Along the Azure Shore

With 361 accommodation units in the form of rooms, suites and beachfront villas with private pools and gardens, Hilton Salwa Beach Resort Qatar is luxury redefined.

LOCATED ALONG THE shores of the Arabian Gulf, on the southwestern tip of Qatar, Hilton Salwa Beach Resort Qatar becomes an obvious choice for travellers. And it can be credited not only to the mesmerising views of the shoreline from the property but also the world class restaurants, award winning spa, luxurious accommodations, and the country’s largest theme park.

The property effortlessly merges luxury and local lifestyle to provide an unparalleled experience to the guests. As for the activities that the guests can engage in, paddling out in a kayak or the water sports are amongst top choices. And for those seeking tranquillity, relaxing by the beach comes highly recommended. Wellness enthusiasts can opt for the award winning Eforea Spa for a transformative experience or choose to go for a traditional Turkish hammam for an oasis of calm. Moving on to the culinary offerings, a burst of global flavours awaits travellers from all walks of life. One can not only choose from traditions and cultures of the Middle East but also explore cuisines from across borders at the 20 food and beverage outlets, including underwater dining.

Spread across nearly 3.5kms of coastline, Hilton Salwa Beach Resort Qatar is an ideal escape for the luxury traveller looking forward to an indulgence. salwabeachresort.qa

DRAWING INSPIRATION from river Narmada and influenced by the torans of Vadnagar, the newly opened ITC Narmada in Ahmedabad pays ode to Gujarat’s grandeur. The entry, through the hotel’s grand façade, serves as a symbolic representation of the gateway to the region. A little further, a unique atrium stepwell design reminds of Adalaj Ni Vav, an iconic stepwell in Gujarat famed for its architectural brilliance. The centre of the atrium gushes with a waterfall, reminiscent of the river Narmada while the state’s intricate handicrafts and vibrancy reflect in the latticework, detailed motifs, mural art, and in-room embellishments that are dotted across the premises.

Home to 291 well-appointed rooms and suites, each floor of the hotel celebrates a distinct element of the state. And inside each room, a blend of world-class facilities and indigenous hospitality await.

On the dining front, the property brings together five celebrated cuisine brands from the hotel chain’s signature collection. From traditional flavours influenced by the local culture to gastronomic creations from around the world, be assured of an inspiring culinary experience matched by warm, personalised, and efficient service. Savour regional delicacies and global favourites at the all-day dining restaurant Adalaj Pavilion. At Royal Vega—an exclusively vegetarian restaurant inspired by India’s erstwhile royal kitchens—get regaled by timeless delicacies based on the ancient Indian system of seasonal cooking paired with decades of culinary research. Enjoy the robust flavours of the North-west frontier such as dal Bukhara, succulent kebabs, and clay tandoor breads at Peshawri. Taste the diversity of Chinese cuisine with contemporary interpretations made simple at Yi-Jing. End the culinary journey on a sweet note at Fabelle, a luxury chocolate boutique that offers an immersive and participative experience with its singleorigin cacaos and exotic ingredients.

For complete relaxation and rejuvenation, Kaya Kalp - The Spa awaits. Serving as a sanctuary of holistic wellbeing, this spa offers a selection of signature treatments and indigenous therapies. Complimenting this rejuvenation is a serene swimming pool, and a fitness centre.

The hotel also offers a host of elegant meeting spaces and boardrooms, each equipped with modern facilities. Take the Narmada Stateroom, for instance. Offering 427 square metres of pillar-less banqueting space, this versatile space—which can be divided into two—is an ideal venue for a variety of celebrations, conferences, and events. Be it an intimate event or a grand party, ITC Narmada caters to them all. itchotels.com

UTAH HAS MANY gifts tucked in its kitty. Participate in stargazing tours led by rangers at any of the national parks such as the Bryce Canyon National Park, Cedar Breaks National Monument, or Capitol Reef National Park. Photography lovers can opt for the Enlighten Photography guided tour at Zion National Park while wildlife enthusiasts can visit Capitol Reef National Park for a guided llama trek. Take the Redrock Ballooning tour and float over natural sandstone arches at Arches National Park or gently row into the night with a sound and light show jet boat tour at Canyonlands National Park. Alternatively, enjoy a Campfire S’mores and Stars Tour in Kanab. The slot canyons here are worth a visit.

One can also spend time with Carol Talus (an Airbnb host) in her hogan to learn the Navajo way of life. For more luxurious adventures, there is Utah Ranch Stays. Pamper yourself with body treatments rich in Southwest Native botanicals at HozHo Spa in Bluff Dwellings Resort & Spa, relax in the blue waters of a 10,000-year-old thermal crater in the city of Midway, or hop on a helicopter to Zion National Park to practice yoga. Traverse through 28 scenic byways, and make a pitstop at

Kiva Koffeehouse on Scenic Byway 12 to savour coffee and red rock views. More memorable meals can be found at Hell’s Backbone Grill, a Zagat-rated restaurant in Boulder; Viking Yurt, a six-course finedining experience in mid-mountain of

Park City Mountain; or at Sego, located in the adventure basecamp of Kanab where regional New American cuisine awaits.

Come winter, and Utah transforms into a wonderland. Northern Utah entices with charming mountain towns, dog sledding, and the 2002 Winter Olympic legacy. Head to the red rock country in southern Utah for some peace and quiet. Also consider visiting Fireside Dining in Deer Valley, a day lodge that turns into a fine-dining venue during the ski season.

With such varied scenery on offer, it comes as no surprise that film tourism is also a big crowd-puller here. Plan a trip around iconic cinema locations and get inspired by great storytelling along the way. Or align your vacation with Sundance Film Festival, one of the largest independent film festivals in the world. visitutah.com ―

SITUATED WITHIN AN apple orchard, framed by towering poplar trees and surrounded by the Zabarwan mountain range, Rah Bagh is an idyllic retreat on the outskirts of Srinagar. With a distinctive character, the property is spread over an expansive three acres.

At Rah Bagh, elegance defines the Premium Rooms, the Royal Attic Suites come with their own charm, and independence best describes the Garden Suites with private gardens. All 33 accommodation units come with private balconies or sit-out areas for travellers to absorb the best the valley has to offer. During the day, the picturesque Dal and Nageen Lakes keep you company and as the night falls, twinkling lights take over.

Rah Bagh is a sanctuary for those who are looking to embrace solitude, with well known tourist spots only a few hours’ drive away. For wildlife enthusiasts, the Dachigam Wildlife Sanctuary is just a 10-minute drive from the property. And golfers can tee off at the Royal Springs Golf Course, only 20 minutes from Rah Bagh.

One can savour traditional Kashmiri flavours as well as global cuisine and beverages at Wan Posh, the all-day restaurant with a live kitchen or at Café Sky, the terrace deck restaurant. Other services at the property include an open-air pool, hot tub, gym and bikes to explore the mountains around. rahbagh.com

An aerial view of the property along the shore. Below: The hotel offers many activities including paddling out in a kayak.

From left: The spectacular lobby at the hotel; an aerial view of the property; inside the Deluxe Suite bedroom.

From left: Utah becomes a wonderland in winter; stop for a delicious meal at Sego, located at the basecamp of Kanab. A traveller admires the beauty of Capitol Reef National Park. Below: Thor’s Hammer in Bryce National Park.

Rah Bagh is surrounded by the Zabarwan Mountains. Right: Inside the Royal Attic Suite.