The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has reaffirmed that Saadiyat Cultural District, along with its cultural institutions, is on track for completion in 2025. The Saadiyat Cultural District will also include the Zayed National Museum, the national museum of the United Arab Emirates which will celebrate the nation’s rich history and culture, as well as honour the legacy of the country’s founding father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. There will also be the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi, which will include a research and teaching institution that will take visitors on a 13.8 billion-year journey through the story of our universe and our planet. Guggenheim Abu Dhabi will be a museum celebrating art from the 1960s to the present and the most important artistic achievements of our time.

Saadiyat Cultural District is a global platform, emanating from a rich cultural heritage, celebrating traditions, and advancing equitable culture. It is an embodiment of empowerment, showcasing museums, collections, and narratives that celebrate the region’s heritage while promoting a diverse global cultural landscape.

Once completed, the diversity of Saadiyat Cultural District’s institutions will make the district one of the most unique cultural platforms. It is already the home of Louvre Abu Dhabi – the first universal museum in the Arab world – showcasing artworks from different cultures side by side and telling a story of human connections. Since opening in 2017, Louvre Abu Dhabi has welcomed 5 million visitors and is recognised for its breathtaking architecture and its innovative narrative. Nearby, Berklee Abu Dhabi offers music, performing arts and educational programmes throughout the year.

HE Mohamed Al Mubarak, Chairman of DCT Abu Dhabi, said: “Culture transcends mere connections; it shapes our very evolution and broadens our perspectives. Here in Abu Dhabi, we embrace this influence, fostering a deep appreciation that resonates throughout our community. Saadiyat Cultural District embodies ‘cultural hope’. The District will convey a message of cultural diversity that will become more powerful over time, creating global connections, inspiring cultural exchange, and fostering new ways of thinking to support the region, the global South and the world. Saadiyat Cultural District is somewhere people can come to learn from the past, understand our present and focus on our future.”

HE Mohamed Al Mubarak, Chairman of DCT

Saadiyat Cultural District is a testament to Abu Dhabi's commitment to preserving heritage while embracing a forward-looking vision. The District invites the world to engage with diverse cultures, fostering dialogue and exchange, and offers a global cultural space that empowers the region and the global south.

DCT Abu Dhabi has also launched a compelling campaign titled ‘Be Moved in a Thousand Ways’, introduced by philanthropist, talk show host and author Oprah Winfrey.

On the menu for now is the fruit facial and an amazing signature spa experience at the beautiful Aahana resort in the wilderness of Corbett. ( Later I will write about the stay experiential ) Corbett has long been a favourite of Delhites for a weekend getaway because of its pristine nature, the easy accessibility through road and train and particularly because of its natural surroundings filled with amazing flora and fauna and the tiger safari. It’s a place that we just take to during the hot summers as a respite for that lovely mountain air. It's no wonders that many have their summer homes tucked away in the beautiful wilderness here. It gets its name from the British hunter, naturalist and conservationist Edward James Corbet and the popular Jim Corbett National Park here was named in his honour. Aahana The Corbett wilderness,  is located at Sawaldeh village in RamNagar.

So what am I doing here? I was invited by the resort to experience their naturopathy wellness centre which included the above mentioned spa treatments. The spa is naturally surrounded by lush green trees. I was escorted to a treatment room with a beautiful front yard, the walls of which were shielded with beautiful flowers all around.

"We will begin with the foot ritual, the Aahana signature massage and the fruit facial," announced the therapist gently to me. She began by immersing my feet in big earthen bowl filled with flowers and scrubbing it with bath salt, dried it and made a gesture for me to lie on the massage bed.

 I am immersed into the various fruit fragrances that hit my nose and then feel the therapist's expert fingers gently massaging the pressure points on my body. The Aahana signature massage is an hour long relaxation massage using warm oil, kneading, pressing and gently using the elbow for stronger pressure.  So much needed! There's some soft instrumental music playing in the background which puts me to sleep and I wake up at the soft nudge of the therapist.

"I will now begin with the fruit facial," she announces gently again. She proceeds to cleanse and scrub my face, using fresh guava and apple fruit finishing it with a fresh almond cream. My skin feels soft and supple and fresh as a fruit J

Soon I am escorted to the lobby and served herbal tea. It's absolutely relaxing and rejuvenating, the very thing for which guests come to this beautiful resort. I make a mental note of the other therapies that I try for my next visit and walk towards my beautiful Ranger Suite crossing the organic garden that has beautiful vegetables and herbs that the resort use at their restaurant.

By Arati Thapa

www.aahanaresort.com

Louis Vuitton Spring Summer 2018 for men is all about the inspiration to travel. Its all about floral shirts, splash of khaki and strong sturdy shoes. Think adventure, think island and think beach. Take a peek here to help your travels be relaxed and comfortable while making your style statement

As part of the wedding planners group to Maldives Yoshita Kapoor, luxury wedding decorator blogs about her experiences in the luxurious Anantara Kihavah, Villas in the Maldives

Everyone has a dream destination, that one place that pulls you towards it, you know you have to get there sometime in your lifetime - the ultimate destination in your bucket list.

Romantic beach dinner setting

Maldives has always been that dream destination for me. Having travelled quite vastly since a young age, I always kept Maldives aside because I knew that when I would do it, I wouldn't settle for anything less than an absolute luxurious trip! Life really does work in mysterious ways, and how I can say that is, when I got invited for the wedding fam trip to none other than the Anantara Resorts in Maldives. My dream had come true. Not only was I going to Maldives but I was going to be staying at some of the most sort after and luxurious properties, assessing it from a business point of view for weddings and special celebrations.

Ariel view of the luxurious spa

The organiser of the trip, www.weddingfables.com, from the same group as the www.luxepointindia.com, got some of the best in our wedding industry together and so, our beautiful journey began on a very comfortable flight to Colombo and then to Male via Sri Lankan Airlines. Landing in Male airport on that tiny little strip surrounded by different colours of blue was just the beginning of it all. The real excitement kicked in when we discovered that a seaplane was going to take us to the resort, I had never been on one!

The flight to Male in Sri Lankan Airlines was comfortable 

The sights that we saw on our flight, were breath taking, turquoise and aqua gems amidst the deep blue sea in all shapes and sizes is the best way I can describe them. Seeing that view really did make me realise what a wonderful artist God really is. The 40 minute flight heard no conversation since everyone just wanted to take in as much of the view as they could, not realising that this was only the beginning.

The splendid view from inside of the spa

Post the short flight we took a speed boat to the resort and boy! it was another feeling speeding through the crisp air and magnificent Indian Ocean, colour pallete decreasing in shades as we approached the beach and the beautifully set resort! With a beach on all sides of the island I couldn't help but start visualising how it was the perfect place to have special celebrations and weddings, we had all sides of the island to exploit in terms of venues with the sunrise or sunset.

The warm, personalised and traditional maldivian welcome with drums beating and exotic juice mocktails somehow connected me with the feel back home of our very own Indian hospitality. There was so much to take in. From the way we were escorted from Male airport till our private beach villas with our very own butlers, it was all too overwhelming.

Top: our beach villa: Below SEA the under water restaurant

The resort was built in complete harmony with the environment yet exuded a great sense of comfort and luxury. The villa equipped with a private pool and a dreamy bathroom with a waterbody and the waterworks dripped of pure luxury. Lunch was at the Sea restaurant which is built underwater, absolutely breathtaking - what an experience to be dining with the fishes! Our stay over the next few days comprised of some of the most wonderful  spa treatments and sumptuous meals. The hospitality and personal attention given to each guest was commendable. Not only were the resorts great for a celebration but celebrated life itself! From star gazing experiences to snorkeling sights that are most sought after in the world it was wonderful experience. Words cannot do justice to the beauty  that we experienced and no other place to make the most important and beautiful memories of your life cherishable, be it your wedding, anniversary or anything special! Thank you Anantara for making that dream destination nothing less than dream.

Yoshita Kapoor

Photo credits: Anantara-Hotels; Air craft photo by Sri Lankan Airlines; Yoshita Kapoor's photo by Morvi Images

One of the leading hotel operators in the world, AccorHotels has recently launched its 100^th Pullman at New Delhi Aerocity. If you are a jet-setting, hyper-connected, and cosmopolitan new generation traveler then the newly opened Pullman one is right up to your alley. Nested in close proximity to the Indira Gandhi International Airport and within a short distance from the business hubs of Gurgaon and New Delhi, Pullman offers a luxurious retreat for transit and business travelers alike.

Pullman is beautifully designed in the theme inspired by the rhythmic style of a peacock, dancing at the sight of dark clouds waiting for the rains. The lobby is designed with spectacular 6000 rain drops lights shower installation on the ceiling and blue based colours are used in interiors which perfectly depict the peacock theme. The hotel has 270 rooms with splendid views of the airport runway from the suite rooms. The rooms are facilitated with modern amenities like a wide working desk, Wi-Fi, and the blasting Bose sound systems. Some of the features that makes it a ideal destination for mixing business with pleasure are the WOO Wellness & Spa, which offers varied relaxing treatments from Ayurvedic, Thai and Swedish spa. Also to keep up with your daily fitness rituals, a fully equipped health club The Fit LOUNGE combined with an outdoor heated swimming pool is available.

Tristan Beau De Lomenie- General Manager Delegate, Pullman Aerocity said “Pullman is a cosmopolitan and distinctive brand globally known for offering an extensive range of tailored services, innovative technologies and a new approach to organizing meetings. We are very excited about the opening of Pullman New Delhi Aerocity and aim to position ourselves as the capitals most vibrant and stylish hotel, based on the motto “Work hard, Play hard”. We have huge ambitions for this hotel and believe that it would undoubtedly be the choice hotel for business and leisure travelers in New Delhi.”

The hotel boasts an interesting mix of restaurants to satisfy your taste buds. PLUCK, a contemporary European dining restaurant offers a menu designed by Chief Culinary Designer Ajay Anand and Chef Ashish Dhar.  Most of the dishes are prepared with the fresh produces from their in-house vegetable garden. CAFÉ PLUCK, a stylish go grab delicatessen café offers widespread range of tea, coffee and other beverage along with freshly baked delicacies. HONK, the hotel’s signature Asian bistro is a melting pot of flavours inspired from Asian street food. And there is PLING, a vibrant lux-lounge that showcase a fine selection of wines with the signature ‘Vinoteca by Pullman’. All the names of restaurants are inspired by the sound of the hustling and vibrant streets of Asia.

An extra advantage for someone staying in Pullman is switching restaurants and other public areas like spa, gym and pool to another Accor property, Novotel New Delhi Aerocity.

Take a trip to the Maldives for that long weekend via the Sri Lankan Airlines and come back with an instaglow says Arati Thapa.

Do you have a long weekend coming up? Let's say a weekend that counts up to four days, yayyy!  You can now plan a trip to Maldives. There are times when you wonder if you could get away to an exotic place for that long weekend other than the usual trips that you have made to Shimla or Jaipur with your family right? Maldives gives you that option from Delhi if you love the white sands and the turquoise waters that form the shores of the Indian Ocean.

Most importantly Maldives gives you free visa on arrival for 30 days that makes life extremely easy if you are an impulsive traveler looking to have a luxuriously good time with your family. The only thing you need to make sure is that you have your passports, the tickets in hand and your bookings in the island resorts are pre-done, which is literally a piece of cake on the internet. Most resorts make sure that the Indian cuisine is incorporated in their buffet in case you tend to miss home food!

The efficient and timely Sri Lankan Airlines to Colombo and Male, the capital of Maldives will reach you to the Ibrahim International Airport Male in the morning, with a few hours halt at Colombo, Sri Lanka. In case you plan to stay in the hotel for the night at Sri Lanka make sure you have a transit visa that is easy to procure.

So what can you do in the two days that you will be together with your family in this beautiful paradise that God has created? If you would leave it to this writer then it would be snorkeling in the most beautiful coral reef that you will ever get to see. But here goes the list. 

Take an early morning fishing trip and feel the calmness of the sea as you are enveloped in the fresh sea breeze.

Learn snorkeling with your little ones in the clear blue waters, you can ask for an instructor at a minimum extra cost, it's totally worth it.

Take a tour of the glass boat ride which gives you the view of the beautiful coral reefs.

Watch the sunset sitting on the white sands.

There are options of kayaking, parasailing, diving choose according to the family's comfort.

Photographs courtesy: Maldives Tourism.

If you are on a vacation, one of the uppermost 'to-do-thing' might be a visit to the wellness centre or spa in the hotel where you are staying. And if it is Resort Rio, Goa you are staying in then be prepared to get more than you ever expected from a resort's in house spa. The Zaara Spa here surprises you with an exhaustive menu which is rare. Most menus in a spa can look beautiful and lengthy but if you look closely you wouldn't find more than an actual five-six body massage treatments that could include the Swedish, Balinese, Signature, Thai, Ayurveda (mostly the Abhayanga) and the hot stone massages in most cases. Even more surprising is the choice of treatments here. They include the Tibetan Singing Bowl massage, candle massage, soon to be introduced shell and cupping massage apart from the other regular ones. It's an interesting mix that shows the spas enthusiasm and its readiness to experiment. It also employs among its staff a learned acupuncturist well versed with Wing Chun/Kung fu, Reiki, Taichi, Yoga and astrology.

A Reiki after a massage is a must-experience here. This reluctant writer was encouraged to try it out after an extremely relaxing Tibetan Bowl massage - (more about that later) by the very persuasive and affable spa head and came out thanking her endlessly. Again, it's very rare to find a Reiki treatment/healer in a spa following your treatment. You will find your relaxed body floating in a peaceful space that is beautiful and beckons you for more every time you go for a spa massage.

Now about the Tibetan Bowl Music therapy - this intriguing massage includes herbal oil, reiki, full body massage (including face and neck) and a chakra balancing ritual. You will be led by the smiling therapist to a fairly large relaxing lounge and offered a concoction of delicious herbal tea followed by the therapy in a large spacious treatment room.

As you lay calmly readying for the touch of the therapist's relaxing fingers, a tingling sensation of the bowls music reverberates next to your ears signaling the start of the massage. The sound is clear yet soft enough to take you to a space where all your nerves begin the journey of rejuvenation. A drizzle of warm oil is then felt on your back and the familiar strokes of massage, as the deft fingers work their way to de-knot and de-stress your every tied up nerve. Every stroke is felt, every knead is experienced. There will not once be an empty moment when the therapist is not touching your cells- a very important element of a any massage. The eternal sensation of music lingering all the while for the 90 minutes the treatment allocates. Just while you have dozed off peacefully and want more you will be awakened by the reverberating sound of the bowl next to your ears- the end of the treatment is signalled.

Yes, the Tibetan bowl does sing, but more importantly it will make you do the same as you leave with a sense of contentment and relaxation. Zaara Spa at Resort Rio housed in around 7000 sq. ft. is spacious with Mughal décor. This luxury spa boasts of two Ayurvedic rooms, one Thai massage room, three couple rooms, two single rooms, two steam rooms, one relaxation area and a dedicated consultation room. Complete with a beauty salon, spa pool, a foot massage lounge and a state of art gym, Zaara Spa & Wellness is a retreat for complete mind and body rejuvenation. Your next visit to Goa must surely include a treatment here. www.zaaraspa.com

With the fairly new Aalia Resort in Haridwar, you are in for a one of a kind treat. A luxurious sojourn with the pleasant gushing of the Ganges in the backdrop- just what you need to re-energize yourself in physical as well as spiritual sense.

The twenty minutes drive to the Aalia Resorts from the main town of Haridwar is clean, with robust trees lining the rain washed roads. Having just crossed the busy town of Haridwar, holiest of holy place where Indians go to take that religious dip in the holy water of the Ganges, we cross the village Shyampur Noamabad with fresh green fields that immediately gives you a feeling of relaxation. The driver takes a small right turn and we enter the Aalia Resorts spread across in acres of beautiful land.

We are welcomed with a delicious warm ginger honey tea and escorted to the villas with a view that is breathtaking. The door to the main bedroom opens up to the view of white cabanas placed beautifully on the freshest wide green garden, a beautiful swimming pool  beyond which are the majestic views of the banks of Ganga. In an instant you will find your mind quietening with the scenic view in front of you.

That scenic view is not the only thing that will take your breath away.  Aalia Resorts spells luxury as an all villa resort. Each villa has three bedrooms, with beautiful attached terraces a dining area, super drawing room and a lounge room with a selection of books and magazines. The restaurant serves excellent food which includes vegetarian as well as non vegetarian options. And yes there is a bar as well!

The Garden Suite

Infinity Pool

Cigar Lounge 

If it’s a family holiday you are looking at, you will be pleasantly surprised with the offerings the resort gives you. Steeped in culture, sacred legends and spirituality, the older folks in the family can take that trip to Haridwar for the beautiful evening aarti on the banks of the Ganga or just attend the beautiful aarti done by the in-house punditji. There are plenty to keep the kids engaged with archery, jungle safari and other outdoor activities like swimming while the adventurous in the family can look forward to river rafting. The beautiful Rajaji National Park is also located nearby.

The resort is the vision of Aditya Paul Lakhanpal and Arjun Paul Lakhanpal who thought differently to provide luxury, spirituality and culture for those seeking it. Giving it the operational super edge is Dheeraj Chauhan who heads it with a passion that only a true hotelier can feel. It is this passion that makes the place truly worth a visit.

Five things you must do at the Aalia Resort

#1 Take the morning yoga class at 8 am, thankfully by then much of us are awake. The session gets you all energised and get you ready to make a memorable day.

#2 Attend the evening Aarti done by the in house punditji. It’s a spiritual feeling that will stay with you much after your vacation is over.

#3 Get into the jaccuzi on the terrace of the villa, under the sky with the Ganges flowing in the background for an experience of peace and tranquillity seldom found in the noise of the city.

#4 Take a walk on the bank of the river Ganges on the back of the resort filled with pebbles and stones. The beautiful naturally coloured stones filling the banks will amaze you with its round and oval shapes and make you wonder the beauty this earth is. If you are an adventurous soul, go on a jungle safari at the nearby Rajaji National Park known for its elephants, or go for an exciting river-rafting spree in Rishikesh!

#5 Book a treatment at the cosy spa that is headed by Amar Dev Prasad who comes with a rich experience in the spa industry. It makes all the difference when he suggests a therapy that will suit your body type and you walk out feeling relaxed and rejuvenated.

www.aalia.net

Deccan Odyssey, the award-winning luxury train of Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) will now be operated by Cox & Kings Ltd. This partnership will cover full management of on-board and off-board services, sales, marketing and operational activities. The agreement is for a period of 5 years with scope for extension for another 5 years. 

Mr. Arup Sen, Director, Special Projects, Cox & Kings Ltd.; Shri Satish Soni, Joint Managing Director & Director of Tourism, Government of Maharashtra; Dr. Jagdish Patil, Managing Director, MTDC & Smt. Kishori Gadre, General Manager,MTDC

Dr Jagdish Patil, Managing Director, MTDC said, “This association with Cox & Kings will assure the desired level of professionalism to manage services which also need flexible itineraries suiting best to various demands of customers. Highly complex logistic arrangements have enabled us to offer 10 different itineraries for Deccan Odyssey.”      

The Deccan Odyssey has been one of the major attractions for the global tourists. MTDC has therefore, put up an aggressive plan to promote this luxury train internationally. The train has 21 coaches, out of which 12 are passenger cars accommodating 8 people per coach, 1 Conference Car, 2 Dinning Cars, 2 Generator Cars with Luggage Store, 2 Staff, spare Car, 1 Spa Car, 1 Bar Car. The train has on-board facilities like T.V., Cable connection with central audio disc player, cell phones, Channel Music, Foreign exchange facilities, etc. The capacity of the train is 88 passengers.

Referring to this partnership, Mr Arup Sen, Director, Special Projects, Cox & Kings Ltd. said, “It is a privilege & pride to be appointed as the outsourced partner for the Deccan Odyssey and we will ensure that this spirit of partnership will benefit Maharashtra and enhance its position in India tourism.”

A range of short and long journeys across the western and Northern Indian states will give travellers a chance to explore India’s exotic locales and discover timeless traditions. The Deccan Odyssey will commence its first journey on October 4^th, 2014.

The Barai Spa at the Hyatt Regency, Hua Hin, Thailand redefines spa treatments, creating a one-of-its-kind exclusivity. A special invitation to Luxe Point India had Purabi Shridhar sampling the myriad delights.

It is indeed possible to be in heaven while still firmly rooted to the earth. The uber luxury residential spa, The Barai at the Hyatt Regency, Hua Hin, Thailand, a piece of paradise is testimony to that!

Facing the Khao Takiab (Chopstick Mountains) silvery beach overlooking the Gulf of Thailand, The Barai, spread over 4.5 acres has 8 suites and 18 treatment rooms. If that wasn’t enough, the suites have en-suite treatment room. The stunning stand out element is the architecture, the fulcrum that maps out a rejuvenating and peaceful journey of both body and mind. While the spacious suites, four balcony and four pool, are a play of soothing pastels, the spa and the shade is a natural dye obtained from wood. Unlike the all white ambience generally prevalent in spas, the one single dominant colour here infuses both energy and relaxation. Barai in Thai means the pool and it is the Barai, like an oasis in the courtyard of the spa that emits that total sense of serenity draining out every bit of tension and negativity. Not surprising, The Barai was awarded the Outstanding Spa of the Year by the Tourism Authority Thailand.

The magic begins right at the start. The path leading to the spa is lined with big slabs with little gaps between them. The logic is to slow you down. The arrival gallery after that is a spectacular passage with soft diffused lighting, a cocoon of peace. You move into the wall of stars, with star cut outs on the outer wall letting in natural light and creating a breathtaking chiaroscuro on the walls. What awaits next is the tranquility court, a long narrow swimming pool surrounded by a Zen garden and an opening at one end that provides a dazzling view of the Gulf of Thailand.  The treatment rooms are bliss zones with an outdoor open air bath in a high walls enclosed courtyard. The wooden shutters of the treatment rooms have coloured glass inlays that stream in sunlight.

The range of spa treatments - from The Barai Signature Spa treatment (90minutes) to The Barai Element Spa Rituals (three hours, 15 minutes) and the Barai Healing Spa Rituals ( two hours, 30 minutes) - are all rooted in traditional Thai health rituals aimed at balancing the four elements of water, earth, air and fire. The Barai is one spa, says Chalaphan Muangkamchat, assistant director, where nothing is rigid and customized wellness programmes is the by word.

I opt for the The Barai Element Spa Rituals and water is the element for me because earlier for more than an hour, the Buddhist master, Sajja-phol Padaeng had introduced me to the fascinating world of Buddhist Coaching and Meditation and suggested the water element. I was also lucky enough to be given an insider view into the making of the custom Thai herbal compress; the best of medicinal herbs and spices are wrapped in a muslin ball and heated with steam. Beginning with the open air warm bath, the treatment with the warm Thai compress transport one to another world that I plead guilty of slipping off into deep sleep.

From there to the Mcfarland House, the more than hundred years old restored two-storey beachfront restaurant with its sweeping views, lounge ambience and delectable Thai and Western menus with the perfect balance of elements is more nirvana.

Yes, at The Barai it is possible to be in heaven while still on earth!