour, tour a winery or enjoy a sharing plate food tour; the choices are plenty. Explore this vibrant and historic city with Business Traveller India’s curated list of some of the most iconic attractions of the city, luxury hotels to stay in and events to attend during a visit.

is located in the inner city, within the banking district. Many important musical works were performed for the rst time, including Schreker’s Der Ferne Klang and Carl Or ’s Carmina Burana in 1937. e concert hall was built in 1880 but was destroyed by bombs during the Second World War in 1944. Even though the opera house was extensively damaged by bombing raids many of its outside walls and façades survived. In the 1960s the city magistrate proposed to build a modern o ce building on the site. e Minister of Economy in Hessen at that time was Rudi Arndt, who earned the nickname Dynamite Rudi when he suggested blowing up Germany’s most beautiful ruin with a little dynamite. Arndt later changed his mind and ended up saving the Alte Oper and the building was later reopened on August 28, 1981, to the sounds of Gustav Mahler’s Symphony No. 8 or the Symphony of a ousand. e square in front of the building is known as Opernplatz or Opera Square.

CATHEDRAL OF ST BARTHOLOMEW

St. Bartholomew’s is the main church of Frankfurt and was constructed in the 14th and 15th centuries on the foundation of an earlier church from the Merovingian time. Since 1356, when the Golden Bull of 1356 was issued by Charles IV, Holy Roman Emperor, emperors of the Holy Roman Empire were elected in this collegiate church as kings in Germany, and from 1562 to 1792, emperors-elect were crowned here.  e imperial elections were held in the chapel and the anointing and crowning of the emperors-elect as King of the Romans took place before the central altar believed to enshrine part of the head of St. Bartholomew. St. Bartholomew was seen as a symbol of national unity in Germany, especially during the 19th century. It was the largest church in Frankfurt and its role in imperial politics, including the crowning of medieval German emperors, made the church one of the most important buildings of imperial history. In 1867, St. Bartholomew’s was destroyed by a raging re and su ered severe damage; the interiors were badly burned. e building was reconstructed in the 1950s with the height of the spire being approximately 29 sqm.

GOETHE HOUSE

e Goethe House was the birthplace and childhood home of German poet and playwright Johann Wolfgang von Goethe and is now a museum located in the Innenstadt district of Frankfurt. It was here that Goethe wrote his famous works Götz von Berlichingen who was an imperial knight and adventure poet, e Sorrows of Young Werther, and the rst dra s of Urfaust. In 1863, the Goethe House was purchased by geologist Otto Volger, the founder and chairman of the Free German Foundation who restored the house to its former glory, as a memorial to the famed poet and playwright. e house and museum were destroyed during the World War bombing of Frankfurt in 1944, along with much of the old city. A er its destruction, there was a substantial debate as to what should become of the Goethe House. However, the reconstruction of Goethe House led by the famed architect eo Kellner began in 1947 and was rebuilt exactly as it stood. In 1951 it was reopened to the public.

MAIN TOWER

Main Tower is named a er the nearby Main river. It is a 56-storey and 200 metres tall, soaring skyscraper located in the Innenstadt district of Frankfurt, Germany. It. e building extends further by 40 metres in height and is an impressive 240 metres tall when its antenna spire is included. e tower has ve underground oors and two public viewing platforms. It is the only skyscraper in Frankfurt with a public viewing observatory and is not only the fourth tallest building in the city but also the fourth, tied with Tower 185. e foyer of the building has two art pieces accessible to the public namely the video installation by Bill Viola called ‘ e World of Appearances’ and the wall mosaic by Stephan Huber called Frankfurter Treppe / XX. Jahrhundert which translates as Frankfurt’s Steps / 20th century in English. e building appears to be two towers that are connected to each other. e smaller of the two is of a cuboid shape which was a design common to 1970s architecture and the second and taller tower is circular with a complete blue glass exterior featuring the transmission tower on top.

to be the centre of cultural life in Frankfurt. It hosts numerous events and has a whole museum complex. Museumsufer or Museum Embankment received its name due to the number of museums which are located between Eiserner Steg and Friedensbrücke footbridges. e museum complex along the waterfront was opened in 1983. In the Museum of Applied Arts, visitors can observe art objects from Asia and Europe. Not far from this place, is the Ethnological Museum. e German Architecture Museum occupies a vanguard building. Guest will have a chance to get acquainted with the history of lm-making and also see an old German movie at the German Film Museum. Liebieghaus or the Sculpture Museum displays works by Greco-Roman artists, objects which date back to Ancient Egypt, and the Baroque. e  Städel Museum , the Icon Museum, Communication Museum, Porticus, and Museum Giersch are also included in the complex. In spring, thousands of people come to enjoy the renowned Night of the

PALMENGARTEN

e Palmengarten or Palm garden, a major tourist attraction is one of three botanical gardens in Frankfurt. It is located in the Westend-Süd district covering a surface of 2,20,000 sqm. Like many public locations in Frankfurt, it was privately nanced and implemented by the architect Heinrich Siesmayer and opened to the public in 1871. e botanical exhibits are organized according to their origin in free-air or climate-controlled greenhouses, which also contain numerous tropical and subtropical plants. To the right and le of the entrance are the exhibition and teaching rooms. In the south wing are some carnivorous plants and in the north wing are some American pineapple plants which are grown indoors. While there are numerous beautiful gardens for visitors to stroll along and admire, the ‘Palmenhaus’ is the main core of the original garden. It was built in 1869 and is one of the largest buildings of its kind in Europe. A large number of subtropical palm trees, tree ferns, plants with long and tender stems, and broad-leaved plants together create an impression of verdant, subtropical forests. A stream that cascades down from the high back of a hill-shaped structure and in a grotto-like passageway under the hill, aquariums add colour to a tropical underwater world.

One can plan a full-day or half-day trip along the romantic Rhine River from Frankfurt and take in the UNESCO-listed wonders of the Rhine Valley. A full-day tour itinerary includes a 50-minute bus drive to the Rhine Valley along the river banks, then up the hills to the Niederwald Monument. For the more adventurous, they can join the ride with the ropeway down into the valley which is only possible in the summertime with a small extra fee. A light lunch is served but drinks and dessert are not included in the lunch arrangements. A er lunch and a walk to the pier, the tour will continue down-streaming along the river for one to soak in the spectacular scenery, visit Loreley Rock and end the day in Drosselgasse. Half-day Rhine Valley tours start only in the a ernoon. One can enjoy a Rhine river cruise which starts from Kaub to Assmannshausen, followed by a wine-tasting session and dinner. Departure is at 11:15 am for a full-day tour and at 3:15 pm for the half-day tour from Wiesenhuettenplatz 38. More details are available on the website.

RÖMER

Römer, the medieval building is one of the city’s most iconic, important and signi cant landmarks which is a part of the Römerplatz in the Altstadt or the old town of Frankfurt. Located opposite old St. Nicholas Church, it served as Frankfurt’s city hall for more than six centuries and while it has undergone some modi cations over time, in essence, it still remains a heritage masterpiece. Comprising several houses and six courtyards from di erent eras, the three-story complex currently spans around 10,000 sqm. In the olden days, the building was a trading hub and location for Frankfurt’s famous book fairs but is now used mainly as a wedding and o cial function venue. Several rooms in the building, which include a restored Kaisersaal otherwise known as an Emperor Hall, are not normally open to the public, but the building is de nitely worth a visit to capture a memorable photo of the iconic three-peaked neo-Gothic facade.

specimens preserved in uid. In 1763 Johann Christian Senckenberg donated his entire fortune to establish a community hospital and to promote scienti c projects. Soon a er, Johann Georg Neuburg too donated his collection of bird and mammal specimens to the society.Popular attractions include a Diplodocus, the crested Hadrosaur Parasaurolophus, a Psittacosaurus with bristles and fossilized stomach contents, an Oviraptor, the Tyrannosaurus Rex and the Triceratops. e Senckenberg Museum also has a large collection of animal exhibits from every era of Earth’s history such as eld mice, reptiles, sh and a predecessor to the modern horse that lived about 50 million years ago and stood less than 60 cm tall. e most unique in Europe is a cast of the famous Lucy, an almost complete skeleton of the upright hominid Australopithecus Afarensis. Historical cabinets full of stu ed animals are arranged in the upper levels of the museum; one can see one of twenty existing examples of the quagga, which has been extinct since 1883. In 2003, a new reptile exhibit which addresses both the biodiversity of reptiles and amphibians and the topic of nature conservation was added to the museum a er remodelling.

STÄDEL MUSEUM

Established as a civic foundation in 1815 by the banker and businessman Johann Friedrich Städel who donated his fortune and erstwhile art collection, the Städel Museum ranks as Germany’s oldest museum foundation. Its collection o ers a complete survey of seven centuries of European art from the early 14th century to the present. e collections focus on the Renaissance, the Baroque, early modern art and many more periods. It encompasses a staggering total of about 3,100 paintings, 660 sculptures, more than 5,000 photographs and more than 100,000 drawings and prints. Works by renowned artists such as Lucas Cranach, Albrecht Dürer, Sandro Botticelli, Rembrandt van Rijn, Jan Vermeer, Maria Sibylla Merian, Claude Monet, Pablo Picasso, Max Beckmann, Lotte Laserstein, Francis Bacon, Gerhard Richter, Wolfgang Tillmans and Corinne Wasmuht are featured in the Städel Museum. In addition to collection and preservation, the museum devotes its e orts to scholarly investigations and to the development of internationally acclaimed exhibitions from within the context of the collection. A large number of education and communication measures o ered by the museum in contemporary formats safeguard the ful lment of the Städel foundation’s purpose within and outside of the museum.

FLEMINGS SELECTION HOTEL FRANKFURT- CITY

e Flemings Selection Hotel FrankfurtCity is located directly at Eschenheimer Tor, in the middle of downtown Frankfurt. e hotel is close to the city’s landmarks; the Zeil shopping mile, the stock exchange, the banking district and the Römer, which can be easily reached on foot from there. e Hauptwache S-Bahn and U-Bahn station is also just a short walk away. For guests arriving by car, underground parking is available for a fee. A special highlight of the hotel is the paternoster li , which takes guests up to the 7th oor where the Skyline Restaurant Occhio d’Oro is located, and one can enjoy culinary delights and a spectacular view of the Frankfurt skyline panorama. On the ground oor, the Cucina da Nina is where guests can enjoy a breakfast bu et and Italian specialities. e hotel has signi cantly strengthened its security systems such as digital check-in and check-out. Drinks can only be purchased at the reception since the minibar in the room has been discontinued. Additionally, Flemings Selection Hotel Frankfurt-City is a cash-only hotel. emings-hotels.com

WHERE TO STAY

HILTON FRANKFURT CITY CENTRE

Hilton Frankfurt City Centre is next door to Bockenheimer Anlage park and a short walk from Alter Oper. Goethestrasse and Zeil are less than a kilometre away for indulging in local retail therapy and dining. e Städel Museum and historic Römer are within a two-kilometre distance. e hotel has an indoor pool, sauna, and a state-of-the-art tness centre. e 342 keys hotel has standard, suites and executive rooms. All rooms are pet-friendly. ey also o er connecting rooms, subject to availability. Guests can enjoy a slice of New York with a Frankfurt twist, at Hudson Yards Bar and Dining or delight in outdoor dining during the summer months, at the Park Restaurant and Terrace. e Mandala is where guests can have high-quality drinks, pulsating music and an electri ed vibe. With a total of 1275 sqm of total events space which includes 16 conference and banqueting rooms, a large, pillar-free ballroom with a foyer, this luxury hotel is ideal for exhibitions or receptions. ey provide exemplary catering and top-of-the-line AV equipment. hilton.com

JW MARRIOTT FRANKFURT

JW Marriott Hotel Frankfurt is motivated by the philosophies of mindfulness and is designed to let guests focus on feeling a deep sense of overall wellness where one can nd balance in this vibrant city. e guest rooms are spacious with each featuring oor-to-ceiling windows and breathtaking views of the city. e hotel is pet friendly and welcomes trained pets for € 30 per night which is a non-refundable fee. e luxury hotel is directly connected to the shopping area Zeil is only 25 minutes by car from Frankfurt International airport and allows easy, uncomplicated access to the business districts, the river Main, all museums and sightseeing spots which are within walking distance. Guests can visit the luxury spa which o ers special treatments which are speci c to women and men or they can work out in the well-equipped tness centre and sauna. Get a good start to the day with an extensive bu et breakfast and a la carte specialities and wind down with a few drinks and casual ne dining at the restaurant where the chefs prepare the food in the open show kitchen. marriott.com

ROOMERS FRANKFURT

Roomers Frankfurt is where the creativity of its guests is always stimulated. Clear lines, structured forms and atmospheric lighting enhance every stay to become an unforgettable experience. It is the quintessential epiphany of burlesque elegance amidst the dynamism of the metropolis. e 116 rooms and suites of the Roomers have exemplary quality, comfort and design. Whether superior, select, deluxe, prestige or suites, all rooms are state of the art. e spa is a haven with innovative relaxation loungers lled with glass balls, combined with pulsating light e ects that provide unlimited relaxation. Get-togethers in the exclusive meeting rooms are an unparalleled experience with superlative quality, perfect service and a breathtaking ambience. In the Pan-Asian restaurant Burbank, international guests meet locals who enjoy themselves. Award-winning with incomparable burlesque charm, the Roomer’s Bar is a meeting place and a stage for Frankfurt’s locals. roomers-hotels.com

STEIGENBERGER FRANKFURTER HOF

Steigenberger Frankfurter Hof is a luxury hotel in Frankfurt located in the heart of the nancial district and the historical city centre. e Maintower, Römer and Paulskirche are only a few steps away. e Central station can be reached in an approximately 13-minute walk. In the 261 hotel rooms and 42 suites, guests enjoy an ambience of luxury and rst-class service. To ensure a memorable experience and a comfortable stay, each room has a at-screen TV, air-conditioning, a work desk and a safe. ey also have free access to the spa. e restaurants o er varied culinary highlights. Guests can start the day in the stylish Hofgarten restaurant with a freshly prepared breakfast or a sumptuous bu et. In the brasserie Oscar’s, one’s palate will be spoiled with regional and contemporary menus and

THE WESTIN GRAND FRANKFURT

e Westin Grand Frankfurt is an urban retreat with a well-being-inspired philosophy. e hotel has an international appeal and strikes a balance between business and leisure. e six pillars of wellbeing empower each experience and allows guests to be the best version of themselves. Newly renovated, each room is de ned by Frankfurt’s history and green spaces; the hotel is ideal for a weekend stay where guests can enjoy a late check-out and an extended breakfast. One can enjoy exceptional and classic culinary delights at the selection of restaurants and bars. Start powerful into the day with the lavish breakfast bu et at the restaurant Motions or enjoy the perfect business lunch or dinner for meetings and events. In the Atrium, Main Tapas Lounge is a cosy lounge and a welcoming restaurant which is famous for tapas style food, a ne selection of wines and creative cocktails. Sushimoto o ers an impressive selection of freshly prepared, exquisite Japanese dishes, as well as tantalizing snacks. Room service facilities are available 24 hours a day. Guests can use the indoor heated pool to spa treatments a er a long day.

westingrandfrankfurt.com

EUROBIKE 21 – 25 JUNE 2023

Eurobike is the central platform for the bike and future mobility world. It plays an important role in transforming the energy and transport sector, driving social change and setting new standards in the areas of sport, leisure, health and mobility.

OPERA SQUARE FESTIVAL

JUNE 21 – 30, 2023

e square in front of the Old Opera is transformed into a festival plaza. Visitors come together under white sunshades to enjoy a glass of sparkling wine or international specialities in a convivial ambience. Musical entertainment is provided by well-known acts.

EVENTS

BIG CITY BEATS WORLD CLUB DOME

JUNE 9 – 11, 2023

e biggest club in the world. Since 2013, it has been held at Deutsche Bank Park in Frankfurt. Techno, trance, hardstyle, hip-hop, minimal, hardcore, rap and future bass, there are no genre boundaries at Big City Beats.

MUSEUM EMBANKMENT FESTIVAL AUGUST 25 –27, 2023

e Museum Embankment Festival is a popular platform for presenting Frankfurt’s cultural institutions and cultural protagonists. Art, culture and disburdening the mind, blend together for three days into a spectacular festival.

NIKI DE SAINT PHALLE FEBRUARY 3 – MAY 21, 2023

One of the most well-known artists of her generation. e Nanas - her colorful, large-format female gures laid the foundation for her international success and are still regarded as her trademark. BTI

Work

with a view

Sunny shores, tranquil streets and productivity

WORDS ANITHYA BALACHANDRAN

No one ever forgets their rst trip to Goa. A visit to the tropical paradise is almost a rite of passage for anyone who loves tropical weather, a laid-back environment and as the Goans refer to it, the ‘Susegad’ way of life. A er the rst time I went to Goa, I went back three more times in the same year. e city has an alluring charm and that was especially proven during the pandemic. Many people ed their homes in large metropolitan cities to bask in the glory of sun and sand. Even as the e ects of Covid-19 began to ebb away, a lot of travellers became residents of the Konkan haven. e city saw a rise in travellers who saw Goa as the ideal place for a workcation. Workcation is a global phenomenon that rose in popularity during and post the pandemic. Nowadays, the employed are straying away from conventional workspaces and are choosing to work out of remote destinations so they can pursue their love for travel whilst retaining their full-time job. Goa is one of the top destinations in India that is popular for this purpose. In this feature, Business Traveller India handpicks things to do, where to eat and where to stay to help plan an ideal workcation.

WHAT TO DO

ANJUNA FLEA MARKET

e bustling ea market that pops up every Wednesday is where one can shop for quirky, handcra ed items. Hundreds of stalls line the market streets every week. From clothes, decor, trinkets, shoes to jewellery, ka ans, bamboo sling bags and tribal marks, Anjuna Flea market is truly one of a kind. e market was started in the early 1960s by nomadic travellers to showcase their unique products. Travellers would sell their second-hand products to buy new products whenever they ran out of money.

ALL ABOUT ALCOHOL MUSEUM

India’s rst alcohol museum is located in Candolim. e four-room space is an attempt to o er tourists a glimpse of the state’s alcohol legacy. Featuring a collection of items ranging from chalices, record-holding shot glasses, a sugarcane crusher, glasses of all kinds, a wooden shot dispenser, sni ers, a mortar and pestle used to crush gin botanicals, water goblets and more, a visit to the museum is both educational and fun.

MAJORDA BEACH

Situated between Utorda Beach and Betalbatim Beach, the beach allows one to bask in the glory of the stunning coastline. Dotted along the beach are many small beach shacks serving authentic Goan fare. Enjoy a refreshing beverage whilst lazing on the sun beds that can be hired by the hour. If one wishes to partake in adrenaline-inducing activities, the beach

MUSEUM OF GOA

Museum of Goa is a private contemporary art space founded by Dr Subodh Kerkar in 2015. e Museum aims to celebrate Goa’s rich history and people through the medium of contemporary art. e space seeks to bring art and local history to larger audiences, in an attempt to bridge the growing cultural gap in the country. Histories of Goa, a permanent exhibition at the Museum, o ers a glimpse into the multiple histories of the state, highlighting lesser-known stories of its storied past. e exhibition showcases contemporary artists from Goa, as well as artwork inspired by the state. e museum also hosts temporary exhibitions all year round, showcasing the best talents from Goa and around the world.

The space seeks to bring art and local history to larger audiences, in an attempt to bridge the growing cultural gap in the country

The northern side of the beach is popular with families whereas the southern is targeted towards solo travellers looking for an adventure

SAHAKARI SPICE FARM

e Sahakari Spice Farm cradled amidst lush greenery in Ponda is an enthralling experience for those who want to be enveloped by nature. e spice plantation makes for a perfect picnic spot for those exploring spice tourism with other Goan attractions around. Visitors can enjoy a relaxing meal in the restaurant at the farm in a rustic ambience and sample dishes created using the vegetation from the farm. e restaurant encapsulates the farm-to-table experience very well!

PALOLEM BEACH

e most popular beach in the Southern part of the city, Palolem Beach is a heady blend of tranquillity during the day and buzzing with vibrancy at night. Known for its picturesque natural beauty, this semi-circular beach is only a mile long. e northern side of the beach is popular with families whereas the southern is targeted towards solo travellers looking for an adventure. In this section of the beach, one can indulge in numerous types of water activities, such as kayaking and boat riding.

WHERE TO EAT

A REVERIE

A novel dining experience encapsulated in its molecular gastronomy o erings, a meal at A Reverie is truly one that makes for a memorable culinary experience. For taste palates that seek a change from normalcy, the restaurant breaks the mould of traditional cuisines by reinventing life into tried-and-tested preparations. Based on the philosophy that food is not merely a means for sustenance; it can be evocative, nostalgic and thought-provoking, a meal here is cra ed to be a multi-sensory experience.

ELEPHANT AND CO GOA

Elephant and Co Goa is a destination that goes beyond serving food and drinks. It is an establishment created to be treated as a communal space enjoyed by people from all walks of life with a side of food and beverages. From a tender coconut seltzer with curry leaf and a ginger ale mimosa to juicy tropical tikis, the drinks menu has plenty of non-alcoholic options which is unique for a bar. For those taking the cocktail route, the Easy Sippers section begins with an ode to Gundu, the famous bartender at Joseph’s Bar with a Feni, chilli and soda. One of the crowd favourites is Liquid Charlie, a drink spiked with scotch, ca eine and orange which truly is a show-stopper. To accompany these innovative creations is a hearty food menu consisting of experimental dishes such as the Spicy Meat Salad- an all-meat salad with a tamarind dressing, Ghee Roast Tacos and Lemongrass and honey pork skewers.

GUNPOWDER

Revolutionising the presence of South Indian cuisine in Goa, Gunpowder’s renowned dishes Toddy Shop Meen Curry and Soondal attract visitors from near and far. Serving up dishes such as a ery Andhra Prawn Curry and Pandhi Curry that go well with parottas, or cloud-like appams, a meal at this restaurant ranks highly on many travellers’ lists of where to eat. Easily one of North Goa’s most sought-a er restaurants, Gunpowder o ers a delicious spread of both vegetarian and non-vegetarian delicacies. e fact that it is housed within the compound of a Portuguese-style heritage house adds to its charm.

The market was started in the early 1960’s by nomadic travellers to showcase their unique products

MAAI

Under the divine roof of the 125-year-old Villa that has stood the test of time; Maa is where each ingredient narrates a story of its own. e inspirations and the blends of unique spices and masalas created using locally sourced ingredients come together to form a mind-boggling assortment of avours in fresh recipes that embody the soul of Goa. e establishment shares a philosophy deeply rooted in a rich legacy, creating a cosy ambience that only exudes tranquillity. Being amongst the only few restaurants in the world to curate Portuguese-inspired dishes, the extensive menu also serves a large variety of high-quality vegetarian and vegan dishes.

MAHÉ

A dining experience set in a 19thcentury Portho house with a large alfresco area in Anjuna, Mahé brings to life the concept of ‘contemporary yet familiar’. e idea of the restaurant is to create a unique culinary experience and pay tribute to the cuisines of the vast Indian coastline. Mahé, Goa o ers two di erent spaces – the Blush (bar) and Jade (dining) rooms with light, breezy elements that create an intimate dining experience along with statement bars. A large garden space that brings out the quintessential Goa experience with white pebbles and lush, varied foliage and so many more charming elements.

PICCOLA ROMA

A hidden gem in the bylanes of Vagator, Piccola Roma brings the delightful avours of Italy to Goa’s sunny shores. From wood- red pizzas to unique homemade pasta dishes such as the creamy vodka salmon pasta, a meal here is a great introduction to the humble yet astounding avours of the cuisine. Featuring an al fresco seating arrangement as well, the dining establishment is ideal for all times of the day. e space has an elegant, welcoming aura and is idyllic to savour an authentic Italian meal that is prepared with great care and thought.

WHERE TO STAY

ALILA DIWA GOA

Nestled in the heart of verdant paddy elds, Alila Diwa Goa is a delightful blend of contemporary Goan architecture and cultural traditions. Located 20 minutes from the Goa Dabolim International Airport, the property exudes tranquillity and harbours an aura of local charm. If one wishes to sample the deep avours of Kerala, Karnataka and Goa, a meal at Spice Studio is a must. e culinary experience is heightened by the ambience as the restaurant is built around a majestic Banyan tree. e hotel also o ers BLive E-Bike Tours for guests who are keen on exploring the local neighbourhood on an electric bicycle. To experience the epitome of relaxation one can indulge in contemporary expressions of thousand-year-old Ayurveda therapies at the spa. O ering Asian and Western massage techniques and beauty rituals that are designed to naturally restore one’s sense of wellbeing, a trip to the spa is highly recommended. alilahotels.com

GRAND HYATT GOA

Overlooking the striking waters of the Bambolim Bay and spread across 28 acres of vibrant, tropical gardens and lush lawns, Grand Hyatt Goa lives up to its name and represents grandeur in every sense. e hotel features a wide range of F&B o erings ranging from e Verandah which serves authentic Italian food, with an array of wholesome home-style recipes to the Dining Room, the hotel’s all-day dining restaurant that features live kitchens. To truly enjoy the convivial spirit of Goa, go for a drink at Capiz Bar which is the perfect place in Goa to start the evening with cocktails and high-energy music. Unwind and relax in 313 splendidly appointed rooms and magni cent suites. Every room at Grand Hyatt Goa features a balcony o ering relaxed seating with serene views of sunsets, a free-form swimming pool or tropical gardens. e 16 suites also feature a whirlpool in the suite balcony overlooking gardens and the ocean. hyatt.com

ITC GRAND GOA

Priding itself in its sustainable practices and hidden away in a tranquil, unspoilt corner of south Goa, the exquisite resort promises a relaxing getaway. Guests can enjoy direct access to Arossim Beach and bask in the glory of its pristine shores. e 246 keys resort sprawls over 182108 sqm of lush landscaped area and features six signature food & beverage outlets. Additionally, the resort o ers multiple outdoor and indoor venues for bespoke banqueting, special events and weddings. To enjoy uninterrupted solitude, opt for a treatment at Kaya Kalp - e Royal Spa. An awe-inspiring element of the property is the architecture that resembles a quaint Indo-Portuguese village. Rooted deep in the red soil of Goa - the ve courts are linked by cobbled pathways, representative of the city’s traditional Latin Quarters. e resort itself is adorned with traditional Goan design elements, such as the palanquin near the courtyard and the wide windows with mother-of-pearl shells, resembling typical Goan homes. itchotels.com

THE ST. REGIS GOA RESORT

Set in the scenic expanse of 49 acres of sprawling greenery and sparkling lagoons, the 5-star hotel is a short drive from local wildlife sanctuaries and only 60 minutes away from Dabolim Airport. Guests can feast on local cuisine at e Restaurant, have a ernoon tea at e Drawing Room, sample seafood and grilled meats at Susegado or indulge in Italian fare set on an open terrace with views of the Sal River at Riverside. Guests can enjoy Ayurvedic and holistic therapies at e St. Regis Spa, tee o at the 12-hole golf course overlooking the Arabian sea or take a dip in the plunge pool. e resort allows guests to explore the beach with its own private access. e rooms feature amenities such as LED TVs, free wi and views of the lagoon. Experience the signature St. Regis treatment by making use of the renowned 24-hour butler service. marriott.com

TAJ RESORT AND CONVENTION CENTRE, GOA

e 299-room Taj Resort and Convention Centre is symbolic of ultimate luxury and scale. A stone’s throw away from Panjim and neighbouring the Cidade de Goa, the property is an admirable combination of enviable spaces and modern design. A meal at e Banyan is highly recommended. It takes its name from a 200-year-old Banyan tree that is a landmark in the resort. For guests that wish to savour coastal cuisine from around the world, C2C is the place to feast. Begin or end your day with a refreshing dip in the 25 metres lap pool, on the lower ground oor adjacent to the Gym and Kids Club. e convention centre is the highlight of the hotel. An opulent 1200 sqm pillar-less hall featuring six breakaway spaces, an exclusive entrance and ample recreational options truly shows the grand scale at which the property operates. For a bird’s eye view of the Konkan city, head up to the picturesque roo op, suitably landscaped with a large in nity pool along the sea-facing edge and boasting a sunken bar. For a much-needed pampering session with indulge in a soak at the Jiva spa or delight the cinephile in you at the hotel’s private 40-seater cinema. tajhotels.com

W GOA

Situated between the dense jungle and the beautiful coastline of Vagator Beach, W Goa overlooks the Arabian Sea and spans across 25 acres of beaches, against the backdrop of a 500-year-old Portuguese Fort. Guests who wish to stay on top of their tness regime can work out at the hotel’s 24-hour gym. Each room at W Goa includes a Portuguese-style balcony. Room amenities include a pillow top mattress, marble bathroom and free breakfast and wi .

To make the most of the surrounding views relish a meal at Rock Pool. e sleek restaurant is perched along a naturally carved cli side façade and allows one to soak in the majestic beauty of Goa. For a change of pace, head over to Woobar, the resort’s epicentre of cocktail and party culture. e pulsating bar is enhanced by its surroundings consisting of eclectic décor that reinterprets Goan shing heritage. marriott.com BTI

CHAR

COURSES NEW

The latest updates from the world of Aviation

WORDS ANITHYA BALACHANDRAN AND GAYATRI THAKKAR

The aviation sector in India continues to progress vigorously, as in December 2022, the monthly domestic air passenger tra c touched 1.29 crores and crossed the pre-Covid levels. Union Minister of Civil Aviation Jyotiraditya Scindia termed the numbers as a good sign and a healthy trend for the aviation industry. Prior to the outbreak of Covid-19, the number of domestic passengers was 1.26 crores. As restrictions are eased domestically and globally, the sector has gradually begun to revive itself and currently seems to have recovered. In order to meet the rising demands, each airline is facilitating and implementing new elements to better and expand its services. Business Traveller India in this story covers the latest updates from some of the leading airlines in the world.

TING

AIR INDIA

Air India, India’s leading airline and a Star Alliance member, has announced the launch of 12 weekly ights to London Gatwick Airport and ve additional services to London Heathrow Airport. Air India shall operate three times a week from the cities of Amritsar, Ahmedabad, Goa, and Kochi, to Gatwick. It is the only scheduled airline to o er direct services to the UK's second-largest airport. To Heathrow, Air India will add ve additional weekly operations. Frequencies in Delhi will increase from 14 to 17 times a week, and in Mumbai from 12 to 14 times per week. Gatwick also provides passengers with direct access to the UK’s motorway network, which will further facilitate convenient travel by car or coach to London and south-east England. With round-the-clock direct rail access from the South Terminal, passengers can reach Central London in less than half an hour. is is part of the airline’s ongoing endeavour to leave its imprint on the international aviation map, in order to signi cantly increase its market share on international routes. rough Vihaan.ai, Air India attempts to implement its transformation plan to revive its reputation as a world-class airline. airindia.com

AIR VISTARA

Vistara has seen massive growth in passenger tra c and has been lauded for state-of-the-art cabin cleanliness and high safety standards. In order to continue maintaining such high standards and meet the surge in demands, Vistara’s newest aircra , an A320neo registered VT-TQO was delivered to them on December 31, 2022, and put in service on January 6, 2023. Furthermore, as of January 1, 2023, members are required to collect Tier Points and y the required number of Vistaraoperated ights over 12 months in order to upgrade or retain the tier. In January, the airline celebrated its eight-year anniversary by announcing a domestic and international sale across all three of its cabins, o ering customers the opportunity to plan their upcoming travels right at the beginning of the year. Bookings under the sale are for travel between 23 January 2023 and 30 September 2023. Deepak Rajawat, Chief Commercial O cer, Vistara, said, “ e year 2022 has been a year of celebratory milestones for Vistara –from becoming India’s second-largest airline by domestic market share to crossing the one million monthly domestic passenger mark for the rst time in history and entering the list of World’s Top 20 Airlines by Skytrax, to name a few.” airvistara.com

ALL NIPPON AIRWAYS

A er a lull due to Covid-19, leisure demand is at the helm of the recovery in domestic passenger volumes, while a signi cant relaxation of border restrictions in last year’s quarter has boosted international tra c. International business travel to and from Japan has also signi cantly risen. Japan’s All Nippon Airways (ANA) said it will operate 95 per cent of pre-pandemic domestic capacity in the March 2023 quarter and more than half of its 2019 international capacity levels during the same three-month period. ANA increased its ights at Tokyo Narita (NRT) in its scal rst half, in order to accommodate the demand for transit ights between North America and Asia. Flights were increased at Tokyo Haneda (HND) as well, due to rising demand in Japan. However, services to mainland China are limited due to continuing border restrictions. ANA predicts that scal fourth-quarter domestic passenger numbers are expected to be 95 per cent of 2019 levels. Meanwhile, international passenger numbers are forecast to improve to 55 per cent in the 2023 March quarter. Based on the surge in demand, ANA signi cantly increased its earnings forecast for the year ending March 31, 2023. e carrier now expects to reach a net pro t of ¥40 billion ($269 million) for the year, compared with its earlier forecast of ¥21 billion ($162 million). ana.co.jp

AIR FRANCE

Air France, the ag carrier of France, has increased ticket prices in order to pay for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). e decision to increase the ticket prices is a calculated one as the airline will be increasing the amount of SAF on its ights and has included this in the price of all tickets. e airline says that the amount will vary between €1 and €8 in the economy and between €1.50 and €24 in business class, depending on the distance of the ight. e move will help accelerate the adoption of SAF. Vincent

Etchebehere, VP Sustainability

and New Mobilities at the airline said that since the beginning of 2022, “French regulations have required us to incorporate an average of one per cent sustainable aviation fuel on ights departing from France. In 2025, this will rise to two per cent, then to ve per cent in 2030, for all ights departing from Europe”. e airline further revealed that in 2022, it used 16,075 tonnes of SAF in 2022 and reduced its CO2 emissions by over 40,000 tonnes as a result of doing so. airfrance.com

BRITISH AIRWAYS

All 12 British Airways’ A380s are ying once again, as of December 30, 2022. Like many other airlines, British Airways anticipates stronger demand than ever this year. e airline has seen a dramatic rise in demand for leisure and business travel; however, it predicts that further growth in demand will primarily occur in the leisure travel market. British Airways axed around 10,000 short-haul ights to and from London’s Heathrow Airport between October 2022, which will continue on till March 2023. e airline has also announced the launch of a new route that is scheduled for the summer of 2023, wherein it will connect London Heathrow Airport (LHR) with Italy’s Florence Airport (FLR). is route will be the airline’s 11th direct connection between LHR and Italy.

e new route connecting LHR with FLR will be inaugurated on April 26th, and is going to be received well by leisure travellers. e airline will o er a daily service between the two airports aboard an Airbus A320neo. e ights will be serviced out of LHR terminal 5. e Director of Networks and Alliances at British Airways, Neil Cherno , shared how the airline anticipates that the route will be well received and greatly bene t the US and European travellers. Cherno stated “Not only is this good news for UK travellers, but also for those connecting in London to and from US destinations.

e ights’ timings have been optimised for connectivity to popular routes, including New York, Boston and Chicago.” britishairways.com

BRUSSELS AIRLINES

Brussels Airlines, which belongs to the Lu hansa Group, receives its rst Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) delivery via the Central Europe Pipeline System (CEPS). As the aviation industry moves towards adopting and implementing more sustainable practices, the airline has purchased 2,000 barrels of 1,000 litres each from Finnish-based company Neste, with a blend of 38 per cent SAF. is allowed the carrier to operate its rst SAF ight from Brussels to Malaga on January 1. Brussels airport is currently the only Belgian airport fully connected to the CEPS pipeline network, which is the largest of the NATO pipeline systems and extends through Belgium, France, Germany, Luxembourg and e Netherlands. brusselsairlines.com

CATHAY PACIFIC

A er the removal of China’s Covid-19 quarantine rules for inbound travellers, Cathay Paci c is gearing itself to more than double its ights into China. e plan entails operating 61 return ights per week between Hong Kong and 13 cities in mainland China from January 14, 2023. Before the 14th, the airline was o ering 27 weekly ights to the mainland, and 50 weekly ights from China to Hong Kong. e airline is also resuming ights to Guangzhou with ve return ights per week. Furthermore, Cathay strives to operate over 100 return ights per week by March 2023. As a group, it intends to operate around 70 per cent of pre-pandemic passenger ight capacity by the end of the year, with an aim to return to prepandemic levels by the end of 2024. cathaypaci c.com

DELTA AIRLINES

In an attempt to expand its network, Delta Airlines has outlined plans to launch a new route to Argentina’s capital Buenos Aires, complementing its long-standing ights from Atlanta. e airline has sought an exemption from the US Transportation Department to authorise scheduled foreign air transportation of persons, property, and mail between the US and Argentina. Additionally, Delta Airlines wants to launch a new route between New York John F Kennedy and Buenos Aires Ezeiza but is rst seeking broad US-Argentina authority, consistent with the Air Transport Agreement between the two countries. “Broad authority will give Delta the exibility to potentially add additional new ights as market conditions warrant, which would provide consumers new competitive travel options” the application stated. delta.com

EMIRATES

Established in October 1985, Emirates Airlines is the national carrier of the emirate of Dubai. It is in the process of reintroducing large wide-body aircra such as the Airbus A380 and Boeing 747-8, due to the speculation that international air travel will return to pre-Covid levels by mid-2023. According to Adnan Kazim, Chief Commercial O cer of Emirates, a surge in travel bookings and growing demand for premium ying is visible. Given this sudden spike, an aircra like A380 can mobilise a lot of people at a time and give exibility and freedom to airport infrastructure. It is believed that Emirates is enthusiastic about the adoption of digital technologies, which can have the positive impact of accelerating business, as well as improving passenger safety and in ight experience. ey are also exploring the metaverse in HR methods and cabin crew training. Emirates intends to bring back all of its Airbus A380 double-deckers by December 2023, replenishing its eet a er years of reduced capacity during the coronavirus pandemic. is will help Emirates recover the remaining 20 per cent of capacity that the airline has been holding back. e airline is already ying more than 70 A380s; the interiors of about half the eet are also getting a makeover including the addition of new premium economy seating. emirates.com

ETIHAD AIRWAYS

Named the most punctual airline in the Middle East, Etihad plans to bring out four A380s by the summer of 2023 on ights between Abu Dhabi and London Heathrow, freeing up capacity for increased frequencies on existing routes and the launch of new destinations. e A380s’ return will be supported by the addition of ve of the smaller A320s. “It is wonderful to announce the return of this splendid aircra . e A380’s reintroduction provides a further boost to Etihad’s capacity into the key UK market, with a knock-on e ect for the wider GCC and Indian subcontinent that will bring more visitors to the city of Abu Dhabi,” said Mohammed Ali Al Shorafa, Chairman, Etihad Aviation Group. Etihad is currently preparing the aircra to y again, and part of this preparation includes the recruitment and training of A380 teams, including pilots, cabin crew and technical ground sta . “We know this will be welcomed by our guests who love Etihad’s incredible A380 and its award-winning cabins. We have decided the time is right to return some of our A380s to the eet to satisfy the demand which has made them nancially viable once more. We look forward to welcoming our guests again on board this remarkable aircra ,” shared Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive O cer, Etihad Airways. etihad.com

LUFTHANSA

Lu hansa has reversed a pandemic-era decision to retire the super jumbo aircra in the light of increased travel demand, and the delayed arrival of new jets from Airbus and Boeing. Lu hansa is starting in the summer of 2023 with new European destinations from Frankfurt and Munich. In total, the airline o ers more than 205 destinations worldwide, almost as many as before the pandemic. e number of connections from Frankfurt and Munich reaches 5,200 weekly frequencies, up to 87 per cent of the pre-crisis level. e airline is therefore assuring its participation in the growth potential of the Greater London area. Lu hansa is also including Skopje for the rst time from April 23, 2023 and will connect the capital of northern Macedonia up to twice a day. Flights LH1540 and LH1542 are scheduled to be ideal for both business travellers and tourists. In a bid to contribute to a sustainable future, Lu hansa enables travellers to make their ight CO2 neutral, by o setting the negative impact of the ight via high-quality climate projects and also utilising sustainable aviation fuel. e airlines of the Lu hansa Group have integrated the options into the booking process.

lu hansagroup.com

JAPAN AIRLINES

Japan Airlines, Japan's ag carrier and the largest airline as of 2022, has become the world’s rst airline to o er all its passengers irrespective of their travel class, to opt out of meal service. e initiative has been introduced as a part of JAL’s latest ‘Ethical Choice Meal Skip’ option which aims to reduce food waste. According to the trade body IATA, airline food waste amounts to almost six million tons annually. It’s reported that for every passenger who selects the meal skip option, JAL will donate the savings to school meal programmes in developing countries. A point to be noted is that utilising the meal skip option will not result in a reduction of the ticket price. jal.co.jp

strengthen its Belgrade operations by tying up with Air Serbia through an extensive codeshare agreement. e Qatari carrier said, “Belgrade is an important route for Qatar Airways, and the partnership with Air Serbia will de nitely expand and improve our presence in the market in the near future and hopefully lead to more capacity.” Qatar Airways will place its codes onto Air Serbia’s services from Belgrade to Niš, Podgorica, Tivat, Sarajevo, Banja Luka, Ljubljana, Dusseldorf, Stuttgart, Hanover, Nuremberg, Salzburg, Bologna, Venice and St Petersburg. Likewise, Air Serbia will also be placing its codes on its counterpart’s services between Belgrade and Doha, as well as numerous points beyond the Qatari capital. Since the occurrence of Covid, Qatar Airways has bene ted from Etihad Airways’ departure from Belgrade. Qatar Airways also launched a sale on ights from Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide to celebrate the new year. e special fares are for travel from January 16 to November 30, 2023. qatarairways.com

SINGAPORE AIRLINES

ai Airways International Public Company Limited (THAI) and Singapore Airlines (SIA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to form a new strategic partnership. is will result in the airlines progressively code sharing more extensively on each other’s services and exploring wide-ranging commercial collaboration that provides their customers with more options and value, as well as greater bene ts and an enhanced travel experience. In the initial phase, THAI and SIA will codeshare each other’s ight services between Singapore and Bangkok. THAI will also codeshare on SIA’s ight services to Cape Town and Johannesburg in South Africa; Houston, Los Angeles, John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York, Newark Liberty International Airport, San Francisco, and Seattle in the United States of America; as well as Vancouver in Canada, by the rst quarter of 2023, subject to regulatory approval. Additional codeshare arrangements to points in both airlines’ networks will be explored to support increased air connectivity to ailand and Singapore, as well as points in Europe, India, and South West Paci c routes. singaporeair.com

TURKISH AIRLINES

To honour the UEFA Champions League, Turkish Airlines has designed a special aircra for the heavily followed sports event. Becoming the rst airline to sponsor UEFA Champions League which will have its 2023 nal in İstanbul, Turkish Airlines designed one of its Airbus A330s to commemorate the occasion. With its TC-JNM tail number, the UEFA Champions League-themed aircra ew for the rst time with its new makeover for the TK1821 İstanbul Airport to Paris ight during the rst day of the year. Turkish Airlines Chairman of the Board and the Executive Committee Prof. Dr Ahmet Bolat stated “We will host the 2023 nale of the UEFA Champions League in İstanbul as one of its o cial sponsors. We are pleased to be a part of this important event which will also take place during the 100th year of our Republic. As this is one of the most signi cant sponsorships of Turkish sports history, our aircra with the UEFA Champions League theme is a testament to our commitment to sports.” turkishairlines.com

VIRGIN ATLANTIC

Virgin Atlantic has opened up recruitment for First O cers across both Airbus and Boeing eets for the rst time since 2020. e demand for First O cers comes as Virgin Atlantic increases capacity across its network. Virgin Atlantic has one of the youngest, cleanest, and most technologically advanced twin-engine wide-body eets of any airline. is includes the A3501000 aircra , Boeing 787 Dreamliners and also Virgin Atlantic’s newest aircra , the A330-900 NEO, which took to the skies in October 2022 with a redesigned Upper-Class cabin. e airline also took delivery of three A330-900 NEO aircra in 2022 with the remaining 13 deliveries following between 2023 and 2026. Following the impact of the pandemic, Virgin Atlantic was the rst airline to create a holding pool to welcome back pilots and cabin crew when increased ying allowed. All the hold pool pilots who passed interviews have re-joined or have con rmed start dates and Virgin Atlantic is now ready to restart external recruitment. e airline anticipates it will need 100 additional pilots by summer 2023 with a further 60 by summer 2024 and a further 40 by summer 2025. virginatlantic.com BTI

Dressing up wine to make delectable cocktails

WORDS KHURSHEED MISTRY

AuVin

Wine is far too remarkable and diverse an alcohol to be relegated to drinking on its own. It can be used to mix up and make fascinating wine cocktails; whether it is a bottle of red, white, rosé, or sparkling wine. From classic drinks and imaginative cocktails with new avour pairings to fruity sangrias for a party, these cocktails o er an exciting taste of wine’s potential, no matter the season or occasion. Business Traveller India curates some of the best and most delicious wine cocktails to liven up a celebration or occasion.

APEROL SPRITZ

Aperol Spritz dates back to the 1800s. Visitors and soldiers from other parts of the empire were said to have found Italian wines too strong and so lightened them with a spritz of water which became known as an Aperol Spritz. In 1919, Luigi and Silvio Barbieri created Padua’s famous Aperol and as this bitter apéritif rose to fame, so did experimentation. During the 1950s, Veneto was at the peak of chic fashion and gastronomic delicacies, allowing the optimum moment for the Aperol Spritz to enter Paduan society. e Aperol spritz is the best-known cocktail to feature the Italian bitter with a bright orange avour. Topped with chilled prosecco and club soda, it’s a refreshing dinner drink.

BISHOP COCKTAIL

e Bishop is a classic hailing back to around 1935 when it was documented in the old Waldorf-Astoria bar book. It’s a rum-wine sour that works wonderfully in the glass. Purists believe that only a ne red Burgundy can be used in a Bishop, but experimentation has found that it is a perfect way to stretch out the last bits of any bottle of red wine laying around. e exception to that would be wines with a strong peppery taste, like Shiraz. e pepper avour is too strong for this delicate balance and overwhelms the rum and lime. is 1930s recipe adds rum, simple syrup, and lime juice to red wine, and works as a delicious single drink or a simpli ed sangria punch.

BRAZILIAN SANGRIA

e Brazilian Sangria cocktail contains the fruit of choice, a bit of cachaça, brandy, red wine and the most important ingredient - absinthe. Of all the sangria recipes out there, this happens to be one of the most creative and tasting it, is an experience. Made in a glass and not a punch bowl, the red wine is a oat rather than the main component. e recipe prefers Brazil’s cachaça over other types of rum, although it pairs that with Spanish brandy so that the drink gets both liquors whereas, in a regular sangria recipe, it is typically one or the other. Fruit plays a signi cant role here, like all sangrias, but the choice is varied, as to which ones to include. Have fun and experiment with the freshest or most exciting seasonal fruit. One cannot go wrong because when this drink is mixed it tastes new each time.

FIGGY SPARKLER

e Figgy Sparkler cocktail is not only festive, but also delicious, and easy to prepare with just two main ingredients vodka and sparkling wine. is unique cocktail is a great choice for all special occasions. e Figgy Sparkler mixes fresh cranberries, oranges, and dried or fresh gs into a stunning and delicious cocktail. When it

is topped with Prosecco, or a favourite sparkling wine one can enjoy a toast with a refreshing, e ervescent drink. It is recommended to use fresh or dried gs or g-infused vodka. Figs are fruits with a beautifully honeyed avour that works really well in a prosecco cocktail. Fig Liqueur is easy to procure, and a quick search online will nd plenty of choices.

FRENCH PEAR MARTINI

e French martini is a fruity spin on a vodka martini made with raspberry liqueur and pineapple juice. It might seem like a retro classic cocktail, but it was invented in the 1980s by New York bartender Allen Katz and has since gone on to become a sort of modern classic. is elegant cocktail is simply a mixture of pear vodka, elder ower liquor, and champagne. It is delicious, elegant, and can be served any time of the day in di erent glasses like a martini, cocktail, or wine. Champagne is the wine of choice in the French Pear Martini. e so oral and fruit avours make a wonderful dinner or brunch drink, especially when served alongside light fare. e ease of mixing up this threeingredient cocktail is truly delightful and the combination of elder ower and pear is fascinating.

FRISCO 49

e Frisco is a nearly forgotten classic cocktail which was believed to be the drink ordered by surveyors and prospectors during the California Gold Rush of the 1850s.

e miner 49ers got their nickname a er the stampede of people who ocked to the Sierra Nevada mountains seeking a fortune in gold around 1849. Styled a er the classic French 75 cocktail, this recipe is a delight. Filled with homemade ingredients, pear-infused gin and roasted honey peach syrup that transforms the favourite sparkling cocktail into the delightful Frisco 49. Having all but disappeared, the cocktail renaissance of the 1990s revived the recipe and added a sour to the mix. Traditional recipe presentations call for garnishing with a lemon slice.

KIR

e Kir is a French cocktail made with a measure of crème de cassis or blackcurrant liqueur topped up with white wine. It nds its roots in France’s Burgundy region and the cocktail which was formerly called the blanc-cassis was named a er Félix Kir the former mayor of Dijon who served it to international guests at meetings and gatherings. Kir also became popular during and a er the war, as most of Burgundy’s red wine was con scated by the Germans. It is believed that Kir was formerly made with red wine, though with a surplus of regional white juice on hand, the locals adapted and created this delicious avour-packed cocktail.  With this sweet black currant- avoured liqueur, one can mix up a wine cocktail in several di erent ways.

e dark fruit avour pairs perfectly with a dry white wine in the Kir cocktail or with Champagne for a Kir Royale. Equally delightful in its simplicity and taste, mixing it with red wine makes a spectacular cardinal cocktail.

the time, Henry III, drank it at his table. e mulled wine became popular in Germany, via Count John IV, around 1420, as well as in Sweden, where King Gustav I was fond of it. It was not until the 1890s that the tradition of mulled wine during the Christmas period intensi ed, particularly in the traditional Christmas markets in Germany. Today, each country adds its own specialities, which gives mulled wine very diverse and original tastes. e mulled pomegranate warmer pairs two bottles of red wine with pomegranate liqueur. e avours meld when heated, and the citrus-spice aroma is just as inviting as the drink itself.

NEW YORK SOUR

e New York Sour is a well-known variation on the whiskey sour that oats a layer of red wine on top. It’s thought to have been invented by a bartender in the 1880s in Chicago, earning the name the Continental Sour. Later it was picked up and made popular by a bartender in New York City, hence its modern name. e whiskey sour is a classic cocktail that tops the list as one of the most popular cocktails in the world. Easy to make, a oat of dry red wine makes the New York sour a show-stopping cocktail. e base is either rye or bourbon whiskey shaken with fresh lemon juice and syrup. Add an egg white to give this classic whiskey cocktail a frothy crown. e sweetener for a whiskey sour is traditionally a simple syrup but maple syrup can be added to a New York Sour too.

ROSÉ BERRY BLISS

Wine punches are excellent ways to tastefully and conveniently serve a crowd and the rosé berry bliss punch is sure to become a new party favourite. Created originally by Clos du Bois, the simple recipe pairs wine with blueberries and pink lemonade for an elegant sparkle that will make guests’ mouths water. is drink can be served at weddings or at any other event where people love stylish good beverages. Perfect for any a air, from fancy to casual, the rosé berry bliss is particularly tting for intimate spring and summer parties. It is made by the pitcher and pairs the blush pink wine with blueberries and frozen pink lemonade. e avour is terri c, and no one will guess how little e ort goes into making it. e ease of making it is hidden by the fact that it looks beautiful and tastes amazing. It’s the perfect and elegant way to entertain.

THE CLASSIC CHAMPAGNE COCKTAIL

e rst written mention of the Champagne cocktail appears in the Panama in 1855. It is a classic alcoholic drink that makes the list of International Bartender Association’s IBA o cial cocktails. It is festive and elegant, making it the perfect choice for celebrations. is isn’t just any champagne cocktail, it’s ‘the champagne cocktail’. It has a sugar cube that makes it sparkle, Angostura bitters, Champagne, Cognac or brandy, and a Maraschino cherry or lemon twist garnish. Another traditional way to serve it is on the rocks and using a cocktail glass. e avour is a little di erent and subtle because the ice waters it down.

THE SHERRY COBBLER

e Sherry Cobbler is an American-born cocktail and a drink which popularised the straw. It is thought to have originated sometime in the 1820s or early 1830s but its exact origins are unclear. Cocktail historian David Wondrich is credited with nding the rst-known mention of the Sherry Cobbler from the 1838 diary of Katherine Jane Ellice, a Canadian who took note of the drink while traveling in the U.S. but it was Charles Dicken’s e Life and Adventures of Martin Chuzzlewit in which the drink is mentioned and made popular. Sherry is a forti ed wine that is not only great on its own, but also a viable cocktail ingredient. e sherry cobbler is a late 19th-century recipe with fresh fruit and a touch of syrup to create a simple but satisfying drink.

WHITE WINE MOJITO

Mojito is a Cuban culinary preparation made from lime and became the emblem of Cuba in the 1920s and 1930s, when Americans came to the island to escape prohibition. en it was Ernest Hemingway, who lived in Cuba until 1960, who made it famous. Refreshing white wine mojitos are a rum-free alternative to the popular mint cocktail, but they’re just as delicious. Made with just 4 ingredients, they’re perfect for sipping by the pool on hot summer days or sharing for spring brunches. A light, dry wine such as a sauvignon blanc or a pinot grigio, instead of an oaky or buttery chardonnay, is an ideal choice for these mojitos. If one wants to reduce the added sugar, lemon avoured sparkling water can be used instead. e white wine mojito is designed to quench thirst at a small gathering. It takes minutes to prepare, and no one will be able to resist a refreshing combination of mint and lime.

WINE SPRITZER

A spritzer is a drink made of wine and soda water. ey originated in Austria in the 19th century as a way to make bubbly wine. e name comes from the German word spritzen or to spray, referring to diluting wine with water. Spritzers dilute the wine by 25 per cent or 50 per cent, and they’re especially popular in the summertime in Europe. A wine spritzer works with any type of wine whether it is red, white or rose. While white and rosé are the more popular choices for mixing with champagne, the red wine spritzer is quite unique and has got a bit of a sangria vibe since it takes the boldness of red wine and turns it into a refreshing summer drink. e most important thing to know about a red wine spritzer is that it is best with an equal ratio of wine versus Champagne. BTI

À La Cosmopolitan

Globalisation and evolution of the Indian palate

WORDS GAYATRI THAKKAR

Food has long evolved from being a means of nutrition to a cornucopia bursting with opportunities. It has a social element, a cultural one, and has recently developed an educational one as well. Today, learning about di erent cultures need not be limited to avenues such as books and documentaries; food presents a far more immersive and visual experience. Eating food is one of the best ways to learn about and embrace the nuances of a culture. e creation of a simple dish has many aspects to it such as the unique ingredients of a region, the use of spices, preservation techniques, the cultural signi cance behind certain meal preparations and more. e Indian palate is quickly evolving to accommodate the plethora of gastronomic experiences that are now easily available.

For a long time, the Indian population was reluctant to experiment with international cuisines and preferred safer choices that Indian cuisine had to o er whilst dining out. Fortunately, exposure to globalisation has steered an upward trend in the international food industry in India. With increasing disposable incomes, an expanding market, and a smorgasbord of opportunities to showcase world cuisines, restaurants and hotels accounted for the highest consumption among the food services industry across the country. In the past few years alone, an increase in luxury dining has grown by a staggering 120 per cent. Chefs have recognised the pro tability of using high-quality and imported ingredients to provide an authentic dining experience. In this feature, we delve into some of the top restaurants that o er a diverse selection of dining options for every gourmand to boast a well-travelled palate.

BAYROUTE

e restaurant set in southern Mumbai sets the ambience with ligreed arches, sheer drapes and lanterns, accompanied by traditional patterned mosaic tiling. Bayroute’s chefs have put in years of experience to carefully curate a menu that showcases the cuisines of Lebanon, Morocco, Turkey, Greece and Egypt. Whether it is the subtle nuttiness of a simple Hummus that is complemented by a tart labneh topping, Manakeesh Za’atar, a humble atbread brushed with a spice mix that is rich in oregano, or a lightly salted Laban, a fermented yoghurt drink, the avours are authentic. Food enthusiasts can also try out Koshari, the Egyptian national dish, which comprises rice, macaroni, noodles, red lentils, and chickpeas, topped with slivers of golden fried onion. Bayroute is also known for its pide, the boat-shaped atbreads fabled as a Turkish pizza. Exotic desserts like Gold Souk, and Jannat-e-Edan, and the classic Baklava are a treat for the tastebuds.

BOTECORESTAURANTE BRASILEIRO

Boteco is an up-and-coming restaurant that showcases Brazilian fare. A 60-foot-tall mural in Ashok Nagar, Bengaluru, is decorated with classic Brazilian elements such as the Copacabana beach, the samba, Sugarloaf Mountain, Lapa Arches, and toucans, setting the ambience and transporting diners to the busy streets of Brazil. e pao de queijo, or cheese bread is prepared with cassava our and melting cheese. Curry baiano utilises a spice blend with herbs and paprika from north-eastern Brazil, along with ginger, garlic, chilly, and coconut milk, which are very familiar to the Indian palate. Dishes on the menu, like Escondidinho, involve fascinating preservation techniques like ageing, smoking, and curing the meat. With over 3000 km of coastline in Brazil, the focus on seafood is very high, sharing many similarities with the coastal cuisines found in India.

BY THE MEKONG

Just as the pristine waters of the twel h longest river in the world traverse through parts of South Asia and China, By the Mekong, at St. Regis, Mumbai brings together Chinese, ai, and Vietnamese cuisines. Wok-fried bean curd tossed in teriyaki sauce, crispy lotus root stu ed with mashed potatoes, drizzled with a honey chilli sauce, Sichuan white sh with peppercorn and chilli, and prawns and squid tossed in XO sauce, are all unique dishes that showcase home-style cooking with Sichuan in uences. e Mekong is perfect for innovative desserts like silken tofu and passionfruit cheesecake and Vanilla and Lemongrass Crème Brûlée. What makes this restaurant stand out is the dedication and passion that is visible in the humble, yet enticing avours borrowed from traditional in uences.

CELESTE

Quintessentially Italian, Celeste’s splendour lies in a combination of its delightful location and its culinary cra smanship. e Taj Falaknuma’s terraced dining area creates a picturesque backdrop for the delicious Italian fare served by talented chefs. With high ceilings, delicately carved Corinthian pillars, and mellow lighting, the restaurant overlooks the old city of Hyderabad, shrouded in an opulence that truly makes it a meal to remember. Ingredients for authentic Italian pizzas, pasta, antipasti and many other dishes are sourced internationally, to provide the best experience. e menu is curated with exquisite dishes like wild mushroom cappuccino, carpaccio of Angus tenderloin, and a creamy single-origin chocolate parfait.

HAKKASAN

Hakkasan celebrates Chinese cuisine through traditional techniques, the nest ingredients and contemporary air. With dramatic lighting, backlit blue glass and high ceilings, Hakkasan Mumbai’s decor is inspired by its London location. e Cantonese fare has a modern twist, with mouth-watering delicacies like crispy duck salad, prawn dumplings with tobiko, spicy jackfruit dumplings, and the classic mapo tofu. Some intriguing dishes include a wild mushroom clay pot, vegetarian chicken with sugar snaps tossed in a black pepper sauce, and jasmine crème brulée with almond ice cream. Hakkasan regularly innovates to introduce diners to a steady stream of new dishes and experiences.

LA LOCA MARIA

La Loca Maria is located in northern Mumbai. e interiors with intricate handpainted murals, an art deco chandelier and a selection of embellished mirrors create an eclectic ambience. La Loca Maria preserves its Spanish heritage while imparting its bold and distinctive avours to the eager people of Mumbai. Delicacies on the menu include Carpaccio that is gently brushed with spicy aioli and topped with tru e shavings and sharp parmesan and charred octopus that is tossed in paprika and mustard, with a side of potatoes to balance the avours and textures. e lobster ravioli consists of apple puree ravioli in a smooth sauce. e decadent dessert menu includes Crema Catalana or orange sorbet, and La Loca tiramisu, which is a light and airy conclusion to a hearty meal.

REVE- BISTRO MODERNE

A modern French bistro in Delhi, Reve introduces authentic French cuisine to the Indian palate. is modern French bistro in Delhi introduces authentic French cuisine to the Indian palate. e bistro is designed to create a cosy, homely setting for patrons to relax in. e warm, comforting lighting complements the brick-front wooden bar. True to its fantastical name, a meal at this restaurant bears a dreamlike quality.

Restaurateurs Pascaline Bourion and Stephane Mathonneau revamped the bistro’s menu to also o er some Italian, Spanish, and Lebanese dishes to give diners a wider choice, so as not to be intimidated by French cuisine which is known for avours that may be strong at rst, for an inexperienced palate. French onion soup, beetroot wellington, coq au vin, cordon bleu, tuna niçoise, ratatouille crêpe, crème brulee, and vanilla custard rolls are some of the many authentic French fares available in the bistro.

THREE DOTS AND A DASH

Considered to be Bengaluru’s rst Tiki Bar, ree Dots and a Dash brings to India a vibrant tropical experience that is truly unique to Hawaii. e décor is meticulously curated with bamboo shoot arrangements and dim lighting to set the perfect ambience. e signature Tiki glasses are lled with elaborate cocktails like the Caribbean Cooler with blue curacao in a coconut shell, and Forbidden Island, which is avoured with orange liqueur. e herb cheese stu ed mushroom is one of their signature dishes. e shrimp fritters are convenient to snack on, while the chicken paprika melds a creamy texture with underlying sharp avours. e honey soy sauce is a unique condiment that is served with almost every dish. BTI

FUJIFILM X-T5

Fuji’s latest launch in 2022, the portable and powerful multimedia mirrorless camera is the successor to 2020's X-T4. With improved autofocus, higher resolution and reduced body size, the camera provides a classic, dial-based layout and implements cutting-edge technology. The camera features a seven-stop in-body image stabilisation system, Pixel Shift Multi-Shot mode for 160MP files, and action-freezing shutter speeds up to 1/180,000 sec from the electronic shutter. In addition to its versatile suite of stills capabilities, the X-T5 is also a highly capable moviemaking machine, recording up to 6.2K in 4:2:2 10-bit colour internally or 12-bit ProRes RAW and Blackmagic RAW via HDMI.

fujifilmxindia.com

HUBLOT

BIG BANG UNICO KING GOLD CERAMIC

With satin- nished 18k King Gold, the 2-calibre Unico King Gold timepiece features Hublot's classic double coupling system that can be seen from the dial side. It utilises a state-of-the-art self-winding chronograph yback movement, along with a column wheel. e exclusively developed king gold alloy has been curated to have a warmer shade, with its main component being platinum. e 44 mm timepiece sports a black rubber strap and is water-resistant up to 100m. e watch is cra ed with an impressive power reserve of 72 hours. e sophisticated matte black skeleton dial is nestled in a bezel that is made of polished black ceramic, with 6 H-shaped titanium screws. hublot.com

BUSINESS TRAVELLER: THE GLOBAL VIEW

UK Art in Mexico; skiing in Val d’Isere; weekend in Helsinki; and 4 hours in Guayaquil, Ecuador

BUSINESS TRAVELER US

Weekend in Denver; new in-flight dining options; top Asian spas; Bengaluru, India; airport lounges; Singapore’s Changi T4; and Bangkok dining

NETHERLANDS

Street food around the world; Dubai hotspots; and a culinary guide to South Africa’s Western Cape

AFRICA

Johannesburg guide – with recommended restaurants; new Cape Town runway; serviced apartments throughout the continent; and 24 hours in South Africa’s Eastern Cape

MIDDLE EAST

Muscat’s new airport terminal; Dubai’s tallest hotels; and Los Angeles guide

INDIA

Time out in Vadodara, Gujarat; Frankfurt’s hotel bars; the complexity of tequila; Colombo: tourism and business; and UAE resorts

CHINA

Greater Bay Area; hotel meeting spaces; 4 hours in Hong Kong; exploring Brisbane; and Siem Reap

Japan Airlines Boeing 787-8 Business Class

BENGALURU-TOKYO

BEST FOR Comfortable seat and bedding, excellent service

FLIGHT TIME

7 hours 50 minutes

CONFIGURATION

2-2-2

SEAT WIDTH AND PITCH 20 inches; 74 inches

SEAT RECLINE

Full-flat bed, bed length: 74 inches

PRICE

Internet rates for a return business class flight from Bengaluru to Tokyo in January start at ₹297,421

CONTACT

jal.co.jp

medium-sized aircraft. With humidity and air pressure settings which can be adjusted to a level for your comfort.

CHECK-IN My departure was from Kempegowda International airport, Bengaluru, Terminal 1. There was almost no line at the separate check-in counter designated for Business Class passengers. I kept my Covid-19 vaccination certificates handy and the check-in process was swift and hassle-free.

BOARDING Boarding happened promptly and on time. The crew greeting the passengers were wearing face masks and it was reassuring to see such protocol maintained. I was kindly shown my seat by a member of the cabin crew and instantly felt at ease due to the spacious arrangement of the seats.

THE SEAT The JAL Sky Suite (Business Class) seats were extremely comfortable as they stretched out into a fully flat bed. One can take a short nap on the exclusively

are designed with the intent to provide privacy and convenience. Features such as the retractable privacy partition, a large swivel table and ample storage space beneath the ottoman are just a few of the elements implemented in the design of these seats to ensure passengers have a highly comfortable journey.

THE FLIGHT The Boeing 787-8 with an E12 configuration features windows 1.3 times the size of those on conventional medium-sized aircraft, o ering wider views. This E12 configuration JAL B7878 is mainly deployed on Japan Airlines’ long-haul flights. The airline provides an advanced inflight service environment such as LED lighting and electronic shade. The electric shade featured on windows can be adjusted across five levels based on

The ight landed in Narita International Airport at 1430, well ahead of the scheduled arrival time of 1455

brightness. The LEDs are used to create a unique lighting program that expresses the feelings of the four seasons of Japan, and also o ers lighting colour controls to suit various moods. During the flight, I enjoyed a glass of full-bodied Sangiovese Red Wine and indulged in a portion of Tandoori Prawns as an appetiser. I chose the Beef Fillet as the main dish from the Western Menu.

ARRIVAL The flight landed at Narita International airport at 1430, well ahead of the scheduled arrival time of 1455. The process of collecting baggage was extremely fast and on arrival I wasn’t asked to show any Covid-19 tests, they just scanned my vaccination certificate and took all the details of my hotel bookings.

VERDICT The Japan Airlines Boeing 787-8 Business Class seat ensures a very comfortable journey through its thought to intricate details that make sure the passenger has a great in-flight experience.

Ravi Lalwani

BACKGROUND Conrad Osaka o ers guests personalized experiences with sophisticated, locally inspired surroundings and connections to people and places around the world. The hotel has 164 spacious rooms and suites and impeccable service whether ordering room service or a wakeup call to customising the room’s pillow options or arranging reservations at locally inspired cuisine and spa o erings. Conrad is a global luxury brand of Hilton.

WHAT’S IT LIKE A modern chic style infused with traditional Japanese elements, Conrad Osaka is also known as the address in the sky with impressive views of the Osaka cityscape from all guestrooms and public areas. The hotel also provides local knowledge that can help guests enjoy an authentic experience.

WHERE IS IT Conrad Osaka is located in the West Tower of the Nakanoshima Festival complex which also houses an art museum, a concert hall and several shopping and dining options. Directly connected to the subway station, and within walking distance of Osaka’s central stations, the hotel o ers convenient access to Kansai International Airport. Both Umeda and Namba are close by for the best shopping, food and culture. Kyoto is 15 minutes away by bullet train from Shin-Osaka Station.

Conrad Osaka

BEST FOR

A breathtaking and unblocked view of the river and cityscape with live music at 40 Sky Bar and Lounge

DON’T MISS

eclectic cuisine experiences at the F&B outlets

PRICE

Internet rates are upwards of ₹96,808

CONTACT

3-2-4 Nakanoshima, Kita-ku, Osaka 530-0005, Japan conradosaka.com

of espresso. Guests can also enjoy local Osaka and international dishes and a wide choice of premium beverages while gazing at the impeccable view of the Osaka skyline.

ROOMS I stayed in the King Executive room on the 33rd floor. The expansive and luxurious room is 66 sqm and o ers executive benefits, floor-to-ceiling city and river views and a 49-inch TV. I spent my evening in the Executive Lounge enjoying delectable finger foods and red wine. The hotel’s category of rooms and suites combine functionality, luxury and aesthetics and come with black-out curtains, comfortable bedding and an elegant five-point bathroom, with double vanities, a bathtub and a separate shower.

FOOD AND DRINK The hotel features five world-class F&B outlets and I began my day with a scrumptious and filling breakfast at atmos dining, a lively brasserie-style all-day restaurant. Here, chefs prepare an innovative array of Asian and Western specialities and breakfast options at the live cooking stations. I chose an egg white omelette with vegetables and sourdough bread, a freshly cut bowl of fruit with a single shot

MEETINGS Situated on Nakanoshima, the business, administrative, art and culture centre of Osaka, the luxury hotel o ers the city’s best views and is perfect for corporate meetings, conferences and galas. With impeccable facilities, the latest technology, pillar-free space, and breathtaking views, Conrad Osaka can turn every occasion into a success.

LEISURE Conrad Spa o ers thoroughly personalized services uniquely tailored to the specific needs of each guest, and timely treatments to develop and maintain overall well-being. The 24-hour Fitness Centre o ers contemporary cardiovascular machines, strength training and technogym equipment. Guests can swim in the heated indoor pool or relax in the sauna and jacuzzi located on the 38th floor.

VERDICT A luxurious sanctuary for business and leisure travellers, who are looking to experience authentic Japanese hospitality and indulgence.

Ravi Lalwani

Exuding a modern chic style and infused with traditional Japanese elements, Conrad Osaka is also known as the address in the sky.

WHERE IS IT Nestled on a cosy hillside, The Okura, Tokyo is surrounded by the slopes Reinan-zaka, Edomi-zaka, and Shiomi-zaka. The Okura Square, which is the gate zone and façade of the hotel, is at the highest part of the premises. The two modern glass towers of the hotel are an 11-minute walk from a subway station, 3 km from the Imperial Palace and 5 km from Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden.

ROOMS Each room is appointed with wifi, TVs, minibars, and tea and co ee-making facilities. Upgraded rooms have spacious balconies. Plush suites feature exquisite living and dining rooms. The Okura Heritage Wing houses 140 rooms, while the Prestige Tower has 368 rooms, with 98 club floor rooms. I stayed in the hotel’s Heritage Room. The room was tastefully designed with dim, warm lighting, and floor-to-ceiling windows with stunning views of the city skyline. The 60 sqm room had a bath that overlooks Okura Tokyo’s manicured gardens, providing a soothing experience. The room was also equipped with a steam sauna.

FOOD AND DRINK

The array of

The Okura, Tokyo

BEST FOR Its F&B o erings

DON’T MISS

A meal at Nouvelle Epoque

PRICE

Internet rates are upwards of ₹33,336

CONTACT

2 Chome-10-4 Toranomon, Minato City, Tokyo 105-0001, Japan theokuratokyo.jp

The array of restaurants at the hotel o er cuisines that range from French to Japanese

restaurants at the hotel o er cuisines that range from French to Japanese. At Orchid, the hotel’s all-day dining restaurant, I dined on a wholesome breakfast spread consisting of creamy yoghurt with applesauce, flu y pancakes with a drizzle of maple syrup, and a cup of hot chocolate. Toh-Ka-Lin serves authentic Cantonese fare with a twist. Meals are artfully prepared at the guests’ tables. Qing dynasty antiques adorn the aesthetic walls of the restaurant. Nouvelle Epoque masterfully blends French and Japanese cuisine, marrying French techniques with local ingredients. Yamazaro provides a plethora of authentic Japanese dining options, right from kappo cuisine to private rooms, and has a curated selection of sake. The tea ceremony room truly embodies the essence of the Japanese spirit.

MEETINGS The Okura, Tokyo provides a heavenly setting for events and meetings. It features two spacious

banquet rooms, with the Heian Room sprawling over 1968 sqm, and the Orchard spanning 678 sqm. The hotel also provides five function rooms of varying capacity, ranging from 450 to 80 persons, along with 12 fully-equipped meeting rooms to ensure a seamless experience for all kinds of gatherings.

VERDICT The Okura, Tokyo truly combines elegance with modernity to provide the ultimate bespoke experience for every kind of traveller in the heart of Tokyo.

Ravi Lalwani

WHAT’S IT LIKE Imperial Hotel, Osaka, features luxuriously appointed guest rooms and suites, along with a range of restaurants and bars. The hotel is the site of phenomenal views of the captivating Osaka city skyline and provides stately banquet and conference facilities. The hotel succeeds in balancing modern luxury and captures the essence of Japanese style and design.

WHERE IS IT Across the Okawa River from Kema Sakuranomiya Park, famous for its cherry blossoms, the hotel is within a ten-minute walk from both Osaka Tenmangu and Ougimachi subway stations. The iconic Osaka Castle is a 10-minute drive away. Japan mint, which is a favourite spot for cherry blossom viewing in spring, is just a 10-minute stroll away.

ROOMS O ering city or river views, the warm, tastefully furnished rooms include

Imperial Hotel, Osaka

BEST FOR

An elegant fitness club

DON’T MISS

A meal at Kamon

PRICE

Internet rates are upwards of ₹15,643

CONTACT

1 Chome-8-50 Tenmabashi, Kita Ward, Osaka, 530-0042, Japan imperialhotel.co.jp

The hotel o ers rooms and suites with a variety of spectacular views

flat-screen TVs, free wifi and tea and co ee makers. The suites feature spacious living rooms. The hotel o ers rooms and suites with a variety of spectacular views. I stayed in the Imperial Floor Deluxe Room. With panoramic views of the river, this cosy 40 sqm room was a delight. The room was equipped with amenities like a private bar, a drip co ee and tea maker, an in-room safe, an air purifier, and a comfortable sleep works mattress to lay down on after a busy day. Other products included Mikimoto cosmetics, traditional Japanese tea sets, and light cotton kimonos.

FOOD AND DRINK The hotel o ers a range of cuisines fit for a gastronomic adventure. Les Saisons o ers stunning city views and sophisticated French cuisine. Kamon serves fresh seafood and steaks in teppanyaki style, while a lavish spread of

Chinese dishes are available at Jasmine Garden. I started my day with a healthy bu et breakfast at Café Couvert, dining on some sunny-side-up eggs paired with a multi-grain toast, muesli, and a platter of freshly cut fruits. In the evening, I visited the Imperial Floor lounge, where I relaxed with a glass of cabernet, which I had with snow crab mimosa, caviar and a decadent scallop and tru le millefeuille. I ended my meal with the traditional Scottish cranachan, a wonderful concoction of cream layered with raspberries and oats. The service was excellent, as was the quality of the ingredients used.

LEISURE The hotel gives the guest plenty of opportunities to relax and unwind. The hotel ’s annexe building is home to an extremely elegant fitness club. It is designed to immerse guests in the club's open, airy interior with large glass walls letting in natural light. The club is one of the largest in western Japan, and it o ers advanced equipment for its members. The hotel also o ers a golf practice area, a pool, a sauna, and a tennis court.

VERDICT Imperial Hotel, Osaka, certainly caters to every kind of traveller. With state-of-the-art event spaces, decor and connectivity to the city and its attractions, the hotel is ideal for leisure as well as business travellers.

Ravi Lalwani

Roo op Bar at Andaz Tokyo Toranomon Hills

Atop the hotel on the 52nd floor, the Rooftop Bar o ers surreal views of the nightscape of Tokyo Bay and Odaiba in a sophisticated semi-open-air terrace setting. The atmosphere is lively as the music was very well curated and the sta are extremely friendly. I sat in the outdoor terrace area and opted for a classic, the Gin and Tonic and indulged in a delectable assortment of bar bites consisting of

The experienced mixologists cra innovative cocktails highlighting local seasonal ingredients

Tru le French Fries, Calamari and Mini Burgers. The experienced mixologists craft innovative cocktails highlighting local seasonal

ingredients. In addition to original cocktails, the Rooftop Bar o ers an extensive selection of sake, champagne and premium spirits.

Sense at Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo

obliged. The set menu I opted for consisted of Seasonal Vegetables, Pork and Shrimp

Dim Sum, Crab and Shrimp

Dim Sum, Steamed Alfonsino, Steamed Egg Custard with Shanghai Crab Sauce and the Mango Pudding, to name a few dishes. In addition to their à la carte menu, on weekends and public holidays, they serve a popular Dim Sum menu using Japanese seasonal ingredients, created meticulously by their Dim Sum Chef. Do keep in mind the last order for lunch service is at 1430.

HOURS

Tuesday-Thursday: 1700 to 2330, Friday- Saturday: 1700 to 0030

PRICE

Approximately ₹1,140 - ₹19,362

CONTACT

1-23-4, Toranomon, Minatoku, Tokyo, Japan, 105-0001 andaztokyo.jp

VERDICT I would definitely say that this is one of the best rooftop bars in Asia.

Ravi Lalwani

Located on the 37th floor with exceptional views of Tokyo including Tokyo Skytree, Sense o ers the best of authentic Cantonese cuisine. I relished the set menu for lunch

accompanied by a refreshing glass of Tsingtao beer. As the set menu had a wide variety of dishes, I requested my server to serve me very small portions of each item and they politely

VERDICT An exquisite culmination of excellent food, great service and a delightful ambience.

Ravi Lalwani

HOURS

Monday - Sunday: 1130 to 1430, 1730 to 2000

PRICE

Lunch Set Menu starts from ₹13,000

CONTACT

2-1-1 Nihonbashi Muromachi, Chuo-ku, 103-8328 Tokyo, Japan mandarinoriental.com

I relished the set menu for lunch accompanied with a refreshing glass of Tsingtao beer

THE BIG PICTURE

The Majestic Expanse of Cairo

Visiting the deserts of Egypt and marvelling at the creations of an era gone by is truly an awe-inspiring experience. Kapil Mayekar, a Creative Director at an advertising agency in Dubai got to marvel at the pyramids and the Sphinx of Giza in real life during a recent adventure of his. The image captured on his Iphone 13 Pro Max he claims "doesn't do justice" to the beautiful creations in the middle of the desert. "Travelling has always been something that rejuvenates the soul but this visual from Cairo will always be imprinted in my mind. The beauty combined with the history of these wonders makes it truly an unforgettable experience" he shares with us.

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