< PreviousSPRING 2024 esquir eme.com 20 TRA VEL F amed for its natural beauty, scenic panoramas, and heritage, Sri Lanka has become a bucket list destination for Qatari visitors in recent years. Just a four hour journey from Doha lands you in the heart of Colombo, the country’s bustling capital. The island country is large and varied, combining beautiful tropical beaches, verdant vegetation, and ancient monuments, so it’s best to plan ahead to make the most of your trip. Esquire opts for Resplendent Ceylon, a collection of boutique Relais & Chateaux resorts that offer a beautifully curated circuit across Sri Lanka and a range of authentic experiences. Conceived by the Fernando family, Sri Lankan tea producers and founders of Dilmah Ceylon Tea, Resplendent Ceylon has the added benefit of supporting positive impact programs through Dilmah Conservation and the MJF Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Dilmah Ceylon Tea Services that works with vulnerable communities to provide information, inclusive opportunity, and sustainable resources. Its ‘best of Sri Lanka’ circuit features a series of distinctive resorts—Ceylon Tea Trails in the tea highlands, Wild Coast Tented Lodge beach- side at Yala National Park and Cape Weligama on the south coast near Galle—the only Relais & Chateaux resorts in Sri Lanka. Met by your private chauffeur at the airport, complete with a light packed lunch and refreshments to see you through the journey, it’s a relaxing and convenient way to traverse the country. CE Y LON TEA TRAILS In the heart of Sri Lanka’s emerald hills lies an exquisite retreat that seamlessly blends the elegance of a bygone era with contemporary luxury. Nestled amidst the picturesque landscape of Sri Lanka’s Central Highlands, Ceylon Tea Trails comprises a collection of colonial style bungalows, each exuding its own distinct charm. Ceylon Tea Trails goes beyond being a tea lover’s haven—it’s a culinary destination. The estate’s private chefs expertly weave the flavours of Ceylon tea into every dish, creating a gastronomic journey that pays homage to the region’s rich heritage. From the deliciously light High Tea scones, served with homemade jams, to the daily choice of gourmet dinners inspired by the nuances of various tea varieties, every dish is a celebration of place. A life Serendib The Resplendent Ceylon Sri Lankan circuit offers guests once-in-a-lifetime experiences By Michael Collins Whether you are sipping tea on the private veranda, enjoying the panoramic views of the Castlereagh Reservoir, exploring the tea fields or indulging in a relaxing spa treatment, Ceylon Tea Trails invites you to slow down, unwind, and appreciate the natural surroundings. Guided tours and hikes through the lush tea estate offer a glimpse into the meticulous process of tea cultivation. From the plucking of the tender leaves, to factory grinding and art of tea tasting, guests are invited to become part of the living history of Ceylon tea—showing what goes into every cup. Try the Planter’s Lunch for added ‘wow’—served at the highest point of the property offering incredible rolling vistas, the experience includes a short hike to the top of the hills, followed by a traditional Sri Lankan lunch awaits served picnic-style in traditional tiffin boxes. The resort is characterised by attention to detail and a commitment to ensuring unforgettable personalized experiences. For those seeking a retreat where luxury meets peaceful heritage, this enchanting sanctuary offers a real sense of immersion and stillness. IMA GE S : SUPPLIEDSPRING 2024 esquir eme.com 21 TRA VEL WILD COAST TENTED LO DGE Adjacent to the Indian Ocean and the lush jungles of Yala National Park, Wild Coast Tented Lodge emerges as a sanctuary for the modern adventurer. Step into a world of refined luxury at Wild Coast Tented Lodge, where avant-garde architecture meets the rugged charm of the wild. The lodge’s cocoon-like tents combine contemporary design with the organic beauty of the surroundings and heritage, providing an immersive and intimate connection with nature. The interiors of Wild Coast Tented Lodge redefine ‘safari- chic’. Each tent is a masterpiece of design, featuring plush furnishings, free-standing copper bathtubs and sinks, and panoramic views of the surrounding wilderness. Embark on exhilarating safaris through Yala National Park, home to an abundance of wildlife, including leopards, elephants, and an array of exotic bird species. Two safaris take place each day allowing guests to split the day into adventure and recuperation. Expert guides talk through the incredible landscapes, nature and wildlife that Yala National Park possesses, offering a once in a lifetime experience up close to the Sri Lanka wilderness. As night falls, guests can savour supper under the vast Sri Lankan sky as it is transforms itself into a stargazer’s paradise. Blending traditional Sri Lankan flavours with a modern twist, a gourmet three-course dinner is served against the magical backdrop of natural wilderness. resplendentceylon.com CA PE WELIGAMA In the heart of Sri Lanka, where the Indian Ocean meets the rugged coastline, lies Cape Weligama— Relais & Chateau. This coastal haven is a tribute to the island’s timeless charm. As the sun gently dips below the horizon, Cape Weligama unveils its magic upon every visitor gracing its shores. The waves serenade the senses, creating a symphony that transcends time and transports you to a realm of tranquillity. The largest of the three estates with 39 on-site villas, the property invites you to wander round the paths and manicured gardens, complete with monkeys, Komodo dragons and Cape Weligama’s famous peacocks. Each villa is modern and spacious with stylish interiors, featuring generously sized bathrooms with spa steam shower, double sinks, and large stone bath complimented with homemade Ophir toiletries. The guest rooms open out onto private gardens with vistas of palm trees swaying in the breeze against an ocean backdrop. Cape Weligama’s residences and villas sit atop a promontory overlooking the Indian Ocean and enjoy stunning views of idyllic landscapes on all sides. At the seafront, the crescent-shaped infinity pool seems to float above the waves; alongside stone pathways leading to secluded coves where turtles flap about in the crystal-clear shallows. The terracotta-tiled rooftops of the accommodations, designed by renowned architect Lek Bunnag, create the illusion of a traditional Sri Lankan village with generously sized, stylishly furnished interiors. Beyond the lavish accommodation, Cape Weligama beckons with a host of experiences. For those seeking adventure, the area boasts some of the best surfing waves in Sri Lanka. There’s also a plethora of marine activities on offer, from whale-watching to snorkeling in the coral reefs. Highlights include breakfast at the aptly named Ocean Terrace; Tableau’s 12-course tasting menu that celebrates an inventive take on the best local produce; and treatments at the luxurious Sanctuary Spa featuring relaxing oils made from Ceylon tea. The resort offer a diverse array of dining options, each offering a unique culinary experience. Indulge in the authentic flavours of Sri Lankan cuisine, a gastronomic journey that tantalizes the taste buds with an explosion of spices and local delicacies. The open-air restaurants, surrounded by the lush landscape, provide the perfect setting for culinary exploration from dawn to dusk. Can you pull off pearls? Yes, you can—and should By Jonathan Evans PHO T OGRAPHY B Y R Y AN SLA CK. S T YLING B Y ANDREA RIOS T here will come a time when you’ll want to push it. Take your look from easy and everyday to stylishly subversive. Transform a combo as simple as a tank top and jeans into a double- take-worthy outfit. And you can do that with a strand of pearls. You mean like Grandma wore? Well . . . yeah. If you’ve been keeping an eye on the cool kids—the achingly hip downtown types, the off-kilter artsy guys, the capital-F Fashion fans —you know pearl jewellery has picked up steam. But it’s no longer just the avant-garde going for it. Normal guys with a penchant for interesting style are embracing pearls, too. Why? Because they can inject some rebellious energy and add that essential finishing touch —all without being too loud about it. Pulling it off doesn’t require a delicate Jackie O–approved necklace (though it could if you’re so inclined). You can rough things up by pairing pearls with heavy metal, as in the Tiffany & Co. look you see on the Right, as well as some denim or leather. You can also try them with your swankiest formalwear or throw ’em on with a tee and a cardigan for your Sunday-morning coffee run. Options abound—so dive in. Once you do, the world’s your oyster. SPRING 2024 esquir eme.com 22 S T YLE TIFF ANY HARD WE AR PE ARL L OCK NE CKLA CE (Q AR14 , 300) , BY TIFFANY & CO.; SHIR T (Q AR2 , 000) , B Y LUDOVIC DE SAINT SERNIN S T YLE SPRING 2024 esquir eme.com 23 The man in the gray flannel suit is long gone. But even his sartorial descendants disappeared somewhere in the last fifteen years or so, along with the idea of wearing a jacket and tie to the office every day. Now is the era of wearing a suit because you want to. Because you understand the way it can transform not only your look but your entire attitude. Because of the sheer damn joy of dressing to the nines and having some fun once in a while. Even though the old ways have gone out the window, there are still a few rules to keep in mind, however. Call them guidelines, if you want. Break them, if you dare. But don’t suit up without knowing them. W ORDS B Y NICK S ULLIV AN & JONA THAN EV ANS PHO T OGRAPHS B Y R Y AN SLA CK SPRING 2024 esquir eme.com 24 S T YLE THE NEW RULES OF SUITING UPSPRING 2024 esquir eme.com 25 XXXXXX SPRSPRSPSPRPINGINGINGNGINNGGGG 20220220220220220220220220022 444444444 esquesquesquesquesquesquesqsqqq ir emir emir emir emir ememir emir em e.coe.coe.coe.coe.coe.coee.co mmmmmmmmmm 2525252525255252525225222552 52 55 XXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXS T YLE _THE SHARP SUIT Any primer on suiting should include at least one reference to Reservoir Dogs. So here it is. Did you happen to notice how every one of those guys— Pink, Blue, White, Orange— looked like a million bucks in a stark black suit, crisp white shirt, and simple black tie? The movie might be three decades old, but the rule holds true to this day. The thing that’s changed, though, is the fit. If you’re going to channel your inner rebel, you want to keep it trim, tailored, and, yeah, sharp as hell. After all, the better it fits, the more you can get away with. _RULE 002 Slim lapels call for a slim tie with a knot to match. Forget the Windsor and go for a four-in-hand. _RULE 001 Black sunglasses look great with everything, but they look even better with a black suit. Suit (QAR12,500), shirt (QAR2,345), and tie (QAR850) by DOLCE & GABBANA; sunglasses (QAR1,900) by CUTLER AND GROSS; ring (QAR2,750) by TITLE OF WORK; DOLCEVITA x YVY watch (QAR6,290) by LONGINESXXXXXX _THE SOFT SUIT Lightweight and with minimal construction, especially at the shoulders, the soft suit is conceived for maximum comfort. Inspired by Neapolitan tailoring and then pioneered by leading designers in Milan, it makes dressing up a breeze. At one time, the proportions were on the tight side, which kind of makes a mockery of the idea of a soft suit. Recently they’ve eased, with pleated pants giving more wiggle room in the legs, and less formfitting cuts in the chest making movement less restricted. Consider this the ideal for a grown-up summer event. _RULE 003 You can make the soft suit more classic with the addition of a tie and a dressier shoe, or casualize it with a patterned shirt and elevated sneakers. But please: no dad shoes. Suit (QAT18,180) and shirt (QAR2,450) by BRUNELLO CUCINELLI S T YLE SPRING 2024 esquir eme.com 26 XXXXXX _THE CLASSIC SUIT Once upon a time, this was the default setting for all suits, whether for work or parties, weddings or soirees. Modernized over the years, it still bears the hallmarks of the Savile Row tailoring that inspired it. Full- or half-canvased chest pieces, vents, high armholes, and constructed shoulders put the emphasis on structure. That’s because these suits were meant to conceal the wearer’s shortcomings—and for decades they did a fine job of it. But because tastes have relaxed over the past decade and a half, the classic suit can, ironically, now be a great way to stand out from the crowd. _RULE 005 With tailoring, ONE TRUTH remains constant: Fit is king Suit (QAR20,000), vest (QAR3,250), shirt (QAR1,800), and sandals (QAR3,250) all by RALPH LAUREN Purple Label _RULE 004 Even if you opt for a ghost tie, you still need a proper dress shirt. _RULE 006 Only the CEOs of European watch companies dare to wear sneakers with this kind of suit. And it doesn’t work for them, either. S T YLE 27 XXXXXX _THE OVERSIZE SUIT Given that wearing a suit is now rare in all but the most conservative professions, investing in one means it’s more about parties and special events than the daily grind. Which makes the oversize suit, a recent product of runway fashion, a potential winner. Generous in proportion, with wide padded shoulders and roomy pants, it is the antithesis of the well-fitted suit. And that’s the point. That said, the oversize suit has its architectural limits. Look for a jacket that doesn’t hang off the shoulders and for trousers you won’t drown in. Jacket (QAR9,565), trousers (QAR5,980), and shoes (QAR2,990) all by GIVENCHY _RULE 009 The wider the leg, the rounder the shoe. Avoid Chelsea boots, cowboy boots, and anything remotely pointy. _RULE 008 The sleeves— despite how they might be shown on the runway— should not cover the hands. S T YLE _RULE 007 A good suit can MASK all manner of SINS SPRING 2024 esquir eme.com 28 SPRING 2024 esquir eme.com 29 XXXXXX _THE UN-SUIT Don’t fancy yourself a suit-and-tie kind of guy? In the mood for something a little different? These days, high-fashion designers and traditional tailoring brands alike offer riffs on the standard-issue suit that feel more relaxed while maintaining a necessary degree of refinement. The trick is changing up the jacket to something workwear inspired, like a chore coat or an overshirt. The trousers may be baggy, slim, or somewhere in between—but they must match in both colour and cloth. That’s what makes it an un-suit. Jacket (QAR6,800), trousers (QAR3,600), and tie (QAR650) by CANALI; shirt (QAR1,630) by BOGLIOLI _RULE 010 Old-school underpinnings, like a spread-collar shirt and a foulard tie, will up the formality factor. _RULE 011 Don’t try to hack it with pieces that weren’t designed together. “Close enough” is not, in fact, close enough. S T YLING : ANDREA RIOS . GROOMING : ROBER T O AL V ARADO JR. USING MA C COSMETICS . T AIL ORING : L U C Y P A YNE . MODEL: JOE WE S T A T MARIL YN . 29 S T YLENext >