CONTENTS Explore the beauty of Greece... Like a local
Cabin Fever There’s a new “Q” in the sky Mr Bond...
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Welcome to the
Shangri-La Villingili
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Ramadhan
Travel Destinations
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Destination
Caribbean
City by Taste
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Abu Dhabi
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EDITOR’S NOTE Welcome to the first issue of Rihaal, the new lifestyle magazine dedicated to showcasing the best of halal friendly travel. We want to inspire you to go further, explore new destinations and make unforgettable memories on the way. Having the means to travel is a gift to be cherished, and we are thrilled to be able to share ideas from some of the best writers, hoteliers and experiences in halal travel. This issue features tips for enjoying Greece like a local from MuslimTravelGirl Elena Nikolova and a roadtrip through little-known Burgundy from The Five Adventurers, plus we’re in conversation with Esra Alhamal about her solo travels. Our cover story delves into the Caribbean from the British Virgin Islands to the Spice Island of Grenada. Believe me, all of this has me itching to pack my suitcase and jump on a plane right now! We also have some of the hottest gadgets, fashion and tips for staying healthy while on the move. I’d love to know what you think, so drop me a line at asmaa@serendipity.travel. And remember: live happy, travel happy!
CONTRIBUTORS Elena Nikolova
Farah Ahmed
Elena is an international speaker, author and the editor of MuslimTravelGirl.com, the largest Western Muslim-friendly travel site for Muslim millennials. She has over a decade of marketing and branding experience in the corporate world and is a regular contributor to various international media outlets and magazines on Halal travel. As an influencer, her goal is to enhance future opportunities for Muslim travellers to travel and explore the world and be confident in their Muslim identity.
Dr Farah Ahmed qualified from Cardiff University and subsequently went on to work in various hospitals in South Wales, the Midlands and London. She currently practices as a GP in West London.
Find out more about Elena
She co-authored the book ‘Coping with PMS’ which was featured on ITV’s Loose Women and has also written for various publications including Vogue, Top Sante, Heat and Asiana. Find out more about Farah
Nisbah Hussain
Nabeel Shariff
Nisbah is a lawyer and financial advisor by trade, but after the arrival of her little adventurers she gave up her corporate career and chose to travel the world with her children. Nisbah’s award winning blog, Five Adventurers, showcases the best in family travel as the family embark on making the world their classroom.
Nabeel is the founder of UKbased Serendipity Tailormade and its sister brand, Luxury Halal Travel. With a vision of putting the romance back into travel, he brings experience to a brand that has made innovative strides in the halal travel sector. His travels have taken him from Easter Island to Nikoi Island and a fair chunk in between, and he has collected plenty of stories along the way. Listed in the Islamica 500 as one of the most influential Muslims in the global economy, Nabeel hopes to make travel accessible to future generations and beyond.
Find out more about Nisbah
Find out more about Nabeel
Editorial Susannah Willett
Creative Director Simon Clements - SC23 Creative
This edition, we’re heading down under featuring the super talented Marryam Lum. Marryam is a commercial lifestyle photographer and brush letterer from Adelaide, South Australia, who loves to travel on adventures with her husband and three young sons. She is always looking to experience something new, within the beautiful country of Australia as well as elsewhere. She is most at home when relaxing near the South Australian coastline, or wandering the streets of a different city on the other side of the world. Here, she shows her relaxed side starring out over the streets of Lisbon. For more of Marryam’s work, head to www.marryamlum.com.au & www.lifeofmyheart.com.au and be sure to follow her on Instagram
lifeofmyheart
HANGER ONE
US Travel Impact Since January this year, travel to the US has become an increasingly topical affair. From the initial ban of seven countries (now reduced to six) entering the USA by the new Trump administration, to the security flight risk assessment of large electronic devices from selected Middle Eastern and North African destinations, the world of travel has had to deal with a new development on an almost weekly basis. However one airline has taken the inconveniences to a satirical level and Royal Jordanian’s marketing bods are certainly making the best of the situation. From a top 12 things to do on a flight to the US without your laptop, to a new competition encouraging budding poets to write their very own #Electronicsban poem, humor is the best remedy, isn’t it?
Dubai Parks DXB Entertainments, the Dubai-based leisure and entertainment company, and Merlin Entertainments Group, one of the world’s leading theme park and attraction operators, are bringing the first LEGOLAND® Hotel to the Middle East. The ultimate family-fun hotel will open at Dubai Parks and Resorts, the Middle East’s largest integrated theme park destination. The hotel will be located adjacent to the existing LEGOLAND® Dubai theme park. Every room will have LEGO models and theming for guests to continue their LEGOLAND Park adventure into the evening. From the disco elevator to the Castle Play Area, LEGOLAND designers have integrated LEGO storylines for every guest to create a memorable adventure. The LEGOLAND Dubai Hotel will be the second hotel at Dubai Parks and Resorts, offering a convenient base for families to stay and enjoy several days’ worth of amazing entertainment, all within walking distance of the Park. LEGOLAND Dubai has more than 40 interactive rides and attractions, and LEGOLAND® Water Park has 20 slides and attractions and is the region’s first water park specially designed for families with children ages 2-12. For more information visit http://dubaiparksandresorts.com
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Yas Viceroy Abu Dhabi Generation V has landed at the Yas Viceroy with a 335m2 state of the art indoor kids zone that’s been carefully designed to boost creativity, encouraging younger guests to let their imagination run wild. The kids’ zone is supervised by a team of highly trained staff and features a soft play area, play houses, sound tubes, reading and quiet play as well as visual entertainment such as PlayStation centres. In-house guests can use Generation V free of charge, for up to two hours per day per child.
Japan’s luxury train experience Rail travel in Japan will reach new heights of luxury in 2017 with the launch of new cruise trains by JR East and JR West. Twilight Express Mizukaze, operated by JR West, will journey through the traditional and unspoiled Japanese landscape of West Japan from Kyoto to the beautiful natural scenery of the Sea of Japan. The 10 car trains will feature exquisite haute cuisine by top-class chefs, sophisticated rail cars, and charming sights along the route together with art deco meets 21st century-style. They will include a dining car, a lounge car, six sleeper cars and the two sightseeing cars, which come complete with outdoor viewing platforms on the ends. Mizukaze will have a capacity of 30 passengers. From JR East, ‘Train Suite Shiki-Shima’ will offer luxury journeys departing from Tokyo’s Ueno station through the north-eastern region of Tohoku and up into Hokkaido. Train Suite Shiki-Shima will offer a prime view of Japan’s rich, beautiful natural scenery, and the local arts, crafts and foods of each region and the unique culture that permeates Japanese people’s daily lives. Train Suite Shiki-Shima (meaning ‘Island of four seasons’) will be made up of 10 cars, with the highest-grade suite on the train having a bath made of Japanese cypress. Fares for the 4 day/3 night & 2 day/1night train cruises will start from 320,000 yen (£1,979) per person.
Turtle Rescue Centre The Coco Collection has announced the inauguration of the first Turtle Rescue Centre located at Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu. Affiliated to the Olive Ridley Project, the sanctuary, aims to protect sea turtles and their habitats in Maldives. Martin Stelfox, the founder of Olive Ridley Project, declared with the occasion: “Coco Collection has been on board with us from day one, and we are delighted to open the first Olive Ridley Project Marine Turtle Rescue Centre at Coco Palm. From the beginning, guests and partners of Coco Collection have been supporting the project with generous donations during their stay. Besides the marine wildlife conservation programs, Coco Collection continuously raises awareness on good environmental practices, and is a great way for the next generations to learn about the wonderful marine life in the region.”
Anantara Zanzibar Already operating dozens of resorts worldwide,Anantara have recently announced that they will be adding another resort to their family. Expected to open in 2020, Anantara Zanzibar Resort, a luxury waterfront getaway, will occupy in excess of 1,000 hectares of prime Indian Ocean coastline in the north east of Zanzibar. The Anantara Zanzibar Resort will blend contemporary lifestyle aspirations with premium hospitality and world-class facilities. Guests can expect 100 guest rooms, 50 one and two-bedroom pool villas and access to the Zanzibar Amber Resort. The Anantara Spa & wellness centre, a gym, a kid’s and a teen’s club will also be featured. Three restaurants will be available for fine dining, while there are plans to introduce marine life and coral to restore and recreate a reef ecosystem.
Emirates announces A380 service to the French Riviera Emirates announced today the launch of a daily A380 service to Nice, gateway to the French Riviera and Provence. The daily A380 service will start on 1st July 2017, just in time for the beginning of the summer holiday season. After Paris, Nice becomes Emirates’ second destination in France to welcome the iconic double decker, further stimulating demand for travel to the region. As part of its commitment to offering the best travel experience to its passengers, Emirates is working with Monacair to offer helicopter transfers between Nice Airport and Monaco, including a limousine service from Monaco’s heliport to their final destination. The service will be complimentary to First Class passengers, €79 per passenger for Business Class and €109 per passenger for Economy Class.
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The Tin Mal mosque is etched in Berber history, dating back to around 1125 when Ibn Toumert began construction. It was completed 29 years later by Abd El Moumen, marking the start of the Almohad dynasty. The fort-like building has seen many conquests, with visitors including Ibn Khaldun, who found Quranic teachers influenced by the spiritual teachings of Ibn Toumert over 200 years later. Located a two hour drive south of Marrakech, the mosque is well worth a visit when exploring the High Atlas mountains of Morocco.
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We sat down with the effervescent Esra to discuss all things travel, food and fashion. Here’s her take on how to get the best out of your next voyage.
Rihaal: Looking at your website, (which is great!) I see you’ve done a lot of travelling. What inspired you to travel in the first place? Thank you! The main reason was obtaining a scholarship to study abroad from the Ministry of Higher Education in Saudi Arabia. I didn’t start travelling for fun until I started doing my postgraduate degree though. I love the fact that travel opens new doors. The more I do it, the more I want to do it! My favourite activity is planning my travels. Rihaal: What advice can you offer to female Muslim travellers that are hoping to travel solo? What was it like travelling alone for the first time, and how did you prepare yourself for the trip? The ability to travel is so powerful and empowering. Muslim women specifically should really go for it. I would say research the place you are heading to really well, read about the neighbourhoods you plan to stay in and check out relevant reviews. I lived in the US and the UK on my own for years, and my first solo trip I did in Europe was to Spain and in Asia was Sri Lanka. I even book my transport online if I am able to. For instance, before I went to Croatia, I booked all the buses I wanted to take and printed all my tickets. Rihaal: Looking at your site I can see you’re a lover of fashion. Do you have any personal brands or favourite stores you like to shop at? Also, what style do you like to go for when travelling? I do like to dress in comfy and stylish outfits. I like the usual stores such as Zara, Mango, H&M and Koton. I like to be comfortable when I am travelling whether it’s hot or cold. My style is very much dependent on the weather. If it’s a hot country, I try to pack really light maxi
dresses and jumpsuits with the lightest possible cardigans. If it’s cold, I have to take my thermals, boots and a warm coat. There is a fashion tab on my blog for some hijab outfit ideas. Rihaal: Out of all the destinations you’ve travelled to, which one was your favourite and why? What made it extra special? That’s a hard question as I’ve liked every place I visited. There is something different and unique about each one. I really loved Iran, where the architecture was fascinating. It’s the only country that I don’t think I will tire from visiting. The people are so welcoming and full of love and every time I go, I get a different experience. I also really enjoyed Bosnia much more than I thought. The nature was stunning and the selection of halal food there was delicious.
Rihaal: What are the five most important things you pack when you travel (other than money and passport)? Firstly, my cameras! I cannot go anywhere without them and the memory cards. That said, I always freak out about packing my chargers and extra batteries, as I really don’t want to get stuck without juice. Thirdly, a very comfortable pair of walking shoes, which I would probably wear the whole trip. Then, liquid eyeliner! Most of my makeup disappears and the eyeliner is the only thing that remains; it makes such a difference. Finally, tea…I love my tea in the morning and most places don’t have the proper tea I love. Rihaal: What’s one of the favourite dishes or cuisines you’ve tried while travelling?
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That’s another hard one. I really love food (well all the ones I am allowed to eat!). I liked the mini kababs in Bosnia known as Cevapi. I also love the Turkish cheese Kunafa. My favourite thing to do when travelling is trying the local cuisine and discovering new favourites. Rihaal: What is the strangest experience you’ve had during your travels? I had my passport stolen by monkeys in Sri Lanka! It was very traumatic and I had it documented on my Snapchat minute by minute. Basically, I didn’t lock my balcony in the last fancy hotel I stayed in and they got in looking for food. They opened my backpack and helped themselves to everything edible and otherwise, trashed my room and when I came back I saw four cheeky monkeys in the balcony. My biggest scare was the memory cards of the trips records when I saw them biting on something shinny. Thankfully, it turns out that was my necklace which they dropped and I never saw again. I was looking in my bag to see what else they took when I realised my passport was gone and I panicked! I even called the Saudi Arabian embassy in Sri Lanka who sounded really confused that I was alone. Thankfully, after half an hour of searching the gardens under my room the workmen found it. It all sounds so funny now, but it wasn’t fun when I was going through it. There is a video of this on my YouTube channel if anyone wants to see how my panicked face looked! Rihaal: If we could give you a return ticket to anywhere in the world, where would you go and why? There are so many places I look forward to visiting such as Iceland, South Africa, Mexico, New Zealand, Indonesia, Nepal, Uzbekistan, Russia and the rest of the world. Each of those countries is full of history, nature or both. I have only been to 21 countries and that’s not even 10% of the world. We are blessed with a beautiful planet and I look forward to exploring most of it.
www.designeresra.com designeresra
Explore the beauty of Greece
Like a local... Elena Nikolova
When you first think of Greece, what’s the first thing that springs to mind? Philosophy, ancient history, the colour blue and zorbas, right?
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Don’t get me wrong. All of the above are totally valid, but Greece is so much more than that. A country with thousands of years of history, located at the crossroads of East and West, Greece has so much more to offer to its visitors than a clichéd experience, and today I want to take you on a journey of the best places to visit and some tips for a truly local experience. One of the questions I receive from Muslims planning to travel to Greece is ‘How Muslim-friendly is it?’ In one short sentence I always say: very! Greeks are super hospitable so even if they don’t agree with the choice of your attire, they will never express it directly to you. If you’re worried about travel bans or disapproving glances or even being forbidden from certain places, then rest assured this isn’t the case in Greece.
Every trip to Greece should start with the capital, Athens, which has always been a mustvisit destination for visitors What Greece is really good at, however, is tourism, so no matter where you go it’s in their blood to treat you kindly and with respect. The country is beautiful and they
certainly want to showcase it in the best light possible. With many low cost airlines and charter options available from Europe and the rest of the world, there is no better time to visit Greece than now, and for a truly amazing experience I highly recommend visiting the following places. Every trip to Greece should start with the capital, Athens, which has always been a must-visit destination for visitors. Even though the recent economic crisis has affected the lives of the locals in this historical and beautiful city, it is one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations and attracts millions of visitors each year.
The unsurpassed history and the contribution of the many philosophers who thrived there during ancient times still have a huge impact on our lives, even today. Perhaps the most interesting fact about Athens is that it is one of the oldest cities in the world, with records dating back over 3,000 years. Athens is widely known as the cradle of the Western Civilisation as it contributed to the development of theatre, philosophy and democracy. Throughout the country’s history, Athens has played a major role in almost every political and political event, and your trip to this stunning city will only re-affirm that. Once you have explored Athens, I would highly recommend renting a car and driving up to the breath-taking Metéora monasteries. This one is an unusual recommendation for a Muslim-friendly experience, but after all we are talking about unique experiences here. Metéora is truly inspiring and has a sensational setting of overwhelming rock formations, but is so much much more than an exquisite landscape; it is also a pilgrimage site for Christians from around the world and a true testament to human willpower. Metéora has become a preservation ark for the 2000-year-old Christian Orthodox church and millions of visitors of all faiths make the trip to this awe inspiring location to admire nature and humanity every year. Small monk
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have spent a day or two in Metéora and Kalabaka, the nearest town, area you can drive back to Athens return your car and start your trip to the famous blue waters of the Aegean. sanctuaries have been carved into the stones and for years monks have been living there, transporting food and other necessities via an ingenious pulley system and climbing the rocks to reach their sanctuary. For me, a trip to Metéora is a once in a lifetime experience like no other and, no matter your faith, it is not difficult to admire the ingenuity of the monks and the natural beauty of the landscape. Once you
My recommendation for a truly local experience is to take a ferry from Piraeus port to one of my favourite destinations in the country, the small island of Sifnos, which has breath-taking views and unspoiled natural beauty. The whole island is a mere 73 square meters and you can drive from one side to the other in less than 30 minutes, but the crowning glory is undoubtedly the view from the top of the mountain. I truly love the beautiful natural
View of Acropolis in Athens
scenery and the peace this location offers. Unlike some other Greek islands, here you can truly relax and enjoy fresh food and local authentic hospitality. If you’re more adventurous, I would highly recommend renting a scooter or bike to explore the island, as you’ll be able to go “off road” for the best views of the island and the Aegean Sea. Of course, for a family, hiring a car will be the best and safest option. After you have visited Sifnos you can take a ferry to the most famous Greek island of all, Santorini. I know you were dying for a recommendation to visit Santorini and enjoy the view of the caldera. After all, who wouldn’t like to visit an active volcano? During the summer there are several ferries connecting Sifnos with Santorini and they only take 2.5 hours to reach this truly stunning island. The island of Santorini is what remains after an enormous volcanic eruption in the 16th century that destroyed the earliest settlements around the island, including the Minoan civilization in Crete. Today, it has created the geological caldera (crater); a giant central rectangular lagoon, which is surrounded by 300m high steep cliffs on three sides. Santorini is the best place to enjoy the most stunning sunset views and, of course, take flawless photos. It has a naturally stunning red beach, giving visitors a glimpse of the volcanic rock formations that have been created throughout the years. There are plenty of hotels from where to enjoy views of the caldera as well as the rest of the beautiful island.
You can also rent a car to explore further inland or you can use public transport, although be aware that you might have to wait in the summer heat for the bus to arrive. On your return from Santorini, you have the option of direct flights back to Athens or further afield, or the ferry back to Piraeus and onwards to of the other famous islands including Paros and Mykonos. No matter where you go, I can guarantee you that Greece will offer you an amazing hospitable experience like no other. Plus, you might be lucky enough to pick up some Zorba dance moves and Greek words while in the country. Here is one for you to start: Pame ellada (Let’s visit Greece!)
Local Tips for
Enjoying Greece Halal Food Options Athens is a big city and halal isn’t a problem. There is a large immigrant community in Athens and some places in the city centre serve halal food. Many, however, cannot be found online! A really good halal restaurant in Athens is Aladdin Kebab House, where Turkish and Middle Eastern food is served. [Avenue Amfitheas 104 & Areos 88 Palaio Faliro (aladdinkebap.gr/en)]. While there, make sure you try authentic Greek souvlaki. On the islands halal food is not as widely available, but if you are happy to eat fish you’ll be just fine. The Mediterranean diet is healthy and light and offers delicious meals with fresh vegetables and fresh fish and seafood, so you will definitely won’t miss out on meat!
Prayer Facilities Greece is majority Christian country and while you will not have a problem finding a church on every corner, unfortunately the same cannot be said about a mosque or interfaith facility. In Athens there are still discussions for a large mosque but until this is completed you can visit the the two unofficial mosques: Al Salam Mosque on Galaxia 9 and the Athinais Cultural Centre on Kastorias. Prayer options are much more limited inland or on the islands. Although there are no facilities, locals are always happy to accommodate you if you need to pray outside somewhere; just ask for a quiet place. One of my favourite things to do while out and about in Greece is to actually carry my travel prayer mat and just pray in nature. There is no better place to connect and admire what Allah (SWT) has created for us. Imagine all the places testifying on the day of Judgment about you praying there!
Public Transport The best way to explore Athens is on foot or by public transport. You can use the metro where a ticket costs a mere €1.5 for 90-minute trip across all modes of transport. If you are travelling inland, you can either rent a car for convenience and flexibility or you can use the train and coach services, both of which are cheap and reliable. Please note that if you are driving to Metéora from Athens you will go through tolls so keep some coins to hand. Exploring the islands, especially during the summer, is best by local ferries and speedboats, as only major islands have airports. Ferries are used by locals and tourists alike since they are affordable and give you the opportunity to sightsee other islands and locations before reaching your destination. There are several companies and ferries daily from Pireaus to the biggest and most popular Greek islands. You can find ferry timetables at greekferries.gr
Cabin Fever There’s a new “Q” in the sky, Mr Bond...
Nabeel Shariff atar Airways is about to change the landscape of the business class flying experience with the introduction of QSuites. Branding their latest product as “First in Business” this probably heralds the death stroke of the three class cabin. Do not for one minute think the QSuites are only suitable for windsor collared business folk; they look to offer a wide range of travellers comfort in the air thanks to some slick innovative features.
Qatar Airways will equip their newly delivered B777 and A350s with the new cabin interior, whilst aggressively retrofitting aircrafts in current operation. So will QSuites offer that little bit more than other premium cabins? When it comes to stretching your pound or dollar per mile, we think it’s going to give you serious bang, for your buck. Qatar Airways QSuite will offer ambient mood lighting, lie flat beds and closed door privacy. So far, so good. The cabins are designed in the quintessential colours of burgundy and gold, providing a sleek yet sophisticated look that blends in perfectly with the Qatar Airlines original insignia. The suites introduce a 1-2-1 layout, and all middle seats which are joined together can be made into a double bed. This is where it get’s interesting and for once you’re going to want to say no to the window seats (unless you are travelling alone). This makes it perfect for couples, and those travelling with young ones who want to get the little ones off to sleep pronto.
Imagine; you can literally have your three year old fall asleep in your arms 30 minutes into the flight whilst reading the Gruffalo. Genius! The closed door privacy facility also comes with a ‘do not disturb’ sign, perfect for when an extra half hour sleep is needed during the breakfast rounds before landing.
For those seated in the middle rows, this is where it gets more Quinjet than business class
For those seated in the middle rows, this is where it gets futuristic like a Quinjet than run of the mill business class. Here, the QSuites offer quad-configuration, giving those travelling in groups of four the chance to interact and enjoy the flight together. Families can enjoy dinner together in comfort, with rows facing each other, while those travelling with colleagues can discuss “very important things” at a round table despite being a few thousand feet in the air. The QSuites also comes with NFC capabilities (start thinking Apple Pay in the sky) to go along with the onboard Wi-Fi already on many Qatar Airways flights. A whole range of entertainment is available for those travelling in QSuites, with super wide screens ready to slide around if needed and provide you with the ultimate movie marathon. Delicious signature dishes cooked by the airline’s best chefs will be served to guests, with a newly designed selection from which to choose. The suites also come with first class complementary products which are more than handy for a long haul flight.
The first anticipated flight with the new QSuite product will be from Doha to London Heathrow this June, with Paris and New York following shortly after.
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For more information visit www.qatarairways.com
Travel Accessories ou’ve booked your ticket, made your travel arrangements, and are now excitedly waiting for your holiday to begin. Going on holiday is always an exciting time. Whether you’re travelling alone, with family or with friends, a holiday is the perfect time to unwind, reminisce and bond. While your holiday will likely be full of adventurous activities and days of exploring and discovery, there are a few travel items that you’ll need to consider taking with you for your much awaited trip. Making sure you have the necessary travel accessories is a must. Not only will you need a variety of items to help keep you occupied and comfortable during your travels, but you may also find these items come in handy once you’ve reached your destination. Before flying out or starting your journey, make sure you’re well prepared. Remember, you’ll be away from your home for a week or two, maybe more, and you’ll be limited compared to what you’d normally use on a daily basis. Making sure you pack the very essentials is just as important as making sure you have your travel documents on you. Pack wisely and always consider whether there’s a weight limit you need to stick to.
Peace & quiet
Keep entertained
Noise cancelling headphones or earplugs
Laptop, iPad, Tablet, Kindle
Airplanes can be awfully noisy! Apart from the plane itself making noise, you’ll probably be seated and surrounded by hundreds of people that may not be so considerate of their noise level. Noise cancelling headphones and earplugs are a must if you want to relax and get some shuteye. Being able to block out the noise around you will be a big help if you want to relax and watch a movie or listen to some music. You’ll also find it much easier to sleep without the extra noise of the plane and people chatting.
Keep comfortable Neck pillow and eye mask Some people may find it a nuisance having to carry a neck pillow around with them, but that annoying bulky pillow will be a definite lifesaver if you’re going to be stuck on the plane for hours on end. Also try using an eye mask, as blocking out the lights is always a major help when trying to catch some sleep. Once you’ve found the perfect sleeping position with your neck pillow, pull the eye mask down and skip through the long flight hours with a good nap.
If you’re on a long flight, your seat should come with its own small TV where you can enjoy the in-flight movies, games and music. However, there’s no harm in packing a good book, (or two!) your tablet or laptop filled with movies and things to do, or any other form of entertainment suitable for the flight. Make sure any gadgets you have are fully charged before boarding the flight, and have a power bank ready in case you need the extra battery.
Stay organised Travel packing organizers While you’ll have your carry-on bag with you throughout your journey, one of the most annoying moments is when you urgently need something and you have no idea where you packed it. The best way to prevent this is by investing in travel organizers to keep things neatly in place. You can also add labels to make searching even easier. This is a great luggage addition for those travellers with young children or large families, or if you’re simply looking to have a stress-free flight.
Safety first Luggage locks Never have to worry about your personal belongings again. While most luggage sets come with a standard lock, why not be one step ahead and purchase a sturdier luggage lock? There are so many different types of locks available, with more than enough well known and tested brands to help you make your decision. It’s always best to be safe than sorry, and we highly recommend you take the extra measures at looking after your luggage.
Keep your feet warm Fluffy slippers or comfortable slip-ons Ugg Fluffy Flip Flops are perfect for those moments when you just want to feel cosy and at home. You would think they were better for the snow rooms, but designed for both hot and cold climates with their soft, fluffy feel and temperature-regulating moisture-wicking properties, these slippers aren’t just for the home thanks to a flexible rubber outsole. Keeping your feet warm and comfortable can also help reduce swelling and cramps that are a known problem for those travelling on a plane for long hours.
Protect your passport Passport Cover The Aspinal of London passport cover was awarded “Best Quality” by the Sunday Telegraph. Each Aspinal Plain Passport Cover is individually handmade from the finest Turquoise lizard print Italian calf leather, lined in moire silk and finished with a contrast grosgrain ribbon marker. The front cover is embossed with “PASSPORT” and there’s a handy inside pocket for storing your boarding pass. You can even personalise your wallet with your initials!
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welcome to the
Shangri-La Villingili he Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort & Spa, located in breath taking blue azure waters, is the only Maldivian resort located south of the equator in the Addu Atoll. The 70minute flight from Malé Airport whisks you away to your Robinson Crusoe escape where you can disconnect, recharge and replenish your mind and body in one of the most wonderful locations in the world. The island stretches nearly two kilometres from east to west, which is unusually expansive for the Maldives. The relatively large size aside, the island still maintains a certain intimacy with features unique to the resort, and the quirky additions on the island simply add to its charm. For instance, it houses the highest point in the Maldives at just over 5m above sea level. Even more amazing still, the next land mass south of the island is, well…... Antarctica!
The Villas When it comes to somewhere to call home for the next week, you’re simply spoilt for choice. Our favourite abode is the Treehouse Villa, one of the only places in the Maldives where we can recall having cleverly designed privacy in tune with the natural surroundings, not forgetting those turquoise blue views. Perched on stilts, the villas offer over 230 square metres of space, a generously sized pool and all the mod cons you expect inside. A dedicated villa host, intimate oval bathtub and bespoke pillow menu provide the lovely touches to make your stay extra special.
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Palette pleasers When it comes to dining, the island has three sumptuous options to sample during your stay. You can of, course, dine in the privacy of your villa, or head to one of the three restaurants for unique experiences including Jaavu (international fusion, steak and seafood) and Fashala (Modern Mediterranean ), with all the restaurants providing halal dining options. Dr Ali’s is an exceptional restaurant laden with Eastern sophistication that pays tribute to a much-loved Maldivian doctor. Dr Ali delighted everyone with his wonderfully woven nature stories and enticing recipes, and, from 1850 to 1900 he travelled across East Asia and the Middle East as a seafarer aboard the Yahumbarra. His journeys took him to diverse destinations including Burma, South China and Vietnam, where he collected exotic ingredients from his encounters with other travellers, and before long, these herbs and spices were fused creatively into his delicious, magical recipes. Today, Dr Ali’s creates masterpieces of simple, fresh and innovative cuisine from tangy Vietnamese favourites to tandoori classics, masterfully prepared and presented in elegant oriental settings.
Explore Quite possibly one of the most scenic courses anywhere in the world, the nine-hole golf course is the only one of its kind in the Maldives. Designed for the enjoyment of beginners and seasoned golfers, each holes lies alongside the shoreline so a slice here or a draw there and you’re in the drink! With the island blessed with trails and tracks, you can lose yourself in 12 hectares of lush foliage, towering banyan trees, 17,000 coconut palms, 45 species of plants and 3 natural lagoons by foot or by bicycle. You can even head out into the local islands, connected by a 17-kilometre road, the longest in Maldives. Set out with a picnic basket and discover the fascinating lifestyle and culture of untouched Maldivian villages, or stop at a quaint coffee shop to chat with the locals.
Detox CHI, the spa at Shangri-La, is a secluded sanctuary located in its own spa village within the resort, with spacious individual treatment villas offering “spa-within-a-spa” environments. The spa menu offers a selection of Asian massages and Indian Ayurvedic treatments, alongside locally inspired treatments and specific well-being programmes. In traditional Chinese philosophy, ch’i or “Qi” is the universal life force that governs well-being and personal vitality. For good health to be maintained, it is believed that ch’i must flow freely within the body. Body massage, exercise, stretching, hydrotherapy, and movement of the mind through relaxation and meditation combine to assist the body’s natural renewal and form the basis of the CHI spa philosophy.
Stay at the Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort & Spa start from £3299pp in a Pool Villa or £4150pp in a Treehouse Villa. Prices include seven nights’ accommodation, daily breakfast and dinner, return domestic flights and speedboat transfers from Malé Airport. For more information, visit www.luxuryhalaltravel.com or contact 0044 203 397 4397.
eeping cool while it’s hot can be difficult when you wear a hijab, or even if you don’t! We’ve got the lowdown on the best fabrics and items to consider when you’re feeling the heat but want to look super cool.
Palazzo pants Palazzo pants have enjoyed something of a resurgence in recent years, and with good reason too. They’re elegant, flowing and, if you choose the right material, will keep you cool when the days heat up. London-based Inayah have a range of stylish, modest trousers that can be paired with loose, long sleeved tops for effortless style.
From: £45.00 at Inayah
Sunglasses Protecting yourself from the sun’s rays is important as UVA and UVB waves and can cause long-term, irreparable damage to your eyes and your skin. If you don’t wear a hijab, consider a cool fedora with a floppy brim to keep your peepers in the shade. If you do wear a hijab and don’t want extras layers, invest in a funky pair of sunglasses with 100% UVA and UVB protection like these vintage-style ones from Dolce & Gabbana. We promise you’ll look a million dollars!
From: £184.00 at the Sunglass Hut
Hand fans Although not strictly a fashion item, we wouldn’t dare venture outside without our trusty hand-fans. Whether you’re sweltering on public transport or soaking up rays on the beach, consider picking up a low-tech but high-impact accessory to help keep you cool. With masses on eBay and Amazon, they’re pretty easy to find and with so many fresh and funky designs from which to choose, there’s no risk of looking like an aunty (yes, we know what you’re thinking!). Olé!
Maxi dresses When its baking outside the trick is to wear as few layers as possible, and remember that lighter colours reflect the heat away. We are in love with this elegant dress by Hana Tajima for Uniqlo which will keep you cool long into the warm summer evenings. Pair it with a light scarf and colourful wedge heels for funkyday-to-night look.
From: £49.90 at Uniqlo
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@theislandhijabi Fun on the beach in the beautiful twin islands of Trinidad & Tobago W.I. Exploring Mayaro Beach on the East Coast of Trinidad. #beachday #islandlife #islandgirl Location: Trinidad & Tobago
@hkh_foodie Muhammad Ali Mosque is BEAUTIFUL mashAllah - daily tours available and all are welcome. You HAVE to visit #egypt #muslimtravelers #cairo Location: Cairo, Egypt
@hijabiglobetrotter If opportunity doesn’t knock, build a door – Milton Berle #solotraveler #sheisnotlost Location: Real Alcazar, Sevilla
INSTAGRAM TAKEOVER From wedding photos in Tokyo to reflective moments in Granada, here are eight inspiring Muslim Instgrammers to follow this year. @themuslimgent I’m a second year medical student from Texas, who founded Alpha Lambda Mu, the nation’s first Muslim fraternity and themuslimgent, dedicated to exploring masculinity in Islam. #themuslimgent Location: Bay Area, San Francisco
@muslimtravelers Take that, France! Muslim girls in burkinis can still catch some waves! #burkiniban Location: Bali
@muslimahtokyo We are Muslim in Tokyo, Japan and we are proud of it. Thank you Allah for everything. May Allah ease pass of Muslims around the world. #malaywedding #japanesewedding @shibuyacrossing
@ibnbattuta1988 The blue city of Chefchaouen #bluepearlofmorocco #blue #steps Location: Morocco
@thehijabisabroad Enjoy love, Travel Often, Exchange good energy @aissworld #wanderlust Location: Pasumpahan Island, Indonesia
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Destination
Caribbean By Nabeel Shariff
’m going to show my age a little here, but do you remember the Test Match Special theme tune on the BBC in the 70’s and 80’s? You know, the melody of steel pans with the backdrop of Viv Richards pummeling another six to the boundary? I’m sure it’s reverberating in your subconscious, so here’s a fact for you: that celebrated tune was recorded by Booker T. & the M.Gs in 1968 on their album Soul Limbo, and some say it marked the start of an era when the West Indies came to prominence through the world of sporting greatness.
This rhythmic collection of notes was on repeat in my head while my soul was on its way to heaven listening to Stephen Almandoz, the curator at the Queens Park Oval in Port of Spain, Trinidad. Like the Great Wall to China, cricket belongs to the Caribbean, and it’s here I start my journey across several unique, stunning and colourful islands. Stephen’s recollections are as much a part of the institute as he is, recalling some of the greatest feats in cricketing history. His personal letter from the legendary Don Bradman was enough to tell me this guy has seen and lived the sport. Throughout our journey, I found the people of the Caribbean to be just that, living personifications of the islands they proudly belong to, each revealing a fervent love for their home.
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As we set sail on the immense MSC Poesia cruise ship, we headed north to the Spice Island of Grenada. The deep harbour in St George’s meant we could dock right in the town, stepping into a collection of brightly coloured houses and streets set on dizzying steep slopes. Fortuitously for us, the island was preparing to celebrate 43 years of independence from being a British colony and so the town was festooned with colour flags and decorations, lending a carnival-like atmosphere. Following the windy roads to the west of the island, we had a fascinating insight into the production of chocolate, very much in the style of Willy Wonka. Cocoa production is one of the island’s main exports, along with nutmeg, and the quality is second to none. I only wished we were here in May to partake the annual Chocolate Festival.
Throughout our journey, I found the people of the Caribbean to be just that, living personifications of the islands they proudly belong to, each revealing a fervent love for their home
The beauty of a trip on the seas is that sailing voids the drudgery of checking in for a flight, collecting luggage, waiting for a taxi and so on. Like Lupe Fiasco, you fall asleep in Paris and wake up in Tokyo, but in this case it’s more like falling asleep in one paradise island and waking up in another. The next morning, we were in Guadeloupe, or what I like to call France in the sun.
There must be something in the water there, as the island has produced sporting legends including Thierry Henry, Lilian Thuram and Teddy Riner. If the French know about this place, why aren’t they all living here? It’s lush, green and has wonderful beaches, yet the infrastructure and even road signs make you feel as though you’ve stepped into a Paris suburb.
Sunset over Anse Champagne beach in Saint Francois, Guadeloupe
Diving in Grenada
By far one of the most developed islands in the Caribbean, Guadeloupe is an enclave of modernity. The roads are smooth, multi-national brands dot the city and everyone uses the Euro. As a UK citizen, I’m a little heartbroken I didn’t take advantage of my EU membership prior to the shambles of Brexit to move here myself. The two islands of Grande Terre and Basse Terre form a butterfly shape, with its abdomen a short stretch of land connecting the two. From rainforests to volcanoes, Guadeloupe ranks alongside Martinique and Dominica for outstanding natural beauty. I just wish we had a little longer to explore with our dreadlocked friend, Ruddy. Heading north, we spent the next few days docking in the diverse island of Saint Martin/Sint Maarten (the French and Dutch sides respectively), St. Kitts and as La Romana in the Dominican Republic. I mentioned the Caribbean was visually memorable and our next stop proved to the most remarkable of all; the British Virgin Islands. With the four main islands of Virgin Gorda, Tortola, Jost Van Dyke and Anegada, as well as fifty smaller isles, the British Virgin Islands, or BVI for short, is one of the best places to drop anchor. Paradoxically, it’s best to raise anchor again, albeit on a much smaller vessel to speed around the islets to get under the surface, literally. The crystal clear waters were simply mesmerising and from the marine life just off Scrub Island to the white sandy beaches of Loblolly Bay, you could spend days just finding another piece of isolated heaven on earth in BVI. If you’re lucky enough to visit, make sure you head under the water to take a peek at the seabed from the shallows near The Baths at Virgin Gorda or discover the 19th century wreck of the RMS Rhone. Southeast of BVI, one of the Caribbean’s most frequented islands, alongside Barbados, is Antigua, a haven for sun seekers. With resorts lining the coast, the island itself is a neat 21km wide, and is home to 365 beaches, one for each day of the year. My favourite was probably Darkwood Beach (it’s a complete contrast to its name), as the cove invites the sea to the lap against the white sandy beach. By this point, the end of my sailing adventure was over another
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burnt orange horizon, and there was only island left before having to head home; St. Lucia. Home to the giant Pitons, the islands most dominating feature, St. Lucia felt different to the rest of the Caribbean. It has a beautiful coastline, like most of the islands, but offers more than just beaches. It may have been the hummingbirds at the Diamond Falls Botanical Gardens which emphasised the stereotypes I had of the Caribbean, or maybe the home flavours of fried plantain and saltfish I’ve only ever enjoyed on a cold day in Peckham market. Whatever it was, it was nostalgic. Just like Soul Limbo, the Caribbean leaves an indelible mark on you and I can’t wait to go back.
Travel Guide How to get there From the UK, the easiest way is to fly direct from London to one of the main gateways such as Barbados, Antigua, St. Lucia, Grenada or Port of Spain. Virgin Atlantic and British Airways operate several flights a week, if not daily to these destinations.
Currency All of the islands will accept US Dollars, and in some instances Euros are accepted, especially in the French territories. On the smaller islands, ATMs can be a little tricky to find and sometimes the transaction fees are a little eye-watering.
Halal food The Haji Gokool Meah Mosque, Trinidad
The Caribbean islands all have a small population of Muslims, however finding halal food is not easy. Trinidad is the exception, but even then it’s not visible and mainly in Muslim communities where you will find local family run vendors serving halal food. It’s useful to have some inside knowledge and companies such as Serendipity Tailormade and Luxury Halal Travel provide halal friendly guides for clients, pointing them in the direction of the best halal eats.
Masjids If you look hard enough, you will find a prayer room or masjid on most islands. Trinidad, Barbados, St. Lucia and Sint Maarten all have easily accessible masjids in the main towns, however on islands such as Grenada you may have to travel a little. It’s a great way to meet local Muslims, many of whom have migrated from all over the world.
Darkwood Beach, Antigua
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Capturing the moment photograph is more than just a pressing a button on a camera; it is about encapsulating that moment of time forever. Travelling with a range of equipment (depending on your luggage allowance) can give you breadth and creative ability you just couldn’t achieve just a few years ago. Here are our favourite bits of tech to help you capture the moment.
GoPro Hero5 Session from £299.99 Set with video stabilisation and one-button design, this amazing 4K video has three different modes; Single, Burst and Time Lapse modes. Hands-free control, as well as simple voice commands makes capturing moments effortless. The camera has a handy automaticpower up and record function. Oh and it’s waterproof too!
shop.gopro.com
DJI Mavic Pro from £1359.00 The DJI Mavic Pro is of course a little on the hefty side when it comes to it’s price tag. There are cheaper options out there, but this small yet powerful drone turns into a creative mastermind once it heads into the sky. Its compact size hides a high degree of complexity that makes it one of DJI’s most sophisticated flying cameras…ever. 24 highperformance computing cores, an all-new transmission system with a 4.3mi (7km)* unobstructed range,
5 vision sensors, and a 4K camera stabilized by a 3-axis mechanical gimbal, are at your command with just a push of your thumb or a tap of your finger. Genius.
www.wexphotographic.com
Olympus PEN-F from £1299.00 Take half a cup of nostalgia, add in a pinch of retro and a whole load of buttons and tech and hey presto, you have the Olympus PEN-F. Designed with the original PEN-F in mind, this pocket rocket is the perfect walk around camera. Using the micro four thirds mount, the super quick response, intelligent electronic viewfinder and the 20.3 MP sensor are all lovely but it’s the suave looks and coolness of the body that just makes me weak at the knees. I spent a couple of weeks wandering around Malaysia with this little beauty and it’s my travel buddy for life.
www.olympus.co.uk
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Continental Drift e’ve packed our weekend cabin bag and headed out to discover the top five summer European destinations to visit this year. Step back into ancient history in Rome or try something completely different by exploring the Nordic realms. It’s never been a better time to visit the continent, so why not give it a go this summer?
Geneva
Paris
Known as the City of Peace, Geneva, is also one of the greenest in Europe. Lying on the banks of Lake Geneva, it’s the perfect base to explore scenic towns such as Montreux and the Olympic HQ at Lausanne. Geneva’s centrepiece fountain, the Jet d’Eau is great place to start, followed by a trip to the Palais de Nations (The United Nations) before rounding off your day in Geneva at one of the boutique cafés. Favourite halal eat: Baroush, 1, Carrefour de Rive
With famous landmarks including the Eiffel Tower, the Left Bank, the Arc Du Triomphe and Notre-Dame cathedral to explore, a few days in Paris will definitely be get you in the mood for romance. It’s distinctive cafe culture combined with gritty urban landscapes alongside designer boutiques and tempting patisseries mean there’s always something new to discover. Favourite halal eat: Le Confidentiel, 6 Rue Robert Estienne
Stockholm Funky Stockholm is fast becoming a top European destination with its unique landscape and laid back vibe. Encompassing fourteen islands, with more than fifty bridges straddling an extensive Baltic Sea archipelago, Stockholm provides you with beautiful views as you move between the islands to discover what the city has to offer. Vintage music fans can head to the ABBA museum, or for a brush with royalty visit the Drottningholm Palace. Favourite halal eat: Flames Restaurant, 34 Sveavägen
Barcelona Whether you’re travelling as a family, couple, or by yourself, Barcelona is full of activities, music, history, and shopping, making it Spain’s go to city break. Explore the city’s MUHBA museum, La Sagrada Familia, the Gothic Quarter and La Rambla. For soccer fans, no visit to Barcelona is complete without visiting the Camp Nou. Oh, Barcelona has beaches too. What more can you want? Favourite halal eat: Wild Beef, Carrer de la Diputació
Rome A truly remarkable city offering so much to travellers, Rome is home to nearly 3,000 years of globally influential art, architecture and culture. One day is simply not enough. Spend a long weekend exploring the Forum, the Colosseum, the Vatican City and outstanding masterpieces such as Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel frescoes. Alongside history, culture and art, savour authentic Italian dishes such as risotto, calzone and gelato. Although an all-year round destination, Rome in the summer is a walking city and the best way to get under it’s skin. Favourite halal eat: Luna Caprese,130 Via Rasella
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Festivals & Events ccasions that grasp a nation, that turn a normal city into a medley of delicacies, sounds and flavours you simply won’t find at any other time in the year are one of the most captivating travel experiences. Travellers from all over the world are known to travel near and far to witness a glimpse of local events, and it’s becoming a popular tradition for host countries to make a big deal of the season. Here’s our bucket list of events to see over the next few months.
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Balloon Festival Cappadocia March Taking place in the Cappadocia region in Central Anatolia, this event is one of the most famous events in Turkey. With hundreds of hot air balloons gliding serenely over the breathtaking landscape, tourists can either watch the amazing view from below or enjoy the view from up above as they take part in this unique event.
Abu Dhabi Grand Prix November The finale of the GP season heads to Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, and the crème de la crème of Formula One motor racing puts on a show to remember. The first race took place in November of 2009, and since then, the circuit has been home to some of the most nailbiting finishes to the season.
Sharjah Light Festival February
Chinese New Year February
The Sharjah Light Festival takes place annually in this often overlooked but feature-packed Emirate. Each year, this colourful event chooses iconic locations to set up their amazing lights. Last year, 23 different locations were chosen to be a part of the must see festival with breathtaking shows of colourful lights brightening up the night skies.
Chinese New Year, also known as the ‘Spring Festival’ in modern Chinese, has become a popular celebration for all nationalities around the world. Hong Kong in particular celebrates the festive season with lanterns, music, entertainment, traditional dances and dozens of entertainers dressed up as dragons. This vibrant festival attracts many tourists from around the world and is an enjoyable sight to see.
Eid al Adha September Also called the ‘Sacrifice Feast’, Eid al Adha is the second of two Muslim holidays celebrated worldwide each year. This event which honours the willingness of Ibrahim (AS) to sacrifice his son is celebrated yearly by Muslims all over the world with prayers. In the modern day, Muslims mark the day by slaughtering animals to feed the poor.
Gnaoua Festival May The Gnaoua Festival is the perfect day or two away for music and art lovers. Held in Casablanca, Morocco, people from all over the world come together to celebrate the Gnaoua style of music and art. Several musicians, bands, and singers come to perform and share their love for music with fans, just as hundreds of tourists flock to the beautiful country to be a part of the Gnaoua history.
Cherry Blossom Festival March From the end of March to early May, Japan is alive for the Cherry Blossom Festival. Locally known as the ‘Hanami’ or ‘flower viewing’, the traditional custom of enjoying the transient beauty of flowers lasts only a week or two. The blossom forecast is announced early each year and is carefully watched by those planning Hanami.
Edinburgh Festival August Every year, thousands of performers take to hundreds of stages all over Edinburgh to present shows for every interest. From big names in the world of entertainment to unknown artists looking to build their careers, the festival caters for grown ups and children alike, and includes theatre, comedy, circus, musicals and spoken word events to name a few. Acts last year included Aatif Nawaz’s “Muslims do it 5 times a day” comedy sketch.
On the road for history and art Why we fell in love with Burgundy Nisbah Hussain s I sat in the car waiting our departure for the return journey home, I had time to reflect on an amazing road trip in France. The famed saying of Ibn Battuta rang truer than ever: “Travelling – it leaves you speechless and then turns you into a storyteller.” We are a family who travels across the world with our children, trying our best to make the world a classroom for them. In the backroads of Burgundy, not only did I fall in love with the cobbled streets and beautiful buildings, but the experiences we were able to enjoy led me to realise how travel can enrich our children’s lives.
In May 2016, we decided to have an adventure that other Muslim families would most likely overlook. Leaving Lancashire, UK, we embarked on a road trip which saw us exploring the deepest parts of Burgundy, taking roads almost always overlooked by tourists. We visited the area of Pays de Geudelon for a 5-day trip, staying in gorgeous accommodation, making friends, interacting with locals and bringing the magic of travel into our children’s lives by having incredible experiences. The first stop on our trip was Guedelon Castle. In a once unused quarry, one of the most unique and awe inspiring construction projects we’ve witnessed is taking place. Guedelon is the only castle currently under construction in the world, and, even more uniquely, is being built using only medieval techniques. This means everything being used to build the castle is sourced and used as it would have been in the 13th Century. For instance, each and every stone is painstakingly cut by
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hand and manually transported around the castle grounds. The Guedelon Castle project has been running for 18 years and is one of the most immersive historical travel experiences you can provide your children.
I can still recall our tour guide, Hein’s, comment at the start of our guided tour: “This is unlike any construction site you will have ever seen; no drilling, no machinery and it’s so quiet you can hear the birds in the trees.” The staff on site have a genuine passion for the project and the insights and information that they can offer visitors is unparalleled. I wholeheartedly recommend the guided tour (at €3 each with children under 8 free, it’s fantastic value for money). As Hein showed us the numerous aspects of the castle, he spent time making sure he pointed out all the things that the children would have loved, from the thin holes which were just big enough for arrows to pass through, to pointing out all the toilets (and where all the waste would have ended up!), all while asking lots of questions to keep the children interested. I love that the castle really aims to show what life would have been like, and it is this attention to detail and effort that left me in complete awe. The castle had a whole range of “vocations” present, from blacksmiths to stonemasons, builders to carpenters, each showcasing the work which they would have done with the techniques and tools they only had available in mediaeval times. The magic of Guedelon is much more than just what you can see, and had experiences where our little adventurers were able to get hands on. My 7-year-old daughter was able to make a real tile which will be used in one of the rooms, leaving her mark forever on a part of history. As a parent, it is great to see your child following through the whole process and seeing how proud they are that something they create would actually be used in a castle!
Visitors are also able to try their hand at the beginners’ stone cutting class for €6. You are provided with the tools and a stone each to carve. After watching the stonemasons working on the site, it is sometimes assumed that the work they are undertaking may not be challenging. However, by giving our children this experience,they were able to fully understand how difficult the task of stone carving really is and this type of hands-on learning will stay with them forever.
The magic of Guedelon is much more than just what you can see, and had experiences where our little adventurers were able to get hands on. Behind Guedelon Castle, the second activity which won our hearts was the day we spent in the Centre of Regional Contemporary Art at the Castle of Tremblay in Fontenoy. Arriving at the attraction is somewhat underwhelming, but as they say: never judge a book by its cover. There is an artist on site that takes you through all the exhibits and who allowed the children to really enjoy them by taking time to
explain the meaning behind the drawings, sculptures and letting the children have a touch and feel. However, the highlight for us all was our own private art lesson. As parents, we often fail to enjoy the small things in life, but experiences like the art class really illustrate the joy of family travel. Forget shop bought paints; in our art class we were given the chance to mix our own paints using the powdered clay and stones which were sourced from the Guedelon Castle quarry. The artist was fabulous with the children and walked us through each stage of making the paints, as well this particular type of art style. As a mother, nothing warms my heart then seeing my children interacting and trying new experiences with enthusiasm and a desire to give everything their best effort. Our art class lasted 2 hours and throughout the whole session, the room was filled with laughter, lots of excited voices and at times pin drop silence when the children (and their dad) tried their best to make the most fantastic pieces of art.
UNIQUE ACCOMMODATION Part of any travel plans with children in tow is finding the right accommodation. Nevertheless, there is reluctance within the Muslim community to venture out and try things which are a little quirky but which add so much to the travel experience. Our trip to France showcased some more unusual accommodation options for families. Our first stop was a farm house in La Montagne aux Alouettes. We had the loveliest host in the owner Valarie who stayed onsite, but we still had our own dedicated part of the house. Our children still talk about Valarie (almost a year after our visit) and meeting and interacting with locals is an experience money cannot buy.
We ate our breakfast and evening meals with Valarie and it was insightful to learn about French life and for her to learn about us, our lives and faith. As we had the luxury of having our car with us, we decided to split our time in the area and spent the last few nights at a fabulous treehouse in the Family Ecolodge. The treehouse was amazing, especially as sleeping in a treehouse has been on my bucket list forever. The children loved the experience of sleeping in a tree house, waking up to gorgeous French fields and pottering around on a house held up by nothing but trees. The highlight for us all was having our meals left in a basket on the hanger at the bottom of our steps. The owners were aware of our dietary requirements and provided meals in accordance, so we had local French homemade dishes every night on our French adventure.
PRACTICALITIES OF A ROAD TRIP
Having the luxury of your own transport means that you have lots of more choice; you are able to set your own pace of travel and take as many or few stops as you like. On the road, you will be surprised how many hidden gems you will discover purely by chance, which is why I love road trips. The journey in a road trip is as much part of the adventure as the destination.
Family travel is so much more than staying in all-inclusive resorts.
Before having children, we had taken a 3-week road trip across New Zealand and every day felt like a new adventure as there were endless opportunities to explore and discover. For many, a road trip will not be high on the list for a family-friendly holiday but in some ways it cannot be beaten.
Travelling overseas may seem daunting but it honestly shouldn’t be. If you are taking your own car from home, check the finer details of your insurance, take out overseas breakdown cover and ensure you have all the equipment you are legally required to carry in your car for the destinations you are visiting. If hiring a car overseas, always check the small print of your agreement with the hire company focusing on mileage, any limitations and I always recommend taking out an insurance waiver. Family travel is so much more than staying in all-inclusive resorts. There is a whole world out there to explore and, as we discovered in the pouring rain of France, the magic of travel can be found in the unlikeliest of places and often these experience are the ones which will make you smile in years to come.
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My cup of tea s there anything as quintessentially English, or Chinese, or even Moroccan as a cup of tea? It’s not difficult to agree that tea is the universal offering for warm hellos and lazy afternoons around the world. Its many forms appeal to almost every nation, but your bog standard English breakfast and green teas are being left behind by relative newcomers that are stirring up a revolution. From hibiscus to matcha, the new array of teas are here to stay and you don’t always have to travel far to find them. Here are some of our favourites from around the world.
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Casablanca by Patisserie Vivel (Dubai) This light, fruity drink is a traditional blend of green tea from China, expertly blended with mint leaves, rose and orange blossoms. It is very popular in northern Africa and ideal for any time of day, although we particularly like to sip it from delicate China teacups after dinner.
Flowering Dragon Eye by Jing Teas (London) Jasmine, amaranth and marigold are expertly matched to create a truly spectacular flowering tea. Watching the bulb unfurl is a mesmerising treat, and one best enjoyed when you have time to fully appreciate it. Don’t forget the glass teapot and cups to show it off to your friends!
https://jingtea.com
http://www.vivel.com
Tales of the Orient by Quinteassential (London) This wonderful Rooibos tea is combined with honeybush, mango, lemon peel, pink and black pepper to create a unique medley of flavours. This bold tea goes perfectly with petit fours, but we also like to drink it cold and create a unique virgin mojito with the delicious flavour.
http://quinteassential.co.uk
Matcha Ceremonial Green Tea Powder by Fortnum & Mason (London) Delicately smooth, with bold flavour notes of green grass and seaweed, matcha has long been considered the tea of choice for the discerning green tea-drinker. Now this acquired taste is fast acquiring new fans in every corner of the globe for its unique colour and bouquet. Made from Gyokuro, a shaded Japanese green tea variety, F&M’s Matcha is a ceremonial grade quality tea, one of the finest grades available. An incredible amount of care and detail goes into ensuring only the highest quality leaves and superior tools are used, ensuring every cup is a delight to the palate.
https://www.fortnumandmason.com
Hibiscus Tea by Steuart’s Tea (Melbourne) Beautiful, bold hibiscus tea, also known as rosella, is gaining popularity worldwide for its health giving qualities. It is reported to relieve high blood pressure and cholesterol, as well as speeding up the metabolism to help with weight loss, and calming anxiety, amongst other benefits. We love its tart cranberry flavour and unique vibrant red colour, particularly mid-morning when we sometimes need a pick-me-up.
steuartstea.com.au
The Ramadhan Traveller ithin a few weeks, the blessed month of Ramadhan will be upon us once again. It’s a time when families and friends come together to find solace in a month of personal and dedicated sacrifice to their creator. It’s also a time where cultures from all over the world provide their own stamp of uniqueness to the holy month, and we’ve come up with a few places worth considering to enhance your connection to the month of fasting.
Morocco Spending some of Ramadhan in Morocco can be a spiritually uplifting experience with a little planning. Head to Fes, home of the Mosque of Al Qarawiyin, founded during the reign of the Idrissides, the first Islamic state to rule over the Maghreb. From this year, the Al Qarawiyin university will reopen its library doors for the public, so imagine viewing a ninth century Kufic scripted Quran written on camel skin to inspire your month ahead. With a moderate temperature (except the interior and desert regions), Morocco also provides a sense of belonging, from the what seems syncronised Taraweeh prayers to the buzz through the evenings in the medinas.
Malaysia
The Malay culture is an embodiment of togetherness and sharing and during Ramadhan there is no exception. During the day in states such as Kelantan, Kedah and Kuala Terranganu, there is little happening, but once Iftar (the breaking of the fast) approaches in the evening, the prayer is then followed by bustling hawker stalls, restaurants and hotels as they become a hive of activity. If you can make a friend who lives nearby, breaking fast with locals is a wonderful and fulfilling experience. Don’t be shy, as Malays are warm and welcoming people to all walks of life.
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Australia I bet you didn’t expect to see down under on the list. Well, thanks to some inspired initiatives on the Gold Coast, Victoria and New South Wales, it’s not that difficult to find a suitable base to enjoy the sights and have somewhere friendly to break your fast. Several hotels in the region can accommodate Suhoor in the mornings, and with relatively short days (compared to Europe for example), heading to the southern hemisphere has its plus points. There are several masjids in major cities such as Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, with some seriously good halal eats to unearth.
South Africa South Africa, with its breadth of cultures amongst its Muslim population, has all the ingredients to make your Ramadhan experience memorable. The more populous Muslim conurbations in Durban and Cape Town make it easy to find halal food and masjids. It’s really strange coming across some of the best Malay food outside of Malaysia in Cape Town, but it’s a great place to meet other Muslims during the fasting month. A word of caution though, If you were to venture out along the Garden Route or into Kruger for example, you will struggle to find halal food. However don’t let that stop you; rent out an RV (or campervan), stock up at a local halal grocer and hit the road to see the country.
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A Whale of a Time hales are incredible creatures and one of the oldest mammals living on the earth today. These remarkable giants have appeared in, religious texts, local folklore and modern fiction. There are said to be fewer than 2 million whales left in the world, with many of the species considered endangered. However, over the last few years there has also been a string of hunting and killing bans which has helped thousands of these innocent mammals slowly recover from the threat of extinction. Here are some of the best places to spot one of these incredible beings.
Kaikoura
New Zealand You’re almost guaranteed to witness the world’s largest toothed predator, the Giant Sperm Whale which can be spotted in their natural environment all year round at Kaikoura. Heading out to sea off the coastline also provides you with the chance to see Blue Whales, Humpbacks and Minke Whales, as well as high-spirited Dusky Dolphins, the endangered Hectors Dolphins and New Zealand’s very own Fur Seals.
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Hermanus
Trincomallee
Hermanus has been recognized by the World Wildlife Fund as one of the twelve best whale watching destinations in the world. You can enjoy the scenery from land, by boat, or by air, giving you the perfect choice of how close you want to be. Being the mating and breeding grounds of the Southern Right Whale, during the winter and spring months you’ll witness males of these magnificent species migrate from the Antarctic to mate.
Trincomallee is situated on Sri Lanka’s Eastern coast and provides the perfect spot for marine lovers; it’s here you’ll get to witness the incredible Blue Whale in its natural habitat. Whale watching season in Sri Lanka is from May to October, and it’s within this time frame you’re guaranteed more than a 90% chance of spotting not just one, but groups of whales swimming together. During other times of the year, it’s also possible to see the whales further south near Mirissa.
South Africa
Sri Lanka
hilst busy planning and packing for a summer getaway, most of us are guilty of not paying attention to our skin and the importance of sun protection. Fairer skinned people are more susceptible to developing skin cancer, whereas people of colour are relatively protected from UV damage thanks to the greater amounts of melanin (the protective pigment that gives skin and eyes their colour) that darker skin produces. That said, those of us with darker skin tones can, in theory, still develop skin cancer from UV damage which is why it’s so important that appropriate measures are taken to protect your skin. First of all, try to keep out of direct sunlight when the sun is at its strongest. This is usually in the few hours leading up to and following midday. Secondly, take precautions to ensure that your skin never burns by covering up with suitable clothing and sunglasses and remembering to take extra care with children. Use the highest sun protection factor that you can afford; at least factor 15 in the UK and higher when travelling to hotter climates. It may sound like common sense, but do make sure your sunscreen has not expired as most have a use by date of 2-3 years. The reality is that most of us do not apply near enough sun screen for it to be truly beneficial. Adults should aim to apply two tablespoons of sunscreen if covering the entire body whilst wearing a swimsuit. Remember to lather it on liberally, as if it is applied too thinly the amount of protection provided is reduced. Sunscreen needs to be applied frequently and liberally, which includes applying it straight after you’ve been in water – even if it is “water-resistant” – and after towel drying, sweating or when it may have rubbed off. It’s not only your skin that needs protection from the sun but your eyes too. Remember to wear sunglasses, ideally with UV lenses. See page 20 for some great UV sunglasses. If you do become sunburned, make sure you sponge sore skin with cool water, then apply soothing after-sun or calamine lotion. Painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, will ease the pain by helping to reduce the inflammation caused by sunburn. Seek medical help if you feel unwell or the skin swells badly or blisters. Stay out of the sun until all signs of redness have gone. Finally, enjoy your next holiday! Whilst you’re out shopping in preparation before jetting off, please remember to add sun protection factor to your list of essentials.
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city by taste
ABU DHABI Kahwa and scones, anyone? by Mohammed Osmani
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Each time I visit Abu Dhabi there is something novel, something grand and always something delectable to uncover. On my latest trip I was keen to unearth the best eats in Abu Dhabi, and to do that I had to think fast, literally. In what felt like my own Abu Dhabi GP, my Honda CRV was throwing down everything it could muster as I sped (I mean drove carefully) from the Mangroves to Saadiyat Beach with a stop at Yas Island for good measure.
FOR THE EXOTIC PALETTE Angar Yas Viceroy, Yas Island Firstly, this restaurant is at one of my favourite hotels in Abu Dhabi, the Yas Viceroy so it’s a winner already. The deliciously modern twist on traditional Indian flavours presents Indian cuisine that just has to be tasted. I tried the Nariyali Gucchi Gosht, a braised lamb shank cooked with coconut and that certainly left an indelible mark on me. Sometimes it’s difficult to find unique takes on Indian cuisine, but Angar do it so well.
FOR A QUICK BITE Barbacoa Mushrif Mall It’s not often I would head to Mushrif Mall, but for the zesty Mexican pocket rockets Barbacoa makes, it’s a good enough reason. The Quesadillas are my favourite, and whilst I don’t claim to be an expert in authentic Mexican food, it tasted pretty authentic to me. Washed down with a lemon and mint beverage, I think that’s an afternoon well spent.
FOR THE CARNIVORE Lebanese Flower Defense Road
FOR AFTERNOON TEA Observation Deck at 300 Jumeirah at Etihad Towers
So it’s that time of the day (or night) where you just need to tuck into a good old fashioned piece of grilled meat. Well look no further, because you’ll end up with some perfectly delivered hummus and mutabal alongside your lamb shish. The three branches are not fancy by any means, but with no alcohol served, they are a great place in downtown Abu Dhabi.
Located on the 74th floor at the Jumeirah Etihad Towers, the Observation Deck at 300 boasts panoramic 360 degree views of Abu Dhabi’s skyline. Afternoon tea at the top of the world is a great place to pass a couple of hours watching life go by below. For your AED 85 (which includes a AED 50 credit) and the AED 175 (plus taxes) afternoon tea experience you receive quite a selection of finger sandwiches and scones and the White House Tea was pretty nice. Make sure you book in advance as it’s a sought after place at 4 o’clock in the afternoon.
Flooka
Villa Toscana
Take the catch of the day, put it on ice and soak in the sunset. A great place to unwind after a journey through the Eastern Mangroves on an eco-donut boat.
If you want to feel like you’re visiting an Italian aristocrat’s summer residence in Tuscany, then head to the St. Regis in Al Khubeirah to sample the seasonal menu on offer.
Al Maqam Restaurant An Emirati style dining experience at the Arabian Nights Village where you can choose from traditional dining tables, or low sofas and traditional floor seating.
Koi Located on Saadiyat Island, Koi serves up Japanese cuisine deconstructed and infused with modern Californian accents. The result is innovative and Japanese fusion dishes, including Koi’s signature Crispy Rice Topped with Spicy Tuna.
The Nomad in Seat 1A NABEEL SHARIFF I had just left Jaipur on the 2.00pm Intercity Express. The rickety carriage had the wheels aching under the weight of people determined to get to Udaipur. It felt like the only train in India, and the whole of the country decided to join me on my voyage across their land.
The lady next to me had found solace resting her head on my shoulder, nodding off to the click clack motion, and the chap opposite found it necessary to comb his moustache. How he did it with such precision is beyond me, it was so long he could hide a small rabbit in there. Anyway, here I was on my way to the romantic city of Udaipur, and all I could think of was how to move my shoulder without allowing the lady’s head collapsing onto the thin armrest between us. A few seconds later she woke up, turned to me, smiled and shuffled to the opposite side and fell asleep on the other passenger.That was my cue, I jumped up, grabbed my bag and headed down the carriage. Everyone’s eyes followed me, like they knew that although I was brown skinned on the outside, I wasn’t quite from around these parts. I stopped by a couple of gentlemen and asked if I could sit next to them. They said “of course, welcome” as if they were the guardians of the bench in carriage 4D. We got chatting and I got the usual questions like “where are you from?”. I replied, well “I’m from England, I’m here travelling across Rajasthan”. They looked at each other and then said to me “No no, where are you from?”. This was getting tedious. I took out a map, and pointed to England. They laughed and said “you must be from India”. I said, well if I was from India, I would have said so. Turns out, that I had to declare my lineage going back a century, which took what seemed a century to explain.
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We chatted for a good hour and the larger bald headed man, Sanu was enthralled with where I had been in India already. He had travelled a speck of India in comparison to where my lucky boots had taken me. He said he would love to go to Kerala as he heard it’s like the paradise of India. “It’s beautiful there” I told him, and I told him about my travels from Trivi to Kochi. In those few hours I realised that we don’t tend to know enough about where we are from. I had travelled around the UK as much as Sanu had seen of India, and although I love my eclectic jaunts, I promised myself to take a few simpler trips to places I’ve heard of but never had any desire to visit like the Scilly Isles or Newcastle. In a land far away from home, I realised the worth of travelling is much more than where you stay and how you get there. It’s really about people like Sanu and his mate, trundling along the countryside heading to a destination and mostly talking about things you probably won’t remember. Sanu changed my outlook on travelling, made me appreciate that you don’t have to go that far to find something awesome, and I did just that on a road trip to Penzance and the Scilly Isles a few months later. That said, those Geordies are still waiting for me.
Discover your next halal friendly destination from Thailand to the Seychelles. Visit www.luxuryhalaltravel.com to start planning your journey.