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      How Soul Kitchen has become the first multi-room experience in the UAE

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      Lifeby Sarah Joseph26 mins ago Launched by Factory People, the most influential experiential group in the MENA region, Soul Kitchen highlights alternative culture, art and talent beyond its fine-dining concept.From carefully curated dishes to expertly crafted cocktails, each element on the menu focuses on Levantine influences as the concept of migration inspires creativity at the restaurant.Having opened in the heart of Business Bay, Soul Kitchen pays an ode to the Arab diaspora, which brings hints of elements from Buenos Aires to Mexico Levantine cuisine.So, to understand more about the concept, Emirates Woman spoke to Factory People’s co-founder and chief creative officer, Tala Mortada on how it all began and how the restaurant has already made its mark on Dubai’s dining scene.Talk us through the concept.When Factory People moved to Dubai, we were among many other Lebanese creatives, companies, and people, who after enduring life threatening events in our home country, looked to do what we do best in a new country, a new home. But this wasn’t the first-time people from the Levant had to leave in flocks, As the influence of Levantine cuisine quickly spread across the whole continent, these dishes became popular as it borrowed from its surroundings and continuously reinvented itself with the ingredients of every region it migrated to. From Shawarma inspired Tacos al pasto to Halawa inspired marzipan and Sambosic inspired Empanadas. The concept of migration is at the heart of our culture, in the Levant, “El Ghorba” is a word we hear over and over again growing up. The concept of migration is at the heart of Soul Kitchen’s story too, which is why the interior is an ode to Soul Kitchen’s spirit animal: The migratory Bird.Already a popular restaurant in Beirut from Factory People, what inspired you to bring it to this part of the world.We created Soul Kitchen in Beirut around seven years ago in order to have a space to let loose, have amazing cocktails, and curate music that we listen to at home. It was a first of its kind cocktail bar nested in The Grand Factory, our very first club in Beirut. We wanted to build a place where we belonged, and where our friends could meet up, while still being in a club where some of the biggest artists and DJs in the world are performing on a weekly basis. Soul Kitchen quickly became a space that had a major influence on how we dressed, how we danced, it influenced our drinking culture, and a soul kitchenesque style was established. In Dubai, it serves a very similar purpose: listening to beautiful and interesting curated sounds, having a gorgeous cocktail bar experience, but most importantly: serving delicious food.The interiors boast a bold look with millennial pink walls, bar, ceiling and flooring – talk us through the inspiration / How does the Dubai location take subtle hints from its OG Lebanese location?When designing the interior, I really didn’t want to stray too far away from the original Soul Kitchen’s essence, so I kept green as a predominant color, and trees and plants around the place to add life via organic elements, this is contrasted by the warm and cozy terracotta color, along with the very geometric structures and patterns in the woodwork that allows for a more imposing elevated look. Aside from the colors, the geometric “msharrabiya” in the ceiling is an element I purposefully installed throughout one of the ceilings, this also borrowed from the aesthetics of the Beirut Soul Kitchen, and Lebanese architecture as well.The menu features a myriad of flavors along with Arab and South American flavours – what are the key dishes available?We are very passionate about the dishes that were carefully created by our Chef Margarita Vaamonde. The Hummus Chimichurri, a revisited levantine Hummus plate using actual green chickpeas and a delicious chimichurri sauce hailing from Argentina and Uruguay. The White Fish Tabboule Ceviche is actually my mother’s tabboule recipe mixed with Chef Margarita’s ceviche, it is one of our most delicious dishes. Our Wagyu Kafta is inspired by the Lebanese Arayes, our take on this dish is with a kafta made of Wagyu beef, served inside an Arepa, a very traditional corn meal bread originally from Venezuela and Colombia.Factory People’s co-founder and chief creative officer, Tala MortadaMusic plays an important role at the venue – tell us how the restaurant stays on top of this?Behind our music programming is my partner Wassim Bou Malham, a rockstar producer and musician who is very passionate about music from all around the world. He makes sure we stay on top of the game in terms of sounds that keep Soul Kitchen a space for discovery, of inspiration and of collaboration with interesting artists. Our Monday Jazz nights have taken Dubai by storm, giving our guests the opportunity to be transported by alternative jazz bands from different countries that are redefining the new jazz sounds of today. We also invite diggers and curators from around the world to share their sounds on specific nights. Our latin Sunday nights allow our guests to discover a different Latin American country’s sounds in every edition, last edition was an ode to Colombia and the next one will be about Peru. The weekends are predominantly having a more groovy and dance affair after dinner, making Soul Kitchen a place where our community can perform, listen, eat, drink, or just dance the night away.Guests can explore Arab migration through installations by acclaimed artists – what are some of the famous art installations?Behind the bar, is an ever-rotating mechanical installation depicting a flock of birds, designed by myself (Factory People’s co-founder and chief creative officer, Tala Mortada), and creative director Hamza Mekdad. The idea of the installation is to tell the story of the last hundreds of years of people endlessly having to leave their homes in the Levant, in search for inspiration, safety, and a feeling of home. Overarching the green room, stands Rumi Dalle’s installation “Feathers of migrating birds”, where each of the 150 feathers carries the story of a migrating artisan, from Beirut to Dubai, feeding into the concept of Soul Kitchen. Rumi Dalle is an acclaimed artist from Beirut, behind works she handcrafts for Hermes and Iwan Maktabi to name a few. The walls are adorned with carpets curated by Iwan Maktabi, as part of a semi permanent installation that will keep reinventing itself with new collaborations every 6 months, to exhibit works by artists and curators we admire.What lies ahead for the brand?A month on from its opening, Soul Kitchen has already established itself as a communal space and an intersection point for the many scenes and subcultures of Dubai. As the space is taking its own positioning in the scene, our offering is also adapting to the latter. Our favorite places are ones that evolve with their guests, we have just recently opened up our terrace, we’re creating a lounge experience and tequila bar in the green room, we are opening a club next door in order to host more sounds and nights that will be mostly centered around music, and bar bistrot on the other side of the restaurant to invite people to have a more relaxed day time experience in the premises as well. We are very excited about the next steps, and about experiencing Dubai through Soul Kitchen’s eyes.– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and InstagramImages: Supplied More

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      Golden Globes 2024: From Succession to Oppenheimer, all the big wins from the night

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      Lifeby Ruman Baig41 mins ago The 2024 award season kickstarted with the 81st Golden Globes in LA last night and it was a star-studded affair.The results, however, were seemingly unsrprising as Oppenheimer and Succession emerged as major winners in multiple categories.In case you missed it, here we unveil the triumphant stars who claimed victory at the prestigious Golden Globes 2024.From gripping performances to cinematic masterpieces, let’s explore the night’s standout winners and the moments that defined this year’s illustrious awards ceremony.Best Motion Picture – DramaOppenheimer (Universal Pictures) (WINNER)Best Motion Picture – Musical or ComedyPoor Things (Searchlight Pictures) (WINNER)Best Motion Picture – AnimatedThe Boy and the Heron (GKids) (WINNER)Cinematic and Box Office AchievementBarbie (Warner Bros. Pictures) (WINNER)Best Motion Picture – Non-English LanguageAnatomy of a Fall, France (Neon) (WINNER)Best Performance by a Male Actor in a Motion Picture – DramaCillian Murphy, Oppenheimer (WINNER)Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Motion Picture – DramaLily Gladstone, Killers of the Flower Moon (WINNER)Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Motion Picture – Musical or ComedyEmma Stone, Poor Things (WINNER)Best Performance by a Male Actor in a Motion Picture – Musical or ComedyPaul Giamatti, The Holdovers (WINNER)Best Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role in Any Motion PictureRobert Downey Jr., Oppenheimer (WINNER)Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role in Any Motion PictureDa’Vine Joy Randolph, The Holdovers (WINNER)Best Director — Motion PictureChristopher Nolan, Oppenheimer (WINNER)Best Screenplay – Motion PictureJustine Triet, Arthur Harari, Anatomy of a Fall (WINNER)Best Original Song – Motion Picture“What Was I Made For?” Barbie, Music and lyrics by Billie Eilish O’Connell, Finneas O’Connell (WINNER)Best Original Score – Motion PictureLudwig Göransson, Oppenheimer (WINNER)Best Television Series – DramaSuccession (HBO/Max) (WINNER)Best Television Series – Musical or ComedyThe Bear (FX) (WINNER)Best Television Limited Series, Anthology Series or Motion Picture Made for TelevisionBeef (Netflix) (WINNER)Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Television Series – DramaSarah Snook, Succession (WINNER)Best Performance by a Male Actor in a Television Series – DramaKieran Culkin, Succession (WINNER)Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Television Series – Musical or ComedyAyo Edebiri, The Bear (WINNER)Best Performance by a Male Actor in a Television Series – Musical or ComedyJeremy Allen White, The Bear (WINNER)Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Limited Series, Anthology Series or a Motion Picture Made for TelevisionAli Wong, Beef (WINNER)Best Performance by a Male Actor in a Limited Series, Anthology Series or a Motion Picture Made for TelevisionSteven Yeun, Beef (WINNER)Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role on TelevisionElizabeth Debicki, The Crown (WINNER)Best Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role on TelevisionMatthew Macfadyen, Succession (WINNER)Best Performance in Stand-Up Comedy on TelevisionRicky Gervais, Ricky Gervais: Armageddon (WINNER)– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and InstagramImages: Feature Image: Instagram @goldenglobes, @gregwilliamsphotography More

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      How Joint Space has transformed the concept of physical therapy in the UAE

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      Whether you’re dealing with an acute injury, post-surgery rehab, or a chronic condition that impacts physical function, Physical Therapy can be the perfect solution to deal with any external injuries.Designed to offer an ecosystem of health, movement and education, Joint Space is a clinic and movement space, where customers can recover through any stress impacting the body. Located in Alserkal Avenue, this patient centric environment ensures it provides science-based physical therapies and medicine, movement practices and movement coaching, educational workshops, seminars and talks to help address the problem at its root level.To delve into this further, Emirates Woman spoke to Kris Rai, Co-Founder of Joint Space on how he is revamping the wellness landscape through physical therapy.What inspired you to launch Joint Space and talk us through the concept.Joint Space was a passion envisioned over 15 years ago. The Joint Space journey is from patient to student, offering a seamless journey through an ecosystem of manual therapies, natural medicine, movement and education. The main inspiration for Joint Space was to create a space that would inspire others, including practitioners in their work to create a truly unique environment and integrated approach. The main purpose was to inspire our patients and community to go on a deep journey of discovery and self-empowerment for their long-term wellbeing.Joint Space offers a comprehensive mix of physical therapy services including chiropractic, osteopathy, and physiotherapy – could you elaborate?It is crucial to meet each patient where they are. Joint Space offers these fundamental therapies as our core clinical services, and this is where most of our community begin their Joint Space journey. Each practice has a different approach, and we use these different approaches to support the patient journey. Perhaps they start with our osteopaths, but then they are guided to work with the physiotherapists to help them move onto the next stage of their injury rehabilitation.Talk us through the design of the space and how does it align with what you offer?The atmosphere and energy of a space plays such an important role in a person’s journeys and experience with that space. We wanted to create a space that our community would want to come to, to feel ‘at home’ when they arrive. We wanted our community to feel inspired to go on a journey with Joint Space, and we believe we have achieved this with the design and feel of the space itself. Every detail was painstakingly taken, from the meticulous choice of colours, the finishes, the bespoke scent, the background music, the high ceilings, we aimed to take what was a shell and core warehouse and brought warmth and eastern ambience whilst still maintaining elements of an industrial feel and professionalism of a clinic.The space also offers a series of classes and workshops – tell us about them.Joint Space has a large movement space that allows us to run classes, workshops, training sessions, rehabilitations and community events. The classes and workshops we offer support the patient journey in combination with their treatment. The aim of the classes is for our Joint Space patients to carry on the work required to get them to where they need to be. We have Pilates classes, strength classes, mobility classes, breathwork classes to name a few. I run a movement practice with my wife and founding member Pavlina, whereby we incorporate many different movement forms and philosophies from east to west to help people connect to themselves, others and space. Our workshops are there to educate our community, to give them knowledge and power to understand how to look after themselves. These range from spinal health to women’s health, to movement and much more.The clinic also provides bespoke movement coaching services – how does it work?The Joint Space journey is from patient to student, and that journey requires us to learn how to move, to ensure our body is robust and resilient. Our Joint Space coaches are all high-end coaches that have unique and extensive knowledge in their fields. Everyone who trains with one of our coaches has an assessment with one of our practitioners, to understand previous medical history and injury history to create a clear understanding of the needs of each individual who goes through the movement coaching. We have options for different packages ranging from once a week to four times per week.The Naturopathic medicine treats medical conditions by addressing their root cause – what are some of the most common concerns in this region?Dubai, an international hub and a fast-moving city, is a city that requires a degree of energy that from my experience is unmatched in many other countries and cities. We find a significant imbalance in how people live their lives, trying to do too much, not listening closely enough to their body and as a result often ‘burning out’. Our Naturopaths are highly skilled, often placing significant focus on optimizing gut health, stress management and hormone balancing amongst many other things. Our Naturopaths play a key role in getting to the root of all our patients’ issues and is a fundamental part of patients getting to where they need to be.Maintaining our posture is one of the main concerns for residents in the UAE – what simple exercises can practice in our daily routine to do so?Our posture is the mirror of how we move through our lives. Posture is affected by our parents, our childhood, our personalities, our confidence, our health and of course how we use our bodies on a day-to-day basis, amongst many other things. The human body was designed to move, to be well-coordinated, robust and resilient. When we learn to move well and often, our posture improves without us even trying. There are many ways to improve our posture, but a key component of starting to improve our posture is to be mindful of how much time we spend sitting at computers, desks and on our phones. Move often and move well.The concept focuses on a science-meets-art approach – tell us more.Discovering ourselves, questing to find health and wellness, does not just belong to the realm of science. Before modern science as we know today, came art. Art is the expression of who we are, and appreciating this allows us to see things in a different perspective, to become imaginative, to ask questions, to examine what we see, question our observations, what is it that this person is trying to say? Art allows us to find passion for life and to become inspired, tapping into a part of ourselves that is beyond the logic and black and white of science itself. However, that is not to reduce the importance of science, it is crucial, but rather to elevate the importance of art.This is ‘The Alignment issue’ – what activities ensure you feel aligned daily?In a place like Dubai where life is fast, it is important to have a daily practice that offers the opportunity for you to root yourself. If we do not root ourselves, then we can be blown away in the wind of the rush. My personal practice starts at 5.30am, allowing me the opportunity to position my personal movement practice, breath work and voice work with the rising sun. The sun rising symbolises the start of a new day, the cyclical growth of energy, and practicing with the sun rising gives me the chance to merge into the day with the sun. I call this practice my observational practice as it gives me the space to observe myself at the start of each day; how my joints are moving, how my organs are feeling, how my breath and voice are resonating. For me, these daily observational practices are key to creating attunement within my structure, a space to harmonise so I can move through life more easily.For more information visit jointspace.aeJanuary’s – The Alignment Issue with FitnGlam  – Download Now– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and InstagramImages: Supplied More

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      8 times Sheikha Mahra shared a special bond with animals

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      Lifeby Ruman Baig2 hours ago In a delightful showcase of her profound love for animals, Her Highness Sheikha Mahra, shared a few images of herself from the desert, posing with camels and horses.The royal’s genuine connection with animals can be sensed through her frequent affectionate posts for them – it ranges from serene strolls through stables to captivating encounters with falcons during leisurely outings. Take a close look at the UAE royals’ enduring admiration for the animal kingdom.Everytime HH Sheikha Mahra Showed Her Love for Animals:– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and InstagramFeature Image: Instagram @hhshmahra More

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      12 inspiring women from the UAE making a big impact on the world

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      Lifeby Sarah Joseph2 hours ago Women from the UAE are consistently making exceptional contributions to society, inspiring us all daily.Their invaluable role in modern society is not to be underestimated as we constantly learn from them.Her Highness Sheikha Mozah Al MaktoumOur cover star of November’s – ‘The Fine Jewellery Issue’, Her Highness Sheikha Mozah Al Maktoum is inspiring the new generation of incredible women have risen to great heights in the aviation industry.“I’m most proud of becoming the first Emirati woman to join the Dubai Police as a helicopter pilot,” she told EW of her proudest moment. “Serving my country by doing what I love doing most is simply the best feeling, and I am deeply grateful for it.”Her Highness Sheikha Latifah Al MaktoumAs a truly powerful and inspirational figure, Her Highness – who graced the cover of EW’s September’s – ‘The Power Issue’ – knows exactly how to keep her mind in champion mode. Sheikha Latifah has spearheaded sports for women in the UAE. She’s an equestrian athlete who competed in the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, becoming the first woman to represent the UAE at the Olympic games.Her Excellency Dr Maryam MatarHaving had the dream and desire to serve in the medical field since she was young, Her Excellency Dr Maryam Mohamed Fatima Matar MD, Ph.D. has become a pioneer and a visionary in the healthcare space in the UAE.Not only is Her Excellency a pioneer in the medical space, but she is also a role model for many women in the UAE seeking to succeed, whether that be in healthcare or other industries. Additionally, she’s able to facilitate change, paving the way for other women and girls in the region.Captain Salma Al BaloushiAs the first Emirati female to rise to First Officer’s rank at Etihad Airways, Captain Salma has had a long sparked interest in aviation while also completing her higher education in Aviation Management, forming the face of the modern woman in the UAE as it has taken years of hard work and dedication.Amna Al HaddadAmna al Haddad has defied stereotypes by becoming a positive figurehead for women in the region. As an Olympic weightlifter and also by being the first Emirati and GCC national to compete in Asia’s regionals, she later on also became a part of Nike’s latest campaign on inner strength, as she continues to push herself to the limit.Nayla Al KhajaShe is the first female film director-producer in the UAE, while also being the CEO of Nayla Al Khaja films. Having directed several movies, they have been presented with awards at various international film festivals as she is also very active in the TV commercials domain, while also constantly directing for various international brands.Asma Hilal LootahAs the founder of the Hundred Wellness Centre, Asma Hilal Lootah is paving the way in the wellness space in the UAE. The Hundred is the first fully certified health clinic and wellness centre, which opened in 2008, and now champions wellness in the mind, body and soul for all around the UAE.Dr. Sara Al MadaniWhile being a well-known entrepreneur and motivational speaker within the UAE, Dr. Sara Al Madani was selected as a board member at Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, making her the youngest member on the board inspiring women everywhere since 2014.Dr. Suaad Al ShamsiDr. Suaad Al Shamsi is the first UAE female aircraft engineer. With a degree in aviation management and in aerospace engineering, Dr Al Shamsi has reached great heights, inspiring the younger generations of the future.Fatima Al QubaisiFatima Al Qubaisi is the first Emirati woman to graduate from Harvard Law School. She is now a fully qualified lawyer practising in the UAE and continues to champion and advocate for fellow females in this country.Zahra LahriKnown as UAE’s first female professional figure skater to compete in a hijab while also being titled as the ‘Ice Princess of the UAE’. With her growing prominence in the sport, she has defied all odds and broken down barriers to inspire generations of athletes to chase their dreams.Amna Al QubaisiKnown as the first Emirati female racing driver, especially as she’s no stranger to breaking new ground in motorsport with the Emirati driver making her name during the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix as Al Qubaisi’s success at Yas Marina Circuit was one of the major milestones in her motor racing career.– For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram.Feature Image: Instagram More

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      7 fabulous activities to do in Dubai this weekend

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      Lifeby Sarah Joseph4 hours ago Your ultimate weekend guide, January 5 to 7, 2023.Indulge in a vegan mealWith Dubai adopting a healthier approach to dining, it’s important to know where all the must-visit havens are located in the emirate. From vegan-friendly menus to completely plant-based concepts that are sure to impress, Emirates Woman has it all covered. So as Veganuary commences in January, it’s the perfect occasion to try out healthy spots in the city and to schedule a lunch or dinner with your friends.It’s brunch timeSoul Kitchen’s “Flowers on Toast” is a sophisticated gathering of all things groovy. Experience the daze of the 60s and 70s funk & soul era with our expert sound selectors. Each Saturday promises to turn into a foot-tapping, hip-grinding soulful affair that’s perfect for crowds longing for something different from Dubai’s usual mega brunches. Complementing the gastronomic experience, bar guru Jaco Raath introduces sharing serves for some new classics born out of the Soul Kitchen bar. The brunch prices for the non-alcoholic beverages Dhs400, The Good Vibrations with a selected of beverages Dhs500 and Dhs615 with all food options. With dishes such as sea bass ceviche, wagyu kafta, tamarind lamb chops, vegetarian manti, eggplant 3 ways and other chef’s delectable items.For more information visit soulkitchendxb.comVisit Dubai’s low-key dining spotsWith a significant number of noteworthy eateries, Dubai is not shot of delectable restaurants that cater to your palate. It always becomes a well-deserved meal when you finally reach a meal that requires usage of a GPS, a guidebook or simply instructions by a colleague at work. If you’re looking for an unconventional hidden restaurant, then you’re in the right place. Swipe through our guide of unique gems which include restaurants such as Gohan, Honeycomb HI-FI, WAWA Dining and more.Unwind at a spa daySet within the tropical gardens and azure waterways of Jumeirah Al Qasr, Talise Spa diversifies its offering with exclusive multi-dimensional wellness modalities to perfectly. Through a comprehensive 360-degree approach to sustainable wellness, the programme aims to customise each customer’s wellness journey without any restrictions on movement or diet. Developed by leading industry practitioners, Talise Wellness encompasses four crucial pillars of wellness – Mental Wellness, Mindful Movement, Internal Wellbeing, and Restore – each with a vast. Developed by leading industry practitioners, Talise Wellness encompasses four crucial pillars of wellness – Mental Wellness, Mindful Movement, Internal Wellbeing, and Restore – each with a vast.For more information visit Jumeirah.comSatisfy your sweet tooth cravingsCraving a sweet treat this weekend? Chef Nicolas Lambert presents his take on the famous Galette Des Rois with an inverted caramelized puff pastry, a homemade almond “frangipane”, and Madagascar vanilla almond praliné. Presented in a timeless box, the Galette comes complete with a hidden ceramic fève and golden crown. The Galette Des Rois, a traditional French pastry has roots dating back to Roman times when the festival of Saturnalia involved selecting a “king” through a lucky bean hidden in a cake. This dessert is available at Shai Salon in Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach from January 5 to January 7, 2024 and is priced at Dhs250.Go jewellery shoppingPoison Drop has officially launched a new store at Dubai Hills Mall. Everyday jewellery pieces are the foundation of any collection, offering the enduring versatility that suits every occasion and complements your unique style. Indulge in the timeless allure of crystals – these bright and shimmering gems are your ticket to an elevated and sophisticated style. Whether it’s for evening gowns, daring minis that exude confidence, or impeccably tailored suits that command attention, crystals have the innate ability to enhance any outfit. Let your jewelry do the talking and let your unique style shine.For more information visit dubaihillsmall.aePut your fitness to the test2024 is all about amping up your fitness routine and what better way to start than with a spin class. By combining the best of both worlds, everyone can escape for 45 minutes with challenges for all level, for each participant to move at their own pace. So to begin, Emirates Woman has curated a guide of the best studios that offer spinning to take your fitness regime to the next level. From 1Rebel to Crank Fitness Studio, each fitness boutique elevates your overall fitness routine.– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and InstagramImages: Supplied & Feature Image: Instagram @zozoewitherspoon More

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      10 vegan spots in Dubai to kick in Veganuary

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      Lifeby Sarah Joseph2 hours ago VIEW GALLERY/ 10 IMAGESIf you’re looking to start the year with a plant-based diet, Dubai has a myriad of well-known spots that are in line with a new year’s resolution for most of us.So as Veganuary commences in January, it’s the perfect occasion to try out healthy spots in the city and to schedule a lunch or dinner with your friends.From a fancy gluten-free dining experience or a sweet treat that won’t make you feel guilty after indulging? then we’re here to help.– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and InstagramImages: Supplied & Feature Image: Instagram @wildandthemoon More

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      Kintsugi Founder on pushing her vision forward to create a unique wellness space

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      Lifeby Camille Macawili38 mins ago Kintsugi, which translates to “joining with gold”, is a Japanese pottery repair technique of mending broken ceramic pieces with gold.Drawing from this inspiration of embracing imperfection is a new wellness concept located on Al Reem Island in Abu Dhabi that aims to uplift and empower its community.Here, Kintsugi Founder and wellness guru Patrizia Bortolin shares with Emirates Woman about finding the confidence to push her creative vision forward to create a unique space dedicated to wellness in Abu Dhabi.What do the first 30 minutes of your day look like, your morning routine?I love starting slowly and gratefully. As a coffee specialist, I indulge in tasting my favourite brew right off the bat. Following this, I engage in a session of either yoga Nidra or Vipassana meditation – two practises that hold immense significance in my life.What is the idea behind Kintsugi?I’m guiding this beautiful project and community within a management board. I’m also particularly glad to curate the concept behind the brand and its future evolutions. Kintsugi Space, nestled within a pristine seven-floor pale pink building on Reem Island, is a haven for wellbeing. This carefully curated community brings together female wellbeing artists, healers, therapists, inventors, scientists, and coaches to address both emotional and physiological aspects. It’s a continuously evolving world of interactive experiences, cutting-edge technologies, exclusive signature treatments, transformative rituals and natural therapies within a sanctuary of peace, movement and stillness.How did you know it was the right time to launch Kintsugi and which steps led you to realise this path?The core idea of Kintsugi echoed within me since the first call to consult for the project. I embraced the challenge with an open heart, aiming to bring genuine inspiration and support for women navigating life’s challenges. Recognising the need for a more meaningful, sustainable and inspired approach to wellness, I laid the foundation of Kintsugi through an initial deepening and expansion of the original vision, strategic planning, then operational enhancements, creative execution, and ongoing training, creating a masterpiece of care and synergies between all those incredible women.Patrizia Bortolin, wellness guru and Kintsugi founderThere are three different branches within the brand. Can you expand on the different concepts?Kintsugi is a movement with aligned activities. The brand will develop, and new projects are expected in the coming year, catering to both our Abu Dhabi Space members and global wellness enthusiasts.Kintsugi offers a unique approach to self-care – what wellness activities and practises are available for members?At Kintsugi Space, we offer a diverse blend of ancient healing modalities, modern technologies, scientific expertise, creative wellness and holistic therapies. Our aim is to guide members toward happier and healthier lifestyles, defying categorisation as we blend healing, technology, culture, artistry and community. We believe in creating healthy routines, purifying the body, stimulating the mind, thinking less, enjoying and observing more. Our team of professionals, including wellbeing specialists, naturopathic doctors, nutritionists, and intuitive healers, provides personalised consultations and recommendations for a tailor-made service.Can you define the inspiration behind the flagship space?Kintsugi Space was inaugurated on 6th November 2023 and stands as Abu Dhabi’s first women-only member’s club specialising in holistic wellness. It’s an exquisite sanctuary in the heart of Al Reem Island to rest and reset with the help of pioneering wellness practitioners. Rooted in a vision of blending scientific innovations with vibrational energy work, ancient healing and holistic treatments, it offers whole wellbeing experiences supported by psychology and enhanced by unparalleled quantum technology.The space focuses on guiding customers to a higher frequency – why is this important to our overall wellness?Elevating frequency is crucial for overall wellness as it enhances the quality of everything around us, when the frequency is high, every global aspect of life feels better. It’s a measurable shift that encourages conscious living and mindful energy management.How is the wellness culture growing in the Middle East?We are delighted to inspire women in the region to explore holistic wellness. It’s time to navigate the diverse wellness offerings with a smooth, personalised approach, creating genuine values. While the last few years have seen a rise in the priority given to healing wellness, there’s still a need to bridge the gap in understanding on how to craft meaningful and effective offerings. At Kintsugi we promote conscious, joyful nutrition for a happier mind and gut, combined with the importance of having a calm mind and more awareness of how to improve energy. Natural beauty is encouraged to preserve energy and harmony. We can see a real interest from women in the Middle East in this matter.How do you measure success in the wellness industry?Success in the wellness industry, for me, is defined by significant improvements in both the team and guests’ daily lives. When a place is perceived as an oasis for self-discovery and the joy of being alive for everyone involved, that’s when true success is achieved.What are your therapeutic must-haves for modern-day mindfulness?Essential to my modern-day wellbeing are moments of stillness and silence, outside and inside. I particularly like smelling essential oils, each with its unique uplifting power – orange for joy, and lavender for relaxation for example. I’m a fan of natural remedies, tasty vegetarian food, meditation, quality massage, and face yoga. I deeply relax with a head and face massage, Vichy shower when available and I promote laughter yoga.This is The Alignment Issue – what activities help you align after a hectic day?After a bustling day, I find alignment through meditation, particularly Vipassana, and yoga Nidra. I was taught by an Indian nun that spending quality time cooking a meal for others prepared with fresh ingredients while focusing on good intentions, serves as a deep spiritual practise. I’m blessed by sharing a lot of time with a few authentic healers and great human beings and this is a huge support. Happiness is an inside job.January’s – The Alignment Issue with FitnGlam  – Download Now– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and InstagramImages: Supplied More