FACT DUBAI APRIL 2020

Social distancing and self-quarantine might sound like the dream for many – after all, who doesn’t love to work from home in their pjs? But when the work is done, we’re here to tell you how to play this self-isolation game with our top tips to get through your days indoors…

Self-care in self-isolation! SOCIAL DISTANCING •

1. LEARN A NEW LANGUAGE Have you been meaning to brush up on your Arabic skills? Or maybe you want to hone your Spanish pronunciation? How about starting from scratch and tackling a new language altogether? Self-care is all about enriching yourself with new skills and there are so many great apps and tools out there to kickstart your linguistic journey. Try Memrise, LinguaLift or Duolingo to begin.

2. WORK (OUT) FROM HOME More than anything, it seems that a lot of the community is missing their daily gym visits. Fear not, there are plenty of digital workouts to help you stay healthy and fit from the comfort of your living room. If you’re a member of Fitness First (www. fitnessfirstme.com), you’re well taken care of with online classes, whilst ClassPass (www.classpass.com) subscribers can enjoy a number of at-home workout videos, from yoga to HIIT, abs and more. There are also some great FREE online apps such as Fiton (@fiton) and HiitButn (@hiitburn).

imperative that we all monitor our time on social media and in front of a screen. Set limits on how long you spend on Tik Tok (as addictive as it might be), Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram each day with the Pyxsee app or using Screen Time (on an Apple device), or make use of the Digital Wellbeing option on your Android phone.

4. GET CREATIVE Make Pinterest your new best friend and be inspired by, literally, thousands of ideas. Creating something beautiful can be soothing for the soul. Whether it’s a mood board or knitting something special, a drawing or painting, or even writing a short story – wherever your creativity flows, let it pour out! Alternatively, create a vision board, explore new business ideas, and set new goals.

5. RECONNECT WITH FAMILY & FRIENDS At a time when the whole world is united and going through exactly the same experience, hopping on a video or phone call with loved ones ensures that you feel less lonely but also gives you all unlimited time to catch up and share stories that you

Order for collection or delivery, and support local businesses! QUARANT-EATS

BR8 KITCHEN @br8kitchen Recommend: Kale Bomb Bowl www.br8.co

MISS LILY’S @misslilysdxb Recommend: Jerk Chicken Wings www.misslilys.com

BRAMBLES DUBAI @bramblesdubai Recommend: Avocado Pizza (0)4 452 9529

REIF JAPANESE KUSHIYAKI @reifkushiyaki Recommend: 18 Hrs Ramen www.reifkushiyaki.com

OH BRGR @ohbrgr Recommend: Jerk Chicken Burger (0)58 535 3177

MELANGE DUBAI @melangedubai Recommend: Hangover Cookie www.melangeme.com

WAKAME DUBAI @wakamedubai Recommend: Wagyu Bento www.wakame.ae

THE GBEMI’S KITCHEN @thegbemiskitchen Recommend: Seafood Okra (0)52 547 9479

Beat the boredom of lockdown by checking into one of the Dubai’s stunning hotels or lazing on a sandy private beach with these fabulous offers from around the city…

AVANI HOTELS & RESORTS Staycation Offer UAE Residents looking for a staycation closer to home can now take advantage of the fantastic offers at Avani properties in Dubai. Book a stay and receive 25% off on any room or suite in one of the city hotels – Avani Deira or the newly opened Avani Ibn Battuta. Guests will even be rewarded with a complimentary upgrade to the next room category, subject to availability. The offer includes daily breakfast for two and 25% off on food and drinks. Late check-out until 4pm will be offered to guests, subject to availability. The offer is valid to UAE residents, and bookable until March 31 for reservations until December 20, 2020. GO: Visit www.avanihotels.com for reservations and more information.

ANANTARA HOTELS & RESORTS Staycation Offer Local residents looking for a luxurious escape closer to home can now take advantage of a fantastic new deal with Anantara properties in the UAE. Book your choice of accommodation and receive 25% off your room, suite or villa in one of the lavish hotels or resorts. Guests will even be rewarded with a complimentary upgrade to the next room category, when it’s available. Discover a desert paradise island at Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara. Laze by the pool with dazzling city views at Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort, whilst down the road at Anantara Eastern Mangroves Hotel Abu Dhabi, get the best of the city while staying in soothing mangrove surroundings. Take a moonlight walk across the majestic dunes of Rub’ Al Khali from Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara. The sister resorts of Anantara Al Yamm Villa Resort and Anantara Al Sahel Villa Resort on Sir Bani Yas Island promise untold adventure, either on the beach or within the stunning wildlife reserve. Residents can also enjoy complimentary breakfast for two each morning and save all day long with 25% off gourmet food and drinks. For ultimate relaxation, book in for a hammam treatment at Anantara Spa or a comforting massage at 25% off. Selected resort activities are also available with 25% savings for guests to explore more on your trip. When it’s time to leave, there’s no need to rush, as late check-out until 4pm will be included, subject to availability. Book by March 31 for stays until December 20, 2020. GO: Visit www.anantara.com for reservations and more information.

BVLGARI YACHT CLUB Pool Day Experience The Bvlgari Yacht Club offers a luxurious and peaceful pool day escape, one of the most well-kept secrets in Dubai. With cabanas, sun beds and an extensive pool bar menu, the Bvlgari Yacht Club is a charming destination made for long days basking in the sun. The Little Gems Kids Club will ensure little ones are well entertained while adults unwind in opulent Bvlgari luxury. The perfect pool experience isn’t complete without a sumptuous lunch – dine on burrata with smoked eggplant, heirloom tomatoes with basil oil, traditionally marinated beef carpaccio with truffle mayo and pizzette with burrata cheese and black truffle – pure indulgence from beginning to end. Minimum spend on food and beverage | AED200 on weekdays | AED350 on weekends. Open from 9am to 7pm. GO: Call (0)4 777 5433 for reservations and more information.

LA VILLE HOTEL & SUITES CITY WALK Staycation Offers Make the most of the city from within the heart of City Walk with the new staycation packages that the chic, boutique hotel is offering. Enjoy a one-night stay in a deluxe room or a onebedroom apartment including a delicious breakfast for two at Chival along with two tickets to Roxy Cinema or Green Planet, both conveniently located in City Walk Dubai. From AED760 plus taxes. Book a one-night stay in a deluxe room or a one-bedroom apartment – which includes breakfast for two at Chival and dinner at the urban steakhouse GRAZE Gastro Grill & Bar (up to AED400 spend) along with two tickets to Roxy Cinema or Green Planet, City Walk Dubai. From AED924 plus taxes. There’s something for everyone, including the little ones, enjoy a one-night stay in a deluxe room or one-bedroom apartment. Inclusive of breakfast for two at Chival, two tickets to Mattel Play Town, an indoor educational play area located in

City Walk Dubai, along with an additional food and beverage credit of AED200 to spend at Chival. From AED775 plus taxes. Advance booking required at least 1 week before and subject to availability. GO: Call (0)4 403 3111 for reservations and more information.

KEMPINSKI HOTEL MALL OF THE EMIRATES Ski Chalet Staycation Offer Make your travel to the Alps at Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates and enjoy the wintery views from the luxurious ski chalets along with your family and friends, inclusive of delightful breakfast and access to Ski Dubai. Enjoy a choice of the following experiences: shopping credits worth of AED1000 at the Mall of the Emirates; dining credits worth of AED 1000 valid in the hotel restaurants; private viewing at Vox@Kempinski inclusive of popcorn and soft drinks. Offer is inclusive of buffet breakfast, two Ski Dubai (Snow Park) tickets per stay, additional tickets are available at AED100 per ticket. Early check-in at 10am and late check-out at 4pm. GO: Call (0)4 409 5999 for reservations and more information.

With a little help from online retailer Kibsons, you can keep up a healthy and strong immune system as four Immunity Warriors’ DIY Boxes can be delivered straight to your door…

The old saying “an apple a day can keep the doctor away” may have some truth behind it after all. A strong immune system is vital to keeping a person healthy and eating lots of nourishing foods that are rich in certain vitamins and can help your body fight off unwanted viruses and infections.

IMPECCABLE BERRIES – AED50 This Impeccable Berries Immunity Warrior DIY box will fill you and your family with key antioxidants to keep you all fit and healthy. Blueberries are among the most nutrient-dense berry, bursting with vitamin C and vitamin B6! Complimented by the delicious and nutritious strawberries and watermelon, this fresh and flavoursome juice will be loved by the whole family.

MIGHTY GREEN – AED20 Kale, spinach, lemon, ginger, apples and kiwis… Yes, you guessed it – it’s the Mighty Green Immunity Warrior DIY Box! Packed with plant nutrients and chlorophyll (aka liquid sunshine), this Mighty

Green juice strengthens your immune system, helps control inflammation, increases red blood cell production, and helps enhance your cells' ability to carry oxygen throughout your body. What more could you want from an at home recipe?

ENERGISING BEETROOT – AED10 Packed with essential nutrients, beetroots are a great source of fiber, vitamin B9, manganese, potassium, iron, and vitamin C, combining all of this goodness with the other tasty and as nutritious fruits and vegetables included in this DIY box, this juice becomes a powerful blend of nutrient-rich goodness that will benefit both you and your family.

POWER GINGER – AED 10 This Power Ginger Immunity Warriors DIY Box will help keep your immune system high and give you that well desired spring in your step. Packed with vitiman C rich fruits and vegetables, this juice will leave you feeling fresh and healthy and will pay an important part in your overall health! ✤

Capital Club Dubai is unveiling phase one of its completed renovations and marking the occasion with an exhibition by renowned street artist and muralist, Paparazzi and famous works by Andy Warhol and Pablo Picasso in association with Sconci Gallery.

One of the leading places in Dubai’s financial district to do business, socialise and entertain, Capital Club Dubai celebrated the re-launch of the newly refurbished 4th floor with some of the art world’s biggest names. Four original and distinctive Andy Warhol pop art prints of Marilyn Monroe and three limited edition Picasso prints are on display and available to purchase, as well as Paparazzi’s Solo Exhibition, We Are All Human. On display in the Club’s new look gallery space, We Are All Human brings together individuals from all walks of life, spanning multiple millennia, who have had a positive effect on humanity. Inspired by the artist’s attraction to interesting individuals and significant historical characters, the exhibition is the first time that Georgian born, Cyprus based Paparazzi exhibits outside of Europe, and the show includes original artworks as well as three limited-edition fine art prints. Also, on display is the intricate diptych works that feature two keys parts of the human anatomy for contact, embodying the message of the exhibition. Best known for pioneering a revolution in Cyprus for the craft of street art, street artist and muralist Paparazzi is fascinated by different approaches to art and its relationship with the environment. In his work, he attempts to bridge the gap between street art with fine art through constant experimentation and the synthesis of styles, to give fresh meanings and a new depth to recognisable characters and twenty-first century iconography. Having curated many popular street art events around the world, Paparazzi is currently working on his solo artworks at Paparazzi ART studio and is one of the few artists in Cyprus that has embraced the art of graffiti and street art, having been at the helm of five solo and 26 group exhibitions to date. He most recently represented Cyprus for the 28 STARS European Union Art Show curated by GO Gallery in Amsterdam, Netherlands and is part of the Kaunas European Capital of culture 2020 in Kaunas, Lithuania. ✤

ABOUT CAPITAL CLUB DUBAI Capital Club is Dubai’s Leading Membersonly Club. Situated in DIFC, the Club is a place for the leading business figures of Dubai to network professionally, dine, socialise and host private meetings, cocktail parties, lunches and dinners. Members are also given access to high level key note speakers covering newsworthy topics in the world of business, emerging lifestyle trends and arts & culture. Capital Club is connected to over 100 premier private clubs around the world as part of its Reciprocal Club network.

GO: VISIT WWW.CAPITALCLUBDUBAI.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION.

PALATIAL LIFESTYLE

When the Burj Khalifa is standing right outside your window, so close that you could almost touch it, that’s when you feel the real spirit of Dubai and its dedication to going bigger and better come alive. Living in the city, we almost forget to take a moment to stop and admire our surroundings, especially passing the world’s tallest building every day. So, we took the opportunity to slow down and live in the now with a staycation at the utterly majestic Palace Downtown. The very stylish hotel mixes minimalism with touches of regal Arabesque decor. Our check in is swift and calm with the lovely front desk staff, especially James, who inform us of all dining options and recreational facilities available at the hotel. The 242-room and 81-suite hotel is the epitome of Middle Eastern charm. Rich in colour and regional textures with Arabian motifs and authentic detail to the interiors and intricate design. Expect exquisite furnishings with elegant finishes that evoke the comforts of a true Arabian home. There are seven design styles to choose from, with every room boasting a private balcony that overlooks The Dubai Fountain, The Old Town or Burj Lake. And if it’s a view of the iconic Burj Khalifa that you want, choose a Diplomatic Suite for your stay. With a leisurely walk through the warm and wide corridors, we step into the suite which is as big as most apartments in the city – space is the name of the game here and we’re in awe. The exclusive Diplomatic Suites are a pure expression of Arabian opulence. Every suite has a huge separate living room, a large bedroom and one main and one guest bathroom, and is complemented with rich drapery, flamboyant accessories and a spacious private balcony. We’re still dreaming of days walking through Downtown Dubai, and a beautiful stay at the luxurious Palace Downtown had us admiring the Burj Khalifa as though for the very first time. FACT checked in for a sophisticated staycation of royal standards.

Q THE SHOWSTOPPER

The new generation Audi Q3 is the underdog that we’ve been waiting for in the luxury SUV market – loaded with tech, space and style. FACT takes a seat in the vivacious blue Audi Q3 – an enhanced, grown-up vehicle, which we soon learn makes for a solid daily drive.

The all-new Audi Q3 can be described in many words; striking, versatile, innovative and, for a compact SUV, rather captivating. The premium SUV has capacities that any Audi enthusiast and motoring aficionado will appreciate. As soon as you cast eyes on the car, its sleek and sporty octagonal design makes a classy yet bold statement: “I mean serious business” is what we imagine it would say, if cars could talk. It has a single-frame grille, slick LED running lights, large air inlets and strong muscles over the wheel arches, making this an Audi that has been well sculpted for a sharper appearance. The compact SUV has also grown in virtually all dimensions from its predecessor; it is 4,484 millimeters long, 1,849 millimeters wide and 1,585 millimeters high. Larger and more mature, the car has grown 3.8 inches in length, 0.7 inch in width and 1.5 inches in height, being blessed with a much more attractive and dynamic design. If you’re someone who likes to take short road trips or pack up the family for a weekend away, the Audi Q3 comes with drastically improved room. Its wheelbase, which has been stretched by 77 millimeters, offers tons of space. At the same time the Q3 is extremely versatile – thanks to the adjustable rear seats and height-adjustable loading floor along with numerous storage compartments. Depending on the position of the rear seats and backrests, the luggage compartment capacity is between 530 and 1,525 litres. For shopping trips, cargo space behind the rear seats grows from 16.7 cubic feet in the old Q3 to a more usable 23.7. When more space is needed, folding the second-row seats down

bumps real estate to 48 cubic feet that we fully utilised during a few grocery and supply runs to Carrefour and a number of malls. We found the loading and off-loading of luggage to be smooth and functional. In fact, for its neat, compact size, the Audi Q3 is slightly deceiving as to how spacious it is on the inside – a great and much-welcomed surprise. Rest assured, it’s not just baggage that gets a comfy seat, remember the Q3's upsized dimensions? They really pay off inside the car with the front and rear areas being sufficiently spacious for passengers too. The Q3's interior itself is also significantly upgraded, with a fresh dash layout that is anything but boring. It's clean and intuitive with clearly marked switchgear, and with quality materials like brushed aluminium and matte wood trim tastefully sprinkled throughout. Our tester's optional Sport interior package adds more supportive seats, whilst it’s in the details that we rejoice; decorative insert in silver aluminium and scuff plates with aluminium inserts, illuminated with the “S” logo – they all add that quality Audi finish to a vehicle that continues to impress the more we drive it around. There is also a standard panoramic roof which ensures that the cabin is kept light and airy, whenever you wish it to be. Combining good all-round visibility with a sporty seating position, the new Q3 offers the same comfort as the next larger vehicle category. When it comes to tech, you needn’t worry as the Audi Q3 is kitted out with the best. The operating and display concept of the premium SUV has been overhauled from the ground up, with even the entry-level model boasting a digital instrument cluster with smartphone interface allowing

APP-LICIOUS

LET’S SEE WHAT’S ON THE SMARTPHONE AGENDA FOR APRIL…

ALARMY

Sleep if you can! Cleverly designed to force you to get out of bed, Alarmy isn’t your regular alarm clock app. When your Alarmy is going off in the morning, you have to do one of five actions that you have preset to turn off your alarm. From solving math problems and shaking your phone for 20 seconds, to taking a picture of your bathroom — you can’t exit the app or turn down the alarm until you’ve fulfilled the task. We wish you a very good morning!

FOREST

This app forces you to stay off your phone and just be present. How? You set a timer anywhere from 10 minutes to two hours (depending on how long you want to not be on your phone). Once you set the timer you plant a baby tree for your forest. Now it takes the amount of time that you set on your timer to fully grow that tree. If you go back on your phone and exit the forest app to check Instagram or text someon, it kills your baby tree. But if instead you stay off your phone the entire time, your plant grows into a full adult tree, and the credits you earn plant real trees around the world!

HONEST HEADPHONES

Bose’s new Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 come with a sleeker look and feature tech that you never imagined possible. For connoisseurs of music, podcasts and general good sound, FACT puts the headphones through the paces…

Featuring the biggest leap forward in headphones since the iconic QuietComfort models, the new and long-awaited Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 is a complete redesign of Bose’s popular predecessor. With a fresh blueprint, improved sound quality, a touch-sensitive gesture pad for playback controls, and even USB-C charging, this is truly a feat for Bose. The headphones are a delight to use. They have been upgraded in every manner — and, trust us, you’ll feel the difference; a streamlined, lightweight stainless-steel headband with soft, angled earcups provides a perfect, comfortable fit. The underside of the headband features an ultra-soft gel foam material that sits neatly on your head. (And it won’t snag a single hair, either - bonus.) The new microphones let you hear the world around you, on your terms. Bose’s 700 debuts new pioneering technologies to magically transform the same public spaces into private rooms for talking with friends, family, and virtual personal assistants (Siri, Google Assistant, Amazon’s Alexa), as the new microphones are designed to pick up your voice better and also to reduce the noise around. Now, people can hear you better in noisier environments. On one of our quick trips to a very busy supermarket, we were able to stay on the phone usine the headphones with ease and no distruptions to the call or conversation. In fact, the sounds was crystal clear - like being in your own world whilst surrounded by shoppers, and everyday chaos!

You can personalise your environment with 11 levels of noise cancellation. As you increase the noise cancellation, you incrementally minimise the distractions you hear in loud places. Or, decrease it to the point where you hear the world as if you weren’t wearing active noise cancelling headphones at all. For quick interruptions, press a button for Conversation Mode to pause the music and let surrounding noise in — just perfect to quickly place a coffee order or checkout your groceries at the cashier’s till. Another key improvement includes a new touch interface with intuitive gesture-based controls. There’s also the Bose AR. A first-of-its-kind audio augmented reality platform that makes astonishing new audio experiences possible by helping you stay connected to your digital world and stay engaged in the physical world at the same time. Combining the power of wearable audio products, mobile devices and integrated apps, Bose AR unlocks the potential to experience fundamentally new ways to travel, exercise, learn and more by augmenting your world with content for your ears instead of your eyes. Offering maximum performance together with a beautiful, sophisticated design, the Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 are the ultimate companion for everyday life. ✤

SHARED MOMENTS: MANGO SS20

MANGO continues with the Shared Moments concept in a new campaign for the Spring/Summer 2020 season. The images were captured by the iconic British photographer Glen Luchford.

fact magazine Shared Moments reinforces the concept of togetherness present in the brand’s communication. The campaign focuses on community spirit through visuals that extol the virtues of the intimacy and naturalness of shared moments, celebrating a moment of true complicity and at the same time, the expression of one’s self. The models, Anna Ewers and Rebecca Leigh Longendyke, two of the stars of the AW19 Shared Moments campaign, who also feature this season, are now joined by Vittoria Ceretti, Kit Butler and Hamid Onifade in a new getaway in which the Mexican cities of Valladolid and Merida are the setting for their shared summer adventures.

WOMEN The apparel in the women’s collection, particularly inspired by the 70s, have been created with 100% sustainable fabrics. The women’s line of outfits have been produced using 100% sustainable fabrics, such as sustainable cotton or recycled fibres. The designs, mainly inspired by 70s style, are inundated with prints, especially florals; and colours, with pastel tones taking centre stage. Suits with matching waistcoats become one of the key looks this season, while flowing dresses with a summery air offer the perfect balance. Accessories such as strap sandals and basket-style bags add a touch of personality to each outfit.

CULINARY MAGIC

A celebration of hyper-local Indian cuisine – Bombay Borough, located at DIFC Gate Village 3, offers guests a carefully curated selection of India’s unique ingredients and spices, reinvented. FACT’s Shabana Adam takes a seat for a perfectly refined feast of flavours…

If you’ve had the chance to travel to India, you’ll know that it’s one place where food speaks to the language and culture of every state and community. From the rich aromas of north Indian cuisine to the delectable explosion of unique dishes from the south, food is a huge part of the country’s charm. Bombay Borough channels all the best parts of India, epitomising a wholesome dining experience with plenty of delicious stories – and surprises. Unlike a number of venues in DIFC, Bombay Borough is incredibly easy to find and has valet parking right outside the restaurant. A small elevator will take you up to the venue, which is a multi-layered space, spread over two floors; a lovely terrace to dine al fresco and a cosy indoor area inspired and immersed in Indo-chic ambience. Draped in elegant teals and sophisticated whites, the décor is a fusion of the modern French and British-era old bungalows of India, infusing the west with India, in a space where people can gather over good conversation and great food. Chandeliers hang from the ceiling as a well-stocked bar lines the room. Carefully-selected artworks are dotted around the venue, adding a classy touch of vibrancy to a very stylish eatery. The menu at Bombay Borough is nothing short of eclectic epicurean magic. Staying true to Indian roots and bringing in unexpected European twists, we weren’t quite prepared for the meal that was about to ensue. The idea is to serve up the very best of India in an approachable yet adventurous way. Flavours are authentic, presentation is contemporary and whole experience is larger than life – in the most Instagramperfect kind of way. We begin with a dish that, if executed well, is undoubtedly one of the best appetisers you’ll try at any Indian restaurant. The Aam Papad Paneer – a classic hailing from Amritsar – this is paneer and lotus stem tossed with special sundried mango and street food spices, directly sourced from the Punjab city. An amalgamation of sweet and sour, the fluffy paneer is like little butter-soft pockets coated in lime and spices which wonderfully contrasts the sourness of the sweet leathery cheese. It’s by far the tastiest coming together of creamy and crunchy textures! An impressive start. The Chilli Cheese Kulcha (mildly leavened flatbread) was by far the biggest revelation. A super simple concoction of mini kulchas is presented on a board, each stuffed with oozing chilli cheese; a modest yet wildly addictive bite. The Fiery Thecha Prawn is tossed in a coarsely-pounded green chilli chutney with crunchy peanut. This dish is a homage to the authentic Maharashtrian accompaniment of jowari bhakri with hirvi mirchi cha thecha; a chutney made of green chillies, garlic, peanuts and coriander. Here,

the fiery chutney is used to dress the sweetest, fresh prawns. UNREAL. Hot Plates and Street Grills is a part of the menu that is packed with robust, hearty choices. The Kashmiri Naan Kebab takes our breath away – literally. A larger-than-life hand-ground, mutton mince seekh kebab infused with kabab chini and served on a saffron-brushed naan, with a side of doon chetin – a Kashmiri yogurt dip. The juiciest meat we’ve tasted in a long, long time – please, just order it. The dish of the day for us had to be the Banana Leaf Wrapped Sea Bass. Taking our taste buds to southern shores, the fish is coated in Kerala spiced tomato chilli coconut sauce with pounded fennel seeds and curry leaf. We are yet to taste anything more flavourful than this gorgeous meaty fish, since the day of our visit to Bombay Borough. Another exquisite dish comes in the form of Mario’s Mango Prawns and Coconut Rice. A palate-awakening creation of prawns cooked in the traditional Goan “ambotik masala” –a deep-orange, spicy and tangy gravy, offset by the sweetness of ripe mango. It’s the rice steamed in coconut milk that really steals the show here. If there’s one thing that we highly recommend to order, it’s this. A side of Chur Chur Paratha will elevate the experience – a crispy, flaky and layered hand-crushed bread that tastes divine. Dessert is truly a celestial affair. The Bombay Ice Cream Sandwich is a throwback to childhood memories of visits to India whilst the Ras-E-Aam is a deeply clever and delicious invention of Bengali roshogulla nestled in rich rabdi topped with Gujarati aamras made with alphonso mangoes. It’s like a molecular marriage of gulab jamun and rasmalai, served atop a smoky cloud of liquid nitrogen – big points.

MEDITERRANEAN MUSE

SUNSET CHASERS, IF YOU’RE LOOKING FOR THE PERFECT SPOT TO TAKE IN THE BEAUTY OF DUSK, WE HAVE THE EXACT SPOT THAT YOU’VE BEEN SEARCHING FOR! SET ON THE SHORES OF THE GORGEOUS ANANTARA THE PALM DUBAI RESORT, WITH GLITTERING VIEWS OF THE DUBAI SKYLINE LAYS A HIDDEN MEDITERRANEAN GEM, THE BEACH HOUSE. FACT’S HAYLEY ALEXANDER EXPLORES…

As the sun sets over the Arabian Gulf, head over to this stunning location, kick off your shoes, sit back in one of their comfy chairs and start with your choice of sip in hand. The beautiful beachfront decor is simple with rustic hints, cosy warm tones and a spirited and welcoming ambience. With numerous seating options, guests can opt to dine indoors or on the decked terrace spilling out on to the white sandy beaches. It’s picturesque to say the least. Combine the view with either lunch or dinner and you have the perfect spot for a relaxed dining experience. As expected, we’re spoilt for choice with what to order. We begin with the highly

recommended and generously piled deep fried baby squid (AED110) with a citrus chilli dip. Packed with flavour and plenty of crunch, we’re off to a great start. The manager also recommends gambas al ajilio shrimps (AED90), garlic, guajlio chili, and once we take a bite, we know why he speaks so highly of this dish. It’s delicious! We are huge fans or burrata, slightly different but equally tasty, here the burrata (AED85) is accompanied with honey walnut pesto, radicchio, grilled pear and honey vinaigrette. An absolute must. After a short break and a few stunning Instagram-worthy photos, we move to our mains where the signature turf grain-fed beef ribeye (AED165) comes calling. Accompanied by chilli spiced fat chips, rocket salad, peppercorn jus – it’s a dish that’s made for true carnivores. While it may sound simple, be sure to try the seared salmon fillet (AED145) with garden fresh vegetables, tomato reduction and braised baby fennel. It’s filled with rich Mediterranean flavours and the fish is cooked beautifully. Dessert is indulgent and quite frankly what we came for! The blueberry cheesecake (AED45) - blueberry compote, digestive biscuit and cream cheese is a huge hit at the table. Much like the culinary offering, the beverage selection has an array of perfectly priced mocktails and bespoke cocktails - we try the Calypso - it was everything we wanted it to be and more. A selection of vino and hops are also available from AED55. And happy hour is an added bonus! Other Mediterranean dishes worth mentioning, and those that we would be back for, include the Atlantic mackerel escabeche with a Chardonnay broth, gooseberry chutney, garden vegetables and garlic chips. The vegan porcini ravioli, spinach salad, almond flakes, fried mushrooms and almond milk reduction is not just a dish made to please vegans but will also satisfy anyone with a penchant for earthy tastes and appreciation for good food. Service at The Beach House is warm, accommodating and filled with great recommendations. These are just a few attributes that will keep the crowds coming back. Our advice, gather your friends, sit outside and enjoy the sounds of the waves whilst eating delicious Mediterranean fare at this hidden gem on The Palm Jumeirah. ✤