FACT Dubai June 2018

fact magazine

1

14TH JUNE TO 15TH JULY 2018

GET INTO THE SPIRIT OF THE GAME Stay at the heart of the action with an evening of sporting excellence at Nezesaussi Grill Downtown Dubai at Manzil Downtown. Surround yourself in an ambience that flaunts sports memorabilia, pool tables, dart boards and a juke box. Enjoy special offers and catch the season’s biggest games on 21 big screens as you cheer on your favourite team.

mydubaifootball.com

2

fact magazine

manzildowntown.com

C O N T E N T S

35

54

WANDERLUST 101

STAYCATION SPOTLIGHT

71

83

FASHION FOCUS

NEW IN TOWN

fact magazine

3

• THE EDITOR

Seek Moments

“

Travel makes one modest, you see what a tiny place you occupy in the world.”

- Gustave Flaubert

I

t’s no secret at all that this is my favourite issue of the year. Just speak the word “travel” around me and I’ll happily sit with you for hours to talk about why taking off to see the world is high up on my list of priorities.

And it seems that travel is also of huge importance to the people of the Gulf. Be it the local or expat community, the chances are that some of your best conversations in Dubai have revolved around a mutual love of travelling. There’s just something beautifully liberating about being plucked out of your everyday comfort zone and landing in a completely foreign place to see how different cultures live. With undiscovered destinations now opening up for tourism, we’ve rounded up some of the world’s best destinations that are seeing a travel revival and others that are newbies on the bucket list. Turn to p37 for #Hashtag# Travel Inspo and start your adventure today - be it solo, with family or a group of friends - there’s plenty of leisure, food, activities, beaches and more waiting!

Of course, there’s just as much intrepid inspiration to awaken the travel bug as there is luxury vacays that blend the best of both worlds, seamlessly. If it’s this perfect balance of exploration and relaxation that you’re looking for, take note of our Eid Escapes (p44) where everything from island living to UNESCO sites and safari vibes can make for the perfect getaway during the Eid Al Fitr break.

June is also the start of the most-anticipated sporting event of the year - the 2018 FIFA World Cup - and you can believe that Dubai’s venues are going all out to make sure that you catch all the action live from Russia on the biggest screens, accompanied with the best food and beverages. Turn to World Cup Watch on p24 where we round up some of the social spots to get your footie fix.

We’ve got your monthly dose of fashion, tech, dining and all the need-to-know events, openings and foodie deals for the next 30 days.

Whilst planning my own summer abroad, I was constantly reminded that the freedom to hop on a plane and venture to somewhere new is a privilege that many people around the world still don’t have. So, let’s be cultural ambassadors and share travel stories as often as possible! As the meme says: catch flights, not feelings - and I’m all about that life. Happy wanderlusting!☺

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

fact magazine

FACT Magazine Dubai Edition • JUNE 2018 VOLUME 01, ISSUE 09

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER GREG HUGHES PUBLISHER EDWARD SMITH EDITOR-IN-CHIEF SHABANA ADAM (shabana@fact-magazine.com) ASSISTANT EDITOR AANCHAL DUGGAL SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNERS SYED MUHAMMED RAIHAN JYOTI RAWAT CONTRIBUTORS ANGELA BEITZ DAVID TAPLEY HELEN HOUGHTON PHOTOGRAPHY DAVID TAPLEY PRODUCTION & DISTRIBUTION NEIL MAHMOOD AJIT KUMAR ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES EDWARD SMITH (edward@ohlala-magazine.com) PRINTED BY UNITED PRINTING PRESS

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. FZ-LLC cannot accept legal responsibility for any erroneous content or omissions.

FACT M.E. FZ-LLC, Office 907E, TwoFour54, Park Rotana Complex, P.O. Box 769328, Abu Dhabi, UAE License Number: D.L. 361/17/F

fact magazine

5

• CONNECT

INSTAGRAM

TWITTER

@factmagazine

FACT Magazine M.E

25.8k followers

@FACTMagazineME

7,148 followers

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

FACEBOOK FACT Dubai 9,155 likes Keep up with all things Dubai as the FACT team posts the latest competitions, events and everything we’re getting up to. Send us a message – we love hearing from our readers!

Your one-stop culture fix for life in Dubai | First for local talent, arts, fashion, dining and all the coolest events in the city | 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 Dubai in local supermarkets now!

“

One’s destination is never a place, but always a new way of seeing things.” ―- Henry Miller

ISSUU.COM FACT Dubai 70,043 reads of the May issue online If you need your FACT fix pronto, flick through our monthly online edition on issuu. com for all the best features, including local culture, arts, fashion, food, motoring, tech, travel and more in Dubai.

OUR FAVE FEATURE • #HASHTAG# TRAVEL INSPO P35 •

#FACTMAGAZINE #FACTMIDDLEEAST #FOODARTSCULTURETRAVEL #THEONLYWAYISFACT 6

fact magazine

A culinary journey that starts at marina walk!

DISCOVER THE SENSATIONS OF ASIA AT CHO GAO MARINA WALK RESTAURANT & LOUNGE. EXPERIENCE DELICIOUS TASTES, INTERESTING MIXERS & GREAT MUSIC IN AN ELEGANT & RELAXED MOOD. now open for lunch from 15TH OCTOBER

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION

Cho Gao ‘InterContinental Abu Dhabi’ / ChoGaoICAD / ChoGaoICAD For booking and further information please call 800 423 463 or visit dining-intercontinental-ad.ae

fact magazine

7

• CHECK IT OUT

FACT FINDS

Live Your Best Life IF YOU’RE LOOKING FOR A ONE-STOP SHOP FOR ALL YOUR LIFESTYLE, HEALTH AND WELLNESS NEEDS, GOODNESS CART IS JUST ONE CONVENIENT CLICK AWAY, CONNECTING THE SHOPPER WITH THE BEST OF NATURAL AND ORGANIC INGREDIENTS.

A NEW E-COMMERCE MARKETPLACE in the UAE, Goodness Cart, focuses on health and wellness products for the entire family by offering a curated collection of companies and brands under one virtual roof. With affordable pricing and quick delivery, Goodness Cart is accessible to everybody in the UAE. Goodness Cart has sourced the very best natural and organic products that include a wide range of healthy food and lifestyle brands from fresh produce including fruit and vegetables, fish and seafood, meat and poultry, dairy and eggs, free-from items, bakery, nutrition and superfoods and dry goods to natural beauty, household items, appliances and baby & child products.

Offering you a healthier lifestyle at the touch of a button, Goodness Cart will completely change the way you think about health and wellness and making ‘good’ choices that are more affordable than you thought possible.

With a highly user-friendly website that is simple to use with products divided into different sections and brand pages, meaning you can easily navigate your favourite items - making healthy choices has never been easier!

Ordering from Goodness Cart couldn’t be simpler too. In just two clicks, you can place your items in the Goodness Cart 8

fact magazine

shopping trolley and pay securely online. Goodness Cart offers delivery within 24 hours across the UAE, with all items packaged together no matter how many different brands and companies you have ordered from. Your shipment will be consolidated as one and delivered to you in eco-friendly packaging after selecting your preferred timeslot. Fresh produce is also coldpacked for unattended deliveries to ensure it can withstand being left at the delivery point for an hour or two, in order to remain fresh and ready for use.

From the easy to use e-commerce platform housing the curated products of thousands of health and wellness companies and their brands, Goodness Cart’s holistic approach ensures that the wellness and nutrition needs of you and your whole family are covered. From the start of your e-commerce journey you are made to feel happy, relaxed and calm. The easy to use navigation and appealing interface make this online shopping experience completely unique. ✤

GO: VISIT WWW.GOODNESSCART.COM AND STAY UP-TODATE ON INSTAGRAM @GOODNESSCART FOR MORE INFORMATION.

Summer is more fun on Yas Island

Relax, have fun and cherish unique experiences this summer on Yas Island.

Swim, laugh or scream to your heart’s content at the award winning theme parks, Yas Waterworld or Ferrari World Abu Dhabi or spend a lazy day at the amazing Yas Beach while enjoying a comfortable stay with daily breakfast buffet at Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi Yas Island.

Begin your summer adventure now. Book our Unlimited Parks Package with rates starting from AED575* for two adults and 1 child. *Price is subject to 10% service charge, 6% tourism fees, 4% municipality fees and 5% VAT. Terms & conditions apply.

@cpyas

CPYasIsland

For more information or to make a reservation, visit crowneplaza.com/abudhabi, or email reservations.cpyas@ihg.com or call +971 (0)2 656 3000.

fact magazine

9

• LISTEN UP

CRAZY FISH! Monte Carlo-born, Crazy Fish Dubai is one of the only restaurants in the city that serves fresh, wildly caught seafood, straight from the Mediterranean sea to your plates.

LOCATED IN DIFC, THE restaurant serves delicious Italian Seafood cuisine that is simple and rich in nuances and Mediterranean elements.

In a laid-back ambience, Crazy Fish Dubai is a seafood lover’s haven, complete with a market-style ice display for fresh fish and an aquarium for lobsters. Brought to the shores by Flavio Briatore and headed by Executive Chef Franco Blois, Crazy Fish has seafood flown in at least three times a week. Making sure guests get a true flavour of the fish, Chef Franco, says: “The dishes we create and serve at Crazy Fish are simple and in no way conceal or distort their fresh, raw flavour and texture. We serve a traditional Italian seafood cuisine, with a touch of contemporary flair.”

Choices for starters include a selection of mouth-watering raw and hot dishes. Raw Starters include Seabass and Prawn Rolls served with root vegetables, Squid Tagliatelle with Zucchini and Orange, Langouistines Capaccio, ‘Catch of the day’ Carpaccio, and the delectable Tarburish Oysters. Hot starters include a platter which has lobsters, langoustines, red prawns and king crab leg; there’s also Tuna Straccetti served with Rocket Salad, Cherry Tomatoes and Black olives; and Mussels Sautéed.

Crazy Fish’s pasta dishes include a delicious Gnocchetti served with Red King Prawns, Cherry Tomatoes and Pecorino Cheese, Handmade Trofie with wild seabass and lemon and the signature Crazy Fish Seafood Risotto.

Main courses include Catch of the Day baked or in a salt crust; Guazzetto served with Fish Stew with Tomato, Basil and Olives; Grilled Squid, Fish of the day and the exquisite Mediterranean Lobster which you can choose how you would like it cooked Grilled, Steamed or Catalan style.

If that doesn’t sound like a treat for your palate – we don’t know what is! ✤ 10

fact magazine

GO: CRAZY FISH IS LOCATED AT PODIUM LEVEL, AL FATTAN CURRENCY HOUSE DIFC. VISIT WWW.CRAZYFISHDUBAI.COM OR CALL (0)55 902 9397 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION.

fact magazine

11

• LISTEN UP

CASUALLY COOL CULINARY FAVE Katsuya by Starck has re-opened its new location at the Fashion Avenue extension in The Dubai Mall.

Combining the sophisticated yet simple artistry of Master Sushi Chef Katsuya Uechi and the whimsical flair of iconic Parisian Aesthete Philippe Starck, Katsuya is back with a hybrid of cultures and tastes, marrying the best of East with West.

A FULL-SERVICE, UPSCALE YET laid back restaurant, Katsuya boasts of an extraordinary menu that skillfully translates Japanese flavors for the discerning palate. Treat yourself to a unique gastronomical experience with an impeccable range of specialty mocktails, delectable Robata grills, unique rolls and spectacular sushi platters, all carefully prepared by Katsuya’s team of culinary experts.

Casually cool, never stuffy and always delicious, the ambience and menu at Katsuya by Starck welcomes anybody from the busy banker or meticulous mommy looking for a quick fix, to the casual shopper or adventurous tourist looking for an elaborate affair. Taste the flavors of modern Japan within the sophisticated setting of Philippe Starck’s interiors, creating the perfect setting for every mood and occasion. Choose to be seated indoors at the ultra-trendy sushi bar and restaurant area, or outdoors on 12

fact magazine

the terrace while catching breathtaking views of the spectacular Dubai fountains. For a more intimate affair, Starck’s carefully designed ‘private dining area’ is the perfect place to celebrate a special occasion or simply indulge in a Katsuya feast with your loved ones.

The Japanese Kanji symbol ‘Katsu’ stands for ‘victory’ or ‘to win,’ and the team of creative chefs at Katsuya ensure just that by delivering an unsurpassable dining experience each time.

Open for both lunch and dinner, Katsuya by Starck promises an exquisite culinary experience to wow the taste buds! ✤

GO: VISIT WWW.KATSUYARESTAURANT.COM OR CALL (0)4 419 0067 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION.

Looking for the ultimate staycation?

A world-class self-indulgent vacation doesn't have to involve a plane ticket, at least not when you have the prefect getaway in Abu Dhabi.

Come and fall to the charm of breath-taking views of the resort and let us take you on a journey of an exciting staycation. Savour tasty plates at our 'Ali Baba and the 40 Chefs' brunch every Friday or experience Arabic delicacies and live entertainment at Kamoon.

Complete your weekend with a refreshing plunge in one of the biggest pools in Abu Dhabi with a separate kids' pool, private beach or just rejuvenate your body and mind at the Wellness center.

For reservations or more information, please call +971 (0)2 657 0000 or visit rotana.com.

P.O. Box 4010 Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates T: +971 (0)2 657 0000, F: +971 (0)2 657 0077, khalidiya.rayhaan@rotana.com

fact magazine

13

• LISTEN UP

STEAK GAME, STRONG! PUBLIQUE, THE ONLY FRENCH RESTAURANT located in Madinat Jumeirah has launched the Publique Summer Steakhouse, serving up various cuts of beef sourced from Australia and New Zealand.

“I hate reality but it’s still the best place to get a good steak”Woody Allen knows how to live his best life, and that best life involves a good steak.

The team at Publique, headed up by owners Julien and Jonathan are huge meat fans. Hailing from France, where summer sees the Alpine regions filled with grazing cattle that produce a delicious and plentiful array of dairy and meat products.

The Publique Summer Steakhouse is their own take on their culinary experiences from home and gives them the opportunity to treat their customers to a much larger selection of beef, compared to what is available on the regular menu.

The cosy Alpine feels of Publique that takes inspiration from an oak clad, mountain top chalet, proves the perfect venue to enjoy the Summer Steakhouse special, especially now that the weather is heating up and the crowds are being herded inside!

Julien and Jonathan, along with Head Chef Stephane and his culinary team met with various suppliers to source the finest cuts of beef. Diners will be treated to a complimentary side, sauce and glass of grape with their choice cut.

Starting from as little as AED125, you can indulge in everything from Flank Steak to Short Ribs, Beef Pierrade and more mouthwatering mains. ✤

GO: VISIT PUBLIQUE AT SOUK MADINAT JUMEIRAH. CALL (0)4 430 8550 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION.

IL BRUNCH ITALIANO PICTURE THIS – GLEAMING GLASS vitrines filled with classic antipasti; talented Sardinian chefs cooking up your favourite risotto and pasta combinations, or carving a prime cut of beef; cheese tasting room, crudo bar and delicatessen; live music; and collection of beverage destinations for all things muddled, spritzed and vintage. The Italians definitely do it better, and we invite you to IL Brunch Italiano at Armani/Deli where rustic flavours meet premium ingredients overlooking the Dubai Fountain for a truly flexible long brunch at your leisure, from lunch until late evening. Whether you’re a stickler for classic brunch timings or choose to make an evening of it then bring mamma, tutta la famiglia or a bunch of friends for an exceptional experience. Every Friday from 12.30pm to 9pm. AED450 including premium beverages (valid for three hours); AED310 including soft drinks (valid for three hours). ✤

GO: VISIT ARMANI/DELI AT THE ARMANI HOTEL DUBAI. CALL (0)4 888 3666 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION. 14

fact magazine

Dubai’s Favorite Family Brunch Every Friday from 1pm – 4.30pm

Join us for a fun family brunch where kids are covered with a large play area full of activities, including face painting, a movie corner, a PlayStation and Kid’s Cooking Classes.

AED 250 inclusive of soft drinks AED 345 inclusive of house beverages and sparkling wine AED 135 for kids between 5-12 years old Kids below 5 are FREE! We are open every Friday, throughout the entire summer.

Book Now T: +971 4 435 5577 E: dining.ahc@marriott.com www.alhabtoorcityhotels.com

Join the fun!

fact magazine

15

• LISTEN UP

GAUCHO LUNCHIN’ AS TEMPERATURES RISE AND diners seek refuge from the heat. Look no further than Gaucho DIFC’s delicious new Business Lunch to get you out of the sun and into the cool setting for a midday treat. With an array of delectable dishes, the Gaucho DIFC Business Lunch is bound to inspire the palate as well as ensure you are re-energised to power through the working day. Start off by tickling your taste buds with a plethora of light bites, from a Tuna Ceviche or Mini Taco Platter, to Beef Empanadas or a refreshing Watermelon Salad. Once appetites have been exercised, indulge in one of the healthy main dishes on offer. Whether it is the Truffle & Mushroom Risotto, the Poached Salmon Salad or the Bife de Ancho that catches your fancy, the menu caters to all.

Additionally, ensuring that sweet tooths are satisfied, the dessert menu will leave no guest disappointed.

Lunch with a side of business? Yes, please! ✤

GO: CALL (0)4 422 7898 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION.

SIN BIN BRUNCH TUCK INTO HUNGER-BUSTING BITES, like bangers and mash, burger sliders, pavlova, all-you-can-eat charcuterie and cheese, as well as other fan favourites from the TriNations Countries at Nezesaussi Grill Dubai Marina’s Sin Bin Brunch every Friday. Expect sporty fun while you tackle pool, arcade games and an amazing beverage list. All your favourite Southern Hemisphere dishes will be on the buffet and sharing platters. AED199 per person, inclusive of house beverages, every Friday from 12noon to 4pm.

Nezesaussi Grill is open from 12pm daily during Ramadan for lunch. All your Southern Hemisphere favourites make an appearance, while all the sporting action is shown live across the numerous large screens throughout the restaurant. ✤

GO: CALL (0)4 888 3444 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION. 16

fact magazine

How We Celebrate Eid Celebrate Eid Al Fitr with a family staycation to create lasting memories. Live exquisite in one of our Superior rooms or for the ultimate level of luxury upgrade to a Signature Suite. Located at the vibrant heart of Abu Dhabi with a 200 metre stretch of pristine beach, overlooking the turquoise waters of the Nation Riviera Beach Club at the finest address in the city.

Superior Room from AED 650* includes:

Complimentary upgrade to Sea View room**, AED 200 restaurant dining credit, breakfast and 4:00 pm late checkout.

Signature Suites from AED 1200* includes:

AED 500 restaurant dining credit, breakfast and 4:00 pm late checkout.

Book one room and save 50% on the second room.

Perfect for families, connecting rooms available**

*Prices are subject to 10% service fee, 6% tourism fee, 4% municipality fee and 5% VAT ** Subject to availability

Š2018 Marriott International, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Preferred Guest, SPG, St. Regis and their logos are the trademarks of Marriott International, Inc., or its affiliates.

The St. Regis Abu Dhabi Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates t. +971 2 694 4444 stregisabudhabi.com

Stay exquisite at more than 40 St. Regis hotels and resorts worldwide. fact magazine 17 @stregishotels

• LISTEN UP

LAGUNA WATERPARK What does Dubai love just as much as a good Friday Brunch or a poppin’ Ladies Night? A waterpark, of course. And for all of you who prefer to spend life off land and on the H2O, there’s a new water playground in town for REAL excitement…

LAGUNA WATERPARK HAS OPENED ITS doors in Dubai’s coolest beachfront destination, La Mer, promising to offer something new to the region’s waterpark scene. Nestled on the central promenade, it’s the perfect place for hours and hours of fun in the sun.

Created with the purpose of delivering carefree fun by the sea to families, chill-seekers and sports lovers alike, the waterpark has four distinct zones – Splash, Slide, Surf and Relax - and will boast a host of top-notch rides, two of which have never been experienced before in the Gulf. As well as white-knuckle adventures, visitors will have the chance to relax in a hang-out that includes a pool lounge with swim-up juice bar and cabanas.

Entry to Laguna will open with a launch offer of just Dhs99 for residents and Dhs159 for non-residents, with unlimited reentry - meaning visitors will be free to combine the waterpark experience with visits to La Mer’s beach and abundance of cafes, restaurants, shops and other attractions.

Andrew Keeling, General Manager of Leisure & Entertainment Assets at Meraas, said; “We are delighted to bring to market this fresh and exciting leisure attraction at a magnificent destination such as La Mer. Laguna Waterpark will bring something new to Dubai in terms of an accessible waterpark that is at the heart of a vibrant beachfront community. Everything about it is designed to be easy, and the fact that you’ll be able to play or relax at Laguna, 18

fact magazine

as well as take advantage of the whole La Mer experience, means you can tailor a day out depending on your mood.”

Laguna Waterpark will feature a central Water Slide Tower with five awesome rides; a comprehensive family zone with AquaPlay and Splash Pad; a WaveOz 180 Florider for surfing; a Lazy River; Pool Lounge; Cabanas; food and beverage kiosks and a merchandise store.

The WaveOz 180 will be the star attraction as the only one of its kind in the GCC and one of only three in the world. Nicknamed, ‘The Ultimate Surf Machine’, the Flow Rider is a competition wave which can be divided into multi-rider options and features body boards as well as stand-up boards – perfect for the beginner, the professional or the adrenaline junkie!

Impeccably designed to Meraas’ quality standards, Laguna will have a cool, retro look-and-feel, and will be ideal for families, the young and hip, couples, residents and tourists alike. ✤

GO: TICKETS WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR RESIDENTS AT THE LAUNCH OFFER PRICE OF AED99 (RESIDENT REGULAR PRICE AED125) AND AED159 FOR VISITORS. VISIT WWW. LAGUNAWATERPARK.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION.

LISTEN UP •

PAWS WHAT YOU’RE DOING! This one’s for all our little furry friends out there – we know how much pets need a break too and now, W Dubai, Al Habtoor City is welcoming our favourite companions for an indulgent stay.

THE W BRAND IS WELL-KNOWN globally for its eclectic style and pet-friendly attitude. W Dubai, Al Habtoor City is now offering the ultimate paw-cation to get pets and their hoomans out of the house this summer to revel in a bit of pet-pampering - W style.

The exclusive summer package designed for Dubai’s furrier residents waives the usual fixed fee of AED500 and invites pets to have a luxurious getaway with all the latest creature comforts - a W Hotels pet bed, the coolest litter box ever, and – wait for it – a special inroom P.A.W food menu. The package also comprises of an exclusive ‘pet in room’ sign to hang on the door, and a W Hotels water bowl to quench thirst after burning off energy by the Dubai Water Canal, which is right on the doorstep of the W Dubai, Al Habtoor City.

All pets are created equal so bring your cat, dog, goldfish, cockatoo or falcon for a dedicated pet vaycay as long as they weigh less than 40lbs. This is to ensure the pets are comfortable in the dedicated W Pet Beds. Pets interested in a holiday confidence boost can be hooked up with a recommended groomer and veterinarian services.

Meanwhile, owners can indulge in award-winning Korean cuisine at Namu, masterful mixology at W lounge, Mediterranean fare at Level 7 and poolside pleasures at WET deck.

Available until August 31 at W Dubai, Al Habtoor City.

It’s time to paw-ty it up! ✤

GO: VISIT WWW.WDUBAIALHABTOORCITY. COM/PAW FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION. fact magazine

19

• LISTEN UP

TEP FACTOR In the city that has it all, from luxury hotels and vibrant lifestyle destinations, to shopping malls of recordbreaking proportion and extreme sports of every variety, it takes something truly unique to stand out from the crowd. JBR The Walk welcomes TEPfactor, an adventure experience to give you thrills!

LOCATED AT JBR, TEPFACTOR OFFERS an adrenaline-pumping ambience from the moment you enter the venue. The challenges take place amidst the nooks and crannies of a concealed cave, whose walls are adorned with the occasional burst of crystal-like segments, reminiscent of rare amethyst and quartz geodes.

Teams of between two and six people will tackle 21 challenges, consisting of four distinctive varieties, that aim to put their physical, mental, team-working and cooperation skills to the test.

Every challenge has its own individual time limit, inspiring players to race against the clock, with each group taking part in mindbending puzzles, balancing acts, tasks requiring patience, heroic feats and team challenges, in order to progress from one task to the next.

After completing four challenges in each category, teams will have to use their mental prowess to put together clues from the previously completed challenges, to gain access to a fifth task.

Challengers can take on the arena in three different ranks of difficulty - bronze, silver and gold - with bronze being the easiest, to gold presenting the most extreme level. Players are guaranteed to build their team working capabilities and have a great time putting their skills to test, as they can spend as much or as little time as is needed to complete the challenges. In addition a memorable experience, the TEPfactor shop will provide challengers with solid proof that they have ‘The TEPfactor’.

Marwan Shazali, Founder and CEO of TEPfactor, says: “This is exactly what people need to boost their energy levels, put their skills to the test and engage with a variety of activities, all in the same venue. We know that Dubai has a large number of entertainment options, some which involve physical elements 20

fact magazine

and some involving mental elements, but it is our firm belief that TEPfactor is like no other. We will take things to the next level and give people the chance to come together, stimulate their mind and body, and have a great time doing something different.”

The team building aspects of TEPfactor provide the ideal adrenaline pumping experience for corporate or school days. Far removed from stuffy boardrooms, a corporate trip to TEPfactor will see colleagues taking to the tunnels of the cave, challenging each other and themselves all whilst having a good laugh. ✤

What: TEPfactor Where: The Walk, Jumeirah Beach Residence, Dubai, United Arab Emirates Ages: 13+ (children aged 8 to 12 will require an adult on their team) Timings: Weekdays (Sun-Wed): 10 am - 12 am Weekends (Thurs-Sat): 10 am - 1 am Price: Weekdays (Sun-Wed): AED80 per hr/per person Weekends (Thurs-Sat): AED100 per hr/per person Phone: 04-398 8438 or 055-402 3664 Email: info@tepfactor.ae Facebook: www.facebook.com/tepfactor.dubai Instagram: www.instagram.com/tepfactor.dubai Booking Link: www.tepfactor.ae/eng/bookings

LISTEN UP •

MANGO MEMORY MENU Created by nine of Moombai & Co’s finest chefs, this new menu hosts traditional as well as innovative mango treats for all gastronomes.

Moombai & Co Café and Bar has introduced its summer festive menu, the Mango Memory. Carefully crafted by a team of nine chefs, each dish is reminiscent of the various traditionally desi food and drink served in India with a truly Moombai twist. The new menu is a limited time offering, available at the restaurant until June 30.

The menu features starters, mains, drinks and desserts all with raw and ripe mangoes as the base ingredients. Starting at AED30, enjoy a summer cooler, the Aam[mango] Panna, and a sweet creamy yogurt drink, the Alphonso Lassi. The menu also hosts a snack, the Kairi Karari Bhindi, fried mango and okra fried with Indian spices for a sweet and tangy appetizer. Begin the meal with a Mango Chicken Tikka, a sweet-sour mango marinated chicken thigh served with the chef’s special mango chutney.

In mains, the restaurant offers a Raw Mango & Coconut Prawn Curry and a Kairi ki Dal that are recommended to be tried with Dum Ka chawal (steamed rice). Finish your mango manic meal with either an Aamras Puri, the most sought-after Indian dessert of pureed fresh ripe mangoes with Indian puffed bread, Mango Basundi, a thick condensed milk made with sweet mangoes, or a Kaccha-Pakka Aam Tart, a beautiful mix of mangoes and alphonso in a sweet tart pastry served with vanilla ice cream topped with slices of ripe mango and Raw Mango.

The entire menu is devices to add a zang of rich flavor to any meal, whether one opts for all things mango, or wishes to add a touch of mango through a single dish to conclude the medley of wholesome Indian flavors.

Located on the ground floor of The H Dubai (number one Sheikh

Zayed Road) the restaurant houses a vibrant lounge, bar and dining area as well as an adjacent outdoor terrace with spectacular views of downtown Dubai. ✤

GO: CALL (0)4 501 8607 OR VISIT WWW.MOOMBAI-CO.COM FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION. fact magazine

21

• WORLD CUP WATCH

FOOTBALL’S COMING HOME! All the best places in Dubai to watch the 2018 FIFA World Cup matches live from Russia…

MANZIL DOWNTOWN

ARMANI HOTEL DUBAI

Enjoy the football action in the relaxed setting of The Courtyard at Manzil Downtown. Watch your favourite games on large LED TV screens at an air-conditioned outdoor setting as The Courtyard offers up a special world cup menu to keep your bellies full on match days. The adjacent Boulevard Lounge fun zone features PlayStations, foosball and face painting. From June 14 to July 15, 12noon to 5am. Minimum spend of AED150 per person required.

GO: CALL (0)4 888 3444 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION.

This summer, FIFA World Cup 2018 has a dedicated home in the heart of Downtown, the world-class Armani Hotel Dubai.

Enjoy all the live action from the year’s most anticipated football tournament in the exquisite Armani/Pavilion set at the foot of the iconic Burj Khalifa and fronting The Dubai Fountain.

Watch the world’s top 32 nations battle it out for sporting glory in Russia and cheer on your favourite team in an elegant contemporary tent, hosted by Emaar Properties and Armani Hotel Dubai in association with Tunes Arabia and Ducatus at Armani/Pavilion.

Multiple giant screens mean you won’t miss any of the gripping action and goals from your favourite players. The matchperfect menu of signature à la carte bites, chilled beverages, fragrant shisha, inspiring views of The Dubai Fountain and high-energy atmosphere make for a winning FIFA World Cup headquarters. From June 14 to July 15. AED100 minimum spend per game, per person required (with the exception of semi-finals and finals).

GO: CALL (0)4 888 3666 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION.

FAIRMONT THE PALM Get your football shirts at the ready! Fairmont The Palm is playing home to FIFA fans from all over the world, with a dedicated World Cup Tent at its Palm Courtyard. Fully air conditioned with a great beverage and bites menu, the World Cup tent will provide the ultimate game-watching destination with multiple TV screens to enjoy the real-time matches. A giant screen will take centre forward, whilst the interactive bar will take sweeper positions expecting to pour a record breaking number of hops over the duration of the month. Mid-field will be filled by multiple tables and casual seating, with a smaller screen to ensure maximum viewing for all. Themed to perfection, expect referee dressed bar tenders, a food menu including delicious nachos, popcorn shrimp and beef sliders (designed to almost allure you away from too much screen time…) and special offers on beverages of the night. As per match schedule from June 14 to July 15. Minimum spend of AED95.

GO: CALL (0)4 457 3457 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION. 22

fact magazine

JW MARRIOTT MARQUIS HOTEL DUBAI Join the football fever with a great atmosphere and delicious food. Never miss a match with live broadcasts on large TV screens, spread across three areas, ranging from private seating to a special fan zone. Enjoy the game with kick-off specials and bucket deals! June 14 until July 15.

GO: CALL (0)4 414 3000 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION.

WORLD CUP WATCH •

Football Frenzy at Nezesaussi Grill Dubai Marina, Address Dubai Marina Watch live telecasts of all the games on 24 super-size screens as you savour a menu with football-themed sections, enjoy halftime entertainment and lively tunes on the jukebox.

Date: June 14 until July 15 Time: 4pm until 2am Price: AED99 per person including two drinks, chicken wings and special world cup themed gift.

Match-winning ambience at Nezesaussi Grill Downtown Dubai, Manzil Downtown The ultimate football destination with walls adorned with sports memorabilia and food to complement your game, the actionpacked atmosphere will teleport you to the stadium itself.

Date: June 14 until July 15 Time: 12pm until 2am Price: AED99 per person including two drinks, chicken wings and special world cup themed gift.

Price: A la carte and special 2 for 1 offer on selected hop beverages Action-packed evenings at Ranches Restaurant, Arabian Ranches Golf Club Cheer for your favourite team as you enjoy some appetising pub grub and beverages in a dedicated fan zone at Ranches Restaurant! Bound to ensure that you feel the live energy of the stadium.

Date: June 14 until July 15 Time: 6.30am to 12am Price: À la carte featuring special football inspired food and beverages. Plus, special 2 for 1 offer on selected hop beverages GO: VISIT WWW.MYDUBAIFOOTBALL.COM OR CALL (0)4 888 3444 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION.

Sporty catch-ups at Links, Address Montgomerie Set against Montgomerie’s driving range and the impressive skyline of Dubai Marina, Links sets the perfect backdrop for all those nail-biting moments and exhilarating victories. Enjoy the live screening of the World Cup football games with a special themed menu and pre- and post-game happy hours.

Date: June 14 until July 15 Time: 6.30am to 12am fact magazine

23

24

fact magazine

fact magazine

25

• WINNERS

2018

WINNERS

NEW SPA

BEST: Bvlgari Spa, Bvlgari Resort Dubai FAVOURITE: Six Senses Spa, Renaissance Downtown Hotel, Dubai

HOTEL SPA

BEST: Iridium Spa, The St. Regis Dubai, Al Habtoor City FAVOURITE: The Spa, Address Boulevard

RESORT SPA

BEST: The Waldorf Astoria Spa, Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah FAVOURITE: Willow Stream Spa, Fairmont The Palm

CITY SPA

BEST: The Spa, Address Boulevard FAVOURITE: Heavenly Spa,The Westin Dubai, Al Habtoor City

DAY SPA

BEST: SoSPA, Sofitel Dubai The Palm Resort & Spa FAVOURITE: Samana Spa, Desert Palm Dubai 26

fact magazine

HAMMAM

BEST: Talise Ottoman Spa, Jumeirah Zabeel Saray FAVOURITE: One&Only Spa, One&Only Royal Mirage, Dubai

SIGNATURE TREATMENT

BEST: Iridium Spa, The St. Regis Dubai, Al Habtoor City FAVOURITE: Raffles Spa, Raffles Dubai

COUPLES TREATMENT

BEST: Heavenly Spa,The Westin Dubai, Al Habtoor City FAVOURITE: Anantara Spa, Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort

SPA BRAND

BEST: Armani / SPA, Armani Hotel Dubai FAVOURITE: Mandara Spa, The H Dubai

INDEPENDENT SPA

BEST: SensAsia Urban Spa, Various Locations FAVOURITE: Heart & Soul Spa, Al Barari

WINNERS •

SPA PRODUCTS

BEST: The Spa, The Steigenberger Hotel Business Bay FAVOURITE: The Spa, Palace Downtown

HEALTH CLUB

BEST: Club Marquis, JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai FAVOURITE: Health Club, Dukes Dubai

BEACH CLUB

BEST: Zero Gravity, Dubai Marina FAVOURITE: Nikki Beach Resort & Spa, Pearl Jumeirah

ROOFTOP POOL

BEST: The Terrace, Burj Al Arab FAVOURITE: Wet Deck, W Dubai Al Habtoor City

FITNESS CENTRE/GYM

BEST: Embody Fitness, Lamborghini Building FAVOURITE: Iconic Fitness, Dubai Marina

MEDICAL SPA

BEST: Luxury Ayurvedic Medical Spa Centre, JLT FAVOURITE: Obagi MediSpa, The Dubai Mall

BEAUTY SALON

BEST: Sisters Beauty Lounge, Various Locations FAVOURITE: NBAR Nail Spa & Salon, Various Locations

HAIR SALON

BEST: Salon Ink, Al Wasl Road FAVOURITE: Aveda, Galleria Mall

MALE GROOMING SALON

BEST: Jazz Lounge Spa, Various Locations FAVOURITE: 1847 Executive Grooming For Men, Palm Jumeriah Golden Mile

NAIL STUDIO

BEST: Tips & Toes, Various Locations FAVOURITE: The Nail Spa, Various Locations

DENTAL CARE PROVIDER

BEST: Dubai London Clinic Dental Centre, Jumeirah 2 FAVOURITE: German Dental Oasis Centre, Dubai Healthcare City

WEIGHT LOSS PROGRAMME BEST: VLCC Slimming Beauty Fitness, Marina Park Building FAVOURITE: Cocoona Centre for Aesthetic Transformation, Various Locations

fact magazine

27

• WINNERS

28

fact magazine

WINNERS •

fact magazine

29

• WINNERS

30

fact magazine

WINNERS •

fact magazine

31

• WINNERS

32

fact magazine

WINNERS •

fact magazine

33

LOVE

AT FIRST FLIGHT

MAY 2017 VOL 10. ISSUE 9 BD1 MAY 2017 VOL 3. ISSUE 11 AED10

MAY 2017 VOL 3. ISSUE 12 QR10

JUNE 2017 VOL 10. ISSUE 10 BD1

YOUR ULTIMATE GUIDE TO

YOUR ULTIMATE GUIDE TO

RAMADAN IN BAHRAIN!

RAMADAN IN DOHA!

YOUR ULTIMATE GUIDE TO

RAMADAN IN ABU DHABI!

Never miss an Issue

FOLLOW US Instagram: @factmagazine 34

fact magazine

fact magazine

39

#HASHTAG# TRAVEL INSPO

OUR ANNUAL WANDERLUST ISSUE IS BRINGING YOU ALL THE BEST UNDISCOVERED, A LITTLE OBSCURE AND MOST BREATH-TAKING DESTINATIONS TO VISIT AROUND THE WORLD! YOU’LL FIND SOME MUCHLOVED PLACES LIKE ARGENTINA AND SWEDEN, THAT ARE SEEING A TRAVEL REVIVAL AS WELL AS OFF-THE-RADAR SPOTS LIKE DJIBOUTI AND SIBERIA. FACT‘S AANCHAL DUGGAL HELPS WITH YOUR 2018 TRAVEL GOALS…

fact magazine

35

• WANDERLUST 101

SERBIA

Wanderlust factor: A rich history, buzzing nightlife and surprisingly good cuisine, the Balkan nation of Serbia is East meets West done just right! Home to an array of annual festivals, spectacular monasteries as well as abundant natural beauty and national parks, the country is cultural fusion at its best. Dance the night away on one of Belgrade’s party boats, revel in the stunning architecture of Vojvodina city or treat your taste buds to some of the most succulent meat in the region.

Don’t miss: One of Serbia’s most exciting and well-known attractions, the EXIT Festival combines the best of Serbia in one big extravaganza. Enjoy concerts from dusk till dawn and dance to the tunes of some of the biggest music stars from across the globe!

BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA

Wanderlust factor: An exotic blend of Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian histories, Bosnia and Herzegovina is the perfect spot for a relaxing escape. Rising from the heartbreaking civil war of the 1990s, the country is now known for its unparalleled hospitality, stunning moutainscapes and numerous medieval castle ruins.

The incredible blue rivers and dramatic rocky mountains make it one of Europe’s most exciting destinations. From the gorgeous scenery to the reincarnated historic centres of Sarajevo and Mostar - it’s impossible not to fall in love!

Don’t miss: An important part of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s social life, Bosnian coffee is an absolute must-try!

The fine coffee grounds are prepared with boiling water in a metal coffee pot called a dzezva. This is then stirred and finally served in a round cup known as a fildzan with sugar cubes to balance the bitterness. Heaven in a cup!

MONTENEGRO

Wanderlust factor: A stunning display of Adriatic beauty, the tiny nation of Montenegro is the world’s best kept 36

fact magazine

secret! From the mythic beauty of the Bay of Kotor to over 295 kilometese of clear blue waters, the country’s natural and manmade wonders will have you in awe. Make a beeline for the café-lined squares and soak in the sunny afternoons or wander the streets and explore the arresting sights, including the remnants of the ancient Greek and Roman civilisations.

Don’t miss: Sit back and relax with an invigorating glass of the traditional Rakija! Widely considered to be the national drink of Montenegro, this refreshing drink is one that will make an appearance wherever you go. Its instant bacteria and pain relieving properties are an added plus!

WANDERLUST 101 •

FINLAND

Wanderlust factor: Endless daylight, stunning lakes and inspiring design and architecture, Finland is where you’ll get to experience it all! Immersed in the tranquil and easygoing Finnish way of life, the country lets you unwind and explore as you dig into some deliciously creative cuisine. Experience sauna the Finnish way, indulge in some skiing or make the most of the sun that never sets. Divided into four main regions, Lapland, Lakeland, Helsinki and the Coast & Archipelago, the often overlooked Finland is as magical as it gets!

Don’t miss: Feast your eyes on a marvellous natural phenomenon with the splendid Northern Lights! Visible roughly 200 nights a year, witnessing the Aurora Borealis is definitely a once-in-alifetime experience. You can choose from a number of new and unique accommodation options to admire the spectacular views over the Northern skies.

SWEDEN

Wanderlust factor: Brimming with stunning natural beauty, delectable cuisine, glorious architecture and warm hospitality, Sweden is a gift that keeps on giving! Offering a host of different

experiences and adventures for visitors, the country’s amazing diversity and immense variety of flora and fauna make it every nature-lover’s paradise. Go and explore one of the 29 national parks, let your hair down at a crayfish party, enjoy reindeer sighting, go on a boat ride in a traditional Viking ship or visit the majestic Drottningholm castle!

Don’t miss: The world’s very first Ice Hotel! Located in Jukkasjarvi, the hotel lets you stay in a room made up entirely of ice. Chill out in the below-freezing setting of their Icebar or cosy up in one of their warm rooms.

DJIBOUTI

Wanderlust factor: Giving a whole new meaning to good things come in small packages, the petite nation of Djibouti is home to everything that you could ever desire! From majestic canyons and extinct volcanoes to salt lakes and basaltic plateaus, the country’s varied landscape is every adventure traveller’s dream.

Take a look at the fascinating lives of the nomadic tribes, participate in a good mix of land and water activities, party it up at the Safari Club in Kempinski Palace or explore some stunning buildings that reflect the country’s French architectural style.

Don’t miss: Diving with sharks! This little piece of Africa also gives you the opportunity to swim with enormous whale sharks. These gentle omnivore fish are some of the biggest in the world and taking a dip in the sea with them entails a kind of wildness that cannot be experienced anywhere else. fact magazine

37

• WANDERLUST 101

MACEDONIA

Wanderlust factor: Rich in history, beautiful landscape and some of the most welcoming people, Macedonia offers an abundance of opportunities to the discerning traveller. A stunning mix of old and new, the country is home to everything from the historic Stone Bridge to bustling modern shopping malls. Varying with the season, visitors can enjoy various activities including kayaking, skiing, scuba diving, caving as well as hiking at the summit of Mount Vodno. When you’re done exploring, make your way to the Archaeological Museum of Macedonia to witness the country’s history in all its glory!

Don’t miss: The wine! Boasting some delectable and super affordable home-grown wine, the country’s winemaking history goes way back to Philip II. Make your way to Kavadarci, the wine capital and relax with a glass of vino at Macedonia’s biggest vineyard, Tikves Wines.

Don’t miss: Set in a former theatre, the El Ateneo Grand Splendid in Barrio Norte, Buenos Aires is heaven on earth for all bookworms. Featuring red velvet curtains hanging over a stage as well as ornate stalls containing elaborately-lit shelves, you will never want to leave!

ARGENTINA

Wanderlust factor: Beguiling wilderness, riding with gauchos and some really amazing coffee - that’s just some of the great things Argentina has to offer! The third most populous country in South America and the largest Spanish-speaking country in the world, Argentina has everything you need for a first-time visit or even seasoned travellers to the Latin America region.

From indulging in special Argentinean wine and shopping in Palermo Soho to participating in the Ushuaia Winter Sports as well festivals celebrating art, music and tango, the country has something for everyone so make sure you check what’s on the calendar during your trip.

38

fact magazine

ERITREA

Wanderlust factor: One of the most undiscovered countries in Africa, the cultural melting pot of Eritrea is the perfect destination for travellers who are looking for something utterly different. Steeped in religion, the fascinating country’s untouched coastline and islands along with its vibrant history and archaeology are one of its major attractions. Featuring quintessentially Abyssinian landscapes, deserted beaches of the Red Sea as well as breathtaking scenery, the country will take you on a journey like no other!

Don’t miss: Built in 1922 by the Italian colonial government, the gorgeous Cattedrale di Asmara definitely deserves a visit. Step inside the ornately decorated interiors as you revel in the complex Romanesque and gothic façade of the breathtaking architecture.

WANDERLUST 101 •

SIBERIA

Wanderlust factor: From fine art museums and underground cafés to majestic glaciated mountains and freshwater lakes, Siberia has a lot in store for every traveller. Hop on the TransSiberian Railway, the longest in the world, and explore the region’s rich tradition and iconic landmarks. Make your way to Lake Baikal, the deepest freshwater lake in the world, enjoy snowboarding at the Sheregesh Ski Resort in the Kemerovo Region or ride around the area on a bike and explore the attractive and picturesque wild destinations. There is never a bad time to visit Siberia!

Don’t miss: Offering an impressively photogenic and phenomenal hiking experience, Stolby National Park in the city of Krasnoyarsk is natural beauty at its best. Featuring comfortable wooden paths, a tent area, fire places and guest houses - this is an adventure you’ll remember for a long time!

SOMALILAND

Wanderlust factor: If you’re looking for a totally unusual travel experience, Somaliland is the place to go! Home to a resilient local life, the legendary sense of hospitality of the Somali people as well as it’s off the beaten path charm - this destination is an absolute must-visit for intrepid travellers. Interact with the locals as you explore the fast-growing capital, admire some exceptional rock paintings, visit vibrant market towns, walk along the deserted beaches or just relax and unwind in the stunning backdrops!

Don’t miss: Featuring hundreds of magnificent Neolithic rock art paintings in perfect condition, Las Geel is indisputably a sight to behold. Some of the paintings adorning the walls of the caves and shelters exceed one metre in length and are in an excellent state of preservation.

MADAGASCAR

Wanderlust factor: Be it a solo soul-searching trip or a fun family holiday, the huge island nation of Madagascar has got you covered! One of the most stunning places on earth, the vibrant African country is home to a unique and distinctive ecology.

Over 15,000 plant and animal species that cannot be found anywhere else, a goregous landscape, an extremely diverse cultural scene, some fun and entertaining transport options and miles and miles of beautiful coastline - Madagascar has it all!

Don’t miss: The world’s only pirate graveyard! Situated on the small island of Ile Saint-Marie, the graveyard is a thriving tourist destination. Covered by tall, swaying grass, the peaceful and still cemetery is a fascinating find that is definitely worth a visit.

fact magazine

39

• WANDERLUST 101

KYOTO

Wanderlust factor: Kyoto, Japan’s ancient imperial capital for over 1,000 years and home to the country’s many cultural traditions, and arts and crafts, has struck a chord with the hearts and minds of travellers everywhere – and rightly so.

Riverside cherry trees, kimono-clad geishas, historical temples, centuries-old craftsmanship and traditional tea ceremonies – this is the heart and soul of Japan. Kyoto’s most alluring charm lies in the fact that it embraces both forwards and backwards with beauty and ease.

Don’t miss: Possibly the most instagrammable place to travel, due to its vibrant natural splendour, visit Kyoto’s Arashiyama district where mountains across the Ōi River form a backdrop unlike any other. Arashiyama is also where you’ll find the picturesque winding bamboo forest.

IRELAND

Wanderlust factor: The scenery is enchanting, the culture is captivating, and the people will give you a welcome that will warm your heart. A rugged coastline shaped by time and pounding waves, the Wild Atlantic Way is Ireland’s epic 1,500mile coastal touring route. Wave-riding thrill-seekers and sensitive souls alike lose their hearts to the Surf Coast, where pounding waves and poetic silence exist side-by-side. Savour Irish flavour with simple natural produce that include artisanal cheese, fresh seafood, and exceptional beef and lamb. The Irish food scene is currently exploding with innovative restaurant concepts led by boundary pushing chefs.

40

fact magazine

Don’t miss: There is a good reason that Ireland is a star of the screen – from romantic castles to the mysterious beauty of the landscape, Ireland has a cinematic sense of style. Visit the stunning Atlantic island of Skellig Michael off the coast of County Kerry, which featured as Luke Skywalker’s hide-out in Star Wars: The Last Jedi.

SLOVENIA

Wanderlust factor: The capital city Ljubljana is a mix of some of our favourite European destinations like Prague and Berlin, but this hidden gem has so much to offer and, for the moment, without crowds. Serving up cultural, fashion, history, and foodie delights in vast quantities – easy enough for any seasoned traveller to enjoy as well as first-time city breakers. Make sure you stop by the Central Market and have a wander peeking at the fresh fruit, cured meat and flowers on display.

Don’t miss: An hour north of the city will take you to the Julian Alps region where you can explore glacial lakes – like Bled and Bohinj – and scenery that is so stunning, you’ll just have to hashtag fairytale life it on instagram.

WANDERLUST 101 •

Top Travel Trends As questions like where to go, who with, and when, fly fast and furious, Wego, the largest online travel marketplace in the MENA region, has put together a list of major travel predictions to simplify and spur on your holiday planning process.

1. Responsible Tourism: Today’s travellers prefer travel and hospitality service providers who embed green or eco-friendly practices into their operations. Best ethical destinations include: Panama, Dominica, Tonga, Mongolia, and Uruguay.

2. Short Leisure Trips: Weekends are the perfect opportunity to take a three- to four-hour flight out to nearby destinations such as Goa, India or Tbilisi, Georgia. Globally, an estimated 60 percent of Wego users look for one-night or two-night stays.

3. Culinary Holidays: Increasing numbers of travellers are following their stomach, combining the attractions of a new destination with experiential and culinary delights. Whether your tastes run to trying out a Michelin-starred restaurant or a celebrity chef or singular dining experience or simply sampling ethnic food traditions or street food at its source, you’re in good company. According to the World Food Travel Association, 75 per cent of leisure travellers visit destinations because of local food-based activities.

4. Cold Locales: The thought of escaping to a cosy log-house or to watch the stunning Northern Lights in Iceland, Alaska or Antarctica continues to surge in popularity. This preference for freezing-cold locales is primarily because travellers are looking to dive into new, exotic cultures and adventures.

5. Luxury backpacking or ‘glamping’: For those who wish to go backpacking, but do not want to give up on the luxurious amenities of a five-star hotel – try ‘glamping’. It’s the most comfortable way to experience the adventures of an Indian desert or an African jungle.

6. Solo Trips: Young travellers could pick a solo-trip to a peaceful Indonesian island or the culture-soaked streets of Cuba: to see the world on their own terms, or even find like-minded people.

7. Cultural Hunt: There is no better way to experience and understand new cultures than by visiting museums. Some of the recent big draws in the museum circuit have been: Louvre Abu Dhabi, Oman Opera House & Museum MACAN in Jakarta.

8. Bleisure: Mix work and play on every business trip as more city hotels offer full leisure facilities such as swimming pool and spa services. This works best for employees who travel for work on long weekends, and even take their families with them.

9. Off-the-beaten-track Destinations: Forget the traditional locations of Paris, Vienna, and New York; and say hello to lesserknown and exotic destinations. Think: bird watching in the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador, or camping out by the gorgeous lakes of Slovenia.

GO: THESE INSIGHTS, CURATED BY WEGO’S TRAVEL EXPERTS, ARE BASED ON CAREFUL ANALYSIS OF DATA COLLATED FROM ITS 10 MILLION VISITORS PER MONTH ACROSS WEGO WEBSITES AND MOBILE APP. VISIT WWW. WEGO.CO.AE FOR MORE TRAVEL INSPO.

fact magazine

41

• EID GETAWAYS

EID

ESCAPES THERE’S NO BETTER TIME FOR A QUICK B R E A K T H A N T H E M U C H-A N T I C I PAT E D E I D H O L I D AY S A N D W E ’ V E G O T S O M E O U T- O FT H I S -W O R L D R E C O M M E N D AT I O N S …

Maldivian Island Vibes Picture this. Speeding across lagoon waters to a welcoming party at the jetty of native bodu beru drummers. Throwing open the doors of your sprawling overwater hideout to a panorama of nothing but open ocean and infinite blue. Welcome to paradise, your private sanctuary on Nature’s Playground. Live on the edge this Eid at Niyama Private Islands Maldives while taking advantage of the special Eid offer. Book your stay on niyama.com and enjoy an incredible 40% off the room rate, enjoy a free half-board upgrade and 60-minute massages for two at Drift Spa. Created especially for Middle East-based families and jet setting couples, this promo starts at AED2,500++ per night – the Maldives has never been more affordable, all the reason you need to seize the day and indulge with wild abandon. Terms and conditions apply. Book your whirlwind escape now.

WWW.NIYAMA.COM

Luxury Living Located within the inner islands of the Seychelles, 30km away from the main island and only a 15-minute helicopter transfer from Mahé airport, North Island is the ultimate playground for your children, with a wide range of activities on land and in the water designed to keep young minds and bodies active, to satisfy the most inquisitive and thrill the most adventurous. Balloon tennis, pizza making lessons and pirate treasure hunts are all on the agenda for a fun packed family holiday.

North Island’s generous all-inclusive offering allows you to completely give yourself over to the Island’s laidback spirit of barefoot luxury and do whatever you like whenever you like without having to worry about or plan a thing. 2018 rates for the Presidential Villas start at EUR6,127 per night and EUR9,644 per night for Villa North Island excluding tax. Children under the age of 17 sharing the second bedroom are free of charge. For young adults aged 17-19 sharing the second bedroom, the rate is EUR672 per night.

WWW.NORTH-ISLAND.COM

42

fact magazine

Exotic Marrakech With the Atlas Mountains as a backdrop, a series of serene ponds as a centerpiece and only 10 minutes from the city’s famous Medina, Mandarin Oriental, Marrakech has all the features to make your holiday great. This Eid, treat your family to a fun- filled break at the elegant, contemporary resort that has 54 luxurious villas and nine spacious suites, excellent dining and a world-class spa. With the ‘Experience Marrakech’ package, guests are invited to enjoy the best of the resort at great prices.

Priced from EUR1,250 per night, the package includes: one complimentary night for every two or three consecutive paid nights, a dining or spa credit of EUR100 for one bedroom accommodations and EUR 200 for two bedrooms accommodations once per stay until 25 December 2018; full daily buffet breakfast, served in the restaurant; high speed internet access; round trip transfer from Marrakech Menara Airport; fast Track through the airport. Valid for a minimum of three nights’ stay, The Experience Marrakech package is valid for a minimum three nights stay.

WWW.MANDARINORIENTAL.COM

Lovely Laos Home to unexplored caves and rare wildlife, Laos offers a unique taste of South East Asia. Once the royal

EID GETAWAYS •

capital of the Kingdom of Laos, Luang Prabang is a UNESCO World Heritage site, described as the ‘Jewel in the Laos Crown’ thanks to its untouched, natural beauty. Most of the city can be explored on foot; the perfect way to take in the temples, monk monasteries and waterfalls.

For millennial-minded travellers, the recently launched AVANI+ Luang Prabang offers everything – and more. Ideally located in central Luang Prabang, just a few steps from the Mekong River, Royal Palace, and the popular Night Market, AVANI+ Luang Prabang is set to become the hottest property in town. AVANI+ Luang Prabang raises the bar on the contemporary French neo-classical architecture that runs through the historical neighbourhood, with elegant, French colonialinspired interior design. The 53 guest rooms and suites enjoy an intimate, open-plan feel with French-styled louvered wooden doors that open onto a balcony or terrace overlooking either the pool or a private courtyard.

Offer: Plan your trip earlier and take advantage of the Advance Purchase Offer. Book 15 days in advance to enjoy 20% savings along with complimentary daily breakfast.

WWW.MINORHOTELS.COM

fact magazine

43

• EID GETAWAYS

Wild, Wild, Wild Located in the heart of the famous Serengeti National Park in Tanzania and on the naturally terraced southern slope of Nyamuma hills, Meliá Serengeti Lodge offers a blend of nature and luxury in this secluded destination. The location offers stunning sunset views over the mountains beyond with an abundant population of resident game as well as the annual migration right through the area. The exclusive lodge features a pool, fitness centre, and spa, as well as three uniquely luxurious categories of room. There are three restaurants: The Savannah All Day Dining and The Savannah Grill, which offer African, Mediterranean and Oriental cuisine as well as the Boma restaurant, a fine dining experience showcasing the best of Tanzanian fare. The hotel’s two bars provide idyllic views across the African plains and stock local Tanzanian teas, wines and African spirits, providing the

Sunsets in Seminyak Located just 890km south of the equator, Bali’s tropical climate and moderate weather conditions make for a splendid getaway this Eid. With its world-class clubs and restaurants, and expansive villas, the recently relaunched Seminyak Beach Resort and Spa provides a welcome escape from the outside world. The resort hosts a range of facilities including villas, guestrooms and suites, a state-of-the-art fitness centre, the Kahyangan Spa as well as an infinity pool sitting on the edge of the 44

fact magazine

perfect setting to unwind after a day of adventure on safari. This Eid, Meliá Serengeti is offering attractive rates to tempt all travellers.

For those who book the Eid special offer, guests will be offered a 20% discount in the spa and one romantic dinner in their fine dining restaurant, Boma. And here’s the best part, one child (under 12 years and sharing the room with their parents) is free of charge for every two adults! The offer is valid for bookings and stays until June 30.

Alternatively, go for the All inclusive – Game Drive package: daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner at Savannah Restaurant, plus a selection of beverages in the bars and during the Game drive (which includes selected house wines, well spirits, local beers and soft drinks).

Seronera airstrip transfer included and one-half day shared game drive daily.

WWW.MELIA.COM

oceanfront. Rates for the Ocean Suite start from USD486 net per night, One Bedroom Garden Pool Villa from USD 36 net per night, and One Bedroom Ocean Pool Villa from USD771 net per night.

WWW.THESEMINYAK.COM

Get your daily dose of FACT online now

CHECK OUT OUR NEW WEBSITE www.fact-magazine.com fact magazine

45

• SOCIETY

#BARKHA #BEAUT Y #OFFICIAL #L AUNCH

Barkha Beauty had its official launch in the UAE at a lovely event held at Intersect By Lexus, DIFC.The Shwakramani exclusive make up line supports acid survivors. A major percentage of the profits from the beauty line will go to charity as Barkha has tied up with Hothur Foundation, an organisation that gives a voice to acid attack survivors. Barkha is an example of a strong woman and mum who has done something meaningful to make a difference.

46

fact magazine

POSTCARD PERFECT WHITE SAND BEACHES, TURQUOISE WATERS AND LUSH GREENERY, YOU’LL FIND ALL THREE AT THE GORGEOUS NIYAMA PRIVATE ISLANDS. LOCATED IN THE MALDIVES’ DHAALU ATOLL, A 45-MINUTE SCENIC SEAPLANE RIDE AWAY FROM MALE, THIS IS NATURE’S PLAYGROUND AND THE COMPLETE EPITOME OF PARADISE. fact magazine

47

• GLOBETROTTER

N

othing quite prepares you for your first time in the Maldives. No matter how many times we had Google searched Niyama Private Islands, coming faceto-face with the resort’s sandy shores hugged by clear blue waters was a sight that far exceeded all of our real life expectations.

We’re greeted by Niyama staff at Male airport and taken for light refreshments at the property’s arrivals lounge.

It’s packed with delicious snacks and drinks, a large, cosy seating area and showers for those who may have come off a long flight and need a relaxing rinse. The best bit? You look right onto the docking area for the seaplanes – and soon, we’re hopping onto one for our 45-minute journey to the picture-perfect Niyama Private Islands. For those who may have a fear of small planes, you can rest-assured that safety is paramount before departing and, surprisingly, the seaplane ride is one of the best naps we’ve ever had in the air!

On arrival, staff wait with cool drinks and cold towels, and we’re assigned our very own Thakuru – a member of the Niyama team who acts as our very own personal guide for the trip. In fact, this is the Maldivian Butler Service that’s offered with every room at Niyama.

Always on hand (just a phone call away), our Thakuru is Camille, a polite and friendly lady who makes everything from needing a buggy to booking a spa treatment and arranging our excursions an absolutely easy request.

We’re impressed from start to finish!

BEACHFRONT LIVIN’ When it comes to accommodation, Niyama Private Islands is the embodiment of what you imagine the Maldives has to offer. From beach suites to ocean pavilions and the very exclusive over water seclusion of The Crescent (ideal for large groups and families – 14 adults and eight children to be precise), the resort ticks all the boxes of room type, making sure that guests have an abundance of choice.

We check into the lavish Beach Studio with direct beach access and sunrise views (how Maldives does that sound?). There’s too much to take in, but we’re especially BLOWN AWAY by the open-air bathroom which takes up the space of an entire garden. The outdoor rain shower and huge bathtub are literally made for those instagrammable posts to garner all the FOMO and likes from your followers. Tropical plants line the walls of this heavenly space, easily transporting you to a faraway destination, where it feels like you have access to your very own waterfall. I.N.C.R.E.D.I.B.L.E. There’s a covered shower option too for any rainy days!

Our next favourite area is on the private deck which leads right onto the beach. Sun loungers have got our names written all over them – we spend much time here relaxing and topping up the tan. Whilst a Dhoni-

48

fact magazine

shaped swing is the most tranquil spot to curl up in, with a good book. Inside, it’s space galore! Aside from storage, you’ve got a massive king bed as well as a beautiful chaise longue to lounge on. However, the standouts of this room were in the little details.

These included an array of high-tech toys and gourmet treats, creating an indoor playground that we reveled in to the max.

We’re talking popcorn machine – YES – a full-sized fridge housing homemade ice cream – DOUBLE YES – and a fabulous selection of hot and cold beverages as well as snacks like our favourite, cassava chips – SO MUCH YES! It’s, hands down, the best mini bar of any hotel we’ve ever stayed in.

To top this off, alongside your standard amenities like cosy slippers and bath robes, you’re given mosquito repellent, extra adapters, a night light and more to make sure that every single one of your needs is met during the stay. It’s this attention to detail and pleasant surprises that further elevated our stay at Niyama.

SPA GOALS There are spas and then there’s Drift Spa, a labyrinth of tranquil walkways and greenery that winds all the way to the beach where six over water treatment rooms with lagoon views stand beautifully. There are two further treatment sanctuaries with private gardens, outdoor bath, rain shower and daybed as well as a relaxation area with lime tree garden, sauna, steam baths, plunge pools, Jacuzzis and Vitality juice bar.

As far as world-class spas go, this place offers rituals from around the globe and bespoke therapies with products by Anne Semonin, Intraceuticals, Aromatherapy Associates and Margaret Dabbs. A Signature Niyama Massage is just what we need to take our holiday mood to all new levels of serene. A blissful coconut oil soothes our tired muscles, helping us fall into a deep slumber. Afterwards, we’re reenergised with hot ginger tea, completely refreshed and ready to do some more exploring! fact magazine

49

• GLOBETROTTER

DINING FOR DAYS Just because you’re in the Maldives, at a 5-star resort in one of the most secluded spots in the Indian Ocean, doesn’t mean that the gastronomy is slacking. It’s very much the opposite at Niyama, where the food game is, literally, STRONG. World cuisines are represented through the resort’s nine dining outlets, and as true food connoisseurs, we can testify to the amazing dishes being plated up at each venue.

EDGE Honeymooners, families who want a treat and anyone with a taste for the finer things in life, Edge is going to be THE place for you (and your Snapchat!). Whisked five minutes away by speedboat and you’ll arrive at the exclusive overwater restaurant, Edge. Focusing on fresh local seafood, including only local Maldivian reef fish, prepare your palates for a culinary tour.

Not only are dishes intricately presented, the combination of ingredients is sophisticated and high-quality fine dining at its best.

During our visit, a set degustation menu reveals distinct tastes to choose from. The creamy Asparagus Soup and the top-notch Fresh Tortellini, Crusted Scallops are taste-bud-stealers at the table. We can’t get enough!

TRIBAL Our absolute favourite food experience at Niyama had to be the venue that whipped up the most exotic flavours and unusual dishes. A menu of African, Central and South American cuisines amidst blazing fires is what you’ll find here. A genuine feeling of being in the Masai takes over when you enter the venue. Our waiter, Lucas, is an absolute joy.

He explains the dishes that we enquire about and makes some good recommendations.

Try more unusual concoctions like Warm Ostrich Bobotie with a heavenly nectar of peach chutney, sweet peri peri sauce, and tomatillo confit or the Ox Tongue Berbere; spicy tender ox tongue, berbere sauce, cucumber, anchovy relish, parsley, micro herbs, pickled onion.

Our highlights were the Shrimp and Sweet Lobster Ceviche – super fresh, the Jerked Jumbo Prawns, with sugarcane, tortilla, pimento, habanero, lime, and hibiscus, and the Brahman Beef, which is braised beef cheek, sweet potatoes, heirloom carrots, and fermented dosa – deliciously tender.

Venezuelan Moist Chocolate Cake with ginger, honey, caramelised banana, lemon, lime and alfajores sorbet, is the star of the desserts and a sweet ending to a memorable meal.

NEST As far as dining experiences go, this place takes the prize for most beautiful and intriguing design. Climb up the stairs and into the tree house that is Nest, to navigate the jungle on a walkway of wooden paths amongst the treetops. Avant-garde presentations by Thai, Chinese, Japanese and Indonesian chefs will grace your table in what we truly believe is one of the most spectacular restaurants in the Maldives, or dare we say, the world.

Our Asian feast began with gorgeous sushi and sashimi alongside Lobster Spring Roll and Chicken Flower Dumplings. The Som Tam Poo Nim - green papaya salad, carrot caviar, chilli, peanut, dried shrimp, and tamarind sauce is everything that we wanted it to be. Light, fresh and packed with all the goodness of carefully-selected ingredients.

50

fact magazine

GLOBETROTTER •

Massaman Nua is slow-cooked beef cheeks, potato, shallots, and roasted peanuts, in a mouthwatering curry. We haven’t tasted meat as tender as this in a long time – highly recommended.

For a theatrical meal, the teppanyaki table is a must-visit spot at lunch time – watch the chef play with fire as your choice of meat, seafood and veggies are grilled to perfection. Whenever you visit Nest, make sure to order the roasted banana ice cream – we’ve never tasted anything like it. So yummy!

EPICURE If you live for hotel breakfasts, you’d better believe that Niyama knows how to do a good, delectable spread. Flaky pastries, tantalising egg dishes, a cereal bar, fresh fruit counter, healthy juices and SO much more open the morning to a simply divine start. You can follow with fruit salads made to order from the familiar to the tropical, or an omelette embracing fine cheese and a chiffonade of garden-fresh herbs. The coffee is freshly brewed whilst the juices provide a muchneeded a.m. boost. The restaurant overlooks the hotel’s pool and powdery beach, right onto the crystal waters of the Indian Ocean.

From the extensive breakfast buffet to a la carte lunches and dinners, Epicure is infinity poolside indulgence at its best.

SUBSIX A complete underwater playground, Subsix will take your breath away. Six metres below the water, you’ll witness everything from Parrotfish swim past shoals of Moorish Idols, Moray eels slide through the lagoon, Groupers make goliath appearances amidst the rainbow of butterflyfish and damselfish, while the resident Hawksbill turtle glides in for rare visit.

Walk down a three-tier staircase to find a restaurant designed to make you feel like you’re in the ocean. Chandeliers hang to give the illusion of shining coral whilst mixologists concoct all kinds of liquid creations at the clam-inspired bar. Take a seat on the soft anemone chairs and tuck into a champagne breakfast, a subaquatic lunch, or a gourmet dinner followed by the popular glow party illuminating the night alongside the theatre of the reef. fact magazine

51

• GLOBETROTTER

NATURE’S PLAYGROUND It’s clear why Niyama’s motto is: Welcome to Nature’s Playground. The resort is has a plethora of activities on both land and sea, and for all ages – enough to keep even the fussiest of travellers entertained. Here are just some of the best excursions and pastimes that we’d recommend: - SNORKELLING WITH TURTLES What lies beneath the surface? Go deeper into the mysteries and secrets with the Marine Biologist as your personal guide. Immerse yourself in the house reef and speedboat to spectacular sites. On our morning ride out to sea, our instructor and the boat’s captain go over safety procedures and reassure us that this is going to be one of the most amazing experiences of our lives. Little did we know how true this was until hopping over the edge of the boat and starting our soothing snorkel session. We spot intricate bouquets of coral and groups of colourful fish as well as the stars of the underwater world here; the elegant Hawksbill turtle who glide effortlessly just beneath us. If you’ve got a waterproof camera, TAKE IT WITH YOU! - ADOPT A CORAL You would think that being in the Maldives means miles and miles of sea that’s home to the most striking coral – think again. Thanks to Niyama’s coral regeneration programme, life under the ocean is kept alive and well cared for – and you’re encouraged to be a part of it. Snorkel to the coral nursery and select your ‘baby’. Give your chosen little coral a name and help cultivate it. Together, you lend a hand in maintaining the rich but fragile ecosystem for which the Maldives is so famous. Receive a certificate and follow up images to watch your adoptee grow and thrive. It’s a forever souvenir!

- SUNSET CRUISE Possibly one of the best excursions we embarked on at Niyama. Whether you go for a Dream Dhoni (an exotic curved sailing vessel) or a sophisticated yacht, get ready for an unforgettable evening. Bubbly and canapés accompany the trip alongside friendly and expert staff who will keep an eye out for the dolphins at sea. You’ll sail the blue waters and pass small deserted islands all while watching the dramatic sunset and how the Maldives does day to night – it’s a spectacular view that you’ll surely want to capture on camera.

- WATER SPORTS Now, when we say that Niyama is a haven for on-water activities, we’re not exaggerating. You name it and they’ve got it! The resort’s FLOAT programme has an adrenaline-surged array of water sports: jet skiing, water skiing, mono-skiing, wakeboarding, knee boarding, catamarans, windsurfing, kitesurfing, parasailing, fun tubes and so much more. Surfers can catch the most glorious waves whilst those who want to take things a little slow can hop in a glass kayak or get their adrenalin going with the 20km/ph underwater rocket. The choice is yours! ✤ 52

fact magazine

GO: FLY WITH SRI LANKAN AIRLINES VIA COLOMBO TO MALE. VISIT WWW.NIYAMA.COM OR CALL +960 676 2828 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION.

For the culture-savvy in Abu Dhabi

JUNE EDITION AVAILABLE NOW on issuu.com/factmagazine fact magazine

53

• STAYCATION SPOTLIGHT

DARK HORSE OF

HOSPITALITY

WE ALL GET TIRED OF ‘HORSING-AROUND’ IN THE MIND-FIELD THAT IS DUBAI, AMIDST ITS TOWERING BUILDINGS AND FAST-PACED LIFESTYLE, AND SO CAME THE IDEA TO SOURCE OUT A TRANQUIL ESCAPE CLOSE BY. FACT TROTTED TO THE LUSCIOUS SERENITY OF THE DESERT PALM DUBAI AND WE CERTAINLY DIDN’T HAVE A LONG FACE DURING THIS STAY!

T

he Desert Palm Dubai is set amidst an expansive estate with 160 acres of polo fields, tree lined lanes and secluded, shady nooks housing residences and villas. The sprawling Metropolis of Dubai with its array of entertainment and frenzied business and shopping districts is a mere 20 minutes away. When approaching the property, you’d imagine that those who designed each space and vista simply looked to the high rise cacophony of the city and said “Shhh! Serenity reigns here.” Remove words such as hustle, bustle, overwhelming, frenetic and anxiety from your vocabulary and replace them with lush, vegetation, tranquil, relaxing, leisurely and inviting - the language of Desert Palm Dubai guests.

WATCH ME NEIGH NEIGH Visitors are greeted by a beautiful wooden sculpture depicting a horse drinking from a watering hole. Inspired, you might assume, by the old adage ‘You can take a horse to water but you can’t make it drink’. This illustrates how closely each element of the estate is intrinsically linked to the equestrian stables and prestigious Dubai Polo Club. Guests can indulge their interests in both polo and riding as much or as little as they desire. The Club which was founded by Ali Albwardy in 1994 houses over 250 ponies during the course of the season which runs from October to April with practice chukkas being held on Thursdays and Saturdays within sight of the hotel’s terrace. In addition, the beautiful Spanish-style stables, draped in bougainvillea, accommodate private livery horses and riding school horses which hotel guests may use. Saddle up and meander across the vast expanses of lush greenery or down tree-lined lanes. A visit to the stables is a must even for those who aren’t horse enthusiasts.

THE SUITE LIFE If the thought of all that exertion is simply too much for those wishing to unwind and indulge then the hotel itself has just the ticket! The accommodation on offer, comprising 38 luxurious rooms along with additional private villas and residences is understated sophistication. The colour scheme boasts a spectrum of creams and browns which remove any hint of sterility whilst retaining clean lines and a contemporary vibe.

The Palm Suite - our inviting home for three nights - had a superb layout which flowed effortlessly from the relaxed seating areas adorned with complimentary beverages and fruit platter to the expansive sleeping area with king size bed and modern amenities through to the stunning eggshaped bathtub which was the centre piece of the wet-room-style bathroom.

54

fact magazine

STAYCATION SPOTLIGHT •

fact magazine

55

• STAYCATION SPOTLIGHT

56

fact magazine

STAYCATION SPOTLIGHT •

Floor-to-ceiling windows afforded us views of the paddocks and polo pitches. This was not just a space in which to sleep and leave hurriedly but rather a space in which to spend time enjoying the facilities.

RARE FOOD GOALS By the time dinner came around, the delirium we had experienced whilst in the city was no more and we moseyed from the room feeling like we didn’t have a care or worry in the world. Due to the location of the hotel it is less likely that guests would venture back into the city to dine, therefore, we were overjoyed to find that this had not created a sense of complacency at having a ‘captive’ audience as we perused the menu at RARE. The setting itself was one of ‘fire and iron’ (which the menu refers to) with industrial inspired pendants of light crafted into various shapes from opaque glass. Flames soared in the open grilling station and could be seen ferociously heating the ovens above them.

Beyond the cooking stations dishes were swiftly delivered to our table by knowledgeable hosts. Some of the platters mimicked distressed steel trays whilst others were equally interesting shapes and colours whilst drinks were delivered in perfectly mismatched pewter tumblers or exquisite long stemmed saucers. This all added to the panache.

The plenteous variety of salads, soups, ceviches and appetisers bamboozled me in the most wonderful way. As my eyes continued onwards into the entrees we quite literally rubbed our hands together with delight. What could possibly follow poached Veal Loin Carpaccio, Seared Diver Scallop, Peruvian Fish soup or indeed Seared Lobster tail? Ordinarily, we would try something slightly more experimental or adventurous such as their Braised Beef Cheeks accompanied with smoked vegetables or Pumpkin Gnocchi with sautéed Mango Spinach and Tomato Concasse. However, we were completely smitten by the splendorous selection of beef steaks and ribs which began with the ‘baby’ 40-Day Aged Prime US Grass Fed Beef through to the ‘Godfather, the patriarch of

the family’ 450-Day aged Wagyu Beef from Ranger’s Valley. If the flavour profile wasn’t already outrageous enough, diners can opt to add Foie Gras or Blue Cheese or one of seven sauces. In addition the 12-hour double cooked beef short ribs served with in-house barbeque sauce brought this carnivorous escapade to a crescendo.

For those who prefer to opt for something more heart healthy or who have removed meat from their diet completely, RARE offers mouth-watering options such as Roasted Vegetable Ravioli and Baked Provolone with vegetable compote. We challenge anyone to visit RARE and leave feeling anything other than mind blown... and extremely satisfied. The resident chef is also available for those staying in villas and residences for bespoke private BBQs. AN EPIC FEAST Epicure – Gourmet, Gastronome, Gourmand. With breakfast being prepared in an establishment with such a title we had no doubt that quality would be guaranteed. The Epicurious Breakfast menu boasted 14 tea choices and Desert Palm Dubai’s signature Arabica coffee blend as well as juices and homemade smoothies. Traditional Arabic breakfasts along with the best of the ‘Hen House’ or ‘Heart Healthy’ dishes once again provided something for everyone. For those with a big day ahead the ‘Big Breakfast’ would set you up to tackle anything. The menus have been skillfully crafted in order to ensure that even guests staying for weeks at a time need not grow tired of the dishes on offer and could probably eat something different every day of their stay. Brilliant!

AND RELAX… Samana Spa was our final destination. Although we might suggest that the best was saved for last, that would be an injustice as my time at Desert Palm Dubai was phenomenal from the moment I arrived. Nevertheless, the jewel in the crown is undoubtedly their spa and the treatments it offers. The healing qualities of crystals are renowned the world over and therefore Samana has sourced crystal-infused waters which each hold special properties. fact magazine

57

The crystals are displayed, suspended within the dispensers. An invigorating yet thoroughly relaxing one hour massage was concluded with time in the relaxation zone which boasts heated tiled loungers, beautifully ornate day beds and a selection of teas and preserved fruits including apricots and dates. Despite our best efforts to remain, our time here had ended and we grudgingly left to face the loud, brash, reality of the world outside.

Desert Palm Dubai is the epitome of a hidden gem. It’s the kind of secret you feel you want to share but are too afraid to because it’s just so wonderful. The proximity to the city means that it’s both a perfect getaway for residents or businessmen and a superb location for those hoping to discover the delights of Dubai by dipping in and out as they see fit. ✤

58

fact magazine

STAYCATION SPOTLIGHT •

GO: CALL (0)4 323 8888 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION. FOLLOW @DESERTPALMDXB ON INSTAGRAM FOR ALL THE LATEST INFO.

fact magazine

59

• ENTERTAINMENT

BIG SCREEN Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom WHAT’S IT ABOUT?

Following the demise of the Jurassic World theme park on Isla Nublar off Central America’s pacific coast, Owen Grady and Claire Dearing return to the island to save the remaining dinosaurs from a volcano that’s about to erupt.

In their quest to rescue the dinosaurs, they encounter terrifying new breeds while uncovering a conspiracy that threatens the entire planet

DIRECTOR: J.A. Bayona CAST: Chris Pratt, Bryce Dallas Howard, Ted Levine

WHY IT’S WORTH WATCHING?

Featuring gnashing teeth, sharp claws and nightmareinducing visuals, the most notorious theme park in movie history is back for yet another thrilling ride! A race against time and nature, Colin Trevorrow’s Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom takes the beloved franchise to an intense new level. Four years after the destruction of the Jurassic World theme park, Owen Grady (Chris Pratt) and Claire Dearing (Bryce Dallas Howard) are back on the island to save the dinosaurs from an impending volcanic eruption. As Claire teams up with Benjamin Lockwood to bring the creatures back to safety, they face off with scary new breeds of gigantic dinos while discovering a plot that could disrupt the natural order of the entire planet. An adrenalinefueled, action-packed extravaganza, Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom is a wild and entertaining rollercoaster ride that will have you hooked till the very end.

60

fact magazine

Highlights

Ocean’s 8 WHAT’S IT ABOUT:

“

An adrenalinefueled, actionpacked extravaganza, Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom is a wild and entertaining rollercoaster ride that will have you hooked till the very end.

– Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom

After spending over five years planning for the biggest heist of her life, Debbie Ocean knows exactly what it’s going to take to attempt an impossible robbery at New York City’s yearly Met Gala.

Together with her partner-in-crime Lou Miller, they recruit a crew of specialists to target a necklace worth more than $150 million.

DIRECTOR: Gary Ross CAST: Melissa McCarthy, Gillian Jacobs, Maya Rudolph

WHY IT’S WORTH WATCHING?

Cate Blanchett, Sandra Bullock, Rihanna and Mindy Kaling - need we say more? Bidding adieu to George Clooney and Brad Pitt as well as the rest of the OG Ocean’s cast, the feisty and heist-y ladies of Ocean’s 8 are here to take over! After five long years of devising the heist of the century at New York City’s star-studded annual Met Gala, Debbie Ocean, along with Lou Miller, assemble a team of the best people in the field. Together, they recruit a crew of specialists, including jeweller Amita, street con Constance, suburban mum Tammy, hacker Nine Ball and fashion designer Rose to rob a necklace worth more than $150 million. With a star-studded cast, a refreshing plot line and some killer acting, we definitely have a summer winner on our hands!

ENTERTAINMENT •

FULLY BOOKED

ON THE RECORD

NON-FICTION

Look Alive Out There

By Sloane Crosley

SYNTH-POP

DANCE-POP/ GRIME

No Shame

No Shame

By Chvrches

Coming at us with a whole lot of energy and an unmatched intensity, Chvrches’ newest album is here to shake things up! In their third full-length effort, the Glasgow trio gets real about the world we live in and they have a lot to say. An album about growing up and coming to terms with the great as well as awful things in the world, Love Is Dead takes you on an unfiltered musical journey. Catchy pop and a typically powerful performance from primary vocalist Lauren Mayberry, Get Out sticks to what Chvrches know best. While the song fails to push any boundaries that the band hasn’t pushed before, it’s definitely one for the weekend party playlist. Featuring the most pop they’ve ever produced and a collabo with Grammy award-winning producer Greg Kurstin, the band is definitely treading uncharted territory. Commencing with an enigmatic intro, My Enemy makes perfect use of space and contrast, both vocally and instrumentally. The youthful and vibrant collaboration of Chvrches and Matt Berninger is bound to tickle every listener’s fancy. Taking risks and producing brand new sounds, the band has come a long way since their huge first studio album. This is a pleasant listen!

By Lily Allen

Featuring confessional pop on her own terms, Allen’s latest release is a far cry from her spiky first two albums.

With contemporary, minimal dancepop that references Drake, Jamie xx and dancehall, she covers everything from the breakdown of her marriage, her depression as well as fears about her children. Offering a dark, real look at British party culture, Trigger Bang is a weird mix of nostalgia, liberation and exhaustion. Also featuring London rapper Giggs, the languid, worldweary pop song is going to give you all the feels! Away from her trademark wordplay, the album features a whole lot of introspective new lyrics and a refreshing new sound. Laying down her grievances in plain, heartfelt language, Higher sees Allen condemning a tainted relationship. Featuring stunning verses and heavenly vocals, the track is our new favourite heartbreak anthem!

While fans had to be patient for her big comeback, Allen has definitely delivered with her fourth studio album.

Filled with a number of relatable but eccentric misadventures, Sloane Crosley’s brand-new collection of essays is exactly what you need to read after a long day at work.

Featuring her trademark hilarity, wit and charm, Look Alive Out There talks about everything from scaling active volcanoes and befriending strangers to staring down the barrel of the fertility gun and playing herself on Gossip Girl.

FICTION

Ordinary People

By Diana Evans Chronicling the lives of two couples who are slowly drifting apart, Ordinary People is an intimate, immersive study of parenthood, grief, aging and the fragile structure of love. Michael and Melissa were once head over heels in love but two kids later things just don’t seem the same anymore. Damian and Stephanie share a perfect home but have never really seemed right for each other. A stimulating read!

fact magazine

61

• SOCIETY

# C E L E B R A T I N G # L E V I ’ S # 5 0 1 # B I R T H D AY

On May 20th, the Levi’s® 501® jean, the original button fly jean, celebrated its 145th birthday and to mark this occasion, Levi’s created special 501® capsules to celebrate the iconic style. The commemorative product includes limited edition 501® jeans with pops of gold and colourful buttons. 145 years is no small birthday, so Levis’s is looking back through history to inspire this special, capsule collection. Tops feature fun archival graphics, with “Button Your Fly!” loudly emblazoned across the chest in retro throwback colours, celebrating the invention of the button fly jean.

62

fact magazine

CITY RIDES •

TAKING IT TO

THE MAXIMUM

fact magazine

63

• CITY RIDES

The top-end sedan segment just got a whole lot sportier, powerful and elegant. FACT takes the all-new Nissan Maxima Midnight Edition out on the roads to see what it’s made of…

I

f we had to use one word to describe the game-changing Nissan Maxima Midnight Edition, it would be “posh”.

The completely redesigned 8th generation model is the sportiest most powerful Maxima ever, and boy is it visible. Refined like a shy ballerina on the outside yet boasting confidence on stage with performancefocused driving, the new Nissan Maxima breaks all the barriers of what it means to be a full-size, four-door sports sedan.

Firstly, its futuristic design will turn heads at every corner; the car delivers Nissan’s dramatic design language with a V-Motion front end, signature boomerang lights, unique floating roof appearance, sport-tuned suspension, a front chassis performance damper, black sport spoiler, black rear diffuser and kick-up C-pillars that provide a sleek wrap-around canopy look that flows with the lines of the car. All of these add to the upgraded features of the Midnight Edition. The car’s sporty, aggressive lines add visual punch; whether you’re valeting it at a hotel, going grocery shopping or get appointed the designated driver on a night out, the new Nissan Maxima will stop people in its tracks – just as we experienced. The LED low beam headlights and 19-inch gloss black aluminium alloy wheels complete the bold exterior of the car.

A powerful and fuel-efficient V-6 is under the hood, and an optional sport-tuned suspension turns up the heat in corners without punishing occupants when driving over rough roads.

Inside, it’s a whole new story as a space filled with master craftsmanship and premium materials await its passengers.

The Nissan Maxima’s premium class-above, bespoke interior is anchored by a driver’s cockpit that easily rivals any luxury vehicle. We learn that Maxima’s interior execution was a strong focus from the onset of development, with the goal of offering an interior that truly rivals the likes of BMW, Mercedes and Lexus.

It offers genuine stitching on the instrument panel, doors and console, available ambient lighting, available premium leather seating surfaces with diamond-quilted inserts, unique faceted finishers and a sporty D-shaped (flat-bottom) steering wheel.

The all-new Maxima’s comfort is inspired by Nissan’s ‘Zero Gravity Seats’ design with added foam topper pad for initial softness and long-term comfort that consists of acoustic laminated glass (windshield and front side glass), and provide a quiet and peaceful environment typically associated with more expensive luxury vehicles.

64

fact magazine

The Active Noise Cancellation System for a quieter cabin works perfectly. This we can vouch for having driven the vehicle when the UAE was seeing its stormiest days through – noise was not a problem inside this car.

Surrounded by luxury and comfort, we take control from a “command central” cockpit — the centre stack is angled slightly towards the driver and a re-positioned floating console allows for easy reach. You’ll have ergonomic control over Maxima’s next-generation, premium-level technology featuring an 8-inch colour display with multi-touch control for intuitive smartphone-like gestures such as swiping and pinch-to-zoom. The system is paired with a standard 7-inch Advanced Drive Assist Display (ADAD) within the instrument cluster.

A Home screen shows navigation, speed, and audio information while subsequent pages relay vehicle and trip data like fuel efficiency, drive time, tire pressures, and more.

Convenience features befitting a luxury vehicle are part of the Maxima’s suite of available equipment. Many of these features are not even offered on other high-end nameplates and are found standard on most of the Maxima grades.

These include a power tilt/telescoping steering wheel with an “Easy Entry” system, Around View Monitor, Remote Start via Key Fob and a power rear sunshade.

The vehicle showcased to us its extensive range of safety, security and driving aids, including Predictive Forward Collision Warning (PFCW), Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC), Forward Emergency Braking (FEB), Rear Cross Traffic Alert (CTA). However, it was the Blind Spot Warning (BSW) which really made a HUGE difference to UAE driving. We felt safer knowing that the car can send out a warning about any last minute lane drifters. Maxima also offers an available Driver Attention Alert (DAA) system which monitors steering input patterns to establish a baseline and helps alert the driver when drowsy or inattentive driving is detected (only on Maxima SR grade) – this is a useful feature for long drives between the Emirates when you’re tired or need a reminder to stay alert!

CITY RIDES •

fact magazine

65

• CITY RIDES

66

fact magazine

CITY RIDES •

The new Maxima’s 3.5-litre VQ-series V6 has been redesigned with more than 60 per cent new parts (compared to the previous generation 3.5-liter V6).

With 300 horsepower, Maxima has a high specific output of 85.7 horsepower/litre. The revised engine helps Maxima achieve an anticipated 15 per cent increase in highway fuel economy to an EPA estimated 30 miles per gallon. The new Maxima Midnight Edition is so nimble and capable that you’ll often forget there’s a second set of doors and seats.

Combining performance with refinement in a beautiful exterior package, the Nissan Maxima Midnight Edition is sufficient comfort to please a luxury buyer. Compared with the other wellequipped full-size sedans available, the Maxima offers the most balanced mix of style, luxury, and sport that we’ve seen in a car, in a long time.

Whether it’s your daily commute, you’re a family hauler, or you’re out and about on the weekend, the Maxima will give you an experience of pure joy when driving! ✤

GO: THE ALL-NEW NISSAN MAXIMA, NOW OFFERED IN THREE GRADE LEVELS INCLUDING NEW S, SV AND SR GRADE, HAS A PRICE RANGING BETWEEN $29,999 AND $41,000 IN THE GCC. PRICES PER MARKET ARE AVAILABLE AT THEIR RESPECTIVE SHOWROOMS AND WILL VARY FROM REGION TO REGION. VISIT WWW.NISSAN-ME.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION.

fact magazine

67

• PLUGGED IN

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

68

Map My Fitness

BrainPOP

With summer well and truly here, get into the best shape of your life with Map My Fitness! Under Armour’s Map My Fitness logs more than 600 different fitness activities and syncs with more than 400 devices to give you a complete picture of your athletic performance.

Users can search for nearby routes or share their favourite routes, while the app saves data on pace, distance and calories burned for GPS-based workouts.

You can also join challenges and get your friends in on the fun!

Turn your smartphones and tablets into a savvy educational tool with BrainPOP! Boasting a number of animated videos aimed at K-12 students, the app makes learning a whole lot more fun. The animated movies engage via narrative, humour, and characters, encouraging kids to further explore the world around them. The app gives your kids the chance to explore hundreds of topics including Science, Math, Social Studies, English, Engineering, Health and more!

fact magazine

PLUGGED IN •

ENHANCED REALITY The market for virtual reality devices is well and truly booming. FAC T picks up the HTC Vive Pro to see what it brings to a burgeoning tech sector of innovative gadgetry…

C

onverging technology with human imagination, Virtual Reality (VR) is slowly but surely becoming a part of our daily lives. Introducing us to a fantastical realm of science and nature, Virtual Reality can now be experienced in various forms, including video games, movies as well as virtual worlds. Jumping on the virtual reality bandwagon, HTC is introducing its most powerful VR system ever with HTC Vive Pro! Shifting virtual reality into high gear, the HTC Vive Pro system delivers the industry’s most immersive experience for room-scale VR. Built for VR enthusiasts and enterprise users, the Vive Pro delivers the best display and audio for the ultimate virtual reality experience. Boasting dual-OLED displays, the VR system provides a crisp picture resolution that is a 78% increase in resolution over the current Vive HMD. Apart from some stunning visuals, the Vive Pro also features integrated, highperformance headphones with built-in amplifier that creates a heightened sense of presence and sound through noise cancellation capabilities. Current Vive owners can upgrade their headset to Vive Pro for the best audio, display and comfort in the industry. Compatible with both Steam VR Tracking 1.0 and 2.0, it lets existing Vive customers to upgrade their headset and continue to use current generation controllers and base

stations. These new and improved graphics and audio will allow users to experience VR with enhanced clarity, making it the most realistic and immersive VR experience available in the market.

In addition to some truly amazing audio-visual features, the Vive Pro has been rebuilt to maximize comfort for the most demanding VR users. The Vive Pro features a redesigned head-strap that balances the weight of the headset more evenly and features easy adjustment buttons for Vive users with glasses. HTC’s content platform Viveport also brings premium experiences in entertainment, education, arcade, arts and culture and enterprise to a global audience. A Viveport subscription allows customers to choose from over 400 pieces of content from a highly-curated offering. Giving consumers the opportunity to discover the best VR has to offer, the HTC Vive Pro is the technological blessing you need in your life! The Vive Pro’s new Head Mounted Display (HMD) will retail for AED3,299 and is available for purchase through its dedicated Middle East e-commerce store. ✤

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

69

• SOCIETY

#KENZO #SPRING #SUMMER #2018 #PART Y

KENZO once again threw a Dubai party to be remembered. A selection of top tier press from fashion and lifestyle publications, influencers and bloggers were invited to the exclusive KENZO Spring Summer 2018 event, inspired by the KENZO - La Collection Memento N°2, a collection that revisits the brand’s archival elements and reworks them with summer staples. To celebrate the new collection, party-goers were immersed in a unique and exciting Asian inspired experience. Guests arrived at an unexpected location for the late-night party – a stylishly designed office building in the heart of Dubai’s Financial District – DIFC. Upon arriving at the quiet lobby, guests were escorted to the 43rd floor where the brand had transformed the industrial space into a physical realisation of KENZO’s Japanese world.

70

fact magazine

A SUMMER STORY THE SEASIDE, THE TREES, EARLY MORNING BY THE MEDITERRANEAN SEA – MANGO UNVEILS A FREE-SPIRITED AND REFRESHING HIGH SUMMER EDIT FOR MEN AND WOMEN. fact magazine

71

• FASHION FOCUS

HER Romantic and fluid pieces in neutral, earthy tones from the Spring Summer 2018 collection emerge with a warm attitude.

A selection of garments in which romanticism takes centre stage; especially in shirts and dresses with diffused floral prints, ruffles and delicate chiffon fabrics. Discover ethnic prints and embroidery combined with dresses and crochet-knit tops, complete with statement accessories, including basket-style bags and costume jewellery featuring delicate shells. ✤

72

fact magazine

FASHION FOCUS •

HIM Highlights include outfits in lightweight materials such as linen and cotton. Subtle hues, blues and whites take centre stage and stripes become the focus of nautical inspiration - A classic and timeless style inspired by the holidays and film icons of the ‘60s. ✤

GO: VISIT WWW.MANGO.COM OR SHOP THE LATEST COLLECTION IN STORES NOW. fact magazine

73

• FASHION FOCUS

SHOP THE BRAND HERE’S OUR WISHLIST FROM THE MANGO HIGH SUMMER COLLECTION FOR HER

FOR HIM

THIS COLLECTION IS AVAILABLE IN MANGO STORES ACROSS THE GULF. 74

fact magazine

AWARD WINNING WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY & VIDEOGRAPHY

khalifashaheen

www.khalifashaheen.com

+973 17 593993

fact magazine

75

• EID

Eid Gifts Treat the leading ladies in your life to something special this Eid…

FOR HER

Rituals

Dune

Glassing

Namshi Swarovski

Victoria’s Secret

Namshi Premium Ted Baker

Philipp Plein

Christian Louboutin

Namshi GUESS

Benefit

New Look

76

fact magazine

Namshi Ban.do

Mango

EID •

Eid Gifts Spoil the men in the family this Eid with a very special treat‌

FOR HIM

Valentino

Namshi Burton

Diesel

Dolce and Gabbanna

Namshi Fujifilm

Givenchy

Berluti

Coach

Philipp Plein

Namshi Aseventy Five

Topman

fact magazine

77

EID

ESSENTIALS: & OTHER STORIES

R

ight in time for the celebrations, & Other Stories unveils a fun and fabulous Eid gift guide that is sure to offer the perfect present for everyone.

From refreshing body mists and rejuvenating candles to shimmering eye palettes, gift your loved ones a thoughtful present this season with a selection of makeup, skincare, bath and body essentials.

For the fashion-savvy friends and family, choose from statement footwear and handbags, delicate pieces of jewellery and stylish sunglasses that are sure to impress – whether you are looking for an elaborate pair of jacquard ankle boots, bold and colourful tropical earrings, a sparkly clutch or classic tortoise shell sunglasses, & Other Stories has got you covered this Eid. ✤

GO: SHOP & OTHER STORIES AT YOUR NEAREST STORE. 78

fact magazine

EID STYLE •

fact magazine

79

• BEAUTY CHECKLIST

Beauty Box YOUR MONTHLY MUSTS FROM THE WORLD OF ALL THINGS SKINCARE, MAKEUP AND BEYOND…

1 2

Skinade COLLAGEN DRINK With the hot summer months upon us, this is the skincare staple you need! Packed with natural protein and amino acids, the drink helps maintain your skin’s health and leaves it feeling refreshed. Having a bottle of Skinade daily after breaking your fast helps ensure your skin is properly hydrated throughout Ramadan. Beauty begins from within!

Scrub Love AVOCADO AND ALOE VERA (ACTIVATED CHARCOAL RANGE) Made with the best ingredients to hydrate, soften, moisturise, nourish and polish the skin, this scrub is the answer to all your skincare woes! Formulated with activated charcoal from coconut shell and Kaolin Clay, it mildly exfoliates and softens your skin while ridding it of impurities. Aloe Vera soothes and heals while Avocado oil nourishes and moisturises.

Nars HIGHLIGHTING POWDER

3 80

fact magazine

Get glowing for the summer with NARS’ new illuminating Highlighting Powder! Featuring Seamless Glow Technology, the innovative formula combines micro-spherical powders and pearls that reflect light and melt seamlessly into skin to enhance your natural glow. The silky, lightweight texture provides easy blending for buildable radiance.

Available in six stunning shades!

Chanel LE LAIT DOUCEUR D’HUILE

4

Take your skincare routine to a luxurious new level with CHANEL’s newest Cleansing Milk-to-Oil. The Le Lait Douceur D’Huile offers addictive sensoriality and perfect makeup removal without creating an oily film on the skin. The milky texture transforms into a silky oil for a delicious sensory experience. It leaves your skin feeling radiant and free from impurities!

Kiehl’s GINGER LEAF AND HIBISCUS FIRMING OVERNIGHT MASK Get the prettiest skin ever with Kiehl’s Ginger Leaf and Hibiscus Firming Overnight Mask!

Formulated with Hibiscus, the indulgent velvety cream mask delivers smoother-looking skin as you sleep. With continued use, the hydrating formula with Ginger Leaf works to soften the look for fine lines for a younger-looking, instantly firmer complexion.

Guerlain PORE MINIMISER Say goodbye to pesky pores with Guerlain’s Pore Correcting Treatment! Enriched with a unique combination of clay, zinc and a plan extract, it targets all types of pores and unclogs them, allowing the skin to breathe. The wonder formula instantly tightens and visibly minimises pores with a long lasting effect while leaving skin feeling clean and fresh.

5

6

GROOMING CHECKLIST •

Grooming Box GENTS, WE’VE GOT THE LOWDOWN ON ALL THE PRODUCTS YOU NEED FOR A SIZZLING SUMMER…

1

Bumble and Bumble

SOLID AND STRIPED SURF SPRAY

2

Get the perfect beach hair just in time for summer! The salt-infused formula creates impeccable, matte volume, texture and fullness and hold to mimic tousled, just-offthe-beach waves. The new take on the classic surf spray delivers hair-nourishing ingredients while the coconut water shields hair from the sun’s harmful effects.

OLMSTED & VAUX

Baxter of California

Dr. Jackson’s 01 DAY CREAM

Kiehl’s

4

Ditch your heavy colognes for a light, daytime scent. Inspired by a rejuvenating morning walk through Central Park, the fragrance’s refreshing citrusy burst revitalises with every wear. Featuring an intoxicating mix of green and woody notes, its deceptive lightness has the strength to uplift at any point in your day.

INVIGORATING BODY WASH

Your mornings just got a whole lot more refreshing with Baxter of California’s Invigorating Body Wash! Enriched with mild, plantderived surfactants, it cleanses and revitalises without stripping moisture while aloe vera soothes and cools the skin on contact.

Vitamin E and jojoba oil hydrate and condition to leave skin feeling soft, clean and renewed.

3

Phlur

The lightweight, moisturising cream keeps face and body hydrated throughout the day while the SPF20 protects the skin against harmful UVA/UVB rays. Enriched with kigelia fruit extract, shea fruit butter as well as baobab seed oil, it calms and sooth problem skin while leaving it feeling clean and rejuvenated.

Neal’s Yard Remedies

AGE DEFENDER POWER SERUM

MEN’S PURIFYING FACE WASH

Turn back the clock with highly concentrated ingredients to target specific concerns, this powerful treatment provides a first line of defense against the effects of aging skin. Enriched with Cypress Extract, the ultralightweight formula easily absorbs and helps to visibly firm sagging skin and reduce the appearance of wrinkles.

Get the best skin of your life!

This energising, gently foaming men’s wash offers a deep cleanse that is ideal for all skin types. Enriched with an infusion of Fairtrade antioxidant-rich rooibos and organic calendula, it washes away everyday impurities while leaving your skin feeling incredibly clean and refreshed. Just what you need for summer!

5 6 fact magazine

81

• SOCIETY

#JAMIE #OLIVER’S #PIZZERIA #OPENING

Apparel Group, one of GCC’s largest retail conglomerates announced the opening of Jamie Oliver’s Pizzeria by British Celebrity Chef Jamie Oliver in Dubai’s popular hub, Jumeirah Lake Towers – Cluster R. This is the first Jamie Oliver’s Pizzeria to make it to the Middle East and only the sixth of its kind in the world, serving up authentic Italian Neapolitan hand-stretched pizzas topped with fresh ingredients, salads, nibbles, delicious desserts and amazing healthy breakfast options. The restaurant is a rustic Italian casual-dining concept that has a simple and classic menu with bold flavours.

82

fact magazine

NEW IN TOWN •

Master Morimoto

Chef Masaharu Morimoto should require little introduction. Familiar to many as the Iron Chef, Morimoto has opened his latest venture on the 23rd and 24th floors of the Renaissance Downtown Hotel, Dubai. Morimoto, inspired by the City of Nara in Japan, pays homage to the heritage of the country. FACT’s David Tapley went to experience the epitome of luxurious dining… fact magazine

83

• NEW IN TOWN

A

A large photograph of the Iron Chef himself greets diners at the restaurant entrance and his name is emblazoned across bulbous paper lanterns that rise throughout the restaurant space. And what a space it is, for the split level venue encompasses a 250-seater restaurant, large bar area, three private dining rooms, sushi and teppanyaki counters and four outdoor terraces offering one of the best views of the Burj Khalifa in the city. Morimoto’s interiors feel modern and chic while paying homage to Japan via a huge conifer tree that traverses the restaurants upper and lower levels, while the collection of light fittings take on the likeness of Nomura jellyfish.

The outside terrace feels very “New York” with a vitality that lives up to the East meets West hybrid that Morimoto is famed for. The terraces (some of which can be privately hired) make for the ideal sundowner spot with innovative zodiac-inspired cocktails infused with wagyu beef and Parmesan cheese.

Morimoto Dubai incorporates some of the Chef’s signature dishes such as his tuna pizza and an intriguing sea urchin carbonara. Despite these inventive options, we find ourselves drawn towards the teppanyaki counters and the Omakase style of dining, a Japanese tradition allowing the chef full creative freedom over what we’re going to eat. It’s an interesting notion that takes us out of our comfort zone and in the process, allows us the engage directly with the chef while also learning about the history and culinary techniques surrounding each dish.

Don’t expect flames, the catching of food in pockets or the rice towers resembling beating hearts that are the focus of other similarly themed venues. For Morimoto is far more refined.

Being Morimoto we can’t help but indulge in the fatty tuna and salmon nigiri which literally melts in our mouths as the iron teppanyaki grill heats up.

Our interactive teppanyaki experience begins with an interesting interplay of flavours and textures from the oyster foie gras in which the oysters are cooked on the grill with a sweet teriyaki sauce before being topped with seared foie gras and steamed sea urchin.

Plated upon spices and rock salt, the intricacies of the flavours blend together well as the dish is eaten in one mouthful.

A quick display of beautifully marbled Wagyu beef segues into our favourite dish of the evening, the Wagyu sukiyaki. A traditional hot pot dish in which the Wagyu is briefly seared on the grill before being added to a sweet sauce containing tofu, shiitake mushrooms, cabbage rolls and a poached egg which is broken into the mix. This particular sukiyaki presents a modernised take on the Japanese hot 84

fact magazine

stone cooking method known as ishiyaki, bringing an abundance of flavour to the premium wagyu and the velvety heartwarming sauce.

Our evening finishes with dessert as we move away from the heat of the grill into the ambient lounge to indulge in a fiery chocolate tart and the refreshing mango coconut. Reflective of the name, the chocolate tart is more of a sphere, which is flambéed with rum causing the chocolate to melt and reveal a wealth of goodies hidden inside. It’s certainly an impressive dessert but we much prefer the salted caramel biscuits that adorn the side of the plate.

The Renaissance Downtown Hotel, Dubai represents a harmonious fit for the Morimoto brand and the hotel continues to set the bar when it comes to dining in Dubai. Each of the hotel’s food and beverage outlets are playing to particular strengths, while forging their own unique identity - from Italian concept Basta, through to Middle Eastern BHAR, and David Myers’ Bleu Blanc. Morimoto may have been the last to open but it’s been well worth the wait and represents the final jewel in the Renaissance’s glittering crown.

Morimoto offers slick service amidst sky high dining, and Japanese cuisine that looks set to rival the likes of Zuma, Tomo and Play. ✤

GO: VISIT MORIMOTO AT THE RENAISSANCE DOWNTOWN HOTEL, DUBAI. CALL (0)4 512 5555 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION.

fact magazine

85

• SOCIETY

#M I C H A E L #KO R S #U N V E I L S #R A M A D A N #2018 #CAPSULE #COLLECTION Michael Kors’ Ramadan capsule collection launch was an affair to remember. Guests were invited to the luxurious and elegant Penthouse, on the 16th floor of the newly opened FIVE hotel. Located on the Palm Jumeirah Dubai, offering picturesque views of the Arabian Gulf - the city’s key editors and influencers explored the brands’ latest offerings while taking in spectacular views of the Dubai Skyline. Media mingled, listened to the smooth tunes of regional DJ and stylestar Tala Samman, and explored a special curation of glamorous clothes and accessories. The capsule collection, which features a total of 19 MICHAEL Michael Kors pieces, includes six hand bag styles exclusive to the Middle East.

86

fact magazine

CULINARY SPOTLIGHT •

French Flair Angela Beitz checks out Chef Izu Ani’s impressive new venture at Emirates Golf Club. Welcome to Carine...

fact magazine

87

I

f you like your French cuisine then you’ll be no stranger to Chef Izu. Following his success at La Petite Maison, La Serre and The Lighthouse, the award-winning master of gastronomy showcases his culinary skills once again with the launch of Carine at Emirates Golf Club. Named after his French wife, Carine, the new restaurant is an ode to their first meeting in France (if that’s not romance I don’t know what is) and is fast becoming a hot new dining spot in Dubai.

Carine offers a delicious selection of French Mediterranean inspired dishes and unique cocktails. Centrally located at the Emirates Golf Club, the décor is to die for. It has feels of LPM and La Serre but in a more modern, clean aesthetic with chic details like glass pendant lighting and petite lemon trees and trusses of tomatoes. It has an unpretentious French charm, with warm, welcoming service. On the night we visit it’s cool enough to sit on the expansive terrace with fabulous views of the golf course and Dubai’s skyline behind it. There’s the beautiful touch of baked breads with olive oil and balsamic with lemon squeezed onto our side plate and that sets the scene for a fabulous dinner.

The menu consists of French and Mediterranean dishes and it’s one of those where you just don’t know what to order as it all sounds so good! We start with the seasoned crispy calamari and citrus tuna carpaccio. Both dishes were simple but packed full of flavour – they also photograph nicely for the ‘gram and leave a lasting impression on our palate. The tuna was so super fresh and the citrus notes were the perfect blend. Other standout dishes include the creamy burrata and the fragrant harissa prawns. For mains we opt for the beef rigatoni and the sea bass. Again, both are packing in gorgeous ingredients that linger with every bite, and they’re also beautifully presented. It’s so easy to tell that Carine will be successful for its simple yet elegant

88

fact magazine

CULINARY SPOTLIGHT •

food. Other mains worth a try include the seafood risotto and the lobster linguini.

You simply can’t go past dessert with Chef Izu’s creations and there are so many great options including vanilla creme brulee and a chocolate brownie skillet.

We opt though for the Passionfruit Cheesecake and Tarte Tatin. The Tarte Tatin is mind-blowingly good, again so modest yet delicious and punches with flavour. The Passionfruit Cheesecake is equally good with the lovely combination of sweet and tart tastes.

From long lazy family dinners to romantic date nights and large gatherings with friends, you will find yourself returning again and again to Carine. Thanks to a combination of thoughtfully sourced ingredients and expertly executed dishes, Carine has found the recipe for success. ✤

GO: VISIT CARINE AT EMIRATES GOLF CLUB. CALL (0)4 417 9999 OR VISIT WWW.CARINE. AE FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION. fact magazine

89

• SOCIETY

#M O D A #O P E R A N D I #I N A U G U R AT E S #PA R T N E R S H I P #WITH #THE #ARABIAN #GAZELLES A sunset drive into the depth of the Dubai desert inaugurated the partnership between online luxury retailor Moda Operandi and The Arabian Gazelles, the UAE’s first women-only luxury and supercar club founded by Hanan Mazouzi in 2017. To celebrate this partnership, The Arabian Gazelles, key influencers and fashion editors were invited to a glamorous high-tea at Moda Operandi’s Style Suite at the Bulgari Hotel, followed by a drive in supercars to the enchanting dinner at Al Maha Resort & Spa. The majestic venue was dressed in the latest Cabana homeware collection, curated by Cabana Editor-in-Chief Martina Mondadori Sartogo, who was among the high-profile guests who flew in for this event.

90

fact magazine

ON THE MENU •

CULINARY CAROUSEL

In less than two years since opening, Carnival by Tresind has successively changed the landscape of Indian fine dining in Dubai with their post-modern take on the popular subcontinent cuisine. FACT’s David Tapley takes a seat to experience the venue’s fifth season of glorious food… fact magazine

91

• ON THE MENU

T

he beauty of the multifaceted Carnival by Tresind in DIFC is that it represents more than just a restaurant.

Taking things one step further than sister restaurant Tresind, Carnival gleefully abandons the formal dining approach and throws caution to the wind. Presenting a one-of-a-kind experience and an assault on the senses. One that will play with your perceptions, engulf you in aromas and leave you dizzy from the onslaught of visual spectacle.

Executive Chef Himanshu Saini works tirelessly to create innovative culinary creations that strike an exciting balance between flavour and presentation. Being good is just not enough and despite a popular menu, Carnival’s concept allows for complete re-invention every few months. Each menu is dubbed as a ‘season’ with themes that range from childhood nostalgia, to suburban eats and even la la land. For this fifth season, the theme is food inspired by colonial rule in an interesting thematic that mixes Indian food with British, French and Portuguese influences.

A tanga (wooden carriage) sets the scene for Carnival’s fifth season and while previous outings to the restaurant have included dishes served inside books and upon ceramic hands, the literal street side chaat cart takes the interactive presentation at Carnival to a whole new level. Inspired by the spice trade and the city of Kolkata, the carriage is home to four variations of the popular street food, chaat. Being Carnival you can expect a twist - think tacos (taco papdi chaat), a liquid nitrogen version (nitro bhel puri), and one that twists the popular dessert rasgulla into street food (pani puri rasgulla).

A familiar face at Carnival, Chef Vinu Raveendran joins us to present the cage, a tandoor cooked lamb ribcage dissected in front of us before being topped with saffron and gold flakes.

The preparation leads to some undeniably tender meat with the smaller bones purposely left within to be consumed!

Presented within a literal birds nest the Indo-Chinese Chicken Kurkure is a highlight of the new season, coating boneless chicken pieces within a Chinese inspired spice mix 92

fact magazine

before topping the meat with the popular Indian Kurkure corn puffs to bring an additional texture to the dish. Carnival’s fifth season parades a riveting selection of dishes in a bid to satisfy the taste buds. The Frying Nemo displays a fried fish fillet and masala fries within a wooden cage, while the double roti dahi kebab is a spiced yogurt empanada sat on top of an artistically plated rocket, walnut and goats cheese salad.

The aforementioned dishes which all derive from the starters

ON THE MENU •

section of the menu are just the tip of the iceberg, with the main courses bringing us a Malai Kofta of feta and potato, puffed quinoa and Bengali Malai Curry. Viva La Goa represents a dish influenced by the former Portuguese colony of Goa situated on India’s west coast and transpires to be a lamb leg Vindaloo (a popular Goan curry) made with malt vinegar and burnt cinnamon. The Coq au vin Masala integrates red wine into chicken tikka masala in dedication to the classic French chicken dish and the French settlement of Pondicherry on India’s southeastern coast.

Of Carnival’s new desserts, their take on the quintessentially British apple tart represents exceptional comfort food with its accompaniments of hazelnut barfi and mascarpone. Elsewhere, the picturesque fruit trifle with pistachio custard and coconut kulfi gives the visual impression of a dainty French mille feuille. It’s only the palang tod milk cake with saffron milk and dates that we struggle to connect with and marks the only misstep in an otherwise nearperfect dining experience.

A trip to Carnival remains special on repeat visits and the restaurant has successfully managed to retain the novelty factor because it’s deep-seated into the very fabric of the concept. Leaving behind the wooden carts, drinks in light bulbs, and the metallic copper world, we realise that the carnival may be over, but we’ll be back again! ✤

GO: CALL (0)52 242 4262 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION. fact magazine

93

• SOCIETY

#GHAWALI #REAWAKEN #YOUR #FRAGRANCE #RITUALS Founded in 2016, Ghawali represents the next generation of Oriental fragrances. Offering a modern interpretation of time-honored tradition of fragrance layering. Ghawali’s luxurious contemporary Perfumes, Ouds, Oils and Bath & Body will reawaken your fragrance rituals. The Ghawali experience begins with your first step into the boutiques.

They take you through a journey of rituals and layering. The unique Bokhour room recreates a majlis sense where you are enveloped with the heady scent of smoke trail. Customisation and Personalisation embodies the spirit of Ghawali. Our collection of luxury gift-sets are tailor made to your choosing, while adding the perfect finishing touch with the complimentary engraving service.

94

fact magazine

BRUNCH FOCUS •

Little Miss India In a food market that’s burgeoning with Indian restaurants, both casual and fine dining, traditional and contemporary, you really need to bring something special to the table to stand out. FACT dines at the Little Miss India Saturday Brunch in Fairmont The Palm to see exactly how this venue is keeping up it’s A-game… fact magazine

95

• BRUNCH FOCUS

M

ove over Friday Brunch, there’s a new player in town. The Saturday Brunch is becoming the new food trend across Dubai and everyone’s jumping on the wagon: hotels, independent restaurants, small eateries – we can’t go through a full day without receiving information about a new Saturday shindig in the city. For those who are opting to end their weekend on a high, but still want to keep things relaxed, tasty and, most of all, full of quality food and good vibes, brunching on Saturday is the perfect answer. After all, who wants to disturb the Friday lie-in and family get-togethers?

One place that’s offering up flavour-packed food with vibrant interiors, good service and a true laid back ambiance is Little Miss India at Fairmont The Palm. The venue is one of the newest on the food scene, but has already started to make its mark with a variety of dining deals to entice diners. The eccentric décor catches our attention, immediately. The ornately furnished interiors boast pure Indian summerhouse vibes with elegant paintings and leafy wallpaper, a ceiling reminiscent of Indian gajras (flower garlands) and the pièce de résistance, a Tribal Art Taxi adorned in the most colourful, Indian-inspired mini murals in reds, oranges, yellows, blues, greens, pinks and any other shade that would easily put a smile on your face.

We get a great flow of energy from this place and take our seats to begin the exotic culinary journey. With a concept focusing on ‘share and tear’, family style dishes and expertly infused beverages, this new weekend brunch brings an informal way to eat out with friends and family, in a 5-star outlet that offers both indoor seating and an al fresco terrace.

Focusing on regional Indian flavours, the brunch entails a threecourse menu including an enormous selection of delectable sharing style dishes, made with fresh ingredients. Now, there are two kinds of people in this world: those who like to sit and be served dishes to the table, and those who love nothing more than a good buffet. We fall into the former group. However, from previous experience, we’ve learned that a sharing menu at brunch could mean that you leave unsatisfied. Not here!

Enough to keep the hungriest of guests gratified, a selection of appetisers, mains and desserts are brought to the table as you sip on fragrant signature cocktails and fruity mocktails poured from the iconic tribal truck bar.

There’s something to please every palate and dietary requirement – lamb and chicken for the meat lovers, succulent Prawn Kebab for the seafood fans and vegetarian gems like the Tandoor Aloo and the Paneer Tikka. We gorge on the starters along with a delicious round of poppadoms and chutney.

The mains feature the infamous Butter Chicken, Lamb Bhuna, Tikka Masala, Dal Makhani and soft-as-fudge selections of Indian breads and sides. The Butter Chicken is velvety whilst the creamy Tikka Masala is a sure fire hit at the table. The meal ends with moreish desserts including stuffed Gulab Jamun, Phirnee Brulee and Gajjar Ka Kalwa (carrot pudding). The latter is exquisite and a truly tasty way to end a traditionally Indian meal.

The food is not just a talking point but also presented to instagram perfection! Guests can sit back and take in the 96

fact magazine

breathtaking views of the Dubai Marina skyline, whilst listening to a background of mellow beats from Little Miss India’s resident DJ, who mixes casual-cool tunes throughout the afternoon and into the evening for post brunch beverage offers.

If bold flavours, fragrant aromas and satiating spices is your thing, the Indian cuisine at the LMI Saturday Brunch won’t disappoint. ✤

GO: SERVED ON SATURDAY FROM 12NOON TO 3.30PM. PRICED AT AED215 WITH SOFT DRINKS, AND AED295 WITH HOUSE BEVERAGES AND SIGNATURE COCKTAILS. AED105 FOR CHILDREN AGED UNDER 12 AND CHILDREN AGED UNDER SIX DINE FOR FREE. CALL (0)4 457 3457 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION.

BRUNCH FOCUS •

fact magazine

97

CITY INSIDER

Lucy Self Account Director, PRCo Dubai

What are your three favourite cultural hotspots in Dubai and why?

Kite Beach - Of all the free beaches in Dubai, it has the best vibe and the best spots for breakfast and lunch including Park House for juice and salads, plus street food stalls such as Poke Poke and Calle Tacos.

Its also amazing to walk along the boardwalk around sun set, especially when the sky is bright orange framing the Burj Al Arab. The Courtyard, Al Quoz - Al Quoz reminds me of places like Hackney Wick in East London, super cool but very urban.

It has many places I love including Alserkal Avenue for galleries and free open-air performances, but my favourite spot is The Courtyard. My perfect afternoon involves pottering around The Collective by Ripe Market boutiques including The Movement

98

fact magazine

for bikes I can’t afford. Yoga House, The Greens - I have the exercise class app, Classport, which means I take yoga, pilates, spinning and HIT classes across the city. One of my favourites for yoga is Yoga House at The Greens.

It’s a tiny little studio, the teachers are all incredible and they have a really well curated roster of classes.

Any Dubai dining spots you’d recommend?

I love Couqley in JLT which takes the theme of French bistro and runs with it in a way which manages to be oddly authentic. On every visit two things happen without fail, I order the chicken and French fries with a creamy sauce and I have an amazing night. There’s an Indian place in Barsha called Bikanerwala which my friend introduced me to and now I’m

totally hooked. Last time I went I had a samosa and then deluxe thali and had change from AED50, insanely cheap for what is some of the best food I’ve had in Dubai.

For 2018, tell us some of your goals with PRCo...

One of the best things about my job is working with such industry-leading clients, and 2018 is no different.

From global hotel brands to highly unique individual properties and award-winning restaurants, it’s just a genuine honour to be part of the team that gets to communicate their vision to the GCC. This year we’ve got a game-changing Dubai hotel opening, we’re launching a property in Africa and plan to take plenty of our media friends around the world from Istanbul to Indonesia.

fact magazine

99

Summer Savings at JW Marriott Marquis Comprising two iconic towers, the JW Marriott Marquis Dubai is centrally located beside the Dubai Water Canal. The hotel features: 1,608 Luxurious Guest Rooms and Suites, Over 15 Award-Winning Restaurants and Lounges, Saray Spa featuring Traditional Hammams, 17 Treatment Rooms and a Dead Sea Floatation Pool, a State-of-the-Art Health Club and Fitness facilities.

Offer includes: Unlimited Bonus Marriott Rewards points, 20% F&B discount and 20% off Spa Treatments. Stay Dates: 1st June – 30th September 2018 Terms and Conditions: Quote “M11” when making your booking. Rate excludes 10% municipality fee, 10% service charge, AED 20 tourism fee and 5% VAT. Offer is applicable on Deluxe rooms only. Must be a Marriott Rewards member to avail this promotion. *Subject to availaility.

JW Marriott® Marquis® Hotel Dubai jwmarriott.com/DXBJW Sheikh Zayed Road, Business Bay, PO Box 121000, Dubai, UAE | T +971.4. 414.0000 | jwmarriottmarquisdubailife.com

100 fact magazine