Atlantis, The Magazine Issue 02

C O M P L I M E N TA R Y C O P Y

JUNE - AUG 2015 | ISSUE 02

AT THE BAY

BLACK TO THE FUTURE

MAN ABOUT TOWN

PEARLS OF WISDOM

BY ROYAL APPOINTMENT

ATLANTIS, THE MAGAZINE

Enjoy Dolphin Bay’s The new-gen designers Trevor Pickett on the Why family values rule Inside The Royal Atlantis unforgettable experiences reworking the abaya changes afoot in Mayfair the roost at Paspaley Resort and Residences

DUBAI MALL, DUBAI CENTRIA MALL, RIYADH BOULEVARD MALL, JEDDAH

OSCARDELARENTA.COM

7 WELCOME

T

wenty years ago, if you had asked someone in Europe to show you Dubai on a globe, it is possible that they would not have known where it was. Today, Dubai is one of the Top 10 tourism destinations internationally and is attracting millions of visitors each year. The establishment of worldclass infrastructure and landmark projects like Atlantis, The Palm - the first entertainment destination resort in the region - coupled with marketing initiatives by Dubai Tourism and Emirates - have been the key drivers for Dubai’s tourism industry.

Dubai’s hotel sector is the fastest growing outside of China and coupled with the United Arab Emirates’ successful bid to host the 2020 World Expo, the region’s growth and reputation is set to keep soaring with no sign of slowing down.

The win of Expo 2020 marks a new era of Dubai’s economic development and reflects the Emirate’s leading international position. Now the city is busy putting measures in place to leave a lasting impression on the world – one of them is the Smart City initiative, a mandate to become the smartest city in the world by 2017. This initiative calls for taking advantage of the power of the ‘Internet of Everything’ in order to make Dubai deliver real value in the areas of life, economy and tourism.

Smart hospitality will be a key differentiator for Dubai’s Smart City initiative. With smart tourism a vital pillar, and 25 million visitors expected

for World Expo 2020, hotels need to find a competitive differentiator. Dubai is adding 24,000 quality rooms and serviced apartments by 2017 alone.

Now, the time is right to usher in the next phase of the Atlantis brand – a new resort called The Royal Atlantis Resort and Residences. Located on the crescent of The Palm and next to the existing iconic Atlantis resort, this new generation of distinctive luxury will offer a sophisticated lifestyle experience, edgier than any resort in the region, with infinite ocean views, accented with lush green spaces, encapsulated in dramatic architecture.

The Royal Atlantis and Residences will continue to drive the growth of Dubai forward. Atlantis has always redefined destinations and introduced awe-inspiring and never-before-seen experiences, and this development is no exception. Revolutionary water play and interactive marine experiences will be unveiled for both residents and guests alike. This innovative resort with lavish residences will re-interpret the myth of Atlantis while unveiling ground-breaking experiences.

Atlantis has always shown great support and excitement in the bid to host Expo 2020 and our dedicated team is looking forward to showing our extraordinary hospitality in the lead up to Expo 2020 and beyond.

Serge Zaalof President and Managing Director, Atlantis, The Palm

JUNE - AUG 2015 | ISSUE 02

From Serge Zaalof, President and Managing Director, Atlantis, The Palm

8

CONTENTS LUXURIES Page 14 - 43

Produced for Atlantis, The Palm

by Hot Media Publishing PROJECT LEAD

14

Check In A mix of news, trends and reviews to see you through your holiday

ATLANTIS, THE MAGAZINE

Andrea Krenn VP PR Atlantis, The Palm MANAGING DIRECTOR

Victoria Thatcher EDITORIAL DIRECTOR

John Thatcher GROUP COMMERCIAL DIRECTOR

20

Status Symbol A wave of new-gen designers are revolutionizing the abaya

David Wade EDITOR

Tracey Scott SENIOR DESIGNER

Andy Knappett DESIGNER

24

Put Into Context What is luxury? That is the question being asked this season

Emi Dixon ILLUSTRATIONS

Andrew Thorpe PRODUCTION MANAGER

Chalitha Fernando To contact any of the above people, email firstname@ hotmediapublishing.com

Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission from HOT Media Publishing is strictly prohibited.

All prices mentioned are correct at time of press but maynchange. HOT Media Publishing does not accept liability for omissions or errors in Atlantis Magazine.

Tel: 00971 4 364 2876 Fax: 00971 4 369 7494

26

Pearls of Wisdom Paspaley’s CEO on running a family-owned pearling dynasty

30

The Pickett Line Mayfair’s Burlington Arcade is changing. But are its residents keeping up?

ATLANTIS, THE MAGAZINE

10 IN & AROUND

OUT & ABOUT

Page 45 - 65

Page 67 - 80

46

68

What The Butler Saw

Dubai Insider

Luxury awaits at the Poseidon Underwater Suite

All you need to know to navigate the city’s cultural spots

48

74

The Next Chapter

Get Smart

An exclusive look at the Royal Atlantis Resort and Residences

Dubai is on a mission: to become the smartest city in the world

52

76

Summer Revival

Dubai in a Day

Family-friendly activities take centre stage this summer

There’s much to explore in Dubai this quarter. Time to find out more

54

80

At The Bay

Check Out...

Explore the largest man-made dolphin habitat in the world

Model Jourdan Dunn shares her holiday itinerary

56

Epicurious A culinary update on Atlantis, The Palm’s 23 restaurants and bars

64

Saying I Do To Shiseido A look at the method behind Shiseido’s magic

This issue’s cover, shot on location at Atlantis, The Palm.

Photography by Tanya Rex.

BLIPPAR HOW TO...

13

ATLANTIS, THE MAGAZINE GOES VIRTUAL! Bring your magazine to life with

Atlantis, The Magazine has taken the reading experience one step further by adding interactive elements throughout the magazine. As you flick through this issue, look out for our Blippar icon (above). When you spot it, scan it with your smartphone or tablet and get your magazine moving with image galleries, visual effects and videos. Never Blipped before? It’s simple: download the app, fill your smartphone or tablet screen with the page and see it come to life. Have we got your attention? Thought so.

SCAN THIS PAGE TO SHOP THE LATEST ALTERNATIVE ABAYAS

WHEN YOU SEE THE ICON FOLLOW THESE STEPS BELOW

JUNE - AUG 2015 | ISSUE 02

hidden extras and interactive features inside this issue

Marsel van Oosten’s Spirit of Adventure; Tassili N’Ajjer, Sahara, Algeria

ATLANTIS, THE MAGAZINE LUXURIES CHECK IN

14

CHECK IN

A round up of the things we will be talking about this season

LUXURIES CHECK IN

15

Let our pick of new releases, exhibitions and pop-ups fuel your next adventure…

From portraits of tribeswomen to the Great Migration, and from glaciers to desertscapes (pictured), the winning images in 2014’s Travel Photographer of the Year competition will be on show at the Royal Geographical Society in London this summer. Running July 24th until September 5th, the striking selection of images capture the magnificence and beauty of the planet and its inhabitants, from bustling cities to the most remote parts of the world. For information visit tpoty.com

READ Coffee-table books are a hardy source for planning your next holiday. Stop by Etoile in Dubai’s Mall of the Emirates and catch the Assouline pop-up bookshop, a veteran publisher when it comes to luxury tomes. Open until early July, look out for Room With a View, a collection of 140 of the most breathtaking hotel room views around the world. For information call (+971) 4 341 4166

BOOK Christie’s Travel has joined forces with Abercrombie & Kent to offer well-heeled travellers a collection of tailor-made art tours around the globe. For fans of the Renaissance, there’s the Art and Literature of the Renaissance tour around Florence, or for art enthusiasts who prefer antiquities, turn your gaze towards the Pharaohs and Feluccas tour around Egypt.

For information and prices visit abercrombiekent.ae

BUY When the weather calls for a sun hat, only one product will do: a Panama. Harvey Nichols – Dubai is offering shoppers the chance to have their Goe hat customised at its Mall of the Emirates store on August 12th. From 2pm until 9pm, a number of artists will be on hand to personalise any pre-purchased Panama, from adding the buyer’s initials to splashing an extra pattern on the brim. For information call (+971) 4 409 8888

JUNE - AUG 2015 | ISSUE 02

VISIT

LUXURIES CHECK IN

16 TRUE BLUE Seventy years since Tiffany & Co. released its first Blue Book, its latest tome is making a celebratory splash

RECORD BREAKERS

ATLANTIS, THE MAGAZINE

Picasso’s Les femmes d’Alger set a new world record at auction earlier this year. Check out our pick of objects that have pulled in the biggest sums at auction

Much more than a catalogue, Tiffany & Co.’s iconic Blue Book has long been a source of inspiration amongst jewellery collectors. And this year’s publication is no different. The Art of the Sea, the first Blue Book collection to be curated by Tiffany design director Francesca Amfitheatrof, is a colourful collection of pieces inspired by the watery deep. There are clips inspired by undersea gardens and rings reminiscent of spinning whirlpools. Earrings reflective of cascading waterfalls sit beside pendants modelled on droplets. Here’s one piece from the book that belongs in your jewellery box…

Tiffany & Co. is located at The Avenues in Atlantis, The Palm. For information call (+971) 4 422 0187.

Motoring: Specialist car auctioneer, RM Sotheby’s, set a record with the sale of a 1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4*S N.A.R.T. Spider at a 2013 auction.

SOLD FOR US$27,500,000

Image: Carlton Davis

READY. SET. GO! A fresh crop of fashion stars have been nominated for the 2015/2016 International Woolmark Prize – including these three stand-out designers from the UAE

Literature: Alan Turing’s Hidden Wartime Manuscript set a record at Bonhams when it went under the hammer in April this year.

SOLD FOR US$1,025,000

Thamanayah

Furniture: Isamu Noguchi’s Stack-laminated rosewood and Herculite plate glass table (pictured) achieved an auction record for a table when sold at Phillips in 2012.

SOLD FOR US$4,450,500

Dubai-based Ahmed Abdelrahman explores the tradition, faith, patriotism and ‘post petroleum renaissance’ of the UAE in his designs. His bi-cultural take on the masculine wardrobe is influenced by the lines and volume found in the wardrobes of men across the Arabian Peninsula. thamanyah.com

Bleach This lifestyle label does exactly as its name suggests: bleaches the boundaries between convention, style and modern practicality.

Emirati designer Badreya Faisal’s minimalist, eccentric and innovative approach to design has secured her a nomination for this year’s award. bleach.ae

BEST OF BESPOKE Follow the scent to Dubai’s newest perfumier People with a penchant for perfume should head to Dubai’s Galleria Mall and sniff out Atelier Perfumery, a niche perfume studio offering bold and bespoke scents. Here, each fragrance is treated like a piece of art, expertly crafted from an assortment of ingredients. So fantastical are the scents, many will leave you feeling heady.

Taller Marmo

Bleach

Taller Marmo – set up by design duo Riccardo Audisio and Yago Goicoechea – focuses on sleek silhouettes and authenticity. With each piece entirely and exclusively handcrafted in Italy, they fuse Italian tailoring with Arabic traditions. tallermarmo.com

LUXURIES CHECK IN

17 IN WITH THE OLD, IN WITH THE NEW As a wave of new exhibitions and fairs open around the world, nudging a number of age-old techniques into the spotlight, we take a look at the people, products and programmes combining craftsmanship with contemporary design

Few musical instruments are as iconic as a Steinway – the statement piano handmade using over 12,000 parts. And while woodwork emerged long before Steinway & Sons, the 163-year-old firm is a stellar example of how this traditional technique can play alongside modern trends. Earlier this year, the Hamburgbased manufacturer launched its first selfplaying piano – the Steinway Spirio, which comes with an iPad and an app preloaded with 1,700 songs recorded for the instrument.

Don’t miss: The Biennale Musica 2015 concert series, running 2nd-11th October as part of the Venice Biennale.

Buy now: Available in select markets; visit steinwayspirio.com for details.

Shoemaking There’s no denying that the latest technology is creating the possibility of ever higher heels and dramatic shapes. But rather than lose sight of the beauty of shoemaking, why not look for ways of merging the classic with the contemporary?

Step forward Berlutti, the 120-year-old shoemaker that has unveiled a reworked version of its famous Alessandro, which first walked onto the scene in 1895. The new Alessio boasts a colourful sole made from a high-tech material borrowed from the sporting world.

Don’t miss: Shoes: Pleasure and Pain, running until January 31st, 2016 at the V&A in London.

Buy now: Head to Berlutti in Mall of the Emirates. malloftheemirates.com

Silversmithing

Steinway Spirio

The intriguing shapes and inventive decoration of objects crafted from silver have been sought after for centuries. One brand that continues to cut, create and construct striking designs from sheets of silver is Christofle – the French silverware firm founded in 1830. For its 2015 collection the house is partnering with a number of contemporary designers, such as British decorator Martyn Lawrence Bullard and cabinetmaker Philippe Hurel.

Don’t miss: Hungarian Treasure: Silver from the Nicolas M. Salgo Collection, running until October 25th at The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.

Buy now: Head to the Christofle store in The Dubai Mall. thedubaimall.com

JUNE - AUG 2015 | ISSUE 02

Woodworking

LUXURIES CHECK IN

18

ATLANTIS, THE MAGAZINE

WE’RE ALL TALKING ABOUT …YSL The work of Yves Saint Laurent will be celebrated at the Bowes Museum in England this summer as part of its Yves Saint Laurent: Style is Eternal exhibition. Running from July 11th until October 25th, the show will present 50 of the French designer’s most iconic garments, including his famous Le Smoking jacket. thebowesmuseum.org.uk

REALITY CHECK IN Chinese television stars takeover Atlantis, The Palm China’s reality television show, Divas Hit the Road, recently arrived at Atlantis, The Palm for its second series. Having conquered Spain and Italy in the first season, participants were filmed at various locations around the resort for series two, including the Grand Atlantis Suite (pictured) and Ossiano.

REV FOR REVIVAL

TR4A

Car enthusiasts rejoice as three of the most iconic TR sports cars celebrate major milestones at this summer’s 25th Silverstone Classic. It’s 60 years since the TR3 was born, 50 years since TR4A was introduced and 40 years since the launch of the TR7. Time to find out more…

In 1965 the Triumph TR4A was introduced, again showcasing significant steps forward in sports car engineering with its independent rear suspension and revised styling to fit the requirements for indictor repeaters in the American market.

TR3 When released in 1955, the Triumph TR3 was a considerable progression from the previous TR2. Most notably, perhaps, it was the first British series production car to feature disc brakes – technology that we all now take for granted.

TR7 Though much maligned at the time, the TR7 became the best selling of all the TRs and has enjoyed something of a renaissance with enthusiasts and collectors in recent times. The TR7 was labelled the most radical evolution in Triumph sports car designs.

Silverstone Classic takes place July 24th-26th / silverstoneclassic.com

DIGITAL DISPATCHES Designer-24.com

Robwhitworth.co.uk

Jetlagrooster.com

Eventgoer.com

Offering the latest runway trends for rental at a fraction of the retail price, D24 is the first dress rental website in the UAE – ideal if you’re travelling light to Dubai. Brands include Derek Lam and Marchesa.

Robert Whitworth’s short videos capture the vibrancy of destinations using time-lapse photography – including Dubai Flow Motion, a dizzying journey around the emirate.

Crossing time zones and need a way to reduce jet lag? This handy website will design a personalised sleep schedule to help you avoid jet lag during your trip. Time to sleep easy wherever you are.

New to Dubai? Let this handy app be your guide. Eventgoer is the first social platform dedicated to discovering, creating and promoting events in the UAE, from sport to entertainment.

LUXURIES CHECK IN

19 AN INTERVIEW WITH: PHILIPPA CRADDOCK Following on from her work with Atlantis, The Palm at this year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show, we sit down with superstar florist, Philippa Craddock, to talk flora, fauna and floristry inspirations

started in the flower business after the birth of our first child. I launched a plant gift service delivering boxes of gorgeous potted plants throughout the UK. Soon after launching, we were asked to appear on a television programme to supply our potted plants as wedding table centres. Following on from there, we were asked to create flowers for a number of weddings and events, and the floristry side of our business was born. Floristry is now our sole focus.

Inspiration always starts with the client, fully understanding their brief, needs and the purpose of the design. In terms of my own inspiration and how I can help guide our clients, we are lucky to be inspired every day by both the latest designers and gentle seasonal changes.

Having the opportunity to work with so many incredible brands and people is the most exciting part of a commission – I am always amazed what can be achieved when you bring a group of seriously talented people together, each one looking at the same project from a slightly different angle.

The most challenging, and exciting, project to date is an Indian wedding we worked on. Soon after I launched the company, we organised the transport and delivery of 40,000 roses from an African grower, which formed part of an incredible gift for an Indian wedding in London. We were asked to create a floral dream world for 800 guests using these roses.

With a small team we achieved virtually the impossible. The guests were all enthralled and the bride ecstatic – I still love that particular project.

For the recent RHS Chelsea Flower Show, we recreated a floral version of Atlantis, The Palm – an incredible combination of orchids and multifaceted gold dipped leaves to recreate the main structure, designed to rise out from The Palm. In addition to this, we also had to bring RHS Chelsea’s theme, ‘A Luxury Afternoon Tea’, into the design. We did this by using ingredients from the teas served in the hotel and surrounding gardens, including bougainvillea, tea leaves, lavender, jasmine, mint, roses and cornflowers.

JUNE - AUG 2015 | ISSUE 02

I

Floral version of Atlantis, The Palm

Around the world with @PhilippaFlowers…

What’s in your essential travel kit?

My trusty Ray Bans and a selection of body and face creams to help combat any weather.

Where in the world have you found the most breathtaking flowers?

England, where I live and have my own garden – the beauty of the lush Sussex countryside in the summer is perfect.

What floristry tips can you share with readers who travel often?

If you travel frequently, choose plants which are drought happy, such as succulents and cactus.

These are also wonderfully fashionable of late, so can be found at most florists in a range of wonderful vases and pots to suit any décor.

Which location has left you feeling the most inspired in your design process?

I actually have to say Atlantis, The Palm with all its differences, incredible design and passion amongst the team – all of which proved crucial to the design of our debut RHS Chelsea creation.

LUXURIES STYLE

20

FEATURE STORY

ATLANTIS, THE MAGAZINE

STATUS

SYMBOL THE ABAYA IS SOMETHING OF A CLOSET CHAMELEON; WORN DIFFERENTLY DEPENDING ON STATUS, GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION AND OCCASION. ATLANTIS, THE MAGAZINE EXAMINES THE EVOLUTION OF THE 'ABA' IN THE UAE AND EXPLORES HOW A WAVE OF NEW-GEN DESIGNERS ARE CHANGING THINGS UP

T

here is something intriguing about the abaya: its colour, its significance, its wearer. Why is it black? What does it represent? Who dons it? While the answers to these questions are debatable, this robe-like dress has been a keystone of the Arabic way of life for centuries.

“We always have to remember, wherever we are in the world, clothing is a functional issue – people dress up because they need to cover up, because it’s too hot or too cold, or for religious or economical reasons,” explains Dr Reem El Mutwalli, an art and design consultant whose book, Sultani: Traditions Renewed, Changes in UAE Women’s Traditional Dress During the Reign of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan (1966-2004), explores the evolution of Emirati dress over the past 40 years. “The original abaya used to be worn for a specific function – to cover women head to toe. With time, as women began to go to school, to work, to drive, it was no longer functional. So it eventually acquired sleeves and people began to develop it into a coat-form.”

Maturation then met modernity, encouraging

Emirati women to experiment further with the abaya – which formed one part of an Emirati woman’s dress; the other basic elements included the shaylah (headpiece), burghu (the facemask), thawb (an outer garment), sirwal (under-trousers) and niul (simple sandals).

“One of the greatest influences on the design of Emirati women’s fashion has been globalisation and the emergence of Western designer labels in the country,” says Mutwalli. “This has brought in a new sphere of reference and influence, exposing designers from this region to other cultures. Alongside that is the growing expertise in our industry.”

Expertise unequivocally represented in the work of Emirati fashion designer Khulood Thani, the lady behind KBT Koncept, an underground alternative abaya brand inspired

by Dubai’s arts and culture scene.

Together with her sister, Thani has taken the traditional abaya, turned it upside down, shaken it a little and returned it to its axis. She has deconstructed it, restructured it, and then introduced new cuts and fabrics. PVC, denim and white cotton are some of the standout

Bourguessa JUNE - AUG 2015 | ISSUE 02

ATLANTIS, THE MAGAZINE

THIS PAGE: DAS Collection OPPOSITE PAGE, LEFT TO RIGHT: DAS Collection, Bourguessa

LUXURIES STYLE

fabrics, while contemporary embroidery blurs the boundary between fashion and functional art. So revolutionary are the designs, KBT Koncept is the first abaya brand to land on fashion platform Not Just a Label – a website set up to showcase contemporary designers around the world.

“When we started with KBT Koncept it was the first abaya to go on the NJAL platform,” says Thani, who also runs the Bint Thani fashion label. “That’s a great achievement and where we see alternative abayas going; pushing the structure and contemporary aspect of the abaya.

In our case we use a lot of PVC and we don’t use embellishment in terms of the contemporary designs that we are doing. We’re focusing more on direct paints –most of our fabric is painted on directly.”

Another string to Thani’s bow is 3D printing – something she has been experimenting with for the past few years. “I imagine 3D jumping into the future in different ways when it comes to fashion. It’s already being used in jewellery but I imagine more designers will start using it.

Abayas might have 3D printing embellishment.”

Emirati sisters Reem and Hind Beljafla have also changed things. The Dubai-based siblings are the ladies behind fashion label DAS, an abaya-transforming brand that dabbles in tweed, Italian crepe and cotton voile then pairs it with flapper pockets, thick stitching, pearls and beading.

Embellishment is not new, says Mutwalli, but the way new-gen designers are using it, is.

“We began as Bedouins that moved from one place to another so women used to carry all their wealth on their body – they embroidered their clothing with jewellery,” she explains.

“Many of the dresses you see in the [book] have been embellished with real gold and

silver – it functioned as their moving bank in a way. Eventually, with time, this was not a necessity anymore so what did they do? They started using threads, textures and materials that mimicked that same effect. With time the design taste became more mature. There is now a greater understanding of textiles and the manufacturing process has matured.”

One designer taking on the abaya in reverse is French-Algerian designer Faiza Bouguessa, who unveiled her 25-piece luxury abaya collection at Dubai’s bi-annual Fashion Forward event earlier this year. Rather than take an abaya and westernise it, Bouguessa takes western trends, such as a trench coat or wrap dress, and transforms them into an abaya.

As boundaries continue to be blurred and traditions experimented with, what's next

YOU WILL SEE A LOT OF EXPLORATION, A LOT OF TALENT THAT WILL WORK ON THEIR IDENTITY, THEIR DRESS for Emirati dress? “I’m very optimistic,” says Mutwalli. “We have the technology and we have very talented women who are interested in expressing themselves. It’s a growing country, it’s a young country, so I believe you will see a lot of exploration, a lot of talent that will be happy to work on their identity, their costume, their dress. There is a great determination to maintain traditions – our designers continue to hold to their Arab-Islamic identity – and I feel very confident that it is going to be developed in an interesting way.”

A RANGE OF ALTERNATIVE ABAYAS WILL BE ON DISPLAY AT HARVEY NICHOLS – DUBAI’S POP-UP BOUTIQUE THIS SUMMER (OPEN UNTIL JULY 15)

SCAN THIS PAGE WITH YOUR PHONE TO SEE WHICH DESIGNERS WILL BE ON SHOW. SEE PAGE 13 FOR HELP.

ADDRESS BOOK

KBT Koncept Find me: Head to online fashion platform, Not Just a Label (notjustalabel.com) kbtkoncept.com / info@kbtkoncept.com / @kbt_koncept

DAS Find me: Villa 16, Umm Al Shief Road, Jumeirah 3 dascollection.com / +971 4 395 2427 / @dascollection

Bouguessa Find me: Symphony, Fashion Avenue at The Dubai Mall bouguessa.com / bysymphony.com / @faizabouguessa

JUNE - AUG 2015 | ISSUE 02

23

LUXURIES THE DEBATE

24 PUT INTO CONTEXT What is luxury? That is the question being asked at the Victoria and Albert Museum this season. But, as you’re about to discover, the true meaning of luxury is hard to define

ATLANTIS, THE MAGAZINE

F

or some, luxury is about craftsmanship.

For others, it’s a state of mind. And for most it’s about material goods.

Whatever your interpretation, there’s no denying that the word ‘luxury’ is an ambiguous one, frequently firing up and fanning debate on various platforms around the world. The latest participant to pick up the baton is the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.

This season, the mega museum opened its new exhibition, What Is Luxury?, with one goal in mind: to highlight and explore the varying aspects and interpretations of this opaque word. What it won’t do is focus on luxury consumption, which has been present in various forms since the beginning of civilization, from ancient empires to modern societies. Nor will it provide an answer to the exhibition’s title. Instead, it will interrogate and challenge assumptions and conventions of defining, understanding and contextualising luxury.

What does that mean, exactly? Co-curator of the exhibition, Jana Scholze, explains: “We do not mean to provide easy answers, but to extend the way we think and speak about luxury and its relation to rarity or expense – as well as wider ideas of luxury as passion, pleasure, opulence or the extraordinary.”

While luxury is often described in relation to brands and having the right budget to buy expensive things, this is “only one possible, and very limited, understanding” of luxury, adds Scholze. “Rather, we argue that luxury is something we all have a relationship to. Luxury can be something personal, which relates to experiences of pleasure outside of daily routines.

It can be the idea of something ‘better’, a bit more extraordinary, than what we might already take for granted. It often involves a tradeoff between competing desires and available options. It might be something simple, like fresh linens or a warm cup of tea, or something much more elaborate.”

For Annabelle Campbell, head of exhibitions and collections at the Crafts Council, which is partnering with the V&A on the exhibition,

the true meaning of luxury is hard to define.

“There is no singular definition,” she says. “It is essentially subjective.” But, says Campbell: “In the affluent Western world, probably the most immediate interpretation of luxury would be associated with high-value brands.

Conventionally, the term luxury is synonymous with the notion of expense, unobtainability and rarity. But also widely, luxury is associated with escapism and success.”

Scholze agrees. “Luxury is becoming increasingly associated with immaterial things, such as privacy and well-being – we have included a DNA vending machine in the exhibition to suggest that ownership of our most personal private information might become a luxury in the future.”

What Is Luxury? is divided into four sections:

THE TERM LUXURY IS SYNONYMOUS WITH THE NOTION OF EXPENSE, UNOBTAINABILITY AND RARITY

LUXURIES THE DEBATE

LUXURY noun. (plural. luxuries)

1 indulgence in and enjoyment of rich, comfortable, and sumptuous living; 2 (sometimes plural) something that is considered an indulgence rather than a necessity; 3 something pleasant and satisfying: the luxury of independence.

- ORIGIN Latin, luxuria ‘lechery’

Body 1, Re-materialisation of systems, El Ultimo Grito, 2014. © Photo by POI

Creating Luxury, A Space For Time, A Future For Luxury and What Is Your Luxury. The sections, says Scholze, offer alternative positions and perspectives for visitors to possibly answer the exhibition’s question for themselves.

Part one sees the exploration of objects defined as luxurious by the excellence of their design and craftsmanship. Here, exhibits, of which there’s 100 on show, range from a handcrafted timepiece by renowned British watchmaker George Daniels to a laser-cut haute couture dress by fashion designer Iris van Herpen.

Focus then switches to the relationship between luxury and value, drawing attention to the importance of time and place. A Future For Luxury, meanwhile, examines the relationship between luxury and value, exploring the idea that luxury is not a stable

category, but has a number of meanings which are constantly changing and responding to new social, economic and ecological models.

“Increasingly, in the future, luxury is likely to become increasingly impacted by issues of environment and scarce resources, as well as changes to global populations and political paradigms,” adds Scholze. “For instance, in a post-industrial future where the world’s supply of petrochemicals has been exhausted, could plastic become a highly valuable material and what skills would we need to work with it?”

Perhaps it is the exhibition’s closing section, however, that will get visitors’ mental cogs turning the fastest: What Is Your Luxury?

Well, what is it?

What Is Luxury? runs at the V&A until September 27. vam.ac.uk/whatisluxury

JUNE - AUG 2015 | ISSUE 02

25

LUXURIES JEWELLERY

26

ATLANTIS, THE MAGAZINE

FEATURE STORY

of

PEARLS WISDOM

A BOARD MEETING IN THE PASPALEY HQ IS LIKE A FAMILY CHRISTMAS. AT ONE END OF THE TABLE YOU’LL FIND EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN NICHOLAS PASPALEY JR. OPPOSITE HIM SITS HIS SON AND COMPANY CEO, JAMES PASPALEY. EITHER SIDE OF THEM YOU’LL FIND NINE ADDITIONAL MEMBERS OF THE PASPALEY CLAN. FAMILY POLITICS? NAH. TRUST, MORE LIKE. EIGHTY YEARS SINCE THE PEARLING DYNASTY WAS FOUNDED, ITS CHIEF EXECUTIVE TALKS ABOUT THE TRIUMPHS AND TRIALS OF RUNNING A FAMILY-OWNED FIRM

LUXURIES JEWELLERY

JUNE - AUG 2015 | ISSUE 02

27

Paspaley’s Lavalier Pearl Jewellery

LUXURIES JEWELLERY

28

WHEN YOU TALK ABOUT PEARLS OVER THE CENTURIES, WHAT YOU HAVE IS THIS GEM THAT IS SO RARE – AND STILL SO RARE

LUXURIES JEWELLERY

29 on in the world. If it is beautiful, relevant and well designed it will sell in all markets.”

Unsurprisingly it is the CEO’s cousin, Christine Salter, who is in charge of creative direction at the family-run firm. Under her leadership Paspaley has patented a number of designs, including the Lavalier Pearl Jewellery, a stunning necklace inspired by the nautical ropes and nets used to harvest wild oysters.

Another notable trademark is the way in which Paspaley identifies each pearl strand.

“This was a challenge our chairman set for us: how do you identify your strand? We’ve always believed that pearl strands should be pure pearl and one of the mistakes that we made is we actually invented the pearl clasp – the clasp mechanism for the strand is inside the pearl – but we failed to register it, patent it or trademark it. But the diamond engraving, we did manage [to register] in that we patented the setting – we registered the design of the frameless diamond in a pearl as a trademark on a strand.”

These days it’s more about cultured pearls (whereby human intervention is required to assist in starting the pearl producing process in the mollusc) than natural for Paspaley. “When the natural pearling business collapsed due to the pearling cycles, this business began – the pursuit of trying to recreate the natural pearls,” explains James. “You couldn’t have a business model relying on random finds. So the next logical progression is cultured pearl replicates.

A cultured pearl is still incredibly rare, which is one of those things that is critical to luxury, value and all the things that really make luxury important. It is not 8,000 tonnes of Chinese freshwater junk; it’s something that is hard to produce and is produced in a very small quantity.”

Critics in the past have been quick to criticise the practice behind cultured pearls. Paspaley, however, is quicker in setting the record straight. “Some companies dig a hole in the ground – a pond – then they throw in some phosphates to try and spur on algae growth, which is a bit of environmental disaster because it feeds the clam very well so that they can grow their shell. But if the river wall bursts, and the phosphates get into the river system, it kills the river system.

“We’re lucky in that our commercial and environmental outcomes align. We have a waste management plan – anything that is non-biodegradable is taken out – and we have a ‘leave no trace’ philosophy.”

Just one more reason to want, and admire, a Paspaley pearl.

Paspaley is located in the West Tower at Atlantis, The Palm; paspaley.com / +971 4 453 4399.

THERE’S MORE

SCAN THIS PAGE (SEE PAGE 13 FOR HELP) TO READ AN EXCLUSIVE BOOK WRITTEN BY ACCLAIMED AUTHOR ANNA FUNDER FOR PASPALEY.

JUNE - AUG 2015 | ISSUE 02

“W

e sit down for a board meeting, all 11 of us, all related, and it is like family Christmases,” says James Paspaley on the family-owned and run pearling dynasty, of which he is chief executive.

“Sometimes they’re great and other times you come out thinking that wasn’t so great. All in all they’re actually very good and we often succeed at coming up with far better outcomes.”

The Paspaley story began in Cossack, North West Australia, in 1935 when Nicholas Paspaley Sr, the CEO’s great grandfather, founded the firm after diving for mother-of-pearl shells to make buttons. “Natural pearls were really a by-product of that industry, a change of fortune based on chance,” says James. “And that was our first foray into the pearl world.”

It seems fitting that we meet the chief executive in Dubai, a city with a pearling past that goes back millennia. From as early as the first millennium BC, natural oyster pearls were fished in the Gulf, from Saudi Arabia to the UAE. So sought after became the pearl that by the early 19th century the Gulf was the major global supplier of natural pearls. And while the procedure was startingly different back then – a diver, one net, two ropes and little else – the world’s fascination with pearls remains unchanged. “When you talk about pearls over the centuries, pre-cultured pearls, what you have is this gem that is so rare – and still so rare,” explains the businessman. “We still find natural pearls of incredible rarity and value. In fact we sold a single piece of jewellery at auction through Christie’s for US$420,000.”

The fact that jewellery pieces featuring natural pearls are selling for many multiples of the presale estimates at auction is not new. In 2013, a seven-strand natural pearl necklace said to be owned by a Royal family sold for US$9 million, while a pearl necklace owned by Elizabeth Taylor sold for US$11.8 million two years earlier.

Aside from royalty and society doyennes, a number of fashion designers, first ladies and Hollywood sirens have donned, and championed, pearls at some point over the years. If it were up to Coco Chanel every lady would own a pearl strand (“a women needs ropes and ropes of pearls” the late designer once said). And if Jackie Kennedy ruled the White House back in the 1960s, rather than her husband, then pearls would’ve formed part of government policy (“pearls are always appropriate” the former First Lady once declared).

What makes the pull of the pearl so resilient?

“It doesn’t need an explanation as to its beauty,” says James, before delving into the importance of good design. “The mistake that people often make is that they say ‘let’s design something for the Dubai market’ whereas the Emirati women are infinitely well informed about what’s going

LUXURIES THE INTERVIEW

30

ATLANTIS, THE MAGAZINE

FEATURE STORY

THE PICKETT LINE HIS RETAIL SHOP WAS ONCE A STAPLE OF LONDON’S FAMOUS BURLINGTON ARCADE, BUT RECENTLY TREVOR PICKETT DECIDED IT WAS TIME TO MOVE. HERE HE EXPLAINS WHY WORDS BY

CHRIS ANDERSON

JUNE - AUG 2015 | ISSUE 02

LUXURIES THE INTERVIEW

31

LUXURIES THE INTERVIEW

32

ATLANTIS, THE MAGAZINE

T

revor Pickett sits in the office of his new flagship store, against a backdrop of colourful leather handbags, briefcases and pashminas, and gazes out of the window.

“March 1 we moved in here,” he reveals.

“February was when the builders were in, and then literally on the last day of the month we closed the Burlington Arcade store, carried the stock round to here, put everything in place, and at 9.30am the next morning we opened. We didn’t lose a single day’s trading.”

It is quite the logistical achievement, but is it one that was taken on reluctantly? Independent brands such as Pickett, and personalities like Trevor himself – a quick-witted English gent with a touch of eccentricity, not easily forgotten – at one time helped to define Burlington Arcade, with Pickett using it as a location from the moment it was founded back in 1988. “But my time there goes back further,” says Trevor.

“I first took a job in Burlington Arcade at age 17, this was in 1980, with the Unicorn Leather Company, which had been there since 1952.

That was the business I ended up buying, which became Pickett, so by the time we left there had been a leather goods heritage in Burlington Arcade for over 60 years.”

Sadly that heritage is no more, with many of the other independent businesses that Pickett once stood alongside following suit.

Located in the Mayfair district of London’s West End, Burlington Arcade is a pedestrian walkway, running parallel to Bond Street

INDEPENDENT BRANDS SUCH AS PICKETT AT ONE TIME HELPED TO DEFINE BURLINGTON ARCADE

and linking the busy roads of Piccadilly and Burlington Gardens. First opened in 1819, it features two-storey units on either side, with a glass ceiling and carpet underfoot, intended to be somewhere that the rich could come to indulge, offering some of the most exquisite and expensive items anywhere in the city. Its own security guards, known as ‘beagles’ – wearing top hats and frockcoats – are still present today, even if the types of shops inside is changing.

Burlington Arcade’s transition has been the subject of much debate in the press.

Bought by an American property investor in 2010, its potential for attracting high-end international brands, such as Chanel or Lulu Guinness, was seized upon, with the smaller independent stores told that their leases would not be renewed, or if they were allowed to stay immediately found it difficult when faced with massive rent increases. Celebrities voiced their concerns that the arcade was a national

LUXURIES THE INTERVIEW

33

JUNE - AUG 2015 | ISSUE 02

OPENING PAGE: Trevor Pickett CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: Pickett storefront; Handbags from Pickett Leather gloves; Trevor Pickett in Burlington Arcade.

treasure, and a campaign objecting to the changes was launched on Twitter.

While the owners made it clear they wanted Pickett to stay, Trevor felt that the new direction was not the right one for his business. “They are changing the demographic,” he says. “I really like the Burlington Arcade landlords, we get on well, and they’ve got a brilliant strategy – it’s inline with global trends, and there are people out there who want what they’ve got. But I have to think about the people who want what I’ve got, so I need to be in the right place to offer it.”

Luckily, that place is just a short walk from the previous one, with Trevor setting up at premises on Burlington Gardens, and his office on the first floor facing Savile Row. “We’ve got a lot more room here than we did at the old shop,” Trevor reveals. “It used to be an art gallery, so it’s a very unusual space, all these little narrow stairwells taking you around.

But I have a reputation for funny shops. The appeal for me is the quirkiness, and the product and the company are quirky – classic, with a twist. Something my friends always say, it has to reflect me, so that’s why I’ve brought in furniture from my house in the country and put it around the store.”

Pickett has another London location in Sloane Street, with the website handling sales internationally. While attracting attention from abroad, the brand takes its ‘Made in England’ tag seriously, with craftsmen from all over the

LUXURIES THE INTERVIEW

ATLANTIS, THE MAGAZINE

34

LUXURIES THE INTERVIEW

35

JUNE - AUG 2015 | ISSUE 02

LEFT TO RIGHT: Burlington Arcade circa 1910; Holdalls from Pickett.

country making the various products, and the different leathers – Australian Nut, London Tan and Newmarket Tan among them – applied to anything from luggage and shoulder bags to picture frames, belts, gloves and key fobs.

Then there are the umbrellas, pashminas and kilim slippers, injecting more colour around the shelves. The luxury board games are impressive too, with a large backgammon set clad in leather costing almost £1,500 (Dhs8,663).

BURLINGTON ARCADE’S TRANSITION HAS BEEN THE SUBJECT OF MUCH DEBATE IN THE PRESS

It is interesting to hear how Trevor sees his relationship with these items. “I’m an editor, not a designer,” he says. “I walk around and I see things that give me ideas, then I pass them on – like the other day, I took the menu from a restaurant I was in, as I liked the pattern on the back and thought we could do something similar. But I’ve got plenty of experience with

what we can do, so I never ask for anything that I know can’t be made.”

The new store will allow the customers themselves to adopt this ‘editor’ role. “Taking advantage of the extra room, we’re setting up a Leather Library, which is a private space where we’ll offer our bespoke service,” Trevor adds. “You’ll be able to browse every type of leather, from every tannery we’ve ever used, and whatever you need, we’ll make it for you.”

While leaving Burlington Arcade may have been the end of an era, Trevor seems to be embracing his new location, spurred on by the extra space and business potential it offers. “It was a blessing in disguise,” he says. “With the old store, it was always in the back of my mind that we might have to leave, so we stopped doing anything with it. This has reinvigorated me. It’s sad about Burlington Arcade, but I can see why the owners wanted progress – the independent shops that were in there, they have history, but who wants to buy a walking stick or a silver thimble anymore? There is a clear direction now. This is the best thing that ever could have happened.”

For more on the brand and to order products, go to pickett.co.uk

LUXURIES PHOTOSHOOT

36

ON LOCATION

ATLANTIS, THE MAGAZINE

GIRLS JUST WANT TO HAVE FUN CREATE LASTING MEMORIES WHILE ENJOYING THE ULTIMATE GIRLS’ HOLIDAY AT ATLANTIS, THE PALM…

CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: Dress: Marcus Luper, Bugatti B>More; Dress: P.A.R.O.S.H, Bugatti B>More, shoes: Via Rodeo; Dress: Frankie Morello, Bugatti B>More, shoes: Christian Louboutin.

PHOTOGRAPHY

TANYA REX STYLING

NATALIE HARPER HOWELL

SHOP THIS LOOK: Bugatti B>More (bugatti. ae; +971 4 422 0338); Via Rodeo (rodeodrive-uae. com; +971 4 453 4399).

Both can be found at The Avenues at Atlantis, The Palm.

JUNE - AUG 2015 | ISSUE 02

LUXURIES PHOTOSHOOT

ATLANTIS, THE MAGAZINE

38

ABOVE, CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: Jumpsuit: Camilla, Bugatti B>More; Top: Nicholas, Bugatti B>More, trousers: AEZ; S*uce; Top and trousers: Endemage, SHOP THIS LOOK: Bugatti B>More (bugatti. ae; +971 4 422 0338), The Avenues at Atlantis, The Palm. All other listed brands can be found in their boutiques within The Dubai Mall.

LUXURIES PHOTOSHOOT

JUNE - AUG 2015 | ISSUE 02

39

RIGHT, CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: Top: P.A.R.O.S.H, Bugatti B>More, skirt: P.A.R.O.S.H, Bugatti B>More, jewellery: Stephen Webster, Levant Jewellery; Top: P.A.R.O.S.H, Bugatti B>More, skirt: P.A.R.O.S.H, Bugatti B>More, jewellery: Carrera Y Carrera; Top: MSGM, Bugatti B>More, jewellery: Stephen Webster, Levant Jewellery.

SHOP THIS LOOK: Bugatti B>More (bugatti. ae; +971 4 422 0338); Levant Jewellery (levant. com; +971 4 450 3622); Carrera Y Carrera (carreraycarrera.com; +971 4 421 4771). All can be found at The Avenues at Atlantis, The Palm.

ATLANTIS, THE MAGAZINE LUXURIES PHOTOSHOOT

40

CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: Dress: MSGM, Bugatti B>More, jewellery: Tiffany LUXURIES & Co; Dress: PHOTOSHOOT Roberto Rodriguez, Bugatti B>More, jewellery: Tiffany & Co; Jumpsuit: Hotel Particulier, Bugatti B>More, shoes: Christian Louboutin, jewellery: Tiffany & Co.

41

JUNE - AUG 2015 | ISSUE 02

SHOP THIS LOOK: Bugatti B>More (bugatti. ae; +971 4 422 0338); Tiffany & Co (tiffany. com +971 4 422 0187).

Both can be found at The Avenues at Atlantis, The Palm. All luggage from Globetrotter, available from Harvey Nichols Dubai, Mall of the Emirates.

LUXURIES PHOTOSHOOT

ATLANTIS, THE MAGAZINE

42

CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: Top: SportMax, skirt: Elisabetta Franchi, shoes: Christian Louboutin, jewellery: Stephen Webster, Levant Jewellery; Dress: Elisabetta Franchi, jewellery: Carrera Y Carrera; Dress: Elisabetta Franchi, shoes: Giuseppe Zanotti, jewellery: Carrera Y Carrera, watch: SARCAR Solitaire Lady, Levant Jewellery.

SHOP THIS LOOK: Carrera Y Carrera (carreraycarrera.com +971 4 421 4771); Levant Jewellery (levant.com +971 4 450 3622). Both can be found at The Avenues at Atlantis, The Palm. All other listed brands can be found in their boutiques within The Dubai Mall.

JUNE - AUG 2015 | ISSUE 02

LUXURIES PHOTOSHOOT

43

IN & AROUND PHOTOSHOOT

SECTION II

45

IN & AROUND

JUNE - AUG 2015 | ISSUE 02

Start your Atlantis, The Palm adventure here

IN & AROUND WHAT THE BUTLER SAW

46 WHAT THE BUTLER SAW: THE POSEIDON UNDERWATER SUITE Dinesh Raj, head butler of VIP and protocol services at Atlantis, The Palm

GET YOUR SMARTPHONE OR TABLET READY

ATLANTIS, THE MAGAZINE

F

or any visitor to Atlantis, The Palm, you will note that water is of great significance to us. And while the ocean theme is prominent throughout the entire resort, from the décor to the dining, it is best represented in our Signatures Suites.

For me, it is the Poseidon Underwater Suite that captures the aquatic effect most beautifully.

Set across three floors, with an open living space and kitchen, this stunning suite sleeps two adults and three children. In addition, there is an in-suite elevator for added convenience. Its trump card, however, is on the ground floor, where you’ll find floor-to-ceiling windows into The Ambassador Lagoon from both the bedroom and bathroom. Here, you can relax in the free-standing bath tub and watch the aquarium’s 65,000 marine inhabitants swim by.

With the luxury furnishings already taken care of, courtesy of interior design firm Wilson Associates, it is up to me to make your stay as relaxing as possible, starting with the 24-hour VIP services available to guests staying at our signature suites.

Before arrival we reach out to the guest to find out if they have any special requests before or during their stay. We ensure that all of their pre-arrival requests are taken care of so that the moment the guest steps inside the suite, they feel as though their arrival is anticipated.

The small touches, too, do not go unnoticed.

Guests at our two underwater suites can indulge in toiletries from La Ric, as well as soap infused with 24-carat gold, special chocolate boxes, Dom Pérignon Champagne and sparking dates.

Offering a tailored service is something we pride ourselves on at Atlantis, The Palm. In fact, when it comes to going the extra mile we leave no stone unturned. For example, a guest requested a camel during their stay and we were able to provide it for them almost immediately.

Last Christmas, there was a request for a birthday present to be delivered by a skydiving Santa Claus. We were able to do this too. And it is this personalised service that I enjoy most about my job. You sometimes encounter requests that may, at first, appear impossible.

But after putting in the time and effort, we find a way to make it possible so our guests can enjoy that once in a lifetime experience.

BLIPP THIS PAGE AND TAKE A PEEK INSIDE THE POSEIDON UNDERWATER SUITE. SEE PAGE 13 FOR HELP.

BOOK THIS ROOM For more information about the Poseidon Underwater Suite, visit the reception desk at Atlantis, The Palm. Alternatively, visit atlantisthepalm.com or email reservations@atlantisthepalm. com.

VIP ROOM EXTRAS INCLUDE… Complimentary private butler service 24/7 Complimentary daily access to Kids Club and Club Rush Imperial Club access, including complimentary breakfast, wifi, VIP check in, priority bellman services, afternoon tea from 2:30pm to 4:30pm daily, complimentary beverages and canapés from 5:00pm to 7:00pm daily and light sweet and savoury snacks available throughout the day Complimentary return airport transfers to and from Dubai International Airport Complimentary private cabana at pool, beach and Aquaventure Priority restaurant reservations

IN & AROUND WHAT THE BUTLER SAW

JUNE - AUG 2015 | ISSUE 02

47

IN & AROUND THE ROYAL ATLANTIS RESORT & RESIDENCES

48 THE NEXT CHAPTER Considered one of the most iconic buildings in the world, Atlantis, The Palm is getting a new neighbour: The Royal Atlantis Resort and Residences.

Time to find out more

ATLANTIS, THE MAGAZINE

J

onathan Ridler is overjoyed, and with good reason. “In the last three months, The Royal Atlantis Resort and Residences has got its own life, its own personality,” says the senior vice president for planning and design at Kerzner International, the innovative company behind The Royal Atlantis Resort and Residences project. “And that’s always the best part. After you’ve been blue-skying around the table, suddenly the building gets a life of its own; it gets to a point that you can really sense it.”

The US$1.4 billion project, designed in partnership with Investment Corporation of Dubai, combines a 780-room resort with 230 luxury residences. The resort, set to open in 2017, will boast infinity pools, world-class restaurants and never-before-seen marine experiences. Iconic suites will be introduced, a signature of Atlantis. And, just as they have for its neighbour, these suites will become world renowned. “It’s a statement,” adds Ridler.

In the Residences there are duplex 2, 3 and 4-bedroom homes, townhouses with their own gardens, apartments with private terraces and, the ultimate address, bespoke penthouses.

Residents have their own lush gardens, exclusive pools, state-of-the-art fitness centre with indoor pool, exclusive access to a luxury spa, and boardrooms for any business needs.

“Offering home owners that sense of being home is something we’re going to do differently,” says Ridler. “We’re really trying to bring that sense of community so people can really live here. And that is very important. We want the vibe, the excitement and the buzz that comes with real life. We’re not a stuffy brand; we’re not a buttoned-up brand. We want people to have fun and really experience it, whether it be a holiday or their real life.”

A perk that comes with picking up a property here is the famous Atlantis concierge service.

“When you come here, it’s very much a personalised service,” explains the senior vice president. “It’s always the small things that are memorable – that feeling of ‘I’m a homeowner, not just a number’.”

What sets the project apart is the continuation throughout the development, from the residences to the resort. “You don’t read it like a separate book,” explains Ridler. “One of the things we were very careful to do was to make sure that we were adding value to the experience for everybody. Not just for The Royal Atlantis residents.”

Artist’s impression of The Royal Atlantis Resort and Residences

IN & AROUND THE ROYAL ATLANTIS RESORT & RESIDENCES

JUNE - AUG 2015 | ISSUE 02

49

IN & AROUND THE ROYAL ATLANTIS RESORT & RESIDENCES

ATLANTIS, THE MAGAZINE

50

THE RESIDENCES

THE RESORT

THE DETAILS

As you flick through the renderings one thing quickly becomes apparent: the incredible attention to detail. “This is going to be a real differentiator for Dubai,” says Ridler.

The Residences will offer a variety of finishes, from gold to silver, to help create the ultimate bespoke residence, with all options complementing the endless sea and sky views.

“The idea is to allow people to choose,” he adds.

“Sybille de Margerie Design did all the interiors and the artisans she has brought onboard are woven throughout. It’s just amazing.”

From the spectacular Palm and sea views to the raft of restaurants and experiences, every detail contributes here. Guests and residents will have access to a chic new Sky Pool, which soars almost 90 metres above The Palm, the ultimate Beach Club, a host of exclusive marine and spa experiences, a variety of new entertainment options, and a two-storey luxury shopping space. “It’s about discovery and exploration,” explains Ridler. “We understand what the guest is looking for, and we understand their expectations.”

According to Ridler, sometimes less is more.

Subtlety is key throughout the whole project.

Only upon close inspection can you see that, as well as staggering upwards, the building also staggers sideways – a structural masterpiece if every there was one. “Just imagine how the sun will move on this building at certain times of the day,” says Ridler. Designed by Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates (KPF), the building, paired with the sophisticated interiors, is what really sets the development apart from other resort residences across Dubai.

IN & AROUND THE ROYAL ATLANTIS RESORT & RESIDENCES

JUNE - AUG 2015 | ISSUE 02

51

THE PEOPLE

THE CONCLUSION

Investment Corporation of Dubai (ICD) and Kerzner International will forever enhance the landscape of Dubai with The Royal Atlantis Resort and Residences. Established in May 2006 under a mandate to consolidate and manage the Government of Dubai’s portfolio of commercial companies and investments, ICD is the investment arm of the Dubai Government.

It currently has a portfolio that represents a cross-section of Dubai’s most recognised companies, including financial services, transportation and energy.

The approach to the iconic project is simple: never rest on your laurels, partner with the right people and reward your loyal guests. “You always have to keep reinventing yourself. If you rest on your laurels somewhere along the lines you’ll fall behind. We’re also fully aware that we have to reward our guests that keep coming back. What we are going to do for them is new and innovative while still holding on to what they already know and love.” For residential enquiries call Knight Frank +971 4 451 2000, or see theroyalatlantisresidences.com

DISCOVER MORE

SCAN THIS PAGE AND SEE THE ROYAL ATLANTIS RESORT AND RESIDENCES COME TO LIFE. SEE PAGE 13 FOR HELP.

IN & AROUND SUMMER ACTIVITIES

52 SUMMER REVIVAL

ATLANTIS, THE MAGAZINE

Travelling with the tots and teens in tow? Read on to discover how you can best navigate the resort and all its family-friendly activities this summer SIX OF THE BEST: SUMMER CAMPS

DINING FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY

From a three-day pass to a fiveday adventure, the summer camp programmes at Atlantis, The Palm are out of this world

Grab your knife and fork – and the kids – and head to our pick of familyfriendly restaurants around the resort

MAD SCIENCE New and exclusive this summer, Atlantis, The Palm is teaming up with Mad Science® to create a camp full of hands on experiments. Budding scientists will learn about science and the environment in an entertaining and engaging way. Safety goggles at the ready.

ADVENTURE SEEKER The resort’s Adventure Seekers camp offers a varied and exciting programme this summer.

From designing T-shirts to treasure hunts and tours around The Lost Chambers Aquarium, this camp will keep the kids busy for five fun-packed days.

THE ‘A’ FACTOR Offering a fun and playful mix of music and exercise, this energetic and sporty camp is sure to keep the kids energised this holiday. Active games, obstacle courses and the resort’s Born To Move™ fitness programme are just a handful of the activities on offer here.

KIDZART Mini Picassos should turn their attention to Kidzart this summer, a creative programme comprising a magical mix of arts and crafts, including painting, tie dying and paper mache.

What’s more there’s a graduation ceremony for kids who complete five days at camp.

EXTREME RUSH This popular teenage camp offers a host of exhilarating activities, such as ziplining and DJ mixing. Daredevils can try a hand at feeding the cownose rays at Aquaventure Waterpark’s Shark Lagoon, while the more laid-back teen might be better served at Club Rush’s movie theatre.

AQUAMANIA With enough aquatic excitement to keep the kids busy for days, Aquamania includes PADI certified scuba diving, a meet and greet with the sea lions and dolphins at Sea Lion Point, ray feeding, kayaking, and tours around The Lost Chambers and Aquaventure Waterpark.

Buffet delights at Kaleidoscope As the name suggests, the cuisine here is a kaleidoscopic selection of international and local flavours. There’s buffet counters piled high with fresh pastries, and hot plates serving curry and noodles. Hero desserts are displayed like artwork on one worktop, while fresh juices occupy another.

Casual bites at Asia Republic So you’ve spent a day shopping in The Avenues – the kids trawling the clothes rails in Angels, mum and dad replenishing their wardrobe in Rodeo Drive – and need to refuel. Round up the troops and head to Asia Republic, a casual restaurant serving Far Eastern flavours from its open kitchen.

Prized steak at Seafire Aside from the exclusive cuts of meat served at Seafire, children aged 11 and below dine for free, 5pm to 7pm. Two children can dine at any one time per table, with one main course and one dessert on offer. Time your visit with the weekly Frank Sinatra nights, which take place every Wednesday from 8pm.

THE FAMILY SUITES The most befitting room for large families holidaying at Atlantis, The Palm is a spacious Club Suite. Top picks for the season include the two-bedroom, 101-square metre Executive Club Suite, which has room for six adults plus children. For more information visit atlantisthepalm.com.

THE TEAM The team behind Atlantis Kids’ Club and Club Rush comprise a merry band of experts from nine different countries, all experienced in childcare. On staff there is a trained nurse, synchronized swimmer, Balinese dancer, graphic designer and balloon molder. For more information call +971 4 426 1387.

IN & AROUND SUMMER ACTIVITIES

53

5 TIPS THAT WILL CHANGE YOUR HOLIDAY – FOR THE BETTER

Plan one-of-kind activities that you can’t experience at home. We suggest Shark Safari, where you walk under water with sharks, and the Ultimate Snorkel, where you get to swim in a lagoon filled with 65,000 marine animals.

Book your children into the Kids’ Club for the day with fun games and activities.

Meanwhile, parents can use the time to relax and enjoy their holiday too.

Limit the amount of toys, clothes and extra items you take for the day. Kids will always find fun ways to play outside whether it’s building sandcastles or swimming in a pool.

Stick to the essentials.

LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION! Selfie spots abound at Atlantis, The Palm – if you know where to find them Main Lobby Considering the 9.75-metre high glass sculpture in the Grand Lobby is Dale Chihuly’s first commission in the Middle East, it would be rude not to grab a family selfie beside it.

Tower of Neptune’s Leap of Faith Need proof that you literally took the leap of faith? A selfie shot prior to your drop at the near-vertical mega slide should do the trick.

The Ambassador Lagoon A pit stop on the resort’s summer camp programmes, a quick snap beside the lagoon and its 65,000 inhabitants is a must.

Sea Lion Point Expect to be bowled over by the marine mammals at Sea Lion Point. While mobile phones are not allowed in the water, the trainers will take a snap for you.

Share you selfie snaps with @atlantisthepalm by using #atlantisthepalm

Ask for interconnected rooms so that your children are always close and your family has a comfortable amount of space to relax and enjoy the holiday.

Reserve a cabana so your kids can relax in the shade and rehydrate in between the thrilling slides and rides at Aquaventure.

JUNE - AUG 2015 | ISSUE 02

Take note of Atlantis, The Palm’s handy tips for holidaying parents

IN & AROUND DOLPHIN BAY

ATLANTIS, THE MAGAZINE

54

AT THE BAY Two decades of scientific achievement have not dimmed the fire in Heidi Perez Cao, the lady in charge of Atlantis, The Palm’s marine mammal operations.

The Cuba-born biologist talks dolphins, behavioural management and the power of positive reinforcement

M

ention marine mammals to Heidi Perez Cao and she’ll whisk you away to a world of cetaceans and pinnipeds.

Ask her about Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins specifically and she’ll whisk you straight back to her base at Atlantis, The Palm – home to Dolphin Bay, the largest man-made dolphin habitat in the world, of which Perez Cao is vice president.

Two things steered Perez Cao towards the sea.

One was her passion for marine conservation, and the other the lack of data surrounding marine mammals. “Before I graduated from university, where I was studying biology, I knew that there wasn’t enough research done on marine mammals in Cuba at that time,” explains Perez Cao, “so I decided that I wanted to be that person to discover more. I went to the

National Aquarium of Cuba, which was the only facility that had marine mammals at that time, and I proposed that they allow me to conduct population genetic studies on marine mammals for my thesis. In developing new research, the National Aquarium of Cuba hired me to continue the research studies.”

Eight years later, brimming with information, the marine expert headed to Portugal to join Zoomarine as its general curator before relocating to Dubai in 2007 to join the opening team at Atlantis, The Palm. Tasked with launching the resort’s marine mammal programme, Perez Cao reflects on the early days.

“It is always rewarding when you have to start a project from scratch,” says the vice president.

“This was an opportunity to develop everything – our own training system, a functioning

IN & AROUND DOLPHIN BAY

55

DOLPHIN BAY EXPERIENCES

The Atlantis Dolphin Adventure A deep-water experience where guests hold onto the pectoral fins of the dolphin and are propelled forward through the water.

The Royal Swim This unique experience sees two dolphins tow guests across the lagoon at rapid speed.

The Dolphin Scuba Dive The newest addition to the roster, the scuba dive allows guests to venture underwater with the mammals.

To book an experience, call +971 4 426 1040 or visit atlantisthepalm.com for more information.

DOLPHIN BAY CHECKLIST On the day of your interaction simply check-in at the reception courtyard located at the entrance to Dolphin Bay.

department and, at the same time, decide on the programmes with the animals. I’m very lucky that I have an amazing team who I’m very proud of. What I’m even more proud of is the standard of care and love that we have for our animals.”

And it is the animals that take centre stage at Dolphin Bay, a 4.5-hectare dolphin education and conservation centre at Atlantis, The Palm.

Home to a family of Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins, the facility allows visitors to meet and interact with the animals through five different programmes – such as the Dolphin Encounter, Dolphin Adventure, Royal Swim and the Dolphin Scuba Dive.

Returning to the welfare of the dolphins and Perez Cao adds: “People don’t understand that in reality interactions with guests forms only 20 per cent of our jobs. Everything else

happens behind the scenes. We have a very well established behavioural management programme, which is basically the training that we do with the animals only using positive reinforcement – whereby we enforce the good behaviour and we ignore, or redirect, the bad behaviour.”

Another element is Dolphin Bay’s prevenative medical programme. “The first session every day with the dolphins and sea lions is a physical examination. We perform a series of husbandry and medical tests to ensure that their health is in optimal condition. We take better care of our marine mammels than we do ourselves,” jokes Perez Cao. “For us, there is nothing more important than providing the best care possible to our marine mammals. All of us are here for the love that we have for them”

Jewellery, watches, hair accessories, hats, sunglasses and loose articles are not permitted in the water.

Cameras are not allowed in the water.

However, Atlantis, The Palm does provide a photographer throughout the interaction.

JUNE - AUG 2015 | ISSUE 02

The Atlantis Dolphin Encounter A shallow water interaction allowing guests to get up close and personal with the cetaceans.

IN & AROUND EPICURIOUS

EPICURIOUS A culinary update from Atlantis, The Palm 56

ATLANTIS, THE MAGAZINE

Let this season’s ingredients guide your food choices this quarter…

JUNE

JULY

AUGUST

CORN

LOBSTER

TOMATOES

This colourful maize will be sprinkled and splashed across the menus at Atlantis, The Palm this month. Head to Seafire and order the barbecue beef brisket with sweetcorn purée.

Boiled or steamed, the mighty lobster is featured in all its glory this season. Book a table at YUAN to sample its stir-fried lobster with lotus root in spicy black bean sauce.

Bursting onto the culinary scene this month is the tangy tomato. The Pizza Bufala dish at Ronda Locatelli shows off this glorious fruit tastefully.

IN & AROUND EPICURIOUS

57 TEA TIME Afternoon tea is a quintessential British pastime that has taken Dubai’s gastronomy scene by storm.

One hotel serving up this culinary wonder on a very fine platter is Atlantis, The Palm

here are few hours in life more agreeable than the ceremony known as afternoon tea”, literary legend Henry James once said. And right the 20th-century author was.

There’s something quite special about relaxing in a beautifully upholstered chair, pondering over a cake stand overflowing with intricately prepared finger food. All the while, sipping a cup of expertly brewed tea.

One place offering its own take on this favourite pastime is Atlantis, The Palm, where afternoon tea is served beside the mesmerizing aquarium in Ossiano – the resort’s fine-dining seafood restaurant.

The Underwater Afternoon Tea experience starts from the moment you step inside this elegant restaurant – which boasts floorto-ceiling windows offering views of The Ambassador Lagoon and its colourful aquatic residents. Once seated a selection of hors d’œuvre arrive at your table along with the tea menu. From classic teas and exclusive blends to teas by country and tea flowers, there’s a blend to suite all palates.

JUNE - AUG 2015 | ISSUE 02

“T

THIS IS AN OPPORTUNITY TO RECONNECT, INDULGE AND SHARE WHILE SIPPING A SELECTION OF TEA BLENDS FROM DIFFERENT PARTS OF THE WORLD Ossiano

With your tea ordered it’s time to let your taste buds explore the contemporary cake stand that forms the first part of afternoon tea.

There’s opera cake, carrot cake and Linzer tarts served alongside caramelised apple cake, fluffy vanilla mille feuille and fruit salad. At the base of the stand you’ll find a selection of intricate savoury bites, such as lobster éclairs, Gruyère profiteroles and Arctic king crab brioche.

Offering a visual feast for the eyes, the first course resembles more artwork than foodstuff – all skillfully shaped, sliced and served.

There’s more. It’s chocolate galore for the second course: chocolate pralines, dipped dates and chocolate mini cupcakes are offered alongside homemade cookies, financiers and macaroons. “This is an opportunity to

reconnect, indulge and share while sipping a selection of tea blends from different parts of the world,” explains Jean Marc A. Vettesi, director of beverage at Atlantis, The Palm. “In the Middle East the concept of afternoon tea is much more a social moment. However, the fundamentals are still the same even if the food and beverage is much more explorative and articulated around the culinary element. Aside from the unique location, what differentiates the afternoon tea at Ossiano is exactly that – the emphasis we have placed on the culinary and beverage elements.”

Available Saturdays from 2pm to 5pm, but closed during Ramadan. The Underwater Afternoon Tea offers two packages: Dhs295 p/ person, or Dhs450 p/person with Champagne.

3 TO TRY FROM TWG TEA: Oud Night Tea: Laden with a rich infusion of rare calambac, incense and smoky black tea, this fragrant blend dissolves into an earthy potion of molten resin, cedar and smoldering tea flowers.

White House Tea: An ethereal white tea with fruits and fragrant roses, this TWG Tea leaves an enduring aftertaste of fruits on the palate. A cup of this fragrant blend will have a calming effect on the drinker.

Celebration Tea: This delicate and delightful TWG Tea creation is one of the rare white teas on the menu. Its leaves are intricately handcrafted into a bouquet with blossoms of orange, lily and osmanthus.

IN & AROUND EPICURIOUS

58 FROM FAST TO FEAST It is the one iftar Dubai society and VIPs attend each year. And for good reason. Get set for an epicurean adventure around Asateer, Atlantis, The Palm’s legendary Ramadan tent f it’s Emirati cuisine you’re after, then there is only one place for it this Holy Month: Asateer, Atlantis, The Palm’s beachside Ramadan tent.

Offering a harmonious blend of food and culture, the supersized Bedouin-style tent will be serving guests its iftar and suhoor dining experiences this June and July. The former is the meal served at sunset during Ramadan to break one’s fast, while the latter is the final meal before the day’s fast begins.

But whether you’re fasting or simply looking for an alternative dinner spot, the sheer array of dining options available for iftar and suhoor makes navigating them a fun prospect for all. There’s fare to be shared with family and friends and food to be devoured using fingers rather than forks. From counters piled high with harees to live cooking stations serving grilled meats, nowhere in Dubai offers a culinary experience quite like Asateer.

“Seating 1,000 people at iftar and almost 2,000 at suhoor, Asateer has created a loyal following since its inception,” says Ali El Bourji, executive oriental chef at Atlantis, The Palm. “Asateer not only serves a flavourful and vast menu of international and Middle Eastern cuisine but it offers guests a true Arabian nights experience.”

Mark Patten, senior vice president, of food and beverage at Atlantis, The Palm, agrees. “Ramadan is a time for reflection and spending time with loved ones. At Asateer, we offer the premier tent for friends and families to gather, break fasts and socialise in a beautiful atmosphere.”

Moving into suhoor and socialising is as much part of the experience as the food.

Traditionally held between 9pm and 3am, suhoor is a chance for Muslims and nonMuslims to linger over an à la carte menu to the sound of live Arabic oud players. More relaxed than iftar, shisha, tea and card games are par for the course when sitting down for suhoor.

The décor, too, is as authentic as the food. Inside, a draped tented roof, tones reminiscent of the desert, woven tapestries and floaty fabrics fill the lavish Arabesque pavilion.

Now, without further ado, sit back, relax and learn of our top 10 Emirati dishes to try at Asateer this season…

ATLANTIS, THE MAGAZINE

I

BALALEET

LIGAMAT

This breakfast dish is made of sweet vermicelli mixed with eggs, raisins and local spices such as cardamom or saffron.

A dough ball deep-fired in ghee, rolled in sesame seeds and then served drizzled with date syrup.

LAMB OUZI

MARGOGA

A whole lamb spiced, roasted and served on a bed of rice sprinkled with pistachios and pine nuts.

Much like a stew in its appearance, this simple yet delicious vegetable and meat dish is perfect when paired with Emirati bread.

ELSEWHERE AT ATLANTIS, THE PALM Following its successful debut last year, Nobu will once again be offering Iftar from 7pm during Ramadan. The iconic Japanese hotspot will blend chef Nobu’s signature dishes, such as steamed seabass with eggplant purée and creamy rock shrimp, with his innovative take on a series of iftar staples. Nobu’s Iftar will be offered daily for 270 AED per person.

THE RAMADAN TENT Asateer is a huge tent designed in the original Bedouin style. It provides a wonderfully authentic setting in which to enjoy Emirati fare.

Kaleidoscope will also be offering an Iftar buffet from 6pm throughout the holy month.

Priced Dhs200 per person, Kaleidoscope will feature palate-pleasing displays of flavours and textures, drawing from the very best of Indian, Mediterranean and Arabic cuisines.

IN & AROUND EPICURIOUS

59 Five minutes with Ali El Bourji, executive oriental chef at Atlantis, The Palm How do Muslims break their fast at sunset?

Muslims traditionally break the fast with dates and water or a yoghurt drink. After Maghreb prayer (sunset prayer), they have a full-course meal consisting of soup, salad, appetizers and main dishes.

How does Emirati cuisine differ from its neighbouring countries?

MACHBOOS

This chunky fish stew, usually served with piping hot yellow rice, is a must-try at iftar.

A kaleidoscopic blend of rice, fish, spices and dried fruits make this a hero dish in Emirati cuisine.

Since Emirati cuisine needed to adapt to the desert environment, the use of meat and grain is very common. Spices also play a key role in local cuisine, with saffron, cardamom, turmeric and thyme considered staples when cooking.

What misconceptions do people have when it comes to Emirati food?

The common misconception about Emirati cuisine is that it lacks in flavour, which is not true. Emirati foods are very rich in flavour without sacrificing the nutritional value of the food, its texture and appearance.

Relive the Emirati experience at home with our pick of products from Atlantis, The Palm t 'SPN GJMMFE EBUFT UP EBUF DPPLJFT HSBC B box of this Arabic staple from Bateel before checking out.

The Avenues / bateel.com / +971 4 422 0257

LAMB HAREES

CHICKEN KABSA

Served either alone as a main dish or as a side dish, harees is made up of boiled, cracked, or coarsely grounded wheat.

Fugiam quasped explaud aerspit audam, vendel modios et quos aut aut que nis est volentiam

t 8IJMF FBUJOH XJUI ZPVS IBOET JT commonplace in Arabic culture, spruce up your tableware with some Arabic-inspired plates from Montage.

West Tower / +971 4 426 1425 t )PTQJUBMJUZ JT B QJMMBS PG "SBCJD DVMUVSF Grab a box of gourmet chocolates from Patchi and present them to your guests at your next dinner party.

West Tower / patchi.com / +971 4 551 5749 t -PPLJOH GPS B QJFDF PG *TMBNJD BSUXPSL UP hang on your wall at home? Head to Gallery One where a range of calligraphy awaits.

The Avenues / g-1.com / +971 2 421 0693

MAKE A RESERVATION

MARAK SAMAK

THAREED

This chunky fish stew, usually served with piping hot yellow rice, is a must-try at iftar.

A cross between a hearty soup and casserole, this traditional dish consists of flatbread layered with lamb stew.

Iftar will be available from 6.15pm for Dhs195 per person and suhoor from 9.30pm to 2.30am with a minimum spend of Dhs175, excluding shisha.

For restaurant reservations, call + 971 4 426 0800 or email restaurantreservations@ atlantisthepalm.com

JUNE - AUG 2015 | ISSUE 02

BANANA DATE PUDDING

IN & AROUND EPICURIOUS

60 UNPACKED AND READY TO EAT

ATLANTIS, THE MAGAZINE

Broadening the palate and sampling local cuisine is all part of the holiday experience these days.

Hear how Atlantis, The Palm’s newest culinary adventure plans to accelerate appetites and offer guests a unique culinary adventure

one are the days when a hotel stay was simply a place to catch forty winks.

These days well-heeled travellers not only expect a gamut of culinary and entertainment offerings to await them upon arrival, but demand them. Atlantis, The Palm has noted this tectonic shift and developed a range of unique gourmet experiences, such as its new Ronda Unpacked concept at Ronda Locatelli. The restaurant’s sous chef, Salvo Sardo, explains more…

G

Ronda Unpacked. What is it?

Ronda Unpacked is a tribute to Giorgio Locatelli’s popular and successful BBC television series Italy Unpacked, which sees chef Giorgio go from region to region discovering the gastronomic history each location has to offer.

Using this as our inspiration, Ronda Unpacked was born.

How does it work?

Every two months, the Ronda Locatelli Culinary Brigade will take you on a journey through a different Italian region using a specialty crafted menu. The four-course degustation menu comprises a series of ‘tasting’ dishes which are perfect for sampling each flavour while leaving room to finish every course.

What food is on offer?

The exact food items will differ from region to region. However, your guests can expect the traditional Italian menu of an antipasti, pasta dish, main course and dessert.

sheep ricotta from the area. Similarly, for the Sardinian menu we will be using Fregola pasta, which is very typical and authentic from that region.

Menu highlights?

The great thing about Ronda Unpacked is that every part of the menu is a highlight as every dish has been chosen specifically to tell the region’s story and we have done our best to stay true to tradition. With Ronda Unpacked, we have tried to bring together the history, tradition and our passion for home-style cooking.

What produce are you using and from where?

We source most of our produce direct from the regions we will be showcasing on the menu. For example, the Sicilian menu features a wonderful

For reservations, contact Restaurant Reservations on +971 4 426 2626 or email restaurantreservations@atlantisthepalm.com.

IN & AROUND EPICURIOUS

61 Sake myths dispelled Sake only goes with sushi and sashimi Sake can be paired with most types of cuisine. In most cases sake will pair better with what’s on your plate than beer or wine.

Sake is a guy’s drink In Japan there is a perception that sake is a masculine libation.

But in the West sake is far more accepted and enjoyed by women, with many of the ‘new world’ brews leading the charge by appealing to a new class of sake drinkers.

Nobu

THE STORY BEHIND

NOBU’S SAKE ake is the latest buzzword in gastronomy, with sake bars, microbreweries and selfprofessed connoisseurs springing up as frequent and fast as Japan’s bullet train. One man championing the Japanese rice-based spirit in Dubai is Hervé Courtot, chef de cuisine at Nobu in Atlantis, The Palm.

“From its origins as the ‘drink of the gods’ some 2,000 years ago to its current status as one of the most popular drinks in and outside of Japan, the history of sake is steeped in tradition, innovation and custom,” explains Courtot.

“Sake has been considered a novelty, and perhaps for sometime

S

it was. However, it should not take a back seat to wine, beer, distilled spirits or even cocktails – it truly is a legitimate libation that has myriad food pairing possibilities as well as sipping pleasures. In fact, any restaurant that has a wine list should offer sake as well.”

Nobu’s sake is exclusively imported from Hokusetsu Brewery in Sado, the largest island in the Sea of Japan. A small, independent brewer with character and vision, Hokusetsu produces uncompromisingly dry sakes, many of which have been awarded Japan’s most coveted prizes for brewing. Made using polished rice and water, and basic brewing

techniques from the 1500s, the Hazu family, owners of Hokusetsu, have been producing their own original brews since 1886.

“Shortly after the opening of Matsuhisa [Nobu Matsuhisa’s first restaurant] in 1987, Nobu’s friend, Japanese rock-musician Eikichi Yazawa, brought a bottle to the restaurant,” says Courtot.

“The sake that Yazawa had brought was wonderfully smooth whether served chilled or hot. From that moment, Nobu decided to replace the sake on his menu with brews from Hokusetsu.”

Few restaurants can claim that their sake has rock star status. That is, unless you’re Nobu.

3 sakes to try at Nobu : Junmai Shusado A dry sake with earthy notes that works well when paired with Nobu’s field green salad with Matsuhisa dressing.

Yukunohibiki A semi-dry sake with spicy and nutty characteristics. Pair with Nobu’s yellowtail sashimi with jalapenos.

Junmai Daiginjo Premium Sake With its cherry blossom finish, this premium sake, made almost entirely by hand, goes perfectly with Nobu’s legendary black cod.

JUNE - AUG 2015 | ISSUE 02

Sake should be consumed like a shot Sake, like wine, is a sipping beverage. By all means take shots of whiskey, tequila, vodka and the like. Sake, however, should be exempt.

IN & AROUND FOOD DIRECTORY

62 FOOD DIRECTORY

ATLANTIS, THE MAGAZINE

Skip room service and head to one of Atlantis, The Palm’s myriad restaurants and bars.

Below you’ll also find the chef ’s top tip for what to eat whilst there. Go on, tuck in...

OSSIANO Winner of best seafood restaurant three years in a row, Ossiano serves elegant seafood alongside the hotel’s mesmerizing aquarium.* Order: The Saturday afternoon tea with caviar.

NOBU Contemporary Japanese with South American influences.

Order: Black cod in miso.

SEAFIRE New York-style steakhouse perfect for the whole family.

Order: Atlantis Beef.

RONDA LOCATELLI Authentic Italian cuisine from North and South Italy.

Order: One of the restaurant’s wood-fired pizzas.

YUAN

NASIMI BEACH Relaxed beachside dining venue which transforms into a lively bar at night.

Order: The king prawns.

POSEIDON CAFÉ Casual bites served in front of The Ambassador Lagoon.

Order: Continental breakfast, served 8am to 11am.

THE EDGE

Winner of best Chinese restaurant, YUAN serves contemporary Chinese with a modern twist.* Order: The Friday Yum Cha afternoon tea.

Mediterranean cuisine served beachside.

Order: A grilled seafood platter and a signature cocktail.

SAFFRON

THE SHORE

Award-winning Asian cuisine with a reputation to match.

Order: The Friday brunch, the biggest party in Dubai.

Tex-Mex cuisine served next to the Royal Pool.

Order: An authentic Mexican chimichanga.

KALEIDOSCOPE International flavours from around the world.

Order: The breakfast buffet, which offers favourites from India, Arabia and the Mediterranean.

PLATO’S Traditional Arabian coffee house for refuelling during the day.

Order: Delicious cakes and pastries baked fresh daily. *Time Out Dubai Restaurant Awards 2015

Yuan steamed vegetarian dumpling

IN & AROUND FOOD DIRECTORY

63

FEELING HUNGRY?

THIRST QUENCHERS Stop by N’Dulge nightclub or Barazura and explore the extensive wine list and cocktail menu. Every Wednesday to Saturday, singer and pianist Tatiana Sytnichenko entertains guests at Barazura.

NEED TO KNOW Restaurant Reservations: To avoid disappointment, reservations are encouraged throughout the resort.

Book online at atlantisthepalm.com/restaurants, contact Restaurant Reservations on +971 4 426 2626 or email restaurantreservations@atlantisthepalm.com Restaurant Admission: Children are welcome to dine in all Atlantis restaurants during the daytime. In the evening, dining policies apply at all bars and in Nobu, Ossiano, YUAN and Nasimi Beach.

Dress Code: In keeping with the relaxed ambience of the resort, the restaurant dress code is resort casual during the day and smart casual in the evening.

QUICK EATS SHAWAFEL A cool fast-food joint offering a blend of two Middle Eastern favourites, shawama and falafel.

Order: The signature shawafel wrap

GET HAPPY Happy hour takes place at various points around the resort throughout the week. Four great options can be found here...

N’Dulge: 2-for-1 from 7pm to 8pm, Fridays only Barazura: 2-for-1 daily from 8pm to 9pm and 11pm to 12am Seafire: Kids dine for free every day (terms and conditions apply) Nasimi Beach: 2-for-1 Sunday to Thursday, 5pm to 7pm

TBJ A fun and family friendly burger joint serving gourmet burgers to go.

Order: The ‘Beast Burger’

ASIA REPUBLIC Cuisine from the Far East served in a beautifully decorated restaurant.

Order: Curry Laksa followed by Chinese tea

STAY IN TOUCH Twitter/Facebook/Instagram: @theatlantislife Web: atlantisthepalm.com

JUNE - AUG 2015 | ISSUE 02

SCAN THIS PAGE FOR SIX MORE DELICIOUS DISHES AT YUAN. SEE PAGE 13 FOR HELP.

IN & AROUND SHUIQI SPA & FITNESS

64 SAYING I DO TO SHISEIDO

ATLANTIS, THE MAGAZINE

Since Japan’s first Western-style pharmacy set up shop in Tokyo in 1872, Shiseido has led the country’s cosmetics culture. Its emergence in the Middle East, however, came much later through its partnership with Atlantis, The Palm and ShuiQi Spa. This is the brand’s story so far...

F

or over 140 years Shiseido has been brightening, tightening and hydrating skin all over the world. What started out as a largely research and development-oriented pharmacy back in 1872 has evolved into one of the beauty world’s most innovative brands.

A quick flick through the company archives reveals as much.

Back in 1897 it launched its first cosmetic product, a skin revitalizer made using an advanced Western formulation new to the island nation. The launch not only marked Shiseido’s shift from pharmaceuticals to cosmetics but it raised the bar for the beauty industry in Japan.

The following century proved just as innovative, with Shiseido establishing the Shiseido Institute of Beauty Sciences in 1953 – a facility dedicated to the research and development of beauty products in Japan.

Moving into the ‘60s and, in 1964, it changed the face of cosmetics advertising with its “makeup Tokyo” campaign – strategically splashed across the city in time for the Olympic Games.

The following year it led the “pink evolution” when Japanese women wanted more than a simple slick of red lipstick. Present day, it has 31 patents to its name and is active in more than 85 countries.

One city proving particularly triumphant for the brand is Dubai. Since partnering with ShuiQi Spa at Atlantis, The Palm in 2010 the spirit of Shiseido has captured hotel guests and day visitors alike. Here, Victoria Dello Ioio, spa business development and training manager at Shiseido, discusses the brand’s story…

You’ve been in the market for over 140 years.

What’s the secret to Shiseido’s success?

Shiseido is not just a skincare/cosmetic brand.

We are a lifestyle brand, and have been part of people’s lives for 143 years. In Japan, Shiseido is part of every day life. Through innovation and breakthrough technology, we are always 10 steps ahead of our competitors, bringing new finds and discoveries to the world of skincare and cosmetics.

Shiseido is known for its breakthrough discovers. What are its most notable milestones?

There’s so many. For example, where the Shiseido story began – in 1872 with the opening of the first Western-style pharmacy in Japan. Others include introducing Japan’s first ever toothpaste in 1888; Shiseido’s first cosmetic product Eudermine in 1897 (still sold today); the design of the Hanatsubaki mark (the Camellia) in 1915; the establishment of our research laboratory (currently Shiseido Research Centre in Tokyo) in 1939; and the launch of Shiseido make-up in 2001.

What is Shiseido’s most innovative product and why?

Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate – following 20 years of research and breakthrough technology, this is the first cosmetic product in the world to address the skin’s immunity. It is our most advanced skincare product to date.

What goes on behind the scenes?

We have over 1,000 researchers working for Shiseido. We conduct international surveys, listen to what the consumer wants, find gaps in the market, research, and test hundreds of ingredients and textures before deciding on the right formula as well as conducting intense efficacy studies before a product is released.

Products such as Future Solution LX took seven years of study and research, and Ultimune 20 years before bringing it to market.

What does Shiseido look for when selecting a spa partner?

First and foremost, standards and customer service. The venue has to be reputable and have its own values, while the spa itself must be of an exceptional level in terms of facilities, standard of treatment rooms and experienced therapists.

It must also act like a business with goals and strategies to achieve the very best on guest satisfaction. All of these requirements we found in ShuiQi Spa at Atlantis, The Palm.

ShuiQi Spa welcome area

IN & AROUND SHUIQI SPA & FITNESS

65

Looking for a way to de-stress this summer? Head to ShuiQi Spa & Fitness at Atlantis, The Palm and experience one of Shiseido’s exclusive Sparkling Spa treatments. First up is the 30-minute facial in two variations – the Ultimate Radiance Facial or the Taster Facial, two express treatments using Shiseido’s magical potions. The 75-minute Ultimate Power Infusing Facial and the 90-minute Indulgent Face and Body Experience are two equally relaxing options. The former uses the brand’s revolutionary Ultimune Concentrate while the latter comprises a 30-minute massage followed by a prescribed 60-minute facial. For reservations at ShuiQi Spa & Fitness, call +971 4 426 1020 or email spa@ atlantisthepalm.com

JUNE - AUG 2015 | ISSUE 02

THE SHISEIDO PREVIEW

Enjoy the Thrill and Fun of

DESERT SAFARI Proud to be SAFARI LEADERS

Safari Trip Includes Dune Bashing - Sand Boarding & Camel Riding - BBQ Dinner - Arabic Tea & Coffee - Soft Drinks & Refreshments - Photographs in Local Dress Henna Painting - Tattoos and a lot more entertainment throughout the evening Per Person AED 200/-

Timing: Pick up: 3:00 - 3:30pm Drop-off: 9:00 - 9:30pm Pick-up & Drop-off facility from anywhere in Dubai & Sharjah

24 Hrs. Reservation TOURISM L.L.C ISO 9001:2008 Certified Company

Tel: 04-2686826 / 04-2628832

www.opdubai.com

IN & AROUND PHOTOSHOOT

SECTION III

67

OUT & ABOUT

JUNE - AUG 2015 | ISSUE 02

Dubai: Meet the people, visit the sites and experience its best bits

OUT & ABOUT DUBAI INSIDER

68 DUBAI INSIDER All you need to know to navigate the city’s cultural spots ‘Open doors, open minds’ is the motto at the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding (SMCCU), a centre set up to promote all that is great about the city.

From its base in a traditional wind tower house in Dubai’s Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, the SMCCU organises and hosts a number of authentic experiences around the emirate’s oldest settlement area. Follow Atlantis, The Magazine on the centre’s Heritage Tour…

ATLANTIS, THE MAGAZINE

First things first To fully appreciate Dubai’s historical district the SMCCU believes you must first understand its beginnings. In the 18th century, Dubai served as a small but busy fishing and trading village with no real residents. Instead, pearl divers and tradesman used the Creek as a thoroughfare for business, coming and going as frequently as the tide. In 1833, however, Dubai’s first settlers arrived: 800 members of the Bani Yas tribe under Maktoum bin Butti. Together, they turned the waterside plot into a flourishing coastal town.

These feet are made for walking Everything on the Heritage Tour tells a story – from the sandy-coloured wind tower buildings and lattice walls to its location and maze-like sikkas. As you stroll around the area, formerly known as Bastakiya, listen out for the guide’s commentary, which explains everything from Bedouin customs and traditions to the architecture and environment.

The whistle-stop tour starts at the centre and takes in the historical neighbourhood’s many features, including the Diwan Mosque. Every stop is unassuming and insightful – for that is the beauty of old Dubai.

Architectural marvel The buildings scattered around the village are the original homes of Dubai’s first residents (minus some restoration work). Made using coral stone, the wind tower has been a fixture of Middle Eastern architecture for almost 1,000 years. Originally built to create natural ventilation in buildings, the wind tower room, always the coolest room in the home, was used primarily as the grandparent’s room or the guest room. How does it work? Simple. As the wind hits the tower, there’s a wall that runs down the centre of it that forces the wind down into the building. Khalas.

Question time At the end of your tour, the group is guided back to the centre for an open Q&A. No question is off limits, with the host answering each question fully and frankly. If you’re a curious traveller looking to learn more about the UAE then this is the tour for you. For bookings visit cultures.ae or drop by the concierge desk at Atlantis, The Palm. The SMCCU is open Sunday through Thursday 8am to 6pm, and Saturday from 9am to 1pm. Check cultures.ae for an up-to-date events calendar during Ramadan.

The Majlis Gallery, Al Fahidi Neighbourhood

OUT & ABOUT DUBAI INSIDER

JUNE - AUG 2015 | ISSUE 02

69

OUT & ABOUT DUBAI INSIDER

70

ATLANTIS, THE MAGAZINE

If you buy, taste or visit three things in Dubai this season, these are it…

CULTURAL BRUNCH

ARABICA COFFEE

Forget fine dining, fancy tableware and frilly serving staff, it’s all about the feast at Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding’s Cultural Brunch – a 90-minute food bonanza with an Emirati host. With your shoes carefully stowed guests are invited to pile into a majlis-inspired dining area chock-full with giant cushions and colourful upholstery.

With enough room for 70 people, the brunch starts with a date and cup of hot coffee – a symbol of generosity and hospitality in Bedouin culture. Dates demolished, thirst quenched, the floor opens for conversation – the no holds barred kind. With conversation flowing, guests are handed their cutlery and encouraged to tuck in to the hotchpotch of dishes dotted on the floor, from biryani and nashif to dango and bilalett. During Ramadan, the Cultural Brunch will be temporarily replaced with an iftar meal.

For bookings and information visit cultures.ae

You’ll struggle to find a man more passionate about coffee than Khalid Al Mulla, director of Dubai’s Coffee Museum. Piled high with antiquities, grinders and roasting apparatus, the museum, which is located in the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, is split across two floors with three separate corners reserved for superstar coffee beans. The coffee shop’s interiors come courtesy of Al Mulla’s travels – retro prints, old coffee tins, kitsch cups – and gifts from fellow coffee admirers. On the ground floor you’ll find six rooms filled with coffee-related gadgetry. Move up a level and you’ll stumble upon the media room and its pièce de résistance – the coffee bar. Those in the know dip in for an espresso and chat with bubbly barista John Paul – an expert when it comes to Arabica coffee. The Coffee Museum is open 9am until 5pm every day except Friday / coffeemuseum.ae

3 MORE TO EXPLORE:

For more Arabica coffee, drop by: 1. LEOPOLD’S OF LONDON IN THE BEACH AT JBR 2. BLOUDAN ROASTERY IN SATWA 3. CAFÉ BATEEL IN FESTIVAL CITY

Arabica coffee: so goes the story Two thousand years ago, Bedouins in Yemen noticed that their animals were acting different.

After further inspection they realised that their sheep were eating coffee berries. The shepherds then sampled the berries themselves and started adding them to stew. But rather than sleep after a big meal they were alert, leading them to draw the conclusion that coffee berries gave them a kick that was harmless. The rest, so goes the saying, is history.

SPIRIT OF RAMADAN

Ramadan Night Market

Holidaymakers with a penchant for shopping should head to the Ramadan Night Market, a 10-day shopping festival in the Dubai World Trade Centre. Held July 2nd to 11th, the market offers an assortment of activities for the children and a number of shopping pavilions for adults.

Open 8pm-2am / ramadannightmarket.com

When is it?

The exact dates of Ramadan change every year because Islam uses a lunar calendar, which means that each month begins with the sighting of a new moon. For daily prayer times and iftar timings, drop by the concierge desk at Atlantis, The Palm.

Ramadan explained

What does it means for holidaymakers?

Fasting is one of the Five Pillars of the Islam religion, and one of the main types of Islamic worship. While non-Muslims are not required to fast, they are expected to respect the principle.

Avoid eating, drinking and smoking in public places during Ramadan, and dress modestly.

What is it?

The ninth month of the Islamic calendar whereby Muslims all over the world abstain from eating, drinking, smoking, as well as participating in anything that is excessive; from dawn until the sun sets.

YACHT CHARTERS & FISHING Turn Wonderful Moments into Priceless Memories Charter with Family and Friends AED 500/- Per Hour Onwards

LUXURY PRIVATE CHARTER DEEP SEA FISHING SUNSET CRUISE Pick up & Drop-off facility from Hotels in Dubai

YAC H T S

ISO 9001:2008 Certified Company

www.alwaslyachts.ae

24 Hrs. Reservation Tel: 04 2953485 / 04 2953486

OUT & ABOUT DUBAI INSIDER

73

Dubai Gold Souk

Emirati Meal

Tag, tweet and follow Atlantis, The Palm on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube WEB:

atlantisthepalm.com

Deira Fish Market

Dubai Spice Souk

Emirati food blogger, Shaikha Al Ali, offers up recommendations for touring like a local

TWITTER:

@Atlantis

WHENSHAIKHACOOKS.COM

FACEBOOOK:

For a real insight into Dubai’s history and heritage… Befriend an Emirati! The best way to understand our culture is to visit an Emirati’s home. Doing so will offer a completely different experience to any tourist attraction in the city.

A close second is the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding and the nearby souks. cultures.ae

Beat the heat and head to… Kinokuniya – a literary playground for children and adults alike. Located on level two in The Dubai Mall, it’s the perfect place to grab a few books for the beach and airplane journey home. There’s also a coffee shop, Kino’s Café, and various reading corners dotted around the store. kinokuniya.com/ae

For an authentic Emirati culinary experience…

Sample a meal from Hamda Salim – a local lady who runs a kitchen in Jumeirah. The concept is simple: you stop by her kitchen, order your food and take it away (+971 50 552 2252). Also, look out for Thooq, the first Arabic-English magazine in food art around the Gulf and Middle East.

Grab your selfie stick and… Take the metro to the Deira Spice Market (Al Ras metro stop).

The hustle and bustle here provides the perfect backdrop for that authentic holiday snap. From here, walk to the Gold Souq (located next to the Spice Souk), the nearby Deira Fish Market (along Corniche Road), and the Dubai Women’s Museum. womenmuseumuae.com

@Atlantis

YOUTUBE:

AtlantisthePalmTV

SEE MORE OF THE CITY

FROM THE ARCHIVE

Let’s Go Outside

The Palm 2007 : 2015

For more information on all the activities featured here, visit Atlantis, The Palm’s Resort Activity Booking Point. Located in the East and West Tower, the help desk is open 9am to 10pm.

JUNE - AUG 2015 | ISSUE 02

INSTAGRAM:

@atlantisthepalm

OUT & ABOUT DUBAI SMART CITY

ATLANTIS, THE MAGAZINE

74

CLOCKWISE FROM INSET: Artist’s impression of Al Wasl Plaza, which will be at the heart of the Expo 2020 site; Dubai’s Financial District; Sheikh Zayed Road.

GET SMART Never one to shy away from bold ideas and big plans, Dubai is on a mission: to become the smartest city in the world. What does that mean for Dubai’s 13 million annual visitors?

A

s the world turns its gaze to the Milan Expo 2015, much work is underway for the next world fair: Expo 2020 Dubai.

Five years from now over 25 million people are expected to land in the Emirates for the sixmonth exhibition. And like the host cities before it, Dubai is busy putting measures in place to leave a lasting impression on the world. Case in point: its Smart City initiative, a mandate to become the smartest city in the world by 2017.

But what makes a city smart? This is the pressing question being discussed and debated not only in the UAE, but also around the world.

With five billion people – 60 per cent of the world’s population – expected to live in cities by 2030, achieving smart growth is a complex task, comprising numerous components. Many of which have been factored into the Dubai Smart City initiative, including Smart Economy, Smart Life and Smart Tourism.

The smart city concept, part of the Dubai

Plan 2021, is based on four pillars –leadership, readiness, smart phone usage and availability of infrastructure. It has six dimensions, 100 initiatives and 1,000 smart services. “The dimensions that govern us would be transport, communications, infrastructure, electricity, economic services and urban planning,” says Dr Bassem Younis, director of business development at the Mohammed Bin Rashid School of Government. “Becoming the smartest city in the world is an objective we all share and it is a goal that we all have to reach together. It is not the individual task of any single entity, it is a collective, collaborate effort.”

One company working alongside the UAE and Dubai government on its Smart City initiative is IT firm, Cisco. “Guided by Dubai Smart City and Dubai Plan 2021, Dubai aims to become one of the world’s best connected, smartest, and happiest cities by 2017,” explains Rabih Dabboussi, general manager at Cisco UAE. “The

OUT & ABOUT DUBAI SMART CITY

75

INITIATIVES IN BRIEF

Expo 2020 Dubai Each expo carries a central theme, the guiding principle of which is to be of “universal concern to all of humanity”.

Dubai’s World Expo is held under the theme of Connecting Minds, Creating the Future, a subject which will be divided into three sub-themes – mobility, sustainability and opportunity. Running from October 20, 2020 through April 10, 2021, the expo will launch the country’s Golden Jubilee celebration. expo2020dubai.ae

UAE Vision 2021 ultimate aim is to turn Dubai into a city that listens, learns, and responds to our daily needs, making an impact in every field: education, healthcare, energy, security, and transportation.”

Driving Dubai Smart City is the Internet of Everything (IoE), which is the networked connection of people, processes, data and things.

“Worldwide, we predict there will be 50 billion connected objects by 2020, and 500 billion connected objects by 2030,” says Dabboussi.

“The IoE is transforming industries, countries, and communities, providing a global economic opportunity of US$19 trillion in the public and private sectors. The long-term global IoE impact can be compared to the impact of the European Industrial Revolution of the 18th century.”

What does this mean for Dubai’s 13 million annual visitors? “Through information that will be readily available and easily accessible – all thanks to the high-speed networks, Wi-Fi connectivity and sensors everywhere – tourists

will be able to plan their entire trip including hotels, must-see places, must-do activities, restaurants and other information on routes in advance even before visiting the country,” he says. “Through the combination of smart data from Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority, national airlines and other bodies, Cisco sees the potential to guide tourists and customers of a specific demographic to restaurants or businesses that would appeal to them.”

Ultimately, however, Dabboussi says collaboration between the public and private sectors is key to offering a “flawless” experience for travellers. “Airlines, airports, transport providers, hotels and retailers should deliver a unified platform to provide communications and intelligence to ensure that visitors have seamless experiences in Dubai, encouraging them to stay longer and view the city as a repeat destination.”

Smart advice, wouldn’t you agree?

The UAE National Agenda, which was developed by over 300 officials from 90 federal and local government entities, includes a set of national indicators in the sectors of education, healthcare, economy, police and security, housing, infrastructure and government services.

These indicators, which are periodically monitored by Government to ensure their targets are achieved by 2021, are longterm, measure performance outcomes in each of the national priorities, and generally compare the UAE against global benchmarks. vision2021.ae

JUNE - AUG 2015 | ISSUE 02

Dubai Smart City Key components include Dubai’s goal to become one of the biggest technology “world laboratories”, with high-speed wireless to be rolled out across the entire city. Government departments will be inter-connected to provide faster services and information and remote sensor devices will be installed in vital areas around the city to gather, aggregate, transmit, communicate and centrally integrate information, including data on weather, traffic, transportation and tourism. mbrsg.ae

OUT & ABOUT DUBAI IN A DAY

76 DUBAI IN A DAY

ATLANTIS, THE MAGAZINE

There’s much to explore in the city this summer.

Let these Dubai residents be your guide

STYLE Shop the city’s chicest addresses with the help of Olga Lobanova, the lady behind fashion and lifestyle blog Sand in the City

roads run parallel so drive up one, turn around at Drydocks Dubai, and drive down the other. Hire a taxi for the day at rta.ae.

SANDINTHECITY.NET / INSTAGRAM @SANDINTHECITY

In my summer style kit, you’ll find… Sunglasses by Persol (grab your own pair at Al Jaber Optic in The Dubai Mall), UV Essentiel Chanel to protect and moisturise the skin (try Sephora for this), sandals from Vince Camuto, and boho tops and dresses from Hollister (also in The Dubai Mall). thedubaimall.com It’s hot outside. Stay cool by… Ducking into the art galleries in Alserkal Avenue, such as The Mine. Described as a creative support platform by its founder, Sanaz Askari, The Mine hosts regular pop-up fashion events. Follow them on Twitter for updates – @TheMineTweets. themine.ae For international fashion brands in Dubai head to… West L.A. Boutique in Sunset Mall. They stock unique quirky brands, mostly from US and Australia, and offer a range of effortlessly cool clothing, shoes and accessories for all boholuxe lovers. There is a male section, too. westlaboutique.com The best Emirati fashion can be found… In the boutiques and malls along Jumeirah Beach Road and Al Wasl Road. The

For souvenir shopping, head to… Carrefour. I know it doesn’t sound like a super hot tip, but larger Carrefour branches such as the one found in Mall of the Emirates have a great souvenir section, including items produced in the UAE. There’s a number of new shopping destinations opening in Dubai so make sure you… Stop by the Change Initiative along Sheikh Zayed Road (great for sustainable fashion, homeware and gifts) and Urbanista Boutique, located in BoxPark (an urban shopping strip made of shipping containers). thechangeinitiative.com / boxpark.ae Three designers to look out for in Dubai are… Dima Ayad, House of Nomad and Deborah Henning. Their pieces can be found in s*uce, West L.A. and IF Boutique respectively.

Don’t leave without picking up… A canvas print by Highlife Dubai. Clare Napper’s tongue-in-cheek posters depict life in the city as an expatriate. If you order online, the print can be delivered to Atlantis, The Palm in four days. Alternatively, you can collect it from the framing shop in Jumeirah two days after placing your order. highlife-dubai.com

OUT & ABOUT DUBAI IN A DAY

77

ATLANTIS INSIDER

During a recent trip to Atlantis, The Palm, Kuwaiti make-up artist Sondos Alqattan took time out to talk tips, trends and keeping her 1.3 million followers entertained How was your stay at Atlantis, The Palm?

SA: My followers on Instagram were over the moon with what I shared with them during my trip – from the views to the décor – and I received dozens of comments on my experiences and on the activities I engaged in. My general impression was that guests here love fashion and style, and are very keen to stay up to date with the latest trends.

Did it leave you feeling inspired?

SA: There are similarities between Atlantis, The Palm and my work, as sometimes I tend to come up with something very daring; fully convinced that it will succeed. I was inspired by the resort’s elegance and emphasis on luxury – two things that will definitely have an impact on my work.

What’s the best way to protect your skin in the Dubai sun?

SA: There are some golden rules when it comes to protecting a woman’s skin. Always, always use sunscreen on the face and body.

Also, drink plenty of water, try to relax, avoid staying up late and, finally, use less foundation when applying your make-up.

What are the latest make-up trends and colours for 2015?

THIS PAGE: House of Nomad. LEFT, TOP TO BOTTOM: Alserkal Avenue; House of Nomad; West LA Boutique.

SA: Beach-inspired colours are dominant this season, in both make-up and fashion.

Another trend is to use glossy colours on the lips and cheeks to reflect the freshness of summer. In general, I would recommend using light colours during the summer.

JUNE - AUG 2015 | ISSUE 02

Sondos Alqattan / sondos-alqattan.com @sondos_aq

OUT & ABOUT DUBAI IN A DAY

ATLANTIS, THE MAGAZINE

78

Jetman

ADVENTURE It’s time to buckle up as Yves ‘Jetman’ Rossy takes you on adrenaline-induced tour around Dubai

5.39km circuit, race centre and karting tracks. A must-do activity for any motorsports enthusiast. dubaiautodrome.com

JETMAN.COM / INSTAGRAM @JETMANDUBAI

Experience the three A’s – action, adrenaline and adventure – at… Skydive Dubai. Besides traditional skydiving, you can also experience indoor skydiving at Inflight Dubai or go up in a Gyrocopter for a bird’s-eye view of the city. skydivedubai.ae Closer to terra firma, a similar rush can be found at… Dubai Autodrome, the region’s first fully integrated motor sports facility boasting a

For some downtime, head to… The desert for a night of camping under the stars. It is one of the most relaxing things you can do, and will give you real insight into what life was like for Bedouins in the early years.

If you’re looking for an adventure outside the city… Head into the desert for an off-road adventure. A number of tour operators run daily drives across the dunes throughout the summer months.

Atlantis Insider: Check out Arabian Adventures’ ‘Riddle of the Sands’ adventure – a day-long tour that takes thrill-seekers on a drive through heritage villages and rolling dunes. arabian-adventures.com Cool off… In the water! Seasoned snorkellers should head to Fujairah’s coast – a beautiful spot for diving.

Atlantis Insider: Never snorkelled before?

Book one of the many diving experiences available at Atlantis, The Palm. Alternatively, stop by the concierge desk and enquire about the Musandam Diving experience.

OUT & ABOUT DUBAI IN A DAY

79

JUNE - AUG 2015 | ISSUE 02

Ras Al Khor

Local camels

Dubai Spice Souk

CULTURE Follow Dubai-based filmmaker Majid Al Ansari on a blockbuster tour around the city INSTAGRAM @MAJIDALIALANSARI

The best way to GoPro your holiday is… When you’re being active. Water slides, bike rides, sky dives – these make for the best videos. Plus, they make for impressive memories to share with your friends and family back home.

Aspiring filmmakers should grab their video camera and head to… Dubai Creek – jump on a dhow boat with the locals for Dhs2 and see a totally different side of Dubai; The Metro – try to grab a seat at the front and you can get an amazing hyperlapse video of Dubai, complemented by the futuristic architecture down Sheikh Zayed Road; The Palm Monorail – see the Palm from an almost birds-eye view, as you make your way to Atlantis, The Palm; Dubai Fountains – the dancing fountains will add some drama to your home videos.

The un-missable shot can be found at… Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary. This wetland reserve has the ultimate view of the city and, if you’re lucky, some passing flamingos will give you that ‘wow’ factor.

Escape the city at… One of the many parks in Dubai – Al Barsha Pond Park and Zabeel Park have some great farmers’ markets and both give you a chance to ‘breathe’ outside the hustle and bustle of the city.

Don’t leave without experiencing… Dubai Spice Souk – the amazing aromas will be something that stays with you long after your holiday has ended.

Grab that ‘final’ shot with your camera in…

The desert – the sand dunes and camels provide a great backdrop to any film/ photograph. Remember to go around sunset to catch ‘the golden hour’ – it’s magical.

DUBAI ON FILM...

THE FILM:

Happy New Year The Location: Atlantis, The Palm The Experience: Book a helicopter tour for an aerial view of the resort THE FILM:

City of Life The Location: Satwa The Experience: Trawl the area’s authentic restaurants and cafés THE FILM:

Syriana The Location: Arabian Desert The Experience: Book a desert safari with arabian-adventures.com

Check Out...

JOURDAN DUNN

OUT & ABOUT CHECK OUT

The British–born model shared her holiday itinerary during a recent trip to Atlantis, The Palm

80

Room with a view “The Poseidon Underwater Suite is so peaceful.

To go to sleep and wake up with such a beautiful view was great. It was scary at first, but my son loved it.”

Holiday highlight “We went swimming with the dolphins at Dolphin Bay. It was so much fun, they are just so lovely.”

Holiday indulgence ATLANTIS, THE MAGAZINE

“I have to say, ShuiQi Spa is one of the most beautiful spas I have seen. I had a treatment in the Royal Spa Suite. I was amazed by the water lined pathway, full of flowers.”

Time to refuel “We had a butler who made choosing where to eat at the resort so easy. Dinner at YUAN was great, and the setting looked like a catwalk.”

Jordan Dunn at Nasimi Beach

ShuiQi Spa

Poseidon Underwater Suite

info@levant.com | www.levant.com AL QASR | FOUR SEASONS RESORT | ATLANTIS DUBAI MALL | +971 4 420 7442 +971 4 343 8373 +971 4 422 6717 +971 4 434 1227

|

BURJ AL ARAB +971 4 348 3131

Marine Diver Self-winding movement. Water-resistant to 300m.

18 ct rose gold case. Also available in stainless steel.

Ulysse Nardin Boutique-Mall of The Emirates +971 4 3950577 Ulysse Nardin Boutique- The Dubai Mall +971 4 4341421 Dubai Duty Free-Dubai International Airport U LY S S E - N A R D I N . C O M

W W W. B I N H E N D I . CO M