Jumeirah March 2016 by Motivate Media Group

Beautiful Bath

Take a day trip to this stunning city

Great Escape

Travel in a hot air balloon above Dubai

Discovering Mallorca From oranges to cycling, what you need to know

SALMA HAYEK â&#x20AC;&#x153;I wanted to make a film that inspired people.â&#x20AC;?

WALK WITH TIME He was a traveler, experiencing all hours of the earth. Planning trips with such great care, he and Time had merged. Grateful to the man for walking with him, not around, Time reassured heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d arrive anywhere he was bound.

#MakeTimeYourOwn

Reinterpret Reinterpretthe the Orient Orientwith withCities Cities JoinJoin Cities Cities fromfrom March March 14-18 14-18 at Design at Design DaysDays Dubai Dubai to experience to experience “Orientalism “Orientalism Reinterpreted,” Reinterpreted,” featuring featuring creations creations fromfrom Hawini, Hawini, Khaled Khaled El Mays, El Mays, andand Alma Alma de de Luce, Luce, Cities Cities explores explores the roots the roots of culture of culture andand identity identity andand recasts recasts them them for the for modern the modern day.day.

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Image: Driu & Tiago / Figarophoto | Contour by Getty Images

Jumeirah Magazine Jumeirah Corporate Office, Al Sufouh Rd, PO Box 73137, Dubai, UAE, Tel: +971 4 366 5000, Fax: +971 4 366 5001. Website: 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. 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.

march 2016<<

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

Chris Beanland, Rachel Ingram, Gareth Rees, Phill Tromans

Contents

Publisher – Luxury & Lifestyle

Negar Ghodstinat negar@motivate.ae General Manager – Production

S Sunil Kumar Production Manager

R. Murali Krishnan Production Supervisor

Venita Pinto Chief Commercial Officer

Anthony Milne Group Sales Director

Craig Wagstaff Group Sales Manager

Ziad Saleh ziad@motivate.ae Abu DhAbi OffiCE Publisher

Imane Eddinari

Monitor

Essential news and previews 17 City Watch Discover what’s happening around the world 25 Art Dubai See some amazing pieces in the UAE 26 Horsing around Three equestrian highlights this month

for Jumeirah

Piers Schreiber

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

28 Garden grow A photography exhibit visits London

Featured 32 Moving poetry Salma Hayek on acting and life 36 Musical greatness Meet the musician mastering strings

march 2016<<

Contents 46

Lifestyle 42 Designs for the future Design Days Dubai happens in Dubai this month 46 Riding the rapids Just how smooth is Aston Martinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s four-door? 50 Going green From the Maldives to Dubai, we look at environmental initiatives

Travel 56 A bath a day Travel to Bath, UK, to find history and cultured luxury 64 Magical Mallorca This beautiful place is great in summer 68 Up in the atmosphere Escape with a hot air balloon 78 Secret spaces Explore a stunning gym in London

80 Sandstorm Embrace health this holiday 82 The high life Taste luxurious cuisine in Dubai

Mechanical Competence Model Jade Self-winding

U LY S S E - N A R D I N . C O M U LYSSE NAR D IN B O U T I Q U E - M AL L O F T H E E M IR AT E S - +971 4 3950577 U LY S S E N A R D I N B O U T I Q U E - T H E D U B A I M A L L - +971 4 4341421 DUBAI DUT Y FREE - DUBAI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT W W W.B I N H E N D I.CO M

City Watch

Explore some of the finest events happening this month

Dubai

Design Days Dubai 14 to 18 March

a cornerstone of the UaE’s burgeoning design scene, Design Days Dubai is a highlight for designers, curators and collectors alike. the annual event showcases works by some of the world’s leading interior designers and galleries, as well as up and coming talents. Don’t miss your chance to order a unique piece of furniture or an avant-garde accessory for your home, wherever that may be. Design Days Dubai, designdaysdubai.ae

Dubai WorlD Cup 26 March the richest horse race in the world, the Dubai World cup attracts competitors and supporters from across the globe for a day of racing, entertainment and refined bubbles. Book a VIP suite for the ultimate hospitality experience and watch the world’s best jockeys and horses battle it out for the USD30million winner’s purse in style. Dubai World Cup, meydan.ae

Dubai international boat ShoW

compiled by: Rachel Ingram

1 to 5 March

Emirates airline Festival of Literature 1 to 12 March

a key event on the annual calendar for literature enthusiasts, Emirates airline Festival of Literature brings together leading local and international wordsmiths. Guests can attend talks and readings or browse new and rare books to take home. Budding writers can also attend exclusive workshops hosted by experts in the field.

Whether you’re a super yacht owner or simply have a passion for boating, the Dubai International Boat Show should be top of your bucket list. as well as browsing the largest showcase of yachts and super yachts in the region (some of which are available to purchase), visitors can explore the latest boating trends and gadgets, and attend special events and concerts. Dubai international boat Show, boatshowdubai.com

Emirates airline Festival of Literature, emirateslitfest.com

Image: Getty

ABu DhABI/FRAnkFuRt

Islamic exhibition

Red Bull AiR RAce WoRld chAMpionship

until 31 March

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is one of the most beautiful mosques in the world, but there’s more to it than architecture and prayer. The mosque occasionally hosts exhibitions. This current event, titled Islamic Coins Manifestations Exhibition, showcases rare coins and currencies from around the world and explores the idea of the evolution of money.

11 to 12 March The adrenaline-inducing Red Bull Air Race World Championship is back and this year kicks off in style in Abu Dhabi. One of the most nail-bitingly exciting events in the sky, head down to Abu Dhabi Breakwater to see the world’s best pilots race lightweight planes.

Islamic Coins: Cultural Manifestations Exhibition, szgmc.ae

Red Bull Air Race World Championship, redbullairrace.com

Folk FestivAl The largest folk festival in Rhine-Main region, Spring Dippemess is a great day out for visitors of all ages. Taking over Ratsweg Fairground for three weeks, the event – which follows on from Autumn Dippemess – comprises myriad stalls, a fairground with rides, and folk entertainment for all the family. Spring Dippemess, dippemess.de

Image: Getty

18 March to 10 April

Luminale 2016 13 to 18 March

Lighting up the Frankfurt sky each March, the annual Luminale festival showcases artistic light installations all over the city, from galleries and theatres to parks and stations. Whether you’re an art enthusiast or not, the stunning illuminations are a unique and memorable sight. Luminale 2016, luminale.de

MALL OF THE EMIRATES | 04 409 8888

loNdoN

CyCling World Championships 2 to 6 march Watch cyclists from around the world compete in this historical sporting event. Athletes will be in London’s Lee Valley VeloPark for several days, racing around the velodrome in competition for a global title. UCI 2016 Track Cycling World Championships, trackcyclingworlds2016.london

Botticelli Reimagined If you’re a Renaissance art enthusiastic or simply appreciate the works of the world’s grand masters, don’t miss Botticelli Reimagined at the V&A. This special exhibit showcases many of Florentine painter Sandro Botticelli’s greatest artworks, as well as pieces by artists he inspired, such as Andy Warhol and Cindy Sherman. Botticelli Reimagined, vam.ac.uk

Image: Getty

From 5 march

akhnaten 4 to 18 march The English National Opera hasn’t performed Akhnaten in London for over 30 years, but that’s all about to change. For two weeks only, visitors can enjoy the esteemed group’s interpretation of the classical opera that tells the fascinating story of an Egyptian Pharoah, based on Philip Glass’s portrait trilogy. It’s set to be a memorable show. Akhnaten, eno.org

A great Oxbridge race 27 march

Rowing is a sporting institution in London and the BNY Mellon Boat Races are arguably the most fierce competitions of the year. Male and female teams from rival Oxford and Cambridge universities go head-to-head as they race from Putney to Mortlake and thousands of supporters cheer on their favourite teams from the river banks. BNY Mellon Boat Races, theboatraces.org

ShanghaI/IStanBul

Jewellery exhibition Until 31 March

If you haven’t already, make sure you catch the final month of the Jewel: Enamelled and Jewelled Objects exhibition at Sadberk Hanim Museum. Curated to celebrate the museum’s 35th anniversary, the collection features opulent Ottoman jewels and priceless artefacts from a fascinating time in history – a must-see for history and jewellery fans alike. Jewel: Enamelled and Jewelled Objects, sadberkhanimmuzesi.org.tr

RespeCt ii Until 15 March A sequel to last year’s successful Respect exhibition, the highly-anticipated Respect II by Bozlu Art Project presents works by nine of Turkey’s most talented sculptors, including Mehmet Aksoy and Seyhun Topuz.

Image: Getty

Respect II, bozluartproject.com

ClassiCal MUsiC 11 March Thomas Hampson, a renowned American classical singer, joins the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra for a long-awaited rendition of Des Knaben Wunderhorn at Shanghai Symphony Hall. The group will perform the famous symphony by Hear Mahler only once so don’t miss out.

Image: Getty

Des Knaben Wunderhorn, shsymphony.com

Peach Blossom Festival From 26 March

Blossom season in Shanghai is one of the city’s most beautiful periods. The annual Peach Blossom Festival celebrates the arrival of the picturesque flowers and gardens, and parks in the Nanhui District host special entertainment such as traditional Chinese folk music performances under the canopy of blooming blossom trees. Shanghai Peach Blossom Festival

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>>monitor<<

art dubai

This international fair, running from the 16 to 19 of March, brings work from around 90 galleries to Dubai Pieces from across the UAE and the globe will fill Dubai this March through the 10th annual Art Dubai. Works span contemporary, modern (devoted to masters from the Middle East, Africa and South Asia) and Marker (a curated section of artspaces that focuses on a particular theme) categories. Yet offerings arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t limited to gallery halls; Art Dubai also brings a dynamic roster of commissioned projects, film and radio programmes, artistsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; and curatorsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; residencies, educational initiatives, and so much more. Madinat Jumeirah is home to the event. ArtDubai.ae

>>monitor<<

Horsepower

March is the perfect month for horsing around in Dubai. Here are three of our favourite equestrian-related events

What: The Dubai World Cup When: 26 March Where: Meydan Grandstand and Racecourse About: This slick event, where everyone comes dressed to the nines, is known as one of Dubai’s premier equestrian outings. In the richest day of racing, a combined USD30 million purse is up for grabs. An impressive concert and a focus on fashion add to the atmosphere of the event. Learn more: Visit dubaiworldcup.com

What: Beach Polo Dubai When: 31 March to 2 April Where: Skydive Dubai About: Now in its 12th year, this polo event features all the trappings of regular polo but is played across Dubai’s beach. Expect VIP nights,

matches framed by the setting sun, award ceremonies, and more. Everything is done to a luxurious tune, and international polo players Maxi Malacanza and Ariel Ponzi will be present. Learn more: Visit beachpolo.net

What: A learn-to-play ‘Polo Academy’ When: Throughout the month Where: The Dubai Polo and Equestrian Club About: This beautiful club operates a fast-track learning programme on how to play polo. Stretched across 10 individual sessions, you’ll walk away able to participate in an instructional chukka – and after that, ideally in intermediate chukkas. If you’re after something a bit simpler, the academy’s ‘Learn to Play’ programme features a threeday course where you practice the fundamentals of the refined game. Learn more: Visit poloclubdubai.com

how does YoUR garden grow?

Thanks to the International Garden Photographer of the Year exhibit, you can enjoy gorgeous images of nature. The main exhibition is held at the Royal Botanical Gardens, Kew, United Kingdom, with a rolling programme of lectures and exhibitions touring the world. If you consider yourself a â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;buddingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; photographer, you can enter the competition yourself. Visit igpoty.com

>>monitor<<

Featured 32 Moving poetry

Salma Hayek on acting and life

36 Musical greatness

Image: Getty

Meet the musician mastering strings

Reporting by Danae Mercer and Robin Whitley/Famous. Image: Driu & Tiago / Figarophoto / Contour by Getty Images

>>featured: salma hayek<<

Moving poetry Actress, producer and mother Salma Hayek talks about creating the Fantasia of today and just why filmmakers are underestimating the intellect of modern youth

Take Lebanese poet Kahlil Gibran’s beloved collection of poems, The Prophet, something so popular that since it was first published in 1923 it has never been out of print. Create a plot and a plan: to turn the series of poems into a film. Invite different animators to illustrate various scenes. And then, in true Hollywood style, throw in some big names – like Salma Hayek, Liam Neeson, and Quvenzhane Wallis – to voice the roles. The end result is 2015’s The Prophet, which opend the 2015 Dublin Arabic Film Festival (a festival supported by Jumeirah Group). So colourful, lyrical, and entirely in a world of its own, The Prophet has been called the new Fantasia. Sitting at the helm of The Prophet was actress and producer Salma Hayek. “I keep telling my close circle that I’ve been pregnant for four-and-a-half years,” she said when talking about the film, something that has very much been a project of labour and of love. At one point during production, the movie was what Hayek terms a ‘disaster’. “We were not going to make it anymore. We discovered that there were lies and some people covering their tracks,” the end result being an eight-million-dollar budget deficit. “I was suffering.” In the end, the film was a success, emerging with primarily positive reviews. “I think that the only thing that is going to save us is [if] we somehow reconnect to our humanity,” said Hayek. “I wanted to make a film that inspired people.” Inspiring people was just one of Hayek’s many goals. Here the Oscarnominated actress and producer speaks about trials, children, and just why this generation needs intellectual challenges.

The interview What inspired you to make the prophet into a film?

Because of my humanitarian work I have seen the distress around the world and sometimes it makes you lose hope. I wanted some kind of distraction that actually connected you to life, made you feel excited, and was hopeful and uplifting. I wanted to make a film that was about connection. you say you Want people to connect. What do you mean by saying that?

Today when we think about connection, we think of the Internet. I wanted for you to connect with your own humanity and then also to connect to others. This is a movie that if you watch it with your [family] everybody’s going to have an intimate experience with the film. Then when you come out everybody wants to talk about [it]. animation is quite an unusual medium. Why did you choose it?

Art for me is a great way of freedom. The film combines poetry, art, painting, drawing… we have all kinds of things. I think that also, the fact that we did not make it all the same kind of art, it’s honouring the theme of freedom. Every single animator had complete freedom to create whatever they wanted and interpret the poem how they wanted, and we did not interfere. What this does is it almost forces your brain to be malleable and open. Once you understand the story, we take you out of it and we give you information visually, through poetry, and through music but [the story is still] yours. It’s for you to decide what to do with it. It’s sort of like you take a journey but inside of yourself.

>>featured: salma hayek<<

Sample from Kahlil Gibran’s The Prophet Your friend is your needs answered He is your field which you DiD chilDren anD TeenaGerS unDerSTanD The film?

You have no idea how many times I’ve run into parents that brought children who thought they were not going to like it. We also did a day screening. Even when children are watching the film they’re saying they’re bored. Then when they come out… I just talked to someone today who brought a five-year-old little girl. She came out very serious and she said, “Can I watch it again?”. They love this. BuT Do you ThinK ThiS iS SomeThinG TeenS woulD acTually enjoy? iT’S quiTe hiGh-Brow.

I had a couple of distributors say to me young adults are not interested in philosophy. It is so insulting. I find that we have not been respectful to teenagers and young adults. I really feel they’re struggling to find things that challenge their brilliant intellect. Many times it leads to depression and at a really young age they give up. It doesn’t help their self-esteem that we dumb down everything, music, cinema, it is completely disrespectful. We are all looking for the answers of life and we are all looking for a purpose in life, especially at that age. If you don’t give them the tools to think for themselves and be inspired about life and look for their purpose in a unique way, they’re never going to be happy.

with thanksgiving. And he is your board and your fireside. For you come to him with your hunger, and you seek him for peace.

You talk when you cease to be at peace with your thoughts; And when you can no longer dwell in the solitude

you Seem really PaSSionaTe aBouT inTroDucinG youThS To ThinGS liKe The film. why?

of your heart you live in

We should make [children] see things that we want them to see. They have to learn not to just sit there and be entertained. [This will help them] search for culture later in life. To me this is a must.

diversion and a pastime.

whaT DiD your DauGhTer ThinK?

She was resentful of the film a little bit. For most of her life mommy was not paying enough attention because she was working. You have to remember that I was doing this from Europe and everybody was on American time – so many, many nights of not sleeping, not taking her to school in the morning because I was working until 5am. It was really difficult to make this film, the hardest thing I’ve ever done. So she saw a little piece of the main story and she said, “Nobody’s going to go watch that film, you know that. It looks old. We’re not used to these.” When she went to see the film I remember on our way there she was like, “Are you going to be angry if I don’t like it? Am I supposed to say I like it even if I don’t?” I told her to tell me the absolute truth. Then she went to see it and she came out quiet. I asked her if she liked it. She said, “Mommy, I’m so proud of you.” DiD The ProPheT have an imPacT on you PerSonally?

Yes. Of course. The first time it was a personal thing was with my grandfather. I discovered the book on his bedside table. He died when I was six and I was haunted by the image of the cover. I found it again when I was 18, 19. I read it and it was like my grandfather was talking to me. He was teaching me about who he was and about life. It was so personal. Then I realised more than 120 million people around the world also felt that somebody was talking to them. I think [the book is] a phenomenon… because Gibran talks about the simple things that bring us all together. Just to be grateful and be excited about food, about love, about death. I think what happens is when people read it there’s always a phrase or something that feels comforting and familiar, like you’ve heard it before but you don’t know where. That’s not your brain talking to you. That is your instincts telling you ‘this is true.’

sow with love and reap

your lips, and sound is a And in much of your talking, thinking is half murdered. For thought is a bird of space, that in a cage of words may indeed unfold its wings but cannot fly.

The timeless in you is aware of life’s timelessness, And knows that yesterday is but today’s memory and tomorrow is today’s dream. And that which sings and contemplates in you is still dwelling within the bounds of that first moment which scattered the stars into space.

Musical Greatness

Principal Conductor of the Symphony Orchestra of New Russia and Founder and Director of Moscow Soloists, Yuri Bashmet is known for his power with the viola. Jumeirah caught up with Bashmet during a recent visit to the UAE

>>culture<<

The Interview: Yuri Bashmet What inspires you to perform?

It’s a great question, but to answer it, I can either respond briefly or endlessly. I started making music because my mum wanted me to. Today, music and the stage are my life. It’s only on the stage that I live a full life, each time living the music that I play, feeling incredible emotions from communicating with the public. I perform because I cannot not do it.

I like to teach, to transfer knowledge to younger musicians. Teaching is very important to me. There’s never enough free time, but I still try to find it, meaning sometimes I teach during the tour, offering masterclasses or advice.

How was your visit to Dubai?

You are famous for the viola. Has your industry changed very much?

Every time I come [to Dubai] I marvel as the UAE develops. Generally Dubai amazes people with its incredible internationalism. It is such a world, one acting as a crossroads of cultures and people.

You know, when I started, the truth was that viola players were generally considered ‘pretty average’. Now the situation, not just in Russia but also around the world, is quite different.

And your stay with Jumeirah?

Is there a particular musician who inspires you?

I stayed at Jumeirah Zabeel Saray for three wonderful days where I, despite my [busy schedule of] concerts, even managed to get some good rest. The hotel is incredible, very welcoming with really caring staff. I love coming here.

I cannot name a single musician. Of course there have been people with whom I spoke, people like my friends Richter, Rostropovich and Gergiev. I took a lot from them, but I tried to go my own way in my music.

Is there a destination that’s dear to your heart?

You are an incredibly famous musician. Does this increase the pressure?

I have travelled around the world for the last 40 years. From all the places I have been to as a musician and a traveller, I find it difficult to name only one spot. I love Italy, but much depends on the mood and memories of life. I also love Florence, Siena, Rome and Genoa, each in different ways. If we talk about the city where I am totally comfortable, it would be the city where I live: Moscow. I never wanted to move from Moscow. But as you might imagine, I spend very little time in Moscow these days. I spend more in airplanes. If we are talking about a favourite country, I love Japan. In general, I love to discover new cities, places, nature, food and people. That really fascinates me.

I never really thought about it. For me, it’s very important [to consider] my feelings after the concert. Did it go the way I wanted? Honestly, I don’t feel any pressure from being famous on stage. Fame adds a large number of comfortable moments in my life, but it is not related to the performance of music. The moment of excitement certainly has not been cancelled.

What is the power of music?

I have many plans. Thinking about my orchestras (I have three of them), I would like to perform with them again. There are several new concertos for viola that I’m quite dedicated to; I would like to play these as a soloist. There are festivals throughout the world where I am the Artistic Director, and I always wonder how they grow and develop. Then there are my educational centres (located throughout Russia) where gifted children study. I want to make everything grow and develop – and I never want to lose the desire to be on stage.

To put it briefly, music’s power is in its absolute universality. Music is absolutely international. It has no concept of language. You can immerse yourself in worlds that are created by the composer and by the emotions that filled the concert. I am sure that if the music is real and the musician on stage knows why they are there, the concert and the music itself will speak to any audience, even the most inexperienced. It touches the musician’s soul and changes them.

You work as a professor and as a performer. What do you like about teaching?

What surprised you in your career? Probably the way things happened in my life. I have been simultaneously surprised and pleased.

What are your future plans?

crystallinedubai

LIFESTYLE 42 Designs for the future

Design Days Dubai happens this month

46 Riding the rapids

Just how smooth is Aston Martinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s four-door?

50 Going green

Image: Getty

From the Maldives to Dubai, we look at environmental initiatives

Designs for the future

>>culture<<

Dubai is developing a name for itself in the world of design. In preparation for this monthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Design Days Dubai event, journalist Chris Beanland explores d3, a new high-tech city zone

Think about design and cities like Milan, Helsinki and Tokyo pop into your head – places where creativity and entrepreneurship have fused with a rich local heritage of craft, technology and art. Dubai might soon be joining that list; the city is trying to reinvent itself as a capital of design. It might just be succeeding. The first ever Dubai Design Week took place in October 2015 and the fifth edition of Design Days Dubai will shake things up in the Emirate this month. At the centre of it all is a whole new city zone: Dubai Design District, a high-tech enclave where eyerecognition software will open doors and eventually driverless cars will ferry designers, clients and customers from studio to boutique to cafe to home.

the architects who’ve master-planned d3 from the bottom up, were responsible for building both Hong Kong and Beijing Airports, and planned Abu Dhabi’s Masdar City. “Approaching the brief, our first step was to explore the balance of activities in a successful, youthful, creative hub, and to understand the aspirations of the different users. We analysed the way that spaces were being used, and then brought a variety of functions together to encourage collaboration between disciplines. This, combined with the highly flexible modules, will help to create a thriving, self-sustaining community.”

As befits a design-led district, d3 is being developed as a ‘Smart City’ with care taken to mediate its effects on the environment (remote climate controls will let people flip A/C on and off using their phone while they’re at their It’s an exciting time. I ask architect Hamad Khoory, a partner at Dubai’s Loco warehouse studio building models or designing logos on a Macbook, renewArchitects, whether he thinks Dubai can now consider itself a city of design on able energy will be generated from solar panels, and walking and cycling will the world stage. “Design has definitely matured be encouraged). The whole place will be made to feel fairly ‘gentle’ through an emphasis on in Dubai after the last major slow-down in the construction market,” he believes. And it’s not low rise buildings, a quiet waterfront, paths and just creatives but clients too who now consider gardens, and a democratic way of managing the good design important. We could be seeing a district, consulting all the users and residents. much better standard of architecture and inteTechnology will be at the forefront of everyriors across the city, he thinks: “The demands thing, from intelligent parking controls to outThe idea is that d3 will be and expectations from the end-users in regards door wifi and information screens. to quality and design expectations, these have a place where a young matured too.” Currently d3’s Dubai business partners include designer from Bahrain or an eclectic mix of firms like Not Just a Label, Khoory – who helped to design the pavilions Faux Consultancy, Lasvit, Silsal Design, S*uce, Birmingham or Bangkok for the 2015 Dubai Design Week - believes that Tahir Sultan, Penguin Cube, Amongst Few, can live, eat and work. Wanders Wagner Architects, and Sole DXB – Dubai is doing well at sucking in the best global talent and training up its own young stars. “Dubai all of whom will locate staff in the district. So far as a regional design hub is nurturing local tal220 business partners have signed up to move in ent, while attracting regional and international by 2017 and 10,000 people will eventually work here. Additionally, d3 is focusing on encouraging design experts. Together they create new waves Emirati designers. Recently the district sponsored into the design industry. Things such as Dubai Design Week, Design Days Dubai, and numerous four Emirati students from Zayed University other events throughout the year really foster this.” But, says Khoory: “Most to participate in the recent International Symposium of Electronic Art importantly, Dubai Design District helps to bring together these minds and in Vancouver. create a regional design renaissance in one place.” So can Dubai really rival those established design cities like Paris and London? Dubai Design District (or d3) is an exciting and ambitious development that I catch up with British journalist Kate Wills, who recently explored the world marks a maturing of attitudes in the city. It’s a 21 million square feet zone of d3 for London newspaper The Independent, for a non-partisan take. She close to downtown Dubai on which millions of dirhams have been lavished was cautious that despite best efforts, d3 might not rival London, Paris, or – and on which millions more will be spent over the coming years to create Venice. “But look at what’s happened to Miami since Art Basel - it is possia fully functioning district. The Guardian newspaper in the UK compared it ble to create a scene from scratch.” to London’s Shoreditch, but that developed over many years as a hub of creative talent. At d3, as with the rest of the city’s astonishing growth, the speed According to Lindsay Miller: “Dubai is certainly witnessing some really posat which change takes place is supercharged. The Guardian also mentioned itive momentum within its creative sector. It has been growing for some time the nascent Al Quoz art warehouse district, seeing them as two sides of a coin, actually, and has historically developed somewhat organically, centered around a demonstration that Dubai is finally getting serious about culture, and its events like Art Dubai, Fashion Forward and Design Days Dubai. However, value to both civilisation and the economy. The developing d3 will champion the last couple of years have seen a number of new strategic initiatives introart with new permanent and pop-up galleries, and outdoor art ‘happenings’. duced, at various levels, which are specifically aimed at accelerating the sector’s growth and development so it can reach its full creative potential.” The idea is that d3 will be a place where a young designer from Bahrain or Birmingham or Bangkok can live, eat, and work. Flats, studios, factories, Ultimately, d3 might become the incubator for a new generation of Dubai and shops will all be here eventually. Phase 1 will complete in 2017, a dec- design firms to take off, one where local brands create, then perhaps export, ade after that everything will be finished. “This is an exciting initiative which ideas, arts, and products. And the entire innovative, still-developing process supports young creatives, and allows Dubai’s design scene to flourish from all starts with events like this month’s Design Days Dubai. Designdaysdubai. within,” says Gerard Evenden, Studio Head at Foster + Partners in London, ae, event runs from the 14 to 18 March. dubaidesigndistrict.com

‘‘

>>culture<<

DESIGN DAYS DUBAI AND DUBAI DESIGN WEEK Design is exploding in Dubai right now. Want evidence of this? You

growth in the design industry. In less than five years, Dubai has po-

need look no further than the festivals and shows that are lighting up

sitioned itself as a regional capital for design with the establish-

the design scene in the city. Design Days Dubai (March 14 to 18 2016)

ment of Dubai Design District, a design trade show (Downtown

is a chance for Dubai’s design elite to show their wares to the world.

Design), Dubai Design & Fashion Council and the inaugural Dubai

“At Design Days Dubai, we have supported local talent,” explains Fair

Design Week.”

Director Cyril Zammit. “There is this general appreciation of design that motivates us to develop more programmes and events which in

Zammit reveals more about the first Design Week too: “We asked

turn further spur industry growth and Dubai’s positioning as a city of

an Emirati architectural firm, Loci, to create six identical pavilions

design both at a regional and global level.”

which were installed in the streets of d3. A country from the region was assigned to each of the six pavilions (this year Tunisia, Saudi

Shows like these are fun and promote business. They boast speaking

Arabia, Kuwait, Jordan, Pakistan and the UAE) and its designated

events and Q&As, product launches and showcases, and the chance

curator worked with national talents around a theme ‘The Element

to talk and learn at informal parties. All of which strengthens Dubai’s

of Play: The Game.’ It was an immersive experience once you pushed

design brand, as Zammit explains. “We are witnessing an incredible

the doors.” designdaysdubai.ae. dubaidesignweek.ae

>>motoring<<

riding The raPids The Rapide S puts four seats in Aston Martinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s signature sporty frame. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fast, but does it work? International car journalist Phill Tromans reports

For decades, Aston Martin was content to satisfy customers’ need for speed and style. Their cars were achingly beautiful and fast. Very, very fast. A glance through the model range would show that these were purebred sports cars built around the driver. Sure, you could be a front-seat passenger if you liked, but the focus was clear: behind the wheel was where the action happened. But then the automotive landscape began to change. For years, the car market was split into easily recognisable segments, but in the first decade of the 21st Century they all started to merge together. Following the success of the Mercedes-Benz CLS, the public started to lust after four-door coupes – cars that had the smooth, dynamic looks of a traditional two-door coupe, but with four doors, usable back seats and space for luggage. Aston decided that it should be part of this new niche, and set to work.

rying rear-seat passengers before, but they were sporadic efforts at best. As if the extra seats weren’t controversial enough, construction of the car was taken away from Aston’s UK headquarters and moved to Austria. Still, it did at least look the part. The familiar face of Astons at the time, styled by long-time chief designer Marek Reichmann, was all present and correct, but the roof was elongated to allow two individual rear seats to be installed in the back. It was also given a boot much more sizable than the sports cars in the range. The idea was to give customers an Aston Martin that they could take on holiday, crossing continents with four occupants and their luggage.

The result was a concept version of the Rapide, produced in 2006, and almost immediately green-lit for production by the firm’s bosses. By that time, rivals were scrambling to produce their own takes on the idea. Porsche revealed its interpretation, the Panamera, in 2009, and by the end of the year Aston revealed the production-ready Rapide, which went on sale in 2010.

Reaction was generally positive. Such is the appreciation for Aston Martin’s signature seldom-changed look that even snide remarks about how the Rapide was just a stretched version of the DB9 coupe couldn’t detract from its aesthetic beauty, and the DB9’s 5.9-litre V12 engine stuffed under the bonnet was a proven gem. In Rapide spec, it produced 480 horsepower and 443lb ft of torque, which was enough to propel it to 100kph in 5.3 seconds and on to 303kph. Under the surface was a chassis that followed in the footsteps of ‘proper’ Aston Martin sports cars and gave a scintillating experience

The move was not without controversy. Aston Martin purists were outraged at this watering down of the brand’s core focus. Aston had dabbled with car-

Performance then was not in question, but critics couldn’t help notice that space in the back of the car wasn’t exactly expansive. Those approaching six

>>motoring<<

Dubai roaD test With its sporty four-person frame and its powerful engine, how does the Rapide S perform on Dubai’s busy roads? UAE resident David armstrong takes it for a spin The first thing you need to know is that I’m tall. I’m a good 6’4’’, which means most sports cars feel a bit compact for me – including Aston Martin’s eye-catching Rapide S. This was particularly true when I picked up three more guests, all of them far from short, and started driving up and down Dubai’s six-lane Sheikh Zayed Road. That having been said, the car is beautiful. It’s got a great finish both outside and in. The leather and the smell are perfect, all very visually pleasing. The end result is a car that’s a huge eye-catcher. When I was heading around town, people would look at it and ask what it was. It’s not that common to see such a sporty car with four doors.

foot would find the two sculpted rear seats something of a squeeze, especially when compared to the loungelike surroundings that back-seat passengers in the Porsche Panamera enjoyed. After several years of Rapide sales, Aston Martin decided to boost its appeal and launched the S model in 2013, replacing the ‘standard’ car. The addition of the extra letter brought with it even more power and performance. The available horsepower was upped to 550, and the chassis revised to make handling even sweeter. The Rapide S was given an upgrade in 2015, with the introduction of a new eight-speed automatic transmission, and a tiny power tweak, taking the total to 552 horsepower. This latest incarnation will rocket to 100kph from standstill in 4.4 seconds – almost a second faster than the original Rapide. If you’ve a private test track to play with, you’ll find it tops out at 327kph. The Rapide has been enough of a success to convince Aston Martin’s management that deviations from the core sports car market have the potential to be very profitable. Its challenge going forward is how to keep that momentum up. The logical next step is an SUV; the market for larger, more upright vehicles is growing around the world, and rival manufacturers from Jaguar to Bentley have released their own go-anywhere sporty off-roaders. But Aston Martin hesitated for some time. A concept SUV bearing the name Lagonda was derided as hideously ugly in 2009, and Aston CEO Andy Palmer was subsequently quoted in 2015 as saying that the firm would never build an SUV, as they could never be beautiful. Consequently, the firm has compromised with the DBX concept – a crossover vehicle that takes inspiration from both an SUV and a regular coupe and was revealed in concept form in 2015. Aston Martin has already confirmed production for this year, and the DBX should continue what the Rapide started by bringing more versatility to one of the most famous names in motoring.

It has a roaring engine with a lovely feel to it. You feel the vibrations in the car, whether you’re speeding up or slowing down. You feel the exhaust. You’re constantly aware of what the car is doing, especially in sport mode, and you always feel this aggressive engine that’s with you at all times. A big advantage of all of this is knowing that you have the power to get past most things on the road. I’d purchase this car to have something sporty for the weekends, when you really want to rip down the road nice and fast. It’s a real eye-catcher to pick up friends in. It has a presence about it and that’s rather fun. In normal scenarios where I might have found myself hitting the brake, I tapped the accelerator instead. I’d say it’s the sort of car that could get you into trouble, but out of trouble as well – and who doesn’t love that? me.astonmartin.com

Coral reefs at Jumeirah Vittaveli

>>travel<<

GoinG Green From saving turtles to crafting a fish-friendly island out at sea, we look at some great examples of how Jumeirah Group is focusing on sustainability

Building a ‘green’ Beach How do you build an island with environmental benefits? Burj Al Arab Jumeirah has recently answered that question with the announcement of its North Deck project. This outdoor luxury leisure concept has arrived to Dubai by a ship from Finland, over 8,000 nautical miles away. The North Deck will open in the second quarter of 2016. It’s been developed using state-of-the-art marine technology with a strong focus on the environment. Made from steel and weighing around 5,000 tonnes, eight sections will be lifted by crane and lowered onto a grid of 90 steel plates that stretch out into the Arabian Gulf. It’s here the environmental angle comes in. The construction and steel pile installation process has been designed to cause minimal impact to the marine environment. Indeed, it will provide shade for local fish and will attract the sort of undersea ecosystems that are known to cluster around steel piles.

Protecting the reef In the Maldives at Jumeirah Vittaveli, an in-house water bottling plant is used as part of an ongoing commitment to reducing the hotel’s carbon footprint. By utilising the water bottling plant instead of shipping in bottled water, the resort saves approximately 70,000 plastic bottles a year. This in turn helps protect the idyllic surroundings of the Maldives. To that end, Jumeirah Vittaveli also only conducts fishing excursions that enforce sustainable fishing. This prevents the use of large fishing nets that often capture other marine life, such as turtles and dolphins.

green gloBe certificate In January 2016, Madinat Jumeirah was awarded the Green Globe Certification (GGC) yet again, making it the highest-scoring GGC multi-site property in the world for the second consecutive year. This is big news, given that Green Globe is an affiliate member of the United Nations World Tourism Organization, and is the worldwide sustainability system based on internationally accepted criteria. What’s more, Madinat Jumeirah’s

overall score increased by four percent in 2015 compared to 2014. Quite a few other Jumeirah properties have received Green Globe Certification. These include those in Frankfurt and Mallorca, as well as London's Jumeirah Carlton Tower, Jumeirah Lowndes Hotel, and Grosvenor House Apartments by Jumeirah Living. As for examples of how Jumeirah Group is focusing on sustainability? Jumeirah Carlton Tower offers guests the opportunity to use the hotel’s bikes to explore London; Jumeirah Port Soller Hotel and Spa prioritises native plants from the Sóller Botanic Garden and from various other Spanish locations; and Jumeirah Frankfurt hosts over 40,000 bees on its roof, just to name a few.

going green with turtles On a regular basis, Jumeirah Group releases rehabilitated sea turtles back into the Arabian Gulf. This is done with the Dubai Turtle Rehabilitation Project (DTRP), one of the longest standing Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives in the region and the only project of its kind in the Middle East. The DTRP is at the forefront of sea turtle rehabilitation protocols and veterinary procedures. A release in late 2015 took the total number of turtles rescued to 844 since the project began in 2004. The project accepts any distressed turtle, but the most common turtles found in the Arabian Gulf are the critically endangered hawksbill and the endangered green sea turtle. The majority of rescued turtles are juvenile hawksbills, which are found washed up on the Gulf coastline during the winter months suffering from the adverse effects of cold sea temperatures. Other common ailments include ingesting plastic rubbish and injuries sustained from boats. Based at Burj Al Arab Jumeirah and Madinat Jumeirah, the DTRP is run in collaboration with Dubai’s Wildlife Protection Office, with essential veterinary support provided by the Dubai Falcon Hospital and the Central Veterinary Research Laboratory. The day-to-day running of the project and the animal husbandry is managed by Burj Al Arab Jumeirah’s dedicated aquarium team.

>>travel<<

Coral reefs at Jumeirah Vittaveli

Is it possible to go organic in the desert? Elena Kinane is Founder and Managing Director of Greenheart Organic Farms, a company that grows organic produce in the UAE Genuine organic farming isn’t easy anywhere. Throw in extreme conditions (like the climate and landscape of the UAE) and it seems an almost impossible undertaking. Yet 20 years of trial and error have taught us how. Location is key. While there’s little sweet water in the desert, there are areas that have significant quantities hidden under sand and rock. Once discovered, an oasis has to be managed responsibly. Too much water extracted in a short time results in desertification. Drip irrigation is essential (instead of the more traditional flooding method). However, the only way to retain moisture in the ground is to turn desert sand into fertile soil. Again this goes back to the right location. Sand beside the coast is very saline and unsuitable. Farms need to be at least 50 to 75km away from the sea, and once found, sand needs to be enriched with farm-made compost. For this, we keep large herds of goats, chickens and cows. We also add essential minerals. The final crucial ingredient is seeds. We’ve opted to go back to using heirloom seeds from countries with warm climates instead of Dutch hybrids or American GMO seeds. These seeds are temperamental though, and initially require a lot of TLC. Clearly, green farming in the desert is definitely possible. But is it worth the effort? We think the results speak for themselves. With every season the seeds become stronger and more adjusted to our climate. Our yields are at a record high. And they actually taste a lot like the vegetables my family grew when I was a child in Bavaria. To learn how to order vegetables from Greenheart Organic Farms, visit greenheartuae.com

TRAVEL 56 A bath a day

Travel to Bath, UK, to find history and luxury

64 Magical Mallorca

This beautiful place is great in summer

68 Up in the atmosphere Escape with a hot air balloon

78 Secret spaces

Explore a stunning gym in London

80 Sandstorm

Embrace health this holiday

82 The high life

Image: Getty

Taste luxurious cuisine in Dubai

a Bath a day Images: Getty

Whether you enjoy bathing like the Romans did or dipping into more luxurious mineral-rich waters, Bath, UK, has it all. Even better, notes Danae Mercer, the city is only a quick train ride outside of London

>>travel<<

Roman Baths

>>travel<<

eaturing Georgian architecture and natural geothermal baths, the famous Bath, located in the southwest of England, boasts landmarks so stunning that they’ve appeared as the backdrop of numerous films. Most recently there was Les Miserables. Before that came Vanity Fair, Persuasion, and The Duchess (see visitbath.co.uk for a guided film trail). Yet at the heart of Bath’s history is the item behind its very namesake: its baths. Today, thanks to the recent opening of the Thermae Bath Spa and the even newer Spa Village Bath, both incredibly close to the historic Roman baths, it’s possible to visit three very diverse baths within a five-minute radius. So which bath in this UNESCO World Heritage Site is for you? Read on to find out.

Historic By 70 AD, Romans had built the now-famous Roman Baths, which gave the city its name. “Of all past peoples and civilisations, the Romans had the most extraordinary devotion to baths and bathing,” writes scholar Fikret Yegul in his book Bathing in the Roman World. “As a rule, Romans bathed daily, and spent a considerable part of the day in their pleasantly appointed public baths.” These baths provided facilities for sports, massage, relaxation, and socialising. Larger baths might even include libraries, lecture halls, colonnades, and works of art. While scholars are conflicted about to what extent the baths were socially equalising (“There is little solid evidence that the baths were seen or portrayed as ‘democratic’ by the very people who use them,” states scholar Garrett G. Fagan), the importance of the baths was undeniable. “It would not be an exaggeration to say that at the height of their empire, public baths embodied the ideal Roman way of urban living,” adds Yegul. Today the Roman Baths draw around a million visitors a year, making the site one of the UK’s most visited heritage attractions – which is both a good and a bad thing. On one hand, the many visitors have brought with them funds supporting refurbishments and enhancements. In 2011, the Roman Baths com-

pleted a GBP5.5 million redevelopment in phase one of a multi-year process. On the other, the sheer number of people in the baths takes away from its historical charm. Additions aimed at children (such as a man costumed as a Roman soldier) lend a slightly gauche touch of theme-park. Despite the crowds, the baths are beautiful. Plan to linger the longest in the Great Bath (the massive pool, lined with 45 sheets of lead, that is filled with steaming spa water). The overflow of water, emerging from the still largely Roman plumbing and draining system, is also worth a pause. Neither is accessible for public bathing; in the 1970s, the waters closed owing to concerns about water-born diseases. If you’re hungry, the bustling The Pump Room Restaurant, featuring British cuisine, is worth a stop. Live piano music mingles with white linens and portrait-lined walls to create a feeling of sophistication. Lunch offerings include dishes like duck breast served along roast turnips, and herb-crusted chicken with dill potatoes and fennel cream. At lunch, be prepared to queue for a table, as the restaurant’s popularity means seats can be scarce. RomanBaths.co.uk

Modern Around the corner from the Roman Baths is the Thermae Bath Spa, re-opened in 2006. Using actual hot-spring mineral water, the spa acts as an opportunity for the public to bathe, to some extent, as the Romans did. The architecture of the building is worthy of a pause, both because it’s fairly beautiful and because it was a matter initially of great debate. Quite strategically, design team Sir Nicholas Grimshaw and Partners arranged panes of glass to weave between and behind existing buildings. This glass façade is partially obscured by, and simultaneously reflective of, the surrounding 18th Century fabric. “In other words, when gazing upon the spa, what you see is a Georgian Bath,” explains scholar Cynthia Imogen Hammond, Ph.D., in a piece exploring the landscaping of the city.

The Thermae Bath Spa

The structure, both internally and externally, stuns – yet its creation wasn’t without an amount of controversy. Vandals, worried about the spa injuring the historical authenticity of the city, acted four times upon the property’s exterior – often by shattering its many panes. Academic Stephen Bayley brushes off the actions of the vandals as those who cling to “a brainless, airless, lifeless pastiche of bogus classicism.” Today, tensions around the building seem to have all but disappeared, allowing one to enjoy its relaxation and curving interiors. With its multiple floors, steam rooms, outdoor mineral baths, and soaking pools, it’s well worth going inside the Thermae Bath Spa. Upon entrance you’re given a robe, slippers, and a water-resistant locker key. From there you can float gently in a glass-lined open-air rooftop pool, overlooking the city of Bath as steam rises from the mineral-rich waters; or sink into the indoor

The Thermae Bath Spa

>>travel<<

Five to visit Architecture: The Circus one of the most famous landmarks of Bath, this circular space features Georgian townhouses surrounding a circular green. on a nice day, strolling around the Circus can be quite charming. Antiques: Geoffrey Breeze this tiny store, located near the Circus, is filled with the sort of quirky wonders you might expect to find in your grandpa’s study. expect telescopes, globes, old books, and a lot of dark leathers.

the Roman Baths

Coffee: Colonna & Small’s Another small venue that you will walk by en route to the Circus, Colonna & small’s is a local favourite that has also proven popular with coffee-keen travellers. expect a subtle hipster vibe and beans described by flavour notes. colonnaandsmalls.co.uk Literature: The famous Jane Austen Centre

the Roman Baths

the thermae Bath spa

this permanent exhibition focuses on famous author Jane Austen’s time in Bath. set within a lovely Georgian townhouse, this stop features costumed character guides and (slightly strangely) a specially commissioned waxwork of Jane. janeausten.co.uk Dining: Johann Lafer at The Gainsborough Germany’s Michelin-starred chef and tv personality Johann Lafer creates luxurious food with a local twist in this artwork-lined restaurant. starters like smoked cheese bread with beetroot butter delight, while mains like sashimismooth salmon topped with crunchy sesame seeds and placed atop sweet coconut highlight the power of subtle flavours. thegainsboroughbathspa.co.uk

the spa Village Bath

Minerva Bath, featuring a massage jet, whirlpool and lazy river. Aroma steam rooms, offering separate scents like eucalyptus mint or lotus flower, combined with coloured lights, create another chance to relax. A single ticket allows you two hours of roaming between the various levels. If you want something more, the spa – perhaps unsurprisingly – also offers an extensive range of health and beauty treatments.

will talk you through your goals for the spa visit, custom mixing oils into salt and putting the combination into a delicate pouch. This you inhale while dipping into the spa’s various pools. These you will find primarily free from other guests, a notable contrast to the fairly bustling Thermae Bath Spa.

Like the Roman Baths, it’s worth noting that the Thermae Bath Spa attracts thousands of visitors each year to Bath and can become quite crowded. To help with this, try visiting earlier in the day or during the week. Thermaespa.com

With the opening of the electricised rail lines running into Bath from London (scheduled currently for late 2017) cutting travel time down to an hour, the city is only going to become even more accessible to day visitors. This also means it will grow even more popular.

Luxurious While both the Roman Baths and the Thermae Bath Spa are lovely, the fact that they are opened to the public can make them sometimes more crowded than not. Enter Spa Village Bath. This private spa likewise draws waters from Bath’s thermal springs to fill a column-lined pool. The entire space is bathed with light from a four-floor atrium, while interiors are decorated with subtle Malaysian touches. At the Thermae Spa, you are handed a robe and slippers and ushered through a wristband checkpoint. At the Spa Village Bath, your treatment begins in a more refined fashion: with a bit of aromatherapy. A dedicated scent expert

Visiting Bath’s Baths

Yet unlike fellow UNESCO World Heritage city Venice, Bath’s beautiful main roads and scenic walks rarely feel overcrowded - particularly if you visit during England’s slightly chillier months. Once you grow tired from walking along streets lined with Georgian architecture, there is no better way to truly experience Bath than to do as the Romans did: by warming up with a soak in mineral-rich natural waters. Trains currently run every half-hour from London to Bath and take around 1.5 hours, driving will take over two hours. nationalrail.co.uk. Learn more by going to visitbath.co.uk. For more information on any of Jumeirah’s properties in London, visit jumeirah.com

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Mallorca

With its dramatic cliff top location, plethora of white sandy beaches and outdoor activities, Mallorca has a reputation as Europeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s summer holiday capital, Claire Hill reports

>>travel<<

tep into the lobby at Jumeirah Port Soller Hotel and Spa and you’ll be greeted by a refreshing citrus aroma reminiscent of the beautiful orange and lemon groves in the nearby Soller Valley (also known as the Golden Valley). The lobby’s scent was exclusively formulated by a ‘Maître Parfumeur’ in Grasse, on the Cote d’Azur or French Riviera, which has been the world’s capital of perfumes since the 17th Century. The fragrance is subtly diffused through the air conditioning systems and makes for a refreshing welcome. Once checked in, take a moment to enjoy the breathtaking views of the orchards and rugged Tramuntana Mountain range (a popular UNESCO World Heritage Site), admire the beautiful panoramic views of the Mediterranean, or plunge into the inviting waters of the infinity pool. Anyone keen to explore can spend a morning down at the charming fishing village Port de Soller and discover the island’s local treasures. Stroll around the bustling marketplace and browse the traditional Mallorcan handicrafts at the art and craft shops. Enjoy a spot of lunch at one of the many bars and restaurants or venture into Palma, the island’s historical capital. To do this, head to the Soller train station, where you'll find works by Joan Miróz and Picasso. Then board the picturesque ‘Orange Express’ tram ride (running between Soller and Palma) to enjoy dramatic views and endless photo opportunities. This vintage tram set out on its maiden trip in 1913 and has been serving the town of Soller and Port de Soller ever since. Visitors can relive this historical journey as it heads through the town’s scented orange groves. Other popular activities include fishing, snorkelling, scuba diving and exploring the area’s exquisite scenery by yacht. Boats can be hired for excursions or to visit the island’s beaches from the bustling Cala d’Or in the east to the more secluded Cala Deia in the west.

CyCle with a star If you're passionate about cycling, try it in Mallorca. Long regarded as a road cyclist’s paradise, Mallorca attracts pro-teams and enthusiasts with its yearround sunny climate, long mid-gradient climbs and well maintained roads relatively free of traffic. During April 2016, cycling enthusiasts can sign up to the ‘David Millar Ultimate Cycling Experience’ for three day’s riding with David Millar, one of Britain’s most successful professional cyclists. Ahead of the trip, riders will

>>TRAVEL<<

receive a training plan, and upon arrival will be given their own personalised jersey and kit from Capt. III, Millar’s new high-end clothing collection created in collaboration with Italian brand Castelli. More casual cyclists will be spoilt for choice with Mallorca's spectacular cycling routes and majestic mountains. Hire a bicycle and ride through the island’s diverse terrains, perhaps one of its best kept secrets. Marvel at the scenery and enjoy beautiful views along the northern coast. Climb the Soller mountain pass or cycle along the Tramuntana mountains through the famous towns of Deia and Valldemossa. Take in the crisp mountain air, refuel with a picnic and cycle back to town. After a day in the great outdoors, return to the hotel where refreshing snacks and glasses of freshly squeezed orange juice will be waiting.

Approaching Jumeirah Port Soller Hotel and Spa

MALLORCAN CUISINE The enticing flavours of Balearic cuisine tend to revolve around the island’s flourishing fishing industry and seasonal crops; one can’t talk about Soller without mentioning the valley’s most famous product, the orange. Cultivated on Mallorca for over six hundred years, this tangy delight (which is also the theme for the town’s annual festival) has even enjoyed royal patronage. It is said that King Louis XIV of France would eat no other oranges than those from Soller, and shiploads of the fruit were sent to his court every year. Stay at Jumeirah Port Soller and you’ll be treated to a glass of the freshly squeezed orange juice upon arrival. Bowls of fresh oranges are also placed in each room. Another famous product not to be missed would be the island’s Soller prawns. You can even arrange an organised fishing adventure to catch your own. After a morning on the water, you’ll then learn how to prepare your catch of the day under the expert guidance of a hotel chef before settling down for your authentic al fresco meal. Alternatively, take a trip to Palma’s historical fish market at La Lonja, which provides a glimpse into the town’s seafaring traditions. The hotel offers two casual restaurants, both featuring fresh local produce. At Cap Roig, local beverages complement the delicacies served under the pine and olive trees overlooking the sea. Tucked away on the highest point of the resort, Es Fanals offers a lovely location to enjoy the delicious flavours of the area. Named after the glass lanterns used by local fishermen which also decorate the interior, this bistro offers local seafood, tapas and paella, all beautifully prepared and bursting with flavour. Casual dining has never been more spectacular. Bon appétit, buen provecho or as they say in Mallorca, bon profit!

WHERE TO STAY Jumeirah Port Soller Hotel and Spa offers 121 sea or mountain facing rooms and suites that promise the perfect escape. For something extra special try the Observatory Suite. With its in-room telescope and cliff-top location, it’s the perfect spot to explore clear skies and stunning constellations. Guests also love the fact that the private suite offers incredible views of the sea and the mountains during the day while they can relax in the Jacuzzi. Incidentally, the island has been home to an international observatory Observatorio Astronomico de Mallorca since 1991 – so if you’re really keen, pop down to the working planetarium where you can view Jupiter, Mars, Saturn, Venus and Mercury.

Views from one of Jumeirah Port Soller Hotel and Spa's spectacular rooms

#BETTER WITH

Stay longer with Jumeirah and save up to 30% on your stay. Exclusively for Emirates Skywards members, book a minimum of three nights at any of our exceptional hotels in Dubai or Maldives and enjoy a host of other benefits: Up to triple bonus Skywards Miles Complimentary buffet breakfast with a choice of lunch or dinner across 50 participating restaurants* Complimentary unlimited access to Wild Wadi WaterparkTM, Sinbadâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Kids Club and pristine, private beaches If you are not an Emirates Skywards member join now on emirates.com/skywards.

For more information, please visit jumeirah.com/ekstaylonger or call +971 4 3647555. *Offer subject to availability. Terms and conditions apply.

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Photography by Farooq Salik

>>travel<<

up in thE AtmosphErE Watch the sun rise over endless desert while floating in the sky with Balloon Adventures Emirates

>>travel<<

The company Balloon Adventures Emirates is a group who has flown in the UAE since 2005. The experienced European pilots hold European Union Pilot Licenses. The deparTure Pick-up is from various locations around Dubai (for hotel guests) or from the Dubai Outlet Mall (for residential guests). The flighT You take off around sunrise and float for about an hour. As you go with the wind, the flight is smooth and soothing. The upgrade Take things to the next level with a private balloon flight. Aimed at the more VIP travellers, this allows you to fly with your own smaller group of friends. A private transfer in a luxury 4x4, cold refreshments, and a flight certificate are also included. The conTacT Ballooning.ae, +971 4 285 4949, info@ballooning.ae

>>travel<<

“Once you have tasted flight, you will forever walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward, for there you have been, and there you will always long to return” — Leonardo da Vinci

>>travel<<

PALATIAL PALATIAL IN EVERY IN EVERY SENSE SENSE

Secret SpaceS There are gyms, and then thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s The Peak Health Club and Spa. This luxurious area includes a beautiful 20-metre indoor swimming pool lit by a curved atrium, sauna and steam rooms, and treadmills set beneath sizeable windows. Located across several floors of Jumeirah Carlton Tower, the gym offers state-of-the-art equipment, an aerobics studio with classes, an indoor golf simulator, personal training sessions, and so much more. After working out, you can unwind with a range of treatments, including a gentle head massage or a nourishing body wrap. For more information on The Peak Health Club and Spa at Jumeirah Carlton Tower, visit jumeirah.com or peakhealthclub.com, call +44 (0)20 7858 7300, or email JCTpeakrec@ jumeirah.com

>>lifestyle<<

surviving the sandstorm

Just how fit do you have to be to flip tires, run with sandbags, and swing across pools of water? We brave the Talise Fitness Sandstorm to find out

The race: Stretching across 4km, the Talise Fitness Sandstorm includes

under ropes, and so much more. In groups of three, teamwork was

a series of obstacles scattered across the course. All of this happens

absolutely necessary. The atmosphere was positive and energetic, with

against the beach of the scenic Jumeirah Beach Hotel.

supporters along the course and music playing throughout.

The prep: We attended two ‘Adventure Camp’ workout classes at Madinat

The result: The day was challenging and rewarding. At the end, we

Jumeirah’s Talise Fitness. These classes, hosted by Sergey, involved

were all covered in sand, exhausted, and happy.

high-intensity circuits like box jumps, burpies, and weighted rows. Get involved: Talise Fitness hosts exercise classes regularly through-

The day: We sprinted through the ocean with sandbags, flipped tires,

out the week. Sandstorm happens several times a year. Head to

climbed up sand mountains, jumped over wooden barriers, crawled

talisefitness.com to learn more.

>>Your guide to living the jet-set lifestYle with jumeirah<<

The high life:

Bab Al Yam, Burj Al Arab Jumeirah, Dubai

What: A newly redesigned restaurant with contemporary food.

baby mozzarella salad with grilled mushrooms, or the grilled chicken salad with pears and oranges, as both delight. A range of fish, grilled

Where: On the ground floor of the Burj Al Arab Jumeirah, this stun-

dishes, and live cooking stations make up the main course. The

ning venue has floor-to-ceiling windows. Views look out across the

made-to-order prawns are pleasantly fresh, while the customisable

Arabian Gulf and Palm Jumeirah.

pizza allows for luxurious additions.

The vibe: Relaxed, casual, with the upscale atmosphere you expect

The dessert: With rows of cakes and dip-your-own chocolate fondue,

of the Burj Al Arab Jumeirah, this venue is perfect for a smart-casual

itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s easy to overlook the freshly chopped fruit. Particularly exquisite

dinner or an even more relaxed lunch. An outdoor terrace is great

is the moist carrot cake with just the right amount of cream cheese

to enjoy the fresh air.

frosting. Or head over to the cheese tray for something more savoury.

The food: With both a European buffet and an Ă la carte menu,

To book: Email BAArestaurants@jumeirah.com, call +971 4 301 7600,

dishes are impressive. The salads in particular stand out. Try the

or visit jumeirah.com.

cartier.com

Garance necklace, Ă&#x2030;tourdissant Cartier Haute Joaillerie collection A creation composed of two exceptional cushion-shaped rubies from Mozambique, 5.27 carats and 5.02 carats respectively, twenty-six round and oval-shaped rubies from Burma totalling 8.44 carats and brilliant-cut diamonds.