Jumeirah | May 2016

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Unmasking the Phantom Meet the new star haunting London’s stage

Buying time

Discover the latest trends in the world of watches

Audi in Abu Dhabi

Drive in luxury with the R8

EMILIA CLARKE “Game of Thrones opened so many doors for me”

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8083 CC GD SQT Movement: Automatic Calibre: FM 7002GGDTC3 Power Reserve: 46 hours Indicators: Chronograph, Big date at 7 o'clock Dial: Open face white dial Case: 18 carat Pink gold Strap: Brown alligator strap

CALIBER RM 07-01

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Jumeirah International LLC its affiliates, parent companies and subsidiaries (“Jumeirah Group”) and the publishers regret that they cannot accept liability for errors or omissions contained in this publication for whatever reason, however caused.

The opinions and views contained in this publication are not necessarily those of Jumeirah Group or of the publishers.

Readers are advised to solicit advice before acting on the information contained in this publication which is provided for general use and may not be appropriate for the readers’ particular circumstances. Jumeirah Group and the publishers take no responsibilty for the goods and services advertised. All materials are protected by copyright. All rights are reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any material form (Including photocopying or storage in any medium by electronic means) without the written permission of the copyright owner, except as may be permitted by applicable laws.

Image: Gavin Bond / AUGUST

May 2016

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Editor-in-Chief

Obaid Humaid Al Tayer Managing Partner & Group Editor

lan Fairservice Editorial Director

Gina Johnson Goup Editor

Sophia Serin Art Director

Karen Evans Editor

Danae Mercer danae@motivate.ae Picture Editor

Janelle Salangsang Contributors

Neil King, Gareth Rees, Deanie Vallone Publisher – Luxury & Lifestyle

Negar Ghodstinat negar@motivate.ae General Manager – Production

S Sunil Kumar Production Manager

R Murali Krishnan Production Supervisor

Venita Pinto

Contents 30 Monitor

Essential news and previews

Chief Commercial Officer

Anthony Milne Group Sales Director

Craig Wagstaff

17 City watch Explore some of the finest events happening this month

Group Sales Manager

Ziad Saleh ziad@motivate.ae For Jumeirah

25 Spotlight on…

See 60ft traditional dhows race in Dubai

Charlie Taylor

26 The Rolling Stones A new exhibit in London celebrates the rocking stars

Head Office: Media One Tower, Dubai Media City, PO Box 2331, Dubai UAE, Tel: +971 4 427 3000, E-mail: motivate@motivate.ae Dubai Media City: Office 508, 5th Floor, Building 8, Dubai, UAE, Tel: +971 4 390 3550, Fax: +971 4 390 4845 Abu Dhabi: PO Box 43072, UAE, Tel: +971 2 677 2005, Fax: +971 2 677 0124, E-mail: editor-wo@motivate.ae London: Acre House, 11/15 William Road, London NW1 3ER, UK, E-mail: motivateuk@motivate.ae Printed by Emirates Printing Press, Dubai

Featured 30 Emilia Clarke Meet Game of Thrones’ runaway star 34 Unmasking the Phantom Discover the new voice haunting London’s opera stage

may 2016

Contents

Lifestyle 63

40 The wild things Learn the art of training and taming the beasts of the sky 46 Buying time We discover what’s new in luxurious watches and jewels 52 The perfect hammam Delve into history with this traditional public bath

Travel 58 Beauty and the beast Travel Abu Dhabi with Audi’s new R8 63 Suite escapes Relax and unwind in sumptuous style 68 The art of China Find inner peace in these interiors 72 Travel and tastes Explore the UAE from day to night

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78 Featured spaces Feast on unlimited nibbles at this chic Dubai venue 82 The high life Dine at Max on One in Frankfurt

City Watch

Explore some of the finest events happening this month.

Dubai

SquaShing the finalS

the poetry of Picasso and Miró until 17 May

24 to 28 May In September 2015, the Professional Squash Association (PSA) and Dubai Sports Council announced that the sport’s season finale, the

This month, with Picasso and Miró: Passion and Poetry, 267 artworks by two of the most

World Series Finals, would be held in Dubai

important artists of the 20th century, Pablo Picasso and Joan Miró, are on display in Dubai.

until 2018. This month, the top eight players

You can’t ask for much more than that. The exhibition of original lithographs, ceramics and

in the men’s and women’s PSA Road to

graphics explores the relationship between the works of the Spanish artists.

Dubai Standings will compete in Burj Park in

Picasso and Miró: Passion and Poetry, Burj Khalifa, Dubai. picassomiro.com

Downtown Dubai for their respective World Series Finals champion titles.

Dubai PSa World Series finals, Burj Park, Dubai. worldseriesfinals.com

aBStraCt art in DuBai 16 May to 30 July Grey Noise is one of the most noteworthy galleries in Dubai’s gallery district Alserkal Avenue, thanks to director Umer Butt’s international outlook and commitment to exhibiting thought-provoking and often

compiled by: Gareth Rees

experimental work. From now until July,

a great Italian opera gala

Grey Noise will be showing a series of abstract

26 May

award-winning young artist originally from

In celebration of Italian National Day on 2 June, Dubai Community Theatre and Arts Centre

Lahore, Pakistan.

is hosting an evening of Italian opera. Soprano Monica de Rosa McKay and tenor Gian Luca

geometric compositions by Fahd Burki, an

grey noise, Dubai. greynoise.org

Pasolini, accompanied by piano duo Vitali Mihailiuc and Larisa Capatina, will perform arias from classic operas, including Bellini’s Norma, Donizetti’s Elisir D’Amore, Verdi’s Rigoletto and Puccini’s Tosca. italian Opera gala, Dubai Community theatre and arts Centre, Dubai. ductac.org

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Abu DhAbi/istAnbul

All tHAt glIMMers Is jewels 3 to 7 May The 24th edition of the International Jewellery and Watch Show Abu Dhabi, held in the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, will feature exhibits from more than 150 local and international luxury brands. The three winners of the EBDA’A award 2016, a competition for up-and-coming jewellery designers in the UAE, will also be announced during the show.

International jewellery and watch show, Abu Dhabi national exhibition centre, Abu Dhabi. jws.ae

China’s star conductor 9 May The China Philharmonic Orchestra will entertain an audience in the Arab world for the first time this month. Directed by star conductor Long Yu, the orchestra will perform Chinese composer Qigang Chen’s Reflet d’un Temps Disparu, followed by Gustav Mahler’s early 20th century composition Das Lied von der Erde (The Song of the Earth). The performance is part of Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority’s Abu Dhabi Classics season. china Philharmonic Orchestra with long Yu: song of the earth, emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi. abudhabiclassics.ae

A tHeAtrIcAl IstAnbUl 3 to 28 May The 20th Istanbul Theatre Festival features 32 performances, by both homegrown and visiting theatre companies, in 25 venues around the Turkish city over the course of 25 days. The impressive schedule includes adaptations of Samuel Beckett’s Waiting for Godot, William Shakespeare’s Coriolanus and Macbeth and Anton Chekhov’s The Seagull.

Istanbul theatre Festival, various locations, Istanbul. tiyatro.iksv.org

Exploring life through photos Until May 22 Featuring the work of 13 Turkish artists, chosen by Istanbul Modern’s four person Photography Advisory Board, Habitat consists of a collection of photographs that explore “the spaces we live in”. Photos tease with ideas of searching for balance, the struggle for shelter and the human need for imaginary boundaries.

Habitat, Istanbul Modern, Istanbul. istanbulmodern.org

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THE ETER NAL MOV EMEN T

Ulysse Nardin, from the movement of the sea to the perpetual innovation of Haute Horlogerie. For over 170 years, the powerful movement of the ocean has inspired Ulysse Nardin in its singular quest: to push back the limits of mechanical watchmaking, time and time again.

Marine Chronometer 60 hours power reserve Self-winding manufacture Silicium technology ulysse-nardin.com

ULYSSE NARDIN BOUTIQUES: The Dubai Mall +971 44341421 & Mall of the Emirates +971 43950577 Dubai Duty Free: Concourse A, B and C www.binhendi.com

BOSSA NOVA

WHEN STYLE BECOMES A STATEMENT.

RIMOWA Store, Abu Dhabi Mall.

Bloomingdale’s, Dubai. Galeries Lafayette, Dubai. Harvey Nichols, Dubai. Tryano Yas Mall, Abu Dhabi.

Jashanmal: Dubai Mall – Mall of the Emirates – Dubai Marina Mall – Dubai Festival City Mall.

london

AnimAlistic theAtre 18 may to 18 June The Royal Court Theatre, known as ‘the writers’ theatre’, celebrates its 60th anniversary this year. This month, young Scottish playwright Stef Smith, feted for her Olivier Award-winning play Roadkill, makes her Royal Court debut with Human Animals. The play, directed by Royal Court associate director Hamish Pirie, is set in a London plagued by wild animals.

The power of a photo

human Animals, the royal court theatre, london. royalcourttheatre.com

19 to 22 may Founded in 2015, Photo London was immediately embraced as the world-class photography fair the UK capital had been lacking. Highlights of this year’s event include exhibitions of photographs by photojournalist Don McCullin, Russian photographer Sergey Chilikov and Turner Prize-nominated photographer Craigie Horsfield; photography sales

by Sotheby’s, Christie’s and Phillips; guide fair tours and a series of talks with leading photographers, including Martin Parr and Nick Knight, curated by William A Ewing, former Director of New York’s International Center of Photography.

Photo london, somerset house, london. photolondon.org

Olivier Awards winner

monA hAtoum in london

until 18 may

month. The exhibition, which will display video,

Set in Chicago in 1927, this powerful

sculpture and installation pieces, will be a survey

National Theatre production captures

of Hatoum’s career from the 1970s to the present.

the tensions of the jazz age. Ma

Tate Modern will also host a lecture by the artist

Rainey, ‘Mother of the Blues’, fights

on 10 May.

against her record producers to

mona hatoum, tate modern, london. tate.org.uk

4 may to 21 August Tate Modern hosts the first major retrospective of the work of Beirut-born Palestinian artist Mona Hatoum, who has lived in London since 1975, this

sing songs her way. Meanwhile the swaggering, strutting Levee (played by BBC’s The Interceptor’s OT Fagbenle) threatens to destroy them all with his aggressive ambition.

The result is a compelling musical production ripe with tension, one so well performed that it won the Olivier Awards’ best revival category in April. ma rainey’s Black Bottom, national theatre, london. nationaltheatre. org.uk

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Shanghai/frankfurt

All that jazz 14 May

Art And Architecture

American jazz vocalist and songwriter Gregory Porter will perform at former opera house Alte Oper Frankfurt this month as part of his ongoing European tour. The artist, who won

until 19 June

a Grammy award for his 2013 album Liquid Spirit, will release his latest album, Take Me to

If you are interested in architecture, Power Station

the Alley, on 6 May, so fans can expect to hear some new material from the star.

of Art, China’s first state-run contemporary art

Gregory Porter, Alte Oper Frankfurt, Frankfurt. alteoper.de

gallery, which is located in a converted power station, is not only an architectural curiosity in its own right but is also currently hosting a retrospective of the work of famous Swiss architect, theorist and educator Bernard Tschumi.

Bernard tschumi – Architecture: concept and notation, Power station of Art, shanghai. powerstationofart.com

FAMOus FlOrentine clAssics until 6 May This is your last chance to see the Staedel Museum’s major exhibition of artworks produced by prominent painters in Florence between 1512 and 1568, all of which exemplify the style known as ‘Florentine Mannerism’. The exhibition features more than 130 works – paintings, drawings and sculptures – by major artists including Pontormo, Bronzino, Andrea del Sarto, Rosso and Vasari.

Maniera, staedel Museum, Frankfurt. staedelmuseum.de

On your marks…

14 May Shanghai plays host to a key event on the international athletics calendar this month.

Shanghai Golden Grand Prix, an IAAF Diamond League event, will take place in Shanghai Stadium. Visitors can expect to see some of the world’s leading track and field athletes compete to win. shanghai Golden Grand Prix, shanghai stadium, shanghai. diamondleague.com

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monitor

Photo sPotlight:

Al GAffAl trAditionAl 60ft dhow rAce 2016 This traditional sailing race honours the pearl divers integral to the development of the UAE. Hundreds of boats, measuring 60ft each, will race across the Arabian Gulf. Spectators can watch the race from special ferries (which provide food and drinks) or from ashore.

At the time of print, the exact details are still being finalised, as the race date itself is dependent upon weather. The event will be held this month.

For the latest information visit dubaicalender.ae.

To learn about booking a pearl diving experience in Abu Dhabi while staying at Jumeirah at Etihad Towers, visit experiencejumeirah.com/2015/12/21/

image: Getty

top-tips-for-jumeirah-at-etihad-towers-2/

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image: rolling stones

image: helmut newton

image: helmut newton

the rolling stones in london

Exhibitionism – The Rolling Stones, the first international exhibition featuring the aforementioned band, has opened in London’s Saatchi Gallery. The exhibition stretches across two floors and spans more than 500 original Stones artefacts, ranging from personal diaries to rare audio tracks. “There’s a whole gallery just dedicated to style – artistic style and street style – and we take people through 75 costumes in that gallery alone,” says Thea Jeanes-Cochrane, producer of Exhibitionism.

The band, explains Jeanes-Cochrane, collaborated closely with the gallery.

“They’ve always liked to push boundaries. They take a lot of pride in that, so it was important the result had to be something they’d be proud of.” The

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result is an engaging show that goes into every facet of the Stones’ career.

“It’s very interactive, so you can mix tracks in our recording and songwriting gallery. We have footage all the way back to the mid-60s.”

For the grand finale, guests will be taken to an interactive 3D backstage/ onstage experience built as immersive cinema. “You can see what the band would see,” says Jeanes-Cochrane. As for special items? Jeanes-Cochrane recommends keeping an eye out for Charlie’s original drum kit from the 60s, the little cassette recorder that Keith and Charlie used, and the painted setlists created by a famous artist. “We’ve even recreated the giant tongue-and-lips logo. It’s a three-metre high version.”

monitor

Stepping through hiStory Some of the world’s most valuable books and manuscripts have gone on display in Cambridge University, featuring items like Newton’s own annotated copy of Principia Mathematica, papers from Darwin, Hawking’s draft typescript of A Brief History of Time, 3,000-yearold Chinese oracle runes, a tablet from 2,000BCE, a second century fragment of Homer’s Odyssey, the earliest reliable text for 20 of Shakespeare’s plays, and more. All of this will be housed in the behemoth structure that is the University Library, a building that has more than 125 miles of shelving and over two million books. This year marks the library’s 600th anniversary.

If you’re not able to make the journey to Cambridge (around 50 minutes from London with trains departing regularly), you can access a free iPad app titled Words that Changed the World. With the app, you’ll be able to view some of these unique masterworks alongside contextual information provided by university experts.

Lines of Thought: Discoveries that Changed the World runs until 30 September and is free to the public.

Exhibitions.lib.cam.ac.uk/600

If you’re lingering overnight in London, book a stay at Jumeirah Carlton Tower. The luxury hotel has a special Exhibitionism package that includes a night’s stay for two in a stunning garden view room, breakfast at The Rib Room Bar and Restaurant, two VIP tickets to the exhibition (including a souvenir lanyard and queue jump), and Rolling Stones-inspired sweet treats. For day-trippers, the award-winning The Rib Room Bar and Restaurant also has an Exhibitionism set lunch menu, including a glass of wine and a standard ticket to the show, at affordable rates. For more information, call +44 (0)20 7235 1234, email JCTreservations@jumeirah.com, or visit jumeirah.com/jct.

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Featured 30 Emilia Clarke

Image: Getty

Meet Game of Thrones’ runaway star

34 Unmasking the Phantom

Discover the new voice haunting London’s stage

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RepoRting by Jason adams / the inteRview people and danae meRceR

featured: Emilia clarkE

Emilia ClarkE The powerful Game of Thrones star speaks to Jumeirah about acting, being a nerd, and never, ever Googling herself.

Put a wig – pale white-blonde, long – on the striking brunette 29-year-old Emilia Clarke and you’ll find yourself face-to-face with Game of Thrones’ ‘Mother of Dragons’, Daenerys Targaryen. One of the most memorable characters of the series, Daenerys is a young girl who becomes a monarch, freeing slaves while mothering dragons.

“The beautiful difference between Daenerys and the rest of the cast is her ultimate goal is pure. She would like to rule and create an equal world,” Clarke told the LA Times in 2014.

Clarke was cast in the role of Daenerys fresh out of drama school. In the years since, she’s been nominated for two Emmy awards for outstanding supporting actress in a drama series, has performed on Broadway and starred in Terminator Genisys. Last month, season six of Game of Thrones launched on HBO. And in June, Me Before You, a film based on the bestselling novel that follows the story of a small-town girl who bonds with a paralysed man, will be released in theatres.

Here, Emilia talks about the huge success of the show, her journey to stardom, how she is handling fame and more.

The interview

much. I’ve had six years to adjust and take on board what the show has done for me personally and what it is doing everywhere. I’m incredibly fortunate to be able to have that but I had no idea is the short answer. whEn did you rEalisE thE famE and what was happEninG?

[It happened] recently if I’m being very honest. I’ve been working pretty continuously so there’s not been any time to stop and smell the roses. It’s just been happening slowly and I think I’m very lucky that’s the case. It has allowed me to maintain my feet on the ground and not fall into the pitfalls that a young actress could. tEll mE about thE momEnt whEn you rEally wantEd to bEcomE an actrEss.

It’s a funny thing because I genuinely never saw anything else. I never saw any life other than being an actor. As you get older, you’re like, “I should probably think of a plan B,” which is why I didn’t go to drama school until I was 18. I wanted to get as much of an education, use the right side of my brain as much as I could, to make sure there was something to fall back on should [acting not work]. But there was never anything else that I wanted to do.

It’s only as I’m doing acting that I’m starting to write and sing and read and see there are other creative outlets I can use. I’m now seeing the other parts of life that are incredibly important to explore and follow.

Emilia, what is it likE to bE thE most lovEd charactEr in GamE

of thronEs? EvEryonE wants to marry you…

do you, or indEEd can you, plan your actinG carEEr?

Oh I don’t know about that!

Self-employment by any route is difficult to plan but you can have an idea of what you aspire to. And the thing for me that I’m so lucky with is that I came out of drama school and very quickly got into Game of Thrones. That opened so many doors for me. So my goal is to try to do as many different roles as possible and try and push myself as an actor as much as I can. While I have this opportunity to try everything, I’ll do just that.

wErE you prEparEd for thE amount of popularity thE show would crEatE?

No. you had no idEa at all?

No, none whatsoever. And because I wear the wig, I look very different. So I have an incredibly normal life in terms of not really getting recognised very

your parEnts must bE proud but did thEy EvEr worry?

Yeah, my dad works in the theatre so he had an idea of the world I was going

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into. I couldn’t have more supportive parents so they were always going to support me. You know, if I said, “Dad I’m desperate to be a gardener,” or whatever, they would be supportive of whatever it was that I did. The fact that the career I have chosen has worked out is brilliant. I think they are just very happy.

i know you’re in hoTels a loT buT back home, whaT’s on your

There’s always The risk of your characTer being killed off.

how big is your bookshelf compared To your TV?

does This make planning your career difficulT?

[laughs] Much bigger. My TV is about this big and my bookshelves are throughout my house. Dad’s happy with that one.

do you waTch Game of Thrones?

I absolutely do watch it because we don’t get to watch it ahead of anyone else. So yes, but I have to watch it by myself because people talk and it’s very frustrating. here’s a Tech-relaTed quesTion: do you google yourself?

No! I did it first season. I did it when Game of Thrones came out because I was kind of intrigued and then no, no, no. For every 1,000 lovely comments there’s one horrible one and you take that. So I decided to just avoid it.

ThaT’s healThy.

Yeah, exactly.

You know, Anna Karenina to Ali Smith, a wide range of books. I think it’s important to continually be inspiring yourself creatively and getting that across all mediums.

whaT’s your faVouriTe film?

I like the more classic movies. The Apartment is pretty high up there, [as is] Adams Rib. [I’d watch] Katharine Hepburn all day long. I try to stay on top of independent filmmakers, just for myself. If there’s someone new and exciting [whose career is developing that] you can start a relationship with as a young actor, [it] is pretty exciting.

‘‘

‘‘

Yes definitely, it’s exactly that. You can plan as much as you can but mainly I think the idea is just to have an idea of where you want to go, what sort of projects you want to take, or what people you want to work with and keep that in mind as much as possible.

bookshelf? beside george r.r. marTin books of course.

As an actress there are people I admire, there are people I am continually inspired by, but it’s not just actors.

you also sTarred in TerminaTor: genisys.

how was iT To shooT wiTh arnold schwarzenegger?

It was absolutely brilliant. The icon, the legend, the real deal! He’s kind of everything that you see on screen, he ‘brings’ naturally, and the brilliant thing about him is his professionalism on set is such that you would never think that he had any ego at all.

He really set such a wonderful tone of being a part of the ensemble and being a part of everyone that it made it feel all inclusive and made me (as the actor coming in new to this project) [feel] in safe hands.

wiTh Technology and The inTerneT, iT can be quiTe hard To

so he was a kind of proTecTor?

be famous These days. do you TrusT The Tech ThaT surrounds

He was! That was an easy relationship for us to fall into. It was lovely. He was incredibly generous as well. He really wanted to spend the time to get the scene right. Obviously the stunt stuff he’s incredible at and has done many times before but with the actual emotive acting, the more tender scenes, he would just keep going until we got it right, which was lovely.

you?

As in these? [points to iPhone] Do I trust these? [laughs] Hmm, do I trust them… I think that technology is moving at such a pace and that it is saving lives as well as being used as a tool to destroy them, so I personally think that it’s the people behind the technology that we have to be afraid of.

your laTesT film is me before you. iT’s a drama, righT? on a compleTely differenT Topic, whaT inspires you in

Yeah, which is so different from Game of Thrones and Terminator.

addiTion To acTing?

Singing, writing and music. Being with friends and family, because when you are filming you really are away for such a long amount of time. I genuinely love singing. That’s very much for myself. So I write songs in my own time.

whaT’s your characTer like in ThaT?

whaT kind of music do you play?

do you haVe a role model?

Everything. That’s a really boring answer but anything from Debussy to reggae to soul, funk, or jazz. Lots of things.

As an actress there are people I admire, there are people I am continually inspired by, but it’s not just actors. It could be writers, artists, musicians or my mum. I am continually inspired by lots of people. I think it’s important to have an idea of yourself, where you see yourself going, what you want to achieve, and the things that inspire you and take that tack, as opposed to falling into the trap of trying to replicate someone else.

are you based in london?

I’m based in London, yeah, but when you’re stuck going from a hotel room to a set, you are in this bubble that lasts the length of the filming.

Then as soon as that’s done, you’re like a gypsy for a time. So I find it very important to go back home, find my feet again and reconnect with reality, so that I can go on and play real people. [Acting] can get a little cuckoo!

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She’s much closer to who I really am in day-to-day life. I think if there was a movie for someone to recognise me from, it would be Me Before You because [the character is] the idiot that walks around London [and that] is me.

In Dubai, the latest season of Game of Thrones can be found exclusively on OSN. For more information, visit osn.com or hbo.com/game-of-thrones

featured: Emilia clarkE

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featured: the phantom of the opera

UnmaSkIng THe PHanTom London’s famous The Phantom of the Opera has a new star: Ben Forster. From February, Forster – previously known for winning the ITV1 show Superstar and for playing Buddy in Elf the Musical – has stolen the stage.

His Phantom is twitchy and dark, a touch deranged, sympathetic and murderous in the same breath. Forster, talking cheerfully down the line from his flat in east London, wouldn’t have it any other way.

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featured: the phantom of the opera

the phantom is such a well-known and famous role. how do

But do you enjoy it?

you make it your own?

One hundred percent. I can’t believe I earn money to do this. Last night I was watching a medical documentary and doctors are just incredible. I could never do that. I just go and sing and it’s fun.

Obviously it has to live within the realm of the original director and fit everyone’s requirements. But I think as an actor, when you think about playing a character, you think about the person, the history and perspectives. I think it’s about trusting your gut instinct, the first reaction you have when you hear the song or read the script. You’ve just got to go for it. is the phantom sympathetic?

Yes, I hope so. I play him quite scary, quite twitchy, a bit more haunted. But I think that if you look at his backstory, he was put in a cage as a young boy in a freak show. At some point, someone let him out of the cage and told him to go hide, don’t let the world see. That’s what he did. That would twist him.

Through the story, you see him murder people. He hasn’t thought about life and the normal layers and things we as normal human beings do.

But why not play him as suave and deBonair?

I don’t want to play him as a grand human being. I don’t think he would be.

That’s how he wants people to perceive him, especially Christine. But when you peel the layers away, he is an animal. Yes, he has passion that comes out in music, but I think it would be scary.

on a personal note, you started performing when you were five. is that necessary to succeed?

If [theatre] is in you, you can start whenever. I think talent is different to skill.

You can have talent, which is a gift, but I think you can actually learn skill.

So singing would be my talent and acting my skill. you’ve recently joined instagram after estaBlishing yourself on twitter. do you feel a pressure to Be on social media?

Kind of. I was happy being on Twitter. I’m not very active on Facebook. I don’t want to be overpowered by all these different things. For me, Twitter was good. I’ve built a fanbase and it’s very interactive, so I get to know my fans, and I feel I have a Twitter relationship with them. But now everyone has Instagram and I wasn’t in the party. I actually joined years ago because there were filters on Instagram but I forgot. So [when I re-joined] there were 100 pictures from the last five years that I just left there. Overall, though, social media is marvellous. All those platforms are incredible. It gives us an amazing platform for the rest of the world.

how long does it take to get ready?

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About an hour and a half. An hour for the face, but obviously I need to get ready to get the face on. It’s hot to act in. Everything is glued to a skullcap, so I get this bald cap on my head, then everything piled on top. Sometimes I get a break in the glue and in certain parts of the show sweat will gush out.

The other night it looked like extra tears!

why do you think people watch the phantom of the opera?

it sounds intense…

what’s one role you’d like to play?

Yes. I’m constantly tired. Just constantly tired. It’s exhausting physically because it’s very emotional. I play it very physically and vocally – it’s very tiring. I’m screaming and there’s emotion in my voice. So most of my day is geared up to feeling healthy for six o’clock.

Jean Valjean in Les Mis. I think if I did that, I’d go ‘okay, I’m really happy now.’

A mixture of things. Andrew [Lloyd Webber created] an incredible musical.

The orchestration is just one of the best out there. The set is stunning and there are the costumes. And, of course, the story, something so heartbreaking, tragic, romantic and brilliant.

Find Ben Forster on Twitter @thebenforster. For more information on The Phantom of the Opera, including how to book tickets, visit thephantomoftheopera.com.

LIFESTYLE 40 The wild things

Learn the art of training and taming the beasts of the sky

46 Buying time

We discover what’s new in luxurious watches and jewels

52 The perfect hammam

Image: Getty

Delve into history with this traditional public bath

images: getty

Training and Taming The wild Things

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what is it like to take a strong-beaked carnivorous bird with large talons and a desire to hunt and tempt it onto your hand with little bits of meat again and again? Trainee bird handler Deanie Vallone reports.

culture

T

he air around me is heavy, threatening rain, as I stand in the middle of an open Irish heath, my boots sinking into the soft grass. The sun hangs low in the sky; my workday is nearly at an end. I reach into the leather bag at my hip and pull out a tidbit of day-old chick, pinched between thumb and forefinger. Lifting my bare left hand, already dotted and striped with scratches, high into the air, I let out a two-note whistle: hoo-eep!

I hear her bell first, a slight tinkling, then her shrill ‘irrr irrr’ call. In seconds a large female Harris’s hawk lands on my hand and snatches up the tidbit.

She stretches then folds her four-foot wingspan, her feathers deep shades of umber and sienna. He name is Sabhdh (prounced “Sive”); she is one of more than 100 raptors I am helping care for at this facility in Ireland.

My interest in raptor training started early in life when a fascination for, and appreciation of, the magic of flight drew me to the bird world. Taking care of raptors is more than a full-time job. It’s a lifestyle. It is not work for the weak of heart or for the hobbyist. The majority of my day – the majority of raptor work — is spent meticulously cleaning and record-keeping food intake and weights, essential tasks that allow us to monitor the birds’ health. A checklist takes us through the day: mews to clean, dishes to wash, equipment to check, birds to weigh, food to prep. These tasks need to be completed day after day, but instead of monotony they bring the understanding and appreciation that we are contributing to the livelihood of animals which we hold in the highest regard. For those who have made this work their lives, the labour is worthwhile, allowing the chance to learn from these astonishing animals.

I always say that I’m not training the birds, they’re training me. It takes practice and patience to learn how to communicate with them, and understand that minor changes in body posture or slightly different vocalisations speak more than any sentence could. And you only have to be bitten or footed once to learn what not to do around a raptor. An exercise in humility, this work is

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rarely glamorous but always fulfilling. Hand-feeding a steppe eagle while he sits on my glove. Raking out a mew – or cage – with a barn owl perched on my shoulder. These are magical moments, gifted to those willing to put in the time to build the necessary trust and respect.

We hold two shows a day for the public in our outdoor arena. When I manage to find a quiet moment, I always go here. Educating guests about environmental stewardship and building the next generation of raptor enthusiasts is an essential role for our rehabilitated and non-releasable animals.

No matter how many times I watch the shows, I am filled with wonder and awe. Here is where I am reminded of why I put in the hard work and long hours. A white-tailed eagle, her wingspan measuring eight feet, soars across the field and lands on a trainer’s gauntlet. Audience members take turns flying a barn owl glove to glove. We fly the faster birds — our kestrel and saker falcon — on lures, showing off their top-speed manoeuvrability in the air.

My breath catches every time I watch the saker falcon, Leilah, stop herself at the zenith of her flight, turn upside down and drop out of the sky. When I bring her back to her perch after the show, her long, alien-like toes are hot wrapped around my hand.

At the end of the 13-hour work day, I’m exhausted. But the evening ends with the setting sun and the smell of rain-drenched earth, my colleague and I flying Sabhdh across rolling acres of Irish land. Over the past two weeks we’ve come a long way, Sabhdh and I, building trust one flight-training session at a time. Now, as she lands on my hand, I lock her leather jesses between my fingers and she rouses, lifting all her feathers and shaking them out, a sign of comfort. I set out again with a hawk purring — yes, purring — on my hand as I cross the open field. No matter how tired I am, there’s nothing else I would want to be doing.

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culture

Focus on Falcons What to knoW

bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai. Events happen in January.

Falcons, one of the types of birds of prey Deanie Vallone worked with,

hcc.gov.ae/en

play a central role in the history of many cultures. Scholars can’t place an exact date that falconry, the art of training a falcon, began, but they do

Book to rEad

know that by 2,000BCE it was well-established in both the Middle East and

h is for hawk by helen Macdonald

Asia. Historically, falconry was used for sustenance; treat the bird well and

Winner of the Samuel Johnson Prize and Costa Book of the Year award,

train it correctly and it would go out to catch dinner. By the sixth century,

this poignant book tells the story of the year Macdonald spent training a

falconry became the sport of royalty. In the Middle East, Bedouin tribes

goshawk after her father’s unexpected death.

used the bird for food while others used it as a hobby. trip to Book

Today, one scholar estimates, 50 percent of the world’s falconers operate

the Exclusive traditional interactive Falconry Experience

in the Middle Eastern region. Falconry remains interlinked to Arab society,

Organised by Royal Shaheen, this private trip will take you out into the

with the UAE spending USD27 million in 2015 to protect and conserve wild

Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve to fly numerous birds of prey while

falcons. Yet it’s a sport still practised around the world, everywhere from

learning about the history of falconry in the UAE. royalshaheen.ae

Baku to England. placE to visit

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EvEnt to attEnd

the abu dhabi Falcon hospital

the Fazza championship for Falconry

Guided tours are available at this impressive working falcon hospital, which

Designed to keep the regal sport of falconry alive in the UAE, this competi-

is the world’s largest. There is also a falcon museum and a chance to see

tion is held under the direct patronage of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed

falcons undergoing treatments. falconhospital.com

LIVE THE

LUXURY Become our VIP member!

Lifestyle Management | Events | Academy | B2B

www.The-Luxury.ae Emirates Towers, Level 41, Sheikh Zayed Road, P.O. Box 31303, Dubai, +971 43197555

BUYING TIME

From slickly understated to decked out with bells and whistles, this year’s Baselworld revealed what’s hot with watches. Here are our favourites.

COMPLEX It’s no surprise that Patek Philippe has created a piece that leaves watch buffs purring. The 5930G World Time Chronograph includes the brand’s signature complications (24 timezones spread across a world clock element) mixed with a chronograph.

INNOVATIVE A favourite is Hublot’s Big Bang Unico Sapphire.

This USD57,900 piece reinterprets the meaning of skeleton watch. The watch is cut straight from sapphire, a material that’s extremely difficult to work with.

SAILING We love Ulysse Nardin’s Grand Deck Marine Tourbillon. This nautically inspired, incredibly luxurious timepiece highlights an intricate pulley system made of delicate wires. The inspiration?

The booms and mainsails of a yacht.

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LIFESTYLE

MINIMAL Bulgari’s Octo Finissimo Minute Repeater leads the minimalist trend. With a movement thickness of only 3.12mm and a titanium case of only 6.85mm, this streamlined, modern piece is aesthetically slick. It’s also, according to CNN, “the thinnest minute repeater anyone has ever made.”

ADVENTUROUS

CONNECTED

Breitling is all about

De Grisogono’s Samsung

adventure in the skies.

Gear S2 is a glamorous

The brand’s latest launch,

ladies’ smartwatch that

the masculine, black-

features rose gold, black

and-orange, incredibly

diamonds and a bracelet

light (owing to a polymer

studded with the brand’s

composite case) Avenger

signature galuchat,

Hurricane is case in

traditionally made from

point. It’s easy to imagine

shark or stingray hide. This

flying through the air in

is presented alongside all

this sporty number.

the connected bells and whistles you’d expect from Samsung, like fitness functions, tech for mobile payments and more.

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LIMITED Only 10 of Rebellion's 540 Magnum watches will be produced. This elaborate timepiece is dominated by an oversized flying tourbillon. Carbon, 'ceramicised'

VINTAGE

magnesium, titanium and aluminum help create high levels of performance. Far from small, this masculine watch will make a statement.

A nod to what’s come before is nothing new in the world of watches. This year, many lines released something inspired or influenced by the timepieces of yesteryear. The Omega Speedmaster CK2998 Limited Edition, featured here, is just one example.

A re-issue of a vintage Speedmaster, this slick update adds colour to the classic version.

CLASSIC Longines Railroad delights. This heritage-inspired piece, with large numbers and a simple face, is based on a historical model from the 1960s.

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LIFESTYLE PLAYFUL Chopard’s Happy Diamonds watch shines. Celebrating the original creation, a gents’ watch with a large cushionshaped 18-carat white gold case, the latest release has been designed for women. Prong-set diamonds circle the dial.

Jacob & Co.

Messika

BEJEWELLED Harry Winston stole the show when it came to jewelled Fabergé

watches. The Premier Precious Weaving Automatic 36mm uses a rare Japanese weaving technique in which threads of gold are mixed with slivers of mother-of-pearl to create a tapestry effect.

Mikimoto

FOUR NON-WATCH WINNERS Jacob & Co’s Rare Touch necklace toys with diamonds and gold, while Messika’s Joaillerie Cassiopee cuff uses delicate connections between diamonds to create an impression that the gems are attached to the skin.

Mikimoto plays with pearls. Increasingly, the brand notes, the unique shapes of barrel pearls are proving popular. Enter gems like these delicate barrel pearl and diamond earrings.

While Fabergé may be known for its eggs and award-winning watches, the brand’s multi-coloured Emotions ring, which illustrates the Fauvist view of colour as an emotional force, is striking.

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TECHY With Google Watch, it was only a matter of time before big brands started rolling out their own interpretations of a smart watch. Just look at Italian company Salvatore Ferragamo, whose F-80 Motion can monitor your sleep and track activities. All of this is cased within a 44mm stylish case.

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UNIQUE

PAINTED

Blancpain does unique well. The brand’s latest

Also fascinating is Hermès’s Arceau Tigre. Using

Métiers d’Art uses Mexican silver obsidian (a semi-

shaded enamel, this piece features a (as per the

transparent volcanic rock), white gold, and a

name) tiger drawn from an illustration by artist

Japanese painting technique to create something

Robert Dallet. The animal is created on a white gold

exquisite yet subtle. Each piece will be unique.

base and is issued in a 12-piece limited edition.

LIFESTYLE

Cindy Chao

Givori

SPECIAL FOCUS: OUT OF BASEL – PHONE While Baselworld highlights what’s new in the world of watches and jewellery, it doesn’t touch on the latest luxurious phones – which is a shame, as we can’t get enough of this new Givori creation. To date, the uber-luxury brand – whose handcrafted phones have been known to feature gold SIM cards and diamond casings – has tended to focus primarily on iPhones. Enter the Givori Carbon S7 Edge (Samsung). This masculine, Android-compatible number features alligator leather and a black matte finish. The

UNDERSTATED Dior’s La D de Dior also excels in elegance.

resulting product is perfect for the new season. givori.me

SPECIAL FOCUS: OUT OF BASEL – JEWELLERY

This slender watch features a Milanese mesh steel bracelet and a delicate face set subtly with diamonds.

Cindy Chao’s pieces are gorgeous. It’s as simple as that. The Taiwanese artist, who comes from a family of sculptors and architects, creates pieces that are like art forged from nature (think organic lines and coral-inspired shapes). And also like art, some of Chao’s work lives in galleries. Today her 2009 ‘The Royal Butterfly’ is housed in the National Museum of Natural History at the Smithsonian Institute. She’s also collaborated with actress Sarah Jessica Parker to create a one-of-a-kind butterfly brooch that was auctioned in aid of the New York City Ballet.

When asked how she’d describe her creations, Chao points to one word: “organic”. Being close to nature has never felt so luxurious. cindychao.com

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HunTing For THe perFecT HaMMaM From Turkey to Morocco to Dubai, just where can you find the perfect public bath?

Danae Mercer reports.

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A few years ago in Marrakech, I booked myself in for a hammam (a public bath) of the cheap, cheerful and not really traditional variety. I had imagined the sort of setting portrayed in orientalist paintings and travel books: marble slabs, steam rooms, decorative tiles on the walls, cushions for lounging, and women amiably mingling together.

Instead, I got an elderly woman scrubbing me in a plastic structure on a rooftop. She didn’t use black soap – what often distinguishes the two main varieties of hammam, Turkish (no black soap) and Moroccan (black soap) – nor did she focus on steam over water, so it’s hard to say exactly what kind of hammam I’d ordered. There wasn’t a heated room before and certainly no massage after. There was just her, me, the sound of traffic filtering from the street below, and my bemused travelling companion on a bench in the sun making a face that clearly asked just what I had gotten us into.

My hammam experience lasted around 45 minutes. Maybe an hour.

Then it was done and off I went with clean skin alongside a vague sense of disappointment. ❖

❖

❖

According to Elizabeth Williams of The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, the hammam “was a vital social institution in any Middle Eastern city for centuries before the advent of modern plumbing. Hammams played a central role in promoting hygiene and public health but they also served as meeting places where people could relax and socialise.” (metmuseum.org) The history of the hammam in the Mediterranean can be traced back to the Roman thermae. “By the medieval period, public baths had become an important part of community life and the quality and number of baths counted among any city’s most admired attributes.” One author estimated that at its height, Baghdad had 60,000 bathhouses.

“Western visitors, too, were fascinated by hammams. Orientalist painters travelling in the Middle East in the 19th century relished depictions of scintillating scenes inside the bathhouses,” adds Williams.

Lady Mary Wortley Montagu, the wife of the British ambassador to Turkey in the 18th century, was one of those ‘fascinated westerners’. In the early 1700s, she wrote of a hammam experience very different to mine – and

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much more like the one I had imagined. “I believe, in the whole, there were 200 women… the first sofas were covered with cushions and rich carpets on which sat ladies and on the second their slaves behind them, but without any distinction of rank by their dress…

“Tis the women’s coffee house, where all the news of the town is told, scandal invented, etc. They generally take this diversion once a week, and stay there at least four or five hours.”

While it’s true that the number of bathhouses has declined since the advent of modern plumbing, hammams throughout Turkey and the Middle East are still popular, particularly for socialising and special events. Williams succinctly captures the appeal: “All offer the world-weary bather the opportunity for a good sweat, an invigorating scrub and copious amounts of sweet tea.” ❖

❖

❖

In early April, I went for a hammam experience, round two. This time I wanted to do it right. Enter Jumeirah Zabeel Saray, the Ottoman-inspired

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five-star property located on Dubai’s iconic Palm Jumeirah. The venue’s Talise Ottoman Spa boasts a slew of awards (such as The World Travel Awards ‘UAE’s leading spa resort’ for three years running and ‘best luxury hotel spa’ in the Luxury Spa Awards, to list but a few), as well as a reputation for luxury.

I arrived by 9am. Someone handed me cashews and dried fruit while I filled out a form. Someone else escorted me past a fountain, through heavy wooden doors and into a world made only for women (although there’s exactly the same thing in a separate section for men). A long hallway branched into saunas and treatment rooms. On the other side, curtained glass doors opened onto a central courtyard with outdoor beds.

I changed into a robe then padded into the central room, one filled with a pool and lined with couch-and-cushion stuffed alcoves, perfect for languorous reclining. Murals and mosaics decorated the space.

The result of all this was the feeling of stepping back in time – or rather, of moving into a space where everything was timeless, serene, padded with

culture

Try or Travel Try These TreaTmenTs aT Talise oTToman spa aT Jumeirah Zabeel saray

royal ottoman (60 minutes) This relaxing hammam begins with a traditional kese mitt body polish and foam massage. Your hair is shampooed and your scalp massaged as you savour the warmth of the heated marble. Then comes a cream mask and a facial cleanse, all followed by a massage with the delicate perfumes of the Orient. luxurious rose (90 minutes) Held in a private treatment room on the top floor of the spa, one with views facing across the sea, this facial is soothing while creating visible results. It starts with a gentle cleansing, followed by a steam and extraction to remove blackheads. Next comes a facial massage to stimulate circulation (side note: facial massage is one of those things that, when done correctly, experts point to as helping reduce signs of ageing). Then you can enjoy a hand and foot massage while a firming rose-infused face mask soaks in. All of this is concluded with Tamanu oil being gently rubbed into your skin. rose bliss body massage (60 or 90 minutes) Designed to help reduce the visible signs of ageing and retain skin’s elasticity, this luxurious massage uses only organic products. Your body is exfoliated with a dry brush, helping stimulate the lymphatic system while removing dead skin. Then it’s massaged with a balm made of Argan oil, shea butter, mango butter, honey and rose, all intended to help heal and restore your skin. The experience is relaxing while helping to create skin that glows with healthy nourishment.

the soft sounds of slippered feet and occasionally, a murmured voice. This was the hammam I wanted.

a day at the spa Watch for special offers at Talise Ottoman Spa at

My treatment began with steam (“essential to soften the skin,” an attendant told me). Then I was led into a large room with an elaborately decorated domed ceiling and heated marble tables in the middle. Over the next 60 minutes, a petite woman scrubbed me, washed my hair, covered me in bubbles, massaged honey and oil into my skin, dried my hair, wrapped a towel around my shoulders, escorted me into a cabana where salted milk and dates were waiting, and slipped a bracelet on my wrist. “It’s for good luck,” she smiled. There were cushions under my shoulders and towels draped around me like blankets.

Jumeirah Zabeel Saray. These include summer packages where you can enjoy a hammam, use of the spa’s facilities, access to the beach and more, all at an affordable rate. jumeirah.com/jumeirahzabeelsaray

Travel To Turkey

Travel to Turkey to indulge in hammams in style. In Istanbul, visit Pera Palace Hotel Jumeirah to enjoy a compact urban spa. Here you’ll find a traditionally

At Jumeirah Zabeel Saray, having sweated, been scrubbed, and fed sweet dates with salty milk instead of tea, I was drowsy and content. I could have stayed in the hammam for hours. It made me understand Williams’ words — or indeed, the romantic musings of Montagu years before her. There is something beautifully timeless about a hammam — particularly when done right. jumeirah.com/jumeirahzabeelsaray

designed Turkish bath, steam bath and more, perfect for a relaxing and cleansing hammam. Or voyage to coastal Jumeirah Bodrum Palace for a lavish marble-and-gold venue. Here, set amid statues, mosaics and murals, you can enjoy everything from a traditional Turkish massage to a rose or gold hammam.

jumeirah.com

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TRAVEL 58 Beauty and the beast

Travel Abu Dhabi with Audi’s new R8

63 Suite escapes

Relax and unwind in sumptuous style

68 The art of China

Find inner peace in these interiors

72 Travel and tastes

Explore the UAE from day to night

78 Featured spaces Image: Getty

Feast on unlimited nibbles at this chic venue

82 The high life

Dine at Max on One in Frankfurt

t y and t u a he b e b eas t

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l, de King o 8 m Neil h its R . est tion hroug ads. t a c l o its colle car t stal r h t he its oa wi in le to put t al’s c a it ag ic o ap ce l veh uit t c n e o u rc ar erf na ci of th b w the e po Mari tour d e s or ic s rai en m i’s Ya scen s b ha n ev ha ing a di D a u u A g oy din to Ab e enj d a es befor k a t ces pa

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Audi and Abu Dhabi are something of a match made in heaven.

The driving culture of the United Arab Emirates’ capital and its worldrenowned Yas Marina Circuit give the German auto manufacturer the perfect backdrop to show off its capabilities, of which it has many.

tings. It’s safe to say I’m pushing my own limits rather than the car’s, and come away with another thrilling exposure to the car’s potency.

But there is only so much racing one can do before a rest is in order.

Not only is Audi a byword for luxury and technical excellence, it is also a multiple winner of the iconic and demanding 24 Hours of Le Mans race (among other championships), highlighting its appeal to the aesthete as well as the athlete by compromising neither on the brand’s splendour nor its power.

It is fitting therefore that I am in Abu Dhabi to test the company’s latest sports model – the R8 – at the Formula 1 track on Yas Island, as well as sampling some of its more executive vehicles on a scenic tour of the city.

I arrive at the Yas Marina circuit raring to go. My eyes immediately widen at the sight of two rows of R8s. As a sports car it looks the part: low to the ground with sleek curves, a beefy grill and an exposed mid-engine. The twoseater is as plush on the inside as it is on the outside. Low slung leather-bound seats with easily navigable gear control, steering and state-of-the-art technology give the model something that is vital in luxury cars: comfort. It’s the kind of car you’d happily drive around the city as well as letting it stretch its legs on the track.

And stretch its legs it does. I follow one of Audi’s test drivers onto the circuit for my first lap and I am immediately aware of the car’s strength. The acceleration is flawless, as it should be with the ability to go from zero to 60 in 2.6 seconds, while the responsiveness and suspension is almost unbelievable. The car sticks to the track like glue even when amateurs like me repeatedly misjudge tight turns.

It’s an exhilarating experience. The quality of the car and the quality of the track combine to make it a drive that will be hard to beat.

We leave the laps behind us to focus on a particular aspect of the R8: its handling. Using Yas Marina’s Vehicle Dynamics Area, which offers a combination of wet and dry surfaces, I slalom, drift and brake my way through the car’s set-

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Having feasted on the delights of the new R8 I am ready for a taste of some other Audi delicacies, so it’s with great pleasure that I line up several kilometres worth of time with the Audi S8 plus, RS 6 performance and RS 7 performance.

I traverse the traffic along Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Road before turning off and heading west towards the coast where less beaten tracks provide a much more authentic UAE driving experience.

Stately and elegant every inch of the way, the cars offer a luxurious edge to an environment that flits between gritty industrial landscapes on the one hand and beautiful fishing communities and mangroves on the other.

As I enjoy the slower roads through Al Taweelah, Shalila, Al Sadara and Al Bahya, it is clear that these less-well known parts of the capital are worth more than a passing visit, especially for those willing to slow down, sit back and relax. The sports track on Yas Island feels a world away from the lilting waves and remote jetties along the shore.

It is a fitting end to the day’s driving. In the space of a few hours I have experienced the beauty and the beast of Audi’s back catalogue – its luxury and raw power – as well as the two faces of Abu Dhabi, with its state of the art Formula 1 venue and the rustic allure of its coastal road.

It all serves to prove two very pertinent points. One, you don’t have to go far for a unique driving experience in the emirates. And two, you can do it in style with a little help. To book a stay at Jumeirah at Etihad Towers in Abu Dhabi, visit jumeirah.com. For more information on Audi, visit audi.com.

travel

suite dReams Relax and unwind in sumptuous style with these sizeable suites.

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spotlight on beit Al bAhAr JumeirAh beAch hotel dubAi, uAe About

These villas don’t scream luxury. They whisper it.

Nestled away from the hustle and bustle of the childfriendly Jumeirah Beach Hotel, the Beit Al Bahar villas can be found up terracotta stairs between the heavy leaves of tropical plants. Everything – from the private plunge pool to the way each villa is enclosed with its own courtyard – creates a feeling of exclusivity and intimacy. the perks

From the moment you arrive, the experience is designed to be seamless, effortless and of course exclusive. The 19 Beit Al Bahar villas have a private reception area (side note: do try the complimentary evening cocktails and canapés here. There are few things as nice as a glass of champagne as the sun sets over the Burj Al Arab Jumeirah). By the time you step into your room, push open the sliding glass doors and breathe in the fresh ocean air, staff will already have delivered your bags. Around 4pm, afternoon tea arrives. Try the scones with clotted cream or enjoy one of the mini savoury sandwiches. If you prefer a more social tea, you can always head into one of several private lounges. And as for breakfast? You can dine on the impressive buffet at Latitude (don’t miss the amazing fresh sushi) or at several other more intimate venues, all complimentary. Even the arrival and departure is painless; if you’re coming to or from the airport, free transport will be arranged.

For FAmilies

Given the size of the villas, they make the perfect space for a family stay. You will enjoy complimentary access to Wild Wadi Waterpark and a scuba diving session in the hotel pool. Meanwhile, the executive pool features an entire section for children with all the water-filled fun a little heart could desire. the detAils

To book a room at Beit Al Bahar, visit jumeirah.com/ jumeirah-beach-hotel

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Others we lOve JumeiRah malakiya villas maDinat JumeiRah DuBai These two or three bedroomed spacious villas offer oversized marble-clad bathrooms, sizeable living spaces, fully furnished kitchens and private terraces facing the waterways. You can enjoy complimentary in-villa breakfast, 24-hour butler service, a private swimming pool, special area for check-in and more.

Then there’s direct and private access to the souk.

You can step aboard an abra before strolling along the beach. jumeirah.com/madinatjumeirah

malDivian villa JumeiRah BoDRum Palace tuRkey With unbelievable luxury, this traditionally crafted two-storey 195-square-metre villa has an impressive range of space. You can enjoy a private infinity pool and jacuzzi, as well as an unmatched view of the sea. Two separate bathrooms have luxury Bulgari amenities while the villa itself can comfortably fit up to four adults.

Beach Revive villa with PRivate Pool JumeiRah Dhevanafushi malDives This villa features, as the name suggests, a private pool as well as easy access to the ocean. A personal butler and breathtaking beachfront sunrises help create a feeling of being in paradise. Even the bathing area is unbelievable: picture a massive marble tub with chaises longues on one side, a marble island with rotating mirror for getting ready and a private walk-in closet. Then again, with the stunning Indian Ocean on your doorstep, it’s hard to stay inside. jumeirah.com/jumeirahdhevanafushi

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The calligraphy on the 16-metre-high lobby contains the ‘Thousand Character’ Chinese poem written by a Tang dynasty monk named Huai Su 1,200 years ago.

The arT of china Deeply rooted in local culture, every aspect of one Shanghai property symbolises unity, prosperity and good luck - all you could wish for during your stay. Claire Hill reports.

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Discover fascinating art and immerse yourself in Chinese culture at the stunning Jumeirah Himalayas Hotel in Pudong, Shanghai. The building is located within the futuristic landmark Himalayas Center, part shopping mall, part art museum and theatre, that’s as impressive inside as it is outside. It was designed by world-renowned architect Arata Isozaki, who has won a number of awards. The interior was designed by KCA International, whose portfolio also includes Burj Al Arab Jumeirah in Dubai.

A wander around the hotel reveals priceless artefacts from the private art collections of Dai Zhi Kang, chairman of Zendai Group, and Zhang Zhenyu.

While the walls are adorned with original art from the Qing, Tang and Liang dynasties, the building itself is likened to a piece of precious jade. The outer square is said to represent the earth, the inner circle represents heaven and the cylindrical atrium represents a connecting passageway. The landscaped garden within creates a peaceful retreat.

On entering the hotel lobby, guests are greeted by a full-size antique pagoda carved in wood which stands proud in a palatial space. This tiered tower by the artist Shen Zhou from Zhejiang is more than 500 years old, dating back to the Qing dynasty. Over the years, the feature has been used as a stage for live performances like belly dancing and jazz.

Perhaps one of the greatest treasures is the dragon boat made from African rosewood, a piece that took two years to craft by hand. In Chinese culture dragons are a symbol of power, strength and good luck. The dragon boat also hosts three famous pavilions of China – Teng Wang, Peng Lai and Yue Yang pavilions, representing the aim of the Chinese to pursue higher achieve-

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The concept of feng shui is represented throughout the property, such as in these tree trunk-like posts that help make up the hotel’s façade.

ments in life. It also delivers good wishes to guests for a smooth journey through life.

The calligraphy on the 16-metre-high lobby contains the ‘Thousand Character’ Chinese poem written by a Tang dynasty monk named Huai Su 1,200 years ago. The artwork tells an ancient story: each character in the poem has a special meaning, teaching the essence of moral virtues and cultural evolution. This poem has become one of the most popular literacy texts in China.

Other pieces that have graced the lobby with their presence over the years include a jade Guayin Buddha, 2,000-year-old Chinese carved lacquerware, and a portrait of Chairman Mao by Chen Yifei. This artist was a central figure in the development of Chinese oil painting and became one of the leading Chinese painters in the 1960s and 1970s. His experimental oil paintings featured significant figures from Chinese society and political life, earning him a great reputation and leading to international success.

Ancient Chinese Culture Staying true to its roots, Jumeirah Himalayas Hotel incorporates elements of Chinese philosophy. Closer investigation will reveal elements of yin and yang.

For example, study the rooms and you might notice efforts have been made to strike a balance between two shapes. The round objects such as the coffee table symbolise heaven while square objects like the sofas symbolise the earth. When these two shapes are combined, the opposite shapes complement one another, creating a feeling of yin and yang in a universal recognition of harmony.

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Another important element incorporated into the hotel’s design is the ancient art of feng shui, which was developed about 3,000 years ago in China. The principle is to balance the energies of a space to assure good health and fortune. In Chinese culture wind (feng) and water (shui) are associated with good health and feng shui therefore translates as good fortune. For example, mirrors are used to expand spaces and to draw beneficial ‘chi’ energy into the rooms. In the lobby, the arrangement of the four seasons (spring symbolised by wood, summer by fire, autumn by metal and winter by water) also connects to the feng shui elements of the hotel.

Another symbol to look out for in the hotel is the auspicious cloud. Commonly used in Chinese mythology, auspicious clouds often have deities perched on top. The lucky cloud is a symbol of traditional Chinese culture present in the everyday lives of Chinese people. It can be seen in a whole manner of objects, ranging from sculptures and architecture to utensils and furniture.

The Chinese believe auspicious clouds bring blessings and harmony to society. Keep a look out for lucky cloud patterns in the grand ballroom, meeting rooms and the club floors of the hotel. Tree patterns can also be used to enhance positive energy and block negative forces so look out for the images of trees found in each lift and guest room. Regarded as an important life source, they are also said to exert a powerful influence on feng shui by promoting growth and good health. jumeirah.com

By Claire Hill, PR manager and copywriter, Jumeirah Group. On a weekly basis, new stories about Hill’s travels from across the luxurious world of Jumeirah will be posted on the Jumeirah blog. Every month, her highlights will appear here. For more information, visit experiencejumeirah.com

Images: Getty

travel and tastes

the destination

the dubai Creek Once used by merchants and pearl divers bringing their goods into Dubai, the creek is one of the most charming stops in the city. You will find dhows and abras sailing from one side to another. For as little as a dirham, you can hop aboard and float across, or you can stop at any of the creek’s character-filled cafÊs and restaurants before wandering around the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, a district lined with traditional buildings and scenic wind towers. the drink

the river Zara An alternative name for the Dubai Creek, the River Zara encapsulates ingredients used by some of the city’s early traders, including mandarin, ginger, lemon, pomegranate, and even tobacco.

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travel

Get outside while the weather is nice and explore these beautiful UAE destinations.

Then enjoy the evening with a culture-inspired cocktail at the Burj Al Arab’s Gold on 27.

The desTinaTion

dubai’s gold, spice and textile souks Roaming around these bustling souks, with wooden awnings overhead and vendors trying to hawk you everything from ‘luxury’ bags to rich spices, is a fascinating experience. Be prepared to haggle hard and roam through crowds. At the gold souk, you can find a great deal on all things shiny, while the spice souk is perfect to jazz up your cooking.

The drink

scent of the souk This cocktail evokes the ambience of Dubai’s famous souks with the use of fragrant herbs and spices as well as an aromatic oud oil lamp.

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The desTinaTion

The dubai Mall While there’s plenty of sparkle and glamour to see inside the world’s largest mall, The Dubai Mall has a charming outdoor walkway. You can stroll past shops and cafés while people-watching. Or if you time things right, you can catch one of the evening shows at The Dubai Fountain. Nothing sparkles quite as much as it does. All of this is an impressive reminder of just how much Dubai has developed.

The drink

From kohl to Crystal Based on the incredibly fast rise of Dubai, kohl is the charcoal Dubai villagers would rim their eyes with to protect from the sun and crystal refers to the wealth of Dubai.

This drink contains vodka and gin with touches of sumac powder and zaatar leaves.

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travel

The desTinaTion

The empty Quarter Also known as Rub’ Al Khali, the Empty Quarter is the world’s longest continuous stretch of sand mass. Rolling dunes and a massive expanse of untouched desert await you. It’s easy to book a tour to take you out into the wild, or if you’re feeling particularly brave, you can head for Tel Moreeb, believed to be one of the world’s tallest sand dunes.

The drink

rub’ al khali This cocktail is based on Dubai’s desert heritage with ingredients synonymous with nomadic desert life, such as dates, camel milk, and spirits aged in a goatskin bag reminiscent of those Bedouins used to carry. For more information visit goldon27.com

or jumeirah.com, download the Gold on 27 app, call +971 04 301 7600

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PALATIAL PALATIAL IN EVERY IN EVERY SENSE SENSE

Have you Haveever youwanted ever wanted to go inside to go inside Burj AlBurj Arab AlJumeirah?

Arab Jumeirah?

Now you Nowcan. you can.

Start exploring Start exploring any oneany of one our 22 of our hotels 22 and hotels resorts and resorts worldwide worldwide at jumeirahinside.com at jumeirahinside.com ABU DHABI ABU | DUBAI DHABI| KUWAIT | DUBAI | KUWAIT MALDIVES | MALDIVES | SHANGHAI | SHANGHAI | BAKU | BODRUM | BAKU | BODRUM | FR ANKFURT | FR ANKFURT | ISTANBUL| ISTANBUL | LONDON| LONDON | MALLORCA | MALLORCA

featured spaces Great ocean views, dance music, plates of irresistible nibbles and fabulous drinks make up the new evening brunch at 360°.

Located out at sea at the end of a pier, the iconic 360° has long been a favourite of the well-heeled crowd in Dubai. Its two floors feature lounging couches for relaxing, multiple bars and a purple-lit dancefloor.

Recently, thanks to the new 180° evening brunch, 360° has become even more exciting. The brunch runs from 7pm to 10pm and features a range of dim sum, sushi and bar snacks served alongside cocktails, spirits and wine. Be sure to try the eel sushi, which is succulently fatty and rich in just the right measure, and the fish cake, perfectly fried with a flaky crust. As for drinks? Order the Berry Fields, a sweet, prettily presented berry-based drink that finishes off the allyou-can-eat meal.

Once you’re done feasting, be prepared to mingle and dance while surrounded by stunning views of the Burj Al Arab Jumeirah and Jumeirah Beach Hotel lit at night. House music will help you keep going until 3am.

180° runs Thursdays from 7 to 10pm with the party continuing until 3am. For more information see jumeirah. com/360, +971 (0)4432 3232 or email 360@jumeirah.com

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A stay you’ll always remember An offer you can’t forget

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CM

MY

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CMY

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VISA (ALL-CARD) Blue

VISA SIGNATURE Gray

Use your Visa card to get a 25% discount off the best available rate at selected Jumeirah hotels.

For this and other Visa Jumeirah offers, visit www.jumeirah.com/visaoffers Visa and Jumeirah. Always beyond expectations.

Offer valid until 30th June 2016 for stays between 1st May 2016 and 30th September 2016, with complimentary Wild Wadi WaterparkTM and beach access for Dubai hotels only. Offer subject to availability. Terms and conditions apply.

You’re with us today.

Imagine where we can take you tomorrow.

The enhanced Jumeirah Sirius Recognition and Rewards programme. Collect points to go further, stay longer and STAY DIFFERENT™. Become a member before checking out and make this stay count towards unlocking even more privileges*.

If staying at a Jumeirah property, apply at reception; or visit jumeirahsirius.com *Guest on an eligible rate will accrue Jumeirah Sirius Points for their current stay.

The high life:

Max on One, Jumeirah frankfurt, germany

What: This contemporary grill room, located in the heart of Frankfurt, fea-

ticularly delicious). For mains, fresh seabass or king prawns are available

tures delicious dishes. Food, which spans fresh meat, fish, and vegetarian

alongside heftier cuts of red meat. Be sure to sample the potatoes with

specialities, is prepared right before your eyes.

rosemary and thyme. And for dessert? Delve into a strawberry tiramisu or rich crème brulée.

The atmosphere: Expect beautiful wood finishes, delicate cream

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and white accents, glass elements, and subtle mood lighting. The overall vibe

Insider’s advice: Sit beside the show kitchen to watch chefs create your

is one both inviting and chic. A modern restaurant on the first floor, the

dishes, or join the chef’s table to be part of the action. You can enjoy the

venue has space for 90 guests. There’s an open kitchen and a walk-in

spectacle as chefs flip and grill meat, fish and vegetarian specialities right

wine closet.

before your eyes.

The food: Dishes begin with light starters like lobster essence or beef

Contact: Max on One at +49 0 69 297 237 198, jfmaxonone@jumeirah.

consommé and a range of pastas (the ravioli with sour cream being par-

com, jumeirah.com

time to pose