Raphael Stevens

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    in health and weelbeing

    Get A 5-Star Hotel Sleep At Home With These Simple Tips

    A couple weeks before lockdown, I spent a night at The Westin Cape Town to experience their World Sleep Day package. The Westin is a five-star hotel located right next to the Cape Town International Convention Centre and a two-minute walk from those iconic Foreshore high-rises. Many guests are in town for meetings and conferences where they’ll need to be on top of their game. So the Westin takes sleep very seriously. They celebrated World Sleep Day like it was a holiday, right down to reception staff in nightgowns. It was hilarious. Until four-months into SA’s 21-day lockdown when all I could think about was that glorious hotel sleep and why I didn’t treasure it more at the time. Fortunately, it is possible to simulate the experience at home. Use these tips to (finally) get a good night’s sleep during lockdown.
    READ MORE: This Is The Effect Lockdown Is Having On Your Sleep, According To New Studies
    1/ Start with your bed…
    One of the reasons a hotel sleep is so blissful is the bed. The Westin hotel chain has its own signature bed (The Heavenly® Bed) that’s been specially designed to promote deep, restful sleep – from the supportive, padded mattress with its individual pocket springs to the high-thread-count linen. Like I said, they take sleep very seriously. Assuming you don’t have €3 000 to shell out on your own Heavenly® Bed, upgrade your existing one with bedding. Use a fitted sheet that fits your mattress well and won’t come loose. Similarly, your duvet cover should fit your duvet well. If you can’t afford to splurge on a new mattress, splurge on a pillow that offers good support.
    READ MORE: This Might Just Be The Best Type Of Pillow For Every Sleeper
    2/ Set The Temperature For Sleep
    To ensure a good night’s sleep, the room should be a little on the chilly side. Even in winter. This prevents you from overheating during the night, causing you to sweat and toss and turn, which disturbs your slumber. At a hotel you can simply set the air con (I usually opt for a cool 18 degrees). If you don’t have an air con at home, mimic a climate-controlled hotel sleep by cracking the window open slightly. You want it just wide enough for that wintery air to cool the room, but not so wide that it feels like you’re sleeping in a fridge! While you’re at it, make sure your room is properly dark. Light signals your body to wake up and we don’t want that. So you chose your curtains for aesthetic appeal rather than blackout capability? Get a soft, comfy sleep mask.

    The Silk Lady Sleeping Mask
    R 395
    BUY NOW

    3/ Scent Of Dreams
    At The Westin we got little bottles of lavender oil in the room. Lavender has long been used to promote sleep and relaxation and a number of small studies suggest there could be some truth to this old home remedy. In any case, drifting off to the sweet smell of lavender makes you feel like you’re experiencing an indulgent hotel sleep rather than just a regular Saturday in your own creaky bed.

    Lavender In Lavender Hill Essential Oil
    R 75
    BUY NOW

    4/Restful Eating
    Ever had a really heavy meal right before bed and struggled to sleep? Or woken up with meat sweats? Not pretty. And, yes, I’ve totally been there. Instead, eat a light supper made with ingredients that promote sleep. Dairy products contain tryptophan, an amino acid that your body uses to help make the hormone melatonin and the brain chemical serotonin, both of which promote sleep and relaxation. If, like me, you have a problem with dairy, other sources of tryptophan include nuts, seeds, honey and eggs. I ordered a cheeseless omelette off the sleep section of the Westin’s room service menu. Yes, for supper. Yes, it was delicious. And I had a five-star hotel sleep that night.
    READ MORE: The 10 Best Sleep Apps To Help You Fall Asleep Faster And Sleep Through The Night
    5/ Start Early
    A good sleep starts before bedtime. You want to lay off the caffeine (the Westin provided chamomile tea) and limit alcohol. I failed on that count. My hotel sleep experience might have been even better had I not climbed into that delicious bottle of red wine in the mini bar. In lieu of a hotel spa treatment, treat yourself to a hot bath or shower just before bed. Cooling down afterwards mimics how your body temperature drops as you fall asleep and helps signal your body to nod off.
    READ MORE: Beginner Yoga Poses To Help You Sleep Better.
    If your mind is racing, try doing a mindfulness exercise to ground you in the moment and clear those racing thoughts: try a guided meditation app like Headspace or do a gentle, restorative yoga practice, focusing on your breath.

    READ MORE ON: Health Health Advice Sleep More

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    in lifestyle and culture

    5 amazing things to do in Dubai this weekend

    If you’re stuck on what to do this weekend, here’s five amazing ideas for you to do around Dubai.
    Try out a new restaurant
    Escape to Aladdin’s Cave of sumptuous fabrics and chandeliers, at new restaurant Asil in the Rixos Premium Dubai. Fusing the cuisines of Turkey, Morocco and Lebanon, this new eatery serves authentic Arab dishes with a creative flair. In traditional Arabic fashion, dishes are served sharing style to the table, allowing diners to sample a wide selection from the menu that ranges from a hot and cold mezze section including the standout Köpoğlu – a dish made with fried cubes of aubergine in a buffalo yoghurt dip with a candied tomato jam. Main courses include an Ottoman Lamb Shank and the Asil Kebab with a classic Turkish Kunefe served with pistachio ice cream for dessert
    Enjoy a pool day out

    Soak up the sun in style by the pool at DRIFT Beach Club, which is part of the One&Only Royal Mirage resort. With views of Palm Island Bay and Dubai’s skyline, it’s the perfect setting for a chill day out with friends. Pool passes are on offer at DRIFT for Dhs150 per person during the week, and Dhs200 on the weekends.
    If you’re looking for the ultimate relaxation time, opt for the daycation deal One&Only is running from 11am to 8pm for Dhs850, which covers two adults. Dhs400 of the amount is redeemable on food and beverages.
    Go for gold

    Why not take the time to go through your old jewellery this weekend and see if there’s any possibility to make room for some more by selling some of your gold on. Recently launched by one of the most well-known jewellery chains across the UAE, Atasay, this new e-commerce initiative sellanygold.com gives customers the opportunity to sell their gold from the comfort of their own homes. The company’s team of experts have curated an at-home kit for safe and secure gold inspections. Atasay is also now allowing customers to exchange their gold directly for new collections available. So, if you’re staying home this weekend you could make some money from the comfort of your own couch.
    Try a flower-arranging workshop

    Fancy learning a new skill with some friends? Well, Plaisir Cadeaux et Fleurs has launched its summer flower workshops where you can learn the best tips and tricks on how to create the perfect flower arrangement. Workshops are done by appointment only, with classes available every day except Fridays. There’s only five people allowed per session due to COVID-19, of which there are three per day at the timings of 11.00am, 3.00pm and 6.30pm. The whole session costs Dhs550 where you’ll get a mixture of fresh seasonal flowers and all the tools required to create your arrangement; a lesson on the art of flower arranging; light refreshments and a Plaisir Cadeaux et Fleurs branded square box in velvet to house the flower arrangement to take home with you.
    Tuck into a good roast

    While we are in the middle of summer, you can never say no to a good roast dinner. Available on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, Barrel 12 on The Palm Jumeirah currently has an amazing deal will all the roast dinner trimmings including a complimentary drink for Dhs159.
    – For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Instagram More

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    in lifestyle and culture

    9 staycations in the UAE to book during Eid Al Adha

    While big travel plans for most are put on hold, a staycation in the UAE is the next best thing.
    Given we’ve got a brief holiday coming up for Eid Al Adha, EW has rounded up some of the best staycation deals across Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Ras Al Khaimah.
    Dubai
    Caesars Bluewaters Dubai

    For a truly luxury staycation, look no further than Caesars Bluewaters Dubai. Even better the resort currently has its #LikeACaesar deal with packages starting from Dhs1,036 per night which includes breakfast and also a 20 per cent discount across restaurants at the hotel, as well as the Qua Spa. The offer is valid until September 30.
    Caesars Palace Bluewaters Dubai, Bluewaters, Dubai. (04) 556 6666. caesarsdubai.ae
    La Ville Hotel & Suites

    For an inner-city getaway, City Walk Dubai hotel La Ville has an amazing offer on for UAE nationals and residents. With prices starting from Dhs550 for single occupancy and Dhs600 for double occupancy, this includes breakfast and dinner at Chival. Guests can relax and take a dip in the hotel’s rooftop infinity pool and soak up the incredible views of the Dubai skyline or go for a shopping session in the numerous shops in City Walk.
    La Ville Hotel & Suites City Walk. (04) 403 3111. livelaville.com
    Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah

    Enjoy the Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah’s ‘Dream Away’ staycation package for Eid Al Adha. At the moment, guests will get 20 per cent off the best available price for a room per night.
    Late check-in and check-out are also included, and early departure fees have been waived and a 24-hour cancellation with no deposit required is also available. To top it all off, upgrades on rooms will be given for free, if there is availability.
    Andaz Dubai The Palm

    There’s 30 per cent off available for UAE citizens and residents at the Andaz Dubai The Palm for two nights. Rates start from Dhs399 per night, which is available until September 15. Dining options include in-house restaurants Hanami and The Locale serving Japanese cuisine. Whether it’s a family getaway or a romantic couples getaway, there’s both an adults-only Cabana Pool and the family-friendly infinity pool.
    Andaz Dubai The Palm. (04) 581 1234. hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/dubai/andaz-dubai-the-palm/
    Raffles Dubai

    For a relaxing Eid Al Adha staycation with incredible views of the Dubai skyline, opt for Raffles Dubai. With prices starting from Dhs655 per night, which includes room service breakfast and Dhs200 redeemable on food and beverages throughout the stay. In even better timing, the Raffles Spa has opened its doors giving you the opportunity to relax and rejuvenate.
    Raffles Dubai, Sheikh Rashid Road, Dubai. (04) 324 888. raffles.com/dubai
    Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort & Spa

    Enjoy a luxurious staycation at the Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort & Spa for Dhs850 per night. With the offer inclusive of breakfast at the Brasserie 2.0 and dinner at the award-winning restaurants in the resort. Located right on the beach amongst 19 acres of landscaped gardens along with many different swimming pools, relax and unwind with this package this weekend.
    Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort & Spa Dubai Marina. (04) 317 6565. leroyalmeridien-dubai.com
    Abu Dhabi
    The St Regis Saadiyat Island Resort

    Escape to the St Regis Saadiyat Island Resort this Eid Al Adha for two nights. With breakfast included in the rate, guests will also receive Dhs200 resort credit each day. Not only that, a complimentary hour of non-motorised watersports, some selected group fitness classes and access to the kids’ club.
    The St Regis Saadiyat Island Resort. (02) 498 8888. www.marriott.com
    Emirates Palace Abu Dhabi

    If you fancy a staycation in the capital, Emirates Palace Abu Dhabi is a must-stay. With prices starting from Dhs945 per night, inclusive of breakfast at the Le Vendôme Brasserie. Guests will also receive 15 per cent off food at the restaurants available at the resort.
    Emirates Palace, West Corniche Road, Abu Dhabi. (02) 690 9000. mandarinoriental.com
    Ras Al Khaimah
    Hilton Ras Al Khaimah Resort & Spa

    For Dhs999 per night guests can enjoy a stay at the Hilton Ras Al Khaimah Resort & Spa. The price includes both breakfast and dinner at Lebanese restaurant Al Maeda.
    Hilton Ras Al Khaimah Resort & Spa. (07) 228 8844. Hilton.com
    – For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram.
    Images: Instagram More

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    in lifestyle and culture

    Eid Al Adha 2020 holidays announced for the UAE public sector

    The holiday dates for Eid Al Adha for those who work in the public sector in the UAE have been announced.

    Per an announcement from the Federal Authority for Government Human Resources, those who work in ministries and federal entities will receive a long weekend from Thursday, July 30 to Sunday, August 2, with work resuming on Monday, August 3.
    Holidays for the private sector are yet to be confirmed but will be announced by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE).
    While Eid Al Adha is likely to fall on Friday, July 31, the official date is dependent on the sighting of the moon.
    The rest of the UAE public holidays for 2020:
    Islamic New Year
    A couple of weeks later it’s the Hijri New Year. Falling on Muharram 1, it’s expected to take place on Wednesday, August 19 or Thursday, August 20.
    The Prophet’s Birthday
    The Prophet Mohammed’s birthday will fall on the 12 of the Hijri month of Rabi Al Awwal, which will coincide with Wednesday, October 28, or Thursday, October 29.
    Commemoration Day and National Day
    To close out 2020, those in the UAE will have another three-day break to look forward to with Commemoration Day, Tuesday, December 1, and National Day, Wednesday, December 2, with a day off also on Thursday, December 3.
    – For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram.
    Feature Image: Visit Abu Dhabi Instagram More

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    in lifestyle and culture

    30 brunches to try in Dubai this weekend

    It’s no secret brunch is a rite of passage in Dubai. However, it can be overwhelming to decide on where to go as there is so much on offer.
    To help you whittle it down, EW has rounded up some of the best brunches in Dubai, which hopefully might help you find some new favourites in your mix or help you rediscover old favourites that are just only reopening.

    Of course, be mindful of the precautionary COVID-19 measures in place including social distancing, limits to how many people you can have on your table and all buffets are still suspended, so it’s table service all the way.
    With that, here is the ultimate guide to brunch in Dubai, with 30 choices to pick from.
    Alici

    With unbeatable views of Dubai, Alici’s brunch is a must-try. This must-try seafood restaurant has an array of Italian dishes on its menu (including plenty of seafood, of course) and a lengthy cocktail list inspired by the flavours of the Amalfi coast. Their brunch package is available on Fridays from 1pm to 4pm – Dhs395 for soft drinks, Dhs495 for house drinks and Dhs595 for sparkling.
    Jumeirah Al Naseem

    At Jumeriah Al Naseem’s three restaurants – Kayto, Summersalt and Rockfish – brunch is back on the cards. Soft drink packages are available for Dhs395 and for alcoholic beverage packages it’s Dhs495, available Fridays from 12.30pm to 3.30pm. You can be rest assured this resort is sterilising everything to the highest of standards as it just became the first hotel in the world to become officially certified for its hygiene practices.
    Zuma

    If you’re feeling a spot of Japanese, then the return of Zuma’s brunch is the one for you. Running every Friday and Saturday between 12pm and 4pm with packages including Dhs395 for soft drinks, Dhs495 for wine, beer and prosecco and Dhs595 with champagne.
    La Cantine

    Craving breakfast foods? If so, La Cantine is the brunch you should be heading to. With their menu crammed full of breakfast dishes (of course, there are other options), head to this eatery on Saturdays between 12pm and 4pm. Packages are priced at Dhs265 for soft drinks, Dhs400 with wine and beer and Dhs650 for premium.
    Cafe Belge

    This brunch is definitely an extravaganza, Great Gatsby style. Run by Secret Parties (who definitely know how to throw a good brunch or two…), the new ‘Secret Brunch at The Ritz’ is certainly one to put on your brunch bucket list. Located at Cafe Belge at The Ritz-Carlton in DIFC, brunchgoers will be treated to some fine French cuisine from the popular restaurant along with some tantalising cocktails.
    Running every Friday from 1pm to 5pm, packages start at Dhs295 for soft drinks, Dhs395 for house drinks and Dhs495 for bubbles.
    Tortuga

    Looking to enjoy a true Mexican fiesta along with picturesque views? Look no further than Tortuga, where you can enjoy some irresistible cuisine along with views of the lagoon at Jumeirah Mina A’Salam. Running every Friday from 12.30 until 4pm, packages start at Dhs270 for soft drinks and Dhs370 for house drinks.
    Tasca, Mandarin Oriental Jumeira

    Indulge in the flavourful delights of Portugal at Dubai hotspot Tasca. With a variety of grilled meats and seafood marinated to perfection, as well as an array of desserts, surrounded by breathtaking views of Dubai and the Arabian Gulf, this is the place to be on weekends. Running every Friday from 12:30pm to 4pm, packages start from Dhs350 for soft drinks and Dhs450 for house beverages.
    La Mezcaleria

    Those looking for a lively brunch and a good time with friends, this Latin American pop-up in DIFC is the place for you. Enjoy sharing-style starters with your friends, followed by your own main course and then a sharing platter of desserts. Running every Friday from 1pm to 5pm packages start from Dhs190 for soft drinks, Dhs290 for grape, Dhs360 for house beverages and mixed drinks and Dhs460 for bubbly.
    OPA

    A Mediterranean feast awaits you at OPA every Friday, bringing Mykonos to Dubai. Let your hair down with your friends feasting on the iconic flavours of Greece, along with some plate-smashing entertainment. Running from 12pm until 4pm, packages for this four-course brunch begin at Dhs245 for soft drinks, Dhs350 for house drinks and Dhs395 for bubbles.
    We Brunch, Intercontinental Dubai Marina

    For those seeking an evening brunch We Brunch: After Dark is the perfect spot. Located at Accent Restaurant in the Intercontinental Dubai Marina, We Brunch has a new a la carte menu on offer which will be served right to your table.
    Running every Friday from 7pm to 10pm,  packages start from Dhs299 for soft drinks and Dhs349 for house drinks.
    Jazz@Pizza Express, JLT

    If it’s a lively time (with social distancing in place) that you’re looking for, this is the place to go. Running every Friday from 12pm to 4pm, you get free-flowing house drinks and food for Dhs225.
    Hidden Brunch, Treehouse and Tesoro

    The famous Hidden Brunch which takes place across two venues at two venues, Treehouse and Tesoro located in the Taj Hotel in Business Bay, relaunched earlier this month. Running every Friday from 1pm to 4pm, packages start from Dhs325 for soft drinks and Dhs375 for sparkling.
    Seven Sisters

    The Seven Sisters brunch is now operating from 1pm to 5pm every Friday. Enjoy music, food and drinks with packages starting at Dhs199 for soft drinks, Dhs349 for house drinks and Dhs449 for the premium package.
    Distillery Dubai

    If you’re keen for classic gastropub food, then The Distillery’s brunch is for you. Running every Friday from 1pm to 4pm, packages start at Djs 149 for soft drinks and Dhs279 for house beverages.
    The Penthouse

    If you fancy a Thursday evening get-together with your friends, this new brunch launching this week is one to check out. With a three-course Japanese set menu available, along with a selection of cocktails and amazing views, you’re bound to have a great time. Available every Thursday from 7pm to 9pm. Prices are Dhs250 for ladies and Dhs350 for gents.
    Lucky Voice, Brunch In Loud
    For unlimited food and beverages, hit up Lucky Voice’s Brunch In Loud. Available on Fridays from 2pm to 5pm, packages start from Dhs195 for soft drinks, Dhs250 for house drinks and Dhs350 for sparkling.
    Solo Gusto Brunch, Raffles Hotel

    Running every Friday from 1pm to 4pm, enjoy some flavourful delicacies at this family-friendly brunch, Solo Gusto Brunch. On the menu are sharing portions of absolutely everything from Italy’s diverse regions – antipasti, carpaccio, pasta, pizza and fritto misto to name just a few.
    Packages begin from Dhs199 per person. Children between ages 12 and 15 dine at half price while kids below 12 dine free.
    El Secreto, La Carnita

    If you’re feeling like a Mexican feast this weekend then this brunch is for you. Available on Fridays from 1pm to 4pm, packages start from Dhs275 for soft drinks, Dhs375 for house drinks, Dhs475 for sparkling and Dhs599 for champagne.
    COYA

    While the famous COYA buffet is not on offer due to the current restrictions, appetizers, main plates, side dishes and a dessert platter will be served directly to your table. Running every Friday from 12.30pm to 4pm, prices start from Dhs390 for a standard non-alcoholic package, to Dhs490 for the house package and Dhs59o for the exclusive premium package, which now includes Perrier-Jouét Grand Brut and Pisco Sour.
    CÉ LA VI

    Having only just opened at the beginning of this year, then having to temporarily close due to the pandemic there’s a high chance you haven’t tried out this gem yet. Luckily, brunch has returned to CÉ LA VI filled with plenty of Asian dishes. You also can’t beat the views of the Burj Khalifa it has.
    Their brunch runs every Friday from 1pm to 4pm with prices starting from Dhs290 for soft drinks, Dhs490 for house beverages and Dhs690 with champagne.
    ROKA

    Fancy some yakitori-negima yaki, robata grilled chicken skewers with spring onion or the Kankoku fu kohitsuji, flavoursome lamb cutlets with Korean spices and sesame cucumber? If so, then this is the brunch for you. Having just launched prior to the outbreak of the pandemic, this is the perfect time to try out ROKA.
    Brunch at ROKA runs every Friday and Saturday from 12.30pm to 3.30pm. Packages start from Dhs295 for soft beverages, Dhs395 for house beverages and Dhs495 for premium beverages.
    WHITE Beach

    For an all-round beach and pool (if the pool is open this weekend) experience, this brunch at WHITE Beach at Atlantis, The Palm is a must-try.
    Brunch is available every Saturday from 1pm to 5pm. Packages start from Dhs249 for soft drinks, Dhs299 for house drinks for ladies and Dhs349 for house drinks for men.
    Mama Zonia, Pier 7

    This staple brunch location is officially back on with the Secret Parties team. With some adjustments due to current restrictions, there will still be live music, fabulous food and drinks at this Secret Jungle Party.
    Available every Friday from 1pm to 4pm, brunch packages start from Dhs255 for soft drinks, Dhs355 for house beverages, Dhs455 for sparkling and Dhs599 for champagne.
    Hell’s Kitchen, Caesars Palace Bluewaters
    While Gordon Ramsay’s Hell’s Kitchen brunch is known for its huge buffet, this is currently on hold in line with government guidelines. However, an a la carte brunch menu is on offer with prices starting from Dhs295 for soft drinks, Dhs395 for house beverages and Dhs445 for sparkling. Available on Fridays from 12.30pm until 3.30pm at Caesars Palace Bluewaters.

    Lah Lah, The Greens
    If you fancy a pan-Asian twist on brunch then head to LAH LAH at Zabeel House by Jumeriah, The Greens. Their brunch offers are available every Friday from 2pm to 5pm and 7pm to 10pm. Prices start at Dhs295 for soft beverages, Dhs375 for house beverages and Dhs450 for sparkling.

    Nobu, Atlantis The Palm
    With brunch on offer every Friday and Saturday from 12pm to 3pm, how could you pass up a good Japanese feast at Nobu Dubai?
    In the available offers, guests will be treated to a selection of a la carte dishes – including chicken and avocado tacos, assorted Nobu sushi and rolls and black cod yuzu miso – along with drinks which are served to guests’ tables. Prices start from Dhs345 for soft drinks and Dhs435 for house beverages.

    STK, Dubai JBR
    If you’re looking for a bit of an upmarket party – albeit with social distancing rules in place – then ‘Dare to Brunch’ at STK is one to visit, and it’s now back every Friday from 2pm to 5pm and 7pm to 10pm. Offers start from Dhs400 for soft beverages, Dhs600 for house beverages and Dhs650 for sparkling.

    Zero Gravity
    Available every Friday and Saturday from 3pm to 6pm, Zero Gravity’s ‘late-late lunch’ is great value for money.
    Fancy unlimited fresh burrata and perhaps some sushi, topped off with some truffled mushroom tagliatelle and teriyaki wings? Then this is a must-visit for you. Prices start from Dhs199 for ladies and Dhs249 for gents.

    French Riviera , Jumeirah Al Qasr

    Jumeriah Group has just launched a brand new dining experience on the stunning oceanfront at Jumeirah Al Qasr, French Riviera – perfect timing for post-quarantine. With French-Mediterranean food on offer, this new eatery’s ‘Bleu, Blanc, Rouge’ brunch hosted every Friday and Saturday from 1pm to 3pm is a must-visit. Packages start at Dhs350 for soft drinks and Dhs450 for house drinks and cocktails.
    Roberto’s

    For a truly stylish brunch on Saturday, head down to the elegant Italian dining spot in DIFC – Roberto’s. Having just launched ‘The Bacchus Brunch’ – which is a nod to Bacchus the ancient Roman God of wine, the elegant setting transports you to a luxurious Roman restaurant, where you can indulge in an array of beautifully put together Italian dishes including ricotta served with sundried tomato; homemade gnocchi with pecorino and black peppercorn; and grilled seabass and stuffed artichoke and grilled ribeye with roasted cauliflower.
    Running every Saturday from 1pm to 5pm, prices start at Dhs295 for soft drinks and Dhs445 for house beverages.
    – For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied/Instagram More

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    in lifestyle and culture

    Kim Kardashian is ‘furious’ with Kanye West but also ‘desperate to help him’

    While Kanye West is currently on a quest for the US presidency, it seems he’s been airing some very private family matters about his wife Kim Kardashian and their children.
    In fact, according to People, the makeup mogul is “furious” at the rapper for sharing their private matters in such a public way at a rally in South Carolina.

    “Things have broken down significantly between the two of them, and it’s happened pretty suddenly,” a source told the magazine.
    Following the rally, Kanye seemed to go on a Twitter rant airing more personal matters to the public.

    As a result, the Kardashian-Jenners have become increasingly worried for his mental health.
    The 44-year-old was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 2016, and while Kim has been left “mortified” by his behaviour, she’s still desperate to help him.
    “She has desperately been trying to help Kanye, keep him calm, and prevent him from having any public meltdowns,” a source told Page Six. “The family believe he is having a bipolar episode.
    “He won’t take medications because he feels they make him less creative.”
    – For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram.
    Images: Getty, Feature Image: Kim Kardashian Instagram More

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    Heartwarming way this Dubai salon is giving back to COVID-19 frontline workers

    In one way or another everyone across the globe has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, but it’s those on the frontlines that have experienced the most of it while helping to treat patients and provide essential services to the public.
    To thank frontline workers there’s been many deeds of gratitude that have been done including Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum granting doctors 10-year golden residency visas; bonuses have also been granted to vital workers by the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE; and a new office has been established in the UAE dedicated to supporting those who have been frontline workers throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.

    Similarly, designer bridal brand Esposa – a bridal boutique which has stores in Beirut, Dbayeh and Ramleh El Bayda in Lebanon and two stores in Dubai – is giving back to Lebanese and Emirati doctors and nurses brides-to-be serving COVID-19 patients by offering free wedding gowns.
    Now, Dubai-based salon Pastels is also giving back to frontline healthcare workers.

    The salon has two offers available exclusively for those who have worked tirelessly throughout the pandemic.
    The first is a Dhs100 gift voucher which can be redeemed with any service at any Pastels salons across Dubai.
    The second is the frontline feel-good facial which is only available at the Pastels Salon Jumeirah. Frontline workers will be able to enjoy a 60-minute facial bespoke to their skin type, which will leave the skin with a healthy glow.
    To redeem the offer, which is available until August 31, all you need to do is provide a valid ID card and professional identification
    – For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied More

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    in health and weelbeing

    How I Finally Improved My Gut Health

    If any one of my friends had to describe my most notable identifiers, I’d guess they’d go something like this: blonde, 5’5″, has a horrible stomach.Far before gut health was a wellness trend, my gut has been somewhere within the realm of broken. I’ve been to dozens of doctors and have done elimination diets galore, but at the end of the day, my problem seemed unsolvable; more days than not, I felt the wrath of what was a stomach that was angry with me. And it isn’t “Oh, I’m a little bloated today!” kind of problems—I’ll spare you the details, but it’s “I can’t leave the house today” kind of problems.
    Quarantine has been an endless stream of days that feel straight out of Groundhog Day, but being confined to my home gave me a new opportunity: to get control of my stomach once and for all. Without after-work happy hours or eating out with friends multiple times a week, it gave me the space to focus on finding things that helped my stomach, rather than hurt it (looking at you, wine and mac and cheese). And let’s be real: there’s no better time to be taking care of ourselves than now.
    After a little trial and a lot of error, I finally feel that my gut and I are on good terms—for the first time since I can remember. Here’s how I improved our relationship for good:

    Source: @raeforwellness

    I got serious about taking pre- and probiotics
    I’ve had points in my life where I was great about taking probiotics consistently, but I always ended up veering away from being consistent because I was under the impression that they cost an arm and a leg (at one point I was buying month supplies for $60—which comes out to $2 for a single pill). 
    Here’s the thing: since my stomach is so deeply off its rocker, I can actually tell when a probiotic is working. It isn’t a miracle fix, but after a couple weeks of taking them consistently, I notice that I haven’t been having as many episodes as usual. I’m a probiotic brand’s worst nightmare: I can tell when their products aren’t up to par.
    This process led me to my new holy grail, Rae Wellness’ Pre + Probiotic. Rae Wellness has been my go-to supplement brand since I spotted their products on an endcap at Target a few months ago, and after picking up their Pre + Probiotic supplement, I was immediately hooked. All of their supplements are vegan, gluten-free, and non-GMO and have no added sugar, artificial preservatives, or harmful fillers or colorants—so basically, they take out all of the bad stuff (that have no business being in a supplement to begin with) and replace it with only the good.
    Rae’s Pre + Probiotic’s pure formulation helps balance the gut and support daily digestion with apple cider vinegar, a prebiotic that helps keep the gut flora balanced; and acidophilus, a probiotic that contains fiber. It’s also worth noting that all of Rae’s supplements have a subtle minty flavor, which makes taking them an enjoyable experience—a far cry from the past probiotics I’ve tried.
    Rae also took my inconsistency problem and eliminated it completely by having a fool-proof “subscribe” option on their website. Instead of needing to remember to pick up new supplements at the store every 30 days, I now have them delivered to my door at the same time every month—and I save 20 percent in the meantime, making them about the same cost as a couple of lattes. It’s a small investment that makes a huge difference to my well-being.

    Rae Wellness
    Pre + Probiotic
    Balance gut health and support your digestion.

    Source: Karolina Grabowska | Pexels

    I got into a consistent exercise routine
    I’ve spoken about being a morning workout person in the past, but once quarantine started, that went completely out the window. It felt like waking up before work to exercise just gave me more hours to do nothing in my day, but after a few early mornings helped me realize how much working out in the morning helped my workday at home, I decided to commit.
    Now, my alarm goes off two hours before I need to be online for work. I thought I’d miss the sleep, but how much better I feel throughout the day makes me not give it a second thought. I get to get an hour-long workout in, then shower, get ready, and make my coffee before my Slack icon turns green, and it leads me to start the day level-headed and more ready to take on whatever the day brings. My morning workouts feel like a zen time with just the world and me, and it brings me much more peace than needing to dread a post-work workout all day. Getting my body moving first thing in the day gives me a grip on any anxiety I might be feeling, which is vital to keeping my stomach in check. Which brings me to …

    Source: @madelinegalassi

    I prioritized activities that decrease my anxiety
    While my morning workouts are #1 on this list, I’ve added other things to my day that help keep my anxiety in-check—and anyone with gut problems knows that anxiety exacerbates any problems you’re having (I’ve had doctors tell me my stomach problems are completely anxiety-related—a theory I’ve since debunked, but that still shows the power of how much anxiety can affect our bodies).
    Normally, besides my face masks and the occasional bubble bath, putting things meant to decrease my stress into my day-to-day life wasn’t a huge priority. But since I now have what feels like endless hours in my day, adding a few things to make me feel better was much easier. For me, it started with the small things, like diffusing an essential oil or putting on some real clothes (don’t worry, not jeans) before I started work. I also have prioritized keeping my space as clean as possible by doing a deep clean once a week, and wiping down all the surfaces in my apartment (with a rose-scented cleaner that brings me a shocking amount of joy) before I go to bed. Having routines meant just for me, to make just me feel good has made my quarantine days feel more bearable—and at some points, have been the things that have kept me going.
    The days working from home feel much longer to me than they did from our office, so I wanted to tackle the afternoon slump I was so often feeling, and Rae’s DeStress Supplement has been the answer to that. I have to admit: I am often a skeptic about anything promising me any amount of zen, but this supplement has made me a believer.

    Rae Wellness
    DeStress
    Calm your mind and fight mental fatigue.

    Rae’s Destress capsules help fight mental fatigue and calm the mind, and I find myself avoiding the 1pm “I have four hours left of work and will never check everything off my to-do list” panic I was so often feeling. With natural ingredients L-Tyrosine, which supports mental processes and cognition to help you deal with the challenges of the day; Rhodiola rosea root, a natural ingredient to calm your mood and fight fatigue; and GABA, which helps support a balanced mood and promote calm, I also don’t need to worry about any weird ingredients going into my body that other supplements might sneak in there.
    When my mind is calm, my body is calm, which means less emergency gut problems and more time actually enjoying my life.

    Source: Alison Marras | Unsplash

    I figured out the foods that make me feel my best
    When your stomach is acting up and it feels like any of the approximately 1 billion foods on the planet could be the culprit, it is impossible to know where to start. Like I mentioned, I’ve done the elimination diets, but they’ve honestly left me no closer to a cure than I was before—so instead, I found the foods that made me feel good instead of just trying to eliminate the ones that make me feel bad. It makes the process feel more bearable and approachable and motivates me more than cutting out everything that tastes remotely good (@ Whole30).
    Obviously, raw, whole foods are at the top of this list—but I need to watch how much fiber I eat, so not eating too many fruits and veggies is also key. The #1 rule I stick to is the simpler, the better. I’m not making anything crazy over here, but eggs and toast for breakfast make me feel 10x better than picking up a breakfast sandwich to-go that I didn’t have the control of making. I like to cook for myself for as many meals as I can and meal-prep whenever possible, and it’s been fun to keep eating the things I ate on days that I lay down in bed and realize my stomach feels normal (usually night time is the point where I realize that my stomach, in fact, does not feel normal).
    I’m no doctor, but I’d assume that a part of this is that I’m getting the nutrients my body craves, and they make it easier for my body to be functioning properly (again, looking at you, wine and mac and cheese). A multivitamin is also a key to achieving this, especially on the days that, yes, both of the aforementioned culprits were a part of my diet. A multivitamin is a must for even those among us who are the least likely to take a supplement, but not all of them are created equal. You want one that’s going to support your health from head to toe, and if you look closely at the labels of many that are available, they aren’t exactly formulated to do that—and what’s the point of taking a supplement if it isn’t really going to help you?
    Rae’s Multivitamin is formulated with all of the ingredients you might pick up in individual supplements, but packed into one, do-it-all pill that can provide it all. With vitamins A, C, D, and E, biotin, and ashwagandha, they support everything from immune system function to skin health and hair growth. If you want to take one step toward improving your health, this supplement is the place to start. 

    Rae Wellness
    Multivitamin
    Nourish your body with head-to-toe health.

    Source: @madelinegalassi

    I made sleep a priority
    It triggers a big eye roll in me that the simplest things often feel like the hardest to do—sleeping enough, eating veggies, exercising—and that those are also the things that can affect our health the most. And of course, the gut is no exception.
    I’ll admit it: I love to sleep. When I wake up in the morning I give a little smile and pull my comforter closer because I literally just feel happy to sleep, but what I’ve always been lacking is routine. On weekends my body would let me drift off until 11am, but on weekdays I was waking up five hours earlier than that—leaving my body not knowing what was going on and making it harder for me to fall asleep every night. The past three months, I’ve tackled that.
    With the help of Headspace’s Sleepcasts (I absolutely swear by these), I made it a priority to fall asleep at the same time every night and wake up at similar times every morning. Of course, I sleep in later on weekends, but I try to keep that to somewhere around 9am instead of closer to noon. It’s left me with a body that knows what to expect, which leaves it happier and healthier on a day-to-day basis. And hey, with what feels like unlimited hours in the day right now, it was a fun challenge to actually try to get this under control.

    I’ve long ago accepted that my stomach will always be a little bit of an enemy to me. It will never like when I eat out or devour an entire package of cauliflower gnocci, but with the right steps, it can be better—and that’s all I can ask for. To me, consistently taking steps to make it better—rather than expecting it to be perfect—is more satisfying than anything else I can do for my health. And it turns out, it doesn’t need to be hard or overwhelming at all.

    This post was in partnership with Rae Wellness, but all of the opinions within are those of The Everygirl editorial board. More