ABU DHABI IS MANY THINGS – the capital of the United Arab Emirates, largest emirate of the country, and a major cultural and commercial centre. However, over and above these factual descriptions sits a land brimming with unexplored gems; cocooned by the gentle Arabian Gulf waters on one end, and Oman, Saudi Arabia, and Dubai on the other. A look beyond the usual perceptions of Abu Dhabi unearths a bevy of culturally rich and captivating experiences for all kinds of travellers, including a solo woman traveller like myself.
ROYAL WELCOME
It is said that Abu Dhabi is a land of luxuries. This moniker is brought to life in more ways than one. To kickstart my trip, I check into Emirates Palace, an opulent abode that often finds a spot on every indulgent traveller’s itinerary. A walk through the hotel’s palatial corridors instantly dissipates my long-haul travel woes; and the 24-carat gold-flaked Palace Cappuccino served at Le Café is an apt way to commence my exploration of this city’s many regalities.
ARCHITECTURAL MARVEL
Talking of regal ambience, no trip to Abu Dhabi is complete without a halt at the iconic Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. Irrespective of your religious preference, this stunning mosque is a must-visit. And thus, also my first stop. Created as a testament to the vision of its founder, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the white architectural marvel draws my attention from afar.
This story is from the September 2022 edition of Travel+Leisure India.
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This story is from the September 2022 edition of Travel+Leisure India.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
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GOOD SPIRITS
I think it must have been my mother's mom, Moyra, from whom I inherited my love of travel. Widowed in her sixties, she used her late husband's pension to fund a succession of solo trips, each more ambitious than the last.
THE BIG SWING
When her son, a lifelong sports fan, expressed an interest in visiting the baseball stadiums of Japan, Helen Schulman planned a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Tokyo. The result was a home run.
Safari Bond
Tanzania abounds in national parks with dramatic landscapes. Devanshi Mody scouts a few with her mother, encountering captivating wildlife and insightful guides on the way.
Toddler Towns
Turning a leisurely vacation into a child-friendly one brings unique challenges but also the joy of seeing the world in a new light. Huzan Tata recounts navigating Austria and Hungary with a toddler in tow.
And Quiet Flows the Ganges
The river Ganges becomes a steadfast travel companion for Gustasp and Jeroo Irani on a sustainable luxury cruise to the Sundarbans National Park and Tiger Reserve in West Bengal.
"Moksha Himalaya Spa Resort Is The Perfect Place To Disconnect From The City"
Be it comedic flair in rom coms like De De Pyaar De and Manmadhudu 2, an action hero persona in thrillers like Runway 34 and Spyder, or displays of vulnerability in emotional dramas like Doctor G and Chhatriwali, RAKUL PREET SINGH embraces genres and movie industries with a certain panache. In a conversation with Bayar Jain, the versatile actor speaks about adapting to different styles of acting and credits her parents for this journey.
At Home In The Mountains
Actor Rakul Preet Singh has had little time to celebrate post her wedding to her dear friend Jackky Bhagnani. Two months into the union, Travel+Leisure India & South Asia whisks away the newly wed actor to Moksha Himalaya Spa Resort in Parwanoo, Himachal Pradesh for a celebration of the mind and soul.
Just For Laughs
A Mumbai-based businessman, Atul Khatri switched the gears of his career at 44 to become a stand-up comedian. Since then, he has performed at many international shows, sending the audience into a laughing fit with his middle-class life anecdotes and jokes surrounding fatherhood. The comedian speaks to Simrran Gill about his sets, dealing with trolls, and the best compliment he has received.
World Through Their Eyes
A television host, model, and actor, Mini Mathur is also a passionate advocate of family bonding over travel. In 2018, she produced and presented Mini Me, a 10-part series that chronicled her travels with her seven-year-old daughter across six countries in Europe. In a conversation with Bayar Jain, the multi-hyphenate reveals the fun and challenges of exploring the globe with her kids, Sairah and Vivaan.
Paws and Go
Pet parents Tanveer Taj and Priyanka Jena (wheelsandtails) started travelling with their dogs in 2015. In 2019, they embarked on a road trip across India for 90 days, covering more than 10,000 km with their furry kids, Frodo and Cruise. The couple's Instagram feed is abuzz with pictures and videos of the Golden Retriever, Labrador, and their pet cat Noorie running around on beaches and climbing mountains. The couple speaks to Simrran Gill about the joy and challenges of travelling with their pets.
