Arabian Nights

"Qalbi tawalae bialriyad," hums my guide Salman. "They are lyrics from an Arabic song, which means my heart is always in Riyadh," he declares. Over the next two days, he makes it his mission to ensure that I leave a piece of my heart in Riyadh (visitsaudi.com)
We are in Saudi Arabia's capital city for our December cover shoot with Bollywood actor Jacqueliene Fernandez. The cover star has a connection to the Middle East-she was born and raised in Bahrain. "Growing up in the Middle East was a unique experience. I cherish the close-knit community, the cultural diversity, and the warmth of the people," shares the actor.
We begin the Arabian sojourn in the birthplace of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Diriyah. Located towards the northwestern front of Riyadh, Diriyah or the City of Earth came into being in 1446 AD when the members of the nomadic Najdi tribe stumbled upon the valley. The tribe scoured the desert for food and water, found a natural water flow, and established Diriyah. Gradually, more nomadic tribes joined, and the state grew bigger and bigger until it evolved into Saudi Arabia. Today, the destination celebrates the country's rich heritage and spiritual values while also showcasing traditional Najdi architecture. Naturally, it is a treasure trove of history and the perfect place to begin our cover shoot.
Traditional meets contemporary at Diriyah. A fine example of this is Bujairi Terrace, which opened in December 2022. Today, the area is a curation of restaurants and cafes, but back in the day, Al-Bujairi was a residential area and one of Diriyah's oldest original districts. Now, Bujairi Terrace is frequented by the locals for its relaxing atmosphere and world-class dining options, including famed soccer player Cristiano Ronaldo's TATEL.
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة December 2023 من Travel+Leisure India.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,500 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك ? تسجيل الدخول
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة December 2023 من Travel+Leisure India.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,500 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك? تسجيل الدخول

Chaos and Conscience
Across Sri Lanka’s rugged backroads, Avantika Chaturvedi uncovers an unconventional rally of costumed travellers in tuk-tuks is doing more than chasing adventure—it’s funding clean water projects, supporting local livelihoods, and reimagining what responsible tourism can look like

Untapped India
Mandip Singh Soin has spent a lifetime chasing horizons—from the frozen frontiers of Antarctica to the sun-seared dunes of the Thar. As the founder of Ibex Expeditions, he’s led the charge for responsible travel long before it was a buzzword. Soin doesn't just map the world, but redefines our place in it.

THE GOLDEN AGE OF TRAVEL
As luxury, privacy, and innovation take flight, Ajay Awtaney finds out how airlines continue to redefine travel at 40,000 feet

Deep South
A state-of-the-art catamaran reveals a stretch of the Australian island of Tasmania's rugged southern coastline that few visitors get to see.

Peak Season: India's Trekking Trails
From the snow-dusted passes of the Himalayas to the vast meadows of Uttarakhand, the dense jungles of Chhattisgarh, and the cliff forts of the Western Ghats, Punita Malhotra explores why more Indians are stepping into the wild and embracing the call of the outdoors

A COASTAL MASTERPIECE
Nothing does quiet luxury, mindful travel, and beautiful sunsets like the understated island of Krabi, discovers Samreen Tungekar

Travel Tastemaker
Mary-Anne Denison-Pender’s passion for India is unsurpassed. As the Managing Director of MAhout UK, a travel and representation company, she details her understanding of the pulse of travellers, and what they look for.

A WILDERNESS DREAM
Tucked away in the untamed heart of Madhya Pradesh, where the calls of the wild echo through ancient Sal forests and the Royal Bengal Tiger still reigns, lies a sanctuary unlike any other—discover The Oberoi Vindhyavilas Wildlife Resort, Bandhavgarh.

Timeless Journeys
Philippa J Kaye's journey began in the 90s, when a work trip to India turned into a life-altering exploration. From launching a travel company specialising in South India to curating unforgettable experiences, she has spent over two decades weaving through India's heart and soul. Her work in consultancy, writing, and photography is driven by a passion for authenticity, celebrating hidden gems and local stories.

THE MYSTICAL LAND OF MAYEL LYANG
Traveller and writer Abinaya Kalyanasundaram journeys through the remote mountain sanctuary of Dzongu in North Sikkim, drawn by its sacred landscapes, Lepcha heritage, and the quiet poetry of forest life across changing seasons.