CATEGORIES

ARMY of ONE

We couldn’t have asked for a better star to grace the cover of our wellness edition than the bold and beautiful Huma Qureshi. Playing the perfect host was Hilton Shillim Estate Retreat & Spa, where the Western Ghats stand sentinel and the sun and clouds play a perpetual game of hide and seek.

ABSOLUTELY ILE DE RE

Nothing ever changes on this pristine, out-of-the-way island off the coast of northwestern France, and that’s precisely the point. THOMAS CHATTERTON WILLIAMS traverses the Île de Ré’s miles of bike paths, samples 22 flavours of ice cream, and meets a few donkeys wearing coloured pants.

Om Swami SPIRITUAL LEADER- THE GIFT OF WISDOM

An ardent advocate of kindness, Om Swami has founded a digital platform that seeks to help millions find peace and purpose, one click at a time.

In Nature's Lap

A short drive away from Mumbai and Pune, Hilton Shillim Estate Retreat & Spa—with Dharana at Shillim—is the ideal eco-friendly wellness getaway, finds out AINDRILA MITRA during the cover shoot.

Road to Bliss

The Ozen Collection in the Maldives takes its wellness offerings up a notch with a slew of visiting practitioners and a new spa brand.

STAY ACTIVE

A work-from-home lifestyle often means sluggish routines. RASHIMA NAGPAL speaks to fitness gurus to find out the keys to physical fitness and the many forms of workout that can be personalised.

Why We Love India

Just when we thought India had beaten the odds and overcome the pandemic, a deadly second wave hit the country in April 2021. Life came to a standstill again, the streets were stripped of their colours, the intricate social fabric of communities torn apart, and the international borders sealed. Now, coronavirus cases are on the decline again, the door is ajar, and hope peeks out. As India waits to welcome visitors to its shores, around the world people who share a special connection with the country recall their most cherished memories and express a yearning to come back—once travel is safe again.

HIGH ON HERITAGE

In the brief lull between two waves of the raging pandemic, a trip uncovered assorted treasures in Madhya Pradesh: from the ornate palaces of Orchha to the iconic temples of Khajuraho, and the wild denizens of Panna Tiger Reserve.

INTO THE UNKNOWN

On a 10-day road trip across eastern and central Arunachal Pradesh, RUTH DSOUZA PRABHU finds fresh perspective and a world that abounds in pristine beauty.

GO OFF THE MAP

The timeless charm of Agra extends beyond its pièce de résistance, the Taj Mahal. Pockets of colonial candour can be found at every turn, if only one were to stop and notice.

PRIVACY PLEASE

For nearly a century, Guana Island has drawn jet-setters seeking sun, solitude, and an ethos centred on the environment long before it was a trend. As the Caribbean slowly reopens, Heidi Mitchell dips her toes in the balmy waters of this singular tropical retreat.

A SERIES OF FORTUNATE EVENTS

Gokarna is an increasingly popular getaway, especially among locals of Bengaluru. But not many have the good fortune of going astray and stumbling upon unique experiences like BARKHA KUMARI did.

THE FINE PRINT

In Jaipur, intricate textile techniques have been passed down through families for centuries. DEBORAH NEEDLEMAN meets the modern-day artisans ensuring that the traditions remain in good hands.

THESE ARE THE DAYS OF MIRACLE AND WONDER

IF IT SEEMED CRAZY TO TRAVEL ACROSS CONTINENTS ON THE OFF CHANCE OF GLIMPSING A TOTAL SOLAR ECLIPSE IN THE LAST WEEKS OF 2020, WELL, IT HAD BEEN A CRAZY YEAR. BUT WHEN JOHN BOWE MADE IT TO HIS TENTED CAMP HIGH IN THE CHILEAN LAKE DISTRICT, IT SEEMED THE STARS WERE, FINALLY, ALIGNED.

GOING LOCAL

Gadgets from around the world may be a click away, but there’s no dearth of smart, futuristic tech made by Indian companies either. Here are some local alternatives to your favourite imports.

Beauty Bag

Transform your daily skincare and haircare routines with these essentials made in India.

With Love, From Sri Lanka

There’s a lot that we love about our neighbouring island country. Veidehi GitE tucks into its rich treasure trove of gastronomic delights, and discovers shared ingredients and unique recipes.

Ghost Of The Mountains

Ladakh summons travellers with varied inclinations. Some like wildlife photographer and conservationist Latika Nath explore the cold, rugged, high-altitude desert for a sight of the elusive snow leopard.

THE Maine COURSE

This coastal US state’s rugged, rocky landscapes aren’t an obvious draw for farmers, food producers, or chefs. That’s exactly why generations of outside-the-box types have settled here, finding meaning in Maine’s hard-won bounty—and creating some sublime food along the way.

SUN, SEA, AND SOIL

On a tasting tour through Greece’s serene Cyclades islands, SARAH SOULI meets the innovative natural-wine makers operating under the philosophy that less really can be more.

MAY THE FORCE BE WITH HIM

HE WAS AT THE HELM OF THE BEST RESTAURANT IN ASIA. HE GAVE IT UP FOR MORE CREATIVE FREEDOM, AND STARTED ONE OF HIS OWN. KOLKATA-BORN CHEF & RESTAURATEUR GAGGAN ANAND HAS BEEN REDEFINING FINE DINING AT HIS NEW EPONYMOUS RESTAURANT IN BANGKOK, PANDEMIC NOTWITHSTANDING. HE SPEAKS TO SUMEET KESWANI ABOUT HIS STRUGGLES AND TRIUMPHS, AND FORECASTS THE NEXT CULINARY TRENDS.

A TASTE OF TAMIL NADU

As the pandemic deals India a severe second blow, DEVANSHI MODY finds nourishment in the vegetarian renditions of authentic Thanjavur and Chettinad dishes.

A ROYAL FEAST

Like many others, ARCHANA SINGH equated Ladakh’s food with momos and thukpa. Until a traditional feast at the king’s palace made her realise how little she knew of the locals and their culinary traditions.

A PRIMAL CONNECTION

IN RECENT DECADES, A COMMUNITY OF 29 CHIMPANZEES IN AN ISOLATED UGANDAN RAINFOREST HAS BECOME CUT OFF FROM THE REST OF ITS SPECIES. GINA DECAPRIO VERCESI MEETS THESE REMARKABLE CREATURES AND THE CONSERVATIONISTS WORKING TO HELP THEM SURVIVE.

A Matter of Sustenance

The restaurant industry has employed a host of coping mechanisms in the face of the pandemic’s relentless assault. How effective is the delivery model and why should you order directly from restaurants? RIAAN JACOB GEORGE scouts for answers.

SMART CHEF

Staying at home can be quite tedious. Here are a few devices that will have you looking forward to mealtimes and clean-up routines.

SLEEPING BEAUTY

Kiss wrinkles goodbye and look radiant by treating your skin to an indulgent massage every night.

NEED OF THE HOUR

Luxury brands are keeping up with the times and using recycled materials to craft exclusive timepieces. Here are five watches that put the planet first.

A Sikkim Kind Of Summer

The first fully organic state of India draws travellers from the plains with its natural bounty and unique melange of cultures. Kavita Kanan Chandra chooses the sustainable route to experience its ethereal lakes, warm hospitality, and organic food.

Chill Out In The Maldives

Luxury comes in many forms in the Maldives. In this special section on the archipelago, we shine a light on the popular island resorts that can be your portals to safe, relaxed, and inspiring holidays.