work it out fact magazine
September 2014. VOL 8 ISSUE 01 . BD 1 | SR10
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“ Oh, the doors that willl open when you have the right key�
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contents WORKOUT ADVICE Go to the kitchen. Put the kettle on. Get your favourite mug. Make a cuppa to your desired preference. Walk back to the living room. Find a comfy spot on the sofa or a chair. Sit back. Put your feet up. Relax. Enjoy reading through this issue of FACT!
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10.. FACT FINDS
18. HAPPENINGS
25. HEALTH AND WELLNESS
Before applying any fragrance, moisturise the area properly. It has been observed that a perfume diffuses well when applied on moisturised skin.
Afternoon tea traditionally starts with savory finger-sized smoked salmon, cucumber, or egg and mustard cress sandwiches - followed by scones with jam and cream, and finally a selection of cakes.
It takes about 12 weeks after starting an exercise program to see measurable changes in your body.
36. GLOBETROTTER
47. ARTS: CARTOON PLANET
55. INFINITI Q50
Thailand’s name in the Thai language is ‘Prathet Thai’, which means “Land of the free”. It is the only Southeast-Asian country that was never colonised by a European nation.
The first animated television cartoon series was called - Crusader Rabbit, which ran from 1949 to 1951 and the earliest cartoon strip named; The Yellow Kid was shown in New York journal in 1896.
Holding a remote car key to your head doubles its range, because the human skull acts as an amplifier!
72. FASHION FOCUS
87. CHEF’S TABLE
River Island sponsors London Fashion Week’s FASH/ON FILM Festival, an initiative created by River Island and the British Fashion Council to support up and coming designers and film makers in fashion.
Tapas originated in Andalucía, a southern province of Spain and the word Tapa means Cover. Today Tapas bars are popular worldwide and Tapas often includes items such as sausages, Spanish omelette, meatballs, shrimp and fried potatoes.
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THE EDITOR
Spectacular September September is here and we’re still reeling from our holidays. It’s time to get rid of the holiday blues, shed a few extra pounds, and throw ourselves back into being fit and healthy.
T
FACT Magazine Bahrain Edition September 2014 Volume 8, Issue 01
work it out September 2014. VOL 8 ISSUe 01 . bD 1 | Sr10 front.indd 1
9/1/14 1:07 PM
Director Omar Shaheen Chief Executive Officer Greg Hughes Editor-in-Chief Shabana Adam (shabana@factlive.com) Editor Apple Sharma
he trouble with jogging is that by
the time you realize you’re not in shape for it, it’s too far to walk back.” (Franklin Jones)
exercising if you don’t eat right. We bring you
that you were still on holiday, sitting on a
and so easy to make!
But, all work and no play, makes Jack a
Editorial Assistant Pallavi Ramesh
dull boy! We met with Mohammed AlMahdi, founder of the very first cartoon
Creative Director Paula Leal
It’s September, it’s hot and don’t you wish beach, sipping on yummy drinks with little umbrellas? (Well, I certainly do!). Talking
about holidays, I went on a week-long trip
to Bangkok to rediscover this amazing city. Read about it all on p36 . I also stayed at one of the most luxurious hotels, Amari
Watergate Bangkok, to bring you our Tried
& Tested travel piece (p41). But, let’s get out of our holiday reverie and back to reality,
shall we? The honest truth is that although we might’ve indulged a little bit while we were away; it’s not the end of the world.
After all, that’s what holidays are for! Fear not, it’s not as difficult as you think to get
back into a healthy regime. This issue tackles all your health and wellness needs as we
bring you everything from spa round ups
(p26) to detox diets (p34). Exercise doesn’t
necessarily have to be boring and mundane.
There are great new ways of keeping fit these days, whilst having fun at the same time.
Check out these cool exercises and workouts and where to do them in Bahrain (p32). However, there is absolutely no point in
Apple Sharma Editor apple@factlive.com
some healthy recipes (p33) that are delicious
company in Bahrain, Cartoon Planet, to
chat to him about his passion for the art of
Senior Graphic Designer Raquel Henriques
Editor has to say about the two cars he
Designer & Photography Rashed Bin Daina
cartooning (p47). Read what our Motoring reviewed this month – The Infiniti Q50
(p55) and the Toyota Yaris (p60). For all you
Photographer Shobin Joseph
out the River Island Collection Focus (p72)
Production & Distribution Manager Neil Mahmood
fashion conscious ladies and gents, check and our Fashion Round Up (p76) of the
trendiest workout clothes and accessories. That’s not all; we also sat down with the
gregarious Chef Joan Gomez, for our chef ’s
table (p87) at BMMI’s new tapas restaurant, La Vinoteca Barcelona; and scoured Ibrida
at Ramee Grand Hotel & Spa for our venue review (p83). As always, we also bring you the latest dining options from around the island in Bahrain Bites (p90) too.
Last, but not the least, I’m saddened to say that this will be my last editor’s letter for
FACT as I pass the reigns back to Shabana Adam and move onto other pursuits. A
big thank you and goodbye to all my lovely readers; it has been an absolute pleasure to
have brought you the past eight issues, and I hope you’ve enjoyed reading them as much
as I’ve enjoyed putting them together for you. Keep tuned in and happy reading! 8.
fact magazine
Group Motoring Editor Tony Sidgwick
Business Development Manager Selma Carolina Jemouai Contributors Christal Dennis Yvonne Cole Georgina Jennsen Ali Fareed ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES Tel: +973 3958 5681 E-mail: carolina@nansgroup.com PRINTED BY Awal Press, Bahrain. All Rights Reserved. Opinion expressed within does not necessarily represent the opinion of the publisher. All efforts have been made to ensure accuracy of the information within this publication. However, FACT M.E. Bahrain cannot accept legal responsibility for any erroneous content or omissions. FACT M.E. Bahrain Publishing W.L.L. Office 53, Building 872, Road 3618, Block 436, Seef. Ministry of Information. Subject Registration Number: CFB779
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FACT FINDS
Fact Finds
Santa Maria Novella
Discover more of Bahrain with FACT FINDS – every month we’ll bring you our favourite eatery, activity or interesting find from around the island.
Ladies and gents, get ready to tickle your olfactory senses as a brand new Italian brand of perfumes comes to Bahrain! Founded in 1621, Officina Profumo Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella is one of the world’s oldest pharmacies, created in the 13th century by Dominican monks, in Florence. They held it until the late 19th century, when they developed ancient preparations like Santa Maria Novella Water. Santa Maria Novella’s five centuries of history and culture is now here in Bahrain as a concessionaire of Santa Maria Novella has opened in Al Aali Complex, first floor (next to Trousseau). FACT went on a little tour of the shop and had a chance to sample some of their beautiful products on offer. Santa Maria Novella products are formulated with perfectly natural herbs and oils and include 45 perfumes, pure essence and triple extracts, moisturising face creams, anti-aging line, body milks, tonics, shampoos and conditioners, bubble bath, tanning products, ancient preparations, as well as baby and children lines. The shop also stores luxury gifts for the home such as scented candles, potpourri, incense, fragrances for closets and bags, organic honeys, compotes, extra virgin olive oils, teas and infusion for specific 10. fact magazine
TOP Picks treatment, rose cookies and chocolates. Santa Maria Novella also produces products for men, including different fragrances of aftershave, body lotion, cream and shaving foam, soaps and perfumes. Some of the popular perfumes in Bahrain include Angel of Florence - a bouquet of sweet fruity notes; Melogano (Pomegranate) - the fragrance summons warm, welcoming sensations; and Gold Musk - a sweet musky woody single note fragrance, to name but a few. A new fragrance Cala Rossa will also be introduced soon. The store has been receiving great feedback about its two different line of fragrances - Triple Extract and Pure Essence. The entire Santa Maria Novella product line is like holding a beautiful piece of history in your hand, where every product has a story to tell. So, wander into this lovely store to experience a beautiful sensation of scents. GO: Opening Hours: everyday from 10am to 10pm. Call 1747 1766 or follow smnbahrain on Instagram for more information.
Pure Essence
Pure Essence, as the name suggests, is a concentrate essence for handkerchiefs and abayas. These are available in the same fragrances as the Triple Extracts, with the addition of Mimosa and Patchouli.
Triple Extract
Triple Extract is a single note, which is diluted in alcohol and applied directly to the body. It is available in fragrances such as Gardenia, Jasmine, Magnolia, Rose, Verbena and Violet.
NISSAN TIIDA. DYNAMIC STYLING TO EXPRESS AND IMPRESS. THAT’S TIIDA. Sporty Design | Wider & Lower Stance | Smoked Headlamps
NISSAN TIIDA
STARTING FROM BD 5,995 Sitra, Tel: 17 732 732 www.nissanbahrain.com fact magazine .11
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downloads of our interactive app!
Find Rashed?
He’s hidden somewhere in the issue, exclusively on the FACT App! Find FACT’s dapper designer chilling somewhere in our issue, available for download on the interactive FACT app. We have two dinners for two at Saffron, Al Areen Palace, up for grabs! The rules have changed and you can only find Rashed now on FACT’s app (turn to p69 for more information). Email editorial@factlive.com with the page number you think he’s on! Good Luck!
12.
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WIN
VolkswagenBahrain
www.volkswagen-bahrain.com
Beauty and the
The Beetle. 210 hp for only BD. 9,990/-.
German engineering for everyone.
Sitra – Tel: 17459977 Email: volkswagen@behbehani.com.bh
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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!
United Kingdom A 21-year-old Bahraini, Maryam Khaled Mahmoud, was granted the Craig Williams Memorial award for best performance in the Bangor Business School graduation ceremony. She completed her degree in Accounting and Finance from Bangor University’s undergraduate programme provided by BIBF. The graduation ceremony in Wales, was attended by BIBF Deputy Director Dr. Ahmad Al Shaikh. In all, 74 students graduated at the ceremony!
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Bahrain Buzz
Gaza Bahrain sent its second relief consignment to the Gaza strip in cooperation with UNRWA and WHO. This consignment contained 40 tonnes of medicines, relief and food supplies catering to the needs of the people of Gaza. His Majesty King Hamad was praised by Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, board of Trustees Chairman, Royal Charity Organisation (RCO) for providing relief and support to the distressed Palestinians. The delegation was received by top officials in Gaza who were grateful for the immense support from the Bahraini Government.
Love it
Abandoned child gets home and citizenship
Two-year-old Najwa, who has been living at Batelco Child Care for 17 months, was recently adopted by a Bahraini couple. As a baby she was given away to a family friend by her Bangladeshi father after her Indonesian mother was deported. She was kicked out and spotted by a Bahraini who took her to Batelco Child Care. We’re so pleased that Najwa now gets Bahraini citizenship and a chance at real family life!
Hate It
Not a single donation made for charity
Qatar ‘Butterfly’ team from Bahrain won the first Pan-Arab session of Microsoft’s Imagine Cup held in Qatar. Following their return, at a press conference held by Microsoft and its strategic partners Tamkeen, the eGovernment Authority (eGA), and Bahrain Development Bank (BDB), the team described their participation in this prestigious competition. Butterfly also represented Bahrain and the Arab World at the Worldwide Finals of Imagine Cup 2014 hosted at the University of Washington.
Not a single donation was made during the weeks leading up to Eid Al Fitr to the Muqbah Charitable Society, which has been running the ‘Make a Child Happy’ campaign for the past 15 years, to help needy children. This year, 10 boxes were placed across Bahrain for clothes, toys and accessories at supermarkets and shopping centres for three weeks. It’s such a shame that they were collected empty.
Can’t Believe it Road accidents every six minutes
With one accident every six minutes on average (as reported), Bahrain’s driving scene is a matter of concern. The latest statistics from the General Directorate of Traffic show that a total of 95,965 accidents were reported last year, where 86 people were killed and 1,627 injured. Bahraini males aged between 20 and 24 were found to be the worst culprits. This is a matter of life and death so don’t drive like a maniac!
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Society
#WELCOME#RECEPTION #MรถVENPICK A dinner party invite was extended to important guests of the industry for the newly assigned Communications Manager for Mรถvenpick Hotel Bahrain, Mariam Sallam. The Thursday Night Brunch dinner was hosted to introduce her to the industry.
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HAPPENINGS
Getting Out & About This Month in Bahrain
Say goodbye to boredom this month and mark your diaries with these all-important 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!).
07 10 12 15 18 SUNDAY
WEDNESDAY
FRIDAY
MONDAY
THURSDAY
Film screening at La Fontaine Centre of Contemporary Art
Sushi Wednesdays at Thai Lounge, The Ritz-Carlton
Trans Nation Bahrain at Txoko lounge, The Domain
High Tea at Tea Garden, Ramee Grand Hotel & Spa
W-Night at Bushido Lounge
If you are a martial arts fan, make sure to catch ‘Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon’. This film has won four Academy Awards and 10 Academy awards nominations. Watch the film in the comfort of the dance studio with Persian carpets and cushions.
Every Wednesday Sushi Chef Sonny showcases his creations; which includes a Miso soup, a portion of Edamame Beans, a platter of Sushi, and unlimited house beverages and Kirin Ichiban draught until 11pm at BD17 net.
Kick off the night at Txoko, with some warming trance beats with talented resident DJs and co-founders of Trance Nation, DJ Ajoc, DJ Black and Sidney and be assured to set your moods up for the main act by Gareth Weston.
Spend an afternoon with friends, having High Tea, at the Tea Garden, open from 4pm to 6pm. Tea Garden offers a connoisseurs collection of tea, pastries, gourmet sweets, sandwiches and cookies, creating a cosy ambience for guests to enjoy all afternoon.
Ladies, put your hands up! Bushido has launched a brand new ladies night every Thursday, 9pm onwards. Dance to live music performed by The Ravan Project and enjoy a selection of brand new cocktails. Free drinks will be served for ladies throughout the night, with free entry for all.
Call 1723 0123 for more information.
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Call 1758 6499 for more information.
Call 1600 0000 for more information.
Call 1711 1999 for more information.
Call 1758 3555 for more information.
21 23262930
SUNDAY
TUESDAY
FRIDAY
MONDAY
TUESDAY
Qal’AT AL Bahrain through the Ages
Social Hour at An Nada Lounge, Sheraton Hotel Bahrain
Fiesta Mexicana at Gulf Hotel
Business Lunch at the Elite Grande Hotel
Historical Exhibition at Bab Al Bahrain
This project is conceived by French artist MarieFrançoise Rouy, and French composer and sound designer Luc Martinez, with guest Japanese artist Chiharu Shiota. Visit Qal’at Al Bahrain Site and view the artistic scenography, which aims to enhance the visitors’ experience.
Explore the world of vino or try an old favourite. Compare two 50ml vintages for BD2.5 net at Sheraton Social Hour every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 6pm to 7pm. Socialise with a glass of your favourite drink!
Spice up your day and enjoy great food combined with excellent live entertainment! Don’t miss Chris and Toni at Margarita Mexicana every weekend. Authentic Latin music with guitar and sax played by Chris from Cuba and supported by Toni with her beautiful voice.
Savour, socialise and sit back with your colleagues for a leisure lunch. Celebrate your accomplishments or simply brain storm new ideas over Business Lunch at the Elite Grande Hotel. Starts from 12:30pm to 3:30pm, reasonably priced at BD4.9++ per person, inclusive of soft drinks.
A must-visit exhibition at Bab Al Bahrain highlights Bahrain’s history at a new multimedia installation located at the information centre. Also on display in the virtual booth is a collection of archaeological artefacts illustrating 6,000 years of the island’s history. This exhibition is open daily from 7am to 2pm.
Visit www.moc.bh for more information.
Call 1753 5353 for more information.
Call 1771 3000 for more information.
Call 1756 5888 for more information.
Visit www.moc.bh for more information.
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LISTEN UP
Oktoberfest at Gulf Hotel
The Gulf Hotel is hosting a grand Oktoberfest, so get ready to fill your mugs at this happening ale festival packed with fresh lager. Spend a lively evening with family and friends, with entertainment provided by Lasterbacher Musikanten; famous Oktoberfest band coming directly from Western Germany to perform in Bahrain. Revel in this fantastic atmosphere with a sumptuous buffet spread and an assortment of regular and premium spirits.
GO: Oktoberfest at Gulf Hotel on September 25 and 26 at BD23.5++. Call 1771 3000 for more information.
Moulin Rouge at Bushido
Bushido Lounge is getting ready to party Parisian style for this cheeky cabaret event. The party arrives following recent renovations and a brand-new layout in Bushido Lounge, plus the launch of various new cocktails. DJ Ravin headlines the event, with live music also provided by The Ravan Project, and entertainment in the form of fire-shows and beautiful cabaret dancers. Moulin Rouge will surely have the dance floor showing off their can-can skills late into the night. GO: Moulin Rouge at Bushido on September 25 from 9pm onwards. Free entry for Ladies and pre-sale tickets at BD10 for gents and BD20 at the door. Call 1758 3555 for more information. 20. fact magazine
New Magic Island at Seef Mall
GO: Magic Island is open daily from 10am onwards. Visit www. magic-island.com for more information.
Seef Mall has re-opened Bahrain’s first indoor theme park! The new Magic Island offers a spectacle of underwater fun and adventure that will have young and old soaking up the fun. It combines the relaxation and enchantment of an island and takes visitors on an unforgettable voyage across sea and land. Boasting six unique zones - Marina Deck, Beach Sand, Rock Pool, Underwater, Caribbean Island and the Haunted House; every corner of Magic Island delivers an epic adventure and a once-in-a-lifetime thrill for the entire family.
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LISTEN UP
GO: Trance Nation on September 12 from 9pm onwards at The Domain with free entry for ladies including welcome drinks and BD10 for gents. Call 1600 0000 for more information.
Epic Night Out
at Txoko, The Domain
The Domain Bahrain, in collaboration with Trance Nation Bahrain, is hosting an epic night out at Txoko. Trance Nation’s talented resident DJs and co-founders DJ Ajoc, DJ Black and Sidney will kick off the night with some warming trance beats to set the mood for the main act by the famous DJ Gareth Weston. Enjoy the beautiful ambiance of Txoko, the sky lounge, which combines a chic and dynamic atmosphere.
Paul Adams
at Upstairs Downstairs
Enjoy a weekend of fun, music, dance and celebration with Toddy Paul Adams, as he returns to Upstairs Downstairs to entertain all its guests with his outgoing persona and his amazing vocals. He will be performing on September 18, 19, 24, 25 and 26, in the evenings. He will also entertain guests on September 18 and 26 during brunch. Paul has come down all the way from Cape Town, to enthrall guests with a mixture of African tunes, music and culture. Dance the night away with food and beverages at its best! GO: Paul Adams at Upstairs Downstairs from September 18 to 27. Call 1771 3093 for more information.
RnB Sessions and Museland at Ibrida
All RnB fans can enjoy fun evenings filled with entertainment as various RnB artists perform at Ibrida this month. September 4 will see International artist ‘Cupid’, beloved in the local market and known by the hit ‘Cupid Shuffle’. International RnB artist VIC will be performing on September 19. He is well-known in the local market and author of huge club hits such as Wobble Baby, Twerk It and more. Ibrida partners with Museland records to bring two GCC talents - Nikotin and The Relocators. These bands will perform on September 25. GO: Artist Cupid performs on September 4 and VIC performs on September 19. Museland event will take place on September 25 at Ibrida. Call 1711 1199 for more information.
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Toast Around the World
at Trader Vics
Celebrating 70 years of the legendary drink Mai Tai; all guests are invited to join the lounge in a “Toast Around the World” to honour this world-famous cocktail. Starting in Tokyo, Mai Tai’s will be raised high and the toast will continue at each Trader Vic’s location until they end in California where it all began, the Home of the Original Mai Tai! Guests at Trader Vic’s in Bahrain are invited to join this unique international celebration, making the toast at 9:45pm.
GO: The toast will take place on September 26 at 9:45pm at Mai Tai Lounge. To indulge Bahrain’s love for Instagram, special hashtags will be running for the evening’s toast, #TraderVics and #MaiTaiNation. Call 1758 6555 for more information.
Joan Gomez Executive Chef
Raise Your Paws and Claws
for the BSPCA Cause
The Bahrain Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (BSPCA) will hold an auction for a brilliant cause at Upstairs Downstairs. The restaurant will be offering brunch and entertainment by Toddy Paul Adams at BD20 including beverages. Attendance at the brunch is optional and there is no charge to participate in the auction. There will be a lot of exciting items for people to bid on and make it a fun afternoon. All funds raised will go directly to the Animal Welfare Centre to care for abandoned and abused animals in Bahrain.
GO: Buffet and Brunch auction by BSPCA at Upstairs Downstairs for BD20. Brunch from midday to 4pm and auction begins at 2pm.
Experience a vibrant collection of Mediterranean tapas and signature dishes prepared by our Spanish chefs. La Vinoteca Barcelona, brings a stylish and relaxed venue that celebrates the passionate culture and gastronomy of Spain.
19 Yousif Ahmed Al-Shirawi Avenue, Block 338, Adliya, Bahrain Tel: +973 1700 7808 Fax: +973 1700 7909 ccerro@vinotecabcn.com www.vinotecabcn.com
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Health & Wellness Shed those extra kilos accumulated over the holidays and get back into healthy living again. We bring you everything health and wellness related, from spa round ups to healthy recipes and detox diets – to start you on a journey to being fighting fit and rejuvenated!
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Rest and Relaxation at its Best
Every now and then, we all feel a need to get away from the stress of life and take some time to unwind and pamper ourselves. We bring you some of the best spas on the island to do just that.
Vie Lifestyle Lab The Domain The brand new urban wellness spa, Vie Lifestyle Lab, just opened its doors at The Domain Bahrain. The spa focuses on relaxation, rejuvenation and revitalisation programmes, involving cutting-edge technology combined with traditional therapies. The spa offers tailor-made set of treatments to suit a personal need, offering Quick Spa, Day Spa and Resident Spa. The Vie Lifestyle Lab, located on two floors of The Domain, offers everything from comprehensive personal consultation, to high-tech gymnasiums, private treatment cocoons and beauty lounges. Try out the Iyashi Dome unique treatment that burns up to 600 calories! When: Daily 9am to 9pm (11th Floor), 8am to 10pm (15th Floor) Call: 1600 0000 for more information.
Spa Special La Fontaine Centre of Contemporary Art La Fontaine is the only spa on the island that offers Hydrotherapy treatments in the open air. The two treatments include Water Jet Massage, which involves applying continuous circular massage by warm jets of water to the whole body that activates the metabolism and loosens up stiff muscles – a wonderful method of getting rid of stubborn cellulite in the thigh area. Vichy Shower is an exhilarating shower consisting of a 7-head shower system and wet treatment table. Vichy Shower is ideal if used with the coffee body scrub or seaweed body wrap. Get together special spa deals are available until the end of October. When: 9am to 6:30pm (may be extended to 8pm upon request if it is within the time frame of the packages). Call: 1723 0123 for more information. 26. fact magazine
Health & Wellness
Reborn Spa, Salon and Slimming Wellness Centre Ramee Grand Hotel & Spa Rejuvenate, unwind and relax at Reborn Spa, located right in the heart of the Seef District, at Ramee Grand Hotel & Spa. Destress and enjoy a wide variety of relaxing spa treatments including body, skin and hair care, designed to elevate a sense of wellbeing and calmness. The spa offers around 13 treatment rooms providing facials, massages and treatments for men, women and couples. The spa has Ayurvedic treatments, Moroccan baths, various massages and facials, as well as weight loss and body sculpting programmes, in addition to a salon offering grooming services for both men and women, and a gym and pool. When: Spa & Salon: 10am to 11pm. Call: 1711 1999 for more information.
The Royal Spa Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain Hotel & Spa One of the most luxurious spas on the island, The Royal Spa at the Ritz-Carlton has new additions to its already long list of relaxing treatments. These include La Massage (signature customised massage), La Cocoon (personalised body wrap), La Scrub (special formulation to nourish skin) and La Facial (personalised solution using natural ingredients), amongst others. Follow Spa Director Kathy Sim’s great tip of soaking face towel in ice water, squeezing dry and placing on the face for 10 minutes, to a quick facemask. When: Daily from 6:30am to 10pm. Treatment times are scheduled daily from 9am to 9pm. Call: 1758 6808 for more information.
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Health & Wellness
Thalassa Sea & Spa Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa Sofitel Bahrain’s Thalassa Sea & Spa is the first hotel in the GCC to offer a Seawater Spa, providing the best innovative seawater therapy experience, combining therapy, sports activities and healthy diet through the use of seawater and aquatic plants. The complex features 14 treatment rooms, a cutting-edge seawater hydrotherapy pool, a freshwater pool, saunas, steam rooms, hairdresser for men and beauty salon for women, as well as a recreation and yoga studio. The spa is offering special packages - a choice of two packages for ladies and a gentleman package, valid until December 31 (only during weekdays). When: Daily, from 9am to 10pm. Call: 1763 6363 for more information.
Heavenly Spa The Westin, Bahrain City Centre Step into a world of tranquillity and reward yourself with physical and mental renewal as The Westin, Bahrain City Centre introduces its Heavenly Spa. Located on the third floor, the spa is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. It features 10 elegant treatment rooms with designated male and female zones, including a beautiful couples’ spa suite. It’s all about you, as the experienced therapists pamper you with massages, wraps, scrubs and facials. The Turkish Hammam bath (the largest on the island) is a must-try! When: Daily, from 10am to 10pm. Call: 1717 1122 for more information.
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HEALTH & WELLNESS
Great New Ways to Keep Fit Fitness is the key to a healthy life! FACT brings you a roundup of some fun and thrilling workout choices. Choose the one that excites you the most and go for it! Zumba This is definitely one of our favourite ways to keep energised and stay fit throughout the season. Zumba is great for all ages and offers stress relief as well as engaging a number of muscles when doing choreographed moves. The best thing is that, often, you don’t even realise just how many squats and lunges you’re actually doing during this fun class. It’s a social, upbeat fitness choice that also tightens and tones from head toe, and there are plenty of classes to choose from around the city… so, no excuses! GO: Visit Fitness First for Zumba classes. Call 1713 1499 for more information.
Stand Up Paddling (SUP) SUP is the fastest growing water activity which is a good overall workout option. This intense workout regime uses almost every muscle in your body at some point in time. Cruising in an inner bay or blasting through waves, the unstable nature of water and the occasional challenge of gusting wind adds to the difficulty of balancing on a SUP board. This offers a complete body workout that activates the core. You work on conditioning your back, arms, legs and even your toes and feet while paddling. A good half hour on a paddle board will work out your quads and calves for sure. SUP is an excellent cardiovascular activity and a relaxing sport! GO: Amwaj Islands. Visit Stand Up Paddling Bahrain Facebook page for more information.
Kangoo Jumping ‘Jump’ start your workout (literally) and burn more calories! Kangoo Jumping, a combination of running, jumping and dance moves with some funky house music, is a fun and intense workout within a studio. This effective workout is recommended by doctors and physical therapists for safe rehabilitation of sports injuries. You can burn about 25 to 50% more calories than traditional exercises and stimulate your lymphatic system. On top of working your legs and gluts, the Kangoos are said to work your core muscles too - the ones that create those rock hard abs. Strap on your Kangoo boots and get bouncing! GO: Oxygen Gym offers Kangoo Jump sessions. Call 1761 6165 for more information.
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Stand Up Paddleboard Yoga If yoga is your way of exercising and keeping fit, do it with a little twist. Stand-Up Paddleboard Yoga teaches you how to move on calm water using different paddling techniques and the importance of balance. A beautiful workout system that strengthens and lengthens all the major muscle groups, opening up the breath, calming the mind and moving into greater alignment with yourself and the natural beauty that surrounds you on the water. GO: Amwaj Islands. Visit Stand Up Paddling Bahrain Facebook page for more information.
TRX - Total Body Resistance Exercise Produce a highly effective and versatile workout with equipment that involves two suspended bands and rigorous body weight movements. Targeting every muscle, these exercises work your upper and lower body, which in turn makes you slimmer and stronger, also less prone to injuries. Build strength, power, balance, co-ordination, core and joint stability, all while preventing injuries and increasing bone density. Boost your mood and increase your energy levels with this fitness activity, that’s hard to ignore! GO: Life-Fit Family Fitness Centre offers TRX training. Call 1769 2424 for more information.
Kite Surfing The exciting and adventurous sport of kite surfing is a wind powered surface water sport using a kite and a board to move across the water. Kite surfing has a lot of health benefits as you use the whole body to surf. Your legs control the board and push against the power of the kite, whereas your upper body, especially your abs and arms, are used to hold onto the kite and keep your balance. Kite surfing is a fun water sport, which helps you shed a few kilos too! GO: Contact Skate Shack in Amwaj Islands, Al Osra Building (7719 7772) or the Budaiya Highway Branch (1769 7176) for more information on lessons and equipment.
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HEALTH&WELLNESS
FITNESS CENTRES
Crossfit seef Add the spice of ‘exercising’ in your routine and shed those extra kilos to look fit! With cutting-edge equipment, CrossFit Seef welcomes fitness enthusiasts for high-intensity workout regime. Shake up your routine and melt those stubborn pounds at CrossFit Seef. The core values of CrossFit Seef build on the community spirit with a warm and welcoming atmosphere and focus on personal growth. It encourages its members to develop their training into a lifestyle, with an aim to develop personally and improve continuously. There are classes designed for different age groups and genders, running six days a week for beginners as well as advanced CrossFitters; there are also only Women’s classes. Kids can have fun with CrossFit Kids, which focuses on children from three years old and up, who can enjoy an hour of fun, playful, energetic movements based on the CrossFit system. Workout of the Day (WOD) is the core of daily CrossFit Training and consists of a new workout programme defined each day by the Head Coach, Line Jin; who has decades of coaching 32. fact magazine
experience in gymnastics, martial arts and fitness. It is followed by everyone under the guidance of the class coach. CrossFit Seef is conveniently located in the Seef district, near the beach, and is easily accessible from all parts of Bahrain.
“There are classes designed for different age groups and genders...” Visit www.crossfitseef.com to check out the map, prices, timetable and more information. Follow crossfit_seef on Instagram and check their Facebook page ‘crossfit seef’.
Check out some of these fitness centres around the island to help you kick-start your workout regime.
Dessange Bahrain Location: Adliya Call: 1771 3999
Fitness First
Location: Bahrain Trade Centre and Oasis Centre Call: 1713 1499 and 1762 0005
Pineapple Spa Location: Manama Call: 1771 2000
Life-Fit
Location: Budaiya Call: 1769 2424
Bayoga – Bahrain Yoga Therapy & Fitness Centre Location: Juffair Call: 1772 5027
Health & Wellness
Healthy Recipes Villa Mamas
Rastelli Direct
Upstairs Downstairs
This salad is packed with Omega fats, Vitamins & minerals! Just what mama ordered!!!!
A very healthy and delicious twist on burgers
Soft quinoa with mixed peppers and cranberry in coriander olive oil dressing
Ingredients
Ingredients
ingredients
½ Heart of Iceberg Lettuce.
1/4 Cup Lite Teriyaki Sauce
1 Cup Quinoa
4 Crunchy Leaves of Lollo Rosso
1 Can (8 oz) Pineapple Slices, drained
150gms Mixed Colour Peppers
4 pieces Walnuts
and reserve 1/4 Cup Juice
100gms Cranberry
¼ Ripe Avocado cut into cubes
1/2 Red Onion, diced
150gms Coriander Leaves
1 Tbsp Chai Seeds
1/2 Tomato, diced
50ml Olive Oil
1 Tbsp Sunf1ower seeds
1/2 Lemon, juiced
Salt and Pepper for seasoning
½ Apple sliced
2 Tsp Olive Oil
½ Orange peeled and sliced
4 All Natural Turkey Burgers
Method
4 Cherry Tomatoes, cut in half
(Rastelli Direct)
Cook quinoa with two cups of water for
1 Tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO)
4 Whole Grain Buns (Scoop out optional)
15 minutes till soft.
1 Tbsp Balsamic Reduction or Vinegar
Whole Leaf Lettuce
Chop the coloured peppers.
4 Slices Cheddar or Monterey Jack Cheese
Blend coriander leaves with olive oil.
Healthy Mama Salad (Serves 2)
Aloha Turkey Burgers
Method
Cranberry & Cilantro Quinoa Salad
Mix all ingredients and check for
Break the lettuce into small bit size
Method
seasoning.
pieces.
Stir Teriyaki Sauce and Pineapple Juice in
Sprinkle the cranberry on the salad and
Add all the ingredients and toss together.
a small bowl until evenly mixed. Toss Red
serve in iceberg lettuce.
Drizzle with EVOO and Balsamic
Onion, Tomato, Lemon Juice and Olive
Reduction.
Oil. Grill Turkey Burgers, brushing with Teriyaki mixture until cooked through (approx 4-5 minutes per side). Place Pineapple slices on grill and cook until lightly marked. Assemble burgers on whole grain bun with your choice of pineapple, lettuce, cheese, onion and tomato mixture. fact magazine .33
Health & Wellness
Detox Diets and Foods Detox diets are becoming a huge fad these days and the thought of choosing one that is right for you can be mind-boggling. We’ve picked four popular detox diets that will help you rid your body of toxins, but don’t forget to consult your doctor before you embark on any!
Lemon Detox diet Invented 60 years ago by Stanley Burroughs, and popularly known as the Master Cleanse, this diet involves taking lemon juice, pure organic maple syrup, pure water and cayenne pepper for a period no less than 10 days (almost seems deliciously doable). However, be prepared to frequent the loo!
The Raw Food Detox diet This programme, created by nutritionist Natalia Rose, gives you the flexibility of transitioning to consuming raw food at your own pace. An important feature of this diet is to combine food to choose quick exit combinations that lead to improved digestions, encouraging high fruit and vegetable intake.
The Fruit Flush Detox diet It’s possible to wash away excess weight and toxins in just three days by eating only natural foods – fruits (sounds too good to be true, right?). According to Jay Robb, the creator of this diet, this three day plan, requires you to take a specific amount of fruit every two hours to maximize the system, while keeping your blood sugar levels stable.
The Martha’s Vineyard Diet Detox This diet traces its effectiveness to Ayurvedic medicine and removes all acidic foods to help your body eliminate toxin build up. It apparently alters the body’s PH balance to its ideal alkaline state.
Top 10 foods to detox your body & cleanse your liver • Leafy Greens like spinach, kale, dandelion, arugula, bok choy, watercress and chard. Garlic | Cruciferous Vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower Avocado | Turmeric | Citrus Fruits | Beets | Apples | Asparagus | Green Tea
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fact magazine .35
w hen we were given an opportunity by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) to visit Bangkok, we obviously jumped at it (who wouldn’t?) and packed our bags to explore this magical and vibrant city. Here are some of the main highlights of our trip. First and foremost, how to get there! Emirates Airline takes you from Bahrain to Bangkok via Dubai, in about seven and a half hours. Flying on the Airbus 380 was not just pleasant, but pretty exciting, especially the in-flight entertainment system (which we couldn’t get enough of!). We somehow forced ourselves to fall asleep, so we could be fresh as daisies, for the schedule was packed for the next few days, from massages to Thailand Happiness Festival, sightseeing and experiencing Thai culture at its best.
Tower Club at Lebua Located on the corner of Charoen Krung and Silom roads, Tower Club at Lebua is Bangkok’s finest 5-star, executive all-suite and all-club hotel, at the heart of Bangkok’s business and shopping areas, with nightlife at an arm’s reach. Each of its spacious suites offer breathtaking views of Bangkok and the Chao Phraya River. Each of the hotel’s 221 spacious suites (from 51st to 59th floors) have a warm and contemporary decor, accented by hardwood floors and honey beige and light brown furnishings adding that touch of luxury. The uber-comfy beds come with Finesse mattresses, 330 thread count linen, down feather pillows, and all the amenities for an 36. fact magazine
Globetrotter
amazing thailand
Thailand was recently voted the top wish-list destination in South East Asia. FACT’s Apple Sharma went on a journey to explore Bangkok and experience firsthand what makes this city truly amazing!
unforgettable stay. We were pampered at the Tower Club Lounge on the 52nd floor, with a sumptuous atmosphere and unlimited privileges. The Dome (on the 65th floor) at Lebua comprises excellent restaurants and bars, offering an exquisite selection of cuisines from Mediterranean to innovative European and modern Asian. The celebrated Sky Bar (of The Hangover II fame) stole the show, with its inspirational cocktails, including the hangovertini, which was invented for the cast and crew of the film! GO: Visit www.lebua.com for more information.
Sampran Riverside Sampran Riverside is an award winning eco-cultural destination close to Bangkok (about two hours). Since 1962, its philosophy and activities are based on traditional Thai way of life of the Sampran District. The facilities include a 4-star riverside hotel, Thai houses, spa, restaurants, meeting rooms, Thai Village, Organic
Farm and a weekend farmer’s market. We experienced various cultural activities at the unique Thai Village, with morning art and craft workshops and afternoon cultural show. The 4-star riverside hotel has superior rooms, family rooms and suites, each with its own balcony and equipped with modern amenities. The traditional Thai houses by the lake are one, two and
four bedrooms, all with modern facilities and services. The 10-acre Organic Farm is certified by IFOAM and EU standards, with vegetables, fruits and herbs grown for the hotel and restaurants. Sampran riverside also caters to tailor-made events, green meetings, team building, weddings and special occasions. GO: Visit www.sampranriverside.com for more information. fact magazine .37
Globetrotter
R
Upcoming Events
What to do
September Ratchada night Bazaar This is like a mini showroom to buy vintage knick-knacks, as well as inexpensive clothes, shoes, and leather bags. It runs on Saturday’s from 6:30pm to 2am.
Royal Barge Procession Takes place on Chao Phraya River for special occasions. There’s 51 traditional barges, and other escort barges, with more than 2,000 oarsmen in traditional uniforms.
General Attractions With so much to see and do in Bangkok, you have to approach the city from different angles, depending upon your interests, needs, desires, and time available. As a gentle introduction to the city, Lumpini Park is a good place to start. Bangkok is a river city at heart, so a trip to the Chao Phraya River to see the Royal Palace and Temple is a must. Try and fit in at least some gallery-hopping and the famous Jim Thomson House. Explore Bangkok at night, be it Chinatown or hip clubs like Q Bar, Club Culture or Narz. Complete the overview of Bangkok on a high, by enjoying a meal at one of the sky scraping rooftop dining and drinking spots, including the Sky Bar, Sirocco, Vertigo and Moon Bar, or the Red Sky. You’ll need some time to even begin covering the star attractions, much less all the amazing restaurants, markets, galleries, temples, shops and shows. You’ll simply have to come back for more!
cTransportation Visit Temple of Dawn, cross over to the Grand Palace, Wat Phra Kaew – to see the Emerald Buddha, and Wat Po, home of the world’s largest reclining Buddha.
Taxi Taxis cruise the streets of Bangkok, with designated “taxi-metre” charge of 35 baht for the first 3kms and approximately five baht for every kilometre thereafter.
MBK, Siam Center, Siam Paragon, Central World, Robinson Chidlom, Gaysorn Plaza, and The Emporium. 38. fact magazine
October
Tesagan Gin Je Festival (Vegetarian Festival) where yellow and red flags signal stalls selling food in line with festival regulations.
November
Loy Krathong – Festival of Light – yearly on the full moon of the 12th lunar month, with lanterns in the sky and offerings in the river.
Royal Palace & temple
shopping
Nan Traditional Long Boat Racing showcases various kinds of big and small boats, with competitions, markets and exhibitions.
Tuk-Tuk Tuk-Tuks or three wheel taxis are quite popular among the
tourists, especially for short journeys inside Bangkok. This is a fun way to explore the city, but the fare must be bargained in advance.
bts Sky Trains BTS Sky Trains go along Silom, Sukhumvit and Phahonyothin Roads, connecting many major city areas for tourism.
December
Chiang Rai Asean Flowers Fair features ship parade of flowers, gardening contests, a beautiful agricultural market and so much more.
at the Gulf Hotel Bahrain with the famous LASTERBACHER MUSIKANTEN BAND
25th & 26th September ‘14 Doors open at 7:30 pm • Show starts at 8:30 pm Thursday and Friday BD 23.500 ++ (Inclusive of buffet dinner) *Special rates are available for Prestige Club Members.
To buy your ticket now, please call +973 1774 6412 Or visit the Banquet office, Open from 8am to 5pm www.gulfhotelbahrain.com
fact magazine .39
TheGulfHotelBahrain
@TheGulfHotel
TheGulfHotelBahrain
Amwaj Island’s True Local
Happy Hours
Everyday 4pm - 7pm All Beverages 20% off The Lagoon, Amwaj Islands | tel. 16010160 | Open daily midday-midnight
fact magazine magazine 40. 6. fact
Amari watergate bangkok The Amari Watergate Bangkok offers the vibrancy of Bangkok at your fingertips. FACT’s Apple Sharma experienced the facilities and tells you what makes Amari a notch above the rest.
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TRIED & TESTED 03
01
04
02
A
mari Watergate Bangkok, located in the heart of the vibrant Pratunam neighbourhood in downtown Petchburi, brings the excitement of Thailand’s capital city right to your doorstep. The hotel is surrounded by the bustling landscape of shopping bazaars and lifestyle malls, yet when you enter the hotel lobby, you are instantly transported into an environment of tranquillity. The relaxed ambience of the lobby, the welcoming staff and the sound of Thai classical music immediately puts us at ease. The hotel’s spacious rooms and suites, fine dining restaurants, superb service and fantastic recreational facilities made for a very memorable stay.
Rooms
Whether you’re travelling for business or pleasure, the 569 deluxe rooms and executive suites are well-equipped for every need, with broadband internet access in all rooms and Wi-Fi available throughout the hotel. The rooms/suites overlook the city centre, and the 42. fact magazine
05
higher you go the better it gets (stunning view of the entire city). There are four executive floors (starting from the 32nd floor), with a private reception, 24-hour butler service and an executive lounge. The facilities and amenities were top-notch, with a luxury hotel feel and the comforts of home.
Restaurants
You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to dining venues as there are seven different restaurants and bars. We discover various world cuisines from authentic local food at Thai on 4, to lively buffet at Promenade, Cantonese food at its best at Heichinrou, daily happy hours at Henry J. Bean’s Bar
06
& Grill, international snacks and tapas at Cascade, relaxing tropical cocktails at the Pool Bar, and sundowners and nibbles at the Executive Lounge (exclusive for Executive Floor guests). You can also enjoy authentic Middle Eastern cooking prepared by the hotel’s award winning Master Chef Yasser Darwich.
Meeting Room
With numerous convention and meeting rooms to boast on various floors, the hotel’s
07
Attractions
Pantip Plaza A six-floor shopping mall devoted to gadgets, famous for its pirated media. Good place for digital cameras, printers and so on, but test what you’re buying!
08
10
09
01 Lobby 02 Executive Room 03 Garden 04 Heichinrou 05 Executive Suite
Spa
efficient team caters to almost every wish with seamless precision. The hotel can organise themed events for companies to suit any occasion, especially conferences and incentives. Various equipment, including LCD and video projectors, wireless microphones, multi-vision shows, video conferencing equipment, flipcharts, whiteboards, pointers and more, are also available to make your meetings and conferences hassle-free. Amari also provides other supporting services like business centre, board room, translation service, office for rent, secretarial service and banqueting facilities, to name but a few.
06 Executive Room 07 Promenade 08 Ayudhaya Meeting Room 09 Meeting Room 10 Breeze Spa
There is nothing as relaxing as a day at the spa and the hotel’s Breeze Spa is the epitome of luxury, transcending you into a cocoon of serenity. We had a chance to unwind as the trained spa therapists pampered us with a Thai massage. Take in the Bangkok sunset at the outdoor garden terrace, which houses a swimming pool with jacuzzi and sundeck. Fitness enthusiasts can make use of the Clark Hatch Fitness Centre, with gymnasium, squash court, steam and sauna. If that’s not enough, the Breeze Beauty Salon will have you looking prim and pruned in no time. GO: Visit www.amari.com for more information.
Platinum Fashion Mall A shopping mall with a/c, that is especially good for women as it sells clothes, handbags, shoes, accessories, and make-up at wholesale prices!
Pratunam Center The four-floor centre has textile and jewellery for retail and wholesale. Two floors are taken up by OTOP (one tambon, one product) that sells handicrafts from every township of Thailand.
Central World Thailand’s largest shopping complex, offers more than 500 stores, 100 restaurants and cafes, 15 cinemas, Kids’ Zone and Learning Centre, a food court, a huge supermarket and an outdoor square for large-scale events.
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REGIONAL HAPPENINGS
For those of you thinking of jetting off around the region this month, we’ve rounded up some of the best events for you to check out in our neighbouring nations…
Diary Dates
Lebanon, Beirut Art Fair Where Beirut International Exhibition & Leisure Centre, Lebanon. When September 18 to 21. Art enthusiasts listen up! Beirut Art Fair is back for 2014 to showcase the best in creative talents of the regional and international art scene. Packed with exhibitions, conferences and workshops, this is a collector’s haven with up-to-date 44. fact magazine
information on artists, trends, galleries, publications, and institutions which make up this fast-evolving part of the art world. This spectacular art fair covers the ME.NA. SA region, all the way from Morocco to Indonesia, bringing established artists and rising stars from all different cultures together. Go and discover the creative world and be inspired by the heritage, history and hype of these artists! If you need a culture fix this month then Lebanon awaits. Visit www.beirut-art-fair.com for more information.
“Go and discover the creative world and be inspired by the heritage, history and hype of these artists.”
Qatar
Jordan
Greece
Where Qatar National Convention Centre, Doha When September 4
Where Dead Sea, Jordan When September 7 to November 7. From 8am to 5pm, Tuesday to Sunday for JD250, including video and photos.
Where Thessaloniki, Greece When September 17 & 19 to 21.
Skills, thrills and a sense of adventure and adrenalin is what you’ll need for this! SkyDive Dubai is heading to Jordan again to give you the highest rush at the lowest point at the Dead Sea. This could be your excuse to visit Jordan and check out some of the beautiful local sites and welcoming culture. OR, it could be your excuse to go SkyDiving! Either way, go and get your travel fix this month with a visit to Jordan. Email info@skydivejordan.com for more info.
Ok, so maybe not quite the closest destination but we thought this one was well worth a mention. Based on this year’s programme, Reworks Festival didn’t break its stride. The 2014 lineup is possibly the most exciting, and most ambitious yet. Expect to see big name acts like Jessie Ware, And.Id, Ben Klock, Dreamachinery, Ison, Viton, and Nina Kraviz, to name but a few of the stars taking to the stage. The festival is known for its reasonable priced passes, thrilling atmosphere and fun crowd vibes! Visit reworks.gr/en for more info.
The Bellamy Brothers Live
Playing live for the first time in the Arabian Gulf are Nashville, Tennesse country/pop stars, Bellamy Brothers. Mark the date, book your seats and take a deep breath as they perform their world-famous hit singles like, “Let your love flow”, “More of you”, “Lovers live longer”, and “Old Hippie”, to name but a few big numbers! After hitting the music scene in 1976, The Bellamys ruled the charts and jammed for audiences with their patented blend of rock/ country music. A show not to miss! Visit www.qatarconvention.com for more info.
SkyDive at The Dead Sea
Reworks International Music Festival
fact magazine .45
46. fact magazine
Cartoon Planet
Mohammed Al-Mahdi, is the man behind Bahrain’s first ever cartoon company, Cartoon Planet. FACT sat down with the 23-year-old talented Bahraini artist to get a glimpse into his world of imagination... fact magazine .47
Arts
Mohammed’s favourite comic characters are Batman and Comedian/ Rorschach from Watchmen. 48. fact magazine
“I derive my inspiration from comics; my comic books are very precious to me and I’ve collected them from different parts of the world. Every single book has a moment or a memory related to it.”
M
ohammed Al-Mahdi, Founder and Creative Director of Cartoon Planet, lives and breathes creativity. “The very first character I created was in 1994, when I was three and a half years old – Bushanab (The Moustache Man),” he says. “I was always drawing cartoons. My brother was in the US and he brought me the ideas of comics when people didn’t understand the concept of cartoons and bubbles. “He brought me the Batman and Robin Adventures, which I like the best, drawn by Bruce Timm. I still follow his style of drawing. I was so influenced by the characters that I started copying them and this is how I got into comics and cartoons in general in mid-90s.” He gradually started with publishing political and social cartoons in newspapers and eventually came into creating characters. “I was volunteering and teaching art in Sri Lanka in 2012, and that’s where the idea of Cartoon Planet came,” says Mohammed. Mohammed studied and did a workshop in the US at the Centre for Cartoon Studies. In May 2013, he made the first successful deal with Cartoon Planet, which gave him the boost of founding the company and establishing the brand. Apart from the business, Cartoon Planet also has a community with 20 members, including comic artists and gamers, who get together to discuss new characters, new movies, and create new stories. When asked about his favourite characters, he says, “my favourites are ‘Bushanab - the manliest man on earth’, ‘Super Khaleeji Man - the Bahrain based super hero’, who has a flying gutra, and ‘The Tough Frog’.” Cartoon Planet’s services include illustrations for cartooning campaigns for companies to target teenage or youth audience, creating special characters for various companies, live cartooning for company events, promoting products and services as well as holding workshops. Mohammed’s biggest inspiration and role model is an American cartoonist, Josh Neufeld, an Eisner Award winner (the Oscars for Cartoonists). “He gave me enough inspiration and support to spread cartooning in Bahrain,” he says. Mohammed’s vision is to expand in Bahrain and later to spread cartooning in the Gulf. Giving advice to youngsters who want to get into cartooning, he says, “You have to be very patient and persistent and not lose hope because once you do something you really love or like, you will be happy in life.” This talented and passionate cartoonist is one to watch out for and we wish him all the very best in realising his vision. fact magazine .49
SOCIETY
The Ministry of Culture inaugurated the Bahrain Summer Festival at the Bab Al Bahrain mall. The Bahrain Summer Festival had events catering to all age groups, from kids to elders. This muchawaited festival of the year has tremendous footfall each year.
#BAHRAIN#SUMMER #FESTIVAL#opening
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The family musical of the fantasy world of Dora the Explorer was a great hit with young fans.
#dora’s#pirate#adventure
Inspired by nature, Cirque Dreams Jungle Fantasy’s international cast of soaring aerialists wowed the audiences with their amazing talents.
#Cirque#Dreams #Jungle#Fantasy
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REVIEWS
Big Screen
The Maze Runner What’s it about: After his memory is erased, Thomas wakes up trapped in a massive maze, in a community of boys. He’s no memory of the outside world except from strange dreams about a mysterious organisation called W.C.K.D, and he soon begins to discover fragments of his past with clues in the maze. He must join forces with his fellow “runners” to uncover his true purpose and for a real shot at escaping! Director: Wes Ball Cast: Dylan O’Brien, Kaya Scodelario, Will Poulter, Patricia Clarkson, Dave Batista, Lee Pace, Karen Gillan
Highlights “Fans of Dylan O’Brien’s work on Teen Wolf *swoon* and those looking for a world of escapism, rest assured that you won’t be burned by this one.”
The Equalizer What’s it about: Denzy Washo fans stand up and get ready! The man of the hour is back with another action-driven crime thriller to get your pulses racing. In The Equalizer our main man plays former black ops commando Robert McCall, who faked his own death to live a quiet life in Boston. He’s forced to come out of retirement to rescue Teri (Moretz) a young girl whose kidnap leads him face to face with ultra-violent Russian gangsters, and, soon, his desire for justice is reawakened.
The Maze Runner
Why it’s worth watching? This is nothing like your typical literary adaptation. Oh no! The Maze Runner (based on the best-selling novel by James Dashner) is somewhat of a pinnacle as far as book to big screen productions go; the casting is near perfect, the special effects are spectacular, and, more importantly, all the favourite book moments are there. We must applaud the young cast for bringing honesty, heart and ferocity to the character they play. If you’ve read the book you’ll know that bringing the general horror of the maze to life, and to do the grandeur of it justice, would have been a mammoth task. But, Wes Ball and his team have far surpassed expectations to create an awesome backdrop for all the exciting moments. Fans of Dylan O’Brien’s work on Teen Wolf *swoon* and those looking for a world of escapism, rest assured that you won’t be burned by this one. For Twentieth century Fox this may well be one of the year’s biggest breakout hits.
Win 2 Free
Cinema Tickets Redeemable for any film at any Cineco cinema
•
Answer the following question:
Name tHE AUTHOR OF THE MAZE RUNNER BOOK... Email answers to: editorial@factlive.com
“Expect slick fight scenes, tense character face-offs and, of course, the alwayswelcomed presence of Denzel” Director: Antoine Fuqua Cast: Denzel Washington, Chloe Grace Moretz, Dan Bilzerian, Marton Csokas Why it’s worth watching? A relatively small-budgeted action-flick anchored by a world-famous star, The Equalizer is about situations of right and wrong, and good and bad. In Denzel’s case, his character Robert is the person to call on when there’s a problem and you have nowhere else to turn. Expect slick fight scenes, tense character face-offs and, of course, the always-welcomed presence of Denzel Washington (and it’s directed by Training Day’s Antoine Fuqua, bonus!).
52. fact magazine
on the record
Fully Booked
CRIME FICTION
The Silkworm
By Robert Galbraith
ALTERNATIVE INDIE/ROCK
This is All Yours By ALT-J
One of the music industry’s true sleeper
successes, Alt-J return this month with their sophomore album This is All Yours. With fans in high places, this record even got the stamp of approval from Miley Cyrus who the English alt-rockers have given a shout out to on the album’s hypnotic lead track, Hunger of the Pine, which sampling Cyrus’ 4x4. Even with being involved in such celebrity circles, This is All Yours doesn’t take a wrecking ball to Alt-J’s indie credibility; the 14-track album still carries the familiar psychedelic sound that fans of the indie rockers know and love them for. Take Warm Foothills with its dense rhythms and a whistled refrain; the electric edge on The Gospel of John Hurt; and even the diverse, soul-rocker sounding Left Hand Free, all of these build on the distinctive dub-folk, alt-rock, indie-infused sound established on the band’s best-selling debut, An Awesome Wave. The humble exit of Guitarist-bassist Gwil Sainsbury, hasn’t thrown the remaining trio off their music game, and as they recently said in an interview, this album is “smart enough to be cool, but accessible enough that people like it.” We agree, completely!
Pop/R’N’B
My Everything By Ariana Grande Ok, so she dresses a little too grown for her age and has that same high pony hair going on, but credit to the Nickelodeon star, she has a decent voice and the knack to produce some really catchy tunes (we’ve had Problem in our heads all summer!). One thing’s for sure, in comparison to a lot of teen-pop singers, the Victorious actress has evolved massively. On My Everything there’s collabos with the likes of Zedd, Big Sean, The Weekend, and Childish Gambino to name but a few. Not one that we’d tell you to rush out and buy, but nonetheless, seriously good modern-day pop.
It’s no secret anymore that Robert Galbraith is indeed the pen name of best-selling Harry Potter author JK Rowling, and if you enjoyed her first attempt at writing a crime novel, The Cuckoo’s Calling, then you’ll most definitely enjoy The Silkworm. Returning to the pages is private detective Cormoran Strike and his young assistant Robin Ellacott. Together they are investigating the disappearance of novelist Owen Quine, a hunt that quickly takes a nasty and mysterious turn. If you love the adrenalin feeling of a race against time then you’ll love The Silkworm – a well-written, fast-paced, and compulsively entertaining read. It sure is a unique spin on the traditional British crime novel.
Dance/House
Junto
By Basement Jaxx The Jaxx duo are back and it’s about frickin’ time. Producers Felix Buxton and Simon Ratcliffe had a chart-destroying run of hits in the 90s and 00s, and with the likes of Disclosure, Rudimental and Alunageorge taking influence, it’s only fitting that the two-piece returned to show the newbies how it’s done. We’re loving the club-ready Unicorn; the carnival beat on Power to the People; and the stomping piano chords on Never Say Never. With upbeat sounds, layering and looping, Junto is somewhat of a nod to the 90s, demonstrating the duo’s signature style and production prowess.
NON FICTION
This Star Won’t Go Out By Esther Grace Earl
You’ll go through many boxes of tissues while reading this book, but the story of Esther Grace Earl will draw a smile too. This is a collection of the journals, fiction, letters, and sketches of the late Esther Grace Earl, who passed away in 2010 at the age of 16 after battling cancer. Award-winning author John Green dedicated his bestselling novel The Fault in Our Stars to Esther as well. Sometimes it’s the books about real people that are wonderful to read. This story will truly impact you in one way or another. fact magazine .53
Society
The world-famous one-on-one street basketball tournament returned to Bahrain on the hunt for its local King and Queen to represent the island at the 2014 Finals in taiwan. The qualifiers took place at the Al Ahli Club stadium, with Mahmood Aziz and Hussa Fareed crowned Bahrain’s King And Queen Of The Rock 2014.
#REDBULL#kING#OF #ROCK#qualifiers2014
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The 2014 Infiniti Q50 A super-stylish luxury sedan with a sublime interior and masses of power makes the Infiniti Q50 one of my favourites on the market today!
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ISLAND RIDES
“the throttle response noticeably improves too, so that when you put your foot down, the reaction is instant and brutal. It’s huge amounts of fun!”
The Infiniti Q50 is the replacement for the outgoing G Sedan, under Infiniti’s new model designation scheme where everything is Q-something. Whilst the G Sedan was a nice car, the exterior, in my humble opinion, was a little bland for a premium brand, which is supposed to appeal to the heart as well as the mind. The Q50 is a vast improvement. I love the front end, which has a much more aggressive and powerful look to it with those ‘frowning’ front lights and that large spoiler. In fact, it looks much sportier all round, with muscular contours and a sleek profile making it a very handsome car. Inside the good news continues, with a very stylish and luxurious interior boasting ample space front and back. A feature I particularly loved was the centre console. Instead of one touchscreen doing everything, Infiniti have decided to provide two. One is just a display for the Sat-Nav and general information, and the other is a smooth touchscreen panel integrated into the audio and AC controls that controls all the features of the car. It’s a really clean and eye-catching design, and one of my favourites in the market! And then there are the additional features, such as the adaptive cruise control, reverse parking cameras and excellent navigation system, which are really the icing on the cake. And now we come to the best part – the driving experience. I have driven the outgoing 56. fact magazine
G Sedan, and it was a lovely car – fast, powerful and smooth. But then, all premium cars are fast, powerful and smooth, and so there needs to be a little something extra, like sophisticated gadgetry, which is where the G Sedan felt like it was lacking a little. The Q50 addresses all of that. When you change the chassis setting to sport mode, you literally feel the entire car tighten up, as if it’s tensing itself ready to pounce. The suspension gets a little stiffer, to improve grip, although it doesn’t become hard to the point of jarring. The steering also tightens up and the response improves, so that you get more of a result from a little input of the wheel making for a much sportier feel, although it could do with a little more feedback from the front wheels. And, the throttle response noticeably improves too, so that when you put your foot down, the reaction is instant and brutal. It’s huge amounts of fun! This reaction is entirely down to the Q50’s immensely powerful 3.7l V6, which puts out 328hp and 365Nm of torque through the all-wheel-drive system of the model we drove. The acceleration is ferocious, and being naturally-aspirated there’s an instant power delivery at whatever speed you’re travelling when you hit the gas. What I love about the Q50 is that, in a world where turbos are increasingly being used on smaller engines as the eco-friendly efficient option for power, the Q50 still feels like a muscle car. As they say, there’s no
“The Q50 still feels like a muscle car. As they say, there’s no replacement for displacement!”
replacement for displacement! The G Sedan was fast, powerful and smooth, but was overshadowed by its German rivals. The new 2014 Q50 keeps the power and the comfort, but adds a heady dose of technology, refinement and style to make it a dangerous competitor in a tough segment. I was truly impressed!
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Society
#YK#Almoayyed#GHAGBA The Ramadan tent at Gulf Hotel hosted the Y. K. Almoayyed & Sons Group Ghabga. The traditional Ramadan tent had cultural entertainment and great food. The event offered a unique networking and socialising opportunity to all.
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Hello!
Professionals Welcome | Expats Welcome
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ISLAND RIDES
2014 Toyota Yaris Sedan The third generation of Toyota’s hugely popular subcompact economy sedan gets a complete overhaul, with a new exterior, interior and engine.
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Y
ou’ve got to admire the Yaris for its simplicity. It doesn’t try to be anything it isn’t. It doesn’t have all kinds of expensive and complicated gadgetry like rear parking cameras, quad-zone air-conditioning and satellite navigation, because that isn’t what this car is all about. What this car is about is affordability, and all those gadgets would simply make it too costly. When you climb into a Yaris, you know exactly what to expect, and that is easy-to-use driver functions, and very inexpensive maintenance costs. However, in today’s extremely competitive market, where there are many affordable compact cars to choose from, just being inexpensive isn’t enough. It also has to be comfortable, stylish, and offer a few surprises to get people to sign on the dotted line.
And this is where the new Yaris Sedan has been successful. The exterior styling is instantly more appealing that the predecessor, and it definitely looks bigger, taking design cues from its older brother, the Corolla. And on the inside, while the standard features are pretty much the same – CD/stereo, air-conditioning and so on – there are little bonuses like steering-wheel mounted volume controls, auxiliary jack and USB port for your MP3 player, and faux-leather stitching on the dashboard and doors as well as chrome accents that give the interior a slightly more upmarket feel as a whole. It’s also comfortable and surprisingly spacious in both the front and the rear, and you get a centre armrest with storage underneath as standard, which is always a bonus for me. You’ve gotta have somewhere to rest that elbow, after all! As for engine options, you get to choose between a 1.3l and a 1.5l inlinefour cylinder engine. Both are extremely economical, as you’d expect. The 1.3l we drove barely touched the fuel in the several hours we had it. However, it also seriously lacked in grunt, so we’d recommend the 1.5l, which will pack a little more punch whilst still going easy on the fuel. Ride quality is good, and they’ve also introduced added sound proofing to reduce engine and road noise in the passenger cabin, which all combines to make the Yaris surprisingly comfortable for a car in this class. They say in this life that you get what you pay for, but I don’t think that’s always the case. Yes, it’s true that if you pay for an economy car you get low-frills motoring, but I think in the case of the new Yaris you actually get a bit more than that!
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Society
The Gulf Hotel Ramadan Tent hosted the Ebrahim K Kanoo Ramadan Ghabga. Esteemed guests from the industry were invited for a lavish buffet with authentic Arabic cuisine. Guests were seen interacting and enjoying the entertainment at the Ghabga.
#EK#KANOO #ramadan#GHABGA 62. fact magazine
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MOTORING NEWS
MINI Launches GoPro App!
Riding fun straight out of the movies: MINI Connected customers can now use the MINI Joystick or MINI Controller to shoot videos and take photographs with a camera mounted on or inside the car - a globally unique offer in the area of in-car infotainment available free of charge from the Apple App Store. A new MINI Connected ready App enables GoPro cameras to be controlled in typical MINI style using the operating system of the model in question. This makes it possible to start shooting videos or take photographs with a GoPro camera mounted on or inside the car while travelling - intuitively, conveniently and safely. This comes as the brand turns 55 years old this year and remains as vibrant, fun-loving and modern as ever, thus proving that age is only a number! Happy Birthday MINI!
Porsche
Launch Cayman and Boxster GTS The new Porsche Boxster GTS and Cayman GTS have now arrived at Porsche Centre Bahrain. With Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) system as standard, Porsche is also implementing the two strongest engines that have ever been used in a production Boxster or Cayman. The flat six-cylinder boxers are based on the 3.4l engines of the Boxster S and Cayman S, though thanks to fine-tuning the Boxster GTS now has an output of 330hp, while the Cayman GTS delivers 340hp. Both mid-engine sports cars are equipped with the Sport Chrono package as standard. The results: in conjunction with the optional Porsche PDK gearbox and active Sport Plus button, the Boxster GTS sprints from 0-100 km/h in 4.7 seconds, and the Cayman GTS in 4.6. The new roadster is the first Boxster to reach a maximum speed of 281km/h.The Cayman is even faster at 285km/h.
One of the most exciting launches of the year, the eagerly anticipated all-new Range Rover Sport SVR was unveiled at the glamorous Pebble Beach Concours D’Elegance last month. The stunning sports off-roader, a sleeker, faster version to the hugely popular new Range Rover, will still boast the company’s breathtakingly powerful 5.0l supercharged V8. This engine, which boasts an output of 550PS and 680Nm, will take the Range Rover Sport from 0-100km/h in 4.7 seconds, and on to a top speed of 260km/h. The new Range Rover Sport SVR boasts a lightweight all-aluminium chassis, the first of its kind in the segment, as well as uprated performance tyres and sports suspension. All of these elements combined to earn the Sport SVR a hugely impressive Nürburgring time of just eight minutes and 14 seconds! 64. fact magazine
The New
Range Rover Sport
McLaren P1 GTR Concept Unveiled
For those who didn’t think the mighty P1 could get any more impressive, feast your eyes on this! A track-focused, hard core race-ready McLaren P1 built, maintained and run my McLaren Special Operations, which was unveiled at a private event at the Pebble Beach Concours D’Elegance last month. The power of the P1 GTR has been increased to 1,000PS (986 bhp) from the motorsportoptimised 3.8-litre twin-turbo V8 petrol engine and lightweight electric motor. With no need to meet the legislations for road legality, the McLaren P1 GTR will be the most track-tailored and most powerful model produced by McLaren Special Operations to date.
Nissan Patrol Surges Forward
The ongoing success of Nissan’s full-size luxury SUV, the Patrol, continues unabated through the summer, as the company posted record sales figures across the GCC. July sales for the region hit a record monthly high of 3,581 units, a substantial hike of 103 per cent on the same month in 2013. In the UAE a record 1,506 Patrols left the showroom floors while Oman (702 units) and
Qatar (316 units) also notched all-time highs. Kuwait (347 units), Bahrain (95 units) and KSA (316 units) added to the impressive record tally in the GCC countries. Nissan recorded dramatic July year-on-year increases in the UAE (72%), Qatar (57%), Oman (63%) and Kuwait (80%). fact magazine .65
Society
Crowds came out in great numbers to see the international street dance sensation, Blaze. The show was held at the BIECC, where 16 premier street dancers from across the world entertained the fans with their stunning performance.
#BAHRAIN#SUMMER #FESTIVEL#BLAZE 66. fact magazine
#grand#opening #SwISS-BELHOTEL
The Swiss-Belhotel had its grand opening recently. This 4-star hotel with classy amenities is now open to the public. The hotel boasts a rooftop bar and restaurant, a lobby cafe, all-day dining restaurant that opens onto the pool deck and terrace, a swimming pool with jacuzzi, a fitness centre, sauna and steam rooms and a business centre.
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PLUGGED-IN
Fitness Forefront: Nike+ Fuelband
Stepping up your health regime? We tell you why the Nike+ Fuelband is a great choice for monitoring, influencing, and improving, your fitness and exercise habits…
Design On Point
There are a number of trendy colours like neon green, pink, yellow and red to choose from, as well as plain black too. It has a rubbery matte finish, which doesn’t irritate the skin and looks great too. We love the 100-dot LED display, which can be read in full daylight, and the band comes in three different sizes so you can get the best fit for your wrist.
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Thanks to an energy-efficient Bluetooth Low Energy (LE) radio, the Nike+ Fuelband has a much-improved battery life compared to its predecessor; after a week of solid use, you’ll likely have to charge once only, and USB charging takes a little over an hour (pretty impressive, huh?).
Smart Bluetooth
Feature Frenzy
The features and capabilities of the Nike+ Fuelband are enhanced with its link to the Fuelband app. A built-in 3-axis accelerometer delivers instant feedback on daily steps, calories burned and Nike’s activity metric currency, Fuel points. Whether it’s walking to the shops or running 10 miles a day – the idea is to make everything you do count towards getting fitter!
Battery Life
Competitive Circles
It’s all about yesterday’s score or outperforming a friend on Facebook. Take the ‘Win the Hour’ feature, which aims to get you active every hour of the day for just five minutes – an LED flash acts as a reminder, as well as a notification popping up on your phone. Perform well and share the results on your social media!
The best thing about the Nike+ Fuelband is that, like many top-ofthe-line, wearable-tech products, it adopts the Bluetooth LE (also known as Bluetooth 4.0). This enables devices to connect and disconnect and sync automatically in the background, with less strain on the battery.
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...
Health and Fitness Calorie Counter by FatSecret (Android, iOS)
Fancy a burger, but don’t know how many calories you’re consuming? This is where Calorie Counter comes in handy as it gives you the nutritional info and calories of your favourite food. An exercise diary records all the calories you burnt. It also has a weight tracker, healthy recipes and a food diary to track what you’re eating. A complete package to keep you healthy!
Lifestyle Pinterest (Android, iOS)
Organise all your ideas into collections on ‘boards’ with visual bookmarks called ‘pins’. Whether you like dresses, shoes, furnishings, garden designs, exotic locations, or anything else that makes you smile, just pin it! Discover ideas for your interests from people hand-picked by you. Boards can also be shared with friends.
Health and Fitness Quit Smoking by Azati (Android) Are you looking for a push to quit smoking? This widget app is designed to gradually wean you from dependency on cigarettes, with step-down programmes calculated based on statistical data from other users. It calculates days without smoking, cigarettes not smoked and money saved, based on your daily entries.
Download our app for free!
Stay connected and get FACT magazine on your phone or tablet. Get the latest issue at your fingertips, and enter the world of FACT whenever and wherever you are!
Step 1 Download FACT to your device and flick through at leisure.
Step 2 Want to share what you like? Click the scissors in the top right corner.
Step 3 A number of social networks will drop down. Choose yours and hit post!
Please note: the fact app is available for IPHONE, iPad and ANDROID. It will soon be available on other platforms too.
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Society
L’Occitane invited guests for breakfast to discover ‘La Collection De Grasse – Néroli & Orchidée’ at the newly refurbished L’Occitane store at Seef Mall. The fragrance was a blend of radiant néroli from the Mediterranean and orchid from Madagascar.
#L’OCCITANE #BREAKFAST
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FASHION FOCUS
RIVER ISLAND
One of the favourite high street shops River Island’s Spring/Summer 2014 Collection is pretty impressive. This season is full of bold bright colours and abstract prints, right on trend with the season. Load up on these super smart combinations and you’re set to strut your stuff…
Although, we’re in September, the weather is still hot, just like River Island’s Spring/Summer 2014 Collection. The collection’s tropical theme screams vibrancy, with bright hues and various prints, giving it a 90’s feel. This collection is daring, with bold colours and prints ranging from floral to graphics. There’s something for everyone in the men’s collection. If you lean towards the classic look, then pair printed shirts with smart tailored suits to look a class apart. If it’s a more relaxed and casual look you’re going for, shorts and tees in wide range of prints and colours should do the trick. Tap into your adventurous side with printed chino shorts or an abstract print bomber jacket. If bright 72.
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colours aren’t your cup of tea, then go for classic combinations of black and white, or grey. Look dapper in a crisp grey suit, with a printed shirt for just a hint of fun. We love the smart casual look as perfectly tailored trousers are matched with a t-shirt and a smart blazer. The women’s collection has the same elements of quirkiness, whilst oozing loads of style and panache with fitted trousers, dresses and skirts that accentuate your curves perfectly. If you’re a wild child, go crazy with bright and bold prints and colours. But if elegance is your thing, then black and white, superbly finished, slightly asymmetric combinations might do the trick. If matched right, prints and stripes can create a fantastic chic look, giving your wardrobe an instant lift. For a slightly daring evening out, pair black capri trousers with a matching tube top, showing just a hint of midriff, a look that is so in at the moment. For a carefree appearance, pair a flowing dress, with a jacket and beany to complete the look. The choice are many, just have fun it, after all autumn/winter is only round the corner! fact magazine
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Society
Piacenza and Ramee Grand Hotel & Spa invited guests to view their summer and fall collection at the Tea Garden. The two had collaborated for Eid Al Fitr, giving guests unique access to quintessentially Italian designs of exceptional quality and luxury.
#PIaNCENZA#collection #RAMEE#GRAND
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N AV I G AT I NG N E W WATE RS Sailing the Dhow, Abu Dhabi, UAE
A S E N S E O F P L AC E . RO S E WO O D A B U D H A B I . +971 (0) 2 813 5555
| abudhabi.reservations@rosewoodhotels.com | rosewoodhotels.com
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STYLE
Be Gym-Ready Keeping fit has never been this fun, as colourful and chic sporty clothes and accessories make exercising a welcomed habit for all the ladies stepping up their fitness regime‌ oYSHO Puma
H&M H&M
oYSHO OYSHO
oYSHO H&M
GEOXX oYSHO
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It’s Sports Play Brimming with playground attitude and old-school number detailing, the athletic trend is making a return this season for all the men who want to capture the sport’s spirit…
asos
ASOS
RIVER ISLAND Pull & bear
TOPMAN
ZARA MEN
BERSHKA ZARA MEN RIVER ISLAND
BERSHKA
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beauty
beauty trends
Keep abreast with the latest beauty and grooming trends as FACT brings you the hottest beauty products and news every month!
Decléor This shaving foam soothes the feeling of irritation caused by shaving and leaves a pleasant sense of freshness while purifying the skin at the same time.
Artdeco
Give your face a natural sunkissed glow with a compact bronzer that also has SPF 15 sun blockers to protect your skin.
Bobbi Brown
Giorgio Armani
A red lipstick is a must-have for all you pretty ladies. Apply some to go with any dress, be it casual or formals, and you’re good to go!
Splash on this refreshing balm, post-shave, for a sexy fusion of lemon, bergamot, guaiac wood and tonka bean.
Schwarzkopf Apply to damp or dry hair and work your style with this gel! Create sharp structures for more shapely or gentle looks, with a healthy shine and a non-sticky residue.
SK II Unveil a radiant and evenly toned complexion with a facial treatment that replenishes and banishes the stress on skin.
Marc Jacobs has decided to exchange treats for Tweets!
His new London pop-up Daisy Marc Jacobs Beauty Tweet Shop will trade perfume samples and prizes for your Twitter efforts. Get familiar with the hashtag #MJDaisyChain, and the handle @ MarcJacobsIntl; and let this be your currency!
Paco Rabanne Spray this mesmerising perfume for its elegant, spicy, lavender and amber aroma to keep you active and cool throughout the day.
Elemental Herbology Use this tropical cocktail body scrub everyday to transform your dry and flaky skin into a smooth, silky-fresh velvet finish.
Estée Lauder With age and repeated exposure to environmental stresses, skin’s natural repairs and protective processes slow down. Using a night repair cream will make you look youthful!
L’Oréal Protect your hair with an oil-in cream that fights damaged hair, restores your locks and shields your hair from the sun.
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To celebrate India’s 67th Independence Day, Baharat in Le Meridien Bahrain City Centre hosted a unique brunch. Varieties of Indian cuisine were served, which included, street snacks such as chaat, dosa, tikka and lots more. There was entertainment for the guests, and kids had their own buffet and activities.
#baharat#indian #INDEPENDENCE#DAY#BRUNCH
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Insta
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Ibrida
at Ramee Grand Hotel
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VENUE REVIEW
By far one of the biggest nightclubs in Bahrain, Ibrida is renowned for being one of the best nightly hot spots on the island. FACT went to scour the place and check out the new refurbishment.
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When Ibrida first opened its doors last year, it was not only seen as a place of mammoth proportions, but also one that offered great entertainment and nightlife in Bahrain. It has maintained that reputation since and has gone a step further by bringing more changes to the already favourite haunt of many. The venue has two area – the main area with the stage and the DJ booth, where the band, Celebration, entertain the punters every night (except Sunday); and the adjoining bar area, which boasts a massive square bar, with seating all around it. The venue has become a lot cosier with ceiling to floor dark curtains behind the far end of the seating in the main area. The extremely comfy sofas provide the perfect space for relaxing with your friends on a night out, yet giving you just the right amount of privacy, with the perfect view of the dance floor. If you’re fancy being right in the middle of the action, opt for the tables
opposite the stage and the dance floor, to get you in the swing of things, literally. The ceiling has an abstract pattern that is lit up and changes colour that adds to the ambience of the nightclub. The bright white Ibrida logos on either side of the stage work contrastingly well with the ceiling lights, adding to the nightclub atmosphere. The bar area offers more casual seating, with easy access to the impressive bar, offering various concoctions created by the mixologists. Towards the back, near the lifts, used to be the dining area or the restaurant, which is presently under renovation to make room for a brand new eatery (yet to be disclosed). The venue, however, still serves delicious food, which we had an opportunity to taste. The chef had prepared four to five of their best selling dishes, which included everything from nachos to burgers and desserts. We started with nibbles of Hummus and Pita Chips (fresh homemade hummus dip with fresh pita chips) and Mexican Nachos (a traditional Mexican appetiser with cheese and jalapenos served with salsa). Ours came with an addition of grilled chicken, and was delicious and generously covered in cheese. Next, we tasted the Tempura Calamari (fried calamari rings with wasabi mayonnaise). The homemade wasabi mayonnaise went scrumptiously well with the calamari. One of the popular dishes of Ibrida, The Ramee Grand Cheese Burger (grilled 8oz. Wagyu beef patty, topped with cheddar cheese, beef bacon, tomato, lettuce, onion in a sesame seed bun, accompanied with curly fries), absolutely lived up to its reputation of being finger-licking good. We were also given a taste of the Veggie Burger (fresh homemade
GO: Opens daily from 7pm to 2am. Visit www.rameegrandbahrain.com, email ibrida@rameegrandbahrain.com or call 1711 1999 for more information.
vegetable patty topped with spicy guacamole, lettuce, onion, tomato in a sesame bun accompanied with crosscut fries), which was hearty and wholesome! We finished up with two decadent desserts of Chocolate Cake (chocolate sponge with chocolate cream and shavings) and Cheesecake (coffee flavored served with mocha biscuit), both of which we polished off in record time. To round it up, the newly furbished Ibrida not just offers a fantastic venue, but also the perfect experience for a great night out!
The bar area offers more casual seating, with easy access to the impressive bar, offering various speciality drinks created by the mixologists. The venue has a capacity of 1,000 standing, and serves delicious food, which includes everything from nachos to burgers and desserts
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Chef Joan Gomez The first ever Spanish restaurant to grace our shores, BMMI’s La Vinoteca Barcelona, recently opened its doors in Adliya. We met the man running this entire culinary show, La Vinoteca’s Executive Chef and Operations Manager Joan Gomez!
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“It’s very important to have passion in everything you do; be naked in a way and to give honestly to the people – with price, produce and in the way you cook.”
Inspiration every day life - music, people, fish market, tastes that bring back memories. Food Philosophy People should enjoy it and it should make you happy. Signature Dish Anything related to treat a good produce. Favourite Food Anything fish, and Oysters. What would you be if you weren’t a chef Something related to gastronomy, Gastronomic Journalist, maybe! 88. fact magazine
When we heard the long wait for great Mediterranean food on the island was finally over, with the opening of La Vinoteca (Catalan word for vino and food) Barcelona, we were only too eager to taste the food, and talk to the man behind the scenes, Chef Joan Gomez. Chef Joan from Barcelona comes from a family of chefs. His grandfather and father were both chefs and he started cooking from the age of 14 at his family’s hotel in Barcelona, before becoming a head chef at the young age of 20. His culinary journey has taken him across the globe, from Spain to London and Australia, to the streets of Bangkok, and now to Bahrain. He has worked alongside numerous Michelin Star chefs such as Carles Gaig, Ferran Adria and Joan Roca in some of the world’s finest kitchens, honing his own distinct style and enthusiasm for uplifting food. “For me, to cook is my passion - I cook in my job, I cook at my home, it’s everything,” he says. “Although, we are the first Spanish restaurant, I have respect for all foods. Food is wonderful.” Talking about wonderful food, we started our tasting with a set of five tapas, the first being Escalivada (roasted aubergines and roasted red peppers, in a roll of zucchini gelatine, olive oil caviar and alfalfa sprouts). After this delicious and refreshing starter, we were served easy to eat classic dish Patatas Bravas (confited potatoes stuffed with chilli sauce and topped with homemade olive oil mayonnaise) and Octopus Galician Style (tender pieces of octopus cooked
CHEF’S TABLE Open daily, midday to 2am. Call Restaurant Manager Carlos Cerro on 3200 0171 or email ccerro@vinotecabcn. com for reservations and more information
in Galician style, with smoked Spanish paprika and Castilian potatoes). Octopus isn’t for everyone, but this certainly had even the tentacle-shy going for more. The Flamenquin (beef fillet, stuffed with roasted peppers, Spanish bresaola and caramelised onion, manchego cheese sauce and crispy basil) was soft and tender, and we finished up with Chicken Wings (4 hours confited chicken wings, chargrilled and served with mojo picon sauce - a garlic, almond and cherry vinegar sauce). We also tasted Menestra (seasonal vegetables cooked in garlic and olive oil sauce, with choice of beef bacon or not, topped with poached quail eggs), but the star dishes were, of course, the Paellas – a Vegetables Paella (the traditional paella with bomba rice, the best vegetables and broad beans), and Black Rice (Bomba rice with seafood and calamari ink). The flavours were spot on and the rice was cooked to perfection, definitely one to go back for! We weren’t done yet, as we relished the main courses, which comprised Joan’s grandfather’s recipe of Oxtail (red vino marinated oxtail, served with pumpkin puree, seasonal vegetables, and green apple, drizzled with red vino Sangre de Toro gravy) and Suquet (panfried Hammour, with clams, calamari, mussels and king prawns,
served with a rich sauce made with head prawns and fish bones). “We source the fish locally; the fish market here is a pleasure and I go every week,” says Chef Joan excitedly. “From Spain, we bring specific items like rice, olives, olive oil and cheese, while some of the meat is sourced from Europe.” Last up were desserts – aptly named Joan’s Tasting Plate! The medley of six desserts included Chocolate Olive Oil and Ibiza Salt (creamy chocolate topped with olive oil caviar and flakes of sea salt), Torrija (the Spanish ‘French toast’, served with almond ice cream and berries) and Catalan Cream (a mixture of egg yolk, cinnamon, lemon and fresh milk, served with traditional Catalan biscuit ‘carquinyoli’). It was a deliciously decadent finish to a superb meal. “At Vinoteca, we’re rescuing old recipes and doing it in a new way, meaning making it healthier and the presentation is more attractive,” says Chef Joan. “We are mixing molecular cuisine with traditions from 200 years ago.” “We at Vinoteca always say that we have three parts – the look, the smell and the taste.” We did indeed leave with these three senses and the warm and loving personality of the talented Chef Joan, but only after promising to be back again very soon!
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BAHRAIN BITES
Go Healthy at Sheraton •
Revel in the Salad Promotion at Soie Chinese Restaurant in Sheraton Bahrain from Sunday to Friday between 7pm to 11.30pm. The delicious menu includes a variety of salads like Mixed Beans and Bell Pepper Salad at BD3.9++. If you are a meat lover; try the Five Spice Chicken and Pea Shoot Salad for BD4.9++ or Thai Beef Salad at BD5.9++. Seafood lovers can indulge in the Mermaid Special at BD6.9++. GO: Call 1753 5353 or visit www.soiebahrain.com for more information.
Scrumptious Brand New Dining Seafood Delight at Go Heal t hy Spread at Ramee Spot at Royal The Ritz-Carlton at Sheraton Grande Hotel & Spa Golf Club • • La Med restaurant at The Revel in the Salad • • Promotion Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain Hotel
Treat your taste buds to a spectacular Friday Brunch at Lemon Tree in Ramee Grand Hotel & Spa. Enjoy a delectable buffet spread overflowing with Middle Eastern favourites and classic dishes from around the world, with live cooking stations. Relish rich delicacies from starters to desserts, including hearty breakfasts and crunchy salads, with a special buffet for the kids. Featuring a dynamic menu, this is the perfect place to enjoy and celebrate the serenity of weekends. GO: Friday Brunch at Lemon tree is priced at BD15++ for adult and half price for kids. Call 1711 1999 or visit www.rameegrandbahrain.com for more information.
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at Soie Restaurant TheChinese Royal Golf Club in Sheraton Bahrain from Sunday announced the opening of their to Friday to fourth diningbetween outlet, 7pm Repartee. 11.30pm. The Lounge, delicious which menu The Repartee includes variety of salads like offers f inea beverages and cigars Mixed and menu Bell Pepper as well Beans as a light with Salad BD3.9++. you are a Far at East flavour,Ifboasts a acosy meat lover; try the Five and Spice comfortable seating Chicken and across Pea Shoot Salad superb views the greens for BD4.9++ or Thai Beef Salad and lakes of the golf course. An at BD5.9++. Seafood lovers can outdoor terrace is available for indulge in the Mermaid Special those wishing to chill out and at the BD6.9++. relax under stars. Check out this new dining outlet! GO: Call 1753 5353 or visit www. soiebahrain.com GO: Repartee for more information. is opening on September 15, daily from 5pm to midnight. Call 1775 0777 for more information.
& Spa offers seafood lovers a wonderful seafood night with exquisite culinary delights. The Ocean’s f inest bounty is served and your favorite catch of the day is prepared in a variety of ways - grilled, steamed, fried or poached - from the buffet spread and live cooking stations. Enjoy a casual dining experience in generous surroundings, brightened with natural sunshine and views of the turquoise blue waters of the Gulf. GO: Seafood Night priced at BD18++, every Thursday from 7pm to 11pm. Call 1758 6499 for more information.
Casa Mia at Gulf Hotel •
Enjoy a new dining concept ‘Casa Mia’ at La Pergola in the Gulf Hotel that gives you the opportunity to taste different kind of antipasti, followed by several kinds of risotto, pasta and pizza, f ish and meat main courses, f inishing with a variety of typical Italian desserts. All dishes are served straight to your table. Casa Mia is available every Thursday evening, with a minimum booking of a table for four. GO: Casa Mia is priced at BD12.5++ per person. Call 1771 3000 for more information
Gastronomic Extravaganza at Maki •
Get set for a magical ride with some delicious food delicacies. Indulge in Maki restaurant’s 15 Magical Moments Dinner, which takes place on the second Tuesday of the month, where 15 samplings of the most favorite and new dishes of the restaurant are displayed. Diners can revel in the huge menu, with complimentary beverages served to quench your thirst. GO: 15 Magical Moments Dinner on September 9 at BD15++ per person from 8:30pm onwards. Call 1752 2733 for more information.
It’s BBQ Time at Go Heal t hy InterContinental at Sheraton Regency Bahrain • Revel in the Salad • Promotion
atASoie Chinese Restaurant poolside barbecue is thein Sheraton best wayBahrain to spendfrom timeSunday with to family. Friday between your Elements7pm Poolto& 11.30pm. delicious menu Lounge at The InterContinental includes saladsits like Regencya variety Bahrainofoffers Mixedthe Beans andBBQ Bell Pepper guests Friday eat all Salad BD3.9++. you are you canatand drink! AIfpoolside a barbecue meat lover; tryisthe Five that open to Spice all Chicken Pea Shootyou Salad along withand pool access, can for BD4.9++ or or Thai Beef Salad chill by the pool take a swim, at BD5.9++. Seafood lovers can with delectable barbecue dishes indulge inbythe Mermaid your side. Special at BD6.9++. GO: GO:Friday Call 1753 BBQ5353 is priced or visit at BD25 www. net from 1pmsoiebahrain.com to 4pm. Call 1720 8308 forformore moreinformation. information.
Bento Box at Bushido •
Looking for a healthy lunch option? 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. Revel in this tempting menu with your colleagues or friends. The restaurant’s food and ambience f it like a glove. GO: Bento Box packages are available during lunchtime daily for BD9 net. Call 1758 3555 or email reservations@bushido. com.bh for more information.
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Day or night, we’ll serve you right.
CHECK OUT OUR WIDE RANGE OF DELICOUS MEALS, AND DRINKS. Full menu items available only at Riffa & Hamala Branches
Riffa 17490176, Hamala 17613272 Adliya 17746974, Manama 17228883 92. fact magazine
www.newyorkcoffee.com
Newsworthy
Qatar Airways’ Al Mourjan Showcases One-Of-A-Kind Lounge Design At Hamad International Airport Qatar Airways has recently launched the Al Mourjan Business Lounge for its premium passengers at Hamad International Airport (HIA). The lounge combines European luxury with Qatari hospitality, complemented with state-of-the-art technology to offer an unrivaled premium passenger experience. The lounge highlights the luxurious industrial design sense of leading Italian designer, Antonio Citterio, with special materials used throughout the lounge, and exclusive custom-designed seating, along with furniture by famous designers. Technology also plays an important part in the overall design. Al Mourjan boasts 1,000-seat lounge, including the main lounge area, resort area, family rooms, quite rooms, business centre, and four dining areas. This exquisite new lounge will take your travelling experience to an entire new level! Visit www.dohahamadairport.com for more information.
SEVENFRIDAY Launches P3/3 Inspired by the fantastic snow groomers, SEVENFRIDAY is pushing its tribute to industrial engines even further by launching a brand new model: P3/3. While the white rubber animation ring embodies the snow, the vehicle itself is reflected into the grey PVD on stainless steel case and the touches of orange. In the case of the new P3/3, you’ll find an interface that consists of hands, discs, dial and the automatic, so called ‘small truck’, Myiota 82S7 movement, an almost tireless caliber. The dial alone is made of five separate pieces, layered with eleven different applications, with indicators designed and arranged in such a way that it brings the complexity of the movement to the surface.
The P3/3 is available on the website/webshop www.sevenfriday.com as well as in selected retail stores, from September 2014.
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Trivia
FUN FACTs. Call it useless information
or a bit of fun trivia, just enjoy reading it with a cuppa…
If you yelled for 8 years, 7 months and 6 days, you would have produced enough sound energy to heat one cup of coffee.
Humans are the only primates that don’t have pigment in the palms of their hands.
Your stomach has to produce a new layer of mucus every two weeks otherwise it will digest itself
j
94. fact magazine
35 percent of the people who use personal ads for dating are already married.
1 5 0
Banging your head against a wall uses 150 calories an hour. The ant can lift 50 times its own weight, can pull 30 times its own weight and always falls over on its right side when intoxicated.
Every time you lick a stamp, you’re consuming 1/10 of a calorie.
™
Elephants
are the only mammals that can’t jump.
.
It’s possible to lead a cow upstairs... but not downstairs.
The sentence “the quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog.” uses every letter in the alphabet. (Developed by Western Union to Test telex/two communications)
Blog Spot
Metrosexual Men: Yay or Nay?
Ali Fareed Ali Fareed is a blogger (Ask Ali Fareed) with a passion for food, movies and local happenings around Bahrain.
If you’re wondering what’s the word out there in Bahrain’s Blogosphere, FACT’s two favourite bloggers have their fingers on the pulse. Check out what they’re discussing this month…
Georgina Jennsen Georgina Jennsen is the blogger behind the popular lifestyle blog, Blonde in Bahrain. Georgina loves all things beautiful and luxurious. Metrosexual. A man who dresses to impress, and spends more time in front of the mirror than most women, a man who wears diamonds in each ear, and changes his look more often than he changes his socks. Think sportsmen David Beckham, Cristiano Ronaldo, and actor Ryan Reynolds. Metrosexual men can make excellent friends. You can share beauty tips on the best anti-aging products, chat about the latest trends in interior design, and compare the merits of the handbag versus the man bag. However, good looks in men are overrated, and metrosexual vanity a downright curse. I don’t want to fight over the bathroom mirror with my man, nor do I want his hair products to outnumber mine. I want to be the one who turns heads when I walk into a room. Not the freshly tweezed and coiffed peacock strutting in beside me. There’s something intrinsically wrong about a man outshining the woman on his arm. Give me a man with dirt under his fingernails any day.
“I don’t want to fight over the bathroom mirror with my man, nor do I want his hair products to outnumber mine.”
Remember back in early 2000s when all it took for a guy to make a fashion statement was to pair his everyday jeans with a pink t-shirt? Good times....”
Before I start discussing this month’s topic, let’s pause and take a look at the definition of the word itself. The web defines a Metrosexual Man as a young, urban, heterosexual male with liberal political views, an interest in fashion and a refined sense of taste. The term didn’t exist back in the 80’s, and I do believe most of the scrutiny towards it is because people are still in doubt about what it meant. Now that we’ve cleared any confusion you might’ve had associated with the term, let’s get down to business. Remember back in early 2000s when all it took for a guy to make a fashion statement was to pair his everyday jeans with a pink t-shirt? Good times... Our society has grown a lot since then and become more
perceptive of the ever-changing fashion trends. Nowadays, it’s become increasingly common to witness guys paying attention to their health, lifestyle and wardrobe. Seeking nutritional advice, practicing previously female-only sports such as Yoga and Zumba, applying the latest trends from GQ magazine & Co. and flaunting it all across their social media channels. The way I see it, it’s all part of growing up and self-discovery.
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Raise Your PAWS & CLAWS for the
CAUSE!
27 Sept TH
Doors open 11:30am, Brunch 12-4pm, singer “Toddy� Paul Adams 12pm, followed by the Amazing BSPCA Auction at 2pm Wonderful items to bid for + silent auction lots
c h n & u r A B u t c e t f i f o u n at B
Upstairs Downstairs
BD20 including beverages
To reserve your table call the restaurant on 1771 3093 All funds raised go directly to the Animal Welfare Centre to care for abandoned and abused animals in Bahrain
96. fact magazine
PEP TALK
The Holiday is Over – Back to Reality Yvonne Cole, Personal Trainer, believes that when you eat clean, train hard and trust the process, your consistency and patience pays off…
So you’ve had a great time on holiday either sun bathing, jet skiing, checking out museums, partying or just chilling. You might have drunk a little too much, you might have eaten a little too much and those thoughts of working out while on holiday went straight out of your mind the moment you sat on your seat on the plane; but now you’re back to reality. You wake up after that first night sleeping in your own bed and feel bloated and puffy, your joints hurt, your clothes feel a little tighter
than they did when you went away, so you scream to yourself “I want my body back”. But we all know this is easier said than done. If you have a Personal Trainer it’s fine, as all you need to do is make a phone call and say “I’m back,” and your trainer will be there to help kick start that dream body for you; but if you don’t have a trainer, what do you do? - Make a plan as to how many days you can workout for the week. - Go shopping for fresh and healthy foods. - Set yourself realistic goals. Make sure you get enough sleep. - Surround yourself with positive people. - Exercise. - Get a Personal Trainer. Getting your motivation back can be hard, but once you do, keep going, as you and your body will reap the rewards. GO: Email ymcfitness@gmail. com or call 3935 9105 for more information.
Access Your Happiness 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...
For some of us, life may seem to be going on as usual. Doing our regular routines and engaging in the things we normally do. Sometimes, however, there may be this sneaking suspicion that things are not quite right. You may not be enjoying life as you remember. Little things in life, like chatting with friends or playing with your kids may not give you pleasure as you think it should. There are several reasons why this might happen, but one of the reasons could be that your body is not generating the happy hormones that are needed to enjoy life more. Excessive stress leads
to your body lagging behind in generating happy hormones, and constant exposure to stress then causes your brain to be flooded with only stress hormones, and so your whole system becomes unbalanced. Your brain only receives sad messages and then that is what you begin to feel. For many people, this state can be reversed in a perfectly natural way. You may have heard of these lifestyle habits and I understand that they are so easy to ignore and not take seriously. From my own experience, they can really do the trick. Foods like complex carbohydrates, turkey and salmon increases the levels of tryptophan in the brain, which has a calming effect. Exercise produces endorphins that make you feel happy. Getting enough sun produces melatonin, which helps to keep the blues away. Relaxation techniques like meditation helps switch off the stress response so that happy hormones can overtake the stress hormones. Make time to have a massage regularly and have one session a week in the sauna. So diet, exercise and relaxation really is the way to go. I’m off to the gym. Here’s to your happiness! GO: For a personal consultation call 3669 6666.
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Sari Mabire
Complex Public Relations Manager, The Westin Bahrain City Centre and Le Meridien Bahrain City Centre. She has lived in Bahrain for 21 years.
island insider Tell us three things you enjoy the most about living in Bahrain?
What do you do and where do you like to go for rest and relaxation in Bahrain?
What are your three favourite dining hotspots in Bahrain?
I love the people of Bahrain, it’s amazing how friendly everyone is, both locals and expats. The social aspect of Bahrain lifestyle is so much fun and l love how people of different nationalities, cultures and ages mix effortlessly. Generally I like the weather in Bahrain, although July and August are too hot and humid for my liking, but the cooler winter months make up for it.
For rest and relaxation in the summer time, I like to go to Al Dar Island with my family and friends. In wintertime, I like to go camping in Sakhir, with lots of food and make a big campfire. For pampering, I like the Heavenly Spa and a little Thai salon on Budaiya Highway, near to my house.
This is a difficult one, as I like so many restaurants! For Friday brunch, I love Bushido; it’s great for both adults and kids. For dinner, I like Lanterns, both the old one in Budaiya and the new one in Adliya. Third favourite is Upstairs Downstairs; it’s always a lot fun.
98. fact magazine
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100. fact magazine