Archives: '09 Issue 04

Sweeping palms and azure waters conjure up an idyllic way of life. Tragically, a gigantic and destructive wave washed all that away faster than you could say ‘Nicobar’. Verve reports on the return of the celebratory spirit of life in Car Nicobar post the ravages of the 2004 tsunami

You don’t have to worry about those extra holiday kilos while staying at The Gateway Hotel

Atlantis, The Palm, Dubai, is more than a resort, an experience. Ideal for a long weekend away with the family, a twosome tryst with great dining thrown in, or a relaxing break on a business visit, it offers a chance to enter a fabricated underwater world to escape in. Verve dives right in

Ireland’s fight for freedom and its tense history have preserved it as one of the last bastions for the tourist. Today, Ireland and Northern Ireland have much to offer the traveller looking for new boundaries to cross. Natural wonders and fantasy scenery apart, the island offers a happy and stylish contingent of fine food, exceptional hotels, choice shopping, scenic spas and more. Verve raises a pint of Guinness to splendid Irish hospitality

While admitting that San Francisco has never made it to the hallowed architectural marvel list in America, Verve, spends many an afternoon gazing on the homes and buildings of North America’s prettiest city, and discovers their iconic beauty

A lucky chance to witness a special Gustav Klimt exhibit. A lost opportunity to applaud the graceful steeds of the Spanish Riding School. An evening of sweet delights at The Sacher Hotel. A night out on Gürtel passed on in favour of luxurious sleep at The Grand Hotel Wien. Verve recounts an eventful yet exhausting Viennese tour of hits and misses...

Barossa Valley, South Australia’s famous wine district, beckons Verve with its gastronomical pleasures, landscapes and the chance to make his own wine

The complete Balinese experience includes rice paddies on mountains, volcanic home of the gods and sun-kissed beaches. Aman resorts creates a lifestyle out of intimate experiences with their three exquisite properties in Bali. Verve discovers that these resorts go above and beyond making you feel right at home

The reclusive writer Vikram Seth goes From Heaven Lake down memory lane. While at the University of Nanjing, young Seth, armed with a rare travel card, began a hitchhiking trip through the remote parts of China all the way to Lhasa, traversing difficult climatic zones and eating glutinous broth with pork fat floating in it. Verve finds the writer fondly nostalgic

The founders of Lonely Planet Publications, Maureen and Tony Wheeler talk to Verve about starting an empire, living like nomads, their experiences in India and often not being recognised