H&B Fall 2016

The Reverie Saigon VIETNAM

‫سايغون‬ ‫الخيالي‬

Four Seasons Safari Lodge

SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK

‫فور سيزونز‬ ‫سفاري لودج‬

‫الحديقة الوطنية في سيرينجيتي‬

10

OF THE

ISSN 2410-4035

AED50 QAR50 EUR13 USD14

Most Amazing Resorts in the

MALDIVES

© Stefano Trovati

© Stefano Trovati

© Stefano Trovati

H AU T E J OA I L L E R I E C O L L E C T I O N

CHOPARD SAUTOIRE NECKLACE

CHOPARD RING

from the Haute Joaillerie collection in 18ct white gold and titanium featuring an emerald cabochon (24.3cts), apatite beads (446cts), emerald beads (446cts), peridot beads (446cts), tsavorite garnets (22.38cts) and Paraiba tourmalines

from the Haute Joaillerie collection in 18ct white gold and titanium featuring an emerald cabochon (12cts) surrounded by tsavorite garnets (12cts) and Paraiba tourmalines

‫ﺧﺮﻳﻒ‬

Fall2016 Dear Readers, In this issue, I have shone a spotlight on the Maldives. Why, you might ask, as this destination has been well known to travellers for more than three decades.

But beautiful places, tropical lush nature and turquoise waters mixed with abundant marine life, fine dining and luxurious, unforgettable set-ups are always on the bucket list and will remain there as long as dreams of white, sandy, palm-fringed islands exist.

The Maldives, officially the Republic of the Maldives, are composed of twenty-six atolls comprising a territory spanning roughly 90,000 square kilometres from north to south with close to 400,000 inhabitants.

ّ ،‫اﻟﻘﺮاء اﻷﻋﺰاء‬

‫عدة مجاالت لكثي ٍر من الناس في جميع أنحاء‬ ً 2016 ‫كانت بداية عام‬ ّ ‫غامضة في‬ ً ً ‫يوما‬ ‫ وما يرتفع ال بد أن يهبط‬...‫دائما أن نتذكّر أن الحياة تدور‬ ‫ لذلك علينا‬،‫العالم‬ !‫ فالحياة مليئة بالمفاجآت‬...‫ما‬

ّ ،‫في هذا العدد‬ ‫ وخاصة‬،‫ قد تتساءلون لماذا‬...‫طت الضوء على جزر المالديف‬ ُ ‫سل‬ .‫أن هذه الوجهة باتت معروفة جيدا للمسافرين ألكثر من ثالثة عقود‬ ‫ الطبيعة االستوائية الخصبة والمياه الفيروزية الممزوجة‬،‫ولكن األماكن الجميلة‬ ‫ والمناظر الخالبة هي‬،‫ وتناول الطعام بشكل جيد وفخم‬،‫بالحياة البحرية الوفيرة‬ .‫دائما على قائمة أولوياتنا طالما هناك أحالم بجز ٍر يملؤها النخيل والرمال البيضاء‬ ً ‫تتكون من ستة‬ ،‫رسميا باسم جمهورية جزر المالديف‬ ‫ المعروفة‬،‫جزر المالديف‬ ّ ‫ كيلومتر مربع من اليابسة من‬90000 ‫وعشرين من الجزر بمساحة ما يقرب من‬ .‫ نسمة‬400000 ‫الشمال إلى الجنوب مع حوالي‬

On my tour, I found that island hopping can be quite a difficult logistic exercise. So my tip, should you wish to explore more than one island, would be to consult a professional who can sort out the best route.

‫ لذلك‬.‫التنقل بين الجزر قد تكون ممارسة لوجستية صعبة‬ ّ ‫وجدت أن‬ ُ ،‫في رحلتي‬ ‫ هي استشارة‬...‫نصيحتي لك إذا كنت ترغب في استكشاف أكثر من جزيرة واحدة‬ .‫المحترفين الذين يمكن أن يرشدوك إلى أفضل الطرق‬

The earliest written history of the Maldives is marked by the arrival of Sinhalese people, who were descended from the exiled Magadha Prince Vijaya from the ancient city known as Sinhapura.

‫ الذي ينحدر‬،‫تتّ سم أول كتابة لتاريخ جزر المالديف بوصول الشعب السنهالي‬ ‫منفيي مملكة ماجادها لألمير فيجايا من المدينة القديمة المعروفة باسم‬ ‫من‬ ّ .‫سينهابورا‬

The conversion to Islam is mentioned in the edicts written in copper plates from the end of the 12th century AD. The famous Moroccan traveller Ibn Batutta, who visited the Maldives in the 14th century, wrote of a Moroccan, Abu Barakat the Berber, who was believed to have been responsible for spreading Islam in the islands.

‫وذكر اعتناق اإلسالم في مراسيم مكتوبة على لوحات النحاس من نهاية القرن‬ ُ ‫الرحالة المغربي الشهير ابن بطوطة الذي زار جزر‬ ‫ كتب‬.‫الثاني عشر الميالدي‬ ّ ‫ الذي كان‬،‫ عن مغربي ُيدعى أبو بركات البربري‬،‫المالديف في القرن الرابع عشر‬ .‫مسؤوال عن نشر اإلسالم في الجزر‬ ‫ُيعتقد انه كان‬ ً

Tourism began to be developed on the archipelago by the beginning of the 1970s and since then over a hundred luxury resorts offering the highest standards and unimaginable attractions such as underwater restaurants, and even an underwater spa, have been built.

Maldivian waters are most noted for their variety of colourful coral reefs, home to 1100 species of fish, five species of sea turtle, 21 species of whale and dolphin, and 187 species of coral. Many crustacean species are there as well, including more than 145 crab and 48 shrimp species.

Have I piqued your interest in exploring? There is much more to discover and you will find out which is the most appealing island and resort for you by continuing to read. I did the homework for you.

Enjoy and indulge!

Karine Lackner, Executive Editor 02 .

‫بدأت تزدهر السياحة في األرخبيل في بداية السبعينيات و منذ ذلك الحين أكثر‬ ‫ بأعلى المعايير وعوامل الجذب التي ال‬،‫تم بناؤها‬ ّ ‫من مائة من المنتجعات الفاخرة‬ .‫ وحتى المنتجعات تحت الماء‬،‫ مثل المطاعم تحت الماء‬...‫يمكن تصورها‬ ‫واألكثر شهرة في مياه جزر المالديف هي المجموعة المتنوعة من الشعاب‬ ‫ وخمسة أنواع من السالحف‬،‫ نوع من األسماك‬1100 ‫المرجانية الملونة التي تضم‬ ‫ وكذلك العديد‬...‫ نوعا من المرجان‬187 ‫ و‬،‫ نوعا من الحيتان والدالفين‬21 ‫البحرية و‬ .‫ نوع من الجمبري‬48 ‫ سلطعون و‬145 ‫من أنواع القشريات بما في ذلك أكثر من‬ ‫أثرت فضولكم في االستكشاف؟ هناك ما هو أكثر من ذلك بكثير لالكتشاف‬ ُ ‫هل‬ ‫ي من هذه الجزر والمنتجعات أكثر جاذبية بالنسبة لك من خالل‬ ‫أ‬ ‫تجد‬ ‫وسوف‬ ٍّ .‫قمت بواجبي تجاهكم‬ ُ ‫أما أنا فقد‬ ّ ...‫االستمرار في القراءة‬ !‫استكشفوا واستمتعوا‬ ‫ رئيس التحرير التنفيذي‬,‫كارين الكنر‬

FROM COUTURE TO PERFUMERY TO MIXOLOGY:

HOTEL CAFÉ ROYAL LAUNCHES BRAND NEW COLLECTION

OF IN COLLABORATION WITH

BOUNDLESS LUXURY AND LIFESTYLE OF THE HIGHEST STANDARDS

PARFUMS GIVENCHY

H o t e l Café Royal launched ten new mocktails in collaboration with Parfums Givenchy, celebrating L’Atelier de Givenchy fine fragrances and, in particular the latest perfume in the collection, Iris Harmonique. All ten L’Atelier de Givenchy creations are exclusive to Harrods, and the hotel’s exclusive mocktail collection will be available in the hotel’s vibrant Green Bar, till end of September 2016.

Developed by Bar Manager, Derren King, the ten mocktails have been designed to reflect the creations within the L’Atelier de Givenchy fragrance collection in keeping with the Green Bar’s celebration of botanicals. Marrying the world of scents and flavours, Derren has worked closely with Givenchy using their detailed perfume notes to create a collection of drinks that range from fresh, floral and summery concoctions, to headier, full-bodied mocktails, all paired with a selection of distinctive garnishes and glassware.

For this new collaboration, each mocktail will have its own distinct colour, personality and taste, reflecting the key perfume notes which are unique to the renowned Parfums Givenchy. Highlighting the strong link between scent and taste, the new fragrances will be kept behind the bar for guests to experience before choosing their preferred mocktail from the list.The bartenders will talk through the fragrances within each mocktail, and will serve each alongside scented buttons created by Givenchy for this exclusive collaboration.

Mocktails include the summery Chypre Caresse, a delicious mix of exotic aromas of freshly squeezed grapefruit, agave syrup; Oud Flamboyant, impressively displayed with light smoke and honeycomb, with woody nuances, coconut noir iced tea, Manuka honey and flash flamed cinnamon. The latest fragrance in the collection, Iris Harmonique, is embodied by a mocktail of the same name which incorporates key elements of the perfume notes.

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10of the most amazing

resorts in the Maldives CHEVAL BLANC RANDHELI VELAA PRIVATE ISLAND BAROS MALDIVES ANANTARA KIHAVAH PER AQUUM HUVAFEN FUSHI PER AQUUM NIYAMA DUSIT THANI SONEVA FUSHI FINOLHU AMILLA FUSHI

08 20 30 38 44 52 54 60 68 74

20 74 06 .

‫اﻟﻤﺤﺘﻮﻳﺎت‬

30 102 MELIA ZANZIBAR

80

FOUR SEASONS SAFARI LODGE SERENGETI

86

THE REVERIE SAIGON

94

LUXURY CAPSULE COLLECTION ASTON MARTIN BY HACKETT

102

RAFFLES ISTANBUL

108

TORO TORO, MARSA MALAZ KEMPINSKI, DOHA

111

08

80

86

04

68 38

111

94

108

. 07

L’ART DE RECEVOIR IN

Cheval Blanc Randheli

the Maldives

‫فن االستقبال‬ ‫في جزر المالديف‬

FBYABULOUS ARCHITECTURE RENOWNED JEAN-MICHEL GATHY YOUR MAJORDOME FULFILLS EVERY WISH 24/7 SEVEN EXCLUSIVE DINING TABLES AT 1947, CB’S FINE DINING THE WHITE’S VERY CHIC

SIGNATURE CONCEPT

08 .

. 09

T FRENCH SAVOIR VIVRE ET FAIRE, OUTSTANDING ARCHITECTURE AND INTERIOR DESIGN, TOPPED WITH THE HIGHEST STANDARDS IN SERVICE, CULINARY DELIGHTS AND HOSPITALITY CAN BE SUMMED UP IN THREE WORDS: CHEVAL BLANC RANDHELI.

WE’RE OFF TO DISCOVER SOMEWHERE OF UNIMAGINABLE BEAUTY

The phrase ‘in style’ has been stretched in many directions in recent years and people are often confused by its meaning. For me, as the editor of a luxury travel magazine, the picture is more clear. Travelling in style to arriving in style to being waited upon in style equals perfection.

My story begins at the international airport of Male, the capital of the island nation of the Maldives in the Indian Ocean. The courteous Cheval Blanc Randheli staff await the arrival of me and my children, and a driver wearing white gloves takes us to the very stylish Cheval Blanc lounge in the seaplane terminal where serenity reigns and the colour scheme is cool, simple and sophisticated.

I am handed a menu of breakfast delicacies, from freshly made blueberry muffins, pain au chocolat and coconut cake to a large variety of teas, even the most exotic ones, and a fresh pressed juice selection. Every ingredient is there to make the waiting time as pleasant as it can be, entertained by soft chill-out music and dimmed light. And the little ones have their own playground, better equipped than even big kids can dream of!

Outside, the very stylish Cheval Blanc taupe and yellow seaplane is waiting. Seven passengers board (eight is the max) and we’re off to discover somewhere of unimaginable beauty. High up in the air, we see little turquoise dots of water and large sandbanks in circles below us, and after 45 minutes, the barefoot pilot lands the plane in the water as close as we can get to the resort’s jetty.

We look out of the window, excitedly trying to guess which, among those on the palm-fringed sandy beach, will be our maison for the coming days, and see people happily waving at us. The warm welcome is even more obvious as we step out of the plane and are greeted like long lost friends. ‘Hello Karine. Hello Mary Joy.’ What a heart-warming welcome!

10 .

‫االستمتاع بالحياة على الطريقة الفرنسية والهندسة‬ ‫المعمارية المتميزة مع التصميم الداخلي المترافقة‬ ‫ يمكن‬،‫مع أعلى معايير في الخدمة والطهي والضيافة‬ .‫ شوفال بالن راندهيلي‬:‫تلخيصها في ثالث كلمات‬

‫ طائرة مائية اأنيقة جدا تابعة لل�سيفال بالن بلون رمادي داكن مع‬،‫في الخارج‬ ‫ �سبعة ركاب على متنها (ثمانية هو الحد الأق�سى) وها‬.‫الأ�سفر كانت بانتظارنا‬ ‫ ونحن نحلق كنا نرى‬.‫نحن نقلع لكت�ساف مكان ما من الجمال غير الماألوف‬ ‫من الأعلى البقع الفيروزية ال�سغيرة من الماء وال�سواطئ الرملية الكبيرة في‬ ‫ ها هو الطيار حافي القدمين يحط الرحال فوق‬،‫ دقيقة‬45 ‫ وبعد‬،‫الو�سط تحتنا‬ .‫الماء اأقرب ما يمكن لر�سيف المنتجع‬

‫ والنا�س‬،‫عبارة «الأ�سلوب الراقي» اتخذت تف�سيرات عديدة في ال�سنوات الأخيرة‬ ،‫ كرئي�سة تحرير لمجلة �سفر فاخرة‬،‫ بالن�سبة لي‬.‫غالبا ما يتعثرون في معناها‬ ‫ فال�سفر بالأ�سلوب الراقي والو�سول والنتظار‬...‫كانت ال�سورة اأكثر و�سوحا‬ .‫ ي�ساوي الكمال‬...‫بنف�س الأ�سلوب‬ ‫ عا�سمة دولة جزر المالديف في المحيط‬،‫تبداأ ق�ستي في المطار الدولي بمالي‬ ،‫ موظفو �سوفال بالن راندهيلي المخ�سرمون ينتظرون و�سولي مع اأولدي‬.‫الهندي‬ ‫وال�سائق الذي يرتدي قفازات بي�ساء ياأخذنا اإلى �سالة �سوفال بالن الأنيقة جدا‬ ‫في محطة الطائرات المائية حيث ي�سود الهدوء مع نظام األوان متداخلة مع بع�سها‬ .‫البع�س وب�سيطة ومتطورة‬ . 11

S WE ENTER A WORLD OF UNEXPECTED INTERIOR DESIGN AND ARCHITECTURAL GRANDEUR

AN EN SUITE VILLA LIKE NO OTHER

Solene, the very attentive PA of the general manager, introduces us to our majordome, Mossa, who immediately takes us to villa No 5, a gorgeous two-bedroom villa on the beach. A small sandy path through lush vegetation leads to the villas entrance and we enter a world of unexpected interior design and architectural grandeur.

Grandeur in every way, as ceilings are made as if they were those of a cathedral, high and majestic, large sliding doors open to both sides of the spacious living room to give it a seamless indoor-outdoor feeling when you come in from the pool on one side to the outdoor dining on the other.

Should you have sandy feet there is an outdoor shower and a bathroom with all amenities to save you the headache of crossing the living room without messing it up to reach either your outdoor dining or your en suite bedroom and dressing room just behind the bedroom.

As spacious as you would wish it to be at home.

A full sized mirror inclined towards the wall does its magic; looking at yourself, it feels like your body has suddenly become as slim and tall as a supermodel!

The bathroom is just as impressive, the bathtub standing majestically in the middle. On the left and right side of it, the white sinks (one each for madame et monsieur) are sunken into a black surface and next to it, the appointed chair invites you to do your make-up or look at your shaved face in the magnifying mirror.

A very large glass shower with entrances from both sides (again meant for madame et monsieur) invites you to try the marvellous body wash and shampoo, soothing body and hair like no other I have tried.

The adjacent outdoor space has another large shower for those who like to wash off the sand and salt in the open air.

12 .

I have rarely seen (if ever) such an en suite and en suite and en suite villa, all open and intelligently connected at the same time, or not connected if desired, as the gigantic doors can be closed to give each space its privacy. The two largest of these rotating doors weigh two tons!

The 15 loft-style island villas, with a surface from 240 to 300 square-metres and seven-metre high doors, were imagined by French architect Jean-Michel Gathy. The sense of openness, the choice of materials, teak, bamboo, thatch and coconut shell and the palette of white, taupe and oyster grey combined with splashes of yellow with sculptural colour spots by Vincent Beaurin make each villa truly spectacular. All feature private infinity pools.

‫ فالأ�سقف م�سنوعة كما لو كانت تلك من كاتدرائية‬،‫العظمة كانت في كل �سيء‬ ‫ واأبواب انزلق كبيرة مفتوحة من كال الجانبين على‬،‫م�سهورة ذي ارتفاع مهيب‬ ‫غرفة معي�سة وا�سعة تعطيك �سعور ًا داخلي ًا وكاأنك في الهواء الطلق عندما تاأتي من‬ .‫حو�س ال�سباحة في اأحد الجانبين اإلى غرفة الطعام الخارجية في الجانب الآخر‬

‫فيال ال مثيل لها‬

‫نادرا ما �ساهدت (اإن كنت قد راأيت اأ�س ًال) مثل هذه الفيال ذات الأجنحة‬ ، ٍ‫المتداخلة والمفتوحة جميعها والمت�سلة مع بع�سها البع�س بذكاء في اآنٍّ واحد‬ ‫ حيث اأن الأبواب ال�سخمة يمكن اأن‬،‫اأو المنف�سلة عن بع�سها اإذا رغبت في ذلك‬ ‫ والبابان الكبيران من‬.‫تكون مغلقة لإعطاء كل م�ساحة الخ�سو�سية الخا�سة بها‬ !‫هذه الأبواب الدوارة يزنان ط ّنين‬

‫ ال�سكرتيرة الخا�سة للمدير العام تع ّرفنا على الخادم الخا�س‬،‫ها هي �سولين‬ ‫ الموؤلفة من غرفتي نوم‬،5 ‫ الذي اأخذنا على الفور اإلى الفيال رقم‬،‫ مو�سى‬،‫بنا‬ ‫ م�سار رملي �سغير من خالل النباتات المورقة يوؤدي‬.‫رائعتين على ال�ساطئ‬ ‫اإلى مدخل الفيال وها نحن ندخل عالم الت�سميم الداخلي والعظمة المعمارية‬ .‫الغير متوقعين‬ . 13

Y For those who prefer the feeling of living above the ocean, the 15 overwater villas and 14 garden water villas (with private garden) are the choice, no less impressive and secluded on a different island connected to the main island by a flat bridge. Bikes for the whole family or the butler on a buggy will take you from one end to the other.

MARVELLOUS MAJORDOME

Your majordome will be there at any moment you need him 7/24. This is the first time I have let someone unpack my suitcases, so sure am I that it will be done with the greatest of care.

He will remind you gently of what your excursions, and dinner and breakfast wishes are, and so many other unexpected things will be provided through his sense of attention to you and his thorough knowledge of the maison and its surroundings. Surrender your watch to your majordome and let him compose your experiences!

THE SENSE OF OPENNESS, THE CHOICE OF MATERIALS, AND THE PALETTE MAKE EACH VILLA TRULY SPECTACULAR

‫ فيال مبنية فوق‬15 ‫ فهناك‬،‫بالن�سبة لأولئك الذين يف�سلون �سعور الحياة فوق الماء‬ ‫ في جزيرة‬...‫ ول تقل اإثارة وانعزال‬، ‫ حديقة خا�سة بانتظارهم‬14‫�سطح الماء و‬ ‫ والدراجات لجميع‬.‫مختلفة مت�سلة مع الجزيرة الرئي�سية عن طريق ج�سر ثابت‬ ‫اأفراد الأ�سرة متاحة وكذلك �سائقو العربات التي تجرها الدواب تاأخذك من جهة‬ .‫اإلى اأخرى‬ ‫المتميز‬ ‫الخادم‬ ّ

.‫ �ساعة‬24 ‫�سوف يكون الخادم الخا�س بك متواجدا في اأي لحظة تحتاجه على مدى‬ ‫ وكنت متاأكدة من اأنه‬،‫وهذه هي المرة الأولى التي �سمحت فيها ل�سخ�س بفك حقائبي‬ .‫�سيفعل ذلك بعناية كبيرة‬ ‫ كان‬،‫في ليل ٍة ما ونحن عائدون من رحلة م�ساهدة الدلفين وقت غروب ال�سم�س‬ ّ ‫مو�سى قد‬ ‫ح�سر لنا الع�ساء على ال�ساطئ اأمام الفيال في الرمال مع م�ساهدة‬ ،‫ ال�سا�سة في الأعلى‬.‫فيلم‬ ‫والطاولة معدّة مع اأنواع‬ ‫الطعام التي اخترناها‬ ‫من خالل جهاز الآي باد‬ ‫ هذا الجهاز‬. ‫في الداخل‬ ‫الرقمي يجعل كل �سيء‬ ‫ من اختيار اأنواع‬،‫�سه ًال جد ًا‬ ‫الترفيه اإلى قوائم الطعام‬ ‫والمطاعم من الخيارات‬ ‫الخفيفة في الفيال اإلى‬ ‫الأفالم واأكثر من ذلك‬ ‫ اأنت بحاجة لكن ّيب‬.‫بكثير‬ ...‫لالطالع على كل �سيء‬ !‫ولكن المر ي�ستحق ذلك‬

One evening, as we come back from a dolphin watching sunset cruise, Mossa has already organised our movie setup and dining on the beach in front of our villa in the sand.

The screen is up, the table ready for the choice we have made from the in-villa dining options on the carte blanche menu via the iPad. This tablet device makes everything so easy, from choosing entertainment to food menus and restaurants, from light options in the villa to movies and so much more. You need a manual to go through everything but it’s worth it!

Noonu Atoll, where Cheval Blanc Randheli is located, is great for reef snorkelling, and for those who love fishing adventures in company or sunset cruising on the maison’s private yacht. Active types can even play tennis on the neighbouring Maakurandhoo Island; and romantic couples can opt for a Thari night where you firstly cruise on a local dhoni across the lagoon, then experience a treatment at the amazing Cheval Blanc Spa, followed by a candle-lit dinner under the stars.

14 .

. 15

O The place has a strong character, something magical, and the nearby glass-enclosed cigar lounge has a real cosy-stylish atmosphere, completing a fine dining experience. But off we go to the dinner table at Le 1947.

White curtains hang down from the high ceiling in between crystal chandeliers, so total privacy for each table is guaranteed. I feel like a princess in a castle while I am walked to the table and Renato makes me feel like that for the entire evening.

From Bernardaud porcelain to Schott Zweisel and Riedel stemware, to a special collection of Christofle silverware created by Marcel Wanders deemed Jardin d’Eden, each piece is as individual and carefully selected as the next.

A BALLET OF SERVICE

On our first evening, I am picked up by my majordome and taken to Le 1947, named after Chateau Cheval Blanc’s most sought-after Grand Cru. As we walk along the saffron-red corridor with huge 1947 letters on the wall and candles lining the way, there is a trendy, metropolitan, ultra-chic feeling in the air.

Starched tablecloths and napkins are hand-embroidered with the saffron-red logo of Le 1947, mirroring the intense colours of the ambassadeurs’ uniforms, all which create a ballet of service in an exceptional setting.

AN EXCLUSIVE EXPERIENCE

Executive chef Laurent Chancel sources ingredients not only from the Randheli garden but from local markets and suppliers scattered in 25 different countries, from France to Thailand. Day after day, he envisions and refines an hautegastronomy full of exotic influences: saffron from Talioun in Morocco, black truffles from the famed Richerenches Market In the stunning 1947 Evening Bar, general manager Renato or even black garlic from Japan’s Aomori region, cultivating is awaiting me for dinner. The bar has an elegant, inviting an infinite number of culinary possibilities. seating area but I am directed to the glass-enclosed cellar of the most exclusive grapes to have some amuse From table to table, Laurent tells guests of his inspirations bouche, accompanied by 2005 Dom Perignon, which and the ingredients he uses to compose sublimely unique professionals describe as ‘a full-bodied DP with so much dishes such as sea scallops en parmentier, crisp emperor fish richness and loads of ripe fruit such as pineapple and ravioli, a blue lobster carpaccio or an artichoke velouté. papaya. It has a wonderful, creamy texture and a long and intense finish.’ I can only agree.

16 .

Le 1947 features only seven tables with a dedicated chef per table. A meal here forms a grand culinary journey. Our dinner includes exotic dishes such as fregola sarda cooked like a risotto; slow cooked egg and summer truffles; and to finish, the most delicious dessert I have ever tasted of chocolate and passion fruit ribbon, dulce ice ceam, apricot foam, compote and verbena ice cream. A masterful and creative gastronomic experience!

As days pass by, we indulge in more delightful dining experiences all over Cheval Blanc Randheli and each one enchants us from fine dining to relaxed alfresco.

The Diptyque, based on the concept of live cooking and interaction between guests and chefs, is split into two areas, each inviting guests to a different culinary journey on each side: east Asian on one, Japanese on the other. Guests can choose to sit outdoors on the beachfront, overlooking the ocean, which gives a romantic island touch to the Asian delights.

THE PLACE HAS A STRONG CHARACTER, SOMETHING MAGICAL

‫كوكبة من الخدمات‬

‫ تم ا�ستقبالنا من قبل الخادم الخا�س الذي قادنا اإلى مطعم‬،‫في م�ساءنا الأول‬ ‫ الم�س ّمى على ا�سم العام الذي كان فيه ع�سير العنب ال�سهير لق�سر‬،1947 ‫لو‬ ‫ كنا ن�سير على طول الممر ذي اللون الزعفراني‬...‫ال�سوفال بالن الأكثر رواجا‬ ‫ وال�سموع تنير لنا‬،‫ بالأحرف ال�سخمة‬1947 ‫الأحمر والمكتوب على جدرانه‬ .‫ كان هناك �سعور ًا ع�سري ًا فائق الأناقة في الجو‬...‫الطريق‬ ‫ و�سالة ال�سيجار الزجاجية المجاورة‬،‫ �سيء من ال�سحر‬،‫المكان له ح�سوره القوي‬ ‫ وها نحن نتجه اإلى مائدة الع�ساء‬.‫تبعث جو ًا مريح ًا يك ّمل تجربة طعام رائعة‬ .1947 ‫المخ�س�سة لنا في لو‬ ‫تجربة حصرية‬

‫يختار ال�سيف التنفيذي لوران �سان�سيل مكونات الطعام لي�س فقط من حديقة‬ ،‫ دولة مختلفة‬25 ‫راندهيلي ولكن من الأ�سواق المحلية والموردين المنت�سرين في‬ ‫ يطور ال�سيف لئحة طعام موؤلفة من‬،‫ يوما بعد يوم‬.‫من فرن�سا اإلى تايالند‬ ‫ والكم أا الأ�سود من‬،‫المكونات ال�ستوائية كالزعفران من طليون في المغرب‬ ...‫ال�سوق ال�سهير ري�سرن�سز اأو حتى الثوم الأ�سود من منطقة اأوموري في اليابان‬ .‫ليبدع اأطباق ًا مختلفة ل ح�سر لها‬ ‫ كنا ننغم�س في تجارب طعام لذيذة في جميع اأنحاء �سوفال‬،‫كلما م�ست الأيام‬ ‫ من الطعام في الهواء الطلق اإلى‬...‫بالن راندهيلي ولكل تجربة �سحرها الخا�س‬ .‫ال�سترخاء‬ ‫ا�ستنادا اإلى مفهوم الطهي الحي والتفاعلي بين الزبائن والطهاة الدييتيك الذي‬ ‫ كل منها تدعو ال�سيوف اإلى رحلة طهي مختلفة على كل‬،‫ينق�سم اإلى منطقتين‬ ‫ يمكن للنزلء‬.‫ ال�سرق اآ�سيوي من طرف والياباني من الطرف الآخر‬:‫جانب‬ ،‫اختيار تناول الطعام في الهواء الطلق على ال�ساطئ الذي يطل على المحيط‬ .‫مما ي�سفي لم�سة رومان�سية اإلى م�س ّرات الطعام الآ�سيوية‬

. 17

‫تناول الطعام في الهواء الطلق وفوق الماء‬

THE WHITE OFFERS A VERY CHIC ISLAND ATMOSPHERE

W

‫ هذا المطعم في الهواء‬.‫تناولنا الغداء في مطعم ديالني في اليوم الذي و�سلنا به‬ ‫ الم�ستوحى من اأ�سبانيا وفرن�سا‬،‫في الطلق فوق الماء هو مركز المطبخ المتو�سطي‬ ‫ طعام ب�سيط ويركز على‬.‫ وبع�س النكهات من تركيا واليونان والمغرب‬،‫واإيطاليا‬ ‫ اأحببتُ طعام البوراتا الذي تناولته والأولد اأحبوا ال�سمك الطازج‬. ‫مكونات الطعام‬ .‫المف�سل لديهم‬ ‫ يوفر اأجواء اأنيقة جدا‬،‫المطعم الراقي ذي وايت في �سوفال بالن راندهيلي‬ ‫ فاأ�سلوب الطعام المعا�سر يمتزج مع الهند�سة المعمارية المذهلة‬.‫في الجزيرة‬ ‫ القطع الفنية الخيالية على الجدران‬.‫وال�سواطئ الرملية البي�ساء والمياه الفيروزية‬ !‫ فالطبخ هنا يلتقي مع الفن‬...‫وفي جميع اأنحاء ذي وايت ت�ستحق التوقف وال�ستمتاع‬ ‫من لحظة الو�سول اإلى �سوفال بالن راندهيلي اإلى اللحظات الخا�سة بالأطفال في‬ ‫ حيث كانت هناك ريا�سة‬،‫نادي الأطفال «لو كارو�سيل» ومركز الريا�سة المائية‬ ‫ اإلى الغذاء ال�سحي اللذيذ في مطعم �سبا في منتجع ال�سوفال‬...‫التزلج على الماء‬ ‫بالن راندهيلي عبر البحيرة (اقر أا المزيد عن ذلك في عددنا المقبل الخا�س‬ ‫بالمنتجع) حيث كانت لدي تجربة فريدة من ال�ستمتاع بالتدليك في الهواء الطلق‬ ‫ يمكننا القول بالتاأكيد اأنها كانت‬...‫مع ن�سمة الهواء العليل و�سوت مياه المحيط‬ ‫ لأ�سباب لي�س اأقلها الموظفين الممتازين الذين يعرفون‬،‫اجازة من العمر بامتياز‬ .‫كيفية جعل ال�سيوف ي�سعرون انهم يعي�سون في الجنة‬ ‫فن ال�ستقبال يبوح بكل �سيء و�سوفال بالن راندهيلي هو الق ّمة المطلقة‬ !‫في ذلك‬

The signature concept of Cheval Blanc Randheli, the White, offers a very chic island atmosphere. Its contemporary, relaxed style blends in with stunning architecture, white sand beach and turquoise waters.The imaginative art pieces displayed on the walls and all over the White are worth stopping to admire. Culinary meets art!

We have lunch at Deelani on the day we arrive. This overwater, open-air restaurant is the centre of the maison’s Mediterranean cooking, inspired by Spain, France and Italy, with nods to Turkey, Greece and Morocco. Simple and ingredient-focused. I love my fresh burrata and the kids have the catch of the day, which totally delights them too.

Throughout the day, home-made gelati, sorbets and granita can also be enjoyed on the deck, before the restaurant’s atmosphere begins to buzz at cocktail hour. The evenings bring delicious tapas and fresh seafood cooked on a Mediterranean-style grill.

To sit outdoors, feet in the sand, overlooking the sea is a dream come true for us at breakfast, so we alternate the first meal of the day either in the privacy of the villa (ready to jump in our private -12.5metre long pool after) or in the White, where we can socialise.

The White Bar, the maison’s poolside bar with a choice of all-day cocktails and a delicious contemporary menu, invites us to have lunch next to the large pool overlooking the beach. I have an amazing tasty reef fish ceviche and quinoa salad after – you get the picture of healthy food!

Next to the White Bar, unbelievably comfortable oversized hammocks, ideal for a lazy afternoon siesta, call us to swing and chill for an hour or two, admiring the sparkling ocean.

18 .

GAZING AT THE STARS On our last evening, Solene, Renato’s lovely French PA, invites us for some live music entertainment by a DJ and a fun dinner at the White Bar. The evening is as pleasant as it could be, has a kind of St Tropez touch sipping our ice-cold bubbly (only insiders and fans of the French Riviera would know what a ‘piscine’ is) in this stylish open-air spot, where we stay late with such good company, gazing at the stars.

Blanc Randheli Spa island across the lagoon (read more about it in our next Special Spa edition) where I experience a signature treatment in the open air with sea breeze and sound of the splashing ocean, we can definitely say this has been the vacation of a lifetime, not least due to excellent staff members who know how to make guests feel like they are living in paradise.

From the moment we touch base with the Cheval Blanc The art of receiving says it all and Cheval Blanc Randheli is Randheli family to the special moments for the children in an absolute master in it! the Kids’ Club Le Carrousel and the watersports centre, where seabob, jetski and flyboard can be experienced, to the healthy, delicious lunch at the Spa Bar on the Cheval . 19

43AMONG BEAUTIFULLY DESIGNED VILLAS THEM ONE ROMANTIC POOL VILLA REACHED BY BOAT ONLY

CSIGNATURE ULINARY ART AT THE OVERWATER RESTAURANT ARAGU GOLF OLF ACADEMY, ACADEMY,TENNIS, TENNIS, SQUASH SQUASH PLUS ALL ALL IMAGINABLE IMAGINABLE WATERSPORTS WATERSPORTS PLUS BLEND BY

BY CLARINS CLARINS SPA SPA MYY BLEND

IMMERSION IN CONTEMPORARY LUXURY ON A

Private Island

‫االنغماس في‬ ‫الترف المعاصر‬ ‫على جزيرة خاصة‬

20 .

Velaa Private Island . 21

KARINE LACKNER EXPERIENCES THE REALISATION OF A DREAM BEYOND LUXURY, AN ULTRAEXCLUSIVE BOUTIQUE HIDEAWAY IN THE MALDIVES, VELAA PRIVATE ISLAND.

Architect Petr Kolar has used a clever combination of mirrors in some spaces for optimised optical effects. The huge, delicate chandeliers hanging down from the high ceilings even have a turtle reflection in the golden inner layer of the lampshades.

This unique destination was developed to embody the very best of this beautiful archipelago, surrounded by azure skies and bathed in the aquamarine waters of the Indian Ocean. The name of this private retreat, an elegant fusion of Maldivian culture with contemporary luxury, means turtle island in the local language – named after generations of sea turtles that have flocked here to nest and hatch.

Natural materials and colours bring the outside in, while a suspended chair adds an element of playful refinement. These beachfront pool villas feature elegant, large living rooms with beautiful carpets stitched in the shade of the blue Indian Ocean.

The resort design borrows from this theme, with turtle motifs, and the colours and patterns of turtle shell pervade the property in subtle, elegant ways. Velaa Private Island is just under 20 hectares in size, around half a kilometre in either direction and I manage to tour it in 30 to 40 minutes, passing stranded sea urchins and shells in the pure white sand.

‫تج�سد هذه الوجهة الفريدة اأف�سل‬ ّ ‫ اإذ‬،‫ما في هذا الأرخبيل الجميل‬ ‫يحيط بها ال�سماء الالزوردية والمياه‬ .‫الزبرجدية من المحيط الهندي‬ ‫ا�سم هذا المالذ الخا�س الذي‬ ‫يمثل مزيج ًا اأنيق ًا من ان�سهار ثقافة‬ ،‫المالديف مع الفخامة المعا�سرة‬ ‫يعني جزيرة ال�سالحف في اللغة‬ ‫أجيال‬ ٍ ‫ وذلك بعد تعاقب ا‬- ‫المحلية‬ ‫من ال�سالحف البحرية التي توافدت‬ .‫اإلى هنا لبناء اأع�سا�سها والتفقي�س‬ ‫والتفرد‬ ‫الخصوصية‬ ّ

ٍّ ‫ فيال خا�سة والم�ساكن المنفردة يعلوه اأربعة اأجنحة موؤلفة‬43‫المنتجع ذو ال‬ ‫كل‬ ‫ فاإن الم�سكن ذو‬،‫ على المياه‬43 ‫ من‬18 ‫ في حين تم بناء‬.‫منها من اأربع غرف نوم‬ ‫ مما ي�سمح بالمزيد‬،‫الحو�س الرومان�سي يتم التو�سل اإليه فقط عن طريق القوارب‬ .‫من الخ�سو�سية والتفرد‬

Velaa Private Island has been designed and curated with privacy and comfort as the guiding principles and I feel it as soon as I set foot here. At one with nature, each of the private retreats has been built using local materials, combining contemporary flourishes with interiors designed for sensory exploration and explosion. Generous terraces and sultry gazebos are positioned to maximise shade, breeze, views and privacy, allowing for total immersion in nature.

The outstanding zen-like outdoor bathroom has a huge bath and deck, and reclining daybed under a pillared podium connected by a garden atrium with a stylish outdoor shower, all surrounded by lush vegetation, some plants in huge vases.

PRIVACY AND EXCLUSIVITY The resort’s 43 private villas, houses and residences are topped by four four-bedroom residences. While 18 of the 43 are built over water, the Romantic Pool Residence can only be reached by boat, allowing even more privacy and exclusivity.

I stay in one of the detached beachfront pool villas which are sumptuously furnished. Mahogany louvered panels and intricate lofty ceilings are reminiscent of the colonial era, while mahogany furniture and suspended bamboo lights give a natural yet elegant feel.

22 .

ً ‫حلما‬ ‫تحقق كارين الكنر‬ ّ ‫يفوق الخيال بزيارة الجزيرة‬ ‫الخاصة «فيال» في جزر‬ ‫ وهي عبارة‬...‫المالديف‬ ً ‫جدا‬ ‫وراق‬ ‫ي‬ ٍ ‫عن‬ ٍّ ‫مالذ حصر‬ ٍ .‫في جزر المالديف‬

Wall-to-wall glass doors frame the terrace and private pool, the terrace stretched all the way from left to right in front of the villa. Day beds, swinging chair and an outdoor dining area face the Indian Ocean. The alfresco dining area by the pool is the place to be at sunset.

Along an extended jetty, the villas on this crescent have uninterrupted views of the ocean. Overhanging thatch offers shade over the dining area, while the bedroom and bathroom open onto the terrace, private pool and sun deck, with steps leading alluringly into the ocean. Inside, the comfortable living room is designed around a viewing window set into the floor, while the bed faces the ocean.

Privacy and comfort as the guiding principles

‫كانت اإقامتي في واحدة من الفيالت على �ساطئ البحر ذات بركة ال�سباحة المنف�سلة‬ ‫ الألواح الخمرية اللون تتداخل مع ال�سقوف المرتفعة‬.‫وهي مفرو�سة فر�سا فاخرا‬ ‫ في حين اأن الأثاث الخمري واأ�سواء المع ّلقات‬،‫العالية لتذكرنا بالحقبة ال�ستعمارية‬ .‫من الخيزران كانت ت�سفي �سعور ًا بالأناقة الطبيعية‬ ‫ تتمتع هذه الفيالت على �سكل هالل بمناظر رائعة على‬،ّ‫على طول الر�سيف الممتد‬ ‫ في حين اأن غرفة‬،‫ المع ّلقات من الق�س تو ّفر الظل لمنطقة تناول الطعام‬.‫المحيط‬ ‫درج‬ ٍ ‫ مع‬،‫النوم والحمام تفتح على ال�سرفة وحمام ال�سباحة الخا�س و�سطح للت�سمي�س‬ ‫ تم ت�سميم غرفة المعي�سة المريحة حول‬،‫ في الداخل‬.‫رقي اإلى المحيط‬ ٍ ‫يوؤدي بكل‬ ‫نافذة اأر�سية تطل على المحيط وت�سمح للم�ستلقي على ال�سرير بال�ستمتاع بهذه‬ .‫المناظر الخ ّالبة‬ . 23

C CULINARY MASTERPIECES

For the epicurean, Velaa Private Island boasts an extraordinary culinary experience with venues that are unrivalled throughout the Maldives.

With a twist on modern European cuisine, Aragu takes its gourmet experience to a new level, combining a passion for culinary art with awareness and sustainability.

My dinner here, floating above the gently rippling waves, is filled with scrumptious culinary masterpieces. Starting with Japanese scallops with an essence of black truffle, followed by smoked burrata with Valdarama Grand Cru Arbequina olive oil and organic micro basil to the pan seared local reef fish with pickle beetroot, celeriac puree and beetroot vinegar reduction, the culinary explosion ends with raspberry jelly, hazelnut merengue, pineapple sorbet and mandarin dressing.

‫اثيري هو المطعم الواقع على الواجهة البحرية والذي‬ ‫يقدم الطعام طوال اليوم في في اأجواء مريحة واأنيقة من‬ ‫ ا�ستمتعتُ بوليم ٍة من الماأكولت الإبداعية‬...‫الترحيب‬ ‫قدمي‬ ّ ‫الطازجة على الطاولة اأمامي وكنت اأتناول الطعام مع‬ .‫في الرمل من الإفطار اإلى الع�ساء‬ ‫الدراجات البخارية متوفرة للتاأجير للو�سول اإلى ال�سعاب‬ ‫ يوفر ركوب‬.‫المرجانية في الجزيرة من اأجل اأف�سل غو�س‬ ‫ نماذج‬10 ‫الأمواج �سبعة خيارات مختلفة من حجم الألواح و‬ ‫ من‬،‫مختلفة من ال�سراعات لجميع الظروف والتجارب‬ .‫التدريب للمبتدئين اإلى الأكثر تقدما‬

‫روائع الطبخ‬

‫ الجزيرة الخا�سة فيال تفتخر بتجربة‬،‫للذواقة‬ ‫الطهي غير العادية لديها مع اأماكن ل مثيل لها في‬ .‫جميع اأنحاء جزر المالديف‬

The tastes and flavours of China, Korea and Japan entice the senses at the Tavaru restaurant, a building which will no less astonish you than the delicacies prepared in front of your eyes by the chef.

،‫مع نكهة م�ستوحاة من المطبخ الأوروبي الحديث‬ ‫ اإذ اأنه‬،‫ياأخذ مطعم اراغو الذواقة اإلى م�ستوى جديد‬ .‫يجمع بين حب فنّ الطهي مع الوعي وال�ستمرارية‬

Athiri is beach-front all-day dining at its finest in a cosy, elegant and welcoming ambiance. I enjoy a feast of creative cuisine served fresh to the table while dining with my feet in the sand from breakfast to dinner.

24 .

‫اأذواق ونكهات من ال�سين وكوريا واليابان تغري‬ ‫ وهو المبنى الذي‬،‫الحوا�س في مطعم تافارو الراقي‬ ‫يثير الهتمام ول يقل ده�سة عن الأطباق ال�سهية التي‬ .‫تُعد اأمام عينيك من قبل ال�سيف‬

My dinner here is filled with scrumptious culinary masterpieces . 25

The choice is endless and I have never seen such excellent and new equipment

S

‫ريا�سة المجداف هي‬ ‫اأي�س ًا و�سيلة �سعبية‬ ‫متزايدة ل�ستك�ساف‬ ‫المياه الجميلة في‬ ‫جميع اأنحاء الجزيرة‬ ‫الخا�سة فيال والحفاظ‬ ‫على اللياقة في الوقت‬ !‫نف�سه‬

SWING INTO ACTION

Velaa Golf Academy has nine different tees, six greens, seven bunkers and a lake designed by Jose Maria Olazabal, renowned for his short game prowess, and is managed by Troon, the leader in upscale golf course management, development and marketing.

Get one-on-one tuition with all the latest technology to give feedback the way you want.

Try the swing studio equipped with the most up-to-date technology to enhance your learning experience.

Seadoo Scooters are available for hire to access the island’s coral reef for the best snorkelling.

Windsurfing offers seven different board size options and 10 sail configurations for all conditions and experience from training for complete novices to the most advanced set-up for experts.

Sailing features a Topcat K1 Catamaran and New Zealand-designed Weta High Performance Trimaran, easily operated by one or two. Kite surfing is with F1 Kites – by far the best in the world – and takes this action-packed sport to all levels, from downwind runs to private lessons.

26 .

Stand-up paddle boards are an increasingly popular way to explore the beautiful waters around Velaa Private Island and keep fit at the same time!

Yamaha VX 1100 Cruisers jet skis are designed for both experienced riders and beginners to ride at reduced power, for safety and comfort.

Seabobs are the latest and greatest water sports trend, for cruising effortlessly on top or just under the surface like a dolphin. The AG21 Sports Boat is new to Yamaha’s range, designed for water sports of all types with unique features such as its low centre of gravity and ability to increase wake size by filling on-board tanks.

‫الدراجات البحرية هي‬ ،‫الأحدث والأكثر ا�ستخداما في الريا�سات المائية‬ ‫لتجوب البح ر دون جهد على ال�سطح وتنغما�س‬ .‫تحته تماما كالدلفين‬ ‫التزحلق على الماء متو ّفر اأي�س ًا لجميع الم�ستويات‬ ‫والأعمار و ب ك ّل الأ�ساليب مع اأن�سطة تعتمد على‬ ‫الأنابيب الهوائية وتلك التي هي على �سكل الموز‬ ‫ والخيار ل نهاية‬.‫وتجربة مقاعد التزلج الجديدة‬ ‫ واأنا لم اأر قط مثل هذه المعدّات الممتازة‬...‫له‬ .‫والجديدة المتاحة لل�سيف الأكثر تط ّلب ًا‬

For all levels, styles and ages are water-skiing, wakeboarding and knee boarding with fun inflatable activities such as tubes, bananas and the new ski seat experience.The choice is endless and I have never seen such excellent and new equipment made available for the most demanding guest.

Velaa dive centre is equipped by Scubapro renowned for its outstanding quality. Velaa Private Island is located in Noonu Atoll, the latest atoll discovered and dived due to its location. Only 20 minutes away from Velaa, divers can discover various unexplored dive sites with the most amazing fauna of the Maldives such as grey reef sharks, nurse sharks, the seasonal manta ray, black spotted sting ray and the graceful eagle ray. . 27

You need more than a few days to explore all Velaa Private Island has to offer

Velaa Private Island offers the latest Technogym in a non-traditional set-up divided in two spaces with a glamorous feel. On an elevated yoga pavilion, with beautiful views over the golf academy, I experience a personal yoga master session held on the raised-tree meditation platform in the garden surrounded by lush nature and high palm trees.

For spa enthusiasts such as myself, My Blend by Clarins facial products and body treatments offer a truly personalised experience. The island counts itself one of only a handful of hotels in the world to be working alongside this distinguished brand.

In the spa, where I spend an entire afternoon, I experience the steam room and sauna (with a stunning sea view), and the -10˚C snow room, the only one in the Maldives so far, a moment of total rejuvenation accompanied by delicious ginger tea in abundance.

28 .

‫ فمزيج‬،‫لع�ساق المنتجعات ال�سح ّية مثلي‬ ‫منتجات من كالرن�س للوجه وعالجات‬ ‫ تعتبر‬.‫الج�سم توفر تجربة �سخ�سية حقا‬ ‫الجزيرة نف�سها واحدة من عدد قليل من‬ ‫الفنادق في العالم التي ت�ستخدم العالمات‬ .‫التجارية المتميزة‬ .‫ هو �سبه الغوا�سة‬...‫ال�سيء المختلف هنا‬ ،‫ل�ستك�ساف المياه العميقة من نونو اأتول‬ ‫يتم ت�سغيل �سبه غوا�سة تت�سع لثالثة‬ ‫اأ�سخا�س في جولة بحرية من قبل قائد‬ ‫المدربين الذين ي�سرح بالتف�سيل ويمدّنا‬ .‫بالمعلومات عن هذه المغامرة المثيرة‬

And there is more! Sports facilities extend to covered tennis and squash courts, table tennis, wall climbing, beach volleyball and a football pitch. You need more than a few days to explore all Velaa Private Island has to offer, and even the most demanding and extravagant person can find their ideal activity here.

Something different is the semi-submarine. To explore the deeper waters of the Noonu Atoll, a three-person ambient pressure semi-submarine tour is operated by a trained skipper who offers an informative narration on this exciting adventure.

Last but not least, the Lha Velaa (‘little turtle’) Club is the ideal place for younger guests to enjoy, learn, develop new skills and form new friendships with kids from around the globe. Let your children experience unforgettable moments created especially for them throughout their stay in Velaa Private Island. And with the help of your own private butler on your own private island like Velaa, you will have memories to treasure for ever too.

‫ فاإن نادي ل فيال (ال�سلحفاة ال�سغيرة) هو المكان المثالي‬،‫واأخيرا ولي�س اآخرا‬ ‫ وتطوير مهارات جديدة وتكوين �سداقات مع‬،‫للنزلء ال�سغار لال�ستمتاع والتع ّلم‬ ‫ دع اأطفالك يج ّربون لحظات ل تن�سى تم ابتكارها‬.‫اأطفال من جميع اأنحاء العالم‬ ‫ وبم�ساعدة من خادمك‬.‫خ�سي�سا لهم طوال فترة اإقامتهم في الجزيرة الخا�سة‬ ‫ �سيكون لديك ذكريات اأي�س ًا لن تن�ساها‬،‫الخا�س على جزيرة خا�سة بك مثل فيال‬ .‫ما حييت‬ . 29

Baros Maldives FINE DINING AT THE LIGHTHOUSE

THE ESSENCE OF ‫جوهر‬ ‫جزر المالديف‬

the Maldives

30 .

CTHE ANDLELIT DINNER ON RESORT SANDBANK TASMANIAN SMOKED SALMON AND CHILLED KING PRAWNS ON A PIANO-SHAPED FLOATING DECK OUT IN THE TURQUOISE WATERS

. 31

BAROS MALDIVES’ABUNDANCE OF ROMANTIC SETTINGS, FROM A CANDLE-LIT DINNER FOR ONLY YOU AND YOUR LOVED ONE ON THE RESORT’S SANDBANK TO WATCHING YOUR FAVOURITE MOVIE ON A LARGE SCREEN ON COMFORTABLE BEAN BAGS WITH POPCORN SERVED BY THE SANDBANK’S BUTLER, OR FROM BREAKFAST WITH FRESHLY SQUEEZED ORANGE JUICE AND A WIDE RANGE OF DELICACIES ON A PIANO-SHAPED FLOATING DECK OUT IN THE TURQUOISE WATERS, WILL MAKE YOUR DAYS AND NIGHTS HERE UNFORGETTABLE.

‫إن وفرة باروس المالديف من الجلسات الرومانسية‬ ‫المتدرجة من العشاء على ضوء الشموع لكم وألحباءكم‬ ّ ‫المفضل لديكم‬ ّ ‫على رمال المنتجع لمشاهدة الفيلم‬ ً ‫جلوسا على أكياس الفول المريحة‬ ‫على شاشة كبيرة‬ ‫ إلى‬...‫المقدم من قبل مسؤول الخدمة‬ ‫مع الفشار‬ ّ ‫اإلفطار مع عصير البرتقال الطازج ومجموعة واسعة‬ ‫من األطباق الشهية التي تقدم سمك السلمون‬ ‫المدخن من تسمانيا والقريدس الجامبو المبرد على‬ ‫سطح السفينة العائمة على شكل بيانو يطفو على‬ ‫ باروس المالديف لديه خبرة طويلة‬...‫المياه الفيروزية‬ .‫في جعل األيام والليالي تجربة ال تنسى‬

1st June My arrival on this luxury boutique island resort I had heard so much about is full of excitement. It is highly rated for romance, luxury and service, and famed for arranging special moments, so I am so keen to experience it for myself.

Stepping off the boat to be greeted by the lovely team of Lisa and Shannon who offer cold towels and bubbly, I am introduced to my butler (or villa host as they call him), Shariu. He takes me along sandy pathways (which I rather enjoy as it gives you the no-cars feel) to my home for the next couple of nights, overwater villa 323.

There is no better way to shake off the effects of a long flight than a relaxing spa treatment, and this is exactly what is planned for the afternoon. Before that, I explore the perfectly appointed overwater villa with private pool, two sun loungers and daybed on a large terrace overlooking the ocean.

Inside there is enough space to hang and store my caftans, bathing suits and shoes (which you don’t need when you are vacationing in the Maldives I found out).

I adore the way the bathroom is made. The tub is overlooking the deck, the pool and the sea, the two sinks are very good thinking for couples, the shower has two doors, one to the outdoor terrace, and last but not least there is a glass window in the loo looking through the shower to the sea! Wow! I meander out of the overwater villa down the u-shaped wooden walk-board to reach the sandy path leading to the beautiful spa where Ron, the spa manager, welcomes me and off I go to my signature treatment into a beautiful treatment room, lying on a warm thermal blanket on top of the massage table wrapped into a thin linen blanket. For weight loss, try the 100% micronized green coffee wrap!

32 .

‫وتم‬ ّ ...‫و�سولي اإلى هذا المنتجع الراقي الذي �سمعت الكثير عنه كان مليئ ًا بالإثارة‬ ‫ وا�ستُهر من خالل‬،‫ت�سنيفه بمرتب ٍة عالي ٍة في مجال الرومان�س والفخامة والخدمة‬ .‫ لذلك كنت حري�سة جدا لأج ّرب بنف�سي‬...‫ترتيب لحظات خا�سة‬ ،‫لي�ست هناك طريقة اأف�سل للتخ ّل�س من اآثار رحلة طويلة �سوى ال�سبا لال�سترخاء‬ ّ ‫وهذا هو بال�سبط ما هو‬ ‫ ا�ستك�سفت الفيال‬،‫ قبل ذلك‬.‫مخطط لفترة ما بعد الظهر‬ ‫ واثنين من كرا�سي ال�سم�س و�سرير‬،‫فوق الماء المخ�س�سة لي مع بركة �سباحة خا�سة‬ ‫ في الداخل هناك م�ساحة كافية‬.‫لال�سترخاء على �سرفة كبيرة تطل على المحيط‬ ‫لتعليق وتخزين قفاطيني ومالب�سي البحرية والأحذية (التي ل تحتاجها عند ق�ساء‬ .)‫ ح�سب راأي‬...‫عطلة في جزر المالديف‬

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‫المنارة! ع�ساء مع ليزا هذه الليلة! في �سحبة ال�سيدة الرائعة الم�سوؤولة عن‬ ‫ كانت تجربتي فريدة في تناول اأطباق‬،‫العالقات العامة والمتعلمة تعليما عاليا‬ ‫ ولكن مع �سعور المكوث في �سفينة لرحلة بحرية في الطابق الأول‬،‫الذواقة بامتياز‬ ‫من المنارة التي تطل على البحر ومطعم الجير وبركة لتناول الم�سروبات عند‬ .‫غروب ال�سم�س‬

2nd June

‫ يمكنك تجربة الغو�س‬،‫عندما يحل الليل على الجزيرة وت�سعر باإح�سا�س المغامرة‬ ‫ ت�سبح‬...‫ من بين غيرها من اأنواع �سكان البحر‬،‫ليال وروؤية بع�س اأ�سماك القر�س‬ .‫في جميع اأنحاء مطعم ال�سواء كايين‬

I breakfast at the air-conditioned buffet (while still sitting outside to admire the view and colours), which is delightful, with plenty of choice for anyone’s taste. Then I’m off to the underwater world of the Marine Centre, where I learn how fragile the coral polyp, which is responsible for the formation of the reefs, is and how it can easily get damaged by contact with fins or dive equipment. So careful when you snorkel or dive!

Since starting the Coral Regeneration Project at Baros Maldives in 2009, the resort has submerged 171 coral tables and some of them are located around the centre of the water villa area, but most of them surround the Lighthouse.

The Lighthouse! Dinner with Lisa tonight! In the company of the charming and highly educated PR and communications lady, I experience a gourmet cuisine par excellence, but not before getting the feel of being on a cruise ship on the first floor of the Lighthouse overlooking the sea and the Lime restaurant and pool for sunset drinks.

‫ التي ل تقل‬،‫يمكنك اأي�سا م�ساهدتها من طاولة الطعام الخا�سة بك في كاين‬ ‫اأهمية ولكن اأكثر جفاف ًا! الماأكولت البحرية واللحوم والأطباق النباتية ف�سال‬ ‫عن بوفيه ال�سلطات كانت رائعة وفي ليل ٍة ما تذوقت ع�ساء التيبانياكي حيث كان‬ .‫الطاهي يعد كل �سيء اأمام عيني‬ From here the sunset is stunning, no less the canapés and cocktails served at these precious moments when day turns into night and the resort welcomes you to culinary delights or even fishing by twilight and catching your own dinner.

When night falls over the island and you feel adventurous, you can try the night snorkelling and see some sharks, amongst many other sea-dwellers, swimming around the Cayenne Grill. The three different species are harmless, the blacktip shark, the whitetop shark and the nurse shark, which likes to sleep in the sunken boats at day time. The presence of sharks is a key indicator of the health of an ecosystem.

You can also observe them from your dining table at Cayenne, which is no less amazing and more dry! The seafood, meat and vegetarian dishes as well as the salad buffet delight me and one evening I try the Teppanyaki table dining where I watch the chef preparing all in front of my eyes. He has something of a skilled circus performer about him, and I am mesmerised!

34 .

. 35

4th June All day I relax in one of the little sandy bays under an umbrella with lush vegetation surrounding me and turquoise waters before jumping at precisely 5pm, aboard the Nooma cruise. The Maldivian traditional 19-metre boat has an elegant curved prow, vast single sail and a sarong-clad crew of four is taking me out for sunset cruising in style with canapés and bubbly served by a butler.

As the sail of the wooden vessel flutters in the breeze, I feel there is no better place on earth right now to feel nature and its wonders by looking at them from the sea. The wind in my hair, I admire the sun finding its way down to the ocean, and I imagine how it must be to experience a night under the starry sky in the double bedroom dhoni, which has a bathroom and shower, plus a private saloon. Sailing around the resort gives me another view of how well Baros Maldives has arranged water villas and beach villas all around the island in total privacy for each one.

There is so much more to say about Baros Maldives but I believe it is best to let you discover it for yourself and keep some surprises!

3rd June The excitement doesn’t end as the next morning the breakfast at the Piano Deck is on and I hop on the boat which takes me to the plateau out in the sea. An experience (one of so many) not to miss at Baros Maldives. When have you ever had a luxurious breakfast in the middle of turquoise waters?

I get on another boat in the afternoon to watch one of the true wonders of nature, dolphins at play. Oh, what a scene. First, the crew of the boat is in search of the dolphins, which stay in the same area most of the time. Once we arrive there, I am brimming with anticipation at seeing these beautiful creatures.

‫ ففي �سباح اليوم التالي تناولت وجبة الإفطار في �سرفة‬...‫ل تنتهي الإثارة هنا‬ ‫ تجربة‬.‫ وها اأنا اأقفز في القارب الذي ياأخذني اإلى اله�سبة في البحر‬...‫البيانو‬ ‫ متى كانت لديك‬.‫(واحدة من الكثيرات) عليك اأ ّل تفوتها في بارو�س المالديف‬ ‫الفر�سة لتناول وجبة الفطور الفاخرة في و�سط المياه الفيروزية؟‬ ‫واأم�سي اإلى قارب اآخر في فترة ما بعد الظهر لم�ساهدة واحدة من عجائب الدنيا‬ ‫ يبحث طاقم‬،‫ اأول‬...‫ يا له من منظر‬،‫ اأوه‬.‫الدلفين وهي تلعب‬...‫الحقيقية للطبيعة‬ ‫ وبمجرد اأن‬.‫ التي تبقى في نف�س المنطقة في اأغلب الأحيان‬،‫القارب عن الدلفين‬ .‫ ما عليك اإ ّل اأن تتر ّقب روؤية هذه المخلوقات الجميلة‬،‫ت�سل اإلى هناك‬ ‫كل يوم كنت اأمار�س ال�سترخاء في واحدة من الخلجان الرملية ال�سغيرة تحت‬ ‫مظلة من النباتات المورقة المحيطة بي والمياه الفيروزية قبل اأن اأركب على متن‬ ‫ ال�سفينة التقليدية‬.‫الرحلة البحرية «نوما» في تمام ال�ساعة الخام�سة بعد الظهر‬ ‫ و�سراع واحد كبير وطاقم‬،‫ مترا لها مقدمة اأنيقة منحنية‬19 ‫المالديفية بطول‬ ‫يرتدي الرداء التقليدي موؤلف من اأربعة اأ�سخا�س تاأخذني في رحلة بحرية في وقت‬ .‫ومقبالت يقدمها خادم متخ�س�س‬ ٍ‫أ�سلوب راق‬ ٍ ٍ ‫الغروب با‬ ‫هناك اأكثر بكثير من ذلك في بارو�س المالديف ولكن اأعتقد اأنه من الأف�سل اأن‬ !‫اأدعكم تكت�سفوا بع�س المفاجاآت باأنف�سكم‬

And here they are, a group of dolphins playing and jumping in formation as if they know we are here to see them (maybe they do!). One of them is even turning pirouettes several times to get our applause. The show goes on for at least 30 minutes as the crew knows how to attract them by making waves in which the dolphins love to swim and jump.

36 .

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A THRIVING TROPICAL ISLAND IN AN

Aquatic Paradise ‫جزيرة استوائية مزدهرة‬ ‫في‬

‫جنّ ٍة مائية‬

Anantara Kihavah RESORT BUILT BUILT IN IN A RESORT LUSHVEGETATION VEGETATION LUSH

UNDERWATER RESTAURANT SEA – A DRY UNDERWATER EXPERIENCE STAR GAZING INTRODUCTION

BY THE RESORTS’ ASTRONOMER SBEAUTY IX ANANTARA SPA VILLAS, SALON & FACIAL SUITES 38 .

. 39

SEA. FIRE. SALT. SKY. The unique under-and overwater gastronomic concept that highlights the resort’s idyllic location in the dazzling Indian Ocean consists of four separate restaurants, including one of the few underwater restaurants in the world, Sea.

RIGHT FROM THE ARRIVAL BY SEAPLANE AND SPEEDBOAT AT ANANTARA KIHAVAH VILLAS IN THE BAA ATOLL IN THE MALDIVES, IT IS AS CRYSTAL CLEAR AS THE TURQUOISE WATER: THIS IS ONE OF FEW LUXURY ISLAND RESORTS WHERE THE BEACH CIRCUMNAVIGATES THE WHOLE ISLAND.

Very much looking forward to retreating to somewhere that really does enable you to get away from it all, I indulge in tropical surroundings while the buggy driven by my designated butler and villa host Ahmed takes me through lush green palm groves on sandy yet manicured roads to my sunset overwater pool villa. Along the pristine white beaches on both sides of the jetty I can see the clearest turquoise waters leading to a thriving house reef. I am simply stunned!

Seamless harmony is achieved by exquisite reflections of Maldivian culture, both above and below the Indian Ocean’s surface as I enter my villa. Right away I notice the concept and mood desired and planned for each space.

Here I am to experience the greatest paradise on earth up close as my villa host leads me to the terrace where a milk footbath is prepared to refresh and soothe my feet, after which I float around the villa admiring every feature.

My mood is totally surrendered to the ambiance and peacefulness and a feeling of welcome emanates through me. I have found my private sanctuary; a sunken bathtub provides me with a view down to the marine life as the bottom of it is made of glass!

Opening the sliding door just next to it, the turquoise and golden shimmering mosaic of the pool attracts my attention. Not a plunge pool, but a real pool. I decide to take a dip before sunset, which I watch from the huge swing (room for at least three or four people), nestled in comfortable cushions before I return to my amazing bathroom and its outdoor waterfall shower to get ready for the evening.

40 .

79 spacious private pool sanctuaries, ranging from 260 to 2,730 square metres, are either poised over the water or nestled along a pristine stretch of private beach. The villas are at one with the natural tropical surroundings with coconut trees jutting through some of the luxury villas’ ceilings and lush canopies offering shade and seclusion. A harmonious mix of living spaces only exceeds my expectations of the perfect holiday.

Situated on the edge of the house reef, this highly visible group of buildings resembles a small village from afar and I am enthusiastic to discover the multitude of tempting gastronomic offers.

The resort was built in and around the vegetation; no tree has been removed during construction, I am told. Male-based architect Mohamed Shafeeq has ensured the stylish resort’s structural design draws on building methods traditional to the Maldives. Using age old techniques such as thatched palm roofs, each building of Anantara Kihavah Villas is a simple, natural sanctuary.

The core visual theme running through the entire resort is an IndianMoroccan fusion with colonial touches and the most natural materials at every point of the design process have been combined with local fabrics sourced from nearby countries such as Sri Lanka, India and even the Maldives itself.

‫منذ وصولنا بالطائرة المائية والقوارب السريعة إلى فلل‬ ً ‫واضحا‬ ‫ كان‬،‫أنانتارا كيهافا في با أتول في جزر المالديف‬ ‫كوضوح وشفافية المياه الفيروزية أنها إحدى المنتجعات‬ ‫بشكل دائري بالجزيرة‬ ‫الفخمة في الجزيرة حيث الشاطئ يحيط‬ ٍ .‫بأكملها‬ But there is something else to discover on the first floor. Here you First, driven by the fantastic Ahmed, we stop at the red building which first attracted my attention on arrival. Sky is a magical place, especially in the evening when candles are lit all over and the openness to the water from all sides puts you as close to it as you can be. are put as close as you can get to the sky and I experience this more than I could have imagined when the amazing astronomer of the resort Shameem starts explaining the planets and stars above us.

A new world is opening before me and I feel extremely thankful to receive all this interesting information and insight in a session that could have taken all evening and night, so passionate and knowledgeable Shameem is about the universe above us.

The experiences and astonishment do not stop here as the next day I am taken to the octagonal shaped Sea underwater restaurant, which was designed to optimise the underwater views from a diner’s perspective.

The acrylic windows are set lower than the dining tables and extend past my peripheral vision, giving me the illusion that I am part of the surrounding reef in five metres’ depth. Sea took more than a year to build and the windows are 100 millimetres thick and 1.5 x 1.6 metres big. One of the most magical moments of my life!

‫وها اأنا اأدخل في محيط‬...‫مالذ ي�سمح لي بالنعزال قليال‬ ٍ ‫كنت اأتط ّلع قدم ًا للو�سول اإلى‬ ‫ا�ستوائي من الغابات الخ�سراء بينما العربة التي تجرها الدواب ويقودها خادمي‬ ‫الخا�س وم�سيف الفيال اأحمد تاأخذ ني من خالل النخيل الأخ�سر المورق في الب�ساتين‬ ‫ على طول‬.‫ في وقت غروب ال�سم�س‬..‫لأ�سل اإلى الفيال المخ�س�سة لي فوق الماء‬ ‫ال�سواطئ البي�ساء البكر على جانبي الر�سيف كنت اأ�ستطيع اأن اأرى المياه الفيروزية‬ !‫ اأنا بب�ساطة مذهولة‬.‫فائقة ال�سفافية والتي توؤدي اإلى �سعاب مرجانية مزدهرة‬ ‫وها اأنا اأترك لنف�سي العنان لال�ستمتاع بالأجواء والهدوء و�سعور الترحيب ينبعث من‬ ‫ لقد وجدت مالذ ًا خا�س ًا بي؛ حو�س ا�ستحمام عميق ي�سمح لي بم�ساهدة‬.‫داخلي‬ !‫الحياة البحرية حيث اأن الجزء ال�سفلي منه م�سنوع من الزجاج‬ ،‫ متر مربع‬2730 ‫ اإلى‬260 ‫ مالذ ًا مع اأحوا�س �سباحة خا�سة تتراوح ما بين‬79 ‫هناك‬

There is an average of 40 species of fish swimming around during my lunch and I am told there is a possibility to see a whale shark in the evening when big fish swim by.

Each chair has a hand embroidered lumbar pillow that depicts the reef occupants, such as filefish, leopard wrasse, grouper and angelfish. A nice detail in this 16-guest capacity restaurant, where your attention is captured every single moment by the beautiful creatures passing by, some chasing each other, some nibbling on the coral among them.

Nemo and Dory – how could they not be part of the scenery? . 41

‫ الفيالت تتالءم مع‬.‫اإما اأن تكون فوق الماء اأو تقع على امتداد �ساطئ خا�س‬ ‫ مع اأ�سجار جوز الهند البارزة من خالل‬، ‫البيئة الطبيعية ال�ستوائية المحيطة‬ ‫ اإنه مزيج متناغم من‬.‫بع�س �سقوف الفيالت الفاخرة التي توفر الظل والعزلة‬ .‫م�ساحات المعي�سة يفوق توقعاتي لق�ساء عطلة مثالية‬ ‫ما يلفت نظرك هنا من خالل المنتجع بكامله هو الن�سهار الهندي المغربي‬ ‫ اأكثر المواد الطبيعية الداخلة في عملية‬...‫في العمارة مع لم�سات ا�ستعمارية‬ ‫الت�سميم تم ا�ستخدامها جنبا اإلى جنب مع الأقم�سة المحلية الآتية من دول‬ .‫الجوار مثل �سريالنكا والهند وحتى جزر المالديف بحد ذاتها‬

The most iconic ocean image is undoubtedly the Edo roof of Fire, shaped as the bone of a cuttlefish to reflect the establishment’s magnificent overwater position. The atmosphere is communal and theatrical in this Teppanyaki restaurant with a dome ceiling reaching for the sky.

.‫ السماء‬.‫ الملح‬.‫ النار‬.‫البحر‬

Cawry and capiz shells are used as decorative wall or lighting elements due to their transparency, and crushed oyster shells are used to create decorative walls called tabby.

‫ اإنه ي�سلط‬...‫ اأكان تحت اأو فوق الماء‬...‫مفهوم تذ ّوق الطعام فريد من نوعه هنا‬ ‫ال�سوء على موقع المنتجع المثالي في المحيط الهندي المبهر ويتك ّون من اأربعة‬ ،‫ بما في ذلك اأحد مطاعم تحت الماء القليلة في العالم‬،‫مطاعم منف�سلة‬ .»‫«البحر‬

Manzaru’s bronze door pulls are derived from the textures of coral, and spiky bronze pendants are shaped like clusters of sea urchins perched on the roof. Attention to detail is omnipresent and a feast for the eyes, giving character to each area of the resort.

‫هذه المجموعة الوا�سحة للغاية من المباني تقع على حافة ال�سعاب المرجانية وت�سبه‬ .‫قرية�سغيرةمنبعيدواأنامتحم�سةلكت�سافالعديدمنالعرو�سالمغريةفيالطعام‬

A striped sarong motif is carved into the black structural columns in the reception building and the library, generating a feeling of simplicity and strength.

‫التجارب والده�سة ل تتوقفان هنا حيث اأنني في اليوم التالي اأُخذتُ اإلى مطعم تحت‬ .‫ تم ت�سميمه لال�ستمتاع بالروؤية تحت الماء في وقت الع�ساء‬،‫الماء على �سكل مث ّمن‬ ‫النوافذ الكريليك اأخف�س م�ستوى من طاولت الطعام وتمتد اإلى اأبعد من مدى‬ ...‫ مما اأتاح لي ال�سعور باأنني جزء من ال�سعاب المرجانية المحيطة‬،‫الروؤية لدي‬ .‫على عمق خم�سة اأمتار‬ ‫ نوعا من ف�سائل الأ�سماك التي ت�سبح حولنا خالل تناول‬40 ‫هناك في المتو�سط‬ ‫الغداء وقيل لي اأن هناك اإمكانية لروؤية اأ�سماك القر�س في الم�ساء عندما تقترب‬ .‫الأ�سماك الكبيرة‬

In the morning I am welcomed at Plates, a mainly sand-floored sala with an alfresco deck on the beach. Hard to decide where to take a seat and enjoy the excellent and attentive service plus views, fresh juices, tasty coffee and immense variety of breakfast buffet from all corners of the world.

Pendant lamps at Plates are made from fish bone vertebrae and strung in chains to form semi translucent conical lamp shades you can admire from comfortable chairs while Sugar, one of the ever smiling employees, has a little chat with you.

At Manzaru, the pool bar and restaurant, featuring one of the longest swimming pools in the Maldives at 49 metres, I stop for a relaxing moment in the Jhoola swing beds that hover over the water, facing an amazing view of the impeccable beach and Indian Ocean.

Within Plates, which serves authentic Maldivian cuisine, columns are shaped as scrolls as a reminder of the islands’ ancient roots. The ornate star-shaped columns at Sky bar reflect the view of the heavens above, while the blue columns at Salt resemble Japanese sake bottles.

If you are longing for an even more personalised experience, a specially devised menu is prepared by a personal chef and served at a table in the location of your choice, whether on an isolated sandbank in the Indian Ocean or the deck of a private yacht – wherever your tastes and desires may take you.

I stroll across the jetty for another island journey steeped in exotic rejuvenation and deep relaxation in the Anantara Spa. The six overwater treatment suites, a beauty salon and two single facial suites are accompanied by a relaxation area with large sweeping decks and a Jacuzzi in between two oversized plunge pools that are suspended over the ocean. After my signature treatment by Balinese hands, I enjoy the prolongation of tranquillity and serene turquoise waters.

‫ فهو ي�سم اأحد اأطول حمامات‬...‫ بار حمام ال�سباحة والمطعم‬،‫في مانزارو‬ ‫ اأتوقف للحظة لال�سترخاء في الأ�س ّرة‬.‫ مترا‬49 ‫ال�سباحة في جزر المالديف بطول‬ ‫الأرجوحة جيهول التي تحوم فوق المياه وتطل ب�سكل رائع على ال�ساطئ المذهل‬ .‫والمحيط الهندي‬ ‫ في رحلة اإلى جزيرة اأخرى غارقة في تجديد ال�سباب‬...‫وها اأنا في نزهة جديدة‬ ،‫ الجنحة ال�ستة للعالج فوق �سطح الماء‬.‫وال�سترخاء العميق في �سبا اأنانتارا‬ ‫و�سالون التجميل وجناحين للعناية بالوجه جميعها تترافق مع منطقة لال�سترخاء‬ ‫مع طوابق وا�سعة كبيرة وجاكوزي يقع بين اثنين من حمامات ال�سباحة ذات الحجم‬ ‫ بعد العالج الرائع باليدين الباليزية المحترفة ها‬.‫الكبير والمع ّلقة فوق المحيط‬ .‫اأنا اأطيل ال�ستمتاع بالهدوء والمياه الفيروزية‬

The islands in the far distance, a yacht passing by and a sail boat swinging in the wind do the rest to let me know this is a living dream!

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Per Aquum Huvafen Fushi

Experiences

THAT DEFY EXPECTATIONS ‫تجارب‬ ‫تتحدى التوقعات‬

UEXPERIENCE NDERWATER SPA OVERWATER FINE DINING AT SALT WITH FLAVOURS OF THE SEA

IRAW NNOVATIVE CUISINE AT RAW

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T

he arrival at Per Aquum Huvafen Fushi is no less dramatic.

A 45-minute boat ride takes me from Male International Airport through deep waters, passing islands in the distance and all kinds of blue and turquoise shades of sea. I am close to one of nature’s wonders.

LOOKING AT THE SKY FEELS LIKE I AM SEEING A PROLONGATION OF THE FIBRE OPTIC MAIN POOL (THE ONLY ONE IN THE MALDIVES), SO LOW THE STARS COME DOWN FROM ABOVE MY HEAD; AN INCREDIBLE SPARKLING SHOW THAT I HAVE RARELY SEEN BEFORE… ‫إلي وكأنني أرى‬ ‫يخيل‬ ّ ّ ‫عند النظر إلى السماء كان‬ ً ‫امتدادا لحوض السباحة الرئيسي ذي األلياف‬ ‫ وكانت‬،)‫البصرية (الوحيد في جزر المالديف‬ ّ ‫منخفضة جدا بشكل كنت أشعر بالنجوم وكأنها‬ ‫ إنه منظر رائع ذي‬...‫تتساقط من فوق رأسي‬ ً ...‫ونادرا ما شاهدته من قبل‬ ‫تألق ال يصدق‬

The sky decides it needs to let some raindrops fall the moment the boat docks on the shores of Huvafen Fushi and the staff are all over the guests, welcoming us with a dozen umbrellas above our heads.

‫ َفركوب‬...‫الو�سول اإلى بير اكيوم هوفافن فو�سي لي�س اأقل دراماتيكي ًة‬ ،‫ دقيقة من مطار مالي الدولي في المياه العميقة‬45 ‫القارب لمدة‬ ‫ وجميع األوان الظالل الزرقاء‬،‫عبر الجزر المترامية على م ّد النظر‬ ‫ كل ذلك جعلني اأ�سعر وكاأنني اأ�ساهد اإحدى‬....‫والفيروزية البحرية‬ .‫عجائب الطبيعة الرائعة‬

Chainy, my butler, or Thakuru in Maldivian, drives me straight to the overwater villa for check-in and as I am sitting on the buggy, two beautiful rainbows unfold before my eyes and paint a picture that doesn’t need a thousand words. What a welcome to the Maldives!

‫ يقودني‬،‫ اأو ثاكورو في اللغة المالديفية‬،‫ خادمي ال�سخ�سي‬...‫�سيني‬ ‫ وها اأنا‬...‫مبا�سرة الى فيال فوق الماء لإنهاء اإجراءات الدخول‬ ّ ‫قو�سي قزح جميالن‬ ‫يتك�سفان‬ َ ‫ واأرى‬،‫اأجل�س في عربة تج ّرها الدواب‬ ....‫عيني وير�سمان �سورة ل تحتاج اإلى األف كلمة للتعبير عنها‬ ّ ‫اأمام‬ !‫ترحيب فريدٍ في جزر المالديف‬ ‫يا له من‬ ٍ

Upon entering my ocean bungalow with pool (not before stopping on the way to take a few of those memorable rainbow pictures), another surprise unfolds – a square glass floor in the middle of the seating area through which I can observe the fish swimming by. Chainy says, ‘Don’t worry, you can step on it,’ and later at night I discover it is even more magical when lit up.

All kinds of blue and turquoise shades of sea

T

‫عند دخولي فيللتي المط ّلة على المحيط مع حو�س �سباحة خا�س‬ ‫عدد من ال�سور لمنظر قو�س‬ ٍ ‫(طبعا بعد اأن توقفت على الطريق لخذ‬ ّ ‫ هناك مفاجاأة اأخرى‬،)‫القزح الذي ل ين�سى‬ ‫ اأر�س ّي ٌة‬- ‫تتك�سف لي‬ ‫زجاجي ٌة مربع ٌة في و�سط منطقة الجلو�س اأ�ستطيع من خاللها مراقبة‬ »،‫ يمكنك اأن تم�سي فوقها‬،‫ «ل تقلقي‬:‫ يقول �سيني‬.‫حركة الأ�سماك‬ .‫وبعد ذلك في الليل اكت�سفت اأنها اأكثر �سحر ًا عندما تكون م�ساء ًة‬ hese first impressions digested, I am invited to join the marine biology team on the Stingray Beach for the nightly stingray feeding ritual. Just before my first sunset at 7.14pm exactly, I get ready for a glamorous night and a lobster and bubbly dinner at the signature restaurant

SALT over the water.

Accompanied by live saxophone tunes from the local band, I enjoy yuzu and ponzu infused lobster, lobster ceviche, lobster tempura, poached lobster, buttered lobster and roasted Maldivian lobster with artichokes, soy beans, Asian mushrooms and nantua sauce.

RAW AND SALT RESTAURANTS

46 .

All I can say is ‘wow’ when I realise that under the restaurant some nurse sharks sleep in the shallows of the reef. It is quite unusual to find them out in the open, I am told, and another experience unique to Huvafen Fushi – a lot for my first day, I must admit!

‫ دُعيت لالن�سمام اإلى‬، ‫بعد اح�سا�سي العميق بهذه النطباعات الأولى‬ ‫فريق الأحياء البحرية على �ساطئ �ستينغراي ليال لح�سور طقو�س‬ ‫ وقبل غروب ال�سم�س الأول لي في ال�ساعة‬...‫تغذية الأ�سماك ال�سر�سة‬ ‫ تج ّهزت لليلة �ساحر ٍة وع�ساء �سرطان البحر في‬،‫ بال�سبط‬7:14 .‫المطعم المرموق �سولت فوق المياه الجميلة‬ . 47

T

he second day after breakfast I head to the resort’s guest library where I discover the amazing exhibition of photographs by Paul Reiffer (www.paulreiffer.com) and many books that are worth reading. But something even more exciting awaits – an underwater spa treatment.

‫كل ما يمكنني قوله هو «واو» عندما اأدركت اأنه‬ ‫تحت المطعم هناك بع�س اأ�سماك القر�س تنام‬ ‫ اأنه‬.‫في المياه ال�سحلة من ال�سعاب المرجانية‬ ...‫من غير الماألوف للغاية العثور عليهم في العراء‬ ‫ وهذه اأي�س ًا كانت تجربة اأخرى‬،‫هذا ما قيل لي‬ ‫ الكثير من‬- ‫فريدة من نوعها في هوفافن فو�سي‬ !‫علي العتراف‬ ّ ...‫المفاجاآت لأول يوم لي هنا‬

Lime Spa is the world’s first and only underwater spa and I am booked in for a marine wave treatment of 60 minutes. Walking down the steps to the treatment room feels like entering another world and as I finally arrive at the treatment room (which is specially made for couples), I am embraced by panoramic reef views, corals and a multitude of colourful fish passing by. It will be hard to close my eyes for a relaxing treatment and not admire the beauty that surrounds me, but my therapist assures me that I will have time after the treatment to enjoy the view with a cup of green tea.

Emerging from approximately eight metres under the water to the turquoise surface again after my treatment, I head to a daybed with white curtains, which allows me to relax in the sun with the only interruption the urge to feel the white sand under my feet and the light blue water around me.

Swimming in these crystal clear waters is a dream come true for many. And even more amazing, I have the small bay all to myself; only the local bird, the heron, is keeping me company.

48 .

Lime Spa is the world’s first and only underwater spa

‫�سبا الجير هو المنتجع الأول من نوعه تحت الماء‬ ‫ وقد ّتم حجز جل�سة معالجة لي‬...‫في العالم‬ ‫ وها اأنا اأنزل‬...‫ دقيقة‬60 ‫بطريقة موج البحر لمدة‬ ‫الدرج للو�سول اإلى غرفة العالج وكاأنني اأدخل‬ ‫ واأ�سل اأخيرا اإلى غرفة العالج‬...‫عالما اآخرا‬ ...)‫(التي ُ�س ّممت خ�سي�سا لالأزواج‬

‫حوالي ال�ساعة الثانية بعد الظهر �سعرت بالجوع والحاجة اإلى تناول وجبة‬ ‫من بع�س الأطعمة ال�سحية الخفيفة وها اأنا أاتّجه اإلى مطعم روو فوق‬ ‫ خياري هو ال�سلطة‬.‫ الذي يعد اأطباق ًا مبتكرة من الغذاء الطبيعي‬،‫الماء‬ ‫ بينما ي�سرح لي النادل اأنني‬...‫ وليمة للعيون وحليمات التذ ّوق‬،‫القلوية‬ .‫ وهو اأمر جديد بالن�سبة لي‬،‫يجب اأن اأتذ ّوق بيتزا التونة الخام‬ ‫الليل المالديفي في مطعم فولياني يعطيني الفر�سة لتذ ّوق بع�س الطعام‬ ‫ طعام الكاري جوز الهند ال�سكوا�س هو بالتاأكيد‬.‫الأ�سلي التقليدي اللذيذ‬ ‫ ولع�ساق الكاري حار هناك الكثير من الخيارات وبوفيه‬.‫لدي‬ ّ ‫المف�سل‬ ‫ال�سلطات هو خير دليل على مدى اإبداع ال�سكان المحليين في خلط جميع‬ ‫ لقد اجتازت جزر‬.‫اأنواع العنا�سر لتقديم مجموعة وا�سعة من ال�سلطات‬ ‫المالديف �سوطا طويال في م�سمار ال�سياحة التي كانت �سبه معدومة قبل‬ .‫ال�سبعينيات‬

. 49

The next morning, after breakfast at Celsius, my Thakuru introduces me to the marine biologist who is ready to take me on a snorkelling tour to the best spots the reef has to offer. The departure point and entry and exit channels are next to the Lonu Veyo floatation pool, which I experience on the advice of the resort’s PR Jodi and I find myself floating away – not to be missed!

Everyone has heard by now how beautiful and impressive the multitude of corals and fish are in the Maldives; nevertheless, the experience is overwhelming again and again. Sea turtles emerge from the bottom of the sea to take a few breaths on the surface.

Butterflyfish of all kinds, colourful basslets, damsel, parrotfish, triggerfish, surgeonfish – you name it, they are all around you, dancing and chasing each other.

A

Around 2pm I feel I could have some healthy light food and so I head over to the intimate overwater restaurant Raw, which dishes up some artfully prepared food au naturale. My choice is the alkaline salad, a feast for the eyes and the taste buds, while my waiter explains that I should try the raw tuna pizza, which is something new to me. Everything is prepared in front of my eyes by the award-winning chef in the open kitchen.

The Maldivian night at Fogliani’s restaurant gives me the opportunity to taste some delicious native food. The coconut squash curry is definitely my favourite. For lovers of spicy curries there is plenty of choice and the salad bar is a demonstration of how creative the locals can be, mixing all kinds of different elements to make a wide variety of salads.

The Maldives has come a long way; tourism was practically non-existent before the 1970s.

Jodi has decided to create a memorable sunset experience for me and surprises me with the best spot in the house to watch the sun go down.

I am served bubbly and canapés, and I could not feel more pampered by such treatment. But I am whisked away for an early dinner and another surprise!

A waking dream must come to an end, so I say goodbye the next day to my lovely new friends Chainy, Jodi and Sebnem, the general manager of the amazing staff at Huvafen Fushi, who wave long after the boat has left the shore. I promise to return soon to again shape my own fantasy in a bold realm of freedom set against the canvas of the Indian Ocean.

We head off to Salt, which is fast becoming my favourite evening venue, not without stopping at the Raw deck where a heron keeps us company again and amazes us with its ability to stand still like a statue for an undefined time, just watching what could be its best catch.

Have you heard about a spaquarium? Nor have I! The surprise is that an underwater excursion at night could be totally dry. Taken to Lime Spa to see the coral fluorescence and jack fish at night is an unforgettable experience in seven- or eight-metre depth. I find myself pressing my nose to the thick glass wall holding back all these tons of water and staring into the dark, fascinated and enchanted like a child.

‫كثير من النا�س �سمعوا عن جمال واإبداع مناظر ال�سعاب المرجانية والأ�سماك في‬ ‫ ولكن مع ذلك ل يمكن للمرء اإ ّل اأن ي�سعر بروعة هذه التجربة‬...‫جزر المالديف‬ ‫ وها هي ال�سلحفاة البحرية تخرج من قاع البحر لتاأخذ نف�سا‬...‫مرارا وتكرارا‬ .‫على ال�سطح‬ ‫هل �سمعتم عن �سبا كواريوم؟ ول اأنا! المفاجاأة هي اأن رحلة تحت الماء ليال يمكن‬ ‫ اأُخذتُ ل�سبا الجير لروؤية الوم�سان المرجاني واأ�سماك‬.‫اأن تكون جافة تماما‬ ‫ ووجدت‬.‫ وهي تجربة ل تن�سى في عمق �سبع اأو ثمانية اأمتار‬...‫الجاك في الليل‬ ‫نف�سي اأ�سغط اأنفي على الجدار الزجاجي ال�سميك الذي يحجب اأطنان ًا من المياه‬ .‫ واأنا مفتونة وم�سحورة وكاأنني طفل �سغير‬،‫واأحدّق في الظالم‬

A bold realm of freedom set against the canvas of the Indian Ocean 50 .

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Motions of the Ocean

Per Aquum Niyama From Russia to the Indian Ocean with Love

PER AQUUM BRINGS BALLET TO THE MALDIVES Until now the only type of ballet to be found in the Maldives has been the graceful antics of manta rays. PER AQUUM is changing the tempo this August with one-of-a-kind performances at PER AQUUM Huvafen Fushi and PER AQUUM Niyama by Xander Parish and dancers from Russia’s renowned Mariinsky Ballet Company.

A honeymooner’s delight, PER AQUUM Huvafen Fushi is an exclusive luxury resort, located just a 35 minute speedboat ride away from the international airport near the capital, Male. Encircled by one of the best house reefs in the Maldives, this private island paradise is home to the world’s first and only underwater spa.

In another premiere for the island nation, the ensemble of ballet dancers, including first soloist, Xander Parish, will swap St Petersburg’s Theatre Square for a tropical beach backdrop as part of PULSE, PER AQUUM’s stream of avant-garde experiences. Overwater stages will spring up at each of PER AQUUM’s luxury island resorts in the Maldives as performances of Swan Lake, Scheherazade, Giselle, Carmen and Don Quixote come to life over two magical nights.

In contrast, the twin islands of Chill and Play at PER AQUUM Niyama, located 45 minutes south of Male by seaplane, offer immersive dining experiences as well as the world’s first underwater nightclub, recently restyled as a restaurant and lounge.

Guests at PER AQUUM Niyama enjoyed an exclusive performance on 21 August with an encore at PER AQUUM Huvafen Fushi on 23 August.

Xander Parish, originally from Yorkshire in the UK, was the first British dancer to be accepted into the Mariinsky company and will be joined by his hand-picked ensemble including Oksana Bondareva and Renata Shakirova.

52 .

Daring to be different, PER AQUUM Hotels & Resorts is a global hospitality trendsetter that flows against the current with continuous innovation in design, services and experiences.

A collection of pure originals, the current portfolio includes PER AQUUM Huvafen Fushi and PER AQUUM Niyama in the Maldives, PER AQUUM Desert Palm in Dubai, and Essque Zalu Zanzibar managed by PER AQUUM.

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360 REEF DEGREES HOUSE WITH AN ABUNDANCE REEF WITH AN ABUNDANCE OFOFMARINE MARINELIFE LIFE

SPACIOUS BEACH VILLAS WITH BEAUTIFUL GARDENS DTREATMENT EVARANA SPA TREETOP PODS BTHE ENJARONG, THAI OVERWATER SIGNATURE RESTAURANT

Thai Grace

IN A MALDIVIAN HAVEN OF PEACE ‫السحر التايالندي‬ ‫مالذ من السالم‬ ٍ ‫في‬ ‫في المالديف‬

54 .

Dusit Thani . 55

THE ISLANDS OF THE MALDIVES, INCLUDING MUDHDHOO, APPEAR BETWEEN THE TRADING ROUTE OF THE INDIAN OCEAN. SETTLERS AND VISITORS FROM NEIGHBOURING COUNTRIES AND REGIONS HAVE ALWAYS COME INTO CONTACT WITH THE ISLAND FOR AS LONG AS HISTORY HAS BEEN RECORDED, AND THE MALDIVIAN PEOPLE DIFFER FROM ONE ATOLL TO THE OTHER, DUE TO THE GENES PASSED ON BY SOUTH AND SOUTHEAST ASIANS, AFRICANS AND ARABS.

‫ ضمن الطريق‬،‫ بما في ذلك مدهدو‬،‫تَ ظهر جزر المالديف‬ ‫ المستوطنون والزوار من الدول‬.‫التجاري للمحيط الهندي‬ ‫والمناطق المجاورة كانوا دائما في تماس مع الجزيرة ِب ِقدم‬ ،‫ والشعب المالديفي يختلف من جزيرة إلى أخرى‬...‫تاريخها‬ ‫المورثة من آسيويي الجنوب والجنوب‬ ‫وذلك بسبب الجينات‬ َّ .‫الشرقي واألفارقة والعرب‬

W

White sandy beaches, crystal clear turquoise waters, romantic sunsets, the magical side of life! Consisting of 1190 islands grouped into nineteen atolls, the Maldives is a holidaymaker’s dream.

For generations, in every inhabited island, the khateeb (island chief) used to call the islanders to gather by blowing the sangu, a triton or conch shell.The sound would resonate throughout the island, alerting the people to gather at their special meeting place in anticipation of what is to come.

At Dusit Thani Maldives, the elegance of contemporary Thai interiors is carefully integrated with traditional Maldivian architecture, and eight different accommodation choices offer a great selection between 94 beach and ocean villas.

It is with this notion in mind that Dusit Thani Maldives call the visitors to explore and experience the richness of Maldivian culture.

We head with our khateeb on the buggy to a beautiful family beach villa with pool. Upon entering, the scent of bushes immediately welcomes us and a path leads through a beautifully appointed garden to the villas, each on one side.

On our arrival, Kris, the resident manager, and the lovely Leani, a young communications enthusiast, greet us with their team and we embrace the Thai way of ‘Sawadee kha’, a gracious way to be welcomed.

The pool is just a few steps away from the beach, a large terrace with sun loungers in the middle inviting us to rest, as does the hammock hanging between two palm trees. Under the covered area for outdoor seating we have a private yoga class later on.

Dusit Thani is an oval-shaped island of 16 hectares of lush vegetation offering a diverse selection of flora and surrounded by 360˚ living house reef with an abundance of marine life.

The elegance of contemporary Thai interiors is carefully integrated with traditional Maldivian architecture

‫ والمياه الفيروزية المتالألئة وغروب ال�سم�س‬،‫ال�سواطئ الرملية البي�ساء‬ ‫ كل ذلك يم ّثل الجانب ال�سحري للحياة! تتاألف جزر المالديف من‬...‫الرومان�سي‬ ‫ هكتارا من الغطاء النباتي‬16 ‫ دو�سيت ثاني هي جزيرة بي�ساوية ال�سكل من‬.‫ اإنها حلم ُ�س ّناع ال�سياحة‬...‫ جزيرة مق�سمة اإلى ت�سعة ع�سر جزيرة مرجانية‬1190 °360 ‫الخ�سب وتقدم مجموعة متنوعة من النباتات التي تحيط بها ب�سكل‬ .‫ ّتم دمج الأناقة الداخلية التايالندية المعا�سرة ال�سعاب المرجانية الزاخرة بالحياة البحرية‬،‫في دو�سيت ثاني في جزر المالديف‬ ‫ وثمانية من�ساآت مختلفة تقدم مجموعة‬،‫بعناية مع العمارة التقليدية المالديفية‬ .‫ فيال تطل على ال�ساطئ والمحيط‬94 ‫كبيرة من الخيارات بين‬ ‫ وها نحن نتجه بالمقام‬،‫تتمتع المطاعم الرائعة بمناظر خالبة على المحيط‬ ،‫الأول اإلى �ساند بار عند غروب ال�سم�س لم�ساهدة هذه اللوحة الجمالية من هناك‬ .‫واأقدامنا في الرمال ونحن ن�ستمتع بح�سور الحفل الترفيهي للمو�سيقى الحية‬ ‫الع�ساء في �سي غريل لذيذ مثل �سركة لياني وا�ستمتعنا حقا بج ّو هذا ال�سواء الحي‬ .‫الذي يو ّفر اأف�سل منتجات من البحر والبر‬ ‫وكان الأمر يبدو لنا وكاأننا نعود اإلى منزلنا في كل مرة نرجع فيها اإلى الفيال‬ ‫ غرفة النوم الف�سيحة والحمام في‬.‫الخا�سة بنا والدخول من الباب المهيب‬ ‫ يعطينا كل ال�سفاء الذي نحن بحاجة اإليه‬...‫الهواء الطلق حتى اأكثر اتّ�ساعا‬ ‫ المطعم المم ّيز فوق الماء‬،‫ وها نحن ن�ستعد لمطعم بيجارنغ‬...‫لال�سترخاء‬ .‫الرقراقة والذي يوفر النكهات التايالندية الأ�سيلة‬

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We need to keep the ocean clean; I believe this is humanity’s responsibility ‫الجمال الطبيعي لجزر المالديف ي�سكل خلفية مثالية للمرافق والأن�سطة في دو�سيت‬ - ‫ وال�سباحة في حو�س ال�سباحة‬،‫ يمكن لل�سيوف الغو�س والغط�س‬.‫ثاني المالديف‬ ‫ اأو الختالء في اأحد منتجعات ديفارانا لجل�سات العالج‬- ‫الأكبر في جزر المالديف‬ !‫ وهذا ما فعلت‬...‫دلل ل مثيل له‬ ٍ ‫المخ�س�سة والح�سول على‬ ّ

The exquisite restaurants have spectacular views of the ocean, and we head first to the Sand Bar at sunset to admire the view from there, feetin-the-sand with great live music entertainment, sipping our cocktails.

Dinner at the Sea Grill is as delicious as Leani’s company and we truly enjoy the atmosphere of this live, open grill featuring the best of the sea and land. We learn that Dusit Thani has established a marine life code of conduct where guests are asked not to harass any animals whilst snorkelling or swimming.

This seems a great idea to me, as turtles and fish need their space and don’t like to be touched or seen as a trophy or taken out of the water for pictures. There is even a fine for doing so! Well done Dusit Thani, as even corals are alive, eating, growing and reproducing on top of providing food and shelter for the other marine life.

The ‘do not throw trash in the ocean’ policy is another vital rule, as it can kill marine life and destroy the beautiful pristine surroundings. We need to keep the ocean clean; I believe this is humanity’s responsibility and I couldn’t agree more with Dusit Thani.

‫ اأو رحلة اإلى جزيرة خا�سة ينظ ّمها‬،‫حفالت ال�سواء في الرمال عند غروب ال�سم�س‬ ‫يج�سد تجربة الطعام ال�سهلة المنال في دو�سيت ثاني‬ ّ ‫ ك ّل ذلك‬...‫خادمك الخا�س‬ .‫المالديف‬

It feels like coming home each time we are back in our villa, she says, entering through the majestic door. The spacious bedroom and the even more spacious outdoor bathroom give us all the serenity we need to relax and getting ready for the Bejarong, the signature restaurant in a picturesque overwater setting which offers authentic Thai flavours.

The natural beauty of the Maldives forms the perfect backdrop to the facilities and activities at Dusit Thani Maldives. Guests can dive and snorkel, swim in the pool – the largest in the Maldives – or retreat to one of Devarana Spa’s treetop treatment pods for a pampering experience beyond compare, which I do!

BBQ in the sand at sunset, or a private island trip with your butler delivering a decadent picnic, personalising your dream dining experience is easy at Dusit Thani Maldives.

Or explore how the resort operates in a sustainable manner by going on a behind-the-scenes tour, and meet the marine biologist who leads the resort’s conservation programmes.

A Thai-inspired haven of modern sophistication with luxurious amenities and technology on Mudhdhoo Island, just 35 minutes by seaplane from the capital Male.

On the next day, the kids enjoy cycling around the island and my daughter again entrenches herself in the Kids’ Club (she just loves playing all day and climbing in the treehouse).

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Soneva Fushi

CYCLING AROUND THE LARGE ISLAND IN THE WILDERNESS STARGAZING FROM THE OBSERVATORY MR OR MRS FRIDAY AT YOUR SERVICE NO NEWS, NO SHOES!

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LIVE LIKE ROBINSON CRUSOE IN

the Maldives

‫ِعش مثل‬ ‫روبنسون كروزو‬ ‫في جزر المالديف‬

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IF YOU DREAM OF ESCAPING THE NOISE AND TRAFFIC OF CITY LIVING AND WISH TO FIND A HIDEAWAY WITH LUSH NATURE AND NOTHING BUT BIRD SOUNDS TO DISTRACT YOU, SONEVA FUSHI,THE ECO-RESORT IN THE BAA ATOLL IN THE MALDIVES, IS YOUR DREAM COME TRUE.

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The large island has this Robinson Crusoe feel that some of us miss in daily life, and to really get down to that Crusoe experience, Soneva Fushi adopted the ‘no news, no shoes’ policy, which means you surrender your footwear right at the arrival to your butler, the aptly named Mr Friday!

From this moment on your Mr Friday will take care of you and be there whenever you need him, that is if you haven’t hopped on your bike in front if your villa and explored the island straightaway. It won’t take long until you know each road and even shortcuts.

This Robinson Crusoe feel that some of us miss in daily life

While cycling along lush vegetation (Soneva Fushi is one of the first explored islands in the Maldives), rabbits hide away under bushes, water hens run across the road, always faster than you, and crows make their loud sounds to attract attention (yours or the other crows’, I ask myself).

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‫ هذا‬...‫هذه الجزيرة الكبيرة تذ ّكر بروبن�سون كروزو‬ ‫ وللح�سول‬.‫ال�سعور الذي نفتقده في الحياة اليومية‬ ‫ اعتمدت �سونيفا فو�سي‬،‫حق ًا على تجربة كروزو‬ ‫ مما يعني اأنك ت�س ّلم‬،»‫ ل اأحذية‬،‫�سيا�سة «ل اأخبار‬ ‫حذاءك الخا�س حين و�سولك لكبير الخدم الخا�س‬ !‫ال�سيد جمعة‬... ‫ ا�سم على م�سمى‬...‫بك‬ ‫من هذه اللحظة على ال�سيد جمعة ان يرعاك ويكون‬ ‫ هذا اإذا لم تكن قد‬،‫هناك كلما كنت في حاجة له‬ ‫قفزت على الدراجة الخا�سة بك مقابل الفيال‬ ‫ انها‬.‫وانطلقت في ا�ستك�ساف الجزيرة على الفور‬ ‫لن ت�ستغرق وقتا طويال حتى تعرف كل الطرق وتلك‬ .‫المخت�سرة اأي�س ًا‬ ‫حين ركوب الدراجات على طول الطريق ذي‬ ‫ تهرب الأرانب لالختباء بعيدا‬،‫النباتات المورقة‬ ،‫ اأما دجاج الماء فهو يعبر الطريق‬،‫تحت ال�سجيرات‬ ‫ والغربان‬...‫دائما اأ�سرع منك‬ ‫تطلق العنان لأ�سواتها لجذب‬ ‫النتباه ( لك اأو لغيرها من‬ .)‫ كنت اأت�ساءل‬،‫الغربان‬

Occasionally, some lizards drop down from trees or sit on your wooden sunbeds.

They love to sunbathe too!

Animals are omnipresent at Soneva Fushi and I wonder how the rabbits got here.

There are many, young and older ones, all so cute you want to cuddle them, but they hop away as soon as you approach. I assume some locals must have brought them for whatever reason when construction work for Soneva Fushi started many years ago.

‫إذا كنت تحلم بالهروب من الضجيج وحركة المرور في المدينة‬ ‫بعيد مع الطبيعة الخصبة حيث‬ ٍ ‫مالذ‬ ٍ ‫وترغب في العثور على‬ ‫ فال شك أن سونيفا‬...‫المغردة‬ ‫ال تسمع إال أصوات الطيور‬ ّ ‫ المنتجع اإليكولوجي في أتول با في جزر المالديف‬،‫فوشي‬ .‫سيحقق لك حلمك‬

The adorable animals multiply fast and are mostly seen in the protected nature reserve in the north-west part of the island where Cinema Paradiso, the outdoor cinema with a gigantic screen, is located. This is the most remote part of the island, so they won’t be disturbed too much by us humans, and maybe they like to watch movies too, although they are probably drawn to the eco centre nearby.

The Fresh in the Garden restaurant, surrounded by tropical trees without walls, rises high above the herb and vegetable garden. My kids enjoy dining here one evening, loving the set-up and comfortable seating with huge cushions, plus the freshly picked produce from the organic garden. This fabulous restaurant provides tables on different levels, organised in a clever way and reached over a hanging bridge with a sign that reads ‘one at a time’.

‫اأما ركن «الطازج» في مطعم‬ ‫ تحيط به اأ�سجار ًا‬،‫الحديقة‬ ‫ ترتفع‬،‫ا�ستوائية بال جدران‬ ‫عاليا فوق ع�سب الحديقة‬ ‫ ا�ستمتع اأطفالي‬.‫والخ�سروات‬ ‫بالطعام هنا في اإحدى الليالي‬ ‫واأحبوا المقاعد المريحة مع‬ ‫ بالإ�سافة‬،‫الو�سائد ال�سخمة‬ ‫اإلى المنتجات الطازجة‬ ‫التي ُقطفت حديثا من‬ ‫ وي�س ّمم‬.‫الحديقة الع�سوية‬ ‫هذا المطعم الطاولت على‬ ‫ ُن ّظمت‬،‫م�ستويات مختلفة‬ ‫بطريقة ذكية و�سلت اإلى ج�سر‬ ‫معلق مع لفتة مكتوب عليها‬ .»‫ل�سخ�س واحد‬ ‫«المرور‬ ٍ . 63

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The highlight of the evening, apart from the delicious dessert, is the star-gazing through a gigantic telescope in the close-by observatory. We can see the moon (full that evening) and Saturn, the shape of which leaves a big impression on my daughter.

The sixth planet from the sun and the second-largest in the solar system, Saturn is a gas giant with an average radius about nine times that of Earth. Galileo was the first to observe it with a telescope in 1610; he noted its odd appearance but was confused by it. It’s wonderful to have something so informative capture my daughter’s imagination on holiday.

We learn about light-years which are a unit of distance, not time. A light-year is how astronomers measure distance in space. It’s defined by how far a beam of light travels in one year, a distance of six trillion miles.

So much to learn from people who love nature, this world and the wonders of the universe

،‫ ب�سرف النظر عن الحلوى اللذيذة‬،‫ال�سيء المم ّيز في الم�ساء‬ ‫هو التحديق بالنجوم من خالل التل�سكوب العمالق في المر�سد‬ ...‫ يمكننا اأن نرى القمر (الكامل في ذلك الم�ساء) وزحل‬.‫القريب‬ .‫حيث ترك �سكله انطباعا كبيرا على ابنتي‬ ‫ وهذا العالم‬،‫علينا اأن نتعلم الكثير من النا�س الذين يحبون الطبيعة‬ ‫ لذلك في اليوم التالي ا�ستمعنا بعناية اإلى اأخ�سائي‬،‫وعجائب الكون‬ ‫الأحياء البحرية الذي �سرح لنا تاأثير اأ�سعة مانتا على الف�سائل‬ ‫ اأ�سعة مانتا تتبع العوالق التي تنجرف اإلى با اأتول مع الرياح‬.‫المائية‬ ‫ وهناك تجربة الغو�س المتاحة اأي�س ًا‬...‫المو�سمية الجنوبية الغربية‬ .‫في اأيام معينة في �سونيفا فو�سي‬ ،‫في �سونيفا فو�سي‬ ‫يرتبط كل �سيء بالطبيعة‬ ‫وحتى‬ ،‫وال�ستدامة‬ ‫زجاجات الزجاج من‬ ‫نفايات المنتجع ُيعاد‬ ‫ت�سنيعها في ت�ساميم‬ .‫مذهلة واأعمال فنية‬ ‫وتتكون الفيال من عدة‬ ‫عنا�سر م�ستخدمة تجعلك‬ ‫ت�سعر باأنك قريب من حيث‬ !‫ من التراب‬- ‫جئنا جميعا‬

So much to learn from people who love nature, this world and the wonders of the universe, so the next day we listen carefully to the marine biologist who explains the species of manta rays to us. Manta rays follow plankton that drifts into the Baa Atoll with the south-western monsoon, and a snorkelling experience is available on certain days at Soneva Fushi.

For those keen on swimming close to these rays, strict instructions are given, most importantly not to touch them as there is a risk of passing on skin diseases. Even though their skin is soft as a baby if you caress them in one direction, it is rough as a brush in the opposite one.

Manta rays reproduce quite slowly and have only a few babies in their lifetime. Once the baby is born, it is already on its own.

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‫ البركة ل‬.‫ حيث هناك الماء تدعوك لال�سترخاء‬،‫من الفيال مع الحمام الخارجي‬ ‫يوجد فيها اأ�سماك ولكنها عبارة عن �سالل لتعزيز ال�سعور بالتواجد في المنطقة‬ .‫ال�ستوائية حيث ت�سمع كل اأ�سوات الطبيعة على غرار غابات الأمطار‬ ‫اأطفالي يحبون اللعب في �سونيفا فو�سي والعرين هو المملكة المثالية لالأطفال من‬ ...‫ وتن ّوع الأن�سطة يثير اإعجابي‬،‫ ابنتي تق�سي اأيامها هناك‬.‫اأربع �سنوات ف�ساعدا‬

‫الخ�سب متواجد في كل‬ ‫ والم�سبح‬،‫مكان اأي�س ًا‬ ‫ي�سبه بركة طبيعية‬ ‫ ولكنها مليئة‬،‫�سغيرة‬ ‫ ويتم دمج‬،‫بمياه البحر‬ ‫البركة في الجزء الخلفي‬ . 65

Our villa is as spacious as one could dream of. My son has his own little room with a view to the pool and mosquito net.

The living room has large cushions where a family gathering is a pure delight and relaxing is as easy could be while watching the kids’ favourite movie out of the trunk case, which becomes a TV when it opens. The iPod allows your favourite music entertainment from classical to pop.

For the optimum relaxation, try to spend an afternoon on the rooftop terrace, a balcony with a view over the turquoise waters, and listen to nothing but the sound of the waves.

Feel close to where we all come from – the earth!

My kids love to play at Soneva Fushi and the Den is the perfect kingdom for little ones from four years onwards. My daughter spends all day there, and the variety of activities even impress me, from coconut painting and cookie making, to paddle board and kayaking, kite making and healthy juice making to t-shirt painting.

For lunch we decide to go to Bar(a)bara, where we can snorkel, eat, drink and chill out on the nets over the water. An amazing place out in the sea not far from the shore, but far enough to see the most stunning fish swimming around.

On our last night, we experience the amazing sunset cocktail party at the resort’s sandbank Finolhu, just a five-minute boat-ride from the island. An unforgettable evening where guests can meet each other, chat and exchange ideas, and the lovely Soneva Fushi team is just a footstep away to give you their personal story!

My son loves to bike around in the wilderness, so much nicer than sitting for hours on a school chair. When he jumps off his bike, he plays soccer with some new friends and tries the paddle board and canoeing, and the snorkelling is a daily activity which can’t be missed in the Maldives.

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At Soneva Fushi, everything is related to nature and sustainability, even the waste glass bottles from the resort are up-cycled into amazing designs and works of art. The villa is also made from elements which are used to make you feel close to where we all come from – the earth!

Wood is omnipresent, the pool looks like a small natural pond, but is filled with seawater, and the pond at the back of the villa is integrated into the outdoor bathroom, where a sunken bathtub invites you to relax. The pond has no fish but a waterfall to enhance the tropical feel as you hear all sounds of nature, almost rainforest-like.

Two showers are at the guests’ convenience in the bathroom and a third one next to the pool and the sandy beach and garden in front of the villa. All is well thought out and practical, with little ‘hedgehogs’ placed to wipe your feet from the sand before you enter the villa on all sides.

‫ وهذا اأجمل بكثير‬.‫ابني يحب ركوب الدراجة في البرية‬ ‫ عندما‬.‫من الجلو�س ل�ساعات على كر�سي المدر�سة‬ ‫ فاإنه يلعب كرة القدم مع بع�س الأ�سدقاء‬،‫يغادر دراجته‬ ‫ والغو�س الذي هو‬،‫ ويحاول ركوب لوح التجديف‬،‫الجدد‬ .‫ن�ساط يومي ل ينبغي تفويته في جزر المالديف‬ 66 .

‫من ر�سم لوحة جوز الهند و�سنع الكعك اإلى لوح‬ ‫ و�سنع الطائرة الورقية و�سنع الع�سير‬،‫التجديف‬ .‫ال�سحي والر�سم على التي �سيرت‬

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Finolhu BEAUTIFUL LONG EAUTIFUL 1,8KM 1.8KM-LONG SANDBANK SANDBANK FOR FOR AA SUNSET SUNSETWALK WALK

Maldivian Style MEETS

A NEW ERA ‫أسلوب المالديف‬ ً ً ‫جديدا‬ ‫عصرا‬ ‫يدخل‬

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UNCH UNCH AT AT FISH FISH && CRAB CRAB SHACK SHACK IS IS AA MUST! MUST!

EVENING ENTERTAINMENT WITH SHOWS AND ACROBATS AROUND THE LARGE POOL

DJ PLAYS YOUR FAVOURITE TUNES ALL NIGHT . 69

A TRUE ONE-OF-A-KIND WHERE INDIAN OCEAN CHARM AND THE STYLE OF A NEW ERA ARE COMBINED, FINOLHU IS THE NEWEST RESORT IN THE MALDIVES THAT SEAMLESSLY MELDS TOGETHER CHILLING OUT AND FUN.

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The grand opening of Finolhu was celebrated in June, with three days of retro pool parties, a tribal bonfire cocktail party, toes-in-the-sand relaxation, tunes played by renowned DJs and live acts.

The motto was ‘sleep and chill, graze and groove, and splash and play’ during this action packed weekend!

International DJs who have played in some of the world’s most famous clubs such as Studio 54, Es Paradis and Ministry of Sound entertained the lucky invited crowd.

There were themes galore, like 50 Shades of BLHU, an eclectic 60s-70sstyle beach party inspired by classic James Bond and Bond girls meet The Godfather (what a fun mixture!), a giant Hollywood cake and fireworks, white and red-themed acrobatic performances plus culinary experiences from North African cuisine to modern Cantonese.

BEACH CLUB HAVEN

A striking turquoise lagoon greets us when we arrive by speedboat just two weeks later.

Day or night, Baa Baa Beach Club is the place to be and the heart of the Finolhu gastronomic experience. Our first dinner has to be there to capture all the ambiance. We stroll on the white sandy beach at cocktail hour to admire the sunset and the amazing 1.8-kilometrelong sandbank that divides the Indian Ocean in two.

Every night is an invitation to step back in time and discover new sights and sounds. Cinema Retro screens classic movies and live international sports events. Gamers can hit the bar’s old school arcade classic pinball and Pac Man action or soak up the 180˚ views from the upstairs panoramic bar and viewing lounge.

Baa Baa Beach Club keeps things fresh with nightly, weekly and monthly entertainment and events programmes, including the weekly Retro Pool Party, the monthly Full MOON Tribal Sandbar Party, and, just four times a year, vibe-defining Finolhu Blhu events – exclusive oneoffs featuring appearances from the world’s coolest performers and hottest DJs.

THE INDIAN OCEAN AT YOUR DOORSTEP The villas are no less different to what traditionally the Maldives is known for.

Bohemian-inspired overwater villas, overlooking the breath-taking Finolhu lagoon and the long sandbank have direct private access to the ocean and I would truly recommend this type of villa if you are not keen on having your own pool and prefer a dip in the Indian Ocean on your doorstep.

Featuring a very different interior design with crystal chandeliers, retro cane seating and Marshall speakers while also offering the modern luxuries of a 42-inch flat screen TV, the bathroom with an ocean view bathtub will enchant you!

For families and friends travelling together, I recommend the clean whitewash chic inspired overwater two-bedroom Ocean Lagoon Villas which come with their own private fresh water pool (8-metre) and large outdoor terrace to relax away the day when you feel like it. Inside you will find a separate dining lounge, two master bedrooms, en suite bathrooms with tub and indoor and outdoor showers.

The unique Moorish-inspired Beach Villas give private access to the turquoise Finolhu lagoon and feature a spacious outdoor dining terrace with sun loungers.

For families or two couples, a few two-bedroom Beach Pool Villas are available which overlook the gorgeous sunset side of Finolhu and come with their own private garden and 10-metre freshwater pool.

‫فينولهو هو أحدث منتجع في‬ ‫ إنه يمزج بعفوية‬...‫جزر المالديف‬ ‫سحرالمحيط الهندي مع أسلوب‬ .‫الحقبة الجديدة من العصرية والمرح‬ ‫المحيط الهندي على عتبة داركم‬

‫ مع‬،‫تم الحتفال بالفتتاح الكبير لفينولهو في يونيو‬ ‫ وكوكتيل ِق َبلي‬،‫ثالثة اأيام من الحتفالت باأ�سلوب الخم�سينات حول حو�س ال�سباحة‬ .‫ الفلل ل تختلف كثيرا عما هو معهود في جزر المالديف‬،‫مع ال�سترخاء الكامل حيث اأ�سابع القدم تنغر�س في الرمال‬...ٍ‫مترافق باإ�سعال نار‬ .‫واإيقاعات دي جي م�سهور ومو�سيقى ح ّية ومبا�سرة‬ ‫ تطل على بحيرة‬،‫الفلل فوق الماء الم�ستوحاة من النموذج البوهيمي‬ ‫فينولهو الرائعة وال�سفة الرملية الطويلة لها مدخل خا�س مبا�سر اإلى‬ )‫مالذ نادي الشاطئ (بابا بيتش‬ ‫المحيط واأنا اأن�سح حقا بهذا النوع من الفلل اإن كنتَ ل تح ّبذ اأن‬ ‫يكون لديك م�سبحك الخا�س وتف�سل الغو�س في المحيط الهندي‬ .‫البحيرة الفيروزية اللون ترحب بنا عندما و�سلنا بالقارب ال�سريع بعد اأ�سبوعين على عتبة بابك‬ .‫فقط‬ ً ‫ اأو�سي بالفلل البي�ساء الأنيقة‬،‫ با با بيت�س كلوب (نادي ال�ساطئ) هو المكان الأمثل لالرتياد وقلب للعائالت والأ�سدقاء الم�سافرين معا‬،‫نهار ًا اأو ليال‬ ‫ الع�ساء الأول كان يجب اأن يكون فوق الماء الموؤلفة من غرفتي نوم وتطل على بحيرة المحيط وتتمتع‬.‫فينولهو الذي ُيعتبر مركز الذواقة بالن�سبة للطعام‬ ‫ متر) و�سرفة كبيرة في‬8( ‫ تنزّهنا على ال�ساطئ الرملي الأبي�س في ببركة �سباحة خا�سة بها من المياه العذبة‬.‫هناك للتع ّرف على كل الأجواء المحيطة‬ ‫ في الداخل‬. ‫ الهواء الطلق لال�سترخاء حين ت�سعر بالحاجة اإلى ذلك‬1.8 ‫وقت الكوكتيل لال�ستمتاع بمنظر غروب ال�سم�س وال�ساطئ الرملي المذهل بطول‬ .‫كيلومترالذي يق�سم المحيط الهندي اإلى ن�سفين‬ ‫ وغرفتي نوم رئي�سيتين مع‬،‫�سوف تجد �سالة منف�سلة لتناول الطعام‬ .‫حمامات داخلية واأحوا�س ال�ستحمام الداخلية والخارجية‬ ‫ تتوفر فلل مطلة على جانب غروب ال�سم�س‬،‫كل ليلة هي دعوة للعودة خطوة الى الوراء في الزمن واكت�ساف م�ساهد جديدة من للعائالت اأو لزوجين‬ ‫ وتاأتي مع حديقة خا�سة وحمام �سباحة من المياه‬،‫ �سا�سات ال�سينما الريترو تعر�س الأفالم الكال�سيكية والأحداث الرائع قي فينولهو‬.‫ال�سوء وال�سوت‬ .‫الريا�سية الدول ّية‬ .‫ متر‬10 ‫العذبة بطول‬ ‫وبالعودة بك ّل تج ّرد اإلى مفهوم المنتجع ال�سحي الب�سيط والعالج‬ ‫ عليك اأن‬،‫بالحركة وال�سوت فاإن «كوف» يوفر واحة من الهدوء‬ ‫ت�ستريح فيه من عناء الحياة واأن ت�سمح لروحك بالنجراف بعيدا‬ .‫اإلى ال�ساطئ الرملي‬

70 .

‫يحافظ با با بيت�س كلوب على الأ�سياء طازجة مع برامج الترفيه لي ًال واأ�سبوعي ًا‬ ‫ بما في ذلك الحفلة الأ�سبوعية الريترو حول الم�سبح‬،‫و�سهري ًا وكذلك المنا�سبات‬ ‫ب�سكل �سهري وتُقام اأربع‬ ٍ ‫وحفلة على الرمال للقبائل لال�ستمتاع بمنظر القمر الكامل‬ .‫مرات في ال�سنة حفالت ت�ست�سيف م�ساهير وم�س ّغلي اأقرا�س معروفين عالم ّي ًا‬ . 71

‫لتناول الم�سروبات ال�سح ّية ت�سمل الع�سائر المذهلة والع�سائر المث ّلجة في «ميلك‬ ‫ في حين تتوفر الوجبات الخفيفة مثل ال�ساج الطازج والأفوكادو المطحون‬،»‫بار‬ ‫ فما عليك اإل اأن تتذ ّوق‬،‫ اإذا اكتفيتَ من الأطباق ال�سحية‬.‫واأطباق الأكاي اأي�س ًا‬ .‫الآي�س كريم وال�سوكولتة لتغيير المذاق‬ ٍّ ‫المطبخ المفتوح كانوزان مبني حول فرن‬ ّ‫ ياأخذ مركز ال�سدارة في فن‬،‫بط مذهل‬ ‫ من الأطباق المف�سلة الكال�سيكية‬.‫م�سرحي الروح الآ�سيوية‬ ‫ب�سكل‬ ٍ ‫المطبخ ويحت�سن‬ ٍ .‫بطة الماندرين الم�سوية حيث ت�سعر بالطعم الطازج لمطبخ كانوزان‬ ‫ ركبنا بالقارب من الر�سيف بجوار مركز الغو�س اإلى كوخ ال�سمك‬،‫طعام الغداء‬ ‫ المطعم حيث تغر�س اأقدامك في الرمال‬.‫الرائع والبحر ّيات على ال�سفة الرملية‬ !‫أحب ذلك‬ ُّ ‫ اأنا بب�ساطة ا‬.‫يذكرني ب�سعو ٍر ما �سبيه ب�سان تروبيه‬

STRIPPED-BACK SPA CONCEPT The spa at Finolhu’s Cove Club is a laidback retro revival area of the 60s and 70s where massage, movement and chill are medicinal. Centred around a fun hub of pastel-coloured beach divans that each feature an iconic diva, the eight chandelier-lit treatment divans are complemented by a fitness centre, yoga pavilion and outdoor Palm Beach gym.

Stripping the spa concept back to the simple truths of wellness, movement and sound therapy, the Cove offers a calm, unintimidating haven in which to drop anchor and just let your soul drift away to the shore of the sandbank in the far.

The island’s natural environment is the inspiration for fitness activities at the Cove Club, from capoeira and paddle boarding to ballet and kickboxing. Finolhu’s marine HUB (Home of the Under-water Biosphere) hosts vast water activities like diving, snorkelling trips and excursions all under the watchful eye of the marine biology team.

And if you’d like a classic tennis match, the super nice coach is just around the corner!

THEATRICAL CUISINE Finolhu’s old-school tuck shop Milk Bar is tantalisingly located on the corner where the Cove Club,Thunderball on Palm Beach and the tennis courts meet. Treats range from guilt-free to carefree, drawing a mix of peckish racketeers, gym bunnies, spa junkies and roaming guests to its shaded and indoor seating.

Healthy drinks include amazing smoothies, juices and Bodyism shakes, while recharging snacks like fresh wraps, smashed avocado and acai bowls satisfy the appetite. If you’ve had enough of healthy, sample the ice creams and chocolates.

72 .

‫ من جراد البحر المالديفي‬.‫وا�سع‬...‫الخيار من ال�سمك وال�سلطعون في الكوخ‬ ،‫ اإلى الجمبري بالثوم مع الخ�سروات‬،‫ل�سخ�سين اإلى �سلطعون الطين ال�سريلنكي‬ ،‫و�سباغيتي ال�سلطعون الكبيرمع �سل�سة كريم الكماأة اإلى اأ�سماك ال�سعاب المرجانية‬ .‫ ك ّل ذلك م�سوي اأو مقلي‬...‫وذيل جراد البحر الر�سيع والح ّبار والأخطبوط‬ ‫ يجب اأن تتذ ّوق كعكة فينولهو الم�سهورة والمز ّينة بالآي�س كريم اأو‬،‫لختام هذا العيد‬ ،‫ وحين ت�سبح م�ستعد ًا‬.‫كرات جوز الهند اللذيذة والتي تُقدّم لك مع قهوتك المف�سلة‬ ...‫ما عليك اإل اللجوء اإلى ريا�سة الم�سي والعودة اإلى المنتجع على ال�سفة الرملية‬ !‫لحظة اأخرى ل تُن�سى من اإقامتك الفريدة في فينولهو‬ Located on the tip of the island with sweeping views of the Indian Ocean, Finolhu’s premium dining venue spans two areas: a relaxed indoor dining space, and an open lower deck which encapsulates the archetypal Maldivian experience of being surrounded by the sights and sounds of the sea.

Centred around a stunning duck oven, Kanusan’s open kitchen puts its cuisine centre stage, embracing the theatricality of its Asian spirit. Classic favourites such as Mandarin roasted duck and Larb Gai are given a refreshing Kanusan twist, while newly created unique signature dishes include steamed snapper and lobster, black truffle roast duck and sliced blue abalone in Kanusan sauce.

HEAVEN ON A SANDBANK For lunch, we head over by boat from the jetty next to the dive centre to the amazing Fish & Crab Shack on the sandbank. The feetin-the-sand restaurant has a kind of St Tropez feel for me. I just love it!

The bucket of delicious prawns with Marie Rose dipping sauce enchants us the most. The raw vegetable basket with three tasty dips, the soft shell crab tacos (all to share or not), and the battered fish and chips are everyone’s favourite.

The choice at Fish & Crab Shack is wide, from Maldivian lobster for two to Sri Lankan mud crab, garlic prawns with vegetable linguine, king crab spaghetti with truffle cream sauce to reef fish, baby lobster tail, calamari and octopus, grilled or fried. Heaven on a sandbank!

To end that feast, the must-try is the Finolhu signature tart with coconut ice cream or the little delicious coconut balls served with your preferred coffee. Then relax for an hour or two on the large sunbeds under a shady umbrella. When you are ready, take a digestive walk back to the resort on the sandbank, another memorable moment of your oh-so different stay at Finolhu! . 73

Amilla Fushi WHITE-WASHED HITE-WASHEDVILLAS VILLAS WITH MODERN MODERN INTERIORS INTERIORS WITH EWITH XTRA SPACIOUS BATHROOMS DOUBLE CEILING SHOWERS RUPESIDENCE BEACH VILLAS TO EIGHT BEDROOMS

MIAMI MEETS

the Maldives

‫ميامي‬

‫تعانق المالديف‬

FISH & CHIP FEET IN THE SAND DINING 74 .

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A JUST 30 MINUTES BY SEAPLANE FROM MALE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT AND ABOUT THE SAME TIME BY SPEEDBOAT FROM FINOLHU, AMILLA FUSHI OFFERS A CHOICE OF 54 ISLAND HOMES THAT HOVER OVER CRYSTAL CLEAR WATERS, ARE SETTLED AMONG LUSH TREE TOPS OR HUG THE SHORES OF PRISTINE WHITE SAND.

Amilla Fushi, which translates from Dhivehi as ‘my island home’, has a unique ethos in the Maldives scene. This is a family-friendly resort designed to offer complete relaxation without lots of hidden costs or add-ons.

At Amilla, that means no ‘paywall’ deterring guests from making the most of the pristine UNESCO biosphere Baa Atoll. All nonmotorised water sports and a 50-minute spa treatment are part of the room rate; and all child care is complimentary, from the Kids’ Club to the babysitting service.

‫اميلال فو�سي تعني باللغة الديفيهية «الجزيرة بيتي» وهي تحمل روح ًا فريدة من‬ ‫ فهي منتجع �سديق لالأ�سرة م�سمم ليوفر ال�سترخاء‬..‫نوعها في الم�سهد المالديفي‬ .‫التام دون الكثير من التكاليف الغير منظورة اأو الإ�سافات‬ ،‫والطفال لديهم دراجاتهم اأمام الفيال وفي اأي وقت من اليوم ي�ستخدمونها‬ ‫ لدينا فيال‬.‫للجوب في جميع اأنحاء الجزيرة والتمتع بالطبيعة الخ�سراء‬ َ ‫متحم�سون‬ ‫مثالية كبيرة موؤلفة من غرفتي نوم تطل على الواجهة البحرية والأطفال لديهم غرفة‬ .‫جلو�س وا�سعة خا�سة بهم‬ ‫ يعطينا الفر�سة‬،‫البازار الذي يقع حول احد اأكبر الم�سابح في جزر المالديف‬ ‫ ونبداأ م�ساءنا في بار‬،‫ دقيقة تحليق بالطائرة البحرية من مطار مالي الدولي لالنغما�س في عرو�س الطهي المتنوعة من جميع اأنحاء العالم‬30 ‫بعد‬ .‫ مدير المنتجع‬،‫ تجد بازار ب�سحبة ال�سيد جان نويل‬،‫وحوالي نفس الوقت بالقارب السريع من فينولهو‬ ‫ منزل‬54 ‫جزيرة اميلال فوشي التي توفر لك الخيار بين‬

‫يحوم فوق المياه الرقراقة أو بين قمم األشجار المورقة أو الع�ساء في ووك في تلك الليلة وكنا ن�ستمتع بكل مكان نتناول به الطعام كوننا قريبون‬ .‫جدا من بع�سنا البع�س مما ي�سمح لنا بالختالط مع النزلء الآخرين ب�سهولة وي�سر‬ .‫يعانق شواطئ الرمال البيضاء الصافية‬ ‫ وكم كنا محظوظين‬...‫ تناولنا الع�ساء في مطعم غريل لل�سواء‬،‫في م�ساء اليوم التالي‬ !‫ ولكن هناك المزيد اأي�س ًا‬،‫بال�ستمتاع بكثير من اأطباق الطعام المختلفة‬

A BEAUTIFUL FAMILY ATMOSPHERE REIGNS AT THIS PRISTINE BEACH

I arrive with my kids from a previous trip and as you can imagine there are laundry worries, so I feel completely relieved when our butler says we have a free laundry service up to a certain amount of pieces daily and per person (a number which we could never reach!).

The kids have their bicycles in front of the villa and at any time of the day hop on, excited to pedal around the island and enjoy the lush nature. We have an ideal large two-bedroom seafront villa and the kids their own spacious living room.

My daughter loves the Kids’ Club so much that she spends almost all day there with fun activities and new friends, who, it turns out, stay in the villa next to us. A beautiful family atmosphere reigns at this pristine beach in front of the villas, bordered by palm trees, where bats fly above our heads and snorkelling is so easy for everyone as it is just a few steps away.

This relaxed, unstuffy approach is evident in all the dining options too.

Tray charge, starched-shirt service and linen are out, and in come cocktails, barbecue flavours, zingy ceviches and tropical ingredients.

Nestled around one of the Maldives’ biggest swimming pools, Baazaar gives us the opportunity to indulge in diverse culinary offerings from around the world and we start our evening with delicious cocktails at the Baazaar Bar in the lovely company of Jean Noel, the resort manager.

Dinner at WOK is on that night and we delight in each dining venue being just steps away from each other, so gathering with other guests is easy. The next evening, we dine at the Grill and feel blessed to have so many different dining experiences, but there is more to come!

76 .

. 77

TRUE HOMES AWAY FROM HOME! ‫ ولكن اإذا‬،‫جزر المالديف قد تكون موطنا لبع�س اأكثر ال�سواطئ �سحر ًا في العالم‬ ‫كان اليوم على ال�ساطئ لي�س مكتم ًال دون تناول الأ�سماك والبطاطا المقلية ورقائق‬ ‫ فحينها �ستكتمل ال�سورة و�ستعلم يقين ًا اأن اميلال فو�سي لها مذاق‬...‫والبازلء الطرية‬ .‫الجنة‬

The Maldives might be home to some of the most idyllic beaches in the world, but if a day on the sand isn’t complete without fish, chips and mushy peas then Amilla Fushi really does offer a taste of paradise – with salt and vinegar included. A first for the Maldives, Fish & Chips (with its British ‘chippie’ inspired menu) is just one of the dining options for guests and is the epitome of the relaxed island home vibe.

‫ال�ستلهام في فن العمارة في اميلال ي�ستمد جذوره من ب�ساطة المنزل المالديفي‬ ‫ المنتجع هو موطن‬.‫ ولكن مع اإ�سافة لم�سة خا�سة من الطراز المعا�سر‬،‫التقليدي‬ ‫ اأكثر‬...‫نوم قد ت�سل اإلى الثمانية‬ ٍ ‫ ُ�س ّممت بغرف‬، ‫لكثير من المنازل في الجزيرة‬ ‫ وهو مثالي للعائالت ومجموعات الأ�سدقاء‬- ‫من اأي منتجع اآخر في جزر المالديف‬ .‫الذين يحبون التج ّمع في اأجواء ف�سيحة واأنيقة‬ ‫ والفلل بارتفاع‬،)‫الفلل الكبيرة الموؤلفة من �سرير اأو اثنين على ال�ساطئ (حيث ننزل‬ ‫ ب�سريرين في اأعالي ال�سجر مع الح�سا�س باأنك في غابة ت�سعرك باأنك‬، ‫ متر‬12 ‫ الفلل التي تطل على البحيرة اأو على‬...‫ وهناك خيار اآخر‬...‫في رحلة روحية تاأ ّملية‬ ‫ متر مربع) جميعها لها حو�س �سباحة خا�س‬600 ‫ و‬200 ‫بحيرة المحيط (تتراوح بين‬ ‫ فهي عبارة عن‬.‫ غرف نوم‬8-4 ‫ويك ّملها ثمانية فلل مذهلة على ال�ساطئ تتاألف من‬ !‫منزل خا�س بعيدا عن منزلك ال�سخ�سي‬

Amilla’s architecture was inspired by the simplicity of a traditional Maldivian house but with the added element of slick contemporary style.

The resort is home to more purpose-designed island houses with up to eight bedrooms, more than any other Maldives resort – perfect for families and groups of friends who love to gather in spacious and stylish atmospheres.

The very spacious one and two-bed Beach Houses (where we stay), the amazing 12-metre high, two-bed Tree Houses with a jungle feel for those who want to immerse in a spiritual journey, and the choice of Lagoon, Ocean Lagoon and Ocean Reef Houses (ranging between 200 and 600 square metres) all have their own large pool and are complimented by eight stunning bespoke Beach Residences of four to eight bedrooms. True homes away from home!

If guests want a quiet night in, they can order home delivery from any of Amilla’s restaurants, without paying an inflated tray charge for the privilege. At the well-stocked Emperors General Store, buy fresh produce, meat, cheese or fish if you fancy cooking at home – or just leave it to their Katheeb (butler) or one of the island’s chefs to work their magic in their kitchen.

Who wouldn’t want to enjoy a leisurely meal on their own stretch of private beach or terrace?

BODYISM Imagine escaping to a uniquely serene wellness retreat surrounded by lush swaying palms and endless tropical skies. Ascending to a private pampering haven 12 metres up amongst the treetops, letting the cares of the bustling world fall away and succumbing to a revitalising, blissful reverie where recharging and recovery are paramount.

Wellness wishful thinking? Not at Amilla Fushi. An exclusive collaboration between this luxury Maldives resort and global healthy living phenomenon Bodyism has borne spectacular fruit, with the creation of the idyllic island’s new Wellness Tree Houses by Bodyism.

78 .

. 79

MELIA ZANZIBAR IS BUILT ON A 40-ACRE ESTATE WITH A BEAUTIFUL BEACH OF PEARLESCENT WHITE SAND LAPPED BY WARM OCEAN WATERS, 300 METRES LONG, SITUATED AT THE VERY END OF THE PROPERTY TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE PERFECT COMBINATION OF BEACH AND NATURE.

Spice OF LIFE

‫ق‬ ‫و‬ ‫تذ‬ ُّ ‫الحياة‬

ً ‫فدانا مع شاطئ جميل‬ 40 ‫ُبنيت ميليا زنجبار على عقار مساحته‬ ‫ على‬،‫تلفه مياه المحيط الدافئة‬ ّ ‫من الرمال اللؤلؤية البيضاء‬ ً ‫ يقع في أقصى العقار لالستفادة من المزيج‬،‫مترا‬ 300 ‫طول‬ .‫المثالي للشاطئ والطبيعة‬

80 .

Prior to my arrival, the few things I know of the resort is that it is ringed by a natural coral reef, making bathing a relaxing and safe experience.

And I am about to experience a whole lot more!

The hour’s drive from Zanzibar airport gives me a first glimpse of the island as we pass through the capital of Stone Town, a Unesco World Heritage site, which is definitely worth a visit with its narrow roads and historical buildings in the centre, then through the more peaceful areas, where locals live in simple homes.

‫م�سافة �ساعة بال�سيارة من مطار زنجبار تعطيني لمحة اأولى عن الجزيرة ونحن نمر‬ ‫ والذي بالتاأكيد ي�ستحق‬،‫ وهو موقع اليون�سكو للتراث العالمي‬،‫بعا�سمة �ستون تاون‬ ‫ ومن ّثم من خالل مناطق اأكثر‬،‫الزيارة بطرقه ال�سيقة ومبانيه التاريخية في المركز‬ .‫ حيث يعي�س ال�سكان المحليين في منازل ب�سيطة‬،‫هدوء ًا‬ . 81

Abeid Karume became the first president as a result of a violent revolution which led to the deposing of the last Sultan of Zanzibar, Jamshid bin Abdullah, in January 1964. It brought an end to 500 years of Arab domination, during which the Arab slave trade had resulted in a strong resentment among the majority African population.

C

Children play happily in the mud, women relax in front of their houses and young men linger in groups in absence of work on the side of the busy road, where merchants sell fruit and vegetables, clothes and all kinds of practical things for the daily life.

My driver Makame tells me of the history of the island and its various presidents. The president of Zanzibar is the head of the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar which is a semi-autonomous government with Tanzania.

As we get closer to the resort the scenery gets more and more beautiful and new buildings indicate a new era. After a thorough security check, we pass through the gate to Melia Zanzibar, the spice island’s largest resort.

I am greeted by Alejandro, the guest experience manager, who talks me through several choices of accommodation, from romantic rooms and suites to private villas with garden and pool, and the variety of cuisines offered in five restaurants and four bars.

The all-inclusive package gives you plenty of choice (and a bracelet to be recognised by the staff), from the daily mini-bar refilled to the use of the gym and sauna, tennis court, and so much more. The restaurants and bars give enough options for dining, open buffet show-cooking and drinks all day long. In the evenings, entertainment is provided in the Spices restaurant, where themed cuisine is offered along with bands and acrobats. I really like the trio of local musicians – so much fun and enjoyable to watch.

The all-inclusive premium package for Melia Garden and Melia Terrace guests gives access to the fine-dining restaurant Aqua, with chic Mediterranean decor indoors, a large terrace overlooking the sea and local, Mediterranean and seafood a la carte. Guests can have breakfast a la carte, use the exclusive solarium area by the pool with the best views of the Indian Ocean and service all day, and have Bali bed service at a great discount.

82 .

‫ مع مدخل‬، ‫الفلل الطابقية تعطيك اإح�سا�س ًا وكاأنك في منزلك ال�سخ�سي‬ ‫ ال�سرفة‬.‫خا�س بهم وغرفة معي�سة كبيرة مع منطقة لتناول الطعام‬ ‫الوا�سعة مع كرا�سي للت�سم�س ت�سمن لك الكثير من الخ�سو�سية لق�ساء‬ ‫ ا�ستمتع بالمياه والأوقات ال�سعيدة لزيادة الروابط العائلية‬.‫عطلة عائلية‬ ‫ وال�ستماع اإلى اأمواج المحيط الهندي تتك�سر على‬،‫في الطبيعة الخ�سبة‬ ‫ نزلء هذه الفلل يتمتعون بحزمة من‬.‫ال�سعاب المرجانية اأمام الفيال‬ ‫الخدمات كتواجد خادم �سخ�سي والقامة بال�سافة اإلى اإمكانية الو�سول‬ .‫المبكر والمغادرة المتاأخرة‬

‫ الذي تحدث معي عن العديد من‬،‫ المدير الم�سوؤول عن النزلء‬،‫ي�ستقبلني اليخاندرو‬ ‫ من الغرف والأجنحة الرومان�سية اإلى الفلل الخا�سة مع حديقة‬...‫خيارات الإقامة‬ ‫ ومجموعة متنوعة من الماأكولت المقدمة في خم�سة مطاعم واأربعة‬،‫وحو�س �سباحة‬ .‫مقاهي‬

‫وفي �ساطئ غابي ما عليك اإل اأن تختار من قائمة ال�سواء في جو غير‬ ‫ وال�ستماع اإلى المو�سيقى الهادئة لإراحة اأع�سابك وق�ساء يوم‬،‫ر�سمي‬ ‫ اأ�س ّرة الت�س ّم�س البرتقالية اللون ت�سيف نقاط ًا ملون ًة‬.‫مثالي على ال�ساطئ‬ ‫ واأ�سجار النخيل الخ�سراء‬،‫اإلى المكان بالإ�سافة اإلى الرمال الناعمة‬ ‫والأراجيح في انتظارك لال�ستمتاع بفترة ما بعد الظهر والتاأرجح في‬ .‫الن�سيم العليل‬

‫الحزمة ال�ساملة ل�سيوف حديقة ميليا وترا�س ميليا ت�سمح بالو�سول اإلى مطعم‬ ،‫ مع ديكور البحر الأبي�س المتو�سطي الأنيق في الداخل‬،‫للماأكولت الراقية اأكوا‬ ،‫و�سرفة وا�سعة تطل على البحر والماأكولت المحلية والبحرية المتو�سطية‬ .‫ح�سب الطلب‬ ‫ مع م�ساحة‬،‫الفلل القليلة الرومان�سية فوق البحر هي مثالية لق�ساء �سهر الع�سل‬ ‫ وحو�س حمام مطل على البحر ب�سكل رئي�سي بالإ�سافة اإلى كل ما يحتاجه‬،‫مفتوحة‬ .‫الع�ساق‬

‫الحزمة ال�ساملة لالإقامة توفر لك العديد من الخيارات (و�سوار ليتم التع ّرف عليك‬ ‫ من الم�سروب اليومي المتاح طيلة النهار ل�ستخدام ال�سالة‬...)‫من قبل الموظفين‬ .‫ واأكثر من ذلك بكثير‬،‫ وملعب التن�س‬،‫الريا�سية وال�ساونا‬

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At Gabi Beach choose from the grill menu in an informal atmosphere, listen to chill out music and spend the perfect day at the beach. Orange daybeds put colourful points in the light, soft sand, green palm trees sway and hammocks are waiting for you to sink into for the afternoon, swinging in the light breeze.

Then stroll down the long, sandy beach and make friends with the locals, but be aware they will want to take you on all kinds of different excursions, so choose well!

The Stone Town City Tour and the Jozani Forest tour with its rich diversity of wildlife, including swamp forest, evergreen thicket and mangrove are worth visiting. Red Colobus and Sykes monkeys can be seen frolicking amongst the exotic indigenous flora.

Zanzibar is home to some of Africa’s best deep sea fishing grounds. Excellent year-round game fishing can be found between the waters of Zanzibar and Pemba Island.

The few Romance Pavilions right above the sea are ideal for honeymooners, with an open plan space, a bathtub with prime sea view plus everything lovebirds need.

The Level Villas have a homely feel, with their own driveway and a large living room with dining area. The vast terrace with sun loungers and pool guarantee plenty of privacy for a family holiday; splash around and enjoy some great bonding time in lush nature, listening to the Indian Ocean’s waves breaking at the reef in front of the property. The Level Villas guests have a butler and Bali bed package included, plus early arrival and late check-out is possible.

‫زنجبار هي موطن بع�س اأف�سل مناطق ال�سيد في‬ ‫ وعلى مدار العام هناك‬.‫اأعماق البحار في اأفريقيا‬ ‫األعاب �سيد ممتازة بين مياه زنجبار وجزيرة‬ .‫بيمبا‬ When feeling not too hungry, the Pool Bar offers light snacks for lunch, but I would highly recommend a walk along the beach till you reach Gabi Beach. It can be easily accessed at low-tide or alternatively by the buggy which will take you straight there from the hotel along paved roads passing by bougainvilleas and tropical lush vegetation. At the arrival point, the view is stunning and I will always remember how I felt on first seeing it.

Dinner can be taken at the Jetty Lounge out in the sea, an amazing place if you don’t mind the wind, which can blow your socks off! But the location is so sensational that you can easily forget about it and enjoy world tapas a la carte.

You may want to go there for lunch on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays and admire the turquoise waters as you sip your preferred cocktail.

84 .

‫ ل تكتمل الرحلة اإلى زنجبار بدون‬،‫في الواقع‬ ‫زيارة اإلى اإحدى مزارع التوابل المختارة بعناية‬ .‫في المنتجع‬

B

Big yellow fin tuna, sailfish, blue marlin and striped and black marlin are plentiful.

The Spice Tour offers the opportunity to indulge your senses with a kaleidoscope of smells, tastes and textures, from the punch of chili to the refreshing succulence of green coconut flesh. It is a unique chance to purchase these exclusive spices straight from the source. Indeed, no trip to Zanzibar is complete without a visit to one of the resort’s carefully selected spice farms.

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ENDLESS PLAINS

‫ﺳﻬﻮل ﻣﺘﺮاﻣﻴﺔ‬ ‫اﻷﻃﺮاف‬

86 .

‫ ف ن السحر في رحالت السفاري سيالمس روحك‬،‫مكان أتيت‬ ‫من أي‬ ٍ ‫ تتغذى الحيوانات على‬.‫ والرحلة هي في الواقع الوجهة‬،‫بشغف كبي ٍر‬ ٍ ‫ والطرق الرشيقة والدؤوبة التي‬،‫الفطرة النقية للبقاء على قيد الحياة‬ .‫تذكرها بالمعنى الثمين للحرية‬

JAMBO, KARIBU SANA AND HAKUNA MATATA – ‘HELLO’, ‘YOU ARE WELCOME’ AND ‘THERE IS NO PROBLEM’ ARE JUST A FEW OF THE FRIENDLY PHRASES KARINE LACKNER HEARS EVERYWHERE SHE GOES IN TANZANIA, BUT ESPECIALLY AT THE FOUR SEASONS SAFARI LODGE RIGHT IN THE CENTRE OF THE SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK.

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HUNGRY HIPPOS At one moment I catch a whiff of a pungent scent in the air. We have arrived at the Hippo Pool, a viewing loop overlooking more than thirty highly social hippos. Here they spend their days cooling off in the muddy stream, some resting on other’s backs, some yawning (a warning sign of aggression), splashing and making all kinds of noises.

Wherever you come from, the magic of a safari will move you like nothing else and the journey is indeed the destination. The animals are fuelled by pure instinct of survival, their graceful and determined ways a precious reminder of what it means to be born free.

My guide explains that they will come out of the water only after dusk when they feel hungry and will then move to a nearby grassland where they can fill their stomachs before reverting to laziness. Nevertheless, hippos are one of the most aggressive creatures in the world.

Like most people, my impression of Africa has been shaped by wildlife documentaries, films and novels, so I can’t wait to see what it’s really like.

Herds of curious Thomson’s gazelles (a small gazelle with ringed horns), zebra and impala (a medium sized toffee brown antelope) peer as the car approaches and disturbs their peaceful grazing.

I

The Serengeti National Park is a fantastic wildlife sanctuary of natural beauty and an abundance of animals. The park supports large herds of wildebeest and buffalo as well as elephants, antelope, giraffe, hyrax, hippos, rhinoceros and warthog.

88 .

‫الحديقة الوطنية في �سيرينجيتي هي محم ّية بر ّية رائعة من الجمال الطبيعي ووفر ٍة‬ ‫ تاأوي الحديقة قطعان كبيرة من الحيوانات البرية والجامو�س وكذلك‬.‫من الحيوانات‬ .‫ والزرافات و اأفرا�س النهر ووحيد القرن والخنزير‬،‫الفيلة والظباء‬

Impala work as a team to escape their predators, the whole herd leaping about to create confusion. They can jump distances of over ten metres and up to three metres high, and can reach running speeds of about 90 kilometres an hour. On the run, they high kick their hind legs to release a scent from glands on their heels, which helps them to stay together.

I wonder what they think when they see this unusual animal with so many heads (us passengers in the jeep). ‘Oh’ and ‘wow’ and ‘so adorable’ are the usual exclamations when those heads get excited at what they see!

‫أفراس النهر الجائعة‬

‫في لحظ ٍة ما �سممتُ نفح ًة من رائحة كريهة‬ ‫ لقد و�سلنا اإلى بركة فر�س‬.‫في الهواء‬ ‫النهر وكانت تبدو وكاأنها �ساحة عر�س‬ ‫تطل على اأكثر من ثالثين من اأفرا�س النهر‬ ‫ هنا يق�سون‬.‫الجتماعية اإلى حدٍّ كبير‬ ،‫اأيامهم لال�ستراحة في الت ّيار الموحل‬ ‫والبع�س منهم ياأخذ ق�سطا من الراحة على‬ ‫ والبع�س اأي�س ًا يتثاءب‬،‫ظهور البع�س الآخر‬ ،)‫( وهذه عالمة تحذير من العدوان‬ ‫ويحدثون اأ�سوات ًا مختلفة ل�سو�ساء ل‬ .‫مثيل له‬

I arrive from Zanzibar directly at Seronera airstrip after an hour-and-ahalf flight in a nine-seater plane. In real Four Seasons style, what should be awaiting me but a jeep, with canapés, bubbly and juice to hand? On the way to the Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti it feels like we’re off on a game drive immediately!

Well, sort of. Giraffes, zebra, antelope, wildebeest, elephants, hippos and even crocodiles are there to welcome us and we arrive at the lodge stunned by the multitude of animals. After this, I am sure the next day is going to be overwhelming, and it is.

In the Serengeti, the morning sun is kind, gentle rays dancing with a breeze, and getting up early is rewarded by the cool wind. The unpaved roads of mud, stone and gravel do the rest to make you feel awake.

‫و�سلت من زنجبار مبا�سرة اإلى مهبط الطائرات في �سيرونيرا بعد رحلة �ساعة‬ ‫ بانتظاري كانت حفاوة ال�ستقبال باأ�سلوب‬.‫ون�سف في الطائرة ذات الت�سعة مقاعد‬ ‫في الطريق اإلى فور‬...‫ �سيارة الجيب وكاأ�س من الع�سير الطبيعي‬...‫الفور �سيزونز‬ !‫�سيزونز �سفاري لودج �سيرينجيتي ت�سعر فورا وكاأنك في لعبة �سباق لل�سيارات‬

The major predators (lion, leopard, cheetah, African hunting dog, hyena and jackal) and more than 500 species of birds make the Serengeti one of the greatest wildlife spectacles on earth. It is also the starting point of the great annual wildebeest migration.

The coming of the short rains in late November and December is a time when optimum grazing is available in the southern short grass plains. Thousands of white-bearded wildebeest begin to gather.

Around February they have their calves over a period of three weeks.

But with so many calves around, predators are lurking!

As we drive along and scan the bushes with intensity, look near and gaze far, I come across my favourite scene. When on a dark burned surface, a herd of zebra stands almost still and the white bodies with black stripes (not the other way around) create a beautiful contrast which almost looks like a painting. The dramatic skies do the rest to complete the perfect photograph.

You may ask yourself why burned surface? The rangers burn the grass, bushes and trees once a year, so new green can emerge and animals get fresh leaves to chew on.

‫قطعان الغزلن الغريبة طوم�سون (غزال‬ ‫ الحمار الوح�سي‬،)‫�سغير مع قرون ح َلق ّية‬ ‫ جميعهم ي�سك ّلون رت ًال واحد ًا مع اقتراب‬...)‫والظبى (متو�سط الحجم بني اللون‬ .‫ال�سيارة التي تزعج الرعي الهادئ عادة‬ ‫ والقطيع كله يقفزلإثارة‬،‫الظباء تعمل كفريق للهروب من الحيوانات المفتر�سة‬ ‫ يمكنها اأن تقفز لم�سافات اأكثر من ع�سرة اأمتار وارتفاع ي�سل اإلى ثالثة‬...‫البلبلة‬ ‫ وخالل الرك�س‬.‫ كيلومترا في ال�ساعة‬90 ‫ ويمكن اأن ت�سل اإلى �سرعات تعادل‬،‫اأمتار‬ ‫في قفزة عالية تركل �ساقيها الخلفيتين لإطالق رائحة من الغدد الموجودة في‬ .‫ مما ي�ساعدها على البقاء معا‬،‫كعوبها‬ . 89

THE LION KING COME TO LIFE I know the Serengeti inspired the Disney classic The Lion King, but I could never have imagined seeing a whole family of lions before me, like the animation coming to life. A few other jeeps are already at the same spot, but the lions (five plus a cub) are not greatly disturbed. They do not run away but gracefully walk past our jeep.

I witness them drink from the waterhole; the lion and lioness exchange loving movements by rubbing their heads together and when the cub comes in between them, they show love for each other as a family. I realise that animals feel for each other and that a mother’s feelings are always a mother’s feelings, whether animal or human.

But nature is red in tooth and claw, and infanticide is commonly practised by lions when a coalition of bachelors ousts a pride’s male. When the incoming males take over they usually kill the cubs, allowing the new males to have their own cubs.

‫الملك األسد يعود إلى األضواء‬

‫اأنا اأعلم اأن �سيرينجيتي كانت الملهمة لفيلم ديزني‬ ‫ ولكني ل يمكن اأبدا اأن اأت�س ّور‬، ‫الكال�سيكي الملك الأ�سد‬ ‫ وكاأنها ر�سوم متحركة‬،‫روؤية اأفراد اأ�سرة الأ�سود اأمامي‬ ‫ هناك عدد قليل من �سيارات‬.‫تتحرك في واقع الحياة‬ ‫ ولكن الأ�سود‬،‫الجيب الأخرى هي بالفعل في نف�س المكان‬ ‫ اأنها ل‬.‫(خم�سة زائد �سبل) ل تعتر�سها اإلى حد كبير‬ .‫تهرب ولكن بر�ساقة يمرون اأمام �سيارتنا الجيب‬

As we drive along the rough road there is a herd of dik-diks (antelope) and some of them are brave enough to cross over before the jeep passes by. A young antelope not following its mother fast enough is unable to make it and runs in front of the jeep in the opposite direction of the rest of the herd.

‫الفيلة في الساقية‬

All of us in the jeep have only one thought, which is to see the youngster reunited with its mother, so the driver stops.The young dik-dik eventually dares to run back in the right direction, but it is confused as it cannot see its mother.

After a minute or less, we observe the mother coming back to search for her baby and they see each other. A joyful moment!

ELEPHANTS AT THE WATERHOLE Back at the lodge after a six-hour game drive, it is time for a nice lunch with a view of the stunning, expansive hills of the Serengeti plains. And what a view at Maji Bar Terrace overlooking the pool and the waterhole where herds of elephants come several times a day.

‫ فقد‬،‫حين العودة وبعد لعبة �سباق لمدة �ست �ساعات‬ ‫حان الوقت للغداء اللطيف مع اإطاللة مذهلة على التالل‬ ‫ ويا له من منظر في‬.‫الممتدة في �سهول �سيرينجيتي‬ ‫�سرفة مطعم ماجي المطل على حو�س ال�سباحة وال�ساقية‬ .‫حيث قطعان الفيلة تاأتي عدة مرات في اليوم‬

‫والطبيعة على و�سك القتراب اأكثر! فهناك من يحدّق من زاوية ال�سرفة قبل النزلق‬ ،‫ انه لي�س خائفا‬..‫ اإنه قرد البابون! يجل�س اأمامي وينظر مبا�سرة ا ّإلي‬...‫اإلى الأ�سفل‬ ‫ انه يعطيني �سعور وكاأنه يتوقع مني‬.‫ولي�س لديه ن ّية للفرار ب�سبب وجود كائن ب�سري‬ !‫�سيئا‬

Elephants are deeply emotional animals, displaying joy when socialising and grief when mourning the death of a family member. Their tactile trunks are used to stroke, touch, explore and even defend themselves.

Back in my Terrace Suite with private pool, I remember that the attentive Idrisa from guest relations told me that I should not leave the terrace door open while inside. A sign on the sliding door indicates that baboons are keen to get in and look for food! They are fierce fighters, equipped with acute hearing and eyesight. So I carefully close the doors and even lock them. But I can still get a good look at nature. My room has a TV with live footage of the elephants at the waterhole.

And nature is about to get even closer! Gazing from the corner of the terrace before sliding down a railing, is a baboon! He sits down and looks straight at me. He is not scared, and has no intention of fleeing the presence of a human being. He rather gives me the feeling he is expecting something!

90 .

‫ها اأنا اأ�ستمتع ب�سلطة ال�سمندر اللذيذة والمازا على الطاولة واأ�سمع النا�س ي�سرخون‬ ‫ الجميع يقف مع الكاميرا جاهزة لت�سوير هذا الم�سهد الرائع من عائالت‬.»‫«ها هم‬ . ‫ ويف�سلها عنا حو�س المطعم فقط‬،‫ مترا‬20 ‫الفيلة على م�سافة من ع�سرة اإلى‬

Enjoying my delicious beetroot salad and mezze, I hear people shout ‘here they are’. Everyone stands up with their camera ready to shoot this incredible scene of elephant families within a distance of ten to 20 metres, separated just by the lodge’s pool.

I love animals and I understand that it is not prudent to step out and hand over the apple which is on the table, so I wait until he leaves, and then I quickly open the door and put the apple on the railing so he can see it. Bingo, he does! In the blink of an eye, here he is. I presume he has been waiting round the corner. Clever boy!

I expect him to grab the apple and leave, but no, he takes a seat on one of the chairs first (hilarious!) and then decides to have a better view from the railing as someone might steal the apple! There is more than one baboon around. Normally they move in troops of 40 to 80 individuals made up of adult females and their young who often ride on the back of their mother. They forage in trees or on the ground, feeding on shoots, roots, flowers, seeds and even insects.

‫اأحب الحيوانات واأعرف اأنه لي�س من الحكمة م ّد اليد واإعطاء التفاح الذي هو على‬ ‫ ومن ثم �سرعان ما اأفتح الباب واأ�سع‬...‫ لذلك اأنا انتظر حتى يغادر البابون‬،‫الطاولة‬ ‫ هو‬،‫ لقد راآها! وفي غم�سة عين‬...‫ رائع‬.‫التفاحة على ال�سور حتى يتمكن من روؤيتها‬ !‫ �سبي ذكي‬.‫ اأفتر�س اأنه كان ينتظر في الزاوية‬.‫هنا‬ ‫اكتشاف تقاليد وثقافة الماساي‬

‫ واأنا حري�سة على ح�سور عر�س الما�ساي في‬، ‫الإثارة ل تتوقف اأبدا في الفندق‬ ‫ الأجواء في هذا المطعم الأفريقي الأنيق جد ًا‬.‫مطعم ال�سواء بوما في وقت الع�ساء‬ ‫مده�سة واأداء الما�ساي يزيد من اهتمامي بهذه القبيلة الفخورة برجالها الو�سيمين‬ .‫وطويلي القامة باأازياءهم التقليدية الحمراء‬ . 91

MIGRATION AND PRECIPITATION

DISCOVERING MAASAI TRADITION AND CULTURE Excitement never stops at the lodge and I am keen to experience the Maasai show at Boma Grill at dinner time. The ambiance in this very stylish African restaurant is amazing and the performance of the Maasai nurtures my interest in this tribe of proud, tall and handsome men in their red traditional outfits.

For things to do and the must-sees, go to:

:‫ زوروا الموقع الآتي‬،‫للترفيه عن اأنف�سكم والتعرف على ما يجب اأن تقوموا به‬ http://www.fourseasons.com/serengeti/destination/

T

The journey in the Serengeti has opened my eyes to a new world and I feel at moments my life has just begun. I will miss the animals and the hours spent searching for them, scenes that never repeat themselves.

Every day is a new day, leopards in majestic acacia trees, elephants crossing and matriarchs guarding their little ones warily, wildebeest living with zebra as they help each other on their migration. And then the ‘small five’, the ant lion, leopard tortoise, rhino beetle, buffalo weaver and the elephant shrew, which are not easy to spot in this grassland, marshes, kopjes and woodland!

Towards the end of May when the grass turns yellow, the more than 1.5 million wildebeest begin their journey north to the long grass plains in a series of columns. They are joined by 300,000 zebra and Grant gazelles and their young.

The Serengeti has two pronounced seasons: a green season from November to May and a dry season from June to October. To some extent, it also has two distinct rainy periods: the short rains that normally fall in November and December, and the long, heavier rains that tend to fall from March to May.

‫وعندما تتجمع غيوم‬ ‫ تبداأ‬،‫الأمطار في الجنوب‬ ‫القطعان رحلتها الطويلة‬ ‫اإلى مناطق تكاثرها في‬ ‫ اإنها‬.‫�سهول �سيرينجيتي‬ ‫) كم‬600( ‫رحلة �سعبة‬ ‫وفي كل عام ما يقدر بنحو‬ ‫ منها ل ت�ستطيع‬250000 .‫اإكمال رحلتها بنجاح‬

A fascinating film explains how humans have been hunting in the Serengeti for no other purpose than to show so-called trophies to their friends. From American presidents to rich visitors, they all came here to hunt before the government banned such expeditions in order to protect the animals, and the Serengeti National Park was born.

‫تتمتّع �سيرينجيتي بف�سلين‬ ‫المو�سم‬ :‫وا�سحين‬ ‫الأخ�سر من ت�سرين الثاني‬ ‫ ومو�سم الجفاف‬، ‫اإلى اأيار‬ ‫من حزيران اإلى ت�سرين‬ .‫الأول‬

At the discovery centre, you can see in which month the animals migrate from which area to which place, read all about the history of the Serengeti, the different types of animals living there, the hunting tools of the Maasai and the decorative beaded jewellery they make to decorate themselves; you can even watch different films daily to learn about history, animals and their behaviour, and talk to professionals who will give you the inside information you need.

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‫ مليون من‬1.5 ‫ اأكثر من‬،‫في نهاية اأيار عندما يتحول الع�سب اإلى اللون الأ�سفر‬ ‫الحيوانات البرية تبداأ رحلتها �سمال اإلى �سهول الح�سائ�س الطويلة ب�سكل مجموعات‬ .‫ حمار وح�سي وغزلن الغرانت و�سغارهم‬300000 ‫ وين�سم اإليهم‬.‫متعاقبة‬

And when the rain clouds gather in the south, the herds begin their long trek back to their breeding grounds in the Serengeti plains. It is a tough journey of 600 kilometres and every year an estimated 250,000 wildebeest don’t make it.

The discovery centre in the lodge gives me a deeper insight into their history and the story of the Serengeti before and after they were moved into a new territory at Ngorongoro Conservation Area in 1959.

After an exciting and eye-opening day, I am escorted by a Maasai guard to my Terrace Suite which we reach over a bridge built on a higher elevation as the ground of the lodge is not enclosed and animals are freely able to pass. Two dik-diks seem to have found their perfect place in the surroundings and as I walk by, I am amazed to see them peacefully resting for the night.

‫مركز الكت�ساف في الفندق يعطيني فكرة اأعمق عن تاريخهم وق�سة �سيرينجيتي‬ .1959 ‫قبل وبعد اأن تم نقلها اإلى مناطق جديدة في محم ّية نغورونغورو في عام‬

Partly due to its altitude, the Serengeti is a moderately cool ‘island’ in a much warmer region. The temperature remains relatively uniform throughout the year, but does vary a little with the seasons. Daytime temperatures reach around 28°C (82°F) in the wetter months, while night-time temperatures can fall to 13°C (55°F) during the drier months.

،‫وجزئي ًا ب�سبب ارتفاعها‬ '‫تُعتبر �سيرينجيتي 'جزيرة‬ ‫باردة ن�سبيا في منطقة‬ ‫ وتبقى درجة‬.‫اأكثر دفئا‬ ‫الحرارة موحدة تقريب ًا‬ ‫ درجات الحرارة خالل النهار‬.‫ ولكنها تختلف قليال مع الموا�سم‬،‫على مدار ال�سنة‬ ،‫ درجة فهرنهايت) في الأ�سهر الأكثر رطوبة‬82( ‫ درجة مئوية‬28 ‫ت�سل اإلى حوالي‬ 55( ‫ درجة مئوية‬13 ‫في حين اأن درجات الحرارة اأثناء الليل يمكن اأن تنخف�س اإلى‬ .‫درجة فهرنهايت) خالل الأ�سهر الأكثر جفافا‬ . 93

The Reverie SAIGON

‫ مدينة هو ت�سي منه (المعروفة �سابقا‬،‫في بلدٍ يفتح ببطء اأبوابه لل�سياحة والتجارة‬ ‫با�سم �سايغون وما زال ي�سير اإليها البع�س بنف�س ال�سم) هي في طليعة هذا التطور‬ .»‫وت�سير على الطريق ال�سحيح لت�سبح «المدينة المهمة الم�ستقبلية في اآ�سيا‬ In a country that is slowly opening its doors to tourism and trade, Ho Chi Minh City (formerly known as and still referred to by some as Saigon) is at the forefront of this development and is on track to become ‘Asia’s next top city’. Not only developing structurally, the people are rising too. The upbeat and vibrant patrons of Saigon are vying for a world free from desolation, resulting in a city full of fun and flair - which has so much to offer.

STEEPED IN YEARS OF SADNESS, CULTURE AND POLITICAL HISTORY, VIETNAM HAS REMARKABLY RISEN FROM THE ASHES IN RECENT YEARS, DEVELOPING FROM ONE OF THE POOREST NATIONS ON EARTH AND BECOMING ONE OF THE WORLD’S TOP 20 GROWTH MARKETS.

94 .

As the city grows, the hospitality sector follows - most recently with the launch of The Reverie Saigon last year, a 286 key structure, taking seven years to complete. Overlooking the Saigon River, this hotel was built with the sole intention of putting Ho Chi Minh City on the map as a leading world destination and happened to be my resting place during a three-day stint in the up-and-coming hub.

Aimed at both business and leisure travellers from around the world, the property is an Italian masterpiece, crafted by the finest architects and interior designers from the land of all things fashion. At the centre of District 1 (the financial, cultural and shopping area of the city) the hotel is at the heart of it all; within walking distance of Notre Dame the old Post Office, the Vietnam War Museum and the popular Nguyen Hue Boulevard – ideal for exploring what the city has to offer.

ّ ،‫مع نمو المدينة‬ ‫ موؤخرا ّتم افتتاح فندق �سايغون‬-‫يتن�سط قطاع ال�سيافة اأي�س ًا‬ ‫ هيكل اأ�سا�سي وا�ستغرق �سبع �سنوات‬286 ‫ الموؤلف من‬،‫الخيالي في العام الما�سي‬ ‫ ُبني بن ّية وحيدة وهي و�سع المدينة‬،‫ هذا الفندق الذي يطل على نهر �سايغون‬.‫لإكماله‬ ‫ وحدث اأنه كان مكان‬...‫هو ت�سي مينه على الخريطة العالمية كوجه ٍة عالمي ٍة رائد ٍة‬ .‫ا�ستراحتي خالل مهمة عمل ا�ستمرت ثالثة اأيام في هذا المركز ال�ساعد‬ ،‫كل من رجال الأعمال وال�سياح من مختلف اأنحاء العالم‬ ٍ ‫هذا الفندق ي�ستهدف ا�ستقطاب‬ ‫ ُ�سنعت من قبل خيرة المهند�سين المعماريين‬،‫وخا�سيته تكمن في كونه تحفة اإيطالية‬ .‫وم�سممي الديكور الداخلي للبلد الذي ا�ستهر بالريادة في كل ما يتعلق بالمو�سة‬ ‫ كل �سقف وجدار واأر�سية‬...‫الفندق ذي المرايا والرخام والمغطى بالف�سيف�ساء‬ ‫ وبغ�س النظر عن هدفه في اأن يكون اأكثر الأماكن فخامة في‬.‫ تلمع وت�سرق‬...‫فيه‬ ‫ فقد تعاونت ال�سركات الع�سرين الأكثر �سهرة في ايطاليا في الت�سميم‬،‫المدينة‬ .‫الداخلي لإنجاح هذا الم�سروع‬

‫سايغون‬ ‫الخيالي‬ ‫فيتنام التي كانت غارقة في سنوات من الحزن والمشاكل‬ ‫ ارتفعت بشكل ملحوظ وقامت‬،‫الثقافية والتاريخ السياسي‬ ‫ وتطورت من واحدة من أفقر‬،‫من الرماد في األعوام األخيرة‬ ‫دول العالم لتصبح واحدة من أفضل أسواق النمو العشرين‬ .‫في العالم‬

‫كمعر�س بح ّد‬ ‫ فكل غرفة تبدو‬،‫الت�سميم الداخلي الإيطالي ل يتوقف عند هذا الحد‬ ٍ ‫ تحتوي كل غرفة على نوافذ ممتدة من‬.‫ذاتها كما هو الحال بالن�سبة لبقية المبنى‬ ‫ وتوفر اإطاللة بانورامية رائعة على الأفق المتطور ونهر �سايغون‬،‫الأر�س اإلى ال�سقف‬ .‫الذي ي�سل اإلى دلتا نهر الميكونغ‬ . 95

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The hotel - mirrored, marbled and covered in mosaics - every ceiling, wall and floor shines and sparkles. Unapologetic about its aim to be the most luxurious accommodation in the city, twenty of Italy’s most renowned interior design houses have collaborated on this project (a huge feat in itself), ensuring every piece of furniture is handpicked and every picture, wall and floor holds the same element of luxury, totally in keeping with the rest of the property.

The Italian interiors don’t stop there, the rooms are every bit as show stopping as the rest of the building. Each room has floor-to-ceiling windows and offers great panoramic views of the ever-developing skyline and the Saigon River which reaches out to the Mekong Delta.

Blackout remote control curtains cover the vast glass making for a cosy space when night falls. Our plush king-sized bed was fitted with white Frette linen and a single silk throw across the duvet, whilst the walls are covered in hand painted artwork, leather quilted head boards and furnishings to add to the warmth of the room. The 46 inch TV (packed full of Asian TV channels) disappears into a wooden chest with the click of a button and the chandelier in the middle of room gloriously makes light dance during the day.The bathrooms (possibly my favourite part of the room) are tiled with mosaics, stocked with Chopard products, and feature a Japanese-style toilet with a heated seat plus a walk-in closet and his and hers sinks (with separate space for each).

As an added bonus, the mini bar is complimentary and certain rooms also gain access to the lavish Reverie Lounge, a beautiful white space kitted out by Visionnaire and accented with works of Vietnamese artists.

Here you will find a superb a la carte breakfast featuring a range of local and international favourites, afternoon tea and cocktails and canapés each evening. If you are lucky enough, a storm will hit during cocktail hour to be witnessed through the floor to ceiling windows with a glass of bubbly in hand.

‫لدي) مب ّلطة بالف�سيف�ساء وتمالأها‬ ّ ‫الح ّمامات (ربما الجزء من الغرفة المف�سل‬ ‫ وتحتوي على مرحا�س على الطريقة اليابانية مع مقعد �ساخن‬،‫منتجات �سوبارد‬ .)‫بالإ�سافة اإلى حجرة مالب�س ومغ�سلة له واأخرى لها (مع م�ساحة منف�سلة لكل منها‬ ‫ �ستجد ال�سبا‬، ‫ و�سول الى الطابق ال�ساد�س في الفندق‬38 ‫وبالنتقال من الطابق ال‬ ‫ غرف عالجية مبلطة بالرخام‬10 ‫ ويتاألف من‬،‫ متر مربع‬1200 ‫وكاأنه مالذا بم�ساحة‬ .‫الأبي�س واأعمال فنية جميلة‬

Chief architect, Kent Lui (formerly of Foster + Partners), pulled in these 20 curators to not only top and tail The Reverie Saigon, but to also create mini masterpieces within the hotel. There is a duplex (276 sq m) suite by Poltrona Frau and Cassina; The Saigon Suites by Giorgetti and maximalist designer Visionnaire; and a custom-made, emerald green Baldi clock that weighs nearly 1,000 kilos that stands three metres tall in the main lobby. The La Scala Grand Ballroom also plays host to a one-ofa-kind Bechstein grand piano that dates back to 1895, a structure that has been reimagined and transformed by Baldi into an opulent piece of art. And the silver lining? All these of prestigious designers have offerings available for purchase right downstairs in the building’s shopping centre.

96 .

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TOP 5 THINGS TO DO IN HO CHI MINH CITY

Moving from the 38th floor down to the 6th floor, you will find the hotel’s 1,200 square metre spa sanctuary, consisting of 10 treatment rooms with white marble and lovely artwork. I spent a blissful hour in this mosaic lined space being pampered by some of the best therapists in Ho Chi Minh City.

CUC GACH QUAN – It comes as little surprise when you step into this cleverly renovated old villa that the owner of this restaurant is an architect. The decor is rustic and elegant, which is also true of the food. Despite its tucked-away location in the northernmost reaches of District 1, this is no secret hideaway: book ahead. Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie visited during one of their trips to the city, but regardless of its now celebrity status, the food is amazing and is well worth a visit!

Starting off in the state-of-the-art facilities, I spent an hour enjoying the unique Himalayan pink salt sauna and the colour therapy steam room.

This was followed by the hotel’s signature 90 minute Aromatherapy, a treatment that combines Swedish and deep-tissue techniques accompanied by a choice of signature essential oil blends, known to boost immunity and energy levels, to calm both body and mind. Doing what it says on the bottle, I left feeling fresh, energised and ready to run a marathon (well almost).

THE WALKING TOUR OF SAIGON – If you are staying central, there are plenty of things to see that are right on your door step. Check out the war museum (a must) – the Agent Orange rooms are intense, but definitely worth seeing! Walk up to see the Ho Chi Minh statue by City Hall and The Rex Hotel and take a trip to the Unification Palace – it’s remained (relatively) untouched inside since the end of the war. There are also the two spectacular towers of Notre Dame Cathedral plus the French Colonial Post Office (by the cathedral), which are interesting to see.

The 6th floor is also home to the city’s most technologically advanced fitness facility. Accessible to hotel guests 24 hours a day, the 120-squaremetre (1,291-square-foot), pool-side space is equipped with TechnoGym’s latest line of ARTIS cardio equipment with Wi-Fi-enabled consoles.

With butlers trained by the British Butler School and a fleet including a Mercedes, a Bentley, a Maybach and a limited edition million-dollar RollsRoyce Phantom Dragon, as airport transfer cars there is no doubt in my mind that this property is the epitome of opulence and style in Ho Chi Minh City.

Beyond the fitness centre, a spacious open-air deck features two Jacuzzis and a 24-metre long free-form swimming pool, with a quaint outside terrace for those wishing to relax. This leads into the hotel’s all-daydining restaurant Café Cardinal, serving French food with an Asian twist.

The staff are overly courteous and knowledgeable (we were escorted everywhere – even the pharmacy down the street!) and whilst the hotel is slightly on the extravagant side it remains comfy and cosy. A great choice for a fun filled city break, but do remember, no flip flops or shorts allowed in the hotel, so bring those trousers and be prepared to brave the Ho Chi Minh heat.

As well as Café Cardinal, the hotel has another three restaurants. The first, a casual dining/lounge concept called The Long Bar, a spot which has become popular for lunch amongst the locals and after work drinks. Here, they offer the crispiest wood-oven pizzas and vast array of homemade ice-creams created by the Italian in-house chef. For the best dim sum in town head to Royal Pavilion, whilst a modern spin on Italian food is available at Romeo & Juliet more simply know as R&J. We spent a lovely evening at R&J, working our way through one of the restaurants best tasting menus, sampling an array of Italian favourites, including the Imported Beef Tartar Piedmont Style and Apulia Fresh Burrata Cheese with sweet sliced tomato. My personal favourite? The Slow Cooked Lamb Shoulder with mashed potato, pistachio crumbs and coffee jus – an absolute delight!

98 .

THE CU CHI TUNNELS – The Cu Chi Tunnels, which highlight the dedication and ingenuity of Viet Cong soldiers during the Vietnam War, are a must-see destination in Southern Vietnam.

On your Cu Chi Tunnels half-day tour, you’ll spend the morning wandering the vast underground complex that was once buzzing with thousands of soldiers. The site is a startling contrast to today’s Vietnam, a fast-developing country where the legacy of war is almost forgotten.

‫ وهو‬،‫ الأول‬.‫ ي�سم الفندق ثالثة مطاعم اأخرى‬،‫بالإ�سافة اإلى مقهى الكاردينال‬ ‫ تتذ ّوق‬،‫ هنا‬.‫ في �سال ٍة الفندق و ُيدعى بالردهة الطويلة‬/ ‫لمفهوم الطعام الخفيف‬ ‫اأف�سل البيتزا المخبوزة في فرن الخ�سب ومجموعة وا�سعة من المث ّلجات الم�سنوعة‬ ‫ وللح�سول على اأف�سل قاتمة طعام في البلدة‬. ‫محل ّي ًا من قبل ال�سيف الإيطالي المقيم‬ ‫ الم�سهور بتقديم الطعام الإيطالي في مطعم‬،‫ما عليك ال التوحه اإلى الجناح الملكي‬ .‫جي‬.‫روميو وجولييت والمعروف با�سم اآر‬ ‫مع الخدم الذين تم تدريبهم في المدر�سة البريطانية للفندقة واأ�سطول نقل من واإلى‬ ‫ مايباخ وطبعة محدودة‬،‫ بنتلي‬،‫ المر�سيد�س‬...‫المطار موؤلف من ال�سيارات الفخمة‬ ‫لدي اأدنى �سك باأن هذا‬ ّ ‫ لي�س‬...‫روي�س فانتوم دراغن‬-‫بمليون دولر ل�سيارة الرولز‬ .‫البناء هو مثال من البذخ والأ�سلوب الراقي في مدينة هو ت�سي منه‬

SPEEDBOAT TOUR OF THE MEKONG DELTA – Enjoy a scenic speedboat trip through the Mekong Delta with Les Rives Experiences. Departing by boat from HCMC, you will explore areas of the Mekong Delta including the old-world river life, the Cao Dai Temple, a riverside market and a pagoda - as well as evocative farmlands and local pottery workshops. Enjoy countless photo opportunities of the idyllic scenery and local people as you cruise past buffaloes ploughing fields, fruit orchards and rice paddies.Visit a family homestead, where you’ll be invited to enjoy fresh coconuts and fiery Mekong whisky. Your Les Rives chef will prepare a traditional Mekong Delta lunch including fried elephant ear fish – a delicious specialty of the region!

CHILL SKYBAR + DINING – This is a modern stylish and vibrant lounge bar, dining and club concept that offers both a social dining experience and nightlife entertainment. It is notably the first and the original “Skybar” concept in Vietnam. It is perched atop of the AB Tower in the bustling District 1 of Ho Chi Minh City and situated exclusively on the 26th floor of the city skyline.

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of a star. Every day, one of the seven stars on the inner circle of the dial is illuminated in gold to symbolize the visit of the little prince to another planet. The same stars are engraved as a decorative feature on the case back and reveal the name of the inhabitant with whom the little prince is currently staying. The Pilot’s Watch Mark XVIII Edition “Le Petit Prince” is powered by the 30110-calibre automatic movement and, in terms of precision, fully meets the requirements of a professional pilot’s watch.

PILOT’S WATCH EDITION “LE PETIT PRINCE”

PILOT’S WATCH PERPETUAL CALENDAR EDITION “ANTOINE DE SAINT EXUPERY”

For the world-famous poet and author of “The Little Prince”, Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, poetry and technology, writing and flying were two sides of the same coin. Now the Pilot’s Watch Annual Calendar Edition “Le Petit Prince” brings these two worlds together.

On the front side of the watch, the annual calendar displays the month, the date and the day of the week in three separate windows. Its advance mechanism automatically takes the length of individual months into account, but not the two differing lengths of the month of February or the leap years. Once a year, therefore, at the end of February, it requires manual correction via the crown. The reverse side shows the little prince staring in amazement at the sky. He stands on a tiny planet, which in its entirety forms the rotor and revolves eccentrically around its axis. The prince and his planet are made of solid red gold. The elegant special edition will be restricted to just 250 watches in 18-carat red gold. Thanks to power from two barrels, the IWCmanufactured 52850 calibre supplies the higher torque necessary to drive the three display discs in the annual calendar. The barrels also provide sufficient energy to keep the watch running for a week when fully wound.

ARCHETYPE OF A FEMININE CLASSIC ROLEX’S LADY-DATEJUST & OYSTER PERPETUAL DAY-DATE

DAY-DATE_40

LADY-DATEJUST_28

THE OYSTER PERPETUAL DAY-DATE, ROLEX’S MOST PRESTIGIOUS MODEL, IS A WATCH LIKE NO OTHER. A TRUE WATCHMAKING ICON WITH A FORMIDABLE DESTINY, THIS IS A SUPERLATIVE CHRONOMETER IN EVERY WAY AND HAS BEEN WORN BY MORE HEADS OF STATE, LEADERS AND VISIONARIES THAN ANY OTHER WATCH. CREATED IN 1956, AVAILABLE EXCLUSIVELY IN GOLD OR PLATINUM, THE DAY-DATE IS UNIVERSALLY KNOWN AS THE “PRESIDENTS’WATCH”,THE ULTIMATE STATUS WATCH CHOSEN

BY THE WORLD’S GREAT NAMES FOR ITS PERFORMANCE AND EXCEPTIONAL PRESENCE.

DAINTY AND ELEGANT on the wrist

IWC PILOT’S WATCHES 2016 AUTHENTIC AND ELEGANT The very first IWC Pilot’s Watches of the 1930s and 40s set technical benchmarks, and their dial design determined the overall appearance that has remained so distinctive to this day. During the pioneering days of aviation, most pilots had to navigate with the help of pocket watches, because special wristwatches for pilots were still few and far between.

By contrast, the first Special Pilot’s Watch, built by IWC in 1936, already featured a rugged glass, a rotating bezel with an arrowhead index for instantaneous legibility and an antimagnetic escapement, together with high-contrast, luminescent hands and numerals.

For three years now, IWC has returned to the theme of Saint-Exupéry’s little prince with special editions. In 2016, there will be four Pilot’s Watches featuring the typical midnight blue dial and brown calfskin strap with beige-coloured ornamental seams. A soft-iron inner case provides the stainless-steel outer cases with optimum protection against the external effects of magnetic fields. All the Pilot’s Watches, apart from the Double Chronograph launched in 2015, have an engraving on the back showing the little prince with his coat and sword. The 46-millimetre Big Pilot’s Watch Edition “Le Petit Prince” has an IWC-manufactured 51111-calibre movement that supplies an impressive 7-day power reserve. The Pilot’s Watch Double Chronograph Edition “Le Petit Prince”, which was launched in 2015, has a captivatingly innovative day display in the shape 100 .

Since 2006, IWC has been honouring the life’s work of French poet and pilot Antoine de Saint-Exupéry with special editions of its Pilot’s Watches. Saint-Exupéry was already a legend in his own lifetime. People are fascinated as much by his books, which have been translated into more than 50 languages, as by his adventurous life and his inherent passion for flying.

During the Second World War, he was a fighter pilot against the occupying German forces.

On 31 July 1944, Saint-Ex, as he was fondly referred to by his admirers, climbed into the cockpit of his Lightning P-38 to carry out a reconnaissance mission over occupied France.

He never returned. In 2003, wreckage from his Lightning was salvaged from the Mediterranean near Marseille.

PILOT’S WATCH ANNUAL CALENDAR EDITION “LE PETIT PRINCE”

ROLEX IS INTRODUCING THE NEW GENERATION OF ITS OYSTER PERPETUAL LADY-DATEJUST MODEL, FEATURING A REDESIGNED CASE ENLARGED TO 28 MM AND CALIBRE 2236, A MECHANICAL MOVEMENT FITTED WITH A ROLEXPATENTED SYLOXI HAIRSPRING IN SILICON FOR SUPERLATIVE CHRONOMETRIC PERFORMANCE. ITS PRECISION ON THE WRIST SATISFIES CRITERIA THAT ARE TWICE AS EXACTING AS THOSE FOR AN OFFICIALLY CERTIFIED CHRONOMETER.

DATEJUST_PEARLMASTER DAY-DATE_40

LADY-DATEJUST_28_COMP

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LUXURY CAPSULE COLLECTION

ASTON MARTIN

BY HACKETT

‫اأعلنت اليوم �سانعة ال�سيارات البريطانية‬ ‫الفاخرة اأ�ستون مارتن ومجموعة هاكيت‬ ‫لتجارة التجزئة لالألب�سة الرجالية عن �سراكة‬ ‫ وتما�سي ًا مع‬.‫عالمية جديدة وطويلة الأمد‬ ‫ �س ُيك�سف عن‬،DB11 ‫ك�سف اأ�ستون مارتن عن‬ ‫اأولى ثمار ال�سراكة الجديدة عندما تُطلق‬ ‫هاكيت مجموعة محفظة ح�سرية لخريف‬ ‫ بعنوان '«اأ�ستون مارتن لدى‬2016 ‫و�ستاء‬ .»‫هاكيت‬

‫تت�سمن مجموعة اأ�ستون مارتن في هاكيت‬ ‫ قطعة من المالب�س‬14 ‫الفاخرة الموؤ ّلفة من‬ ،)‫ الألب�سة المحبوكة (التريكو‬،‫الخارجية‬ .‫ ال�سراويل والإك�س�سوارات‬،‫القم�سان‬

‫ترجع عالقة هاكيت مع اأ�ستون مارتن اإلى‬ ‫�سنوات عديدة م�ست من خالل �سراكة ناجحة‬ ‫ لت�سغيل �سيارة‬،‫مع �سباقات اأ�ستون مارتن‬ ‫ تقدّم مجموعة‬،‫ وبالعتماد على اأ�س�س تلك العالقة القوية‬.‫ال�سباق العالمية لل�سركة‬ ‫اأ�ستون مارتن في هاكيت مجموعة جديدة كل ّي ًا من المالب�س الفاخرة التي تعك�س‬ .‫اجتماع عالمتين تجاريتين اأنيقتين‬ ‫ والمدير الإبداعي في‬،‫وقد �س ّرح ال�سيد ماريك ري�سمان نائب الرئي�س التنفيذي‬ ‫ «انطالق ًا من العالقة الم�ستمرة الناجحة مع هاكيت خالل‬:‫اأ�ستون مارتن قائ ًال‬ ‫ كنا �سعداء بنقل ال�سراكة اإلى م�ستوى جديد كلي ًا من الأناقة‬،‫�سباقات اأ�ستون مارتن‬ ‫ وبالجمع بين فرقنا الإبداعية منذ‬.‫مع انطالقة مجموعة اأ�ستون مارتن في هاكيت‬ .‫يج�سد جوهر هذه ال�سراكة العظيمة‬ ّ ‫بداية الم�سروع اأبدعنا المظهر الذي‬

Luxury British carmaker Aston Martin and menswear retailer Hackett today announced a new, long-term global partnership. In line with the reveal of Aston Martin’s highly anticipated DB11, the first fruits of the new partnership will be revealed when Hackett launches an exclusive capsule collection for Autumn/Winter 2016 entitled ‘Aston Martin by Hackett’.

Hackett’s relationship with Aston Martin stretches back many years through a successful partnership with Aston Martin Racing, the company’s global sportscar racing operation. Building on the foundations of that strong relationship, the Aston Martin by Hackett collection offers an allnew range of luxurious clothing that reflects the coming together of two stylish brands.

Aston Martin’s EVP and Chief Creative Officer, Marek Reichman said: “Starting with the enduringly successful relationship with Hackett via Aston Martin Racing, we were delighted to take the partnership to a whole new level of style with the creation of the Aston Martin by Hackett collection. By bringing together our creative teams from the outset of the project we have created a look that captures the essence of this great partnership.”

102 .

Jeremy Hackett, Chairman and founder of Hackett commented: ”I am very proud of the successful relationship that Hackett has forged with Aston Martin. We are both forward-looking brands with a strong focus on delivering a refined product to a discerning market. Taking the step from uniforms for the race team into a beautiful capsule collection of luxurious clothing has been a pleasure for Hackett and we believe we have created a collection that drives us to the next level in elegance and refinement.”

The luxurious 14-piece Aston Martin by Hackett collection includes outerwear, knitwear, shirts, trousers and accessorises.

Reflecting on the quintessentially British brand values of both Hackett London and Aston Martin, the new collection is innovative, luxurious and the epitome of style.

The Aston Martin by Hackett collection will be available to purchase from 5th September 2016 on www.hackett.com and across global Hackett flagship stores.

‫ «اأنا فخور جد ًا بالعالقة وباعتبارها تعك�س ب�سكل مثالي قيم العالمة التجارية البريطانية لكل من هاكيت‬:‫ رئي�س وموؤ�س�س هاكيت قائال‬،‫بينما ع ّلق جيريمي هاكيت‬ .‫ فاخرة ومثال لالأناقة‬،‫ تُع ّد المجموعة الجديدة مبتكرة‬،‫ ونطمح بتحقيق عالمات تجارية لندن و اأ�ستون مارتن‬.‫الناجحة التي اأقامتها هاكيت مع اأ�ستون مارتن‬ ‫ وقد كان‬.‫ناجحة مع تركيز قوي على اإي�سال اأرقى المنتجات اإلى الأ�سواق المميزة‬ ‫النتقال من الأزياء الر�سمية لفريق ال�سباقات اإلى مجموعة المحفظة الجميلة من �ستكون مجموعة اأ�ستون مارتن في هاكيت متاحة لل�سراء من الخام�س من �سبتمبر‬ .‫ وعبر متاجر هاكيت العالمية الرائدة‬www.hackett.com ‫ على‬2016 ‫المالب�س الفاخرة من دواعي �سرور هاكيت ونعتقد اأننا اأبدعنا مجموعة �ستنقلنا اإلى‬ .‫والرقي‬ ‫الم�ستوى التالي من الأناقة‬ ّ

‫إصدار المجموعة الفاخرة لمحفظة‬

‫أستون مارتن‬ ‫لدى هاكيت‬

‫خالل االحتفال‬ ‫بالشراكة الجديدة‬ . 103

ASTON MARTIN UNVEILS THE

DB11

DB11 IS THE BOLD NEW FIGUREHEAD OF THE ILLUSTRIOUS ‘DB’ BLOODLINE AND AN AUTHENTIC, DYNAMIC SPORTING GT IN THE FINEST ASTON MARTIN TRADITION.

104 .

eralding a new design era for Aston Martin, DB11 is the latest landmark in a remarkable aesthetic journey, one that gave us icons such as the DB2/4, DB5 and, most recently, the DB10 developed specifically for James Bond.

DB11 re-imagines the relationship between form and function with a series of fresh design signatures. Foremost amongst these are the front-hinging clamshell bonnet, distinctive LED headlights and accentuated lines of the iconic Aston Martin grille.

The profile is equally dramatic, thanks to the roof strakes that flow uninterrupted from A-pillar to C-pillar. The clean lines continue at the rear, with a sloping decklid that smoothly blends into boldly sculpted tail-lights to create a new and unmistakable graphic. . 105

‫ فهي اأحدث الإبداعات الفائقة في‬،‫ بحقبة جديدة من الت�سميم‬DB11 ‫تب�سر �سيارة‬ ‫ م�سيرة مرموقة قدمت لنا اأيقونات بارزة في عالم ال�سيارات‬.‫م�سيرة جمالية بارزة‬ ‫ والتي طورت خ�سي�سا‬DB10 ‫ والموديل الأحدث الذي �سدر موؤخر ًا‬DB5 ‫ و‬4/DB2 ‫مثل‬ .‫لجيم�س بوند‬

THE DB10 WAS DEVELOPED SPECIFICALLY FOR JAMES BOND ike every Aston Martin, the heart of the DB11 is found beneath the bonnet, though unlike any Aston Martin before it, the DB11’s heart is a 5.2-litre twin-turbocharged V12.

Designed in-house, this new engine develops 608PS1 (600BHP1) and 700Nm1 of torque, making DB11 the most powerful production DB model ever. Naturally, it’s the most dynamic and most accelerative too, with a top speed of 200mph and a 0-62mph time of just 3.9sec.

Thanks to intelligent bank activation and stop-start technology, that potency is matched by greatly improved efficiency.

106 .

As a true 21st century Aston Martin, the DB11 combines the very latest technology developed in conjunction with technical partner, Daimler, with the finest quality and hand craftsmanship. Using a full-colour 12” TFT LCD display, the all-new instrument cluster presents primary vehicle information with absolute clarity, while a second, centrally-mounted 8” TFT screen is dedicated to infotainment.

Controlled via an intuitive rotary control, with an optional touchpad offering character recognition, multi-touch and gesture support, the new satellite navigation and audio system have never been more effective, sounded better or been easier to operate. A newly implemented autopark assist feature and 360-degree birds-eye view camera helps provide safe manoeuvring at slow speeds and is also operated via the car’s infotainment system.

This is not only the most important car that Aston Martin has launched in recent history, but also in its 103-year existence. The DB11 rightfully places Aston Martin once again as a leading brand in the luxury automotive market. . 107

A MODERN OASIS WELCOMING THE WELL-TRAVELLED TO

THE MOST TIMELESS OF CITIES

R a f fl e s Istanbul, which opened in September 2014, offers a new perspective on a timeless city and is at the heart of the new Zorlu Center, a nextgeneration bazaar where high fashion, performance, fine food and the arts converge.

THIS IS A NEW DESTINATION OVERLOOKING THE BOSPHORUS, WHERE MODERN LUXURY SITS ALONGSIDE HERITAGE AND CULTURE

‫واحة حديثة‬ ‫بمحبي السفر‬ ‫ترحب‬ ّ

‫إلى أكثر المدن‬ ‫عراقة في العالم‬ ً 108 .

On the European side of Istanbul, the hotel has sweeping views over the Bosphorus and the Prince Islands. The 185 rooms and suites all have floor-to-ceiling windows and private balconies. The sleek, modern interiors are embellished with a large collection of contemporary art, much of it specially commissioned from local artists.

The authentic Raffles touch is personified by the legendary Raffles butler service, which currently extends from Singapore to the company’s 12 hotels around the world. The extensive Raffles Spa offers signature treatments by Organic Pharmacy and the outdoor pool has unforgettable views over the Istanbul skyline. . 109

‫ اآفاق ًا جديدة للمدينة العريقة ويقع في قلب مركز‬2014 ‫يوفر رافلز ا�سطنبول الذي افتُتح في ايلول‬ .‫ وهو بازار للجيل الجديد يجمع بين المو�سة والت�سلية والطعام الراقي والفنون‬،‫زورلو الحديث‬ ‫ ارول الذي يديره ال�سيف �سيرجي اأرول الحا�سل على‬،‫وي�سم الفندق اثنين من المطاعم الرائعة‬ ...‫جائزة نجمة مي�سالن في الطبخ و البرا�سيري روكا الذي يتمتع باأذواق البحر الأبي�س المتو�سط‬ .‫ حيث تمتزج الفخامة الع�سرية مع التراث والثقافة‬،‫اإنها وجهة جديدة تطل على م�سيق البو�سفور‬ ‫يقدم رافلز ا�سطنبول مجموعة متنوعة من اأنواع الإقامة وخيارات الطهي لق�ساء وقت خا�س ومرح‬ ‫ �سواء في الداخل اأو على‬، ‫ قد يكون ذلك في مطعم روكا الأنيق والفخم‬...‫مع العائلة والأ�سدقاء‬ .‫ الذي عليك اأن تج ّربه على الأقل مرة واحدة خالل اإقامتك‬،‫ال�سرفة‬ ‫عليك اأي�س ًا اأن ت�ستمتع بتذوق ال�سي�سة في ال�سرفة المخ�س�سة لذلك في مطعم روكا بنكهاتها‬ ‫المختلفة التي تتراوح‬ ‫بين طعم الفواكه‬ ،‫ال�سو�س‬ ‫وعرق‬ ،‫ وال�سيجار‬،‫والع�سل‬ .‫والقرفة اأو الكابت�سينو‬ ‫يطل الفندق من‬ ‫الجانب الأوروبي‬ ‫من ا�سطنبول على‬ ‫البو�سفور وجزيرة‬ ‫ تتمتع جميع‬.‫الأميرات‬ ‫الغرف والأجنحة ال‬ ‫ بنوافذ ممتدة من‬185 he hotel has two fabulous restaurants, Arola by Michelin-starred chef Sergi Arola and Rocca Brasserie with Mediterranean influence. This is a new destination overlooking the Bosphorus, where modern luxury sits alongside heritage and culture.

THE TRADITIONAL CHURRASCO GRILL,

TORO TORO

TORO TORO, THE PAN LATIN AMERICAN RESTAURANT BY CELEBRITY CHEF RICHARD SANDOVAL IN THE GARDENS OF MARSA MALAZ KEMPINSKI, DOHA IS OFFERING GUESTS CONTEMPORARY TASTES FROM BRAZIL, PERU, ARGENTINA, COLOMBIA AND MEXICO, WE SHOULD ALL KNOW BY NOW!

The restaurants stylish interior design with accents of burnt orange on dark charcoal walls and animal motifs, textured natural sculptures and leather furniture is running throughout the ground floor restaurant and the upstairs lounge.

It is indeed a very different approach to deco.

But the outdoor seating is nonetheless magnificent, as it offers an amazing view of the Kempinski Marsa Malaz and is the perfect place to enjoy the cooler months to come.

Toro Toro’s menu features only the finest meats, poultry and seafood. Highly skilled passadores prepare premium cuts of meat at the table before perfectly slicing the meat onto sizzling hot plates, ready to enjoy.

Raffles Istanbul yields a variety of accommodation and culinary choices for a special time that is to be spent in joy with family and friends in the elegant and grand atmosphere of Rocca, either indoors or out on the terrace, also once during your stay.

The Guacamole is, of course, a popular favourite and you will love the Coca Flatbread (Mushroom flatbread with truffle). The Lomo Empanadas are sublime too!

The new Shisha Lounge at the terrace of Rocca is to be enjoyed as it serves various fruity aromas and more unique ones like liquorice, honey, cigar, cinnamon or cappuccino.

‫ اأما الديكورات الداخلية الحديثة والمن ّمقة فت�سم مجموعة‬.‫الأر�س اإلى ال�سقف و�سرفات خا�سة‬ .‫ وكثير منها تم تنفيذه خ�سي�س ًا من قبل الفنانين المحليين‬،‫من الأعمال الفنية المعا�سرة‬ ‫ التي‬،‫ويج�سد رافلز الأ�سطوري لم�سة من الخ�سو�سية من خالل الخدمة الكبيرة المعروفة للخدم‬ ‫ ويقدم‬.‫تمتد حاليا من �سنغافورة الى الفنادق الإثني ع�سر التابعة لل�سركة في جميع اأنحاء العالم‬ ‫ اأما الم�سبح الخارجي في‬...‫منتجع رافلز مجموعة وا�سعة من العالجات المتميزة والع�سوية‬ .‫الهواء الطلق فهو يطل على مناظر رائعة على اأفق ا�سطنبول‬ 110 .

A CHIC REFINED TAKE ON

TUESDAYS @ TORO TORO A night of Pure latin beats in the Lounge & Terrace from 7pm until 1am. Special discounted menu with prices starting in QAR35 the whole night! (That’s even better than happy hour.)

Smart-elegant dress code.

WEDNESDAYS @ TORO TORO Wallstreet Miercoles. Come straight from work and check the board as drinks will be discounted every half an hour from 7.30pm until 12.30pm! . 111

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