Ohlala Abu Dhabi April 2017

THE ESSENCE OF STYLE Abu dhabi

Power Wardrobe

Capital Luxury

Looks That Will Make You Stand Out

Living It Up In The City

Radiant Beauty

New Feel Good Products

Smart, Strong & Intelligent

Women Celebrating Female Empowerment

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www.ohlala-magazine.com april 2017 | Issue 18 Abu dhabi | AED 20

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UAE - THE DUBAI MALL, DUBAI MARINA MALL, YAS MALL / QATAR - LAGOONA MALL KSA - ASSILA TOWERS, AL FAISALIAH MALL www.ohlala-magazine.com

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The Essence of Luxury From your first steps, we invite you to experience the essence of The Galleria’s exquisite fashion, fine jewellery and watch boutiques together with our award winning restaurant options - The Galleria

Bulgari | Cartier | Dior | Gucci | Louis Vuitton Prada | Van Cleef & Arpels | Roberto’s | Zuma

thegalleria.ae www.ohlala-magazine.com

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Contents Ohlala

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Here’s To Women Welcome To The Issue A Note: May We Be Them Style Icon: Good As Gold

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Movers & Shakers Power Wardrobe: Hot Looks Designer Focus: Max Mara Moving Up: Raha Moharrak

marc jacobs

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BeaUTY Files Moodboard: Spring Clean Beauty Focus: Shake It Up New Love: Le Labo

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Luxury Lifestyle Travel Escapes: South Africa Ohlala Boutiques: Best Finds Society: Shot-On-Site

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April 2017 issue 18

Chief Executive Officer Greg Hughes Publishing Director Edward Smith

Editor-in-Chief Georgie Bradley

Editor

Creative DIrector

Regional Sales Directors

Angela Beitz

Paula Leal

Kirsty Edwards-Harris

Managing editor

Graphic Designers

Rami Khalil

Shabana Adam

Jyoti Rawat Rashed Bindaina

SAles Coordinator

Contributors Sofia Graniello Victoria

Renie Simplina

Production Manager

Photographers

WEBSITE

Neil Mahmood

Rashed Bindaina

Melek Yildirimtekin

Distribution Manager

Sunder Pratap Singh

Ajit Kumar

Accountants COVER Image Krikor Jabotian

Credits image Stella McCartney

Gigimon Thankachen Praveen Alexander

Distribution Team

Printing Press

Distribution

Jayapragash Ganesan

United Printing Press

Bahrain – Al Hilal Qatar – Dar Al Sharq

Rajesh Abdul Kadar

UAE - Tawzea Distribution Enquiries

Editorial: georgie@ohlala-magazine.com | Advertising: Edward@ohlala-magazine.com General: admin@ohlala-magazine.com | Telephone: (Bahrain) +973 1721 6099 | Postal Address: Ohlala Magazine, The Nans Group, P O BOX 30378, Budaiya, Kingdom of Bahrain. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher. All Rights Reserved. The views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily the views of the publisher. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this publication. However, FACT M.E. Publishing and all of its publications cannot accept legal responsibility for any error, content or omissions.

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Egg-citing Easter The beautiful grounds of Emirates Palace are the perfect location for an unforgettable Easter with family and friends. Celebrate the Easter holidays with a poolside brunch and live music at Las Brisas or with a lavish Easter picnic on the lawns of the West Wing Garden.

Easter Brunch

Easter Picnic

AED 340* per person including soft drinks AED 400* per person including hops and grapes AED 530* per person including bubbles AED 170* for children between 10-12 years, children under ten dine with our compliments

AED 370* per person for a lavish picnic basket including a BBQ and desserts, 1/2 bottle of bubbles and house beverages AED 185* for children between 6-12 years, children under six dine with our compliments

Special Kids corner with dedicated buffet, activities and games like face painting, fair games, Easter bunnies and balloon bending is available.

Bring the kids along for a special Easter egg hunt, bouncing castle and balloon art, as well as team games and sports for the whole family to enjoy.

Friday, 14 April | 12.30pm – 4.00pm Easter egg hunt 2.00pm

Saturday, 15 April | 2.00pm – 5.00pm Easter egg hunt 3.00pm

For more information or reservations, please call +971 (0) 2 690 7999 or email restaurants@emiratespalace.ae *Prices are subject to 10% service charge, 6% tourism fee and 4% municipality fee. www.ohlala-magazine.com

www.emiratespalace.ae

/EmiratesPalace

@EmiratesPalace

@EmiratesPalace

#EasterAtThePalace

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itor’s L Ed

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er t t

Megan Hess

“Here’s to strong women. May we know them. May we be them. May we raise them.”

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ever has putting an issue of Ohlala together excited me more than this one. I love nothing more than talking to a woman with a story to tell, because it’s usually one which I can relate to as a fellow woman. Here at Ohlala, we are so fortunate to be surrounded by fantastic women who support and activate each other’s inner strengths by nurturing one another’s skills, working relentlessly hard together and having a good laugh in between. And as part of our job, we interview incredible women on a regular basis. From fashion designers to entrepreneurs to incredible everyday women, we are so privileged to speak with the movers and shakers of the region.

There is a special place in my heart for women like Raha Moharrak. Women who have defied calcified stereotypes, who never took no for an answer and gave themselves permission to be who they wanted to be. Raha is the first Saudi Arabian woman and youngest Arab to summit Mount Everest when she was 25 in 2013. When you meet her, she’s got a striking girl-next-door vibe; she’s interested in fashion, graphic design, sports and living life to the fullest – oh, and she’s stood on the highest points in the world, too. What I love about someone like Raha, is that she has changed the way we look, think, live, connect and fight for what we believe in. Coming from a society which has historically put women in a corner, Raha has defined a new benchmark for what Arab women are capable of achieving – whether that is through adventure sports or business, women in our region can scale all kinds of heights. Raha has also walked her talk. She didn’t just say she was going to do great things, she got up and did them. Now, she is a voice for her generation and for all women by giving talks on her story, gender equality and women and sports. She has paved the way for wonderful women not just here in the region, but everywhere.

Georgie Bradley 12

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Editor in Chief

Scene One: A chance encounter on Abbey Road, London Starring: Nathalie Emmanuel #aloveaairwith...

UAE | Kuwait | Qatar | Bahrain | KSA

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First Word

Summer Loving

There are generally two different types of fashion people. Those who love the crisp, cold weather and those that are much more loyal to summer. The winter fans will do anything to wrap themselves up in layers of sweaters, scarves, boots and fur at the earliest sign of cool weather while the summer devotees get ready for glorious outdoor weather with light dresses and strappy sandals. I’ve always been a winter girl despite hailing from sunny Australia as I’ve always felt there is a much more ‘dressed-up’ feel to winter fashion and I just can’t go past a good scarf and a decent jacket not to mention the fact that lots of layers can hide a multitude of sins like too many croissants and lots of pasta. But after six years of living in Abu Dhabi I’ve decided to embrace summer dressing in all its glory. I mean, with a good eight months of summer a year, you sort of just need to get on board with it. Light layers and bright colours are exactly what I’ll be dressing in this summer and I’m loving that the ruffles trend is still present this season along with lots of stripes and embellished dresses. Don’t get me wrong, come July or August I’ll be well and truly over it and dreaming of some sort of luxury snow holiday but for now I have a new appreciation for sheer, weightless fabrics and days spent basking in the sun.

Angela Beitz

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, Editor

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©2017 The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C.

AbadiMTStd-LightItalic_abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz`1234567890-=[]\;’,./ ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ~!@#$%^&*()_+{}|:”<>? å∫ç∂´ƒ©˙ˆΔ˚¬µ˜øϖœ®ß†¨√∑≈¥Ω`¡™£¢∞§¶•ªº–≠“‘«…æ≤≥÷ ÅıÇÎ´Ï˝ÓˆÔÒ˜Ø∏Œ‰Íˇ¨◊„˛Á¸`⁄‹›fifl‡°·‚—±”’»ÚƯ˘¿ Á¸`⁄‹›fifl‡°·‚—±”’»ÚƯ˘¿|áéíóúâêîôûàèìòùäëïöüÿãñõÁÉÍÓÚÀÈÌÒÙÄËÏÖÜŸÑÃÕÂÊÎÔÛ ”“’‘ '" $‚Ǩ¬£¬•‚Ç©‡∏ø—Ä—É–± AbadiMTStd_abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz`1234567890-=[]\;’,./ ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ~!@#$%^&*()_+{}|:”<>? å∫ç∂´ƒ©˙ˆΔ˚¬µ˜øϖœ®ß†¨√∑≈¥Ω`¡™£¢∞§¶•ªº–≠“‘«…æ≤≥÷ ÅıÇÎ´Ï˝ÓˆÔÒ˜Ø∏Œ‰Íˇ¨◊„˛Á¸`⁄‹›fifl‡°·‚—±”’»ÚƯ˘¿ Á¸`⁄‹›fifl‡°·‚—±”’»ÚƯ˘¿|áéíóúâêîôûàèìòùäëïöüÿãñõÁÉÍÓÚÀÈÌÒÙÄËÏÖÜŸÑÃÕÂÊÎÔÛ ”“’‘ '" $‚Ǩ¬£¬•‚Ç©‡∏ø—Ä—É–±

Finish the weekend with a casual Saturday Brunch at Li Jiang.

Enjoy the newest addition to the thriving restaurant scene at The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal.

Saturday brunch at Li Jiang brings together authentic Pan Asian cuisine, creative beverages and a relaxed ambience in an open air setting.

Starting at AED 170++ per person.

For more information and reservations, please contact 9712-818-8282 or e-mail abudhabi.restaurants@ritzcarlton.com.

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Can we just point out the obvious: this is the statement of statement necklaces and we know you’ll look and feel fabulous wearing it. This Oscar de la Renta gold-plated necklace comprises of an ornate, filigree-detailed pendant strung from two thick chains. It’s punctuated with colourful Swarovski crystals in emerald and tonal-blue hues, faceted to glisten in the light – and how!

BRUNCH DEL SABATO I N T RO D U CI N G T H E CA P I TA Lâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S MOST ST Y L I S H SAT U RDAY BRUN C H .

RE L A X A N D E N J OY AL FRE S CO D I N I N G W I T H T H E F I N E ST ITA LIA N CU I S I N E FRE S H LY PRE PA RE D A N D S E RVE D TO YO UR TA BLE .

AED 190++ WITH SOFT DRINKS AED 250++ WITH HOUSE BEVERAGES

EVERY SATURDAY 12 NOON - 4:00PM R E S E RV E YO U R TA B L E N OW CO N TA C T U S AT 0 2 3 3 3 2 4 4 4 DINING.ABUDHABI@FOURSEASONS.COM FOUR SEASONS HOTEL ABU DHABI

17 E W W W . C A F E M www.ohlala-magazine.com ILANO.A

Sandra Mansour

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P o w e r w o m e n

Let these pages be a fashion masterclass in understanding the ways you can channel your inner strength as a woman through exquisite style.

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wish List

Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hot Now Dries van Noten

Ann demeulemeester

Our edit of the chicest ready-to-wear pieces.

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Tome @ Net-A-Porter.com

01

Max Mara

02

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IAM by Ileana Makri

Janessa Leone @ Net-A-Porter.com

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house of holland

sachin & Babi

Carolina Herrera

Zimmermann @ Net-A-Porter.com

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08

Gianvito Rossi

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Alice & Olivia

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Altuzarra

Lunch, Brunch & Sea

Saturday family fun 12:00 - 15:30

Add lunch to your agenda as you indulge in a delightful s et Tu s ca n s h a r i n g m e n u & co m p l ete t h e d a y w i t h access to the Bayshore !

185* INCLUSIVE OF SOFT BEVER AGES 225*INCLUSIVE OPEN REGUL AR BAR 50%* OFF FOR CHILDREN BETWEEN 6-12 YEARS For reservations, please call InterContinental Abu Dhabi on 800 423 463 o r v i s i t w w w. d i n i n g - i n t e r c o n t i n e n t a l - a d . a e *Price subject to 10% ser vice charge, 6% tourism fee and 4% municipality fee.

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Style

Victoria Beckham

Diane Von

Lanvin

Poca & Poca

Delpozo

Furstenber

g

By Malene

Poca & Poca

Birger; Styl

ebop

Mary Katrantzou

Focus

Gianvito Rossi

Marni

Loeffler Randall NET-A-PORTER

Retrosuperfuture at NET-A-PORTER

Emilio Pucci

Colour Confidence

Paul Smith

These rainbow hued pieces are absolute wardrobe winners. Power pinks, electric

blues and super citrus shades will lift your soul and add a spring to your step. Forget subtle, fashion favours the bold here â&#x20AC;&#x201C;

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Anya Hindmarch

Ballin

Alexandre Birman

Paul Smith

head to tone, too.

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e oint lap sally

Alexander wang

Focus

yeezy; stylebop

Style

o rter.c -a-po @ net love pamela

bottega veneta

Utility Boom

m

closed; stylebop

isabel marant

monica vinader @ net-a-porter.com

We love the look of form and function. The laid-back tailoring and neutral tones need not be boring, but effective in being practical and perfect. Take inspiration from urban post-war looks that have stood the test of time.

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valentino

boyy; harvey nichols

jil sander

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Larson & jennings

valextra; stylebop

Focus

Chloé

Diesel

j.w.anderson

versace

Style

hilfiger collection

Sports Luxe

Not the type to embrace the treadmill? No ction

matter, but you can still look like you’re a paul smith

r colle

trendy gym-goer without venturing near

hilfige

one. Pair some trainers with relaxed fitted trousers and a chic blouse and you’ve got the athleisure look down.

.com

orter

esign

aur D

Dinos

p et-as@n

nike

Marni

moncler gamme rouge

carven

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May 2 – 6, 2017 Monday to Saturday 4:00 pm to 10:00 pm ADNEC, Halls 1 – 4

Timeless Elegance

The International Jewellery & Watch Show Abu Dhabi is back in its 25th edition with dazzling Jewellery that suits all styles More than 130 exhibitors from 17 countries With 25 new brands participating for the very first time New and upcoming Designers from across the world, offering unique and creative designs at exceptional prices Ebda’a Award, highlighting the talent of Emirati nationals and UAE residents, is back in its 5th edition IGI free consultation for visitors and exhibitors @jwsabudhabi

Organised by

Strategic Partner

www.jws.ae

#jwsabudhabi

Official Hotel Partner

Official TV Partner

Official Media Partner

Official Online Partner

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Style

monse maison Fendi

victoria Beckham

Aquilano rimondi

victoria by victoria Beckham

Focus

dolce & Gabbana

percossi papi @ net-a-porter.com

goen J @ net-a-porter.com

adam lippes @ net-a-porter.com

Joshua sanders

Lucky// Stripes

Horizontal, vertical or diagonal, stripes should be a depth of style to any outfit. Experiment with asymmetric cuts and proportions for added volume and play.

Fendi

alice & Olivia

ISabel marant

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gareth pugh

permanent feature in your closet. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s so versatile and brings

SATURLAZE AT FINZ Sink into your deck chair, drink in the views and chill out while enjoying endless fresh seafood selections.

Pair it with our beverages, and enjoy the ultimate indulgence: doing nothing more than enjoying the good life.

Saturdays, from 14:00 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 18:00. From AED275 net Find out more about what Finz has to offer +971 (0)2 697 9011 fb.beach@rotana.com

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Hillier Bartley

Roberto Cavalli

Oscar de la Renta

Diane Von Furstenberg

Etro

Roland Mouret

Elie Saab

Chanel Haute Couture

Focus

Marchesa Jonathan Simkhai; Stylebop

Style

Galvan; Stylebop

Marcia Moran; Harvey Nichols

Roger Vivier

Marchesa

Evening Glamour

Ralph Russo

Kenneth Jay Lane

Be part of the moonlight flash

pack with shine and shimmer with

embellished and fabulous. These are all decidedly statement-making.

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Lanvin

can be simple and classic or

Giorgio Armani

numbers. The best evening dresses

Nathalie Trad

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M The

ax ara isson

Maria Giulia Maramotti dresses the part. She acts

the part too. She is one of the heiresses to the Max Mara throne and is killing it at the moment. We talk to her about how fashion empowers women, her involvement with the Women in Film awards and what she would change if she were Queen for a day.

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A

s an heiress to the Max Mara throne, what is it like being part of this classic Italian brand as a global ambassador?

I guess for me it’s a lot about trying to deliver to the public the message of what Max Mara is as a brand, its DNA, the history and development and how we have evolved during the years. It is obviously an honour to be so heavily invested into a brand which I love and respect so much beyond it being part of my family heritage.

Are you surrounded by strong, intelligent and supportive women in your life?

Absolutely - I believe that part of my success as an entrepreneur has been to have a mother as an inspiration who has taught me the value of work, and strength. I believe all the women I have had the honour and pleasure to work with, are and have been an incredible support. Also outside my own work, I am lucky as I am surrounded by these beautiful women who are a constant inspiration.

What do you think is fundamentally wrong with the 34

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fashion industry at the moment?

I believe that quality comes through research and inspiration comes from studying. I believe that fashion has very many layers which sometimes are getting lost in translation because part of the industry has lost the knowledge of actual quality and craftsmanship over marketing. This though, is a value which I foresee coming back soon.

Does Max Mara support size, ethnic and racial diversity?

We always have done. It is part of our DNA. My grandfather was probably one of the first who envisioned the idea of plus sizes, as well as diversity, which for us has been a status quo, but not only

“My grandfather was probably one of the first who envisioned the idea of plus sizes, as well as diversity, which for us has been a status quo, but not only within the public, but with the people that work with us.”

Designer

Focus

“I don’t think if a woman wants to make a statement about her power she should dress like a man.”

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“As a brand that empowers women - for us it has always been incredibly important to be present in the art world.” within the public, but with the people that work with us - coming from all over the places. Just recently in our MMFW17 SHOW in Milan we had a model walking in a chador.

How do you think fashion empowers women?

I think that women empower themselves. I think that fashion has the role of enhancing such power.

Do you think certain clothing reinforces negative stereotypes about women? How can we reverse perceptions?

I’ve never thought about pieces reinforcing stereotypes, it is always about the way you want to wear things. I don’t think that if a woman wanted to make a statement about her power she should dress like a man. On the contraryI think that today being a woman means having the freedom to wear what you feel comfortable with and really be comfortable in your own skin.

Does Max Mara support women in the third world in the production, textiles and garment sectors by 36

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giving job opportunities?

We support women worldwide, whether it is through art support via creating jobs and investing in creativity and in craftsmanship.

The Women in Film awards - what is that all about and why is it important for Max Mara to sponsor this kind of event?

As a brand that empowers women - for us it has always been incredibly important to be present in the art world. Performing arts in this case.

What are your favorite films that have a strong female lead?

I have always loved Cate Blanchett in Elizabeth. I am and will always be a huge fan of Ingrid Bergman in Casablanca.

Who do you call your female idol?

Besides my mother, I think that there are too many women I admire to really go back to only one.

Who is your style icon?

I always thought Queen Elizabeth the 2nd was one of the greatest dressed women in the world because of her consistency. Other than her, I am a fan of Audrey Hepburn.

If you were Queen for a day, what three things would you change in the world?

I would cancel reality shows, increase the number of women in politics, and require chivalry to be mandatory.

Designer

Focus

POWER PIECES The wardrobe essentials that will win you points in the statement department.

Max Mara SS17

Passion and The Tropics define the key looks for the season.

Sportmax SS17

Taking urban cool to whole new chic heights.

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Higher Calling Talking to the first Saudi Arabian woman to scale and summit Mount Everest is enough to make your hairs stand on end.

Georgie Bradley speaks with Raha Moharrak about gender equality, women and sports and why she loves high heeled boots as much as mountain boots.

R

aha Moharrak is a one-woman blizzard of strength right now. She’s fresh off a plane from Miami (after giving 10 talks in four days in Denver about her story), slightly frayed from the constant movement and jet lag, but is still an energy drink of enthusiasm as we dive into the extraordinary life she’s had and is still having.

The Saudi Arabian born, Dubai dwelling Raha, was always different and the “odd one” but she “never tried to hide it,” she says. “I was blatantly curious as a child. I was always the one who climbed trees, fell down but never feared getting hurt; I played lots of sport and was overall very rebellious” she says. For her conservative hometown Jeddah, this boldness was met with raised eyebrows from the watchful gaze of society who couldn’t understand why “I just couldn’t be a girl”. Raha never fitted the cultural stereotype (her parents loved her above and beyond those set standards but still voiced concerns) but luckily, as a wayward but determined young girl, she was able to dismiss this criticism and possessed a blissful inability to understand why everyone was telling her to be a certain way – she unapologetically carried on doing what she wanted to do, which was to “be me”. None of her peers from the all-girls state school she attended attacked life with the same level of “spunk and pizzazz” despite going through their own ‘coming of age’ journeys, Raha was on a whole other level.

There are striking echoes between Raha’s story and the critically acclaimed film Wajda where the young Saudi protagonist relentlessly goes against the grain of social and gender expectations by wanting to get a bicycle and ride

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it in public with her male best friend. Like Wadja, Raha courted controversy but never strayed from her passion.

After school, Raha moved to Dubai and worked her way up at Leo Burnett, an advertising agency, as an art director, picked up new sports to participate in and was finally able to enjoy a new kind of freedom. But convention got in the way again as her father wanted her to come back to Saudi to settle down, which she wasn’t opposed to, but was intent on continuing her sports and not conforming to a gendered role.

Mountains came about randomly. A friend of Raha’s was due to climb Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania in 2012 which tickled her fancy despite not having any mountain or even climbing credentials. But it sparked her curiosity enough to see her climb the mountain, friend in tow, with gasping effort she admits. “I had a strange sense of belonging and familiarity when I reached the top. I don’t know how you can feel at home when it’s a place you’ve

“Until we stop raising girls to believe that they are less than boys, we will never reach that sense of gender equality.”

Power

Woman

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Power

Woman never been before,” she notes. It just felt right for her. And this spawned an upward spiral that eventually concluded at the top of Mount Everest.

Between Kilimanjaro and Everest, Raha endured an overwhelming and exhausting year-long schedule of ascents to gear her up for the ultimate summit. It was when she (alongside the first ever Saudi team) reached Everest Base Camp where she craned her head up, followed the route to the top with her eye and knew that she would be back to climb it in full.

As for her parents, they always knew she was a gogetter, to put it mildly, but never did they anticipate a career in mountain climbing. At this point, they feared for both her physical and social safety. “Whether it was an injury or being ostracised, they were very concerned. My mother very bluntly said ‘“you’re committing social suicide, are you OK with this?”’ to which Raha, in a knee jerk reaction said: “Well, if it allows me to be who am I, yes I’m fine with it.”

During that year, she climbed mountains to prepare for the cold, to get used to technical gear and to acclimatise to extreme altitudes. “I became very good at climbing, very quickly,” she says. But Everest is an entirely different beast altogether – the most hostile, inhospitable environment on earth where no living thing exists except a small crop of super humans who make the ascent each year around May time. The two-month expedition up at Everest in 2013 was a game for Raha. “I was always challenging myself to beat my record as I went up and down the mountain” – what took her 10 hours at the beginning of the climb, took her four hours before the summit push.

At the age of 25, she was the first Saudi Arabian woman and youngest Arab to climb Everest. She went up and down the mountain in 11 hours and was “very good at managing my strength and reserves. I’ve seen people crawl up to the top which is dangerous as you need energy to get down.”

For someone who was simply into recreational sports, to achieve all these ascents is astonishing, but Raha always had it in her. It was only a matter of time and overcoming many obstacles until it was finally realised. She didn’t just talk (or advocate this extreme lifestyle through some haphazard social media posts) she walked that talk and showed results. Raha has not only seen the world from the top but also, from the bottom – between Everest and Vinson Massif in Antarctica.

After the noise surrounding her feat calmed, she turned her experience into something very productive.

She’s now a voice for Arab girls and women and anyone who stands to embrace female empowerment. “I am a living example that nothing is impossible. I have used the fact that I am a public figure to advocate gender equality and sports. If I can do it, what makes your dreams and aspirations too far to reach? I come from the desert but I’ve stood on the top of the highest mountains 40

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“I am a living example that nothing is impossible. I have used the fact that I am a public figure to advocate equality.”

in the world. No one can take that away from me and no one can tell my daughters in the future that they are incapable of doing something like that,” she asserts.

To reverse dormant and long-held gender ideals in the region, it’s time we “stop raising girls to believe that they are less than boys, as we will never reach that sense of gender equality – whether in sports or other aspects of life. We are responsible for making that change. If there was a boy or a girl on the desert island somewhere who have not been exposed to any kind of cultural barriers, both the girl and the boy would be fighters and hunters, doing what they need to do, to survive. It’s our mentality that structures these gendered boxes we’re held within.”

Of course, Raha’s voice, as powerful and as reverberating as it is, is just one voice. This lofty subject needs strength in numbers to action any kind of change because Raha is still just “an individual, not an entity” but we’re getting there, one empowering story at a time. If her public talks are anything to go by, she’s making waves in all corners of the globe.

What makes her a bona fide feminist even more so, is that she has never made a conscious decision to fit into only one box. Historically, society has polarised women to

believe that they can either be very girly or very boyish but Raha has a comfortable and natural flair for both worlds. If you go on her Instagram account (@rahamoharrak) you’ll see she wears mountain boots and Vogue approved kneehigh boots in equal measure. And it’s because she can. “I do it intentionally because I want to prove a point. You don’t have to be one or the other, you don’t have to choose just one side,” she asserts.

When Raha spends more time at sea level than she cares to, she becomes visibly “melancholy”. But this summer, Raha is back to scaling the heights and this time it’s Denali, the highest peak in Alaska which is notorious for its technical difficulty. Raha attempted it two years ago “and nearly died. It’s a none-assist climb so you have to carry all your gear and it’s a very steep and moody mountain. Although I am a strong climber, I have a very small waist which is great in dresses but not so on the mountain!”

The sky’s the limit for Raha; but having already reached the roof of the earth, she’s off to a promising start.

Raha is also currently in the throes of writing a book about her Everest experience and beyond. It’s set for a late 2017 release. We cannot wait. www.ohlala-magazine.com

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Sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s A Doll From the feather trim to the embroidering on tulle, Krikor Jabotian has revisited six looks from his collection archives for SS17. Shot against the work of Gustave Courbet, the jungle mood brings about a wild feeling of romance.

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Beauty Bulletin

flushed palette, naked

clarins spring 2017 makeup collection

Tory burch

BB perfect, Filorga

prada

brilliant lipshine, dior

Becca

Moodboard:

Spring clean April is all about subtle colours that will transition into summer along with skincare that nourishes and conditions. Make the

BECCA

most of your natural beauty, rather than trying to hide flaws or cover up.

palette contour visage, clarins

pro glow highlight, conto

mon guerlain, guerlain

West coast face bronsing S shimmering skin perfector liquid, becca

ombre iridescent, clarins

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the shock mascara, Yves saint laurent

couture colour gel shine, dior

A vibrant brunch in true Shangri-La style welcomes friends and families to dress in their best! Delight your taste buds with an endless selection of seafood and grilled cuts.

Make sure to save room for the largest dessert selection in the Capital.

Sip on a delectable mix of beverages and bask in the sunshine by the pool.

Shangri-La Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi

@shangrilaabudhabi #shangrilaabudhabi

@shangrilaauh

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Beauty Talk Anita Buys, Event Anchor and Fouz Al Fahad (left to right)

01

02

Joanne Marshall, Anita Buys, Fouz Al Fahad (Left to Right)

Green Light So Spray Away!

Our favourite dry shampoo, Batiste, has officially launched in the Middle East and we’ve got all the feels.

Baptiste - stylists swear by this product. They call it

their trusted secret weapon making its stay a necessary one for the beauty industry. Not only has Batiste been part of legendary catwalks bringing and transforming enviable looks, but since 1970 the brand has been a kitbag-must amongst professional stylists, not to mention every model on the British catwalks is sporting a spritz of it. And now sold in over 50 countries worldwide, the world’s #1 dry shampoo is making its marks in sandy oils.

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01. Fouz Al Fahad, Celebrity Beauty Blogger Demonstrates How to Use Batiste 02. Group Marketing Manager, Batiste, Church Dwight, Co. Inc.

Ohlala visited Dubai for Batiste’s magical launch at the renowned Soh Art + Beauty at Galleria Mall for a fun and feminine morning. Also known for its range of delicious fragrances leaving hair smelling fresh and sumptuous, the gathering was epic filled with great scents we’re dying to get our hands on. But that’s not all, the chic brand also flew in celebrity beauty blogger Fouz Al Fahad where she gave us her 101 beauty tricks and tips, and why it never fails to be at the forefront of her makeup bag.

So, while we patiently wait for our favourite drugstores to stock up, you can rest assure that five unique products are now available in a 50ml such as: Blush, Original, Floral, Cherry and Oriental.

In Qatar Baptiste is available at: Carrefour, Doha Drug Store, Lulu, Family Centre and Monorpix

“Baptiste is known for its range of delicious fragrances leaving hair smelling fresh and sumptuous”

fas t-d ryi We ng are fac La tor for ncô eve to me ou r lo ’s M rp ok fun att ou ing t e s .A an tre Sh for dv n ng ak dn wa i t e b hl rL ys ow ran the i pst to ips w y’r tc e ad ick tic olo ’ve e li dt k s urs ke g s a he .T ot re sup wit ad o lon h no ur ese dt ha er t a o o s ad nsw g-we nly spo we t h o ari ea et rab er ng cut ng vin pp t ec l e h e , a eal tag bu h ush n i g k t e a h s ion the sw c to yh per ockt ell a ave as fec the t fo il sha sta ker pa ra yin c ccu s. T g ka g rat he ing powe ea sev r. T – pp he lica en n ew tio sha n. des com e

i t up

S hak e Beauty Focus

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Beauty Insight

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Uber-Niche Fragrance

The avant-garde, strikingly modern fragrances of Le Labo are created by many of the world’s top perfumers. Angela Beitz sits with co-founder Eddie Roshchi in their brand new store in Yas Mall Abu Dhabi which is their first stand-alone store in The Middle East.

Tell us about Le Labo and your inspiration for the brand?

Le Labo is the most selective perfume brand in the world (35 boutiques and less than 50 corners) based on a unique freshly handmade concept. Le Labo was born in Grasse, the capital of perfumery located in the French Riviera.

It was raised in New York city where my business partner Fabrice Penot, and I opened the first Le Labo boutique in February 2006. We work with a community of craftswomen and craftsmen who contribute to and shape our world: the perfumer, the lab technician, the candle pourer, the rose harvester etc. The Japanese philosophy of Wabi-Sabi (the art of imperfection) is our main inspiration.

What is uber-niche perfume?

If you are new to uber-niche perfumery, Le Labo fragrances are known for blending the essential oils with alcohol and water at the time of purchase and providing customised labels for the bottles.

What would you say are the points of difference for Le Labo?

Each location is designed as a fragrance lab open to the public where we offer the possibility to smell and touch raw materials to awake the olfactory system. The core of our collection is our 15 unisex perfumes and 10 soybased wax candles created by some of the world’s best noses and using the most qualitative ingredients. Le Labo perfumes are hand blended by a lab technician in one of the labs and then sent to the boutiques in small quantities to be stocked in fridges, waiting to be personalised with the client’s name on the label. We also offer personalised labels as I mentioned before which makes our creations the perfect gift.

Which are your biggest sellers? Why do you believe they have such an appeal?

Rose 31 and Santal 33 are our two pillars but the others sell really well also.

Rose 31 and Santal 33 happen to reach this very special character where it’s a special type of scent not really experienced before but then they have this power to be intimately familiar to many people anywhere in the world. There is a cult behind them that is hard to explain really, as we put the same love in the creation of each of our perfumes. I think that the more moody and dark ones like Patouchi 24 and Oud 27 will do well in the Middle East.

How do you compete in such a competitive market?

Le Labo does not respond to anything, we just keep on doing what we know best, contributing to the well-being of our clients through our craft, fine perfumery, through true and honest humane connections with them. We just keep loving what we do, not settling for the next trend and staying focused on our vision of what the brand will be in 10 years from now.

Fragrance is a very personal choice and I am not here to convince anyone. If

you don’t know Le Labo and you are tempted to discover our style, just smell our collection in our stores or online through our sampling program and if you happen to feel moved wearing at least one of them, if one of them makes your life more wonderful, then Le Labo might be for you.

Describe the process behind the perfume collection and the ingredient component?

We have 15 genderless fragrances and the name of each scent is a hint to the formula (main note plus the number of additional ingredients) formulated with the highest quality of ingredients. Each fragrance was created in collaboration with some of the greatest noses of our time - on average Le Labo takes about two years to create a new scent. The simplicity of the bottles is there on purpose so that it draws the attention to the actual fragrance.

Perfume making is a craft. You need a lot of patience, a lot of letting go to leave the space for the creativity to happen and most of the time, it does not. This is why we rarely launch a new perfume even though we are always working on formulas. It has to be perfect.

Le Labo is now open in Yas Mall Abu Dhabi, +971 2492 6730, www.lelabofragrances.com

“The simplicity of the bottles is there on purpose so that it draws the attention to the actual fragrance.” www.ohlala-magazine.com

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Sadaf Farasat - Universe In Love

Nissa Riyas - Liberty

Susan Brooker - Helena Christensen

Live it. Love it. Buy it DIVERSE. AFFORDABLE. ORIGINAL.

Finally, cool art you can afford.

Original contemporary art priced from $100-$20,000 with artists and galleries from 30 countries including France, Italy, UK, Russia, South Africa, Colombia, USA, Singapore and South Korea.

12 - 15 APR 2017 Dubai World Trade Centre

worldartdubai.com

Supported By

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Part of

Official Airline

Official Courier Handler

Official CSR Partner

Official Publisher

Official School Partner

Official Travel Partner

Official TV Partner

Supported by

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Carine Roitfeld

Beauty Column Boost Your Bacteria While that might not sound overly attractive, research suggests that some bacteria are good for the skin, including bifidobacterium and lactobacillus, and this idea will be popping up in 2017 skin care trends. Probiotics are set to become even bigger than they were last year thanks to their ability to repair damage and leave you with a healthier and brighter complexion. Traditional skin care and cleansing routines are being rethought (in order to reduce dry and chapped skin) and biological innovations in products will continue throughout the year.

Superfood Skincare Just like we treat our bodies with vitamins and antioxidants to stay healthy, this year will see us doing the same with our skin. As we become more aware of what kind of food and chemicals we put in our bodies, it only makes sense for the beauty industry to do the same. You will start to see ingredients such as parsley seed, kale, broccoli, flax seed, moringa, and algae in skin care products. Other products will have vitamins, such as Vitamin C, and minerals to be used alone or added to lotions for an extra boost.

Hydration Is Key This is the perfect trend to get on board with here in The Gulf due to dry environmental conditions and constant exposure to air-conditioning. In order to gain a moisturised, dewy look we will see more products with gel-like textures and more water based ingredients. Skin looks more radiant and firm the more hydrated it is and with the bare-faced beauty look becoming popular this season it makes perfect sense. For extra dry skin, several serums can be mixed with your foundation for added hydration that will protect and last all day.

Brushing Your Face

The New Skincare The world of beauty of skincare can be a confusing one, with so many products and trends available to us. Angela Beitz shares all the new trends you need to know to look your best this year.

Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve long been aware of the benefits of dry brushing our bodies, in order to reduce the appearance of cellulite, to exfoliate skin, and boost circulation, so it may come as no surprise that it has been widely used in Asia to improve the texture of the skin on their faces as well. This action can be a little abrasive but it improves circulation and it will give your complexion an incredible glow. In addition, Asian women use facial soap rather than liquid cleansers so we will see cleansing bars making a comeback.

Make The Most Of Masks Everyone went crazy for sheet masks last year and they are here to stay for 2017. This year will see new sheet masks that are easier to use than ever before and include some new ones such as colourful clay-based masks, dry-textured masks, coconut-gel sheet masks, as well as lift-and-plump masks can now be used not only on the face but all over the body. For a super glowing complexion, apply your serum to your face before applying the sheet mask as it will help to penetrate the products deeper. www.ohlala-magazine.com

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PAMPER ME

Tuesday 50% off

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Tuesdays is “Pamper Me” time for the ladies with 50% off on our massage services.

Choose among a selection of relaxing treatments such as Aroma, Balinese, Shiatsu, Swedish, Sports, and Thai massage. *Offer is valid from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm every Tuesday. *Prior booking is required. This offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other promotions. *Offer only applicable for ladies.

56 ABUwww.ohlala-magazine.com DHABI - YAS ISLAND

FOR BOOKINGS OR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CALL: 02 656 3111 OR EMAIL INFO.CPYAS@IHG.COM CPYasIsland cpyas

Out of Africa

Set in the rare and beautiful sand forest, Phinda Forest Lodge offer a sweeping view of one of the most unique ecosystems on the planet. Angela Beitz visits this magical place north of Richards Bay, South Africa.

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Travel Escapes

A lone bull giraffe slowly saunters across the dirt road in

front of me. I haven’t even arrived at the lodge yet and am already gobsmacked to have seen this beautiful animal who then stops to look at us for a few moments and then slowly walks off casting the occasional glance back in our direction.

I arrive at the Phinda Forest lodge, which is one of four properties that Phinda is made up of. Phinda, meaning ‘the return’ in Zulu, is a series of eco lodges from the andBeyond group. Their focus is on preserving wildlife and they have worked to return the land to a thriving state after years of agricultural management and misuse.

Phinda Forest, which is one of the series of lodges, is a luxury lodge with 16 suites. As it’s in the bush there is one main rule: no walking around the property by yourself at night. The wildlife, including lions, leopards, rhinos, buffalos and more can wander around the property as it is not fenced off.

The luxurious 16 air-conditioned glass suites at the Forest Lodge are on stilts and appear to float between the rare Sand Forest floor and the great Torchwood trees. Floor to ceiling windows invite the forest in but the dense canopy provides privacy. The dainty forms of dwarf forest antelope dart among and below the suites, raised on stilts to float between the sandy forest floor and the leafy canopy above.

Waking up to rustling forest sounds and bird song, surrounded by delicate leaf-filtered light, a pervading sense of peace and calm will set the tone for your entire day. The room boasts a beautiful king sized bed and opposite to this, is a couch and table plus a writing desk.

There is a huge separate bathroom with loads of big glass windows (but don’t worry it’s been designed so no one can see it and a large free standing bath. We love the Phinda body lotion, liquid soap and other amenities (all in gorgeous bottles) with the silhouettes of African animals on them. The suite is so beautiful, decorated in an exquisite combination of glass, timbers and neutral fabric and everything feels super luxe. There is a large deck perfect for sipping an afternoon beverage that you can make yourself with their well-stocked mini bar that is kept locked so that the cheeky monkeys don’t get their hands on what’s inside.

Game drives, as they call them, rather than safaris, are really a must when you are here after all this is what it’s all about. These are best had early in the morning as the 5:30am wakeup call rouses up and calls us to the main building at 6am for coffee, tea and biscuits which is such a great touch and something I feel I could really get used to. Africa has the ‘big 5’ which are the five most difficult creatures to find on foot. These are: lion, African elephant, buffalo, leopard and rhinoceros. Phinda is also well known for having 436 bird species.

Phinda has no shortage of these and they are noted for their black rhinos and leopards. Apart from game drives, there is a list of 10 included activities including a Zulu village tour, black rhino tracking on foot, swimming with whale sharks and seasonal whale watching. There is one rule of game drives: never break the silhouette of the Land Rover which means not standing up in the vehicle. The animals see the vehicle as one large entity

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Travel Escapes

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that is larger than them so they do not take the vehicle on. Also, standing up makes it appear like you are towering over them with threatens them. I board the open Land Rover and head out on a fifteen minute drive where we spot various wildlife from all set against the world’s only remaining sand forest. We start looking for fresh tracks and they spot some tracks for a lion and leopard.

The guides and spotters are excellent here at Phinda, they have such an amazing passion as it’s really not hard to see why, working in a setting like this. One of the other guides lets us know that he’s spotted four cheetahs, so we head over to check them out.

These graceful animals are just breathtaking and we sit in awe of them for a while until we notice they are on edge and start looking around quite agitated. We then see in the distance, a very large female lioness, heading towards us. We drive towards her but she looks ahead in one direction, on a clear mission, and our guide explains that’s she got two cubs so that she must be off to get them from where she left them. The whole experience is just amazing and this is only a small snippet of what we experienced. Every game drive brings so much excitement and it’s just so great to not know what you will see each time. The afternoon game drives are great as well and they end with a cold beverage watching the sunset which in this setting is pretty hard to beat.

For more information or reservations visit: www.andbeyond.com/phinda-forest-lodge

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Cosmopolitan, chic, and irresistibly comfortable; Jumeirah at Etihad Towers offers luxury accommodation with modern amenities and excellent service.

C i ty L u x e

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Travel Escapes

The Jumeirah brand is synonymous with luxury and elegance and Jumeirah at Etihad Towers is no exception. The stunning property is made up of five high-rise towers, three as residences, one for offices and one for, what we believe, is an exceptional hotel. Somewhat of an architectural wonder (and featured in a few Hollywood blockbusters including Fast & Furious 7) this multi-award winning luxury hotel features 382 stunning rooms and suites, 199 serviced residences for longer stays, a variety (12 to be specific) restaurants, bars and lounges, three swimming pools and a private beach, a superbly equipped conference centre, and a Talise spa with 13 treatment suites – now, if that’s not impressive, we don’t know what is.

We check in via the super impressive lobby which boasts loads of light, huge chandeliers and a beautiful Lobby Lounge that you must try for its excellent range of TWG teas and delicious pastries.

Every floor has beautiful views of the Corniche, its surrounding area and the Arabian Gulf; so no matter which room type you opt for, rest assured that your view will be an extraordinary one. If you are going to stay here though, you may as well go all out with the Royal Etihad Suite. Though every room type is truly superb, book yourself into the Royal Etihad Suite. It defines regal luxury, pure and simple. It’s the highest suite in the hotel, its prime positioning affords magnificent views and reflects stature. Enjoy the private kingdom of separate bedrooms and an exquisite choice of three convivial living rooms.

There’s even a dedicated butler service.

There really is so much to experience at this lavish property, especially when it comes to fabulous food and the Observation Deck

at 300 is something to prioritise. Just when you thought the views couldn’t get any more spectacular, hop into the lift that takes you up to Level 74 where you’ll find the Observation Deck at 300. It’s the highest vantage point in Abu Dhabi and offers panoramic views across the city and the surrounding waters. We recommend popping up for ‘high tea’ where you can enjoy a coffee or tea with delicious snacks. This is the place where you’ll truly feel on top of the world with impressive views over Emirates Palace and the Corniche. www.ohlala-magazine.com

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If you are looking for an impressive buffet style restaurant that puts other all day dining venues to shame then head to Rosewater.

Rosewater is our choice of dining venue here if you’re staying at the hotel for some time. The set-up is just amazing, we were blown away by how many delicious options there were – from healthy salads, a pasta station, live cooking station for different meats, Indian food, Arabic fare, and a huge variety of desserts too (and we still haven’t covered it all!). The food is tasty and flavourful, the ambience relaxed, and the staff friendly – overall a dining experience you’ll remember for a long time.

Talise Spa is also one to put on your list and we love that it’s tucked away from the rest of the hotel and you feel like you’re miles away from the rest of the world. It’s a real oasis of calm with slick décor and has state-of-the art facilities. The spa provides a proper luxe experience and you don’t just get a treatment room – you get a treatment suite which we just love. Yes, a whole area complete with a bathtub, shower, restroom and changing area, it’s so decadent! We recommend the 60-minute Talise Signature Massage, which focuses on personal wellbeing and will leave every muscle in your body feeling relaxed along with the Rose Facial which is simply divine and will have your skin sorted in no time. They also do fabulous hammams which are the perfect treat for dry skin.

Jumeirah at Etihad Towers impresses with its offering for marriage of style, business and pleasure. The excellent selection of restaurants ranges from Milanese to Lebanese, via seafood and modern Japanese, while the teched-up rooms have futuristic swank.

The circular main pool is an eye-popper, and there’s plenty of sunbed space on the private beach. The views are a key selling point here, with chaise lounges next to floor-to-ceiling windows looking out to see. Be sure to put it on your list.

Jumeirah at Etihad Towers, 2 811 5555, www.jumeirah.com 66

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Ohlala Boutiques

Masters of Elegance Ted Baker know how to make a woman feel fantastic. We round up the best of this season’s wardrobe winners. Now it’s up to us to fill our calendars to be seen wearing these gorgeous statements… #meetthebakers The Ted Baker Collection is available from Ted Baker stores throughout the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain and Egypt.

staple pieces Tops, check. Dresses, check.

Skirts, check. Bags, check check. You’re well and truly covered from Ted to toe.

Fancy Feet

Step and stride in these hot numbers and everyone will be floored by you.

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Bejeweled David Morris has three new stunning collections available at The Galleria Al Maryah Island; Miss Daisy, Petite Palm and Rose Cut forever with a nod to the essence of the tranquil and award-winning gardens of England at the beginning of summertime.

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Ohlala Boutiques

If The Shoe Fits This season, the most coveted footwear is showcased throughout TRYANOâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Ground and Lower Ground Floor with over 63 brands including Manolo Blahnik, Gianvito Rossi, Schutz, Alexandre Burin, Alice & Olivia, SJP and more featuring stunning colours of crystal buckled mules, satin and fringe sandals to furry flats.

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Spring Fling Treat yourself to the Ritual of Sakura with organic Rice Milk and Cherry Blossom which will leave your skin beautifully soft. The natural ingredient of Rice Milk has ultra-hydrating properties and gives the skin a silky soft feeling. Celebrate each day as a new beginning with the nourishing Ritual of Sakura and enjoy every wonderful moment the wind blows your way. www.ohlala-magazine.com

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Ohlala Spotlight

Modest Beauty

Founder, Designer and Couture Seamstress, Hessa Falasi is making fashion history. The Emirati’s abayas are as conservative as they are sleek and stylish. We speak with Hessa about the modest fashion revolution and how the West is embracing it too.

You started designing outfits at the age of 18. How did that come about?

Since childhood I was always fond of playing around with fabrics. I started designing commercially at the young age of 18. That was also the time when I launched my brand.

How far has the abaya come in terms of being a fashion rather than a cultural statement?

The Khaleeji woman has always been very fashionable. While designing pieces for them inspired by the international trends we have seen a gradual shift from it being a cultural statement to more of a fashion statement.

What is the key to a cutting-edge, unique and versatile abaya?

The cut and the material used for the garment always give the design the extra edge.

Do you find that more Western women are embracing abayas?

Yes! Over the years we have noticed a steady rise in our customers from the European and American markets. We can now see various Western women adorning the abaya as a throw over jeans or a casual dress.

What do you make of the modest fashion revolution?

I would like to believe that I am one of the pioneers in supporting the modest fashion revolution with designs on par with the international fashion circuit.

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Ohlala Arabia Bringing style across The Middle East

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CHIC Eats

modern love We visit Market Kitchen to discover a chic, wholesome restaurant with a diverse and delicious menu.

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hen arriving at Market Kitchen, a warmth and homeliness is evident. Market Kitchen is designed to give diners a sense of feeling at home and comfort and it works beautifully. The wooden flooring, warm lighting, bench-top counters and trinkets dotted around, plus an olive tree in the middle of the room, combine to create a cottage-kitchen feel. Simplicity is key here, from the logo and décor to the menus and the dishes themselves.

It’s simple in the most stately of ways and feels cosy and intimate. The food is understated; the meals work with a base ingredient and moderate flavours.

At first glance, the dishes on the menu seem quite simple, but there are loads of amazing options. From the starters, the crispy calamari is definitely one to try with its citrus chilli dip while the salmon tartare is also really impressive with a layer of creamy avocado that sits below the salmon and is surrounded by a pool of zingy soy and ginger dressing. That punchy sauce cuts through the richness of the other two ingredients and ties the whole thing together rather nicely. It’s just so good. Then we try the curious crispy sushi – slices of tuna on top of fried cubes of tofu. The chipotle mayo that binds both together adds another interesting element. It’s a very tasty bite of food and it’s the sort of moreish dish that you keep coming back for again and again.

Market Kitchen are also well known for the pizzas and before we know it, the truffle pizza with Fontina cheese arrives. It’s thin, crispy, generous with the cheese and fungus and is absolutely sensational. It’s dangerously addictive with its oozing cheese and subtle truffle flavour. The other pizza to try is the Beef Carpaccio with shaved mushrooms, parmesan and arugula.

Both pizzas are super simple but have great flavour and are super fresh.

For the mains, we choose the Parmesan-crusted chicken and the Beef Short ribs. The Parmesan-crusted chicken is the perfect dish with basillemon butter underneath the crispy chicken – it’s perfectly cooked and not too dry. The beef ribs are equally delicious in their soy glaze and with a touch of the fork they fall apart. The dish is served with an interesting apple puree and rosemary crumb; this is a really interesting dish and one we will be back for. The sides of truffle mac and cheese, greens with parmesan and lime and enough mash and fries to feed a family are also spot on and we are left feeling content and very full.

We’ve hit that stage where we don’t quite know how we’ll fit dessert in but are never ones to shy away from sweet treats so we try the Salted Caramel Ice Cream Sundae (which the restaurant is famous for) and the Market Cheesecake. The Salted Caramel Ice Cream Sundae is an absolute knockout with generous amounts of ice cream along with peanuts, popcorn 74

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and chocolate fudge sauce and stunning presentation. The cheesecake is simple and classic served with raspberry sorbet and port glazed figs. This is the perfect end to a fantastic meal and we are genuinely impressed with every dish along with the really friendly and impressive service and we can’t recommend this restaurant enough.

Le Royal Meridien Abu Dhabi, Khalifa Street, Al Markaziyah, 800 101 101

Giornotte, Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal Celebrate Easter in Giornotte with fine international cuisine including an elaborate scallop and foie gras station, stuffed lamb saddle, whole roasted goose and wagyu beef leg carving station, along with a selection of more than 55 desserts at Dolce café. Visit Dolce’s Easter market for homemade chocolate eggs and bunnies while the kids enjoy the Easter Egg Hunt and other exciting activities at the Ritz Kids Club. Easter activities begin at 10am. Prices range from AED 295 – AED 495, AED 65 for children below 12 years; AED 206 children aged 13 to 16 years; children under four years dine complimentary. Friday April 14th.

For information or reservations call: 2 818 8881

Easter Brunch, Jumeirah at Etihad Towers Enjoy a festive Easter Brunch with a variety of live cuisine stations (indoor & outdoor) with pool and beach access. Savour an Easter themed buffet and live entertainment plus Easter Egg hunting and face painting for kids. Keep the party going with the After Brunch Party from 4:30pm-8:30pm with the poolside DJ. Nonalcoholic package starts at AED 285, Hops & Grapes package AED 375, Hops & Bubbly package AED 395, Champagne package AED 495. Friday 14th April.

For information or reservations call: 2 811 5666

April Dining

You’ll find us at any of these choice spots this month.

Cho Gao, Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi Enjoy delicious cuisine with the new Taste of Asia Brunch at Cho Gao First, indulge in sharing starters featuring hot and cold delicacies served to your table. Next, select your main course from the Chef ’s special bowls and if you still have enough room, finish off with their delicious dessert buffet.

This new brunch is one not to be missed. It’s AED 200 including iced tea and water, AED 300 net including house grapes, brews, spirits and cocktails.

Fridays and Saturdays, 12pm - 4pm. For information or reservations call: 2 616 6166

Zsa Zsa, Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi Take your girls’ night out to the next level with Glamour Nights at Zsa Zsa Cocktail Lounge at the beautiful Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi. Every Tuesday, ladies receive a complimentary glass of bubbly on arrival and indulge in a selection of

masterfully crafted cocktails available for as little as AED 25 each per cocktail. Every Tuesday, 6pm until midnight. For information or reservations call: 2 333 2444

Easter Picnic at the Palace, Emirates Palace Enjoy a picnic under parasols on the lawns of the West Wing Garden with a picnic basket filled with a selection of salads and sandwiches, served alongside a buffet brimming with meats and vegetables from the charcoal grill. A selection of sweets, such as waffles, crêpes and ice cream from the dessert hut will appeal to the child in every guest. It’s AED 370 per person for Easter picnic including BBQ menu, 1/2 bottle of bubbles and house beverages (Children under 6 dine with compliments, children between 6-12 years AED 185). April 15th, 2pm-5pm with the Easter Egg hunt at 3pm.

For information or reservations call: 2 666 8066

Fairways, The Westin Abu Dhabi Golf Resort & Spa Friday is for Bubbalicious at Fairways in The Westin Abu Dhabi Golf Resort & Spa. Raise your glass and treat yourself to a multi cuisine brunch and live cooking stations, fabulous entertainment and free flowing beverages overlooking a lush green golf course. AED 170 per child with soft drinks, AED 350 per adult with soft beverages, AED 425 per adult with free-flowing house and sparkling beverage, AED 620 per adult with free flowing house beverage and French Bubbly. Every Friday, 12:30 – 4pm.

For information or reservations call: 2 694 4553

Circo, Intercontinental Abu Dhabi The people from Tuscany like their food simple and strong with the freshest ingredients. And that’s exactly what you will get at Circo. This award-winning uniquely-themed restaurant also serves a selection of contemporary Italian dishes and has long been a favourite here at Ohlala.

Take advantage of their Happy Hour from 5pm-7pm where you can get 50 per cent off food and beverages from the light fare menu.

For information or reservations call: 800 423 463 www.ohlala-magazine.com

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Health Files

Moroccan Magic

We visit newly opened Ayana spa at Bab Al Qasr to discover a beautiful retreat with an array of treatments to sooth the mind, body and soul.

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When arriving at Bab Al Qasr you feel a sense of a modern Arabian fairy tale, tradition and timeless spirit.

The hotel opened late last year with their Ayana Spa opening a few months ago. It’s a hotel that combines traditional artisanship with contemporary comforts to create a richly drawn experience. With iconic architecture and an exclusive address on Abu Dhabi’s Corniche, Bab Al Qasr impresses on all levels. We’re excited to be visiting the spa as we’ve heard great things and will be experiencing a Moroccan massage and a Cure Hydrating Facial.

We are welcomed with a cool ginger water that we sipped while we completed our pre-treatment questionnaire in the reception lounge. The questionnaire will give your therapist some idea of your needs, expectations and any relevant medical conditions. The reception area is dark and relaxed and it doesn’t take long for us to start to unwind and really get into the spa mood. We are then escorted through to the spa for a quick tour and the finishing’s and details are just beautiful. Chic and elegant, everything is designed to create the perfect atmosphere for relaxation. Dark wood and beige tiles accented with light blue towels and linen with very dimmed lights create the illusion of being tucked away in a serene space. Following the hotel’s Moroccan vibe, the spa feels very chic and exotic.

After changing into a robe and slippers we are shown to our treatment room and while we are having a foot soak our therapist shows us the different oils she’ll be using today for the Moroccan massage. This massage is customised to individuals’ needs focusing on stresses of everyday life. The Les Sens De Marakech Argan oil that is used has healing properties for the skin and is also super hydrated so this is a great bonus. We lay down on the super comfortable treatment bed and our therapist starts with our legs and then moves up to really focus on tight areas around our upper back, neck and shoulders. This is then finished with our arms, stomach and a dreamy head massage.

For our Cure Hydrating facial products from the Natura Bisse range are used which are up there with some of our favourite spa brands. This advanced facial features a deep brush cleanse to purify and prep skin, before a concentrated peel that naturally polishes away complexion-dulling cells, radically refining skin’s texture. We are shown our skin under a special light that shows that our skin is dehydrated with mild oiliness around our t-zone. Our therapist then aims to helps these concerns. To deeply hydrate, boost cell regeneration and firm facial contours, our skin is hydrated with two different smoothing masks and then a rich serum is then applied and an intense massage is performed to lift our skin. An eye gel is also applied and then an SPF. We are shown to the gorgeous relaxation room which has large windows overlooking the Corniche and Emirates Palace and we enjoy unwinding here with green tea, dates and dried apricots. The spa is really worth a visit with excellent staff and beautiful facilities. There are wonderful treatments to suit everyone’s needs and you’ll want to linger a little longer.

Ayana Spa, Bab Al Qasr Hotel, Abu Dhabi 02 205 3090.

Remede Spa

Health Files

Spa Days Our picks for the best treatments for the month of April.

Dahlia Spa, Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi Feel totally rejuvenated with the Sodashi Contouring Body Therapy Treatment.

An invigorating exfoliation that combines finely ground pumice and volcanic clay is the perfect way to start your treatment.

A comforting body wrap using Sodashi’s warm body mask follows to stimulate the lymphatic system, removing accumulated toxins, a common cause of cellulite. After a refreshing shower, Sodashi’s specialised contouring gel and cream are applied, leaving your skin toned and lustrous. AED 670 for 80 minutes.

For information or reservations call: 2 694 444

Emirates Palace Spa It’s the perfect time to totally spoilt yourself and indulge guilt-free this Easter at Emirates Palace beautiful Moroccan inspired spa.

Treat yourself to the luxurious chocolate body scrub followed by the 90-minute signature Palace Massage using a 24-carat gold oil to rebalance the mind and body.

AED925 for 120 minutes.

For information or reservations call: 2 690 9000

body treatments. Purchase any Elemis gift Box of your choice and receive complimentary 30 minutes back massage to sort out all those knots and kinks For information or reservations call: 2 616 9999 ESPA at Venetian Village, RitzCarlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal Exclusive to the The Ritz Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal, discover the new three days wellness packages. Their award winning spa team has created these unique packages including a personal consultation, daily treatments in the spa and a luxury homecare gift only for you. The Wellbeing Spa Packages include; Purity: to detox, Serenity for sleep enhancement and Tranquility: relation and stress relieve. For information or reservations call: 2 818 8051

Tips and Toes Keep your mane manageable this month with Tips & Toes Hair Botox or Keratin treatments. These hair heroes will put a stop to humidity spoiling your do. Get straight to the point with a pocket-friendly 30 percent off throughout April - not only will you leave the salon with gorgeously glossy, frizz-free locks, you will also feel red carpet ready for any event.

For information or reservations call: Various locations, 4 399 0550

Remède Spa, The St. Regis Abu Dhabi

Heavenly Spa, The Westin Golf Resort & Spa Give the gift of Elemis this month at Heavenly Spa at The Westin. This award- winning skincare brand includes wonderful, luxurious face and

Remède Spa, has welcomed the latest Elemis Biotec machine. The Remède Spa has five new Biotec super-charged facials, each using a variety of the machines technologies. Both male and female guests can experience specific treatments dedicated to anti-aging, skin lifting, firming and strengthening, sensitive skin soothing, oxygen infusing,illuminating and brightening. For information or reservations call: 2 694 444 www.ohlala-magazine.com

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Breaking

Bad

Our new health and lifestyle columnist, Lena explains how to break your bad eating habits so you can whip that body into shape for summer.

Bikini season has started and I’m just not ready yet. Is anyone else with me? The indulgent lifestyle in the UAE does not exactly benefit our body shape, it is just so hard to resist Friday brunches, social evenings with bubbles and oh-so-sweet dessert buffets! But you will be surprised to hear that those weekend escapades are not the reason for why your bikini body is out of sight – it’s the everyday diet that we all need work on.

We eat a lot of unhealthy things without ‘counting’ it out of routine: The Starbucks coffee in the morning, breakfast on the go and convenience snacks, business lunches and take out food in the evening.This routine is dangerous as it lulls you into a false sense of security where you think you aren’t doing that many bad things food wise where if you were to actually write them all down you’d be surprised. In combination with an office job this routine of mindless eating is highly dangerous and you can definitely say goodbye to toned legs and a flat tummy even if you hit the gym once or twice per week.

It’s also very hard to break this routine because it’s just so convenient. But nothing that is worth it comes without a price tag. And the price you’ll have to pay is being more organised with food choices and spending more time in the kitchen preparing.

The good news is, it only takes around 20 days for our brains and bodies to adapt and re-adjust to a change. If you stick to a new routine or habit for those 20 days, it will become completely normal for you, and it won’t feel like a burden or abnormal any longer. And that’s exactly what we want: a lifestyle change instead of a crash diet. We want to look and feel good always, and not only for the summer holidays.

In my opinion, changes to your body are evident when you start cooking your own meals. This doesn’t mean that you are not allowed to eat out anymore, but try to eat at least one home cooked meal per day. First of all it will help you to gain control of portion sizes and quality of your food. Take away lunch options and pre-packed foods in the supermarket are filled with nasty ingredients, like flavour enhancers, oily sauces, sugar, and empty calories (a perfect example is that white bread sandwich with cheese and mayo and a small slice of tomato to make it look a tiny bit healthier). They will surely fill you up for a while but they certainly won’t do anything else for your body.

Our bodies need vitamins, dietary fibers and minerals in order to be fully functional and healthy. You can compare our body to a machine or your car: Imagine you’d put water into the gas tank of your car! The tank would be full but your car wouldn’t be able to run properly! The same happens with your body and brain: they can only operate on full capacity if they are fuelled with the right ingredients! It’s really that simple!

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My first rule is to skip processed foods and stick to ingredients in their most natural form. Another rule of the thumb is to eat all the colours of the rainbow! This will make sure that your body gets a big variety of all nutritional substances. Eating broccoli and salmon everyday is not considered a balanced diet either, so try to mix it up a little bit and don’t buy the same vegetables all the time. Also, double your veggie intake as most people don’t eat enough vegetables and greens! Thankfully you do not need to count calories if you are on a healthy diet. If you are hungry…eat! But eat the right things and become more aware of what you feed your body and count nutrients not calories.

And if you are going to treat yourself and have a cheat meal go for the whole thing! Enjoy every bite and have no regrets but make sure this doesn’t happen on a daily basis though. A good piece of advice is to put all your sins together in one cheat day (even professional athletes do that) and try to stay clean the rest of the week. Got the rules? Great, so how do we start our body transformation?

The first step is to go and buy yourself a fancy lunch box and a good kitchen knife. Tools are important if you cook yourself and if you have a lunch box or coffee mug with a stylish design you are so much more likely to use it (the same applies to gym clothes by the way – so get your new training kit while you’re in the mall).

Secondly, take some time on the weekend and research some amazing lunch options online.Discover some of the foodie blogs that we have here in the UAE and try out their amazing recipes! My favourites are www.leanlivinggirl. com for simple and easy everyday-recipes, www.fitfoodcollective.com for clean treats and healthy snacks, and www.foxesandfood.com for hearty and filling vegan meals.

My tip is to precook your food in the afternoon or evening and take it to the office on the next day for lunch. For dinner you are flexible to eat out, order in, or (clever, clever) cook a double portion and eat one right away.

And last but not least, make cooking your new favourite routine. You can only stick to something that you don’t hate, so try to make cooking fun. Put on some music or maybe your favorite TV show, pour yourself a glass of red wine (a tiny one, basically just a sip to increase the fun factor) and do a little dance around your veggies! I’m not joking! It will be fun if you make it feel like fun and trust me this will help you and will bring you one step closer to your #bodygoals.

Lena Dobschall is an Abu Dhabi based blogger and entrepreneur. Follow her on Instagram @mondayonfleek or on her blog: www.mondayonfleek.com

health Column 10 Questions with Lena

MALONE SOULIERS, STYLEBOP

CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN

My three most dominant character traits are...

I am down to earth, extremely loyal and stubborn – if I want something I will find a way to make it happen - a typical Taurus I would say.

I love...

Matcha lattes, yoga, sunny days at the beach, dogs and horses, Italian and Mexican food, high heels and good friends.

I hate...

Rain, paperwork, arrogance and when someone else has yummy food and doesn’t offer to share.

My motto is…

You are the architect of your own fortune.

I cannot leave the house without...

Having my morning matcha latte.

In my bag I always carry...

Clarins hand cream and some kind of healthy snack.

My ultimate life hack…

Ginger or coconut. oil are my lifesavers for anything and everything.

My favourite food is…

Pasta in all variants.

The perfect day starts with…

Croissants and cuddles. …and ends with… a loud and giggly evening out with close friends and good food. www.ohlala-magazine.com

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OhlalaxVMM Bloggers and fashion influencers gathered at The Royal Suite at The Rosewood Abu Dhabi to celebrate Vivienne Morgan Millineryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s SS17 Carousel Collection. The circus themed event was the perfect opportunity to try on all the amazing headpieces and hats ahead of Dubai World Cup, whilst chatting over a delicious high tea.

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Miss Ohlala

Do Not Disturb Craving a weekend away?

Miss Ohlala provides her thoughts on what makes the perfect boutique hotel getaway.

As the weather starts to turn stifling hot in the region, we all have that “get me out of here” moment so it is always good to have a mini-break on the horizon to look forward to. The choice of hotels can be overwhelming however, so here are my thoughts on how to shortlist the best available hotels.

If you’re going for a long weekend, limit your flight time to between three and five hours. Ideal getaways include Oman, Sri Lanka, the Maldives and the Seychelles.

Look for a hotel which has the perfect balance between a secluded spot and convenience for travel to and from the airport. It is always worth asking the hotel if they can arrange private transfers to the hotel for your convenience.

I’m not a princess, but if a hotel can provide a helicopter transfer that would be a very tempting (and time-saving) start to the holiday!

I’m a big fan of boutique hotels with less than twenty rooms. The service you receive is generally more personalised and relaxed.

Alternatively a bigger hotel with a prompt golf-buggy service works well when you have small children in tow.

Food is of huge importance to me and Mr Ohlala. Whilst a breakfast buffet can be appealing, nothing compares to an à la carte breakfast with perfectly poached eggs and a view to die for. I always try to book hotel rooms that have breakfast and sundries included, as it can be very tedious to be signing hotel chits all day long.

Mr Ohlala and I need our morning coffee before we like to speak to anyone else, so a Nespresso machine in the room, with plenty of refill capsules, is a must. And I like a hotel that provides you with an 82

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adequate free supply of water. There is nothing more irritating than having to break into the mini bar in the middle of the night when thirsty, to drink extortionate bottles of carbonated water.

I can’t bring myself to book a hotel room if it doesn’t have a lovely bathtub. Being on holiday is one time I allow myself to spend hours reading a book in a luxurious bath with bath oils and I’m just as particular with the swimming pool which I prefer to be heated and enticing. Rooms with private plunge pools or Jacuzzis also get my vote. And if you’re going somewhere warm, a room with a private terrace is a necessity.

A view from your hotel room which is Insta-worthy is always a big plus, but don’t share too many snaps of your holiday on social media, however, otherwise you will drive your friends crazy.

Before you book, read some of the hotel reviews on the likes of Tripadvisor.com, but don’t get overly obsessed with them. And my final tip? Rather than booking the cheapest room at the crème de la crème of hotels, I would generally advise to book a high end room or suite at a less expensive boutique hotel.

MODERN AMERICAN CUISINE WITH A

LOCAL INFLUENCE

THE ONLY REVOLVING LOUNGE BAR & GRILL IN ABU DHABI

For more information and bookings, call 800 101 101 or email restaurants.lrmad@lemeridien.com

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Daytime De-Stress Relax and unwind with a morning of “me-time” or an afternoon of sheer bliss at Remede Spa. Take time out and escape to a sanctuary of indulgence and relaxation in the heart of the city We customise each treatment to meet your individual needs and to deliver the benefits you seek, for a renewed you.

Only AED 200

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Sunday to Wednesday 9 am to 3 pm 30 min Back Neck and Shoulder Massage Use of Jacuzzi Sauna and Steam room is included

For reservation please call Remède Spa +971 2 694 4100 or email remede.abudhabi@stregis.com 84

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www.remedespaabudhabi.com