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      30 décor pieces to refresh your home for summer

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      Life

      by Sarah Joseph
      38 mins ago

      Summer has finally arrived and with that comes the warmth of hosting gatherings at home rather than being outdoors. With a few décor pieces to add, transforming your abode has never been easier.
      By infusing the calming elements of summer, anyone can add a few décor pieces to completely revamp their space.
      So, as temperatures rise, it’s time to embrace the season’s ecelectic energy and infuse your living spaces with a breath of fresh air. Embracing what suits your home the best can be a hassle – from figuring out what colour suits your rooms the best to what furniture looks best in your living space, the options are seemingly endless.
      Sometimes, it can be as simple as adding a cute seashell-shaped throw pillow or switching out your plates for ones with a colorful pattern to transform your home into the summer oasis of your dreams.
      Each of these pieces, can make a splash throughout the joy-filled month, trust us when we say there are plenty of choices that are *add-to-cart worthy*.
      For the host or the bachelor, try a fresh color scheme or incorporate new materials as the season changes. Start small and focus on one area of a room, or if you’re feeling bold, transform the whole room into a summery haven. This extra special and extra hot time of year is also the perfect time to embrace decor inspired by coastal design, like beachy color palettes and nautical nods, and tropical motifs, like summer fruit and palm leaves galore. Hence, Spruce up your dining area with our best summer decór ideas—from table setting and furnishing inspiration to mesmerising lighting touches for an escape without taking a long-haul flight. Without spending too much, it’s always easy to add a few touches to make your home a relaxing haven.
      If you’re looking to revamp your space, you’re in the right place as we can allow you to elevate your home’s style and create a refreshing retreat for yourself.

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

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      10 things to avoid during the hottest summer months in the UAE

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      Life

      by Ruman Baig
      17 seconds ago

      The UAE summer sun is no joke. With temperatures soaring past 40°C, staying safe becomes a top priority.
      Here’s a guide on what not to do during the hottest months, along with some UAE-specific suggestions to keep you cool:

      Don’t underestimate the sun’s power
      While a tan might look nice, sunburn is a recipe for discomfort and dehydration. Opt for lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that covers your shoulders and knees. Look for fabrics with a UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) rating for added sun protection.
      Don’t forget the SPF
      Sunscreen is non-negotiable. Apply a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher liberally and reapply every two hours, especially after swimming or sweating. Don’t forget areas like your ears, lips, and the tops of your feet.
      Don’t skip hydration

      Dehydration is a major risk in extreme heat. Carry a reusable water bottle and sip on cool water throughout the day, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Avoid sugary drinks and excessive caffeine, which can dehydrate you further. Electrolyte-rich beverages can be helpful, especially after sweating a lot.
      Don’t push yourself outdoors during peak heat
      The UAE offers a vibrant nightlife and a plethora of air-conditioned indoor attractions. Plan outdoor activities for early mornings or evenings when temperatures are milder. Malls, museums,and even indoor ski slopes at Ski Dubai offer cool escapes from the scorching sun.
      Don’t leave children or pets in parked cars
      This one seems obvious, but even a few minutes in a sweltering car can be deadly.
      Don’t ignore heatstroke symptoms
      Headache, dizziness, nausea, and excessive sweating are all signs of heatstroke. If you experience them, move to a cool, shaded area, loosen clothing, sip cool water, and seek medical attention if symptoms worsen.
      Don’t rely solely on air conditioning
      While AC is a lifesaver, constantly going from extreme heat to icy-cold interiors can strain your body. Opt for natural ventilation whenever possible and take breaks from the AC to adjust your body temperature gradually.
      Don’t forget about your head
      A wide-brimmed hat shields your face, neck, and head from the harsh sun. Opt for breathable, lightweight materials like straw or cotton.
      Don’t disregard cultural norms
      Dress modestly when outdoors, especially in more conservative areas. This will not only keep you cool but also show respect for local customs.
      Don’t be afraid to embrace the indoors
      The UAE boasts some of the world’s most impressive malls and indoor entertainment complexes. Embrace the air conditioning and explore a myriad of shops, restaurants, theme parks, and cultural attractions that are specifically designed to keep you cool and entertained during the summer months.
      By following these simple tips, you can stay safe, prevent heat-related illnesses, and enjoy a pleasant summer in the UAE.
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Feature Image: Instagram @visit.dubai More

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      Travelling to Sri Lanka this summer? EW’s guide to this tropical paradise

      by

      Life

      by Ruman Baig
      11 seconds ago

      Sri Lanka: A solo sojourn and a sudden sense of serenity.

      On the precipice of thirty, a decade of group vacations and family getaways began to feel like a well-worn comfort blanket. It was time to shed the cocoon and spread my wings, or at least my passport. Sri Lanka, with its promise of ancient ruins, lush landscapes, and a laid-back vibe, seemed the perfect antidote to the impending existential crisis.
      The Stay

      Ahu Bay, a Reverie resort nestled on Sri Lanka’s southern coast, is more than just a hotel; it’s a philosophy. Part of Resplendent Ceylon’s collection, it embodies the brand’s commitment to slow living and mindful exploration. This is a place where time stands still, inviting guests to disconnect from the world and reconnect with themselves.
      Ahu Bay, a coastal gem on the island’s southern tip, was my chosen sanctuary. It’s the kind of place where time dilates and worries evaporate like morning mist. The resort is a masterclass in understated luxury, blending seamlessly into its natural surroundings.
      The Accommodation

      My suite, a private oasis with a plunge pool that begged for champagne breakfasts, was the perfect base for my solitary explorations.The staff, with their warm smiles and impeccable service, transformed the experience from a solo sojourn into a pampered retreat.
      The Dining

      And then there was the food. My first night on the property, I was whisked away to the private beach for a solo date night under the moon light. As a coastal kid from Goa, I was coloured impressed at the array of local seafood I was presented with. A symphony of flavours in my mouth, each dish a testament to the island’s culinary heritage.
      As the days turned into a week, a sense of calm washed over me. The kind of calm that comes from spending hours lost in a book, the gentle lull of waves as a soundtrack, and the knowledge that the only company you need is your own.
      Leaving felt like bidding farewell to an old friend.

      What to pack for a summer in Sri Lanka:
      Thinking of escaping the Dubai heat for a week in this coastal paradise? Let EW help you decide what to bring along.

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

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      Luxury brand pop-ups and beach club takeovers to visit for a chic summer

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      Life

      by Camille Macawili
      13 seconds ago

      From seasonal pop-up boutiques to branded beach club takeovers – this summer is at its most chic. Here, Emirates Woman rounds up all the summer activations, taking this season to another level.

      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Image: Supplied / Instagram @bevhillshotel More

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      The best fitness hacks to stay on track this summer

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      Life

      by Sarah Joseph
      1 hour ago

      Fitness Instructor Courtney Black on how to hack your summer fitness routine.
      Talk us through your fitness routine?
      My routine involves lots of steps that I know I can sustain year round that make me feel good and energised. Sticking to my five workouts from my app per week 45 minutes each, trying to get as much fresh air as possible and always prepping and planning healthy meals that are going to nourish my body – cookingyour own food and actually knowing what you are putting into your body.
      What your pre-summer fitness tips?
      Myself like most people, tend to try get a bit leaner for summer and this year, I want to tone up a bit more for my birthday trip to Italy. My biggest tip is to keep on track the rest of the year and avoid any crash diets that will make you feel under pressure or unenergised. The best way to stay in shape year round is to finda workout routine that you love and actually enjoy doing. Then for your diet, I would advise to stick to a slight deficit (maybe a few hundred calories under your maintenance) to keep that lean look year round while still being able to maintain this.
      What are your summer hacks to maintaining fitness?
      Travelling taker-up a big part of my summer so I need to find a routine that I can do from anywhere which is why I love my dumbbell only and bodyweight workouts. Keeping them short and effective so I am always sticking to 45 minutes of movement each day. Choosing foods that are going to keep me energised and sticking to the 80-20 rule where I keep 80 per cent of my diet as whole foods and 20 per cent as soul foods.
      How do you stay consistent during your travel?
      I use my app (Courtney Black app) as all our workouts are either bodyweight or dumbbell and you can follow along live. These workouts make fitness so much more accessible and enjoyable.
      What are some easy exercises for long-haul flights?
      Sitting down for long periods of time is no good for our bodies so it’s really important we get them moving but also stay in tune with our bodies while doing so. I would opt for a long walk the morning after or the evening you land if you can and then the next day grab some medium dumbbells and get a 45-minute full body sweat on and really focus on warming up and mobilising your body beforehand to get into that lower back, hips and anywhere that may feel stiff post flight.
      What advice would you give to anyone who is struggling to find time to work out?
      Workout at home. My app makes this so much fun and it takes away the traffic to the gym or your classand also just makes everything so much more accessible and quicker. You can be done in 20-30 or 45 minutes, and everyone can make time for that. Stop scrolling on your phone when you wake up or skip 30 minutes of TV of an evening and just try find a time where you can put your body first.

      What is your take on cheat meals?
      Cheat meals is a bit of a toxic phrase in my opinion because it brings guilt or some kind of bad negative feeling around food. A meal is just a meal, some more nutritious than others. I always tell my clients, friends and family the best way to incorporate balance into your life if to have what you fancy in moderation. If you fancy some chocolate, have some rather than waiting until your chest day and bingeing on way more than just that small piece of chocolate you were craving.
      It can be hard to find the drive to work out – what keeps you motivated?
      Motivation doesn’t come easy and there is nothing worse than feeling demotivated but motivation comes from results and unfortunately they aren’t going to happen if you do not make a change and take the first step. A workout is always easier five minutes in when you have actually started. The hardest part is getting going, remember why you want to workout and how it makes you feel after.
      This is The Summer Escape Issue – where do you plan on travelling to this Summer?
      I am back in London for a week to see my family and then heading to Paris for the weekend. From there, I am staying in Spain for a few weeks before heading on my birthday trip to Italy with my partner. We are then heading to Greece with his family and finally south of France for me and my mum’s annual summer trip. Lots of travelling so lots of hotel workouts and outside workouts too! I cannot wait to relax, workout hard and enjoy some beautiful food.
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram

      July/August’s – The Summer Escape Issue with MAISWIM – Download Now
      Images: Supplied & Feature Image: Unsplash @logan-weaver @mathilde-langevin More

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      13 hotspots to check out for a chic summer escape

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      Life

      by Camille Macawili
      8 seconds ago

      VIEW GALLERY/ 13 IMAGES
      Summer is high season to give you a chance to explore the hotspots far and away.
      Don’t know where to go? If you’ve been out of the loop and this question fills you with dread, you don’t have to fret. Emirates Woman have curated a tasteful edit of the latest and greatest must-see and must-do for all the different kinds of wanderlust that are worth making time for in your hard-earned annual leave.
      From places with a focus on gastronomy to those filled with character, here’s how and where to stay, dine, and spend all your summer days.
      Tap the gallery above to discover the edit.
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      July/August’s – The Summer Escape Issue with MAISWIM – Download Now More

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      How Chef Izu captured the relaxed charm of Southern France for his latest concept

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      Life

      by Camille Macawili
      7 seconds ago

      Chef Izu Ani on his gastronomic adventures and how he’s captured the relaxed charm of South of France at Maison de la Plage.
      Maison de la Plage adds to your growing culinary portfolio. What sets this apart from your other concepts?
      Maison de la Plage is our home by the sea. I wanted to create a space where people can let go, breathe, play, share fresh, light dishes and truly connect with the elements. The ocean connects us all, it encourages our playful sides and allows us to unwind. The space flows from the sea to comfortable sunbeds, daybeds and cabanas, a beach bar, swimming pool, and restaurant, to provide a haven for all.

      The restaurant transports you to Côte d’Azur. Can you define the inspiration behind its free-spirited design it evokes and the elements that add to the ambience?
      The South of France is one of my favourite places in the world, its breathtaking nature and inviting energy invigorates me every time I visit. Our aim is to bring the laid-back elegance of the Côte d’Azur to Dubai, with elements from the quaint, idyllic villages and the sun-drenched shores woven throughout Maison de la Plage. We wanted to create a romantic, yet lively ambiance, where mount.
      We partnered with London-based design studio FirstWithin to bring our vision to life. The interior is adorned with bespoke rattan furniture, featuring unique prints that seamlessly blend with the natural beauty of the beach landscape. Every part of Maison de la Plage was curated to enhance the connection between our guests and their coastal surroundings, with a fun, contemporary French touch. One of the key elements in our design is the playful use of patterns and colours. Throughout the space, you’ll find dotted yacht motifs, which serve as a delightful reminder of the picturesque villages in the south of France. These patterns were designed to evoke a sense of coastal tranquility.
      What does the culinary journey experience look like?
      A home from home, Maison de la Plage is somewhere friends and families can enjoy at all hours. From serene breakfasts overlooking the sea, to long lunches in the sunshine and dinners with loved ones. We wanted to create a space that feels welcoming and wonderful at any time of day. Our dishes are a constant flow of evolution and information. When developing new dishes and creating menus, we always start with the inspiration – we ask ourselves who is this dish for, why are we creating it, how and when will it be enjoyed. We aim to create a seamless transition between the outdoor oasis and the indoor dining area, to ensure a flexible and comfortable experience.

      The menu encapsulates the seaside sophistication of the French Riviera. What are the key standout dishes?
      One of my favourite parts of the menu is the selection of fresh market crudités. We serve crisp, seasonal vegetables in a beautiful basket alongside a selection of dips. It is the perfect dish to share with the table, and a lovely start to a meal. I also recommend choosing fresh fish from La Poissonerie and having it cooked exactly to preference alongside baked vegetables. The beauty of the menu is that it caters for different experiences, so if I’m spending the day by the beach and want to eat on the sunbeds, we will order a selection of Pizzas, a few Izu Burgers to share and end each meal with ice cream. The menu was designed to be shared between friends and loved ones, whether they would prefer a light bite or a nourishing meal.

      “To this day, my travels and experiences continue to shape my understanding of cuisine and have enabled me to translate this through the menus I work on”

      Where did your flair for French-inspired culinary creations begin? How deeply connected are you in terms of influence?
      When I was at the beginning of my career, I spent a lot of time in France and absorbed everything I could about the culture and cuisine. It is where I met my wife, and it gave me a wider spectrum of knowledge and understanding.
      I believe that in life, we do have to invest our time, effort and dedication to ourselves and our passions. To this day, my travels and experiences continue to shape my understanding of cuisine and have enabled me to translate this through the menus I work on. It is important to respect the culture that each dish takes inspiration from, to take our time to learn and understand their traditions. Food is at the core of every country. By understanding the culture, we have the privilege of knowing how to extract the experience and tell each story from the source. My aim in life is to keep adding to my life journey through food and to be able to share this with people who are as keen as I am to explore how we can push the limits of creativity.

      “My aim in life is to keep adding to my life journey through food and to be able to share this with people who are as keen as I am to explore how we can push the limits of creativity”

      Chef Izu Ani

      At the heart of it is Le Marché, inspired by the bustling French market – tell us more about this space.
      Le Marché is one of my favourite parts of Maison de la Plage. When I was first starting out as a Chef, I moved to a lovely little town in France. Every morning, I would visit the market to choose fresh ingredients to prepare that day, and I loved every moment. It was such a beautiful start to the morning. There is something so exquisite about sourcing fresh produce, and choosing our ingredients before we prepare and enjoy them. I first met my wife at that market over 20 years ago now. For an entire year, I continued to visit the little shop she worked in, hoping to see her. Finally, on my birthday, I mustered up the nerve to ask her out on a date. To my delight, she agreed, and that moment marked the beginning of our journey together.
      Le Marché is my heartfelt homage to that pivotal encounter. It serves as a reminder of the incredible power of chance meetings and the profound impact they can have on our lives.

      You’re very hands-on and built everything yourself from the outset. What did this teach you?
      Having the freedom to create is really important to me, it allows me to keep expanding and growing without the fear of stagnation. When we work with passion, we can enjoy the art of dedication and practice. By focusing on improving every single day, we can see how much there is to achieve and really embrace the process. I believe that the milestones are often found in the small moments. I find the most pride and pleasure when I am consistent and striving towards my goals every day.
      What have been the biggest challenges you’ve encountered and how did you overcome them?
      If we look at our circumstances as opportunities instead of obstacles, we can positively impact our mindsets. Experience cannot just be about ‘what went right’ – success is what we celebrate, mistakes are what we learn from – in all aspects of life. There is a lesson in every situation, and challenges give us valuable knowledge that we may not have been aware of otherwise. The trick is to pay attention. It is all information, and information is everything. The more we know, the greater our spectrum of understanding, which leads us to better opportunities and experiences.
      This is The Summer Escape Issue – where are you escaping to this summer?
      This year, one of our goals was to expand internationally and take our home-grown concepts from Dubai to the world. This summer, I am so excited to spend time in our latest restaurants in London, Marbella, and Monaco, and truly embed ourselves within the local communities there. This summer will also see the launch of GAIA in Miami, which I am really looking forward to. It is so humbling to see our concepts in different countries around the world. My focus is to ensure we provide the same level of service in every location and ensure everyone enjoys their experience.
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      July/August’s – The Summer Escape Issue with MAISWIM – Download Now
      Images: Supplied More

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      The ultimate indoor activities guide for summer in Dubai

      by

      Life

      by Sarah Joseph
      17 mins ago

      As the temperatures soar for the next few months, keeping ourselves entertained with indoor activities throughout the summer months.
      From experiencing art to visiting an independent cinema with friends and family, there’s something for everyone to experience.
      So, without reminiscing on the cooler months, it’s time to make the most of the indoors. Also one can experience the plethora of activities in Dubai that are worth every dime.
      Instead, you should be turning to the incredible indoor offerings Dubai has ready for the summer months, and believe us.Choosing an indoor summer activity can depend on various factors such as your interests, budget, and available time. Hence, we’re here to help you decide.
      Identify your interests
      What do you enjoy doing? If it’s reading, crafting, fitness or games, this guide has something for everyone. It’s also important to see if you prefer solitary activities or group activities.
      Assess available time
      How much time do you have? If it’s a few hours then opt for a sound healing session for an hour is a time bound activity. If you have the entire day, then a session at The Jam Jar is more fluid.
      Consider your goals
      To relax, laid-back activities such a spa day or a self-care zen session is the perfect option. For something new or exciting, Dubai has a myriad of options. They include TODA or a museum to open your mind and expand the horizon.
      Total people
      If it’s a group activity, finding something suitable such as a Roast lunch or The Smash Room. These activities can work best to enjoy in a collective setting.
      Take a break from the mundane trips to the mall and cinema visits. For some inspiration on your next weekend plan or midweek treat, swipe through our gallery of where to book.

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