Hi - 12 February 2016

OMAN’S LARGEST CIRCULATED WEEKLY — 54,000 COPIES

VOL 10 ISSUE 7 / FEBRUARY 12, 2016

V-DAY: A S URV IVA L GUIDE STARTS PAGE 12

Audited by

THIS WEEK IN OMAN

TAKE A RIDE ON THE LOVE BOAT

BAKE DESSERT AND SEE RED

HIDEAWAY FROM THE WORLD

Take your romance to the high seas this weekend with a luxurious yacht dinner cruise.

PAGE 14

Chocolatey, creamy, and ohso-red, we tell you how to make the flirtiest cake in town.

PAGE 18

Only a short drive from the city, a weekend at The Shangri La Resort will have you falling in love all over again.

PAGE 20

04

HI WEEKLY

VOLUME 10 ISSUE 7 FEBRUARY 12, 2016

Give us a shout with questions, comments, compliments, complaints, or just to say “Hi” Founder Essa bin Mohamed Al Zedjali Chairman Mohamed Issa Al Zadjali CEO Ahmed Essa Al Zedjali scottarmstrong@timesofoman.com Chief Executive Editor Scott Armstrong felicia@timesofoman.com

Executive Features Editor Felicia Campbell Features Production Editor Swati Dasgupta

swati@timesofoman.com

ameerudheen@timesofoman.com

Senior Editors T. A. Ameerudheen Faisal Mohammed Naim

faisal@timesofoman.com

Chief Sub-Editors Mohammed Shafeeqe, Ashish Dubash

ashishdubash@timesofoman.com shafeeq@timesofoman.com Multimedia Editorial Assistants Shruthi Nair, Asmaa Al Balushi, Salim Hamood Al Afifi salim@timesofoman.com

Chief Creative Officer Adonis Durado asmaa@timesofoman.com

shruthi@timesofoman.com

Associate Art Director Waleed Rabin Graphic Editor Antonio Farach Design Editor Sahir K.M. Lead Designer Ali Jani Designers Antonio Ismael Sandiego Geri Batara Sonny Gregory Fernandez Director of Digital Television Joe Morrison Photography MMG Photographers

aziz@timesofoman.com

richard@timesofoman.com

Chief Sales Officer Richard Pakenham Head Of Advertising & Marketing Aziz K. Baker Production Manager Shafi Shaik On The Cover Design by Ali Jani For general inquiries or comments: HiWeekend@timesofoman.com

Muscat Media Group AN ISO 9001:2008 CERTIFIED COMPANY Post Box: 770, Postal Code: 112, Ruwi, Sultanate of Oman EDITORIAL 24726600/24726666 Ext 235/160 felicia@timesofoman.com

CIRCULATION 24726600/24726666 Ext 135/136 circulation@timesofoman.com

ADVERTISEMENT 24726600/24726666 exT 435/193 hi7ayam@hotmail.com

SAY “HI” ON SOCIAL MEDIA facebook.com/hiweekly twitter & instagram: hiweekly_oman

Tell us what you’re doing this weekend: Tweet us @HiWeekly_Oman; tag us in your weekend instagram photos @hiweekly_oman; or share with us on FB/hiweekly

VOLUME 10 ISSUE 7 FEBRUARY 12, 2016

HI WEEKLY

05

THE WEEKEND LINEUP Your calendar of the hottest events happening in Muscat this weekend

11 12 13 THURSDAY

FRIDAY

8am Lead On

5pm Eat , Dance, Beach

9pm Love on the Rocks

Be a part of the Open Minds 2016 conference featuring global speakers and icons of success who are sure to inspire local youth and young entrepreneurs as they share stories of their own triumphs and challenges.

Take a drive down to Jebel Sifawy to party at Sets on the Beach, which will feature music by DJ Bens and DJ Effic and snacks from special food stalls hosted byy Eat Street, Mumtaz Mahal, Maaha M h l, and Sifawy’s Sablah Restaurant.

Celebrate “Valentine’s Eve” with DJ Darren Shortt who will be presiding over games, surprise giveaways, and romantic jams at On The Rocks.

Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa +968 9512 2460 bwopenminds@gmail.com

8pm Orchestrate Some Romance The Royal Oman Symphony Orchestra will hold a lively, romantic-themed concert at the Royal Auditorium in Al Bustan Palace. The OMR 10 tickets include one preconcert drink in the Boscher room at 7pm.

Jebel Sifawy +968 9408 1535 events@jebelsifah.com

SATURDAY

Golden Tulip Seeb +968 9779 8111 axisroyal.com

8:30am Paint Your Worries Away Spend the day listening to music and letting your creativity flow as you paint with other artists at the Gailani Art Retreat from 8:30am to 5 30pm.

Left Bank gailaniart.com

+968 9760 0851

Photography: Supplied

Al Bustan Palace Hotel +968 2476 4000 BoxOffice.Albustan@ ritzcarlton.com

06

HI WEEKLY

Have you been to the Festival?

What did you eat? Tag us on Instagram @hiweekly_oman and tell us about it on facebook.com/hiweekly

VOLUME 10 ISSUE 7 FEBRUARY 12, 2016

EXPLORE KERALAN CUISINE IN MUSCAT

Story Swati Dasgupta Photographer Salim Al Afifi

erala beckons the nature lovers with its lush green tranquility, but what some people don’t know is that it is also a foodies’ paradise.

Boasting a staggering variety of unique dishes that make use of freshly ground spices, luscious coconut milk, and all manner of seafood that is cooked and served in earthenware, the flavours of this South Indian city are utterly craveable. This weekend you don’t have to travel to experience an authentic taste at the Kerala Food Festival which is being hosted by Passage to India restaurant in Hatat House Compound, Wadi Adai.

The ambience has been rightly set with open air counters that mimic the roadside food stalls of Kerala, complete with pickle and candy jars neatly placed on display.

The “stalls” will be serving an ala carte menu for both for lunch and dinner through February 15.

Options are in abundance with specialities like acharyan mutton ularthiyathu; mut-

ton marinated and cooked in spices and roasted in coconut oil, Kumarakom fish curry; a spicy fish curry which is a specialty dish of Kumarakom in Kerala, prawn varattiyathu; prawns marinated in spices and then slightly roasted with onion and curry leaves, Kerala biryani; a one pot chicken and rice dish laden with fragrant spices, and naadan chicken curry, a well flavoured dish with spices and cooked in coconut oil. My favourite was the fish chatti curry, a gourmet’s delight served piping hot in the chatti or an earthen pot,

that it was cooked in alongside brown rice, the short grains of which makes it a perfect accompaniment. Fish chatti curry is fish made with garlic paste, onions, and red chillies and seasoned with mustard seeds and curry leaves.

Other specialties include shredded pepper chicken, hamour fillets in hot chilli fry, spicy lamb in hot chilli, and hamour Malabari grill. Sample a few dishes andsnack on freshly made pappadum and pickles along with usual suspects like appam, a pancake made of fermented rice bat-

ter and coconut milk; puttu, steam cake made of rice flour and steamed, brown rice; and Malabari parotta, a layered flaky flat bread. But be sure to save room for the desserts like nenthra pazham idichathu, fried mashed banana, with ice cream, or pazham pori, ripe bananas dipped in a flour batter and deep fried to a golden brown colour.

While for some, Keralan cuisine might be a part of every day dining, but for most of us, a visit to this festival is a deliciously novel experience.

—swati@timesofoman.com

Kerala Food Festival Hours:12-4.30pm(lunch), 6.30-12pm (dinner) Price: It is a-la-carte. Price range per person OMR4-6 approx Location: Passage to India, Wadi Adai Contact: +968 2456 3452 passage2ind@yahoo.com

07

08

HI WEEKLY

VOLUME 10 ISSUE 7 FEBRUARY 12, 2016

What was your favourite part of the Muscat Festival?

Show us on Instagram @hiweekly_oman and tell us about it on facebook.com/hiweekly

GOODBYE MUSCAT FESTIVAL 2016 Muscat Festival 2016 has been a grand affair this year with a variety of new additions and attractions that kept visitors entertained throughout the month.

The organisers branched out to nonmainstream arenas to help increase local knowledge and awareness about various causes and issue, from drug addiction to scientific exploration. But, like all good things, the festival too must come to an end on the 13th of February.

To close out the festivities in style, a grand carnival has been planned for Saturday at Naseem Garden as the official closing ceremony. The carnival will offer abreviated versions of the events and happenings of the month in just about a day to offer a last chance for visitors to catch a glimpse of what was enjoyed and missed during the course of the festival.

Apart from the Heritage Village, Trader’s Village, and the amusement park, this year’s festival had a number of new and interesting additions such as

FAREWELL

MF 2016 The annual Muscat Festival will run until February 13 at Amerat Park and Naseem Garden. Here are a few great events to check out this weekend as part of the closing ceremonies.

the Dinosaur Village, where you could walk through a maze of life-size replicas of the extinct reptiles to give a sense of

Information counters and demonstrations

being in the Jurassic World; the beauti-

arranged by the Ministry of Tourism gave

ful Illuminated Village; the ROP’s Drug

visitors rich insights into the hinterlands of

Bus; and the inspiring 1001 inventions

the Sultanate, from the traditional music

and science lab for children. Take the

and dances to cooking demonstrations

opportunity to go enjoy these attrac-

that allowed us to savour the varied herit-

tions one last time, or for the first time,

age and culture of this beautiful nation.

this weekend.

Organisers, participants, and sponsors will take part in the closing carnival on Saturday for one last celebratory ode to Oman.

09

10

HI WEEKLY

VOLUME 10 ISSUE 7 FEBRUARY 12, 2016

Are you attending any of these events this weekend?

Tweet us @HiWeekly_Oman; tag us in your weekend instagram photos @hiweekly_oman; or share with us on FB/hiweekly

KHALEEJI HAPPENINGS Broadcasting the best events in the GCC (February 11, 12, 13)

04

01

02

03

05

FIVE TO TRY VALENTINE’S DAY HOTEL SPECIALS hiweekend@timesofoman.com

AL BUSTAN PALACE Couples can spend the most romantic holiday of the year having a private dinner on the Al Bustan beach as part of the hotel’s “Love me Do” overnight-stay package.

Muscat +968 2479 9666 ritzcarlton.com

ROTANA HOTEL AND RESORT

ALILA JABAL AKHDAR

Spend V-day overlooking the Arabian sea at the brand new Rotana resort where rooms will be on sale for OMR 55 per night.

Salalah +968 2327 5700 rotana.com

Head to the hills and take a spacious first floorJabal Terrace Suite to savour the dramatic views of the Hajar mountain range as part of a special V-day package.

Jabal Akhdar +968 2534 4200 alilahotels.com

VOLUME 10 ISSUE 7 FEBRUARY 12, 2016

01

Thursday, February 11 Dance for Romance Jazz Concert (Kuwait City)

Enjoy an evening full of Jazz goodness, dancing, and an appetising buffet at Villa Zahra in Kuwait City. The jazz concert will feature international bands like The HackneyJazz Collective and the London Club DJ the Beat Burglar.

Tickets are at 25KD per person.

Time: 7.30pm Villa Zahra, Abu Hasaniya, Kuwait City, Kuwait +965 6618 4192 ahmadimusicgroup.com

02

Thursday, February 11 Pavol Seris Comedy Show (Kuwait City)

Laugh out loud at the Pavol Seris Comedy Show titled, ‘Did you enjoy your dish, gentlemen?’ at Loyac Academy of Performing Arts; Kuwait’s most popular place for the creative minds. The event will take place at the multipurpose hall of Al Shaheed Park. Entrance is free.

Time: 7.30pm Al Shaheed Park, Kuwait City +965 9497 8440 lapa.loyac.org

03

Friday, February 12 Saudi Wedding Fair 2016 (Jeddah)

Stop by Saudi’s biggest wedding fair, being held in Jeddah this weekend, to take a look at designer wedding gowns, jewellery, floral accessories, fitness services, and cosmetics for brides-to-be. The event will take place at Jeddah Hilton from the 11th to 13th of February.

Jeddah Hilton, North Corniche Road, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia +966 122 560 8280 saudiweddingfair.com

04

Friday, February 12 Il Divo Live Concert (Dubai)

Hit the Meydan and see the classical vocalists group Il Divo perform hits from their albums Amor and Pasion and Greatest Hits. Every ticket holder will get a chance to win a new Alfa Romeo Giulietta. Purchase tickets on their official website below.

Time: 6pm Meydan Racecourse, Al Meydan Road, Nad Al Sheba, Dubai, UAE +971 551 125 588 mceagency.com

05

Saturday, February 13 StyloCity Fashion Show 2016 (Dubai)

SHANGRI-LA BARR AL JISSAH

SIX SENSES ZIGHY BAY

Set amidst 124-acres of rugged mountains and sparkling water, the resort offers the perfect setting for a romantically remote, beachy escape.

Qantab +968 2477 6666 shangri-la.com

Musandam’s exclusive luxury resort is offering a wide array of romantic delights, from spa treatments to private dining through its ‘Arabian Romance Package’.

Musandam + 968 2673 5555 sixsenses.com

Photography: Supplied

Don’t miss out on one of Dubai’s inspirational fashion shows at the Gloria Hotel. The event will showcase high end fashion from international as well as regional designers.

Time: 4pm till 10pm.

Gloria Hotel, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, United Arab Emirates +971 528 383 379 pretmotif.com

HI WEEKLY

11

12

HI WEEKLY

VOLUME 10 ISSUE 7 FEBRUARY 12, 2016

BEARS N’ ROSES STORY SHRUTHI NAIR | PHOTOGRAPHY ALI JANI

Love it or hate it, the fact is Valentine’s Day is a time for gifting flowers to your lady love. Florists around the capital are in a full fledged frenzy, creating elaborate bouquets and flower arrangements to suit all budgets and styles, from a single, long-stemmed red rose wrapped with a silver ribbon to exotic baskets loaded with Swiss chocolates, fresh flowers from Holland, and even a teddy bear. If you still haven’t gotten around to ordering your bouquet, you’d better get on the line with a pro at one of these fantastic shops. —shruthi@timesofoman.com BED OF ROSES VASE AMAZE

Grab hold of a sophisticated Valentine bouquet

Special Valentine’s Day bouquets

of red roses or customise a flower arrangement to

will be available but you can create your

suit your taste at The Flower Shop where manageress

own custom bouquet with red roses, orchids,

Emma Brown explains that, “We are more designer,

or lilies enhanced with chocolates or little

more bespoke, and we customise every bouquet.”

gifts. As the Managing Director Shiva said,

The Flower Shop, Sabco Centre, Qurum

“Our flowers are from Holland,

+968 2456 0084; flowers-oman.com

but the creations are from your hearts”.

Blooms Avenues Flower Boutique, Ghubra, +968 9111 4141; omanavenuesmall.om

COLOUR ME CRAZY The talenteted florists at Sola Flora don’t hesitate to experiment with colours, patterns, or designs.

Owner and Manager, Asila Al Shaibany says that she prefers following international patterns of flower arrangements rather than going local in order to create interesting global fusions put together in one bouquet.

Sola Flora, Athaiba, +968 9114 1379, solaflora.net

VOLUME 10 ISSUE 7 FEBRUARY 12, 2016

BEAR HUG Choose a decorated bunch of red roses, a Valentine’s bouquet combined with a heart balloon and a soft toy , or choose from a range of creative options that include chocolates and trinkets. Manager Jefrey D’Cruz told us that, “We have lilies from China, orchids from Thailand, roses from Holland, and much more.”

Bella la Rose, CCC, Qurum, +968 8007 7800, bellalarose.com

HI WEEKLY

13

14

HI WEEKLY

VOLUME 10 ISSUE 7 FEBRUARY 12, 2016

Eat. Sail.

Repeat.

STORY SHRUTHI NAIR • PHOTOGRAPHY SHABIN E

Sometimes all you want in life is some time away from all the mundane hustle bustle of the concrete world with the one person that means the world to you.

I

found my perfect escape plan when I happened to be scrolling through the Yellow Chilli Restaurant’s website and, intrigued, clicked on the exclusive dining option. Yacht dinner? I picked up my phone and called Sayan from Mazaya Oman who invited me over to the yacht to experience what turned out to be the most serene dining experience of my life.

My photographer and I arrived on a bright and sunny Tuesday afternoon and were received in the Wave parking lot by Sayan, the marketing officer of Mazaya Oman, and Thomas Tambiga, the captain of the yacht. They whisked these two starving journalists (yes, us) to the yacht in a golf cart. I spend the pleasant, twominute ride to an open, majlis-like area set up by the sea for residents and visitors, taking in the different yachts docked at the marina. One yacht stood out among all the others majestically, right in the middle as though it were the queen of the marina. There were big bold letters in gold carved at the top of ship.

“Al Wasmy,” said Sayan, “that’s our stop.”

“You’ve got to be kidding me,” I replied, incredulous.

“That beauty can’t be where I’m having lunch today.”

He laughed. “You won’t be having your lunch in that beauty, but the beauty beside it—Al Wasmy II,” he said.

I blushed a little out of embarrassment and got out of the cart to board the slightly small, yet equally dreamy Al Wasmy II. Both the yachts are owned by the gorgeous, strong businesswoman, Fawziya Saud Bahwan, who set up Mazaya Oman as a lifestyle specialist service. While Al Wasmy I is her private yacht, Al Wasmy II is a VIP yacht that provides exquisite private dining options along with other luxury facilities.

VOLUME 10 ISSUE 7 FEBRUARY 12, 2016

HI WEEKLY

15

We were welcomed aboard with a warm smile and traditional Omani kahwa served in cute little fenjan cups,

by Mr Ravikumar, our personal attendant for the day. He took us for a tour around the ship and then we set sail. For the next few hours I was immersed in a different world, far away from work, the maddening crowd, and every mundane chore of life.

We left the sunny deck and entered an area that could easily qualify as a drawing room with attached sofa sets, a centre table, and a television. We sat sipping the strong and oh-so-delicious kahwa before being led to the dining area. As we walked, a narrow “secret passage way,” caught my eye. Ravi noticed my curious staring, and generously took us on a detour.

We carefully descended the stairs to discover shocking luxury below deck. There was a single bedroom, a double bedroom, and one master bedroom with plush bedding, full bathrooms, and TV sets. I didn’t want linger too long in the cozy surroundings, lest I get too comfortable and forget the purpose of my visit. So we headed back up towards the dining area where crispy masala papad crackers were already waiting for us along with green pudina chutney, a sweet papaya pickle, and cebollas encurditas, pickled onions. This simple first course was the beginning of an epic meal, the thought of which makes my mouth water even now as I write this piece a week later.

Shortly after taking our seats, a tomato basil soup arrived; a modern, herbal take on traditional tomato shorba, so refreshing that we forgot our dining etiquette and emptied the bowl in mere minutes. The bowl was cleared and promptly replaced with plate after plate of creative, delicate appetisers like santri murg chaat, a shredded tandoori chicken tossed with pickled orange peels and served on a fancy Indian platter.

Totally engrossed in my gastronomical journey, I almost forgot about seeing the other dining area, but thankfully my colleague reminded me. We took a break from our feast and ascended to the roof. A vision in white, from the seats and the tables to the floor and the bridge of the yacht where the captain steered and navigated, the brilliant, monocromatic rooftop dining area looked posh and sophisticated. We soaked in the serenity of the sea and sounds of the soft breeze blowing through the glasses, crockery, and cutlery being placed on our table. We sat there in admiring in the beautiful view of the Wave on one side and the vast blue sea on the other with the sun’s rays making the

16

HI WEEKLY

VOLUME 10 ISSUE 7 FEBRUARY 12, 2016

water glimmer like crystals on a bed of blue violets. Ravi appeared, snapping us back from our dreamy sea trance.

He placed colourful trays filled with delicious-smelling tandoori basil prawns and mint-yoghurt-lemon grass chicken tikka served with a raw papaya and peanut salad.

I knew that the prawns were cooked to perfection as soon as I easily pierced the first one with my fork, no need to wrestle like a Ninja using my fork and knife as samurai weapons like I have at so many other restaurants. I tried not to completely stuff myself, since judging by what I was served so far, I assumed the main course would be an elaborate affair.

And how right I was. Three copper bowls were ceremoniously placed before us. Dum gosht biryani, saffron flavoured lamb layered with fragrant basmati rice; lazeez murgh tikka masala, a spicy chicken tikka curry; and an onion-y, tomato-based sukhi machhi fish curry. Having never been served mutton, fish, and chicken at the same time, or in such huge portions, I was a bit overwhelmed at first, but the chef had prepared all of them with such precision and such a light hand, that I never felt like I was having a food overdose.

The pots and plates were cleared for the grand finale: the makhan elaichi mousse. It arrived pouring out of an earthen matka pot artfully set on the side of the serving tray. I couldn’t take my eyes off this sweet cardamom dessert, so

beautifully arranged with dollops of butter,whipped cream, strawberries, and cherries. I almost didn’t have the heart to spoil the plating, but well, it was served to be eaten. I took a scoop. I could feel the butter and whipped cream melting slowly on my tounge, reinvigorating all of my tastebuds.

Unmindfully, I let out a rather loud, “mmmmmmm,” which made our host laugh, while my colleague glared at me judgementally.

I ate more of the rich dessert than I’d care to admit, and then we just sat on the deck for a while letting the whole experience seep in. It was then that I realised that apart from the oh-so-delicious food that was served, there were other little touches that had made this experience unique and, well, perfect. The soft music playing in the background, just behind the sound of the sea, remained unobserved till it abruptly stopped. The slight sway we felt as waves hit the boat had a rocking, lullaby effect. The ambience somehow struck a balance between being comfortably homey and utterly exclusive. And the attentive service of our host made us feel like pampered VIPs. Sometimes you just want to get away, so in this girl’s book, the privacy, exclusivity, and luxury of dining on Mazaya Oman’s Yellow Chilli yacht is the best Valentine’s surprise you could give to the one person you look forward to escaping with day in and day out.

—shruthi@timesofoman.com

TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE VIP YACHT DINING EXPERIENCE or to make a reservation, contact: booking@mazayaoman.com or call +986 9422 0333 V-Day Dinner OMR145 for 2 people V-Day Stay OMR499 inclusive of candlelight dinner for 2 and one overnight stay

18

HI WEEKLY

VOLUME 10 ISSUE 7 FEBRUARY 12, 2016

BETWEEN THE VELVET LIES On Valentine’s Day ordinary confections just won’t do. Moist, vibrant, chocolate-y red velvet cake layered with luscious dollops of tangy cream cheese frosting may just be the ideal dessert for wooing that special someone.

You’re sure to fall hard for this easy, homemade version.

RED VELVET INGREDIENTS • 2 eggs • 1tbsp vanilla liquid • 11/4 cup of sugar • 1 1/2 cup of melted butter • 1/2 cup of vegetable oil • 2 tbsp red food colour • 2 cup flour • Pinch of salt • 1 1/2 small tsp of cocoa powder • 2/3 cup of yoghurt or laban • 1/2 cup of milk • 1 tsp of sodium bicarbonate • 1tbsp vinegar

RECIPE ASMAA AL BALUSHI | PHOTOGRAPHY ALI JANI

FOR THE CREAM ICING • 100g soft butter • 400 g soft creamy cheese “heavy cheese” • 2 cups of sugar • 1 tsp of vanilla PREPARATION • Beat the eggs and put in blender.

Add 1 tbsp of liquid vanilla and whisk the mixture.

Add 1 ¼ cups of sugar, 1½ cup of melted butter, ½ cup of vegetable oil, and 2tbsp of red food colour.

Blend well.

• In a large pot take two cups of flour with a pinch of salt and 11/2 tsp of cocoa powder and mix well.

• Add the flour mixture into the egg mixture and

make sure its combine them very well and in gradation add 2/3 cup of yoghurt or laban and ½ cup of milk and mix them very well.

• In another bowl add 1tsp of sodium bicarbonate and a tablespoon of vinegar to the mixture.

• Add it to the cake mixture and put in a cake tray in the oven at 180 C for 30 minutes.

For the icing • Add 100 g of soft butter, 400g of soft creamy cheese “heavy cheese, 2 cups of sugar, and 1tsp of liquid vanilla and mix them very well.

• Let it cool to set and give an icing of cheesy cream.

VOLUME 10 ISSUE 7 FEBRUARY 12, 2016

HI WEEKLY

here is something magical about chocolate that can bring out the passionate lover in you. So why not treat your Valentine to a trip to a place dedicated to all things cocoa. Located at Mirbat Tower 1 in Al Ghubra, The Chocolate Room is an Australian franchise cafe and chocolatier that opened in February 2014. They serve delicious handmade Belgian chocolates, iced and hot chocolate-infused drinks, a selection of savoury treats, and all kinds of creatively presented, sweet chocolate desserts, like the Mango Mania, a chocolate crepe loaded with dense mango-based salsa, sweetened cream cheese, and a brush of sugar dust and cookie crumbles, served with vanilla ice cream on the side. The sweet and tangy combination is unforgettable. They also have other playful combinations, like the Burj Al Berry—vanilla pancakes layered with strawberry jam, blueberry filling, berry mousse, fresh mixed berries, and chocolate ice cream. But the most popular offering is a bit less subtle. The Choco-Xplode is a ball-shaped chocolate treat filled with soft chocolate brownies, salted caramel mousse and vanilla ice cream, topped with nuts and served with hot chocolate sauce on the side. When the hot chocolate sauce is drizzled over the ball, the chocolate orb melts and the aroma of freshly backed brownies fills the air. The taste was blissful, if only the brownie portion had been larger.

The Chocolate Room also offers a great selection of ice blended drinks, coffees, teas, and mocktails and the exterior ambiance is a great spot for a romantic evening with low-key lighting, beautiful decorative plants, and a fountain.

—salim@timesofoman.com

T

STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHY SALIM AL AFIFI

CHOCOLATE LOVE WHAT TO ORDER DESSERTS • Mango Mania at OMR 3 • Choco-Xplode at OMR 5 • Cookie Shot, served with milk at OMR 2.4 • Burj Al Berry, layers of vanilla pancakes with strawberry jam, blueberry filling, berry mousse, fresh mixed berries, chocolate ice cream, and a dust of sugar at OMR 3.5 • Famous Fondue, served with a variety of dips at OMR 3.5 • Cheese Fondue, a savoury treat served with a variety of dips at OMR 4.5 • Chocolate Display, a selection of Belgian chocolates at OMR 18 per kg • Chocolate and Clementine Spread at OMR 4.5

THE CHOCOLATE ROOM Mirbat Tower 1, Al Marafah Street, Al Ghubra +968 2449 9922

19

20

HI WEEKLY

ROMANTIC ESCAPE

VOLUME 10 ISSUE 7 FEBRUARY 12, 2016

MEET ME IN SHANGRI-LA

“Then the whole range, much nearer now, paled into fresh splendour; a full moon rose, touching each peak in succession like some celestial lamplighter, until the long horizon glittered against a blue-black sky.”

James Hilton, Lost Horizon (1933) PARADISE FOUND

STORY FELICIA CAMPBELL

S

ometimes you just need to get away. But getting away poses its own laundry list of hassles, from traffic jams to airport security lines. Luckily for me, I live here in Muscat, where the pristine beaches of the surrounding areas feel a world apart while being a stress-free half hour or less drive from my home. But a day trip to a tranquil beach isn’t always enough, so I began thinking about

a more immersive escape.

Tucked between the towering cliffs of Qantab, set on the royal blue sea like a frankincense laden jewel, the Shangri-la Barr Al Jissah Resort and Spa couldn’t be more aptly named.

A ficticious place described in James Hilton’s 1933 novel, Lost Horizon, Shangri-La was a place immune to the anxieties and unpleasantries of the outside world, which rightly describes the kind of experience offered by the staff at this out-of-the-way oasis.

THURSDAY 16:00 Sneak out of the office early and wind your way up the mountain to reach the Arabesque arches of Shangri-la Barr Al Jissah’s Al Husn Hotel.

16:30 Savour the velvety scent of frankincense burning in the lobby while you check in. Then head up to your room to freshen up in the luxurious rain shower.

19:00 Enjoy some sips during the complimentary happy hour hosted in the courtyard.

VOLUME 10 ISSUE 7 FEBRUARY 12, 2016

HI WEEKLY

VALENTINE’S DAY PACKAGES Romantic Retreat +968 2477 6262, reservations.slmu@shangri-la.com Rates start from OMR 200 per room per package, which includes: •Two-night accommodation for two adults with daily buffet breakfast •Food and beverage credit equal to OMR 50 for the stay •CHI, The Spa credit equal to OMR 50 for the stay •Complimentary chocolate and flowers in the room upon arrival Dinner Away +968 2477 6565, fbreservation.slmu@shangri-la.com There are some fantastic pre-set menus available for Valentine’s Day, February 14th, which include a rose for female guests and a welcome drink.

Dine beachside on a five course seafood-heavy menu at Bait Al Bahr for OMR 29 per person.

Go for five course Italian at Capri Court for OMR 33 per person.

Savour the combined buffet and five course menu at the upscale Sultanah terrace for OMR 39 per person.

Savour five-courses of Moroccan flavour at Shahrazad restaurant for OMR 45 per couple.

Private dining directly on the beach can also be arranged.

Spa-lity Time +968 2477 6828, chi.muscat@shangri-la.com Take advantage of the opportunity to relax and rejuvenate together in your own couple’s cabana with a 45-minute body scrub followed by a 60-minute vitality massage (OMR 120 for two people) or relax with a 60-minute vitality massage followed by 45-minute mini facials ( OMR 130 for two people).

Shangri-la Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa Qantab, Muscat shangrila.com +968 2477 6262 reservations.slmu@shangri-la.com

20:30 Head downstairs for dinner at Sultanah. Take a table on the terrace near the live jazz musicians before heading over to the display of wagu and angus steaks, lamb chops, fresh tuna, jumbo prawns, and other fresh seafood waiting to be fired up for the special Thursday evening grill night. Chat quietly with your partner, sip, and sway to the soft music playing over the sound of crashing waves below you.

22:30 After a leisurely dinner, it’s time to pick your poison. Depending on your style, you can head to one of the on-site clubs, either in the courtyard or on the roof of Bait Al Bahr, to dance to the thumping sounds of in-

ternational dance music. Or, head to the subdued courtyard tents where you can sip Moroccan tea and watch the stars while listening to light, live Arabic music.

FRIDAY 10:00 Order breakfast and have it sent up to your terrace for an intimate al fresco meal.

11:00 Go lounge at the private beach for a few hours and take advantage of the beachside waiter service.

14:30 Dust off the sand and take a walk down to the Chi spa for a couple’s massage. Be sure to bring your bathing suit and arrive early

so you can take advantage of the great wet spa amenities, like the sauna lounge.

SATURDAY 09:00 Sleep in and then take a quick dip in the infinity pool.

17:00 Walk or take the shuttle back to Al Husn for a soak in your giant tub befor dinner.

11:00 Go down to the Sultana restaurant to take full advantage of the bountiful spread on their impressive breakfast buffet. Be sure to find a table on the terrace overlooking the sea.

19:00 Dine on fresh caught seafood, from kingfish and hamour to jumbo prawns and Omani lobster drapped in saffron cream and served along with lux sides like truffled mashed potatoes at the beachside Bait Al Bahr restaurant.

23:00 Walk along the beach back to Al Husn and stop for a nightcap along the way in the courtyard.

12:00 Check out and drive back down the mountain. Reality awaits, but you should feel rejuvenated and ready to face the world again on Sunday morning.

—felicia@timesofoman.com

21

22

HI WEEKLY

VOLUME 10 ISSUE 7 FEBRUARY 12, 2016

ROM A N T IC A DV E N T URE

A HIDDEN GEM

B A ND A R A L K H AY R A N Romantic getaways aren’t limited to posh resorts, so this weekend why don’t you take your special someone on an adventure? Tucked between captivating sandy mountains 21-kilometres up hilly Qantab Road from Muscat, Bandar Al Khayran is an idyllic retreat with crystal clear waters and a soft sand beach that will make you feel a world away.

STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHY SALIM AL AFIFI

VOLUME 10 ISSUE 7 FEBRUARY 12, 2016

FRIDAY 09:00am Sleep in a bit and then load your car with camping and picnicking supplies. Head 45-minutes south on Qantab road, roll down the windows and enjoy an amazing breeze with views of gigantic mountains. Follow the Bandar Al Khayran signs to a sharp curve at the top of a hill (23° 30’ 5” North, 58° 43’ 57” East). If you don’t have a 4x4, park here and then walk to the cloistered beach below. Otherwise, kick on your four-wheel drive and carefully make your way down to the beach.

11:00am Once you reach, find the perfect picnic spot. I recommend a beachfront experience, on to Bandar’s yellow sand beach next to the lapping blue waves. Get out for basket and cooler and enjoy a quiet lunch.

04:00pm As the weather cools down, change into your swimming suits grab your snorkeling gear before heading out to explore Bandar Al Khayran’s crystal clear waters.

07:00pm Get dried-off and set up a campfire. Grill some seafood or a steak and drink something bubbly and festive.

09:00pm Curl up under a blanket and enjoy a quiet, peaceful night by the sea, stargazing and reminiscing about great times you’ve had, while creating a new memory together. Hopefully you remembered to bring a big box of chocolates to make the romantic night complete.

SATURDAY 09:00am Sleep as late as you can, though the sun will likely have you up at dawn. Then go wander through the mountains and backroads of Bandar Al Khayran. Take caution while hiking as the soil here is quite loose. If full-on hiking is not your cup of tea, swim to the adjacent beaches and explore them on foot.

12:00pm Have a simple lunch with an assorted cheese board, bread, honey, and some fruits. To enhance the island-y ambiance be sure to include cut pineapples, mangoes, and watermelon in the mix.

02:00pm Relaxing and sunbathing after lunch, snoozing, conversing, or reading your favourite book or magazine.

04:00pm Refresh yourself with a quick dip, then pack up your stuff and get ready to head home. Take a selfie at the top of the hill, with the vibrant blue ocean beneath you.

05:00pm On your way back to town, stop near the mosque at Bandar Al Khayran. Facing the mosque is an old, shipwrecked boat tucked between two beautifully situated mountains — a phenomenal spot to take some memorable photographs.

—salim@timesofoman.com

HI WEEKLY

23

24

HI WEEKLY

VOLUME 10 ISSUE 7 FEBRUARY 12, 2016

For most people the number 13 is considered unlucky, though this month many are dreading the number 14. But V-day is nothing to fear, it’s just a chance to celebrate love in all its forms, and, for some, it is about getting a little silly and having fun. We asked you to send us your craziest photos as a couple, and we let you decide via Facebook which couples dodged the cliche’ PDA and found a way to celebrate their love in a quirky way.

Gokul and Vineetha Sekhar

Chandrakant and Alka Ved

Kailash and Neethu Asher

VOLUME 10 ISSUE 7 FEBRUARY 12, 2016

HI WEEKLY

25

Rajesh and Tejashree Nair

Farren and Anisha Pinto

Mehul and Harsha Udeshi

Virendra and Priyanka Sawant

Mr and Mrs Pereira

26

HI WEEKLY

VOLUME 10 ISSUE 7 FEBRUARY 12, 2016

CHEESY OR STEAL-WORTHY? You be the judge. Some might make you cringe, some may make you laugh, others still might end up in your own cannon of text-able sentiments. Check out the submissions below and vote for your favourite 7-words-or-less love mantra on facebook.com/HiWeekly this Friday and Saturday.

Winners will be announced on V-day.

H E Y D E A R , D O N ’ T E V E R C H A N G E - P R I YA N K A P R A B H U YO U R P R E S E N C E I S T H E E S S E N C E O F L I F E - V I R E N D R A S A W A N T TA L K I N G T O YO U M A K E S M Y D AY - V I D H I S A W A N T C H O O S E M E O R L O S E M E - A N U PA M A S I N G H G I V E U N C O N D I T I O N A L LO V E , A F F E C T I O N , A N D TA K E P O L I C Y - R A M A K R I S H N A N A N A N D LOV E I N AC T I O N S A N D LOV E I N WO R D S - M A R I OA P E R R E I R A L O V E M U S T B E P U R E T O E N D U R E - A N T H O N Y C A R LTO N I F YO U — L I S T E N , O V E R C O M E , VA L U E —YO U E N D U R E - M A R I A N N A P E R E I R A B E I N G W I T H YO U, F E E L S L I K E H O M E - F O R M O S E P E R E I R A AT T E N T I O N , A F F E C T I O N , A N D A P P R E C I AT I O N - R O D N E Y W O O D S D A R L I N G , H AV E YO U J O I N E D S O M E YO G A C L A S S E S ? - M A N I S H B H O L A YO U R L O V E , L I K E PA N A D O L E X T R A ( M E D I C I N E ) F O R M E - R A S H M I M A H E S H W A R I O U R L O V E I S W I F I , C O N N E C T S W I T H O U T PA S S W O R D - S U N I L S H A N K A R A N L O V E , YO U R S H A D O W I S M Y H E A R T ’ S PA I N K I L L E R - S Y E D K A B I R YO U R P R E S E N C E I S L I K E R AY O F S U N - PA N K A J P H O P H A L I YA I ’ M S O R R Y, T H O S E W O R D S N E V E R G E T O L D - P R AT I B H A B H AT I A M Y B E S T D E C I S I O N W A S T O C H O O S E YO U - S Y E DA K A B I R W I T H YO U L I F E R O C K S , E L S E J U S T R O C K - S A N D H YA V O R A A MAN’S HOME IS HIS WIFE ’S CASTLE - PIYUSH MUKUND VORA YO U ’ R E S I M P LY P E R F E C T I N A L L P O S S I B L E W AY S - S H R E YA M A N OJ S L E E P AT N I G H T A N D AV O I D F I G H T - S Y E DA K A B I R N O AG E L I M I T F O R R O M A N C E A N D LOV E - K A N T I L A L M E N G E R YO U A R E M Y L O V E A N D M Y L I F E - M A N OJ DA S I ’ M A L I V E B E C A U S E O F YO U R L O V E - B E E N A M AT H E W H O M E PA G E S T R I C T LY V E G , B A C K YA R D S T R I C T LY N O N - V E G - G A U TA M G H O S H R E L AT I O N S H I P M A N T R A : O X YG E N - A N I S H PA N I C K E R A F T E R A L L T H E S E Y E A R S . . S T I L L L O V E YO U - K U M A R V C H A N G E P R I VA C Y S E T T I N G T O « N O L A S T S E E N » - S Y E DA K A B I R I A M M A R R I E D T O « M S . A L W AY S R I G H T» - K A I L A S H A S H E R I C A R R Y YO U R H E A R T W H E R E V E R I G O - R E VAT H Y N A I R L O V E PA S S I O N AT E LY, P R A I S E L AV I S H LY, T H E R E B Y L I V E P E A C E F U L LY - S U N I L S E T H W E ’ R E W O R T H Y O F D E E P, C R A Z Y, E X H I L A R AT I N G , H E A L I N G L O V E - V I J AY I ’ M N O T P E R F E C T, B U T I ’ M L O YA L - R A J E S H N A I R S O U L M E E T S S O U L O N L O V E R ’ S F A C E B O O K PA G E - G O PA K U M A R A N M E L E K U N N AT H H I G H LY P R A I S E T O E N J O Y T H E C R A Z E - S Y E DA K A B I R

28

HI WEEKLY

VOLUME 10 ISSUE 7 FEBRUARY 12, 2016

Family Fun Badminton Tournament held at PDO - Ras Al Hamra Recreation Centre (RAHRC).

IN FOCUS DO YOU WANT TO BE IN FOCUS? SHARE YOUR PICTURES WITH US ON FACEBOOK.COM/HIWEEKLY

VOLUME 10 ISSUE 7 FEBRUARY 12, 2016

IN FOCUS DO YOU WANT TO BE IN FOCUS? SHARE YOUR PICTURES WITH US ON FACEBOOK.COM/HIWEEKLY

Early Years Spring Carnival 2016 held at Beaconhouse School System.

HI WEEKLY

29

30

HI WEEKLY

VOLUME 10 ISSUE 7 FEBRUARY 12, 2016

SUDOKU HOW TO PLAY Fill empty cells with the numbers 1 to 9, so that each number appears once in each row, column, and area.

Level | Very Easy

Level | Easy

3

8 7

9

2

8

2

5

8

1

5

7

2

2

6

4

1

4 9

7

3

1

9

4

6

9

3

3

9 6 7

3

9

1

4

6

3

2

8

9

5 4

5

1

7

8

5

5

Level | Moderate

4 1

3

Level | Difficult

3

9

2

2

8

3

1

9

5

8

1

4

6

2 5

1 3

8

5

9

1

3

4

8

7

2

1

5

6 4

9

4

7 1

2

6

3 1

8 4

8 7

7

4 2

3

7

1

2

1

5

5 6

7

7

4 7

3

6

2

6 2

9 7

5

9 5

3

7

VISIT US AT FACEBOOK.COM/HIWEEKLY FOR THE SOLUTIONS TO THIS WEEK’S PUZZLE