Fact Bahrain June Issue by Fact ME

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JUNE 2014. VOL 7 ISSUE 10 . BD 1 | SR10

introducing

IRINA SHAYK & PATRICK DEMPSEY Now Open at Bahrain City Centre 2.

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Contents

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fact magazine

Istanbul: Delightfully Turkish, delightfully yours.

Turkish Airlines connects you to a city which is connecting two continents. turkishairlines.com | +90 212 444 0 849 fact magazine

FACT Magazine Bahrain Edition June 2014 Volume 7, Issue 10

Jet Setting June

With summer in full swing, escaping the heat seems to be on everyone’s minds. Travel this June with FACT as we take you on a journey through the world of amazing holiday destinations…. Our adventures this month took us to

Dubai (Fly Dubai) where we stayed at the

“

Sheraton Dubai Creek and Towers (P 44), and to Sir Bani Yas island in Abu Dhabi

(how lucky are we?) to review the Canon G1

hen preparing to travel,

X Mark II (P 74).

Having gone around the world (in my

lay out all your clothes and all your money.

mind, at least) with this Travel Feature, I feel

money.” (Unknown)

boss isn’t reading this)!

Then take half the clothes and twice the

We are going on a summer holiday…

JUNE 2014. VOL 7 ISSUE 10 . BD 1 | SR10 front_cover.indd 1

6/2/14 1:49 PM

Director Omar Shaheen Chief Executive Officer Greg Hughes Editor Apple Sharma (apple@factlive.com) Group Motoring Editor Tony Sidgwick Editorial Assistant Pallavi Ramesh Creative Director Paula Leal

like I’ve been on a holiday already (I hope my

Senior Graphic Designer Raquel Henriques

Now, coming back to earth, there’s

Designer & Photographer Rashed Bindaina

(there’s a song in there) or at least planning

more interesting stuff in this issue as well,

Photographer Shobin Joseph

better get on it because the sooner you book

Talent Free Flow called Art Enterprise (P

Production & Distribution Manager Neil Mahmood

to, right? If you haven’t decided yet, you’d

those tickets, the more bearable this month will get (yes, it’s getting hotter by the day).

But, if you’re still dilly-dallying about where to go on your next vacation, don’t worry

we’ve got you covered. We’ve selected the

hottest (and coolest) holiday destinations for

like a brand new concept launched by

52); our Motoring Editor’s review of the

new Audi A3 (P 61); our venue review of a

brand new restaurant, Akiko (P 88), as well as our Chef ’s Table at Gulf Hotel’s Italian restaurant Le Pergola (P 92).

Moving into the fashion world, we

this summer (P 25), whether you’re single,

bring you an interview with German

party animal, a shopaholic, or a sports’ fanatic.

Round Up (P 82) of absolute must-haves

married, have kids, an adrenaline junkie, a If you don’t want the hassle of planning a

holiday, or feel like splurging, check out the travel packages and cruises on offer (P 42).

designer Daniela Karnuts (P 78), our Fashion for this season as well as all the latest beauty trends out there (P 76).

Also, check out our cool new Society

For those of you that are bogged down with

pages and see if you made it in one of them!

weekend getaways that you can take, in and

news to share – we are thrilled to announce

or a novice, our travelling tips (P 46) will see

month (yes, the rumours are correct!). So,

work, we’ve also rounded up some quick

around the island (P 41). Seasoned traveller

you through your journey, just don’t forget to download the cool travel apps (p 71).

Apple Sharma Editor apple@factlive.com

fact magazine

Business Development Manager Selma Carolina Jemouai Sales Manager Mariam Sallam Contributors Shabana Adam Christal Dennis Yvonne Cole ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES Tel: +973 3457 1067 E-mail: mariam@factlive.com PRINTED BY Awal Press, Bahrain.

Finally, we have some very exciting

that FACT is launching in Abu Dhabi this please show some love to the new addition to our family.

Here’s a BIG shout out to FACT

Abu Dhabi on its first issue (hurray) and Happy Holidays!

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

www.fact-magazine.com

fact magazine

LISTEN UP

Ritz Kids Summer Camp

Keep your kids busy this summer with The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain Hotel & Spa’s Kids Summer Camp. The summer camp is available for children between four to 12 years old. The programme consists of fun activities like football, tennis, fishing, squash, water sports, pool fun, junior gym, Ritz chef, drawing, volleyball, bouncy castle, arts and craft, swimming competition and much more. The summer camp will take place from June 29 to July 23 and August 3 to August 27. There are one day, one week, one month and two month packages. Get your kids to have some fun in the sun this summer! GO: Contact the Sports Club Reception on 1758 6612 or email rc.bahrz.events@ritzcarlton.com for more information.

Wahine Beach Party

The elegantly alluring outdoor venue, MaiTai Lounge will be temporarily closing for the summer heat of 2014; but it’s bidding farewell in true party-fashion. Wahine Beach Party will see guests arriving at Mai-Tai Lounge via the beautiful Ritz-Carlton beach, where they can enjoy the exclusive sandy shore for the entire evening. Meanwhile circus performers, sand sculptors and a secret live DJ will all be enthralling the crowds throughout the festivities. Party-goers can expect to be greeted in friendly Mai-Tai fashion, with their own Lei flower necklace, welcome drink, and for one lucky winner, a special Trader Vic’s raffle prize. Don’t forget your beach ball and towel! GO: Wahine Beach Party will be held on June 14 from 4pm onwards and is priced BD10. Call 1758 6555 for more information.

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Rihanna Turner Tribute

Rihanna and Tina Turner fans are in for a treat as vocalist Keri Whip takes to the stage at Upstairs Downstairs Restaurant for a tribute show. This promises to be a fun packed event with Keri performing Rihanna’s top hits followed by Tina Turner’s hits. She will perform pop, rock, R&B and classics, using her natural entertaining talent to replicate every last inch of Rihanna and Turner with her incredibly powerful RnB voice. Be there and enjoy an evening filled with music you love. GO: The event takes place on June 18 from 7pm onwards and the tickets are priced at BD12. Call 1771 3093 for reservations and more information.

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LISTEN UP

Red Bull Kite the Waj

For the first time in Bahrain, Kitesurfers from across the region are coming to Amwaj Islands to participate in the first regional amateur kite surf competition, Red Bull Kite The Waj. Ruben Lenten, International Red Bull athlete and renowned free style Kite surfer will be overseeing and judging the event. There will be 16 teams of two riders each, who will compete head to head until the top two reach the grand finale. The competition will have four rounds and the riders will be judged on air time, grab tricks, rotations and finally their best tricks. All you kite surfers, give it a go and see how high you can fly. GO: The competition is free and open to the public, to be held on June 6. Visit www.redbullkitethewaj.com for more information on the location, the panel and the format.

Laughter and Love Affair

Two of North America’s talented artists will hit the shores of Bahrain this month at the Gulf Convention Center in Gulf Hotel Bahrain. The event organised by Quiet Storm Entertainment will showcase urban soul sensation – Darrius Willrich, who will perform live and entertain the audience with his sensuous interplay of soul, jazz and inner city longings. On the flip side, gear up for a laughter riot with the host, Celebrity the Comedian, who will make you fall off your seats. The doors open at 5pm followed by a reception and dinner at 7pm. After a sumptuous dinner, get ready for the concert, which will begin at 9pm. GO: Laughter and Love Affair will be held on June 27 and tickets are available at the Gulf Hotel Lobby. Call 1771 3000 for more information.

Deep Blue Seef

Love scuba diving and the beach? What better way to kick-off your summer than with Deep Blue Seef, an underwater-themed event catering for every member of the family. Seef Mall is bringing to the island for the first time ‘air-swimmers’ that will swim through the air operated by a radio-controlled handset. Experience ‘Bubble Race’, which allows you to walk, run, roll and have loads of fun. A paddler’s pond caters to young kids where they can play in a huge sea of balls. In addition to all of these activities, you can create fun-filled memories with family or friends by taking pictures at the piratethemed photo booth. Enjoy a fun filled experience in the comfort of Seef Mall. GO: Deep Blue Seef is ongoing and will continue until June 22 from 10am onwards in the West Wing. Call 1758 2111 for more information. 10. fact magazine

facebook.com/gap

Musicians Smith Westerns and the Lived In Chambray Shirt.

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Society A splendid twoday music festival of indie live music by international, regional and local bands was held at Coral Bay. Dylan Sires and Neighbors, Lazzy Lung, Tim Hassall, Dani Ukulele, The Relocators, Daniel Cochran & The Belly of Paris and Hani Malik were some of the performers.

#museland #Festival

12.

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CHECK IT OUT

Fact Finds

Lemon Shisha Bistro

Discover more of Bahrain with FACT FINDS – every month we’ll bring you our favourite eatery, activity or interesting find from around the island.

A brand new franchise from Jordan, part of Eat Restaurant Group, Lemon Shisha Bistro, has opened its doors at the Lagoon in Amwaj Islands. FACT went to check out all that Lemon has to offer. First impressions were very good. The bistro has both indoor and outdoor seating areas and the interiors are bright and welcoming. Situated on the first floor, the outside area overlooks the beautiful sights of the lagoon. The inside is divided into three parts – a non-smoking area with a long service counter on one side giving a direct view of the special crafted fired oven; a glassed-in smoking area, which carries on to a more secluded area with a projector (for all you sport enthusiasts). The bistro also boasts having 13 plasma TVs. The food menu is vast, offering breakfast until 1pm daily (love it). The halloumi cheese and zataar manaeesh was one of our favourites. Other items on the menu include appetisers like soups and salads, pastas, sandwiches, burgers, pizzas, main courses and desserts. They also have a wide array of fresh juices (the humble fresh orange juice was one of the best we’ve had), smoothies, milkshakes and cocktails. The speciality of Lemon is its 22 flavours of shishas (yes, you heard right) 14.

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The entire place is designed in hues of green and yellow, conjuring up images of limes and lemons, quite fitting for its name.

that are especially blended in Jordan and served with a disposable hose. Lemon Shisha Bistro is fast becoming one of the new haunts at The Lagoon, bringing the authentic flavours of Jordan right here to our shores. GO: The Lagoon, Amwaj Islands, first floor entrance 5&6. Call 1603 0555 for more information.

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SCOOP

Around the world ...Doing Bahrain Proud

Bringing you the latest news of fellow Bahrainis around the world... tell us your news, or share your finds with us on twitter @FACTbahrain!

Pakistan Dr. Khalifa Al Dhahrani, Chairman of the Parliament, led a parliamentary delegation for a two-day visit to Pakistan. This delegation was sent with two major objectives, one being, to co-ordinate with the Pakistani side on the agreements signed during the visit of His Majesty King Hamad to Pakistan. The second was to boost economic, security, defence, trade and political relations between the two countries.

Dubai St. Christopher’s School sent 11 members from their swim squad to Dubai to compete in the Middle East Unity Cup International Schools Age Group Championship. The two-day event took place at the Hamdan Sports Complex, which has an Olympic sized pool. It was a valuable experience for the students who had the chance to improve their ‘best time’.

16.

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Bahrain Buzz

Love it

Up to 60% Slash on Drugs

We love this new initiative that the government has taken to reduce the prices of medical drugs. The National Health Regulatory Authority (NHRA) has slashed down the prices of over 1,000 medicines by up to 60%. The medicines to treat hypertension were slashed by 50%, gastro and intestinal ailments by 65% and diabetes meds by 40%. This will result in cheaper medical treatment and lower cost of living. Go Bahrain!

Hate It

Dipping Fish Stocks

Korea An international conference was held in South Korea which was attended by the Bahrain Business and Professional Women International Club (BPWC). The members took part in voting for a new board of directors and a new president for the BPWC. The Arab civilization was highlighted at the ‘Arabian Night’, a leisure event in co-operation with the Kuwaiti, Emirati and Egyptian Clubs.

It’s a shame that one of the oldest industries in Bahrain is suffering at the hands of environmental depletion. Bahrain waters cannot sustain the amount of fishermen and to solve this issue, licenses of over half will be cancelled in stages. The amount of area rich in marine life is very less compared to the number of fishermen. We hope a strategy will be put in place soon to save the Bahrain waters.

Can’t Believe it

House rebuild took a year

It’s shocking to know that it has taken one year to rebuild Ahmed Abdullah Saleh’s (82 years) house, which was demolished about a year ago for renovation. The contractors refused to cut off three remaining walls, fearing that the buildings around would collapse, although they were paid BD42,000 to do it! Ahmed’s house existed for more than half a century and he had to shift to a rented house for a year. The house has finally resumed its construction recently.

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MASH UP

twitter

3,356 @FACTBahrain

@Abdulla287

Rolling Tongue

Papa Metallic

Sarah Diab

@iamthetallone

@Fa6oomGh

Fatima Ghareeb

Masooma Kadhem

My business card just says: Google me.

People get the wrong idea when I tell them, I dance for living.

Neat idea: when your baby is born make an email account for them. Send it thoughts reminders, memories, special dates etc. On a signifigant birthday say 18, give them the password

I haven’t had homework in years... now I do #damn #lol

Nihilism, Marxism, Anarchism, Feminism, Unionism, and so on. Ideology is important, but why so many titles for interrelated ideas?

Abdulla A.

Here are the tweets that caught our attention this month. Follow us on twitter and check back next issue to see if your tweet made the page!

@KarenDcosta

That moment when you go out with a bunch of people and they’re all talking french and you’re just sitting there like a statue.

@MKZayani

9GAG

@9GAG

Chocolate comes from cocoa, which is a tree. That makes it a plant. Chocolate is salad.

Where’s Rashed? He’s hidden somewhere in the issue, exclusively on the FACT App!

18.

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Mohammed Greepaly

@Greepaly

Starbucks job interview: «What›s your name?» «Mohammed» «Spell that please» «M O R A D» «When can you start?»

@MasoomaKadhem

WIN Find FACT’s dapper designer chilling somewhere in our online issue for a chance to win a complimentary two-night stay package at Salalah Rotana Resort. The rules have changed and you can only find Rashed now on FACT’s online app (turn to pg47 for more information). Email editorial@factlive.com with the page number you think he’s on! Good Luck!

Dive into an underwater world of fun! 23 May – 23 June

The cool underwater world of Deep Blue Seef is ready to dive in! Shop at Seef Mall for a unique experience of walking at the bottom of the sea while kids have a fantastic time exploring the aqua themed games and activities. Summer at Seef Mall promises a whale of a time!

Bubble Racers • Aqua Olympics • Paddler’s Pond • Pirate’s Den

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HAPPENINGS

Getting Out & About

11. Wednesday

Summer Night Pass at the Royal Golf Club Take advantage of the cooler evening temperatures this summer by investing in the Royal Golf Club’s Summer Night Pass and enjoy unlimited access to both golf courses and unlimited access to the Royal Country Club’s gym, sauna, steam room, sports court, swimming pool and gardens. Call 1775 0777 for more information.

12. Thursday

This Month in Bahrain

Say goodbye to boredom this month and mark your diaries with these allimportant dates. We’ve put together a calendar packed with happenings just for you! This is what FACT recommends (and you can still find more throughout the rest of the mag!).

01. Sunday

Bentobox at Bushido Looking for a healthy option for your lunch? Bushido offers a selection of Bento Box packages to choose from, each with a selection of sashimi/sushi, vegetables, grilled meat and rice served with salad, miso soup, mixed fruits and green tea, all for BD9++. Call 1758 3555 for more information.

02. Monday

White Asparagus at Kempinski Treat yourself to a special á la carte menu of innovative, yet classic dishes using white asparagus at Saveur, and embrace the warmth of the season with this nutritious and super healthy vegetable! Call 1717 1144 for more information.

03. Tuesday

Your Table BBQ at Mövenpick Enjoy the Al Fresco dining every evening from 6pm onwards at poolside terrace. Cook your favourite BBQ the way you like it. Table BBQ is served with tender meats and cuts. Grill it the way you like! Call 1746 0000 for more information. 20. fact magazine

FIFA World Cup at Kempinski One of the most anticipated sports events ‘FIFA World Cup’ kicks off. Watch the matches at the Bizarre Lounge where all the games will be shown until June 30. Special food and beverage offers ensure that your games will be truly enjoyable, no matter if your favourite team wins or not! Call 1717 1441 for more information.

04. Wednesday

The Chuckle Club at the Royal Golf Club Enjoy three hilarious British standup comedians perform at the Royal Golf Club. This laughter riot will tickle all your funny bones! There’s a special pre or post show dinner menu available too. Call 1775 0777 for more information.

05. Thursday

Culinary Master Class at Meisei Restaurant Master the art of creating your favourite Meisei Dimsum, Maki or Pizza dish with the guidance of Chef Michael Sang-Kyu Lee. Recreate your favourite Meisei dishes with three cooking courses to choose from. Call 1753 3533 for more information.

06. Friday

Candee Beach 4th Anniversary at Coral Bay The island’s favourite beach party returns, this time in celebration of it’s 4th anniversary, and will feature international DJ Joshua Roberts. Doors open at 3pm. Call 6633 7471 for more information.

07. Saturday

Biru Garden at the Domain Imari at Domain offers free flow of Kirin draughts and red or white vino. Relish chef Riichiro San’s favourite Izakaya style dishes at BD 23++ or BD 17++ including soft drinks. Enjoy this amazing offer every Saturday from 5pm to 9pm. Call 1600 0222 for more information.

08. Sunday

Riffa Shopping Spree at Riffa Sports Club Riffa Shopping Spree encourages Bahrain entrepreneurs and helps them market their creations. This three-day event will showcase food, Bahraini designed traditional and modern clothes and silverware. Call 3385 8843 for more information.

09. Monday

La Cocoon Wrap at The Royal Spa Visit The Royal Spa at Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain Hotel & Spa this month and experience La Cocoon. This treatment helps draw out toxins, cleans, moisturises your skin and promotes radiance. Enjoy 75 minutes for BD70 and enjoy a 15 minutes scalp massage complimentary this month! Call 1758 6806 for more information.

10. Tuesday

Wahine Tuesday at Mai-Tai Lounge Make time for your girlfriends and enjoy a fun, relaxing catch-up in the beautiful surroundings of Mai-Tai’s lagoon pagoda. Ladies receive free entry, drinks and a selection of complimentary Trader Vic’s tid-bits from 6pm onwards. Call 1758 6555 for more information.

13. Friday

Friday Family Brunch at Mövenpick Relax with friends and family with the best quality brunch. International selection of dishes and desserts cater for every taste with a weekend menu, live kitchen and entertainment, bringing your week to a fitting end. The brunch is priced at BD24++ with free unlimited selected beverages. Call 1746 0000 for more information.

14. Saturday

Chill Out Saturday at Elite Resort & Spa Enjoy a relaxed evening at Waikiki Restaurant with soothing music and barbecue to savour all evening long at the poolside. The ideal setting before the new week begins. The restaurant opens at 7:30pm and the Chill Out evening is priced at BD9++. Visit www.elitegroup4u.com for more information.

18. Wednesday

22. Sunday

19. Thursday

23. Monday

New Menu at The Meat Co. The Meat Co. introduces rare meats and contemporary sweet treats. The innovations focus on sauces and salads, and the sensational new dessert menu. Indulge in your favourite cuts of meat expertly cooked to perfection and served with your choice of sides. Visit www.themeatco.com for more information.

15. Sunday

Stir-fried Promotion at Soie Restaurant Soie Restaurant at Sheraton offers its customers a stir-fried promotion including vegetables with tofu, squid rings with celery and green onion, julienne of chicken with Szechwan chili sauce, shredded lamb with tri-colour bell peppers, and beef with broccoli, ginger and dry chili. Call 1753 3533 for more information.

Private Boat Party at Coral Bay Hire a boat for your next party! Go all out and invite your friends on a boat that’s fully decked out with a captain, a BBQ lunch, beverages and even water sport activities such as snorkeling and diving. Call 1731 2700 for more information.

Trio of Burgers at Kempinski Are you a burger lover? The mini-burgers created by the 5-star chefs will blow you away! The mouth-watering selection includes a succulent beef burger, a seafood burger made of local crab and shrimp and farm-fresh veggie burger. Stop by to relish your favourite dish! Call 1717 1144 for more information.

Grill and Pasta at Crowne Plaza Let your imagination run wild - create your own delicious dish, with your selection of pasta, grilled fish and meat cooked in a range of yummy sauces. This is a mouthwatering treat not to be missed. Call 1753 1122 for more information.

16. Monday

Taste of Italy at Medzo, InterContinental Regency Bahrain Experience authentic Italian cuisine prepared by Chef Andrea and his team. Enjoy mouthwatering pastas and pizzas, with fresh pasta made every morning. Call 1722 7777 for more information.

27. Friday

Water Sports at Coral Bay Looking for something more exciting? Coral Bay offers water sports activities that will make your heart race. Jump on a Jet Ski and race your friends across the water. Take an unexpected turn and make a splash off the banana boat or test your skills on the ski. Call 1731 2700 for more information

17. Tuesday

Tini Tuesdays at Thai, RitzCarlton, Bahrain Hotel & Spa Every Tuesday evening ladies are invited for complimentary martinis all night long, with a live DJ and cool vibes in a unique seaside setting. Call 1758 6499 for more information.

24. Tuesday 20. Friday

Pink Friday at Bushido This monthly ladies night is one that the fashionistas dare not miss! Bushido exclusively offers ladies the opportunity to win a limited edition Emporio Armani gift. Also enjoy free drinks with live entertainment from 9pm onwards. Call 1758 3555 for more information.

21. Saturday

Breakfast at Domain Eggs Benedict, crepes, homemade oatmeal or freshly baked pastries, whatever you fancy! Indulge in a sumptuous breakfast at Figs & Olives with their lavish buffet at BD12++ from 6:30am to 10am. Call 1600 0222 for more information.

Vino and Cheese Promotion at InterContinental Regency Bahrain Indulge with the finest cheese and vino at Noor Lounge every Tuesday from 7pm to 10pm, with live jazz performances. Enjoy a pleasant evening with amazing music and some vintages to taste! Call 1722 7777 for more information.

25. Wednesday

High Tea Promotion at Sheraton Rejuvenate your taste buds night after night! Indulge in a sumptuous buffet with an endless selection of dishes combined with selected beverages that will take your palate through an unforgettable journey. It’s Seafood Night on Thursdays! Call 1736 0000 for more information.

26. Thursday

Theme Buffet Nights at K Hotel Rejuvenate your taste buds night after night! Indulge in a sumptuous buffet with an endless selection of dishes combined with selected beverages that will take your palate through an unforgettable journey. It’s Seafood Night on Thursdays! Call 1736 0000 for more information.

28. Saturday

Karaoke Night at Elite Resort & Spa Sing to your heart’s content every Saturday and be entertained by the best performer in town – You! Chill with your friends and have a funfilled evening. Visit www.elitegroup4u.com for more information.

29. Sunday

Daily Specials at the Domain Get away from your desk and have lunch at Figs & Olives, the Italo-Lebanese casual eatery. Indulge in a two-course menu made of the freshest ingredients available in the morning markets. Call 1600 0222 for more information

30. Monday

Afterwork at Bushido Splurge on the buy one, get one free drinks promotion with a selection of cocktails and mocktails to select from. Relax with your friends after a hard day at the office in the surrounding luxury of Bushido’s Lounge. This offer is valid daily from 5pm to 8pm. Call 1758 3555 for more information.

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Society

VANS introduced â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Living off the wallâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; in the Middle East. This contest had riders from across Bahrain, UAE and KSA come together for the chance to be crowned Vans Flow Rider 2014. The event took place at the Bahrain City Centre and it combined art, music, fashion and action sports.

#VANS #Skateboard #BMX #Contest

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24. fact magazine

Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m leaving

on a jet plane... With summer holidays upon us, everyone is frantically trying to decide their next vacation and dreaming about the bliss of escaping the heat. Let us take you on a journey around the world where we bring everything travel related, from holiday destinations to packages, travel tips and your absolute travel must-haves.

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Travel

Romantic ESCAPES

A romantic holiday is the ideal escape for couples in love. If you and your partner fancy walking down the beach at sunset, sipping cocktails and enjoying a candle lit meal, then we have the perfect choices for you. Celebrate love at any of these places and live your romantic dream…

PARIS Paris is the city of love! Take a long walk along the tree-lined streets of Paris and share some intimate moments with your partner. Paris has a special charm; the atmosphere and the vibe this place oozes makes it a perfect romantic getaway. It is also the capital of fashion, cuisine and culture; rekindle your love watching the view at night from the top of the Eiffel tower and fall in love again!

MAURITIUS Sun-kissed beaches, coral reefs, blue skies, plenty of flora and fauna and tropical forests attract the lovey-doveys to this serene island. Mauritius allows couples to relax and enjoy some special moments together in the most stunning surroundings. Seize the moments and escape to a different world. Go scuba diving or sailing to a nearby island for a day or simply laze in a private hammock next to the ocean. Unwind, relax and spend quality time together as you enjoy an intimate trip on this exotic island. Attractions: Le Touessrok, Pereybere Beach, Kayak and Grand Bay Where to stay? The St. Regis Mauritius Resort Flight Time: 15 hours 1 stop: Emirates via Dubai

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Attractions: The Eiffel Tower, Champs-Élysées, Arc de Triomphe, Palais Garnier, Pont des Arts and Montmartre Where to stay? Saint James Paris Flight Time: 6 hours 50 minutes Fly Direct: Gulf Air

SEYCHELLES With untouched and stunning beauty, Seychelles is the most unique destination for a romantic escape and the perfect honeymoon. Stroll down the lively streets of Victoria, and stop over for a cup of cappuccino next to the clock tower. Plan a surprise date for your partner by renting a yacht to explore the hidden coves and secret beaches. Celebrate love at this enchanting archipelago of tropical islands. Attractions: Denis Island, Fishing on Alphonse, Fregate Island and guided nature tours Where to stay? Coco de Mer Hotel Flight Time: 7 hours 20 minutes 1 stop: Etihad via Abu Dhabi

The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain Hotel & Spa

Bahrain has it’s own dreamy escape, with The Ritz-Carlton setting a new standard in romantic elegance. The hotel offers an exceptional location for guests to cherish the memory of their lifetime and say ‘I do’. With breathtaking views of both the city and the sparkling waters of the Gulf, the luxury resort features a selection of exotic venues and exceptional catering services. Call 1758 0000 for more information.

Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve nothing against good, hard logic. But there are times the heart needs to take the wheel, to experience the pure driving pleasure of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first road car with Direct Adaptive Steering, including Active Lane Control. Meet the all-new Infiniti Q50 at our showroom today.

The all-new Infiniti Q50

Infiniti.Bahrain

FOLLOW THAT INSTINCT.

Sitra, Tel: 17 732732 .27 www.infiniti-bahrain.com fact magazine

Travel

brisbane, Australia

A river city, Brisbane is the capital of Queensland. Soak up the subtropical climate, delve into parks, river and the outdoors or enjoy arts, culture and sporting events. Abseil, kayak, snorkel, dive, bushwalk, parasail, skydive – it’s an open playground and yours to explore. Attractions

Sports Stadiums, Alma Park Zoo, Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, Story Bridge Climb, Street Beach, Gap Creek Reserve, Somerset and Lockyer Valley, Tangalooma Wild Dolphin Resort (Moreton Island) Where to Stay: Emporium Hotel Flight Time: 23 hours 05 MINUTES 1 STOP Qatar Airways via Doha and Perth

Coral Bay

If you’re looking for adventure right here, look no further than Coral Bay, the ultimate destination for adventure, entertainment and fun. Immerse yourself in water sports, feel the sea breeze with a relaxed boating experience, dive in and swim underwater – take your pick. Escape to Coral Bay with your family for a oneof-a-kind adventurous getaway. Call 1731 2700 for more information.

Adventurous EXCUR SIONS

Cape Town, South Africa

Adventure capital of the world, South Africa boasts over 130 exciting exploits. Cape Town offers sandboarding, shark cage diving, paragliding or kloofing. The ultimate combination of wildlife, nature, culture and heritage, experience diversity at its best. Attractions

Table Mountain, Robben Island, Lion’s Head, Cape of Good Hope, Wildlife Safaris, Dive with Great White Sharks WHERE TO STAY: The Table Bay at the Waterfront Flight Time: 16 Hours 20 Minutes 1 Stop: Etihad Airways/South African Airways via Abu dhabi and Johannesburg 28. fact magazine

If you’re an adrenaline junkie and your heart starts pumping at the mere thought of an adventurous holiday, then the destinations we’ve chosen will have you climbing the walls, literally. Safaris, trekking, mountaineering, diving – these places have it all to get your heart racing.

Leh Ladhak, India

Known as the ‘Land of High Passes’, Ladhak is abundant in natural beauty, with Leh its headquarters. Placed at the base of the mighty Himalayas and the Karakoram mountain range, it’s every adventure seeker’s dream come true. Enjoy the pure lakes, rivers, snowy peaks, wildlife and adventure sports. Choose any exciting package; this is pure life on the edge! Attractions

Trekking, Mountaineering, Mountain Biking, White Water Rafting, Wildlife Safaris, Camel Safaris, Ladhak Motorbike Safaris, Leh Jeep Safaris, Ancient Monasteries WHERE TO STAY: The Grand Dragon Flight Time: 7 Hours 1 Stop: Gulf Air/Jet Airways via New Delhi

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Travel

Singles RETREATS When you’re single the world’s your oyster and deciding on a perfect holiday destination should be a breeze. Whether you’re looking for sun and surf, nightlife or adventure, these three destinations should tick all the boxes.

Bodrum, Turkey

Coined ‘Saint Tropez of Turkey’ by NY Times, Bodrum definitely lives up to its title. It has been a centre for trade, art and entertainment for centuries. This coastal town has a great mix of traditional and modern elements. The beaches are beautiful, the nightlife is buzzing, the festivals are galore and the history is rich. Have a relaxed time or go crazy, the choice is yours go diving, shop in the local markets, visit historic castles or paint the town red. Whatever you do, Bodrum will certainly not disappoint you.

Koh Samui, Thailand

This beautiful island of white sandy beaches, coconut trees and coral reefs is Thailand’s second largest island after Phuket. Koh Samui has everything under the sun, from beautiful beaches, to water sports, Thai boxing, shopping, restaurants and a hopping nightlife. The most popular beaches are Chaweng and Lamai. Stay in a luxury hotel or beach chalet; hire a scooter and get exploring! Attractions: Ang Thong National Marine Park, Grandmother And Grandfather Rocks, Big Buddha Temple, Laem Sor Pagoda, Samui Butterful Garden/Insect Museum, Secret Buddha Garden, Water Buffalo Fights, Bophut Elephant Camp, Bungy Jumping Where to Stay: Baan Talay Resort Flight Time: 9 Hours 50 Minutes 1 Stop: Gulf Air/Bangkok Airways via Bangkok

Mövenpick Hotel

There’s plenty to do for singles in Bahrain, especially if you’re up for a good old jolly with your mates. Brunches on the island are extremely popular; start your weekend with food and friends every Thursday with Mövenpick Hotel’s scrumptious Night Brunch and carry on clubbing into the wee hours of the night. GO: Call 1746 0000 for more information.

Attractions: Bodrum Castle, Halikarnas Disco, Blue Voyage, Tuesday Market, The Turgutreis Commemoration Festival, Ephesus and Pamukkale, Dine at Fish & Raki, Diving, Jeep Safari, Boat Trip Where to Stay: The Marmara Bodrum Flight Time: 7 Hours 30 Minutes 1 Stop: Turkish Airlines via Istanbul

Zagreb, Croatia

Capital of Croatia, Zagreb is a cultural, sporting, cinematic and economic hub of the country. Enjoy historical monuments, museums, art galleries, beaches, nightlife, festivals and plenty of restaurants and cafés. Walking is the best way to explore the city! Attractions:

Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mirogoj Cemetery, Mount Medvednica Nature Park, Jarun Lake, Tower of Lotrscak, Ban Jelacic Square, Stone Gate Where to Stay: Sheraton Zagreb Hotel Flight Time: 09 Hours 35 Minutes 1 Stop: turkish airlines via istanbul 30. fact magazine

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Nightlife HAVENS

Las Vegas, Nevada

The Entertainment Capital of the World, Las Vegas is internationally renowned for shopping, fine dining and nightlife. Close to the famous Las Vegas Strip is Downtown Las Vegas, home to the trendiest bars, educational museums and restaurants. Catch some of the best entertainment, live shows and events and enjoy the glitz and glamour of Sin City. What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas!

If you want to let your hair down and party hard like a rock star this holiday, then you won’t be disappointed with our top picks of the best nightlife destinations out there.

Attractions:

Top Nightclubs - Hakkasan at MGM Grand, Light at Mandalay Bay, XS at Encore Other Attractions: Caesars Palace, Bellagio, Fremont Street Experience, Mob Museum, Chapel of the Flowers Where to Stay: Wynn Las Vegas Flight Time: 22 Hours 50 Minutes 1 Stop: United Airlines via Washington DC

Hong Kong Known for its expansive skyline and deep natural harbour, Hong Kong is renowned for a raging nightlife. Experience the bustling nightlife at Lan Kwai Fong, where the street is lined with bars, clubs and restaurants. If your appetite for partying is still strong, stumble into the Wan Chai area later at night and carry on until the sun comes up. Attractions:

Top Nightclubs: Beijing Club, Dragon-I, M1NT Other Attractions: Victoria Peak, Lantau Island, Ocean Park, Po Lin Monastery, Lamma Island, Clock Tower, International Finance Centre, Stanley Market Where to Stay: Four Seasons Hotel Flight Time: 11 Hours 40 Minutes 1 Stop: Cathay Pacific via Dubai

Ibrida Supper Club,

Ramee Grand Hotel & Spa

Bahrain might not have super clubs like Hakkasan, but we have our fair share of night life. Ibrida is one of the largest and most happening clubs on the island. Ticking all the boxes - top DJ sounds, cool vibe, mouth-watering appetisers and specialty drinks by expert mixologists, this club is the perfect weekend hot spot. GO: Call 1711 1999 for more information.

Manila, Philippines

A truly metropolitan city and capital of the Philippines, Manila is made up of 16 cities. It’s friendly, laid back and offers everything from shopping and dining to a buzzing nightlife. Visit funky bars and night clubs in Malate and Makati. For a good time, then take a deep breath and dive in. Attractions:

Top Nightclubs: Prive, 71 Gramercy, Hyve Other Attractions: Rizal Park, Manila Cathedral, Malacañang Palace, Manila Ocean Park, Fort Santiago Where to Stay: Pan Pacific Manila Flight Time: 9 Hours 45 Minutes Fly Direct: Gulf Air

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Travel

Shopping TRIPS

One of the best perks of going on holiday is the shopping. So get your credit cards out and indulge in some retail therapy at any of these shopping destinations.

Milan, Italy

Milan is a haven for fashion buyers. Head to Via Montenapoleone to find every possible designer label under the sun. Mooch around Corso Vittorio Emanuele II or Corso Buenos Aires for good deals and Viale Papiniano for great bargains. Attractions: La Rinascente, Navigli, Naviglio Grande, Serravalle Designer Outlet for shopping. Milan Cathedral, Sforza Castle Where to Stay: Hotel Principe Di Savoia Flight Time: 13 Hours 30 Minutes 1 Stop: turkish airlines via istanbul

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Seef Mall

For some local shopping sprees, look no further than Seef Mall, one of the popular malls with all your favourite stores under one roof. Take a break from shopping and chill at the cinema or cater to your food obsession at the food court. Shopping doesn’t get better than this! GO: Visit www.seef.net or Call 1758 2888 for more information.

Tokyo, Japan

All shopaholics will swear by Tokyo being one of the best shopping cities in the world. The Japanese love fashion hence all big designers want to feature their labels here. Ginza is one of the most popular shopping districts and houses high end stores, boutiques and cafés. Take a gourmet break from shopping at Gucci Café or the Armani restaurant. During the weekends Ginza employs closed-off pedestrian streets so people can shop to their heart’s content without any traffic.

Seoul, South Korea

Korea truly is a shopper’s paradise with tons of shopping from high end brands, to the latest fashion, cosmetics, ceramics, craft, souvenirs and more. Witness shopping at its best at Myeong-dong, one of the busiest and most popular shopping districts of Seoul or Dongdaemun night market, and shop from night untill dawn! Attractions:

Ginza, Harajuku and Omotesando, Roppongi, Shinjuku, Shibuya, Tokyo Bay for shopping. Mount Fuji, Kinkaku-ji, Tokyo Imperial Palace, Tokyo Tower, Hiroshima Peace Memorial Where to Stay: Park Hyatt Tokyo

Insa-dong, Samcheong-dong, Itaewon, Namdaemun Market, Apgujeong & Cheongdam, Ewha (aka Edae), Hongdae, Garosugil for shopping. Gyeongbokgung Palace, National Museum of Korea, War Memorial of Korea Where to Stay: W Hotel Seoul Walkerhill

Flight Time: 13 Hours 15 Minutes 1 Stop: Etihad Airways via Abu dhabi

Flight Time: 15 Hours 45 Minutes 1 Stop: Emirates via Dubai

Attractions:

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Travel

KIDS

DESTINATIONS

Choosing the right holiday is important when you’re going away with the family. Whether you’re kids are into wildlife or theme parks, make it an educational and fun experience for them. Here are our top kid-freindly destinations that will surely give them a vacation to remember.

SINGAPORE No matter what you are looking for during your family vacation, Singapore has something for everyone! As we all know, one of the prerequisites for a family vacation is ‘Fun’ and this place will not disappoint you with that! Make sure to book yourself into a hotel which provides a kids’ club - this gives children an opportunity to make new friends, play games and sports, learn new skills or just have some good old fashioned parent-free fun.

FLORIDA One destination to take your kids that would never go out of fashion is Florida. There are so many exciting and thrilling spots in Florida, so whether you want to stay on the beach, explore nature, or hit the theme parks, you will find a variety that will meet all your vacation desires. Make sure to visit Orlando, Fort Myers, or Clearwater Beach, these are fun packed vacation spots for children. Plan your escape to Florida, and enjoy some muchneeded family time! Attractions: Disney World, Universal Studio, Fort Walton Beach Area and St. Augustine Where to stay? Walt Disney world resort Flight Time: 21 hours 05 minutes 1 stops: british airways via london

Attractions: Sentosa Island, Science Centre, Snow City and Night Safari Where to stay? Shangri-La’s Rasa Sentosa Resort & Spa Flight Time: 10 hours 20 minutes 1 stop: gulf air / singapore airlines via dubai

BARCELONA The Mediterranean climate, sea front and rich culture in Barcelona adds up to an endless wealth of activities for you and your kids. Barcelona is a city waiting to embrace you, and you can enjoy everything it has to offer even with the kids in tow. For young sports fans, the FC Barcelona’s stadium, Camp Nou, is a must - the experience is epic! Spain in general is extremely kid-friendly and the perfect destination for a family holiday or historic adventure. Barcelona will certainly inspire you and leave you wishing you had more time there. Attractions: Cosmocaixa, Poble Espanyol, Museu de la Xocolata and Port Aventura Where to stay? Mandarin Hotel Flight Time: 10 hours 55 minutes 1 stop: turkish airlines via istanbul

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Kempinski Grand & Ixir Hotel

Make your family weekend away a bit more lavish with Kempinski! The Weekend Getaway package includes a limousine pick-up and drop off anywhere in Bahrain, one night stay in a luxurious Superior Room, full American breakfast buffet, 3-course dinner in Saveur or Baharat, complimentary entry to Bizarre with free selected beverages and even a BD10 shopping voucher for Bahrain City Centre! Additionally, Friday brunch at Baharat offers a great family atmosphere and children ages 3-8 years can enjoy the Camelo Kids Club. They can also nip into BCC to enjoy various children’s activities. It’s the perfect weekend with the family, within the island! Call 17171111 for more information.

Iftar

Iftar is a time to reflect , celebrate and break fast with family and friends. Stunning views, exquisite setting, delicious Arabian delights and authentic live entertainment. A unique location for a matchless experience at the Al Fanar rooftop venue.

Ghabga

Extend your night at The Diplomat Radisson Blu Ghabga. Served at Kontiki restaurant and terrace overlooking the garden and pool. Dive into the wonderful Arabian atmosphere accompanied by traditional Set menus, Shisha and dazzling Oud Music.

‫ﺍﻹﻓﻄﺎﺭ‬

،‫ﺍﺟﺘﻤﻊ ﻣﻊ ﻋﺎﺋﻠﺘﻚ ﻃﻮﺍﻝ ﺷﻬﺮ ﺭﻣﻀﺎﻥ ﺍﻟﻤﺒﺎﺭﻙ‬ ‫ﻭ ﺗﻤﺘﻊ ﺑﺈﻃﻼﻟﺔ ﻣﻤﻴﺰﺓ ﻓﻲ ﻗﺎﻋﺔ ﺍﻟﻔﻨﺎﺭ ﺣﻴﺚ‬ ‫ﺃﻃﺒﺎﻕﺍﻹﻓﻄﺎﺭ ﺍﻟﺘﻘﻠﻴﺪﻳﺔ ﺍﻟﻠﺬﻳﺬﺓ ﺍﻟﺘﻲ ﺳﺘﺴﻌﺪ‬ .‫ﺏ ﻟﻠﺸﺨﺺ ﺍﻟﻮﺍﺣﺪ‬.‫ ﺩ‬15 ‫ﺣﻮﺍﺳﻚ ﻭ ﺫﻟﻚ ﺑﺘﻜﻠﻔﺔ‬

‫ﺍﻟﻐﺒﻘﺔ‬

،‫ﺍﺳﺘﻤﺘﻊ ﺑﻠﻴﻠﺘﻚ ﻣﻊ ﻏﺒﻘﺔ ﺍﻟﺪﺑﻠﻮﻣﺎﺕ ﺭﺍﺩﻳﺴﻮﻥ ﺑﻠﻮ‬ ‫ﺍﻟﻤﻘﺪﻣﺔ ﻓﻲ ﻣﻄﻌﻢ ﻛﻮﻧﺘﻴﻜﻲ ﺑﺠﺎﻧﺐ ﺇﻃﻼﻟﺔ ﺟﻤﻴﻠﺔ‬ ‫ﻋﻠﻰ ﺟﺎﻧﺐ ﺣﻮﺽ ﺍﻟﺴﺒﺎﺣﺔ ﺣﻴﺚ ﺳﺘﻜﻮﻥ ﺃﺟﻮﺍﺀ‬ ،‫ﻋﺮﺑﻴﺔ ﻣﻤﻴﺰﺓ ﺗﺘﻀﻤﻦ ﻗﻮﺍﺋﻢ ﺍﻟﻄﻌﺎﻡ ﺍﻟﺘﻘﻠﻴﺪﻳﺔ‬ .‫ﻭ ﺍﻟﺸﻴﺸﺔ ﻭ ﻣﻮﺳﻴﻘﺎﻧﺎ ﺍﻟﺒﺎﻫﺮﺓ‬

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FIFA World Cup, Brazil Due to its tropical climate, Brazil has a major sporting culture. Various types of sports are played widely in Brazil, from the most popular sport football, to martial arts, footvolly, tennis, basketball, motorsport, volleyball and rugby. But this month the excitement is almost palpitating for the 2014 FIFA World Cup. Attractions: Estádio do Maracanã football stadium, Cristo Redentor in Rio de Janeiro, Corcovado, Sugarloaf Mountain, Ipanema, Copacabana, Tijuca Forest, Leblon, Teatro Municipal Where to Stay: Sofitel Rio de Janeiro Copacabana Flight Time to Rio de Janeiro: 20 Hours 27 Min. 1+ Stop: Qatar Airways via Doha and Sao Paulo

SPORTS

EXPEDITIONS There’s lots happening this month in the world of sports, and sports enthusiasts are planning their holidays to be in amongst the live action. Two great sports events, two great holidays – pencil these in your diaries.

Wimbledon, London Tennis fans all over the world are waiting anxiously for one of the most popular tennis tournaments – The 2014 Wimbledon Championship. This will be the 128th edition of the Wimbledon Championships and the third Grand Slam event of the year. The

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championships will be held at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club from June 23 to July 6. The players will compete in singles, doubles and mixed doubles categories. Londoners will be coming out in full throng to support their local hero and the defending champion in men’s singles Andy Murray. The big question is can he snap up the title again? Attractions: Tower of London, London Eye, River Thames, Buckingham Palace, St Paul’s Cathedral, Victoria and Albert Museum, Tate Modern, London, Madame Tussauds London, Tower Bridge, Big Ben, London Zoo, Trafalgar Square Where to Stay: Rosewood London Flight Time: 7 Hours 05 Minutes Direct: Gulf Air

InterContinental Regency Bahrain

With the FIFA World Cup fever hitting in, the best way to watch a match is on a big screen with some scrumptious food and some relaxing bevvies. And the best place to do that is Elements Pool & Lounge at InterContinental Regency Bahrain. Experience these action-packed matches come alive as all games are shown on 90-inch screens with surround sound system. The excitement is doubled with a branded fan zone and goal post, where you can enjoy half time during all the matches. GO: Entrance fee is BD5++, with consumable food and beverage. Call 17227777 for more information.

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GCC GETAWAYS OMAN Escape the summer heat with a trip to one of Omanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most captivating destinations - Salalah. Do not miss the Khareef Festival (June end till September), featuring cultural attractions, sporting events, concerts and more. Salalah has a pleasant tropical climate with beautiful landscapes, beaches, mountains and wildlife. Indulge in activities like scuba diving or trekking. Attractions: Al Mughsail beach, Haffa Souq, Khareef Festival and Sumahram Old City Where to Stay: Hilton Salala Flight Time: 5 Hours 35 Minutes 1 Stop: Qatar Airways via Doha

If you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have enough time for a long vacation, but still want a mini-escape, why not look at all that our neighbouring countries have to offer? Hop, skip and jump with your family to any of these nearby destinations.

ABU DHABI

QATAR Qatar is a place of exceptional cultural attractions with traditions and customs. Explore the beautiful museums, monuments, remarkable seascapes, singing sand dunes, historic forts and events. The country is also home to the headquarters of Al Jazeera news network. Qatar is a culturally rich country - an ideal place to for businesses, trade and lots of fun activities. Attractions: Katara, Souq Waqif, Singing Sand Dunes and Aqua Park Where to stay? The Ritz Carlton Sharq Village and Spa Flight Time: 45 minutes Fly Direct: Gulf Air 40. fact magazine

Nestled in the beautiful United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi is the perfect place for a weekend escape with interesting activities and places to visit. Abu Dhabi is a short drive from Dubai and has yearround sunshine, pristine beaches, luxurious hotels and pulsating cosmopolitan lifestyle. Abu Dhabi is characterised by its signature Corniche, which fronts the amazing turquoise waters of the Arabian Gulf. All this put together makes Abu Dhabi an excellent destination, both for the veteran and rookie travellers. Attractions: Emirates Palace, Ferrari World, Classic Cars Museum and Manarat Al Saddiyat. Where to stay? Rosewood Hotels Flight Time: 50 minutes Fly Direct: British Airways

STAYCATION For those of you who can’t go on a long vacation, there are some fantastic options for a weekend getaway right here on our beautiful island, Bahrain. There are some scintillating escapes and hidden gems, which are often missed. So, make the most of Bahrain and get into the holiday spirit right here, and rediscover the island.

1 2 3 4

Al Bander Resort

This small island has plenty to offer and is the perfect weekend escape. Guests have access to a private beach, health club, an outdoor pool, a steam room and a sauna. If you’re looking for something a bit more different, take a step into luxury with exclusive chalets and cabanas. The stylishly warm ambience reflects the paradise beyond the patio door - bright, airy and invigorating. Learn scuba basics, equipment and techniques and practice skills by diving in a pool or pool-like body of water, and experience several open water dives. Call 17701201 for more information.

Al Dar Island

Jarada island

The blissful and scintillating beauty at Al Dar is a crowd-puller. The island is one of the best places to unwind and relax before you start off your busy week. The island offers regular pearl dives and cruises to the stunning Jarada Island. Visitors get the chance to see up to 30 types of coral, more than 200 species of fish and also to watch dolphins play in the water.

Jarada Island is one of the best attractions in Bahrain with golden sands and blue clear water, the island appears in the ebb and disappears in the tide. Jarada is fast becoming one of Bahrain’s primary leisure attractions. With departures from Marina Club, experience some exciting, fun filled sea tour of the great Bahrain sea, with Jarada Tours, and enjoy beauty of this wondrous island. This place will help you de-stress, rejuvenate and get you pumped up for back to work!

Call 17704600 for bookings and more information.

Call Jarada Tours on 77156561 for more information.

Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa

Whether you’re looking for a relaxing or a fitness filled weekend, Sofitel is the perfect choice! Submerge yourself in a vast array of seawaterbased treatments, including hydrotherapy, massage and wellness. The beautiful restaurants within the hotel offer a fine dining experience, with International cuisines from across the globe. If fitness is more your thing, then burn those unwanted calories at the beach club with gym facilities, steam rooms, tennis and squash courts, as well as a pool. Call 17636363 for more information. fact magazine

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Holiday Packages & Cruises If you feel like splurging and want a completely relaxed and luxurious vacation, the best option is holiday packages, where your travel agent looks after everything and offers the best all-inclusive deals. We’ve picked four of the best travel packages and cruises for you this summer.

Hurghada Quicky Jordan Quicky Price: Starting From BD315 per person Duration: 5 days / 4 nights Destination: Jordan Category: 5 star, Luxury

Package Inclusion:

• Return economy class air ticket • 4 nights’ accommodation at Regency Palace Amman (5 Star) • Daily breakfast at the hotel • Visit to Petra and Jarash (Excluding Entrance Fees) • Private return airport transfers

Package Exclusion:

• Visa charges, travel insurance items of personal nature like telephone bills, tips, porter age or any items not mentioned in the “Package Inclusion” • Packages and prices subject to change without prior notice. • Airline taxes and fuel surcharge • Seasonal surcharge applies • Entrance fees to historical sightseeing location • Single supplements available • The offered package is subject to availability at the time of booking

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Navigator of the Seas 7-Night Eastern Med

Price: Starting From BD340 per person Duration: 5 days / 4 nights Destination: Egypt, Hurghada Category: 5 star, Family, Luxury

Price Starting from $849 per person Itinarary: Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy - Sicily (Messina), Italy - Cruising - Athens (Piraeus), Greece - Ephesus (Kusadasi), Turkey - Chania (Souda), Crete, Greece - Cruising - Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy

Package Inclusions:

• Return economy class air ticket • 4 nights’ accommodation at Mövenpick Resort Hotel (5 Star) • Daily breakfast at the hotel • 2 hours Glass Boat Excursion with transportation • Safari trip including dinner • Return airport transfers on Seat In Coach basis

Package exclusions:

• Visa charges, travel insurance items of personal nature like telephone bills, tips, porter age or any items not mentioned in the “Package Inclusion” • Packages and prices subject to change without prior notice. • Airline taxes and fuel surcharge • Seasonal surcharge applies • Single supplements available • The offered package is subject to availability at the time of booking Email: info@hot.bh or call 17578578 for more information.

Royal Caribbean International European Cruises

Departure Dates June 2, 9, 16, 23, 30

Liberty of the Seas 7-Night Western Med Price Starting from $949 per person Itinerary Barcelona, Spain - Provence (Toulon), France - Niece (Villefranche), France - Florence/ Pisa (Livorno), Italy - Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy - Naples/Capri, Italy - Cruising - Barcelona, Spain. Departure Dates June 2, 9, 16, 23, 30

Visit www.algosaibitravel.com or email holidays@algosaibitravel.com for more information.

Live TV Coverage from Beginning to End!

Catch ALL the live TV coverage of the FIFA World Cup 2014 at the Royal Golf Club where weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be showing every match from the group stages right through to the Grand Final on Sunday 13th July. Pre-book a private viewing room for you and your friends and enjoy our special international World Cup 2014 menus or just head down to any of our restaurants and indulge in a delicious a la carte meal while supporting your team. To make your booking, call +973 17 751262.

WWW.THEROYALGOLFCLUB.COM

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WWW.TROONGOLF.COM

Travel

How to get there?

Fly To Dubai

It’s one of the most popular cities in the UAE and only a hop, skip and jump away from Bahrain. A long weekend in Dubai is surely on many people’s to-do list and it couldn’t be any simpler to take that short break now. FACT has your travel to Dubai sorted right here…

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Affordable, comfortable and practical, FlyDubai’s one-hour flight service direct from Bahrain to Dubai makes getting to the UAE hassle-free. We tested the service on both economy and the recently-introduced business class cabin to see exactly what guests onboard the carrier can expect. The check-in process is as smooth and straightforward as you would want; online check-in and dedicated counters make the start of our journey stress-free for both economy and business. Onboard the flight, in economy class, it strikes us that for a low-cost airline, FlyDubai offers a generous seat pitch of 29 to 31 inches with ample legroom to match any scheduled airline. There’s a good selection of hot and cold food and drinks at, surprisingly, reasonable prices (we picked up a Starbucks Italian Coffee and a pack of m&ms for Dhs15!). And though onboard entertainment usually comes at a small cost on selected routes, from Bahrain to Dubai this in-flight facility is complimentary. If you’re flying business class expect nothing but great service; the use of the Marhaba Lounge before boarding, personal and friendly service from a dedicated member of the cabin crew, one of 12 soft Italian leather seats with a 42 inch pitch, and, of course, delicious meals and

snacks on demand as well as the complete entertainment package of hundreds of movies, TV shows, music and games. You’ll also get a generous checked baggage allowance of 40kg and priority fast track – making business class the perfect choice for long weekend getaways.

Where to Stay? Tourists have an unbelievable range of hotel options for staying in Dubai. For our stay we chose the Sheraton Dubai Creek. The recently refurbished hotel has a prime location, offering fabulous views over the creek that plays home to beautiful dhows and boats. Sheraton Dubai Creek offers a relaxing escape with close proximity to the city’s main attractions, making it ideal for both business and leisure travellers. We stayed in the Club room which is situated on the top floor and offers exclusive access to the Sheraton Club Lounge as well as stunning views over the creek. The room was spacious and well-designed with fresh, contemporary features and fantastic amenities; a mini bar, flat screen TV, and the

DUBAI MALL

A shopper’s haven, Dubai Mall is packed full of a good selection of stores and eateries. Don’t forget to check out the indoor aquarium and Discovery Centre too.

Jumeirah Beach and Park

free wifi access was a blessing too! Stateof-the-art interiors, especially the beautiful bathroom, was something we absolutely loved! You also receive complimentary breakfast and refreshments throughout the day as well as access to high tea and happy hour in the Sheraton Club Lounge. The hotel also offers four exceptional fine dining restaurants - the food at Hatta was particularly good. The restaurant overlooks the pool and creek, which makes it a relaxing sit-down option with delicious food and beverages. Staff are warm, welcoming and knowledgeable, for instance, we needed to reach Mall of the Emirates and we were helped with directions and advice on what sort of fare we should expect to pay in a taxi! The hotel’s location is perfect for a stressfree weekend with a calm atmosphere, as well as being a great base to explore the city.

BURJ KHALIFA

A trip to Dubai would be incomplete without a visit to the tallest building in the world. Head up to the observation deck on the 124th floor for stunning views of the city.

Activity-filled area with a brilliantly clean beach and a great array of water sports on offer – what more can you ask for?

Dubai Creek

Often described as the lifeline and pulse of the city, a drive along Dubai Creek is a pleasant experience. You can also embark on one of the many dhow cruises from here as well!

Atlantis, The Palm

Simply paradise on a man-made island – there’s entertainment, activities, dining and amazing rooms, this is a one-stop destination within Dubai.

fact magazine .45

Travel

Packing Tips The most dreaded thing about holidays is the packing. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s all very well to say travel light, but no one tells you exactly how. Here are a few packing tips to get you started!

T-Shirts:

Reduce wrinkling by placing them face down and folding the arm back, then fold lengthwise and roll up.

Socks

Roll up your socks into a ball and stuff them into your shoes to save space.

Camera

When travelling with a DSLR camera, do not leave the lens attached to the camera body. It may damage the threads if the camera moves.

Hats: Fill the crown of the hat with socks or swimwear. Choose suitcase as wide as the brim of the hat. Place it crown up at the bottom of bag and arrange clothes around it tightly.

Shoes

Use shoe bags with drawstrings. Take no more than 3 pairs and pack tightly with soles out and heels at opposite ends.

Toiletries Undergarments

Put your delicates in mesh laundry bags. They are lightweight and if your bag gets inspected, no one touches them as the bags are see through.

46. fact magazine

Jeans

Fold your jeans lengthwise and stack one on top of the other. Then roll from the bottom up.

Take only what you need, not your entire bathroom. Keep a travelling toiletry bag handy with miniature bottles of shampoos and creams.

Makeup: Keep

a neutral theme. For eye shadows, choose one base colour and one darker colour for the crease to take you from day to night.

fact magazine .47

Travel tips Travel Health Tips 1 Boost Your Immune System Dose up on B-complex and Vitamin C to give an extra boost to your immune system a few days before you travel. Planes arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t called germ tubes for no reason.

Bring a Snack Avoid DVT Decongest Pack a healthy snack like Take an aspirin a day before Take a decongestant nuts and a bottle of water your flight and for a couple (as directed) a day in your carry-on, even on of days after to avoid Deep before your flight to short flights. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll keep your Vein Thrombosis (DVT). Sitting clear your ears and nasal munchies at bay and keep stationary for long hours causes passages. This helps your blood sugar in check blood clots that may travel to shrink the membranes during unexpected delays. other important organs and in your sinuses. can be deadly. Medications like Aspirin thins the blood, reducing chances of blood clots.

Chew, Swallow, Yawn During take off and landing, either sip on a drink, suck on a sweet, chew gum or yawn widely to avoid your ears from getting blocked. These actions help equalise the pressure in your middle ear.

Avoid Alcohol & Caffeine Planes make you dehydrated. Drinking alcohol or caffeinated drinks only further dehydrates you. Avoid them as much as you can, instead drink plenty of water to keep yourself hydrated.

Exercises for the Plane 1

Foot Pumps With both heels on the floor, point feet upwards as high as you can go. Then reverse by lifting your heels high keeping the balls of your feet on the floor. Repeat cycle with 30-second intervals.

Ankle Circles Lifting your feet off the floor, draw circles with your toes, moving one foot clockwise and the other anticlockwise. Reverse the circles. Do each direction for 15 seconds.

Knee to Chest Bend forward slightly clasping your hands around one knee and bring it to your chest. Hold the stretch for 15 seconds and bring it down gently keeping hands around the knee. Alternate legs and repeat 10 times.

Forward Flex Keep your feet on the floor and hold your stomach in. Slowly bend forward and walk your hands down the front of legs up to your ankles. Hold the stretch for 15 seconds and then slowly sit back up.

Overhead Stretch Raise both hands straight up over your head. Hold the wrist of the opposite hand and gently pull to one side. Hold the stretch for 15 seconds and repeat on the other side.

Neck Roll Relax your shoulders and drop your ears to the shoulder, gently roll the head forward bringing it up slowly to the other side. Hold each position for five seconds and repeat five times.

48. fact magazine

Travel

travelling with kids

6 DON’T STRESS Don’t stress about upsetting people around you. Chances are they’ve had their own kids and understand, and you won’t see them again!

1 Wear comfortable and loose clothing It always helps, especially if you need to use the bathroom while holding the baby.

Carry treats Treat your child for good behaviour on the plane. A lollipop at take off and landing is also a sure way of keeping their ears unblocked.

carry a pram It’s extremely helpful at the airport for keeping your carry-ons when the kids aren’t using it, and you can take it all the way to the gate.

Carry a spare change of clothes There will be spillage or the child may get airsick and there is nothing worse than having your child in soiled clothes.

Always carry extra baby wipes They always come in handy and a quick way to keep your baby clean and germ free.

Bring toys Bring your child’s favourite toy – inflight entertainment only goes so far. Get colouring books or small toys to keep them occupied.

fact magazine .49

Travel

travel must-Haves No holiday preparation is complete without certain essentials. Here are some Travel Must-Haves that should be hot on everyone’s checklist.

1 Samsonite Designer Luggage Tag Swirls Attach these uber cool colourful tags to your bags and never lose your luggage again to someone else

2 Sammies - Turtle character luggage

Keep your little ones happy and entertained with this super cute Turtle luggage set 50. fact magazine

3 Samsonite Funny Face This little Funny Face bag will be your child’s new best friend this holiday

4 Samsonite 3-in-1 Microbead Neck Pillow

6 Victoria’s Secret Passport Holders Give your passport a facelift with Victoria Secret’s hot pink passport holder

Have a sound sleep on the plane with this comfortable neck pillow

7 Victoria’s Secret Hanging Toiletry Bag

Be the envy of all with this bespoke and unique hand-crafted USA leather Prairie bag

Carry all your bathroom and make up essentials in this handy yet chic toiletry bag

5 Fischer Voyage Bag

8. Samsonite Cruisair Bold 26” Spinner Upright Luggage This hard top upright trolley bag is perfect to carry even the most fragile items

fact magazine

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ART ENTERPRISE Bahrain has been a pioneer in promoting the country’s art and culture. TalentFreeFlow (TFF) has taken its own initiative to support art by embarking on an innovative venture, Art Enterprise, which was launched last month, aimed to create and raise awareness of the private sector about the value of art as an alternative investment. Have you ever been interested in Art, but didn’t know how to put a value on it? Unless you’re an art evaluator, most of us are complete novices when it comes to valuing art. But TFF’s new initiative, Art Enterprise, broadens your horizons in every which way, be it appreciating art, valuing it or investing in it. Art Enterprise aims to bring together local and international artists in an open environment and helps investors, especially the corporate private sector, look at art in a new light and appreciate the value of contemporary multidisciplinary art and design as a tangible long term investment. The event had a great first response where CFA Charter holders investment bank and equity firm representatives, art gallery owners, art appraisers, high net worth investors at regional and international levels, and selected media were invited to take part in an experiential workshop facilitated by TalentFreeFlow’s professional coaches. All those who took part had an opportunity to interact, appraise and appreciate selected four artists’ works from within the region.

Camille Zakharia

This Lebanese-born Canadian photographer is renowned for his spectacular pieces of visual artistry. His displacement from his homeland in 1985 due to the civil war, took him on a travelling 52. fact magazine

adventure to various destinations, some of which became his temporary homes. Photography being the one constant in his life, he has been capturing images for three decades and his photographic work has taken him all over the world, from US and Canada to Greece, Turkey and now to this small island, Bahrain, where he is currently based. His images are not just about specific moments captured throughout his life travels, but a compilation of thousands of individual images to create a fascinating montage, the visual complexity of which can never be captured in a single frame.

Mariam Haji

Born and raised in Bahrain, Mariam studied in Scotland and Australia, excelling in fine arts by winning awards and representing her country at international art exhibitions. A ‘personal artist’, her inspirations come from real life events and personal life. Her artworks are intense and thought provoking

Art

Art Enterprise brings artists and investors together for a deeper understanding of art and its true value!

and question deep issues like morality, religion, the female, the abject and gender.

Jehan Saleh

Egyptian artist Jehan Saleh has been living and working in Bahrain for the past 10 years. Her creative journey commenced in Bahrain as an art teacher in a public school from 2002 until 2005. She has been an active member of the Bahrain Contemporary Art Society, and has been working as Albareh Art Galleryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s coordinator for the past eight years.

Karima Sharabi

Half Bahrain half American artist Karima has a solid artistic foundation having lived most of her life in Bahrain. Her artistic career started with painting portraits of people around her. Her growing search for fulfillment in both art and life has made her artwork more narrative and symbolic, alluding to spirituality and awakening of the human consciousness. Karimaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s current job as a successful tattoo designer comes from her genuine interest in modern Arabic calligraphy, people, symbols and totems. Her tattoos are creative, meaningful, poetic and symbolic art pieces.

GO: Visit www.talentfreeflow.com for more information on Art Enterprise.

fact magazine .53

Society

#ART #ENTERPRISE Talent Free Flow inaugurated ‘Art Enterprise’ at the Capital Club. It is an initiative that aims to raise private sector awareness of the value of contemporary art and design as an alternative investment. ‘Art Enterprise’ seeks to establish and evaluate regional art and design.

54. fact magazine

fact magazine .55

REVIEWS

On the Record INDIE POP/ROCK

Ultraviolence By LANA DEL REY

How we’ve missed the moody music of Miss Lana Del Rey, and oh how we’re ready for another spellbinding journey of hypnotic tunes. The 14-track Ultraviolence is enshrouded in mystery, and you need only look to the cruising sound of West Coast, the lead single off this sophomore album, to get an indication for what’s in store. The singer is stepping away from the orchestral pop flair of her previous work and gracefully wondering into experimental territory. Get ready for a musical revolution of subversive sounds and lyrics.

POP/CONTEMPORARY R&B

In The Lonely Hour By Sam Smith

There’s no denying that Sam Smith has created somewhat of a musical riot with his unbelievable vocals, rocketing to the top of the music scene when he was featured vocalist on Disclosure’s big hit Latch, and awarded the Brit’s Critic Choice Award 2013. The soul-inspired, London-born artist brings fans the 10-track record In The Lonely Hour, and if it’s to follow suit of what we’ve heard off it so far, this could well be a serious contender for album of the year. It’s clear that the debut release is a real labour of love; his first solo effort, Lay Me Down, was a surprise of soulful and sweet vibes, whilst the infectious Money On My Mind, grabbed listeners with relaxed vocals and a frenetic beat. His list of collabos is somewhat impressive too; Disclosure, Naughty Boy, Zane Lowe and Fraser T Smith, to name but a few, but we’re looking most forward to Sam’s signature sound to shine through on this one!

FOLK/POP/GRIME

By Ed Sheeran

It doesn’t hurt that Ed’s BFF Taylor Swift has helped him to choose the songs for his muchanticipated second studio album, and rumours say that some of the biggest names in music… Pharell Williams, Lupe Fiasco, Labrinth and Macklemore… will likely feature on X. The 12-track album includes songs with the puzzling names; Tenerife, New York, Forever, and the equally mysterious Mess, Don’t, Nina and Afire Love. With the legendary Rick Rubin on production and an album about personal drama, Ed is likely onto a winner.

Fully Booked

Non-fiction

Flash Boys – A Wall Street Revolt By MICHAEL LEWIS

A gripping book, Flash Boys – A Wall Street Revolt, focuses on High Frequency Trading (HFT) in the US market. The book reveals the inside workings of a stock market; how it works, the kind of people working there and most importantly the current issue ‘finance’ is facing. Flash Boys is about a small group of Wall Street guys who figure out that the US stock market has been rigged for the benefit of the insiders and that, post–financial crisis, the markets have become not more free but less, and more controlled by the big Wall Street banks. For example, Lewis gives a great explanation of how large banks use “dark pools”, which were created to be a sort of refuge from HFTs, to rip off clients by selling them out to HFTs. This is definitely a riveting read as it explores the darkest corners of the financial world.

In Association with Virgin Megastore

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HISTORICAL - FICTION

Look Who’s Back By TIMUR VERMES

We’re not sure if this book would amuse or horrify you! Berlin Summer 2011, Hitler wakes up on a piece of waste ground. He dusts himself up and cautiously explores the city, only to realise things have changed drastically. People around him assume he’s a Hitler look-alike and is dressed for a comedy show. His reaction to contemporary Germany is often hilarious. Both funny and frightening, this is a subtle, historical study of the commanding nature of the fanatic agitator, and a severe critique of contemporary western culture.

fact magazine .57

REVIEWS

Big Screen

22 Jump Street

Director: Chris Miller, Phil Lord Cast: Jonah Hill, Channing Tatum, Ice Cube

Transformers: Age of Extinction

What’s It About: Our favourite two officers are back and all set to go deep undercover at a local college. This time they deal with an aftermath when Jenko meets a similar spirited player on the football team, and Schmidt invades the bohemian art major scene. This undercover mission questions their partnership and the two must figure out if they can have a mature relationship and crack the case at the same time. Will college be the best thing that ever happened to them? Will they work things out? If the screenplay and script writing are anything like its predecessor, we’d better gear up for another joyride full of action, adventure and lots of laughs!

Director: Michael Bay Cast: Mark Wahlberg, Nicola Peltz, Jack Reynor, Stanley Tucci. What’s It About: This plot revolves around a struggling inventor and single father, Cade, and his daughter Tessa. When Cade buys an old truck, he soon discovers that the worn-out vehicle is being used as a camouflage for the one and only Optimus Prime. Cade’s discovery sends the robot and human world into chaos as other Autobots, their villainous counterparts, Decepticons, and even a suspicious government team, are all on the lookout for Cade and his new pal. Why It’s Worth Watching: The cast has changed drastically, and, yes, this might not be a bad thing as Shia Lebouf has declared, “I am not famous anymore”, but we can’t help but miss his awkward character. The only promising component here is that Michael Bay is still at the helm of the film and Mark Wahlberg is a pretty good choice to play the lead. It’s the plot that we’re worried about; single father buys truck, truck turns into an intergalactic robot, bad guys chase his family, he helps the robot because, let’s face it, life is much more interesting now, and then we stop on a cliffhanger to make way for the sequel. We’re not saying that Transformers: Age of Extinction won’t be a great film; just that it has a lot to live up to. As long as we get a good dose of Optimus Prime we’ll give this one a chance. 58. fact magazine

The Fault in Our Stars

Director: Josh Boone Cast: Shailene Woodley, Ansel Elgort

What’s It About: A love story that will sweep you off your feet. Terminally ill 16-year-old Hazel reluctantly attends the Cancer Support Society where she meets Augustus, and they fall in love. Their relationship is all the more miraculous given that Hazel’s other constant companion is an oxygen tank and Gus jokes about his prosthetic leg. They bond over their illness and their sharp wit. A story of love and survival!

Win 2 Free Cinema Tickets Redeemable for any film at any Cineco cinema Answer the following question:

Who has replaced Shia Lebouf as the male lead in Transformers? E-mail answers to: editorial@factlive.com

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60. fact magazine

The Audi A3 Sedan fact magazine

.61

L ISLAND RIDES

The A3 Sedan succeeds where the A1 failed – it provides a compact offering from the premium German automaker that people in this region are willing to buy!

62. fact magazine

e should start by saying that the A1 failed through no fault of its own. Having driven it, we can tell you that it is a superb little car – nippy, agile and hugely fun to drive. However, it just has one major problem: it’s a hatchback! And hatchbacks, as we all know, are an extremely tough sell in the Gulf. Enter the Audi A3 Sedan, unveiled last year at the New York Motor Show. Traditionally, the A3 was always a hatch too, with some cabrio offerings, but now Audi have launched the sedan to tempt the US and Middle Eastern markets. And tempting the A3 Sedan truly is, especially with the S-Line package with S-Tronic automatic transmission as featured on our demo. Compact, and yet extremely sporty, its squat stance with short overhangs, large front air scoops and ‘duck tail’ contoured rear spoiler, all give the impression of a touring car rather than a compact family sedan. And inside the good news continues. Audi haven’t made the mistake of making the A3 look like a ‘budget’ Audi – it’s just as stylish and luxurious as an A4 or A6, with leather seats, the excellent Audi infotainment system with retractable screen,

and so on. And the magic of the A3 is that it feels as spacious as an A4 or A6 inside too – you don’t feel cramped at all, even in the back seat, although things might get tight if four adults over 6ft occupied the car, and the front seats had to be further back. There are even little bonuses that make the A3 stand out, like the rather cool AC vents that you see pictured. Our demo boasted the 1.8-litre 40 TFSI turbocharged inline-four engine, which puts out 180km/h, reached 100km/h in 6.8 seconds, and maxed out at a respectable 232km/h. It works with the Audi valvelift system and intelligent thermal management, so that more torque is generated at low engine speed by switching between two exhaust cam contours. The effects are impressive – the A3 Sedan 40 TFSI is very quick off the mark, with a real boost kicking in from that turbo.

This is combined with an excellent chassis that grips the road like a limpet, while still managing to soak up potholes and rough surfaces, making the car a huge amount of fun to drive. However, it’s far from a GT, as the power does taper off when you get to higher speeds, which makes acceleration over 140km/h a little lethargic. However, given that in Bahrain you’re not ever supposed to be travelling at those speeds, this doesn’t matter, does it? Of course not… So, what you have is a car that is compact and easy to park, and yet spacious and comfortable inside; fuel-efficient, and yet very fun to drive; great acceleration from standstill, but not at speeds above 140km/h; highly agile and manoeuvrable, but still smooth over bumps; stylish and luxurious, with that premium German badge, and yet affordable; practical, with four seats and decent boot space, though not enough to carry holiday luggage for a whole family. So there you have it – the perfect car for someone living in Bahrain!

By utilising higher quality materials, the cabin shows a notable improvement over previous generation models.

fact magazine .63

The Toyota Land Cruiser

Whilst still the undisputed King of Off-Road, especially in the Gulf, this particular monarch is beginning to look a little long in the tooth. It’s about time it had an heir come along to claim the throne…

he Land Cruiser isn’t just a car in the Middle East. It’s an institution; a way of life; a highly effective tool that residents of the Gulf have been choosing to tackle the wild deserts and mountains of the region for decades now. The principle reasons for this are threefold: Reliability – Toyota has long been the byword for durable and reliable cars that are also relatively cheap to maintain; Performance – the Land Cruiser is an extremely capable off-roader that will get you just about anywhere; Luxury – it

64. fact magazine

will also get you there in extremely high levels of comfort. The deserts of Bahrain were no exception, as you can see from the images. The mid-level spec GX-R we drove boasted Toyota’s 4.6-litre 1UR-FE V8. With 304hp and 439Nm, it made light work of the various terrains we tested it on. Sand was no problem as long as you kept your speed up, but a couple of times we were forced to use the differential lock to power out of a couple of softer spots when we tried it from standstill. However, at no point were we forced to resort to manual

ISLAND ridees

The GX-R will appeal to off-road enthusiasts more, as it takes more involvement and skill from the driver to achieve results.

labour to dig the Cruiser out! There’s also an ECT button, which is basically an overdrive switch that revs the engine higher to extract more power from it, which is useful when you’re shredding up the sand dunes. The GX-R does boast leather seats, and extremely easy-to-use fold-away seats in the second and third rows, making it a very practical family carrier. There was also a cooler underneath the centre armrests that’s connected to the AC system. However, I did feel that this spec level was more conspicuous by what it didn’t have. It didn’t have the meaty 5.7-litre V8. It didn’t have the multi-terrain select, the multi-terrain monitor, the crawl control with turn assist, the flashy multi-function touchscreen infotainment system, or the kinetic dynamic suspension system. All of these features come with the VX and VX-R models, which basically makes them a wholly superior experience. Having said that, I think perhaps the GX-R will appeal to off-road enthusiasts more, as it takes more involvement and skill from the driver to achieve results, whereas all these driver assistance systems in the VX

models do a lot of the work for you. The Land Cruiser is still a luxurious, comfortable and hugely capable SUV, but in the face of increasingly aggressive competition, its number one spot isn’t looking as secure as it once was. There are rumours of a new generation of the Land Cruiser that is slated for 2016, and if they’re true, you know that Toyota are going to come out guns blazing, defending their crown in the fiercest possible way. I look forward to seeing what they come up with!

fact magazine .65

MOTORING NEWS

Infiniti Q50 Launched!

YK Almoayyed, the Nissan and Infiniti dealership in Bahrain, launched the new Infiniti Q50 luxury sedan at a glitzy event at the Ritz-Carlton Bahrain’s Grand Foyer last month. The new premium model will boast a 326hp 3.7-litre V6, as well as Infiniti InTouch with world’s first dual touch-screen displays (LCD/VGA 8-inch upper and 7-inch lower colour displays) and smart phone connectivity, and Predictive Forward Collision Warning system, which alerts the driver to risks that lie beyond their field of view. The event featured dancers and a magic show that entertained the assembled VIP guests and media, before the car was unveiled with a flourish as it ‘magically’ appeared on the stage! Quite a show from YK Almoayyed…

Change to Bridgestone

Bridgestone and AJM Kooheji Group recently launched the “Change to Bridgestone” Campaign for 2014. Through the campaign, customers can win immediate rewards like USB memory sticks, iPads, home entertainment systems, a free oil change, and more. In addition, there’s a chance to win up to four free Bridgestone tyres too. All this is available on purchase of either two or four Bridgestone tyres at any 3K outlet, Bridgestone Truck Tire Centre and authorised Bridgestone dealer located around the Kingdom of Bahrain. However, winning prizes isn’t the only reason to switch to Bridgestone. The performance and safety of a premium brand like Bridgestone has been proven to be better than budget rivals on many tests around the world. The promotion is valid from the 1st of May up till the 15th of July 2014.

66. fact magazine

New Motorcity Website

The distributor of Volvo, Subaru, Citroen and SsangYong in Bahrain has just launched their new portal which brings its latest news, offers and services to customers instantaneously through desktops, laptops, tablets and smartphones. The website boasts a modern, colourful design and is divided into two sections, one for Passenger and one for Commercial Brands. Each respective brand section has continuously updated detailed information on the entire range of products and models, their prices, special offers, specifications, photo gallery and online brochures. The website also features useful information regarding after-sales services, which includes on-line service appointments booking, information on warranty and road side assistance services.

FACT’S BARGAIN OF THE MONTH

Porsche boxster S porsche approved So what is Porsche Approved, exactly? Basically, it’s second-hand Porsches that have been through an extensive checking and service process to restore them to as close to brand new condition as possible, whilst adding the benefit of warranty and peace-of-mind. You’ll pay more for a second-hand Porsche through Porsche Approved than you would through another second-hand car dealership, but you won’t get the level of quality and peace-of-mind that an 111-point inspection provides! And our pick of the bunch from the collection was this little beauty – a Porsche

Boxster S in racing yellow in absolutely mint condition. It seriously looks brandnew, despite having just under 10,000km on the clock. The Boxster S comes with the glorious 326bhp 3.4-litre flat-six engine that’ll go from 0-100km/h in just 4.7 seconds with the PDK gearbox, and on to a top speed of 279km/h. The interior is a Agate Grey/Pebble Grey combination with optional carbon fibre detailing on the steering wheel, dashboard and centre console. In this condition and with this selection of options, this Boxster S is a steal!

Price BD24,900 Why it’s a Bargain It’s as good as new, it’s still under warranty, which can be extended to nine years, and you’ll still save a couple of grand on a brand new model. Main Features Carbon Fibre Trim finish BOSE Surround Sound System 7-speed PDK automatic gearbox Sports Exhaust System Our Favourite Feature The PDK double-clutch gearbox. It’s one of the best things Porsche has ever made, and we think a Porsche just isn’t a Porsche without one. Gear changes measured in milliseconds? Yes please! fact magazine .67

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Society

Euro Motors officially launched the all-new MINI Hatch at the Prego Restaurant in Royal Golf Club. The MINI Hatch was introduced in five colours, and was unveiled in the presence of company officials, businessmen, guests and media representatives.

#Launch #MINI-Hatch fact magazine .69

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PLUGGED-IN

TRAVEL APPS TOP PICKS!

App-licious Today’s tech-savvy generation of smartphones and tablets means the world is at your fingertips, literally! FACT has three great apps to download for your device, keeping you plugged-in to all the best techie help for every area of your life...

Travel Planning TripAdvisor (Android, iOS)

Plan your travel with this amazing app that helps you decide from where to stay to what to do. Browse through millions of reviews, opinions and photos! TripAdvisor assists you with the lowest airfares, best hotels and fun things to do in the holiday destination of your choice as well as share your travel experiences. All the information you need to plan your next vacation is at your fingertips.

Packing Pack My Bag (Android, iOS)

An extremely beneficial app for travellers, Pack my Bag reminds you what needs to be packed for your travel. You can also select the items and make your personal travel list from a master list provided by the app. Tick off items as you start packing; this will also let you know what’s left behind! This is definitely a very handy app for last minute packing.

Travel Guide World Explorer- Travel Guide (Android, iOS)

A must-have app and essentially your travel guide for tips, weekend plans and holidays. This app simply uses the GPS location to spot the best places to visit around you. Imagine you’re in a foreign country and looking for a supermarket, just search this app for options. It’s like having a tour guide in your pocket. Make your next trip an experience of discovery and fun.

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.71

VIVA ADVERTORIAL

VIVA

Launches Cinema Portal

VIVA presents a remarkable service to enhance the cinema experience in Bahrain by launching its online ticket service

VIVA Cinema Portal Queuing for cinema tickets is a thing of the past now as VIVA is offering the ultimate cinema experience by allowing access to book your tickets anywhere and anytime, with just a click of a button. All you need to do is log on to the VIVA Cinema Portal - cinema.bh. Take advantage of this convenient new service, which not only lets you choose the CineCo theatre and movie of choice, but also the show timing and seating preference. The site also enables cinema-goers to connect to six CineCo multiplexes including Bahrain City Centre mall, Seef 1 and 2 cinemas, Al Jazeera, Awal, Al Hamra and Saar cinemas. You can book a maximum of five seats at a time! You can pay securely using a credit or debit card, either by logging in with your existing account or proceed as a guest. VIVA Cinema Portal has been carefully crafted to ensure a smooth user-experience across all smartphone and tablets, with a special focus on mobile phones. You will find browsingÂ movies just as easy as picking the right seat â&#x20AC;&#x201C; anytime, anywhere.

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TIPS Follow these few simple steps to enjoy the convenience and speed of the VIVA Cinema Portal

1. Log on to cinema.bh

2. Choose the movie, the cinema and the seat

3. Make the payment via credit or debit card

4. Receive your ticket by email

5. Scan the ticket at the cinema entrance

DIRECT . com.bh

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Tender, Juicy Premium US Chicken Breast â&#x20AC;&#x201C; take your recipes to the next level!

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RA STELLID IRECT. COM . B H

+973 362 82 993

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Canon G1 X Mark II It’s been described as the beast of the compact cameras boasting pro features for amateur photographers. To find out how true that is, Shabana Adam went to the UAE’s stunning Sir Bani Yas Island, to test Canon’s new line of products including this flagship model… Working on editorial for a magazine amounts to a fair bit of pressure when it comes to finding excellent hi-res images; from food to travel, arts and motoring, my monthly challenge is to make sure that the pictures, passed onto our talented design team, are nothing short of pixel perfect. That’s what spurred my interest in the Canon Summer Arabia media trip to Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island, Al Sahel Villa Resort, just off the shores of Abu Dhabi (a night in a beautiful villa was, of course, an added bonus!). Canon Middle East’s exclusive media trip involved a group of around 20 bloggers and writers from the region’s top print and online publications, invited for a one-night stay including various workshop type activities. The tech giant used this opportunity to introduce a whole new range of hero products; the EOS 1200D, the PowerShot SX700 HS, the IXUS 155, the Legria Mini X, and what we found to be the standout of them all, the PowerShot G1 X Mark II. Testing the PowerShot G1 X Mark II was a blast to say the least. Following the creative theme of ‘Perfect Pictures this Summer, Whatever Happens’ we embarked on a wildlife and nature safari drive

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followed by a cookery class, to put this group of cameras through its paces. Immediately, the PowerShot GI X Mark II, made a great impact on everyone who handled the camera. Its DSLR-standard performance packed in a compact body helped to deliver pristine image quality. The ease of form and functions, for even an amateur photographer like myself, was hugely appealing – a result of features engineered using feedback from professional photographers. Taking pictures of giraffes on the move, cheetahs lazing in the wadi, and gazelles gliding through the trees, is a challenging task in itself. However, the PowerShot G1 X Mark II made it possible to capture a variety of images from a range of perspectives. Portraits appear with a professional touch and macro photography is made easier with a large 1.5-type Canon CMOS sensor, which delivers shallow depth of field, comparable to an APS-C size DSLR sensor. Aside from this, it features a new super-bright f/2.03.9 lens, which maintains a wide f/3.9 aperture even when fully zoomed, delivering excellent low-light performance and the ability to control depth of field.

PLUGGED-IN

01. Oryx take rest on the desert plains of Bani Yas island; 02. The colourful wadi landscape that makes the perfect path for a nature and wildlife drive

The camera enabled a great, sharp focus on both the wildlife and its background. The camera’s ability to lock onto subjects more accurately, when creating images with shallow depth of field, is further enhanced by an improved AiAF System with 31 AF points, compared to the PowerShot G1X’s nine. Basically, a compact camera with all the added benefits of a DSLR – what more can you ask for? The capabilities of the PowerShot GI X Mark II are unparalleled, offering outstanding performance and easy-to-use functions. You don’t have to be a seasoned pro to get to grips with this camera, a beautiful setting and a passion for photography is all you need! Available to buy at all major electronic stores.

TIPS Jason Rego, Retail Marketing Manager, Canon Middle East

KNOW your gear

Know what the minimum shutter speed is at which you can obtain a sharp image. The really great action-packed moments in wildlife photography last on average between 5 and 20 seconds.

WORK the light

Since photography is all about painting with light, you need to know how to use the light to your best advantage. If you adhere to tip #1 (Know your Gear) you can get some pretty interesting images from a less-than-ideal light position.

SHOOT WIDER shoot closer

03. Grazing gazelles look into the camera; 04. Giraffes take shade from the afternoon heat.

Challenge yourself to shoot at a wider angle to give a better idea of where you took the image and where your subject has to carve out a living in the wild. This applies to any species photographed. fact magazine .75

beauty

beauty trends

Keep abreast with the latest beauty and grooming trends as FACT brings you the hottest beauty products, trends and news every month!

TOM FORD

Camouflage those shaving cuts and spots…dot the spot and blend it.

CLINIQUE

KERASTASE

Apply to the face and neck daily for a healthy and moisturised skin.

Style you hair with a non-sticky gel for a natural look that lasts all-day

RIMMEL

Must-have lip balm with vibrant shades and a solid glam look, just like Rita Ora!

GUERALIN

Get a sublime sunkissed glow with a stroke, for a fresh and radiant skin.

CLARINS

Refresh, tone and stop new wrinkles with the perfect moisturiser

NEUTROGENA Boost your skin’s resistance to razor irritation by using this soothing gel

CALVIN KLEIN

Make the ladies swoon with this fresh, modern and masculine fragrance

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JO MALONE

Indulge in the hypnotic aroma of Velvet Rose and Oud with this moisturising dry body oil.

Grace Choi, a Harvard student invents a 3D printer that produces actual make-up! Visit www. gracemink.com for more information.

VICTORIA’S SECRET

Smell exotic with this new blend of pear, jasmine and amber wood

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SAKS INTERVIEW

Interview with

Daniela Karnuts “A couture piece from the 1940s is still relevant today, maybe less puffy, but the shape itself is a classic shape that can be worn today.”

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International designer Daniela Karnuts was in Bahrain last month to showcase her Spring Summer 2014 collection at Saks Fifth Avenue. FACT’s Apple Sharma caught up with the German designer to talk about her brand ‘Safeeya’ and her fashion philosophy… Tell us how what got you interested in fashion design? “I have a lifelong passion for fashion. I have a very elegant grandmother and mother. I’ve always been in the fashion media industry. For two years I was solely in private equity and I really missed it. I needed some dresses and was missing something in the market so I thought why don’t I just make some dresses. I made 10 dresses and wore them proudly. They were not perfectly stitched, but had beautiful colours and it was kind of a pre-collection for what then launched into the first collection. People asked me about it all the time and all my friends wanted them, so I thought maybe there’s something there, so I developed a full collection, about 10 pieces. It was the first one in Paris. We got immediately picked up by Boutique 1, sold incredibly well, and got reordered within the season. From there the brand grew. We are now stocked all over the Middle East, Barney’s in America, all over Germany, Austria and Switzerland and now in Saks here.” Who and what inspires your collections? “The 1940’s old school couture, very elegant shapes. I love these old, very demure, beautiful, sensual, but powerful dignified ladies. That’s very much what the aesthetic of the brand is. Then there’s a fashion angle to it each season, but it’s a timeless, ongoing story. And then it’s real women that I see on the streets. When I see a really elegant woman entering the room, I think wow I really want to dress that woman, what would fit her. It’s a mixture of both.” Tell us how your brand “Safeeya” came about? “It’s my daughter’s name. I found it a nicer name than Daniela Karnuts and it reflected what I believe in that my grandma and mum shared their fashion with me, so now I’m sharing it with my daughter. Safeeya means purity and the entire collection is very pure. It’s not overly embellished; it’s very streamlined, so it was a perfect name for it. What can we expect to see from your new collection? “It’s a lot of gazar inserts, cutouts, and Ottoman tile inspired, so very strong colours. Matt laces this time, tone on tone and a lot of cutouts. All very symmetrical lines, accentuating the shape of the woman, lots of sheer organza with stripes so it has like a folding optic. A little bit of laser cut again and then the classics.” How would you describe your personal style? FACT AUGUST

The 3 staples for this season Safiyaa Staples standard dresses like the capsleeve dress, a silk shell top and a fitted trouser. General Staples good metallic heel, Lanvin flat, good silk shell tops, which you can pair with trousers or pencil skirts. Daniela’s Favourites Designers sweaters from Lucien Pellat-Finet, flats from Lanvin, jeans from Frame. Shoes Louboutin, Jimmy Choo, Charlotte Olympia Brand Valentino High Street Equivalents Cashmere sweaters from Uniqlo, basics from Zara Brand - Reiss Daniela loves: A simple outfit – tailored trousers or jeans, cashmere and flats. Daniela’s Fashion Philosophy Intergenerational sharing of style and elegance and the fact it should survive a few generations and still be relevant.

“I obviously like what I design. With every piece, I think would I wear this and feel comfortable wearing this? I’m very much a shoe person and the shoe makes a big difference to a casual outfit. I like tailored things. I’m doing some leather in Safeeya, so I wear that a lot, and some classic daywear pieces.” What do you think of the local fashionistas’ style in the region? “I think it’s very nice and I like that the women want to dress up. I think there’s a glamour and a sense of occasion here. They want something unique. It’s a customer that’s still very interested in fashion and constantly evolving.

SEVENFRIDAY launches the new M-series SEVENFRIDAY celebrates its 2nd anniversary this month with the M-Series Turbine engines inspired the design of the M-series. Turbines have been highly inspiring as they are the basis of modern engineering. Watches and measurement tools have an obvious link as energy and time are fluid, can’t be contained for long or be measured by precision tools. The series has two models, M1 & M2, and they both take their individual influences from power supply engines and classic power measuring tools such as ammeters.

To better protect the internal new pyramid construction, the case houses a brand new dial made of six layers, 10 applied parts, three customised discs and an automatic Miyota movement 8215, with a 45 hour power reserve.

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Collection focus

TOPMAN

Stay cool this summer with Topman’s HS14 Collection

As the temperatures rises so does the hype around the much-awaited High Summer 14 Collection by Topman. It’s hot and it’s smouldering, just like the weather. This HS14 collection sees the come back of the essential white tee, which is a much needed relief 80. fact magazine

for this summer. The classic plain white t-shirt has been given an upgrade with cool floral patterns adorning the top half of the tee. Florals and bright colours are big this season and make an appearance in the form of printed vests, t-shirts and

casual half-sleeved shirts. Printed tees come in Aztec and tie-dye patterns, adding a bit of casual fun to the collection. No line is complete this summer without the essential swimming shorts. Soak up the sun and have fun on the beach in printed tropical patterned shorts. The HS14 Topman oozes comfort and style with rolled up denim shorts, cut out jeans and classic denim jackets worn effortlessly for a laid back feel.

TOPSHOP

Turn up the heat with Topshopâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s HS14 Collection

Summer has well and truly arrived and in great form, much like Topshopâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s High Summer 14 Collection. Different style concepts blend fairly well throughout the entire collection, be it City Tribes, Flower Garden, Folk, Pacific Life or White Out. Work the tropical-meetsurban City Tribes trend with palm prints in yummy shades or a matching co-ord. Picnic in the park with Flower Garden look by donning soft sheer skirts and cute button up shirts. Look out for summer suede, multi-coloured furs and a modern take on kimonos with the return of Folk style. Get the graphic and Hawaiian inspired Pacific Life with oversized jungle prints mixed with electric hues. White Out with singular colour trend by mixing textures like lace with bleached denim and broderie anglaise with a hint of metallic.

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STYLE

H&M Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Summer Wishlist

Stay cool this summer with these absolute must-haves!

Maxi Dress BD10.9

Take your look from day to night with this flowy tie-dye maxi dress.

Flip flops BD2.5

Necklace BD10.9

Hop, skip and jump in these super comfy flip flops.

Brighten up any outfit with this colourful, multi-strand necklace.

Swimsuit BD12.9

Show off that beach bod in this one piece animal print swimsuit.

Shorts BD17.9

Head down to the beach for some fun in the sun in these floral shorts.

Clutch Bag BD15.9

Make a statement with this bright and beautiful beaded clutch bag.

Visor hat BD4.9

Keep the sun off your face with this chic visor hat.

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Bikini BD5

Make a splash with this cute frilled bikini.

Hairband BD3.9

Dress your tresses with this delicate hairband with flowers.

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H&M Menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Holiday Hot Picks

Get ready for the holiday season with these beach must-haves!

Bracelet BD2.5

Be bang on trend with a 4-pack bracelet.

Cap BD4.9

Keep your head cool this summer in a hip cotton cap.

Hawaiian Shirt BD4.9

Get in the holiday mood with this colourful Hawaiian shirt.

T-Shirt BD7.9

Printed tees are big this season and the perfect staple for your everyday casual look.

Hat/Water Bottle BD4.9/BD2.5

Beat the heat with these two beach essential. Shade and rehydrate!

Sunglasses BD2.5

Protect your eyes from the glare with these smart shades. 84. fact magazine

Canvas Belt BD4.9

Canvas Shoes BD10.9 Go from beach to bar in these chic canvas shoes.

Accessorise your shorts or chinos with a multi-coloured woven canvas belt.

Swim Shorts BD7.9

Get readyto hit the beach in these checkered swim shorts.

OUT NOW

A new quarterly publication from Nans Group, the company that brings you a portfolio of leading magazines from across the GCC.

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ENJOY GREAT TUCKER FROM THE LAND DOWN UNDER

Insta

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#Aeropostale #Event

Aeropostale hosted a day of surprises aT their Bahrain City Centre store. A flash mob was conducted at the Central Galleria of the mall and Inside the store. Customers took fun pictures in the photo booth, with entertainment provided by Dj Kiwi.

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Akiko

With Japanese cuisine gaining more popularity than ever, another brand new restaurant has opened its doors to all you foodies out there. FACT went to check out Akiko Japanese Restaurant & Lounge, a new addition to the dining-district of Adliya.

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Tucked away in the heart of Adliya, Akiko jumps out at you from nowhere and you can’t help but take a step inside this intriguing restaurant. From the outside, the geometric design of the building gives Akiko an instant modern look. The inside is a tasteful blend of contemporary and rustic design. One of the elements we loved most about the restaurant’s main dining area was the wooden panelling on the walls, giving a modern yet warm feel to the place. You can either dine in the main restaurant, at the sushi bar or in the separate smoking section of the restaurant. The far side of the restaurant offers an open view to the kitchen (transparency is something we appreciate very much). If you enjoy Al Fresco dining, the small courtyard outside with a bar provides the perfect hideaway for a relaxed evening out. A few flight of steps upstairs and you enter Akiko’s Sake Bar

and Lounge, which immediately brings you into a cosy, chilled lounge area with low seating, which (wait for it) serves up to eight to 12 different types of Sake (definitely every Sake connoisseur’s dream come true!). Once we were pleasantly happy with our surroundings, we sat down for the best part of the review – the tasting! Akiko is an Izakaya (in Japan; a place that serves drinks AND food) style restaurant serving pure modern Japanese cuisine and is based on the concept of having a continuous dining experience that’s ideal for sharing food (which is exactly what we did). We tasted about eight dishes brought one after the other rather than specific courses. We started with a fresh Akiko Salad with yuzu miso and marinated onion dressing (green lettuce, avocado, Japanese radish and cherry tomatoes); Crispy Fried Squid with

venue review

Go: Visit www. akikoresturant. com, email akikorestaurant@ alialsharif.com or call 1771 7080 for reservations and more information.

chilli and lime; along with Akiko Roll (yuzu tobiko, salmon, tuna, jalapeno and tenkasu) and California Roll (crab meat, cucumber, avocado, tobiko, white sesame). Next up were some of Akiko’s signature dishes like Miso Marinated Black Cod wrapped with bamboo leaf; Spicy Beef Angus Tenderloin with sesame, red chilli and sweet soy sauce; Maguro No Tataki (seared tuna with chilly daikon and ponzu sauce) and finally Suzuki No Shioyaki (salt grilled seabass with Las Vegas salsa). The dishes were spot on - a perfect balance of authentic and modern Japanese cuisine. We flushed all this scrumptious food down with one of Akiko’s many Ice Tea Fuse – a refreshing Raspberry Blossom ice tea (a delicious ice tea concoction with a hint of refined chilli!).

To top it off, the knowledgeable and extremely friend staff made the whole experience a very enjoyable one. So, if you’re into your Japanese food then Akiko is definitely one to check out. It’s exactly what it claims to be – Contemporary Japanese Izakaya, one that we’ll surely be returning to!

About 70 per cent of the interior is imported from Spain and Indonesia including most of the decor.

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Friday Brunch at Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain Hotel & Spa Bring your family and friends for a relaxing and sophisticated weekend brunch at La Med. A delicious buffet of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern specialties as well as live cooking areas including a pasta, sushi, seafood and BBQ station awaits you. For sweet-lovers a wide selection of cakes, assorted pralines, truffles, baklava, a waffle and pancake station, as well as a chocolate fountain can be enjoyed – a perfect culinary pleasure for the grown-ups and the little ones. GO: The Friday Brunch is BD29++ including unlimited bubbly, house beverages and soft drinks. Call 1758 6499 for more information

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Cherry Delights at Kempinski Grand & Ixir Hotel Bahrain City Centre Seafood Nights at Movenpick Dive in and taste the freshest catch of the day! A wide selection of popular and traditional seafood dishes makes this an ideal night out for the seafood lovers at Silks Restaurant. A vast range of aquatic delicacies, ranging from sushi, sashimi, seafood dim sum dumplings and tempura, oysters, slipper lobster, tiger prawns and popular fish like hammour or red snapper. Let the chefs prepare your favourite catch, just the way you like it! Sit back and relish your deliciously cooked fish. GO: Splurge on Seafood nights every Monday at BD 18.2++ and the Seafood night ‘plus’ is BD 22.3++ including vinos, ales and soft drinks. Call 1746 0000 for more information.

Cherry is the fruit of the month! Stop by T-Spoon for a wide range of mouthwatering cherry creations by Kempinski’s five-star chefs. Try the Cherrysier cake, homemade cherry ice cream with cherry compote or warm cherry and chocolate clafoutis, or all of them! Pair your juicy selection with a lovely cup of tea from T-Spoon’s extensive tea library, with varieties of the finest teas from around the world. T-Spoon has also introduced a selection of healthy drinks on the menu, which are becoming a big hit with the guests. GO: Cherry Delights is on throughout June from 9am to 11pm and until midnight on weekends. Call 1717 1155 for more information.

Bahrain Bites

Business Lunch at Sheraton

Ribs Night at the Domain A new dinner experience at The Domain Bahrain will see Executive Chef Bengt Carlsson cook up another hot special at Le Sauvage. Imagine the finest beef short ribs, seasoned with the chef â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s special spices and slow-cooked to perfection. A combination of an excellent dry rub, a perky sauce and top notch ribs barbequed to perfection. The BBQ beef ribs are prepared using homemade rubs, sauces and premium meat to create finger-licking ribs that practically fall off the bone. GO: This special barbeque dinner is available every Wednesday and Thursday for BD12++. Call 1600 0222 for more information.

Step into the superb atmosphere of Golestan Restaurant and start your meal with freshly made Arabic bread and sample the selection of classic dishes. Kick off with delicious starters, which include Mast-o-Khiyar and fresh greens with feta cheese, walnuts and mint. Some of the main course items include Joojeh Kebab Bestokhan and Koobideh served with Zereshk, Baghali and saffron rice, Chelo Kebab Koobideh and Chicken Koobideh served with Zereshk, Baghali and Saffron rice. End your meal with the dessert, Makhloot. GO: Enjoy great selection of Iranian dishes for just BD12++. Business lunch is served daily except Sunday from 12:30pm to 2:45pm. Call 1753 3533 for more information.

Catch of the Day at Elite Grande Catch of the Day, an all you can eat seafood buffet, with live cooking at H20 is a must for all seafood lovers. Every Saturday relish the freshest seafood, select your fish, tell the chef how youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d like it cooked and enjoy the sumptuous all-you-can-eat buffet with a large variety of starters, main courses and desserts. If you are a fan of grilled food, walk in on Thursdays for the Hot Grill Night, with live barbeque and a large variety of starters, main courses and desserts. GO: Catch of the Day is priced at BD10++ inclusive of soft drinks. Visit www.elitegroup4u. com for more information.

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CHEF’S TABLE

C hef Dario Cattarinich

A firm favourite of many on the island, Gulf Hotel’s La Pergola Italian restaurant is all set to introduce an exciting new dining concept ‘Casa Mia’ (My House in Italian). FACT chatted with Italian Chef Dario Cattarinich to find out more about Casa Mia and discovered what it really feels like eating in an Italian home!

“My favourite is Napolitan cuisine, which is where I’m from.”

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Having started his culinary journey at the age of 16, working in the kitchens in his home town Naples, Chef Dario has come a long way. His professional career has taken him all around Italy, the US and now to sunny Bahrain, with one and a half years at La Pergola already under his belt. Explaining the concept of Casa Mia Chef Dario says, “It’s Italian home style kind of food. Even the presentation is not very spectacular as we wanted to focus more on home cuisine (home cooked food, YES!).” We were excited, but our stomachs couldn’t have been less prepared when we

realised we were about to taste 12 dishes (not that we’re complaining!). We rolled up our sleeves and jumped straight into the medley of Antipasti, which consisted of Bruschetta Al Pomodoro (bruschetta bread topped with chopped tomato, garlic and olive oil), Bresaola (air dried beef fillet slices topped with rucola salad, parmesan shaves and olive oil), Bocconcini fritti (fried fresh cow mozzarella mini balls) and Scamorza in Salsa Di Pomodoro E Basilico Fresco (warm scamorza smoked cheese with basil and tomato sauce). “We want to give an Italian house experience,” explains Chef Dario. “In Italy

GO: Call La Pergola on 1774 6419 or 17746 420 for reservations and more information.

The promotion is on every Thursday for a great value of BD 12.50 ++ per person (a minimum booking of four people).

when we eat, we start with appetisers, then Primi, which is pasta or rice (anything that has starch), then Secondi, which is meat, fish or chicken and then fruit and dessert. Our Primi was an array of dishes like Gnocchi Sorrentina (potato gnocchi in tomato sauce scamorza and parmesan cheeses with fresh basil gratinated with breadcrumbs), Orecchiette Al Pesto Mediterraneo (chef ’s recommendation - Orecchiette in basil pesto and cherry tomato sauce) and Fettuccine Panna E Funghi (fettuccine pasta with white sauce, cheese and mushroom). Another great Secondi recommendation from the chef was Salmone alle arancie (Salmon in oranges sauce). Including side dishes or Contorni and dessert of Special Mini Pastries, we were definitely in food coma. Ingredients play a huge role in Italian cooking as the quality of the ingredients gives a different taste. “Most of the ingredients (cheeses, oil, vinegar and pasta) are imported from Italy,” says Chef Dario. “We make fresh pizza dough everyday, with fresh vegetables sourced locally and some imported from Europe

(especially the herbs) and Saudi.” This great concept of all the dishes spread around the table to enjoy with family and friends definitely had us sold and reminded us of home – just like mama does it!

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Society

Nans Group hosted a client appreciation spring summer soiree on behalf of fact, ohlala and hadag magazines. the garden party was held at amwaj islands with live barbeque, free flowing beverages and live entertainment.

#nansgroup #party

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The wishing & hoping diet does not work Yvonne Cole, Personal Trainer, believes that when you eat clean, train hard and trust the process, your consistency and patience pays off…

“Yvonne you have to help; I need to get rid of this fat on my legs before the summer. I’ve been walking every other day for the past few weeks and I haven’t seen a change”. I sit there, smile and reply, “unfortunately walking a few times a week isn’t going to make that much of a difference right now as you need to workout more intensely.” I also ask if food habits have changed and I’m greeted with a look of bewilderment. I find it amazing that some 96. fact magazine

people still think getting the shape they want will only take a few weeks when it took considerably longer to get the shape they have now, and feel that ‘the wishing and hoping diet’ will work. It won’t and to my knowledge it has NEVER worked. Once people start to realise this the less heartache they’ll feel - you can never run from a bad diet. Good nutrition and exercise go hand in hand; trust me, it works. Over the past few weeks I’ve noticed that a lot more people are out on the roads running and walking, and it brings a smile to my face as it seems people have finally dusted off the new training shoes they bought at the beginning of the year as the realisation ‘summer is coming’ has hit them. So find an activity you enjoy and commit to it for 30 days and it will become a habit and a lifestyle! GO: Email ymcfitness@gmail. com or call 3935 9105 for more information.

PEP TALK

Benefits & Beauty of Emotional Wellness Christal Dennis is a Personal Performance Coach and Hypnotherapist with a Masters in Psychology, Leadership Development and Coaching. She is dedicated to helping people overcome life’s hurdles and tapping into their deepest potential...

I suppose that it sounds obvious that to be emotionally well is beneficial and that it is something that anyone would enjoy. For many of us though we don’t know what we are missing until we actually experience it. A lady told a story of getting new glasses which provides a perfect analogy to what I am talking about. She was a little girl experiencing headaches.

Her parents told her that she will be getting new glasses that would help her get rid of her headaches. She protested saying, “but I see well enough.” She got her new glasses anyway and what she discovered was shocking and awe inspiring. The trees looked different. They were not the green blobs she thought they were supposed to be. She had taken the way they looked for granted. She had no idea that it was possible to see more – the leaves and branches. She did not know what she was missing until she experienced her new altered reality. You may be experiencing life in a certain way that you take for granted. For example, you may take for granted that everyone finds socialising nerve racking or going to work somewhat painful. Life is not pleasure all the time, but there are things in life that can be experienced in a pleasurable way. When we allow ourselves to feel certain pains of life, we open ourselves up to experiencing all the pleasures life has to offer in the most unexpectedly simple things. Here’s to your emotional health! GO: For a personal consultation call 3669 6666.

Beauty Spotlight

Toni &Guy

Sun Kissed Hair

Although it has transitioned, the ombre trend is here to stay. Get it done right by these expert hairdressers for subtle gradations and a naturallooking soft haze. Often confused with dip-dye and balayage, ombre is about having depth at the roots that fade into lighter tips. Unlike other hair colour trends, this effect is subtler, making it a great option for the colour-shy. Many women get nervous about taking the plunge, as many salons often do not get it right. Look no further; the experts at Toni&Guy are dedicated to mastering the latest hair colour trends. It takes great skill to create the slight nuances in shades that perfect the modern ombre. “We call it blushing. The colour is ‘blushed down’ as we go towards the ends of the hair so that it looks like its moving,” the directors at Toni&Guy explain. The colour technicians at Toni&Guy offer two different styles. Soft waves, showing a subtle blend of tones, allow movement. An ultra straight look delivers a dramatic effect. At this hair salon, you get to choose any number and kind of colours as you please, to create any style of ombre. You name it and the stylist will get it done. Colouring your hair is no simple task; the one-size-fits-all approach of the past no longer exists. Today, your hair colour is just that — yours! The professional creates a blend of tones specifically to suit you. whether you want something subtle or dramatic, temporary or permanent, Toni&Guy’s experts will make it work for you. Book an appointment and visit them at Seef Mall’s new extension for a consultation. Call 1700 1700 for more information. fact magazine .97

Luca de Stefano

General Manager of Holiday Inn Express. He has been living in Bahrain since October 2011

island insider Tell us three things you enjoy the most about living in Bahrain? Living in Bahrain gives you the opportunity to meet people with different education, culture, religions etc. Having a sunny weather all year round is a plus! I’m enjoy going to the beach eight months a year. Even though Bahrain is a small Island, you can find everything you need, from good hospitals to good schools and a great variety of food from everywhere in the world. 98. fact magazine

What are your favourite dining hotspots in Bahrain? Legendz at the Intercontinental Regency Bahrain because I love grilled meat and this is definitely the best steak house in Bahrain, with an excellent variety and quality of meats with five-star service. Bushido because it has the best Japanese food, delicious sushi and a great combination of music and lighting. Monsoon for its good quality food and a great atmosphere.

What’s your favourite holiday destination and your choice of hotel to stay there? I like Dubai for several reasons. First of all, it’s only a one-hour flight and is easily accessible for a short break or weekend. Whenever I go Dubai I find new attractions, new hotels, new restaurants. It is consistently growing and you never get bored. The city is clean and green and is extremely well organised. I like staying at the Intercontinental Dubai Festival City.

Mini vacation. Maximum relaxation.

The Kempinski Weekend Getaway | BD 69 per pax* Limousine pick-up and drop (anywhere in Bahrain) One night in our luxurious Superior Room Full American breakfast buffet Poolside BBQ at Nasmat (free select beverages) Entry to Bizarre Lounge (free select beverages) BD10 shopping voucher +973 1717 1111 | reservation.bahrain@kempinski.com | kempinski.com/bahrain *Offer valid for CPR cardholders only. Terms and conditions apply.

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