lifestyle and culture

If you ever needed the perfect excuse to indulge in some delicious French cuisine, this Tuesday, July 14 is the time to do it as it marks Bastille Day, the national day of France.
While Dubai is a good seven hours flight away from France, there are plenty of incredible French restaurants where you can celebrate right here in the region.

Whether you fancy dining in, or dining from the comfort of your own home these French restaurants in Dubai have something on offer for everyone.
Couqley

This quintessential Dubai-based French bistro is the ideal place to dine for some amazing cuisine, and from the 14th to the 18th of July restaurant-goers can end their meals on the ultimate high note. Couqley has created a limited-edition Charlotte Aux Framboises – a creamy raspberry mousse, wrapped in crispy lady finger biscuits and topped with fresh raspberries – available for Dhs43.
LPM Restaurant & Bar

If you happen to be in DIFC on Tuesday, pop in for lunch at LPM Restaurant & Bar to take advantage of their new express menu. The two-course menu priced at Dhs135 per person is designed for guests to be served within 60 minutes. However, if you’d rather dine from home, choose from some of their most popular dishes for delivery on Deliveroo.
La Cantine du Faubourg

If you feel like going all out for Bastille Day, head down to La Cantine to take advantage for their set menu of classic French dishes for Dhs400 per person. This includes a starter, main course and dessert, as well as a bottle of red or white wine which can be shared between two people.
Bistro des Arts

For the perfect grazing board, head to Bistro des Arts in Dubai Marina for their master planche. For Dhs199 for two people to share, enjoy a selection of charcuterie and cheese, plus a bottle of De Marius.
– For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram.
Feature Image: Supplied More

If you want to inject some personality into your home, look no further than Maison Mishmashi.
With Syrian heritage, Maya Toron Al Omary grew up between the US and France and then spent some time in Morocco before making Dubai her home, there is definitely a cross-cultural references throughout her creations.

Her colourful statement pieces are now available at THAT concept store at Mall of The Emirates. A space to discover the brand and artisanal pieces from all over the world, Al Omary has created an exclusive home-grown collection of pillows, puffs and other home furnishings to inspire a new attitude of your personal space.
Get to know the Creative Director who will be enhancing your home, one unique piece at a time.

What was your favourite subject at school?
Sociology. I have realised the older I get I am more and more fascinated by the way of people and the reality that living is a continual process of growth and adaptation. Today I am convinced and it really seems hard to deny, that the way we come to express ourselves through our work is a product of our socialisation.
What was your first job?
I have always been an entrepreneur at heart. Having married fairly young, I always searched for what would help me achieve my personal ideal work/life balance. So my first real job was an art/café which I started in the U.S and where I learned to make the meanest cappuccinos – the foam standing sky high – I took the barista part of the job quite seriously.
What inspired you to launch Maison Mishmashi?
I started Mishmashi at a pivotal point in my life, I was searching for what could have deep meaning for me, and so decided (with the push from my entourage of family and dear friends) to follow my passion of design but just as important, create a brand under which I would document my journey, processes and creations and connect through them to people on an emotional level. That part of the vision came from within, I trusted my instinct without any real business plan and so The Mishmashi Life was born. Now known as  Maison Mishmashi- I have a platform through which I share my creative methods, products, inspirations, and lifestyle ideas both from home and in the studio – in recent years it is very much about our design collections and our beloved Queen Pouf Chair. Our motto is “What You Love is Beautiful” because I believe there are no rules or limits to define a beautiful design. My designs come from my imagination but also spring from a conscious awareness and research and the merge between fashion and interiors.  A large part of my philosophy and aesthetic also has to do with my biography. Both of my parents are accomplished painters, and so I grew up appreciating the experimental process. Having been raised in New York and Paris also gave me early exposure to the amazing ways that classical design and modern functionality cross – a contrast that is reflected in my work. Finally, I feel that my Syrian origin imbues my creations with folklore and emotion. Its Simply Mishmashi.

What are the key elements of your role?
I am exactly what my designation says, Creative Director. I personally select and source all my fabrics, I design my pieces and have a team of very talented and gifted people who literally “stitch” my designs to reality. I am also in charge of my social media platform as I place great importance in continuing to tell my story in an honest fashion #truestory and overseeing the running of my daily operation.
What advice do you have for anyone looking to follow in the same footsteps?
Don’t look at life or your potential business as a race to the finish line. Believe in yourself, grow organically. Which leads me to “adaptability” – yes, a business plan is a helpful tool but it shouldn’t be the ultimate, unchanging guide for your business. Sometimes things change, and you should be able to adapt your plan to those changes.
Which fashion brands can we find in your work wardrobe?
You will find so many different brands, a “mishmash’ in my closet quite literally– I choose my clothes as I do my fabrics, what makes my heart skip a beat- this can sometimes be a rare find from a flea market or local artisan shop in my visits abroad. Ahem, I still love my Gucci, Louis Vuitton and Chanel bags but just as much love (and cannot live without) my Stan Smiths, Converse and Golden Goose babies (I practically live in sneakers). My clothes are a simple array of local and international designers- if I like the fit – it’s a done deal.

What is the best piece of advice you ever received?
Follow your heart and instinct and don’t worry about being” successful” now – rather be genuine, honest and true to yourself and what you are offering, the success will follow.
And what is the worst?
“Keep Your Business and Personal Life Separate” – While there can be some merit to this piece of advice in certain situations, I truly don’t think it’s an absolute rule. I feel my business is organically thriving thanks a great deal to the personal touch and our story we share with customers whether in person or through social media, this has proven to be so valuable, you can’t even put it into words. Everything that Is part of the weave of my journey without airing any real personal drama of course! But being a little bit open and personable with my customers, in my experience, is a good thing.

What has been the biggest challenge you had to overcome?
The biggest challenge would have to be when I acquired my first studio in the beginning stages of my business. I was still focused on developing my brand identity at the time and was also seriously experimenting with my designs. I quickly found my overhead costs increasing and sales not even close enough to cover most of it. I then kept reading and asking and eventually found ways to bring down some of my costs, which included the hard decision of moving my studio. This taught me the hard lesson that “Experience is a master teacher, even when it’s not our own” – I continued speaking to people, learning from their experiences, reading and researching from other stories. The silver-lining was a life lesson – we benefit from “their” experience as well as our own and we can inherit new wisdom and knowledge by keeping an open mind and adapting to what may be happening now even as we look to the future.
– For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram.
Images: Supplied More

While many of us presumed travel plans would be completely put on hold for the summer due to the global pandemic, many countries have opened their borders including Italy.
However, before you book your plane tickets to soak up the sun on the Italian Riviera, you should be aware there are visitors from 13 countries that are banned from visiting Italy – including three Middle Eastern countries – for the time being due to fears over COVID-19 spreading further.

The three Middle Eastern countries include Bahrain, Kuwait and Oman and the rest of the list includes Armenia, Bangladesh, Bosnia, Brazil, Chile, the Dominican Republic, North Macedonia, Moldova, Panama and Peru.
Speaking on the decision, Italian Health Minister Roberto Speranza said the move was to protect the sacrifices the Italian people have made through the last few months.

“Throughout the world, the pandemic has entered a more acute phase,” he said. “We cannot throw away the sacrifices made by Italians in recent months.”
Italy has been one of the worst-hit countries by the virus, becoming the first country outside of China to have recorded COVID-19 cases earlier this year.
However, the country hit their worst peak towards the end of March and daily numbers of COVID-19 cases have significantly dropped since then. Italy has had 242,827 confirmed cases of COVID-19, with 13,303 of those still active and a total of 34,945 fatalities.

Meanwhile, in the UAE, there have been 54,050 confirmed cases, with 43,969 recoveries and 330 deaths.

– For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram.
Feature Image: Unsplash  More

The Wanderlust
Bvlgari Resort Dubai
Where: Jumeriah Bay, Dubai
The Vibe: The Epitome of Luxury

USP: To switch off in true style and luxury whilst staying close to home, the Bvlgari Resort Dubai is the perfect place to do so. Having recently launched ‘Bvlgari Staycations’, it’s the ideal time to take advantage of the unsurpassed facilities and impeccable, considered service the resort has to offer. Driving over the bridge to this haven you’ll feel the calm wash over you in knowing that this level of luxury exists only in those who know how to attend to your every need whilst allowing you the feeling of an uninterrupted, private stay. We’re lucky enough to have stayed in a multitude of stunning hotels the globe over and this is one of the absolute best.

The Bvlgari Staycations menu consists of four experiences: B.FAMILY, B.PRIVATE, B.ACTIVE and B.BEAUTIFUL.
For a staycation getaway with the whole family, the resort’s B.FAMILY package keeps both the parents and children’s needs in mind with a two-night stay. While the children are supervised at the resort’s Little Gems Club, the parents can enjoy a spa treatment together getting 90 minutes of pure relaxation and peace. For dinner, guests will receive the best of both worlds enjoying a private family dinner in their villa one evening, and the second evening the children will be treated to a private pyjama party. Meanwhile, parents can enjoy some one-on-one time for dinner at Il Ristorante – Niko Romito with a special set menu.
Those seeking a truly private getaway, Bvlgari’s B.PRIVATE experience will ensure guests feel like the resort is their own home with this two-night stay. With an early check-in at midday, guests will immediately be treated to a family-style brunch. To start the day off on a high-note during your first morning at the resort, enjoy a personal 60-minute training session with a WORKSHOP Performance Specialist. Wind down in the evening with a private masterclass with the resort’s expert mixologist, which will then lead into a BBQ dinner.

Bvlgari’s third unique package, B.ACTIVE, is catered for guests seeking a getaway, but being able to continue to stay active. With a series of wellbeing activities, spa treatments and personal training sessions, guests will receive a special two-night program to meet their needs. Included in the program are two 60-minute training sessions with a personal trainer, one 60-minute yoga class and two 60-minute spa treatments at the Bvlgari Spa. A healthy lunch and dinner will also be included in the experience.
Finally, for those looking to experience the ultimate relaxation and rejuvenation, Bvlgari’s B.BEAUTIFUL experience is perfect. The one-night stay includes three-hour Royal Lulur Treatment for two at the Bvlgari Spa along with manicure and pedicure at the Y12 Salon. Ladies will also receive a luxurious hair mask treatment, as well as a cut and blow-dry. For the men, they will be treated to a traditional Italian beard shave and haircut. As the sun sets, guests will enjoy an Aperitivo at Il Bar followed by a three-course set menu at Il Ristorante – Niko Romito.
Overall, the Bvlgari Resort Dubai is the ideal place to recuperate, reset and reinvest time in yourself after months of staying put at home.
The details: Located in Jumeriah Bay, Dubai, the Bvlgari Resort is a short 25-minute drive from Dubai Airport. The Bvlgari Staycation experiences start from Dhs2,800 and are inclusive of daily breakfast and early check-in at 12.00pm. For reservations email room.reservations.dubai@bulgarihotels.com or call +971 4 777 5555.
The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert

Where: Ras Al Khaimah
The Vibe: The modern Bedouin
USP: Escape to the golden dunes of the desert where the stars look brighter than the sun and the facilities are as luxurious as you’d expect of a Ritz-Carlton property. The all-pool-villa resort is offering a culinary Desert Bliss package. Breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner will be delivered at allocated time slots with selected beverages. To make your stay extra special, the team will arrange little treats throughout, including a romantic bubble bath with a side of strawberries and cream. Don’t forget to check out the 45-minute interactive Falcon and Owl Show and take advantage of the complimentary private beach access at the nearby The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Hamra Beach which can be reached by a dedicated shuttle.
The details: Located in Al Mazraa, Wadi Khadija – Ras al Khaimah, this is the ideal distance from Dubai for a staycation. Prices start at Dhs4,200 per villa, per night for two adults up to two children under 12 years. Children under 12 years stay and dine on a complimentary basis. For reservations call +971 7 206 7777.
Al Maha, a Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa

Where: Dubai
The Vibe: Luxurious Arabian Dwelling
USP: Set amongst a wildlife reserve, this is the perfect escape for a weekend away. On your way there, the tranquil vistas of golden sands and views of the Hajar mountains will keep you company. The tented Bedouin-style accommodation complete with ornate doors and antiques and wooden chests, majlis-style courtyards, lantern-lit outdoors all give a warm sensation of luxurious Arabian living. Your stay is tailored to suit you and the choice to do as much or as little rests with you. Midnight swims in the pool, falconry, sunset camel rides, mouth-watering meals, stargazing and complete privacy (you might get a surprise visit from a curious gazelle) are all on the menu along with service that is second to none.
The details: Located a mere 45 minutes away from Dubai International Airport, it is located at the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, Dubai Al Ain Road. Suite rates begin at Dhs3,400 per day during weekdays and Dhs3,950 per night during weekends.  Children of ages 10 and below are not allowed. For reservations call +971 4 832 9900.
Six Senses Zighy Bay

Where: Zighy Bay, Oman
The Vibe: Rustic Luxe
USP: If you’re putting plans in place for your next getaway out of the country once borders open, why not look close to home in Oman? For the ultimate relaxation, escape to the secluded and serene setting of Six Senses Zighy Bay. The luxury villas have a rustic vibe, each coming with their own pool giving optimum privacy for guests. Whether you fancy a trip to the spa, a calming fishing session or just lounging on the beach, this is the place to rejuvenate and recharge. As night hits, enjoy dinner at the array of different dining options at the resort which features both local and international cuisines.
The details: A two-hour drive from Dubai Airport, this is a great option for a staycation that really feels like you’ve travelled somewhere far away.  Prices start from Dhs4,875 for a pool villa for two adults. For reservations call +968 2 673 5555. Please note Zighy Bay is yet to reopen. 
Zaya Nurai Island Resort‎

Where: Nurai Island, Abu Dhabi
The Vibe: Fancy Bohemian
USP: Away from the hustle and bustle of the city, Zaya Nurai Island is the perfect destination to escape to paradise. So much so, you’ll feel the vacation mode switching on as soon as you get on the boat to the island. From a wide range of dreamy suites and rooms, Zaya Nurai Island has all the options you’re looking for with sea views and water villas. The island is surrounded by sweeping grass canopies combining all the elements for the dream location.
The details: Situated off the coast of Saadiyat, Abu Dhabi, it’s easily accessible via a short speedboat transfer and minutes travel time from Abu Dhabi city. Suite rates begin at Dhs3,125 per day during weekdays and Dhs5,000 per night during weekends. For reservations call +971 2 506 6222.
Pick up a copy of ‘The Summer Escape Issue’ or download it here.
– For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram.
Images: Supplied More