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4 Turkish Restaurants To Visit In Istanbul
By Correspondent Terry Elward

February 8, 2022

Savor kebabs at Hayri Usta Kebap. *Credit: Terry Elward*

To fully understand the scope of Turkish cuisine, you have to visit the country. Turkey has incredible cheeses, mouthwatering pastries, elaborate desserts and so much more. Istanbul is a great city for your Turkish culinary tour since the megalopolis has a bit of everything to sample.

Here are some Istanbul restaurants that stand out from the crowd for their remarkable local offerings:

Kebabs: Hayri Usta Kebap

Hidden away off a side street near the famous Taksim Square and Istiklal shopping street (Katip Mustafa Celebi Mah. Cukurlu Cesme Sok. No:15 Taksim, Beyoglu) is one of the best kebab shops you’ll ever find.

Furnished with rustic wooden stools and exposed brick, this no-frills local joint serves delectable kebabs and accompaniments. For a few dollars, you’ll get a metal plate with fresh village-style bazlama (a flatbread), a few skewers of chicken or beef seasoned with sumac, bulgur pilaf and a fresh salad of parsley, onions and seasonal vegetables. It’s simple and divine.

Hayri Usta also serves made-from-scratch soups and lahmacun, a type of Turkish flatbread pizza.

Enjoy towers of treats at afternoon tea. *Credit: Terry Elward*

Afternoon Tea: Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet

It’s hard to believe that the palatial Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet was once the most notorious prison in Istanbul. After renovating the grand old building, all that remains of its past life are the ancient, intricate locks that decorate the walls of the winter garden, where you can enjoy a magnificent afternoon tea.

Amid elegant chandeliers and Turkish carpets, sit down to luxuriate over the Four Seasons’ afternoon spread. There are two choices of tea sets — traditional and Turkish — and a selection of blends, the Turkish tea being the local option. Along with tea or coffee (with refills), the meal includes savories, sweets and a scone or muffin. Turkish savories include cheese pastries and pies, the sweets are typically fruit tarts and baklava, and the scone or muffin comes with housemade Turkish jam.

Start your day with this spread. *Credit: Terry Elward*

All-Day Turkish Breakfast: Cafe Privato

Cafe Privato is the one-and-only spot (Timarci Sokak, off Galip Dede Caddesi near Galata Tower) for an authentic koy kahvaltisi, or village-style Turkish breakfast. It has a retro vibe with antique-looking sofas, lace tablecloths and vintage china plates.

Arrive hungry and get cozy for the enormous feast. Made from scratch, the breakfast set includes several different Turkish cheeses; delicious, fresh bread; a selection of housemade jam; hot Turkish and Georgian pastries; fresh eggs; marinated olives and salad; farmhouse butter and rich honey. Tea, coffee, fresh juices and housemade lemonade are served in beautiful glasses and cups.

Turkish Comfort Food: St. Regis Brasserie

The St. Regis Brasserie in Nisantasi offers a chic and minimalist indoor bar and a verdant terrace for alfresco dining when the weather is fine. This elegant establishment has a no-nonsense menu of simple, carefully crafted local and international dishes. The Turkish plates are classic meals that you would find in any home — but they are prepared to St. Regis’ standards.

One local favorite is manti, a Turkish meat dumpling, smaller than a ravioli, served with yogurt, mint, chili flakes and tomato sauce. Kofte are the meatballs that a Turkish mother would serve with rice and grilled vegetables. The harira soup (lamb, chickpeas and coriander) is wonderfully filling with fresh bread.

When you’ve sampled the classic home-style cooking, let loose in the bar, where the Turkish wine list is impressive. Or try a Misty Mary, The St. Regis Istanbul’s signature cocktail made of raki (Turkey’s national drink, it’s an anise-flavored brandy) and local juiced vegetables.

Hotels, Resorts

Go Island Hopping In Hawaii With Gray Malin’s New Photo Series
By Forbes Travel Guide Editor Jennifer Kester

February 2, 2022

See Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star Four Seasons Resort Hualalai from up above. *Credit: Gray Malin*

Fine art photographer Gray Malin’s new series will take you on a breathtaking island-hopping tour to three Four Seasons oases in Hawaii.

Known for beachy aerial shots he snaps while riding in a doorless helicopter, Malin captured scenes like Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina’s white-umbrella-dotted crescent-shaped lagoon, Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea’s expansive saltwater Fountain Pool and the newly renovated Four Seasons Resort Hualalai’s distinctive black-lava-rock coastline over in the Big Island.

As part of the Gray Malin x Four Seasons Resorts Hawaii collaboration, each beach haven also offers special on-property amenities — from trays featuring images from the collection to a tropical Gray Malin Kokomo cocktail with local coconut, lime and mint — and sells his works in its shops.

To help you experience it in person, Malin and the three resorts will host a social media giveaway today and give one winner an epic Hawaii vacation with two nights at each Four Seasons; a large, framed piece from the collection; and a book signed by Malin. To enter, visit @GrayMalin @FSHualalai, @FSMaui and @FSOahu on Instagram.

We talked to Malin about the collection, his favorite Hawaiian beaches and why he keeps returning to the islands.

Peek at Four-Star Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina on Oahu’s west coast. *Credit: Gray Malin*

Why is Hawaii a special place for you?

For me personally, Hawaii is a retreat. I visit as often as I can to breathe the fresh air, recharge and reconnect. My work is meant to evoke joy, and I often photograph places you want to escape to — my brand slogan is “make every day a getaway.” There’s no place like Hawaii that really embodies that same spirit.

Additionally, the past two years my family and I spent Christmas in Hawaii on the Big Island, and I couldn’t imagine a more picturesque and memorable vacation. We’ve created incredible memories together on the Big Island.

How frequently do you visit?

I grew up going to Kauai with my family and since then have been able to visit the various Hawaiian Islands at least 20 times. More recently, during 2020 and 2021 I have spent months there working remotely with my husband and kids.

What did you try to capture at each property?

It was important to me to capture the allure of each resort, as well as the iconic locations that guests remember from the time they have spent at the properties, such as the swimming pool or beach.

In general, my work has always centered on translating the spirit of travel and adventure through photography, creating memorable moments and bringing people together — and my collection with Four Seasons Resorts Hawaii mirrors that mindset.

Five-Star Four Seasons Resort Maui outfitted cabanas with Malin’s photos and accessories. *Credit: Gray Malin*

What experiences can guests expect at each Four Seasons resort?

With the launch of my partnership, guests can now enjoy Gray Malin immersive experiences at the three properties. This includes a signature Gray Malin Kokomo cocktail that you can sip poolside at each property, as well as my latest coffee table book, Gray Malin: The Essential Collection, in all of the hotel suites.

At Four Seasons Hualalai, I’m thrilled that my decorative trays and outdoor pillows featuring my photography are now featured on all of the chairs and tables surrounding the beloved Beach Tree swimming pool.

At Four Seasons Maui at Wailea, I’ve customized four of the luxury cabanas at the Serenity Pool so you can step into a Gray Malin photograph. Each cabana features my signature aerial photography shot above the resort along with my outdoor pillows, decorative trays and my board games.

Similarly, when you visit Four Seasons Oahu at Ko Olina, you will find two luxury pool cabanas decorated with my beach photography shot above the resort as well as a collection of fun Gray Malin products inside. In addition, the walls of the Penthouse Suite are adorned with a curated display of my artwork from Ko Olina and Gray Malin products throughout the suite that create a colorful and playful atmosphere.

All of these activations create an opportunity for guests to interact with my brand in an unexpected and exciting way that goes beyond simply viewing my photography!

Get a bird’s-eye view of Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea. *Credit: Gray Malin*

What activities do you like to do when in Hawaii?

I love waking up early and seeing the sunrise, heading to the beach in the mornings, going out to snorkel in the afternoons and doing a sunset boat ride in the evenings.

If you go in the winter months, I highly recommend going out on a whale-watching boat.

What are your favorite Hawaiian beaches?

My favorite beaches on the Hawaiian Islands are Hanalei Bay in Kauai, Lanikai Beach in Oahu, Makena Beach in Maui, and Mauna Kea Beach in Hawaii.

Do you have a favorite island?

When I was younger, my favorite island was Kauai, but now it is the Big Island. And who knows what it will be in the future! Each island has unique experiences and amazing places to explore.

Are there any places in Hawaii you still want to explore?

I would like to photograph the island of Lanai from the air and one day make it to Molokai!

Hotels, Lists

40 Most Anticipated Hotel Openings Of 2022
By Forbes Travel Guide Editor Jennifer Kester

January 31, 2022

Check into this ranch and vineyard. *Credit: Stanly Ranch, Auberge Resorts Collection*

Whether you seek a getaway to reunite with loved ones or a wellness retreat to get your pandemic-worn health back on track, a slew of new hotels will be ready to welcome you. For our annual list of top luxury hotel openings, we scoured the globe to find properties of all types, from high-end brands to boutique gems, with top-notch amenities, striking facilities and coveted locales.

From Kauai to Kuwait, here are Forbes Travel Guide’s most anticipated hotel openings for 2022:

Stanly Ranch, Auberge Resorts Collection, Napa

This 712-acre working ranch will feed your body (its restaurants use ingredients from local farms), spirit (the spa’s wellness experts will create personalized programs) and sense of wonder (snap a photo of the 60-by-40-foot Infinity sculpture). Unwind in the 78 rustic-luxe cottages and suites featuring terraces with fire pits and views of the Mayacamas Mountains and the property’s vineyards.

Dubai will get another skyline stunner. *Credit: Atlantis The Royal Resort*

Atlantis The Royal Resort, Dubai

Steps from sister property Atlantis, The Palm, this resort will go big with 795 rooms; 17 restaurants from noted chefs like José Andrés, Ariana Bundy and Heston Blumenthal; the world’s largest waterpark; a flashy water and fire show; and a showstopping 22nd-floor, 295-foot-long infinity sky pool.

Get a peek at Edinburgh Castle. *Credit: 100 Princes Street*

100 Princes Street, Edinburgh

Tucked along a premier shopping thoroughfare, this more-than-150-year-old building will have its façade and interiors restored. The boutique hotel will also have 30 rooms, an executive lounge and impeccable touches like a mural honoring Scottish explorers. But its best asset may be its unobstructed views of Edinburgh Castle.

Conrad Los Angeles

Conrad will mark its first California foray with Los Angeles’ Frank Gehry-designed cultural corridor, The Grand LA. The 305-room property will have sweeping vistas of Walt Disney Concert Hall, a 16,000-square-foot rooftop pool and two José Andrés restaurants — one with Latin and Asian flavors and the other with classic Spanish fare.

Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp

This 13th-century refuge is steeped in history. The 108 unique rooms will reside in a former monastery, a 15th-century chapel will host weddings and there’s a 200-year-old botanic garden. But it will also offer modern perks: four restaurants from renowned chefs like Gert De Mangeleer, who will revive his famed Hertog Jan, and an innovative three-floor botanical spa.

The Tampa EDITION

If you need a sign that Tampa is on the cusp of a luxury travel resurgence, this spring opening is it. Nestled within the new 56-acre Water Street Tampa area, the hotel will have 172 rooms (including a vast 2,195-square-foot penthouse) and six restaurants and bars, including a rooftop lounge.

Waldorf Astoria Kuwait

Located within The Avenues — Kuwait’s largest mall with more than 1,100 stores, an amusement park, a movie theater and more — the hotel will have easy access to entertainment. But with 200 sophisticated accommodations overlooking the skyline, Japanese restaurant ROKA Kuwait and a 13,560-square-foot spa, you’ll find plenty to keep you busy in the hotel.

Escape to this private island paradise. *Credit: Emerald Faarufushi Resort & Spa*

Emerald Faarufushi Resort & Spa, Maldives

Spread across 17 acres in the Raa Atoll, this island getaway will plunge you into paradise with 80 minimalist villas, an Italian restaurant and bar at the end of a picturesque jetty and a spa with eight rocket-ship-shaped suites hidden high among the palm fronds.

The Ritz-Carlton New York, NoMad

One of the tallest buildings in the area, the newly built hotel will afford views from the Empire State Building to the Statue of Liberty. But your eyes will be locked on the property’s dining options — chef José Andrés will serve a mezze menu at Zaytinya and avant-garde cuisine at Bazaar and oversee the rooftop bar — and the 6,800-square-foot spa.

This historic building helped inspire the James Bond series. *Credit: Grain London*

Raffles London at The OWO

Stay in the former offices of British prime ministers like Winston Churchill and David Lloyd George when Raffles opens in the Old War Office. The white Edwardian building will hold 120 rooms, dining from decorated chef Mauro Colagreco and a rooftop restaurant and bar overlooking Whitehall and Buckingham Palace.

Find wellness in the desert. *Credit: Tanveer Badal*

Sensei Porcupine Creek, Palm Springs

Tech pioneer Larry Ellison will convert his Porcupine Creek home and golf course into a 230-acres desert wellness destination. Like its excellent sister property Sensei Lanai, A Four Seasons Resort in Hawaii, this retreat will adopt a science-based approach with a state-of-the-art diagnostic center, a slew of fitness and mindfulness programming, a spa and healthy fare by Nobu.

Four Seasons Hotel Nashville

Along the Cumberland River and a block from Broadway’s honky-tonks, a glass tower will house 230-plus rooms, all with city or water vistas. Check out the seventh-floor terrace’s infinity-edge pool and alfresco restaurant and exclusive experiences like penning a country song with a local musician.

Mandarin Oriental, Shenzhen

The 79-story skyscraper recently arrived on the scene with some of the largest accommodations in the southern China city and luxurious amenities like Diptyque toiletries and Dyson Supersonic hairdryers. Don’t miss the 68th-floor spa with a pool under cathedral ceilings and the modern Cantonese plates at The Bay by Chef Fei.

Australia’s tallest hotel will deliver unrivaled views. *Credit: The Ritz-Carlton, Melbourne*

The Ritz-Carlton, Melbourne, Australia

Soaring above the city, The Ritz-Carlton, Melbourne will be Australia’s tallest hotel. Zip up to level 80 to check in and then take in sweeping views of the bay and the skyline. More riveting vistas will be on display from the 257 rooms and the indoor infinity pool.

Get back to nature at this new boutique inn. *Credit: Nicewonder Farm & Vineyards*

The Inn at Nicewonder Farm & Vineyards, Virginia Highlands

Since 2013, family-owned Nicewonder Farm & Vineyards’ bucolic 450 acres showcased fare from James Beard-nominated chef Travis Milton, wine and yurts. But the mountain escape will add a 28-room luxury inn with a presidential suite, an infinity pool, a spa and a new restaurant from Milton called Hickory.

Pendry Park City

The alpine resort gets a modernist makeover at this ski-in/ski-out Canyons Village chalet. There’s a Japanese American steakhouse; a lively pizza parlor; après-ski in front of the lobby lounge’s fireplace or outdoors on Ski Beach; and Park City’s only rooftop pool and bar.

The Ferragamo family will expand to Milan. *Credit: Lungarno Collection*

Portrait Milano — Lungarno Collection

The style tastemakers in the Ferragamo family will bring a new hotel to Italy’s fashion capital in an unlikely place: a former archiepiscopal seminary. The divine structure has a grand 1652 baroque entrance that opens onto an imposing nearly one-acre piazza framed by a double-colonnaded loggia. Its once hallowed walls also will contain restaurants, a shopping arcade and event space.

Hang out at a European-style beach club. *Credit: Rock House*

Rock House, Turks and Caicos

This 14-acre cliffside enclave will bring Mediterranean flair to Providenciales’ north coast. Forty-six cottages will have plunge pools overlooking the ocean. The big attractions will be the Beach Club’s secluded stretch of sand, a 130-foot jetty lined with daybeds and the largest infinity pool in Turks and Caicos.

Get close to the red rocks. *Credit: Jeff Zaruba*

Ambiente, A Landscape Hotel, Sedona

Take in the stunning red rocks from the adults-only hotel’s 40 Atriums, standalone cube-shaped accommodations that hover on tall steel piers. Most have a rooftop deck with a roaring fire pit and a daybed perfect for stargazing. Inside each glass-walled Atrium, enjoy 360-degree views of the landscape.

Mandarin Oriental Mayfair, London

To complement its Knightsbridge grande dame, Mandarin Oriental will move into another tony London neighborhood: Mayfair. But the new Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners-designed boutique hotel will be more intimate with only 50 accommodations, and it will have a fine-dining restaurant, a lobby lounge and a rooftop terrace bar.

Stay in Raffles’ first Americas property. *Credit: Rockwell Group*

Raffles Boston Back Bay Hotel & Residences

Raffles will unveil a 35-story LEED Gold structure in its first Americas venture. It will possess memorable features like a curved oak grand staircase that spirals through a three-story sky lobby. Also in the works are a speakeasy and a guests-only spa with an indoor pool.

Find a haven on this tropical island. *Credit: Regent Phu Quoc*

Regent Phu Quoc, Vietnam

Every accommodation in the all-suite-and-villa island hideaway is a stylish sanctuary. But villas have an edge with sprawling pools and courtyards. A wellness coach will lead you through offerings like hot sand therapy on a Gharieni quartz bed, indulgent Biologique Recherche treatments and a Pedi:Mani:Cure salon by Bastien Gonzalez.

Rosewood Doha

The two towers’ distinctive cutout façades designed by Qatari architect Ibrahim M. Jaidah recall coral reefs in the waters surrounding Qatar. Within the hotel, you’ll see eight restaurants and bars, including a cigar lounge; a spa; and a Manor Club executive lounge for Club Room and Suite guests.

Stop by this luxury inn. *Credit: The Inn at Mattei’s Tavern, Auberge Resorts Collection*

The Inn at Mattei’s Tavern, Auberge Resorts Collection, Santa Barbara

A popular stagecoach stop during the California gold rush and later a Prohibition speakeasy, this property has a storied past. Its newest incarnation will be as a luxury inn with 67 rooms and cottages sporting a modern farmhouse design, an open-air restaurant and an outdoor pool with a bar, cabanas and fire pits.

Hit the beach in Tulum. *Credit: Victor Elias*

Conrad Tulum Riviera Maya

The recently opened hotel lures you in with its secluded bay. But it also boasts five pools; nature-inspired décor (lots of stone, wood and metal); 349 rooms with a balcony and tub or a patio and plunge pool; and a spa featuring a shaman and services inspired by Mayan gods and drawn from Mexican herbs.

Discover whimsical details at this NoMad hotel. *Credit: Annie Schlechter*

The Fifth Avenue Hotel, New York

This NoMad newcomer will combine a restored historic bank building (originally designed by McKim, Mead & White) and a new 24-story glass tower. Inside, Martin Brudnizki enlivens the 153 rooms with eclectic accents, like a dresser with gold elephant head knobs and a mother-of-pearl bar cart.

The Madrid EDITION

Close to the popular square Puerta del Sol and the Golden Triangle of Art — Madrid’s three top art museums — this well-situated urban escape will have 200 accommodations, some with terraces; a sky bar and rooftop terrace; an outdoor pool; a state-of-the-art fitness center; and a spa.

Four Seasons Hotel and Residences Fort Lauderdale

A waterfront location in the world’s yachting capital will influence this 189-room hotel, including its yacht-shaped design from Kobi Karp, a yacht-club-like Ocean Terrace with Atlantic panoramas from two infinity pools and Honey Fitz, a lounge named after John F. Kennedy’s presidential yacht and set to be ready with pours of coffee in the morning and champagne at night.

This hot spot will fully open in the spring. *Credit: Nikolas Koenignig*

The Reykjavik EDITION, Iceland

Although this black-covered hotel first opened for previews in November, only a few public outlets such as Tides (chef Gunnar Karl Gíslason’s modern Icelandic restaurant) have opened so far. The property’s big debut will be in the spring when it’ll unveil 253 inviting rooms with ash wood and gray oak, a “social spa,” a rooftop bar and a nightclub.

The hotel’s interiors will be light and bright. *Credit: The Ritz-Carlton, Paradise Valley*

The Ritz-Carlton, Paradise Valley, Scottsdale

The 400-foot-long pool that seems to stretch into the horizon will be reason enough to stay at The Ritz-Carlton, Paradise Valley. But the 20-acre desert haven will offer much more, including restaurants using produce from the resort’s citrus orchard and garden, a meditation garden and an indoor-outdoor spa.

The hotel’s building spans 101 stories. *Credit: Angie McMonigal Photography*

The St. Regis Chicago

St. Regis’ vice president and global brand leader George Fleck called this tower “a skyline-defining icon.” That’s not hyperbole — the hotel will reside in the city’s third-tallest skyscraper and the tallest building in the world designed by a woman (architect Jeanne Gang). The 101-story glass structure will showcase 360-degree views of Chicago and Lake Michigan.

Waldorf Astoria Cancun

This beachfront sanctuary will take up 100 acres of coastline. The ocean-facing 173 rooms and suites will have bright interiors with white, gray and pops of pink as well as balconies with plunge pools. A spa and five restaurants and bars will round out the offerings.

Raffles Doha

The eye-catching U-shaped towers housing this hotel will symbolize the scimitar swords in Qatar’s national seal. Inside, you’ll discover 132 suites with butler service, shopping, movie theaters, restaurants and a cigar lounge. The sumptuous Royal Suite will span the 33rd and 34th floors with its own gym, spa, games room and salon.

Seek out wellness at this Florida hideaway. *Credit: Amrit Ocean Resort & Residences*

Amrit Ocean Resort & Residences, Palm Beach

Singer Island will provide a soothing backdrop for this wellness retreat. Indulge in the four-story spa’s services and Florida’s only indoor-outdoor hydrothermal experience; join yoga, boot camp and Egoscue classes; try IV and sound and light therapies; consult with sleep specialists; savor plant-based fare; or take to the surf.

The Ritz-Carlton, Amman, Jordan

When the Amman hotel opens in the heart of Jordan’s capital, expect opulent design, nine restaurants, impressive event spaces and a blissful ESPA spa. A 5th Circle address will make it easy to explore Rainbow Street’s galleries and eateries as well as Taj Mall’s luxury boutiques.

Rosewood Vienna

Sitting on Petersplatz, a famous square in Vienna’s Old Town, Rosewood will occupy a historic 18th-century building. Dine in an intimate restaurant in the garden, head to the rooftop bar for views of the city and then rest in one of the 99 spacious guest rooms and suites.

Soak up the views from this gorgeous tub. Credit: VRX Studios

Shangri-La Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Jeddah’s tallest tower will draw inspiration from the natural beauty of the Red Sea and the port city’s maritime heritage. Glimpse the water from the floor-to-ceiling windows throughout the hotel and enjoy rooms that borrow from the sea and sand with a blue and tan color scheme.

Aman New York

The design-centric brand will make its East Coast debut in the Crown Building (the Museum of Modern Art’s original home). The Jean-Michel Gathy-designed hotel will feature 83 rooms, a three-story spa, a jazz club, the company’s first urban private residences and a vast 10th-floor terrace.

Mandarin Oriental Palace, Luzern

For its second Switzerland property (the first is in Geneva), Mandarin Oriental will take over the stately Hotel Palace Luzern, which opened in 1906 on the shores of Lake Lucerne. The renovation will include revamping the rooms as well as a redesign of public areas, restaurants and bars.

1 Hotel Hanalei Bay, Kauai

Eco-trailblazing brand 1 Hotels will christen this Hawaiian wellness hideaway as its flagship. Choose among four-, seven- or 10-day customized itineraries that include everything from Ayurvedic therapy to infrared sauna sessions, and then have post-trip check-ins with wellness experts. The jaw-dropping sunsets from this hillside perch will also rejuvenate you.

Food and Wine, Restaurants

5 Cities For Foodies To Visit
By Forbes Travel Guide Editor Jennifer Kester

January 28, 2022

Nineteen18 is a must-visit spot in Vilnius. *Credit: Nineteen18*

Expand your tastes this year by venturing on some trips to culinary destinations, whether they be underrated cities for gourmands or longtime favorites with new offerings.

We consulted Andiago — the app that recommends restaurants based on real experiences — to get recommendations for the cities that should be on every foodie’s list for 2022, as well as the trending restaurants to visit in each one.

VILNIUS, LITHUANIA

Lithuania’s capital offers a taste of the country’s unique cuisine, including dishes like cepelinai, grated potato dumplings stuffed with meat, and šaltibarčiai, cold beetroot soup in a neon-pink hue. But it’s also a destination for gastronomic takes on its traditional fare — often at a steal.

Nineteen18

You’ll find Nineteen18 on the second floor of the Senators’ Passage, a historic Old Town mansion that’s been converted into a culinary hub with restaurants and food shops. Crafted by chef Andrius Kubilius and his team, the menu is dedicated to Lithuanian products grown on small farms.

What to order: Try anything with rye, radish or ice cream.

Extra bite: The wine list is versatile, so you’ll surely find something that suits your taste.

Ertlio Namas

At Ertlio Namas, savor a cuisine whose history is older than the restaurant’s preserved 17th-century building. Ertlio Namas draws on traditional recipes from the Medieval, Renaissance and Baroque eras and reinterprets them in a contemporary way. The result is delectable and creative dishes with a wonderful presentation and connections to the past.

What to order: Pheasant soup and moose filet.

Extra bite: The prix fixe is outstanding, and the wine pairing is a deserving fit.

KINGSTON, JAMAICA

Jamaica celebrates the 60th anniversary of its independence this year. The island will mark its diamond jubilee with various festivities throughout 2022, providing an additional incentive to visit Kingston and indulge in its flavorful fare and its famous Blue Mountain coffee.

Stush in the Bush

You won’t miss meat at this reservation-only restaurant specializing in ital, a vegetarian diet in accord with the Rastafarian faith. Sit alfresco and savor a prix fixe menu featuring seasonal ingredients plucked from Stush in the Bush’s own farm and local small craft producers.

What to order: Soup, vegan crab cakes, vegan bread and butter, and avocado sorbet.

Extra bite: The location is just as exquisite as the food: Stush in the Bush resides in the hills bordering the north coast. Meals are accompanied by an “earth walk” through the farm.

Nirvanna Restaurant Lady Musgrave

Although an Indian-Chinese fusion restaurant, expect savory authentic Indian fare — Nirvanna brought in chefs from Mumbai to make roti, breads, curries and more from scratch, and it sprinkles plenty of original Indian spices into the dishes.

What to order: Mutton seekh kebab with garlic cheese naan, Kashmiri naan, chicken tikka masala and tandoori chicken.

Extra bite: The dining room fuses Moroccan and Indian design, and the glowing white onyx bar adds a modern touch.

CAIRO, EGYPT

A visit to Cairo allows you to feast on traditional dishes like koshary (a carb-heavy mix of rice, pasta, fried onions, lentils and tomato sauce) and falafel (instead of chickpeas, it’s made with fava beans along with fresh herbs). But this ancient city also offers much more.

Andrea Mariouteya

This family-owned Egyptian restaurant has been a local favorite since its 1958 opening. Diners flock to this New Giza spot for the vibrant city views from its expansive, leafy terrace and the mouthwatering starters and main courses.

What to order: Roasted chicken and grilled partridge.

Extra bite: Don’t miss the elaborate breakfast, especially the feteer meshltet, an indulgent Egyptian pastry with alternating layers of dough and ghee.

Birdcage

Tucked on the second floor of InterContinental Cairo Semiramis, Birdcage has an Asian aesthetic with dark wood screens and furniture, lantern lights and a water feature. It’s a fitting setting for delightful Thai cuisine.

What to order: Vegetable rolls, pad thai, egg noodles, mango juice and lemon juice with mint.

Extra bite: While the Thai restaurant adopts a more casual vibe, it does not slack on presentation — fried shrimp wrapped in konafa is carefully placed on bamboo rounds, and the fried banana dessert arrives on a wooden slab alongside a coconut shell with ice cream.

Organic, seasonal ingredients steal the spotlight at Smoix. Credit: Smoix

MENORCA, SPAIN

The second largest of the Balearic Islands (behind Mallorca), Menorca is known as a low-key, slow-paced beach escape. Yet, behind the sun and sand, Menorca is also a soon-to-be-discovered locale for delicious dining.

Smoix

Once a jewelry factory, this Ciutadella space now houses a small five-room hotel. But the real reason to visit is the restaurant. Let chef Miquel Sánchez showcase his skills with organic and seasonal ingredients in contemporary Mediterranean dishes.

What to order: Be sure to order the prawn ravioli.

Extra bite: Inside hews more industrial, but the courtyard has a softer look.

Es Tast de na Silvia

Chef Sílvia Anglada’s modern Menorcan restaurant is airy and bright with soaring groin-vaulted ceilings, an open kitchen, lots of light and a stark-white color palette. Beyond its design, Es Tast de na Silvia is a slow food trailblazer promoting gratifying, clean and fair food.

What to order: Meat cannelloni and coca with sobrasada and cod.

Extra bite: The menu constantly changes depending on what’s in the market that day, a bonus for those on repeat visits.

Nosh on pasta with view of the river. *Credit: Fiume*

BEIJING

China’s capital has rightfully earned its reputation as one of the country’s best foodie cities, showcasing a distinct range of top-notch regional cuisines. But another reason to dine in Beijing is its unexpectedly superb Italian restaurants.

Fiume

While this restaurant overlooks the scenic Liangma River (Fiume is Italian for “river”) through its floor-to-ceiling windows, its food hails from Emilia-Romagna. That translates to handmade pastas, cured meats, Italian cheeses and plenty of wine.

What to order: Eggplant parmigiana, six-layer lasagna Bolognese and agnolotti stuffed with spicy salami and ricotta.

Extra bite: Take your pasta outside on the terrace to be closer to the water.

Opera Bombana

Forbes Travel Guide Recommended Opera Bombana is a landmark for Italian cuisine in Beijing. Try modern interpretations of centuries-old recipes from heralded chef Umberto Bombana paired them with a glass or two of vino from the stunning angled wine walls in the dining room.

What to order: Tiramisu, foie gras appetizer, tender veal shank and tagliatelle.

Extra bite: Enjoy freshly made treats like bread or panettone from the in-house bakery.

Hotels, Lists

5 Things To Know About Wymara Resort And Villas
By Correspondent McLean Robbins

January 27, 2022

The pool is the core of the hotel. *Credit: Wymara* Resort and Villas

For those seeking an island escape that combines sleek modern charm with pristine vistas of one of the world’s most photographed beaches, look no further than Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star Wymara Resort and Villas in Turks and Caicos.

Perfectly poised on Grace Bay Beach, this stylish gem blends city style and island hospitality across 91 guest rooms in three low-slung buildings, ensuring that white sand and clear blue waters are never more than a few steps away. Plus, striking multi-bedroom villas with direct ocean access accommodate larger groups or those seeking privacy.

Get into the water at Wymara. *Credit: Wymara Resort and Villas*

Before you check in, here are five things you should know when planning a trip to this beach retreat.

The Location

Grace Bay in Providenciales is by far one of the Caribbean’s best beaches. It boasts miles of soft white sand and aquamarine and generally calm waters, ideal for snorkeling, swimming and spotting the island’s friendly local dolphin, JoJo.

Guests of Wymara enjoy complimentary non-motorized watersports, like Hobie Cats, paddleboards and kayaks. If you want to get out on the water, one of our favorite charters is a day trip to Little Water Cay, where captains prepare rum punch and fresh conch (a local favorite) for a midday meal as you stroll a deserted local island inhabited only by local iguanas.

Check into a chic villa. *Credit: Wymara Resort and Villas*

The Rooms

Rooms at Wymara have modern inspiration that lets the beauty of the outdoors in. Decorated in neutral tones, with white tile floors and soft blue and natural wood accents, these oversized rooms and suites make you feel a little bit Miami, a little bit Caribbean.

Accommodations start at entry-level oversized studio suites, starting from 550 square feet, and extend up to multi-bedroom suites with panoramic beach views and full kitchens with Gaggenau, Liebherr and Bosch appliances, along with perks like electronic blackout shades — a must for those who enjoy their beauty sleep while at the beach.

Our favorite accommodations are designed for larger parties. New villas, with up to five bedrooms, are just a 10-minute drive from the resort and are ideal for multi-generational escapes or groups of friends. They come with private pools, fire pits and overwater hammocks. One even has its own dock-to-ocean slide. Special amenities, like pickleball courts, a full-service gym and daily in-villa chef services are unique to villa guests.

Savor a meal at Zest. *Credit: Wymara Resort and Villas*

Food & Drink

Wymara’s beachfront Pink Bar is a see-and-be-seen spot for rosé, live music and a DJ on Sunday afternoons. Or choose to sip cocktails from a lounge-style daybed lining the alluring pool, which sits in the center of the resort.

The Turks and Caicos hotel has two dining choices, Indigo, serving local seafood (don’t miss the mahi mahi or lobster) and the more laid-back, sand-side Zest, turning out light bites and snacks for lunch and dinner daily.

Time your visit to one of Wymara’s weekly beach barbecues. Wednesday nights host a popular fish fry with a bonfire and music. Then on Saturdays, dig into a Texas-style barbecue featuring a 24-hour smoked brisket.

Swim some laps. *Credit: Wymara Resort and Villas*

Spa & Wellness

Wymara’s spa may be small, but it doesn’t skimp on services, which range from massages and facials (using organic Eminence products) to body treatments and mani-pedis. Three well-appointed treatment rooms make it easy to unwind after a long day in the sun. Indulge in one of the private garden showers to extend the relaxation.

If you prefer something more active, the 24-hour fitness center offers ample programming, including yoga and body and core conditioning classes daily. And of course, you can always swim some laps in the pool.

Getting Here

While it’s easy to get to Turks and Caicos (the island is just a three-hour flight from most East Coast cities), the logistics of doing so in a post-pandemic world are a bit more complex than some islands.

You must use the TCI Assured portal to complete an email registration. It requires an upload of a negative COVID-19 test result taken no fewer than three days prior to arrival, insurance information and proof of vaccination (the trip must be at least 14 days after you received the second dose of any World Health Organization-approved vaccine course or after a single-dose course; the booster is not yet required) for all guests over 16 years old.

The airport has also been extremely busy, so we highly suggest using a reputable service like Fast Track TCI to expedite the customs process. The good news? Once you set foot on the island, it’s just a 15-minute easy drive to Wymara, and island time can commence.

Hotels, Interviews

JOALI Founder Talks About Her Maldives Hotels, Wellness And Thinking ‘Revolutionarily’
By Forbes Travel Guide Editor Jennifer Kester

January 20, 2022

Esin Güral Argat opened JOALI BEING in November. *Credit: JOALI Maldives*

It can be difficult for a hotel to stand out in the pristine waters of the Maldives, where every property one-ups the others with bigger and more elaborate offerings. But independent company JOALI is looking to carve out a unique space among the luxury competition by giving its hotels a singular focus.

JOALI Maldives, which debuted in 2018, is all about art, from the manta-ray-shaped treehouse to the sculptural chairs dotted throughout the grounds to the artist-in-residence who teaches classes like pottery and painting. Opened in November, the new sister property JOALI BEING is an immersive wellness retreat. A stay at the adults-only resort begins with a pre-arrival well-being consultation and an integrative well-being assessment, which help map a personalized journey that includes workouts, spa treatments, classes and healthy (but never boring) meals.

Both resorts come from Turkish entrepreneur Esin Güral Argat. While Güral Argat works for her family’s businesses, including LAV, the world’s fifth-largest glassware manufacturer, she decided to dive deep into the often rough hospitality waters. She shares with Forbes Travel Guide what wellness means for her, how she’s using her hotels to promote female empowerment and what’s in store for the burgeoning boutique brand.

JOALI Maldives debuted in 2018. *Credit: JOALI Maldives*

You’ve created two JOALIs in four years. What did you think was missing in the Maldives that JOALI could provide?

JOALI Maldives is the brand’s first property in the region and an art-immersive resort that follows the philosophy of “joy of living.” Born in collaboration with internationally acclaimed design studios, it offers an inspiring storytelling journey through the works of celebrated artists from around the world that are showcased across the island.

The newly opened JOALI BEING is a nature-immersive well-being island retreat, where well-being is so much more than just an expression — it is a way of life, of being. Instead of a traditional resort with a spa experience and facilities, we offer transformative journeys and personalized programs based on the four pillars of JOALI BEING, covering the mind, microbiome, skin and energy, aiming for guests to leave home renewed, uplifted and inspired with a sense of “weightlessness.”

Our treatments and signature immersion programs are tailored to individual lifestyles and goals and draw on modern science and time-honored traditions alike, bringing together curated treatments, therapies and experiences.

The retreat has been built using biophilic design principles, integrating architecture and design with nature to achieve harmony and enhance energy flow with a collection of unique transformational spaces that offer endless possibilities for reflection and healing, from sound treatments and hydrotherapy to our herbology center and learning facilities.

JOALI Maldives resides in the Raa Atoll. *Credit: JOALI Maldives*

Why did you choose the Maldives as the setting for the resorts?

Our story began with the dream of a uniquely artistic resort, tucked away in the stunning Raa Atoll. Thus, JOALI Maldives was born, a wonderland of creativity, indulgence and adventure. Here, travelers can experience the joy of living through an incredible collection of artworks that unfold across the island.

The idea of a second property emerged from our vision of bespoke well-being. Thus JOALI BEING, the only nature-immersive well-being island retreat of its kind in the Maldives, joins its sister property in the remote northern Raa Atoll.

Combining sustainable design, exquisite villas and a paradisiacal setting, for both offerings we wanted to find special locations that were untouched and very remote. We decided to purchase neighboring islands, introducing two signature and unique offerings where every element of each island works together to bring to life specialized spaces, opportunities and unique moments that lend themselves to a vast array of possibilities

Along with infusing established practices and luxuries associated with the destination, JOALI BEING’s transformative venues offer discerning well-being travelers the opportunity to open doors to new pathways of well-being not yet seen before in the region.

Why did you open a new wellness destination?

The growing expectation is for the implementation of wellness to be integrated into all areas of our daily touchpoints, with the notion that wellness should be part of the infrastructure of our lives, not an addition to it.

As the world is now yearning for healthier lifestyles and overall well-being, we already see a great interest in our concept from all over the world and look forward to welcoming wellness seekers in 2022, inviting them for a journey of self-discovery and renewal.

How is the pandemic shaping the idea of wellness at JOALI BEING?

People want to feel vital, healthy and strong. Now the subject of wellness has come into our daily lives, there are a growing number — not only curious travelers — who seek the answers to what is important in their own health, which has an impact on their way of being, including travel and holiday choices.

Take a seat in JOALI BEING’s salt inhalation room. *Credit: JOALI Maldives*

Wellness is a big buzzword, and everyone has a different definition of what it is. How do you accommodate this at JOALI BEING?

At JOALI BEING we offer the beginning of transformative journeys, from relaxation and treatments to customized nutrition and interactive learning.

Woven around the four pillars of mind, microbiome, skin and energy, our offerings draw on the mystery of myth, the reassurance of tradition and the certainty of science. A range of curated treatments, therapies and experiences reinforce each pillar and come together seamlessly to support your complete well-being.

The transformational spaces and well-being facilities of the retreat are an exquisite blend of modern technology and traditional approach, and we always look for unique ways to deliver unparalleled experiences to our guests, collaborating with great scientists and well-being experts from all over the world.

At the core of our regenerative cuisine is the amalgamation of three key elements: culinary creativity, a modern approach to nutrition and our signature philosophy of well-being.

Beyond enabling our guests to discover unexpected culinary finds and sample unique takes on familiar favorites, we see food as a bridge to fulfilling personal and spiritual journeys, with our highly trained team and nutritionists curating special and personalized offerings to support you along your chosen path.

How do you integrate wellness into your own life?

Well-being is also very important in my own life. One of the most important reasons why I want to create a concept like JOALI BEING is that I believe in the impact of well-being on human life and soul. I enjoy hiking, skiing and swimming as sports. I wake up very early in the morning. I like to purify my soul by doing yoga. I start the day listening to the sounds of nature and drinking my coffee. I believe in the influence of nature on the human spirit. I think that well-being will be completed with the harmony of mind and body.

What are your favorite things about JOALI BEING?

Our well-being and culinary experiences include personalized menus, nutrition recommendations and exclusive destination dining offers, and are tailored to individual lifestyles and goals, making a vacation here highly personalized and memorable. The same applies to our signature immersion programs, which offer a selection of balanced treatments and experiences weaved together by our experts to target specific areas of the mental and physical well-being of each guest.

At JOALI BEING, we start the guest’s journey with a careful diagnostic process and lifestyle analysis to ensure the retreat’s program is perfectly matching.

Taking well-being travel to a whole new level, we offer a variety of learning opportunities to help our guests develop a mindful approach to self-care.

Get a cup of tea at the bright, welcoming Aktar Herbology Center. *Credit: JOALI Maldives*

JOALI BEING has some unique offerings, like the Aktar Herbology Center, where you can enjoy a prescribed-for-you tea and The Discovery Sound Path, where you can tinker with instruments in a forest. The SEDA Sound Therapy House is an impressive new addition. Can you tell us about it?

Guests can restore their inner balance through the healing harmony of sounds and vibrations, in a mesmerizing space created by sound healing visionaries at JOALI BEING.

Set amidst the island’s lush jungle, the Discovery Sound Path is a meditative musical garden that resonates with the natural rhythms of the island and can be experienced in various ways that will elevate your senses and feed your spirit.

This secluded palm-fringed trail leads to our sound therapy oasis SEDA, our specially designed music therapy room that consists of an archetypal configuration of large-scale sound healing instruments, including oversized swinging chimes, plate bells, storm drums, tubular bells and a one-of-a-kind Nidrantar sound bed.

Another experience worth highlighting is the cryotherapy we offer at Core. Using low temperatures, down to -80 C [or -112 F], it is known for its positive impact on overall health, restoring energy levels and skin condition. While it’s gaining popularity across the world, here we offer a unique opportunity to try all the benefits of cold therapy in our cryochamber, the first in the Maldives.

The two JOALI destinations are very different, but they share a certain vision. What is your vision?

Luxury can be termed as a state of “joy of living,” which is reflected in every aspect of JOALI.

Each JOALI is a place of blissful joy to create cherished and joyful memories with loved ones, which to me is life’s true luxury.

Peek inside the villas at JOALI BEING. *Credit: JOALI Maldives*

Design plays an important role in both properties. JOALI Maldives has feminine touches with rose gold and dusty pink, while JOALI BEING is bathed in turquoise and textures. How did you come up with the design for each?

JOALI’s design is very personal to me and a process that I was involved in every aspect, from the architecture and landscaping of the island to the interior design and immersive artwork and well-being concepts at each of the properties.

JOALI’s design is inspired and driven by a commitment to sustainability and a belief in joyful, immersive travel. From the inspirational power of art to the life-changing gifts of nature, we celebrate life in all its vibrant splendor. It is in these moments that the true meaning of luxury becomes clear, with each experience imprinted on the heart and mind, becoming a memory to be cherished for years to come.

JOALI Maldives employs almost double the national average of women, and women seem to have many positions in JOALI BEING. Why do you feel this is important?

The empowerment of women, their participation in the workforce and the development of their self-confidence have the power to have incredible results that will have a positive effect in every aspect. Working on this issue in the Maldives is of huge importance to me.

At JOALI, we are strong believers that diversity is a valuable resource — we are particularly committed to gender equality and the development of talented women in all its entities and at all levels of the organization.

I believe that as a leadership team we are caring and empathetic, and I like to think that we are very unique and dynamic. As a new, modern-thinking and independently owned resort, we have the ability to think innovatively and revolutionarily.

We are delighted to have created a Leadership and Gender Diversity Program in line with our commitment to the UN Women’s gender equality campaign, and JOALI is committed to supporting training for girls in local schools, hiring local women in roles around the island and ensuring that the JOALI team is structured in a way that encourages female team members to grow and progress.

What’s in store for the JOALI brand? Do you plan on opening more resorts?

The JOALI brand is going to grow further, with our inspired and passionate international team. And although currently we are focusing on the JOALI BEING, there are more beautiful projects and concepts to come.

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