< PreviousTRENDING TRAVEL 30 February 15 – March 14 2023 timeoutabudhabi.com are Áexed the destination delivers bang for one’s buck and a certain sense of familiarity, without veering into package holiday territory. Confused? Think of the expected but unexpected trend as the safe hidden gem and say hello to Malta. The diminutive Mediterranean archipelago is the sort of underrated yet brilliant destination where dabbling in a little bit of everything is easy, from the reassuringly commonplace (sunning yourself on a beautiful beach) to the culturally enriching (the island is home to three UNESCO World Heritage sites). On Malta you can explore rugged countryside and admire medieval architecture, peruse museums and galleries galore, stay in funky boutique hotels and revel in a restaurant, bar and café scene that exudes up-and-coming cool, all-in-oner. Sound good? We thought so. Where to stay: With its progressive design, plush rooms and award-winning rooftop restaurant, the Iniala Harbour House is just the place to rest your weary head after a day spent wandering the cobbled streets of Valletta. Room rates start from around Dh1,300 per night. O Fly with Etihad and Air Malta from Dhs2,150 with one stop. Rooms from Dhs1,300 (per room). St. Barbara Bastion, Valletta, inialamalta.com. RESPONSIBLE TOURISM THE COUNTRY TO EXPERIENCE IT: SLOVENIA Commitment to sustainable travel has grown signiÀcantly in recent years, and in 2023 the ante will be upped further, with people seeking out more ecologically sound modes of transport (think trains rather than planes), conservation-centred experiences and ethically run adventures. For the truly conscientious traveller no longer is it enough to “leave only footprints”, in 2023 it’s all about philantourism (giving something back and doing some good while on vacation), with many travellers choosing options that actively beneÀt local communities and economies. When it comes to forward-thinking tourism Slovenia is the standard-setting, long-term leader of the pack. The sustainably-savvy country makes life easy for the responsibly- minded traveller: the tourist board’s Green Scheme of Slovenian Tourism directs visitors to the most eco-friendly accommodation, destinations and activities, minimal waste restaurants source ingredients seasonally and locally as a matter of course, the capital city Ljubljana is a car-free zone and sustainable development and environmental protection is championed country-wide. Aside from the obvious beneÀts to people and planet, the wonderful thing about all this is that visitors can enjoy the country’s beguiling mountain vistas, fairytale-esque forests, famed Lake Bled (and the totally underrated Lake Bohinj), verdant vineyards and thermal waters with a conscience as clear as the fresh mountain air. Where to stay: A working organic farm that operates in a sustainable, ecological way, boasts an excellent organic restaurant and an overall focus on wellness and rejuvenation, the Trnulja Estate on the outskirts of Ljubljana encapsulates the Slovenian approach to tourism. Studio room rates start at around Dhs450 per night. O Fly to Slovenia with Etihad and Air Serbia from Dhs1,600 with one stop. Rooms from Dhs450 (per night). Trnulja Estate, þrna Vas, near Ljubljana, trnulja.com. GOING OFF GRID THE COUNTRY TO EXPERIENCE IT: BHUTAN Forget about familiarity, the more intrepid explorers in the pack are saying so long to the crowds and deliberately taking themselves out of comfort zones and even further off the beaten track than ever before. Put simply, going off grid is going to be big in 2023. That means an ever-growing interest in visiting the planet’s most remote destinations, fueled by an escapist desire to really switch off (and switch those screens off) and experience a bare necessities, compasses-at- the-ready style of living. “There’s an ever- growing interest in visiting the planet’s most remote destinations to really switch off”TRENDING TRAVEL timeoutabudhabi.com February 15 – March 14 2023 31 BhutanTRENDING TRAVEL 32 February 15 – March 14 2023 timeoutabudhabi.com With exactly that in mind, there’s plenty of chatter around Bhutan and the opportunities the Buddhist kingdom offers for experiencing pure, unspoiled natural beauty, indigenous local culture and the sort of time-stood-still ambience that the burnt-out city dweller dreams of. What to do: A trekking trip through the country’s incredible mountainous landscapes and lush valleys dotted with sacred temples, remote fortresses and tiny villages offers ample opportunity for eschewing modernity and embracing nature wholeheartedly. Book your itinerary for doing so through the Trans Bhutan Trail website, which offers up treks including cultural adventures lasting nine-days or women’s-only adventures for 12. Looking to really, really, really disconnect? Then you can also book in for a 36-day trek which will take you the full route. No matter which option you pick, all proÀts go straight back into the organisation tasked with looking after the trail as well as the communities living along it, meaning you can tick off two travel trends – responsible tourism and going off grid – at the same time. O There are currently no direct Áights from Abu Dhabi to Bhutan. Fly from Abu Dhabi to Bangkok with Etihad for around Dhs4,000, then from Bangkok to Paro, Bhutan, for around Dhs1,700. WILD AND WONDERFUL WHERE TO EXPERIENCE IT: SAUDI ARABIA One thing we haven’t shaken post-pandemic is our increased afÀnity with nature. It’s no surprise then that this is inÁuencing travel plans, with predictions that destinations and vacations that offer wildlife-spotting opportunities, bountiful biodiversity and unique landscapes will prove popular in 2023. AlUlaTRENDING TRAVEL timeoutabudhabi.com February 15 – March 14 2023 33 MORE TV TRAVEL BUCHAREST, ROMANIA Although Wednesday is set in Vermont in the US, you’ll need to pay a visit to Romania for the full Nevermore experience. Historic buildings like Palatul Monteoru and Casa Niculescu- Dorobantu in Bucharest were used as inspiration for the interior shots, and the greenhouse scenes were Àlmed at Gradina Botanica Dimitrie Brândza. Head out of the city for Cantacuzino Castle for shots of Nevermore Academy’s exterior. HERTFORDSHIRE, UK Found yourself falling for the Duke in Bridgerton, or just completely in love with the sets of Bridgerton? You can experience it for yourself over at HatÀeld House in Hertfordshire. Aside from starring in Bridgerton, the stately home has also made on-screen appearances as Wayne Manor in a Batman movie, and featured in two Lara Croft Àlms as well as Enola Holmes. PARIS, FRANCE The City of Love has inspired many a TV director, but the show on everybody’s lips at the moment has to be Emily in Paris. Experience it for yourself at Café de Flore, Rue de l’Abreuvoir or Pont Alexandre III. Not all of us want to rough it, though. The wild and wonderful trend caters speciÀcally to those who fancy experiencing the great outdoors in all its glory, but are less keen on compromising on Àve-star feel. That means next year we’ll see more and more hotels that have been speciÀcally designed to accentuate and imaginatively accommodate the surrounding natural landscape, as well as resorts offering bespoke al fresco activities – hiking, biking, climbing, kayaking – with a side order of luxe. Quick crib note on the subject of al fresco in 2023: sunbathing is out and the meditative practice of forest bathing (no actual bathing involved) is well and truly in vogue. Where to stay: The Habitas AlUla plays a sensitive, stylish and still utterly sumptuous homage to its breathtaking Ashar Valley location. The resort was built with minimal impact on the surrounding area using light- on-the-environment materials and certainly achieves its goal of blurring the lines between nature and design. Villa rates start from around Dhs2,400 per night. O Fly direct from Dubai to AlUla with Áydubai for around Dhs1,605. Rooms from Dhs2,400 (per night). AlUla, ourhabitatas.com/alula. THE WORKATION WHERE TO EXPERIENCE IT: RAS AL KHAIMAH In contrast to 2020 when the closest you got to your colleagues a video call, in 2023 you may well be going on holiday with them. That’s right: team building exercises and group outings are set to reach a whole new level. Employers will instead be seeking to whisk their teams away for a business retreat, aiming to strengthen relations, bolster morale and boost creativity levels. Destinations tend not to be far, yet still feel remote and follow a schedule with a game or competition element that makes teamwork essential. Where to stay: Nestled away in the dramatic Jebel Jais mountains, The Bear Grylls Explorers Camp UAE promises to deliver the sort of exhilarating survival courses that will get adrenaline pumping and team spirit soaring. Survival courses start from around Dhs1,000 per person.34 February 15 – March 14 2023 timeoutabudhabi.com LATEST LOUVREBOLLYWOOD SUPERSTARS timeoutabudhabi.com February 15 – March 14 2023 35 Paying a visit to the Louvre Abu Dhabi is always a good idea, whether you’re learning about ancient civilisations or doing yoga under the dome. Need another reason to visit? We think the Louvre’s Àrst exhibition of 2023 – Bollywood Superstars: A Short Story of Indian Cinema – is a pretty good one. Through more than 80 artworks including photographs, costumes and Àlm extracts, the exhibition explores Indian cinema from its beginnings in the late 19th century up to the present. You’ll learn about all aspects of Indian cinema, from storytelling, dance, and pre-cinema to the inÁuence of religion and mythology and the rise of Bollywood superstars in the modern day. Dr. Souraya Noujaim, director of scientiÀc, curatorial and collections management at Louvre Abu Dhabi, said, “Bollywood is more than just a Àlm industry; it’s a cultural phenomenon that has captivated audiences around the world. “This exhibition offers a unique glimpse into the long and wondrous history and development of Bollywood and the Indian cinema, and underlines the continued presence of the great mythological and literary narratives in Indian culture. “Bollywood Superstars is a special exhibition that complements our collections and aligns with our curatorial approach and we hope that it provides our visitors with a better understanding of our shared roots, common values and cultural connections.” O Dhs63 (adults), free (under 18s, UAE residents over 60). Until Sun Jun 4. Open Tue-Sun 10am-6.30pm. Saadiyat Island, louvreabudhabi.ae (600 565566). FILM SCREENINGS Throughout March, Louvre Abu Dhabi will be hosting outdoor screenings of Bollywood classics. Spanning the 60s through to the 2000s, the movies, which include Mughal-e- Azam (1960), Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (1995) and Om Shanti Om (2007), have all been handpicked by curator Rinku Awtani and will introduce you to the elaborate sets, costumes and general glitz and glamour of the silver screen. Screenings are free, and will be held every Friday and Saturday for three weeks at 6pm. Book your spot in advance over on louvreabudhabi.ae. O Free. Fri Mar 3-Sat Mar 4, Fri Mar 10-Sat Mar 11, Fri Mar 17-Sat Mar 18 6pm onwards. Promenade Steps, louvreabudhabi.ae/en/programmes. SECRET SOIRÉE Louvre Abu Dhabi’s secret soirée is making a comeback, and this time around inspiration will be drawn from Bollywood Superstars: A Short Story of Indian Cinema. The immersive theatre experience will see you go on a behind-the-scenes tour of Mumbai Nights 2, an imaginary Bollywood blockbuster. You’ll get to explore the sets, the props and costumes, and discover how larger-than-life musical scenes are shot. Wearing your best Bollywood-approved attire is encouraged. The Àrst secret soirées were held on Friday February 10 and Saturday February 11, but there’s still time soon to book your slot for Friday February 17 or Saturday February 18. O Dhs190. Fri Feb 17-Sat Feb 18 7.30pm onwards. Louvre Abu Dhabi, louvreabudhabi.ae/en/programmes. Bollywood Superstars: A Short Story of Indian Cinema is a must-see EFRESH STAYS 36 February 15 – March 14 2023 timeoutabudhabi.com Rixos Marina Abu DhabiFRESH STAYS timeoutabudhabi.com February 15 – March 14 2023 37 Check Think you’ve been there, done that with all the hottest staycation spots in the UAE? Think again. Over the past year, some brilliant new hotels and resorts have cropped up across the emirates, from desert glamping spots to city escapes. These are all the new hotels to get on your radar now. ABU DHABI BATEEN LIWA RESORT Bab Al Nojoum already has campsites on Hudayriat Island and near Al Mugheirah Bay, and in late 2022 the brand opened a new desert resort: Bateen Liwa. Located in the Al Dhafra region, the resort is made up of one-, two- and three-bedroom villas, each of which boasts a private pool. Breakfast and dinner is included in stays, but villas also have in a barbecue and Àre pit, should you want chefs to grill in your villa come evening time. You might be tempted to laze about in the pool, but you can also book in for activities like archery, museum tours, volleyball or yoga. This is desert camping, but not as you know it. O From Dhs765 (per night). Al Dhafra, babalnojoum.com/bateen-liwa-resort. RIXOS MARINA ABU DHABI One of the most iconic buildings in the city, Rixos Marina Abu Dhabi Ànally opened its doors in September last year. At the time of writing, three restaurants – Turquoise, People’s and Godiva Café – are open inside, but several more are on the way in the near future. The opening we’re most looking forward to? Privé Lounge, which will offer up incredible views from the 37th Áoor. In the meantime, you can take a dip in the pool, work on your tan on the beach or book in for a treatment at the spa. O From Dhs510 per night. Al Kasir Island, rixos.com. DUBAI ANANTARA WORLD ISLANDS An island getaway, you say? In 2022 Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas became the Àrst to open a resort on Dubai’s World Islands – and it is stunning. Located just four kilometres off the coast of Dubai, the new destination is the Àrst hotel in the South American continent of the World Islands development, and the island is completely dedicated to Anantara World Islands Dubai Resort. Made up of 70 suites, beach and pool villas, the island resort is also home to a luxe spa, fully-equipped gym, and dedicated kids’ club, plus plenty of Áora and fauna for those all-important island vibes. The resort can be accessed by boat in just 15 minutes. Mix in a Mediterranean- style al fresco restaurant and Arabic-Indian eatery – perfect for both romantic dinners and barbecues on the beach – plus a bar lounge boasting panoramic views of the All the newest hotels in the UAE to book for your next staycationFRESH STAYS 38 February 15 – March 14 2023 Dubai skyline, Burj Khalifa and Burj Al Arab Jumeirah, and you’re left with a dream staycation spot that doesn’t require splashing out on airfare. Sign us up. O From Dhs1,100 per night. Dubai World Islands, anantara.com. ATLANTIS THE ROYAL Is it too early to call this the biggest new opening of 2023? With a 73-minute concert from Beyoncé (her Àrst in Àve years), a huge Àreworks and drone show, and an opening attended by celebs including Kendall Jenner, Liam Payne and Ellen Pompeo, we’re struggling to see how this could be topped this decade, let alone this year. The new Atlantis The Royal opened to the public on February 10, and guests can expect a very luxe experience. Your stay begins with you admiring the Àre and water feature in the lobby (how on earth does it work?), before being pampered with in-room amenities come from brands including Hermès, Frette, and Graff. There are 90 (yes, you read that correctly) pools across the property, including 44 inside suites and penthouses, and you can dine at top restaurants including Dinner by Heston Blumenthal, Nobu by the Beach and La Mar by Gastón Acurio. If you’re going all out with your staycation, this is the place to book. O From Dhs1,807 per night (minimum two-night stay). Palm Jumeirah, atlantis.com/atlantis-the-royal. LEGOLAND DUBAI The Àrst Legoland Hotel in the Middle East opened in 2022, and it’s been a smash hit with families. The hotel has been created with kids aged two to 12 in mind but as many generations have grown up with the colourful building blocks, it makes for an exciting experience for all. There are 250 rooms with Àve different themes to choose from, such as pirate, adventure and Lego friends. The rooms can Àt a family of up to Àve and the suites have space for up to eight guests, with breakfast, theme park and waterpark access included. There is no end of activities to keep the little builders happy, with in-room treasure hunts, Lego-building workshops and demonstrations by the Master Model Builders. There’s also a pool and kids’ splash pad to chill out in. Meanwhile, Bricks family restaurant serves up a kid-friendly buffet. O From Dhs850. Dubai Parks & Resorts, legoland.com.FRESH STAYS timeoutabudhabi.com February 15 – March 14 2023 39 Atlantis The RoyalNext >