Ohlala Qatar March 2023

Editor’s Letter

It’s becoming quite clear that winter is in its last breath. I have been carrying jackets but barely wearing them, and the chilly evening breeze is losing its power. This means it is time to welcome the spring and summer 2023 (SS2023) fashion trends with open arms in this part of the world. We bring a selection of the coolest colours, cuts and styles to embrace in the upcoming months.

The Doha Jewellery & Watches Exhibition 2023 ended recently and we bring a series of interviews with some of the greatest names in the field for an insight into their brands. Plus CHANEL’s latest timepiece creation. Our beauty spread has must-try products, scents and a pampering session at Mandarin Oriental, Doha. We also bring a glimpse of The Diplomatic Club Spa. The year is flying by – it’s time to press relax!

Homes trends are a thing – even though they are not as popular and frequent as in fashion – we bring some of the latest ideas in interior design.

In our travel section, we had a wonderful staycation at Maysan Doha LXR Hotels & Resorts, one of the newest properties in Doha. A perfect destination to de-stress and enjoy great food. Türkiye suffered enormously with the recent natural disasters that hit the country, but we travelled to Istanbul to support this beloved country and stayed at the marvellous Conrad Istanbul Bosphorus. This month we celebrate International Women’s Day and Mother’s Day, and there's nothing better than spending time with the fantastic women in our lives at a special dinner. Check out the Arabic spread at Zoufa, located at Al Samriya, Doha, Autograph Collection, if you are looking for local flavours.

Happy March!

Fernanda Langhammer Editor-in-Chief

FERRAGAMO

I SEE FLOWERS IN YOU

Blossom season starts this month and flower prints are the perfect pick! Celebrate spring with a wardrobe dedicated to botanical elements.

Oscar De La Renta went big on flowers this season. We love this look because it mixes different approaches to the motif – blouse, skirt and handbag welcoming spring in their own style, but with something in common.

Floor-length dresses in light-weight materials are perfect for the warm months ahead. CH Carolina Herrera has awe-inspiring numbers in impeccable cuts and textiles.

Looking for a smaller detail? These Tory Burch earrings with a flower design will add a delicate touch to your looks.

This kind of print may not be up everyone’s alley. If that’s your case, you can opt for an abstract pattern just like this Celine shirt.

The classic Weekend Max Mara Pasticcio Bag is covered in floral prints to add a dash of colour to your neutral and basic outfits.

Relax & Unwind

Unwind in style at any of our eight private fully serviced cabanas, seventeen open gazebos, and Whirlpool. You can indulge in the refreshing water of the pool while enjoying our exceptional views of the marina. As for our the little ones, fun is limitless as they can enjoy the refreshing water in the kids’ pool and take part in engaging activities by the pool.

• Family Pool Day Pass (Weekdays) | QAR 600 inclusive of F&B credit*

• Family Pool Day Pass (Weekends) | QAR 750 inclusive of F&B credit*

* Single & Couple’s day passes are available

* F&B credit can be used only at Al Mandaloun Waterfront or Manos restaurant

For inquiries, please contact +974 4020 4477

stregismarsaarabia.com

STYLE Trends

GOLDEN SUNSHINE

Yellow is once again reigning in the new collections. Since being picked as Pantone colour of the year in 2021, this illuminating shade hasn’t left the spotlight. From bright canary to pale buttermilk, the hue can be spotted in clothes and accessories for an eye-catching effect.

MOSCHINO

SPORTMAX

STELLA MCCARTNEY

PRADA

STYLE Trends

MODEST MODE

Most of the time, sophistication lives in simplicity. Modest fashion is a way of wearing simple cuts and less skin-revealing clothes to align with an aesthetic that follows reasons of faith or personal preference. With Ramadan starting this month, we bring a selection of elegant pieces to inspire your wardrobe.

RIZWAN

STELLA MCCARTNEY

NATURE HEDONIST

MAX MARA VIVI ZUBEDI

LEEM

CELINE LORO PIANA

KLAMBY

Please scan the QR code to view our Ramadan Brochure

Cherish Ramadan and all its traditions at InterContinental Doha Beach & Spa. Enjoy an array of Iftar & Sohour throughout our award winning dining destinations, or dine on bespoke outside catering and private gathering packages. A unique Ramadan culinary experience awaits. doha.intercontinental.com

Trends

ICONIC ACCESSORY

Scarves can be worn around the neck, shoulders and head, but if you land on the creative side of life (or make a quick Youtube search), you can come up with many different ways to wear them. They are also a great accessory to complement your modest style.

CELINE

FERRAGAMO

GUCCI AT FARFETCH

STYLE Trends

BAGS TO BRAG

If there is a rare scene to spot in public, it is finding a woman not carrying a handbag. This accessory has a practicality imbued in its existence but is also great for complementing looks. This season, give preference to those with different textures – forget plain leather and welcome interesting volumes and unique designs.

SERAPIAN

MAISON MARGIELA STELLA MCCARTNEY

MOYNAT

MIU MIU

DELVAUX

FENDI

WEEKEND MAX MARA

BEJEWELLED BEAUTY

Another way of accessorising your modest style is to add beautiful and eye-catching pieces to your looks. Chunky earrings, long necklaces and structured rings are our favourite picks

MICHAEL KORS COLLECTION

DONNA HOURANI X GEMFIELDS

MAX MARA

VHERNIER

BIL ARABI

CELINE

FERRAGAMO REPOSSI ETRO

We bring exciting news from the worlds of fashion and beauty. This month, our round-up is all about cool collaborations and philanthropy initiatives.

French Aura

The French perfume brand Parfums de Marly hosted an exclusive event at Printemps Doha last month to celebrate the regional launch of their new fragrance, VALAYA. This musky-woodyfloral perfume brings together a synergy of natural materials and innovative molecules. The scent is composed of a minimalist bouquet that revolves around orange blossom and mandarin notes. These ingredients are enhanced by a dose of musk and placed atop noble wood and vanilla opulence. Other notes are white peach, vetiver and akigalawood. The sensual base is Ambrofix, a molecule that gradually delivers a warm facet of amber. Parfums de Marly was established by Julien Sprecher, the brand’s Founder and Creative Director, who loves perfumery and history. With Parfums de Marly, he expresses his passion for the olfactory universe and the splendour of the 18th century – for him, classic is always audacious. Printemps Doha is the destination for luxury fashion, jewellery, scents, unique dining experiences and much more.

For A Good Cause

The luxury Italian brand Valentino collaborated with the Education Above All (EAA) Foundation, a global organisation established in 2012 by Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, creating a jewellery collection unveiled at the Doha Jewellery & Watches Exhibition 2023. The proceeds from these pieces will be put towards supporting EAA’s project in Somalia. The initiative is a partnership with CARE and aims to bring 57,600 primary school children back to education by 2024. Regarding the collaboration, EAA’s Director of Partnerships, Parintaj Sulaiman, said: “We are proud to be working with Valentino, a global brand known and respected for its iconic designs and commitment to an inclusive society made by local entities and global movements. Thanks to this partnership, Education Above All will now be able to bring primary education to the children of Somalia.” The collaboration is part of EAA and Valentino’s commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 17, which calls for a global partnership for sustainable development.

Jewels Of Joy

The French jewellery house Messika has designed a special capsule called MESSIKA CARE(S) to help women and children in Lebanon. For each piece purchased from this collection, the Valérie Messika Foundation, created in 2021, will donate 100 euros to the CARE NGO. The goal is to provide monthly basic hygiene kits to help young Lebanese and refugee girls. Valérie, the brand’s Creative Director, chose her iconic motif, the Move and its diamond-in-motion design to compose the creations. For this collection, they come in a smaller size. There are two bracelet designs, one in rose, yellow and white gold and another option with the same gold colours plus diamonds and a diamond cord necklace. The bracelets are available in two wrist sizes to be worn by both mothers and their children – the perfect gift to share, a symbol of attachment and family ties.

Japanese Touch

Luxury fashion house Jimmy Choo celebrates the 30th anniversary of the iconic manga Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon with a collection highlighting the brand’s principles of bold individuality, unique imagery and female empowerment. The pieces fuse the visions of two female creatives, Sandra Choi, Jimmy Choo’s Creative Director and Sailor Moon’s creator Naoko Takeuchi. “This collaboration underscores our shared values not just of female empowerment but for fashion’s ability to inspire inclusivity and individuality through personality and self-belief. The notion of transformation via fashion is central to Naoko Takeuchi, and clothes play a vital role in the identity of her superheroines, especially their shoes, the most powerful transformer you can step into,” said Sandra. The Jimmy Choo x Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon collection translates these qualities in a capsule of footwear and accessories themed around the key characters: Sailor Mercury, Sailor Mars, Sailor Jupiter, Sailor Venus, their mentor cat Luna and, of course, Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon herself.

Pop Partnership

Sports brand adidas and IVY PARK, an athleisure clothing line owned, managed and operated by American singer Beyoncé, through her management company Parkwood Entertainment, have announced their latest collaborative collection called PARK TRAIL. The creations are inspired by the resilience of the outdoors, the spirit of the streets and the possibilities of the future. As with the previous adidas x IVY PARK offerings, this latest drop features distinctive looks with inclusive and gender-neutral sizing in fashion styles, performance gear, footwear and accessories. The versatile apparel looks re-visit classic outdoor styles and interpret them through elevated fabrics, powerful iconography, sequins and camouflage. PARK TRAIL’s footwear elevates well-known IVY PARK classics while adding distinct newness, capturing iconic styles from the adidas archives. Fully convertible backpacks, bags and hats are all crafted with utilitarian accents, including carabiners and fastenings that channel the great outdoors.

THAT SUMMER FEELING

The past two years were marked with pandemicrelated disruptions and cancellations, but the Spring and Summer 2023 (SS2023) fashion shows had a relatively normal schedule apart from London, where there were some changes due to the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. In New York, Fendi celebrated the 25th anniversary of the brand’s iconic Baguette bag and we saw creations from Michael Kors, Tommy Hilfiger and Tom Ford. In Milan, there were surprise appearances at Versace, with Paris Hilton hitting the runway and Kate Moss walking for Bottega Veneta. The fashion month ended as usual in Paris with shows from traditional brands such as Chanel, Dior and Louis Vuitton. Summer is associated with the fire element (and for us living in the Middle East, this is an element we know all too well during the hottest season of the year!) and is associated with joy. Fire energy brings happiness and a warm feeling to our chests. With this in mind, we welcome the SS 2023 collections.

“Nothing but blue skies and summer dresses.” –

OHLALA Insights

3D NATURE

FLOWERS, SEA ANIMALS, BUTTERFLIES AND HUMMINGBIRDS REACH OUT OF GARMENTS AND ACCESSORIES FOR AN EMBELLISHING EFFECT. YOU CAN ADD THE 3D ELEMENT WITH BROOCHES OR REMOVABLE DETAILS IF YOU WANT TO EMBRACE THE TREND BUT NOT REALLY COMPROMISE YOUR CLOTHES.

ACID GREEN

FLUORESCENT SHADES ARE GREAT FOR PAINTING YOUR SUMMER OUTFITS. BUT GREEN IS THE HUE THAT STANDS OUT IN THE POOL OF BRIGHT HUES. IT CAN HAVE A SECONDARY ROLE COVERING DETAILS OR ACCESSORIES OR EVEN STEAL THE SHOW AND APPEAR IN LONG DRESSES OR COATS.

CAROLINA HERRERA

OSCAR DE LA RENTA

SPORTMAX

PRADA

GEORGES HOBEIKA COUTURE

MICHAEL KORS COLLECTION

CASADEI

HOMOLOG

LOEWE

STELLA MCCARTNEY

BABY BLUE

TO BALANCE THE LUMINESCENT GREEN, GO FOR PALE AND ICY BLUE. THE SHADE IS A COOL WAY TO ADD COLOUR TO YOUR NEUTRAL WARDROBE WITHOUT DISRUPTING YOUR LOOKS TOO MUCH IF YOU ARE NOT A FAN OF VIVID PALETTES. LIGHT AZURE TONES TEAM UP PRETTY WELL WITH BLACK AND BEIGE.

LOOSE ENDS

FRINGES HAVE BECOME A STAPLE DURING SPRING AND SUMMER COLLECTIONS; THEY ADD A HIPPIE FLAIR TO OUTFITS AND A SENSE OF FREEDOM. THIS SEASON, THEY HAVE BEEN APPLIED TO ALL SORTS OF GARMENTS AND ACCESSORIES – FROM TROUSERS TO HANDBAGS. GO FOR FLOWING STRINGS TO ADD A REFRESHING DETAIL TO YOUR LOOKS.

MICHAEL KORS COLLECTION

BALLY

VERSACE

JOHANNA ORTIZ

ANCIENT GREEK SANDALS

MAISON MARGIELA FENDI

STELLA MCCARTNEY CELINE

MAX MARA CH CAROLINA HERRERA TALLER MARMO

OHLALA Insights

GODDESS MODE

DRESSES AND SUMMER ARE LIKE TOAST AND BUTTER –A COMBINATION MADE IN HEAVEN! FOR THIS SEASON, DESIGNERS HAVE BEEN A BIT OBSESSED WITH ONE SPECIFIC CUT: THE GODDESS DRESS. INSPIRED BY THE GRECO-ROMAN STYLE, THEY ARE USUALLY FLOWY WITHOUT HUGGING THE BODY AND CASCADE GENTLY TO THE FLOOR.

BE TRANSPARENT

SHEER LOOKS HAVE ALWAYS FOUND A SOFT SPOT IN DESIGNERS’ HEARTS, BUT THIS SUMMER, THE TREND IS EVERYWHERE (MORE THAN EVER). TRANSPARENCY IS MAINLY IN THIN COATS AND LONG SLEEVES. ACCESSORIES ALSO EMBRACE THE SEE-THROUGH EFFECT APPLIED TO SHOES AND HANDBAGS.

FENDI COUTURE

ALEXANDER MCQUEEN

FENDI

OSCAR DE LA RENTA

PRADA

MALONE SOULIERS

FERRAGAMO

JOHANNA ORTIZ VALENTINO

HEAD SPACE

AVOID THE SUN IN STYLE BY ADDING HATS TO YOUR OUTFITS. THEY CAN CREATE AN EDGY DETAIL TO A BORING LOOK OR PLAY A SECONDARY ROLE WHEN YOU CHOOSE A MAXI DRESS IN BOLD PRINTS. GO FOR NATURAL MATERIALS SUCH AS STRAW OR COTTON TO ALLOW YOUR HEAD TO BREATHE.

HEELS HIGHLIGHT

INVEST IN SHOES WITH EXCITING HEELS. THEY USUALLY HAVE SIMPLE DESIGNS AND THE HEELS ARE THE SHOW-STOPPER. PICK THE ONES WITH AN ARTSY TOUCH OR AN ARCHITECTURAL LOOK FOR A WOW EFFECT – A GREAT PICK TO ADD SOME INTERESTING DETAIL TO A PLAIN OUTFIT.

MAX MARA

SPORTMAX

FERRAGAMO

WEEKEND MAX MARA

ETRO

LA DOUBLEJ

MAX MARA

MOSCHINO

CELINE

CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN

A Legacy Of GEMS

OHLALA – Which ranges did Garrard showcase at DJWE 2023?

Laura Peach – We always showcase all of our iconic collections, but we have three in particular that we are promoting this year. Couture is our new range of high jewellery. It’s different from our regular high jewellery, which is more classic in style with a strong focus on classic stones such as rubies, emeralds, diamonds and sapphires. It’s more design-led, more colourful and bold – it was launched in 2022. We also have Fanfare, which features faceted gemstones and ornamental hard stones. It has a fan motif inspired by Garrard’s earliest years. What we’ve done this year is introduce new designs to the existing Fanfare collection. We have our four-diamond mini pieces, which are perfect for gifting, pendants, earrings and bracelets in three gold colours. We have some lovely long necklaces. And we have more bracelets. The third is Wings – Garrard’s signature collection globally – which represents peace, purity and protection. We will be celebrating 20 years of Wings this year.

OHLALA – If you could choose three words to encapsulate Garrard’s style, what would they be?

Laura Peach – I think you’d have to start with heritage. We are the longest-serving jewellery brand in the world. Born in 1735, so nearly 300 years old. With that heritage comes experience and a certain level of quality like no other. We like to carry our history throughout our jewellery today. We’ve served the British royal family for every single monarch since our existence and other royal families around the world as well. The second is craftsmanship. We work with master artisans and an incredible design team – a fully female design team. It’s jewellery designed by women for women. They understand how things fit, how things should sit and how comfortable things need to be. I think you get a different level of elegance in the design. The third would have to be quality. We take a lot of care and attention in selecting our stones, especially with high jewellery, where pieces are unique. We want to make sure that we’re showcasing items that you can’t see anywhere else.

The Doha Jewellery & Watches Exhibition (DJWE) 2023 happened recently and OHLALA had the opportunity to talk to many interesting names in the field. Laura Peach, Garrard’s Global Sales Director, is one of them and we spoke to her about the brand’s values and collections.

OHLALA – Garrard is ‘sustainable to the core’. Can you explain this concept?

Laura Peach – It’s really important to us to be sustainable and it’s growing in importance. It’s a tricky industry to be in for sustainability. But we’re creating items that stand the test of time. When you own a piece of Garrard, it’s forever. In that respect, it is sustainable. In 2017, we were awarded the Butterfly Mark, which is a mark that accredits sustainable brands, and you have to earn that every year. Our sustainability manager looks at all areas of our business because there’s always room for improvement. We want to make sure that we’re as sustainable as we possibly can be and more so every year.

OHLALA – What is your favourite piece of Garrard jewellery?

Laura Peach – It’s difficult to choose only one because it constantly changes. As a gemstone lover, I would say pieces that contain unique stones are closest to my heart. We have a really spectacular suite called the Sunset Suite that contains tourmalines that are half-pink and half-black. That’s my favourite item … at the moment. If you ask me next week, I might have a new one!

OHLALA – What’s the ethos behind Garrard’s slogan: YOU RULE?

Laura Peach – The YOU RULE campaign accompanies the Couture high jewellery release. It’s about empowerment and boldness. We’ve all been through a tricky time and I think everyone’s feeling renewed with positive energy. YOU RULE is about being the best version of yourself and, as a woman, showing that you rule the room, the party and the red carpet.

OHLALA – What makes Garrard the perfect choice for jewellery lovers in Qatar?

Laura Peach – There are a lot of jewellery lovers in Qatar, which is nice because they really appreciate what we have to offer. They know what they’re looking for in terms of quality and design. The Qatari ladies, their love of jewellery, their understanding of jewellery and their interest in jewellery is what connects us to them. Their royal family is also important to them as royal families are important to Garrard. I think that this royal connection is something we share. I think they associate that with us and that resonates really nicely.

For more information on Garrard collections, please call Ali Bin Ali Watches & Jewellery at Doha Festival City 4444 0399; Galeries Lafayette 4447 3542 and Mall of Qatar 4444 0288.

@garrard

@alibinali_luxury

AN ICONIC RETURN

After 35 years, CHANEL reissues a timeless classic –the Première Édition Originale watch.

French luxury house CHANEL’s first watchmaking creation was the emblematic Première watch that was conceived in 1987 by Jacques Helleu, the artistic director at the time. Now, 35 years since its debut, the CHANEL Watch Creation Studio has reissued the distinguished design as the Première Édition Originale.

The introduction of the Première marks a significant event as it was a timepiece designed and intended for women that wasn’t a scaled-down version of a men’s watch but an elegantly audacious creation that was more feminine and could be worn fitted or as a bracelet.

The Première’s octagonal steel case (coated in 18-carat yellow gold) is directly inspired by the stopper of the N°5 fragrance bottle. The shape also recalls the outline of Place Vendôme in Paris (one of the city’s most famous and beautiful neoclassical squares), a symbol of architectural perfection and timelessness. While the interlaced black leather and steel chain (coated in 18-carat yellow gold) strap bracelet is reminiscent of classic CHANEL handbags that give it a chic and stylish appeal, the bracelet is characterised by its flexibility, making it very comfortable to wear. The reissued watch has a case measuring 26.1mm by 20mm and a thickness of 7.65mm with a high-precision quartz movement. It comes with a minimalist black lacquer dial set with no numerals or indices, no second hand and no date display. Under the bevelled glass are just two hands finished in gold and a crown set with an onyx cabochon that completes the two-tone geometry.

The Première Édition Originale combines the two signature colours of the house: black and gold. The gold for Gabrielle Chanel’s love of all that sparkles, including baroque and Byzantine treasures as well as Venetian objects, while the intense black represents discreet elegance.

Celebrating the return of this iconic timepiece, the brand unveiled Korean-American model and artist Soo Joo Park as the face of the Première Édition Originale. She expressed that the Première watch’s timelessly classic and quintessential design is like wearing a little of the spirit of CHANEL and Paris on your wrist.

FUNCTIONALITY, PRECISION AND LEGIBILITY

Bell & Ross watches are known for being worn by The French Airforce, The Lafayette Escadrille team and other professionals of the extreme. However, the brand has been expanding its collections, as explained by General Manager Fabien De Nonancourt, in this exclusive interview at DJWE 2023.

OHLALA – You studied at the prestigious Ecole Centrale Paris. How did that lead you to a career in watchmaking?

Fabien De Nonancourt – When I was younger, I had a children’s book about machines and was always interested in how they worked. That’s why I decided to go to engineering school. Afterwards, I was offered a sales position at Tag Heuer. I love watches for their mechanisms and Swiss watches for their expertise and luxury, so I took the job. In 2010, I joined Bell & Ross. That’s how I became involved with the watch industry and never left it.

OHLALA – What inspires Bell & Ross’ distinctive square watch faces?

Fabien De Nonancourt – When Bruno Belamich and Carlos Rosillo – the Bell and the Ross – created the company 39 years ago, they were inspired by military aviation watches from the 1940s and 1950s. Then, in 2005, Bruno Belamich had a genius idea. He took inspiration from aircraft instruments and decided to put them on the wrist. That’s how he created the unique square design of the BR01. It’s black, like the cockpit, and square, like all the instruments you find in this part of the aircraft. You have the four screws that were used to fix them in the cockpit panel. On our watches, these screws work, of course. With our designer, Belamich, it’s all about function. There’s no gimmick, no decoration. It features a round dial with very legible information. Other brands might focus on making the pilot’s watch and, in a way, we have created the plane’s watch. The BR01 quickly became an icon in the watch industry and we’re very proud of that.

OHLALA – The BR01 Cyber Skull Bronze is incredibly unique. What inspired its design?

Fabien De Nonancourt – It all started in 2008 in France, when President Obama and President Sarkozy celebrated the liberation of the country after World War II. We decided to pay tribute to the first airborne division to jump over Normandy – the 101st US Airborne Division. On their

uniforms, the paratroopers wore a kind of talisman – a skull with the logo ‘Death From Above’. So we created our first skull watch. We’re not trying to be fashionable. We wanted to pay tribute to those heroes. The timepiece has been so successful that, since then, we’ve made different versions of the skulls. The latest interpretation is the BR01 Cyber Skull Bronze. It’s very futuristic. Everything is angled like the plane, including the skull on the dial. We did it first in a black ceramic and this year we are launching it in a bronze case. It’s a really cool watch.

OHLALA – Your watches are designed with astronauts, pilots, bombdisposal experts and divers in mind. Who else wears them?

Fabien De Nonancourt – Anybody can wear our watches – anybody who wants to feel like these heroes.

OHLALA – What are you particularly proud of showcasing at DWJE?

Fabien De Nonancourt – That’s definitely the new line that we launched in October 2022: the BRX5. The iconic model that we launched in 2005 is a fantastic product, but it’s very focused on the aircraft instrument. Not everybody can wear it. It’s big and square and it’s difficult to wear with a suit. So, in 2019 we launched an urban version of the BR03 – the BR05. Take a look and you’ll still recognise the square design, the round dial, the four screws… In 2023, it’s time to revolutionise the design in a more robust, technical way. The case is more complex; It’s made of many layers and we’ve worked to make it lighter too. We’ve also decided to feature manufactured movement inside this incredible, technical case. We are proud to display this new line in Qatar for the very first time.

OHLALA – What’s next for Bell & Ross?

Fabien De Nonancourt – Next, there’s a new watch in the 05 Collection: the Golden Skeleton. It has a skeleton dial – with a transparent dial – so you can see the mechanism inside. It’s a limited edition of just 500 pieces.

@bellrosswatches @almajedjw

FROM THE MINE TO YOUR FINGER

Nsouli Jewellery has been turning heads since 1982, when it was founded by Atef Nsouli. The Lebanese jeweller is now based in Antwerp, Belgium. But we spoke to Dania Nsouli, the company’s Director of Marketing, at the Doha Jewellery & Watches Exhibition (DJWE) to learn more about this dazzling brand.

OHLALA – What was Atef Nsouli’s original vision?

Dania Nsouli – Atef Nsouli’s vision was to sell diamonds and diamond jewellery that hold their value. He was interested in this aspect more than the design; he wanted to create pieces that kept their monetary worth over time. They say that diamonds are forever, and this was his motto too. To sell beautiful jewels with a timeless value that are trustworthy. And this remains true today.

OHLALA – How would you describe Nsouli Jewellery?

Dania Nsouli – Our brand is all about exquisitely glamorous pieces to complete your look. But we don’t just design jewellery. We take unique gems and precious metals from the mine to the finger – we give customers the whole process. Because we are a manufacturing company, we have CNC machines [CNC is an acronym for Computer Numerical Control – these machines transform computerised drawings into extraordinarily precise diamond designs]. We are wholesalers and retailers. We are diamond cutters and diamond traders and we make beautiful high-end jewellery.

OHLALA – Your jewellery is remarkably varied. Can you talk us through your different ranges?

Dania Nsouli – We have four main collections. There’s the Royal Collection, which features bridal sets for royalty, such as Grand Soleil – a stunning set that includes a diamond necklace, earrings and a ring. We also have tiaras for royal weddings or big events. Then there’s the Classical Collection; these pieces are timeless, like the Tourbillon ring, with 98 diamonds totalling 12.75 carats; it will never go out of fashion. We are well known for rare diamonds, solitaires and even precious stones like emeralds and sapphires, so we created the Rare Gem Collection; one truly unique set is Rivière Etincelle. Finally, there’s the Fashion Collection – designs that are very trendy.

OHLALA – Which pieces do you think particularly appeal to the crowds at DJWE 2023?

Dania Nsouli – Nsouli is known for its diamonds, which are very popular. Most of what we sell here is private collections and solitaires – we have a wide variety of those. Usually, when people buy solitaires and stones, they often view the certificate without the stone. Here, we have the stones ready. There’s also a lot of interest in our bridal sets. We have these for different budgets, sizes and designs. Our range is extensive, and we aren’t just here for high-end customers. We have good quality jewellery for all budgets to suit everyone.

OHLALA – If you had to choose just three words to describe Nsouli Jewellery’s style, what would they be?

Dania Nsouli – Forever, like diamonds. Also, trustworthy, it’s not the style; it’s all about trust at Nsouli. We have the best diamonds for the best value. And, classic. Our jewellery withstands the test of time. We create timeless designs that will last forever. We don’t go for something really edgy that won’t last.

OHLALA – What’s next for Nsouli?

Dania Nsouli – What’s next? We are widening our offerings. We are creating a sports collection and a more fashionable line. We are expanding our brand –watch out for more.

@nsoulijewelry

Beauty Picks

Face FORWARD

Summer beauty trends are here! You can wear bare minimum makeup or embrace vivid hues to paint cheeks, eyelids and lips – choose one and stand out in the crowd.

Huda Beauty

DSquared2

Etro

Giorgio Armani

Jason Wu Beauty Flora 9 Eyeshadow Palette La Bouche Rouge

Guerlain ROUGE G LUX VELVET METAL RECHARGE N°829

Lancôme Mascara Le 8 Hypnôse

Kiko Milano POWERFUL LOVE

A SPECIAL RENDEZVOUS

French luxury fashion house Maison Margiela has unveiled On A Date, a new fragrance in the Replica collection, inspired by the creative exploration between the world of perfume and fermented grape juice.

On A Date encapsulates a sense of excitement and evokes memories of a perfect date taking place in the golden glow of a late summer’s sunset spent overlooking the magnificent vineyards of Provence laden with grapes. The perfume teases the senses with unique and profound recollections of dating and falling in love. Luminous and sensual, this elegant fragrance captures the sparkling and addictive fruitiness of ripe grapes bathed in warm sunshine and wild roses’ delicate yet decisive character. The scent was brought forth through a collaboration between Master Perfumer Carlos Benaïm and Master Sommelier Manuel Peyrondet.

To recreate the sensation of seduction on a date, Carlos Benaïm chose to combine rose and bergamot. The rose petal essence offers delicate and fresh floral notes with fruity inflexions. While the zesty bergamot essence awakens luminous and sparkling notes that reflect the positive sensation and excitement felt on a date.

To recreate the feeling brought by the sunset on the grapeladen vines of Provence, Benaïm combined a blackcurrant liquor accord with patchouli essence. The sweet fruity and slightly acidulous notes of the liquor express the scent of ripe grapes at golden hour in late summer. While the woody and earthy notes of patchouli give way to elegance, sensuality and mystery, evoking the vineyards in the early stages of the night. On A Date will also be offered in a candle that will further capture the same vibrant feeling and transform the atmosphere of any room.

@maisonmargiela

An Evocative Escape

Giorgio Armani has captured the essence of Armani/ Privé Haute Couture collections for more than 15 years and translated them into bold perfumes. The Armani/Privé Haute Couture Fragrances encompass four collections of refined scents: Les Eaux, La Collection, Les Terres Précieuses and Les Mille et Une Nuits. As the latest addition to the Les Eaux line, Armani/Privé created SANTAL DĀN SHĀ. This sensual yet sparkling bouquet evokes the serenity of the Chinese imperial palaces and their contemplative and regal gardens. The fragrance invokes a refreshing yet gentle summertime breeze at dusk, inspired by aromatic trees, vegetation and the freshness of their lakes. Sandalwood notes highlight this mood of tranquillity, conjuring a sense of immersion in nature. Its rich red hue echoes the imperial palace’s magnificent façades.

SANTAL DĀN SHĀ is a woody yet refreshing scent. It blends sandalwood’s balmy and provocative spirit with the freshness of bergamot and the aromatic spices of cardamom. The sandalwood is from New Caledonia island and is extracted via a water vapour distillation to create its creamy, sensual effect. The cardamom is from Guatemala and is obtained via steam distillation and CO2 fractionation, resulting in a pure extract with radiant, aromatic and peppery facets. And the premium bergamot is from Italy and is crafted to create a distinctive note with a fresh, juicy, sparkling character.

SANTAL DĀN SHĀ is presented in the iconic and distinctive Armani/Privé Les Eaux square bottle and topped by a shiny black lacquered cap. Its intense ochre juice is displayed through the transparent glass bottle and recalls the colour of its main ingredient: sandalwood.

Giorgio Armani has introduced a new scent to its wide selection of high-end fragrances, the SANTAL DAN SHA.

BURIED TREASURE

Hidden beneath the bustle and chatter of Baharat Msheireb, Amica Sicilia finds a reservoir of calm, technical expertise and deep relaxation at The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Doha.

Arriving at the Mandarin Oriental, Doha, in bustling Msheireb, I am presented with a choice. I can go up to the chatter of socialising over afternoon teas, the tempting aromas issuing from the kitchens, the urgent buzz of meeting rooms and a wide horizon of inspiring views. Or I can descend to a more intimate, secluded, quiet, protected and tranquil place: the prestigious spa. I opt for the latter. The space oozes refinement, with décor of the kind of understated elegance born of true class. Sofas in pale powderblue leather; a single orchid in a spherical vase. Beyond white chiffon curtains extend over 3,000 square metres of treatment rooms and facilities, and yet the spaces are cosy and welcoming. The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Doha takes a holistic approach to wellness, rooted in the ancient Eastern philosophy that prioritises balancing the five elements of wood, fire, earth, metal and water to optimise the life force that flows through them and us all. They do this by uniting mastery of ancient methods with the latest technical innovations. I am here for one of The Spa’s new signature wellness journeys: Intelligent Movement. A treatment designed to help guests move more and move better, increasing mobility and reducing tension

through a combination of stretching, deep massage and trigger point release.

In the luxurious changing rooms, I slide into soft slippers and wrap myself in a fluffy robe. Lined in cream marble, the space has the feeling of the bathroom of dreams, with double-width sinks and mirrored dressing tables stocked with Mandarin Oriental’s own skincare. There’s a sauna, steam room and a beautifully illuminated indoor swimming pool, giving the impression of swimming in a seawater pool in a marble cave. As I explore, my therapist Yasmini arrives to show me into the elegant private treatment room, which will be my home for the next 90 minutes.

The first step is a scent test, as we determine which Mandarin Oriental exclusive massage oil blends to use. The one that captures my mood immediately is called Reflect: a meditative blend of jasmine, black pepper, ginger, juniper and petitgrain from bitter oranges infused with nourishing coconut oil. She begins with small movements, stretching and manipulating my feet and ankles, then using gently increasing pressure to work her way up and around my whole body. These precision stretches work like a warmup exercise for deep-tissue oil massage. I can feel the depth of Yasmini’s technical expertise

as with firm strokes and kneading motions, she works into the deeper knots and points of tension, even using her elbows and forearms to access and unlock the deepest layers. We then move into a second phase of stretching, this time focussing on the larger joints as Yasmini utilises techniques from traditional Thai massage to release skeletal and muscular strain. With assured and precise motions, she lifts me from my shoulders, delicately stretching down the vertebrae or extending, turning and lifting my ankle from my hip to target tightness in the pelvis. I turn on my side and with care and precision, Yasmini uses a massage gun to exactly target and release trigger points in my hips, glutes and lower back. The most magical part for me comes after the process is repeated on my front, when Yasmini takes a few minutes to concentrate entirely on my neck, head and face, with minuscule movements smoothing away frown lines, releasing tension from the temples and jaw. These crucial pressure points send signals down the length of my body to relax entirely. And then, the final and most satisfying stretch of all, she stands on the bed behind me and gently twists my whole body, leveraging my shoulder past the knee, first one way then the

other, lengthening and aligning the entire system. I don’t want it to end, but I hear the resonant chime of the massage bell ring out through the space and the spell is broken.

Afterwards, in the relaxation lounge, I refuel on spiced carrot cake and warming ginger tea from a handmade stoneware pot. The lounge is beautiful and dimly lit with individually screened, cushioned recliners. But I can’t resist and go back to the ethereal swimming pool room to lie back on a heated marble lounger and watch the peaceful play of light on water and water on stone and let my mind continue the journey. The Spa also offers a Luxury Spa Suite Experience to celebrate special occasions with your partner or friends.

For more information or to make a reservation, please call The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Doha on 4008 8888, email modoh-spa@mohg.com or visit www.mandarinoriental.com/doha Intelligent Movement therapy is available at QR1,050. @mo_doha

EXCLUSIVE DRIVE STILL ABOVE THE CLOUDS

Exclusive drive service makes your travel experience all the more comfortable. Whether you are travelling to or from the airport, luxury chauffeur-driven vehicles are on hand to drive you to meet your flight or to take you to your hotel, office or home.

SERENITY FOR YOUR SENSES

The Diplomatic Club is located in West Bay, a seafront neighbourhood edging the Persian Gulf with a corniche promenade with cycling and jogging lanes. It’s also wellknown for fine-dining restaurants and upscale hotels. The Diplomatic Club is an intimate, serene waterfront venue in the heart of this spectacular area.

One of the gems in the property is The Diplomatic Club Spa. The relaxing space features welcoming beige walls and intricate detailing that give a tranquil feel to its customers. Marble finishings and imposing interior design make you think you are in a luxurious bath house. The rooms are well-lit and candle holders can be spotted all around adding charm to the peaceful vibe.

These are some of the treatments you will find inside this sumptuous spa:

- Thalgo Body Sculpt Slimming Treatment (45 minutes): An ultraexfoliating peel and a highly active hot/cold-effect double body wrap combined with Body Palp to sculpt the figure, smooth cellulite, firm and tone your skin.

- The Diplomatic Moroccan Bath Signature Experience (60 minutes): This treatment involves ingredients that provide essential vitamins and minerals to help maintain healthy glowing skin. The body is scrubbed and exfoliated to remove dead skin, unclog pores and eliminate toxins.

- Thalgo Spiruline Boost Smoothing Detoxifying Facial Treatment (60 minutes): A marine booster for city skin. The Spiruline Boost combats ageing signs linked to an urban lifestyle, such as pollution, fatigue and stress, by detoxifying the skin, restoring energy and protecting against oxidative stress.

- Shirodhara (60 minutes): This is a traditional Ayurvedic therapy, which includes pouring warm herbal oil on the forehead in a continuous stream. Shirodhara therapy is very effective in promoting sound sleep and reducing stress.

- Reflexology Massage (30 minutes): Rebalance the harmony of your body by cleansing congested reflexes. Reflexology helps boost the immune system’s recovery from illness, boost circulation, increase energy levels and improve mental and emotional processes.

- The Diplomatic Club Classic (90 minutes): A combination of Aroma and Swedish massage treatment that ensures fast recovery from muscular strain by increasing circulation, stimulating the skin and soothing the nerves. Other therapies at The Diplomatic Club Spa are Thai Classic, Balinese Classic, Express Stress Reliever, Aromatherapy, Hot Stone Massage, Deep Tissue Massage and The Full Wellness Ritual. However, you can also join their yoga sessions and finish your wellness journey with a manicure and pedicure.

These holistic head-to-toe spa therapies help you de-stress, rejuvenate and pamper yourself. With an exquisite range of oils and aromas, palatial ambience and intuitive therapists, the effects of each treatment will be felt long after you depart – the ultimate destination to enhance your inner and outer well-being.

For more information or to book an appointment, please call The Diplomatic Club Spa at 4484 7450 or email spa.recreation@dclub.com.qa

@diplomaticclub

Welcome the Sun

CH Carolina Herrera’s Resort 2023 collection gives you a taste of spring without losing sight of its timeless silhouettes.

The iconic brand CH Carolina Herrera is well-loved in the Middle East for its impeccable cuts, luxurious textiles and unique prints. Carolina Herrera, the designer herself, is a symbol of elegance and success. The Venezuelan-American presented her first collection in 1981 and, for the past four decades, her namesake label has been introducing new dimensions with different lines and beauty collections.

Nowadays, Wes Gordon is in charge of CH Carolina Herrera’s creations. The Resort 2023 collection features relaxed elegance with a resort-style sensibility. Colour blocking in tangerine, army green and canary yellow are blended with neutral tones. Bold printed pieces are the highlight, painting the brand’s essential shirtdress and an oversized kaftan-style dress in silk twill with a geometric pattern featuring Carolina’s 2020 initials and contrasting striped trims – perfect for the sunset hour. While the weather is not so warm, A-line short jackets in wool and linen-blend twill and a merino wool oversized sweater are great to pair with a midi-skirt for a woman on the go. Fit-andflare business wear styles with refined looks in monochrome white and black and an oversized black cape with a striking white Insignia motif complement this versatile collection. When it comes to accessories, the Blasón bag, handcrafted in Mocán leather, stars in the collection. This iconic bag can be worn over the shoulder or carried by hand and will elevate any look. A versatile Ficus suede Poncho bag with Carolina’s initials and the miniature Doma Insignia bags in pops of colour are stylish items to accessorise a look that transitions from day to night.

@carolinaherrera

GO BOLD AND GO HOME!

Interior design embraces trends, not with new collections every season (as happens with fashion), but a few new concepts become more popular every year. We bring some of the 2023 trends worth exploring to revamp your home – we anticipate that maximalists will be pleased!

OHLALA Homes

BULKY MARBLE

Marble tops are usually used as thin pale surfaces, but things are changing and now we see statement, chunky marble pieces conquering the hearts of many. The altered approach to this material creates a bolder effect. You can have a broad marble vanity top to hold your washbasin or thick kitchen countertops and tables. However, not only has the width become a highlight, but this statement element is also coming in different colours, with lots of veining and patterns imparting a retro feel. The trendy shades and types are funky marbles in Irish green, red Rosso and Levanto marble, red Travertine, Calacatta Viola and many deep black hues. Your countertops will become the eye-catching element of your bathroom and kitchen.

COLOUR OF THE YEAR

Pantone is an international authority on colours, and they select a hue to reign every year. For 2023, Viva Magenta (a mix between red and violet) is the chosen one. The bold hue and its variations have been an inspiration to many designers and you will spot it in many areas, such as fashion, beauty and, of course, interior design. It has a chameleon effect when white, grey or black additions are used for tint, tone and shade differences. From Viva Magenta, you obtain Terra Rosa, rusty pink, brownish tones and a magnificent palette of warm colours. You can paint a wall in this shade or add accessory elements to your rooms.

NATUZZI ITALIA

BRABBU

Homes

LOOK UP

It is common to see one wall painted in a different (usually vivid) shade as a focal point in a room, but the trend now is to paint the ceiling – just the ceiling! You can still paint the whole space if you want a dramatic effect, but adding colour to the highest wall in a room is more intentional and allows your eyes to flow into the whole area and notice more details. If you choose a dark shade, it will give the sensation that the ceiling is higher than it actually is.

WELCOME NATURE

Biophilic design is a concept that aims to increase connectivity with the natural environment through the use of direct or indirect elements of nature. The trend incorporates sinuous shapes inspired by organic items and invests in open areas to welcome the outside in. Not only do furniture and spaces attract a connection with mother nature , but also materials such as cotton, wood, terracotta, marble, ratan, ceramic, linen and raw texturised surfaces are used to compose interior design perceptions. Another way to bring nature indoors is to add plants in clay vases, hanging greenery and vertical gardens to your décor. Plastic and industrial products are banned!

UNIQUE SLABS

Handmade ceramic tiles are attracting a lot of praise, mainly the precious ones made by tile artisans (yes, they still exist), where all the steps from mould to firing and glazing come to life by a slow artisanal process, and no tile is exactly the same as the other. It celebrates the quintessential beauty of imperfection. The only downside to them is that they are undoubtedly costly. However, if you still want the artisanal look, you can go for the industrial ones that carry a rustic finish. Why should you use them?

To obtain a tridimensional effect and add organic texture. Venture to treat a wall or the hall floor area with handmade tiles – they will become the undiscussed protagonist of the space.

MOODY ROOMS

As the name suggests, these interiors invest in a dramatic atmosphere and use a dark-hued colour palette, but not specifically black. This style mostly uses sombre shades of greys, greens, reds and blues. The biggest fear of going for this style on the walls (and ceiling) is that it will make the space look smaller, but that’s not entirely true. Deep colours help blur the lines between the walls, making the room seem bigger because you can’t really identify where a wall begins or ends. Why go dark? The area becomes classy without much effort and there’s a distict touch of wow! It adds drama and elegance while giving character to your space and a mysterious vibe that you don’t get with lighter palettes. It also provides a sense of intimacy and a relaxing feeling (lighter tones are full of energy). It helps create that cosy vibe we all look for in our homes.

For more design inspirations, connect with @sagevanmarmi, @natuzzi, @chattelsandmore, @brabbu and @verywooditaly

SAGEVAN

SECLUDED SERENITY

One of Doha’s newest resorts offers an elegant idyll designed as a private oasis of rest and relaxation. Amica Sicilia heads there to experience a luxurious home away from home.

Escapes

Is there anything more enticing than seeing, behind a wall of white stone warmed by the sun, the tops of tall palm trees waving in the breeze? In a desert land, a walled garden holds out a special kind of promise, not just a promise of beauty but of rest and recovery. In fact, the word paradise itself finds its roots in the Old Persian for a place walled around. And this is what the designers at Maysan Doha LXR Hotels & Resorts have created. Rooting themselves in royal Qatari tradition in a walled compound set back from the busy seafront in the quiet hinterland beside the rolling green of Aspire Zone, they’ve created a personalised paradise of their own.

Maysan means a bright star and the décor reflects this luminous ideal. A fountained courtyard of elegant elongated proportions leads us under an archway through tall double doors and into the bright and welcoming lobby. We are greeted warmly by Lisa, the Duty Manager, with a fragrant lemon-scented towel, small cups of steaming Arabic coffee and a dish of fat black dates. As we sign in for our weekend retreat, we are immediately made to feel at home.

Our villa host greets us and loads our bags and ourselves onto a cream leather seated buggy, handing us a tall flute of one of Maysan’s signature drinks – a rosy draught of muddled strawberries and raspberries with bubbles – and off we go.

LOCAL

Escapes

At the rear, the main hotel building opens onto a broad porch that looks out along an impossibly long and blue swimming pool flanked by an avenue of tall palm trees. On either side, in low, whitewashed adobe, nestle two lines of private suites and two-bedroom villas, each protected by its own verdant garden. Around the outside orbit the spa and Hammam complex, the restaurant and lounges, a state-of-the-art gym with separate zones for men and women, a suite of 24-hour padel tennis courts and, of course, a children’s club to entertain younger guests. We feel we have been transported to a gentler, quieter place for our stay. It all feels so sheltered and secluded that we are not prepared for the scale and grandeur of our suite. Our host opens the door and our jaws drop. Our King Junior suite is nothing short of palatial. With maximum use of natural materials, it blends traditional architectural elements with modernist flair. The furniture is in highly polished wood, all smooth surfaces and restful lines, with thick cream cushions. The headboard and benches use traditional rattan weaving. And the soaring double-height ceiling is composed of perfectly aligned bamboo canes making a gorgeous golden zigzag. But the showstopper is one wall composed entirely of floorto-ceiling sliding French doors. At the press of a button, the sweeping floor-length curtains open to reveal our private patio with our own private temperature-controlled swimming pool, a miniature of the one at the centre of the resort, all sheltered behind green hedges. The bathroom is its own private kingdom, as large as half the bedroom, with sleek matte black fittings and twin sinks, well stocked with toiletries from London-based luxury brand Graff. The floor is a serene minimalist resin-sealed concrete, and the centrepiece is without doubt the most beautiful bath I have ever seen: a huge oval, almost a small swimming pool in itself.

It’s lunchtime and at Maysan, that means one thing: La Casa, which literally means home and features a carefully curated menu of homemade Italian classics. The setting is stunning. Gilded columns and huge smoked mirrors line the walls. Above us, a high vaulted ceiling is picked out with delicate wrought iron fretwork, recalling the art nouveau conservatories of Milan or Paris. In keeping with this theme, the tables are tucked into booths in emerald and claret velvet, creating more intimate, private nooks within this grand space.

We start with a light summery artichoke salad. The artichoke is sliced almost translucently thin, layered with curls of rocket leaves, sweet semidry cherry tomatoes, pine nuts and parmesan slivers. Alongside it, one of my weaknesses, baby calamari, fried just moments before, tossed with salt and lemon zest and piled high with baby cress, ready for hungry fingers to swoop in and plunge the pieces into homemade tartar sauce. Appetites whetted, it’s time for the main courses. In a broad blue platter, shaped like a shell, are stacked majestic king prawns, grilled and topped with fresh tomato salsa. We mop up the dressing with warm rosemary bread. Then a moment of drama: a beaten copper pan arrives, billowing steam and dry ice. Inside it, chargrilled lamb chops criss-cross with roasted aubergines. The fat is perfectly caramelised, the meat just blushing pink, tender and lean. We wash them down with a couple of Maysan’s original mocktails that we take back to the suite to prepare for this afternoon’s treat – a relaxing time at the spa.

The Maysan Spa is a sanctuary within a sanctuary. If the resort as a whole evokes the urban oasis of a walled garden, this effect is redoubled as soon as we walk through the spa doors. Treatment rooms are arranged around a previously concealed internal courtyard. Leading off this space are seven private treatment suites, each with a bathroom and changing room. There are separate sauna and steam-room facilities for men and women and a truly spectacular Hammam in emerald green marble. Maysan Spa’s facials use only cellular cosmetics from the Swiss line Valmont, while massages are with award-winning British brand Aromatherapy Associates.

LOCAL Escapes

We are treated to Maysan Spa’s twist on my favourite hot-stone massage. This one is not with the usual volcanic black basalt but with another wellness wonder material: pink rock salt from the high Himalayas, hand carved into smooth palm-sized pebbles. It’s a material known for its antiinflammatory and antibacterial properties, believed even to improve mood through the emission of negative ions.

The massage begins with gentle stretching of the limbs. The salt stones are then placed resting along my spine, pressed and manipulated along each limb. These glowing crystals carry the healing power of heat through my body. Their concentrated pressure and warmth relieve my tired and aching limbs, revitalising my nervous system. It’s a feeling of renewal, as much mental and emotional as physical. Afterwards, we take our time relaxing in the spa’s elegant lounge over fresh ginger tea and apricots. After a nap, we change into our evening best and follow our noses back to the restaurant, where delicious smells emanate. We begin with a carpaccio of Wagyu beef and whole burrata cheese on a bed of sweet cherry tomatoes and tiny black Leccino olives.

Our main courses are particularly impressive. The pasta is a graceful twist of Tagliolini al Nero di Seppia – the pasta is black, made with squid ink and loaded with the flavours of the sea, fresh mussels and prawns tossed with garlic and sweet tomatoes. The second act is known as Orecchio di Elefante or elephant’s ear: a prime cutlet of tender veal, on the bone, beaten until thin and broad, breaded with a herbed crumb and then flash fried.

Strolling back to our suite, I decide the way to round off the perfect day has got to be to try the bath. I draw the curtains, turn down the lights, turn up the hot water and empty a bag of lavender bath salts into the running water. As they dissolve, they fill the air with perfume. I lie back and relax utterly, luxuriating in this tub fit for an empress.

We sleep deep and wake early, sweeping the curtains aside to show a perfect blue-skied spring day. Our room has its own espresso machine, so we make strong shots just the way we like them and take them outside to the loungers by our private pool to let sunlight and caffeine gently bring us to life. Breakfast is served on the broad terrace looking out over the main swimming pool and palm avenue. The sun warms us without dazzling as we sip foaming cappuccinos and an energising concoction called The Fountain of Youth, a blitz of orange, raw honey, apple cider vinegar, lemon, ginger, turmeric and cayenne pepper. We share an avocado toast, topped with two perfectly poached eggs on a base of whipped ricotta, garnished with sliced purple radishes. And because alongside a little virtue, we could also do with a little indulgence, we also have a pistachio french toast dusted with icing sugar and topped with fresh berries. Thus fortified, we hit the pool. Settled under a blue-and-white striped umbrella with a good book and a cold drink resting on the marble-topped table beside us, I feel that elusive state of inner peace usually only achieved in the comfort of your own home. We never want to leave this idyll. The sun moves across the sky, dappling the water with light and shade through the fronds of the palms. We wait until the shadows start to lengthen across the pool again before reluctantly saying goodbye – or until next time.

For more information or to make a reservation, please call Maysan Doha, LXR Hotels & Resorts at 4144 6666.

@maysandoha

Escapes

Stay in the Heart of an AMAZING CITY

Travelling to one of the most spectacular cities in the world to experience one of the finest five-star hotels in all of Europe proved to be an unforgettable adventure.

There are many magical places around the globe that travellers long to visit. However, there are a few that stand out in people’s minds due to the abundance of history, culture, architecture, beautiful weather and amazing cuisine they offer. Istanbul, in Türkiye, is one of these places. This beautiful and colourful metropolis is the only city that straddles both Europe and the Middle East, making it simultaneously a European and Asian city. We were invited to experience this bucket-list destination for four spectacular days and three unforgettable nights by the five-star hotel Conrad Istanbul Bosphorus.

Our Arrival

As soon as we disembarked our flight, we were greeted by a hotel delegate and whisked away to our five-star accommodation. On route, we caught a sneak peek of the splendour awaiting us in Istanbul. This breathtaking location, with its grand architecture, an assortment of mosques, vibrant colours and rich history, was enough to keep our eyes wide open in sheer awe at all the splendour to be discovered.

“The panoramic views of the city and the Bosphorus Strait that welcomed us on the rooftop enhanced the feeling of wonder that accompanies the experience of an exotic new location.”

The Rooms

Arriving at Conrad Istanbul Bosphorus, courteous and professional staff were on hand to welcome us and attend to our every need. We were soon booked in and heading to our respective suites. We all agreed it had to be one of the friendliest and most efficient airport-to-hotel-room experiences we’ve ever had.

All 553 guest accommodations, including suites, are of exceptional standard – we had the pleasure of inspecting numerous types, including rooms and a variety of luxury suites.

I was booked into the beautiful King Deluxe Room and couldn’t have been more pleased with my corner of the hotel. This stylish and modern space offers all the amenities you could need for a comfortable and pampered stay. With its king-sized bed, soundproof windows, free wi-fi, Nespresso machine, 40-inch LCD TV and a Turkish-style bathroom complete with rain shower, I couldn’t have felt more content.

The Cuisine

The Conrad Istanbul Bosphorus ensured we were delighted in all aspects, especially when it came to meal times.

The Summit Bar & Terrace

On the first evening, we were invited to attend a meal at the Summit Bar and Terrace, located all the way up on the 14th floor. The panoramic views of the city and the Bosphorus Strait that welcomed us on the rooftop enhanced the feeling of wonder that accompanies the experience of an exotic new location.

Our first culinary experience at the hotel was memorable as we were spoilt with scrumptious dishes from around the world. The Japanese options at this venue were exquisite and we thoroughly enjoyed our meal, along with the bird’s eye view of the city.

TRAVEL Escapes

Manzara

On our second evening, we were once again treated like royalty, this time with an invite to the brand-new Manzara restaurant. Once more, we were gifted with breathtaking views of Istanbul, including its historical peninsula. At this fine-dining restaurant, we witnessed exceptional chefs preparing dishes in an open kitchen. Boasting a delicious menu of culinary masterpieces from various Mediterranean cultures, it wasn’t easy to choose from the large assortment of dishes on the mouth-watering menu. Ultimately, it didn’t matter what we selected, as all the food was prepared to perfection and we had a truly enjoyable evening filled with feasting and laughter.

Monet Lobby Lounge & Patisserie

Throughout our stay, we had access to the Monet Lobby Lounge, a delightful venue offering a peaceful and quiet environment, along with an assortment of traditional Turkish coffees, teas, cakes, cookies and a wide selection of chocolate. Over our four days, we took advantage of this special space, where we could have some relaxing time, chat about our trip plans and enjoy the incredible art adorning the walls.

TRAVEL Escapes

Hotel Amenities

This award-winning hotel has been the recipient of many accolades. It has recently received the title of ‘Leading City Hotel of Europe’, amongst many others. This recognition is largely due to the wide range of amenities available. These include:

The Health Club

The well-equipped health club houses the latest Technogym exercise equipment and outdoor and indoor swimming pools, including a children’s pool. There is also a tennis club with two clay courts, a private multipurpose studio, single and couples’ treatment rooms, a Turkish Hammam, a sauna, a steam room and more.

Function, Conference and Meeting Rooms

Amongst the excellent venues available at the hotel is one of the largest ballrooms in Istanbul. This lavish location can accommodate anywhere from 300 to 1,100 guests, depending on the setup and occasion.

The Panoramic Terrace is another great venue, allowing up to 240 guests to dine outdoors whilst taking in the truly spectacular views of the Bosphorus waterway and the Old City.

The Bosphorus Meeting Room is located on the hotel’s rooftop and is a more intimate venue that provides seating for up to 70 people, along with magnificent views.

Central Location

As the Conrad Istanbul Bosphorus is centrally located in the Besiktas area, it’s the perfect launching point to explore the enchanting city of Istanbul. Mere steps away from the city’s ferry ports, beautiful mosques, historical landmarks, world-class dining options and modern designer malls, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in this melting pot of the old and the new.

Our Heartfelt Thanks

We want to thank Conrad Istanbul Bosphorus for their fantastic hospitality, for sharing their paradise of a palace with us and for the opportunity to explore this wonderful part of the world.

We understand that Türkyie was hit with a terrible natural disaster last month and we feel for its population. With this review we want to express our support for this country that has always opened its arms to Middle Eastern travellers.

For more information or to make a reservation, please visit Conrad Istanbul Bosphorus at www.hilton.com/en/hotels/isthcci-conrad-istanbul-bosphorus/ @conradistanbulbosphorus

AUTHENTIC LEVANTINE FLAVOURS

Doha has a vast selection of restaurants, but Kay Woodward visits a desert oasis property brimming with culture, collectables and delicious cuisine.

CHIC Eats

In all of Qatar, it wouldn’t be easy to find another hotel like Al Samriya, Doha, Autograph Collection. A short drive from Doha, the hotel nestles at the heart of Al Samriya Farm. Built of bright limestone from the farm itself, it glows against the blue, blue desert sky. And its interior is no less awe-inspiring. As we step inside, I can’t help gasping at the vast, towering lobby. It’s hung with grand, glittering chandeliers while stone arches run around the two upper floors. Jazz music adds an air of relaxed calm. Food and Beverage Manager Fadel Chehadeh tells us that the furniture – including armchairs that make me wish I’d brought a very long book to read in one of them – comes from Sheikh Faisal’s private collection. He gives us a quick, tantalising tour. The hotel has 60 rooms, 27 villas, a meeting room, a spa, private cabanas, a gym overlooking one of the hotel’s swimming pools and a restaurant, which is where we’re bound today. It’s all so beautiful. It’s not difficult to work out why Cristiano Ronaldo and the Portuguese team chose Al Samriya as their home during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.

Zoufa Restaurant is airy and charming, the limestone walls dotted with miniature camels and many more of Sheikh Faisal’s treasured objets d’arts. Windproof lamps hang all around. Sprays of peacock features burst from a giant decorative urn. There’s so much to admire, it’s a struggle to look at a menu overflowing with authentic Lebanese cuisine. We simply can’t choose, so we ask Chef Kasem Jouni to surprise us. He really does.

CHIC Eats

The wonderful staff bring us an array of mezze – familiar dishes that have been given the star treatment by the chef. The Warak Enab Bil Zaite –traditional, stuffed vine leaves – are wonderfully lemony and bursting with flavour. The hummus is splendid, the moutabel beyond fresh and the baba ghanoush incredibly moreish. The muhammara – an unctuous blend of breadcrumbs, walnuts, olive oil, molasses and sesame seeds – is a stunning shade of burnt ochre and a glistening swirl of perfection, scattered with jewel-like pomegranate seeds that deliver tiny bursts of flavour. The taste is out of this world.

Next, we feast upon a selection of dishes from the charcoal grill. There are succulent lamb chops, shish taouk – chicken marinated in garlic and lemon – and probably the best kebab kafta I’ve ever eaten, especially when paired with the exceptional harissa sauce. The slices of Lebanese pizza also deserve special mention. These delicate flatbreads are piled with fresh, mouth-watering vegetables that need to be tasted to be believed.

We can’t really fit in a dessert, but thank goodness we do. The muhalabieh is a multi-layered concoction of some considerable genius. A layer of zingy passion fruit is topped with smooth, creamy rice pudding that’s topped with crunchy pistachios. Mmm, just, mmm.

Finally – really, this time – we sip the restaurant’s digestif. An aromatic blend of warm water and rose water, it’s a delightful final curtain to a dazzling culinary display.

For guests staying at the hotel, it doesn’t have to end here. The Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani Museum – home to an eclectic collection of classic cars, boats, aeroplanes, jewellery and so much more – is just walking distance away. So is Al Samriya Equestrian Centre and its beautiful Arabian horses; guests can ride around the farm or even take a riding lesson or two. We peek inside one of the suites – it’s gorgeous – and agree that Al Samriya, Doha, Autograph Collection is the perfect getaway for those looking for a break that’s a little out of the ordinary. And it’s not even a plane ride away.

For more information or to make a reservation, please call Zoufa at Al Samriya, Doha, Autograph Collection on 4430 9777.

@zoufarestaurant

@alsamriyahotel

Delicious FOOD

The Holy Month starts at the end of March. Our dining highlights bring a mix of brunches, afternoon tea and Ramadan offers.

FAIRMONT DOHA

Vaya!

Head to Vaya! for El Finde, a brunch affair like no other. Explore the vibrant flavours and colours of Latin America as you roam through the culinary traditions of Mexico, Argentina, Chile and Peru. Lively Latino beats will provide the entertainment while you indulge in a feast of unlimited savoury dishes, each revealing little-known secrets and regional specialities. Takes place on Fridays from 1pm to 4pm, priced at QR350 per person, including soft drinks, QR480 with soft drinks and craft beverages, QR630 including selected grape and spirited beverages and QR750 with French premium bubbly.

Call and WhatsApp 4030 7200 or email dining.doha@fairmont.com for more information or to make a reservation.

FAIRMONT DOHA

Provok

Embark on a journey to the cutting edge of modern Asian gastronomy at Provok’s Kreme De La Mer brunch, an unforgettable dining experience that can’t be missed. Through fire and ice, feast your eyes on showstopping interactive stations while getting your groove on to the sound of DJ performances. The menu features an array of exquisite sushi, ceviche and sharing dishes, alongside delicious Asian selections of seafood and premium Angus beef. Takes place on Fridays from 12pm to 4pm, priced at QR380, including soft drinks, QR550 with enhanced beverages, and QR700 with premium beverages.

Call 4030 7200 or email dining.doha@fairmont.com for more information or to make a reservation.

HYATT REGENCY ORYX DOHA

Choices

Celebrate the spirit of the Holy Month with a Ramadan Journey to the Silk Road at Choices. Explore the culinary touches from Indonesia, China, India, TÜrkiye and the Middle East, ending at the Mediterranean. The Iftar buffet runs from sunset until 8pm and is priced at QR210 per person, inclusive of Ramadan beverages. Early bird purchase is available before March 20 and is priced at QR170 per person with a minimum of ten vouchers and a maximum of 50 vouchers.

Call 4141 1234, WhatsApp 6608 5806 or visit hyattrestaurants.com for more information or to make a reservation.

INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA BEACH & SPA

La Mar

Known for its rich flavours and diverse influences, La Mar Doha by Gastón Acurio is the go-to place for contemporary Peruvian cuisine. Look forward to Chef Gastón’s authentic ceviches, fresh seafood and charcoal-grilled meats paired with signature-handcrafted mixed drinks. There’s a special set menu crafted by Chef Frank for International Women’s Day on March 8, as well as an exceptional sharing menu to mark Mother’s Day on March 21.

Call 4484 4919 or email fb.icdoha@ihg.com for more information or to make a reservation.

INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA BEACH & SPA

Novecento

The charming centrepiece of InterContinental Doha Beach & Spa’s expansive lobby, Novecento embodies the allure of classic and modern textures. A restaurant, lounge and terrace all in one, Novecento menu offers a twist on the refinement of French cuisine and the heart and soul of Italian fare for a unique dining experience. Make a booking for up to four ladies on March 8, International Women’s Day, and get 30% off on Afternoon Tea. Or you could treat your mum on Mother’s Day, March 21, and get 50% discount on the bill between 5pm and 7pm.

Call 4484 4919 or email fb.icdoha@ihg.com for more information or to make a reservation.

JW MARRIOTT MARQUIS CITY CENTER DOHA

Shanghai Club

Indulge in the elevated KOI brunch curated by world-renowned chef Peter Lloyd, including live entertainment and interactive dining experiences, every Friday from 1pm to 4pm until March 18. Offer is priced at QR320 with soft drinks or QR480, with enhanced beverages. Call or WhatsApp 5506 2798 for more information or to make a reservation.

JW MARRIOTT MARQUIS CITY CENTER DOHA

Pool Deck

Celebrate the Holy Month of Ramadan at the Pool Deck and indulge in a unique culinary experience during Iftar or Suhour in an impressive setting and with a rich variety of dishes. The offer starts on March 22 and is available daily from sunset to 2am. Iftar is priced at QR220 per person from sunset to 8.30pm and Suhour is priced at QR200 per person from 9pm to 2am. Dining packages are inclusive of soft beverages, Ramadan juices, water, tea and coffee. Private cabana reservations for groups are also available.

Call or WhatsApp 5506 2798 for more information or to make a reservation.

MARRIOTT MARQUIS CITY CENTER DOHA HOTEL

New York Steakhouse

Don’t miss out on the all-time favourite brunch experience at The Big Apple Brunch. Whether you are a carnivore or seafood lover you’re sure to find something you’ll love. The family-friendly occasion offers swish dishes such as Wall Street Benedict and Williamsburg standard toast, expertly grilled steaks cooked from prime cuts of meat, oceanic favourites, deliciously blended salads and an exclusive selection of desserts to top of your feast. Runs on Fridays from 12pm to 4pm, priced at QR395 with soft drinks and QR495 including selected beverages.

Call 4419 5510 or WhatsApp 6643 6890 for more information or to make a reservation.

MARRIOTT MARQUIS CITY CENTER DOHA HOTEL

Crossroads Kitchen

Celebrate the joy of Ramadan at Wanassa by Crossroads Kitchen –where flavour meets tradition. Enjoy a lavish buffet of global cuisines and traditional Arabic dishes in an elegant setting served with live cooking stations. The offer is available from the first day of Ramadan onwards and runs from sunset until 9pm. The set menu is priced at QR225, inclusive of Ramadan juices.

Call 4419 5510 or WhatsApp 6643 6890 for more information or to make a reservation.

RAFFLES DOHA

L’Artisan

Distinguished by its theatrical ‘served and finished at the table’ presentations, L’Artisan’s everyday brunch features an enticing spread of freshly-baked delights and sweet and savoury mains, all made with the freshest seasonal and sustainable ingredients favoured by Chef Thierry Motsch. Runs daily from 12pm to 4pm, priced at QR330 with soft drinks and QR450 with special beverages.

Call 4030 7100 or email dining.doha@raffles.com for more information or to make a reservation.

RAFFLES DOHA

Malaki

Perfect for warming the heart on a chilly day, for Afternoon Tea, Executive Pastry Chef Michael Pretet has crafted decadent Arabicinfused patisseries for the occasion, served alongside gourmet comfort bites and classic savoury and sweet items in a regal tea trolley ceremony. Savour these treats with a selection of 25 noble tea blends to the delicate sound of live piano music. Runs daily from 2pm to 9pm, priced QR295 per stand or QR1,800, including a bottle of bubbly.

Call 4030 7100 or email dining.doha@raffles.com for more information or to make a reservation.

SHERATON GRAND DOHA RESORT & CONVENTION HOTEL

Al Hubara

Don’t miss the incredible Angry Birds, now at Al Hubara! Join them during a delicious Friday brunch with a top selection of food and indoor kids’ activities. Get zapped into the kids’ world over Al Hubara’s international buffet with seafood spreads, live counters, mouth-watering desserts and more. Runs from 12.30pm to 4pm, March 3 and 10, priced at QR350 per person including soft drinks.

Call 5594 9701 or email F&Breservations.doha@sheratonhotels.com for more information or to make a reservation.

SHERATON GRAND DOHA RESORT & CONVENTION HOTEL

Al Hubara

Enjoy authentic Ramadan flavours at Al Hubara. The Iftar runs daily from sunset to 8pm and is priced at QR350 per person, including soft beverages, tea and coffee. The Suhour at Al Hubara Terrace runs daily from 9pm to 2am and is priced at QR295 per person, including soft beverages, tea and coffee. Hookah is available at QR125. The offers are available from the first day of Ramadan.

Call 5594 9701 or email F&Breservations.doha@sheratonhotels.com for more information or to make a reservation.

The Time Is Now

Miss Ohlala reflects on the principle of change.

The first day of spring is marked by the spring equinox, which this year falls on March 20 for Northern Hemisphere countries. The equinox is when the sun crosses the plane of the equator towards the relevant hemisphere (North in this case), making day and night of equal length. After this astronomical event, this part of the globe begins to tilt more towards the sun, resulting in an increasing number of daylight hours, with early dawns and later sunsets. The season symbolises new beginnings, a new chapter and the opportunity of changing things. It’s when animals, plants and flowers come out of hibernation. It is also a well-known period for spring cleaning, which means deep cleansing, tidying up a place (especially homes), and getting rid of things you don’t use or don’t really need. According to Chinese beliefs, it is a chance to clear away not only physical clutter but also a cleansing of the mind, to let go of regrets and mistakes. This year, Ramadan starts on March 21 or 22, coinciding with this period of transformation –meaning there is no better time to connect with yourself and others. A moment to stop and reflect on your everyday actions. Maybe it is a good time to start volunteering in an elderly home or orphanage, reading for them or engaging with charity initiatives and making it a regular occurrence to bring more meaning into your life. Or change small things such as eating more vegetables or trying a new food before saying you don’t like it or even just stop complaining – now is definitely the best time!