lifestyle and culture

As the sweltering heat is here to stay for the next couple of months, there’s nothing like cooling off in the privacy of your own private pool.From temperature-controlled swimming pools to luxe views of the UAE’s skyline, these exotic properties offer their own private swimming facility to unwind with friends and family.Emirates Woman has curated a list of must-visit resorts located both in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah, that offer their own space to unwind as you book a premium villa or suite that best fits your needs.Abu DhabiAnantara Eastern Mangroves Hotel & SpaIf you’re looking for a city escape in the heart of Abu Dhabi, this urban waterfront retreat offers an expanse of mangroves with waterfront swimming and mangrove kayaking during your stay as you unwind at the Mangrove pool suite. It offers a host of privileges from an abundance of space to basking on your terrace or in the mini plunge pool, which elevates your stay in UAE’s capital.For more information visit Anantara.comSaadiyat Rotana Resort & Villas, Saadiyat IslandLocated on the pristine white beach of Abu Dhabi’s breathtaking Saadiyat Island, this one-of-a-kind five-star property features a striking modern Arabic architecture with uninterrupted views of the Arabian Gulf. Starting with the one-bedroom beach villa, guests can rejuvenate at their very own large private plunge pool with a fully furnished terrace, as they absorb unrivalled sea views that are reminiscent of an elegant beach house with a location that is hard to beat.For more information visit Rotana.comAl Wathba, A Luxury Collection Desert Resort & SpaRooted deep within the desert landscape of Al Wathba, an intimate retreat with natural beauty lies at the hallmark of this hotel experience, with guests ready to embark on an individual wellness journey, immersed by privacy. With a secluded plunge pool, guests can take in serene views of the Arabian Desert from their villa with a generous amount of space as they lay back and absorb the beauty of the property.For more information visit alwathbahotel.comDubaiOne&Only The PalmThis glittering sanctuary with lush gardens is secluded on Dubai’s Palm Jumeirah with opulent hotel rooms, while also featuring beachfront villas with their own private swimming pools as you witness breathtaking views of the Arabian Gulf. The premium villa allows you to step into the world of luxury with complete relaxation as you’re surrounded by lush private gardens and can cool off in your private temperature-controlled swimming pool with a majlis-style space shrouded by an oversized gazebo.For more information visit oneandonlyresorts.comAnantara The PalmWith a private sanctuary that overlooks the beach and Arabian Gulf beyond, you can enjoy luxurious sunny days by the poolside with private concierge services at the Villa with options for one or two bedrooms as you unwind in style with oversized daybeds featuring a lagoon that is made into something special.For more information visit anantara.comNikki Beach Resort & SpaWith a relaxed yet effortless atmosphere, Nikki Beach Hotels & Resorts prides itself in providing guests with an unrivalled luxury lifestyle experience, while offering guests contemporary dining with an enhanced Nikki Beach experience. The Nikki beach pool villa is pleasant to the eye, with a uniquely designed space featuring an external shower pool and vast recreational areas that are perfectly conceived down to the smallest detail. With a perfect combination of white, light blue and beige colours in the interiors, the outdoor area is fitted with high-quality furniture offering a unique area for private dining or relaxing.For more information visit nikkibeach.comMelia Desert PalmThis urban oasis offers lush green surroundings with an elegant oasis in the one-bedroom hideaway villas with ground floor living and dining spaces that extends to the spacious outdoor as guests enjoy a home away from home for the ultimate privacy with an alfresco dining area, complemented with a stone-walled courtyard for utmost serenity. With fascinating views of Dubai’s skyline and your own space to unwind at, there’s enough of room in this superlatively designed area to relax with friends and family.For more information visit melia.comBulgari Resort DubaiBringing the Mediterranean style to the Middle East, while being surrounded by ocean views with a nautical spirit imbibed at the property, guests can unwind at the luxurious beach view villas with stunning landscaped gardens and a temperature-controlled pool, as the villas offer the perfect amount of space to have the ultimate luxury gathering with the feeling and privacy of being at home, while enjoying the details of a sunken marble bathtub in the layout.For more information visit bulgarihotels.comAl Maha, a Luxury Collection Desert Resort & SpaJust under an hours drive from the city of Dubai is Al Maha, a Luxury Collection Desert Resort and Spa. This luxury hotel, which resembles a luxurious Bedouin encampment, is the perfect escape for a weekend recharge. While the resort’s location already ensures maximum privacy for guests, Al Maha’s 42 suites take luxury and privacy to the next level. Each suite boasts a private temperature-controlled pool overlooking the infinite desert views, alongside opulent interiors which pay tribute to Arabian heritage with handcrafted furnishings, antiques and artefacts.Kempinski Hotel & Residence The PalmThis luxury resort located on Palm Jumeriah has the ideal place for families to escape to in complete privacy. The Kempinski Hotel & Residence The Palm’s Family Apartment comes complete with two bedrooms, a fully equipped kitchen and its very own pool, as well as a large private terrace.Ras Al KhaimahThe Ritz-Carlton, Ras Al Khaimah, Al Hamra BeachEscape to the shores of Ras Al Khaimah at The Ritz-Carlton Al Hamra Beach resort which has over 32 luxurious villas which each have their very own private pool, as well as direct beach access.The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi DesertFor those seeking a desert escape in Ras Al Khaimah, The Ritz-Carlton Al Wadi Desert resort is ideal. Similar to its sister resort, there are 100 villas available each with its own private pool.– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and InstagramImages: Supplied / Instagram More

While the second period of Mercury Retrograde this year is officially over, there’s still more to come.Welcome Neptune Retrograde, starting June 25 and lasting until December 1, Neptune is beginning a backwards dance in the sign of Pisces meaning we could be in for a confusing rollercoaster of a ride.Neptune is the planet of illusion, dreams and fantasies, meaning this retrograde could bring a period where secrets are revealed, and illusions are disrupted.Per Refinery29, normally when Neptune is in direct motion, “it can make us see what we want to see, and affirms what we want to believe of people, certain situations, and even ourselves,” according to Narayana Montúfar, senior astrologer for Astrology.com.However, with Neptune in retrograde, Montúfar says, “the rose-coloured glasses fall off, clearing the veil and exposing unwanted and harsh realities.”This means that the fascinating and inspirational planet that is Neptune may prove rather tricky over the coming months and, for many, a reality check is in store.Not all is bad though, as Neptune is the furthest planet from the Earth, its influences are subtle, and something we feel at a subconscious level. Some people will have a more intense reaction to the retrograde, most notably people who have Natal planets in Pieces, Gemini, Sagittarius and Virgo.Overall, Neptune’s retrograde will allow individuals to have a more acute sensitivity and perhaps pick up on things they wouldn’t normally if Neptune was direct. Leslie Hale an astrologer for Keen.com suggests that people will be more likely to “listen to our own inner voice and our creativity and psychic or intuitive abilities may increase.”Neptune Retrograde will not have as much of an impact if healthy boundaries have been implemented, honesty has been at the forefront of the mind and responsibilities have been kept on top of. However, if this hasn’t happened, a serious reality check could be in store.Whatever Neptune retrograde brings, it is an opportunity to learn and grow and knowledge gained during this period ultimately creates new possibilities when Neptune returns to motion later in the year.– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and InstagramFeature Image: NASA on Unsplash More

For the past year, travel plans have largely been on hold but that hasn’t stopped people from dreaming about their travel bucket lists.So much so, this Dubai landmark has topped searches of places to visit.Luxury travel company, Unforgettable Travel, recently conducted research on the most searched places to visit when travelling and it was found that heading to the top of the Burj Khalifa – the world’s tallest building – was the most googled travel experience.It was found that the search term ‘Burj Khalifa tickets’ reached a skyrocketing average of 10,000 searches per month, as both residents and tourists globally are eager to visit the tallest tower in the world.The list also included experiences such as sail around New York’s green lady, the Statue of Liberty, trek to Mount Everest’s base camp in Nepal, a cruise down Egypt’s famous river the Nile, go to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris and many other unmissable experiences that are definitely a must-try for the ultimate travel indulgence, with something to cater to everyone’s wants.To book tickets for the At the Top, Burj Khalifa experience visit tickets.atthetop.ae as prices start from Dhs149 with timings from 10am to 3:30pm and 7pm to 12am on weekdays and 8am to 3:30pm on weekends and 7pm to 12am on weekends, as it keeps in line with all the necessary COVID-19 restrictions for a safe experience.– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and InstagramFeature image: Instagram @burjkhalifa More

IN PARTNERSHIP: As travel continues to be on hold across the globe, holidays remain far and few between. However, for those of us based in the UAE, there’s plenty of options for us to enjoy a getaway closer to home.If marvelling at the spectacular city of Abu Dhabi and views of the Gulf is on your radar this summer, we may have found the ultimate staycation deal for you and your family.Introducing Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers and their renowned ‘Family Staycation’ package, which is sure to strike all the right chords, including breakfast and dinner for two. Priced at Dhs700, the Deluxe Guestroom houses plenty of space for the whole family, even better, children under 12 stay free of charge.Also available is the ‘Brunch Staycation,’ perfect for two, this Dhs995 getaway features a Superior Guest Room inclusive of breakfast and a choice of Friday Brunch in Nahaam or Saturday brunch in Vakava.With the Observation Deck at 300, on the 74th floor, guests can experience an uninterrupted, 360-degree view of the Abu Dhabi cityscape and Arabian Gulf from the city’s highest vantage point. Guests can also visit the famous café at the top, which is renowned for its afternoon high tea inspired by strawberries.Guests enjoying a staycation at the Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers can choose between 12 award-winning food and beverage restaurants, including Le Petite Chef, which is 63 floors above the Abu Dhabi skyline.A superlative experience, this 58mm tall, clumsy chef takes you on an immersive culinary one-and-a-half-hour journey where 3D mapping technology brings your table to life, capturing your imagination with every scene.It’s the perfect time to book as, Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers – in partnership with Abu Dhabi Culinary – is set to host the first of several “Food Forward” series which will take place at Tori No Su, Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers from the 1st to 10th July.This pop-up restaurant concept will see Chef Reif Othman collaborating with Emirati Chef Faisal Alharmoodi take over the venue offering an exclusive line up of menu offerings, including street food dishes, signature plates and delectable desserts.All staycations also include a 20 per cent discount on spa treatments and on food and beverage in 11 of the restaurants.Whether you’re on a staycation with the whole family, a group of friends or you’re with your significant other, there’s something for everyone at Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers.To experience a stay unrivalled in the UAE book now.For more information or to make a reservation visit hilton.com– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and InstagramImages: Supplied More

Whether you’re an avid or amateur photographer, the Sharjah Art Foundation invites artistic talent from across the globe to submit entries for Vantage Point Sharjah 9 (VSP9), an annual competition which first took place in 2013, dedicated to the practice of photography, for both established and emerging photographers.Designed as an initiative to engage with the local community through a call for submissions, the competition is open to everyone. Applicants can choose their own theme and artistic approach which falls under three categories: Photojournalism, Documentary, Conceptual, Experimental and Staged Photography.The popularity of the competition has grown over the years, allowing for the geographic remit to expand, making it open to the world.Alongside this, a jury consisting of artist Ammar Al Attar, photographer and architect Sham Enbashi, the author and artist Alia Al Shamsi and the photographer M’hammed Kilito will make the final selection of images.Chosen images will be presented at an exhibition held at the Foundations off-site venue Al Hamriyah Studios on 18 September 2021. A winner from each category will be selected by the jury to receive a prize of USD 1,500.The application deadline for the competition is 11:00pm (UAE time). Applicants can submit up to six digital photographs in 300dpi resolution along with an application form including a short description of the work(s), the location each photo was taken and a brief biography.To find out more details, access the application form as well as submission terms and conditions visit Sharjahart.org– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and InstagramImage: Supplied, Feature Image: Eric Park on Unsplash More

A celebration of craftsmanship, this chaise longue is a functional sculpture for your home. Raphael Navot defines “The Palm Duet” as ‘a sculpture, an armchair, a loveseat or a contemporary interpretation of the traditional chaise longue,’ expressing his passion for the homemade and the traditional techniques he has pushed to the extreme to achieve excellence.This soft and sinuous armchair is curated to soothe the skin with the touch, creating a warm, comforting feeling enveloping you in a sense of relaxation and peace. Inspired by the palm of hard, curved lines following a spiral movement are the basis of this chair, leaving no harsh lines within the home. Offering a casual experience of protective comfort, this organic chair will take pride in place wherever it’s placed.Upholstered in Cashfur, a unique fabric made with a selection of the finest cashmere in its natural off-white shade which is blended carefully on circular knitting looms with silk, making the chair is incredibly soft. The purity of the naturally derived fabrics allows the noble fibres of the upholstery to be at one with the organic, sinuous form of the chaise longue.When asked about his creation, Navot said, “The design of the chaise is essential corporal. When looking at this piece, one can already imagine the position to take. It is intended to be intuitive.”Taking inspiration from nineteenth-century portraits, including the infamous Olympia painted by Manet in 1865, as well as classical drawings, Navot searched for a design to rediscover, and reimagine the infamous chaise longue.“In classical drawings, we often discover the chaise longue as the perfect furniture for intimate portraits,” Navot said, “I was hoping to find a form that can support the body in a gracious way and at the same time feel new, timeless and detached from the historical connotations. As the armrest is treated as a seat, it invites a second partner to join and share the seat together.”Director of Loro Piana Interiors, Francesco Pergamo, commented on Navot’s design, he said, “What we have loved from Raphael’s work is his incredible taste, his love for neatness, elegance, for what is essential and perfectly crafted.”“We knew he had a passion for natural materials, for excellence, for creating timeless objects, not caring too much for tends. Well, it is exactly what has always inspired Loro Piano and what we inject into our solutions for interior decoration. Raphael’s creativity and our materials naturally just came together,” he continued.The ‘Palm Duet’ chaise longue will be produced in a number series and presented in selected Loro Piana stores and during private events after its official introduction at Nomad from 8-10 July, 2021. A second chair will also be displayed in the Loro Piana store in St. Moritz during the Nomad exhibition.– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and InstagramFeature Image: Supplied More

Bella Hadid has never shied away from showing love to her family, especially her parents.To mark Father’s Day this year, the supermodel posted a touching message of pride to her father, Mohamed Hadid, praising him for the life he’s managed to build.Sharing a photo of her father’s expired USA passport, it was a symbol to showcase how far her dad has come.“The strongest and smartest man I know!” she said. “He came from nothing and built everything.”The 24-year-old also shared a series of photos to her Instagram grid along with a sweet message to her “baba”.“Happy Father’s Day baba. You make me laugh more than anyone in the world,” she said. “Although I cry writing this because I wish I could give you the biggest hug &kiss today!! I miss you and love you to the moon.”As noted by his daughter, it’s clear Mohamed Hadid has reached incredible successes with his businesses and a number of entrepreneurial ventures, but it hasn’t been an easy journey for the property tycoon.Opening up about his childhood last year, Hadid reflected on his childhood hardships having to flee his home country when he was just a baby, and becoming a refugee along with his other family members.Sharing a picture from his younger years, Hadid explained that he doesn’t have “a single picture of me [as] when I was a baby I was just about 9 days old when I and my family were refugees to the refugee camps in Syria from Palestine”.He shared his thanks to Syria, Lebanon and Tunisia and most of all Jordan, where he and his family received Jordanian citizenship many years ago.He also shared his gratitude for being able to relocate to the USA with his family.“I thank my father and mother for their focus to bring us to this beautiful land this country USA and I’m honoured to be an American and I honour my mother country and a pain in my heart for the suffering of the Palestinian people and I am forever a proud of my beloved Palestine where I was born,” he added.– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and InstagramImages: Mohamed Hadid Instagram, Feature Image: Getty More