Travel Arabia-Issue 83-January 2012

International Media Production Zone

January 2012, Volume 8, Issue 83

Festivals

Turkey’s camel wrestlemania Moroccan chants and rhythms t Ancien y ster mona in found i hab Abu D

Chronicles

Holiday in Greece

Tranquil Moments

Ecstasy’s new name

Outside Arabia The dancing elephants of Chiang Mai

D U B A I S HOP P ING F E S T I VA L

Taste Travel • Craving cheese in Nairobi • Adobo’s new twist

ARABIAN EXPERIENCE

Top brands. Low prices.

Fujairah calling: Explore a different world and rediscover your ‘self’

as comfortable on the city streets as off the beaten

path.

the wise, the ever-soelegant, it sets example by performance.

the wild spirit, always yearning for more adventure.

always there for the family, yet never hesitant to play.

2 0 1 2 www.nissan-me.com

MEET THE NISSAN SUV’s.

A family that works hard and plays hard.

• Saudi Arabia: Alhamrani United Co., Jeddah, Tel: +966 2 6696690 • Dubai & Northern Emirates: Arabian Automobiles, Tel: +971 4 2952222 • Abu Dhabi & Al Ain: Al Masaood Automobiles, Tel: +971 2 6811118 • Kuwait: Abdulmohsen Abdulaziz Al Babtain Co., Tel: +965 1804888 • Oman: Suhail Bahwan Automobiles, Tel: +968 24560111 • Qatar: Saleh Alhamad Almana Co., Tel: +974 4 4283333 • Bahrain: Y.K. Almoayyed & Sons BSC(C), Tel: +973 1 7732732 • Lebanon: Rasamny – Younis Motor Co. S.A.L. – RYMCO, Beirut, Tel:+9611 273333 • Jordan: Bustami & Saheb Trading Co.L.T.D., Amman, Tel: +962 6 5532456

Editor’s Note One of the many things Dubai has become internationally renowned for is the annual Dubai Shopping Festival. This year’s DSF started Jan.5 and will last till Feb. 5.

You’re in for a great shopping experience if you happen to be a tourist in Dubai during DSF. People from as far as New Zealand and Papua New Guinea in the Micronesian Pacific travel to Dubai for the DSF because the place turns into a duty free city of sort.

Dubai has low import duties and no taxation, and therefore, offers amazing value to the bargain hunter. Even the major brands widely available are less expensive in Dubai than where they come from. ****** Janette McCall, one of Travel Arabia’s new contributors, writes about an ongoing excavation at Sir Bani Yas Island involving a 6th century AD monastery—check out her story in Living Arabia.

an experience she and her fiancé had during their travel to Greece in Chronicles. ****** Culture marries cuisine in this year’s Gourmet Abu Dhabi, an annual epicurean occasion meant for the bon vivant in you. More of this in Taste Travel. ****** Eighteen lucky people won in Travel Arabia’s raffle bonanza at the recently held Arabian Ranches and Golf Club Open House. Names in Around Town.

Monica Kapila, also one of Travel Arabia’s new contributors, recently traveled to Nairobi and came back with a story about a cheese factory that’s fast gaining popularity. She tells you why in Taste Travel.

Meantime, AnaMarija Raickovic, likewise a new contributor, shares us

FUJAIRAH PASTIME. Herdsmen oversee a bullfight as spectators watch in what is a regular Fujairah weekend pastime.

Photo by Jojo Dass

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Jojo Dass Editor

Magical Arabian Winter Escapes

Experience the magical Arabian nights at Banyan Tree Al Wadi with stunning views of sweeping desert dunes and sapphire waters of the Arabian Gulf lapping right at your doorstep. Camp under the canopied ceiling of the tented villas and fall into deep slumber under the gaze of brilliant stars. Pay for 2 nights for 3 with exceptional winter rates.

Rates start from AED 4230.

For reservations call: +971 7 206 7604 or Main line: +971 7 206 77777 banyantree.com Villas rates are inclusive of daily buffet breakfast, in Al Waha (Desert Resort) Sands Restaurant (Beach) and 60 minutes “Rain Forest� experience per stay based on two persons sharing, all rates are subject to 10% service charge. Stay period from 1st November 2011 to 26th February 2012. Further terms & conditions apply.

30

Escape to a different world at Fujairah Rotana Resort & Spa

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48

Na3Na3

Contents 10

Lively on Seafood Night

January 2012 20 38

43

56

45 EDITOR’S NOTE WE HEAR YOU! LET’S DO IT TRAVEL TREATS

P.02 P.06 P.08 P.10

ARABIAN EXPERIENCE LIVING ARABIA FEATURES CHRONICLES

P.14 P.20 P.28 P.36

TASTE TRAVEL MELTING POT AROUND TOWN MY TRAVEL BAG

P.42 P.52 P.60 P.64

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International Media Production Zone

January 2012, Volume 8, Issue 83

Festivals

Turkey’s camel wrestlemania Moroccan chants and rhythms ancient stery mona in found i ab abu dh

Tranquil Moments

Ecstasy’s new name

D U B AI SH OP P IN G F E ST IVAL

ARABIAN EXPERIENCE

Chronicles

Holiday in Greece Outside Arabia The dancing elephants of Chiang Mai Taste Travel Craving cheese in Nairobi Adobo’s new twist

• •

Top brands. Low prices.

Fujairah calling: Explore a different world and rediscover your ‘self’

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on the cover DSF 2012 One Family, One World, One Festival.

We Hear You..

THIS MONTH READERS TAKE A BREAK, RELAX AND SPEAK OUT

www.travel-arabia.com

judging among themselves.

Editor

Publisher KGI

Isn’t that something?

Address Travel Arabia Head Office Office G4, Building No.1 Phase One, P.O.Box 502408 Dubai Media City, UAE Tel +971 4 391 0410/1/2/3 Fax +971 4 391 6619 E-mail editor@travel-arabia.com

Dear editor, A US$48,600 gold-plated table. Wow! Isn’t that something? I guess that’s what makes Dubai, Dubai. I mean’s there’s New York, Paris, Hong Kong, Tokyo. But Dubai beats them all in terms of having people affluent enough to have better taste.

Oh, I’m referring to your December Travel Treats’ short take about this table.

Marcus Ferrel Muscat, Oman

Media House Indigo General Manager Shaza Sharaffdeen Editor Jojo Dass dass@kalimatgroup.com Contributors Elaine Nettleton Caroline Tapken Sharon Garrett Julian Redman Janette McCall Monica Kapila AnaMarija Raickovic Creative Manager Karen Haroon Designer Najeeb Hamza Sales & Marketing Manager Syed Muhammad Arif arif@kalimatgroup.com Sales & Marketing Executive Crisna De Guzman crisna@kalimatgroup.com Circulation Manager Ihab Abdallah Distributor Jashanmal National Co. LLC Travel Arabia Lebanon Office Riad el solh 11072070 P.O.Box 11-1197, Beirut, Lebanon Tel +961 3 435 780 Fax +961 7 762 104

Travel Arabia disclaimer All text and layout remains the copyright of KGI unless stated otherwise. Travel Arabia is fully independent, and its views are not those of any company mentioned herein.

No part of this magazine may be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher.

All rights reserved. © 2011 KGI

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Restaurant check Dear editor I’ve noticed that your Taste Travel has lately been developing into a restaurant guide of sort with a slight twist, which is great. I’d rather read a section about people’s dining experiences than go through bland directories of where to’s that come with stars on the side supposedly to rate the place—for crying out loud, who really knows where the stars came from?

Editha Blerk Dubai, UAE Dear Ms. Blerk We’ve been getting more and more contributors, that’s why.

You can also throw in your piece if you want.

Editor

Camels are beauties Dear editor, One of the many things that make the Middle East unique is the camel beauty pageant. Elsewhere, people have horse parades, dog shows and what not. But a camel beauty pageant is really something.

I bet no one who has never been close to a camel for a long time could tell what a beautiful camel really looks like.

Well oh well, my advice, though unsolicited: Read Travel Arabia December’s feature on Dhafra Festival held in my lovely city of Abu Dhabi.

But just one thought though: How could they really tell?

Sarah Manel Abu Dhabi, UAE Dear Ms. Manel.

Shiny hair, long neck and a symmetrical hump make for a beautiful camel, that is, for those who have been in the company of these docile beasts of burden long enough to know.

Of course, the camels may have an entirely different way of

Dear Mr. Ferrel As they say, Dubai is the city of superlatives. It’s the “only-in-Dubai” tag that makes the place somewhat different. Ever seen an orange Rolls Royce before? Yes, only in Dubai.

Editor

Playground Dear editor, Happy to see a piece about Hotel Schweizerhof in your magazine. My wife and I stayed there some time ago and boy, was the experience top of the class. Your heading says “Playground of the rich and famous.” I won’t disagree. It adds up to the excitement knowing who had stayed at a particular hotel you’re spending your holidays in.

Claine McOwell Massachusetts, USA Dear Mr. McOwell Glad you liked it. Maybe you can share stories about your travels.

Editor

Let’s Do It this Here is a selection of a few events around the region.

Winter boats race past in-front of them and at the Abu Dhabi Corniche. Approximately 30 boats participate in this championship of different nationalities.

For details visit http://www.adimsc.ae or call 02-6815566

Qatar International Rally 2012 Jan. 26 – 28, 2012 It is the first round of the FIA Middle East Rally Championship 2012. The Qatar International Rally is an event for cars.

For details, call 4437-9884 or email: info@ qmmf.com.qa

Arabesque Jan. 10 – 31, 2012 (Saturdays) Pure Arabian magic! The Lebanese oneman show, Fadi Khoury, will be performing all the latest Arabic tunes For details, call 4453-5135 or BBM 26E78A27.

Egypt marathon

Dubai Shopping Festival Jan. 5, 2012 – Feb. 5, 2012-01-03 Major events include The Carnival, Dubai Fashion Week, and Global Village.

(See this edition of Travel Arabia’s Arabian Experience for more)

Volvo Ocean Race Abu Dhabi Stopover Jan. 1, 2012 – Jan. 14, 2012 A two-week stop-over of the event’s third leg. Be in Abu Dhabi as the city celebrates the turn of the year against a backdrop of awe-inspiring racing yachts and among sea-hardened sailors and more than 100,000 fans of the 39,000 nautical mile round-the-world race, widely regarded as “The Everest of Sailing.” The UAE also has a team in the race—the Abu Dhabi Ocean

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Racing.

For more information, visit the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority at http://www.volvooceanraceabudhabi.com.

The 19th Egyptian Marathon will be taking place at Luxor City on January 27, 2012, the 12th 100Km Pharaonic Race will be taking place at Cairo City on Nov. 23, 2012 and the 6th Sharm El Sheikh Half Marathon on March 16, 2012.The Marathon is an international event with over 36 nationalities participating.

UIM X-CAT World Powerboat Series Heat-2

Marrakech International Marathon

Jan. 20, 2012 The spectacular sport of X-Cat ( Extreme Catamaran) offshore powerboat racing is divided into many heats between Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Fujairah.

The boat is crewed by a driver and codriver. They have to work together to negotiate the boat around the course at open seas.

The Abu Dhabi rounds are usually run around LuLu Island. This is a great attraction for spectators as they can see the

Jan. 29, 2012 City Center, Marrakech Tensift El Haouzm, Morocco The 42.195 kilometers of the marathon, with 21.097 kilometers for the half-marathon, follows a route through the city’s avenues and boulevards, past some of its most picturesque and historical attractions. The temperatures in Marrakech in January are perfect for the energetic sport of running. For more information, visit the Running Inspired Website.

Dusit Residence Dubai Marina is an exclusive collection of Premier Serviced Residences set within a stunning 35-storey landmark tower overlooking the lifestyle enclave of Dubai Marina. With close proximity to all of Dubai’s desirable business or leisure areas, each of its 146 Residences from the 1 and 2 bedroom apartments to 3 bedroom penthouses offer panoramic views of the Marina area and across the Arabian Gulf. Tasteful, well designed living spaces are integrated with comprehensive facilities to support your every professional and personal needs.

P.O. Box 212744, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Tel: +971 (4) 425 9999, Fax: 971 (4) 422 0122, E-mail: sales.dubaimarina@dusit.com

Travel Treats TOP PICKS OF THE MONTH

US$1.3M dream wedding The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong has tied up with Preston Bailey for the launch of the bespoke one-of-a-kind HK$10 million [US$1.3 million] Dream Wedding Package.

Preston Bailey’s design package will lead the wedding couple through an exploration of their dreams, the creation of those dreams and, at last, the experience of those dreams.

The wedding package also include some exclusive experiences including flying First Class to Preston Bailey’s studio in New York and staying for two nights at The Ritz-Carlton, Central Park. The luxurious pampering during the preparation stage also includes a bachelorette party at the world’s highest hotel spa The Ritz-Carlton Spa by ESPA. On the big day, the couple and their guests will be able to savor a custommade menu by one-star Michelin Chef Paul Lau and an after-party at the world’s highest bar, OZONE. During their two-night accommodation in The Ritz-Carlton Suite in Hong Kong, the couple will have 24-hour use of the Rolls-Royce Phantom. The couple’s honeymoon is also well-taken care of with a four-night accommodation in the Royal Beach Villa at The Ritz-Carlton Reserve, Phulay Bay featuring special amenities/services including a 24hour butler during stay.

‘Tyson’ goes to Spain “Tyson”, a one-year-eleven-month-old hand-reared male Cheetah completed his relocation from Dubai to the Natura Parc in Mallorca, Spain last month. Tyson who was born at Nakhlee Breeding Centre, has lived at the Zaabeel Palace since he was 3 months old.

H.H. Sheikha Fatima Bint Mohammed Bint Rashid Al Maktoum’s decision to gift Tyson to Natura Parc thrilled the team there and Tyson is happy addition to the natural animal and plant centre in Santa Eugenia, Mallorca, Spain, where exotic species of mammals, birds and reptiles are cared for together with a stunning botanical collection and Mediterranean garden landscape.

Maldivian al fresco dining Vittaveli, Jumeirah’s second resort in the Maldives, has something food lovers will find quite irresistible: the resort’s gastronomic offering.

Jumeirah Vittaveli has a wide variety of cuisine catering to every type of palate. Executive Chef Kai Boeddinghaus, whose work in Kameha Suite in Frankfurt previously earned him a Michelin star, maintains a culture of excellence in the resort’s three restaurants, whether for relaxed al fresco dining by the sea, or cocktails and culinary sophistication within themed interiors, through his own unique style and flair combining modern Mediterranean and Asian influences.

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Morocco’s epicurean spa The Medina Essaouira Hotel Thalassa sea & spa in Essaouira, Morocco has a special treat for guests.

The hotel offers an epicurean parenthesis based on massages using oriental products. In a unique, peaceful and private area, the beauty break starts with a sugar body scrub and rasul mask. Then, guests are treated to a full facial that comprises an organic wheat germ face scrub, lavender tonic lotion and honey radiance mask. Lastly, clients enjoy a cedar stick massage – alone or for two persons – followed by a whirlpool bath with champagne and sweet delicacies.

This treatment takes place in the thalassotherapy (therapy of the sea) center which offers a wide range of massages and reflexology sessions.

The center also boasts a hammam, jacuzzi, indoor pool, solarium and fitness area.

World-class serviced apartments soon in Dubai Marina John Lobb will shine your shoes Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong is delighted to have partnered with John Lobb, the renowned manufacturer of men’s shoes and accessories, to offer guests and visitors a very special shoe-shine service from a dedicated John Lobb Shoe-Shine chair.

The bespoke chair, which will be situated in the hotel’s East Lobby from the end of January 2012, is one of only four in the world, and is the only one in Hong Kong.

Only the finest John Lobb materials will be used including wax, polish, brushes and cloths all of which will be housed within a dedicated shoe-shine box.

Off to Kabul Safi Airways, the leading international airline of Afghanistan, has appointed dnata as its General Sales Agent (GSA) representing the airline for its new flight between Abu Dhabi and Kabul that will commence on Jan. 5, 2012. dnata will provide Safi Airways with a dedicated ticketing service and give the airline access to its 24-hour call centre for flight booking and general travel support.

The new route will be flown four times a week on Safi’s newly acquired A320 which has 12 business and 132 economy class seats.

Tickets are currently on sale and can be purchased online and through Amadeus, major GDS with all IATA agents worldwide.

Millennium & Copthorne, one of the world’s largest ownedand-managed hotel companies with more than 120 hotels across 20 countries, has revealed it will be opening a modern and stylish deluxe serviced apartments property in the popular Dubai Marina area in the coming six months.

Once open, Marina Promenade will have 151 spacious and contemporary serviced apartments, comprising 91 one-bedroom, 36 twobedroom, 13 three-bedroom units, two penthouse apartments and eight villas. The serviced apartments cater to professionals and families attracted to a range of nearby shopping, dining and entertainment venues.

With a spa, health club and two swimming pools for guests, the serviced apartments are expected to appeal to both long term residents and short term leisure and business travelers.

Travel Arabia I 11

Lama takes the next level Awesome Caffe Florian in Dubai Caffe Florian, the celebrated meeting place of royalty, musicians, and artists, has taken it to the next level at Dubai International Center.

Caffe Florian first opened in St. Mark’s Square, Venice in 1720 and today can be found in some of the most prestigious destinations in the world including Harrods, London.

Among icons who had spent hours enjoying the unique Florian experience, are Queen Elizabeth herself; Italian adventurer and writer Casanova, Grace Kelly, Charlie Chaplin and Andy Warhol.

Up close with the ‘Giants of Golf ’ Guests of Etihad Airways holding a boarding pass for December or January flights will receive complimentary admission to see the biggest names in golf playing in Abu Dhabi.

The Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship and Etihad Airways have partnered to offer guests of the airline free access to the event, which runs from January 26 to January 29, 2012.

Guests may present their boarding pass at the gate of the Championship on any given day to gain free entry and the opportunity to see the strongest field ever assembled at a Middle East golf tournament.

German Martin Kaymer will be back to defend his title and will take on the top players in the world, including world number one Luke Donald, Major winners Charl Schwartzel (US Masters), Rory McIlroy (US Open) and Darren Clarke (British Open), along with former world number ones Lee Westwood and Tiger Woods.

Meantime, the airline has commenced scheduled services between its Abu Dhabi hub and Chengdu, capital of Sichuan province in southwest China. The route will be served by four non-stop, return services per week. Etihad Airways has also commenced non-stop flights from Abu Dhabi to Düsseldorf, Germany. The airline will initially operate four weekly return services to Düsseldorf, increasing to a daily operation by April 2012.

New four-star hotel in Dubai

The Landmark Hotels & Suites has opened its highly anticipated four-star The Landmark Grand Hotel on Rigga Road in Deira, Dubai.

The Landmark Grand Hotel – Rigga is

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just 10 minutes away from the Dubai International Airport and a short 2-minute walk from the Union Metro Station. It features 174 spacious rooms, which include 153 standard rooms, 7 executive suites, and 14 junior suites supported by various amenities such as 24-hour room service, satellite television and Wi-fi access. Vacationers can visit Dubai’s world-renowned malls and beaches located nearby, unwind at the rooftop swimming pool, or exercise at a spacious gym complete with sauna.

Executives can avail of a business center and a rooftop conference room with a bird’s eye view of Dubai.

Booking your next travel? Check again, that’s Lama Tours still, but with a new logo.

Lama Tours has made its foray into the farthest corners of the world, from Europe, to the CIS countries, stretching across to Russia, China, India, the Philippines and even within the GCC – Oman, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. Having noticed a wide interest in India and the Asian sub-continent for travel overseas, Lama offers travelers, a hassle-free trip with all arrangements made prior to their travel to any destination.

Lama provides every service that a traveler needs, making it a lot easier for holiday-makers to book their tour instead of taking their chance doing it on their own. Lama has an extensive network across the globe enabling it to arrange trips anywhere in a more efficient manner.

Hermès lands on Kuwait Hermès has opened its first store in Kuwait City located at the foot of the Al Hamra tower, whose spiral form soars to a height of 412 metres. Hermès takes the prow of the luxury mall that was recently built on the site of the first Kuwaiti cinema, inaugurated in 1958.

Laid out using these three spaces, the store dedicates a choice space to the universes of jewellery and men’s and women’s Ready-towear. Room dividers with bevelled edges accentuate the cubic volumes. Each one reveals a distinct interior identity, decorated in light stucco, with acid-etched chevron mirrors or glazed niches.

Visitors can move seamlessly from one Hermès Universe to another and discover the Parisian House’s 16 métiers, as well as part of its art collection. Two prints

by Baldizzone are on view at the store. They belong to Hermès’ collection of contemporary photography.

Arabian Experience

Layali Dubai One Family, One World, One Festival.

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Shopaholics of the world gravitate once again to Dubai for a monthlong bargain hunting spree where even major brands are less expensive compared to where they come from.

S

ay Dubai this time of the year and the first thing that comes to mind is DSF. Dubai Shopping Festival, “Layali Dubai,” in Arabic, which was first introduced in February 1996, is scheduled to run from Jan. 5, 2012 to Feb. 5, 2012 with the theme, “One Family, One World, One Festival.”

By far one of the most famous shopping fiestas in the world, DSF, as it has now become more popularly called, was first introduced in February 1996 and has since grown to be an annual shopping, entertainment and cultural extravaganza that attracts millions of people from around the world.

The month-long festival offers visitors some of the major and best brands in the world at lowest prices ever. Dubai has low import duties and no taxation, and therefore, offers amazing value to the bargain hunter. Even the major brands widely available are less expensive in Dubai, than in their country of origin. Indeed, during DSF, Dubai becomes the most exciting shopping destination in the world.

As DSF turns 17, at least 6,000 retail outlets and 50 shopping malls are likely to participate, organizer said.

DSF also offers a range of entertainments including international fashion

Travel Arabia I 15

shows, street-side performances, nightly fireworks, performances by artists, film festivals, musical shows, and cultural events, all of which reflect the cosmopolitan character of the emirate.

Parks in Dubai are also used for various entertainment activities such as mini fun fair, Dubai Creek Tours, and acrobatic show. The streets in Dubai too, wear a colourful look.

Though, DSF began largely as a shopping event, with time, it has also grown to be a great entertainment event.

Tax-free shopping at 75% off The mega event starts with entertaining street performances and a display of fireworks. Shoppers can begin enjoying the high discounted shopping, and entertaining events organized all throughout the festival. Shopping in Dubai is largely tax-free, as merchants are permitted to import products from other countries with very little or no custom duties. The shopping malls and retailers offer up to 75 percent discount on a range of items, including jewellery, watches, electronics, carpets, textiles, perfumes, and handicrafts of major brands

Prizes galore Aside from tax-free discounted rates, shoppers can also win several daily and weekly prizes at participating shopping malls and retailers. These include a luxurious Lexus LX570 car and AED100,000 in cash in the Lexus Mega Raffle. The Dubai Gold and Jewellery Group has also announced exciting promotions offering visitors a chance to win 21 kilos of gold worth AED4.5 million in raffle draws.

Carnival DSF 2012 will also witness spectacular parade with performances by renowned international artists, apart from shows by acrobats, percussionists, dancers and more. The DSF Carnival is an all-out display by various performers including musicians, jugglers, unicyclists, stilt walkers, all of which render the festive feeling of DSF across Dubai. Visitors get to enjoy live concerts and jazz world performed by some renowned artists.

Dubai Carnivals will be held in different platforms, each with different themes including Chinese, Japanese, Arabic, and Russian. Every year at least 300 performers participate in the Carni-

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vals, which will be held every weekend during the month-long DSF.

Fashion Week Also in the slate of must-sees is the Dubai Fashion Week which will bring together major regional and international players in the fashion industry.

This year, Creations will be organizing fashion shows at the Fashion Catwalk at the Dubai Mall ramp from Feb. 10 to 20, 2012. Models draped in collections designed by leading Dubaibased and Emirati designers and other international designers will walk the ramp. Fashion Bazaar is another major element from Creations, which has been revived with more colours this year.

Other activities The Dubai Dolphinarium will be organizing an exclusive show for kids during DSF 2012. There are other events too, to keep the children engaged such as Children of World Olympiad, cartoon and circus shows.

A Sound and Light Show that follows renowned sound and light show in Egypt has been planned.

The DSF Desert Camp offers adventure activities such as quad bikes, horse riding and camel rides.

One of the largest aquatic shows, wherein, four pools of 4000 sq m size, performs a terrific tango of water sprinklings, with brilliant colours and synchronised music to match the ups and downs of the sprouts.

A major attraction of the DSF event every year is the gourmets, wherein visitors get to satisfy their taste buds from delicious cuisines prepared from all corners of the world. Scrumptious cuisines ranging from continental to Chinese, Italian to French, and all special Arabic Delights form part of the gourmet.

The food festival during DSF 2012 will see a gathering of people from diverse backgrounds joining together to enjoy international cuisine, involving celebrity chefs, culinary workshops, live cooking counters, and interactive events and exciting prizes.

Sports and fairs Sports enthusiasts who visit Dubai during DSF 2012 will have the opportunity to participate in a range of sporting events, including Open Tennis Championship, Ice Hockey, Hockey on Synthetic

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Surface, Football Tournament, Russian Ballet on Ice, Skating and Rowing Championships.

The DSF 2012 will also offer a range of special events such as seminars, exhibitions, business conventions, book fairs, and Hope Opera for the handicapped.

Travel Packages Several local travel agencies, tour operators and airlines operate services to the UAE, with special discounted tour packages, targeting tourists seeking to enjoy the Dubai shopping extravaganza during this event. For instance, Emirates, the national airline of Dubai, has been offering attractive tour packages for DSF, and last year, Emirates offered a Pay 3 Stay 4 promotion package offering accommodations in top rated city hotels in Dubai for four nights stay, while paying the price for three. The package is inclusive of complimentary airport shuttles to and from hotel by private car, an Arabian Adventures welcome pack, and more such benefits.

On availing these travel deals, visitors can enjoy sightseeing tours to some most exciting destinations in Dubai, such as Burj Al Arab, Burj Khalifa and Desert Safari that make it a world-class tourist destination. For further inquiries, visit, www.dubaievents.ae.

Welcome to the

Marina View Hotel Apartments

It means a warm welcome, a unique holiday experience and a sophisticated style of living.

Marina View prides itself in exceeding customer expectations and is dedicated to setting a new standard in the hospitality industry. Marina View Hotel ranges from homely to luxurious, but you can always be assured of generous hospitality.

Marina View Hotel is a luxury residency located in the heart of Dubai Marina, fully furnished by high stylish decorations. The hotel’s modern architecture is easily spotted against the Dubai sky line with easy access to, Dubai’s key business hubs, leisure and shopping.

Marina View Hotel Apartments, P.O Box 454745, Dubai, UAE Phone: +971 4 4571000, Fax: +971 4 4570999 Email: reservations@marinaviewhotel.com, bookings@marinaviewhotel.com

www.marinaviewhotel.com

Living Arabia

Dura-Europos

An ancient international city in today’s Syria

O

n a typically hot and humid Middle Eastern day in March 1920, a British soldier digging a trench somewhere near the Euphrates River in Syria stumbled upon age-old wall paintings. James Henry Breasted, an American archeologist who was then in neighboring Iraq’s Baghdad, was alerted. Soon enough, major excavations were carried out that went through till the 1937 by French and American

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teams.

Dura-Europos, as the site was later identified to be, was founded in 303 BC on the intersection of the east-west trade route along the Euphrates. It was situated in intersection of major trade routes, which made it an important way-station for caravans traveling from Arabia, Persia, and Syria toward the Mediterranean.

A Greek, Parthian and Roman border city built on an escarpment 90 meters

above the river’s right bank, Dura-Europos, which is located near the village of Salhiyé in today’s Syria, sat on the edge of empires and was a cauldron of cultural traditions.

It developed an unusually multicultural population that included Greeks, Romans, Parthians, Christians, Jews, and Pagans, living, working and worshipping side by side and speaking and writing in a variety of languages, including Greek,

Aramaic, Latin, Parthian, Middle Persian, Hebrew, and Safaitic.

Some remarkable finds have been brought to light following the excavation which resumed in 1986. These include numerous temples, wall decorations, inscriptions, military equipment, tombs, and even dramatic evidence of the Sassanian siege during the Imperial Roman period which led to the site’s abandonment around 256 BC. What made Dura-Europos an archaeological treasure is that no settlers built on top of the site which had since been buried in sand and mud.

Finds include the earliest known Christian house-church, an early Jewish synagogue, hundreds of parchment and papyri, numerous temples, brilliantly fresh wall paintings, inscriptions, tombs, and astonishingly well-preserved Roman arms and armor that included a painted wooden shield and complete horse armor.

The cosmopolitan place had a multicultural population who lived, worked and practiced their religion side by side, while speaking and writing in different languages—pretty much like modern-day Dubai.

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A bygone era unearthed Recent discoveries at Sir Bani Yas Island include Late Stone Age settlements, a 4,000-yearold building, a fortified watchtower... and evidence of the ancient pearling trade.

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O

n a recent weekend away I ventured three hours drive from Dubai to Sir Bani Yas Island just 8km off the coast of Jebel Dhanna for a mini break of relaxation and adventure.

Surrounded by an unending horizon of turquoise ocean, the island itself has rugged terrain and an amazing nature reserve, all of which was envisioned by High Highness Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the late ruler and founding father of the United Arab Emirates.

My visit was to experience the luxurious Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara and to have the opportunity to encounter exotic wildlife in a natural habitat. A distinct departure from the glitz and glamour of Dubai life.

After a morning seeing cheetah, Arabian oryx, gazelle and even giraffe, our South African guide, Ted, asked if we had heard about the Christian Monastery excavations. My initial reaction was no.

But I was inquisitive and on our return to the hotel immediately booked myself a guided a tour.

The monastery on Sir Bani Yas island was first discovered in 1992 during an archaeological survey of the island, although it was not until excavations were carried out between 1993 – 1996 that the function and purpose of the site was fully understood.

Our guide, Ted Greenland, from Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara explained that the monastery was believed to have been built at the end of the 6th century AD and was abandoned around 750 AD. I have travelled many countries and have a particular fascination for ruins and to discover something like this on a weekend away where I anticipated wildlife, some sunbathing by the pool and spa treatments, was such a bonus. However, I suspect it’s not for everyone. Some would be terribly bored by the entire concept.

But not me.

Each year a team of international archaeologists and experts on building conservation work to preserve the site and allow it to be open to the public for viewing. Ted explained that a visitor centre is being planned for the future. Though he could not share anticipated dates of opening, he did say it was expected to contain

The site of the Christian Monastery has a central complex enclosed within a wall, and consists of what is believed to have been monks’ cells, kitchens, animal pens and storerooms around a courtyard with the church in the middle. replicas of the delicate artifacts recovered during the excavations. Pleasingly, these historic treasures are currently kept in secure, climate controlled storage facilities to ensure their protection.

The earliest evidence of human settlement on Sir Bani Yas Island dates back to around 7,500 years ago and already more than 36 archaeological sites, from this period to the recent past have been identified. These include Late Stone Age settlements, a 4,000 year old building that is probably a collective tomb and, from the

Islamic period, a fortified watchtower, a mosque, the remains of villages, cemeteries and evidence of the ancient pearling trade.

The site of the Christian Monastery is located on the eastern side of the island, which is much larger than I had ever imagined, with its main gate facing a sheltered creek on the shoreline. The central complex is enclosed within a wall and consists of what is believed to have been monks’ cells, kitchens, animal pens and storerooms around a courtyard with the church in the middle. From the archaeological discoveries and the digs, it is understood that the church was richly decorated with elaborate plasterwork stucco, with many crosses, palm trees and grape designs.

Just a few hundred metres away, to the north / north-west is evidence of several other smaller buildings, perhaps what was once the homes for senior monks, as well as a large water cistern and channel.

I was keen to understand what other guests thought of the Monastery and asked Ted, he replied, “The guests that I have taken on the tour of the Monastery have shown a lot of interest in the subject and have been keen

Travel Arabia 23

to hear as much as possible of the why, how, rise, fall, and the everyday life of the monastery. Some guests have either had a passion for Archaeology, or an interest in the history of the UAE or history of the place in general. Some guests have been able to recall similarities and links to other cultures.’’

During the course of the hour-long tour we continued to hear about the Monastery and what the archaeological team had discovered. I was mesmerized.

The earliest evidence of human settlement on Sir Bani Yas Island dates back to around 7,500 years ago.

I learned so much in this jam-packed period of time and was visualizing a time long ago as Ted captivated me with his stories.

It is understood that the occupants of the monastic settlement were from the Church of the East, also known as the East Syrian Church. They were intimately involved in the maritime trade from the northern Gulf to India, as well as the Gulf pearling industry.

It has been established that the monks were followers of a teacher called

24 I Travel Arabia

Nestorius, a 5th Century Archbishop of Constantinople, who had been in dispute with the Pope on doctrinal issues. The monks comprised a combination of local residents as well as people from Mesopotamia and other areas, who spoke Syriac, Arabic and possibly other languages of the region. Using advanced techniques the archaeologists estimate that the church construction began in 600 AD. Talking to the team at the hotel, it’s

clear the guests enjoy the sense of discovery that observing a function dig offers.

“TDIC has done a tremendous job working on the Monastery project and continuing excavation and the discovery of history.” said Ms Sharon Garrett, Area Director, Marketing & Communications, Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas, United Arab Emirates.

“As far as we know the Sir Bani Yas Island monastery is the only early Christian site known in the UAE or anywhere else in south-eastern Arabia. It’s very interesting for so many of our guests who have a passion for history and as a resort we embrace it by including controlled site visits with well versed guides for our guests.” she added.

“From what we’ve been told Sir Bani Yas Island is thought to have been chosen as the site for the monastery because it was a good stopping point for boats on their journey along the Gulf to India, and in those times there were many pearl beds nearby.” says Sharon.

The monks are believed to have played an important role in the pearl trade because they were literate. Discoveries of pottery and glass made in Mesopotamia and India indicates they were also engaged in a wider network of maritime trade.

Our guide explained everything to us and the more interest we showed, the more he shared. He was able to explain about the ceremonial vessels and lamps discovered at the site, the pottery and the entire layout. For keen history lovers looking for something more on a weekend

away, I would definitely recommend this tour.

“The unique thing about the monastery is that it targets a very small but interested segment of tourists. It is not an activity for the masses. However, those with a keen interest in history go away with increased knowledge and really enjoy the tour. These guests spend the full length of the activity at the site. “said Ted. “The most surprising elements for most who visit the archaeological site is that it is relatively small in the vast ex-

panse of the desert, it is partially covered and most importantly it is an active ‘dig’ which people who have an interest in this type of activity find truly amazing.”

The archeological dig is currently in progress and continues through the winter months which is an ideal time to plan a visit, if you’d like to see it in action.

Visiting Desert Islands Resort & Spa

by Anantara is not just an adventure but offers the opportunity to tread in the footsteps of royalty and transport your imagine back to times of a bygone era.

GETTING THERE 3 hours drive from Dubai 2 hours drive from Abu Dhabi And a luxury catamaran transfer to the island

WHERE TO STAY Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara Tel: +9712 801 5400 Email: dirs@anantara.com www.anantara.com

WHAT TO DO Monastery Tour Wildlife & Nature Drive Anantara Spa Massage Mountain biking Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara

26 I Travel Arabia

A new level of contemporary luxury, style, design and cuisine for business and leisure travelers. Set amid Sharjah's exclusive areas and rich cultural attractions. Ramada Sharjah Hotel Apartments provides an ideal accomodation solution for long-term business travellers and families with its state-of-the-art technology and facilities.

Tel. +971 6 5300003, Fax. +971 6 5257802, E-mail. sales@ramadasharjah.com, Website. www.ramadasharjah.com

Features The World at her feet goes to Lebanon

The World at her feet, a travel experience group for women in the Middle East, will head to beautiful Lebanon on Jan, 26, 2012. Known as the Paris of the Middle East, women will have a five-day excursion all over Lebanon, enjoying sightseeing, shopping, cuisine, and nightlife to keep any fast-moving bon viveur, (“enjoyer of the high life”) within the city limits for the duration of her stay. For AED 3,900 on twin sharing basis, women traveling with The World at her feet can enjoy a jam-packed itinerary of tours of Beiteddine, Deir Al Kamar, Baalbeck temples, Jeita, Harissa and Byblos as well as explore the famous Beirut nightlife.

Lebanon’s diverse patchwork of Mediterranean-lapped coast, rugged Alpine peaks, and green fertile valleys is packed into a parcel of land some 225km long and 46km wide. The cosmopolitan flair of modern-day Beirut, the gastronomic renown of the country’s food and wine, and an educated and outward-looking population complement a country that is both traditional and progressive in outlook. For all the flavors of its storied past and rugged natural beauty, Lebanon is a well-kept tourist secret that begs exploration.

There are four main geographic regions in Lebanon, differentiated by topography and climate; they include: the coastal plain, the Mount Lebanon Range, the Békaa Valley, and the Anti-Lebanon Range. The fabulous countryside beyond Beirut offers a true taste of Lebanon, an experience best found through a more lengthy exploration of the country’s mountain villages, small seaside towns, and vibrant agricultural hamlets.

28 I Travel Arabia

The World at her feet offers great travels opportunities for women who are shy to travel alone and provides new experiences and adventures while uniting women with a common goal – their passion for world travel. The World at her feet is an amazing opportunity for adventure-seeking women to discover themselves as they discover the world. It is safe, fun and an opportunity to meet other women while enjoying a once in a lifetime experience.

Reservation for the trips are now open, for booking please visit: www.facebook.com/theworldatherfeet or email paulomi@theworldatherfeet.com

Tour Highlights Tour Highlights Date: Jan-26-2012 Duration: 5 days/4 nights AED 3,900 per person on a twin sharing basis Inclusions: All of the activities listed below Exclusions: Airfare/Visa/Airport Tax/Meals not stated/Insurance Itinerary to Lebanon • 4 days /5 nights stay • Full Day Tour of Beiteddine, Deir Al Kamar, Beirut • Full Day Tour to the Baalbeck temples / wine tasting • Full Day Tour to Jeita, Harissa and Byblos • Explore Beirut nightlife All entrance fees/ 4 breakfasts/3 dinners/3 lunches /all transfers/ English Speaking Guide

Start the year right!

Full Moon Beach Party and Winter Party plus month-long events at Miramar Al Aqah Beach Resort and a special children’s program. Sometimes it is hard to believe how simple wellness can be, in case you just have enough possibilities and freedom. The TUI Holly is an annual prize awarded by TUI to the best 100 TUI holiday hotels in the world as chosen by TUI guests. Over the past few years many Iberotel hotels have been the proud winners of this coveted prize.

It’s all about starting the year right.

Miramar Al Aqah Beach Resort, the upmarket Moroccan-style property in the heart of Fujairah, does it with exciting promotions.

The five-star resort will have promotions at Sensasia, the Asian Fusion restaurant and Al Moltaqa that will run the whole month of January. Called Chef ’s Tasting for Two, the promotion at Sensasia will take you on an Asian culinary journey, offering four tastes in one platter. Dine and explore the Asian cuisine with your partner from starter till dessert, every night from 7pm to 11pm.

Al Moltaqa will tempt you to indulge in sweet, elegant and tempting cocktails specially created with a combination of chocolates and your favourite liquers. The promotion coincides with the outlet’s anniversary.

Two exhilarating parties await guests at Bliss Discotheque and Bahari Bar this month, with a Full Moon Party happening on Jan. 9 and a Winter Party on Jan. 27. Enjoy the cool winter weather at Miramar Al Aqah Beach Resort and be part of these extravagant events, a perfect time to reconnect with your friends and have unlimited fun. Dance to the funkiest and trendiest live music played by the DJ

and watch the spectacular Belly Dancer Show. Get entertained and at the same time, contribute to a cause to help the Miramar Environmental Program.

Start the year 2012 with a big bang and head to Miramar Al Aqah Beach Resort. For bookings and reservations, please call +971 9 244 9994 or email fbreservation@miramaralaqah.ae.

In an Iberotel hotel you enjoy firstclass beach locations on the Red Sea or on the Turkish Mediterranean coast as well as in Italy, Egypt and Germany.

Mostly built in a local architectural style, the group’s four- and five-star hotels offer a high level of individuality and a stylish atmosphere. Iberotel’s success story goes back more than 40 years. By providing a high level of comfort and service, an outstanding and varied cuisine as well as high standards of hygiene, safety and environmental friendliness, Iberotel has acquired an excellent reputation. The property offers guests ‘all inclusive’ in all hotels in Egypt and Turkey and by that they mean ‘Enjoying yourself to the full’!

All inclusive is full board, snacks, afternoon coffee and cakes, all local drinks at meal times and during bar opening hours, evening entertainment, a broad range of sporting and fitness activities

Travel Arabia I 29

Thrills

Explore

Escape to a different world at Fujairah Rotana Resort & Spa

F

ujairah Rotana Resort & Spa was recently recognized Best Resort Hotel at the first-ever International Hotel Awards – Arabia

2011.

This comes as no surprise to people who have stayed at Fujairah Rotana Resort & Spa, as well as those who have heard about the place. What would be quite unexpected is if the resort did not get the award at all.

“Why” is a no-brainer question.

Fujairah Rotana Resort & Spa is a refuge where one comes to rediscover the “self,” and explore what lies yonder.

At Fujairah Rotana Resort & Spa, the world slows down so you can stop seeing things as bland images passing by in a

30 I Travel Arabia

blink of an eye; so you can really see and appreciate them for what they’re worth; so you and finally enjoy quality time with your family.

Come to think of it. When was the last time you had this liberating sensation?

At Fujairah Rotana Resort & Spa, you can go SCUBA diving starting off with any PADI courses offered. Certified divers can also go on fun dives at two lovely sites just 10 minutes away.

If you’re not a big diving fan, beach fun starts at Fujairah Rotana Resort & Spa, too. Motorised and non-motorised activities will keep you and your family always happy.

You may want to experience the excit-

ing Fly Fish or Donut Ride; slice through the water on a high-speed windsurfing adventure; catch a magnificent fish on an adventurous fishing trip; parasail with a breathtaking bird’s eye view of the stunning location between the Hajar mountains; kayak at your own leisure; or simply snorkel the surrounding reefs with their verdant marine life.

Indeed, there’s just a lot to re-energize yourself and your family with. Now, shouldn’t you have time for this?

The International Hotel Awards – Arabia 2011 was developed to identify, highlight and reward excellence throughout the global hospitality industry; and seek the finest operations throughout a wide range of areas.

Travel Arabia I 31

Outside Arabia

Chiang Mai

Temples, dancing elephants and the ubiquitous foot spa

32 Travel Arabia

This centuries-old city is where the past echoes from the mountains to the streets below.

T

hailand’s Chiang Mai, which means “New City” was, from the 13th to the 18th centuries, capital of Lan Na, the prized and coveted “Kingdom of a Million Rice Fields,” where men of power staked claims on to add a feather in their caps.

Evidence of Chiang Mai’s somewhat tumultuous past can be gleaned from the moat and wall that was built around the city after it was regained from Burmese control around 1774 by King Taksin the Great, a military general who also became the first king of Thailand.

The moat and wall, meant to protect the city from Burmese intruders, is now lined with bars, late-night restaurants, bargain stalls, internet cafés and foot spas operating such that the place is buzzling with activity 24/7. The Chiang Mai nightlife, indeed, is lively and goes well into the small hours.

An hour’s flight away from Bangkok, or over 10 hours by car or bus, Chiang Mai, has grown from being a walled city to an increasingly modern place of about two million people with over five million visitors coming each year, of which approximately 2 million are foreigners.

Laid back What’s so captivating about Chiang Mai is its laid back ambience, the narrow streets that someone living in multi-laned highways and packed elevated trains would certainly enjoy; the surrounding

mountains that seem to guard the city from marauders; the temples with their huge gongs and brass bells that reverberates deep into your inner self if you’d only close your eyes and let them carry you adrift; and the people—not money-driven and, at the same time, smart enough to be not so naïve and gullible, as well.

You can stroll around Chang Mai’s popular night bazaar, bargain immediately at half the tag price on what you want and you get a smiling face from the stall owner who, following around two minutes of negotiations, would look happy to give it to you at just a little over your proposed amount.

Temples Chiang Mai is a city of Buddhist temples—over a dozen of them big and small of which the most significant is the Wat Prah Singh, which sits atop the Doi

Suthep mountain (1,676 meters) about 15 kilometers away from the city proper.

Every Temple with a name starting with Wat Prathat contains Buddha relics and therefore is holy to Buddhists.

Wat Phra Singh, which means, the “Monastery of the Lion,” was built in1345

by King Pa Yo to enshrine the ashes of King Kham Yu, the 6th ruler of Chiang Mai. In 1367, the Phra Singh Buddha was installed in the Viharn Lai Kham, so the temple was given its present name.

The temple is also known for its Lan Na art and architecture.

The road to the temple is one of curves and bends—winding indeed as it, then and now, offers a glimpse of the city below. Reaching the site, one is greeted by a long line of vendors offering anything from sunny side up quail eggs, boiled corn and bananas deep fried in flour, to souvenirs like wall hangers, wood carvings and shawls.

An elevator-rail brings visitors up to the temple itself; otherwise the 260-step stairway gives one a view of the city far below as he slowly ascends.

During the Songkran festival, held April 13-15 every year, people hold a procession for the sacred Buddha image around Chiang Mai town for the traditional “bathing.”

Elephants, tigers and crocs Chiang Mai is not only about stoic Buddha images. Some 40 minutes from the city proper is a long stretch of road, the Mae Rim – Samueng Highway, lined with exotic places for fun from crocodile,

Travel Arabia I 33

elephant and tiger farms to ATV rentals and bungee jumps.

Maesa Elephant camp, situated In the lush tropical jungle of Chiang Mai’s Maesa Valley, is a popular spot with bus loads of tourists coming by for a day of close encounters with jumbo. There are about 72 elephants in this farm all of which have been trained since they were young to amuse people.

Indeed, the elephants can pull a lot of stunts and acts—from playing football in a way that could give David Beckham a run for his money to painting ala van Gogh.

Notable is that the camp got international recognition after receiving a much coveted prize from Ripley’s Believe It Or Not (Thailand) for its 2.40-metre wide and 12-metre long painting entitled “Cold Wind, Swirling Mist, Charming Lanna.”

The painting was created by a group of eight elephant artists on Dec. 13, 2004.

The award, named “The Largest Painting by a Group of Elephants,” was given to the camp on the day it staged the painting rehearsal for the Guinness World Records shooting that took place on February 19, 2005.

NOTES Thai Airways fly daily Dubai-Bangkok flights with connecting flights to Chang Mai. There are several hotels in Chang Mai but you can try The Chedi Chiang Mai located along the banks of Mae Ping River on 123 Charoen Pra Thet Road. T (66) 5325 3333. reservation@chedi-chiangmai.com .

34 Travel Arabia

Chronicles

Greece

‘It seems as though every stone has a story underneath....’

AnaMarija Raickovic recalls the joys of a two-centre summer holiday in Greece, taking in the spectacular mountain village of Kalavryta and the car-free island of Spetses.

I

f you like your holidays to combine a little history and culture alongside spectacular beaches and fabulous food, then a two-centre vacation in Greece offers all that – and more. I went with my fiancé at the end of August to meet his family at their home in the mountain village of Kalavryta and then spent a week on the beautiful island of Spetses. The two venues make for a truly wonderful break.

Both destinations are within easy reach of Athens, with Kalavryta just an hour and half to the west by car, and Spetses two hours’ drive to the south. Spetses is not as commercialised as some of the better-known Greek holiday islands. Despite this, it offers clubs and bars, and is known for its secluded beaches and coves.

Kalavryta is mostly known for its recent history, and stands as a symbol

36 I Travel Arabia

of freedom for Greece. This is where the Greek War of Independence was declared in 1821, in the Monastery of Agia Lavra.

The entire region is covered by hills and mountains cloaked in legends, stories, myths and tradition. The Vouraikos River flows out of the mountains of Kalavryta and has carved a deep and steep gorge, where a funicular railway links the place to Diakopto. According to mythology, Hercules so loved Voura, the daughter of Nefeligeretis and Eliki, that he opened this passageway to reach the sea and meet her.

The river was named after her.

The Cog Railway (Odontotos or “tooth train”) connecting Kalavryta to Diakopto through Vouraikos Canyon, brings one of the most beautiful natural sights in Greece. It is regarded as the most spectacular train trip in the Balkans. The 22-km journey takes an hour as the train

rises 750 metres from sea level to Kalavryta. The narrow-gauge tracks follow the bed of the Vouraikos River and the little train travels through streams, climbing the fantastic gorge up into the mountains, through tunnels, over waterfalls, along cliffs and through forests of pine and oleander.

Another wonder of the area is The Cave of the Lakes, a unique string of cascading lakes forming three different levels with a labyrinth of corridors, mysterious galleries and strange stalagmite and stalactite formations. In winter when the snow melts, the cave is transformed into a subterranean river with natural waterfalls.

In summer, part of the cave dries up, revealing a lattice-work of stone basins and dams up to four metres high. The rest of the cave retains water permanently throughout the year in 13 picturesque

lakes. Tours of the cave take place every half hour or so, and the guide speaks English and Greek.

The Monastery of Agia Lavra is five kilometers outside of town on the side of a pine-covered mountain, commanding a view of the whole Vouraikos valley. This is where the first flag of freedom was raised

by Bishop Palaion Patron Germanos of Patras when the Greeks rebelled against the Turks on March 25, 1821. The date is now celebrated as Greece’s Independence Day. Built in 961 at an altitude of 961 metres, the monastery once also had 961 monks! It has been burned down three times: twice by the Turks in 1585 and 1827, and then by the Nazis in 1943. The oldest remaining building dates back to 1689.

Kalavryta is just half an hour away from the wonderful beaches of the Korinthiakos Gulf, and offers numerous hotels, guesthouses, cafes, bars, restaurants and traditional taverns. There is also the Helmos Ski Centre which caters to winter sports enthusiasts.

Visitors to Kalavryta can enjoy the best cheese pie in the world, yoghurt from the barrel, Greek goat stew, formaela panfried cheese, superb fried trout, amazing honey – and Kok, which is a delicious Greek cream puff coated with a chocolate glaze.

You can drive from Kalavryta to Spetses or take a fast hydrofoil there from Athens. We chose to drive, and along the way we passed ancient Agamemnon’s fortress, one of the must-sees of the Peloponnese peninsula. History buffs and fans of the movie Troy will know that in Greek mythology Agamemnon was the king of either Mycenae (in Homer) or Argos (in some later accounts), and was the leader of the Greek forces during the Trojan War. We marvelled at the Acropolis at Mycenae and the Epidaurus Theatre, where we tried dropping a coin in the centre of the stage and heard it clearly from the topmost seats. We also passed through Nafplio, a beautiful small seaside town full of historical sites and nice restaurants.

The town was the first capital of modern Greece, from the start of the Greek Revolution in 1821 until 1834.

We had to leave the car at Kosta and get a boat to Spetses, as the island has no cars. Horse-drawn carriages, bicycles and motorcycles are the only way to get around and reach its wonderful sandy beaches and lovely secluded bays. These

include Vrellos, Agia Marina, Agioi Anargyroi and lots of smaller, calm coves where you can enjoy some privacy; some are within walking distance of the capital, also called Spetses.

The villages are picturesque and authentic, and the capital is a real architectural beauty full of two-storey neoclassical houses with wooden balconies, coloured walls and narrow stone-paved alleys. The houses are all built in traditional style and must comply with architectural regulations of the island.

The island is extremely popular with Athenians, who swarm there during Easter and summer weekends to enjoy the lush green scenery, hiking trails and the mix of tranquility and the bustle of cosmopolitan life. Culinary treats include fish Spetsiota (fish cooked in the oven with fresh tomato, Spetses-style), octopus, xtenia clams, almond pastries called amigdalota, mezze dishes and of course gyros, the socalled food of the gods.

Spetses also boasts its own heroine of the Greek Revolution: Laskarina Bouboulina, whose house has now been converted into a museum. Bouboulina used her fortune to make arms and ships for her country, including the famous Agamemnon, which featured 18 cannons and was the largest Greek ship used in Greek War of Independence. She fought many famous battles against the Turks and is one of the most revered figures in Greek history.

Visitors during the second week of September can take in the Armata Festival, which includes mainly artistic events, such as traditional dances, theatrical performances, exhibitions and a spectacular recreation of the Spetses naval battle.

Our car journey back to Athens took us past the Isthmus of Corinth, the narrow land bridge that connects the Peloponnese peninsula with the rest of mainland Greece, near the city of Corinth.

The Isthmus was known in the ancient world as the landmark separating the Peloponnese from the mainland.

If you fancy something a little different, combining a visit to Kalavryta and Spetses – ideally with a day or two in Athens to take in the fabulous Acropolis and other monuments – is well worth a look.

Greece inspires you with its history, myths, stories and culture. It seems as though every stone has a story underneath, and there is so much to see and learn. We’re definitely going back!

Acropolis-temple in Athens

Epidaurus Theatre

Waterfall of the Vourraikos Gorge

Travel Arabia I 37

Festivals

Turkey wrestlemania Move over ‘Stone Cold,’ the Tülus are here The towering incredible hulks take the backseat as Tülu camels stomp their way to the ring and do it over the top— with their necks, that is.

Deve güreşi, as camel wrestling is called in Turkey, involves two male Tülus wrestling to show a female camel in heat who between them is the better man.

The practice of using a female for motivation is however not being employed as frequently now due to the degree of violence it causes—of course, men fighting over women can sometimes turn nasty and ugly!

And since it is difficult to convince male camels to fight without one nearby, organizers have attempted to entangle two camels together or starve the camels to make them more aggressive—to which animal rights groups have cried foul over.

The camels fight by using their necks as leverage to force their opponent to fall down. Winner is the one who managed to bring his opponent to the ground or flee from the fight.

By nature, camels wrestle in the wild.

The nomads, apparently bewildered and amazed, started organizing it into a social past time.

Male Tülus start their fighting career when they turn 10. Like human ring fighters, they are also spruced up for the fight, often draped with decorative rugs, carved saddles, and bells. Musicians often accompany the events playing flutes and drums to add up to the building crescendo of excitement.

As of 2011, there are an estimated 2,000 Tulu camels in Turkey, bred specially for the competitions. A successful camel can be sold for over $20,000.

Each year from November to March, approximately 30 camel wrestling festivals are held in Aegean Turkey, of which some 100 fighting camels take part in, with each camel competing in approximately ten matches.

38 I Travel Arabia

MAG me Hotel Apartment

A new travelers haven has opened its doors, located in the heart of Bur Dubai, MAG me Hotel Apartment welcomes you...

It has 91 clean and fully furnished rooms, equipped with modern facilities and excellent service. A fitness club, swimming pool and lobby lounge restaurant to make your stay a truly memorable one.

Whether you are visiting for business or with your family for leisure and shopping, MAG me Hotel Apartment is an ideal place to stay. It is strategically located behind Burjuman Shopping Centre and with very close proximity to the Gold Souk, Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall, Sheikh Zayed Road, World Trade Centre, Mall of the Emirates, Media & Internet City and Dubai Marina area.

Come stay with us‌ For other services: Visa assistance, Desert safari and other tours, please call Mr. Nashaat +971 55 2777762

Tel. +971 4 3464333, Fax. +971 4 3464343, P.O. Box. 23325, Dubai, U.A.E, E-mail. info@magmehotel.ae, www.magmehotel.com

Moroccan chants and rhythms Morocco, the country that never sleeps, never has dull moments indeed!

All year long, major gigs are being

40 I Travel Arabia

held here and there in this country of a million rhythms and chants.

In February, a tiny almond-growing town in southern Morocco’s Tiznit Province called Tafraoute (pronounced: Tafrawt) livens up as visitors climb narrow, challenging uphill roads to this laid-back, red Roman-walled Anti-Atlas mountain hideaway for the annual Almond Blossom Festival held in the enclave’s Valle Dei Tempi.

Highlighting the event is a string of

musical, dance and theatrical performances. Adventurous souls who have gone to the place note that as the event is organised inside the site of old Roman ruins, the stage, lights and blossoming almond trees create a calming, yet lively atmosphere that is complimented by the sight of the ruins being lit up during the evening.

For its part, the annual Fes World Sacred Music Festival, which is themed, “Re-enchanting the World,” and to be held in June this year, draws audience and performers from around the world.

Regional as well as international artists participate in this festival which was founded in 1994.

In July, the Moroccan edition of Switzerland’s famed Montreux Jazz Festival, the Marrakech Jazz Festival, kicks off at the amazing La Ménara and the Bahia Palace. The gig, which has gained international prestige, brings together all the familiar elements of this classic event, which includes acoustic concerts, workshops, and the Montreux Jazz Club.

Among icons who have performed at the Marrakech Jazz Festival are Bo Diddely Chuck Berry Ella Fitzgerald BB King and Herbie Hancock.

Meantime, Essaouira Gnawa and World Music Festival is a celebration of the mysterious music of the Gnawas, the product of a mystic tradition with branches as widespread as Haitian voodoo and Brazilian Candomblé.

Originating through a cross-pollination of African magic and Islamic rituals, the Gnawa brotherhoods form a structured unit around a Master, who leads music and dancing until the participants are in a state of trance. The mesmerizing rhythms of the drums, the guenbri (a form of lute) and the hand-held garagab (metal castanets) lead performers into a trance-like state - during religious ceremonies, Gnawas have even been known to impale themselves on swords or beat their heads with iron balls without sustaining any visible external injuries.

Another popular musical extravaganza is the Tanjazz held annually in Tangier, Morocco since 2000.

Indeed, TanJazz has been hugging the limelight with its list of iconic artists in the Jazz genre among them veteran Jamaican-born pianist Monty Alexander, whose 50 years of career include performing with Frank Sinatra and Bob Marley.

fort

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This 4-star luxury hotel in Dubai offers inspired touches on a grand scale. Spacious accommodations are furnished to meet the highest standards, while the 27 elegantly designed suites and 165 rooms provide superior luxury and exclusive services.

Dining transcends expectations of Dubai hotels with a tempting choice of 8 restaurants and bars. To unwind, the RAMADA Continental Hotel Dubai offers a refreshing rooftop pool and fully equipped health club. For a superior meeting and conference in Dubai UAE, let our classical event venue beautifully accommodate your event.

For inquiries and reservations: Tel.: + 9714-266 2666, Fax : + 9714-268 9830 E-mail: sales@ramadacontinental.com Website.: www.ramadacontinental.com P.O.Box : 31999, Deira, Dubai United Arab Emirates

Taste Travel Gourmet Abu Dhabi Culture marries cuisine

This annual epicurean occasion is exclusively crafted and exceptionally satisfying to the most discerning individuals who seek gourmet enjoyment in perfect grandeur.

If lollapalooza is what you call the mother of all gigs, then Gourmet Abu Dhabi, now running its third year, would be the mother of all food events.

Indeed, with several icons of the culinary world flown in and starring at the 16-day, emirate-wide event to showcase their signature dishes and what not, Gourmet Abu Dhabi certainly is one where doors open to broaden horizons on that fine art of preparing food and dining.

Embark then on a gastronomic journey from Feb. 8 to 23, 2012 and indulge in the cuisines and vintages extravagance.

Presented by Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority, Gourmet Abu Dhabi is a lifestyle gastronomic extravaganza that marries culture and cuisine impeccably.

This annual epicurean occasion is exclusively crafted and exceptionally satisfying to the most discerning individuals who seek gourmet enjoyment in perfect grandeur.

Tantalise your taste buds during this gourmet festival featuring only the finest cuisines, best vintages and most unique dining experiences found in this emerging global capital, Abu Dhabi.

This is an event for those with a passion for fine food from those with a refined passion for hospitality

42 I Travel Arabia

Largest ever This year’s Gourmet Abu Dhabi has the largest-ever edition of its Abu Dhabi Gourmet Stars Awards – dubbed the “Oscars” of the local culinary scene – with more than 40 eligible restaurants and 100 professional nominees representing all host venues.

The first round of voting, which took off on Oct. 5, 2011 and was opened online to the public was trimmed to a shortlist of three finalists per award at its closing on Dec. 5, 2011.

From there, a second round of voting started Dec. 12, 2011 and is scheduled to close on Jan. 25, 2012, with the finalists again running the gauntlet of public opinion; this time alongside a “Mystery Diner” scoring phase to be undertaken by an esteemed panel of industry judges.

With voting closing on Jan. 25, the winners in 10 categories, covering both establishments and individual accolades, who have been operating in Abu Dhabi for at least six months prior to nomination, will be unveiled during a glittering awards ceremony that closes the fourth edition of the annual festival.

“The record number of nominees evidences Abu Dhabi’s increasingly diverse and vibrant F&B scene,” said Dayne Lim, Product Development Director, Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA), the festival’s organiser.

“Since its inception three years ago, Gourmet Abu Dhabi, which features an impressive collection of critically-acclaimed culinary masters, has fostered industry-wide improvements in standards and quality, with Abu Dhabi’s visitors and residents now spoilt for highend dining choices. We look forward to a record level of public participation in our most hotly contested awards to date.”

Celebrity Chef George Calombaris

A gastronomic affair at Yas Island Rotana

Gourmet Abu Dhabi promises to be a gathering of internationally renowned master chefs, distinguished winemakers, restaurateurs, industry professionals and personalities.

The Executive chef of Yas Island Rotana & Centro Yas Island, Darren Andow will be hosting celebrity Chef George Calombaris in addition to the international master chef Sean Griffin at the signature restaurant Blue Grill, Feb. 9 – 12, 2012.

Commenting on the Gourmet Abu Dhabi gastronomic explosion, Chef Darren said: “This great event uplifts the dining experience to the next level. With renowned chefs coming from around the world and mastering their ingredients and recipes, it makes it a rewarding experience for our customers and chefs alike”.

Chef George will host a dinner on Feb. 10, 2012.

This Australian chef is known for his role as judge in the hit MasterChef Australia TV series and his regular appearances on Australia’s popular daytime TV show Ready Steady Cook.

His career began at Melbourne’s Hotel Sofitel under the eye of Raymond Capaldi. George’s molecular gastronomy has seen him become a much talked about chef on the international food circuit. In 2004, Global Food and Wine Magazine voted George one of the world’s Top 40 Chefs of Influence.

George has always been fascinated by food. Inspired by his mother and

grandmother, two brilliant cooks, George quickly learnt about food and cooking.

Although born and bred in Melbourne (Australia), the centre of his early learning was his Greek heritage. With its rich and varied cuisine there was no doubt that this would later become George’s trademark.

In the Age Good Food Guide (2004), George was awarded “Young Chef of the Year 2004.” Following these awards, George was swiftly approached to Guest Chef on many television programmes and later taking on a regular appearance on Australia’s popular daytime TV show Ready Steady Cook.

Meantime, Chef Sean will create his traditional dishes at the steakhouse Blue Grill, Feb. 9 – 12, 2012.

Having worked his way up from a young age in his father’s restaurant, Chef Sean eventually ventured out of the family business. His hard work and drive was recognised by Chef Gary Palm who saw Chef Sean promoted to chef of the AAA Four Diamond Duane’s Prime Steaks & Seafood. His real break, however, came when he was appointed chef de cuisine at the world-famous Four Seasons Hotel in Beverly Hills, California. Under his direction, the hotel’s AAA Five Diamond restaurant was named one of the USA’s top 40 restaurants by Gayot and earned the Southern California Restaurant Writers’ Award for “Best Contemporary Restaurant.”

Travel Arabia I 43

Blue Rain

Authentic Thai dishes

Photo by Andy Nettleton

44 I Travel Arabia

There is nothing that quite compares to the levels of tastes that Thai food gives.

Balancing flavours to create harmonious dishes is an art and one that Sawai Krasian, chef de cuisine at the Blue Rain restaurant Ritz Carlton DIFC does especially well.

The philosophy is simple. Authentic Thai dishes using fresh ingredients are given a modern look to create a delightfully attractive menu. It is obvious that a great deal of thought has gone into the presentation of the dishes and the results are visually exciting.

ed with Thai food and culture including mango, coconut and glutinous rice.

Dining out is as much about the atmosphere as it is the food and the Blue Rain is modern and minimalist with an almost spa-like feel to it.

The restaurant is tucked away behind the hotel’s dramatic 10-storey high waterfall with an impressive entrance flanked by, what is apparently, the world’s biggest wine rack servicing all of the hotel’s dining outlets. Inside the restaurant, it is the cleverly placed water features that draw the eye. At one end is

Choosing from the menu is difficult with so many appealing dishes so the khong wang, a mixed appetiser of Thai spring rolls, crab stuffed wagyu beef, spicy satay prawns and succulent chicken wrapped in banana leaf is a good starting point.

Chef Sawai is always on hand to recommend dishes to confused diners and he is especially proud of his phad thai goong mang korn - wok fried rice noodles with large meaty chunks of lobster, tofu and bean sprouts. He is also keen to recommend the panang nua wagyu, a fragrant panang curry with tender wagyu beef, chili and kaffir lime.

Rounding off a Thai meal there really is only one dessert. The “Khao Niew Mamuang” is a delightful marriage of some of the most popular ingredients associat-

the wall of water that provides a soothing backdrop to the whole dining experience, while a gently trickling stream under a glass floor, a contemporary version of the water in the Court of the Lions at the Alhambra, runs the entire length of the restaurant.

The service is typically Thai – gracious and quietly unobtrusive. Diners are served an iced ginger tea and cold scented towel as they are seated which further add to the Zen-like feel of the experience.

Blue Rain is the Ritz Carlton’s’ signature restaurant which, given its central location in Dubai International Financial Centre, is already proving to be a popular choice for office employees in the buildings surrounding the hotel and with those living in close proximity to Sheikh Zayed Road.

An evening with The Chef Italian?

That would be Esca, a cozy, laid-back, restaurant nestled in the Qamardeen Hotel, right at the heart of Downtown Dubai where you can dine indoor in pure elegance, or poolside with the nearby towering buildings adding up to a more cosmopolitan appeal, even al fresco where things get surreal with Burj Khalifa reminding you that you’re in Dubai despite the authentic Italian dish on the table.

There’s a story to this restaurant—and it goes like this: On a delightfully cool December evening, the restaurant’s maestro, Southern Sun Al Manzil and Qamardeen Hotels Executive Chef Bernd Geiger, hosted a dinner for a small band of travel writers.

Eager as they were, the gang laid their hands on a wide assortment of cheese at the lobby lounge for starters after which they were led down to the open-air poolside for the evening’s main event, if you will.

Soon enough, the group was feasting on an all-Italian meal that commenced with a cold antipasti platter, and Margarita Pizza—fresh buffalo mozzarella with tomato and basil leaves.

This was followed by Rigatoni alla siziliana, Risotto pomodoro e parmigana and Tagliatelle alla Ragout and then Brasato di Manzo, slow braised beef with carrot and celery; Costolette di Agnello—herbs crusted lamb cutlet with roasted vegetable; and Salmone con pomodori secci, kaperi e finocchio—pan fried salmon fillet with sun dried tomato, capes, black olives and sauté fennel.

The pasta, with its flavourful sauce and beef chunks, was great; and so was the risotto, which seemed to just slide its way down with creamy delight. The salmon deliciously melted in the mouth; and the lamb cutlet, tender and done somewhat medium rare, was gorgeous.

Oh indeed! Laughter and idle talks filled the night as Chef Bernd gave his piece about the meals on the table with the nearby tall buildings overlooking the pool standing witness to what perhaps may aptly be called a gathering of bon vivants

in the midst of frenzy.

Stuffed, the party was led to Esca’s streetfront venue where the connoisseurs of good food were treated to desserts— Tortino piemontese al Ciccolato, Tiramisu and Semifreddo—and shisha.

All good things come to an end, and as the night became chillier by the minute, everyone agreed ‘twas time to go.

‘That’s not true.’

Or so says Chef Bernd Geiger, 2007 Hotelier Middle East Chef of the Year, when asked about his piece on the notion that German food is all sausages and burgers.

Himself hailing from south Germany, Chef Bernd, appearing visibly amused by the question, said, “Like France or Italy. We have very simple; very, very good cuisine.

Of course sausages we have, but not only sausages. We also have nice vegetable dishes.”

He said that like most other countries, food in Germany varies according to the region; preparation also varies depending on the season and what’s available.

Chef Bernd said Mediterranean cuisine is what he wants to prepare the most. “It is something that everybody loves because it is very, very authentic; very simple. You always look for the best ingredients, for the best time for the ingredients. It’s simplicity,” he said.

Chef Bernd said blending cuisines doesn’t work.

“You can’t (blend) because to a certain extent it is not possible and it should not be because with all this fusion, you wipe out the traditional cuisine. They always should stay as traditional cuisine.

“Yes, we can play around but…for me, it should not be blended. Let it stay because (becomes) so different, it doesn’t work.”

Travel Arabia I 45

Adobo’s new twist Turkish bon vivant develops savory style

Nour Arjaan Fujairah General Manager Ahmet Ender

‘The secret to my adobo is that I marinate it with...,’

46 I Travel Arabia

Here’s a story about how food travels—and develops—over time.

In the yonder days, there was adobo, a Spanish way of marinating and preparing meat that the Spaniards took with them when they set sail to conquer the world and tried to reach what was then the Spice Islands—now Indonesia—via Latin America.

So, wherever they anchored, they brought with them the condiementos de adobo (adobo mix) that the natives loved and took as their own.

Came a time when the Spaniards reached the Philippines and found that the natives there were having dish quite similar to adobo, albeit with a slight variation: vinegar. The Spaniards nonetheless referred to this method as adobo due to its superficial similarity to the Spanish adobo. Hence over the years evolved the Filipino adobo.

Now comes adobo with yet another variation, this time from a Turkish who

reached the Philippines in 1978 but for a different reason—to recruit staff for Sheraton Dubai Creek Hotel and Towers.

“During my stay in Manila, I was introduced to the Chicken and Beef Adobo at a restaurant called ‘Kamayan,’” says Ahmet Ender, Nour Arjaan Fujairah general manager. Ender Travel Arabia.

Then a Food and Beverage Manager at the Dubai hotel, Ender says he found the Filipino adobo to be very tasty. “It had a very strong taste and it went very well with white rice,” he says.

Ender says Adobo, which is based in soy sauce, vinegar garlic, black pepper and basil leaves, is actually easy to prepare. “The dish is simple in itself. It can be cooked in 15 minutes too,” he says.

Being a food connoisseur himself, Ender was soon preparing his own version of adobo which turned out to be equally popular as well.

“The secret to my adobo,” he says, “is that I marinate it with all the usual ingredients (soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, some onion puree, crushed pepper) and pour some red wine.

“I keep it overnight for the flavors to seep in. I boil the meat until it dries up but is not burned. Then, I flame the meat with red wine and brandy. It is important to serve it hot on top of a steaming rice.

This will keep the meat hot and moist at the same time.”

Bon appetite!

When in Nairobi

Crave cheese

Nairobi is easily accessible from a range of cities in the Middle East, only four and a half hours away from Dubai, but many people simply use Nairobi as a hub to go on to the bush for their safaris or to change planes to go to the beaches of Mombasa and Malindi. Stay awhile and do something different. Take a quick trip up country to Browns Cheese Factory. The owners Delia and Andy opened their home for cheese tastings and factory tours in March 2011 and currently run a maximum of four tours per week.

While the tours are relatively new, Browns Cheeses have been around for almost 30 years. Delia’s parents pioneered the cheese making process in Kenya when Delia’s father wanted to eat Brie, a few trials later, the Browns brand was born.

Currently the factory produces 17 different kinds of artisan cheese, many of which have won awards in South Africa and Europe. The factory now provides employment to 45 local people who help look after the 25 Fresian cows, two pigs (Bacon and Mildred) their 10 newborn piglets, two rabbits, numerous chickens and some roving guinea fowl !

The tours start with a welcome drink and the first cheese of the tour which on our trip was a plump halloumi delicately flavoured with thyme and shallow fried till golden brown on the outside and almost melty in the middle. A brief cheese making demonstration follows and you’ll learn that the main ingredients of any cheese are milk, bacteria, enzymes and salt. Next lab coats and non-slip footwear are put on for a visit to the factory floor, which comprises of one large room where all the scientific processes required for making cheese happen, we lingered for a while in 2 maturing rooms where racks of cheeses sit in chilly temperatures, some for a couple of months others like the Parmesans stay put for almost 2 years. The Brie and other more mouldy cheeses are looked after by one person in an isolated area to minimize the risk of any contamination.

Returning to the main Tuscan style farmhouse for the cheese tasting is the highlight of the tour and places are already set out at the large farmhouse table. Guests are encouraged to try 10 types of cheese beautifully displayed from mild at one end to more mature at the other, going in an anticlockwise direction. The cheeses ranged from plainish Provolone to full

bodied Parmesans and creamy Bries.

Homemade bread and an impressive selection of crackers accompany the cheeses including an unusual (I found subsequently at Selfridges at £4.50 for a small packet) black charcoal cracker, apparently helpful for digestion.There is also a sophisticated range of homemade organic chutneys, I tried grape, mountain papaya jam, honey and caramelised onion.

But don’t fill yourself up, as a sumptuous organic lunch follows, roasted duck salads, fresh tomato soup, fennel and cheddar cheese tart and spinach ravioli were just some of the things on the menu.

Dessert was a fresh apple and mountain papaya pie with cream.

A fabulous walk around the organic farm and gardens is a perfect way to walk off lunch, and this part of the tour is a delight and great hit with children, The sheer variety of vegetables and fruits grown on the farm is very impressive and unusual, I particularly liked the cherry guava which we tasted as we went along learning about tomatillos, green beans, flowering courgette, sweet potato, cabbage and fennel.

While we traipsed around Hugh Fernley Whittingstall style, pre-ordered cheeses were being packaged up for our return.

This is a fabulous day out and although it’s not something you’d usually associate with Kenya, I’d say it was a must-do activity for anyone visiting Nairobi.

Delia and Andy don’t aggressively promote the tours, you need to call them to book a tour or it may be easier to do via a travel agent who knows them.www. brownscheese.com.

Try Rahul at merlin@africaonline. co.ke or www.merlin-travel.com He can organise all your Kenyan trip requirements. For other great Kenyan Days Out, visit www.doindubai.com

Contributed by Monica Kapila. Photos courtesy of Anika Kapila and Browns Cheese Factory.

Travel Arabia I 47

Na3Na3

Lively on Seafood Night

48 I Travel Arabia

Na3Na3, pronounced NaNa, is Arabic for mint. It is also the Middle Eastern restaurant at The Address Dubai Mall.

Not your typical Arabic restaurant, though. Decor is edgy and contemporary with high ceilings and modern furniture; an open kitchen greets you as you enter, with tables set in the long narrow restaurant that cleverly also manages corners for a cosy tête-à-tête as well as large groups without disturbing other diners.

There is an outdoor terrace overlooking the waterfall, but for Dubai dwellers, it was definitely too chilly on this particular winter’s evening to sit outside.

Na3Na3 is lively and vibrant on a Thursday evening for the weekly Seafood Night promotion; it is clearly popular, and certainly offers good value for money.

With Arabic mezze to please traditional tastes in what is, after all, an Arabic restaurant, appetizers also included spicy gazpacho with chilled basil shrimp skewer, delicate seafood salads, fresh crab, prawns and smoked salmon. The deliciously spicy tom yum soup and the sushi gave the buffet a dash of Asian flair, and was so popular the chefs spent much of the evening refilling the platters.

Fresh to order tempura was light and fluffy and certainly worth waiting for, and the choice of seafood at the live cooking station was almost overwhelming. Some suggestions as to how the fresh seafood selection could be cooked would have been welcomed, but we managed to work out what everything was and decided on how to have it prepared with a minimum of fuss. Meat lovers are not forgotten, and the beef was a perfect accompaniment for the shrimp, clams, mussels and oysters.

Dessert is always a favourite, and Na3Na3 did not disappoint. A cassis flavoured mouse cheesecake was sweet yet tangy, the date and honey mousse simply delicious, and chocoholics were more than satisfied with the cakes and pastries on offer.

Seafood Night at Na3Na3 is certainly a good way to round off a Thursday afternoon’s shopping excursion and won’t break the bank!

Na3Na3 Seafood Night: Thursdays 6:30pm – 11:30 pm AED 195 including soft beverages: AED 245 including selected beverages Reservations: +971 4 438 8888 or email dine.dubaimall@theaddress.com

we have nothing to hide

our ingredients. our preparation, our displays... we lay it out before you, naked in the process.We want you to see as we prepare your meal.

freshness before your very eyes *

ever noticed, we dont have a freezer?

That’s because our produce is brought in fresh that morning. Our aioli is mixed each day before noon. Our pastries are made early each morning directly on our premises.

we brew with a conscience

even our coffee has MBCo integrity.

For some reason coffee tastes so much better when we know it’s not hurting our planet. That is why we serve fair trade organic coffee. We want you to hug your mug & feel the love !

the free generation

that means no artificial flavors, colors or sweeteners ... the only reason anyone does is to make something taste like something it isn’t and for a lot cheaper.

we source locally

we go to extraordinary lengths to source our produce locally, fresh every day . . . our breads, our bagels, muffins, from here in the heart of the city. our eggs, our coffee and teas are from organic farms that protect the environment and encourage sustainable farming practices.

Dubai Mall - Ice Rink, Mirdiff City Centre, Arabian Ranches

City Living Why they stay at hotel apartments ‘As a family, you have space to sit and talk.’

Rajiv Khurana was also recently in Dubai for a five-day holiday with his wife and kids. They likewise stayed in an apartment hotel. Why? “Apartment hotels are very nice, very well-appointed, very well-equipped, you have everything. Apartment hotels provide sitting room where you can sit and talk instead of having two hotel

rooms for instance.

“If you don’t stay in an apartment you take two hotel rooms where somehow there is not enough space to sit together and talk. So, yes from that point of view, an apartment hotel makes a lot of sense to us.

“You can stock up on food if you want you can cook; wash your clothes, too. It’s very, very convenient. It made a lot of sense.”

‘I had to stay at a hotel for a whole month…I went broke’ Sharon Lee was recently in Dubai with her daughter and son where they stayed in an apartment hotel. Asked by Travel Arabia why they did not go for a hotel instead, she said: “First, and to be honest, I wasn’t sure it was an apartment hotel, but we were happily surprised to see that it was. It’s very nice. It has the most comfortable bed I have ever slept in—honestly, I’m, going to miss that bed (laughing).

“Staying in an apartment hotel, you can save money by buying food and storing it in the fridge. You also have the washing machine and dryer.

“I have had to stay in a hotel for a whole month in Abu Dhabi—that was so hard and I went broke (laughing) because we had to eat out all the time. But here, we don’t have to. We can buy our groceries and the fridge is huge, bigger than my fridge.

“It saves you a lot of money, definitely.”

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS: Special thanks to Mr. Jean-Francois Asimus, Dusit Residence Dubai Marina General Manager for arranging the interviews with his guests.

50 I Travel Arabia

Shop and Stay

City views and retail therapy Shopping experiences right on your doorstep With all of its magnificent malls shopping is undoubtedly Dubai’s number one pastime, particularly for those coming in from neighbouring countries or from further afield. So a hotel that is directly connected to a shopping mall is the obvious accommodation choice.

Soaring above the city the BurJuman Arjaan by Rotana is a little bit of indulgence for those who like lots of space. The 144 one-bedroom suites, three three-bedroom townhouses and a huge four-bedroom penthouse are incredibly spacious with amazing views of the Creek from their floor-to-ceiling windows. They are also very well thought out with a fully operational kitchen that includes a microwave, fridge, washing machine and plenty of work surfaces as well as an iPod player and high speed internet connection.

Tastefully furnished in neutral earthy tones and modern, yet comfortable, furniture it is perfectly suited for a family weekend away or for those staying a little longer. And the hotel does indeed cater to guests who need accommodation for weeks rather than days. However for a quick shopping trip it really couldn’t be better located or better equipped.

Staying at the BurJuman Arjaan by

Rotana means guests have access to one of the city’s most established malls, the BurJuman, and its vast choice of quality high-end fashion brands. If time permits, a short walk takes you to the metro and access to Dubai’s other shopping malls and leisure facilities.

The other main attraction of this hotel is the Fitness First health club with direct access for guests. Just an elevator ride down from your room takes you into, what is, at over 48,000 square feet, the largest Fitness First Club in the world. Not only does it have more than 125 exercise

machines but it also has an outdoor pool for both avid swimmers and for those who just want to relax and enjoy the sun.

The hotel’s family restaurant, The Gallery, provides a great start to the day with a breakfast buffet that includes healthy options as well as traditional local dishes. It opens for lunch and dinner also however after a long day’s shopping the ultimate indulgence is to have dinner served in your room.

As a city hotel the BurJuman Arjaan

by Rotana is ideally located, easy to get to and close enough to the major attractions.

Travel Arabia I 51

Melting Pot A CORNUCOPIA OF THE GOOD TIMES AHEAD

52 Travel Arabia

SHOPPING

Sophia Clutch 3,030 AED

laser cut shopper 7,070 AED

Funk Rock 7,070 AED

Mode Creation Munich

tracey flapover 5,590 AED

Ultimate luxury accessories for the most discerning international traveller

Grace Croco 4,580 AED

City Hunter 4,245 AED Jet Setter Flap Messenger 5,030 AED

Kitty Drawstring 18,860 AED EW shopper medium 3,235 AED

NS Shopper Medium 3,235 AED

Travel Arabia I 53

DINING Arabian Ranches Golf Club

City Seasons Suites Dubai

Ranches Restaurant Burn’s Supper Jan. 26, 2012 Baker-Finch Room / 7:30pm – 11pm Join us on an extraordinary evening celebrating 253 years of the life and genius of Robert Burns, in time honoured fashion with traditional Scottish festivities, dance and gourmet food in the vibrant surroundings of the stunning clubhouse.

Inquiries: +971 4 360 7935 or email restaurant@arabianranchesgolf.ae.

New Seasons Wednesdays / 12:30pm – 3:30pm Hot and cold starters from minestrone soup and garlic bread to sautéed chicken liver with grilled capsicum. Traditional pasta and pizza dishes make up the main courses along with perennial favourites Italian style grilled chicken with rich creamy mushroom sauce and beef medallion with mozzarella and fresh tomato.

AED 65 per person

Aloft Abu Dhabi

The Address Dubai Marina “Generation Creation” at Mazina!

Jan. 21, 2012 / 12:30pm – 3:30pm Fun-packed afternoon. January’s “Creation” prepares dads and kids to impress with the best for Valentine’s Day by creating their very own floral bouquet.

To book your Brunch and reserve a ‘Generation Creation Station’ or for further enquiries call 04 4367777 or email dine.dubaimarina@theaddress.com

Maï Café Thursday Evening Brunch Starts 6:30pm Lounge around at our ultimate outdoor chill-out spot adjoining the amazing Splash pool. Expect exciting international flavors, oversized beach chairs, loungepods-for-two and unique snazzy sips, complimented by our eclectic mix of laidback tunes and sunny grooves.

Inquiries: 02 – 6545111 or email 3357. maicafe@alofthotels.com Relax@12 Get ready for a fab night out at and treat your tummy to delightful sushi and exotic bites. Inquiries: 02 – 6545138 or email 3357.relax@alofthotels.com Asian Tapas Night – Saturdays and Sundays Treat your tummy to Oriental bites, yummy tapas and sassy sushi and enjoy free-flowing house beverages.

Inquiries: 02 – 6545138, or email 3357. relax@alofthotels.com

Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts

54 I Travel Arabia

Crowne Plaza Dubai Sheikh Zayed Road Harvesters Pub Scottish Promotion. Jan. 23 – 29, 2012 Selection of traditional Scottish dishes BBQ on the Terrace. Thursdays 7pm – 11pm All you can eat – every week different BBQ, salad and ice cream form around the world. Inquiries: 043311111 - Fnbrestaurants@cpdxb.com Sakura Enjoy a typical Japanese Izakaya party with appetizers, a miso soup, tempura, salad, cold noodles, all-you-can-eat on selected items: sushi, teppaniyaki (beef, chicken, vegetables) and desserts.

Wednesday Dinner, Friday Lunch & Dinner: 12noon- 3pm & 6pm – 11pm Inquiries: 043311111 - Fnbrestaurants@ cpdxb.com

Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts 15-Minute Room Service Menu Each Four Seasons has created its own gourmet menu based on local tastes and

ingredients. Menu choices are creative and flavourful, and designed for top speed delivery to one’s room in just 15 minutes.

New service available at all 86 hotels and resorts worldwide.

InterContinental Abu Dhabi Boccaccio Perroni lunch offer including salad, pizza of your choice, a Perroni brew and coffee.

Offer available daily from 12:30pm till 3:00pm.

On January 24th, Boccaccio is holding an exquisite four course wine dinner for AED 375.

Piano Lounge Every Wednesday and Saturday, from 5pm till 9pm, enjoy the good things in life with a cheese and grape beverage offer at AED 120.

The Yacht Club Jan. 18 and 19: DJ Jeff Cortez is playing Disco House – accompanied by a saxophonist and the late dance show.

Jan. 25 and 26: DJ Michael Canitrot is back from Paris, playing exclusively for his Abu Dhabi fans. Inquiries: 0800- IC-DINE (0800- 423463) or dine@icauh.ae.

Jumeirah Beach Hotel Al Khayal Enjoy a selection of cold mezzeh, hot mezzeh, main course, fruits and desserts from our signature menu and reorder any dish you like as many times as you wish.

7pm – 11p m Inquiries: +971 4 406 8999 or email jbhboxoffice@jumeirah.com.

Latitude Celebrate the Year of the Dragon with our fabulous international buffet including a wide array of Cantonese specialties.

7pm – 11pm on Jan. 23, 2012 Inquiries: +971 4 406 8999 or email jbhboxoffice@jumeirah.com.

Jumeirah Zabeel Saray Imperium French Brasserie brunch. Llavish buffet and a la carte options. From Seafood, Terrines to the Carving Grill and Cheese sections the French really do it best with rustic and regional brasserie dishes and French twist on brunch classics.

12:30pm – 4pm Fridays Children age 5 to 12 dine at half price

Children below 4 years dine for free Inquiries: +971 4 453 0444 or email jzsrestaurants@jumeirah.com

Madinat Jumeirah Zheng He’s Jan. 22 – 23, 2012 12pm – 3pm / 6pm – 11:30pm Special Chinese New Year set menu. Entertainment includes lion dance, a Chinese harp player and authentic Chinese dances.

Inquiries: +971 4 366 6730 or MJrestaurants@jumeirah.com.

Al Muna Friday brunch at Mina A’ Salam.

12:30pm – 4pm Fridays Children below 12 years dine for free Inquiries: +971 4 366 6730

Mövenpick Hotel & Apartment Bur Dubai The Fountain Restaurant Food for Life fat-burner meal Inquiries: www.moevenpick-burdubai. com or call 04 310 4320.

Mövenpick Hotel Jumeirah Beach The Talk Restaurant and Lounge Sunday Roast / 6:30pm – 11pm Perfectly roasted, freshly carved joints, live grill-stations for seafood and meats, and Europe’s most classic desserts.

Wednesdays: A taste of Asia / 6:30 pm – 11pm Sumptuous buffet and vibrant live cooking in breathtaking South East Asian style.

AED 165 per person. Kids 12 and under dine for free.

Jazz & Bubbles Friday Brunch / 12:30pm – 4pm Harry Austin sets the tone with effortless Jazz classics – while our chefs work wonders at live cooking stations. From sushi to tandoori, pizza to pasta, and the cellar’s luxurious selection of cheese and wine, sample the emporium’s finest.

Inquiries: 04 449 8888

Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Deira Creek Minato Japanese Restaurant Sushi and Teppanyaki Buffet Nights Sat. Mon. and Thurs. for AED198 A fabulous spread of Sushi, Sashimi, Tempura, Hot dishes, Salads, Teppanyaki beef, Chicken and White Fish Fillet and a variety of live cooking stations.

Mövenpick Hotel Jumeirah Beach

Inquiries: 04- 205 7333/ 7444 The China Club Deep-Fried Crumbed Prawns, Tossed Celery with Black Fungus, Assorted Steamed Dim Sum, Dried Scallop and Ash Melon Soup, Stir Fried Lobster with Spring Onion and Ginger, Wok Fried Chicken in Peking Sauce with Pancakes and more.

AED 188 per person.

Inquiries: 04/ 2057333 or 7444.

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SPA AND FITNESS

Talise Ottoman Spa - Jumeirah Zabeel Saray A 60-minute Coffee Peeling-body’s wakeup call for the winter time. An innovative Hammam treatment utilizing authentic Turkish coffee, which visually refines and smoothens the skin leaving it firmer and toned.

9am – 9pm Inquiries: +971 4 453 0455 or email JZStalise@jumeirah.com

The Address Dubai Marina

Talise Spa Madinat Jumeirah Talise Marine Detoxification Treatment plus one detoxifying meal.

Lay back and enjoy an exfoliation with organic green tea and dead sea salt that will leave your skin soft and enlivened. Combine this treatment with our detoxifying meal and green detox juice.

9am – 10pm :00. Inquiries: +971 4 366 6818 or email MJTalise@jumeirah.com

Special Personal Training Package Valid till March 31, 2012 Set amidst a stunning locale, with phenomenal views of Dubai Marina, the state-of-the-art Fitness Centre will inspire your daily workout. Personal trainers will give sessions that include fitness consultation and a tailor-made program.

Choose to use our cutting-edge equipment for an invigorating session or take a refreshing plunge into our spectacular infinity pool on the 4th floor.

For a limited period, purchase two sessions and receive the third one free. Pay for 10 sessions for AED 2,000 and receive 15 personal training sessions.

Inquiries: + 971 4 436 7777 or e-mail TADMM.fitnesscentre@theaddress.com Creative concepts for your next meeting at The Address Dubai Marina “Coming together is a beginning.

Keeping together is progress. Working together is success.” - Henry Ford.

Kick-start your meeting with our choice of five unique Creative Concepts teambuilding challenges.

■ Let our Personal Trainers get the adrenalin pumping with a session in the gym.

■ Unleash the artist within and use various painting techniques to create your own team masterpiece.

■ Take up the Patisserie Challenge and find out who creates the most fabulous cakes.

■ Put on the chefs’ hats and let your team create their favourite culinary delights.

■ The ultimate Culinary Challenge what can your team create from a limited selection of ingredients from a mystery black box....?

Inquiries: + 971 4 436 7777 or e-mail meet.dubaimarina@theaddress.com

The Palace – The Old Town Skin brightener sculptor A Unique facial that utilizes a powerful

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The Address Dubai Marina

crystalline complex with proven effectiveness of having dramatic results improving dark spots. Your skin colour gains uniformity and has a radiant glow - this is the perfect treatment for every aspect of true beauty. The treatment includes a complimentary foot bah ritual and wellness cocktail.

Duration: 60 Minutes Price: AED 325 Luxury Spa gift vouchers are available for purchase For inquiries or reservations, please call 04 4287 805, email SPAWomen@thepalace-dubai.com or SpaMen@thepalacedubai.com and visit www.theaddress.com Valentines Package, at The Spa, The Palace - The Old Town in February 2012 To unwind this season enjoy the exclusive Valentine’s package with a relaxing Foot Bath Ritual, followed by a romantic wellbeing massage. The Palace scalp ritual and rejuvenating facial treatment guarantee to refresh your senses. Also indulge in a spa suite in romantic setting with a selection of herbal tea, fruits, dates and dried apricots. The treatment includes access to Ladies’ and Gent’s Hammam area, steam room, Jacuzzi and Fitness Center with a glass of bubbly and chocolates.

Duration: 2 hours Price: AED 760 per person Luxury Spa gift vouchers are available for purchase; Advance booking is essential.

For inquiries or reservations, call 04 4287 805, email SPAWomen@thepalace-dubai. com or SpaMen@thepalace-dubai.com and visit www.theaddress.com

ROOMS

DSF SPECIAL Arabian Courtyard Hotel & Spa Jan 5, 2012 – Feb. 5, 2012 • AED799/ for family of four (two adults and two kids below 12 years) staying in a family suite and AED599/ for a stay in Heritage room for family of two adults and one child below 12 years. The package includes complimentary buffet breakfast, welcome drinks and a fruit basket in the room.

• A 20-percent discount on all spa treatments at Zaitoon Wellness Spa.

• Mumtaz Mahal, the award-winning Indian restaurant will offer Dine One, Get One Free offer during lunch hours while Silk Route Chinese & Thai Restaurant will offer 25 percent discount during lunch and dinner. Sarpino’s Pizzeria presents a special combo deal for two for AED33/ only which includes any regular pizza, garlic bread and two regular soft drinks.

Inquiries: +971 4 3519111 or email fbd@ arabiancourtyard.com.

MISCELLANEOUS Nour Arjaan Fujairah Dive Fujairah An enchanting diving package to explore the breathtaking and magical waters of the East coast for just AED 550 net per person. A mini-getaway that leaves you refreshed and rejuvenated to battle urban life’s oddities. This must-experience offer includes a Classic studio or suite with breakfast, 20% off on all food and beverage items, late check-out till 6pm, transportation and diving for both qualified and new divers with Divers from the 5-star IDC PADI Centre, Divers Down.

For inquiries call 00 971 (0) 9 2025555

The Address Montgomerie Dubai Battle of the Chefs 2012 Starts Jan. 18, 2012 16-round competition open for chefs from all Dubai hotels.

Each participating culinary team must include one Head Chef or Restaurant Chef, one Chef de Partie and two commis. The team must create three unique and flavoursome dishes – all using the same ingredients. The Battle of the Chefs will be hosted at the hotel’s signature restaurant, Nineteen.

To join, email ssage@theaddress.com or jlaurent@theaddress.com.

GOLF Arabian Ranches Golf Club The Cove Rotana Resort Special Valentine treat Feb. 13 – 15, 2012 Celebrate Valentine with your partner for just AED 1377 in a deluxe room inclusive of breakfast and a romantic dinner at Basilico.

Book your stay through rotana.com and benefit from a 25% discount on a spa treatment of your choice.

Limited number of rooms available Book your next stay with us through rotana.com, and get the chance to win a 1-year complimentary holiday.

Inquiries: 07 206 6000 or visit www.rotanatimes.com/ win

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Arabian Ranches Golf Club is celebrating its eighth birthday, and is doing it in style with everybody who likes to swing a club on occasion. From January 2 through March 31, 2012, you can start your week with an irresistible offer of two-for-one on Sundays and Wednesdays or enjoy Monday Madness, when you can play at

an amazing 18-hole green fee rate. All Day Twilight Tuesday is the buffet of golf, when you can play as many holes as possible anytime at Arabian Ranches Golf Club, whilst Thursday is a four-player special. Bring your friends or colleagues and enjoy a round for four at the price of a two-ball. The Golf Academy also offers a two-for-one on the Par 3 Course.

Around Town YOU DON'T MISS ANYHING, THE EVENTS AT YOUR DOORSTEPS

18 winners

Travel Arabia raffle bonanza @ Arabian Ranches and Golf Club

Prizes range from David Beckham Homme perfume to spa and restaurant vouchers.

Eighteen winners took home prizes ranging from a bottle of David Beckham Homme perfume to spa and hotel restaurant gift certificates at Travel Arabia’s raffle bonanza held simultaneously with Arabian Ranches and Golf Club’s Open House on Dec. 9, 2012.

The Open House, a flea-market of sort, had several stalls that sold various novelty items, even shoes and directories, from 8am till 7pm. It was also highlighted by a special show for kids.

Travel Arabia prizes include gift certificates by Ahasees Spa & Club – Grand Hyatt Dubai, and SpaDunya at Shams 1 Jumeirah Beach Residence; restaurant vouchers by MBCO in Dubai Mall, The Address Dubai Mall, Radisson Royal Hotel, Dusit Thani Hotel and Kris Kin park Regis Hotel.

Travel Arabia also gave away David Beckham Homme samplers and tickets for free child entry at Dubai Dolphinaroum to moms, dads and kids at the event.

WINNERS Deanna Lewis

Russell Marsh Laura Murphy Malcolm Yonas Tina Ameri Minal Patel Richie Collerey Leanne Duncan Catherine Wood

Jan Cooper

Tara Hassison Christine Bouchat

Tracy Watt

Tanweer Lakma

Karen Latham

Varghese Joseph David Jeens Paul Hubner

Gift certificate - Ahasees Spa & Club Grand Hyatt Dubai and Spadunya The Adress Dubai Marina MBCo Al Muhallab Restaurant Radisson MBCo Icho Restaurant Radisson Indo Thai Restaurant Radisson MBCo NA3NA3 Terrace Seafood Thursday Night for two - The Address Dubai Mall Kris Restaurant voucher, Kris Kin Park Regis Hotel Spadunya voucher Gift certificate - Ahasees Spa & Club Grand Hyatt Dubai Gift certificate - Ahasees Spa & Club Grand Hyatt Dubai Kris Restaurant voucher, Kris Kin Park Regis Hotel Theme Night Buffet Dinner for two in Californian Restaurant in Dusit Thani Hotel David Beckham Homme perfume David beckham Home perfume David beckham Home perfume

ANOTHER WINNER

Congratulations to Denver Bento, of Abu Dhabi, who got himself a gift certificate from Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara for a one-night stay in a Deluxe Sea view room (2 persons) and a sumptuous breakfast buffet. Bento won a contest

by Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara that Travel Arabia carried in its December 2011 edition.

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HOLIDAY INN BUR DUBAI. InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) has signed an agreement with Mohamed Omar Bin Haider Group (MOBH GROUP), to take over the management of a 210-bedroom hotel in Bur Dubai’s embassy district. Formerly operating as Excelsior Creek Hotel, guests woke up to a fresh new look and a warm Holiday Inn welcome when the hotel re-branded, becoming Holiday Inn Bur Dubai-Embassy District on 1st November 2011. Picture shows Mohamed Omar Bin Haider cutting the ceremonial cake with hotel officials.

FIRST YEAR. Amwaj Rotana Hotel Jumeirah Beach Residence recently marked its first anniversary with an evening cocktail and an award-giving ceremony for outstanding partners. The event was attended by some 100 people.

NEW 24-HR LEBANESE RESTAURANT. Emirates Grand Hotel Group has opened its chic new Lebanese restaurant Fakhreldine Restaurant & CafĂŠ on Sheikh Zayed Road. The restaurant offers an outstanding dining option with a wide variety of Shisha. It also has take aways and home delivery. Inquiries: +971 4 386 3861 or info@fakhreldinerestaurant.com

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Tranquil Moments

The Ahasees Spa and Club Ecstasy just got a new name My first trip to the spa was years ago and I thought that was paradise, but my recent visit to The Ahasees Spa and Club – Grand Hyatt Dubai spa was extremely unique as it defined the word, eternal peace. The Grand Hyatt Dubai is an elegant and stunning five-star hotel situated in a perfect location for major tourist sites.

I was lucky enough to get a tour of the exquisite and ultra relaxing spa which really is something to be seen with your own eyes. My session was for an hour and when it was finished I had to check my watch because it seemed to have only lasted a few minutes, but no, it was an hour later.

The newly launched spa and club is a must-visit for a cherished experience, the warmly lit interior with the warm earthly color scheme grounds you to the place.

The use of the natural materials makes one feels connected to its being. The warm staff welcomed me at the reception, confirmed my appointment, and led me towards the lavish fully equipped massage and treatment room. The concept of Ahasees Spa and Club originates from the evolution of the city of Dubai which rose from the Gulf ’s salt water inlet, the Creek. Revolving along this concept, the spa offers three unique levels Trade, Flourish and Evolve. All of them awakens your spirits and leaves you filled with harmony.

As the masseuse advised me to be

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comfortable, she started the session with a foot ritual. A light foot scrub and massage with black tea, cinnamon and sea salt following the original theme of the Spa. The masseuse gently asked my taste of music before the start of the massage. As per my treatment the Antioxidant Tea Massage, I chose the trade oil which promised to make me more energetic for the rest of my day .The treatment takes you to a place of perfection and personal renewal with an Ahasees Signature experience. The treatment started with light dry brushing to stimulate the lymphatic system, then

proceeded with the antioxidant black tea soothing with moderate pressure points, techniques of kneading and strokes eliminating the toxics and reducing retention.

I could feel the knots of my neck muscles relaxing, as I drifted into a youthful rebirth. The room was warm, welcoming and extremely calming. The decor echoed what was outside, the lighting subdued and the music authentic. Once the therapists set to work, my eyes were closed and I just drifted away while she performed her magic. As I was lying there, I could smell essential oils being used on my body, which was a sensory experience of its own, though I could not identify them. In fact, you have the option of choosing from four aromatherapy oils - Trade, Evolve, Flourish and Energizing.

The massage ended after an hour but I certainly did not want it to. The masseuse then made me breathe in the essence of trade oil and take in the beauty of the whole treatment, which leaves one very beamed and calm.

As the tranquil journey ended, the warm host offered refreshing herbal teas in the relaxing lounge. The overall experience was amazing as it eliminated the toxins and stress from my hyper active routine and, helped me to relieve muscle tension and aching joints. The spa is highly recommended for workaholics and professionals busy in the trade of their life...

Ahasees Spa and Club offers a wide range of rejuvenating experiences and massages, take an hour and enjoy the eternity Antioxidant Tea Massage – 450 DH for 60 minutes.

My Travel Bag What’s in your travel bag? In this edition, Mohamad Daher, AUH Branch Manager at Nazih Group, shares what he has. We’re waiting for yours.

Send them to dass@kalimatgroup.com. Throw in some photos, too.

world. I have also just recently travelled to Monaco and Cannes.

What is your dream destination?

Rome, Italy. I want to smell the Renaissance while walking in the streets and listening to Italian music, hear Pavarotti, eat a real pizza and pasta, come closer to Versace and Giorgio Armani, walk in Via Veneto to see the big names of Gucci, Armani, Salvatore Ferragamo, Dolce and Gabbana, etc.

Mohamad Daher at the Monte Carlo Casino and Jardin Japonais in Monaco

Does traveling alone appeal to you?

Yes and no. Sometimes I need space; I want to be alone and not to see the same people that I frequent everyday. On the other hand, there is always this feeling that I might get bored alone if I don’t run into the right people.

When was the last time you traveled?

I just got back from Cairo, Egypt. It was breathtaking to stand there and be surrounded by the pyramids, just wondering how they were built. Driving in Cairo, however, is something else. If you’ve experienced how it is, you’d definitely be good enough to be driving anywhere else in the

Nile River Cairo, Egypt

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Name three places in the world you can’t wait to see.

First, Sukhumvit Street in Bangkok. It is the longest road in Thailand and an area with distinctly modern, cosmopolitan and inspirational flavor. What gives it its magnetism is its hotels, bars, cafes, restaurants, malls, congested with touches of “Thainess” in every corner. A book about the place entitled, “Life Beyond Sukhumvit” has been published.

Second, Sydney, Australia as I always loved the song “Down Under” and was glued to the chair when watching the film “Crocodile Dundee.” I want to see a live koala and a kangaroo, and the breathtaking Opera House. But will definitely not want to swim in their waters for fear of sharks.

Would also love to go to Greece and step right onto a dream cruise through the Aegean Sea to finally land in one of the wonderful islands like Santorini, Corfu, Crete or Rhodes.

Some would immediately hit the pool, or the spa, or the bar, or the road with their camera. How about you?

Monaco

As soon as I’ve checked in, I hit the road to discover the place and mingle with the local people to understand their culture.

What excites you when traveling?

I love meeting local people, hearing them talk together and knowing their traditions and habits. I also love tasting their main dish.

What motivates you to travel? Food?

Shopping? Sightseeing?

The thrill of traveling, itself, and getting out of the routine which allows me to come back with loads of new experiences that make me look at the world from a totally new perspective.

What is your favorite Middle East destination?

Lebanon Next stop?

Maldives

View of port of Kouloura in Corfu, Greece

Contemporary Extravagance

Blend Classic European Hospitality and Genuine Middle Eastern Charm with Spacious Styling Details. At your Service.

Kempinski Grand & Ixir Hotel Bahrain City Centre www.kempinski.com/bahrain

MANAMA BAHRAIN