Jumeirah June July 2019

THE HOLIDAY ISSUE June - July 2019

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AT YOUR SERVICE Experience exceptional silver service at the touch of a screen

The Jumeirah E-butler service launches in June 2019

Renowned for its hospitality the world over, Jumeirah Group prides itself on offering its guests experiences beyond expectations.

Which is why you can now enjoy the ultimate in personalized convenience: the Jumeirah E-Butler service.

The new 24/7 service enables guests to communicate with the resident E-Bulter team via instant messaging applications from their smartphone, anytime of the day or night.

Whether requesting room service, making din-

ner reservations, or ordering drinks and snacks to the beach, all of your needs are catered to at the press of a button. You can even book a future stay.

The Jumeirah E-butler service will be rolled out across the entire Jumeirah Hotels and Resorts portfolio by June 2019. It will be available through WhatsApp in all hotels, with the exception of China, where Jumeirah E-Butler will be available through WeChat. Burj Al Arab Jumeirah guests can utilize both WhatsApp and WeChat to access the service.

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Jumeirah Corporate Dubai Design District, Building 5, Floor 5 PO Box 73137, Dubai, UAE, Tel: +971 4 3665000, Fax: +971 4 366 5001. www.jumeirah.com Jumeirah is a trading name of Jumeirah International LLC. A Limited Liability company. Registration Number 57869.

Share Capital Dhs 300,000 fully paid up.

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Editor-in-Chief Obaid Humaid Al Tayer Managing Partner & Group Editor lan Fairservice Editorial Director Gina Johnson Senior Art Director Olga Petroff Contributing Editor Conor Purcell Art Director Clarkwin Cruz Senior Editorial Assistant Cecilia D’Souza Contributors Daniel Benneworth-Gray, James Brennan, Edwina Langley, Gareth Rees, Trang Minh General Manager – Production S Sunil Kumar Production Manager R Murali Krishnan Production Supervisor Venita Pinto Chief Commercial Officer Anthony Milne Publishing Director Carlos Pedroza For Jumeirah Claire Hill

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Head Office Media One Tower, Dubai Media City, PO Box 2331, Dubai UAE, Tel: +971 4 427 3000, 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 2 657 3490, Fax: +971 2 657 3489, editor-wo@motivate.ae London Acre House, 11/15 William Road, London NW1 3ER, UK, motivateuk@motivate.ae

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.

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The Edit Exploring the cultural events in Jumeirah cities (page 12); We test out the best in backpacks (page 15); Saluting an explorer and a travel writing icon (page 16); We spend 24 hours in the vibrant Bahraini capital Manama (page 18); We visit a Dubai chocolate maker with a difference (page 22); A London-based bespoke luggage maker keeps a proud heritage alive (page 26). Has Instagram changed the way we perceive design? (page 30); We explore the world’s best beaches, just in time for summer (page 36); We meet the three Michelin star chefs set to rejuvenate Burj Al Arab Jumeirah’s culinary options (page 44); Icons of summer (page 52).

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CONTENTS

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Index We explore the science of sleep (page 62); We pay a visit to the sumptuous villas in the Jumeirah Saadiyat Island Resort (page 66); Nothing beats London in the summer, particularly when you are in the luxurious confines of Jumeirah Grosvenor House Suites (page 68); We take a neighbourhood tour around Jumeirah at Etihad Towers in the heart of Abu Dhabi (page 70); Explore our global hotel list (page 72); Last Shot: Jumeirah Himalayas Hotel, Shanghai (page 74).

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Nouvelle Vague at Dubai Opera The French band arrive in Dubai as part of their 15th anniversary world tour. Inspired by the French New Wave cinema movement, the group bring a dreamy, otherworldly quality to their work and have garnered

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quite the cult following. If you like ethereal reinterpretations of everything from punk to bossa nova, then this is for you.

Dubai Opera, June 29th www.dubaiopera.com

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Hampton Court Palace Festival There are few more beautiful festival venues than Hampton Court Palace.

Get there early and treat yourself to a Fortnum & Mason picnic in the idyllic palace grounds before the concerts get underway. The musical mix is, as always, eclectic. Jools Holland will be bringing his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra, while Tears For Fears should be popular among the generation X demographic. Another blast from the past is Nile Rogers & Chic, who has had something of a renaissance in recent years. If that doesn’t float your boat, how about the pint-sized pop princess, Kylie?

Hampton Court Palace, Runs from June 7th to 21st hamptoncourtpalacefestival.com

We're Feeling Cultural highlights from Jumeirah cities

Shanghai Film Festival One of Asia’s leading film festivals is back for its 26th year. As well as screenings, workshops and seminars, the festival hosts the prestigious Golden Goblet awards (Asia’s answer to the Oscars). Expect worldclass cinema from South Korea, Indonesia,

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Japan, and of course, China. This year's batch of films see everything from dark drama to aburdist comedy make an appearance. One for the film buffs.

Shanghai Exhibition Center, June 15th – 24th, www.siff.com

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Animals: Between Real and Imaginary A fascinating look at how animals have been represented creatively throughout art over the centuries in all parts of the world. Visitors will be introduced to the various techniques and materials used by artists throughout the world to represent both real and imaginary. A fascinating glimpse

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into how we view and interact with the animal kingdom. Kids will love the Animal Footprints workshop which is an immersive display allowing them to follow in the footsteps of the animals featured in the exhibition.

Louvre Abu Dhabi, Runs until June 30th, louvreabudhabi.ae

Richard Meier: A Style Room Richard Meier is one of the greatest living architects, and this exhibition focuses on the historical references he drew on for his work. A fascinating look at the inspiration of a man known as much for his abstract art as his architectural work.

Museum Angewandte Kunst, Frankfurt. Runs until December 29th www.museumangewandtekunst.de

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Objects of Desire

FROM TOP: Webster by Tumi; Hershel Retreat; Smythson Burlington; Nike A-F1

Carry On Backpacks have never been considered the most stylish of accessories yet they are infinitely useful, which is why it’s a relief that recent years have seen the advent of more fashion forward designs. Take Smythson’s Burlington bag ($1,285), which is made from buttery soft deerskin, and features an exterior zip pocket, two internal slip pockets and adjustable shoulder straps. It’s pricey, but it looks (and feels) so good. For something more affordable, try Herschel’s Retreat backpack ($75). Herschel is a favourite among students, day-trippers and hipsters, and its backpacks are both sturdy and stylish.

The Retreat comes in a variety of colours and is big enough to hold a laptop if you need to send some emails from the top

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of that mountain. Made out of beautiful cowhide, the Webster by Tumi ($685) is an eye-catching piece of kit. Its minimal styling hides a zip front pouch, two interior notch pockets and a tablet sleeve.

If you are in the market for something more sporty, Nike has been hitting it out of the park for some time now. Case in point, the A-F1 ($70), which is modelled after the brand’s iconic Air Force One trainer. The look is futuristic functional with Deep side zip sections and a 15'' laptop sleeve, as well as a top-loading design.

Shoulder straps with padded cushioning and straps for distributing weight make it a lightweight tote, and front webbing offers a convenient hangar for clip-on items. A classic in the making.

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Bruce Chatwin There are many travel writers, but few who have left as long lasting an impression as the English travel writer Bruce Chatwin. That is mainly down to his work. A world away from the overly-prescriptive nature of much of today’s travel writing, or the done-to-death ‘fish out of water’ trope, Chatwin dug deeper, much deeper.

His first book, In Patagonia, published 42 years ago, changed what we thought of when we thought of travel writing. Yes, it was a book about travelling through Patagonia, but it was so much more than that: a collection of memories, sketches, scenes, often with no obvious link between them. It reveals as much about Chatwin as it does about the place and lets us fill in the blanks, just as all great works of art should.

Chatwin was a traveller in the truest sense.

Constantly restless, always looking to discover the next place. In many ways he was more like a colonial-era writer like Byron than any modern day travel writer. The Songlines, his book about Aboriginal song and its connection to the land, combined both fiction and non-fiction and is widely considered one of the greatest travel books of all time.

Chatwin’s brilliance was to arrange what he saw, heard and experienced like a novelist would. Indeed, even the term ‘travel writer’ was anathema to Chatwin. When The Songlines was nominated for the Thomas Cook Travel Award, he demanded that his publisher withdraw it.

“The journey it describes is an invented journey, it is not a travel book in the generally accepted sense,” he said. He bristled at the boxes writers were forced to operate in, as he once told the writer Colin Thubron. “I’ve always loved telling stories. Everyone says: ‘Are you writing a novel?’ No, I’m writing a story and I do rather insist that things must be called stories. That seems to me to be what they are. I don’t quite know the meaning of the word novel.”

What he did know was how to tell a story, and it’s for these and his reinvention of the travel writing genre that he will be remembered.

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THIS PAGE: Bruce Chatwin, BOTTOM LEFT: Study

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Words − Conor Purcell

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Familial legacy is at the heart of this perfume house in Bahrain City Centre. Regarded as one of the most premier names in Middle Eastern scents, the Saudi brand has been in operation since 1852. Put your nose to the test and try out the rare taif rose, as well as oud, amber and agarwood oils, before deciding what to (carefully) take home – all the fragrances come in beautiful glass bottles.

Hidden among the throng of market stalls in Manama is a famous spot that visitors should make sure to seek out. Old photos and posters plaster the walls, tables are always rammed, and there is a collective air of congeniality as locals and tourists alike scoop egg, minced meat and lentils into flatbread straight out of the oven – all washed down with a steaming cup of karak chai.

10am: Abdul Samad Al Qurashi

24 HOURS IN MANAMA The Bahraini capital is filled with culture, tradition, and some great coffee

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11am: Haji’s Café 1950

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2pm: Bahrain National Museum Once you are fed and watered, head to the waterfront for a glimpse into Bahrain's rich history. The National Museum has been working on its collection since 1988, and has split it into three sections. Ancient civilisations of the region are covered extensively, with artefacts including Assyrian coffins and wax Dilmun seals, as is the era just before independence – which gives an interesting glimpse into traditional customs and social norms. Outside, the Durand Stone – a Babylonian sculpture of mother and child – contrasts vividly with the skyline.

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4pm: Manama Souq Sweets, spices, jewellery, headdresses: anything and everything a traveller with a few riyals to burn should want, is on offer in the capital’s old bazaar.

Though there are other souqs in the Kingdom, Manama's popularity is unmatched, and the souq has undergone a couple of renovations since 1949. If you're in the market for traditional souvenirs, bypass the plethora of kitchen equipment and head to the gold and pearl district or fabric stores, where you can pick up velvety Kashmir scarves and affordable tailormade suits. When it all gets too much, head to the section with a wooden roof for some respite from the sun, or rest your feet and grab a coffee and shisha – we recommend one of the old cafés by the main gate.

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5pm: The Palm Lounge, Jumeirah Royal Saray Reminiscence about Bahrain with guests and locals alike as you relax on the expansive lobby lounge drinking in views of a stunning sunset over the turquoise waters of the Arabian Gulf along with a cup of world-class Colombian coffee. Made by baristas who hail from Colombia, make sure to try one of their creative mocktails. The perfect way to wind down after a long day.

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6pm: Bahrain National Theatre

Located right beside the National Museum, the National Theatre (Sheikh Hamdan Causeway) is an impressive waterfront complex which holds more than 1,000 seats in its main auditorium. Its interior

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8pm: Ahmed Al-Fateh Grand Mosque The largest mosque in Bahrain and one of the largest in the world, the Grand Mosque (Al Fatih Highway) is

design was inspired by 1001 Arabian Nights, while the architecture manages to be resolutely modern. Its curved, swooping wooden interior is stunning, while the bold lines of the exterior connects the sea to the sky.

Built in 2012, it's the third largest opera house in the Arab world, and has hosted the likes of Placido Domingo, the Bolshoi Ballet and Il Divo, and has quickly become a mainstay of the city’s culture. It features a main auditorium, as well as a 150-seat studio theatre designed for conferences, drama, rehearsals and ceremonies.

Both auditoriums are intimate and spacious and this is very much the jewel in Manama's cultural landscape. Check local listings for dates of upcoming performances.

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10pm: Block 338 Manama’s hippest neighbourhood, Block 338, is filled with restaurants, bars, café and art spaces. Beloved of the city’s younger set, expect to see lots of street art, installations, live gigs and some great food. There’s everything from American and Japanese to Lebanese food on offer, although we are partial to Lanterns (Building 829, Road 3825) which is a hugely popular Indian restaurant

a marvel. Built with teak wood from India, glass from Austria and marble from Italy, it can accommodate more than 7,000 worshippers. It’s also crowned with the largest fibreglass dome in the world and is adorned with beautiful Kufic calligraphy on its walls. It has a huge library with more than 7,000 books, as well as daily multi-language tours (except for Fridays) which are a great way to experience first-hand the serenity of this great building.

08 that brings in a vibrant expat and local crowd. Eat, drink and celebrate as you toast your first night in Bahrain.

While in Bahrain stay at Jumeirah Royal Saray jumeirah.com

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Words − Conor Purcell

Mirzam

Chocolate heaven in Dubai’s Al Serkal Avenue

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In case you missed it, chocolate is having a bit of a moment. Once regarded as a guilty treat or something to keep naughty children quiet, the humble cacao bean has managed to carve out a niche for itself in recent years. And you can find evidence of this in a fairly unlikely place. Head into Dubai’s industrial district of Al Quoz, and there, amid the cutting-edge galleries of Al Serkal, you will find Mirzam. Owned by an (anonymous) Emirati brother and sister, the chocolate maker is run by Kathy Johnston, who has a rather wonderful title: Chief Chocolate Officer.

Opened in 2016, the space comprises of a factory where the chocolate is made on site, as well as a café where visitors can taste the results. “We are 'chocolate makers' rather than chocolatiers,” says Kathy. “Which means that we focus on the art of making chocolate, from the cocoa bean all the way to the bar. From the chocolate we make, we create bars, pralines, drinking chocolate and bakery items.”

Visitors to the factory can watch the entire process, from the hand sorting of the beans to the roasting of them. “They are then grinded for a week, until the particle size is tiny, and your tongue can no longer sense the texture and they feel creamy,” Kathy says. After four weeks rest, the beans are tempered, and finally wrapped.

The choice of beans reflects Dubai’s geographic location, with Mirzam’s focus on the Spice Route.

“These are the countries that historically, Arabian sailors/traders would have made their way to via dhow from the Gulf, down the east coast of Africa and through Asia to the southern tip of Japan,” Cathy says. “Countries such as India, Tanzania, Madagascar, Vietnam and Indonesia. We have cacao plantations grown for our single origin chocolates.”

Like coffee, there are differences in the cacao beans depending on where they are from, although Kathy says the most important differences are those influencing bio-diversity, such as the genetic varietals common in different areas.

Indeed, sustainability is important to Mirzam.

“Our commitment is reflected in the packaging we use and the fact we use sustainably grown ingredients,” Kathy says.

Only 30kg of chocolate is made per batch, so every part of the bean is used, including the husk

Mirzam’s commitment to sustainability is reflected in its packaging and ingredients

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Three to try

Pralines

Drinking Chocolate

Baking Chocolate

These are little cubes of super smooth nut paste that we've made from scratch, and then coated in chocolate.

We grind together sugar and cocoa beans, and finally crumble the resulting chocolate – just two ingredients!

We grind together just sugar and cocoa beans again, and pour the chocolate into a deep 300g mould for chefs to use.

(which the tea served in the café is made from), so there is no waste. It’s another advantage Mirzam has over the bigger, global, chocolate manufacturers. “We seek to highlight the individual profile of the genetics of every bag of beans, while industrial scale manufactures seek consistency through chemical processes, bulk ingredients and flavouring,” Kathy says. “To compare, every apple you buy with a different source, genetics would taste very different, depending on the time of year and variety – while every mass produced chocolate product you

purchased would always taste the same. This isn't a natural outcome.”

Since it opened, Mirzam has attracted a loyal band of customers – both expat and Emirati, with its dark chocolate particularly popular. “I was surprised by how customers based in the UAE are looking for dark chocolate, and vegan chocolate,” Kathy says. Indeed such is Mirzam’s success, and it will be moving premises soon. “We are moving into a new space in the near future, as we have outgrown the power supply here,” says Kathy.

Mirzam, Alserkal Avenue, Warehouse 70, Al Quoz, Dubai; www.mirzam.com

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How I Made It

Charlotte Seddon, Design Director of Globe-Trotter suitcases, on the processes and creativity behind each hand-made product

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THIS PAGE: Charlotte Seddon; material at the brand's factory RIGHT PAGE: The finished product

How has the manufacturing process changed since the brand was established in 1897?

For the past 122 years, Globe-Trotter has been manufacturing handcrafted luggage with the original design and manufacturing methods changing very little since its Victorian beginnings – so we are using the same methods and materials more than a century on! Of course, we have had to update some of the machinery that we use, but most of our craftsmen still use the same tools and methods that have been around since the company’s conception.

How long does it take to make one suitcase?

There are just under 100 processes required to create one Globe-Trotter suitcase – the total time it takes is around 10.5 days. The core material for making a Globe-Trotter case is the Vulcanised Fibreboard, it enters our factory in sheet form already colour coated and is cut down to size on our guillotines. The Vulcanised Fibreboard is then heat bent into shapes and the hardware is fitted to construct the case. A moulded leather corner – one of the case’s trademark features – is then applied. Because of the pressure they are put under during the moulding process, the corners need to be trimmed prior to being buffed and inked.The process of having the corners soaked, pressed, dried out and then pressed again takes a total of five days. They are then applied to the case by hand.

What's the training like for the artisans making the suitcases?

Craftmanship is key, so some of the techniques are really quite unique and need to be taken on with care and integrity. We have artisans that have been with us for decades so it’s wonderful that those skills are shared and passed down from generation to generation.

What are the Victorian methods still used - why are they still used?

Some of the old processes and machinery that have remained the same since the Victorian era include the heat moulding of the vulcanised fibreboard or the leather corners on the pressing machines. The leather handles that are attached to our cases are

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made from robust vegetable tanned leather. This is layered a number of times so incredibly thick – we’re only able to use an industrial harness machine from 1928 that is strong enough to pierce through the leather and stich it together. Modern day machines either break or aren't able to stitch through that thickness of leather, which means our 1920s harness machine is an invaluable piece of equipment.

Where is the material sourced?

The vulcanised fibreboard is imported from Japan while the all-leather trim on Globe-Trotter suitcases are made from a vegetable tanned leather which is sourced from a tannery in Devon.

What should a good suitcase do? Is it just a means of storage or something more?

One of the main reasons why our customers love our cases is because the design element is so strong and has remained for over 120 years. The vulcanised fibreboard is lightweight but incredibly durable. A Globe-Trotter cases sits right in the middle between having a beautiful seamless design, as well as having that practical element – which I believe is the sign of a good suitcase and why customers love it so much. The cases look so iconic in style, they have the ‘wow factor’ which I love. They carry a traditional look of design yet remain modern and unique – they are classic and timeless. Most of all they epitomise the glamour of travel.

How long does a Globe-Trotter suitcase last - why should someone buy one over a more conventionally made suitcase?

All Globe-Trotter cases are made to last a lifetime – sometimes across generations. I suppose the richness of heritage and history behind the brand as well as the fact that they are made in a factory in Hertfordshire by skilled craftsman especially in today’s industry, I think is very special. When it comes to travel the experience is so special, the luggage you travel with needs to be special as well, so it’s worth investing in a beautiful handcrafted suitcase like ours that can pick up the evidence for your adventures for you to keep as a memento or pass on to its next owner. It also helps that we have a repairs department, that will help restore any damages to your case!

How has the range of luggage you offer changed over the years?

They have always remained true to their roots in design, the overall shape and core design has not changed – this is something that as a brand is very important to us. We are always developing the design where we can to suit the modern-day traveller e.g. we have adjusted the size of the cabin case so it is small enough to take on board as carry-on luggage. www.globe-trotter.com

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Words − Conor Purcell

Photos − Sasha Stories, Jacopo Raule, Pier Marco Tacca

Instagram and the Aesthetics of Design How the photo sharing platform has changed how we showcase, and consume design

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It started, like many of Silicon Valley’s billion dollar ideas, as something else. When Instagram was first created, it wasn’t Instagram at all, but Burbn, a check-in app that featured mobile photography.

However after the success of Foursquare, a rival check-in app, founders Mike Krieger and Kevin Systrom decided to focus on photo-sharing exclusively. It was a wise move. The company was bought

by Facebook for $1 billion in 2012 and is now valued at $100 billion. But if we move away from the (often inflated) valuations and the Silicon Valley hype, we see a platform that has propelled design and aesthetics front and centre.

Never have we been more obsessed with image, both our own, and others’. While that has its obvious drawbacks, the idea that things should look beautiful is something to hold on to. Beauty may, as the saying goes, be in the eye of the beholder, but there is a common agreement when something is beautiful or not. A Monet. The ceiling in the Sistine Chapel. Sunset on the Big Sur coast. A vintage Porsche. But, has Instagram changed our view of beauty? And are we in danger of focusing on style at the expense of substance? There’s no doubt the platform has changed everything from fashion to interior design, but is that a good thing?

Let’s look at interior design – it’s a $10 billion business and it’s one of the industries making the most money from Instagram. “It’s democratised design,” San Francisco-based interior designer, Christina Higham told Fast Company last year. “It’s made people feel that anyone can be a designer because they have all of these things at their fingertips.” It’s also speeded things up. Trends in fashion, beauty and furniture move much faster now. The ‘70s were all about Scandinavian chic, the ‘80s were bolder, with lots of plexiglass and pastels. The ‘90s went back to nature – think pine-covered walls and bland pastels. In the past few years though, trends have moved from industrial chic all the way to minimalism, to mid-century vintage to maximalism. Designs are consumed much quicker too, with a look being dismissed or embraced at the speed it takes to scroll down an Instagram feed. That speed has been mirrored in the online shopping space with more and more people willing to purchase big-ticket items online. “Customers are happier to purchase larger objects online,” says Freya Coakley of the British furniture designers, SCP. We expect more from design, not just with regards to interiors, but with exteriors as well. Take, for instance, the remarkable Jumeirah Nanjing, designed by the iconic, late architect, Zaha Hadid.

It’s a truly stunning building, and, is ‘Instagram friendly,’ yet you can be sure Hadid was not thinking of the photo sharing platform when she designed it. Graphic design is another area that has

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LEFT PAGE: A woman basking in the golden hue of sun and dunes

been changed by Instagram. It’s easier than ever for graphic designers to showcase their work. Indie magazine publishers too have utilised Instagram to promote their products. “It’s really difficult to tell what’s going to get the best reaction,” says Steve Watson, who runs the London-based indie magazine subscriber service Stack. “For us there seems to be a strong appetite for new things that people haven’t seen before, which I suppose is basically what you’d expect for our audience. But there’s no magic formula to it, so while I’m sure designers are thinking of Instagram when they design it’s probably only in so much as making sure things look clear and distinctive when shrunk down and seen at a glance.” Of course, most magazines end up just posting their cover on Instagram, and those covers get ‘consumed’ more often online then they do in real life. “The covers have a second life online,” says Gail Bichler, New York Times Magazine’s Design Director. “They are separated from the actual magazine and are consumed differently. Most people who see the cover that way won’t hold the magazine in their hands or even see the inside pages, and I think maybe there’s an over reliance on the cover because of that.”

The introduction of Instagram Stories in August 2016 (a direct response to the threat of Snapchat) has also altered how people consume on the platform. “We used to have lots of people every month taking really carefully crafted pictures of their Stack magazines at home with them,” says Steve. “Now those sort of pictures tend to go out as Stories, and they’re nowhere near as nice. It’s much more likely now that subscribers will take a quick picture of their magazine and put some text or a sticker on it, whereas before they might have found a nice background, got the lighting right, and tweaked the colours before posting.”

Photography is another discipline that has been irrevocably changed by Instagram. Photographers now use the platform as a portfolio, they can experiment on it, in effect growing as artists in front of our eyes. But does the visibility of the platform change how they work? “Although [Instagram] encouraged my interest in photography, nowadays there is a sense you have to put everything online,” says Cronan Creagh, a Dublin-based photographer. “Your inspirations, your creative process and even the work you wouldn’t consider your best, all to keep your audience engaged. There is an interesting narrative in that, but it is difficult

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not to be swayed by the reaction or potential lack of validation ('likes') when you are experimenting with different ideas and styles. Having a strong internal locus of evaluation is paramount to the progress of yourself and your work. It took me a while for that penny to drop. For a long time, I would aim to shoot what did well online but now I aim to create for what I am interested in.” Creagh’s point is indicative of the pressure many creators feel – that they have to constantly put up ‘content’ in order to feed their audience. It can also make them focus on external validation (likes, comments) rather than the actual work they do. “For some people, it works as it gives them direction and they do enjoy keeping to a theme or style and if they are very consistent it does lead to online growth,” says Creagh. “But for me, that is incredibly limiting, even in my general thinking let alone my photography.”

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LEFT PAGE: A fashion influencer arrives at a Paris fashion event; A visitor takes a photo during Milan Design Week; Jumeirah Nanjing THIS PAGE: 20, Oof and Anxy, three independent magazines featured on Stack's Instagram feed

So, what then of the future? Will we all become design experts, accustomed to consuming the best of it at our fingertips? Will creators become clones of each other, copying and re-copying whatever gets the most hits, the most likes, the most comments?

Are we doomed to consume the same boilerplate style photography, art, design, all chosen by the Instagram algorithm? Instagram recently rolled out a trial in Canada where users can’t see any likes on posts. “We want people to worry a little bit less about how many likes they’re getting on Instagram and spend a bit more time connecting with the people they care about,” said Instagram’s Adam Mosseri.

Whether this experiment away from vanity metrics will work or not remains to be seen. What isn’t in doubt is that Instagram will continue to be many people’s first experience of art, architecture and design. For the creators, it’s important that the process, not the outcome drives the creative journey. “When I find myself wanting to display my photographs in a unique way, my mind goes to a clean image with a white border, just like my Instagram feed,” says Cronan.

Even an artist such as Brad Phillips, who made his name on the platform, is having second thoughts. “I think about deleting [Instagram] daily,” he told Vulture last year. “I think that making artwork and not showing it to the world is liberating. Then there’s the instant gratification of posting a painting and getting likes, but this to some extent spoils the work; it’s been seen too much.”

Too much exposure. Not enough likes. The world of Instagram reflects the digital world every creative is grappling with. While Instagram – and all the other social apps we love/hate so much – show no signs of disappearing, neither does great work. Art, photography, architecture and graphic design have never been more relevant, more challenging or more thought about. And for that, while it may pain us to say it, we can give at least some credit to the photo sharing platform. Great art is great art, and luckily, there is no algorithim that will ever change that.

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Golden Hour

Words − Conor Purcell

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We travel the globe in search of the world’s best beaches. You’re welcome June - July 2019

Bali, Indonesia

Burj Al Arab, Dubai

Bali is one of the most beautiful islands in the world, and has long attracted everyone from Australian backpackers and wellness junkies to Hollywood royalty. It’s not hard to see why: this part of Indonesia is filled with mystical jungle hideouts, wellness retreats, and yes, some spectacular beaches.

There are so many, in fact, that it’s hard to choose just one, so we won’t. We’ll start off with one of the best of the bunch, Crystal Bay, which is picturepostcard perfect, replete with turquoise waters, palm-fringed white sands and a hilly jungle backdrop. It’s an hour by speedboat from Bali, which is why it’s so untouched, but it’s worth the journey.

While Seminyak gets all the attention, we are partial to Jimbaran Bay, which remains relatively underdeveloped. Set on a beautiful curved bay, it’s the beach to go to if you are fan of long walks and peace and quiet. It’s also home to an ancient temple and some wonderful fish markets. Grab a sunset dinner at one of the many fish restaurants overlooking the surf and drink in the island’s natural beauty.

There are few more iconic sights than the Burj Al Arab glimmering as the sun dips behind the horizon. Luckily, guests at the hotel get a prime-time view from their own patch of golden sands. Lapped by the warm waters of the Arabian Gulf, the beach is pristine. While there are plenty of water-sport options, most prefer to grab a lounger, a good book, and soak up the sun. Did we mention the view?

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Malibu, California Surfing was invented not far from this patch of Californian coast and more than 100 years on, it’s still something of a home to countless adventurers chasing the next big wave. Zuma Beach is the one to head for, a long stretch of golden sand buffeted by the Pacific Ocean. Its proximity to Hollywood means you have probably seen it in countless films – to give just one example, Charlton Heston was filmed in Planet of the Apes on this very stretch of sand. These days you are more likely to encounter sun worshippers, day-trippers and surfers than

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PREVIOUS PAGES: Burj Al Arab, Dubai; Bali, Indonesia; LEFT: Malibu, California; ABOVE: Jumeirah Vittaveli Maldives

white sand than the Maldives. And if you want to experience your own slice of tropical heaven, then Jumeirah Vittaveli should be your next port of call.

Located on the idyllic Bolifushi Island, the beaches here are jungle-fringed and silky soft. They gradually slide into azure waters so pristine, they almost look fake. Best of all, as the island is private, you can always find your own slice of beach, with just you, the white sands and the endless horizon. Bliss.

Phi Phi Islands, Thailand Hollywood legends (or apes), as it’s probably the most popular beach in the state. It gets busy, so get there early on the weekends, and be careful when in the water; that Pacific rip tide is deceptively strong.

Jumeirah Vittaveli, The Maldives The Maldives has become a byword for tropical luxury in recent years, with a large part of that down to the country’s pristine island beaches. There are few places in the world where you are more likely to find yourself alone on a stretch of jaw-dropping

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Thailand is blessed with more than its fair share of pristine waterfront, but few match the spectacular beaches on the Phi Phi islands. Located in the western Andaman Sea, Phi Phi is made up of six separate islands, each dotted with beaches.

One of the most famous is Maya Bay on Koh Phi Phi Leh, which made an appearance in Leonardo Di Caprio’s The Beach. The bay is surrounded by spectacular limestone cliffs and the water is translucent, which gives a great view of the underwater wildlife below. For something a bit different, head

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LEFT: Phi Phi Islands, Thailand; ABOVE: Tulum, Mexico

to Monkey Beach on Phi Phi Don. Unsurprisingly, this beach is home to a colony of monkeys who are well used to humans and wait patiently to be entertained by tourists. Our favourite beach on Phi Phi Don is Long Beach which is the longest and softest beach on the islands. It also has the best snorkelling and diving and there are even black tip reef sharks navigating the deep blue waters.

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Tulum, Mexico Tulum has long been a favourite of tourists, both native and foreign, and it’s not hard to see why.

Glorious palm-fringed beaches, amazing underwater life and spectacular Mayan ruins tend to be quite the draw. Add a growing new age vibe, amazing restaurants, and a host of wellness activities, and you should really be booking your flight by now. Paradise Beach is our favourite stretch of sand – it’s wide, white and overlooked by quaint beach shacks serving great Mexican food. You can rent sun loungers on the beach, or just spend your time in the water, observing the incredible sea life.

Perhentian, Malaysia One of Asia’s undiscovered gems, the Perhentian Islands are stunning – expect low-slung beach accommodation, crystal clear waters and teeming underwater wildlife. The two main islands are Perhentian Kecil and Perhentian Besar. Kecil is smaller and attracts backpackers, gap-year students and party animals. The larger island, Besar, is more upscale and attracts an older, well-to-do crowd. Both however are stunning: endless white beaches, overlooked by thousands of palm trees. Neither island has any motorised vehicles, or structures over two storeys, and internet access is patchy at best. If you want to check in and drop off the grid for a few days or a few weeks, it’s perfect.

Nice, France There are few places more attractive than the French Riviera. From the film star glamour of Cannes to the ultra-chic Monaco promenade, it’s got style and substance in spades. Of all the destinations on the coast, we like Nice the best – it’s a bit more accessible than Monaco and has more charm than Cannes. Nice’s waterfront is dominated

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LEFT: Nice, France; ABOVE: Perhentian, Malaysia

by the Promenade des Anglais, a 7km promenade that is dotted with chic fashion brands, worldclass restaurants and slick wine bars. If you want a patch of sand more private, we recommend Castel Plague, which is one of the most beautiful private beaches on the entire coast. There’s a wonderful restaurant there as well, which is the perfect venue for some sundowners. Of course, Nice has plenty of other attractions, from the Chagall museum to the remarkable Lascaris Palace, but it will be hard to drag yourself away from the beach.

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Words − Thomas Piaget

Burj Al Arab Jumeirah welcomes three new worldclass chefs. We meet the men set to revolutionise the property’s culinary offerings

Kitchen Confidential

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Dubai’s culinary scene is as vibrant as ever, and, as if to illustrate that fact, Jumeirah Group is proud to welcome three of the world’s best chefs to Burj Al Arab Jumeirah. With seven Michelin stars between them, it’s safe to say Francky Semblat, Kim Joinie-Maurin and Kasper Kurdahl each bring a wealth of experience and talent with them. Whilst Francky Semblat and Kim Joinie-Maurin are both protégés of the famed Joël Robuchon’s school of excellence, Kasper Kurdahl worked alongside culinary legends such as Roger Souvereyns. All three chefs add a layer of quality to the dining scene at Burj Al Arab Jumeirah. The hotel’s Al Muntaha restaurant welcomes Chef Francky and Skyview Bar & Restaurant Chef Kim, whilst Chef Kasper joins Al Mahara restaurant.

Anthony Costa, Regional Vice President of Jumeirah Group and Managing Director of Burj Al Arab Jumeirah, who appointed the three said: “I am thrilled to be welcoming Chefs Kasper, Francky and Kim to Burj Al Arab Jumeirah. Their experience at some of the world’s best restaurants coupled with their diverse backgrounds and entrepreneurial adventures will pave the path to a wonderful gastronomic journey.”

José Silva, Jumeirah Group’s CEO added; “We are very proud to announce the arrival of three new culinary experts at our flagship hotel in Dubai. This appointment reveals the start of a more diversified and innovative culinary offering, in addition to our continued focus on the guest experiences, which is a core element of the luxury industry. Dubai’s diverse culinary scene will be a delight for Expo2020 visitors next year, and with more than 60 restaurants in Dubai, we are ready to welcome its epicurean guests. This is the start of several other exciting culinary and customer experiences we plan to announce in the near future.”

Now, let’s meet the chefs.

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Chef Francky Semblat Al Muntaha With more than 23 years of experience at some of the world’s most celebrated restaurants, Chef Francky Semblat is one of the world’s most successful chefs. Having worked in Paris, Shanghai and Macau, he now starts a new journey in the Middle East with Burj Al Arab Jumeirah. A pupil of the famed Joël Robuchon school of excellence, he started working with ‘the chef of the century’ in 1996 at his three Michelin-starred Restaurant Joël Robuchon in Paris 16eme, as Commis de Cuisine.

He worked closely with Robuchon, moving his way up through the ranks to work at various two and three Michelin-starred restaurants, and gaining unparalleled experience as Commis De Cuisines, Demi Chef de Partie, Chef de Partie and Chef De Cuisine respectively. A Chef known for his classic French style, he was handpicked by Robuchon at the age of 24 to work as Chef De Cuisine at the now famed Robuchon au Dome in Macau in 2001.

It was this restaurant that was the first and only Western restaurant to be awarded three Michelin stars when the Michelin guide launched in Hong Kong and Macau, awarded when Chef Francky was just 32 years old.

Following that, he went on to his most recent role as Executive Chef of present L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon Shanghai, a now two Michelin-starred restaurant that was awarded its first Michelin star just six months after opening, where he worked closely with Robuchon to further establish Shanghai as a gastronomic destination in its own right.

With a passion for simple yet extraordinary food, he is a man that likes to be challenged. Chef Francky has a warm personality and a hunger to deliver the exceptional.

What inspired you to embark on a career in cooking?

I was very lucky to have the chance to meet Joël Robuchon at a very young age. To start off, I had an interest in cooking but did not necessarily dream of having the chance to work with one of the world’s

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famous chefs for such a long time. Joël Robuchon was from the same town and took a chance on young local talent, a great symbol of his masterful style that has resulted in so many of his chefs continuing to live his legacy.

What was the first dish you can remember?

As with many young children, my first memory is of baking cakes and biscuits with my family.

Coming from France, our patisserie is of course important to us!

Why Burj al Arab Jumeirah?

Burj Al Arab Jumeirah is the representation of the impossible for Dubai. I first visited the city in 2007, and immediately considered it to be a dream-like destination. A destination booming for both tourism and business, and most recently gastronomy in the hospitality industry, with the work being done

by Mr Silva and Micheal Ellis. I am incredibly excited to play a part in the city’s growth.

Do you have a particular food philosophy that you follow and bring into your kitchen?

My philosophy is focused on the basics of cooking – to not only use the very best product available, but to respect the quality of the product, and then prepare and cook it in a simple way so as to get the very best taste. I pay a huge amount of attention to the detail of cooking at each step, focusing on signature products that do not need a lot of theatre or fuss. Sometimes, cooking the simplest dish is what takes the greatest effort and skill.

What is your vision for your work at Burj Al Arab Jumeirah?

Burj Al Arab Jumeirah already has an incredible legacy with its architecture and luxury experiences.

What I am looking forward to, is adding more of the gourmandise culture we know into the mix. It is a hugely exciting time for myself and the hotel.

What are the most important aspects of your job?

It’s simple – serving fantastic food that is memorable for guests, and looking after my team.

What are your thoughts on Dubai and its culinary scene?

From what I see, it is a hugely diverse place with some fantastic cuisines already being served. I am looking forward to inspire with fine-dining, focused on simplicity of product, seasoning and flavours, and where better than to do so at the summit of Burj Al Arab Jumeirah?

How do you think your culinary journey will evolve in the future?

I take great pride in building gastronomic destinations as I did in Macau and Shanghai. Hopefully the work we do in Dubai will be of the same quality, and will continue to propel Dubai and indeed Burj Al Arab Jumeirah as a global culinary destination, as that is something I am very passionate about.

PREVIOUS PAGE: Celebrity chefs: Chef Kim JoiniéMaurin. Chef Kasper Kurdahl and Chef Francky Semblat RIGHT: Chef Francky Semblat’s king crab as a mimosa, amalfi lemon, caviar and yuzu sour cream

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Chef Kasper Kurdahl Al Mahara

LEFT PAGE: Chef Francky Semblat at Al Muntaha; Chef Kasper Kurdahl at Al Mahara THIS PAGE: Chef Kim Joinié at Skyview Bar & Restaurant

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A Danish national, Chef Kasper Kurdahl has worked in the Michelin star restaurant realm for more than 25 years. Before joining Burj Al Arab Jumeirah as Executive Chef of Al Mahara, Chef Kasper was Executive Chef at the famed Le Chalet de la Fôret in Brussels, which showcased his experience from cooking in New York, Italy, Spain, Japan, France, and Germany.

“I am excited to work with Mr. Silva, Michael and Anthony to create a new identity for the restaurant, building on its long-standing reputation for fine food. We will introduce a dining experience with a focus on caring and treating the products with respect, enhancing flavours and textures, and serving them in a refined way. It is humbling to be able to convey my style of cooking at the world’s most luxurious hotel, and I’m looking forward to seeing how Dubai reacts.”

What inspired you to embark on a career in cooking?

As a young man, I wanted to travel the world and cooking seemed like a guaranteed ticket. I figured that there is always someone, somewhere who is hungry, which resulted in me applying to culinary school in Denmark. Three years in, I was working at one of the best restaurants in Copenhagen, but I knew that I had to leave Denmark if I was going to continue to learn. I ended up working with the legendary Roger Souvereyns in Belgium, despite my tutor’s persistence that I wasn’t a suitable fit.

Thankfully, Roger held the belief that “all good cooks have trouble at school.”

What was the first dish you can remember?

Growing up, my parents insisted that I cook one meal per week. From the age of eight, I would go to the supermarket, collect fresh ingredients, and create a meal for the whole family. My signature dish was a tomato and spinach tart – homemade short crust pastry and all!

Why Burj al Arab Jumeirah?

There’s part of me that thinks it was a lucky shot!

Dubai has always been on my radar as a fascinating culinary capital, however I believe being given

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LEFT PAGE: Chef Kim Joinié’s lobster, crunchy vegetables and turmeric vinaigrette

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the chance to join the Jumeirah Group family was a case of being in the right place at the right time.

Meeting with José Silva and Anthony Costa, I was intrigued by both Burj Al Arab Jumeirah and Jumeirah Group’s new vision for its restaurants and knew that it was something I wanted to be involved in. It is a very thrilling time.

What is special about the Danish character and instincts when it comes to cooking?

I would say that there are Danish elements in my cooking style, but it has been heavily flavoured by all the places I have cooked in and visited. There is a Scandinavian approach to how I work, which means that I always respect the product and strive to enhance the flavour of it – something that has been in our genes forever.

Do you have a particular food philosophy that you follow and bring into your kitchen?

Absolutely. I often talk about ‘sexy’ food – food that is appealing to the eye and offers a great taste. You do not have to recognize everything on the plate but it is important to get a sense of the product and its capability of adding another taste dimension.

After all, eating is a voyage in taste. Everything on the plate has a function and I always ask “what can I take out?”. Another key aspect to my cooking attitude is reflecting the dishes to the surroundings. Here, it will be important to make the dishes ‘Dubai’ and that they encapsulate the grandeur of Burj Al Arab Jumeirah.

What is your vision for Al Mahara?

First and foremost, it will remain fine dining, but it will evolve with new experiences. The first draft is a Scandinavian fish butcher – aging fish and fermenting vegetables to give another level of taste, experience and extravagance. I am looking forward to bringing elements of my cooking style to the already well-known Al Mahara concept.

What are the most important aspects of your job?

As Executive Chef, I have always put an emphasis on treating my team with respect and transferring my knowledge as much as I can. I have even gone as far as to attempt a flat structure as opposed to a hierarchical structure in the kitchen. It is important that everyone feels like they have a key role and responsibility, and it is my job to help them build on their strengths.

How do you think your culinary journey will evolve in the future?

I have a life project with my wife. We do not know all the steps, where it will be or how we will get there, but one day, we would like to open a Bed & Breakfast.

She is in the hotel business as well. Once we find somewhere in the world where the tomatoes are good, be it New Zealand, South Africa, or Europe, we will open our small place.

Chef Kim Joinié-Maurin Skyview Bar & Restaurant What inspired you to embark on a career in cooking?

Growing up close to the Spanish border and the Atlantic Coast, I was exposed to an eclectic mix of cuisines. Both regions have such renowned food cultures and helped me find my passion for good food – and most importantly, eating! Once you discover an unshakeable passion for food and its diversity, there’s no stopping you.

What was the first dish you can remember?

My love for cooking stems from being in the kitchen as a child, however there is no particular dish that stands out. My mother had a wide selection of cookbooks and cooking magazines, which meant that we were often treated to new recipes. When I was seven or eight years old, I began to take these recipes and add my own touch to them, whether it was experimenting with flavours or serving the dish in a different way, this sparked my love for innovation.

Who was your early childhood food hero?

My mother. Like many children, food, cooking and eating make up some of my most treasured memories. If it wasn’t for her, I wouldn’t have started cooking. I would watch her transform simple ingredients into amazing meals, which eventually inspired me to do the same.

What are your thoughts of Dubai and its culinary scene?

I’m thrilled to be here! Having been based in Singapore, I can already see similarities in terms of dining. The mix of cultures is fascinating and you truly feel as though you have an eye on the world.

You can find any cuisine that you want and the quality is always outstanding. Not many countries can offer this diversity of cuisines in one place.

How has your multi-cultural upbringing influenced your cooking?

My father is French but was born in Vietnam, my mother is Australian, and my sister and I were born in Korea and both adopted. As a family, we are extremely open-minded and have always been exposed to different cultures, which in turn has encouraged me to embrace and be inspired by a wide range of cuisines.

What are the most important aspects of your job?

The beauty is in the details. A dining experience does not truly spring to life until the team really understands why we are cooking the way we are, why we are using these products, and why we are creating a particular atmosphere.

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Icons of Summer From Slim Aaron’s famed photo essays to celebrities of the sixties, we celebrate the sultry summers of yesteryear

PREVIOUS SPREAD: Douglas Fairbanks Jr and Joan Crawford sitting back to back on the beach in Santa Monica LEFT PAGE: John F Kennedy and fiancĂŠ Jacqueline Bouvier on vacation at the Kennedy compound. THIS PAGE CLOCKWISE: Bette Davis, who was one of Hollywood's biggest stars from the 1930s; The flawlessly stylish Elizabeth Taylor, Italian actress Claudia Cardinale, Jacqueline Bisset relaxing on a deck chair at the beach

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ABOVE: At a desert house in Palm Springs: Lita Baron (far left) Helen Dzo Dzo (left) and Nelda Linsk. Original Artwork: A wonderul time - Slim Aarons, LEFT PAGE: Belgian born Audrey Hepburn on a golf course in Switzerland

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ABOVE: Faye Dunaway; Robert Redford RIGHT PAGE: Singers Serige Gainsbourg and Jane Birkin with their dog

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Index The Science of Sleep Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island Resort Grosvenor House by Jumeirah Living Abu Dhabi Neighbourhood Jumeirah Himalayas Shanghai

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Words − Conor Purcell

How Jumeirah ensures its guests enjoy a good night’s sleep using the latest in bedtime technology

Sweet Dreams

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PREVIOUS PAGES: Jumeirah Beach Hotel RIGHT: Bedtime luxury at Burj Al Arab Jumeirah

Sleep is something we take for granted only when we have enough of it. When thin mattresses or uneven pillows intrude on our shuteye however, it impacts on every other aspect of our lives. Luckily, at Jumeirah Hotels & Resorts, guests don’t have to worry about tossing and turning all night, as they have invested in the latest in sleep technology to ensure everyone who stays, wakes up as fresh as a daisy.

Both Burj Al Arab Jumeirah and the newly refurbished Jumeirah Beach Hotel use Hypnos beds, the same beds used in Buckingham Palace. Hypnos has long been regarded as the ultimate in mattresses, ever since it was founded in 1904.

The brand’s layered design offers comfort and temperature control through a blend of breathable latex and natural fibres. Add to that a soft topper mattress which helps regulate body temperature and moisture, and you have a pathway towards a great night’s sleep. Of course, the mattress is only one part of the sleep equation. Pillows are

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equally important, which is why, at Burj Al Arab Jumeirah, they have a range of them to suit every need. So how to choose?

First, think about your sleeping position – do you sleep on your back, your side, or your stomach? If you sleep on your back, consider a softer pillow for your head, and perhaps a pillow beneath the knees to alleviate back strain. For side sleepers, the best pillows are firmer and denser, to keep the spine well aligned all the way through the neck. Add a body pillow to ease the upper limbs and float in dreamy comfort. If you enjoy sleeping on your stomach, a slim, soft pillow is the best choice. Try placing another slim pillow beneath your stomach to gently hold your spine straight. Now, discover the pillow menu.

Medium-firm Support The Special Down Pillow combines a cloud of the finest goose down wrapped around denser feathers which provide added support.

The Revitalising Pillow Filled with premium down, this pillow has special

cover infused with Vitamin E and Aloe Vera to aid a restful night’s sleep.

Relaxing Leg Pillow Prop your feet up and relieve the stresses of the day with this supportive pillow, filled with polyether foam and covered in terrycloth.

The Anatomic Neck Pillow Perfect if you sleep on your back or side, this down pillow is specifically designed to support your neck. It comes with two cylinders of varying degrees of firmness and feels just like a regular pillow.

Exclusive Neck Support Pillow Filled with ‘memory foam’, pincore latex is a firm, yet yielding pillow offering great support for lounging.

The Body Roll Snuggle up to this full body pillow and enjoy the ultimate bliss.

Filled with a combination of pure white goose down and siliconised, hollow fibre balls, the body roll is an unmissable treat.

The Hypo-allergenic Pillow Medium Support Filled with siliconised, hollow fibre balls, this pillow is perfect for those who crave comfort but must forgo down.

Burj Al Arab Silk Pillow For the ultimate comfort, the silk pillow is filled with siliconized hollow fibre balls and covered with cotton and silk.

Hard pillow This silicon-coated fibre balls pillow is ideal for outstanding rest and rejuvenating sleep, as it features an extra-firm design that’s incredibly supportive while also maintaining a plush and comfortable feel.

Once you have your pillows chosen, you can focus on the duvet, and at Burj Al Arab Jumeirah, each room is equipped with Eiderdown comforters.

The down is harvested from abandoned Eider Duck nests in Iceland – one nest provides about 15-20 grams of Eiderdown and only 2,000 kilograms are allowed to be harvested per year, which is why it is so rare. Now that you have your sleep sorted, you can get on with enjoying the rest of your holiday.

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JUMEIRAH AT SAADIYAT ISLAND RESORT Beachside luxury is taken to new heights, with eight villas perfect for those looking for a room with a view

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Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island Resort, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi

Luxury means different things to different people. Although it’s hard not to picture Saadiyat Island Abu Dhabi Resort when talking about the finer things in life. That could be due to its location, situated on an unbroken stretch of sand, far removed from any of the other properties along the beach. Despite the fact that it’s only a 20 minute drive from the airport, there’s a real sense of isolation here, albeit surrounded by the best service money can buy.

And speaking of service, we need to talk about those villas, as there are few more stunning in the region.

Each of the eight villas offer spectacular views of the sparkling Arabian Sea, perfect for an Al Fresco breakfast or dinner on the terrace overlooking the beach. For those looking to unwind, each villa

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has its own spa treatment room, as well as its own private pool.

The villas offer two, three and four bedrooms, so no matter how big your group, your needs are catered for. What’s more, you can relax knowing you are doing your bit for the environment – the resort is one of the first in the region to ban single-use plastics with every guest given a refillable water bottle. If you want see just who such decisions will protect, keep an eye out for the hawksbill turtles, who use the beach during breeding season.

That environmental ethos is reflected in the hotel design – the glass-blown chandelier in the lobby reflects the seven colours of the Arabian Gulf, while the minimal design and earthy colour tones are at one luxurious and calming.

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GROSVENOR HOUSE SUITES Jumeirah's Hyde Park property offers bespoke city living in the heart of London's most upscale neighbourhood

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Location, location, location may refer to real estate, but it certainly applies to the hotel business. And few hotels are better situated than Grosvenor House Suites, located just across the road from Hyde Park. With 130 contemporary residences, including eight penthouse suites, there’s a room to suit everyone. The hotel is dominated by a massive central atrium

which manages to be both intimate and airy. It serves food 24 hours a day – we love the indoor glass fireplace, which is perfect for those cold London evenings.

For those with kids, you can be sure the little ones will be entertained. The hotel has partnered with the Toy Box Club who create bespoke age appropriate toy boxes. Each box is filled with toys, books, games and crafts for them to enjoy during their stay. The hotel’s guest experience team will ensure the boxes are filled with exactly what your kids will enjoy.

And if you want to take in the fresh air, the concierge team will suggest a series of outdoor pursuits from paddling along the Serpentine, to an afternoon rowing, to exploring Hyde Park’s wildlife.

If the little ones are still in need to expend some energy, why not take part in the hotel’s very own Royal Walking Tour, where a private tour guide will take you on a journey from Queen Victoria’s times to Queen Elizabeth II’s reign. The first stop will be Buckingham Palace to witness the famous Changing of the Guard, complete with marching and military band. Learn how Buckingham Palace functions as one of Her Majesty The Queen’s five residences in Great Britain and find out more about the building’s history.

Afterwards, head back to the hotel’s confines to take afternoon tea in the lobby or retire to the room and take advantage of the rather wonderful bathtub.

Grosvenor House Suites Park Lane, Corner of Mount Street, London Tel: + 44 20 7518 4444

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Illustration − Trang Minh

Abu Dhabi Neighbourhood Guide Explore the UAE capital Start off at (1) Jumeirah at Etihad Towers (+971 2 811 5555), set across five spectacularly sculpted towers which offer stunning views of the capital and the Arabian Gulf. From the Talise Spa and the three pools to the private beach and the range of world-class bars and (12) restaurants, it’s pretty tempting to never leave. We should also mention the 1,400-capacity ballroom, which is the perfect wedding venue. It’s also only 30-minutes drive from Abu Dhabi’s international airport, and just a short walk to the new memorial dedicated to the UAE’s founding father, Sheikh Zayed. Another local attraction is (2) Art Space, which is home to a striking array of modern art from around the region, with a particular emphasis on local artists. It’s a great place to get a sense of the artistic rebirth happening in the capital, and a nice taster for the art on show at Louvre Abu Dhabi. Wander down towards (3) No. 57 Boutique Café (+971 2 441 6100) for coffee (we recommend the Espresso and Nutella – trust us, it’s amazing) and something to eat. The menu is huge, but we are partial to the Burrata Scramble, which features scrambled eggs, burrata, zaatar and roasted tomatoes. The décor is eclectic but classy, and the service is great. It’s a weekend brunch favourite among both locals and expats, so why not drop by and enjoy the buzzing atmosphere. After that pit stop, head north along the coast and you will arrive at the spectacular (4) UAE Presidential Palace, the seat of power in the UAE. Comprised of a series of imposing buildings, visitors can now enter one of them, Qasr Al Watan, and take part in a tour which includes a

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library that is home to a vast collection of books about the UAE’s social, cultural and political history. Every evening, a light and sound show will tell – in three acts – the vision of the nation, reflecting the journey of the past, present and future. If all that puts you in the mood for some retail therapy, head to (5) Marina Mall (+971 800 6623) which is one of the biggest in the city. There’s lots to do here, from bowling and trampolining, to catching the latest Hollywood blockbuster at the cinema. There’s also shops – lots of them – with more than 400 at the last count. If you are interested in browsing the latest fashions, there’s a Gucci, an Armani Exchange, and – for those on a smaller budget – a Marks & Spencer. There’s a food court too which features everything from The Frozen Yoghurt Factory to Bees Kingdom (they do great honey). After all that retail excitement, take a golden hour stroll down the nearby (6) Corniche, as the sun dips below the horizon. Families and tourists mingle with joggers and roller-bladers as all of Abu Dhabi life comes out in the cooler evenings. During the day, there’s plenty of watersports available, so why not rent a jet ski and take in the capital’s skyline from a different angle?

If you prefer something more sedate, there’s kilometres of pedestrian and bike paths, children’s play areas as well as multiple cafés and restaurants. The perfect way to round off the perfect Abu Dhabi day.

For those who want to explore deeper into the emirate, there is of course the vast desert and all the attractions it features, from dune-bashing and desert safaris to falconry and camel riding.

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Our Hotels

Jumeirah Al Qasr

DUBAI Burj Al Arab Jumeirah This iconic sail-shaped hotel redefined luxury when it opened and still offers the finest in service and experience.

Jumeirah Beach Hotel With ocean-view rooms and suites, restaurants, cafés, bars, swimming pools and a private beach, this is the ultimate family hotel with its recent refurbishment is looking fresher than ever.

Jumeirah Al Naseem at Madinat Jumeirah This sprawling five-star property features lush gardens, generous terraces and stunning views of the Arabian Gulf.

Jumeirah Al Qasr at Madinat Jumeirah Designed in the unparalleled opulence style of a Sheikh’s summer residence, Al Qasr offers the ultimate in Arabian luxury.

Jumeirah Creekside Hotel Offers wonderful views of the Creek and the Dubai skyline. It’s perfect for business travellers who need to unwind.

Jumeirah Emirates Towers Jumeirah Dar Al Masyaf at Madinat Jumeirah Understated luxury is the byword here as this intimate yet generous property.

Jumeirah Mina A’Salam at Madinat Jumeirah Located in the heart of Madinat Jumeirah, Mina A’Salam is a luxury boutique hotel. Take an abra through the canals that surround the hotel and soak up the atmosphere.

These two towers are icons of Dubai’s skyline. The hotel offers 400 rooms, eight meeting rooms, 11 bars and restaurants and lots of business and meeting facilities.

Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island Resort A resort that redefined luxury in the capital, this property, situated on a 400-metre private beach offers a host of leisure activies.

Jumeirah Al Wathba Desert Resort & Spa Nestled in the spectacularly beautiful Arabian Desert, this boutique resort offers unrivalled tranquillity and views.

Jumeirah Living World Trade Centre Residence Executive living reaches new heights at these serviced apartments in the heart of Dubai’s business district.

ABU DHABI Nestled in the serene environs of The Palm Jumeirah’s West Cresent, this property exudes Ottoman-era charm and stunning views to bask in.

Jumeirah Zabeel Saray Royal Residences Set amid lush tropical gardens and facing a magnificent lagoon pool, the Royal Residences set a new bar for luxury accommodation in the city.

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Jumeirah at Etihad Towers These five dramatically sculpted towers have become an Abu Dhabi landmark, and they are as spectacular inside as out.

Jumeirah at Etihad Towers Residences Redefine the idea of home at these fully serviced luxury residences in heart of Abu Dhabi.

Jumeirah Messilah Beach Hotel & Spa

Jumeirah Zabeel Saray

June - July 2019

Jumeirah Living Guangzhou

Jumeirah Port Soller

BAHRAIN

LONDON

MALLORCA

Jumeirah Royal Saray

Grosvenor House Suites by Jumeirah Living

Jumeirah Port Soller Hotel & Spa

There’s nowhere quite like Mayfair, and this Park Lane property exudes oldworld charm and understated service.

Nestled amidst Sóller Valley and the UNESCO World Heritage Tramuntana Mountain range, the Port Soller offers understated luxury in the heart of one of Europe’s hippest destinations.

Situated on a private beach in Bahrain’s new Seef district, the Royal Saray marries Arabian opulence with worldclass service.

FRANKFURT

Jumeirah Carlton Tower

Jumeirah Frankfurt

Tradition and luxury meet in this Knightsbridge property offering cuttingedge elegance in the heart of the city.

Experience discreet luxury in the heart of the continent’s financial hub at this 218-room five-star property.

GUANGZHOU Jumeirah Living Guangzhou Located in the heart of Guangzhou, this already iconic building offers 169 luxurious residences, a temperaturecontrolled outdoor swimming pool and a host of F&B options.

Jumeirah Nanjing Jumeirah Lowndes Hotel Located in the heart of Belgravia, and perfectly located between Hyde Park and the West End, Lowndes offers a boutique townhouse experience with the unrivalled hospitality Jumeirah is renowned for.

MALDIVES Jumeirah Vittaveli

KUWAIT Jumeirah Messilah Beach Hotel & Spa Go for the huge private beach, seven world-class restaurants, kid’s club and a comprehensive fitness centre.

June - July 2019

NANJING

The Vittaveli mixes island charm with world-class service. Enjoy the views, watch the sunset or cycle one of the complimentary bikes out to a deserted spot. Bliss.

Designed by the legendary architect Zaha Hadid, this hotel is a stunning piece of design.

SHANGHAI Jumeirah Himalayas Hotel From the 16-metre high lobby to the artwork that adorns the walls, the Jumeirah Himalayas Hotel is an eclectic fusion of new and old.

COMING SOON Bali – Jumeirah Bali Oman – Jumeirah Muscat Bay

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The shot

Jumeirah Himalayas Hotel, Shanghai

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June - July 2019

THE FIRST WATCH WORN ON THE MOON

#MOONWATCH

On the 50th anniversary of the first lunar landing, OMEGA is reflecting on the golden moments that defined that iconic day.

Nobody remembers it quite like Buzz Aldrin, who wore an OMEGA Speedmaster when he stepped onto the dusty surface and left his footprints in history.

OMEGA Boutiques: Dubai: BurJuman • Deira City Centre • Dubai Mall • Dubai Festival City • Mall of Emirates • Mirdif City Centre • Sahara Center • Wafi Abu Dhabi: Marina Mall • Yas Mall. Rivoli stores across UAE. Toll Free: 800-RIVOLI