Letter from the Editor

ON HER: Dress, `3,000, Zara; necklace, `6,200, Flower Child.

AFTER A TRAGIC second wave of the pandemic in India, we are slowly but surely adapting to the ‘new normal’. Among other paradigm shifts, the top priority of our lives has been taken up by wellness—both physical and mental well-being. Our August issue focusses on the importance of wellness getaways and the healing therapies around the world that can benefit you in more ways than one.

Our cover star for this timely issue is the bold and beautiful Huma Qureshi, who embodies the quality of being happy in one’s skin. Besides portraying engaging and nuanced characters on screen, she has been an ardent advocate of body positivity and brought mental health to the fore through her various social media and CSR initiatives in the last year. Our cover shoot at the Hilton Shillim Estate Retreat & Spa, a three-hour drive from Mumbai, gave Qureshi a much-needed breather in the lap of nature between her hectic shoot schedules (p. 46).

A comprehensive guide throws light on all the physical and mental health crises that have arisen out of the pandemic and lockdowns—and gets experts to talk about the possible ways out. It also compiles all the latest doodads and DIY elixirs you need to wade through the storm (p. 17). This edition’s travelogues, too, address various facets of wellbeing. A writer pens a poignant piece about recovering from the shock of her mother’s loss to COVID-19 with a family road trip to Tamil Nadu (p. 58); a tea ceremony in Tokyo offers lessons in mindfulness (p. 64); and Kerala engulfs you with healing energy with its waterfalls and wellness experiences (p. 54).

Moreover, our list of 20 wellness retreats— around India and the world—will have you charting out your recovery travels (p. 7). As international borders reopen, the gorgeous island of Île de Ré off the coast of northwestern

France should be on your bucket list—we #discovertheundiscovered (including 22 flavours of ice cream!) in a sunny feature (p. 82).

As wellness-focussed itineraries rise in popularity, we are certain that this issue will provide you enough fodder to plan your future getaways. Also, stay tuned to our website (travelandleisureindia.in) for all the latest travel updates.

Carpe diem!

Aindrila Mitra aindrila.mitra@burda.in

#TnlTravels on @travelandleisureindia @tnlindia linkedin.com/company/travel-leisure-india-south-asia

FROM MY TRAVELS This photograph was taken at Hilton Shillim Estate Retreat & Spa. It was a rainy day, and monsoons are beautiful in the Western Ghats.