Ohlala Qatar June 2022

All That Glitters Beautiful Jewellery and Fascinating Interviews

Where to Go?

Monaco Awaits You

GETAWAY

MODE

Fashion, Beauty and Homes Tips for the Wanderer WWW.OHLALAMAG.NET JUNE 2022 | ISSUE 129 QR20

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OHLALA

Pages

JUNE 2022

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Editor's Letter

Beauty Column Beauty On Board

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OHLALA Beauty Picks

OHLALA Fashion Picks In Case You Missed It OHLALA Spotlight Innovative Creations

62 Spa Spotlight A Calming Session for Two

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OHLALA Homes - Treasured Travels Travel Escapes - A Glamourous Escape to Monaco Chic Eats - Shared Plates for All Palates Diva Drives Miss OHLALA

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SPECIAL THIS ISSUE: Brand Spotlight Damas Jewellery pg48

INF INIA C OL LECTION

Suhaim Bin Hamad Street

Villaggio Mall

4447 8888

The Pearl

www.almajedgroup.me

City Center

Doha Festival City

almajedjw

MALONE SOULIERS

Editor’s Letter The month of June is when we start getting a preview of the summer days that are about to hit us very soon. And the plans to escape the heat are in full-on progress. To help you with your affairs, we bring an issue dedicated to travelling in style, beauty tips, how to incorporate your travel souvenirs into your home and a destination sought after by the rich and famous – the small yet posh Monaco. And if you don’t have plans to go anywhere, you still can let your mind drift away and embark on an adventure while reading our magazine!

The Doha Jewellery and Watches Exhibition (DJWE) astonished us with the dazzling jewellery pieces and watches presented by the biggest brands in the field. And we jumped on every single opportunity to talk to some of the names behind these great labels, such as Cartier’s CEO for the Middle East, India and Africa, Sophie Doireau, Lorenz Bäumer and Sébastien Létrange. The latter two will have their exclusive creations available at Printemps Doha. The French department store is opening its doors in Q3, and we couldn’t have been more excited to explore their booth at the DJWE to have a first look at all the novelties they are bringing to Qatar.

Our pampering session was all about a zen experience at The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Doha, followed by a nourishing Levantine feast at Antika, a dining gem at Marsa Malaz Kempinski, The Pearl-Doha – relaxing massage and good food, what else can we ask for?

The test drive of this month was behind the wheel of the INFINITI QX55, and we found out that good looks and comfort meet in this luxury crossover coupé.

Enjoy your journey through our words.

Fernanda Langhammer

Editor

editor@ohlala-magazine.com @ohlalamagazineqa 12

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VILLAGGIO MALL VIP AREA GATE 6 T 44831027 TOMFORD.COM PLACE VENDOME, GATE 5 FOUBOURG + 974 40022280

OHLALA

Fashion Picks Showing bare skin not your cup of tea? You can opt for a sheer dress or blouse to wear over a cropped top or bralette. Brunello Cucinelli has a beautiful buttoned dress that adds extra oomph to a plain outfit.

A classy pair of pumps is mandatory in every sophisticated woman’s wardrobe. Aquazurra brings a transparent option with strategic details that can be teamed up with casual or formal outfits for a cool touch.

GAUZY DREAMS Transparency is everywhere – from sheer garments to see-through plastic accessories. Pick your favourite style and embrace this trend in your looks.

The most audacious transparency goes to Coperni X Heven glass bags from the brand’s Autumn Winter 2022 collection. The sculptural accessories are a take from the New York-based glassware brand on Coperni’s signature oval-shaped Swipe bag.

BY FAR is betting on large belts in seethrough material, both clear and tinted in shades of brown, purple and green. A nice detail to add to your summer dress.

You can also add a touch of translucency to your small accessories. Celine offers a selection of cute bracelets that can add a funky touch to your summer wardrobe.

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STYLE

MICHAEL MICHAEL KORS

ETRO

BEACH VIBES

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It’s time to embrace the wanderlust in you. Summer is just around the corner and if your holiday escape includes beach and pool time, you don’t need to pack too much. Swimsuits, lightweight dresses, hats, raffia handbags and sunglasses are all you need. We envision the Greek islands and the Maldives in your future!

JOHANNA ORTIZ

VERSACE

MAX MARA

CELINE

ETRO

MAX MARA

KARL LAGERFELD

ERES

Trends

ART DECO

| robertocoin.com

BRUNELLO CUCINELLI

NOON BY NOOR

MARINA RINALDI

PAUL SMITH

CELINE

Trends

KARL LAGERFELD

STYLE

CRUISING STYLE

ERES

TORY BURCH

CELINE

If your summer destination involves boats or cruises, incorporate the sailor style with navy blue, red and white stripes. The nautical theme is a warm-day favourite – if the weather gets a bit chilly, pair your shorts with long sleeves or throw a red puffy jacket on top of your outfit.

We can picture you sailing in the Mediterranean waters.

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STYLE

CITY SIGHTSEEING

WEEKEND MAX MARA

SPORTMAX

Relaxing by the water might not be your plan – it could be that you want to explore big cities and their cultural finds and maybe include some shopping and good food. Perhaps your stroll will happen in Rome or Berlin? This trip involves a lot of walking, so comfy trainers and sandals are a must-pack! Team them with summery midi dresses, bermudas and T-shirts for comfortable yet stylish outfits.

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MAX&CO.

CELINE

MICHAEL MICHAEL KORS

PAUL SMITH

MICHAEL KORS COLLECTION

ETRO

Trends

STYLE

LEEM MAX&CO.

JW ANDERSON AT FARFETCH

WEEKEND MAX MARA

ETRO

JOHANNA ORTIZ

BOTTEGA VENETA

MICHAEL KORS COLLECTION

Trends

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You may not go for a holiday trip per se, but will you have some days off during a business trip? Pack wisely – no matter if your trip happens in a big city or seaside. Select pieces that can go from formal meetings to more laid-back flair. Pick colourful elements to add some summery liveliness to white trousers and tops and add chunky accessories to give the looks a casual touch.

SPORTMAX

PURIFICACION GARCIA

SFERA

BUSINESS + LEISURE

Spa InterContinental Experience Experience a journey of genuine tranquility in the luxurious privacy of our spa sanctuary with premium cosmopolitan products to pamper yourself and rejuvenate the senses.

Try our award-winning Spa InterContinental Experience ritual. Customise your treatment based on your needs, with a body scrub and your choice of body massage to create your own personalised ritual. +974 4484 4060 spa.icdoha@ihg.com doha.intercontinental.com/spa

Lower Ground Floor, InterContinental® Doha Beach & Spa Open daily from 9am to 11pm.

Treatments start from 10am.

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STYLE

Focus

WHAT TO WEAR

ERES

WITH: SWIMSUIT 5

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Your swimwear can double as a versatile top when packing light for a summer escape. This Eres black piece will do the trick!

1. Wear your bathing costume under a colourful and summery suit. Stella McCartney mixed a tailored jacket with sporty trousers in light blue that perfectly translates the designer’s style.

2. Choose a lightweight midi skirt in a solid vibrant colour to pair with your timeless one-piece. This high-low skirt is from MAX&Co. summer collection.

3. High-waisted, tailored trousers or a mini-skirt can take you on a girls’ night-out. Team your look with this eye-catching one-stud mini bag from Valentino Garavani.

4. If you want a casual summer-ready look for a sunset stroll by the beach, opt for a comfy pair of denim shorts. These are from Celine.

5. Add a sophisticated touch to your plain swimsuit with this Weekend Max Mara scarf. You can tie it around your neck with a cute knot and opt for white, wide-legged trousers to finalise the look in grand style.

6. The piece can even compose a red carpet look.

Emma Watson wore an Oscar de La Renta number that can easily be copied by wearing a black swimsuit and a layered, high-low tulle skirt for the same glamourous affect.

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Move Well

Looking for a PERSONAL TRAINER?

Book your session now at Heavenly Spa.

For Reservations Call: 4492 1682 heavenlyspadoha.com

OHLALA

ICYMI

Our round-up of the latest news from the fashion world brings a deserved tribute, a pre-loved retail experience and an exciting read – update your fashionista game!

A Bag Tribute

The National Museum of Qatar is hosting the fourth chapter of the Hermès Heritage cycle of touring exhibitions – Once Upon a Bag – which will run until June 11. The display is a tribute to the journey of the brand and begins with the history of the Haut à courroies bag, a witness to the house’s expansion into leather goods. There’s an area that’s devoted to the different families of Hermès lines: the clutch, the ladies’ bag, the travel bag and the sports bag. The exhibition also captures the label’s evolution to more functional designs such as the Sac pour l’auto, the first model with a zip, and its whimsical creations from the ‘80s onwards.

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Sirocco Restaurant, Holiday Inn Doha The Business Park is back in action and better than ever with all new weekly theme nights for you to enjoy!

Indian Night Buffet Every Wednesday 06:30 PM to 11:00 PM

Seafood Night Buffet Every Thursday 06:30 PM to 11:00 PM

For Reservations: Call +974 4031 3636 Email sirocco.hidoha@ihg.com

Forever Loved

Hugo Boss is set to launch a premium resale platform – Hugo Boss Pre-Loved. The digital retail option will offer a curated assortment of clothing that existing customers have traded in after a complete quality check. A simple online process will allow clients to return used items in exchange for credit that can be spent online on new or pre-owned items or instore. The service will initially feature clothing, with accessories planned to be added in the future. The initiative supports Hugo Boss’ wide-ranging sustainability efforts. Buying second-hand saves an average of 44% of CO2 emissions when compared to buying new.

Visit hugoboss.com and do your part in saving the Earth.

Fashion History

Ralph Lauren announces the celebration of its most iconic product – the Polo Shirt – with Ralph Lauren’s Polo Shirt, a new coffee table book – you can explore a 3D version of it on Snapchat. The campaign reflects on the incredible cultural impact of the Polo Shirt over the past five decades. It reintroduces it to a new generation of consumers through a series of initiatives and installations, a sustainable, creative and customisable collection of Polo Shirts, immersive storytelling and more. Style your favourite item or share a fun memory across social platforms with the hashtag #MyPoloShirtStory and tag @PoloRalphLauren.

Share your personal story and unlock an exclusive experience through an official Snapchat lens. The Polo Shirt is available at Ralph Lauren’s existing network of retail stores in the Middle East and their newly launched website www.ralphlauren.global.

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OHLALA

ICYMI The Final Drop

Under the artistic direction of Japanese fashion designer Nigo, KENZO released the fourth and final drop in a series of limited-edition capsule collections for the brand’s spring and summer 2022 creations. The line revisits the poppy print from a contemporary point of view and features cotton poplin Hawaiian shirts and relaxed T-shirts in soft jersey, where the flower appears in single form as a print across the back, a Hawaiian shirt with an infinity poppy motif printed all over that comes with matching cotton drill shorts and a cotton viscose skirt. Single motifs appear on the pockets of a series of T-shirts and on the back pocket of cotton twill shorts. Next to the vibrant red, the capsule collection has retained white, black, navy and pink.

A Collector’s Case

Artist Johannes Wohnseifer has collaborated with German luxury fashion house MCM to create a DJ case exclusively available on koeniggalerie.com. Wohnseifer not only designed the case but also selected different items to fill it with. In addition to a collection of pieces from MCM’s history, it contains works that equally appeal to collectors of his art and MCM’s customers. Two artworks by Wohnseifer are part of the selection: a unique aluminium painting and photographic collage. A poster with motifs from the earliest MCM catalogues captures impressions from the brand’s history; as a new addition to the MCM Zoo, Wohnseifer has designed a leather toy giraffe. The case’s interior is lined with mirrored leather and orange mesh. As a reference to the label’s flagship store, an inner lid picks up the façade of the MCM building in Seoul. Finally, a metal card in a red and silver MCM leather case indicates the edition number of the DJ case.

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INNOVATIVE CREATIONS

During the DJWE, the OHLALA team had the pleasure to stop by Printemps Doha’s beautiful booth to talk to designer Lorenz Bäumer about his exclusive partnership with the French department store.

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OHLALA

Spotlight

T

LORENZ BÄUMER

he Doha Jewellery and Watches Exhibition (DWJE) 2022 dazzled brighter than ever as jewellers from around the world flocked to the city, ready to WOW. If you walked the plush carpets of the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center, you’d already know how fabulous it was… Aisle upon aisle of glamour, luxury and pure sparkle.

But the biggest buzz at the exhibition was inspired by Printemps’ foray into the Middle East. The Qatari bureau of the iconic French department store will be located at Doha Oasis, bringing with them 500 luxury fashion brands – 165 of them exclusive – to Qatar.

Maison Bäumer is one of them.

Lorenz Bäumer is the genius behind the label. He has an impressive CV. He’s worked with Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Guerlain… “A bunch of people,” he says, modestly. We’re lucky enough to meet him on the stand he designed himself. Adorned with flowing sand dunes and featuring a sparkling amethyst coffee table – it’s his favourite colour, purple – and the world’s most comfortable sofa, it’s easy to feel at home straight away. This is entirely intentional, of course. The last thing Lorenz wants is for his customers – guests, as he prefers to call them – to feel awkward. He wants them to enjoy visiting him. He even has a cabana in his store on the Place Vendôme in Paris – as well as a replica on this stand – where guests can discuss exactly what they’d like Lorenz to create for them.

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OHLALA

Spotlight

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So who is Lorenz Bäumer?

He’s many people, it seems. A graduate of the École Centrale de Paris, Lorenz is most definitely an engineer. He’s passionate about making sure his designs work. But he is a designer too. He creates things that have a purpose, whether imaginative pieces of jewellery, swords for the French Academy, furniture, perfume bottles or lipstick. And he’s obviously a jeweller. His knowledge of gemstones is second to none. Citrine, chocolate diamonds and orange sapphires, anyone?

His background might be familiar to many living in Qatar. The son of diplomats, he knows all about moving from country to country and is familiar with this lifestyle’s challenges. “You don’t speak the language,” he says. “You don’t know the culture. Starting from scratch each time made me realise that you have to be interested in other people; you have to listen.

And I think that’s an important part of what we do – being curious.” Lorenz is very clear on this point. He’s a jewellery designer who really cares what his guests think and want from him. Their feelings and emotions are the starting point when creating something genuinely bespoke.

Where does he get his ideas from?

“There’s no real recipe for having ideas,” replies Lorenz. Instead, he seems to find inspiration everywhere. When his imagination was fired by an ancient navigational instrument, the result was the Architecte Astrolabe Ring – a black opal that spins among a whirl of diamonds and sapphires of every colour, all set in white gold.

And then there are his famous tattooed diamonds. What inspired them?

Lorenz smiles. He thinks tattoos are really fun – but he doesn’t have any himself because he would get bored. And as he prefers images that are super sharp, he realised that a laser could be used to mark diamonds precisely. So he designs the tattoo, scans it, and a laser beam heats up the diamond. The result is a really fun way to wear a tattoo whenever you like.

Lorenz is visibly excited about the collaboration with Printemps and is looking forward to bringing his jewellery and creativity to Doha. “It’s so inspiring here,” he says. “There are different customs and different ways of wearing things.” He loves the jewellery culture in the Middle East, where he feels people wear pieces without being intimidated by them. And the fact that people here also know all about stones, too.

Perhaps the most novel stones Lorenz uses in his jewellery are meteorites – rocks that have fallen from space to our planet, lighting up the sky as shooting stars as they blaze through the atmosphere.

After meeting Lorenz Bäumer, it’s clear that they aren’t the only stars around here.

For more information on Lorenz Bäumer exclusive pieces, please call 3018 2685. @printempsdoha

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OHLALA

Spotlight

Beyond Luxury During the Doha Jewellery & Watches Exhibition (DJWE) 2022, OHLALA sat with Sophie Doireau, Cartier’s CEO for the Middle East, India and Africa, and learned more about the brand’s relationship with the region and its remarkable values.

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“We are Cartier, and we sell creations, creativity and incredible stones. And on top of that, we are a citizen of the world. And, for me, this is really what stands out in terms of value.”

– Sophie Doireau OHLALA - The DJWE is an excellent platform for jewellers and watchmakers to showcase their creations in Qatar. How essential is Cartier’s presence in this event?

Sophie Doireau - It’s very important, a moment that we cherish dearly. We’ve been present at DJWE for the past decade; being part of this fair is very important for Qataris, and we acknowledge that.

This is a rendezvous that we are delighted to restart after two years because of Covid-19. For us, this is a high jewellery moment where we have a beautiful stock of incredible pieces coming directly from Paris, and we know that our Qatari clients will love these creations.

And for me, coming back after these two years and especially in my new function, I became the CEO a few months before the pandemic started, so I’m pleased to come back to Qatar in this position.

OHLALA - As Cartier’s CEO of the Middle East, India and Africa, how do you see the strong relationship people in this region have with Cartier?

Sophie – Cartier has had strong bonds with the region for around a century. The relationship dates back to 1912, when Jacques Cartier, one of the grandsons of the brand’s founder, came to the region because he heard that the most refined pearl in the world was from the Middle East, so he went to Bahrain, Oman and Dubai.

And, for me, this is the starting point of the connection between the Maison Cartier and the region, which is beautiful and still, to this day, a great source of inspiration. There are many things in common between Cartier and the Middle Eastern people. And to illustrate that, I like to talk about the Panthère de Cartier collection that brings this iconic animal so beloved and appreciated by our customers here. Panthère is a beautiful ambassador of the brand, and it embodies the values that we have of elegance and power without losing our humbleness. This quality perfectly translates the relationship people in this region have with their precious jewellery and watches.

OHLALA - Cartier uses its status for something more significant than the label. Can you tell us more about Cartier Women’s Initiative? How important was it to bring it to the region?

Sophie - We are Cartier, and we sell creations, creativity and incredible stones. And on top of that, we are a citizen of the world.

And, for me, this is really what stands out in terms of value. We need to fight for causes that are dear to us. Women’s empowerment

has been a significant topic at Cartier for decades. The Cartier Women’s Initiative is a fantastic programme that promotes women entrepreneurs around the world. We recently celebrated its 15 year anniversary in Dubai, which coincided with our closing ceremony of the Women’s Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai, another incredible project dedicated to women’s empowerment. During the exhibition, we noticed that, in the countries of the Gulf, many incredible women are at the forefront of society. I was pleased to meet them and hear their voices.

OHLALA - Ali Bin Ali is one of the biggest names linked to high-end jewellery and watches in Doha. How do you see this partnership and how important is it to have such a professional and prestigious name behind Cartier in Qatar?

Sophie - It’s been 17 years now that we’ve been together with Ali Bin Ali; we know each other very well and work together as one team. It is a beautiful partnership that we want to continue in the coming years. Especially because we want to bring the experience that our clients deserve in their own country, wherever it is. The Cartier experience in Doha has to be the same as the one they have in Paris. I think what’s important is that more and more our clients realise that they can buy locally and have the Cartier experience in their own country. Whereas in their mindset before, they had to travel to Paris to purchase high jewellery. Now, we have fabulous boutiques that perfectly translate and give the exact same feel here in Doha, for example, through a stunning ambiance, having the best sales associate and the best stock. We also organise incredible events differently in each country, running at a local level to truly connect with its people and reach our customers’ expectations.

OHLALA - Cartier has many iconic collections and the brand keeps revisiting them and making them even more relevant to the present day. Do you have any preferred one? Is there any specific piece that talks directly to you?

Sophie - My favourite creation has to be Panthère de Cartier.

Specifically, Panthère Graphique, which is a stunning necklace. I see it as super powerful, and you can see that there is a panther, but at the same time, you don’t see it, so I love that. I think Panthère defines me because I feel Cartier so much in me. I feel like a Panthère woman. I’m passionate about this brand, and I also love the Middle East, so we go back to the relation of this collection with the region as well.

@cartier @alibinali_luxury

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OHLALA

Spotlight

HERITAGE WITH A TWIST

In the impressive space created by Printemps Doha at Doha Jewellery and Watches Exhibition (DJWE), the OHLALA team had the chance to talk to the man behind the exclusive brand, LÉTRANGE.

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SÉBASTIEN LÉTRANGE

T

he DJWE is the meeting of luxurious brands under one roof. You are intrigued by the latest stunning collections of regional and international brands and the elegant booths created especially for the occasion.

There’s not long to go until the doors of Printemps Doha swish open in Q3. Here’s a sneak preview of another exceptional jewel in the Printemps crown… LÉTRANGE. It’s our absolute pleasure to meet Sébastien Létrange, who’s the impetus behind the brand in the 21st century. A member of the seventh generation of the Létrange family, Sébastien tells us the spellbinding story of LÉTRANGE – one of the oldest leather goods makers in France. Established in 1838 by a saddler at the Palais du Louvre, the brand patented its own designs, served a prestigious clientele – including Jules Verne, Victor Hugo and Eugène Delacroix – and won medals at world exhibitions in the 19th century. By the Second World War, Henriette Létrange – Sébastien’s great-grandmother – had taken charge. Visionary, demanding and fond of travelling the world, she was the reason her great-grandson became a globetrotter. Henriette was also one of the reasons he revived the family business in 2014.

Sébastien describes his life as a series of happy accidents, which have led him to this point. He never aimed to run LÉTRANGE. But he’s clearly thrilled to be in the driving seat. www.ohlalamag.net

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OHLALA

Spotlight

What makes LÉTRANGE different?

“It’s heritage with a twist,” says Sébastien. The brand has a reputation for innovation, and they’re continuing this trend for their contemporary clients. LÉTRANGE’s uniqueness is perhaps best epitomised by one of their bestselling handbags, named after the ship that another famous client, French explorer Jean-Baptiste Charcot, sailed to the Antarctic in 1908 – it’s called the Pourquoi-Pas? “Why not?” translates Sébastien, with a charming Gallic shrug. It’s a motto he loves. He’s never been afraid to take chances, and neither has LÉTRANGE. “The Pourquoi-Pas? is the most versatile bag on the market,” says Sébastien.

It’s extremely spacious, with room to fit a smaller bag – a pochette – inside. Take it on a fabulous minibreak in a cosmopolitan city, then leave the Pourquoi-Pas? at the hotel and tuck the pochette under your arm to sightsee. And there are endless combinations – not only a variety of colours and materials but so many ways of carrying this beautiful bag. If you’re suddenly presented with a huge bouquet, there’s even a way of tucking this inside the bag too. Because … why not?

When LÉTRANGE comes to Printemps Doha, they’ll also bring the Attachant. This simple, stylish bag is designed for men and women. It comes in three sizes and is fully customisable. Again, there’s a twist. There’s no stitching. Instead, leather tabs fit into slots to create a bag that’s truly timeless. Buyers will be invited to choose their exact specifications, and the bags are made to order.

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But what if Printemps customers want to design their own handbag and take their bespoke creation home the same day? Surely that can’t be done.

Yes. Yes, it can.

The Égo design is made from a single flat piece of leather, designed by an engineer to be flipped and folded like origami. In lieu of stitching, there are bolts, so many different bolts. Exactly as if they are visiting the LÉTRANGE workshop, clientele will pick the leather and the colour. A range of bolts will be brought out on a jewellery tray, from simple metal bolts – plain or initialised – to diamond, onyx, emerald… The list goes on.

“The Égo will be made your way,” Sébastien promises.

There’s one more handbag we really need to talk about – LÉTRANGE’s Empreinte 178. Serenaded by a first-rate string quartet playing flawless Mozart, this exquisite bag was unveiled at the Doha Jewellery and Watches Exhibition 2022 in an exclusive collaboration with Printemps Doha. Its handle is crafted entirely from 18-carat white gold. It’s studded with 178 diamonds, totalling over 31.3 carats. It’s one of the most precious bags in the world and a jewel of wearable art. It sparkles beautifully on its own stand and is utterly irresistible. No wonder Sébastien is proud of it.

“Planning is not part of my DNA,” Sébastien concludes. When Printemps approached him, he immediately knew they were a perfect match. Did he want to take his beloved brand to Printemps Doha? His reply is easy to guess.

Pourquoi-pas?

For more information on LÉTRANGE exclusive pieces, please call 3018 2685. @printempsdoha

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JEWELLERY

Edit

A PLAYFUL SPIN ON LUXURY Characterised by movement and shapes, the iconic Possession collection by Maison Piaget is a symbol of joy.

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ince the launch of the spinning ring in the early 90s, Possession

by Piaget has ‘made the world go round’ with its expanding line of rings, bracelets, earrings and necklaces. Each piece in the collection brings out the brand’s attention to detail, displaying the high-end jewellery and watch label’s daring creativity and artistic values. The unique craftsmanship of the master artisans continues to harness rare skills that have been preserved and perfected from generation to generation, transforming gold, stones and precious gems into dazzling works of art.

An invitation to freely express your personality, the simple yet sophisticated Possession collection stands as a rallying symbol for a community eager to experience, explore and celebrate while being given a chance to tell its own story with style and elegance. Combining the classic beauty of gold with the vivid colours of high-quality stones, the collection allows you to stack, mix and match jewels. The possibilities are endless – the necklaces can be worn long or short and a vivid blue ring can be the perfect match for a bright green earring. The colours of these ornamental stones have always been very dear to the maison and pay tribute to its precious stones that are sourced with Piaget’s highly selective standards.

This year’s new additions offer further opportunities to play – experience, explore, and celebrate, stack, mix and match. Sapphires, emeralds and rubies add vibrance and light to three new sets. And three new earring styles pair sparkling diamonds with the pure elegance of white and rose gold. All earrings are sold individually – buy one, two or four – be inventive!

Piaget epitomises daring creativity – a quality that has continued to permeate through the maison since its beginnings in 1874. As a true innovator of the watch and jewellery world, Piaget strongly believes in creativity and artistic values. Through its pursuit of masterful craftsmanship, the brand has created emblems of excellence channelled into its many collections in addition to Possession, such as Altiplano, Piaget Polo, Limelight Gala, Piaget Sunlight, Piaget Rose and Extremely Piaget.

Piaget collections are available at Piaget Boutique Doha – Villagio Mall.

For more information, please call 4443 3993. @piaget @alibinali_luxury

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JEWELLERY

Edit

COLOURFUL

SILHOUETTES MARLI’s new Tip-Top collection displays a playful, carefree spirit, sporting the brand’s iconic pyramid gemstones in elegant hues.

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ARLI New York has launched the Tip-Top collection, an exciting addition to the brand’s existing versatile, contemporary jewellery. Honouring but reimagining conventional styles, the collection has a crisp aesthetic — one that lends itself to a sense of ease, designed to be layered, stacked or styled freely, but above all: unrestricted. The capsule features a fresh take on the traditional tennis bracelet among a full range of earrings, rings and necklaces.

MARLI’s innovation and technique remain paramount, elevated by a colourful, playful spirit on display in the Tip-Top collection. The brand introduces iterations of the tennis bracelet with a variety of coloured, signature pyramid-shaped gemstones adorning both sides of the pieces.

The inspired design also takes shape in the form of ear hugging hoops, studs, half-eternity band rings, pendants, tennis-style and long necklaces that you can mix and match for a complete MARLI look.

Founded by Maral Artinian in 2014, MARLI New York is a global luxury jewellery brand known for its bold, architecturally inspired, versatile and sophisticated designs. Maral is a designer and entrepreneur hailing from a family whose history in fine jewellery goes back a century. Having lived in Asia, Europe and the Middle East, Maral was inevitably drawn to New York and inspired by the incredible energy and the amazing women who create it, she founded MARLI. Leveraging her deep industry knowledge and exceptional eye, Maral put her vision into motion, creating fine contemporary jewellery that uniquely captures New York’s magic and enables smart, accomplished women to express themselves. From her New York atelier, Maral has guided a fluid, minimal aesthetic that makes each MARLI piece visually distinct and innately alluring.

MARLI New York collections are available at Al Fardan Jewellery. @marli @alfardanjewellery

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JEWELLERY

Edit

BOLD AND

BEAUTIFUL Marina B’s jewels are unique, daring and timeless, much like the designer herself. The brand’s exclusive works of art add dazzling value to your jewellery collection.

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arina Bulgari is widely regarded as one of the most prominent women of our time in the world of classic and high-end jewellery. In 1976, the adventurous and ambitious lady left her family’s famed maison, Bulgari, to launch her own line, Marina B. She quickly gained popularity and carved an identity for herself with her daring and timeless designs.

Marina invented her own gemstone cuts in addition to reinventing many others. In 1978, she successfully opened her first showroom in Geneva, which led to boutiques in Milan, Paris and New York and a worldwide clientele. Marina B’s modern vision and creative excellence inspired a first generation of women purchasing jewels for themselves.

Presently, Italian-born French designer, Guy Bedarida leads the brand’s creative side, crafting beautiful collections that continue to embrace Marina’s innovative aesthetic.

Some of Marina B’s most iconic pieces include the Onda collar and Salvia cuff. Onda means ‘wave’ in Italian, and the pavé diamond motifs in the collection are decorated with strands of gold, resembling waves rolling through the pavé. The chunky Salvia cuff is made up of 21.8

carats of a cushion of natural Muzo emerald alongside buff-top (a type of gemstone cut) emeralds. The Simona collars and bangles and Maline collar and ring are other striking jewels.

The La Casa Collection A new line of décor and lifestyle pieces, the La Casa – ‘home’ in Italian – capsule was previously available by special order only for exclusive clients.

Now, the maison is showcasing a permanent collection, featuring candle holders, letter opener and magnifier sets, and boxes. The pieces are crafted using crystal, Muzo emeralds and luxury materials such as vermeil (silver gilded with gold), sterling silver and pietra dura – an inlay technique with highly polished coloured stones that flourished in Florence in the 16th and 17th centuries. Guy draws on the heritage of Marina Bulgari, who first introduced her La Casa collection in the 1980s, combining it with his love for the Florentine Renaissance, for this capsule.

These exquisite pieces and many more were showcased at Fifty One East’s pavilion during the latest edition of the Doha Jewellery and Watches Exhibition.

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JEWELLERY

Edit

Precious Legacy A brand with strong roots in Arabic culture and delicate craftsmanship, Azza Fahmy has been leaving its mark worldwide with artistic pieces and remarkable partnerships.

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he brand’s history started when Azza Fahmy became an apprentice in Khan El Khalili, Egypt’s ancient jewellery quarter, learning from one of the craft’s most respected masters. When she became a young design graduate at the City of London Polytechnic, she set out to accomplish her dream of having her own brand. This was back in 1969. Fast forward to today, Azza Fahmy Jewellery boasts an exclusive clientele, including royalty, celebrities and jewel connoisseurs worldwide.

Her creations are characterised by Arab inspired motifs such as Arabic calligraphy, Egyptian wings, the ubiquitous evil eye and Hamsa or hand, and astronomical symbols like the moon and stars. Each piece is uniquely handcrafted using 18-carat gold, sterling silver, the brand’s trademark mix of both metals, and precious and semi-precious stones.

Celebrated as Egypt’s first luxury multinational brand, the maison has collaborated with reputed international designers such as Julien Macdonald, in 2006, for a two-year collaborative partnership for London Fashion Week, and British design duo Justin Thorton and Thea Bregazzi, in 2010, for an avant-garde collection presented at Preen's catwalk show during New York Fashion Week.

There have been several cultural collaborations as well, including two bespoke collections for the British Museum; the first in 2012 to support the Museum’s Exhibition, Hajj: Journey to the Heart of Islam, which entailed historic reflections inspired by Hajj pilgrimage and sacraments. The second, in 2015, for their exhibition, Egypt: Faith after the Pharaohs, which explored the early development and co-existence of the major Abrahamic faiths in Egypt from 30BC onwards. In late 2012, Azza Fahmy Jewellery unveiled some of its most classical and iconic pieces at the Louvre Museum shop in Paris. The items had the historical complexity and sophistication of different civilisations portrayed in Ottoman inspired designs.

During the Doha Jewellery and Watches Exhibition, Azza Fahmy, showcased at Fifty One East’s pavilion, presented a curated collection of pieces that highlighted the brand’s core values of preserving and repairing heritage while continuing to inspire future generations. Recently, she forayed into architectural design, a testament to the designer’s passion for her craft. Azza Fahmy is returning to Doha after two years, and the collections can be found exclusively at Fifty One East at Lagoona Mall and at Fifty One East Watches and Jewellery store at Doha Festival City. @azzafahmy @51_east

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MEANINGFUL DESIGNS AND

ARABIC ORIGINS The Middle East is home to many successful brands, and Damas Jewellery is one of them. With a strong presence in the region, we explore their history and plans for the future.

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Spotlight

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tories are part of everyone’s life and brands that build their legacy with a solid path, evolving with the years, are the ones we usually want to relate to and carry close to our hearts. That’s what Damas Jewellery has been doing to establish itself as a well-known name in the Jewellery scenario in the region. A brand that was born more than 100 years ago, in 1907, it has built a beautiful story over the years, creating connections with its clientele and understanding their ever-changing desires over the past century.

We’ve taken a brief look at Damas’ legacy. In 1959, the jewellery house opened its original store at the Gold Souq in Dubai, the first of many. Well-known for its precious natural pearls, the Gulf region attracted a lot of attention and Damas is one of the names that helped it become a reference for these frosted little beads. The year 1973 marked the arrival of the label’s first diamond cutting machine for producing diamond-cut bangles and wedding bands. After two years, they introduced Italian-made diamond jewellery to the market and a new era of luxury began. In 1988 it was time to step up their game, with the launch of more lines such as Damas Classics, Vera, OneSixEight and Farfasha. The 2000s saw the label expand through the MENA region. In 2021, a new concept was born, the Bayt Damas. The impressive space is a lifestyle destination that brings together limited-edition luxurious jewellery pieces, art and fashion. All under one roof, creating a sophisticated home for creativity and craftsmanship.

Lots of other remarkable achievements took place during this period, but the truth is that they all led Damas to become an established label with its eversought-after and unparalleled opulent Arabian aesthetic. They developed the astuteness of understanding their customers and their wishes with collections that suit the Middle Eastern culture and traditions, bringing, in recent years, a contemporary twist for those looking for edgy and modern pieces. Damas is today one of the most recognisable jewellers in the Middle East, with over 150 locations. A triumph that not many brands can celebrate.

Two years ago, Damas embarked on a transformational journey with the motto of ‘from the region to the region’. Reinforcing its status as a house of jewellery design rooted in the Middle East, it now offers today’s women a unique customer experience. As part of this revamping process, they are consolidating their DNA and long-established storytelling skills. However, evolving is part of the process, and without losing their Arabic heritage and identity, they are investing in design-led collections based on worldwide and local jewellery trends – always keeping the Arab woman as the main inspiration, offering creations that instil happiness, empowerment and confidence.

The brand provides authenticity and creative designs that genuinely represent the intrinsic heritage of the Arabic culture mixed with trendy elements. The creations are locals’ favourite picks, but expats who want to take a piece of the region with them currently choose Damas pieces that will become heirlooms and pass from generation to generation together with the stories of a life lived in the desert. www.ohlalamag.net

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BRAND

Spotlight

The Power of Growing During the opening of the new Damas Jewellery store at Place Vendôme in Qatar, the OHLALA team had the chance to talk to CEO, Luc Perramond, about his role in the brand’s transformation.

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“We want to create jewellery collections that have a strong affinity with the tastes and preferences of our clients.”

– Luc Perramond OHLALA - You have had an extensive career in the luxury world, mainly in the jewellery and watch fields. How do you see your experience reflected in the work you are developing at Damas since you joined the company in 2020?

Luc Perramond - I think my experience has been very helpful because Damas has been on a transformation journey. The work that I have done with big luxury names previously has given me the necessary background, especially, I would say, with my experience at Hermès. I was with them for six years. My knowledge is really helping to transform the Damas brand, build the equity, build the image and create a DNA that is desirable for our customers individually.

OHLALA - What key aspects do you want to highlight at Damas?

What are the most important core values of the brand?

Luc - When I joined Damas, I did some research. I spoke with our clients and asked them: What does Damas stand for, for you today? And the answer was very consistent. It was quality, service and trust. Because we have a long-lasting relationship with our customers and they trust us, they trust the brand. A crucial aspect in the jewellery field, because when you buy a diamond, you want to make sure the brand stands behind it.

These are core values which are very important, but we needed to add the values of creativity and innovation. Because the brand is well-known and well-liked, still, it was a bit classical, conservative and conventional.

We had to bring a new dimension of creativity and innovation to the products, stores and customer experience to build desirability, as the key requirement in our business is to be desirable. We want our customers to connect with the label and, to do that, we need to bring newness to product design, in the way of wearing the jewellery, the use of colours and the storytelling. And we need stores which also express our identity, spaces that are comfortable but modern and elegant at the same time.

OHLALA - What distinguishes Damas from other jewellery houses?

Luc – I believe that the USP (Unique Selling Proposition) for Damas is very clear. We are from the Middle East, for the Middle East. Our roots are here; the brand started in Damascus in 1907. And then we developed the business from Dubai into the UAE, then all of the GCC, over the years. But our USP is that our roots are in the Middle East and we understand the Arab customer. Our primary customers today are local Arabs or Arab expats. And we know them better than anybody.

We want to create jewellery collections that have a strong affinity with the tastes and preferences of our clients. To connect with them subtly but also deeply, we want them to feel that all we do is for them. Many of our collections are inspired by Arabic architecture, the mosque dome, the Arabic alphabet and lace. So, a lot of stories, a lot of inspiration come from Arabic culture. And therefore, I think it resonates very well with our customers; they can identify themselves and connect with Damas.

OHLALA - In a few words, can you tell us the transformation that Damas has gone through as a brand in the past years?

Luc - The past two years have been very exciting. We have taken the

brand through a very fast reinvention and transformation in all aspects, where you have to ensure that everything is consistent. For instance, we decided that all creations should be developed in-house with our team of designers. So, every collection is exclusive to Damas. We don’t sell generic jewellery that you can find anywhere – each of them comes with original storytelling. And then there is the store design and you also have to think of the staff; they need to be trained and understand the brand’s vision. It’s a lot of work to build a good experience for the client. We also believe in the power of communication – you need to reach out to all your clients. We have several million customers in the Middle East. We are a big brand with a footprint of more than 150 stores. So, communication is key. We are very active in all social media channels, whether Instagram, Facebook or TikTok. We have 1.3 million followers and the engagement rate is very high. They follow us, they like our content and we communicate in a very intensive way with them. We now have more younger clients and more women who buy for themselves. We used to sell Damas products as gifts, but now we see that women buy for themselves. They are empowered; they are independent and much younger.

OHLALA - How do you see the jewellery market in the region, and what are Damas’ plans for the future?

Luc - The jewellery market is very promising. I think it’s a growing category. Especially branded jewellery will continue to grow faster than non-branded options. And that’s why it’s important to strengthen our brand, to show that Damas is a powerful name. And to be more and more desirable because people want the brand to stand behind the product. And that’s the future, which is wonderful for us because we are a regional brand; there is no competition. And we offer a great alternative to all the international brands. We have a unique position to take. We will continue to have this more elevated kind of offer for our clients; we will roll out our new concept, open new stores and be very creative product-wise. Last year, we started launching two new collections every month. We are very active in terms of creativity. It’s important to surprise our clients and bring them new designs, new offerings, new ways to wear the jewellery, new colours, etc. We build new stories all the time. Our competitors might introduce two lines every year – we do two every month!

OHLALA – Do you have any specific plans for Damas in Qatar?

Luc – I would like to highlight that we understand the customers’ differences in taste and preferences between Qatar and other markets.

Qatari clients have their own sense of style and we are trying to understand that in depth. One of the things we want to do is collaborate with either an artist or a designer, someone who is creative and really understands the Qatari culture, taste and style, to create a unique collection. This partnership will resonate very well because it will express our commitment to Qataris, respecting their values, codes and preferences. It will be very exciting and I hope it can be materialised next year. www.ohlalamag.net

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THE CREATIVE SET

To get an insight into the jewellery creation process, we spoke to Myreine Massih, Damas Group Marketing, Communication & Creative Director.

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OHLALA - How do you balance all the positions that you hold in Damas? And, from your point of view, how are they related?

Myreine Massih - The way I see it, marketing, communication, and creativity/design are intrinsically related. It all starts with the client’s desires and needs, concerns and behaviours. The design comes next, bringing to our clientele expert craftsmanship using the most exquisite materials.

Communication and marketing follow, catering to our audience on all online and offline platforms and making sure their wishes for their jewellery and personal lives are reflected both in the product as well as in the story, inspiration and creative direction. I am able to balance all of these aspects well because I realise this and I aim to merge the three by ensuring that all our messages and creations are aligned, reflecting Damas’ vision and values and having the client at their very core.

OHLALA - Do you believe that your strong managing skills and communication awareness help to give focus to your creative director role?

Would you say that the creations end up closer to customers’ expectations?

Myreine - Absolutely. My management style is reflective of my passion for the ever-climbing success of Damas as a brand, the industry and the clients, of course. I aim to ensure that Damas functions are like a well-oiled ship, giving each person in the company the freedom to express themselves and bring their well-earned experience and expertise to the core of our designs and communication. Where our creations do not fulfil our clients’ expectations, they go above and beyond, bringing a distinct edge in terms of the overall brand experience and the products themselves. For example, we have introduced the first evolved diamond to the region, starting from a diamond seed and developed in a lab, to bring clients a taste of the future and scientific advances. I can list so many other areas and cases in which we have surpassed clients’ expectations, thanks to our continual striving for excellence, innovation and industry disruption.

OHLALA - Can you tell us about Damas’ collections and what they stand for? What is your main source of inspiration?

Myreine - At its core, our main source of inspiration for all our collections is, put quite simply, women and everything they represent. We believe that women of the world and the region deserve to be continuously celebrated and their achievements acknowledged as ones that are not only necessarily in theory, but also intrinsically linked to the advancement of society and the world. We aim to give the modern woman, with all our designs and creations, a reason to celebrate, feel precious, special and empowered – to feel their best and be the most authentic, genuine and elevated version of themselves and carry these feelings of empowerment with them in all their endeavours. To name a few of our latest collections, we have Farfasha, Dome, Lace, Gaia and, our most iconic, Alif.

OHLALA – Can you describe each collection?

Myreine - Farfasha is a legacy collection – celebrating femininity with every new iteration. Its source of inspiration is nature, with all its radiant and soft colours and elements. The latest Farfasha line uses the Arfaj flower, also known as the daisy of the desert. Dome is a richly diverse collection, inspiring awe and wonder with its dome-shaped, diamondencrusted pieces and reflections of the region’s majestic and heritage buildings, palaces and mosques. Lace is another of our most well-loved designs, representing the intricacies and underlying architecture present in nature and Arabic culture. Gaia is our evolved diamond collection, originating from a diamond seed and developed in a lab, preserving all the top indicators of quality: cut, clarity, colour and carat. A truly innovative diamond, Gaia aims to bring to our clients supreme quality without the environmental toll of mining. Following the GIA standards and certified

by HRD, Gaia is a diamond for the future-minded among us. Finally, Alif is our most iconic flagship collection. Inspired by the first letter of the alphabet and representing the origin and beginning of all things, Alif is our core collection, symbolising women’s empowerment and independence.

OHLALA - How essential is it to Damas to promote women’s empowerment? Is it one of the aspects of the brand’s values?

Myreine - Damas’ core vision is to make women feel empowered, unique and exquisite, we are able to achieve that thanks to our understanding of women’s goals, dreams and desires. We believe that happy, confident and strong women are the future. We aim to make women feel better and express themselves with expertly crafted jewellery using the most coveted and luxurious materials. In the same vein, we aim to become the ultimate house of jewellery design in the Middle East and continue delivering an unparalleled customer-centric experience, from product design to retention. Similarly, we intend to delight all women with our collections, conceiving and crafting them with stories of real women in mind. Each new edition and iteration of our jewellery addresses a different aspect and quality of women, who remain our main source of inspiration in all that we do. As the choice house of jewellery design from the region for the region, we believe our edge is in understanding and catering to Arab women exceptionally well.

OHLALA - What is the inspiration behind the store’s interiors, and why has Place Vendôme been picked for its location?

Myreine - We recently launched one of our new luxury boutiques in Place Vendôme in Lusail, Qatar. We chose Place Vendôme for its plethora of beauty and lifestyle boutiques and shops, with Place Vendôme dubbed the ‘New Home of Luxury and Fashion’ in Qatar. Our newly designed luxury boutiques have taken on a fresh creative direction, featuring beautiful interiors that inspire a sense of wonder. www.ohlalamag.net

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NEW IDENTITY

As part of the brand’s reinvention, state-of-the-art boutiques have been conceptualised, only the second store showcasing the new layout opened its doors recently in Qatar.

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BRAND

Spotlight

R

ecognising Qatar as a valuable hub for all things luxury and high-end lifestyle, Damas has expanded its presence with the opening of a one-of-a-kind shopping destination at the new enterprise, Place Vendôme. “Doha has always been an important destination for luxury. Therefore, it’s the perfect location to grow our brand as it echoes what we have been creating for the past two years,” says Luc Perramond, Damas CEO. The jewellery house offers elegant creations to please Qatar’s booming luxury sector thanks to its successful and highly established presence across nine countries and over 150 stores in the Gulf region. Among its new objectives, catering to a growing segment of Qatar’s burgeoning retail clientele is one of them.

Damas’s newly redesigned concept boutique is inspired by a natural palette of sand, beige and gold with a vast collection of Damas pieces bathed in a soft, flattering light. The boutique resembles a walk-in jewellery case, flaunting the house’s exclusive and opulent creations within a masterfully designed space. Dedicated lounges and corners bring a sense of peace with curving walls and artful, softly rounded furniture, embodying the graceful movement of the region’s desert dunes. “The store is a haven of calm and wonder, inspired by the region’s enchanting dunes – truly a sanctuary of relaxation and rejuvenation,” says Myreine Massih, Damas

Group Marketing, Communication & Creative Director. Damas’ roots are displayed in the Arabic patterns that grace the earth-toned walls, bringing bold and contemporary refinement that fits its trailblazing vision. “The idea is to open five to six stores in Qatar. The Place de Vendôme is the first in this new and vibrant luxury boutique concept,” adds Luc. Boutique visitors will find exclusive and bespoke pieces crafted in different styles, from classic creations to avant-garde and feminine details.

Some of the collections available are the mesmerising Alif, the house’s core collection that embodies women’s achievements, Dome with its regal elegance of Arabic architectural elements, and Lace with its intricate, arabesque-inspired pieces. Designed with the Arab woman at their heart, these collections are an ode to the Middle Eastern women. They embrace confidence, boldness, tenderness and delicacy, mixing traditional and modern attitudes in their mannerisms. Luc reveals that a special collection in partnership with a local designer/artist will be launched next year to connect even more with the Qatari clients. An exciting new era in Damas’ story is unfolding before our eyes – we will keep you posted! @damasjewellery

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OHLALA

Beauty Picks

Dolce&Gabbana Felineyes Intense Eyeshadow Quad Smoky Taupe

Benefit They’re Real! Extreme Precision Liner

Eyes on the

PRIZE Masks are practically gone, but the eyes are still one of the first things people notice and connect with when talking to you. So when travelling light, make sure you at least take some eye make-up with you to make them pop!

Lancôme Le Stylo Waterproof Eyeliner Noir Intense

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MAC Stack Mascara Micro Brush

Beauty On Board The summer season summons the jet-set lifestyle. Melissa Nazareth assembles a list of beauty dos and don’ts to keep your hair and skin in check during and after travel.

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BEAUTY

Column

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fter two years of being homebound, you must be busy planning your first vacation post lockdowns. In fact, you might even be planning your second. While you deserve to go all out and indulge, don’t forget your hair and skin care routines while you’re at it. The best results are achieved when you’re consistent all year round. However, there are some things that you must be mindful of and do specifically while you’re travelling and soon after you’re back to ensure your hair and skin are protected and nourished.

Dehydration is a common travel peeve and can damage your hair and skin, in addition to making you feel sluggish and irritable – not really the feelings you want to have on a holiday. Cabin pressure, long transits and, as a practice, drinking less water are some of the major causes. In addition to the most obvious solution – drinking water – there are other simple tips you can follow to ensure you stay hydrated throughout.

Rachna Bhatia, an account manager and avid traveller, says: “I usually wear a light layer of hydrating face mask or my regular moisturiser mixed with a drop of face oil and a lip balm.” She never boards a flight without her sunscreen, day and night moisturiser, hair mask and leave-in conditioner.

An events manager by profession, Faheeda Fahdad travels extensively for work. Passionate about literature and culture, she loves exploring new countries on her own, too. “Although I am a coffee addict, I don’t drink it or sugary liquids when I am flying,” she says. She replaces it with water and has a fruit salad if craving something sweet, adding: “Always carry a bottle of water and refill on the go. Set alarms to hydrate yourself if you have a busy schedule, and don’t forget to splash some water on your face when you get the chance.” Faheeda’s travel kit essentials include, for her skin: snail solution serum and cleanser, apricot scrub, rose oil and saffron youth dew moisturiser; and for her hair: rose-argan-coconut milk leave-in conditioner, gooseberry serum and Japanese blossom mask.

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BEAUTY

Column

DOS AND DON’TS Dr Mariam Baqi, a dermatologist, believes hair and skin care depends on the duration of the travel and destination. However, she offers some general tips. “Don’t forget your cleanser and SPF,” she says, adding that they’re more important than night creams. Why? Travel usually includes going out and about a lot, this causes perspiration, especially during summer, which must be properly cleaned at the end of the day. She also recommends avoiding make-up and encourages keeping your skin clean and fresh.

Dermatologist, Dr Ranya Kayed, insists on not skipping sunscreen. “Don’t forget to renew every two to three hours,” she adds. “My secret tip is to use a multifunction cream to reduce the number of steps — for example, a moisturising sunblock.”

Most of us complain of frizzy, dull and dry hair after a vacation. There could be many reasons for this, and Dr Mariam warns against a major one.

“I really recommend avoiding hotel shampoos as they dry your scalp and hair,” she says. She also advises using argan hair oil spray, which is widely available, easy to apply and penetrates the hair shaft, the visible part of the hair that sticks out of the skin. So, even if you must use the hotel shampoos, it compensates.

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REVIVING ROUTINES Dr Mariam believes that most hair care happens once you’re back from your trip rather than during it. “Use oil masks on the tips and nourishing masks on the scalp,” she says, adding that those with an oily scalp could stick to aloe vera masks while those with combination scalp could go for avocado and coffee masks. Dr Mariam advises practising these hair care routines every week along with a balanced diet and lifestyle.

Dr Ranya recommends face masks as an excellent option to revive your skin, especially when you want to glow without make-up. She advises hydrating your skin and massaging your scalp as part of your beauty routine.

TRAVELLERS’ TIPS Faheeda has combination skin, and she uses a scrub on her face every other day. “I always carry chickpea powder in a little sachet,” she says. “It works wonders on the skin when used with water, especially if you have clogged pores. She also wears minimal make-up while on the go.

“My hair always bears the brunt of my constant travelling and irregular sleep patterns,” she says, adding that she uses a hair mask every other day to maintain the volume and texture. “I air dry my hair and don’t use excessive heat. My hair does tend to get frizzy at times, and there are two products I swear by – my gooseberry serum and a milk-based conditioning spray. They smell divine, and I buy them in travel sizes, so they’re easy to carry in my backpack.”

Rachna usually carries a travel-sized, salon recommended treatment shampoo, mask and conditioner, as well as a leave-in conditioner or a hair serum and for her skin, a dermatologist recommended face wash, serum, moisturiser and sunscreen with a minimum of SPF 50. She suggests using a sheet mask or a retinol-based night cream before bed.

Connect with Dr Mariam Al Baqi @drmariamb, Dr Ranya Kayed @dr_ranya_bh, Faheeda Fahad @thetravellingreader and Rachna Bhatia @racz_b.

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A CALMING SESSION FOR TWO It’s girls’ time! And Kirsty Walker and a friend tap into their energy with a bespoke massage treatment at The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Doha.

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SPA

Spotlight

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ind your element, find your balance. Today, my element is wood and I’m to be awakened. My friend’s element is fire and she is to bloom. The Chinese are famous for many things, but the near-obsession with energy, the five elements, and balance plays a crucial role in my exceptional pampering today. And when a 2,000-year-old philosophy intertwines with the opulence and Middle Eastern charm of modern-day Qatar, we’re blessed with a unique treatment at The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Doha.

Based on ancient Chinese concepts, treatments at The Spa seek to restore balance and reposition energy, enabling guests to rest and rejuvenate in the midst of their busy lives.

The Mandarin Oriental, Doha sits at the head of Barahat Msheireb, the heart of the vibrant new downtown area. Its commanding position belies the luxuriously intimate interior. Spa Manager Michaela warmly welcomes us in the hotel lobby and then leads us downstairs into the serenity of the marble-clad, subterranean spa. We pass treatment rooms and entire suites as we walk through tastefully decorated, seamless passageways. After glimpsing heated loungers around a beautiful indoor pool, we arrive at our home for the next few hours – The Mandarin Suite.

There’s an aura of exclusivity and privacy and it feels like we’ve entered our own secret hideaway.

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SPA

Spotlight

Waiting in the suite are therapists Padmi and Anisia, holding two glasses of refreshing cold peach tea with ginger and lemon. There’s a pair of steaming oshibori (hot) towels on a small circular table and a questionnaire for each of us.

This isn’t your regular spa form asking about pre-existing conditions or any areas of muscle pain and sensitivity that our therapists should be made aware of. Not at all. This is an in-depth diagnostic questionnaire that delves into our feelings and emotions, our physical condition and overarching personality trends. It would, as Padmi explained, determine our individualised, bespoke treatments, guiding the oils and scents they use and the massages they employ.

The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Doha uses the Aromatherapy Associates range of therapeutic essential oil spa products and they smell and feel incredible. My element today is wood and, as a night owl prone to dry eyes from heavy screen time, it is clear from the survey that I have to ‘awaken’.

Deeply aromatic, my scented oil is bursting with lavender, grapefruit and neroli. My friend’s element today is fire, and Anisia selects a gorgeous ylang-ylang, geranium and rose oil.

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I can’t wait for my 90-minute, personally tailored massage. There’s nothing off-the-shelf about this experience. My room is cool, tranquil and filled with whispered chanting and soft classical piano. The bed is fluffy, heated and perfectly angled for maximum comfort. They say that scent travels faster to the brain than either sight or sound. Essential oils are volatile – quickly gasifying and permeating the limbic system once inhaled.

And wow, my body is responding fast to this scent. After a few deep breaths, with Padmi working her strength over the pressure points in my feet, along my legs and then across my back, I’m astounded. Now, I don’t need to explain just how divine it feels to receive a proper five-star massage. Yet, one thing is trickier to rationalise – I feel deeply relaxed yet buzzing with energy for the upcoming evening. Padmi gifts me exactly what my mind and body have been craving.

I relish every minute and after both an eternity and the blink of an eye, the treatment is over. Wandering back into the main suite, a stunning afternoon tea has been laid out for us – a perfect end to a wonderful afternoon.

What a beautiful, bespoke experience. It tapped into my energy, it was deeply personal, and truly the revitalisation I needed. I’m wide awake now.

Are you?

For more information or to book an appointment, please call The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Doha on 4008 8888.

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Lookbook

Bye Bye Baby Amjad Khalil’s SS2022 haute couture collection, The Power of Goodbye, is an ode to olden times intertwined with contemporary flair.

Amjad Khalil, a renowned Libyan fashion designer, embraces the message of feminine power and strength through tough times in his The Power of Goodbye collection. The designer challenges the meaning of ‘goodbye’, providing a positive view of the term and one that resonates with concepts of rebirth, empowerment and triumph.

The haute couture collection displays 16 immaculate pieces boasting soft pastel hues like light blue and yellow, mixed with stronger shades such as pink, red, fuchsia and maroon to create bold and singular designs.

Using a variety of trendy fabrics, including taffeta in special cuts and handmade embroidery, the brand makes each piece unique. The use of delicate streamlined silk chiffon enhances feminine gracefulness and beauty.

The collection starts with stunning and sophisticated gowns that mix two different fabric textures, symbolising elegance through the combination of both modernity and classical designs. It is then followed by a series of creations presented in an antique setting, emphasising the contrast between old and modern to portray the rebirth of women from their old personas to their empowered selves.

Amjad Khalil established the first Libyan haute couture bridal and evening dresses line. He earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree but decided to follow his heart thereafter and studied fashion design in London.

Amjad started designing in 2011 and created his first collection in 2013. His haute couture collection was launched in 2018. Despite some challenges, he has established himself as one of the top designers locally and internationally. @amjadkhalilak

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Spotlight

HUAWEI WATCH GT 3 PRO (CERAMIC EDITION)

OHLALA

STYLISH GADGETS FOR WOMEN HUAWEI have developed an impressive range of interconnectable fashion pieces designed especially for tech-savvy and fashionable ladies.

We at OHLALA had the chance to test them out!

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HUAWEI P50 POCKET

HUAWEI FREEBUDS LIPSTICK

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ech giant HUAWEI can, in part, attribute their ongoing success to their ability to cater for all consumer segments. They are now specifically stimulating women’s interest through a range of trendy and interconnected products designed to fulfil both their tech needs and fashionista desires.

HUAWEI WATCH GT 3 Pro (Ceramic Edition) The HUAWEI WATCH GT 3 Pro is a combination of technology and art. The Ceramic Edition of this smartwatch exhibits a feminine yet durable design, with soft and elegant styling. It is assembled out of highend materials, features a 1.32-inch AMOLED HD colour display, and is finished off with fine polishing techniques.

Sporting gold and silver accents, this sparkling device flaunts a beautifully crafted moon phase compilation, an exclusive flower dial with various dynamic effects, along with a scratch- and shatter-resistant sapphire glass lens. Furthermore, the ergonomic design of the trendy ceramic strap proved to be remarkably comfortable on the wrist.

With increased features and functionality, the enhanced GT 3 Pro now offers expanded usage scenarios. It provides support for travelling, entertainment, gaming, fitness, health and general day-to-day life.

It supports Bluetooth calls, remote shutters, music playback and reminders, such as emails and social media messages. And boasts an impressive battery life of up to seven days, with a full day’s usage resulting from a mere 10 minutes of wireless fast charging.

Supporting Electrocardiogram (ECG) data collection means that this smartwatch can monitor and manage many of the body’s important functions, including heart rate, blood oxygen levels, respiratory health, sleeping patterns, blood pressure, and more. HUAWEI have also included more than 100 workout modes to select from.

The HUAWEI WATCH GT 3 Pro supports effortless compatibility and connectivity with other HUAWEI devices. Once connected with the HUAWEI P50 Pocket, you are able to control local applications via voice commands, both quickly and effectively.

HUAWEI P50 Pocket Both exquisitely designed and fully compatible with the GT 3 Pro, is the aesthetically pleasing P50 Pocket. This innovative smartphone folds seamlessly with its all-new hinge design with perfect symmetry.

Available in both White and Premium Gold colourways, this lightweight yet solid device is not only a fabulous fashion accessory, but the perfect size for a pocket or small handbag.

Sporting a 6.9-inch, high-quality display, a pixel density of 442ppi, a 120Hz refresh rate, along with the ability to render over a billion colours – media never looked so good on a smartphone.

The P50, powered by EMUI 12, produces an innovative UI and offers 8GB RAM plus 256GB ROM. Combine all of this with an improved HUAWEI XD Pro image engine and Ultra Spectrum Image Technology, along with extensive battery life, and you have one impressive little gadget.

Thanks to its Super Device features, the P50 Pocket offers multi-device collaboration with many other HUAWEI gadgets. These include both the GT 3 Pro and the FreeBuds Lipstick. This smartphone can also function as a wirelessly connected external storage unit for a PC. HUAWEI FreeBuds Lipstick The FreeBuds Lipstick is one of the latest earbud offerings from HUAWEI. A stylish black and gold charging case has been elegantly crafted to take on the appearance of an expensive lipstick. Weighing in at mere 4.1grams, the compact case even closes with a satisfying magnetic click.

The FreeBuds feature 14.3mm LCP dynamic drivers, a frequency range of up to 40kHz, Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) capabilities, and HUAWEI’s Adaptive Ear-Matching technology. All this ensures nothing less than a crystal-clear sound experience. Best of all, these FreeBuds are so comfortable and lightweight, that they can barely be felt in the ears.

Capable of connecting with multiple devices simultaneously, including pairing with both the GT 3 Pro and the P50 Pocket, the buds show incredible practicality. These smart connectivity and AI-powered features work across all major platforms and you can switch seamlessly between devices, thanks to the intelligent audio connection.

The impressive battery life offers four hours of continuous playback on a full charge, around 22 hours when combined with the fully charged case, and approximately 2.5 hours from a mere 15 minutes of charging.

Better Together Individually these three devices are all impressive and capable in their own right. When combined, the functionality, practicality and options available from this tech ensemble are significantly increased as they work together to provide a perfectly interconnected experience.

And topping it all, HUAWEI have produced these premium products in very pretty little packages. @huaweiarabia

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TREASURED

TRAVELS Whether you are back from a trip and have a whole lot of things you have no idea where to keep, are a travel enthusiast or even if you can’t go anywhere this summer and want to transform your home into your own private paradise, we’ve got you covered!

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Homes

une is the time of exciting expeditions, and this month, OHLALA Homes has got something special in store. Speaking to Aga Al Rumaihi of Aga Rumaihi Design and Concepts and Dina Murali of DZ Design, we give you the best guide to incorporating travel elements into your humble abode.

Captured Memories We all know that the most exciting part about coming back from a trip is looking at those beautiful photographs. The tricky thing is, with loads of storage space in our phones and endless clicks, it’s simply a lot to rummage through.

“I remember my parents developing their rolls of 35mm film, and each holiday would have its album,” says Aga. “Now that everything is digital, we take too many photos. I would suggest choosing two or three memories and printing them to frame. Perfect places for them would be a console or bookshelf. You can even hang them in organised groups on a larger wall. I often print out pictures in black and white. That way, they always work with any interior," she continues.

“A carefully curated photo collection can make an interior look and feel more like home,” says Dina. “Put together a beautiful gallery wall in the main foyer of your home and simply create a conversation around it. As for hallways, passages, and staircases, they can also be used to display your travel memories, and they can be more inclusive and not intrusive.”

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AGA RUMAIHI DESIGN AND CONCEPTS

AGA RUMAIHI DESIGN AND CONCEPTS

DZ DESIGN

Mementos Let’s face it, no matter how cluttered our homes are, we always like to bring back some souvenirs to remember our trip. By planning ahead, we can ensure that we get the ones that can complement our home the best. Both Aga and Dina recommend choosing handmade souvenirs and avoiding tacky mass-produced plastic options. It’s both sustainable and adds a unique touch. “They will look like small art pieces, and you can place them on your coffee tables and consoles,” says Aga. For Dina, vases are curiously alluring items you can bring back: “Personally, I like decorative vases and think they can define and integrate the space beautifully. Combined with photo frames and books, they can be displayed in various places.” She continues: “One of my clients collected books and had manuscripts of original novels and beautiful works of book art. For another client, I framed a wedding lehenga (Indian wedding skirt) as it was an heirloom in a large frame on the main dining wall. The most common items among Middle Eastern collectors are swords and carpets, which are usually displayed in the living room and majlis.” Just be careful not to overcrowd your home or have your objects clash.

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Homes

NULTY LIGHTING - PHOTO BY SIM CANETTY-CLARKE

Integrating Interiors When travelling to other parts of the world, we sometimes get inspired to incorporate certain cultural elements into our homes but get confused as to what would work well with Middle Eastern designs.

Aga believes you should look at interiors of regions with warm climates, as they tend to have a more simplistic and airy style.

She says that Italian design works well here because the scale of the furniture is perfect for the large interiors of this region.

The style is elegant, minimalistic, and modern, which can work with any space. “I use natural materials,” she continues, “from matte wood to raw stones to genuine marble. Some people are afraid of natural materials, but I embrace their honesty. Every stain and scratch is a memory. My wooden kitchen table has a scratch-made by my daughter when she was two years old, confetti stains from a 2020 New Years’ Eve party, and many more memories to come.”

Dina’s approach is more multifaceted. She says: “The Middle East is a melting pot of cultures. There is no one-size-fitsall. Your chandelier can be from Turkey, your homeware from Morocco, or your cushions from Vietnam. All of this, combined, creates a world map of your own home with so many possibilities for conversation.”

Personal Paradise While the excitement is on for those looking forward to travelling again, there are still some of us that have to wait a bit longer. So why not bring the holiday to us at home?

“Many people believe that the only way to relax is to travel,” says Aga. “However, if designed properly, your home can be the best place to unwind. Focus on functionality and a serene atmosphere, kind of like how you feel when you go on vacation and first enter a luxurious resort. The outdoor spaces have become critical due to recent events, and a little design and planning of these crucial areas go a long way and work wonders on our mental health,” she adds.

“Getting a style or a theme you can relate to and creating avenues and spaces of interest within the same home has been an evolving trend,” explains Dina. “This came around effectively during the pandemic. Bedrooms and outdoor spaces took up the role of sanctuaries. To create interiors that reflect your travels, you need to be careful not to go too literal with the overall theme but rather use specific design features as subtle reminders and inspiration,” she finalises.

Connect with Aga Al Rumaihi @aga.rumaihi and Dina Murali @dzdesignae

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A GLAMOUROUS ESCAPE TO MONACO The principality is known as a top-notch destination for the rich and famous. With striking architecture, sophisticated casinos, elegant dining spots, a high-end shopping scene, beautiful beaches and Formula One race cars taking to the city streets. Discover this small country and one of its most iconic hotels.

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The Principality of Monaco

Officially named the Principality of Monaco, this sovereign state is located in the midst of the Côte d’Azur. Bordered by France to the west, the north and the east, and by the Mediterranean Sea to the south, this enchanting location couldn’t be situated on a more desirable strip of real estate.

With a size of just 2.1km/sq and a small population of under 39,000 (12,261 of which are millionaires), this exclusive location is the second smallest sovereign state in the world after Vatican City. Although French is the official language, English, Italian and Monégasque are also spoken by various residents.

OHLALA magazine was invited by Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer, to experience three days and nights at the world-renowned Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo. Located on the escarpment at the base of the Maritime Alps along the French Riviera, in the most famous administrative area of Monaco, Monte-Carlo; we could not have been more delighted over this invitation.

Touching Down

After a comfortable six-and-a-half-hour flight, we touched down at Nice Côte d’Azur Airport in the early afternoon. Our lavish experience began soon after disembarking the aeroplane, with a luxury Mercedes, compliments of Hôtel de Paris, transferring us to the hotel. On route to our destination, we could already feel the captivating nature of the place, as we took in the mountain, beach and architectural views.

Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo

Built in 1864, this fairy-tale venue recently underwent a €250 million transformation, to ensure it remains one of the most glamourous and sought-after hotel destinations in the world.

Housing 209 rooms, including a variety of suites and newly modernised bedrooms, this uber-exclusive hotel has been designed to satisfy those who are used to an extravagant lifestyle. www.ohlalamag.net

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With four lavish restaurants, a renowned lounge bar, a beautifully equipped wellness centre, celebrated cellars, a Rossano Ferretti Hair spa, along with the perfect central location, Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo is equipped to guarantee the most lavish of hotel experiences.

Upon arrival we were greeted like royalty with professional staff members immediately attending to our every need. After a hassle-free check in, I soon found myself in my opulent bedroom, marvelling at the spectacular view from my balcony, overlooking the port of Monaco.

Calcutta marble, Tussar silk and Pima cotton are amongst the precious materials used throughout the spacious accommodation. Expertly crafted wooden furniture and antique mirrors, along with light and modern decorative touches, all added to the room’s upmarket character.

The inclusion of complimentary fresh fruits and pastries added a nice welcoming touch to my arrival.

Evening Beverage at Le Bar Américain

Making our way to the grand lobby for our evening aperitivo, we had to stop on several occasions to take in various aspects of the hotel’s magnificent design and décor.

The open-air inner courtyard, Le Patio, is a perfect location to sit, relax and take in the splendour of the property.

Entering Le Bar Américain, we felt as if we had been transported to the grandeur of the 1920s, with the bar itself looking like something out of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s, The Great Gatsby. Cosy ambiance and the sounds of a live blues band are what greeted us at this premium venue. Soft, fashionable lighting reveals the use of refined wooden surfaces, burnished leather furniture, deluxe décor and top-quality finishes, all of which add to the upmarket charm. The bar’s new terrace offers remarkable views of Place du Casino, Casino de Monte-Carlo, and the blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea. 84

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Escapes

Dinner at Le Grill

After one of the best refreshments to ever touch our taste buds, it was time to further stimulate our palates at one of Hôtel de Paris’ iconic restaurants, Le Grill. Located on the eighth floor of the hotel, this Michelin-Starred restaurant features marine-inspired décor, Mediterranean gourmet cuisine and a view from the extended terrace that spans all the way to Corsica.

The restaurant’s roof opens fully and the stars are only the beginning of Le Grill’s breathtaking evening view. Lights from the coasts of Monaco, France and Italy are all visible, along with the illuminated boats moored along the bay.

Renowned chefs, Frank Cerutti and Patrick Laine, provide Le Grill with a wide assortment of meat and fish dishes, whilst Pastry Chef, Olivier Berger, has created an assortment of outstanding soufflés, a quintessential French culinary tradition in which we had to indulge.

Thoroughly satisfied by our dining experience at Le Grill, it was time to retire to our wonderfully comfortable beds for the evening. A better night’s sleep would be hard to come by.

The Monaco Experience

THE LOUIS II STADIUM

The following morning, we headed out for an early walk around Monaco, to experience as much of this enchanting location as we possibly could.

We began our adventure with a stroll along the world-famous Larvotto Beach in Monte-Carlo. After an hour of fresh sea air and phenomenal Rivera views, we turned our attention to the cities, taking in the exteriors of several famous monuments.

These landmarks included the impressive Cathedral of Monaco built in 1875, the Oceanographic Museum, the Odeon Tower, The Louis II Stadium, The Grimaldi Forum and the Monte-Carlo Casino; a venue we would become better acquainted with at a later stage.

We ended off our architectural tour with perhaps the most impressive building of them all, The Prince’s Palace of Monaco, the official residence of the Sovereign Prince.

Constructed as far back as 1191, this fortress has a long, rich history and we could have spent all day taking in the intricate details of its design.

Before heading back to the hotel, we had to take a walk along a section of the almost 3.5km circuit of the Monaco Grand Prix. Considered to be the jewel in the crown of the Formula One calendar, this famous stretch of road offers stunning views of the yacht-packed harbour, as well as the grand buildings of Monte-Carlo. With a plethora of scenic views, highstreet shopping locations and exclusive dining venues, Monaco has plenty to offer all those willing to shell out the Euros. www.ohlalamag.net

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The Princess Grace Suite

After a quick yet scrumptious lunch at our new favourite aperitivo spot, Le Bar Américain, we headed for our specially organised tour of Hôtel de Paris’ world-famous Princess Grace Suite.

The hotel’s Prince Rainer lll and Princess Grace suites are two of the finest hotel suites ever built, however, the most exclusive and exceptional location in the hotel, and on the entire Riviera, is the new Princess Grace Suite. Inspired by the timeless elegance and delicate refinement of Princess Grace of Monaco, this 910sq/m suite is spread over two floors at the very top of the hotel.

As we slowly made our way around the accommodation, taking in all the refined details, we appreciated the expertly crafted furniture, antique items and premium materials utilised throughout. Precious wood, mother-of-pearl, straw marquetry and agate panels all adorn this exceptional suite.

The seventh floor contains a large bedroom, a bathroom with a deep tub, a steam shower and sauna, a beautifully crafted desk, two walk-in wardrobes, a spacious lounge and a private cellar.

Making our way to the top of the exquisite marble staircase, the eighth floor revealed another gorgeous bedroom, a bathroom with tub and shower, as well as a living room and a dining room. From here, guests can access the sublime outdoor space.

As we stood on the 440sq/m terrace, we marvelled at the majestic views of the Prince’s Palace and the Mediterranean Sea. A heated infinity pool, an outdoor lounge and a rare granite Jacuzzi, are all located in this deluxe outdoor area.

Casino de Monte-Carlo

CASINO DE MONTE-CARLO

Still processing the sheer magnificence of the Princess Grace Suite, we soon found ourselves on route to one of the most exciting stops on our itinerary, dinner at Le Train Bleu, in the heart of the world-famous Casino de Monte-Carlo.

Established in 1863, Casino de Monte-Carlo, with its Belle Époque architecture, offers an exceptional selection of gaming and top-quality entertainment. One would struggle to find a more impressive and luxurious casino anywhere in the world.

This famous venue is featured in not one but two Bond films: Never Say Never Again starring Sean Connery, and Goldeneye starring Pierce Brosnan.

Frequented by celebrities from around the globe, this A-list destination could not be any more glamourous.

As we made our way, wide eyed, towards Le Train Bleu, we attempted to take in all the sophistication and attention to detail poured into the building’s interior composition.

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TRAVEL

Escapes Dinner at Le Train Bleu

At Le Train Bleu, one can expect nothing less than the very best of everything. With its elegant and refined layout, we once again found ourselves rubbing shoulders with the rich and famous.

The configuration of this exceptional venue is a reproduction of a premier restaurant car. All details, including the paintwork, wooden finishes and choice of colours, were selected to pay homage to the grandeur of Belle Époque-era passenger trains.

Offering a gourmet take on fine Italian cuisine, we were hugely impressed by the quality and presentation of their culinary offerings. Designed to delight the most discerning of palates, the menu offers a wide array of painstakingly prepared, succulent dishes and decadent desserts.

By the time our evening was through, we left the venue feeling like 007 himself, ticking off an item we hadn’t even dared add to our bucket lists.

Thermes Marins Monte-Carlo

After an exceptional second night’s sleep, we made our way to yet another remarkable Monacan location, Thermes Marins Monte-Carlo, for a day of health and pampering.

This 6,600sq/m facility is dedicated to wellness, fitness and preventative health. It offers an assortment of treatments and is equipped with a wide range of technology designed to assist anti-ageing, slimming, health and performance.

Thermes Marins houses a large terrace, a swimming pool, a steam room, a sauna, a bar/lounge area, an outdoor Jacuzzi, a solarium, a hammam and a panoramic fitness room, amongst other exceptional amenities.

Dinner at Buddha Bar

After a few hours of deluxe down time at the hotel, it was time to satisfy our culinary cravings once more. As one of the most sought-after restaurants in Monaco, Buddha Bar Monte-Carlo is a spectacular venue showcasing a 7m-high ceiling, premium wood finishes, a gigantic Buddha statue, intricate cornices, beautiful gilding and many other exceptional features.

Chef Éric Guillemaud is responsible for the menu consisting of Asian culinary delights from Japan, Thailand, China and Southeast Asia.

He combines these delightful dishes with French culinary excellence, resulting in meals fit for royalty.

Seated on one of the two open-air terraces, we thoroughly enjoyed our dinner, along with the subtle blend of chillout, lounge and world music provided by local icon, DJ Papa.

Time to Say Au Revoir

After a third night of blissful sleep, it was time to prepare for our journey home. On the flight back, we sat and reminisced over our oncein-a-lifetime adventure. From the exceptional Hôtel de Paris to all the spectacular views, meals and venues we were fortunate enough to experience, we could not have felt more satisfied and grateful to have undertaken this truly captivating journey.

For more information or to make a reservation, please visit www.montecarlosbm.com

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SHARED PLATES FOR

ALL PALATES For a Levantine feast, Ailsa Whyatt heads to Antika, an eatery that offers flavourful dishes and themed nights with exciting live entertainment.

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Eats

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t’s Wednesday evening when we arrive at the unassuming basement entrance to Antika – Marsa Malaz Kempinski, The Pearl-Doha. There is, however, nothing unassuming about this place. A stunning, high-domed ceiling with all the trimmings of Levantine grandeur awaits us. There are Arabic lanterns, traditional pottery, teal walls…there’s also an enormous stage, ready for Antika’s trademark live entertainment. Tonight, 500 guests will be welcomed to catch up with friends, share food and dance the night away.

We are whisked through the plush interior to the terrace, which overlooks the sights and lights of The Pearl and Lusail. With sultry lighting, greenery and awnings, it’s a terrace like no other.

Deep-house vibes mixed with live musicians are the perfect backdrop against which to relax, sip a mixologist’s concoction and enjoy the views.

Head Chef Hossein Kattan explains the sharing concept and the roots of Antika’s foundations. This is no ordinary menu – there are twists and turns adding excitement and a touch of the Orient to many of our wellknown favourites. Sharing food is a way of life in this part of the world, and goodness me, there is plenty to share!

Our host, Housni, brings plate after plate of Levantine fare – Mezze on crockery bearing the trademark patterning of this wonderful region. Our food is scattered with pomegranate seeds – the jewels of Levantine cuisine.

And there are further culinary gems to come. The Labneh Makdous hides some delicate aubergine chunks and the unmistakable but wonderful hint of green chilli, topped with walnuts for added crunch. You can taste the green of the chilli, but not the heat…it is wonderful.

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CHIC

Eats

Some slightly off-road, and extremely delicious additions to the menu include the White Mushrooms in Urchin Cream (creamy mushrooms blanketed in a duvet of cheesy goodness), Akkawi Swiss Balls (a gooey blend of cheeses, drizzled in red pepper sauce), and Grilled Halloumi (pesto-marinated grilled halloumi, served with gently roasted, succulent cherry tomatoes and a touch of basil to round it off ). Did I mention I am a fan of cheese?!

Zaatar and Pomegranate Labneh Dip, Infused Hummus with Lemon Peels, Shawarma Chicken Roll with Tzaziki (plus the beef variant) are swiftly brought to our table, and just as swiftly devoured. One of my favourite things about Levantine food is the colourful array of flavours and textures you get with a salad. Chef Hossein knows his salads. His Yuzu Tabbouleh contains all the trappings of tradition, but with a fresh yuzu tang that is both unexpected and rather delightful.

Next, there’s Grilled Halloumi with Soujouk chips. Please order it just for the stunning addition of the Granny Smith apples, which lift the salad, cutting through the heartier contrasting elements. Abundant curls of toasted pitta bread, lightly drizzled with pomegranate molasses, rest atop the spectacular Crunchy Fattoush with Roasted Truffle Beetroot. The salad is fresh, lightly dressed, and the beetroot is a superb addition. I could eat it in swathes.

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From the Raw Bar we try a delectable Salmon Ceviche – melt-in-themouth salmon on beautifully presented wasabi and avocado mousse. The gentle kick of the wasabi is tempered by the cool avocado. It’s perfect.

“Shall I bring out the main courses?” asks the ever-attentive Housni.

Gosh, there’s more? First up is Braised Lamb Shank, artfully positioned on a bed of freekeh – a stalwart of Middle Eastern cooking, paired with a garlic and herb drizzle for full flavour and colour.

If you go into Antika without ordering the Sayadieh Risotto, your senses may never forgive you. Notes of cumin warm this luscious and silky risotto, with tender chunks of hammour crowned with delicate onion crisps. It is divine.

Pistachios are the river that runs through our desserts. We try the Antika Chocolate Cake (a sumptuous and unmistakeably nutty fondant) and the Kanafeh (do not overlook the sugar syrup – it is the glue that binds the entire dessert into a heavenly miscellany of pistachio, cheese and crumblelike topping). The Pain Perdu (a decadent dough soaked in cream for a mere 12 hours, strained then baked, leaving it both rich and somehow also fluffy). My personal dessert highlight, however, is the Ashta Ice Cream.

For the uninitiated, ashta is essentially a Levantine version of clotted cream. It’s gently perfumed with rose and encrusted with pistachio crumbs on feather-light candy floss. Why do I not have more space in my stomach?!

Dining at Antika is not just a meal; it’s an experience. Whether you are looking for chill-out vibes on the terrace, a feast with friends or a full-on party that will have you dancing in your shoes until 2am, Antika has it all.

With a different theme every night, you could come daily to experience something different. There is also enough food on the menu to ensure you would then have time to try everything!

For more information or to make a reservation, please call Antika on 7794 1838.

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DINE IN STYLE

Doha’s dining scene offers a wide selection of cuisines in enjoyable ambiances. Enjoy sumptuous brunches, afternoon tea and lovely evenings in the company of your loved ones.

FOUR SEASONS HOTEL DOHA

Nobu Join Nobu to enjoy the art of sushi making. Learn to make restaurant-quality rolls with sushi masters and witness firsthand the passion and skills in each sushi creation. The Nobu Sushi Class happens every first Saturday of each month from 3pm to 4pm and is priced at QR400 per person with limited seats available. You can also invest QR2,000 in the Sushi Private Class that can be booked on the day of your choice, except Sundays and Fridays.

Call 4494 8600 or email res.doha@fourseasons.com to make a reservation.

FOUR SEASONS HOTEL DOHA

INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA BEACH & SPA

HAKKASAN DOHA

INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA - THE CITY

INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA BEACH & SPA

INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA - THE CITY

Elements Sail over to Four Seasons Hotel Doha’s Seafood Night at Elements. Enjoy a delicious seafood buffet and savour a wide selection of sea favourites, including salmon, shrimps, lobster, oysters and more. The ocean spread is available every Wednesday from 7pm to 10.30pm and is priced at QR275 per person, including water, and QR465 per person for the sparkling package.

Call 4494 8600 or email res.doha@fourseasons.com to make a reservation.

Award-winning Cantonese restaurant Hakkasan Doha welcomes guests to its lounge terrace for Hakkatini Nights that come to life with sunset, predinner or after-dinner late-night bites and drinks. The offer runs daily from 6pm to 11.30pm and is priced at QR98 per person.

Call 4446 0170 or email reservation.hakkasan@stregis.com for more information or to make a reservation.

Mykonos Enjoy a relaxed Greek Business Lunch at Mykonos’ beautiful terrace overlooking the pool and ocean views. Choose a starter, main course, and a traditional Greek dessert. The three-course offer is available Sunday to Wednesday from 12pm to 4pm and is priced at QR115 per person.

Call 4484 4919 or email fb.icdoha@ihg.com for more information or to make a reservation.

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Coral Ocean Treasures returns! Dive in and allow Coral to take care of your seafood cravings with a family-style set menu featuring shrimps, mussels, and many more seafood specials. The offer runs every Thursday from 7pm onwards and is priced at QR295 inclusive of one soft beverage, QR450 inclusive of selected beverages, and QR95 for children between the ages of six and 12.

Call 4484 4919 or email fb.icdoha@ihg.com for more information or to make a reservation.

La Vista55 La Vista opens its doors for an exciting start to your weekend with a Havana Brunch. The offer runs every Friday from 12.30pm to 4pm and is priced at QR300 inclusive of entertainment from a live DJ and percussionist. And if you are not done partying, join the afterparty for QR150 from 4pm to 7pm.

Call or WhatsApp 7021 8765 for more information or to make a reservation.

La Parisienne Doha Enjoy a day of Raclette featuring slices of runny melted cheese over potatoes with fresh baguette, gherkins and cold cuts. The offer runs every Friday and is priced at QR68, and QR120 inclusive of free-flowing selected beverages for two hours straight.

Call or WhatsApp 7021 8803 for more information or to make a reservation.

MARRIOTT MARQUIS CITY CENTER DOHA

Crossroads Kitchen Enjoy a Hook & Roll Seafood and Sushi Night with family and friends as you savour the ocean’s freshest bounty with a delectable selection of seafood favourites including sushi, sashimi, live carving stations, and live jazzy beats by the resident duo. The offer runs every Tuesday from 6pm to 11pm and is priced at QR225 per person, inclusive of soft beverages, and QR325 per person, inclusive of selected beverages for two hours straight.

Call 4419 5510 or WhatsApp 6643 6890 for more information or to make a reservation.

MARRIOTT MARQUIS CITY CENTER DOHA

Ipanema Revel in the most famous Carnival in the world at Ipanema at the ‘Rio Carnival’ brunch. Where your taste buds can explore the traditional flavours of Brazilian cuisine, with food stations preparing authentic dishes to order whilst you enjoy a selection of South American inspired drinks as well as many more delightful surprises to be experienced. The offer runs every Friday from 12pm to 4pm and is priced at QR325 per person for food only and QR435 per person inclusive of selected beverages.

Call 4419 5510 or WhatsApp 6643 6890 for more information or to make a reservation.

MARSA MALAZ KEMPINSKI, THE PEARL-DOHA

Café Murano Combining great service, attention to detail, and the finest selection of handcrafted delicacies, the Kempinski Afternoon Tea is an experience not to be missed. Enjoy warm baked sweets and savoury treats, sip on a dreamily brewed cup of coffee and look over the sweeping seaside pool, the turquoise sea of the Arabian Gulf and the luscious tropical gardens surrounding the hotel. The offer runs daily from 2pm to 7pm and is priced at QR290 for two, inclusive of two beverages of your choice.

Call or WhatsApp 7449 6058 for more information or to make a reservation.

PARK HYATT DOHA

Opus Enjoy a delightful buffet-style brunch, featuring live entertainment and a fun supervised kids’ club area, offering a dazzling array of dishes, great ambiance, fun for all the family, and a selection of flavoursome hubbly bubbly in the terrace. The brunch buffet offer runs every Saturday from 12.30pm to 4pm and is priced at QR199 inclusive of soft beverages, QR299 inclusive of enhanced beverages, and QR99 for children aged 12 and below.

Call 4009 1234 for more information or to make a reservation.

PARK HYATT DOHA

Sora Enjoy a Sora Sky Brunch with family and friends with a delectable Japanese sharing-style menu, refreshing special beverages, and live DJ entertainment on the sophisticated 21st floor panoramic terrace overlooking Doha’s picturesque skyline. The offer runs every Friday from 12.30pm to 4pm and is priced at QR275 inclusive of soft beverages and QR399 inclusive of enhanced beverages.

Call 4009 1234 for more information or to make a reservation.

SHERATON GRAND DOHA RESORT & CONVENTION HOTEL

Al Hubara Enjoy a Hayakum Night and indulge in mouth-watering flavours from local Qatari cuisines to international dishes under the classic golden domes of Al Hubara. The offer runs every Saturday from 12.30pm to 3.30pm and is priced at QR215 per person.

Call 4485 3000, WhatsApp 5594 9701, or email F&Breservations.doha@sheratonhotels. com for more information or to make a reservation.

SHERATON GRAND DOHA RESORT & CONVENTION HOTEL

Jamavar Indulge in a bespoke experience at Jamavar’s Royal Seafood Weekend with a premium selection of seafood and rare spices. The offer is priced at QR285 per person, including two mocktails or two hops. And it runs every Friday and Saturday from 12.30pm to 4pm.

Call 4485 3000, WhatsApp 5594 9701, or email F&Breservations.doha@sheratonhotels. com for more information or to make a reservation. www.ohlalamag.net

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THE ALL-NEW

INFINITI QX55 SENSORY EXPERIENCE INFINITI HAVE TAKEN INSPIRATION FROM THEIR JAPANESE HERITAGE TO CREATE A UNIQUE LUXURY CROSSOVER COUPÉ.

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A

s the luxury vehicle division of the highly successful Japanese automaker, Nissan, the INFINITI brand is certainly associated with a respectable pedigree.

Having test driven both the INFINITI Q60 Sports Coupé, and the INFINITI QX50 SUV in recent years, the OHLALA team had high expectations when handed the key to the all-new INFINITI QX 55 by the professional and friendly team at Saleh Al Hamad Al Mana Co. EXTERIOR As the only premium crossover coupé offered by a Japanese brand, the 2022 INFINITI QX55 is a unique creation, one that exudes performanceinspired styling from every angle. The all-new INFINITI QX55 SUV connects the brand to its heritage with a modern interpretation of the stunning silhouette created by the INFINITI FX. Designed to resemble a Japanese bridge, the double-arch grille was the first feature to draw our full attention. With an origami-inspired mesh pattern that widens at the edges, the influence of the Japanese culture is on full display. This beautifully designed grille is flanked by standard LED headlights; cleverly crafted to imitate the human eye.

The elegant lines of the QX55 flow effortlessly from bonnet to boot, starting at the clamshell hood, and continuing above the front wheels, across the doors and over the rear fenders. Standard 20-inch alloy wheels, combined with the fastback roofline, enhance the bold and powerful

stance of this four-door hatchback.

At the back end, the intricate arrangement of the distinctive taillights mimics the keys of a piano, combining 45 separate LEDs in a single casing. An uncluttered liftgate highlights the use of Japanese minimalism, whilst the INFINITI logo, located on the tailgate, houses the power liftgate release.

All-in-all, we found the QX55 to exhibit an aesthetically pleasing, powerful, yet elegant exterior design; one that hints at a high-performance driving experience.

INTERIOR Fortunate enough to be inspecting the top-class SENSORY trim model, it was only once we entered the QX55, that the premium nature of the vehicle was fully revealed. Welcomed by sculptured and ultracomfortable front seating, complete with soft-touch panels, we had the perfect vantage point from which to appreciate the fine-detailing of the cabin.

The details of the interior have been intricately crafted, with full attention being given to every last feature. We loved the laser-cut stitching used to create unconventional shapes on the seats, doors, panels and suede-topped dashboard. High-end materials are present throughout the vehicle, including fancy, dark open-pore oak wood, used for the trimmings.

“The QX55 exhibits an aesthetically pleasing, powerful, yet elegant exterior design; one that hints at a high-performance driving experience.”

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The low height of the rear seats ensures sufficient leg, shoulder and head room is on offer for up to three adults. The rear seating has also been designed to slide both backwards and forwards, creating an extra six inches of either leg or storage space, depending on the occupants’ needs.

The luggage compartment offers a capacity of 762 litres, increased to 1,532 litres with the 60/40 rear split seating folded flat. This further adds to the practical nature of the vehicle.

A final notable internal feature of the QX55, is the three-zone fully automatic A/C with auto recirculation and ioniser. The harsh humidity was no match for this first-class climate control system.

INFOTAINMENT & CONNECTIVITY INFINITI have included a dual-display infotainment system in the new QX55. This includes an eight-inch upper, colour, high-definition screen for navigation and backup camera displays, along with a seven-inch lower, colour, high-definition screen for system settings, climate control, audio and phone. Both displays are conveniently located and showcase vibrant graphics and clear text.

This setup includes voice recognition technology and is compatible with both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. It allows hands-free text messaging, along with Bluetooth hands-free music streaming and calling.

We found all this tech to be pretty straightforward and responsive.

Further convenience is provided through the steering-wheel-mounted controls, and the remote control situated on the centre console. This provides easy access to various functions, including voice commands and the navigation map.

A 16-speaker Bose premium audio system is amongst the array of additional high-end features we uncovered.

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POWER & PERFORMANCE The QX55 boasts an award-winning, Variable Compression Turbo, 2.0-litre, four-cylinder engine, that produces 268hp at 5600rpm, and 280lb-ft at 4400rpm. Power streams through the Continuously Variable Transmission, and is delivered to INFINITI’s standard Intelligent AllWheel Drive system. This configuration enables the SUV to accelerate from 0-100km/h in six and a half seconds, as well as to produce a top speed of around 220km/h.

With a Drive Mode Selector offering four programmable settings, including Standard, Eco, Sport and Personal, we found this SUV to be both versatile and fuel-efficient.

The active noise cancellation system utilises the vehicle’s audio speakers to counterbalance any low-frequency sounds, whilst the active sound enhancement system intensifies the sporty nature of the engine. The result is a soothing yet exciting ride.

INFINITI have further added to the appeal of the QX55 by including an extensive range of safety and performance assist features designed to protect and serve at all times. These include Lane Departure Warning, Forward Collision Warning, Blind Spot Warning, and Backup Collision Intervention, to name but a few.

OUR VERDICT The all-new INFINITI QX55 is not only easy on the eyes, but delivers comfort, convenience and high performance.

For more information or to book a test drive of your own, please call Saleh Al Hamad Al Mana Co. on 4428 3366. @infinitiqa

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MISS

Ohlala

Grab your sunglasses... or reading glasses “Travel robs us of such refuge. Far from our own people, our own language, stripped of all our props.”

– Albert Camus

Not only does travelling to other countries help us discover how other people live, but it also helps us refrain from taking our ways of living, habits, and behaviour for granted. It takes us out of our comfort zones and enriches our experience. We learn about the ills of prejudice and the beauties of unfamiliar territories. Like Camus says, we get stripped of our languages, our ways of thought, our routines. Achieving this, however, doesn’t always require a plane ride. We can transport ourselves anywhere we like when we read a book, enjoy a nice foreign language film, or listen to a piece of delightful music.

With books, movies, plays, and songs, you can be transported instantly to the place of your desire. Indeed, reading Gabriel García Márquez will take you straight to the streets of Colombia. Delve into Rabindranath Tagore’s poetry and feel yourself fly on a magic carpet to India. Listen to Mozart’s symphony and find yourself in the quaint streets of Austria. Watch an Eric Rohmer film and feel yourself drift through the screen and suddenly alongside the fine and pompous gentlemen and women in France. Listen to Tchaikovsky and trudge through the snow on the lanes of St. Petersburg.

Travel, like art, is limitless. And especially in the world we are in today, with an unexpected pandemic and with an increasing amount of materialism, we should encourage ourselves to discover more and feel a greater sense of curiosity and gratitude for our colourful and multicultural global society. So, as Camus says, let’s strip ourselves of our props and discover something new, whether it is in a foreign land, a curious film, or in that unusually interesting book you’ve been planning to start.

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