The Cultured Traveller

03/08/2024

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𝘈 𝘊𝘰𝘮𝘱𝘭𝘦𝘵𝘦 𝘎𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘬 𝘐𝘴𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘌𝘹𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦

𝗥𝗛𝗢𝗗𝗘𝗦

Located northeast of Crete and southeast of Athens, 250 kilometres from the Greek mainland, the Dodecanese comprise 12 larger and 150 smaller islands, of which Rhodes is the largest.

Dubbed “The Island of the Knights” after the Knights of Saint John of Jerusalem, who occupied it from 1309 until 1523, Rhodes has a long and impressive history which dates back millennia.

Laden with archaeological treasures, ancient ruins, family-run wineries and untold gastronomic delights, Daniella Georgiou visits the largest of the dodecanese islands. Read about her visit to Rhodes here —> https://issuu.com/theculturedtraveller/docs/46/92

02/08/2024

𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗢 𝗔𝗟𝗣𝗜𝗡𝗔 𝗗𝗢𝗟𝗢𝗠𝗜𝗧𝗘𝗦
Val Gardena, Dolomites

Located in northern Italy’s South Tyrol, renowned as a center for winter sports and mountain-oriented pursuits, and surrounded by breathtaking peaks, pine forests and beautiful meadows, Val Gardena is a spectacular year-round destination for a memorable holiday in the Dolomites, in the warm embrace of Mother Nature.

In this most humbling of locations, towards the end of last year, the chic Singaporean headquartered hospitality brand COMO, founded by Christina Ong, opened a new luxury resort executed with immense attention to detail throughout, complete with a sumptuous spa. Indeed, COMO has come to be known for its world-class spas, and a Shambhala retreat can be found in every one of its properties worldwide.

Nestled on one of Europe's largest high-altitude plateaus, Alpe di Siusi in Val Gardena, COMO Alpina Dolomites offers guests 60 thoughtfully designed and inviting rooms, all of which face the slopes and have a balcony or terrace, the largest being its two-bedroom COMO suites and a four-bedroom chalet. Guests enjoy sweeping vistas of the Dolomites’ from every room.

For those wishing to unwind after a day of snowboarding in winter, or hiking and mountain biking in the warmer months, the hotel’s COMO Shambhala Retreat boasts a 22-metre indoor pool, a 7-metre panoramic outdoor pool, a sauna, relaxation zones, a well-equipped fitness centre, and a beauty sanctuary. Complete with an expansive wellness programme focused on revitalisation and rejuvenation, guests routinely return from their stay at COMO Alpina Dolomites feeling both refreshed and renewed.

01/08/2024

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𝗕𝗨𝗗𝗔𝗣𝗘𝗦𝗧’𝗦 𝗩𝗜𝗕𝗥𝗔𝗡𝗧
𝗖𝗨𝗟𝗜𝗡𝗔𝗥𝗬 𝗟𝗔𝗡𝗗𝗦𝗖𝗔𝗣𝗘

Nestled along the sinuous banks of the Danube, the Hungarian capital seamlessly melds its storied and turbulent past with its dynamic and blossoming present, and beckons travellers with its rich tapestry of culture, history, and, perhaps most tantalisingly, its vibrant culinary landscape.

With a heritage shaped by centuries of invasions, migrations, and cultural exchanges, not to mention visitors from across the continent, Hungarian cuisine is a testament to resilience and adaptation. And influences from Turkish, Austrian, and Slavic culinary traditions have, in time, interwoven with indigenous ingredients and techniques, resulting in distinctive food offerings that are as diverse as they are delicious.

Undoubtedly one of Europe’s most captivating capitals, Joe Mortimer and Nicholas Chrisostomou explore Budapest’s food halls and restaurants, and enjoy a delectable gastronomic journey through the heart and soul of Hungarian cuisine.

Read about Budapest’s enticing food scene here —> https://issuu.com/theculturedtraveller/docs/46/136

📷 LÁNG Bistro, Hilton Budapest

31/07/2024

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𝗛𝗢𝗧𝗘𝗟 𝗖𝗔𝗦𝗔 𝗟𝗨𝗖𝗜𝗔
Buenos Aires, Argentina

A bustling, fast-paced, and cosmopolitan metropolis, which combines Belle Epoque architecture at every turn with grand leafy avenues, lively cafés, superb dining and happening nightlife, Argentina’s dynamic capital of Buenos Aires is a wonderful destination for a city break. From La Boca’s brightly coloured buildings and cobblestoned streets, to San Telmo’s antique shops and colonial architecture, Buenos Aires is imbued with Latin passion throughout its unique mix of old, new, and everything in between.

Located in the centre of Buenos Aires, within 15-minutes’ walk of the Basilica del Santisimo Sacramento and Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes, Calle Arroyo has become one of the city’s most desirable streets, and was even baptised by Eduardo Mallea as the “elbow of aristocracy in Buenos Aires”. Displaying a distinctly classical French style via its many beautiful mansions and residences, the street boasts many important and historical buildings, as well as architectural gems from the 𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘦𝘯𝘰 past.

In the heart of the fashionable Recoleta neighbourhood, on stylish Calle Arroyo, Hotel Casa Lucia opened its doors earlier this year. A veritable love letter to Argentina, set within the historic Edificio Mihanovich building (which was at one time the tallest building in Latin America), Casa Lucia captures the charm of historic Buenos Aires while celebrating the contemporary flair of the nation’s artistic creativity.

Bringing together the latest creative talent from a variety of local design houses, including South American Fernanda Schuch Studios, the hotel’s historic roots deftly work in tandem with modern, designer furnishings, and imposing contemporary art, to create beautiful and inviting spaces from the striking lobby upwards. And many of the hotel’s 142 guest rooms and suites boasts balconies with outdoor showers and sun loungers, and offer residents the unique opportunity to dine al fresco in complete privacy, while enjoying spectacular views across the city.

31/07/2024

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The Lasting Effect of 𝗕𝗜𝗕𝗔

Founded by Barbara Hulanicki in the 1960s, Biba revolutionised the fashion landscape with its bohemian aesthetic and accessible luxury.

From small beginnings selling its clothes by mail order, to a multi-floor department store on High Street Kensington, crowned with an extravagant roof garden restaurant, Biba captured the spirit of the swinging '60s and ‘70s via its vibrant designs and innovative marketing strategies, influencing generations of designers to come and leaving an indelible mark on the world of fashion that continues to resonate to this day.

In issue 46 of 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘊𝘶𝘭𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦𝘥 𝘛𝘳𝘢𝘷𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘳, Adrian Gibson charts the rise and fall of Biba —> https://issuu.com/theculturedtraveller/docs/46/116

Running until 8 September 2024, 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘉𝘪𝘣𝘢 𝘚𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘺 at London’s Fashion and Textile Museum, deftly explores how Biba blossomed into the world’s first true lifestyle label. —> 𝘄𝘄𝘄.𝗳𝗮𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗲𝘅𝘁𝗶𝗹𝗲𝗺𝘂𝘀𝗲𝘂𝗺.𝗼𝗿𝗴

📷 Twiggy in Biba. Early 1970s. With thanks to Justin De Villeneuve and Iconic Images

29/07/2024

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𝘐𝘵𝘢𝘭𝘺’𝘴 𝘉𝘦𝘢𝘶𝘵𝘪𝘧𝘶𝘭 𝘓𝘰𝘮𝘣𝘢𝘳𝘥𝘪𝘢𝘯 𝘎𝘦𝘮

Timelessly Elegant 𝗟𝗔𝗞𝗘 𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗢

Brimming with beauty, Lake Como has unsurprisingly been seducing visitors since Roman times and before.

For much of the 18th and 19th centuries, European royals and the aristocrats of northern Italy, routinely decamped to lavish lakeside villas for their summer holidays.

Just an hour by car from Milan and you too can just as easily step into a bedazzling world of stunning architecture and exquisite nature, all liberally swathed in Italian chic.

Surrounded by timeless elegance, in issue 46 of 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘊𝘶𝘭𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦𝘥 𝘛𝘳𝘢𝘷𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘳, Alex Benasuli luxuriates in old school Italian glamour in Lake Como.
Read the article here —> https://issuu.com/theculturedtraveller/docs/46/46

27/07/2024

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𝘈𝘭𝘭 𝘈𝘣𝘰𝘢𝘳𝘥 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘉𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘉𝘦𝘯𝘴𝘭𝘦𝘺 𝘌𝘹𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘴

𝗛𝗘𝗥𝗜𝗧𝗔𝗚𝗘 𝗥𝗔𝗜𝗟𝗖𝗔𝗥 𝗧𝗪𝗢-𝗕𝗘𝗗𝗥𝗢𝗢𝗠 𝗣𝗢𝗢𝗟 𝗩𝗜𝗟𝗟𝗔

Within three hours’ of Bangkok lies a treasure trove of natural attractions, on the edge of which a somewhat special retreat-like resort cleverly merges creative design and exceptional architecture with five-star hospitality and a journey into the unspoilt heart of Thai nature.

Occupying a sprawling 19-hectare site, every touchpoint and design element of InterContinental Khao Yai hails from the inventive and highly artistic mind of designer Bill Bensley, who is renowned for his eclectic and imaginative style that integrates vibrant aesthetics with sustainable practices.

Nestled on the edge of a beautiful national park, Nicholas Chrisostomou road-tests a unique Bensley-designed suite which evokes the golden age of train travel. Read about his standout stay in 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘊𝘶𝘭𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦𝘥 𝘛𝘳𝘢𝘷𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘳 —> https://issuu.com/theculturedtraveller/docs/46/59

25/07/2024

𝘍𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘛𝘰𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘳𝘰𝘸 𝘪𝘯 𝘚𝘢𝘯 𝘋𝘪𝘦𝘨𝘰

𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗜𝗖-𝗖𝗢𝗡 𝗜𝗡𝗧𝗘𝗥𝗡𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗔𝗟

The massive rise in popularity of animated films, western cartoons and Anime, as well as video games and fantasy novels, has caused the Comic-Con franchise to grow hugely since in recent decades.

Comic-Con International – San Diego's four-day convergence of costumes and fun – is where fans meet comics creators, science fiction and fantasy authors, film and TV directors, producers and writers and play in their very own comic fantasyland.

For those seeking to reawaken the child inside them, this lively gathering is literally the perfect place to be. Packed with everything from autograph signings and costume contests to animation and film screenings, a massive programming schedule features hundreds of individual events including hands-on workshops, educational and academic sessions, video games forums, portfolio reviews, art shows, a masquerade competition and the Will Eisner Comic Industry Awards, all crammed into just four days.

Until 28 July 2024

24/07/2024

𝘛𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘞𝘦𝘦𝘬𝘦𝘯𝘥 𝘪𝘯 𝘉𝘦𝘭𝘨𝘪𝘶𝘮

𝗧𝗢𝗠𝗢𝗥𝗥𝗢𝗪𝗟𝗔𝗡𝗗

Tomorrowland is the ultimate annual electronic dance music festival for many.

Held in De Schorre, the sheer extravagance of this festival, with its psychedelic motifs and spectacular stages, gets everyone going right from the start, and the energy basically never stops.

Coupled with open fields filled with tents, and camps surrounding the stages for people to rest and sleep while enjoying the music, Tomorrowland is both a musical melting pot and a global meeting place for people around the world who enjoy the same kind of pulsating music.

This year’s festival features more than 800 of the world’s best electronic artists across 16 stages, including Afshin Momadi, former NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal as DJ Diesel, American musician Gryffin, masked German DJ horsegiirL, Brussels-based young talent Odymel, and many more.

21/07/2024

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𝗕𝗨𝗗𝗔𝗣𝗘𝗦𝗧’𝗦 𝗩𝗜𝗕𝗥𝗔𝗡𝗧
𝗖𝗨𝗟𝗜𝗡𝗔𝗥𝗬 𝗟𝗔𝗡𝗗𝗦𝗖𝗔𝗣𝗘

Nestled along the sinuous banks of the Danube, the Hungarian capital seamlessly melds its storied and turbulent past with its dynamic and blossoming present, and beckons travellers with its rich tapestry of culture, history, and, perhaps most tantalisingly, its vibrant culinary landscape.

With a heritage shaped by centuries of invasions, migrations, and cultural exchanges, not to mention visitors from across the continent, Hungarian cuisine is a testament to resilience and adaptation. And influences from Turkish, Austrian, and Slavic culinary traditions have, in time, interwoven with indigenous ingredients and techniques, resulting in distinctive food offerings that are as diverse as they are delicious.

Undoubtedly one of Europe’s most captivating capitals, Joe Mortimer and Nicholas Chrisostomou explore Budapest’s food halls and restaurants, and enjoy a delectable gastronomic journey through the heart and soul of Hungarian cuisine.

Read about Budapest’s enticing food scene here —> https://issuu.com/theculturedtraveller/docs/46/136

📷 ÉS Bisztró

19/07/2024

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Win A Three-Night Stay In A Suite At
𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗢 𝗠𝗘𝗧𝗥𝗢𝗣𝗢𝗟𝗜𝗧𝗔𝗡 𝗦𝗜𝗡𝗚𝗔𝗣𝗢𝗥𝗘

Nestled on a side street, off the island nation’s main shopping mecca of Orchard Road, 156-room COMO Metropolitan Singapore opened its sophisticated doors in September 2023 and is the brand’s first property in its native Singapore.

Complete with a sprawling COMO Shambhala spa, a cutting-edge gym, yoga and pilates studios, a glass-walled roof-top infinity pool, and spectacular skyline views from guest rooms and suites, the chic property is part of the Como Orchard complex, which also includes the first Asian outpost of superstar French pâtissier Cédric Grolet, and a multi-label fashion store curated by Club 21.

𝗧𝗼 𝘄𝗶𝗻 𝗮 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗲𝗲-𝗻𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝘆 in a one-bedroom suite at COMO Metropolitan Singapore, complete with daily breakfasts and access to the hotel’s spa and roof-top infinity pool, 𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗹𝘆 𝗲𝗺𝗮𝗶𝗹 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗰𝘁 𝗱𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗹𝘀* 𝘁𝗼 𝘄𝗶𝗻@𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗰𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲𝗱𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗿.𝗰𝗼𝗺
*𝙽𝚊𝚖𝚎, 𝚕𝚘𝚌𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚘𝚗, 𝚎𝚖𝚊𝚒𝚕 + 𝚌𝚘𝚗𝚝𝚊𝚌𝚝 𝚗𝚞𝚖𝚋𝚎𝚛

18/07/2024

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𝘗𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘶𝘨𝘢𝘭’𝘴 𝘚𝘱𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘣𝘪𝘯𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘍𝘢𝘪𝘳𝘺𝘵𝘢𝘭𝘦 𝘛𝘰𝘸𝘯

𝗦𝗜𝗡𝗧𝗥𝗔

Nestled amidst the lush verdure of Portugal’s mist-shrouded Sintra Mountains lies a town steeped in enchantment and allure — a veritable treasure trove of palaces, gardens and winding cobblestone streets, that beckon travellers to embark upon a whimsical journey of wonder and discovery.

With its storied past and breathtaking vistas, Sintra is nothing short of a sanctuary of timeless beauty, where history and myth intertwine in a symphony of architectural splendour, all just thirty minutes’ drive from Lisbon.

Overflowing with Romanticist architecture and lush botanical gardens, read about Demelza Oxley’s visit to Portugal’s inimitable town of palaces, here —> https://issuu.com/theculturedtraveller/docs/46/64

17/07/2024

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The Lasting Effect of 𝗕𝗜𝗕𝗔

Founded by Barbara Hulanicki in the 1960s, Biba revolutionised the fashion landscape with its bohemian aesthetic and accessible luxury.

From small beginnings selling its clothes by mail order, to a multi-floor department store on High Street Kensington, crowned with an extravagant roof garden restaurant, Biba captured the spirit of the swinging '60s and ‘70s via its vibrant designs and innovative marketing strategies, influencing generations of designers to come and leaving an indelible mark on the world of fashion that continues to resonate to this day.

In issue 46 of 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘊𝘶𝘭𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦𝘥 𝘛𝘳𝘢𝘷𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘳, Adrian Gibson charts the rise and fall of Biba —> https://issuu.com/theculturedtraveller/docs/46/116

Running until 8 September 2024, 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘉𝘪𝘣𝘢 𝘚𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘺 at London’s Fashion and Textile Museum, deftly explores how Biba blossomed into the world’s first true lifestyle label. —> 𝘄𝘄𝘄.𝗳𝗮𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗲𝘅𝘁𝗶𝗹𝗲𝗺𝘂𝘀𝗲𝘂𝗺.𝗼𝗿𝗴

📷 Twiggy reclining in Biba, 1973. With thanks to Justin De Villeneuve

16/07/2024

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𝘈𝘭𝘭 𝘈𝘣𝘰𝘢𝘳𝘥 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘉𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘉𝘦𝘯𝘴𝘭𝘦𝘺 𝘌𝘹𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘴

𝗛𝗘𝗥𝗜𝗧𝗔𝗚𝗘 𝗥𝗔𝗜𝗟𝗖𝗔𝗥 𝗧𝗪𝗢-𝗕𝗘𝗗𝗥𝗢𝗢𝗠 𝗣𝗢𝗢𝗟 𝗩𝗜𝗟𝗟𝗔

Within three hours’ of Bangkok lies a treasure trove of natural attractions, on the edge of which a somewhat special retreat-like resort cleverly merges creative design and exceptional architecture with five-star hospitality and a journey into the unspoilt heart of Thai nature.

Occupying a sprawling 19-hectare site, every touchpoint and design element of InterContinental Khao Yai hails from the inventive and highly artistic mind of designer Bill Bensley, who is renowned for his eclectic and imaginative style that integrates vibrant aesthetics with sustainable practices.

Nestled on the edge of a beautiful national park, Nicholas Chrisostomou road-tests a unique Bensley-designed suite which evokes the golden age of train travel. Read about his standout stay in 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘊𝘶𝘭𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦𝘥 𝘛𝘳𝘢𝘷𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘳 —> https://issuu.com/theculturedtraveller/docs/46/59

From the idyllic island oasis of TA’AKTANA in Indonesia, to luxury houseboat KIVU QUEEN which cruises magnificent Lake Kivu, in issue 46, The Cultured Traveller explores a dozen special places to rest your head around the world. Nestled amongst the majestic mountains of Lombardy, with its breathta...

15/07/2024

𝗪 𝗕𝗨𝗗𝗔𝗣𝗘𝗦𝗧
Budapest, Hungary

Straddling the wide river Danube, the Hungarian capital today offers one of the most striking metropolitan panoramas in Europe. Long hidden behind the Iron Curtain, in recent years, Budapest has rightfully regained its reputation as one of central Europe‘s most vibrant capitals, not least for its ability to both embrace and champion the past, present and future.

Indeed, old frequently meets new in Budapest, not least in the city’s burgeoning food scene, cool restaurants, buzzing cafés, happening nightlife, and late-night bars. Not to mention a plethora of striking, turn-of-the-century buildings juxtaposed with contemporary architecture, and historic landmarks given a new lease of life.

One such landmark is the circa 1883 Neo-Gothic Drechsler Palace, former home to the Institute of Ballet, and now the W Budapest, which has become something of an overnight success since opening last year.

Positioned slap-bang in the middle of the Hungarian capital at one of the city’s best addresses, directly opposite the opera house in the middle of wide, tree-lined Andrássy Avenue, the hotel has become incredibly popular with local residents, making it a social hot-spot, particularly at the weekends.

Fashioned in a fun yet whimsical style by British designers Bowler James Brindley, on street level, an array of food and beverage venues persuade in-house guests to stay in-house, including Nightingale by Beefbar restaurant, where Wagyū is served alongside fine Asian cuisine, and a large W Lounge, which is perfect for casual drinks or relaxed breakfasts. A plush subterranean speakeasy, Society25, open until 2am from Thursday to Sunday, is a cosy venue for an after-hours rendezvous. And during the summer months, an additional outside bar provides wonderful people-watching opportunities.

13/07/2024

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𝘈 𝘊𝘰𝘮𝘱𝘭𝘦𝘵𝘦 𝘎𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘬 𝘐𝘴𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘌𝘹𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦

𝗥𝗛𝗢𝗗𝗘𝗦

Located northeast of Crete and southeast of Athens, 250 kilometres from the Greek mainland, the Dodecanese comprise 12 larger and 150 smaller islands, of which Rhodes is the largest.

Dubbed “The Island of the Knights” after the Knights of Saint John of Jerusalem, who occupied it from 1309 until 1523, Rhodes has a long and impressive history which dates back millennia.

Laden with archaeological treasures, ancient ruins, family-run wineries and untold gastronomic delights, Daniella Georgiou visits the largest of the dodecanese islands. Read about her visit to Rhodes here —> https://issuu.com/theculturedtraveller/docs/46/92

12/07/2024

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𝗕𝗨𝗗𝗔𝗣𝗘𝗦𝗧’𝗦 𝗩𝗜𝗕𝗥𝗔𝗡𝗧
𝗖𝗨𝗟𝗜𝗡𝗔𝗥𝗬 𝗟𝗔𝗡𝗗𝗦𝗖𝗔𝗣𝗘

Nestled along the sinuous banks of the Danube, the Hungarian capital seamlessly melds its storied and turbulent past with its dynamic and blossoming present, and beckons travellers with its rich tapestry of culture, history, and, perhaps most tantalisingly, its vibrant culinary landscape.

With a heritage shaped by centuries of invasions, migrations, and cultural exchanges, not to mention visitors from across the continent, Hungarian cuisine is a testament to resilience and adaptation. And influences from Turkish, Austrian, and Slavic culinary traditions have, in time, interwoven with indigenous ingredients and techniques, resulting in distinctive food offerings that are as diverse as they are delicious.

Undoubtedly one of Europe’s most captivating capitals, Joe Mortimer and Nicholas Chrisostomou explore Budapest’s food halls and restaurants, and enjoy a delectable gastronomic journey through the heart and soul of Hungarian cuisine.

Read about Budapest’s enticing food scene here —> https://issuu.com/theculturedtraveller/docs/46/136

📷 Spago by Wolfgang Puck Budapest

11/07/2024

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𝘏𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘦𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘯 𝘗𝘢𝘮𝘱𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘢

𝗥𝗨𝗡𝗡𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗢𝗙 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗕𝗨𝗟𝗟𝗦

Every year, thousands of 𝘗𝘢𝘮𝘱𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘦𝘴, plus countless visitors who flood into the pretty Spanish town from all over the world, all dressed from head to toe in white clothing, with red handkerchiefs tied around their necks, fill the streets of Pamplona to celebrate the week of festivities in honour of San Fermín, also known as 𝘓𝘰𝘴 𝘚𝘢𝘯𝘧𝘦𝘳𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘴.

The festival of San Fermín mixes a variety of contrasts: official and popular culture, religion and profanity, new and old and, as is often the case with a Spanish festival, order and chaos.

Celebrations last for nine days until 14 July, with every day including a much publicised morning bull-run, when six bulls are set loose from their corral to charge through the narrow streets of the old town towards the bullring. Participants risk their safety by sprinting ahead of the bulls, aiming to stay close, creating an electrifying and perilous display that has enthralled spectators for decades.

Until 14 July 2024
www.sanfermin.com

10/07/2024

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𝘗𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘶𝘨𝘢𝘭’𝘴 𝘚𝘱𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘣𝘪𝘯𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘍𝘢𝘪𝘳𝘺𝘵𝘢𝘭𝘦 𝘛𝘰𝘸𝘯

𝗦𝗜𝗡𝗧𝗥𝗔

Nestled amidst the lush verdure of Portugal’s mist-shrouded Sintra Mountains lies a town steeped in enchantment and allure — a veritable treasure trove of palaces, gardens and winding cobblestone streets, that beckon travellers to embark upon a whimsical journey of wonder and discovery.

With its storied past and breathtaking vistas, Sintra is nothing short of a sanctuary of timeless beauty, where history and myth intertwine in a symphony of architectural splendour, all just thirty minutes’ drive from Lisbon.

Overflowing with Romanticist architecture and lush botanical gardens, read about Demelza Oxley’s visit to Portugal’s inimitable town of palaces, here —> https://issuu.com/theculturedtraveller/docs/46/64

📷 PSML Luis Duarte

07/07/2024

𝘛𝘰𝘥𝘢𝘺 𝘪𝘯 𝘗𝘶𝘳𝘪

𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗛 𝗬𝗔𝗧𝗥𝗔

One of India’s largest and most important Hindu festivals, Rath Yatra routinely draws more than a million pilgrims and devotees to the streets of Puri.

Over the years, poets, saints and scriptures have consistently praised the good fortune associated with attending this “festival of the chariots”, since it is one of the only times annually that the deities leave the temple of Jagannath and are exposed to non-Hindus and visitors.

The three figurines that make the trip are Jagannath (considered to be the lord of the universe and an incarnation of Vishnu, the god of preservation), his older brother Balabhadra, and their sister Subhadra. They travel more than a mile in elaborate wooden chariots from Jagannath Temple to Gundicha Temple, where they remain for nine days.

During the loud procession, pilgrims vie for even a glimpse of the gods, since they’re associated with extreme good fortune and the righting of wrongs.

06/07/2024

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𝘒𝘪𝘤𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨-𝘰𝘧𝘧 𝘪𝘯 𝘗𝘢𝘮𝘱𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘢

𝗙𝗜𝗘𝗦𝗧𝗔 𝗗𝗘 𝗦𝗔𝗡 𝗙𝗘𝗥𝗠𝗜𝗡

Every year, thousands of 𝘗𝘢𝘮𝘱𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘦𝘴, plus countless visitors who flood into the pretty Spanish town from all over the world, all dressed from head to toe in white clothing, with red handkerchiefs tied around their necks, fill the streets of Pamplona to celebrate the week of festivities in honour of San Fermín, also known as 𝘓𝘰𝘴 𝘚𝘢𝘯𝘧𝘦𝘳𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘴.

The festival of San Fermín mixes a variety of contrasts: official and popular culture, religion and profanity, new and old and, as is often the case with a Spanish festival, order and chaos.

Celebrations kicked-off with the launch of a rocket 𝘦𝘭 𝘤𝘩𝘶𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘢𝘻𝘰 in Pamplona’s Plaza Ayuntamiento at noon today, and will end on 14 July, nine days from now.

Every day includes a much publicised bull-run, a parade of colourful gigantes or 𝘤𝘢𝘣𝘦𝘻𝘶𝘥𝘰𝘴 (big headed giants), a bullfight, fireworks, obligatory carousing, and a copious amount of non-stop partying.

Until 14 July 2024
www.sanfermin.com

05/07/2024

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𝗦𝗨𝗜𝗧𝗘 𝗪𝗜𝗧𝗛 𝗔 𝗩𝗜𝗘𝗪

𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗺𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗱 𝗖𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗦𝘂𝗶𝘁𝗲
Swissôtel The Stamford
Singapore

Few other buildings characterise Singapore's skyline as much as Swissôtel The Stamford. When it opened in 1986, the 73-storey luxury hotel, designed by star architect Ieoh Ming Pei, was the tallest hotel in the world at 226 metres. Approaching four decades later, it is still one of the tallest in Southeast Asia. From its roof terrace, the incredible views extend to Malaysia and Indonesia.

A cylinder of Modernist uniformity, in 2019, the iconic hotel underwent an extensive multi-million-dollar renovation and modernisation courtesy of award-winning firm Wilson Associates, who deftly combined Asian and Swiss design elements in an innovative fashion. This included the creation of elegant new suites on the 64th and 66th floors of the building, separated by an exclusive new Level 65 Lounge.

Twenty distinctive Stamford Crest Suites in the hotel each offer more than 80 square metres of refined, sanctuary-like living and sleeping space, complete with a range of personalised services, facilities and amenities, and the most spectacular sweeping views of Singapore and beyond.

04/07/2024

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𝘏𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘦𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘯 𝘌𝘥𝘪𝘳𝘯𝘦

𝗞𝗜𝗥𝗞𝗣𝗜𝗡𝗔𝗥 𝗢𝗜𝗟 𝗪𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗧𝗟𝗜𝗡𝗚

Oil-covered contestants wait to compete in Turkey’s famous wrestling competition, which has taken place every summer in Edirne since 1346; is the world's oldest annual sports event after the Olympics, and is inscribed on UNESCO’s representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Read 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘊𝘶𝘭𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦𝘥 𝘛𝘳𝘢𝘷𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘳'𝘴 seasonal round-up of cultural happenings, fascinating events and this summer’s standout music festivals in 𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦𝗙𝗟𝗔𝗦𝗛, here —> https://issuu.com/theculturedtraveller/docs/46/12

03/07/2024

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𝘈𝘭𝘭 𝘈𝘣𝘰𝘢𝘳𝘥 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘉𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘉𝘦𝘯𝘴𝘭𝘦𝘺 𝘌𝘹𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘴

𝗛𝗘𝗥𝗜𝗧𝗔𝗚𝗘 𝗥𝗔𝗜𝗟𝗖𝗔𝗥 𝗧𝗪𝗢-𝗕𝗘𝗗𝗥𝗢𝗢𝗠 𝗣𝗢𝗢𝗟 𝗩𝗜𝗟𝗟𝗔

Within three hours’ of Bangkok lies a treasure trove of natural attractions, on the edge of which a somewhat special retreat-like resort cleverly merges creative design and exceptional architecture with five-star hospitality and a journey into the unspoilt heart of Thai nature.

Occupying a sprawling 19-hectare site, every touchpoint and design element of InterContinental Khao Yai hails from the inventive and highly artistic mind of designer Bill Bensley, who is renowned for his eclectic and imaginative style that integrates vibrant aesthetics with sustainable practices.

Nestled on the edge of a beautiful national park, Nicholas Chrisostomou road-tests a unique Bensley-designed suite which evokes the golden age of train travel. Read about his standout stay in 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘊𝘶𝘭𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦𝘥 𝘛𝘳𝘢𝘷𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘳 —> https://issuu.com/theculturedtraveller/docs/46/59