Bride and Groom oman by Bride and Groom Oman

AL SAROOJ 24600138

Cycling Studio

Beauty Saloon

HONEYMOON

Air Asia - Bangkok, Phuket Fanar Hotel & Residences - Salalah

The Kitchen Master

FASHION Mon Cheri

PUBLISHER’S NOTE

By The Yellow Chilli - Mazaya Oman

2016 IKA - CULINARY OLYMPICS Al Jarwani Hospitality Bags Silver in Wedding Cakes

BRIDE AND GROOM OMAN Registered at Creative City - Fujairah Synergy Advertising & Publishing FZE Fujairah Creative Tower PO Box: 4422 UAE Office: Mohammed Khalid Alam Editorial: Maryam Salman Osama Nasreddine Art Studio: Art Director: Kavitha Shen Arabic Layout: Ajith Kumar T.G Media Sales: Dhwani Punjani Maria Vivance Osama Nasreddine

Herald the autumn, and in comes our very special issue, dedicated this season to the myriad quips, knick-knacks and whatnots that go into the world of October weddings! Thanks to the breezy scents of approaching Arab winter and the laidback comfort of stirring many a pot of qahwa, this edition becomes the perfect companion to unwind with over long evenings. Features abound in the new and the regular, with the main highlights being a glossy picture spread and run down of Master Chef Sanjeev Kapoor’s Kitchen Master 2016 held late this August at the Panorama Mall in Muscat, and a dive into AirAsia’s sponsored trip to balmy Bangkok and picturesque Phuket for honeymooning couples! That’s not all of course, since we at Bride & Groom believe in doing something a little extra with every quarter that passes us by. Honeymoon destinations, bridal fashion (oh you’ll particularly enjoy this one due to Karleo’s fascinating take on their very unique accessories!), catering, patisserie, health and wellbeing, gifts and the whole lot are at your disposal for perusal. As always, we won’t linger much to take your time and with that said, go ahead and get into the read. We do hope you enjoy the autumn-inspired layout and the feel of cosiness and all things peaceful as you flick through our pages! Let us know of your thoughts at info@brideandgroomoman.com, and if you have suggestions or ideas for features, or would like something of your own published, do not hesitate to let us know. That being said, cheers!

Production Coordinator: Nilesh Adhiya Administrator: Salima Rashid Said Al Daffaei IT : Ajith Kumar T.G CORPORATE Managing Director: Sridevi Sivakumar Marketing Office: Synergy Advertising & Publishing Tel: +968 24787216 / 158 info@brideandgroomoman.com

Disclaimer Reasonable care is taken to ensure that Bride & Groom Oman articles and other information in the book are up-to-date and accurate as possible, as of the time of publication, but Synergy Advertising & Publishing FZE does not take any responsibility regarding any errors or omissions contained herein. Furthermore, responsibility for any losses, damages or distress resulting from adherence to any information made available through this directory is not the responsibility of Bride & Groom Oman. The opinions expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reﬂect the views of Bride & Groom Oman. Unsolicited materials may not be returned. Any incorrect information relating to the content of the advertisements shall be the sole responsibility of the concerned advertisers..

Step away from the stress-inducing wedding, unwind and prep mindfully for the big day. At Six Senses Spa, you can choose from a complete range of services designed for the body, mind and spirit starting from a 50-minute treatment through to a six-week bridal journey. The goal is to rejuvenate and make you feel radiant, confident and positively glowing on the most unforgettable day of your life.

Pre-Wedding Journey Before the Big Day

Treatment

Duration

Six weeks

Detox Cleansing Ritual

80 minutes

Four weeks

Vitamin C and Papaya Enzyme Peel Facial

50 minutes

Two weeks

Rose Renewal Body Treatment

80 minutes

One week

Thai Herbal Compress Massage

80 minutes

Price per person

OMR 188

Rejuvenating Bridal Ritual Treatment

Duration

Price per person

Four hours

OMR 136

Body Scrub Holistic Massage Anti-Oxidant Facial Manicure & Pedicure

Wedding Bliss Package The perfect option for the newlyweds to celebrate their nuptials and unwind after the wedding. Treatment

Duration

Price per person

Signature Hammam

Three hours

OMR 128

Cleopatraâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bath Ritual Signature Massage Anti-Oxidant Facial

Six Senses Spa at Al Bustan Palace, Muscat T +968 2476 4333 E reservation-albustan-spa@sixsenses.com P.O. Box 1998, PC 114 Muttrah, Sultanate of Oman www.sixsenses.com

Contents

VOLUME 04 | 2016

THE KITCHEN MASTER 86 - 94

EYE MAKEUP

56 Burberry Cat Lashes 57 Dior 58 Gucci 60 Illamasqua 59 Xtreme Lashes

RECIPE

93 - 95 The Yellow Chilli

COSMETICS

75 Body & Sole 62 - 63 Chanel 61 Diptiqua 58 Gucci 61 Harvey Nicholas

FASHION

30-37 Contessa Bridal 50 - 53 Karleo 07, 20 - 26 Mon Cheri 40- 46 The Bridal Showroom

HEALTH, BEAUTY & SPA 11, 74 Body & Sole 01, 71 Jasmine Spa 68 - 70 Life Yoga Happiness 03, 64 - 65 Six Senses Spa 38 - 39 VLCC

Let us make your big day a celebration to remember. Sifawy offer bespoke wedding packages to make your big day even more special. We can help you create anything from a lavish 5-star wedding with 150 guests, to an intimate smaller ceremony, and everything in-between. Contact us for more information on +968 247 49111 or reservations@sifawy.com

sifawy Boutique Hotel

{Image courtesy of Mr & Mrs Kirkpatrick, married at Sifawy Hotel beach on 25 October 2013}

Most Special Day in Place from Heaven! Fanar Hotel & Residences offers wedding and honeymoon packages to make your most special days unforgettable. We can help you create anything a luxury 5 star wedding to an intimate smaller ceremony and everything about honeymoon. Contact us for more information on +968 232 76800 or reservations@fanarhotel.com

Contents

VOLUME 04 | 2016

WEDDING VENUE HONEYMOON

98 - 101 Air Asia â&#x20AC;&#x201C; From Muscat To Phuket Via Bangkok , With Love 96- 97 Fanar Hotel & Residences 09 Mazaya Oman 05 Fanar Hotel & Residences 54 - 55 Al Murjan Hall 05 Sifawy Boutique Hotel

CAR

16 Aston Martin 15 Lincoln MKC 12 Mercedes Benz

WATCHES

79 Christophe Claret 10 Hublot 81 Patravis Tech 81 Rado 80 Tissot

CHOCOLATES / CAKES / CONFECTIONERS 82 La Petit Paris 84 -85 Le Praline

ASK MS. B 72 - 73 6

Tel : 24561175 | moncheri_ssc@sabcolifestyle.com mon cheri oman

CHARMING CHARLIE LAUNCHES IN OMAN Charming Charlie, the rapidly growing women’s accessory and jewellery retailer has made its much awaited entry into the Sultanate, with a launch event that was held at the Muscat Grand Mall late this September! The store was officially inaugurated by Ann Mason, Economic and Commercial Officer of the United States Embassy in Muscat and media personality, Ibtihal Zadjali. ‘We’re thrilled to be introducing the Charming Charlie brand to Oman,’ said Charlie Chanaratsopon, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Charming Charlie. ‘It’s very exciting to bring Charming Charlie’s colourful palette of accessories and playful shopping experience to more women throughout the world.’ Indeed, known for carrying a wide array of accessible fashion accessories merchandised by color, the Charming Charlie store in Oman offers a full range of products including fashion jewellery, handbags, apparel, small leather goods, scarves, watches, sunglasses, a special occasion collection, and more. The store showcases the brand’s newest retail concept with signature double doors in vibrant pink lacquer and a residential-style interior that mixes feminine, mid-century accents with luxe materials and whimsical details for the discerning accessory connoisseur! Charming Charlie is a member of the global fashion and lifestyle conglomerate, Apparel Group. For more information, visit www.charmingcharlie.com.

FROM KABUL TO KOLKATA, via QURESHI BAB-AL-HIND Hormuz Grand Hotel’s Qureshi Bab-al-Hind restaurant recently celebrated a month long degustation of the Afghani, Pakistani and Indian dhabas along the ancient Grand Trunk Road for discerning gourmands! Having historically facilitated trade between the three nations, the legendary Grand Trunk Road was Qureshi Bab-al Hind’s inspiration behind creating a one of a kind dining experience that brought out the exotic flavours of the region in creations featuring stuffed parathas of Punjab, barbecue preparations of Pakistan, kebabs from Afghanistan and eternal Indian favourites among many others! With its endeavour to present interesting culinary adventures always, food lovers need not look further than the Qureshi Bab-al-Hind to appreciate diverse Indian flavours. To enjoy a dining experience like no other, book a table today! Tel.: 2435 0500

DUBAI CELEBRATES

THE WORLD OF HUBLOT JOURNEYS! The city of life celebrated The World of Hublot this October at the Dubai Mall through an experiential journey presenting the brand’s unique identity, pioneering concepts and collaborations with key partners Berluti, Ferrari and Italia Independent at its impressive multi-sectioned podium. Visitors discovered the history of the pioneering monochrome concept dating back to 2006, and its evolution to the 2016 impressive Big Bang Unico Sapphire All Black. ‘We are proud to present Dubai with one of the biggest and most impactful Hublot events in the region’, said Abdulhamied Ahmed Seddiqi, Vice Chairman of Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons. ‘We are looking forward to yet another unforgettable journey with the brand and our customers.’ 10

www.hublot.com

SAY 'I DO' TO BODY AND SOLE'S BRIDAL BEAUTY PACKAGES

Customize your bridal package

ENHANCE YOUR GLOW WITH OUR RANGE OF ORGANIC PRODUCTS FROM EMINENCE Look your best on your big day with our customised packages. We promise to fulfill all your bridal beauty needs with our talented and caring staff of professionals in our warm, friendly atmosphere. Take a break and refresh yourselves, from head to toe, with our wide range of beauty services curated to give you the best pre-bridal look.

Oman Avenues Mall, 3rd Floor, Sky Lounge /bodyandsoleoman

/bodyandsoleoman

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THE SUBTLY INSPIRING

LINCOLN MKC Deﬁnite, check. Premium, check. Lincoln, check.

ubtly inspiring and standing in a league of its own, the Lincoln MKC enters the world of small premium utility vehicles for discerning aﬁcionados of the legendary brand in a revolutionary, technologically savvy package that accentuates the Lincoln hallmarks of sophistication and luxury. Performance-minded and quietly impressive, the Lincoln MKC pays tribute to the futuristic vision of luxuriant machine life with its unique intuitive approach detection that makes the vehicle softly glow to life when its owner is within an eight foot range. Of course, that is not all, as Lincoln’s signature trait of grace rings through the vehicle’s lush cabin that boasts of a sweeping, full-width instrument panel, complete with the Lincoln push-button gear-shift. Having bid adieu to the centre console’s traditional gear shift, the Lincoln MKC contributes a sense of lavish spaciousness, whilst heralding in a feel of prestige with its open-pore wood trim, door-panel

stitching and the exclusive Bride of Weir® Deepsoft leather-trimmed seats. Equipping the driver with complete control of phone, entertainment, climate and optional navigation services, the SYNC® with MyLincoln TouchTM driver connectivity system features simplistic design and minimal effort through voiceactivated commands and touch control on its 8-inch screen. Moreover the vehicle consists of a 2.0-liter four-cylinder EcoBoost turbocharged engine that delivers competitive 240 horsepower at 5,500 RPM and 270 lb.-ft. of torque at 3,000 RPM, the most torque per litre in its class, increasing the fun-to-drive factor of the Lincoln MKC thanks to its Torque Vectoring Control.

Four-wheel anti-lock brakes, traction control, electronic brake force distribution and the Advance Trac® with Roll Stability Control add to the vehicle’s emphasis on safety, while additional smart features including Park out Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, a Lane-Keeping System (including the Lane-Keeping Alert and Lane-Keeping Aid), Advance Collision Warning, the Lincoln Drive Control and the sophisticated Continuously Controlled Damping (CCD) adjustable suspension complete the Lincoln MKC’s high quality accoutrements, making it stand out as a truly subtle, yet inspiring wonder. Lincoln boasts of a dedicated team inclusive of designers, engineers, quality and manufacturing experts as well as marketing and sales leaders, and is currently working from the all-new Lincoln Design Studio in Dearborn.The studio looks to ultimately house more than 180 modellers, engineers, stylists and designers in a space that encourages creativity and collaboration.

From a rigid body architecture made of ultra-high-strength steel to its computeroptimised crumple zones and seven standard airbags (inclusive of a driver’s knee airbag), safety takes on a whole new meaning with the Lincoln MKC. Lincoln vehicles are distributed through Arabian

Car Marketing Co. LLC in the Sultanate of Oman.

SHERATON HOTELS & RESORTS ANNOUNCES REOPENING OF

Sheraton OMAN

ollowing a transformative renovation of its guestrooms, public spaces and food and beverage offerings, Sheraton Hotels & Resorts announced this October the reopening of Sheraton Oman! Owned by Al Hashar Hotels LLC, under the umbrella of the Al Hashar Group, and in association with Twenty14 Holdings, the 230-room hotel has been a landmark in Muscat for over three decades. ‘Sheraton Oman, the tallest building in the country, has played a key role in shaping the hospitality sector in Oman since it ﬁrst started business in 1985’, said Sheikh Al Muhannad Al Hashar, Chairman of the Al Hashar Group. ‘The hotel’s interior has been completely redesigned, leaving the exterior shell as it is. With this magniﬁcent transformation, the hotel is well positioned to not only be a leader in the tourism sector but also to support the efforts of the Ministry of Tourism in promoting the country’s potential at the international level.’ Indeed, with the new renovations featuring the addition of 38 Sheraton Club rooms, the Al Deyafa Lounge (dedicated for guests with early checkin’s and late check-outs – the only hotel in the country to offer such a facility), the

Sheraton Fitness & Spa with Technogym equipment, a Kinesis Studio, nine meeting rooms, two boardrooms and the Oman Ballroom, Sheraton Oman serves as the perfect choice for guests looking to experience more in the heart of the city. ‘We are delighted to further strengthen our portfolio in the region with this new landmark property’, commented Adeeb Ahamed, Managing Director of Twenty14 Holdings. ‘We ﬁrmly believe that the hotel’s new look and feel will provide guests the most unique, genuine and world-class hospitality experience.’ Sheraton Oman features 230 modern and spacious rooms, including 27 suites

with panoramic views of the Al Hajar mountain range. Showcasing interiors with distinctive touches of Omani culture, all rooms are outﬁtted with the Sheraton brand’s signature amenities and services, including the Sheraton Signature Sleep Experience. The hotel is poised to offer its guests an elevated modern experience nestled in its original location at the top of Ruwi – the ﬁnancial and business hub of Muscat.

For more information, Please visit www.marriott.com or www.marriottnewscenter.com. 13

howcasing the latest designs and trends in gold, diamond, pearl and precious stone jewellery, the Sultanate celebrated the 7th Muscat International Jewellery Exhibition from the 10th to the 14th of October at the Oman International Exhibition Centre in the capital city of Muscat! Launched under the auspices of Mohsin bin Khamis al Balushi, adviser to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, the event witnessed mass participation from local, regional and international designers, including the likes of Iran, Lebanon, Dubai, Bahrain, Turkey, Thailand, Singapore, India, Japan, Italy, the United States and the United Kingdom, and a plethora of designs featuring both modern and antique jewellery. Indeed, those with a liking for the sparkling were in for the treat, thanks to the exhibition’s standout highlight of the world’s largest ring, the Taiba Star, estimated to cost more than $2.5 million! A Guinness World Book record holder, the 21-carat ring weighs a whopping 64 kilograms and is studded with 5.1 kilograms of precious stones, assembled in 45 days by 55 workers together. Participating brands included the likes of the Gehna Jewellery Boutique, Karima Men’s Jewelry & Men’s Accessories, Kreidy Jewellery, and Demanto Jewellery amongst many others. Moreover the exhibition received a footfall in the thousands over the ﬁve day event, cementing its reputation as the exclusive and most popular provider of various jewellery designs and collections to the Omani locale. Tel.: 24512100, Email: marketing@omanexhibitions.com 14

THE LUXURIOUS NEW MERCEDES-BENZ S-CLASS CABRIOLET

or the ﬁrst time in 45 years, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class Cabriolet returns in a new design that raises the pinnacle of desire for luxury vehicle connoisseurs with unmatched craftsmanship and superlative innovation. Following its convertible ancestors, the new Cabriolet advances the art of open-air motoring, taking open-top luxury to new heights with the distinctive, sensual and exclusive cutting-edge technology of the S-Class, a testament to its distinct symphony of performance. 2016 is the year of the cabriolet and the

roadster for Mercedes-Benz said Dirk Fetzer, Vice President and Director, Sales & Marketing, Mercedes-Benz Passenger Cars. ‘With no other manufacturer offering so many and such young cabriolets, we have set the convertible global standards with our all new S-Class Cabriolet.’ Indeed, with the new S-Class Cabriolet, Mercedes-Benz lays claim to building the world’s most comfortable convertible, featuring a thrilling dynamic coupé-style proﬁle when its soft top is closed and boasting a luxuriously sporty design idiom

and ﬁne materials in its interior. A haven of passenger-obsessed comforts, the vehicle also premieres an intelligent climate control system, an intelligent Driving Assistance package, the PRE-SAFE® PLUS preventive occupant protection system and much more, the information of which can be accessed on www.oman.trucks.mercedesbenzme.com.

MIDDLE EAST CELEBRATES ITS VERY FIRST TRUNK SHOW WITH ST. PATRICK!

xclusively presented by the Vanila Wedding Boutique as a �irst of its kind endeavour in the Middle East, the Pronovias Fashion Group celebrated the St. Patrick 2017 Trunk Show collection at the Vanila Wedding Boutique in Dubai late this October! Aimed at engaging edginess with romanticism in its designs, the collection beckoned lucky brides-to-be to try on up to

thirty different styles of the new collection, exclusively selected by representatives of St. Patrick, enabling brides to be the �irst in the region to receive personal orders of the 2017 collection and have it as per their perfect �it! A high-end brand of the Spanish designer house Pronovias Fashion Group, St. Patrick carries on the Pronovias signature of prêt-a-porter

wedding gowns since 1964, thanks to its unique offering of exquisitely designed dreamy dresses, and its latest 2017 Trunk Show collection is a �itting testimony. For more information on the St. Patrick brand, the Vanila Wedding Boutique and the Pronovias Fashion Group, visit www.sanpatrick.com, www. vanilastudio.ae and www.pronovias.com.

THE ICONIC ASTON MARTIN DB11 MAKES ITS DEBUT IN OMAN!

uch looked forward to and long awaited in the Sultanate, diehard aficionados and lovers of everything exemplary are now in for an epochal experience with the debut of the iconic Aston Martin DB11 in the country! Unveiled for the first time in Muscat earlier this October at a private reception hosted by local Aston Martin distributor, the Al Hashar Group, the DB11 is the first product launched under Aston Martin’s Second Century Plan and the bold new figurehead of the illustrious DB line. Showcasing a fresh and distinctive design language, the DB11 is an authentic, dynamic sporting GT in the finest Aston Martin tradition, powered by a potent new in-house designed 5.2-litre twinturbocharged V12 engine and featuring pioneering aerodynamics. Built upon a new, lighter, stronger and more space efficient bonded aluminium structure, the DB11 is the most powerful, most efficient and most dynamically gifted DB model in Aston Martin’s history. Neil Slade, President Middle East North Africa – Aston Martin, who flew in especially for the launch, stated, ‘The DB11 is the first car under Aston Martin’s Second Century Plan. This beautiful car has made waves in the industry and has already won numerous

awards in Europe, following the ﬁrst test drives in August and September. Coming with the latest technology and the most upto-date electronic architecture, the DB11 is truly ground breaking for Aston Martin.’

‘Aston Martin is the embodiment of engineering, craftsmanship and prestige’, commented Sheikh Al Muhannad Al Hashar, Chairman of the Al Hashar Group. ‘These are attributes that resonate perfectly with our discerning clientele in Oman. The DB11 is the latest addition to the Al Hashar Group’s growing portfolio of iconic brands, and we are proud of our association with such a prestigious marque.’ ‘As exclusive dealers for Aston Martin in the Sultanate, the Al Hashar Group assures its customers of a premium experience that comes with owning a high-performing automotive legend’, said Mr. Sultan Al Kharusi, Managing Director of the Al Hashar Group. ‘Our Aston Martin certiﬁed technicians are trained to be meticulous in the way they service, maintain and repair vehicles, staying true to a tradition that underscores the brand’s unrivalled post-sales customer services globally.’

Aston Martin vehicles are exclusively distributed in Oman by the Al Hashar Group | Tel : 2459 6434 ; Email : info@astonmartinoman.com

Go with your Good Side Wedding Photo Tips for Grooms!

e’ve covered the length and breadth of wedding photo tips when it comes to brides in our previous issues, and we do apologise to our dear grooms for the seeming lack of similar tips when it comes to being snapped on the big day. Having sifted through everything there is regarding photography tips and tricks in the groom world, we at Bride & Groom have put together five distinct pointers that are sure to have you looking spiffy, spruced up and at your ultimate best when the snappers start popping! No, these aren’t the kind where we tell you to angle your head a certain way, or flash a smile in another; these are self-improvement tips, the kind that are everlasting and evergreen and will show in every picture!

Get toWork

Looking good comes naturally when you feel good and the easiest way to achieve that is by beginning to tone your physique. Remember how important it used to be to develop the perfect beach body before spring break in college? Well imagine your wedding to be another one of those ‘spring breaks’, so get up, dust off your sneakers and decide that fresh fruits and vegetables aren’t really that bad after all! Hit the gym or simply take a run 18

around the park for half an hour each day to begin noticing a positive difference in your physique and a healthy flush in your face.

2Wear your BachelorDon’t Party on your Sleeve

This simply means to say that if you do end up having a bachelor party, let your buddies know that anything at max a month earlier than your wedding day is fine. The closer you have your bachelor party to your big day, the more it will show on your face and in your energy; no bride would want her groom to appear lethargic, drowsy or dreamy when she takes to the aisle! Bachelor parties are best done four weeks in advance so that you have ample time to recuperate from them and appear rearing to go.

Take the Long View with your Hair When it comes to grooming remember that what seems cool today may make you cringe whenever you see your photographs in the future! The simplest rule of thumb when it comes to hair (or any fashion for that matter) is: trends die but class lives on forever. Keep your hair and facial hair as classic as your wedding attire and your photos will stand the test of time!

4about Contact It’s all School presentations taught us early on that the key to being acknowledged and admired lay in the ability to maintain eye contact as much as possible. The same applies to your wedding! Smile a lot and make good eye contact with the camera, but make sure you do not appear stiff or posed. Even if you aren’t the type who is too keen on being photographed, this is one of those days where the shutters won’t stay away from you, so why not live the moment as best as you can?

Identify your Good Side

Alright we said we wouldn’t talk about the angles you should use for having photographs taken, but we simply couldn’t resist to squeeze this tip in: find an angle (just one, we say!) which makes you look your best, and let the cameras do the rest! Everyone has a certain angle that makes them look better; this is usually due to our natural asymmetries, so make sure you celebrate them! Ask a friend to take a couple of pictures of you and then decide which angle you liked best; let it slide into your gait naturally when the flashlights begin popping on your big day and enjoy!

Tel : 24561175 | moncheri_ssc@sabcolifestyle.com mon cheri oman

THE PROMISE OF BEING REMEMBERED WITH MON CHERI Delicate tulle, playful lace. Precious silk, enigmatic tastes. Mon Cheri combines the magic of ingenuity and originality in its bridal wear with the effeminacy of thoughtfulness and a dash of quirkiness in its special occasion wear collections. An authentic celebration of womanhood and all things graceful, the brand opens its doors to a world of sophisticated fashion and elegant design that stands several classes apart from commercial competition, be it present day, or be it yesterday. Cultivating a rich history of femininity in its strong values, dynamic ethos and passionate work ethic, Mon Cheri is an innovation of style, clearly reflected in its glamorous yet classy offerings that capture the personality of every woman that chooses to don on a Mon Cheri piece. First launched in 1991, Mon Cheri embarked on the road to becoming a leader in bridal and wedding gown production, carving a niche for itself in the bridal industry. Indeed, it was the brand’s initiative of using shades such as Rum Pink, Blush and Café in its designs that inspired numerous other manufacturers to add colour into their collections, an echo of Mon Cheri’s pervasiveness in the marketplace to this day.

And that was just the beginning. Housing a team of designers like no other, Mon Cheri introduced Montage by Mon Cheri (it’s first special occasion product line) to raise the standard of quality, style and value in special occasion dresses, the collections of which are designed by Ivonne D, designer for other bestseller Mon Cheri collections such as the Ivonne D Collection, the Cameron Blake Collection, and Social Occasions by Mon Cheri. With artistic visionaries and legends such as David Tutera, Joan Calabrese, Martin Thornburg, Sophia Tolli and Laine Berry as designers for its now over twenty branded special occasion product lines, Mon Cheri has turned the axis of fashion wear in a revolutionary style by understanding the market’s need for mother of the bride and groom dresses, and dresses for women gracing mature age. Priding itself on its unparalleled craftsmanship and exceptional fitting, Mon Cheri’s collections are acclaimed for their array of gorgeous, show-stopping bridal gowns and occasion dresses, most of which sport Sophia Tolli’s signature draping and corset backs, or Ivonne D’s chic lines and formal style. But that is not all. 24

Leading celebrity wedding and entertaining expert David Tutera partnered with esteemed Mon Cheri designer Martin Thornburg in 2012 to create the David Tutera for Mon Cheri wedding dress collection, which reformed the concept of affordable fashion. Today Mon Cheri boasts of an assortment of fashionable bridal designs ranging from traditional ball gowns to modern sheaths, and couture fashions to more informal designs, thanks to the David Tutera for Mon Cheri wedding dress collection that prides on its offerings of the highest quality fabrics, hand-beaded Swarovski crystals, and impeccable fitting at the most costeffective prices. ‘Designing and sewing that perfect dress is a special gift’, says Martin Thornburg,

co-partner of the David Tutera for Mon Cheri wedding dress collection. ‘Capturing the personality of the bride and housing designs that are as affordable as they are different is the essence of what we do.’ Thus, transforming the ordinary into the extraordinary has become a Mon Cheri maxim, a motto reflected in its use of exquisite fabric and detail along pristine lines in designs that are timeless and classic, yet possessing an edge. And what’s more, the Berger Collection for Mon Cheri, introduced in 2013 by Edward Berger, manufacturer of bridal headpieces since 1922, has transformed the joy of bridal accessories and accoutrements with the addition of a timeless array of veils, headpieces, and belts to compliment any wedding dress.

Still unconvinced that Mon Cheri is the answer to every woman’s special wear needs? We think not. After all, with its tagline reading ‘Dress to be remembered’, there’s not much that could be said to counter the Mon Cheri promise.

Mon Cheri has recently launched its newest branch in the Sultanate, and is situated at the ﬁrst ﬂoor of the SABCO Centre in Muscat. More information can be obtained by calling on +968 24561175, or emailing moncheri_scc@sabcolifestyle.com.

mon cheri oman

Tel : 24561175 | moncheri_ssc@sabcolifestyle.com mon cheri oman

BLUE IVORY

Wedding Planners bring out

the Grandeur and Dreamlike charm of Indian weddings Deepika Saboo is the charismatic personality behind the luxury wedding operations of Blue Ivory Events, as well as the company’s resourceful and highly enthusiastic director who has it as her aim to bring to life the dreamlike grandeur of Indian weddings for one and all! Hailing from the colourful Indian state of Rajasthan, Deepika embarked upon event management when she moved to Dubai with her husband a decade ago, establishing the foundation of Blue Ivory Events, which first handled Bollywood concerts and music shows before branching into luxury wedding planning. Located in the vibrant Khalid bin al Waleed Street of Dubai’s sprawling metropolis, Bride & Groom decided to visit Deepika at the Blue Ivory office for a chat about herself and her company, her background, the inspiration behind planning weddings, the services Blue Ivory provides its clients and a flurry of other interesting knickknacks! Read on and enjoy, and don’t forget to connect with Deepika in case you’re looking to have yourself a big, fat Indian wedding very soon! Word has it that she can make any whim of yours a reality, simply with a little sprinkling of Blue Ivory.

Deepika Saboo

Give us a background of yourself for our readers. I was born and brought up in a joint business family in Beawar, the 27

historical administrative headquarters of the Merwara District in Rajasthan. I hold an MBA in marketing and finance and started my career as an investment banker in Mumbai before shifting to event management. This shift took place when I moved to Dubai with Amitabh, my husband, ten years ago. That’s when the concept for Blue Ivory Events started.

presenting them with our initial idea and concept. Once approved, we begin our designing process and present a 3D presentation which gives the couple an overall look of their wedding. There are a number of things to be considered and communication is very important at each phase. Do you specialise solely in Indian weddings?

So how did you get into wedding planning? I believe the interest was borne out of my love for arranging parties, family events, weddings for my relatives and attending music concerts! Amitabh and I had always wanted to organise music concerts and it was with this inspiration that we started Blue Ivory. We’ve done concerts for famous Bollywood singers such as Sunidhi Chauhan, Mika Singh and Shankar Mahadevan. It was initially difficult to branch into wedding planning, but after our first few tries the process became easier and we began to live and enjoy the experience of being a part of someone’s happiness! What is the inspiration behind the Blue Ivory name? Personally, blue symbolises trust, loyalty, faith and above all confidence and commitment, while ivory symbolises opulence, grandeur and virtue, and thus the name! We have always striven to bring to life our clients’ visions and dreams, and it’s always been an endeavour to deliver quality work. Talk us through the services of Blue Ivory. Blue Ivory offers all wedding services under a single roof, be it venue scouting, planning, designing, décor, flowers, room hampers, gifts, luxury travel and logistics, hospitality management, entertainment, live artists and audio visual requirements. We also specialise in organising corporate events such as gala dinners, award ceremonies, seminars and conferences and private/intimate events as well. Describe to us your process of planning a wedding. The first and foremost step is understanding the priorities of the couple. We try to establish their likes and dislikes before 28

Yes! The grandeur and dreamlike charm of Indian weddings is one of a kind. This is not to say we would not be interested in planning weddings from different cultures! In fact, we planned British and Arabic weddings in the past. It’s always good to know and experience different cultures.

What about destination weddings? Destination weddings are a good opportunity for couples to celebrate their love at a beautiful destination! Many a time couples consider a destination which has an emotive appeal or meaning to them. We have planned a number of destination weddings in the UAE, and in Goa and Rajasthan in India. Do you source décor and floral arrangements locally? Well, yes. We have our in house fabrication team and florists which makes the process cost effective. However we do source décor from the local market as well as from

different parts of the world. One should always keep an eye on the emerging new market trends! Tell us about the most memorable wedding you have planned. By far it was Rhea and Prateek’s destination wedding at Atlantis, The Palm – Dubai. It was an incredible event with six different setups at different venues, spanning over three days like a true big, fat Indian wedding! The experience was one of a kind. What should couples be aware of when it comes to selecting the right wedding planner? Meeting your wedding planner in person after a thorough background check! It’s important to learn about the number of weddings they have planned because nothing can beat experience and knowing the industry. Learning about the services they provide, as well as their policies on customisation and modification is important. Obtaining references from previous clients and/or hotels is necessary as well, since this gives an idea of how well the company can execute your dream wedding! How early should a couple set an appointment with you before their wedding? 3-4 months is ideal for us to plan the perfect wedding! People nowadays are more cautious and approach us up to a year in advance. There’s no harm in doing this since they can get the best resources and options!

www.blueivoryuae.com

Jumeirah Lakes Towers (JLT) Cluster X, Jumeirah Bay X2 Tower Suite 110, Dubai, UAE Tel: +971-4-3649280 www.contessabridal.com

THE POWER OF

CURVES WITH VLCC’S CURVEXPERTTM

VLCC’s constant perseverance in pushing the boundaries of holistic beauty and body slimming was what won Bride & Groom into recently reviewing its novel comprehensive 3D body shaping treatment – the CurveXpert TM – that not only recharges the body’s ability to arrest fat right at its origin, but eliminates the existence of fat cells, resulting in a proclaimed instant loss of 10 centimetres! Suhair M. Al Shanti, Area Technical Head of Slimming had a talk with Moumita Chatterjee from Bride & Groom regarding the scientific complex of the CurveXpertTM programme, its goal-oriented process, its lifestyle modifying abilities and intensive body slimming properties that result in visible effects, before guiding her to embark on the treatment. ‘CurveXpertTM is not just a physical modification of the body’, commented Suhair. ‘It is a complete lifestyle modification. We take everything from the client’s background, diet, physical activity, body type and health into consideration before embarking 38

on the process. The system targets fat right at the source of the body’s fat cycle, and hence is excellent for those looking for simply a quick weight ﬁx or a complete lifestyle change.’ Sounding promising enough, Moumita took it upon herself to witness the system’s results that vow to not only empower, but reinstate the power of curves. Read on for a glimpse into her individual experience, followed by her verdict! If you would like to experience the CurveXpertTM for yourself, log onto www.vlccwellness.com or call on VLCC’s Toll Free: 800 79933 (Oman) | 800 8522 (UAE).

EXPERIENCING VLCC’S CURVEXPERTTM SYSTEM! by Moumita Chatterjee

veryone tells us that maintaining a healthy lifestyle should be our highest priority, but when it is cheat day and you’ve ordered a plate of cheesy fries, those words of advice seem to take an about turn! Waking up the next day with the feeling of guilt is bad enough and trying on a dress that you like which doesn’t seem to ﬁt makes it worse. In times like this, you ﬁnd yourself Googling ridiculous things such as ‘Top 10 ways to lose 2 inches on your waist and hips’. Yes, we have all been there!

to perform a full body analysis. It was explained and made very clear that the changes will not be drastic, since it isn’t the same as cropping out parts in Photoshop! But the therapy deﬁnitely brings out surprising results.

silicon pads were attached. I was then,

The Session

ease. After 20 minutes, my therapist came

very comfortably, wrapped in the silicon pads and explained that the heat emitted from these pads will help fasten the loss of centimetres. Then I spent 20 minutes, relaxing and letting my body come to in and helped me get the cling wrap

On my arrival I was greeted by VLCC’s warm staff who accompanied me to meet with Suhair M. Al Shanti (Area Technical Head – Slimming), who asked me a few questions learn of my lifestyle. This was followed by a brieﬁng about the steps taken during the session, the products used and their effects/sensation on my skin. Once I was well aware of what the procedure was, a therapist led me to my session.

At ﬁrst the entire experience seemed like a spa treatment to me, and to be honest I could not be happier. I was asked to lie down while my therapist scrubbed me with Bamboo Salt. The after effect of this was explained to be smooth and soft skin. The scrubbing was done using medium pressure on my muscles. Then she used a hot towel to wipe off the residue, leaving my skin free of dead cells and feeling surprisingly soft. The therapist then moved on to applying a gel using a high-pressure massage technique on my muscles. I could feel a warm sensation right after the application. She then used cling wrap to cover the massaged areas. A serum was massaged onto my muscles as the last step. The serum left a cold sensation post the application. She proceeded to wrap the applied area with cling wrap as well and then helped me proceed to another room.

At ﬁrst the staff made a note of my height and weight and then proceeded

This was the ﬁnal stage of the treatment. I was asked to lie down on a bed where

massage techniques and products from

Which is why when I got an opportunity to review the VLCC’s CurveXpertTM 3D Power Shaper body shaping therapy, it intrigued me enough to go for it!

Before & After

off and clean up the remaining gel and serum off my body. Then she proceeded to take up the measurements and made a note of the same. I quickly changed back into my clothes while awaiting my results!

The Result I was taken back to the Technical Head’s ofﬁce and was told about the areas I needed to work on and how I could start off with basic exercises and slowly incorporate the same in my daily routine. I was then shown my ‘Before & After’ sheet. Unbelievably, I had lost 12 centimetres overall! It truly was an unexpected because I wasn’t feeling very different or light, I just felt very fresh! But the measuring tape doesn’t lie and so I went back, a happy believer in miracles, VLCC.

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Waist in, Party On! A Few Tips to Healthy Eating during the Festive Season So you’ve received yet another of those elaborately adorned invitation cards to a wedding of a friend (or colleague, or family member, or even your neighbour down the ﬆreet!) and in RSVP’ing your attendance and congratulations, you might have little room to squeeze in a thought about those extra pounds you’ll be beﬆowing upon

your waiﬆline at all the dinners and fancy banquets. The Middle Eaﬆ is the image of hospitality, and sure enough, we love being hospitable in everything, and when it’s something as grand and celebratory as a wedding, we’re bound to go all out, especially on the food! When all around

seems to be the call for indulgent dining and feﬆive partying, what beﬆ can you do to avoid packing on those calories? Bride & Groom has juﬆ the trick for you – a set of five simple pointers that you can practice not only during this wedding season, but throughout the year to ﬆay trim, fit and confident!

CHECK OUT THE AVAILABLE OPTIONS Before you begin filling up your plate with varied delicacies, take a walk around the items available to identify healthier options. Better ﬆill, ask the maître d’ or service ﬆaff to point out lighter varieties that you can feaﬆ on without feeling too guilty about the calories you’d be packing on (since they’d be good calories!). This shall also help you in deciding how much of what you should be eating. A good tip is always to take small portions of everything available so you can enjoy different taﬆes and don’t feel bad about having consumed them either!

EAT FIRST, PARTY LATER The sheer ingenuity of this tip is based on the simple rhetoric that if you’re already full before you arrive at a celebration, you’re bound to eat very little. If your colleague has juﬆ brought in an array of rich cuisines for her wedding that feature not too many healthy options, make sure to eat a healthy or at the very leaﬆ, a healthy snack before leaving for the function. Eat some fruit or salad if you’re running late on time, or if you can spare an hour, have a wholesome meal, so you don’t indulge too much on the delightful yet calorie packed dishes at the wedding! Moreover, time cut down on eating equals time inveﬆed in extra partying and getting to know people, so who says eating before the function is a bad idea? 48

OPT FOR FRUIT DESSERTS Celebrations, especially weddings, feature desserts that more often than not look their delectable part because of the rich ingredients incorporated in them: we’re talking cream, eggs, butter, fats – the whole lot! How do you enjoy such divine creations without ﬆressing about the pounds you’ll be putting on? Easy! Opt for fruit-based desserts. These could include fruit and cream, fruit triﬂe, any fruit-based pudding etc. Also as advice, do cut out on the amount of ice-cream you’d like to have with your dessert and ﬆick to only the fats available in what you’re having!

TRY SOMETHING NEW It doesn’t make sense to be invited to a grandiose wedding and feaﬆ on the usual food you could very easily have at home any day if at all you’re looking to ‘cheat’ on your diet! By this we mean that if you are a part of a loved one’s event, don’t decide to hoard on things like guacamole, sour cream, hummus and the lot; we’re very certain you can have them any day! Inﬆead try something new, for example special crepes or scallops wrapped in turkey bacon (in moderation of course) to enjoy not only new ﬂavours but appreciate everything your hoﬆ has provided for in the feaﬆ.

KEEP YOURSELF HYDRATED It’s an age old saying but it’s true; the more you keep yourself hydrated, the less hungry you feel. And the beneﬁts of being hydrated are enormous! Not only does it look elegant to keep sipping water from a wine glass at any function, but it also quietens your appetite, thus making you only eat as much as you need and not more. Sit back and enjoy water before the feaﬆ commences; your weighing scale will thank you for it later! 49

ACCESSORIES AND MORE WITH KARLEO!

f you’ve already purchased your wedding gown, you’ve probably realised that a lot more goes into your bridal ensemble than just the dress! Indeed, the truth is that details count: there are shoes to buy, a veil to pick, jewellery to finalise and

that glittering tiara to place on your hairdo. And if you have a seasonal wedding, then there are a variety of new designs and collections to make your pick from! Thus where should you start? Bride & Groom caught up with Karan Berry and Leon Vaz of Karleo’s Bridal Studio for their take on this season’s best wedding accessories, their latest designs and the trends observed, their unique bridal sneakers collection, and a peek into their Bridal Couture AW16 Collection showcased in Mumbai earlier this year! Read on and enjoy.

What can you tell us about your latest bridal accessories collection? Our collection this season revolves around the individual personality, and ranges from bohemian ďŹ&#x201A;oral head pieces and bird cages with feathers to ombre jewelled headbands and tiaras. Our veils and gloves have seen quite a bit of a change, as brides are willing to experiment with colours, length etc. We have also launched hand embroidered earrings that come in crystals, feathers, tassels and lace cords with uncut stones, and bridal sneakers as a new concept! What are the general trends observed among brides when it comes to selecting bridal accessories? This season we have witnessed brides discussing their accessories before the gown itself! Trends this season are geared more towards bringing out the fun side of the bride. Thus our accessories include intricate and delicate pieces with a shock of colour! Generally speaking, brides are

leaning more toward headpieces and bridal combs this season. Tell us about your bridal sneakers! This is by far the most fun aspect of our new collection. Every bride wants to wear killer heels to make an impact at the beginning of her function, but later in the evening slipping into something easy while still looking good is what matters. Thus bridal sneakers were born. All of our sneakers are hand crafted in leather, complete with bead work to add an extra sparkle. Plus they are personally monogrammed to make them even more memorable! We’re also told you showcased your Bridal Couture AW16 Collection in Mumbai recently. Tell us about it. Karleo Bridal 2016 celebrates today’s growing norm—interfaith weddings—by adding colour to the pristine palette of bridal white, ivory and eggshell. The bridal gowns have an infusion of different cultures, with other faiths represented through accents of colours other than white. Seen in the creations is a touch of vermillion, a sparkling of emerald, a splash of champagne, or a sprinkling of jet black. The bridal gowns have another common thread—the abstract and subtle presence of birds as motifs. Additionally, each bridal outﬁt has a name that inspires its qualities and detailing, beautifully complementing the personalities of brides wearing them.

Lastly, what are the kinds of accessories best suited for autumn weddings? We think this season is all about getting the look right with the clothing. So classic head pieces with a hint of colour along with statement shoes is the best look to take forward with supporting accessories.

Karleo | Mumbai, India | www.karleo.com 53

Congratulations &

Celebrations at Al Murjan !

amed for its luxurious style and distinct ambience in hosting an array of high end events and functions, the Al Murjan Hall has recently announced the launch of unique offers designed as an exclusive addition to Oman’s hospitality services and created to enhance the experience of customers looking to have their dream occasion turned into a reality! With a promise of excellence and professionalism at each step, Al Murjan’s new offerings enable its clients to rejoice in stateof-the-art parties, celebrations, soirées and ceremonies, as well as engage in corporate meetings and business conferences that are as successful as they are proﬁcient, thanks to the hall’s cutting edge facilities and contemporary sound and light technologies. Be it a wedding reception or an engagement bash, the Al Murjan Hall offers an unprecedented level of quality in all of its services, with its event management team always present with all hands on deck to give clients the service they deserve! Thanks to its stunning dais, soaring ceilings, a seating capacity that runs in the hundreds (as per the event’s requirements) and superior lighting, the Al Murjan Hall truly sets the mood for a lavish celebration. Moreover as a part of the newly announced offers, the hall lays signiﬁcant emphasis on its catering and food services! Be it cuisines ranging from Arab to Orient or Mediterranean to Indian, there is not much that gets in the way of Al Murjan Hall’s skilled kitchen staff and reputed chefs in creating delectable delicacies that guarantee the highest level of satisfaction and dining pleasure for one and all. Indeed, for all those seeking a luscious venue to host their dream event in and making memories of a lifetime, the Al Murjan Hall is the ultimate venue of choice! For further information on the hall’s new offers, services and packages, and/or booking details, direct all queries to the contact below.

Al Murjan Hall, Civil Aviation Club Contact: 92043278, www.caaclub.org

a dream venue for your wedding

Al Murjan hall offers you Convenient Location, Dedicated Parking Facility, Wide choice of Menus from In house Catering with Service Support and to add Perfect Ambiance for your wedding, State of the art Lighting Fixtures and Modern Sound / Public Address System and Overhead Projector including Audio Visual Entertainment.

a perfect venue for both traditional & modern wedding.

AL MURJAN HALL

Al Murjan Hall, Civil Aviation Club PO Box 261, PC 111 Seeb, Sultanate of Oman Contact: 92043278 Find map on: http://www.caaclub.org/MurjanHall.aspx

THE NEW BURBERRY CAT LASHES MASCARA

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B et

Create the perfect cat eye effect with the new Burberry Cat Lashes mascara. Powerful and captivating, lashes are extended, beautifully styled and fanned out, thanks to the innovative hourglass-shaped brush made with elastomer. Each lash is sculpted and lifted from root to tip for deﬁned length and eye-opening volume in a clump-free ﬁnish. 3

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The Burberry Cat Lashes Mascara is a part of the Burberry Cat Lashes Collection that also includes new shades of Effortless Liquid Eyeliner and Complete Eye Palette. Cat Lashes is available at Harvey Nichols-Dubai, Bloomingdale’s Dubai and selected Burberry stores worldwide, and/or via the Burberry Beauty Box and www.burberry.com.

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THE New DIORSHOW MAXIMIZER 3D

www.dior.com

Infinite Length Mascara

GUCCI EYE Magnetic Color Shadow Duo Primrose

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LET YOUR EYES DO THE TALKING! Long believed that the secret behind beautiful eyes lay in the thickness of lashes, this myth holds as much importance today as it did in the yesteryears of ancient Rome when women resorted to applying essential oils religiously each night in the hope of waking up to thicker, more defined eyelashes in the morning! Thankfully time has fast forwarded us into an era where obtaining gorgeous eyes is not as tedious a process as it once was, and voluminous eyelashes are independent of genes, heritage and roots. Bringing the sensuous appeal of fuller and darker eyelashes to women in the region, Xtreme Lashes® Eyelash Extensions is the Sultanate’s ultimate answer for procuring longer, thicker and more beautiful-looking lashes that are as natural as they are safe. Operating in the country for a period of nine years, Xtreme Lashes® were developed to mimic the natural lashes of the eye, with each extension being applied individually to each separate eyelash using a proprietary adhesive, resulting in stunning eyelashes.

ensure amazing eyelashes indefinitely! An after application kit containing a makeup remover, mascara, applicator, glue liner, sharpener and sponge is provided with tips on how to care for the extensions and the natural lashes. Xtreme Lashes® also offers a range of other related professional services such as hair extensions and braiding, and products for the eyes including concealers, the Amplifeye Oil and Brow Fortifier, brow pens, eye repair serums and much more. Lashes are available in sets of varying thickness, from medium to

full to VIP, and size, in thick, thin and super thick. Colourful eyelashes are available on request as well! Xtreme Lashes® distributes to Dubai in the United Arab Emirates while operating from Oman, ensuring that women in the region are able to avail of the brand’s high quality, natural-looking semi-permanent eyelashes no matter where they may be! For further information about Xtreme Lashes® Eyelash Extensions or to book an appointment, call +968 24949444, or visit www.xtremelashes.om today.

With over 600 possible individual styles of eyelashes to pick from, Xtreme Lashes®’ diverse inventory transforms lashes as per each woman’s customised preference. Prior to the procedure, the Xtreme Lashes® trained stylists conduct a thorough consultation of the lashes, brows, smile and shape/size of the face, after which the application process begins. Each individual natural lash is isolated and then expertly bonded to one extension, creating a seamless look that allows the actual lash to breathe, due to the extension being placed over the lash and not the root. While the initial eyelash extension procedure can last for up to 1.5 hours, re-lashing is a shorter process that has to be repeated every three weeks to

EXTINCT Demise Palette

Powder Eyeshadow in Jubilance

Powder Eyeshadow in Cascade

Satin Matte Powder foundation

www.gucci.com 60

Precision Gel Liner in Quixotic

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Satin Matte Liquid foundation

L’ART DU SOIN FOR THE FACE In 2009, Diptyque’s desire to explore fresh horizons in the world of personal care emerged, sparking the launch of the exclusive L’art Du Soin for the Body, inspired by traditional Mediterranean rituals for the ultimate indulgent experience. In 2014, the brand introduced L’art Du Soin for the Body (Chapter 1), an extension of the line that ushered in the novel beauty concept of infused cosmetics. Following up from the essential steps of cleansing and moisturizing of Chapter 1, Diptyque decided that 2016 was the year to bring in special treatments and targeted care in the form of L’art Du Soin for the Face (Chapter 2) inclusive of three lush novelties to enrich its product line this autumn!

L’art Du Soin for the Face Collection

Cleansing Care Consisting of a nourishing cleansing balm, a radiance booster powder and a multi-use exfoliating clay, this range evolves in three stages to remove facial impurities, nourish and moisturise the skin deeply, and soothe and tone the outer layer to detoxify, regenerate and brighten. Key ingredients include rose petals, jasmine and apricot kernel oil. Infused Face Oil Infused with the goodness of white iris oleate and oils of sweet almond, meadow grass and pastel flower, this smoothing, silky, ultra-sensual face oil diffuses its moisturising and radiance booster power for hours, and comes in a remarkable potion that pampers the skin with vital nutrients.

Moisturising Care Inclusive of an infused facial water and a protective moisturising lotion, this set cleanses, refreshes and hydrates the skin in a burst of trace elements and vitamins, while giving the face the protection and moisture it needs, thanks to its core ingredients of grapevine root extract, calendula and lily.

Available at: Dubai Diptyque Boutique, The Dubai Mall: +9714 3308423; Bloomingdale’s Dubai: +9714 3505333; Harvey Nichols-Dubai: +9714 4098888 Abu Dhabi Areej, Marina Mall: +9712 6815662

Essential Face Cream The velvety texture of this lush face cream transforms into an ultrasoothing elixir, drenching the skin in Vitamin E and Omega 6, thanks to its core of prickly pear flower oleate and orange blossom, while also reinforcing the skin’s outer layer with nasturtium and bluebonnet.

Nourishing Lip Balm Featuring a unique creamy-matte texture, this nourishing lip balm kisses lips with its healing and softening properties found deep within its lush ingredients of poppy flower oleate, sweet almond oil and rose and violet waxes.

Chanel’s Le Rouge · Collection N°1 & Rouge Allure Ink The colour of life and death, love and desire, innocence and experience. Contained within this colour of extremes are many metaphors for the emotional dichotomies of life. Chanel introduces the Le Rouge · Collection N°1 to explore the abstract and expressive resonances of the colour red while reconfiguring its role in beauty in a set of 7. From the Joues Contraste Rouge Profond Blush for the face to the Rouge Allure and Rouge Allure Velvet shades for the lips, the Le Rouge · Collection N°1 presents Le Crayon Lèvres as lip liners, Le Stylo Yeux Waterproof and Dimension de Chanel as mascara, Les 4 Ombres as eye shadow, Illusion D’Ombre Velvet as matte cream and Le Vernis Gloss and Longue Tenue as nail paint, all in

underlying tones of red for the powerful, sensuous woman. With Rouge Allure Ink on the other hand, Chanel transforms the foundation of matte lip colour in a first of its kind liquid lip ink for intense, long-wearing and ultralightweight colour. Available in a palette of eight shades, Rouge Allure Ink devotes itself to the beauty of the lips in an extremely comfortable velvetsoft texture that takes colour audacity to new heights with an intense, ultra-luminous makeup result. www.chanel.com

Le Rouge Âˇ Collection NÂ°1 & Rouge Allure Ink

in the

tep away from the stress-inducing hassles of wedding planning and step into a sanctuary of peace and luxury like none other. Let your senses be awakened as youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re taken through a journey to unwind and prep mindfully for the biggest day of your life. At the Six Senses Spa at Al Bustan Palace, wellbeing and comfort takes on a whole new meaning. Delight in expertly fashioned wedding packages, tailored exclusively for the bride, her mother, bridal party and the bridegroom. Available as early as six weeks prior the wedding, the Six Senses Spa guides the bride through a sojourn of lush, luxuriating treatments to reveal her inherent natural glow and enrich her senses. Commencing with a detox cleansing ritual that imbibes its goodness from the vigorous potency of pure seaweed and eucalyptus, the spaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Pre-wedding Journey package follows a nurturing route dotted with a Vitamin C and Papaya Enzyme Peel Facial, a Rose Renewal Body Treatment, and a Thai Herbal Compress Massage, all spaced out over the course of six weeks. 64

Of course, that is not all... The Six Senses Spa also introduces the Rejuvenating Bridal Ritual for both the bride and her mother (or a girlfriend) to indulge in before the wedding, a journey rich with the authenticity of Arabian hospitality and expert care. A signature calming scrub, infused with a rice complex, chamomile and cinnamon paves the way for a soothing, holistic body massage and an advanced antioxidant facial. The bride

and her company are then treated to a professional manicure and pedicure. And yet again, there’s a third wedding package that stands distinct and ready for newlyweds to celebrate their nuptials in and unwind after the hubbub of the wedding has died down. Opening with a signature Hammam experience that includes a scalp ritual and skin exfoliation, the Wedding Bliss Package combines a luscious milk and honey Cleopatra’s Bath, the spa’s signature massage and an

advanced antioxidant facial packed with a nutrient rich elixir to hydrate, rejuvenate and revitalise the skin. A mere ﬁve minute walk away from the Al Bustan Palace, the Six Senses Spa at Al Bustan Palace also offers Wellness Programs and Yogic Programs that are personalised upon consultation with the Wellness and Yogic Experts. Six Senses Spa offers ladies-only memberships starting from OR 125/-. Memberships can be availed in single and in groups of two, three or ﬁve and from three months to one year.

For more information and reservations, call Six Senses Spa at Al Bustan Palace on +968 24 764 333, or e-mail reservation-albustan-spa@sixsenses.com. 65

The Insider’s Guide to

earlescent edding eeth!

ome forth the wedding bells, and one of the main checkpoints in your personal beauty itinerary would most definitely be achieving the perfect white enamels for your big day; if it isn’t, we recommend adding it in at the earliest, because surely, nothing beats the attractiveness of a radiant smile! As we’ve mentioned before in our previous editions, teeth can prove to be a little pesky if not cared for the right way resulting in bouts of low confidence and a miserable self-esteem, and on your wedding day, that is a complete no-no! Luckily, there’s never before been a time in the 21st century when the array of at-home whitening treatments rendered the same results as pricey dental procedures, and that too for a fraction of the cost. Bride & Groom delved into a little research regarding some of the easily available at-home whitening procedures and polled them in order of their effectiveness, just for you! Jot down the ones that suit your needs the best; remember, quality time spent on enamel care equals a million dollar pearl white smile, which is exactly what you’d want when you step down the aisle.

Keep a toothbrush handy! We cannot insist on this enough. Try to clean your teeth soon after you consume something pigmented to avoid stain buildup.

TEETH WHITENING KITS These do it yourself, easy and exceptionally convenient kit boxes come in the form of strips, trays and gels which are all equally effective. The only difference amongst the three is in their application, sensitivity and strength, thanks to varied doses of a certain peroxide that is the active ingredient in all over the counter teeth whitening kits. If you are settling for a teeth whitening kit (available at your local pharmacy, or a general hypermarket), pay heed to the following. Teeth whitening strips are thin, disposable, and flexible, and come pre-coated with a whitening formula; they simply need to be aligned to the gum

line (which is great if you have sensitive gums!) after which they are folded underneath and behind the teeth to secure them in place. Results are noticeable just after a few tries, and if you’re in the week leading up to your wedding, this is definitely the option you should go for! Trays are prefilled with whitening gel to ensure you get the perfect dosage every time you use them. The only downside to this one that we could pick on is sensitivity pain: essentially for people with sensitive gums and small mouths. Remember, one size does not fit all, so you might want to settle for strips. However, the results are very noteworthy within a week of application, so if sensitivity and a limited oral cavity do not feature in your repertoire, you’re good to go!

SOME DO’S AND DON’TS You might be watching your diet all the time, but it never fails to adopt some celeb inspired habits to ensure your teeth remain bright and picture perfect. A couple of easy tips are bound to get you into action!

The most hands-on application method is surely a teeth whitening gel. The gel is smeared directly onto the teeth in a dextrous and steady motion with the finger, very much like how you’d brush your teeth. Of course, the negative aspect to this is that irritation can occur, so our advice is to opt for a gel that comes with its own applicator to minimise the risk of irritation. Gels come in sets of vials, and after you come through with the course, your brilliant dentures will be the talk of town!

THE WHITER TEETH DIET After you’re done with your teeth whitening kits and now that your enamels are looking pearlescent and downright divine, you’ll want to keep them that way! Choosing the right foods and avoiding the wrong ones are a great starting point in ensuring your teeth stay white, and so we’ve listed down a few tips that are bound to help you. Invest in some natural stain removers, and by stain removers we do not mean another set of whitening agents, but the acidic goodness found in fruits like pineapples and oranges. With their balanced levels of acidity, these fruits assist in the oxidizing of stains that other sugary foods can leave on teeth and improve general whiteness over time. If you want to bid goodbye to

those yellows, say hello to some strawberries! The acidity engrained in strawberries has been proven to get rid of yellow stains on teeth, especially if you follow this home recipe: add baking soda or salt (we’d say baking soda if you have sensitive gums) to crushed strawberries, apply on your teeth for five minutes, and then brush your teeth as regular.

Adding milk to your coffee, whenever you have it, makes it less likely to stain your teeth. If you’re a tea aficionado, you might want to switch up from the darker varieties of Earl Grey and English breakfast to lighter blends of white, green and herbal teas. Avoid soda at all costs, but if you do tend to have it, have it at room temperature. Extreme temperatures make teeth more porous, thus more likely to absorb stains. Keep a toothbrush handy! We cannot insist on this enough. Try to clean your teeth soon after you consume something pigmented to avoid stain buildup. If you don’t have a toothbrush around, rinse often. You can also pop in a stick of sugarless gum as a backup plan! Or munch down on apple: not only are apples a brilliant superfood, they also help clean out teeth in a nifty.

Indulge in probiotics because yes, not only do they improve teeth strength and resilience, they make them whiter as well. Especially the ones found in yogurt, so make it a habit to have at least one serving of yogurt or Laban each day. Yogurt reduces the level of bacteria in the mouth, thus preventing plaque from accumulating, and results in less staining of the teeth. 67

Practicing yoga under the vast and vigilant presence of my Master,Yogacharya Prashantji Iyengar, made me dive deep into the underlying treasure of this spiritual discipline. Revered as a union of the body, mind and breath and invoking the celestial forces within us to unite with divine light, yoga is an experience of holistic wellbeing, making the body resplendent with energy and contentment. The bow and arrow symbolise the resolve of the mind to gain the virtues of self-control and courage in walking the challenging journey of life whilst staying riveted to oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s core. Regular practice of yoga with pure intention can lead to freeing oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s self from the vices of desire, anger and pride, and all of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s negativities. And thus as such, the importance of yoga in ensuring marital happiness holds a sacred place of importance and reverence.

Life

YOGA Happiness with SHILPA BHATT

3 15

4 11

Today we shall look at Urdhvadhanurasana.

and spiritual system. The human beings are

in strength and the spinal cord feels strong and

A combination of the two Sanskrit words of

majorly influenced by the chemical balances and

energetic. This asana toughens the arms and wrists

urdhva and dhanu, which mean upward and bow

imbalances in their body, the most important of

and has a very soothing effect on the head, leaving

respectively, Urdhvadhanurasana is the search

which is the pituitary and pineal gland which

one feeling full of vitality, lightness and incredible

of energy, resolve and peace to enlighten one’s

are the seat of hormonal activity regulating the

energy.

self and attain liberation from personal evils and

feelings of pain, suffering and mood swings.

depravities. An illuminating journey, this asana

One of the many ways in which this asana helps

is based on the ethos of sacrifice, tolerance and

the person practising is by stimulating pituitary,

understanding, and provides the mental strength

pineal, thyroid and adrenal glands, while also

and fortitude that children imbibe from their

strengthening the body’s abdominal and pelvic

parents.

organs.

The coming together of two individuals is also the

Resulting in an increase in one’s will power and

optimum blood circulation throughout the body.

union of two families, which can result in a lot

stress bearing capacity, Urdhvadhanurasana is

For women suffering from excess menstrual flow

of unforeseen conflict in viewpoints, beliefs and

characterised by its unique posture. The body is

Urdhvadhanurasana is a saviour; it also prevents

ideals, due to the differences in upbringing, values,

arched back and supported by the palms of the

prolapse of the uterus.

cultures, traditions and many other factors. A

hands and the soles of the feet and is a rewarding

natural occurrence, one shouldn’t get disheartened

experience when done with pure, harmonious

by such disagreements but look to resolve by

intent.

practicing asanas that relax, pacify and strengthen

While its physical effects are immediately noticeable, Urdhvadhanurasana challenges both the body and mind, helping in clearing out the brain’s clutter and leaving it stress free and at peace. A great booster of health, this asana also prevents the arteries of the heart from thickening and ensures

For those who are unable or find it difficult to perform this asana independently, supporting props, invented by my guru,Yogacharya BKS

Initially one may find the asana difficult but with

Iyengar, can be utilised to avail of the act’s healing

time and practice, the spine stretches easily

effects.

This is where Urdhvadhanurasana comes in with its

and fully, adding to the body’s alertness and

arched pose to support one’s physical, emotional

the suppleness of the muscles. The back gains

Email : shilpaabhatt@hotmail.com

the mind, heart and core.

Caution: yoga should be ideally practised under the guidance of a teacher . Consult with your doctor or other healthcare professional before embarking on any exercise program 70

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Dr. Sayyida Basma Al Said Is the founder of the Whispers of Serenity clinic in Muscat and is a Mental Health Consultant and Psychotherapist by profession. She holds a Masters in Mental Health Counselling, and has trained at Kings College, London and Harvard University and worked with Sultan Qaboos University to garner over 12 years of experience in dealing with people from various backgrounds. If you would like to have any of your pre-marital and/ or post-marital queries and concerns addressed in our special column, Ask Ms. B

Whispers of Serenity Tel: +968 99359779 www.whispers-of-serenity.com 72

I am soon to be married

After having spent a long

year. I am concerned that

my career, I have finally

time focussing solely on

to my fiancée of over a

decided to settle down and

she will not remain the

get married. What are the

same after marriage, since

everyone goes through change. I am

kind of qualities I should be looking for

years down the line when we are two

in my partner at this stage of my life?

worried about what will happen a few

t any stage in life the criteria of

different people. Can you advise me?

what an ideal partner should

be does not change. The fact you are

ne thing in life which is

a person regardless of being either

constant is change. There is no

stopping that and it is not a thing to fear. It is true that your fiancée will

My husband and I don’t

and even you will change so in such

out of life. I find myself

want the same things

not remain the same after marriage

pondering over my

a case it is very important to see

why the change is happening and

marriage a lot due to

understand it. Make sure that every

this; what are the qualities I should

of your day to ask each other how was

we can come to a consensus and avoid

day you set apart at least 10 minutes

the day and how things are going and

also once a week you have a date night where you don’t talk about family and you don’t talk about work but just sit and talk about each other. As time

goes by many times we don’t take the time to connect with our partners and we later realise we have been

leading separate lives. You want to

grow as a couple together and for that communication is key.

learn to identify in my husband so disagreements?

here must be a reason why you don’t want the same things in

life and for any marriage to work you always need a strong foundation. So

it is important that you find out what are your foundations, what are the

things that are important to both of you and work from there. It is not

important that at all times you both

career oriented or not does not

change. So look at you as a person and see the characteristics that are most

important to you and then list them down. Keep them to a minimum of 10 and these 10 qualities and

characteristics are some things that

are most important to you and that

you feel you will not change no matter what. Once you have this list in mind then you can work towards finding

the right match. Do remember that no one is perfect and don’t use this list solely as a way of accepting or

rejecting someone because someone perfect on paper doesn’t necessarily

mean perfect for you but this is only

a way of knowing what you want and helping you build on that.

have the same dream or desire but it

is crucial that you support each other’s dreams and find a way to help them achieve that even when at times it

means sacrificing something that you desire because that is how you build

each other in a relationship. This also means that there is an open line of communication where you talk to

listen and understand because many

times we talk only to respond which leads to a debate or argument.

please send your questions to info@brideandgroomoman.com Utmost confidentiality and discretion will be maintained. 73

PAMPER YOUR BODY, REPLENISH YOUR SOUL The bridal dream is anything but looking short of absolutely dashing, riveting and wholesome once the big day arrives, and what better day to make dreams come true by engaging in the services of a professional, exclusively ladies-only spa that guarantees all this and much more? Enter Body & Sole, Muscat’s one-stop destination for all a bride and her clique can desire in beauty, health and wellbeing, from head to toe! Indeed, with its services, ministrations and treatments ranging from indulgent facials, soothing eye therapies, professional eyelash extensions, herbal whitening, body scrubs and body massages to lush hand care, foot care, nail art and nail and superior customer service, there isn’t much that one could miss at this pampering sanctuary. Of course, understanding the emotion behind what is to become the bride’s most memorable experience come her wedding, Body & Sole offers one of a kind, specially modified and fully customisable bridal packages that are 74

brought to life by the spa’s exceptionally warm and friendly staff in an atmosphere that celebrates the joy of getting married and being beautiful! Brides are free to select the kinds of treatments they best like, when and how they want them, and can bring over company to partake in Body & Sole’s offerings as well!

luxuriant interiors that artfully designed and decorated to uphold its commitment to providing an indulgent experience like no other, with the highest standards of quality and service to its clients. Body & Sole is situated in the Sky Lounge, 3rd Floor of the Oman Avenues Mall in Muscat, and can be contacted on +968 22010101.

That’s not all, because Body & Sole also expedites in creating the most unforgettable bridal shower parties for the bride and her clique to make happy memories and have fun while getting treated to the best of the spa’s offerings and turning glamorously radiant. Soulful pampering certainly becomes the norm once one enters Body & Sole’s For more information and details, please visit www.facebook.com/bodyandsoleoman.

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& CELEBRATE A BEJEWELLED EID! Jewellery aficionados were in for a dazzling treat this Eid al Adha, thanks to Bloomingdale’s Dubai’s exquisitely designed jewels and Harvey Nichols Dubai’s contemporary, classic collections featuring a vibrant pop of colour to kick-start the festive occasion! With inspired designs and special creations featuring rings, bracelets, earrings and necklaces from various luxury brands in pleasing modern picks and stunning gift pieces, both Bloomingdale’s and Harvey Nichols joined hands with discerning jewellery lovers in celebrating a truly bejewelled Eid this autumn!

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PATRAVI TRAVELTEC II Gleaming in rose gold and blackened titanium and inclusive of three time zones for the discerning traveller, the Patravi TravelTec II captures the hearts of Carl F. Bucherer connoisseurs thanks to its exclusive patented mechanism and unique time measuring system that masters short-time measurements with its highly precise, chronometer-certified calibre CFB 1901.1. A sophisticated timepiece, the Patravi TravelTec II stands as a firm favourite for confident men.

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THE RADO COUPOLE CLASSIC MINI The Rado Coupole Classic Mini Collection is a refreshing alternative to its ubiquitous oversized wristwatches that offers timeless style without overwhelming the wrist. For a légère look that is both polished and fashion forward, the Coupole Classic Mini comes in two 21mm standout pieces of light brown leather and steel coupled with rose gold clinks sporting a feminine shine, making it ideal for daily wear. www.rado.com

Once upon a time in a village just off the sunny seashores of Le Midi, an excited group of passionate people came together to harness their love of baking alongside the greatest of French pastry chefs, chocolatiers and ice cream makers, to then take their knowledge overseas into Muscat and offer delighted customers quaintly pleasing creations and gourmet bonbons!

Savour quaint delights with LE PETIT PARIS

With its name conjuring up images of myriad alleyways and charming country spots, Le Petit Paris opened in the locality of Mawaleh a year ago for all those looking to avail of ingeniously crafted sweet delights and unique confections in different flavours and original looks that are as French in their creation as they are Omani in their inspiration. ‘At Le Petit Paris we try to use our skills in developing creations that take inspiration from our local Omani ingredients, and our own French knowledge’, says Hermann Abdelatif Ferga, production manager, pastry chef and baker at Le Petit Paris. ‘Our innovation lies in making products that sport an Omani touch, usually in flavours of Omani Halwa, Safran and Luban, and bringing these to everyone in Muscat.’

Indeed, Le Petit Paris expedites in Omani-French baked goods and offers a range of sourdough breads, traditional French baguettes, and breads in whole wheat, multi-seed, walnuts, raisins and figs, while also offering Danish picks that include croissants, buns, rolls and brioches in sweet chocolate, raisins, and blueberry, or in savoury options of cheese, mortadella, and almonds! Pastry creations abound in this quaint little store, and Le Petit Paris indulges in traditional French favourites such as tarts in lemon and chocolate, éclairs in chocolate, coffee and vanilla, and the world renowned mille-feuille, a best seller. Word on the street has it that Le Petit Paris’ mille-feuille is indeed Muscat’s very best! Moreover in its plans to expand into newer territories and scale newer heights, Le Petit Paris is looking to open its second brand in Qurum before the end of this year. And for discerning brides and grooms, Le Petit Paris also offers fabulous macaroons to turn any wedding into a trendy, upscale Parisian fest that can be customised and modified as per need, because as Le Petit Paris puts it: ‘Whatever it is you desire, we help you acquire!’

Le Petit Paris Oman, Al Mawaleh, behind Holiday Inn Seeb, 00968 2455 3572 www.lepetitparisoman.com 82

AL JARWANI HOSPITALITY GRABS MEDALS AT THE 2016 IKA -CULINARY OLYMPICS, and DOES OMAN PROUD!

epresenting the Sultanate for the first time in the Culinary Olympics held this year at Erfurt, Germany, Al Jarwani Hospitality became the proud torch bearer for the country’s outstanding performance that saw Executive Chef & Factory Manager Asanka Dharmaratne win two silver medals in two categories and Executive Chef Nuan Prasanna Herath secure a diploma in one category! With over 2000 chefs from 50 countries participating in the 2016 Culinary Olympics, also known as the 24th IKA Culinary Olympics, the Erfurt halls in Germany were transformed into the world’s largest restaurant, boasting of 7000 menus! Chef Asanka Dharmaratne of the Al Jarwani Hospitality Division represented Oman in the Chocolate Showpiece and Wedding Cakes categories on the third and fourth day of the event respectively, securing a silver medal in both, thanks to his scintillating creations of a Coco Butter Painting in Pastillage (under the Chocolate Showpiece category) and a spectacular, one of a kind wedding cake that had everyone talking. Chef Nuwan Prasanna Herath on the other hand did the nation proud with his excellent skills and intuition in the Vegetable Carving category, securing a diploma amongst stiff competition from other culinary legend nations. Commenting on the victories obtained by both chefs and the limelight the occasion has shone on the Sultanate, Gerald Fonseka, General Manager of the Al Jarwani Group, commented, ‘This was the first time that Oman was represented in the Culinary Olympics, and it was the Al Jarwani Hospitality Division that brought the Omani flag to the world of food! It was the hard work, toiling and enthusiasm of both our chefs that enabled them to take on this momentous challenge and set Al Jarwani at an international standard.

Chocolates, Confections & More at

LE PRALINÊ

and sweet delights, that range from perfectly tempered chocolate and handmade candy to fresh toffee and roasted nuts, utilising only the best quality natural ingredients.

Chef Asanka Dharmaratne Executive Chef

With the recent launch of its new retail kiosk at The Wave, Al Mouj in Muscat, Le Praline has set another feather in the Al Jarwani Hospitality Division’s cap of achievements, and is now set to cater to the public with its passionately crafted confections 84

‘Le Praline has always believed in being a forerunner in gourmet chocolates and confections’, says Asanka Dharmaratne, Executive Chef at Al Jarwani Hospitality. ‘Our motto of making art edible is reﬂected in our unique creations, the elements of which are all consumable! Now thanks to our retail outlet at Al Mouj, we are ready to engage in special and bulk orders of these creations which are available over the counter as well.’

Indeed, with its artistic designs and careful attention to detail and quality in every creation, Le Praline has set itself at the highest bar of catering excellence, and boasts of state-ofthe-art modern equipment, most of which is the ﬁrst of its kind in Oman. ‘Our kitchen at Le Praline consists of an internationally reputed panning system, moulding system and enrobing system’, comments Asanka. ‘This is the ﬁrst of its kind machinery in the Sultanate, and has been sourced from

Europe exclusively for Al Jarwani. Our chocolate and confectionery boutique consists of the latest technologies and facilities typical to a modern, high end patisserie anywhere in the world.’ Does this mean Le Praline deals exclusively in continental confections and chocolates? Not at all, says the Executive Chef. ‘Le Praline takes immense pride in its Oriental sweets section, which

caters all kinds of Middle Eastern and Arabic sweets, including local Omani delicacies which are a favourite amongst customers! Be it an international creation or a local one, Le Praline understands that true success can be achieved by giving to the public what is closest to their heart, and hence we expedite and evaluate newer inventions in our Arabic sweets for discerning gourmands.’ To feast both your eyes and palate with Le Praline’s delectable creations, visit the Le Praline retail kiosk at The Wave, Al Mouj today, or browse through the outlet’s image gallery at www.facebook.com/lepralinemuscat TOLL FREE 800 500 44 info@aljarwanihospitality.com www.aljarwanihospitality.com

#aljarwanihospitality #lepralinemuscat 85

THE YELLOW CHILLI KITCHEN MASTER 2016:

Rewarding the love for Cooking! Enter the world of competitive cooking, and the Kitchen Master stands atypical! Conducted in collaboration with Mazaya Oman, the Sultanate’s leading luxury services management company, the Yellow Chilli inaugurated this novel cook-off contest on the 19th of August to recognise, encourage and reward home cooking enthusiasts in an atmosphere of fun, love and support! Held at The Yellow Chilli’s Panorama Mall outlet in Muscat, the contest included two preliminary rounds conducted over two days, and a final round heralded by Master Chef Sanjeev Kapoor himself! The judging panel was an impressive line-up featuring Manoj Radi, Head Chef at The Yellow Chilli, Priyanka Patel, renowned food blogger, photographer and founder of Happiness on my Plate, and the husband-wife blogging duo of Khalid al Raisi and Anood al Ma’awali from Mr. & Mrs. Reviews.

The mainstay of the event, the immensely hardworking team members and volunteers from all sections of Mazaya Oman be it accounts, HR, IT, marketing, PRO who ensured that the event was successful and flawless. Mazaya Oman LLC the parent company who is behind The Yellow Chilli in Oman are the leading provider of luxury lifestyle services in the Middle East. Mazaya’s luxury lifestyle specialists cater to every aspect of a first-class lifestyle, allowing one to appreciate the finer things of life.

To truly celebrate innovation and simplicity in food creation, the Kitchen Master invited one and all to be a part of the event; indeed, the atmosphere was jam-packed with excitement, anticipation and love, and of course, the aroma of divine Indian dishes. Bride & Groom had the opportunity to attend the contest on all three days and meet up with not only the participants, but the complete judging panel, the final winners, and you guessed it, Master Chef Sanjeev Kapoor himself! Peek through this glossy picture set, and read on to learn more about what went down in this very exciting affair! Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s more, as an added bonus, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve included the winning recipe of the Gold Winner for all you budding chefs out there to take inspiration from and get a crack on with your cooking creations! Cheers.

THE JUDGING PANEL’S VERDICT Unique and contemporary to the world of reviewing in Oman, Mr. & Mrs. Reviews is the famed pseudonym under which the husband-wife blogging duo of Khalid al Raisi and Anood al Ma’awali operate to bring to the fore details and personal verdicts of everything from hotels and spas to holidaying destinations, movies, restaurants, activities and more! Add into the picture Priyanka Patel, Oman’s youngest food blogger, photographer and founder of Happiness on my Plate, and The Yellow Chilli’s reputed Head Chef, Manoj Radi, and this quartet formed the impressive judging panel for the Kitchen Master 2016! Bride & Groom caught up with all four judges at the end of the first two rounds for their take on the contest, the creations they tasted and best liked, and the overall standard of The response for the contest was phenomenal! cooking witnessed! Read on and enjoy. Manoj Radi: Indeed it was! The competition was open for one and all; anyone with a love for cooking was invited! The most impressive aspect was that these were all common home cooks without prior knowledge of professional cooking; the level of skill we got to witness in the food was phenomenal. Khalid al Raisi: The event had such a big turnout because it appealed to the entire family rather than just individual cooks themselves. The atmosphere was one of love, support and encouragement and you got to see contestants with their spouses and children. It was a very enjoyable experience! How would you describe the standard of cooking? Manoj Radi: Beyond expectation! Some of the creations were worthy of being a part of the menu of fine dining restaurants, such was their quality and creativity. 88

What criteria was the food judged on? Priyanka: Most importantly, the taste. Apart from that we paid attention to secondary aspects such as presentation, texture, completeness, originality, plate composition, knowledge and the use of the given ingredients. The eye appeal of any dish was obviously a necessity along with the taste. Judging Kitchen Master was a ﬁrst time experience for some of you! Khalid al Raisi: And we enjoyed every bit of it. We’ve never before judged a cooking contest, so when we were asked to be a part of Kitchen Master we were very honoured. The food was beyond expectation, and the atmosphere created quite a buzz! Anood al Ma’awali: To judge a cooking contest was really novel, especially because we got to try out authentic traditional Indian cooking which we hadn’t really tasted before. We had to keep going back to ask the contestants more about it, because the cooking was beyond expectation. Last but not the least, was there any food presentation you liked the best? Anood al Ma’awali: It would be a challenge to pick any! There were a number of favourites. Priyanka: The moment you’d decide that yes, this is the dish you like the best, you’d come across another one that you end up liking more! That being said, there were no hard and fast favourites; the level of skill across all was incredible. I think it’s fair to say that the food was exemplary and stretched the boundaries of creativity!

BEHIND THE SCENES WITH SANJEEV KAPOOR Needing no prior introduction, Sanjeev Kapoor is the famed gastronomical superstar of Indian cooking, revered, admired and looked up to world over with a fan following in the millions! Being the mastermind behind the recently concluded Kitchen Master 2016 organised by The Yellow Chilli and Mazaya Oman, Bride & Groom caught up with this enigmatic personality for a short take on the competition, the inspiration behind introducing such a concept to Muscat, and new plans for The Yellow Chilli! Read on and enjoy. Tell us about the motivation behind Kitchen Master! To be honest, there was no motivation (laughs)! I wanted to bring in an atmosphere of fun, excitement and competition to the activity of cooking, and the idea for a contest was thus born. I wanted home cooking talent to be recognised, appreciated and awarded on a platform of the right kind. How do you think was the response for the competition? As I’m sure you’ve heard by the judging panel already, it was excellent! Both the Mazaya Oman team and The Yellow Chilli team worked with the utmost sincerity to ensure that the turnout and results were commendable. What is your take on the standard of cooking witnessed? Supremely impressive! All of the creations showed a lot of promise and a lot of passion. It was wonderful to see people being experimental and not afraid to be creative. I think it’s safe to say that were a number of dishes that exceeded expectation and stretched the boundaries of creativity! Why was avocado chosen as the final core ingredient, knowing that it isn’t commonly used in Indian cooking? We wanted to challenge the participants and see how many could think out of the box and present us a complete dish that had avocado as its hero. Avocados are conventionally used in salads or for making dips, and the fruit’s unique property of turning bitter over heat added another tough dimension to the challenge. Any new plans for The Yellow Chilli? We’re continually involved in our product upgrade process and talks for a new menu are in order! We are also looking to branch into new outlets within Muscat, and in Salalah and Sohar.

MAZAYA OMAN’S TAKE WITH NOUF AL HOSNI

each participant was very assuring. Whether we turn the Kitchen Master contest into an annual event is hard to say because of the logistics that go into organising such an event. But we are taking it into consideration! What are Mazaya Oman’s new plans for The Yellow Chilli? My mother, Ms. Fawziya Saud Bahwan, the Chairperson of Mazaya Oman, has always been our primary influence and we are well supported by the current generation which is represented by me and my brother Zaher Al Hosni. Our current development plan for The Yellow Chilli includes incorporating the feel and character of the neighbourhood where restaurant is centred into our courses. This is to involve our guests further and make them feel like a part of the neighbourhood outside! Are you looking to bring in more signature brands to the Sultanate? Yes, we are constantly monitoring signature brands to get them into the Omani market. Any gaps that we notice are to be filled with more brands! We definitely have plans to project Mazaya Oman on a global scale while still maintaining its local roots in Oman. What do you think sets your concepts apart from other competitors?

Renowned for bringing to the Sultanate projects and ideas that are as innovative as they are progressive, Mazaya Oman, Oman’s leading luxury services management

Successful deployment of any concept starts

company, recently made news thanks to its novel cook-oﬀ contest Kitchen Master

with identifying good product ideas and

2016, organised with The Yellow Chilli!

using reliable criteria to decide what ideas to pursue. Rather than being reactive, we

As a unique endeavour, the Kitchen Master 2016 garnered tremendous appreciation

look to be proactive! The selection of our

by participants, onlookers, the judging panel and Master Chef Sanjeev Kapoor

concepts is done after ensuring they have

himself, so a peek into Mazaya Oman’s eﬀorts in was in order! Bride & Groom

the best chance for success.

met with Nouf al Hosni, the Director of Mazaya Oman for a short chitchat on the competition, its future prospects, and Mazaya Oman’s upcoming plans for The Yellow Chilli and itself in the Sultanate’s constantly growing market. Kitchen Master 2016 was a tremendous success! Is there any chance of it turning into an annual event? The response was indeed phenomenal. Sanjeev Kapoor was full of praise and I commend him for making every ﬁnalist feel comfortable! His consideration towards 92

Avocado Peda Ingredients 2 cups Milk powder, 1 can condensed milk, few threads of saffron, 2 tbs Ghee

Gold Winner

Nawabi Avocado with Avocado Chocolate Pan Shruti Sunny Sanghavi

Caramelized Nest, Avocado bread, Avocado chocolate sauce, Avocado Peda, Saffron Rabri, Slice of dry fruits (Pistachio, almonds, etc.), Avocado chocolate pan Caramelized Nest Ingredients: 4 tbs Sugar, ½ teaspoon ghee, Method Take non-stick pan. Heat sugar on law flame. Take water in small bowl, once sugar starts melting put one drop of caramel on water if comes out hard means your caramel is ready to make nest. Apply ghee with help of brush on bowl and pour caramel on it. Let it get cool and softly take is out. Nest is ready Avocado BreadIngredients 1 cup flour (all-purpose flour), ½ tsp baking powder, ½ tsp baking soda, ¼ tsp cinnamon, Pinch of salt, ¼ cup butter room temp., ½ cup sugar, ½ cup mashed avocado, 1 large egg, ¼ tsp vanilla, 1 tsp lemon juice Method Preheat oven to 180c. In a bowl, Whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside. In another bowl, cream together butter and sugar until it become fluffy and light. Mix in the egg and vanilla thoroughly and then mashed avocado and lime juice. Gently fold in the flour mix, being careful not to over mix.Spoon the batter (it is

Method Soak saffron in warm milk. In a pan mix the condensed milk and milk powder without any lumps. Add ghee to this mixture and keep it on low ﬂame. Add the saffron to this and mix well. After 7-8 mins it will start loosing corners. Take it out from the stove and allow it to become warm. Apply ghee on your hands and make small peda. Gulab Jamun Roll:Slice the gulab jamun in the form of a roll. Saffron Rabri RecipeIngredients 4 cups Milk, 2 tbs Sugar, 1 tsp Green cardamom Powder, ½ cup Dry fruits chopped, Few threads of saffron Method Bring the milk to the boil, add sugar and then cook slowly on low heat for at least two hours. Stir frequently keep malai to side of the vessel and let the cream thicken at the edge of the pan. Add saffron at the end and mix it well. Avocado Chocolate Pan Follow the recipe of peda and add pan ﬂavorto it, and cover it with melted chocolate. Mould it in the shape of Avocado. Keep it in the refrigerator for half an hour. Your avocado chocolate pan is ready to serve

very thick) into the prepared pan and bake for 35-45 mins or until or until an inserted wooden skewer is clean with few crumbs clinging. Cool completely, slice and serve. Avocado Chocolate Sauce Ingredients ¼ cup Avocado mess it properly, ½ teaspoon butter, ½ cup Milk Chocolate Method Melt Chocolate in double boiler, add avocado butter n mix it well.

Assemble and Nawabi Avocado is ready to serve: • Place Caramelized nest at the bottom • Add slice of avocado bread and apply chocolate avocado sauce on bread • Further, make peda in shape of pattie andaddplace it over the bread • Add slice of gulab jamun roll on top of the peda • Again add layer of peda and put bread slice on top of it • And pour rabri on it at the time of serving as you like. • Garnish it with lots of sliceddry fruitand serve with Avocado Chocolate Pan 93

Raunaq E Leher

by Oneza Tabish

Sliver Winner

My modern take on traditional Indian sweets, layered as a parfait to create one wave that symbolizes India’s spirit of Unity in diversity. To make RAUNAQ E LEHER- line a parfait glass with date barﬁ at the bottom, avocado kalakand next,avocado rabdi layer, pista avocado barﬁ layer, avocado rabdi layer and then garnish with rose petals and pista powder and top with gulab jamun. Serve cold.

AVOCADO RABDI 2 and ½ cups of double cream milk ¼ sugar cup ½ avocado- mashed by hand

AVOCADO KALAKAND 500 gms of fresh crumbled paneer 1 can of condensed milk (400 gms) 5 tbsp milk powder ½ avocado- mashed by hand Pinch of cardamom powder ½ cup ﬁnely chopped pistachios

Heat the milk in a kadhai on a medium ﬂame till it comes to boil. Simmer and cook for 30 mins or till mix reduces to ½ its quantity, while stirring and scrapping the sides of the pan continuously. Add the sugar and simmer for another 20 to 25 mins or till milk thickens. Once cooled, add avocado pulp.

In a microwavable bowl mix all the ingredients except pistachios. Ensure the paneer/cottage cheese is crumbly and grainy. Microwave on high (900 watts) for 3 mins.By then set parchment paper on a rectangular or square shape plate. Remove, stir and then again microwave for 3 mins. Add the avocado pulp mashed by hand.Mix this well. Please check if the mixture is thick or well cooked or else transfer to gas and cook till desired consistency is obtained. Transfer the content into the lined parchment paper for setting or leave it for layering into the glass. 94

DRY FRUIT DATE ROLLS 2 cups date paste (from lulu) ½ cup of chopped nuts 2 tbsp ghee Heat ghee, add the date paste and cook for 2-3 mins. Add the chopped nuts and cool. Serve in any shape you want. Make the pista avocado barﬁ the same way as the kalakand but with khoya and not paneer. Kindly refer to Sanjeev Kapoor’s recipe of gulab jamuns.

Nargisi Makhanphal

Bronze Winner

by Gulnar Akbar Ustad For Filling: Hass Avocado : 1 Onion: 1 small ﬁnely chopped Tomato: 1 Small ﬁnely chopped without seeds Lemon Juice: 1 lime Salt: As per Taste Black pepper Powder: ½ tsp Chat masala: 1 tsp Cumin Powder: 1/2 tsp Paneer: 2 table spoon grated

For Outer Covering: Mutton Mince: ¼ kg Onion: ½ chopped Brown Onion: 2 tbsp Ginger garlic paste: 1 ½ tsp Green Chilies: 3-4 or as per spice level Coriander leaves: 2 tbsp Mint leaves: 1 tbsp Garam masala Powder: 1 tsp Lemon Juice: 1 tsp One small egg One bread slice

Method: For Filling: cut one Avocado in small chunks and mix all ingredients mentioned for filling. Mix well. Cut another Avocado in Half, remove seed. When you remove seed, there will be hollow part inside, scoop little more part of flesh from it (You can add this flesh in filling mixture.)Immediately apply lemon juice on avocado otherwise it will start browning due to oxidization. Then fill the hallow part with filling mixture in both half ’s. Then Keep one half on other and make it like whole Avocado again. For Outer covering: Take all ingredients listed except egg in chopper and chop very well till it becomes very smooth mixture. Add egg as per need, it should not become very sticky. If you feel is sticky you can apply water in hand while making kofta. Take filled avocado and cover it with mince mixture evenly. This mince layer should be thin. Deep fry with very gentle care and on slow flame for around 10 -12 min. if you want you can deep in egg and then cover with bread crumbs and then deep fry.

Avocado and Raw mango Chutney: Raw Mango: ½ cup Hass Avocado: 1 small Green chili: 1 small Mint leaves: 7-8 Coriander Leaves: 1/4th bunch Cumin Seeds: 1 tsp Garlic cloves: 2-3 Thick Curd: 1 tsp Lemon Juice: ½ lemon Salt as per taste. Grind all ingredients to smooth chutney.

Gravy: Heat 2 tbsp ghee in pan. Add in whole garam masala (some cloves, black pepper, Cinnamon and Cardamom), Add boiled onion paste of one onion, Once it is fried little add 1 ½ tsp ginger garlic paste. Fry till raw smell goes, then add paste of one boiled tomato. Fry for a while and then add 1/4th tsp turmeric, 1 tsp each Cumin and coriander powder, 2 tsp red chili powder. Add salt as per taste. Fry till water dries and ghee starts separating. Then add 3 tbsp yogurt and mix well. Add 1 tbsp of almond paste. Fry well and then add one cup water. Once boil comes cover and cook on slow ﬂame till water reduces and ghee comes on top. Once done add garam masala.

Celebrating Nupitals The Fanar Way

Celebrating and uniting the emotions of love and romance in an atmosphere of utter quintessence, the Fanar Hotel & Residences has set a standard in providing a non-pareil blend of Omani hospitality and international service for those looking to say ‘I do’ in its luxuriant expanse or those seeking a romantic getaway to honeymoon in its pristine, 8-kilometre long beach front location. Hence the introduction of the hotel’s wedding and honeymoon promotion packages, each crafted with unique detail and care to provide couples and newlyweds an experience that guarantees the memories of a lifetime as they revel in the joys of celebration! Embracing inspiring details and charismatic sights, the Fanar Hotel & Residences Wedding Package stands in a league of its own, carefully tailored to reﬂect the couple’s individuality and distinctness and ensure that no stone remains unturned in attending to the minutest of nuances! Targeted towards a minimum of 50 guests, the package provides a dedicated wedding consultant, the latest audio/visual equipment and LCD screen (on request), a bridal suite-cum-photo shoot room, exclusive room rates, a three tier wedding wake and a selection of delightful menus designed exclusively by the hotel’s expert culinary team. A complimentary two nights’ stay with breakfast in the Jacuzzi Suite Ocean View for the couple, a complimentary dinner on their wedding night and a day’s access to the hotel’s recreational non-motorized water facilities either before or after the wedding completes this thoughtfully tailored promotion. And that’s not all! 96

The Honeymoon Getaway Package on the other hand beckons newlyweds to celebrate their nuptials in the luxury of Fanar over a two night stay that features romantic treats, quips and amenities like no other. Complimentary breakfasts, a honeymooners’ cake, champagne, special turndown services (rose petal bath tub and romantic bed settings), afternoon tea and evening drinks at the hotel’s pool bar, and a 15% discount on a romantic dinner and an indulgent massage at the Al Waha Spa perfect the promotion. What’s more, couples can avail of late checkout facilities (till up to 1800 hours) subject to hotel availability of course! Indeed, Fanar understands that every couple is unique and thus tailors its services accordingly to guarantee a truly unforgettable wedding and honeymoon escapade.

For more information and bookings, call on +968 23276800, or visit www.fanarhotel.com.

o t t a c s u From M , k o k g n a B a i v t e k u Ph ! e v o L h t i w Dreaming of an intimate honeymoon in the exoticism of the ancient land of Siam at the cost of a fraction? A romantic voyage to the lush heritage of balmy Thailand to sate your traveller’s whim with your significant other and satisfy your amorous desires without burdening your wallet? Look no further than Thai AirAsia X (labelled in the Sultanate as AirAsia itself), AirAsia’s long-haul Thai carrier operating out of Bangkok to make all this and much more of your honeymooning wishes a reality, thanks to its attractive fares that take you deep into the heart of Thailand in ample comfort and style, minus the big bucks! Indeed, with its tagline reading Now Everyone Can Fly!, the airline has garnered international acclaim for its cost saving innovations, which is a big plus for couples looking to experience the exotic without worrying about their bank statement! Bride & Groom was cordially invited by AirAsia to be one of the first to experience its new connecting flight from Muscat to Phuket via Bangkok for a luxurious 5-day stay in Thailand (fully supported by the Tourism Authority of Thailand) to discover the true romance of the tropical! Read on and enjoy B&G’s picture spread of balmy Bangkok and picturesque Phuket, complete with the details of every place visited, and do let us know of your thoughts at info@brideandgroomoman.com! Cheers.

About Thailand Capital: Bangkok Currency: Thai Baht | 1 THB = 0.029 USD Time Zone: +7 hours GMT Dialling Code: +66 Languages: Thai, English

Flight Details | Phuket to Muscat via Bangkok Carrier: Thai AirAsia Flight: FD 3092 Destination: Bangkok, Thailand Origin: Phuket, Thailand Duration: 1h20m

Flight Details | Bangkok Carrier: Thai AirAsia X Flight: XJ 556 Destination: Bangkok, Thailand Origin: Muscat, Oman Duration: 6h0m

Transit Time: 2h10m Carrier: Thai AirAsia X Flight: XJ 555 Destination: Muscat, Oman Origin: Bangkok, Thailand Duration: 5h50m

Flight Details | Phuket Carrier: Thai AirAsia Flight: FD 3003 Destination: Phuket, Thailand Origin: Bangkok, Thailand Duration: 1h20m

Thai AirAsia X boasts of the shortest turnaround time for any connecting ﬂight to multiple international destinations.

The City A sprawling metropolis rising from lush groves of palm trees and the vibrancy of ornate shrines, Bangkok greets the eyes like a spectacle unlike any other! About 40 minutes away from the Suvarnabhumi International Airport, the drive up to the Grande Centre Point delights with tropical vistas of the energetic street life, the busy business districts and urban landscape that jars pleasingly against traditional Thai architecture.

BANGKOK Arrival: 31st July, 2016 Hotel: Grande Centre Point Duration of Stay: 2 days

The Grande Centre Point A ﬁve star luxury hotel that beckons honeymooners with its lavish blend of Thai style and Western amenities, the Grande Centre Point is an indulgent retreat, boasting of direct access to Terminal 21, Bangkok’s 9-ﬂoor mega-project shopping mall and countless recreational facilities, including an outdoor swimming pool, a mini golf range, the luxurious couples’ Let’s Relax Day Spa, a tennis court and a fully equipped gym! What’s more, the hotel’s 498 guestrooms and suites open out to the Queen Sirikit Benjakiti Park or the Sukhumvit Skyline, rendering a glitzy vista of the city! Grande Centre Point Hotel Terminal 21 | Sukhumvit Road, Bangkok 40 minutes from Suvarnabhumi International Airport +66 2681 9000 grandecentrepointterminal21.com

The Oasis Spa The Oasis Spa is a lush sanctuary of wellbeing and healing that leads through its Garden of Serenity to private colonial-style villas for unforgettable, traditional couples’ Thai body ministrations. Thanks to its highly trained therapists and the gentle lull of surrounding waterfalls, you are bound to exit feeling fully serene, recharged and rearing to explore more of the city with your signiﬁcant other!

The Oasis Spa, Thailand Sukhumvit 31 | Sukhumvit 51Bangkok +66 2262 2122 www.oasisspa.net

Mahboonkrong | MBK Centre

Muay Thai Live

The MBK Centre, also known as Mahboonkrong, is one of Bangkok’s largest malls, soaring eight stories high and boasting of over 2000 retail stores. A true shopper’s delight (especially for electronics and fashion), the MBK Centre rises as a fun ﬁlled beehive of activity for couples, thanks to its unique architecture and easy access from the National Stadium BTS Skytrain Station.

Renowned world over for its origins in the ancient revered martial art of Muay Thai, the Muay Thai Live is an award-winning stage show that chronicles historical milestones of Thailand’s heroes against the richness of the country’s cultural history. Performed at Asiatique the Riverfront, the performance, titled The Legend Lives, is the brainchild of Ekachai Uekrongtham – the critically acclaimed director of Skin Trade – and stuns onlookers with a spectacular action packed cultural show that culminates in exciting live Muay Thai kickboxing ﬁghts.

MBK Centre, Bangkok Direct Walkway from National Stadium BTS Skytrain Station +66 (0) 2620 9000 www.mbk-center.co.th

Safari World Famed as Thailand’s greatest open zoo and park, Safari World delights with unique shows and exhibitions, most popular of which are the Hollywood Cowboy Stunt Show, and the Dolphin Show at its Marine Park! Take a thrilling day’s adventure trip through this popular sightseeing destination where we’re told you could have your hands kissed by friendly dolphins after a display of somersaults, ball tossing and choir singing (if you’re fortunate enough, of course!). Safari World Khlong Sam Wa, Bangkok +66 2914 4100-19 www.safariworld.com

Dinner Cruise If Bangkok is a vibrant sunny affair in the daylight, its night-time dazzle is unsurpassable! Luxury dinner cruises across the spectacular Chao Praya River pass underneath the famed Rama VIII Bridge towards Wat Pho, or the Temple of the Reclining Buddha that seems to ebb along gentle waves in sync with soft live music. A truly amorous end to a long day, each luxury cruise bestows a feeling of calm and at peace, a picture perfect moment to relax in with your loved one. Bangkok Dinner Cruise Information about luxury dinner cruises over the Chao Praya River can be availed of online, with a number of varities, choices and experiences to pick from!

100

Muay Thai Live Asiatique the Riverfront 2194 Charoen Krung Road Bangkok www.facebook.com/muaythailiveatasiatique www.twitter.com/muaythai_live

PHUKET Arrival: 2nd August, 2016 Hotel: B-Lay Tong Phuket Duration of Stay: 2 days

The City Phuket stands as a testament to stunning tropical vistas and unmatched mountain and rainforest scenery, but its tranquil appearance shouldn’t be taken for face value, because the city is famed for its neon-lit streets, raucous nightlife and nonstop party atmosphere! Long stretches of silken white shores guide Phuket’s Taveewong Road to the 5-star B-Lay Tong, surprising with an astonishing panorama of the world famous Patong Beach, renowned as a lovers’ retreat!

B-Lay Tong Phuket Think unconventional, then think again, because the B-Lay Tong, with its unorthodox and eclectic blend of luxury and contemporary art certainly nails the brief ! Situated on the quiet end of the northern part of the Patong Beach to ensure complete privacy for couples, the B-Lay Tong welcomes honeymooners into its colourful Feng Shui themed interiors through a tranquil Zen courtyard garden that adds to the hotel’s pleasing eccentricity. The guestrooms are an exciting fusion of funky and modern, and the hotel houses unique facilities, the most impressive of which is their quirky in-house library!

B-Lay Tong Phuket, Taveewong Road, Patong, Phuket, +66 (0) 76 344 999 www.b-laytong.com

Siam Niramit The magnificent, world renowned Siam Niramit show is one of the largest stage productions anywhere in the world, performed exclusively at the Siam Niramit Dinner Theatre in the Muang District of Phuket! Presenting itself as a journey into the kingdom of Siam, Thailand’s ancient home to diverse cultures, the show is a tastefully done cultural extravaganza divided into three acts, each as entertaining as the next! The show’s spectacular special effects ease onlookers into a world of vibrancy and grandeur, confirming why Siam Niramit has been awarded a five star rating and countless accolades of excellence and creativity! B&G definitely recommends attending the Siam Niramit performance for all those looking to honeymoon in Thailand anytime soon! Siam Niramit | Phuket, Chalermprakiet Road, Rassada, Muang, Phuket. +66 7633 5000, www.siamniramit.com

The James Bond Island For the adventurous, Phuket grants access to the Thai archipelago’s most famed islands, including the ‘James Bond’ island that houses Thailand’s largest mangrove forest! Titled such due to it being the location of

various James Bond movie shoots in the 1970s, the James Bond Island, locally known as Khao Phing Kan, lies in the stunning blue waters of Phuket’s Phang Nga Bay. Couples can explore the island and the neighbouring Batman Island with large torches handed out by escorts/guides!

James Bond Island 2 hours away from Phang Nga National Park Details about cruises, canoeing tours and speedboat journeys to James Bond Island are all available online, as well as at the Phang Nga Bay! The Batman Island is a steep, secluded island off route Khao Phing Kan and can be accessed on request.

101

Breathe into your Home! Breathing life into a new space, especially as newlyweds, is not always done by moving into it. Then again, moving into any space, whether it be your parentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; or your own, is always an experience made more enriching if shared with pets, or yes, you guessed it, plants! Indoor plants, or for the sake of this article weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll call them house plants, serve not only as dĂŠcor, but hold a lot of functional utility as well. A 2008 study reported that people who reside in plant inhabited interiors report almost 70% less stress than their counterparts in plant bereft environments! Not only do plants create a beautiful, nature typical atmosphere in your home, they also provide for relaxing, ambient surroundings that are a pleasure to be in. Fortunately, Oman is blessed with greenery (even though its topography may beg to differ), and a number of indoor plants for home use are available in the Sultanate at any nursery. Bride & Groom has chosen the five best house plants for your new space that are guaranteed to not only look beautiful, but also make you feel calm and tranquil, thus ensuring the best possible start for your married life! 102

THE

ALOE

SNAKE

PLANT

amp up your kitchen with a flurry of small pots sitting on your window sill growing the beautiful, waxy, and very medicinal aloe plant! Whether your kitchen is traditionally styled or futuristically modern, a pot of aloe in a sunny spot by the window brings in instant life into your cooking workspace. Moreover, aloe emits an aura of calm and serenity, which again is an additional benefit, keeping in mind that simply breaking off its stalk renders enough gel to treat everything from acne and dandruff, to burns and bites. Keep this little magic plant wherever sunlight filters in best and witness its many wonders!

THE

SPIDER PLANT

one of the more popular house plants, spider plants are not only easy to grow, but their lusciously deep green leaves and shiny exteriors add sophisticated elegance to any space, be it your living room, the isle, the gallery, or simply the balcony. one of the world’s best air-purifying plants, the spider plant cleanses the atmosphere of any room and helps in increasing concentration powers! Moreover, if you have pets and little children ambling about the house, this plant is the safest if accidentally consumed. simply place a pot at any rounded bend between two rooms, or at the entrance of your dining area and realise its rejuvenating effects whenever you walk in.

PLANT

THE

DEVIL’S IVY PLANT

Requiring very little sunlight and water to survive, snake plants are a great and very attractive choice to alleviate your living quarters with glossy greenery! an easy choice for any corner of the house, snake plants look best placed outside the entrance to bathrooms, making the space suddenly look and feel a lot more cleaner. this is partly due to the nature of the snake plant to ﬁlter harmful chemicals left behind in the air after cleaning products have been used around the house and partly due to its releasing abundant oxygen at night!

also known as Golden Pothos, the devil’s ivy is a fast growing plant that blooms beautifully in sunlight and creeps about crevices and furniture naturally! Variegated with yellow-golden highlights in its fresh green chromatics, the plant is a great pick and can be placed almost anywhere. think of empty spaces in your house; nothing to place? Put up a pot of the devil’s ivy and watch as it climbs up and about and brings in luscious, relaxing new life into your space with its beauty and air purifying properties!

THE

PHILODENDRON PLANT

Philodendrons are much loved in the Middle East for their shiny, fresh green exterior and glossy, cooling texture. Having ear-shaped leaves, this plant is a great choice since it brightens up the atmosphere of your home and serves as a lovely decorative vine. With a life span of many, many years when treated with love and care, philodendrons are a soothing fauna that help eliminate stress and bring in positivity. Place them in sunlight, water them every now and then and they are yours for life! 103

contacts COMPANY

PAGE

COMPANY

PAGE

AIR ASIA - 97970857

98 - 101

KARLEO - www.karleo.com

50 - 53

AL JARWANI HOSPITALITY - 800 500 44

Bookmark, 83 - 85

LA PETIT PARIS - 24553572

AL MURJAN HALL - 92043278

54 - 55

LE PRALINE - 80050044

84 - 85

ASK MS. B (WHISPERS OF SERENITY) 99359779

72 - 73

LINCOLN MKC - me.lincoln.com

12, Back Cover

ASTON MARTIN DB 11 - 24596434

MAZAYA OMAN - www.mazayaoman.com

BLUE IVORY - www.blueivoryuae.com

27 - 29

MERCEDES BENZ www.oman.trucks.mercedesbenzme.com

BODY & SOLE - 22010101

11, 74 - 75

MON CHERI - 24561175

7, 20 - 26

BURBERRY CAT LASHES - www.burberry.com

MUSCAT PHARMACY - 24600138

Inside Front Cover

Bloomingdaleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Dubai +9714 3505333

Oman Bride Show

CHANEL - www.chanel.com

62 - 63

PATRAVI TRAVELTEC II www.carl-f-bucherer.com

CHARMING CHARLIE www.charmingcharlie.com

QURESHI BAB-AL-HIND - 2435 0500

CHRISTOPHE CLARETE - MARGUERITA - www. 79 seddiqi.com

RADO - www.rado.com

CONTESSA BRIDAL www.contessabridal.com

30 - 37

SHERATON OMAN www.marriottnewscenter.com.

COSTA COFFE - www.costa.co.uk

Inside Back Cover

SIFAWY BOUTIQUE HOTEL - 24749111

DIOR - www.dior.com

SIX SENSES SPA - 24764333

3,64 - 65

DIPTIQUA - 009714 3308423

THE BRIDAL SHOWROOM cs@dubaibridalshowroom.com

40 - 46

FANAR HOTEL & RESIDENCES - 23276800

5, 96 - 97

THE YELLOW CHILLI - 24582588, 24541717

86 - 95

GEHNA JEWELLERY BOUTIQUE - +971 528676524

76 - 77

TISSOT - www.tissotwatches.com

GUCCI - www.gucci.com

58, 60

VANILA WEDDING BOUTIQUE www.vanilastudio.ae

HUBLOT - www.hublot.com

VLCC - 800 799 33

38 - 39

ILLAMASQUA - www.illamasqua.com

XTREME LASHES - 24949444

JASMINE FOR HER - 24571337

1, 71

YOGA - shilpaabhatt@hotmail.com

68 - 70

Stunning the judging panel with their impressive dishes in the first two rounds, and Master Chef Sanjeev Kapoor in the final one, Kitchen Master 2016’s winners were enthralled at the reception their creations received, after taking the exotic final ingredient – avocado – to unexplored culinary territories in creations that were as unique as they were Indian, especially from Mr. Kapoor!

MEET THE WINNERS! Gold: Avocado cake atop caramelised ice, pedha, breaded gulab jamun, and rich chocolate sauce by Shruti Sunny Sanghavi

‘I couldn’t believe I was being crowned by Sanjeev Kapoor himself’, gushed Shruti Sunny Sanghavi, the gold winner of the contest. ‘Hailing from a background in psychology, I never believed I had it in me to be a good cook! Had it not been for my husband’s continued support, I wouldn’t have developed my passion for cooking nor taken part in this competition.’ Indeed, when asked about what inspired them to enter Kitchen Master 2016, both Oneza and Gulnar cited their families’ support as the main motivation. ‘My husband has always been appreciative of all the new dishes I create’, commented Oneza Tabish. ‘His praise and my desire to continuously learn set me to explore this culinary journey!’ ‘I began cooking with my mother in the kitchen’, said Gulnar Akbar Ustad who secured the bronze position. ‘One of the very first dishes I made was a Sanjeev Kapoor dish, so you can imagine my joy at being crowned a winner by the man himself! It was a surreal experience.’ Both Mazaya Oman and The Yellow Chilli are reputed for introducing original, successful and innovatively different concepts to the Omani market, and Kitchen Master 2016 was none the less! Commenting on the restaurant and the way it handled the entire affair, Oneza Tabish was full of praise for both The Yellow Chilli and Mazaya Oman. ‘It’s not easy to come across a platform that suits your skills and talents so perfectly’, she said. ‘The complete event was superbly organised and there was nothing that both teams could have done to make it better. Everything we needed – right from informing us of the details and dates, down to sending 90

Silver: Raunaq e Leher by Oneza Tabish

us daily reminders – was handled expertly.’ Introducing avocados as the main ingredient for the final round of the contest was like throwing a spanner in the works for many of the contestants, and the three winners felt nothing short of the same. ‘When I heard that the main ingredient was to be avocado, I was shocked!’ exclaimed Shruti. ‘My initial thought was creating some sort of dessert, but what made the challenge difficult was that it had to be used exclusively in an Indian fusion. However Sanjeev

Bronze: Nargisi Makhan Phal by Gulnar Akbar Ustad

‘ Hailing from a background in psychology, I never believed I had it in me to be a good cook! Had it not been for my husband’s continued support, I wouldn’t have developed my passion for cooking nor taken part in this competition. ’ -Shruti Sunny Sanghavi

Kapoor’s constant encouragement and the support of our families was what brought out the best in us!’

cs@dubaibridalshowroom.com 44