Departures Australia Autumn 2018

BLACKBOOK Left: the

BLACKBOOK Left: the bright lights of Buenos Aires at dusk; right: the De Milanesa sandwich at Los Galgos gastro bar BUENOS AIRES NOW Innovative design, fashion, cutting-edge hospitality and dining that looks beyond steaks – VANESSA BELL offers a shortlist of the city’s hippest addresses MARCELO GIACOBBE Beautiful tulle and painstaking detailing are trademarks of this young couture designer’s delicate dresses, as worn by America’s First Lady and local sophisticates. Book an appointment at his new showroom located above clutch-heaven designer Flâneur, the ideal complement to his creations. marcelogiacobbe.com ROMA RENOM After gaining a cult following for her contemporary tailoring at her closed-door showroom, Renom unveiled her eponymous label’s first boutique on the chicest avenue in town, Alvear. THE SMART GUIDE The deliciously crisp cotton shirts and tapered trousers are indispensable. romarenom.com FAYER Talented chef Tomás Kalika’s second eatery, a buzzy, black-walled brasserie, recalls his culinary training in Israel with bold Levantine dishes to share – try the squash and beetroot hummus and the sensational pastrami joint with a 12-ingredient herb and spiced crust. fayer.com.ar NARDA COMEDOR Celebrity chef Narda Lepes’s unpretentious bistro creates seasonal fare in a luminous Roma Renom’s minimalist showroom canteen ambience in Belgrano’s chic foodie quarter. Chinese cabbage with a herb cream and toasted almonds and grilled avo and halloumi are the perfect veggie counterpoint to the city’s obsession with steak. nardacomedor.com ALVEAR ICON HOTEL The new Puerto Madero tower marries the regal splendour of the Alvear Group’s flagship hotel with a future-forward approach to the interior design. The Glitter restaurant opened in March, offering the first high-end kosher dining experience in Latin America, while the top-floor Crystal Bar boasts unparalleled views of downtown BA and the nature reserve. alvearicon.com ROMERO The workshopcum-showroom offers a glimpse into designer Josefina Romero’s creative process. Modern iterations of signature Argentinian objects are stunning objets d’art, such as her artisan-woven palm baskets made in the Chaco province with stylish bronze detailing. romero hechoamano.com LA FELIZ Patricio Lix Klett and Celeste Bernardini are the creative couple behind this design studio, housed in a 19th-century Palermo house, which focuses on bespoke lighting – think knitted floor lamps and made-tomeasure overheads – as well as an exclusive homeware and accessory line. lafeliz.com LOS GALGOS Debuted in 1930, this iconic local establishment was given the kiss of life by Julián Díaz and Florencia Capella, A summer look by Marcelo Giacobbe founders of the closed-door bar 878, who saw an opportunity when the premises were dismantled and put on the market following the death of its elderly owner. Traditional Argentinian cuisine is given a contemporary spin, with pastas made from scratch. Try the punchy 1950s awardwinning Argentinian Pato cocktail, best sipped at the bar. barlosgalgos.com.ar ♦ CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: CHARLY VILLAGRAN, © LOS GALGOS, © MARCELO GIACOBBE, TALI KIMELMAN 30 DEPARTURES-INTERNATIONAL.COM CONTACT PLATINUM CARD SERVICE FOR BOOKINGS

PROMOTION Wild & Majestic The Central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh is home to an array of stunning attractions Madhya Pradesh is a region of outstanding beauty, intriguing heritage and fascinating culture. With his timeless poem, William Blake captured in words the magnificence of that king of cats: “Tyger Tyger, burning bright, In the forests of the night; What immortal hand or eye, could frame thy fearful symmetry?” In Madhya Pradhesh, it is possible to see art come to life in some of India’s best wildlife retreats, where alongside spotting the fearsome feline, activities include jeep safaris, walking and cycle tours in the jungle, birdwatching, camping and bush JEEP SAFARI dinners. There is more to the state than its incredible natural wonders, though – with no less than three Unesco World Heritage sites in the region. The Hindu and Jain temples at Khajuraho are an exemplar of fascinating architecture and beautiful sculpture. Sanchi is a Buddhist complex, famed for the Great Stupa, built by Emperor Ashoka after he embraced the religion. And the caves and rock shelters of Bhimbetka, where ancient rock paintings can be viewed, is believed to be home to one of the earliest human settlements dating back to the Paleolithic Age. Be it spectacular wildlife, architectural wonder or historic curiosities, Madhya Pradesh offers a wealth of authentic experiences in the very heart of India. How to get there from Australia: Changing at New Delhi, flights to Bhopal or Indore are 60-75 minutes in duration. ROYAL BANDHAVGARH SACRED SANCHI Sanchi rose to fame during the reign of Emperor Ashoka, but soon was ignored for years. This quiet town saw the rise and fall of Buddhism; transformation of Emperor Ashoka‘s beliefs; and rose again to preserve this rich history. Bandhavgarh is also the land of tigers. This is the place to visit if you want to spot the big cat. India’s top dwelling for tigers, Bandhavgarh National Park has the highest density of Royal Bengal tigers in the world GRACEFUL KHAJURAHO Khajuraho is one of the most popular tourist spots in Madhya Pradesh. It is famous for its ancient temples that depict some of the finest art in the world. Sunsets viewed from the dam are especially enchanting. Even more enchanting is the lake cruise, which takes you on a serene hour-long ride along the dreamy little islands dotting the reservoir and the panoramic hills of the Satpura to Churna. Here you can indulge in a jungle safari at the Satpura Tiger Reserve. www.mptourism.com @MPTourism @MPTourism @mptourism