'The worst is behind us': With suitcase and bikini emojis, Spain urges tourists... May 25, 2020 at 07:50PM

The world’s second-most visited nation closed its doors and beaches in March to handle the COVID-19 pandemic, later imposing a two-week quarantine on overseas visitors. But that requirement will be lifted from July 1, a government statement said.

Travel in times of Covid-19: I took one of India's first flights in months. It was... May 25, 2020 at 07:01PM

“I’d received a call around 1 a.m. from IndiGo to say my flight from New Delhi to Mumbai was canceled. That’s it. No explanation. Turns out it was one of at least 80 flights canceled from the Indian capital on Monday, the day flights in the country were supposed to resume.”

ECQ vs MCQ: What’s the difference? May 25, 2020 at 05:58AM

Out of Town Blog
ECQ vs MCQ: What’s the difference?

What’s the difference between ECQ and modified ECQ? The start of the new decade was met with unexpected events with the Covid-19 pandemic. Life changed dramatically within a small amount of time. We are living in tough times right now and the best way to combat this virus is to cooperate with the authorities properly. […]

ECQ vs MCQ: What’s the difference?
Team Out of Town

LG SIGNATURE Brings Alessandro Mendini’s Last Original Sketch to Life May 25, 2020 at 03:00AM

Out of Town Blog
LG SIGNATURE Brings Alessandro Mendini’s Last Original Sketch to Life

SEOUL, South Korea, May 25, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — In celebration of National Wine Day, LG SIGNATURE is thrilled to present a special limited-edition “Alessandro M.” corkscrew, which was inspired by the ultra-premium brand’s lineup of distinctive appliances. As Alessandro Mendini’s last original hand-sketched design, the exclusive corkscrew will be provided as a gift to customers […]

LG SIGNATURE Brings Alessandro Mendini’s Last Original Sketch to Life
Melo Villareal

Tourism reels as Australian leaders bicker over closed borders May 24, 2020 at 03:21PM

With Australia closed to international visitors, domestic tourism is the only lifeline for an industry that’s been crippled by the virus.

Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy Will Implement CHS Program in Destinations, Bali Becomes the Pilot Project May 25, 2020 at 01:01AM

Out of Town Blog
Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy Will Implement CHS Program in Destinations, Bali Becomes the Pilot Project

BALI, Indonesia, May 25, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy is going to implement CHS (Cleanliness, Health, and Safety) program in every destination and other locations related to tourism and creative economy as a strategy to accelerate the recovery of tourism and creative economy sector after the COVID-19 pandemic. Ministry of Tourism and […]

Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy Will Implement CHS Program in Destinations, Bali Becomes the Pilot Project
Melo Villareal

Social Distancing Travel | 19 Urban Staycations Within India’s City Limits May 25, 2020 at 12:33AM

In the last two months, restaurants have shuttered and the vast majority of hotels remain closed, some permanently. But the surviving ones will undergo severe safety protocols to meet WHO guidelines. Thermal screening, background checks of guests, social distancing within premises, mandatory use of masks and gloves, installation of sanitisers, digital restaurant reservations and check-ins have been implemented across the board. While travelling a great distance seems a longtime away, here are luxury retreats and boutique stays that one can check out and check into without leaving their cities post the lockdown.

 

Mumbai

The Taj Mahal Palace

The heritage hotel is an architectural marvel, iconic to Mumbai. Its prime address in Colaba—with views of Gateway of Indians both a cause for envy, and a strategic location. Having opened in 1903, the 285 room-property has hosted eminent personalities from the globe over and was the site of Lord Mountbatten’s last speech before he left India. (Doubles from Rs9,500, including breakfast; www.tajhotels.com)

 

Soho House Mumbai

The 23rd Soho House property sits at the edge of Juhu beach. The 11-storey building serves expansive views of the Arabian Sea and is a hotspot for Bollywood bigwigs. The menu features Indian and contemporary elements and the rooftop bar shares space with a pool. Intricate details such as lampshades made with vintage saris, sisal carpets, and artworks and photographs by Indian artists lend the 38-room property a personal touch. (Doubles from Rsl0,500; www.sohohouse.com)

 

Delhi

The Manor

The two-decade-old The Manor is tucked inside a tree-lined gated colony. Post pandemic, the two-storey property surrounded by an acre of greenery is likely to introduce a “work from hotel” setup with amenities such as a speedy Wi-Fi to break the monotony of a quintessential corporate space. (Doubles from Rs12,000; www.themanordelhi.com)

 

The Leela Palace New Delhi

Opulent is an apt description for The Leela Palace. The five-star property is both modern and ostentatious with Indian and European furnishings. Think Persian rugs, silk sofas, grand chandeliers, and a rooftop pool that overlooks the lushness of Diplomatic Enclave. Expect amplification of safety levels with UV sanitisation across all public spaces in the premises. (Doubles from Rs15,000; www.theleela.com)

 

Clockwise from top left: Poolside basking at The Postcard Moira, Goa; Art spaces at Bodhi Tree, Kolkata; Meditation on the banks of the Ganga at Himalayan Hideaways, Rishikesh; High tea at The Leela Palace New Delhi. Photo Courtesy: The Postcard Moira (pool), Photo Courtesy: The Leela Palace New Delhi (interior), Photo Courtesy: Bodhi Tree (paintings), Photo Courtesy: Himalayan Hideaways (man)

Kolkata

Calcutta Bungalow

The six-room heritage bungalow celebrates a bygone era of Kolkata from the early 20th century. Most items bought and refurbished are from different parts of the city. There are the louvred windows repurposed as installations in the courtyard and bedside tables, and then there’s the charm of old but functional typewriters in each room. On the menu are hearty Bengali fare such as radha ballabhi (lentil-stuffed Indian flatbread), luchi-alur dom (aloo-puri), and rosogolla. Hour-long heritage walks are complimentary for guests. (Doubles from Rs5,000, including breakfast; calcuttabungalow.com)

 

Bodhi Tree

Located in South Kolkata’s Swiss Park, the property—started by a mother-son duo in 2007—pegs itself as a boutique guest house and serviced apartment. It has an on-site garden, art gallery, patio library and a cafe. The property uses a Buddhist approach to disinfect spaces with bay leaves, camphor and sage. (Doubles from Rs2,000, including breakfast; special discounts available for female travellers and guests of long duration stays; www.bodhitreekolkata.com)

 

ITC Royal Bengal

Located adjacent to ITC Sonar, ITC Royal Bengal brings together nuances of culture, art and music. Besides 456 rooms and suites, on offer are: a jazz bar playing live gigs; six restaurants serving Indian and international delicacies; and a luxury spa. (www.itchotels.in)

 

Rishikesh

Taj Rishikesh Resort & Spa

Spread out across 12 acres, Taj’s year-old venture in Rishikesh is made for social distancing. The retreat is set at the foothills of the Himalayas and overlooks the Ganga river. Garhwal influences are felt throughout the 79-room property, be it the kath-khuni architecture, slate flooring or traditional meals with locally sourced ingredients. (Doubles from Rs17,000, including breakfast; www.tajhotels.com)

 

Roseate Ganges

Roseate Ganges is located near the quiet neighbourhood of Shivpuri, the launch site for river rafting. The luxury property offers 16 villas, each opening to a private balcony looking over the Ganga valley. Besides the Garhwali and Kumaoni cuisines served at the hotel, on the menu at the wellness retreat are rejuvenating yoga and spa sessions. (www.roseatehotels.com)

 

Himalayan Hideaways

The forest-themed lodge overlooks river rapids. Its quiet, serene surroundings are huge draws, and the eight-room property is an ideal base for wellness and adventure seekers. The property is an affiliate of Opensky Resorts, a company that has partnered with 15+ stays ranging from riverside retreats to Raj-era cottages, and jungles lodges to heritage havelis across Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh. (Doubles from Rs9,200; www.himalayanhideaways.com)

 

Jaipur

SUJÁN Rajmahal Palace

Wes Anderson meets imperialism at this former royal guesthouse of Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II of Jaipur. Sea blue, fuchsia and indigo wallpapers bathe the cavernous interiors of the 1729-built property. Marble makes up the grand staircase, Art Deco furniture is peppered throughout and greenery is everywhere. The 13 rooms and suites have played host to dignitaries like Queen Elizabeth, Lord Mountbatten and Jackie Kennedy, who now have suites named in their honour. (Doubles from Rs55,000; thesujanlife.com)

 

Samode Haveli

Live like a royal at Samode Haveli, a traditional Indo-Saracenic mansion flanked by gardens and apartments arranged around a series of intimate courtyards. When the property was built 175 years ago, it was the residence of the Samode rulers. Today, their descendants still occupy the heritage space, and guests are invited to stay in former royal apartments and suites. (Doubles from Rs9,500; www.samode.com)

 

28 Kothi in Jaipur is minimalistic in approach. Its garden spaces are ideal for lunching and lounging. Photo Courtesy: 28 Kothi

28 Kothi

The boutique guesthouse-owned by a jewellery designer and built by a French architect-is centrally located within Civil Lines. The artistic collaboration lends itself a homey touch. Its lush garden, sunlit terraces, quiet reading nooks, and farm fresh organic feats offer a world detached from the one outside. (Doubles from Rs7,500, including breakfast; www.28kothi.com)

 

Chennai

Avenue 11 Boutique Residences

The pocket-friendly stay is situated in Poes Garden, a posh residential neighbourhood in the heart of the city with close proximity to shopping centres, temples and embassy consulates. Until the lockdown lifts, the property is only catering to stranded guests. (Doubles from Rs2,950, including breakfast; call 044 4218 2000)

 

Hanu Reddy Residences Poes Garden

Also located in Poes Garden, the eponymous Hanu Reddy Residences is a tree-flanked, six-decade old family home converted into a boutique stay. The 30-room property is spread across three bungalows and shares the lane with Rajinikanth’s address. The management often gets requests to take a personal appointment with the celebrity. The rooms are sanitised and left unoccupied for 72 hours post-checkout and 24 hours prior to check-in. (Doubles from Rs4,500, including breakfast; www.hanureddyresidences.com)

 

Bengaluru

Casa Cottage

Nestled in a bylane in Richmond Town, Casa Cottage is an English-style bed-and-breakfast dating back to 1915. The 18 room-stay is run by an Indo-French couple and is one of the few pet-friendly options in the city. (Doubles from Rs3,300, including breakfast; www.casacottage.com)

 

The Ritz-Carlton, Bangalore

The Ritz-Carlton, Bangalore is an urban retreat whose swanky offerings include a Mercedes-Benz limousine service. The hotel has 277 rooms and its corridors and public spaces are amped up with 1,280 sculptures and paintings by mostly Indian, but also Vietnamese, Cuban and American artists. Grills and kebabs are big hits at Riwaz, the in-house Indian kitchen. (Doubles from Rs12,500, including breakfast and a five- course set meal for a couple; www.ritzcarlton.com)

 

The English-style Casa Cottage in Bengaluru is a bed-and-breakfast dating back to 1915. Photo Courtesy: Casa Cottage

 

North Goa

Sol De Goa

Located close to Candolim and Sinquerim beach, Sol De Goa is a luxury heritage hotel. Designed by Tarun Tahiliani, the hotel offers 21 suites and rooms that overlook two pools and paddy fields. While the sunny state has plenty to offer (think whisky tours, kite surfing and fishing), sometimes, lounging by the poolside or digging into portions of Goan prawn curry and chicken cafreal is all the comfort one needs. (Doubles from Rs5,500, including breakfast; www.soldegoa.com)

 

The Postcard Moira

In Moira, a sleepy village with lush banana plantations and colourful houses, lies The Postcard, one of the chain’s three Goan properties. Its surroundings are a far cry from the state’s touristy front. The 214-year-old restored ancestral home has nine rooms with four-poster beds, brass fittings and statement lamps. The dining options are quintessentially Goan, and the semolina fried version of Moidechim Kelim (Moira banana) is a must-try. (Doubles from Rs18,500, including breakfast; www.postcardresorts.com)

 

To read our archive of issues dating all the way back to 2012, head to Magzter or our new National Geographic Traveller India app here. 

Where to Stay: 8 Best Airbnb Rentals in Boracay May 25, 2020 at 12:21AM

Out of Town Blog
Where to Stay: 8 Best Airbnb Rentals in Boracay

List of Best Boracay Airbnb Rentals When we talk about vacation in the Philippines, the first thing that comes to mind are the white sand beaches of Boracay. For both locals and foreigners, Boracay is a tourism hotspot of the sun, the sea, and tropical island culture. While most Boracay visitors choose to book luxury […]

Where to Stay: 8 Best Airbnb Rentals in Boracay
Melo Villareal

Hello doll: Dining dummies help cafe-goers keep a fashionable distance in Vilnius... May 24, 2020 at 10:15PM

Mannequins dressed in clown hats and couture frocks have taken up seats in restaurants in Lithuania’s capital, to coax real customers back after the coronavirus lockdown and help them out with social distancing.

AirAsia enhances digital self check-in as part of safety procedures prior to resumption of flights May 24, 2020 at 09:55PM

Out of Town Blog
AirAsia enhances digital self check-in as part of safety procedures prior to resumption of flights

Manila, Philippines — AirAsia has rolled out a number of additional safety procedures prior to the resumption of its flights, including enhanced digital self check-in procedures. AirAsia check-in kiosks at airport terminals have been designed to perform contactless transactions by scanning QR codes of flight bookings from mobile devices or printed boarding documents. Guests only […]

AirAsia enhances digital self check-in as part of safety procedures prior to resumption of flights
Melo Villareal