FACT Bahrain September 2017 by Fact ME

SEPTEMBER 2017 VOL 11. ISSUE 01 BD1

UNPLUGGED

SOCIAL MEDIA 101

When was the last time you switched off from the digital world?

The most popular platforms that keep the online community addicted. fact magazine

Spend your time with the people that matter. Get 10% off* on family tickets to your favorite destination with your Citi Credit Card. Book before the 28th of February, 2018 and use the Promo Code ‘CITI102017’

Terms and Conditions *Discount on economy and business class tickets excluding airport charges, while booking tickets through Gulf Air’s online booking platform. Citibank & Partner Terms and Conditions apply and are subject to change with prior notice. They are available upon request and on our website www.citibank.com/bahrain. All fees and charges mentioned in the Schedule of Fees and Charges apply and can be found on our website. All offers are made available on a best-effort basis and at the sole discretion of Citibank, N.A. Bahrain Branch . Citibank, N.A. Bahrain Branch makes no warranties and assumes no liability or responsibility with respect to the products and services provided by other entity(ies). Citibank, N.A. Bahrain Branch is fact magazine 2licensed by Central Bank of Bahrain as a Conventional Retail Bank.

CONTENTS PAGE 08 FACT FINDS: Bahrain's 1st Jazz Festival is coming to thrill fans. PAGE 27 UNPLUGGED: How difficult can it be to take a digital detox? PAGE 36 SOCIAL MEDIA 101: The most popular platforms to get your fix. PAGE 50 HOTEL HOTSPOT: The St. Regis Abu Dhabi is where you need to go. PAGE 59 ISLAND RIDES: Fact's motoring man takes the Maserati out for a run. PAGE 67 FASHION FOCUS: Ted Baker’s AW’17 collection is major envy. PAGE 85 NEW IN TOWN: We take a seat at Otto for an Italian lunch like no other.

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• THE EDITOR

STATUS: POWER OFF “ “Do more things that make you forget to look at your phone.”

ave you ever thought about what life would be like living off the grid? No phone, no tablet, no hashtags and, probably, no hassle. You’d have less FOMO every day and more of the simple things to enjoy in life - sounds blissful, right? So then WHY is it so difficult for people to press pause and take a time out from all the likes and shares and just live in the moment? After all, YOLO (that’s the first and last time you’ll see me use that acronym). We turn to our digital personas for various reasons; escapism, validation, boredom and often just for the sake of not feeling left out. When a platform can give you all of these things, and more, why would you want to switch off? As hard as that might be for many to do, we all need a temporary closure for spiritual maintenance and so, in this month’s issue we give you some food for thought on the ultimate tech dilemma that every millennial has faced - disconnecting from social media. Turn to p27 and join the conversation in Unplugged - have you had a digital detox before? Or, is it something you could never dream of doing? Do you want to sign out but crave the addiction of your insta feed? We delve deep into this saturated virtual world to try and find the answer to why being offline is now the new luxury. When all’s said and done, the online community serves millions of people, daily. For those who want to stay on top of their game, check out Social Media 101 starting p36 for the top ten platforms to get your digital fix. We’ve also got all your acronyms sorted as well as tips to disconnect (or at least try to!). September has way too many awesome things waiting for you to explore in Bahrain and beyond. As always, you can enjoy a lowdown of the best and latest in the local food scene alongside fashion, beauty, cultural events, tech, travel, motoring, home and entertainment. For those of you who still haven’t gotten over THAT Game of Thrones finale, fear not. We’re here to help take your mind off it with a jam-packed issue - shall we begin?☺

Shabana Adam Editor-in-Chief shabana@fact-magazine.com 4

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FACT Magazine Bahrain Edition • SEPTEMBER 2017 VOLUME 11, ISSUE 01

DIRECTOR OMAR SHAHEEN CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER GREG HUGHES EDITOR-IN-CHIEF SHABANA ADAM (shabana@fact-magazine.com) ASSISTANT EDITOR AANCHAL DUGGAL CREATIVE DIRECTOR PAULA LEAL GRAPHIC DESIGNER JYOTI RAWAT PHOTOGRAPHY SHOBIN JOSEPH REGIONAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR RAMI KHALIL PRODUCTION & DISTRIBUTION AJIT KUMAR NEIL MAHMOOD CONTRIBUTORS ALLY MAC GARETH WOODS GEORGINA JENNSEN MARIETTE CARSTENS YVONNE COLE ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES Tel: +973 3632 0131 E-mail: rami@nansgroup.com PRINTED BY DAR AKHBAR AL KHALEEJ

All Rights Reserved. Opinion expressed within does not necessarily represent the opinion of the publisher. All efforts have been made to ensure accuracy of the information within this publication. However, FACT M.E. Bahrain cannot accept legal responsibility for any erroneous content or omissions. FACT M.E. Bahrain Publishing W.L.L. Office 53, Building 872, Road 3618, Block 436, Seef. Ministry of Information. Subject Registration Number: CFB779

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SEPTEMBER 2017 VOL 11. ISSUE 01 BD1

Your one-stop culture fix for life in the Gulf | First for local talent, arts, fashion, dining, and all the coolest events in the region | We’ve got tech, travel, motoring and exclusive interviews with all the industry and celebrity-world movers and shakers too | Get your copy of FACT Bahrain in local supermarkets or read online at issuu.com.

5,522 followers Combining all three editions of FACT in Abu Dhabi, Bahrain and Qatar, keep up with us on instagram for the best behind-the-scenes photos from food shoots, local events and all things awesome in the GCC, plus loads more from the FACT team. UNPLUGGED

SOCIAL MEDIA 101

When was the last time you switched off from the digital world?

The most popular platforms that keep the online community addicted.

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tweets Noor Rana @NOORRANA2592 Cold. Hot. Cold then hot again, then cold. Then hot and then back to being cold again. The many shades of Monday blues. #NooRants #workdiaries

FACT Bahrain 14,001 likes Keep up with all things Bahrain as the FACT team posts the latest competitions, happenings and everything we’re getting up to. Send us a message – we love to hear from our readers!

Sara A. @SARAAWHO I caught the bouquet last night at my friend’s wedding & my mom is still celebrating.

OUR FAVE FEATURE AUGUST 2017 VOL 10. ISSUE 12 BD1

Mahmood Zeyad @MAHMOODZEYAD If my two friends that like doing early breakfast can come back to Bahrain already, that’d be nice.

SUMMER SURVIVAL

BEST OF THE BRUNCH | THEMED NIGHTS | SPA DEALS

Sarah @ZEYTWZA3TAR My little sister yelled “JESUS” and my nephew said “you’re Muslim” so she yelled “SAYEDNA 3ISSA”

Mohamed AlSahlawi @M_SAHLAWI I had Tikka and kebab with mozzarella and mushrooms, what a time to be alive.

issuu.com FACT Bahrain 53,692 reads of the August issue If you need your FACT fix pronto, flick through our monthly online edition on issuu.com for all the best features, including local culture, arts, fashion, food, motoring, tech, travel and entertainment, in Bahrain.

• UNPLUGGED - P27 •

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FACT FINDS

Royal Jazz Fest MUSIC FANS, FESTIVAL LOVERS AND ANYONE LOOKING TO HAVE A GROOVING TIME WITH GREAT LIVE MUSIC AND GOOD FOOD, GET READY FOR BAHRAIN’S 1ST INTERNATIONAL JAZZ FESTIVAL AT ROYAL GOLF CLUB.

ON THE GREEN LAWNS of the driving range at the Royal Golf Club, crowds are set to gather for one of Bahrain’s biggest and most anticipated music line-ups. On October 6, watch top local artists take to the main stage, including: Ahmed Qasim with his signature jazz experience, top gypsy jazz ensemble Mohammed Rashid ft. Banah, international jazz act Dihann Moore and The Shegrooves, and Bahrain’s foremost electronic jazz DJ, Captain Tea. They’ll be keeping the audience enthralled alongside Marquee International musicians including The Speakeasies Swing Band from Greece as well as Swing Zazou from the UK and The Ska Vengers from India alongside Electric Swing Circus, also from the UK. All this music talent will be right here in Bahrain to thrill jazz enthusiasts and all those who want to enjoy world-class performances with a fabulous festival vibe. 8

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Alongside the music there’s going to be an all-day market, lots of delicious food trucks and stalls, a kid’s zone and 2000+ festival goers having a purely fun time. Swing, jazz, blues, ska, electro – you name it, this festival’s got it! For the sake of not feeling major FOMO, it’s time to make that whatsapp group and get everyone in on the action. ✤

GO: TICKETS ARE BEING SOLD AT VIRGIN MEGASTORE, ROYAL GOLF CLUB, ROOM 2 ROCK IN SAAR AND ADLIYA, CODA JAZZ LOUNGE, CAFÉ AMSTERDAM AND RED BULL TICKETS ONLINE. THE EVENT IS SUPPORTED BY BAHRAIN TOURISM & EXHIBITION AUTHORITY AND THE EDB.

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• LISTEN UP

HOT HAPPENINGS AT AL AREEN PALACE & SPA Eid Carnival Brunch Gather your friends and family and head over to the 5-star resort for scrumptious food, vibrant entertainment and amazing offers! Start off the festivities with the family-friendly Eid Carnival Brunch that will feature Arabic and international dishes plus live cooking stations at Rimal and Saffron restaurants from 12.30pm to 4pm. There will also be live entertainment by their DJ, face painting, mascot, kids’ corner and so much more. Diners will also enjoy access to the swimming pools for the duration of the brunch. That’s not all! You also stand a chance to win exciting prizes from their Win and Spin contest. Enjoy all this and lots more for just BD15++ per person, with a 50 per cent discount for kids aged seven to 12-years-old while kids up to six-years-old dine for free.

Kabsa & Bahraini Tikka From September 4 to 15, Saffron restaurant’s specialty Kabsa and Bahraini Tikka will be featured on the menu and guaranteed to awaken your taste buds! Special kabsa comes in chicken, shrimp or lamb ranging from BD3 to BD4.5 and you can enjoy Bahraini Tikka for BD2.000 only – sounds yum!

Dim Sum & Noodles From Monday to Thursday, come over to the signature Keizo restaurant and delight your taste buds with the lip smacking Dim Sum platter for BD3 or the Noodles menu for BD3.500. Delight your palate with everything from chicken, seafood, shrimps, beef, pad thai, Singaporean laksa, Indonesian bakmi goreng, yakisoba and so many more mouthwatering choices.

Seafood Market Every Thursday and Friday, enjoy a selection of seafood displayed outside Keizo restaurant with a choice of cooking style and selection of sauces, prepared by the specialty chef. Price ranges from 200fils to BD1.800 per 100 grams. This delicious feast of the seas is served from 7pm to 11pm.

Brazilian Pool Party Be part of the Brazilian Night Pool Party on September 8, from 2pm to 7pm with an open buffet featuring Brazilian food and music from a live DJ. Enjoy Latino music and raffle draw with prizes to win whilst sipping on your choice of liquid concoction and eating yummy food. Entry fees: BD15 for single; BD28 for couples; BD30 for couples with one child; BD35 for couples with two children; BD5 per child thereafter. ✤

CALL

1784

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5000

FOR RESERVATIONS INFORMATION.

AND

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• LISTEN UP

CHINO LATINO BRUNCHIN’ ASIA DE CUBA HAS officially launched its Chino Latino Friday Brunch, a unique and Latin-infused addition to Bahrain’s brunch scene. Guests can expect live stations, a sharing feast bursting with signature dishes, as well as a live DJ to keep the afternoon moving. To ensure there is something for the whole family, the team will also have a dedicated playroom for the little ones. Brunch-goers can indulge in a four-course menu, which begins with a selection of small plates that includes pastelitos, chicken chicharrones, shrimp churros and black bean hummus, followed by a Caja China with Pescado a la Parrilla, Lambchon and Cuban Marinated beef Chuck Roll. Asia de Cuba’s chefs will be heading up the ceviche and carving stations, with a head-turning dessert station made up of a Dulce de Leche fountain, home-made Mexican Doughnuts and Arroz con Leche, especially for those with a sweet tooth. Whilst the bartenders will be mixing Asia de Cuba’s renowned Cleansers and Cocktails, with a Mojito bar as the central showcase. Set in Gallery 21’s stunning courtyard, with live tropical wall and Washingtonia palm trees, further complimented by decadent bronze life-size statues and Art Deco finishing, Asia de Cuba’s Chino Latino Brunch is set to be the ultimate in hedonistic weekend escapism. The fun continues after brunch with the Why Not Stay After Party in the Cigar Lounge and Rooftop Bar which runs from 4pm until 7pm, accompanied by the Latin beats of a live DJ with guests continuing to enjoy 50% off selected beverages. The Chino Latino Friday Brunch will run from 1pm to 4pm with unlimited food and drink. Priced at BD25++ for the Cleanser Package; BD30++ for the House Beverage Package; and BD35++ for the Premium Package. ✤

GO: CALL 1771 1600 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION.

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Here we go again! ART Rotana returns with another amazing beach party, this time featuring live dance and DJ entertainment from Brazil. Come down and get into the carnival vibe on 3rd November from 2pm for BD20 per person including 1 free drink. Buy your tickets from ART Rotana or call 16000111 ext 3112 for more info. Terms and conditions apply. Over 18 only. Right of admission reserved.

P. O. Box 50949, Amwaj Islands, Bahrain, T: +973 16000111, art.hotel@rotana.com fact magazine

• LISTEN UP

CALLING ALL COFFEE PROS

OBJECTIF SPORT! EXHIBITION EACH YEAR ALLIANCE FRANÇAISE organises an International photography competition within the wide network of Alliance Française, spread across all four continents. Nonprofessional international photographers were invited to present works illustrating a sport, which in their opinion best portrayed the sport of their country and values it conveys – 108 Alliances from 50 countries took part in this edition. Forty of the strongest photographs were carefully selected based on aesthetic appeal, social and cultural relevance, and the impact that sport has on bringing attention to social issues. This exhibition offers a unique perspective on sports. Sport is no longer limited to physical performance but also acts as uniting forces, bringing joy and meaning to the lives of the participants and their communities. It also acts as a means in which to divert ones attention towards something positive, despite the hardships of ones daily life. The participants of this exhibition poignantly and beautifully capture how sport is not just physical exertion, but also a form of expression and a means to define one’s self-identity. The exhibition will take place at the prestigious Gallery 21 BH in Adliya and will offer the opportunity to explore sport as a universal language, conveying positive concepts such as solidarity, tolerance, gratitude and open-mindedness; and simultaneously showcasing cultural differences and variety of sport practices from all over the world. ✤

GO: OBJECTIF SPORT - PERSPECTIVES ON SPORT WILL BE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC FROM SEPTEMBER 28 TO OCTOBER 14 AT GALLERY 21 BH. 14

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IF YOU KNOW YOUR freshly ground from flat white and exactly what makes a good cup of everyone’s favourite caffeine fix, then listen up. The Bahrain Coffee Championship (BCC) is a contest that all baristas and coffee aficionados need to know about. The contest aims to promote excellence in coffee and to advance the barista profession as well as engage a nationwide audience with an annual championship event that serves as the culmination of local and regional events around the globe. The competition will open with participants from various hotels, restaurants and cafes, who will compete in two rounds – the first for all entrants and the second for the finalists. The aim of the game is to please four reputed judges who will score each cuppa on taste, aroma, station management, innovation and presentation. For the winner and others, life after the competition will mean a series of professional barista trainings conducted throughout the year, with different training levels starting from basic coffee making to barista champions training. Registration is open to everyone from the everyday coffee addict to a pro cappuccino maker! This is well and truly the most exciting event to take Bahrain’s coffee culture to the next level. ✤

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KINOKO MATSURI MENU BUSHIDO RESTAURANT WILL BE celebrating the unique umami flavours of the humble mushroom in a month-long Mushroom Festival (or Kinoko Matsuri in Japanese). No one knows exactly how many types of mushroom naturally exist, however there are about 10,000 known species in North America alone (although not all of them edible). Dishes from the menu include the delicious Kinoko Sake Roll, the scrumptious Okinawa Salad and the tasty Wok Spicy Chicken. If you’re a mushroom fan, this one’s for you! ✤

GO: CALL 1758 3555 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION.

A TASTE FROM ITALY AN ITALIAN RESTAURANT THAT serves dishes that blend timeless classics with a contemporary twist – yes, please! Immersed in Italian tradition, the talented chef at Medzo, InterContinental Regency Bahrain, and takes diners on a culinary sampling through the best that Italy has to offer. Dine from Saturday to Wednesday, 12pm to 3pm and 6.30pm to 10.30pm, and available on Thursdays from 12noon to 3pm. Try the Pizza Happy Hour and take advantage of 50 per cent discount on any pizza of your choice from 6.30pm to 7.30pm. That’s not all – tuck into the Grand Italian Food with American Twist dishes packed full of hearty comfort. Satisfy your cravings with this special menu that offers the best of Italian and Californian cuisine. ✤

GO: CALL 1722 7777 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION. 16

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Thursday Night Out Thursdays are better spent with us Thursdays are the perfect start to the weekend. Every Thursday, enjoy a prime cut of US beef, sushi, Thai Curry Station and salmon station, unlimited exotic cocktails, beers, wines and gourmet food served to perfection across two outlets, from 7:00pm to 11:00pm, while our resident DJ sets the mood and cranks up the energy, priced at only BD 32.000 net per person all inclusive. hotel.bahrain.fb@movenpick.com for bookings, call 17460017

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movenpick.com

• LISTEN UP

LET’S GET MAJESTIC Majestic Arjaan by Rotana is a first class property that offers a spectacular and luxurious 128 suites conveniently located in Busaiteen District, opposite King Hamad University Hospital only two kilometers away from Bahrain International Airport.

WHEN IT COMES TO HOTELS in Bahrain, we’re really spoilt for choice. However, there’s one hospitality brand that offers guests the a to z of comfort and convenience – we’re talking about Rotana, of course. Just a five-minute drive from the soon-to-open new luxury shopping district The Avenues, Majestic Arjaan by Rotana has an admirable location for anyone who wants a short staycay or is looking for something a little more short or long term. Embrace new experiences at Majestic Arjaan by Rotana with its stunning studios and one, two and three bedroom suites offering optimal space and developed as duplexes having both visiting and staying guests in mind. Majestic Arjaan by Rotana also boasts three specialised food and beverage venues to suit every guest’s palate and dining needs. Ginger All-Day-Dining is an excellent venue to get together for an informal meal or special celebration. The outlet offers trendy indoor and outdoor settings and an ample International buffet for breakfast, lunch and dinner. A la carte menu is also available. Whilst Aquarius Pool Café is the perfect choice for casual dining and refreshments by the pool. Guests coming to Aquarius can enjoy light bites and refreshing beverages. Finally, there’s Ginger Lounge with its contemporary design and ambiance, is an ideal place to indulge yourself with our great tasting tea and aromatic coffee selections along with our varied a la carte menu while meeting people for business or leisure . The hotel features the latest high-tech facilities including fully-equipped meeting rooms with the most up-to-date audio-visual equipment and with the delivery of impeccable personalised services that meet the requirements and expectations of its guests either on business travel, relocation or those on leisure vacation. The hotel provides state-of-the-art amenities such as an outdoor temperature controlled swimming pool, Kids’ Zone, modern cardiovascular and weight training equipment as well as sauna and steam rooms. With a business corner, laundry and drying facilities, car limousine rental, generous parking space, doctor on call, non-smoking rooms, free wi-fi and multi-lingual employees, and many more great services with your comfort in mind, Majestic Arjaan by Rotana will make for an excellent home away from home. ✤ 18

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GO: VISIT WWW. ROTANA.COM OR CALL 1737 0000 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION.

Downtown

Friday Brunch Steak Spectacular Choose the perfect cut at our live butcherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s station during the Friday Brunch all September at Flavours on 2. This amazing offer is available to all brunch guests at the regular price of BD18++ with soft drinks or BD 26++ all inclusive. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t miss the September Steak Spectacular! The fun will not stop here! You can also enjoy free pool access until 7 pm. Children will also have a great time with their own modern supervised Kids room filled with toys and games for all ages.

Book your table today! For reservations and more information, please call +973 1311 9999 or email flavours2.downtown@rotana.com *Price is subject to 10% service charge and 10% government levy. fact magazine

PO Box 18345, Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain, T:+973 1311 9999, downtown.hotel@rotana.com

• LISTEN UP

COBRA FITNESS

FITNESS BUFFS, TAKE NOTE! There’s a new facility coming to town, ready to shake up your workout routine. Cobra Fitness, the popular fight gym in Abu Dhabi, is bringing its unique concept to Bahrain with the opening of a brand new facility in Hala Plaza, Zinj. From its humble beginnings in 2009, with head trainer and owner Mat Dryden holding pads in a small hotel gym in an Abu Dhabi hotel, Cobra Fitness has grown into a renowned and respected fight camp and fitness facility. This new huge two-story multi purpose fitness space in Bahrain will offer 440m2 of mat space, a 300m2 full lifting gym, a separate studio and full size boxing ring. Classes will range from Muay Thai and BJJ (Brazilian Jiu Jitsu) for adults and children to Boxing, MMA, Abs Destruction, Spartacus, Fighters Fitness and the brand new KO8 Suspension and Resistance Training. Due to open in early September, Cobra Fitness Bahrain is a clone of the original UAE space with its distinctive black and green decor and walls emblazoned with graffiti. The gym will be run on a day-to-day basis by Sam Brett under the guidance of Dryden. Alongside all the different workout areas there will be separate male and female changing rooms each with saunas, and a cafe area with healthy food and snacks provided by popular Bahrain gourmet deli Sage & Sirloin. Ample free parking is available right outside the door. Australian Dryden, said: “Built on a fighter's mentality people who train at Cobra Fitness are encouraged to push

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themselves to their limit. Our slogan ‘Push Till Ya Spew’ is our mantra and our unique motivation methods are well known in Abu Dhabi. “My trainers will replicate the level of classes and personal training available in Abu Dhabi, maintaining consistency across both centres. This new venture is exciting and I’m super pumped to bring Cobra Fitness to Bahrain and welcome everyone who’s looking to add something new to their fitness game,” he added. ✤

GO: FOLLOW @COBRAFITNESSBAHRAIN ON INSTAGRAM FOR MORE INFORMATION.

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DINING AT DOWNTOWN ROTANA Business Lunch at Flavours on 2 The award-winning, all-day dining restaurant Flavours on 2 offers international tastes from around the world serving breakfast, lunch and dinner buffets in addition to a delicious à la carte menu. The open-style kitchen and the live cooking stations bring a lively atmosphere into the restaurant. Make your way to Flavours on 2 between 12.30pm to 3.30pm and enjoy the special Business Lunch promotion for only BD9.5++ per person.

Early Bird at Teatro Downtown Dine out and enjoy a super saver by stopping by at Teatro Downtown for their daily 6pm to 8pm (excluding Sunday and Tuesday) offer of 25% off the bill. Choose from the à la carte food menu that contains more than 130 dishes and take a seat in the beautiful venue with your nearest and dearest. Free Valet parking available.

while experiencing the scrumptious spread starting from mouthwatering appetisers to the dreamy dessert section. The steak live cooking station is beyond imagination with an elite selection of various meat categories. The meat is cut to the thickness you desire and cooked to your preference – juicy! BD18++ for the soft drinks package and BD26++ for the unlimited premium drinks package. Served every Friday from 12noon to 4pm.

Infinite Sushi at Teatro Downtown Teatro Downtown knows how to turn Tuesday evenings into an infinite experience. Enjoy authentic Japanese delicacies and tempt your senses with the Unlimited Sushi Night. Every Tuesday from 6pm until 10pm. Indulge in a free flow of your favourite Sushi, Sashimi, Maki and drinks throughout the evening from just BD15++ or BD22++ including unlimited sips! It’s all you can eat like never before. ✤

Friday Brunch Steak Special Indulge your senses with the Friday Brunch Steak Special at Flavours on 2 restaurant! Enjoy the amazing city views 22

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GO: CALL 1311 9999 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION.

LISTEN UP •

SEPTEMBER AT ART ROTANA Smoker Night, Flames Restaurant The Flames restaurant team in ART Rotana has gone out of their way to make this night happen. An entire evening fully detected to smoking all kinds of protein you can think of, starting with lamb, beef and pork to corn fed chicken and fish. Carved straight from the smoker and served to your plate while you enjoy all you can eat from the smoked items, country style sides and lip-smacking dessert. The rustic ambiance and smoky scents will have you all hypnotised and asking for more. Every Wednesday from 7pm to 11.30pm for BD20++ per person.

Friday Garden Brunch Launch, Choices Terrace Relaunching on September 15th with a theme unlike any other in Bahrain, join in on Friday for the Garden-themed Brunch and discover your treasured escape from the city hustle into a heavenly indoor garden that will surely bring serenity and bliss to your weekend. This amusing experience isn’t complete without the astonishing food setup with delicious dishes brought to you from all around the world along with superb live cooking stations. The beverage section is everything you can dream of with unlimited drinks. Your kids will have the time of their lives at the exceptional play area while you enjoy the live performance of the in house band. Every Friday from September 15, 12.30pm to 4pm. Priced at BD20net with soft drinks and juices; BD34 net with house beverages. Kids aged six to 12-years-old pay BD10net and kids below six-years-old dine for free.

Virgo Party, Cellar 59 Celebrating all Virgos this month in Cellar 59 with complimentary bubbly and cake for all birthday celebrants. DJ Amm will turn the heat up with English house music and R&B songs, while the in-house dancer gives a spicy performance. September 15 from 9.30am to 2am. Free entry for all. VIP tables with special drinks are available.

Enrico’s Pasta Festa Night, Rosso Get spoiled by the new Italian chef every Monday night at Rosso restaurant. Chef Enrico will prepare over 12 different types of freshly made pastas with his family secret recipes, which were passed down to him from his great-great-grandparents. With over four generations of authentic Italian pastas, enjoy your choice of welcoming drinks. Treat yourself with a night full of Italian love. Every Monday from 5pm to 9pm, priced at BD7++ with a welcome drink and BD12++ with house beverages.

Noche de Clase de Salsa, Cellar 59 Learn the authentic way of how to Salsa with the Cuban band Soneando. All the sizzling hidden tricks be taught to you to perfect your dance routine. Later on in the evening, you can practice your moves while you sip your complimentary drinks. Every Tuesday from 7.30pm to 11pm. ✤

GO: CALL 1600 0111 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION. fact magazine

• DINING DEALS

Eating Out Just Got Better Check out all these amazing dining deals for September at The Gulf Hotel Bahrain Convention & Spa.

Oktoberfest Oktoberfest with the famous LASTERBACHER MUSIKANTEN BAND. Temperament, a close connection with their audience and the ability to play the right music at the right time - these are the band’s strengths. They assure you of a great mood and a lot of fun. Doors Open at 7:.0pm and the show starts at 8.30pm. Price: BD26++. A great selection of Bavarian beverages and authentic Bavarian buffet is included. October 15 to 20! Get your tickets asap.

Bahrain Convention and Spa to treat you and your loved ones to quality Bahraini hospitality and unrivalled luxury service.

The Burger Challenge. Finish the supersized home-made 1KG burger and take home an exclusive Sherlock Homes T-Shirt alongside the honour of getting your name and the date immortalised on the venue’s wall of fame. BD 19++ inclusive of a drink and fries. Are you up for the challenge?

The Master of Madness

Pride of Punjab

The Gulf Hotel Bahrain will be opening its doors to some very special guests; straight from the UK comes the longestsurviving Madness Tribute Band, One Step Behind! Formed in spring 1993, the band achieved widespread recognition in an unusually short time, playing venues the length and breadth of Britain as well as performing with the members of Madness on a number of occasions. Join One Step Behind at Sherlock Holmes as they bring their authentic “Nutty” atmosphere to the island on September 21 from 9 pm onwards. At just BD5 for advance tickets and BD7 on the night.

Punjab or ‘the land of the five rivers’ is a Northern state in India packed with tons of character, charm, colour and FOOD. This is the land that gave us chicken tikka, pakoda, samosa, tandoori chicken, paneer and everyone’s favourite Indian drink – lassi, as well as many other delectable dishes.This special menu at Rasoi by Vineet pays an ode to the rich robust flavours of Punjabi cuisine and the hearty fun-loving Punjabis. Available from September 1 to 10. ✤

Hearty Friday Brunch Follow up the above back at Sherlock Holmes with a hearty, scrumptious Friday Brunch on September 22, from 12.30pm to 4pm and enjoy some of the best traditional English fare. Take your pick from unlimited sharing platters of scotch eggs, chicken pops, jalapeno poppers and wings followed by free flowing mains including fish and chips and curry bowls, all for just BD20 per person and BD25 on the day.

Japanese Wonders If you thought it couldn’t get any better, be prepared to be amazed! For the first time in Bahrain, the taste of Japanese Michelin Star cuisine is coming to Sato. After delighting Japan with his delicate and illustrative cooking, Chef Kazuo Takagi is ready to entice your taste buds with a special a la carte menu from the September 20 to 24. Be a part of the Cooking Master Class and lunch with Chef Kazuo for a cool BD39 per person - limited seats only! This September, allow The Gulf Hotel 24

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DINING DEALS â&#x20AC;¢

CALL 1771 3000 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION. fact magazine

• SOCIETY

#ASTER #CLINIC #SANAD #OPENING From a single clinic to a performance-driven healthcare enterprise spread across 316 establishments in 9 countries and growing, Aster DM Healthcare has transitioned into being a growing network across the Middle East and India. Currently one of the largest and fastest growing conglomerates in the MENA region, Aster DM Healthcare covers the full spectrum of healthcare services. An expansive portfolio includes hospitals, clinics and retail pharmacies. On August 14, Aster Clinic in Sanad opened its doors to a new, state of the art, Dermatology department, which was inaugurated by Ms. Huda Mirza, Director of Talent & Culture. Ms. Mirza said in a statement “Aster Clinic is known for their quality and innovative treatments and I am excited to inaugurate the new Dermatology department, which will surely help patients across Bahrain and internationally due to its qualified staff, modern machinery and best healthcare practices.” Book an appointment on 1771 1811.

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DIGITAL DETOX: HOW DIFFICULT CAN IT BE? Does the thought of not posting a daily insta story give you anxiety? Or do you dread the little red notification every time you log onto Facebook? Shabana Adam digs into the depths of social media to find out when an online cleanse is long overdue and why switching off is not as easy as it seems.

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here comes a point in my daily routine – usually in the late afternoon – when I’ve exhausted all my creative and competent will for the day. I need a time out. My sluggish mind and body, the onset of writer’s block and the half-hour-long meme sprees make this very clear. Not to mention the many cups of tea. So, it got me thinking – what are the signs for when we need a break from the digital world? Whether we like it or not, we are creatures of social media. The Arab Social Media Report 2017 found that 90 per cent of the online population in most Middle East countries use social networking sites, daily. This might be for personal use to stay in touch with family and friends or for business purposes to build a brand’s following, either way it’s clear that we’ve been well and truly infected with the social media bug. And there’s no rush for a cure anytime soon. But what happens when all the noise gets a bit too much? For me, being in the magazine industry where a huge part of the job responsibility is your brand’s social media, switching off seems almost deviant. Yet, I’m convinced that many of us have had the urge to sign out and forget about hashtags and stories for a little while. I know I have. And though I love letting the rebel in me out to play, switching off is easier said than done. Dilemma number one: as much as I’ve wanted to take a hiatus every now and again, there’s just something SO addictive about scrolling through your feed and taking in all the new content from your friends

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and followers. Yes, I want to see who’s had a baby, who’s on holiday in the Maldives, and who’s had a healthier lunch than mine. I probably (definitely) don’t care, but I want to see it nonetheless. So, the question is, what makes it so HARD to step AWAY from our digital platforms? Lena Dobschall, an Abu Dhabi-based Lifestyle Blogger, who goes by the name mondayonfleek, believes that social media can create short elusions from the real world, which users find easier to handle. “You see all these nice pictures of palm trees or videos of baby cats, and everything is always AH-MAZING,” she says.

“THE DIGITAL WORLD SEEMS TO BE SO MUCH EASIER SOMETIMES, AND EVEN THOUGH IT’S OBVIOUSLY PRETENTIOUS, WE STILL TEND TO LIKE AND BELIEVE WHAT WE SEE THERE.” - LENA DOBSCHALL

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he Middle East especially, has seen a staggering growth in social media activity. We Are Social’s newest report, Digital in 2017 Global Overview, revealed that social media use overall saw an impressive leap of 47 per cent in the past 12 months, with mobile social media up 44 per cent. To put things into perspective, that’s 93 MILLION active social media users in this region alone. Imagine the amount of new conversation topics, funny memes and viral videos you could be witnessing on the hour? Now, if that doesn’t give you major FOMO (fear of missing out) then I don’t know what will. “People want to be constantly in the know,” says Hassan Saraya, a Gulf-based Public Relations Executive at Four Seasons Hotels. “You want to be part of the “it” conversation and so your real life experiences start to get replaced with virtual ones.” Lena adds: “Our generation is constantly worried about missing out on something, so spending time online seems to be the best way to keep up to date with everything from pop culture to news. “And because things change so fast, you get new updates every time you log on which means you want to basically stay online all the time in order to keep up!” she says. This infinite cycle of wanting to know about everyone and everything the second that it happens, could be the core reason why the majority of social media users find it difficult to disconnect from their online personas.

“PEOPLE WANT TO BE CONSTANTLY IN THE KNOW... YOU WANT TO BE PART OF THE “IT” CONVERSATION AND SO YOUR REAL LIFE EXPERIENCES START TO GET REPLACED BY VIRTUAL ONES.” - HASSAN SARAYA

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From behind a screen you can consume all the gossip you want, comment on posts and pictures with opinions you don’t have to justify and, essentially, be whoever you want to be for your followers. The real pros, I’m sure, will have also played detective a fair few times. I mean, if you haven’t casually ‘stalked’ a crush’s feed all the way back to 2010 or gone through your childhood friend’s brother’s wife’s holiday album, or spent an hour saving links to recipes you’ll never make, are you even doing social media right? And so, we come to dilemma number two: as much as I’d love to sign out from my devices for days at a time, browsing the discover page on Instagram or checking out the latest trending topic on Twitter, and even taking a hundred different pictures using new Snapchat filters, is all part of my daily escapism – these are the places where I can choose and control which parts of my life I want people to see. Which leads to the next big question, is your digital IDENTITY the REAL you?

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“PEOPLE CANNOT REALLY DISTINGUISH BETWEEN YOUR MEDIA PERSONALITY, A.K.A YOUR JOB, AND YOUR REAL PERSONALITY. THEY WILL JUDGE YOU ONLY BY WHAT YOU PUT OUT THERE.” - LENA DOBSCHALL

ena suggests that this aspect of social media, the fluidity of online identity and the attachment of stereotypes, is also one of the negatives of having the status of ‘influencer’. Why? “People cannot really distinguish between your media personality, aka your job, and your real personality,” she explains. “They will judge you only by what you put out there. For example, the role of a make-up blogger may be stereotyped by some as being superficial or unintelligent, but it can be a very lucrative job, where you have to be smart, extremely organised and consistent,” Lena adds. “But on YouTube, all you might see them doing is dabbing their concealer on, which is the only side of them that you’ll know.” For Hassan, much like myself, and any other profession that requires keeping a

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constant eye on your follower engagement and competitor’s online moves, social media is a whole different arena of endless possibilities. “It’s crazy, because less than a decade ago, social media was just a trend,” Hassan recalls. “Now it’s a critical component of any business marketing programme as well as for personal connections too. “You create your own persona in a saturated world. Anyone can be anyone on social media, so why would you want to switch off from that?” he says. Here comes dilemma number three: the honest truth is that if I want to excel in my job, social media has to be my best friend – at all times of the day (and night). Even if for a few hours, detaching from the digital world means that I could miss out on the next big story or insta opp, both personally and professionally. Final question: do we just continue to let the NOISE of social media take over for the sake of workplace COMMITMENTS or is that just an excuse to stay online?

“YOU CREATE YOUR OWN PERSONA IN A SATURATED WORLD. ANYONE CAN BE ANYONE ON SOCIAL MEDIA, SO WHY WOULD YOU WANT TO SWITCH OFF FROM THAT?” - HASSAN SARAYA

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“

The truth is that as the working environment evolves in the GCC, more and more employees are relying on technology and social media in particular to keep connected,” Hassan explains. “As a result, we are in a constant always-on mode. I even see this in my own social media because my posts on both work platforms and my personal accounts have a similar style, albeit within brand guidelines for work.”

IT’S A BLURRED LINE; WORK LIFE AND REAL LIFE, WHERE T H E RO L E O F S O C I A L M E D I A M E A N S T H AT YO U A R E T H E B R A N D A N D T H E B R A N D I S YO U.

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It’s a blurred line; work life and real life, where the role of social media means that you are the BRAND and the brand is YOU. This might be a positive thing for those who want to stay ahead in their career game and dedicate every waking moment to their followers, but it can also be a negative for those who wish to turn off their notifications and can’t always do so, because they’re either too afraid of missing out on something important or, simply, their digital platforms have become such a sacrilegious part of both work and home life. On the other end of the spectrum, it’s important to recognise that social media can also be a positive and beneficial tool. It’s an excellent place to voice opinions for causes that need attention and to reach a big audience, fast. It’s also packed full of free skills, advice and information on every topic you could think of – holistic wellbeing, DIY hacks, fashion updates, education empowerment, political movements and so much

more – as well as giving you a closer, raw insight into the lives of celebrities, athletes, CEOs and other world movers and shakers for inspiration or for pure pastime. There’s networking sites like LinkedIn which is possibly the greatest tool for making career connections, browsing, applying and in many cases, landing your next job. The digital world might just be the biggest catch 22 for millions of people, and we haven’t even touched on topics such as profile privacy and how exactly being online affects people’s psychology. For some, social media sells happiness and gives the level of validation they crave. For others who want to avoid faceto-face interaction, social media allows them to express their feelings without dealing with the consequences. My truth is, I can live WITH it more than I can live without it. Ultimately, only YOU will know if and when you need a digital detox. I think my time to press pause is slowly creeping up. But first, let me take a selfie. ✤

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• SOCIAL MEDIA

SOCIAL MEDIA 101 AANCHAL DUGGAL GIVES YOU THE LOWDOWN ON THE MOST POPULAR PLATFORMS IN THE DIGITAL WORLD…

Facebook

Instagram

FOUNDER(S): Mark Zuckerberg, Eduardo Saverin, Andrew McCollum, Dustin Moskovitz, Chris Hughes

FOUNDER(S): Kevin Systrom, Mike Krieger

NUMBER OF USERS: 2 billion monthly active users WHY IT’S POPULAR: If you’re anything like us, passively scrolling through your Facebook feed has manifested into a bedtime ritual you just can’t seem to shake off! Offering a fascinating milieu of friends, family, colleagues and a whole lotta memes, Facebook has successfully cemented its position at the top of the social media ladder. From insanely cute puppy videos and keeping in touch with long lost friends to getting the deets on the latest gossip in your circle and around the world- Facebook is on top of it all! With the influx of newer and cooler social media, it will be interesting to see how Facebook matches up. 36

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NUMBER OF USERS: 400 million daily active users

WHY IT’S POPULAR: If you’re a sucker for drool-worthy food art and FOMO inducing vacay snaps- Instagram should be right up your alley! Coming at us with a host of fitness goals, food envy, beauty hacks, travel inspo and more, Instagram presents to us an ideal image of life and society; it’s escapism at its finest. Apart from setting some unrealistic yet entertaining standards, your favourite celebs and media influencers are just a DM away. A reservoir of selfies, hashtags and filters, the photo sharing app has managed to create the perfect illusion of the world. Love it or hate it- we just can’t get enough of the ‘gram!

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Snapchat

Twitter

FOUNDER(S): Evan Spiegel, Bobby Murphy, Reggie Brown

FOUNDER(S): Jack Dorsey, Noah Glass, Biz Stone, Evan Williams

NUMBER OF USERS: 173 million daily active users

WHY IT’S POPULAR: Changing the face of the digital world, literally one filter at a time, Snapchat has introduced us to a side of social media we never knew we needed! Making communication incredibly raw and customised, Snapchat lets you control your content to a much greater extent than other platforms. But what make this app so distinguished and one of a kind are its unique and playful filters. Be it the basic dog filter or everybody’s favourite flower crown filter, documenting your life has never been this creative. Revolutionising the way we use our phones to connect within our social circles, as well as the daily world Snapchat story and news articles, Snapchat is a gift that keeps on giving and we can’t wait for every new filter that’s coming.

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NUMBER OF USERS: 100 million daily active users WHY IT’S POPULAR: A haunt for intellectuals, politicians and celebrities alike, Twitter attracts unfiltered criticism, adulation as well as other miscellaneous witticisms and commentary from all walks of life. Providing us with the wider pulse of the world, the data and current events that we glean from the app in realtime are actually game-changing. A form of citizen journalism, it helps keep track of the events from normal people on the ground, all within the platform’s 140-character limit! Letting individual opinions into the global cyber-canvass, Twitter is the easiest way to join the conversation and form a sense of community. It’s also your best bet at finding different opinions and real-time info.

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• SOCIAL MEDIA

Tumblr

FOUNDER(S): David Karp

FOUNDER(S): Reid Hoffman, Allen Blue, Konstantin Guericke, Eric Ly, Jean-Luc Vaillant

NUMBER OF USERS: 550+ million active users

WHY IT’S POPULAR: Giving a whole new meaning to “your vibe attracts your tribe”, Tumblr makes finding your kind of people super easy and fun! The hotbed for youth activity, what makes this microblogging site so popular is its selectivity and security through obscurity. Ideal for people who are not into lengthy blogs, it lets you post short texts, multimedia, quotes and lots more about anything and everything. Featuring everything from fact to fiction, it allows you to connect with and follow people who are obsessed with the same things as you and form communities based on these interests. The best place to vent, connect and get inspired!

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NUMBER OF USERS: 500 million members WHY IT’S POPULAR: In our ferociously competitive society, establishing a professional identity can be exhausting and any help is always a welcomed sight. Thankfully for us, LinkedIn makes stepping into the professional realm more precise and fuss-free! While it may not be the most happening social media platform around, it is definitely the most important when it comes to building a professional network. A go-to service for professionals of all ages, it links employers posting jobs with job seekers posting their CVs. Offering a whole world of opportunities, LinkedIn is definitely one of the best recruitment tools around.

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• SOCIAL MEDIA

YouTube

FOUNDER(S): Steve Huffman, Alexis Ohanian

FOUNDER(S): Steve Chen, Chad Hurley, Jawed Karim

NUMBER OF USERS: 250 million users

WHY IT’S POPULAR: A clever play on the words “I read it”, Reddit is an assorted collection of subreddits representing every subject imaginable. From news, science and music to fitness and unsolved mysteries, Reddit has a thread for your every mood and intellect! The availability of an open and diverse user community has made it a safe place for users to raise attention and foster discussions on a wide range of subjects. Feeding on people’s desire to be constantly inthe-know, it helps users achieve certain goals of viewership or simply attain answers to interesting questions. This is definitely the kind of social media platform to air out your Area 51 theory or talk about the next diet fad - basically, spending hours upon hours browsing, reading and posting!

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NUMBER OF USERS: Over 1 billion users WHY IT’S POPULAR: Beauty tutorials, daily vlogging and music videos from around the world- that’s YouTube for you! Unless you’ve been living under a rock, this video sharing site must be your go-to app for all things entertainment. With over 300 hours of video uploaded to the site every minute (seriously!), it’s beyond debate that YouTube’s influence has totally changed the world. Independent creators have turned this video giant into a money-making machine by amassing huge followings and raking in a lot of moolah! YouTube’s face-to-face engagement concept has led to a whole different ball game that continues to dramatically grow and evolve. If you’ve got the subscribers then you’re doing it right!

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Google+

FOUNDER(S): Paul Sciarra, Evan Sharp, Ben Silbermann

FOUNDER(S): Larry Page, Sergey Brin

NUMBER OF USERS: 150 million active monthly users

NUMBER OF USERS: 111 million active users

WHY IT’S POPULAR:

Inspiring users to “go out and do that thing” since 2010, Pinterest‘s visual orientation has made it everybody’s favourite catalog of ideas. With your lifestyle at its core, Pinterest lets you draw inspiration from a host of pretty pictures as you ‘pin’ your way to visual nirvana! Sharing your likes and interests lets you connect with likeminded people and create a visual bookmark of everything from recipes and style inspiration to home hacks and crafts. The option of creating multiple pinboards is ideal for people who crave a little organisation! Another social media platform where you can while away the hours, this time with a bundle of creative inspiration.

An integrated social networking platform focused on bringing all of Google together, Google+ is a more niche channel in this sea of booming media platforms. While Google+ lets you post photos and status updates to the stream and interest based communities, what makes it stand out is its ability to post unobstructed high resolution images. It also lets you implement high-quality photo editing features, which is a treat for amateur photographers and lifestyle bloggers. Staying connected is made super easy with Hangout, its video calling service that lets you talk to 10 people at once. Google+ might not be in the spotlight, but it is definitely worth your attention!

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• ACRONYMS

FYI, SOCIAL MEDIA IS #BAE Not hi n g s ays s o c i a l m ed i a - s av v y like a good acrony m. Abbreviat ion s go ha nd- in - h a n d w i th th e d i g i t al world wh ere t y pin g ou t a wh ole s enten ce i s j ust too u n cool . In s tea d , c a pt i on s an d h as ht ags are packed wit h eas ier (l a z i e r) ways of s ay i n g w h at yo u mean . Here are s ome of t h e f requ ent ly u s ed tex t cu lprit s …

AMA – Ask Me Anything BAE – Before Anyone Else BFF – Best Friend Forever BFN – Bye For Now BRB – Be Right Back BTW – By The Way CYL – See You Later DM – Direct Message FF – Follow Friday FOMO – Fear Of Missing Out FTW – For The Win FYI – For Your Information FWIW – For What It’s Worth FYA – For Your Amusement GTG – Got To Go GR8 – Great HBD – Happy Birthday ICYMI – In Case You Missed It IDC – I Don’t Care 46

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IDK – I Don’t Know ILY – I Love You IMO – In My Opinion IRL – In Real Life JELL – Jealous JK – Just Kidding KMT – Kiss My Teeth LOL – Laughing Out Loud LMAO – Laughing My A** Off LMK – Let Me Know MYOB – Mind Your Own Business NBD – No Big Deal NBC – Nobody Cares NVM – Never Mind NSFW – Not Safe For Work OBV – Obviously OG – Original Gangster OMG – Oh My God

OMW – On My Way OOTD – Outfit Of The Day PDA – Public Display of Affection PPL – People QOTD – Quote Of The Day ROTFL – Rolling On The Floor Laughing SMH – Shaking My Head SRLSY – Seriously TBH – To Be Honest TBT – Throwback Thursday TMI – Too Much Information TYT – Take Your Time TTYL – Talk To You Later TYVM – Thank You Very Much WTH – What The Hell YOLO – You Only Live Once YGTR – You Got That Right

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DISCONNECT 5 WAYS TO SWITCH OFF

ARE YOU CONSTANTLY SCROLLING ON YOUR SMARTPHONE? YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA FEED COULD BE SPIKING YOUR STRESS LEVELS AND TAKING A TOLL ON YOUR WELLBEING. HERE ARE JUST A FEW WAYS FOR YOU TO UNPLUG AND LIVE IN THE MOMENT.

1. FOCUS: MINDFULNESS It might sound straightforward, but training your brain to stop multitasking and focus on one thing at a time can do your health wonders. This technique promotes breathing exercises found in yoga which encourages individuals to step back from their busy thoughts and emotions in order to view things from a disconnected perspective. The best (and probably ironic) thing is that you can now download mindfulness guides from online sources such as www.bemindfulonline.com. 2. CONNECT: FACE-TO-FACE Actually get up, get ready and go to see your family and friends. Yes, it sounds so simple, but more and more people have become accustomed to “checking-in” with their loved ones over a Facebook message or Insta DM. If you find yourself regularly cutting out REAL human-to-human interaction, it’s time to take a social media vacation and start making plans to meet up with the people in your life. 3. DO NOTHING: BREAK TIME Possibly the easiest decision you can make is to take a time out. Actively breaking away from posting on social media for a few days can create new breathing space whilst knowing that your account is still visible and searchable even when you’re not posting. Take this a step further and deactivate your account as a temporary solution to pressing pause on your daily screen time.

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4. SILENCE: HIDE IT When meeting up with friends, turn off notification or better yet, put your phone on silent, and leave it in your bag. No bag? Turn your phone over so you can’t see the screen. We’ve all got that one friend who keeps their phone attached to them like a glove – we might even be that friend – but this is seriously rude. Fight the urge to check emails and messages, and to insta your food (that might be a little harder), you’re guaranteed more good convo and laughs this way. 5. CLEANSE: HOLIDAY Yes, posting on social media when you’re off on your travels is an absolute must – why would you not want to show off the beach you’re lounging on when your besties are all doing the nine-to-five grind? The solution: plan a holiday that actually allows for down-time and detaching from your devices – for example, health retreats, wildlife trips, volunteering days, spa vacays and more – you can take all the pics you want and post them when you’re back. The key is to LIVE IN THE MOMENT. ✤

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• HOTEL HOTSPOT

Fine Living:

THE ST. REGIS ABU DHABI YOU WOULDN’T BE MISTAKEN FOR THINKING THAT YOU’VE WALKED INTO A PALACE WHEN YOU STEP INTO THE GRAND LOBBY OF THE ST. REGIS ABU DHABI. IT’S REGAL INTERIORS IS THE BEST SURPRISE CONSIDERING THAT THE BUILDING’S EXTERIOR IS JUST ANOTHER HIGH-RISE, AN ICONIC ONE AT THAT. FACT’S ALLY MAC SPENT AN INCREDIBLE WEEKEND AT THE 5-STAR PROPERTY AND WAS TRULY BLOWN AWAY…

have just spent the most amazing weekend at the 5-star St. Regis Abu-Dhabi. Located on the corniche, it’s not only got one of the best addresses in the UAE capital but it’s also the epitome of what you’d expect from a fine St. Regis hotel, and then some! Walking into the hotel lobby, will have you stop short of breath as you’re greeted with huge low-hanging Arabian lantern-inspired chandeliers and two ornate bronze grand staircases, sweeping away from each other as they round the twin majestic pillars that frame the lobby lounge and some very cosy tucked reading areas. It certainly had the wow factor on first impressions as well as a home away from home feel to it.

SUITE ENVY At check-in, I was also offered a thirst-quenching blueberry drink and within moments was shown to my room on the 38th floor. Entering the Grand Deluxe Suite, my first though was “quick, phone, need to insta it ALL!” and when I finally got my 50

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â&#x20AC;¢ HOTEL HOTSPOT

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HOTEL HOTSPOT •

fill of social media sharing, I took a step back and fell onto the comfy bed to admire my surroundings. It was pretty sweet. The room is extremely spacious and chic adorned in marble and custom furniture, and decked out with state-of-the arttechnology – a blend of classic and contemporary that went so well together. The best bit… the freestanding bathtub and separate shower area with jet massage – just take a bath every day and thank us later. The signature St. Regis bed (and linen) was such a dream to sleep in; much-needed siestas became my way of life for three days. Heavenly! The whole suite has floor-to-ceiling windows throughout the room and being so high up means that you get the most amazing sights of the sea and the city – again, instagram-ready shots. There’s something fun about spotting tiny little people around the place… and so a personal creation of ’Where’s Wally’ ensued every time I looked out of the window! There’s also plenty of space to lounge around as a separate living area is nicely partitioned from the bedroom using a beautifullyplaced wall. In other words, you’ve got a good amount of space to play with! The service was bespoke without being intrusive and I had my own personal butler called Rahul who offered to unpack my luggage (and packed it when I leave) – a lovely personalised

touch! With the St. Regis Butler Service, you can call up your butler for anything - coffee, pressing of clothes, dining reservations or even to get more information about Abu-Dhabi. Two complimentary pressings is included with the room and coffee/tea is complimentary. The bathroom is also filled with small touches that made my stay just perfect. For starters, most of the mirrors in the beautiful bathroom are heated and this means that you won’t have to deal with fogged-up mirrors even when taking a hot shower (hey, it’s the little things that count). My bathtub experience was made even better with the existence of a television - yes. A screen that is hidden in the mirror! Why bother trying to position your bathtub so that you can look out into the TV in the room when you can just build a television into the bathroom mirror, right?

HOTEL GOALS I spent most of my afternoon alternating between deep-soaking in the tub, the day bed by the window and dipping in and out of the pool and beach at The Nation Riviera Beach Club, which sits across from the property and offers guests private access fact magazine

• HOTEL HOTSPOT

through an undetground walking tunnel to the beach and swimming pool. Breakfast was served at the beautiful Terrace on the Corniche. There was a huge choice of healthy green spreads to really letting go and enjoying all the other delights such as a pancake section, omelette station, classic English breakfast, you name it, this breakfast had it! I can also confirm that I’ve now had the best eggs benedict of my life. That’s it. Game over. In the evening it was time for dinner at Villa Toscana, the hotel’s Italian restaurant. My first greeting was from Giuseppe Palmieri, the charming restaurant manager who welcomed me in with open arms! The restaurant had an old Italian villa feel, with an open kitchen letting you watch the chefs do their magic. The décor is dark walnut furnishings with high ceilings and chandeliers. The central dining room with it’s shuttered windows and painted murals is the focal point of the restaurant. Within a few minutes of sitting down I was presented a traditional Sardinian flat bread, fresh from the oven, with a trio of homemade pastes - hello, carbs! The menu at Villa Toscana represents a traditional, culinary path through Italy. I decided to let Giuseppe take control of my menu choices! For my starter, I had a Bresaola Salad, which was incredibly refreshing and full of flavor. My second plate of Italian goodness was three pasta cones that looked like little fluffy pillows of deliciousness! I absolutely loved the subtlety and freshness of flavours. To wrap up, the dessert choice was firmly one of the traditional Italian favourites and a Villa Toscana standout - the Magnum Tiramisu ice creams. It was out of this world; creamy and balanced in sweetness. The food most definitely married perfectly with the rustic surroundings!

DON’T MAKE ME LEAVE I love how The St. Regis Abu Dhabi felt so exclusive and how the entire property was so inviting from the moment I walked in. After two luxurious nights at the hotel where the staff made me feel at home every minute of the stay, it was time to pack my things and check out. All the while, I was thinking “how can I get them to let me live here permanently?” If you’re planning a trip to Abu Dhabi, I genuinely recommend this hotel. For me, it’s the definition of pure luxury with great facilities, impeccable restaurants and an amazing beach. Shout out to the dreamy beds too! The suite life got me good - now it’s your turn to get taken by this 5-star hospitality heaven. ✤

GO: CALL (0)2 694 4444 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION. 54

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• ENTERTAINMENT

BIG SCREEN Alpha WHAT’S IT ABOUT?

Following a failed expedition 20,000 years ago in Europe, during the Upper Paleolithic period, a young caveman is forced to struggle against the elements on his journey home. As he learns to survive and navigate his way through the unforgiving wilderness, he forms an unlikely alliance with a lone wolf. The film follows the pair as they try to find their way home against all odds.

DIRECTOR: Albert Hughes CAST: Kodi Smit-McPhee, Leonor Varela, Jens Hulten

WHY IT’S WORTH WATCHING?

While the intriguing relationship between humankind and our canine counterparts has been the subject of our fascination since the beginning of time, it never ceases to amaze us. Albert Hughes’ newest offering, Alpha, touches upon this intriguing bond in a unique theatrical offering. When a hunting expedition goes awry, a young man is left to fend for himself in the harsh wilderness after being presumed dead. As he tries to find his way back to his tribe, he grows closer to a wolf abandoned by his pack and together they embark on a journey of epic proportions! The prehistoric adventure lays more emphasis on the action sequences, immense primal world and the silent moments featuring this symbiotic partnership. This wide-ranging survival story showcases the harmony between man and beast in a sense of monumental importance never witnessed before.

Highlights

“

The prehistoric adventure lays more emphasis on the action sequences, immense primal world and the silent moments featuring this symbiotic partnership.

Victoria and Abdul WHAT’S IT ABOUT:

Constricted in the confines of her royal duties, Queen Victoria strikes a loyal and devoted friendship with her Indian attendant, Abdul Karim. As the servant opens the Queen’s eyes to a world hitherto unseen, history’s most unlikely friendship is born.

– Alpha

DIRECTOR: Stephen Frears CAST: Judi Dench, Ali Fazal, Eddie Izzard

WHY IT’S WORTH WATCHING?

Shedding light on British history’s most scandalous and admirable friendship, Stephen Frears’ latest biographical drama is a tale of impending dilemma and unshakable loyalty. As the British Empire celebrates Queen Victoria’s 50-year reign, Abdul Karim, a young clerk from India is also in attendance and forges a friendship that ruffles a lot of feathers. Based on Shrabani Basu’s novel of the same name, the period piece focuses on the monarch’s later life and the unique predicament that stems from her long-held position. The effortless balance between humour, wit and drama really reels you in and gives you a closer look into the royal way of life. Go and watch it for the brilliant retelling of an unconventional union! 56

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ENTERTAINMENT •

FULLY BOOKED

ON THE RECORD

NON-FICTION

So Much I Want to Tell You: Letters to My Little Sister By Anna Akana

ALT/INDIE-POP

FREEDOM CHILD

By The Script

The Script is back with a brand new album that will hit you right in the feels! Almost three years after their last release, Freedom Child sees the band showcasing a selection of timely, urgent and future-facing anthems. Rain, a stunning juxtaposition of music and message is very different from anything they have ever released and is definitely our summer song of the year. The infectious tune features bursts of piano-tinged pop along with the band’s trademark irresistible chorus - you’ll certainly be belting it out at the top of your lungs! The Irish trio has called their newest record a progression of sorts and a reaction to the ever-changing musical climate. The album takes us on a journey of both real-life events and real-time sonic adventurism with their honest lyrics and modern sounds. With freedom being the underlying theme, the band has definitely tried to break out of their mold and push their indie-pop-rock sound to a new level with lighter, refreshing music.

COUNTRY/ POP

NOW

YouTuber Anna Akana shares an inspirational collection of life lessons dedicated to her sister who tragically died from suicide. Akana continues to share words of wisdom she wasn’t able to pass on, using insight she’s gained through her challenges and successes. A beautifully worded, witty, heartfelt and thought-provoking read.

By Shania Twain Get ready to kick it back to the good old times with Shania Twain’s muchawaited LP - Now! It’s been1 5 long years since the country-pop songstress released an album and she’s finally gearing up to get back into the musical scene. Calling her newest album a growth in independence, the diva plans on wowing fans with a record that’s more diverse and soulful than her previous sound. Life’s About to Get Good, a bouncy, energetic number is all about moving from troubled times to happier days. Acknowledging the good and bad of life, the track features a delightful arrangement of mandolin, fiddle and hand claps and is a Shania Twain song through and through. Offering a fun mix of painful and melancholy ballads and triumphant and upbeat songs, the album gets up close and personal and we’re totally feeling this new vibe!

FICTION

GOODBYE, VITAMIN By Rachel Khong When her fiancé decides to leave her for another woman, Ruth hesitatingly accepts her mother’s invitation to move back home. Seeing her father in the throes of dementia makes her reflect on her entire life. She decides to move in for a year to help out and what follows is a family’s journey through difficult and good times.

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ISLAND RIDES â&#x20AC;¢

A MASERATI MASTERPIECE

THE NEW QUATTROPORTE GRANSPORT GTS

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â&#x20AC;˘ ISLAND RIDES

FACT was handed the keys and responsibility of taking care of the new Maserati Quattroporte GranSport and we accepted willingly. Having test driven scores of sports cars, it is hard to get the same excitement we once did, however, one look at the this exciting new take on the classic Quattroporte and we were smiling like Cheshire cats about to get the milk.

ince 1963, the Quattroporte has been pushing the boundaries of sports car ideology, being the first to lower the engine of a race car into a four-door. 50 years later, Maserati is still producing exciting new updated versions of this classic vehicle that have now landed on the shores of the Kingdom of Bahrain. As we inspected the exterior of the vehicle, we noticed the new bumper design and a pointier, more imposing revised grill deepening the powerful shark nose effect. Larger side vents add to its aggressive presence whilst new chrome elements, lowered air vents and sporty side intakes enhance the elegance of the design. An aggressive black piano spoiler completes the rear view of the GranSport which is also fitted with 21â&#x20AC;? Titano rims and features red brake calipers as well as a gloss black finish on the bumpers. There is little uncertainty over the exterior beauty of this mechanical creation as every line and curve of the body exuded class and a promise of the spectacular driving experience to come. The interior of the Quattroporte did not fail to live up to the promises made by its exterior. Only the finest materials and

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equipment have been used including premium Italian leathers, fine woods and handcrafted stitching. Interior features of this beautiful motor vehicle include 12-way power adjustable leather front seats which ensure you have both comfort and a perfect driving position. We loved the sport steering wheel which was both efficient and comfortable in design, providing a solid grip, giving the driver a sense of control. The central console is equipped with the very latest touch-screen infotainment system, complete with a high resolution 8.4â&#x20AC;? screen with multi-touch functionality and an additional rotary knob for volume and function control. The system is compatible with both the Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring functions. A novel new feature is the Air Quality Sensor which significantly improves the comfort for the occupants through an intelligent sensor and a signal analysis system. It calculates the external pollution levels and prevents polluted air and toxic gases from entering the cabin. This automobile does not rely on its imposing looks to sell itself. It has the power to back up its aggressive looking exterior which we experienced soon after turning onto the tarmac. This mechanical beast is powered by a 3.0 V6 petrol

ISLAND RIDES •

“

“WE LOVED THE POWER ON OFFER, ALL OF

engine with 350hp and boasts impressive speed and acceleration. We loved the power on offer, all of which was backed up by handling and grip second to none. The engine comes with the ZF eightspeed automatic gearbox; ensuring precise gear changes and precision performance. Electronically controlled Skyhook shock absorbers and aluminium suspension are also present. There are five operating modes including Auto Normal, Auto Sport, Manual Normal, Manual Sport and Increased Control & Efficiency (ICE) mode. This allows one to customise control and performance for any conditions. We felt like royalty as we pulled up to Euromotors in our new favourite luxury sedan. We sat in the seats for a few more minutes after turning off the engine and just soaked up the end of the experience. We cannot stress strongly enough how amazing the new Quattroporte GranSpot is. It is a vehicle we would purchase in a second had we the funds to do so. Beauty, power, style and class, this Maserati has it all in abundance. ✤

WHICH WAS BACKED UP BY HANDLING AND GRIP SECOND TO NONE."

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• MOTORING NEWS

BEHBEHANI BROTHERS LAUNCH MOBILE APP One of the market leaders of the automotive trade, Behbehani Brothers, has launched their new, one-of-its-kind mobile application in Bahrain. A free interactive mobile application available for both Android and iOS users which offers a number of exciting features to support existing and potential customers in all their requirements. The multi-function mobile application provides customers with several features to ease customer experience when booking their next service or test drive. It provides a list of the latest available offers, as well as the ability to browse the selection of used cars. On this special occasion, Mr. Steven Hill, General Manager - Motors Division,

Behbehani Brothers w.l.l praised this achievement, said: “As part of our continuous efforts we are keen to provide our customers the best experience with Behbehani Brothers. We have developed this mobile application with all the features that customers need to provide them with a platform which will enhance and simplify their interaction with our brands. “We are proud that we have achieved this international standard mobile application to support customers and ensure excellence and quality in delivering our services. This achievement stands in-line with our current strategy, to constantly build a stronger customer relationship. With that in mind, we will be adding more features in the next version of our mobile app." ✤

WWW.BEHBEHANI.COM.BH

VOLKSWAGEN INTRODUCES SPECIAL EDITION TOUAREG Volkswagen Bahrain announced the arrival of the Special Edition Touareg this summer, available at the Volkswagen showroom in SE, SEL and Sport trimlines. The SEL Special Edition features the Volkswagen R-Line Exterior, Silver inserts with a rear camera, and ambient light in the interior, adding value to the premium SUV. The R-Line exterior package promises to deliver all-round dynamics; R-Line bumpers at the front and rear, 20” Mallory optional wheels, broader side-sills and a rear spoiler all emphasis the athletic character of the Special Edition Touareg. Felix Miranda, Brand Manager, Volkswagen Bahrain, said: “The Touareg is one of the best-selling model’s for Volkswagen worldwide with over a million models sold since its initial launch, in the kingdom it has enjoyed continues success and popularity among the locals and we anticipate its popularity will continue with this new special edition. 62

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“The stylish new Touareg Special Edition offers drivers affordable innovation; Enhanced features and options, with an even better value, worth up to an additional two thousand dinars.” The Touareg is one of the world’s most successful SUVs, giving drivers fun off-road adventure, the comfort of a luxury sedan and the stimulating drive experience of a sports car. ✤

WWW.VOLKSWAGEN-BAHRAIN.COM

MOTORING NEWS •

MOTORCITY UNVEILS NEW VOLVO XC60 Motorcity BSC, the sole distributor of Volvo in the Kingdom of Bahrain, launched the all-new Volvo XC60 at an event held at the Capital Club in Manama. The new car is a major upgrade from the highly successful previous model, which in the nine years since launch, has sold nearly a million units globally, and today represents around 30 per cent of Volvo’s total global sales. The overall architecture and design for both the interior and exterior make it one of the most beautiful cars to own, and the price range also makes it more affordable than similar luxury SUVs, which puts it in a unique position in this market. The all-new XC60, which was revealed at the Geneva Motor Show, banks on Volvo’s heritage of designing stylish and dynamic SUVs, with an exterior sculpted with subtle, timeless elegance and a masterful interior of well-resolved architecture, beautiful materials and the very latest technology. Some of the most notable improvements include a state-of-the-art infotainment system and more legroom for rear-seat passengers. The five-passenger compact SUV is offered in three main trim levels: Momentum, Inscription, and R-Design, which are further differentiated by two engine choices: T5 and T6. T5 is powered

by a turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 254 horsepower, while the T6 receives a supercharger in addition to the turbocharger for a power increase to 320 hp. The XC60 SUV’s starting price is BD14,990. ✤

WWW.MOTORCITY.COM.BH

FIRST HYUNDAI SONATA DELIVERED In line with its constant efforts to provide the very best in customer experience, First Motors, the exclusive distributor of Hyundai vehicles in the Kingdom of Bahrain, welcomed Mrs. Enjood to the Hyundai family by delivering the latest version of the Hyundai Sonata. Speaking about the occasion, Mr. Ahsan Chishty, the General Manager of First Motors said: “On behalf of First Motors, I would like to welcome Mrs. Enjood to the Hyundai family and congratulate her on being the very first customer in the Kingdom to own the New Hyundai Sonata. “Over the years, the Sonata has been a hit amongst customers in Bahrain and the advent of the new, redesigned Sonata is certain to carry forward and substantially add to the hype of that trend. The new redesigned Sonata will certainly be on high demand now that it has finally been released,” he continued. “We look forward to welcoming all our customers to our showroom and experience first-hand the incredible mid-sized sedan that offers user-friendly technology, space, and comfort.” The latest Sonata benefits from significant changes to the front

and rear, including a ‘Cascading Grille’, an updated profile, and a new rear deck. All models have LED daytime running lights which include dynamic bending headlight technology, more angular tail lights, fresh chrome touches, and an assortment of new wheel choices. ✤

WWW.1STMOTORS.COM fact magazine

• PLUGGED-IN

APP-LICIOUS LET’S SEE WHAT’S ON THE SMARTPHONE AGENDA FOR SEPTEMBER…

News Republic

Gather Journal

Be it juicy celebrity gossip or current affairs and politics, News Republic is your one stop destination for the latest and hottest global stories! With the very best news from all the world’s top sources, News Republic provides you with all the stories YOU WANT TO READ, in one place. Personalised and super easy to use, it gives you a customised newsfeed based on trends and preferences. With the latest news from the most recognised media outlets in the world and in-depth analysis on top stories, you’ll always be in the know!

Take your dinner game to an insane new level with the exquisite Gather Journal recipe app! An essential extension of the James Beard magazine, the app uses seasonal ingredients to transform your food into gastronomical works of art. Featuring everything from delectable main courses to killer cocktails, it lets you explore recipes by course, topic or issue and provides useful mealtime inspiration. With stunning photography and an easy-to-navigate formula, finedining is just a click away!

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PLUGGED-IN •

PICTURE-ON-WALL Technology ceases to amaze us; things are ge tting smal l e r and thinne r, and less intrusive as time go es by. Keeping up with the l ess-is-more trend is LG’s brand new Signature Ol ed TV W that promises to change how you watch your favourite fi lms and TV shows!

With “Netflix and Chill” becoming an indispensible part of our lives, we’re always looking for better and efficient ways to enhance our viewing experience. Adding to the already booming television market, LG has introduced their Signature W-Series Wallpaper TV. LG’s newest addition makes your TV shows and films look SUPER REAL, while seamlessly blending into your living room. Its cutting edge design has a futuristic feel to it while being so impossibly thin that you can actually bend it without breaking it! Apart from being one of the thinnest TVs to ever grace our homes, it’s also incredibly aesthetically-pleasing. The TV’s “picture-onwall” design amplifies your entertainment experience and makes you feel like you’re looking out of the window than watching a TV screen. Emphasising the window effect is the inbuilt Gallery Mode that lets you play either photos of famous artworks, family pictures or any other looped videos – this is wall art at its finest! Measuring just 2.57 millimeters thick and weighing only 7.7 kg, the television is available in 65 inch and 77 inch versions and can be fitted directly on the wall with magnetic brackets. The super

sleek design is achieved by eliminating any internal speakers and enabling volume out of the TV from the included soundbar. Boasting an out-of-the-box Dolby Atmos configuration, the soundbar is actually pretty impressive and supports 4 HDMI ports, 3 USB connections and an optical audio port. But what really blew us away was the OLED technology that produces colours that look far more explosive and dynamic along with increased colour range and volume. Supporting both HDR10 and Dolby Vision, the performance is immaculate on both, with Dolby Vision content looking a bit sharper. LG has also claimed to improve peak brightness by 20-25% and the stunning, newly punchy HDR highlights are truly a delight to the eyes. When it comes to OLED W7, LG has stayed strong with the efficiently versatile and easy-to-operate webOS3.5- making content searching super flexible. As far as your favourite shows are concerned, LG offers a number of options to keep you busy for days. From Netflix, Amazon and YouTube to Vudu, Hulu and Google Play Movies- the OLED W7 has got you covered! If you’re an Android or Windows user, you can always switch to the Screen Cast function to mirror your mobile device for more options. Offering highly advanced features along with some of the best colour, clarity and contrast in any screen available, there’s no doubt in our minds that it is certainly a bona fide product. If you’re someone who’s seeking to treat their senses to an outof-this-world audio-visual experience, then your search ends right here! ✤ fact magazine

AWARD WINNING WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY & VIDEOGRAPHY

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khalifashaheen

www.khalifashaheen.com

+973 17 593993

ONE GIANT LEAP BLAST OF F FOR A NE W FASHION F RONTIE R WITH TE D BAKE R’ S AW’1 7 COLLECTION.

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• FASHION FOCUS

ed Baker and NOSA (No Ordinary Space Agency) have embarked on a special voyage to bring you a new lifestyle on Sateen. This far-flung, universally welldressed planet offers an elegant way of living. As well as being light years ahead style-wise, Ted’s luxury space community has all the mod cons, not least a personal droid to simulate the day’s optimum outfit. So, come on up to Sateen – a world apart. Advance your style into the next dimension with clean silhouettes, crisp shapes and a celestial use of fabrics. Inspired by galactic glamour of the highest order, Ted’s AW’17 womenswear has been designed to take your wardrobe on a luxury trip into hyperspace. Ted has summoned an interstellar cast of textures from across the Galaxy this season, from high shine satins and rich metallic jacquards to heavy compact crepes and soft, fluid knits. Buttery leather jackets and updated versions of Ted’s signature pieces add an intrepid sense of drama, while graphic colour blocking, intricate embroidery and asymmetric cuts will catapult you into high-style orbit. Accessories for the season have gone into supernova, with Ted beaming in rich fabrics like velvets and metallic inspirations from the main collection and combining them effortlessly with classic cues like rose gold detailing, oversize bows and embellished accents. Key pieces for the season clearly reflect the phenomenal theme: caged silver heeled boots, statement jewellery, and two new handbag shapes: a deconstructed suede lock bag and a moon-shaped metallic clutch for outfits that radiate first-class elegance from head to toe. ✤

GO: SHOP TED BAKER’S AW’17 COLLECTION IN STORES NOW. 68

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FASHION FOCUS â&#x20AC;¢

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• FASHION FOCUS

SHOP THE BRAND HERE’S OUR WISHLIST FROM TED BAKER’S AW'17 COLLECTION FOR HER

THIS COLLECTION IS AVAILABLE IN TED BAKER STORES ACROSS THE GCC. 70

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LANVIN PRE FALL for a distinctly elegant wardrobe

2017

For her second season as Artistic Director of Lanvin, Bouchra Jarrar has designed a pre-collection as a continuation of the work she already began for the fashion house. It is a complete wardrobe, sensual and feminine for diverse women with assertive personalities. Each look plays with day and evening codes, combining structure and movement, restraint and freedom.

Season after season, Bouchra Jarrar demonstrates her ease in playing with iconic pieces and feminine codes. She has expanded the Lanvin language to include a new modernism, offering the brand a fusion of asymmetries for a tailored and precise line. Light airy dresses, delicate yet form fitting for cocktail, flowing dresses, split sheath and tuxedo for the evening, straight trousers, lavallière blouses, leather and python perfecto jackets for the day, box coats and cascading jackets with suit collars embroidered with feathers, embellished gabardine capes and two-colour teddy jackets, jackets garnished with ruffles, chains and flounces are mixed and matched freely to create a distinctly elegant wardrobe.

City Centre Bahrain fact magazine 71 +973 17172000

• BRAND FOCUS

ERDEM X H&M FU LL O F NA RRATIVE S ME MORIE S AND S TO RIES , ERDEM X H&M IS A DE E PLY P E RS O NA L CO LLEC TION THAT LOOKS BACK TO T HE DES IG NER’S YO UTH, AND TO THE CO DE S THAT HAV E DEFINED HIS WORK OVE R THE PA S T DECADE .

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BRAND FOCUS •

WOMEN The inspiration for Erdem is the romantic dresses he saw in English films, his father’s coat that his mother draped over her shoulders, or the cool style of 90s TV and music videos. To create ERDEM x H&M, he imagined the dream English countryside getaway, mixing gowns with tailoring, functionality with drama, as different generations and backgrounds interpret the wardrobe with each individual’s own style. With exquisite statement pieces, a burst of floral prints, the precision of tailored lines and covetable essentials as well as vivid accessories to go with every outfit.

MEN In a world exclusive, Erdem has created his first ever menswear collection for ERDEM x H&M, inspired by childhood memories, his design signatures, and Erdem’s own personal style. Sharp tailoring has echoes of his father’s suits and coats, fleeces were a functional necessity of cold Canadian winters, while expressive florals show Erdem’s love of the English countryside. It’s a complete wardrobe that’s totally unique to H&M, with Erdem’s sharp and poetic take on menswear staples – herringbone suits, tweed coats and the perfect hoodie. ✤

GO: EACH PIECE IS DESIGNED EXCLUSIVELY FOR H&M, AND WILL BE AVAILABLE IN AROUND 220 STORES WORLDWIDE, AS WELL AS ON HM.COM, FROM NOVEMBER 2.

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• BEAUTY BOX

LIPSTICK QUEEN:

FAMOUS LAST WORDS

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s much as we all love our ontrend matte lips, they have certainly gained a reputation of fading ungracefully and drying out the perfect pout. Thanks to Lipstick Queen’s Famous Last Words collection, all your lipstick woes are a thing of the past! Made up of six vibrant shades, the collection offers a smooth and hydrating formula that is going to last on your lips all day long. The incredibly light formula is enriched with Vitamin E and natural oils that provide rich pigmentation in a single swipe. From vibrant coral and rich ruby reds to vampy and bright pinks- there’s a shade for your every need. Pucker up!

GROOMING BOX •

AESOP

PARSLEY SEED ANTI-OXIDANT SKINCARE KIT

ix highly effective products to provide a complete facial care regimen. Aesop’s Parsley Seed skin care is the result of extensive research and development into the most effective way to deliver anti-oxidants, vitamins, and other actives to the skin. Each product contains Parsley Seed extract, and offers significant restorative properties. Includes the gentle, non-abrasive Facial Cleansing Oil; the lavender and blue chamomileinfused Facial Toner; a hydrating Serum to moisturise and protect the skin; an intensive, richly nourishing Eye Cream; as well as a clay-based Cleansing Masque; and a high-potency hydrating and protecting Facial Treatment. You needn’t look elsewhere for all your skin wants!

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• BEAUTY CHECKLIST

BeautyEssentials AS THE HUMIDITY SETTLES, NEW SKINCARE AND MAKE UP IS NEEDED TO FRESHEN UP YOUR EVERY DAY LOOK!

Organic Pharmacy PURIFYING SEAWEED CLAY MASK

With summer upon us, it’s time to bring out the big guns when it comes to skincare. Organic Pharmacy’s Purifying Seaweed Clay Mask with antioxidants and Vitamin C has us totally obsessed this summer! The refreshingly clay mask is designed to draw out impurities from the skin while banishing black heads. With seaweed as an active ingredient, it helps calm redness and gives the skin an energizing boost.

Aesop PARSLEY SEED FACIAL CLEANSING OIL

Your nighttime routine just got a lot simpler with Aesop’s Parsley Seed Facial Cleasing Oil! An irresistible blend of Avocado, Sweet Almond, Rice Bran and Macadamia oil melts away your makeup while leaving skin feeling refreshed and supple. Its gentle, antioxidant rich formula removes dirt, makeup and grime without aggravating your skin. Removing makeup has never been this easy!

Sephora HIGH COVERAGE CONCEALER

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Been burning the midnight oil? Beat those annoying dark circles and fake a good night’s sleep with Sephora’s High Coverage Concealer! Packed with nourishing and revitalising avocado and evening primrose oils, it completely conceals dark circles and blurs imperfections. Its weightless texture and ultra-natural finish feel like a second skin and provides 10 hour long coverage. Well-rested skin in seconds!

Guerlain LA PETITE ROBE NOIRE BLACK PERFECTO

Embrace the sexy rocker chick in you with Guerlain’s La Petite Robe Noire Black Perfecto! The seductive new notes with a striking character give this Eau de Parfum a beautiful freedom of tone. Top notes of Bulgarian Rose Water are followed by delicate notes of a Rose Essence along with the more sensual and powerful notes of a precious Grasse Rose Absolute. We just can’t get enough!

Smashbox PRIMED TO PERFECTION SET Get airbrushed poreless perfection with Smashbox’s Primed to Perfection Set! Achieve the perfect canvas for makeup application with this trio of bestselling LA photo studio-developed primers. Including the Photo Finish Foundation primer, Photo Finish Pore Minimizing Primer and the Photo Finish Primer Water, it blurs pores, smoothes flaws and boosts radiance for a flawless finish.

Rodial SMOKEY EYE BRUSH While getting the perfect smokey eye can be tricky, Rodial’s high performance Smokey Eye Brush makes the process a whole lot easier! The efficiently soft and dense brush is ideal for placement of intense eye shadows and pigments. The short bristles allow precise and easy blending of makeup into the eye sockets while creating more definition and a stunning smokey eye look.

GROOMING CHECKLIST •

Grooming Essentials THIS SEASON IS ALL ABOUT TAKING EXTRA CARE FROM HEAD-TO-TOE WITH PRODUCTS DESIGNED TO INSPIRE YOUR REGIME!

Aesop PARSLEY SEED ANTI-OXIDANT FACIAL TREATMENT

Give your skin the royal treatment with Aesop’s Parsley Seed AntiOxidant Facial Treatment! A highpotency hydrating and protecting treatment blend, it gives your skin the power to fight aging and degrading skin cells. Packed with 9 anti-oxidising actives like Parsley Seed, Blackcurrant Seed, Rosehip oil and Carrot Seed oil, it leaves skin feeling supple and lends it a much-needed oomph!

Paul SPECIAL TEA TREE SHAMPOO

Like so many people out there, we swear by the healing properties of Tea Tree oil when it comes to skin and hair. Paul Mitchell’s Special Tea Tree Shampoo is enriched with special ingredients and Tea Tree oil that rid hair of impurities and leave it feeling lustrous and full of vitality. The invigorating peppermint soothes the scalp while lavender leaves hair smelling oh so good!

Lab Series MULTI-ACTION FACE WASH

Naturally healthy looking skin is certainly the best accessory you can wear and Lab Series’ MultiAction Face Wash makes sure you never go out of style! Formulated with gentle exfoliating beads, it helps wash away dirt and grime for a brighter, healthier-looking appearance. Ideal for normal to dry skin, it helps smooth dry and patchy skin while preparing the skin and beard for shaving.

Dolce & Gabbana LIGHT BLUE INTENSE POUR HOMME

Dive into the magnetic blend of freshness and sensuality with Dolce & Gabbana’s Light Blue Intense Pour Homme! With top notes of refreshing mandarin and frozen grapefruit along with aromatic ginger provide the fragrance a cool and elegant twist. While vibrant amber woods wrapped in musks extend the radiance and staying power of this masculine blend. The only scent you need this summer!

Estee Lauder ENLIGHTEN DARK SPOT CORRECTOR NIGHT SERUM

While the road to perfect skin can be long and grueling, Estee Lauder makes it a tad bit easier with the Enlighten Dark Spot Corrector Night Serum. Taking skin tone correction to a whole new level, the intensive serum helps reduce the look of uneven skin tone with its comprehensive correcting technology. It effectively removes dark spots and redness to reveal a fresh and hydrated complexion.

Perricone MD CHLORO PLASMA PURIFYING MASK If you’re looking for some hardcore skin loving- Perricone MD’s Chloro Plasma Purifying Mask is the skin treatment you need! From one of the world’s leading dermatologists, this revitalising treatment mask addresses everything from loss of radiance and dull and fatigued skin to enlarged pores and fine lines. Microcapsules infused with phytonutrients release chlorophyll and blue algae for an envy-inducing, blemish-free complexion!

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• INTERIOR ENVY

Zara Home VASE GOALS Every home is made beautiful with fresh blooms, statement décor and unique interiors – one way to help create the mood you want in the house is with the perfect vase. Zara Home has a stunning collection and we picked our favourites to inspire your next home overhaul.

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Cath Kidston IKEA

Debenhams

M&Co Next

Marks and Spencer

Laura Ashley

Debenhams

Marks and Spencer

HOME STYLE •

Flower Power Never underestimate the décor vibes and breezy inspiration that florals can bring to any home! Here are some of our favourite picks… fact magazine

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CULINARY SPOTLIGHT •

POLYNESIAN Perfection

With the unique motto ‘injecting the spirit of the island into our everyday lives,’ Trader Vic’s has been blessing us with delicious Polynesian cuisine for decades now. The restaurant’s dishes have been given a presentation overhaul so, naturally, the FACT team had to go and see (taste) them all! Aanchal Duggal takes on the culinary journey… fact magazine

• CULINARY SPOTLIGHT

elcoming us with a grand colonial entranceway, Trader Vic’s is adorned with wooden columns and stunning Polynesian artifacts, transporting us to a world of bars, beaches and beautiful island vibes. Deeply-rooted in the traditions of the island, Trader Vic’s presents to us an incredibly relaxed and colourful environment that’s perfect for more than just lunch or dinner, but for catching up with your loved ones over casual sips and bites. Offering a divine mix of Polynesianinspired international cuisine, the restaurant nails its world-famous concept down to a tee. Its distinctive unrivalled flavours have been wooing taste buds for many years, and the moment we heard about the complete revamping of the presentation of their dishes, we knew we just had to go along and savour it all. Digging into Trader Vic’s' much-loved Island Tidbits, we were off to a good start. Served with their signature Canton Catsup and hot Mandarin Mustard, the lipsmacking assortment of Crab Rangoon, Crispy Prawns, Jalapeno Cheese Balls and Chicken Wings is absolute heaven on a plate! While everything on the platter had us craving for more, it was the Jalapeno Cheese Balls and Crab Rangoon that were fought over! The The first took your average cheese balls to an insane new level, with cheddar and emmental cheese and fresh coriander topped with a crunchy coating, whilst the latter was packed with a medley of fresh crab meat and cream cheese encased in a crispy wonton for added taste and texture. The Beef Cho Cho, steak skewers in soy sake sauce, deserve a special mention too. Finished on a flaming hibachi, which added an interactive element into the mix, the beef was incredibly juicy and packed with a ton of flavour. Another massive standout was the Duck Salad – prepared tableside, with everything about this less-than-average salad was a plate from the food Gods. The duck was gorgeously-crisp whilst the greens provided the perfect crunch. 82

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Alongside this, it was the Hawaiian Ahi Poke with Ahi Tuna, Soy Chili Marinade, Avocado and Crisp Taro Chips that blew us away. Casually presented on a bed of ice, the preparation is tableside and the freshness of this starter is a complete culinary dream. Our next dish, BBQ Scottish Salmon with Chimichuri Sauce, Parsnip Puree and Assorted Vegetables, was straight out of the wood-fired oven. Slowly cooked to perfection over a hardwood fire, the salmon was done just right with the smokiness beautifully contrasting the delicately succulent texture. A lighter and healthier option for anyone keeping an eye on their diet! Next up is a Trader Vic’s classic; Spicy Chilli Hammour with capsicums, onions, carrots, Thai chillies and Spicy Sauce served with steam rice. Coming to the table in a large, round and white deep dish, the presentation is clean yet super tempting. Giving a zesty twist to the beloved fish, this favourite is bursting with a tantalising combination of flavours without being overly spicy.

CULINARY SPOTLIGHT •

After a fulfilling sesh of comfort eating, our tummies were full to the brim. But when it comes to dessert, there’s always room for more! While the idea of sweet indulgence always has our spoons at the ready, we were so not prepared for what was to come. The Chocolate Volcano; Chocolate Fondant with Vanilla Ice Cream had us oohing and aahing till the very last spoonful. Trader Vic’s understands the importance of a visually appealing dish that has your attention way before the first bite. The revamped new concept sees some of your favourites being prepared right at your table and presented in big, clean plating that makes for a more colourful and inviting appeal. Not to mention, the new and innovative lifestyle-conscious menu is every healthy diner’s dream. Celebrating friendly Polynesian traditions, Trader Vic’s relaxing ambiance, decadent food and to-die-for cocktails are the only getaway you need right now. ✤✤

GO: VISIT TRADER VIC’S IN SEEF. CALL 1758 6555 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION.

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NEW IN TOWN •

THE FOOD OF DREAMS FACT’s Ally Mac escapes the summer heat to try out the newest Italian cuisine haven in Hamala Hills. Welcome to Otto… fact magazine

• NEW IN TOWN

A well-known Italian chef once said: “The sign of a good restaurant is when it takes you ages to decide what to have” – something you will most certainly relate to when you dine at the rather lovely Otto in Hamala Hills. From the moment we walked into Otto, we were treated like an old friend. The restaurant creates a feeling of rustic Italian charm, with a contemporary, edgy vibe. The interior has big, light-inviting windows, which achieves a great natural airy ambience throughout the venue. There’s an original Neapolitan ‘wood-fired pizza oven’ roaring away and even a fullfledges ice cream trolley outside. We were invited to taste a selection of dishes and get a flavour of what Otto is all about. To start off, a cold-pressed green juice cleansed our palates (and tummies) for what was set to be a culinary feast. We went straight for The Full Italian - toasted altamura and sour dough bread slices, baked ricotta, buffalo mozzarella, gruyere cheese, scrambled egg, rocket, cherry tomato and ribbons of bresaola. A platter of big, bold flavours here which was outrageously tasty. It’s an excellent sharing option for a leisurely breakfast at Otto. We then sampled Fritto Misto – crispy fried calamari, prawns and courgettes served with the creamiest garlic-saffron aioli. This was the best calamari we’ve eaten in a long while! Each bite was so wonderfully fresh and so distinctively Mediterranean. Mozzarella In Carrozza was up next; buffalo mozzarella and basil stuffed bread, fried and served with plum tomato sauce. A seriously vibrant juicy bowl of layers, we tucked into fresh chunks of tomato piled with mozzarella and bread. This is one of those hearty dishes that transports you to an Italian mama’s kitchen! Homemade feels and nostalgia at its finest. I often think it’s hard to make a pasta dish look elegant, but Otto pulled off the Pasta Alfredo, superbly. The traditional recipe from Rome with butter, parmesan and mushroom was cooked just right; the pasta retained a slight bite, just the way we like it. The pasta was made the way it should be – just a light amount of cream binding the dish together without leaving a pool on the plate. Delicious helpings of mushroom and parmesan topped it off. Onto the main show: wood-fired pizza! We tried a the Fresca with roast cherry tomato, burrata cheese, and beef breasola; the Tartufo packed with mozzarella, black truffle, porcini mushrooms, rocket, parmesan shavings, and truffle oil; and the Pollo topped with mozzarella fior di latte, smoked chicken, rocket, and basil pesto. A thin base is always a must for us. We’re not huge fans of the deep pan and, luckily, neither is Otto. 86

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NEW IN TOWN •

GO: VISIT OTTO AT HAMALA HILLS. OPEN FOR BREAKFAST, LUNCH AND DINNER. CALL 1733 6622 FOR MORE INFORMATION.

The pizza base had a great stone-baked flavour. Italian favourites clearly mastered! Our favourite… the Tartufo! The grand finale was an incredibly tasty Nutella Calzone, crispy fried pizza dough filled with Nutella. Need we say more? It was totally irresistible! Of course, we couldn’t help but take a little trip to the ice cream trolley where everything from pistachio to vanilla, gianduja chocolate and other yummy flavours awaited. We especially loved the silver service bowls – a beautiful authentic touch to end the meal. The team at Otto clearly knows what they’re doing – serving up authentic Italian comfort food of the highest order. The warm welcome at the door and the unmatched hospitality throughout make you feel happily at home with plates of the most incredible Italian food. We predict big things, this place is definitely going to thrive. Arrivederci Otto! ✤

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Some places bamboozle you with their never-ending options on the menu but here, quality trumps quantity.” fact magazine

• FOODIE CORNER

New Kid On The Block When Bossa Nova Bahrain opened its doors less than two months ago, there was an excitement in the air like never before. Bringing an authentic Brazilian food concept to Adliya’s Block 338 area, this eclectic venue ticks many boxes on the dining front. FACT went to indulge…

or those of you who might not be familiar with the term – Bossa Nova is a very popular style of Brazilian music with roots in Samba but placing more emphasis on melody and less on percussion. Translating to “new trend” Bossa Nova embodies all that people know and love about the South American country, that is tropical beaches, street artists, impromptu dancers and positive vibes of having a good time. And a good time is exactly what you’ll find at Bossa Nova Bahrain. It’s a gorgeous venue where attention to detail is unrivalled. Think huge colourful artworks adorned across its walls, dim lighting to set the mood and comfy seating with tables embossed in the

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restaurant’s name, a nod to the practice of cattle branding. It’s just right – there’s not too much going on to distract you, and the homely, rustic feel could easily transport you to the neighbourhoods of Rio de Janeiro. So, we’re not surprised to learn that the famed Brazilian interior designer Thales Ramos is responsible for Bossa Nova’s colour, character and charm. When you’ve been greeted by the friendly staff, (70 per cent of them are Brazlilan themselves), you’ll notice an open-kitchen-style area, separated by glass – THIS is where the magic happens, a.k.a where the meat is cooked. Bossa Nova champions the art of eating the Rodizio way. It’s simple; you pay a fixed price and the waiters

FOODIE CORNER •

will bring round juicy meats and other foods for you to sample, several times throughout your meal – until you signal that you’re full. At Bossa Nova a circle tag is how you let them know – green side means MORE PLEASE and the red side indicates that you’re TAPPING OUT. How cool is that? Essentially, YOU get to control the portion size of how much you eat. Our culinary journey begins with chicken hearts and drumsticks (marinated in the tastiest mustard chilli sauce), alongside Feijao – Brazilian Black Beans, crispy fried banana and tapioca chips. Well, it doesn't get more traditionally Brazil than this. The beans are exceptional and not heavy at all, whilst the fried banana is a BIG hit at the table and the tapioca chips are practically inhaled with so much gusto – good start? Yes! The main stars of the evening soon make their way around. Everything from beef rib-eye to sirloin, rumpsteak, sausages, and our favourite – the tenderloin, arrive at the table – more than once. We love that each person has been given silver tongs to aid the waiter in getting their perfect piece of meat. Aside from the beautifully-seasoned tenderloin, it was the fall-off-your-fork short ribs that drew the big “mmmhs” and happy feels. Bossa Nova’s recipes, including meat marinade and even the yummy desserts are all cooked by a team of Brazilian

GO: VISIT WWW. BOSSANOVABH.COM OR CALL 1741 0844 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION.

chefs – you know what that means, 100 per cent authentic taste. Aside from the meats and the table accompaniments (which are all generous portions), your dinner experience includes unlimited visits to the salad bar too. Worth mentioning is the creamy Apple Salad as well as the Quinoa Salad – both super fresh and great sides with the meat. When we’re all on red, we decide it wouldn’t be right to leave without having dessert. Though service has been faultless up until this point, it takes several asks and around 20-minutes before we see the dessert menu – maybe the waiters could tell that we needed some time to digest ALL that amazing food. The Brigadeiro is OUT OF THIS WORLD. You’ve never tasted chocolate cake like this before. It’s rich but not sickly and will satisfy all your sweet tooth cravings. The Brazilian Flan also goes down a treat in addition to the tart Passionfruit Mousse – delectable. Bossa Nova also has an incredibly cool bar-cum-lounge area upstairs which is ideal for after-dinner drinks or an evening out with friends. It’s decked out in the coolest graffiti on the walls and stylish seating options, not to mention the most thirst-quenching and creative liquid concoctions. We LOVE how true to its Brazilian roots this restaurant is. The food, the waiters, the dining style and the décor, it’s unlike anything else we’ve seen in Bahrain. It’s also exceptionally priced – the Rodizio Dinner with all your meats, table accompaniments and salad bar is a cool BD12++. Desserts are all priced at BD3 – you’re getting so much quality for your moolah! We’ll be back for the fabulous Friday Brunch… see you all there! ✤ fact magazine

AUGUST 2017 VOL 10. ISSUE 12 BD1

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SPA & WELLNESS •

A LUXURIOUS DREAM The Spa at Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay has introduced a range of beautifully relaxing treatments for grown-ups and little ones. FACT’s Layal Mahmoud went to spend some quality bonding time with her daughter and tells you why this is the perfect pampering session. fact magazine

• SPA & WELLNESS

ying face down sounds luxurious only when admiring a lively exotic green plant floating on a bed of sea shells under the sound of serenity; like a whisper to your soul, a reminder that you are alive and worthy of such a treat. As we enter through the revolving glass door, and casually walk into The Spa, we’re met with luxury and grandeur. The high ceiling, the ever tall doors, the serene ambience and plush interior – it’s simply majestic. We meet with The Spa’s director who explains the concept of the parent-child bonding spa experience. You have a choice of three different treatments: Relaxed Us is an amazing soothing massage, Beautiful Us is a facial tailored to suit young skin, and Glowing Us is full body indulgence. All treatments last a dreamy 45 minutes that will leave your precious ones and you feeling completely rejuvenated. Note that treatments are recommended for kids aged five to 16-years-old. We filled a quick form in to express any medical concerns and identify the level of pressure we prefer. Then off to the room; on one side is a relaxing area with a bathroom, massage beds on the other side, and a changing area falls in between. First we get comfy and slip into the spa robes – it’s like plunging into a cuddly hug. In the relaxing area, I had a sweet cup of green tea with house-made cookies while my daughter, Maria, enjoyed a glass of fresh juice along with some premium quality fried apricots. And eager to have her first spa experience, Maria did not want to waste anymore time so we informed our therapists that we were ready! We moved to the other side of the room and got our feet gently scrubbed and rinsed with warm, lemon-infused water. Four different oils are available for you to choose from; the first is based on the relaxing lavender flower and a blend of herbs, the second is a special mixture which aims to awaken 92

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SPA & WELLNESS •

your body's hidden energy, the third is citrusy with aromatic mandarin, and the last is basic non-aromatic oil for those of you who prefer to smell like your own perfume or maybe add the earthy deep scent of Oud for an additional charge of BD10 only. We sink onto our massage beds and fall into a deep slumber. When those magical minutes came to an end and we felt lighter than a flying feather, we were offered to continue our relaxing glory in the room or in The Spa’s relaxation lounge. I loved the large beds in the relaxation area – really lovely for a quick aftermassage power nap – there’s no rush to leave. Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay has created the perfect, most luxurious parent-child outing on the island. The next time you’re stuck for something to do with your little one and want to avoid the noise-filled malls, think spa indulgence. It’s also a great treat with which to reward your children – for good grades at school, for tidying up after themselves, or even for being polite and helpful around the house. More importantly, it’s a speciallydesigned treatment that doesn’t really need any excuse except for the simple reason of spending quality time together. Maria, who is 10-years-old, had this to say about her experience: "It was my first, and definitely will not be the last, spa experience with the Four Seasons. It was just AMAZING! From start to finish it was delightful; the fancy robe, the soothing music, the very nice staff, I loved it and I would like to do it again. I felt so, so special.” Now, if that’s not one happy and refreshed little girl, I don’t know what is! ✤

GO: TREATMENTS LAST 45 MINUTES AND START AT BD80. CALL 1711 5000 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION. fact magazine

• PEP TALK

Ally’s Kitchen Stories FACT caught up with Ally Mac, the mama-of-one who has recently started baking nutritious goods for Bahrain’s health-conscious diners who don’t want to compromise on delicious tastes!

Hi Ally! Give us a snapshot of Ally's Kitchen Stories - what's the inspiration for it? I’m just a normal girl who literally trained myself to love eating healthy food. My purpose is to inspire you to try this amazing lifestyle, one bite at a time. I have always been surrounded by constant cooking in the kitchen. I am half Greek so the kitchen was the central hub for food prep, lots of laughs and most importantly family bonding! My first memories as a child were watching my Greek grandmother make homemade granola served with local yoghurt and the freshest forest honey 94

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right off the honeycomb. Ever since, I have always been a part of the kitchen helping prepare meals, learning about seasonal vegetables, how to cook and what compliments each dish! My mother has been a huge influence and in supporting my love of healthy eating. Tell us some of your popular products and where they're currently sold? Recipes change every few weeks but my pecan cookies, pistachio cookies, sweet potato brownies and coconut lemon bombs seem to be making lots of tummies happy, which makes me bounce

with joy. Ally’s Kitchen Stories, delivers for free. Treats are also available to buy at Seed in Nakheel Centre, Food Lab in Riffa and a big surprise location coming super soon - fingers crossed. What is your favourite ingredient to work with and why? All year round, it’s got to be avocado. I just love them. I eat so much avocado on toast bread. It’s the most clichéd healthy-eating thing but it’s my favourite. Really crispy rye toast, a thick layer of avocado with chopped tomatoes, olive oil, Himalayan salt, lots of lime juice and rocket – SO good.

PEP TALK •

How do you manage parenthood with a homegrown business? Being a “parent-preneur” doesn’t have to be all or nothing, I chose to grow my business a bit slower and work when my little one went to sleep so I don’t miss out on any quality time. You have to have confidence in yourself. I have always been quite a perfectionist and super organised. So being able to learn that it’s ok if you don’t know exactly what’s going on, the world isn’t going to end. That’s been really good for me.

GO: FOR MORE TIPS, TRICKS AND HEALTHY RECIPES FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY, KEEP UP WITH ALLY ON INSTAGRAM @ALLYSKITCHENSTORIES AND ONLINE AT WWW. ALLYSKITCHENSTORIES.COM.

Any tips for mamas and papas who may want to venture into the world of healthy nutrition? Ensuring every child is able to fulfill their dreams no matter where they are born begins with good nutrition. Mamas and papas, health is number one! While ensuring a healthy diet for your family is important, eating a balanced, diverse diet that includes lots of fresh fruits and vegetables (Bahrain’s central market, need I say more?) and not too many sweet treats, processed foods, or saturated fats. If you’re finding it hard to get motivated to cook, check out my website for easy recipes. Take the time to enjoy cooking, be KIND to yourself and above all, enjoy a happy and healthy lifestyle! ✤ fact magazine

• SPA & WELLNESS

Post-Holiday Blues

Time Out From Tech

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

Georgina Jennsen is the lady behind the popular lifestyle blog, blonde in bahrain. a social media influencer who loves all things luxurious.

As the summer comes to an end, I’ve already started getting messages from people still out of the country enquiring whether I have any available slots as they wish to get right back into working off those few extra pounds they’ve gained from that holiday burger and those mojito’s and margaritas. But not everyone is that forward-thinking and the thought of going home and back to reality can bring on the blues. So where do you start? Get yourself a diary or journal and start to put together a plan of realistic things you wish to do over the next 12 months and break it down into smaller goals. Write down what you think it will take to achieve them. Set yourself a new nutritional plan, this can be via the internet as there are some very good sites out there with help on how to eat clean. You can also buy some good books on the subject as well. Once you’ve done your research make a shopping list and make sure you have plenty of water on that list. Set yourself a fitness plan. This could be with a Personal Trainer if you have one or planning to get one, otherwise try and find a class or activity that you might enjoy. Make sure you set aside time for these activities by putting them in your diary so you will stick to them. Keep your goals in sight and stay focused! ✤

When was the last time you detoxed? Not I don't mean drinking freshly-squeezed vege juices and inhaling organicflavoured oxygen, I'm talking tech. Switching off all of your digital devices and going old skool communicado. Studies show that the benefits of ditching the devices are numerous. One of the most important is the increased sense of relaxation. No alarms advising us that a7m3dooo wants to send us a message, can only ever be a good thing. Switching off also means that we'll be more available for and aware of the world around us. And the real biggie, at least for me, is that it allows us to set some kind of schedule. Emergencies aside, there's no reason any of us should be receiving or answering messages at 3am. But can I just say - if you've been able to achieve this at any point, you're a million times more disciplined than me. What I have managed to do however, is to set some boundaries, baby steps I guess, but a slight switch-off all the same. The first is Facebook, which has been in the past, my biggest time-waster. Rather than spending hours scrolling through its puerile posts, now I check my notifications only. Anything important is sure to show up there. And secondly, I answer any messages in my own time. Not too early, not too late, and never on a Friday. Happy detoxing dahlings! ✤

GO: Email ymcfitness@gmail.com or call 3935 9105 for more information.

GO: Keep up with Georgina at www.blondeinbahrain.com and on instagram @blondeinbahrain.

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SPA & WELLNESS •

Disconnect to Connect

Conscious Parenting & Digital Detox

Aanchal Duggal is an avid bibliophile and fashion enthusiast trying to make a living out of doing what she loves. aanchal is new to bahrain & exploring!

Mariette Carstens is a Holistic Behaviour Therapist and Natural Health Practitioner who applies a conscious, empowering parenting model to guide families.

It is both scary and downright amazing how it’s almost impossible to fall off the grid in this highly digitally connected world. While there’s no doubt in my mind that the internet is certainly one of the greatest inventions since sliced bread, it does tend to act as a hindrance towards letting us live our fullest lives. Since I spent my childhood looking forward to my weekly library visits- reveling in the intoxicating aroma of books old and new, seeing my little cousin fawning over his latest iPad is surely unsettling to say the least. That being said, I know in my heart of hearts that I can’t kick my internet surfing ways to the curb for good. Total shunning of the digitalised realm is neither feasible nor practical. Then what does one do? Balance as they say, is key! I don’t wanna be the Debbie downer, preaching the banning of technology- all you really need to do is unplug every once in a while. Coming from someone who has willing gone through a digital-detox, I can assure you that it is totally worth it and is often exactly what you need. Instead of falling asleep to incessant scrolling through social media, try some light reading or better yet, some mindfulness meditation- works wonders! Look for more wholesome alternatives to occupy your time and award yourself with designated social media breaks. All in all, take your eyes off the screen from time to time- you never know what you might see! Happy detoxing, everyone! ✤

As conscious parents we have to come, and help our children come, into balance with technology, especially the use of technological entertainment. We have the World Wide Web at our fingertips, yet we don’t necessarily have more wisdom, or skills. It’s not the readily availability of the information that is causing the distraction or overload. The brain and the gut work rather similarly. We have to pay attention to the quality and quantity of food we ingest. To digest the food we need a healthy gut to break the food down. The conscious parents have to contemplate the processing of information. What is the quality and quantity of the information our children are “ingesting?” Do they have the ability to “metabolise” the information with discernment? And lastly: How is this information affecting our children's physical, emotional, mental and spiritual health? As conscious parents we have to get off our devices and model balanced and informed choices. Whenever possible, take a break from it to create balance by spending more time in the great outdoors and enjoy other fun-filled activities that foster connection and strengthen the relationship, while we use the best that technology has to offer to stimulate further research and discovery. Take care not to charge devices in bedrooms or playrooms and discourage children from holding devices on their laps to minimise the effects of the electromagnetic field and radiation from their devices. ✤

GO: Email aanchalduggal1@gmail.com for more information.

GO: Keep up with Mariette at innerconnectionconsulting.com or email mcarstens121@gmail.com for more information. fact magazine

ISLAND INSIDER

Emre Kirazci

Director of Sales & Marketing, Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa

Tell us three cultural hotspots you love in Bahrain and why? The three hotspots that I have enjoyed in Bahrain include the Seef area where I was able to observe the beauty of the islandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s landscape through the fascinating buildings and discover a touch of the Bahraini tradition through the fort on the beach. I also fell in love with the Zallaq area where I'm able to indulge in experiencing the extraordinary Bahrain International Circuit as well as witnessing another relaxing area away from city life. Finally, I also enjoy the cultural twists of food. I find the ability to prepare international dishes with a traditional flare exceedingly captivating, and when experiencing the different restaurants 98

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in the Adliya area I was enchanted by the tasteful blend of traditional ingredients on international dishes. Describe your day-to-day role and what keeps it exciting? My day-to-day role involves rollingup my sleeves and making sure we understand the needs of our customers as well as passionate colleagues. Nothing replaces hard work and dedication. A title does not mean anything but we shall do what needs to be done to make our team successful! Hospitality is a peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s business; building close working relationships with our customers and turning these relationships into profitability is real excitement.

What are your professional goals for the rest of the year? For the next three months, my objective is to ensure that Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa is working closely with all our key travel trade partners, MICE agencies, corporate entities as well as governmental departments. We wish to develop a reputation known as flexible and reliable trusted advisors. We are very keen to establish long-lasting relationships with all our stakeholders. We would like to set a tone for high performance culture with a can-do attitude while also synergising with all our fellow colleagues from different brands to drive business together from different markets.

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