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TRAVEL FIT

Putting Wellness on the Itinerary

SPA DAY

A Head-To-Toe-Reset

Well-being Without The BUZZWORDS WWW.OHLALA-MAGAZINE.COM OCTOBER 2026 | ISSUE 252 BAHRAIN BD2 | KSA SR20

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OCTOBER 2026 ISSUE 252

GROUP EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Liz O’Reilly

PUBLISHER Rami Khalil

PRODUCTION MANAGER Neil Mahmood

DIGITAL DIRECTOR Nidhi Sharma

DIRECTOR OF SALES & MARKETING Nabayit Afeworki

ACCOUNTANTS Gigimon Thankachen Jyothi Johnson

DEPUTY EDITOR Behnaz Sanjana

OPERATIONS Kim Marshall

DIGITAL TEAM Fareeda Abdulla Rohtih T R

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Sachan Chandran

WEBSITE DESIGNER & DEVELOPER Alya Almuabad CONTRIBUTING EDITOR Sirine Boudjadi CONTRIBUTORS Farah Baig Gareth Woods

PHOTOGRAPHERS Habeed P. Hameed Shareef Panhatt COVER IMAGE Khaled & Marwan Haute Couture CREDITS IMAGE Cartier

DISTRIBUTION MANAGER Ajit Kumar DISTRIBUTION Bahrain - Jashanmal DISTRIBUTION TEAM Nowshad Mammunhi Rajesh Kaliyath PRINTING PRESS Union Press

CONTENTS OCTOBER 2026

18 20 32 38 40 52

Editor's Letter OHLALA Fashion Picks In Case You Missed It Cars, Couture and Craftsmanship: The Royal Bahrain Concours Jewellery Edit – Embracing Your Wild Side OHLALA Beauty Picks

OHLALA Insights – Back to Basics

A Head-to-Toe Reset at The Spa, Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay

Travel Escapes – Well-Being on the Move Chic Eats – A Tale of Atmosphere and Flavour Diva Drives – The Livelier Side of Luxury Miss Ohlala

84 90 94 98

JILL WELLINGTON AT PEXELS

Editor’s Letter

The beginning of the final quarter of the year is upon us. October comes unassumingly in our part of the world – no golden canopies on trees or such. But if you do tune in with the outdoors, you will hear a new, sprightlier chirping early in the mornings, and feel a subtle breeze after the sun has dipped for the day. That, and our calendars slowly start to be scribbled with events and invitations. Our Fashion pages will help you chalk out your autumnal look this month. Speaking of calendars, The Royal Bahrain Concours heralds the start of interesting happenings around the island, and we are delighted to be bringing you the low-down on this spectacular automotive extravaganza. There’s also a nifty style guide for you to turn out looking your concours-best. And, as always, Ohlala brings you the very best in luxury jewellery, watches and the latest beauty buys to keep you looking fabulous. But this being our Wellness issue, we‘re all for nurturing the beauty that’s within. Our wellness column turns the spotlight on the cause that’s dear to October – breast cancer, where we revisit the importance of early detection through regular screening and touch upon the latest developments in research. Our Insights dive into whether wellness buzzwords are all they’re made out to be, and our spa review at the Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay proves that there’s nothing like a satisfying spa morning to make you feel great inside-out. Rounding off our theme, Travel Escapes lists locales for hiking and biking. Good food is, of course, a big part of well-being. We gave ourselves a delicious mid-day treat tucking in to the Mexican fare that Cantina Kahlo at The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain served. And it goes without saying that we drove there and back literally in the lap of luxury – in the Porsche Macan T. Read all about it in Diva Drives. I hope you savour this issue of Ohlala as much as we did putting it together. Here’s wishing you an inspiring, wholesome October.

Behnaz Sanjana Deputy Editor writer@ohlala-magazine.com @ohlalamagazine

O H L A L A FA S H I O N P I C K S

Cream of

THE CROP

This deep teal number from Genny will definitely be grabbing second glances on your night out. Take inspiration from the designer’s styling and team the lustrous jacket with a single-toned contrasting fabric, like rich velvet.

Let’s explore a style trend that’s secured a firm spot in the current season’s fashion repertoire – cropped tailoring. It’s an approach that allows you to play with proportions for a fun look, and if you’re mindful of keeping the overall silhouette structured and cinched, you’re nailing it just right.

Celine’s bright red trousers enable exactly what the fashion gurus have prescribed this time around: to pair a kick-flare crop with slim boots to achieve the season’s much sought-after structure.

Nothing screams tactical more than this royal blue Georges Hobeika cropped top. Match with high-waist bottoms or a voluminous skirt for an intentional look.

Take the blah out of your autumnal fits when you pair your trench coat with these cropped, relaxed-fit trousers, like Fendi did on its autumn-winter runway this year. 20

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This modern, cropped fit jacket with relaxed sleeves by Brunello Cucinelli is a clever way to balance billowing, high-waisted bottoms. Its neutral expression pairs well with a striped inner layer for a minimalist aesthetic.

Live the LUSH LIFE

ZIAD NAKAD

COLOUR FOCUS

LOUIS VUITTON

LA DOUBLE J

OSCAR DE LA RENTA

LOUIS VUITTON

MOSCHINO

As the summer wanes into balmier weather, and verdant buds begin to bloom across our landscape, what better colour than green to symbolise the turn of season. From day outfits to evening ensembles, with accessories thrown into the mix, give your sartorial style a green refresh. This shade card leaves you spoilt for choice – from deep emeralds and olives to the more playful pistachios and limes, there are options aplenty to choose from.

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ADDED EXTRAS

SILKEN

Sophistication The avant-garde designs on the scarves from Hermès’ autumn-winter 2026 collection will elevate your transitional outfits to look uber chic.

eave it to the house of Hermès to add a touch of sophistication to your everyday. The iconic brand’s characteristic silk scarves stand you in good stead from 9-to-5 and continue as your trusted companion at the after-hours soiree. And over the weekend? A statement piece that can rest around your neck or slip under the chin to keep you looking elegant no matter where the day takes you. Whether it’s a scarf sporting the gracefulness of galloping horses, a harmonious arrangement of harness buckles or one with a collection of rider’s essentials, each delicate composition contains a dash of whimsy. A star-spangled bandana with an array of daggers and their adornments. The flora and fauna of an American forest. A steamboat up the Mississippi river. Keys that unlock the doors to secret, sacred spaces. Each artistic piece is rich in character and imagination and brings a sense of warmth and lightness to the coming winter months.

@hermes

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ADDED EXTRAS

EXCEPTIONAL Craftsmanship Givenchy’s Shark Pinch Boot is a refined reimagination of the original iconic boot from the couture house.

he Shark Pinch Boot, renamed and reworked by Sarah Burton, is a renewal of one of the most recognisable boots from Givenchy, the Shark Lock, which debuted in 2012. Preserving the unmistakable boldness of the original shape, the Shark Pinch takes the design in a new direction, embracing the tension between structure, sensuality and female empowerment that is at the heart of the designer’s creative vocabulary. The new thigh-high design appears on the runway in six variations, from tailoring to evening wear. Finished with the metal 'pinch' hardware previously introduced as an accessory component for Givenchy’s bags, each iteration embodies the dynamic fusion of couture skills and feminine confidence. The boot’s unique double-shank construction delicately embraces the leg while creating a sculptural, fluid and perfectly balanced contour. The boot’s architecture adds depth, structure and sophistication to the contour, elongating the leg and naturally following its movement.

@givenchy

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& Salon

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LIGHTS, CAMERA, PEEKABOO! FENDI’s new iteration of its iconic My Peekaboo bag has become the talk of tote town.

or her first collection since returning to the house, designer Maria Grazia Chiuri revisits the Peekaboo’s original silhouette from 2009, reintroducing its unmistakable signature opening while honouring the timeless design that has made it a FENDI icon. My Peekaboo features a fluid construction that accentuates its distinctive front opening, playing on the contrast between the beauty revealed on the outside and the hidden beauty within. The bag’s new form echoes the iconic lines of its predecessor but now boasts unprecedented lightness. The campaign unveiling the new My Peekaboo bag celebrates the enduring relationship between the high-end brand and the world of Italian cinema. Starring Monica Bellucci, Valeria Golino, FENDI spokesperson Tang Yan and Yara Shahidi, the story unfolds behind the scenes of a film set in Rome. Through the narrative, cast members reveal their own intimate backstage rituals, capturing the moments between acting and living, performance and reality. Each woman carries her own My Peekaboo bag, personalised with her initials — the perfect companion for a life fully lived, both on and off set. You, too, can get your My Peekaboo personalised at your favourite FENDI boutique.

@Fendi

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SULTRY SOLES

Footwear takes centre stage in TOM FORD’s autumn-winter 2026 collection, echoing emotions that are bold, unfiltered and defiant.

he style stakes are high with the TOM FORD women’s footwear collection. The pieces are deemed to be a study of emotion and character, celebrating the beauty of individuals of every age and from different walks of life. The curation includes an elongated, pointed toe – sometimes with a narrow, square edge – a slender stiletto heel, a glossed or criss-cross construction and a gender fluid attitude, all expanded upon through new silhouettes and elevated materials. The brand’s Selen line of footwear moves forward with fresh interpretations. The Vertigo family, which features luxury women’s

footwear defined by sleek stiletto heels, glossy patent leather and high-octane glamour, expands with the introduction of a D’Orsay pump and a thigh-high boot. The new Cassia ankle strap sandal introduces a refined evening silhouette distinguished by an embellished thong. One common factor binds this alluring collection; heels are ultra-high, with designs stripped away at the sides and finished with the instantly recognisable TOM FORD T. This bold new line-up is a reflection of women whose wardrobes communicate who they are, and it definitely includes their choice of footwear.

@tomford

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OHLALA ICYMI

This month’s fashion and beauty buzz is a shout-out to music, the countdown to the festive season, online luxury shopping and inspiring collaborations between highend watchmakers and iconic personalities.

Connecting Music with Style Coach’s autumn campaign, Live Your Story, celebrates how style and music enable selfexpression and real-world connection. It forges a new global cultural partnership with Spotify, anchored by four films starring Oscar-nominated American actress Elle Fanning. Each of the music videos are co-starred and soundtracked by one of four musicians – British singersongwriter and producer, PinkPantheress; Korean singer-songwriter and producer SOYEON; Japanese singer-songwriter Lilas; and breakthrough Chinese singer Shan Yichun. In a first for Coach, 12 Gen Z music-lovers from around the world also appear in the campaign, each with a personal story about the ways live music has changed their lives and their sense of self. The campaign spotlights Coach’s iconic Tabby bag, including five special-edition Tabbys inspired by the starring talent, and a new collection of concert ticket bag charms designed to invite personalisation and spark conversation.

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OHLALA ICYMI

Holiday Ready Avant’s luxury countdown to Christmas has sold out four years in a row, and this year’s Odyssey Advent Calendar is better than ever before. A limited-edition voyage of discovery, it offers 25 luxury beauty products, including 15 full-size Avant cult favourites. Carefully curated to be suitable for all skin types, each formula is dermatologically tested and approved to help hydrate, firm, smooth and restore radiance to skin – as well just give it that little bit of extra TLC in the lead-up to the festive season. One of the best things about the Avant advent calendar is that it allows you to test a huge number of products at once without having to commit to buying each product individually. So, treat yourself or a loved one to a luxuriously curated skin-care collection in the lead-up to the festivities.

Cementing Old Ties For over a decade, Swiss haute horologer Audemars Piguet and Serena Williams have nurtured a relationship grounded in long term commitment and a shared understanding that time is crafted rather than simply measured. The watchmaker has now brought Serena’s vision to the Royal Oak Selfwinding Chronograph with a dedicated limited edition. This new 38mm wristwatch is honed from white ceramic and illuminated by a pink-tinted, mother-of-pearl dial adding both symbolic depth and striking contrast. Bold in colour and precise in execution, it is powered by Calibre 6401, the brand’s latest integrated chronograph movement. From elite sportswoman to mother, entrepreneur and advocate, Serena keeps evolving with unwavering passion and commitment. Her blend of power and grace is echoed in the 38mm Royal Oak Selfwinding Chronograph Serena Williams Limited Edition, combining her sportive nature with the collection’s enduring sophistication.

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OHLALA ICYMI

A Perfect Pairing FARFETCH, the global platform for luxury apparel and goods, and Givenchy, the French couture maison owned by LVMH, have entered a global partnership with the opening of a new Givenchy e-concession on FARFETCH.com and the FARFETCH app. Through the collaboration, Givenchy will sell directly on the FARFETCH platform, bringing the maison’s collections to the e-portal’s luxury customers across more than 190 countries. It will further strengthen Givenchy’s digital presence. FARFETCH customers worldwide will gain unprecedented access to Givenchy’s universe for women and men, including leather goods, footwear, accessories and a curated selection of ready-to-wear and seasonal capsules, starting with the house’s autumn-winter 2026 collection.

Watchmaking and Art Unite Swiss luxury watchmaker Hublot has announced contemporary art celebrity Jeff Koons as its new ambassador. Koons, known for his iconic mirrored balloon sculptures, is a visionary force in the modern art universe. He joins Hublot to launch the Classic Fusion Balloon Dog by Jeff Koons timepiece, which translates the emotional language of inflatables into a whimsical high-end accessory. Limited to 200 pieces per edition in mirror-polished stainless steel, red anodised aluminium and blue anodised aluminium, the 42mm timepiece re-engineers the Classic Fusion watch’s architecture with inflated geometries, soft domed surfaces, and convex lines. Featuring signature details such as a rubber-moulded aluminum crown resembling an inflation valve, a decorative ‘balloon tail’ at 10.30, and a Balloon Dog-shaped seconds hand counterweight, each design component creates the illusion of inflated volume and tension, as though shaped by air pressure.

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OHLALA SPECIAL FEATURE

CARS, COUTURE AND

CRAFTSMANSHIP

The Royal Bahrain Concours 2026 will be the perfect setting for two behemoths of luxury – automobiles and fashion – to share the stage for a weekend full of cool cars and hot style.

he weekend of November 6 and 7 will see Bahrain’s Royal Golf Club set the stage for the second edition of the Royal Bahrain Concours (RBC). This automotive extravaganza is organised by Thorough Events, in collaboration with the Bahrain Tourism & Exhibitions Authority (BTEA), under the patronage of HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Bahrain. The concours will be a spectacular display of automotive pageantry – with both heritage beauties that are some of the most valuable and historically significant motorcars, as well as hypercars and supercars that boast futuristic design, extreme performance and cutting-edge technology.

A FABULOUS SETTING The 7,102-yard, landscaped greens of the Royal Golf Club, designed by golfing legend Colin Montgomerie, are the ideal setting for the concours. With wide open spaces and manicured lawns, the venue lends a fitting atmosphere for ultra-luxury wheels to be appreciated up-close. PREPARE TO BE WOWED This year’s concours field will feature a curation of 70 collector cars from Bahrain, the wider GCC and international collections. The event begins at noon on both days, bringing classic and contemporary automotive worlds together. It will be a celebration of the engineering, design, craftsmanship, heritage and stories behind important cars while also creating a broader luxury and social experience around the concours. Premier Day on Friday will feature the opening act of the two-day spectacle, with intriguing sessions on the evolution of automotive design, insights into concours cars and classes, and a discourse on collecting rare automobiles, 38

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as well as a Ladies’ Afternoon Tea Experience and Fashion Unveiling Show. Saturday’s programme, titled Prestige Day, will have all the trappings of a concours gala besides an engaging talk on the future of automotive design. The itinerary will have much fanfare with the presentation of the major concours awards, culminating in the Best of Show honour. The weekend auto display will be punctuated with high hospitality, stage programmes, food and drink, fashion and entertainment up to 9pm, with a DJ set taking over the charismatic atmosphere after sundown. GLAMOUR ON THE CARDS This year, Lexus, represented in Bahrain by Ebrahim K. Kanoo B.S.C., will be Automotive Partner and the collaborator on the event’s Saturday Fashion Show. Audiences will be left enthralled when the main concours stage comes alive with luxury fashion, accessories and lifestyle collections from discerning brands and designers. AN INTERESTING SIDE SHOW Alongside the main concours, the 2026 event will present a special line-up of cars from the Royal Bahrain Concours Car Clubs. Up to one hundred of the finest cars will be hand-picked by the RBC Car Club Steering Committee, all categorised into three dedicated classes that pay tribute to different aspects of motoring culture. The first class is Thirty Under 30, spotlighting cars owned, restored or curated by young enthusiasts under 30 years of age. Restomod & Modified is the category that celebrates modern reinterpretations of automotive heritage. And finally, recognising rugged expedition, is the 4x4 Trailblazers class, which features vehicles that redefine exploration, utility and endurance across every terrain imaginable.

OHLALA SPECIAL FEATURE

CONCOURS STYLE STAPLES With the visual backdrop of the most stunning automotive machinery, what better place to show off an impeccable style sense that reflects timeless elegance and sophistication; a nod to the superior engineering and craftsmanship on display.

Taking into consideration Bahrain’s November climes, lightweight fabrics such as silk, chiffon and linen will lend elegance and comfort to your ensemble. Think flowing silhouettes and timeless pieces – summer dresses, stylish jumpsuits, tailored trousers paired with elegant blouses.

Wedges, block heels or stylish flats are in order, keeping in mind that you’ll want to balance style along with the comfort of walking on grassy terrain while you admire the automotive beauty around you.

Besides flaunting wide-brimmed hats, retro-inspired sunglasses, structured bags and silk scarves, pay homage to the extraordinary automotive curation with your very own pieces of exquisite craftsmanship. Let your choice of jewellery, whether vintage or contemporary, be your style statement that reflects the design excellence and craftsmanship of the cars. High-end wristwatches will match the engineering ingenuity of the wheeled wonders.

Let your sartorial colour palette take its cue from the vintage beauties on display. Ivory and cream for classic elegance; camel and tan for heritage leather; navy and deep green for traditional motoring cues. Or make a statement with a monochromatic look in vivid red, blue or yellow.

Keep in mind the necessary practicalities of dressing for the concours. Choose a sophisticated look that’ll transition well into the cooler evening hours with a light cardigan, jacket or shawl.

Please visit royalconcours.com for more information. @royalbahrainconcourse

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JEWELLERY EDIT

Embracing

YOUR WILD SIDE Cartier’s Into the Wild collection brings an exciting, untamed vibe to luxury pieces that display a modern aesthetic, yet are founded in the maison’s historic savoir-faire.

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JEWELLERY EDIT

nto the Wild is Cartier beckoning us into the precious, pristine wilderness. Headlined by the maison’s emblematic panther in all her splendour, this high jewellery line presents alluring creatures of the jungle, each sporting a distinct personality. The collection features rings, bracelets, necklaces and watches; every piece bearing an intense character that is brought forth through extraordinary craftsmanship. The platinum and yellow gold pieces are bejewelled with the brilliance of diamonds and accentuated with the mesmerising hues of sapphires, emeralds, garnets, aquamarine, quartz and onyx. Rings bearing stylised heads of the tiger, parrot, carp, crocodile and rhinoceros convey strength of persona, further intensified by their spectacular volume. Sensory bracelets and necklaces demonstrate a fine balance between realism and abstraction. Here, the heads of the animals are crafted as close as possible to their real anatomy, while the bodies are entirely flexible, fashioned on abstract, graphic motifs. Paved and spotted with geometric diamonds, the emblematic panther tête-à-tête bracelet imitates the fur coat of the snow panther, complete with sparkling emeralds for its eyes. The medallionshaped Panthère jewellery watch sports a graphic and expressive sculpture of the magnetic panther, as if evoking the guardian of time. We can see that Into the Wild brought Cartier’s expert craftsmen together – from the jeweller to the lapidiary, from the gem-setter to the watchmaker; all linked by the same adventure. These ferocious fauna have been skillfully crafted, bringing to life their inimitable aura, vibrant and sensorial on the skin. Pierre Rainero, Cartier’s Director of Image Style and Heritage, sums it up saying: “Through the interplay of design, materials and execution, Cartier questions the very perception of the animal and opens up extraordinary possibilities for exploring forms. Each creature, each creation reveals its own symbolic force, reflects an attitude, a personality trait or a state of mind. It becomes an opportunity to deliver a message about yourself.”

@cartier

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JEWELLERY EDIT

Fresh Expressions Of

The TIMELESS

SOLITAIRE Repossi has released a new collection of its architectural wonders featuring coloured gems and cascading diamonds.

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JEWELLERY EDIT

epossi’s Serti sur Vide mirrors the instinctive gesture of the gemologist, who places a stone at the fingertips to observe its clarity and brilliance before setting. This simple yet meaningful ritual inspired the Serti sur Vide collection, a contemporary reinvention of the timeless solitaire. At the heart of the collection, the pear-shaped diamond appears to float on the skin. The maison’s signature Eiffel Tower setting enhances the stone’s natural radiance in its purest expression. For this new 13-piece launch, Repossi continues its exploration of composition, where gemstones create a distinctive graphic pattern, enriched by the introduction of new colours and sculptural forms. CELEBRATING THE PEAR CUT For this season, Repossi introduces four new diamond creations extending the Serti sur Vide universe. Following the success of the Twin ring, the Double ring is designed to span across two fingers. This stunning piece maintains the lightness and minimal aesthetic of the collection, with a near-invisible setting that places the diamonds between the fingers, echoing the original jeweller’s gesture. A diamond ear cuff and a pair of earrings complete the chapter in which the Repossi Studio explores archive-inspired, cascading diamond compositions with a focus on movement and fluidity. The setting is reduced to emphasise the stones and their articulation in space.

A new brooch reinterprets the Serti sur Vide aesthetic as a contemporary statement piece designed for day-to-night wear, transcending feminine and masculine wardrobes. HONOURING EXCEPTIONAL STONES With the Fancy Serti sur Vide, Repossi introduces a new dimension through a subtle exploration of colour. This new line reimagines the Serti sur Vide signature through exceptional diamonds with a refined chromatic palette, where each gemstone becomes an integral element of the composition. Three rings and two earrings combine coloured and white diamonds in balanced, luminous compositions. Each piece highlights contrast and harmony, emphasising the individuality of each stone. The collection is enriched by two diamond cuts: cushion-cut and marquise, broadening the Serti sur Vide aesthetic vocabulary. A NEW TERRITORY OF EXPRESSION To mark the 40th anniversary of its Place Vendôme boutique, Repossi unveils four new creations featuring fine stones in green and blue tones, recalling the oxidised reflections of copper. Indicolite tourmalines, green tourmalines and aquamarines unfold in gradient compositions inspired by the shifting tones of the Vendôme column. Selected for the singularity of their hues, the stones create fluid arrangements where light and colour interact in constant dialogue.

@repossi

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JEWELLERY EDIT

Geometric CREATIVITY The new creations in Louis Vuitton’s jewellery collection, inspired by the house’s iconic checkerboard design, unveil the boldest expression of this line yet.

e Damier de Louis Vuitton Fine Jewelry collection, which debuted two years ago, features the house’s signature Damier pattern, first created in 1888. The collection now boasts eight new ornaments that boldly explore the tactile fluidity and unisex character of this ever-expanding line. Drawing on the hallmark interplay of gold and diamonds, graphic design and exceptional jewellery craftsmanship, the new pieces continue to transcend genders and generations. The new pieces include five diamond-studded earrings – three large hoops available in yellow, white and rose gold, and two ear cuffs available in a single or double version. The design story continues with a sleek unisex chain bracelet and a magnificent cuff set with 120 diamonds. A feminine sliding pendant necklace takes centre stage in the newest additions, offering endless style possibilities, whether draped elegantly along a neckline or as an everyday bolo tie. Le Damier de Louis Vuitton is themed on round diamonds set in slightly oblique squares, with each stone hand-set using a four-grain setting. Each piece is a testament to the house’s savoir-faire, innovative design and the timeless codes of the iconic Damier pattern created over a century ago.

@louisvuitton

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HAUTE HORLOGERIE

Exquisite ELEGANCE A brilliant new timepiece joins the high jewellery watch repertoire of Tiffany & Co. and it’s the pièce de résistance of the house’s Rope watch collection.

iffany & Co. has made a new addition to its unique Rope high jewellery watches – a stunning diamond and aquamarine timepiece that shows off the brand’s legendary expertise in gemstones and gem setting. This 37mm Rope High Jewelry watch features a floral composition of 32 petals set with trapezoid-cut diamonds totalling 10.38 carats, offering an abstract interpretation of nature. Crafted in platinum, the timepiece presents a fully pavé centre dial composed of 40 trapezoid-cut aquamarines of 1.61 carats. Complementing the brilliance of the stones, the polished gold rope accent catches the light, creating depth and dimension. This twisted gold motif that defines the brand’s Rope watches is inspired by Jean Schlumberger’s iconic Rope creations, which include an 18 carat gold brooch from the early 1950s set with diamonds and rubies, featuring a prominent central aquamarine. The watch’s bracelet is entirely pavé-set with 108 diamonds and 61 aquamarines. The entire process of crafting and hand-setting the 154 baguette diamonds and 106 baguette aquamarines on this breathtaking timepiece took over 120 hours of meticulous craft. With the new Rope High Jewelry watch, Tiffany & Co. underlines its enduring commitment to innovation and craftsmanship, drawing on its legacy of original design and timeless beauty.

@tiffanyandco

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HAUTE HORLOGERIE

FIT FOR

CHAMPIONS Vanguart’s Orb Pink Ceramic Titanium was a constant companion to Elena Rybakina as she displayed on-court excellence at the US Open Tennis final and ultimately raised the trophy in victory.

anguart, the ultra-luxe independent watchmaker, celebrates tennis champion Elena Rybakina for claiming the 2026 US Open women’s singles title, and securing the World Number One ranking at the Women's Tennis Association. Vanguart being the creator of some of the most disruptive, inventive watches ever, it was only fitting that Elena wore the Vanguart Orb Pink Ceramic Titanium during the US Open final. With a function selector that can switch between automatic and manual winding modes, the original version of the Orb was an instant hit in watch-collecting circles when it debuted in 2024. Earlier this year, Vanguart reintroduced the Orb by way of two variations injected with flashes of coloured ceramic, creating

crossover watches that are works of mechanical art along with being suitable for daily wear. The Vanguart Orb Pink Ceramic Titanium and Vanguart Orb Blue Ceramic Rose Gold are defined by a unique cocktail of materials, technologies, textures and colourways. They create a playful paradox; on the one hand, the soft, relaxed colours in the pink and blue ceramics give both watches versatility and ease; on the other, the Orb’s theatrical, joyfully unorthodox architecture dazzles with its mechanical ambition and complexity. The Orb Pink Ceramic Titanium and Orb Blue Ceramic Rose Gold invite a new audience, much like Elena, with an appetite for an exclusive wristwatch that fuses extreme watchmaking mechanics with everyday style and sophistication.

@vanguart

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HAUTE HORLOGERIE

Quiet LUXURY

Versace’s reinvented Dylos is a timepiece that retains its understated audacity, but sports elevated design features for a contemporary aesthetic.

he autumn-winter 2026 collection of luxury Italian watches at Versace is defined by an intentional approach that reflects timeless elegance. This new chapter embraces purist precision with Swiss craftsmanship, reinterpreted through a modern lens. Stripped back, refined and elevated, this season’s quieter form of luxury is designed to endure. Each timepiece is an object of balance and restraint, expressing confidence through simplicity rather than excess. Of the watches in the new collection, the Dylos is one that revives fashion history. Versace takes great pride in the return of this iconic watch – a design first introduced in 2015 and immortalised in a global campaign featuring Madonna. Occupying a unique place in the house’s history, it embodies the boldness, innovation and impact that defines Versace.

Reimagined for today, the watch’s distinctive aesthetic remains unmistakably powerful. Its 39.5mm case features a smoked fumè crystal middle case that reveals subtle reflections and depth. It is framed by a top ring enriched with a Côtes de Genève texture and a three-dimensional Medusa – an enduring symbol of Versace’s audacious identity. At its core lies an eye-catching disc movement: two black rotating discs display hours and minutes through a wide opening at 12 o’clock, accented by white indicators. The metallic bracelet in ion-plated yellow gold completes the piece with a bold presence. Every element honours the original design language that first captivated audiences, while elevating the timepiece for a new generation. A fusion of fashion, music and Italian craft, the Dylos stands as a symbol of enduring style and cultural impact.

@versace

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OHLALA BEAUTY PICKS

DIOR MISS DIOR

DOLCE&GABBANA VELVET PRECIOUS JEWEL

AQUA DI PARMA CEDRO VIRTUOSO

SCENTS OF THE SEASON Like our wardrobes, as the season changes, our fragrances must be swapped out too, to suit the cooler temperatures. Put away your summer spritzes and bring out the warm, spicy, woody, smouldering scents that are perfect for glitzy winter nights out or simply catching up with friends for a hot brew and a good chat.

HERMÈS UN JARDIN SOUS LA MER

RABANNE MILLION RED FOR HER

LOEWE SWEET WOODLAND 52

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BVLGARI ALLEGRA BACIAMI ANCORA

A SEASON OF LAROCCA New dishes. Artisan favourites. Freshly made gelato. More than a place to dine. A place to be.

7790 7797

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BEAUTY FOCUS

FABULOUS SKIN, IN MINUTES

Dr Barbara Sturm has unveiled a face mask with high-performance actives and biomimetic hydrators that resets your complexion in minutes.

ow would you like a fast-acting, all-in-one treatment designed to visibly hydrate, brighten, tighten, smooth, plump and soothe your skin – in just 10 minutes? We say yes, please. Enter the EVERYTHING HYDROGEL MASK, formulated by Dr Barbara Sturm and her daughter, Charly, for an instant skin reset. Harnessing advanced hydrogel technology and biomimetic hydrators, Dr Sturm’s first hydrogel face mask combines a unique, biodegradable hydrogel-based matrix, infused with a performancedriven complex of science-backed active ingredients. Peptide-rich hydrolysed lupine protein, multi-molecular weight hyaluronic acid and vegan collagen work in synergy to deeply hydrate, firm and plump the skin. Meanwhile, powerful antioxidants including glutathione, avocado polyphenols and biofermented purslane help to soothe, brighten and restore luminosity while minimising irritation.

Perfect for pre-event prep or as a boost to your daily regimen, this multi-tasking innovation delivers visible skin transformation, elevating your skincare ritual with the power of molecular science. Users have verified visible results, wherein 97% agreed that skin is more hydrated, healthy and glowing; 93% found increased skin vitality and luminosity, and a plumper and smoother appearance; and 90% experienced an improvement in skin tone and radiance. The EVERYTHING HYDROGEL MASK can be used alone for an instant boost or layered into your preferred skincare routine – after cleansing, before serums and moisturiser. Simply place the top half and then the bottom half of the mask on to clean, dry skin. After 10 minutes, remove the mask and pat any remaining essence into the skin. True to Dr. Sturm’s commitment to sustainability, the mask is biodegradable, vegan and cruelty-free.

@drbarbarasturm

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ELEGANCE MEETS ARTISTRY

+973 17111122 52nd Floor, Legacy, Financial Harbour @legacy.bahrain www.ohlala-magazine.com

BEAUTY FOCUS

HIGH-STAKES

DRAMA Amouage reintroduces two breathtaking fragrances, Decision 42 and Overture 41, to its acclaimed Exceptional Extraits collection.

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BEAUTY FOCUS

mouage’s Exceptional Extraits collection comprises some of the most precious creations offered by the Omani high perfumery house. Now, two revamped perfumes join the collection – Decision 42 and Overture 41 – both of which raise the drama underpinning their originals to even more heart-stopping levels. DECISION 42 – AMBER, WOODY AND AROMATIC The original Decision eau de parfum presented the story of a juniper tree struck by lightning, followed by the question: would the tree survive the attack, or would it perish? For this new piece of work, the lightning strike is even more intense, increasing the existential immediacy of the response. In Decision 42, the lightning element of the composition has been sharpened by the freshness of neroli and cardamom, as well as the diffusiveness of cinnamon. Juniper, representing the tree, has been combined with javanol, patchouli and rectified pine tar to make it darker and more far-reaching – a stark contrast with the whiteness of the lightning. Finally, the base has been rendered warmly life-affirming with the

addition of vanilla and labdanum. Uncompromising, fierce and dazzling, Decision 42 cuts to the heart of the most vital of questions. OVERTURE 41 – AMBER, WOODY AND SPICY This fragrance is imagined as an inexperienced young understudy who must step into the central role of the grand diva. Her innate talent and instinctive understanding of her responsibility towards her audience enable her to deliver a truly stellar performance. In Overture 41, the familiar saffron, calvados and rose are expanded to unprecedented dimensions, balancing their richness in a way that ensures they always maintain harmony. In the base, an intensified patchouli and leather magnify the performer’s nascent assertiveness. The inclusion of a sweet, resinous amber accord grounds all these excesses and prevents them from losing contact with earthly physicality. Meanwhile, Sandalwood Dreches Absolute – obtained from upcycled sandalwood chips – acts as an anchor to the more tempestuous elements and imbues the whole with an air of gravitas and authority. In Overture 41, the debutante is now a diva, telling her tale with a passion and vibrancy that ensure her impact will resonate through the ages.

@amouageofficial

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BEAUTY FOCUS

To Youthful

SKIN With the reinvention of The Longevity Concentrate, a serum in its Orchidée Impériale skincare line, Guerlain pushes its anti-ageing expertise to greater lengths.

riven by an unwavering quest for powerful and singular ingredients, Guerlain was among the first to take an interest in the fascinating orchid. True storehouses of vital energy, these flowers embody the quintessence of endurance. Their unique ability to maintain their vitality has made them an unprecedented source of inspiration for the maison’s research on maintaining the skin’s youthfulness. Decades of studying beauty and youth have opened a new chapter in the story of The Longevity Concentrate. With its reinvented formula, the power of the orchid is amplified within Guerlain’s most advanced anti-ageing technology. While its previous iteration was renowned for its action on nine out of the 12 pathways to prevent skin ageing, the enhanced serum now targets a 10th pathway – mitophagy, which is the elimination of dysfunctional or deficient mitochondria in skin cells. From the first application, women found their skin to be instantly more youthful. The serum’s clinical efficacy was measured by a dermatologist on 21 women and nine men, all of whom underwent two applications per day. The skin was found to be visibly transformed after a week of use, with an increase of 47% in firmness, 38% in radiance and 30% in elasticity. A month later, the skin was found to be 32% firmer, 31% denser and 30% plumper, along with a 29% improvement in sculpted facial contours.

@guerlain

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WELLNESS COLUMN

Let’s TALK

PINK TARA WINSTEAD AT PEXELS

Looking beyond the pink ribbon, Bushra Hakim explores what we know about breast cancer, from early detection and screening to the latest developments in research.

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WELLNESS COLUMN

THE BIGGER PICTURE The newest global estimates, released by the World Health Organization and International Agency for Research on Cancer in 2024, put the number of women diagnosed with breast cancer at approximately 2.4 million per year, with around 694,000 deaths. It was the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women in 164 of 186 countries. The figures also highlight a less discussed side of the illness: where you live can influence what happens after a diagnosis. In countries with very high scores on the human development index (HDI), created by the United Nations Development Program to measure health, education and standard of living, about one in 12 women is expected to develop breast cancer during her lifetime. In countries with low levels on the HDI, the figure is around one in 27, yet survival is considerably poorer because access to early diagnosis and comprehensive treatment can be limited.

LILIANA DREW AT PEXELS

IVAN S AT PEXELS

reast cancer is one of the few illnesses that almost every woman knows of, whether through personal experience, a family member, a friend or the familiar pink campaigns that appear each October. Yet despite how widely it is discussed, many of us know surprisingly little about what it actually is, how it develops or how research is changing the way it is detected and treated. As conversations around women’s health become more open, understanding the facts has never been more important. Cancer occurs when abnormal cells in the breast begin to grow and divide uncontrollably. These cells can form a tumour, most commonly in the milk ducts or in the milk-producing lobules. Some tumours remain within the breast, while others can grow into surrounding tissue and spread elsewhere in the body. The difference is important because detection before it metastasises (grows elsewhere) is generally easier to treat.

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WELLNESS COLUMN

There is another side to the picture. Around 8.2 million women were estimated to be living with breast cancer worldwide in 2024, reflecting both the scale of the disease and the growing number of women living beyond a diagnosis.

MAKING AWARENESS USEFUL Though October is traditionally the month when breast cancer is front of mind, it should be about more than remembering a colour for one month of the year. It is about understanding what the disease is, knowing what is normal for you and knowing when to seek advice. The science will continue to evolve. Screening methods will improve, treatments will become increasingly tailored and researchers will keep looking for ways to detect cancer sooner and understand it better. For now, the most useful things remain remarkably straightforward: keep up with the screening recommended for you, pay attention to changes and do not put off getting something checked simply because you hope it will go away. 62

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WHAT RESEARCH SAYS The science is changing quickly. One area of interest is artificial intelligence, which researchers are studying as a way of assisting radiologists in analysing mammograms and identifying subtle changes. There is also growing research into blood tests that could detect tiny traces of cancer-related DNA after treatment, potentially helping doctors identify recurrence earlier. Neither is currently a replacement for established screening or follow-up, but both offer a glimpse of where detection could be heading. Scientists are also taking a closer look at what happens in the body beyond the tumour itself. Inflammation, metabolism and physical activity are being studied for their possible relationship with breast cancer and recovery. Exercise, in particular, is being investigated for its effects on inflammation and quality of life following treatment. It is an area worth watching, but it is important not to confuse promising research with proof that a particular ‘anti-inflammatory’ food, supplement or wellness treatment can prevent cancer. For prevention, the evidence remains much more straightforward. Regular physical activity, limiting drinking, avoiding tobacco and maintaining a healthy weight are all associated with a lower risk. However, none eliminates the possibility of developing the disease, and many women diagnosed with breast cancer have no identifiable risk factor.

AIRAMDPHOTO AT PEXELS

KNOWING YOUR OWN NORMAL Breast awareness does not have to mean a complicated examination routine. In fact, research has found that formal self-examination does not reduce mortality. Instead, the emphasis is on knowing how your breasts normally look and feel, making it easier to recognise when something is genuinely different. Changes worth checking include a new lump or thickening, an alteration in the shape or size of a breast, dimpling or other skin changes, a newly inverted nipple or unusual discharge. These changes do not automatically mean cancer, but they are worth having checked rather than waiting to see what happens. Screening is another part of the picture. Mammography can identify some cancer cells before they cause noticeable symptoms and remains the main screening tool for women at average risk. Recommendations about when to begin and how frequently to screen differ internationally, so personal circumstances and local medical guidance matter.

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S PA S P O T L I G H T

A Head-to-Toe

RESET

A combination of skilled hands and great products proved just how much can be achieved in a short space of time when Liz O’Reilly headed to The Spa at Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay.

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S PA S P O T L I G H T

t’s been a while since I visited the spa at Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay and I’d honestly forgotten just how impressive it is. The reception area is a massive space, high ceilinged with terracottatiled floors and veined marble fittings. Glass cases display a range of spa products, almost like works of art, while mother-of-pearl inlayed cabinets are home to further essences and botanicals. Two walls are lined with racks featuring exquisite pieces from premium fashion brand Noon by Noor and oversized arabesque lanterns hang from the ceiling, adding to the sense of place. I could go on, at length, but I think you get the idea that this is a rather sumptuous space that properly heralds the treatments I was about to experience. I was quickly greeted and enjoyed a lemon and ginger Curcumin welcome drink while I filled out an in-depth questionnaire that even asked my preference of music – it’s that level of attention to detail that sets the really good places apart. Then my therapist, Eden, arrived to lead me to the first part of the day’s treatments: the hammam. No matter how many times I experience the hammam, or Moroccan bath, I always forget just how the initial entry into the steam takes your breath away, the heat, immediately all-encompassing, brings forth beads of sweat across your whole body. Eden invited me to sit on the marble bed before showering me with warm water and, once thoroughly soaked, she used long, sure strokes to apply olive-based black soap from marocMaroc to my arms, legs and torso before leaving me to cook for 15 minutes, the steam opening my pores and helping the soap absorb into my skin. A cool towel over my eyes and plenty of water made the experience quite pleasurable, though I was rather glad when she reappeared. Then it was time for the scrubbing, which I don’t think any but the most stoic would claim to enjoy. Using a kessa mitt, Eden thoroughly exfoliated every centimetre of skin, even reaching behind my ears and between my toes!

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S PA S P O T L I G H T

Looking at the puddle of dead skin on the bed afterwards, the mild discomfort was soon forgiven and I was happy to lie still for the application of a wonderful smelling detoxifying balm made up of orange blossom, organic sugar, honey and neroli and argan oil. Eden showered me again, then told me to prepare for a small shock as she doused me in cleansing milk mixed with cold water to refresh and close my pores. It was indeed a shock but a not unpleasant one in the hot steamy hammam. At the end of the treatment my skin felt almost glossy and thoroughly clean (a feeling that lasted for several days afterwards) as I headed to the cool relaxation area for lemon and ginger tea before my facial. Soon Olga, my aesthetician, arrived and we headed to a dimly lit treatment room where she offered me a choice of products – something that’s never happened to me before. I’m a big fan of the whole Biologique Recherche range, so my pick was obvious and Olga soon got to work on Soin Lissant a comprehensive skin care treatment perfect for those with thin, delicate and traumatised skin – that’s definitely me. Starting with Solution Démaquillante Pour Les Yeux, Olga first removed the little make-up that had survived the hammam. She then applied cool Eau Micellaire Biosensible, with hyaluronic acid and plant peptides, to remove remaining impurities. A final clean came courtesy of Lait E.V., a rich cleansing milk that was massaged into my face to deeply nourish and repair dry and damaged skin with essential fatty acids and Omegas three and six for barrier repair. My complexion was sprayed with L’Eauxygénante, a refreshing and hydrating mist with orange, kiwi and edelweiss extracts, before a further comprehensive massage in which Olga’s confident fingers lifted, kneaded and rolled in slow circular movements to relax my facial muscles, preparing my skin to absorb the active ingredients to come in the Lotion P50V. This exfoliating lotion restores skin pH, balances oil and smooths texture. This version was chosen for me as it’s formulated for mature, dull skin to restore firmness and tone. The key actives are alpha-hydroxy acid,

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S PA S P O T L I G H T

beta-hydroxy acid and polyhydroxy acid, for gentle renewal, along with horseradish and burdock extracts for toning and purifying. I must admit that, on application, it did tingle a bit and I was a little concerned. However, Olga quickly reassured me that this is perfectly normal, so I relaxed and prepared for my skin to glow, glow, glow. Then it was time for the Core Treatment: Soin Lissant Booster, one of the brand’s professional-only protocols and the only area of the whole treatment that had not been chosen specifically for my skin. Soin Lissant Booster combines a liquid and powder that are worked over the face with ingredients including hyaluronic acid, royal jelly, silk proteins and amino acids. The centrepiece of the treatment, it restructures damaged skin, plumps dehydration lines and restores smoothness. After the slight sting of the exfoliating lotion, the almost grainy texture of the booster was a relief though, I have to admit, it did feel a bit strange and I was glad when Olga moved on with the long-lasting Masque Visolastine+, a gentle moisturising mask that restores lost lipids, relieves tightness and deeply hydrates dehydrated skin. Crème Contour des Yeux Biofixine came next, dabbed around my eyes with a featherlight touch, the myorelaxant peptide and watercress extract helping to smooth expression lines and firm fragile skin. We were almost at the end of the treatment and I really enjoyed the final massage as Olga used gentle upward strokes to help my skin absorb the Sérum Élastine and Crème PTO Métamorphique, a firming cream designed to combat sagging and redefine the contours of the face, neck and décolleté. A slick of Biokiss regenerating lip balm and a coating of factor 50 sunscreen and I was ready for the all-important mirror test. It did not disappoint, I was happy to see visibly plumped skin and I even looked a bit brighter and less tired than when I arrived. It’s amazing what an hour with skilled hands and great products can achieve and I will certainly gift myself this treatment again, particularly for a special occasion or when I’m feeling in need of a boost.

For more information or to make a booking, please call The Spa, Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay on 1711 5045. @fsbahrain

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OHLALA INSIGHTS

Back to

Basics The online arena is abuzz with health hacks, touting new-fangled ways to improve our well-being. But do we really need to pay heed or are the fundamentals of maintaining sound health enough?

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With the constant outpouring of wellness information that floods our feeds these days, it’s natural for even the health conscious among us to fret about not doing enough for our minds and bodies. Cold plunges, hot yoga, One-Meal-a-Day and 17 supplements crowding your nightstand – the more we ‘follow’, the further uphill the finish line gets pushed. Does it really need to be so complicated? ‘Well-being’, loosely defined, is the state of feeling healthy, happy and comfortable in everyday life. Sounds fairly straightforward. But health gurus born of social media prescribe the most outlandish solutions to problems that can be fixed with the simplest tweaks in our everyday routines. What your mum or grandma would probably advise, without the heavy costs, marketing or patents. While health fads and buzzwords could help you in the last lap of the well-being marathon, we turn to them first, without even trying out the basics. Let’s get down to the brass tacks of healthy living, categorised into five fundamental parameters.

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OHLALA INSIGHTS

NUTRITION KNOWLEDGE - FOOD In our mind-boggling era of AI and outer space escapades, the adage ‘you are what you eat’ has stood the test of time. Food is the fuel that can either nourish and nurture or start a slow burn to disease. It’s taken us some time to understand that how the body responds to food is much more complex than calorie-in-calorie-out but also far simpler than putting every element of your meal onto a kitchen scale before you eat.

VANESSA LORING AT PEXELS

MIKHAIL NILOV AT PEXELS

Ditch The Diets Women, especially, are known to quickly jump onto fad diet bandwagons. From the Grapefruit Diet that was all the rage as early as the 1930s, to Cabbage Soup in the ‘50s, Atkins in the ‘70s, South Beach in the 2000s and the more recent Paleo, Keto and Whole30 trends; Hollywood starlets have endorsed these extreme food habits to slip into their red-carpet robes. Besides being unpleasant (okra water, anyone?), these diets strip our bodies of essential nutrients and fibre and, according to the British Dietetic Association, may lead to loss of muscle and body fluid, malnutrition and health risks. Intentional Plating The Harvard School of Public Health’s Healthy Eating Plate is a guide to balanced meals. It recommends that half your plate should be filled with colourful vegetables, of which around one-third should be fruit; a quarter full with grains (like whole wheat, barley, quinoa, oats and brown rice); another quarter with protein powered by poultry, fish, eggs, beans and nuts; and lastly, an intuitive amount of water and fats like good-for-you oils, walnuts and avocado. Remember that low-fat does not necessarily translate to healthy. The Protein Push The Prom Queen of the decade – protein – deserves special mention here. Between 0.8gm and 1.6gm of protein per kilogram of body weight, depending on your lifestyle, is the standard according to the researchers at Stanford Medicine. However, they advise steering clear of ‘protein-maxxing’, a viral social media trend where people consume excessively high amounts of protein at every meal and snack, often relying on ultra-processed, protein-fortified products. The researchers believe that although important to hold onto muscle, protein has become one of the most heavily marketed products of our time. They caution that filling up on meats, cheese and protein shakes leaves lesser scope for fibre and nutrients from plant-based foods to wield their antioxidant magic to reduce inflammation and prevent cancer and chronic diseases. This is also what your expensive gut-health supplement is largely based on. Consistency beats trends. A reasonably balanced diet adhered to 80% of the time outruns a rigorous one that you can’t stand after three weeks.

FREE AND EASY - Steer clear of opening packages to feed yourself whenever possible. - Eat the rainbow – diverse colours and textures on your plate on most days. - Be mindful of getting enough protein but get non-negotiable about fibre. - Sensible portion control goes a long way, whether or not you want to lose weight.

KAROLA G AT PEXELS

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LIVING THE CHUG LIFE - HYDRATION There’s a reason water is so imperative to life: 60% of the adult body’s weight is water, essential for major anatomical functions.

FREE AND EASY - As per the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, the recommended daily fluid intake for adult females is 2.7 litres, and 3.7 litres for adult males, considering environmental heat, perspiration, body size and activity. - Chug on hydrating fluids like herbal teas, infused waters, seltzers or just good old water to keep your sparkle on. Remember why the fruit juice and energy drink got cancelled (extreme sugar and caffeine spikes) and avoid them. - Hydrate before you hit the desk. Dehydration can significantly reduce brain volume, negatively affecting performance on cognitive tasks, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

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OLIA DANILEVICH AT PEXELS SILVIARITA WOMAN AT PIXABAY

The Detox Ditch Speaking of how water flushes out toxins from the body, a.k.a ‘detoxes’, let’s turn to this buzzword that health-focussed social media is rife with. Harvard Health states that the word originally referred to a medical procedure to rid the body of dangerous, often life-threatening, levels of alcohol, drugs or poisons. Today, self-proclaimed health coaches are great proponents of at-home intestinal cleansing, extreme liquid fasts and laxative teas that border on danger, causing nutrient deficiencies, electrolyte imbalances and other health risks. You already own the most sophisticated detox system on earth – it comprises your liver and kidneys, which can do their job perfectly well with adequate amounts of water.

NADIN SH AT PEXELS

Hyped Up One of the most natural and free resources on the planet, water hasn’t been spared from being pedalled as alkaline (with a pH above seven), hydrogen (with an added molecule of hydrogen gas) or structured (with rearranged clusters of water molecules, similar to water found in glacier melt or untouched springs). None of which lead to better hydration, much like the futility of an electrolyte drink if you aren’t into endurance training. Recently, people have even been hooking themselves up to intravenous drips in the name of IV hydration therapy which claims to bypass the digestive system and deliver hydration straight to the veins. But all this excessive fluid may stress the kidneys and heart. U.S. News & World Report’s online health archives caution that wellness IV bars (those walk-in clinics that deliver intravenous fluids, vitamins and minerals directly into your bloodstream) are not always strictly regulated and their benefits over oral hydration and vitamin supplements in normally healthy adults remains up for debate.

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OHLALA INSIGHTS

CALLING IT A DAY - SLEEP What you do during sleeping hours directly impacts how your waking hours unfold, in terms of how you look, think and feel. You may be diligent with your facials and never skip your nightly beauty routine, but a good night’s rest surpasses the best of beauty rituals. The Sleep Irony As per sleepfoundation.org, sleep is essential for nearly every aspect of health, supporting brain function, emotional well-being, physical recovery and immune system function. When and why we started tracking sleep scores on costly gizmos, building complex nighttime routines, mouth taping and adhering to strict 90-minute sleep blocks to wake up at the end of a sleep cycle, is arguable. What these peculiar habits may end up doing, according to sleepfoundation.org, is leading to orthosomnia – anxiety generated from an unhealthy obsession to achieve the perfect night’s sleep. Ironically, self-diagnosis of sleep disorders from sleep tracker data and excessive focus on improving said data can keep you awake at night. Going out on a limb and an Instagram reel about how to ace sleeping prowess overlooks the potential dangers of these fads. Mouth taping, which is touted to encourage nasal breathing, can lead to suffocation and worsened sleep disorders, according to the Canada-based London Health Sciences Centre. Negative feedback (which could be inaccurate) from watches, rings, smartphone apps and mattress monitors has shown to feed anxieties and influence mood and alertness, say the folks at Harvard Medical School. Sleep Wins The NIH prescribes seven to nine hours of uninterrupted sleep every night for adults. It also suggests that sleep dictates how your body handles fat. Not sleeping enough can lead to higher levels of leptin and ghrelin (the hunger hormones that will push you towards the snack cupboard), decreased ability to process sugar, (hello, muffin top) and decreased physical activity (try asking a foggy brain to lace up and head out to exercise).

FREE AND EASY - To build a healthy sleep schedule, try hitting the bed half an hour earlier every day till you reach your desired lights-out time. - Having a wind-down ritual, like dimming the lights closer to bedtime or a warm shower, as well as keeping the room cooler and darker helps ready the body to fall asleep quicker. - Designate the bedroom to be a no-phone, no-television zone; these are sleep stealers. - If poor sleep is a long-term issue, you need medical advice, not another sleep-aid gadget.

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MART PRODUCTION AT PEXELS

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OHLALA INSIGHTS

WE LIKE TO MOVE IT - EXERCISE Trampoline workouts need a bouncy contrivance at your disposal, aerial silk workouts will have you flailing mid-air and goat yoga (yes, it’s a thing, we promise) will have baby goats clamber over you while you’re in Downward Dog. Don’t let these seemingly bizarre exercise fads send you back to the deceptive comforts of your couch. Unnecessary Ideals Two years into the ‘75 Hard’ challenge going viral, we’re still seeing fit bod aspirants prepping for it. It entails following a set of rigid rules for 75 days to toughen up your physical and mental capabilities – two 45-minute workouts, strict dieting, drinking 3.8l of water and reading 10 pages of nonfiction, daily, among other things. The New York Times spoke to a fitness expert who found the trend to be ‘extremely unsustainable’ and ‘quite possibly the worst way to set good habits, injure yourself and create completely unrealistic expectations around exercise’. And despite Ronaldo’s famed minus 20-degree-celsius cold plunges, they also may not be the best thing for you. The mildest repercussion would be blunted muscle gains due to stunting the inflammation that triggers muscle growth and strength adaptation. The worst scenario, as per Harvard Medical School, would be the sudden frigid temperature triggering heart attacks, hyperventilation or hypothermia and numbness. So, dive in cautiously. Social Media Scams Digital marketing, unfortunately, loves bogus fitness fads – harmful diet pills, dubious exercise programmes and tricky home-exercise contraptions that eventually become clothes hangers. CNN reported that turning to Tiktok for your fitness routine runs the risk of getting information that may not be credible, with 72

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generalised workouts that do not consider your body type, fitness requirements and life stage. One harmful trend, Dry Scooping, has been blocked from the platform since it’s been flagged as ‘deadly’ due to potential respiratory or cardiovascular distress. It endorsed downing a scoop of pre-workout powder without water to allow the absorption of its caffeine and other stimulants more quickly to supposedly turbocharge your workout! Another marketing myth, spot reduction, promises specifically losing belly fat, toning the arms or tightening the derrière, while actually pushing ineffective programmes and products to gullible believers. No matter the supplement or choice of exercise, it is biologically impossible for our muscles to directly access and burn specific fat stores, say the experts at The University of Sydney.

FREE AND EASY - 150 minutes of moderate, or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity, along with a minimum of two weekly strength training sessions will keep you strong and supple over time. Starting slow and building up gives rich dividends. - Non-exercise movement counts, too. Climbing stairs, doing household chores and simply fidgeting (tapping your feet, jiggling your legs or squeezing a stress ball) can account for 15 – 50% of your total daily energy expenditure. - The famous 10,000-step target is not research-backed but comes from a Japanese pedometer’s brand name. Adopt a progressive approach from your baseline step count and don’t let blanket goals scare you. - No time to exercise? Get an exercise snack. Vigorous bursts of physical activity lasting 30 seconds to five minutes, scattered throughout your day instead of done all at once, get your heart rate up quickly by using your own body weight, finds Stanford Medicine. Done multiple times a day, they improve cardiovascular health, muscular strength and cognitive enhancement.

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OHLALA INSIGHTS

MEHRPOUYA H AT UNSPLASH

RAY LEI AT PEXELS

FIND YOUR ZEN - STRESS MANAGEMENT Stress has earned a bad reputation, even though it’s essential for survival (imagine having no flight or fight response). The villain here is chronic stress, which is unrelenting and constant. Enter commercialisation; because we love us some costly quick fixes. The Cortisol Connection Cortisol, the stress hormone, spikes in response to stress, and high levels usually take the blame for a heavier mid-section, a rounded face, frequent tension headaches, hormonal imbalance and sleep problems, especially in women. Cortisol blockers are medicines that are marketed for weight loss around the belly. According to parsleyhealth.com, what’s important to know is that true cortisol inhibitors are prescription medications that stop the body from making or responding to cortisol and are used for specific medical conditions of excess cortisol, not for everyday stress. What are sold over the counter are adaptogenic supplements that aim to calm the stress response and gently lower cortisol. A few have real evidence while many do not. As per the NIH, bioiological evidence shows how chronic stress affects metabolism and appetite, though viral internet trends often exaggerate its isolated impact. It could be that the supplements may support a calmer response to stress, but the reality is different to that of marketing claims. Unsupervised use of such supplements can cause a drastic drop in cortisol, which gives rise to a new set of issues. Underneath all of this lies the fact that lifestyle factors like sleep, movement and stress regulation tend to move cortisol more than any capsule. The AI Trap Another rabbit in the stress-management magician’s hat is generative artificial intelligence that addresses mental health needs. Debunked by the American Psychological Association, these chatbots and wellness apps provide low-cost, easily accessible mental health advice, but most of these technologies are not designed or intended to provide clinical feedback or treatment, they may lack scientific validation and oversight, often do not include adequate safety protocols and have not received regulatory approval.

FREE AND EASY - A strong offline social network has proven to be the most important factor for bolstering resilience during challenging periods and coping with everyday stressors. So, strengthen familial ties and go meet friends in real time. - Movement and rest, which includes quality sleep, are key factors that dictate how your body handles stress. - Breathwork is a fast and effective tool to lower stress by calming your parasympathetic nervous system – useful in high-pressure moments as well as overall stress management.

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OHLALA LOOKBOOK

The Quiet Force Of

FEMININITYAnd

BEAUTY

Kesh Malek – Checkmate – the current collection from Khaled & Marwan Haute Couture celebrates the feminine balance of softness and strength. Comprising 43 stunning couture looks, including one bridal gown, the collection draws inspiration from the queen as a symbol of elegance, intuition and quiet strength. Conceived as a journey of self-discovery, Kesh Malek explores the dialogue between contemplation and resolve, silence and triumph. It tells a story of inner transformation, expressing femininity as strategy and beauty as a power that needs no fanfare. The Architecture of Femininity The designs balance strength and softness through intricate metallic embroidery, sculpted dramatic silhouettes and contrasting lustrous and matte textures. Each creation represents a move on a chessboard, translating intelligence and intuition into couture. A Palette of Expression Nude and champagne evoke understated elegance, while pink and blush bring warmth. Gold and bronze lend richness, followed by emerald green, royal blue and crimson red, expressing strength, passion and presence. The Message of Kesh Malek The collection celebrates a woman’s triumph in becoming herself. Every look reflects an inner strength that whispers rather than shouts. Through the language of chess, Khaled & Marwan present a vision of femininity, intuition and self-awareness: a woman who is confident, fully present and true to herself. Her victory is becoming who she is. @khaledandmarwan

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THE NEW

GREEN

OBSESSION EMERALD PISTACHIO

RAM KUMAR UNSPLASH

T R AV E L E S C A P E S

Well-Being ON THE

MOVE The days of holidays spent lounging on the beach are long gone. These days, we want more and wellness has migrated from the gym to the travel itinerary.

With more and more of us making wellness a top priority, 84% according to Phocuswright, it’s no surprise that this is mirrored in how we choose to travel. In recent surveys, more than 60% of travellers prioritised spa facilities and 54% wanted outdoor/immersion activities. It’s been shown that active travel can lower stress and improve physical fitness, so we’ve rounded up a selection of hiking and cycling destinations with added wellness-centric activities guaranteed to provide a mental and physical boost.

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CALDEA SPA

COURTESY PAL ARINSAL BIKEPARK

MANUEL TORRES GARCIA UNSPLASH

T R AV E L E S C A P E S

ANDORRA For hiking and cycling, it doesn’t get much better than this tiny principality in the Pyrenees between France and Spain. One of Europe’s hidden gems in terms of active adventure breaks, you can book a guided tour that combines hiking, mountain biking and rafting (with white-water rafting available just across the border in Spain). Top hiking highlights include the Vall del Madiu-Perafita-Claror, a UNESCO World Heritage site of glacial valleys and alpine lakes. Siscaro Reserve is also popular and offers the chance to spot native wildlife. Pal Arinsal Bikepark in La Massana features extensive downhill and enduro circuits while The Iron Route combines moderate cycling with local heritage. Overall, Andorra boasts more than 1,000 mountain and road cycling routes with extensive high-altitude hiking trails. And, once you're done for the day, where better to recover than the Caldea Spa, which, at 18 floors and 6,000sq/m, is one of Europe’s largest spas. www.ohlala-magazine.com

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MOAALM MOUNTAIN RETREAT

TIAGO UN AT SPLASH

MOAALM MOUNTAIN RETREAT

AUSTRIAN ALPS The Alps have a long history as a hiking destination, those same slopes that make for great skiing in winter transform in summer to provide a range of green, flowerstrewn gorges and peaks of varying difficulty. In areas such as the Gastein Valley, East Tyrol and Kitzbühel, there are certified trail networks paired with dedicated wellness retreats offering a range of yoga styles. The combination promises plenty of strenuous exercise balanced with more gentle activities. Lifestyle hotel Alpenhaus Gasteinertal is partnered with Yoga Days In Gastein, Europe’s largest yoga festival, and offers guided hikes alongside yoga, meditation, detox and gentle movement. Or, MoaAlm Mountain Retreat stands at 1,800m within the Hohe Tauern National Park. As well as guided and solo hikes around the property, the in-house yoga studio has a large panoramic window with gorgeous views of the surrounding mountains. Start the day with a morning yoga session with the in-house yoga teacher or maybe join a calming afternoon restorative class. Dining here is communal and plant-based, so be ready for a break from carnivorous habits.

YANNIC LADERACH AT UNSPLASH

T R AV E L E S C A P E S

LANDMANNALAUGAR HOT SPRING

NICOLA PAVAN AT UNSPLASH

DOLOMITES, ITALY If you want to get off the beaten track, cycling in the Dolomites promises jagged limestone peaks, alpine meadows and the opportunity to stay in a traditional rifugio (mountain hut), though these are generally not as rustic as they sound. The upscale resort town, Cortina d'Amprezzo, is known as the Queen of the Dolomites offering iconic climbs such as the Passo Giau, at 2,236m, which connects the town with Colle Santa Lucia and is featured in the famous road cycling race, Giro d'Italia. The route features 29 hairpin bends and is considered one of the hardest climbs in Europe. If your pedalling is not up to Giro standards, don’t worry, there’s also the 47km Dobbiaco which offers a gentle downhill slope following the Drava River through lush meadows. Want to finish off a hard day’s cycling with a little relaxation? Head to spots such as the Linder Cycling Hotel, which has a rooftop pool, Finnish sauna, hot steam room and tailored recovery services. Or the ADLER Spa Resort DOLOMITI, which has secure bike storage and an extensive spa zone. CORTINADAMPEZZO VENETO AT SHUTTERSTOCK

EKATERINA DOMRACHEVA AT UNSPLASH

T R AV E L E S C A P E S

ICELAND For serious walkers, Iceland’s Landmannalaugar & Laugavegur is often a bucket list option. World famous and stretching across 55km, you’ll trek through multi-coloured rhyolite peaks where silica- and iron-rich volcanic rock decks the slopes in shades of rust red, pink, purple and blue, made all the more startling for being surrounded by black lava fields. The trek is considered moderately challenging with unbridged river crossings where you’ll need to wade through fast-flowing glacial waters. But, after four days on foot, it’s worth it when you reach Landmannalaugar

and take the chance to soak in the natural geothermal hot spring found at the edge of the lava field. For the less adventurous, the Reykjadalur Valley offers a much more accessible 3km (6km round trip) trek on which you’ll pass bubbling mud pools and steam vents. Along the way you will find wooden boardwalks where you can change and take a dip in the naturally warm, steaming river. While Landmannalaugar is pretty much wilderness without any official accommodation, Laugavegur has plenty of hotels and restaurants where you can tuck into a warming bowl of Kjötsúpa (lamb soup) or Plokkfiskur (fish stew). www.ohlala-magazine.com

TIM ROOSJEN AT UNSPLASH

SHANA VAN ROOSBROEK UNSPLASH

REISEUHU AT UNSPLASH

MONIKA GUZIKOWSKA AT UNSPLASH

T R AV E L E S C A P E S

MADEIRA, PORTUGAL The Portuguese island of Madeira is a popular year-round destination thanks to its mild climate and amazingly diverse landscapes. The island boasts a marked trail system so you can take advantage of official signs making navigation simple, while unique landscapes include the Laurisilva forest, an ancient, 20-million-year-old subtropical rainforest, that covers around 20% of the island and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999. Madeira is also home to dramatic volcanic peaks such as Pico do Arieiro and Pico Ruivo and there’s a challenging 9.4km, one-way trek between the two. Or for something less taxing, the coastal cliffs offer scenic walking or cyling, dramatic views and colourful rock formations. Numerous tour companies offer guided treks, sometimes coupled with wellness retreats providing activities such as yoga or spa breaks. But, with the official trails, Madeira is also a very popular choice for self-guided tours. There are plenty of options for places to stay on Madeira with the capital, Funchal, offering numerous hotels and organised group hikes with pick up and drop off, so no need for a car. If you want to be a bit more adventurous, Santana in the northeast is great for access to the mountain peaks and the Caldeirão Verde trail. It also has some quaint, traditional houses. 88

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CHIC EATS

A Tale Of

ATMOSPHERE And FLAVOUR

On a visit to Cantina Kahlo, Liz O’Reilly discovered that décor and ambience are every bit as important as food and service. 90

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CHIC EATS

antina Kahlo at The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain, has been a favourite since it opened several years ago. I’m a big fan of the vibrant colours and blue-green walls that give a distinct feeling of fun to be had. Beloved Mexican artist Frida Kahlo, for whom the spot is named, stares down from multiple portraits, while desert cacti and adobe artifacts join with stunning metal chandeliers to add to the atmosphere. Brightly coloured seating invites you to linger and I know from experience, it’s very easy for a quick break to turn into a whole afternoon’s indulgence. Arriving for a weekday lunch, we were quickly greeted by several friendly waiters and immediately served the speciality mocktail, Amore, a delightful mix of strawberry, raspberry and pineapple juice, not overly sweet and distinctly moreish. Then, as we sat back to take in the familiar surroundings, the food started to arrive. First up was Guacamole. Avocado with tomatoes, onions and coriander sketched the colours of the Mexican flag, while a topping of grated haloumi cheese gave a hint of local flavour. I will never cease to be amazed at how some restaurants are able to source their avocados just as they hit that mystery window of perfectly ripe, right before they turn mushy. Cantina managed it admirably and just a squeeze of lemon added a wonderful brightness to the smoothness of the avocado for a dish we returned to several times throughout our meal. The Ceviche de Camarón was a pleasant surprise. Rather than the classic raw shrimp, this version is cooked and comes in a tangy sauce of habanero chilli, lime, tomato and mango. The combination of the sweet mango with the heat of the chilli was a great addition to the tender flesh of the shrimp, hitting several flavour profiles in one mouthful.

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CHIC EATS

My favourite plate of the day was the Aguachile de Atún – a dish that’s very similar to a traditional raw ceviche, featuring chunky little squares of diced yellowfin tuna liberally doused in a sauce of jalapeño, coriander, soy sauce and avocado with cucumber, salt and lime. The firm, raw fish perfectly absorbed all the other flavours to produce a deeply umami and wholly satisfying mouthful of piquancy and heat. I was so impressed that I took some home and it tasted even better the next day! The main courses were equally traditional with a selection of tacos bringing various combinations, including shrimp with chipotle and cheese and a crispy black shell bursting with chicken soaked in Mexican spices, chipotle and grilled pineapple. In each case the smoky, slightly sweet depth of the pepper perfectly complemented the other fillings bringing out all the individual flavours. My pick of the tacos was the fish option, crispy battered seabass with coriander, mayo, pickled cabbage and árbol chilli. Also known as bird’s beak chilli, this small pepper is potent and added an intense hit of flavour to the mild fish. For added fun, the tacos came with a tray of small pots offering a selection of toppings and sauces. They’re very popular allowing diners to customise their tacos and we took full advantage. We also enjoyed a half chicken from the Tradicionales Del Grill menu ‘seasoned in the purest Mexican style’. The meat was tender and juicy with herbs and spices giving a delicate pungency to the flesh that went perfectly with the accompanying red rice – rice cooked with tomatoes, carrots and corn, all coming together to add a delicate sweetness.

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CHIC EATS

For our final savoury option, we enjoyed a selection of street food, including Sopes Con Carne – Angus beef brisket, masa, black beans, tomatillo and sour cream; Gorditas De Chorizo – beef chorizo, masa, cheese, roasted salsa and sour cream; and Flautas De Pollo – braised chicken, sour cream and serrano chilli sauce with avocado and lime. Each little package in their various cornbased pastry cases offered an authentic taste of Central America and we loved the opportunity to try all the different options. Cantina’s dessert menu offers a selection of Mexican favourites, including Coco Flan and Pastel De Chocolate but, for us, there really was only one choice. It had to be churros, the fried dough sticks that are deliciously crispy on the outside, dusted in cinnamon sugar, and soft and fluffy on the inside. A generous sharing portion was accompanied by caramel, chocolate and berry dipping sauces and our table became momentarily silent as we tucked in with obvious enjoyment. As expected, our quick lunch had turned into a couple of hours of good conversation and great food made all the better by Cantina’s fun atmosphere and the attentive staff who managed to be always helpful without hovering. I’ve already booked to go back for brunch.

For more information or to make a reservation, please call Cantina Kahlo at The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain on 1758 6401. @cantinakahlo

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D I VA D R I V E S

THE LIVELIER SIDE OF

LUXURY OHLALA DISCOVERED HOW THE PORSCHE MACAN T BRINGS SPORTING ENERGY TO EVERYDAY LIFE, WHILE RETAINING THE POLISH TO FEEL ENTIRELY AT HOME ON MORE GLAMOROUS OCCASIONS.

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D I VA D R I V E S

he Porsche Macan T arrived looking as though it had already decided where we were going for lunch – somewhere with valet parking, naturally. Finished in Crayon (a soft, light grey) and sitting on 21-inch 911 Turbo wheels, the combination balanced understated glamour with unmistakable Porsche attitude. But, our test car still had to handle daily life: traffic, shopping bags, dinner plans and the occasional 'we’re already out, so why not?' detour. We took it on the road to see whether polish and playfulness could genuinely share the same driveway. ELEGANCE WITH AN EDGE The Macan T wore its sporty details with restraint. Agate Grey appeared on the front apron, mirror trims, roof spoiler, rear badging and sideblades, the latter carrying a black Macan T logo. High-gloss black window surrounds and wheel-arch covers sharpened the look, while tinted LED taillights and the full-width light strip gave the rear a sleek finish after dark. The Crayon paint suited the shape beautifully: elegant, modern and understated, with enough edge to stand out. The panoramic roof kept things light and airy, while the 21-inch wheels gave it enough swagger to make the morning commute feel suspiciously glamorous.

BORDEAUX BEAUTY Inside, the mood changed from tailored exterior to boutique-lounge confidence. The black and Bordeaux Red leather gave the cabin warmth and personality, while high-gloss black trim kept things contemporary. Settling into the eight-way electric sports seats, we found a driving position that felt snug, sporty and ready for mischief – exactly what we wanted from a Macan with a T on the tailgate. Porsche crests on the headrests, brushed aluminium door sills carrying the Macan T name and the GT sports steering wheel added further character. Three-zone automatic climate control proved welcome, allowing driver, front passenger and rear passengers to set their own temperatures independently – useful when everyone has a different definition of ‘comfortable’. The luggage compartment offered 488 litres of space, expanding to 1,503 litres with the rear seats folded. SMARTER THAN THE AVERAGE DASH The Porsche packed in plenty of tech, but mercifully stopped short of turning the dashboard into mission control. Its 10.9-inch Porsche Communication Management (PCM) touchscreen handled navigation, voice commands and Apple CarPlay, with multi-touch gestures keeping simple tasks from becoming a postgraduate qualification.

“The seven-speed PDK was superb, firing through its shifts so cleanly that the car seemed to gather speed in one continuous sweep.”

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D I VA D R I V E S

Wireless Qi charging kept the centre console tidy, while the eight-speaker, 150-watt Sound Package Plus gave us one more excuse to linger in the car. Three round instruments preserved unmistakable Porsche character, with a 4.8-inch colour display alongside them. The Sport Chrono Package brought a performance display into PCM, giving the driver a clearer sense of the car’s performance. THE T FACTOR Out on the road, the sporty SUV quickly showed why the T badge matters. Its 2.0-litre turbocharged, four-cylinder engine produces 195kW and 400Nm, paired with a seven-speed PDK transmission and Porsche Traction Management all-wheel drive. With Sport Chrono, it reaches 100km/h in 6.2 seconds and has a top speed of 232km/h. The seven-speed PDK was superb, firing through its shifts so cleanly that the car seemed to gather speed in one continuous sweep. Sport sharpened the response, while Sport Plus made things more urgent — giving this model the automotive equivalent of a double espresso. Porsche Active Suspension Management, with a 15mm lower ride height, helped it feel composed through bends, yet civilised on everyday roads. The steering felt direct, and the all-wheel-drive system added confidence as the pace increased. Ventilated discs delivered strong, confidence-inspiring stopping power. It was performance with manners — eager when called upon, but never uncouth.

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D I VA D R I V E S

SUPPORT IN ALL THE RIGHT PLACES Everyday driving felt reassuringly easy. ParkAssist front and rear, a reversing camera with Surround View, Lane Departure Warning and Lane Change Assist were there when needed, without constantly making their presence felt. The camera system was especially welcome when spaces became tight and expensive-looking wheel rims suddenly felt very precious. Porsche Stability Management, a multi-collision brake, multiple airbags and rollover detection added reassurance without making us feel as though the car was trying to take over the job. THE APPEAL IS REAL By the end of our time with the Macan T, we had become rather attached to it. The cabin felt rich and beautifully finished, with the polish and sense of occasion we expected from a Porsche. It was the sort of car we could happily live with every day of the week, yet it also felt entirely at home pulling up somewhere special. There was enough elegance and presence to suit a glamorous evening out, while the performance ensured the journey there was every bit as enjoyable as the arrival.

For more information, please call Porsche Centre Bahrain on 1745 9911. @porschecentrebahrain

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FASHION Collabs to

OVER

MISS OHLALA

SWOON

ELIESAAB GUEST DESIGNER

BIRKENSTOCK BY ETRO I-GIZEH

SUSAN CROCS

It’s raining collabs this autumn-winter season, and OHLALA brings you the most fascinating ones this month. Designer ensembles adorn high street mannequins. One functional footwear staple bears boho vibes, while another pins floral blooms to its face. Contrasting design aesthetics that intersect at a fashion-forward sweet spot – yes, we’re up for it.

H&M is having a haute couture moment. The high street retailer makes high fashion accessible with the Elie Saab x H&M collection. The range comprises a complete wardrobe bearing the renowned Lebanese designer’s signature flair – feminine, elegant and ultra luxurious. On the racks are evening gowns, dresses, jackets, trousers and tops – all exquisitely tailored to flaunt a striking silhouette. Sequins, lace, beads and embroidery lend the line a rich, dreamy vibe. The collection includes accessories and footwear to complement your outfit.

Functional design and bohemian character come together seamlessly in this creative partnership. Birkenstock’s iconic Boston and Gizeh silhouettes don a new expression following a collaboration with ETRO. Unveiled at Milan Fashion Week, the new line combines Birkenstock’s anatomically shaped cork-latex footbed with ETRO’s rich artisanal heritage, featuring its signature paisley motifs, rich textures, fringe detailing and Western-inspired buckles. The eyecatching flats come in the sophisticated colours of the season – taupe and chocolate, complemented by polished hardware and metallic accents for a contemporary finish. Slip on to quickly turn up the style factor.

When we say, ‘ethereal and romantic’, do Crocs come to mind? We didn’t think so. But making the cut among the most intriguing fashion alliances ever, is Susan Fang putting her trademark touch to the selfconfessed uglies. As part of her Air-Illusion collection, the designer collaborated with Crocs to present the Echo Blume. Created specifically for Crocs’ new futuristiclooking Echo Lume silhouette, this rendition of the foam clog wears delicate clusters of metallic wildflowers on its upper section. The three-dimensional garden at your feet comes in black, pink and silver over white with a prismatic rainbow finish.

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EXPLORE Luxury Boat Culture.

From our private Royal Marina, embark on daily sea trips aboard the Pearl 1, cruising along Bahrain’s coastline, visiting secluded islands, spotting dolphins and discovering hidden enclaves across the Arabian Gulf. Whether for adventure, relaxation or a leisurely day at sea, discover Bahrain from a different perspective.

For reservations, call +973 1758 6612 or email rc.bahrz.events@ritzcarlton.com

Offer is subject to availability, exclusive of taxes, gratuities, fees and other charges; does not apply to groups; cannot be combined with any other offer or promotion and is not applicable for Rewards redemption. Advance reservations are required. No refund or credit for unused portion. Void where prohibited. © 2026 The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C.

Ohlala Bahrain October 2026