lifestyle and culture

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

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