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    Why it’s important to know what this astrological change has in store

    Lifestyle

    by Team Emirates Woman
    3 hours ago

    Words by Kirstyn Lewis – Founder of the Karmic Soul
    In essence, March marks the beginning of new energies and a new astrological year, and you will soon feel things are just getting started. As you move into 2023 with greater wisdom, some may embrace the enormity of change right on your doorstep, but others may struggle. Let’s dive deeper.
    Firstly, the Universe now ensures we have left the past well and truly behind as the stars have finished clearing away any debris from 2022.
    The enormous forces of Saturn and Pluto are now on the move, signalling the dawn of a new era. On 7 March, responsible Saturn will enter dreamy Pisces, where he will be until 2026 but the biggest news in astrology since 2008 is Pluto’s move into Aquarius on 23 March. He will reside in this house for the next 21 years!
    Pluto in Aquarius is charged with the total transformation of society. He is tearing down outdated ideologies, but it offers relief in many ways. Since January 2008, Pluto had previously been intent on wrecking financial and institutional havoc in Capricorn. You may want to look back and reflect. What had the power or control over you during that time? Your career or company? An authoritative parent? A long-term partner who told you what to do and how to act? Did your assets and commitments tie you up? What did you have to fight to overcome?
    When Pluto moves into Aquarius toward the end of March, he starts to leave behind his autocratic influence and will focus on transforming data, science, health and technology.Expect to see more tightening around cyber security and financial transactions. Protection of your online identity will also become more critical. Who has your information?
    We are being asked to change how we look at the world and ourselves deep down. Pluto will very likely bring shock value into your life to force change upon you. Look to the house topics that Pluto is sitting in and see how he will also affect you personally, so you have a contingency.
    Were you born between 1993 and 1996? You are about to begin your Saturn Return starting in Pisces. Over the next 28-30 years: discipline is key; slow down and work through things systematically. You will be tested based on lessons given to you over the first three decades. Karmic debt is at play. Those without a voice can now expect to shine. Some will experience issues around loss, isolation, hidden enemies, secret love affairs and matters of their self-undoing. Listen to your intuition but choose wisely, as Saturn will make you responsible for your actions. Pisces is famous for escapism, but Saturn may well hand down a lesson this time. Safely navigate choppy waters by listening to those who have been there before and who offer the most empathy in times of difficulty.

    Saturn in Pisces dives deeper into all our intentions. He is transiting through a mutable sign, so you won’t always know how to act or what to expect and he can be mentally manipulative in this transit. You may waiver this way and that. It could be that you need some techniques, tactics, or training. If you feel lost, don’t discount a life coach until early 2025 to help you get through in one piece. Saturn returns one last time in Capricorn from mid-June for six months to see if we have learnt our last lesson.
    This is so dramatic; I hear you say. But it needs to be heard. To stay focused, you need to know the long game: 2026 will be very telling.
    Saturn in Pisces will love how cool-headed Pluto operates with such totality so is eager to help by setting down non-negotiable terms and conditions for everyone to follow. Together, their energies shout, “respect me”.
    Together, they will freeze out resistance and anyone against inevitable change. You’d be wise to set down your own non-negotiable rules if you don’t want to remain stuck or worse, become irrelevant. You likely won’t get a second chance as big as this during your lifetime.
    Society will have to deal with rapid advancements in this age of digital age and that of artificial intelligence. A spotlight will also shine on companies and careers in mental health, and spiritual practices, as well as pharmaceutical companies and alternative medicines which come into their own. Expect more concern about those in confinement, are they being helped or hindered? It looks like more holistic, empathetic practices need to be looked at. Those with careers in water management, marine biology, aquaculture, and aquarists will be in the spotlight. Hydrologists will hold the key to a critical key to the future of society. How can we save our oceans and, life on earth?
    Artificial Intelligence will be the new control mechanism and we will no longer know whom to point the finger at. This pattern started to emerge over the past three years when Saturn transited through Aquarius when he forced us to look at the rapid advancement of science and technology and understand its enormous transformative powers.
    Watch for news around 17 March in relation to writing, music, cinema, or a deep emotional tie. You may be struggling behind closed doors, but the planets are trying to kickstart a new direction for you. Things, that said, are currently out of your hands.
    Venus in Aries is now knocking on lucky Jupiter’s doorstep so will help out. This is a fortuitous aspect. This energy should bring short-term pleasure, success, abundance, and even personal recognition! Out of the blue, something good has come or is coming your way. It offers you more freedom of expression. See, it’s this way and then that!
    Mercury in Pisces will soon be in Cazimi, you will know this Arabic word meaning ‘in the heart of the Sun’. It indicates a joyful announcement is soon upon you. Oh no, wait, Mercury still needs to talk to Jupiter in Aries before giving you the green light to announce something publicly. Can you wait until early or mid-May?
    Now get to work on your game plan. The Universe is waiting to help you.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Instagram @sarashakeel More

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    Why a stay at Mandarin Oriental, New York should be added to your bucket list

    Lifestyle

    by David Roberts
    1 hour ago

    Background
    The property has been a part of New York City’s luxury hospitality setting since 2003. Two decades on, it shows no signs of having aged and instead manages to hold its own while several newer brands have flooded the market over the last few years.
    Where is it?
    It is located at one of the most coveted addresses in the city – more specifically on Manhattan’s Westside at Columbus Circle and at the southern entrance to the sprawling Central Park. The hotel is a part of the Deutsche Bank Centre – in fact, the third-floor lobby has an exclusive entrance to the retail floors of the centre.

    What’s it like?
    You’d be hard-pressed to find a better location than this. There may be only one dining option in the hotel itself, but there are plenty more among the wide selection of shops on the expansive retail floors. The lower lobby houses one of the largest Whole Foods shop that I’ve come across in New York and you are a hop, skip and a jump from Central Park. The staff are extremely welcoming and the MO Lounge offers breakfast, all-day dining and dinner with spectacular views.
    Rooms
    There are 244 rooms and suites in the hotel. We stayed in the spacious 75 sqm Hudson River View suite, whose shades of teal are a nod to the river. It features floor-to-ceiling windows that fill the room with light and there is a large desk to work, a sofa and a dining area for four, while the master bedroom has a king-size bed. If you’re looking for an ultra-luxurious experience at this hotel, there’s the 207 sqm Presidential suite that also features stunning 250-year-old parchment calligraphy.
    Food and Drink
    On the 35th floor is the MO Lounge whose contemporary furnishings and décor give it the feel of a by-invitation-only members club. However, all are welcome to this space which is open throughout the day. Its lunch and dinner menu is restricted to a page – but each item has been crafted to perfection. Hands down, the soup we ordered was the best soup we’ve tasted in all of NYC. The burrata, risotto, and salmon croque monsieur – with the option to add Golden Ossetra caviar – are all highly recommended.
    Meetings
    There are stunning events and meeting spaces on the property – perhaps the most impressive of them is the pillarless 550 sqm ballroom with commanding views over Central Park. There are three smaller rooms for board meetings, as well as The Gallery space where events are held amidst unique art pieces.
    Leisure
    A 1,350 sqm spa spans both the 34th and 35th floors. Rather than choosing a treatment type, you can opt for the Time Ritual wherein you specify a length of time and the therapist will offer a bespoke treatment to fit within that time slot. You can drop by the Technogym-fitted gym on the 36th floor, and you can also request a personal session with an on-call trainer. On the same floor is a 75ft lap pool with great views of the Hudson River.

    Verdict
    We thoroughly enjoyed our stay here and whatever requests we had including transportation, etc. were dealt with very efficiently. It may be a hangover from the bad old days of Covid, but when we checked in there were no coffee and tea amenities in our room which we discovered needed to be requested – and were promptly provided by room service. The same applied to our mini bar which, although fully stocked, was not unlocked until we contacted reception. Probably a good idea to organise that at check-in.
    Best for
    Sweeping views of Central Park, NYC’s skyline and the Hudson River
    Don’t miss
    A meal at MO Lounge
    Price
    Internet rates for a weeknight in December for a Hudson RiverView suite start at US$3,075 (Dhs1,124)
    Contact
    80 Columbus Circle at 60th Street, New York, New York 100023; +1 212-805-8800; mandarinoriental.com
    This article was originally published on Business Traveller Middle East and has been repurposed here with permission.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied  More

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    Valentine’s Day 2023: The best short breaks to book ASAP

    Lifestyle

    by Amy Sessions
    2 hours ago

    Thinking of a short escape to celebrate Valentine’s Day?
    So, pack your bags and run away with your other half to these editor-approved romantic getaways.
    Habitas, AlUla – Saudi Arabia

    Habitas AlUla is an experience- led property with a wider focus on sustainable living. Committed to eliminating single-use plastics within all of their locations, they have been awarded the Oceanic Champion Badge for adopting The Oceanic Standard, meaning you can support the planet while you enjoy your stay.
    The Wellness
    Book in for a full-body massage beside the colossal rocks for a sense of calm, peace and perspective.
    The Must-Try
    All the ingredients are sourced from local farms in communities surrounding AlUla, with the intention of bringing seasonal, fresh flavours to the table, making each dinner you’ll spend under the stars unique and special.
    For more information visit ourhabitas.com
    Amanjena, Marrakech – Morocco

    Inspired by the rose-hued buildings of old Marrakech, palatial Amanjena is close to the fabled Red City, set in its own expanse of gardens and grand open spaces. Shaded courtyards with fountains lead to the central basin that nourishes the gardens in which spacious standalone guest pavilions and maisons rest, all with private gardens and many with private pools. Views stretch across the olive groves and palms of the oasis, extending to the High Atlas Mountains on the horizon,
    The Wellness
    Dedicated to personal wellness, Amanjena’s spa facilities are serene and timeless, designed to calm, soothe and rejuvenate while expert therapists work on restoring optimal well-being. Book in for the ‘Release, Rebalance & Restore’ – a three-day spa experience designed to transform you; promote change, release tension, and build confidence and calm.
    The Must-try
    Embark on the airborne adventure of a lifetime and discover all the beauty of Marrakech’s landscapes while gracefully cruising through the skies by hot air balloon.
    For more information visit aman.com
    Cheval Blanc, Randheli

    The Maldives are impossibly tranquil, undeniably divine. The ocean right on your doorstep and an unrivalled level of service that you would expect from Cheval Blanc make this the ultimate in long-week-end relaxation.
    The Wellness
    Salutations to the sun and breathing in tune with the sea, are the perfect way to welcome the day. Both Yoga and meditation are offered on the beach, in the jungled gardens or overwater pavilions around the Maisons.
    The must-try
    The interiors are exteriors, and the exteriors boast idyllic tropical views… The White serves island-inspired flavours from dawn to dusk in airy relaxation and is not to be missed during your stay.
    For more information visit chevalblanc.com
    February’s – The Innovation 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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    9 innovative social media accounts to follow on Instagram

    Lifestyle

    by Sarah Joseph
    1 hour ago

    A curated guide of all the innovative accounts to #follow this month.
    Valmont Cosmetics@valmoncosmetics
    Swiss cellular cosmetics with science at the core.
    Gucci@gucci
    The luxe Italian fashion house is known for reinventing itself.
    Loquet London@loquetlondon
    Fine Jewellery focused on charms that tell your story.
    Drest@drest
    Merging fashion and gaming with infinite metaverse possibilities.
    Farfetch@farfetch
    A luxury marketplace designed to empower individuality.
    Matchesfashion@matchesfashion

    An e-commerce heavyweight with directional buying.
    Browz.uae@browz.uae

    Enhancing natural beauty using cutting-edge techniques.
    Killa Design@killadesign_

    Innovative buildings that are timeless, sustainable and contextually inspired.
    Apple@apple

    Design perfection, leading the tech space.
    February’s – The Innovation 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 chic coffee table books for a strong interiors game

    Lifestyle

    by Sarah Joseph
    1 hour ago

    Designed for the avid traveller, minimalist and art enthusiast, coffee table books have become a decor staple in every home.
    As a visually stunning aesthetic designed to be placed on coffee tables, bedside tables, dining tables and even TV consoles, coffee table books have gained immense popularity over the years with its thick glossy pages created to educate readers of all ages.
    Whether you’re looking to spruce your home or gift a memoir to your loved one, these eye-catching books can seamlessly fit into any shelf.
    With eye-pleasing artwork and carefully curated pages, Emirates Woman has curated a guide of all the best coffee table books to invest in.

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

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    10 times Sheikh Hamdan has given us wanderlust inspiration

    Lifestyle

    by Sarah Joseph
    2 hours ago

    With travelling back on the radar again, there’s no better source of inspiration than His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai.
    From mountainous regions to adrenaline-fueled spots, Fazza’s travels around the world exude his passion for exploration and adventure.
    After digging through the archives, Emirates Woman has curated a list of all the potential places to add to your bucket list from Sheikh Hamdan’s feed.
    United Kingdom

    Sheikh Hamdan has been seen in London quite a few times over the years and even recently made a visit with his twins, Rashid and Shaika, to the Godolphin stables. Having previously studied at Royal Military College, Sandhurst, Fazza has a strong connection to the UK and is often seen taking a trip to one of his favourite destinations.
    Tanzania

    Exploring both nature and immersing himself in the culture, Sheikh Hamdan’s picture-perfect safari trip to Tanzania looked beyond idyllic. While being surrounded by wildlife, the thrill-seeker shared a series of clips while jumping over a large pool of water and exploring the dense forests. The trip was indeed an adventurous one with all the outdoor activities the royal was seen trying out.
    Japan

    In 2019, Sheikh Hamdan made a visit east to Japan. Regarded as a highly-trained fitness enthusiast, the Dubai royal was seen posing with bronze sculptures of rugby player Michael Leitch and sumo wrestler Tochinoshin Tsuyoshi. He was also captured taking some classes and trying some delicious food, he’s undoubtedly ticked off a host of must-visit venues on his trip to Japan. From grazing through the enchanted streets or travelling by the high-speed bullet train to Tokyo, make a note of all the must-dos on your next trip.
    South Korea

    Nearly three years ago, in 2019, Sheikh Hamdan paid a visit to Seoul in South Korea. He posted a photo of himself in front of Gyeongbokgung Palace, one of the country’s must-visit attractions. Along with his Uncle Saeed, they visited historic spots in the city, as well as enjoyed matcha milkshakes, a very popular drink of choice in East Asia.
    Estonia

    In 2018, Sheikh Hamdan took his riding skills international, participating in a 160km endurance race in Estonia. During his travels in the Eastern European country, he also shared a series of photos of him cycling in Estonia along with his friend Saeed Jabber Al Harbi.
    Uzbekistan

    There’s no doubt, that Sheikh Hamdan is always seen posing in the great outdoors. His recent trip to Uzbekistan in November 2021 consisted of all the engaging activities such as camping, falconry, exploring nature and also visiting some of the local residents in the country.
    USA

    Back in 2018, Dubai’s Crown Prince travelled to the USA visiting popular cities like Chicago and New York City.
    Denmark

    Spotted on this self-governing archipelago, which is part of the Kingdom of Denmark, the Faroe Islands is known for its picturesque coastal cliffs and gorgeous open skies. Seen taking a selfie with nature, this popular photo was all over social media.
    Canada

    Exploring the peaks of British Columbia, the royal was seen enjoying this snow-filled holiday on Canada’s ski slopes back in 2019. This stunning wintry escape is everything one looks for in the cooler months. Snowboarding, snow-cover buildings and spruce trees were some of the elements which truly made this holiday complete.
    Italy

    Seen posing in the popular frame shot with the Leaning Tower of Pisa, Sheikh Hamdan visited Italy in 2017, as the snap was captured with perfect precision. From relishing some delicious pasta to walking on the cobbled steps, this beautiful destination is one to add to your list too.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Feature image: Instagram @faz3 More

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    Beyoncé officially announces her first world tour in seven years

    Lifestyle

    by Sarah Joseph
    43 mins ago

    Queen B is making a comeback and this time it’s for the public.
    The pop megastore will embark on a long-awaited Renaissance World Tour that starts in May in Sweden, then later head to Belgium, the United Kingdom, France, Spain, Denmark, the Netherlands and Poland before she continues her journey to North America.
    The official website has already stated the tour dates will start in the beginning of May and wrap up in New Orleans, LA on September 27, 2023.

    A series of pre-sale tickets for the UK shows will begin at 10am GMT on Thursday before the general ticket sales go live on Tuesday.
    First private concert at Atlantis The Royal
    For Atlantis The Royal’s grand opening, Beyoncé performed in a private concert for VIP guests from around the world. However, she did not perform any songs from Renaissance, making the upcoming world tour the first one for this album. The surprise element of the concert was when Beyoncé called her 11-year-old daughter Blue Ivy during the concert for a live performance on Brown Skin Girl.

    Additionally, her performance was complemented by the Lebanese dance group Mayyass, the season 17 winners of America’s Got Talent. This collaborative performance was nothing short of awe-inspiring.
    The concert was attended by a number of A-listers including her husband Jay Z, American model and reality TV star Kendall Jenner, British singer Liam Payne, American model Olivia Colbo, Indian actor Amer Khan, British actress Michelle Keegan and Emily in Paris star Ashley Park.
    More information about her tour and tickets is available on the singer’s official website. Visit tour.beyonce.com for more details and tickets.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Instagram More

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    Take your health and fitness to the next level with Fitbit in 2023

    Lifestyle

    by Team Emirates Woman
    2 hours ago

    IN PARTNERSHIP: As you set fresh new intentions for 2023, Fitbit is here to play a key role in bringing about these changes. With the importance of small yet sustainable changes, regular fitness activities can help destress individuals from the stresses of daily life. Designed to constantly motivate people to do activities beyond their comfort zone, the brand has garnered a growing community of enthusiasts who want to prioritise fitness and make it part of their daily lifestyle.
    Recently, Fitbit, part of the Google family, hosted an exclusive wellness day at The Retreat Palm – a wellness hotel, which included a range of fitness and wellness activities along with some meaningful conservations and a networking session.
    Prateek Kewalramami, Head of Marketing of Fitbit – MEA at Google, opened the event with a keynote and shared an interesting statistic,“2022 was an incredible year for the Fitbit community. We stepped up and clocked 20 billion total miles in 2022, which was enough to walk to Mars 143 times.”

    For many people, the month of January is synonymous with New Year’s resolutions. Google Search trends back this up: Every January, we see spikes in searches related to making positive changes, particularly around health and wellness, like getting better sleep, reducing stress and increasing fitness. Products like Fitbit can be of great help as they come with tools and features that provide insights into your body and behaviours. Those insights can help you figure out how best to tackle your goals and feel better in general.

    In an interactive session with David Amehame, Regional Sales Manager, Middle East & Africa, Fitbit at Google, he mentioned that “One of the biggest reasons people shy away from setting health goals is that they believe they must set grand aims for themselves.”
    “A health goal can be as simple as dedicating 30 minutes to exercising daily or swapping an item in your groceries for a healthier alternative. Not only are lots of small changes easier to maintain than one significant change, but they’ll also probably deliver a broader range of health benefits,” he emphasised.

    Throughout the evening, guests were able to push boundaries through a series of adrenaline-fuelled activities such as Aquafit, where they could pedal on stationary bikes in the swimming pool for healthy resistance. Participants also had an opportunity to make their own fruit smoothie on a spin-cycled powered juicer specifically designed for the evening.

    Through interactive sessions, the brand also highlighted the innovative Active Zone Minutes (AZM) which tracks the amount of time a user spends in a heart-pumping activity. During the programme, the team shed light on another achievement of the global community in 2022 reaching a combined total of 173 billion AZM, proving the device’s capability to make fitness a priority for its users.

    By bringing a series of new opportunities to the table, Fitbit is committed to supporting your health goals and has added new enticing premium workouts to complement their users’ new year intentions.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Instagram @FitbitMENA More