Travel Arabia November 2012

8, Issue 93, November 2012

International Media Production Zone

Volume

ras al khaimah getaways Holiday adventures in paradise

Feeling lucky?

Make a wild guess and win on page 32

Arabian Experience The Marrakech spell

Bargain hunting UK flea markets

Dancing cobras in the kasbah

‘It’s a box of chocolates’

New York socialite Tinsley Mortimer talks about her dream destinations KSA sr 15 UAE aed 15 OMAN ro 1.5 BHRbd1.5QATARqr15KUWAITkd1.5

* Marrakech: This ‘ochre city’ has two enchanting faces that leave visitors enthralled. P.34

www.travel-arabia.com Publisher KGI 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 CEO Hekmat el Zein General Manager Shaza Sharaffdeen Editor Jojo Dass dass@kalimatgroup.com

EDITOR’S NOTE

Contributors Elaine Nettleton Caroline Tapken Ritu Raizada Habeeb Salloum Ayesha Attique Monica Kapila Neerja Singh Photographer Maher Youssef

In this edition?

Creative Manager Karen Haroon

“Travel Treats” once again brings you across the world, and this time from Switzerland’s St. Moritz where the Carlton Hotel has just opened a US$19,500-a-night penthouse, to One&Only Le Saint Géran in Mauritius, a national park for Komodo dragons in Indonesia and back home to Dubai’s White X Beach & Lounge in Rixos The Palm.

Designer Najeeb Hamza

“Living Arabia” features Ras Al Khaimah, dubbed as UAE’s “rising star,” with its outdoor attractions and a series of weekend parties at Al Hamra Palace Beach Resort’s Amasi Beach that will run till end of this year.

“Taste Travel” has Thai Pas (read: Thai tapas) at Blue Elephant, where the menu also includes a lamb shank dish, a bowl of noodle soup dish and a seafood dish accompanied by jasmine rice.

“Arabian Experience” focuses on The Marrakech spell or how this ochre city’s two enchanting faces leave visitors enthralled.

And, as the cool evenings set in, we thought we’d give you some reviews about al fresco dining, starting out with Kempinski Hotel Ajman’s stylish Café Kranzler.

Of course, there are more. But then again, it wouldn’t be as much fun if we spill all the beans this early, right?

So read on.

Jojo Dass Editor

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.

“Like” us at “Travel Arabia Magazine” Facebook Fan Page

All rights reserved. © 2012 KGI

“Follow” us at “TravelArabiaMagazine” Twitter Page Travel Arabia

3

The kind of view that makes you want to take a photograph or two hundred.

Urban beauty spot

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL +971 4 436 7777 OR EMAIL DINE.DUBAIMARINA@THEADDRESS.COM

facebook.com/theaddressdubaimarina

www.theaddress.com

CONTENT november 2012

FEATURES

EDITOR’S NOTE Our take on current events, and more.

WE HEAR YOU This month, readers take a break, relax and speak out

TRAVEL TREATS Check out our top picks

AROUND TOWN Gigs, parties and all

MELTING POT A cornucopia of the

ON THE COVER

03 34

12

Volume

8, Issue 93, November 2012

International Media Production Zone

DEPARTMENTS

ARABIAN EXPERIENCE The Marrakech spell

07 38 11

Living Arabia Ras Al Khaimah Offering thrills of the great Arabian wonderland

ras al khaiMah geTaways holiday adventures in paradise

Feeling lucky?

Make a wild guess

Arabian Experience The Marrakech spell

Bargain hunting UK flea markets

and win on page 32

Dancing cobras in the kasbah

‘it’s a box of chocolates’

New York socialite Tinsley Mortimer talks about her dream destinations

46

KSA sr 15 UAE aed 15 OMAN ro 1.5 BHRbd1.5QATARqr15KUWAITkd1.5

outside arabia Bargain hunting in the UK

30 52

62

Ras Al Khaimah Offering thrills of the great Arabian wonderland

Taste Travel Thai Pas at the Blue Elephant

58

29

good times ahead review

OUR FACEBOOK New York socialite

54

The Westin Hotel & Golf Resort Abu Dhabi

74

Tinsley Mortimer

Travel Arabia

5

THIS MONTH, READERS TAKE A BREAK, RELAX AND SPEAK OUT

Interesting choices

Dear editor, Your regular Travel Treats section nails it. The pages feature a selection of places to holiday in—and it’s international!

How do you guys put this together?

Especially helpful was the “27 Eid Al Adha Holidays” (Travel Treats Oct. 2012). It detailed everything from the Virgin Islands to Ireland. I have to admit though that deciding where to go made it a bit difficult considering the options at hand. But all said, thanks guys.

Emerito Suarez Dubai, UAE Dear Mr. Suarez, Thanks.

Editor

Time for al fresco

Happening Sundays from 8 pm to 10:30 pm, the barbecue treat is at AED 189 per person.

Rosso ups the ante with mouth-watering barbecue treat As the Celsius finally drops down to afternoon midtwenties, open-air dining is again The Walk’s welcome guest.

As the temperature starts dropping and the cool breezy evenings set in, al fresco dining has once again become popular in the city, particularly at JBR’s The Walk.

And just the right place to spend open-air dining is that spot partly hidden among the towering hotels, offering a splendid sunset view with its elegant set-up and two inviting swimming pools— the Italian restaurant, Rosso on Amwaj Rotana Hotel’s second floor.

Rosso’s terrace has piped-in jazzy music, dim lights and tinsels with table arrangements set for your choice—the small ones for two, or big couches for groups. Indeed, Rosso has al fresco written all over it.

What’s really exciting is that starting this month, Rosso will have an additional attraction: barbecue. What better way to enjoy an 54 Travel Arabia

evening outdoors than with that unmistakable waft of mouth-watering grilled food?

Happening Sundays from 8 pm to 10:30 pm, the barbecue treat is at AED 189 per person. This also covers a free flow of soft drinks, red, white and other house beverages.

Sometimes, a choice becomes easy when the options presented are few and good. But when all the options are second to none, then the choice is to indulge in everything being offered.

At Rosso terrace, this treat is one such delight; it’s open-air live cooking and grilled BBQ galore!

The Rosso crowd is a mix of JBR residents and the hotel’s guests; the place starts getting busy at around 8pm On the menu, meantime, is everything Italian from antipasti like pork cold cuts with artichokes hearts, taggiasche olives, sun blushed tomatoes and cannara onion to risotti like Saffron risotto with tiger prawns, walnut and rocket pesto.

Of course, what’s an Italian restaurant without pizza and, the ever favorite, tiramisu?

There you go. Barbecue with a good old fashioned Italian food and a cool breeze. You can’t go wrong.

Al fresco galore

Dear editor, With the weather cooling down, everybody is heading out for some real cool evening chill outs, which is what I like the most about Dubai. The city just have an endless list of

spots to shisha al fresco.

Just wondering too if Travel Arabia will have anything in the way of a listing perhaps?

Albert Austin Dubai, UAE Dear Mr. Austin, In fact, we came up with a piece about a spot in The Walk in last month’s edition, and will henceforth be coming up with regular al fresco reviews.

Cheers.

Editor

‘Spa connoisseur’

Dear editor, My dears consider me qualified enough to be called “spa connoisseur” as I believe I have gone the round of Dubai’s spas—not all of them for my God, who can really finish all the spas in Dubai !?

I came across an article in your magazine about Rixos Royal Spa, which specializes in Turkish Hammam.

We already have a lot of Turkish saunas and spas around and I have tried a number of them in the past. But this is Rixos at The Palm. I will be setting a date and may let you know how it went.

How does that sound?

Sharifa Habra Dubai, UAE

Dear Miss Habra, We’ll be standing by for your review then. Have fun.

Editor

Dreaming Golden Triangle

Dear editor, Your September 2012 edition’s feature on Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle was alluring, to say the least.

To begin with, the place sounds so isolated and in the thickest of boonies, I think I’d want to take my wife there for a change in our usual holidays together.

What’s particularly exciting is the “Lost City” mentioned, and that the place— the jungle resort, if I may—is by the boundary of three countries.

Martin Aresch Sydney, Australia Dear Mr. Aresch, You should try it. As some people who had gone there say, the resort certainly put a new meaning to the phrase, “sleeping in the jungle.”

Editor

Travel Arabia

7

al dawaar revolving restaurant Experience Al Dawaar, Dubai’s only rooftop revolving restaurant at Hyatt Regency Dubai & Galleria. Enjoy the panoramic skyline and sea-view.

Choose from our sumptuous International buffet featuring dishes from European, Middle Eastern, Asian and Japanese cuisines.

Lunch: AED175 per adult Dinner: AED235 per adult 50% discount offered to children* For reservations, please call +971 4 317 2222

HYATT REGENCY DUBAI & GALLERIA P.O. BOX 5588, DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES dubai.regency.hyatt.com Hyatt Regency Dubai reserves the right to alter or withdraw this promotion at any time without notice.

HYATT name, design and related marks are trademarks of Hyatt Corporation. Š2012 Hyatt Corporation. All rights reserved.

Terms & conditions apply

*Aged 6 to 12 years

LET’S DO IT THIS WINTER A selection of events in the region

Starting in Dubai, this 360-mile offshore sailing race takes a flotilla of boats through the famous Straits of Hormuz before arriving in Oman.

Join the celebrations as the flashy yachts reach the finishing line at Muscat’s Marina Bandar Al Rhowdha.

Katara 2nd Traditional Dhow Festival

Nov. 13 – 17, 2012 10am - 10pm Katara Beach, Qatar Inquiries: 77100151 E-mail: dhow@katara.net For hundreds of years fishermen, pearl-divers, and traders from Africa to India relied on the dhow for their livelihood. Now, 1300 years later, Qatar celebrates what has become one of the most striking symbols of the country’s heritage. Discover the story of the dhow yourself at Katara where scores of boats from across the region will converge along the beachfront.

The Hotel Show Saudi Arabia

Gotye Live in Dubai

Dubai World Trade Centre Nov. 23, 2012 Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai Inquiries: +971 50 857 9838 The man behind the year’s biggest-selling single will perform his debut gig in Dubai.

Gotye was catapulted to fame when “Somebody I Used To Know” topped the charts in 18 countries.

Tickets are on sale through www.virginmegastore.me, www.timeouttickets.com and www.platinumlist.ae. For more information visit www.gotyedubai.com

FAI World Parachuting

Championships Mon dial 2012 Dubai, UAE Nov. 28, 2012 – Dec. 9, 2012 Skydive Dubai, Dubai Marina Off Al Sufouh Road, behind Habtoor Grand Beach Resort & Spa Inquiries: +971 4 324 4446 The FAI Mondial Dubai 2012 World Parachuting Championships is among the

most prestigious events being organised in the UAE to coincide with the UAE National Day celebrations this year. During the 12day event, there will be six world championships, 29 world champions, seven parachuting and skydiving competitive disciplines along with one test and demonstration event.

Date Palm Festival

Abu Dhabi, UAE Nov. 26, 2012 – Dec. 1, 2012 Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) Games and days of merrymaking highlights this special event.

Annual Dubai to Muscat Offshore Sailing Race

Nov 2012 (annual) Marina Bandar Al Rhowdha Muscat Oman Inquiries: +971 (0) 4 3941669

November 17 –19, 2012 Jeddah Centre for Forums & Events Inquiries: visit www.thehotelshowsaudiarabia.com More than 100 companies from 24 countries representing various supply chains of the hospitality sector across the Middle East and beyond will be participating at the inaugural event.

The three-day show will bring together leading regional and international manufacturers and suppliers for the Hospitality, Catering, Food & Beverage as well as related industries, covering over 8,500 square metres of space, with 5,000-plus invited buyers, live gourmet food demonstrations, seminars and a dedicated hotel summit.

Saudi Arabia is expected to welcome 15.8 million tourists by 2014, with some 381,000 new hotel rooms and a 63 percent increase in room stock against 2010 inventories forecast for completion by 2015. So, the event will go a long way in further emphasizing the unmatched potential in store in the Kingdom

Fatih Muharram (Islamic New Year)

Nov. 15, 2012 All regions and cities in Morocco Celebrated on the first day ofthe first month of the Islamic calendar, Fatih Muharram provides an opportunity for Muslims to reflect on the significance of the month, as well as reflecting on the Hijra made by the Prophet Mohammed to the city of Medina.

Travel Arabia

9

W H E R E YO U R S TAY MEETS YOUR LIFE

DISCOVER THE NEW DESIGN OF PULLMAN DUBAI DEIRA CITY CENTRE

• Experience a newly renovated hotel located in the heart of Deira • Stay in beautifully appointed guestrooms with chic amenities • Leisure shopping and fun entertainment at the adjoined Deira City Centre Mall • Interactive dining, rooftop swimming pool, spa and fitness facilities

PULLMAN DUBAI DEIR A CIT Y CENTRE

P O B o x 6 1 8 7 1 D e i ra , D u b a i - U n i t e d A ra b E m i ra t e s • + 9 7 1 ( 4 ) 7 0 2 8 0 0 0 • H 2 0 2 2 @ a c c o r. c o m

Book your reservation at: PULLMANHOTELS.COM • ACCORHOTELS.COM MORE THAN 60 HOTELS IN 20 COUNTRIES

TRAVEL TREATS CHECK OUT OUR TOP PICKS

Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

18 Best travel ideas around the world Because your holiday is not a fastfood lunch.

1

Abu Dhabi opens door to F1 grand prix

With the sporting world primed to turn its collective gaze on the UAE capital for Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi) has teamed up with a host of local stakeholders to maximise the destination’s international promotion potential during the emirate’s flagship sporting event.

In addition to the dramatic, thrill-a-minute on-track spectacle and a star-studded line-up of musicians and artists performing at the Grand Prix’s official After-Race concerts at du Arena and the Yasalam ‘Beats on the Beach’ festival, Hollywood’s biggest hitters and cheque-signing moneymen, Bollywood’s best, international football’s finest and countless other household celebrities will grace pit lanes, strut red carpets, visit leading attractions and nestle down in luxurious hotel rooms all over the emirate.

With celebrities such as the Arab world’s singing star Kadim Al Sahir, British songstress Leona

Lewis, Indian actress Chitranga Randhawa, music giant Black Eyed Peas’ Taboo, Turkish pop star Aydan Kaya, star players from Manchester City Football Club, Saudi song legend Mohamed Abdo, and Team GB’s London 2012 golden girl Jessica Ennis heading TCA Abu Dhabi’s glittering guest list, half a dozen leading Hollywood producers from studios such as Paramount Pictures, Walt Disney Studios and 20th Century Fox Film Corporation will also traverse the emirate scouting potential film locations for future silver screen projects.

Some 15,000 international spectators will descend on the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. According to the Yas Marina Circuit, the race venue, international ticket sales equate to 35% of all sales this year - up from 21% of overall sales last year.

Key international growth markets for 2012 include Australia, UK, Europe and the US. Grand Prix tickets, the only way to see the official After-Race concerts, are also still available and

can be bought direct from the race venue at http://www.yasmarinacircuit.com

Pop superstar Leona Lewis are among icons to be present at the event.

Travel Arabia 11

TRAVEL TREATS

Grand Millennium Dubai offers wi-fi hotel cars 2

Wi-Fi connectivity plays a big role in every business traveler agenda to secure ease of communication worth time and money. Grand Millennium Dubai takes guest convenience an extra mile by expanding the hotel’s extravagant services.

“The hotel caters for both business and leisure travelers alike, and we value the demands and expectation of all travellers. Hence we will be providing complimentary Wi-Fi connectivity in four of our luxury hotel cars,” said General Manager Peter Mansourian.

The 343-room five-star hotel offers a range of state-of-the-art meeting and conference facilities, in addition to award-winning restaurants and bar venues designed to appeal to both regional, international visitors and leisure travelers alike.

Centrally located on Sheikh Zayed Road, the hub for business and retail opportunities, the Grand Millennium Dubai is within close proximity to prominent business districts and golf courses, adjacent to the Dubai Metro and just 20 minutes drive from the international airport.

Enquiries and reservations: http://www.grandmillenniumdubai.com

12 Travel Arabia

Be shipwrecked in style at One&Only Le Saint Géran 3

Ringed by delicate coral islets and a turquoise lagoon, the exotic escape for two begins with a private boat ride to Ilot Malneaux for an intimate island ceremony. After a champagne toast, the newlyweds will enjoy a sunset cruise in the lagoon with canapés and more bubbly. Upon returning to the resort, the couple will be invited to indulge in a romantic four-course candlelit dinner cooked by a private chef on the beach underneath a canopy of stars.

Also included in the five-star Shipwrecked in Style wedding experience: • 60-minute massage in the Garden Pavilion or couple’s room for Bride and Groom (Subject to availability) • Deluxe seasonal Floral arrangements, Torches-lit aisle markers (10 torches with decoration) and also a tropical bouquet and button hole • A stylishly designed two-tier wedding cake decorated with seasonal flowers (serves up to 12 persons) • A bottle of premium champagne for

the bride and groom during the wedding ceremony • Complimentary romantic beach breakfast, and an exquisite One & Only dinner on the beach • Wedding gift from One&Only To finish off this opulent ceremony, the Wedding Concierge at One&Only Le Saint Géran will prepare a Honeymoon Bath Ceremony, in which the bride and groom can immerse themselves in a unique blend of Mauritian ylang-ylang, neroli, cedarwood and orange combined with scattered petals, bubble bath and candles, setting the perfect ambience for romance.

Enquiries and reservations: reservations@ oneandonlylesaintgeran.com

ExpEriEncE nEw luxury A truly spectacular oasis in the heart of the capital yet sheltered from the bustling city, Al Raha Beach Hotel now offers 144 additional reasons to visit! Nestled among blonde sands overlooking the turquoise Gulf, explore our brand new extended bouquet of rooms and suites with uninterrupted views of the shimmering water or sun drenched courtyard.

Book now at Al Raha Beach Hotel and get an exclusive 30% discount* on our best available rate that comes with a delectable breakfast buffet, VIP treatment and free WiFi. Call on +971 2 508 0555 or 800 ALRAHA for reservations *Terms & conditions apply

Managed by Danat Hotels & Resorts, a Division of National Corporation for Tourism and Hotels PO Box 38616, Abu Dhabi, U.A.E. | T. +971 2 508 0555 | F. +971 2 508 0444 | E. info.alraha@danathotels.com | www.danathotels.com A Member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts

TRAVEL TREATS

Enjoy the Culture Hub at Arjaan by RotanaDubai 6

In an effort by Arjaan by Rotana to bring a more refined base of artistic and cultural events to the hospitality industry in the UAE, the hotel has launched Culture Hub: weekend nights of community events that both stimulate and inspire.

Culture Hub nights aim to create a platform for local talent to showcase their abilities to their community, in the process encouraging audience members and inspiring them to participate in subsequent nights.

Culture Hub kicked off on Oct. 20, 2012 with Samar: Night Tales. This event, unique in its premise, is a storyteller’s evening that reaches back to ancient Arabian lore and the tradition of ‘musaamarah’: telling stories in the desert night. Samar delivers just this: a night where people from the community are invited to come up on stage and share their unique anecdotes with others in the hopes of inspiring thought, awareness, laughter, or reflection.

Enquiries and updates: http://www.facebook. com/ArjaanByRotanaDubai

A 5-day taste of Ireland trip?

7

Come as you are. Leave like a local

Check out Club Millésime at Sofitel Abu Dhabi 4

Guests at Sofitel Abu Dhabi Corniche can now enjoy an additional level of service with the opening of Club Millésime. The Executive Floor concept is a “hotel within the hotel” where guests staying in a Luxury Club room or a Suite can benefit from extra VIP privileges as members of this very exclusive club.

Club Millésime is the perfect place for guests who expect luxurious accommodation, state of the art technology, impeccable personalised services and who value privacy in a relaxed environment while on a holiday.

Open daily from 6am to 12:00am. Enquiries and reservations: +971 2 813 7777.

14 Travel Arabia

White X Beach & Lounge at Rixos The Palm Dubai opens 5

White X Beach & Lounge at Rixos the Palm Dubai represents the latest evolution of Dubai’s signature beach lounge experience. Nestled on a pristine stretch of beach with striking views of the Arabian Gulf, and the shoreline of Dubai, simple luxury, vibrant elegance and sophistication find a natural home.

Offering a beach lounge and dining experience during the day and late hours, White X Beach & Lounge has become the driving force behind UAE’s high-end beach lounge culture. Enquiries and reservations: +971 4 457 55 55.

Sing your heart out at Irish festivals, start off your mornings with a full Irish breakfast and feel like family in cozy BandBs. Because here, you’re always welcome. So, come as you are and leave like a local.

The tour covers four nights with highlights that include Merry Ploughboy Pub Traditional Dinner Show, Bunratty Castle Medieval Banquet, Dublin Castle, Kiss The Blarney Stone, Ring of Kerry Tour and Cliffs of Moher Hotels are Burlington Hotel in Dublin (1 night), Killarney Towers Hotel & Leisure Centre in Killarney (2 nights) and Bunratty Castle Hotel in Bunratty (1 night).

Tour includes airport transfers from start to end of tour, sightseeing by luxury coach, professional guide, full daily breakfast except on day one, four dinners including Merry Ploughboy Pub dinner and traditional show, Bunratty Castle Medieval Banquet and two table d’hote dinners in Killarney.

It also includes a tour of Dublin with a local guide, sheepdog trials on Ring of Kerry, ferry ride across the River Shannon, visits and admissions to Dublin Castle and Blarney Castle, among others.

Enquiries and reservations: : +353-1-703-1888, +353-1-703-1-888.

TRAVEL TREATS

The Carlton Hotel opens largest penthouse in St Moritz 8

For the winter season 2012/13 The Carlton St Moritz, a famed sanctuary for the A list adds another luxury addition to its gleaming beauty and location with the addition of The Carlton Penthouse. Like the rest of the hotel, this exciting new suite has been designed and furnished by Swiss interior designer Carlo Rampazzi and occupying 368 square meters, holds the unique title of largest penthouse in the alpine village. As well as three bedrooms, a lounge area and a kitchen, guests can also enjoy five terraces which offer 360 degree views of the high-alpine valley. The Penthouse will open for the winter season on Dec. 14, 2012.

The new penthouse is located on the eight floor of the hotel, offering breathtaking views of St Moritz and the Engadine Mountains. Outside of the suite, guests have full access to the rest of the luxurious après ski services that the property has to offer.

The services include a state of the art spa and a choice of three restaurants, one with a beautiful terrace which is the perfect loation for an apres ski aperitif.

The Carlton St Moritz is well known for its wide array of celebrity visitors including Michael Schumacher, Naomi Campbell, Gwyneth Paltrow and 16 Travel Arabia

King Juan Carlos of Spain. It has 60 rooms, all suites and all facing Lake St Moritz, which, when sufficiently frozen, is almost as much a focus for winter sports as the mountains The Carlton Penthouse is available from AED 71,312 for up to one to six guests. The price includes the breakfast buffet, The Carlton dinner at Romanoff Restaurant, complimentary use of the spa, private butler service, drinks from the mini bar, free wifi access and a shuttle service to and from the airport Enquiries and reservations: +41(0)813789999 or email - info@tschuggen.ch

Park Rotana Abu Dhabi super saver offer 9

Enjoy the comfort and tranquility of Park Rotana Abu Dhabi rooms with rates starting from AED 399 only and save up to 30 percent on services included in the offer.

This offer includes 10 percent saving on room rate for Rotana Rewards Exclusive members, 20 percent saving on lunch or dinner buffet at Ginger All Day Dining, 30 percent saving on all massage treatments at Bodylines Wellness Centre, and buffet breakfast for two nights’ stay only.

All rates are in UAE Dirhams and subject to 10 percent service charge and 6 percent tourism fee, The offer is valid until December 30, 2012. Black out dates: F1 Grand Prix (November 02-04); ADIPEC (November 11-15).Enquiries and reservations: +971 (0)2 6573333.

Sun, sand and spa at Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui 10

Imagine lying in the shade of majestic palms, a warm ocean breeze blowing, cocooned in deep relaxation as a talented spa therapist gently heals tired muscles with a soothing natural coconut oil massage. Sounds pretty enticing? Imagine no longer. Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui has just introduced The Beach Spa, a private spa experience tucked away on a quiet corner of the resort’s white sand beach, where guests are able to enjoy a range of treatments as the ocean breezes take away their stresses and cares.

Treatments begin with a foot ritual using local sea salt and lemongrass, and grounding breathing techniques aimed at opening up all of the body’s energy centres, and conclude with the chiming of a traditional singing bowl, and a soothing cup of fresh lemongrass tea.

Each of the Beach Spa treatments is priced at THB 3,500.00, subject to tax and service charge. Treatments are available subject to weather conditions.

Enquiries and reservations: www.fourseasons.com/Koh_Samui

Starwood Preferred Guest announces ‘Better by the Night’ promotion 11

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. and its awardwinning Starwood Preferred Guest program has unveiled a new global promotion, SPG Better by the Night, where members registered for the promotion can earn unlimited bonus Starpoints during the earning period of October 1, 2012 – December 20, 2012.

Members will receive up to three times their normal Starpoint awards at more than 1,000 participating hotels and resorts worldwide, with the potential to earn additional bonuses on reservations made through the new SPG App for iPhone or SPG.com, and for their check-ins on synced Foursquare accounts.

SPG Better by the Night allows registered members to receive double Starpoints on all eligible stays of one or two nights, and triple Starpoints on eligible stays of three or more nights. An additional 500 bonus Starpoints will be awarded for bookings through the SPG App for iPhone, and 250 bonus Starpoints for stays booked on SPG.com at all 1,100 hotels and resorts in the SPG program. As an added social incentive, SPG members can earn 250 bonus Starpoints for checking in to any Starwood property on synced Foursquare accounts during a confirmed reservation within the earning period.

Amongst the participating hotels are W ParisOpéra, Le Méridien Istanbul-Etiler, Hotel Alfonso XIII, a Luxury Collection hotel in Seville, and Hotel Maria Cristina, a Luxury Collection hotel in San Sebastian, all of which opened this year. Other participating hotels include The Lanesborough.

In the Middle East, participating hotels include The St. Regis Doha, W Doha Hotel & Residences, Al Maha Desert Resort & Spa, Sheraton Jumeirah Beach Resort, Westin Abu Dhabi Golf Resort & Spa, The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort and Sheraton Dammam Hotel & Towers.

SPG Better by The Night registration is open through November 30, 2012.

Enquiries and reservations: spg.com/ betterbythenight. Members can sync their SPG and Foursquare accounts at spg.com/ socialcheckins.

Travel Arabia 17

Exclusive art collection at The Dolder Grand 13

A venue ideal for exclusive occasions

The Dolder Grand evokes a place where a memorable dinner becomes even more meaningful when you can dine amongst artistic masterpieces. Having progressively developed a fine collection of paintings and sculptures, since its reopening in 2008, more than 100 eminent artworks from luxury hotel’s owner Urs E. Schwarzenbach’s private collection have graced the walls.

Boasting several pieces from Andy Warhol, the collection includes the Big Retrospective Painting, an 11-metre masterpiece above the reception, welcoming guests upon their

Suite Life at Four Seasons Resort Langkawi 12

Perched on a hillock at the southern end of Four Seasons Resort Langkawi, the two-bedroom villa is an opulent abode surrounded by lush tropical gardens. Ideal for those seeking an exclusive venue for entertaining, its beautiful 22 metre (72 foot) private lap pool with wrap-around pool deck offers a picturesque setting to host a cocktail or pool party, with room for tables to spill onto the adjacent gardens. Space is the order of the day in the stylish interiors, from the lounge with 42-inch flat screen TV to a dining room that seats six.

Sleeping quarters are equally spacious, with large walk-in closets and marble-floored bathrooms, each with terrazzo soaking tubs for four people.

Secluded at the very end of the Resort’s 1.5 kilometre (nearly 1 mile) beach, the Royal Villa is a magnificent two-bedroom residence flanked by dramatic limestone cliffs. With its large private outdoor swimming pool, spa treatment room, lounge, dining area, expansive patio and daybed, staff quarters and kitchen, it’s an impressive island hideaway for large families or private gatherings.

Enquiries and reservations: (60) 4 950 8888, fax: (60) 4 950 8899 or book online at http://www.fourseasons.com/langkawi 18 Travel Arabia

The resort is an impressive island hideaway for large families or private gatherings.

arrival.

Most of the collection is displayed in public areas, including a large Henry Moore bronze, oil paintings by Tamara de Lempicka, sculptures by Juan Munoz, a collection of classic works by impressionist Camille Pissarro and antiques like “La Belleuse” (ca.

1870), the iconic sculpture by Albert CarrierBelleuse that stands on the clock pedestal by Eugène Farcot in the Steinhalle.

Located on a hill overlooking Zurich, The Dolder Grand offers its guests a dreamy destination of being in Zurich, the city referred to as the “portal to the Alps”, from which Switzerland’s top venues can easily be reached.

Get a glimpse of the Dolder Grand Experience by visiting www.thedoldergrand.com Enquiries and reservations: +41 44 456 60 00 or email reservations@thedoldergrand. com

From Europe to the Far East Enjoy and Discover with Al Rais Holidays

Europe Package

Far East Package

Destinations all for 04 Nights/05 Days

Country

Starting from

Barcelona Dublin Geneva London Munich Paris Prague Rome Vienna

Arc de Triomphe

AED 6000 AED 5950 AED 6550 AED 6900 AED 4750 AED 9050 AED 5350 AED 6350 AED 4850

e

Schรถnbrunn Palac

London Bridge

Country

Bangkok Bali Hong Kong Kuala Lumpur Manila Seoul Singapore Shanghai Tokyo

Yuyuan Garde

n

Starting from

AED 3750 AED 5700 AED 6900 AED 4350 AED 4750 AED 8450 AED 5100 AED 4600 AED 8750

Boracay Wat Phra Kaew

Europe & Far East Package All destinations includes the following: Accommodation 4* Hotel on sharing basis Airfare (Emirates Airline) Daily Breakfast All applicable taxes Return airport transfers (except Tokyo not included)

Booking Terms and Conditions Apply

BUR DUBAI: 04 - 355 7700, JUMEIRAH: 04 - 394 0100 | www.alrais.com

TRAVEL TREATS

Rejuvenate in Style at The Chedi Muscat

The perfect start to a hotel experience is here 15

14

Escape from the UAE during for a pre-Christmas break with a quick flight or leisurely drive to Muscat, and Rejuvenate in Style at The Chedi Muscat.

With a stunning spa that features a perfect mix of Asian Zen and Omani architecture, luxurious rooms and private suites, a delightful array of awardwinning restaurants, a private beach and a range of recreational facilities, The Chedi Muscat has all the elements of a truly blissful spa and wellness retreat.

The Rejuvenate in Style package is available in a Deluxe Club Room or Chedi Club Suite category.

From Oct. 1, 2012 to Dec. 23, 2012 the package rate in a Deluxe Club Room is OMR 700 (AED 6,700) for two nights, double occupancy or OMR 1060 (AED 10,113) for two nights in a Chedi Club Suite.

The Package includes two nights’ accommodation in either a Deluxe Club Room or Chedi Club Suite for two persons, daily buffet breakfast at The Restaurant or The Club Lounge, and return airport transfers with private limousine It also includes two spa treatments per person per stay: 60-minute Ancient Balinese Massage and a choice of Arabian, Oriental, Tibetan or Balinese bathing ceremony.

A maximum of two consecutive nights stay is required for this offer, which cannot be combined with any other offers. Rooms are subject to availability. Rates are in Omani Rial and subject to 17% service charge and tax.

Enquiries and reservations: +968 24 52 44 01 or email reservation@chedimuscat.com 20 Travel Arabia

Al Raha Beach Hotel, the captivating and luxurious five-star property in Abu Dhabi has completed its multimillion dollar extension.

A truly spectacular oasis in the heart of the capital, Al Raha Beach Hotel now offers 144 additional reasons to come over.

Each of the new rooms and suites are specially designed to offer comfort and luxury; featuring designer furniture, 32inch LCD TV, spacious bathroom with magic glass and sculpted granite wash basin, Wi-Fi internet access, tea & coffee making facilities, in-room safe and mini bar. The suites offer added luxuries including 52inch LCD TV, complimentary in –room movies, Jacuzzi bath with state of the art Aliseo Majico Bathroom Mirror TV with 15 inch screen, sculpted granite wash basins, monsoon rain shower and dazzling panoramic views of the

16

Arabian Gulf Sea. Another exciting venue offering a fascinating experience is the Promenade. Directly linked from the gardens to the new hotel wing it will take you on a journey of unequalled luxury offering breath-taking views of the Arabian Gulf Sea and other islands. The perfect start to a hotel experience.

Enquiries and reservations: +971 2 508 0555 ext 422.

Ras Al Khaimah Amasi Beach party

Welcome the newest nightlife in Ras Al Khaimah with a party till you drop.

The emirate will be hosting a series of weekend parties at Amasi Beach where world famous disc jocks flying—UK fly-ins and Dubai international resident DJs—are performing.

The12-weekend exclusive live beach parties kicked off on Oct. 26, 2012 and will run till Dec. 31, 2012 at one of the emirate’s premium beaches—the Al Hamra Palace Beach Resort, operated by Casa Hotels &

Resorts.

Amasi Beach is expected to attract in every party at least a crowd of 600 persons, joining from all over the UAE. Amasi Beach tickets are available at Virgin Megastore, Time Out Tickets and Al Hamra Palace Beach Resort. Amasi Beach is sponsored by Austrian Airlines and askexplorer.com and has Channel 4 (104.8 FM) as the official media partner.

Enquiries and reservations: www.facebook.com/amasibeach

Walk on the wild side with the Komodo dragons 18

Spark a conversation with Four Seasons’ new micro-site 17

You have to admit, half the fun of a romantic break is the planning and anticipation involved.

If you are looking for inspiration, The Spark – a brand new microsite launched by Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts – is the place to begin, with fun games, maps and picture feeds meant to help you rediscover what makes you and your significant other the perfect pair.

From a quiz that pictorially prompts you to your ideal couple’s getaway based on what you and your partner like to see, do and experience, to a map of aphrodisiacs, 22 Travel Arabia

Re-ignite that spark of romance

love festivals and quirky romantic rituals from across the world, fun questions to find out what really makes your partner tick, and an #IgniteThe Spark Instagram feed that lets you share your own special moments (and get a few tips from the passionate expressions of others!)

Four Seasons provides plenty of ways for you to re-ignite that spark of romance.

Enquiries: http://magazine.fourseasons. com/the-spark

Indonesia.travel, the official tourism website of Indonesian Tourism under the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy of Indonesia once again proudly presents a quiz with the prize of a trip to Komodo Island for five lucky winners. The quiz will be conducted continuously from Oct. 18, 2012 to Nov.18, 2012. The winners will be announced Nov. 23, 2012 on www.indonesia.travel.

The quiz in English is open to any foreigner (nonIndonesian) worldwide, while the Quiz in Bahasa Indonesia is open to Indonesian nationals.

Winners of the Indonesia.travel quiz will visit the Komodo Island in a three-day, two- night trip to enjoy the adventure in the wild and meet the legendary Komodo dragons in the Komodo National Park for free.

To take part in the quiz, participants must first register (login) to www.indonesia.travel. There will be five questions a day that participants must answer.

Each correct answer will be given five points. There will be an additional point for participants who are able to invite other friends to take part in the quiz.

The total points gathered will be the accumulation of points collected until the quiz is closed.

Five participants will be declared winners based on the rank of accumulated points. For the trip to Komodo National Park, the winners will receive International airplane tickets “economy class” (from the winners nearest city which has a direct flight to Bali, Indonesia), domestic flight “economy class” in Indonesia (Bali to Labuan Bajo), accommodation and meals.

The Komodo National Park covers an area of 1817 km². This national park comprises both land and sea, including the islands that are largely savanahs inhabited by diverse endemic species, including the Komodo dragon (Varanus komodoensis).

Enquiries: http://us.indonesia.travel/wonderfulindonesiaquiz

dubai Soirees the city just never sleeps

Abu Dhabi filmfest celebs get red carpet look Make up for ever, principal partner of Abu Dhabi Film Festival, brought the world of professional makeup from backstage onto the red carpet by offering celebrities and VIPs an exclusive makeover session where they got the glamorous look they desired on the red carpet. Make up for ever rolled out its Exclusive Celebrity Lounge throughout

the entire duration of the film festival, Oct.11--20, 2012 to offer professional makeup services to everyone walking the red carpet or attending the events during the festival.

Think flawless complexion, luscious lips, and a glamorous long-lasting red carpet look ready for cameras anytime throughout the day or night!

Maya Diab

Carmen Lebbos

Gamal Suleiman

Shabana Azmi

24 Travel Arabia

Nate Parker

Located in Deira district known as The Heart of Dubai, Suha City Hotel is just minutes from Dubai International Airport, Dubai Convention Centre, The Emirate of Sharjah and a short walking distance from some of Dubai’s largest malls including Deira City Centre Mall.

Garhoud Road, Deira Opposite City Centre P. O. Box 81933 Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Overlooking The Walk and the bustling promenade of Jumeirah Beach, Suha Hotel Apartments is set in JBR, the architectural complex that has become synonymous with the Dubai Marina skyline.

Sadaf 3 Jumeirah Beach Residence P. O. Box 282481 Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Rooms 1

120 rooms and suites ranging from Superior, Deluxe, Junior Suites and 1 Bedroom Suites.

Facilities & Services t Broadband / Wi-Fi Internet Access t In-room Safe t IDD Telephone with Fax/ Modem t Mp3 Docking Station t In-room Mini Serve Refreshment Centre t Satellite Television t Airport Transfer Service t Laundry, Pressing & Dry Cleaning Service t Baby Sitting Service

Rooms 1

90 apartments which are available in one to four bedroom units ranging from 61 to 232 square metres in size. Our two 840 sq. metres Duplex Penthouses are available on an annual rental basis only.

Facilities & Services t 24-hour reception t Full Housekeeping Services t Complimentary Wireless Broadband t Fully fitted kitchen with fridge and a range of modern appliances t Plasma screen TV with DVD and iPod Docking station

Close to the recognised business hubs of Media City, Knowledge Village and Internet City, Al Barsha Hotel Apartments is ideally located for those wishing to be at the heart of new Dubai for business and pleasure.

Rooms

1

t 24-hour reception t Full Housekeeping Services t Complimentary Internet t Fully fitted kitchen with fridge and a range of modern appliances t Plasma screen TV with DVD and music system

Al Barsha 1 Opposite Sharaf DG Metro Station P. O. Box 125707 Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Contact us for preferential corporate rates:

t Limousine and Transportation Service t Beauty Salon / Barber Shop t Lobby Shop t Business Centre t Swimming Pool, Sun Deck & Juicery t Fitness Centre t Tour & Travel Services t Hotel Safe Deposit Facility t Valet Parking

t Outdoor private swimming pool t Washing machine, iron and ironing board t Digital safe security box t Outdoor swimming pool t Free secure covered parking t Airport transfers / Currency exchange / Laundry services (*provided at an additional cost)

Our hotel provide 60 apartments which are available in one and two bedroom units ranging from 75 to 100 square metres in size.

Facilities & Services

Toll Free: 800-MONDO (66636) Tel: +971 4 392 7171 (abroad)

t Free secure covered parking t Rooftop pool, gymnasium and sauna t Washing machine, iron and ironing board t Digital safe security box t Airport transfers / Currency exchange / Laundry services (*provided at an additional cost)

Email: sales.uae@mondohospitality.com Website: www.mondohospitality.com

STOP & SHOP A QUICK LOOK AT OUR MONTHLY VITRINE

The PALMIERO Collection One of the most sought after high end jewellery brands around the world based in Valenza, Italy, now exclusively available at leading luxury retailer Levant stores in Dubai, unveils a stunning range of rings!

Casio G Shock Frogman AED 1,995 Omega Planet Ocean Skyfall (Limited Edition) AED 24,000

Movado Bold AED 2,940 Passione Goccia Anello

1 Million Absolutely Gold AED 385

Have your style check

Stella McCartney AED 4,550

Confini

Passione Cuore

Stella McCartney AED 3,400

Peter Pilotto AED 5,200

26 Travel Arabia

Alexander McQueen AED 3,950 Contaminazione

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

exclusives

AED 575

For the connoisseur in you

AED 1,150

AED 825

AED 695

Fashion’s Night Out: bebe unveils its Fall 2012 collection Undeniably feminine, from day to night looks with dark romantic influences, beautiful and stylish, bebe has officially introduced its fall 2012 Collection.

The collection’s key pieces include circle and pencil skirts, sleek sheath dresses, tailored blazers and moto jackets, a stunning faux ocelot coat and skinny jeans in saturated jewel tones, abstract patterns and coated textures. Cocktail dresses with lace overlays, peplums, ruching and 28 Travel Arabia

sweetheart necklines are designed to play up hourglass curves and make a strong, decidedly feminine statement. bebe has been over in the UAE five years.

Its first store opened in Burjuman Centre and now has outlets in The Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates, Dubai Marina Mall, Deira City Centre, Dubai Festival City, Mirdiff City Centre and Abu Dhabi Marina Mall. www.bebe.com

AED 795

AED 950

AROUND TOWN Gigs, parties and all

Mission accomplished

Bloomingdale Autumn/ Winter 2012 fashion show Bloomingdale’s-Dubai set the stage for the ultimate fashion caper with their Autumn/Winter 2012 campaign, Fashion:Impossible.

From the dramatic window displays in the Fashion Store to their first off-site fashion show, the campaign has highlighted 30 Travel Arabia

the season’s most arresting trends and coveted designers including new labels such as Fausto Puglisi (womenswear), KARL Karl Lagerfeld (womenswear), Giacomorelli (footwear) and Palestyle (handbags).

The invitation-only event was recently held in the Armani/Ballroom.

Shout-out to Zen Nezha for winning in last month’s Travel Arabia competition page done in coordination with The Address Dubai Marina.

Kindly get in touch with Mr. Arif Shah at arif@kalimatgroup.com for your prize.

Competition Have you been here? Guess where it is. Select your best answer from the choices below: a) b) c) d)

Boracay Maldives Seychelles Bali

Winner gets a night’s stay with breakfast at a Dubai five-star hotel for two. Email your answer to dass@kalimatgroup.com. Put “COMPETITION” on the subject.

32 Travel Arabia

Travel Arabia 33

arabian experience

34 Travel Arabia

The Marrakech spell

By Jagan Nath Dass

Dancing cobras in the kasbah. This ‘ochre city’ has two enchanting faces that leave visitors enthralled.

M

arrakech, a Berber word which means “Land of God,” is also the land of men with dancing cobras, boys with Barbary apes in a public market, and the ubiquitous harira soup steaming hot against a backdrop of a 77-metre, 11th century minaret towering over a kasbah of burnt sienna.

Or is it rose red terra cotta?

Could not matter more, really, because Marrakech, like a coin, has two faces.

One is that of medieval Medina, a fortified quarter where the city’s great grandfathers were born, where one sees the past that fortified walls have vainly hidden, and where secrets hang thick in the air like lovers’ vows.

The other, that of a much younger Gueliz, born in the 1920s from French parents who brought Place de l’Étoile and Champs Elysee with them during their 44-year occupation of

what once was the “Kingdom of Marrakech,” Morocco’s name till the beginning of the 20th century.

Thus, Medina is of intertwined alleys, local shops and North Africa’s oldest square, the 11th century Jamaa el Fna; while Gueliz has a centre from which avenues of modern restaurants, fastfood chains and brand name stores radiate outward like wheelspokes—typical Haussmannian Paris, if you will.

Medina has the 19th century Bahia Palace, with its two-acre garden and rooms opening onto courtyards for a grand vizier’s harem of four wives and 24 concubines; Gueliz, the late fashion icon Yves St. Laurent’s Jardin Majorelle, a botanical garden named after its original owner, French painter Jacques Majorelle.

And so the surreal Marrakech spell, where one is only a step away into the past or back to the present; where a treasured find is French Travel Arabia 35

And so the surreal Marrakech, where one is only a step away into the past or back to the present. and Arabic at the same time.

Icons

Marrakech was where the late British war time Prime Minister Winston Churchill stayed for his sojourns, specifically at Hotel La Mamounia, a 1920s five-star that originally was a ruler’s garden. French statesman Charles de Gaulle had also stayed at the same hotel. Mick Jagger was a habitué.

The city’s fame shot to the heavens back in the 1960s after rock stars—Jimi Hendrix, The Rolling Stones, and Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young (CSNY), among others—started spending their holidays there. CSNY also recorded a popular song about the place, “The Marrakech Express.”

And so Marrakech became, as what it has been dubbed—aptly perhaps, a “theme park of the Brits and French,” and a “hippie outpost.”

Henceforth, Marrakech also became a place where one must be seen at; a line-item on every holidaymaker’s bucket list. Soon after, other destinations started including a list of stars and icons in coming up with promotional blitzkriegs. Marrakech started this type of marketing and branding.

Flashback

Morocco was a power around the 11th cen-

36 Travel Arabia

tury with its influence spanning over Northwest Africa and the Al-Andalus region—territorial parts of the present day Spain and Portugal, Gibraltar, and France.

As Morocco’s reach started to crumble, its European neighbors saw opportunity to get their hands into the Moroccan cookie jar, so to speak, and thus maneuvered endlessly through a series of talks and treaties to get the upper hand.

The last of these pacts was the Treaty of Fez signed on March 30, 1912 and which placed Morocco as a French protectorate. The treaty resulted from a crisis seven years earlier between Germany on one side, and France and Britain on the other, with Morocco as the chip to win.

On March 2, 1956, Morocco achieved its independence from France.

Landmarks

Travellers and holidaymakers who have been to Marrakech agree that as there is much to see in the city, an entire day of wandering may not suffice to feed hungry eyes.

For one, if you’ve been to Marrakech and did not see Djemaa El-Fna, you probably had gone to another place. One can’t miss Djemaa El-Fna, the life of Marrakech. Cobra charmers, boys with Barbary apes, musicians, dancers, poets, and storytellers are everywhere in this square. The ambience is that of a large

feast with music playing as storekeepers invite passers-by to check their wares.

Another must-see is the Koutoubia Mosque, which is right beside Djemaa El-Fna, and is also known as the Mosque of the Booksellers from which the 77-metre minaret rises. The mosque was completed around 1184.

The Saadian Tombs, which were not discovered until the beginning of the 20th century, remain untouched and offer visitors a good glimpse.

The Majorelle Gardens for its part has an entrance fee of Dh 50 but is worth it, while the Dar Si Saïd Museum, on Rue Riad Zitoun Jdid, which is set in an old palace, has many Morrocan artifacts.

There are also the El Badi Palace, which actually are ruins with underground passageways, and the Menara Garden, which has orchards and olive groves surrounding a central 16th century pavilion.

And while at it, don’t miss out on the hammams as no visit to Marrakech is complete without a much-needed relaxation after a day or so of exploring the city—actually, your most probable last stop in the land of men with dancing cobras, boys with Barbary apes and the ubiquitous harira soup steaming hot against a backdrop of the 77-metre high Koutoubia Mosque’s minaret.

Travel Arabia 37

living arabia

Ras Al Khaimah Offering thrills of the great Arabian wonderland

An aerial view of Ras Al Khaimah beach 38 Travel Arabia

Travel Arabia 39

The newest attraction to take to the waters around Ras Al Khaimah is the luxurious twinmast sailing yacht, Prince of Sea. Measuring 100 feet in length, the motorised yacht offers visitors a variety of sailing trips around the coast of Ras Al Khaimah, following in the navigational routes of Ahmed bin Majid.

One of the greatest navigators of all time, Ahmed bin Majid was born in Ras Al Khaimah and was known to have revolutionized sea navigation through his numerous inventions and innovations.

Daytime excursions of Prince of Sea offer visitors fun in the sun with swimming and snorkelling and the opportunity of spotting one of the rare green turtles at Al Marjan Island followed by Banana Boat Riding at Rixos Bay and a seafood lunch on-board. An afternoon belly dancing performance comes next and the cruise finishes off with a photo opportunity at sunset.

Sunset and dinner cruises are also available, where visitors can relax in the tranquillity of the sea by sailing under the stars together with the delicious barbequed seafood, and watching a folkloric show of the Arabian dance.

On Tuesdays and Thursdays, guests will enjoy swimming under the night sky. On Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays the dinner cruise is for couples only, where the addition of soft music and candle light creates a romantic evening to remember.

Fishing

Ras Al Khaimah desert

Seawings

From a visit to an Arabic village to a sunset cruise, light aviation, parasailing, a theme park and beach parties, the list goes on for an unending itinerary of holiday adventures.

S

ituated at the northern tip of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Ras Al Khaimah offers visitors the ultimate in outdoor adventure. The emirate’s rugged mountain peaks, crystal clear waters and undulating desert provide a naturally picturesque environment.

And as temperatures begin to drop in UAE, the ideal terrain for a range of outdoor activities in Ras Al Khaimah has started to once again attract more visitors from across the country and the world.

From a visit to an Arabic village to a sunset cruise, light aviation, parasailing, a theme park and beach parties, the list goes on for an unending itinerary of holiday adventures and fun with the family, peers or a special someone.

Bassata Village

For those who enjoy the wilderness and

40 Travel Arabia

expanse of the open desert, Ras Al Khaimah’s newly opened Bassata Village offers visitors the ultimate desert experience. From camel and horseback riding to sand boarding and breadmaking, or simply enjoying Arabic barbeque under the stars, visitors can enjoy a range of traditional Arabic activities and an unforgettable evening.

A belly dancer, an Arabic Tanoura and a henna tattoo artist all provide entertainment and traditional Arabic art forms. A falcon show, which allows visitors to get up close with these amazing birds and discover the Emirati tradition of falconry, is also held twice weekly.

Prince of Sea

The turquoise blue waters of the Arabian Gulf are perfect for swimming, snorkelling and diving as well as kayaking, sailing and fishing.

Iceland Waterpark

A perfect escape from the heat is the Iceland Waterpark which has the world’s largest manmade waterfall and longest waterslide.

An exclusive family fun zone, Iceland Waterpark’s Penguin Falls stands at 120 feet tall and 540 feet wide with 100, 000 gallons of water cascading down every minute. Other favorites include Aqua Soccer playground, an Olympicsize swimming pool.

Iceland Waterpark also provides a wide variety of games, water slides and an extensive food court for maximum fun and amusement.

Developed as an exclusive family fun zone and with “Ladies Night” every Friday, Iceland Waterpark is all about having a fun time. www.icelandwaterpark.com

Al Hamra Marina & Royal Yacht Club

The Al Hamra Marina is the ideal destination for visitors and water sport lovers out to enjoy the beauty of the sea. It has a restaurant and offers charter boats. The marina also provides maintenance and training and charter boats.

The Al Hamra Marina comprises of 200 wet berth up to 100 feet provided with power supply and fresh water. It is the last significant fuelling stop for vessels in the Arabian Gulf. Al Hamra Marina also hosts the Royal Yacht Club of Ras Al Khaimah, and as well organizes water activities and amazing competitions. www.alhamramarina.com

Prince of Sea

Travel Arabia 41

Parasailing

Bassata Village

Bassata Village

Iceland Waterpark

42 Travel Arabia

Falcon Show Banyan Tree Al Wadi

Seawings

Water adventure

Fasten your seatbelts and enjoy exciting times by taking off and landing on water with Seawings seaplane tours!

The Seawings Urban Experience takes off from the pristine shores of Ras Al Khaimah on an exciting 45- minute aerial tour at 1,500 feet above sea level, giving you picturesque views of the emirate with its rich cultural heritage and pristine desert landscape before flying to Dubai, where you can enjoy its highlights including Burj Khalifa. www.seawings.ae

With a number of beaches and modern equipment, Ras Al Khaimah is also the perfect destination for water sports like scuba diving, sailing, water skiing, parasailing and fishing.

Treat yourself to a Kayak excursion on the sea or in the mangroves, where the natural surroundings offer an unforgettable experience.

Water sports facilities are available in most of the resorts in Ras Al Khaimah.

Deep-sea fishing trips perfect for beginners and skilled anglers can also be arranged. Fish

Light Aviation

Indeed, the list of fun things to do in Ras Al Khaimah is endless.

If you are looking for a fantastic air adventure in Ras Al Khaimah, so look no farther than Jazirah Aviation Club. An absolutely fantastic and safe experience with lightweight airplanes, powered parachutes and gyrocopters will have you enjoying scenic desert views, the white sandy beaches, the turquoise sea and the majestic Hajjar mountains.

The Jazirah Aviation Club was established in 1998. It is the first Micro light and LSA flying club of the UAE approved by General Civil Aviation Authority. It is also one of the exclusive aviation clubs in the entire region.

Guests are offered approved training on various flying machines by qualified aviation instructors. www.jac-uae.net

to catch include a king fish, barracuda, cobia, travallies, hammour, snappers, and sherry among others.

Parasailing

And just as you think you’ve done it all comes an absolutely amazing eight-to-12minute flight at 200 meters while hooked to a boat equipped with state-of-the-art equipment and a flight deck for on-board take-off and landing.

Indeed, the view from high up there is astounding with just you between the water below and the sky above. Such a great time is offered to guests of any age.

Falcon show

Banyan Tree Al Wadi has the region’s most diverse and interactive display of falcons, hawks, kestrels, owls and eagles. A tour of the world class Falconry Mews, Rehabilitation and Breeding Centre, rounds off this one-of-a-kind experience in style. Visitors can also have a more private interactive experience and get up close and personal with some of the birds of prey. www.banyantree.com

Amasi Beach

All music lovers are invited to attend the Amasi Beach party every weekend from Oct. 26, 2012 to Dec. 31, 2012 with world-famous DJs flying in from the UK, and international Dubai resident DJs playing your favorite music.

Have fun at the beach in the afternoon, enjoy the music of the Warm Up DJ from 6pm, then take the amazing journey onwards with the Signature DJ from 8pm until late. DJ Norman Jay Mbe cranks it up on Oct. 26, 2012.

Tickets available at Al Hamra Palace Beach Resort Amasi Beach. www.facebook.com/amasi www.rasalkhaimahtourism.com Travel Arabia 43

Dates have been a staple food of the Middle East since time immemorial.

In the early days, Bedouins would make sure they have enough stock before crossing the desert.

A

Ever been to a

date palm festival?

Come to Abu Dhabi and get a chance to bring home all the gifts 44 Travel Arabia

bu Dhabi will this year be celebrating the sixth annual Emirates International Date Palm Festival on an even more happier note: A lucky visitor will bring home all the gifts simply by joining a raffle draw during the event.

Mohammad Jalal Al Reyaysa, chairman of the Higher Organising Committee for the Festival and ADFCA spokesperson, said that as well over 18,000 visitors are expected to attend this year, organizers have introduced a new feature called “One Golden Ticket,” where all gifts from the over 200 participating exhibitors from 18 countries will be given to one lucky winner.

“All the exhibitors participating have provided us with a variety of gifts. People will have to enter their names in a raffle any time during the festival and at the end, one lucky winner will get all the gifts,” Al Reyaysa Organised by Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority (ADFCA), Date Palm Friends Society and Turret Media, the Date Palm Festival will be held from Nov. 26, 2012 to Dec. 1, 2012 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC).

Visitors will also be able to taste the delicious fruit from several leading exhibitors across the region at the Date Tasting Area. Exhibitors participating this year have confirmed to bring a variety of dates from countries such as Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Morocco, Iraq, Tunisia, and Libya among others.

Programs featured include theatre performances, palm tree climbing, date tree planting, kid’s area, photo gallery competition and date tasting.

Al Reyaysa said the festival is the the UAE capital’s way of paying tribute to a significant part of the Arabian culture and heritage.

The UAE is among the top producers and exporters of dates and date products in the world, according to Al Reyaysa, who noted that the festival is also an opportunity for dates businesses to liaise with one another and explore possibilities of cooperation and collaboration.

One of the key features in this year’s festival is the Date Palm Theatre, in which students from schools in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and the

western region will entertain audiences throughout the week with plays, dances, competitions and fashion shows, whilst highlighting the region’s customs and traditions. This is organized in cooperation with the Abu Dhabi Education Council.

Meanwhile, after having a favourable response last year with over 400 saplings planted, the date tree planting feature is set to return giving festival patrons a chance to be a part of history and contribute to enhancing the UAE environment.

ADFCA has allocated a specific area in Abu

Dhabi where the planted saplings will be nurtured into beautiful date palm trees for future generations to enjoy. Showcasing how Emiratis lived decades ago, parents and children can also visit the Heritage Village to learn how the nation’s ancestors lived.

Competitions this year at the Date Palm Festival include date tree climbing and photo gallery. Avid climbers will race to the top of the date palm tree to be crowned the UAE’s fastest date tree climber. Furthermore, the artistic vision of photographers will be rewarded as they can submit entries of photographic genius

showcasing their individual interpretations of the date fruit or the date palm tree. The photographs will then be displayed during the festival for viewing.

A variety of fun activities will likewise be available for children at the Learning Booth - Kids Area. Children can have their faces painted, learn about the nutritious benefit of the fruit and have a great time playing with other children.

For more information about the Date Palm Festival, please visit http://www.datepalmfestival.net/ Travel Arabia 45

outside arabia

Bargain hunting in the

UK

One of the country’s national obsessions is to spend hours rummaging from one stall to another on a fine day to dig up a treasured find.

A

flea market, to borrow from Forrest Gump, is “like a box of chocolates— you never know what you’re gonna get.”

In the UK, flea markets, car boots as they are called, is a national obsession. The country has numerous websites enumerating a list of these outdoor markets complete with details on timings and what to expect. Some even have maps.

46 Travel Arabia

Of course, there are Harrods, Liberty, Selfridges, Harvey Nichols but nothing beats knock-down prices at a mom-and-pop flea mart down the corner. Thus, most visitors to the UK agree that a holiday there is certainly not complete without a quick swing-by in any of the thousands of flea markets. You just never know what you’re going to get.

Most people in the UK sell their old stuff—

from bathroom mirrors to couches and books— at fairs. The more enterprising ones buy from wholesalers and auctions to sell them at these flea markets.

Inexpensive

Wholesale Pages, a UK wholesale network at www.wholesalepages.co.uk/ markets/marketfairs. php, said goods sold at the flea markets are usu-

Travel Arabia 47

The first flea markets in the UK were done in car trunks or boots, thus the name car boot sale. ally inexpensive and range in quality depending on several factors like urban or rural location of the flea or general market and fair, part of the country that you are in, or popularity and size of the market.

“Market and fairs shopping is a popular pastime for many people. There is nothing to beat market shopping. Choice, value for money, friendly, expert service, a real atmosphere, and lots more,” the website said.

Some markets and fairs also offer concerts and carnival-type events to attract shoppers.

Wholesale Pages said it has a list of over 800 markets and over 5,500 fairs. “Venue details holding thousands of fairs and markets throughout the year are listed in our directory and they cover nearly every city and council in UK,” it said.

48 Travel Arabia

Competition

Indeed, one man’s trash is another man’s treasure, in which sense flea markets are proving to be good business for online entrepreneurs, even creating healthy competitions at some ends.

Information Britain, an online directory of everything UK even has a list of the fairs by city, claiming to have a directory of 1,800 markets across Britain.

“We list as many as we could find offering all kinds of everything for sale and ranging from small street bazaars to sprawling fields with hundreds of stalls converged upon by multitudes on Sundays,” IB said in its website.

IB noted that flea markets have become rather hip in the UK over the last few years.

“From food exclusive to those selling just about everything, Britain has thousands of them

So why was it called flea market?

A flea market brings to mind pictures of fleas in bags sold at a market which is entirely not what flea market is.

So why was it called such? Two probable answers.

One: A theory says it came from the Fly Market in 18th century New York City which was on what used to be a salt marsh with a brook, and thus was called “Vlaie” by the Dutch to mean “swamp.”

In the Dutch language, ‘v’ is pronounced as ‘f ’. The “Fly Market” was a principal New York City market in the early 1800s.

Two: It was derived from a transliteration of the French “marché aux puces”, which means “market where one acquires fleas,” and was the name of a Paris outdoor bazaar in the 1860s where old furniture infested with fleas were brought out for sale.

a comfortable stay leave the rest to us

SM

Our elegantly decorated rooms and suites, designed for luxury and comfort, give a panoramic view of the city’s skyline. All our rooms are equipped with premium amenities such as satellite interactive TV, electronic safe, IDD telephone, voicemail, high speed internet access and more.

The hotel is just 20-minute drive from Sharjah International Airport, the hotel is conveniently placed for both business and leisure guests.

For enquiries and reservations: Tel: + 971 6 703 1111 sales@ramadaajman.com www.ramadaajman.com www.ramadainternational.com Ramada Hotel & Suites Ajman is operated by RHotels (a member of RHolding) under a franchise agreement from Wyndham Hotel International.

proving national obsessions with both finding a bargain and making a profit,” IB said.

IB’s directory cuts across UK from Bath to Buckinghamshire; Anglesey in Wales and Belfast in Northern Island.

First ones

The first flea markets in the UK were done in car trunks or boots, thus the name car boot

50 Travel Arabia

sale. A Catholic priest from Stockport, Father Harry Clarke, reportedly introduced the car boot sale to the UK in the early 1970s after seeing a similar event being held in Canada while on holiday there. Car boot sales now happen regularly across the UK every weekend of the year Car boot sales—flea markets—are often but not exclusively held in the grounds of schools

and other community buildings, or in grassed fields or car parks.

Flea markets generally take place within the summer months, however a growing trend of indoor boot sales and all year hard-standing outdoor boot sales are now appearing in some parts of the UK. Items sold can include antiques and collectables, anything in fact that the person wishes to sell.

HOME AWAY FROM HOME‌

Our Hotel Apartments are situated at the downtown Bur Dubai, conveniently located within a short distance from Dubai World Trade Centre, Metro Station and other major attractions.

The Freedom and exibility is a great advantage of staying at any of our Apartments, where you will enjoy the liberty of your own luxurious and spacious apartment designed in the latest contemporary style.

For Reservations: +971 4 3599925 P.O. Box 126012 Dubai, UAE, Email: info@xclusivehoteldubai.com, Website: www.xclusivehoteldubai.com

taste travel

Thai Pas

at the Blue Elephant Al Bustan Rotana Dubai It’s well known that Dubai is a melting pot of nationalities and cultures and we’re well served by a range of restaurants to match our eclectic tastes, but now an award-winning Thai restaurant has gone a step further and incorporated a range of international flavours on a traditional Thai menu. The well established Blue Elephant restaurant at the Al Bustan Rotana hotel has introduced a special Thai Pas menu ostensibly playing on the words Tapas and coming up with Thai Pas. True to form the starters we had were delicious Tapas size servings of spring rolls, corn cakes, a warm salmon mousse and my favourite - a crab cake served in a half crab shell instead of the usual Thai fish cakes. The younger members of the party really liked the alternative papaya salad which was served in a sushi roll.

Main courses were more mixed than the starters in terms of region. The Thai Pas menu offers a lamb shank dish, a bowl of noodle soup dish and a seafood dish accompanied by jasmine rice. The lamb was extremely tender and easy to eat while the noodle dish was the tastiest with classic Thai flavours, the same that will remind you of the finest authentic fares in Bangkok.

The seafood dish was really full of fresh flavours

The Thai Pas menu offers a lamb shank dish, a bowl of noodle soup dish and a seafood dish accompanied by jasmine rice. which will make you grateful to the amazing team of Thai chefs in the kitchen.

Dessert was a perfect crème brulee generous in size and well presented, a gorgeous finish to a satisfying meal and good value at Dhs 165 per head, this menu is perfect for a group of diners with mixed tastes who want to enjoy easy, fun and delectable Thai treats with the completely authentic Thai atmosphere If you want to explore further, make sure you also try the Thai classic dishes on the extensive a la carte menu and the restaurant’s famous theme nights which are on offer three times a week.

The fresh tropical ambience and surroundings of the Blue Elephant restaurant with its pool of koi carp fish and conservatory type natural sky light makes for an extremely relaxing atmosphere and a welcome change to the concrete skyscrapers and heat outside.

For further information about Blue Elephant Restaurant at Al Bustan Rotana Dubai, please visit rotanatimes.com or call 04-7054660.

52 Travel Arabia

review

The grass is greener on this side

By Louise Abband

All restaurants and bars at The Westin Hotel & Golf Resort Abu Dhabi boast views you only normally see in a European holiday guide.

54 Travel Arabia

S

ometimes in life we all need to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. We desire the peace and serenity of luscious grass and flowing waters. This is something of a rarity in the Middle East, but at the Westin Hotel in Abu Dhabi the grass is greener on the other side.

The Westin Abu Dhabi Golf Resort & Spa boasts a prime position along the fairways of the famous Abu Dhabi Golf Course. The hotel features premium luxury guest rooms, restaurants, bars and a spa, which all overlook the magnificent golf course.

The lobby of the hotel is a united space of luxury elements, marble, water, wood and natural daylight. Such elements are taken for granted in most other hotels, but here at Westin, you feel relaxed as soon as you check in.

The Westin boasts a sensory rich environment, which is enveloped in luscious green grass, something that feels like a luxury in Abu

Dhabi. Staying in the Westin feels like a real escape from city life, all windows and balconies of the rooms face the golf fairways. Waking up to the smell of freshly cut grass and a green landscape is simply a pleasure. The rooms are decorated in a luxury yet peaceful manner which reflects the calm of the outdoors. Relax by playing a game of golf or heading to the Heavenly Spa for a well deserved signature treatment.

Dining is not something that should be overlooked in this hotel. All restaurants and bars boast views you only normally see in a European holiday guide. Breakfast is definitely something to wake up in time for, as the outdoor seating allows you to absorb the morning heat and take in the views and fresh smell of grass.

As the weather cools down the outdoor seating is the perfect way to enjoy your first meal of the day. The views truly are amazing and will make you feel as if you have all the time in world.

The Westin hotel really has something to offer for each guest, golfers and non-golfers will appreciate the calming views of the green fields and lakes. For those who simply want to watch the golf with a perfect view, the lounge café is a recommendation. Freshly made cakes and JING teas in all flavors can be enjoyed over the marvelous views of the course.

Dining at the Westin is also a rich experience of elements. The all-day dining restaurant

Fairways, makes breakfast, lunch and dinner a delight. And if you are looking for something more exotic, try the Moroccan restaurant, Agadir, which overlooks the swimming pools.

Here you will find a restaurant fit for a king, where your culinary delight will be spoilt by the fabulous Moroccan dishes combined with great hospitality. This restaurant is a nice contrast to the vast green lands outside, the colours, spices and warmth that it emits is simply an escape

from reality and the perfect way to end the day.

In the evening you can enjoy the facilities of the hotel or visit the city life that Abu Dhabi has to offer. Situated only 20 minutes from the Corniche and closely located to Ferrari World means that guests have the best of both worlds.

Perfect for golfers and those who need a break from all the lights of the city. The Westin is a great place to visit for those looking for a wellness retreat and a bit of quiet time.

At a glance The Westin Abu Dhabi Golf Resort & Spa represents the hospitality heart of the Abu Dhabi Golf Resort, and features stunning views of the famous golf course, which is home to the PGA European Tour HSBC Abu Dhabi Golf Championship. The resort appeals to international travelers interested in golf and a business environment.

Designed in a contemporary style, this urban retreat puts the focus back on the outdoors and natural surroundings. The hotel is conveniently located close to the airport, ADNEC Convention Centre and major business districts.

The hotel has 172 guestrooms and suites,

meeting facilities for up to 1,500 people, a ballroom, conference rooms and boardroom with state-of-the-art equipment, a 24-hour business centre, a leisure area with two pools, and six indoor and outdoor dining outlets, including an international all-day dining with live stations, a gourmet café, a specialty Moroccan restaurant, a sports lounge, and a cocktail lounge.

Heavenly Spa by Westin is also in the hotel.

The hotel features a range of premium rooms, luxury suites, and a presidential suite, which are organised into two wings that branch off the grand central atrium of the

hotel.

In all, there are 86 deluxe king rooms (45 sqm); 44 deluxe double rooms (45 sqm); 11 premium deluxe king rooms; 10 premium deluxe double rooms; 12 Westin renewal suites; six Westin executive suites; two deluxe accessible rooms (46 sqm); and a Presidential Suite (473 sqm).

The six food and beverage outlets are Agadir, a Moroccan lounge and dining facility; Fairways, which features the finest ingredients from markets around the globe; The Retreat, an exclusive hang-out for pre- or post-golf activities; Lemon & Lime lounge, and The Lounge lobby café.

Travel Arabia 55

alfresco a Travel Arabia special

alfres·co (al’fresko) Derived from Italian the word, “al fresco” literally means “in the fresh” It is thus associated with nature and dinning outdoors when the temperatures and weather is most favorable depending on the geographical location of the venue.It is a style of dining that is casual and often party-like in its atmosphere.

In order to promote and accommodate the pedestrian activity and vibrancy associated with al fresco dinning, communities have passed ordinances permitting it, including the service of food and beverages to customers at sidewalk tables until late at night.

That is the case in UAE as well. Now that winters are around the corner, we can sense the vibrancy of outdoor activities and the aroma of coffee and various flavors of “shisha”that fill the air.

56 Travel Arabia

Outdoor dining galore Kempinski Hotel Ajman’s Café Kranzler offers the experience Theme nights offer the opportunity for a wide selection of cuisines to choose from.

Now that winter has arrived, the vibrancy of outdoor activities and aroma of coffee and various scents of shisha once again fill the air.

Everyone looks forward to the activities they have been wanting to have but had held because of the hot and humid summer days.

One such must-do is a family alfresco dining at Café Kranzler in Kempinski Hotel Ajman.

With over 500 metres of private white-sand beach, rich local culture and more than100 years of Kempinski tradition, this spectacular hotel is set right on the Arabian Gulf in Ajman, the picturesque emirate on the coastline of the United Arab Emirates For relaxation, Kempinski Hotel Ajman features an expansive outdoor pool surrounded by palm trees and sun loungers. Guests can unwind with a massage at the health centre, which is equipped with all high-end facilities.

Café Kranzler, an all-day dining experience is a 24/7 breakfast outlet for in-house guests during the day. At night, it transforms into a food heaven, with a stylish ambiance and an international dining spread that offers a culinary journey.

Utilising the season’s freshest ingredients, and complimented by friendly attentive service in a surrounding that is open and breezy, the buffet-styled culinary options suit every palate.

Specially themed evenings offer a new selection of fine local and international cuisines comprising of Asian favourites, freshly caught seafood, and continental dishes that blend a multitude of flavours.

The team is headed by Chef Steven Pieters, director of Food and Beverages and the hotel’s executive chef.

Café Kranzler’s Friday Beach & Brunch is an enjoyable day-out, offering diners a vast array of chilled salads, crusty breads, live-cooking and an inviting dessert buffet to indulge in.

Cafe Kranzler offers an international cuisine for breakfast and lunch. For dinner, theme nights are offered every week. The theme nights are designed to give people a taste of food from all over the world from succulent Asian Delights to the freshest Middle Eastern produce and subtly-flavored European delicacies, all served

on the beach in the tranquility of nature and the soft sound of music in the background.

Theme nights offer the opportunity for a wide selection of cuisines to choose from. Aqua Blue, Dolce Vita, Persian Delights, Magnolian BBQ, Thai Getaway and Chocolate Dreams .

The main focus is buffet, but guests have an option of ordering from the à la carte menu. Café Kranzler has something for whatever your taste buds desire.

With a choice of indoor and outdoor seating, Café Kranzler gives diners the perfect setting to suit many moods. At Café Kranzler, you can’t help acknowledge that flavor is truly a universal language.

Cuisine International Timings Breakfast 6:30am to 11:00am Lunch 12:00pm to 3:30 p.m., Dinner 6:30pm – 10:30pm A la Carte menu available 24 hours.

Friday Beach & Brunch is 12:00pm to 3:30pm.

Travel Arabia 57

Melting pot a cornucopia of the good times ahead

Dining options.

Where to go tonight.

58 Travel Arabia

RESTAURANTS

Eastern Mangroves Hotel & Spa by Anantara Anantara Gourmet Festival

Emirates Grand Hotel

Panorama Restaurant Located on the 43rd floor, new set menus are on offer for special occasions such as birthdays and anniversaries, or corporate meetings and events. Select from wide choices of salads and soup for starters, a variety of international dishes for the main course, and a range of mouth-watering cakes and pastries for dessert.

Turkish Shisha Lounge The lounge, located on the 47th floor, presents a special burger meal deal, complemented with one round of shisha for only AED69/. Choose from any veggie, chicken and beef burger, with fries and a can of soda while enjoying shisha in the open air bar overlooking the hotel’s pool area.

Inquiries and reservations: +971 4 323 0000 or visit www.emiratesgrandhotel.com.

Habtoor Grand Beach Resort & Spa

Luciano’s 12:30pm – 3pm Saturday Brunch Italian brunch complete with live pasta stations, fresh pizzas, a bountiful antipasti buffet, fresh salads and tempting desserts. .

Kids from 7 to 12 years are half price, and those 6 years and younger are free.

Al Dhiyafa The Habtoor Brunch 12.30pm – 3:30pm.

A huge array of international cuisines, live cooking stations, entertainment and free flowing drinks. Brunchers can enjoy the meaty carvery, an oriental live cooking station, madeto-order pasta, sushi bar, oyster bar and fresh seafood bar. A dedicated kid’s brunch room includes a mini-buffet, wii games, beanbags and

Nov. 29, 2012 – Dec. 8, 2012 In addition to the hotel’s acclaimed culinary brigade, the festival will also showcase six visiting international chefs including Chef Chumpol of Iron Chef television programme fame, as well as chefs from Bali, Vietnam, China, Japan and Thailand.

All-day dining restaurant, Ingredients is the venue for much of the action and will be a must-visit for gourmands. Ingredients comprises several open show kitchens and is the ideal venue for food lovers to get up face painting to allow parents to sit back and relax while their children are entertained.

Inquiries and reservations: 04 408 4444

Holiday Inn Dubai – Al Barsha

The Gem Garden Italian Night Sundays 7pm – 10:30pm The finest Italian cuisine, open buffet, live pasta station.

Spanish Night Mondays 7pm – 10:30pm Paella, Tapas, Live station

close and personal with the culinary masters as they show off their prowess in the kitchen.

The hotel’s signature outlet, Pachaylen will feature a special Anantara Gourmet Festival Week menu and provide the opportunity for guests to watch Chef Chumpol in action.

A selection of master classes will also be available. A gala dinner in the hotel’s Mangroves Ballroom will be held on Dec. 5, 2012 .

Inquiries and reservations: +9712 656 1000, or email easternmangroves@anantara. com Mexican Night Tuesdays 7pm – 10:30pm Hearty Mexican delights, open buffet, live fajitas station.

Seafood Night Wednesdays A delectable selection of seafood, live cooking station.

Inquiries and reservations: 04 – 3234333 extension 800 or email reservations@hialbarsha.com Gharana Restaurant Diwali set menu Inquiries and reservations: 04 – 3234333 extension 806 or email reservations@hialbarsha.com Xennya Terrace BBQ dinner with salad bar Fridays 6:30pm – 10pm Inquiries and reservations: 04 – 3234333 extension 830 reservations@hialbarsha.com

InterContinental Abu Dhabi

Emirates Grand Hotel

Thanksgiving at Selections November 22, 2012 12.30pm to 4pm.

A succulent brunch filled with roast turkey with sage and fennel stuffing, herb-roasted prime rib, mashed potatoes with roast garlic and many more choices. The buffet also serves international dishes.

Belgian Café BBQ Wednesdays to Saturdays 5pm onwards.

Juicy cuts including Rib-eye with Mesa BBQ Travel Arabia 59

terranean cuisine.

Wednesdays, 7pm - 10.30pm Asian Channel Medley of cuisines representing destinations from the Asian continent including India, Japan, China Singapore, Thailand and Sri Lanka on the popular night.

Thursdays and Fridays, 7pm - 10.30pm Prego’s Twin Delights A two-course meal inclusive of soft drink and coffee for AED 99 or get 25% off your food bill from Sunday to Thursday between 12:00 noon and 3:30pm.

Early Bird Get 20% off on your total bill when you dine at Prego’s from Saturday to Friday between 6:00pm and 7:30pm.

Inquiries and reservations: 04 435 0201 or email fb.media@rotana.com

Park Rotana Hotel

Holiday Inn Dubai Al Barsha

Sauce marinated in Cumin, Coriander and Mustard; tender Filet Mignon with Blue Cheese Butter and traditional English Cumberland Sausage with Belgian Stoemp Mashed Potato & Red Onion Gravy.

Friday Marina Brunch Enjoy our lavish Marina Brunch every Friday from noon to 4pm. Choose from flamboyant buffets, with live cooking stations and an extended food buffet. Dine at Chamas, Boccaccio or Belgian Café terrace with music by DJ Rabih and Chamas band.

The Yacht Club Japanese Gourmet Night Mondays 7pm – 11pm An innovative six-course meal based on the sumptuous menu created by master chef Koji Kagawa.

Inquiries and reservations: 800 IC DINE (800- 423 463) or email dine.icabudhabi@ihg. com , or book online at www.dining-intercontinental-ad.ae!

Jumeirah Beach Hotel

Latitude Fabulous Friday Brunch 12:30pm – 4pm It’s 3.5 hours gourmet feast with live band, free flowing drinks and live cooking stations from our signature restaurants.

La Parrilla Friday Brunch 12:30pm – 3:30pm Experience a new variety of great food, cocktails, free-flowing bubbly and live entertainment.

60 Travel Arabia

Inquiries and reservations: +971 4 406 8999 or email jbhboxoffice@jumeirah.com

Jumeirah Emirates Towers

The Rib Room Thanksgiving Dinner Nov. 22, 2012 7pm – 11:30pm A special 3 course dinner menu.

Inquiries and reservations: +971 4 319 8088 or email JETrestaurants@jumeirah.com

Ginger Theme Nights Sunday - Arabic Mixed Grill Night Monday – South East Asian Night Tuesday - Latin Night Wednesday - Italian Night Thursday - Seafood Night Friday - International Night Saturday - International Night Friday Brunches at the Park Fridays are exceptionally distinguished with two mouth-watering brunches happening at Ginger

Media Rotana Dubai

Channels Saturdays 7pm – 10:30pm Pacific Islands Channel—new theme night.

A variety of French Polynesian specialties and exotic dishes from traditional smoky aromas to fragrant spices and uniquely tropical flavours.

English Channel Sundays 7pm – 10:30pm The best British cuisine with a fine selection of traditional favourites from pies and roasts carving to fresh made salads and sweet puddings.

Oishii Sushi The East comes to usher you to a tasty indulgence of Sushi & Sashimi buffet with a dash of Mongolian live cooking too.

Mondays 7:30pm - 10:30pm Mexican Channel A lavish spread of Mexican specialities prepared to entice your taste and satisfy your senses.

Tuesdays, 7pm to 10.30pm Mediterranean Channel Rich multi-ethnic traditions of the best Medi-

Shangri-La Hotel Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi

Nejoum Al Emarate Hotel offers travelers an elegantly designed home away from home in the heart of Sharjah.

It ensures stylish hotel rooms ranging from Standard, Deluxe & Executive Suites to take care of their guest stay and needs to an extensive level of quality service.

Nejoum Al Emarate Hotel, we are committed to provide you with warm hospitality service and comfort.

For resrvations: P.O.86880 Tel: +971 4 2589888 Fax: +971 4 2585682 Email: sales@emiratesstars.ae Website: www.emiratesstars.ae

For resrvations:

NOJOUM AL EMARAT HOTEL SHARJAH Deluxe 3 Stars

PO Box 62600 Sharjah, UAE Tel: +971 6 5635555 Fax: +971 6 5635999 Email:sales@saharahoteluae.com

Emirates Stars is a modern furnished hotel apartment conveniently located near to Dubai International Airport, City Centre, Shopping Centres, AI Mamzar Beach. Easy access towards Sh. Zayed road via Al lttihad road.

Offering Fully Furnished & Fully serviced One & Two Bedrooms Suites on DAILY, MONTHLY & YEARLY Basis.

Each apartment offers a spacious living and dining area, fully equipped kitchenette for your comfort and convenience. Emirates Stars commits its promise into bringing you a warm hospitality service with privacy of a home whilst on business or leisure to Dubai.

All Day Dining and Cooper’s Bar & Restaurant. Whether you are planning to spend Friday afternoon with your children and family or simply have good time with your friends – Park Rotana Abu Dhabi has an option for you.

Inquiries and reservations: (0)2 657 3333 or visit rotanatimes.com

Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Media City

White truffles at Certo Italian Restaurant In Italy, November is renowned to be the best month for truffles hence Certo’s Chefs Daniele Capobianco and his right hand Renaud Olivier, Certo’s new addition, have created a special a la carte menu, combining seafood and meat dishes with white truffles from Alba in the Piedmont region.

Known as “the jewel” in Italy’s gastronomic crown, the White Truffle from Italy’s Piedmont region is very famous for its unique aroma and taste but is available only a couple of months every year.

This promotion is available Nov. 17 – 30, 2012 dinner only.

Inquiries and reservations: 04-3669111 or email certo.mediacity.dubai@radissonblu.com

Rixos The Palm Dubai

A La Turca Restaurant Friday Brunch Scrumptious dishes from the Eastern Anatolia region of Turkey as well as the Black Sea and Aegean coasts.

Paying homage to Turkey’s vast culinary heritage, A La Turca Brunch caters to the most discerning of palates, providing not only a colourful collection of ‘Turkish delights’ but also a large spread of internationally flavoured cuisine.

Inquiries and reservations: +971 4 457 55 55

Shangri-La Hotel, Dubai Dunes Café

Habtoor Grand Beach Resort & Spa 62 Travel Arabia

Shangri-La Hotel, Dubai

Asian Brunchini Fridays 11:30am – 4pm Enjoy the sights and aromas of authentic Asian cuisine. Sample dishes from Indonesia, Thailand, China, Vietnam and India.

Thanksgiving Dinner Nov. 23, 2012 Feast on traditional stuffed turkey and pumpkin, all-American accompaniments and special desserts. Make a reservation for eight people or more and receive a whole turkey with all the trimmings on your table.

Amwaj Weekend Tapas Bar Thursdays and Fridays A selection of six tapas. A perfect evening to catch up with friends.

Marrakech Jamaa Elfna Experience the aromas and sounds of Marrakech’s famous landmark as Marrakech restaurant is transformed into a bustling market place. Enjoy live cooking stations, interaction with chefs and live entertainment.

Zerda Night Thursdays. Featuring a buffet selection worthy of any great get-together, it’s the perfect venue for a night out with friends.

Hoi An Perfume River

Various kinds of seafood prepared in traditional Vietnamese styles. Chef Chung will take you on culinary journey down the Perfume River with a selection of three starters and main courses indigenous to the region.

Thanksgiving-To-Go Spend Thanksgiving at home with your family with a succulent roast turkey specially prepared by our team of chefs.

Orders must be placed two days in advance of pick-up date.

Inquiries and reservations: (971 4) 343 8888

Shangri-La Hotel Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi

Bord Eau Blind Tasting Daily 7pm – 11:30pm Let Chef Alexandre Pernetta take you on a culinary journey with an impressive blend of French flavours.Discover his new blind tasting set menu selection and let him tantalise your senses with his choice of delights from the freshest seasonal ingredients.

Shang Palace New Yum Cha Menu Daily, 12pm to 2:30pm All-you-can-eat Chinese fiesta! Enjoy twelve kinds of steamed dim sum, noodles

Poolside relaxation and signature flavours.

Unwind at the award-winning terrace and take a plunge into the infinity pool, while chefs cook an awe-inspiring menu featuring classics from the Mediterranean to the Far East.

Inquiries and reservations: 04 436 7777 or email dine.dubaimarina@theaddress.com

The Westin Abu Dhabi Golf Resort & Spa

The Address Dubai Marina

and rice, with your choice of soup and dessert.

Sofra Bid Friday Brunch 12:30pm to 4pm A generous buffet of international and regional delicacies with free-flowing selected beverages and live jazz band.

Saturday Brunch and Beach Fun 12:30pm to 4pm Bring your kids to Sofra bld for a fun-tastic family brunch and complimentary South Beach access. Enjoy a sumptuous buffet with a variety of children’s delights such as the candy buffet, popcorn , ice cream teppanyaki , and cotton candy.

Inquiries and reservations: 02 509 8555.

The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort Abu Dhabi

55&5th, The Grill Thanksgiving special Nov. 22, 2012 Starts 7:30pm With only limited reservations available, this exclusive evening will feature a decadent dining experience over a six-course feast, paired with fine selection of American beverages, including Kendall Jackson.

Inquiries and reservations: +971 2 4988888 or email reservations.saadiyat@stregis.com

The Address Dubai Marina

Mazina Generation Creation Saturday Family Brunch 64 Travel Arabia

November 17, 2012 12:30pm – 3:30 Try out a new talent this month with the chance to pick fabulous prizes and impress the whole family. Pair up with mom or dad for a lesson in the art of balloon twisting and learn how to transform different shapes and colours of balloons into all kinds of animals and flowers. Add a delicious buffet menu of international dishes, plenty of entertainment for the kids, and you’re all set for a memorable weekend.

Children under six years enjoy complimentary meals and half the price for seven to 12 years Meat Game Promotion Thursdays and Fridays 6:30pm – 11pm Sports game specialties including partridge, wild duck, or rabbit; pigeon, capon, quail, or venison; and top the season with divine Forest Berries or Light Vanilla Cream dessert.

A la carte menu; enjoy a special bottle of a cellared beverage at just AED 150 Kambaa Thanksgiving goodies Nov. 18 – 24, 2012 This November, Kambaa will mark the solidarity and togetherness in an authentic Thanksgiving ambience, decked in cornucopias – all in a true blend of orange and black – the traditional Thanksgiving colours.

Homemade Thanks giving items on display Shades Sundays to Thursdays 9am to 7pm

Fairways Bubbalicious Brunch Fridays 12:30pm – 4pm Book early as we are selling out fast for this most interactive and best loved brunch in Abu Dhabi Interactive champagne brunch with DJ Roberto Mermand, Magician Gaston Quieto.

With a range of live cooking stations that are transported around the restaurant, and with free flowing Louis Roederer bubbly this is fast becoming the top brunch in the capital.

Saturday Roast & Grill 12:30 – 3pm Chef David and his team have put together a full selection of roast and grill items. Try Roast duck, marinated lamb leg, tradition Arabic Ouzi, lemon and thyme marinated spit roast chickens and Whole roast fish and of course everyone’s favourite Roast beef with all the trimmings.

Thanksgiving Thursday Nov.22, 2012 Roast Turkey, fresh stuffing, cranberry sauce, pumpkin pie and a whole lot more. Indulge in the delectable offerings.

Inquiries and reservations: (971)(2) 616 9999

Media Rotana Dubai

The new Quaffery and Scoffery for people who like to keep their options open and plans informal is open daily from 12pm to 2am.

Mövenpick Hotel Jumeirah Beach opens Chinwaggery A beautiful open space that’s perfect for working, relaxing and partying long into the night.

watch the world bounce around you. Enjoy the positive vibe and see where the night takes you!

Chinwaggery folk like to chit-chat and chill. No stuffy dress code here. Whether you want to dress up, dress down or just come as you are, you’ll always be welcome. Hold court, shoot your mouth off or just enjoy the conversation. Having fun is what it’s all about and there’s nothing off-limits at Dubai’s chattiest new venue.

When the talk turns trash, you can wash your mouth out with our great selection of drinks from the Quaffery. There’s every kind of beverage you could possibly want and more than a few exciting discoveries to be made, including our very own specialty coffees. Coffery! When you need some fuel to feed the party fire, we offer a great selection of food throughout the day that’s sure to fit your mood. From duck sausages with spicy bbq sauce to truffled potato chunks, we offer a great Scoffery menu with a deliciously rustic gastro twist.

A weekly tease of spectacular food and drink specials, from cheeses and cold cuts to oysters on the rocks; we’ll let you treat yourself to something with a unique zing.

General Manager, Horst Walther-Jones, explains the thinking behind the concept: “Chinwaggery is a great example of how customer service and creativity come together and we are confident that we have brought a very distinct offering to the market that’s fresh, new and different.”

We could chinwag for ages about Dubai’s most stimulating new venue, but the best way to find out what we’re all about, is to come on down and experience it for yourself. It’s guaranteed to get you wagging your chin! Open daily from 12pm to 2am.

Chinwaggery is the stimulating new hub of Mövenpick Hotel Jumeirah Beach, where you get the opportunity to dine, drink and reflect. A beautiful open plan space that’s perfect for working, relaxing and partying long into the night.

Get comfy and shoot the breeze with friends.

Find a workspace to polish off that presentation.

Or grab a chair and get the party started with your extended circle. Whatever makes you tingle, you’ll find the right spot at Chinwaggery!

The name Chinwaggery derives from the British term ‘chinwag’ which means to chat. It’s here that guests can enjoy a unique and upbeat destination where Dubai’s cool, creative set get chins wagging.

It’s our personal energy that you won’t find anywhere else. A place to get creative, animated and inspired. Kick back for day lounging and stay for the night-time magic. Chinwaggery has both indoor and outdoor bars, so you can relax and Travel Arabia 65

firm and tone the body and reflex pressure foot massage.

Whether you’re off to exotic destinations or simply spending time right here in the city, complimentary access to our state-of-the-art fitness centre and stunning outdoor infinity pool will ensure that you’re all set for the fall.

Minimum three sessions recommended Tea of Spring Spa Package/120mn 10am to 10pm Offers guests the revitalising effects of tea focusing on the regenerative quality of white tea, the stimulating attribute of black tea, soothing properties of red tea, and antioxidant potentials of green tea.

Inquiries and reservations: 04 436 7424 or email spa.dubaimarina@theaddress.com

The Spa at Shangri-La

9am – 1pm Sundays –Thursdays Spa at a Steal Purchase any full body massage and receive a complimentary a la carte facial.

A la carte madness Purchase any spa treatment during off-peak hours and receive a complimentary add on a la carte service of your choice.

Inquiries and reservations: (971 4) 343 8888

SPAS Media Rotana Dubai

Bodylines Leisure & fitness Club Treat yourself to a soothing Massage of the Day and avail a 25% discount.

Saturdays - Hawaiin Atsu Therapy promoting tranquility through the body, 60 minutes.

Sundays - Urban Aroma heals your senses, 60 minutes.

Mondays - Body Polish reduces impurities and sloughs dead skin, 30 minutes.

Tuesdays & Fridays - Swedish Massage soothes away stress, 60 minutes.

Wednesdays - Travel Revival Massage and a scalp massage soothes & rejuvenates, 80 minutes.

Thursdays - Aroma Essential Treatment includes a back massage and facial cleanse, 60-minutes for AED 300 Inquiries and reservations: 04 435 0341 or email bodylines.media@rotana.com

Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Media City

Mother Earth’s Best at Senso Wellness Centre Treat yourself to our specially designed package, focusing on face, body and skin, using only the best that mother earth has to offer.

Your Senso experience will begin with a warm ginger bath soak, known for its therapeutic effects and the anti-inflammation that improves your blood circulation and alleviates joint pain.

The therapist will continue with a back 66 Travel Arabia

relieve massage, concentrating on the pressure points to relieve tension and letting you drift off to your well deserved ‘me- time’.

Free access to swimming pool and steam room Inquiries and reservations: Visit www. radissonblu.com

The Address Dubai Marina

The Spa Friends mean Benefits at The Spa 10am to 10pm For every friend you refer for a fitness centre membership we’ll reward you with a complimentary spa treatment. Choose from the relaxing 50-minute Singapore Massage, an hour-long Metro Facial Treatment – a must for city living – or the 50-minute Citrus Reviver Body Treatment, for top to toe pampering.

And with one treatment for every friend you refer, dig out your address book and let us take you on a personal journey of relaxation and rejuvenation in the heart of Dubai Marina.

Shape Up for Season at The Spa 10am to 10pm Get that fabulous look in time for the season courtesy of our special Anti-Cellulite Body Treatment package. Awaken the skin with an invigorating body brushing before enjoying a deep tissue detox massage that targets those hard to shift areas of cellulite, then relax with a freshwater mud wrap to

The Spa at Shangri-La

Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Media City

TRANQUIL MOMENTS

Picture this:

A spa inspired by a rainforest

Banyan Tree Spa Al Wadi’s sanctuary for the senses beckons

By Ayesha Attique

R

ainforests are often called the lungs of the planet for their role in absorbing carbon dioxide and producing oxygen, upon which all living things depend for survival. Rainforests also stabilize climate, and produce nourishing rainfall all around the planet.

A Rainforest can be described as a tall, dense jungle. The reason it is called a “rain” forest is because of the high amount of rainfall it gets per year. In some rainforests, it rains more than one inch nearly every day of the year! The trees of a tropical rainforest are so densely packed that rain falling on the canopy can take as long as 10 minutes to reach the ground.

Apart from the several foods we eat, one out of four medicines are made from ingredients found only in these areas. Rainforests house as many as 30 million species of animals and plants including many exotic and beautiful flowers.

Rainforests are found in Africa, Asia, Austra68 Travel Arabia

lia, and Central and South America. The largest rainforest in the world is the Amazon rainforest in South America.

A Sanctuary for the Senses

Based on the philosophy of providing a place to rejuvenate the body mind and soul –a sanctuary for the senses—”The Rainforest” boasts the first and only complete hydrothermal circuit in UAE that offers hydrothermal therapies and facilities.

The Rainforest is a signature innovation

by Banyan Tree Spa, pioneering the tropical garden spa concept with Asian health and beauty remedies, passed down from generations, and features invigorating hydrothermal experiences infused with the time-honored Asian wellness philosophy.

The Rainforest experience focuses on body detoxification and relaxation combining unique wellness and rejuvenation concepts through a

trail of state-of-the-art hydrothermal therapies and facilities.

The 60-minute Rainforest Experience, begins with a Rain Walk featuring a series of cleansing showers and a Sole Therapy pebbled pond with hot and cold water pockets that gently massage the soles of feet. Caressing the body with a generous shower of warm water to cleanse it before continuing the journey to the Rain Forest Sole Therapy is a delightful, tingling foot spa that helps sooth aches and pains by combining the effects of alternating cool and warm hydrotherapy. It rejuvenates the feet and calf muscles as one walks against the water current.

Aroma Steam

The Aroma Steam, which follows includes two scented steam chambers each offering a unique scent. The high temperature initiates perspiration which in turn detoxifies the body, increases circulation and boosts the immune

Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister of the UAE, Minister of Presidential Affairs and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority

day nt A 6 y eve g il tin famlebra lture ce Cu tage E i UA Her and

Join us at the Emirates International

DATE PALM FESTIVAL 2012 26 November - 1 December 2012 ADNEC, Abu Dhabi

HERITAGE VILLAGE

KIDS ZONE

EXHIBITION

THEATRE

CLIMBING

COME AND TASTE MORE THAN 400 SUCCULENT TYPES OF DATES FROM ALL AROUND THE WORLD! BUY YOUR TICKET FOR A CHANCE TO WIN AMAZING PRIZES! Book your tickets now at boxofficeme.com or call 80090

To find out more about the festival and to enter the competitions visit www.datepalmfestival.ae Organised by:

Strategic Partner:

Supported by:

YAS ABU DHABI

Diamond Sponsor:

Ofďƒžcial Media Partner:

Media partner:

system.

To close the pores, post-steam is the age old unique hydrotherapy, which drenches the body with ice cold water splashed from a height with a strong current. The experience is close to a gushing natural waterfall in a rainforest. And this called Icy Bucket Drench Shower.

Affusion Shower

This is one of the most relished and tantalizing experiences of the whole process is the Affusion Shower. It includes a variety of four rain types. A Thunder Storm, An Arctic Mist, A Tropical Rainbow and A Spring Rain Shower.

As one experiences the four types of rainfall, the effect of each is highlighted against the other. A combination of essence, lighting and varying water temperature brings the showering experience to a whole new level.

The Brine Cavern

A salt-infused steam cabin, clears the nasal passage. The body heats up, gradually strengthening the circulatory system, and initiates a purifying and detoxifying process, while an Ice Igloo awakens the senses with a cold rub-down from ice crystals. Blood circulation is improved by rubbing soft ice on the body to tighten the skin.

Herbal Sauna

The dry chamber with a high temperature also encourages heavy perspiration, detoxifies the body, improves the immune system and boosts circulation. This warm comforting chamber is filled with aromatic essence. A soothing lighting effect adds to the multi-sensory hydrothermal treatment.

Vitality Pool

Water jets are used for the treatment of stress in the Vitality Pool to soothe tense muscles and improve blood circulation, working like a soft acupressure massage to calm and relax the body.

The vitality pool consists of six acupressure jet stations to conclude the session.

• Hydro massage lounger • Hydro massage jets for upper body • Hydro massage jets for Lower Body • Relaxing foot Spa • Waterfalls for neck and shoulders At the end of the journey one feels pampered and rejuvenated to the spirit and soul for experiencing a uniquely revitalizing treatment that is simply unmatched.

It is the most apt combination of philosophy, design and technology to create the desired ambiance by the use of lighting, textures , finishes, and temperature control. To top it all is the professional services extended by the hospitable staff.

An Oasis of Indulgence

Set against the waters of the Arabian Gulf and the magnificent Al Hajjar Mountains, this oasis of indulgence offers an escape for the world weary. The resort is a 45-minute drive from 70 Travel Arabia

Dubai International Airport and a 20-minute drive from the vibrant Ras Al Khaimah city centre.

Placing special emphasis on providing guests with a sense of place, each Banyan Tree property is designed to fit into its natural surroundings, using indigenous materials as far as possible and

Based on the philosophy of providing a place to rejuvenate the body mind and soul –a sanctuary for the senses—”The Rainforest” boasts the first and only complete hydrothermal circuit in UAE that offers hydrothermal therapies and facilities.

reflecting the landscape and architecture of the destination.

Emphasis is laid on high service standards and consistency, therapists are professionally trained at Banyan Tree Spa Academies in Phuket, Thailand, and Lijiang, China. An award-winning international spa brand, Banyan Tree Spa introduced innovative spa concepts such as the Rainmist experience, The Rainforest hydrothermal concept and Master Therapist Experience.

Gallery

The visitors and guests have an opportunity to recreate the Banyan Tree experience to take back home a souvenir selected from a variety of selected indigenous handicrafts, Banyan Tree Spa-inspired amenities, eco-friendly products, ethnic apparel and accessories which are on display in the classic gallery. This gallery supports the concept of environmental preservation and traditional crafts prepared by the tribal women of the rainforests.

beautifully located properties, each one a very special experience!

Where you meet real friends

The Ideal Family Getaway Place

Take a break, Away from it all!

Op

en

in

g

So

on

www.sharjahnationalhotels.com

Bliss on land’s end The Southern Spa on Kangaroo Island, South Australia, combines a spectacular clifftop location with indigenous treatments, massages and serenity like none other.

By Neerja Singh

72 Travel Arabia

A 20-minute flight from Adelaide in South Australia has brought me to the Kangaroo Island, the third largest island in Australia. On a good day, one can see the mainland located just 12 kilometres away – yet this could be another world.

The population of humans is just over 4,000 in the three main villages on the island, but the lush green land is inhabited by hundreds of plant species, birds and animals that routinely walk, hop or amble across the street.

This is decidedly their land, and we are the visitors who need to tread lightly.

The Southern Spa is located at the Southern Ocean Lodge, an hour’s drive from the Kingscote airport on KI, as the island is generally referred to. A 21-suite lodge located on a 200-acre property and perched on a cliff commanding breathtaking views of the Southern Ocean, it smoothly blends into the surrounding greenery.

Like the lodge, the spa too is light and airy, plush without being stuffy and luxurious in wood, blues and greens. The spacious treatment room overlooks the ocean: miles and miles of clear blue water, foamy surf and the most stunning views of the Hanson Bay. For me, the relaxation has already begun. There is something about the feeling of being the only one for miles around that dwarfs whatever troubles have been weighing on me.

The Southern Spa is passionate about being Australian and using techniques of the land.

Its Li’tya (‘of the earth’) spa products are all made from aboriginal herbs, the eucalyptus oil is from the Kangaroo Island and all masseurs are trained in the aboriginal style of massage.

Called Kodo (‘melody’) this style of massage is radically different from the regular Western method. Kodo works from the extremities toward the heart.

Kodo works in circles and sweeping motions to move away from the centre, as aboriginals believe this releases negative energy.

The two hands don’t use the same pressure; while one is soft and gentle, the other presses and pinches on key points, releasing tension and energising.

Unlike deep massages where you sometimes need to brace yourself for occasional pain, this is soft yet deep enough to undo the knots and bring a deep sense of well-being. In fact, Kodo is said to be so gentle it is suitable even for pregnant ladies, and Southern Spa has an appropriately designed table for expectant mothers.

Post treatment, the shower area is a luxurious glass cubicle, full of streaming daylight and with the same undisturbed views of the ocean. Pampered and rejuvenated, I flopped down on one of the sun beds out on a terrace with a refreshing lemon myrtle tea, closed my eyes and listened to the surging ocean. Blissful, blessed life!

Travel Arabia 73

OUR FACEBOOK globe-trotting with a face Excerpt of an exclusive and uncut Travel Arabia interview during her book launching at Jashanmal Bookstore in the Mall of the Emirates: What made you decide to write a book?

I have always wanted to write a book. But it was the suggestion of some publishers that I write a novel and so I did (giggles). “Southern Charm” is very much related to my life. The main character is very much me.

Featuring New York socialite

Tinsley Mortimer Tinsley Mortimer, an American blue blood, a Columbia University graduate with a BA in art history, was recently in Dubai on a week-long stopover for a world tour to promote her debut novel, “Southern Charm.”

Amazed, visibly, at how “futuristic”— as she said—Dubai is, Mortimer vowed to be back and stay longer to experience this gateway city that never has a dull moment.

74 Travel Arabia

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

With the book, I might be going to Australia which I have never been to; and India as well, which is really, really amazing. I’d really love to go there. Also, I want to come back here in Dubai some more.

How long did it take you to do “Southern Charm”?

About two years.

What are the three places in the world you’ve been to and would love to visit again?

My favorite place is St. Moritz in Switzerland. I love Tokyo. I love Paris. But I would say I want to go back to Dubai (smiles).

‘Dubai is just an incredible, incredible place. The architecture is so cool. Every building has its character. It’s like you’re in the future.’

Some would immediately hit the pool, or the spa, or the bars or the road with their cameras upon arriving at their destination.

How about you?

I like to explore, to walk around, check out the hotel and the amenities. I like to go by the pool, too.

It’s your first time in Dubai. How do you find the city?

Dubai is just an incredible, incredible place.

The architecture is so cool. Every building has its character. It’s like you’re in the future. It’s so futuristic. I did not imagine that Dubai is going to be so big. It’s such a new city, it’s amazing.

What excites you when travelling?

The experience—you get to go to other countries, you meet people and experience their culture. It’s very cool.

You’ve been travelling a lot, does travelling alone appeal to you?

I like travel with company—my mom, or my sister or a boyfriend, I don’t have one right now (laughs). It would be nice to travel with them.

What motivates you to travel? Is it food, shopping, sightseeing?

I always gain weight when I travel. I’ve been eating way too much. That’s not my motivation but it always happens. Shopping it is for me.

We went to Dubai Mall and the place is just awesome!

What is your dream destination?

I’d love to go to Fiji. I think it’s a beautiful place.

Next stop?

It’s back to New York City. I want go to Mexico and take a break after all this.

Fiji Island

Morocco, a place of fun for the entire family.

MOSAIK

Welcome to Morocco, the land of contrasts. Vibrant and enchanting, where shadows meld with sunlight, and sky and sea kiss at the horizon. A land that for centuries has been romanticized by storytellers in their books.

Weaving tales about its natural beauty, the warm hearts of its people and the elegance of its architecture.

Not to mention its lazy beaches crawling on the Atlantic and Mediterranean seas, its snow-covered peaks, water springs and thick forests, as well as the stunning beauty of its old cities. Come, discover Morocco today.

101, Green Tower, Baniyas Street • PO Box : 64 109, Deira, Dubai • Emirates Arabes Unis • Tel : 042292394

travel for real

www.visitmorocco.com