Raphael Stevens

Life

by Amy Sessions
2 hours ago

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For our July/August cover, we champion Tania Santos Silva in The Free Spirit.
A businesswoman that knows how to still leave room for the freedom that enhances her creativity, we have admired Silva’s fierce independence and vibrancy for life along with her sharp mind and quick wit. A truly incredible EW woman.
How do you balance your business side and creativity?
On and off, I connect and disconnect. It’s hard but doable to be focused on the business and its daily management and be creative simultaneously. It’s like two sides of the same coin. It’s almost like mastering self-control; it’s a daily effort, sometimes exhausting, but the results are super rewarding.
You have multiple businesses – are you driven by an entrepreneurial mindset, and what is your latest venture?
I do; sometimes I wonder why!!! But this buzz inside me tests me and pushes me to do more and become more. I love to multitask; usually, my “ideas” come from my need to have something, and my last venture was just that. I hate to wear tampons or intimate pads during those monthly “hormonal” days, especially if I’m going to the beach… so after some lengthy research for the right technology I launched MaiSwim. This is not just another leak-proof swimwear because there are a few already, it’s sustainable, has cool, clean designs and we even support the cleaning of the oceans with every order. I’m super proud of the concept and the team. We launched only last month, and of course, it’s made in Portugal.
How do you know when to push forward and when to give yourself space?
I learned this very young as I’m an only child, so I had time alone. Now I adapt the learning to daily situations. I invest a lot in my sanity, from therapy to mindfulness, ice baths, and breathing techniques that help me build the emotional intelligence and insight I need. I love some “me time,” and being completely alone – it’s like food for the soul. This comes when my body talks to me and prepares me for the overwhelming emotions approaching; in those moments, I disconnect. Usually, I’m back on my feet within 24 hours feeling recharged.
What have been the biggest signs you’re on the right track, and how have you learned to follow your gut?
It’s unbelievable how cliché this is, but the gut is always right. I have a very close group of people who trust, invest in, and listen to me. That alone is invaluable and is the biggest sign that I must be doing things right.
You’re able to think outside the box – have you always been able to do this, and how has it served you?
Being able to think outside the box sometimes makes me “the odd one out,” I have to be honest, especially during my teenage years. I’m from a tiny city in Portugal, Coimbra. From a very young age, my closest friends told me: “You’re not a fish of this river” and that stuck with me. I’ve never let one opportunity go and I’m never afraid of leaving my comfort zone; you grow and truly evolve when you do step outside our comfort zone. My creative self still thinks outside the box – I adapt the thinking to the business without getting too emotional.
What does freedom mean to you, and how do you create it for yourself?
What is freedom? The dictionary says it’s the power or right to act, speak or think as one wants. But when my freedom violates others’ freedom, then it’s not freedom anymore. It’s exercising power. Freedom is love; freedom is to breathe, to travel wherever you want with whomever you want. Freedom is to hug and be hugged; freedom is sun and light, moon and darkness. Freedom to me means everything and nothing. I fight daily to adapt my freedom to my familyʼs freedom. That’s one of my biggest challenges.
Where has been the best place you’ve visited globally, and why?
I’ve been to so many places; I’m pretty lucky… but I have to say, Tibet. Landing in Lhasa is out of this world. The smiles I’ve seen there still fill my heart today. I went with my husband, we decided to visit Everest base camp before my pregnancy, and we did it. Some crazy and intense days of no potable water or shower, but reaching base camp at 5500 altitude at 5 am was all worth it. The sky there is different… I love this type of experience that pushes you to your limit. Next one? Summit Kilimanjaro.
Where has been the place that has given you or your business the most growth?
Well, I would say my second home country: Angola. I lived and worked there for almost ten years before moving to Dubai, and I still have a lot of family there. I grew so much in that professional environment, which is extra demanding for a woman, that I can face any professional environment honestly.
This is The Summer Escape Issue – where will you be escaping to this summer?
From Portugal to Porto Cervo in Italy, from Mallorca in Spain to Montreal in Canada. I will enjoy a bit of the other side of the world, take inspiration and insight from these places and breathe in new cultures. I never stop working obviously… we don’t have holidays when we work for ourselves!
July/August’s – The Summer Escape Issue with Tania Santos Silva – Download Now 
– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
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Life

by Camille Macawili
19 mins ago

We speak to some of the best concierge teams who go above and beyond to share insider tips on how to maximise your summer vacation.

The Mark – New York, USA
Our favourite quotes are “the answer is yes, what is your question” and “my only limitation is your imagination” which means that there are very few things that we DO NOT do for our guests at The Mark. From creating a Phantom of the Opera experience in our Penthouse all with original cast members to delivering a special breed of puppy from New York to Qatar – we have done it all!
INSIDER TIP
We personally love creating magical summer moments for our guests. From sailing along the Hudson River on the Mark Sailboat with delicious bites by Caviar Kaspia to taking a spin around Manhattan on our new Mercedes Benz e-bikes, we offer unique ways for our guests to experience this incredible city. For those travelling with their family, a picnic prepared from The Mark Restaurant by Jean-Georges which can be enjoyed in Central Park is a lovely afternoon activity – let The Mark Pedicab take you there! Our second tip is to explore the many outdoor summer concerts and stage performances at our neighboring Central Park. Few things are as enchanting as taking in a Shakespearean play or listening to New York Philharmonic perform outdoors on a warm summer evening.
For more information, visit themarkhotel.com

One&Only Reethi Rah – Maldives
Our Guest Services team at One&Only Reethi Rah curates a fully personalized itinerary based on our guestsʼ preferences. This includes a range of intimate events such as private dining in iconic locations around the resort, as well as themed parties and celebrations for our guests and their loved ones or a bespoke prearrival experience.
INSIDER TIP
Get to know our local Maldivian colleagues! They are always eager to share stories about their culture, islands, and experiences; they are exclusive to your time here in the Maldives. Whenever possible, book your experiences ahead of time and consider reaching out directly to the resort. Take full advantage of our expertise so we can offer experiences and activities that you hadnʼt even thought of.
For more information, visit oneandonlyresorts.com

Anantara The Palm – Dubai, UAE
The role of our concierge team involves performing a variety of personalised tasks and services aimed at delighting the hotel’s guests. In essence, we serve as the public face and a dependable resource for guests. As a seasoned concierge well-versed in local hidden treasures, we create tailored itineraries for guests.
INSIDER TIP
A customised city tour can be facilitated based on guest preferences. These could include a unique tour to the Museum of the Future, or should guests wish to explore the older parts of Dubai, the historic district of Al Bastakiya comes highly recommended or a walking tour to the Gold and Spice markets.
For more information, visit anantara.com

The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert – Ras Al Khaimah, UAE
In addition to organising dinner reservations and providing recommendations that often involve private dinners amongst the dunes or atop of Al Wadi Tower accompanied by a transfer on a camel or via the 1952 vintage Land Rover to create a unique memorable experience, we also organize various exciting activities throughout the hotel from nature drives, wildlife adventures, to relaxing wellness treatments.
INSIDER TIP
Immerse yourself in unique nighttime adventures by participating in guided tours and nature walks, specifically designed to unveil the mesmerizing aspects of Ras Al Khaimah after dark. Engage in stargazing sessions, where you can admire the enchanting constellations while learning about the ancient navigation techniques employed by local Bedouins.
For more information, visit ritzcarlton.com
July/August’s – The Summer Escape Issue with Tania Santos Silva – Download Now 
– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
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Life

by Sarah Joseph
1 hour ago

RAKxa shares how this wellness experience has put Thailand on the wellness map with its holistic treatments and deep detox focus.
Talk us through the bespoke wellness consultation process you’ve designed for guests.
Guests can embark on a journey with a three-step assessment that includes a health and wellness consultation session, a functional fitness assessment at RAKxa GAYA, and an in-depth doctor consultation at the VitalLife Scientific Wellness Centre and Traditional Wellness at RAKxa JAI. We place emphasis on addressing the entirety of an individualʼs health by comprehensively examining their medical history to gain a complete understanding of the current health status. Upon completion of the initial consultation, a tailored programme is designed to ensure that you feel comfortable and confident incorporating changes into your daily life. The treatment plan will evolve over time as you progresson your wellness journey. Next, we move onto the Functional Fitness Assessment(FFA) to analyze your daily essential functional movement including strength, mobility, balance, and coordination to guide you to the right treatments, classes, and exercises that suit you best while with us and in your everyday life back home. Then guests will have the chance to consult with an anti-ageing doctor to review all your conditions. Additionally, at the VitalLife Scientific Wellness Centre at RAKxa Wellness, a full repertoire of laboratory tests including complete blood test, hormone panel screening, food intolerance test, micronutrient test, and urine metal test is provided along with online consultation with nutritionists. Our anti-ageing doctors will work collaboratively with the other RAKxa’s traditional therapists with years of experience in practising Ayurveda, Traditional Thai medicine, and Traditional Chinese Medicine, to create a fully integrative personalised wellness programme.

What was the inspiration behind launching RAKxa, the luxury wellness destination?
We understand that everyone’s health journey is unique and ever-changing. When it comes to individual health, a ‘one size fits all’ treatment will not be as effective as a personalised one where each individual’s health issues are uniquely treated. We are dedicated to being your trusty health guide, offering valuable support to those navigating the complexities of the healthcare system. We are dedicated to healing, sustaining, and preventing – a lasting wellness journey tailored to your unique needs. We embrace an integrative approach as a whole to wellbeing through a combination of health care, therapies, treatments, and wisdom of traditional and modern medicine, along with, nutrition, rest, and taking advantage of their unique healing benefits that complement one another, then integrate them into a healing system or what we call a programme, to deliver synergistic and complementary wellness results, with a more pleasant healing experience. Our brand philosophy states, ‘Health is Wealth’ – Everyone wishes to guard and cherish their health as much as their wealth.
“We believe that a balance of opposing forces, known as Yin and Yang, is crucial for both the body’s optimal functioning and overall health.”

The villas are designed to encourage deep rest and reflection. How does the design and layout ensure utmost relaxation?
The layout and function of the villas are ergonomically designed by doctors to create a safe and comfortable resting space for everyone. The bed’s height is set to no higher than 70cm for comfort, especially for elderly guests or those with back pain and injuries. Natural materials such as hypoallergenic cotton silk bedsheets are chosen, with a choice of six pillow types for our guests to choose from (contour massage, cervical opedic, classic natural latex, buckwheat, companion, and memory foam), all are made from natural materials. The organic selection of amenities made from high-quality natural materials designed by Thai local brands embraces the idea of giving back to the local community. Our rooms are decorated with earthy tones, creating a calm and serene atmosphere. Soft fabrics and blackout curtains are installed throughout the villas so that our guests can enjoy a peaceful and undisturbed night’s rest.
The RAKxa’s wellness cuisine is centered on ingredients. How does the retreat focus on restoring balance through food?
We believe that good food is the best medicine. Our food philosophy is rooted in the idea that what we eat can profoundly impact our overall health and wellness. By understanding each of our guest’s unique dietary needs, conditions, and preferences, we could offer a personalised healthy and balanced dietary menu. At the beginning of your programme – our chefs and nutritionists collaborate with doctors and use dietary lab test results to curate personalised menus that meet individual health goals, from optimising gut health for efficient nutrient absorption to striving to minimise and eventually eliminate harmful toxins accumulated in the body. Also, we work with our traditional medicine doctors – we believe that a balance of opposing forces, known as Yin and Yang, is crucial for both the body’s optimal functioning and overall health.

Science and tradition come together at RAKxa. How are the traditional treatments combined with energy healing practices?
Energy Medicine at RAKxa Integrative Wellness is a healing practice that is based on the perpetual transmutation of vibrational energy and has been around for centuries. The techniques are cultivated in various cultures and traditions, and our talented guru’s conduct with grace and skill. At RAKxa, we offer unique examples of this methodology from all corners of the world: singing bowls from ancient Tibet, chakra and pranic healing, part of ancient Ayurveda methodology, healing with crystals which date back to Ancient Egypt and Ancient Greece, and Reiki, which originates from Japan. The transformative effects of energy healing help to unleash joy and peace by manipulating brainwaves, enhancing individuals’ chemistry and hormone levels, removing energy stagnation and improving your overall wellbeing. Energy healing can be integrated and treated alongside other medical services, whether it is exercises, physical therapies, or administering medical care such as intravenous vitamin (IV) infusions, because we want everyone to be in good health both inside and out and, importantly, in mind and spirit.

The property’s medical gym uses technology, functional medicine and the science of movement – what are some of the bespoke exercise routines available?
Our medical gym at RAKxa Gaya uses a diagnostic approach, drawing upon technology, physiotherapy, sports medicine, and the science of movement to create a personalised exercise. RAKxa’s team of physiotherapists and sports scientist conduct a comprehensive assessment of guests’ body posture, stability, endurance, strength, coordination and balance, as well as everyday movement using state-of-the-art equipment and world-class Olympic Grade Standard machines such as walk-pattern analysis with Gait Analysis, Functional Assessment with Huber, and Neuromuscular reactivation using Redcord Muscle Function Restoration with Red Cord Exercise. Following a thorough assessment, the results are then interpreted by a staff of movement specialists, physiotherapists, and wellness trainers who create custom-made training plans that blend results-oriented, corrective exercises,that are both modern and traditional. Your training programme will be specifically tailored to your conditionsand abilities, as well as your personal wellness goals. Head to Toe Stretch, which is a one-on-one session provided by medical gym staff, is recommended. This passive stretch helps you gently loosen up your physical tension, reduce lactic acid build-up, and improve your range of motion and flexibility.
The VitalLife provides hyper-personalised treatments – what’s the science behind this technology?
Our anti-ageing medicine is an array of modern technologies from advanced diagnostic equipment to innovative therapeutic interventions that create hyper-personalised treatments designed to restore and optimise guests’ health and longevity. We strive to provide guests with the highest level of medical standards and care, ensuring they receive the most advanced and tailored anti-ageing solutions in a comfortable and welcoming environment. The treatment sessions are based in the Medical Wellness Clinic under the supervision of medical professionals from VitalLife.
July/August’s – The Summer Escape Issue with Tania Santos Silva – Download Now 
– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
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Emirates Man

by Ruman Baig
4 hours ago

Pakistani-British singer, Zayn Malik, is known for being notoriously private. His first public appearance in six years allowed his fans to get a glimpse of the man beneath the mystery.
At all 17, Zayn Malik became an overnight sensation with four other British boys when One Direction was born. Thanks to Simon Cowell, The X Factor judge of the time who spotted these talented boys and clubbed them together in a band.

After tasting the height of success and fame at an early age, Zayn was the first to venture out alone. His journey as a solo artist hasn’t been like that of a regular pop star — the Pillow Talk singer, despite the success he found in his solo stint, decided to step away from the limelight when it cost his mental health.

In a modern world, where fame is fleeting and icons are always changing, it is refreshing to see an artist who is purely around for the love of the art. Recently, the 30-year-old singer appeared as a guest on Alex Cooper’s popular podcast, “Call Her Daddy” before the release of his summer single, “Love Like This” where he opened up about his life in the last few years and the reason behind reappearing in front of the world.

In an hour-long conversation with Alex, the Dust Till Dawn singer covered a lot of grey areas and speculations around his life. Here are the top 5 things that stood out in this interview.
Why he left the band
It broke the hearts of millions of fans when Zayn Malik decided to leave the beloved British band, One Direction. Although everyone knows what happened next, nobody knew what led to it. Shedding the light on this turning point of his life, the singer said, “I had been thinking about it for a hot minute. There’s a lot that goes on behind the scenes, there’s a lot of politics, pressure and I decided to come ahead of it by taking this decision. It might sound cheesy, but before I quit the band, I called up my mum and asked if she still got a bed for me back home and when said come back home son, I went ahead and did it. also, as an artist, I wanted to make music about more mature and deeper stuff which wasn’t necessarily the demographic of the band.”
How becoming a parent changed him
Zayn shares a two-and-a-half-year-old daughter, Khai, with his supermodel ex Gigi Hadid. The former couple welcomed this daughter in September 2020, after which they split in 2021 and have been co-parenting her ever since. “As an adult, your life tends to become grey and monotonous, she added the colour back into her life. I have my daughter with me for 50% of the time and when she is with me, all of my time is dedicated to her.”
Dealing with anxiety in the present
Even at the pinnacle of his fame, Zayn was one of the few artists who was vocal about his mental health struggles. Whether it was about cancelling his musical tours or stepping away from the overwhelming world of fame. Today, as he is about to share new music with his fans, he is also making an attempt to reconnect with the world. “I am doing this for my daughter, learning how to deal with my anxiety and speaking in public. I want her to know that her dad can overcome his fears and do things and set that example for her.”
Importance of leading a quiet life
Unlike other celebrities who live in LA or New York, the StoryOf My Life singer chose to raise his daughter in Pennsylvania. Away from the hustle-bustle and the shutterbugs, he prefers to protect the privacy of his child by giving her a normal life. “She didn’t choose this life, I did. I at least want her to have an option in the future. I am able to do normal things with my daughter here, which would be difficult to do with cameras flashing all the time. It’s a quiet life with a lot of farm animals. I have three cats, three dog, three turtles and six chickens.”
Remaining unfazed by the media narrative
After his breakup with ex-Gigi, the media was quick to build a narrative positioning him as the bad guy. According to many news outlets, the breakup was a result of an altercation between the singer and his partner’s mother, reality star, Yolanda Hadid. Although, neither of the parties confirmed the incident, the internet held him accountable. While sensitively bringing up the subject during the podcast, Alex asked him if there was any merit to the rumour and did it affect his share in custody. Respecting all the parties involved, he cleared the air. “I have 50% custody of my daughter and it wouldn’t have been the case if things said in the media were true. I don’t believe in giving explanations about myself, especially to people who don’t know me. The people who do, know what happened. It was a family matter and I wanted to address it privately. I didn’t want my daughter to grow up reading this as a subject that was discussed in public.”
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Life

by Sarah Joseph
29 mins ago

When it comes to planning activities, the UAE Royals know how to get the adrenaline pumping.
After Sheikha Her Highness Sheikha Mahra Al Maktoum and her husband Sheikh Mana Al Maktoum got married in April, the couple decided to experience a fun activity together.
Seen at Jebal Ali Shooting Range Club, the couple decided to try their hand at shooting and head to an exhilarating spot in Dubai. Sheikha Mahra even almost managed to hit a bulls eye and shared a series of adorable photos on her feed.
Situated in the luxurious facility of JA The Resort, this highly-popular spot caters to both beginners and seasoned shooters, serving as a perfect option for an action-packed day. Located in the midst of the Jebel Ali desert, this unique facility stands like a fortress with five floodlit clay shooting ranges, giving its visitors a real taste of the sport.
When did the couple get married?
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s daughter Sheikha Mahra got engaged to Sheikh Mana Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Bin Mana Al Maktoum in March. On April 5 2023, both Sheikha Mahra and Sheikh Mana shared that they celebrated their Katb Al-Kitaab — the official marriage ceremony and signing of the marriage contract through social media.
Her husband, Sheikh Mana Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Bin Mana Al Maktoum has served a year in the UAE Armed Forces-National Service. Currently, he is pursuing a degree in Security and Risk Management from the American University in the Emirates.

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Images: Instagram @hhshmahra More