15 minute read
WELLNESS HUBS
Sanskara
A stunning new wellness space is opening in Jumeirah
Looking to de-stress and switch off? Welcome to Sanskara, a wellness space, day retreat and chic eatery, opening its doors in Jumeirah this August.
Transforming a multistorey villa in Al Safa 2, Sanskara promises a ‘simple, clean, conscious and mindful approach’ through an accessible, diverse and inclusive wellness offering.
A first look at Sanskara shows the space is set to be a visual sensation: an earthy palette is complimented by lots of leafy green spaces, all designed to instantly relax visitors. Plush seating areas, calming treatment rooms and wellness studios have all been cleverly designed to offer instant zen.
Private therapy and group sessions will be offered by expert practitioners from doctors and therapists, to yogis and energy healers. Expect to be able to attend everything from yoga and meditation classes to wellness workshops across five events spaces, including a beautiful rooftop perfect for events in the cooler months.
Inviting guests to come for breakfast, lunch or dinner will be Sanskara’s conscious eatery, offering a menu packed with clean, locally-sourced dining options. Catering to all needs, keto, paleo, plant-based and vegetarian options will all be available.
For those on the go, a bakery will offer homemade goods and grab-and-go options.
Whether guests are coming for a power hour of selfreflection in the lounge, or wish to curl up with a book in the open-air library, Sanskara promises spaces for all occasions. More serious wellness afficionados can look forward to ice baths, infrared saunas and even a bio-hacking room, with cutting-edge wellness experiences taking centre stage.
There will even be a curated retail space, offering a collection of sustainable, eco-friendly, ethically sourced wellness brands. From beauty and skincare to clothing and homewares, one-of-a-kind pieces have been selected for their ties to art and nature.
With Sanskara you know you’re in safe hands: it’s the brainchild of Soniyaa Kiran Punjabi, who founded the wellbeing platform in the UAE, Illuminations. a Sanskara, Al Safa 2, Jumeirah, opening August 2022. @sanskaradxb
Blended Wellness
Gone are the days where you need to visit different venues to get a workout, a massage and a haircut. Blended Wellness has arrived to take care of all your self-care under one roof. Combining inner and mental health with fitness, grooming and beauty, Blended Wellness is home to a dedicated spa, hair and beauty salon, barber, nutrition, life coaching, fitness centre, and the UAE’s first traditional Russian Banya. a Blended Wellness, Dukes Hotel, A Royal Hideaway Resort, Palm Jumeirah. Tel: (0)4 423 8313. blendedwellness.com
THREE TO TRY
A trio of new wellness spaces open now
Joint Space
Alserkal Avenue’s latest tenant, Joint Space, offers a range of physical therapies (think osteopathy, physiotherapy and chiropractic treatments), movement (dance, strength and functional) training and education, inside its slick new warehouse space. q @jointspacedxb
Top Stretching
If there is a fitness equivalent to flossing your teeth before bed, it’s stretching. The muscle-conditioning movements, designed to increase flexibility and range of motion, are essential to optimal physical functioning and yet many of us make the mistake of skipping it. As the name suggests, TopStretching makes stretching a priority, with over 20 different classes from aero-stretching and ballet to split schools and yoga. Check out its new, beautiful, ladies-only studio in Downtown, which opens this month. q topstretching.me
Living the Thai life
The doors are finally open – it’s time to revisit one of southeast Asia’s most beloved treasures. First stop: Phuket
Famous for its outstanding beaches, incredible food and affordable accommodation, Thailand has always been a top destination for travellers from the Middle East, and indeed the world, and now it’s finally time to get back to exploring what this amazing country has to offer.
As every month sees further eases in entry requirements, current rules invite fully vaccinated travellers to enter the country simply by completing a Thai Pass and having valid health insurance. What’s On headed to Phuket, Thailand’s dazzling largest island, for a week of ocean adventures, Pad Thai, and tropical island breezes.
THE TO-DO LIST
Party it up on Bangla Road
Located in party-central Patong, Bangla Road is a pedestrianised street filled with bars, pubs and clubs on either side. The drinks are cheap, the music is loud and the attitudes are laid-back and loose. You’ll either love it or hate it, but one thing’s for sure, you’ll not have a dull night there.
Take a boat tour around the islands
The pearly white beaches that surround Phuket are the island’s key treasures. Each beach is different, from the northwest’s upmarket Surin and Ao Bang Thao to the jungled Rawai on far south Phuket. One of the best – and easiest – ways to see the best parts of the island is by booking a private boat and letting your captain take you on a journey to secret coves. q nikornmarinetourphuket.com
Spend the day at Blue Tree Park
A resort style water park with artificial beaches, cliff jumps, zip wires, waterslides, ninja warrior courses and a skate park, Blue Tree Park is one of the best family day adventures to try in Phuket. It pretty much has everything a family could want. Entry costs just Dhs250 for a family of four. q bluetree.fun
Eat all the street food you can
Found on every corner of Phuket’s bustling streets are vendors selling freshly made pancakes, satays, sweetcorn and the like. It’s all pretty clean and extremely tasty. For an even more authentic experience, hit up the Phuket Weekend Night Market, where dozens of vendors come together selling different snacks and street food at criminally cheap prices.
Stroll around the Old Town
Whilst many may head to the sunny streets of Patong – for bars, clubs and general hedonism – for a more authentic experience of Phuket, it’s worth going to the Old Town. You’ll find street after street of old, colourful, colonial-style mansions and townhouses hosting cute, cosy stores and eateries. It’s perfect for Instagram and a welcome change of pace compared with some of the more lively districts in the city.
WHERE TO STAY
Angsana Laguna
Located centrally between the two largest lagoons in Phuket is the Angsana Laguna, an impressive resort with much to offer from watersports to beach side massages. Angsana has two styles of accommodation, the large authentic Thai-style villas, set over three floors, with spacious patios, and stunning views overlooking the water. Then there are the beachfront apartments – modern, tastefully decorated and spacious. These apartments are perfect for those looking for something truly impressive that, at the same time, has every home comfort. The kitchen is sophisticated and fully equipped, with a utility room and laundry facilities. However, the utmost luxury is the large swimming pool… on the balcony.
To top it off, Angsana has a variety of top-class restaurants, the casual but wonderful Baan Talay on the beachfront and Bodego & Grill, which offers a mix of barbecue grills, seafood and Italian. Room rates for a two-bed pool suite for a family of four start at Dhs1,298 per night. q angsana.com/thailand/laguna-phuket
BUDGET
Cassia Phuket
Located along the pristine Ban Tao beach and overlooking the lagoon is Cassia. This four-star resort is beautiful and extremely well-priced. The rooms are spacious, with full kitchen facilities and a cool loft space – a great hangout for teenagers or older kids. They have a games area downstairs, with pool, foosball, reading area and arcade games. The pool is large and winds through the gardens. There’s a complimentary boat service that shuttles guests between the hotel and the sea (it runs every 15 minutes) and is just a short five-minute ride to the private beach. Everything you could possibly need is provided here, restaurants, bars and a convenience store opposite. Rooms rates for a family of four start at Dhs788 per night for a two-bed loft apartment. q cassia.com
Banyan Tree Phuket
This is one of Phuket’s longest LUXURY established luxury hotels; the most basic room is still a private villa with high stone walls and its own pool. It’s a safe bet for both couples and families in search of quiet surrounds, excellent facilities and easy access to one of the best beaches on the island. Each guest is given a bicycle to get around the resort, from your private villa to the restaurants, beach or pool.
For golfing enthusiasts, the Banyan Tree has its own 18-hole golf course, Laguna Golf Phuket. Meanwhile, foodies will love the exclusive private dining experience, where the resort’s chef will come to your villa, lay the table, prepare, cook and serve a huge variety of Thai salads, grilled meats and seafood. Room rates for a signature two-bed pool villa start from Dhs1,764 for a family of four. q banyantree.com/thailand/phuket
WHERE TO EAT
01 Pru
Phuket’s first and only Michelinstarred restaurant is built around dishes with ingredients sourced from ecosystems across Thailand. Dishes are seasonal, delicate and beautifully presented. The Phuket lobster and the wagyu beef and baby corn are must-trys. q prurestaurant.com
02
Baan Talay
Traditional Thai cuisine and fresh seafood are the stars at Baan Talay, the picture perfect beachfront restaurant overlooking the Andaman Sea. q angsana.com
03
Pizza Lovers by La Taverna
If you really have to take a break from Thai food while in Phuket, this popular pizzeria serves excellent Italian food. A great find for those with particularly fussy children. q @PizzaLoversLaTaverna
04 Saffron
From its humble beginnings as a simple curry house opened in 1995, Saffron has since leaped beyond its origins to become the award-winning dining experience that it is today – and the signature Thai restaurant of Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts. q saffronbanyantree.com
WIN!
A MEAL FOR FOUR AT ZOUZOU DUBAI WORTH DHS1,000
Turkish Lebanese fusion restaurant – and recent What’s On award-winner – ZouZou Dubai has just opened a new branch in Dubai Hills Mall and to celebrate, it is giving away a meal worth Dhs1,000 for four guests. Dine for lunch or dinner and choose a variety of smokey meat platters served straight off the grill, cheesy pizzas and gigantic pides, and the ever-popular ice cream baklava.
q For your chance to win, go to whatson.ae/win
WIN!
SATURDAY BRUNCH FOR TWO AT GRAZE GASTRO GRILL & BAR
Steak fans, make plans to dig in at Graze Gastro Grill & Bar’s Saturday brunch. You and your chosen guest will enjoy the fruits of an all-new crafted menu with a range of starters, including poached chilled seafood platter, salmon carpaccio, black Angus tartar, and a delicious creamy sweetcorn chowder. For mains, you have the difficult decision to pick from Black Angus filet, Black Angus striploin, Australian lamb chops, grilled salmon filet and for a ‘rare’ find on Dubai menus, Sanchoku Wagyu ribeye, which are served with steakhouse fries, creamed spinach, grilled sweetcorn and the legendary truffle mac and cheese. To end your brunch experience, there are sweet and savoury treats, including a warm chocolate tart, strawberry pavlova and baked basque cheesecake while savoury fans can opt for the artisan cheeseboard.
Exclusive paintings, sculptures, photography and timepieces from award-winning international artists.
Painting by Painting by Painting by Andrew Vicari Andrew Vicari Andrew Vicari
Photograph by Greg Newington Sculpture by Sculpture by Armin Shahhosseini Armin Shahhosseini Armin Shahhosseini
WIN!
A ONE-NIGHT STAY FOR TWO WITH BREAKFAST AT RIXOS PREMIUM DUBAI
An exciting opportunity is coming your way as Rixos Premium Dubai, a stylish urban hotspot in the heart of Dubai’s bustling Jumeirah Beach Residence. The hotel is offering one lucky reader and their guest a chance to win a one-night stay, including breakfast at its luxury resort.
This lifestyle destination is located just a few blocks away from the buzzing neighbourhoods of Marina Walk and Bluewaters Island. With a backdrop of the breathtaking Arabian Gulf and the glittering skyline of Dubai, the outstanding views are awaiting the lucky winner. Experience trendy living where iconic design meets contemporary luxury in the hotel’s sleek rooms and sophisticated modern suites.
Guests can enjoy an array of dining options during their stay, including Turkish and international fusion at Turquoise, mouthwatering burgers at Black Tap, lively happy hours at Lock, Stock & Barrel, irresistible Greek cuisine at Ammos, premium succulent steaks at STK, the “best pizza in town” at Luigia, delicious Moroccan, Lebanese, and Turkish delicacies at Asil, and scrumptious Belgian desserts at Godiva.
Rixos Premium is also home to Azure Beach Dubai, where guests can relax in this slice of paradise overlooking the beautiful azure waters of JBR beach. For guests looking to experience the true meaning of relaxation, a sensory journey awaits them at the award-winning Naturelife Spa where they can enjoy signature experiences and luxurious facilities featuring a traditional hammam at the heart of the spa, a steam room, sauna, ice fountain and bespoke couple’s suite. So much to do in so little time…
LASTMINUTE TRIP
Dubai Creek Academies offer staycations at Park Hyatt Dubai with a side of sporty action
As more travellers clamour for experiences over amenities, properties are increasingly looking at ways to differentiate themselves. Sometimes the transition is seamless, other times somewhat forced – so it’s a coup when a hotel can naturally step into its niche. That’s the enviable position that Park Hyatt Dubai finds itself in: a serene property sharing hundreds of acres of lush green space dedicated to golf, tennis, padel and other sport and wellness activities.
The look and feel
Arriving at Park Hyatt Dubai is a little like stepping onto a private estate on a Mediterranean island. A sweeping drive leads to the main property, home to Park Hyatt Dubai’s restaurants, bars, pools and hotel rooms. The property is full of hidden oasis grandeur. The Amara pool is flanked by enormous palm trees; pearly-white steps lead down to the beautiful spa, and the Moorish-meets-Med architecture wows from all corners of the property.
Facilities and activities
Besides the award-winning Amara Spa, and the infinity lagoon pool, other sports and activities are offered at Dubai Creek Resort, located within the same estate as Park Hyatt Dubai. It’s home to four elite academies – a collaboration of the best sports and wellness centres in the UAE.
Peter Burwash International is a top tennis academy with private coaching sessions available to guests and residents from Dhs240 a session; Peter Cowen Golf Academy offers both individual and group clinics on the stunning Creek Golf course, from Dhs290 a session. There’s FitLab, where guests can take part in a range of classes, including private boxing sessions with former world champion, Paul ‘Silky’ Jones from Dhs335.
And finally, championing the UAE’s latest sporting trend, Real Racquet Academy offers private padel coaching sessions, from Dhs315 a session.
The food and drink
Guests can refuel at one of many places, both at Park Hyatt Dubai and the surrounding estate. Within the property, there’s the legendary Thai Kitchen, the bucket-list Traiteur Saturday brunch, and the resort’s newest import, Cinnamon Bazaar, serving modern Indian cuisine in a vibrant atmosphere. Just outside the resort is the beautiful Boardwalk restaurant that serves elegant European cuisine on a private jetty by the Creek. And if you’re after a proper hearty breakfast, Lakeview, located inside the golf club, whips up one of the best fry-ups in town.
The rooms
Standard rooms are designed in a simple contemporary style and have private balconies overlooking the creek. The lagoon beach rooms are particularly pretty, with Mediterranean-inspired décor and private patios providing access to the lagoon beach.
Summer rates
Valid until June 27, Park Hyatt Dubai’s Summer Surprise Staycation package includes breakfast for two adults and two children, 20 per cent off dining at 15 restaurants and bars, access to the over-16s only Lagoon Beach, free access to the mini golf and driving range and preferred rates for tennis, golf and padel lessons.
