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      How this one-of-a-kind resort in Dubai promises the ultimate getaway

      by

      Life

      by Sarah Joseph
      4 hours ago

      Sabri Thani, Director of Marketing and Communications at Lapita Dubai Parks and Resorts, Autograph Collection Hotels on bringing Polynesian hospitality to the forefront.
      What do the first 30 minutes of your day look like – your morning routine?
      I set aside something to help me prepare for the day ahead so that I can show up with the best version of myself. I go through the day’s tasks and note down important things that need to get done while sipping on some coffee or tea and sitting down to enjoy a good breakfast.
      Talk us through your career.
      If you look closely at my career, you will start to notice a pattern – I thrive on the frontlines and am drawn to working with good people and organisations that let me do meaningful work. Before joining Lapita Dubai Parks and Resorts as Director of Marketing and Communications, I was the Head of Corporate Communications and Marketing and was then promoted to Director of Corporate Communications at Majid Al Futtaim.
      What is your role as Director of Marketing and Communications?
      In my mind, marketing and communications are both an art as well as a science. I start with strategy and then explore the stories that will help consumers resonate with our message and goals. As a director, I lead the marketing and communications team at Lapita Dubai. This means that I oversee the strategic development and execution of all creative media. I lead the team in executing public relations plans and email campaigns that enhance the Marri- ott brand, offset competitor activities, and maximise regional marketing opportunities – including for Marriot Bonvoy, Marriott Rewards, and other strategic partners.

      Lapita is Dubai’s first theme park hotel – tell us more.
      Lapita is a unique, family-friendly Polynesian resort – we are the only hotel within Dubai Parks and Resorts where guests receive direct access to all theme parks, including Legoland, MotionGate, and River- land. Dedicated to celebrating the spirit of the Polynesian islands, guests can take in the detailed, Polynesian-inspired architecture and landscaping across the resort – a beautiful complement to an already-picturesque and serene experience. We enhance the experience with elevated comfort and décor in all accommodations, with soft lighting, Polyne- sian designs, private balconies or terraces, and marble bathrooms. The private villas provide extra space, with a pool and garden that boast stunning views. Guests can choose between four excellent dining establishments or unwind at the on-site spa. Lapita also offers numerous activities to thrill the hearts of anyone enjoying a stay at the resort, making it the perfect family destination.
      What are the innovative facilities on board that set this hotel apart?
      We are the first and only Polynesian resort in Dubai with a daily sunset ritual – known as the Ahi Ahi ceremony – and classically trained Polynesian artists. We are not just Polynesian themed – we in- corporate all aspects of Polynesian culture into our resort and take every chance to educate our guests on its heritage and traditions. From greeting guests with garlands and drinks, to ensuring that our staff can identify and cater to individual needs, we always aim to create the best possible experience for all visitors. Every detail at Lapita Dubai is designed to transport guests to the exotic islands of Polynesia. A kids and teens club – paired with a lazy river and themed activities at the Lapita centre – help create opportunities to make fun memories with the family. Another thing that sets us apart is that with any booking, guests receive entry tickets to one of the theme parks under Dubai Parks and Resorts – this is standard regardless of the duration of stay or accommodation type. The resort also offers a dedicated conference centre with a 710sqm ballroom, six meeting rooms and event facilities, and an additional 26,296 square feet of flexible space for all occasions, making it the best escape for corporate team building sessions due to its nature and serene environment.
      What are the key culinary offerings that the resort has to offer?
      Lapita Dubai has four dining establishments that provide a diverse range of culinary options for guests to choose from. ARI, a poolside restaurant and bar, allows guests to soak up the sun while enjoying drinks and dishes from an exclusive menu – including the likes of a Tahiti Sling, a delicious concoction of pineapple, lemon, lychee, and passionfruit – and the Polynesian seafood soup with a medley of seafood in a coconut broth. PALAMA is the resort’s lobby lounge and has a continental menu featuring a broad range of mocktails and dishes. Guests can unwind at this social hub with family and friends. Our KALEA restaurant offers an all-day dining buffet experience, where guests can choose to dine under traditional waka canoes or enjoy the views of the resort from the terrace. KALEA also hosts Polynesian-themed nights every Friday and Saturday – a fun experience for all guests and diners. Hikina is a South- East Asian restaurant that boasts a menu packed with explosive flavours. Diners can savour authentic dishes such as Tom Kha Gai or treat their sweet tooth’s with desserts like Pandan Cheesecake.
      How has the group undertaken a sustainable approach as the UAE is gearing towards the same?
      At Lapita, we believe that sustainability is important for everyone and every business. While it is great to see that more people are becoming aware of environmental issues, I want to note that it is extremely important to first understand the ways in which we can help the environment, rather than applying practices that may not have the best result. At Lapita, we collaborated with Simply Bottles to implement a recycling programme for plastic bottles. The recycled bottles are turned into clothes, caps, and bags to contribute to a zero-waste environment. We also have around 90 to 95 solar panels that produce renewable energy for water heating in guests’ rooms.

      Are there any recent collaborations that have stood out?
      We recently collaborated with the Fijian embassy, which saw the arrival of classically trained Polynesian artists at Lapita Dubai, to re-launch our Ahi Ahi Ceremony and introduce people to more of the Polynesian culture. The Polynesian evening event held on March 9, 2023 was a huge success, with numerous media and influencers attending to enjoy the traditional performances and witness the Ahi Ahi Ceremony – a sunset ritual that welcomes the setting sun – with a specially curated spread pro- vided by KALEA Restaurant. The event demonstrated our commitment to spread- ing awareness around Polynesian culture, helping to highlight the daily performances at the resort and the appreciation for tradition embodied by everyone at Lapita Dubai.
      What are the future plans for the resort and the hotel?
      While there are no concrete plans at the moment, we are always looking to in- novate and elevate our resort in order to pro- vide our guests with a seamless experience. We also look forward to introducing a Tiki Hut in the near future, which will be a fun space for children to play and learn in with the support of the resort’s Polynesian artists. What small things elevate your life? It would definitely be seeing the smiles on my guests’ faces, or the moment when I see one of my ideas come to life and realise the difference it makes to our guests and the resort. While at work, I also take small moments to enjoy the natural environment outside – the resort is absolutely gorgeous, so I try to make the most of it.
      May’s – The Horology Issue – Download Now 
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Supplied  More

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      Editor’s picks: 10 candles that will transport you to your favourite summer getaways

      by

      Life

      by Camille Macawili
      15 mins ago

      Travel from the comforts of your own space with these 10 editor-approved scented candles inspired by your favourite travel destinations – no visa required.
      If it feels like the days are slowly going by and you’re counting down until your next escape, we feel you. Here’s an antidote: snag any (or all!) of these candles, close your eyes and take a deep breath as the scent instantly transports you to favourite escapes – via your senses. Whether it’s that summer soaked feeling you’re after, longing to reminisce the outdoors, or want to journey to idyllic Italy or old town Mykonos.
      Swipe through the gallery below to shop the picks.

      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Feature Images: Instagram @Assouline @Montroi More

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      In Pics: The Royal Family of Jordan celebrates another milestone moment

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      Life

      by Ruman Baig
      36 mins ago

      The Royal Family of Jordan is having a week full of celebrations. Last evening, Queen Rania shared some precious moments from Prince Hashem’s High School graduation.
      With only a few days left to the wedding of Crown Prince Hussein and Rajwa Al Saif, the family is already brimming with excitement. To make this week even more celebratory, the royal family of Jordan gathered together to celebrate the young Prince, Hashim bin Abdullah II.
      His Royal Highness Prince Hashim bin Abdullah II completed his High School graduation from King’s Academy in Madaba — to make the event even more memorable, His Majesty King Abdullah II handed over the graduation certificate to his youngest son himself.
      Besides His Majesty, Queen Rania and the rest of the family also cheered for the young prince from the sidelines. Proud Siblings — Princess Iman and her husband Jameel Alexander Thermiotis, along with Princess Salma and Crown Prince Hussein rooted for their brother at his graduation ceremony.
      As an emotional mother, Queen Rania penned down a sweet note for her son, talking about the changing times and multiple milestones she has had to celebrate this year. “Guys, can we slow down a bit? This mum needs to catch her breath! Another proud family moment at Hashem’s high school graduation today.”
      Prince Hashem’s older brother and Crown Prince of Jordan also took to Instagram to share a congratulatory message. “My dearest brother Hashem, I was beyond proud to watch you graduate today! Here’s to further success at university and a bright future in service of Jordan.”
      Congratulation to the Royal Family of Jordan on the many joyous occasions in their lives, take a look at Prince Hashem’s High School Graduation.

      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Instagram: Feature Image: @arabianroyalagency @alhuseeinjo & @queenrania  More

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      Dubai-based Italian jewellery designer’s guide to a La Dolce Vita summer in Capri

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      Life

      by Camille Macawili
      3 hours ago

      A high-profile clientele, A-list celebrity customers and the support of prominent industry insiders propelled fine jewellery label Faraone Mennella into the jewelry spotlight.
      Drawing design inspiration from classical Italian heritage, award-winning designers Roberto Faraone Mennella and Amedeo Scognamiglio craft tactile, one-of-a-kind jewellery pieces that have been worn by the likes of Jennifer Aniston, Jennifer Lopez, and Charlize Theron, to name a few. Now, with the Amedeo’s recent move to Dubai, he is plotting his next steps for the brand.
      Emirates Woman chats with Amedeo Scognamiglio about his beginnings – as well as sharing insider tips and hidden gems and insider tips on how to do Capri like a local.
      When was the point you realized you wanted to have your own label and designing jewelry could be your career?
      I am the 6th generation of a family dynasty devoted to the craftsmanship of cameos and coral in Italy since 1857 so jewelry is in my DNA. But when I moved to NYC in my early 20s, Manhattan’s art and fashion scene of the 90s started to influence my aesthetics, helping me redefine my design vision. The mix of my Italian classic heritage and the NYC pop culture pushed me to dare and reinvent the design codes I absorbed in my father’s workshop. At that point, I felt empowered to not simply keep running a centuries-old family business, but revolutionise that ancient craft making it cool and current.
      Love Lemons 18kt Diamond Earrings Dhs25,155 available at faraonemennella.com
      You split your time between New York, London and Capri then recently moved to Dubai – tell us about this.
      I split my time between NYC and London while enjoying my summer months in Capri which is home to me and to my 2 brands’ flagship stores. After Covid-19, and the tragic loss of Roberto Faraone Mennella my partner and best friend, I felt like I needed to move somewhere where I could start again and not live with the memories. With the help and guidance of my dear Emirati friends, I moved here last year, and I still pinch myself every day how lucky I am. Dubai, to me now what NYC felt in1998: vibrant, energetic, advanced and exciting.
      For those who are new to the brand, what are your hero designs that are driving sales in the Middle East?
      Faraone Mennella’s iconic pieces, even after 20 years now, are the ones first seen on Sex & The City back then. Stella Collection, our first design, is now our signature and iconic quintessentially Faraone Mennella collection. Over the years, and thanks to our long collaboration with Carolina Herrera, the fashion queen of NYC, we specialized in couture and bespoke high jewelry collections we only sell in our own boutiques and to private clients.
      Abracadabra Earrings Dhs24,815 available at thatconceptstore.com
      How did you develop your signature technique?
      Although I am lucky to come from a family tradition and was able to ‘’experiment’’ and learn all the different angles of jewellery making from the very early age of 13 years old. When I design, I think of places, gowns, yachts and parties.. where my ladies will want to wear my jewellery.
      Roberto Faraone Mennella and Amedeo Scognamiglio
      Being an independent label, does that limit what you can do?
      The most discerning and sophisticated luxury shoppers are always on the lookout for niche brands offering a product not seen everywhere. Luxury is about dreaming and holding memories of experiences that can’t be replicated. This is what we offer, and the reason why we are able to thrive in a highly competitive market is due to the authenticity and uniqueness we have over the big conglomerates.
      What have been the highlights of your career so far?
      A few memorable ones are: designing the jewelry for Sex & The City (2002); being included in TIME Style & Design’s 100 most influential designers (2007); Fondazione AltaGamma, Best Jewellery Design award (2020); but above and beyond anything, working with Roberto Faraone Mennella for 20 years, to see our dream of the early days in NYC become a globally recognized luxury brand. Now that I am left alone at the helm, my only reason to work is to prepare our brand’s legacy for the future, in honor of Roberto’s life. Now it’s a luxury brand with a higher purpose.
      One thing to look forward to in Capri every summer?
      The annual Faraone Mennella ‘’Viva Capri’’ event! It started in 2012 when we opened. We thought it would only be a party for the official opening, but our clients decided it had to be a yearly reunion. And so every year, the first week of July we celebrate jewellery, summer, and friendship with a truly eventful party with dancing and singing, in the most iconic locations of the island.
      The best way to spend a lazy summer day in Capri…
      Don’t plan, don’t schedule, don’t stress. Enjoy the island, the way the ancient Romans did. La Dolce Vita!
      What’s your top tip for travelling to Capri?
      No need to stress about expensive private transfers from Napoli – enjoy the 50-minute ride with the commercial hydrofoil lines, they are easy, faster, and more comfortable. From Dubai, FlyDubai has direct flights to Naples airport is better than a private jet and makes my life and commute so easy.

      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Supplied by Faraone Manella; Feature Image: Instagram @pinkines @lespetitepestes More

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      All the latest updates on Prince Hussein and Rajwa Al Saif’s upcoming wedding

      by

      Life

      by Ruman Baig
      28 mins ago

      Crown Prince Hussein of Jordan is soon to be married to Rajwa Al Saif of Saudi Arabia.
      The couple got engaged last year in August at the to-be-bride’s paternal home in Saudi. Ever since the engagement, the couple have made multiple joint appearances in public, most recent being Princess Iman of Jordan’s wedding in March.
      With only a few days left to the Royal Wedding, updates about the impending nuptials are constantly making rounds. From the date and venue to the time, here’s all you need to know about the most-awaited wedding of the season.
      When is the next Royal Wedding?
      After the first big wedding of the year for the Jordanian Royal Family earlier this year, HRH Prince Hussein and Rajwa Al Saif are expected to tie the knot in June, 2023. The festivities and traditional celebrations are supposed to take place between May 26 and Jun 1, leading up to a grand ceremony on the last day.
      What time is the Royal Wedding?
      As per the Arabian Royal Agency’s latest post, the timing and the schedule of the wedding have been revealed. In their newest post they shared, “According to local news the wedding will start at 4:00 PM JO Time. The ceremony will start with the arrival of Their Majesties and their Highnesses the Princes and Princesses of the Royal Family, then the ceremony will start and take place at Zahran Palace After the ceremony, the red procession will depart from Zahran Palace to Husseiniya Palace, then their Majesties will start to receive guests at Al-Hussainiya Palace to attend the dinner banquet.”
      Where is the next Royal wedding?
      According to the Arabian Royal Agency, the Royal Hashemite Court released a statement with details regarding the impending nuptials. “The wedding ceremony of HRH Crown Prince Al Hussein and Ms. Rajwa Khalid Al Saif will be at Zahran Palace then the wedding procession will move to Al Husseiniya Palace.” Further adding, “At Husseiniya Palace, a Dinner banquet will be held and there will be a closed reception and banquet for the media.”
      Who is Rajwa Al Saif?
      Rajwa is the youngest of four children, including Faisal, Naif, Dana and Rajwa, born to parents Khalid bin Musaed Al Saif and Azza Al Sudairi.The Al Saif family’s heritage dates back to the Subai tribe in the town of Al-Attar in Sudair, Najd, Saudi Arabia, where ancestors are known to have been the sheikhs of the town.Rajwa’s father, who resides in Riyadh, has established himself as a well-reputed businessman over the years.
      Ahead ofthe wedding, here are some of the most adorable moments between the bride-to-be and the Royal family.

      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Instagram @alhusseinjo @queenrania @arabianroyalagency More

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      Founder of Amal Counsel shares how what we choose to wear can affects our thoughts

      by

      Life

      by Camille Macawili
      1 hour ago

      When you got dressed this morning, did you have to stop and think about how you want to feel for the day?
      Enclothed cognition is a phenomenon where the clothes (including colours, textures, and styles) that we choose to wear affect our thoughts. When used as a mindfulness tool, it has mood-altering benefits that can greatly improve our mental and emotional states.
      To dive into this, we speak to Emirati CEO and Founder of Amal Counsel, Naila Al Moosawi. Amal Counsel is a homegrown organisation dedicated to offering accessible and affordable online therapy services in the UAE. It operates on a volunteer basis with highly-skilled counselors and associates who are committed to supporting the mental and emotional well-being of society.
      With Naila’s background in Psychology, she brings a deep understanding of the human psyche to her leadership approach. Here, she shares how the clothes you wear shape your thoughts, and gives us an insight into her career journey.

      Naila Al Moosawi, Founder and CEO of Amal Counsel

      What was the catalyst for launching Amal-Counseling?
      Amal-CFBT was originally designed to be launched between 2025 and 2027, but the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the process. In 2020, there was a dire need to support the nation and community in their time for distress, so there was no better time to launch the organization.
      Tell us more about the concept.
      Amal-CFBT is an organization for the people. This means that our team members and counsellors all work on a non-profit basis. We do our best to match our clients with preferred counsellors and even offer a 24/7 helpline. We are also the only private counselling service in the UAE, and we aim to make therapy accessible and affordable to the community. Our overall aim through all our services is to support society and help them engage in a safe emotional wellness process.
      Since its launch in 2020, how has it evolved?
      Over time, we have evolved into an organization with over 45 employees including over 25 counsellors and 20 psychology associates and business leads. The Amal-CFBT infrastructure is designed to ensure accessibility, affordability and sustainability. In the future, we aim to continue reaching out and penetrating the market through our growing partnership arm.
      What advice would you give yourself starting out?
      There should be no such thing as failure; it shouldn’t even be part of our vocabulary. Wake up in the morning to do your best. You may not reach the bar you set for yourself, but that only means you wake up the next morning to aim higher and do better. That’s what matters.
      What have been some of the biggest lessons you’ve learned from launching this?
      The biggest lesson I have learned is that there isn’t just one lesson you remember from a journey. For Amal, this is a journey that still has a long way to go, and there are even more lessons to come. Until this point in time, I believe every lesson I’ve learned, whether from a family member or someone I met for two minutes, is crucial to my journey and Amal’s launch.

      Image: Instagram @moyamii

      How do the clothes we wear influence our behavior and affect cognitive processes?
      Clothes can influence our mental processes in more ways than one. They influence the way we perceive ourselves, our confidence, our self-esteem, and even how others react to us. For example, wearing formal attire can make us feel more professional or even authoritative. I believe this is the reason we have comfort items of clothing, like that favorite sweatshirt that makes you feel warm and safe, or the bright, flowy dress that makes you feel free and happy.

      Image: Instagram @anoukyve

      Are there certain colors, prints, or textures that our brain positively responds to?
      Of course. The color blue, for example, triggers better mind flow, whereas yellow can improve your mood and reduce your stress. Green, on the other hand, has the positive qualities of both blue and yellow.
      In regards to textures and prints, I don’t believe there is a lot of research on that, but I do think there is a correlation between them and our mental health. I believe there should be a reason why fabrics like cotton and silk make us “feel” good. In addition to the physically good feeling, they also induce a feeling of calm and comfort!
      What is your go-to outfit do you wear when you want to lift your mood?
      My favorite old, faded pajamas.
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Instagram @moyamii and @anoukyve; Feature Image: Instagram @threadsstyling More

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      Travelling to London? Here’s why you must stay at Belgravia’s COMO The Halkin

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      Life

      by Amy Sessions
      2 hours ago

      In the heart of London, COMO The Halkin is a three-minute walk to Hyde Park. Emirates Woman takes a look at this newly renovated heritage hotel.
      The Stay

      The Halkin is as discreet as they come, and perfectly centrally located. The hotel is housed inside a striking Georgian property just a five-minute walk from Hyde Park and Hyde Park Corner tube station, right in the heart of residential Belgravia. The 41 rooms all boast a spacious feel with the marble detailing you might expect from a hotel of this standard throughout the optimal sized bathrooms. Neutral tones and views out over the sleepy, leafy side streets of Belgravia make this ideal for any traveller, including those who prefer a minimalistic aesthetic.
      The Dining

      Breakfast here is second to none, with a plethora of offerings from savoury to sweet. Order the Avocado toast on Rye, it’s exceptional.
      Here’s what you can pack for your vacation

      May’s – The Horology Issue – Download Now– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Supplied More

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      7 of the best padel courts in Dubai to revamp your fitness routine

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      Life

      by Sarah Joseph
      4 hours ago

      VIEW GALLERY/ 7 IMAGES
      If there’s one sport that has grown in popularity over the years, it’s padel Tennis.
      While there’s no denying that the sport is gaining momentum in the region, a few people what the game is actually about. Overall, the game is played with solid racquets and a depressurized tennis ball.
      Now, there are several clubs and venues in Dubai that offer padel tennis facilities for players to enjoy. These clubs typically provide well-maintained padel courts, equipment rental, and coaching services.
      If you’re thinking of giving this new buzzword in the sporting community a shot, we’re here to help.
      To get back into the fitness game, Emirates Woman has curated the ultimate padel guide of where to book your next friendly match.

      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Supplied & Feature Image: Instagram @matchadxb More