(This article first appeared online on 21st June 2023 and in print on 22nd June in Mint Lounge, India https://lifestyle.livemint.com/food/discover/best-fried-breads-around-the-world-111687313794053.html)
Showing posts with label CANADA. Show all posts
Showing posts with label CANADA. Show all posts
Wednesday, June 21, 2023
Friday, November 1, 2019
The Magical Christmas Quintet!
From a traditional white Christmas in Finland to an Aussie one where having a beach barbeque is the norm and a whole lot more exotic experiences in between, Raul Dias celebrates the diversity in Yuletide festivities from five unique parts of the world.
By Raul Dias
Celebrating with Santa
Rovaniemi in Finland
There is probably no other place in the world than Rovaniemi, Finland to spend the ultimate Christmas Day of your life. For it is this snow-blanketed, tiny town, neatly tucked away in the far north of the country’s Lapland that is considered the ‘Official Hometown of Santa Claus’. A month before Christmas, the festivities are put into full throttle here as Santa Claus declares the Christmas season open in Santa Claus Village. Another highlight of the year is December 23rd, when Santa departs on his mission to hand out presents to children all around the globe. And not to forget good old Rudolf, for Rovaniemi is also home to countless reindeer that one can interact with and even go on a sledge ride with. For those travelling with children, SantaPark is a must visit. It is at this underground toy factory where Santa’s elves create all the presents for children around the world. It’s a wonderful place for children to explore and a fantastic place to get in the spirit of Christmas in Lapland.
Tacos, Tamales, Tequila, anyone?
Mexico City in Mexico
It is in mid-November each year, when the Christmas festivities are kickstarted in bustling, colourful Mexico City. This takes place with the lighting of the Christmas tree in the Liverpool Insurgentes mega store on the third Saturday in November. It is THE most visited store during Yuletide season by Mexican families, for its Christmas village is one of the most spectacular and entertaining of the city. Besides the impressive Christmas tree, it features an ice slide and activities for children to write their letters to the Three Wise Men. From then on, families begin to prepare for the holidays where plenty of food, fun and colour define the fiesta. Think copious amounts of traditional Christmas delicacies like a large fritter known as a buñuelo, ponche navideño (a Christmas fruit punch) along with the usual Mexican cuisine staples of tacos and tamales stuffed with turkey—all washed down with some tequila. Christmas markets like the one organised in the Coyoacan Market or the Grand Christmas Bazaar in the Lázaro Cardenas Market are also wonderful places to get the festive vibe going. Another magical place in Mexico City during Christmas is the Zocalo square in the heart of the city where a giant ice rink is set up for people to skate and make merry.
Christmas in January
Lalibela in Ethiopia
Probably the most unique Christmas celebrations, and not just on this list, but in the world, Lalibela in Ethiopia does its version of the festivities very, very differently. For starters, Ethiopia celebrates Christmas on January 7th, not December 25th. Called Ganna, Christmas here is preceded by a special Advent fast for 43 days before Christmas. It starts on 25th November and is known as the ‘Fast of the Prophets’ or Tsome Nebiyat. During this time, traditionally only one vegan meal is eaten each day. On the day of Ganna, people get dressed in white, wearing a traditional shawl-like garment called a netela. It is a thin white cotton piece of cloth with brightly coloured stripes across the ends. People go to mass on Christmas Eve (called the Gahad of Christmas) at 6.00 pm and the service finishes about 3.00 am on Christmas Day, making it one of the longest and yes, most fascinating Christmas services! This is followed by a traditional Christmas feast that includes a thick stew called wat which can be made with meat, vegetables and eggs. The stew is eaten with roll of injera which is a flat fermented bread made from an indigenous Ethiopian grain called teff.
Joyeaux Noël
Montreal in Canada
Infused with a deliciously French flavour, given the city’s deep French conection, Christmas in Montreal is celebrated very differently than it is in other parts of Canada. Simply called ‘Noël’, it begins with the Défilé du Père Noël, aka the Montreal Santa Claus Parade that has been a tradition since 1925 with about 15 to 20 floats proceeding along the downtown artery and top shopping destination, Ste. Catherine Street, from Fort to St. Urbain. Another beautiful way that Christmas is celebrated here is with the Montreal Christmas Parade (Marche de Noël aux flambeaux) where one can join in the candlelight procession with over 10,000 other people to celebrate the season along with Christmas carolers who walk along the route from the city’s L’Avenue du Mont-Royal. As for those all-important Yuletide treats, you can indulge in an array of goodies like the ‘Bûche de Noël’ Yule log, pork pies called tourtières and yummy gruyère gougères, bursting with the goodness of cheese.
Beaches, BBQs and Bikinis
Sydney in Australia
Surprising as it may sound, but some of the best Christmas Day feasts in Sydney involve going to the city’s many beaches, donning bikinis, board shorts, thongs (as flip-flops are called in Australia) and indulging in a grand barbeque feast with family and friends, where plenty of grilled turkey, burgers and ice-cold beer take center stage. Iconic beaches like Bondi, Tamarama and Manly are the most popular ones to hang out at and enjoy the blazing Christmas summer sun while working on that festive tan. But this is not to say that some of the more typical trappings of a ‘traditional’ Christmas are totally ignored by our friends down under. In fact, the Yuletide festivities are kicked off on the last Saturday of November when Santa Claus and Sydney’s Lord Mayor light the giant Christmas Tree at a family concert in Martin Place. Another popular thing to do during the season is to check out the beautifully decorated Christmas window display dioramas at the David Jones store opposite St James Station, which each year tell a different Yuletide story.
(A shorter, edited version of this article first appeared in the Oct-Nov-Dec 2019 issue of HDFC Imperia magazine)
By Raul Dias
Celebrating with Santa
Rovaniemi in Finland
There is probably no other place in the world than Rovaniemi, Finland to spend the ultimate Christmas Day of your life. For it is this snow-blanketed, tiny town, neatly tucked away in the far north of the country’s Lapland that is considered the ‘Official Hometown of Santa Claus’. A month before Christmas, the festivities are put into full throttle here as Santa Claus declares the Christmas season open in Santa Claus Village. Another highlight of the year is December 23rd, when Santa departs on his mission to hand out presents to children all around the globe. And not to forget good old Rudolf, for Rovaniemi is also home to countless reindeer that one can interact with and even go on a sledge ride with. For those travelling with children, SantaPark is a must visit. It is at this underground toy factory where Santa’s elves create all the presents for children around the world. It’s a wonderful place for children to explore and a fantastic place to get in the spirit of Christmas in Lapland.
Tacos, Tamales, Tequila, anyone?
Mexico City in Mexico
It is in mid-November each year, when the Christmas festivities are kickstarted in bustling, colourful Mexico City. This takes place with the lighting of the Christmas tree in the Liverpool Insurgentes mega store on the third Saturday in November. It is THE most visited store during Yuletide season by Mexican families, for its Christmas village is one of the most spectacular and entertaining of the city. Besides the impressive Christmas tree, it features an ice slide and activities for children to write their letters to the Three Wise Men. From then on, families begin to prepare for the holidays where plenty of food, fun and colour define the fiesta. Think copious amounts of traditional Christmas delicacies like a large fritter known as a buñuelo, ponche navideño (a Christmas fruit punch) along with the usual Mexican cuisine staples of tacos and tamales stuffed with turkey—all washed down with some tequila. Christmas markets like the one organised in the Coyoacan Market or the Grand Christmas Bazaar in the Lázaro Cardenas Market are also wonderful places to get the festive vibe going. Another magical place in Mexico City during Christmas is the Zocalo square in the heart of the city where a giant ice rink is set up for people to skate and make merry.
Christmas in January
Lalibela in Ethiopia
Probably the most unique Christmas celebrations, and not just on this list, but in the world, Lalibela in Ethiopia does its version of the festivities very, very differently. For starters, Ethiopia celebrates Christmas on January 7th, not December 25th. Called Ganna, Christmas here is preceded by a special Advent fast for 43 days before Christmas. It starts on 25th November and is known as the ‘Fast of the Prophets’ or Tsome Nebiyat. During this time, traditionally only one vegan meal is eaten each day. On the day of Ganna, people get dressed in white, wearing a traditional shawl-like garment called a netela. It is a thin white cotton piece of cloth with brightly coloured stripes across the ends. People go to mass on Christmas Eve (called the Gahad of Christmas) at 6.00 pm and the service finishes about 3.00 am on Christmas Day, making it one of the longest and yes, most fascinating Christmas services! This is followed by a traditional Christmas feast that includes a thick stew called wat which can be made with meat, vegetables and eggs. The stew is eaten with roll of injera which is a flat fermented bread made from an indigenous Ethiopian grain called teff.
Joyeaux Noël
Montreal in Canada
Infused with a deliciously French flavour, given the city’s deep French conection, Christmas in Montreal is celebrated very differently than it is in other parts of Canada. Simply called ‘Noël’, it begins with the Défilé du Père Noël, aka the Montreal Santa Claus Parade that has been a tradition since 1925 with about 15 to 20 floats proceeding along the downtown artery and top shopping destination, Ste. Catherine Street, from Fort to St. Urbain. Another beautiful way that Christmas is celebrated here is with the Montreal Christmas Parade (Marche de Noël aux flambeaux) where one can join in the candlelight procession with over 10,000 other people to celebrate the season along with Christmas carolers who walk along the route from the city’s L’Avenue du Mont-Royal. As for those all-important Yuletide treats, you can indulge in an array of goodies like the ‘Bûche de Noël’ Yule log, pork pies called tourtières and yummy gruyère gougères, bursting with the goodness of cheese.
Beaches, BBQs and Bikinis
Sydney in Australia
Surprising as it may sound, but some of the best Christmas Day feasts in Sydney involve going to the city’s many beaches, donning bikinis, board shorts, thongs (as flip-flops are called in Australia) and indulging in a grand barbeque feast with family and friends, where plenty of grilled turkey, burgers and ice-cold beer take center stage. Iconic beaches like Bondi, Tamarama and Manly are the most popular ones to hang out at and enjoy the blazing Christmas summer sun while working on that festive tan. But this is not to say that some of the more typical trappings of a ‘traditional’ Christmas are totally ignored by our friends down under. In fact, the Yuletide festivities are kicked off on the last Saturday of November when Santa Claus and Sydney’s Lord Mayor light the giant Christmas Tree at a family concert in Martin Place. Another popular thing to do during the season is to check out the beautifully decorated Christmas window display dioramas at the David Jones store opposite St James Station, which each year tell a different Yuletide story.
(A shorter, edited version of this article first appeared in the Oct-Nov-Dec 2019 issue of HDFC Imperia magazine)
Tuesday, May 14, 2019
Summer Travel—Your Way!
Summer travel is all about making the most of that much-needed vacation time. And so, we’ve put together a list of exciting getaways around the world for all sorts of travellers—be they couples on a romantic break or the solo adventurer on their own wanderlust-driven path.
By Raul Dias
For Full Family Fun
Toronto in Canada
Almost every year, this vibrant Canadian city makes it to the top of the list of the world’s most family-friendly destinations. And rightly so! Come summer and this usually frigid city blossoms into a family fun paradise with scores of attractions that have something for every member. The well-maintained Toronto Zoo is a paradise for animal lovers with everything from Canada’s native polar bears to baby rhinos and hundreds of other creatures there to see. Prefer the more aquatic kind of adventures? Then a deep-sea adventure awaits at Ripley’s Aquarium. The Bat Cave at the Royal Ontario Museum is a fun way for kids to discover the real stories behind these mysterious creatures. And for the sportier families, scale to the top of the CNN Tower and earn yourself a panoramic view of the city. But for a truly memorable vacation, head down to the Canadian side of the mighty Niagara Falls just over an hour by road from Toronto. Once there, take a ride aboard the Hornblower Niagara Cruise in the morning and head off on an aerial tour of the falls with National Helicopters in the afternoon.
Getting There: There are daily direct and connecting flights from both Mumbai and New Delhi and other Indian cities to Toronto on airlines like Air India, Jet Airways, Air Canada and Emirates.
For the Romantic Couple
Turtle Island in Fiji
Picture this. The two of you on a private beach somewhere in the South Pacific with the soft white sand squeaking under your feet, a calm breeze lulling you into sweet submission, while the azure waters provide the ambient soundtrack with their gentle lapping… Bliss, right? But what’s even better about this montage is that it can be your very own reality at the super-exclusive Turtle Island in Fiji’s Yasawa chain. As part of this all-inclusive island resort—that is home to only 14 couples at a time—you even get access to your very own private beach that is only one of the 14 others that the resort is famous for. From there, your eyes are met with stunning vistas of the renowned Blue Lagoon which is an icon of Fiji, having featured in the 1980’s movie of the same name. Besides a romantic private dinner and couples’ massages, the resort even tailor-makes all your aquatic adventure requirements, be it snorkelling or swimming with the dolphins. Ah, bliss!
Getting There: Connect from most cities in India to Nadi, Fiji via Hong Kong on Cathay Pacific in association with partner airline Fiji Airways. From Nadi, one can reach Turtle Island by taking a 30-minute seaplane flight.
For the Solo Traveller
Safaris and More in South Africa
There is very little doubt that for most travellers, the words ‘South Africa’ and ‘Safaris’ go hand-in-hand. Home to a wondrous selection of wildlife, including the coveted Big 5, the iconic national parks like Limpopo’s Kruger and Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park in Upington are the best places to get your fill. And better still if you’re a solo traveller. Most safari resorts like the Hamiltons Tented Camp in Kurger offer up a variety of activities from daily group safari drives to nightly bonfire BBQs where you can meet and swap stories with fellow solo guests. And once you’ve got your fill of the country’s number one calling card, head down to the Garden Route in South Africa’s Western Cape region which is just the place to indulge your every adrenaline-laced fantasy. With everything from cave exploring at the magnificent Cango Caves in the Klein Karoo area to bungy jumping at the world’s highest bungy off the Bloukrans Bridge (that fords over the Bloukrans River valley at a height of 216 meters!), the Garden Route has it all and then some more for the solo adventure seeker.
Getting There: The best way to get to South Africa from India is via Dubai on Emirates that has daily flights to and from Cape Town, Durban and Johannesburg. Once in South Africa, you can hire a car and drive to most national parks and down to the Garden Route as well.
For a Memorable ‘Pet-a-cation’
New York in the USA
For most of us with pets, the idea of leaving them alone while we waltz off on a vacation is pretty traumatic. No longer. As one of the world’s greatest pet-friendly cities, New York has a plethora of hotels—from the iconic The Peninsula near Central Park to the Hilton Times Square—that are more than happy to welcome you and your pet. Among one of the best hotels in the city, The Conrad in fashionable Lower Manhattan is so pet-friendly that guests travelling with their pets also have access to dog beds, bandanas, food bowls and additional amenities through the hotel’s pet program. It even provides you with private GPS-tracked dog walking services, which include a map of the route travelled, arrival and departure times, and a recap and photos of your pooch’s adventure. And for those travelling sans pet, but craving some non-human company, the Roxy Hotel Tribeca, one of Manhattan’s most stylish boutique hotels will even offer its in-house posse of goldfish to guests—free of charge—for the duration of their stay!
Getting There: There are daily direct flights from both Mumbai and New Delhi to New York on airlines like Air India, Jet Airways, Delta and United Airlines.
(An edited version of this article first appeared in the April-May-June 2019 issue of HDFC Imperia magazine)
By Raul Dias
For Full Family Fun
Toronto in Canada
Almost every year, this vibrant Canadian city makes it to the top of the list of the world’s most family-friendly destinations. And rightly so! Come summer and this usually frigid city blossoms into a family fun paradise with scores of attractions that have something for every member. The well-maintained Toronto Zoo is a paradise for animal lovers with everything from Canada’s native polar bears to baby rhinos and hundreds of other creatures there to see. Prefer the more aquatic kind of adventures? Then a deep-sea adventure awaits at Ripley’s Aquarium. The Bat Cave at the Royal Ontario Museum is a fun way for kids to discover the real stories behind these mysterious creatures. And for the sportier families, scale to the top of the CNN Tower and earn yourself a panoramic view of the city. But for a truly memorable vacation, head down to the Canadian side of the mighty Niagara Falls just over an hour by road from Toronto. Once there, take a ride aboard the Hornblower Niagara Cruise in the morning and head off on an aerial tour of the falls with National Helicopters in the afternoon.
Getting There: There are daily direct and connecting flights from both Mumbai and New Delhi and other Indian cities to Toronto on airlines like Air India, Jet Airways, Air Canada and Emirates.
For the Romantic Couple
Turtle Island in Fiji
Picture this. The two of you on a private beach somewhere in the South Pacific with the soft white sand squeaking under your feet, a calm breeze lulling you into sweet submission, while the azure waters provide the ambient soundtrack with their gentle lapping… Bliss, right? But what’s even better about this montage is that it can be your very own reality at the super-exclusive Turtle Island in Fiji’s Yasawa chain. As part of this all-inclusive island resort—that is home to only 14 couples at a time—you even get access to your very own private beach that is only one of the 14 others that the resort is famous for. From there, your eyes are met with stunning vistas of the renowned Blue Lagoon which is an icon of Fiji, having featured in the 1980’s movie of the same name. Besides a romantic private dinner and couples’ massages, the resort even tailor-makes all your aquatic adventure requirements, be it snorkelling or swimming with the dolphins. Ah, bliss!
Getting There: Connect from most cities in India to Nadi, Fiji via Hong Kong on Cathay Pacific in association with partner airline Fiji Airways. From Nadi, one can reach Turtle Island by taking a 30-minute seaplane flight.
For the Solo Traveller
Safaris and More in South Africa
There is very little doubt that for most travellers, the words ‘South Africa’ and ‘Safaris’ go hand-in-hand. Home to a wondrous selection of wildlife, including the coveted Big 5, the iconic national parks like Limpopo’s Kruger and Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park in Upington are the best places to get your fill. And better still if you’re a solo traveller. Most safari resorts like the Hamiltons Tented Camp in Kurger offer up a variety of activities from daily group safari drives to nightly bonfire BBQs where you can meet and swap stories with fellow solo guests. And once you’ve got your fill of the country’s number one calling card, head down to the Garden Route in South Africa’s Western Cape region which is just the place to indulge your every adrenaline-laced fantasy. With everything from cave exploring at the magnificent Cango Caves in the Klein Karoo area to bungy jumping at the world’s highest bungy off the Bloukrans Bridge (that fords over the Bloukrans River valley at a height of 216 meters!), the Garden Route has it all and then some more for the solo adventure seeker.
Getting There: The best way to get to South Africa from India is via Dubai on Emirates that has daily flights to and from Cape Town, Durban and Johannesburg. Once in South Africa, you can hire a car and drive to most national parks and down to the Garden Route as well.
For a Memorable ‘Pet-a-cation’
New York in the USA
For most of us with pets, the idea of leaving them alone while we waltz off on a vacation is pretty traumatic. No longer. As one of the world’s greatest pet-friendly cities, New York has a plethora of hotels—from the iconic The Peninsula near Central Park to the Hilton Times Square—that are more than happy to welcome you and your pet. Among one of the best hotels in the city, The Conrad in fashionable Lower Manhattan is so pet-friendly that guests travelling with their pets also have access to dog beds, bandanas, food bowls and additional amenities through the hotel’s pet program. It even provides you with private GPS-tracked dog walking services, which include a map of the route travelled, arrival and departure times, and a recap and photos of your pooch’s adventure. And for those travelling sans pet, but craving some non-human company, the Roxy Hotel Tribeca, one of Manhattan’s most stylish boutique hotels will even offer its in-house posse of goldfish to guests—free of charge—for the duration of their stay!
Getting There: There are daily direct flights from both Mumbai and New Delhi to New York on airlines like Air India, Jet Airways, Delta and United Airlines.
(An edited version of this article first appeared in the April-May-June 2019 issue of HDFC Imperia magazine)
Wednesday, March 8, 2017
Unusual ‘Spa’ing!
From a floating spa to one 20,000 leagues
(well, not really!) under the sea, and from a salt-encrusted cave spa to a
‘leviating’ science fiction-esque one, a few unusual spas around the world are
pushing the envelope, offering up a plethora of rejuvenating treatments for the
adventurous sybarite. RAUL DIAS takes you to seven such repositories of
relaxation
THE
BOTA BOTA SPA
CANADA
25,000 square feet. 678 portholes. 40 types of services. 35 massage therapists. 21 treatment rooms. In numbers, the floating Bota Bota Spa in Old Montreal, Canada is über impressive to say the very least. But throw in the fact that in its earlier avatar, it was a ferryboat carrying passengers from Sorel to Berthier in Quebec in the 1950s and ’60s, as well enjoying a run a showboat on the Richelieu River and you soon realise how truly unusual this floating spa is! Today, the gentle ebbing of the St. Lawrence River relaxes and energizes guests on the boats five decks that boast an eucalyptus steam bath, outdoor whirlpools and relaxing gardens. The treatments are mostly centred on the benefits of water, including the in-demand Nordic baths that detoxify and cleanse the body. While it might look slightly industrial from the outside, the Bota Bota Spa is surprisingly comfortable and very relaxing on the inside. There is also a restaurant on-board the ship, serving meals made from fresh, healthy and locally sourced ingredients from Quebec.
CANADA
25,000 square feet. 678 portholes. 40 types of services. 35 massage therapists. 21 treatment rooms. In numbers, the floating Bota Bota Spa in Old Montreal, Canada is über impressive to say the very least. But throw in the fact that in its earlier avatar, it was a ferryboat carrying passengers from Sorel to Berthier in Quebec in the 1950s and ’60s, as well enjoying a run a showboat on the Richelieu River and you soon realise how truly unusual this floating spa is! Today, the gentle ebbing of the St. Lawrence River relaxes and energizes guests on the boats five decks that boast an eucalyptus steam bath, outdoor whirlpools and relaxing gardens. The treatments are mostly centred on the benefits of water, including the in-demand Nordic baths that detoxify and cleanse the body. While it might look slightly industrial from the outside, the Bota Bota Spa is surprisingly comfortable and very relaxing on the inside. There is also a restaurant on-board the ship, serving meals made from fresh, healthy and locally sourced ingredients from Quebec.
Top Indulgence:
The 60 minutes ‘The Escape Treatment’ that includes an exfoliation, body wrap,
head and neck massage.
THE
BLUE LAGOON
ICELAND
As one of Iceland’s most popular spas — renowned for its therapeutic waters — it is no great surprise that The Blue Lagoon draws in over 400,000 visitors annually. Allowing guests to commune with nature in six million litres of geothermal seawater, the spa is located in Iceland’s lava fields of Grindavik on the Reykjanes Peninsula. This scenic, and often extreme environment is the perfect setting for this mineral-rich spa that, as its website claims, affords guests the chance to “actually bathe between two continents as the Euro-Asian and American tectonic plates meet at the Blue Lagoon”. While soaking in the waters is said to do wonders for the skin leaving it supple and smooth, the all-natural spa also uses the silica mud surrounding the lagoon to help soothe troubled skin. Be sure to experience the sauna at the spa, which has been carved into the lagoon’s lava rocks.
ICELAND
As one of Iceland’s most popular spas — renowned for its therapeutic waters — it is no great surprise that The Blue Lagoon draws in over 400,000 visitors annually. Allowing guests to commune with nature in six million litres of geothermal seawater, the spa is located in Iceland’s lava fields of Grindavik on the Reykjanes Peninsula. This scenic, and often extreme environment is the perfect setting for this mineral-rich spa that, as its website claims, affords guests the chance to “actually bathe between two continents as the Euro-Asian and American tectonic plates meet at the Blue Lagoon”. While soaking in the waters is said to do wonders for the skin leaving it supple and smooth, the all-natural spa also uses the silica mud surrounding the lagoon to help soothe troubled skin. Be sure to experience the sauna at the spa, which has been carved into the lagoon’s lava rocks.
Top Indulgence:
The 30 minutes Silica Mud Mask treatment that is the spa’s signature treatment
is legendry for its soothing, toning and rehydrating properties, leaving your
face rejuvenated.
THE
AQUADOME SPA
AUSTRIA
Amply displaying more similarities with an eerie extraterrestrial habitation, than a spa, the Aquadome Spa that is situated in the Alps in Lӓngenfeld, Austria, seems straight out of the latest Hollywood sci-fi movie. From three levitating bowl-shaped pools with underwater music and light effects to thermal domes housing indoor pools, everything about this spa is so cool; you can’t help but want to go there to see it for yourself. With plenty of options to pamper you silly, this spa offers classic treatments along with a heady mix of aesthetic and cosmetic packages, along with bath ceremonies and rituals. So, if you can picture yourself floating across the surface of a heated pool while gazing up at the alpine peaks; the thermal Aquadome Spa is there to make it a reality!
AUSTRIA
Amply displaying more similarities with an eerie extraterrestrial habitation, than a spa, the Aquadome Spa that is situated in the Alps in Lӓngenfeld, Austria, seems straight out of the latest Hollywood sci-fi movie. From three levitating bowl-shaped pools with underwater music and light effects to thermal domes housing indoor pools, everything about this spa is so cool; you can’t help but want to go there to see it for yourself. With plenty of options to pamper you silly, this spa offers classic treatments along with a heady mix of aesthetic and cosmetic packages, along with bath ceremonies and rituals. So, if you can picture yourself floating across the surface of a heated pool while gazing up at the alpine peaks; the thermal Aquadome Spa is there to make it a reality!
Top Indulgence:
The specially designed for men 50 minutes Mountain Force Sport Treatment is the
ideal treatment for reinvigorating your stressed muscles with cupping,
massaging and stretching actions employed to rebalance you.
THE
LIME SPA
THE MALDIVES
While The Maldives Islands have so far been famous for their myriad underwater suites and restaurants, an underwater spa of this magnitude is a first. The Lime Spa at Per Aquum Niyama on the Dhaalu Atoll has taken that concept to the extreme by creating the world’s first underwater spa that offers natural treatments with a view of the ocean floor. Set within its own lagoon, The Lime Spa enables you to float through multi-day journeys of hydrating wraps, intuitive massages, couture facials and underwater dream therapies. It’s an immersive environment, designed to reflect the serene, aquatic surroundings — right down to the plush cushions that evoke a skin-friendly version of coral and sea sponges, to the ethereal fabrics created to look like kelp. In addition to the underwater and overwater treatment rooms, the spa is also home to Sublime, which offers pre and post-treatment relaxation with sauna, steam, an onsen shower, mist shower, ice room, and a relaxation lounge with panoramic views of the Indian Ocean as you spot exotic marine swim by. Trust us; Finding Dory was never this fun!
THE MALDIVES
While The Maldives Islands have so far been famous for their myriad underwater suites and restaurants, an underwater spa of this magnitude is a first. The Lime Spa at Per Aquum Niyama on the Dhaalu Atoll has taken that concept to the extreme by creating the world’s first underwater spa that offers natural treatments with a view of the ocean floor. Set within its own lagoon, The Lime Spa enables you to float through multi-day journeys of hydrating wraps, intuitive massages, couture facials and underwater dream therapies. It’s an immersive environment, designed to reflect the serene, aquatic surroundings — right down to the plush cushions that evoke a skin-friendly version of coral and sea sponges, to the ethereal fabrics created to look like kelp. In addition to the underwater and overwater treatment rooms, the spa is also home to Sublime, which offers pre and post-treatment relaxation with sauna, steam, an onsen shower, mist shower, ice room, and a relaxation lounge with panoramic views of the Indian Ocean as you spot exotic marine swim by. Trust us; Finding Dory was never this fun!
Top Indulgence:
The 75 minutes Holistic Duo is the perfect couples’ treatment that includes an
aromatherapy massage and a Himalayan singing bowl session that they guarantee
will lull you both into a state of deep relaxation...
THE
INTEGRATRON
USA
An acoustically perfect tabernacle and energy machine in the mystical Mojave Desert in south-eastern California, USA, The Integratron is a geomagnetic vortex desert spa offering some seriously alternative therapies to balance out your body’s Qi. Creator George Van Tassel, who was an aeronautical engineer and test pilot, claimed that the structure is based on the design of Moses’ Tabernacle, the writings of Nikola Tesla and telepathic directions from extra-terrestrials (yes, you read that right!). The giant dome structure offers sonic healing sessions to those seeking a one-stop shop for physical and spiritual healing. Known as ‘Sound Baths’, the sessions will have you resting comfortably in the deeply resonant, multi-wave sound chamber, while a sequence of quartz crystal singing bowls are played, each one keyed to the energy centres or chakras of the body.
USA
An acoustically perfect tabernacle and energy machine in the mystical Mojave Desert in south-eastern California, USA, The Integratron is a geomagnetic vortex desert spa offering some seriously alternative therapies to balance out your body’s Qi. Creator George Van Tassel, who was an aeronautical engineer and test pilot, claimed that the structure is based on the design of Moses’ Tabernacle, the writings of Nikola Tesla and telepathic directions from extra-terrestrials (yes, you read that right!). The giant dome structure offers sonic healing sessions to those seeking a one-stop shop for physical and spiritual healing. Known as ‘Sound Baths’, the sessions will have you resting comfortably in the deeply resonant, multi-wave sound chamber, while a sequence of quartz crystal singing bowls are played, each one keyed to the energy centres or chakras of the body.
Top Indulgence:
The 60 minutes All Sound Baths Sonic
Healing Session that consist of 25 minutes of crystal bowls played live and the
balance of the hour to integrate the sound and relax in the sound chamber to
recorded music that results in waves of peace, heightened awareness, and
relaxation of the mind and body.
THE
TSCHUGGEN BERGOASE SPA
SWITZERLAND
Created to resemble vegetal forms and trees, the striking, geometric structures jutting from the Tschuggen Bergoase Spa in Arosa, Switzerland are a sight to behold with their vertiginous metal and glass shards that almost seem to piece the still, cool Alpine air. Set on 5,000 square meters of land, the spa provides an exceptional view of the rugged mountain terrain and allows natural light into the treatment rooms that are spread over four floors—some of them even underground and set into the mountain itself. Architect Mario Botta was mindful of the surrounding villages and natural environment, so he aimed to “build without over-building.” With Switzerland famous for its spas, the Tschuggen Bergoase Spa has plenty of treatment to choose from, using products from Sensai, Clarins, Comfort Zone, OPI and La Biosthétique for a truly indulgent experience. Moreover, the mountain sauna of original, ancient rock combined with the various steam rooms and saunas helps you rejuvenate with the energy of nature seeping in.
SWITZERLAND
Created to resemble vegetal forms and trees, the striking, geometric structures jutting from the Tschuggen Bergoase Spa in Arosa, Switzerland are a sight to behold with their vertiginous metal and glass shards that almost seem to piece the still, cool Alpine air. Set on 5,000 square meters of land, the spa provides an exceptional view of the rugged mountain terrain and allows natural light into the treatment rooms that are spread over four floors—some of them even underground and set into the mountain itself. Architect Mario Botta was mindful of the surrounding villages and natural environment, so he aimed to “build without over-building.” With Switzerland famous for its spas, the Tschuggen Bergoase Spa has plenty of treatment to choose from, using products from Sensai, Clarins, Comfort Zone, OPI and La Biosthétique for a truly indulgent experience. Moreover, the mountain sauna of original, ancient rock combined with the various steam rooms and saunas helps you rejuvenate with the energy of nature seeping in.
Top Indulgence:
The 50 minutes Men’s Facial is a personalised
treatment using Clarins Men’s products, specially formulated for men’s skin
types, designed to leave your skin feeling fresh, clear and rejuvenated.
THE GALOS SALT-IODINE CAVES
SPA
USA
This haven of tranquillity slap bang in the middle of Chicago, USA, relies on the benefits of Crimean salt. Low levels of iodine in parts of the US make Chicago a perfect spot for this pastel-hued spa. Derived from the mysterious Black Sea, which is known to have healing effects on dysfunctions in the respiratory, digestive, nervous and cardiovascular systems, the Crimean salt is crystallised naturally to mimic these effects. While the crystallised salt itself has a delicate pink colour, the lights inside the caves subscribe to colour therapy and are arranged in a way to soothe your senses. With a plethora of treatments that offer healing baths, water treatments, inhalation and irrigation, and the faint flowery aroma of the salt, this unique spa is a culmination of overall wellness and relaxation. Besides its cosmetic benefits, a visit to Galos is beneficial to the body, as the air is intensively charged with salt particles and has a natural anti-infectious effect; it stimulates the immune system and is great for the skin. The sea microclimate created inside the caves provides an oasis of peace and relaxation. Ah, bliss!
USA
This haven of tranquillity slap bang in the middle of Chicago, USA, relies on the benefits of Crimean salt. Low levels of iodine in parts of the US make Chicago a perfect spot for this pastel-hued spa. Derived from the mysterious Black Sea, which is known to have healing effects on dysfunctions in the respiratory, digestive, nervous and cardiovascular systems, the Crimean salt is crystallised naturally to mimic these effects. While the crystallised salt itself has a delicate pink colour, the lights inside the caves subscribe to colour therapy and are arranged in a way to soothe your senses. With a plethora of treatments that offer healing baths, water treatments, inhalation and irrigation, and the faint flowery aroma of the salt, this unique spa is a culmination of overall wellness and relaxation. Besides its cosmetic benefits, a visit to Galos is beneficial to the body, as the air is intensively charged with salt particles and has a natural anti-infectious effect; it stimulates the immune system and is great for the skin. The sea microclimate created inside the caves provides an oasis of peace and relaxation. Ah, bliss!
Top Indulgence:
The 45 minutes Balneotherapy session uses the minerals from water, peloids and
gases for glowing skin and rids the body of toxins.
(An edited version of this piece was first published in the March, 2017 issue of The Week's The Man magazine)
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