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    6 top chefs on where they’d love to eat this summer

    Life

    by Camille Macawili
    2 hours ago

    Emirates Woman asks 6 top chefs from the best dining destinations in Dubai to share their dreamy culinary escapes for the summer.

    Chef Yannick AllenoSTAY BY YANNICK
    Where would you love to eat this summer?
    In my new restaurant, Pavyllon London, because we worked a lot with local producers to create the menu. I would also love to go to Paris and try a hot spot from a young talented chef, Mallory Gabsi.

    Chef Ariana BundyARIANA’S KITCHEN
    Where would you love to eat this summer?
    This summer, all I want is to savour fresh seasonal dishes in Iran. Summer in Iran is all about being by the Caspian Sea. As you drive from Tehran on a long treacherous road carved out of the edge of the mountains, you suddenly see the vibrant blue coastline. You leave the dry city air behind and arrive at a completely different microclimate. Everything suddenly becomes greener, from the lush rice paddies to the olive and orange orchards. Here, life slows down and everything is more vibrant and tastier. Grilled fish stuffed with wild forest plums and local walnuts with a squeeze of Narenj (Valencia orange), olives macerating in pomegranate molasses and unusual fragrant herbs, smoked rice dotted with creamy butter and saffron. Naps are always long and delicious after such meals, and almost always followed by something sweet such as sour cherries sprinkled with hogweed powder or rice cookies with poppy seeds and rosewater… washed down by hot freshly brewed samovar tea from nearby tea plantations. The perfect summer escape, for me.

    Chef Adriano CattaneoLA PETITE MAISON RESTAURANT & BAR
    Where would you love to eat this summer?
    I would love to go back to Restaurant La Vague d’Or in Cheval Blanc Saint-Tropez, where Chef Arnaud Donckele serves traditional Mediterranean high cuisine. The restaurant’s location overlooking the city makes it a perfect option for an al fresco summer dinner. Or go to Paris to have the truffle and foie gras macaroni from Nomicos restaurant, both a comfort food and a guilty pleasure!

    Chef Burcu CracknellJOSETTE
    Where would you love to eat this summer?
    My favourite restaurant in Dubai for summertime is Alici. You get a beautiful view of the Dubai Marina skyline and the freshest seafood in the city. Although it is a concept from South of Italy, it reminds me of my childhood when I spent the summer in Bodrum. Feels like home away from home. The colours and the hand-made potteries recall that simple marine lifestyle, also typical of my country. One of my favourite dishes is homemade fusilli with tuna. My grandmother used to make a similar pasta when we came back from the beach.

    Chef Tom AllenDINNER BY HESTON BLUMENTHAL
    Where would you love to eat this summer?
    I would love to eat at a little restaurant in the UK. It’s in Dorset in Lyme Regis, and it’s called Hix Oyster and Fish House. It’s one of my favourite restaurants to go to. It’s not technical, but it’s tasty food in the most beautiful location. It’s situated on the hillside overlooking the harbour and Cobb and the view is just magnificent. Whenever I go, I’m always with my family, either my wife and my two daughters, or my parents, so it has that emotional connection as well. Every time I go, I have the same thing, which is a whole cooked crab, chips with mayonnaise and homemade sourdough with lots of salted butter. I get the little tweezers and I pick all the crab meat out from the claws. And I always have a local Somerset cider that they serve in a little locally handmade terracotta beaker, which is also charming. It never disappoints from an experience point of view.

    Chef Iker Zapata ErrastiTAGOMAGO
    Where would you love to eat this summer?
    This summer, I would like to go eat at Mimi Kakushi. And, of course, I will order the baked bone marrow, beef tartare with pickled onion and fried buns. This small dish has an incredible combination of flavours and tastes, balanced to perfection. All topped off with the texture and slight sweetness of the fried buns.
    July/August’s – The Travel Issue – Indulge Your Wanderlust  – 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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    Crown Prince of Dubai hikes the Yosemite Half Dome in 9 hours

    Life

    by Ruman Baig
    2 hours ago

    The Crown Prince of Dubai is a serial thrill chaser, his knack for adventure can be spotted all over his Instagram grid.
    Despite having grown up in the lap of luxury, this Dubai Royal loves to spend an optimum amount of his time in nature.
    When the Crown Prince of Dubai isn’t looking after official cabinet matters or spending time with his family, he can be found seeking new adventures that challenge him as a fitness enthusiast.

    Remember when he climbed the Burj Khalifa in record time? Fazza loves to find an activity that gives him an adrenaline rush.
    In his recent escapade, the Crown Prince made the difficult climb to the Yosemite Half Dome in California. Most hikers take 10 to 12 hours to hike to Half Dome and back, but Sheikh Hamdan and his friends completed the climb in almost 9 hours.
    Through a detailed reel, the Royal Prince captured his journey from the start to the end — taking his 15.9 million followers along for the ride. The video showcases his playful side, as he interacts with animals and takes in the wonders of nature in a free-spirited demeanour.
    Even when he isn’t trekking around the world or jumping off of planes, his choice of activities back home is also always connected with nature and all its species.The father-of-three can often be seen taking his children to the wildlife safaris or spending quality time with his horses — the Crown Prince also happens to be a licensed equestrian and professional horseback rider.

    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Instagram: Feature Image: @faz3 More

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    In Pics: Sheikha Mahra shares a sweet tribute to her mum

    Life

    by Ruman Baig
    4 hours ago

    Sheikha Mahra shares a profound connection with her mother, evident through her frequent sharing of photographs on her Instagram page.
    Zoe Grigorakos, the mother of Sheikha Mahra, hails from Greece, which gives the Royal Princess a diverse heritage encompassing Emirati and Greek origins. The mother-daughter duo are often spotted together supporting charities, enjoying vacations or even just spending downtime together.
    Recently, the Royal Princess of Dubai shared a loving tribute to her mother on social media, addressing Zoe as her “everything”. This post comes right after Her Highness shared visuals from her enchanting wedding to Sheikh Mana, where her mother played a pivotal role in putting it all together.
    Even in the heartwarming wedding video, you can spot the mother of the bride fixing her veil, jewellery and being present for all her little-big moments.
    Over the years, Sheikha Mahra has shared many loving homages to her mother, but this one is extra special, as she is on the brim of beginning a new chapter of her life.
    From twinning with her at exotic locations to standing by her side for her graduation, Zoe is Sheikha Mahra’s ultimate source of strength.
    Take a look at her recent tribute and all the other time’s Sheikha Mahra gave her mum a sweet shout-out publically.

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

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    The Summer Reset: 5 luxe wellness retreats for a total transformation this summer

    From the Arctics to Southeast Asia, escape to one of these luxurious wellness retreats and give your body the well-deserved detox it needs this summer.

    Six Senses Ibiza – Spain
    Occupying a breathtaking position in pristine Xarraca Bay, Six Senses Ibiza provides unobstructed Balearic sunset views all year long. Aside from its expert-led wellness retreats that will run throughout the summer, the resort also offers a range of experiences for every mood – from fitness programmes, farm-to-table culinary lessons by Six Senses chefs to daily wellness activities like sound healing, breathwork, and cacao ceremonies, and underwater guided meditation, that will keep you fit and in check. The energetic vibes and the Balearic landscape are almost enough to distract you from the fact that you’re detoxing.
    THE HERO EXPERIENCE
    For those in pursuit of longevity, Six Senses Ibiza recently launched RoseBar, a pioneering longevity club that harnesses the powers of science and spiritual wellness with a high-tech and high-touch approach to achieve long-term wellbeing. Featuring programmes with the latest in holistic expertise, scientific advances and biohacking tools such as cryotherapy, IV infusions, biohacking, full-body acupressure, ozone and red light therapy, infrared sauna, cold plunge, shamanic healing, energy medicine and more.
    For more information, visit sixsenses.com

    Rosewood Mayakoba – Mexico
    Check in at one of the eight Wellness Suites situated on its own private island. Set along the water’s edge, these luxury suites feature a meditation and heated plunge pool along with curated Ayurvedic amenities and your own Wellness Butler to maximize relaxation and renewal. Upon arrival, treat yourself to Rosewood’s extensive amenities to kick off jet lag.
    THE HERO EXPERIENCE
    The Temezcal is a unique detoxifying wellness experience that dates back to pre-Hispanic culture. This healing ritual, a Rosewood signature, takes place in an indigenous sweat lodge with naturally heated volcanic stones. The shaman-led ceremony entails pouring aromatic water infused with herbs and essential oils over the hot stones to create steam. Once the body adapts to the temperature, this is followed by the singing of mantras, sensorial rituals, and moments of self-reflection allowing one to feel rooted and present for an inner transformation.
    For more information, visit rosewoodhotels.com

    Joali Being – Maldives
    A short 5-hour flight from Dubai will take you to Raa Toll, the home of the first wellbeing island in the Maldives. Set on the island of Bodufushi, Joali Being provides a picture-perfect setting as you work on achieving your wellbeing goals. Designed as a nature-immersive retreat, it is made up of a collection of 68 private villas with customised wellbeing setups and of course, magnificent ocean views. At the core of Joali Being’s DNA are its Four Pillars: Mind, Microbiome, Skin, and Energy. You can fill your schedule with a variety of result-driven wellness programmes, elemental therapies, and transformative experiences that are based on ancient practices coupled with modern scientific technology advances. Ranging from five nights to up to three weeks, the wellness programmes are tailored towards strength and vitality, mental clarity, hormonal balance, restorative sleep, and much more. Or, simply check in to embrace the slow island life and disconnect. Heaven.
    THE HERO EXPERIENCE
    Joali Being offers an unparalleled and unique approach to mindful eating. Its Gut Reset Program is designed to address the root cause of digestive disorders. The five, seven, or 10-night experience begins with a comprehensive analysis of your dietary habits and routines along with a bio-energetic evaluation through Qest4. This programme entails a synergistic blend of gentle detoxifying treatments and four separate consultations, complemented daily with nourishing earth-to- table cuisine.
    For more information, visit joali.com

    The Retreat at Blue Lagoon – Iceland
    Encompassing a subterranean spa, a geothermal lagoon, a restaurant honouring Iceland’s culinary traditions, and a 60-suite hotel, every aspect of the Retreat is architected for wellbeing wonder. Its design framework channels the surrounding frontier, offering breathtaking views of its unique environment, from a lagoon waterscape to a moss-covered horizon. An amazing day spa as it is an overnight retreat, the landscape itself exudes its own meditative and healing energy with Blue Lagoon’s mineral-rich geothermal seawaters that deliver healing benefits and radiance in all forms, to the mind and body. If you want to venture further afield, immerse yourself in the untamed nature of Iceland with a wide array of adventures such as guided yoga sessions and hikes before you hustle back to your fast-paced life in the city.
    THE HERO EXPERIENCE
    The Float Therapy combines the nourishing powers of water and weightlessness with the sublime pleasures of gentle bodywork. As you float on the mineral-rich waters of the Blue Lagoon, you enter a deeply relaxing and highly meditative state. The light massage soothes the mind and body, ultimately calming and elevating the spirit while targeting bone structure and releasing tension from the spine.
    For more information, visit bluelagoon.com

    Kamalaya Koh Samui – Thailand
    Roughly over 10 hours of travel time from the GCC is the ultimate longevity and wellness escape. Located on the southern coastline of Koh Samui, Kamalaya is an award-winning healing hideaway offering life-enhancing wellness experiences and retreats. Perched atop an idyllic hillside and surrounded by lush tropical greenery, this luxury retreat is the perfect place to eat, pray and love your way to restore your physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual balance.
    THE HERO EXPERIENCE
    All Kamalaya guests undergo a Body Bio-Impedance analysis followed by a personal consultation with a wellness expert. From there, you have the opportunity to book one (or two) of the 17 wellness programs or simply enjoy over 70 zen-inducing holistic therapies and treatments to ensure you return from the journey feeling restored and renewed.
    For more information, visit kamalaya.com

    Ananda In The Himalayas – India
    Tucked within hundred acres of quiet, Ananda In The Himalayas wellness spa consistently ranks as the #1 destination spa for a reason. Having just recently undergone its own reset, the newly renovated Ananda In The Himalayas design weaves in from the surrounding majestic Himalayan mountains. Embark on a healing journey grounded on ancient Indian wisdom and choose within the five-, seven-, 14- or 21-night commitment of daily massage treatments, movements, and meditative practices to help with rejuvenation, weight management, hormonal balance or chronic ailments.
    THE HERO EXPERIENCE
    If you have 14 nights to spare this summer, Ananda In The Himalayas’ PCOS Management programme is a must-try. It uses traditional Ayurvedic processes that work on the reproductive system to balance the body from within while treating imbalances. It begins with detoxification therapy, Nidana parivarjana, followed by Panchakarma with physical asanas. These are followed with customised ayurvedic medicines coupled with meditative and breathwork practices to reduce stress accompanied by PCOS.
    For more information, visit anandaspa.com

    Palazzo Fiuggi – Italy
    Perched atop an ancient hilltop in a private 8-hectare park, Palazzo Fiuggi is an Italian garden oasis in Lazio where your wellbeing comes first. Located just 50-minutes outside of Rome, Palazzo Fiuggi brings together a team of health experts to deliver personalized medical-based wellness programmes such as Longevity and Rejuvenation, Deep Detox, The Rach at Palazzo Fiuggi, and more, for those looking for an intense overhaul. The accommodations have all the creature comforts of a luxury hotel, offering incredible amenities, home-baked healthy snacks and state-of-the-art technology. If you have extra vacation days to use up, take full advantage of its proximity to nearby charming Italian towns that are a drive or a flight away.
    THE HERO EXPERIENCE
    The Ranch at Palazzo is an exclusive eight-day programme designed to cleanse and recalibrate. Limited to 25 guests each week, it features a daily schedule that includes morning hikes, nap time, core training classes, yoga sessions, and massage treatments, complemented by a plant-based, nutrient dense diet.
    For more information, visit palazzofiuggi.com
    July/August’s – The Travel Issue – Indulge Your Wanderlust  – 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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    Temperatures surpasses 50°C in UAE: 4 activities that will help you cool down

    Life

    by Ruman Baig
    4 hours ago

    The scorching summer temperatures in the UAE have reached unprecedented levels, surpassing 50°C for the first time this year.
    On July 16, at 2.45pm, an astonishing temperature of 50.1°C was recorded in Bada Dafas, located in the Al Dhafra Region of Abu Dhabi. This sweltering heatwave extended across the country, with Abu Dhabi city experiencing highs of 48°C, while Dubai reached 46°C in the city and 47.9°C in the desert.

    #أعلى_درجة_حرارة سجلت على الدولة هذا اليوم 50.1 درجة مئوية في بدع دعفس (منطقة الظفرة) الساعة 14:45 بالتوقيت المحلي لدولة الإمارات..#The_highest_temperature recorded over the country today is 50.1°C in Bada Dafas (Al Dhafra Region) at 14:45 UAE Local time. pic.twitter.com/1AeUlDgBsT
    — المركز الوطني للأرصاد (@NCMUAE) July 16, 2023

    When it comes to the hottest month overall in Dubai, extensive data collected by the National Centre of Meteorology & Seismology (NCMS) from 1977 to 2022 reveals that August consistently claims the title. With almost all temperature indicators reaching their peak during this month, it is undeniably the hottest period in Dubai.
    As we’re approaching the hottest month of the year, it’s time to indulge in activities to beat the heat. Here’s the Emirates Woman guide that will help you cool down (literally).

    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied by @visitdubai  More

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    Michelin Star Chef Jason Atherton redefines luxury dining with social charm

    Life

    by Camille Macawili
    3 hours ago

    Located in The Grosvenor House, City Social House is a newly opened venture by restaurateur and celebrity Michelin Star Chef Jason Atherton.
    Housing four distinctive dining experiences under one roof, it offers a blend of European and Japanese flavors: City Social (a dining venue inspired by City Social in London), Jazz By City (a lively entertainment concept), 7 Tales (a Tokyo-style speakeasy bar), and Row on 45 ( a soon-to-open exclusive dining experience).
    Here, Emirates Man chats with the mastermind himself to discuss creativity, his career journey, and why he keeps coming back to Dubai.
    Talk us through the first 30 minutes of your day, your morning routine.
    I wake up at 7:00 am, run for 40 minutes, come home, shower, relax, have a coffee, and catch up on news, and then go through emails from overseas.
    When did your love for food begin?
    It started at the age of 10.
    You’ve had an incredible career and have earned plenty of accomplishments. How did you get your start?
    I moved to London at 16 and worked at Boyd’s Glasshouse and washed pans. I learnt on my days off until I became a proper chef.
    You’ve clearly worked incredibly hard to get where you are today. As a highly accomplished Michelin-starred chef, is there pressure to constantly create?
    Always. You learn to keep moving forward and reinvent yourself. You cannot stand still for a second when you are working at this level.
    You had a stint working with Gordon Ramsey. What did you learn during your time there?
    It was like finishing school. He trained me to become a complete chef, a restaurateur. He taught me all I needed to know about finance, ambience… Everything I know, I learnt from Gordon, and I thank him for being the chef that I am today.
    Is there anything you do to spark inspiration and creativity?
    I read a lot. I follow chefs on Instagram, and keep my finger on the pulse.

    What keeps you coming back to Dubai?
    I simply love Dubai. Dubai has been very kind to me. I feel like an official ambassador for Dubai. I love its people; I love the restaurants. It’s just great.
    City Social adds to Dubai’s growing scene of Michelin Chef-led restaurants. Can you tell us more about the vision?
    I want to inspire others who were once just like me at 10, 16 years old. We now have Michelin in Dubai and I think that is great. We want to be benchmarks for chefs coming in, I want to show them that you can dream, you can achieve, but you must work incredibly hard. You cannot sit for a second when you are working at this level.
    What sets City Social apart from your other concepts?
    Modern European menu inspired by Japanese flavours, the fact that we have great music, fantastic views, amazing terraces.
    To you, what are the must-try hero dishes at City Social?
    Wagyu trolley with Wagyu beef flown in from Japan, the ice-cream game which adds an element of fun whilst enjoying the unique flavours we’ve created, and the Beetroot Fujiko Salad… It does not sound much but will blow your mind!

    – For more on how to look smart and live smarter, follow Emirates Man on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied by City Social House More

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    In Pics: Inside Lindsay Lohan’s sea-inspired nursery in Dubai

    Life

    by Ruman Baig
    1 hour ago

    Sneak-peek inside Lindsay Lohan’s ocean-themed nursery, co-designed by Nestig.
    The mother-to-be shared a glimpse of the white and blue nursery, “Everything is inspired by the beach and is so peaceful and playful,” said the 37-year-old actor.
    Everything about the nursery is calming and serene. From the painting of the light house on the walls and the colour-coordinated toys to the complementing decor and subtle blue striped patterns — everything will be dreamy and demure for baby Lohan.
    After living in the spotlight for most parts of her early life, the Mean Girl alumni found her quiet oasis in UAE. The actor is a major part of every ’90s kid’s pop culture diet, as she was a part of some of the most iconic movies of the time.
    With fame comes the burden of public scrutiny. Much like many other child stars who grew up in Hollywood and resented the business, Lindsay too, decided to step out of the spotlight.
    Today, in this new chapter of her life, the Parent Trap actor is about to embark on the journey of parenthood herself. Lindsay is married to businessman Bader Shammas, with whom she is expecting her first child. The couple, who met in Dubai, have been incredibly private about their relationship and Shammas is not in the public eye.

    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Feature image: Instagram @lindsaylohan @nestigbaby More

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    In video: Sheikha Mahra shares intimate details from her wedding to Sheikh Mana

    Life

    by Ruman Baig
    1 hour ago

    Recently, Sheikha Mahra married Sheikh Mana in a grand spectacle of a wedding.
    The Royal couple got engaged in March, officially tied the knot in April and the reception was held in July.
    Attended by the who’s who of the UAE Royal world, Her Highness Sheikha Mahra bint Mohammed bin Rashid’s nuptials were amongst the most-awaited events of the year.
    While the Royal Family of Dubai is known for revealing little to no details about their personal lives, Her Highness Sheikha Mahra was gracious enough to share many glimpses of the big day with the world.
    After revealing a couple of images from the grand reception, the Royal Princess recently shared a sweet video, which gave her ardent followers a closer look at the most important day of her life.

    In the video, you can see the couple of the moment having the best time of their lives. From making a grand entrance to posing and laughing together — everything about it was straight out of a fairytale dream.
    Dressed in a gown worthy of a Princess, Sheikha Mahra looked every bit ethereal in a custom-made Ezra Couture ensemble. In the wedding video, the bride’s royal attire is given special limelight, with seamstresses making the final touch. In the backdrop, you can also spot the sketch of the gown, giving you an idea of the modern bride’s vision.
    Besides the voluminous attire with a sweeping veil, Sheikha Mahra punctuated her look with a dainty diamond necklace and a diamond watch by Chopard.

    Apart from the emotions of Sheikh Mana and Sheikha Mahra, the video effortlessly captured the uncontainable joy expressed by the mother of the bride, as she lovingly embraced her daughter.
    Talking about the scale of the reception, it was a visual treat to the eyes. Swathed in candles and white roses, the decor and the aesthetic matched the stature of the couple in focus.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Feature image: Instagram @hhshmahra More