Ohlala Bahrain June 2017

THE ESSENCE OF STYLE Bahrain

Smart Ta l k s Desert Mannequin chats spirituality and style

How T o Find Your

Inner Peace

Dec a d e n t Days & N i g h ts

Ways To A Winning Ramadan Wardrobe www.ohlala-magazine.com

www.ohlala-magazine.com June 2017 | Issue 149 Bahrain BD2 | KSA SR10

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Contents Ohlala

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And So It Begins Welcome To The June Issue Style Icon: Al Zain Jewellery Style Icon: Jude Benhalim

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The Fashion Pages The Ultimate Gift List Style Focus: 11 Ways To Update Your Wardrobe

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The tALKING pOINTS Fashion Revolution: The Modist On The Pulse: Anum Bashir The Mystery of Ezra Couture

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The Lifestyle Pages Travel Escapes: Bali Ohlala Boutiques: Ramadan Finds Miss Ohlala

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chopard

thE beauty Pages On Edge: Bold Looks The Buzz: The Lady Is A Vamp Bespoke Collaborations

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH RAYMOND WEIL is proud to be supporting Swiss sailing team Realteam as its Official Timing Partner and to introduce a new

freelancer collection

freelancer able to support the crew in the most extreme sailing conditions. A nice little tip of the hat to Mr Raymond Weil who was a member of the Geneva Yacht Club.

Join the discussion #RWRealteam www.ohlala-magazine.com

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june 2017 issue 149

Publisher & Chairman John Hughes Chief Executive Officer Greg Hughes Editor-in-Chief Georgie Bradley

Publishing Director Edward Smith

Country Director Kirsty Edwards-Harris

Assistant Editor Aanchal Duggal

Creative DIrector

BUsiness development

Contributors

Paula Leal

director

Angela Beitz

Graphic Designers

Rami Khalil

Danae Mercer

Jyoti Rawat

Victoria Production Manager

Photographers

WEBSITE

Neil Mahmood

Shobin Joseph

Melek Yildirimtekin

Distribution Manager Ajit Kumar COVER Image Al Zain Jewellery

Credits image Chopard

Accountants Gigimon Thankachen Praveen Alexander

Distribution Team

Printing Press

Distribution

Jayapragash Ganesan

Akhbar Al Khaleej

Bahrain – Al Hilal Qatar – Dar Al Sharq

Rajesh Abdul Kadar

UAE – GLS, Tawseel Distribution & Logistics Enquiries

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

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Editor’s Letter

I

recently got back from a trip to Burma. I was alone as I tend to be on my travels. It’s always my first choice when I see the world – it’s not because

I am anti-social or difficult to be with (references upon request) or that I have weird tendencies that shouldn’t involve other people. No, it’s because quiet is a lovely companion. My days are people-packed and demandheavy, where I feel like I could split into a million pieces if I receive just one more URGENT request. Such is the nature of the job; a job that has sculpted me into a woman but has also dug deep bags under my eyes. As a result, time away to escape the noise in and outside my head is essential. My trip to Burma was five days long. Five days is a long time to be in solitude even if you’re amongst a riot of colour and culture because it’s still very much an internal experience. I read, I slept till 9am (relentlessly charged body clock, can’t help it), I people-watched in silence, I biked for kilometres, I booked tables for one. Those five days recharged me and I hope Ramadan, being over a month, provides a complete 180 on my health and wellbeing which oft gets put on the backburner (as we all unconsciously do until we burn out) and then it’s too late to undo the damage. I’ve learned a lot about self-care through outside interests and for me, self-care is time alone in a vibrant setting or simply being at home when I don’t have to be ‘on’ all the time. It would be amazing if we could carry on the quiet tranquillity we afford ourselves during Ramadan. It’s easier said than done but with a little bit of effort, the results will be happily addictive.

www.ohlala-magazine.com

net-a-porter ramadan campaign

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Georgie Bradley

Editor in Chief

RAMADAN KAREEM Experience the tradition of the holy month

Immerse yourself in a rich Ramadan experience filled with live Arabic instrumental sounds, traditional coffee, and Furn’s warm ambience, while enjoying authentic local dishes with your family and friends Price: BD18++ Iftar Buffet: Sunset to 8:30pm Gabgha à la Carte: 9pm to 1am For more information or reservations please call +973 3353 7050 @furnbahrain

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Style Icon

Liquid Luxury On the occasion of the Holy Month of Ramadan, Al Zain Jewellery have launched a limitededition Perfume Vial and Necklace.

We love strong smells, especially during Ramadan for it ignites an emotion and atmosphere that is mysterious and opulent. Al Zain Jewellery have launched an exclusive Elixir Necklace. Each piece is handmade by skillful artisans in the Al Zain factory using warm bronze metal concealing a gold lined inner vail where the wearer will store her most treasured perfume. Natural rubies and diamonds set on 18K gold ornaments gently embrace each end of the vail. The result being an item of desire and secrecy.

Elixir took inspiration from the Ottoman’s jewellery designs which were characterized by a mix of Persian and Byzantine ornaments. Elixir provokes mystery, curiosity and a desire to touch and hold the vial, to explore what lies so well hidden and concealed within its bejeweled casing.

Produced in a very limited number of pieces, Elixir is available across all Al Zain stores around the GCC region. www.ohlala-magazine.com

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Style Icon

Inner

Confidence We love a woman who plays by her own rules. Cairo based Jude Benhalim has created a new high-end jewellery collection for just that woman.

Urban Rebel is inspired by her ever evolving muse and her path in life.

She knows herself. She finds comfort in who she is and revels in the beauty of her own individuality. The jungle-like metropolis she lives in is the embodiment of the system trying to cage her in but she is determined to break free of the concrete shackles.

The collection reflects the struggle she faces with the system after successfully enduring her internal strife and emerging more confident and fearless than ever before. The strength she gained from her journey in Her Cosmos and Spectrum allow her to break through the barriers that seek to keep her individuality hidden.

The Arabic calligraphy featured on selected pieces of the collection reflects the characteristics she found in herself along this journey. She has willpower; she has perseverance. She will reach the highest peak.

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Ohlala Spotlight

The Modest

Revolution

There’s a new age of fashion dawning. Modesty has been the buzzword in the industry of late.

But it’s not a suggestion that we should all cover up – it’s that we should embrace it as a viable, elegant and mainstream fashion choice beyond reasons of faith. We speak with the founder and CEO of the latest online luxury destination: TheModist.com, Ghizlan Guenez about why she created this style platform and how she aims to change the perception of modesty.

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H

ow did the idea to create an online destination for modest fashion come about?

I was brought up in a family where women dressed modestly and loved fashion and I experienced, first-hand, the frustration of trying to find pieces that are both modest and fashionable. For the longest time, we joked about opening a boutique that caters to the women in my family, and ultimately, when the time was right, I left the world of finance after 13 years and decided to start The Modist, an online luxury destination for women from across the globe who love fashion and to whom modesty is a form of life.

Why do you think it’s taken this long to embrace modest fashion as mainstream?

I don’t think that modestly has just surfaced in the world of fashion today.

If you look at the archives of fashion from decades ago you will see a lot of modest fashion that translated into eras of elegance. I think there was a period where the emancipation of women was synonymous with showing skin, but I believe that we are going through a phase of better understanding and translating what the true essence of empowerment is, which in my view is the ability to express one’s self however one feels is authentic and true to them. It also helps that modest and demure looks are a macro trend which we’ve seen across the fashion capitals of the world.

Do you think sleeves are sexier than skin?

In the heart of what we do at The Modist is the belief in personal choice, and that the best choice any woman can make is to dress in exactly the way that she feels comfortable. At the end of the day, that’s really the essence of liberation. On a personal level, I absolutely prefer sleeve to skin and I find a lot of beauty and elegance in a demure look – it’s a style preference.

Are we placing a higher value and respect on conservatively dressed

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women as opposed to women who find their style comfort in V-neck blouses and leg-baring skirts? Or is it simply a matter of having more options?

There is none of that. The truth is that if you believe in empowering women then you must empower their choices whatever those may be, and I am a believer in empowering women. The Modist however speaks to a problem that exists in the lack of any elevated offering for a woman who chooses to dress modestly. Her current experience includes a lot of time wasted in sifting through products to find what works for her, and ultimately, she would have to layer, alter or amend pieces to make them work. We want to alleviate that experience and replace it with one that is easy, inspiring and fun.

What makes the cut for The Modist? What pieces are an instant ‘yes’ for the website?

One of our strengths is our intimate knowledge and understanding of how our woman dresses and how to tick the modesty box whilst keeping things trendy and cool. We exercise a lot of sensibility when we buy and style and we wear many hats: the fashion lover, the modest dresser and so on. Many pieces on our site are squarely modest but other pieces aren’t and that’s where the styling element comes in to make them modest whilst keeping things fresh.

It’s not just about going for the easy solution of only choosing modest pieces, it’s also about inspiring our woman on how to wear certain styles that she may not have considered in the past.

Many of the designers featured are Western brands. Besides the commercial gain, what do these brands benefit from by catering to women who want to be both faith and fashion conscious?

Women who dress modestly don’t only do that for faith or religious reasons.

The reasons women dress modestly vary including style preference, women who feel it’s more age appropriate to dress modestly and so on. We find that

“The reality is that modesty can be as diverse as fashion and can be on trend - in fact, IT IS on trend.” designers are inspired and excited to learn more about a woman who they haven’t necessarily engaged with deeply, and even designers who have worked with modest dressing women in the past love the idea of a specialist retailer and a platform that is dedicated to that woman.

What for you is the most alluring modest fashion item a woman can wear?

I love a beautiful jacket, whether it’s a perfectly-tailored and well-structured one, or a long flowy robe which is very much in trend now. I love throwing a jacket over any outfit to either dress it up or down.

In what way can we push the modest fashion boundaries? What gives modest fashion its edge?

One of the things that excite us is changing perception on modesty. There is a general feel that anything modest is dowdy and boring and should be a certain shape and colour. The reality is that modesty can be as diverse as fashion and can be on trend - in fact, IT IS on trend. That is evident in the styling on our site and in the editorials of our online magazine, ‘The MOD’. We believe in taking a fresh approach on modesty and translating trends in a way that works for our woman.

Which celebrities best represent modest fashion on the scene at the moment?

We’re inspired by women from different walks of life, some are celebrities and others aren’t. I personally love Queen Rania’s style, Olivia Palermo, The Duchess of Cambridge, Sheikha Moza Bint Nasser, Coco Chanel and many more.

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Ohlala Spotlight Ghizlan’s Ramadan Essentials All pieces are available on TheModist.com

thierry lasry

rosantica

F.R.s. for restless sleepers osman

Christopher kane

rosantica

taller marmo

Cedric charlier stella jean

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n O r e g n Fi lse u P The

t he’s go S . c i t s ta ssly fan e l e r i t region, is e r h i t h n s i a yle Anum B se of st n e s d e side of in y f h e t d l t a s e h the mo en and a m u c a s s e orizon, n h i s e u h b t f n so heaps o project g n i t i c x quirky e h t t u i o W . y ab humilit Bradley e i g r o e G adan is m o t Ra s w k ho she tal asts and c d o p , s t l. produc spiritua beauty e r o m r he making

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Ohlala Spotlight “I am going through a ‘more is more’ phase in my life; it’s what I feel most comfortable wearing. I enjoy covering and cloaking my body.”

The stars are aligning quite beautifully

for Anum Bashir, of Desert Mannequin fame. She’s 30, thriving and is very happily “not broke!” Three years since her digital platform launched, Anum has regularly if subtly dominated the fashion scene with her pithy and alternative stance on the industry, offering interesting caveats where “clothes are best served with a side of intellect” as goes the tagline of Desert Mannequin.

It’s never just about the cuts or the colour with Anum, it’s about the wider context and talking points that clothes engender: “I love to sit with like-minded women and talk about politics among other topics.

Fashion is oftentimes viewed as very frivolous and women in the industry are not as highly regarded as attorneys or surgeons are. It’s very incorrect because fashion and art help bridge divides between socio-economic backgrounds, it’s a very substantial industry,” she says.

And if anyone should be praised for the gear shift in how the industry is being taken more seriously now, it’s Anum. Because she “doesn’t want to be recognised as someone who wore that shirt on a Sunday,” she has those thought-provoking conversations, she wants to push the envelope and she is, but brilliantly, without drowning her followers with self-centric narcissism.

Since the launch of Desert Mannequin, she’s in a very different place right now. Shaking off the “impatient syndrome” of her 20s, Anum has reached a level of achievement where she doesn’t demand warp speed success. Now she’s happy to let each new venture marinate. “I used to be all about the yallah yallah yallah but now I let things happen when they are ready and it feels really good.” It was with this endearing impatience that led her to constantly add feathers to her cap but now, with a much more methodical and polished manner.

Today, she’s between places. When we speak she’d just got off a plane from Doha after hosting a fashion event and was planning her outfits for an upcoming trip to New York. Add to that she’s in the exciting throes of promoting her recently launched “boy meets girl” collaborative capsule collection, DMxN-DUO for AW17 with a “really cool designer based in Tbilisi,” Natuka Karkashadze, which presents a distinct dichotomy and balance of genders with lace and corduroy in equal measure across the looks. Interestingly, this collaboration was formed from an initial friendship during a “purely R&R vacation in Georgia” with Natuka and now they are in talks to do a spring-summer collection next year “which will be three times as big. I love working with designers that I foster friendships with, it always makes for the most interesting projects.”

With her recent hop from Doha to Dubai, she’s definitely

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in the thick of the industry now and openly admits that being in the city “is a lot more suited given the nature of my job”. But she still maintains a low-profile sans arrogance and an entourage demanding PR-perfect copy about her. The exhaustive list of projects above is an incredible feat for three years and Anum has enjoyed the fruits of her labour around the world whether it’s in London, Paris or Dubai. She laps up the jollities and privileges as much as the next person that come with exclusive invites and events but she wants more – not more of it, but more beyond it.

So, she’s given Desert Mannequin a lick of paint: “The platform outgrew its identity. The more I dabble into consultancy projects and work with different kinds of people in the industry, the more I want to get more stories from other writers involved on Desert Mannequin. Now it’s got a more publication feel to it now.

I’m also launching a beauty subsidiary under Desert Mannequin called ‘Let’s Face It’” where quirky, independent beauty products will be put out based on Anum’s love of less is more makeup. As part of developing a stronger voice for her platform, she’s also launching the DMFM podcast - are you as win-tossed as me by now? – “I want to be having these kinds of conversations [our Skype interview] on the podcast – whether it’s about fertility issues, marriage woes or illnesses. It will have a strong fashion undertone to it but I want it to be real discussions with real discussion. I think the industry is very much romanticised but behind it are very real people who have their day-to-day struggles,” she notes.

In the spirit of cultivating critical conversation, I ask Anum about her take on the revolution of modest clothing which has always been linked to faith rather than fashion conscious women.

For her, dressing modestly has always been a natural gravitation: “I am going through a ‘more is more’ phase in my life; it’s what I feel

most comfortable wearing. I enjoy covering and cloaking my body.

I love how TheModist.com drives home the message that dressing conservatively is not just for Muslim women, it’s for a woman who might decide that her breasts aren’t what they used to be, so she wants to cover them, you know?”

With Ramadan upon us, Anum turns to what the Holy Month means in the modern Khaleeji world, as someone who was born and raised in the region. “On some level, as I get older, I have become more spiritual, reflecting on blessings, I give to charity, I’m listening to the Qu’ran every morning and I like to think at the end of the day, I am a good person that people like to work with.

I am actually quite fundamental about the way I am choosing to navigate my 30s, it’s very important to me to build strong, lasting and loving relationships,” she says.

But with all the noise on social media (the heartbeat of her brand) is there a way to strip back and ‘fast’ from it in the same way you fast from food? “A detox from anything in life is always a good idea. But we are living in such a fast world that really doesn’t allow for us to switch off. Being an entrepreneur is incredibly exhilarating and has given me a type of high I’ve never experienced before because I’m in the driver’s seat but I can’t sit here and promise I will stop. But I do hope to slow down and be in tune with Ramadan. It’s an interesting time to leverage my platform and share with everyone the beauty and importance of the Holy Month.”

A recent encounter with a good person during one of Anum’s run-of-the-mill trips to the post office restored her faith in humanity. In a time when you turn on CNN and you’re seeing the world crumble with the worst people steering us in every which direction, you’d be forgiven for thinking that people aren’t compassionate or at least don’t have the time to show acts of kindness. But while Anum was retrieving a package, she was told she needed to pay an outstanding custom fee of AED10. She proceeded to give her card to pay for it but only cash was accepted.

The closest ATM was a 10-minute walk away. Before she set off, a man stood behind her in line, offered her the AED10 saying it wasn’t fair for her to walk in the heat and it was his good deed for the day. “He wouldn’t accept the AED10 back even though I said I’d get it for him, so I insisted I owed him a burger or something!”

As simple a gesture as it was, what we learn from instances like these, in light of Ramadan ahead of us, is that a life without kindness isn’t a very nice world at all. And if Anum is one thing as well, beyond her fabulous status, she’s a gracious person.

DMXN-DUO: AW 17 WHERE BOY MEETS GIRL

“It’s an interesting time to leverage my platform and share with everyone the beauty and importance of the Holy Month.” www.ohlala-magazine.com

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AWARD WINNING WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY & VIDEOGRAPHY

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All our beauty tips for bold looks.

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joli rouge biliant, Clarins

filomena, dolce & gabbana

oud bouquet, lancôme

Shimmer Brick, Bobbi Brown

evening rose d’or, aerin

leave in conditioner, show

balenciaga

regenerating bight cream

amouage

the shock

corrector & concealer YSL

experiment with a bolder, more alluring look. Think blood plum, rich berry and

scarlet lips with lots of gold and rich

smokey hues for the eyes. detox serum grown alchemist

bronzer laura mercier

The lady

is a vamp

the shock smokey eye, YSL

conditioner, rahua

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chanel

armani

Beauty Talk

laura mercier

Sophisticated and elegant with an

underlying edge, the colours of the season break the rules and present the chance to

eye duo smokey, YSL

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Beauty Talk

eye paletter, Laura Mercier

le cray one ye

1. Pucker Up

Fusing the nourishing care of a balm with instantly radiant colour, new VOLUPTÉ TINT-INBALM from YSL is a match made in makeup heaven. Thanks to a unique double core, it comes with twice the benefits – then delivers a completely unique lip finish. It even comes imprinted with a lip kiss print at its core.

chanel

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2. The Eyes Have It

The Laura Mercier Editorial Eye Palette includes an exclusive air-light setting powder to prolong wear for up to 8 hours and prevent creasing. Studioinspired, high performance Brushed Metal & Matte Textured Clays give you intense colour in a whole new graphic way. Soft, flexible, clay-like hybrid textures go on beautifully with a unique ‘wet-feel’ that melts onto skin. clay smudge brush laura mercier

4. Spring Fling

Angela Beitz shares the beauty products and make-up essentials you need right now.

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Clinique’s newest lightweight sunscreen, Clinique SPF 30 Virtu-Oil Body Mist offers the same luxurious feel of a dry body oil with the dermatologist-tested sun protection you need. The stateof-the-art, oil-free, non-greasy liquid sunscreen formula provides protection against UVA/UVB radiation, absorbs instantly and gives you an addictive cooling sensation.

pop & lock colour wow

5. Shield & Protect

clinique, SPF 30

star magnolia collection, jo malone

Star Magnolia’s Limited Edition Cologne features delicate white blossoms bursting with Spring’s sparkling charm with star magnolia, magnolia leaf and orange blossom with a kiss of lemon, ginger and shiso. We also adore the Limited Edition Hair Mist, the scent of spring takes centre stage in Jo Malone London’s first hair mist. Delicate star magnolia flirts with orange flower, lemon and shiso to create a delicate veil laden with high-shine conditioning treatments.

3. Sultry Shimmer

Intuitive, bold, unconventional, elegant and nuanced, the Ombre Première mono eyes collection from Chanel encourages a mix and match approach with the entire range; each color can stand-alone or can find a compliment in the others alongside it to intensify and amplify results. Rich cream eyeshadows can be layered under sumptuous powders or glittering metallics for an emboldened effect.

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Editor’s Picks

6. Lock It In

The Colour WOW Pop & Lock Crystallite Shellac is your hair’s best friend for summer. The innovative shellac technology of the product helps to lock in colour and moisture, for people who wish to achieve salon like styled hair at home. Its advanced formula provides hydration by penetrating each hair strand and improving the overall texture and elasticity of your hair.

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Beauty Focus

op p to e g w hin old, lvet t e th est ng b w V b xt f bei ello eak wi e e n ht o ick Y . Br h r t lig t Ch utin ng! o f in Ho bo ini g d n ki . An the Lou get l o lo bag ove tian nd s ay eup e l ris es a w al mak at w y Ch cod e ar our d th cil b nal e W to cide pen tio in de er ven ve efin con a h eD Ey

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F1 Weekend WhaT To Wear

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Beauty Column I love a good relaxing facial as much as the next girl, but sometimes you need to pull out the big guns. Skincare gurus are turning to techy gadgets and machines to get better results. These facials aren’t just about cleansing and toning: these are about long term correction and aiming for instant results.

What’s not to love about that? Also, since the results last longer, expect to pay more than you would for a relaxing, creamy facial, but think of it as an investment in a glowing complexion.

Oxygen Facial

This one is a personal favourite. Oxygen is delivered under high pressure into the skin via a wand. Your therapist will normally steam, clean and exfoliate the face before applying the oxygen, to ensure they are working with a ‘blank canvas’. In some practices, the oxygen is infused with other supplements, which helps the skin to heal. A small, pistol-like device blasts cool air over your face and neck; there’s no pain but it’s not really one of those ‘relaxing’ facials, however you will instantly see results. Depending on how long you have this treatment, benefits can be seen for up to several weeks later. It is very easy to see how addictive this simple solution to younger more radiant skin can be.

Radio Frequency Facial

At Face Value

Technology is changing the skincare game in many ways especially when it comes to facials. Angela Beitz gives the lowdown on the new facials and why you need one now.

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Sounds weird? It’s definitely different to a standard facial but fear not as this facial is a real game changer. After cleansing, a gel is applied to your skin.

Then, a wand with a thick, rounded end drives mono polar radiofrequency around your face to heat up the collagen fibres in your skin and stimulates the cells responsible for generating connective tissue and healing (fibroblasts) into creating new, younger looking collagen. This collagen then rises to the surface over 12 weeks to give you a more youthful, tighter rejuvenated skin that looks firmer and fresher. The therapist does put some pressure on the wand, kind of like the same pressure you’d expect with a deep massage. It feels warm, and occasionally, hot but then the machine automatically senses this and stops for a bit, allowing your skin to cool down before starting again.

HydraFacial

The HydraFacial treatment is a new advanced treatment in non-laser skin resurfacing and it’s so, so good for living here as it delivers the moisture that we all lack. HydraFacial is the only hydradermabrasion procedure that combines cleansing, exfoliation, extraction, hydration and antioxidant protection simultaneously, resulting in clearer, more beautiful skin with no discomfort or downtime. The treatment is soothing, moisturising, non-invasive and nonirritating. There is no discomfort during the procedure. It is often described as feeling like a “cool paintbrush moving slowly over your face.” A single treatment is perfect for those who need a fresh and glowing appearance for a special event or occasion.

Elemis BioTec Facial

This 50-minute treatment works wonders on skin and will deliver results no matter what your concerns are. The facial features a Elemis BioTec machine that can deliver five different modalities: Ultra-sonic, micro-current, galvanic, light therapy, and oxygen. A skincare expert helps you determine whether your skin needs more of a lift, smoothing out, brightening, or a deeper cleanse, and adjusts the machine accordingly to get the desired effect. The deep-cleansing option is perfect for when you’ve been neglecting your skin and need to hit the reset button for your skin. The rest of the session includes face masks, extractions, and a mini massage. Bliss!

Image by Bambah bambah.com

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Paradise Found With over 17,000 islands, Indonesia offers unlimited opportunities for paradise. Danae Mercer travels by boats and planes between the country’s hot spots and hidden stops.

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Travel Escapes It’s sunset at the edge of the world.

The night before, we had gathered on the deck of the boat to watch the sky turn pink, yellow, blue. A rainbow appeared, then another, a volcano cresting on the horizon. But tonight was something special.

Tonight, the bats would come.

“Flying foxes,” a SeaTrek Sailing Adventures tour guide, Eva Villagrasa, says to me. “They’re called ‘flying foxes’, because they are so big.” As the moon comes up over Indonesia’s Satonda island, the ‘flying foxes’ emerge by the hundreds, darting to the mainland to eat fallen fruit.

Indonesia is a country of some 17,000 islands. Travelling between them opens up a world of Komodo dragons, red-coral beaches, secluded surf spots and indigenous cultures. I set sail to explore it all, starting with SeaTrek on a seven-day trip from Flores to Bali (seatrekbali.com).

My second day, I meet some of Indonesia’s ‘sea gypsies’. Two men, shirtless, bring a small boat beside our own. They begin unfurling a parcel of knick-knacks on the deck, shells and bits and bobs for us to buy.

“Westerners think of the sea as this empty thing,” Peter Lape, professor of archeology at the University of Washington, tells me.

He’s studied and visited Indonesia for over 22 years. Every time he comes back, it amazes him, delights him. “But for Indonesia’s sea people, it’s the space they know. It’s their land.”

“I spin in a circle and a school of silver fish swirl around me, catching the light.”

The ritz carlton bali

Later I dive from a dingy into the depths of the sea. There’s coral and fish, so many tropical fish. Clown fish, angel fish, manta rays. I spin in a circle and a school of silver fish swirl around me, catching the light. At night, over plates of Indonesian curries heaped beside white rice, I flip through a book, trying to name the wonders seen.

My next island stop is Bali. It’s a melange of culture and colours: rice plantations and traditional palm-leaf offerings line the smaller backstreets; boho yogis meander between fruit stalls in Ubud. I travel with Ker & Downey to a rock temple in Uluwatu (kerdowney. com). Come sunset, 40 men circle a fire while performers carry out a traditional dance. “Just keep an eye on the monkeys,” my guide warns.

“They snatch sunglasses and hats.”

At The Ritz-Carlton Bali, I start my morning with a traditional blessing (ritzcarlton.com). A local shaman sits before me, dotting water on my face, smudging herbs behind my ear. He chants as the sun comes up over the sea. Later I rinse these things off in an outdoor tub facing a private plunge pool; the protective blessing, a blackwhite-red twisted yarn, stays wrapped around my wrist.

Later that week, I head to the Four Seasons Sayan and Four Seasons Jimbaran Bay (fourseasons.com). The former comes wrapped in jungle, lined with rice plantations and a roaring river. The latter is larger, beachy, twisting along the coast with an infinity pool and surfing coach. At both, I meet with Java-native, Bali-residing Indonesian (and part of the Four Seasons Bali communications team) Ringga Salim.

“Indonesians are happy,” he says with a smile. Think of the local philosophy: “It’s eat or don’t eat. As long as we’re together, we’re happy.”

I visit a local market to explore the ‘eat’ side. A chatty chef from Four Seasons Jimbaran Bay shows me around. Women sit behind rows of fish, stacked and glinting and fresh. Stalls are filled with tropical fruits, foreign vegetables. “This is the bud of a banana tree, good when fried,” the chef says. “This is the local ginger. It smells different.” I sniff; it does. The unfamiliar names start blurring together but later, when we cook a dish of fish and curry and lamb, it all creates something magical.

“Balinese people won’t lose the culture,” Salim tells me when I ask about the ever-growing influx of tourists. Would the local markets become for show? Would the offerings stop? “The culture here is so strong. It’s something you can’t see, but it’s something you can feel.”

At trendy cool Katamama, Balinese culture is being shaped into something new (katamama.com). The property is hip, edgy. Bottles of bespoke, infused arak (the local spirit) line the wall of the cocktail bar / cafe. Rooms come with their own drinks lounge. Next door, the well-known Potato Head Beach Club attracts glamorous groups during the day. When night

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four seasons jimbaran bay

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nihiwatu sumba

karamama

Kandui villas Kandui villas

Kandui villas nihiwatu

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Travel Escapes falls, they crowd onto wooden tables at Kaum restaurant, ordering Indonesian dishes dripping in coconut and spice.

“Bali has changed,” Lina Suryati, the marketing communications manager at Katamama, says to me while I sip local coffee. It’s the best I’ll have in Indonesia. “But Bali still really keeps the tradition. Young people still learn dances and instruments, and speak Balinese. They also put out offerings three times a day.”

Katamama is a spot that plays interpretations of traditional Indonesian. And that, says Suryati, is part of the joy.

“Indonesia has such a wide range of cultures. We have over 17,000 islands, more than 600 tribes. There are different foods, languages, behaviours. You can see a lot of things in one place.

“That’s what makes us interesting.”

Bali is beautiful but it’s also busy. I want something quieter, more serene, less explored.

I head to Nihiwatu.

This luxury resort, nestled on Sumba Island, is the sort of place a surfing couple would go on honeymoon (nihiwatu.com).

It’s all open-air villas, where sliding glass doors can be flung open to capture the ocean breeze and fine-dining meals taken with toes in the sand. One day, I nibble papaya and snake fruit while watching surfers walk their boards out into the waves. The next, I stretch on a massage table lined by palm trees and silence, the sea crashing beneath.

It is, in a word, beautiful.

It also has a strong charity arm: the Sumba Foundation.

The organisation works with the indigenous Sumbanese to treat malaria, provide clean water, deliver nutritious school meals and prevent infant mortality.

“When we started we thought maybe we’d do an orphanage, or support a school, but then we got here and saw how needy this place

nihiwatu sumba

“It’s all open-air villas, where sliding glass doors can be flung open to capture the ocean breeze and finedining meals taken with toes in the sand.”

was…” says Claude Graves, the Nihiwatu founder, as we talk over breakfast. I spent the day before visiting the local malaria clinic, stopping at water pumps that provide clean drinking water to villagers. Children waved, elders smiled.

Tanned, relaxed, Graves turns his blue eyes on me. “The foundation changed my life for sure.”

“People call us the Disney Land of surfing,” Jordan Heuer, marketing manager for Kandui Villas, says a few days later (kanduivillas.com). After two flights, two boats and two solid days of travel, I’ve reached the rather remote Mentawai Islands.

“We have the most wave-rich area on the planet and some of the best waves, so it’s very special.”

I’m not an accomplished surfer, but the isolated beauty of Kandui Villas appealed. Luxury ‘umas’ (a traditional Indonesian hut) face out toward the sea, lined by palm trees and mangroves, dotted with hammocks. A dining room — dominated by one large wooden table where guests gather every night — faces across an infinity pool.

It takes me five days before I work up the nerve to surf. We head to ‘Four Bobs’ as the sun sets. A staff member comes out in the waves with me, wearing one fin as a guard against the coral beneath. “Ready?” He says. The ocean and air are warm. “Ready?”

A wave comes, slow and gentle. He gives my board a nudge, telling me to paddle even though I already am. I ride the wave and hear the other guests — now, after nearly a week of being together, all friends — whooping from nearby.

I ride another wave, then another, before clambering back onto the boat. I’m grinning. The others are grinning. Everyone’s lit with the glow of the sunset. As we watch, a rainbow — yet again — curls up to fill the sky.

Somewhere among Indonesia’s 17,000 islands, I’ve found paradise.

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Regional Escapes

T h e P e r f e c t G e taway Looking for the perfect summer escape to get away from it all?

Fairmont The Palm Dubai is your answer.

With amazing views over the sparkling blue waters of the Arabian Gulf and the Dubai skyline, Fairmont The Palm on the Palm Jumeirah is a stunning property within easy reach of Dubai’s main attractions and malls. In saying this though, you will have no reason to leave the actual resort as it’s got everything that you need.

The deluxe resort has 381 guestrooms and suites and its own private beach, as well as a number of swimming pools and gorgeous gardens.

The property is large and impressive and will wow you from the moment you arrive. Upon arrival our bags were taken and we were shown to check-in. Our check-in process was swift and efficient and our bags had arrived in our room on the fourth floor before we did.

One of the best things about this hotel is its beautiful rooms and their views and you’ll immediately feel like you are holiday.

We stayed in a Fairmont Deluxe Room which was spacious and 66

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beautifully designed with Arab-inspired architectural elements. We loved the large balcony with breath-taking views of the resort pools, beach and Dubai Marina skyline. The balcony was just perfect for a morning coffee or a late afternoon beverage. The rooms really are stunning and immaculately furnished. The bathroom is large and opulent with a rain shower and big bathtub and large sink area which we love. Bath products are by luxury perfumer, Le Labo in Rose 31 which are such a treat. Fairmont know how to do luxury. We love the huge bed which is ridiculously comfortable and the large arm chair you can easily fall asleep in. This is exactly the kind of suite for guests who don’t want to leave their room all weekend which is why it’s perfect for a staycation.

There are loads of fabulous dining options here so you defiantly won’t go hungry. Flow Kitchen offers a huge buffet breakfast in a chilled setting. There is everything from an egg station, mezze, fruits,

“Bath products are by luxury perfumer, Le Labo in Rose 31 which are such a treat. Fairmont know how to do luxury.”

pastries, sliced meats, cheeses and loads more. Frevo is also a must visit for dinner offering an authentic taste of traditional Brazilian cuisine where churrascaria-style dining is all about sharing good food and good conversation. Succulent cuts of meat are brought to your table and you’ll be sure to leave full and satisfied.

A stay at here wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Willow Stream Spa. This gorgeous spa is European in style, with huge changing rooms and relaxation areas plus steam room, sauna, ice fountains and showers. We change into a robe and are shown to our treatment room which is a beautiful haven decorates in soft sand tones. We are having the Relaxation massage and our therapist is very skilled lulling us into a soft slumber which is always the sign of a great massage. The spa also won ‘Resort Spa of the Year Middle East & Africa’ at the 2017 World Spa & Wellness Awards which is another great reason to visit.

The resort definitely has a lot to offer and will cater for all needs whether you are staying as a family or as a couple and you will never want to leave.

Fairmont The Palm, Palm Jumeriah, +971 4457 3388, www.fairmont.com/palm-dubai www.ohlala-magazine.com

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Ohlala Boutiques

Colour Pop

Pandora’s Summer 2017 collection is for women who just want to have fun and enjoy the long, hot, breezy days of the season.

It’s also about activating the strength within powerful women who want to take action and be true to who they are and what they want to do. We always feel strongly about celebrating women for all their greatness, dreams and passions. And we can’t think of a better jewellery line to highlight all that we stand for Lounge under the glorious sun, dive into the bluest oceans and experience those sweet moments of lazy fun and tropical treasures which is beautiful captured in this collection.

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Ohlala Boutiques

IfThe Shoe Fits Dune London have brought out a Ramadan collection of super shoes to see you through the day and night. We are loving the monochrome as well as the vibrant hues (the gem encrusted showpieces are wow) which will complete any fabulous look.

Balmain

Sparkle & Shine Prada AW17

For the perfect accessories this Ramadan and Eid, we’re taking to this latest capsule collection by Charming Charlie created exclusively for this season. The mixed metal jewellery and hair accessories are available in silver, gold, or stardust and feature delicate pearl and rhinestone details.

Stella Mccartney

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Spa & Wellness

Awards

2017

And the winners are...

Following a chic and elegant awards ceremony held at Al Areen Palace & Spa, we present you with the BEST and FAVOURITE winners of each category.

We look forward to celebrating the leaders of the wellness industry next year in what we hope will be a bigger and better event – till then, we’re off to indulge in more lavish treatments!

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Ohlala Awards Best New Spa

space. It provides the most complete experience you could want from a hotel spa – with stunning ornate features, a glorious indoor pool and more indulgent treatments than you could imagine. The entrance alone elicits a big wow!

recreational activities in Bahrain for over a decade. With ART Rotana being the ultimate resort hotel in the area, the spa provides an escape like no other. It’s the kind of spa you could while away in for hours on end and come out of it feeling fantastic.

Best city spa

[BEST]

The Gulf Hotel Bahrain Convention & Spa This has been a great addition to the Gulf Hotel’s leisure facilities. Right bang in the heart of the city, this is a true escape to serenity and calm. It’s the perfect place for indulgence, relaxation and rejuvenation. It’s been the talk of town since its opening.

[FAVOURITE]

The Ritz Carlton, Bahrain One of the most classic hotel spas, The RitzCarlton provides a chic and dreamy space for anyone who wants to indulge in some self-care.

From the elegant changing room area to the wood-paneled treatment rooms and the healing Thalassotherapy pool, you get a proper head to toe nurturing experience.

Best resort spa

[BEST]

Downtown Rotana If you ever feel like you need an express treatment while on-the-go, Downtown Rotana’s spa is a great pick-me-up. There’s a no frills, no fuss element to this spa where you get exactly what you need and when you need it! Bodylines offers a selection of massage treatments, including traditional Thai massage, body masks and scrubs, and signature treatments.

[FAVOURITE]

Sparadise, The Galleria Mall If you ever need a reason to head to Zinj’s The Galleria Mall, Sparadise should do it. Located in an elegant tree-lined walkway, Sparadise is a beautiful spa space that has more depth than meets the eye. It’s a true place of wellness.

Best hotel spa

[BEST]

Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa This sprawling property earns its resort status purely for its size and for being a wellness sanctuary like no other. What we love about this spa is how deep you go into the building and how many spaces there are to relax in. We could happily spend the rest of our lives there!

[favourite]

InterContinental Regency Bahrain Spa InterContinental is a destination where every element is customised to your healthy time. It’s a space which bridges expert skincare and total wellness for your body and mind with treatments using natural products such as fruit, seeds, chocolate and yoghurt. Choose a treatment from their specially tailored therapy menu to relax and rejuvenate!

Best day spa [BEST]

Hydro Spa and Salon

[BEST]

Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay The Spa at the Four Seasons is the ultimate dream 74

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[FAVOURITE]

ART Rotana, Amwaj Islands Amwaj has been the go-to destination for

Take some time out of your busy and stressful life to indulge in Hydro Spa and Salon’s second to none services. Turn back the clock with their age defying services including their Pro-

Collagen Age Defy and Pro-Definition Lift and Contour for a profoundly sculpted, youthful effect. Or relax your tired muscles and detoxify with their exquisite Moroccan Bath.

Best male spa

of last month’s issue and read about our review of the Special Moments Hammam treatment at Heavenly Spa. The hammam experience is especially unique as it is the biggest hammam chamber in Bahrain- a sight to behold! You’ll get your proper Turkish hammam experience here, with experienced therapists who help you escape the overstimulation of the world outside and unwind in true tranquility.

[BEST]

The Domain Hotel and Spa

[favourite]

Dessange Paris Established by Jacques Dessange in Paris in 1947, the elegance of Dessange is what makes it one of the ultimate day spas in Bahrain. Offering everything from fitness centre to a catalogue of classes, followed by a juice bar stop for a thirst quencher- you can unwind and get fully pampered with lots of body massages and treatments!

From the Himalayan Salt Stone Sauna to personalised massage therapies- The Domain and Hotel and Spa fuses cutting-edge science and natural elements to ensure the best treatments for all the men on the go out there! Get ripped with their Italian-designed TechnoGym or relax with a Sothys facial for a more rejuvenated and illuminated complexion.

[FAVOURITE]

Traditional Rose Hammam, The Gulf Hotel Bahrain Convention & Spa Relax and enjoy this traditional hammam from Arabia and let the scented black olive soap purify your body and clear your senses. Glow with vitality as your personal hammam mitt provides you with a vigorous exfoliation.

Best female spa [BEST]

Dessange Paris Whenever someone asks us where to go for a female-only experience, we can’t help but recommend Dessange. It’s practically an institution in Bahrain and the favourite among ladies who love to leisure and indulge in the finer things in life. There’s a real finesse about this spa where you feel totally taken care of and in good hands.

[FAVOURITE]

BEST SIGNATURE SPA TREATMENT

Sit back and sink into relaxation at the Movenpick Hotel Bahrain’s Wellness Spa and Fitness Centre.

Choose an experience as relaxing or as active as you want and discover their fully quipped state-of-the-art fitness centre or take a break with a revitalising spa treatment at their European style Rimal Spa.

The Ultimate Aromatherapy Experience, ART Rotana, Amwaj Islands

Movenpick Hotel Bahrain

BEST HAMMAM TREATMENT

Experience the ultimate customised aromatherapy experience using carefully applied pressures and techniques to encourage a healthy well-being for body and mind. There are several signature oils to choose from, formulated with natural plant and flower oils with wonderful exotic scents and powerful therapeutic benefits.

[FAVOURITE]

[FAVOURITE]

Invigorating Oud Massage, Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay

Mommy Wellness Day Spa The very essence of this spa is to celebrate women and all the amazing things we do! The core values of the spa sit so well with how we feel women should be pampered, indulged and treated. At a time when women are their most beautiful, vulnerable and strong, pregnant women and new mothers can rest assured that this spa is the safe haven you need and deserve!

[BEST]

[BEST]

Special Moments Hammam, The Westin Bahrain City Centre

As part of their Bahrain signature treatments, nothing is as unique as the Invigorating Oud Massage. It’s a deep-tissue massage using slow strokes and firm pressure to ease stress, this treatment uses Sodashi’s luxurious oud oil, rich with rose and frankincense, to melt your tension away.

If you need any convincing, just flip the pages www.ohlala-magazine.com

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Ohlala Awards BEST spa Design

BEST COUPLE’S TREATMENT [FAVOURITE]

Thalassa Sea and Spa, Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea and Spa

[BEST]

Rituals of Romance, Al Areen Palace & Spa This 120 minute escape allows you to leave the limits of time and share the experience with a friend or a loved one. Refresh and re-energise your mind and soul with their special package which includes: rainmist, rose exfoliating salt scrub-rain shower, body ritual massage, a nourishing milk bath and lovely refreshments.

[FAVOURITE]

The Domain Hotel & Spa Head over to The Domain Hotel and Spa for some much needed R&R with a loved one and get transported to a whole another realm! Give in to the powerful therapeutic tool of massage for an uplifting effect on your mood as well as physicality.

Select your favourite massage treatment and connect with your partner through a relaxing massage using therapeutic essential oils.

BEST SPA BRAND

The Bahrain Pearl’s thalassotherapy complex offers a vast array of seawater-based treatments, including hydrotherapy, massage and wellness. There’s also a beach club with fitness facility So FIT, steam rooms, tennis and squash courts, and a pool. Experience the healing power of seawater from the Arabian Gulf and choose from an array of massage and treatment options.

BEST spa products

[BEST]

ELEMIS, ART Rotana, Amwaj Islands Specialising in targeted skin and body care, Elemis use natural active ingredients combined with cutting-edge science to create leading, luxury spa-driven beauty products.

Producing some of the most influential antiageing products, ELEMIS therapists harness the power of nature and science to create ground-breaking formulations that genuinely transform your skin.

[FAVOURITE]

[BEST]

Natura Bisse, The Ritz Carlton, Bahrain

Akin with the ultimate wellness, Heavenly Spa is true to its word. This spa brand embodies a wellness philosophy where you can surrender to a healing touch and immerse yourself in relaxing scents, inspiring melodies and invigorating massages.

From refining acids to natural botanicals, Natura Bisse offers exclusive anti-aging formulas to deliver radiant skin. These products specifically target the effects of premature aging while personalising serums and other products to meet the needs of various skin types. Discover a brand that defines beauty and luxury.

Heavenly Spa, The Westin Bahrain City Centre

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[BEST]

Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay Impressive on an international scale, The Spa at Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay encompasses four interconnected buildings woven together with pathways and gardens with modern design filled with natural light, reflecting modern Moroccan and Turkish influences. Enjoy healing treatments from Asia, India and the Middle East as you soak in the tranquil and serene atmosphere.

[FAVOURITE]

Al Areen Palace and Spa Awaken your senses with the fragrant aroma of essential oils, herbs and spices in an atmosphere of opulence and serenity at the Al Areen Palace and Spa. A haven of supreme relaxation, the spa draws inspiration from the Chinese Five Element Philosophy and ancient Asian traditions- blending wellbeing with exotic flair!

Best health club [BEST]

Sheraton Hotel Bahrain This property provides one of the best and fully equipped health and recreation center in Bahrain with its top of the line gymnasium, swimming pool and recreation facilities. They offer an exclusive membership that allows you to keep fit by providing you with strength and cardio equipments along with extensive recreational facilities.

[FAVOURITE]

Crowne Plaza Bahrain This health club is perfect for the on-thego travelers who need to take some muchneeded time out for themselves. This is a great club to recharge your batteries, feel good and take the world by storm again.

Maintain your routine even while you’re travelling and get the right workout, exactly when you need it!

Best fitness centre

[FAVOURITE]

Royal Bahrain Hospital RBH delivers state-of-the-art-medical care with a professional team of doctors, nurses, paramedics and administrators with high-end facilities and equipment from countries such as Germany and the USA. As Royal Bahrain Hospital is the fifth healthcare institution of the KIMS group in the gulf region, patients can expect a high level of quality care and expertise to be provided within RBH.

BEST NON-INVASIVE SURGICALTREATMENT

As we said before, this is a premier fitness nirvana equipped with the best in modern facilities. You can benefit from specialist personal trainers who will help you up your cardio, weight management, introduce bodybuilding programs, group exercise, boxing classes, aerobics classes and nutrition plans.

[FAVOURITE] Lift

Head over to their website and the first thing you’ll think is: this is hardcore. And it is but the results are so worth it! This strength and conditioning centre is suitable for use by all individuals of any level of fitness. The gym is equipped with a 20 meter stretch of astroturf, TRX, olympic rings, battleropes, tyres, kettlebells, landmines and sleds.

Best Medical spa [BEST]

Dr. Tariq Hospital Dr. Tariq Saeed is the renowned Bahraini, Plastic, Aesthetic and Laser surgeon who has been in plastic surgery since 1983 and trained in Ireland, the UK and the USA. Dermaplast at Dr.Tariq hospital recognises that its clients are the center of its universe. It embraces the highest standards and most contemporary science.

[FAVOURITE]

Gloss Salon and Spa At Gloss Salon and Spa you can expect everything from modern chic haircuts, vibrant colour, highlights, special occasion styling, hair removal, pedicure, facials and make-up. The experienced team will help you determine the best services and will assist you to tailor them for your specific needs.

Their quirky and chic salon is designed to offer you an exciting experience and make you feel glamorous.

[BEST]

Fitness First

is met at Dessange Paris with the utmost knowledge, care and attention. We’ve had many a manicure and pedicure here and have come away from it super happy especially with the long-lasting results!

[BEST]

Carbon Facial, Hospitalia by Yara Carbon Facial is a new non invasive and pain-free laser treatment that is great for treating minor skin imperfections. This includes reducing fine lines and wrinkles, tightening dilated pores, reducing acne, scars and post acne discoloration, restoring skin integrity and radiance, stimulating collagen growth and clearing pores.

[FAVOURITE]

Skin Tightening, Marafie Clinic

BEST HAIR SALON [BEST]

Gloss Salon and Spa Conveniently located in the heart of Juffair, Gloss Bahrain is an exquisitely furnished salon and spa offering luxury treatment in a luxurious setting. Whatever style you want, Gloss can do it for you. Whether that is platinum highlights or lowlights, roots, blow dry, up dos or a Keratin straightening treatment, you’ll be able to get exactly what you want.

Skin Tightening with Cutera Titan® uses a safe infrared light energy to heat the dermis deep beneath your skin’s surface with the goal of tightening facial laxity and stimulating collagen growth – without surgery, recovery time, or injections. Titan is an ideal solution for your face lift, abdomen and arm skin tightening.

Best beauty salon [BEST]

Dessange Paris Enjoy state-of-the-art treatments and services in a beautifully luxurious setting at Dessange Paris- where beauty meets comfort! Every last beauty want and need

[FAVOURITE] Sash Spa

Hair care by Philip Kingsley takes centre stage at Sash Spa which aims to transform dull hair into lustrous glossy locks. You can do conditioning treatments, dry scalp packages and hair loss treatments. Sash brings to you bespoke beauty, tailor made luxury and personalised wellness. www.ohlala-magazine.com

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Ohlala Awards BEST NAIL STUDIO

canal procedures to complex teeth correction procedures. Experience the best quality services with some of the most advanced dental equipments.

CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

BEST WEIGHT LOSS PROGRAM [BEST]

[BEST]

NStyle Beauty Lounge We like to think of this nail studio as luxury at an affordable price. NStyle Beauty Lounge provides today’s modern women with the ultimate in beauty lavishness. Set in a trendy and highly luxurious store environment offering the highest quality services and stringent hygiene standardsthis place is nothing short of a nail heaven!

[FAVOURITE] N.Spa

The first nail spa and boutique of its kind in the Kingdom of Bahrain offers the most comprehensive menu of nail care services and exclusive nail care products, by the best brands in nail revolution such as Essie, Cuccio, Creative nail design and OPI. N.Spa provides today’s modern women with an elegant and indulgent range of Manicure and Pedicure experiences in a unique and luxurious setting.

BEST DENTAL SPA [BEST]

Seef Dental The year 2005 marked the birth of Seef Dental, when Dr. Azza Fityani, Dr. Sameh Shaheen, Dr. Roger El Bassit and Dr. Sami El Bassit joined ventures to address the growing demand for professional dental services in Bahrain.

The rich background of technical knowledge and academic exposure of the founders, as well as their wide spectrum of knowledge that encompassed different disciplines in dentistry, makes service at Seef Dental unique and professional.

[FAVOURITE]

Dr. Amal Dental Centre Bahrain Founded by Dr. Amal Al-Samak, Amal Dental Centre is one the leading providers of quality dental service in the Kingdom of Bahrain.

Their qualified physicians are adept at providing a plethora of solutions, from simple root 78

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VLCC Bahrain At VLCC, they endeavor to turn a desire to lose weight into an achievable state of healthy living, by offering a harmonious blend of the latest scientific technologies along with nutritional and lifestyle counseling in leading a happy, stress free life. They believe in the motto of ‘Transforming Lives’ and aim to provide the highest level of happiness and wellness to each individual.

[FAVOURITE] Diet Mealz

“Health is wealth” as much as “time is precious”.

At Diet Mealz, they aim to hit two birds at once.

Diet Mealz is a solution to this problem. Diet Mealz is a unique F&B outlet promoting healthy living. All meals are freshly prepared daily to ensure the food quality. Meals are individually portioned and packed in heatable containers for easy, healthy on the go meals.

BEST HOSPITAL [BEST]

Middle East Hospital The hospital is considered among the most advanced in equipment, and staffed with the best qualified in the area, to generate a service that is highly demanded by the populous in Bahrain and beyond. Moreover, while it is the most equipped and staffed, it provides its services at affordable cost to individuals, corporates and insurance companies alike – thanks to modern management systems that emphasize efficiency and quality of care.

[FAVOURITE]

American Mission Hospital American Mission Hospital has been providing healthcare for the people of Bahrain for over a hundred years in a non-profit setting. The ideals by which AMH was first established have remained unchanged in over a century of service. They believe in providing quality, affordable medical services and patient focused care for all.

The Westin Bahrain City Centre The Westin is a fierce believer of corporate social responsibility and have lots of projects lined up that will help make a difference.

They will be organising “Iftar for Cabs”, where they’ll distribute few hundreds of meals to taxi drivers during Ramadan. A Donation Campaign in partnership with City Centre Bahrain, Wahoo and Carrefour named “Make a Difference” is also in the works where all the associates will donate to the less fortunate. Plus, many other projects to look forward to!

Ohlala Arabia Bringing style across The Middle East

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Health Files

Pure & serene

For some added peace and tranquillity during Ramadan, head to Dessange Paris for the Island Sanctuary treatment where you’ll be taken care of from start to finish.

Dessange Paris is an institution in Bahrain. Ask any lady of leisure, hot shot entrepreneur or mum on-the-go where they go for some ‘me-time’ and they’ll cite Dessange Paris. The all-female spa is great for one of those perfect all-day experiences where you can work out in the morning in one of their classes and then smooth out the afternoon with a massage and mani-pedi.

We did something along those lines wherein we spent a good three hours getting totally pampered one morning. Starting off by slipping into (hands-down) one of the fluffiest and most cottonsoft bath robes we’ve ever had at a spa, we waited in the relaxation room for our therapist to arrive. We were in for the Island Sanctuary body treatment which is inspired by the bounty of an oasis, to give an experience that is tasteful, authentic, natural and delightfully effective.

The body scrub, using Green Bar products, was light and effective. This was a Sider ( Jujube) Leaf Powder that is pulverised with a little organic bicarbonate of soda into a thick paste with the rosemary anti-oxidant water to clean the body and exfoliate.

Our therapist didn’t scrape our skin off, she gently stroked her way up and down our body and left the scrub on after wrapping us up in a kind of cellophane material until we had a hot shower to take it all off. After which we had a soothing scalp massage using the Hair Protein Elixir from Green Bar, a revitalising oil, where the peppermint and rosemary wafted nicely above our head and sent us into a momentary sleep.

Our body massage was extra special because our therapist placed crystal stones near our chakras to elevate our mood before beginning the actual massage. This in and of itself is calming and makes you feel so zen. Our therapist let us choose the essential oil for our back massage based on the oil that stood out to us the most. For us, it was the Rose massage oil which spoke to us the most – it had a lingering impression. Our therapist very dexterously worked her way through our knots and very delicately fixed us back into shape again with long, languid strokes as well as staccato style moves.

A shower and an energising green juice later, we were due for a hair treatment to give our locks some much needed shine and bounce followed by a beautiful blow-dry that sent us off good and ready for the rest of the day feeling fabulously refreshed.

For more information or to book an appointment call: 1771 3999 80

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Chic Eats

Halet Layali at Gallery 21

With Gallery 21 newly opened, we have a new kid on the block for Iftars – this is one elegant and chic option.

21’s culinary team will be delivering a sumptuous buffet, which promises a journey of culinary discovery.

Designed to be enjoyed with family and friends our international iftar will offer a lavish selection of Bahraini favorites and international delicacies with Chino Latino, Moroccan, Lebanese and Gulf influences prepared from the freshest ingredients, from dates to meats and fishes grilled to perfection on our live barbecue station as well as enticingly divine homemade desserts.

Halet Layali is the perfect opportunity to sample the traditional, home-cooked flavors expertly prepared by our multi-cultural culinary talent.

Guests can enjoy the traditions of Iftar and Ghabaga at Gallery 21 with the option to choose between Asia de Cuba and Gallery Café dining areas.

Meanwhile guests can enjoy soothing entertainment from 9 pm, with a live Arabic band featuring Ms Eman Abdelaziz Arab Idol Finalist who will be performing ambient music for guests every night.

Guests are invited to share their Halet Layali Ramadan experiences on social media using the hashtag #HaletLayaliGallery21.

Timings

Especially for 2017,

Gallery 21 has introduced and is showcasing one of the finest Ramadan concepts in Bahrain, which is a special celebration of food and culture inspired by Ramadan’s spirit of giving and sharing.

Harnessing the talent of Gallery 21’s team as the venue will be completely transformed into a beautiful Ramadan experience, with stunning and contemporary interiors which will underline the Arabic heritage.

After breaking the fast on our delicious dates, Gallery

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Iftar - sunset to 8:30pm (Asia de Cuba & Gallery Café) Includes buffet, water, arabic drinks, arabic tea & coffee BD 14++ week days / BD16++ weekends. It’s BD14++ on weekdays and BD16++ weekends.

Ghabga – 9:00pm to 1:00am (Asia de Cuba & Gallery Café) Includes buffet, water, arabic drinks, arabic tea & coffee BD 13++ week days / BD 15++ weekends. It’s BD 13++ on weekdays and BD 15++ on weekends.

Genwa Lounge Sunset to 1:00am *A la carte menu available from 9:00pm to 1:00am at Gallery Café.

For more information or reservations call: 1771 1600

Bushra at Bushido

Discover Bushra at Bushido, a unique Ramadan experience, where we spend many of our Iftars each Ramadan.

Bushra returns to Bushido Restaurant & Lounge for the sixth

successive year this Ramadan and focuses to deliver a high-quality experience for all guests. 2017’s Ramadan will once again transform Bushido’s opulent Japanese-pagoda into a modern Arabic experience.

Entitled ‘Bushra’, which translates as “good news” in Arabic, Bushido’s special Ramadan event is set to keep this restaurant as one of the trendiest in town. Bushido will be converted into a tent, designed for everyone to share the experience, where there will be a mix of traditional dishes and live cooking stations. Join us for a spectacular celebration with your loved ones and delight your senses with a traditional yet contemporary menu featuring Middle Eastern and international specialties. The food on offer will be coordinated by Bushra’s experienced culinary team. The buffet includes a wider selection of beverages comprising of traditional teas, Arabic coffee, exotic mocktails, labans, and other infusions. Bushra will also open both Teppanyaki kitchens to offer a generous selection of Japanese cuisine. A tent and a buffet aren’t just what Ramadan is all about.

It is a celebration of a lifestyle and a distinct culture. Once again Bushra hopes to prove that traditions have never been so trendy!

In addition to the feast-worthy food, Bushra will continue to offer beverages carefully created by Bushra’s bar team. A variety refreshing high quality infusions, Arabic coffee, exotic mocktails and labans will be available.

Meanwhile, a special area will be transformed into a relaxing atmosphere, to enjoy late into the night, specifically designed for those who wish to dine in and site back with a shisha.

Timings Iftar - sunset to 8:30pm Enjoy a buffet with over 100 exquisite dishes as well as live cooking stations to whet your appetite. Includes buffet, water, arabic drinks, arabic tea & coffee. BD15++ week days / BD17++ weekends.

Ghabga – 9:00 to 11:30pm Appreciate a reduced cost version of our Iftar, offering with a buffet that continues late into the evening. Includes buffet, water, arabic drinks, arabic tea & coffee. BD13++ week days/BD15++ weekends.

For more information or reservations call: 1758 3555 www.ohlala-magazine.com

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Chic Eats

The Sweetest Thing As Chef Daniel Lajoux steps into his new Pastry Chef role at The Gulf Hotel Bahrain Convention & Spa, we sit with him to talk all things cheesecake.

Chef Daniel Lajoux

A distinguished expert in his field, Chef Daniel Lajoux has been making pastry magic over 40 years. Starting as a humble apprentice to working as a corporate pastry chef under the legendary Michel Roux, Chef Daniel has worked through countless pastry shops and luxury prestigious hotels. From the Ritz in London, the Crillon in Paris, St Regis in Qatar, Sofitel in Bahrain and many more. Appointed as Executive Pastry Chef at the iconic Gulf Hotel in Bahrain, the French born culinary genius continues to fulfill his pastry passion with over more ground breaking recipes.

Having worked with some of the world’s greatest chefs, Chef Daniel has developed such an impeccable taste and was even awarded a “Maitre du gout” from the Corporate Chefs of America. Staying true to this recognition, he has vowed both his peers and clients with the variety, innovations and inedible taste that he puts into his creations.

Being even so passionate about his craft Chef Daniel’s masterpieces celebrate exquisite and authentic good flavours.

Where did you learn to make cheesecake?

I learned in Miami, USA, where I also used to be a corporate pastry chef for a major cruise liner. And here in Bahrain, we have decided to focus on cheesecake. My favourite is plain with berries however, we do many flavours from European style to Arabic.

What’s the difference between a European and Arabic flavoured cheesecake?

I would say European is more generic, for example: tiramisu cheesecake, caramelised popcorn cheesecake, green tea raspberry but for Bahrain we do a saffron apricot and pistachio, among other flavours.

What are you hoping to do at Café Delices?

My philosophy as a pastry chef is ‘good product and good ingredients’.

I just started here at The Gulf Hotel so I am pushing my team to understand my philosophy which honours natural flavours. I don’t use any artificial chemicals and I try to maintain a distinctly French 84

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touch. And I plan to change the concept every two-three months to keep it fresh.

Specifically, what is your pastry philosophy?

It doesn’t matter how complicated the product is, you have to do it with passion and love.

Are there any kind of off-beat type pastries you’d like to do?

I would love to create emoji macaroons - something very different.

CHEESECAKE LOLIPOP (10 PORTIONS) Ingredients 500 gr cream cheese 80 gr sugar 1 Vanilla pod 1 lemon juice + zest 4 eggs 50 gr sour cream Method Combine cream cheese and sugar until smooth.

Add vanilla, lemon juice and zest.

Add the eggs and sour cream.

Finishing Pipe the mixture into a flexipan sphere mold.

Bake at 140’ Celsius until set and place a lollipop stick in the center.

Place into the freezer for 6 hours.

Dip the lollipop into melted white chocolate and decorate to your taste. www.ohlala-magazine.com

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june Dining

“Through prayer, fasting, and studying, God will answer.” - Monica Johnson

The Royal Golf Club, Bahrain

Award-winning Executive Chef, Paul Gindra, is delighted to announce the launch of Elements Diners Club, an exciting new way to enjoy all the Club’s fantastic dining options. For just BD90 per year, Elements members will enjoy generous discounts in the Club’s four restaurants, exclusive members only access during Ramadan, free and discounted access to special events throughout the year and many more great benefits. Call: 1775 0777

The Gulf Hotel Bahrain Convention & Spa

Lebanese restaurant Zahle will launch its new exclusive entertainment program during Eid. Famous belly dancer - “The Flaming Duo” with accompanied celebrated Arabic singers for daily live-entertainment. An exclusive dinner set menu will be offered to the guests for dinner during this 3 days celebration. Price: BD 26++. Call: 1771 3000

Al Areen Palace & Spa

This opulent property will create a memorable event during the Holy Month of Ramadan this year, with a 1001 Arabian Nights theme at Al Qasr tent. The festivities will have an Arabic atrium setting, offering a medley of spaces for families, friends, corporate guests and VIPs. Discover our exquisite Iftar and Ghabga buffet of Arabic and International cuisine with live cooking stations for everyone’s delight as you gather around for this joyous celebration. It will also include various live counters and BBQ stations. The Iftar buffet will be BD12++ during the weekdays and BD14++ on weekends. Call: 1784 5000

ART Rotana, Amwaj Islands

Transferring their all-day dining restaurant, Choices, and terrace to a modern souk for Ramadan, where everything will be displayed in an exceptional way, we are sure you’ll love the atmosphere. Break your fast with traditional Arabic drinks then enjoy an eminent spread of dishes from the Middle Eastern region and many more from around the globe. The cherry on top are the spectacular live stations that will have you all wowed and absolutely in love.

For the Ghabga, they’ll be offering the same astonishing setup. In addition to an amazing live musical performance and the best flavors of shisha to keep everyone entertained throughout the evening. The Iftar is priced at BD19++ and the Ghabga BD21++. Call: 1600 0111

The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain

Sample exotic flavours in oversized contemporary Meduse pipes and enjoy the finest shisha experience at The Ritz Gourmet Lounge terrace.

A selection of flavours include a blend of watermelon, lemon and coconut, Eden’s Apple, a composition of Eskandarani apple, chocolate and mint or Karkade Mist, mixed with pomegranate, strawberry and plum. Enjoy 2 shishas and get complimentary Arabic savouries and Moroccan mint tea. 50% savings on the third one. It’s BD25++ from 10-27 May, 7-10:00pm. Call: 1758 6499 86

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Sheraton Bahrain Hotel

Known for its complete Ramadan experience, Awali Ballroom boasts a traditional Arabic décor in a neutral colour palette, palatial arches engraved with fine mosaic, carved mahogany wood paneling and a twin tent roof with stunning wrought iron chandeliers that creates a distinct and sophisticated ambience. Iftar dishes includes traditional Arabic dishes, international menu option, traditional Arabic juices corner, a huge variety of cold mezzah and starter, a dates corner fits for the occasion, crepe station and exciting dessert corners guests love. Iftar buffet is served from sunset to 8:30 PM. It’s BD16++ from Sunday-Wednesday and then BD17++ on weekends. Call: 1753 3533

Le Meridien Bahrain City Centre

The “Sweetest brunch” awarded best brunch by popular vote by Citi FACT Awards will be having a Mexican theme brunch on 5 May. Discover it for yourself, and be prepared to indulge in a sensorial and savoury experience.

It’s BD18++ including soft drinks and water, or BD30++ including selected free flow beverages. Live music from Colombian Fire Soul Duo. Book for 10 + people, and receive 20% discount. Discounted access to swimming pool. From 12:30pm – 4pm. Call: 1717 1144

The Domain Hotel and Spa

Take advantage of one of Bahrain’s best breakfasts before Ramadan starts and head over to Le Sauvage and Le Domain on the 34th floor of this beautiful city property. It’s open daily from 6:30-10:00am every morning and is BD10++.

Get your fix of eggs, pancakes and delicious cereals. Call: 1600 0000

Downtown Rotana

Gather with your family, friends and colleagues during the Holy month of Ramadan over a vibrant spread of extravagant Iftar or Ghabga buffet at Al Maha Tent for BD13++ including Ramadan drinks and desserts while enjoying the soothing music of the Oud player. The unique Ramadan decorations, entertainment and the outdoor ballroom terrace add some more magic to your lovely evenings. Share 3 days of Eid Al Fitr bliss with a vibrant and friendly ambiance together with a wide selection of dishes in a lavish buffet for only BD 13++ including juices and soft drinks.Call: 1311 9999

Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay

Ramadan will take place at Al Bahrain Ballroom which will include the main dining area and shisha lounge overlooking the Arabian Gulf, all dressed up in a modern Arabesque theme. It will feature a wide selection of traditional Bahraini fare as well as Lebanese, Moroccan, Indian,Turkish and global cuisine with a number of live cooking stations. The Iftar will be BD26++ (including beverages: still or sparkling water, soft drinks, chilled juice, Arabic coffee pass around and the Ghabga will be BD28++ (including beverages available at the buffet only) while the Shisha is BD8++. Call: 1711 5500

Chic Eats

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DivA Drives

M a se r a t i ’ s Q u a tt r opo r te G T S G r a n S po r t It seems as if Maserati can’t put a foot wrong when it comes to the designing of the Quattroporte range.

F

or over 50 years, Maserati’s Quattroporte has been turning heads and bringing smiles to the faces of all those lucky enough to get behind the wheel. This restyled, sixth generation luxury sedan secures the brand’s continued iconic legacy, adding even more pleasure to the exciting driving experience.

When one is handed keys to a car such as the new Maserati Quattroporte GTS, they are accompanied by a sense of anticipation and responsibility; much like that of a teenager being allowed to drive his parent’s car for the first time. We at Ohlala accepted the responsibility gladly and could not wait to put this beauty of an automobile through its paces.

At first glance, the changes to the front facia are obvious with a new bumper and revised grill deepening the powerful shark nose effect. Larger side vents add to its fierce appearance whilst new chrome strips, lowered air vents and sporty side intakes enhance the elegance of the design. An aggressive black piano spoiler completes the rear view of the GranSport 88

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which is also fitted with 21” Titano rims and features red brake calipers as well as a gloss black finish on the bumpers. As a whole, the lines of this car’s impressive body are sleek and stylish, immediately showcasing both its class and prowess.

Once inside, the car continued to impress with an interior that leaves the driver wanting for nothing. Only the finest materials and equipment have been used including premium Italian leathers, fine woods and handcrafted stitching. One is content to simply sit in silence, taking in all the beauty the GranSport has to exhibit. Being a Maserati, it comes as no surprise this is all accompanied by the very latest in high-tech instrumentation.

12-way power adjustable leather front seats ensure you have both comfort and a perfect driving position. We found the sport steering wheel to be both efficient and comfortable in design, providing a solid grip, which gives one a sense of being in charge. The central console is equipped with the very latest touch-screen infotainment system, complete with a high

resolution 8.4� screen with multi-touch functionality and an additional rotary knob for volume and function control. The system is compatible with both the Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring functions.

A fantastic new feature is the Air Quality Sensor which substantially improves the comfort for the occupants through an intelligent sensor and a signal analysis system. It calculates the external pollution levels and prevents polluted air and toxic gases from entering the cabin. It is good to know when this car was being designed, you and your family’s health was taken into consideration. Staying with safety features, a new package of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems is available as an option in the new Quattroporte.

This automobile is far from all fluff and pomp. It has the power to back up its aggressive looking exterior which we experienced soon after pulling onto the tarmac. This mechanical monster is powered by a 3.0 V6 petrol engine with 350hp and boasts impressive speed and acceleration.

The engine comes with the ZF eight-speed automatic gearbox; ensuring precise gear changes and precision performance. Electronically controlled Skyhook shock absorbers and aluminium suspension are also present. There are five operating modes including Auto Normal, Auto Sport, Manual Normal, Manual Sport and Increased Control & Efficiency (ICE) mode.

This allows one to customise control and performance for any conditions.

After a smooth ride in a car with dream handling, ultimate comfort, awesome power and a perfect combination of design and functionality, we only have great things to say about this luxury sedan. If we were lucky enough to be able to afford a Maserati of this calibre, we would not hesitate to secure one as soon as possible from EuroMotors. Whether it is beauty, comfort, status or power you are after, this high-performance motor vehicle offers the full package.

For more information or to book a test drive call: 1773 4734 www.ohlala-magazine.com

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Ohlala Spa & Wellness Awards In our debut annual Spa & Wellness awards, it’s been a long time coming for us to acknowledge the leaders of the industry as we’ve spent many years lapping up treatments across the island. We love to indulge in the finer things in life and we hope to continue to do so till next year’s ceremony. Congratulations to all the BEST and FAVOURITE winners in each category.

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80s Night at Primavera We went all out last month, donning our finest oversized blazers, ripped tights and bold colours for The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain’s ‘Back To The 80s’ night at Italian restaurant, Primavera.

Sofitel Beach Party Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa held an all white party on their sandy shores last month with lots of revellers involved.

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Francophile Gala Dinner Celebrating the French society in Bahrain, Downtown Rotana held a Francophile gala dinner in honour of Bahrain and France’s strong ties.

Quintessential Oriental Fragrance An exclusive cocktail reception was help at Gallery 21 for the media to discover the Quintessential Oriental Fragrance of Guerlain with the presence of HRH Princess Esther Kamatari of Burundi and HE Sheikh Rashid Bin Khalifa Al Khalifa.

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La Sante Event An exclusive event at La Sante, the woman wellness centre, was held last month in preparation for Ramadan.

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Van Cleef & Arpels Frivole Collection The luxury jewellery brand introduced their luminous ode to nature with the Frivole Collection presented at the Van Cleef & Arpels boutique at Moda Mall.

Portuguese National Day In honour of Portugal’s National Day, dignitaries and ambassadors alike joined forces to celebrate the European country at the Royal Golf Club. www.ohlala-magazine.com

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Alto Lounge & Bar Opening Downtown Rotana have a new lounge and bar for us to discover. We went to the opening of Alto which is the hottest destination for partying.

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For the 10 year anniversary, the media and VIP guests were invited to The Meat Company to celebrate a decade of fine service and fabulous steak.

The Annual Memorial Trophy Match The annual DHL Memorial Charity Rugby Match was held last month for the eighth time in a row at the Bahrain Rugby Club which saw the Barbarians vs. Bahrain Select go head to head. All donations generated during the 2017 event were distributed to the RIA School for Autistic Children, the BSPCA and the Bahrain Red Crescent Society among other societies.

Bob Marley Tribute Concert Coral Bay held a Bob Marley tribute concert as part of the reggae beach fest. Featuring international stars, Kevin Lyttle, DJ Teddy Jam, DJ Jomex and DJ Santi.

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Miss Ohlala

Confessions Of A Shopaholic There is an art to sale shopping. I am a self-confessed bargain hunter who detests paying full price for anything unless it’s limited edition, bespoke or custom made.

It has taken me years of practice and wardrobe gremlins to finally acknowledge that I am a good sale shopper. Mistakes include dresses that I could never fit my rib cage into notwithstanding any amount of dieting, quirky patterns that are not my cup of tea, clothes in colours that I don’t wear, clothes that don’t match anything else in my wardrobe and shoes that were always going to pinch my toes.

However, my greatest mistake was my first London shopping trip in my teens where I purchased a micro white lace up dress and black faux fur coat in the sales on the Kings Road. I was really proud of my purchases as I jumped onto the London Underground, but knew I had made a fashion faux pas as soon as I got home and my godparents asked me to try on my purchases and I was too embarrassed to do so. I never wore that white dress, but at least my black coat did keep me warm whilst queueing to enter nightclubs as a student.

To up your sale shopping game, here are my top tips: It might sound obvious, but preparation is key. Before you leave the house, take a look at your wardrobe to work out which items you actually need. Ideally you will have compiled a wish list over the year of designer items that you would like to purchase if they come on sale. I love dresses and hence have a wardrobe full of them, but there really is a limit to how many dresses you can wear.

Be saavy and don’t impulse buy in the sales. Don’t waste time sale shopping in high street shops that you ordinarily shop in, like H&M or Zara, whose sales can often jumble sales and drive you to seek refuge in the nearest bar. Seek out designer bargains where you will get more for your money in shops where you can browse in peace on rails that are not too tightly packed.

Try to buy pieces that won’t be out of fashion by the end of the season.

Wardrobe staples like plain coloured cashmere jumpers, white shirts, wool 98

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magdalena frackowiak

As Ramadan and mid-season sales approach, Miss Ohlala gives her best advice on how to find that bargain.

pencil skirts, stoals and statement jewellery are always a safe investment.

Clutch bags in various hues that are rarely out of fashion are super useful for throwing together last minute party outfits.

FOMO will often cause you to make bad decisions. If in doubt, leave the shop, go grab a coffee and sit and think about the item in question.

Be sure to check out online sites such as the outnet.com and netaporter. com from the comfort of your armchair. Sign up to newsletters from your favourite brands to get advance warning of their sales.

Most importantly, don’t go sale shopping on a hungry stomach, when tired or after a bubbly brunch.

In terms of my greatest sale successes, they would probably be an 80 percent off an Erikson Beamon necklace that I would never have been able to afford full price, a Matthew Williamson ra-ra skirt that makes me wanna dance all night long and an Alexander McQueen dress that was such a steal I had to ask the price three times.

Happy shopping!

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Muharraq Seef Mall Tel: +973 17 420 707

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Al Haddad Motors, Kingdom of Bahrain. Tel: 17785454 100 www.ohlala-magazine.com marketing@alhaddad-mercedesbenz.com, www.bahrain.mercedesbenzme.com