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    Long weekend: 8 of the best hotels to book for a much-needed escape

    Life

    by Sarah Joseph
    3 hours ago

    If you’re looking to take a break over the long weekend or even extend your holiday to make a trip out of it, we’re here to help.
    There is a myriad of sophisticated properties around the globe, that will ensure you switch-off and feel rejuvenate before we’re back again for the last month of the year.
    From tailor-made butler services to overwater bungalows, it’s never too late to book a quick escape this weekend for utmost relaxation.
    With the UAE declaring a three-day public holiday for both public and private sectors this weekend, it’s time to start booking.

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

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    13 lavish hotels to book with private pools in the UAE

    Life

    by Sarah Joseph
    14 hours ago

    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 Dhabi
    Anantara Eastern Mangroves Hotel & Spa

    If 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.com
    Saadiyat Rotana Resort & Villas, Saadiyat Island

    Located 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.com
    Al Wathba, A Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa

    Rooted 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.com
    Dubai
    One&Only The Palm

    This 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.com
    Anantara The Palm

    With 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.com
    Nikki Beach Resort & Spa

    With 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.com
    Melia Desert Palm

    This 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.com
    Bulgari Resort Dubai

    Bringing 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.com
    Mandarin Oriental Jumeirah, Dubai
    Mandarin Oriental Jumeirah Dubai’s newly renovated Royal Penthouse boasts a panoramic rooftop terrace with a private 7-metre outdoor swimming pool and a sleek firepit and lounge area for ala fresco dining with epic, unobstructed views of the Arabian Gulf that only you and your guests can exclusively enjoy.
    For reservations, call +971 4 777 2222
    Al Maha, a Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa

    Just 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.
    Ras Al Khaimah
    The Ritz-Carlton, Ras Al Khaimah, Al Hamra Beach

    Escape to the shores of Ras Al Khaimah at The Ritz-Carlton Al Hamra Beach resort which has 32 luxurious villas that each have their very own private pool, as well as direct beach access.
    The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert

    For 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 Instagram
    Images: Supplied & Feature Image: Instagram @oothepalm More

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    7 celebrity-approved hotels to book a staycation at in Dubai

    Life

    by Sarah Joseph
    15 hours ago

    VIEW GALLERY/ 7 IMAGES
    While being titled as one of the most luxurious capitals in the world, Dubai is a hub to millions of visitors every year, some of which include celebrities.
    Emirates Woman has curated a list of A-list-approved hotels where popular faces from around the world have chosen to have a getaway.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied & Feature Image: Getty (Kevin Mazur) More

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    All the luxe hotels with private pools in the UAE

    Life

    by Sarah Joseph
    2 hours ago

    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 Dhabi
    Anantara Eastern Mangroves Hotel & Spa

    If 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.com
    Saadiyat Rotana Resort & Villas, Saadiyat Island

    Located 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.com
    Al Wathba, A Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa

    Rooted 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.com
    Dubai
    One&Only The Palm

    This 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.com
    Anantara The Palm

    With 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.com
    Nikki Beach Resort & Spa

    With 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.com
    Melia Desert Palm

    This 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.com
    Bulgari Resort Dubai

    Bringing 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.com
    Al Maha, a Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa

    Just 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.
    Ras Al Khaimah
    The Ritz-Carlton, Ras Al Khaimah, Al Hamra Beach

    Escape to the shores of Ras Al Khaimah at The Ritz-Carlton Al Hamra Beach resort which has 32 luxurious villas that each have their very own private pool, as well as direct beach access.
    The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert

    For 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 Instagram
    Images: Supplied & Feature Image: Instagram @ More

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    7 celebrity-approved hotels to visit in Dubai ASAP

    Life

    by Sarah Joseph
    46 mins ago

    VIEW GALLERY/ 7 IMAGES
    While being titled as one of the most luxurious capitals in the world, Dubai is a hub to millions of visitors every year, some of which include celebrities.
    Emirates Woman has curated a list of A-list-approved hotels where popular faces from around the world have chosen to have a getaway.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied & Feature Image: Getty (Kevin Mazur) More

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    9 wanderlust-inspired accounts to #follow on Instagram this month

    Life

    by Sarah Joseph
    40 mins ago

    Looking for new travel-inspired accounts to follow on Instagram for where to go this summer? Emirates Woman has curated the ultimate guide of restaurants and hotels to fill your feed with a host of aesthetic venues.
    Banyan Tree AlUla@banyantree.alula
    A sustainable sanctuary set in the heart of the desert valley.
    Bungalo34@bungalo34
    Where effortless style meets casual beachside bliss.
    Ancient Greek Sandals@ancientgreeksandals
    Cool craftsmanship.
    Olivia Von Halle@oliviavonhalle
    Luxury loungewear designed for evenings out and in alike.
    Christopher Esber@christopher_esber

    Directional cuts for a cool girl vibe.
    Anantara Golden Triangle@anantara_goldentraingle
    A jungle base where you can explore Nature in Thailand.
    Six Senses Ibiza@sixsenses.ibiza
    The best of bohemian luxe.
    NOMAD
    @from.nomad

    An eco-conscious brand for key summer attire.
    Eres@eres

    Discover the French savoir-faire through its swimwear, lingerie and activewear collections.
    Images: Supplied & Feature Image: Instagram @by_eva_ More

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    Why Aman New York is the perfect mix of peace and fast-paced

    Life

    by Amy Sessions
    3 hours ago

    East meets West and old meets new. Manhattan’s iconic Crown Building is reimagined as Aman New York, where the city’s original architectural splendour and Aman’s harmonious design language collide, reimagining the inimitable tranquillity of Aman in the heart of Manhattan’s midtown. With a year-round Garden Terrace, flagship Aman Spa and spacious suites all among the largest in the city.
    The Stay
    Among the largest in the city, Aman New York’s Suites and Signature Suites are inspired by the airy architecture of Aman’s properties in Southeast Asia. Ideal for business or leisure guests alike, they offer a never-before-experienced sense of sanctuary in the very heart of Manhattan’s midtown – an invitation to switch off from the outside world. From the Junior Suite on Fifth Avenue to the Aman Suite, each offers a functioning fireplace, a first in New York City, while bathrooms (the dividing doors alone took two years to design) are opulent and oversized with oval soaking bathtubs designed to deliver peace at the end of a busy day.

    The Dining
    Bringing Aman’s eastern roots to one of the West’s greatest cities, Nama celebrates the Japanese washoku dining tradition with authentic, uncomplicated and elegant dishes that champion the world’s finest produce. The restaurant also features a Japanese Hinoki wood counter for hosting omakase fine dining experiences.
    If you prefer Italian, make Arva your go-to. Pre Jazz-club this is the perfect start to a night of all good things in life. Drawing its name from the Latin word for ‘cultivated land’ that evolved into the English word ‘harvest,’ Arva brings the rustic, flavour-focused traditions of Italy to Aman.
    With a strong focus on fresh seasonal ingredients and uncomplicated, heart-warming dishes you can enjoy a leisurely dinner for two or a long-table Italian style with friends and family.

    The Wellness
    In the heart of Manhattan, Aman Spa New York reaches new, uncharted heights in the city, epitomising the phrase urban sanctuary with over 2,300 square metres (25,000 square feet) of space dedicated to wellbeing. Bringing to life the fullest expression of Aman’s health and wellness concept yet, it offers unmatched facilities including two luxurious private Spa Houses, along with transformative experiences and cutting-edge wellness and performance science, acting as a wellspring for enhanced wellbeing beyond its physical boundaries.
    Occupying the 9th, 10th, and 11th floors, Aman Spa New York is imbued with a deeply contemplative ambience designed using natural materials to create a grounding environment. Every detail has been carefully considered to ease guests along their wellness journey, whether consulting with a functional and integrative medical doctor, Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner or experienced Physiotherapist.
    If you want a sure-fire way to beat any jetlag – try a cryo therapy session. You’ll move from one cold chamber to another and if you can do the 3 minutes you will feel incredible afterwards; expect; reduced inflammation, a boost in energy and mental clarity.

    The Hero Experience
    A quintessential New York concept reimagined by Aman, the Jazz Club brings a sense of occasion back to Midtown Manhattan in speakeasy style. Nightly live performances include jazz, alongside a range of other genres that stem from this great class of music, while an array of New York DJs invoke the energy of celebration and the nostalgia of years gone by. Whether you’re usually in bed at 9pm or not, this is a must-visit while you’re in a city that never sleeps. You won’t regret it.
    If you really want to impress, beat the traffic and book a helicopter commute into the city with BLADE. Blade is a technology-powered, global air mobility platform committed to reducing travel friction by providing cost-effective air transportation alternatives to some of the most congested ground routes in the U.S. and abroad. You can book a trip directly into the heart of NY. While your bags are delivered to AMAN.
    May’s – The Horology 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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    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