Latest news with #Venetian-style
India Today
2 days ago
- General
- India Today
A glazed history: Badri Narayan and the Vitrum studio
Currently on view at the Jehangir Nicholson Gallery in Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya, A Glazed History: Badri Narayan and the Vitrum Studio explores the crossovers of art and design in post-independence India. The short-lived Vitrum Studio (1957–1974) was founded by glass expert Simon Lifschutz, a Jewish war migr from Poland. The studio invited artists to paint on ceramic tiles and create tesserae (Venetian-style glass mosaics) as affordable art and home dcor objects such as coasters, trays, tabletops and lamps.
The Independent
01-05-2025
- The Independent
Jumeirah Al Naseem, Dubai hotel review
Location Jumeirah Al Naseem is nestled at the north eastern end of Jumeirah's expansive (40 hectares) Madinat plot, where three hotels – Al Naseem, Al Qasr and Mina A'Salam – and a collection of Arabian villas lie. As well as being the largest resort complex in Dubai, the Madinat development overlooks both the Palm islands and Jumeirah's seven-star Burj Al Arab hotel, known worldwide for its sail-like architecture. Exploring all four corners of the site is a breeze thanks to Madinat's Venetian-style waterways, which can be traversed via complimentary abra boats or, if seafaring isn't your style, the resort's fleet of golf buggies. For those hoping to explore downtown Dubai, the Al Naseem resort is a short 20-minute taxi ride from the renowned Dubai Mall and Burj Khalifa. And, owing to reduced fuel costs across the UAE (less than half the going rate in the UK), this taxi journey shouldn't cost you more than £10-15 – so it's easy to reach key sites like the Marina and the Old Town. The vibe Jumeirah Al Naseem's interiors are sleek and airy, with the lobby boasting a vaulted timber ceiling and sweeping marble floors, both of which are a welcome respite amid the city's 40-degree highs. While Al Qasr and Mina A'Salam (the Madinat plot's older properties) are Arabesque with their windcatchers and pointy arches, Al Naseem – which opened in 2016 – is notably more contemporary. Though that's not to say it's devoid of character. On the contrary, the exterior is awash with Japanese motifs; think zen gardens and Shoji-style verandas. And the star of the show? The main pool. Practically a piece of art itself, the expansive mosaic stretching along its floor depicts more than 100 shells, all knitted together in a Māori-like design. Inside and out, the space is at once serene and bubbling with life, and the subtle nods to culture in its otherwise minimalist decor reflect this. Service Home to several members of the prestigious Les Clefs D'or group of exceptional concierges, service at Jumeirah Al Naseem is impeccable. Whether you're being asked about your day in passing or taking advice on the best local activities, guests can expect staff to go the extra mile. Discussing your birthday over a quiet dinner? Don't be surprised to find a cake waiting for you back in the room. Did the beachside bartender take your name on day one? Consider a personal greeting part of your sun bed service going forward. Whatever you need, the team – including a handy WhatsApp e-butler – are on hand to provide it. Bed and bath Owing to the building's unique shape (it's laid out like the number three), nearly all rooms offer views of some sort, from the quad of outdoor pools to the beach and Burj Al Arab beyond. While guests with terraces can delight in the privacy of their own bistro or sun lounger set, all can enjoy the quiet luxury of a bathtub. If you are in pursuit of indulgence, Jumeirah Al Naseem invites you to dip your toes in the Penthouse Suite's exclusive 11-metre infinity pool. Much like the hotel's common areas, rooms are crisp, clean and modern. When it comes to in-room amenities, the sky is the limit and it's clear each addition – be it the his and hers toiletries or the Nespresso machine – has been thoroughly considered. Take the flannels, for example: grey, foundation-friendly cloths are provided with make-up removal in mind. Meanwhile, for the weary traveller, why not soak away the jet lag with a scoop of complimentary bath salts? Food and drink Every day at Jumeirah Al Naseem kicks off at The Palmery, the hotel's buffet-style eatery. The vast selection gives new meaning to the word breakfast and, indeed, you'll be breaking your fast with gusto thanks to the range of Arabic, Indian and Western food options. Highlights include egg and crepe stations, a dedicated vegan cold cupboard and pastries to rival a Parisian patisserie. While The Palmery also serves evening meals, Rockfish, Summersalt and Kayto are not to be missed with their feasts of Mediterranean, Nikkei (Japanese-Peruvian) and Latin cuisine. Our recommendation? Order Kayto's crispy rice appetiser with spicy tuna tartare. The great thing about staying on the Madinat site is that your culinary options extend beyond the walls of your hotel. Between Mina A'Salam and Al Qasr, there are a further 12 restaurants covering Indian, Lebanese and French fare (to name a few). And let's not forget Souk Madinat, Jumeirah's on-site shopping and dining centre, designed to mimic the feel of an Arabian marketplace. Here, you'll find no less than 20 food and drink venues and, when nothing but a cold pint will do, there's even a Belgian beer house and Irish pub.* If you're wondering about Dubai's drinking laws, all of the hotels within the Madinat plot (including Souk Madinat) are licensed, so you can enjoy tipples throughout. And, Al Naseem is even home to its own 'hidden' speakeasy, Blind Tiger. *It's worth noting that Souk Madinat's bar and dining options aren't overseen by Jumeirah itself, but the wider Dubai Holding portfolio (within which Jumeirah sits). Facilities Jumeirah Al Naseem offers activities in abundance, so much so that guests needn't leave the site to enjoy a full week of fun. Aside from lounging by the pool and beach, the hotel is situated next to Jumeirah's Wild Wadi Waterpark – which Al Naseem guests are granted entry to – with 30 rides for kids and adults alike. There's also watersports, a boutique gym and, over at Al Qasr, the Talise Spa. The spa is one of the biggest in Dubai (the biggest is within Jumeirah's Zabeel Saray resort) and, in addition to myriad treatments, hosts multi-day wellness programmes. With everything from hammam to deep tissue massages on offer, the hotel invites you to find serenity among the Moroccan-style fountains and fanoos lanterns. If relaxation isn't your thing, there are courts for tennis, squash and padel, and if you'd rather practice your serve without the kids, Al Naseem's kids' club will leave your little ones shouting for more after a day of mini golf and movie screenings. The icing on the cake? Al Naseem is home to its very own turtle lagoon where hawksbill, loggerhead and green turtles are brought to rehabilitate after injury. Disability access Accessible rooms are available, and lift access throughout means that most of Al Naseem is suitable for guests with mobility issues. Pet policy Pets are not allowed. Check in/Check out? Check in from 3pm; check out by 12pm. Family-friendly? Yes, multi-room suites are available and children's facilities include a kids' club, kids' pool and child-friendly menus/buffet. At a glance Best thing: The variety of worldwide cuisine. Perfect for: Indulgent honeymooners and families wanting to keep everyone happy. Not right for: Those hoping to minimise day-to-day spending.
Yahoo
15-03-2025
- Yahoo
5 Underrated Places To Visit In Northern California
California. I bet images of warm LA beaches, blue skies, palm trees and sunscreen pop into your head. I love that part of California, but the state is much, much more than Southern California. Come North and you'll find mountains, rugged coastlines, charming villages, Redwoods and some of the best wine in the world. These are my top 5 Underrated Places To Visit In Northern California to put on your bucket list! Tucked North of Mt. Tam is Tamales Bay, most famous for hiking trails and fresh oysters. We love coming up here for a digital detxo weekend. We'll spend the night in Olema House and go hiking in Point Reyes or visit the lighthouse. For lunch we beeline over to Hog Island Oyster Company picnic area, where you can shuck and grill your own oysters outside next to the bay. On a sunny and warm day, this is pure heaven. We'll follow it with a mead tasting at Heidrun Meadery. And, if we time a visit right, we'll go on a Bioluminescence tour. Tucked up in the Sierras Nevadas is Calaveras County, a true hidden gem that many Californians have never heard of, but is worth a visit. The area is known for a failed gold rush, wine tasting, stunning Giant Sequoias, beautiful caverns, alpine lakes, hiking trails, skiing and frogs. Yes, frogs. It's a whole thing. We'll spend the weekend at Whimsy Homes cabin and go hiking at Big Trees State Park, spend a few hours being lazy at the White Pines lake, and then wine taste in downtown Murphys. In the evening maybe go line dancing at a local general store or catch live music at The Lube Room before settling into the hot tub at the cabin. There's always something fun happening up here in the mountains, plus it's just 2.5 hours from the Bay Area. Just a short drive south of San Francisco, the Santa Cruz Mountains offer a blend of natural wonders and quirky attractions. We always love a visit to the Mystery Spot, where gravity seems to take a vacation – it's a fun and mind-bending experience that everyone needs to experience at least once. A morning hike at Land of Medicine Buddha, a serene retreat nestled in the hills, is a must and then we'll pop down to Capitola Village for lunch. With its colorful Venetian-style houses lining the beach, aka the perfect for a leisurely stroll and some seaside dining. There's a lot of fun Airbnbs in the Santa Cruz Mountains, recently we spent a night at a Redwood treehouse that offered panoramic views and a cozy firepit. Forget Yellowstone; Lassen Volcanic National Park is Northern California's own geothermal playground. This park boasts bubbling mud pots, steaming fumaroles, and crystal-clear lakes, all set against the backdrop of a dormant volcano. We love to camp at Summit Lake Campground, since you can swim in the lake on those hot summer days. Hike to Bumpass Hell to witness the park's most active geothermal area, or take a scenic drive along the park's highway, stopping at overlooks for stunning views. The true test of fitness is a hike up their Cinder Cone which features a view of the famous Lava Beds. Don't be fooled by this hike, it's not for the weak and left us panting but the view was incredible. Lassen is a true hidden gem for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Deep in the Eastern Sierras is June Lake, a picturesque alpine village that offers year-round adventures and alpine lake access. In the fall, the surrounding aspen groves turn a brilliant golden yellow, creating a stunning display of color, and is one of my favorite places in California to find fall colors. We start our trips to June Lake with breakfast at Silver Lake Resort, then head off into nature. There's lake activities like kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing, or explore the numerous hiking trails that wind through the mountains. After a day of outdoor fun, we like to unwind at June Lake Brewing, a local brewery to sample some craft beers before grabbing pizza at June Pie Pizza Co. And for a unique side trip, visit nearby Mono Lake, an otherworldly saline lake with tufa towers that rise from its surface. June Lake is a perfect escape for those seeking natural beauty and a laid-back mountain vibe.
Yahoo
10-02-2025
- Yahoo
The ultimate guide to hiking in Slovenia
Europe has long been a popular vacation destination, be it for a steamy summer vacation or a Christmas market train journey. For hiking enthusiasts, Europe offers a seemingly endless bounty of trekking trips, from gentle levada walks in Madeira to the long-distance Camino de Santiago hiking pilgrimage. Yet, while Scotland, Portugal, and Spain often receive much of the attention, Slovenia has slowly been rising as a premiere hiking destination. Nestled between Italy, Austria, and Croatia, and bumping up against the Adriatic Sea, Slovenia offers the same world-class wine, gastronomy, and sky-high mountain peaks the region is known for, yet at lower prices and with fewer crowds. Whether you're seeking a strenuous trek to tackle alone or a gentle hiking itinerary for the whole family, here's where to hike in Slovenia. (Related: See Madeira's dramatic landscapes) If you've ever seen a picture of Slovenia, there's a good chance it included a quiet, crystalline lake with towering snow-capped mountains in the background. This is Slovenia's most iconic destination, Lake Bled. And, while most visitors tend to not stray far from their hotel balcony or the walkable waterfront path, it's actually an excellent hiking destination. According to Wilderness Travel Slovenia trip leader, Zuzana Sochorova, Lake Bled is especially well-suited for beginners because 'it's the ideal place to incorporate a few short hikes into a wider itinerary.' Sochorova describes the lake region as being surrounded by short, easy walks and hikes with minimal elevation gain that still reward visitors with stunning views. The picture-perfect lake and red-roofed island church (visited by Venetian-style gondola, of course) tend to be on the must-see list of most travelers to Slovenia, so Bled is a practical place to hike and to also do a bit of everything else. Triglav National Park, covering much of the Julian Alps, is Slovenia's only national park and it's the best place to head for challenging routes. The park takes its name from Slovenia's highest peak, Triglav, which stands tall and proud at 9,396 feet. Its mountain ridge treks are a great place to spot chamois and ibex (large Alpine goat-like animals) and golden eagles. Sochorova explains that 'summiting it is a challenge even for very experienced hikers, as it is a very technical hike, requiring the use of a Via Ferrata.' Although it is technically possible to summit Triglav in one day, Sochorova warns against this. Instead, she suggests tackling the trek in two days and overnighting in Slovenia's highest mountain lodge, Triglavski Dom na Kredarici. For long-distance hiking, embark on a hut-to-hut hiking adventure or head to the Alpe-Adria Trail, a 460-mile trail traversing the borders of Slovenia, Austria, and Italy. The Slovenian sections take you from the fairytale-like forests of the Soča Valley to the wine region in the western part of the country. (Related: Could this be Europe's best hut-to-hut hiking trail?) With 13,000 caves (and counting), Slovenia is a country of caves. The Swiss cheese-like landscape below-ground runs throughout the country and offers hikes for all different abilities. A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the largest cave systems in the world, Skocjanske Jame (Skocjan Caves) is a rewarding option even for hikers with minimal interest in caves. Underground paths, boardwalks, and steep staircases guide visitors through the enormous 3.8-mile cave system and above the rushing Reka River. At one point in the route, you cross a below-ground bridge high above the river, so this route may not be ideal for someone with a fear of heights. Another option is Postojna Cave, located near the largest cave castle in the world, Predjama Castle, a medieval castle set into a cliff. A kid-friendly train brings you into the cave to walk around, but more adventurous trekkers can join tours that explore deeper into the cave. Peter Lenarcic, of the Slovenia Outdoor association, says that underground exploration can also be a great option for history lovers, as 'Slovenia has vast remains of underground fortifications from [the two World Wars,] like the Rupnik Line or Soča Frontline.' Lenarcic adds that some can be visited on your own with a good torch light, and many are also located near other hiking trails. For history lovers who prefer to stay aboveground, Lenarcic recommends the 7.5-mile Trail of Trappists, which explores old wine transport routes, and the Walk of Peace, which includes fire trenches, bunkers, and other war remnants scattered along a 67-mile stretch of mountains, rivers, and small towns between the Alps and the Adriatic. (Parts of the Walk of Peace trail are undergoing repairs; check here for current conditions.) A shorter option is the Kobarid Historic Trail, a roughly 4-mile trail that is a mixture of forests, waterfalls, WWI bunker remnants, and small-town historical museums, like the WWI-focused Kobarid Museum. (Related: Czeched out of Prague? Try Ljubljana instead.) Kids can and do hike the trails around Lake Bled and down around Slovenia's caves, but for an added bit of fun, consider trails that are reached by chairlifts. 'If you're hiking with a family, particularly if you've got young ones or are traveling with folks with limited mobility, I like to recommend hiking areas that are accessible by cable car,' says Wilderness Travel Slovenia Trip Leader, Jirí Rohel. He recommends Velika Planina, a mountain plateau near the town of Kamnik, which is the largest settlement of herdsmen in Europe where farmers come to graze their cows in the alpine meadows in summer. Not only is there great family-friendly hiking here, but there is also a cultural immersion experience, as some herders open their huts to visitors and offer traditional lunches. Cassandra Brooklyn is a New York City-based who specializes in sustainability, accessibility and the outdoors. She is the author of the guidebook Cuba by Bike and can be found on X.
National Geographic
10-02-2025
- National Geographic
The ultimate guide to hiking in Slovenia
Europe has long been a popular vacation destination, be it for a steamy summer vacation or a Christmas market train journey. For hiking enthusiasts, Europe offers a seemingly endless bounty of trekking trips, from gentle levada walks in Madeira to the long-distance Camino de Santiago hiking pilgrimage. Yet, while Scotland, Portugal, and Spain often receive much of the attention, Slovenia has slowly been rising as a premiere hiking destination. Nestled between Italy, Austria, and Croatia, and bumping up against the Adriatic Sea, Slovenia offers the same world-class wine, gastronomy, and sky-high mountain peaks the region is known for, yet at lower prices and with fewer crowds. Whether you're seeking a strenuous trek to tackle alone or a gentle hiking itinerary for the whole family, here's where to hike in Slovenia. (Related: See Madeira's dramatic landscapes) Best hikes for beginners If you've ever seen a picture of Slovenia, there's a good chance it included a quiet, crystalline lake with towering snow-capped mountains in the background. This is Slovenia's most iconic destination, Lake Bled. And, while most visitors tend to not stray far from their hotel balcony or the walkable waterfront path, it's actually an excellent hiking destination. Hikes through Triglav National Park can take hikers high up into the Julian Alps, or through winding trails through mystical woods. Photograph by Ciril Jazbec According to Wilderness Travel Slovenia trip leader, Zuzana Sochorova, Lake Bled is especially well-suited for beginners because 'it's the ideal place to incorporate a few short hikes into a wider itinerary.' Sochorova describes the lake region as being surrounded by short, easy walks and hikes with minimal elevation gain that still reward visitors with stunning views. The picture-perfect lake and red-roofed island church (visited by Venetian-style gondola, of course) tend to be on the must-see list of most travelers to Slovenia, so Bled is a practical place to hike and to also do a bit of everything else. Challenging and multi-day treks Triglav National Park, covering much of the Julian Alps, is Slovenia's only national park and it's the best place to head for challenging routes. The park takes its name from Slovenia's highest peak, Triglav, which stands tall and proud at 9,396 feet. Its mountain ridge treks are a great place to spot chamois and ibex (large Alpine goat-like animals) and golden eagles. Sochorova explains that 'summiting it is a challenge even for very experienced hikers, as it is a very technical hike, requiring the use of a Via Ferrata.' At 9,396 feet (2,863.65 meters), Mount Triglav is the tallest peak in the Julian Alps and in Slovenia. Photograph by Ciril Jazbec Although it is technically possible to summit Triglav in one day, Sochorova warns against this. Instead, she suggests tackling the trek in two days and overnighting in Slovenia's highest mountain lodge, Triglavski Dom na Kredarici. For long-distance hiking, embark on a hut-to-hut hiking adventure or head to the Alpe-Adria Trail, a 460-mile trail traversing the borders of Slovenia, Austria, and Italy. The Slovenian sections take you from the fairytale-like forests of the Soča Valley to the wine region in the western part of the country. (Related: Could this be Europe's best hut-to-hut hiking trail?) Cave hiking in Slovenia With 13,000 caves (and counting), Slovenia is a country of caves. The Swiss cheese-like landscape below-ground runs throughout the country and offers hikes for all different abilities. A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the largest cave systems in the world, Skocjanske Jame (Skocjan Caves) is a rewarding option even for hikers with minimal interest in caves. Underground paths, boardwalks, and steep staircases guide visitors through the enormous 3.8-mile cave system and above the rushing Reka River. At one point in the route, you cross a below-ground bridge high above the river, so this route may not be ideal for someone with a fear of heights. Another option is Postojna Cave, located near the largest cave castle in the world, Predjama Castle, a medieval castle set into a cliff. A kid-friendly train brings you into the cave to walk around, but more adventurous trekkers can join tours that explore deeper into the cave. Best hikes for history lovers Peter Lenarcic, of the Slovenia Outdoor association, says that underground exploration can also be a great option for history lovers, as 'Slovenia has vast remains of underground fortifications from [the two World Wars,] like the Rupnik Line or Soča Frontline.' Lenarcic adds that some can be visited on your own with a good torch light, and many are also located near other hiking trails. For history lovers who prefer to stay aboveground, Lenarcic recommends the 7.5-mile Trail of Trappists, which explores old wine transport routes, and the Walk of Peace, which includes fire trenches, bunkers, and other war remnants scattered along a 67-mile stretch of mountains, rivers, and small towns between the Alps and the Adriatic. (Parts of the Walk of Peace trail are undergoing repairs; check here for current conditions.) A shorter option is the Kobarid Historic Trail, a roughly 4-mile trail that is a mixture of forests, waterfalls, WWI bunker remnants, and small-town historical museums, like the WWI-focused Kobarid Museum. Family-friendly hikes Kids can and do hike the trails around Lake Bled and down around Slovenia's caves, but for an added bit of fun, consider trails that are reached by chairlifts. 'If you're hiking with a family, particularly if you've got young ones or are traveling with folks with limited mobility, I like to recommend hiking areas that are accessible by cable car,' says Wilderness Travel Slovenia Trip Leader, Jirí Rohel. He recommends Velika Planina, a mountain plateau near the town of Kamnik, which is the largest settlement of herdsmen in Europe where farmers come to graze their cows in the alpine meadows in summer. Not only is there great family-friendly hiking here, but there is also a cultural immersion experience, as some herders open their huts to visitors and offer traditional lunches. How to do it It is very possible to plan your own hiking trip to Slovenia, but if you'd like to join a group trip, Numerous specialized providers with the Ljubljana can be reached by direct flights from Paris, Frankfurt, Munich, Zurich, Warsaw, and Istanbul. Alternatively, many travelers opt to fly into nearby cities that receive more frequent (and cheaper) flights and then take the train to is very possible to plan your own hiking trip to Slovenia, but if you'd like to join a group trip, Wilderness Travel offers several Slovenia hiking itineraries (some also include Austria and Italy), and Intrepid offers Slovenia trips that combine hiking, biking, and specialized providers with the Slovenia Outdoor association offer year-round tours focused on hiking, biking, climbing, and snowshoeing around the country. Cassandra Brooklyn is a New York City-based who specializes in sustainability, accessibility and the outdoors. She is the author of the guidebook Cuba by Bike and can be found on X.
