Km summer 2014 96

GET BIKINI READY

BEACH BODY CONFIDENCE

3

BEAUTY SECRETS

‘MUST-VISIT’ DESTINATIONS FROM THE UAE

LANCASTER’S ANTI-AGING SUN CONTROL RANGE

GET THE LIGHT SUMMER LOOK:

Palatial Paradise

CLINIQUE’S TOP MAKE-UP TIPS

Emirates Palace Abu Dhabi

GINA KUSHKA

Q&A

LUCY CHOW’S KEY TO LUXURY VACATIONING

Beach Beauty For Good

issue UMMER THE

SIZZLING SWIMWEAR & SUMMER SASS

W O M E N

-

B R I D G I N G

C O M M U N I T I E S

UAE DHS 15.00 OMAN RO 1.50 BAHRAIN BD 1.50 QATAR QR 15.00 KUWAIT KD 1.20

TOP

Summer 2014

Édito

Jet, Set… Go!

S

ummer is here again and rising temperatures have got us all reaching for those suitcases and dreaming of lazy Summer days in more bearable climes. But if like me, your busy lifestyle has meant a degree of self-neglect for the past few months and the very thought of travel and exciting times ahead has got you pining for a head-to-toe overhaul and a revamp of the wardrobe, you’ll just love what we’ve got in store for you in KM’s Summer Travel Issue.

Get active, get beautified and get shopping so that you can jet off this Summer in a lighter frame of mind, feeling refreshed and ready for fun.

If it’s a beach holiday you’re looking forward to, check out Summer 2014’s hottest beach and swimwear in our Fashion pages and find out why the Sizzling swimwear brand, Love Brand & Co is a force for good in our Summer Beatrice Cover Story (p14). Does the thought of slipping into your bikini make you wince? Do Boardman, not fear, get bikini ready from the inside out with our ‘A Month’s Healthy Eats’ and Editor lifestyle tips (p58) and ‘Bikini Body Workout’ (p60) - you’ll be slimmed and trimmed in no time! But don’t forget to pack the sun cream… fun in the sun must be safe and Lancaster’s new Sun Control range boasts new technologies that claim to be even more effective than ever at combating sun damage and preventing premature ageing (p44).

If you already suffer from pigmentation from past sun damage, check out our line up of some of the best dark spot correctors and sun damage control serums on offer this Summer (p42).

Stuck for a destination? Our Travel pages are full of inspiration for getaways both home and abroad and if you’re tight on time, our ‘Top 3 Must-Visit Destinations From The UAE’ (p68) will be sure to fit the bill. If it’s a quick weekend break you’re looking for, with super Summer deals at Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi (p84) and The Chedi Muscat (p76), a luxury ‘staycation’ close to home has never been so tempting!

So now all you have to do is pack… streamline your packing this Summer with our round up of the best beauty travel essentials (p36)… we’ve thought of everything to help you jet off well-prepped and ready for memorable times with your families.

Safe and happy travels! www.khaleejmadame.com

3

Khaleej Madame

Education is a journey.

Where you reach depends on where you pass through.

Give the most important journey of your life a whole new direction at Sorbonne.

Paris-Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi offers the same curriculum as in Paris: a world class Sorbonne education in Abu Dhabi, degrees granted by Paris, recognized world-wide and an ultimate step to an international career.

HUMANITIES SCIENCES ARTS LANGUAGES Bachelor Programmes Postgraduate Programmes Intensive French Courses

For more information please contact +971 (0) 2 65 69 330 admissions@psuad.ac.ae www.facebook.com/UniversityParisSorbonneAbuDhabi www.twitter.com/SorbonneAD

www.sorbonne.ae

Register now!

Sommaire

GET BIKINI READY

BEACH BODY CONFIDENCE

3

‘MUST-VISIT’ DESTINATIONS FROM THE UAE

30

GET THE LIGHT SUMMER LOOK:

BEAUTY SECRETS

LANCASTER’S ANTI-AGING SUN CONTROL RANGE

Palatial Paradise

CLINIQUE’S TOP MAKE-UP TIPS

Emirates Palace Abu Dhabi

GINA KUSHKA

Q&A

LUCY CHOW’S KEY TO LUXURY VACATIONING

Beach Beauty For Good

UMMERissue THE

SIZZLING SWIMWEAR & SUMMER SASS

W O M E N

-

B R I D G I N G

UAE DHS 15.00 OMAN RO 1.50 BAHRAIN BD 1.50 QATAR QR 15.00 KUWAIT KD 1.20

TOP

Summer 2014

C O M M U N I T I E S

The South African 21-year-old singer/ songwriter GINA KUSHKA is currently jetting between a music studio to record her first album and an artist’s studio to complete the final year of her art degree in London.

38

44 57

l Lancaster Introduces New

Ethical ‘Sun Bag’

Jet, Set… Go! l Keeping Kids Active

l Clémence Poésy Named Face of

New Chloe Fragrance 10 ACTUALITÉ l Braided Beauties

l Amanda Navai Joins Forces With l Louvre Abu Dhabi Showcases

Four Inspirational UAE Women Collection at Musée du Louvre, l Get In Shape With The Hotties Paris Handbook l TheDRESSroom.com Opens

l Swarovski’s Sparkling Crystalline First Showroom

Bangle Watch Unveiled l Boutique 1 Showcases

l An Eye For Art

Personalised Victoria Beckham l Rebecca Treston@Euromed Sunglasses Design

Introduces Dr. Murad skincare l Emmy Rossum Stays Loyal to range Lauren l Social Luxury Success

l Ingie Chalhoub Named Amongst l Neutrogena Middle East Unveils 100 Most Powerful Arab Women

New Range l Two Michelin Starred Italian

l Translation Conference Brings Eatery Opens In Dubai

Identity Into Focus l Superdry Fuses City Chic & 12 CULTURE

Festival Fun l Roberto Cavalli Gives Fragrance

A Body of Work, A Work

the Luxe Treatment

of the Body

3 EDITO

5

18

32

www.khaleejmadame.com

Sommaire

64 68

92 59

54

56 BIEN-ÊTRE

14

EN COUVERTURE

Beach Beauty for good

l Tighten & Tone for ‘Beach Body’ Confidence l Citrus Scented Delights

l Get ‘Bikini Ready’ from the Inside Out: A Month’s Healthy Eats for That Bikini Body l Bikini Body Workout l Dance Your Way Fit!

18

A LA UNE

64

Bilingual Brains l

l Lucy Chow’s Key To Luxury Vacationing l The Road Less Travelled

28 BEAUTÉ

l Brighten & Revive Post-Holiday Skin l The Instant Vitality Booster l Light Summer Look l Healthy Hair This Summer l Travel Essentials l Summer Scents l Dark Spot Correctors

and Sun Damage Control l The Secret Behind Lancaster’s

Anti-Aging Sun Control Range

46 TENDANCE l Pink Treats Travel Accessories l

50 MODE

Summer 2014

22

Beach Babe l l Sizzling Swimwear l Summer Sass

6

MAISON & DÉCO

l Let The Light In! l Bring Your Travels Home With You

68

VOYAGES & DÉCOUVERTES

l Top 3 Must-Visit Destinations From UAE: l Family Getaway in Paradise La Residence: The Chicest l South African Get-away for Those in The Know l A Feast for the Senses at the

Chedi Muscat Oman

l A Taste of Ancient Arabia: Dar Al Masyaf Villas, Madinat Jumeirah l The Magic of Arabia, One & Only

Royal Mirage Dubai l Palatial Paradise: Emirates

Palace, Abu Dhabi

88

BONNES TABLES

l Allow Tastebuds to Travel at

Vasco’s, Hilton Abu Dhabi l Flavours of the Orient: Kanpai,

Souk Al Bahar l At The Stove With Chef Antonio

Saez of Catalan, Rosewood Abu Dhabi

Khaleej Madame GET IN SHAPE WITH THE HOTTIES HANDBOOK If your beach body leaves a little to be desired then make sure you snap up Dubai-based Lifestyle and Nutrition Coach, Ahlaam Ali’s new guide the Hotties Handbook from Virgin Megastores. The goal is to empower readers to change their lifestyle with four key philosophies that will help them lose 10 kilograms in 10 weeks.

SOCIAL LUXURY SUCCESS Palestyle, the brand responsible for timeless leather handbag collections crafted by experienced artisans, has been crowned the Middle East’s first SROI certified social enterprise. Since 2009, Palestyle has empowered refugee women by providing them with embroidery jobs and conducting social development projects in refugee camps. Palestyle’s founder and Managing Director, Zeina Abou Chaaban says: “We are extremely proud that every dollar invested in Palestyle doubles the social value created in the camp.” Since it launched, Palestyle has empowered over 100 refugee women and benefited over 4,000 refugees with social projects like the Water Tank Exchange Program in the Baqaa camp and the olive tree plantation in Palestine. Stockists include Bloomingdales Dubai, House of Fraser and S*uce.

AMANDA NAVAI JOINS FORCES WITH FOUR INSPIRATIONAL UAE WOMEN Middle Eastern accessories designer Amanda Navaian has teamed up with some of Dubai’s most influential women in support of the United Nations World Food Programme. The designer has created a chic quartet of limited edition handbags, available exclusively through Bloomingdales Dubai and displayed in store alongside Navai’s Spring/Summer 2014 collection. The bags, which epitomise a powerful blend of femininity and social consciousness are inspired by Editorin-Chief of Harper’s Bazaar Arabia, Louise Nichol; Dubai TV presenter Diala Makki; Image Consultant and Entrepreneur, Rosemin Manji; and Social Marketing Specialist and Designer, Alanoud Badr.

SWAROVSKI’S SPARKLING CRYSTALLINE BANGLE WATCH UNVEILED Combining the brand’s fashion forward aesthetic with signature expert craftsmanship, Swarovski’s Crystalline Bangle Watch (AED 1,864) was launched as a dazzling preview to the full collection shown at Baselworld. The watch features 1,700 shimmering crystals offset by the sleek lines of the bangle design.

“The Crystalline Bangle definitely infuses a great dose of sparkle and combines style with precision,” says Nathalie Colin, Creative Director.

AN EYE FOR ART Quirky online shop Wamli has expanded its product portfolio to include a wide range of limited edition artwork and prints. With the launch of the Wamli X Collaboration, the brand is teaming up with local artists to showcase their work and support emerging talent. Wamli has also developed its own creative brand ‘Happy’, which features art inspired by childhood memories, such as the first limited edition one-of-a-kind ‘40 Shades of PEZ’. www.wamli.com

Summer 2014

8

ACTUALITÉ

by Samantha Armstrong

REBECCA TRESTON@ SUPERDRY FUSES CITY EUROMED INTRODUCES DR. CHIC & FESTIVAL FUN MURAD SKINCARE RANGE British Brand Superdry’s Summer 2014 America’s first authentic doctor–developed brand, Dr Murad skincare, combines advanced scientific research and practical clinical experience to create a number of high performance products and awardwinning formulas. The range, now available from Rebecca Treston@Euromed, includes cleansers, toners and moisturisers, as well as formulations targeted at specific skin complaints such as ageing, acne, dull and lacklustre skin. www.euromedclinicdubai.com

NEUTROGENA MIDDLE EAST UNVEILS NEW RANGE The first new range by Neutrogena Middle East in some time, the brand has launched Visibly Clear Pore & Shine, which is perfect for addressing the main skin concerns in the region.

The double action product range consists of a scrub and face wash designed to tackle pores and shine in one go. Available from major pharmacies across the UAE.

TRANSLATION CONFERENCE BRINGS IDENTITY INTO FOCUS The Third Abu Dhabi Conference for Translation took place during the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair (ADIBF) in May and served to highlight ‘Identity and Cultural Bridging.’ The conference was held under the auspices of the Kalima translation project, an initiative of the Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority and included workshops for 20 young Arab translators and professionals.

Director of National Library Programme Management, Dr. Ali bin Tamim and Dr. Ahmad Al Saqqaf, Isdarat and Kalima Project Manager

collection has hit UAE stores and it is funkier, fresher and fiercer than ever. Lace and leather get the glam treatment for those spending Summer in the city and the candy-coloured jelly shoppers are a must for the beach.

ROBERTO CAVALLI GIVES FRAGRANCE THE LUXE TREATMENT To mark DFS Masters of Fragrances, Roberto Cavalli has designed an exceptionally exclusive version of one of his iconic fragrances, Roberto Cavalli Oud Edition.

Only three pieces have been created and the work of art was inspired by the designer’s passion for gold. The bottle and stopper are covered with white gold leaf and around the neck of the bottle is a band of 138 extra-white diamonds and 121 black diamonds that can also be worn as a ring.

LANCASTER INTRODUCES NEW ETHICAL ‘SUN BAG’ Following Lancaster’s earlier partnership with Ethical Fashion Africa the brand is launching a new special ‘Sun Bag’ to launch its latest sun care lines. The bag helps to promote the trade of sustainable fashion for marginalised female Kenyan artisans. Lancaster is committed to raising awareness of social and environmental issues through its unique partnership with Ethical Fashion Africa. www.khaleejmadame.com

9

Khaleej Madame KEEPING KIDS ACTIVE Active Sports Academy has launched its new Active Dance & Fitness programme offering a variety of dance and fitness classes for children as young as 18 months, through to adults. Active Dance & Fitness holds classes in Dubai at Regent International School and in JLT, as well as in Abu Dhabi at The Room in Zayed Sports City. Classes range from Toddler Music & Movement and Baby Ballet, to Classical Ballet, Tap Dance, Modern Dance, Street Dance, and Zumba Kids, up to The Booty Barre and Zumba for adults. www.activeuae.com

CLÉMENCE POÉSY NAMED FACE OF NEW CHLOE FRAGRANCE French actress Clémence Poésy will be the face of Chloé’s new fragrance launching in September 2014. Poésy previously starred as the face of the Chloé Eau de Parfum fragrance alongside Chloë Sévigny and Anja Rubik between 2008 and 2010. “I am very proud and honoured to represent Chloé fragrance again. When Chloé approached me, I immediately accepted. It was so evident for me to come back to a brand that I feel so connected to,” says Clémence Poésy Clémence Poésy.

High Tech Care Medical Center

UAE LASER SPECIALIST INTRODUCES NEW CLINIC One of the UAE’s most eminent private laser specialists, Dr. Rustom has opened a new clinic in Dubai for both cosmetic and medical conditions. High Tech Care Medical Center offers a number of cutting-edge innovations such as the Xtrac (Eximer) Laser to treat psoriasis and vitiligo and the Pulse Daye Laser for the treatment of vascular problems, such as rosacea, port wine stains, birthmarks and varicose veins. www. alrustom-laser.com

LOUVRE ABU DHABI SHOWCASES COLLECTION AT MUSÉE DU LOUVRE, PARIS

Inspired by founder Simran Adnani’s love of travel, Braided Tales is a collection of twentyfive braided bracelets BRAIDED with 14 karat gold BEAUTIES dipped trinkets in a wide range of vibrant colours. The bracelets are packaged in beautiful storybooks, which tell an individual tale about the gift inside. The fabric is one hundred percent Egyptian cotton sourced from France, the gold charms are made in China and the braiding is hand crafted in India and Dubai. www. braidedtales.com

More than one hundred and sixty of the finest masterpieces from Louvre Abu Dhabi’s permanent collection are being showcased in the Musée du Louvre, Paris this Summer until the end of July. The Birth of a Museum exhibition will give Paris visitors a preview of the museum that is set to open late next year in Abu Dhabi’s Saadiyat Cultural District. Louvre Abu Dhabi is a universal museum designed to house aesthetic expressions of different civilisations and cultures from the most ancient to the most contemporary.

Birth of a Museum in Abu Dhabi

Summer 2014

10

Actualité THEDRESSROOM.COM OPENS FIRST SHOWROOM E-commerce fashion retailer TheDRESSroom.com has opened its first showroom in Dubai to complement its online offering. The concept store is designed to cater to growing demand and provide women with a sociable space to preview, order and purchase the latest fashions. Founded by Samantha Kayruz Chami and Dina Abdul Hadi Daryani, theDRESSroom.com has an extensive online selection of over 3000 designer evening gowns and dresses. The new store is located at 903 Cluster V, JBC2 Towers, Jumeirah Lake Towers.

theDRESSroom. com Founders Dina and Samantha

INGIE CHALHOUB NAMED AMONGST 100 MOST POWERFUL ARAB WOMEN Ingie Chalhoub, President and Managing Director of Etoile Group and Creative Director of Ingie Paris, has been featured in CEO Middle East magazine’s prestigious 100 most powerful Arab Women list compiled for the fourth consecutive year. With the Etoile Group, Ingie has brought over 200 international ultra-luxury brands to the region and now operates over 60 high-end fashion boutiques across six countries. Ingie launched her own couture label INGIE Paris in 2009, which is distributed across the region and internationally in France, Kazakhstan, Czech Republic and Russia.

Ingie Chalhoub

BOUTIQUE 1 SHOWCASES PERSONALISED TWO MICHELIN STARRED ITALIAN VICTORIA BECKHAM SUNGLASSES DESIGN EATERY OPENS IN DUBAI Italy’s world-renowned two-Michelin starred Italian restaurant, Don Alfonso 1890, has opened its first Middle East restaurant in the Shangri-La Hotel, Dubai.

With Head Chef Christian de Nadai - who learnt from Chef Don Alfonso himself - and signature dishes such as Lobster and Mozzarella Skewer with Lemon Flavoured Lettuce Coulis and Shaved Black Truffle; and Fresh Tagolini Flavoured with Shrimps and Citrus, it’s sure to be a hit. www.facebook.com/DonAlfonso.ae

Photo: SplashNews.com

Fashion designer Victoria Beckham has created exclusive mirrored aviator sunglasses for one of the Middle East’s leading fashion and lifestyle destinations Boutique 1. Personalised with an etched ‘Boutique 1’, the sunglasses will be available in Boutique 1 stores at Mall of the Emirates and Jumeirah Beach Residence and on www.boutique1. com this summer from May.

EMMY ROSSUM STAYS LOYAL TO LAUREN Actress Emmy Rossum is staying chic for Summer with her Ralph Lauren White Soft Ricky Bag, spotted out and about in West Hollywood.

Emmy Rossum Carries Ralph Lauren

11

www.khaleejmadame.com

Khaleej Madame

A Body of Work,

A WORK OF THE BODY For photographic artist Hazem Mahdy while the body is his subject, his inspiration is the soul.

Born in Sharjah in 1986, Mahdy is Egyptian and has lived in Dubai since childhood.

M

uch of his early work was concerned with forging an identity in a country that was home but was not part of his heritage, as an Egyptian who had never lived in Egypt. In these early images, he depicted recognisably Egyptian images on his own body raising fundamental questions of belonging. Since then he has turned away from Egypt specifically, using his own body in a more universal context and his recent exhibitions are the product of a spiritual awakening.

Mahdy talks openly about finding meditation and spirituality, tools that helped him overcome emotional struggles and open his mind. It was during a meditation session that Mahdy visualised a tree with its expansive roots made from an intertwined mass of arms and hands. Later, during his travels in Thailand the tree emblem became a significant part of his journey. “It sounds strange to say that a tree is calling you, but I would just turn my head in a weird direction where the tree wouldn’t be in sight and yet turn and look straight at it. I felt more alive, a lot more con-

Hazem Mahdy

Summer 2014

12

Culture

by Samantha Armstrong

nected to my surroundings and the nature that I always crave on my travels, and something about being there and my meditation and the tree story... somehow triggered something. “ In fact, the experiences led to his first solo exhibition One, Wahed, Yi, Eins, Alpha – a photographic exploration of “oneness” through a series of self-portraits in which the body is both central, yet virtually unrecognisable.

Mahdy’s ‘Atman’, which recently exhibited at Carbon 12 in Dubai, again concerns itself with connection. Using abstracted figurative photographs that have been digitally manipulated to obscure the hand and arm, the viewer recognises themselves in the artwork, and also in the fundamental components of nature and vice versa. In Sanskrit, Atman means the individual soul or essence, the essence that is eternal, unchanging, and indistinguishable from the essence of the universe. What Mahdy delivers is a study of the innate connectedness of existence with imagery that is both specific and ambiguous. The dichotomy between the contemporary medium of digitalisation contrasts with the natural patterns evoking Fractal Art and Islamic Geometry.

The visual effect invites the viewer into a place where they can lose themselves and for Mahdy this is a reflection of the artistic process itself. In the meditative technique, the image emerges freely of its own volition and cannot be replicated. Each work is born out of a transient and transformative moment in time, yet Mahdy acknowledges there is still an underlying formula which enables the structured patterns: “There are certain numbers I stick to, like seven or eight, or recently introducing three, six and nine, and that can vary in the number of repetitions, or the sizes I would transform them into. Once I apply that formula, I see how I feel about it, if it’s something that I’m drawn to or not. I just know when it’s done. I know if it needs something. You can’t always describe that.”

‘Atman’ has been created using variations and tones of the colour blue and this new element is another result of meditation. “I don’t know if I was being pulled... or if I was swimming at a high speed, but I was underwater moving really fast and I was close to the surface so I could easily look up and see the water breaking right before my eyes, like broken pieces of glass that turned to water,” he explains.

It is a colour that holds a special place in his heart and one that lifts Mahdy’s spirits with renewed optimism. Blue is also related to the chakras.

“There are two systems for chakras... a new one

and an old one. Blue on the new system is the third eye, which is intuition, it’s got to do with foresight and spirituality and compassion, what you radiate out towards the world. So when [the guide] asked me to focus on my third eye I saw a soothing blue, almost this potion of life that kept dripping from the top of my head.”

‘Atman’ offers an intense perspective of the personal in a world that has become increasingly impersonal, as well as the struggle we all face in finding the place of true connection, with each other and with the universe at large.

Depicting a Physical Connection With Nature

Exploring The Third Eye

www.khaleejmadame.com

13

Khaleej Madame South African Singer Songwriter Gina Kushka

BEACH BEAUTY Summer 2014

14

En

COUVERTURE

by Claire Sims-Craddock

GINA KUSHKA is a remarkably busy 21-year-old. The South African singer songwriter is currently jetting between two studios – a music studio to record her first album and an artist’s studio to complete the final year of her art degree in London.

W

for good

hile this would challenge even the most industrious soul, Gina has also passionately thrown herself into another role very close to her heart – helping to prevent the extinction of wild elephants. The statistics are dire – up to 36,000 African elephants were killed for their ivory last year alone, equating to 1 life lost every 15 minutes through poaching.

At this rate, these majestic creatures could face extinction in the wild by 2025.

“Elephant tusks are being used for incredibly naïve purposes, that are not crucial to our existence and don’t compare to what will happen if we lose elephants forever,” said Gina. “Losing an animal so vital to the environment will mean more than losing merely its existence; it will affect its entire surroundings, and that means the world that we live in. I really hope we can stop this tragedy before it is too late.”

To play her part in averting this terrible fate, Gina has become the female face of the innovative and inspiring British swimwear company, Love Brand & Co, which donates 5% of its sales to elephant-saving charities across Africa and Asia.

“Love Brand & Co is a role model concept in the fashion industry. They’re proving that fashion has a deeper purpose other than its primary function,” said Gina. “The brand is far more than just another beachwear brand; not only is the swimwear original, beautiful and luxurious, but when you wear the pieces you feel great because you know some of your personal input has gone towards helping to make a change.”

Launched in 2011, Love Brand & Co is the brainchild of fashion designer and entrepreneur Oliver Tomalin, who combined his love of luxury and lifestyle to help rescue his favourite animal from extinction. From his London apartment, Hong Kong-born Oliver started designing men’s swimwear in cool www.khaleejmadame.com

15

Khaleej Madame Keepers Lead The Elephants For Their Milk Feed Love Brand & Co Founder Oliver Tomalin

Orphaned Elephants At The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust In Kenya

colours and bold, eye-catching prints. One Arabian-inspired pair of shorts is named ‘Emirates Palace,’ influenced by the time he spent living in the UAE. To connect the product with the cause, Oliver coined the apt tagline ‘Trunks for Trunks.’ His vision: to help create a cultural shift where consumers start to associate products with charitable giving. To further fuse this connection in the public’s minds, the brand’s male ambassador, British actor Ben Robson, modeled the men’s 2014 swimwear collection alongside the Kenyan elephants that Love Brand and its partner charities have rescued.

The brand has now become so popular that it has just launched its first women’s collection of luxurious swimwear – bold bikinis with mix and match tops and bottoms in timeless cuts. The company felt that Gina would be perfect as the brand’s female ambassador and she jumped at the chance when approached.

“Along with music, doing a project like this is something I had always dreamed of. It’s great that my career can help something I feel strongly about. I was brought up very closely with animals in South Africa and conservation has always been a part of my life,” said Gina, who was born and raised in Cape Town.

Recalling her first elephant encounter at the age of 3, when she saw a mother crying after losing her baby, Gina said: “It was absolutely heartbreaking and I felt such a connection with her when I looked into her eyes. Elephants are incredible creatures - so human-like and such intelligent, emotional animals.”

Gina experienced the same feeling when she visited one of Love Brand & Co’s three partner charities - the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust in Kenya, founded by Dr. Dame Daphne Sheldrick in 1977 in memory of her late husband. At their Nairobi nursery, Gina was enchanted by a baby elephant called Kamok

who had been separated from her herd before being taken to the nursery by neighbouring villagers. “She was the most wonderful little creature. She wouldn’t stop wrapping her trunk around my legs and nudging me to play with her.”

Kamok is one of many orphans, often the victims of poaching or human-wildlife conflict, to be rescued by the charity. The milk-dependent babies are hand reared before being released back into the wild when fully weaned. “The nursery is mindblowing,” said Gina. “The elephant keepers sleep next to the elephants that they are responsible for every night, and look after them as they would their own children. The difference the shelter has made to elephant conservation is immense and I feel so privileged to be able to be associated with such a fantastic place and promote it even further.” The Trust also manages anti-poaching teams, mobile veterinary units and community outreach programs.

Another African charity supported by Love Brand is Tusk Trust, whose Royal patron is Prince William. Since 1990, it has worked tirelessly to identify and support sustainable community development and conservation initiatives. It also monitors and protects the endangered African elephant population.

Sadly, Asian elephants are also fighting their own battle for survival - numbers have fallen by around 90% in the last 100 years due to loss of habitat. Elephant Family, a charity founded by the late Mark Shand, brother of The Duchess of Cornwall, also receives support from Love Brand. Its mission is to save endangered elephants and other habitat-sharing animals from extinction in the wild by funding projects across Asia to protect their environment, prevent human-elephant conflict and reconnect the elephants’ forest homes.

Gina hopes that her success as a musician will help to raise Love Brand’s profile further and, by association, awareness of

Summer 2014

16

En couverture the elephants’ plight. As a child, Gina started singing and writing Thankfully for someone so busy, Gina sees creating music as poetry to express herself, before starting to pen songs and teach her down time. “Even though it’s ‘work,’ it’s actually what I love herself the guitar at the age of 12. “Music is my way of being doing most. I also love to draw when I have some time to relax both selfless and selfish. It’s one of the only things that can be and I would spend all of my time by the sea in South Africa – it’s both. I want to help the world and I want to affect people, make my absolute favorite place in the world. That’s another reason them happy, put them in touch with their I feel so privileged to be the face of the fears, sadness, pains and pleasures all to Love Brand female swimwear line.”

LOVE BRAND’S PARTNER conquer or understand these feelings.”

Gina has pledged to do everything she CHARITIES She then plunged into the music can to help Love Brand in their mission to business aged just 14, and now hopes to save the elephants.

For more information on the charities spread her distinctive electro-pop sound “There are a lot of things that we think featured in this article visit: The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust by touring in the near future, as well as are impossible to overthrow because the www.sheldrickwildlifetrust.org working on her first album. problem seems too big, but this is what Elephant Family Painting huge, vibrant expressionistic allows things like poaching of elephants in www.elephantfamily.org works is her other mode of self-expression, Africa and Asia to continue to the point of Tusk Trust and after achieving an art scholarship endangerment. Initiatives like Love Brand www.tusk.org she embarked on a BA in History of Art are the key to the possibility that we can Love Brand & Co swimwear the Courtauld Institute in London. “My fight these harms to our planet.” including the new bikini collection is available to purchase online at studies have really helped my songwriting www.lovebrand.com because its opened my mind to thinking Love Brand & Co has more than about the world in much more complex 150 stockists across 45 countries ways. My paintings are an entire release and opened its flagship boutique in because words aren’t included in their London last year. production, which means that looking at Love Brand & Co UAE stockists: Dubai: Boutique 1 Concept Stores, them and executing them is entirely subBurj Al Arab Hotel, Jumeirah Beach jective and cathartic.” While she intends Hotel and Kempinski Hotel to continue painting daily and selling her Abu Dhabi: Emirates Palace works, she said that her main career focus For more information on Gina and and passion will always be her music. her music, visit her website www.ginakushka.com

Gina With Baby Kamok At The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Nursery

Feeding Time At The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Nursery

Kibo & Suguta At The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

www.khaleejmadame.com

17

Khaleej Madame

ILINGUAL RAINS

If language is a passport, how far do you want to go?

KM takes a look at how languages are colouring our lives and boosting our brains.

Summer 2014

18

A la

UNE

by Jemma Nicholls

ABOUT BIRGIT ERTL Birgit Ertl is Founder and Director of The Children’s Garden, Dubai plus the Founder of The International Curriculum for Languages and the Creative Arts (ICLCA).

Born in Austria, Birgit has lived in several countries and taught at some of the most progressive international schools around the world. She was a founding member of the United Nations International School of Bangkok where she led the Early Childhood Department; at the Bavarian International School in Munich, Birgit successfully implemented a bilingual Early Childhood programme in German and English; at the German Swiss International School of Hong Kong, Birgit was the driving force behind the creation of a strong relationship between the English and German/Swiss streams.

Amongst her many degrees, Birgit holds a PCGE in International School Education from Oxford Brookes University, UK, as well as a Kindergartenpaedagogic diploma from Austria.

For further information, visit: www.childrensgarden.ae or Tel: +971 (0)4 885 3484

F

riday morning, 10am. The streets of the UAE might be relatively quiet, but Dubai International airport certainly isn’t. Crowned recently as the world’s number one in terms of size and passenger numbers, the Departure Lounge in this Gulf airport really pulls in the crowds; Europeans, Emiratis and other Arabs, Americans, Antipodeans – the perfect microcosm of the 21st Century’s comprehensively international society. The air is abuzz with Arabic, Urdu, English, French, and Mandarin, among other voices, all spoken by men, women and children who understand how different nationalities, cultures and education shape the city they live in.

Recent years have witnessed an explosive growth in the number of people choosing to travel, work and live abroad. Now more than ever, we are tuned into the idea of children growing up with a second, third or fourth language. Not only will this be key to successful relationships, both business and social, but also research is increasingly showing that brains of people who know two or more languages function differently from those who know just one – and those differences are all for the better.

WIRED FOR WORDS

A report published last year in Time magazine highlighted how learning a second language can produce a nimbler mind, “Multilingual people, studies show, are better at reasoning, at multitasking, at grasping and reconciling conflicting ideas.” The report highlights that a bilingual brain is not necessarily a smarter brain, but it is proving to be a more flexible, more efficient one due to the constant switching that comes from having to choose between two words for every object.

“Multilinguals work faster and expend less energy doing so and as they age, they retain their cognitive faculties longer, delaying the onset of dementia and even full blown Alzheimer’s disease.” (Time magazine, July 29, 2013). www.khaleejmadame.com

19

Library at TCG

Khaleej Madame

Library at TCG

TCG Swimming Pool

Library at TCG Deckchairs at TCG

TCG Messy Art

Creative Play TCG Art

The key, however, is when it comes to language, there is no such thing as starting too early. Cell-to-cell connections, or synapsis, grow explosively in the brain after birth; newborns can recognise their native language and distinguish it from others. If the mother is bilingual, they recognise both languages. But as early as toddlerhood, synaptic pruning begins. Experts the world over agree that early childhood is the most influential time in a person’s formative life. What children learn from the age of zero to seven becomes the building blocks for all their future learning.

Pioneering educators and progressive schools across the world are now recognising that they need to introduce languages earlier because of the way young children learn and process information.

THE CHILDREN’S GARDEN

One such educator is Birgit A. Ertl, Director of unique multilingual pre-schools, The Children’s Garden (TCG) in Dubai. A passionate advocate of the advantages of immersing children in multilingual environments from their earliest years, she explains: “With the right support, most children can easily learn three languages simultaneously and some can even manage up to seven. The trick is to make languages a priority right from the outset.”

TCG Student

Summer 2014

20

A la Une Painting with Feet

Paintbrushes

TCG Art Exhibition, Camel

Having lived and taught for over 20 years in various parts of the world, Ertl has a considerable bank of experience to support her theory. “Children are born ready to become multilingual. It’s the environment that dictates the success of language acquisition. At TCG we do various things differently. Firstly, it’s an immersion language programme so from the age of three, the languages of instruction are English/French, English/Arabic or English/German. Fifty per cent of the time, the child will be taught in English, and the other 50 per cent in either French, German or Arabic. Secondly, everything we do, from our emphasis on languages and creativity to our tailor-made music and movement programme supports the different stages of a young child’s brain development. For the best results, everything you do has to be age-appropriate.”

CHILDHOOD SHOULD BE A JOURNEY NOT A RACE

For youngsters, ‘age-appropriate’ means being emotionally engaged in what they’re doing – i.e. learning through having fun. Ertl embraces this notion: “A child’s brain is like a sponge, ready and eager to absorb everything you feed it. During the first

TCG IN NUMBERS: 10 years ago TCG was founded in Dubai 3 branches of TCG are established 24 different staff nationalities and languages spoken at TCG Jumeirah 38 different nationalities of students at TCG Green Community 3 languages of instruction are available, either: English/Arabic, English/French or English/German few years of life, children learn unconsciously, in the most natural way, largely through play. The learning process is uninhibited and instinctive. Properly supported, young children pick up language quickly and subconsciously; they aren’t afraid of making mistakes.”

Soon to celebrate their tenth anniversary in Dubai, TCG’s 21st Century approach has a large and growing band of supporters. Ertl is aware of what forward thinking parents are looking for and what the next generation of education should deliver.

“Pre-schools need to concentrate on more than just ABC and one, two, three – as a child will learn this anyway. My mantra has always been “Childhood should be a journey, not a race.” The emphasis should be more on the preparation of life skills and that includes language. If you are multilingual, this takes you places – you have totally different opportunities. Linguists will have a lot more understanding, tolerance, flexibility and creativity. And from that, everything else flows.” www.khaleejmadame.com

21

Khaleej Madame Rome

H

Lucy Chow’s Key To Luxury Vacationing

eralding from a strong international business backbe nominated to represent the Middle East on the Members ground, Lucy Chow has enjoyed a successful career in Council that has just been launched at The Hideaways Club.“ Hong Kong, New York and now in Dubai where she The Hideaways Club is the key to a unique concept for has lived since 2007. During her initial three years in the Middle discerning investors and travellers that combines investment in East, Lucy focused on business development and geographic a diversified portfolio of exquisite properties located in some expansion for numerous firms before founding her own compaof the world’s most desirable locations, with holidays accessed ny, The Elements Group in 2011. The Elements Group enjoys a through a luxury destination and lifestyle club. Members are strong reputation for creating bespoke like-minded successful individuals from events focused on thought leadership. the worlds of business, media, fashion With such a busy lifestyle and a and sport, including Tennis Player Tim MORE ABOUT LUCY CHOW: strong passion for travel, Lucy was Henman, Golfer Francesco Molinaro Lucy holds an EMBA from Kellogg looking for something a bit differand F1 Driver Tomas Berdych.

Graduate School of Management ent when it came to spending her They are savvy investors, who also Northwestern University and HK precious down time with her hushave a passion for luxurious properUniversity of Science &Technology. She earned her BA in International Relations band. “My husband, Ray and I were ties in exclusive locations around the from the University of British Columbia. researching various holiday vacation world, yet very little time to allocate to She is currently the Co-Chair of clubs. He saw an advert for The holiday planning. The Hideaways Club 85Broads UAE, sits on the Events Hideaways Club in the FT ‘How to represents a unique way to own part Committee of The Capital Club (a Spend It’ magazine. I asked a few of a global property portfolio enabling prestigious private business and social trusted friends about their views of Members to holiday in a variety of club located in the Dubai International Financial Centre), and founded the The Hideaways Club and we were stunning locations around the world Dubai Chapter of Room to Read. She introduced to one of the original all supported by a first-class Concierge also sits on the UAE committee for founders. We were drawn to the team based in London and also at each Acumen and actively fundraises. concept of owning a share of this property.

Lucy was featured in the photography luxury property portfolio. So when KM caught up with Lucy to chat book, Women of the UAE. She was one we saw the quality and location of about her passion for travel, what her of Ahlan’s Hot100 in 2012, under the apartments in The City Collection, role and involvement with The HideEntrepreneur category. Lucy contributes regularly to both radio and print media in we were sold. It suited our lifestyle. aways Club means to her and how it her role as a business leader in the UAE. We have since also invested in The has dramatically enhanced her precious For more information about The Classic Collection that offers Villas downtime and opened up a whole new Hideaways Club, its destinations and Ski Chalets. I was very pleased to world of luxury holidays.

Summer 2014

and how to join, visit http://www. thehideawaysclub.com or call +44 20 7824 9940

22

A la Une

by Beatrice Boardman

The Hideaways Club Lucy Chow

www.khaleejmadame.com

23

Khaleej Madame Mala Strana, Prague, Czech Republic

Trillium, Singapore Santisook, Phuket, Thailand

1. Where are you from originally and how did you come to live in the UAE? I am Canadian, but have been an expat for about 20 years. My family and I moved to the UAE in late 2007 when my husband was offered the opportunity to move here with his company. Prior to coming to Dubai we were living and working in Hong Kong.

at Villa Santisook in Phuket. The villa staff were highly attentive and we had the most amazing cook. The location was perfect.

We could walk across the street to a local private beach. The villa is set upon a hill overlooking the Andaman Sea. We had a total of 4 families in the stunning villa with its own private gym, billiards room and the most heavenly infinity pool.

2. Why did you decide to join The Hideaways Club?

It is definitely a lifestyle enhancer, whilst at the same time it serves to diversify our investment portfolio. It is a smart business model.

4. You are also a member of the City Collection.

Which is your favourite City apartment in The Hideaways Club?

Honestly it is so difficult to choose. We have been to Rome, Prague, London and Singapore, but we have to admit the New York apartment right in Times Square holds a special affinity for us. It was the very first apartment we ever visited and the minute we stepped through the door, we knew we had made the right choice in

3. Can you tell us about your favourite villa in The Hideaways Club Classic Collection?

We have not been to every one, or even 1/10 of all the villas, but we brought back some wonderful memories with our stay Summer 2014

24

A la Une becoming a Hideaways Club Member! You can get a sense of the awe-inspiring views from the apartment on the website, but it is located right in the heart of everything - the apartment is within a 5-minute walk of every Broadway theatre. It’s so easy to access if you need to go uptown or downtown in Manhattan. My son Max thinks it is our apartment in NY and I guess technically, it is!

5. How has The Hideaways Club enhanced your way of vacationing?

As long-term expats, we wanted to find a way of bringing friends and family from the 4 corners of the earth together with us. The size of the villas and even the City apartments are perfect for getting groups together. The Concierge Service is indispensable!

Not only can they manage the itineraries of all your guests, but also they even managed to arrange a surprise visit from a baby elephant one year when we were in Thailand. The kids were over the moon! The Hideaways Club has a central Concierge Team based in London and also Local Concierges at each destination.

Broadway Penthouse, New York City, USA

Kensington Gardens, London, UK

6. Would you recommend The Hideaways Club to friends and other parents for family holidays?

My family and I are huge proponents of The Hideaways Club.

They partnered with Exclusive Estates in early 2013, giving Members access to stunning residences primarily in North America and Mexico. This combined with their existing portfolio in Europe, Asia and South Africa essentially provides a portfolio that covers the world. The residences are equipped to welcome families with babies to teenagers! It’s perfect for multifamily and multi-generational holidays.

7. Where are you heading on holiday to next?

We are excited to be going home to Vancouver, Canada for the Summer break (waiting for The Hideaways Club to buy an apartment in that fabulous City one day!). But we will also spend two weeks in New York in August and that means staying in our favourite apartment on Broadway! Later in the year we have booked Villa Infinity in Portugal. It looks absolutely stunning and very contemporary. That’s the joy of the Club - the diversity of luxury properties from authentic Tuscan villas with breath-taking views to state-of-the-art modern contemporary Villas.

8. From all of your travels and globetrotting, what are the 3 things you can’t travel without?

My Blackberry, Tom Ford makeup and Ordning & Reda passport holder and travel wallet! www.khaleejmadame.com

25

Khaleej Madame Breathtaking Scenery

The Road Less

TRAVELLED The World At Her Feet is a women’s travel group in the UAE expanding the horizons of its female clientele and forging life-long friendships.

F

or Paulomi Bhatt, travel is a way of life, a passion she has had since childhood when she remembers many hours spent dreaming of far away places and imagining exploring them all.

When the female entrepreneur recognised a gap in the market that would indulge her wanderlust, it was a dream come true. During her conversations with other women, Paulomi saw that the majority of them would love to travel more but felt restricted for a number of reasons, such as having an overworked spouse who couldn’t get the time off work, not knowing how to go about organising their trip, or feeling nervous about traveling

alone. Likewise, the traditional ‘package’ holiday wasn’t something they were inspired by either. And so, The World At Her Feet was born, a unique travel group based in the UAE for women between the ages of 25 and 70 and limited to only 10 to 20 participants on each vacation.

The company provides safe trips for women to a number of stunning locations and includes sightseeing tours, wellness tours and culinary tours, as well as family trips during the holiday periods. What underpins them all is the desire to travel together and have fun. According to Paulomi it is a formula that has proved very successful: ‘‘The response has been tremendous.

Summer 2014

26

Many women are looking for opportunities to travel and this gives them an option to join others with a common goal. It’s great to see so many female travellers here in the UAE looking to join travel groups.’’

Over the years, the destinations have expanded and now include Hong Kong, Russia, South America, Iceland, Galapagos, the Amazon Basin, South Africa and Georgia. Paulomi selects several countries first and then gives clients the opportunity to vote and make the final decision on where to go: “This allows them to interact and get involved from the very beginning.

The group is about them so they have to be part of the selection process,’’ she explains.

A la Une

by Samantha Armstrong

‘Lasting Friendships’ at Gullfoss

‘Road Trip’ at Assam and Nagaland

Paulomi is assisted by local tour guides on each of the trips, as well as a coach who frequently joins the groups. One of the main priorities is safety and Paulomi believes that this is what gives the women the confidence to travel to places they may otherwise not have felt comfortable going alone. “We travel as a group of women but we partner up with experienced tour operators who are equipped for all sorts of emergencies, so it’s not simply us packing off and trekking the world on our own. We offer different experiences and well-trained guides who can handle any situation so there’s no question of not being safe. Because each trip is varied, the logistics differ tremendously but safety is the focus throughout.’’

For Nancy Shaikh who recently experienced her first trip with The World At Her Feet to Iceland, it was a truly liberating adventure. “I love to travel but everyone in the family likes different things so it can be hard to find a common destination. TravelVisiting The Pyramids of Giza, Egypt

ling with the group there were no moans and groans or anyone dragging their heels because everyone wanted to be there. It gave me a real sense of independence and freedom. The trip was made all the more memorable because we all got on so well.’’

Paulomi agrees that this sense of sharing in the experience and the excitement is what makes the concept so special. “These days more and more women are travelling alone whether married or single and joining a women’s travel group is ideal as you are in an environment of like-minded travellers.’’

And with plans for more destinations, as well as broadening the scope of the holidays, there is no doubt that Paulomi is in her element watching others expand their horizons and see the world. “As an individual, travel allows you to grow. For me the journey is not the final destination but the process and the learning along the way.” she adds.

For more information, visit: www.theworldatherfeet.com

A Recent Trip To Iceland Ladies in Reykjavík

A Breath of Fresh Air

www.khaleejmadame.com

27

Khaleej Madame

Rebecca Performing a Viora Infusion Treatment

Viora Infusion (40 minutes) AED 500

Summer 2014

28

BEAUTÉ

by Samantha Armstrong

TRIED & TESTED

BRIGHTEN & REVIVE

POST-HOLIDAY Skin R

ebecca Treston is Dubai’s go-to girl when it comes to aesthetics; a highly experienced beauty and laser therapist with over ten years in the UAE, she is skilled in treating a variety of skin complaints and conditions. Based in Euromed Clinic on Jumeirah Beach Road, one of Rebecca’s latest treatment gems is the Viora Infusion electro-mesotherapy. It is a needle-free alternative to traditional mesotherapy and can be used to target a number of face and body concerns. The Intensive Hydration option is designed to restore moisture balance and address the signs of premature aging. The treatment works using small electric currents, in conjunction with specially developed ionic solutions, to penetrate and nourish the skin from the inside out.

After the hydrating serum is massaged in, electrical impulses are used to create channels in the skin and open the pores so that the product is absorbed into the deeper layers of the dermis. The sensation is unusual, as opposed to painful, and it feels like a se-

ries of very small pinpricks, which become easier to tolerate after the first few minutes. The therapist concentrates on one side and then the other, before finishing with a soothing algae mask to calm the skin and combat any redness that occurs.

The perfect tonic for skin that is feeling dry, dull and lifeless after your travels, the Viora Infusion is a great way to see results without the use of needles. It leaves you looking fresher, firmer and more relaxed after one session, although it is recommended to repeat the treatment on an ongoing basis to achieve lasting results.

MORE INFO Rebecca Treston@Euromed, Jumeirah Beach Road, Jumeirah 3 – Villa 611 www.euromedclinicdubai.com

www.khaleejmadame.com

29

Khaleej Madame Bio Aesthetic Room

The Instant Vitality

BOOSTER

TRIED & TESTED Beauty treatments are no longer just about pampering and facials.

This Summer, the best spa retreats will give your whole body –

by Louise Watts including your mind, a boost too.

DNA CENTER FOR INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE AND WELLNESS, SAADIYAT ISLAND, ABU DHABI WHAT IS IT?

Nestled within The Collection complex of the The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, this brand new center is a secret that is too good not to share. Not just a clinic offering amazing cosmetic treatments, the DNA Center for Integrative Medicine and Wellness is a one-stop-shop for health and wellbeing.

Their approach is simple: to merge cutting-edge Western science with ancient

Eastern therapies. Therefore treating the person as a whole - mind, body and spirit - rather than solely treating separate symptoms. Boasting state-of-the-art facilities plus a team of multidisciplinary experts, including nutritionists, spiritual coaches, exercise physiologists, doctors and nurses, plus bio-aestheticians, it has everything you need to be healthy and beautiful.

AMBIENCE:

Peaceful with a tranquil decor that boasts a feng shui feel. The interiors were designed to resemble a rainforest; the reception area has a large wall garden covered with green plants from floor to ceiling and

Summer 2014

30

a soothing waterfall feature lends a chic edge to a medicinal core.

WHAT’S ON OFFER?

What’s not on offer? The DNA center is large and comprehensive. Thanks to their various health packages all based on DNA mapping and genetic profiling, you can try everything here, such as: full body scans to discover what the future might hold (including screening for cancer, heart disease, diabetes, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, severe autoimmune disorders, food sensitivities and allergies); stress and nutrition solutions; rehabilitation and injury management; lifestyle coach-

Beauté ing; yoga and other spiritual therapies in additon to cosmetic assessments and bio-aesthetic treatments.

THE TREATMENTS:

On the beauty front, all those pesky issues can be tackled: varicose veins, stretch marks, sagging necks, sunspots, frown lines, cellulite. All treatments are non-invasive and designed by LA nurse and global skincare expert, Jamie Sherrill (aka Hollywood’s ‘Nurse Jamie’). Counting high-profile actresses such as Kirsten Dunst, Jessica Alba and Jennifer Love Hewitt as clients, I was keen to try Nurse Jamie’s Signature Facial to see if I too could achieve the red carpet look.

The treatment was performed by the knowledgeable Nurse Dorrie who trained with Sherrill at her Beauty Park Medicinal Spa in Los Angeles and who is now the permanent bio-aesthetician at DNA clinic.

Dorrie explains that with this facial, you will see immediate tightening and brightening results as it’s ideal for those with sun spots, pigmentation and fine lines. The whole treatment lasts less than an hour and combines a clay mask containing volcanic rock and green tea extract to exfoliate the skin, with ‘skin stamping’ (a small hand held stamp that has tiny needles to help push vital ingredients into the pores) with Nurse Jamie’s EGF serum (Epidermal Growth Factor) boasting apple and grape extracts. Next up: a Photo Facial Laser that is responsible for the ‘lifting and tightening’ of your skin. This takes only minutes and like the skin stamping, is not painful or uncomfortable at all.

Finally, Dorrie cleanses my face with rose water and vitamin C and hands me a mirror to see the result. My face looks smooth, soft and glowing and most startling of all, I am back to work in an hour as I don’t look at all as if I have been “skin stamped” or lasered. The best thing about the treatment is that the results last for weeks afterwards.

Consultation Room DNA Center - Lobby

The Signature Facial, AED 1,000, DNA Center for Integrative Medicine and Wellness, Saadiyat Island Abu Dhabi, 02 610 9000.

WHO’S IT FOR?

Anyone. It’s the ideal place to go if you want to focus on your health or address a particular issue – mental, physical or emotional. Plus, the bio-aesthetic treatments are top-notch with a wide and varied treatment menu - perfect for your preholiday preparation. www.khaleejmadame.com

31

Khaleej Madame

TOP TIPS ON ACHIEVING A

Light Summer Photo by Richard Phibbs

LOOK C

Clinique Global Colour Artist Jenna Menard Creates a Breadth of Looks Using the NEW All About Shadow Jenna’s Essentials Palette

linique Global Colour Artist Jenna Menard created 5 looks using the NEW Clinique All About Shadow Jenna’s Essentials Quad.

Inspired by Jenna Menard’s own makeup kit, the Quad is an essential go-to palette perfect for every woman. The Jenna’s Essentials palette includes a white shimmer (Shade 1), a soft matte brown (Shade 2), a shimmering taupe (Shade 3) and a shimmering midnight (Shade 4). These shades were selected as a staple for every woman’s makeup bag. No matter what look she is creating, this palette will help achieve it with ease.

Jenna Menard created looks from natural to dramatic on 2 models to show

the versatility of the Jenna’s Essentials palette. The white shimmer and the shimmering taupe are ideal for highlights.

Whether skin is light or dark, these colours can be used on different areas of the eye to bring light and reflection and highlight specific areas. The soft matte brown and shimmering midnight can be used for defining and contouring. These colours provide the ability to create depth and dimension on all skin tones. Women can create amazing looks with this palette alone, or use the palette in combination with other colours to create an even wider range of looks.

Jenna Menard explains how to get the looks with Clinique:

Summer 2014

32

Beauté

Soft Definition

High Impact Mascara – AED123

“A graphic eye can easily be created with shadow for a look that is timeless yet modern. I created a soft-winged eye using shadow as liner. This look beautifully accentuates the eyes’ natural shape and helps define the lash line. This soft defined eye calls for a bolder lip which creates a statement look without being overdone.”

All About Shadow (quad) – AED190

All About Shadow Primer for Eyes – AED 105

Long Last Glosswear – AED 118

NATURAL ELEGANCE

Quickliner for Eyes Intense – AED115

“Every woman is in search of a natural look that is simple and easy while still looking polished and put together. This look can be created with a simple wash of colour in a single shimmery shade. Whether you don’t wear any makeup or you want an easy makeup day, this look is for you.”

ply the same shade under the lower lashes and on the eyes’ inner corner to add glow. l High Impact Mascara in Black/ Brown – apply an even layer of mascara on top lashes. l Bottom Lash Mascara in Black– apply on bottom lashes and the inner corners of top lashes to make eyes pop.

EYES:

CHEEKS:

l All About Shadow Primer for Eyes – begin by applying the primer across the lid using the doe foot wand and blending with finger. l All About Shadow in Jenna’s Essentials – apply Shade 1 all over the lid with the Shadow Brush, blending up to the brow. Ap-

Blushing Blush in Aglow - keep the look easy with a hint of natural colour on cheeks.

LIPS:

Long Last Glosswear in Air Kiss – add a subtle hint of colour on the lips to finish off the look with polish.

EYES:

l All About Shadow Primer for Eyes – begin by applying the primer across the lid using the doe foot wand and blending with finger. l Quickliner for Eyes Intense in Intense Chocolate – work the liner into the upper lashes and blend with the Eye Definer brush. Extend the line out beyond the edge of the eye to create a graphic effect. Perfect the line as needed with a slim cotton tip. l All About Shadow in Jenna’s Essentials – press Shade 2 into the liner using the Eye Liner Brush. Using the Shadow Brush, pat Shade 3 on to the lid and inner corners of the eyes. With the same brush, sweep Shade 3 under lower lashes. l Superfine Liner for Brows in Soft Brown – strengthen the eyebrows by filling in sparse areas to naturally frame the eyes. l High Impact Mascara in Black/ Brown – apply a coat to top lashes to add definition.

CHEEKS:

Blushing Blush in Pink Love - blend into the apples of cheeks for a natural, flushed glow.

LIPS:

l High Impact Lip Colour in Red-y to Wear – add a pop of colour to an otherwise neutral palette with a red hued lip. l Chubby Stick Intense Moisturizing Lip Colour Balm in Mightiest Maraschino– finish off the look and keep lips moisturized with a swipe of lip balm in a complimentary red hue.

www.khaleejmadame.com

33

Khaleej Madame

TO P T I P S F O R M A I N TA I N I N G

Healthy Hair This

SUMMER Director of Nanogen Expert Hair Research and Founder of Perfect Look Centre, Amit Sodha boasts 25 years of expertise in the hair care industry across Canada, Dubai and India.

A

mit has done extensive research on treatment for hair loss in Canada from the early age of 18 and has a personal interest in the field. He is instrumental in setting up the Perfect Look Center in Dubai to provide worldclass hair care technologies in the region for individuals with hair problems.

He has several years of experience with treatments such as CTR (Cosmetic Transdermal Reconstruction), the world’s first skin-based hair system and Versacchi Wet Line products among several others.

Recently, he has initiated the launch of Nanogen in Dubai. Nanogen is a revered brand in the UK and the thought behind introducing the brand in Dubai was that the harsh weather conditions in the region cause severe damage to hair for both men and women. Amit developed www.nanogen.ae to make it convenient for residents to buy Nanogen products.

A firm believer in providing customers with the latest, effective and safe products,

Amit’s esteemed clientele includes individuals from across GCC, ME and India.

He has also helped several high profile individuals including popular socialites and Bollywood celebrities treat their hair problems with products such as the Perfect Look Lace. Here, Amit gives KM Readers his five top tips on how to maintain healthy hair this Summer: 1. If you are experiencing thin hair or hair loss, the first step would be to see a hair specialist to find out why. Some of the reasons for thinning hair and hair loss could be poor diet and stress. One very talked about reason for thin hair and hair loss in Dubai has been the water. This has still not been proven but the debate continues among the hair care industry.

Regardless of the reasons, if you are not happy with your hair, try to do something about it early on.

2. Try and give your hair and scalp a good 3-5 minute massage 3 to 4 times a week.

This will help circulation and relax your

Summer 2014

34

scalp, which is important for healthy hair growth. One of the best times to do this is when you apply a good quality conditioner to the hair and scalp.

3. Due to the climate conditions we live in, it is always advisable to drink plenty of water to maintain not only health hair but also healthy skin.

4. Use the right type of products for your hair and scalp. Choose a shampoo that will thoroughly cleanse your scalp and a conditioner that will add thickness to your hair without weighting the hair down. It is always advisable to use products that are free of Parabens and SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate).

5. If you are already experiencing a lot of hair fall and thin hair, avoid blow drying your hair on a regular basis and avoid doing any chemical treatments such as straightening or better known here as rebonding, since chemicals used in performing these treatments do not help your hair at all.

BeautĂŠ

by Mr. Amit Sodha, Founder of Perfect Look Centre and Hair Loss Expert

Nanogen 3x Thickening ConditionerBox

Nanogen 3x Hair Growth Serum Box

Nanogen 3x Hair Thickening ShampooBox

www.khaleejmadame.com

35

Khaleej Madame CLARINS SUN CARE OIL SPRAY UVA/UVB 30

Torn between cream or oil protection this Summer? This beautifying and high protection oil wins hands down. Enriched with a nourishing elixir, an extract from an Indonesian tree that offers ‘a thousand benefits’, skin is left feeling soft, supple, nourished and protected against premature aging and other damaging effects of the sun. The powerful plant extracts reinforce the skin’s natural defenses and the moisturising effects of this luxurious oil last longer than your average sun protection cream. Just avoid using it with white swimwear as it may have a temporary staining effect, but otherwise, bathe in the stuff and your skin will thank you for it!

AED 155. Available at all leading beauty retailers across the UAE.

Travel

ESSENTIALS Are you notoriously bad at traveling light?

D

o you find that it’s usually the beauty items that weigh down your suitcase as you never know what you might need and want to be ready for all beauty eventualities? I’ve been on a mission to seek out a selection of the best essential beauty items to take on your travels, so you can jet off a little lighter this Summer!

Are you notoriously bad at travelling light? Jet off a little lighter this Summer with our streamlined selection of the best essential beauty items for Summer Sun.

Summer 2014

36

Beauté

by Beatrice Boardman

HERRA PROTECT HAIR PERFUME

SUNDARI HONEY & ENZYME EXFOLIATING SERUM

Making its US debut at New York Fashion Week S/S14, Herra Protect Hair Perfume fast became a celebrity beauty ‘must-have.’

The luxurious daily weightless hair treatment protects and hydrates the hair shielding the hair against everyday stresses. Use to refresh and hydrate your tresses throughout the day perfect for taking you from the beach to sun downers in an instant!

AED 185 for 50ml.

Available at Harvey Nichols, Dubai; Bloomingdales, Dubai and branches of Sisters Beauty Lounge across the UAE.

The high performance 100% chemical free award-winning brand Sundari is founded by non other than super model, Christy Turlington. Sundari’s new Honey and Enzyme Exfoliating Serum smells divinely fresh and boasts a light refreshing texture that glides onto the skin to be quickly absorbed allowing its key active ingredients to increase skin cell turnover, smooth fine lines and wrinkles and control dryness and dehydration. Protein of oat amino acids combined with essential minerals provides soothing relief for sensitive and stressed skin - perfect for tackling any redness caused by overexposure to the sun.

AED 290 for 29ml. The Sundari Range is currently available in: Anahata Spa, Burj Al Arab, Anantara Palm Jumeirah.

PRO-COLLAGEN EYE RENEWAL

SACHAJUAN SUN

This handy little travelsized pump is perfect for slipping into your handbag ready for a little rejuvenation midflight or before landing and once at your destination, dab it on morning and evening for an anti-aging treatment for the delicate eye area. The powerful anti-wrinkle formula protects the elasticity of the skin and has a firming and restructuring effect. The delicate eye area will look significantly younger and feel noticeably firmer and smoother with prolonged use.

AED 496 for 15ml. Available at Bloomingdale’s Dubai, Debenhams, Mirdif City Centre

Take care of your hair this Summer with Sachajuan’s new hair care products both with Ocean Silk Technology to protect, condition and restore shine to the hair and both bursting with a light, fresh Summer fragrance to leave you feeling beautifully feminine from roots to tips. Hair In The Sun has a UV-filter that stays in the hair even after a bath or shower and it also works as a styling cream to help keep your hair in place while your enjoying the sun. Hair After The Sun highly conditions and restores shine to the hair after exposure to sunlight and can be left in or rinsed out as desired.

AED 120. Available at Harvey Nichols, Dubai www.khaleejmadame.com

37

MAKE-UP

Khaleej Madame

UNE KOHL ULTRA BLACK EYELINER

ELEMENTAL HERBOLOGY SUN KISS BODY HYDRATOR WITH SELF TAN Don’t have time to head to the beach and get that all over ‘glow’ before jetting off on your holidays? Try the ‘do it yourself’ method with Elemental Herbology Sun Kiss Body Hydrator With Self Tan. An eco-certified, awardwinning favourite of celebrities such as Sienna Miller & Gwyneth Paltrow, this daily body hydrator with softening oils will leave your skin looking and feeling healthy with a natural and healthy glow. It also helps to prolong the life of your tan once you’ve got one and protects your skin by boosting antioxidant activity whilst its lightweight texture allows the skin to breathe; cooling, calming and nourishing over-exposed skin.

AED 220 for 220ml. Elemental Herbology is 100% chemical free brand and is available at 1847 Emirates Towers, 1847 Jumeirah Beach Road, 1847 Dubai Grosvenor House Hotel, and Cryotherapy Spa.

SUPERGOOP CITY AND SAND SUNSCREEN TRAVEL TOTE

Whilst you might not need an eyeliner during the hot Summer days, extra definition to add a bit of glamour at night never goes amiss. UNE Kohl Ultra Black eyeliner boasts a formula rich in natural protective oils and an ultragliding texture making application easy, soft and comfortable leaving eyes intensely black in one stroke.

Ingredients are 100% of natural origin.

AED 58. Available at Vavavoom, Beauty Bay and selected Debenhams stores across the UAE.

Whether you’re off for a city break or beach holiday, this convenient all-in-one sunscreen travel tote will keep your family’s skin hydrated and protected from the sun. Award-winning sun care brand, Supergoop! boasts a unique sunscreen formula that is skin-safe for people of all ages - even infants. It is made without controversial ingredients like oxybenzone, plus the waterresistant formula provides longer lasting protection. The Travel Tote comprises a set of Supergoop’s ultra-light, broad spectrum sun protection essentials to prepare and protect the skin from environmental stresses, UV damage and premature aging. Set Includes: SPF 30+City Sunscreen Serum for Travel (20 ml); SPF 30+ Mint Fusion Lip Balm (15ml); SPF 30 Everyday UV Lotion for Face and Body (1.6 fl oz); SPF 40 Sunscreen Day Cream for Body (1fl oz).

AED 275. Supergoop! is available at Marriott Saray Spa, Dubai, Make Up Etc, Dubai, Park Hyatt, Dubai, Kempenski Palm Jumeirah.

Summer 2014

38

RIMMEL LONDON STAY BLUSHED

Sizzling Summer temperatures mean less is more when it comes to makeup and Rimmel London’s new liquid cheek tint is all you’ll need for a subtle healthy blush day or night. Achieve an instant flush of color, with a natural looking finish. The cleverly colour matched tubes are the perfect size to pop into any make-up bag and the new long wear formula will keep your naturallooking flush of colour lasting up to 24 hours.

AED 25 for 14ml. Available in Boots, Lifestyle and Carrefour stores across the UAE.

Beauté UNE INTUITIVE TOUCH BB-CREAM FOUNDATION

Now here’s a multi-tasking product that packs a punch! 7 benefits in one ultra slim pocket-sized compact. No matter the climate or effects of the weather at your holiday destination, this little gem will rectify all making imperfections disappear and leaving you with a subtle, but radiant finish. Using a combination of waxes (carnauba wax and beeswax) that melt at different temperatures on the skin, Intuitive Touch BB-Cream Foundation smoothes like a foundation, but with an undetectable, ‘no make-up’ effect - perfect for that light Summer look. Additionally, it corrects; moisturises; boosts skin’s radiance; matifies; nourishes; and protects against free radicals and harmful environmental aggressions. What’s not to love!

AED 121. Available at Vavavoom, Beauty Bay and selected Debenhams stores across the UAE.

GUERLAIN MAXI LASH VOLUME CREATING, CURL SCULPTING WATERPROOF MASCARA The slick, ultra-feminine, ultra-stylish metallic silver packaging had me at the ‘get-go,’ but the performance of the mascara itself sealed the deal. Cils d’Enfer defines and intensifies eyes with a genius formula whose secret is a combination of waterproof volumizing and styling waxes.

These work together to add dramatic volume and curl to the entire lash line, all in a single stroke. Each new coat layers up lightly to offer made-tomeasure volume and impeccable wear. The innovative brush, with its round, generous shape, sculpts curls to perfection and maximizes volume hour after hour. Feel glamorous day or night. Water, heat, humidity?

– nothing is too much for this new mascara. It even survived being put through its paces in the gym, now that’s impressive!

AED 171. Available at Guerlain counters at leading beauty retailers across the UAE.

GUERLAIN SUMMER 2014 COLLECTION, GLOSS D’ENFER LIP GLOSS

Indulge your lips with this deceptively innocent, but deliciously provocative gloss... Gloss d’Enfer gives your smile A-list appeal. Its lusciously lightweight texture glides onto lips as effortlessly as laughter. Which shade for which smile?

Nahéma Smack is a bright orange with the spontaneity of a stolen kiss, Pink Clip is an irresistibly mischievous sunset pink, and Browny Clap a delectable caramel.

Ultra-shiny shades for a luminous, ultra-sensual pout.

AED 158. Available at Guerlain counters at leading beauty retailers across the UAE.

GUERLAIN LIMITED EDITION TERRACOTTA SUN CELEBRATION BRONZING POWDER & BLUSH Looking for an instant bronzing effect?

Guerlain is celebrating its 30th anniversary with a truly dazzling bronzing powder, Terracotta Sun Celebration. A bronzing powder and blush rolled into one, this multi-tasking compact creates a sublime sun-kissed glow at a stroke. The soft, lightweight formula replicates a natural healthy glow and brings a fresh flush of colour to cheeks.

Flaming orange, burnished brown, sensual golden shimmer and sunset pink... a mesmerizing alchemy of sun-drenched shades. As round as the sun and as smooth as a pebble, the ebony-tint wood compact, embossed with the image of a flaming sun conceals a wide mirror in the upper part of the compact. Utterly luxurious, completely irresistible.

AED 352. Available at Guerlain counters at leading beauty retailers across the UAE.

www.khaleejmadame.com

39

Khaleej Madame

Stay fresh and floral this Summer as KM brings you a round up of the latest Summer fragrances for 2014.

2

1 BOURJOIS ‘GLAMOUR LOVELY’ This modern and cheerful floral fruity fragrance is gentle but sparkling, delicate but assertive. When Bourjois enhances the rose, it appears over a green and fruity glimmering bouquet, blossoms out with the freshness of jasmine and continues in the voluptuousness of a soft and enveloping musky trail. A tender but lively Eau de Parfum.

AED 125 for 80ml and AED 90 for 50ml.

Available in Faces, Boots, Lifestyle stores across the UAE.

1

2 MARC JACOBS DAISY, DELIGHT EDITION

A luminous bouquet of fresh-picked florals, Daisy Delight Edition is a vibrant expression of Daisy signature. The fragrance blooms into a burst of quince flower and iris, brightened with crisp red apple and softened with hints of gardenia and peony. Sun-ripened woods and musks dry down to a warm sensual embrace. The playful decorative bottle makes a bold statement in vivid colours of the season.

AED 310 for 50ml Eau de Toilette.

3 SEE BY CHLOÉ EAU FRAÎCHE

See by Chloé introduces Eau Fraîche. A new poetic and airy fragrance that evokes the freshness of a blooming flower. The most recent addition to the See by Chloé line unfolds with boldness in a flourish of modernity. The first poetic notes of water hyacinth are blended with that of apple blossom and jasmine. A sophisticated vetiver base note brings presence and character. Feminine and light, See by

5

Chloé Eau Fraîche evokes the gentleness of a walk through Paris swathed in a fresh and delicate fragrance. Curious, mischievous and fun.

AED 300, 50ml Eau de Toilette.

4 KEDU BY MEMO FRAGRANCES

Memo is the expression of creator Clara Molloy’s innovative and eclectic style inspired by her voyages, Spanish origins

Summer 2014

40

7

Beauté mer days too. Clinique’s upbeat floral fragrance captures the feeling of a world suddenly in bloom and makes your world sweeter, softer, brighter. Limited edition.

4

AED 270 for 75ml Eau de Parfum.

Available at Bloomingdales Dubai.

6 MARINA DE BOURBON, GOLDEN DYNASTIE

6

3

Summer

SCENTS and her love of poetry. Kedu, is the new Memo creation and the first composition in the Graines Vagabondes fragrance collection for men and women inspired by remarkable destinations around the world. Kedu opens us to a world brimming with life, its primary ingredient is sesame, the symbol of longevity in Asia. The scent unfolds on contact with grapefruit, neroli, white musk and moss to form an enchanting spell. Sesame and

grapefruit come together and merge like the landscape that inspired them, the high plain of Kedu.

AED 910 for 75ml Eau de Parfum.

Available at Bloomingdales Dubai.

5 CLINIQUE HAPPY IN BLOOM

This delightfully feminine fragrance might be everything we love about Spring in a bottle, but it is perfect for hot Sum-

The highly revered French perfume house finds its home in the beautiful city of Versailles, Paris, and was founded by French Princesse Marina de Bourbon, married to André Prince de Bourbon- Parme. The iconic bestselling Golden Dynastie Eau de Parfum, launched in Paris in late 2012 and has recently become available in the Middle East. It has become a symbol of opulence, luxury, prestige, quality, individualism, confidence and beauty. The Fruity-Floral-Musky fine fragrance opens up with sparkling orange, fresh apple and green harmony, then harmonizes with romantic rose, elegant hyacinth and vibrant violet at the heart, finally closing with the warm and enveloping notes of sensual sandalwood, rich cedar wood and luminous white musk.

Available in one size of 100ml at leading beauty retailers across the UAE. Price upon request.

7 BOTTEGA VENETA ESSENCE AROMATIQUE

Fresh at first, this unexpectedly new interpretation of a classic Cologne reveals richer notes, making it feminine, more centered.

A refreshing yet warm and delicate ambery scent captivates the senses whilst wrapping you in comfort. First impressions of an aromatic breeze are followed by refined, rounded notes, leaving an unforgettable trail of fresh sophistication that is elegantly textured to last. A top accord of essences of Italian Bergamot and Ukrainian Coriander, fresh and slightly spicy Turkish Rose absolute is at the heart of the fragrance, accented by a touch of Patchouli essence from Indonesia. Notes of Australian Sandalwood are woven through the base giving an exquisite texture to the composition.

AED 315 for 50ml and AED 410 for 90ml.

www.khaleejmadame.com

41

Khaleej Madame

DARK SPOT CORRECTORS AND SUN Damage Control E

ven when using UVA/UVB protection, for those of us who make a habit of enjoying the sun more than our daily recommended dose of Vitamin D would suggest, unwanted side effects such as premature aging and pigmentation are the cosmetic price we have to pay for it in the long run. Luckily for us, the beauty industry are on it and there are many clinically proven creams and serums to help prevent and mitigate this damage. KM takes a closer look at a few of our favourites so far.

1 AR457 METASERUM ELIXIR

Argan oil is the natural focus of ar457 skincare line and the key to its virtuous code: ‘ar’ for argan, ‘4’ for 4 tocopherols, ‘5’ for 5 phytosterols and ‘7’ for 7 biomolecules. Argan oil is a very rare and precious oil, which has been used for centuries by the Berber tribes of Morocco. It is made up of tocopherols, which are natural antioxidants, and therefore essential in preventing the skin’s ageing process and the formation of wrinkles.

With the discovery of its potent qualities in recent times, experts have named argan oil as the biggest beauty breakthrough of the 21st century. Favoured by the likes of Kylie Minogue and her make-up artist (whose clients also include Holly Valance, Minnie Driver and Jamiroquai), ar457 Metaserum Elixir is a powerful serum that produces a spectacular lifting effect on your face and neck, bringing firmness and elasticity back to your skin. Contained in a beautiful glass bottle, the serum is infused with highly-concentrated active ingredients such as pure argan oil and a powerful complex of nutritive natural

ingredients for anti-ageing and inhibiting skin problems. The serum can even double up as a rescue serum for unexpected spots, minor burns, splitting nails and dry hair lengths.

4

Price: AED 455. Available through www. basharacare.com.

2 PHILOSOPHY BRIGHTEN MY DAY ALL-OVER SKIN PERFECTING BRIGHTENING ESSENCE Philosophy’s Brighten My Day All-Over Skin Perfecting Brightening Essence, is designed not only to reduce dark spots, but also to act on enlarged and darkened pores and diminish redness to achieve radiantly bright, flawlessly beautiful skin. The refreshingly light textured serum glides on to be effortlessly absorbed into the skin leaving it soft, silky and able to breathe perfect for the hot Summer months.

AED 325 for 30ml. Exclusively available at Sephora.

2 PHILOSOPHY BRIGHTEN MY DAY EXPERT DARK SPOT AND PORE WHITENING PEEL PEN This targeted high performance solution visibly brightens skin pigmentation, helps exfoliate skin and make dark spots and enlarged and darkened pores look less visible day after day. It features Philosophy’s breakthrough 10.3.3 brightening & perfecting complex, along with glycolic acid, a gold standard ingredient in peeling procedures, for enhanced efficacy to inspire radiantly bright, more even and beautiful skin. The

Summer 2014

42

2

Beauté

by Beatrice Boardman

1

EDITOR’S PICK

3 results? Dark spots are less visible and pores are refined; skin becomes brighter and more radiant with daily use.

AED 225. Exclusively available at Sephora.

3 GUERLAIN ABEILLE ROYALE DARK SPOT CORRECTOR AND PORE MINIMISER Guerlain’s research found that glabradin (from plant origin) brightens skin, whilst honey and royal jelly boost the skins repair processes and by blending these three key ingredients together, Guerlain created the Whitening Royal Concentrate. Guerlain has incorporated this powerful brightening accelerator at the heart of a new multi- corrective serum with an unprecedented texture, which acts simultaneously as a ‘surface healer’ to refine pores and recreate the texture, smoothness and evenness of flawless skin: Dark Spot Corrector Pore Minimizer.

The new Dark Spot Corrector Pore Minimizer offers powerful action on dark spot correction, combined with a refin-

ing action that helps to tighten pores. To retexturise the skin’s surface and immediately reduce pore visibility, its formula is enriched in refining and smoothing powders that create a ‘surface healing effect,’ improving the skin’s texture and leaving the complexion more even and luminous. The added bonus of the fresh floral fragrance makes this a beauty indulgence you’ll look forward to morning and night.

AED 615.

4 MORJANA RADIANCE ELIXIR

Guerlain Super Aqua Serum BB Hydra+ If BB Creams are becoming increasingly popular, it is because they meet a real need: the precise synthesis between skincare and make-up. However, many do not live up to their skincare promise and are not sufficiently moisturising to be worn alone.

This is certainly not true for Guerlain’s latest addition to their cult skincare range, Super Aqua Serum. BB Hydra+ offers the power of a serum in a BB cream. Infused with Super Aqua Serum, its unique formula concentrates Aquacomplex cell purification technology for intense, instant and lasting hydration.

In addition to SPF 25 protection for daytime use, the formula incorporates a broad-spectrum shield, which offers sun protection against all UV rays, especially and particularly against long UVA rays that penetrate most deeply into the skin and are therefore the most dangerous. Day after day, the skin is more resistant to dehydration factors.

In an invisible alchemy, a light texture and natural shades merge with the skin to create the perfect blend in two intensities: ‘light’ for fair to medium skin tones and ‘medium’ for medium to dark skin tones.

Intensely hydrated and protected, the skin immediately and lastingly recovers its natural perfection; the complexion is smooth and even, glowing with youth and beauty. AED 340 for 40ml.

Offer Your skin a real concentrate of radiance. This divine rose scented Elixir combines two highly performing ingredients - Dermawhite and precious Argan oil that work together to reduce pigmentation, prevent melanin formation and restore the elasticity of the skin. Your complexion is left even and radiant, age spots are visibly reduced. You recover a new skin, softer and brighter and rejuvenated.

AED 171. Available from Collection Privé, Email: info@collectionprive.com www.khaleejmadame.com

43

Khaleej Madame

The Secret Behind Lancaster’s

ANTI-AGING SUN CONTROL RANGE

L

ancaster Laboratories have found that 80% of the visible signs of skin ageing are due to sun exposure. This is why Lancaster Laboratories started a true revolution in the field of sun protection.

Whereas it was thought that only UVA and UVB rays were responsible for premature skin ageing, Lancaster Research has demonstrated the incontestable role played by infrared radiation. With a much longer wavelength than UVA and UVB radiation, infrared rays reach the deepest layers of the skin, accelerating loss of firmness and photo-aging.

To fight these rays, Lancaster has developed a unique cutting-edge technology. Now this optimal anti-ageing and anti-wrinkles protection is available with LANCASTER Sun Control collection.

Lancaster has incorporated all of its most high-performance technologies into the range to act at the root of pigmentation control and against all of the visible signs of ageing. These technologies include:

l The Anti-Ageing Complex - Composed of black pepper and soy extracts, acts on the extracellular matrix to boost collagen production and help the skin to produce hyaluronic acid naturally. l The DNA Protect Complex and DNA Repair Complex - Act in synergy to protect and above all, support the natural repair of cellular DNA. l The Melanin Inhibitor Complex - A combination of licorice, red algae and daisy extracts, which regulates melanin production and prevents dark spot formation, by limiting the transfer of melanin to the upper layers of the skin. l The Smart Tone Complex - Gently exfoliates the surface of the skin to create an even tan (found in Sun Control SPF 30 and Sun Control SPF 50 Body). l The Antioxidant Complex - Neutralises free radicals, which are responsible for premature ageing. l Bisabolol and shea butter - Provide a soothing action.

Summer 2014

44

KM caught up with Sophie Martin-Teillard, Vice President Marketing Lancaster to find out a little bit more about this revolutionary sun control range.

Why did you decide to relaunch your anti-aging sun care range?

Lancaster has always been a pioneer in sun protection bringing to the market the best of its latest researches for superior skin protection and repair. When Sun Age Control was launched in 2010, it was really innovative and integrated stateof-the-art technologies. Since then, we ran an important consumer study in key European markets that helped us understand better the needs of our consumers and adjust at best our offer by stretching our proposition beyond anti-ageing.

In addition, our laboratories made new discoveries allowing us to remain leaders in this skincare category and upgrade our offer. First, we introduced the IR technology, to have the most complete

Beauté and efficient protection of the market (UVA+UVB+Infrareds). Also, we integrated a new and more powerful antiageing complex, a reinforced anti-dark spot complex, and active ingredients to prevent sun sensitivity.

What are the claims and benefits for each product? l Sun Control SPF 50+ Face Protection is the highest protection of the range.

Boosted by the Melanin Inhibitor Complex, the formula counters dark spots at their root and gives to the skin a soft and luminous colour. Its nourishing texture comforts even dry skin and boosts a tan’s glow. l Sun Control SPF 30 Face Protection contains the exfoliating Smart Tone Complex, that smoothes the skin and flatters a tan, giving it a perfectly even appearance.

Its fine texture melts into the skin, leaving only a non-greasy velvety finish. l Sun Control SPF 50 Fluid main ‘plus’ boasts an ultra-practical travel-friendly bottle and its extra fluid texture is perfect for combination skins. It also contains Melanin Inhibitor Complex. l Eye Contour Cream SPF 50+ has been developed specifically to meet the needs of the extremely fine and delicate eye contour area. The light, non-greasy cream, incorporating the Melanin Inhibitor Complex, is gentle on sensitive skin and shields it against attack without stinging the eyes. l The SPF 50 Body Milk provides a shield against attack on the skin’s surface and deep down. It prevents sun-induced dryness and leaves the texture of the skin perfectly satin smooth. l Sun Control After Sun Balm concentrates the best of anti-ageing care in an incredible texture acting like a ‘second skin’; it reproduces the lipid organization of the skin’s surface to offer optimal comfort and repair.

the orange and white colours together convey both benefits of an efficient sun protection together with skincare, while keeping the ‘Lancaster signature’ clearly recognisable by our consumers. Since Sun Control is our most advanced sun protection, with all the attributes of a powerful anti-ageing care, it was the most relevant choice to accompany this relaunch.

What is your routine recommendation?

We recommend applying Sun Control on face, décolleté and body before sun exposure and reapplying frequently to maintain optimal protection. After sun exposure, the after sun should be applied to regenerate the skin overnight. For an even more powerful action, it can be used as a sleeping mask once a week.

For a stronger anti-ageing effect and an ideal even glow, we recommend applying Lancaster 365 Anti-Dark Spot Serum every day before your Sun Control protection and after sun exposure. Lancaster laboratories have proven that this routine multiplies by 2 the effectiveness of Sun Control on the parameters of an even complexion (dark spots, radiance, skin uniformity).

Lancaster’s Sun Control Skincare Range is available at leading cosmetics stores across the UAE.

Could you explain the choice of orange and white packaging?

We have explored several new designs with sun care consumers through consumer research and we learnt that www.khaleejmadame.com

45

Khaleej Madame

Nomination Italy bracelet 1105 dhs

Pink

TREATS Liu Jo blouse 925 dhs Liu Jo heels 1125 dhs

Summer 2014

46

TENDANCE Liu Jo bag 295 dhs

Nomination Italy ring 390 dhs

Liu Jo shorts 625 dhs

STOCKISTS: Liu Jo is available in the Dubai Mall (Tel. 04 339 9001) and in The Galleria Mall, Abu Dhabi (Tel. 02 626 6619) and in the House of Fraser, Abu Dhabi.

Nomination Italy jewelry is available at Galleries Lafayette (050 198 0099) in the Dubai Mall, in Arabian Center (04 256 5777) and in Marina Mall, Abu Dhabi (02 444 4699).

For more information go to www.liujo.com and www.nomination.com

www.khaleejmadame.com

47

Khaleej Madame Bloomingdale’s has recently welcomed NEOM Luxury Organics to its home fragrance range and their travel candle will lift your spirits after the longest journey: AED 97 Available from Bloomingdale’s Dubai’

Rediscover the romance of recording your trip in a holiday journal this year with the large leather map journal from contemporary stationery and homewares designer Atlas & I: AED 400 Available to order online from www. atlas-and-i.com

TRA Acces

Gucci’s classic Black Canvas Carry On Travel Bag is large enough for all your overnight essentials: AED 2,825 Available from www. theluxurycloset.com

Keep your makeup must-haves to hand in this juicy-hued Louis Vuitton number: Louis Vuitton Rouge Grenadine Vernis Cosmetic Pouch: AED 1,430 Available from www. theluxurycloset. com

Be prepared and be stylish with elegant accessories

When you are limited to one holiday handbag, strike just the right note with a roomy soft leather tote in an eye-popping colour, it will look chic during the day and stand out from the crowd after dark.

La Place Collection Vendome: AED 2,700

By Carolina Herrera

Comfort and style go in hand with Missoni’s printed espadrilles.

Ideal for wearing in-flight, these flats will also see you through any number of sartorial situations once you arrive: AED 1,190 Available from Boutique 1

Summer 2014

48

Tendance Leave fellow travellers green with envy with this striking luxury leather passport cover from Smythson: AED 595 Available from Boutique 1

VEL sories The Bracher Emden X Tala Samman collection combines luxe leather with an effortlessly practical design. Boa Bag: AED 3,200 Available exclusively from Harvey Nichols Dubai

and creative ideas to help you on your way

by Samantha Armstrong

Pack a chic shawl for when the temperature drops and add to a capsule holiday wardrobe to freshen up your look. Athena Procopiou: AED 1,585 Available from Boutique 1

Personalise your luggage with these cute and quirky travel tags from funky online retailer Wamli. F1 Graphic Tag Set: AED 74 Available from www.wamli.com

Don’t compromise on hygiene when you travel, the Violight Zapi UV Toothbrush Sanitizer kills 99% of germs in six minutes: AED 155 Available in a selection of colours and fun designs from www.wamli.com

Long gone are the days when we left technology at home, so snap up a stylish, travel inspired iPad case to protect your device while you are travelling: AED 585 Available to order online from www. atlas-and-i.com

www.khaleejmadame.com

49

Khaleej Madame Stay on trend with Marchon Eyewear’s wide range of stylish sunglasses.

Chloe: AED 1,790 and Michael Kors, Julia: AED 850 Available at selected opticians and boutiques

This sea blue and cream Tracey Watts panama will keep you looking chic and feeling cool: AED 855 Available from Boutique 1

Short and sweet, this Juicy Couture dress adds a playful touch to your beachwear collection: AED 1,030, Available from Saks Fifth Avenue

Fabulous flats are a must and these jelly sandals with diamante detail will fit in at any tropical destination.

DSquared: AED 1,025 Available from Saks Fifth Avenue

The perfect cover up is a beachwear staple and this DVF number is the ultimate confidence booster: AED 2,700 Available from Boutique 1

BEACH BABE Create a chic beach wardrobe with a selection of wearable pieces that take you from the sun lounger to sun downers in style this Summer

by Samantha Armstrong

Summer 2014

50

MODE Keep all your essentials in a statement perspex tote like this blue-hued version from Juicy Couture: AED 440 Available from Saks Fifth Avenue

If you want a little more height, then wedges are the only elegant way to wear heels on the beach: AED 1,450 Available from Carolina Herrera

As the sun starts to set, add some bold jewellery to glam up your look for the evening. Isharya Swirl Gold Filigree Cuff: AED 545 and A Peace Treaty Sabratha Gold Necklace: AED 1,375 Available from Zahr Art www.zahrart.com

Colette Dinigan’s eye-catching maxi dress makes the seamless transition from sun lounger to sun downers: AED 5,250 Available from Etoile Boutique

Go for gold and channel your inner goddess with this pair of winged sandals. Ancient Greek Sandals: AED 750 Available from Level One Shoe District, Dubai Mall

Vibrant and sassy Annada Inta Omri’s silk scarf is perfect for keeping beach hair in check: AED 550 Available from Zahr Art www.zahrart.com www.khaleejmadame.com

51

Khaleej Madame A combination of sporty and sexy, this aqua toned number will take you from the pool to the beach with ease: AED 995 Endless Summer Blu Aqua available from Beach Bunny, Dubai Mall

When the humble hair tie just won’t do, try this fabulous Missoni headband for a chic, laid back look: AED 435 Available from Boutique 1

Sizzling

SWIMWEAR Sporty sets, dare to bare cut outs and flashes of colour are all hot tickets in the Spring/Summer 2014 swimwear collections and KM has found some stand-out pieces from the region’s best boutiques.

Take a trip on the wild side with this exotic two-piece.

The fuller, halter style bikini top balances the playful bowed bottoms for a flattering shape: Top: AED 169, Bottom: AED 169 Available from La Vie En Rose, Abu Dhabi Mall and Dubai Mall

The perfect way to set off a Summer glow, a stylish white one-piece will get you noticed: AED 1,960 Lisa Marie Fernandez available from Boutique 1 Summer 2014

52

Mode

by Samantha Armstrong

Jason Wu’s fashion-forward monokini is a swimwear staple you will be hanging onto for seasons to come: AED 2,345 Available from Boutique 1

When you want to make a statement, nothing says luxe like jewel embellished swimwear. Choose from striking cobalt or sequin encrusted nude: Out of Your League Sapphire and Out of Your League Nude Sequin: Both AED 1,390 Available from Beach Bunny, Dubai Mall

Striking cut outs, mix and match stripes and attractive side detailing add a stunning twist to the classic black and white one-piece: AED 249 Available from La Vie En Rose, Abu Dhabi Mall and Dubai Mall

Turquoise and grey tones are complemented by gold metal bar detail to create a glamorous effect: AED 750 Ruda Aqua available from www.sanddollardubai.com

A key trend for Summer 2014, Aztec prints are a sassy swimwear choice and this bustier monokini from Canadian brand Garage will help you stand out from the crowd on the beach this season: AED 165 Available from Garage, Abu Dhabi Mall and Dubai Mall www.khaleejmadame.com

53

Khaleej Madame Alexander Wang @ Bloomingdale’s Dubai AED 3,955

Sara Battaglia @ Bloomingdale’s - Dubai AED 4,750

Alexis@ Bloomingdale’s Dubai AED 3,500

Gianvito Rossi @ Bloomingdale’sDubai AED 2,550

Amanda Navai ‘Fozaza’ wedge @ Bloomingdale’sDubai AED 1,500

Summer Sass up your wardrobe this Summer with these hot picks from Bloomingdales Dubai

OTT @ Bloomingdale’s Dubai AED 3,050

Dries Van Noten @ Bloomingdale’s AED 6,400 Gianvito Rossi @ Bloomingdale’sDubai AED 2,500

Moschino Cheap & Chic @ Bloomingdale’s - Dubai AED 2,600

Debbie Katz @ Bloomingdale’s - Dubai AED 1,200 Juicy Couture @ Bloomingdale’s Dubai top AED 400 skirt AED 425

Summer 2014

54

Peter Pilotto @ Bloomingdale’s Dubai AED 5,850

Mode

Sas & Bide @ Bloomingdale’s - Dubai AED 2,350

Jimmy Choo @ Bloomingdale’sDubai Gottex @ AED 3,950 Bloomingdale’sDubai

Givenchy @ Bloomingdale’s - Dubai AED 3,840

SASS

Gottex @ Bloomingdale’sDubai

Manolo Blahnik @ Bloomingdale’s-Dubai

OTT @ Bloomingdale’s - Dubai AED 1,750

Pily Q @ Bloomingdale’s Dubai AED 375

Mary Katranzou @ Bloomingdale’s Dubai AED 13,800

Gottex @ Bloomingdale’sDubai

www.khaleejmadame.com

55

Spacious and Stylish

Khaleej Madame

Willow Stream Spa at Fairmont The Palm, Dubai, palm.willowstream@fairmont.com +971 4 457 3388

TRIED & TESTED

Tighten & Tone for

by Samantha Armstrong

‘BEACH BODY’ CONFIDENCE W illow Stream Spa at Fairmont The Palm, Dubai is a bright and inspiring destination for relaxation and rejuvenation. The 17,200 square-foot Spa has been designed with an open feel and the spacious seating areas are bathed in natural light from the windows, which overlook the pool and beach. There are a number of thoughtful touches that make Willow Stream Spa stand out; reading glasses in the relaxation lounge and the delicious Goji berry granola bars all create a memorable experience.

The 90-minute body firming detox treatment targets areas of stubborn cellulite, bloating and excess fat. The friendly and knowledgeable therapist started with a dry body brush on the front and back to kick

start circulation, remove dead skin and promote the release of toxins. A warm spirulina mask is then spread all over the body before hot towels are applied and the body is wrapped in a biploymer sheet to draw out impurities. The spirulina is stimulating, detoxifying, strengthens the immune system and brightens the skin.

While the mask sets to work, the therapist massages the scalp. After showering, an intensive slimming serum is vigorously massaged into the skin to break down fatty deposits, improve elasticity and minimise imperfections, then ice-cold towels are laid onto each area.

Having being warned that the massage might feel a little painful, it really wasn’t so bad and in fact it’s the cold towels that make you wince! Finally, a multi-vitamin

Summer 2014

56

firming cream mixed with juniper body oil is rubbed in for a relaxing finish.

This is a highly effective treatment and the difference is immediately noticeable.

It does need to be repeated to maintain the effects, but for a short-term smoother silhouette, it’s definitely a winner.

Body firming detox (90 minutes) AED 695

Relaxation Haven

BIEN-ÊTRE

Treatment Room

by Samantha Armstrong

The Ritz-Carlton Spa, DIFC, difcspa@ritzcarlton.com, +971 4 372 2777

S

Citrus Scented

panish luxury skincare brand Natura Bissé is an A-List favourite and world-renowned name thanks to its wide range of products developed with highly effective, cutting-edge natural ingredients. The spa at The Ritz Carlton DIFC offers a selection of Natura Bissé treatments designed to soothe the soul and reinvigorate the body including the Citrus Drench Wrap, perfect for preparing your skin for the holidays, as well as replenishing it after too much sun. It uses the Natura Bissé C+C Vitamin line that combines high concentrations of different sources of Vitamin C restoring the skin to its optimum condition and helping defend against free radical damage.

The therapist starts the treatment using the C+C Vitamin Body Scrub, with microgranulation for an intense exfoliation that feels gentle at the same time. The glorious citrus scent is noticeable right from the start and becomes more potent as the session progresses. An antioxidant

DELIGHTS rich firming concentrate is applied followed by a sumptuous body wrap, which hydrates sun damaged skin and promotes elasticity. After the wrap, C+C Vitamin body cream is massaged into the skin and, as you drift off, it is easy to feel like you are lazing on a sun lounger in tropical climes.

While the Citrus Drench Body Wrap offers antioxidant and firming benefits, the session is totally relaxing and nothing is too harsh. Skin feels smooth, soft and clear and the uplifting citrusy scent stays with you throughout the day. The spa itself has a stylish urban vibe and the experience has been thoughtfully tailored with the global traveller in mind.

Ritz Carlton DIFC Urban Chic Spa

Citrus Drench Body Wrap (60 minutes) AED 495 www.khaleejmadame.com

57

‘Bikini Ready’ Khaleej Madame

GET

FROM THE INSIDE OUT: A MONTH’S HEALTHY EATS FOR THAT BIKINI BODY

I

t’s that time of the year again…

Summer is here and everyone is getting ready to fit into their favourite swimsuit, but most of us allowed our New Year’s resolutions and healthy eating goals to fall by the wayside months ago, so how do we achieve a leaner ‘bikini body’ in good time and safely? Riham Shamseddine, Dietitian, The Right Bite Nutrition and Catering Services L.L.C. gives KM Readers some healthy tips to get you started: One should be able to set realistic and achievable goals. There are no ‘magic foods’ that will make us lose the extra pounds we have accumulated throughout the year; however, the key formula is straight-forward: following a healthy lifestyle that includes both healthy eating and physical activity.

Being able to enjoy the foods we like in moderation, with 30-minutes of daily activity will help us reach our goal. Note: Always consult with your physician prior to starting any exercise routine.

A FEW HEALTHY TIPS TO HELP YOU GET ‘BIKINI READY’:

l Choose wholegrain products (brown rice, whole-wheat pasta, wholegrain bread) instead of refined ones; l Avoid cream and creamy sauces in your dishes and replace with tomato sauce;

l Avoid eating from the bread basket that most restaurants offer and replace with a bowl of green salad; l Avoid fizzy drinks and juices even if freshly squeezed as they have a very high sugar content; l Choose more baked, grilled, steamed rather than deep fried, fried, pan-fried and stir-fried items; l Choose lean cuts of protein like beef fillet, skinless chicken breast and fish rather than lamb, drumsticks and chicken wings; l Avoid salad dressings made with mayonnaise, cheese and a lot of oil. Choose the ones made with a minimum amount of oil with mustard, lemon or vinegar; l Decrease the consumption of sugar (ice cream, chocolate, sweets, candies), and eat more fruits when craving something sweet; l Switch from full fat dairy products (milk, cheese and yogurt) to low fat ones; It is also vital to maintain a well-balanced and varied diet as follows: l Always start with a healthy breakfast rich in carbohydrates (wholewheat bread, unsweetened breakfast cereals, oats) and protein. A good breakfast will kick start your metabolism and provide you with good energy to start your day the right way; l Eat three main meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) with 1 – 2 healthy snacks in between in order to avoid hunger, reduce cravings and overeating at main meals; l Always start with a

Summer 2014

58

bowl of green salad or cooked vegetables as they are also very rich in vitamins that act as antioxidants, which are known to be very beneficial for the skin; l Aim for 5-a-day! Enjoy at least 2 servings of fruits and 3 servings of vegetables daily. Always choose the fresh fruits and avoid juices. Make your plate colourful; l Include a small handful of raw, unsalted nuts daily, instead of desserts and sweets when you feel like snacking; l Drink at least 6 - 8 glasses of water (1.5 to 2 liters) daily to hydrate your body and skin (unless otherwise indicated); l Avoid fizzy drinks and caffeinated beverages (coffee, tea, green tea); l Get rid of all the unhealthy snacks and ABOUT RIHAM SHAMSEDDINE Riham graduated from The Notre Dame University in Lebanon with a degree in Nutrition and Dietetics.

After completing her training at the Lebanese Hospital-Geataoui, she opened her own nutrition clinic, providing counseling and personalized dietary plans to a diverse clientele, at the same time lending her expertise in a fitness center and a reality television show as Nutrition Educator.

Riham took a jump start to her career when she moved to Dubai in 2011, starting out as a clinical dietitian and later assumimg key roles in important government health programs. In 2012, Riham became a part of the dynamic Right Bite team.

Bien-être

by Riham Shamseddine, Dietitian, Right Bite

ABOUT THE RIGHT BITE NUTRITION CENTRE: Right Bite is a specialised centre for expert nutritional consultation and bespoke gourmet healthy meal delivery service. A pioneer in advocating healthy eating habits, Right Bite is dedicated to helping customers achieve and maintain a healthy lifestyle through educated food choices and by providing customised meal packages that are results-oriented, convenient and flavourful. Right Bite works with the best medical and culinary experts to ensure that eating healthier becomes a way of life for its customers.

enjoy healthier selections. Start trying these easy, on-the-go snack ideas: l Prepare your own trail mix: unsalted crackers, unsalted and raw almonds, raisins and some diced dry apricots and pineapple. Flavour them with a pinch of paprika to enhance the taste l Fruit salads are unbeatable snacks, enjoy fresh and colourful fruits with their edible skin l Fresh vegetable cuts: cucumber, celery sticks, lettuce, mixed and coloured bell peppers, baby carrots l Minted low-fat laban with crushed ice with cucumbers on the side or even wholewheat breadsticks l Homemade minted lemonade with a hint of honey and ginger. You can also use sparkling water instead of still water l Baked chips or rice cakes with fresh homemade guacamole dip l Homemade ice tea with crushed ice and no added sugar and to give it more taste, add fresh fruits slices l Fruit sorbet or plain frozen yogurt with chopped fruits can replace all the high fat ice cream There are always ways to enjoy foods we like ‘guilt-free’ so enjoy your Summer and your time at the beach, but of course mind your portions!

For More Information: To learn more about Right Bite, visit www. right-bite.com, and follow them on www. facebook.com/MyRightBite.

The Right Bite Nutrition Centre, Dubai: Tel: +971 4 3388763 and +971 4 3425208 The Right Bite Nutrition Centre, Abu Dhabi: The American Surgecenter, 26th Street, Villa 408, Al Rawdah Area, Tel: +9712 4430909.

EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNT OFFER FOR KM READERS: Special discount from Right Bite awaits KM readers! Enjoy a 15% discount on Right Bite’s full package for 20 days when you quote KM3388; please contact Right Bite on: 04 3388763 or email: info@right-bite.com for packages and price lists and discount value. Please note that no two discounts or promotions can be availed together. Offer valid until July 31st 2014.

www.khaleejmadame.com

59

Bikini Body Khaleej Madame

WORKOUT Halfway through the year and your New Year’s resolutions are long forgotten?

T

here’s still time to get active before you hit the beach this Summer. If you feel in need of a bit of ‘streamlining’ before you slip into your two-piece, Vladimir Stankov has prepared an easy-tofollow workout that can be performed in the comfort of your living room and some simple lifestyle pointers to help you reap the benefits more quickly.

WORKOUT:

The following exercises performed stepby-step will help you attain a perfect body to hit the pool or beach: 1. Offset Dumbbell Reverse Lunge

Stand tall holding a dumbbell in your left hand next to your shoulder, with your arm bent. With your right foot, step backward and lower your body until your back knee almost touches the floor. Push yourself back to the starting position and repeat for as many repetitions as you can in one minute. Then do the same on the other side stepping back with the opposite leg for the same number of repetitions each side.

with both hands at arm’s length in front of your waist, with your knees slightly bent. Without rounding your lower back, bend at your hips and swing the dumbbell between your legs. Keeping your arms straight thrust your hips forward and swing the dumbbell to shoulder level as you rise to a standing position.

Then simply swing the weight back and forth for as many repetitions as you can in one minute. Be sure to keep your core stomach muscles tight whilst performing this exercise in order to support your lower back.

3. Thruster Dumbbell

Stand holding a pair of dumbbells next to your shoulders. Push your hips back, then bend your knees and lower your body until your thighs are at least parallel to the floor. As you push your body back up from the squat, press the dumbbells above your shoulders until your arms are straight. Then lower the dumbbells back down to your shoulders, and repeat for one minute.

4. Dumbbell Row

Grab a dumbbell in your right hand, then bend at your hips and place your left hand on a bench in front of you. Raise your right leg so that it’s in line with your upper body. Now let the dumbbell hang straight down from your shoulder, your

2. Single Arm Dumbbell Swing

Hold a dumbbell

Summer 2014

60

palm facing forward (an underhand grip).

That’s the starting position (if you prefer, you can use an overhand grip so your palms would be facing behind you). Pull the dumbbell to the side of your torso, by raising your upper arm, and bending your elbow. Pause, and then slowly lower the dumbbell back to the starting position. That’s one rep. On your next round, switch arms and legs, and make sure that repetitions are equal with both left and right hand.

5. Plank

Start on elbows and knees, locking hands together. Straighten legs and raise your body so that you’re supported by the balls of your feet with feet hip distance apart.

Face the floor being careful not to arch your back or stick your bottom in the air. Hold this position between 30 - 60 seconds.

6. Box Jump

Stand in an athletic position, with your feet shoulder-width apart at a comfortable distance from the box. When you’re ready to jump, drop quickly into a quarter squat, then extend your hips, swing your arms, and push your feet through the floor to propel yourself onto the box.

Don’t let your landing stick. Instead,

Bien-être

by Vladimir Stankov, Fitness specialist, InBalance Spa, Novotel Dubai

METHOD:

• Perform the complete workout three times a week.

• Each time, do the set of 7 exercises three times through, resting for 2-3 minutes after you complete one set of all 7 exercises.

• For each exercise, you’ll do as many reps as you can in 1 minute, followed by 30 seconds of rest before starting the next exercise.

Important Note: • Consult your physician before beginning any exercise programme.

• Don’t use very heavy dumbbells, use the set you’re comfortable working out with.

envision the way cats land when they jump from something - you too should try to land this quietly. Use a stepper, which is usually 8 inches high. The box should be high enough to jump onto it.

7. Barbell Floor Wiper

Set the barbell on the floor and lie underneath it as you would for a bench press. Keep your core stomach muscles tight to support your back. Grip the bar with hands shoulder width apart or just wider and press it up until your arms are locked out. Keeping your legs straight and together, raise them up from the floor whilst holding the barbell until they reach a 90-degree angle with the floor. From this position, twist them from side to side (like a pair of windshield wipers). One repetition = from left to right.

LIFESTYLE TIPS TO HELP YOU TONE UP FOR THE BEACH: • Start early – ideally, to look your best in the Summer months, plan and start your exercise regime in the Winter months • Run - the best exercise to burn calories is running. Run for 30-45 minutes at least 3-4 times week to burn up calories • Enjoy a walk in the park • Press ups – aim to do 30-50 a day for a month to look fantastic for the beach • Sit ups – aim to do 50 a day • Take the stairs • Swim or play tennis – if you are not the type to sign up for a gym membership, go

swimming or play your favourite sport • Drink water – drink at least 8 glasses of water everyday • Eat healthy - consume 2 to 2.5 cups of vegetables and 1.5 cups of fruits everyday • Small meals – eat five to six small meals throughout the day to maintain your metabolism level and avoid unhealthy cravings • Limit alcohol - a bottle of wine contains over 600 calories and a pint of beer contains over 150 calories. Limit your intake for significant weight loss

ABOUT VLADIMIR STANKOV Nationality: Serbian Qualifications • Level 2 & 3 CYQ Reps Professional Trainer Advanced • Master Trainer Lower Back Pain & Diabetes • Diploma in Physiotherapy • Certificate Shiatsu Level Area of expertise: Strength & Conditioning Achievements: • 1995 East European Gold medalist - Powerlifting • 1996 East European Gold medalist - Powerlifting • 1997 Gold Powerlifting • 1998 Gold Powerlifting • 1999 Gold Strongman Competition • 2000 Gold Powerlifting - National Records (Deadlift 330 kg, Squat 270 kg, Bench Press 220kg) • 2001 - 2010 Strength & Conditioning Coach for professional athletes (Boxers, Wrestlers, Kick Boxers, Judo & MMA Fighters) • 2010 – to present: Strength & Conditioning Coach for the MMA (cage fighters) East European International Champions and Fitness Specialist for VIP clients Quote: “It is essential to revitalise your mind and body with the right fitness regime in this age of hectic lifestyles.”

www.khaleejmadame.com

61

Khaleej Madame

Dance Your Way

FIT! Why is it that as we grow up, we stop moving? Take a look at the adults around you.

W

hat happened to that fabulous childhood energy, that wonderful joie de vivre? It is a sad fact that as we grow up, image becomes our ruling force, shaping everything we do and also how we get there.

You don’t see many women over 40 skipping down the street (apart from me!).

THE CHALLENGES

Are we too concerned about appearances, to the detriment of our health and wellbeing?

We all know that we need to be active, but do we know why? Movement is a key aspect of a child’s development but most of us don’t consider that we have a huge capacity to keep on developing throughout our lives. Dance based activities have so much to offer that it is hard to know where to start. Countless adults would benefit from improving their balance, coordination and spatial awareness - attributes which count so Summer 2014

62

Bien-être

by Carole Worrall, Active Dance & Fitness (a division of Active Sports Academy)

much towards our enjoyment of life. I am quite sure that we can all remember a situation where a lack of coordination or poor balance made us feel foolish. Just because we are all grown-up, doesn’t mean that we have nothing left to learn.

Perhaps the most emotive aspect of physical exercise is weight control. It is widely accepted that raising your heart rate will cause you to burn fat and this is probably the biggest single reason for anyone to exercise. We pile so much pressure on ourselves, to reach and maintain a certain body silhouette and now in our image conscious world, even our soft drink cans are looking to be slimmer and sleeker!

Our often sedentary lives, constrained by the desk we work from and the time behind the wheel, leave little scope for carefree skipping down the street. Raising your heart rate and the resulting release in feel-good endorphins, helps to boost your immune system and also strengthens that most important of muscles, the heart, with Cardiovascular exercise working and improving heart and lung capacity, as well as function. The ‘official’ statistics are forever changing on how much cardiovascular exercise we need to reduce the risk of such life threatening conditions as heart attacks, but the message on this page is much simpler. Rather than worrying, get out there and do something about it!

get everyone in on the act for some wonderful family interaction.

THE RESULTS?

In addition to reaping the physical benefits of exercise, dance routines will give you a mental workout and as you get the hang of it, boost your self-confidence. The advantages go a step further by adding in an important social element as classes are a fabulous way to meet new people on similar fitness journeys. Whether you are new to town or looking to expand your social circle, what better place to start than by enlivening yourself within a group of like-minded people?

The bottom line is the same for all ages and abilities. Physical activity is good for everyone and adding music is guaranteed to bring on the smiles. So let’s dance!

All Smiles After Booty Barre Class

Active Dance & Fitness is the newest division of Active Sports Academy. Classes in Zumba and Booty Barre for adults are held in Dubai at: Regent International School, the Greens; Sweatshop Studios, JLT; Al Naadi Club, Al Ghurair Centre; and in Abu Dhabi: The Room, Zayed Sports City. There is also an extensive Dance programme for children.

For more information: visit: www.ActiveUAE.com email: Sports@ActiveUAE.com Tel: 050 55 970 55.

EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNT OFFER FOR KM READERS: Active Sports Academy would like to extend an introductory offer to KM readers. Be one of the first 10 to register for an adult Dance & Fitness class, by emailing Sports@ ActiveUAE.com and quoting Khaleej Madame and we will give you the first lesson for free.

THE ANSWER?...

LET’S DANCE!

“We don’t have time to run around and play like our children!” I hear you cry. In the modern world, time is possibly our greatest asset and our worst enemy. As we grow up and the responsibilities we shoulder increase, time seems to compress into a blurr. In order to fit exercise into our busy lives, we need to be clever and make the most of it. An organised dance-based exercise class should tick all the boxes giving you a well-balanced workout and even better, making your exercise fun.

Take your new found moves home, push the kitchen table out of the way and turn up the radio! Lead by example and www.khaleejmadame.com

63

Khaleej Madame 1. This turquoise stool from Arteriors Home is bursting with colour and evokes crystal waters and sundrenched seas. Tennyson Stool, Arteriors Home: AED 2,550 available from Bloomingdale’s Home, Dubai Mall 2. All the colours of the rainbow and more come together in a combination of distinct patterns and contrasting materials. Squint ‘Roxborough’ Chair: AED 18,900 available from Bloomingdale’s Home, Dubai Mall

10

5

3. Missoni’s classic zigzag print combines complementary colours for a glowing sunset effect: AED 645 available from Boutique 1, JBR and Mall of The Emirates 4. Share lazy afternoons with friends over summer-inspired beverages served in Mario Luca Giusti’s rosy toned jug.

‘Palla’ Pitcher: AED 250 available from Bloomingdale’s Home, Dubai Mall 5. Let natural light illuminate the intertwined circles and floral shapes of this chic glass-topped table. Caracole Table: AED 3,950 available from Bloomingdale’s Home, Dubai Mall 6. Bright coloured cushions will freshen up existing furniture in a flash. Scatter Cushions: AED 125 each available from Falaknaz The Warehouse 7. Introduce softer woods in lighter tones to brighten up your kitchen and spacious seating areas. Old Wood Round Table: AED 5,250 available from Falaknaz The Warehouse

1

8. Adorn your walls with colourful décor for a whimsical touch. Feather Wall Deco and Chrysalis Wall Deco: AED 69 each available from THE One, Abu Dhabi Mall and Mall of The Emirates

2

9. Clearing away clutter is an easy way to open up your space and give the impression of more light. Choose attractive storage options, which can double as additional decoration. Floral Decorative Boxes: AED 14 (set of 3) available from 2XL Home Furniture & Décor 10. Get your artificial lighting in the mood for Summer too with the sunshine chic Bloom Light from Ligne Roset: AED 2,050 available from Bloomingdale’s Home, Dubai Mall and Ligne Roset

6

Summer 2014

64

MAISON & DĂŠco 3

9

8

LET THE light IN!

8 7

by Samantha Armstrong

S

ummer is the season for embracing light, bright interior features and lifting the spirits with softer touches inspired by nature. Think refresh rather than redesign and get creative with soft furnishings and occasional pieces that welcome the warmer months into your home with gusto. Here in the Gulf it’s not easy to throw open the doors or windows but opening up your space and using colour in new ways will conjure up a warm summery vibe inside your home.

4

www.khaleejmadame.com

65

Khaleej Madame

BRING YOUR TRAVELS HOME With You 10

2

Make the memories of your trip last forever with a range of travel-inspired interior choices that will give you that holiday feeling all year round.

3

1

Summer 2014

66

Maison & DĂŠco

by Samantha Armstrong

1. Mario Luca Giusti pays homage to the decorated Indian elephant with this gold candle carved with intricate detail: AED 275 available from Bloomingdale’s Home, Dubai Mall

7

2. The charming range of prints from Atlas & I can be personalised to feature any chosen location within Great Britain for a unique touch. Yorkie Print and Sailing Boat Print: AED 465 available from www.atlas-and-i.com 3. For those who believe five star service belongs at home, as well as on holiday, this is the doormat for you.

Hotel Doormat: AED 299 available from THE One, Abu Dhabi Mall and Mall of The Emirates

4

4. Make a permanent feature of your travel photos as a reminder of wonderful times spent abroad. Eden Floor Screen: AED 1,295 available from THE One, Abu Dhabi Mall and Mall of The Emirates 5. Go wild with this zebra print side table finished with dark leather straps. Zebra Side Table: AED 5,995 available from THE One Fusion, Al Quoz, Dubai 6. Bring back memories of childhood holidays by the sea with a collection of shells. Dome Shell Decoration: AED 349 available from THE One, Abu Dhabi Mall and Mall of The Emirates

6 9

8

7. With this acid bright sun lounger and table you will feel as if you are always on vacation. Daydream Sunbed: AED 34,574 and Strap Service Table: AED 3,245 both available from Purity 8. Vivid embroidery captures the artistry of Arabic culture. Palestyle Green Embroidered Cushion: AED 250 available from www.zahrart.com 9. Be inspired to see the world and indulge a love of travel. Explore Print: AED 155 available from www.thecalmgallery.com 10. Cute and kitsch, this organic cotton tea towel is a quirky addition to any kitchen. Seaside Tea Towel: AED 55 available from www.thecalmgallery.com

5

www.khaleejmadame.com

67

Khaleej Madame

Top 3 1

MALDIVES, GETAWAY IN PARADISE

MUST-VISIT DESTINATIONS FROM UAE

Summer 2014

2

LA RESIDENCE SOUTH AFRICA

3

THE CHEDI MUSCAT, OMAN

TRIED & TESTED 68

VOYAGES & Découvertes

by Beatrice Boardman Infinity Pool With Aqua Pool Bar

1

I

dyllic, island paradise... soft white sandy beaches, stunning panoramic views of bright turquoise waters glistening in the warm sun and tropical vegetation all around. The Maldives is renowned as a favourite destination for young courting couples, honeymooners and empty nesters, but for those of us who are mid-lifecycle and have children to cater for, we couldn’t possibly consider such a tranquil luxury holiday destination right?

Wrong! Anantara Dhigu Resort & Spa, Maldives welcomes friends, families and couples alike with a varied choice of luxury accommodation to suit everyone’s needs.

Set in the idyllic archipelago of the Maldives - a mere 4.5 hour flight from the UAE - Anantara Dhigu Resort & Spa could not have a more fitting name. Taken from a Sanskrit word that means ‘without end’, Anantara Dhigu is surrounded by the sparkling turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, offering an endless horizon of aquatic allure.

The resort is a luxurious five-star boutique hideaway spread across five acres of tropical terrain on Dhigufinolhu (island) on the South Male Atoll and is conveniently located only 30 kms from the Maldivian capital of Male.

THE EXPERIENCE:

Just landing at Male airport is enough to make stresses and fatigue melt away. Everything about it feels quaint and tropical, with the planes taxiing right up to the door and passengers being able to take a short walk across the tarmac to Arrivals before

Family Getaway in

PARADISE www.khaleejmadame.com

69

Khaleej Madame Anantara Dhigu Over Water Suite

Wedding Dinner

View From Anantara Pool Villa

sauntering through customs to be welcomed by a sea view and a boat as your airport transfer... bliss!

The Anantara Team await your arrival and jump to your rescue taking all of your luggage off your hands before welcoming you into a small lounge to take much-welcomed refreshments whilst waiting for all of the guests on your flight to arrive. Before you know it, it’s time to walk across the road to the dock where the Anantara transfer boat is ready to take you to your final destination. The scenic boat journey is a short 30-minute trip through neighbouring islands and sets the mood for what’s to come.

A warm welcome and swift check-in leave you ready to explore the beautiful tropical island of Dhigu, but whilst the delights of the island beckon, you may want to linger in your room to freshen up as the heavenly outdoor bathroom is too tempting to resist.

ACCOMMODATION

The resort has 68 beach villas, 8 of which have a private pool and some offer family style rooms; and 40 over water suites with two deluxe over-water pool suites all set around a natural private lagoon. The villas range from 120sq metres and 165 sq metres in

size, whilst the over water suites range from 132 sq metres to 182sq metres in size.

Each beach villa is elegantly furnished in soft beige tones with accents of colours from turquoise to cobalt blue that mirror the vibrancy of the surrounding natural environment from the pristine sand to the invitingly warm waters of the sea just footsteps away from every villa. King size beds are positioned to take advantage of the mesmerising ocean view with distinctive floor-to-ceiling timber-framed glass doors and decorative furnishings include a four-poster, canopied daybed and ceiling fans. The villas also feature Bathhouse garden courtyards with both a rain shower and terrazzo bathtubs.

The Anantara Dhigu’s over water suites are built on stilts within a private lagoon. As in the villas, the focal point of every suite is its king-sized bed featuring a sensually draped net canopy. Each bed is specially positioned to take in the magnificent

Summer 2014

70

Voyages & Découvertes ocean view. Eye-catching artwork including reproductions of historic Maldivian black and white prints pay tribute to the country’s history and heritage. Within the spacious bathrooms, gleaming bathtubs are invitingly positioned to look out over the mesmerising ocean waters through expansive windows. A clearglass floor panel offers an enchanting view of the aquamarine waters, powder-fine sand and colourful marine life of the Indian Ocean below. The suites also feature a spacious timbered deck with inviting sun loungers, a dining area and an outdoor shower.

DINING Dhigu Beach Villa

Dhigu Beach

Feast your senses on Dhigu’s world-class culinary offerings with three main signature restaurants and a main bar, Aqua, boasting an extensive and highly creative cocktail menu and mouthwatering light bites during the day and access to dining options on Anantara Veli, the sister island where Dhigu guests can dine for lunch & dinner.

Fushi Cafe (breakfast and evening meals) Centrally positioned on a white sandy beach adjacent to the Anantara marina, guests can greet the Maldivian sunrise whilst enjoying a diverse breakfast buffet complete with live cooking stations or indulge after sunset in a lavish themed dinner buffet with a variety of flavors including international cuisines and local Maldivian food.

Once a week, there is a themed Maldivian beach dinner buffet with entertainment from a traditional Bodhu Beru band.

Fuddan Fusion Grill (lunch and evening meals) Facing southeast across the inner Digufinolhu Reef, The Fuddan Fusion Grill boasts uninterrupted views of the glistening Indian Ocean as guests enjoy a combination of contemporary dining and fusion cuisine. Sit out on the over water deck or relax in the heart of the ambient restaurant while the Chefs prepare for you the freshest of locally caught seafood and the choicest cuts of meat creatively prepared in a traditional Maldivian ‘dhumashi’ (smokehouse).

Menu highlights include: A salad of Maldivian spiny lobster, avocado, mango, cherry tomatoes and salad leaves in a homemade sweet chili dressing; Local Grouper fillet dusted with blended Maldivian spices & coconut; and White Sea prawns soaked in lemon, garlic and herbs cooked on Himalayan Salt Bricks carved from deep in the Himalayan Mountains - rich in minerals, this salt imparts a subtle flavour to the food.

Terrazzo (evening meals) Situated on the floor above The Fuddan Fusion Grill, Terrazzo offers more elevated panoramic views of the tranquil water beyond and its intriguing inhabitants - such as black tip reef sharks and small rays. Terrazzo specialises in Italian bistro specialities for dinner accompanied by a choice of expertly selected grape beverages from within the restaurant’s well-stocked, transparent cellar. The ambiance is intimate with French quarter doors opening out onto a small, quaint terrace overlooking the inner turquoise lagoon of the Indian Ocean.

Menu highlights include: Tuna maguro and Maldivian Wahoo, grilled zucchini and orange and lime dressing; Lobster, www.khaleejmadame.com

71

Khaleej Madame thyme and Maldivian Wahoo stuffed homemade agnolotti pasta; Panna Cotta with strawberry jelly and strawberry pine nut insalatina.

Baan Huraa - personal favourite (lunch and evening meals) Baan Huraa means “Thai house on small coral reef ” and offers the first authentic Thai cuisine in the Maldives. With internationally awarded Thai chefs, the over water restaurant hovers on stilts at the edge of the inner lagoon and outer reef with breathtaking views across the Indian Ocean. Baan Huraa is the Resort’s signature restaurant and offers a unique dining experience combining the authentic flavours of Thai traditions ranging from the North (Lanna), North Eastern (Isaan) and Central regions to the humid and rain soaked Southern region (‘Pak Tai”). In the centre of the restaurant, four expansive daybeds form an intimate lounge surrounding an area of see-through flooring providing a window to the aquatic world below. This romantic venue is set in the middle of the lagoon and accessible only by ‘dhoni’ (the traditional boat of the Maldives).

The menu is extensive and offers something to suit every palette, but the best way to ensure a full dining experience is to choose one of the two set menus, which are designed to showcase the very best of Baan Huraa’s signature dishes.

Dining by Design For the ultimate in romantic dining, why not select your own little stretch of sand or desert island, choose your tailor-made menu and allow your private butler or chef to do the rest. A candlelit fine dining experience for two is not to be missed.

SPA

Anantara is renowned for its world-class spas and the unique setting of the Anantara Dhigu Spa takes the indulgent experience to a whole new level. In a tranquil over water setting, the Spa features nine treatment suites, each with specially constructed glass panels to enable guests to view the vibrant marine life in the azure waters below. Surrender to the intuitive hands of expert therapists and let imaginations stray, as puffer fish and harmless reef sharks glide beneath elegant glass floors. In addition to an Ayurvedic room and one for Indian mud therapy, the Spa offers an indulgent menu of treatments and therapies using only the finest and freshest of natural elixirs and oils.

Recommended: Anantara Signature Massage (90 Minutes) A floral foot ritual begins this all-encompassing treatment, which sets mind, body and soul on the road to relaxation. For the massage, a signature blend of oils is used, combined with purpose-designed movements to stimulate circulation and promote deep relaxation.

ACTIVITIES

Anantara island life can be as restful or as invigorating as you choose. The resort offers a range of daily excursions and activities including diving on the house wreck, snorkeling, fishing, kayaking, island picnics and general touring around Male. One Summer 2014

72

Over Water Suites

Guli Fushi Dinner Set Up Dhigu Beach Villa Bedroom

Beach at Sunset

Voyages & Découvertes Cooking Class

Anantara Pool Villa - Sunset side

unique offering is the Anantara Cooking School. Here the resort’s culinary team will share some tricks of the trade and demonstrate how to create some tempting Thai, Indian and Italian delicacies.

Other recreational facilities include a fully equipped gymnasium, outdoor tennis courts and an infinity-edge freshwater swimming pool complete with swim-up bar.

Personal highlight: the Sunset Dolphin Cruise - set off in a luxury motor boat complete with upper deck where you can revel in the abundance of spinning dolphins all eager and willing to perform as they jump and play around the boat and provide the perfect ‘sundowner’ entertainment.

FAMILY FRIENDLY

Families can request extras such as baby cots, and enjoy dedicated children’s accessories including gift bags, small slippers and children’s bathrobes. Keep your little ones safely entertained at Kid’s Club, which offers a wide variety of scheduled activities, leaving parents free to enjoy some Elysian downtime.

What else?

The resort has been Green Globe Certified and boasts a Coral Adoption Programme where both adults and children can adopt a coral frame of two sizes and have the coral pieces transplanted on them. The resort’s marine Aquafanatics team then takes pictures of guests’ coral frames growing every 3 months and upload them online so guests can track their coral growth. Each frame is signed with a small name tag. For more information on Anantara Dhigu visit www.anantara.com For enquiries and reservations, please telephone + 66 (0) 2877 5803, fax + 66 (0) 2877 7497 or email: infomaldives@anantara.com

www.khaleejmadame.com

73

LA RESIDENCE: The Chicest South African Getaway Khaleej Madame

La Residence Interior

2

FOR THOSE IN THE KNOW

TRIED & TESTED

O

La Residence West View

nce home to mighty herds of elephant, Franschhoek valley, ‘French Corner’ in Afrikaans, lies between towering mountains in the beautiful Cape winelands.

Steeped in over 300 years of history, it has now become the gourmet capital of South Africa with internationally acclaimed restaurants, great wines and stunning hotels in a natural setting.

The hardest thing is deciding where to eat and where to stay.

La Residence is one hotel that has won several accolades (a recent one being the ‘Best hotel in the World 2013’ by Conde Nast Traveller reader’s choice awards). Its breathtaking setting attracts everyone from the tourist to connoisseur plus privacy-seeking celebrities and as soon as you step into this tranquil haven you can see why.

Built on a private 30-acre estate filled with vines, fruit trees, flowers and herb gardens, the hotel was constructed on a grand scale: marble floors, glittering Indian chandeliers hanging from vaulted ceilings, original artwork and vast mirrors grace the walls.

Opening onto wide verandas and rugged mountain views, the 11 extravagant suites are individually decorated but all boast a lavish mix of art and antiques plus palatial en-suite bathrooms. Guests can laze by the private infinity pool and dine alfresco during the day, while dinner is a grand event with candlelight, violinists and elegant dishes served up using the best local produce.

Whether you stay here for a weekend or a month, the setting and excellent staff at this hotel makes it very hard to leave.

THE INSIDE TRACK…

What’s on offer: Living like royalty Maximum capacity of La Residence is 22 guests, who you barely see, unless you want to. Likewise with the staff, who pad about as discreetly and silently as panthers throughout the lofty corridors and impressive rooms. Children aren’t allowed in the main hotel (accommodation is only offered in the villas) so restful afternoons are guaranteed.

The rooms: 11 suites plus five villas Each one of La Residence’s opulent suites is different and there are a range of tastes to suit all; if you’re looking for a touch of grandeur, try the Disa Suite with its vibrant pink chaise longue and grass green four-poster. Or, for a more contemporary feel, The Armani Suite boasts an impossibly chic vibe with its understated neutral tones. My husband and I stayed in the Huguenot Suite, a calming room that is peppered with French and Asian antiques, exquisite flowers and Persian carpets. We loved the monumental mustard-gold four-poster, 18th-century French dressers and huge en-suite bathroom, complete with chandelier and majestic mirrors.

The view of the mountains from our private balcony was spectacular too.

The five Vineyard Villas are also something special and are ideal for families as they offer a sociable and fun alternative to the main hotel.

Summer 2014

74

Voyages & Découvertes La Residence Persian Alley

by Louise Watts

What to do: As much or as little as you like La Residence specilaises in absolute comfort and doing things in your own time, at your own pace. So for those seeking some R&R, enjoy sitting by the pool under a shady umbrella or reading a good book in the library. Cycle or stroll around the estate and soak up the beauty of the olive groves and gardens. If you want to wander farther afield, the hotel provides complimentary transfers into the Franschhoek village so you can visit art galleries, play golf, go trout fishing, or enjoy cheese and wine tasting in the surrounding Franchhoek farms.

DON’T MISS:

Babylonstoren: One of the most stunning gardens in the world.

An alluring place with lines of lavender, organic fruit trees, flowers and herbs situated on one of the oldest Cape Dutch farms. (www.babylonstoren.com) Moreson Farm: A popular lunchtime venue, it boasts the best charcuterie platter in town for a mere R65 (Dh23) (www.moreson.co.za) Pierneef a La Motte on La Motte Farm: South African dishes with a modern twist. An excellent choice for dinner in a beautiful setting. (www.la-motte.com)

CONTACT DETAILS Address: La Residence, Elandskloof Private Road, Elandskloof Farm, Franschhoek.

Phone: +27 21 876 4100 Email: info@laresidence.co.za Website: www.theroyalportfolio.com or www.laresidence.co.za

AT THE HOTEL:

Outdoor infinity pool, gardens, courtyard, library, sitting room, spa treatment room, shop, gym, complimentary laundry. In rooms: air conditioning, underfloor heating, fully stocked mini-bar, flatscreen TV, free Wi-Fi, walk-in showers, luxurious toiletries and separate baths.

Scene-stealer: Sundowners overlooking the vineyards

Room 6 Hugenot Suite La Residence Loggia

Hard as it is to drag yourself away from your generous eggshaped bath swathed in flickering candlelight, the place to spend your time is the loggia or courtyard with their unparalleled view of the mountains. Perched high above the valley, there are few natural landscapes in the world that equal this one. Directly in front of you the vineyards stretch their branches so close they feel within arms reach. To the right, plum orchards and olive groves emerge with a mouth-watering scent, and farther afield, trees and rural surrounds blend into the background of the rugged unspoilt mountains.

BEST TIME TO GO:

Pack your sunscreen if you visit in January or February as temperatures can rise above 30C. For cooler temperatures, visit in April or October when they drop to around 17C.

HOW TO GET THERE:

Franschhoek is less than one hour’s drive away from Cape Town International Airport. For flights from the UAE to Cape Town see Etihad Airways (www.etihad.com) or Emirates (www.emirates.com). www.khaleejmadame.com

75

Khaleej Madame Equilibrium mango tainori dark chocolate crèmeux from the Dominican Republic, mango chutney and sorbet

The Chedi Muscat Lobby

3

The Sake Martini

TRIED & TESTED

A Feast For The Senses At The

Oman CHEDI MUSCAT

T

he Chedi Muscat, Oman is a luxury resort located by the Al Hajar Mountains with its own private beach, twentyone acre gardens, six dining options, a spa, a health club and three swimming pools. The only member of The Leading Hotels of The World in Oman, The Chedi Muscat is located in Al Ghubra, 20 minutes from the old city of Muscat and 15 minutes from Muscat International Airport. This sublime yet central location equally suits leisure and business travellers alike whilst the resplendent elegance, romantic setting and luxurious accommodation and facilities give it its appeal as an idyllic honeymoon destination. With Muscat only a mere hour’s flight away from the UAE with 7+ flights a day from Abu Dhabi and Dubai, The Chedi Muscat is without a doubt, top of the ‘must-visit’ destinations within the region.

The resort’s design combines contemporary Asian style with subtle Omani nuances. The 158 rooms and suites designed by Jean-Michel Gathy of Denniston Architects offer magnificent views of the picturesque Gulf of Oman, breathtaking Al Hajar mountains and the hotel’s stunning symmetrical Zen gardens.

ACCOMMODATION

Sparkling waters, vibrant gardens and dramatic mountains as seen through the grand windows in all 158 tasteful, wellappointed guest rooms and suites heighten the calming effect of the natural and timeless environment at The Chedi Muscat.

Eight Deluxe Club Rooms and thirty-eight Chedi Club Suites confer access to The Club Lounge, while the Chedi Club Suites boast a private terrace or balcony offering magnificent sea and land views over exclusive landscaped gardens. All rooms benefit from high ceilings and oversized windows, which allow natural light to compliment the neutral-hued Asian style minimalism with Omani details.

TEMPT YOUR TASTEBUDS

The Chedi Muscat is renowned for its exceptional cuisine, boasting six of the capital’s top restaurants. The Restaurant’s fine dining menu is one highlight across The Chedi Muscat’s six restaurants. From October to April, epicureans can feast on seafood at the award winning The Beach Restaurant, and The Arabian

Summer 2014

76

Voyages & Découvertes

by Beatrice Boardman

The Long Pool & Long Pool Cabanas by day

Courtyard serves Arabic mezze, Shwarma and Kebabs with a live grilling station, to the tune of gentle music, al fresco. The Shisha Lounge with its colourful divans and lanterns completes the experience. Guests can take shade at the poolside cabanas, enjoying Japanese and Malay cuisine at The Long Pool Cabana, and light Mediterranean dishes at The Serai Pool Cabana and The Chedi Pool Cabana.

LEISURE AND RELAXATION

The Nam Hai Private Dining Room

The Spa - Relaxation Lounge

The Boutique The Chedi Club Suite - Balcony

The 800 square metre relaxation and fitness haven, the largest in Muscat, includes 13 fully self-contained light filled spa suites with poolside views. The Spa at The Chedi Muscat embraces eastern philosophy with Asian oriental rituals. It offers an extensive variety of beauty rituals based on the holistic principles of aromatherapy, Ayurveda and herbalism by Ila, Voya, REN, SpaRitual, Themae, Aromatica, Karuna, Tisserand, as well as seaweed SUMMER DEAL based treatments by VOYA. As the Summer heats up why not The Health Club, measuring 400sqm, cool down and chill out at The Chedi features state-of-the-art gym and Pilates equipMuscat, taking advantage of the ment with expert personal trainers on hand in Summer Breeze package, exclusively for GCC residents. Rates for Summer a relaxed living room style decor. Guests also Breeze are from OMR 95* per benefit from two floodlit tennis courts and room per night or add an additional three outdoor temperature-controlled swimnight and receive a complimentary ming pools; two adult-only pools, including three-course dinner for two** at the the 103-metre Long Pool, the region’s longest award-winning restaurant.

Avail of a 30% discount at The Spa and one family pool. The Chedi Muscat also and indulge in a treatment designed offers championship golf packages throughout to help you overcome the stresses the year to Oman’s two 18 hole golf courses of Summer. Treatments include that promise spectacular scenery. the traditional Moroccan Rhassoul Envelopment and Ren’s Bio Active Bespoke Facials perfectly designed using ingredients to help combat the effects of the sun.

Available between 15 May and 31 August 2014 each Summer Breeze guest will receive a daily breakfast for two at The Restaurant, 20% discount on food and soft drinks, complimentary minibar (water & soft drinks replenished daily) and early check-in and late check-out upon availability.

To make a reservation or to find out more information, please contact: The Chedi Muscat at (968) 2452 4400 or email: reservation@chedimuscat.com *Subject to 17% tax per room, per night. Valid GCC ID Required. Offer is subject to availability. **Set menu will be served at The Restaurant For more information, visit: www.GHMhotels.com

DON’T MISS

l The resort offers bespoke tours to discover the region. l Marvel at The Grand Mosque with its Persian carpet that took 600 weavers over four years to complete. l Spy the turtle nesting at Ras al-Jinz nature reserve. l Drive a 4x4 expedition to Oman’s highest peak, Jebel Shams or take a dip in Wadi Shab’s natural pools. l Haggle a hand-embroidered ‘mussar’ shawl at the Muttrah Souq. l Savour the world’s most exclusive perfume, Amouage. l Or, for a shopping experience closer to home, stop at The Boutique, a cosy enclave nestled within the hotel displaying fine art, hand crafted ornaments, artisan jewellery and bespoke leisure wear. www.khaleejmadame.com

77

Khaleej Madame Al Qasr - Main Pool Area

Dar Al Masyaf Waterways Distance

Sinbads Kids ClubWater Islands

A Taste of Ancient Arabia

Dar Al MasyafGulf Suite Bathroom

Dar Al Masyaf Exterior Night

TRIED & TESTED

DAR AL MASYAF VILLAS

Talise Spa -Treatment Room

Madinat Jumeirah

Mina A’Salam - Bahri Bar

S

et on a private beach, Madinat Jumeirah resort is an authentic recreation of ancient Arabia, capturing the natural beauty of the region. Madinat Jumeirah features two grand boutique hotels, Al Qasr and Mina A’ Salam, in addition to clusters of 29 traditional Summer Houses in Dar Al Masyaf and seven Malakiya Villas, which are the resort’s hidden gems.

The resort offers an impressive range of facilities, which include: conference and banqueting facilities including two grand

ballrooms and a 1000-seat Amphitheatre (the region’s only dedicated entertainment centre and multi-purpose venue), Madinat Arena; extensive leisure and health facilities including Talise Spa and Talise Fitness; and Souk Madinat Jumeirah, a traditional retail and dining experience showcasing the best of Arabia. The Souk is also home to Madinat Theatre - a 442 seat luxury venue, which hosts productions by internationally acclaimed groups ranging from drama and dance to comedy and film. All areas of

Summer 2014

78

Voyages & Découvertes

by Beatrice Boardman

the resort are interconnected by 3km of intricate waterways and landscaped gardens. The waterways are serviced by abras (water taxis) offering guests alternative transportation and a great way to view the resort.

We visited a traditional Summer House in Dar Al Masyaf to experience the ‘Madinat Magic’.

Inspired by the traditional Arabian courtyard Summer Houses, the stand-alone, two-storey residential retreats of Dar Al Masyaf, which represent the premium accommodation within the resort, suit guests seeking a more intimate hideaway. Dar Al Masyaf offers two villa types: Gulf and Arabian, each with a minimum space of 60m2 per room. Each villa houses a number of luxurious self-contained guest rooms and suites, each with their own personal butler and discreet in-suite check-in service.

All villas benefit from privileged locations within the resort, with the Gulf Villas located along the beach. A shared traditional Arabic courtyard is at the centre of each villa and gives guests privileged access to a private pool, located in the centre of each cluster.

we still found that we had time to kill in the afternoon before heading back for an early wash down ready for that all important ‘Sundowner’ time.

If rest and relaxation are the order of the day, a long hot soak in the deep oval terrazzo bath tub is highly recommended before a spot of room service and a movie in your palatial room or suite, but for those looking for the buzz of Dubai’s infamous night scene, a few minutes’ abra ride will take you to the heart of the action. You will find yourself spoilt for choice, as just about every international cuisine is available in the impressive array of restaurants and bars across Souk Madinat Jumeirah, Mina A’Salam and Al Qasr.

We opted for the newly opened Tortuga restaurant in Mina A’Salam with its promise of a vibrant atmosphere with live entertainment, warm hospitality and most importantly, truly authentic Mexican cuisine. We were far from disappointed.

Overlooking the tranquil waters of Mina A’Salam, with views of the Arabian Gulf, Tortuga’s authentic Mexican dining experience includes a Tortilla live cooking station and the traditional Molcajete (melted cheese in a hot volcanic bowl) - a family recipe of THE EXPERIENCE award-winning Head Chef, Carlos Hannon.

If you’re in need of taking a breather, regaining perspective and As we relaxed enjoying the romantic al fresco setting of the appreciating what’s really important in life, this is the perfect outdoor terrace - which offers views of the Mina A’Salam waterplace to do all of that. Get ready to fall in love all over again as ways, the Arabian Gulf and the Burj Al Arab - we were treated to everywhere you turn, a feast for the eyes awaits and much more the warmest of hospitality and were guided through the menu beyond that. The butler service is a cut above the rest with each

by Restaurant Manager, Lorena Guerrero, and her welcoming villa coming complete with its own butler who is entirely at the team as they recommended the very best of traditional Mexican disposition of a mere 11 rooms, the highlight of the day being dishes for us to try. We also needed a little help when studying ‘Sundowner’ time when from 6-8pm, the villa bar is open to the detailed Margharita menu and discovered a new favourite: guests who can enjoy complimentary service in the Majlis or Tamarind Margharita, which was refreshingly sweeter than the courtyard with other guests, or if you require a little privacy, the traditional recipe. We ended the meal with the traditional Churbutler will bring you bubbles - or beverages of your choice - to ros (crunchy fried choux pastry) and a selection of exotic ice your door where you can enjoy them on creams including creamy Coconut and your private balcony or in the comfort of Mango. your room.

Surrounded by shimmering waters, the SINBADS KIDS CLUB For someone who usually feels the presromantic setting coupled with the upliftWhether it’s splashing around, face sure of trying to fit it all in when staying in ing atmosphere and almost tangible expainting, playing sports, watching such a vast resort with so many facilities citement of weekend fun makes Madinat movies or doing crafts, your kids to be enjoyed, the fact that everything is Jumeirah a truly memorable place to have will have the time of their lives at either within walking distance, or a mere fun with family and friends whether just Sinbad’s Kids Club. With over 1,000 square metres of play areas and few minutes’ buggy or abra ride away visiting for an evening, or staying in the pools, it really is a dream world for (both of which can be called on demand resort itself. Returning to our villa on the children. by the butler), gives a feeling that time abra, we were filled with excited anticipaYou can come along with your kids is definitely on your side. We were able tion at the thought of one more day in anytime, from early morning to late to enjoy a leisurely start, a later than this beautiful place. at night. Alternatively, book in with the childcare and babysitting service usual breakfast - there are three breakfast to leave your children in the expert For more information or to make a restaurants on offer across the resort and care of the fully-trained staff while reservation, visit: the one by the main pool is open until you head off for a well-earned break. www.jumeirah.com/en/hotels-resorts/ 11.30am - swimming, a significant time in Opening hours: 8am-7pm dubai/madinat-jumeirah/dar-al-masyaf/ the Sinbads Kids Club with our 2 year old, (Tel: +971 4 3666822) For Reservations at Tortuga, visit: www.tortuga.ae or Tel: +971 4 366 6730 beach fun, a trip to the Souk by Abra and www.khaleejmadame.com

79

Khaleej Madame

TRIED & TESTED

Oriental Hammam

The Magic of Arabia, ONE & ONLY ROYAL MIRAGE Dubai O

ne of the most renowned luxury destinations in Dubai, One&Only Royal Mirage, promises truly authentic Arabian hospitality and refinement in a stunning setting with an ambiance of grandeur and exclusivity. Occupying its own 1km stretch of private white sandy beach overlooking Palm Island Bay with the dramatic city skyline as its backdrop, the serene resort and its 65 acres of lush landscaped gardens provide a haven of tranquility at the heart of ‘new Dubai.’

One&Only Royal Mirage consists of three equally distinctive properties, each unique in its design, facilities and dining offerings. The Palace is the original and first property to be built in

Celebrities Restaurant

the resort and true to the resort’s ethos of authenticity, its design exudes an aura of the magic of Arabia. The Arabian Court is more illusive and mysterious, disguised behind a sheltered oasis, protecting the inner beauty of the dramatic architecture best showcased by the impressive grand gallery complete with seven intricately designed domes that represent the seven Emirates.

The Residence and Spa belongs to the prestigious association “Leading Hotels of the World” and provides its distinguished guests with an intimate sanctuary and award-worthy personable service by a specially selected, dedicated team. The Residence and Spa is also home to an exclusive Beach Garden Villa that

Summer 2014

80

Voyages & Découvertes

by Beatrice Boardman

lies within the lush gardens with its own private and secluded gardens, pool and beach access.

We visited The Palace for a taste of One&Only’s signature luxurious hospitality.

THE EXPERIENCE:

Suites; and 2 Royal Suites. Each room offers a minimum of 45 sqm accommodation, all oriented with a sea or gardens view with private balcony or terrace.

DINING

The meandering leafy driveway flanked intermittently by stately looking sculptures of falcons comes to a climactic end with a magnificent golden sculpture of a group of Bedouins riding camels in the forecourt of The Palace entrance. References to Arabian heritage abound giving an air of majesty and tradition. We are attentively greeted by the doormen - aptly attired in golden uniforms - and welcomed into the impressive marble foyer. The Palace interiors are aglow with ambient lighting. Above us towers a splendid and lofty Arabian-style dome flanked below by traditional Middle Eastern archways and intricate moucharabieh panelling. Four tall palm trees stand grandly at the corners of the central water fountain symbolic of a desert oasis.

Within minutes, we are led to our Executive Suite in the Gold Club area and our butler arrives to welcome us and show us around our room. The suite’s entrance hall opens into a lavishly furnished living room with separate balcony overlooking the palm shaded pool below and is interconnected with the bedroom that leads through to the walk-in wardrobes and marble bathroom beyond. The butler informs us that the Gold Club area has a lounge that offers a continental breakfast for our convenience in addition to afternoon tea, happy hour beverages and all-day soft drinks and refreshments. Space, comfort and luxury are ours and we begin to unwind.

ACCOMMODATION

The Palace has 230 rooms and suites comprising: 147 Superior Deluxe; 49 Gold Club Rooms; 33 Executive and Gold Club

Dining at The Palace is a worldly affair with a diverse offering of cuisines including: Mediterranean all day dining; Grilled Seafood and Salads; Light Bar Bite Tapas; French/European fine dining; and even a touch of the exotic at Tagine, their Moroccan restaurant. Vibrant bars include: Celebrities Bar and The Jetty Lounge.

HIGHLIGHTS

Olives For families and those seeking a more casual and relaxed setting, all-day dining is on offer at Olives with a predominantly buffet service, but limited a la carte options are available. The interiors are Mediterranean-inspired with stained glass, wrought iron chandeliers and marble-topped tables adding vibrancy to the ambience.

The al fresco Bougainvillea-covered terrace overlooking the palmshaded pool give a Riviera coastal café feel. We were delighted with the indulgent spread available at breakfast with an array of choice ranging from international favourites to locally produced Arabic specialties. The service was attentive and every dish looked and tasted freshly prepared. Open Daily 6.30am-11pm.

The Jetty Lounge One of Dubai’s favoured hot spots, The Jetty Lounge is an elegant beachside lounge providing a tranquil setting for relaxing and unwinding with friends. At night, it comes alive with a buzzy atmosphere enhanced by the chill out vibe and the stylishly contemporary interiors and design. Enjoy your favourite cocktail whilst nibbling on delectable light tapas-style platters - perfect for sharing. Open daily from 2pm until late.

The Palace Grand Pool of One&Only Royal Mirage

Gardens of One&Only Royal Mirage

www.khaleejmadame.com

81

Khaleej Madame Celebrities Restaurant, Private Dining Room and Lounge For those who prefer a more formal and adult-only ambience, The Palace’s signature fine dining restaurant, Celebrities, is a treat. Newly redesigned, this stylish and elegant venue occupies the best spot in the hotel overlooking The Palace Esplanade, which lights up at night emanating a magical gold hue over the shimmering waters of the impressive palm-bordered water fountain that extends at length towards the private beach. The restaurant’s interiors are equally as striking with lavishly comfortable seating, thick linen tablecloths and resplendent carpet, all lit up by majestic crystal chandeliers, which add to the grandeur of the atmosphere and which set the scene for the gastronomic experience that Chef de Cuisine, Laurent Michel, will expertly prepare for you.

We were treated to friendly and attentive service by Restaurant Manager Damien Planchenault and his team as they served up a storm by way of an exclusive tasting menu prepared by Chef de Cuisine, Laurent Michel designed to showcase the very best of the à la carte offerings. Every dish was a work of art with stunning presentation and a complex layering of flavours that complimented each other beautifully and left us yearning for more.

Must-have dishes included: Chilled Carrot and Orange Soup with Cumin, Grilled Toast with Goat Cheese; Roasted Cod Fillet with Aioli Broth, Saffron Potatoes and Baby Carrots; Farm Chicken Breast Filled with Foie Gras, Celeriac Purée and Barbajuans Fritters; Milk Fed Veal Tenderloin, Girolle Mushroom and Potato Fondant, Truffle Cream; and the pièce de résistance was the Coconut Soufflé, Pineapple and Fresh Mint Sorbet - as light as air! Dinner at Celebrities is a ‘must’!

Celebrities also serves an à la carte breakfast. Breakfast 8am10.30am; Dinner 7pm-11pm Closed on Saturdays. N.B. Children 8 years or over.

Superior Executive Suite,The Palace of One&Only Royal Mirage Dubai The Jetty Lounge at Night, The Palace

SPA

Within the charming courtyard entrance of the Residence & Spa property lies the Health & Beauty Institute. Architecturally impressive and reminiscent of the great buildings of the region with towering domes, carved arches and intricate design work, it captures the values of the environs and ensures that each experience is totally distinctive and ceremonial. On the lower floor, the authentic Oriental Hammam offers a traditional heated marble massage table, two steam rooms, two Jacuzzis, two private massage rooms, jet shower and whirlpool as well as a resting area. The mezzanine level is home to the separate ladies and gentlemen’s treatment rooms boasting 12 individual therapy rooms in total.

With separate operating hours for Ladies and gentlemen, I went along during Ladies’ hours in the morning for a Traditional Hammam Experience. Descending the spiral terrazzo staircase to the Oriental Hammam, gives a feeling of entering a haven of escapism and relaxation shut off from the outside world where stresses and strains could be steamed away. This was not far off from the experience to come. Once de-robed and changed, my personal Hammam therapist led me through past a large Jacuzzi Summer 2014

82

Gardens of One&Only Royal Mirage

Voyages & Découvertes Gardens of One&Only Royal Mirage

The Jetty Lounge at Night, The Palace

Celebrities Restaurant

Olives terrace

where a set of frosted glass doors emanated hot steam. The doors opened to reveal a hexagonal wet room filled with steam with a central terrazzo island where women lay head to toe in midtreatment. For those a little more body-shy, private Hammam rooms surround the central area and it was in one of these that my treatment began.

As I sat on the stone bench next to a copper bucket overflowing with water, the therapist bathed me in warm water and began to apply a natural black soap made with olive oil and eucalyptus all over my body before washing me down once again. I was then led into a separate steam room to relax for 5 minutes before being led back to my Hammam room where I lay down for a vigorous head-to-toe ‘loofah’ body scrub. This was followed by a thorough body cleansing and shampoo and finally, an all-over light relaxing body massage with various stretching movements completed the experience. This was a first for me and it left me feeling cleansed both physically and mentally and ready to waft lazily onto the beach.

temperature-controlled swimming pool, water sports centre, tennis courts, golf putting green, ‘KidsOnly’ children’s facilities and extensive landscaped grounds, which provide a tranquil haven for rest and relaxation.

‘KIDSONLY’ CLUB

There are KidsOnly Clubs located in both The Palace and the Arabian Court. Each offers a TV room, games, books and an arts and crafts area.

The KidsOnly Club offers daily supervised activity programmes adapted to three age groups: 4-5 years, 6-8 years and 9-11 years. Children under four are welcome to use the club’s facilities, but must be supervised at all times by a parent or guardian.

The KidsOnly Clubs are open daily for supervised activities during the following times: 10am-12.30pm; 2.30pm-5pm; 6pm10pm.

LEISURE AND ACTIVITIES

For more information and reservations, visit: www.oneandonlyroyalmirage.com; Tel: +971 (0)4 399 99 99

The Palace grounds are expansive and offer a range of leisure facilities including the signature Romanesque palm-shaded

www.khaleejmadame.com

83

Khaleej Madame

TRIED & TESTED

Palatial Paradise

EMIRATES PALACE

Abu Dhabi

This majestic and iconic landmark stands proudly on its own 1.3km stretch of white sandy beach surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of its expansive paradisal grounds and gardens.

I

t is an Elysian dream that has to be experienced to be believed. Inside the lofty interiors, resplendent grandeur underlies every last detail of this regal establishment - from the gold leaf that dominates the decor, the stunning and intricately designed marble that lies underfoot, the richly sumptuous fabrics adorning the furniture and windows, right down to the fixtures and fittings in the bathrooms - everything has been painstakingly created by international artisans to an unparalleled standard of stately splendour.

THE EXPERIENCE

Pulling up to the front entrance, we are greeted by a grandly robed team of doormen offering an attentive and warm welcome before we are guided through to the main reception area for check-in where the seamless personable service commences.

Whilst enjoying light refreshments of juice and fresh dates, I am offered a small bouquet of flowers and our daughter, an Emirates Palace toy camel at which she beams with delight! Our check-in is fast and efficient and our private butler is soon leading us to our luxurious accommodation.

Having stayed in Emirates Palace before for a special occasion, we are familiar with the level of luxury one can expect from their rooms, but this time, we are unexpectedly treated to a whole new world - a Khaleej Deluxe Suite. ‘Luxury’ is an understatement, in fact, our new temporary accommodation is so impactful that we are rendered speechless by its lavish opulence.

The long and spacious private hallway complete with entrance bathroom leads to a dining area, which is interconnected with a luxuriously furnished living room boasting a wall-to-wall television screen and desk. Beautifully ornate sliding glass doors lead through to a vast bedroom and dressing area where a king-sized bed overlooks another 61-inch television screen and onto the panoramic expansive balcony with 180 degree scenic sea views!

“But there’s more,” the Butler informs me, smiling as he gestures through the ‘His and Hers’ walk-in cupboards to the spa bathroom beyond. As I try to take it all in, the Butler kindly runs through our special requirements for the room during our stay such as: what time we would like the room to be serviced; how many bottles of water would be required each day; what fruit would we like; when would be most convenient for turn down

Summer 2014

84

Voyages & Découvertes

by Beatrice Boardman

Palace Suite Bedroom

service to be done; and lastly, what reservations could he make for us and when. Our entire weekend is conveniently taken care of within ten minutes leaving us to sit back relax and savour every minute of our memorable time at Emirates Palace and so the weekend commences.

ACCOMMODATION

Emirates Palace offers: 302 Grand Rooms at 55 sqm ranging from Coral (standard) through to Pearl and Diamond - the latter two categories offer a living room and suite amenities; 20 Khaleej Suites at 110 sqm; 20 Khaleej Deluxe Suites at 165 sqm; 4 Royal Suites at 275 sqm; and 48 Palace Suites at 680 sqm boasting 3 bedrooms and which can be divided into 3. All rooms and suites are exquisitely designed with elegant veneer wood paneling, rich sumptuous silk embroidered fabrics, a luxurious marble bathroom and private balcony. Additionally, every room is serviced by a 24-hour butler service to see to all your needs at the touch of a button.

Sarab Land Kid’s Dome

Mezzaluna - Italian Restaurant

DINING

Dining at Emirates Palace is a gastronome’s dream. With fifteen world-class restaurants and bars to choose from and each of them offering a unique and authentic experience true to the cuisine they specialise in, the biggest dilemma that you will be faced with is how to choose! Cuisines on offer include: International, Italian, Seafood, Emirati, Lebanese and Modern Chinese.

Highlights Le Vendôme Brasserie We started our day with a feast fit for a King at Le Vendôme Brasserie’s international buffet complete with live cooking stations and juice bar. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, Le Vendôme Brasserie awakens the senses with its extensive and spoiling buffet where exotic flavours meet international favourites. The outdoor terrace offers breathtaking views of the expansive private beach and immaculately manicured private gardens below, which make for a relaxed and idyllic setting any time of the day.

Sayad As a lover of seafood, this has to be one of my favourite restaurants in Emirates Palace. Sayad (Arabic for fisherman) never fails to disappoint in serving up a feast for the eyes as well as the palate. Each dish boasts presentation that is as chic and contemporary as the ambient decor and as impactful in flavour as only the freshest seafood should be. The interior’s soft warm hues of blue and gold backlighting give off a warm and inviting ambience reminiscent of a tropical marine setting whilst the al fresco terrace is the perfect place to relax and soak up the views of the white sandy beach and marina beyond. Live saxophone music is played in the evenings under a moonlit sky adding romance to an already blissful setting. Must-have dishes include: Burj Al www.khaleejmadame.com

85

Khaleej Madame Sayad Seafood Platter (to share); Monk Fish served with saffron sauce, mussels & SUMMER OFFER Fennel; and Lobster Thermidor cooked in With amazing rates starting from a creamy sauce with mushrooms, shallots, AED 990* per night, Emirates Palace garlic & herbs. promises to be your ideal unwinding getaway.

Open for dinner only 6.30pm to 11.30pm.

• Rates are subject to 10% service Mezzaluna charge and 6% tourism fee. Above This award-winning restaurant offers a mentioned rates are applicable for truly authentic Italian experience dramatione night bookings between the 17th cally enhanced by the richly furnished May until the 31st August 2014. Offer valid for all the GCC nationals and dining space where soft comfortable seatresidents only. ing, thick linen tablecloths and Venetian For more information or murals and motifs combine to exude reservations, please call: +971 (0) 2 comfort and grandeur. Alternatively, the al 690 8888 or email: reservations@ fresco terrace offers a more relaxed setting emiratespalace.ae day or night with the magnificent Palace surroundings as a backdrop. Whet your appetite with a classic Antipasto Misto to share, which combines the best of the antipasto together on one platter including: Burrata Cheese, King Crab and Avocado, Seared Scallops with Tomato Marmalade Alici and Capsicum, Bresaola, Cured Olives Emirates Palace at Sunrise and Prime Beef Carpaccio. If you still have room for a main, the fresh handcrafted pasta - such as Paccheri with Lobster and Langoustines with a Mild Spicy Sauce - is highly recommended and they offer gluten free Fusilli, Spaghetti and Penne Pastas to be prepared in any style required. Allow the expert Sommelier to select for you the perfect grape accompaniment to each dish.

Open for lunch and dinner from 9am to 11pm.

Cascades For casual poolside dining, visit Cascades and Las Brisas where freshly prepared salads and grills and fresh juices and cocktails Emirates Palace at Night can be enjoyed at your leisure from 6am to 2am.

SPA

Enter a hidden world of relaxation at Anantara Spa at Emirates Palace where a serene and restful ambience greets you. An exotic blend of Moroccan-inspired interiors, domes and graceful archways is interlaced with delicate Thai-style furnishings and spa fittings synonymous with Anantara’s world-class Spas. The Spa offers impressive facilities including: a Vichy Shower Room with heated marble for all water based treatments; and a traditional Moroccan Hammam, which forms the heart of the Anantara spa that includes two Jacuzzis, two steam rooms, heated marble, ice cave and two private changing rooms. Treatments range from a vast selection of international massage therapies, facials and skincare treatments to indulgent half-day spa Signature Journeys such as ‘Gateway to Arabia’ and ‘Route to Ayudhaya’.

We opted for the Stress Release Massage (90 Minutes) as it promised to be the perfect tonic for a busy and stressed out body using a combination of strokes and acupressure techniques, and the specially blended signature oil of your choice. After a warm welcome and some ginger tea and cold towel, we were led by

Couples Treatment Room at Anantara Spa

our two therapists to one of the double treatment rooms. The treatment started with a relaxing floral foot ritual before we both lay face down on the beds ready to have our tensions soothed away. Having asked if we had any problem areas of tension, the therapist concentrated the gentle, but firm acupressure massage on my upper back and shoulders to loosen the knots before using some relaxing stretching techniques to further loosen up these areas. The treatment culminated in a gentle head and face massage leaving my entire body in an elevated state of relaxation.

LEISURE AND ACTIVITIES

Laze by the pool at the children-friendly West Wing where the water slides and lazy river will keep the whole family amused for hours. Alternatively, if it’s peace and quiet you require, relax and unwind beside the large East Wing pool, with its swim-up pool bar and adults-only water hammocks.

Emirates Palace have an array of fun sports and activities on offer including: Wakeboarding; Water Skiing; Snorkeling;

Summer 2014

86

Voyages & Découvertes Las Brisas

Cascades

Sayad Seafood Restaurant

West Wing Swimming Pool

A PERSONAL TOUCH VIB: Very Important Babies The Kempinski Kids Program treats your little Princes and Princesses with a VIB approach. Each child receives a gift upon arrival and a booklet welcoming them and informing them of all the fun activities they can enjoy during their stay.

A Kempinski Kids Ambassador is on hand to make your children’s stay as fun and memorable as yours. Activities include: time in Sarab Land, the Emirates Palace Kids Club which is open from 10am to 6pm; land and water sports; beauty salon for 7 years and above; Kids Spa (with or without Mummy!); ‘Magical Journey’ Palace Tour; and Babysitting Services, which are bookable at extra charge.

Lady In Red The Kempinski brand boasts a unique guest relations concept: The Lady in Red. This is a Kempinski Ambassador role that is active across the entire Kempinski portfolio and was created to compliment the work of the hotel concierge. The Lady in Red leads the guest relations team and ensures that she is approachable to take care of any guest relations concerns or requirements where necessary with that added personal touch. Fluent in several languages and adept at guest relation management, Lady Bouchra Souizi has proved in Red, herself to be indispensible Bouchra in her role as the Lady in Souizi Red at Emirates Palace - a position she has held since the concept began two years ago.

canoeing; Tennis and Padel; outdoor fitness classes (excluding Summer); and personal training in the state-of-the-art fitness suites, which are Techno Gym equipped.

Highlight: Tennis Having spent a lot of my early Summers playing tennis and participating in tournaments, it has since fallen by the wayside overshadowed by other activities, so after nearly a decade, I decided it was definitely time to pick up my racket and avail myself of the expert guidance and coaching of Emirates Palace’s resident Tennis professional, Pjer Dulava. Feeling apprehensive as to how this was going to go, I was delighted to find that Pjer’s kind and gentle guidance soon had me back in the driving seat and thoroughly enjoying myself around the court. Pjer made the lesson fun, constructive and left me with a renewed enthusiasm for Tennis, which I am looking forward to building on going forward. If you love tennis, or even if you’re a beginner, a lesson with Pjer is highly recommended.

www.khaleejmadame.com

87

Khaleej Madame

Allow Tastebuds to Travel at

VASCO’S, HILTON ABU DHABI

by Claire Sims-Craddock

TRIED & TESTED

A

visit to Vasco’s at the Hilton Abu Dhabi feels like a mini tropical holiday. From the warm welcome to the palm tree-adorned outdoor terrace overlooking the azure waters of the Gulf, it’s the perfect setting to relax and enjoy delicious delights from around the world.

Winner of numerous awards over its many years of existence, including Time Out Abu Dhabi Best International Restaurant Award 2013, Vasco’s takes its inspiration from the Portuguese explorer

Vasco Da Gama who started the vibrant trade between the East and West. Its menu incorporates the distinct flavours from along these routes, including Italian, Portuguese and Indian dishes, as well as a salad bar, steaks and seafood, all cooked to perfection by a talented team of chefs in an open kitchen.

Faced with an all encompassing menu and extensive drinks list, I am grateful for the excellent recommendations of our very friendly and helpful waitress. It’s the first day

Summer 2014

88

of Vasco’s seasonal asparagus dishes so I select a salad starter of perfectly cooked white and green asparagus with juicy strawberries and caramelized hazelnuts, a delightful combination of flavours and textures. My companion’s beef carpaccio melts in the mouth and is seasoned with tantalizing tandoori spices and adorned with generous parmesan shavings and crunchy salad.

Savouring the welcome sea breeze under gently-lit palm trees, our main dishes swiftly arrive and the recommended

Bonnes

Regina

TABLES Salmon Gravlax

Veg Forfeli Pasta

Details: • Cuisine: International • Lunch: 12 – 3.30pm • Dinner: 7 – 10.30pm • For reservations, call 02 692 4328

Tuna Steak

Seafood Platter surpasses expectations – delicate seabass, succulent tiger prawns and the juiciest half lobster I have ever tasted, served with a zesty lemon butter sauce, fluffy rice and al dente vegetables.

The Mughlai Chicken Makhani is an intricate dish – barbecued chicken cooked in a rich butter and tomato sauce, accompanied by white rice, chutney, salad and a light and flavourful garlic naan, fresh from Vasco’s tandoori oven (pizza lovers note the restaurant also has a wood-fired oven

which produces exceptionally sumptuouslooking pizzas).

Nearing satiety but operating in full holiday mode, naturally we find room for desserts. Struggling to choose between our favourites, we ask for guidance and are generously offered the chance of trying all three! A superb idea! And so followed the perfect end to a delicious meal – exquisite masterpieces which tasted divine: a sublime warm chocolate soufflé with vanilla ice cream and fruit coulis; a trilogy

What Else?

• Winner of Time Out Abu Dhabi Best International Restaurant Award 2013 • Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence 2013 • Outdoor terrace overlooking the Arabian Gulf • Impeccable service with efficient, friendly staff • Delicious, beautifullypresented food

of smooth and light vanilla, raspberry and praline crème brûlée – without doubt the best I’ve ever tasted; and a dense lemon cake topped with intense chocolate mousse balanced with a refreshing lemon sorbet. We leave happy and satisfied, and already looking forward to our next mini holiday at Vasco’s. www.khaleejmadame.com

89

Khaleej Madame

Flavours of the

ORIENT KANPAI, SOUK AL BAHAR Details: • Cuisine: Japanese fusion • Open for lunch and dinner 7 days a week Location: Souk al Bahar, Dubai • Contact: 04 4419262; www.kanpaime.com What Else?

• Inviting cosy and contemporary interiors • Personal, friendly service • Individual menus and bespoke creations prepared by Chef Masa

J

apanese restaurant Kanpai has quickly become a hotspot on Dubai’s dining scene, no mean feat when you consider the number of five-star fusion eateries vying for culinary attention nearby. Named after the Japanese word for ‘cheers’, what makes Kanpai stand out is its combination of affordable, quality food with a quirky edge.

In the spirit of keeping things fresh, Chef Masamitsu Morino has recently unveiled a new menu showcasing a more innovative side to traditional Far Eastern flavours

TRIED & TESTED by using a variety of tastes, textures and culinary techniques. And while the menu offers over 100 options guaranteed to tempt the most discerning diners, Chef Masa is also happy to visit each table and get to know the guests’ personal favourites in order to serve up a selection of bespoke creations.

Happy to sit back and enjoy the signature recommendations, we started with the baked oysters with misonaise sauce, which were cooked and flavoured to perfection, accompanied by the fresh and succulent

Summer 2014

90

salmon and avocado tartar, as well as an enduring favourite, seafood gyoza. When it came to the soup course, the miso soup with clams was a tasty choice, however, the egg custard soup with seafood and chicken was a little too inventive in texture terms for our liking. Glorious sushi and sashimi came artfully presented and hit just the right note. Struggling to fit in another bite, we made an exception for the marinated black cod with Kanpai signature fried noodles, which finished off the meal in style.

Bonnes Tables

by Samantha Armstrong

www.khaleejmadame.com

91

Khaleej Madame

At The Stove With Chef ANTONIO SAEZ OF CATALAN

ROSEWOOD ABU DHABI Foie Gras

Alcove Seating

R

Catalan’s Executive osewood’s flagship Middle tures, sounds and smells. From a very Chef, Antonio Saez East property in the heart of the early age, my favorite place in the house capital’s new Sowwah Square dewas our bustling kitchen. velopment is home to the latest addition to the capital’s fine dining scene, Catalan. The Span2. What inspires you and drives your ish fine dining restaurant, serves truly authentic Spanish passion for cooking? fare that comes from the heart… the heart of Catalonia where My wife, my sons and my daughter. the cultural traditions boast a culinary legacy that is passed from generation to generation; and from the heart of Catalan’s 3. What is it about Catalan that sets it apart from Executive Chef, Antonio Saez, who - hailing from Barcelona - is other fine dining restaurants in the region?

Catalan through and through and whose passion for his culinary Authentic dishes, genuine cooking methods, traditional recipes heritage is manifested in every dish he prepares. Antonio talks to and the freshest ingredients, which we source regularly from KM about his life, passions and deep-rooted inspirations.

Barcelona.

1. When did you decide you wanted to become a Chef and what inspired to do so?

Ever since the first day I stepped into my mother’s kitchen, I have been fascinated by the world of ingredients, flavours, tex-

4. Catalan has been a roaring success from its opening in May, 2013 - to what do you attribute to its success?

I have been blessed with an incredibly dedicated, passionate

Summer 2014

92

Bonnes Tables by: Beatrice Boardman

and professional team – both in the kitchen and outside of the kitchen.

5. What new ingredients are inspiring you at the moment?

Fresh ingredients from Barcelona, including Catalan extra virgin olive oil, morels, red prawns, sardines, and milk fed lamb.

Dining Room

6. Food is strongly evocative, which dish or dishes evoke the fondest memories for you?

The taste of the dishes that my mother used to cook such as Cod Fish, Seafood Paella, and Catalan Crea, conjure the most stirring and happy memories.

7. What are some of your favourite dishes on the menu?

Marinated Sardines with fresh Sofrito, Beetroot Cream and Smoked Anchovy Canapé, or the Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Cardamom Soup and Pistachio Biscuit.

Langoustine

8. If you could cook for and dine with anyone in the world (past or present), who would that be and why?

Santi Santamaria, a renowned gastronome and the first Catalan Chef and owner to have his restaurant receive three Michelin stars. Unfortunately, he passed away several years ago.

9. What is the one kitchen gadget that you couldn’t live without and why?

The spoon, which allows us to taste each dish we prepare.

Beef Tenderloin

10. What is the secret to cooking world-class Catalonian cuisine?

Honouring tradition, remembering authentic recipes and ingredients and admiration for the most humble foods. Catalan cuisine has been influenced by a mixture of cultures, including Spanish, Arabic, Roman, Italian, and French. This shapes the cuisine’s heritage and identity.

Where: Rosewood Abu Dhabi Must-Have Dishes: Smoked Leek Soup, Sautéed Scallops, Carrots, Wild mushroom Stew; Catalan Seafood Paella, Fresh Vegetables, Prawns, Mussels, Calamari.

Décor: Classically modern European. Traditional gold and white meets elegant ribbon-grained fine woods offset by contemporary touches.

Ambience: A romantic and intimate setting, but also caters for larger groups.

Open: Dinner 7pm-11.30pm For Reservations: +971 2 813 5550

www.khaleejmadame.com

93

EDITOR IN CHIEF Adel Chatoui

EDITOR

Beatrice Boardman

CONTRIBUTORS

Louise Watts Samantha Armstrong Claire Sims-Craddock Jemma Nicholls

EDITORIAL ENQUIRIES

press@khaleejmadame.com

ADVERTISING advertising@khaleejmadame.com

GRAPHIC DESIGN

Catalin Ciolca

PRINT Al Ghurair Printing & Publishing LLC DISTRIBUTION GLS PUBLISHER FRANCE MEDIA GROUP

follow khaleej madame

khaleejmadame

The opinions and views contained in this publication are not necessarily those of the publishers and the publishers cannot accept liability for errors or omissions contained in this publication, however caused. Our readers are advised to seek specialist advice before acting on information contained in this publication.

PLEASE CONSIDER THE ENVIRONMENT AND RECYCLE THIS MAGAZINE AFTER READING Summer 2014

94