EXPLORE
TASTE
REFLECT
CREATE
to Cambodia still retain a traditional rural way of life. And
down in the south along the skinny isthmus connecting the
country to Malaysia are the whitest of sands — with no hotels
in sight.”
But, notes the writer, movies often sell us a secluded
fantasy that looks better onscreen than in real life, an idyllic
lifestyle of maximised images and vibrant colour. “We might
dream of a beach without footprints, but teleport us there and
we would drop that idea as quickly as our clothes. The first
hour would be bliss, but then we might have a hankering for a
long cool drink and the clinking of ice cubes,” she says.
“There would be hunger pangs for a crisp crab salad or
grilled squid with lime juice, while we slapped sandflies biting
our ankles. After a dip in the sea, it would feel good to rinse
under a freshwater shower and dry off with a clean fluffy
towel.” Sounds like a ringing endorsement for the rustic luxury
of a Banyan Tree Phuket or Samui.
Your Screentime Assignment To capture that moment
for yourself, it might be best to set yourself an enjoyable
homework lesson, a travel assignment of sorts: soak up your
own favourite travel film, and mine it for all the inspiration
you can. In Halle Eavelyn’s case,
“Elizabeth [a historical film dealing
with the reign of Queen Elizabeth I]
always makes me want to go back to
England. I adore Tudor history, so it
brings alive the buildings I love with
the history of those who were there.
I can’t think of a yummier reason to
travel — because I was inspired to get
off my butt and explore!”
At the end of the day though, these
gorgeous movies offer something more
than delicious wanderlust-inspiring
images. They sell a way of seeing the
world. “I still believe in paradise,”
whispers DiCaprio at the end of The
Beach. “But now at least I’ll know
it’s not some place you can look for.
Because it’s not where you go, it’s how
you feel for a moment in your life when
you’re part of something. And if you
find that moment… it lasts forever.”
I DO
Marriage laws differ
around the world, so do
check that the ceremony
at your destination is
legally binding. If not, you
will have to have a civil
ceremony in your home
country first.
DRESS TO
IMPRESS
If you don’t want to risk
checking your wedding
dress into the hold, take
it as hand luggage. With
destination weddings
gaining in popularity,
many dressmakers will
professionally pack your
dress into a carry on
suitcase for you so that it
arrives in perfect shape.
Thailand's lush waters
made droves of would-be
travellers hungry to
emulate the adventures
of The Beach
NATUR AL BEAUT Y
A destination wedding
brings unique memories.
Azure seas, powder white
sands and a spectacular
sunrise and sunset every
day are unique wedding
accents that no amount
of money can buy.
Movie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The Beach
Date . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2000
Watch this movie if . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
It's raining outside
A wanderlust quote . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
"After eighteen hours in an airplane,
three dumb movies, two plastic meals,
six beers and absolutely no sleep, I
finally touch down; in Bangkok."
U N D E R T H E B A N YA N T R E E
01/06
2016
PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES; EVERETT/TPG/CLICK PHOTOS (THE BEACH)
WEDDED BLISS
There are few days more romantic than a wedding day, but
say your vows in an exotic destination and the memories of
the day take on even greater meaning.
Across the Banyan Tree network, luxurious options
abound, giving guests the chance to pledge their wedding
vows in a spectacular setting, neatly segueing into the
honeymoon without the need for extra travel. Whether a
Balinese beach celebration at Banyan Tree Ungasan, the
beauty of the Mexican Riviera at Banyan Tree Mayakoba
or the serenity of a Korean urban oasis overlooking Mount
Namsan at the Banyan Tree Club & Spa Seoul, the romance
concierge at your chosen resort will ensure that every part
of your day is organised and executed with calm and flair.
From flowers to wedding cakes, photographers and
transport, everything is considered — so all the bridal party
has to do is to show up!
Destinations like Ungasan in Bali and Phuket, Thailand
even have their own in-resort wedding chapels adding to
the exotic flavour of the celebration. With views of some of
nature’s best attributes as the backdrop to your special day,
the wealth of opportunities for romantics to tie the knot is
as extensive as the Banyan Tree network itself.
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