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.

A DROP IN THE OCEAN

SAILING THE ISLANDS OF EASTERN INDONESIA, SAKI KNAFO FINDS NATURE AT ITS MOST PRISTINE—AND A SURPRISING HISTORY THAT TODAY RESONATES MORE THAN EVER.

20 Business Hotels That Set The Bar High

In these trying times, some hospitality brands have stood tall and looked the storm in the eye. Here is a hand-picked list of business hotels—in the country and abroad—that provide for all your professional needs.

LET IT SNOW

With its gentle slopes and challenging off-piste runs, Megève attracts skiers of various levels. MANDIRA RAI visits to shred some powder with her husband and two kids, and discovers many other thrills in store in the French commune.

MADE FOR HEALING

Practise yoga in the lap of nature, detox with Ayurvedic massages, and sign up for personalised diet plans at these lesser-known retreats in India for the nourishment of your mind, body, and soul.

ABODE OF THE GODDESS

Steeped in legend and jasmine aroma, Madurai draws the bulk of its tourists with ornate temples. But DEVANSHI MODY discovers that the city holds a unique allure for each of her family members.

THE DEPTH OF LIFE

It’s one of America’s most iconic sites, yet few visitors ever descend into the mile-deep heart of the Grand Canyon. On an intense three-day hike, Jamie Quatro heads below the rim of this extraordinary natural wonder to reconnect with her brother—and push her mind and body to their limits.

SITAR WITH A VOICE

Coming off her seventh GRAMMY nomination—for the EP Love Letters—Anoushka Shankar has released a single that combines sitar and spoken word to satirize patriarchy’s demands from a woman. She speaks to SUMEET KESWANI on her latest work, the GRAMMYs, lockdown skills, and travel.

Goa With A Twist

Innovative dining, well-curated high-teas, offbeat local trails, and unparalleled hospitality—Hilton Goa Resort crafts a world far removed from the Goa to which we are accustomed. By Adila Matra

THE ROUTE TO PEACE

In a bid to relive his motorbiking days, SAMIR BHATNAGAR saddles up and sets off from Sikkim to Bhutan. On the trip, he discovers a kingdom brimming with quiet joys, untouched natural beauty, and cultural riches.

THE DAWN IS NIGH

Varanasi may be best known for its ethereal ghats and boat rides on the River Ganga, but its svelte lanes are brimming with culinary specialties and unique silk saris. On a fine morning, TARUKA SRIVASTAV samples these and discovers just how much the pandemic has affected the local businesses

Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni AUTHOR: PURVEYOR OF A NEW WORLD

She is known for retelling Indian epics from the perspective of their female characters. Currently a resident of Texas, Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni talks to ADILA MATRA about the outsider’s gaze, her latest book, feminism in Indian literature, and unique travel experiences.

Avni Doshi AUTHOR AN ODE TO MOTHERS

In her Booker-shortlisted debut novel, Burnt Sugar, Avni Doshi effortlessly weaves together complex narratives of memory loss, motherhood, and trauma. She speaks to SUMEET KESWANI about the book’s inspiration, her connection with Pune, and the evolving idea of home.

CELEBRATE YOURSELF

From organic coconut oil to wine-infused lip balms, here are the top beauty buys for women on the go.

California On The Wing

Look closely at the rugged, wintry landscapes of the Golden State’s Central Coast, and you might be lucky enough to spot them: red-tailed hawks, yellow-rumped warblers, blue-gray gnatcatchers. BETSY ANDREWS encounters these and many more on a bird-watching trip of a lifetime.

RIDING THE WAVE

On the fringes of Peru’s northern coast, the burgeoning surfer’s paradise of Máncora courts travellers with pristine beaches and a laid-back, bohemian vibe. MARTA TUCCI catches a break.

IN THE CITY OF SAINTS

On a journey to Ethiopia, SARAH KHAN wanders the ancient alleyways of Harar and finds a new link to her faith—one that makes even the most far-flung place feel familiar.

The Intelligent Traveller

Tips and Tricks to Help you travel Smarter

OLD STITCH, NEW THREAD

The cover girls of this issue are wearing a wonderful fusion of tradition and modernity, thanks to a vibrant collection from Raw Mango. AINDRILA MITRA speaks to the brand’s founder and textile designer, Sanjay Garg, about the collection, sustainable fashion, and measured innovation within traditional textile practices.

The Intelligent Traveller

TIPS AND TRICKS TO HELP YOU TRAVEL SMARTER

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.

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.

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.