Qatar Happening - August 2014 - Summer Travel Issue by Qatar Happening

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Table of Contents

pg 12 QH Exclusive: Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson As Hercules

OUT CHECK pening.com

atarhap tion www.q test informa la !for the

AUGUST: Travel Issue MENT ENTERTAIN

EVERY ISSUE 5 Editor-In-Chief's Letter

QH's Editor-in-Chief tells you what's happening this month

QH Speaks

100

108

The best of our monthly social media

Events Calendar

With all the city’s do-not-miss monthly events

It Happened

QH’s photo gallery of the latest happening events in Doha

Phone Directory

Need-to-know phone numbers

TRAVEL

Top Picks

The Rock One-On-One

We travel eight miles per minute to Malé

Quirky London

Dwayne Johnson takes us inside Hercules

Out Of This World

We interview Guardians Of The Galaxy star Zoe Saldana

A True Visionary

We meet the woman behind the Entertainer and she’s got some sweet deals for our readers too!

Spotlight On Maldives

Tie The Knot In Abu Dhabi

The Art Of Travelling Well

Summer Movie Hot List

Entertainment Listings 60

Can you say blockbusters? Find out everything that’s going on this month

Exploring the little-known corners of the British capital

Why the Park Hyatt is making the grade as a prime wedding destination

Our top tips to keep you stress-free in transit

The Globe Trotter

Our top fashion picks for your most stylish holiday yet

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Table of Contents

pg 64 Inside The New Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara ING FOOD & DIN

NS STAYCATIO 64

An Island Retreat

An Urban Utopia

AHB Group has big plans for their Restaurant Division and we’ve got the scoop

Exploring Doha’s latest luxury property: Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara

We check in for a weekend at The InterContinental Doha The City

Luxury At Zubarah

Having just opened its doors, Zubarah Boutique Hotel is already making waves

Top Picks

Culinary Horizons

New Treats At Burgeri

On Your Marks For The FINA World Cup

One of the world’s biggest swimming championships is coming to Hamad Aquatic Centre this August!

Sigo Siendo El Rey

Training With TRX We test drive the latest exercise trend that’s delivering big muscles and big results!

Get Fit With Food Turn your health around with a diet plan that’s right for you

The burger joint is back with a new re-branding and some tasty new menu items

There’s something new and spicy happening at Salsa in the Doha Marriott

Food & Dining Listings

FITNESS

Find out everything that’s going on this month

Have Your Say: e.

Feedback and comments are always welcom Please forward letters to the editor:

Call Details: Inquiries: Marketing:

Email: editor@qatarhappening.com

Fax:

info@qatarhappening.com jorge@qatarhappening.com

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+974 4427 8416 +974 5584 4905 +974 4427 8415

Postal Address: P.O. Box 7848 , Doha, Qatar

7/23/14 2:02 PM

From The Desk Of The Editor-In-Chief

On the Cover?

Dear friends, As we enter the second half of the summer I hope all of our readers out there enjoyed a peaceful Holy Month and joyous Eid Al Fitr. This month we’re proud to bring you a very special issue dedicated to all things travel-related. August can be a bittersweet month as students begin to count down the remaining weeks and days until the start of the fall school term, while the rest of us try to settle back into our normal workday routines, relishing the memories of our recent summer vacation getaways as we stare forlornly at our computer screens. That’s why we thought we’d give you something to look forward to heading into the fall – with the Eid Al Adha holidays fast approaching, that means many of us will start thinking about our next big trip. For Muslims this marks the time of the Holy Pilgrimage of Hajj, while for other expats it can mean destination holidays to all points of the global compass. In our pages this month we treat you to some of our best top picks from across the map – whether it’s the little-known corners of quirky London, the big, blue island paradise of the Maldives, or an Olympic-sized breath of fresh air in the Swiss Alps. To make your journey as smooth as possible we have travel safety tips, what to do as a family in the great outdoors and even some amazing ‘stay-cations’ right here in Doha for you to enjoy. Our cover feature welcomes the upcoming grand opening of the Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara – a five-star, tropical hide-away unlike anything that Qatar’s seen yet – and the best part? It’s only a short boat-ride away from the Corniche. We can’t wait to explore its lush facilities and bask in the sunshine and blue waters of the Gulf. As the city comes back to life this month, we’ve also made sure to pack a punch in our Entertainment section for you. Summer means blockbuster movies and we bring you exclusive interviews straight from Hollywood with Hercules’ Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson, and Guardians of the Galaxy’s Zoe Saldana. Plus we’ve got a special summer movie spotlight, all your complete entertainment listings and a special feature on the Entertainer Qatar with all your summer deals and steals.

new An luxury over-water villa at the Anantara Banana Island Resort Doha by s Photo Credit: Anantara Propertie

About Us QH is your voice and your guide for all things fun, funky and happening in Qatar! Send us your feedback to editor@qatarhappening.com.

Publisher: The Art of Business Chairman: Ahmed Hassan Bilal Editor-in-Chief: Nasser Ahmed Hassan Bilal Executive Editorial Director: Moona Masri-Whitice Editor: Ashlee Starratt Finalizer / Production Manager: Srimani Welagedara Brand Manager: Zahi Srour Photographer: Jessie Palanca Web Coordinator: Imran Khan Sales and Marketing Manager: Deliah Furcoi Sales and Communications Manager: Jorge Granda Marketing Coordinator: Chet Tibayan Distribution & Accounts: Lanie Fillo-Pana Contributors: Jacqueline Bodnar, Francesca Cruz,

You can also catch up on the latest Food & Dining promotions for August – so plan your brunches accordingly! AHB Group is also proud to announce the continued expansion of their own food and beverage branch with the upcoming launch of four new Chowking outlets for 2015. With its delectable menu selections at affordable, family-friendly prices, the iconic Filipino brand has grown to become one of the most prolific casual-dining franchises in Qatar. Be sure to check out the full feature in our Food & Dining section to learn more about its future developments.

Chantelle D’Mello, Liezel Els, Sandy Huff, Milo Keller, Francesca Moser, Frank Webb.

So, whether you book a round-trip ticket to the tropics or simply check into one of Doha’s fivestar hotels for the weekend, we show you why a change of scenery does wonders.

QATAR HAPPENING (QH) is published 12 times a year by The Art of Business, Doha, Qatar, an associate of Ahmed Hassan Bilal Group.

Thank you for making us a part of your lives,

The information contained in QATAR HAPPENING (QH) is correct at the time of printing. Details may change at any time without liability on the part of The Art of Business. Readers are advised to confirm details with the event organizers. All rights reserved 2011, The Art of Business. Reproduction in part or in full is strictly prohibited. QATAR HAPPENING (QH) assumes no responsibility for content of advertisements.

Nasser Ahmed Hassan Bilal

QATAR HAPPENING (QH) retails for QR 8. Bulk subscriptions are available for QR 5 each, for orders over 50.

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QH Speaks

Tweets Of The Month @FIFAWorldCup

MESSI: After #ARG’s #WorldCup Final defeat, Lionel Messi has said he is inconsolable. #GERARG.

@MotivatedLiving

Never let your memories be greater than your dreams.

@Hash_Ramadan

Do you see how fast Ramadan came back around? That’s how short our lives are. Prepare for Ramadan to make the most of it.

@Toryscott

We’re having a dust storm in Doha that’s making it look like a foggy winter’s day outside. Except it’s humid and 40c+. Grim.

best of the best We ask, you answer. Here’s the this month, plus from our social media top picks you’re saying! our Editor’s Corner. Here’s what

Editor’s Corner Welcome to the travel issue! With a new look and special layout, we’re bringing the world to your doorstep and boy, what a wonderful world it is… Having just come back from holidays back home in Canada I still have that itching, scratching feeling of wanderlust and the only cure is the soothing balm of booking another ticket to destinations unknown. But, as my bank account cries out in vain, I’ll have to settle for living vicariously throughout our pages this month.

@rovilson

The brand spanking new Doha International Airport is feeling very Vegas-ish…

In Your Face

are a well-travelled Our Facebook followers share your bunch! We asked you to be with us and glo the of s ner cor e favourit int! ppo you didn’t disa

Elizabeth Wardle Walker

Travel can be about returning to and re-discovering the familiar, or it can be about taking risks and forging a new world view with each stamp in your passport. The choice is yours and the experience is what you make it. One of the best privileges of working in the GCC with its central location is the opportunity it affords us to hold the world in the palms of our hands. Thailand, Sri Lanka, Bali, India, South Africa, Turkey, Spain….all are a six-hour flight or less from Doha. When I first moved to Qatar, after a grueling 12-hour plane ride from North America, little did I know how accessible the rest of the world could actually be.

“Bangkok…lots and lots of sights to see, good shopping, lots of restaurants and friendly people.”

Two and a half years and six countries later, my world view has been broadened by, well, viewing the world. Travel also helps us be better human beings. To open ourselves up to the new and unfamiliar, we unwittingly expand our consciousness and understanding of others, eventually finding commonalities that unite us across cultures.

Lezima Gomes Coutinho

So with that being said, we hope you use us as your guide when planning your fall vacation. Wander, explore, get lost and find yourself again….it’s a wide world out there. See you next month,

Ashlee Starratt Editor

Saima Malik

“My favourite destinations are Dubai, Turkey and Bora Bora….Bora Bora is such a beautiful place for summer holidays…” “Best summer destination would be Goa, India. It offers a perfect climate – hot but not humid, cool evenings and it has beaches, springs, hills, archaeological sites, religious sites, and not to forget –untouched riversides in the south of Goa, as well as the north. Though, if you’re looking for pubs and parties, the north of Goa is perfect as it’s more inclined towards it. Goa has friendly, loving and very tolerant people willing to help – all you need to do is ask. Most of all, the food in Goa is awesome…from the meats to the veggies, everything is perfect!”

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Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t miss a single hot happening! Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter

@qatarhappening

Interview WITH DWAYNE ‘THE ROCK’ JOHNSON BY JAN JANSSEN INTERVIEW AND IMAGES COURTESY OF VIVA PRESS

QH SAT DOWN WITH DWAYNE ‘THE ROCK’ JOHNSON TO FIND OUT WHY HERCULES IS THE CHARACTER HE WAS BORN TO PLAY!

e’s waited for ages to don the iron breast-plate for this role and now that time has come as Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson embarks on his new adventure as the title character in the upcoming summer blockbuster Hercules. This could well be the beginning of his own film franchise after years of toiling away in a variety

of roles ranging from family fare like Race to Witch Mountain and Journey 2: The Mysterious Island, to big budget action films on the order of GI Joe: Retaliation, Fast & Furious 5 and 6 (with 7 in the pipeline) and last year’s Pain & Gain.

Talk!

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about hercules QH: Dwayne, what are some of the defining aspects of your Hercules?

DJ: We wanted to pay homage to the mythology of Hercules, the anguish he experienced after the death of his family, and how he overcame that, and mix that part of his legend with a new twist. We wanted to give today’s audiences a chance to experience this incredible myth and also relate to him by presenting him as a figure whose greatest asset is ultimately his faith. Not faith in a religious sense, but faith in your own destiny and your desire to create a better world for your people. There’s a lot of profound lessons that can be drawn from Hercules and his legend and I wanted to make sure that we found a good balance between his sense of purpose and the terrific battles he has to go through as part of his mission.

QH: At what point in his life do we meet Hercules when the film begins?

DJ: Hercules has just been exiled from Athens by King Eurystheus. We see Hercules carry out the 12 Labours and there are a lot of flashbacks including one where we see his family murdered. Hercules is very lost and disillusioned at the beginning of the story.

QH: Did you want to give Hercules more complex layers than the usual kind of action hero? “This is the chance of a lifetime for me,” Johnson says. “You dream of being able to find a role like this which you know in your heart and soul that you were born to play. So this was it for me. I feel like it’s destiny.”

DJ: Yes. You have to do that with a figure that is so embedded in mythology or it just doesn’t ring true. I wanted to be able to bring the kind of balance to the character where I can bring some of my own qualities to his personality and also pay homage to the authentic Hercules.

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QH: Are there some good one-liners in the film? DJ: (Laughs) There are a few. We wanted to have some humour and some winks to the audience in the film. But the best line I get to deliver is when I shout, “I am Hercules!” That’s the classic line I’ve waited many years to get to say! I know a lot when it comes to picking yourself up off the ground after you feel like you’ve lost your place and purpose in the world and then finding your purpose again and rebuilding your life. I understand and can relate to so much of the message and power of the Hercules legend and that is a big reason why I wanted to make this movie so badly and do it right. It was always clear to everyone involved in this project that our Hercules should be a defining version and that it should stand the test of time.

QH: WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE THIS FILM TURN INTO A FRANCHISE AND ALLOW YOU TO PLAY HERCULES SEVERAL MORE TIMES DOWN THE ROAD? DJ: Oh, I am absolutely hoping that audiences love this film and if the box office is there then I’m ready to keep on playing Hercules for as long as I’m able. There are a lot of different stories left in the Hercules myth like when you see him joining Jason and the Argonauts and getting involved in different adventures. I can see us doing several more (Hercules) films if the audience is there.

QH: WHAT KIND OF TRAINING DID YOU GO THROUGH TO GET READY FOR THE FILM? DJ: I have never trained for anything, not for football, not for wrestling, and not for any other film the way I prepared for Hercules. I’m not just talking about doing weights and all the other physical preparation involved, but also studying the mythology, immersing myself in a lot of what has been written about Hercules, and also working with a dialect coach. I saw this as one of the biggest challenges of my life and I gave everything I had to this film.

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QH: You also injured yourself just before shooting began? DJ: I had hurt myself getting back into the ring in a fight against John Cena (in April 2013 for Wrestlemania XXVIII) and I tore my adductor and other muscles. That hurt my training preparation but at least those injuries healed in time. The biggest problem was that I developed a hernia just before we were supposed to start shooting the film. I needed an operation and so unfortunately we had to postpone the production for a month but after that I was ready to go and it was one of the best experiences

culture. Tattooing is a rite of passage. It’s spiritual. It tells a story. Symbolically these are stories that have been around for thousands of years. They tell a story of one’s life. And my tattoos tell the story of who I am and my journey in life. QH: You’ve been pretty frank about how hard your divorce was on you. What have you learnt from the experience of going through that? DJ: I’ve become a better and more open man. I needed to learn to become more generous with

DWAYNE JOHNSON IN THE ROLE OF HERCULES of my life. It was hard work but in the end I thought that everyone had done a great job from [director] Brett (Ratner) to everyone in the cast and crew. QH: You were first offered the part of Hercules early on in your career, weren’t you? DJ: That’s right. I had just decided to become an actor and I was looking at different offers and one of them was for a Hercules film. But it was around the time that I was shooting The Scorpion King and it just wasn’t going to work out. But I’m actually very glad that I never played Hercules at that point in my life because I wasn’t the same man that I am today. I didn’t have the same kind of self-awareness and the kind of personal growth that I’ve experienced in the years since then. I’ve gained so much wisdom and perspective on the world that it’s helped me to appreciate the kind of real struggle and personal redemption that Hercules experiences in the film. QH: You are also very proud of your Polynesian heritage. You have a noble title, don’t you? DJ: Yes. I’m a High Chief, in Samoa. That’s the highest title you can have bestowed on you by the king. It was a very big day for me, the most meaningful moment in my life second to the birth of my daughter. Fifty thousand people were gathered for the ceremony which was very long and very spiritual. It was an amazing day and experience for me. QH: You have some tattoos which relate to that heritage as well? DJ: Tattoos are very meaningful in Polynesian

my feelings and become more vulnerable and not hold a lot of things inside. QH: Is there any one anecdote about your girlfriend Lauren that you’d like to share? DJ: (Laughs) She makes these incredible brownies. I usually have a pretty strict diet to stay in shape but I give myself a ‘cheat day’once every week or every two week. So whenever I have one of those cheat days, Lauren knows that I love chocolate and she’ll make this brownie mix where she puts one layer down and then puts a layer of peanut butter in the middle and then put another layer of brownie mix on top of that. I’ve never tasted anything better. 15

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INTERVIEW with ZOE SALDANA BY JAN JANSSEN INTERVIEW AND IMAGES COURTESY OF VIVA PRESS

WHILE SHE AWAITS THE WORD FROM DIRECTOR JAMES CAMERON TO BEGIN SHOOTING AVATAR SEQUELS 2, 3, AND 4, ZOE SALDANA IS MAKING THE MOST OF HER TIME. THIS SUMMER, STARRING IN THE MUCH-ANTICIPATED GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY. QH CHATS WITH THE MOVIE STAR ABOUT HER ROLE AND BEING A TOUGH WOMAN IN HOLLYWOOD. 16

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Guardians of the Galaxy BLOCKBUSTER ADVENTURE SUMMER FILM

“It was a little painful to shoot. All the green makeup and the prosthetics and having to get up at 3:30 a.m. for four-hour make-up sessions every day for six days a week for four months was an ordeal.”

ZOE SALDANA

oe Saldana is one of the stars in the summer blockbuster Guardians of the Galaxy. She also has six other films in the pipeline and last June, smack in the middle of filming Guardians Of The Galaxy at Shepperton Studios in Surrey, England, she decided to tie the knot with Italian artist Marco Perego. She kept the news hidden from the general public until an appearance on the Jimmy Kimmel Show last December -- another example of her determination to stay out of the limelight.

QH: What made Guardians of the Galaxy stand out for you?

ZS: It’s a very innovative and unique take on the sci-fi and superhero genres. There’s a Robin Hood feel to our bunch of characters that’s very different from the usual noble-minded kind of sensibility. We’re a very rock and roll outfit and have so many outstanding actors to help tell the story. We also have a very inspired director in James Gunn and he was able to put a very different take on things.

QH: Your character wears a lot of make-up like you had on in Avatar. Does it get tiring to have to put on the paint every day?

ZS: It was a little painful to shoot. All the green makeup and the prosthetics and having to get up at 3:30 a.m. for four hour make-up sessions every day for six days a week for four months was an ordeal. But as soon as I would go on the set with (costar) Chris Pratt I felt so grateful to be part of this anti-hero movie. It’s sometimes so boring when you’re only playing good guys. Our characters are thieves and renegades and crazy. We all really enjoyed it. There were moments where it was hilarious and there’s a really great music score which will help audiences get into things.

QH: Some people say you’re unafraid to speak your mind if you feel you’re not being treated properly?

ZS: I was taught to stand up for your principles and not let the fact that you’re a woman make it easy to get pushed around when you’re surrounded by men on a set who are making all the decisions. I’ve seen that happen on some sets and I make sure that the director and the other (males) actors respect me.

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Talk ! QH: WHERE DO YOU GET THIS CONFIDENCE FROM?

ZS: James Cameron is still working on the final drafts vvof the script and then everyone in the cast will get the call. We’re going to be shooting mainly in Los Angeles and that will make things easier for me since I live there. Because we’re doing the sequels back-to-back and it’s going to take at least eight or nine months or more to finish the (three) films.

OF SELF- WORTH AND A STRONG SENSE OF IDENTITY

QH: YOU PROBABLY CAN’T SAY VERY MUCH, BUT WHAT’S THE STATUS OF THE UPCOMING AVATAR SEQUELS? HAVE YOU HEARD ANYTHING FROM JAMES CAMERON?

TOUGH AND INDEPENDENT WITH A STRONG SENSE

ZS: I grew up like that. The women in my family have always been tough and independent. That attitude was bred into me and I take pride in having lived with a strong sense of self-worth and a strong sense of my identity. I can’t stand women who are submissive and are afraid of confronting men. I’ve never had that problem because if you don’t make yourself heard then you deserve being treated with indifference or lack of consideration. I like to think of myself as a the kind of woman who is both strongwilled and also very vulnerable and sensitive. At least, that’s the kind of woman I want to be and the men in my life have always appreciated that. Well, at least some of them! (Laughs)

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SUMMER SMASH Guardian’s is the sci-fi hit of the summer! QH: You recently produced and starred in a TV miniseries adaptation of Rosemary’s Baby. What was that experience like? ZS: It was a very important step for my sisters Cisely, Mariel, and I who run our own production company called Cinestar. We thought Rosemary’s Baby would be a daring step for us to take and we were excited about taking it on. We also wanted to hire a female director (Agnieszka Holland) and try to stick close to the original Ira Levin novel and not try to do a remake of the Roman Polanski film. This was probably not the kind of project you want to attempt when you’re a small company like ours but I like the idea of taking risks and not just doing what people might expect from you. As a woman of colour, I’ve always needed to assert myself and not take “no” for an answer and I’m very proud of what we accomplished. QH: Why did you decide to shoot in Paris instead of New York? ZS: We thought it was a more exotic and mysterious kind of city than New York. There’s a lot more history to Paris in terms of the architecture and the narrow streets and that adds a lot in terms of the atmosphere and the dark mood you want to create for this kind of a story. Hey, we’re talking about Satan! (For those unfamiliar with the plot, the devil notoriously impregnates Rosemary) Agnieszka Holland also did an amazing job on the film although I think she pushed the network as far as she could with all the blood and some nudity. (Laughs) I let her fight that battle. She’s one tough woman!

QH: Did you get to see much of Paris while you were there? ZS: No. I rarely got out to see the city since when you’re the lead you find that you’re always number one on the call sheet (the first person to do a scene) and that kind of sucks! (Laughs) I was working 45 out of 46 days. You’re in practically every scene and you don’t get a break. You can’t go out for dinner and you can’t have a glass of wine after work. I kept going to the same café where I would eat cheeseburgers just out of homesickness.

EN ON THE SMALL SCRE ake rem C NB the in Saldana of Rosemary’s Baby. Saldana recently produced and starred in a 4-hour NBC TV network mini-series adaptation of Rosemary’s Baby that was shot in Paris, and she will soon be seen in a variety of films including Blood Ties, a crime drama co-starring Clive Owen and Marion Cotillard, Nina, a biopic on the late soul singer Nina Simone, and Infinitely Polar Bear, a drama costarring Mark Ruffalo. 19

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Entertainment

y r a n o i s i V A True By Jorge Granda

ner al, and the Entertai We all love a good de to ks tal e best. QH offers up some of th nna eur and founder Do en pr tre en an Australi t uc od envisioned a pr Benton on how she inject $1.3 billion US to me that would co o the international dollars per year int the GCC by storm! economy and take

DONNA ARRIVED IN DUBAI IN 2000 WITH ONLY $3,000 TO HER NAME. TODAY SHE’S ONE OF THE MOST INFLUENTIAL BUSINESSWOMEN IN THE REGION, SUCCESSFULLY MANAGING A GLOBAL BRAND IN HER POSITION AS FOUNDER AND CEO OF THE ENTERTAINER, FAMOUS FOR ITS ‘BUY-ONE-GET-ONE-FREE’ OFFERS FROM WELL-KNOWN DINING, LEISURE, ENTERTAINMENT, BEAUTY AND HOTEL BRANDS ACROSS THE MIDDLE EAST, ASIA, AFRICA, AND EUROPE. QH: How did you start the Entertainer? DB: One day, I was driving along Sheikh Zayed Road, passing lots of restaurants and attractions, and I thought ‘there’s so much choice but nothing to influence a customer’s decision on where they’ll eat, have a manicure or take the kids at the weekend’. I decided Dubai needed a powerful offer program that would influence people’s decision-making and drive them to new outlets. I set about on conducting a feasibility study. I researched similar offers in the market and ran market research surveys. The overriding feedback was compelling – offers for customers were valid seven days a week and for something with a significant degree of savings. For example, a main meal as opposed to a starter, or an entrance ticket as opposed to locker rental. If I was going to create a product that people would buy, it had to be a quality product, so these two elements became key. I didn’t have a computer at the time, so I went to the internet café next to my apartment, started brainstorming and the Entertainer was born! I conceptualized a book of vouchers that would give customers multiple buy-one-getone free offers for dining and leisure. Now, I just had to make the public and merchants believe in the idea. DONNA BENTON: ainer Founder Of the Entert

QH: How did you get everyone on board? DB: Well, the first couple of years were definitely the

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hardest.You have nothing to show to clients - it’s just an idea, it’s not a proven product.The first merchant to sign with me was the Marriott (and 14 years later, the Marriot is an Entertainer partner across the globe). I met with some merchants who were not totally convinced or they wanted to add terms and conditions to promote a single dinner or lunch or excluded weekends – but I stuck to the rules of use I’d set out from the beginning.This was crucial to the development of my vision for what the Entertainer could achieve for merchants and customers. Convincing consumers was hard as well, as people thought it was too good to be true! But after the launch of the first book, it became a proven and recommended product, which meant the following years were much easier! Now, we like to think we make the unaffordable affordable for everyone and this is now an opinion shared by merchants and customers alike.The business now injects US $ 1.3 billion into the economy, and the majority of that revenue is driven to the GCC. QH: What’s in it for the merchants? DB: It’s simple! They receive incremental revenue via their inclusion in the Entertainer. Our global products typically retail from between $70 - $100, therefore a customer who has purchased an Entertainer has disposable income and is a desirable, affluent consumer. Also, people that use the Entertainer tend to spend more money than other customers. Our offers encourage customers to visit new places for the first time, take friends or family with them or to go back to their favourite outlet more than once, all of which generates more revenue for the merchant. QH: How do you make revenue? DB: Our main income is our book sales and advertising, but predominantly our book sales. We also have a white label division of the business called CONNECT where larger companies can choose to order branded and customized Entertainer products to gift to staff, loyal customers or offer as an incentive for new customers. QH: Why did you start up in Dubai and not another city or country? DB: I originally moved to Dubai for a job opportunity. I’m from Australia and decided that I would move to Dubai for a year, save some money and go back home. However, the job I moved didn’t work out. After three months living in the UAE I was considering my next step, which fortunately resulted in my launch of the Entertainer! After 14 years, I’m still living in the UAE. I met my husband there, I have two kids and it’s also where the Entertainer Global Headquarters is still based. We love it in Dubai! QH: Did you think the Entertainer would be such a huge success? DB: To be honest, I never dreamed we would be in 15 countries and become a global company. For the first couple of years, I just really loved what I was doing and completely believed in the power of our product. I was very focused on making the product successful in the UAE first and then Qatar, which was my second target. Back then, I wasn’t really thinking about the big picture and potential growth, I was completely dedicated to making my UAE and Qatar products commercial successes.You have to crawl before you can walk! Some years ago, I decided I wanted to take the Entertainer across all GCC countries, but I couldn’t have imagined then that we would now be not only across all the GCC

countries, but also in Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, South Africa, London and more! I am a very determined person, visionary and focused. I like to conquer – and I think I did! QH: When did you decide to go international? DB: The Abraaj Group acquired 50% of our company two and half years ago which significantly sped up our expansion plans and has allowed us to become the global company we are today. It’s been an amazing partnership.They believed in us then and they continue to believe in us now.Their investment also assisted with the launch of our first Entertainer smartphone app which launched in November 2013. It was a huge step for us launching the first digital version of the Entertainer. Giving our customers a digital solution for redeeming Entertainer offers has helped us inordinately with the success of our new market launches. New markets expect you to be cutting edge and offering a convenient and sophisticated product, and with the launch of the smartphone app, we’ve met those expectations. QH: With that level of success in business, how do you keep everything in order? DB: I am very hands-on; I take it as my personal responsibility to keep my staff motivated.The Entertainer has seven offices around the world, so it’s important that my staff working in Cape Town feel as motivated as my staff who sit outside my office! I’m a big believer in making your employees happy and giving them a happy, friendly environment to work in, because if they’re happy, you as an employer get the best results out of them. I also believe that you have to be a role model for your workforce. I still personally meet merchants, regularly meet with my marketing team, review all developments and releases of the app and I know everyone that works for me by name (that’s 150 people!). I am very much involved in every aspect of the business – it’s my commercial baby. QH: What’s your secret to success? DB: You need to have a good idea and strong work ethic, but even these combined don’t necessarily make you money. Make sure you take the time to carry out a feasibility study. It’s key to the success of a new business. Also, you have to be very passionate and believe in what you do, nothing just happens, so you have to keep focused. And lastly, don’t let anyone break you down..

EXCLUSIVE READER OFFER!

Receive 10% off the Entertainer Qatar or Entertainer Qatar Body books or smartphone apps when you order from www.theentertainerme.com. Just enter the promo code QATARHAPPENING. 21

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Entertainment

! e r o M l e v a r T , s Spend Les er holiday with the Extend your summ 70 mmer Nights’. Over Entertainer’s ‘Hot Su ring up 12 destinations offe in s rt so re d an ls te ho has all the details. to 3 nights free! QH The Entertainer, the Dubai-based international company offering a portfolio of worldwide ‘buy-one-get-one free’ incentives, has launched its ‘Hot Summer Nights’ travel promotion, offering guests the opportunity to enjoy their holiday for longer with amazing hotel offers. Over 60 quality hotel partners are providing unbeatable values exclusively to Entertainer members by extending their buy-one-night-get-one free offers to cover multiple-night stays. Until August 31 ,2014, Entertainer members can book one night and get one free, or book two nights and get two free...or even book three nights and get three free! The ‘Hot Summer Nights’ promotion includes hotels and resorts in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Oman, Doha, Lebanon, Turkey, Maldives, Mauritius, Hong Kong, Thailand, Indonesia and Sri Lanka. Participating partners include Shangri-La’s Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa in Oman, The Westin Abu Dhabi Golf Resort & Spa,Yas Viceroy Abu Dhabi, Fairmont The Palm in Dubai, Banyan Tree Phuket, Conrad Hong Kong,Vivanta By Taj - Coral Reef Maldives and Lux* resorts in the Maldives and Mauritius, plus many more. “The Entertainer Travel is an increasingly popular product within our portfolio; we have seen redemptions of our travel offers grow dramatically year over year. Because of this, we decided to increase our Travel offering within our core products this year and grow the ‘Hot Summer Nights’ program,” says Entertainer CEO and Founder Donna Benton. Participation in the ‘Hot Summer Nights’ deal is open to all Entertainer members. To become a member, simply purchase any of the Entertainer 2014 products and make sure to register your product online, following the instructions on the card-style insert within the book. Customers who have already purchased an Entertainer 2014 edition offline but have

OCEAN VIEW: Dusit Thani, Maldives

not yet registered their book online must do so to take advantage of the program. Mobile and online customers are automatically registered as an Entertainer member. For more information, visit www.theentertainerme.com/hotsummernights. While hotel accommodation offers are included in all 2014 Entertainer products, the full suite of travel offers are only available in the Entertainer Travel 2014 product which is available as a book or mobile product on the Entertainer app. The Entertainer Travel 2014 makes luxury travel more affordable, providing special hotel offers at over 270 hotels, resorts and hotel apartments throughout the Middle East, Africa, Europe and Asia.

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me at one Extend your R&Rs ti s of these luxuriou locale THAILAND: Emerald waters

ISTANBUL: City on the Bosphorus

BALI: s Serene ancient temple

About the Entertainer Founded in 2001 by Donna Benton, the Entertainer provides â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;buy one get one freeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; incentive offers from well-known dining, leisure, entertainment, beauty and hotel brands across the Middle East, Asia, Africa, and Europe. Packaged together and published as marketspecific books and now as an easy to use App, the Entertainer has enjoyed phenomenal growth by virtue of a strong partner network, a burgeoning corporate loyalty business, and a broad base of delighted customers.Today, the Entertainer offers 52 products across 33 destinations in 16 countries. For further information, please visit www.theentertainerme.com. 23

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Entertainment

A MOST WANTED MAN Stars: Rachel McAdams, Robin Wright, Phillip Seymour Hoffman QH Fun Fact: This would be actor Phillip Seymour Hoffman’s final film before his untimely passing back in February.

SUMMER Movie HOT LIST THIS SEPTEMBER: MARK WAHLBERG EXCLUSIVE! TRANSFORMERS: AGE OF EXTINCTION

LUCY Stars: Scarlett Johanssen, Analeigh Tipton, Morgan Freeman QH Fun Fact: The lead role of the female cyborg nearly went to Angelina Jolie before she dropped out and ScarJo was eventually cast.

ext month we kick off our first issue of the fall with a one-on-one interview with the Transformers star as he talks Autobots, Decepticons and what it was like to have his kids do a cameo! In case you haven’t caught the action flick of the summer, Wahlberg has the lead role, playing blue-collar mechanic Cade Yeager whose family gets caught up in the ultimate fight between good and evil as an out-of-thisworld bounty hunter set them in its sights. Stars: Mark Wahlberg, Nicola Peltz, Stanley Tucci QH Fun Fact: One more reason to admire Mark Wahlberg – he did 90% of his own stunts while filming Age of Extinction!

THE EXPENDABLES 3 Stars: Sylvester Stallone, Jason Statham, Jet Li QH Fun Fact: Action movie veteran Jason Statham had a close brush with death when the brakes failed on a truck he was driving for a stunt scene and it careened into the sea.

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Virgin Recommends ? this summer y a d li o h a ck like Planning load and pa avel e h t n e t h g Li hese top tr a pro with t in Megastore! from Virg must-haves

Sleep N’ Say Goggles These bad boys will make catching some shut-eye at 35,000 feet so much easier! These top-tier sleep goggles are designed to give you the utmost comfort while sleeping, and the messages emblazoned on the back of them will let the cabin crew know if you want to be woken up for meals or left to doze in peace. Retail price: QR 49-QR 149.

Victorinox Travel Organizer Passport, I.D., boarding pass? Check! From the makers of the Swiss Army Knife, this useful organizer combines high quality and style. Great for all types of travel documents, you can store your tickets, passport, and most sizes of currency, credit cards, membership cards, and business cards. There’s also a zippered mesh pocket for coins – ideal for storing those important belongings on the go. Retail Price: QR 149.

BRIGGS & RILEY TORQ INTERNATIONAL CARRY-ON Beautiful, well-made, sturdy and convenient, transport your travel essentials smartly and with style. Made from 100 percent makrolon polycarbonate material this carry-on is high-strength, lightweight, and super resilient. With lots of roomy space inside and easy, wrinkle-free flat packing, it’s great for short business trips and weekend getaways. Retail price: QR 1,999.

Go Travel Pillow Anyone with small children knows that travelling with kids can be exhausting. So, on your next trip, keep them nice and comfy while they’re resting on the plane with the Go Travel Kids’ Travel Pillow. With its funky smiley-face design, this cuddly piece of comfort is the perfect nap-time companion, fitting comfortably around their shoulders and gently supporting their neck and head. Retail price: QR 49.

Ferrari Backpack

Is your dream to buy a Ferrari but you’re just a few dirhams short of a down payment? Would a backpack do in the meantime? The quality and practicality of this bag is superb; it’s great to have while traveling, is comfortable to wear, adjusts easily on the shoulders and is made from durable polyurethane material. After all – a Ferrari bag is better than no Ferrari at all...Retail price: QR 659. 26

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Entertainment Listings RECOMMENDS

W DOHA

Big Friday’

Aug 29: Wahm. French-Canadian DJ Nicholas Sechaud is no stranger to the international club and fine-dining scene. Currently resident DJ at the world-renowned Siddhartha Lounge at Grosvenor House Dubai, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Nicholas has done a number of residencies across famed bars, clubs, lounges and restaurants worldwide, from Italy, Spain, Monaco, Turkey to Uzbekistan and the Philippines. From 10:00 p.m. till 2:00 a.m. For more information call 4453-5323 BBM: 2A8F6AE5.

SPECIAL PROMOTIONS Making it easier to navigate at your fingertips, we’ve categorized all our listings per outlet – brunches, business lunches and weekly/daily promotions.

DOHA MARRIOTT Mind The View

Daily: The newest addition to Doha’s social scene, The View is a brand-new food and beverage outlet that’s joined the Doha Marriott family. A beautifully-designed terrace-style space located directly on the pool deck, The View menu provides a wide selection of fare for all palates, from the famous Marriott burger to a fresh and delicious tomato and mozzarella salad. Stop by with a friend and join in for their daily Happy Hour from 5:00 p.m. till 7:00 p.m. Regular hours are from 11:00 a.m. till 11:00 p.m. For more information call 4429-8499.

All li st per ho ings are c a t to ava el. Inclusion tegorized ilabilit is limit priorit y ed y give of space, w n to a dvertis ith ers.

W DOHA DJ Jojo Live

Aug 31: Crystal Lounge. W Doha proudly presents, from the heart of Beirut, Mega DJ and producer, resident at Sky Bar Beirut and owner of Chocolate Bar Beirut, the legendary DJ Jojo performing live with an opening set by the master of house music, DJ Lilo. From 10:00 p.m. For more information call 4453-3135 or BBM: 2ADD2715.

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London Beats

Aug 22: Wahm. The London Beats boys are Klaus Macedo and Ameet Jugnauth, and together they bring you a live concoction of electronic and acoustic beats for a ‘Mad Friday’. From 10:00 p.m. till 2:00 a.m. For more information call 4453-5323 or BBM: 2A8F6AE5.

REGULAR PROMOTIONS CROWNE PLAZA DOHA – THE BUSINESS PARK Don’t Be Late

Daily: Misturado Lounge. Don’t miss out on this very special happy hour two-for-one promotion on all house beverages. They dare you to go somewhere else! From 5:00 p.m. till 7:00 p.m. For more information call 4408-7777.

DOHA MARRIOTT Pearl Lounge Theme Nights

Mondays: Ladies Just Wanna Have Fun. Gents QR 100, ladies get three free drinks between 9:00 p.m.and 12 midnight. Tuesdays: Salsa Night. Ladies get one free drink between 9:00 p.m. and 12 midnight. Wednesdays: Arabic Night. Ladies get one free drink between 9:00 p.m. and 12 midnight. Thursdays: Diva’s Night Out. Gents QR 75, ladies get three free drinks between 9:00 p.m. and 12 midnight. Fridays: Khaliji Night. Saturdays: Bollywood Meets Hollywood. Ladies get one free drink between 9:00 p.m. and 12 midnight. Sundays: Closed. For more information call 4429-8444.

INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA Big Night Out

Wednesdays: Paloma and Lava. It’s Doha’s biggest ladies night with unlimited complimentary selected drinks for ladies. Dance to the tunes of Paloma’s new resident Sizzle band followed by two dance-floors with resident DJs, from 10:00 p.m. till late. For more information call 4484-4444.

Lava Theme Nights

Sundays: Hospitality Night. Enjoy a 50% discount on food and beverages for hotel staff and cabin crew with DJ Hossein. Mondays: Urban Diva Night with DJ Shadi. Enjoy two free drinks for ladies and no entrance fee from 10:00 p.m. till late. Tuesdays: Fly Night with Resident DJs! Enjoy 50% off on food and beverages for teachers and free drinks for female cabin crew all night. Thursdays: Vibe Nights with their resident DJ. Fridays: Sparkling Friday with their resident DJ. Saturdays: Themed parties every Saturday Night. Doors open from 8:00 p.m. till 2:00 a.m. For more information call 4484-4444

Happy Hour

Daily: Paloma. Enjoy an amazing Happy Hour from 5:00 p.m. till 7:00 p.m. with selected beverage offerings seven days a week, and exclusive food offerings on Saturday, Sunday and Monday with 50% on the a la carte menu. For more information call 4484-4919 or 4484-4444.

INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA THE CITY After-Work Evenings Sat-Thurs: Hive. De-stress with an after-work visit to Hive and make the most of their buy-oneget-one free offer on selected house beverages between 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. For more information call 4015-8888.

Karaoke

Tuesdays: Hive. Calling all wannabe recording artists! Sing to your heart’s content every Tuesday for a chance to drink for free – if you’re crowned the best singer of the evening. Selected beverages are also on offer for QR 25 from 8:00 p.m. till midnight. For more information call 4015-8888.

Bucket Day

Fridays: Hive. Quench your thirst with a bucket of six brews for the price of four on selected beverages for QR 125, while listening to funky tunes from the ‘70s from 5:00 p.m. till midnight. For more information call 4015-8888.

Super Saturdays

Saturdays: Hive. Gather the boys and get down to Hive on Saturday to enjoy the best the Premier League has to offer, while indulging in a 20% discount on food items and selected beverages for QR 25. For more information call 4015-8888.

KEMPINSKI RESIDENCES & SUITES Sparkling Fridays Fridays: The Lounge. Fridays at The Lounge are bright and sparkling! They welcome all ladies with two complimentary glasses of bubbly. From 8:00 p.m. till 2:00 a.m. For more information call 4405-3325, email restaurants.doha@kempinski.com or visit www.kempinski.com/doha.

LA CIGALE Ladies Night With DJ Roger Choueiry

Sundays: Madison Piano Bar. Save your Sundays for the vibrant Ladies Night and dedicate your favourite songs to your special one. Ladies joining in will enjoy one welcome drink on the house. From 6:00 p.m. till 2:00 a.m. Membership required. For more information call 4428-8665 or 5518-8008.

See us o n tarhapp line! ening.c

www.qa

Friday Night Fever

Fridays: Club 7. Every Friday, party the night away in an exceptional atmosphere with hot tunes from renowned DJ Roger Choueiry. Ladies joining in will enjoy one welcome drink on the house. From 6:00 p.m. till 2:00 a.m. Membership required. For more information call 4428-8665 or 5518-8008.

RENAISSANCE DOHA CITY CENTER DJ Beats

Thurs-Sat: Glo Bar. Glo’s very own resident DJ May Tox spins the finest beats on the dance-floor! Entry is free. From 8:00 p.m. till 1:00 a.m. For more information call 4419-6100 or visit www.westenddoha.com.

Ladies Night!

Saturdays: Glo Bar. Ladies indulge at Glo with a selection of house beverages and a special concoction every month. For ladies only, enjoy a two-for-one Happy Hour from 8:00 p.m. till 9:00 p.m. There’s also a special drinks menu starting at QR 25 for ladies and some surprise treats on your way out. Open from 5:00 p.m. till 2:00 a.m. For more information call 4419-6100 or visit www.westenddoha.com.

Music Fridays!

Fridays: Champions. The sports bar presents evenings of international music and pizzazz with all your favourite songs played by a live band. Entry fee is QR 60 inclusive of one house beverage. From 8:00 p.m. onwards. For more information call 4419-6100 or visit www.westenddoha.com.

W DOHA Theme Nights At Crystal

Mondays: Mad Night. Enjoy a new edition of Mad Monday’s with Crystal’s DJ Lilo mixing up the best deep and progressive house hits with that Crystal special twist. Enjoy a 50% discount for airline crew on beverages and a 25% discount for Crystal members on beverages. Tuesdays: Urban Night. Party every Tuesday and welcome back resident DJ Tobias Sabido mixing up the best of R&B, hip-hop and old school with a Crystal special twist. Two free drinks for ladies from 10:00 p.m. till 12:00 midnight. Wednesdays: Kiss & Fly. Doha’s favorite ladies night at Crystal is back! Ladies enjoy three free drinks from 10:00 p.m. till 12:00 midnight. For more information on all theme nights call 4453-3135 or BBM: 2ADD2715.

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Arts & Culture

Entertainment Directory

S BAR: CHAMPIONS SPORT City Center ha Do e The Renaissanc

THE W DOHA: Wahm Lounge

: THE ST. REGIS DOHA Vintage Lounge

Let us help you make the most of your weekend with our comprehensive directory of bars, pubs , clubs and lounges throughout the city. So grab your friends and head out for a night on the town! Admiral’s Club The Ritz-Carlton

4448-4800

Jazz At Lincoln Center Doha The St. Regis Doha

Pearl Lounge Doha Marriott

Bar Rancho’s Grand Regal Hotel

4425-6666

The Jazz Club Oryx Rotana 4402-3333

Belgian Café InterContinental Doha

4484-4444

Krossroads Horizon Manor Hotel

Bubbles on Two Radisson Blu 4428-1428 Champions West End Renaissance Doha Cigar Lounge Sharq Village & Spa

4419-6100

4425-6666

Club 7 La Cigale

4428-8888

Crystal Lounge W Doha

4453-5135

D’Illusion Gokulam Park Dunes The Grand Hyatt

Lava Lounge InterContinental Doha Le Club Mercure Grand Hotel Level 23 The Ritz-Carlton

Qube Radisson Blu 4428-1428 Rocca The Grand Hyatt

4448-1234

4445-5444 Shehrazad Radisson Blu 4428-1428 4484-4444 Sky View La Cigale

4428-8888

4446-2222 Spike’s Lounge Doha Golf Club

4429-8888

4446-0000

4496-0777

4448-4800 Splash Oryx Rotana 4402-3333

Liquidity Crowne Plaza Doha The Business Park

4408-7777

Strata Lounge InterContinental Doha The City 4015-8888

Madison Piano Bar La Cigale

4428-8888

The Irish Harp Sheraton Doha

4485-4444

The Library Radisson Blu

4428-1428

4470-8888 Manhattan Radisson Blu 4428-1428 4448-1234

Fahrenheit Horizon Manor Hotel

4445-5444

Misturado Crowne Plaza Doha The Business Park

Glo Cocktail Bar West End Renaissance Doha

4419-6100

Orion Radisson Blu

4428-1428

The Lounge Kempinski Residences & Suites 4405-3325

Habanos Ritz-Carlton Doha

4484-8000

Oyster Bay & Bar The St. Regis Doha

4446-0105

Vintage Lounge The St. Regis Doha

4446-0105

Paloma InterContinental Doha

4484-4444

Wahm W Doha

4453-5353

Hive InterContinental Doha The City

4408-7777

The Library Bar & Cigar Lounge Four Seasons 4494-8888

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ure

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TRAVEL GUIDE

Welcome to our Summer Travel Guide

he world is your oyster this summer so let us be your map! Whether you collect stamps in your passport like they’re frequent flyer miles, or if you’re new to the globe-trotting scene and looking for a destination to explore, we all deserve a little R&R. Escape the heat this August or look ahead and start planning your fall getaway for Eid Al Adha with our pick of top travel hotspots. If you have children, we show you how going abroad and getting outdoors with the family can be easier than you think. And if you’re traveling alone, or visiting a new country with a friend for the first time, we give you tips and advice on how to stay safe, what to pack, what to do in an emergency and much more.

comfortable footwear! A big thanks to our fashionista colleagues over at ABODE for contributing their keen eye for what ‘clothes goes’ in our summer spread. Planning a fall wedding? If you’re an autumn bride, thinking about a destination wedding during the cooler months of October or November is probably already on your wish-list. We show you one decadent resort property close to home that will make your walk down the aisle a memorable one. Wherever your journeys take you, we hope you’ll stash us in your carry-on and bring us with you for some beach-side reading! So until then, wheels up, wheels down, and bon voyage!

And for those of you who prefer to break the bank before you even step on the plane, we bring you our globetrotter fashion pages to plan your hottest vacay looks – think bold prints, light fabrics, clean lines and

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Maldives This tropical Indian Ocean paradise has long been a favoured destination for Hollywood A-listers and honeymooners alike. With twenty-six idyllic atolls and a host of four and five-star luxury resorts dotted across the wide blue waters, the Maldives is the ultimate place to unwind. This month we take you to a region that not many tourists think to explore – the island capital of Male. Wander through its streets and old markets, meet the locals and taste the flavours of the tropics in this city on the sea.

London There are only so many times you can pose for a selfie on London Bridge or get a bird’seye view from The Eye. So this month we introduce you to the city you only thought you knew with our round-up of quirky, hidden London. From the raven guardians of the Tower, to the floral paintings of Marianne North, and a wrinkle in time at the Sherlock Holmes Museum, there’s more to London than its high-street markets and bright West End lights!

Abu Dhabi Who would have thought that the UAE capital would corner the GCC market as a prime wedding destination? Other than the fact that it hosts one of the largest bridal exhibitions in the region at the Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi, has pristine resort beaches, a quieter, more relaxed ambiance and sunshiny weather year-round? Go figure! We take you inside the Hyatt properties that are setting the bar for brides. 33

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Male‚,Maldives

Eight Miles per ‚ Minute to Male By Frank Webb If you’re looking for a place to comfortably decelerate and take a break, then the Maldives may be just what you need. Whether you’re seeking some five-star pampering at an internationally-branded resort, or you prefer more of a Robinson Crusoe experience, the Maldives with its 1,200 islands, more than 150 hotels, and some 80 world-class tourist resorts has what you’re looking for. QH explores the many wonders of a paradise on earth.

BIRDS-EYE VIEW lls Of The Maldivian Ato

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Hulhule Island Hotel Garden

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Male‚,Maldives

Moving Around: Transportation within the Maldives is predominately by boat, or seaplane. The less expensive accommodations will be found in the city, but some of the top resorts in the world are only a short ride by private speedboat from the airport. Arguably the best beach resort in the world, the Gili Lankanfushi is a mere 20 minutes from the airport. Another top spot near the airport is the Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa on Furanafushi Island. Naturally, you can expect these fivestar properties to have five-star prices.

The white sand beach beckons Large, modern jets in commercial service can cover a distance of about 480 nautical miles every sixty minutes - eight nautical miles per minute. For many, traveling and working at various destinations around the world means that we spend a lot of time at 8 miles per minute. Apologies to those of you that prefer metric, but somehow 14.8 kilometres per minute just doesn’t quite have the right ring. The international units make it sound more like an experiment rather than an adventure, and life is definitely an adventure. But no matter how much we enjoy the adventure, living the eight miles per minute lifestyle can be stressful. Even if you rarely fly, modern life is a high-speed affair, and sometimes a break is necessary. The experience actually starts before you land. Approaching the airport, the islands look like an emerald and diamond necklace on an azure ocean backdrop. The aerial view is sure to put you in a relaxed and peaceful mood. The Maldives is a fairly large country stretching over 700 miles of ocean. There are five airports and numerous seaplane bases spread across the Maldives archipelago, but only Malè International, the capital city’s airport is capable of landing large jets. Malè International is actually located on neighbouring Hulhule Island, just a short ride by water taxi from Malè the city.

The only way to get around!

Hulhule Island: If you want something a bit more moderately priced, don’t overlook the airport hotels. The Hulhule Island hotel is actually one of my favourites. It’s only about two minutes by shuttle from the terminal, has a nice little private beach, and the evening views of the city of Malè are spectacular. While most of my fellow travelers were still queuing for a water taxi or transferring to a seaplane, I was already relaxing on the beach and listening to some island music on my iPod. The Hulhule Island hotel staff also arranged a nice picnic outing to a small, uninhabited island nearby. The locals simply called it ‘Picnic Island’ but I doubt if that’s

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/ ale M of y cit l ita The cap

the official name. Nevertheless, it was a very enjoyable half-day of sun, sand, and palm trees. If you really need some ‘city’ in your island experience, the only urban centre of note in the Maldives is the capital, Malè (phonetically this rhymes with Sally). But there’s very little in the way of shiny glass and steel here, its candy-coloured buildings give a nice ‘island’ sort of feeling in an urban environment. ‘Urban’ and ‘island’ is a tough mix to get right, but Malè does it effortlessly and makes it seem perfectly natural. Strolling through Malè you will note an interesting and perhaps slightly eccentric feature of the city -- virtually all of the houses have names. This gives a unique insight to the mindset of the population, and you quickly come to realize that the national motto -- ‘The sunny side of life’ -- isn’t just referring to the weather.

Getting There: The Maldives are situated in the Indian Ocean some 400 miles (640 km) southwest of the southern tip of the Indian subcontinent, making it a relatively short flight of less than five hours from Doha. Qatar Airways has two daily non-stop flights from Doha to Malè; a red-eye departing shortly after midnight and a daylight flight departing in the early morning.

A painted sunset

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London

Quirky London By Sandy Huff Images courtesy of ©The Sherlock Holmes Museum, ©Historic Royal Palaces and RBG Kew From cobbles to castles, jolly old London Town has much to offer the intrepid traveler who seeks a dose of the eccentric with their view of the Thames. QH introduces you to a few of the city’s best historical morsels.

sentinel over London Bridge stands Thames the of s ter the placid wa

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Sleuthing With Sherlock

Sherlock Holmes lives! If you’re not up on London’s most famous detective, this is a good time to watch one of the many movies or TV shows about this wildly popular sleuth. Or, read the original classic stories that started the entire genre of crime detective fiction. As you know, Sherlock was the make-believe London detective created by writer Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. The tall, lanky Holmes solved mysteries using his vast knowledge of odd facts coupled with impeccable logic. A museum matching Conan Doyle’s descriptions now sits proudly in London. What’s fun is that the apartment almost exactly mirrors the fictional 221 Baker Street lodgings Holmes shared with his friend, Dr. Watson. (A secret tip – The Sherlock Holmes Museum isn’t exactly in sequence with its neighbouring buildings. When Conan Doyle wrote his famous stories, Baker Street addresses only ran up to 100. A later extension of the road made this place possible.) You’re welcome to don a deer-stalker hat, pose with an 1886-type pipe, and even try on Holmes’

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle trademark caped coat. From the red-flocked wallpaper, to the Oriental slipper where Holmes stored his snuff, to the carefully recreated sofa, test tubes and coal pail, it’s a delightful trip down fictional memory lane. You probably won’t be able to stump the costumed guides on details of Sherlock’s adventures, but trading stories is fun.Your only problem will be not saying, “Elementary, my dear Watson.” Get a sneak peek before your visit at www.sherlock-holmes.co.uk.

Birds Of The Tower

Those big brash black birds you see at the Tower of London aren’t just there to caw at tourists – they’re staff. An ancient English legend predicts that if the ravens ever leave, the White Tower will crumble, and England will fall.

Feathered Guardians

That isn’t about to happen. By royal decree, six ravens are official members of the guard at all times. Extra birds are kept on hand, just in case. They’re all highly visible – preening, scolding, bathing, or just hanging around.

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London The official Raven Master, a Beefeater with a raven’s head embroidered on his right sleeve, makes sure they receive a daily food allotment, are listed on the daily roster by their individual names, and are buried with due ceremony when they die of old age. The ancestors of these ravens are why our clocks are set to ‘Greenwich Mean Time’. Back in 1660, the Royal Astronomer complained that his observations from the newly built fort were being obstructed by the messy, noisy ravens. He issued an ultimatum – either the birds went, or he did. The Royal Astronomer was promptly moved to Greenwich, five long miles away. The ravens, as they have for the past 350 years, remained the undisputed rulers of the Tower of London. They act like they know it too. Read more about the legend behind the feathered guardians at www.hrp.org.uk.

Marianne North

You’ll have to look for the little museum in a back corner of Kew Gardens in London, but it’s worth it. Hung edge-to-edge, 883 colourful botanical paintings almost leap out of their frames.

221 Baker St. They are all the life work of one amazing English woman. At a time when ‘proper’ women painted delicate little watercolours in their own gardens, Marianne North toured the known world, brush in hand. It wasn’t easy. Traveling by ship, oxcart and foot, she toured the Americas, Jamaica, Brazil, Borneo, India, South Africa, Chile, and the Seychelles. She especially loved ‘Beyroot’ and the tents of ‘Baalbek’. To protect her work, she even designed a travel box that protected her slowly drying oil paintings. She delighted in meeting ‘unique and unspoiled’ people, and gleefully avoided formal, stiff, upper-class people.’ Back in England, North’s vivid depictions of rare and unusual plants were so extraordinary that a special house in Kew Gardens was built to show them off. Described as “a Greek temple with Oriental verandahs,” the 1882 museum has been lovingly maintained. Note the little details too – the vertical clerestory windows under the roof provided indirect light (electric lights were still decades away), and the neat wood plaques lining the walls are exotic woods she picked up along her way.

A vivid rendering of northia seychellana

Some of the plants she depicted are now rare and endangered. But they will live forever in her art. It’s worth seeing. Discover more of Marianne’s canvases at www.kew.org.

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The Raven Master of The Tower

the Basil RathbonSehin role of erlock

Kew Gardens in the spring 41

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UAE

Tie The Knot In Abu Dhabi By Chantelle Dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Mello Images courtesy of The Park Hyatt and Hyatt Capital Gate Abu Dhabi Fall in the GCC is the perfect time to plan a destination wedding. Cooler temperatures mean you can say your vows by the ocean, dance in the sand and host the reception al fresco! Just a short flight from Doha and catering to your every need, the Park Hyatt and Hyatt Capital Gate in Abu Dhabi will help you on your way to matrimonial bliss!

INFINITY POOL u Dhabi At The Park Hyatt Ab

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2014 Wedding Exhibition

The Grand Ballroom

A Regal Retreat

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UAE This summer, treat yourself to a luxurious destination wedding in your own backyard! Indulge in style with trips to the Park Hyatt and Hyatt Capital Gate hotels in Abu Dhabi, and experience a unique blend of old-world elegance and contemporary amenities at your fingertips. Both hotels are a quick plane ride away and are perfect for fall nuptials or an Eid Al Adha getaway. The Hyatt Capital Gate boasts three impressive show kitchens with interactive counters at their signature 18° restaurant. It provides visitors with a gastronomical feast featuring Italian, Greek, Turkish, Syrian, and Lebanese cuisines, and panoramic views of the city. Menus change seasonally, and food is cooked with the choicest local ingredients, infusing an indigenous authenticity into each dish. The restaurant takes its name from the building’s iconic structure, which, not unlike the leaning tower of Pisa, inclines 18 degrees to the west. The unique architecture was recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records, which named it the “World’s Furthest Leaning Man-Made Tower” in 2010. The hotel is also thought to be one of the first buildings in the Middle East to use a diagrid – a specialized design using triangular structures with diagonal support beams – another architectural feather in its cap. At a staggering 160 metres it’s also among the top twenty tallest buildings in Abu Dhabi. Structural marvel aside, the building also houses the Rayana Spa, which provides a wide variety of treatments, ranging from Renewal Massages to Hot Stone Therapy, to facials with active botanical agents. Here, visitors can relax, rejuvenate, and re-energize themselves, bathed in aromatic bliss – a perfect pampering treat for the bridal party!

Guests also had the chance to sample the hotel’s wedding menus and discuss preferences directly with chefs and sommeliers. The event ended with a bridal fashion show, raffle draw, DIY ateliers showcase, and total makeover package by the Atarmia Spa make-up artist and hairstylist. The exhibition also showcased the hotel’s prime location, with a 9 km white sand beach that will lend any wedding an exotic feel. Its unobstructed views of the ocean add to its impressive array of features. Whether it’s an intimate ceremony or a lavish feast, the Park Hyatt will cater to your every need with a dedicated wedding specialist, customized wedding packages, and venues galore. Entertain your guests with a cocktail hour on a private outdoor terrace before heading in to start the reception at the Alyazya Ballroom, which can seat 300-600 people. An in-house team will work hand-in-hand with you to turn your idyllic wedding into a reality, and their Summer Wedding Promotions are just the cherry on top. Weddings booked within the months of May to September will receive a complimentary upgrade to the Beach View Suite for the honeymoon night, where the newlyweds can bask in a private pool and terrace overlooking the Arabian Sea. Additionally, guests celebrating their wedding at Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi can earn free nights for their honeymoon at Hyatt Hotels & Resorts around the world. Others can unwind at the Atarmia Spa, which has nine large spa treatment rooms, private outdoor terraces, and a 25-metre outdoor pool.

Across town, on an exclusive natural island, another Hyatt property, the Park Hyatt Hotel and Villas caters to unique clientele and serves as an ideal wedding destination.

Better yet, enjoy a game of golf at an 18-hole course at the nearby Saadiyat Beach Golf Club. The club was designed by South African golf legend Gary Player, who is the only non-American to have won all four major international golf championships.

Earlier this year, it played host to a wedding exhibition that wowed visitors with an intimate beachfront wedding reception scenario, live cooking stations, themed beverage bars, creative table set-ups and flower arrangements.

To learn more about Hyatt properties in Abu Dhabi and to plan your special day visit www.abudhabi.park.hyatt.com, or www.abudhabi.capitalgate.hyatt.com.

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Plan Your Big Day

The Beach Say Your Vows On

ITECTURE THE UNIQUE ARCH Gate al Of The Hyatt Capit

Enjoy A Royal reception 45

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The Art of Travelling Well By Francesca Cruz Get organized, be smart and travel safe with our go-to guide on seeing the world! To travel is a luxury, but to travel well is an art form. There are plenty of pitfalls, setbacks and ‘oh no’ moments that can occur while traveling. At times we’re so enamoured with the ideal of venturing to far-off lands or disconnecting from the routine that we leave out the fine-tuning. We tend to forget the necessary preparation that goes hand-in-hand with traveling abroad safe, and smart. There are safeguards and arrangements that need to be thought out and executed before setting off on a voyage, vacation, or excursion. Let’s get down to the specifics and fine points so once you are ‘off, off, and away’ you can enjoy your getaway to the maximum, and any unexpected conundrums have ‘easy-as-pie’ solutions. There are safety tips that—put in place—will make traveling abroad a most gratifying experience. If you plan on making it a solo expedition, or going in the company of family or friends—these are all ‘musts’ for your travel checklist.

t trip Prepare for your bes zed ani org g yin yet by sta and planning ahead!

lanc Fountain Pen, Montb rs Yea 90 ück rst iste Me ition Collection Special Ed

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Travel Tips Luggage Make sure that the luggage you decide to take with you is durable and functioning, always keep a light tote-bag within your suitcase or carry-on for any mishaps along the way. Purchase a tag for your luggage and add your contact information prior to the date you’re leave on your trip. If you suffer from not-the-most legible handwriting, a good idea is to print out the information you’ll add to your luggage tags.

Documents Make two sets of copies for all your documentation. A set to leave with a family member or friend back at home, and an extra set to take with you. Those two sets are to include: copies of your passport, an extra identification card, travel documentation, itinerary, hotel information (highlighting addresses and phone numbers); also make a copy of the credit card or credit cards (front and back) you will be taking with you. Be sure to include on the copies the customer service number to call for a replacement if the card happens to be lost or stolen.

Credit Cards Contact your credit card company to be certain that your card will work in the place you’re traveling to, and notify them of that fact that you’re traveling. Sometimes banks think that fraud may be occurring if transactions are suddenly happening in Florence, Italy when you’re from Wichita, Kansas and they will turn off your card as a security measure. When it comes to cash and currency: the conversion centres in the airport or around the city tend to be more of a rip-off, and you won’t get charged as many fees at an ATM or bank, so opt for the latter. Always carry with you local cash, especially if you’re trying to get around the city using local transportation. Be aware that some countries require travelers to pay in order to enter or leave the country. These are fees that are not included in the price of your airline ticket and can range anywhere from US $20 to US $200.

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Travel Tips Trip Knowledge Do some extensive research on your selected destination of choice. What is the currency used and what is the rate? What is the language spoken, what is the customary tip left? Make sure you’re traveling with the correct adapter for the electrical sockets and always take extra locks. Map out directions from the airport to the hotel and do some research online in regards to different options for transportation: taxi, metro, or buses. by making Pack more efficiently most the h a list, starting wit t. firs s itie ess nec ic bas

tissue paper, deodorant, any prescribed medication, a light moisturizer (the airplane can be very dehydrating on the skin), an SPF of at least 15, a toothbrush and clean underwear. Make sure the liquids are no more than three ounces, in accordance with travel regulations (lots of brands make travel-size products nowadays). Bring emergency snacks like granola bars, or protein bars, and keep all of this within your carry-on bag, in case of delayed flights or layovers. And always check directly with your airline carrier

Health Check-in with your doctor and insurance provider, making sure you have the proper vaccinations and renewed prescription medication, along with finding out if your insurance policy applies overseas if there’s an emergency. Locate and register with your embassy, if you’re an expat living abroad and plan on traveling outside of your new country of origin. In your carry-on keep your important documentation and essentials: toothpaste, face-wash, hand sanitizer,

in regards to restrictions on the size and weight of carry-on bags, and luggage in general. Do this two to three days before your departure date, and always bring a light sweater you can toss in your bag with you. Airplanes can get cold and most don’t supply blankets anymore—take this into account if you’re traveling with children.

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Applications for Your Phone There are some great and truly useful apps you can download to make travel a smooth experience. Make sure you download them prior to your departure date.

Google Maps App

This app offers faster and more navigation options such as a transit route with less walking and, live traffic or accident information en-route.

Worldmate

Worldmate combines all your travel booking info: flights, hotels and cars—to build a business travel itinerary as well as a schedule for business meetings.

Wikitude

Is an app that syncs a user’s location with restaurant reviews from TripAdvisor and Yelp, photos and Tweets about the same location from your friends’ social network accounts, as well as details of the attractions from Wikipedia.

Airports by TravelNerd

It allows users to access their travel itinerary and information on the airport, including gate information, detailed floor maps, Wi-Fi availability and opening hours for shops and restaurants.

TripIt

Is a one-shop-stop travel app that organizes everything from your business schedule, to your hotel reservation, to your flight confirmation numbers.

Female Traveling Alone

Here are tips to heed if you’re a gal traveling to on your own: before setting out, it’s helpful you’re ry count the t abou fics speci research gender Is an app that helps you find the best local rates. If on your traveling to; never venture out late at night you often overspend while traveling abroad because hotel the sure own, no matter the city, and make e you find conversions confusing—the app will help you where you’re staying is informed of where you’ron saved on mati keep a budget. infor ’s hotel the going. Always keep you. your phone and a business card of the hotel on

XE Currency

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Where Sport Meets History By Ashlee Starratt Selected photography by Milo Keller After two years of renovation, Switzerlandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s re-vamped Olympic Museum is a hub for sport-history enthusiasts nestled in the heart of Lausanne. We take a sneak peek at their new exhibition, Chasing Time.

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rom the footpaths of ancient Marathon, to the ski slopes of the Swiss Alps, the transformation of sport has been a journey that has taken athletes to new heights as technology and game-play have evolved through the ages. Borne out of the drive and desire to shave minutes or milliseconds off their performance, the concept of time and the pursuit of its measurement have brought forth the best in human ingenuity.

tools and accuracy. The exhibit also explores time through the eyes of the athlete and the mentality behind it that pushes the human body to its limits of physical performance – all in an effort to beat the ticking clock.

Discover a world of Olympic memorabilia ller Photo credit: Milo Ke

In the Olympic Museum’s latest exhibit, Chasing Time, the concept of time and its relation to the world of sports is explored throughout history. On display until January 2015, visitors can see and learn about the nuances of the clock that set the score, declare winners and losers by a fraction of a second and make or break world records. Tracing the way time was recorded in the games of early Greece, when its measurement was based on the cyclical aspects of nature, to the first advancements and development of linear time and clock time, right through to the modern age with its precision

Opened in 1993, the Olympic Museum houses permanent and rotating exhibits relating to the contemporary and ancient history of the Games. With more than 10,000 pieces it’s the largest archive of Olympic artifacts and memorabilia in the world, attracting more than 250,000 tourists each year. The property also hosts the Olympic Park and sculpture garden located on the edge of Lake Léman. The facility also offers special programs, workshops and tours, with a full calendar of events hosted on their website at www.olympic.org/museum. Tickets can be purchased on arrival at the museum doors for roughly QR 73 for adults and QR 40 for children between the ages of six and 16.

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glistening The alpine waters and ne san Lau of mountain view

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From the footpaths of ancient Marathon, to the ski slopes of the Swiss Alps, the transformation of sport has been a journey that has taken athletes to new heights as technology and game-play have evolved through the ages. Borne out of the drive and desire to shave minutes or milliseconds off their performance, the concept of time and the pursuit of its measurement have brought forth the best in human ingenuity.

The Lowdown On Lausanne In the Olympic Museum’s latest exhibit, Chasing Time, the concept of time and its relation to the world of sports is explored throughout history. On display until January 2015, visitors can see and learn about the nuances of the clock that set the score, declare winners and losers by a fraction of a second and make or break world records. Tracing the way time was recorded in the games of early Greece, when its measurement was based on the cyclical aspects of nature, to the first advancements and development of linear time and clock time, right through to the modern age with its precision tools and accuracy. The exhibit also explores time through the eyes of the athlete and the mentality behind it that pushes the human body to its limits of physical performance – all in an effort to beat the ticking clock.

A green city on the banks of Lake Geneva, Lausanne is a hub of culture and a haven for outdoor enthusiasts seeking more than a little fresh mountain air. Though the Olympic Museum is one of its main attractions, this city in the French-speaking part of Switzerland has loads to offer tourists and travelers. The base for the International Olympic Committee (IOC), it’s the smallest city of its size in Europe to have a 28-station metro system, so navigating your way around is fairly easy and efficient.

transit system Lausanne’s top-notch igate the old city nav to ple sim makes it

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Must-see highlights include the historic Cathedral of Lausanne – built during the Middle Ages in 1170 AD, it’s a stunning example of medieval-era architecture. The organs in the cathedral are oneof-a-kind in the world, with nearly 7,000 pipes they weigh in at a staggering 40 tons – so it’s no wonder that world-class concerts are often held in its towering transept! For a picturesque walking tour, head to the small fishing port of Ouchy just a little south of the city. This small, lakeside resort village offers up incredible views of the water and the Alps – with France visible in the distance on a clear day. Take a stroll, bike or walk along its harbourfront or visit the horticultural gardens. Hotels in Ouchy include the Beau-Rivage Palace, the Swiss Mövenpick and the Château d’Ouchy.

Gothic architecture and old world charm

If you fancy another dose of culture, hop back on the metro line into Lausanne and head to the Cantonal Museum of Fine Art, the Lausanne Historical Museum, or the Rolex Learning Center at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology which features an international cultural centre, training lab and an impressive library with half a million works throughout its shelves and databases.

mpic An homage to the Oly the flame burns bright in sculpture park

The bustling Swiss burgh isn’t short on nightlife either, with the majority of nightclubs, restaurants, cafés and pubs crowded along the Rue de Genève and Rue Centrale areas, making it easy to pub-crawl or restaurant-hop for an evening out on the town. Though you may come for the draw of the Olympic Museum, you’ll stay for the unparalleled mountain scenery, decadent food and friendly locals. There’s a reason that so many Qataris make Switzerland’s Geneva/Lausanne region a top summer vacation destination – but we’ll leave it up to you to discover it for yourself.

Qatar Airways offers daily service to Geneva. For more information on the Olympic Museum visit www.olympic.org/museum. To plan your holiday to Lausanne visit www.lausanne-tourisme.ch.

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10 Tips For A Great Family Hike By Jacqueline Bodnar If it’s the great outdoors you crave then why not pack up the kids and head somewhere to commune with nature? A hiking or back-packing daytrip can be a wonderful family bonding experience and an ideal way to foster respect and wonder for the wild in your child or teen. Summer is in the air! There’s no better time of the year to gather the family, hop a flight out of Doha and go hiking somewhere exotic. But, there are some things you should keep in mind when planning your trip. Keep this list of tips handy to help make for a happy hike.

Family Exercise We all know that it’s vital to get some physical activity on a regular basis in order to stay healthy. But when it comes to our children we tend to not give it much thought. The children of today’s world have many electronic stimulants that get their attention, such as television, video games and computers. They need more motivation to get out and exercise. There’s no better way to encourage them to do so than to make it a family affair. Taking a hike together is a great way to get the entire family exercising.

Plan Ahead “Trips with younger kids require a bit more planning,” says Robert Barron, owner of Texas Hiking in the US. (www.texashiking.com). “Use common sense when choosing a hike for kids.” By planning the hike ahead of time you will have time to work out the details.You can make sure that you have your supplies, know your environment, and talk to the kids about

safety. While they should always be within adult eyesight, they sometimes tend to get excited and run off.You may want to opt for a whistle for the small kids. Explain that if they were to somehow get separated they are to stay put and keep blowing on the whistle until they are found.

Hike Length “Too many people bite off more than they can chew and find themselves far from the car and too tired to carry on,” says Barron. Start out small and work your way up to longer hikes. Ideally, children between two and four can hike up to two miles with taking rests. Children five to seven can usually hike from one to three hours on easy terrain, with taking breaks.

Know The Environment It’s always a good idea to do some homework on the environment. See what animals are in the area, especially common snakes, depending where you are. Check out the species of plants you may see, especially any that may be poisonous.

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this Stay active as a family loring summer by safely exp the wilderness

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at way A nature hike is a gre flora to educate kids on the ion! reg r you of na fau and

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Get Packing

Backpacks are fine for adults and older children. Small kids may not be able to carry one. If they insist on carrying a bag talk them into something lighter like a belt pack. Although you want to pack as light as possible, there are some things that you will need. Pack your sunscreen, sunglasses, wipes, small first aid kit, flashlight, compass, and a small lightweight camera.

Food And Water

“Don’t consider a hike of anything over a mile without something to drink,” explains Barron. “A general rule of thumb is to drink half to one quart of water per hour, but more may be needed in hotter weather.” Make sure to take some salty snacks and trail mix. Another good option is electrolyte drinks, such as Gatorade. Always drink frequently, don’t wait until you are thirsty. By the time you’re thirsty, you’re already dehydrated.

What To Wear

For clothing, think layers.You want to be able to easily stay warm if it’s cold and cool down if it’s hot. With layers you can peel off a layer as you feel you need to. To enjoy the trip you will want to be dressed comfortably. Hiking shoes or boots are always a good idea and don’t forget to have everyone to wear a hat.

Break Time Everyone needs breaks when hiking. Take frequent rest periods. Not only will it keep your group energized, but it will make the trip more leisurely instead of feeling like something that is rushed. It’s also a perfect time to snap some pictures.

Respect The Trail

There are some rules to the trail that all hikers try to stick to. Always carry out what you take in.You never want to leave garbage or anything behind. Leave the area as you found it – if not better, by taking someone else’s garbage out. Stick to the trail so that new trails aren’t made, putting a strain on the land. Never feed the animals. Although it seems nice to do, it can be dangerous and can cause problems for the animals in the long run.

Look Around You

“Real hiking takes place in nature, even if it’s close to the city,” says Barron. Taking a family hike can be a great science lesson if you teach your kids about the environment that surrounds them. “Watch for animals, listen to the sounds closely, try and see the differences in the plants you see along the way,” says Barron. “Soon enough you’ll be able to identify some of what you see and gain more appreciation for the natural world around you.”

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The Globe Trotter Styling by Francesca Moser Courtesy of ABODE Magazine

Beach If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re lucky enough to hit the beach this August, pack light and jet off to your exotic destination. A swimsuit, sunnies and shorts is all you need!

Mountain SUN TANNING IN THE MA

LDIVES

Reach new heights by booking a hiking break. Closed-toe shoes, a hat and a professional camera to immortalize the beautiful landscape are a must!

HIK ING IN NEPAL

Sunglasses, Victoria Beckham

Swimsuit, Kenzo

Hat, Lacoste

Shourts, Cruciani

T-Shirt, Lacoste Camera, Legria Mini by Canon at Salam Stores

Sun creams, Clinique Available at 4U

Shoes, M Missoni Suitcase, Deisey at Salam Stores

Shorts, Lacoste Bikini, Dolce & Gabbana at NET-A-PORTER.com

Sandals, M Missoni

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We’ve got your holiday capsule wardrobe sorted whatever your destination. Enjoy your stylish break ahead!

Work

City

Even though most expats will be flying away from Qatar this month, some of us will have to stay behind and work. To beat the scorching heat opt for a classy and fresh shirt-dress. Team it with killer heels and an oversized bag to hit the office in style!

A city getaway is always a great idea! Whether you’re off to Paris, Beirut or London, comfort should be at the top of your list. Flat sandals, loose trousers and a tee will do!

9-TO-5 IN QATAR

SHOPPING IN LONDON

Lip Gloss, Lancome available at 4U

Top, Lacoste Cropped Trousers, ACNE at THEOUTNET.com Dress, Cruciani

Suitcase, Deisey at Salam Stores

Sunglasses, Jil Sander at THEOUTNET.com

Fountain Pen, Montblanc Meisterstück 90 Years Collection Limited Edition

Bag, Phillip Lim at NET-A-PORTER.com

Bag, Valextra at STYLEBOP.com Sandals, Mulberry Heels, Burberry London at STYLEBOP.com

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Staycation Guide

Staycations Start Here!

f a plane ticket abroad just isn’t in your budget or you can’t get those extra days off work, sometimes a ‘staycation’ is just what the doctor ordered! Thankfully Doha has no shortage of unique spots to unwind – from five-star hotels, to desert camping excursions and beach-side retreats, you won’t be bored at home. This month we have an exclusive cover feature on the newest resort property opening soon in Qatar – the Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara. One of the most renowned luxury resort brands in the world, Anantara properties has unveiled its Maldives-style Banana Island resort 11 kms off the coast of the Corniche, just a short boat or helicopter ride away. With a total of 141 rooms and suites, eight five-star food and dining outlets, a holistic wellness centre and spa, botanical gardens, diving and reef conservation centres, a cinema and bowling alley, it’s a floating paradise right at our doorstep. We take you inside and around the

Cool place

sprawling 13 hectare facility in advance of its grand opening. We also check into The InterContinental Doha The City and the new Zubarah Boutique Hotel for two weekend staycations with a view! Having opened just two years ago, this latest property by InterContinental offers five-star dining and nightlife, luxuriant accommodations and one of the highest pools in the city. With a prime location in West Bay it’s within walking distance of the Corniche, City Center and The Gate malls, and a five-minute drive from Katara. While Zubarah Boutique Hotel is the latest addition to Doha’s Muntazah area with close access to the airport, it offers up an array of deluxe suites, impeccable restaurants (we love their Peruvian!) and a spa where you can wash your cares away.

Another Cool Place

So, by all means, stay and play!

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Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara Opening Soon

By Jorge Granda With the new Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara slated to open soon, holiday-hungry vacationers wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to book a plane ticket for a weekend escape. The mega-complex resort and its Maldives-style villas and suites offers an idyllic five-star vacation destination. QH hops on the boat to paradise, bringing you a sneak peek of Qatarâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most ambitious hotel resort project to date. 64

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been built to set the mood for romance or for an unforgettable holiday with family and friends. Qatar continues to out-race the world as it strives for luxury, continuing to build some of the most ambitious property developments in the Middle East and on a global scale. Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara is a joint venture between Minor Hotel Group and Al Rayyan Hospitality.

A tropical family getaway Surf, sand, sun and serenity is what you’ll find just a short boat ride from Doha’s bustling Corniche. In the past decade Qatar’s hotel sector has boomed beyond belief, with the art of doing one project better than the last at its peak. With the opening of Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara some of the country’s newest properties now seem somehow ordinary. The resort is the epitome of what one expects from a top-notch, super-luxurious beach resort anywhere in the world. Located just 11 km from downtown Doha -- 20 minutes by boat from Al-Shyoukh terminal and 10 minutes by helicopter from the airport, this beach resort is a destination inside a destination. Spanning 13 hectares, the private island features 141 units including Premiere & Deluxe rooms, Anantara suites, 2 and 3 bedroom private pool villas and 2 and 3 bedroom overwater villas. Other key features include an Anantara Signature Spa, a private marina for up to 30 boats, eight dining options and a reef conservation centre with fullyequipped diving centre. Golf lovers can rejoice as a nine-hole putting course is part of the resorts many attractions. There are also extensive watersports activities available and a surf pool, as well as a family entertainment centre featuring an eight-pin bowling alley and luxury cinema. The resort has

“We’re very excited to announce this new resort in Qatar in partnership with Al Rayyan Hospitality,” says Mr. Dillip Kumar, Minor Hotel Group CEO. “Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara will provide a unique concept to tourists in Qatar, as well as the country’s residents, as Qatar [has]quickly become a major centre for businesspeople and tourists, [and] we are committed to providing the same service on a global level, as this is the promise of Al Rayyan Hospitality.” Mr. Mohammed Al-Qahtani, chairman of Al Rayyan Hospitality, added.

The opening of the resort marks another plentiful milestone in Qatar’s five-star landscape. For more information call 4040-5050 or visit www.doha.anantara.com.

The overwater villas 65

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The opulent villa interiors

Soak up the su n beachside

Unwind Maldives-style 66

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Inside the Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara Accommodations • 54 Premier Pool View Rooms; 55 m2 • 16 Deluxe Sea View Rooms; 46 m2 suites • 8 Sea View Suites; 54 square meters • 18 Anantara Suites; 85 m2 Villas • 34 Sea View Pool Villas; 100-170 m2 • 8 Two-Bedroom Over-Water Villas; 220 m2 • 3 Three-Bedroom Anantara Over-Water Villas; 360 m2

Escape the hustle and bustle of the city in luxurious over-water spa suites and relax into the serene rhythm of this Arabian paradise. Discover a diverse treatment menu that captures Doha’s ancient tribal roots, as well as a vibrant souq heritage of exotic sights, scents, sounds and touches.

Spa Facilities • 4 over-water double treatment rooms • 4 over-water single treatment rooms • Separate male and female hammams • Separate male and female Jacuzzis • Over-water relaxation lounge

Restaurants & Bars

Balance Wellness Centre

• Azraq – All-day dining • Riva – Italian restaurant • Al Nahham – Arabic Mediterranean Restaurant • Q Lounge & Restaurant – Beach club lounge and restaurant with overwater platform

Enjoy the many lifestyle programs in the Middle East’s first and only wellness centre. Take your well-being to a whole new level with a tailored holistic approach, which assesses your lifestyle, as well as physical, mental and emotional state, to devise a results-driven program that is personally prescribed for your individual needs.

• Zest – Organic café • Ted’s – American diner • Tanzerin – Beach pool-bar & grill • Lagoon Pool Bar

Facilities • Holistic Wellness Centre & Botanical Garden • Fern Oxygen Room • Anantara Signature Spa • Tennis Court • Private beach stretched over 800 metres • Beach Volleyball Court • Library & Business Centre • Four swimming pools totaling 10,000 sq.ft • Two sides Splash Surf pool. • Diving Centre • Juzur Reef Conservation Centre • 30-slip marina • 9-hole putting course • Cool Mint Kids Club & Pepper Mint Teens Club with obstacles course & adventure zone • Entertainment Centre including eight-pin bowling alley and cinema • Extensive motorized watersports activities • Anantara Spa

Wellness Centre Facilities • 12 treatment rooms • Male and female gyms • Nurse room • 2 consultation rooms • Male and female relaxation areas • Females hydro-pool • Indoor botanical garden • Fern oxygen room • Oxygenated water fountain • Yoga areas

Other facilities: • Male and female salons

Leisure & Excursion • Dune Safari • City Shopping Tour • Khor Al Adaid • Souq Waqif • Museum of Islamic Art

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An Urban Utopia By Jorge Granda If it’s not looking like you’ll get a chance to travel before the summer ends, there’s prime spot right here in Doha where you can get that muchneeded rest and holiday atmosphere. Emerging proudly as one of the tallest and most attractive buildings in West Bay, the InterContinental Doha The City is well-known for its hospitality, great restaurants, deluxe rooms and vibrant nightlife. QH’s Jorge Granda checks in for the weekend to give you the lowdown on this perfect metropolitan getaway! I love traveling, meeting new people and seeing new places. I guess most of us enjoy discovering new destinations. But if you’re not one of those flocking to the new Hamad International Airport this summer to hop on a plane to an exotic paradise, I’d personally recommend a weekend stay in one of the most cosmopolitan hotels in the capital. The InterContinental Doha The City is a go-to option as the hotel is an amazing property with ultra-modern rooms and topnotch facilities which includes an invigorating fitness club, a swimming pool with a one-of-a-kind view, two lounges to party the night away and three international restaurants. There’s also a well-equipped gym for workout enthusiasts. A staycation can be very gratifying, so why not embark on a local holiday experience?

THE DELUXE ROOM Being a big fan of the hotel’s restaurants and lounges I’m pumped to stay for the weekend. After checking into the hotel (which, by the way, is a surprisingly fast and easy process), I’m excited to check out my room. Upon entering the Deluxe room I can’t help but be impressed by the incredible view of the city. I’m on the 54th floor and the view is one of my top three best in Doha. I can see all of West Bay and offshore to the turquoise waters of the Arabian Gulf. After gazing out the window I start checking out the space and getting settled. The modern wood-inspired décor is evident from the furniture to the TV and overall ambiance. The room is tastefully decorated and generously sized at 48 sq metres. The bed is massive, making it irresistible for me to jump on, and the texture of the pillows and duvet is soft and comfy. There’s also a large closet and TV set across the room and a small wooden desk by the window in case you need to do some work. The spacious bathroom is ornate, with a grey glass door, a tub and stand-alone shower. The overall space is welldistributed, making it the perfect contemporary room/apartment.

Prime Real Estate The hotel’s West Bay location has it perched amid the financial district and Diplomatic Street. It’s also close to City Center Mall where you can go shopping, take in a movie or have a quick snack. Also minutes away, you can find other luxurious five-star hotels with restaurants and night-clubs, or head to Katara, the Corniche and Souq Waqif.

Luxury meets comfort

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cocktails and vinos. The prices are higher than in other outlets in Doha, but to start a night out on the town in style it’s an ideal spot -- even though it’s pricey it’s worth it. To get to Strata there’s a dedicated express elevator on the residences side. The elevator actually has Strata written on the door, just make a note that it’s located in the bank of residence elevators -- not the hotel elevators. The first time you visit Strata can be confusing so ask for directions at the reception.

Hwang

Dine At Hwang NIGHTLIFE Hive

After unpacking, I call up a friend to join me for drinks and dinner. We start our evening at Hive located on the 1st floor next to Prime restaurant. The lounge is stylish and at around 5:40 p.m. it’s already packed; we struggle to get a table, but finally manage to do so. The lounge has a very distinctive vibe and the crowd is nice -- mainly businessmen coming for an after-work drink. But at around 7:00 p.m. a more mixed crowd of young people warming-up for a Thursday night out takes over. Hive also serves small bites and cheese platters.

After a couple of drinks we are ready for a leisurely dinner at Hwang, the hotel’s new pan-Asian restaurant. I’ve been saving my appetite the entire day just for this dinner -- so I have big expectations to match. Hwang is located in the first floor across from Prime and has a casual, yet refined setting, offering delicious dishes from Thailand, Korea, Japan, China, Philippines, Singapore, Indonesia and Malaysia. The small space is thoughtfully decorated, with cosy wooden tables. Their different sizes and shapes catch my attention along with the yellow colour that’s present in many elements is the restaurant. I’m told the décor follows the pan-Asian theme with bright colours punctuated by earthy tones. There are also paintings hung on the walls by Canadian artist Jacinthe Lamontagne-Lecomte. We try different

Strata

For our second drink and before dinner we move to Strata. The restaurant/lounge offers a selection of seafood platters and Japanese-inspired fusion sashimi. The two-story lounge has an incredibly chic vibe and crowd, with an eclectic mix of futuristic décor that includes chandeliers hanging from the ceiling all across the second floor. It’s the type of place where you can picture Carrie Bradshaw’s character from Sex and The City enjoying a Cosmopolitan with her gang. The unbeatable view of West Bay makes Strata one of the best and certainly most exquisite hangouts in Doha. The drinks menu is extensive, offering a variety of

Enjoy a drink at Hive

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dishes including the assorted satay, Thai shrimp salad, prawn Wasabi (which is spectacularly delicious), spicy somen, wok-fried spicy Wagyu beef, stir-fried Asian chicken, red curry with roast duck (gaeng phed yang) and Yangchow-style fried seafood rice. Undoubtedly the

Total relaxation

Check in for the weekend star dish of the restaurant is the shabu shabu, a familystyle hot-pot of boiling broth and mixed meats and vegetables. There’s no doubt Hwang could be an instant hit among diners in Doha. After such a yummy meal I’m ready to call it a night and go back to my luxurious room to properly enjoy it and flick through the many TV channels.

The Square

I have visited The Square plenty of times for lunch, dinner and brunch, but oddly enough have never been there for breakfast. The eclectic all-day dining restaurant is welcoming and quite big, offering a huge selection of breakfast dishes including different cheeses, eggs, bread, fruits, and juices, among many other delicious treats. As expected it didn’t disappoint at all!

SPORTS, RECREATION & LEISURE There’s nothing better than to start the day in a rooftop pool with a view out over West Bay. The space is fabulous. Nestled on the 46th of the building you can just sit by the side of the pool, gaze out the window

and soak in that view. There’s also a small bar where you can order snacks and drinks. If you want alcoholic beverages you need to step out of the pool area and go to the back where there are comfortable sofas where you can sip away your worries and just relax. Adjacent to the pool area there’s also a gym with steam-room, sauna and a beauty salon. Massages are available upon request. After a great two-day staycation, I’m sure I will definitely keep coming back to this hotel with friends.

DELUXE ROOM

le beds Comes with either a king-size bed or two doub QR 750 at t with spacious bathroom. Deluxe rooms star Club per night. There are also rooms located on theinclude s room Club the Only Level which are pricier. of free access to the Club Lounge offering a variety etc. ies, pastr e, coffe amenities

DINING HIVE - Average drink price: QR 45 STRATA - Average drink price: QR 60 HWANG - Average meal price: QR 260 THE SQUARE - Average meal price: QR 100 CONTACT For bookings and reservations call 4015-8888

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Plush and posh suites

Spa tranquility

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Luxury At Zubarah As told to Jorge Granda Doha’s newest boutique hotel has opened its doors in the Muntazah area. With its central location, striking décor and mouth-watering world cuisine, we explore all the amenities for a summery staycation at the Zubarah Boutique Hotel. Whether you’re in Doha for a business meeting or simply to relax and take in the sights the Zubarah Boutique Hotel’s warm family environment has everything you need. Each of the 45 guest rooms and suites offer elegantly-appointed luxury accommodation decorated in a modern style. All rooms are fully equipped as per your personal needs with exclusive amenities to deliver a local authentic experience.

The Rooms With an abundance of locally-inspired design elements, the rooms and suites at Zubarah Boutique Hotel offers guests a distinct style and utmost superior quality of linens and furnishings, all with plentiful natural light. Each room has a unique blend of warm traditional colours and eye-catching Arabic design combined with modern living amenities. With expansive bathrooms and the immaculate inclusion of technology throughout the rooms, Zubarah attends to every need of each guest with an outstanding five-star standard.

Opening Hours: From sunset till 12 midnight Average Meal Price: QR 200 per person

Baraha Restaurant-Terrace

When it comes to fine-dining, guests will be enticed by the quality and diversity at Baraha Restaurant-Terrace. Offering Arabic-fusion all-day dining, guests can enjoy exceptional and innovative Qatari dishes within the comfort of the richly-appointed interior and external garden terrace. Opening Hours: Open all day for breakfast, lunch and dinner Average Meal Price: QR 120 per person

Zubarah Spa Located in the 1st floor of the hotel, the Spa at Zubarah is pure bliss. Unwind in a sanctuary of calm, and allow yourself to be pampered with the spa’s exquisite massage and treatments for both men and women. Women can also enjoy exclusive ladies days throughout the week. The facility features three treatment rooms, a sauna, Jacuzzi, chromo-therapy steam shower, plus manicure and pedicure services. Opening hours: 10:00 a.m. till 10:00 p.m., daily

The Restaurants Dine At Caminito Restaurant

After La Parrilla restaurant closed a few years ago, diners in Doha have been searching for the chance to indulge in an authentic Argentinean culinary experience – and they’ll find it at Caminito, offering the best of Argentinean cuisine. Caminito specializes in creative dishes with Latin flavours and European influence, with top seasonal ingredients and reasonable prices. The restaurant offers many house specialties, as well as other favourites. Whether you’re in the mood to indulge in something new, or just want to enjoy some old favourites, they promise that their chef’s creative menu, carefully designed mocktails and attentive service will leave you satisfied.

Dine al fresco at Baraha Zubarah Hotels & Resorts

0000 Contact: For bookings & reservations call 4447Facebook: www.facebook.com/ZubarahHotel Instagram: instagram.com/zubarahhotel 73

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Bon Voyage! Goodbye! Safe Travels!

nhagen e op C : e su is r e b m Septe

Caio!

Another Cool Place

Auf Wiedersehen! QH Aug 2014 - FINAL.indd 74

October issue: Nic aragua

7/23/14 10:09 AM

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Food & Dining

Culinary Horizons range – dim sum is obviously very European and their dim sum is very good. They CHOWKING: have quite a large Expanding its outlets amount [on the menu] and its flavour! at the original Chowking in the Philippines, so the idea was to use that to increase our [market base]. I like the Indo-Chinese because it brings in things that are familiar for me…things that you would find at a Chinese restaurant in the UK, like lemon chicken for example. So it’s definitely there to work towards your taste really.” Louise brings with her a wealth of customerrelations experience, and strong knowledge of the industry, honing her skills during her time at Qatar Luxury Group where she managed The Anvil Rooms restaurant in Tornado Tower and at various high-street brands in her native UK. “I started working when I was fifteen,” she tells us. “I started in hotels while I was still in school, and I haven’t really left the hospitality/restaurant environment since then. Eventually I found myself in Doha and Dubai, before I went back home and then returned to settle in Qatar,” she says. “So with the expansion plans, plus bringing in the new outlets, next year we have a lot happening actually.”

Photography by Jessie Palanca

LOUISE MORTLOCK General Manager of AHB Group’s Restaurant Division

We meet Louise Mortlock, the new General Manager for AHB Group’s Restaurant Division. With years of experience at a host of international food and dining brands, she’s got big plans for the company’s latest restaurant ventures. QH learns more.

ouise Mortlock, the newest member of the Ahmed Hassan Bilal Group team, is celebrating her recent appointment as General Manager of their Restaurant Division. She will be at the helm of four new Chowking franchise openings in the next year, adding to their current five locations at Salwa Road, Al Sadd, Al Khor, Dar Al Salam Mall and the Holiday Villa Hotel. The ever-popular Filipino chain of restaurants has enjoyed a monopoly in the fast-food family

dining market here in Doha. With the recent launch of their new Indo-Chinese menu and the ongoing success of their tried-and-true dishes, the brand continues to grow and prosper, offering diners a taste of their familiar and wellloved family favourites. “We want to diversify the customers who come into Chowking,” she divulges. “At the moment [our customer base] is Filipino, so the Indo-Chinese menu is also there to get other people to come in. We’re also looking at increasing the dim sum

Louise, together with AHB Deputy General Manager & Finance Manager Andy Merris, will be overseeing the launch of the German Bakery Company (GBC) and Harry Ramsden’s Famous Fish & Chips, which were brought to Qatar with the efforts of Andy Merris, and will both be leaving their mark on Doha’s dining scene in early 2015. From a bona-fide taste of Britain, to the hallmark flavours of Bavarian baked goods, both brand acquisitions will add further international flavour to AHB’s already extensive portfolio. With the work cut out for her and her team, Louise is optimistic as to what the future holds for the Restaurants Division of AHB Group. “There’s a lot happening and a lot to do! But it’s good – very exciting!”. n For more information on all AHB Group outlets, products and services call 4442-8877.

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Food & Dining

es! Big taste for little appetit

New Treats

At Burgeri d Burgeri’s new carrot sala le). circ (in d sala ato pot and

The vintage, American-style restaurant at Aspire Park is back with a new style for their name and new menu full of goodies. So – are you ready to be served?

or those of you who’ve yet to chow down on one of Burgeri’s mouth-watering beef patties, there’s no better time than the present to head down to the memorabiliathemed burger and hotdog house and change that. Serving freshly-prepared premium quality meat, the menu offers burgers made from certified Angus and Wagyu Beef, chicken sandwiches, hot dogs and varieties of fries along with fresh and fruity milkshakes, juices and slices of their famous New York-recipe cheesecake. Burgeri is designed in the style of a trendy, re-claimed warehouse environment, with an exposed beam ceiling and unique industrial lighting. The outlet’s furniture presents a mix of comfy booths, tables and vintage chairs. The ‘vintage vibe’ continues throughout the space with an abundance of decorative items sourced from overseas. Coca-Cola memorabilia adorns the walls, while a fully-functional antique Coca-Cola cash register presides over the main dining area. A wall projection plays retro 80s music videos while you

eat and there are even some pretty funky design elements in the bathrooms too, with faucets made from exposed copper pipes. There are countless other interesting ornaments to discover and take you on a journey back in time – not only through the soundtrack of the 80s, but with authentic ball-park-style burgers and hotdogs that will transport you small-town America in an instant!

New Promotions FUN Meal! This month Burgeri introduces their ‘FUN Meal’ deal for kids. A specially-designed box for kids is filled with fruit juice, regular French fries and a choice of B.Classic, B.Cheesy, Good Dog or B.Bites served with special sauces. Burgeri Salads Burgeri has added more healthy options to its exciting menu which includes three delicious salads – Classic Potato Salad, Coleslaw Salad, and Carrot Salad. n

nchers! Fresh, icy-cold thirst que

BURGERI Location: Aspire Park, near main parking lot Timings: 11:00 a.m. till 12:00 a.m., daily Average Meal Price: QR 45 to QR 55 Smoking: No Delivery: No Contact Info: 4449-3958

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Food & Dining fall with a Salsa’s gettin’ spicy this décor! re-vamped menu and new

Sigo Siendo El Rey! As told to Jorge Granda

The famous mariachi song ‘Sigo Siendo El Rey’ means ‘I’m the king’ and without a doubt Salsa restaurant at the Doha Marriott holds the crown when it comes to an authentic taste of Mexico. This fall it’s set for a funky makeover and QH is first with the juicy scoop on their new concept!

alsa opened its doors more than a decade ago and still remains the top Mexican restaurant in the city. But after so many years of pleasing palates and going strong, it’s getting a new flavour with a well-deserved makeover. The lively, authentic enclave will be designed to impress with bursts of colour, a revamped dining area, new mariachi stage, funky menus and zesty wall murals. If you’re ready for some heat, their new and improved menu will douse your taste-buds with mouthwatering traditional Mexican dishes, as well as new hot and spicy entrées, of which you’ll need a ‘survival kit’ to ‘extinguish the sting’. Discover their new take-home newspaper-style menus and have a peek at cool Salsa facts, Marriott history, delicious menu items and much more. The Doha

Marriott’s famous mariachi band will continue to strum out their tunes at center stage with new, current songs and traditional Mexican tunes. Also, if you’re a self-proclaimed ‘selfie’ aficionado, have your photo-booth moment at Salsa with their new ‘Selfie Wall’, and dress up with mustaches, sombreros and ponchos for the chance to win prizes and giveaways in their social media competitions. Finally, if you say you like it hot, you may just have to eat your words with their newest menu item – Wing Stings. See how much heat you can handle in one go, but be warned that these might be the hottest wings you’ve ever tried! So, don’t miss out on all the fun this fall and head to the newly-revamped Salsa for all the flavour, flair and fun of Mexico, minus the plane ticket! n

re The restaurant’s signatu e! still remain a fan favourit

tacos

SALSA Location: Doha Marriott, ground floor Timings: From 6:00 p.m. till 12:00 a.m. Closed Mondays Licensed: Yes Smoking: Yes Contact: 4429-8888

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Food & Dining Listings RECOMMENDS

zed are categori All listings ed it lim is n usio per hotel. Incl with e, ac sp of y to availabilit ers. n to advertis priority give

ORYX ROTANA Latin Night

Sundays: Choices. Enjoy a unique concept and indulge in a Latin American buffet. QR 210 per person with food only or QR 300 including unlimited selected house beverages, or try their premium package for QR 345 including unlimited sparkling vino, house spirits, selected digestives and aperitifs. From 7:00 p.m. till 11:30 p.m. For more information call 4402-3333.

THE DIPLOMATIC CLUB Ladies Night

Tuesdays: Le Grill Restaurant. Enjoy a very special ladies night where all ladies can have any meal for half the price, excluding beverages. From 7:00 p.m. till 12:00 midnight. For more information call 4484-7412 or email f&b@dclub.com.qa.

GRAND HERITAGE DOHA Sushi & Steak

Saturdays: Blue. Enjoy a sharing sushi platter along with your choice of US tenderloin steak for QR 225. An option of Wagyu beef is available for an additional of QR 50. From 12:30 noon till 12:30 midnight. For more information call 4445-5555.

Making it easier to navigate at your fingertips, we’ve categorized all our listings per outlet – brunches, business lunches and weekly/daily promotions.

SPECIAL PROMOTIONS CROWNE PLAZA DOHA – THE BUSINESS PARK It’s Payback Time

June 1-Sept 30: This summer the hotel is giving you one more reason to visit their property. Get your QR 20 payback voucher for every QR 100 spent at any of the restaurants and lounges. Payback vouchers are valid on your next visit until September 30, 2014. For more information call 4408-7777.

DOHA MARRIOTT Social Sushi

THE TORCH DOHA Torch Wellness Initiative

Daily: All outlets. Come celebrate the launch of their new healthy concept empowered by the Aspire nutrition team. A la carte specialties including healthy options are available in all restaurants, lounges and in-room dining. For more information call 4446-5600 or email restaurant.reservations@thetorchdoha.com.

Daily: Asia Live! Choose between California maki, Prawn tempura maki, spicy tuna roll or dynamite roll for your perfect combination of sushi and bubbly! Four pieces of sushi including one drink for only QR 50. From 5:00 p.m. till 8:00 p.m. For more information call 4429-8499.

Summer Promo

INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA Seafood Brunch

Refreshing Fruit-Infused Water

Fridays: Fish Market. Indulge in a luxurious buffet and market display featuring lobsters, oysters and tiger prawns. Choose from a wide range of beverage options to complement your meal. QR 350 including unlimited house beverages. From 12:30 noon till 3:30 p.m. For more information call 4484-4919 or 4484-4444.

MÖVENPICK HOTEL DOHA Mövenpick Ladies Morning

Daily: Seasons. Girls night out is never complete without a luxurious breakfast to re-cap the night’s events. Dine in style with your ladies and pay only QR 55 for a delicious breakfast buffet. Available at Seasons restaurant from 6:30 a.m. till 10:30 a.m. For more information call 4429-1111.

Daily: Flying Carpet. Reserve a table for four people or more for dinner and enjoy a special discount of 20% on your total bill. For more information call 4446-5600 or email restaurant. reservations@thetorchdoha.com.

Daily: Torch Tea Garden. There’s nothing like a fresh glass of lemongrass and pineapple water, basil and lime, or strawberry and orange to cool off in the summer heat – freshly-made by their expert mixologists. For more information call 4446-5600 or email restaurant.reservations@thetorchdoha.com.

W DOHA Tasting Menu

Sat-Thurs: Spice Market. Designed to help you understand what’s behind the Southeast Asia cuisine experience, in five courses you’ll discover ten beautiful flavours for QR 250 for a minimum of two people and a maximum of eight. From 6:00 p.m. till 10:30 p.m. Offer includes a bottle of vino per pair. For more information call 4453-5135 or email bnfreservations.wdoha@whotels.com.

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REGULAR PROMOTIONS CHOWKING New Indo-Chinese Menu & Value Meals

Daily: Tuck in to the new flavours at Chowking with the launch of their Indo-Chinese menu. Also, enjoy dinner for two for QR 70-80 including soft drinks. Available at all restaurant locations, serving the best taste at the best price. For more information call Delivery Hotline: 4431-1212, Mamoura: 4486-6077, Al Khor: 4411-8816/17, Salwa Road: 4437-1212, Al Sadd St.: 4431-4411, Holiday Villa Hotel: 4411-5225/335.

CROWNE PLAZA DOHA – THE BUSINESS PARK The Deal Is Done

Sat-Thurs: Aramede. Combine business with pleasure at Aramede restaurant and unwind from your heavy working hours with a healthy and quick business lunch for QR 95 per person including local mineral water. From 12:00 noon till 3:30 p.m. For more information call 4408-7777.

You Think You Can Eat Meat?

Sun-Fri: Rodizio. Meet up at their awardwinning restaurant Rodizio and experience the taste of Brazil. Dig into all-you-can-eat meat starting at QR 265, or QR 369 including selected house beverages. From 6:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. For more information call 4408-7777.

DOHA MARRIOTT Weekend Brunch

Fri & Sat: Restaurant Gallery. Discover an array of live stations and specialties featuring favourite dishes from around the globe. Highlights from the weekend brunch include a wide selection of fresh sushi, Peking duck, fajitas, Oriental grills, pizza, curries, biryanis, fresh seafood, ice cream and more. Now offering a kids’ club zone with a special kids’ buffet and activities.QR 245 for regular brunch and QR 350 for bubbly brunch. From 12:30 noon till 4:00 p.m. For more information call 4429-8499.

GRAND HERITAGE DOHA Modern Turkish Cuisine

Mon-Sat: Agora. Offering modern Turkish and Ottoman dishes inspired by the Black Sea and the Balkan regions with Mediterranean touches. From 1:00 p.m. till 11:30 p.m. For more information call 4445-5555.

Spanish Tapas

Daily: Blue. Channel the vivacious spirit of Spain with the restaurant’s delicious contemporary tapas lunchtime menu. From 12:30 noon till 4:00 p.m. For more information call 4445-5555.

Family Brunch

Fridays: Flavours. Enjoy a sophisticated brunch with special kids’ activities in the exclusivelydesigned area adjacent to the restaurant. QR 220 including one round of soft drinks. From 12:30 noon till 4:00 p.m. For more information call 4445-5555.

INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA Mezze Day

Sun, Tues & Wed: Mykonos. Enjoy a sharing platter of Greek mezze accompanied by a glass of house beverage, all day long for QR 145 per person. For more information call 4484-4919 or 4484-4444.

Theme Nights At Coral Restaurant

Sundays: Turf Night dinner buffet. QR 250 including a glass of house beverage. Mondays: Sushi Boutique dinner buffet. QR 225 including a glass of house beverage. Tuesdays: Asian Night dinner buffet. QR 225 including a glass of house beverage Wednesday: Italian Night dinner buffet. QR 225 including a glass of house beverage. Thursdays: Phoenician Night dinner. QR 235 including a glass of house beverage. Fridays: Coral Goes BBQ dinner. QR 225 including a glass of house beverage. Saturdays: Surf Night seafood dinner buffet. QR 260 including a glass of house beverage. Saturday Kids and Family Brunch from 12:30 noon till 4:00 p.m. QR 250 per person including bubbly and QR 225 with soft drinks.For more information call 4484-4919 or 4484-4444.

Grand Mussel Brunch

Fridays: Belgian Café. Indulge in a truly Belgian experience and have unlimited mussels and Belgian house beverages alongside Belgian salads and a dessert buffet for only QR 275. From 12:30 noon till 3:30 p.m. For more information call 4484-4919 or 4484-4444.

INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA THE CITY Seafood Night Wednesdays: The Square. Delectable locallysourced seafood is served every Wednesday from 6:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. Cold seafood salads, fresh seafood cooked ‘a la minute’ at the live cooking stations and a delectable dessert station will make it a night to remember. QR 350 per person including selected house beverages, or QR 250 per person inclusive of soft drinks and mocktails. For more information call 4015-8888.

Friday Brunch

Fridays: The Square. Featuring four interactive kitchens specializing in cuisine from Japan, China, India, Thailand, Europe and the Middle East, The Square is the place to be for an indulgent day out. Choose from four distinct seating areas before sampling an array of starters, main courses and sumptuous desserts. QR 330 including selected house beverages, or QR 230 including soft drinks and mocktails. From 12:00 noon till 4:00 p.m. For more information call 4015-8888.

Theme Nights

Daily: The Square. Feast on an exciting array of international dishes every Friday, Saturday and Sunday evening. Mondays offer the best of the Mediterranean and include authentic Italian, Spanish, Lebanese, Moroccan, French and Greek delicacies. Then, take a trip to Asia every Tuesday where Thai, Chinese, Japanese and Indian favourites take centre-stage. QR 180 excluding beverages or QR 250 including unlimited house beverages. From 6:00 p.m. till 11:30 p.m. For more information call 4015-8888 or email doharestaurants@ihg.com.

JUST BURGER Now Open!

Daily: Parcel 11, La Croisette 18-20, The PearlQatar. Just Burger is a home-grown concept in the category of casual-dining. The restaurant serves burgers, American-style food, steak and many more. Open from 11:00 a.m. till 12:00 midnight. For more information call 4015-0180 or 4437-2679, or email info@justburgerme.com.

KEMPINSKI RESIDENCES & SUITES Signature Camel Burger Daily: Aroma, The Lounge and Gourmet House. The talk-of-the-town signature camel burger is one of Kempinski’s best-selling food items – known for its rich and distinctive combination of tastes that sets it apart from other burgers. For more information call 4405-3325,email restaurants.doha@kempinski.com, or visit www.kempinski.com/doha.

Bakery Happy Hour

Daily: Gourmet House. Well known for its products, Gourmet House gives you the chance to purchase them at half-price. From 7:00 p.m. till 9:00 p.m. For more information call 4405-3325, email restaurants.doha@kempinski.com or visit www.kempinski.com/doha.

Business Lunch

Sat-Thurs: Aroma. Carefully-sourced produce, talented preparation and cozy, delicious flavours are the ingredients of the finest business lunch in Doha. QR 90 per person, from 12:00 noon till 3:00 p.m. For more information call 4405-3325, email restaurants.doha@kempinski.com or visit www.kempinski.com/doha.

LA CIGALE International Cuisine

Daily: Le Cigalon. Indulge in an extravagant buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner with a la carte option available. Buffet breakfast is QR 130 and buffet lunch or dinner with live-cooking stations is QR 220 inclusive of American coffee or tea. From 6:30 a.m. till 11:30 p.m. For more information call 4428-8698.

Sushi Mania

Daily: Yen Sushi Bar. Partake in the best sushi and sashimi served on a special rotating belt and colour-coded, plated formula along with an a la carte menu option as well. From 11:30 a.m. till 12:00 midnight. For more information call 4428-8698.

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Food & Dining Listings LA VARENNE French Country Brunch

Fridays: Indulge in La Varenne’s interpretation of a table-top brunch. Enjoy a full-course, allyou-care-to-eat menu with sharing-style dishes showcasing an array of the best La Varenne classics, along with their hors d’oeuvres and dessert trolleys. QR 179 for regular brunch and QR 379 per person with selected drinks. From 12:00 noon till 4:00 p.m. For more information call 4499-0680 or email reservations@lavarenne.qa.

Rotisserie Night

Saturdays: Delight your taste-buds with an unlimited offering of rotisserie chicken, meat and fish with a selection of side orders for QR 179 per person. From 7:00 p.m. till 10:00 p.m. For more information call 4499-0680 or email reservations@lavarenne.qa.

ORYX ROTANA Asian Night

Mondays: Choices. Every Monday take a culinary journey around Asia as Choices Restaurant features their Asian Night. QR 200 per person for food only, QR 290 including unlimited selected house beverages or try the premium package for QR 335 including unlimited sparkling vino, house spirits, selected digestives and aperitifs. For more information call 4402-3333.

Oriental Seafood Night

Wednesdays: Choices. Indulge in traditional Middle Eastern-style seafood in a perfect family ambience. QR 220 per person for food only, QR 310 including unlimited selected house beverages or try the premium package for QR 355 including unlimited sparkling vino, house spirits, selected digestives and aperitifs. For more information call 4402-3333.

Business Lunch

Sat-Thurs: Enjoy the most exquisite French business lunch in Doha with two courses for QR 85 and three courses for QR 95. For more information call 4499-0680 or email reservations@lavarenne.qa.

MÖVENPICK HOTEL DOHA Mövenpick Ice-Dreams

Daily: L’Espresso Lobby Lounge. Summer is here, so cool off with one of the timeless creations of legendary Mövenpick ice cream. Each taste is a masterpiece of culinary inspiration, a work of true gastronomic art. Fashioned with Swiss perfection, all the flavours, textures, and colours are owed exclusively to natural ingredients. From 8:00 a.m. till 11:00 p.m. For more information call 4429-1111.

Travel The World On A Plate

Monday: Matador Night. Savour enticing Spanish delights with tapas, paella, live cooking and much more for QR 160 per person. Tuesday: Les Alpes. Enjoy the combination of the finest delicacies of France, Italy and Switzerland for an exclusive gourmet event for QR 160 per person. Wednesday: TemptAsian. Be tempted by authentic ingredients and aromas. Gather around the teppanyaki table, taste the creativity of the Japanese sushi or the tang of the Thai curry for QR 160 per person. Thursday: Deep Blue. A simply spectacular buffet of rich, fresh and succulent seafood and fish for QR 180 per person. Friday: Curry, Kare, Kari. Get ‘curried’ away from Southeast Asia to the north of India for QR 160 per person. Saturday & Sunday: International. Indulge in a colourful collection of international creations for QR 140 per person. For more information call 4429-1111

X’Press Lunch & Dinner

Daily: Enjoy the Cellar’s three-course set menu including a large variety of starters, main dishes and desserts for only QR 89 per person for lunch and QR 145 per person for dinner guaranteed to be served in 60 minutes. For more information call 4402-3333.

PRINCE OF PERSIA Now Open!

Daily: Parcel 5, Unit 135 and 7 La Croisette, The Pearl-Qatar. Prince of Persia is a finedining, authentic Iranian cuisine restaurant that represents a mix of home-style, fresh and delicious Persian dishes focusing on a variety of stews and grills. Open from 12:00 noon till 12:00 midnight. For more information call 4015-0190 or email princeofpersia@nas-food.com.

QUISINE BY GUY SAVOY ‘Introduction To Gastronomy’ Menu Mon-Sat: Quisine by Guy Savoy and Al Safwa Farm have partnered up to give you the best of Qatari agriculture. All the vegetables in this menu are organic and grown in Qatar. Three-course menu for QR 380. For more information call 4002-7245 or email reservations@guysavoy.qa.

RADISSON BLU Sushi Time

Sundays: Sakura. Indulge to your heart’s content with a selection of sushi, tempura and delicious meats and fish cooked in front of you. QR 230 for food only or QR 290 inclusive of house beverages. From 6:00 p.m. till 9:00 p.m. For more information call 4428-1555.

After Work Tapas

Daily: Picasso’s. The restaurant introduces a regular tapas night, so sit back and relax with a glass of vino and enjoy the chilled-out music beats. QR 160 inclusive of tapas and three glasses of vino. From 6:00 p.m. till 9:00 p.m. For more information call 4428-1555.

Weekend Brunch

Fridays: Hyde Park. Let the team of chefs tempt you with fresh seafood, sushi, Chinese, Indian and European specialties. QR 180 per person or QR 210 per person including a little sparkle! From 12:00 noon till 3:00 p.m. For more information call 4428-1555.

RENAISSANCE DOHA CITY CENTER Tomahawk – Can You Handle It? Daily: New York Steakhouse.Can you handle the largest steak in the city? This is definitely the talk of the town with 800 grams of flavourful Tomahawk Wagyu rib-eye – only at New York Steakhouse. From 6:30 p.m. till 11:30 p.m. For more information call 4419-6100 or visit www.westenddoha.com.

Business Express Lunch

Sun-Thurs: Cucina. Choose from three entrees, three mains and three desserts made from the freshest Italian ingredients and served in 45 minutes or it’s on them – all for QR 85. From 12:00 noon till 3:00 p.m. For more information call 4419-6100 or visit www.westenddoha.com.

Summer Coolers

Daily: Quick Bites. Feeling hot and in need of a cold refreshing beverage? Come and visit Quick Bites and discover their iced tea selection! Starting at QR 20 from 6:00 a.m. till 11:00 p.m. For more information call 4419-6100 or visit www.westenddoha.com.

Pizza & Pasta Express!

Daily: Cucina. Order any one of Cucina’s pizza or pasta along with a side dish and one soft beverage for just QR 45! From 12:00 noon till 3:00 p.m. For more information call 4419-6100 or visit www.westenddoha.com.

SHARQ VILLAGE & SPA Sushi Mania

Mon & Wed: Al Dana. Choose your favourites from their freshly-prepared sushi, maki and sashimi twice a week. QR 185 per person with a 50% savings for children ages 6 to 12. From 6:30 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. For more information call 4425-6666.

THE ANVIL ROOMS Lunch Special

Daily: Choose a succulent and tender signature steak, a side dish, a sauce and a soft drink for QR 149. From 12:00 noon till 3:00 p.m. For more information call 4499-0685 or email reservations@theanvilrooms.qa.

The Blacksmith’s Supper

Sun-Thurs: Choose a signature steak, a side, a sauce and a signature drink for QR 149. From 5:30 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. For more information call 4499-0685 or email reservations@theanvilrooms.qa.

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THE DIPLOMATIC CLUB BBQ Donut

Daily: With room for eight people, the BBQ Donut will take you along the West Bay shores to enjoy unparalleled views of the city while savouring an exquisite dining experience. QR 180 per person including chilled juices, mineral water and soft drinks. Rental fees are QR 450 for one hour, and QR 800 for two hours with an additional 30 minutes for QR 200.For bookings call 4484-7450 or email spa.recreation@dclub.com.qa.

Pure Opulence

Daily: Le Grill. This elegant and comfortable restaurant serves the best prime steaks and grilled seafood in town. You can see the chefs prepare your food in the open kitchen on the live cooking station. Le Grill is featuring a Qanun player in the evenings except for Sundays. From 12:00 noon till 12:00 midnight. For more information call 4484-7412 or email f&b@dclub.com.qa.

THE FOUR SEASONS Go Go Bento Box

Sat-Thurs: Nusantao: Sea Kitchens. The Go Go Bento Box is a take away bento box that gives you four different menus for a delicious easy meal. Boxes have to be ordered in advance over the phone and pick-up times will be advised (allow 45 minutes preparation time). The boxes are composed of four to six dishes, all cooked to order and packed with authentic flavours. From QR 79 for a four-course bento to QR 89 for a six-course bento. From 12:00 noon till 3:00 p.m. and from 7:00 p.m. till 10:00 p.m. For more information call 4494-8601.

All-Day Dining

Daily: Il Teatro. Doha’s award-winning restaurant, Il Teatro serves buffet breakfast, followed by lunch and dinner (a la carte). Delight your palate with a wide selection of international options. From 6:30 a.m. till 11:30 p.m. For more information call 4494-8631.

THE TORCH DOHA Corporate Lunch At Heights

Daily: Three Sixty. Planning for a business lunch or corporate gathering? Book your event at Three Sixty, the only revolving restaurant in Doha. Groups of six and above get a three-course set menu including selected beverages starting at QR 190. For more information call 4446-5600 or email restaurant.reservations@thetorchdoha.com.

Casual Business Lunch

Sun-Thurs: Mezzanine. Served from Sunday to Thursday, enjoy a fantastic business lunch that includes salad buffet plus a la carte sandwiches or pasta, one soft drink or chilled juice and a mini dessert from QR 80 per person. For more information call 4446-5600, or email restaurant. reservations@thetorchdoha.com.

Homemade Signature Ice-Cream

Daily: Torch Tea Garden. There’s nothing like a fresh pomegranate sorbet, berries delight, honey and yogurt or chocolate ice-cream served at Doha’s trendiest tea lounge. For more information call 4446-5600 or email restaurant.reservations@thetorchdoha.com.

W DOHA Burger Night

Sundays: Market by Jean-Georges. Start your week with your favourite burger, side dish and one amazing sundae from the selection – all for QR 110 per person. From 6:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. For more information call 4453-5135 or email bnfreservations.wdoha@whotels.com.

Sip & Savour

Sat-Thurs: Spice Market. Try Spice Market’s signature cocktails and drinks alongside a combination of mouth-watering snacks with a 50% discount on selected beverages. For more information call 4453-5135 or email bnfreservations.wdoha@whotels.com.

Business Lunch

Sat-Thurs: Market by Jean-Georges. Choose your favourite starter, main course and dessert in just half an hour at QR 95 for a three-course meal. From 12:00 noon till 4:00 p.m. For more information call 4453-5135 or email bnfreservations.wdoha@whotels.com.

Jazz Brunch

Fridays: Market by Jean-Georges. Enjoy a delicious brunch with live entertainment by Doha Jazz. QR 380 per person including house beverages, or QR 290 including soft drinks. For more information call 4453-5135 or email bnfreservations.wdoha@whotels.com.

Friday Broonch

La Spiga. Amplify your flavours with a chic, Italian a la carte brunch. QR 220 per person with selected soft drinks, QR 220 per person with a 25% discount on house beverages, or QR 380 per person with selected house beverages. From 12:00 noon till 4:00 p.m. For more information call 4453-5135 or email bnfreservations.wdoha@whotels.com.

SPECIAL LISTINGS ASPIRE KATARA HOSPITALITY L’wzaar Seafood Market

Ramadan: Katara Cultural Village. For the first time, L’wzaar is open during Ramadan from 8:00 p.m. till 2:00 a.m. For more information call 4408-0710.

Red Velvet Cupcakery

Ramadan: Katara Cultural Village. Try their featured flavour cupcake for Ramadan, dates and pistachio – a spiced date cake topped with a rich pistachio-honey buttercream! For more information call 4408-0700. July/Aug: Get two free drinks tomorrow, by buying QR 100 worth today. From 8:00 p.m. till 2:00 a.m. For more information call 4408-0700. July/Aug: The Mint Lemonade is the new treat to beat the summer heat! From 8:00 p.m. till 2:00 a.m. For more information call 4408-0700.

Aspire Grand Café

July/Aug: Aspire Park. Enjoy a speciallyprepared fresh chicken marinated with traditional Indian spices, cooked with fragrant basmati rice and finely-chopped fresh herbs. From 8:00 p.m. till 2:00 a.m. For more information call 4408-1996.

Burgerry

July/Aug: Aspire Park. Indulge with a healthy choice of spiced carrot salad, coleslaw and classic potato salad. For more information call 4449-3958. July/Aug: Introducing the new Burgerry Fun Meal! Each meal comes in a beautifullydesigned Fun Box and includes one fruit juice, an order of regular French fries, and choice of B. Classic, B. Cheesy, Good Dog or their new B. Bites (served with special sauces). Ramadan timings are 8:00 p.m. till 2:00 a.m. For more information call 4449-3958.

Kunafa Albisana

July/Aug: Katara Cultural Village. Try their new traditional Middle Eastern pudding, perfected with fresh dates, honey and pistachio. For more information call 4408-1200.

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Food & Dining Directory International

Chinese

American & Tex-Mex American Grill

4411-0188

Chopsticks

4434-3333

Al Hubara

4485-4444

Chili’s

4466-0663

D’Chopstix

4408-4888

Al Liwan Restaurant

4424-2888

Ipanema

4419-6100

Royal Bafilyon

4411-4458

Al Matbakh Rooftop Grill

4433-6777

Johnny Rockets

4455-2792

Ruby Wu’s

4428-1428

Al Shaheen Restaurant

4485-4444

Just Burger 4015-0180 4437-2679

Wok of Fame

4413-4772

Animato

4496-6600

Blue Brasserie Restaurant

4472-2666

Choices

4402-3333

Corniche

4429-8888

Cosmo Restaurant

4424-7777

Crossroads Kitchen

4419-6100

De Dine Zone Restaurant

4470-8822

East

4433-6666

Flying Carpet

4446-5600

Grand Gourmet

4434-3333

La Brasserie

4446-2222

La Cigalon Restaurant

4428-8888

Lifestyle Restaurant

4463-2154

Mawasem

4423-3333

Mehfil Restaurant

4409-4444

Latino

4485-4444

Oyster Bay

4446-0105

Paloma

4484-4444

Pampano

4495-3876

Ric’s Kountry Kitchen

4443-7846

Rodizio Brazilian Churrascaria

4408-7777

Salsa

4429-8888

TGI Friday’s

4488-7008

Contemporary European Aroma

4405-3325

Astor Grill

4446-0105

Belgian Café

4484-4444

Gordon Ramsay

4446-0105

La Mer

4484-8000

Market by Jean-Georges Nando’s

Arabic & Lebanese

4453-5135

Delivery Hotline 4436-0606

Opal by Gordon Ramsay

4446-0105

French

Agora

4445-5555

Al Balad

4491-8692

La Sahtaine

4423-3333

Al Bandar

4431-1818

La Varenne

4499-0680

Al Batross

4432-8888

Al Canteen

4433-6666

Le Relais de L’Entrecote 4495-3876 ext. 1411

Al Mourjan

4483-4423

Al Sayyad

4484-7420

Al Sultan Brahim

4446-0105

Al Tawash

4498-2002

Argan

4433-6666

Burj Al Hamam

4495-3876

Istanbul Sultan Dining Restaurant

4468-5089

Khan Rafouk Tarab Café

4408-0840

Layali

4431-0005

Lebanese Shawarma

4466-2616

Liza

4495-3876

Majlis

4448-1234

Marmara Istanbul

4436-2947

Tajine

4435-5554

Tangia

4434-3333

The Tent

4432-8888

Turkey Central

Maxim

4428-1428

Quisine by Guy Savoy

4002-7245

Sormani 4495-3876 Ext. 3222

Indian Biryani Hut

4464-1401

Bombay Balti

4428-1428

Chingari

4428-1428

Idyl Factory

6674-1143

Royal Indian

4466-6876

Royal Tandoor Al Souq St., Jasra Souq Waqif

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The Dining Room 4433-6666 (Al Najada Boutique Hotel) The Dining Room

4424-3444 (Fraser Suites Hotel)

The Grill

4448-1234

The Lagoon

4484-8000

Three Sixty

4446-5600

Torch Tea Garden

4446-5600

Vine

4446-0105

Italian 4495-3876

Carluccio’s

4495-3876

4444-6151 4432-3244

Cucina

4419-6100

Di Capri

4428-8698

Saffron Lounge

3325-8919

Fabio’s Pizza

4416-5641

Sukh Sagar

4431-9172

II Teatro

4494-8888

Taj Rasoi

4429-8888

La Dolce Vita Italian Restaurant

4436-7991

La Veranda

4485-4444

Picasso’s

4428-1428

Porcini

4484-8000

Rocca

4448-1270

Romano’s Macaroni Grill

4451-7585

The Italian Job

4428-1428

e e urhsappoenninlgi.cn m !Se o w.qata 86

Delivery Hotline 4436-0606

Bice Ristorante

4443-2927

Nando’s

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Japanese

Bar Food

Cafés

Neo

4432-2508

Belgian Café

4484-4444

Oishi Sushi

4442-8989

De Ozone

4470-8822

Alison Nelson’s Chocolate Bar

4495-3878 Ext. 1311

Sakura

4428-1428

Madison Piano Bar

4428-8888

Al Jalsa

4425-6666

Strata Restaurant & Lounge

4015-8888

Pool Bar

4484-4444

Al Kut Lounge

4434-3203

Sushi Minto

4467-5577

Shehrazad

4428-1428

Al Mandarine

4463-3748

Yen Sushi Bar

4428-8888

The Irish Harp

4485-4444

Atrium Lounge

4485-4444

The Lounge

4405-3325

Bab Al Baher

4423-3333

4453-5353

Bert’s Café 4495-3876 Ext 1381

Mediterranean

Wahm

Aramede

4408-7777

Bistro Bistro

4428-1428

La Villa

4446-2222

American Grill

4411-0188

Le Central Restaurant

4428-8888

Chili’s

4466-0663

Medi @ The Village

4444-4700

Fuddruckers

4483-3983

Café Vergnano 4495-3876 Ext. 2611

Mykonos

4484-4444

Hardee’s

4467-8750

Coffee Time

4466-7551

The Cellar

4402-3333

Johnny Rockets

4455-2792

Colombiano

4434-2753

4488-7008

Dean and Deluca

4451-9780

Dell @ The Village

4444-4700

Gourmet House

4405-3333

Jones the Grocer

4407-7175

La Margarita

4409-4444

Le Gourmet

4436-1789

Lime Café

4496-6600

Maya La Chocolatiere Landmark Mall Villaggio Mall MBCo (The Gate Mall) Al Emaadi Financial Square

4486-2264 4417-8132 4407-7130 4411-7224

Moka and Co

4458-3232

Orangery Café Troittor

4428-8888

Quick Bites

4419-6134

4428-1428

Sarab Lounge

4446-0105 4408-7777

Burgers

TGI Friday’s

Seafood

Persian Grill @ The Village

4444-4700

Al Dana

4425-6666

Parisa

4425-6666

Al Dente Seafood Restaurant

4472-2666

Prince Of Persia

4015-0190.

Al Sayyad

4484-7420

Al Sultan Brahim

4446-0105

Fish Market

4484-4444

L’wzaar

4408-0710

Pampano

4495-3876

Pier 12

4428-1428

Southeast Asian Asia Live! Chowking

Delivery Hotline Mamoura Al Khor Salwa Road Al Sadd St. Holiday Villa

4429-8888 4431-1212 4486-6077 4411-8816/17 4437-1212 4431-4411 4411-5225/335

Steakhouses

Biscotti

4448-1282

Café De Biznez

4470-8822

Café Tasse

4444-7017

Isaan

4448-1250

Bentley’s Grill

Mango Tree

4495-3876

JW’s Steakhouse

4429-8888

Savor

Nusantao: Sea Kitchens

4494-8888

Le Grill

4484-7412

Shisha Garden

4428-8888

Spice Market

4453-5353

New York Steakhouse

4419-6100

Sky Lounge

4402-3333

Sri Kebaya

4434-0838

Prime

4015-8888

Sugar and Spice

4411-4456

The Anvil Rooms

4499-0685

The Courtyard

4433-6444

The Butcher Shop and Grill

4413-5508

The Drawing Room

4433-6666

4446-2222

The Lobby Lounge

4484-8000

The Terrace Lounge

4433-6555

Torch Café

4446-5600

W Café

4453-5353

Ya Hala

4423-3333

The Noodle House City Center Mall The Pearl Wok Mee Noodle House

4411-5063

4495-3876 4496-6600

The Old Manor Steakhouse

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With the FINA/Mastbank Swimming World Cup just around the corner and the 12th FINA World Swimming Championships (25-metre) taking place later this year, the eyes of the world will be on Doha and its emergence as a key player in the sport. The FINA/Mastbank Swimming World Cup - Doha, takes place on August 27 and 28, with the top athletes in the world descending on the capital for two days of intense action and powerful performances for fans at the Hamad Aquatic Centre. The first in a series of eight World Cup meets, the Doha edition gives the likes of Chad Le Clos and Katinka Hosszú the chance to test their abilities in the water after the off-season. Every athlete will be looking to send a message to the world, showcase their speed and set the tone for the season ahead, all set against the backdrop of one of the Middle’s East most progressive cities. Never before has one single city hosted so many of the world’s greatest swimmers across multiple events in the same year, and what these events will bring with them is a new experience for sports fans.The silence of the crowd at the Aquatic Centre as the athletes take their places on the starting platforms; then, the eruption of cheering and support as they race to be the first to touch the wall and win the race is palpable. The public’s fascination with swimming has seen it continue to rank as one of the most popular spectator sports at the Olympic Games.At the London 2012 Olympic Games swimming was the second most talked about sport on Twitter after football, and two of the sport’s figureheads, Michael Phelps and Ryan Lochte, placed top five in the list of the Games’ most talked-about athletes.

I OUSSAMA MELLOUL lete ath and or sad bas FINA am

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But why is it so popular? The simple race format – a head-to-head between a field of athletes all squeezing every last ounce of energy to be the fastest, makes it easy to follow for starters.The tiny margins with

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split seconds the deciding factor in who goes home a winner or a loser certainly keeps spectators on edge CHAMPION as they watch powerhouses Chad Le Clos glide through the water and take it down to the wire. But it’s really the athletes themselves, the fierce rivalries between them and the sheer Oussama Mellouli physical achievements they make every Widely heralded as the greatest day that set swimming apart. swimmer the region has ever produced, Tunisian and three-time Olympic As the city prepares to host the fastest medallist Oussama Mellouli is an official athletes in water, we take a look at some ambassador for the 12th FINA World of the stars of last year’s World Cup Swimming Championships (25-metre) in Qatar. and the FINA /Mastbank World Cup 2014 - Doha. He made history when, at Chad Le Clos the 2008 Olympic Games, he became Finishing first at the FINA World Cup the first Arab male swimmer to win 2013 - Doha in October of last year, an Olympic gold medal in an individual Chad Le Clos went on to be crowned swimming event. overall winner of the eight-event series. His impressive performances in Qatar Known for his domination over long saw him take three gold and two silver distances, Mellouli has recently impressed medals, and come close to beating his in short course swimming, too. It was at own world record in the 200-metre the London 2012 Olympic Games that butterfly.Already a Commonwealth Mellouli truly cemented his prowess Games gold medalist and world across both disciplines when he became champion, Le Clos really won the the first person to win medals in both hearts of the public at the London 2012 pool and open-water swimming in Olympic Games when his father, Burt, the same Olympics.At the 2013 FINA gave an emotional TV interview after World Cup in Doha he took silver in the seeing his son win Olympic gold. 1,500-metre freestyle and bronze in the 400-metre individual medley – so with Le Clos cemented his position in the a proven track record in short-course consciousness of sports fans across the swimming, Mellouli will be one to watch world that night after seeing off tight in Doha this year. competition from poster-boy Michael Phelps by just 0.05 seconds in the Katinka Hosszú 200-metre butterfly final. Le Clos is a Last year’s overall FINA World Cup likely return contender at the World Cup winner, Katinka Hosszú’s achievements in this month and has already committed the pool have seen her named Hungary’s the 2014 FINA World Swimming Sportswoman of the Year twice.The Championships later this year to his diary. three-time Olympian has an impressive With rival Phelps out of retirement and history at the FINA World Cup having making an impact this year, swimming fans set world records in the 100-metre in Doha could be in for real showdown individual medley, 200-metre individual come December. medley and 400-metre individual medley,

broken the 200-metre record twice and the 100-metre record three times during the 2013 series alone. She won in 2013 by an impressive margin racking up 840 points and finishing first in each of the eight meets. Compared to the 288 points it took Alia Atkinson to place second, Hosszú’s standing was never really in danger.Will she walk away with the clean sweep again in 2014? It’s easy to see why swimming has won a place in the hearts and minds of sports fans across the world.With two days of guaranteed, non-stop action ready to transform Hamad Aquatic Centre into the ultimate battleground this August, it’s time to witness the excitement for yourself.Tickets will be on sales by August 8, 2014 from Virgin Megastores.

FINA/MASTBANK SWIMMING WORLD CUP 2014 Venue: Hamad Aquatic Centre Date: August 27 & 28 Timings: • Heats from 10:00 a.m. till 12:30 noon • Finals from 5:30 p.m. till 8:00 p.m. Ticket Info: Tickets available at Virgin Megastores from August 8. Contact: For more information visit www.fina.org.

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Keeping fit and working out needs to be a lifestyle habit – especially if you want to look your best during the summer! There are plenty of workout programs and diets out there which promise to give you the perfect body... but do they all really work? At QH we like to try firsthand what we recommend, so this month we head to The InterContinental Doha The City to explore a form of exercise that’s quickly catching on. We tone up our bodies without touching a treadmill or spending hours lifting heavy weight with TRX! I’m not an exercise-junkie, but I do like to workout regularly – at least three times a week. Like many of you I also get bored with the treadmill or the regular exercises one can do at the gym, and instead am always looking for new ways to keep fit that are more entertaining and challenging. That’s how I decided to give TRX a shot. I’d heard about it through the grapevine, but wasn’t really sure what it was or how to do it. I only knew that you could use your own bodyweight and strength to do a complete and effective workout.

LEIZEL ELS QR 150 per session!Trains clients in TRX for

I started researching for a gym that would offer TRX lessons and I found that the InterContinental Doha The City offered them. Liezel Els is the manager at the Health and Fitness Club; she’s also a personal trainer and she introduced me to TRX, where I had the privilege of training with her for ten sessions. I must say it’s official – I’ve become a TRX junkie.

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FEEL THE BURN: aks a sweat QH’s Jorge Granda bre

The TRX Suspension Trainer

The TRX Suspension Trainer is the original, best-in-class workout system that leverages gravity and your bodyweight to perform hundreds of exercises.You’re in control of how much you want to challenge yourself.This apparatus is designed to facilitate an enormous range of bodyweight training movements for the entire body. The TRX, chock-full of patented design features and years of manufacturing improvements, is optimized for the human body. It enables the full array of Suspension Training Techniques to be performed anywhere, anytime, by anybody.

The Training

The TRX is literally a simple piece of exercise equipment consisting of two handles and adjustable straps that you can latch onto a mount on a wall, or simply hook it to a door.At first the TRX looks pretty inoffensive – like there isn’t much you can do with it. But once you strap it on, there are in fact hundreds of exercises you can try, and the workout can actually be very intense.With TRX you can train your arms, chest, shoulders, back, legs, abs, etc… When you buy the TRX it comes with an instruction video teaching you the very basic exercises and routines. (Pick yours up at Go Sport for QR 1,200!). It’s also easy to find instructional exercise videos for the TRX on YouTube.

But here I want to walk you through the intensive TRX workout program taught by Liezel, who was trained in Dubai by a certified international professional. I followed this program under her supervision for ten sessions over the span of one month.The routine below consists of a series of exercises that work every muscle in your body.The advantage of TRX is that you’re in control of how much you want to challenge yourself on each exercise.You can use your own body to add or decrease resistance.The routine takes between 45 minutes to one hour to complete. Try not to take breaks longer than one minute between each exercise – that way the workout will be much more effective and you’ll build more endurance. 93

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TRX Workout Program

Lower Body

Upper Body

Lower Body

Upper Body

Round 1

Round 2

Round 3

Round 4

TRX Squat (mid length) 8-10 reps

TRX Front Squat (long length) 8-10 reps 8-10 reps with hop

TRX Assisted Lunge (R/L) (mid length) 8-10 reps TRX Step back Lunge (R/L) 8-10 reps

Core (long length) TRX Hamstring Curl TRX Sit-up TRX Sit-up with Rotation 8-10 reps

TRX Chest press (mid length) 8-10 reps medium 8-10 reps deep (or on one leg)

TRX Mid Row (mid length) 8-10 reps medium 8-10 reps deep

TRX Standing roll out TRX Triceps Press TRX Biceps Curl TRX Y Deltoid Fly 8-10 reps

Core (long length) TRX Plank TRX Side Plank (R/L) 32 seconds per exercise

TRX Squat (mid length) 8-10 reps

TRX Sprinter Start (long length) 8-10 reps 8-10 reps with hop

TRX Balance Lunge (R/L) (mid length) 8-10 reps

Core (long length) TRX crunch 8-10 reps

TRX single leg squat (R/L) (mid length) 8-10 reps

TRX Single Leg Squat (R/L) (mid length) 8-10 reps TRX Chest Press (mid length) 8-10 reps medium 8-10 reps deep (or on one leg)

TRX Crossing Balance Lunge (R/L) 8-10 reps TRX Mid Row (mid length) 8-10 reps medium 8-10 reps deep

TRX Standing roll out TRX Triceps Press TRX Biceps Curl TRX Y Deltoid Fly 8-10 reps

Core TRX Overhead Back Extension (mid length) TRX Standing Hip Drop (R/L) 8-10 reps

As you can see in the table above, the program consists of four rounds of exercises that train every muscle group. As long as you complete each exercise in the table, the order isn’t relevant. For you not to get bored I would recommend changing the order of the exercises every other day.To see the effects of the training it is recommended to do the TRX at least three times a week.You can also alternate TRX training with your regular exercise routine at the gym. The results I experienced after the ten sessions were quite remarkable. After each workout I could feel how my body was reacting positively to the training. It’s the best workout regimen I’ve undertaken in a very long time. Also, it doesn’t require you to spend hours in the gym lifting weights and the results are more or less the same. To be clear, the TRX isn’t a miracle worker – after the ten sessions I didn’t end up with a six-pack, but it’s definitely on the horizon. I did tone up a lot, developed more corporal strength and I could see that my body is leaner now. My pectoral muscles 94

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TRX Benefits

• Delivers a fast and effective totalbody workout. • Helps build a rock-solid core. • Increases muscular endurance. • Benefits people of all fitness levels (pro-athletes to seniors). • Can be set-up anywhere (gym, home, hotel or outside). • By utilizing your own bodyweight, the TRX Suspension Trainer provides greater performance and functionality than large exercise machines.

About Liezel Els

Liezel is a South African personal trainer, life coach, TRX STC and Group training coach, Pilates and spinning instructor, certified G.E.L. (Group Exercise Leader) and a sport and remedial massage therapist. She’s been involved in the hospitality industry for many years, starting out in the food and beverage department before combining that knowledge with the health and fitness industry. She enrolled in a personal training college in her native South Africa, where she studied Exercise Science, and since then dedicates every waking minute to absorbing information that will help her to help others reach their goals. Liezel has been in the health and fitness industry for 12 years now. She has worked in South Africa, Dubai, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Germany and on board luxury cruise liners. She prides herself on staying up to date with all the latest training methods so that she can share that expertise with her clients.

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key Posture and balance are

Leisel demonstrates a TRX side plank

She is also qualified in the field of nutrition, creating successful training and dietary plans for her clients. Somewhere in her busy schedule she still manages to keep herself in good physical condition, starting her day off with a 30-minute walk to work six days a week.

The Gym

The Gym at The InterContinental Doha The City features state-of-theart equipment, plus steam and sauna rooms, all overlooking the stunning West Bay area. Different fitness classes are also offered.

Classes Sundays • 7:00 p.m. till 8:30 p.m. Yoga, QR 60 • 8:30 p.m. till 9:00 p.m. Salsa Classes(advanced) QR 75, single session Monday • 6:00 p.m. till 7:00 p.m. Zumba Toning (with Jamil), QR 60 • 7:00 p.m. till 8:00 p.m. Boxing (with Big T), QR 50 • 8:00 p.m. till 9:00 p.m. Zumba Toning (with Jamil), QR 60

Tuesday • 9:30 a.m. till 10:30 a.m. Pilates, QR 50 • 7:00 p.m. till 8:30 p.m. Yoga, QR 60 • 8:30 p.m. till 9:00 p.m. Tango Classes, QR 75, single session Wednesday • 9:30 a.m. till 10:30 p.m. Pilates, QR 50 • 6:00 p.m. till 7:00 p.m. Kids Salsa & Cha Cha, QR 250 per child per month • 7:00 p.m. till 8:00 p.m. Zumba (with Jamil), QR 50 • 8:00 p.m. till 9:00 p.m. Thai boxing (with Inigo), QR 50 Thursday • 6:30 p.m. till 7:30 p.m. Salsa Classes (intermediate) QR 75, single session Saturday • 6:30 p.m. till 7:30 p.m. Salsa Classes (beginners) • 7:30 p.m. till 9:00 p.m. Salsa Classes (intermediate) QR 75, single session

Classes are subject to change on a month-to-month basis depending on instructor’s availability so please collect updated class schedules from the Health and Fitness Club. To avoid disappointment reservations are recommended. For more information email DohaRecreation@ihg.com.. 95

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TRX Squat

TRX Single Leg Squat

TRX Mid-Row Deep

TRX Mid-Row

TRX Triceps Press

TRX Assisted Lunge

TRX Plank

TRX Chest Press

TRX Assisted Lunge

s TRX Mountain Climber

TRX Front Squat

TRX Sprinter Start

TRX Standing Roll-Out TRX Crunch

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Wellness 2014

Get Fit With Food By Liezel Els HAVING A GOOD WORKOUT ROUTINE IS ESSENTIAL TO HAVE A GOOD BODY, BUT THE FOOD WE EAT IS JUST AS IMPORTANT. PERSONAL TRAINER AND MANAGER OF THE INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA THE CITY’S HEALTH & FITNESS CLUB, LIEZEL ELS, SHARES HER SECRETS ON HOW TO EAT WELL.

he following is a list of foods I suggest to my clients on their customized plans, that will enable them to reach their goals as quickly and effectively as possible. Pick and choose the options you prefer at each mealtime according to your custom meal plan. One serving on your plan is equivalent to one choice from each category and there are customized portion amounts for both men and women to follow. • Proteins: Chicken breast, white fish, seafood (shrimp and scallops), egg whites, whey protein, casein protein, egg or soy protein (vegetarian’s only as the protein amount is not as high), tofu, turkey, lean ground beef, low fat cottage

cheese, dry curd, salmon, plain Greek yogurt. Males: 6 oz. of protein at one meal or ¾ cup at one meal or 2 scoops at one meal. Females: 4 oz. of protein at one meal or ½ cup at one meal or 1 scoop at one meal. • Carbs: Quinoa, brown rice, yams, sweet potatoes, rice cakes, plain oatmeal, waxy maize (to be mixed with protein shakes only), Ezekiel bread, chick peas, fruits including mixed berries, grapefruit, and apples. Males: ½ cup of carbs at one meal or 2 slices of Ezekiel bread at one meal or 3-4 rice cakes at one meal. Females: ½ cup of carbs at one meal or 1 slice of Ezekiel bread at one meal or 1-2 rice cakes at one meal. • Veggies/Fibre: Green beans, cucumbers, green

peppers, spinach, romaine lettuce, mixed salad, zucchini, cabbage, tomatoes, broccoli, broccolini, bok choy, asparagus, spaghetti squash, cauliflower, mixed veggies, celery, artichokes, Brussels sprouts, kale, spring mixed greens. Males: 2-3 cups of veggies at one meal. Females: 1-2 cups of veggies at one meal. • Healthy Fats: Omega 3, fish oil (caps or liquid), flaxseed oil (caps, liquid or seeds), hemp hearts, udos oil, pure organic coconut oil, hempseed oil, conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) supplements, olive oil, all natural peanut butter, organic almond butter, avocado, cashews, almonds, peanuts. Males: 1 tbsp. at one meal

or 8 nuts at one meal or 3 capsules at one meal. Females: 1 tsp. at one meal or 6 nuts at one meal or 2 capsules at one meal. For Post-Workout Shakes: All clients must have 2 scoops of whey protein mixed with water/ice only and their required serving of mixed berries, or waxy maize unless otherwise stated. 2 scoops of branched chain amino acid (BCAA) supplements and 1 scoop of Glutamine should also be added to your shake. No healthy fats or veggies with a post workout shake. Males: 1 cup of mixed berries or 1 scoop of waxy maize. Females: ½ cup of mixed berries or ½ scoop waxy maize.

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FITNESS

Daily Diet (chose from options below) MEAL 1: 6:00 a.m. 1 serving of protein 1 serving of carbs 1 serving of healthy fats MEAL 2: 9:00 a.m. 1 serving of protein 1 serving of carbs 1 serving of healthy fats MEAL 3: 12:00 noon 1 serving of protein 1 serving of veggies 1 serving of healthy fats MEAL 4: 2:30 p.m. Post workout shake (2 scoops of whey protein) 1 serving of mixed berries or waxy maize MEAL 5: 5:00 p.m. 1 serving of protein 1 serving of veggies 1 serving of healthy fats MEAL 6: 7:30 p.m. 1 serving of protein 1 serving of veggies 1 serving of healthy fats *OPTIONAL: If still hungry, add 1 serving of veggies to each carb meal 1-2 cups - females 2-3 cups - males

F TRANSFORM YOURSEL From The Inside Out

Tips: • Add Stevia for more flavour to your meals (all natural plant sweetener). • Use spices that contain no sodium on your meats. • When cooking with pure organic coconut oil, cook with it as an oil and slather your meat and veggies in it if you want to for a ‘buttery’ taste. • Use cinnamon or a little bit of all-natural honey to flavour food such as oatmeal. • Add up to 1 tbsp a day of salsa to your meat or other foods you’d enjoy it on!

Healthy Recipe

Spinach Protein Smoothie Makes 1 - 1 handful spinach - 1 frozen banana - 1 cup rice milk - 2 scoops almond or sunflower butter - 1 scoop protein powder Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until desired consistency is achieved. 99

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Phone Directory Hotels / Restaurants Al Gassar Resort 4424-4881 Al Mourjan Restaurants 4483-4423 Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara 4040-5050 Bert’s Cafe` 4495-3876 Biella 4467-7731 Crowne Plaza The Business Park 4408-7582 Doha Marriott Hotel 4429-8888 Four Seasons 4494-8888 Grand Heritage Doha Hotel and Spa 4445 5555 The Grand Hyatt 4448-1234 Holiday Villa 4408-4220 Hilton Doha 4423-3333 InterContinental 4484-4444 InterContinental Doha The City 4015-8888 Johnny Rockets Al Emadi Complex 4455 2792 Hyatt Plaza 4460 4210 Kempinski Residences & Suites 4405-3333 La Cigale 4428 8888 Mövenpick Hotel 4429-1111 Mövenpick Tower & Suites 4496-6115 Nando’s Delivery Hotline 4436-0606 Oryx Rotana 4402-3333 Radisson Blu 4428-1555 Red Velvet 4408 0700 Renaissance Doha City Center 4419-5000 Sharq Village & Spa 4425-6666 Sealine Beach Resort 4476-5299 Sheraton Doha 4485-4444 St. Regis Doha 4446-0000 The Diplomatic Club 4484-7444 The Ritz-Carlton 4484-8000 The Torch Doha 4446-5600 W Doha Hotel & Residences 4453-5021 Wyndham Grand Regency 4434-3333 Zubarah Boutique Hotel 4447-0000

Airlines Air Arabia Air India Egypt Air Emirates Etihad Airways Gulf Air Qatar Airways

Ahmed Hassan Bilal Group

Health / Beauty

4432-2111 4441-8423 4435-2901 4438-4477 4436-6657 4499-8000 4449-6666

Hospitals/Emergency

Amaoras RelaxationSpa Angsana Spa Bader Chemist Bay View 26, Wellness Centre Bio-Bil Health, Beauty & Spa Ladies Men’s

4493-4433 4483-0989

4453-5555 Bliss Bottega Verde 4483-4535 Dados Beauty Salon 4498-0033 Diva Lounge 4431-8488 Diplomatic Spa 4484-7412 Doha Dental 4431-7766 4429-8520 Doha Marriott Spa Ebn Sina Medical 800-2288 Foot Care Centre Lulu Gharafa 4478-0510 The Center 4436-6275 City Center 4493-0394 Four Seasons Spa 4494-8801 4494-8844 Frank Provost Glow American Salon, Salwa Rd. 4468-9945 West Bay 4411-7652 GoodLife Chemist City Center 4483-9100 The Pearl 4495-3876 Guerlain Alfardan Spa 4420-8660 Habibs Hair and Beauty Salon 4413-0672 4428-8888 La Cigale - Ozone Spa Medical Spa Villaggio 4451-7590 Patrice Salon 4485-4012 Ritz-Carlton Spa 4484-8173 Saray Spa 4419-5517 4425-6999 Six Senses Spa Snips Salonon 4408-4083

Tourism / Travel Alpha Tours Arabian Adventures World Wide Destination Fox Transport Gulf Adventures Qatar Airways Holidays Qatar International Adventures Qatar International Tours Qatar Tourism & Exhibitions Authority Regency Travel & Tour Victoria Car Rental Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex

Ambulance, Police & Fire Department Doha Clinic Hospital

4408-4085 4434-3152 4441-1888 4496-6410

4434-4496 4436-1461 4467-1200 4462-2777 4422-1888 4449-6969 4455-3954 4455-1141 4499-7499 4434-4444 4466-6635 4440 9666 999

4438-4333

Emergency Hotline 4435-5999

Pediatric Emergency

4439-2948

Al Ahli Hospital

4489-8000

Qatar Foundation for Child &

Hamad General Hospital

4439-2222

Woman Protection Hotline 4466-6671 / 72

Rumailah Hospital

4439-3333

Real Estate Ahmed Hassan Bilal 4442-8877 Trad. & Cont. Co. www.ahbqatar.com Interior Forum Design 4456-8716 Restaurants Chowking Salwa Road 4437-1212 4431-4411 Chowking Al Saad St. Chowking Al Khor 4411-8816/ 4411-8817 Chowking Mamoura 4486-6077 Chowking Holiday Villa 4411-5225/335 Publications ABODE/QH Magazines

4427-8416

Shopping Alfardan Jewellery 4440-8408 City Center Doha 4483-0582 4469-4848 Hyatt Plaza Landmark Mall 4487-5222 Lagoona Mall 4433-5555 Maya Paris 4495-3876 4495-3207 Salam 4448-5555 Villaggio 4413-5222 Virgin Megastore Villaggio 4413-5823 Landmark 4418-2245

Clubs Bridge Club Doha Garden Club Dana Club Doha Golf Club Doha Sailing Club

5554-0873 5523-1650 4496-0600 4496-0777 4443-9840

Embassies American Embassy Brazilian Embassy British Embassy Chinese Embassy French Embassy German Embassy Japanese Embassy Nepalese Embassy Philippine Embassy South African Embassy U.A.E. Embassy

4496-6000 4483-8812 4496-2000 4493-4205 4402-1702 4408-2334 4484-0888 4467-5681 4483-1585 6622-1552 4483-8880

Websites www.qatarhappening.com www.iloveqatar.net www.justlanded.com/english/Qatar www.qatarliving.com www.qatartourism.gov.qa

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