Raphael Stevens

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    in health and weelbeing

    The Simple (Yet Game-Changing) Practice That Could Transform Your Period

    It’s day one of your period and–like clockwork–the bloating, cramps, and mood swings kick in. But gone are the days you’d suffer through said symptoms, just willing them to give you a break. We’re no longer accepting the narrative that we have to suffer, or that periods are inherently bad; instead, we know we can make dietary and lifestyle changes to balance your hormones, support your body’s natural cycles, and feel your best. So when cramps come on, you can sync to your cycle by loading up on protein and healthy fats and focusing on restorative, gentle movements throughout the day.
    But can we be doing more to support the body during our period, and help ease the pain and annoyances caused by it? Enter: mindfulness. We tap into the practice to help get us through the day-to-day, and it should be no different with our periods. To get the full picture, I looked to Tanya Ambrose and Emily Brown, experts for holistic period care line, rhythm. Read on for their tips on how to use mindfulness in each phase of your menstrual cycle to boost your ability to go with the flow (literally).

    Meet the expert
    Tanya Ambrose
    Public Health Expert and Doula
    Tanya Ambrose is a reproductive health specialist. She is also the founder and CEO of Scrub Life Cares, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting menstrual and reproductive health for women in underserved communities.

    Meet the expert
    Emily Brown
    Hormone Expert and Functional Nutritionist
    Emily Brown is an integrative and functional nutrition practitioner and epigenetic expert. She is also the founder of Genetic Garden.

    What does mindfulness have to do with your period?
    So you’re eating and working out according to each stage of your period, or maybe you’ve switched to cute period panties or given seed cycling a go. So why add another element to your monthly cycle? “Being more mindful of your menstruation is vital because your hormone levels change throughout your cycle,” Ambrose recommended. “Mindfulness is a way to honor your body’s needs during the different phases. Mindfulness practices such as meditation and breathing exercises help restore balance to your body, which will help alleviate pain and your mental attitude.” In other words, being aware of your body and everything you experience—the good, the bad, and the ugly—throughout your cycle gives you more agency over it.
    On the flip side, not being conscious of your body’s ever-changing needs (which can also change hourly, daily, yearly, BTW) can wreak havoc on your body: “When we are out of sync with our bodies, we might push it too hard physically, emotionally, and mentally, resulting in hormonal and biochemistry imbalances (hello, insomnia, constant irritability, and adrenal fatigue),” Brown explained. 
     

    How to incorporate mindfulness for each phase of the cycle:

    Menstrual phase
    Your hormones are at their lowest, which means your energy levels leave much to be desired and your bed never looked more enticing. Allow your brain to rest and reflect. However, you may notice communication between your feelings side and analytical side is at an all-time high. So listen and honor your intuition, go inward, and chill the F out. Practice meditation, nurture yourself, and pile on the self-care. 
    During this phase, work towards creating a journaling habit. Try jotting down something significant that has occurred in your life or documenting how you feel about specific areas in your life (think: relationships, career, mental health) and what you can do to improve them. Finally, list out and reflect on 3-5 things you’re grateful for. 

    Follicular phase
    You probably feel like a whole new person as your period ends and you start to get your energy back. Although progesterone and testosterone levels are very low, your hormones are signaling to your brain to provide an open door for new things, beginnings, and creativity. Ask yourself what you want out of life and get creative when setting your intentions. If you’ve been itching to try out a different workout or check out the hip, new restaurant that just opened up nearby, you couldn’t ask for a better time! Lose yourself in a book or pop in your AirPods to tune into an inspiring and motivating podcast.

    Ovulation phase
    Your brain’s verbal and social centers are highly stimulated. Translation: Explore your communication abilities (be open and honest), work on relationships with others, and ask yourself who you can reach out to that would benefit from a deeper connection, whether they’re part of your work or inner circle. Go out and socialize, but keep in mind that it’s important to be intentional about who you connect with during this phase. Consider spending time with those closest to you who bring out the best in you. And when you do link up with others, live in the moment.

    Luteal phase
    Welcome to the [insert your name] show. That’s right—this phase is all about you. Take care of yourself and do more of what feels right for you. Go ahead and binge-watch your favorite guilty pleasure show (Selling Sunset, anyone?), run a warm bath, read a book, or have a glass of wine, if that’s what speaks to you. Better yet, do them all! The key is to be consistent with loving yourself.
    Your brain is at its peak when it comes to handling tasks and being detail-oriented. Take advantage of this stage by completing tasks and other projects you’ve been working on. Be prepared to set firm boundaries and learn to say “no,” speak up more, and pour into yourself. And just as the uterus sheds its lining during the week of your period, it’s time to release anything that’s no longer serving you, whether it be a job, people, habits, or beliefs.

    What This Viral Hormone Expert Eats in a Day to Balance Hormones More

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    50 Little Rituals That Will Keep You Happy, Healthy, and Inspired

    I’m happy to report that I am just now finding my way out of a weeks-long wellness rut. Following a cold, a root canal, and too much travel, I was feeling out-of-whack—and my mind and body were taking the brunt of it. Of course, our routines need a little shaking up every once in a while–when you start going through your rituals and routines mindlessly, you’re losing the most important part of any wellness practice: paying attention to your body. For some, that might look like finding a new fitness routine to keep your work stress at bay. For others, it might mean a non-negotiable daily date with your Headspace app to give your mind a little peace.
    The truth is we all need different rituals to help us stay well throughout all the many seasons of our lives. What works for one person might not work for you. And that’s OK—listening to and embracing your unique needs is the key to living in alignment and showing up each day as your highest self. So with that, check out these 50 rituals to start weaving into your routines today. Set reminders in your calendar or add them to your planner, and make a commitment to help yourself feel energized, inspired, and good.

    For feel-good fitness:
    1. Start your day with a 10-minute walk. Pop in a podcast or enjoy the morning quiet all to yourself.
    2. Build an intuitive stretching practice. Roll out your yoga mat, stretch, and shake out whatever parts of your body need a little love.
    3. Try swimming! It’s a great low-impact, aerobic exercise. And have I mentioned it’s fun?
    4. Join a tennis league. Continue the habit you started building in the summer. Most indoor tennis facilities offer weekly doubles leagues. Suit up and sign up!
    5. Book your workout classes at the beginning of the week and note them in your calendar.
    6. Practice a morning yoga flow. Pick postures from this list to support digestion or this one to reduce anxiety.
    7. Reflect on how you feel before and after you exercise. This can be written down in your journal, on your Notes app, or even just a mental inventory. Do you feel less stressed? More energized? Happier? Noting the changes in your state of being can help reaffirm the positive benefits of movement.

    For keeping a fresh perspective:
    8. Make your bed. You might roll your eyes, but there’s something to be said for the simple act of pulling your sheets back and fluffing up your pillows. It’s a small, simple accomplishment that sets a positive tone for the rest of your day.
    9. Write your morning pages. Popularized by The Artist’s Way, this exercise requires writing three pages of stream of consciousness writing first thing in the morning. It’s a great way to clear your mind of any anxieties and identify any potential stressors before you start your day.
    10. Exchange a list of gratitudes with a friend. At the beginning or end of each day, text a list of three things you’re grateful for.
    11. Read for 30 minutes at the end of your work day. Do you fall asleep when you read before bed? Don’t have enough time in the morning? This is the perfect sweet spot when you can be sure to take a break.
    12. Buy yourself flowers. Visit a farmer’s market or your local florist and pick up a bouquet to brighten your week.
    13. Fill a mason jar with your favorite quotes. Pull from it each morning and keep your quote nearby for inspiration.
    14. Prioritize focus work in the morning. Even if you’re not a morning person, you’ll be able to approach your projects feeling mentally fresh.
    15. Make a joy-boosting playlist. Embrace the high-vibe feeling when your favorite song comes on.
    16. Create a morning to-read list. Brainstorm a list of your favorite blogs and scroll through while sipping that first cup of coffee.
    17. Make busy work more inspiring! Cue up a few go-to podcasts to have at the ready.
    18. As the final part of your work day, write your to-do list for the next day. This will help you start your morning fresh and with a clear idea of what you need to accomplish.

    For decreasing stress levels:
    19. Download a meditation app and book a 5-10 minute slot in your calendar when you’re committed to only that.
    20. Take a few mindful breaths. While this is a wonderful way to start your morning, this ritual is accessible at any time of day. Download an app like Breathwrk where you can follow along with guided, science-backed exercises.
    21. Experience nature. However you most enjoy experiencing the outdoors—whether that’s a hike or simply sitting on a park bench—be sure you’re getting some quality time outside.
    22. Connect with your community. Make time to see or talk to your people regularly throughout the week.
    23. Set aside intentional no-screen time every day. Designate at least 30 minutes without any screens in sight.
    24. Love on your pet! You do this all the time, so why not set aside specific time to snuggle your favorite fur pal?
    25. Light a candle while tackling your inbox first-thing. It might actually make the experience… enjoyable?
    26. Romanticize your evening routine. Whether it’s a relaxing bath, a candlelit dinner, or a post-work walk, make the time after you shut your computer count.
    27. Incorporate relaxing products into your sleep routine: a weighted eye pillow, a lavender pillow mist, or a comfy-cozy duvet.
    28. Working from home, it can be difficult to feel like I’ve done “enough.” Instead of guilting myself into working past dinner, I set a stopping point when I tidy up my workspace, step outside for a walk, and carry on with my evening acknowledging that I’m done with the work portion of my day.
    29. Take a warm shower before getting into bed. Trust me, it’s bliss.

    For nutritious, soul-nourishing meals:
    30. Romanticize your meals. Spend a little time giving your food an aesthetic presentation: include a range of colors and invest in a few tableware pieces you love. Play music, light a candle, pour a fun beverage. Whatever you do—stay away from your phone.
    31. Meal prep (but make it fun!). Go to your favorite grocery store during the off-hours (Trader Joe’s traffic is light Saturday midday or *very* early Sunday morning), or visit the farmers’ market. Make a list, but also set an intention to pick up an ingredient that inspires you. Take the time to chop your produce and store it in the fridge in air-tight containers. You’ll breathe a sigh of relief knowing you’re set up for the week.
    32. …Or don’t meal prep. If you find chopping veggies or stirring pasta to be a source of relaxation, use your lunch break as an opportunity to unwind.
    33. Find your favorite warm beverage. Is there anything better than cozying up to a comforting mug this time of year? Whether it’s matcha, golden milk, or a PSL, pick your favorite and enjoy your prep-and-sip ritual.
    34. Take yourself out for a pastry and coffee at your favorite café. If it’s the weekend, post up for a while with a good book.
    35. Spend some time on the weekends pouring through your favorite cookbooks, food blogs, and influencers. Gather up one or two new recipes you want to try for the week ahead.
    36. Unwind with a warm cup of tea. I love a decaffeinated chai or chamomile if I’m in need of a good night’s sleep.
    37. Pick one wellness supplement to support your healthy eating routine. Try a greens powder, daily multi-vitamin, or anything that helps you feel your best. The world of supplements is vast and complex, so pick one thing and stick with it.
    38. Before taking your first bite of a meal, say a silent gratitude. Acknowledge the people, the plants, and maybe the animals that contributed to what you’re about to eat (and if you made the dish, share a little gratitude for yourself, too!).

    For a healthy dose of self-care:
    39. Wash your sheets once a week with a fresh-smelling clean detergent.
    40. Do a quick, five-minute clean-up of your space in the morning and at night. You’ll be surprised how much of a difference a few minutes can make.
    41. Clean out your closet each season. Marie-Kondo your wardrobe and keep only the clothes that spark joy.
    42. Apply lotion mindfully. Be present for the soothing, nourishing feeling you get from using your favorite moisturizer.
    43. Create a skincare ritual you’ll look forward to. If a 10-step routine feels excessive, pick a few products you love and lean in.
    44. Set out your workout clothes, WFH wardrobe, and whatever you need for your work day the night before. Bonus points if your ritual includes prepping breakfast.
    45. If you live in a home or can find space for one outside of your apartment, buy a bird feeder and enjoy watching the little guys that visit.
    46. Sleep with your phone in a different room. The easiest way to ensure you don’t mindlessly scroll before bed? Keep your phone out of sight, out of mind. And if you use yours as an alarm, invest in this pretty purchase instead.
    47. Keep your favorite essential oil next to your bedside. Apply to your wrists and breathe in the scent.
    48. Do a morning check-in. When you open your eyes, do a body scan and notice how you feel at this present moment. What emotions are coming up? Where is your energy? Is there anything about the day that makes you feel anxious? Excited?
    49. Put a picture of yourself as a kid next to your bed, taped up on your bathroom mirror, or anywhere in your home that you pass by regularly as a reminder to honor every day of your journey.
    50. Share your highs and lows of the day with a partner, friend, or family member. At dinner or the end of your day, check in with yourself and someone important to you. This is a great way to reflect on the positives and the challenges of your day.

    How To Update Your Wellness Routine for Fall More

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    Video: Sheikh Mohammed reduced to tears by girl’s reading about his late mother

    Lifestyle

    by Olivia Morris
    4 hours ago

    His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai watched a host of students take to the stage on Thursday at the Arab Reading Challenge’s closing ceremony which took place at Dubai Opera.
    One reading, in particular, appeared to touch the Dubai Ruler’s heart which was about his late mother, Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Hamdan Al Nahyan.
    The Arab Reading champion from 2018, Maryam Amjoun, took to the stage to read an excerpt of His Highness’ book My Story which was about his mother.
    “My father lost his life partner for over four decades. He lost his support, his darling, friend, companion and lover… The strong, firm, steadfast victor who was never weakened or shattered, suffered greatly from the loss of his Latifa,” the except read.
    In footage which was shared by the Dubai Ruler’s sister, Her Highness Sheikh Fatima bint Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, on social media, Sheikh Mohammed is seen to be visibly moved by the reading, wiping tears away from his face with a handkerchief.

    Later on, the Dubai Ruler crowned the Arab Reading Challenge winner, Sham Al Bakour from Syria.
    It was the sixth edition of the Arab Reading Challenge which saw over 22 million students enter, the highest number of participants ever registered in a single edition of the challenge since its inception.
    “Our precious Arabic language is in the safe hands of the millions of Arab students and the thousands of volunteers that spare no effort to make this Arab literacy initiative a success,” His Highness said of the challenge.
    “The Arab Reading Challenge succeeded in creating the largest knowledge movement in our Arab world. The Arabic book has been taken off the shelf, and put in the hands of our youth, to inspire hearts and minds and light up the path.”
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied/Instagram  More

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    in health and weelbeing

    Mazda Made With Soul

    Mazda has searched the South African landscape to find people driven by an innate sense of curiosity, willing to tell their human-centric stories of success and passion for their craft. These individuals embody the true meaning of community and harmony with all things in and around us. In this series, they will be imparting their stories of precision craftsmanship, infused with their soul; so who better to share their journey with you, than a brand Made with Soul?
    [embedded content]
    Meet Roushana Gray
    Founder of Veld and Sea, and winner of the Spier Sustainability award in 2019, Roushana Gray is a wild food artist, foodie and avid forager. She shares her passion for the local edible landscape through immersive educational experiences, connection and creativity. For Roushana, her vocation as a food innovator is a journey that never ends as there is always something new to learn and discover.
    Explore more HERE 
    *In Partnership with Mazda More

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    ‘It was really hard’: Jennifer Aniston breaks silence on infertility struggles

    Lifestyle

    by Olivia Morris
    4 hours ago

    Jennifer Aniston has opened up about her journey with IVF (In vitro fertilization) for the first time ever.
    In a new cover interview with US magazine Allure, the 53-year-old broke her silence on her infertility and struggles to get pregnant in her 30s and 40s.
    For years, Aniston was subject to tabloid speculation when it came to starting a family when she was married to both Brad Pitt from 2000 to 2005 and Justin Theroux from 2015 to 2017.

    But the constant guesswork and reporting surrounding the subject, Aniston admits was “really hard”, particularly as her infertility struggles were unknown to many.
    “All the years and years and years of speculation … It was really hard,” she said. “I was going through IVF, drinking Chinese teas, you name it. I was throwing everything at it.”
    In fact, upon reflection, the actress admits she wishes someone would have told her to freeze her eggs.
    “I would’ve given anything if someone had said to me, ‘Freeze your eggs. Do yourself a favour.’ You just don’t think it,” she explained in the interview. “So here I am today. The ship has sailed.”

    However, despite her infertility struggles, she has “zero regrets” and it’s, in fact, given her a sense of closure.
    “I have zero regrets,” she said. “I actually feel a little relief now because there is no more, ‘Can I? Maybe. Maybe. Maybe’. I don’t have to think about that anymore.”
    As for if she’d ever walk down the aisle again, the Friends star said “never say never”, but that it wasn’t on her radar.
    “I’d love a relationship. Who knows? There are moments I want to just crawl up in a ball and say, ‘I need support’,” she said. “It would be wonderful to come home and fall into somebody’s arms and say, ‘That was a tough day’.”
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Getty More

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    Stay Ahead Of The Unforeseen Costs Of A Severe Illness

    Here’s a little something to ponder… When it comes to insurance, most people seem more comfortable splurging on entertainment, clothing and food than they are on lifestyle protection policies such as dread disease cover. Often the thinking is that: “it will never happen to me?” or “I still have time.” However, life-altering illnesses such as cancer, a stroke or heart attack often require that one take time off from regular programming to fully recover. 

    No Guarantees
    This was the case for Kim Gillot, who was unexpectedly diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer at 32 – without any family history at all. “I discovered a lump after bumping myself in the shower and ignored it as most women do because we often don’t want to be inconvenienced by these things,” recalls Kim. A week and a half later, she consulted a doctor for food poisoning and insisted on a by-the-way breast exam. When the doctor couldn’t pick up the lump via a physical examination, Kim listened to her intuition and insisted on a mammogram. The mammogram results showed an abnormality. Next was a biopsy. “I remember receiving a call on 25 February 2017 confirming that I had aggressive stage 2 hormone-positive breast cancer. My cancer was both oestrogen receptor-positive (ER+) and progesterone receptor-positive (PR+),” shares Kim. She had the tumour removed within a week of her final biopsy and adds that getting the surgery out the way so soon was what ultimately spared her from the aggressive cancer.
    Kim received her payout from her Old Mutual Illness insurance policy shortly after the lumpectomy. “The money was a huge godsend,” she says. At age 20, Kim recalls seeing her father work relentlessly to pay her mother’s medical bills after she’d suffered a stroke. This, along with a 2016 smash and grab incident, made her realise just how underinsured she was, leading her to take out the Old Mutual lllness insurance amongst other policies.
    Peace Of Mind 
    When experiencing something as all-consuming as cancer, it’s a cycle of medical tests, treatments and recovery. After three harrowing rounds of chemotherapy, doctors switched Kim to aggressive radiation, which she did five days a week for seven weeks. “It was tiring and painful,” she recalls. This was followed by hormone-therapy implants for the next 18 months to subdue her oestrogen levels. The therapy introduced a new dynamic –  chemically induced menopause as a side effect! In November 2019, instead of continuing on the hormone therapy, Kim opted for a hysterectomy – something she says left her broken, with a lot of unanswered questions. 

    For Kim, who was placed on temporary disability leave at work, the Old Mutual Illness insurance payout took away the overwhelming financial burden of the upfront medical payments and shortfalls. “Even though my Old Mutual financial adviser is based in Cape Town, I have telephonic access to financial advice at all times. I really appreciate how each adviser that I spoke to gave me really good counsel in investing and growing the money to sustain myself,” enthuses Kim. 
    Kim is currently recovering from a double mastectomy and her can-do attitude remains strong. “Cancer is the demon I love to fight, I’m going to keep fighting it,” she shares, adding that she always makes it a point to share just how important severe illness cover is. “If you have the financial means to do it, please go ahead and make that sacrifice. We lead fast-paced and stressful lives and tomorrow is not promised to us. Everyone has a journey – yours may not be cancer but another illness.”
    How Will The Old Mutual Illness Insurance Benefit Me?
    The Old Mutual Illness insurance pays a single tax-free amount between R100 000 and R6 million should you suffer from a severe illness such as cancer, stroke, heart attack and other predefined illnesses. The money can be used to cover rehabilitation costs, travel expenses to treatment centres, modifications to your home or car and day to-day expenses while taking time off from work to recover. If your quality of life is severely impacted by treatment and you can’t care for yourself, the Cancer Enhancer will boost the payout by up to 25% of the cover amount.
    Can I Customise My Cover? 
    For an additional cost you can tailor the cover to meet your needs by adding extra benefits such as Top-up Benefit, Child Illness Benefit, Mild Illness Benefit, For Women Benefit and Returning Illness Benefit, plus other add-ons such as Premium Protection or *Cashback. Every five years, on the cashback anniversary, we will pay back 15% of all premiums received for the contract since the previous cashback anniversary and while cashback exists on your contract. Cashback will not be paid if the contract is not active on the cashback anniversary. Cashback would, on average, increase your premium by 12.5%.
    Choosing the right cover for serious illnesses doesn’t have to be daunting. For more information speak to your financial adviser. Visit www.oldmutual/illness or call 0860 60 60 60
    How soon does the cover kick in?
    Immediately. You’re covered for up to 30 days before paying your first premium.
    DISCLAIMER: This story was told by one of our customers, who received a monetary token of our appreciation for sharing it. The information shared in this article does not constitute financial advice. For more information and Ts & Cs, visit oldmutual.co.za/illness 
    *In Partnership with Old Mutual More

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    10 restaurants in Dubai with luxe private dining areas

    Lifestyle

    by Sarah Joseph
    14 mins ago

    When it comes to an exceptional dining experience, Dubai always knows how to deliver.
    However, to add an aura of intimacy and opulence to your next special occasion, why not opt for a private dining room?
    With five-star cuisine and service, these Dubai restaurants offer an outstanding experience with their decadent private dining rooms.
    From plush interiors to a bespoke menu, Emirates Woman has curated a list of all the luxe Dubai-based venues with a secluded space tailored to your needs.
    Indochine

    There’s a piece of New York City right here in Dubai that you can enjoy – Indochine. Whether you wish to host a private event for a new launch or simply want to celebrate a special occasion, this is the place to be. The French-Vietnamese restaurant brings its classic dishes to the table with an in-house indie DJ for some eclectic tunes all night long. The restaurant can seat large parties of 10 to 20 guests in a luxurious private dining setting. Guests can relish a five-course menu served family-style accompanied by an evening of conversation and laughter in this intimate setting. Hosts also have an option of full or partial buyouts for larger gatherings.
    For more information visit indochinedxb.com.
    Amazonico

    This jungle-inspired venue gives guests a chance to dine in their private dining room for all types of special occasions. For larger groups, the restaurant offers a completely secluded dining space, where semi-private areas for smaller groups are also available upon request. Up to 20 guests can dine together in an intimate setting with access to the luxe rooftop and views of Dubai’s scintillating skyline. With Latin-American cuisine, diners can be taken on a sensory journey along the Amazon river with some eclectic tunes.
    For more information visit amazonicorestaurant.com.
    Shanghai Me

    Inspired by the culinary traditions of East Asia, this haven encapsulates a rich heritage through a fusion of cocktails and dishes. This 1930s-inspired restaurant has a hidden luxe private dining area for bespoke events to meet any given requirements.
    For more information visit shanghame-restaurant.com. 
    Le Guépard

    Designed as a dedicated private dining space in the heart of Alserkal Avenue, this experiential venue can be tailored according to anyone’s personal preference. By cooking up a bespoke culinary menu, Chef Yanis Yahou takes guests on an unforgettable journey with each bite. Inspired by the French Riviera, guests can host birthday celebrations or corporate events with vintage décor, that’s sure to impress.
    For more information visit leguepard-est2021.com.
    Cé La Vi

    With out-of-this-world Burj Khalifa views and a fusion of fragrant ingredients, CÉ LA VI is the culinary hotspot is one that everyone needs to visit. The contemporary Asian menu curated by executive chef Howard Ko is second to none and the entire restaurant experience will leave you wanting to go back for more. For an event to remember, guests can host special occasions or corporate events that create a lasting impression. The private dining room, enclosed within a bamboo forest-themed interior, can host up to 10 guests and is ideal for gatherings, meetings to tastings.
    For more information visit celavi.com.
    Roka

    If there’s one Japanese Robatayaki restaurant that you need to try is ROKA. Featuring a prominent red 3D brick wall, the restaurant offers a hidden dining space perfect for intimate gatherings. With dishes from the restaurant’s main menu and a long banquet hall, it’s surely a luxe option to add to your list.
    For more information visit rokarestaurant.com. 
    GAIA

    This award-winning Greek-Mediterranean restaurant is designed with a modern palate and a delectable menu created by Chef Izu Ani. With its captivating charm, there’s something for everyone to sit and dine for hours. With a private Chef’s Table situated on the outskirts of the kitchen at the lower level, guests can enjoy a 12-seater dining experience. Surrounded by white stone walls and intricate details with copper pans, the table and journey are designed for an intimate gathering.
    For more information visit gaia-restaurants.com.
    At.mosphere

    In the world’s tallest building, this exquisite restaurant awaits. For a premium dining experience with a seating capacity of up to 16 guests, the restaurant’s culinary team brings the most meticulous creations to life while you dine sky-high.
    For more information visit atmosphereburjkhalifa.com. 
    Zuma

    By adding a sophisticated twist to the Japanese Izakaya style of cooking, Zuma offers authentic dishes that make people come back for more. The restaurant’s private dining area is the ideal place to host a social luncheon, brunch or corporate dinner in its unique space with a solid oak wood dining table that can seat up to 20 guests. Alternatively, the room can be divided into two separate spaces to accommodate 10 guests each.
    For more information visit zumarestaurant.com
    Il Borro Tuscan Bistro

    Il Borro is the go-to restaurant in Dubai for five-star Italian cuisine. The fine-dining hotspot’s private dining area is the perfect place for an intimate gathering of 10 to 15 guests. Guests can experience a bespoke menu of three to four courses according to their dietary requirements.
    For more information visit ilborrotuscanbistro.ae
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied & Feature image: @Indochinedxb More

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    Everything you need to know about Dubai Design Week 2022

    Lifestyle

    by Sarah Joseph
    2 hours ago

    As the UAE continues to be at the forefront of design, Dubai Design Week plays a key role in nurturing this creative spirit.
    Back for its eighth instalment, the week-long showcase will take place from November 8 to 13.
    At one of the region’s most artistic programmes, visitors can experience a curated design experience through installations, exhibitions, and experiential mediums that shed light on various talented individuals and platforms in the Middle East and globally.
    “Dubai Design Week is an annual celebration of design and designers that we are proud to be continuously supporting,” said CEO of the Arts and Literature Sector at Dubai Culture, Dr. Saeed Mubarak bin Kharbash.

    With Metaverse at the core of technological advancements, this year’s annual event will include an exploration of this subject through a series of exhibitions with locally based designers.
    To engage in positive conversations surrounding the environment, this year’s installation programme entitled ‘Design with Impact’ features immersive installations to showcase new changes in the design world.
    For engaging panel discussions and an opportunity to learn from experts in the industry, visitors can attend talks at The Forum at Downtown Design to delve into in-depth design-related conversations and learn from them through material experimentation.
    Held at this avant-garde district, Dubai Design District is an inspiring community of talented individuals that contribute to the country’s burgeoning artistic sector.

    “We are proud to present the eighth edition of Dubai Design Week, which is set to be – once again – a very exciting highlight of Dubai’s autumn calendar. We look forward to bringing the design and creative community together to engage, connect and be inspired by the ideas, talents and artisans presented across installations, exhibitions, talks, workshops, the Downtown Design fair and the market,” said Vice President of d3, Khadija Al Bastaki.
    As a regional hub for art, design and fashion, this highly-anticipated programme is held at one of the most sought-after venues that engage with like-minded individuals.
    For more information visit dubaidesignweek.ae
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