Ohlala Qatar May 2017 by Ohlala Magazine

THE ESSENCE OF STYLE

Pl u s

Sparkling New Spa In Town, The Best Venue For Your Nuptials

A Fa m i ly Affa i r

A Candid Chat With The Cousins Behind Noon By Noor G et T he B r i da l L oo k

Ways To Wedding Perfection

Super

S tyl i sh

& S o p h i st i c ate d

F a sh i on T o M a k e Y o u F eel F a nt a st i c

P l ay f u l P r i n t s , F l o r a l s , P u r p l e s , M e ta l l i c s + M o r e www.ohlala-magazine.com

www.ohlala-magazine.com May 2017 | Issue 71 QATAR | QR20

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LAGOONA MALL, FIRST FLOOR, DOHA, QATAR TEL: +974 4432 9946

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HAPPY SPORT

G. Hamad St.: 44408408 Landmark: 44861400 City Center: 44830100 Al Sadd: 44131452 Villagio: 44519900 The Pearl: 44881194 Chopard Boutiques: Hamad International Airport: 40101673, Marsa Malaz Kempinski: 40355293 www.ohlala-magazine.com

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Contents Ohlala

buccellati

The Starters A Look At Chanel Ultimate Arabian Charms The Wedding/Ramadan Edits

bEAUTIFUL fACES Get Bridal Ready Editor’s Picks: The Top 6 How To Achieve That Glow

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Welcome To The Issue Wedding/Ramadan Fever Credits: Who We Are A Note From The Editor

The Looks To Love What To Wear Right Now The Floral Flair & More The Essential Extras

Ones to know Designer Focus: Noon by Noor Blooming Brilliant: Rami Al Ali High Octane Style: Victoria Scandale

Luxury Lifestyle Travel Escapes: Magical Morocco Ohlala Boutiques: The Best of Doha Miss Ohlala

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May 2017 issue 71

Chairman Khalifa Bin Mubarak Al Khalifa Chief Executive Officer Greg Hughes

Publishing Director Edward Smith

General Manager

Georgie Bradley

Contributors

Creative DIrector

sales director Samar Kallas

Editor-in-Chief

Angela Beitz Sofia Graniello Craig Ferriman Shabana Adam

Production Manager Neil Mahmood Distribution Manager

Paula Leal Graphic Designer Jyoti Rawat

Website Designer & Developer Ammar Ali

Photography Contributors

Website

Abshar Kader

Melek Yildirimtekin

Faras Ghani

Ajit Kumar COVER Image Rami Al Ali

Hussein Zreik

Accountants Credits image Chopard

Gigimon Thankachen Praveen Alexander

Distribution Team

Printing Press

Distribution

Jayapragash Ganesan

United Printing Press

Bahrain – Al Hilal Qatar – Dar Al Sharq

Rajesh Abdul Kadar

UAE – GLS, Tawseel Distribution & Logistics

Enquiries Editorial: sofia@ohlala-magazine.com: georgie@ohlala-magazine.com | Advertising: edward@ohlala-magazine.com | General: admin@ohlala-magazine.com Telephone: Qatar +974 4441 8415/+974 4421 3089, 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, Ohlala Publishing and all of its publications cannot accept legal responsibility for any error, content or omissions.

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COLECTION PARFUMS COUTURE Fifty One East, +974 44361111 - www.51east.com.qa

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Italian Masterpieces MAMY BLUE ARMCHAIR. DESIGNED BY ROBERTO LAZZERONI. REGGIA VENARIA, TORINO. poltronafrau.com

29, La Croisette, Porto Arabia, The Pearl Qatar Ph: +974 40027467 - info@pfdesigncenter-qatar.com pfdesigncenter-qatar.com www.ohlala-magazine.com

E di t o r ’s

Let t er

e’ve come to a very fashionable crossroads this month. Between bridal season and Ramadan upon us later this month, our days and nights are filled with wonderful style and extravagant options. If you ask me, this is the time of the year which I relish the most, besides having one fabulous gathering after the next – the peace that descends on us all during the Holy Month restores balance, clarity and a sense of purpose. This reflective period is always necessary and we are so lucky to have it etched into our yearly calendar without fail. Our fashion pages this month are my favourite of the year so far. From block colouring to perfect pastels to metallics to haphazard prints – we’ve given you more choice than you can keep up with – you’re welcome. If you’ve got a calendar booked up with events, I am sure you’ll find inspiration and your style calling with our spread. Add to that, our beauty pages focus on brides-to-be and all the promising products that have transformative power to make you feel your absolute best. The main designer focus feature shines a light on two cousins (who are also thick friends) from Bahrain: Shaikha Noor and Shaikha Haya of Noon by Noor fame. From their island beginnings to L.A. and New York and quite frankly, the world, their fashion empire has put the country on the map and has paved the way for emerging regional designers. Their story has always been discreet, their collections have been bold and conversation-starting, but the girls have always been under the radar – flip to the heart of the magazine and uncover their substance and grace. More and more we come to realise that this part of the world is at the forefront of fashion. Noon by Noor is one example of many, that we are on the precipice of greatness.

Georgie Bradley

Noon by noor

www.ohlala-magazine.com

Editor in Chief

BLOOM Show the world what you’re made of in beautifully crafted, hand-finished sterling silver. pandora.net

DO explore the new Spring collection from PANDORA. PANDORA STORE Lagoona Mall Ground floor Tel: 4433 5515

POP-UP STORE Landmark Mall Ground floor Tel: 4433 5517

Pandora@darwishholding.com

MODERNA The Centre Ground floor Tel: 4425 7785 www.ohlala-magazine.com

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Style Icon

Once upon a time...

Coco Avant Chanel, is a new High Jewellery collection illustrating the quest for freedom, the desire for sobriety, and the search for lightness: the fundamentals of Chanel’s style.

“Emilienne”

This necklace in 18K white gold is set with 2 round-cut diamonds for a total weight of 0,88 carat, 2 pear-cut diamonds for a total weight of 0,94 carat, 4 fancy-cut diamonds for a total weight of 1,41 carat, 87 freshwater cultured pearls, 79 Tahitian cultured pearls and 175 brillant-cut diamonds for a total weight of 2,16 carats.

Chanel’s new high jewellery collection includes 11 new jewellery sets, bearing the names of elegant women who had accompanied, marked or influenced the life of Gabrielle Chanel before 1920. The sets were inspired by the two founding elements of her style: lace and ribbon, which decorated her boater hats at the racecourses. In gold and precious gemstones, lace and ribbon appear in subtle gradations of rose and grey. Morganite, pearls, spinels, moonstones and Padparadscha sapphires blend with diamonds. The jewelled ribbon undulates in complete freedom: loose, draped, wound or knotted in ethereal loops, its edges sometimes sharp and at other times frayed with diamonds. Refined, simplified and stylised, lace appears as though it is printed with camellias, flowers and birds. Recalling Gabrielle Chanel’s bold scissor cuts and the splendor of her creative stroke, lace is rendered in asymmetrical silhouettes, falling perfectly on the body.

“Marthe”

This ring in 18K white gold is set with a round-cut diamond of 1,55 carat, 51 brilliant cut grey spinels for a total weight of 0,72 carat and 47 brillant-cut diamonds for a total weight of 0,84 carats.

“Maud”

These earrings in 18K white gold are set with 2 pear-cut diamonds for a total weight of 2,02 carats, 38 baguette-cut diamonds for a total weight of 1,88 carats and 56 brilliantcut diamonds for a total weight of 1 carat. www.ohlala-magazine.com

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History of art

We can’t think of a better and more appropriate time of year to be celebrating the region’s best in fine jewellery. Saudi Arabian Haneen Saber pays homage to Islamic art through stunning pieces which evoke a sense of spirituality, authenticity and richness. 32

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VILLAGGIO MALL VIP AREA GATE 6 T 44831027

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TOMFORD.COM

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www.cappellini.it 29 La Croisette, Porto Arabia, The Pearl Qatar Phone: +974 4002 7467 Web: www.pfdesigncenter-qatar.com www.ohlala-magazine.com 35 Email: info@pfdesigncenter-qatar.com

For the Modern Middle-Eastern Woman

THE ESSENCE OF STYLE

a Fa M i LY

pLuS

sParkling neW sPa in toWn, the Best Venue for your nuPtials

a F Fa i r

a candid chat With the cousins Behind noon By noor GET THE B r i da L L O O k

Ways to Wedding Perfection

SupEr

STYLiSH

& S O p H i S T i C aT E d

Fa S H i O N T O M a k E Y O u F E E L Fa N Ta S T i C

P l ay f u l P r i n t s , f l o r a l s , P u r P l e s , M e ta l l i c s + M o r e www.ohlala-magazine.com may 2017 | issue 71 QaTaR | QR20

Ohlala Cover May.indd 1

27/04/17 09:00

May Edition available now on issuu.com 36

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prada

dior

What To Wear

preen

Erdem

Isabel Marant

peter pilotto

There are a lot of reasons to feel fantastic right now. Spring has us enjoying hot style. Having both the bridal and Ramadan season in one stretch is giving us more options than can fit our wardrobes (that’s not a bad thing, ever) –we’re loving florals, pantsuits, shimmers and purple hues among other looks. Your day to night wardrobe is complete.

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guiseppe zanotti

Salvatore Ferragamo

marc Jacobs

Lovely and light staples for the big day.

Rupert Sanderson

Alexander McQueen

The wedding EDit

jonathan simkhai

monique lhuiller

ortrait

Self-p

Fendi

johanna ortiz

poca & poca

burberry

marni

wish List

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roger vivier

L’afshar

Rabih Kyrouz

jenny packham

Carolina herrera

The Ramadan Edit

Wonderfully decadent pieces for starry nights. Christian siriano

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Delfina delettrez Arwa al banawi

poca & poca

zimmermann

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wish List

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Blooms are back in a big way. Carrying over from winter, we’re reworkingthose dark petals and turning them into dreamy, floaty and gorgeous flowers. 42

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Style

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Focus

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Iris

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Aouadi Paris

Associated with charm and royalty, this hue is set to pave the way for spring-summer style. We love to pair it with black to make it stand out powerfully strong. nina ricci

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OFF White

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The Row @ ne

Leggy ladies are all the rage. Whether you’re drawn to a structured, boyish, fitted or flowy take on androgyny, this trend is the mark of a sophisticated woman.

Body to Soul | Duration: 75 mins Prepare for the joys of Ramadan, experience bliss and calm with our soothin treatments at Spa by Clarins. Choose any 60 min treatment and receive a head, foot or shoulder massage This treatment includes full access to all spa and wellness facilities

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The Metallic Shimmer

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Flashy effects with foil finishes give us so much life. There aren’t any rules here – just make way for these entrance-making pieces and soak up the attention.

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Aurélie biderma nn

Clashing your stripes with your checks with your Jackson Pollock inspired mesh skirt is the ultimate statement of this season. Make for a bold and brave mash-up.

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Sophia webster

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Focus

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Fas hio T na i e ble s 54

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Cousins Shaikha Noor and Shaikha Haya of Noon By Noor fame, have more than just a family link between them. They’ve been best friends since childhood, travelled the world together and now sit queenly high on their fashion empire. The Bahraini duo talk to us about putting Bahrain on the map, New York Fashion Week and how they activate each other’s strengths.

ow would you describe each other’s personalities? Shaikha Noor: As you may already know, we are not only cousins, but we have been best friends since childhood. Working together to fulfill our career goals only seemed inevitable due to how well we understand each other. Haya really enjoys travelling, looking for new places to explore and new cultures to discover. I really believe this fuels her creativity and her ability to bring in new design elements

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for Noon By Noor. She loves embellished pieces so she will always think of brilliant ways to incorporate them in new collections. Shaikha Haya: Noor is independent, precise and very determined. She has an eye for detail and loves to explore new techniques to make the pieces more special. One of her passions is sketching as it’s her way to relax and unwind. Noor has always been fascinated by fashion, even as a little girl. She would spend hours in her mother’s closet exploring and admiring beautiful fabrics and designs, which has undoubtedly influenced her future in design. How do you divide the roles up in the creative process? Shaikha Noor: When it comes to the creative process of developing a collection, we both play equal parts as we work very closely together. In terms of business, my role is that of CEO and Haya is the COO. However, we make all final decisions together. What inspires you in terms of design? Shaikha Noor: Noon By Noor embodies the concept of East meets West. We are continuously inspired by our rich Eastern cultures, which is very important to us, and

Designer

Focus

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The World of Noon By Noor Morning Ritual?

N: A good cup of coffee and quality time with my twins. H: A good cup of coffee and making sure I’m up to date with all the latest news. Favourite Time of Day?

N: Mornings are peaceful. H: Afternoon quality time with friends.

Yves saint laurent

N: Mascara & Eyeliner are a must. H: The perfect lipstick.

chanel rouge allure

Must-Have Makeup Item?

Van Cleef & Arpels

Minimal or Statement Jewellery?

N: Statement H: Minimal Cartier

Heels Or Flats?

N: Gucci slippers H: Chanel espadrilles

Gucci

Chanel

Favourite Hotel In The World?

N: Four Seasons Hotel George V. Timeless and the epitome of luxury! 58

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H: Hotel Bel Air. Such a quiet and peaceful place.

Designer “The Noon By Noor woman embodies the essence of nonchalant chic, is internationally minded, sophisticated and not afraid of taking risks.” we mix it with Western styles and designs, which also resemble our personal styles. A lot of our inspiration also comes from our extensive travels, which have helped us rediscover our global perspective and understanding of various cultures. Shaikha Haya: We always keep an eye and an ear open to all that surrounds us, because you can get inspired at any moment of the day, even at unexpected moments. Another key source of inspiration to us is our family and close friends as well as our personal stories. You’ve come so far from your Bahrain beginnings. Did you ever expect it? Shaikha Noor: We started Noon By Noor with the goal of being recognised internationally, while placing Bahrain on the fashion map. Although these were our goals since the beginning, achieving them feels quite humbling. We are extremely proud to represent our country in such a competitive industry. Shaikha Haya: We always hoped to get as far as we have today, and we feel very proud and blessed to have undergone this journey. I believe our desire to succeed while loving what we do has been paramount to our success. We continue to grow with excitement at what the future has in store for our brand. How would you describe the Noon by Noor aesthetic? It is inherently Western - quite minimal with uncomplicated separates - where would you say the Middle Eastern undertones emerge? Shaikha Noor: Our brand’s vision is to merge the East and West. This theme is constant throughout our collections. Noon By Noor’s refined aesthetic fuses understated luxury with playful femininity, and with an emphasis on sharp tailoring, clean silhouettes and attention to detail. Embellishments and floral motifs are synonymous with Noon By Noor, which are Bahrain inspired, so we find ways to incorporate them into our collections, while continuously looking for new and innovative ways to recreate these inspirations. Who is the Noon by Noor woman? Shaikha Haya: The Noon By Noor woman embodies the essence of nonchalant chic, is internationally minded, sophisticated and not afraid of taking risks with her wardrobe whilst staying true to her own individual style. How did showcasing in New York come about over the other fashion capitals? Shaikha Noor:Going abroad has been in the plans since inception. As we both studied and lived in

the US, we understand the power and value of the market, and for us New York is the center of the fashion industry. The choice for us came quite easily when we were presented with the opportunity to take part in New York Fashion Week How do the critics respond to the fact that you›re Arab designers in the US amongst other cultures? Shaikha Noor: I believe that in fashion it doesn’t matter who you are or where you are from. Your brand speaks for itself and tells the story you want to share with the rest of the world. The key is to capitalise on what makes you unique and grants you the competitive edge to stand out. From the very first time that we showcased our collections at NYFW the critics were very enthusiastic about Noon By Noor. Shaikha Haya: In February 2012, when we held our first presentation of Noon By Noor during NYFW we were recognised as the first GCC brand to be invited by IMG to present at NYFW, which was monumental to us. What makes us stand out is that we reinterpret fashion and offer a different perspective on style, which is very defined and pronounced. We are very proud to have been able to make a mark very early on in our journey. What advice would you give to emerging designers starting their career? Shaikha Noor: Believe in your vision and yourself and don’t take no for an answer, but most importantly, always follow your true passion. Shaikha Haya: Love what you do and be prepared for a lot of hard but fun work. Who would you like to see wearing Noon by Noor and why? Shaikha Haya: Our designs have already been seen on the likes of Alexa Chung, Solange Knowles, Jennifer Lopez, Olivia Culpo, Eva Longoria, Blake Lively, Kate Bosworth, Miroslava Duma to name a few. We look forward to adding others to the list such as Sienna Miller and Emma Watson, who represent our brand in their femininity and effortless elegance. Being constantly on the road must be tiring. How do you center yourselves and focus your energies on work and your personal lives? Shaikha Noor: Things can get quite tiring at times, but because we love what we do, we are always able to combine our work with our personal lives. I am a very organised person, making it easier to find a perfect balance between spending precious time with my family and working on my businesses. Shaikha Haya: Our days can get quite busy at times, but I believe our desire to succeed and loving what we do keeps us motivated on a daily basis. We are both passionate about our work, which makes fine tuning our schedules a lot easier and more pleasurable.

Focus

Wardrobe Winners

Most Comfortable Piece…

The ORRIN Bomber. The Best Evening Number…

The SASCHA Dress.

The Most Daring Look…

The LEV Pants and EMMY Corset. The Most Versatile Item…

The DUKE Shirt.

The Most Classic Look…

The RAYNA Gown. www.ohlala-magazine.com

Beautiful blooms Japan, cherry blossoms and a reworking of the kimono provided inspiration for the extravagant sculptural shapes that sparkle in Rami Al Ali’s SS17 couture collection. Each piece feels more exclusive than the next, with individual flair and elegance and presence-making detail.

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Primary Beauty 68

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Inspired simply by paint, the Victoria Scandale springion summer 2017 collect eets is sherbert shades m ts primary colours mee The monochrome magic. elegance with which is the VS woman flows breathtaking, soaring and sophisticated.

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Presents

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RAMADAN KAREEM The true spirit of Ramadan comes to life at The Ritz-Carlton, Doha with festivities that promise to delight family and friends. The rich Qatari Heritage-inspired theme with majestic tent at Al Wosail will take you back in time and feature a feast for the senses with live carving stations, regional cuisines, fresh salads and tempting desserts. Relax with live music and Tanoura dance entertainment enjoyed from your private majlis seating or the main dining area. Individuals QAR 220 per person for Iftar or Suhour 50% savings for kids aged 5 to 12, complimentary for kids aged 4 and under Groups Reserve before the 30th of April 2017 and get 10% savings for 50 people and above Price includes Ramadan juices buffet and soft beverages For more information, please contact us at +974 4484 8000 or visit ritzcarlton.com/doha

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Beauty Buzz

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Get dry and dull skin sorted and indulge yourself with Beau & Eve’s Luxury Coffee Scrub collection. Made with the finest quality natural ingredients, this range will exfoliate and hydrate, leaving your skin feeling nourished and soft, whilst improving problematic areas. These fabulous scrubs are packed with skin loving, active ingredients such as Coffee & Organic Argan Oil, Ground Argan Kernel and Virgin Organic Coconut Oil.

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Clarins’ new make-up collection is based on flawless skin with a natural contour and subtle shimmer eyes. The limited edition Clarins Face Contouring Palette and Brush is very useful for chiseling those cheekbones and creating the perfect shadows when working on smaller areas.

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Perfect for normal to oily skin, YSL’s Fusion Ink Cushion Foundation has a light texture and gorgeously fresh feel that is essential for summer. It’s just beautiful and the formula works so well in cushion form, it’s non-claggy, easy to blend and with a natural, non-cakey finish.

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Beauty Focus

Taste for Molton Brown, London’s fragrance experts, are tantalising the senses once more with the launch of their new limited edition Gourmand collections. It’s an enticing trio of olfactory desserts: Comice Pear & Wild Hone, Delicious Rhubarb & Rose alongside Exquisite Vanilla & Violet Flower.

British 80

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These exquisite, charming fragrances have been expertly crafted with the very best seasonal ingredients sourced from the English countryside, celebrating the brand’s British heritage.

Heritage

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esposa

Beauty Column

GEt Glowing

Everyone wants glowing skin for the walk down the aisle, but how do you achieve this? Angela Beitz explains all the best tips from when to schedule facials and treatments as well as beauty basics to give you that bridal glow. Sort Your Skin

If there’s ever been a time to get your skincare regime into full gear, now is the time. You should be cleansing you skin twice a day, no excuses and exfoliating twice a week with a low irritant exfoliator. Invest in the highest quality anti-aging day and night creams you can afford and don’t forget that serums are your new best friend (you can even layer different ones for best results). You should also be wearing SPF everyday under your make up and anywhere that the sun hits your skin. Chest, ears, neck, back of hands etc.

Save Face

Regular facials will also boost your skin and have your skin looking luminous and glowy by the time the big day comes around. Book one around every four to six weeks in the six months leading up to your wedding. Start with deep cleansing facials and ones that include light microdermabrasion and lead up to super hydrating and calming facials. If you aren’t used to having facials go for ones aimed at sensitive skin that will nourish and hydrate your skin. If you’re having any troubling or chronic skin issues, think about seeing a dermatologist so you can get any problems sorted early.

Trial And Error

Take your time to book your hair and make-up artist as this is a very key aspect of your look for the big day. Make sure you do a practice run of your hair and beauty look so that if you don’t like it, you still have time to change it. Be sure to speak up if you are unhappy about something - they want you to be happy as much as you do. Look for inspiration in magazines and on Pinterest and Instagram. 82

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Keep It Simple

It goes without saying but book your manicure, pedicure, spray tan if you want one in advance and leave time in the evening for a good shower. To save time, book them in the one location if you can, or within walking distance. If your hair is due for a wash get scrubbing, but if you know your hair looks great on its second day, keep it that way. Go with what you know, this is not a time to experiment with dramatic new looks or over the top make up.

Fresh Tresses

If you’re happy with your hair’s length get a trim so that it’s in tip-top shape come D-Day. If you’re brave enough, do get an extra centimeter off so that when you reach the wedding date your tresses still look refreshed. If you can bear it, lay off the styling tools to give your hair a break and nourish your hair with a hair mask twice a week.

Up Your Fitness Regime, But Look After yourself

James Duigan, whose A-list clients include models Rosie HuntingtonWhiteley and Lara Stone says putting pressure on yourself and your body can be one of the biggest obstacles when preparing for such a big moment like your wedding day. “Stress harms your body at a time when it needs to be nourished,” he says. Treat yourself to Epsom salt baths, body scrubs, meditation and yoga to keep your mind and body healthy while in planning mode. Similarly, nourish yourself from the inside out with healthy, organic whole foods. Coconut oil, green tea and omega-3 are the supermodel tools to fast-track your way to ultimate radiance.

TIME FOR TEA Gather with friends and family to experience the afternoon tea, the timeless St. Regis tradition. Discover the new selection of delicious pastries & sandwiches, creamy rolls, freshly baked cookies and scrumptious cakes paired with a varied selection of more than 100 exclusive teas from around the world. Sunday to Friday | 14:30 to 20:00 QR 149 per person for Caroline Astor Afternoon Tea QR 250 per person for The St. Regis Doha Afternoon Tea QR 450 for two persons for The St. Regis Doha Afternoon Tea The St. Regis Doha | 1st floor For more information or to make a reservation Please call +974.4446.0000 Whatsapp +974.3387.0925 or e-mail diningreservations@stregis.com www.stregisdoha.com

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‫للخــياطة الرجالــية‬

‫كـالسيـك‬

Classic Man for Tailoring

Tel. 4421 9357

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Mob. 3377 2735 P.O. Box: 7346 Doha - Qatar

Modern Moroccan Elegance

Set on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean, the Four Seasons Hotel Casablanca is the epitome of contemporary five-star sophistication with a touch of local culture. Shabana Adam indulges in rich history and sheer comfort.

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Travel Escapes

“You’ll get a mix of authenticity from local customs as well as a hint of modernity with the stylish décor and luxury setting.”

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The Four Seasons Hotel Casablanca will have

you saying “wow” at every turn. On approach to the five-star property, you’ll pass by the calm of the greenery, through streets that easily resemble any Hollywood neighbourhood in Beverly Hills, and miles of beautiful shoreline, before arriving at the sand-coloured building. If it’s fresh air and sea views galore that you’re after, this place will endlessly please. At only five storeys high, the Four Seasons Casablanca is an intimate hotel made up of 186 super spacious rooms, including 29 suites which come with private balconies overlooking the deep blue ocean or the lush gardens. Three restaurants, a picturesque outdoor pool and a fabulous spa all add to the allure of this beachfront hotel. French, Arabic and English are just three of the main languages spoken by the multinational team here. Everyone from the doorman to the bellboy, the front desk staff and the waiters are polite, efficient and beyond welcoming. To top that off, we’re served a delicious plate of traditional Moroccan sweet treats along with a cup of the famous Moroccan mint tea upon check-in. Talk about a “sense of local” – you’ll get a mix of authenticity from local customs as well as a hint of modernity with the stylish décor and luxury setting – the best of both worlds. Our Superior Room is located on the top floor, just down the hall from the lobby. Not only is this super convenient, it’s also a pleasant surprise to find how peaceful it is just a few minutes from the chic entrance. Again, if you want lively, it’s just seconds away from the room, and when you want to relax, rest assured that this room is a quiet sanctuary. One of the reasons why we love the

Four Seasons brand is because each property stays true to its roots – that’s no exception in Casablanca. The room we’ll call home for the next few days is very spacious. It’s beautifully-bright with cool, neutral interiors that boast elements of both Moroccan design and contemporary flair. Tailor-made lamps inspired by the typical brass work found in Moroccan moucharabieh and Berber tradition come together to create the most spacious and luxurious guest rooms, complete with floor-to-ceiling windows that let in an abundance of natural light. Soft beige marble floors cover the room, providing excellent contrast with the dark brown timber and colourful décor. There’s mesmerising art on the walls, a fully-stocked refrigerated personal bar with delicious teas, a Nespresso machine, and a variety of snacks

“If it’s fresh air and sea views galore that you’re after, this place will endlessly please.” and beverages, alongside the best part of the accommodation – the customisable Four Seasons bed, with your choice of mattress topper – so plush. The bathroom is an impressive set-up too. Adorned in marble with a deep soaking tub and glass-walled shower, an excellent make up mirror and thick terry bathrobes, it’s a one-stop hotspot for ultimate rest. This room is what we call a true sleeping sanctuary with top-quality furnishings and amenities. Our favourite thing of all was www.ohlala-magazine.com

Travel Escapes

the blackout curtains and the uber fast internet connection. We’re used to being spoiled with good food in the Gulf, and Morocco is no different. We can guarantee you that what you’ll find at the Four Seasons Casablanca will blow you away. From a sumptuous breakfast spread where the fresh juice bottles in ice, the array of egg concoctions and the mouth-watering patstries take centre stage, there’s also an exquisite afternoon tea and a once-a-month Sunday brunch, which genuinely exceeded all expectations. The Mediterranean magic of Bleu restaurant is nothing short of cutting-edge and classy. Mirroring Casablanca’s coastline; waves to nautilus shells, the focus is on curves, creating a soft, relaxing ambiance. The white marble floor, wood columns and brown-leather banquettes create an elegant, contemporary flair – unique to this special city. The interior offers wave-like, floor-to-ceiling windows, while the outdoor terraces feature a transparent glass railing and delicate white zelliges. A custom-made grill in the centre of the restaurant exposes the chefs in action, while a raw bar features tartars, oysters and seafood tastings. On the terrace, the focal point is a unique firepit surrounded by comfortable seating – perfect for enjoying the sound of the waves, the light breeze or kicking back with your choice of sips and cigars. Brunch offers everything from the freshest, most innovative salads, beautiful appetisers, tasty meat, chicken and seafood dishes, and lip-licking desserts. Every month has a different theme and the city’s foodies have fast become big fans of the high-quality fare served during the three-hour dining soiree. 88

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“The heart of the hotel firmly sits on the tip of North Africa in a location that will have you in awe until the moment you check out.” For something a little lighter, try the amazing afternoon tea, served at Mint – a heart-warming slice of Morocco. Gourmet sandwiches, creative salads, French pastries and yummy tid bits all await to be devoured. Mint’s indoor lobby lounge area is adorned with Moroccan white stucco embroideries contrasting with the black marble floor, which creates a refined yet relaxed ambiance.

Comfortable sofas inspired by traditional Moroccan homes invite you to relax and enjoy the impressive views that overlook the ocean. On the outdoor terrace, cosy up to the custom-made firepit adorned with Moroccan blue and gold zelliges. Aaaah, picture perfect. If there’s one thing we’d recommend you to try at Four Seasons Casablanca, it’s Le Spa and its deeply soothing treatments. With a mix of Signature Moroccan Hammam experiences, ancient alchemist-inspired body therapies, healing Himalayan, glowing youth and natural emerald infused services to pamper you from head-to-toe, there’s literally something for everyone. Le Spa features opulent luxury and elite skin care brands with 10 spacious treatment rooms, including a special sumptuous retreat for couples. Changing lounges include heated whirlpools and steam rooms, and service is professional and welcoming. When you’ve spent the day exploring the neighbourhoods of the city or haggling for bargains at Souq Habbous, unwind here for simple rejuvenation. There’s nothing like ending a holiday where the hotel you’ve been staying in has immaculately given you a sincere flavour of local life. The Four Seasons Hotel Casablanca has one foot in the city’s French colonial legacy and the other in Mauresque and Moorish influence, all with a European art deco panache. But, most importantly, the heart of the hotel firmly sits on the tip of North Africa in a location that will have you in awe until the moment you check out. For more information or reservations call: +212 5290 73700 www.ohlala-magazine.com

Mall of Qatar Tel. 4021 4777 • Villaggio Mall Tel. 44959060 • Landmark Mall Tel. 44565340 virginmena virginmegastore.qa virginmena virginmegastoreme 90 www.ohlala-magazine.com

Eastern Promises With all its architectural flair and Asian touches, Shangri-La Doha is your one-stop destination for luxury living. We treated ourselves to an unapologetic week of pampering.

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Local Escapes “This is where you feel and get a sense of the Shangri-La hospitality at its best.”

You get an instant hit of an intense spa-like scent (the signature Shangri-La smell) when you cross the threshold into the Shangri-La Doha’s lobby. The outside world is distinctly put behind you as the legacy of Shangri-La unfolds before you. The warm yet opulent lobby makes you feel instantly comfortable and at home with all the grand details in the chandeliers and fixtures. We at Ohlala are always impressed by lavish finishings – we’ve seen a lot of said features in our time – and we can confirm that the Shangri-La Doha has our luxury seal of approval. After a swift check-in (despite coming well before the normal check-in time, our room was ready) we were whisked up to the 38th floor to our home for a few days. The rooms are decidedly spacious. There isn’t a corner of the room that doesn’t feel well-proportioned or sufficiently open. In fact, we felt like we were in a studio where we had our work space, chill out area and bedroom. The furnishings are sleek, simple and sophisticated, nothing is overbearing on the eye, nor too basic. We could definitely see ourselves getting comfortable long-term here – especially being on the 38th floor with swanky and sweeping views across West Bay from the floor-to-ceiling windows which are impeccably clear and clean. One of the benefits of our stay was having access to the Horizon Club Lounge on the 42nd floor. It really is a stylish haven for business travellers and tourists alike but for our purposes, it was a great space for meetings and a lovely retreat for when we wanted to get some work done. It’s always ideal when you have another outlet beyond your room to do your work. The change in scenery and atmosphere really helped us get down to business! As far as location goes, the Shangri-La Doha hits all the positives. It’s in West Bay. There’s direct access to City Centre Doha Mall. Again, it’s in West Bay – that’s a huge plus as far as we’re concerned. Nothing is too far out of reach, nowhere is too difficult to get to and no other hotel has quite a location as this. You feel really well connected and safe in this property, surrounded by lots of activity, commerce and people, lots of people. But at the same time, you are granted peace and tranquillity at this hotel. We felt sealed off from the hustle every time we entered our room but as soon as we wanted some action, it was right on our doorstep. Shangri-La Doha has some of the best food we’ve tasted in a while. We first hit up Sridan for a lunch buffet. This all-day dining outlet is very interactive between the chefs and guests where you can get anything from Indian to Arabic to International cuisine. We do love a good buffet, especially when the varieties are high in quality. We settled for some incredible fish among other things but the squid in particular deserves a mention as it was charred to perfection. The 92

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desserts too were plentiful and special – particularly the umm Ali. We don’t know what it is about umm Ali, but it hits the spot every time. On another evening, we went to the super luxe and swish Shanghai Club on the 43rd and 44th floor where we indulged to the max in a Shangai Club Tasting Menu which included heaven-sent Duck Handbags – the little parcels of doughy, thick pastries filled with shredded duck. They were so moreish, we couldn’t get enough of them. Other highlights included: the Wok-fried Japanese Wagyu Striploin with Asparagus and Black Pepper Glaze – so succulent, earthy and luxurious in taste, while the Shanghai Club Crispy Rice with Chicken and Mushrooms had a pack of protein to it, was extremely dense in texture and tasted like the highest quality chicken you could get. The Chilled Mango Sago Cream with Pomelo finished us off so nicely with its light and fresh portion and delicate flavours. To round off our stay, we did what anyone would do when they’ve had a busy week in back-to-back meetings. We headed over to CHI The Spa - the only luxury Asian-themed spa in Doha. This is where you feel and get a sense of the Shangri-La hospitality at its best. CHI offers a unique selection of Asian and Arabic treatments based on authentic natural healing methods found in traditional well-being practices at a great value. We had a traditional relaxation massage where we were lathered in oils, descended into a soft and sweet sleep and came out of it completely renewed. This is the thing about Shangri-La, you leave the hotel feeling your best self after you’ve accomplished all that the hotel has to offer. We highly recommend you give yourself some self-care and indulge in every corner of this property. For more information or reservations call: 4429 5000

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Ohlala Boutiques

The Serpent’s Tale

The Serpent Bohème collection has an air of mystery, a captivating aesthetic that appeals to strong women and res their femininity. Since emerging from the Maison’s workshop in 1968, Serpent Bohème has endured over the years to become a Boucheron classic. The snake is created in gold, its head a droplet crowned with beading, its body chased into sensual undulations. 94

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Mother Nature

Nature has been an endless source of inspiration for Boucheron since the Maison’s foundation in 1858. Its diversity, aesthetic ideal and wealth of symbolism have over time inspired creations that are as diverse as they are remarkable. This unique vision of Nature Triomphante has made it a decisive in uence in the Maison’s history. Boucheron Paris is available at Lagoona Mall: 4425 7744 and is also available at Fifty One East

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Ohlala Boutiques

Shine Bright

LUNA by de GRISOGONO is a new collection of ladies’ watches that like all the jeweller’s creations naturally seem to have been part of the brand.

This supremely feminine jewellery watch embodies the quintessential skills cultivated by de GRISOGONO. An encounter with the artisans who have gold and diamonds at the tips of their fingers. From the first sketch to the final polishing operation on these timepieces graced with heavenly curves, de GRISOGONO reveals the secrets of its ateliers. De Grisogono is available at Al Fardan Jewellery, The Pearl Qatar, Via Marsa Arabia: 4495 3875 96

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Ohlala Boutiques

urban romance

After diving into the depths of the oceans and venturing out into the vastness of the galaxy in recent collections, this season Swarovski are adorning us with city-inspired pieces. The laid-back modernity of the SS17 line is sophisticated, cool and has enough style endurance to take us into many seasons ahead. Swarovski is available at Landmark Mall: 4483 8158

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S H I S H A T E R R A C E AT A Q U A L O U N G E

Level 7 - Marriott Marquis City Center Doha Daily | 12pm - 1am Enjoy traditional or our signature ‘Meduse’ shisha with a variety of ﬂavours amidst stunning views of the Doha skyline. Indulge in an Arabic inspired menu, while sipping your picks from our wide range of special beverages. For more information, call +974 4419 5000 or visit marriottmarquisdohadining.com MARRIOTT MARQUIS CITY CENTER DOHA HOTEL West Bay City Center, Omar Al Mukhtar Street, Doha, Qatar Tel: +974 4419 5000 | Fax: +974 4419 5100 marriottmarquisdohadining.com

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Ohlala Boutiques

A Woman’s Worth The Richard Mille boutique at The Pearl held a Mother’s Day event in March and now we are simply lusting over their timepieces. “Our ladies’ clients have their own individual identity, they are independent, they want to be different and perceived as game changers, not followers,” says Peter Harrison, CEO Richard Mille Europe, Middle East and Africa. We couldn’t agree more. Richard Mille is at La Croisette 6, The Pearl Doha: 4444 6606

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RAMADAN ISLAND ESCAPE. Find peace this holy month surrounded by natural beauty and crystal blue waters at Doha’s only island sanctuary, Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara. Break your fast and spend a memorable Iftar and Souhour at our Award Winning Restaurant Azraq, with a sumptuous spread and live music every night.

Starting from just QAR 1,199 including: • Iftar & Souhour for two • Luxury boat transfers • Late check-out until 4.00 pm

• Stay in a room, suite or villa • Ramadan special amenities • One game of bowling

Book from today till 23 May to stay from 7 - 23 June 2017

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Ohlala Boutiques our round up The ultimate essentials to make us feel and look fabulous.

Radiant Beauty LES INDISPENSABLES DE L’ÉTÉ is Chanel’s (and our) saving grace cruise collection as the summer approaches. From beautiful coral to deep plum hues, your eyes, face, lips and nails will benefit from a spectrum of rich products. For the best healthy glow results, look no further than Chanel, trust us.

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Ohlala Boutiques

p Po The Roll Girl

The Ermanno Scervino Woman lives in a sport couture universe that welds sartorial tailoring and sportswear. Jackets, overcoats, skirts and trousers in a gobelin fabric are unexpectedly paired with off-white silks with Valencienne lace inserts and poplin striped shirts, in a play of juxtaposition which breaks every traditional rule. The POP theme is bodied out in stripes and geometrical cat’s eyes winking out of knitwear and tailored garments. Or in more casual versions on bombers and jackets made of scuba knit fabric, worn with exquisite irony over lace dresses 104 www.ohlala-magazine.com

of impalpable texture, proposing contrasts that are only apparently irreconcilable. Summer furs, hand crafted with silk embroidery which masterfully reproduces the Astrakhan effect in shades of red, blue, green and black, embellished with contrasting or ton sur ton frogs. White takes on a leading role as seen in the linen, hemp and poplin shirts and dresses which are enriched with Valencienne embroidery and jeweled appliques. Ermanno Scervino is available at 12 La Croisette, The Pearl Doha: 4411 1248

ON YOUR WEDDING DAY, IMAGINE HAVING MORE TO SPEND ON THE THINGS YOU LOVE. Book your wedding event before 31 May 2017, and you’ll get a full 15% discount. At Crowne Plaza Doha - The Business Park, we can help you to get so much more from your wedding budget. That’s because our limited-time MyWedding package gives you a 15% discount on your wedding event, which means more flexibility to spend on all the things that make your day special. If you’re planning a wedding, contact us now to find out how we can enhance the occasion. Discount applicable for weddings booked for 2017 and 2018 on selected months.* Bookings are subject to availability *Terms and conditions apply.

IHG.COM/MYWEDDING

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Ohlala Boutiques

Silky Soft NIVEA introduces Skin Delight, the first Oil in Body Milk Moisturiser for a Soft and Radiant Skin All Day Long. Studies show that 85% of women use a body lotion to indulge themselves and unwind from the stress of daily life, as tensions melt away while we give ourselves a gentle, pampering gesture. NIVEA Skin Delight caring treatment, infused with delicate scents of rose and lavender, offers women a divine experience as it delights all their senses and gives them a radiant glowing skin.Take your pick of Rose or Lavender and give your skin a lovely, smooth treat. Nivea is available at multiple locations

Top Marks Marks & Spencer and Al-Futtaim opened its biggest Marks & Spencer store in Qatar at Doha Festival City Mall last month. It is the first M&S store in Qatar that features the new premium boutique shopping concept as well as its famous chilled foods for the first time and an instore bakery with breads and pastries freshly baked on site. 106 www.ohlala-magazine.com

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FABULOUS FASHION Style NoteS For INStaNt Glamour www.ohlala-magazine.com December 2016 | issue 66 QaTar | Qr20

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Chic Eats

Arabian Nights Qatar never ceases to be full of neat surprises that excite and inspire. Al Jalsa Garden Lounge at the InterContinental Doha City is just that. Our contributor Craig Ferriman indulges.

estled inside what was previously a courtyard used for some outdoor space in a bustling city skyscraper hotel where smokers could escape for a crafty cigarette on a busy day, Al Jalsa Garden Lounge is a brilliant exemplar of how you can transform space to enhance what you already have. Now no longer a dull concrete quadrangled den, Al Jalsa is an outdoor Arabic lounge that is intimate, cosy, colourful and chic. The aim of the night is not to leave. The restaurant even boasts a closing time of 4am during Ramadan and 2am for weekends during the rest of the year. It is as ideal a place to go on a date as catching up with a large gathering

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The shisha is of five-star quality and rather than opting for one basic flavour, Al Jalsa offers blends of two or three in one all served with multiple pipes. The karkade has the beautiful aroma of red hibiscus. The dessert is quite the climax to the menu with a range of Arabic sweets but the traditional umm ali cooked with honey is sumptuous to say the least. Al Jalsa has set itself up to cater to the business meeting you want to take out of the office with an express lunch at QR99 that includes a single flavour shisha. It’s also great for a passing bite in the evening or making an afternoon or night of it. For more information and reservations call: 4015 8888

of friends or convening the whole family together. The overarching themes of the place are sharing and socialising. And that is just as well as the portions would defeat any one diner alone. This is a great blend of outdoor simplicity and Gulf opulence. The table is always filled with food while you sit relaxed ensconced in cushions on comfortable settees feeling the light breeze brush past you (though don’t hold me to that come July!) The food is of a particularly high standard. Their soups are not a rushed aforethought but a tasty treat to tickle the tastebuds as the evening gets going. Try the lentil soup - it’s divine. The cold mezze is utterly excellent with superb shankeesh and ample hummus, moutabel, fattoush and kebbeh. Their breads are very good. If, like me, you love your saj, then you won’t be disappointed by their meat, zaatar and cheese saj’s. I couldn’t get enough. The traditional mixed grill is arguably the main event though so you need to save room. On Tuesday nights, the meat is cooked live in the outdoor square on a barbecue for added authenticity but even without that, the quality of meat is exceptionally good and beautifully seasoned with tomato and onion. www.ohlala-magazine.com 109

miles aldridge

Chic Eats

May Dining Catch us if you can as we make the rounds at these fine venues…

The Westin Doha Hotel & Spa Explore traditional tastes and sounds of the Philippines during Kabayan night at Seasonal Tastes. Showcasing the best of Filipino cuisine, prepared from the best and freshest ingredients in region. Accompanied by live music. Every Sunday from 6:30-11:00pm. It’s QR160 with a selection of soft drinks or QR 250 with selected enhanced beverages. Call: 4492 1555

Marsa Malaz Kempinski, The Pearl – Doha Enjoy Marsa Malaz Kempinski’s Iftar together with family and friends. Break your fast with a decadent buffet spread with live cooking stations and multiple cuisines from around the world. It’s QR240 and is served from sunset to 8:30pm. Or, indulge in the Suhoor, with an exquisite buffet selection includes live cooking stations and multiple cuisines from around the world; there is a variety of shisha flavours available and live entertainment. That’s for QR290 and is available from 9:00pm till late. Call: 4035 5011

Oryx Rotana On the holy month of Ramadan, enjoy a lavish Oriental dinner every Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday at Choices, with ouzi, cold mezzeh, shawarma, live mixed grill station, etc. from Iftar until 11:00PM for QR195. Buffet includes local water, Ramadan juices, Arabic coffee and Moroccan tea. Book 10 persons and get 1 Iftar for free. Call::4402 3333

InterContinental Doha Celebrate Iftar with family and friends at Coral this Ramadan, where a premium selection of authentic Arabic cuisines alongside international flavours await you. Iftar is served from sunset to 8:30pm for only QR225 and QR115 for 110 www.ohlala-magazine.com

children below 12. Children 3 years old below dine free. Call: 4484 4919

Sheraton Grand Doha Resort & Convention Hotel Head over to Al Hubara during Ramadan’s Iftar each night and enjoy your favourite restaurant where you will be spoilt for choice from multiple cuisines around the world, featuring Qatari traditional cuisines and more! It’s QR225 from 6:00-8:00pm. Call: 4485 3000

InterContinental Doha The City

The St. Regis Doha Embrace the spirit of Ramadan at The St. Regis very own Souq. Savour traditional Arabic dishes and an array of scrumptious, contemporary international dishes. End your journey with the most sumptuous and delicious selection of desserts in the city and tasteful shisha. The Souq will feature a kids club making it the perfect tent for your little ones. It’s QR230 for Iftar and QR290 for Suhoor. For group bookings of 20 guests and above, contact the catering department. Call: 4446 0105

Shangri-La Hotel Doha

Skip being a chef at home and join the Prime grill experience instead for a truly divine experience! Let them take you back to home cooking and good meats. Enjoy unlimited cuts of rib eye steak along with a salad, sides, signature sauces, and dessert for QR250 – every Wednesday from 6:00-11:00pm. Call: 4015 8888

Gather family and friends for a Dim Sum brunch every Friday and Saturday at Shanghai Club. For QR238, choose unlimited servings of signature and traditional dim sum, where you’ll also enjoy soup and noodles and more. And because it’s still the weekend, indulge in unlimited flowing beverage at an additional supplement while admiring the view from 43 floors up. Call: 4429 5295

Four Seasons Doha Hotel

Al Jasra Boutique Hotel

Experience a true, authentic Ramadan experience in the exclusively designed Ramadan Tent, located in Al Mirqab ballroom. Offering a widespread buffet of scrumptious traditional Arabic dishes and an array of delectable international cuisines featuring Ramadan live entertainment. It’s QR235 for Iftar from 6:00-8:30pm and QR270 for Sohoor from 10:00-1:30am. Call: 4494 8600

Enjoy a wide buffet selection from Lebanese, Moroccan, Italian, Indian, Asian and International Cuisine. Featuring live cooking stations, kids area and a mouth-watering dessert section. Book your event or private group Iftar for QR150 per person and Sohoor for QR100 per person including beverages. Booking discount valid for minimum of 10 people offer only until 20 May 2017. Call: 4433 6666

Ramadan Specials It will soon be Ramadan and Oryx Rotana Doha beckons families and groups with exciting promotions. To honor this special time of the year, Oryx Rotana Doha offers an unforgettable taste of Arabian culture in our different venues for Iftar and Sohour. Experience authentic Middle Eastern cuisine and feel the spirit of the Holy Month.

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Health Files

Blissful Treatment

Last month, W Doha Hotel & Residences, the first luxury lifestyle hotel in Qatar, held an intimate gathering at its poolside lounge Wahm to unveil the exclusive Swiss iDDNA® range, which is now available at Bliss Spa. We are officially obsessed.

Designed and developed in Switzerland, iDDNA®

skin care is a scientific age management system that works to suit any body and skin type. It also comprises a unique noninvasive, regenerative skin care regimen based on your true biological age and customised needs. Formulated from the most effective ingredients, the dosage and frequency is adjusted according to your genes so that it works at a cellular level, respecting the skin’s hormonal identity. Some of the areas the iDDNA® tackles are collagen breakdown, free radical damage, photo damage, skin regeneration and skin sensitivity, while also moisturising and improving the skin’s firmness, elasticity and density. Housed within one of favourite urban retreats, at Bliss Spa, this is the first of its kind in Doha and the Middle East, don’t forget to take advantage of their signature menu of pampering services such as the super-relaxing Blissage™ and red carpet-revered Triple Oxygen Treatment. For more information or reservations call: 4453 5555

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Health Files

Paradise In A Day Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara have launched a One Day in paradise experience which we are absolutely on board with.

What if you could take one whole day to yourself, spending it in the closest thing to paradise on earth? Banana Island Resort Doha is offering guests the chance to do just that with their One Day in Paradise package, where guests can enjoy a whole day of relaxation and recreation in the beauty of the mesmerising island. The resort is renowned for their luxurious retreats and personalised treatments, with a spa and wellness center that is designed to help release mental stress, relieve physical fatigue and inspire an overall sense of tranquility. In One Day in Paradise, guests will be treated to a 60-minute full body relaxing massage with full access to the spa’s wet facilities, including the steam room, sauna, Jacuzzi and ice fountain. During their special day, guests will have full pool and beach access to take advantage of the resort’s picturesque shores, pristine blue waters and bask in the rays of the sun. Additionally, each guest will be gifted QR200 to enjoy a meal at any of the resort’s celebrated restaurants. One Day in Paradise is priced at QR650, including luxury boat transportation to and from the island. We are definitely going to take advantage of this amazing offer! For more information or reservations call: 4040 5050 114 www.ohlala-magazine.com

“Guests can enjoy a whole day of relaxation and recreation in the beauty of the mesmerising island.”

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Health Files

Beautiful Stain The intense colour and aromatic

The origin of expression, born of imagination, designed with creativity…amazing, mystifying, and intriguing...Henna.

essence of Henna spikes the ambiance of Arabic pre-wedding functions. Henna is the most natural beautifying application that one can have in modern times. Although the modern brides take it to a fun level, there is a relevant significance of Henna being considered auspicious across Middle East & India. For over centuries, henna has been a symbol of good luck, health and sensuality in the Arab world. The herb has survived the test of time and still remains the most natural and traditional form of body art, so much that natives of Indian and Arabic origin have made a ritual out of it. This colour staining herb doesn’t only beautify the body with intricate designs but also possess medicinal and healing abilities. Being a cooling agent, Henna is best known to calm the tensions and absorb body heat. People in the deserts used Henna widely but wisely for various treatments like sunburns, fevers, wounds and body aches. The anti-inflammatory effects of the compounds found in henna help it reduce that tension and promote healthy blood flow in the capillaries, which is a common cause of headaches and migraines. Similarly, henna oil is used topically for arthritic and rheumatic pains. Although the anti-oxidant values of henna have not been studied in depth, the oil has been proven to be an astringent which has led people to use henna juice and oil on the skin to reduce the signs of aging, as well as 116 www.ohlala-magazine.com

appearance of scars and other blemishes. This is complemented by the antibacterial effect that can protect the body’s largest

organ – the skin! In addition to being used to dye skin, you can benefit from henna hair treatments. Henna treatments provide a protective coating to the hair, enhancing its growth and shine. Henna has been proven to increase the strength of the hair and therefore represents a safe dye that doesn’t permanently affect the health of hair follicles. Henna helps seal the hair cuticle, preventing breakage and increasing the shine and appearance of hair. The traditional mixture is putting henna juice or oil into curds and then mixing this into your hair, as this increases the effect of the treatment. Henna represents an age old tradition of adorning women, commonly referred to as mehndi. When applied to the hands and feet, beautiful henna designs not only augment a woman’s natural beauty, but add a touch of elegance as well. Some of the most prominent mehndi designs include Arabic, Indian, African and Pakistani; each with its own specialty and style. The goodness of Henna knows no boundaries in culture, ethnicity, gender, religious or spiritual beliefs. In its many forms, henna is truly a gift of beauty, touch and credibility. Pallavi Patil is the Manager at the Spa by Clarins at Marsa Malaz Kempinski, The Pearl Doha. For more information on the spa call: 4035 5555

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Health Files

Doha’s Private Havens

skin analysis by your skilled therapist and enjoy a mini Clarins Facial experience. Walk out with a glow that no one will miss! It’s QR 700 which includes full access to all spa and wellness facilities. Call: 40355555

We are always looking for ways to unwind. Find your peace at these choice spas.

Treat yourself to a Spring Indulgence with a revitalising and detoxifying treatment. The treatment starts with mineral salt scrub to exfoliate dry skin, followed by Balinese massage that relaxes body, mind and spirit. The treatment concludes with a full indulging facial. That’s 2.5 hours long and is QR1,595. Call: 4494 8801

Six Senses Spa at Sharq Village & Spa

Four Seasons Hotel Doha

Bodylines at Oryx Rotana Doha Get pampered in a 110-minute treatment as spring is in the air. Start it off with a 50-minute signature of your choice, followed by a 25-minute mini facial of 2 and end it with a 25-minute scalp massage. It’s all about feeling brand new. Call: 4425 6999 The Spa by Clarins at Marsa Malaz Kempinski, The Pearl-Doha

Relax your body at the hands of the hotel’s professional therapists. Bodylines offer a choice of Swedish Massage, Thai Massage (female only) or Balinese or Deep Tissue, Aroma and Reflexology, Back & Shoulder Massage and Indian Head massage. Get a package of four with a 60-minute massage QR900 (members) or QR1,000 (nonmembers). Call: 4402 3333 Banana Island Resort by Anantara

Fancy a bit of a golden touch? The Gold Hammam experience will leave you with a shimmer of happiness. Receive a complimentary 118 www.ohlala-magazine.com

Anantara Spa Introduces Gents day and Ladies day. Unwind with a 45-minute

Moroccan or Turkish Hammam, followed by a neck, back and shoulder massage. Chill out before and after your treatments with full access to Anantara Spa’s calming facilities, including a crystal stone steam room, sauna, Jacuzzi, relaxation room, ice fountain and liquid sound pool, and rehydrate with a choice of chilled refreshments and healthy snacks, while leaving the spa with a nice gift from Anantara Spa. That’s all yours for QR450. Call: 4040 5158 The Westin Doha Hotel & Spa Prepare your skin for summer with Coola, an exclusive Organic brand dedicated to keeping you cool and safe in the sun. Get beach ready with a 30-minute scrub followed by 30 min Coola Sun massage. It’s QR390 and is available all day during May at Heavenly Spa. Call: 4492 1682 Remède Spa, The St. Regis Doha End the massage savouring the legendary St.Regis afternoon in the relaxation room at the spa or Sarab Lounge. That’s up for QR1,200 and is available till 30 June. Call: 4446 0300

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Never miss an issue

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OHLALA Spotlight

Hear Those Wedding Bells Ring

When it comes to getting all your wedding day plans down on paper, The St. Regis Doha know how to help. From ideas to reality, the hotel is your perfect partner to see your dreams come true. What’s the first step with your client, how do you establish the relationship? The timeless tradition of a St. Regis wedding is becoming part of the fabric of Doha society. At the most sought-after address and location in Doha, everything for the most memorable wedding possible can be effortlessly arranged; from exceptional catering to breathtaking flower arrangements. At The St. Regis Doha, we always provide personalised services to our guests in order to help make their best day as memorable as possible. The first step is to always listen to our guests’ needs and desires and thus tailor make a special package that suits their requirements perfectly. 120 www.ohlala-magazine.com

How do you start the planning - it’s such a huge event, where do you even begin? We always determine a main point of contact as a permanent reference for our guests – we then go through a detailed questionnaire or a check list that covers all the guests’ requirements and expectations from The St. Regis Doha. Finally, prior to the wedding day, we schedule an appointment with our guests to reiterate all agreements and set up elements as well as confirm the selected menu. What do you feel is the St. Regis Doha’s best selling feature as a wedding venue? The St. Regis Doha provides the utmost privacy in the selected venues for the comfort and convenience of our guests along with an easy access to the wedding hall through a separate entrance. Furthermore, the Amiri Suite at The St. Regis Doha, designed to accommodate top VIPs and heads of state, offers an exclusive setting for the brides and their families to prepare before the wedding. The Amiri Suite features a luxurious majlis style living room with a separate bedroom and a private entrance. How many people can you accommodate? Up to 800 guests. Are you at the client’s beck and call whenever they need? Our wedding planners will gladly support guests in organising the most beautiful and extravagant celebratory event at any given time. We are always available to receive requests from our guests. What are some of the personal touches you provide that make the experience more special? The St. Regis Doha provides the finest table settings as we offer different linen options and choices of cutlery and chinaware to suit our guests’ needs. The St. Regis Doha offers the finest cuisine. As part of its proud heritage and culture of excellence, The St. Regis Doha’s culinary vision draws upon flavors which are part of the fabric of Doha itself and works with guests to select the perfect menu that suits their needs. Furthermore, guests can select their favourite flowers or let our florist team arrange exquisite flower decorations for their dream day. There’s an endless selection of flower arrangements to opt for from by theme, preference or style of the wedding desired. There’s truly nothing that is too extravagant for a pristine wedding ballroom as we can accommodate every single dream and desire. At The St. Regis Doha, we also assign a personal butler dedicated to the bride’s assistance on the wedding day. The St. Regis Butler Service is a signature hallmark of dedication and uncompromising excellence. Whether the bride likes some tea or a romantic wedding bath in the suite, the personal butler will make sure she has what she needs. Is there anything you offer that we wouldn’t think of or expect? By being transparent and thoughtful, we are at the forefront of our guests’ most delicate needs and desires. Our aim is not only to meet our guests’ expectations but to provide a wedding that goes beyond their imagination. What advice would you give to a bride-to-be who is overwhelmed by the thought of putting a wedding together? To try as much as possible to be relaxed and to enjoy the preparations ahead of her wedding day as they are part of the overall fun and excitement. Finally, to always rely on The St. Regis team who will make sure that her big day is a day to remember. For more information call: 4446 0000 www.ohlala-magazine.com 121

DivA Drives

Dark &Edgy

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars announced a new facet of the ultra-luxury marque’s personality, a dark and edgy lifestyle statement: ‘Black Badge’.

permanent new sub-brand, Black Badge was unveiled earlier this year at the Geneva Motor Show and transforms the character of both Ghost and Wraith. The new sub-brand is expected to appeal to those people who are elusive and defiant, the risk takers and disruptors who break the rules and laugh in the face of convention. It is in this spirit that Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has announced that Black Badge ‘Inspired by dark edgy lifestyle’, is now available to order from Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Doha, the sole authorised dealership for Rolls-Royce Motor Cars in Qatar. Brett Soso, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Regional Director for Middle East, Africa, Central Asia & South America commented on the reveal of Black Badge by saying, “Following the launch of Wraith in 2013, many of our new customers have gravitated towards the revitalised RollsRoyce Motor Cars, as the brand most capable of encapsulating their truly individual lifestyles. Through the introduction of Black Badge, we are able to further satisfy the demands of these new customers for a more dark and assertive Ghost and Wraith, to suit their personalities and lifestyles and offer the most commanding presence on the super-luxury landscape.” New material accents and tonalities are combined to accommodate the tastes of those fast-moving customers who adopt a strident approach to life’s finer challenges. With this manifesto as their departure point, RollsRoyce designers, engineers and craftspeople set to work transforming Ghost and Wraith in subtly different ways. Their intent was to deliver darker, more assertive and more focused Black Badge alter egos that differ from each other as much as they do from their siblings. The result is Ghost Black Badge and Wraith Black Badge. Black Badge is known as the

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ultimate in pure luxury style and engineering substance. Giles Taylor, Director of Design, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars commented, “In creating Black Badge, we were conscious of satisfying the different demands of these new customers. Not only did they demand an alternative image for themselves, they demanded authentic Rolls-Royce engineering substance to underpin it. As a result, the Black Badge Spirit manifests itself through a series of carefully considered design elements which together express a darker luxury sophistication. New material accents and tonalities are combined to accommodate the tastes of those fast-moving customers who adopt a strident approach to life’s finer challenges.” It was vital to us that the aesthetic appeal and promise of Black Badge

“New material accents and tonalities are combined to accommodate the tastes of those fast-moving customers who adopt a strident approach to life’s finer challenges.” Ghost and Black Badge Wraith be underpinned by superlative engineering. The cars could not be the same as each other while at the same time, they had to offer their owners something subtly yet substantively different from the host cars, delivering a more spirited and exhilarating drive but in a truly

Rolls-Royce manner.” Black Badge will bring the colour black to new levels of intensity. The multiple layers of paint and lacquer that go into creating Black Badge Black are repeatedly hand polished – the most exacting painting and polishing process ever used for a solid paint colour. The result is the deepest, darkest and most intense black ever seen on a production car surface. The centrepiece of the Black Badge cabin is the aerospace-grade aluminium-threaded carbon fibre composite surfacing – material often seen on the surfaces of stealth aircraft. This futuristic material has been reinterpreted at Goodwood to become the world’s most innovative new super-luxury material. The launch of Black Badge further demonstrates Rolls-Royce Motor Car’s true luxury credentials as the world’s leading super-luxury brand. Now available to order from Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Doha, this new sub-brand will meet the demands of its discerning clientele and attract a younger and yet confident customer to the marque. Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Doha, 4420 8887 www.ohlala-magazine.com 123

Ohlala Spotlight

Driven By Emotion

Sachin & Babi are a fashion-design house based in NYC, known for their feminine and unique embroidery. Sachin visited the prestigious Per Lei Couture Doha, where he gave an insight on the brand’s A/W and Bridal 2016 collection.

Alfardan Sports Motors, the official importer of Ferrari in Qatar,

organised a unique car parade as part of the 70th anniversary of Ferrari, becoming the first country in the GCC to partake in the worldwide celebrations of the iconic brand. Over 60 nations hosted events crafted to treat clients and enthusiasts of the marque to a string of unique experiences as part of the “Driven by Emotion” concept, one of the cornerstones on which the Ferrari story was founded. Qatar was selected as the first in the region to embark the celebrations and the dealership infused a local flavour to the revelry by uniting Ferrari car owners in the country under the Qatari flag for a one-of-a-kind parade, organised in collaboration with the Qatar Tourism Authority, Qatar Museums and Mawater Center. The special limited-edition - LaFerrari Aperta headed the troupe, which was presented at each stage as the symbol of the 70th anniversary- and was especially launched to mark the 70th year of the brand. The stunning model combines technological excellence, performance, style, exclusivity, with the unique exhilaration of open-top driving. It is equipped with the same hybrid power unit as the coupé: an 800 cv 6,262cc V12 engine (specific power output of 128 cv/l, compression ratio 13.5:1) coupled with a 120 kW electric motor for a total power output of a 963 cv. “This is definitely a momentous occasion for Ferrari and all those associated with the brand – dealers, owners, enthusiasts. The brand has engraved an unprecedented journey during the 70 years of its existence – a true testament of passion and craftsmanship that has stayed alive since 1947. We are proud to be the official dealers of Ferrari in Qatar, and today, we are driven even further to help our customers experience the splendour of the “Cavallino Rampante”,” said Charly Dagher, General Manager of Ferrari Qatar, Alfardan Sports Motors.

Alfardan Sports Motors Company (S.O.C.), The Pearl-Qatar, Porto Arabia, 4420 8788 124 www.ohlala-magazine.com

Ferrari Through Time Decades of craftsmanship and driving excellence.

1947-1956

1987-1996

1967-1976

2007-2017

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new ones.indd 1

6/14/15 10:15 AM

FACT Dining Awards The 3rd annual FACT Dining Awards held last month at The Rooftop at the prestigious St.Regis Doha was a fabulous affair where members of the hospitality industry enjoyed much success, joy and lots of great food and drink.

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Get your daily dose of FACt online now

MARCH 2017 VOL 10. ISSUE 7 QR10

FA C T D I N I N G A WA R D S 2 0 1 7 . . . ED! NOMINEES REVEAL

CheCk out our new website www.fact-magazine.com www.ohlala-magazine.com 127

Alice + Olivia takes over the W Café Doha Alice + Olivia by Stacey Bendet took over the W Café last month and served an exclusive Alice + Olivia afternoon tea with members of the media and social media influencers. The W Café was fully decorated with Alice + Olivia signature elements: black and white stripes, red accents and staceface – from the café entrance logo to cushions, table mats and even waiters ’uniforms!

Newest Hotspot in Doha Marriot Marquis City Centre Doha have a new outdoor Shisha terrace. Relax and unwind at the newest addition of Aqua Lounge with lots of great flavours and mezzes to go with it. 128 www.ohlala-magazine.com

The Ideal Weekend Getaway Destination A weekend to remember, our incredible room and brunch package includes everything you need for the ultimate getaway. Stay in one of our beautiful sea view rooms and enjoy our award winning Friday brunch inclusive, plus an amazing 20% discount in the Bodylines Spa and other benefits. For bookings and inquiries, please call +973 16000111 or email res.art@rotana.com P. O. Box 50949, Amwaj Islands, Bahrain, T: +973 16000111, art.hotel@rotana.com www.ohlala-magazine.com 129

Miss Ohlala

Commitment

Phobe As far as I’m concerned, I’ve still not

Raise your hand if you’ve ever dated a commitment-phobe? As usual… I have and for that matter, plenty of times. 130 www.ohlala-magazine.com

gotten the memo on how 20-something-yearold men are a waste of my time and perhaps yours too (if you want to jump into the serious dating scene). Where did serious and fun dating go? What happened to courtship and flowers in the driveway? Have they disappeared too? Are they all too busy thinking how scared they are of committing to one woman only for the rest of their lives? Here’s the thing: the more I date, the more I realise today’s men are so not ready for true relationships. They all want quick romances that last 3 months, they demand for a gal to pay for her own food on a first date, and they all want ZERO compromises. Um, hello? In what aisle can I find a true man? Having been with several commitment-phobes, let me tell you that as soon as they say: “I’m not looking for anything real,” run for your life as if there is no tomorrow. They don’t want any serious commitment with YOU so there is really no point in hanging around for HIM to change his mind – because truly, they don’t. And while we’re at it, NEVER compromise your time and energy until you’ve seen he has compromised with actions and not words. Because let’s be real, men do have a tendency to spill more than usual, and us women, have a tendency to believe pretty much anything they lie about. So next time you bump into a man who has never been single and is still trying to figure it out, or those who want nothing serious, I say hit next. Miss Ohlala knows a thing or two about crappy men…

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