JODHPUR

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At the Umaid Bhawan Palace. Just sitting in the dining room of this massive Indo-Saracenic structure built by Maharaja Umaid Singh in 1929 and completed in 1943 makes one feel lost in a land of royalty and glamour. Watch the peacocks on the majestic grounds below as you savor the most succulent chicken tandoori and tasty lamb curries finished off with a selection of a huge variety of Rajasthani sweets from baklava-like mawa ladoo to a malai sandwich.

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One of my very good friends, Jodhpur based designer Raghavendra Rathore, captures the beauty essence and splendor of Jodhpur with his impeccable fashion and style. If you want to immerse yourself in the magic of India, book in for a private appointment to see him.

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Visit the Mehrangarh Fort which towers over Jodhpur. It is an architectural masterpiece.  Walk up the fort and be transported back in time to the grandeur of old India.  Visit the museum in the fort to view a selection of old royal palanquins and study the history of the Rathores in arms, costumes and paintings.  If you get invited to watch a fashion show or dance recital there, do not say no I was lucky enough to do this last month and it was beyond magical.

DELHI

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Artusi in GK2 has exceptional Italian food. It’s like being in NY!  The indian food at Dhaba at Claridges is absolutely superb. It is truly good classic Indian food like Butter Chicken, Lamb Rogan Josh and Yellow Dahl. I also eat often at Mistral and 360 at the Oberoi hotel. They both consistently have fantastic service and great food.

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I would suggest walking around the DLF Emporio mall.  You can find the most wonderful Indian clothes. For wedding or Trousseau, the best is Surekha Jain. For a more casual boho look I would recommend Malini Ramini.  I also enjoy wondering through Santushti shopping complex. It’s a very peaceful shopping experience

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I work long hours in Delhi, so what I love to do on a Sunday is go to the Ambience Mall in Vasant Kunj, and watch the latest Hindi or English movie at the Directors Cut, in the comfort of a full menu and service at your seat, reclining chairs and a wonderful luxurious atmosphere. Directors Cut is a real Sunday treat! Sometimes too I wonder through Dilli Haat, which is great for inspiration and to see what artisans all over India are creating.

LONDON

 Eat

So many wonderful places to eat in London. I always find eating at La Poule au Pot in Belgravia so cosy and perfect. It is definitely one of my favorite places to eat.  I also like the fresh spinach and mushroom salad at Jak’s for a quick healthy lunch.  I love going to George, Nobu and Harrys Bar too.

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I have always loved Walton Street.  I lived on that street when I was at Law school and find the mixed array of shops there delightful.  I find the interiors and gifts of Katherine Pooley Ltd exquisite, and I enjoy popping into Donna Ida around the corner for Jeans and cute tops.  I also spend hours at Selfridges. I absolutely adore shopping there, especially the first floor beauty and street fashion sections.

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There is something so perfect about spending time in the English country side. For me, going to see friends in Bath or Sussex or anywhere in the country, and spending a weekend walking and enjoying country life is my favorite way to play in London.

Tabla will be opened in London on the 1st July on 107 Walton Street SW 3 2HP

Photo Courtesy of Tabla’s Instagram, indiantravels.com, digitalbungalow.co.uk

Dubai
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Dubai is home to some of the best restaurants in the region. Of course, make sure you visit the hottest restaurants of the moment – Coya, Zuma, La Petite Maison, La Serre and Roberto’s but a true Dubaiian will only know Teatro – which is a must visit for great atmosphere, delicious food (sushi, curries & Indian dishes) as well as impeccable service.

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If it’s your first time, definitely check out the Gold Souq but if there’s one boutique worth checking out, it has to be S*uce – one of the most kitsch and curated buys. They sell everything from cool local brands, smaller international brands to big names like Mary Katrantzou. If you like edgier buys, check out Mahani in Emirates Towers.

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If you can manage to come to Dubai at a certain time, definitely try to make it during Arts night and Art Dubai – great way to see some culture in the city. During the cooler months, Ripe Market on a Friday at Zabeel Park is worth checking out for a lovely morning for the organic market, food stalls, and fab atmosphere. For a night out, grab a drink at Iris (a rooftop lounge from Beirut) and end with a night out at Electric Days.

Montreal
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If you love Almond croissants, I know a place who makes the best ones in the world (I promise, I’ve tried SO many!) – Premiere Moisson, get ready for marzipan and almond goodness. For brunch, check out the adorable Regine Cafe and make sure to have their caramelised onion grilled cheese.
For a sweet tooth, have the fondue at Juliette et Chocolat – A traditional classic Beavertail pastry is a must in Montreal too

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Whenever I’m in Montreal, I tend to stop by Editorialist every few days – they buy unknown cool brands, that are very LA inspired. Not to mention, their price range is just over high street, which is affordable!

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I’m a little crazy, but fitness falls down under play for me – and yes, I do workout even when on holiday. I’m obsessed with MAA, a gym in Montreal and do their barre classes AND Aerial Yoga whenever I’m in the city. They do teach some of the best Aerial Yoga classes, and make you feel incredibly comfortable hanging upside down. For nights out in the Summer, Montreal have some of the best outdoor bars and lounges – my favourite is New City Gas, which turns into a club later on. I also love Grinder and Richmond – which are indoors, but just as good.

Abu Dhabi
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Two years ago, 2 young women started doing monthly invite only pop up dinners around the city in chic secret settings with a different menu every time. Seeing what their guests were loving and leaning towards, they opened their own restaurant cafe No.57 cafe in Abu Dhabi. Minimal marbles and signature dishes, this is one place to eat at when in Abu Dhabi.

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Why shop in Abu Dhabi when you have Dubai next door? Just joking! The newly opened YAS mall is huge and gorgeous… it’s a country of malls. You should also check out cool new boutique, The Luxury Arcade.

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Definitely visit Ferrari world while you’re there, but add some culture and visit one of the most beautiful mosques around, the Sheikh Zayed Mosque – yes the same mosque Kendall Jenner and Rihanna visited. For evenings, I would say go for something refined like dinner on Maryah Island – like Zuma or Bentley Bar & Bistro.