As we began planning our trip back to this beautiful city, nostalgia overwhelmed us. Last time, our visit was for yet another special reason. We received the prestigious NRI Shiromani Institute’s award and went on to give a speech at the House of Lords. This time too, it was special as we were to shoot two of our cover stars viz. one for The Peacock Magazine and the other for Travel Peacock Magazine. For this issue of our travel magazine, we shot with a true powerhouse of talent: Ananya Birla. We’ve known Ananya for some time now and we knew there was no one better than her to give you travel goals and help you make the most of the beautiful monsoon season. We spoke to her about her days in England and all her memorable trips while shooting her at some of the remarkable locations in London. As for the other shoot, we can only say—stay tuned!
 

 
All those who know us, know that our travels are planned around a work-and-play schedule. We love to work when we are vacationing because that’s when we get the best of ideas and creativity flows uninterrupted. Now that we have given you a glimpse of the work part, let us take you through the play bit as well. For our stay in London this time, we chose the iconic property The Lanesborough to stay at.

Staying at The Lanesborough, perched at the iconic corner of Hyde Park, Harvey Nichols, and London’s exclusive Sloane Street and Knightsbridge, was an experience of unparalleled luxury and grandeur. This neoclassical gem, once a historic hospital, has been meticulously renovated by famed designer Alberto Pinto, blending 200 years of regency-style character with modern elegance. The hotel staff was kind enough and offered us the best suite they had. Our suite was a haven of comfort, featuring luxurious interiors, responsive technology, and a hand-cut Italian marble bathroom. The attention to detail was impeccable. The Royal Suite, which we had the chance to tour, is the largest in London, boasting seven bedrooms and bathrooms, two living rooms, and a dining room wrapped in rich fabrics and mahogany.
 

 
Apart from the architecture and the interiors, it is the culinary scene of the hotel that piques our interest. Dining at The Lanesborough was equally impressive. The Lanesborough Grill served modern British cuisine amidst contemporary artwork, while the Garden Room’s heated cigar terrace offered fine cigars and centuries-old cognacs. Their exquisite afternoon tea and decadent breakfast classics were part of the highlights of our stay. As for us, we gorged on spread after spread of vegan delights that their chefs had thoughtfully put together.

After shooting a cover out on some of the famous London streets, we headed back to our hotel to shoot our next cover for The Peacock Magazine. The hotel crew ensured we had a seamless experience without a glitch whatsoever and were at our service within a minute of us needing anything. It is through this experience that we could envision why The Lanesborough is one of the coveted properties not only in London but the world.
 

 
After the shoot, we knew we had to unwind and enjoy the remainder of the vacation by keeping work aside. For relaxation, The Lanesborough Club & Spa—one of London’s most exclusive fitness and health clubs—offers premium facilities, including a hydrotherapy pool and sauna. We were tempted to take a dip in the pool but we decided to explore the property and take a stroll through the corridors for a closer look at the interiors that have stood the test of time. We were in awe of the regal elements that are still so intact and it certainly fuelled our inspiration. There are luxe properties and then there are luxe properties like The Lanesborough which is an eclectic mix of old-world charm and modern aesthetics. This, hands down, makes it the perfect destination for anyone seeking refined elegance and historical charm.

Our holiday in London is never complete till we take a stroll around the beautiful parks and streets there. We like ‘people watching’ as well and it is a wholesome experience to see city dwellers get by their day as we walk about. A coffee in our hands and the sight of beautiful London was just how we wanted our trip in the city to end. We headed back to our hotel and requested a private dining experience in our suite. The table was laid out with food that was not only a delight to our appetites but also a feast for our eyes. We ate to our heart’s content and then called it a day.

The next morning, we headed back home while promising to come back to London and The Lanesborough when our agenda isn’t just about ‘work-and-play’ but just a good, leisurely stay.

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CREDITS-

Photographer : Omkar Chitnis
Stylist : Who Wore What When
Hair & Make-up : Krisann Figueiredo
Model : Geetasha Rana & Rafaela Martins Vivancos
Location Courtesy : Raffles, Udaipur
Wardrobe : Falguni Shane Peacock

In the midst of summer’s delight, the dresses from Falguni Shane Peacock emerge as whimsical blooms, each of them being a playful ode to the season’s warmth. These feminine ensembles, carefully crafted in a colour palette of serene ballad blue, regal viola, delicate blush pink, and striking cherry red, stand as quintessential pieces for the summer wardrobe—each promising to elevate your style amidst the sun-kissed days and balmy nights.

Imagine yourself surrounded by the grandeur of Raffles, Udaipur, where these dresses take centre stage, embodying the essence of this fashion editorial. Don the playful spirit of summer with Falguni Shane Peacock where every sway of the flouncy ensembles narrates tales of leisurely summer sojourns and carefree moments.

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Our journey commenced with a flight from India to Geneva, followed by a scenic cab ride to our accommodation, La Sivolière. This ski-in, ski-out chalet is the world’s most well-known ski resort that needs no introduction. Upon our arrival, we were greeted with warmth, a stark contrast to the chilly weather outside. With a seamless check-in process, we were escorted to our suite, where the moment we entered we stepped out onto the balcony and marvelled at the snow-covered landscape. As one of the world’s most renowned ski resorts, La Sivolière epitomises French excellence. After settling in and relaxing for a brief minute, we planned the rest of our day. That evening, we decided to indulge in a Michelin-starred dining experience at La Sylvestre, where we were joined by Alexia, the CEO of Courchevel Tourism, and Ariane, the head of the digital department. The meal wasn’t just a celebration of French cuisine; it was a luxurious gastronomic journey. The tailor-made culinary interlude is built around the chef’s signature dishes, which he reinterprets at this ski resort location according to his inspiration. Magnificent produce, premium ingredients, comforting sauces, expert seasoning, impeccable technical skill and emotion–the generous tasting menu showcases it all. After a delectable dinner and engaging conversations, we retired to our suite.
 

 
The following morning greeted us with pristine white snow, and we indulged in a lavish French breakfast at the hotel itself. From citrus fruit cups to our delicious homemade chocolate and pistachio cakes, their colourful selection offers plenty of reasons to get out of bed in the morning. After a delicious breakfast, we ventured to Cheval Blanc, a renowned luxury hospitality brand, for an invigorating 50-minute Guerlain spa session. The Maison with Palace distinction in the Trois Vallées is equipped with bold design, and modern art and is exclusive for those who like to holiday in the lap of luxury. At the Cheval Blanc spa, you are encouraged to slow down and set your clocks on mountain time by indulging in exclusive rituals inspired by cold temperatures and high altitudes. The experience left us rejuvenated and in a state of bliss. Following our spa session, we savoured the culinary delights at Cheval Blanc restaurant. The chic Alpine brasserie of the upscale Cheval Blanc hotel is known for brilliantly reinvented high-altitude dining, serving up a contemporary and uninhibited fine dining offering. We indulged in a host of organic delicacies and washed it down with a sublime list of top-of-the-range wines. Subsequently, we explored upscale boutiques such as Louis Vuitton and others, engaging in some therapeutic retail therapy. After a few rounds at the boutiques, we decided to go for a few rounds of mocktails at the Bar de Madame to refresh ourselves. We then headed to La Saulire for dinner where we delighted in signature French dishes, especially those laced with their signature black truffles. It is no wonder that the restaurant is frequented by epicures, celebrities and stars from show business, cinema, and fashion. We relished a special curated meal that was crafted out of the best and freshest ingredients.
 

 
The following day, we embarked on our most-awaited activity: skiing through the French Alps. After checking out of La Sivolière, we checked in at Hotel Annapurna, located closer to the Alps. We received our ski gear and instructions, stumbling a bit at first but eventually getting the hang of it. The snow-covered mountains added to the beauty of the experience. We paused for lunch at the Festin restaurant in Les Airelles palace, further indulging in authentic French cuisine. Afterwards, we embraced our second snow activity of the day: snowmobiling, which we both enjoyed immensely. In the evening, we returned to our new haven, Hotel Annapurna. Tired from our snowy adventures, we relaxed before a special dinner at Le Génépi, a decades-old restaurant serving wonderful, flavour-packed dishes with a modern twist. After a satisfying meal, we retired to our hotel.

The next morning, we began our day with a lavish breakfast spread at Hotel Annapurna. The exquisite French delicacies were absolutely delectable, even though they were all vegan. It’s a rare talent to create a flavorful vegan meal that doesn’t taste bland, and Hotel Annapurna excels in this regard. After enjoying a scrumptious breakfast, we set out to scout locations for a fashion shoot planned for The Peacock Magazine. Mixing work and play has always been our approach. During our leisure time, we’re often brimming with creative ideas, so we love to either conduct a shoot or hold meetings with relevant stakeholders to plan our next moves. When we decided on our Courchevel holiday, we were certain about organising at least one editorial shoot to showcase the beauty of the pristine French Alps alongside our bespoke couture pieces. Post-breakfast, we began searching for suitable locations that would highlight Courchevel in our editorial like no other. After scouting and finalising some spots, we drove to Aïnata, a Michelin-starred gastronomical delight at Le K Altitude, for a delicious lunch spread that awaited us. Here, we savoured the best of vegan Lebanese fare with a view of ski slopes and the mountains. It was truly a memorable meal! After our delightful lunch, we opted for a stroll around the restaurant before returning to the hotel for some free time to ourselves. Though we contemplated taking a quick nap, the sheer beauty of the place compelled us to take in every moment, especially since our departure was imminent. Therefore, we chose to indulge in some afternoon tea in our room while admiring the Alps from our balcony. We marvelled at how sheets of pure white ice could appear so stunning and almost surreal as if plucked straight from a fantasyland. We were presented with an assortment of teas to indulge as we gazed at the breathtaking views outside.
 

 
Following a refreshing tea session, we dressed up and took a cab to take us to the Palace Le Barrière des Neiges, where we intended to unwind at their Spa Diane Barrière. This spa, dedicated to beauty, tranquillity, and well-being, offered a peaceful escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. It featured five treatment rooms, a steam and sauna room, and an indoor pool. We indulged in a couple’s spa session that not only rejuvenated us but also provided a luxurious experience that one mustn’t miss in Courchevel. As we prepared for a busy day of shooting ahead, this was the perfect way to relax and unwind before the whirlwind of the shoot began.
 

 
After the revitalising spa session, we were escorted to the hotel’s exquisite restaurant, BFire by Mauro Colagreco. This restaurant, led by the namesake chef, embraced a concept inspired by his Argentinian roots within an Italian family. Most of the dishes here were cooked over a wood fire, staying true to their rustic origins. We indulged in Italian delicacies customised to suit our vegan dietary preferences, and yet, not once did we feel it lacked flavour. The dishes were impeccably delicious. They say a meal that induces slumber is a sign of a great meal, and our experience at BFire certainly lived up to that expectation. We returned to our hotel, where we fell fast asleep shortly after reaching our room.

The following morning proved to be even more chaotic than our recent mornings. The day commenced with the hustle and bustle of our editorial shoot, with models arriving in the early hours, followed by makeup and other preparations before venturing into the Alps to begin the shoot. We captured a diverse range of couture outfits, from bespoke gowns to coordinated sets. After a brief pause for a quick lunch, we resumed our work to finish the remaining part of the shoot. Subsequently, we returned to our hotel to unwind and enjoy some personal time as it marked our last day in Courchevel.

After a relaxed evening, we dressed our best for our final meal in Courchevel, which we savoured at La Guinguette restaurant by the talented Jean Rémi Cailon. A native of Rouen, Jean Rémi had been impressing diners in Courchevel for over a decade. Renowned for infusing each dish with a vegetal touch, it was a meal that both of us preferred and thoroughly enjoyed. Needless to say, we relished the exceptional food and polished off our plates in no time. It was indeed the perfect way to conclude our day and our vacation in Courchevel.

The next morning, we checked out of our hotel and caught a flight back to India from Geneva Airport. Our five days in Courchevel provided us with an absolutely luxurious experience amidst the charming French Alps. Often, we equate luxury with its monetary value. However, in Courchevel, you come to realise that true luxury lies in exclusivity, privacy, and the thrill of exploring uncharted territory!

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Do you often wonder what it feels like to be innately happy and content almost all the time? Well, now’s your chance to experience this jovial euphoria! The World’s happiest country is offering a free, four-day ‘masterclass of happiness’ for ten lucky visitors from June 12 to June 15, 2023. And guess what? You, too, can apply for the master class till April 2, 2023.

Credits –https://www.mentalfloss.com

Finland, the touchdown of the mystical Northern Lights is highly revered for its scenic abundance, communal spirit and quality living. For the past consecutive years, Finland has been crowned the ‘happiest country’ in the world by the United Nations. Regarded as one of the best countries in the world for happiness and well-being, the country’s drive of living a happy life doesn’t come across as just a theoretical motto. It’s the strong sense of community and contentment nurtured amongst the Finnish people which leads to its overall prosperity.

After cracking down on the formula to remain happy and stress-free, Finland has introduced a special master program of happiness to ten lucky winners. The numero uno motive of this master class is to offer travellers from all over the world. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to get hold of some deep secrets into Finnish happiness and how they should be incorporating these insights into their individual lives. The happiness program will be held for a week and it involves several recreational activities that are aimed at helping visitors find their inner happiness.

 
FINLAND INTRODUCES SPECIAL MASTER CLASS OF HAPPINESS
 

Credits –https://scanmagazine.co.uk

The programme called Finding Your Inner Finn will be hosted by the luxury resort Kuru, located in Finland’s lake district. The ten lucky participants will receive an opportunity to explore the region’s stunning, scenic abundance and indulge in exquisite cuisine, music and lots more. Each guest will be provided with a lavish stay in a luxurious villa with a private sauna and spa surrounded by beautiful palm trees and picturesque views. The listed activities include getting familiarised with the Lake District, exploring the dense wilderness and engaging in other adventures that will help to provide quality time amidst nature and experience the soul of Finnish culture.

 
APPLY TO WIN A FREE TRIP/ APPLY AND WIN A FINNISH ODYSSEY

If you wish to win a free trip to this once-in-a-lifetime program, then hurry up and visit the Finland website. The participants will be required to complete a social media challenge by creating and posting content on Instagram or TikTok. In the said video you will have to explain your motive to participate in the master class and what makes you believe that you might be an inner Finn. After that, the post needs to be shared with the mentioned hashtags such as #FindYourInnerFinn and #VisitFinland.

This special master class on happiness is an exciting opportunity for all those looking to learn about Finland’s culture and way of life. With an aim at nature and community, the program offers a unique insight into the secrets of Finnish happiness. After all this initiative offered by Finland, it will be wise to affirm the beautiful words quoted by the Finnish journalist and filmmaker Elina Hirvonen – “Everyday happiness consists of being content”.

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While it’s safe to say that New York is our second home, it can come as quite a surprise that we’ve never visited Chicago — a city that is known for its architecture, food, parks and almost everything that we enjoy. So, when we set out to plan our maiden trip to the city, we were quite excited to finally go about exploring it. We clubbed our dates with our daughter’s as she prepared to start her music education from one of the top-rated schools that she had long aspired to make it to. Was it emotional? Yes. Did it take over our excitement? No. As parents, we were happy that she was pursuing her ultimate dream and, in fact, excited for her as well.

At the eleventh hour, as we neared our flying dates, our daughter decided to stay back for another two days and fly in later, which meant we had two days just for ourselves the way we wanted to before we got caught up with parental duties. We flew from Mumbai to Chicago and landed sometime during the evening. As soon as we stepped out of the airport, we were greeted by the sun-kissed city views. We knew the drive to our hotel would be a beautiful one. The setting sun shone bright on the skyscrapers that passed by. We were told the glorious skyline has many stories to tell; we knew we wanted to hear some of them if not all. We reached our hotel and checked into our hotel. After making ourselves comfortable at the hotel, which was our home for the next few days, we stepped out for dinner to this quaint vegan café for some delectable food. A long flight and some wholesome delicious dinner is good enough to induce one to sleep, and so we called it a day.

The next day we decided to do the Chicago shoreline sightseeing with one of the guided tour companies. There’s nothing quite like seeing the city’s world-famous architecture from all three branches of the Chicago River. The 75-minute river architectural tours show you more than 40 Chicago landmarks — from hidden treasures to the city’s most well-known sights. Both of us enjoyed the spectacular views as we heard the tour guides talk about how Chicago’s buildings, architecture, and planning made the city famous. Post the tour, we headed out for a quick lunch at another popular vegan cafe where we indulged in some delectable vegan food. Our jetlagged selves wanted to keep the rest of the day easy thereafter. We decided to take a stroll in the picturesque parks that are a sight on a sunny day. One can find a plethora of incredible parks and greenspaces in the city, some of them even iconic like the Chicago Botanical Garden. After walking a couple of miles in the park, we found ourselves back on some buzzing yet pretty streets admiring the architecture yet again. Did you know that the city is a birthplace of ‘skyscrapers’ and most of these that make it to the dotted skyline are historic? We neither. The evening went by stopping by some stores along the way and picking souvenirs for our friends and family before we headed back to our hotel to call it a day.

“On the following day, Falguni started her day by attending the trunk show that was hosted by our retailer Studio East. They had organised an exclusive meet-and-greet with her and that kept her occupied the entire day,” says Shane Peacock. “I stepped out and continued to explore the city on foot before heading to the airport to pick our daughter up. After receiving her at the airport, we headed back to the hotel to check her in where Falguni joined us. We soon headed out for dinner,” he added.

The next morning, we all prepared to go to school. Our daughter’s, of course! We went to the school to get her familiar with the campus and then the students’ dorm that was 10 minutes down the road from the school campus. The feeling was strange. After watching numerous movies where we’d seen parents sending their kids off to grad school, it was our moment now. On visiting the dorm, we figured that a trip to Target was much-needed to bag all the supplies that our daughter would need. By the time we finished our shopping, we were way past the timeline that was allocated to parents to be in the school premises and so we had to return the next day to fix everything. The following day, both of us were on our parental duties ensuring our daughter had everything that she needed to start her life at school. From fixing all the furniture to giving every possible advice that we could think of — we got all of it covered in that one day. When it was time for us to leave, we left with a happy heart wishing our girl nothing but the best. Needless to say, the strange feeling lingered.

On our last morning in Chicago, we realised that the world’s second most beautiful city would need a couple of trips to get to the depths of its beauty. Until then, it’s adios from us.

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Credits – All images sourced from Nisha

Her Instagram handle may be @designation_mumma_usa but in reality, Nisha Puthur is so much more than being a mother to her coming-of-age son. A traveller at heart, Puthur believes in making the most of every moment while on a vacation, which is why her choice of vacay spots are hidden gems and the unthinkable ones that will blow your mind away. Recently, Puthur and her family viz. her husband Rishi Vimadalal and son Neil took off to Banff in Canada to visit nature at its best! Puthur gives us a glimpse of her vacation whilst spelling out a detailed itinerary for those who wish to visit the beautiful resort town.

Q) Where were you staying during your recent vacation?
We stayed at Fairmont Banff Springs, Castle Mountain Chalets and Emerald Lake Lodge in Banff.

Q) Why did you want to visit this place?
The Canadian Rockies Road trip has been on our bucket list for a while. Banff National Park is known for its blue/turquoise glacier lakes, glaciers, beautiful mountains, breath-taking scenery, wildlife, and hiking trails.

Q) How did you prepare for your vacation?
We mapped out everything on Google maps. We used this app called AllTrails to find unique trails. This app also helped track all our hikes. We made sure we had good hiking shoes for this trip. We made restaurant reservations prior to our trip.

Q) What are some of the must-packs for this place you travelled to?
Make sure to have good walking/hiking shoes for this trip. Even in the months of summer, carry light jackets and sweaters. It does get a little cold in the mornings and late evenings. Bug sprays are a must! We purchased things like bug sprays, sunscreens, protein bars and snacks at a grocery store in Calgary before heading to Banff.

Q) Is there anything you wish you’d done before you left home?
Nothing. We were well-prepared for this trip.

Q) How did you reach your destination and then to your hotel/resort?
We flew into Calgary, rented a car at the airport, and drove along the Trans-Canada highway to Banff National Park. On the way, we made a stop at Banff downtown to have early dinner. We ate at Park Distillery Restaurant and then drove to our first hotel midway between Banff and Lake Louise — Castle Mountain Chalets.

Q) What is the first thing you did when you entered your hotel/resort room?
Since it was a long day of travel and we got to our hotel late, we went to bed. We woke up really early in the morning the next day to drive to Lake Louise to catch the sunrise.

Q) What did you do during your stay there?
The places we visited were Lake Louise, Lake Moraine, Emerald Lake, Bow Lake, Peyto Lake, Athabasca Glaciers, Takakkaw Falls, Lake Minnewanka, Vermillion Lake, Sulphur Mountain (Banff Gondola), Downtown Banff.
During this entire road trip, we hiked almost every day. There are many lakes and each one of them has some beautiful trails. We spent our evenings walking around small towns like Banff Avenue and the hamlet of Lake Louise. We shopped for local crafts and souvenirs.

Q) What local cuisine did you try?
Banff doesn’t have a particular local cuisine. We had poutine, which is one of the most popular Canadian foods.

Q) How did you document your trip?
With lots and lots of pictures and videos. We tracked all our hikes on AllTrails.

Q) Your favourite memory from the holiday?
Our hike to the Athabasca glaciers was the most memorable. Biking around Banff downtown was also a fun activity.

Q) Who is the most interesting person you’ve met during your recent vacation?
Not a person, but it was the wildlife that we were excited about. We saw a big black bear, bighorn sheep and elks.

Q) What’s the most interesting thing you’ve learned from your latest travel?
Sadly, we learnt about the effects of global warming on the glaciers.

Q) What was the most challenging thing you’ve done during your recent vacation?
Hiking with mosquitos.

Q) What are the activities that you missed doing while you stayed there?
We missed seeing the Northern Lights. The locals told us to download apps like Aurora to get information about the Northern Light sightings. Had we known before, we could have seen it while we were there. We were disappointed to miss it.

Q) What would your advice be to other travellers?
– Be ready to walk and hike if you really want to see the beauty of this place. We tracked all our hikes on All Trails. Find out interesting and unique trails.
– Make reservations in advance as this place is packed during the peak holiday season.
– Carry light jackets no matter what time of the year.
– Plan ahead to see a stunning sunrise and/or sunset at one of these places in Banff — Vermillion Lakes, Sulphur Mountain, Lake Louise, Lake Moraine.
– If you don’t see any wildlife on your road trip, then drive to the golf course in Banff. You will see a lot of elks. Time of the day matters (Early morning or late evening are the best).

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“There’s something in the New York air that makes sleep useless.”

 
Simone de Beauvoir was right. New York is a place where every waking minute is a promise of an experience you’d probably never had before. No matter how many times you visit it, it still manages to surprise you and leave you mesmerised.
After a hiatus of two years owing to the pandemic, we decided to visit NYC–the city we call our second home and rightly so because we were made to feel at home soon after our first showcase at the New York Fashion Week almost a decade ago. While the trip was supposed to be a leisure one where we caught up with our family, we decided to make it a mix of work and play. Work, but only as long as it’s fun – was the memo and we did stick to it.
 

 
We arrived in NYC in the third week of April and just in time to catch the best of the spring season. The bloom welcomed us and the floral hues added to our cheerful spirits. We knew our 10-day long trip would be just as bright as the streets of the city that we lined with the likes of tulips, cherry blossoms, and many other flowers whose names we had to look up. After settling in and a brief catch up with our family, we visited the Ave India Design Collective for a trunk show that had commenced the same day. Meeting and interacting with the prospective brides who are nervous, excited and as joyous as they can be, is something we always look forward to. Not only because it gives us an insight into what the modern bride wanted, but also because it gives us a chance to co-create the outfit with her. We decided to invest the day meeting all our future brides and then called it a day.
 

 
The next day, we decided to take a stroll around the city to do a recce for the shoots that we’d lined up. New York, for the longest time, has been one of our most favourite places to shoot. During this trip, we had lined up three editorial shoots and our special cover shoot with Bollywood’s heartthrob Ishaan Khatter. Joining us for the recce was our dear friend and noted photographer Colston Julian, who even agreed to click a picture or two of us against the beautiful background of the city. “But before the shoots were scheduled, we celebrated a special day i.e. the 25th of April, which marks Shane’s birthday. While there wasn’t a birthday eve surprise, what made up for it was an off-Broadway show ‘Sleep No More’ that we watched with our family, before proceeding to a diner-style dinner just around the corner. This was the first time Shane was away from India on his birthday and in New York, but he isn’t complaining after a celebration in the most New York-esque way,” says Falguni Peacock.
The next day we were off to shoot our cover star of this issue, Ishaan Khatter. The young actor who is worth his salt has many stories to tell via his films and travel. It was his first time in New York and we found him basking in the experiences in true New York style. We got him to speak about all his travel experiences in between the shots that were taken by celebrated photographer, Toranj Kavyon. After a high-spirited shoot where the atmosphere was charged up to give nothing but the best, we called it a day. The next few days, we split up and shot two editorials at two prime locations in the Big Apple–one with Vikram Pathak and the other with Colston. We would’ve told you how fabulous the shoot turned out to be, but then we’ll let you take a look at the editorials in our next issue. As we proceeded to the third editorial shoot on the following day, we had to take a raincheck, thanks to the rains that paraded on our plans. That’s where we put a halt on our shooting and work spree and decided to spend the rest of the days with our friends, who were up to planning a special something that we’d go one to remember and cherish for a lifetime.
 

 
Our dearest friends Anjula Acharia and Maneesh Goyal are not just world-renowned entrepreneurs who have made a mark like no one else, they are also the warmest people with a heart of gold. The duo hosted a lavish dinner, along with the sweetest Alvina Patel Buxani to officially welcome us to New York at Mimi’s–a private dining space in SONA named after Priyanka Chopra’s nickname. We were joined by the best company we could’ve ever asked for that night. From Rebecca Suhrawardi, Rooshy Roy, Tony Goldwyn, Priya Shukla, Melanie Chandra, and Danielle McNally to Sakshi Khurana, Kinnari Gondi and others–it was a room full of people who loved and cherished fashion and success the way we did. A special mention to Chef Hari Nayak (of JHOL Bangkok and Alchemy Bangalore), who rustled up some lip-smacking dishes like Buckwheat Bhel, and Kofta Korma and washed them down with drinks like PCJ’s favourite Spicy Chili Margaritas. That night we also let out a little secret as an announcement of making a comeback to the New York Fashion Week circuit sooner than later. Toasts were raised and spirits were poured and soared.
As we were coming to the last few days of our vacation, we resolved to spend them doing rounds of our favourite cafes, meeting long lost friends and checking off some of the things on our bucket list like the visit to The MET museum. The sculptures and every piece in the frame were worth gawking at; and the history behind them was something that needed to be preserved, just the way it is in this museum. The last few days were slow and filled with soulful experiences, good laughs and delectable food. With our hearts and our bags full (from all the retail therapy we indulged in), we said goodbye to NYC, with a little promise that we’d come back sooner for something bigger! Stay tuned for that!
 

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Credits – Images sourced from the photographer

The Bahamas-based underwater cinematographer, photographer, and stunt performer, André Musgrove has earned a reputation for his unique style of shooting creative concepts underwater in unique underwater environments. His mastery in filming and photographing people and marine wildlife allows a closer, less invasive, and more intimate interaction with large megafauna – thus giving his work a platform from noted international brands such as Discovery Channel, National Geographic, the BBC, GoPro, Canon, and Rolex, amongst others.

For this issue of the Travel Peacock Magazine, we chatted with André to learn more about his love for his work and what goes into making the perfect underwater film.
 

 
[Q] Tell us about your background before you became an underwater photographer?
Before I became an Underwater Photographer, I wasn’t doing much professionally. It was my original career choice and the one I stuck to. I always enjoyed being under the water as well as taking photos and videos, so it was great to combine both of my passions.

[Q] Did you take any formal education in becoming an underwater photographer?
No, I didn’t. I began working as an underwater photographer at a dive shop right after graduating high school. Working there was my training ground for underwater photography, taking photos and videos every day with quick turnaround times and in demanding situations.

[Q] What was your first assignment as an underwater photographer?
Anticlimactically, my first freelance assignment was an underwater maternity photo shoot in a pool.
 

 
[Q] What is your process of getting prepared before any shoot?
My process usually includes assembling and checking all my camera equipment to make sure everything works, the lens is clean, underwater housings are sealed and batteries are fully charged. I then check over whatever diving equipment I plan to use whether it be freediving or scuba diving gear to ensure that everything is up to par. I would also do full body stretches and lung stretches to prepare myself for freediving. Freediving is the sport of holding your breath while diving underwater and without the use of any external breathing apparatus/air tanks. 90% of the times, I shoot while freediving which allows me more flexibility in moving underwater and communicating with my human subjects, who are also freediving.

[Q] What sets your mood for photographing?
Heroic photos of humans in the marine environment or interacting with marine wildlife are what I try to depict in my photographs. I strive to create photos that evoke emotions in people and make them feel like they are viewing another world. By doing this, I hope that people will feel encouraged to care more about the ocean and help save it from human and environmental threats.

[Q] Which has been your favourite underwater shoot or assignment?
It’s hard to say because every shoot is so different. I enjoy the personal shoots I do because of the challenge they present and because most of the freediving models I work with are people I consider to be my friends. On the other hand, natural history shoots are enjoyable because I get to spend extended time underwater filming marine wildlife.
 

 
[Q] Is there any pattern that you follow while shooting underwater?
I typically focus on a few key elements including uniqueness, composition, colours, and lighting. When I’m conceptualizing a photo idea, I usually start with the photo angle and try to think of something that is not usually seen. The composition of the image is what draws the viewer in, and I always follow the photography guide “the rule of thirds” when composing an image. It’s rare to see complementary colours (colours opposite on the colour wheel) underwater and that makes a huge difference in the quality of an image as most viewers are used to seeing the ocean in a washed-out blue. Lighting is the final element; 99% of my photography is done using natural light, meaning I do not use any external lighting or strobes/flashes when underwater. The direction of the sun is the greatest factor for lighting underwater and determines how I plan my shooting schedule based on which concept I have in mind.

[Q] What is the most challenging thing about underwater photography?
The most-challenging thing is capturing colours accurately. Colours disappear underwater in the same order as they appear in the colour spectrum starting with red, then orange, then yellow. I shoot at a variety of depths ranging from 10ft/ 3m to 60ft/ 20m, so I’m constantly challenged with ensuring that my human subjects are wearing the right colours to compliment the scene while doing my best not to lose the colour I want to focus on. I combat this by choosing each wardrobe colour based on the individual concept’s depth and the ambient light available.

[Q] Which is your favourite underwater shoot destination ever?
It may seem biased, but so far, it’s still The Bahamas. We have so much to offer here, it’s an underwater photographer’s dream. From shooting with big sharks like Tiger Sharks and Hammerhead Sharks to diving into a fully intact shipwreck on the same day is a rare find anywhere else in the world. We also boast blue holes, underwater caves and statues, coral reefs, drop-offs and more. Growing up diving here has allowed me to see several of our underwater hotspots and I still have so many more to explore.
 

 
[Q] Which photographs of yours are your personal favourite?
Currently, my personal favourite underwater photo is one I call “One Way 2”. It’s a photo of a freediver donning a full wetsuit, wearing a monofin swimming down along the sandy entrance of a blue hole. What I love about the image is the pattern made by the calmness of the water on the ocean floor and that the visibility was so clear, that it doesn’t even look like it’s shot underwater. For me, this photo evokes freedom and a sense of what it might be like to fly.

[Q] As a water explorer, what are the three things you never venture into the waters without?
You will never find me without a dive mask, a snorkel, and a camera. I never want to be in a situation where a once in a lifetime opportunity happens unexpectedly and I don’t have a mask to see it or a camera to capture the memory. The snorkel is important so that I don’t have to raise my head out of the water to take a breath!

[Q] What are some of the things you are obsessed with as an underwater photographer?
I love the absence of gravity in the water. I enjoy the weightlessness I experience underwater and how it feels to be free.
 

 
[Q] What is the first thing you notice when you see other underwater photographers’ work?
The first thing I notice is how unique the photograph is compared to images I’ve seen before. Next is the colours used in the image. Then I think about the technical aspect of how challenging the photo may have been to create.

[Q] What advice would you give to budding underwater photographers?
My advice is that while it’s okay to be inspired by other photographers’ work, be sure to create your own style, do not copy. Be creative in every aspect and try something new and risky. I also advise any budding UW photographer to diversify their in-water skills in many different disciplines and spend as much time in the water as they can. Learn both freediving and scuba diving versus one or the other. If you’re a spearfisherman or surfer, many of those skills are transferable to underwater photography and understanding how the ocean works.

[Q] What are your future plans?
I aim to continue to create interesting underwater conceptual photographs and short films of freedivers solely in the underwater environment. The short films will feature either personal growth or conservation messages hidden in the visuals and music. I’m always searching for more opportunities to shoot in unique locations and spread the message of what being underwater is truly like to help encourage people to care more about what they don’t usually see beneath the surface.
 
 

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Celebrity makeup artist Mehak Oberoi takes fun along with her wherever she goes. Needless to say, her recent vacation with her beau to the Finholu Baa Atoll in the Maldives was a truly fun one. From going on dolphin cruises to relishing seafood at the resorts’ award-winning restaurants, she did all that was planned by the resort ahead of her stay. Oberoi tells us all about her perfect vacation in a quick chat.

[Q] Where were you staying during your recent vacation?
I recently took a three-day vacation to the Maldives where I stayed at Baa Atoll’s gem — Finolhu Baa Atoll Maldives.

[Q] Why did you want to come to this place?
I wanted a relaxing getaway after being at home for the longest time. My travelling expectations were high and I knew they would all be met at Finolhu Baa Atoll Maldives.

[Q] How did you prepare for your vacation?
I was travelling after a long time so I had to prepare accordingly. My stylist, Garima, helped me put some great looks together for the vacation. We also took all the precautions keeping the COVID-19 scenario in mind.

[Q] What are some of the must-packs for this place you travelled to?
Swimsuits, bikinis, diving gear, beach wear, flowy dresses, easy-breezy outfits are some must-haves that you can use during this vacation.

[Q] Is there anything you wish you’d done before you left home?
Since this was a vacation I’d been longing to go for so long, I ensured that I packed everything before I left.

[Q] How did you reach your destination and then to your hotel/resort?
I flew from Mumbai to Male and then took a seaplane ride to Baa Atoll where Finolhu Baa Atoll Maldives is.

[Q] What is the first thing you did when you entered your hotel/resort room?
The warm hotel staff welcomed us with some amazing wine when we entered the property. On entering the room, we were mesmerised by the view and spent some time lounging and relaxing, post which I took a dip in our private pool.
 

 
[Q] What did you do during your stay there?
Relaxation was the only thing on my mind. I indulged in a lot of yoga and meditation sessions. I also treated myself to the exquisite massages and treatments at Fehi Spa. For the fun part, we took the dolphin cruise and did a whole lot of water sport activities.

[Q] What local cuisine did you try?
I didn’t have the local cuisine per se, but I dined at their award-winning Kanusan plating traditional Japanese cuisine where the sushi was my utmost favourite. The seafood at Crab Shack restaurants was simply out-of-the-world and I could come back just for a good meal that is replete with healthy breakfasts, fresh produce, mindblowing seafood and some hearty mocktails by the beach.

[Q] How did you document your trip?
I used my phone to document all my favourite moments during the vacation. Moreover, the hotel staff was super sweet in helping me take pictures and videos as well.

[Q] Your favourite memory from the holiday?
There are a bunch of memories from this trip, some of my favourites being the dolphin cruise, date night with my husband at Kanusan, having some great seafood at the Crab Shack.

[Q] Who is the most interesting person you’ve met during your recent vacation?
I bumped into this girl gang from Dubai who was there for a vacation. We chatted up and bonded for a bit over the usual girl stuff. I also met someone from Germany who knew me and that was a great feeling.

[Q] What’s the most interesting thing you’ve learnt from your latest travel?
Life is too short to miss out on travel so keep travelling and exploring such beautiful places.

[Q] What was the most challenging thing you’ve done during your recent vacation?
This trip was one for leisure and a relaxed vacation. But for me the most challenging thing to do was to get out of bed and leave that gorgeous view for the other activities that were planned. (laughs)

[Q] What are the activities or must-see or must-dos that you cannot miss when here?
Do not miss the motorised water sport activities at the resort, that includes the jet ski excursions, paddle boarding, snorkelling, parasailing, fishing trips, catamaran sailing, and many more! Take the dolphin cruise and just hang out by the waters at any given chance!

[Q] What would your advice be to other travellers?
I would suggest for my future travellers, to check with the property on the activities they have planned according to your dates. These properties have events and activities planned for each day, so you can plan and pick according to your stay dates.

[Q] Must-have fashion accessories for travel?
Sunglasses, jewellery stack, chunky chains, big hoops, side slings and my shoes.

[Q] Three must-carry outfits for travel?
Athleisure sets, a stylish nice and easy dress and a pair of white shirts and shorts.

[Q] Skincare essentials to carry while travelling?
I carry a lot of skincare items. So, sunblock for sure! Then it’d be cleanser, sheet masks, moisturisers and massage rollers.
 
 

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[Q] Did you take any formal education in becoming an underwater photographer?
When I was 25 (2005), I enrolled as a student at the Royal Academy of Arts in the Hague, the Netherlands, after which I obtained my Bachelor in Art/Documentary Photography in 2009. For several years after my study, I undertook highly conceptual documentary art projects until 2015. At that point, I decided to combine my love for swimming and the underwater world, my fascination for feminine elegance, and my photographic skills into a new project — ‘Suahuatica’ was born. I think it is also important to mention that I grew up on a sailing boat and have lived across the Mediterranean for most of my youth. The aquatic environment was an essential part of my upbringing, and the longing to return to it was unavoidable.

[Q] What was your first assignment as an underwater photographer?
I met a girl in Spain, and she requested me to do an underwater art/fashion shoot with her. I did a lot of similar photography with friends, so I felt quite confident and comfortable. The first client also became a friend, and she is now one of my closest friends!

[Q] How do you narrate your stories through your photography?
The story I want to tell is not necessarily one that needs to be narrated. My captions are often unimportant for my photography to be understood. I want to communicate a feeling, a basic human fascination. The feminine form in the underwater world is one that draws a lot of attention, both from the male and female gaze. The underwater world itself, the scale of humans in it, the sense of adventure, exploration, and the freedom akin to flying, helps in generating awe amongst the audience. By telling a kind of underwater fairytale, I hope to inspire people to also focus on water as a place to feel free, to explore, and to forget about the world around them. Not only that, but I particularly want to empower women by portraying them in a kind of sci-fi/superhero-eque way. I love introducing women to freediving and making them better at it. It boosts their self-confidence, gives them a new passion in life and positively sharpens their minds and energy in everyday life.
 

 
[Q] What is your process of getting prepared before any shoot?
I eat a small breakfast, try to get my seven hours of sleep, and then dive in! Most of my routine during the shoot is keeping safe as safety first. After a shoot, my regime is to dry the equipment, nourishment, a short afternoon nap, editing photos, and preparing everything for the next day.

[Q] Where/in whom do you find your muse?
It depends. If it is for commercial work, muses find me. (laughs) My Instagram is a powerful marketing tool, and generally, people tend to wait until I go to a location near them. If not, then they fly to me. For my collaborations and more private artistic work, I tend to contact people whom I see diving, or I find them online (Instagram, etc.). Sometimes, they are my friends or my girlfriend, if I have one.

[Q] What sets your mood for photographing?
Clear waters. I love it, and it makes me feel comfortable and confident. I can and do shoot in murkier conditions successfully, but somehow I don’t feel as much in love with the water in those moments. It doesn’t seem to affect the results at all, however, until the water becomes very murky. So that is a feeling I have gotten used to ignoring.
 

 
[Q] Which has been your most favourite underwater shoot or assignment?
I worked for Ianos Watches in Greece, on a stunning island called Symi. I shot a video for them that showed the thousand-year-old tradition of sponge diving with a heavy stone weight. It was very fascinating to see freediving in its original and pure form.

[Q] Is there any particular pattern that you follow while shooting underwater?
The only pattern I try to follow is safety first. Other than that, I love to respond to how the person ‘feels’ around me and go with the flow. Of course, I do direct my models/clients to get into certain desirable poses so that I can find ways to show the human form but I do try to stay original and keep developing myself underwater to stay ahead of the competition.

[Q] What is the most challenging thing about underwater photography?
Water is very tiring! After freediving for a few hours, it feels like you did a marathon! Especially if the water is colder or rough, or you go into caves. The mental and physical stress is fairly high. This coupled with my responsibility for a model or a friend swimming with me, makes it a very intense experience at times.

[Q] Which is your favourite underwater shoot destination ever?
I’ve had an amazing time in Mexico. The Cenotes (freshwater cave-lakes in the jungle) are truly magical. If the country wouldn’t be so unsafe in terms of crime, I would have already settled there permanently. It’s an amazing place, and I highly recommend people to visit it one day, but do take adequate safety precautions.

[Q] Which underwater shoot of yours has been the most frightening one?
I’ve never really felt frightened. But there have been days when large waves have gotten me to be very careful and made me realise the fragility of a human body in the big, wild ocean.
 

 
[Q] Which photograph of yours is your personal favourite?
I don’t have one, I think! I have a ‘Top 10,’ some of which I am happy to share with you!

[Q] As a water explorer, what are the three things you never venture into the waters without?
My mask, my diving knife, and of course, a camera (which can even be a mobile phone!). I would like to add a fourth one, which is the diving light, in order to be able to peer into the darkness.

[Q] What are your most essential tools (apart from a camera and sea gear) for an underwater shoot?
I often bring a bodyboard or other floating object as a safety buoy, along with a place to leave things I don’t need right away, such as extra fins, a dive light, or some water.

[Q] What makes an image a photograph?
In an age where post-processing becomes ever more important, that is a question that is hard to answer. Sometimes the line blurs between illustrations (composite) and photographic renditions. I try to stay faithful to the reality that I observe and focus on a thousand minor tweaks and corrections to make the image do justice to what I witnessed or want to communicate. My photos are ‘real’ but a perfected version of reality, not illustrations.

[Q] What are some of the things you are obsessed about as an underwater photographer?
Almost all that I have witnessed can be seen in my stories. Amazing locations like deep caves, shipwrecks, huge schools of silver, small fishes, swimming with sea turtles, and dense blooms of alien-like jellyfish sum up some of the experiences I’ve had over the past few years. I am very grateful to have been able to capture them.
 

 
[Q] Who are your favourite photographers? Why?
Within the underwater community, I don’t have any specific name. However, there are many individual photos that I often find interesting. If it comes to photographers, I tend to be very impressed by the work of the masters of street art photography. I love Trent Parke’s work, especially for its stark lighting and the beautiful captures that freeze time. I also am a great fan of Antoine d’Agata and his work. Both have influenced me a lot, although part of my inspiration comes from ’80s sci-fi artwork and paintings from the Romanticism era, for example, Wanderer above the Sea of Fog by Caspar David Friedrich.

[Q] What is the first thing you notice when you see other underwater photographers’ work?
I generally appreciate other people’s views on the underwater world a lot. But I also see many imperfections at the same time, such as the correction of colours, the contrast, the pose, or the composition that could have been improved. Ultimately, I am one of the few formally-educated underwater photographers in the world. It means I have four years of training and formation that has predisposed me to a large amount of knowledge that other photographers, who would generally need decades of self-training to master. Other photographers can be more talented, or have better models, or even have better gear but I am fairly confident that in a similar position, I will make a better photo. I think that you need that self-confidence as a photographer to be able to keep competing with, pun intended, a sea of competing work.
 

 
[Q] What advice would you give to budding underwater photographers?
Find a different career! (laughs) It took me four years of studying, six years of backbreaking work, and many years of investing without getting any return to get to the point where I can sustain myself well. I became an underwater photographer because I felt a strong desire to show something to the world, not because I wanted to make money or do something that seemed romantic. (I didn’t see it as romantic or interesting at all. it was only later that I realised other people saw it that way.) Photograph what you are good at and interested in and keep it a hobby for as long as you can. Because the day it becomes work, it can, and it will consume you. I have found a balance now, but I still dream of the days when I just had some fun with friends, and there were no deadlines, no pressure, no clients — I just wanted to be happy. I enjoy what I do tremendously, but it’s because it is what I’ve been preparing for all my life.

[Q] What are your future plans?
I would like to keep improving my photography and video work, showcase it to larger international audiences, and spark the love for the underwater world in new countries and communities. I am especially keen on raising awareness of freediving and the underwater world as a place to explore in several countries, India being one of them. Later this year, I will work closely with the current Indian national champion, Selina Samanta. Hopefully, if COVID-19 permits, we will be able to swim together in spring or early summer!
 
 

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