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      Celebrating the life of Queen Elizabeth II: 9 precious times she visited the GCC

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      Life

      by Sarah Joseph
      2 hours ago

      VIEW GALLERY/ 9 IMAGES
      Queen Elizabeth II, the longest reigning monarch in the United Kingdom’s history, died aged 96 on September 8, 2022.
      Her Majesty died “peacefully” at Balmoral Castle in Scotland, according to Buckingham Palace.
      Her son, now known as King Charles III,  ascended the throne last weekend in a coronation ceremony watched by millions around the globe. His son Prince William is now the new heir to the UK throne.
      Last year, Queen Elizabeth became the first-ever British monarch to celebrate a Platinum Jubilee, marking 70 years on the throne.
      Throughout her seven decades on the throne, Her Majesty maintained a close relationship with the GCC countries, having visited the region on many occasions.
      To mark her incredible life, we look back on the decades of friendship with other GCC royals.
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
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      11 luxe new restaurants to visit in Dubai ASAP

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      Dubai is never short of new restaurants to dine in.
      Known for its enriching culinary options, tourists and residents are never short of dining gems to visit in the city.
      With a plethora of new openings, it’s hard to keep track of where to visit next and to do so, Emirates Woman has curated a guide of all the latest must-visit hotspots in the city, that you’ll keep going back to.
      Tagomago

      For the ultimate Balearic feel, the restaurant, bar and beach club Tagomago has officially opened its doors in Dubai. With bohemian aesthetics, this must-visit hotspot serves both lunch and dinner with freshly sourced ingredients. Opened under RIKAS Hospitality, this holiday spot offers a signature menu curated by chef Gilles Bouquet, with dishes for everyone. The space features 120 sunbeds on the beach and outdoor 200 covers across the terrace dining area, in the pergola area and at the chiringuito. Located at Palm West Beach, Azure Residence, the venue’s restaurant is open from 12pm to 1am and the beach is open from 10am to sunset.
      For more information visit tagomago.ae
      Josette

      As part of Orange Hospitality, this glamorous restaurant has opened its doors in the heart of Dubai. After the success of other renowned restaurants such as Il Borro Tuscan Bistro and Alici, this unique dining experience welcomes decadent experiences such as a stylish afternoon team and an evening live performance dining show. Adding to the charm are its unique interiors designed by renowned London-based artists and designer Luke Edward Hall. Guests can slice into tune tartare, foie gras terrine, escargot, ratatouille, soup a l’oignon, and plateau de Josette, a signature seafood platter. The restaurant is located in ICD Brookfield Place, DIFC and is open from 12pm to 3am.
      For more information visit josette.com
      Fouquet’s

      As a combination of art and culture, this fine-dining haven has embodied the spirit of Paris in every realm. With red parasols, traditional French café tables and a hanging garden against the backdrop of the city, the interiors complement the restaurant’s story. The menu draw upon local produce, with a good measure of creative flair and fresh ingredients. With the hanging garden against the city’s skyline, the evening is enhanced by the restaurant’s DJs. Situated in the heart of Downtown, the restaurants is located in Burj Plaza and open from Monday to Thursday 8am to 2am and Friday to Sunday 8am to 10pm.
      For more information visit hotelsbarriere.com
      Bungalo34

      After recently being added under the Tashas Group wing, this chic restaurant offers a blissful escape from city life with uninterrupted seaside views of the Arabian Gulf. The menu promises a variety of offerings ranging from Strapatsada, Lobster Benedict, Three Cheese Souffle Omelette and a housemade glyko koutaliouof sweet pumpkin served on vanilla Greek yogurt for all the sweet tooths, to name a few dishes. Founded by the talented Natasha Sideris, the sophisticated Mediterranean experience ensures a calm environment to enjoy with friends and family. For all the shopaholics, this new hotpot offers a bespoke retail experience for guests with a selection of beachwear pieces, handmade accessories, bags, swimwear and other hand-picked experience for the complete experience. Situated at Nikki Beach, this restaurant is open from 9am to 12am.
      For more information visit dubai.nikkibeach.com
      La Mar by Gastón Acurio

      If you’re on the lookout to celebrate a special occasion or simply enjoy a fine-dining experience, La Mar at the newly opened Atlantis The Royal is the restaurant to visit. Curated by Chef Gaston Acurio, the restaurant offers diners a chance to explore authentic flavours of Peruvian Gastronomy with an enticing menu of freshly grilled anticuchos, signature cebiches and other specialty cocktails. As a culinary leader in the world of Peruvian gastronomy, Chef Gaston has created dishes with recipes passed down from his mother. Open daily from 6pm to 11pm, the restaurant is located at the mezzanine lobby level and overlooks the Skyblaze fountain, guests can choose to take a seat on the large open terrace or at the bustling cebiche bar, or the main dining area surrounded by incredible subtle decor. The restaurant is open daily from 6pm to 11pm.
      For more information visit atlantis.com
      Masti

      After shifting to a new location, Masti is all set to welcome guests to its restaurant situated at the Dubai Edition. Listed in the first Michelin Guide this restaurant brings a bold 360-degree experiential offering of innovative food, experimental beverages and unmatched hospitality. Masti remains emboldened and unafraid to be different. The new location will take risks and deliver a buzzing dining scene, with a sprinkling of Masti spice at The Dubai Edition. Befitting of the restaurant’s legendary reputation, the iconic Dubai Edition Hotel, optimally positioned on Fountain Street, Downtown will prove a stellar destination from which the restaurant can shine from. The restaurant is open from Sunday to Thursday from 12:30pm to 1am and 12:30pm to 2am.
      For more information visit mastidubai.com
      La Niña

      With Iberian-Latino fusion cuisine, La Niña opened its doors this year with sophisticated décor featuring lavish chandeliers and rich red velvet furniture that has taken inspiration from centuries of sea exploration. Designed with traditional Azulejo tiles from Portugal, this sophisticated dining venue takes visitors back in time with a renewed sense of excitement. or an unforgettable dining experience, guests can indulge in an array of delectable delights crafted by a team of world-class experts to conquer every diner’s taste buds. By taking it up a notch, the restaurant offers a host of cutting-edge cocktails and a selection of premium beverages. Located in the heart of DIFC at ICD Brookfield, the restaurant is open daily from 12pm to 4pm and 7:30pm to 1am.
      For more information visit laninarestaurant.com
      Mott 32

      Looking for somewhere new to dine? Mott 32 made the Middle East its first destination this year. Inspired by Manhattan’s first Chinese convenience store, the restaurant seamlessly blends the finest flavours of Hong Kong with lofty New York-style interiors. With signature hand-crafted cocktails and freshly prepared dishes such as a selection of dim sums and plat-based signatures, guests are spoiled for choice from the moment they enter. Located on the 73rd floor, it features an impressive indoor area, as well as an open-air terrace with stunning views across Bluewater Island, JBR, Palm Jumeirah and the Ain Dubai. The restaurant is open daily from dinner from 6pm until 1am
      For more information visit mott32dubai.com
      City Social

      Launched by celebrity chef Jason Atherton, this sophisticated restaurant serves fine European cuisine with 360-degree views of the city. With unrivalled views across Dubai Marina and Dubai Harbour, diners can indulge in modern European cuisine that showcases the best ingredients from around the world with exquisite beverages to complement the menu. With the team of expert mixologists and beautifully created cocktails. Located at Grosvenor House, it’s open from Monday to Thursday 6pm to 2am and Friday & Saturday 6pm to 3am and is closed on Sunday.
      For more information visit citysocialdubai.com
      Hawkerboi

      What started as one of Dubai’s most sought-after supper clubs has now gone on to open its own restaurant. From first hosting in secret locations around Dubai, this highly-anticipated venue will serve Asian-hawker style food that takes inspiration from the founder’s life in the Far East. Known for his concealed identity, Hawkerboi is considered the Banksy of Dubai in the culinary world and never fails to amaze his diners with exquisite dishes that represent his travels. With delectable dishes such as Wagyu Skewers with Peanut Nahm Jim, Charcoal Short Ribs and more, the space is designed for with red neon piping to balance the underground foodie community in the city. Designed by its parent company EatX, this space projects a vast open kitchen by mastering the art of balance and theatre. Located at The Park, Jumeirah Lake Towers, the restaurant will officially open for walk-ins on Wednesday, April 26, 2023 and will be open from Sunday to Thursday 7pm to 10pm and Friday and Saturday 7pm to 11pm.
      For more information visit hawkerboi.com
      Nola Bijou Bistro & Bar

      Recently opened in the heart of city, Nola Bijou Bistro and Bar, promises an immersive experience unlike any other. Inspired by the 19th century New Orleans with hints of Parisian influencers, Nola offers an easygoing vintage modern look in the culinary world. With a sensational music experience rooted in Jazz, guests can expect soulful live performances by the loved Nuvo Soul band complimented by high-energy jazz and soul beats by the in-house resident DJ. With French and Cajun food traditions, the restaurants lends to an explosion of flavours in its premium dishes such as char-grilled broccoli, burrata topped with anchovies and wagyu beef tartare. For the space, the restaurant features rich velvet sofas, a library, antique lamps and lush greenery with bi-folding windows that brings the outdoors indoors. The restaurant is perched atop Mythos Urban Greek Eatery at The Square in City Walk and open daily from noon until 1am and until 2am on the weekends.
      For more information visit citywalk.ae
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Supplied & Feature Image: Instagram @tagomago More

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      6 Dubai spots to cater to your matcha dessert cravings

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      Life

      by Sarah Joseph
      6 hours ago

      As a healthier alternative to your caffeine intake, Matcha has increased in popularity over the years.
      With various cafés in Dubai bringing on a new take to Matcha in the form of new desserts, there’s a plethora of hotspots to visit with Japan’s most loved
      This delectable incarnation in cakes and other sweet tooth variables has been seen throughout the Emirate as the ingredient continues to rise in fame.
      So if you’re on the lookout for an experimental take on matcha, Emirates Woman has curated a guide to all the must-visit spots in Dubai.
      NETTE

      Situated in the heart of Dubai’s premium boutique padel club, this urban sanctuary brings the perfect blend of Japanese with Parisian. Surrounded by a padel court and yoga studio, this culinary space is a home for must-try wellness activities. With a wholesome menu, the café serves both iced and hot matcha with an array of alternative milk choices to choose from. Their vegan Matcha and Chocolate éclair is a must-try for your matcha cravings. The quaint café is located inside MATCHA Club, Al Quoz.
      Megumi Matcha

      As Dubai’s first matcha specialty shop, this woman-owned and operated café works as a farm-to-packaging concept. For all the macaron lovers, this Korean-style macaron comes with Black sesame matcha flavour with an irresistible taste. Run by women, guests can also delve into the history of the Japanese tea ceremony. Megumi hosts a matcha workshop at Vanilla Sukkar – a local mother-and-daughter-owned gem in Jumeirah.
      For more information visit megumimatcha.com
      The Kakao Guy

      Satisfy your sweet tooth with their luscious Matcha Nama Chocolate. Made with premium quality ingredients, this indulgent treat is a fusion of rich, creamy chocolate and earthy matcha flavors that will tantalise your taste buds. Known for their freshly bakes cakes and desserts this Nama chocolate with customers craving for more and can now be delivered straight to your doorstep.
      For more information visit thekakaoguy.com
      Yamanote Atelier

      At this artisanal Japanese bakery and café concept guests can expect a wide variety of savoury and sweet dishes. Inspired by Japanese minimalist and pastel colours, this venue comes with a modern quirky edge. Reminiscent of the cafés Japanese culture, the pieces are baked fresh with authentic ingredients. For the matcha lover, the newly introduced matcha-flavoured dessert, Ya Baum is the perfect treat. Guests can visit the brand’s several locations across Dubai including Mirdif Hills, Dubai Frame, Al Seef Village Mall, Motor City, Al Ferdous Dubai and The Dubai Mall.
      For more information visit yamanoteatelier.com
      Bageri Form

      Inspired by Scandinavian design, this artisanal café was elevating bakery classics and serving dishes with the freshest of ingredients. With Nordic-infused interiors, the bakery also serves freshly sourced matcha in minimal cups for a rejuvenating start to the day. With an aesthetic presentation, this place is beyond Instagrammable-worthy. For all the matcha fans, the restaurant has recently added the matcha tartine with matcha butter and biscuit crumb. It’s located in Dubai Design District, Building 4.
      For more information visit bageriform.com
      Soo Matcha

      As UAE’s all Matcha-inspired café, visitors are sure to have the whole matcha experience. After first launching in early 2020, this hotspot comes with all things matcha. By experimenting with different flavours and constantly tailoring their menu, the brand even has its own matcha-flavoured ice cream that’s irresistible and must-try.
      For more information visit soomatcha.com
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Instagram & Feature Image: Instagram @beauty_snob More

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      In Pics: Royal family reveals face of Sheikh Mohammed’s youngest grandchild

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      Life

      by Ruman Baig
      36 mins ago

      Born on February 25, 2023, Mohammed bin Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum is the newest baby of the Dubai Royal family.
      While the Crown Prince of Dubai has given a glimpse of the little one through his Instagram in the past, this is the first time, the royal baby’s face has been revealed. What makes it even more special? The three new images shared on social media are of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum adoring his youngest grandson.
      Recently, these new images surfaced on the internet and everyone has been in awe of them ever since. Both dressed in pristine white, the ruler of Dubai and the Crown Prince’s new born share a heart-warming moment.
      In the first picture, like a true doting grand father, HH Sheikh Mohammed is seen admiring Mohammed bin Hamdan. As for the rest of the two photos, he is candidly seen kissing the baby’s cheek with a wide smile in the last one.
      Known for his kind-hearted spirit and warmth, HH Sheikh Mohammed is often seen spending quality time with all of his grand children. From taking them horse riding to celebrating days of festivals surrounded by kids, the Prime Minister is always doing the most for his heirs.
      Take a look at this adorable moment between the two.

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

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      This Michelin-recognized chef aims at revolutionizing urban ​​​​dining in Dubai

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      Life

      by Ruman Baig
      2 hours ago

      Located in the Opus Tower designed by Zaha Hadid, Sfumato Gastro Atelier draws a conceptual parallel from the architectural wonder it is nestled in.
      The food and the interiors are minimalistic at the first glance, but the subtle detailing and nuanced layering in both these elements will leave a lasting impression. Chef Alena Solodovichenko dares to experiment confidently in a male-dominated world, challenging stereotypes and pioneering her own unique style to produce an unforgettable experience in an internationally-renowned setting.
      The guiding concept of the Sfumato Gastro Atelier is affordable luxury with a forthright but delicate vision of all-day dining for the new wave. Chef reinterprets her family recipes with produce from local farms featuring delicate and intimate flavors, showing that vegetables and roots can evolve into sophisticated ingredients ready to play the main role in any dish.
      In a detailed conversation with Emirates Woman, chef talks about being at the helm of change, breaking stereotypes and testing the culinary waters in Dubai.
      The restaurant is located in the iconic Opus Tower designed by Zaha Hadid. Did the architecture play a role when it came to drawing inspiration for the menu?
      The architecture played an important role in the process of creating Sfumato menu. Zaha Hadid’s architectural style is characterized by smooth, flowing lines and curves, and is typically free of sharp or angular features. That’s why the menu in Sfumato is delicate and feminine as well. I also took part in creating design for the dishes, and made sure it reflects the forms of the Opus Tower.
      Culinary is still a male-dominated industry. As a Michelin-recognized chef, how do you constantly revolutionize urban ​​​​dining?
      This is true – statistics show that there are more men in the industry than women. Being in the kitchen since I was 19 years old, I have always considered this fact as motivation to improve my techniques. I want to create things that will inspire other women, coerce them to revolutionize their approach, and help them get rid of the fears.
      Female chefs are still rare, especially in the MENA region. I receive tons of messages with women sharing their personal stories – some of them are truly inspired by my career track. Some of my subscribers on Instagram have left their jobs and gone to the kitchen to pursue their dreams. Such stories make me really proud, and willing to show that everything’s possible.

      You’ve reproduced your family recipes with produce from local farms featuring delicate and intimate flavors – tell us a little about that?
      There’re a lot of dishes in Sfumato inspired by my childhood memories. Yet I understand that people have different backgrounds, and the culture in Dubai is different from the one I grew up in, so what I did wasn’t just reproducing family recipes. I find joy in taking something familiar and making a twist to find new flavors. For example, we have a dish in Sfumato that was inspired by the traditional Ukrainian dish golubtsy. What I did was replacing all original ingredients with the local ones, leaving just the concept of cabbage roll. In the original recipe they use meat, but I took hamour, which is a well-known product for people in UAE. For me it is still a dish that reminds me of my childhood, but now it’s also familiar and appealing to those who have never tastes golubtsy.
      The cuisine is tailored to excite the senses of sight and taste without compromising the natural goodness of the ingredients – how do you manage to execute this?
      Honesty and authenticity is what my cuisine is about. I want people to know the real taste of the ingredients. We use delicate techniques, and our sauces are designed to highlight the natural flavor without overshadowing it. A good example is our Beetroot Stracciatella, where we use beets and sauce made from rosemary and black currant (by the way, it’s a fascinating discovery that same-color ingredients tend to match perfectly with each other). We bake beetroot first, and then dehydrate it. Thus, we manage not only to preserve the taste of beets, but also to make it even brighter and sweeter. 
      Another important aspect of my vision is feminine touch. When in Sfumato, one should feel that there’s a woman at the helm of the kitchen. We show huge respect in our job – for the guests, and for the ingredients as well. When a person comes to me and says: “I’ve never enjoyed beetroot, celeriac, or cauliflower, but after visiting Sfumato I’ve changed my mind”. This is the greatest compliment. We take care of our guests, our dishes are healthy. If people in Dubai start to eat more veggies, and there’s at least a tiny fraction of my contribution, it’ll feel right to me.
      The menu features ample variety for meat lovers but the vegetarian dishes particularly stand-out because of the choice of ingredients and the preparation behind it – can you take us through the process?
      We use various techniques, of course, – fire, sous vide, dehydration, molecular techniques, – but fas a chef, fire is still one of my favorites. We’ve got josper – and I’m a 100% fan of this smoky taste it gives the products. I personally eat lots of vegetables and roots, although I’m not a vegetarian and enjoy good meat, fish, eggs, cheese etc. But when you can cook veggies right, you (and your guests) just fall in love with them.  
      While Dubai is known for its opulent gastronomical scene, SFUMATO Gastro Atelier is particularly minimal in principle and virtue – how do you think it will be perceived?
      I hope that Dubai is ready to try something new. We hear our guests say that there’s nothing like Sfumato in Dubai. Our minimalistic approach is truly unique. Tons of truffle and oysters, opulent sophisticated dishes, – this is not about us, and I truly believe that our philosophy will be well received.

      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
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      Royal Wedding: Details of Prince Hussein and Rajwa Al Saif’s upcoming nuptials

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      Life

      by Ruman Baig
      24 mins ago

      Crown Prince Hussein of Jordan is soon to be married to Rajwa Al Saif of Saudi Arabia.
      The couple got engaged last year in August at the to-be-bride’s paternal home in Saudi. Ever since the engagement, the couple have made multiple joint appearances in public, most recent being Princess Iman of Jordan’s wedding in March.
      When is the next Royal Wedding?
      After the first big wedding of the year for the Jordanian Royal Family earlier this year, HRH Prince Hussein and Rajwa Al Saif are expected to tie the knot in June, 2023. The festivities and traditional celebrations are supposed to take place between May 26 and Jun 1, leading up to a grand ceremony on the last day.
      Where is the next Royal wedding?
      According to the Arabian Royal Agency, the Royal Hashemite Court released a statement with details regarding the impending nuptials. “The wedding ceremony of HRH Crown Prince Al Hussein and Ms. Rajwa Khalid Al Saif will be at Zahran Palace then the wedding procession will move to Al Husseiniya Palace.” Further adding, “At Husseiniya Palace, a Dinner banquet will be held and there will be a closed reception and banquet for the media.”
      Who is Rajwa Al Saif?
      Rajwa is the youngest of four children, including Faisal, Naif, Dana and Rajwa, born to parents Khalid bin Musaed Al Saif and Azza Al Sudairi.The Al Saif family’s heritage dates back to the Subai tribe in the town of Al-Attar in Sudair, Najd, Saudi Arabia, where ancestors are known to have been the sheikhs of the town.Rajwa’s father, who resides in Riyadh, has established himself as a well-reputed businessman over the years.
      Ahead ofthe wedding, here are some of the most adorable moments between the bride-to-be and the Royal family.

      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Instagram @alhusseinjo @queenrania @arabianroyalagency More

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      Here’s why Sonam Kapoor Ahuja was at the Coronation concert

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      Life

      by Ruman Baig
      2 hours ago

      Sonam Kapoor Ahuja was honoured with the duty of doing a spoken word performance at the coronation concert of King Charles III.
      After the official swearing in cereomony on day 1, day 2 of the coronation festivities was all about celebration. The concert held at the Windsor Castle was the first major event orchestrated to introduce the 40th Monarch of Britain.
      Besides the Bollywood actor, celebrities like Lionel Richie, Katy Perry, Nicole Scherzinger, Paloma Faith, and Andrea Bocelli also performed at this grand event.
      Beginning her speech with ‘namaste’, the Indian way of greeting hello — the 37 year-old star went on to speak about the diversity of the Commonwealth.
      “Our Commonwealth is a union. Together we are one-third of the world’s people, one-third of the world’s ocean, one-quarter of the world’s land. Each of our countries is unique. Each of our people is special. But we choose to stand as one. Learning from our history, blessed by our diversity, driven by our values and determined to build a more peaceful, sustainable and prosperous future for everyone, where every voice is heard. Without further ado, here’s welcoming the incredible voices from across the Commonwealth,” expressed the Neerja actor in her speech. Sonam then introduced the virtual choir performances by the Commonwealth and also introduced Steve Winwood’s performance.
      For the big night, Sonam, who is known for her indomitable sartorial sense collaborated with two designers (Indian designer Anamika khanna and British designer Emilia Wickstead) from the two countries she calls home. “Historic moments call for fashion moments. I’m honored to mark the unforgettable occasion of the #Coronationconcert by wearing the collaborative vision of two of the most incredible designers from the two countries I’m lucky to call home.”

      In a floor-length, off-white gown with a print that payed homage to both her homelands, Sonam commanded the stage with style and confidence.

      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
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      How SHA Wellness launched the world’s first anti-ageing bed for total regerenation

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      Dr. Vicente Mera, Head of Internal Medicine and Anti-Ageing, Anti-Tobacco and Sleep Medicine at SHA Wellness Clinic on the latest advances in wellness.
      Talk us through your career to date.
      I am a Spanish senior consultant physician and specialist in Internal Medicine, trained at the Clinica Puerta de Hierro (Madrid, Spain) after more than 30 years of clinical bedside practice in hospitals. Fifteen years ago, I obtained (London, UK and Melbourne, Australia) the registration (ABAARM) of A4A and became the head of the Anti-ageing Department at SHA Wellness Clinic. In recent years, I have dedicated my practice to preventing, diagnosing, and treating accelerated ageing on the clinical ground. My practical expertise includes genomics, microbiota, physical training, sleep medicine, cognitive disorders, immunotherapy, hormonal replacement, healthy nutrition, detoxifying procedures, stress management, and regenerative and revitalising medicine to give more life to years, rather than more years to life. I look at the Eastern methods for healthy ageing treatments, mainly related to nutrition and stress management, with great interest as a helpful counterpart. In October 2022, I received a European Medical Award in Medicine for the category of “Anti- ageing Medicine” in Paris. I am the author of several articles published in academic journals of medicine, as well as my latest book, “Joven A Cualquier Edad” (English version -Young At Any Age- coming soon)

      SHA Wellness Clinic provides the latest advances in Western medicine – was this key from the outset?
      SHA Wellness Clinic exists today as the result of a transformative personal health experience under- gone by the destination’s founder, Alfredo Bataller Parietti. Bataller Parietti was unfortunate to receive a troubling diagnosis from a doctor, that was a threat to his quality of life. Alfredo was able to overcome the condition with integrative medicine, in particular with healthy and healing nutrition, natural therapies and lifestyle changes. Inspired by his experience, Bataller Parietti, along with the support of his family, set out to create a unique project that combined techniques and therapies from both medical and natural therapies to help people have longer and better-quality lives. This is the founding concept of SHA Wellness, which was founded in 2008 near Altea Bay in Spain. Since its opening, the property’s team of certified medical and wellness experts has successfully merged ancient philosophies with the latest advances in Western and Eastern medicine to generate scientifically proven results and become a world-leading authority on preventive health. Today, SHA Wellness Clinic is a global pioneer in preventive medicine and holistic wellness. The SHA 360o SHA method is the term given to the fusion of the latest advances in scientific medicine with the most effective and proven natural therapies, combined with healthy and balanced nutrition, that collectively provide an ideal state of health.
      The clinic has the world’s first anti-ageing bed – tell us more.
      To further enhance guest sleep experience, SHA has incorporated the HOGO sleep system which can be found exclusively at the Presidential and Royal suites. This is a new and improved mattress concept that instantly improves the quality of sleep, promotes mental balance, reduces stress and cell regeneration, and enhances overall daily functionality. This innovative invention also helps to reverse the signs of ageing and encourages the body’s natural ability to regenerate during sleep thus improving immune function and guaranteeing an overall healthier lifestyle. Aside from being an anti-ageing rest system, HOGO has been credited to improve athletes’ recovery time by acting as a potent anti-inflammatory while also reducing basal cortisol and improving the immune system. Cristiano Ronaldo and his wife Georgina Rodriguez have claimed to have felt the change this has had in their sleep since the beginning of using the system and they credit it as ‘the secret’ to effectively managing their busy lifestyles.

      You focus on bioidentical hormone therapy and genomic counselling – how does this naturally cure ailments?
      Genetic counselling lets you know your health’s weakest and most vital points. The best hormonal environment enables the prevention and, eventually, cure of ailments related to overeating, lack of exercise, poor stress management, detox capacity, sleep disturbances and microbiota dysbiosis.
      The clinic offers a host of treatments including anti-smoking pro- grammes, nutrition therapies and more. Can you expand on these offerings?
      SHA Wellness offers six programs including Optimal Weight, Advanced Detox, Intensive/Optimal Weight and Advanced Detox, Healthy Ageing, Rebalance and Leader’s Performance – cu- rated to address different health concerns, requirements and objectives. There are also four ‘focused’ divisions, addressing specific health issues including Gut Health, Sleep Recover, Stress Management and Anti-Tobacco. The anti-tobacco programme offers various treatments and therapies focused on addictions to help transition away from smoking in a healthy and controlled manner. With the goal to recover normal bodily functions without the challenging side effects of withdrawal and relapse, SHA’s team of professionals encourage healthier habits for guest lifestyles and to strengthen their commitment to permanently quitting tobacco. The programme begins with a general health checkup followed by individualized treatments including acupuncture, magneto therapy, aquatic therapy, relaxation and more. A personalised nutrition and health plan is then curated for every individual’s physical requirement and for a unique and fully holistic experience.
      “This innovative invention also helps to reverse the signs of ageing and encourages the body’s natural ability to regenerate during sleep.”
      The facility improves clients’ long-term sleep – talk us through this programme.
      ‘Sleep Recovery’ is one of the more focused divisions at SHA, combining Western diagnostic techniques and natural therapies to alleviate sleep problems and put the body in total rest mode. The recommended stay is seven or fourteen days and includes a general medical consultation with a specialist at the beginning and at the end of the course. In addition, guests will receive individual treatments and therapies best suited to them, including a polygraph for the diagnosis of sleep at night, neurocognitive assessment, stress management session, energy health assessment, infrared heat and electromagnetic balance session, mindfulness session, Tibetan healing bowls therapy, brain pho- photobiomodulation session, psychophysiological monitoring of sleep and more. The primary objective is to identify the integrative causes that generate sleep problems, via measurements using specialised technology of the natural rhythms of the human body. Once the origin of the pathology has been determined, specific treatments and therapies focused on the gradual restoration of the natural sleep cycle are then applied, in order to achieve restful sleep and recover adequate energy levels for a full and healthy life. Guests will also have full access to SHA’s world-class wellness facilities, receive a bespoke nutrition plan and enjoy delicious and healthy gastronomy from SHA’s talented culinary team.
      Wellness concepts have grown in the Middle East over the years – how have you seen this evolve?
      The wellness industry in the Middle East has demonstrated significant growth in recent years and this trend is set to continue. For many years, travellers within the region have regularly enjoyed massages and yoga retreats in traditional spa facilities, but when the pandemic hit, wellness took a new urgency and became a priority for many. This accelerated the demand for bespoke destinations that incorporated holistic and advanced wellness treatments with integra- tive solutions to promote long-term health for body, mind and soul. Over the years, we had many guests from the Middle East visit SHA Wellness in Spain, a strong reflection of the growing demand from this region for transformative wellness experiences. With this in mind, the UAE was the perfect location in which to expand our presence and deliver our unique approach to integrative health for new audiences.

      SHA Emirates is set to open in 2025 – what can we expect at this one-of-a-kind getaway?
      After a decade of transforming the lives of thousands of people from around the world at our current location in Spain, we dreamt of crossing the seas to new continents. We wanted more and more people to benefit from our philosophy of integrative health and well-being. For years we travelled to dozens of locations in search of the perfect nature, warm weather, and accessibility to replicate SHA. It was not easy, but we finally found everything we could imagine and more at the seaside destination of AlJurf, in the United Arab Emirates. The luxury development is surrounded by wildlife and nestled in a beautiful serene landscape. It’s the perfect place for people looking to escape city life and recuperate”, said Alejandro Bataller Pineda, Vice President of SHA Wellness Clinic. The opening of SHA Emirates is set to bring world-class treatments to the region for the very first time. SHA Wellness Clinic has become a benchmark for luxury wellness. Always ahead of every innovation in the field, the brand has become a global name synonymous with medical advances and pioneering programs, certified through the almost 100 international awards received during its 11 years of existence.
      This is The Horology Issue – how do you use your time wisely?
      In a week, I try to work no more than 40 hours, rest not less than 40 hours and enjoy life during the remaining 88 hours.
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