Life

Just saying “Maldives” is enough to convince us to hop on the next plane out of Dubai.
Not only is this dreamy all-year-round destination is less than a five-hour flight away, but you also don’t have to quarantine for 14 days on arrival. Earlier this month, The Maldives’ Ministry of Tourism confirmed that all you need is a negative PCR test result, taken within 72 hours of arrival. You will then receive a 30-day visa.

With tourism still relatively low in comparison to last year, this is the perfect time to take advantage of some great deals. With numerous activities, dreamy sunsets and velvety weather, how can we resits?
Note, that you can also visit more than one resort in the Maldives, just make sure to send your request to the Ministry of Tourism two days before flying out.
Taj Group Hotel Maldives

Taj Exotica Resort & Spa and Taj Coral Reef Resort & Spa are both offering 25 per cent off your stay if you book 30 days in advance. The offer also includes daily breakfast for two, complimentary snorkelling kit in your room and free access to the gym and non-motorised water sports (excluding lessons and stand-up paddle).
SAii Lagoon Maldives and Hard Rock Hotel Maldives

Nestled within the Emboodhoo Lagoon, just 15 minutes by boat from Male’ International Airport, both retreats offer an array of immersive experiences. Those making a reservation between the 19 to the 25 of September 2020 for a stay between the 20 of September to the 20 of December 2020 will receive 40 per cent off on best available rate at the resorts. The offer is inclusive of breakfast, a one-time dining experience, a confirmed upgrade (T&Cs apply), resort credit of up $200 for five night’s stay or more, and complimentary return transfer for two for seven night’s stay or more.
Anantara Kihavah Maldives

Ahead of the resort’s reopening on September 27, Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas is offering several special stay packages designed for you to make the most of your Maldives vacation. Our top pick is The Best Of The Maldives At Kihavah that brings together three of the best activities that you can do on the island. Enjoy snorkelling with manta rays, stargazing at the only overwater observatory in the Maldives, and fine dining underwater at SEA, one of the world’s few oceanic restaurants. This offer is valid for stays of six nights or more, you have a choice of a beach pool villa or overwater villa on half board consisting of breakfast, and dinner at three restaurants. For stays of up to five nights, the package will include only the underwater lunch experience at SEA. Both packages are valid until October 31, 2021, with rates starting from Dhs3,636.
For latest updates on travel information, including visa policy and airport regulations, check out Maldives Ministry of Tourism.
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Saudi Arabia has announced a new initiative to encourage travel in the region.
In the Kingdom’s capital Riyadh the Voyagers Association has been launched which will specialise in travel and tourism in the country.

In a press conference on Sunday, it was explained under the initiative there will be seven memberships: a worker membership; associate; voyager; consultant voyager; GCC voyager; emeritus membership and honorary membership.
The latest announcement aligns with the goals of the Saudi Vision 2030, which will aim to facilitate more travel in many different regions of the country.

Elaborating of the goals of the independent entity, Ibrahim Al-Mutairi, chairman of the Voyagers Association said, “Among the goals of the association is to work on organizing the current work of travellers and those interested in the field – which in most cases is nothing more than individual diligence — and to change it into an institutional and more firmly controlled work, in a way that achieves the common goals of individuals and society.”
Earlier this week it was announced that travel restrictions will be lifted in Saudi Arabia for citizens at the beginning of 2021.
Starting January 1, all international travel restrictions which have been implemented due to the COVID-19 pandemic will be lifted, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) announced on Sunday.
Travel via the borders to and from the Kingdom includes via air, land and sea.
Meanwhile, as of this week on September 15, the Kingdom will partially ease restrictions on international flights in order to permit citizens and residents to travel who are in “exceptional circumstances”.
Back in March, Saudi’s borders were closed due to the pandemic and have remained closed since.
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Having spent significantly more time at home, we won’t be surprised if you have invested in a couple of new throw cushions or indulged in decadent candles.
Little touches can instantly elevate your space, and H&M Home has been releasing a series of winning home pieces that are easy on the budget and are good on the eye.

The latest collaboration with the British Museum is a dream for any fashion lover, especially if you have a soft spot for botanical prints. Featuring the works of Mary Delany, an 18th-century English artist known for her botanical depictions, the collection includes a range of decorative items printed with her flowers.
In the seven-piece collection, there is a large vase with a round foot and slightly tapered, a mug shaped like an oversized teacup with a gold-toned handle, a candle with a wraparound print and two different sizes of both cushion covers and ceramic plates.

We have asked Guillaume Vaillant, concept designer at H&M Home, to talk us through the collection and share a few quick interior hacks that we can apply during our next mini revamp.

What drew you to Mary Delany’s paper mosaics?
In the start of our design process for this season, many British references from the 18th century inspired us. We came across Mary Delany’s extraordinary work and were moved by her approach to flowers. Their black background reveals the delicate intensity of the flowers and the handicraft is incredible. We were amazed to see how her flower mosaics, made in the 1700s, could still feel so modern and strong.
How do you interpret something from 18th Century to bring it to a modern home?
The magic of this collaboration is really to see how beauty travels through time. Our vision was to create objects that would both showcase and highlight that beauty without altering it, therefore we paid strong attention to details and proportions for this collection.
What has been the most challenging aspect of bringing this collection to live?
The British Museum department of prints and drawings has such a wonderful catalogue of artworks that we had an immense pleasure to work with it. We really wanted to highlight the artist’s vision and create a dialogue between the final object and her original artwork. It was at the centre of our design process to showcase Mary Delany’s vision with respect and care.
Consisting of seven key pieces, is it fair to say that they’ve been created to fit into any space?
Absolutely. At H&M home we want to make it possible for everyone to create a modern and inspiring home. This collection really represents this idea. From a scented candle that you could put on your shelf to a vase for bigger floral display, we wanted to make this collection accessible for different spaces and budgets.

Do you have a personal favourite?
The scented candle might be my favourite item of this collection. It captures Mary Delany’s work perfectly and gives it an extra dimension both from the scent we used but also how the warm light shines through the black glass.
What are your styling tips using The British Museum and H&M HOME collection?
It a collection built on the harmonious work of an incredible artist. All the pieces work together and are easy to combine. So, whether you want to add a romantic touch to your sofa with some cushion covers, or bring romantic florals to your kitchen ceramics, everyone can really style it with their own personal touch.
How do you feel our attitude to interior styling has changed since spending more time at home?
The pasts months have been deeply interesting and challenging for many of us. We all somehow reconnected to our homes that became multipurpose spaces. They became our offices, our gyms, our socialising space and so many other functions. In a way, we all realised how important it is to make our home the mirror of who we are and adapt it to our new routines. Connected to a general need of well-being I think we have started to invest more time and resources in making our homes more functional and soothing.
Can you share with us some simple interior hacks that will instantly transform our home?
I recently repainted my living room, and even if you don’t have to redo your entire interior, it’s always amazing to see how colour affects your perception of a space. I tend to like neutral shades that have a very calming power and add a touch of fun to it. It’s important to have a few objects that really represent you and your personality. The easiest way in my opinion to transform your home is to trust nature. Natural materials and colours combined with plants will always work in harmony.
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The humidity and unbearable heat in the UAE is subsiding and it’s finally possible to go outside during the day without breaking out into a total sweat, meaning Dubai’s fabulous winter season is finally on the way.
Perfectly timed to coincide with the arrival of the optimal weather, luxe Dubai escape Nikki Beach is officially reopening next month.

Announcing the exciting news on their Instagram page, the famed beach club confirmed its reopening will be on October 1 after being closed for seven months due to the pandemic.
“The sun is calling you back to your happy place!” the caption said.

Following guidelines that were implemented by the government, Nikki Beach will be reopening theirs doors Tuesday through Saturday for beach lovers to soak up the sun.
While brunches and ladies’ days have previously been incredibly popular at Nikki Beach, no official deals or events have been confirmed, but we’re sure that will eventually come in time.
To be honest, we’re just happy we’ll be able to visit one of our favourite beach spots this Dubai winter!
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