FACT BAHRAIN JUNE 2020

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FACT FINDS

ARMCHAIR TRAVEL 101

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BEAUTY CHECKLIST

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• THE EDITOR

Here I Am

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If I must start somewhere, right here and now is the best place imaginable.

– Richelle E. Goodrich

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nd suddenly, there was… me! It is with great excitement and pride that I introduce myself as the new editor of FACT Magazine Bahrain, and I am thrilled to take on this new role.

This month is all about travelling. No, I am not kidding you.

Yes, it is a difficult time, especially when it comes to travelling, but we don’t let that stop us! Do we? Thanks to today’s digital technology, it is possible to experience the world from the comfort of our homes and capture that feeling of wanderlust. That being said, we’ve compiled an armchair travel guide using webcams, virtual tours, live feeds and interactive panoramas.

Which place in the world would you like to see the most right now? Paris?

Tokyo? Or maybe something more adventurous like Easter Island or the Great Wall of China? Just turn to p15 and start the adventure. We’ve also interviewed Bahrain’s famous travel influencer Reem Khalifa on p28 who shares with us her experiences as well as her opinion about the future of travelling.

Furthermore, you’ll find all of our regular monthly recommendations from food to fashion, beauty, entertainment and tech.

Here’s to better days and travelling without our armchairs! ☺

Elanur Sengel Editor elanur@fact-magazine.com

FACT Magazine Bahrain Edition • JUNE 2020 VOLUME 13, ISSUE 10

DIRECTOR OMAR SHAHEEN CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER GREG HUGHES PUBLISHERS RAMI KHALIL EDWARD SMITH EDITOR ELANUR SENGEL (elanur@fact-magazine.com) SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNERS SYED MUHAMMED RAIHAN JYOTI RAWAT PHOTOGRAPHY SHOBIN JOSEPH CONTRIBUTORS JAYNE HOUGHTON GARETH WOODS DAVID TAPLEY ANUSHAY KHAN PRODUCTION & DISTRIBUTION AJIT KUMAR NEIL MAHMOOD ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES Tel: +973 3632 0131 E-mail: rami@nansgroup.com PRINTED BY DAR AKHBAR AL KHALEEJ

All Rights Reserved. Opinion expressed within does not necessarily represent the opinion of the publisher. All efforts have been made to ensure accuracy of the information within this publication.

However, FACT M.E. Bahrain cannot accept legal responsibility for any erroneous content or omissions. FACT M.E. Bahrain Publishing W.L.L. Office 53, Building 872, Road 3618, Block 436, Seef. Ministry of Information. Subject Registration Number: CFB779

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• CONNECT

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Combining all three editions of FACT in Bahrain and the UAE, keep up with us on Instagram for the best behind-the-scenes photos from monthly food shoots, the best local events and all things fun from the FACT team around the Gulf.

FACEBOOK FACT Bahrain 15,887 followers Keep up with all things Bahrain as the FACT team posts the latest competitions, happenings and everything we’re getting up to for the monthly magazine, all for our readers!

Your one-stop culture fix for life in Bahrain | First for local talent, arts, fashion, dining and all the coolest events in the country | We’ve got tech, travel, motoring and exclusive interviews with all the industry and celebrity-world movers and shakers too | Get your copy of FACT Bahrain in local supermarkets now!

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I am not the same, having seen the moon shine on the other side of the world. – Mary Anne Radmacher

ISSUU.COM FACT Bahrain 64,788 reads of the May issue If you need your FACT fix pronto, flick through our monthly online edition on issuu. com for all the best features, including local culture, arts, fashion, food, motoring, tech, travel and more, in Bahrain.

OUR FAVE FEATURE • ARMCHAIR TRAVEL P14 •

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• CHECK IT OUT

FACT FINDS

BMW Bahrain Virtual Showroom

KEEPING UP WITH THE EVER-CHANGING DEMANDS OF CONSUMERS, EUROMOTORS, THE OFFICIAL IMPORTER OF BMW GROUP VEHICLES IN BAHRAIN HAS LAUNCHED A VIRTUAL SHOWROOM FOR CUSTOMERS.

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esigned to provide customers with a hassle-free viewing option, the innovative virtual showroom portal guides you in selecting the BMW model that is right for you.

Check out EuroMotors’ full collection of new and used BMW models or browse its extensive offerings and services. BMW enthusiasts will have the option to filter the collection by series, model and price and for used car models, a mileage and year filter is included. Accessible in both English and Arabic, the showroom highlights the full range of vehicle specifications, providing you with the choice of adding your favourite vehicles to the ‘car park’ to compare models, as well as the ability to send inquiries directly to the importer. David McGoldrick, General Manager at EuroMotors said, “Since its inception, EuroMotors has set out to position itself as the

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leader in the automotive industry and we plan to continue to bring convenient and cutting-edge technology to the forefront.

Through our virtual showroom, visitors can explore our vast collection of new and used BMW vehicles, customise their order and receive instant notifications. Additionally, they will have the option to call or send a request through e-mail where our dedicated and expert staff will assist.”

EuroMotors anticipates that this innovative system will not only serve as an invaluable sales device; it will also enhance the relationship between consumers and the business. ✤

GO: FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE VIRTUAL SHOWROOMS VISIT: WWW.BMW-BAHRAIN.COM

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• LISTEN UP

BAHRAIN’S VERY OWN WONDERLAND OASIS, SOFITEL BAHRAIN Located on the pristine beach of Zallaq, Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa is a wonderland of relaxation that allows you to escape to an idyllic place. Relax the French way in complete safety with Accor’s new ALLSAFE Cleanliness & Prevention Label.

This Magnifique program guarantees the implementation of the most stringent cleaning standards and operational protocols in the world of hospitality. The majestically furnished hotel and resort shelters 28 suites, 21 prestige suites, six captivating rooftop Opera Suites, and one breathtakingly unique royal suite built to make guests feel like royalty. Created with the idea of taking you on a journey to discover different cultures, the six iconic rooftop Opera Suites each transport you on a trip to a different sensational destination from Morocco to Turkey to India. Plan your carefree, tropical island adventure with Sofitel Bahrain’s exclusive Summer Escape Room Offers starting from BD55 net inclusive of breakfast for two in a luxury room, with sparkling views of the sea and complete peace of mind. Or dive straight into summer with special Prestige Suite Offers featuring direct beach and garden access, starting from BD75 net and inclusive of breakfast for two.

To further encourage the discovery of pure euphoria at Sofitel Bahrain, they have extended the ever so popular Magnifique Half Board Offer that gives you a chance to experience true luxury and the pinnacle of prestige with your family, starting from only 10

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BD79 net for an exquisite Luxury Room with a glorious sea view, inclusive of breakfast and dinner for two adults. Enjoy exceptional stays in a secluded oasis of luxury with the highest standards of hygiene and top-grade sanitisation of the hotel every 30 minutes.✤

GO: BASK IN THE SUNSHINE AND BOOK YOUR LUXURY STAY TODAY BY CALLING 1763 6363.

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HOW THE 2008 GLOBAL FINANCIAL CRISIS FORGED THE MIDDLE EAST’S OWN MOHAMMAD FAKHREDDINE Fact talks to professional MMA fighter Mohammad Fakhreddine about the BRAVE Combat Federation and his rise to stardom.

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s the world goes through one of the most challenging moments of its recent history with the COVID-19 Pandemic, we ponder the inevitable consequences it will bring to the international economy. Arguably one could look back and recall the last time global markets were shaken to their core in 2008, with the financial crisis ignited by the United States’ housing bubble.

At that time, Mohammad Ali Fakhreddine, a young Lebaneseborn boxer was living in California, where he had recently become a dual-citizen. His dreams of building a future in America were cut short when he was one of the nearly 2.5 million people who lost their jobs countrywide.

Mohammed was one of the most prominent boxing prospects out of San Diego, under the mentorship of Ernest “Coach” Johnson. It was there that Fakhreddine learned how to turn his vices into virtues.

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“Right when the financial crisis hit the United States, back in 2008, early 2009, I was taking my brother Hassan to train” Fakhreddine recalled. “He was training under Coach Ernest, who invited me to start boxing with them. I told him I thought I was too old but he said it was never too late. We trained for two weeks and I was so eager to fight that I had my first amateur bout then”.

But Fakhreddine was off to a rocky start. “I got beaten up so bad, so bad that I didn’t want to box anymore (laughs)”, he confessed.

“I stayed away but Coach called me and said ‘How about we do it the right way this time?’. And so we did, for six months. Then it was different, I won in five seconds”.

Suddenly, the rough experiences in the streets of Lebanon had become valuable lessons for Mohammad, who shares his name with one of boxing’s legendary names. Simultaneously, Fakhreddine got his first shots at MMA. “A friend from the gym was in jiu-jitsu and got an MMA fight”, Mohammad said. “I didn’t even know what MMA was but I fell in

LISTEN UP •

love immediately and kept training. At one point I held a record of 8-2 as an amateur”.

But as many athletes know, it is usually tough to make a living out of the sport in the early days, and it is why the vast majority rely on part-time jobs to pay the bills until their careers have taken off.

Fakhreddine trained hard and made a name in the amateur boxing and MMA scene in California but ultimately had to go back to Lebanon and start over.

It ended up being the turning point that shaped the future of one of the biggest Middle Eastern stars. Back in Lebanon, he was offered an MMA bout in his home country.

“There was a show in Lebanon, it was something new for everyone, and they asked me if I wanted to participate”, he mentioned. “I said yes, fought twice, in Lebanon and Jordan, both KO wins. From then on, things started happening”.

The high point came a few years later with the rise of BRAVE Combat Federation, the first global MMA promotion that Fakhreddine has fought for. He became one of the biggest regional stars to sign with the Bahrain-based powerhouse and quickly paved his way into international stardom.

Since then it’s been all about fights and highlight knockouts in multiple divisions, epic rivalries, title shots, and most recently taking part in the most prestigious Mixed Martial Arts competition KHK World Title, the openweight one-night tournament held in November 2019 in Bahrain. ✤

GO: FOR MORE INFORMATION FOLLOW @BRAVEMMAF AND @MOEFAKHREDDINE ON INSTAGRAM fact magazine

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ARMCHAIR TRAVEL 101

WITH RESTRICTIONS CURRENTLY IN PLACE WHEN IT COMES TO INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL, OUR PLANS FOR EXPLORING THE GLOBE ARE PRESENTLY ON HOLD. HOWEVER, DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY HAS PROVIDED US WITH NEW WAYS TO EXPERIENCE THE WORLD FROM THE COMFORT OF HOME AND CAPTURE THAT FEELING OF WANDERLUST. FACT'S DAVID TAPLEY COMPILES HIS TRAVEL BUCKET LIST USING WEBCAMS, VIRTUAL TOURS, LIVE FEEDS AND INTERACTIVE PANORAMAS. 14

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• ARMCHAIR TRAVEL

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here is nothing quite like the experience of travelling and ability to fully immerse yourself in the sights, sounds and culture of a new destination. With borders closed in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, hopping on a plane, train or boat has become virtually impossible! Yet some of the world's most popular and remote destinations have created innovative ways for us to travel while social distancing. Experience the seven modern wonders of the world, trek through national parks, explore bustling cities and visit world-famous museums and art galleries with these 42 unique armchair travel opportunities.

CITY TOURS LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM There were over 19 million visitors to the British capital last year making it the third most visited city in the world. London has so much on offer and has become synonymous with historical attractions, world-class gastronomy and entertainment. A 24hour city that never sleeps, there is so much to explore that you will need to use your time wisely or visit on multiple occasions.

Thankfully Visit London have plenty of virtual tours to help you plan your city break, from spinning on the London Eye to shopping at upmarket Harrods or strolling through Trafalgar Square.

GO: 360.visitlondon.com/

place where the cold waters of the Atlantic Ocean on the west meet with the warmer Indian Ocean waters on the east. The South African city has plenty to offer in terms of both natural beauty and cultural history. Move from the city centre to the slopes of Table Mountain and traverse the rocky outcrop known as Lion's Head using AirPano.

GO: www.airpano.com/360photo/Cape-Town-Tour-SouthAfrica/

CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA The flat-topped Table Mountain overlooking a natural bay makes Cape Town one of the most picturesque cities in Africa and is the

BELFAST, NORTHERN IRELAND When visiting the Emerald Isle, Belfast should not be overlooked.

With rolling hills, loughs, sandy beaches and grassy parklands, Belfast and the surrounding area boast breathtaking natural views. Explore the 360-degree view over Belfast Castle to see the 19th Century architecture, landscaped gardens and surrounding woodlands, or visit Cave Hill with its imposing outline. Online resource Visit Belfast provides an exciting glimpse into Belfast and what you can expect on a future visit: GO: visitbelfast.com/article/virtual-views 16

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TOKYO, JAPAN This year's summer Olympics may have been postponed, but this delay provides us with the opportunity to better plan a trip to Tokyo. Away from the games and stadiums, there are a plethora of options to explore, taking in street food eateries, Japanese traditional buildings and nature. All of which are packed into this impressive 360-degree VR movie.

GO: youtu.be/OR_Y7vj66PU

ORLANDO, USA Missing the thrills, spills and fun of the fair? Then look no further than Orlando, Florida. Hailed as the theme park capital of the world, no trip would be complete without a visit to Universal Studios, Sea World or Disney World. Ride on popular attractions and thrilling rollercoasters such as Splash Mountain, The Twilight Zone and Tower of Terror or marvel at the Main Street parade as you recapture your childhood sense of wonder thanks to Virtual Disney World.

GO: www.youtube.com/channel/UCYyJUEtYvZW7BgjhP3UbTg

PARIS, FRANCE There is so much to see and do in the city of love. Whilst a romantic getaway to Paris is currently out of the question, it is still possible to visit the Eiffel Tower, stroll along the River Seine and marvel at CathĂŠdrale Notre-Dame de Paris without having to hop on a plane. Enjoy a virtual guided tour of the Eiffel Tower district to learn the best spots for photo opportunities and sunset river cruises thanks to Samsung VR. GO: samsungvr.com/view/g1tjUu_8Gnl

NEW YORK CITY, USA There's something about the Big Apple that has captured the attention of worldwide travellers for decades. Whether it's the towering skyscrapers that soar above Manhattan, the expansive Central Park, the television series Friends or a trip across the Brooklyn Bridge - New York has captured the hearts of many.

Until it's possible to return, we can dream using this kinetic tour circumnavigating the iconic Statue of Liberty in New York Harbour.

GO: www.airpano.com/360photo/Statue-of-Liberty-NewYork-USA/

LISBON, PORTUGAL For anyone who has travelled to Lisbon, the westernmost capital city in continental Europe, we can expect two things. That you will have indulged in way too many of the Portuguese egg tarts fact magazine

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• ARMCHAIR TRAVEL top of the Temploa de los Guerreros, where you have unrivalled views over the El Castillo step pyramid. An opportunity to live your inner-Indiana Jones.

GO: www.destination360.com/north-america/mexico/ chichen-itza/virtual-tour

MACHU PICCHU, PERU Probably the most famous sight in Peru and perhaps one of the most recognisable images associated with the continent of South America, Machu Picchu is a 15th century Inca citadel located in the Andes Mountains at an altitude of 2,430m. YouVisit provides virtual guided tours of the sites three primary structures - the Intihuatana, the Temple of the Sun, and the Room of the Three Windows - alongside views from the settlements highest point and some alpacas thrown in for good measure. A fun way to explore the Inca Trail without the risk of altitude sickness.

GO: www.youvisit.com/tour/machupicchu known as Pastel de nata and that you will have likely taken a ride on one of the yellow trams this crisscross the hillsides of the city.

Whether it's to save the suggestion for your next Lisbon trip or just to reminisce, Visit Portugal has created a tram ride from your sofa that journeys through the historical neighbourhoods of the city of light.

GO: www.visitportugal.com/en/content/tram-ride-your-sofa

VIENNA, AUSTRIA From Vienna's Kunsthistorisches Museum to Europe's largest ice caves, you can now explore the best of Austria from your sofa. Marvel at frolicking penguins at Vienna's Schönbrunn Zoo or listen to classical performances from the Vienna State Opera online. Escape the city and watch live views of Austria's highest mountain or take a virtual dip at Wörthersee Lake. Whatever you may choose, there's plenty to keep you entertained until you can visit Austria in person.

GO: www.austria.info/en/virtual-austria/places

SEVEN MODERN WONDERS THE GREAT WALL OF CHINA, CHINA No trip to China is complete without a visit to The Great Wall.

Classified as the longest wall in the world, the stone structure was built over 2,300 years ago to prevent invasion and protect trade along the Silk Road. Measuring a staggering 21,196 km, you can explore what has been classified as one of the 'new seven wonders of the world' from the comfort of your home thanks to the China Guide. Take a virtual trek along a rugged section of The Great Wall between Jinshanling and Simatai without having to strap on your hiking boots.

GO: www.thechinaguide.com/destination/great-wall-of-china

CHICHÉN ITZÁ, MEXICO: Situated on Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula, Chichén Itzá is a complex of Mayan ruins that are as important a tourist attraction as they are an active archaeological site. Your vantage point on this virtual 360-degree exploration of the ancient ruins is from the 18

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PETRA, JORDAN Usually a quick flight from the GCC, we can still visit the caravancity of Petra, situated between the Red Sea and the Dead Sea in Jordan. Albeit from behind a screen. Google has created a fully immersive Street View experience that provides armchair explorers with the opportunity to traverse the rose-red city of passages and gorges where the structures are half-built and half-carved into the rock faces. From the Siq to The Treasury, High Place of Sacrifice and The Monastery, it's easy to get lost amongst the 2000-year-old temples during the informative tour.

GO: www.google.co.uk/maps/about/behind-the-scenes/ streetview/treks/petra

CHRIST THE REDEEMER, BRAZIL Brazil should be on everyone's travel bucket list, and Rio De Janeiro is a varied city for exploration. Enjoy the seemingly endless sandy beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema, the cable car at Sugarloaf Mountain or the art deco statue of Christ the Redeemer, without having to take a long haul flight. YouVisit have created a series of enviable panoramas to explore that ensures Brazil will move up the ranks on your travel bucket list.

GO: www.youvisit.com/tour/brazil

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• ARMCHAIR TRAVEL

TAJ MAHAL, INDIA

SAMBURU NATIONAL RESERVE, KENYA

You couldn't visit India without taking time to gaze at the Taj Mahal, the white marble mausoleum on the south bank of the Yamuna river in the city of Agra. Now, the whole world can experience the Taj Mahal on Street View. From the comfort of your computer, tablet or phone, take a 360-degree journey around India's architectural crown jewel, as if you were walking around the building itself. Enjoy postcard views and discover rarelyseen perspectives; get up close to the hand-carved details and explore expansive landscapes.

GO:www.google.co.uk/maps/about/behind-the-scenes/ streetview/treks/taj-mahal/

Visit the 165 km² Samburu National Reserve on the banks of the Ewaso Ng'iro river in Kenya which is home to 1,450 African elephants. Explore the savanna where more than 70 elephant families have been sighted without the need for an early wakeup call or bumpy game drive! You'll gain insight into poaching and the organisations working together to protect these graceful mammals. You know it wouldn't be a trip to African without spotting at least one of the big five.

GO: www.google.com/maps/about/behind-the-scenes/ streetview/treks/samburu-kenya/

THE COLOSSEUM, ITALY

Closed to tourism before the COVID-19 pandemic, the Komodo National Park in Indonesia represents the wild habitat for the 3m long Komodo Dragon. These venomous reptiles with their razor-sharp teeth and gargantuan size have attracted zoologists and adventurous travellers to the remote islands in the hope of getting a glimpse at the dinosaur-like species in the wild. Air Pano has introduced a virtual exploration of the park which takes in the rusty-red volcanic hills, forests and turquoise waters of the remote location. Save yourself the three-day boat journey from Bali and explore from home instead.

GO: www.airpano.com/360photo/komodo-islands/

This ancient amphitheatre in the centre of Rome was capable of seating 50,000 spectators and was used for gladiatorial contests and battle recreations. Despite its partially ruined state due to earthquake damage, the oval structure remains one of the most popular tourist attractions in Italy 2000 years after construction.

We may not be able to fly to Rome for pizza and pasta quite yet, but for now, we can strap on our sword and sandals and relive Italy's Roman history anytime.

GO: www.panoramas.dk/7-wonders/colosseum.html

EXPLORE REMOTE REGIONS AND NATURAL WONDERS GREAT BARRIER REEF, AUSTRALIA With scuba diving and other water-sports currently out of the travel equation, there is still the opportunity to explore the underwater world and marine life of Australia's Great Barrier Reef.

Natural historian Sir David Attenborough is your guide as you journey through five critical locations of the world's largest coral reef system, home to over 1500 species of fish, 600 coral species and 30 different whale and dolphin species. The experience is both educational and fun as you navigate through one of the most biodiverse and complex ecosystems on the planet.

GO: attenboroughsreef.com 20

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KOMODO NATIONAL PARK, INDONESIA

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• ARMCHAIR TRAVEL

EASTER ISLAND, CHILE Located 3,700 km from Chile's west coast, Easter Island was christened by Dutch explorers in honour of the day of their arrival in the year 1722. Reliant on tourism, the island with its population of just 7,750 people has gained notoriety for its collection of 900 stone figures that populate the natural landscape. The location of the moai statues have intrigued explorers and researchers for centuries, and you can now visit the hard-to-reach area without exerting any effort at all, other than clicking a few buttons.

GO: www.airpano.com/360photo/Easter-Island

NIAGRA FALLS, CANADA Whether you visit from the American or Canadian side, there is little doubt that a visit to Niagra Falls is a bucket-list must. The collection of three waterfalls spans the border between the US state of New York and the Canadian province of Ontario and combined; the falls have the highest flow rate of any waterfall in North America. Part of the fun of a trip to Niagra is taking a boat into the mist of the Horseshoe Falls and now you can do this without the risk of getting wet thanks to Air Pano.

GO: www.airpano.com/360photo/Niagara-Falls-USA-Canada

MOUNT EVEREST, NEPAL If the worlds highest mountain has been on your adventure bucket list, then you can visit Mount Everest in the Himalayas thanks to AirPano. From the Everest base camp to ice rivers and snowy vistas, there has never been an easier way to reach the elevation of 8,850 meters than from the comfort of home. Why risk altitude sickness when you don’t have to.

GO: www.airpano.com/360photo/Everest-Nepal

HANG SON DOONG, VIETNAM The world's largest cave is known as the 'cave of the mountain river' and is situated in the UNESCO-listed Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park in Vietnam and was only discovered in 1991.

Featuring unusual cave formations, including giant cave pearls, towering stalagmites and underground rainforests, only 1000 visitors are permitted to enter the cave each year, and this involves an arduous four-day expedition that requires plenty of trekking and three nights of underground camping! With worldwide travel currently restricted, it would be significantly more comfortable and much cheaper to visit using this exciting online tour.

GO: www.nationalgeographic.com/news-features/sondoong-cave/2/

ZHANGJIAJIE NATIONAL PARK, CHINA Instantly recognisable as the inspiration behind the planet of Pandora in James Cameron's science-fiction masterpiece, Avatar.

The Cloud Forests of Zhangjiajie National Park are comprised of over 3000 vertical pillars, each hundreds of feet tall and covered in dense foliage. A notoriously popular tourist attraction and a must-visit location on any Chinese travel itinerary. Beat the crowds with this 360-degree immersive flight over the natural wonder that is truly awe-inspiring.

GO: youtu.be/b6vQQit2ZU8

SOSSUSVLEI, NAMIBIA For those looking to get away from it all and enjoy a spot of complete isolation, Sossusvlei in the Namib Desert may just be the place for you. The salt and clay pan is flanked by red dunes that extend across a vast area to the Atlantic Ocean. The remote location is also home to Big Daddy, the tallest dune in the area at a height of 325 meters and Deadvlei, famous for its picturepostcard images of blackened acacia trees. The Namib desert and it's remote charms should definitely be on your travel list, but for now, you can explore the towering dunes using AirPano.

GO: www.airpano.com/360photo/Namibia

PERITO MORENO GLACIER, ARGENTINA If you've ever dreamed of visiting Argentina, then one thing aside from steak and grape that you'll want to check out is Patagonia's Perito Moreno Glacier. One of 48 glaciers fed by the Patagonian ice field, the sheet of ice measures an incredible 30 km in length and is a favourite spot for long and short treks. Tourists will often travel to the glacier to watch for a potential rupture. If you're not sure about strapping on those crampons, then explore this winter wonderland from home instead.

GO: www.360cities.net/image/perito-moreno-glacier

GALÀPAGOS ISLANDS, ECUADOR Naturalist Charles Darwin's observations and collections of the Galápagos wildlife in 1835 contributed to his theory of evolution by natural selection. The small volcanic islands off the coast of 22

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Ecuador are home to hundreds of endemic wildlife species that are found nowhere else on earth such as the Galápagos Marine Iguana and Galápagos Giant Tortoise. The 21 islands are a nature lovers paradise and are challenging to get too. With isolated terrain, isn't it time you lived out your fantasies of being an intrepid explorer with Google Maps?

GO: www.google.com/maps/about/behind-the-scenes/ streetview/treks/galapagos-islands

CANTON DE VAUD, SWITZERLAND Canton de Vaud is a stunning location known for its pristine valleys and the snow-covered mountains, and is located in The Lake Geneva region of Switzerland. Through 3D virtual tours, visitors can now become acquainted with some of the areas most breathtaking sites including peak walking on Glacier 3000, the Lavaux vineyards and the Chasseron cliffs. Alternatively, why not admire Lausanne Cathedral, dive into the heart of the Roman arenas of Avenches or board a ship and cruise in front of Chillon Castle. All of this is possible on a virtual tour of Switzerland (chocolate not included, unfortunately).

GO: www.region-du-leman.ch/en/Z12413/3-d-3600-virtualexperience

THE NORTHERN LIGHTS, CANADA The Aurora Borealis or Northern Lights have long been a

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phenomenon shrouded in intrigue, and a lot of effort is required to catch a glimpse of these dancing curtains of light in the night sky. A trip to Canada or Finland is not enough, and several factors such as clear skies and an increase in solar storms on the sun are required to ensure a successful sighting. To avoid disappointment, a live webcam streams 24/7 so that you can gaze at the sky night after night. It has got to be better than a wasted trip standing outside in temperatures of -22°C. GO: explore.org/livecams/zen-den/northern-lights-cam

DHIGU, MALDIVES A trendy travel destination with GCC residents is the small island nation of The Maldives. The collection of islands is in fact, the lowest country in the world with an average height of only 1.5 meters above sea level. Home to paradisal atolls and reefs that attract travellers with a preference for luxury and those looking to explore the pristine marine habitats. Swimming in turquoise waters and strolls upon powder white sands are currently out of reach, but we can still dream thanks to this virtual tour from Anantara.

GO: www.anantara.com/en/dhigu-maldives/virtual-tour

TREK THROUGH NATIONAL PARKS HAWAII VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK, USA The North Pacific is home to the Hawaiian Islands, and a trip to the Big Island usually requires you to forgo beach life and surfing in favour of visiting the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. The volcanic landscape at the southern end of the island is flanked by the Kīlauea and Mauna Loa active volcanoes and presents an almost alien-like landscape scorched black by countless eruptions. Google Arts and Culture have captured some of the most impressive elements of the park, including the steam vents of The Crater Rim Drive, Thurston Lava Tubes and The Chain of Craters Road. Travel over lava fields and crater rims to witness the most impressive views of the park as you descend towards the ocean and eliminate the risk of active lava flow by experiencing the volcanoes from the safety of home.

GO: artsandculture.withgoogle.com/en-us/national-parksservice/hawaii-volcanoes/nahuku-lava-tube-tour

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• ARMCHAIR TRAVEL Democracy. The site displays the faces of four former presidents - George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln - carved into the granite rock. Cyark's virtual tour lets you get closer to the 60ft sculptures than you ever would if you visited in person, so take the time to admire the intricacies of Sculptor Gutzon Borglum's impressive handiwork.

GO: www.cyark.org/projects/mount-rushmore-nationalmemorial/virtual-tour

SEVEN EXPERIENCES FOR CULTURE VULTURES PYRAMIDS OF GIZA, EGYPT

YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK, USA Under usual circumstances, California's Yosemite National Park would expect to receive millions of visitors per year. An adventure lovers haven offering hiking, climbing and skiing; visitors are drawn to the park for its collection of dramatic waterfalls, giant sequoia trees, abundant wildlife, and awe-inspiring cliffs. The Virtual Yosemite platform allows you to experience all of these elements and more. We'd recommend a virtual visit to The Half Dome Diving board for striking views or to the Nevada Falls overlook for pounding views of the water.

GO: www.virtualyosemite.org

GRAND CANYON, USA Many will recognise Arizona's Grand Canyon from the final scene of popular 1991 film, Thelma and Louise. Not all visits to the Canyon carved out by the Colorado River need to end is quite so dramatic a fashion though, and there's plenty to explore from the comfort of your sofa rather than the seat of a Ford Thunderbird.

TreadmillTV presents a virtual rim to river run down the 4km South Kaibab trail. A hike without the need to sweat.

GO: www.youtube.com/watch?v=qLaLmEW0hWg

MOUNT RUSHMORE, USA Another famous American landmark, Mount Rushmore in South Dakota's Black Hills National Forest is America's Shrine of

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One of the seven wonders of the ancient world, Egypt's Pyramids of Giza have captivated travellers since their construction 4,500 years ago! Located on the edge of the Western Desert, the three main pyramids, their subsidiary pyramids and the Great Sphinx are the most popular attraction in the country and usually receive over 14 million visitors a year. The Great Pyramid which towers 147 meters above the plateau is estimated to have used 2.3 million stone blocks in its construction and although camel rides and trips into the burial chambers are currently out of the question, you can still get a taste of Ancient Egypt thanks to Google Street View.

GO: www.google.com/maps/about/behind-the-scenes/ streetview/treks/pyramids-of-giza

BUCKINGHAM PALACE, UNITED KINGDOM No visit to London is complete without a trip to see The Queen.

While Buckingham Palace has been the focus of many moments of national celebration, from Jubilees to weddings, it is also an official residence of the royal family. A selection of virtual tours will take you to the Grand Staircase, the Throne Room and the Blue Drawing Room. We may be confined to the house, but there's nothing stopping us from feeling palatial.

GO: www.royal.uk/virtual-tours-buckingham-palace

ACROPOLIS, GREECE The ancient citadel has stood on a rocky outcrop above the

ARMCHAIR TRAVEL •

PALACE OF SHAKI KHANS, AZERBAIJAN

city of Athens for 3,500 years and was home to one of the earliest known settlements in Greece. Initially built for defensive purposes, the complex contains the world oldest weather station known as the Tower of the Winds. The most famous structure though, is the Parthenon and restoration has been on-going since 1975. Although a visit to the temples of Ancient Greece is temporarily on hold, you can still enjoy the archaeology thanks to You Go Culture which provides 360-degree views of the site.

GO: www.yougoculture.com/virtual-tour/athens/myth/ acropolis

THE LOUVRE, FRANCE We greatly appreciate outings to art galleries and museums when we travel to a new city and the team at The Louvre in Paris have come to the rescue, placing key exhibits online for us to enjoy. Whether it's the Egyptian antiquities or the Galerie d'Apollon that pique your interest, you can peruse at leisure on the Louvre's website.

GO: www.louvre.fr/en/visites-en-ligne

Azerbaijan has been topping the travel plans of GCC residents in recent years, but there is plenty to explore aside from buzzing Baku. The summer residence for the Shaki Khans is one such example and the palace boasts an expressive architectural structure with its shining walls and elegant woodwork. The town of Shaki was once the main centre of silk production in the Caucasus and can be explored virtually alongside the palace. A real treat for historians and culture vultures looking to get off the beaten track.

GO: www.azerbaijan360.az/en/what-to-see/museums/s-kixan-sarayi/

ANGKOR WAT, CAMBODIA Have you ever fancied taking on the role of video game heroine Lara Croft? You can now explore the ancient temples of Angkor Wat through the Virtual Angkor website, a groundbreaking collaboration between virtual history specialists, archaeologists and historians designed to bring the Cambodian metropolis of Angkor to life. This tool offers a historical context allowing visitors to explore the city as it was during its peak, rather than the ruins partially reclaimed by the jungle which are found on site today. ✤ GO: https://www.virtualangkor.com

THE VATICAN, ITALY For those who have visited The Vatican, it's a known fact that you have to arrive early and queue for hours without any guarantee of entry. One advantage of being stuck at home is that we can visit without the usual stress and planning that would coincide with a visit to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel. The online experience is rather enlightening; without the crowds of tourists, you can marvel at the Renaissance frescoes in your own time and appreciate the details in the artwork. This may be our preferred way of visiting The Vatican. For now at least…

GO: www.museivaticani.va/content/museivaticani/en/ collezioni/musei/tour-virtuali-elenco.1.html fact magazine

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• TRAVEL INFLUENCER Q&A

INTERVIEW WITH REEM KHALIFA — BAHRAIN’S FAMOUS TRAVEL INFLUENCER WHO PURSUES HER PASSION FACT meets one of the best known travel influencers in Bahrain…

How did you get started in the world of travel?

My passion for travelling started when I was a kid. First, I fell in love with anything related to aviation and airports, then the more I travelled, the more I realised that travelling is just my thing. I remember so well how my dad took me to all the art and history museums in different cities and showed me at a young age the different cultures in other places. But I have to say the turning point was when I was 16 and doing a solo trip to the UK. That experience taught me so much. I would say travelling alone is as an almost religious experience. To take in new surroundings unfiltered by the prejudices, tastes, or preferences of a travelling companion changes everything. It gives you the chance to discover yourself fully. This is one of the main reasons why I love travelling so much. I learn something new about myself every time. But also the impact of my previous job in the media and journalism made me travel a lot, which gave me a rich experience.

Do you prefer beach, city or culture holidays?

I can’t say No to beach holidays, but I prefer culture holidays.

To me, culture holidays are a great opportunity to learn more about the country that I am visiting. Plus, I love the exploring and adventurous side of it too.

Where is your favourite place to travel on a budget?

My favourite places to travel on a budget are Algarve and Sagres in south Portugal. Both are known for their beautiful Atlantic beaches and golf resorts.

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How did you know you had ‘made it’ as travel influencers?

Three years ago, when I was visiting the French Rivera (Côte d’Azur), I decided to go public as a travel influencer. But then really becoming a travel influencer is something that happened when I went to Sri Lanka and joined other travel influencers in posting stories and podcasts live, moment by moment. From there on I started my journey as an active influencer.

When you are on location do you have a strict routine?

Actually, no. But it also depends on the kind of trip that I do. It is important that I adjust myself to the place that I am visiting. I usually love solo trips, but sometimes I need to join other groups to complete my work on a certain time — this often forces me into a specific routine.

Malaga province in Spain.

As soon as it is safe to travel, where is next on your list?

I am not sure if we will be able to travel normally this year, but as soon as it’s safe to travel, I will visit Norway, Bhutan and Tajikistan.

If you were given an open ticket to travel anywhere in the world where would you choose and why?

That’s an easy one! I would choose Cuba and South America.

I love the Latino culture and history, including the Spanish language.

What are your top 3 travel tips?

Always bring extra batteries for devices. Make extra copies of your passport and important documents like telephone numbers. Don’t bring too much baggage.

Have you had to cancel travel plans due to Covid-19?

Absolutely. I was just planning my next trip to Europe when the news started to report the many cases in Europe. First, I postponed everything, but now obviously I had to cancel it completely.

How do you think Covid-19 has affected the future of travel?

Well, with all the aeroplanes on the ground, hotels closed and travel restrictions, it’s safe to say that travel and tourism are definitely the most affected sectors. I think nobody can really tell what the future of travelling will look like. It depends on how the outbreak develops. I hope for the best.

Have you visited anywhere that you would want return to over and over again?

Oh yes, many places around the world. Mauritius in the Indian Ocean and Ronda which is located on the top of a mountain in

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• ENTERTAINMENT

BIG SCREEN EXTRACTION

Highlights

WHAT’S IT ABOUT:

WHAT’S IT ABOUT?

Tyler Rake (Chris Hemsworth), a fearless black-market mercenary, embarks on the most deadly extraction of his career when he's enlisted to rescue the kidnapped son of an imprisoned international crime lord in Dhaka, Bangladesh. With nothing left to lose, he takes the job and dives into the messy underworld of weapons، dealers، and drug traffickers.

DIRECTOR: Sam Hargrave CAST: Chris Hemsworth, Bryon Lerum, Ryder Lerum, Rudhraksh Jaiswal

WHY IT’S WORTH WATCHING?

The action thriller just hit Netflix and is already the movie that's on everyone's lips. Starring who we know best as Thor, the God of Thunder, Extraction puts Chris Hemsworth into the role of the black-market mercenary Tyler Rake. Tyler, who is the best in the business, is commissioned for a rescue mission by an imprisoned international crime lord. Motivated by his belief that he has nothing left to lose, he takes on the job and dives into one dangerous scenario after another. Especially Action buffs will fall in love, for Extraction is a pure action sequence, giving spectators well-choreographed and absolute thrilling carnage — and that for good reason: The movie is directed

by Sam Hargrave, the stuntman turned filmmaker who takes all the knowledge he has acquired from his intimate involvement in action set pieces and makes an extremely entertaining movie working behind the camera.

THE OCCUPANT

“

Extraction is a pure action sequence, giving spectators wellchoreographed and absolute thrilling carnage”

When he loses his job as a successful executive, Javier Muñoz (Javier Gutiérrez) is forced to downsize his dream apartment to live in a smaller abode in a poorer part of Barcelona.

He is drawn back to his former home and begins to plot against the new tenants, a seemingly perfect family who embody the life Javier wants.

DIRECTOR: David Pastor, Àlex Pastor CAST: Javier Gutiérrez, Mario Casas, Bruna Cusí, Ruth Díaz

WHY IT’S WORTH WATCHING?

Prepare yourself for crazy plot twists and unbelievable behaviour! The Spanish Netflix thriller about a man who loses his job, and then his mind, shocks you until the very end of the movie. Directed by the brothers David and Àlex Pastor, The Occupant is not your morality tale where the bad guys get punished and the good guys rewarded. More than that, it’s an amorality tale — a reflection of the world, where kindness sometimes goes unrewarded. The story is brilliant, the directing work on point, and the actors are just as good.

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• ENTERTAINMENT

FULLY BOOKED

ON THE RECORD

FICTION

Afterlife

HIP-HOP/RAP

R&B/POP

The New Toronto 3

It Was Good Until It Wasn’t

By Tory Lanez

Canadian rapper and singer Tory Lanez just dropped the long-awaited third installment of his New Toronto series and it’s safe to say that it’s his best album to date. He sticks to one sound and tells his story unlike ever before. At 16 tracks The New Toronto 3 is a deep dive into Lanez’s psyche. In his opening track Pricey and Spicy, Tory tells us about his past life and the struggles he faced. He expresses how he went from rags to riches and makes quite the impression on track one. On top tier tracks Who Needs Love and Do The Most, he raps with determination to seek vengeance for his broken heart by upholding his material wealth, sounding as if he can’t shake off the crutch. Tory’s bold confidence could be misunderstood as arrogance but listen closer, and you’ll hear an artist who is trying to heal. An album that shows the real Tory Lanez.

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By Kehlani

Kehlani has become one of R&B’s biggest stars by being radically vulnerable about her pains and passions — in short, she keeps it real.

And so she does with her new album It Was Good Until It Wasn’t. Embracing the woman she’s grown to become today, she refuses to hold back on her emotions, delivering 15 tracks that represent her heart and soul.

Impactful hits like Serial Lover, Water, and Grieving resonate deeply with anyone looking to gain some growth and prosperity post-breakup. At the album’s conclusion, she proves that her tendencies in love and a willingness to give her all are anything but flaws in her eyes. Lifted by guest appearances from Megan Thee Stallion, Jhené Aiko and James Blake, It Was Good Until It Wasn’t takes you through the highs and lows of a life filled with love and mistakes.

By Julia Alvarez Afterlife follows Antonia Vega, a retired English professor struggling to deal with the death of her husband, the disappearance of her sister, and the appearance of a pregnant, undocumented teenager on her doorstep. A beautifully written short book about life after losing a loved one that asks: What do we owe those in crisis in our families, including —maybe especially— members of our human family? How do we live in a broken world without losing faith in one another or ourselves, and how do we stay true to those glorious souls we have lost?

NON- FICTION

Untamed

By Glennon Doyle In her most revealing and powerful memoir yet, the best-selling author Glennon Doyle unpacks the many changes in her life since her previous two books, including the divorce from her husband. Giving incredible insight about what it means to be a woman today and the joy and peace we feel when we stop striving to meet other’s expectations, Untamed liberates women in every way possible. A book that shows you how to be brave.

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• BEAT THE BOREDOM

APP-TLY YOURS We're as good as an episode of F.R.I.E.N.D.S – we'll be there for you! FACT gives you a roundup of our favourite apps to keep you busy…

HEADSUP Ellen DeGeneres will forever be the Queen of our heart. To further prove this, she has blessed us with the ultimate app to bring us all together; HeadsUp! - a virtual form of charades. You can try out the free version that comes with basic sets before you go for the premium version. Plus, you have the option to play HeadsUp online with your friends and family and spend some time cheering each other up.

TASTY We're all the MasterChef's that we always dreamed of being during quarantine – except that some of us need quick recipes to cook some homemade food. Tasty is your best friend for all types of occasions! An app released by Buzzfeed, Tasty is free, easy to download, and gives you everything that foodie dreams are made of. Depending on your mood for the day, you'll find recipes for almost everything here.

21 DAYS CHALLENGE

SKILLSHARE, INC We've been running out of options when it comes to using our time productively. When on most days we'd love some 'down' time with Netflix, we're always on the hunt for more activities to keep the creative juices flowing. From photography lessons to learning digital illustration, Skillshare, Inc is definitely worth the money. You can use the first month free and see if it fits your preferences before you buy it.

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Yes, and yes. This app is the ideal way of motivating you to do something because you know the timer will go off, reminding you about your task for the day. The app revolves around the concept of taking 21 days to develop habits and is believed to be the best way possible to give something new a try. You choose the time you want reminding and the new habit you want to take up. Detox on social media, being more productive or even going without junk food; you've ultimately met your challenge.

BEAT THE BOREDOM •

BETTERHELP: ONLINE COUNSELING & THERAPY Let's face the reality of life that we are going through a pandemic and admit it when things are getting tough for you. BetterHelp is an app that lets you find a therapist and talk to them like you're texting a friend. You are paired with different therapists till you find someone that clicks with you. You have options to choose help for yourself as an individual, a couple and even counselling for your child. Several questions will be put forward to help understand you better before matching you with a therapist. If it helps you, you can buy the membership as well.

SPOTIFY If you're not aware of the digital streaming service that provides you access to millions of songs, then where have you been?

Spotify gives users advert-free music, even when you're offline, meaning you can listen to your favourite tracks wherever you may be. Create playlists of your favourite songs, discover new music via intuitive recommendations and share your favourites across social media. Music has never been so much fun.

7 MINUTE WORKOUT The fact that we are currently amidst a lockdown means we are not even hitting our usual footstep count. While many people are stepping up their workout routines, we're just looking for room to fit something in as we walk from the kitchen to the lounger.

7 minute workout is the fix – just pump up the volume of your favourite track and get in a bit of movement. We personally love the Sleepy Time Stretches as we're taking it slow.

HEADSPACE

SLEEP CYCLE

ELEVATE

While we are currently living in a period of uncertainty, we must look after our health and well-being by ensuring we get a good nights sleep. Sleep Cycle analyses your sleep and wakes you up at the perfect time to make sure you feel rested. Track your sleep patterns, including how long it took you to fall asleep and how you felt upon awakening - a vital app for getting those 40 winks.

Being stuck at home, it can sometimes feel like we are not using our brains to their maximum capacity. Elevate introduces personal brain training to help you stay sharp, build confidence and boost productivity. Training is conducted with over thirty simple games that use maths, reading, writing, speaking, and listening to help your cognitive training.

Headspace is your guide to mindfulness and meditation, providing you with the tools and resources to look after your mind. Follow the guided meditations to help combat stress and anxiety or to help you calm down and relax, whether you have 5 minutes of half an hour - there's something for you. Take things up a notch with 'move mode' to train your body and your mind at the same time with exercises to strengthen your mental and physical well-being.

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• BEAT THE BOREDOM

ZOOM Zoom has become the go-to app for many of us in recent months, as we look for effective ways to communicate with our loved ones while spread out across the globe. Zoom allows up to 100 people to meet at the same time and chat with flawless video, crystal clear audio, instant screen sharing, and crossplatform instant messaging. Perfect for that family reunion, quarantine birthday party or that at home business meeting.

NETFLIX We couldn't compile a list of apps to keep you busy at home and not include Netflix. The streaming giant is currently keeping the world entertained with its releases of new television shows and movies that have the entire world talking. For June we can expect the comedic pairing or Issa Rae and Kumail Nanjiani in The Lovebirds, a new film from Spike Lee called Da 5 Bloods and a new show starring Steve Carell that follows the people tasked with creating a sixth branch of the armed services in Space Force.

KAHOOT! What about hosting your own trivia night? Kahoot! allows you to create your own quizzes in minutes. After you are done creating your quiz, the app generates a unique game pin code which you can share with your friends. All they have to do to join your live quiz is add the code via the "Enter Pin" button on the home screen. You can invite up to 10 players per game with the free version of the app, while Kahoot! Plus lets you invite even more people.

DUOLINGO With so many of us trying to use our time at home effectively, why not attempt to learn a new language with some help from Duolingo. The fun and addictive app offers lessons that adapt to your learning style and all exercises are tailored to help you learn and review vocabulary effectively. So why not learn Arabic, Russian, French or Japanese in preparation for when travel bans are lifted.

AIRTIME If you miss movie night with your friends, then simply download the app Airtime, which lets you stream movies, listen to music and share photos; all while video chatting with your favourite people. Just don't forget the popcorn.

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player will need to select "start a game" on the home screen and then share the secret game code so others can add it to their app.

HOUSEPARTY A little party never hurt anybody! Houseparty is the face-to-face social network where you can connect with all your loved ones.

The app makes connecting face to face effortless, alerting you when your friends are "in the house" and ready to chat so you can jump right into the conversation. The same goes for you opening the app. Houseparty is truly the next best alternative to hanging out in person.

EDX EdX brings you the best online courses from the world's top universities and institutions to your mobile device so that you can learn new skills anytime, anywhere. Whether Harvard, Berkeley or Columbia; dig into the 2,000 classes available through the EdX app. You won't earn a degree, but you will earn bragging rights for furthering your education while isolating.

PROJECT FOODIE: GUIDED COOKING Not all of us are capable of cooking on our own. This is why Project Foodie: Guided Cooking is one of the essential apps you need during quarantine. Learn delicious recipes with obsessively-detailed videos for free.

UNO PSYCH! OUTWIT YOUR FRIENDS Made by the same company as Heads Up!, Psych! is a Balderdash-like game that you can play on your phone with your friends. Each person creates fake answers to various trivia questions. Those who guess the correct answer among the false ones earn points. You'll earn points for each player you "psych" into choosing your made-up answers. To play with a group, one

Play the world's number one card game like never before. The UNO app has all-new rules, tournaments, adventures and more.

To invite your friends to a match, click on the "social" button on the bottom right of the screen and then click on the yellow "invite friends" button. From there you'll be able to send invite links to your friends via text or another messenger like WhatsApp. The game also comes with text and talk functions so you can speak to each other through the app while you're playing. ✤ fact magazine

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• PLUGGED IN

APP-L ICIOUS LET’S SEE WHAT’S ON THE SMARTPHONE AGENDA FOR JUNE…

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CALM

FOODUCATE

Keep calm in every situation with this award-winning mindfulness app!

Recommended by top mental health experts, Calm helps to reduce stress and enhances wellbeing by teaching users how to meditate. Experience better sleep, lower stress, and less anxiety with guided meditations, bedtime stories, breathing programs, stretching exercises, soothing music, and more.

Say hi to the leader in nutrition grading!

Fooducate is an app that helps you make healthier food choices to eat better.

Simply scan a product’s barcode and you’ll see its nutrition grade (A, B, C, or D), together with an explanation of its nutritional benefits, or lack thereof. This way you can choose healthier alternatives and improve your diet. Plus, you can track your food intake and exercise!

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• PLUGGED-IN - GADGET

ONE WATCH TO TRACK IT ALL

The Huawei Watch GT 2e enters the fitness watch world and makes that one watch to track it all. Get that extra push to workout, sleep well, stay hydrated and track your health while staying home and staying healthy.

S

taying fit and working out don’t necessarily need to be limited to just gyms or fitness centres.

There are a lot of solutions that you can follow to maintain your fitness levels in the comfort of your home, and the perfect companion for that is the all new Huawei Watch GT 2e. Huawei’s latest smartwatch packs all the fitness features that come with the original watch GT 2, but with a sportier design and a cheaper price point.

Here’s what makes the new wearable your best fitness companion: A two-week long-lasting battery: It’s one of the GT series’ strongest selling points – the impressive battery life of two weeks on a single charge. This is even with running all major functions including continuous heart-rate monitoring, GPS tracking and music playback. Stylish and functional design: Smartwatches have gone through a wide range of design aesthetics; however, if you plan to workout extensively, then you need one that is a bit more practical as well. Keeping users in mind, the Huawei Watch GT 2e comes with a unibody design that integrates the 1.39-inch AMOLED dial of the smartwatch into the strap for a more refined look. On the functional side, this makes the watch more comfortable and also enables for accurate data tracking, even while your arms are swinging.

15 professional workout modes, both indoor and outdoor: Huawei’s new wearable is aimed at active users and can actively track a wide range of physical activities. This includes 15 professional workout modes, both indoor and outdoor, and 85 custom workouts in categories such as extreme, leisure, aquatics, fitness, ball games, winter sports, rock climbing, parkour, skateboarding, surfing, tennis, baseball and even aerobic exercise as a part of hip-hop dancing. It can also detect six different workouts, including outdoor running, outdoor walking, indoor walking, indoor running, elliptical and rower automatically. Essentially, this means that no matter what workout you do at home, ranging from walking on a treadmill, using an elliptical machine, free training or even aerobics and dance, your Huawei Watch GT 2e will track it all, and send you a comprehensive analysis along with tips on how to improve.

Monitor your health efficiently: Working out or keeping track of your fitness at home requires you to monitor your health accurately, and the new GT 2e shines here. With the new selfdeveloped TruSeenTM 3.5 heart rate monitoring technology,

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heart rate is tracked and combined with AI smart heart rate algorithm, for accurate and fast heart rate monitoring. This works in real-time 24 hours a day and even alerts you when the heart rate is too high or too low for more than 10 minutes. All your tunes now on your wrist: Providing a large storage capacity that allows for up to 500 songs to be saved on the watch, you can now listen to all your favourite tunes as you exercise. If you prefer connecting to Bluetooth earphones, the Huawei Watch GT 2e also supports seamless connectivity with other Bluetooth devices. The watch also supports music control, so you don’t have to pick up your phone mid-workout. You can switch between songs, adjust the volume and even select a playback mode, such as Play in order, Shuffle, Repeat the current song, and Repeat list.

Keeping fit and healthy is not a challenge but a necessity. By spending more time at home now, these things might get overlooked, but you have to take the decision to maintain your health and fitness. And once you make the decision, Huawei’s GT 2e is here to help! ✤

GO: VISIT WWW.HUAWEI.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION. fact magazine

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• DINE-IN: DELIVERY & TAKEAWAYS

THE BEST FOOD DELIVERY SERVICES IN BAHRAIN THIS MONTH ALL YOU HUNGRY QUARANTINE-ERS, THIS IS FOR YOU: WHETHER FOR COLLECTION OR DELIVERY – HERE’S OUR ROUNDUP OF BAHRAIN’S BEST FOOD DELIVERY SERVICES THIS MONTH.

AL AREEN PALACE & SPA Insta: @alareenpalaceandspa Delicacies for your home are now available for delivery and takeaway as the culinary team at Al Areen Palace & Spa are creating everything from Khaleeji and Indian cuisine to International delights, Asian treats and sweets and pastries. The Mexican Tray, Maki Platter and Indian Thali are great sharing choices whilst the Burger Trays, Biryani, Salads and the mouth-watering Saffron Cake are amongst other delicacies on the menu.

GO: Call 1784 5000 to order and for more information.

ART ROTANA AMWAJ ISALNDS Insta: @artrotana Craving your favourite Rosso pizza? Enjoy a delicious selection of Chef Enrico's pizzas, freshly made and ready for couch-topenjoyment alongside your latest movie or series. Available daily, from 12noon to 10pm.

GO: Call 3358 0044 to order and for more information.

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DINE-IN: DELIVERY & TAKEAWAYS •

AZIZ RESTAURANT

BAYTI

Insta: @aziz.rest1988 Satisfaction delivered! The popular Bahraini fusion cuisine eatery delivers their tasty goodies to all areas of Bahrain, for free. Whether you crave the rich Saffron Chicken or the one and only Biryani Aziz Prawn, or how about their famous breakfast items? Whatever you’re in the mood for will be brought to your doorstep – fresh, hot and ready to fill up hungry bellies.

GO: Call 1726 0099 to order and for more information.

Insta: @bayti.restaurant Bayti Restaurant, provides you with the freshest and authentic traditional Lebanese food that takes you to the true tastes of Lebanon. They’re serving you with different varieties of Lebanese dishes like mouth-watering chicken and beef shawarmas, hot and cold mezze, Lebanese desserts and a lot more. Open Saturday to Wednesday from 11am to midnight, and Thursday and Friday from 11am to 1am.

GO: Call 1741 2268 to order and for more information.

BANU RESTAURANT

BENNIGAN’S

Insta: @banu_restaurant Let deliciousness twirl in your mouth with Banu Restaurant’s awardwinning cuisine. The Persian eatery delivers all the flavours you crave straight to your home, for free. The Khoresh Bademjan and juicy Mix Grill are must eats.

GO: Call 1771 5654 to order and for more information.

Insta: @bennigansbahrain True comfort can be found in the culinary offerings of the iconic Bennigan’s Bahrain. We’re talking about loaded potato skins, juicy fish and chips, and even the simply delicious Kilkenny’s Country Chicken Wrap – the choice is yours. Check their insta page for opening times of different branches.

GO: Call 1781 3750 (Juffair) and 1603 0104 (Amwaj) to order and for more information.

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BLUEFIELD BURGER Insta: @bluefieldme There’s nothing like a juicy burger and fries to cheer up your quarantine life. And there’s no better place for quality ingredients and fast delivery than Bluefield. They also do a mean breakfast with all your comfort faves, but it’s the zucchini fries that get our vote every single time.

GO: Call 1721 4441 to order and for more information.

BREADTALK Insta: @breadtalkbah If you love your boutique bakery goods, BreadTalk awaits with open arms for delivery orders. With free home delivery during this tough time, BreadTalk is bringing you hot and fresh-from-the-oven creations to curb your appetite. From flatbreads to hearty sandwiches and crispy pastries, expect only the best.

GO: Call 1753 5371 to order and for more information.

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BUFFALO WINGS AND RINGS Insta: @bwrbahrain Great food, no bull! Sloppy Fries and tender Boneless Wings are calling out your name. Pick up the phone now!

GO: Call 1710 4494 to order and for more information.

DINE-IN: DELIVERY & TAKEAWAYS •

CALEXICO

COCO'S

Insta: @calexico_bahrain Who said Taco Tuesdays can’t be a thing anymore? Not these guys!

Get ready to feast on favourites such as Baja Fish, Carne Asada and Chipotle Shrimp – with a side of guac and chips of course. When those Mexican food cravings hit, this is the place to dial from 12noon ‘til late.

GO: Call 1766 6644 to order and for more information.

Insta: @cocoscafebahrain Can you imagine relishing the infamous Coco’s menu at home with your loved ones? Now that can be your reality! Coco’s delivers to your doorstep for you to tuck into yummy salads, soups and filling mains whenever you desire. Visit their Instagram to check out the top-notch food.

GO: Call 1771 6512 to order and for more information.

CROWNE PLAZA BAHRAIN Insta: @crowneplazabahrain From their fine kitchens to your doorstep! Crowne Plaza Bahrain delivers and caters wherever you are in Bahrain. Whether you crave goodies from Spices, La Mosaique, Waves Restaurant, or Harvesters – the choice is all yours!

GO: Call 1752 5888 to order and for more information.

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CUCINA ITALIANA

DOWNTOWN ROTANA

Insta: @cucinaitalianabahrain Try tCucina Italiana’s mouth-watering lamb rack, or lip-licking pizzas and the very traditional and tasty Ravioli Di Zucca to satisfy all your cravings. Quality grub at excellent prices. Open 12pm to midnight.

GO: Call 1700 1317 to order and for more information.

Insta: @downtownrotana Downtown Rotana's culinary team have prepared an exceptional take-away menu created from the finest ingredients for you to enjoy with your loved ones in the comfort of your own home or with colleagues over your next Zoom call – with the best social distancing food! Delight in freshly prepared cuisine with Flavours on 2's signature taste. The menu includes everything from Murgh Tikka & Egg Kathi Roll to the popular Downtown Burger, Falafel Pita pockets and even a delicious Vegan Burger. Available Sunday to Thursday from 11am to 5pm.

GO: Call 3360 5070 to order and for more information.

CUT BY WOLFGANG PUCK AT FOUR SEASONS HOTEL, BAHRAIN Insta: @cutbahrain We’ve enjoyed many meals in the comfort of the warm ambience at CUT by Wolfgang Puck at the Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay and now, CUT goes home! Enjoy a new takeaway and delivery service daily from 12pm to 10pm. CUT by Wolfgang Puck prepared a new Takeaway menu for you: Get to choose from fresh salads and starters, to delicious sandwiches, pasta, pizza and CUT’s popular steaks. In good news, chef Brian’s legendary Wagyu Cheesesteak will also be available to order for the first time ever – an adaptation from his signature Philadelphia Style Cheesesteak.

Chef Brian said: “What makes me most happy about our delivery service is that it allows us to continue to do what we love most; cook for our guests. For the direct home deliveries which are ordered through the hotel, the management team, when available, are currently personally delivering the items themselves which include Restaurant Director Fabio Marques, Assistant Director Yussouf Kiamil and Guven Basturk is Assistant Manager of CUT by Wolfgang Puck.”

The delivery cars currently being used consist of the BMW Series 720 and Cadillac Escalade – upon availability. Fine food straight to your door!

GO: Call 1711 5044 to order and for more information

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FATTO Insta: @fattobahrain We always feel like we’re visiting family when we step into Fatto, and now the pizzeria-cum-trattoria wants to continue bringing you that feeling in your own homes. Revived in an old Italian flour factory through a story of love, food and the family table, Fatto stands for wholesome, hearty food that we absolutely need for our days of social distancing. How about a wood-fire oven Pizza for lunch?

Or maybe the Ravioli Al Porcini (mushroom ravioli, porcini sauce, parmesan and chili flakes) or Spigola Al Limone (European sea bass, lemon butter cream, grilled tomato and roasted potato) to keep things scrumptious? Then there’s the incredible selection of super fresh salads, juicy burgers and moreish antipasti such as Maccheroni Croccanti (fried mac and cheese balls, beef Bolognese and rosé sauce) and Sfiziose (loaded handmade fries, pickled jalapeños, cheese sauce, bolognese, chives and paprika) to name but a few of the delectable choices on their extensive delivery and takeaway menu. Fatto is one place where food is certainly kept exciting and you can try something different and satisfactory every day! Open for delivery and takeout from 12noon to 11pm, you can order your favourite trattoria staples to share with the whole family and make lockdown life as yummy as can be.

GO: Call 6677 8822 to order and for more information.

DINE-IN: DELIVERY & TAKEAWAYS •

FOODS AT HOME Insta: @foodsathome Foods at Home, at home? Yes, please! Whether you want pick-up or delivery, Foods at Home serves you daily from 11am to 12am.

The Mast Khiyyar and Kabab Kubeedeh alongside the delicious fresh bread are some of our fave dishes!

GO: Call 1700 0888 to order and for more information.

FEAST Insta: @feast.bh Feast brings their irresistible dips and finger foods to your home! Just order and get ready to receive delicious treats to your door in wizard time! The Kushari and Lamb Machboos are especially good. To check out your options, visit Feast’s Instagram account.

GO: Call 3946 4660 to order and for more information.

GARMITY Insta: @garmity_bahrain With a quirky and focused menu, Garmity is truly one of a kind!

Garmity delivers their freshly prepared menu to your doorstep daily from 8am to 1pm and 4pm to 10pm. Go for the Shroom Krisps, Potato Pillow’s and Brisket Tingzz for tantalizing treats.

GO: Call 1728 0333 to order and for more information.

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HAUS

HOPSCOTCH

Insta: @haus.bh Eat the food you love whilst you stay safe at home. Haus brings its delicious dishes to the comfort of your living room, giving you the chance to tuck into everything from Beetroot Yuzu to Spicy Cod Fritters, Forest Mushroom Risotto and lush Chocolate Fondant.

Delivery available from 12noon to 10pm.

GO: Call 1766 3232 to order and for more information.

Insta: @hopscotch.bh Hearty mains and baked goodies delivered? From perfect tahina chocolate chip cookies and crunchy fresh pretzels to delicious tuna cakes with sriracha sauce, and more. Visit Hopscotch on Instagram and check out their takeaway and delivery menu.

GO: Call 1769 1124 to order and for more information.

HAUTE CUPCAKES Insta: @hautecupcakesbh Nothing says “I love dessert” more than a bite into one of Haute Cupcakes’ mesmerising flavours. If you have a real sweet tooth and need to get your fix of delectable treats during social distancing, this is the place to get it from! The red velvet cupcake still remains a classic and most mouth-watering choice.

GO: Call 1758 6363 (Mazaya Tower, Seef) and 1721 4591 (City Centre) to order and for more information.

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INTERCONTINENTAL REGENCY BAHRAIN Insta: @interconbahrain The expertise of InterContinental Regency Bahrain is not restricted within the hotel’s walls. Now you can bring home tasty and freshly made food all prepared with extreme care. We’re talking lush breakfast options, Arabic delicacies, Indian classics (the biryani is particularly good), casual eats, party platters, and sweet treats for you to savour during this time of social distancing.

GO: Call 3696 7701 to order and for more information.

DINE-IN: DELIVERY & TAKEAWAYS •

JACK'S BAHRAIN Insta: @jacksbh Here’s the fact; there’s no shortage of fast food joints in Bahrain.

But, what we do lack is hearty food made from quality ingredients.

The kind that packs super whole-hearted recipes with zero regrets later. Located in Riffa, Jack’s is the best of quality comfort food to perk up your days of social distancing, and the answer to your next moreish meal – a pretty tasty one too. Jack’s serves up delicious burgers, pizzas, and pastas. The best thing? It’s crazy affordable! With a bold motto of “We Know What You Want” – Jack’s prides itself on providing diners with fresh, halal, high quality ingredients that are both yummy and easy on the pocket. Their menu is packed with variety and their portion sizes are more than generous. Try the Maple Sriracha Burger or the famous Jack’s Mac n Cheese, as well as great vegetarian options including the Labneh Zaatar Pizza and Vegetarian Penne. In fact, a tantalising surprise is the Vegetarian Pizza; the base is fresh and crisp and the serious zip of spice is just the kick you need from a decent veggie pizza. Jack’s delivers one that’s worth raving about. The sides are made up of all kinds of goodies like onion rings, loaded fries, cheese fries and much more. The boss move is to request your sauce of choice and mix yourself up some dipping magic. Jack’s Bahrain delivers taste on time. Order, eat, and enjoy!

The full menu can be found on their story highlights on Instagram.

GO: Call 1722 2234 to order and for more information.

MONSOON Insta: @monsoonbahrain Bring legendary Far Eastern cuisine including Thai, Japanese and Vietnamese dishes from Monsoon straight to your dining room table. Indulge in the ultimate fine dining experience at home; the New Style California Maki made with crab tempura, soy braised mushrooms, furikake, cucumber and avocado, and topped with green chili, black tobiko, yakiniku sauce and spicy mayo – is every maki lover’s dream. Tori Gyoza (seared moon dumplings filled with chicken, hishi and scallion) and Som Tam Khao Pod (crispy shredded green papaya with sweet corn, red cabbage, crushed peanuts, long beans, cherry tomatoes and lime dressing) are excellent beginners whilst the Sambal Udang (prawns in a creamy curry with garlic, coconut milk, potato and peas), and Pla Luy Suan (deep-fried half sea bass, served with Thai herbs and cashew nuts in lime and roasted chili dressing) are absolute showstoppers. For dessert, the Kloey Tod Chong Nang – a delicious fried crispy banana served with vanilla ice cream and chocolate Nutella sauce – will hit the sweet spot for all you hungry quarantiners!

GO: Call 1774 9222 to order and for more information. fact magazine

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NOMAD URBAN EATERY

SERRA CAFÉ

Insta: @nomadeatery All you hungry quarantine-ers out there, fill up on everything from healthy acai bowls, to Cornbread French Toast, Masala Dosa, Eggs Royale and pizzas, salads, burgers, baos and main courses to please very palate. Available from 8am to 11pm, check out the full delivery menu on their Instagram.

GO: Call 1700 0330 to order and for more information.

Insta: @serra_bh Serra Café now serves you with delivery and new sizes of their dishes!

Choose from over 100 delicious ingredients and enjoy the freshest creations. Our recommendation would be the scrumptious Honey Glazed Chicken Wrap – pro tip: add mango and cheddar cheese to the mix and get ready for your taste buds to dance!

GO: Call 7708 9809 to order and for more information.

SOFITEL BAHRAIN ZALLAQ THALASSA SEA & SPA

OAK RESTAURANT Insta: @oak_bh You don’t have to miss out on the scrumptious creations from Oak during social distancing – quality cuisine at your dining room table – that’s what you’ll get from Oak. The cheesy garlic pull-apart bread is one of its many magical foodie gifts as well as the spaghetti or fresh avocado and peach smoothie – make your choice today!

GO: Call 6676 5391 to order and for more information.

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Insta: @sofitelbahrain Savour irresistible delights and scrumptious treats from the comfort of your home with Le Bar De La Plage’s tempting new Grab n’ Go menu, available as takeaway or home delivery every day! Bakery take away also available: Explore their latest gourmet takeaways with freshly baked, delicious handcrafted goodies from an assortment of boulangerie delights including traditional baguette, multi cereal bread, ciabatta, plain croissant, pain au chocolat, cheese croissant and plenty of hot favourites, sure to satiate all kinds of cravings. For home delivery, orders from Grab ‘n’ go must be placed 12 hours in advance and for the bakery must be placed 24 hours in advance.

Bring the warm Sofitel hospitality int your homes.

GO: Call 3888 5789 to order and for more information.

DINE-IN: DELIVERY & TAKEAWAYS •

THE GULF HOTEL BAHRAIN

THE RITZ-CARLTON BAHRAIN

Insta: @thegulfhotelbahrain A fabulous selection of seven speciality restaurant menus at your fingertips! You can now savour 5-star award-winning menus in the comfort of your own home with free delivery to anywhere in Bahrain with a minimum order of BD10 of their new takeaway and delivery service. This is a dream come true for many of the hotel’s loyal guests! Now you can enjoy the legendary flavours from seven cuisines including sushi, pizza, tacos and even yummy Thai food.

Daily from 11am to 11pm (depending on curfew). Guests can order on Whatsapp or by calling any of the numbers below. Prestige Club members benefit from 20% discount on all takeaway or delivery orders.

GO: Call 3644 5585 / 3655 1222 or 1774 6425/6426 to order and for more information.

Insta: @ritzcarltonbahrain Relish indulgent dishes at home as The Ritz-Carlton Bahrain now offers delicious takeaway goodies at La Plage, including favourites from Primavera, Nikmati, Plums, Nirvana and Cantina Kahlo. Seven days a week from 11am to 10.30pm you can order delicious sushi, beef cheeseburger sandwiches, roasted chicken with potato, and more. Both the Lobby Lounge and the Ritz Gourmet Lounge are also open from 7am to 10.30pm on a takeaway basis for those who want to satisfy their sweet cravings. Thai Lounge is open for food orders from 11am to 10.30pm. Quarantine life is a delicious deal!

GO: Call 1758 6499 to order and for more information.

THE LEBANESE BAKERY Insta: @thelebanesebakerybh Manakeesh heaven is what we like to call this place! The food here is seriously good. Open for delivery and takeout from 8am to 10pm, the eatery is packed with wholesome favourites such as Baked Eggs Shakshuka, Akkawi Kaak Bread, Halloumi and Basil Manousheh plus many more lush concoctions.

GO: Call 1759 5559 to order and for more information.

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THE LONGER YOU RENT THE MORE YOU SAVE

SPEED! Daily/Weekly/Monthly Low rate packages are available across our range of Sedan to SUV vehicles.

Call Now: 3500 5715 52

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Saar: 17795300 Amwaj: 16010131 Fax: 17564878 nishanth@nansgroup.com

ISLAND RIDES •

THE ALL-NEW KIA: SELTOS GT TURBO SUV THE 2021 KIA SELTOS HAS RAISED THE BAR IN THE COMPACT SUV SEGMENT

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• ISLAND RIDES

W

ith KIA producing well over three million cars annually to be distributed in over 180 countries, there is no denying the brand’s surging popularity.

We at Fact Magazine have had the opportunity to test drive various KIA models in recent years, all of which were surprisingly impressive in both appearance and performance. Once again, thanks to the great team at Bin Hindi Motors, we were extended the privilege of test driving their latest KIA import. On this occasion it was to be the allnew 2021 KIA Seltos SX Turbo SUV. Named after the son of Hercules, the Seltos has a sporty yet sophisticated exterior design, one that is complemented by its aesthetically pleasing features. From the front, the novel LED lights run along the top of the upgraded “tiger nose” grille, almost uninterrupted from one side of the vehicle to the other.

Mock skid plates at both the front and rear of the vehicle ensure a more rugged appearance, whilst the front facia has a slight overbite, allowing for greater clearance. On the sides, cladding along the bottom and around the wheelbase add to the robust nature of the Seltos, whilst 18” alloy wheels hint at its on-road capabilities. The rear of the vehicle is beautifully designed, complete with LED taillights and a unique convex and concave surface design. On the top pf the vehicle, roof rails and an optional sunroof add to an already impressive

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exterior. The SX Turbo is available in a large variety of colours including two-tone options.

We were most surprised at the space inside of this small class SUV. A higher ride height ensures easy entry and exit from the vehicle and once inside, plenty of head and leg room is available. The Sofino Synthetic leather trim seats are 10-way power adjustable, with two-way lumbar support and are very comfortable indeed. These seats are also available in a variety of seat trim colours. The leather clad steering wheel, with sport grips, is functional and feels great in hand. The radio, cruise control and information display can all be controlled by buttons on the wheel itself.

The modern look interior houses a 7-inch LCD Colour Instrument Cluster, an 8 speaker Bose sound system with sound connected mood lamp and an original speaker grille design. Other notable features include chrome door handles, a leather wrapped gear shifter, two cup holders, a wireless charging mat and single-zone climate control. The infotainment system features a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation and offers both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

This system is functional, customisable and very user-friendly.

In the rear of the vehicle three adults can fit comfortably with ample leg and head room on offer for this class of vehicle.

There is a folding armrest complete with double cup holder as well as a USB port and dual air vents. The cargo area offers 753

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litres of storage space with the rear seats up and 1778 litres with the seats folded down.

The Seltos GT Turbo houses a Direct Injected Turbo, 1.6-litre, 4-cylinder engine, paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. This allows for the creation of 175 hp @ 6000 rpm and 195 lb-ft @ 1500 rpm. This translates to a capable vehicle with decent acceleration and a good turn of speed. It is capable of achieving 0 – 100km/h in around 7.5 seconds. Being an all-wheel drive, the Seltos offers plenty of grip both on and off-road and despite being a firm ride, this SUV handles bumps very well. With three driving modes available, the Seltos is able to adapt to various environments whilst remaining as eco-friendly as possible. We found both the cornering and breaking of this vehicle to be more than sufficient and always felt in control of the driving experience.

There is a range of advanced active safety systems available for the Seltos, including Blind-Spot Detection, Blind-Spot Collision Avoidance Assist, Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane Keeping & Departure Warning and Safe Exit Assist, amongst others.

All-in-all, we found the Seltos GT Turbo to be a pleasant surprise with its visually pleasing exterior, deceivingly spacious modern interior as well as its more than capable on and off-road capabilities. ✤ fact magazine

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“

NAMED AFTER THE SON OF HERCULES, THE SELTOS HAS A SPORTY YET SOPHISTICATED EXTERIOR DESIGN, ONE THAT IS COMPLEMENTED BY ITS AESTHETICALLY PLEASING FEATURES.”

GO: CALL BIN HINDI MOTORS ON 1770 2000 OR 1746 3333 TO BOOK A TEST DRIVE. 56

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• MOTORING NEWS

ASTON MARTIN DBS SUPERLEGGERA ‘ARABESQUE’

Aston Martin MENA has commissioned a unique specification called DBS Superleggera ‘Arabesque’, which has been exclusively created for the Middle East region to pay tribute to Arabian art and design. Showcasing new Arabic details and featuring lavish personalisation via Aston Martin’s bespoke service ‘Q by Aston Martin’, the Aston Martin DBS Superleggera Arabesque proudly incorporates traditional Middle Eastern elements within its signature design codes. The specification features a carefully judged selection of interior and exterior design and trim modifications, and bespoke materials such as camel hair and silk, as well as unique inlaid Arabesque patterned carbon fibre throughout. The exterior is finished in rich Royal Indigo, setting a stunning contrast to any typical Middle Eastern vista.

The patterned carbon fibre roof, front splitter, diffuser and rear spoiler unite to seamlessly enhance the DBS Superleggera’s refined lines. The Aston Martin wings are crafted in black enamel, each crafted by hand during a twenty-hour process.

The duotone interior in Indigo and Coral Sand Bridge of Weir leather™ delivers an exquisite finish, and the Arabesque pattern carries throughout with the quilt pattern on the roof headlining, the seats and head rests, which also feature embroidered Aston Martin wings. This, of course, is supported by the supreme performance of the DBS Superleggera – the brand’s 5.2-litre twin58

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turbo V12-engined Super GT flagship boasting 725 PS, 900 Nm of torque, a top speed of 338kph and blistering acceleration that dispatches 0-100 kph in just 3.4 seconds. The striking Arabesque specification will be introduced to more Aston Martin models in the future – including the new DBX SUV.✤ WWW.ASTONMARTIN.COM

MOTORING NEWS •

EBRAHIM K. KANOO LAUNCHES HYBRID-ELECTRIC TOYOTA C-HR Ebrahim K. Kanoo, the exclusive distributor of Toyota vehicles in Bahrain, launched the all-new 2020 Toyota C-HR at the Toyota Showroom in Sitra. The latest in Toyota’s line-up of innovative vehicles, the C-HR, changes the crossover game with its adventurous design, responsive drive and class-leading ecofriendly technology.

Designed to stand out, the new C-HR embodies company President Akio Toyoda’s commitment to promoting stylistic freedom and engineering creativity. Toyota Motor Corporation Chief Representative of Middle East & Central Asia Representative Office, Kei Fujita, commented, “We are excited to launch the allnew Toyota C-HR in Bahrain, a completely new breed of car that will change people’s perceptions of what a crossover should be like to drive and to look at. Designed to reflect the aspirations of

adventurous young motorists, the vehicle represents the next step in the segment’s evolution”. C-HR is built on the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform, which ensures a more rewarding driving experience. A low center of gravity and doublewishbone rear suspension contribute to outstanding stability and handling with exceptional ride comfort. Available with a 1.8-litre VVT-i full-hybrid powertrain and automatic CVT transmission, the vehicle meets all the requirements of daily commutes and weekend leisure journeys while offering peace of mind through its comprehensive array of safety features. ✤ WWW.TOYOTA.COM.BH

HYUNDAI REVEALS ITS LATEST CONCEPT EV “PROPHECY”

Hyundai Motor recently revealed its latest concept EV “Prophecy”, the latest model to embody the company’s Sensuous Sportiness design identity. Like the company’s recent concept cars, its design offers clues about how future Hyundai models may look. In sharp contrast to its predecessor 45, Prophecy features smooth curves and flowing lines, with virtually no sharp angles or hard edges to break the flow. Its neo-classic shape gives a nod to the luxury cars of the 1920s and 30s, while at the same time, unique features such as pixelated lighting and aerodynamic wheels make it seem like

something from the future. Its name, “Prophecy”, is a clear hint that this car is a teaser of things to come. With its intuitive driver interface, zero-emissions powertrain, and unique air filtration system, Prophecy offers its passengers a pleasant, relaxing experience while at the same time protecting the environment.

This can be summed up in the guiding design concept “Optimistic Futurism”. ✤ WWW.HYUNDAI.COM fact magazine

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• CULINARY SPOTLIGHT

FOOD FOR THE SOUL

Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay employs the very best of local produce and ingredients to create a one-of-a-kind culinary journey from CUT by Wolfgang Puck and re/ Asian Cuisine’s takeaway menu. Jayne Houghton reveals why you should all be ordering pronto…

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CULINARY SPOTLIGHT •

2

020? Right… It’s been a pretty unforgettable year thus far, for all the wrong reasons. Our lives have changed as we know it and we are having to adapt on a daily basis to the new world in front of us. The experience of going to your favourite restaurant has become a distant memory but thankfully, due to the forward thinking of CUT by Wolfgang Puck, your favourite dishes can be delivered to the comfort of your own home.

Add to the mouth-watering menu of CUT, a few staples from sister restaurant re/ Asian Cuisine and you are going to be in for probably the best meal you’ve ever had inside your four walls.

We received our delivery in the most sophisticated manner.

The driver and concierge arrived in a luxury vehicle that exuded Four Seasons’ exclusivity. Arriving in insulated packaging to retain its heat and freshness, they certainly arrived in style. The multitude of dishes themselves were presented in a decadent and fittingly luxuriant way. There was no need to decant from the vessels they supplied as they looked sufficiently impressive for any gathering at home.

Now, all of us have a favourite when it comes to courses, some of us go for a hearty main whilst others have that sweet tooth that is always yearning for dessert. What about me? Well, it’s got to be starters. I love variety and the tapas experience,

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• CULINARY SPOTLIGHT so any opportunity to sample a wide array of appetisers really get my juices flowing.

Let’s just get stuck in shall we? Chili “Dan Dan” Chicken Dumplings grabbed my attention straightaway; the roasted peanut sauce gave a delicious satay effect, which combined with the delicate chicken parcels executed sheer perfection. My chopsticks then ventured towards the Pan Seared Pot Stickers filled with Wagyu Beef, a venture that my taste buds were delighted with. The Shrimp Spring Rolls with the Honey and 10-Spice dipping sauce added a seafood aspect to my selection of starters, as I crunched my way down the crisp filo casing. My undoubted favourite, however, was the Korean Style BBQ Duck Buns, a signature dish from re/ Asian Cuisine. My mind literally just went blank as I remembered the perfect balance between the shredded duck and the soft bun.

A wonderfully majestic dish, my compliments to Executive Chef Brian Becher and Executive Sous Chef Luke Omarzu.

We opted for two mains, I like to keep my sharing element consistent, I’m certainly no Joey Tribbiani. I like to keep my variety of dishes consistent too,hence why we opted for the Beef Short Rib Rendang and the Crispy Chicken Sandwich. The sandwich was as beautiful as it looks, with the steamed sesame bun adding a whole new experience to my ‘burger’ escapades. The adobo sauce balanced the pickled vegetables perfectly to energise the palate with every salivating bite. The chips from CUT by Wolfgang Puck are absolutely gorgeous, some things never change, they provide a noble accompaniment to the sandwich. The Beef Short Rib Rendang was served on a bed of Coconut Rice and what more can be said but ‘Wow!’; the meat is so succulent and every bite quite literally melts in the mouth. An absolute masterpiece and a sure fire staple for my next delivery or visit.

One can never dessert their sweet tooth. Did you see what I did there? So we went for the Carrot Cake and Grandma’s Chocolate Cake.

I’ve garnered quite the penchant for Carrot Cake over the past year and after sampling CUT

by Wolfgang Puck's offering, I ain’t struggling to see in the dark anytime soon. Grandma’s Chocolate Cake is an heirloom signature dessert from Chef Wolfgang Puck and it was immense with its fluffiness exaggerating the notion of a culinary dream! A delectable conclusion to the most wonderful of meals. Certainly, the best I’ve ever had inside these four walls, that's for sure! Just don’t tell the other half. ✤ 62

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GO: CALL 1711 5044 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION. FOLLOW @CUTBAHRAIN AND @FSBAHRAIN FOR ALL THE LATEST UPDATES.

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• FOODIE CORNER

THE MASTERS OF LUXURY FOOD DELIVERY

Enjoy a luxury dining experience from the comfort of your home with the Kingdom’s famous Gulf Hotel Bahrain Convention & SPA. FACT’s Layal El Mahmoud checks it out for you…

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FOODIE CORNER •

L

et’s be honest, in these times of quarantine and lockdown we do not mind working from home wearing our favourite pyjamas, we definitely do not mind spending more time with our families, but we absolutely mind not being able to go wherever we want whenever we want. We definitely miss Thursday nights with friends at any of Bahrain's finest dining destinations. One of the many that we personally miss a lot is Sato, the awardwinning Japanese restaurant at the Gulf Hotel in Adliyah. Not only because the Japanese cuisine is probably the most difficult cuisines to perform at home, but because we really miss the whole experience, from the salon trip to the annoying high heels to the great atmosphere and noisy laughter. Fortunately, the Gulf Hotel delivers its top-notch dining experience to the home, bringing multiple flavours to the dining table — fresh and delicious.

What do you crave? Their amazing Sushi and Teppanyaki? Or is it the pristine Mexican flavours that come with their immaculate Fajita wraps and Tacos? Maybe your mother-in-law loves the rich Persian cuisine and is asking for Chelo Kebab Sultani and Khoresht Bamieh? The kids crave the noodles, and you fancy Green Curry with Jasmine Rice? The new Gulf Hotel takeaway menu offers all of these dishes and many more from its amazing restaurants: China Garden, Margarita Mexicana, Royal Thai, Takht Jamsheed, and Sato. Freshly prepared delicious food that is fact magazine

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• FOODIE CORNER quickly delivered with thoughtful packaging that has stickers on individual boxes to differentiate sauces — an immaculate delivery-experience.

We received our delivery exactly on time. Excitedly, we place all the carefully packaged takeaway boxes on the dining table and delicious aromas immediately fill the air. We take a couple of Instagram clicks, but are longing to dig in. The sushi is the freshest, as we’ve come to expect from Sato. The sushi boxes each come with six pieces of sushi, a small chunk of wasabi, and two additional boxes with soy sauce and ginger pickles. Just how it should be. As for the Chinese dishes, we tried vegetable noodles and sweet and sour chicken with white rice — and we loved it. The Sichuan hamour fillet was just as perfect — tender and juicy. Takht Jamsheed, the mix grill with three coloured rice is always a safe choice too. Ghormeh Sabzi can be a discovery for first timers — a green lamb stew flavored with spinach, parsley, and coriander and when it comes to the Mexican cuisine, we enjoyed the pristine Tex-Mex Specialties with the Fajitas Supreme, char-grilled chicken, beef, and shrimps on a bed of perfectly sautéed bell peppers and onions, along with soft tortillas and all the extras (cheese, sour crème, and salsa) for the perfect wrap.

After months of restaurant-free living and a growing yearning for good food that we do not have to cook, this was a great and luxurious dining experience that we would recommend to everyone. One phone call to the Gulf Hotel Bahrain Convention and SPA is all you need to enjoy Bahrain’s most loved flavours any time. Available daily from 11:00 am to 11:00 pm, with a minimum order of BD10 net. Plus, the Gulf Hotel Bahrain also partnered up with Careem and Wasel for delivery! ✤

GO: CALL 3644 5585 / 3655 1222 OR 1774 6425/6426 TO ORDER AND FOR MORE INFORMATION.

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FOODIE CORNER •

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• ON THE MENU

‘WHET’ YOUR APPETITE Are food deliveries worth it?

YES, when we’re talking about Sofitel Bahrain’s remarkable restaurants; Fiamma, Rivaaj, Pashawat, and Tapas! FACT’s Elanur Sengel makes a phone call…

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ON THE MENU •

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aturally, being food lovers, we’re not letting the current lockdown stop us from relishing delicious food. And Sofitel Bahrain is our partner in crime. As our order arrives, the smell of seriously good food fills the room together with our ever-growing excitement. We unpack the food containers and serve our dining table with wholesome favourites such as Lebanese vine leaves, Moutabel, Lamb Ouzi, and more — and the delicious experience begins. We start with our favourite Arabic mezze — Tabbouleh; the most perfect mezze of parsley, garnish with tomato, onion, burgle, lemon, and olive oil. The appetizing Capricciosa salad that comes with fresh mixed leaves, Artichoke, Kernel corn, and cherry tomatoes also just hits the palate right, but the highlight is the one and only Lamb tagine. Simmered in numerous spices, the braised lamb shank is not only melt-in-your-mouth tender but super flavoursome. The next dish to be enjoyed is the Dal Makhani. Black lentils cooked overnight in the clay oven finished with butter and cream. Taste and texture here are doubtless enough to repeat the order! And although we are in love with all these Arabic delicacies, we can’t resist the Quattro Formaggi Pizza. Chewy and crisp, with a marriage of all our favourite cheeses; Mozzarella, Gorgonzola, Parmesan, and fresh creamy Taleggio. The Tonnaro Pizza comes with juicy Mozzarella, tomato, onion, tuna, and black olives — fact magazine

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• ON THE MENU and makes the Quattro Formaggi Pizza serious competition, but what to do?

Another Italian focal point is the Lasagna Bolognese. Oven baked, with meaty Bolognese Sauce, creamy Béchamel Sauce and grated Parmesan Cheese; this doesn’t look like a quick and easy lasagna. This is a slow cooked and divine lasagna. The succulent Lebanese vine leaves bring us back to the Arabic dishes and we savour them together with Arabic homemade bread topped with Za’atar and cheese. The Hammour Syadiyah; cumin and coriander marinated Hammour fillet served with perfectly cooked Arabic rice also hits our taste buds. For dessert, the pristine Lotus Caramel Cheesecake, Mille-Feuille Parfait, and Dates Cake make the perfect ending. So, how was the food delivery experience with Sofitel Bahrain?

— a delicious experience that will be repeated to say the least.

If you want to enjoy a food delivery that is worth it, look no further and call Sofitel Bahrain. ✤

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ON THE MENU •

FOR ORDERS OR MORE INFORMATIONS, PLEASE CALL OR WHATSAPP SOFITEL BAHRAIN 38885789 fact magazine

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MOI BELLA BEAUTY LOUNGE Block 926, Road 2607, Riffa, Bahrain Tel: 1700 0910 Follow us on Instagram @MoiBellaBeautyLounge

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PASTEL

FASHION FOCUS •

ARMY

The Max Mara SS 2020 collection introduces powerful pastels and crisp tailoring.

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• FASHION FOCUS

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nspired by the feminist writer Natasha Walter who puts a woman at the centre of a spy thriller, Max Mara imagines the wardrobe for a female James Bond: Pastel short-sleeved suit jackets with military-tailored shorts and knee-high socks together with train conductor-esque hats that match the fabric. It’s oldfashioned and masculine tailoring paired with feminine pastels that make the new 007 and keep her cool when she’s chasing through the jungle. She is prepared for every eventuality. Cocktails with the subject of her assignment? She has long pale paisley print bias cut skirts and fluid pastel gowns with tough looking braces. Max Mara’s Bond walks across the lawn to a waiting helicopter in a flurry of diagonally placed silk volants. In this movie – and in real life – Max Mara never lets her down. ✤

GO: SHOP THE LATEST COLLECTION ON WWW.MAXMARA.COM 74

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FASHION FOCUS •

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• FASHION FOCUS

SHOP THE BRAND HERE’S OUR WISHLIST FROM THE MAX MARA SS20 COLLECTION

THIS COLLECTION IS AVAILABLE IN MAX MARA STORES ACROSS THE GULF. 76

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ELITE

SUMMER

ESCAPE

Elite Seef Residence & Hotel Elite Grande Hotel

BD 33 Net

BD 60 Net

Single / Twin Bedroom Suite

2 Bedroom Suite

• Rates are in Bahrain Dinars and Inclusive of all taxes and service charge.

• Inclusive of breakfast buffet • Inclusive of Wifi Internet connection • Above rates are applicable till end of Sept 2020 * Terms and conditions apply

Call: +973 17 558 200

cro@elitegrouphotels.com

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• BEAUTY BOX

Beauty Checklist THE VERY BEST IN BEAUTY THIS MONTH…

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ARMANI BEAUTY LUMINOUS SILK CONCEALER Prepare yourself for a flawless, secondskin effect with Giorgio Armani’s newest addition to the award-winning Luminous Silk collection. The Luminous Silk Concealer boasts an ultra-fine yet intensely pigmented formula, giving you the most flawless finish possible. Enriched with glycerin, caffeine and Vitamin E, the concealer also hydrates while concealing, correcting, and highlighting.

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SUMMER FRIDAYS LIP BUTTER BALM

Known for their famous Jet Lag Mask, SUMMER FRIDAYS founders Marianna Hewitt and Lauren Gores now launched the Lip Butter Balm. Brimming with ultra-hydrating plantderived butters and waxes, this silky formula melts into dry lips to naturally moisturise and condition the skin. For that perfect lipstick-ready canvas.

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JO MALONE LONDON GARDENIA & OUD ABSOLU

The third creation in the Jo Malone London's Absolu Collection pairs the bright white flower often found in English gardens with the characteristic, smoky wood of the Middle East.

A powerful combination that is surprisingly uplifting.

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CHARLOTTE TILBURY

MAGIC SERUM CRYSTAL ELIXIER Charlotte Tilbury’s first ever serum just hit the shelves and is formulated with breakthrough ingredients that are clinically proven to improve your complexion.

Featuring REPLEXIUM® for younger-looking skin, Golden Vitamin C for a brighter-looking complexion, and hydration powerhouse Polyglutamic Acid – a supercharged skincare ingredient that’s over 4X more hydrating than Hyaluronic Acid — Magic Serum Crystal Elixier truly gives your skin a magic boost!

Expect a sell-out.

MILK KUSH TRIPLE BROW PEN Do you want to create your

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most flawless yet natural eyebrows ever? Milk Makeup’s Kush Triple Brow Pen does just that. A triple-tipped brow pen that fills, feathers, and builds dimensional, natural-looking brows. Highlighted ingredients such as Hemp-derived Cannabis Seed Oil, Sunflower Oil, and Aloe hydrate and condition skin and hair for lush, nourished eyebrows.

TOM FORD

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GLOW TINTED MOISTURISER SPF15 Tom Ford created a vegan tinted moisturiser that delivers a sheer hint of complexion-correcting colour.

Infused with Hyaluronic Acid and Jojoba oils for nourishing hydration, the vegan tinted moisturizer is paraben-free, sulfate-free and sulfite-free. SPF 15 helps to protect from the harmful effects of the sun, while antioxidants replenish skin from the damage of environmental stressors. Perfect? Perfect!

GROOMING BOX •

Grooming Checklist ALL THE NEW FUNDAMENTALS OF GROOMING THIS MONTH…

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BOLIN WEBB X1 MATTE RAZOR

Put your hands on this award-winning razor by Bolin Webb. Not only does it bring a luxurious look to your bathroom, but it also performs brilliantly. The razor works with Gillette’s Fusion Pro-Glide blades and is weighty enough to help the blades do their job: shave your face clean, without you having to apply too much pressure.

BAXTER OF CALIFORNIA CLAY MASK AHA

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This deep-cleansing clay mask purifies and revitalizes your skin in just 10 minutes.

Natural kaolin and bentonite clay draw out dirt, oil, and other impurities, while hydrating calendula, aloe leaf juice and witch hazel soothe, hydrate and condition to leave your complexion looking revived.

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ANTHONY GLYCOLIC EXFOLIATING AND RESURFACING WIPES Here’s your ‘AHA moment’!

Anthony’s exfoliating wipes are easy to pack and travel with, allowing you to refresh and reset on the go. Infused with fruit extracts and glycolic acid, the alcohol-free wipes help clear away surface impurities, resurface skin, and minimise the appearance of pores.

TIMOTHY HAN / EDITION HEART OF DARKNESS EAU DE PARFUM

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Immerse yourself in this highly wearable scent by Timothy Han/ Edition that works day to night, all-year-round. Watery green floral notes give way to the scent of dark wood and damp moss, infused with hints of burning coal and amber. A fragrance that will be the first thing people pay compliment to when you wear it.

HEATH

CLINIQUE

EYE SERUM

CLINIQUE FOR MEN™ DAILY AGE REPAIR

Say bye-bye to tired eyes!

Heath’s revitalising eye serum is powered with next generation actives to renew the skin under your eyes, instantly.

Enriched with Persian silk tree extract, Soliberine NAT® and hyaluronic acid, the serum-rollon brightens, hydrates, and firms the under-eye area. Keep it in the fridge for added “ahhh” on application.

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All good things come in threes! And so does this essential trio for daily age protection. Including a moisturizer, shaving cream, and charcoal face wash, Clinique equips you with everything you need for your grooming game. The luxurious Cream Shave provides a rich buffer against razor drag and nicks, while the non-drying Charcoal Face Wash draws out pore-clogging dirt and excess oil. The quick-absorbing Anti-Age Moisturizer combats lines, wrinkles, and dullness for a revitalized look.

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• PEP TALK

Dealing with anxiety

Invest In You

Pearl Wasif is an Advanced Physiotherapist Practitioner. She aims to provide evidencebased management to relieve pain and restore function and movement.

Yvonne Cole is a Personal Trainer and believes that when you eat clean, train hard and trust the process, your consistency and patience pays off.

The COVID-19 pandemic represents an unprecedented and potentially stressful situation. While we're entering a phase where all of us may have to work differently and adopt new behaviours, it's important to recognise that anxiety and worry are perfectly reasonable in these situations. Here are my top five tips to help manage anxiety: Manage your media exposure - Check reliable sources and keep up to date with relevant advice. Limit the amount of time spent checking social media. Create your safe space - Working from home can induce anxiety and stress as this is extremely new for most people and difficult if families are also in the same space. Create an area or room in your house that you can go to and not be disturbed. Check in - Speaking to others will help you to control how you are feeling and allow you to share ways of coping with any anxiety. Encourage and stay positive - It is important to help each other by being encouraging and reminding everyone of what a good job you are all doing. Support - Anxiety should not be ignored. Anyone is capable of feeling overwhelmed, and we have a duty to care for ourselves as well as others.

Stay safe. ✤

With everything going on in the world right now, due to the lockdown, the streets are half-empty and instead of cars we see people on bikes, running and walking. If you browse on social media, you’ll find people doing live workout sessions — some are qualified trainers, others are just normal people. Shops have nearly sold out their fitness equipment. It’s great that people are finally thinking about their fitness habits to support their wellbeing, but nutrition is just as important.

I stress to my clients over and over again “you can work out as much as you like, but if you eat crap it’s just a waste of time”. Recently at a client’s home where there should have been fruit in the fruit bowl, it was full of so called “healthy” crisps. I had to point out that even though the packet says vegan, they should read the ingredients and would find that the crisps are full of oil.

When shopping, you need to be really careful about what you’re putting in your shopping cart. Fruits and vegetables are always a must. But be careful with anything that says “low in fat” as they are probably full of salt, sugar, and additives. When it comes to fats, some of them such as avocados are healthy.

Whenever you can, buy as fresh as possible and remember: Even if it says organic on the packet, it doesn’t mean it’s healthy.

So, stay safe and invest in you.✤

GO: For more information on prescribing a patient centred exercise programme, please visit Pearl Physiotherapy Center.

Call 17230238/35527344 or email: pearl.wasif@gmail.com for more information.

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GO: Email ymcfitness@gmail.com or call 3466 0453 for more information.

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ISLAND INSIDER

Julien Liscouët General Director - Vatel School in Bahrain

Tell us more about your day-to-day role and what keeps it challenging and exciting…

Higher education is different every day and brings with it its own unique challenges. We continuously work to satisfy students, their parents, lecturers, hotel partners, as well as the various Ministries that advise and direct us. A University is an open door to the world. Diversity keeps this job exciting, but our main objective is to provide the best teaching and learning experience, as well as life skills for our students’ professional futures.

Therefore, our success will become their success.

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What are some of your favourite cultural hotspots in Bahrain and why?

My favourite places are directly related to Bahrain’s heritage: Bahrain Fort – it is like stepping back in time, travelling from Dilmun to the present day surrounded by horses and palm trees gives everyone the experience of the “Garden of Eden” side of Bahrain. Muharraq Pearl Route – an adventure inside Bahrain’s trading culture, and these tours are always full of unexpected encounters; treasures can be found, especially in the Souk and also inside the renovated traders’ houses. Lastly, Ras el Bar, Askar and Hawar Island – they are beautifully wild, simple and peaceful. You feel the island and the nature.

What are your personal and professional goals for 2020?

Vatel’s goal for 2020 is to launch the MBA process with the Ministry of Education so that Vatel will be in a position to offer Executive and Continuous Education to students and professionals from both the Hospitality and Tourism Industry.

Our second goal is to continuously develop the tools we have implemented during the current pandemic. On a more personal side, my goals are to read more, start practicing sport and give more time to myself, my family and friends.

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