PHUKET SRI LANKAAconce-in-alfetime experience awaits you at Lily Beach Resort & Spa, where haxury and bliss entwine together under the ‘vibrant colours ofthe setting sun The natural banty ofthe Maldives surrounds tis award-winning, S-star resort, just a short 25-minute seaplane flight from the intemational airport. An encompassing All-Inclusive Platinum plan, delectable food options anda variety ofleisure and sporting activities create the perfect holiday for couples and families alike Enjoy life to the fullest at Lily Beach Resort & Spa, the Best All-Inclusive Resort in the Maldives, where you may come asastranger, but you will surely lave asa friend. Mais @/ a He re Sy ae £ LILY BEACH RESORT & SPA. AT HUVAHENDHOO. MALDIVESWelcome note The summer is officially upon us, and never has a long holiday been so needed. After we abandoned all hope this time last year, vaccinations and colour-coded quarantine systems have us seeing the light at the end of the travel corridors. i Top of our travel-now-not-later Hot Media list is Phuket (p48), which has just banging Dieoter reopened to international tourists. The Thai province, home to 33 islands, has all the components of a classic summer vacation - blue skies, white beaches, verdant landscapes, and, of course, great food. For cuisine worth a duplicate passport stamp, meanwhile, one of our writers makes a case for Chief Creative Officer John Thatcher General Manager David Wade Content & Social Editor Hayley Kadrou Docu! Editor revisiting Sri Lanka (p34), when. ophia Dyer possible. Discover why it’s just as Art Director awe-inducing second time around. Kerri Bennett If you're more about star-spotting when sun-soaking, make Miami beach igital Media Manager ‘Muthu Kumar your summer getaway. Turn to page 42 to be pulled in by the allure of sunbathing beside Grammy winners and partying into the early hours. Get away. Seize the summer. And stay safe. dnatatravel Photography credits: comet Sec by Getty mages supped ea vinet Find us at. sibsctaon niei rom @ ONLINE worldtravellerme.com a G FaceB0oK @WorldtravellerME G instacRAM aworidtravellerme Gl twitter awrravellerme FIVE THINGS WE LEARNED THIS ISSUE: yet, thanks to anew sleep hotel opened in Portugal. p12 2 Route 66 was the inspiration behind Jack Kerouac’s On The Road, as well as John Steinbeck’s The Grapes of Wrath. pI7 3 Spain's annual tomato- throwing festival, La ‘Tomatina, started after ‘a food fight broke out between locals in 1945. p25, 4 Yala National Park in Sri Lanka is home to the highest density of leopards in the world, p37 3 Due to The Man with the Golden Gun filming worldtravellerme.com 1Contents July -August 2021 regulars 06 Il 64. 68 ‘TRENDING GLOBETROTTER READER OFFERS SUITE DREAMS DESTINATIONS Withachancetofinally It's timewe sent you New Yorks open and Theplaces topping our spreadourwings (ok, packing. Choose calling. Youll likely go-tolistthis month morelikeflutterthem yournextadventure, find us holed upin the inchide mainland alitlebit)thissummer, whether nearor far, 5-Bedroom Penthouse Greeceandtherural _we'veselectedthree —fromourexclusive at the city’s celebrated beauty of Trabzon. escapes ofit yourmood. reader offers ‘The Mark Hotel. 2. worldtravellerme.comCONTENTS features 16 34 42 48 ESSENTIALTRAVEL NEVERCANSAY WELCOME TOMIAMI BACK TO THE ISLANDS Thefinal partofour GOODBYE Asitopensupforselect Wanderlusters of the writers top travel KatieBowman usually international visitors world rejoice - Phuket is, experiences see us, cravesnewhorizons.So(that’su,we'vegot open, Heres what todo, Ascend Mount Kinabalu whydoesSriLankakeep the ntelonFloridas —_seeand experience inthe and drive Route 66 callingher back? slammest spot ‘Thai favourite, worldtravellerme.com 3Back to Nature Oman's newly opened Allila Hinu Bay is inviting guests to reconnect with Mother Nature pening its doors in Oman in June, Alila Hinu Bay couldn't ‘have come at abetter time, When eco-friendly travel Is more in demand than ever before, the newcomer isa strong sustainability advocate. A haven of relaxation and reflection, it's the ideal place todetach from the world’s stresses, and recharge instead, Situated on a secluded beachfrontin Dhofar, visitors are immersed into picture perfect scenes of sapphire waters of the Arabian Sea, towering peaks of he Jebel Samhan mountain range, and vibrant flora that thrives in the surrounding creeks and wadis. As Alla Hinu Bay is dedicated to preserving the largely untouched regional ecology, guests can engage with the resort's natural neighbours with a clear consctence. “The eco-journey continues inside each ofthe 12 200ms and villas. Modern and ‘minimal, the interiors incorporate many ‘materials from the region, With lagoon or sea views, nature-seekers can take 4 World Traveller advantage of their surroundings from their private terrace. Ifresiding in one of te 16 pool villas, they can unwind in thelr personal plunge poo! or outdoor bathtub and enjoy direct access tothe beautiful private beach. Design across the luxury property is likewise inspired by the Omani vernacular, as traditional culture can be seen in the archway corridors, while the ‘marble facade and falaj water features pay homage tots local landscape and climate. Yer sustainability is also about preservingand respecting the local culture, which is why Omani hospitality is fused into every clement - not least in the restaurants, All dining options source Jocal ingredients where possible, but each boast different specialities - Seasalt takes visitors on a coastal dining journey, while ‘The Labby Lounge introduces guests to authentic Arabian favours. From cultural exploration o outdoor ‘adventure, days can be seized by ‘embarking on bespoke experiences. ‘Three to tick off the list are the journeys Above the Clouds, to the Wadi Darbat, land toa Thousand Stars. The frst invites view-seekers to discover one of the largest sinkholes inthe world and enjoy panoramic scenes from Jabal Samhan. ‘The second serves up mouthwatering cuisine specially selected by the hotels Executive Chef, under the stars. The ‘inal takes explorers on a hike and swim ‘through the breathtaking wadis. While ‘many ofthe experiences also include tallored treatments at Spa Alila, every _guest is invited to indulge in bespoke ‘treatments that are performed using natural products, from massages to factals. Yoga and meditation classes are also on offer. Regardless of why, where from or when ‘guests may arrive at Alila Hinu Bay, one thing's for sure they leave feling calm, content and connected to Mother Nature. Tofind out more, visit alilahinubay.comPool Villa bedroomTRENDING DESTINATIONS As borders open, Emily Jenkins, dnata Travel's resident globetrotter, reveals the places you should visit 5 Tie Protaras, Cyprus Cyrusis situated ofthe coat of Takes making fora shor ight time fo travellers from this eon. With ts axcessiity the range of picturesque beaches and historia sights onoffer—alongide its cooler temperatures ~this ‘sa dea place fora Netiteranea dnd escape fromthe sum heat. The resort town of Protaras skews ont of the best destinations onthe ian ora amily. getaway. Located on the east coast ext ively Ayia ‘Nap, Protaras fringed by golden sand beaches, including popular ig Tre Bay ofering plethora watersports Protarasaloo offers a gateway to pretty nature tris fora metmorable hike including Cape Greco National Forest Park, ‘ith ts protected pine forest tals, During the summer, touratsin Protaras enjoy beach-hoping oat rips, walks ‘along the promenade, and dining nthe myriad restaurants 6 worldtravellermecom‘TRENDING DESTINATIONS Galaxidi, Greece Greece and its glorious islands are high on many'a travellers’ wish list. With many focused on an island-hopping adventure, some forget to discover the top sites ofthe country’s mainland, across gorgeous cities, pretty villages, ancient sites, epic mountains, scenic lakes and barely touched beaches. For a truly local experience, we recommend heading to the historic capital of Athens to marvel at the Acropolis, walk ts colourful surrounding neighbourhoods, and enjoy its surrounding coast. Follow it by exploring the mainland, with a first stop in Galaxii. A short drive ‘up north {just over two hours), find this picture-perfect coastal village and explore its beautiful harbours, walk its narrow cobblestone streets, and marvel tits neoclassical buildings and old captains’ mansions. Unconnected to the rest of the mainland until the 1960s, Galaxidi maintains its untouched island feel and offers a true, authentic taste of Greece. Combine with a trip to Ancient Delphi on nearby Mount Parnassus. worldtravellerme.com