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    Insider tips from concierge teams on how to maximise your summer vacation

    Life

    by Camille Macawili
    19 mins ago

    We speak to some of the best concierge teams who go above and beyond to share insider tips on how to maximise your summer vacation.

    The Mark – New York, USA
    Our favourite quotes are “the answer is yes, what is your question” and “my only limitation is your imagination” which means that there are very few things that we DO NOT do for our guests at The Mark. From creating a Phantom of the Opera experience in our Penthouse all with original cast members to delivering a special breed of puppy from New York to Qatar – we have done it all!
    INSIDER TIP
    We personally love creating magical summer moments for our guests. From sailing along the Hudson River on the Mark Sailboat with delicious bites by Caviar Kaspia to taking a spin around Manhattan on our new Mercedes Benz e-bikes, we offer unique ways for our guests to experience this incredible city. For those travelling with their family, a picnic prepared from The Mark Restaurant by Jean-Georges which can be enjoyed in Central Park is a lovely afternoon activity – let The Mark Pedicab take you there! Our second tip is to explore the many outdoor summer concerts and stage performances at our neighboring Central Park. Few things are as enchanting as taking in a Shakespearean play or listening to New York Philharmonic perform outdoors on a warm summer evening.
    For more information, visit themarkhotel.com

    One&Only Reethi Rah – Maldives
    Our Guest Services team at One&Only Reethi Rah curates a fully personalized itinerary based on our guestsʼ preferences. This includes a range of intimate events such as private dining in iconic locations around the resort, as well as themed parties and celebrations for our guests and their loved ones or a bespoke prearrival experience.
    INSIDER TIP
    Get to know our local Maldivian colleagues! They are always eager to share stories about their culture, islands, and experiences; they are exclusive to your time here in the Maldives. Whenever possible, book your experiences ahead of time and consider reaching out directly to the resort. Take full advantage of our expertise so we can offer experiences and activities that you hadnʼt even thought of.
    For more information, visit oneandonlyresorts.com

    Anantara The Palm – Dubai, UAE
    The role of our concierge team involves performing a variety of personalised tasks and services aimed at delighting the hotel’s guests. In essence, we serve as the public face and a dependable resource for guests. As a seasoned concierge well-versed in local hidden treasures, we create tailored itineraries for guests.
    INSIDER TIP
    A customised city tour can be facilitated based on guest preferences. These could include a unique tour to the Museum of the Future, or should guests wish to explore the older parts of Dubai, the historic district of Al Bastakiya comes highly recommended or a walking tour to the Gold and Spice markets.
    For more information, visit anantara.com

    The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert – Ras Al Khaimah, UAE
    In addition to organising dinner reservations and providing recommendations that often involve private dinners amongst the dunes or atop of Al Wadi Tower accompanied by a transfer on a camel or via the 1952 vintage Land Rover to create a unique memorable experience, we also organize various exciting activities throughout the hotel from nature drives, wildlife adventures, to relaxing wellness treatments.
    INSIDER TIP
    Immerse yourself in unique nighttime adventures by participating in guided tours and nature walks, specifically designed to unveil the mesmerizing aspects of Ras Al Khaimah after dark. Engage in stargazing sessions, where you can admire the enchanting constellations while learning about the ancient navigation techniques employed by local Bedouins.
    For more information, visit ritzcarlton.com
    July/August’s – The Summer Escape Issue with Tania Santos Silva – Download Now 
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    July/August’s – The Travel Issue – Indulge Your Wanderlust

    Life

    by Amy Sessions
    3 hours ago

    Welcome to The Travel Issue.
    This issue encourages you to indulge your Wanderlust. If you’re traveling over summer – enjoy. If you’re staying at home- make this issue your go-to for daytime dreaming of the next adventure.
    wanderlust/ˈwɒndəlʌst/nouna strong desire to travel

    The Dream
    Amanoi – Ninh Thuan, Vietnam
    Claiming a spectacular stretch of Vietnam’s coastline within the verdant embrace of Nui Chua National Park and UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Amanoi is a natural paradise overlooking Vinh Hy Bay. From its remote location – a rich and diverse mosaic of ecosystems – the resort’s clifftop restaurants and pool, lakeside Aman Spa and private golden sand beach, offer limitless opportunities for outdoor exploration, cultural immersion and serene time out.

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

    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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    The Ned Doha redefines elevated luxury

    Lifestyle

    by Amy Sessions
    1 hour ago

    Founded in 2017, The Ned originated in London in the former Midland Bank headquarters, designed by Sir Edwin ‘Ned’ Lutyens in 1924, and opened its second location, The Ned NoMad, in the renowned 1903 Johnston building in New York City in 2022.
    This third Ned location is set over five floors in the former site of the Ministry of Interior, overlooking the Arabian Gulf and Doha’s skyline, and features 90 bedrooms and suites, seven public restaurants, a pool and club lounge, a health club with spa, salon, and fitness centre, and a new 775sqm (8,350sq ft) event space for large-scale conferences, events, and receptions.
    “Five years after launching The Ned in London, we are excited to open in Doha. We are really excited to occupy one of the city’s most architecturally significant buildings, comprising of a hotel, multiple restaurants and its own private members’ club” said Gareth Banner, Group Managing Director, The Ned. “We look forward to providing our guests and members with a distinct experience, welcoming them to stay, connect, eat and have a good time.”
    The Stay
    Originally designed in the 1960s by Lebanese architect William Sednaoui, the unique brutalist style building has been redesigned by David Chipperfield Architects Berlin with interiors by Soho House Design. Since the property is one of the most historically important in the destination, all renovations and design touch points were implemented in line with Qatar’s noble mission to preserve, modernise, and repurpose its significant buildings.
    The Dining
    The Ned Doha offers seven restaurants open to all. Situated in the centre of the hotel, Cecconi’s serves Northern Italian classics from hand-made pastas and wood-fired pizzas to Venetian-inspired seafood dishes, with an open kitchen, and a centered, walk-aroundbar with high-back seating serving cocktailsand an international wine selection. Kaia serves Pan-Asian cuisine, with signature dishes from Southeast Asia and Hawaii including sushi, poke bowls, and mains slowcooked on a robata grill, served in a space with a marble-topped counter, jade-green cushioned seating, and bulbous chandeliers.
    The Wellness
    Situated on the top floor with panoramic views of the city is Ned’s Club Spa, offering members and hotel guests a menu of treatments using skincare brands such as Cowshed, as well as sauna, steam room, and traditional Hammam. The health club is also home to Ned’s Club Gym, a fitness and studio space with state-of-the-art equipment, a wide range of classes ranging from Zumba to kickboxing, and a separate, private gym space for women.

    April’s – The Elevate Issue – Download Now– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
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    Dubai’s Twiggy by La Cantine will rekindle the feeling of “joie de vivre” this season

    Lifestyle

    by Team Emirates Woman
    2 hours ago

    IN PARTNERSHIP: Riviera reverie — “a state of being pleasantly lost in one’s thoughts; a daydream.” It is exactly the sentiment that Twiggy by La Cantine, the new beach club and restaurant at the park Hyatt Dubai Lagoon brings to Dubai.
    Located at the edge of the Park Hyatt Dubai Lagoon, Twiggy by La Cantine is a whimsical escape. Once you’re here, you can tune out from the rest of the world and get momentarily lost in this minimal space. Under the shining sun, above the cobalt blue waters of this Persian Gulf lagoon — the white sand beaches juxtapose it all, perfectly nestled next to the Park Hyatt’s stunning 100-m infinity pool.
    At Twiggy, the art of idleness is celebrated by enjoying the simple pleasures of life. The Provence-inspired decor ensures you make switch up your mood on a mundane day. You can begin your day by lounging, eating and swimming — until the sun melts into oblivion.

    Under the watchful eyes of Pierre Pirajean, Héléna Paraboschi and Rizwan Kassim, the one-of-a-kind flavour of La Cantine has been recreated in Dubai, but with a distinct approach. Starting with La Cantine du Faubourg in Dubai and Ninive to Lana Lusa, Tagomago, Mimi Kakushi, Gohan, Kyma Beach and Madeleine et Marcel — each space is created with a state-of-the-art vision.
    La Cantine strategically integrates its aesthetic without interrupting the royal view, the sea and the sky. The decor boasts of a Mediterranean ambiance, infusing rattan, pastel and hints of cream along with turquoise blue, inspired by the lagoon.
    Having a meal Twiggy is an experience to behold, as the view and food make for an invincible combination. The team of chefs knows that the majestic sun-drenched view is doing its job, by satiating the appetites with delectable food, they take this escapade to a whole new level.
    The chef’s beach club cuisine includes an array of lip-smacking dishes. From burrata and royal prawns to sushi platters — the chef knows how to ace a delicate seafood platter and handle the most sophisticated caviar. Whether it’s mastering the famous Angus beef to perfecting popular dishes like black truffle pizza and quinoa and kale salad — the menu will transport you across Ibiza, Saint-Tropez, Cassis and Formentera via Okinawa.
    The great outdoors at Twiggy by La Cantine could easily pass off as a slice of paradise. Three gorgeous cabanas set slightly behind the tables offers you the ultimate privacy. Unwinding with your group of 6 to 12, the heavenly corners called Coco Cabana, Bardot Cabana and Grace Cabana can be your relaxing hideaways. Is there a better way to experience Dubai? we think there isn’t.

    The Lagoon is open from 9 am to sunset. Restaurant open from 12 pm to 2 am.  For more information, visit www.twiggy.ae
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
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    Hotel Café Royal in Paris delivers style, sophistication, and unparalleled service

    News

    by Amy Sessions
    2 hours ago

    The Stay
    Designed with an incredible ability to seamlessly blend tradition with the modern technology comforts you’d expect from a hotel at this level, you will fully relax and enjoy your stay from a breakfast that caters to every taste to a turndown service that warms the bath towels. Both rooms and suites feel spacious and accommodate bathrooms with a bathtub and separate walk-in shower, so your simple nightly rituals feel like extravagant downtime.

    Hotel Café Royal
    The unwind
    One of the most tranquil spas you will ever visit – the underground Askasha spa boasts a large pool, spacious sauna and relaxation rooms where you can practise Yoga and Pilates, a welcome respite from the business of the city centre. Book in for a well-earned Aromatherapy Associates massage and be transformed back to the freshest version of yourself.

    Hotel Café Royal
    The Dining
    With a menu inspired by the iconic and storied Parisian neighbourhood of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, home to Hotel Café Royal’s sister hotel Lutetia Paris, Brasserie Saint Germain delivers on taste and service alike. The menu created by Eliano Crespi and his culinary team offers up the best of seasonal produce in a cosy semi-formal setting, the Sole Meunière and Salade Juliette are not to be missed. More

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    Hotel Café Royal in London delivers style, sophistication, and unparalleled service

    News

    by Amy Sessions
    10 hours ago

    The Stay
    Designed with an incredible ability to seamlessly blend tradition with the modern technology comforts you’d expect from a hotel at this level, you will fully relax and enjoy your stay from a breakfast that caters to every taste to a turndown service that warms the bath towels. Both rooms and suites feel spacious and accommodate bathrooms with a bathtub and separate walk-in shower, so your simple nightly rituals feel like extravagant downtime.

    Hotel Café Royal
    The unwind
    One of the most tranquil spas you will ever visit – the underground Askasha spa boasts a large pool, spacious sauna and relaxation rooms where you can practise Yoga and Pilates, a welcome respite from the business of the city centre. Book in for a well-earned Aromatherapy Associates massage and be transformed back to the freshest version of yourself.

    Hotel Café Royal
    The Dining
    With a menu inspired by the iconic and storied Parisian neighbourhood of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, home to Hotel Café Royal’s sister hotel Lutetia Paris, Brasserie Saint Germain delivers on taste and service alike. The menu created by Eliano Crespi and his culinary team offers up the best of seasonal produce in a cosy semi-formal setting, the Sole Meunière and Salade Juliette are not to be missed. More

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    Dreaming of Mykonos? This boutique hotel is one to add to your bucket list

    Lifestyle

    by Olivia Morris
    1 hour ago

    We may be in the midst of winter, but that hasn’t stopped us from dreaming about a Grecian summer.
    In the vein of planning ahead, we want to whisk you away to the shores of Mykonos to give you some wanderlust inspiration for next summer.
    Hidden in the cove of the Ornos Bay area of the island lies Kalesma Mykonos, an exclusive oasis like no other. Blending seamlessly into the surroundings of the island, the look and feel of the hotel have been designed as a collection of houses to resemble a charming Mykonian village.

    Created by the Greek owners, every aspect of this hotel not only provides a truly secluded stay but also at its core ensures an authentic experience on one of the country’s most popular island getaways. Kalesma isn’t what you’d normally associate the party resort of Mykonos with, but it’s a welcomed change – and you’re just a stone’s throw away from the action.
    The Feel
    As soon as you step into this whitewashed haven, you’re overcome by a wave of relaxation. Welcome to paradise.
    Created by the Greek owners, every aspect of this hotel not only provides a truly secluded stay but also at its core ensures an authentic experience on one of the country’s most popular island getaways. Kalesma isn’t what you’d normally associate the party resort of Mykonos with, but it’s a welcomed change – and you’re just a stone’s throw away from the action.
    The Stay

    Ideal for visitors from the GCC region, Kalesma is perhaps the most exclusive resort you’ll find on the Greek island of Mykonos.
    The luxe hideaway features 12 one-bedroom villas, 13 one-bedroom suites and two larger villas accommodating up to eight guests, all of which have their own pools, giving optimum privacy on this bustling island. In fact, it’s the only hotel in Mykonos where this level of privacy is found.
    Each accommodation overlooks Ornos Bay, complete with floor-to-ceiling French doors, meaning you never miss out on any of the breathtaking views. For sun lovers, there’s also the terrace and the pool which becomes a sun trap in the morning and in the evening it becomes a golden oasis as the Grecian sunsets.
    The Food

    Back up at the main part of the hotel, by the reception, lies the hotel’s restaurant, Pere Ubu. Situated just by the hotel’s infinity pool, you’re treated to the same stunning views you’ll see from your room, but out the other side of the restaurant by the firepit, you can see through to the other side of the island, giving a 360-degree aspect to the hotel.
    The food – both breakfast and dinner – is just as impressive as the views with a number of Cycladic dishes on the menu. The seabass was definitely a winner – when in Greece!
    The Verdict
    Five-star service, paired with a five-star hotel makes for nothing short of a spectacular stay. Trust us, you won’t want to leave.
    For more information visit kalesmamykonos.com
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
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