GLITZ, GLAMOUR, BLISS

Winners of the Leading Hotel Spa of the Year in the Leaders in Hospitality Awards 2022, PAUSE Spa Chateau Berger at Paramount Hotel Dubai is a must-try for anyone looking to experience a luxurious and rejuvenating spa affair in Dubai. A range of treatments and amenities promotes relaxation and well-being, making it the perfect place to take a few minutes and PAUSE after a long day of running errands, sightseeing, or business meetings.

PAUSE Spa has an essence that makes you feel like an A-list celebrity the minute you walk in. Famous quotes by fabulous people adorn the signature walls of every room while scents of essential oils linger in the air. The open white space creates a calm environment that allows you to breathe and take a load off, and the pops of orange create a sense of enthusiasm and excitement—the perfect combination of glitz and bliss.

Mesmerised by the soothing effects of the water feature upon entry, the lovely Joelle was the first to say hello and welcome me in. Her warm embrace caught my attention and ushered me to the couch with a cup of herbal tea and a form that asked me questions about my current well-being. There was no pressure to hurry along, which allowed me to sit for a while and think about how I was feeling and how I wanted to feel after the experience. This is something we don't often get to do in the rat race we live in; so I appre- ciated those few minutes on the couch.

When I was ready, I was given a little tour. The spa has state-of-the-art facilities featuring separate male and female thermal areas, a sauna, steam room, ice fountain, bucket shower and experience shower. In addition, there is a relaxation area where guests can unwind after their treatments. These facilities are designed to enhance the overall spa experience and promote relaxation and well-being. They also look exquisite! The spa's design is very stylish, which adds the right touch of glamour to your journey.

Another reason PAUSE Spa is our must-try is the high-quality products they use. Many products have natural and organic ingredients to ensure guests receive the best possible experience, and best of all they smell divine. These products are carefully selected to provide a personalised and effective treatment that meets each guest's needs.

Mai is one of the many experienced and trained therapists at the spa. When I entered the treatment room, she was ready and waiting. We begin with a foot cleanse and rub. Her ability to make me feel relaxed and comfortable was much appreciated, and her compliments even more so. Extremely professional and skilled, we begin our 75-minute Canyon Reviver hot stone massage - an intense pressure point massage with volcanic stones that focus on relieving back, neck and shoulder tension, combined with the cooling cryo ball facial for instant power lift and radiant glow. Thirty minutes in, and I was floating on clouds. The combination of the heat from the stones and Mai's technique was heavenly. Krissa patiently waited at the entrance to ensure I had the best time; her infectious smile and cheerful personality made it hard to leave, but I walked out feeling like a star. So, if you want a unique Hollywood French spa experience in Dubai, look no further.

Necip Camcigil, Founder & Managing Partner of One Life Kitchen & Café

Our history has been volatile mainly because every other year there seemed to be a big adverse event. First we closed for expansion after only 18 months in 2018, then there was COVID in 2020. This was followed by the two successive years of strong growth in 2021 and 2022. This stability was very much welcome. We have also opened a new outlet in Jumeirah Village Circle last year which is contributing positively to the business and also very interesting because after having operated in a business district for almost 7 years. We get to see what it’s like to operate in a residential district.

Personally, I’m very proud that we could open in a new area and prove an appeal to the concept with an entirely new audience. I’m also very proud that we could use the same focus on ingredients and process to enter the pizza business and deliver an excellent product.

It’s no secret that starting a business comes with many challenges, especially in the early stages. The path to success as an entrepreneur can take many different forms. However, no matter what path you choose, difficulties will always arise. Based on my experience, these are the seven lessons that I learned in 7 years.

1. There’s nothing wrong with slow but consistent growth