Natasha Amar

An underrated destination in the Middle East, Oman wows visitors with its rose-gold desert dunes, rugged mountains, crystal-clear waters, pristine islands, terraced farms and white-sand beaches. Brimming with character, capital city Muscat is home to cultural attractions that offer a glimpse at the country’s profound connection to its heritage while embracing a nuanced approach to modern progress.
Omani culture also thrives in atmospheric souqs (markets), ancient forts and quiet agricultural ...

An underrated destination in the Middle East, Oman wows visitors with its rose-gold desert dunes, rugged mountains, crystal-clear waters, pristine islands, terraced farms and white-sand beaches. Brimming with character, capital city Muscat is home to cultural attractions that offer a glimpse at the country’s profound connection to its heritage while embracing a nuanced approach to modern progress.

Omani culture also thrives in atmospheric souqs (markets), ancient forts and quiet agricultural ...

Your guide to the best time to visit Dubai that suits your travel style.
While news of its record-breaking summertime temperatures travels around the globe every year, Dubai truly has transformed into a year-round destination in recent years. Its many indoor attractions are just as enjoyable as going on a desert safari or chilling at a beach club. In fact, it’s easy to forget about the brutal heat when you’re shopping at local boutiques at a mall, exploring the homegrown coffee scene at cool ...

Nuanced and diverse, Dubai’s cultural scene offers rewarding explorations–if you know where to look.
Often mistakenly labeled as a city with no soul, perhaps by visitors who dare not venture beyond its swanky shopping malls, observation decks, and luxury hotels, Dubai’s robust culture scene is every bit as deliciously diverse, vibrant, and dynamic as you’d expect from a city home to nearly 200 nationalities.
Art galleries, immersive theaters, and creative spaces thrive among commercial and in...

Considering Dubai’s unwavering love for brunch — where the emphasis is on savoring sumptuous dishes, sipping champagne, soaking in the atmosphere and enjoying lively entertainment all at a leisurely pace — it’s no surprise that the city has embraced the concept of the night brunch. This after-dark twist on a beloved tradition blends the best of Dubai’s nightlife with the indulgence of an early-afternoon meal, creating a social and sophisticated experience.
Night brunches, which have gained po...

Considering Dubai’s unwavering love for brunch — where the emphasis is on savoring sumptuous dishes, sipping champagne, soaking in the atmosphere and enjoying lively entertainment all at a leisurely pace — it’s no surprise that the city has embraced the concept of the night brunch. This after-dark twist on a beloved tradition blends the best of Dubai’s nightlife with the indulgence of an early-afternoon meal, creating a social and sophisticated experience.
Night brunches, which have gained po...

Your guide to being culturally respectful in this diverse and cosmopolitan city.
Dubai’s vibrant culture, a city home to over 200 nationalities, is shaped by the beliefs, languages, traditions, customs, cuisines, festivals, social norms, and ways of life of its diverse population. Held together by the values of tolerance and mutual respect, its nuanced richness might not be at once obvious to the first-time visitor who might rightfully worry about navigating its unspoken rules. Use this etiqu...

Considered one of the most expensive cities, Dubai may not be an obvious budget destination for travelers but with these tips, it can be.
While Dubai certainly is one of the most expensive cities in the world, its wide range of experiences and accommodations means there’s plenty to do for all visitors, even those on a budget.
If you wish to explore Dubai on a low to mid-range budget, a little planning can go a long way to creating an itinerary that allows you to experience the best of the cit...

An interactive map about Dubai's attractions to visit in spring, by day and night.

Dubai’s love for diverse cultures shines brightest in its vibrant and endlessly interesting culinary landscape. From street food spots cherished by insiders and homegrown restaurants where the city’s chefs are crafting a new culinary narrative through bold, experimental concepts, to celebrity chef-helmed fine-dining establishments offering indulgent experiences in luxurious settings, here’s my insider guide to navigating the city’s remarkable dining scene.
Celebrity chefs
Dinner by Heston Blu...

A land of diverse languages, faiths, festivals and customs, India and its cultural tapestry beguile many visitors – and can challenge them, too.
Sights such as the Taj Mahal in Agra, the Ajanta and Ellora Caves in Maharashtra, and the Khajuraho Temples in Madhya Pradesh bring to life this country’s illustrious history. Celebrations like Holi, the festival of colors, and Kumbh Mela, the world’s largest religious gathering, offer a chance to immerse yourself in millennia-old traditions and expe...

There’s something undeniably romantic about a long train journey. Far more than a means of transportation, these trips are a rare invitation to slow down and travel with intention around the world. From engineering marvels that wind through mountains and lush valleys to luxurious sojourns that offer a taste of the historical grandeur of iconic trains, these journeys celebrate the spirit of adventure.
While some of the following routes reveal breathtaking destinations often inaccessible by oth...

There’s something undeniably romantic about a long train journey. Far more than a means of transportation, these trips are a rare invitation to slow down and travel with intention around the world. From engineering marvels that wind through mountains and lush valleys to luxurious sojourns that offer a taste of the historical grandeur of iconic trains, these journeys celebrate the spirit of adventure.
While some of the following routes reveal breathtaking destinations often inaccessible by oth...

Coming to terms with unexplained infertility has not been an easy journey for Natasha Amar. But on a trip to Bhutan, time with a Tibetan Buddhist master allowed her to explore meditation, rituals and life’s deeper meanings, leading to a renewed perspective.
My right hand spins the golden prayer wheels outside the temple in a series of slow, intentional movements as I shift my shoulders slightly to adjust the weight on my back. Think hopeful thoughts, I remind myself with every step around the...