XCLUSIVE Magazine Volume 1 by CPI Publishing

PUBLICATION LICENSED BY IMPZ

Xclusive:

HRH Prince Abdul Aziz Turki Al Faisal Hublot big bang gets a $5m makeover audacious maldivian real estate

out of this world: the lowdown on hospitality in space

xclusive yacht

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Lucrative Luxury Dominion explains why luxury investors are reaping the rewards

Prince of Power Xclusive’s exclusive with HH Prince Abdulaziz Turki AlFaisal

Real Estate Dutch Docklands’ new audacious projects in the Maldives

The Jet Set Jetcraft makes personal flying a dream

Pimp my Plane Customised Jets from Brabus

City on the Sea The Streets of Monaco Hyperyacht

Supernatural The new Rolls Royce Wraith

Got Game? Gadgets, Gizmos and beyond

Travel St Kitts

We Want Totally Xclusive items

Absolutely Flawless Fashion and Fabulousness

xclusive yacht

When you keep

Aiming

HigHer

for more than 50 years, there’s no such thing as cruising altitude. More than fifty years ago, a new way of handling aircraft sales and acquisitions took off – the Jetcraft way. Seeing every customer as unique. Working harder on every deal. Building a global network of expert partners and sales pros. Today, thanks to you, we’re one of the world’s top aircraft resellers. But simply cruising on our success isn’t our style. For the next 50 years, you can bet we’ll treat each deal like our first. Because “Always Ascending” is still the only way we fly. www.jetcraft.com I info@jetcraft.com I Headquarters +1 919-941-8400

Airbus

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Download the Jetcraft App - Search aircraft listings - Sort listings by manufacturer - Download a listing brochure that includes specs and photos

- Read about recent Jetcraft news - View the Jetcraft upcoming event schedule - Notifications about new listings

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Get that Hollywood Smile Veneers make all the difference

My Home is my Castle Interior Design

Sweet Dreams The importance of sleep

The Pursuit of Happiness Jin Shin Jyutsu

The Big Debate Got Milk? Need It?

Green and Clean Juicing Detox

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Art & Culture Art Dubai

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Food Brunch and Munch

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In a Flash Xclusive speaks to John Lickrish

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Out of this World Hotels in Space

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Hot this Month Dubai World Cup The Oil Baronâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Charity Ball

xclusive yacht

Editor’s Note | LAUNCH ISSUE

A note from Jasmine Every so often, something happens in life that alters our perception forever. That first kiss, landing your dream job, or when you get the keys to your first car after passing your driving test. Nothing compares to that feeling of newness, or the exhilaration of finally being independent. Okay, granted, I was probably more exhilarated than most given that I passed my driving test the fourth time, and as for the keys to my first car, that was subject to when my dad didn’t need it, following extensive discussions. But nonetheless, all these moments were life changing and epic firsts. Similarly, when given the task of launching the debut issue of Xclusive, the first luxury lifestyle publication of its kind, I knew that this was another milestone in the making. With Dubai having already established itself as the world’s most glamorous hub, doing it bigger, better and more stylishly than anyone else, we’ve undoubtedly got the world’s attention, and there really couldn’t be a better platform in the world to launch a title dedicated to unrivalled luxury.

Jasmine Bandali Editor

While it can only be described as an exciting adventure, delivering the best is never going to be an easy task. The first issue of Xclusive has been the product of hard work, dedication

and passion, backed by our forward-thinking executives, who wanted to deliver something different and break the mould of traditional luxury. It was important for us to empathise with our readers, and this is what we learned - it doesn’t matter if you’re male or female, a pampered prince or princess, or the type who works hard and plays hard. The common denominator between us, is the desire to do, and have, it all. But while Xclusive caters to the type of individual who is able to command the attention of everyone in the room with their flawless sense of style, charm and wit, who says it can’t be fun? While we’re undoubtedly the authority on what’s hot and what’s not in every section pertinent to the luxury market, we went above and beyond just delivering the lowdown on the newest yachts, cars, gadgets, gizmos and travel destinations, to include some encounters with some very inspirational people, like Saudi Prince Abdulaziz Turki AlFaisal (or ATF as he likes to be known), and then further diversified by focusing on the biggest assets money can’t buy – your health and well-being. Without further ado, we’ll let you discover the difference for yourself. Join us on an altogether real journey of refinement. We can’t wait to share it with you!

A note from Liam

Liam Williams Founder

It is my pleasure to welcome you to the very first issue of Xclusive! The result of extensive market research, our primary focus was to fill the gap in the market by breaking the mould of other traditional luxury lifestyle publications, to deliver a fresh and unique perspective to the affluent individual. Our team have worked tirelessly to bring the most unique and exclusive products from across the globe to your fingertips, and in the ever-evolving industry aimed at high-flyers, we

have recognised the need to keep things fresh, go beyond the realms of convention and the standard peripheral vision of what has come to be expected as the norm. We hope that you enjoy discovering this Xclusive new world. We would also like to take this opportunity to thank you all for your support on this epic launch issue, and look forward to keeping you on the edge of your seats while reading our perception of “Beyond Luxury”.

Publisher sDominic De Sousa COO sNadeem Hood FOUNDER OF XCLUSIVE sLiam Williams liam@cpidubai.com s+971 55 310 9256 EDITORIAL Editor sJasmine Bandali jasmine@cpidubai.com s+971 4 375 1505 SALES & MARKETING COMMERCIAL DIRECTOR sGina Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Hara gina.ohara@cpidubai.com s+971 4 375 1513 ACCOUNT MANAGER sShabs Khan shabs@cpidubai.com s+971 4 375 1508 DESIGN SENIOR DESIGNER sMarlou Delaben marlou@cpidubai.com s971 4 375 1507 PRODUCTION James P. Tharian Rajeesh M Circulation Rochelle Almeida rochelle@cpidubai.com Published by

Head Office PO Box 13700 Dubai, UAE Tel: +971 4 375 1500 Fax: +971 4 365 9986 www.cpidubai.com Printed by Printwell Printing Press LLC Copyright 2013 CPI. All rights reserved. While the publishers have made every effort to ensure the accuracy of all information in this magazine, they will not be held responsible for any errors therein.

The Xclusive Panel the opinions and contributions of these elite individuals make all the difference to this xclusive publication...

HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mansour bin Ahmed bin Ali Al Thani A dedicated philanthropist devoted to bettering the lives of those less fortunate around the world, HH Sheikh Hamdan is a forward-thinking initiator of change for a better future, with a special focus on children with special needs. A tireless contributor to the efforts of the Rashid Paediatric Therapy Centre, HH Sheikh Hamdan has effectively developed awareness and understanding of disability issues in the Gulf community, with a hands-on approach to developing children’s abilities to function and learn within their environments with maximum independence, and allowing them to become an integral part of our community. HH Sheikha Fatima Al-Qassimi The princess of Ras al Khaimah, renowned jewellery designer and the founder of Sough Goldsmith and Jewellery Making, Sheikha Fatima has always been dedicated to designing. She later developed a passion for creating exclusive pieces, all bearing her signature style. With a larger-than-life presence in the jewellery industry since 2006, Sheikha Fatima continues to refine her expertise by taking inspiration from her surroundings, which both represent and revive her rich Emirati heritage, to actualise her elegant and precious pieces and collections. Revered for her energy, joie de vivre and creative talent, Sheikha Fatima is a true artist with an eye for intricate detail. Her collections vary with a series of classic, modern, and contemporary designs. Sunita Teckchand The founder of The Holistic Institute in Jumeirah Lakes Towers, Sunita is an Integrated Holistic Therapist with sixteen years experience in this field. Dedicated to making a difference through the teaching of holistic studies, which include workshops in Aromatherapy, Reflexology, Therapeutic massage, Jin Shin Jyutsu self-help classes, life empowering classes and more, Sunita’s true passion for the healing arts saw the KHDA (Knowledge Human Development Authority) approve of The Holistic Institute’s various qualifications and programs, and the Institute also went on to receive their accreditation from ITEC (International Therapy Examination Council) in England to enable its students to acquire a variety of ITEC qualifications. Chadi Chamoun At the helm of unique design practice, Chadi Rachid Chamoun, which creates bespoke environments and interiors, Chadi began his career after completing his Bachelor of Architecture Degree in 1999, and registering as a professional architect in his native Beirut, Lebanon. In a quest to further his knowledge in the interior design field, Chadi’s academic and professional life have worked in tandem ever since. His career has taken him to New York, Berlin and London. He taught students at the Lebanese American University in Beirut, before arriving in Dubai seven years ago, where he also taught at the American University of Dubai, as an Assistant Professor of Interior Design. During this time he has also picked up his M.Arch, M.Phil, and Ph.D.Arch.Des qualifications, and is regarded as one of the most unique and talented interior designers worldwide.

Lucrative Luxury As we are all aware, when the global financial crisis hit in 2008, analysts likened it to the great depression of 1929/1930, however, the luxury sector recovered more quickly than any

other,

spending

due

prowess

population’s

taste

China’s

and

the

for

the

finer things in life. Last year, when China’s growth slowed, it appeared from the outset that the luxury market’s good luck was about to run out. Not so, it seems. Encouraged by the strengthened economy, consumers’ taste for luxury items is back, and investors ,

work | dominion

What investment themes or trends are driving growth at the moment? At Dominion, we believe in Global Trends investing. We aim to generate investment returns from opportunities provided by urbanisation, demographic shifts and changes in global economics. Global trends are the foundation of our investment philosophy. Our world is adapting to global trends such as an aging population in the west and rising wealth in developing countries. The pace of growth is slowing in developed markets but accelerating in the world’s emerging economies: we call this the “two speed world”. One of the most compelling of these trends is the growth of a global middle-class, with increasing wealth and improving lifestyles in high growth economies creating many millions of new consumers with the type of disposable income to do as they desire.

growth rate of 1.4% in 2012. Arjen Los CIO Dominion Fund By contrast, Managements emerging economies are expected to grow at 5.6% i n 2012 and accelerate to 5.9% in 2013.This trend is leading to a structural economic shift. In the 1980s and 1990s, emerging markets were contributing a mere 30% toward total Global GDP, but by 2020 they are expected to represent 60%, reaching 70% by the 2050s. The foundations of this trend are changing demographics. By 2025 the middle class population will double to encompass 1.2 billion people, growing mainly in China and other emerging economies. The consequence of a bigger middle class population will be higher demand for goods and services in particular, as disposable incomes grow and lifestyles become more westernised.

In the midst of a ‘global melt down’, and arguably most countries still in recession, what trends have you noticed? Whilst it is fair to talk about “global melt down” when looking at aggregated numbers, a more detailed analysis will highlight the profound difference between markets. Based on IMF numbers, Global GDP Growth slowed to 3.5% from 3.9% in 2012. Of this, the developed markets of USA and Europe are expected to post a GDP

The global recession saw the luxury market recover quickly. What is the reason for this? The strong recovery of the luxury market after the global recession is the consequence of emerging markets coming to the fore and luxury companies investing incremental capital into emerging markets distribution channels. In just a few years, China went from having no luxury goods stores to a retail network that already counts 50-80 flagship stores in the

such as those who invested into Dominion Fund Management’s Global

Trends

Consumer

Fund which is linked to luxury equities like LVMH, saw 64.97 returns in the short space of three

years.

Xclusive

spoke

to the firm’s Chief Investment Officer,

Arjen

Los,

the

Guernsey-based Fund to find out how...

work | dominion

emerging new luxury hubs. The less exalted but still aspirational brand Zara already has over 400 stores in the region. Spending by the emerging markets consumer is not limited to shopping within emerging markets themselves. Recently the volume of tourism from Asia and Latin America to Europe and the US for shopping purposes increased dramatically. Despite challenging macro-economic conditions, luxury companies such as Prada and Hermes are reporting double digits sales growth in Europe. This is hardly thanks to the poorer domestic consumer! Rather, companies are seeing an increased contribution from tourists that in some cities can reach 5060% of total generated sales. At Dominion Funds, we invest in aspiration in a unique way. Our definition of luxury is companies that capture a large proportion of consumers’ discretionary income and have strong pricing power. Some of the brands we invest in include: BMW, Apple, Gucci, Hermes and Louis Vuitton, but as part of our unique approach, we also hold companies that are aspirational to a different demographic, such as the Intercontinental Hotels Group, Zara (owned by Inditex) and Adidas. Additionally, our Consumer Fund prefers “pure play” companies – those whose products and business strategy are focused on aspiration or luxury themes. These companies have continued to see sustainable growth through the everincreasing spending habits of the middleclass consumer in high growth economies and we expect this trend to continue for a long while to come. Which emerging markets are buying into luxury? China has been the biggest contributor so far and is the easiest to identify, but there is a broader base of new luxury consumers coming from other countries such as the remaining BRICs (Brazil, Russia and India) and MIST countries (Mexico, Indonesia, South Korea and Turkey). Solid growth in aspirational spending on luxury goods is also coming from the Middle East, South

East Asia (i.e. Vietnam and Thailand) and Latin American countries such as Chile and Colombia. Africa too shouldn’t be underestimated, and we expect to see it to be a significant contributor to luxury spending in the longer term. We invest in companies that have a clear strategy to increase their business in high growth economies, where the middle classes have the most potential for significant expansion. Do you think that the investments into Luxury are sustainable? Several funds were created in 2005-2007 which disappeared as investors began pulling back? The structural trend that underpins aspirational spending growth is a long-term demographic change that will continue for several decades. Moreover the development gap between the different emerging markets will lead to a longer growth path. India, for example is 10 years behind China in the evolution of its luxury market. This is the case for other countries too. Recent research has pointed out that consumer discretionary spending in China is still in the early stages, with potentially another 20 years of growth phase before it matures. For almost six years our flagship Dominion Global Trends - Consumer Fund, has sought to identify investment opportunities arising in the discretionary consumer sector, focusing particularly on brands that cater to the aspirations of the world’s growing middle class. Many companies offer products and services aimed at consumers with discretionary income but only a limited number have brand strength and pricing power. We invest in companies offering premium goods and services that fulfil consumers’ aspirations and combine strong growth with high profitability. Overall we expect the luxury market to grow at an annual rate of 10% in the coming years. Given the improving operational leverage in the sector thanks to positive margins accretion this could fuel annual earnings increases of 15-20%.

work | dominion

XC LUSIVE

Prince of Power hen you are a member of the Royal Family in any part of the world, chances are, you are pretty much accustomed to the best of everything. IWC Schaffhausen, the Swiss experts who ensure that every moment spent wearing their exclusive and aesthetically beautiful timepieces is a moment well spent, believe in delivering nothing but the best, and it shows through the elite endorsement they receive. As renowned for their exclusive ‘Friends of the Brand’ who include Zinedine Zidane, Cate Blanchett, Kevin Spacey, Eric Dane, Matthew Fox, Boris Becker, and Luis Figo, IWC recently welcomed royal racing driver, HRH Prince Abdulaziz Turki AlFaisal (ATF), of Saudi Arabia, to join their elite group of ‘Friends’. When asked about this collaboration, the charming Prince simply replied, “I like being part of a well renowned

international brand, the best looks for the best.” While this might sound arrogant coming from anyone else, it’s a statement that actually applies here, given that the 29-year-old knows a thing or two about striving for excellence. With the slogan ‘Performance Engineering’ resounding throughout the launch of 2013’s IWC Ingenieur collection, due to their official partnership with the Mercedes AMG Petronas Formula One Team for the next three years, it’s a fitting collaboration for ATF, who claims that the slogan is also the driving force (pardon the pun) behind his career. While a love of fast and luxurious cars is clearly obvious here in the region, few possess the dedication it takes to be able to showcase their passions, turn it into a career and become a world class racing driver. It’s been just seven years for this high-flying royal to go from novice to the winner of the first Porsche GT3 championship in the Middle East, something that takes an enormous amount of dedication to achieve. It soon becomes apparent upon conversing with this charismatic personality, that according to him, it doesn’t matter if you are a royal - only the things you work hard for can ever be fully appreciated, and so during this trip to Switzerland, ATF decided to attend a special watchmaking class at the IWC manufacture in Schaffhausen, to understand the intricacies behind the creation of the completely remodelled watch, which uses the same materials typically used for motorsports. While

XCLUSIVE

carbon fibre, ceramic and titanium are all components of the magnificently crafted exterior, it was during the class that ATF explained that it was no easy feat. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I am amazed by how complicated the process is. It is a delicate business, which requires discipline and meticulous attention to detail, while channeling your innermost creative side. I now have so much respect for watchmakers.

XCLUSIVE

XC LUSIVE

It may seem like a watch is a very small thing, yet it is a very complex procedure.â&#x20AC;? The same criteria applies when it comes to racing it seems. The one-man powerhouse who is flying the flag high for the GCC on the international stage, took just three years after enrolling in the Formula BMW school in Bahrain, to become a bonafide star in the racing world. While

XCLUSIVE his love for cars stemmed from an inherent passion passed on from his father, ATF insists that driving a supercar and performing in one, are two completely different ball games. The main difference being the physical stamina required, which also means eating healthily and training all week long to keep up with the demands of the job. It’s a regime that appears to have paid off. After his first win of the GT3 championship in 2009/2010 which he carried off with critical aplomb, attaining nine wins and 12 podium finishes, the Saudi royal hasn’t looked back, even in the face of the most crushing disappointments. Last year, when he missed out on winning his dream race, Le Mans, he accepted that it just wasn’t meant to be, saying, “You learn and then you try again.” Yes, for people in the real world, this is perhaps just a fact of life. But for a Prince, whose status can easily pull a few strings? “Racing as a prince meant that people took me less seriously. In the beginning, the general consensus was that I was just having fun, but along with my team, who are like family to me, with a shared bond that fuels every one of our successes, I am glad that we proved them wrong.” Throughout our interview, the humble prince refuses to take all the glory for his career thus far, instead hoping to inspire the new generation to follow in his footsteps and excel in the world of sports, his advice being, “No achievement comes without hard work, so those who want to enjoy being successful in this field, should be prepared to make sacrifices, it is all part of the game,” adding, “I believe in following dreams to wherever they take you. If this means challenging the world around you, then it is truly worth doing. Your fuel is your courage, your aim is to win, and your vision is achieved when you share it all, with those around you.”

WO RK | REAL ESTATE

WORK | REAL ESTATE

Maldives

f ever there was a definition of paradise on Earth, those visiting this idyllic archipelago of 26 atolls that make up the Maldives would see that, this is it. Blessed with unspoiled pristine white sandy beaches and endless crystal clear waters all in varying shades of blue, this breathtaking destination is scattered across 90,000 square km of the Indian Ocean. With nothing to do but indulge in guilt-free relaxation, induced by the gentle lapping of waves, an enviable climate and lush vegetation, the Maldives are unsurprisingly a hit with the A-list. What is surprising however, is that given the 1200

WO RK | REAL ESTATE

WORK | REAL ESTATE n THE ELITE MALDIVIAN

The smallest of the three types of villa available, the Elite is a 163-square metre family home incorporating a vast living space, with integrated kitchen featuring state of the art appliances. In true Maldivian style, the minimalist decor fused with an earthy colour scheme within an open plan structure, allows the majestic natural beauty of the Indian Ocean to be placed centre stage in your home, in one expansive visual sweep. Elegantly furnished, the two spacious bedrooms – one downstairs, where the ground floor terrace houses the villa’s personal plunge pool, and the other on the roof with outdoor terrace, each have en-suite bathrooms, and each villa is equipped with WIFI and satellite television.

n THE IMPERIAL MALIVIAN

The Daddy of them all, The Imperial is 493-square metres of lavish living in this tropical paradise. Of the four en-suite bedrooms, the master suite located on the rooftop, has its own sundeck and terrace, and forget the roll away bed – you can take the master bed outside for the ultimate fake ‘glamping’ experience. The ground floor terrace borders the private pool, which is perfectly complimented by a gazebo for the type of al-fresco dining that memories are made of. The feature that makes all the difference here is your own personal gym and cinema room in the basement.

n THE ROYAL MALDIVIAN

Following its younger sibling’s lead, the medium sized Royal Maldivian is 193-square metres in size, with three ensuite bedrooms. The ground floor terrace houses your private pool, and the bath in the master bedroom has been raised, so you can spend an indulgent afternoon in the tub surrounded by breathtaking ocean views. Another feature we absolutely love is the sliding rollaway bed on the roof terrace, perfect for spending a romantic night under the stars.

islets that sparkle like jewels in the sea, only 200 remained inhabited until recent times, making this coconut-palm fringed destination, which is just four hours away from Dubai, an ideal island retreat. It’s no secret that rising sea levels due to global warming threaten the Maldives, especially as it’s the world’s

lowest-lying nation, and a rise of three feet would leave the islands submerged under water. However, the plan to save this modern-day Atlantis, comes from forward thinking executives at Dutch Docklands, the global leaders in floating developments and islands, who have decided to turn the rising seas into

prime real estate in collaboration with the Maldivian government, Christies, the world’s leading art business and Waterstudio NL, who are responsible for the project’s architecture. Delivering unparalleled luxury aside, the project has a minimal effect on the environment, which is absolutely vital given the impact

WO RK | REAL ESTATE

n STAY

When travelling to the islands to purchase your perfect holiday home, there are so many luxury resorts to stay at, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Visit the Park Hyatt Hadahaa, a jewel in the crown for the southern atoll of Huvadhu, or decide between the Ayada Maldives, Jumeirah Dhevanafushi, Jumeirah Vittaveli, Dusit Thani, Niyama, Viceroy Maldives, The Residence and Centara Ras Fushi, who have all opened their doors here in the last 18 months alone. However, the most eagerly anticipated resort of all which is set to break the mould of traditional luxury hospitality, is the Cheval Blanc Randheli due to open later this year, developed by the LVMH group, who are the controlling luxury umbrella of Louis Vuitton, Givenchy and Ruinart. The property boasts 46 villas on the lagoon, catered by award winning chef Yannick Alléno (anyone who sampled his cuisine during his time at the helm of STAY at the One & Only Palm Jumeirah, where he consistently dazzled with his spectacular cuisine will undoubtedly be sold on this point alone). An additional four islands also feature, one of which is just the spa retreat.

n PLAY

Surrounded by an abundance of water, it’s only fitting that the current trend and somewhat obsession with properties submerged in H20, that the world’s first underwater nightclub, Subsix, should make an appearance in the Maldives. The so-chic-it-hurts Niyama resort by Per Aquum is the place to see and be seen. Renowned international DJs like Black Eyed Peas’ DJ, Poet Name Life, have been known to spin the decks, while model and playboy types sip Dom like it’s going out of fashion. The venue has also played host to a live performance from Tinie Tempah. For those seeking as glamorous a setting but aren’t really inclined to the club scene, we suggest that you make a beeline for the aptly named Sea, an underwater restaurant at the Anantara Kihavah in Baa, or for a totally Xclusive fine dining option, head to Ithaa Undersea at the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island in South Ari, where only 12 diners can be seated at any one time, 16 feet below sea level.

that climate change is having on the flattest country on Earth. The result is a worldclass master plan called The 5 Lagoons. With a view to creating a luxurious destination within a luxurious destination, given that the Maldives welcomes 600,000 tourists every year, the Lagoons will house several high end projects, following the development of these five empty lagoons. Two will have water villas; one will be made up of private islands, where investors have the unique opportunity to create their private hideaway to their personal preference; one houses a Venice shaped village set amid the awe-inspiring coral reefs, a futuristic star shaped hotel with a conference centre and an exclusive shopping haunt; and the final one is dedicated to the

world’s first 18-hole floating golf course, with lavish villas overlooking the prime location of the greens. Private investors also have the added facility of being able to rent out their private residences through five star hotel operators, allowing owners to gain a return on their investment during periods of absence. With years of experience working with HNW individuals in the Middle East, Dutch Docklands fully understands the demands and desires of their customers, and therefore, buyers in this market can be rest assured that every single detail from plan to reality has been meticulously engineered. Furthermore, there is no need to wait - the first phase of this amazing project – The Ocean Flower – housing 185 spectacular waterfront villas, is already up for sale.

WORK | REAL ESTATE

Jetcraft

WO RK | JETCRAFT

hen it comes to symbols of status, luxury cars, yachts and houses no longer cut the mustard. Now, the ultimate signature of wealth and status is owning a private jet. In the famous words of Oprah Winfrey, the highest paid woman in television, “It’s great to have a private jet. Anyone that tells you that having your own private jet isn’t great is lying to you.” Indeed. However, purchasing a jet, which can range between $1 million to $600 million, is not an easy business, so it is important to develop a partnership with a broker, one who has integrity, experience in dealing with the complexities of aircraft transactions, and the financial capability to handle virtually any deal. This is where Jetcraft comes in. In business for over 50 years, Jetcraft now has a global presence. It’s this presence that gives their clients a birds-eye view of the market, based on the carefully cultivated contact network that they have established over the years. This network includes aircraft buyers, manufacturers, service and completion centres, avionics suppliers, title companies, financial institutions, legal and tax counsel, other dealers and brokers, and aviation associations. In short, you could not be in better hands. Boasting the type of success rate that has consistently led to repeat business and glowing referrals to the likes of royalty and other HNW individuals, Jetcraft’s main ethos is to give each and every one of their clients the individual attention they deserve. They do this in four key ways; establishing your requirements, doing due diligence by meeting key parties, conducting research and performing inspections, and defining strategies and making recommendations

tailored to your individual needs. Sitting down with Mike Cappuccitti, Jetcraft’s Sales Director in the Middle East, we discovered a passion for aviation that stems from over 40 years in the industry beginning with his career as a pilot in the RAF in 1970. Xclusive dug deeper to find out why some of the world’s most affluent individuals only trust Jetcraft to handle the brokerage of their planes... Why do people use brokers to buy planes? We have seen pretty much every type of situation, so we know how to solve problems. Buying and selling planes is absolutely full of pitfalls. There are a huge amount of issues to navigate and because we have seen them, we know how to avoid them, or handle them when they arise. We prevent our clients from making mistakes, save them a lot of money by doing so and make sure that they get into the right plane. That’s the key to selling aircraft. What if a client wanted to do the process themselves? You can easily decide, “I want one of those,” go out and purchase it and then realise that it doesn’t suit the purpose you bought it for. It’s like giving a farmer a Maserati to ferry his farm equipment around, or equally giving a VIP a tractor. We spend a lot of time understanding what a client wants their aircraft to do, before matching them up to their perfect aircraft, bearing in mind the client’s budget, not just the cost of

Mike Cappuccitti Jetcraft

buying the jet but their operational budget as well. They are expensive things to operate. Crews, maintenance, a place to hangar it etc. It’s a complex business, and that’s why the brokerage business exists. How do you assess your clients’ needs? We don’t just broker planes to high net worth individuals. It might be a corporation. It might be a charter company. It might be to an owner who will give it to a charter company when they’re not using it. We need to know all these things so we can guide our clients into purchasing the right planes. Although almost all planes can be used for charter operations, commercial aircraft require special equipment, but private aircraft may not. Where do they

WORK | JETCRAFT

want to go, with how many passengers and in what level of comfort. There are many questions that we need to ask at the very beginning. Jetcraft is a global organisation. Which region purchases the most private planes? It varies constantly, but North America by far is the biggest user of private aircraft. It always has been and will be for a very long time. There are up and coming regions like Russia. Europe has declined due to the problems with the Euro. The Middle East is small but steady. The Far East is becoming the big place right now. Africa is becoming interesting as the economies there pick up, and South America, Brazil, is up and coming but it’s cyclic. Always though, by far, the US is the biggest. Why do you think that is? They embraced it early on as a means of not just personal utilisation but as a business tool. Remarkably, there is a huge correlation between business aircraft ownership and wealth creation in the Fortune 500 companies. The companies that have private aeroplanes are almost always more profitable, showing greater returns and a higher rate of growth than those who don’t. And they use it extensively as a business tool, which is what it is there for.

Have you ever had to face any particularly difficult situations? There is never a completely smooth deal, ever. In this part of the world we very rarely sell at the bottom end. We sell at the medium or the top end, so we are talking many millions of dollars. With that kind of money, it is extremely rare for there not to be issues to solve, which is precisely why you need a broker. Sometimes it’s just because the buyer and seller have different interpretations of what should and shouldn’t be done. It’s our job to make sure that everyone’s happy. How long does it take from the initial conversation, to actually acquiring your personal jet? The quickest we have done has been in about three weeks, but that’s unheard of

and remarkable. Normally, once you have a willing buyer who is ready to move, doesn’t require financing, and we’ve found the right plane, the process usually takes between two and three months. How did the global recession affect Jetcraft? Manufacturers suffered terribly. For us it was a time to expand, because during the downturn many people wanted to sell their aeroplanes and we were able to identify the right buyers. The global expansion of Jetcraft pretty much started when Jahid Fazal-Karim became a shareholder about five or six years ago. Until then Jetcraft was very US centric. He steadily took the company international. Jetcraft opened offices in Europe, Russia, Hong Kong and then here. He has been very much the driver. The growth of the company in the last five years has been staggering.

PLAY | BRABUS

Flight of Fancy iven the elitist prestige associated with private air travel, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s only natural that those able to own their own jet should want to make it their personalised and unique venture. With over 35 years of experience engineering and manufacturing technical luxury in the automobile industry, Brabus has been applying the same expertise for clients who demand exclusivity within the realms of aviation since 2011, to deliver a bespoke product as distinctive as its owner.

PLAY | BRABUS

Boasting Brabus’ signature style, three limited edition concepts are available in their existing catalogue of designs; the softer, more effeminate ‘Elegance’ adorned with fine creamcoloured Brabus leather, Alacantra and high end wood, the ‘Yachting’ also a light coloured creation with infusions of beige and cream in both the leather and wood, and the ‘Sportive’, which is on the complete other end of the spectrum. Clearly inspired by their passion for individualising the world’s most respected sports cars and making them even better, this is a myriad of masculinity – an interior of black and grey leather, embellished with red seams, Alacantra, aluminium finishing and carbon fibre in place of the wood, effectively producing the ultimate big boy’s toy. If these designs still lack a certain je ne sais quoi, Brabus are able to incorporate customised elements to your desired effect. Decor aside, the latest technology and communication features are expertly incorporated on-board, following the existing features of the 800 horsepower Brabus iBusiness 2.0 Sedan. The option of having a

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Mercedes-Benz S 600 base allows the entire rear section of the aircraft to be transformed into a high-flying office, complete with electric folding tables, storage server, large screens and satellite internet connection, going against the grain of the adage of never mixing business with pleasure in spectacular fashion. Until now, Brabus have focused on Bombadier Global, Dassault Falcon and Embraer Legacy for the customisation of their private jets; however, the firm have always been open to other top of the line business aircraft proposals. The most exciting to date may be the option of the customisation of the Volta Volaré GT4, a four-passenger hybrid private aircraft, self-proclaimed to be “the most technologically advanced private aircraft available anywhere on Earth.” With a striking exterior of hand-crafted carbon fibre, and only 36 available for purchase this year, the Volta Volaré GT4 runs on electricity, and is capable of travelling 300 miles on battery power, before a 1.5 litre gasoline engine comes into effect to extend the range to 1,000 miles. While it’s low running costs and minimum impact on the environment has piqued the interest of those wanting to find a greener way to travel, Brabus’ attraction to the brand may lie in its futuristic outward appearance, having fully defined and explored the development of their exterior concepts as well. Going against the grain of traditional white planes, Brabus have collaborated with aircraft designer Didier Wolff of the Happy Design Studio. Collectively this has seen the creation of dynamic exteriors at a livery which represents the Brabus tradition for excellence, cutting-edge designs, and the use of innovative state of the art materials

like carbon fibre and yachting wood, made to complement the existing limited edition interiors in shades of black, grey and beige. Should you desire, these can be blended with your own ideas to create a unique custom livery. All in all, Brabus, through this relatively new venture have remained true to tradition, with the philosophy that ‘There is no second chance for a first impression.”

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a e s e h t n o y t i C PLAY | STREETS OF MONACO

PLAY | STREETS OF MONACO

ong -str 0 a 7 on he nd t cusing essel a s o v st ’s t. F ual gue 16 ntain i oncept e state e t i a h c a t co d s a f o m i n mm d to , th licas o e Mo o o l c r c e h ete p a to a requir onte C own re uding t compl e l , d n i c w M k d th t in ed ac cre on of shif al scal marks, kart tr s aroun ector i e s t l c e n b t a n a se nd tio dir godeni h ru ith rpor radi s la a ve, n un the t ay for inco famou inspired x whic Xclusi start w d a n e t h l e e o w t a s e t e i p h x o t b e w l n w m ri ly m mak s, like ct has world d P nnel co clusive nerally esse . For v n o e t a r e r e j e e r x e G h e tu ro th tu ign ken “G cal t auti cht bro g struc ristic P ce on th a peaking said, ts for the des t circui i n w n r n S o f a e r the perya floatin e futu f pla . s k o w fo e e deck McPher requirem actors s th o there the t o e ne e, f su on of and th a s u o e f o w h d i t l k iv Rob overall driving o’ this onal, s ave us mou generat slands, n’t loo all of ress i c ign I imp onaco’ d e l l w i the ify the f Mona operat s also g ral des a s u y e h l o o n d rs w W M i e t y o u f s t l O o h b k. of iden treets be ful ssel. Th rchitect . It wa new ia whic tar Tre undou treets ipality S o ‘ s e o a c t v e e S p S th are ery ad he ona unic decad d he ‘ Uto et of of t e a v s in M ch h to t s n r deas e m k whi e size o creat r the ative i s close on th has fo mour a m a m t th v e la fir set rtunity he land inno ng com based which y, g based ng t r o i u p n x h p o o not ryacht, region ith lu yshire- 10ft lo s d up w e base erb ding 5 famou D hyp co, a mous by a y rld ble oun Mon synon esigned the ast the wo y, is a t , n e D e r e n ig lat be nti e. Des emu ts e lenc opu t Island ned to nd in i u g Yach l, desi laygro e p s s s ’ ve ire ona billi

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PLAY | STREETS OF MONACO While the exterior is a magnificent and breathtaking work of art, the interior is equally as impressive, and the four-deck yacht defies the laws of convention to every degree. Upon entry to the main boarding area, The Oasis, is a double deck delight connected by a grand marble staircase on either side and a central cascading waterfall, beautifully connecting the water from the upper deck pools to the lower deck pool and Jacuzzi, perfectly setting the theme of relaxation on the lower floor. Amid the vast expanse of cool marble and greenery, modelled on the gardens just outside the Monaco Casino, here is where you will find the Spa, complete with manicure and hair salon, sauna and steam rooms, private massage suites, and a large relaxation lounge featuring a spa pool with bar. Take the elevator to the mezzanine level to enjoy a cappuccino at the cafe bar, where the breathtaking views of the gardens awaken the senses after a lazy afternoon.

fantastic challenge to try to integrate these features into the limited space available while still ensuring an operational vessel. Once the exterior features were set, we then worked hard to link this up with grand interior spaces which would provide a good flow for guests and a unique on-board experience.” In addition to the feature that has to be the ultimate big boys’ toy, the owner can also relish in the delights of their very own Hotel de Paris, Casino, Prince’s Palace, Loews Hotel, Port Hercule and La Rascasse. Numerous swimming pools, a multi-configurable tennis court, sized to championship specs which also doubles up as a helipad, a library, cinema and an incorporated smaller platform to house smaller yachts for that personal adventure away from your guests, and submarines for underwater excursions on board, makes this the world’s most expensive personal yacht, should a buyer be willing to part with the initial price tag of $1.1 billion, plus the tens of millions it will cost to maintain each year. It is, beyond a shadow of a doubt, an adventurous project that defies convention, and Xclusive’s guess is that such an extreme design that will appeal to those in the Middle East, given their reputation for having a limitless vision and a love of supreme luxury. However, it’s not just the exterior that has been veraciously executed. The foundation and interior also work in tandem with these impeccably high standards. Rob went on to

explain, “Our vision for the ‘Yacht Island’ concept is to design vessels based on stable platforms with large interior volumes to allow for a unique use of space, tailored to the client’s needs. We chose the SWATH and Semi-Submersible hull forms as the ideal starting point. They provide greater options for space utilisation than their mono-hull counterparts, with the added benefits of superior sea-keeping. Due to the very nature of these hull types they are ideal for creating unique, unconventional designs. We wanted to showcase some examples of how these platforms could be styled and used, hoping to give inspiration to prospective clients who would of course have their very own ideas.” With an idea this extreme, every aspect is painstakingly accomplished, from conception to feasibility, and of course the final approval from the client, which takes an enormous amount of time. “For each design we like to take time initially to immerse ourselves in the brief. This highly creative time allows us to explore different avenues and ideas, being careful to be as open as possible,” says Rob. “We then go through a process of selecting the best ideas to develop further for client approval. Depending upon the brief this could take a handful of weeks through to several months. After this, the detail design takes a lot longer of course and we would support the build process while the design takes shape at the shipyard.”

The Grand Atrium is the central hub of the yacht linking the upper and lower living areas via a large spiral staircase. The seven guest rooms, varying in size from the 135m2 suites to the grand 356m2 VIP suites, each boast their own reception room, bathroom, dressing room, bedroom and balcony – the only marked difference between the two being the addition of the large private office for your VIP guests. Meanwhile, the owner benefits from the supreme luxury of a 4,800sq ft apartment which is spread over three floors, and features all the comfort of a VIP suites with the added facilities of a listening room, private courtyard , sunroom, numerous balconies and private sundeck with Jacuzzi and private swimming pool.

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Supernatural aking a walk to the dark side, the new Rolls Royce Wraith, unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show on March 5, drew audible gasps of excitement among the crowd, proving that the tantalising teasers in the run up to its debut made the wait a worthwhile one. “I am delighted to unveil a new Rolls-Royce model that promises to draw superlatives from its audience. In launching Wraith we present the boldest design, the most dramatic performance and most powerful Rolls-Royce that has ever played host to the famous Spirit of Ecstasy figurine,” beamed Rolls Royce CEO Torsten Müller-Ötvös amid rapturous applause. “Naturally, the starting point is luxury, refinement and exclusivity, traits that have made RollsRoyce the world’s pinnacle luxury brand for the last 109 years. But this is also a car defined by a timeless elegance, one that encapsulates a sense of power, style and drama - and just a hint of the noir.”

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Navigation, telephone and other commands are all readily available to the driver at a touch of a button, located on the steering wheel, which is then delivered to the Wraith’s onboard computer. For instance, a delay to your journey can easily be eradicated, with Real Time Traffic Information summoned to inform you of the best possible route, with frequent updates every three minutes. In circumstances like these, the same button allows the voice activation control to take over, to call your waiting companion or safely send emails and texts, using the ‘speech to email’ or ‘speech to text’ function.

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The Wraith, like its predecessors, the Phantom and the Ghost, takes its name from the supernatural, and refers to an apparition of a living person that appears as a portent just before that person’s death. Fittingly, it is also the revival of one of the most famous names for the prestigious firm, which was first used in 1938. However, with its cutting edge technology, and sleek and muscular design, it exudes refined luxury fit for the new generation of more dramatic connoisseurs. While its commanding presence remains the same as its forefathers, the Wraith displays an effortless elegance that has been identified with for generations. While perfection is not easily improved, look that much closer, and you’ll see the wider rear track, longer bonnet, raked glass house and deeply recessed pantheon grille, unite in presenting a truly focused car; a Rolls-Royce with its own unique character. The unabashedly attention-seeking and fame hungry Wraith can only be described as the spoilt and ruthless younger sibling that has to have it all. The Wraith’s side profile best showcases what sets it apart from the rest. Taking its inspiration from the popular sporting fastback era of the 1930s, the Wraith is the consummate gentleman’s gran tourismo - a dramatic combination of linear tension and expressive lines which effortlessly transforms its solid masculine frontal architecture with its lithe drop waist to the rear, in an almost poetic expression of agile stability and poise. The frameless coach doors and absence of a b-pillar, the introduction to this masterpiece, are elegantly framed by the chrome side finisher; the first acquiantance to the brilliance of its interior. Upon entering the vehicle, it’s clear that this new generation of elitist luxury is a powerhouse unto itself, which is also ever so slightly schizophrenic. It is quite obviously car, with its stainless steel door handles which conceal barrel locks to maintain clean exterior panels, optional fixed glass roof and diversity in the form of three specially designed wheels in bi-colour choices and a slightly thicker steering wheel holds the promise of infinite power. However, the blood orange tips for the speedometer and power reserve gauge deliver an air of being in a luxury jet. Add to this the introduction of a superyacht-like magnificence which resonates from the interior of Canadel Panelling, a beautiful open grain wood with a satin finish, serves to emphasise the warm and contemporary ambience within, swathed in a gentle light. Upping the ante in the glamour stakes, a starry night sky within the cabin, achieved with 1,340 individual fibre optic lights hand-woven into the leather roof-lining is also a stunning optional extra.

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Possessing a 6.6 litre twin-turbo V12, which develops 624 bhp, going from 0-100 kmh in just 4.6 seconds, and an electronically governed top speed of 249kmh, the transmission of power is effortless thanks to an eight speed automatic

ZF transmission. As intelligent as it is powerful, the Wraith also features the ability to multi-shift down gears, allowing the driver to achieve optimum speed when the accelerator is pushed to the extreme, by automatically moving to a lower gear

for the speediest of getaways. The state of the art sound system enhances the experience, with a maximum output power of 1, 300W delivering a â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;larger than liveâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; sensation, and the perfect soundtrack for your personal adventure.

PLAY | Gadgets and technology 46

n THE QUADSKI It’s been a long time in the making, with its prototype having existed for the last seven years or so, but for those wanting to channel their inner 007, the GIBBS Quadski has just become commercially available in select markets in the US. This 590kg, amphibious vehicle goes from a regular four-wheel drive on dry land, to a Jet Ski like contraption at the touch of a button when its wheels retract upon hitting the water, all within approximately five seconds. While its top speed only reaches 72km/h on both land and water, this isn’t for those with a need for speed, but it’s an approximate $40,000 well spent for a James Bond-esque escapade with kudos attached. Tuxedo not required.

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n The PAL-V ONE You have a meeting to get to in 20 minutes, Sheikh Zayed Road is gridlocked, and a deal worth billions could be about to slip through your fingers – even driving the fastest sports car on the planet won’t get you there on time. Enter the PAL-V (Personal Air and Land Vehicle), the world’s first flying car. Really. The 3-wheeled vehicle sports the comfort of a two-seat car and the agility of a motorcycle, reaching a top speed of 180km/h. When airborne, it flies below 4,000 feet - the airspace available for Visual Flight Rules traffic, so there is no interference from commercial air traffic, and no need to file a flight plan. Furthermore, the gyroplane technology and the slower rotation of the main rotor makes it quieter than a helicopter to fly, and the low speeds with which it takes off and lands, means that it cannot stall. How does it work? The conversion from automobile to airplane takes just ten minutes, following a short training lesson. Once the engine stops, the propeller automatically folds itself into the driving position and the rest of the plane reveals itself with the touch of a button. That’s a whole lot of convenience for an anticipated $326,000 a piece. We’ll take two.

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n GRAFF DIAMONDS MILLON DOLLAR BEATS BY DRE Although many audiophiles have scoffed at the quality of sound that they produce versus their cost, there’s no denying that Beats by Dre have still managed to conquer a huge market share of the headphone industry, delivering a sought after personal audio experience that’s trendy and resonates with all ages. But when you’re at a loss, say, for what to buy your daughter on her sweet 16th, this very special collaboration between the brand and Graff diamonds is probably the answer. Combining 114 carats of diamonds, this is a experience for the image conscious music aficionado, which, as their name suggests, will set you back a cool million dollars.

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n THE BMC IMPE AUTOMOBILE LAMBORGHINI EDITION Cycling enthusiasts will already know the respect commanded by owning an impec (which stands for impeccable – one ride and you’ll see why), from Swiss bike manufacturer, BMC. But with Lamborghini involved, you know the result is going to be one sweet ride. Taking inspiration from the Aventador LP 700-4, BMC’s very high end collaboration delivers its privileged, souped-up impec rider, a suede saddle and handlebars in the supercar’s signature shade of Argos Orange, and the Lamborghini logo on the frame. However, at an estimated $26,000 – that’s almost $8,000 more than BMC’s standard impec – is it worth the extra money? It depends – how much do you want to stand out from the crowd? With only 30 of these limited edition cycles being produced globally, this might not be a case of if you want one, but rather if you can get your hands on one.

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n NUMI TOILET BY KOHLER We don’t know about you, but we tend to get some of our best ideas while sitting on the pot. So imagine our delight at being able to work that grey matter in comfort, while sitting on this new state of the art toilet (yes, you heard us correctly), from Kohler. The Numi, (that’s exactly how you’ll feel after a visit) has two sensors which knows what you want without even laying a hand on it. The front sensors react to the movement in the room, so the lid opens and closes automatically upon entering, while another sensor raises and lowers the seat, eliminating the hundreds if not thousands of arguments about this age-old bone of contention between males and females across the globe. While the $6,400 price tag might be worth it for that alone, additional features include a heated seat and feet warming facility, and an advanced bidet functionality, which, wait for it, features multiple options for your personal water spray pattern. Choose from Pulsate, Oscillate or Wave, with water pressure and temperature to suit. There is also an integrated air dryer which will serve to leave your tush nice and dry, rest assured that there’s no pesky bathroom tissue stuck to any part of your anatomy, and a built-in deodoriser means that even the person using it directly after you will also have as pleasant an experience. And as if all that wasn’t enough, there are even illuminated panels and music to set the mood!

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Kitts me Quick s far as exotic destinations go, there are few that can rival the peace, tranquillity and beauty of the Caribbean. Perhaps one of the most romantic yet understated islands in this region is St. Kitts in the West Indies, where a plethora of crowd-free, white sandy beaches, warm water and undisputed natural beauty awaits to seduce you. From lava formations to a tropical rainforest, St. Kitts is every nature-lover’s dream. Located

approximately

2000km

from hip and happening Miami, Florida,

with

the

island’s

West

side bordering the Caribbean Sea, St. Kitts, is an abbreviation of its founder, Christopher Columbus who ‘discovered’ it in 1493. Following its colonisation in 1623 and the manipulation of the island’s Sugar trade, St. Kitts flourished and has never looked back, to become one of the most advanced and luxurious destinations in the Caribbean. What is there to do? Despite the laid back atmosphere on the island and the inclination to just

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laze about on the beach all day long, St.

Kitts

offers

a wide range of activities to be enjoyed during the day. Head to Basseterre, which is the starting point for all sorts of tours from riding on horseback through the rainforest, to the ultimate adrenaline rush of soaring above it instead, using a state of the art five-line zipline system. Water babies will love the snorkelling excursions also arranged in the area like the one around Pelican Cove, which is ideal for children too. Watch their faces light up as they partake in their very own Finding Nemo experience, surrounded by the abundance of tropical and vibrant marine life. For a more sedate experience, in the same area, be sure to take a panoramic tour of the island, which also incorporates a visit to the Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park. Here is where you will find picture perfect, natural majestic beauty, with views of a volcano on the neighbouring Dutch Island of Sint Eustatius. Last year, USA Today hailed this very spot as one of the best kept secrets of the world. Frigate Bay is another popular hotspot, which boasts extreme sporting activities like skydiving. However, the allure of this particular part of town lies in its secluded beach and chilled out atmosphere. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also home to some of the most famed restaurants on the island, perfect for a romantic lunch amid the awe-inspiring scenery. Another stop for unforgettable romance, is the almost deserted Turtle Beach, where the breathtaking views of neighbouring island, Nevis, will quite simply blow your mind. Here, you will see the occasional green monkey in the palm trees, or if you venture further into the water by boat during the winter months, you might be fortunate enough to see the occasional dolphin or a pod of whales passing through.

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Where should I eat?

you choose the more contemporarily cooked

delicious and authentic Indian dishes served

Due to its Indo-European influences, St. Kitts

Mahi Mahi or Grouper from Serendipity which

on the terrace. For local Caribbean cuisine,

is a foodie’s paradise, with Italian, French,

overlooks Basseterre Harbour, or the authentic

a trip to Jam Rock is a must – the local and

Indian, Chinese, Creole and everything in

Chinese sizzling shrimp at the King’s Palace on

friendly hospitality which is delivered here in

between on the menu. As you would expect

the Bay Road, we assure you, every mouthful

spades, is second only to the delicious fare

from an island abundant with marine delights,

is a party for the palate. Head to Bombay Blues

on offer - be sure to try the Jerk chicken

the seafood in St. Kitts is spectacular. Whether

in Frigate Bay for an extensive spicy variety of

and the amazing Cajun fish. It’s certainly not

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fine dining, or even the teensiest bit glamorous, but the atmosphere and cuisine combined will ensure that you return more than once. Where should I stay? For those who really are looking to get away from it all in luxurious surroundings, the only place to head to are the Turtle Beach Bungalows. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the first element of the Christophe Harbour project, which, in time, will become part of a five-star luxury community. A re-education in the art of exclusivity, the resort consists of only four villas; making it the ideal honeymoon destination and ultimate romantic hideaway, glorified by the fusion of decadence with Caribbean charm. Each bungalow has its own plunge pool, a cabana with a daybed and an outdoor shower, while its interior is just as impressive, with high bamboo-lined ceilings and warm and inviting decor. However, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the small details that make the big difference, like complimentary in-room snacks from Dean & Deluca, to the pre-programmed cell phone with numbers of the restaurant and concierge. The best news of all though, is that real estate opportunities into the Christophe Harbour project are now available, which means that all this could be your permanent home from home. Christophe Harbour, the maiden project from CHDC in collaboration with Kiawah Partners, famed for their ecofriendly ethics and award-winning resort communities at Kiawah Island, South Carolina and Ireland, is soon to become the undisputed jewel in the crown for those seeking to buy international real estate with wow factor. The 2500 acre plot located in the Southeast Peninsula in the Caribbean Leeward Islands, is already being recognised as one of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most sought after destinations, incorporating a mega-yacht harbour, 18-hole golf course designed by famed architect Tom Fazio, restaurants, retail and clubs for private members only. Another defining feature of the Christophe Harbour Project is The Park Hyatt St. Kitts, which is set to make an appearance by July 2015. The most attractive bonus of investing in the Christophe Harbour Project is that individuals who purchase property in excess of $400,000 are eligible for citizenship, which gives them access to over 150 countries, including most of Europe and the USA.

We Want n AMOUR AMOUR Diamonds are a girl’s best friend, while a man’s is his dog. Combine the two and you’ve got the perfect gift for your pampered pooch, because let’s face it; nothing says it better than a diamond encrusted dog collar. In a league of its own so elite it’s been dubbed the ‘Bugatti’, the Amour Amour is the world’s most expensive dog collar, created by I love Dogs Diamonds. Made from 18K white gold and crocodile leather and featuring 1,600 hand set diamonds set in a chandelier design, combined with the seven carat D-IF, brilliant shaped centrepiece, amounts to a whopping 52 carats in total. If you ever questioned your dog’s loyalty, you can be rest assured that after this $3.2 million purchase, that puppy ‘aint going nowhere!

stylE | we want

n BIG BANG With advanced award-winning technology and accolades accumulated for the complex mix of materials used in the Hublot Big Bang watch, from mix and match gold, rose gold, ceramics, tantalum and rubber, this is a watch that has been favoured by timepiece enthusiasts for years. While only a few of these watches are made every year, the limited edition diamond encrusted version, certainly takes things up a notch. Claiming to have created the most ‘precious’ timepiece in their 32 year history, this version of their adored blueprint may just be the most expensive watch in the history of the world, with a price tag of $5 million. Only grade A VVS quality diamonds have been used throughout this masterpiece, and there are staggering amounts! The 44mm diameter 18K white gold case is loaded with 302 baguettes, while the 18K white gold dial holds an additional 179 baguettes. Add to that the six emerald cut diamonds, each more than three carats, with an additional 782 baguettes held within the 18K gold strap. It doesn’t end there, with the 18K white gold crown featuring 1.06 carat rose cut diamond, plus another 12 baguettes. The rhodium plated, diamond polished hands (must have been the remnants of what could no longer be inserted into the watch), are powered by a self winding 25-jewel, HUB 1100 movement. Bumping up the cost no doubt was the labour involved in its creation. After a year spent searching for the largest diamonds, Hublot worked in collaboration with Atelier Bunter in Geneva for the construction of the watch for a full 14 months, of which seven were spent with 12 cutters and five setters carefully modifying each jewel for the perfect fit. However, to even get a glimpse of this work of art, a trip to Singapore is in order, where the watch is being displayed by luxury watch dealer, The Hour Glass, in its Asian stores.

stylE | we want

n THE LEICA M9-P Edition Hermes For lasting memories captured with style and the assurance that you will undoubtedly stand out from the crowd, Hermès have collaborated with Leica to celebrate and commemorate the relationship between the former Parisian fashion house President, who died in May 2010, with the limited edition Leica M9-P Hermès Edition Serie Limitee Jean-Louis Dumas. In a fitting tribute, the result is as beautiful as it is functional, with a top skin of ‘Veau Swift’ ocre calfskin supplied by Hermès, which adorns the silverchromed camera body and shoulder strap. The set is accompanied by three lenses for optimum definition, the Leica Summicron-M 28 mm f/2 ASPH, a Leica Noctilux-M 50mm f/0.95, and a Leica APO-Summicron-M 90mm f/ 2 ASPH, all featuring a silver-anodized finish. But how to carry such refinement? Hermès have created their first ever camera bag for Leica, which is a hand finished beauty for the 100 buyers this collection is limited to.

stylE | we want

n iPhone 4 Diamond Rose Edition While it’s true that the most coveted technology has been brought to us by Apple, it seems that an iPhone is not sensational enough unless foiled with precious metals and diamonds. While it’s only a matter of time for the iPhone 5 to catch up with similar excess, the iPhone 4 Diamond Rose Edition from elite luxury technology designer, Stuart Hughes is for those seeking exclusivity, with only two made in the world. At a cost of $8 million, the phone’s bezel is handmade from rose gold, encrusted with approximates 500 flawless diamonds, amounting to over 100 carats. The rear section is created from rose gold and the Apple logo encrusted with another 53 diamonds, but the most striking feature is the main navigation button, made from platinum, which holds a rare 7.4 carat pink diamond, or a rare 8 carat single-cut flawless diamond – both are included so you can mix and match as you please. The imperial pink chest that the phone comes in weighs a whopping 7kg, cut from a single block of Granite, lined with Nubuck top grain leather.

Absolutely Flawless

STYLE | FASHION

Stripe dress: carolina herrera Shoes: tods

suit and shirt: salvatore ferragamo shoes: tods

STYLE | FASHION

Dress: Carolina herrera white diamond necklace, earrings, bracelet and ring: levant

STYLE | FASHION

Him: suit and polo top: hackett shoes: tods her: dress: carolina herrera Shoes: Tods

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shirt, jacket and trousers: paul smith black label chronograph watch by rebellion: levant

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dress: michael kors ‘bouquet’ diamond necklace and matching earrings: crm jewellery

STYLE | FASHION

Dress: carolina herrera WHite and yellow diamond necklace, matching earrings, pink and white diamond ring: levant

Top: Exquisite Tanzanite and Diamond Ring Tanzanite: 11.92cts, Diamonds: 4.72cts. Bottom: Fancy Yellow Diamond Ring â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Flower Motif Diamonds: 10.28cts.

STYLE | FASHION

dress: marc jacobs

white diamond necklace: CRM jewellery

STYLE | FASHION

suit and polo top: versace mono push rose gold watch by rebellion: levant

STYLE | FASHION

dress: celine shoes: tods

whitE and black diamond necklace and ring: palmiero collection by palmiero: levant

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her: dress: michael kors necklace and earrings: anna maria cammilli: levant him: shirt and jacket: marc by marc jacobs shoes: tods

top and skirt: kenzo

STYLE | FASHION

stylist: sarah maisey hair & make up: carolyn gallyer models: elena & jiri at bareface photographs: kader pattambi levant: dubai mall crm jewellery: 0501576744 shot on location at jazz@pizzaexpress, jumeirah lakes towers enjoy live music every night from 8pm TEL: 04 441 6342

stylE | cosmetic dental

Get that

Hollywood smile... t goes without saying that appearances matter. The majority of us spend time and effort to make sure we are well groomed, which means regular hair-cuts, designer threads, and for women, endless hours at the salon. For a really special occasion, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not unheard of to blow a hefty sum on one outfit, which may remain locked up in your closet for a great period of time following its initial outing. What if you had to wear that one outfit every day for the rest of your life? How much time and money would you spend on it to make sure that you would look as perfect in 10 years as you would today? This is going somewhere, I promise. No matter how good you look, everyone has a gripe about something. Sometimes, it doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t matter how great your clothes or how well-groomed you are. There are moments when all you need is a great smile to let your personality shine through. There is no doubt that veneers are expensive, costing in the region of Dhs3000 per tooth, but it really is an investment that can make all the difference. The North Carolina Dental Practice in Healthcare City, Dubai, is just the place to make looking your best every day the easiest of tasks. The initial consultation, especially for those who are paranoid about their teeth can be a harsh wake-up call when scrutinised by these dental experts. Every detail is taken into account, from how much of your gum is exposed when you smile, how large and even your front

stylE | cosmetic dental

teeth are, and how the length of your canines, if longer than your front teeth can all add up to imperfection. Typically, around six to eight veneers are required, and a procedure called ‘crown lengthening’ if you expose too much gum, which involves cutting the gums to make the front teeth longer. The following appointment for those that require the aforementioned procedure may seem like a daunting fate, but the specialist dentist who comes to the practice especially for the procedure immediately puts you at ease and administers the anesthetic so expertly it’s virtually painless. It’s probably not an operation that one could describe as pleasant, especially if you are able to feel the slivers of sliced gum in your mouth before being sucked away, however, it is tolerable. Even when the anesthetic wears off, you may feel a little uncomfortable for the rest of the day, but following that you are likely to experience zero pain. In order for the gums to heal completely in preparation for the veneers, it is necessary to wait for another six weeks. The third appointment at the clinic sees moulds of your teeth prepared to set the wheels in motion for uber dental laboratory, MDent, to begin working on your perfect smile, and you will be advised to floss every day in

order to keep your gums healthy. The teeth are then cleaned, which may just be the most pain you will experience throughout. Appointment four starts ruling out the imperfections, with crooked teeth shaved down to make room for the veneers, as well as the rest of the teeth being buffered and prepped for the future. A temporary set of veneers are then made from a plastic substance to cover the teeth, which look like the real thing. The reason for this temporary covering is to get a better idea of the look, feel, size and shade and allow for the opportunity for changes to be made to the bite if necessary. As your mouth grows accustomed to the changes, you will be advised that you may have trouble pronouncing your ‘S’s’, and you should be careful with hard foods. Another week and it’s almost time for the real thing. Next comes a visit to MDent on Sheikh Zayed Road. Here you will meet some amazingly articulate dental technicians, like the artistic Juan, who is responsible for creating your new smile. MDent require that they meet you in person to take some photographs of you while explaining the reasons behind the size and shape of teeth created especially for you. You can be rest assured that your technician is a perfectionist, which immediately gives you peace of mind

knowing that you are in the right hands. When the temporary veneers are removed a few days later, another visit to MDent is required for one final check of how they fit, one stage prior to being completely finished. You are sure to love them, although don’t be surprised if you technician is more critical and encourages you to be ‘picky’! Almost three months down the line, it’s time for that all-important final appointment at North Carolina Dental. The mouth is numbed, the temporaries removed and the teeth prepped for the veneers, by being cleaned, polished and etched to roughen the tooth in order to allow for a stronger bonding to the veneer. A special cement is then applied to the veneer before being placed on each tooth, followed by a light beam treatment applied to each veneer to activate the chemicals in the cement to harden quickly. Finally, your bite is evaluated, and then after a two hour procedure, you are allowed to see the result. Given the horror stories associated with having veneers that are out there, the experience at North Carolina Dental is anything but. The procedure is virtually painless, you’ll receive excellent dental care, and the results are phenomenal. For anyone considering having veneers, the North Carolina Dental Practice will give you a smile you’ll be proud to show off every day.

STYLE | INTERIOR DESIGN

Interior Motives hen it comes to creating the perfect home environment, it’s as much about your personal sense of style as the clothes you wear, therefore to make your home as unique as you are, the cookie-cutter, one-fits-all mentality is rarely going to cut it. It’s with this thorough understanding of creating bespoke home decor, that Chadi Rachid Chamoun has continued developing a unique design practice that has existed for 35 years and has passed through two generations. Dedicated to delivering the highest standards of innovation and quality in the fields of tailor-made furniture, interiors and architecture, Chadi’s work has brought him to Dubai, where he has been applying his expertise in several of the most beautiful residences in the city for the last seven years. With his ethnic Middle Eastern roots, and professional roots in New York City, Dubai has proved to be the perfect platform for Chadi to showcase his sleek and internationally revered designs that are based on the understanding of what his clients want, making

STYLE | INTERIOR DESIGN

him one of the most critically acclaimed designers in the region. Beginning his journey studying the architectural woodwork and manufacturing industry, Chamoun gained a deep insight into the several processes involved, allowing him to work with a number of diverse and elite individuals in some of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most fabulous cities and landmark locations. The foundation of his success has been his value for his clientsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; time and his dedication for completing one project at a time, to allow for extensive flexibility during the design process, which is both elegant, yet complex, depending on the level of sophistication involved. Chamoun believes that exquisite interior design is a luxury that results from the combined self-expression of both client and designer. Certain clients are very particular as to what they have in mind, and the design process needs to flow and modulate around those particular parameters. Other clientele have a more liberally structured idea of what they want, and the interior design process needs to undergo several iterations in order to insure the correct solution has been developed. According to Chamoun, one of the biggest challenges for a successful project is in the designerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ability to transform ideas and concepts into material and space. Each selection

STYLE | INTERIOR DESIGN of material ranging from precious metals, exotic wood veneers, sensual fabrics, and the integration of lighting are all critical elements that begin to inform the nature of a space. However, for this process to be effective, it is essential that both client and designer are clearly communicating both their intentions and aspirations, because each project is a new world that needs to successfully reflect both parties. Chadi Chamoun has become a specialist, over time, to re-envision the living experience of Dubai’s elite clientele in Burj Khalifa. Through careful attention to detail, Chamoun insures that each room reflects a new experience; similar to different scenes in a movie, where each moment and movement are enjoyably elaborate. Spaces that are visible and accessible to all are perfectly designed for their specific functions, while there are other spaces that are more intimate and hidden away. Walking through the apartment becomes not just an experience, but the discovery of a unique haven filled with intrigue and delight. Xclusive went behind the scenes to witness Chamoun’s amazing work at the Burj Khalifa, where he has created a highly personalised and private world flying high above the skyline of Dubai. With the directive to create a ‘Golden Palace’ for this Industrialist tycoon and his wife, Chamoun conceptualised, designed and decorated the 1,778-square-foot, twobedroom space with a royal and elegant effervescence to reflect his client’s desire for a “sparkling and graceful” living space with a “majestic appeal.” A sharp contrast of classical extravagance and modern restraint which energises the space, the apartment boasts sun-drenched, western, and southern exposures with a fabulous view of the world famous water fountain at Dubai Mall. Working with the foundation of creating a dramatic masterpiece, Chamoun and his clients opted for exotic wood veneers, along with a golden palette brightened by marine tones. With its gold leaf walls, and blue Bahia granite inlays to define the living room “like a pool of water,” Chadi also incorporated a set of custom designed hand-tufted and embroidered leather and silk chairs create a sense of both serenity and strength, with the fabric of the chairs custom stitched

STYLE | INTERIOR DESIGN

and manufactured for the project. Explaining their contribution to creating the overall indulgent feel throughout., he said, “They are so voluptuous.” However, it’s evident that what really sets the tone throughout the apartment, is Chamoun’s dramatic custom designed furniture that creates a unique experience within each room of the house. Beyond the naked eye, certain elements discreetly hidden away, make this is an elitist version of Narnia. A true reflection of a boundless imagination brought to reality, a wall of bronze edged bevelled mirrors reveals a hidden guest room, while the second bedroom, with its custom made bed of olive burl wood veneer with silk inlays, features a headboard that transforms and extends into a closet when required. Even the wall leading from the second bedroom to the bathroom is coved in olive burl veneer and silk with hidden doors and compartments. The piece de resistance is without a doubt, the master bedroom, tailor-made to emulate a private chamber in a yacht, luxuriously optimising space with extending side tables and sliding privacy screens.

STYLE | INTERIOR DESIGN

LIFE | SLEEP

Sweet Dreams t one time or another, most of us have experienced the odd sleepless night. While it means we are less than willing to get out of bed in the morning and the lack of shuteye makes us cranky, these are just some of the evident symptoms that we can identify with, because they have an immediate effect. However, sleep, or lack of it, regardless of hectic work schedules or strenuous commitments like raising a family, is a serious business which shouldn’t be compromised on. While short-term sleep deprivation can leave you with a foggy brain, worsened vision, impaired driving skills and memory loss, long term effects include obesity, heart disease, hypertension and diabetes. The Reality In modern day society, sleeping less appears to have become quite a trend. Several well-known and successful figures like Madonna, Jay Leno and Donald Trump all claim to sleep approximately three to five hours every night. However, a study chronicled in Sleep magazine back in 2003 acknowledged that while an individual may be able to fool the body into thinking that they have trained their bodies to get by on snoozing less, the accumulative sleep debt (the amount of sleep we should be getting, versus the amount we actually do get), compromises your wellbeing, effectively meaning that your body is writing cheques it can’t cash. It’s a vicious cycle, because by the time it gets to the weekend, your sleep debt can be up to a full night’s sleep, and even lie-ins don’t begin to scratch the

surface. You can only begin to recover from a sleep debt by sleeping eight hours before your usual wake up time, which, let’s face it, causes havoc with your social life at weekends. So, we tend to go to bed later, and wake up later, and while that extra two hour sleep on a Friday morning might leave you feeling refreshed and energised, your internal body clock, controlled by the circadian cycle, is easily confused by a change in our sleep patterns; a late night or a lie-in, meaning that the whole routine begins again on Saturday night, making it hard to fall asleep, and even harder to get up for work the next day. It then takes another two days for the body to adjust to the deprived cycle, and you can see how it all, or rather doesn’t, end. Lack of sleep may seem a trivial matter compared to the increasing demands of everyday life, but it is not an option, it’s a necessity, and lack of sleep is equivalent to psychological torture. In fact, sleep deprivation is used as an interrogation technique due to the way a prisoner’s spirit and resolve can be broken down, and lab rats chronically deprived of sleep die within two to three weeks, which is similar to the time frame of death by starvation. This is true for humans too sleep is necessary for survival. Dying to Sleep For a small minority across the globe, people are literally dying to sleep. These are the sufferers of FFI, Fatal Familial Insomnia, and SFI, Sporadic Fatal Insomnia, which, as both medical terms suggest, results in the death of the patient. Both are extremely rare,

b u t t h e ravaging effects of no sleep are highlighted in all its magnitude for these individuals. FFI is an inherited neurological genetic disorder, affecting approximately 100 people worldwide, while SFI strikes randomly, with only eight known cases since 2005. With both, a prion protein, which is an infectious agent composed primarily of protein, builds up in the brain, progressively destroying nerve cells, and creating sponge-like holes. The prions attack the thalmus, the region of the brain that regulates sleep, robbing the patient of their sleep, and ultimately their lives. Typically, after the first onset of symptoms, patients succumb within 18 months. There are four stages of the disease before the patient’s life ends. The first is gradually increasing bouts of insomnia, lasting for approximately four months, which induces feelings of panic and the introduction of bizarre phobias. Stage two, lasts about five months,

LIFE | SLEEP

where the patient experiences sweating, hallucinations, panic and agitation. By stage three, the patient’s brain is completely unable to shut down and they lose weight rapidly. The use of medication and narcotics are unable to control symptoms; on the contrary, they accelerate the course of the disease, and within three months, the patient slowly wastes away. The fourth and final stage sees the patient experience full-blown dementia, and they gradually become less and less responsive. The ability to move and speak becomes severely hampered, followed by sudden death after becoming mute. What happens when you are asleep? The brain needs the time you spend asleep to forge new ways of learning and remembering information in preparation for the next day. A degenerative sleeping pattern can contribute to difficulty in problem solving and making decisions, reaction times become slower; it’s harder to concentrate and affects productivity. On an emotional level, inadequate hours spent in the land of nod contribute to feelings of depression, mood swings and an overall lack of motivation. Physical side effects include weight gain, due to the influx of the hormone Ghrelin, which stimulates appetite when not regulated by sufficient hours of slumber, and a decrease in Leptin, the hormone that makes you feel full, which means that you consume more calories throughout the day. Sleep also affects how the body reacts to insulin, which exposes you to a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Being unable to fall into a deep sleep also hinders the release of HGH (Human Growth Hormone), which boosts muscle mass, and helps to repair cells and tissues. The Sleep Cycle There are two main phases of sleep – Non REM sleep, which consists of four stages, and REM sleep, the deepest type of sleep when you dream actively. The first stage is the transition into real sleep – muscle activity slows down, the eyes move slowly, and during this period of about five minutes or so, you are easily awakened. The second

stage is the light sleep phase and the first true step of your journey, which lasts between 10-25 minutes. Eye movement stops, heart rate slows and your temperature decreases. Stage 3 is the deep sleep phase. Brain waves are extremely slow, you feel groggy and disoriented if awoken. This is because the blood flow is directed toward your muscles to restore physical energy, instead of being directed at your brain. REM sleep is the dream sleep that occurs, about 70 to 90 minutes after falling asleep. Your breathing shallows, the eyes move rapidly, heart rate and blood pressure increase and arm and leg muscles are paralysed. During the course of the night, it may seem that this cycle happens only once, with the assumption that you fall into a deep sleep for most of the night, gradually making your way back to a light sleep when it is time to wake up. However, the sleep cycle between REM and non-REM sleep occurs between four and six times a night, with each cycle lasting approximately 90 minutes. So if you know the number of hours you have to sleep are limited, try setting your alarm for a time that amounts to a multiple of 90 minutes. This is because you are getting to the end of a sleep cycle and your brain and body are close to waking up, which means you might feel more refreshed than you would if you spent an extra 30 – 60 minutes in bed. The Epitome of Sleep Following all our research, Xclusive headed to Hästens, the luxury hand-made bed specialists from Sweden, whose Dubai store is located in Sunset Mall, Jumeirah. It’s a company that has passed though five generations since 1852, so along with having picked up a fair amount of knowledge on the art of slumber, it soon becomes evident that sleep is a very serious business here. Now it has to be said, I am not easily impressed, so despite my

LIFE | SLEEP

consultant’s insistence that these are the best beds in the world, and without naming names, several alleged HNW individuals own them, like a famous footballer and his fashion designer wife, and the humanitarian superstar cum supermother of six children and her husband - I wasn’t sold. Sensing my scepticism, we swiftly moved on to my consultation, which assesses the position in which you sleep and the amount of hours you get every night. While I am waiting for my sleep review, where I will get to try out three of these beds for ten minutes at a time (don’t you just love my job), I am dying to find out exactly what makes these beds so special. It turns out that it’s the all-natural materials used to create each one, as well as the fact it is tailor-made to your requirements. Foam and latex used in regular mattresses are breeding grounds for bacteria, due to the amount of sweat that they absorb every night. In contrast, a Hästens bed is filled with layer upon layer of horse hair, a natural acclimatiser which keeps you cool in summer and warm in winter, sandwiched between cotton, wool and flax, while each spring is housed within its own fabric pocket. So here we go – I am tucked up in the first of the beds I will try today, the Lenoria. The lights are dimmed I am wrapped up in a duvet and I lie there, but too aware of my surroundings (I am in a store after all) to let myself go to sleep. It is a struggle I admit, given that this could quite possibly be the most comfort I have ever experienced. When my consultant returns, I emerge from the bed poker-faced, although I have literally had to tear myself away. Next stop, the 2000T II. Honestly, this really is turning out to be a hard job, mainly because I could not keep my eyes open. The only way I can describe it, as cheesy as it sounds, is like sleeping on a cloud. Not a single shuffle or turn to get comfortable, I just got in and lay there. So now, the jewel in the crown, the Vividus. Hailed the most expensive bed in the world, and only a limited number available every year, this is undoubtedly the queen of them all. Following the same principles as the others, this is a little bit more amazing, a luxurious pursuit to the ultimate perfection of sleep. Honestly, I can’t tell you much more, other than that initial feeling of being magnetised to the bed, before promptly experiencing a dreamy weightlessness. I have to admit, it was hard to wake me that time, and as I gushed (yes I did) afterwards, I have never experienced sleep like that, other than when I was in the womb!

Sleep Better, Feel Better If you have trouble getting an adequate amount of rest, these tips may help you acquire a good night’s rest... zz Set a regular bedtime zz Wake up at the same time every day zz Exercise regularly during the day (not before bed) – even 20-30 minutes is sufficient zz Increase your light exposure during the day, by removing sunglasses and spending more time outside. zz At night, turn off your television and your computer zz Don’t read from a backlit device like an iPad, as the type of light they emit is stimulating to the brain zz Make sure your room is dark and cool zz Stop worrying and brainstorming – make a note of that great idea or item to do on a piece of paper, and deal with it in the morning zz Make sure your bed is comfortable, with enough room to stretch and turn comfortably. Don’t bring work or everyday tension to bed - it should be your haven and limited to the two greatest acts of pleasure – intimacy and rest, so invest in it wisely.

LIFE | SPIRITUALITY

The Pursuit

Happiness

LIFE | SPIRITUALITY

hen it comes to the art of happiness, it is undefined by the job you have, the amount of wealth you can accumulate in your lifetime, or those around you. Happiness can be difficult to attain and varies from person to person. Therefore, the art of happiness is just as personable. It lies within knowing oneself, and here is where the ancient art of Jin Shin Jyutsu comes in. Jin Shin Jyutsu is a ‘built-in’ simple art of living. It is an art and not a technique. An art requires little understanding and is creative, which is simple. A technique requires much effort in memorising and is imitative, has limitations and is competitive, and is therefore complex. Jin Shin Jyutsu is simply the awakening of oneself, incorporating awareness for maintenance of health, happiness, longevity and benevolence. This knowing is endowed to everybody equally. Think of it as a gift from above for each person to be utilised with humility and awe, and the ability for us each to help ourselves. How does it work? Your body is a central energy station, in which energy flows in a circulatory pattern, descending from the front and ascending the back of the body. Within this energy, there are 26 ‘Safety Energy Locks’, or SELs, and this is our source of life. When any of these get stuck, due to abuse of the body, knowingly or unknowingly, the energy stagnates and initially affects our health, and can potentially cause disharmony along the entire pathway, resulting in detrimental effects both physically and emotionally. It is important to remember that the energy that flows within revitalises all our ‘individualised’ body function energy circulation patterns and this rhythm of energy cannot be destroyed. The basic principle of Jin Shin Jyutsu works by using a simple form of placing our hands, thumb to the desired SEL. By regarding your hands as your ‘Jumper Cables’ and placing them on a combination of these SELs, the

LIFE | SPIRITUALITY accumulated energy is released, balance is restored and the overall experience is complete harmony - physically, mentally and spiritually. In addition, everything relates to the way we breathe. Inhaling and exhaling correctly is to be in rhythm with the universe. The history of Jin Shin Jyutsu A self-harmonising practice, which is thought to even predate the times of Moses and Buddha, this ancient art was rediscovered in the early 1900s by Master JiroMurai, a Japanese sage and philosopher, who came from a lineage of medical professionals but yearned to find out the true meaning of life. However, at the age of 26, he was diagnosed with a terminal illness and no one could be found to help him. His own family could do nothing but watch him fade away, yet Master Murai never lost faith. He began to wonder about the great men in the past of whom he had read about experiencing miracles and enlightenment through quiet meditation and what would later become the art of Jin Shin Jyutsu. In the end he requested that his family leave him alone in their mountain cabin for seven days, asking that they return on the eighth day to see the outcome. In that stillness of the mountain splendour, Master Murai meditated and experienced the art of Jin Shin Jyutsu. Each day passed on to the next, becoming conscious and unconscious with his physical body experiencing loss of heat each day. Then on the seventh day he experienced a feeling of being lifted out of a deep freeze and thrown into a furnace of fire. When this tremendous heat subsided, he felt no more discomfort. It was like the passing of a terrible storm. The quiet, the calm, and the peace encompassed his whole being. To his amazement and disbelief, he was completely healed. He immediately

dropped to his knees and thanked the Creator and vowed that he would dedicate his remaining years to the study of Jin Shin Jyutsu. He passed on his teachings to Mary Burmeister of Japanese descent who took this art to America.

Xclusive’s resident spiritual healing advisor, Sunita Teckchand owner of eSSensuals Holistic Training Institute shares her story… I have always suffered from a bad back. When I was younger, I was fanatical about sports and would push myself to extremes. I loved hockey and at the age of 13, founded the women’s hockey team of which I was captain. Soon afterward I was introduced to Squash, and I loved it so much I played almost every day. Even during my working career as a placement officer, I would play Squash daily - it was a huge part of my life. I would play competitively with other teams; however, my back problem hindered my progress. I was in so much pain, I literally lived on painkillers and my quality of life suffered as a result. Although I lived a relatively normal day, I was in severe pain and this made even the easiest of tasks difficult. I knew that playing Squash was doing more damage than good, but I could not give it up. I went for chiropractic treatments, acupuncture, physiotherapy, massages and more. Nothing really worked, however when my sister introduced me to Aromatherapy and I had a few sessions with a trained therapist, and the pain subsided, I was hooked and actually quite intrigued with essential oils and how they

LIFE | SPIRITUALITY can help alleviate pain. That’s when I studied to become a Clinical Aromatherapist in Hong Kong, my birthplace, in 1996 and moved to Dubai in 1997. After moving to Dubai and opening a specialised rehabilitation center in Jumeirah in 1999, I was overworked trying to make the business a success, putting in 12 to 13 hour days, seven days a week. Suddenly one day I felt tingling sensations running down my right arm. I ignored the sensation and put it down to exhaustion, but soon after, I wasn’t even able to hold a cup in my hand. Over a short period of time, the numbness increased to a point where I couldn’t really feel anything in my right arm except pain, rendering it useless. Following an MRI scan, along with four second opinions both from doctors here and in Hong Kong, I was advised that my only hope of recovery was immediate surgery to place a titanium plate on my cervical vertebrae, or risk being crippled for the rest of my life. By this point, I was anxious and depressed. Working with one arm was virtually impossible, and the pain in the other was excruciating. I wore a neck brace to try and alleviate some of the pain and was living on painkillers. The situation became so extreme, I was left with no choice but to sell my business as I was no longer able to treat clients. Taking charge of the situation, I called a group of healers to help me overcome my paralysis with the beautiful art of Jin Shin Jyutsu®. I received sessions daily for one month, and the codeine medication I was prescribed was thrown out after 4 days of this harmonising art. In two weeks, I felt the sensation return in my arm, and one month later, I was even better than I had been before. I have to thank all my wonderful friends for their amazing healing hands, my trust and faith in this art (it stopped me from having an invasive surgery) and most of all to thank Master JiroMurai and Mary Burmeister (my mentor) for sharing this beautiful art of benevolence to the universe. Since I discovered the art of Jin Shin Jyutsu ® I have never looked back.

The Jin Shin Jyutsu Theory: The journey lies within myself to seek that which has no beginning or ending. Exhale all skepticisms, attitudes and inhale joy, laughter, happiness in abundance. Continue smiling and exhaling.

LIFE | health and fitness

The great milk debate... Wholesome and pure or the foundation for disease? ilk – it’s the great white stuff that aids growth and gives you healthy bones and teeth, it’s central to our development and universally accepted as being unequivocally what nature has planned for every species across the board for the best start in life. Growing up, we are encouraged by our mothers, doctors and teachers to consume as much as three 8oz glasses of milk a day. Stateside, milk is associated with the all-American dream life, enhanced by the celebrity endorsed major campaigns - ‘Got Milk’ and ‘Milk Mustache’, which were primarily devised to recapture lagging sales, which have now fallen to the lowest level experienced in 30 years. Globally, 730 million tonnes of milk are consumed, which makes up 35% of the overall dairy market. With the global dairy industry expected to rake in an approximate $371 billion in 2014, it’s unsurprising that big businesses in the US are eager to keep promoting milk as the healthiest beverage we can drink, to make sure they get their fair share of those

big bucks. But surely, this multi-billion dollar generating revenue business is just the natural lucrative result of having the peoples’ best interests and welfare at heart, right? Ummm, not quite, no... Best for baby, best for you? According to extensive medical research, there are a number of reasons why cow’s milk isn’t actually intended by nature to be for human consumption. A mother’s milk is the best source of nourishment and the ideal introductory food of each species. This allows the baby to share its mother’s immune system, achieve the right balance of fats, proteins, vitamins, hormones and enzymes for development. Once the digestive tract is fully developed and the infant is weaned, the ability to actually digest milk is diminished. Although we as humans have been programmed to let a cow take over where our mothers left off, humans are not actually designed to drink the milk of another species, because every species has endemic traits that only apply to their specific type. Another fact that should be noted is that humans are the

only species on the planet that do consume cross-species milk, and the only creatures to consume milk into their adulthood. An unnatural process that we have been brainwashed to accept? It appears that the confusion arises from the similarity of components in both human and cow’s milk. Essentially the same, it’s the quantity of each that makes the difference here. So here’s the science behind it all. All cow’s milk, regular or organic has

LIFE | health and fitness

59 active hormones, and a huge amount of allergens, fat and cholesterol. The basic ingredients of milk are: zz Lactose. The quantity of lactose (milk sugar) is far greater in human milk than in cow’s milk, due to the need for humans to develop far greater brain development over animals. Galactose, a constituent of lactose, is needed to develop the myelin sheath, whose purpose is to allow impulses to transmit quickly and efficiently along the nerve cells. While human milk contains beta lactose, capable of producing and maintaining a pure bacillus bifidus flora in babies’ intestines, the contrasting

alpha lactose in cow’s milk can neither produce or maintain these flora. zz Protein. Cow’s milk typically contains two to three times more protein as human milk, consisting of 85% casein and 15% whey protein. In contrast, human milk contains 40% casein and 60% whey protein. Whey proteins are water soluble and easier to digest than casein, which forms a curd in the stomach, attributing to constipation. While the protein in human milk is almost wholly digested by infants, only half of that amount can be digested from cow’s milk. The rest is excreted as waste through the kidneys. zz Minerals. Human milk has three to four

times less the mineral content of cow’s milk. Cow’s milk contains seven times as much phosphorous and five times as much sodium. zz Fatty acids. Human milk contains seven percent of linoleic acid, while cow’s milk contains only three percent. The deficiency in cow’s milk of these essential fatty acids can cause diarrhoea, diaper rash and eczema. zz Vitamins. Human milk contains ten times the amount of Vitamin E as cow’s milk and twice the amount of Vitamin A. Let’s get serious Cow’s milk is perfect for calves, to facilitate

LIFE | health and fitness

the growth from their tiny bodies into big strong, yet slow moving, not-so-intelligent cows. It is the very essence of why we as humans should not consume it. The long and short of it is this – every milk, human or cow’s milk, contains a powerful growth hormone called IGF1. This hormone is identical in both, because newborns are supposed to grow quickly. However, when consumed in adulthood, this growth hormone not only serves to contribute to obesity, but according to medics, the IGF-1 hormone is a fuel for cancer, and a key factor in the rapid growth and propagation of breast, colon and prostrate cancers. And the doctors say... Despite the common myth that dairy is good for you, a significant number of doctors and nutritionists advise that the elimination of cow’s milk is necessary to avoid serious diseases and a whole host of other medical ailments later in life. Feel like you’ve always got a cold or some sort of sinus problem? It could be down to your dairy consumption. Dr. Christiane Northrup, from Yarmouth, Maine, says, “Dairy is a tremendous mucus producer

LIFE | health and fitness

and a burden on the respiratory, digestive and immune systems. When patients eliminate dairy products for an extended period and eat a balanced diet, they suffer less from colds and sinus infections.” Author of Don’t Drink Your Milk, Dr Frank Oski M.D., who is both the Director of the Department of Paediatrics of Johns Hopkins School of Medicine and the Physicianin-Chief of the Johns Hopkins Childrens Centre, writes in the first chapter of his book, “The fact is: the drinking of cow milk has been linked to iron-deficiency anaemia in infants and children; it has been named as the cause of cramps and diarrhoea in much of the world’s population, and the cause of multiple forms of allergy as well; and the possibility has been raised that it may play a central role in the origins of atherosclerosis and heart attacks.” Dr. William Ellis, a retired osteopathic physician and surgeon from Texas who is considered among the Leaders of American Science, has researched the effects of dairy for some 45 years, concurs with Dr. Frank, saying, “There is overwhelming evidence that milk

and milk products are harmful to many people, both adults and infants. Milk is a contributing factor in constipation, chronic fatigue, arthritis, headaches, muscle cramps, obesity, allergies and heart problems.” Death by Dairy? Across the pond, Professor Jane Plant, PhD, CBE, a British scientist and mother of two is inclined to agree. Having been initially diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 42, Jane beat the disease, only for it to aggressively return five years later in 1993. She was told she had just two months left to live. It prompted her to dissect the

cause of breast cancer, and her battle to survive against all the odds is chronicled in her book, Your Life in Your Hands. Having previously worked in the Far East, Jane and her scientist husband came to the conclusion that the cause of the disease must be connected to the western way of life, with a mortality rate of one in 12 women succumbing to breast cancer in the UK, with the comparatively low figure of one in 10,000 women in China. The one major difference they came up with was that the traditional Asian diet is void of any type of dairy produce. Prior to her first bout of cancer, Jane consumed lots of dairy products and ate organic yoghurts to cope with her gruelling chemotherapy sessions, in order to help her digestive tract recover and encourage the population of good bacteria in her gut. But after embarking on her quest to find answers and recover, Jane discovered that a 1989 study from Dr. Daniel Cramer of Harvard University actually implicated yoghurt in cases of ovarian cancer. Following these cumulative findings, Jane eliminated all dairy from her diet - not just cheese, butter and milk, but commercial soups, biscuits and cakes, and even some soya, sunflower and olive oils, which all contain some form of dairy produce. Six weeks after rejecting dairy in any form from her diet, Jane’s tumour disappeared completely. She is now 67, with two grown up children and three grandchildren. In an excerpt from her tome she writes, “I believe that identifying the link between breast cancer and dairy produce, and then developing a diet specifically targeted at maintaining the health of my breast and hormone system, cured me. It was difficult for me, as it may be for you, to accept that a substance as ‘natural’ as milk might have such ominous health implications. But I am a living proof that it works.” Got milk? Maybe you’re better off without it.

LIFE | health and fitness

Clean = Mean Machine

ince I was a teen, I have been known to embrace any diet known to man, but let’s face it, dieting is not fun. Forget the rumbling tummy that wonders whether the lack of food consumption is due to your throat being cut, there is also the fatigue, mood swings and irrational feelings of hate towards anyone eating a chocolate bar in your vicinity. Since hitting my 30s though, I have noticed a distinct sluggishness in my metabolism, which is not good because I like to eat - like a horse. So, when I was offered to try the new five day Juice and Dinner plan from Detox Delight, I’ll admit I was a little dubious – I mean living on four juices and one tiny meal a day? However, considering that the A-list like Beyoncé, Gwyneth Paltrow and Salma Hayek all swear by juice fasts to rid the body of toxins, keep svelte and have glowing skin, I decided to give it a go. Prior to embarking on the detox, I was told to prepare my body for the cleanse by reducing the consumption of meat, cheese, white flour, sweets, alcohol, caffeine and nicotine for several days before the treatment. Every day, one of these items had to be omitted and I had to take steps to change my daily diet to lighter food like steamed vegetables or fish. Two days before the detox began, I was recommended to relax my digestive system and have fruit or vegetables (steamed, as soup or raw)

with some rice or potatoes if I felt hungry. Only light exercise was advised throughout (easy!) and I was also advised to consider going for colon hydrotherapy to cleanse the bowel, but given that I barely have time to sleep, let alone go anywhere, I decided to forego that option. Day One The meal package arrived from Detox Delight, with detoxing tips and a lovely letter of encouragement from the team there, Claudia and Nicole, but I’ll be honest, what I found inside my bag left me anything but delighted, despite the beautiful packaging. Four bottles of juice, a detox tea (enough for the week) and two small boxes containing my evening meal to me, does not constitute a day’s nutrition. The first juice of the day was the detox lemonade made from apple, water, grapefruit (yuck) and obviously lemon. It was like being slapped in the face and given a backhander. Believe me, if this doesn’t wake you up, nothing will. The ‘Orange Detox’ made from apple, carrot, cucumber, yellow capsicum, white cabbage and lemon, however it sounds, was much better. Now by this point, it’s not that I was hungry - I wasn’t, but I missed the ritual of eating, especially when the other girls in the office were eating McDonald’s breakfasts, French toast and pastries around me. Did I want to hit them? Not

LIFE | health and fitness

yet, I deduced, so I continued to plough on. By 2pm, I was less enthusiastic, especially given that all I had to look forward to was the ‘Pink Detox’ made from apples, blue grapes, red cabbage, lemon, rose water and beetroot. It was very pretty but looks turned out to be deceiving in this case, and with a headache now from the caffeine withdrawal and the overwhelming need to power nap, I was not happy at all. By 4pm it was time for the green juice, which despite its contrastingly questionable appearance to the pink, was not that bad, made from green apple, kiwi, orange, leaf spinach, cucumber and chlorella. Hurrah! At 6pm, it was at last time for real food! Indian pakorah bites with pea-mint dip and marinated mango-avocado salad. It really was as yummy as it sounds – I just wish there had been more, not because there wasn’t enough to fill me up, but because I am a glutton. Staring miserably at the empty boxes around me and now just a litre of water to get me through the night, I weighed up the next four days and the very real possibility of caving.

Day two continued much the same way, except my stomach was bloated, which I was advised is a very natural side effect of the detoxification process, although I felt marginally less tired. I was still craving food more the feeling of mastication I think, I was moody and I still couldn’t go through with drinking an entire pink juice, but of course by dinner time, everything was better again. When I woke up on day three, I noticed that instead of the usual delay in getting out of bed, I felt ready to start my day – amazing, given that I am not a morning person. At all. I felt happy, energetic, long and lean. Nonetheless, the thought of having to face another day of the same juices filled me with dread and I resolved to give up. Almost sensing my despair, my Detox Delight buddies threw me a curveball with the day’s package that served to pick me up again. The bottles were all the same colour, but the ingredients different. The Spicy Detox lemonade was much better received, with apple, water, lemon and red chilli. I still liked the orange best, this time with orange, carrot, ginger and aloe vera. The pink, made from

apple, pear, orange, beetroot and ginger was much easier to drink but it was now the green, made from apple, fennel, spinach, cucumber, lime and mint, and tasted like pickles (I love pickles by the way), that I had a problem with. Eating a single pickle is good. Drinking 500ml of pickle juice is not. Later that day though, while eating my red bell pepper quiche, which was more a savoury cheesecake, I decided to stop whingeing. I hadn’t felt this energetic in years. I almost felt superhuman - almost. Day FIVE The end! I was again sent a nice little message from Claudia and Nicole saying they have hoped that I had enjoyed the treatment. I guess I did. Not so much the juices, but the feeling that I felt after that third day – it was almost euphoric, and I would probably try it again just for that. More importantly though, the process re-educated me about my relationship with food. I don’t feel the need to stuff myself to feel satisfied, and all said and done, regardless how crazy celebrities may seem, in this case, they may just be on to something.

LIFE | ART DUBAI

Art of Dubai aving fully established itself as a cultural hub, Dubai’s art scene is thriving now more than ever. Kicking off with SIKKA from March 14-24, under the patronage of HH Sheikh Majed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the event’s third edition will be showcased at the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood (formerly known as Bastakayia). It’s an entirely commissioned programme of visual arts from UAE based designers and artists, a celebration of sorts, which incorporates outdoor film screenings, live music and

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CRYSTALLINE

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LIFE | ART DUBAI

entertainment, cultural walks, artist-led talks, workshops and educational activities, plus an open-studios exhibition from the Artists-in-Residence (A.i.R) Dubai. SIKKA is also the initial site for the pop up initiative, the dXb store, where jewellery pieces and limited edition objects are also showcased. In between, be sure to take a trip to Design Days Dubai (from March 1821), where interior design aficionados can quench their thirst for bespoke collectibles and furniture, with luxury brands like Van Cleef and Arpels and Moissonnier, providing inspiration in a major way. The overlapping Art Dubai 2013, which is back for its seventh instalment this year from March 20-23, is probably the most highly anticipated cultural event in the MENASA region. With all three events combined, Dubai is set to welcome thousands of visitors from all over the world. Art Dubai will play host to 75 galleries from 30 different countries, with

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a total of over 500 artists, to celebrate the diversity of the global art scene. Under the patronage of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, Art Dubai has continued to grow into a regional festival which caters to all ages. While art and culture appears to be a passion for the royals of the UAE, with HH Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s Photography Award making a reappearance for the third time, this year will also see the launch of Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s Little Artists project,

specifically for children aged 3-14. The object is to allow the younger generation to participate and attend workshops from Moroccan based trilingual children’s art education specialists, Zid Zid kids, who last year collaborated with famed French-born Moroccan artist, Yto Barrada, and Louis Vuitton for the critically acclaimed Morocco to the Moon project. With limitless bounds to artistic impression on the agenda, Art Dubai, encompasses all forms of expression on a multi-media platform, designed to satiate the most perspicacious of cultural appetites. This year will see a dedicated radio station

LIFE | ART DUBAI

set up at the fair’s headquarters at the Madinat Jumeirah, where London-based radio producer and presenter, Fario Bradley, will be interviewing curators and artists throughout to showcase local and regional talent on a global platform through a live radio web stream. A travelling gallery known as the M.A.G will deliver the delights of contemporary art on a broader

platform, via its pop-up gallery on-board a truck. Another exciting addition is the transformation of an ordinary stairwell that has been curated by Egyptian Artist Maha Maamoun, to become an intimate space for film and video, called The Hatch. It will serve as the backdrop to the work of four artists, whose videos will be shown throughout April at the uber cool Pavilion, Downtown. Doing what we do best, meaning a bigger, better way to do things, Art Dubai’s 2013 offering incorporates an inaugural exhibition of large works on the beach at the Mina A’ Salam. Given the abundance of sand in the region, it’s fitting that this should be the material of choice for such a project. The ‘Sculpture on the Beach’’ will be curated by Chus Martinez, hailed for her inspiring abilities as the chief curator of El Musio del Barrio, New York’s leading Latino cultural institution.

Perhaps the jewel in the crown for this cultural fest is the critically acclaimed Global Art Forum, which is considered the leading platform for cultural discussion and debate. This year, the topic is ‘Definitionism’. The allure of this particular chapter of the event is the multi-faceted response it receives. While artists are obvious participants, musicians, museum directors, strategists, writers and thinkers all come together for six days of live talks, with commissioned works and research featured throughout. Art Dubai’s Global Art Forum_7, is presented by the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture), and is held in partnership with Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art (Qatar Museums Authority). It starts in Doha (March 1718, 2013) before continuing at Art Dubai. Global Art Forum_7 is titled ‘It Means This’ and features over 40 contributors, which include culturally diverse and well-known names like R.E.M.’s lead singer Michael Stipe and Dubai-based political scientist, Dr. Abdulkhaleq Abdulla, which, on the whole, perfectly epitomises the cultural and cosmopolitan melting pot that is Dubai.

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LIFE | FOOD

BUNCH Decor: Despite its home at the Atlantis, Palm Jumeirah, Saffron cannot be described as opulent or even remotely chic. It’s a large expanse of Formica and bright lights, which looks like a sort of upmarket diner-cum-disco, however, the food takes centre stage here, so you are unlikely to notice. AMBIENCE: The Friday tradition of brunch in the UAE is a strong one, and definitely a major contributing factor to the famous ‘Dubai stone’ that everyone puts on after they arrive in the region. Saffron is the self proclaimed ‘Best Brunch in Dubai’, and in all fairness, it is definitely up there with the most renowned in the city. It’s a strictly adult affair with an over 21 policy and turning up late is at your own detriment, as the time passes all too quickly. At the opening time of 12.30, the main dining area was already bustling with activity – Saffron appears to be popular venue for birthday parties and mixed groups of expat singles, and just fifteen short minutes later, it was packed to the rafters, with guests spilling out on to the terrace. Ever-increasing in popularity, we were told of plans for expansion even further in to the grounds. Refreshingly, the many staff present were friendly, attentive and eager to

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please, displaying impeccable customer service. With grooves from the 70s and 80s blaring through the speakers, this can only be described as an all out party of mass proportions, so it’s not for the shy, retiring types who are looking for a quiet Friday afternoon. The Food: With live stations serving up 220 different dishes, including everything from fresh seafood, European fare, including a good old British Carvery, breakfast dishes like Eggs Benedict, Thai, Chinese, Indian, Sushi, Salads and everything in between, even the most discerning foodie will be baffled as to where to begin, and it’s quite easy to feel overwhelmed. With the mass production of dishes being churned out throughout the three and a half hour brunch, you could be forgiven for thinking that as appetising as it all looks; quality is likely to be compromised. In some cases, this is true. Being of Indian heritage myself, and I may be overly-critical here, the main dishes from the Indian subcontinent like Biriyani, and the various curries on offer weren’t up to scratch in authenticity, and were a little on the bland side. However, the Indian snacks like the vegetable samosas were much better - mini delights of perfection encased in a light and crisp pastry.

come hungry: With 220 dishes on offer at Saffron, you’ll be spoilt for choice with just about everything you could ever dream of on the menu.

LIFE | FOOD

It’s abundantly clear that this brunch’s strong point lies in its Far East Asian dishes, all of which, from noodles to Satay, are lip-smackingly awesome. So much so, you might wonder why Saffron doesn’t scale down their brunch to deliver the cuisine they do best. Be sure to try the dim sum – it’s quite possibly the best we have ever tried – if you don’t, see it as a huge culinary opportunity missed. Similarly, the desert station deserves a huge mention, ticking all the boxes for the sweetest of teeth – from crepes to a chocolate fountain, a vast array of cakes and pastries, and toffee apples that invoke feelings of nostalgia from the funfairs back home. Ironically, given the vast amount of food on offer, people don’t go to Saffron to eat, with the lion’s share of the crowd’s attention going to the ubiquitous drinks

stations positioned throughout. Here you will find especially concocted beverages served in pineapples, coconuts and shot glasses. The Saffron brunch is more about the atmosphere, so if you’re in the mood to totally let your hair down after a hard week at work, this is the place to be. Verdict: A gathering of Dubai’s party massive on an epic scale!

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LIFE | FOO D

A Gastronomic Journey... Whether at home or on vacation, these LIFE — FOOD eats are sure to tickle the tastebuds of even the most discerning gourmet connoisseur...

LOS ANGELES When you’re looking for a light meal, soup is usually a good choice. But at the Crustacean in Beverly Hills, the Vietnamese staple, Pho, in this case renamed AnQi Pho and created by House of An restaurateurs, will also relieve you of the weight in your wallet, priced at $5000 a bowl. A5 Waygu beef mixed with white alba truffles, and noodles made from rare blue lobster meat all complimenting each other in a luxurious foie gras broth is what makes up this hefty sum, but with all proceeds from the dish going to benefit the Children’s Hospitals of LA and Orange County, this is feel-good dining for hearts as big as their bank balance.

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NEW YORK When it comes to good food, big portions and innovative extravagance, the Big Apple boasts not one but two of the most expensive dishes in the world. Breakfast: They say that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and at Norma’s at the Le Parker Meridien, it’s taken VERY seriously. The aptly named Zillion Dollar Lobster Frittata is the ultimate start to the day, costing a mere $1,000. Bring an appetite and plenty of time to graze over this extravagant dish, made from six eggs, a generous smattering of lobster claws and ten ounces of Beluga caviar.

Dessert: When weeping into a tub of Ben & Jerry’s simply won’t mend that broken heart and you need a more luxe way to move on, Serendipity 3 in NYC has the remedy to make you whole again, with their recordbreaking $25,000 Frrrozen Haute Chocolate. The sundae, made from a blend of 28 cocoas, infused with five grams of edible 23-carat gold and a La Madeleine au Truffle from Knipschildt Chocolatier on the side, which retails for $2,600 a pound, still might leave you wondering about the massive price tag. However, the take-home souvenirs include the gold and diamond encrusted spoon and goblet set the dessert is served in, plus an 18-carat gold bracelet with a carat’s worth of diamonds. Given the whole thing isn’t edible, it sounds like a recordbreaking cheat to us.

THAILAND Feeling sleepy? Here’s a caffeine fix you won’t forget! Anantara resorts in Thailand have come up with their own blend of coffee beans called Black Ivory, which are eaten and digested by elephants, before being excreted, cleaned and processed into coffee grinds. The need for this painstaking process is that once the elephants eat the coffee, its stomach acid breaks down the protein that contributes to the bitter taste in regular coffee, resulting in a smooth cup that has been described as having notes of ‘milk chocolate, that is nutty and earthy with hints of spice and red berries.’ At $50 a serving, and $1,100 per kg, currently only available in luxury hotels in Thailand, the Maldives and Abu Dhabi, we’ll take their word for it!

LIFE | FOOD

DUBAI Renowned for doing it bigger and better than anyone else, it’s unsurprising that Dubai would feature on the list of the most expensive eats. With the cupcake having become something of a national treasure in Dubai, Bloomsbury at Dubai Mall decided to capitalise on its biggest asset, and come up with a confection called The Golden Phoenix. However, unlike other outlets that adorn their cakes with diamonds and inedible ingredients to bump up their price, Bloomsbury’s version can be devoured in its entirety, made from a full 23-carats of edible gold sheets, Doves organic flour, Rachel’s organic butter, Premium Amedei Porcelena cocoa and gold Ugandan high-quality vanilla beans, all for the princely sum of Dhs3,700.

ITALY We love a pizza night as much as the next person, but at the price of $12,000, we might think twice. In Salerno, Italy, Chef Renato Viola has concocted a rather posh version of this family favourite called the Louis XIII, topped with three types of caviar, shrimp, lobster, squid, organic mozzarella, and pink Australian sea salt. There’s no fear of this getting cold before you get to it though, as it’s assembled and prepared at your home by a team of catering staff, including a sommelier, despatched to your residence with just 72 hours notice.

LONDON To coincide with the DVD release of Slumdog Millionaire back in 2009, Chef Prahlad Hegde ironically created the most expensive curry in the world. The Samundari Khazana (meaning treasures of the sea) at upmarket Indian eatery, Bombay Brasserie, comes with the whopping price tag of $3,200. Made up of a full Scottish lobster coated with gold, four abalone, four shelled and hollowed out quails eggs filled with Beluga caviar, Devon crab, white truffle, half a tomato filled with more caviar, and lashings of edible gold, this is a curry fit for a king.

LAS VEGAS If you happen to be in Vegas and hit the jackpot, this is the meal a real man should celebrate with! An over the top version of the humble Hamburger, the FleurBurger 5000, is a concoction from Michelin star chef, Hubert Keller, quite simply named after the establishment it’s served in, the Fleur de Lys in Mandalay Bay, and its whopping cost. So what makes up a $5,000 burger? Kobe beef, black truffles and foie gras, served on a brioche truffle bun, with a side of crisp fries and a rare bottle of Chateau Petrus 1990. You’ll also get a certificate of authenticity delivered to your home, so you can show all your friends. Cue gasps of awe or absolute incredulity.

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LIFE | ENTERTAINMENT

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In a Flash

LIFE | ENTERTAINMENT

Xclusive went behind the scenes at FLASH Entertainment’s HQ in Abu Dhabi, to speak to the man himself, CEO John Lickrish, the driving force behind Abu Dhabi’s A-list attractions... Were you always destined to be in the entertainment business? I think so; I remember being the kid in school that everyone would ask, ‘What’s this song,’ or ‘any new cool bands coming up?’ I was really into music but possessed no musical talent whatsoever, so I knew that some way or another I would get into the entertainment industry. During my college years, I started organising events and just saw it as an easy way of making money, and it was, but unfortunately it was all for the benefit for the fraternity I was in. We lived in subsidised housing so all the extra money we made went into helping out the brothers who lived there. How did you make FLASH the successful company it is today? It was tough. Dubai had done a few events, like Duran Duran who had been here a few years before FLASH was born. I remember, the first thing I did when I got here was to contact every label and agent I knew and didn’t know, travelled to London for four days for half hour meetings at a time all day long, I wrote letters to all the big agencies, and agents within those agencies to let them know our strategy, and then went to LA, met with everyone that would see me and promoted the Emirate. It was a five

year plan, a lot of leg work, a lot of phone calls and a lot of disappointments, but I think we managed to establish ourselves as being the celebrity hub in the region. How did you ensure that FLASH became internationally recognised with A-list artists? Our success began promoting the city. The crowds were there, we were seen as being people who knew what they were doing, artists were being paid on time, so really, all of the elements that the artists is interested in. Word of mouth was the driving tool of our success. What were the biggest challenges you had to face? It was hard to get into the minds of the agents, and convince people that there was a long-term agenda here, and along the way there are conflicts you have with people and sometimes it doesn’t matter how much you plan, everything changes. How do you keep a cool head when everyone around you is losing theirs? It’s a built-in mechanism. If I see people panicking around me, I tend to pull back and go into logical mode and calm down. I’m not always successful, but for the majority of

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LIFE | ENTERTAINMENT the time, I feel like if I lose my cool, it only serves to escalate people’s emotions. Do you believe that you have to be ruthless in order to succeed? I have a very distinct vision of FLASH, of what it is and what it wants to be. We just do our job and I wouldn’t say it’s ruthless, just obvious. How do you achieve a work/life balance? My wife understands my job, knows that I have to work late and doesn’t scream and shout about it. I try to get up in the morning to play with the kids, and every Saturday I play golf, but it is hard. What is a typical day like for you? If it’s event day I try and sleep in actually but with two small sons who are up at 7am, that’s not always possible. There have been times when I have been on the phone for 18 hours, resolving issues and that’s tough. But usually, I start going through my mails at 8am, get into the office by 9 and work here until 7 or 8pm, then straight on to some agents in LA for a couple of hours. I’m usually done by 10.30 or 11pm. Event days are actually easier, more stress, but easier. What is the best thing about your job? I really love my job and I do it because I’m passionate about it. I think that the best thing is when you look into the audience at an event and you

John Lickrish CEO Flash Entertainment

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LIFE | ENTERTAINMENT

Xclusive’s quick fire 5 How do you celebrate after an event? I like to spend some time by myself for about 20 minutes or so and just reminisce about the good parts of organising the event. Where do you see yourself in ten years time? Doing every event in every country in the world.

Images: Getty images and Kader Pattambi

If you could change one thing in the world, what would it be? I’d take away money and get rid of poverty. If you could have anything in the world right now, what would it be? More vacation and more time would be nice! What’s your motto in life? Never give up.

see people really enjoying themselves. Like for me, all I am always thinking about are the things I want to do with my family, not just how I want to play with my kids, but moreover, ‘How am I going to protect them, are they doing well in school, are they going to be healthy?’ When I’m at work there are always things to deal with, and I think that when you are at a show, enjoying the music, all of that goes away and you’re able to just enjoy the moment. Which artist was your personal favourite? Eric Clapton, because it was just so easy. Tickets just moved, there were 15,000 people there and he’s amazing. I actually got to enjoy the show. What has been the most memorable moment of your career? The Andrea Bocelli and Coldplay show we did right at the beginning. It was the best and the worst experience. To get both these

artists took a huge effort, both couldn’t do the date and then then they were coming on the same day. We finally managed to squeeze it all in by arranging for them to play back to back, but when I told the production guys they were like ‘this is impossible’, but they did it. And when it happened despite the wind, the rain and against all the odds, it was the most amazing event. What was your inspiration to make FLASH a success? I took my inspiration from the scene in Rumble In The Jungle, when George Foreman was just pummelling Ali in the first round, and Ali is shaking his head, gathering his inner strength and telling himself, ‘You gotta do what you gotta do’. It’s something that resonated within me, and every morning I would look at myself in the mirror and shake my head like Ali and tell myself ‘you’ve got to do this, you’ve got to go’. It was two months of the most intense work of my life and above all I think it was a fear of failing that made me succeed.

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LIFE | SPACE HOTEL

A Room with a View

s far-fetched as it may have sounded when we were younger, space travel has now become an imminent reality. Barcelona firm Galactic Suite Group Ltd, headed up by former aerospace engineer, Xavier Claramunt, revealed grand plans to open the world’s first space resort back in 2009, claiming that the Galactic Suite Space

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Resort would be welcoming its first guests at the out-of-this-world accommodation in 2012. While this groundbreaking event obviously hasn’t occurred, with the complexities of this ambitious project being cited as the reason, the orbital hotel is likely to open its doors in 2014, with passengers transported via British tycoon Richard Branson’s Virgin Galactic for just $200,000.

LIFE | SPACE HOTEL While a three night stay will set you back a mere $4.4 million, the price also includes an intensive eight week training course on a tropical island, before being launched to the Galactic Suite Space Resort, a journey which takes another day and a half. In theory, the pods which make up the boutique hotel will be launched from separate rocket missions and joined up in space, where it will orbit the earth 451 km above the earth’s surface, with a design that can be modified and expanded upon. And as is the case with the best hotel rooms on earth, you pay for the view something that is abundantly clear here. The four passengers aboard each single pod, will be privy to witnessing an astonishing 15 sunrises a day, while travelling around the world every 80 minutes. Probably a small price to pay in return is the fact that guests have to consume pre-cooked food prepared on Earth and then reheated, and that to take a shower, “guests will enter a spa room in which bubbles of water will float around,” explained Xavier. However, a major spanner in the works remains the toilet. “It’s the bathrooms in zero gravity that are the biggest challenge,” he added. “How to accommodate the more intimate activities of the guest is not easy.” Analysts have been sceptical about the project from the start, claiming that Galactic’s initial time frame and the gargantuan cost involved wouldn’t see the proposal come to

The world is no longer big enough for a holiday and the race is on to open the first hotel in Space, and capitalise on this very lucrative step for the hospitality industry. 113

LIFE | SPACE HOTEL

fruition, and so far, they have been right. Regardless, Xavier Claramunt remains optimistic, disclosing that the investment of an anonymous multi-billion dollar space enthusiast means that the project is only getting bigger and better despite the delays. Recent reports suggesting that the firm have gone one step further from the original plan, by adding a fifth module called the ‘Star Gate’, so passengers can go for short spacewalks or EVAs (Extra Vehicular Activities). The idea is to provide the ultimate experience of being close to both the stars and the Earth with no other protection other than the space suit (Oo-er, a little scary, but awesome nonetheless). There is of course a premium attached to this additional extra, and opting for it doesn’t necessarily mean that you will be able to go. This is due to the risk assessment factor for some individuals who will have to undergo another bout of training to qualify, mainly due to the higher exposure of radiation you are subjected to during the spacewalk. For the same reason, the spacewalk will be a short one, to avoid the chances of collisions with micrometeorites. “It will be brief but intense,” said Xavier. “The idea is to get closer to the fabulous brightness of the stars, and the vertigo of floating above the Earth.” Given the delays of Galactic’s venture, and the infancy of commercial space travel, which will be a very lucrative one once the hospitality industry manages to launch there (sorry, couldn’t help it), Galactic’s biggest rival is Russian design company, Orbital Technologies, who also plan

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to open a luxurious orbiting hotel by 2016. The Russians already possess a solid infrastructure when it comes to Space technology, with the International Space Station already in existence for use by astronauts and cosmonauts. In contrast, the space hotel, which will be known as the Commercial Space Station, will hover 349km into the Earth’s orbit, and is capable of accommodating seven tourists at a time in four cabins. Gourmet meals (again reheated after being prepared on Earth), will feature delicacies like braised veal cheeks with wild mushrooms, white bean puree, potato soup and plum compote. Guests can also sip iced tea, mineral water and fruit juice, with a strict ban on any harder beverages. The Russians also appear to have worked out the toilet conundrum

as well, with the aid of flowing air instead of water to move waste through the system. CEO of Orbital Technologies, Sergei Kostenko said, “Our planned module inside will not remind you of the International Space Station. A hotel should be comfortable inside, and it will be possible to look at the Earth through large portholes. The hotel will be aimed at wealthy individuals and people working for private companies who want to do research in space.” While the downside is that the journey to the hotel aboard a Soyuz rocket will take two days; for the bargain price of $165, 418, for a five day stay, non-inclusive of the cost of travel aboard the rockets, which will set you back another $827,091, we might wait a couple of years and take the whole family.

LIFE | SPACE HOTEL

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LIFE | hot this month ...

Dubai World Cup 116

LIFE | hot this month ...

he 18th edition of the richest horse race in the world is due to be held at the prestigious Meydan Racecourse on the 30th of this month. Annually held on the last Saturday in March, the races, with a purse of $10 million, are synonymous with wealth and equestrian excellence, attracting riders competing for the cup from all over the globe. Established in 1996 by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum, Prime Minister and Vice President of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai, the Races initially took place at the International Village at the Nad al Sheba Racecourse until 2009, before moving to the new Meydan Racecourse in 2010. It has only served to get better every year. This year, the race attracted a total of 272 nominees from 11 different countries at the closing of the free nominations, in contrast to the 87 horses nominated in 2002. Martin Talty, International Manager of the Dubai Racing Club said, “The nominations shouldn’t be used as an assessment of the quality of the ultimate field, but the large increases over the years do serve to demonstrate the status that the flagship race, and indeed all the races on the Dubai World Cup day, has attained all over the world.” While the attraction for participants is evident, the races are also regarded as one of the biggest highlights on Dubai’s social calendar, bringing about a sense of camaraderie among its residents, who turn up dressed to the nines, with a view to winning the various prizes on offer at the Jaguar Stakes, a fashion competition for the Best Hat, Best Dressed Lady, Best Dressed Couple, Best Dressed Man, Most Creative Hat and Longines Most Elegant Lady. Hospitality suites equipped with the finest food and drink ensure that the viewing pleasure of the races is second to none, while the Bubble Lounge is a legend unto itself. The actual racing of horses aside, the World Cup is also famous for its amazing visual entertainment. Last year, the opening ceremony featured an amazing nine minutes of synchronised fireworks from Prisme International, the same company responsible for lighting up the Burj Khalifa in spectacular fashion during its inauguration, while dancers complemented the show by dancing on either side of the big screen - themselves invisible, but their glow in the dark suits providing a perfectly choreographed and breathtaking display. However, given that the event is televised all over the world, could that ever be enough for Dubai? It seems not, as silhouetted aerobatics courtesy of Skydive Dubai whizzed past the grandstand. To top it all off, a 40-person flash mob dressed in race gear concluded the extravaganza. Later, another amazing firework display lit up the sky for five minutes, before Unbreak My Heart songstress, Toni Braxton wowed the crowds and officially ended the evening. This year, multi-million selling artist, Anastasia will provide the celebrity entertainment to conclude the races, but given that Dubai only knows how to get bigger and better with everything we do, we can’t wait for the races to blow the world away once again.

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LIFE | CHARITY

Oil Baron’s Charity Ball IT’S ONE OF THE MOST HIGHLY ANTICIPATED EVENTS ON THE DUBAI CALENDAR, BUT WHILE IT’S FULL OF FUN AND ENTERTAINMENT, THE organisers of the OIL BARON’S CHARITY BALL DOES MUch more than just put on a great party, pouring a mammoth effort into supporting its main cause, the Friends of Cancer Patients Charity,,,

How long does it take to organise the OBB? I’d say we start planning the event about 12 months in advance. In the last month before the event its quite easy to be on the ground at the Meydan racecourse at least 3 times a week. It’s a lot of effort on everyone’s part, but it’s very satisfying when it all comes together. OBCB supports Friends of Cancer Patients. What is the history behind this particular chosen charity? Cancer is one disease that affects everybody- it doesn’t just happen to one person, but also happens to the patient’s family, friends and the wider community. The FOCP is notable because it assists patients irrespective of their creed or race. They provide patients with medical and financial support, as well as emotional support. How does OBCB physically support this cause? Every year, we visit the children from the FOCP at their oncology wards. We bring presents, and for the children who are well enough, we have organised excursions to Fun City. This year, we took a group of 10 children to Ski Dubai to visit the penguins! Because these visits are a regular occurrence, we’ve developed personal relationships with the children and it’s inspiring to see them beat cancer and flourish.

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2012 Oil Baron Alistair Davidson

Winner of the Best Dressed Lady 2012

OBCB organiser , Robyn Sokol

OBB has been going for the last decade, what is it that you think has always made it a success? The uniqueness of the event. This is the only event of its kind that recognises an individual from the oil and gas industry. In fact, we have patented the title of “Oil Baron” so there are only a handful of people that can legitimately go by that accolade! Since DMG took over, what has been the most memorable moment? At the OBCB in 2012, we raised AED 1 million for the FOCP. It was a memorable night because

it was so unexpected. I have a lot of gratitude for the people who turned up and contributed! What are OBCB’s fundamental principles? We first and foremost recognise an individual in the oil and gas industry which is such a big part of the identity of this region, and it’s important to highlight the contributions it makes to the community. The charity aspect is also an important part of the OBCB — though it’s a fun night where business people can network, it’s also an opportunity for us to do some good and give back to the community.

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