lifestyle and culture

With UAE residents set to potentially enjoy a six-day long break next month for Eid Al Adha, planning ahead with all the luxury staycations is no daunting task anymore as you’ve come to the right place.From palatial retreats on the Palm to getaways that are still in the heart of Dubai with the surroundings of the bustling city life, Emirates Woman has curated a list of the luxury hotels you can potentially book for the upcoming long break in July 2021.Mandarin Oriental JumeiraOffering a much-anticipated UAE resident rate, Mandarin Oriental is all set to keep guests refreshed during the sun-drenched days. An exclusive 20 per cent off is offered to all UAE residents when booking their next stay at the luxurious beachfront resort, as they overlook the pristine waters of the Arabian Gulf and Dubai’s glittering skyline and dine at the two signature restaurants Tasca by José Avillez and Netsu which is valid until August 31, 2021.For more information visit mandarinoriental.com/dubaiWaldorf Astoria Dubai Palm JumeirahThis elegant beach resort offers a 200m private beach with a glistening property for the ultimate staycation. With temperature-controlled swimming pools, water sports activities and spacious rooms with a contemporary design, you can enjoy stunning views of Dubai’s skyline. Similarly, there’s an array of restaurants to choose from including Southeast Asian flavours at LAO or fine-casual dining at Social by Michelin chef Heinz Beck, making it the perfect family-fuelled getaway.For more information visit Hilton.comSofitel Dubai The Palm Resort & SpaDiscover the warm French-Polynesian welcome of Sofitel Dubai The Palm, with a luxury 5-star beach resort situated on the East Crescent of the world-famous Palm Jumeirah, with a rejuvenating escape nestled amongst lush greenery on the idyllic shores of the Arabian Gulf. Subject to availability at the time of booking, all members can access an exclusive offer of 30 per cent off including a complimentary buffet breakfast and a relaxing holiday at the beach resort with access to six outdoor swimming pools and the beach, with the offer valid until September 15, 2021.For more information visit Sofitel-dubai-thepalm.comSt. Regis Dubai, The PalmThis newly opened five-star hotel is situated on the trunk of the iconic Palm Jumeirah with attentive, personalized 24-hour St. Regis Butler service along with handcrafted cuisine across four restaurants and lounges, at the hotel’s two infinity swimming pools, with the property conveniently located to Dubai’s main attractions, as contemporary elegance is stylishly graced in each room with timeless design at its helm.For more information visit Marriott.comMe Dubai by MeliáPurposefully crafted to be more than a hotel, ME Dubai is a lifestyle of sensorial connections with price at the cultural epicentre of the city, at art is infused into each element of the hotel. Designed by Zaha Hadid every room has either a midnight or desert colour scheme, for the ultimate relaxation and comfort.For more information visit melia.comOne & Only the PalmDubai’s exclusive resort offers breathtaking views of the Arabian Gulf and Dubai’s soaring skyline from your private beach as you immerse yourself in this haven which is just minutes away from the cosmopolitan city.For more information visit oneandonlyresorts.comBvlgari Resort, DubaiEchoing an elegant design throughout the hotel, the property celebrates the rich heritage of Italy in every element of the ambiance, with a tailor-made experience as guests visit. With Bvlgari’s first-ever Yacht Club, guests can recreate the charm of a Mediterranean atmosphere in Dubai, with amenities including a members lounge, an outdoor pool and a bar.For more information visit bulgarihotels.comAddress Sky ViewDiscover a timeless experience along with shopping extravagance at Address Hotels and Resorts, with a 20 per cent off on the best available rates along with Dhs200 shopping vouchers per room, in this skyline-defining duo of towers joined by an architecturally marvelous sky bridge with unique privileges at this getaway.For more information visit addresshotels.comKempinski Hotel & Residences Palm JumeirahFor an unmatched escape in the heart of Dubai, enjoy an exceptional stay at Kempinski Hotel and Residences Palm Jumeirah, with offers which include 15 per cent off on the best available rate when a minimum of 2 nights is booked or 30 per cent off the best available rate when 3 nights or more is booked, with daily breakfast included with 25 per cent off food and drinks throughout the stay.For more information visit Kempinski.comAll the necessary COVID-19 restrictions have been implemented at each property accordingly to ensure the utmost safety of their guests on board. For any information regarding rates and applicable offers call the respective hotel for any further details.– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and InstagramFeature image: Instagram @sofiteldubaipalm More

IN PARTNERSHIP: With travel plans being derailed globally, a simple getaway from the bustling city that is Dubai may seem unmanageable for many of us.However, located on the shores of Ras Al Khaimah, The BM Beach Resort awaits, boasting a 500 metre stretch of private beach with a view of Marjan Island, ready and waiting to transport you to a relaxing, stress-free zone this summer.During the hot summer months, this all-inclusive staycation has plenty to keep you busy including three different resort pools, diverse dining options and beachside bars while being faced with unparalleled views of the Arabian Gulf.Just a short drive from home, the RAK Road Trip staycation is perfect for family, friends or a girls trip, even better, it’s dog friendly too.Starting at Dhs405, this all-inclusive offer comprises of unlimited cocktails or beverages pool or beachside, access to daily entertainment and fitness activities as well as kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding and access to the Kids Club, so the little ones can enjoy their holiday too.No staycation is complete without delicious food, and this package includes breakfast lunch and dinner. With a choice of restaurants, you can experience a laid-back atmosphere paired with international cuisine at Oasis Restaurant. Equally, you could escape to Italy at Cucina, taking your palate on a journey of fresh delights accompanied by a view of the ocean and an unforgettable sunset.[embedded content]Alongside multiple dining options, there are two temperature-controlled pools and three bars to enjoy the sun and some delicious food.With 253 chalets and cabanas to choose from, this is the perfect place to escape as a couple, family or larger group this summer.Book now to experience leisure by the beach, the BM way.For more information to make a reservation visit their website. – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and InstagramImages: Supplied More

Are you dreaming of a relaxing summer escape without the hassle of actually going on a holiday? If so, you’ve come to the right place with Privilee that is all set to give you an unforgettable time without breaking the bank.With unlimited access to the UAE’s best beach resorts and state-of-the-art gyms, there are a host of activities on board, with this lifestyle membership platform, giving access to one adult and up to three children at a spectacular rate of Dhs1,599 for a minimum time frame of three months.From discounts of up to 50 percent off at a plethora of restaurants, bars, spas, sports activities and personal training facilities at luxurious properties including, Zabeel Saray, Waldorf Astoria The Palm, Palazzo Versace, White Beach and many more hotels, you’re sure to stay fit and have the best time unwinding this year.Ensuring that the kids have some fun too, there are a host of family-friendly destinations onboard, with kids’ clubs to ensure they’re entertained while the adults unwind by the beach or pool as well.Additionally, there will be two for one vouchers and packages that members can avail of, exclusively through the Privilee application, with up to 40 per cent off year-round on discounts at hundreds of the UAE’s best restaurants and spas.Whether short-term or long-term plans, there are plenty of bespoke options available with a click of a button with unlimited access as per your convenience.For more information on this limited-edition offer visit privilee.ae/summer– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and InstagramFeature image: Supplied More

This first half of the year has been a busy one in terms of celestial events.To close out June, the final supermoon of 2021 is set to make an appearance – the Strawberry Moon.Set to occur from June 24 to June 26, the Strawberry Moon will light up the sky, but unlike the name, it won’t be strawberry hued (unfortunately).According to The Old Farmer’s Almanac, the indigenous people of North America have referred to June’s supernatural full moon phenomenon as ‘strawberry moon’ as berries are ready to be gathered during this month, while the moon appears larger than usual, as the moon’s orbit gets the closest to earth.Rather than having a strawberry shade tinge, the moon is set to have a golden hue, when caught 20 minutes after sunset, with peak illumination at 2:40pm Eastern time, which is at 10:40pm Dubai time.Keeping in mind the current period of Mercury Retrograde, the full moon occurrence is regarded as a crucial time for manifestation, allowing there to a phase when visions convert into reality.For all our astronomical fans out there, we have some good news and you can take a closer look at this phenomenon through an all-inclusive event on June 24, 2021 from 7pm to 9pm , as you can book your tickets on althurayaastronomycenter.ae as you witness it through a naked-eye observation, accompanied with a Q&A session and get to attend a lecture explaining this process, with a telescope observation also included, with tickets priced at Dhs70 for adults and Dhs50 for a child.The Dubai Astronomy Group is also potentially set to live-stream the event on their YouTube channel in case you miss the opportunity of physically being present at the event.At the event, it’s essential to wear your masks at all times while observing the necessary social distancing measures to curb the spread of the virus amid the programme. As tickets are limited it’s advised to book them at the earliest.– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and InstagramFeature image: Unsplash by Anna Asryan  More

With fans enamoured with their budding romance, Kerem Bürsin and Hande Erçel have opened up for the first time about their relationship in a recent interview.Whether holidaying in the Maldives or celebrating Bürsin’s birthday, the couple has been spotted together on several occasions.The pair first met on the new Turkish Drama series, Sen Çal Kapimi (You Knock On My Door), with rumours eventually emerging regarding their romance in the second half of last year.As details of the pair’s offscreen chemistry started to arise, fans have been curious ever since regarding where it’s heading next. In an interview with the title, Hikayede Kalmasin (Don’t Stay in the Story), questions arose with the pretext of when they plan on taking their relationship to the next level.When asked about their relationship, Bürsin responded saying, “We had not met before, we are talking about the first day we met, we came together because of work. We turned from friends to close friends, and we supported each other in difficult times. After a point, of course, God, I wonder? We said. We are lucky, I am lucky to be with Hande.”When Erçel was asked “Do you think about marriage?”, she responded nonchalantly, without denying or confirming their plans for the future.“We are just doing our job right now,” she said. “We have a pleasant relationship.”We’ll leave the fans to decide and speculate on that.– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and InstagramImages: Hande Erçel Instagram More

Known for his love for food, Sheikh Hamdan is always on top of his game with all the latest and must-visit restaurants in Dubai.From Michelin star chefs to award-winning food havens, we’re constantly on the lookout for where Dubai’s Crown Prince is set to dine next.Keeping this in mind, Emirates Woman has curated a list of all the luxe eateries that Sheikh Hamdan paid a visit to in 2021, with many more to be added as the Crown Prince continually pays a visit to some of the best restaurants in Dubai.The MAINE Land BrasserieKickstarting the year with his first meal at this haven, Sheikh Hamdan and his entourage visited this luxe steakhouse located in the ME by Melia Hotel in Business Bay. As Joey Ghazal breathes fresh life into this brasserie, the MAINE Land Brasserie, resonates with a jaw-dropping neo-speakeasy aesthetic with gorgeous interiors that have been carefully curated with specific attention to detail. With an image taken to Instagram, the caption said, “First lunch for @faz3 and #friends of the year #2021 at @themainedxb.”For more information visit the maine.aeIl BorroThis high-class Tuscan Bistro welcomed the Crown Prince of Dubai along with his team, with authentic cuisine and dishes that are made with ingredients that are freshly imported for a bespoke Italian experience. Sheikh Hamdan made his first outing to this Dubai restaurant since an announcement regarding the birth of his twins, Rashid and Sheikha had been made.For more information ilborrotuscanbistro.aeL’Atelier de Joël RobuchonThe authentic Fresh restaurant is famed for its celebrity clientele alongside Michelin star cuisine as it has received Sheikh Hamdan’s stamp of approval after opening in Dubai last year. With a focus on Joël Robuchon’s style which is emphasised by the brand’s signature red and black atmosphere, the dishes include a selection of noteworthy dishes ranging from truffle pizza to crispy poached egg with caviar, providing an unforgettable experience to every guest that enters the door.For more information visit atelier-robuchon.aeCarineWhile continuing to extend his support to several homegrown restaurants in the UAE, Sheikh Hamdan has been a long-time fan of Chef Izu Ani, the brainchild behind two notable restaurants in the UAE. Seen posing in this snap with Chef Izu, Sheikh Hamdan paid a visit to Gaia’s sister restaurant Carine, located in Emirates Golf Club, as the Dubai-based Chef also said, “Always an honour and great pleasure to have HH Sheikh Hamdan with us at Carine.”For more information visit dubaigolf.comGudee Pizza CaféKnown for their Afghani specialities, this eatery pushes beyond the borders of authentic cuisine in the heart of Dubai, with some of the most creative pizza combinations offered under one roof in the highly comforting atmosphere with a modern interpretation of the aforementioned cuisine with innovative desserts. Located at Gate Avenue mall level in DIFC, the Crown Prince’s uncle, Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum, also known as Uncle Saeed on Instagram, is a regular at Gudee’s.– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and InstagramFeature image: Instagram More

June’s – ‘The Beauty Issue’ – Download NowMonther Darwish, Managing Director at Palazzo Versace Dubai and Founder of Palazzo Hospitality discusses the Neoclassic references that drive clients to return.What do the first 30 minutes of your day look like, your morning routine?I don’t have an exact morning routine as each day is so different. On a typical day, however, I usually wake up to reading the property’s morning reports before having a quick catch-up with the management team.The Versace DNA is felt throughout the hotel – how long did this process take to build?Palazzo Versace Dubai is a detailed property that thoroughly embodies the brand’s DNA. Each corner of the hotel reflects the true essence of the Versace brand, from the dining venues that are tributes to Versace’s signature works, to the property’s interiors adorned with Versace fashion sketches and emblematic designs, the property is a testament to the brand’s storied heritage. The hotel group’s utmost priority was that the property reflects the Versace lifestyle which is bold, one-of-a-kind, and luxurious. ENSHAA is the development firm for the hotel, and the board’s goal was to have guests feeling like they’ve landed on a fashion runway straight out of Milan. Luxury was to be integrated in every part of the experience, be it while lounging by the pool or while dining at the restaurants. Every aspect of the hotel was created with minute attention to detail, from the architecture and interior design to the overall guest experience. For the property to be experienced in the best way possible, a top-notch team of hospitality experts was required to ensure guests have an unforgettable stay.Everything from to the china and furnishings is printed, how do you ensure everything stays on brand on a daily basis?Each team member is a guardian of the brand, from housekeeping to marketing or front office, Palazzo Versace Dubai is helmed by a team of experts. All team members are briefed on the many brand standards that we follow, reinforced by detailed training and team development to ensure that these parameters are met and respected at all times.Do you have a high client retention rate and do you see a trend in clients visiting from specific corners of the globe?Despite the pandemic, we are proud to say that our returning guest rate has only grown over time. Over the past few years, we have managed to build a great community of guests who love Dubai and love staying at Palazzo Versace thanks to the tailor-made experience, attention to detail and top-notch service that we pride ourselves in. There are a plethora of reasons why people return to Palazzo Versace Dubai, the warmth of the team, the quality of service and the experience overall is unmatched.What key aspects make the Palazzo Versace a truly unique experience?Although Dubai is one of the most diverse cities in the world in terms of hotel offerings and tourism experiences, Palazzo Versace Dubai remains, unlike any other property. The hotel’s strong identity, its opulence, luxury offering, and super adaptable team provide guests with a lifetime of memories. In Dubai, the property remains unique thanks to its strong ties with the fashion brand, providing a location that leaves guests feeling like they’ve flown to Milan for the latest fashion week. The food, the amenities and everything immerse guests in an unparalleled bubble of the finest luxury.How has the hotel industry had to adapt over the last year and what changes have you implemented?Needless to say, the hospitality industry was among the hardest hit by the pandemic. While February 2020 announced a promising year, March 2020 hit us like a hard wake-up call to reality. It was challenging to keep our doors open with only 5 per cent occupancy. Yet during this downtime, as a team, we worked together to improve sanitation protocols at all levels and to communicate continuously to guests through social platforms. We never let our guests down and ensured they stayed informed on how we were preparing to welcome them back when the time permitted. Since we worked overtime to remain on top, we experienced an amazing turnaround once restrictions were lifted – occupancy was at an all-time high and the summer months were highlighted by a rise in local travel and numerous staycation offerings that worked better than ever.What’s the best piece of business advice you’ve received?The best piece of business advice I’ve ever received is to turn challenges into opportunities. This advice has become even more relevant in light of the pandemic, a time when hoteliers have been forced to adapt and transition in the safest ways possible. Maintaining a hotel business in times like these, faced with industry-wide restrictions, was very difficult. However, as a team we managed to turn these challenges into business opportunities, allowing us to reach targets, surpass goals and maintain our budgets.What advice would you give to your younger self?I’d tell myself to never let a day pass without having achievement. Achievements can change depending on the day – on a bad day, an achievement could be just getting out of bed, other days it’s rewarding a hard-working member of the team or achieving a personal goal. Every day we should strive for something to look forward to.Tell us about the spa and the signature treatments you offer?The SPA at Palazzo Versace Dubai offers all kinds of body and face treatments complemented by luxury wellness brands. One of our newest additions to The SPA includes the Amber Essence massage, which happens to be one of my personal favourites. The treatment is a super relaxing massage using an Amber-scented candle by Moroccan brand marocMaroc that hydrates and comforts the skin instantaneously.This is ‘The Beauty Issue’ – what does beauty mean to you?Beauty to me is all about self-care and balance. We feel the most beautiful when we take care of ourselves, be it internally or externally. Balance is also key, the beauty of life comes by knowing how to keep ourselves balanced, to best serve ourselves and our community.

June’s – ‘The Beauty Issue’ – Download Now
– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
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