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The Intelligent Traveller

TIPS AND TRICKS TO HELP YOU TRAVEL SMARTER

HOW THICK IS LUXURY?

Resorts take different routes to luxury and sustainability in the fragile ecosystem of the Maldives. DEVANSHI MODY took stock of the offerings on an isle-hopping tour before the pandemic struck.

Lakeside Love Affair

Since it launched three years ago, Grand Hyatt Kochi Bolgatty has become the go-to destination for travellers visiting the port city. Fashion designers and creative couple FALGUNI PEACOCK & SHANE PEACOCK check in to the hotel on their fi rst trip to Kochi.

THE CZECH LIST

Has the pandemic got you strung up? The quaint spa towns of Western Bohemia in the Czech Republic promise cheer and rejuvenation.

BEGINNING AGAIN

As travel picks up within the country, brands are re-envisioning their propositions. ANANYA BAHL lands in Goa to see what’s new and what, much to her delight, remains unchanged.

A SLICE OF SUSEGAD

AINDRILA MITRA discovers a new side of Goa post the lockdown, one that involves private villa stays, nature walks with physical distancing, and socially conscious food choices.

WIRELESS WINTERS

Whether your idea of a winter vacation involves photographing snow-clad landscapes or staying snug in a luxury bed, we’ve got the answers.

Relax The Thai Way

A quintessential part of Thai life, massages are the perfect way to embrace the many facets of holistic wellness. Taking cues from her relaxing vacation, Snigdha Bhowmick tells us exactly what constitutes the ideal Thai wellness experience.

PRIDE OF PLACE

Southern Ontario played an important, though little-known, role in the lives of Canada’s Black citizens. HEATHER GREENWOOD DAVIS travels to the small-town museums, churches, and monuments paying tribute to those who came before.

The New Indian Wedding

The pandemic and lockdown delayed many couples’ wedding plans. But now, they’re all returning to the mandap moodboard with new ideas. RIAAN JACOB GEORGE speaks to hospitality insiders to get a sense of the new normal in desi weddings.

THE FLIP SIDE OF GOA

Taking the pandemic-inflicted travel changes in her stride, RADHIKA TANDON travels to Goa in the rains for a holiday that involves physical distancing with others and intimacy with nature.

HOME OF THE WILD

With a forest cover of 14,857 square kilometres, Gujarat is bestowed with abundant biodiversity. Its 21 wildlife sanctuaries and four national parks shelter rare and endangered species that warrant a visit to the westernmost state of India.

POWER MOVES

Inspired by a photo series spotlighting the baile folklórico dancers of Mexico, STEPHANIE ELIZONDO GRIEST considers her own evolving relationship with her Mexican roots—and refl ects on how the dance became a symbol of national identity.

Fruits of Land And Sea

Uruguay’s beach scene is known as one of the best in South America. But the epicurean delights of its rich, ranch-filled interior and rolling wine country have, until now, been less explored. JOHN BOWE saddles up and tucks in.

BREATHING NEW LIFE INTO BRASÍLIA

Brazil’s capital used to be seen as an example of what went wrong with Modernist urbanism. But 60 years after its founding, MICHAEL SNYDER finds a Brasília that is very much of, and for, the people.

GROOVING TO THE TUNE OF HISTORY

ANANYA BAHL encounters Black history, blues music, and their robust relationship in the historic city of Memphis in Tennessee, USA.

A BRAVE NEW WORLD OF Hospitality

The pandemic has added new buzzwords to our travel vocabulary, like workation and contactless service. Here’s a round-up of 24 hotels and resorts in India that have tweaked their offerings to cater to new demands.

Lights. Camera. Action Hero!

Riding high on the success of Khuda Haafiz, Vidyut Jammwal took a memorable road trip in the UK recently. The star of the commando films gets candid about his first ott release, travels in Uzbekistan, fitness workouts rooted in Kalaripayattu, and his firm belief that action heroes of today need to bring something new to the table.

Once Upon A Time In Dubai

Deprived of travel due to the pandemic, RADHIKA TANDON reminisces about another year of crisis when she packed up the kids and flew to Dubai for a life reboot.

RETAIL REVELRY

The festive season has arrived, as have exciting new gadgets, top-of-the-line gear, and immersive home entertainment options.

The Sunny Side Of Israel

With 360 days of sunlight and 20 beaches, Israel’s resort city of Eilat offers an array of adventures— from snorkelling with wild dolphins and kayaking on the Red Sea to hiking in the Red Canyon.

EVERYBODY'S CUP OF TEA

Fourth-generation tea entrepreneur Bala Sarda parted ways with his family business to set up VAHDAM Teas at the age of 23. He spills the tea on the global reach of his home-grown brand, making it to Oprah’s favourites, and a new travel range.

FINDING AUSTEN IN BATH

Spend a day walking around the spa town of Bath in the UK for its golden buildings, hot water baths, and literary monuments of Jane Austen’s worlds.

IN THE SLOW LANE

You cannot savour the mystical offerings of Arunachal Pradesh on a quick site-hopping tour. NEETOLE MITRA chooses to slow down and relish the intriguing tales that permeate the tropical rainforests on the banks of the Siang.

Private Affair

The ultra luxury segment was already an emerging trend in the premium travel space, but it has gained momentum in the post-lockdown era. Private island buyouts, charter planes, and remote destinations are the buzzwords among the affluent.

From Morocco WITH LOVE

NORA FATEHI ANNOUNCED HERSELF IN BOLLYWOOD WITH THE SONG DILBAR AND THEN WENT ON TO CARVE A NICHE FOR HERSELF WITH HER UNIQUE CHOREOGRAPHY AND FIERCE DANCING STYLE. SHE SPEAKS TO SUMEET KESWANI ABOUT HER MOROCCAN ROOTS, STRADDLING TWO SIMILAR CULTURES, AND OF COURSE, HER TRAVELS—BACK TO HER ORIGINS AND FORWARD TO NEW FRONTIERS.

25 Offbeat Things To Do In The Middle East

A journey to the middle east comes with the promise of surreal landscapes, archaeological treasures, celebrated cultures, monuments of historic conflicts, and sacred sites. We’ve steered clear of cliches and curated a list of experiences that will awaken the intrepid explorer in you.

Men, Monsters And Messiahs

JORDAN MAY BE SMALL, BUT THE COUNTRY’S SURREAL LANDSCAPES AND RICH HISTORY MAKE FOR AN EPIC HOLIDAY.

TRYST with Turkey

Straddling the continents of Asia and Europe, Turkey played a significant role in the history of the world. Cruise across the country and discover war monuments, ancient ruins, and delicious food, all the while surrounded by kind and generous locals.

How To Be A Conscious Tourist

The onus of healing the planet is on each one of us. But how exactly do you reduce your carbon footprint while travelling? Shibani Bawa asks experts for tips on treading various terrains—from lush jungles to heritage sites, hills, and cities.