Swap Monsoon Grey for Starry Nights Under the Milky Way

Swap Monsoon Grey for Starry Nights Under the Milky Way

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on September 16, 2025

Tired of cloudy skies during the Indian monsoon? This season, swap the grey for clear, starry nights and watch the Milky Way unfold above you. Across the world, there are destinations where light pollution is minimal, skies are pristine, and the galaxy shines in its full brilliance. All you need is a curious mind and a bit of warmth in your backpack.

Ras Al Khaimah, UAE

The northernmost Emirate is a magical stage for stargazing, with the Al Wadi Desert and Hajar Mountains offering some of the region’s darkest skies. Jebel Jais, the UAE’s highest peak, provides an incredible vantage point where the Milky Way’s galactic core is visible between May and October. Guided astronomy sessions at the Jebel Jais Observation Deck and luxury desert resorts make the experience even more memorable.

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Mahé & La Digue, Seychelles

Beyond its turquoise waters and palm-fringed shores, Seychelles transforms into a natural planetarium between May and October. On Mahé, Anse Intendance Beach and Morne Seychellois National Park are perfect dark spots. On La Digue, Grand Anse offers uninterrupted views of the galaxy. With just a pair of binoculars, you can glimpse constellations and even the hidden heart of our galaxy.

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Azerbaijan

The Caucasus nation is a rising star for astronomy lovers. The Shamakhi Astrophysical Observatory, the largest in the region, hosts guided telescope sessions. In the Shahdag Mountains and remote highlands, summer nights from June to September reveal the Milky Way in sweeping clarity. It’s a unique blend of science, tradition, and unspoiled nature.

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Kenya

Kenya is as spectacular by night as it is by day. With its equatorial location, both northern and southern constellations are visible. Regions like Turkana, Laikipia, Samburu, and Amboseli offer skies almost untouched by light pollution. Pair this with safaris, astro-camping, and Maasai star lore, and you have a celestial safari unlike any other.

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Qatar

In Qatar, deserts transform into stargazers’ sanctuaries. The Zekreet Peninsula, Al Aamriya, Dukhan, and Sealine Beach deliver dark skies from March to October. Visitors can join Bedouin-style stargazing safaris or simply spread a blanket and watch the Milky Way emerge. With a cup of hot karak in hand, it’s a desert night of silence, wonder, and whispered shooting stars.

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Negev, Israel

Mitzpe Ramon and the vast Ramon Crater in Israel’s Negev Desert have been recognized as an official Dark Sky Park. From April to October, the galaxy appears in stunning detail across the desert. Guided astronomy tours and the sheer silence of the landscape make it one of the world’s most authentic stargazing experiences.

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The Milky Way reminds us that the best souvenirs from travel are often not tangible but moments etched in memory and stars captured in our cameras.


Ras Al Khaimah Joins World’s Elite Luxury Travel Circles with Virtuoso® and Serandipians Membership

Ras Al Khaimah Joins World’s Elite Luxury Travel Circles with Virtuoso® and Serandipians Membership

By Hariharan U

Published on October 5, 2025

Ras Al Khaimah has officially joined the ranks of the world’s most prestigious luxury travel destinations, following its invitation-only acceptance into Virtuoso® and Serandipians by Traveller Made two of the most respected global networks in high-end travel.

This milestone marks a major step for the emirate, reflecting its growing global appeal and positioning it alongside iconic destinations such as Santorini, Kyoto, the Amalfi Coast, and the Serengeti.

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Membership in Virtuoso® and Serandipians is highly selective and reserved only for destinations and partners that meet exceptional standards in authenticity, service, and sustainability. Ras Al Khaimah’s inclusion showcases not just its luxury offerings, but also its cultural depth and commitment to meaningful, experience-driven tourism.

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Through these partnerships, Ras Al Khaimah will gain direct access to an elite network of travel advisors and luxury providers who design bespoke journeys for discerning travellers worldwide. The emirate’s growing portfolio of high-end hotels, combined with its diverse attractions, helped secure its place among these global leaders.

“Becoming part of Virtuoso and Serandipians marks a pivotal moment for Ras Al Khaimah as it continues to evolve as a destination. These partnerships will showcase the emirate’s exceptional blend of nature, culture, and exceptional hospitality to a global audience of travellers who value authenticity, exclusivity, and meaningful experiences. With our pipeline of world-renowned hotels and unique attractions, we are poised to redefine luxury in the region, reinforcing Ras Al Khaimah as a must-visit destination for discerning travellers,”
said Iyad Rasbey, Vice President – Destination Tourism Development, Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA).

Famed for its stunning landscapes and high-end hospitality, Ras Al Khaimah offers an impressive mix of resorts and experiences. From luxury stays at Waldorf Astoria and The Ritz-Carlton, to new additions like Anantara Mina Al Arab and Sofitel Al Hamra Beach Resort, the emirate continues to expand its premium offering. Future projects by Wynn Resorts, Four Seasons, and Nobu Hotels promise to further elevate its status.

Beyond opulent stays, the emirate’s experiences are equally captivating from the world’s longest zipline at Jebel Jais and sunrise hot-air balloon rides, to stargazing in the desert and exploring the Suwaidi Pearl Farm. These adventures blend thrill, culture, and natural beauty to create a truly unique luxury experience within the UAE.

For more on Ras Al Khaimah’s luxury offerings, visit www.visitrasalkhaimah.com


Galeries Lafayette Paris Announces Return of “3J” Shopping Festival

Galeries Lafayette Paris Announces Return of “3J” Shopping Festival

By Hariharan U

Published on October 5, 2025

The much-awaited “3J” Shopping Festival is set to make its grand return to Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann from October 17 to November 2, 2025 and this year, it promises to be bigger than ever.

For over a century, Galeries Lafayette has been synonymous with Parisian style and shopping indulgence. The upcoming edition of “3J” continues that legacy by offering exclusive in-store reductions across an extensive selection of luxury, fashion, beauty, and lifestyle brands.

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What to Expect

  • Major discounts on premium international and French brands

  • A carefully curated selection of fashion, accessories, and lifestyle must-haves

  • The timeless Galeries Lafayette shopping experience, complete with its iconic architecture and vibrant ambiance

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Whether you’re a fashion enthusiast, a beauty lover, or simply someone looking to bring home a piece of Paris, the festival is a rare chance to shop coveted labels at unbeatable prices.

If you’re planning an autumn visit to Paris, this shopping celebration is not to be missed. Mark your calendars, explore the collections, and experience the buzz of one of the city’s most beloved retail traditions.

For more details, bookings, or information on VIP shopping experiences, you can reach out directly to the Galeries Lafayette team.


Octola Becomes World’s First Travel Destination to Monitor Clean Air

Octola Becomes World’s First Travel Destination to Monitor Clean Air

By Hariharan U

Published on October 4, 2025

Octola Private Wilderness, one of the world’s most exclusive Arctic retreats in Finnish Lapland, has set a new benchmark for luxury and conscious travel. The ultra-luxury destination has become the first travel experience worldwide to monitor ultrafine air particles using research-grade technology. Installed across its private estate, this system provides guests with measurable insight into the purity of Arctic air, long celebrated as some of the cleanest on Earth.

“Our surroundings have always offered a rare purity. Now, we have the data to prove it,” says Janne Honkanen, Founder of Octola. “By measuring ultrafine particles, some of the smallest and most harmful pollutants — we can assure our guests of the environment’s quality in a meaningful, transparent way.”

This initiative builds on Octola’s mission to offer experiences rooted in the healing powers of Lapland’s pristine air and untouched wilderness, reinforcing the restorative qualities that returning guests have always sensed.

By continuously monitoring and reporting air quality, Octola is raising the bar for environmental responsibility and guest care. The retreat collaborates with leading researchers, including Northern Lights scientist Dr. Esa Turunen, offering a rare combination of luxury, natural serenity, and ongoing scientific research.

The new Octola II, opening in December 2025, will extend these standards. Featuring five ensuite bedrooms, a children’s playroom, spa, gym, saunas, and Northern Lights-viewing areas with glass ceilings, Octola II promises immersive experiences amidst 1,730 acres of private wilderness. The Supersuite Villa includes two large ensuite bedrooms, private saunas, baths, and outdoor hot tubs.

Octola is also launching Respiro Octola, a health and wellness programme designed to connect guests with the environment’s clean Arctic air. Curated experiences include guided breathwork, sauna sessions, yoga, ice swimming, and other natural treatments shown to reduce stress, improve resilience, and support long-term wellbeing. Studies from the World Health Organization and the University of Helsinki suggest that spending a week in Lapland can extend lifespan by hours depending on one’s origin, highlighting the benefits of pristine air.

“Scientific studies show that air pollution reduces global life expectancy by roughly two years. Breathing air as clean as Lapland’s can aid respiratory recovery, enhance wellbeing, and may even contribute to a longer life,” explains Professor Mikko Sipilä, University of Helsinki.

Through advanced environmental monitoring and sustainable practices, Octola reinforces its role as a guardian of the Arctic wilderness. By combining luxury, wellness, and measurable environmental accountability, it offers a unique experience that blends indulgence with conscious travel.

“The purity of our air is often described as healing, almost otherworldly. With this monitoring, we can protect it and hold ourselves to the highest standards,” adds Honkanen.

About Octola Private Wilderness
Located in Finnish Lapland, Octola Private Wilderness offers ultra-luxury off-grid lodges, personal chefs, wilderness guides, and authentic Lappish traditions. Reservations are highly limited, with a 94% guest return rate. The exact location remains undisclosed to protect privacy, and interested travellers may request to join a private waiting list.

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