Ohlala Bahrain July/August 2022 by Ohlala Magazine

High Summer Hot Season Style

Glowing Beauty

Sun Protection and Hair Tips

Homes

GALORE Trends, Sustainability and New Ideas – Salone del Mobile.Milano 2022

WWW.OHLALA-MAGAZINE.COM JULY-AUGUST 2022 | ISSUE 206 BAHRAIN BD2 | KSA SR20

BOOK SUMMER ESCAPE FROM BD62NET Enjoy complimentary upgrade, early check-in & late check-out privileges for epic summertime adventures on the shores of Marassi Al Bahrain. T&C apply

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Bespoke Wedding Celebrations The perfect venue for your perfect day Celebrate this unforgettable occasion at our elegant and eccentric wedding venue unlike any other to commemorate your most memorable celebration. Art Hotel & Resort caters to both intimate and large style weddings from personalized menus, live entertainment, beautiful table decorations, indoor or outdoor ceremony locations and creative ﬂoral crafts for all special occasions. Our experienced wedding specialists, will develop bespoke and unique packages for each couple with the knowledge to ensure a hassle-free experience and a memorable celebration.

For bookings, kindly contact us on 16000111

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OHLALA

Pages

JULY & AUGUST 2022

48 Beauty Column Be a Head-Turner

14 16 28 34 40

Editor's Letter OHLALA Fashion Picks In Case You Missed It Haute Horlogerie - Timeless Beauty OHLALA Beauty Picks

56 Wake Up, Shake-Up at Dessange Paris Bahrain

72 80 84 90 98

OHLALA Homes - Home Fair Affair Travel Escapes - Caribbean Calling Chic Eats - Konnichiwa With a Twist Diva Drives Miss OHLALA

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SPECIAL THIS ISSUE: The Art of Relaxation at The Art Hotel & Resort pg54

RALPH LAUREN

Editor’s Letter The heat is on! The hottest months of the year in this part of the world are here, and all we can do is stay inside and enjoy the sun's rays from the window. Speaking of staying inside, this is the perfect time to look around our residences and improve their interiors or even celebrate the home spirit we carry in our villas and flats. We had the pleasure of visiting the Salone del Mobile.Milano, in Italy and we bring interesting insights from the world's biggest furniture and design fair. You might get really inspired. This summer, your wardrobe will see more colourful pieces, breezy footwear and mixing prints will be in the line-up. We also bring some pre-autumn trends as the fashion world will soon switch to a new season. As time flies, we pick exciting and gorgeous timepieces to help you keep track of your glorious days. As the sun is hitting us pretty hard, don't forget to wear your sunscreen. Opt for mineral formulated brands and wear a big hat and sunglasses when stepping outside. Your tresses will also need extra attention, so we have tips and hairstyles to help you keep a healthy and pretty mane. It's time to take care of your body health – Dessange Paris Bahrain offers incredible packages in their health club until the end of August. We embraced full-body relaxation mode at Wellness Spa, The Art Hotel & Resort, and we think you also deserve some me-time. There is no better moment to enjoy beautiful beaches with a touch of history and culture than now – travel with us to Anguilla, St. Martin, and St. Kitts and Nevis. But if you want to embark on a Japanese culinary journey, discover Mirai Restaurant & Lounge's incredibly crafted dishes inspired by the Far East cuisine with us. Happy summer!

Fernanda Langhammer

Editor

editor@ohlala-magazine.com @ohlalamagazine 14

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OMAKASE at

Leaving the selection to the Chef, the Japanese dining concept Omakase is an authentic way of celebrating craftsmanship and culinary artistry. While preparing his customized menu, Head Sushi Chef Kiyoshi Udagawa will also guide you through this sophisticated and reﬁned experience. Revel in this re-imagined Japanese dining tradition over dazzling night views of the Manama skyline. From Wednesday to Sunday 10 Course Set Menu (Per Person) BD 69, Beverage Pairing (Per Person) BD 60 Reservations +973 1711 5046

OHLALA

Fashion Picks

HIGH SUMMER STAPLES In this part of the world, we tend to hide in air-conditioned spaces instead of enjoying the sunshine. However, we do embrace the best of summer fashion! Here are some of this year’s must-wears.

A smocked cotton dress is a great pick to beat the heat. Its loose-fitting cut is comfortable and suits everyone, and you can choose to go for different necklines such as round, v-neck or off-the-shoulder. As per the length, go for midi or maxi. This bright pink number with a cute cut-out is from JIJIL.

Together with SPF 50 sunscreen, don’t forget to wear a hat to protect your face from harmful sun rays. There are many beautiful options like this one from Weekend Max Mara.

Chunky earrings are a trendy choice when wearing summery looks. Add a boho vibe to your casual outfits with these golden pendants from Etro.

Still on the protection theme, sunglasses help shade your eyes from damaging UV rays. Go big with these Gucci shades for a stylish look.

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Finalise any summer style with fancy flip-flops. They are the perfect accessory to add a touch of vibrant colour, just like these diamondcontoured yellow ones from Jimmy Choo at FARFETCH.

STYLE

ETRO

RALPH LAUREN

PRINT MIXING

CELINE

PAUL & JOE

MAX&CO.

SCHIAPARELLI

Trends

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NOON BY NOOR

CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN

TOMMY HILFIGER

Combining different patterns is a superb way of creating unique looks but also a tricky one. A formula that often works is to team up prints with a similar colour palette or from the same design family. However, if you don’t want to go wrong, mix floral motifs with stripes – they are wellloved patterns to wear during summer.

this is the one...

THE DESIGNER *

SALE Vast designer and beauty selections throughout the store.

CITY CENTRE BAHRAIN +973 17172000

*PART SALE

STYLE

RALPH LAUREN

YANINA

GABRIELA HEARST

DOLCE&GABBANA

ETRO

Trends

WEAR THE RAINBOW

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MISSONI CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN

VERSACE

VALENTINO GARAVANI AT FARFETCH

LOEWE

CELINE

It’s summertime! Choose colourful clothing pieces and accessories to create funky looks. Forget neutral shades and embrace a colour concoction in your outfits. They will add a vibrant vibe to your wardrobe and cheer your day.

Take Time for Your Take time for yourself and enjoy a 90 minutes Heavenly Spa Signature Massage and complimentary 20 minutes body scrub for BHD 55 only. This offer is available on weekdays only and advance reservation is required. Call +973 1717 1122 or WhatsApp +973 3888 5915 to book this offer.

STYLE

MALONE SOULIERS

VALENTINO GARAVANI AT FARFETCH

WEEKEND MAX MARA

FLAT FANTASTIC The season for comfortable and open footwear is here. Sandals, flip-flops and slides are the shoes to pick during this time of the year to best match your casual outfits. More sophisticated designs gracefully finalise your workwear and formal wardrobe without losing the refined style you are looking for.

MAX MARA

JOHANNA ORTIZ

MAX&CO.

ETRO

BY FAR

MICHAEL MICHAEL KORS

BRUNELLO CUCINELLI

Trends

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MAX MARA

ISABEL MARANT

SPORTMAX

VERSACE

BOTTEGA VENETA

DOLCE&GABBANA

Trends

DSQUARED2

STYLE

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The sun is shining unapologetically, and we are just trying to cope with it, but preautumn collections are pushing their way into our wardrobes. Leather and a typical cold season colour palette are giving signs that autumn and winter collections will be here sooner than expected. Here is a glimpse of what is in store.

DEL CORE

ALEXANDER MCQUEEN

MAX MARA

TRANSITIONAL WARDROBE

STYLE

Focus

WHAT TO WEAR

WITH: STRAW TOTE 5

Natural fibres are a quintessential summer material for handbags. You can choose a straw tote like this Dolce&Gabbana piece or even go for a softer texture such as raffia. Take them to the beach or wear them to compose your laid-back weekend looks.

1. Go for a total earthy look in different tones of brown. This runway composition is from Johanna Ortiz – a great inspiration for a monochromatic style. 2. For stylish comfort, pair your tote with these Balenciaga at FARFETCH trainers. Straw bags are best worn with casual shoes rather than sophisticated footwear. 3. This denim top from Zimmermann at Harvey Nichols is an original pick to wear with your straw bag. Team it up with white shorts and flip-flops to create the perfect summer outfit. 4. Don’t be afraid to wear more than one accessory made in natural fibres. This belt from Weekend Max Mara adds an extra touch, and you can even opt for necklaces, earrings and shoes following the same concept. 5. Green is one of the season’s colours, and it beautifully matches the pale yellow organic hue of straw. Invest in clothing pieces or accessories painted in verdant shades, such as this Sportmax chunky necklace for a trendy look. 6. A white maxi white dress is a simple yet stylish wardrobe choice to combine with your straw tote. Kaia Gerber opted for Celine accessories to complement her breezy outfit. 26

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OHLALA

ICYMI

From high-end horologists foraying into hospitality to fashion brands collaborating with lifestyle labels, we bring you the latest, most interesting happenings in the worlds of luxury and style.

Timeless Hospitality

Audemars Piguet’s new Hôtel des Horlogers has opened its doors in Le Brassus, Switzerland; designed by BIG (Bjarke Ingels Group) in collaboration with the Swiss architect office CCHE. They also signed up for the construction of Musée Atelier Audemars Piguet situated a few steps away. The hotel seamlessly integrates with the surrounding landscape and all rooms offer a breathtaking view of the region. The interior design brings a contemporary lobby that contrasts with rustic architectural elements. The lobby ceiling’s design is inspired by the forest reflecting on a lake with a network of ivoryhued branches running across it. A passageway follows the hotel’s atypical zigzagging structure, connecting the 50 rooms – from the Valley Guest Room to the Signature Suite. The new venture encompasses two restaurants and a bar – entrusted to French threeMichelin-starred chef, Emmanuel Renaut. The most exciting part is that the superior four-star boutique hotel has implemented a holistic, sustainable approach, from building development to day-to-day operations

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ICYMI Crystal Living

Swarovski and world-renowned porcelain artisan brand Rosenthal collaborated and released The Signum Collection. Swarovski lends its essence to the capsule with its brand pattern, a translation of the mesmerising and recurrent motif, the octagon. Its brand colours of blue, green, yellow and pink are captured in graphic designs edged with handpainted golden accents – another detail that links to its heritage and craftsmanship. Stylish swan-engraved cut-crystal lids are the centre of attraction and add an extra dose of luxury as do the centre stamps featuring a gold Swarovski Swan. Rosenthal’s extreme attention to detail and in-depth expertise results in a range that is as artistic as it is usable. From forms to printing to the application of delicate and hand-painted décor details, each is a representation of Rosenthal’s workmanship. Including tea sets, espresso sets and full dining services, The Signum Collection is available in verdant green, and is designed to stand alone or be customised with select pieces in the other colourways.

Furniture Fashioned for Summer

Berluti has teamed up with Tectona, a French outdoor furniture brand, to create a limited edition of summer pieces. Made mainly from teak wood, woven resin or aluminium, Tectona’s pieces are as stylish as they are impervious to weather conditions. The brand shares Berluti’s core values in crafting exceptional, high-quality objects that are not only long-lived but also acquire an alluring natural patina (a film formed over time due to ageing and exposure), making each of them unique. Tectona’s Copacabana line, made from teak and fabric, has been chosen for the collaboration. The pieces are joyful, simple and functional. They are inspired by Berluti’s Scritto Arabesque leather goods with the navy Scritto motif printed over a beige background. A limited-edition of 60 deck chairs and 23 folding beds is exclusively available in a selection of 30 Berluti stores worldwide. The pieces from the collaboration complement the maison’s summer ready-to-wear and leather goods highlights.

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LADIES NIGHT EVERY TUESDAY from 6:00pm to 12:00AM get 2 complimentary selected beverages for ladies only. Call or WhatsApp +973 3350 2101 Ground Floor, Le Méridien City Centre Bahrain

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ICYMI What’s Your Style, Crocodile?

Lacoste has teamed up with French clothing brand A.P.C. Since 2018, Louise Trotter, Lacoste’s Artistic Director, has propelled a new wave of sophistication and modernity into the crocodile brand. Louise worked with A.P.C.’s Jean and Judith Touitou to design playful pieces for women and men in which the famous crocodile encircles the A.P.C. logo. Sportswear pieces with military references; a windbreaker in navy blue nylon, khaki gabardine and denim; loose jeans, shirts and polo shirts with blue and layette pink stripes; roomy shirt-dresses for women; fleece pieces, joggers and sweatshirts integrate different versions of the logo created for the occasion. The collection also includes accessories: sneakers, striped socks and denim bags as well as, among other items, a giant tote bag and an A.P.C. Lacoste candle.

Sustainable Beauty

DELPHINE VIGUIER-HOVASSE

Highlighting its commitment to sustainability, L’Oréal Paris has established a 10-year plan guided by ambitious goals with pledges to reduce the carbon footprint of its products sold by half by 2030. “In response to the climate and environmental emergency, L’Oréal Paris is doubling down on its efforts to offer products that are both safe and effective while also being responsible and sustainable,” said Delphine Viguier-Hovasse, Global Brand President, L’Oréal Paris. The beauty brand is investing in research and innovation centres that are dedicated to developing safe and effective formulas. They are looking for solutions that are more respectful of the environment and biodiversity, using less water and more sustainable ingredients. To help with this goal, they use the brand’s ‘Overall Environmental Impact’, a score based on the L’Oréal Group’s scoring methodology that gives an accurate vision of a product imprint by taking into account 14 planetary impact factors at every stage of a product’s life cycle.

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HAUTE

Horlogerie

Timeless Beauty In this eight-piece limited edition, Chopard unites its watchmaking and jewellery skills to create an exceptional timepiece, the IMPERIALE Flying Tourbillon.

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he IMPERIALE collection, created in 1994, welcomes its first-ever flying tourbillon movement, L.U.C Calibre 96.24-C. Entirely designed and crafted by Chopard, this exclusive mechanism is one of the only ones on the market bearing both, Chronometer-certification and the Poinçon de Genève quality hallmark. “Dedicated to women of character, the IMPERIALE collection exudes an aura of timeless chic,” says Caroline Scheufele, Co-President and Artistic Director of Chopard. “This watch symbolises technical performance combined with great aesthetic sophistication.” Absolute Precision Entirely crafted in the manufacture’s workshops, Chopard’s flying tourbillon was launched in 2019 in the men’s L.U.C Flying T Twin watch. Since then, the flying tourbillon, known because it does not rest on an upper bridge (the frame of watch movement onto which the other components are mounted), has also been available in a ladies’ limited series. It now benefits from all the technical innovations developed over the last 25 years by Chopard Manufacture. Its remarkable slenderness – at barely 3.30mm thick for 194 components – ranks it among the thinnest in contemporary Haute Horlogerie. L.U.C Calibre 96.24-C is equipped with a stop-seconds function. This technical feature, which is extremely rare in a tourbillon, enables even more accurate time-setting. Further, the IMPERIALE Flying Tourbillon has a 65-hour power reserve. Aesthetic As Ever A tribute to the great historical empires, the style codes of the IMPERIALE collection are reflected in the dagger-shaped hands and the case lugs, reminiscent of ancient columns. On the back of the model, a sapphire crystal reveals the Côtes de Genève motif (a pattern of stripes produced abrasively) as well as the diamond-pavéd, platinum microrotor. From the front, the IMPERIALE Flying Tourbillon is framed by an ethical 18-carat white gold case set with diamonds. Their brilliance lights up the glittering midnight-blue sky of the aventurine (a form of quartz) glass dial on which a lotus flower in mother-of-pearl marquetry (decorative veneer craft) blossoms. Its wonderfully curved petals open onto a second flower, this time pavéd with diamonds. In place of the pistil, the flying tourbillon, adorned with four petals, also acquires a plant-like allure, thus instilling new poetry into the rotations of its infinitely small mechanism, like a masterful floral symphony of time... Chopard collections are available at Chopard Boutique Moda Mall. For more information, please call 1752 0088. @chopard @bahrainjewellerycentre

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MASTERFUL ITALIAN

CRAFTSMANSHIP Expressing an original, avant-garde approach, Pomellato’s peculiar gem cuts and visionary designs sparkle in these sophisticated collections.

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JEWELLERY

Edit

ynonymous with creativity and colour, Pomellato was founded in Milan in 1967 by Pino Rabolini – the heir to his family’s goldsmith legacy. Introducing the prêt-à-porter philosophy to the traditionally conservative world of jewellery, Rabolini revolutionised women’s fashion choices. Fifty years later, his distinctive designs have grown to be revered both in Italy and across the international markets. A Unique Approach to Diamonds The Sabbia collection exhibits Pomellato’s unique approach to diamonds; the seemingly random pavé (type of setting) in white, brown and black diamonds; the neutral tones make these jewels perfect for combining with any outfit and mixing and matching to create a personalised look. The capsule celebrates the irregular beauty of nature. With effortless Milanese grace, angles give way to soft corners, and the rigid symmetry we associate with diamond settings is shunned in favour of organic patterns. The arrival of two new between-the-finger rings with mobile settings injects a playful dynamism; diamonds come to life as each of the discs quivers with the slightest movement of the hand, thanks to the historical ‘en tremblant’ technique. The rings appear to bloom between the fingers, like a flower opening its buds. There are also three lightweight multi-way necklaces; the sautoir is made up of four different-sized links, which are carefully composed to create a harmonious sequence. A smaller lariat and sautoir (both are types of necklaces) complete the trio, shimmering with diamond-set discs and rectangles. Celebrating Goldsmithing Heritage Launched in 2017 to mark the Milanese jeweller’s 50th anniversary, the Iconica collection celebrates Pomellato’s goldsmithing heritage. Among many expert techniques, the microfusion, also known as lost-wax casting – a process dating back to 3500 BC – is used, which allows the soft lines and voluminous, flowing shapes that the maison has come to be known for. Pomellato has refined the generous dimensions of Iconica to create slimmer jewels that retain the appeal of the collection. The chain reaction begins with rings comprised of two coils of rose or white gold, united by a transversal link based on the traditional Schiava bangle. Echoing the design are four bangles that sparkle with different degrees of diamond pavé, as well as a pair of lobe-hugging earrings. All but one of the new Iconica jewels are enhanced by a white or brown diamond pavé.

@pomellato

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HAUTE

Horlogerie

Sparkling Stars Inspired yet again by celestial phenomena, high-end watchmakers Jaeger-LeCoultre unveil the Rendez-Vous Star and Rendez-Vous Dazzling Star collections. 38

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oth capsules celebrate the horologist’s artistic creativity while reaffirming their technical ingenuity. Drawing on almost 190 years of expertise, the engineers and watchmakers of Jaeger-LeCoultre have developed the new in-house automatic calibre 734, incorporating the new mechanism. The shooting star appears on the dial at random moments – usually four to six times per hour – but may be summoned on demand by turning the winding crown several times. ENCHANTING TO BEHOLD The Rendez-Vous Star is offered in a white gold case with a dial in subtle tones of silvery blue and a pink gold case with a dial in soft golden browns. Made of transparent sapphire glass, the uppermost layer is sprinkled with stars and hand-painted on both sides with clouds and a crescent moon. These conceal the shooting star when it is inactive. Beneath this is a rotating titanium circular disc with a cut-out of the shooting star – in an intense night blue for the white gold version and a dark taupe colour for the pink gold version. A three-quarter circle of diamonds defines the trajectory. The bezel is set with a circle of glittering diamonds and the upper surfaces of the lugs and top of the crown are also diamond-set. An alligator leather strap is matched to the dial colour and has a glowing, pearlised finish with a folding buckle.

STAR-STUDDED JEWELS Fashioned out of blue aventurine (a type of quartz), the Rendez-Vous Dazzling Star has three discs layered over each other – the first conceals the shooting star when it is inactive. Beneath it is a cut-out of the shooting star. When activated, this disc spins sending the star on its curving path, revealing the deepest layer – a golden metal with a glowing gradient finish that accentuates the sense of movement. This central display is surrounded by a ring of applied numerals in the signature floral style along with applied hemispherical hour markers. The bezel forms two concentric rings, the outer of which contains 36 stones in a prong setting. Fine gold claws hold the diamonds high, allowing light to pass through them from every angle and maximising the presence of each stone. The upper surfaces of the lugs are set with diamonds and an inverted diamond is set into the crown. The rich blue of the dial is complemented by a shiny blue alligator strap with a folding buckle, or by a sumptuous, fully-set pink gold bracelet specially designed for the Rendez-Vous Dazzling Star – the bracelet is grain-set with a total of 436 diamonds making up 4.88 carats.

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Beauty Picks

Here Comes the SUN We all know that sunscreen should be worn throughout the year but, for some reason, during summertime, we tend to be more aware of its importance in our beauty routine. We bring a selection of mineral options for your face to beat the harmful rays and still enjoy (safely) the sunshine!

Elta MD Skincare UV Replenish Broad-Spectrum SPF44

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SkinCeuticals Physical Matte UV Defense Sunscreen SPF 50

Hydropeptide Solar Defense Non-Tinted SPF 50

— DREAM

DEAL — SAVE UP TO 25%

Inclusive of breakfast, access to swimming pool & kids fun area T&C apply For reservations, please contact us +973 1753 1666 +973 3364 4011

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BEAUTY

Focus

LUMINOUS FACE Achieve a flawless complexion with CHANEL’s WATERFRESH COMPLEXION TOUCH and WATER-FRESH TINT – the new additions to the LES BEIGES line.

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he CHANEL LES BEIGES make-up line recalls Mademoiselle Chanel’s free spirit, revealing a radiant complexion, pure and simple. LES BEIGES has redefined the texture of face make-up and how it is applied. In 2019, a water-based formula containing micro-droplet pigments was developed, the WATER-FRESH TINT. The innovative foundation has micro-droplets that melt on contact with skin, evening out the complexion with a sheer finish. This microfluidic technology has opened up a host of possibilities for cosmetics; it has led to an entirely new generation of products featuring lightweight formulas freed of all non-essential ingredients. To complement the cutting-edge foundation, CHANEL created two new products with unique application techniques: WATERFRESH COMPLEXION TOUCH, a multi-use concealer that delivers natural-looking results, and WATER-FRESH BLUSH, for rosy cheeks. WATER-FRESH COMPLEXION TOUCH This product doubles as a concealer for targeted correction and as a foundation to be used over the entire face. The result is a luminous complexion with a bare-skin effect. It improves the look of skin thanks to a high concentration of pigment. The WATER-FRESH COMPLEXION TOUCH formula is enriched with hydrating and protective active ingredients that are naturally derived and ultralightweight micro-droplets. It has antioxidant and anti-pollution properties to enhance the skin and protect it while diminishing the appearance of imperfections without compromising on comfort. To melt the micro-droplets and release their pigment, blend the formula on the back of the hand for several seconds before applying. WATER-FRESH BLUSH The micro-droplet pigments in this lightweight gel blush blend seamlessly with the skin for a delicately rosy glow. The new blush by CHANEL adds subtle colour to the cheeks without drying out the skin. Its water-based texture delivers a radiant effect. The WATERFRESH BLUSH is enriched with tamarind seed extract, a naturally derived active ingredient that helps regulate the skin’s moisture. You can apply it with either your fingers or a brush. PERFECT SKIN The three products work well together. First, the WATER-FRESH TINT creates a skin-tone-evening veil for a radiant, refreshed appearance. Next, the WATER-FRESH COMPLEXION TOUCH provides additional coverage, creating a flawless complexion without weighing down the skin. For the final touch, the WATER-FRESH BLUSH gives cheeks a rosy flush for a healthy glow. @chanel.beauty

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BEAUTY

Focus

Beauty On The Go Tata Harper Skincare introduces its Daily Essentials, a travelfriendly summer holidays kit. No more excuses to miss your skincare routine while away from home.

hen travelling, keeping up with your regular beauty routine can be challenging. However, special travel kits can help you take all your beauty essentials with you. Even when you have a pretty extensive list of products, if they come in small containers, it is easier to find a place for them in your luggage. Tata Harper’s Daily Essentials brings a six-step regimen, including the Regenerating Cleanser, Resurfacing Mask, Rejuvenating Serum, Hydrating Floral Essence, Repairative Moisturiser and Retinoic Nutrient Face Oil. These are the brand’s most loved products and ideal for those who embrace the motto of ‘beauty without compromise.’ The kit allows you to maintain a healthy daily skincare ritual that cleanses, nourishes and cares for your complexion while travelling. The Daily Essentials is also a great option for those unfamiliar with the brand’s range and who want to try them. Tata Harper Skincare creates high-performing anti-ageing products that are non-toxic and 100% natural. The whole line is made from start to finish on Tata Harper’s (the brand founder and owner) 1,200-acre certified-organic farm in Vermont Champlain Valley, in the U.S., and nothing in production is outsourced. @tataharperskincare

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BEAUTY

Focus

Aromatic Body Treats Embark on a sensory journey with these fragrant, sublime body care formulas by Elemis.

s one of the most sought-after British skin wellness brands, Elemis is globally recognised for harnessing the power of natural ingredients and scientific innovation. The brand maintains an unwavering focus on skin, body and wellness. Each ground-breaking formula is trialled to ensure transformative results. Passionate about creating feel-good skincare with sublime textures and invigorating aromatics to delight the senses, Elemis Co-Founder and President, Noella Gabriel, who is also a trained aromatherapist, formulated the brand’s new body care range similarly to fine fragrances. She worked on a harmonious layering base, heart and head notes. This summer, she has created sweetsmelling body duo collections – all you need in your vanity kit this season. MODERN ENGLISH ROSE Escape to a blooming English rose garden with this limited-edition bouquet. An ode to flower lovers, this duo leaves your skin smelling like a lush floral paradise. The Modern English Rose Bath & Shower Milk is enriched with a blend of English rose extract and wild harvested British elderflower hydrolat (distilled plant water). The Modern English Rose Body Cream is also formulated with English rose and British echium seed oil. Both products leave the skin feeling soft, smooth and hydrated. WARM TONKA & VANILLA Envelop your skin in a warm, comforting embrace with this limitededition duo. A nourishing bathing cream and a softening body moisturiser, they are a decadent treat for your skin. Indulge your senses with the Warm Tonka & Vanilla Bath & Shower Milk, which blends vanilla, tonka bean and jasmine to help nourish your skin, while the Warm Tonka & Vanilla Body Cream is infused with just vanilla and tonka bean. BRITISH BOTANICALS Calm your skin and senses with this au naturel limited-edition bath and body duo. Reminiscent of nature and the great outdoors, it features earthy, woody, and uplifting notes. The British Botanicals Bath & Shower Milk is formulated with echium and camelina seed oils, leaving your skin feeling soft and cleansed. And the British Botanicals Body Cream is infused with lavender and camelina, which have a soothing and smoothing touch and finish. @elemis_me

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BEAUTY

Column

BE A HEAD-TURNER Combing through the latest haircare trends and tips, Melissa Nazareth brings you the most popular ones this summer. Right from cut and colour to wash and heat protection, we’ve got you covered.

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he weather is getting warmer and what better time than now to get a haircut? The simplest way to feel rejuvenated. Additionally, you can do other things like colour and styling to spruce up your summer look instantly. Equally important is to take care of your mane by eating a balanced diet, using the right products and consistently following a good haircare routine. Remember, if your hair feels healthy, it will look healthy. GREY HAIR, DON’T CARE If you have naturally greying hair or are maybe experiencing premature greying, hair colour is a good solution. Don’t get us wrong; we love moonlit strands of silver. In fact, natural looking grey hair is a trend this season, says international haircare and colour expert Irene O’briene. “Leave grey hairs and mix them with highlights for blonde colours or apply selectivity colour. This is a good option for those having greys either for the first time or up to 40% [if you have more than 40% grey, it is better to have your roots coloured before adding the highlights].” Selectivity colour focuses on the silver areas only so as not to over colour. Irene also suggests transparent grey coverage, a European colouring treatment that is free of the peroxide and ammonia contained in permanent hair dyes. It does not cover or hide grey hair but shades it closer to the hair’s natural colour giving a natural look. Henna or ammonia-free colours are good options for this. Henna is widely used in our part of the world and has cooling properties too. TRENDS FOR YOUR TRESSES Professional hairstylist Felda Del Prado McAvoy recommends rich, bright hues such as reds and coppers this summer. You can go darker or lighter, depending on your skin tone; brighter reds suit skin with cooler undertones and deeper reds, warmer (if your veins appear blue, you have cooler undertones and, if green, then, warmer).

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BEAUTY

Column

“It is always good to dye hair in a way to keep a natural base shade with the purpose of avoiding obvious root regrowth in the future,” says Irene, who recommends natural shades this summer. Following this advice will ensure the contrast between your new and previously coloured hair is blended out. “Shatush is a new version of balayage,” she continues. “The colours are more balanced and natural looking, with a very soft transition from roots to tips. Delicate babylights, very thin, white-blonde highlights, which do not show obvious regrowth, are an alternative to classical, sharp highlights. Drastic changes in colours and contrasts are disappearing this year; no crazy and over artificial colours. Solid natural hair colours are relevant. Neutral shades of brown, natural blonde and honey blonde are also trendy.” CHOP-CHOP More often than not, summer calls for short hair. Felda says: “Short haircuts like bob and pixie cuts are in.” She adds, however, that it depends on what the person is comfortable with. “Mid-length hair is also easy to manage,” she says.

Irene shares a wide range of popular hairstyles and haircuts: the classic ponytail, ponytail braid, straight-side parting, high beam (high bun), beach waves, retro waves, soft feminine natural hairstyles, graduations (a type of layered cut), fly away for long hair, cascading soft haircuts and degraded around the face (a type of layered cut). “Handkerchiefs, hoops and bows are some hair accessories you can add to your ensemble,” she says. While it’s good to have many trends to choose from, remember, the best is the one that suits you. MANE MAINTENANCE Investing in the right hair products can go a long way. “Use professional products like masks, shampoos and conditioners, which are sulphate free,” says Felda. She also advises using a hair sun protector, a heat protector and a good hair serum. Most of us will be hitting the beach or poolside. Irene advises protecting your hair from chlorine, salty sea water and strong sunlight. “Try to avoid contact with sea or pool water by putting your hair up,” she says. She goes on to recommend using SPF protectors, leave-in products and masks saying: “Apply leave-in products with SPF such as milks, oils and creams if you’re only exposed to the sun and not having contact with sea or pool water. Apply an intensive layer of regular mask mixed with any oil that contains omega-3 fatty acids and caviar extract on dry hair, if you are having contact with water. Also, use a hat to protect your hair from direct sunlight.” Irene advises washing your hair not more than twice a week. “When you have the sensation of sweat or after hitting the gym, you can use only water instead of shampoo, and apply conditioner after that. Do not over wash the hair!” She also recommends natural air drying. Irene shares more tips. “Immediately after swimming, wash your hair with a detox, balancing or deep cleaning shampoo or shampoo for volume. These have more active components to remove the chlorine and build-up of minerals from the water.” She recommends following this with a mask applied on towel-dried hair and leaving it on for at least 20 minutes. She goes on to highlight the importance of using products that are parabensilicone- and sulphate-free. “Maximise the use of products containing lipids and protein, which are a blend of natural ingredients as this will provide the best benefits,” she says. “Correct application of products also matters, don’t scrub your hair while washing and towel drying; apply shampoo only to the roots and towel dry hair before mask and conditioner application.” Connect with Irene O’briene @irene.obriene and Felda Del Prado McAvoy @feldacutandstyle

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BEAUTY

Insights

Staying Well While Travelling This month, Victoria Kruse, our contributor for wellness and sustainability matters, gives tips on well-being while on the go. She also shares an energy drink and a natural deodorant recipe.

ith the reopening of most of the world after two years of limbo, people are now travelling more than ever. I am already on my fifth business trip this year and have taken 37 flights so far. I feel that now is the ideal time to share some advice about keeping healthy and eating well while travelling, especially for those wanting to continue with their ‘eating lifestyles’ while on the move. 1 - Get into your destination’s time zone before you arrive. As soon as you leave home, start reprogramming your body clock. If it is nighttime at your destination, then try to get yourself to sleep. Part of my strategy on long-haul flights is to ensure I am tired before boarding and then make sure I eat, hydrate and rest well while on board. Once it is morning at your destination, wake yourself up and get moving, work a little or engage your mind in something such as reading or sudoku. 2 - Make sure what you put in your body is good. I always ensure I don’t board a flight hungry and take food with me that fits my keto lifestyle. A great option for me on the morning of a hectic day is a bulletproof coffee (recipe next page). The combination of the fat and caffeine helps get the brain cells firing, and the good fats let me feel satiated. 3 - Use your own toiletries. I always take my natural-based toiletries or check in advance with the hotels to see what they offer. From experience, I can testify that nothing is worse than using something while you are away that causes a negative affect on your body, such as an allergy. I always have coconut oil, homemade organic deodorant (recipe next page), and my own body wash, as a bare minimum. 4 - Travel exercise tools. Doing a little yoga, stretching or a workout can help your body recover from a journey and allow your mind to prepare for or restore from a busy day. I travel with a super light, foldable yoga mat and some resistance bands. Enjoy your time away while maintaining a healthy routine. 52

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The Art Of

RELAXATION

A relaxing mid-week break was on Melissa Nazareth’s schedule for a pampering session at Wellness Spa, The Art Hotel & Resort.

long drive to Amwaj on a bright, sunny Wednesday followed by a relaxing massage at Wellness Spa, The Art Hotel & Resort – that’s how we roll at OHLALA. My colleague and I are already in a good mood when we arrive at the property. While we wait for our masseuses, the friendly people at The Gallery Lobby Lounge wait on us. We have our coffees and head to Level 1 where the spa is located. A small reception area welcomes us. It leads to a long corridor, flanked on one side by windows that usher in natural light, and on the other by six treatment rooms and a Moroccan steam room. Our masseuses, Lucky and Gracelina, greet us with smiles and lead us to our room. Twin beds, each decorated with a towel arranged as a flower, await us; there’s a towel arranged as a swan on one side of the room, tea lights, potpourri...we’re asked to change in the attached bathroom and our session begins. I opt for the Swedish Massage and my colleague, the Aromatic Indulge 54

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Massage. While both are relaxing treatments, we learn that there are some differences. The steps involved vary; while both use organic oil, the former uses a non-aromatic one and the latter a rose-scented type. The hydrating oils are easily absorbed by the skin – we feel no greasy residue during and after the massage. Lying face down in a dimly lit, almost-dark room, with soothing instrumental music playing in the background, helps me relax instantly. My masseuse starts with a brief dry massage, stretching my extremities. Then, she pours the oil on her palms, rubs them together and conquers in phases with her magical hands. First my back; she works on every inch with much precision, the movement of her hands is rhythmic, almost like waves sweeping over a calm ocean. In the past, I’ve struggled to explain my pressure preference to therapists; there’s a level between medium and medium-intense, which is difficult to master for some but not Lucky (my masseuse). She hits the spot (pun intended) from the word go.

SPA

Spotlight

After my back, it’s my shoulders – an area where I tend to accumulate stress. Lucky’s undulating finger movements, much like a master pianist playing a soulful symphony, help release some of it. This is followed by my legs; my lower legs and feet are other stressed-out areas. Lucky starts off with the upper leg, strongly kneading with the back of her forearm to loosen the knots, then proceeds to the lower leg and feet, including the bottom of my feet. I feel her fingers stimulating my pressure points, which puts me further at ease. I am asked to turn around and face upwards. The towel that covers me slightly moves, exposing some of my toes as I roll over. I barely realise it until Lucky briefly stops to cover my toes before proceeding with the rest of the treatment; her meticulous work ethic speaks volumes of the Art Hotel & Resort’s focus on guest satisfaction and experience. We continue; Lucky works on my stomach area, slightly increasing the pressure. This is followed by the front of my legs and feet, and my hands; Lucky manoeuvres her magical fingers through every crevice per the anatomy of my limbs; pinching the webs interspacing my digits and tugging at my fingers and toes – goodbye, stress – hello, relaxation! The last part is my clavicle area, neck and head. Lucky cradles my head while working her charm on the pressure points on my neck and the roots of my hair. She also massages my face but after stripping her hands of the oil. The endnote to my treatment is the pressing of my feet downwards; then, upwards to stretch my hamstrings. By the time we change back into our clothes, we find the room is now bright; the blinds have been opened. We’re served green tea and water. Feeling thoroughly relaxed, I sip on my tea, passively admiring the artwork – I couldn’t see it earlier as the room was dark. An abstract painting catches my eye, it’s got figures of Arab women drawn using Arabic calligraphy; at least, that’s how my colleague interprets it. “How was your massage?” I enquire of my companion. “I was instantly induced into a relaxed state,” she says. “The aromatic scent of the rose oil brought an immediate sense of relief from the stress that I was carrying, as well as from my intense yoga training sessions. Gracelina’s tender and caring approach, using just the right amount of pressure, was the perfect combination; just the massage I needed.” While our session lasted 60 minutes, a 90-minute variation is available. The Wellness Spa has a host of other massage treatments, facials and body treatments and packages that include Moroccan baths, scrubs and wraps. You can enjoy a massage at a discounted price from Sunday to Wednesday, from 10am to 3pm; kind of like happy hours but for massages. We, for sure, will be back for another treatment; perhaps heading to the private beach and pool afterwards! For more information or to book an appointment at Wellness Spa, The Art Hotel & Resort, please call 1600 0111 or visit www.theart.bh @theart.bh

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WAKE UP, SHAKE-UP Our visit to Dessange Paris Bahrain was full of movement this month. OHLALA’s editor joined a workout class for a taste of fun and intense exercise.

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BEAUTY

Boutique

ummer is here, and the desire to show a toned and lean figure increases. However, the truth is that there is no miracle to achieving a fit body without hitting the gym or participating in exercise classes. Routine and discipline are keywords here. To help you achieve your dream body shape or aim for a healthier lifestyle, including exercise in your daily life, Dessange has created special packages for the summer months. The Kick Start Package One includes a month of access to the gym, two personal training sessions, five classes (these are super fun) and two juices at BD80. The Kick Start Package Two gives you two months of access to the gym, four personal training sessions, 10 classes and four juices at BD150. And the longest one, the Kick Start Package Three, lets you use the gym for three months, eight personal training sessions, 15 classes and eight juices at BD190. Prices are subject to 10% VAT, and the package promotion will run until the end of August 2022.

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It’s important to highlight that adding movement into your life will help you in many aspects, not just to build muscles. Being physically active can improve your brain, reduce the risk of diseases, strengthen bones, give you more energy and help with your sleep. This means that adding and sustaining any kind of frequent physical activity is as essential as anything else you do to stay healthy. I know this is easier said than done, as I am an awful example of maintaining an exercise routine in my own life. That’s why joining a health club, such as the one at Dessange, is the best way to make this happen. And do you know why Dessange? Because they offer a complete experience with extra services that cater to feminine wellness and beauty. Their spa has an extensive menu with treatments, just like their salon. And the juice bar serves protein and healthy juices to complement your training sessions. Also, when purchasing a Kick Start package, you get a 10% discount on the spa and salon services. The health club takes up almost the entire top floor of the Dessange villa and is filled with natural light. The space induces the exercise mood as soon as you step in. I could hear the ladies getting ready for the class I was about to join, before reaching the exercise room. They were listening carefully to Tamara, the trainer’s, words. I was invited that day to try the Shred workout. I must say that the name scared me a bit (bear in mind, I am not a gym buff and the first thing that I thought of was a shredder machine). When I arrived at the class, I felt relieved to see a series of stations with different exercises to be done, meaning you can do them at your own pace and within strength limits.

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BEAUTY

Boutique

Another aspect that caught my attention was that the class was quite full for a Thursday morning, with ladies from different age groups and fitness levels. They were all pumped up and ready to start the series of workouts. We were 11 ladies, and there was a station for each of us focused on different types of exercise. They were strategically placed to work different body parts as you go. The circuit training combines cardio and weights and has a post-burning calorie effect. Dessange’s health club manager, Maja, explained that the Shred class is a metabolic workout. Also known as metabolic conditioning or metabolic resistance training, it burns energy more efficiently by combining highintensity and moderate-intensity exercises. Tamara was super energetic, and we started with a warm-up before hitting the stations. With the sound of exercise-tailored music, we then started our session. The duration of the exercises was 40 seconds with 20 seconds of break between them. Everyone was full of energy and we were all talking and having loads of fun while burning some fat. The class duration is around one hour, so we had to complete the circuit three times before stretching and going home. The first round was good, I felt like I was born to exercise, but by the last round, I was done, feeling like I’d been ‘shredded’. But taking part in a class is such a nice way of exercising. The trainer and all the other ladies supported me and gave words of encouragement that helped me finish my tasks and left me with a sense of accomplishment. I super recommend exercising with friends or just lovely ladies like those I found at Dessange. It was time to hit the shower and get ready to go to work. I was feeling marvellous, like the world couldn’t stop me. I was tired but happy that I had started my day moving my body and improving my circulation, as I knew I was going to spend the rest of the day sitting in front of my computer. I also grabbed a detox juice made with celery, cucumber, green apple, lemon, ginger, parsley and kale – liquid green goodness. If you keep putting off getting started on an exercise regimen, now is most definitely the time to change that! For more information, please call Dessange Paris Bahrain on 1771 3999. @dessangebahrain

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OHLALA

Voices

Promoting A Better Future OHLALA spoke to Dina Bseisu, founder and president of the non-profit association Challenge to Change. We got insights into her own story and the life-transforming organisation.

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“Acceptance does not mean resignation. Acceptance shows wisdom, courage and resilience if you believe in yourself.” ― Dina Bseisu OHLALA - Can you explain the main work done by Challenge to Change? Dina Bseisu - Challenge to Change is a Swiss non-profit association I founded in 2016. It is a platform for the empowerment of Arab women. We offer life-changing programmes that catalyse positive change in our beneficiaries’ lives, especially those marginalised and disadvantaged. OHLALA - Before creating the non-profit organisation, you worked in the banking sector. How was the transition between these two completely different areas? How did you come up with the Challenge to Change concept? Dina - When I was working as a career banker in Switzerland, I loved what I did. I am essentially a people person and I was responsible for assisting high-net-worth clients with their wealth management needs. I would help them with their investments, family businesses, next-generation planning and many other facets of their assets. This involved building a close and personal relationship with my clients and their families and I cherished that. After being in banking for over 30 years, I wanted to change sectors and give back to society. The cause of empowering Arab women was always very close to my heart, so I founded Challenge to Change. Its concept stems from Gandhi’s saying: “Be the change you want to see in the world.” I believe that Arab women can transform their lives by changing themselves. They have huge potential despite their challenges. They are brave and resilient. We empower these women to have confidence in themselves and turn each difficulty into a positive new opportunity. I often tell our girls that our life is like being in a sailboat, we cannot change the winds, but we can certainly learn how to master our sails to navigate them towards our objectives. OHLALA - What accomplishments make you proud of the work done by Challenge to Change? Dina - I feel proud when I see the promise in the eyes of each young woman we help. There are countless success stories of women who have transformed their lives, surmounted difficulties and earned their families’ respect and their place in society. These women have benefited from our life-changing programmes and are now more qualified and earning incomes. I am proud to say that we have empowered over 20,000 Arab women. OHLALA - What is the most significant differential of your organisation? Dina - We believe that we differentiate ourselves by focusing on confidence-building and soft skills. When a woman is strong and self-confident, she is more likely to succeed in life at all levels. Mental well-being, inner strength and self-

confidence are one’s backbone. Education would be useless if these aspects were lacking, so we focus on strengthening these core attitudes. OHLALA - In your work as a motivational speaker, how do you see your speeches affecting people? How important is it for other women to listen to similar stories they can associate with? Dina - I am an advocate for women’s empowerment and mental health. When I speak about both topics, I do it in an interactive way where I encourage participants to talk openly about experiences they might usually be too ashamed or shy to speak about. The sessions are often closed and confidential. I encourage them to speak by drawing from my own life experiences, and most of them often relate to them. They normally open up about childhood trauma, abuse, depression, self-esteem issues and more. It is very powerful when participants feel that they can connect and are not alone in their feelings. The group’s empathy often develops into a community of sisterhood that provides them with comfort and a safe space to which they can always belong and come back for support. OHLALA - You spend your time between Bahrain and Geneva. What do you like most about these places? And what connects you to them? Dina - Bahrain is home. It is where I grew up and the country to which I belong. There is no place like home! Bahrain offers a quality of life that is unparalleled. It is one big family where even strangers in the street smile at you, offer to help you and overwhelm you with their kindness. Geneva is where I lived for over 25 years. It is where my children were born and where I thrived as a banker. I have many fond memories there. I love the climate, the greenery, the lakes and the snow-capped mountains. Geneva and Bahrain have some things in common: the quality of life, peacefulness and absence of crowds and noise that plague most cities today. OHLALA - If you could give only one piece of advice using your experience in women’s empowerment and mental wellness, what would it be? Dina - I would tell people to get rid of the ‘victim mentality’. We are not victims! We should be proud of where we come from, our societies and our family structures. True, we may sometimes feel constrained by them, but if we accept our world and work on improving ourselves, we will see that our world will change for the better. It may take time but it will change. Acceptance does not mean resignation. Acceptance shows wisdom, courage and resilience if you believe in yourself.

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OHLALA

Lookbook

Dainty Wardrobe Gauzy dreams and summery designs have a central role in Khulood’s creations. After more than a year of exploring and planning its concept, the Khulood brand was officially launched at the beginning of 2020. The label didn’t start with one collection but a series of different capsules. “My vision is to create contemporary and elegant pieces inspired by my heritage,” says Khulood Al Busaidi, the brand’s Founder and Creative Director. The designer is a passionate and talented artist who has been interested in arts since childhood. After completing her design degree at Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar, Khulood returned to her home country, Oman, to establish her bespoke clothing label. The fairly new brand represents the designer’s sense of style and passion for beautiful and delicate things, highlighting her roots. Regional performers, influencers and royalty now wear her innovative ready-to-wear pieces. Khulood’s collections are composed of hand-embroidered pieces that require extraordinary craftsmanship. The contemporary lines bring statement abayas in pastel shades, sheer white kimonos, floral prints, pleats and dreamy details for stylish looks with a touch of uniqueness. @khuloodofficial

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ERNESTO MEDA

HOME FAIR

AFFAIR

OHLALA’s editor, Fernanda Langhammer, had the pleasure to attend the 60th edition of the well-known and praised Salone del Mobile. The Milanese furniture fair brings together the best and most innovative creations in the homes field. 72

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OHLALA

Homes

Salone del Mobile 2022 The event happened from June 7 to 12 and put together a universe dedicated to design and impeccable taste and innovation – everything from outdoor furniture to tech kitchens and much more. There were 2,175 brands exhibiting and 600 young designers featuring their creations in the SaloneSatellite area. More than 262,000 people visited the fairgrounds. You could see a wave of people entering the Fiera Milano space and leaving at the end of the day filled with beautiful designs in their memories and phone cameras. “This edition has confirmed the international scope of the event and the cohesion of the design community,” commented Maria Porro, President of the Salone del Mobile.Milano.

PHOTO COURTESY SALONE DEL MOBILE.MILANO BY ALESSANDRO RUSSOTTI

PHOTO COURTESY SALONE DEL MOBILE.MILANO BY LUDOVICA MANGINI

What is the Salone del Mobile? Salone del Mobile.Milano, or Salone Internazionale del Mobile di Milano as it is also known, is the largest trade fair of its kind in the world. A platform created to gather the hottest trends in furniture and interior design under one roof and promote trade. The exhibition had a Covid-19 pause, but it usually happens yearly and showcases the latest in home solutions not only from Italy but from many countries around the globe. This year, the expectation was greater, and it didn’t disappoint in terms of grandiose appearance and pristine organisation.

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DESIGN WITH NATURE. PHOTO COURTESY SALONE DEL MOBILE.MILANO BY DIEGO RAVIER KARTELL RE CHAIR

MAGIS BELL CHAIR

This Year’s Theme Sustainability was the word. This year, the focus on eco-friendly solutions created a stage for an extensive discussion around the theme, bringing business ideas and technological solutions. The goal is to develop homes capable of contributing to the protection of the environment with efficient use of resources. Sustainability remains the direction many companies are adopting to embrace an ecological transition that includes energy-saving, recycled materials and social responsibility. The exhibition Design with Nature by Mario Cucinella at the Salone 2022 propelled the talks and meetings on the subject among professionals in the sector. The 1,400sq/m of ecoarchitecture provided a starting point for thinking about the circular economy and the reuse of materials. The installation proved that connecting knowledge, skills and technologies makes it possible to think about a new generation of products. Regarding eco-friendly products, Magis, a company specialising in furniture and accessories, presented a new item at the Salone del Mobile.Milano, the Bell Chair. The piece is made from industrial waste and is 100% recyclable. Designed by Konstantin Grcic, it is made of recycled polypropylene from the waste generated by the production of furniture by Magis itself and the local automotive industry. The company Kartell presented the ReChair, designed by Antonio Citterio in partnership with the Italian coffee brand illy. The chair is made from the recycled capsules of the illy Iperespresso coffee. The company created a process to grind the material and regenerate it in granule form, which is then rotomolded, transforming the waste into a designer product.

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OHLALA

Homes

GUILLOTINE MIRROR BY RICARDO PERUZZOLO

new entries. A Selection Committee is in charge of assessing and selecting the new talents and their unique projects. This part of Salone has great importance in promoting networking opportunities to students and new names in the field. “As a student and future architect, I am immensely grateful for this opportunity. I had the chance to meet numerous professionals and other students from around the globe with innovative and revolutionary ideas. Such a rich exchange of knowledge with different cultures, a once in a lifetime experience,” said Ricardo Peruzzolo, a student from the south of Brazil who showed his Guillotine mirror at the exhibition. Manoela added: “It was a fantastic experience and I felt honoured to be a part of it. At the SaloneSatellite, where I exhibited my light pendant called Auris, I felt immersed in an atmosphere of creativity and exchange of ideas and the desire to make things happen. I also visited the booths at the Salone del Mobile. It was a rich sensory experience: stands meticulously designed to give the visitor a lot of emotions through colours, shapes and textures.”

AURIS LIGHT PENDANT BY MANOELA GAZZE

Young Designers The SaloneSatellite, this year in its 23rd edition, is a space dedicated to the creations of young designers from around the world. The theme connecting all the exhibitors was Designing For Our Future Selves, with a particular focus on the main message the trade fair was promoting – sustainability. Manoela Gazze, one of the exhibitors at SaloneSatellite, really enjoyed the theme saying: “This is exactly what sustainability is about: designing now, so we have a tomorrow. I saw amazing ideas stand after stand with people creating solutions to real problems, reusing materials and creatively conveying ideas.” The SaloneSatellite was founded by Marva Griffin Wilshire, also its curator and seen as a godmother to many young talents. The area dedicated to these young designers occupied part of pavilion 1 with its own entrance and a central space dedicated to conviviality. The participating designers came from 48 countries, five of which – Cyprus, The Democratic Republic of the Congo, Cuba, Nigeria and Qatar – were SaloneSatellite

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PORRO AT SALONE DEL MOBILE

EMU. PHOTO COURTESY SALONE DEL MOBILE.MILANO BY ANDREA MARIANI

Home Trends It is not an easy task to go through every pavilion and unthinkable to visit every single stall, but we were delighted to talk to some brands and tour their stands. Living in the Middle East, we love to spend time in our gardens (we even find a way during high summer months) and exploring the options in outdoor furniture was one of the aims. Finding pieces that last when left in a harsh climate is tricky. But while visiting the Emu stand, we spoke to Gianluca Catanese, Global Sales & Business Development Manager. He said something interesting regarding outdoor furniture: “Some people are purists and don’t like maintenance and embrace the change in their furniture; others prefer to apply specific oils to keep the original appearance. It all depends on what you are looking for.” He says that Emu’s quality won’t change and pieces may last 20 to 25 years; however, their appearance will age over time. Emu is known for metal, aluminium and steel. However, some pieces combine these materials with wood in the areas that touch the skin, such as the backs and arms of chairs. We found this design idea a great solution, mainly to weather such as we experience in our region.

OHLALA

A highlight of our visit was the Ernesto Meda booth. Dedicated to kitchen solutions, the brand re-thought the space. The Covid-19 pandemic forced a rethink of this beloved area into the heart of the home; it became a workstation and a school at times. To create a beautiful space, the company invested in smart separations, panels in glass and functional spaces to arrange décor objects and plants as well as doors that hide the whole kitchen or specific areas. Ernesto Meda is well known for impeccable designs using walnut wood and magnetic elements so customers can customise their cooking stations. One feature that deserves a mention is the hidden bin under one of the sinks that opens with a foot sensor and has a unique lighting system that kills bacteria. And, last but not least, a stove that was actually a continuity of the sink top – a brilliant and sleek concept that left visitors in a state of awe.

ERNESTO MEDA

Homes

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PORRO. PHOTO COURTESY SALONE DEL MOBILE.MILANO BY ALESSANDRO RUSSOTTI

Another stand that was a must-visit was Porro. The brand is owned by Salone del Mobile president Maria Porro’s family. This year, the Italian label brought a more sustainable approach to its creations. Porro offers tables made with the waste of production, sliding partitions, shelves in thin metal (a trend spotted in many brands) with movable lights and other creative home objects marrying design with functionality. The brand works with different designers, but Piero Lissoni (a name we saw many times during the event involved in numerous projects with various brands) is the leading designer behind their key objects.

PHOTO COURTESY SALONE DEL MOBILE.MILANO BY ANDREA MARIANI

Final Thoughts As the most significant trade fair in the sector, the event was even bigger than we expected. The Fiera Milano is a massive space designed by famous Italian architect Massimiliano Fuksas. The space spreads over 20 large pavilions located on both sides of a kilometre-long pedestrian street – one of the largest exhibition locations in the world. And Salone del Mobile.Milano used practically every corner of it.

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PHOTO COURTESY SALONE DEL MOBILE.MILANO BY LUCA FIAMMENGHI

PHOTO COURTESY SALONE DEL MOBILE.MILANO

OHLALA

Homes

The fair was easy to access by subway, and the ride was filled with students, architects, press and buyers from the whole world heading to Salone every morning. Milan was breathing design for an entire week, and not only the fairgrounds were dedicated to the theme, the Fuori Salone (events and installations around town) shone on its own. The fashion label Dior had an amazing window display, while Hérmes and Louis Vuitton created spectacular exhibitions with their furniture and home lines that were free to the public and impressively tailored to celebrate the world of home items. The weather was pleasant, and people would move around town to attend special presentations on various brands, riding rented bikes that were spotted everywhere. The Brera neighbourhood was a region apart, with many showrooms opening their doors to visitors and buyers. The Salone is a trade fair like no other, inspiring a whole city to celebrate the beauty and innovation in the interior design field. The conversation around the subject expands outside the Fiera Milano grounds. It continues into every aspect of Milanese life – at least during this period when the Salone del Mobile happens. But Milan is Milan; there is always something exciting happening in this fashion capital. Connect with Salone del Mobile.Milano @isaloniofficial, Porro @porroofficial, Emu @emugroupspa, Ernesto Meda @ernestomeda, Manoela Gazze @manoeladavini and Ricardo Peruzzolo @ricardo_peruzzolo

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CARIBBEAN

CALLING

It’s summer, and it’s time to sing to the tunes of the Caribbean waters. This month, Amal Sarhan explores the Leewards islands of Anguilla, St. Martin, and St. Kitts and Nevis for some sunshine and a taste of heritage. 80

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TRAVEL

ANGUILLA ARCH

Escapes

Anguilla

“Visual surprise is natural in the Caribbean; it comes with the landscape, and faced with its beauty, the sigh of history dissolves.” ― Derek Walcott

East of Puerto Rico and the British and American Virgin Islands lies Anguilla, a British overseas territory known for its rich history, artistic fervour and natural wonders. Located at the western tip of the main island, the Anguilla Arch is the nation’s own Azure Window, with the glittering water passing beneath it. Another wonder is the Big Spring Cave, one of the island's most iconic historical landmarks, previously used by indigenous communities between 600 to 1500 AD as a place of ceremonial worship, with petroglyphs covering its walls, and later used as a source of fresh water for inhabitants and animals. The Pineapple Art Gallery is the oldest gallery in town, showcasing a large selection of Haitian art. The gallery’s owner, Philippe Manasse, is a Parisian who has spent a large portion of his life in Anguilla. His collection boasts wonderful bright colours and traditional patterns. The Devonish Art Gallery, Q Art Gallery and Lynne Bernbaum Art Gallery are also great to visit. The Wallblake House, now a museum annexe, is the only surviving heritage sugar plantation house and the oldest building on the island. You’ll be able to see the stables, slave quarters and kitchen complex, as well as a church used by the inhabitants. Going to Anguilla would be a shame without a beach visit. Rendezvous Bay and Shoal Bay East are well-known on the island and offer beautiful strips of soft sand and cool waves. Just be careful not to get sunburnt!

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ST. MARTIN 82

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ST. KITTS AND NEVIS BOTANICAL GARDENS

Famously the world’s smallest land area divided between two nations, France and the Netherlands, this island is one of the most vibrant Caribbean islands. Perhaps the most prized natural treasure of the island is David’s Hole, a two and a half metres-wide sinkhole and an absolute sight to behold; just be careful not to stand too close to the edge! For the adventurists out there, check out Rainforest Adventures Rockland Estate. Zipline, glide or slide down from Sentry Hill as you feel the breeze whip through your hair. Another great activity is horse-riding at the Seaside Nature Park, where you can enjoy the company of other animals too, such as ducks, goats, peacocks and iguanas. For those who want to go paddling, jet skiing, scuba diving or snorkelling, latch on to Creole Rock Watersports for some water fun. For animal lovers, the Parrot Ville Bird Park is sure to put a smile on your face. This parrot sanctuary features an unbelievable breadth of the birds flaunting their fervidly colourful feathers. Loterie Farm is one of the biggest enterprises on the island. The former plantation turned nature reserve offers everything from hiking trails to treetop canopy tours to ziplines to a pool surrounded by cabanas and a restaurant. Art enthusiasts must head over to the Silk Cotton Grove Art Gallery. The quaint house, which has a massive silk cotton tree towering at the front, is run by a lovely lady named Ruby Bute and houses a very interesting collection of vibrant local art. The Minguet Art Gallery is equally pleasurable. Named after the French artist Alexandre Minguet (who spent some parts of his life on the island), the gallery, run by his daughter, showcases a collection of his colourful and creative prints. Don’t forget to visit Happy Bay Beach to relax!

PARROT VILLE BIRD PARK

St. Martin and St. Maarten

TRAVEL

Escapes

ST. KITTS AND NEVIS SCENIC RAILWAY

St. Kitts and Nevis, a dual-island nation, is known for its lofty mountains, luscious greenery, heavenly beaches and historic sugar plantations. The St. Kitts Scenic Railway is the best way to get a good glimpse at the island’s history and geographic beauty. The railway takes passengers on a three-hour tour circling around the island, with part of the journey on a bus. The railway was previously used to transport sugar cane from plantations to the main city. You can also see St. Kitts’ famous rainforest, crawling with vigorous verdant life and flourishing with a breadth of species. For a bird’s eye view, head to Sky Safaris and zipline on one of the Caribbean’s longest ziplines as you fly through the thicket of trees and over the Wingfield River. A 17th-century sugar plantation estate by the same name, Wingfield Estate, is known as a historical gem on the island, with petroglyphs indicating the presence of Amerindians. Romney Manor, the house on the estate, was once owned by Sam Jefferson II, the great, great, great grandfather of Thomas Jefferson. In the 1970s, the house became a Batik enterprise, creating beautiful and vivid fabrics, which you can still see and buy today. It is also home to the island’s oldest tree, a Saman tree. Nevis is lined with colourful houses and filled with friendly faces, especially at the Artisan Village. Head down there for a stroll and some local knickknacks. The Museum of Nevis History is a must-visit, giving you an overview of the island’s heritage. Head to the Botanical Gardens to explore some fascinating plant life.

WINGFIELD ESTATE AT ST. KITTS AND NEVIS

St. Kitts and Nevis

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KONNICHIWA WITH A TWIST A delightful evening was spent at Mirai Restaurant & Lounge by OHLALA’s editor and her dining companions. The culinary experience explored the eatery’s unique Japanese menu.

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CHIC

Eats

apanese cuisine is revered worldwide for its unique ingredients, innovative flavours and distinct sense of culture and history. You find all of this at Mirai Restaurant & Lounge and, believe it or not, even more. Dining at one of the best Japanese restaurants in Bahrain was something me and my dining companions were looking forward to with extra excitement. Mirai is located in the heart of Block 338, but I was not expecting it to be as busy as it was on a Sunday evening. One of my companions said this is regularly the case. So, if you feel like eating there after this review (which I am sure you will), it’s better to call in advance to make a reservation so you won’t be disappointed. The décor gives a lot of Japanese vibes with minimalistic furniture mixing wood, natural fabrics, lanterns and simple yet eye-catching Noren (traditional Japanese fabric dividers, hung between rooms, on walls, in doorways or windows). The ones at Mirai are decorated with Shodo ( Japanese calligraphy) that uses a technique of ink-dipped brush to write kanji and kana characters. The ambience provides utter peace and subtly transports you to the Far East country. We luckily sat in the private room, a separate area with wood panels and Noren, which gives privacy, but the semi-opaque fabric smartly lets you see the buzz in the restaurant area. We were even luckier to have the attentive Shiela bringing our dishes and explaining them carefully, proving how well she knew the menu. Well-versed staff make a remarkable difference and I genuinely appreciate it.

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CHIC

Eats

After checking the menu, which, by the way, is vast, we noticed authentic Japanese dishes but also creative recipes combining different (and unexpected) ingredients. We started our wonderful dinner with Tuna Carpaccio Burrata with yuzu (a sour citrus fruit from the lemon family) and soy mushroom. Yes, you read that right, burrata in a Japanese restaurant. Chef Junior Gomez, the Executive Chef at Mirai, has a menu full of surprises, mixing extraordinary ingredients for a stunning flavour combination. The smoked tuna and the soft burrata cheese perfectly and bizarrely married really well, putting a grin of delight on our faces. Another spin was the Tuna Crispy Rice, a little crispy rice boat (instead of the regular soft rice) filled with minced tuna, garlic mayo, black truffle, truffle oil and Nagoya sauce (a mix of soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, honey and sesame seeds). An exciting combination of textures that left a pleasant aftertaste on our palates. The Kari Kari Maki is a combination of fried salmon skin, Kani kamaboko (known as imitation crab, but in reality, a fish cake, very popular in westernised sushi), cucumber, spring onion, spicy mayo and red yuzu kosho (a type of Japanese seasoning paste) mayo. Another irreverent blend of ingredients. Mirai was one of the winners of the ‘MENA’s 50 Best Restaurants 2022’ awards and, to celebrate, the restaurant created the 50BEST Maki. The special roll is composed of Bluefin tuna otoro (the fattiest part of the tuna), prawn tempura, Tamago (a Japanese omelette), spicy salmon, cucumber, shitake mushroom, teriyaki sauce, spring onion, kizami wasabi and yuzu kosho mayo. It was a thick piece, but it had to be to accomplish such a complex taste. The flavours blended well and delivered an unimaginable sensation to our palates. And to highlight even more the quality of the ingredients used in the Mirai kitchen, Shiela brought a selection of Tako (octopus), Bluefin and Yellowtail tuna sashimi. The first mouthful made my companions exclaim loudly at the magnificence of the Yellowtail tuna – it was incredibly fresh and melted in their mouths.

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As a big fan of vegetarian options, I was looking forward to Mirai’s Mixed Mushroom Bibimbap, a hot-stone pot of rice with mushrooms, vegetarian teriyaki sauce, truffle oil and fresh truffle. A dish praised by one of my dining companions. The whole presentation is a show apart. Shiela put it together in front of us, mixing the rice, mushrooms and the accompanying seasoning such as chilli oil, lemon, fresh coriander and chilli flakes. The rice is crispy in some parts and, when everything is well-mixed, you surprisingly get a crunchy texture in your bite. I can say that this was one of the best savoury dishes I have tried recently, and I am certainly going back for that unique combination and texture. The other vegetarian delight was the Edamame Dumpling, a thin parcel filled with edamame, cashew nuts and shitake mushroom in a bed of onion miso reduction and truffle oil. A little bag full of flavour with a crispy bottom that added an extra layer to the consistency, making it a pleasing bite. I must add that the whole meal was served with a delicious sour cocktail, Mirai’s speciality, with a hint of yuzu, for a refreshing tang. To end our feast, it was time for dessert. We had a selection of Mochi ice creams, beautifully presented in a bed of ice. Japanese Purin, a crème caramel type of pudding arrived in a beautiful small pot – after we dug our spoons in, the bottom had a caramelised sugar sauce surprise. As I mentioned before, the Mixed Mushroom Bibimbap was the best savoury dish I have had in a while, and now I can say that the Coconut Almond Cake was the best sweet I have had in a very, very long time. The cake was moist with a rich chocolate truffle interior, and the delicate texture melted in my mouth, a sensation I will be re-living for a while. I highly recommend it to everyone. Mirai presented a food experience beyond my expectations (and they were high). If you enjoy Japanese cuisine but also appreciate a clever twist, Mirai is the place to go! For more information and to make a reservation, please call Mirai Restaurant & Lounge on 1771 3113 or 3917 3951. @mirairestaurantlounge

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CHIC

Eats

SUMMER DELIGHTS Enjoy a selection of special lunches and dinners, including Eid al-Adha celebrations and delightful brunches around the island.

CROWNE PLAZA BAHRAIN

La Mosaique Restaurant Experience true Italian dishes with La Mosaique’s L’Italia A Tavola nights and enjoy the live cooking of pasta in different flavours alongside tasty dishes. The offer runs every Tuesday from 7pm to 11pm and is priced at BD18 net, inclusive of soft beverages. Call 1753 1122 or 3924 2391 for more information or to make a reservation.

CROWNE PLAZA BAHRAIN

Harvesters & The Backyard Get saucy with a Ribs and Wings offer and revel in St Louis Spare Ribs or beef ribs and jumbo chicken wings served with your choice from hearty side dishes and one pint of hops. The offer runs every Saturday from 7pm onwards and is priced at BD20 net. Call 1753 1122 or WhatsApp 3992 0163 for more information or to make a reservation.

FOUR SEASONS HOTEL BAHRAIN BAY

Bahrain Bay Kitchen Enjoy Four Seasons’ legendary Eid al-Adha Brunch as you discover generous buffets, brimming with old and new international and local favourites specially curated by Executive Chef Leonardo Di Clemente and Executive Pastry Chef Imad Boukli. The offer runs on the first and second day of Eid, 1pm to 4pm, and is priced at BD35 net per person inclusive of soft beverages and BD48 net per person inclusive of selected beverages. Children aged six to 12 are given a 50% discount and children below five dine free of charge. Call 1711 5500 or email dining reservations.bahrain@fourseasons.com for more information or to make a reservation.

FOUR SEASONS HOTEL BAHRAIN BAY

CUT by Wolfgang Puck Enjoy a Friday Brunch with family and friends while enjoying Wolfgang Puck’s favourite dishes. The offer runs every Friday from 12.30pm to 3.30pm and is priced at BD36 net per person inclusive of soft beverages and BD50 net per person inclusive of selected beverages. Call 1711 5500 or email diningreservations.bahrain@fourseasons.com for more information or to make a reservation. 88

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GULF HOTEL BAHRAIN CONVENTION & SPA

Margarita Mexicana Dive into fresh flavours this summer with an Aguachile de Callo de Hacha offer! Enjoy a spread of sea scallops ceviche served with fresh avocado, red onion, cilantro, cucumber, and red bell pepper-citrus sauce, complemented with a cocktail. The offer runs from July 3 to 29 and is priced at BD10 net per person. Call 1771 3000 for more information or to make a reservation.

GULF HOTEL BAHRAIN CONVENTION & SPA

Sato Mark your calendars for Sato’s all-you-can-eat sushi day and enjoy special sushi and maki selections delicately prepared by talented chefs to satisfy your sushi appetite. The offer runs on July 24 from 12pm to 11pm, with two-hour slots available for booking, and is priced at BD15 net. Call 1771 3000 for more information or to make a reservation.

LE MÉRIDIEN CITY CENTRE BAHRAIN

Baharat Restaurant Join Baharat for a Surf and Turf Night and have your choice from a selection of prime beef cuts and fresh seafood flame-grilled to order. The offer runs every Thursday from 7pm to 11pm and is priced at BD24 net inclusive of soft beverages and BD34 net inclusive of selected beverages. Call 1717 1000 or WhatsApp 3320 4175 for more information or to make a reservation.

MÖVENPICK HOTEL BAHRAIN

THE RITZ-CARLTON, BAHRAIN

MÖVENPICK HOTEL BAHRAIN

THE RITZ-CARLTON, BAHRAIN

ROYAL GOLF CLUB

THE WESTIN CITY CENTRE BAHRAIN

Silk’s Restaurant Taste the freshest catch of the day, including a selection of popular and traditional seafood dishes. Enjoy Mövenpick’s Seafood Night with a vast range of aquatic delicacies, from sushi, seafood dim sum dumplings, slipper lobster and tiger prawns to popular fish like hammour and red snapper. The offer runs on Mondays from 7pm to 11pm and is priced at BD22+++ per person, inclusive of unlimited soft beverages and water, and BD26+++ per person, inclusive of unlimited grapes, hops and soft beverages. Call 1746 0017 or 3364 0032 for more information or to make a reservation.

Gallery Lobby Lounge & Silk’s Restaurant Get some quality time with your friends and family over Mövenpick’s Brunch! The offer runs on Fridays from 12.30pm to 4pm and is priced at BD33+++ per person, inclusive of unlimited selected beverages, with children from the ages of six to 12 receiving a 50% discount and children under six dining for free. Call 1746 0017 or 3364 0032 for more information or to make a reservation.

Links Treat yourself and your loved ones to a Steak and Grapes Night overlooking the view of the Championship golf course. Buy two steaks and get a bottle of grapes for free. The offer runs every Wednesday from 6pm onwards. Call 1775 1262 for more information or to make a reservation.

SOFITEL BAHRAIN ZALLAQ THALASSA SEA & SPA

Saraya Restaurant Gather your family and friends for a lavish Grand Eid Brunch Buffet with live entertainment and enjoy interactive live cooking stations featuring Arabic and international cuisines as well as a splendid dessert buffet. The offer runs during the three days of Eid al-Adha from 12.30pm to 4pm and is priced at BD36 net per person inclusive of soft beverages. Children from seven to 12 years old receive a 50% discount. Kids six and under dine for free. Call 1763 6363 or WhatsApp 3888 5789 for more details or to make a reservation.

SOFITEL BAHRAIN ZALLAQ THALASSA SEA & SPA

Maison Sushi Obsessed with Sushi? Have a great time at Maison Sushi as they introduce Sunset Sushi. You will be able to taste the best masterpieces from the team of sushi chefs. The offer runs daily except Mondays from 4pm till sunset and is priced at BD25 net per person, inclusive of unlimited selections of sushi. Call 1763 6363 or WhatsApp 3888 5789 for more details or to make a reservation.

THE ART HOTEL & RESORT

Choices Celebrate Eid al-Adha with The Art at Choices and enjoy your favourite Eid-inspired dishes along with a wide selection of international cuisines with live music, henna for the ladies, and fun activities for your little ones. The offer runs on July 9 from 12.30pm to 4pm and is priced at BD26 net per person and BD36 net per person inclusive of selected beverages. Call 3358 0020 for more information or to make a reservation.

Primavera Osteria Contemporanea Reap the summer fruits and celebrate with a three-course set menu influenced by seasonal Italian fruits and vegetables. Fill your plate with Mango Salad and Lemon Spaghetti and end the beautiful meal with a Coconut Mousse with banana and passion fruit sorbet. The offer runs daily except Tuesdays from 7pm to 11pm and is priced at BD20 net per person. Call 1758 6499 or email rc.bahrz.restaurant.reservations@ritzcarlton.com for more information or to make a reservation.

Cantina Kahlo Gather with your friends for a taco fiesta at your favourite Mexican Cantina. A wide selection of tacos and craft beverages are available to excite your senses. The offer runs on Tuesdays from 6pm to 10pm and is priced at BD25 per person, inclusive of two glasses of selected beverages. Call 1758 6499 or email rc.bahrz.restaurant.reservations@ritzcarlton.com for more information or to make a reservation.

Salero Join Salero for a Spanish Saturday fiesta ambience. Socialise, share traditional tapas and Spanish red and white fruity drinks as you sway to live DJ music and Flamenco performances. The offer runs every Saturday from 1pm to 5pm and is priced at BD22 net inclusive of soft beverages and BD29.5 net inclusive of selected beverages. Call 1717 1300, WhatsApp 3553 8150 or visit @salerobahrain for more information or to make a reservation.

THE WESTIN CITY CENTRE BAHRAIN

Salero Enjoy a Business Lunch at Salero. The offer runs from Monday to Thursday, 1pm to 5pm, and is priced at BD11 net per person. Call 1717 1300 for more information or to make a reservation.

VIDA BEACH RESORT MARASSI AL BAHRAIN

Origins Restaurant Book a special table at the Vida Eid Family Brunch if you’re going out to a feast for Eid al-Adha. With an unmatched atmosphere, live entertainment for all, and delicious food. The offer runs on July 9, 1pm to 4pm, and is priced at BD20 net for adults, inclusive of soft drinks, and BD10 net for children aged six to 12. Call 7748 8100 for more information or to make a reservation.

VIDA BEACH RESORT MARASSI AL BAHRAIN

The Bistro by Origins Savour freshly shucked mussels with Moules et Frites and an assortment of signature sauces such as mariniere, blue cheese and tomato. Complement your succulent meal with crispy fries and enjoy 10% off on selected Belgium hops as you spend a great night with a great ambience. The offer runs every Thursday from 7pm to 11pm and is priced at BD9 net. Call 7748 8100 for more information or to make a reservation.

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THE

MASERATI GHIBLI GT HYBRID

THE GHIBLI GT HYBRID IS DESTINED TO BECOME THE BRIDGE BETWEEN MASERATI’S RICH HISTORY AND ITS EXCITING FUTURE.

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DIVA

Drives

here are test drives, and then there are magical Maserati experiences. This month, thanks to the outstanding team at Euro Motors, OHLALA got to experience the Ghibli GT Hybrid, the very first electrified Maserati on the planet! EXTERIOR As soon as the mid-sized luxury sedan came into view, we felt the excitement and intrigue that has become synonymous with our Maserati inspections. Sitting at the front of the beautifully sculptured hood, is Maserati’s elegant new concave grille. Its design was based around the famous Saetta logo, and on the GranSport trim level, features a Black Piano finish. Shapely Bi-Xenon headlights complement the contours of the front end and add a further touch of attitude to the car’s already imposing demeanour. The three traditional airducts on the front mudguard sport a blue trim, as do the Brembo brake callipers. At the flanks, the sleek yet powerful proportions of this fourdoor luxury sedan are highlighted by the flowing lines of the body. Electric sparks passing through the iconic triple side vents endow the Ghibli with an even more distinctive character, and were perhaps our favourite feature of the exterior. The 20-inch Urano Black wheels complement the athletic nature of the vehicle, whilst the Maserati logo sits proudly on the C-pillar. The rear of the Ghibli has been transformed through the development of a new boomerang design light cluster that features a three-colour lens. Hinting at the performance capabilities of this luxury sedan is the sporty dual twin exhaust system. INTERIOR Slipping inside the Ghibli,a refined and sophisticated environment is what we discovered. The superior cabin craftsmanship was immediately apparent, with the most distinctive feature being the unique, cockpit-inspired dashboard design, perfectly matching the driver-orientated nature of the vehicle. We absolutely loved the dashboard’s carbon Macrotwill Trim.

“Shapely Bi-Xenon headlights complement the contours of the front end and add a further touch of attitude to the car’s already imposing demeanour.” www.ohlala-magazine.com

DIVA

Drives

We found the 12-way power, leather front seats with anti-whiplash headrests to be supportive and extremely comfy. These sculptured sports seats are upholstered with a Full Premium Leather Interior, with black stitchings all done by hand. The sports steering wheel is fitted with aluminium gearshift paddles. The updated gearshift lever, driving mode buttons and the high-quality aluminium double rotary knob, are all neatly accommodated on the centre console. We appreciated the class-leading front legroom available in the Ghibli, along with the ample head and legroom present throughout the vehicle. The rear seating allows for up to three passengers to travel in comfort, even on extended journeys. Storage-wise, the luggage compartment has a capacity of 500 litres and can be opened and closed using the key fob. The designers have also included large door pockets throughout the vehicle, along with an electrically lockable passenger glove box. INFOTAINMENT & TECHNOLOGY The Ghibli GT Hybrid now features a new generation Maserati Intelligent Assistant (MIA) multimedia system. This system’s highdefinition screen has been enlarged to 10.1-inches and is now frameless, adding to the modern look of the interior setup. This new generation system also permits the opening of multiple windows, providing access to various features simultaneously. The Ghibli is also equipped with a wireless charger as standard. The new GT is equipped with Maserati Connect and, in conjunction with the Maserati Connect app, ensures you are always connected to your Ghibli. This feature reminds you when a service is due, offers assistance in the case of emergencies or car theft, and much more. Other notable features include a powerful Harman Kardon Premium Sound System, climate control with Air Quality Sensor, and assisted door closure.

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POWER & PERFORMANCE Starting up a hybrid, we weren’t sure if we would get to hear the distinctive Maserati growl. Through tweaking the fluid dynamics of the exhausts and adopting resonators, the brand’s master artisans have managed to recreate the sound, at least to a certain degree. Power wise, the GT combines a four-cylinder, two-litre, turbocharged engine with a 48-volt battery hybrid system as an electric booster. This hybrid powerplant generates 330hp and 450Nm of torque. This, coupled with an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission, enables the GT to surge from 0-100km/h in 5.7 seconds and generate a top speed of 255km/h. Any doubts about the hybrid performing at the same level as other Maserati models dissolved the moment we set off down the tarmac. This Ghibli Hybrid boasts superb handling, cornering and braking capabilities, along with the double wishbone suspension. This makes it one of the smoothest and most enjoyable cars we have ever had the pleasure of test driving, especially with Sport Mode engaged. The fact that this enhanced performance comes with a big reduction in both fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, means that the GT Hybrid is even more efficient than its petrol and diesel counterparts. SAFETY & ASSISTANCE The designers at Maserati have included a host of safety and assistance features to ensure the well-being of you and your loved ones. The Maserati Stability Program (MSP) uses a wide array of sensors for early detection and intervention, designed to handle dangerous situations on the road. The Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) includes Active Blind Spot Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Active Driving Assist, Traffic Sign Recognition, Forward Collision Warning Plus, Advanced Brake Assist, Autonomous Emergency Braking, a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System, and more. The Ghibli is also equipped with multiple airbags throughout. For more information and to book a luxury test drive of your very own, please call Euro Motors on 1773 4734. @maseratibahrain @euromotors_bh

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Out &About

Announcement of Bahrain Summer Festival at Bahrain National Museum

Summer Celebration with Chef Hong Taimee at Royal Thai Restaurant, Gulf Hotel Bahrain Convention & Spa

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Out &About

Grand Opening of Butcher & Buns Lounge at Le Méridien City Centre Bahrain

Partners Appreciation Party at Downtown Rotana

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MISS

Ohlala

Hold on to Me as We Go It is common sense that a house is made of concrete and a home by the people living there. But can you carry a home inside you?

Philip Philips’ song titled Home features the following in its chorus: “…just know you are not alone, cause I’m gonna make this place your home”. This means that home is where our heart is. Where family, friends and pets abide. It can be a place or feeling, and feelings you can definitely carry with you wherever you go. In this part of the world, we understand this concept of home quite well. Expats from all over the world come to the Middle East and build a temporary life (or in many cases, it starts as a short-term plan and ends up longer than expected). But, despite how short-lived this experience can be, it shouldn’t be seen as a break from the idea of building a home. Remember that a home is very different from a house. You can own many houses but lack a home. So, invest in creating a nice ambience full of good memories, whether it’s a place carefully decorated by an interior designer or a bed and fridge kind of layout. As with everything in life, looks are less important than the feeling that it gives you. Hold on to the people and things that matter to you (it can even be in the form of a piece of furniture), and don’t lose sight of the core things that make you happy and give you that warm sensation of finally being home! Wherever this place physically is.

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