Browsing Tag

Dubai

Veganuary at The Four Seasons

Posted on January 16, 2019

It’s pretty self-explanatory, but Veganuary is a month-long pledge throughout the month of January where people try and live a more vegan lifestyle. The Four Seasons in Jumeirah is putting a precedence on wellness and nutrition and has decided to adopt this trend in one of its restaurants this month, which in my view, is fab news.

Let’s face it, adopting a plant-based diet with no meat, no dairy and no animal products can be for some, pretty tricky. I’m a vegetarian but I couldn’t imagine what my diet would look like if I gave up milk, eggs and bread… so I was intrigued to check out just what a vegan brekkie looks (tastes) like.

Their new ‘Get The Glow’ vegan menu unveiled this month at The Pearl Courtyard and I have to say, I was very impressed. (Check it out further down) My favourites are the Turmeric Quinoa Granola, Baobab Blueberry Yoghurt and the Superfruit Salad, share all three over a pot of England’s finest and you’ve got my winning strategy.

“Realizing the importance of a healthy and holistic lifestyle, Executive Chef Gilles has curated a dedicated menu rich in vitamins, antioxidants, minerals and nutrients which is skillfully prepared to create positive, and long-lasting change and promote overall health. Using fresh and seasonal produce sourced from a local organic farm, Chef Gilles aims to change the way we view food without compromising on the flavour.” …and he’s not wrong, with a menu like that, there really is something for everyone and I can definitely recommend it as a healthy hotspot.

Here’s what they’re serving…

Don’t miss out!

travel

Four Seasons at Anahita, Mauritius

Posted on July 3, 2018

It’s always been on my list, as most tropical islands are, but Mauritius always seemed just a little too far away for a weekend escape. I was very wrong… Only a 6 hour flight from Dubai, heading towards South Africa in an A380, Mauritius is as easy to access as Europe. Factor in the travel time it takes you to reach most hotels from the airport in other destinations like Sri Lanka and Thailand, you’re looking at a shorter total travel time with the Four Seasons at Anahita.

Welcomed to the island just as the sun was starting to set, a permanent coastal breeze breathes life into any tired soul. The coastal road to the resort is winding yet wonderful, with views of both mountains and sugar cane fields as far as the eye can see. There’s no beaches as such, but surrounding the island is the reef with a distant surf constantly cresting.

The Four Seasons at Anahita is as luxurious as one would imagine of the brand, but it’s the deep blue extended oceanscape that seems to start almost as immediately as you set foot inside the reception. Bungalows rather than rooms await your arrival, boasting plunge pools and ever so greatly received, motorised mosquito nets over the doors, so that your ocean experience continues well past the sun going down. I must admit, it’s been a long while since I fell asleep to the sound of waves gently lapping at the shoreline.

Featuring 3 very distinct and different restaurants catering to your cultural and dietary needs, from Mauritian flavours and seafood BBQ’s, to an exquisite Italian that boasts the best tiramisu on the island, as well as a customary buffet for travellers who can’t decide which flavour suits them best. The Four Seasons at Anahita has a wealth of experience at persuading its guests to fully relax and enjoy their break.

With plenty to keep you occupied too, there’s a whole host of activities in the resort that will allow you to fully take advantage of your R&R. A tennis court, luxury gym and length pool, outdoor boxing set up, bikes as well as a wealth of water sports. There’s no excuse for boredom, but then again, we don’t ever really switch off do we? If anywhere is going to help convince you, this resort is.

Fitness

Adidas X Parley: Run for the Oceans

Posted on June 25, 2018

Hundreds turned out at 5.30am last Friday morning at Nessnass Beach to support the global adidas X Parley initiative ‘Run for the Oceans’. Running not just to raise awareness, each attendee collected kilometres which translated into $’s on their ‘runtastic’ APP.

We made it down to run with the crowds amidst 38* heat and what felt like almost 100% humidity, sweating for a cause. It’s a campaign that’s very close to my heart, I believe it’s also something that everyone can take part in, not just on a run or at an event, but in all aspects of life. There is no ‘away’ so it’s important to make smart and sustainable choices when you shop!

Say no to plastic bags at the supermarket, single use plastic bottles at the gym and aim to reduce, reuse & recycle.

Why is it important?

One pair of UltraBOOST prevents approx. 11 plastic bottles from entering our oceans, this sock-like upper is made from Parley Ocean Plastic™️; upcycled plastic waste that is intercepted before it reaches the oceans. In 2017 alone adidas Running created over 1 million pairs of UltraBOOST Parley, preventing an estimated 11 million plastic bottles from entering our oceans. For 2018, adidas will build on this achievement and continue to fight against marine plastic pollution by transforming the threat into a thread.

What’s new?

adidas has launched them in a new Deep Ocean Blue colourway inspired by the depths of the Mariana Trench to creatively express that marine plastic pollution is not just a surface level problem, it impacts the ocean’s entire ecosystem.

fashion

Boho Summer’s with Dunesi

Posted on June 7, 2018

This summer’s gunna hurt like a mother f**cker, but you can still make sure you look the part. Dunesi is Dubai’s homegrown boutique resort wear brand that is well loved by Dubai’s instagram favourites. The summer collection includes a range of boho chic dresses, printed tunics, two pieces and statement accessories, all perfect for wherever you jet off during Eid.

Also a big supporter of ethical manufacturing, every item in the collection is produced right here in the UAE and only in limited numbers to reduce wastage.

We caught up with Founder and Managing Director, Hanne Ripsaluoma; who is currently dividing her time between Dubai, Finland, Spain and Chile, as travelling and exploring is one of her passions. “I always get inspired in new places, whether it’s a city, beach or a restaurant that I have never been to before” she explains.

What is the key direction for your SS18 collection

We wanted to continue with the floaty, boho styles that are perfect also for the summer whether you are in Dubai, Ibiza, Bali or the Hamptons. The latest dresses are made of cotton and chiffon, which are comfortable in the summer temperatures. They are casual yet chic, with our usual breezy twist.

What/where/who are your designs influenced by?

As a brand, it was heavily influenced by the love I have for Dubai and its beaches and the surrounding desert, those continue to be the main inspiration for the designs too. We also want to create clothes that give you that lovely “holiday feeling”, bringing back memories from vacations. We always use bright coloured prints in our range because that’s what we are drawn to in the lovely, constant sunshine that we live in.

Who’s the Dunesi woman

She’s a little boho herself, loves the outdoors, spends time with her family and friends on the beach and eating “al fresco”. She comes from anywhere in the world, cares about our planet, is full of life and wanderlust and is always making memories.

What does Dunesi mean?

I come from Finland and in Finnish “unesi” means “your dream”, we then added D for Dubai and made up Dunesi which fittingly has ‘dunes” in it too… your Dubai dream.

Have you any plans to make the brand more eco-friendly / sustainable?

Being sustainable is a big part of our philosophy. Dunesi is a member of 1% for the Planet organization (one of only two in the UAE!), donating 1% of revenue towards protecting our planet. We don’t use any plastic in our packaging, our delivery packages are made of recycled paper as is also our jewellery range (in collaboration with Agulu Paperbeads). We are also currently looking for and testing some natural materials to use in the next collection.

fashion

OHOY: Swimming in Plastic

Posted on December 7, 2017

Founded by locally based Scandinavians Henna and Anna, OHOY is the uber chic and ethical solution to our summer’s, created with the ocean in mind. Their one-pieces boasting the hottest SS18 shades are on our wishlist this season, as we salute these ladies for their environmentally friendly approach to our favourite piece of clothing.

Famed for their intentional simplicity and feminine yet modern lines, we are looking North for our latest fashion fix, as the Scandinavian’s are some of the most sought after designers around right now.

All OHOY products are produced from plastic and fishing nets collected from the sea & recycled into luxurious Italian fabrics and to top it off… made here in the U.A.E..

Tested in real-life conditions and leading the way in terms of material too, as they are twice as resistant to chlorine, sun creams and oils, when compared with other fabrics.

Fitness

Crossfit with the Fittest Women Alive

Posted on November 30, 2017

Total inspiration… Having won the Reebok Crossfit Games 2017, Tia Toomey is officially classed as the Fittest Women Alive, so when Reebok and the new Goldbox gym in Business Bay brought her across to help us all get a bit more physical during the Dubai Fitness Challenge, I was initially in two minds.

Not usually a Crossfit fan, (I’ve maybe only tried it once or twice in the past) I can’t say a morning of burpees and squats amongst a room full of Crossfit instructors was quite my #morningmotivation, but I wanted to hear from the once Olympic weightlifter about her shift in training.

Toomey is fairly young too, but having recently married to her coach, she has a few insights to share. The key with her training has been communication and actually acknowledging that her partner is doing what’s best for her, so listening to him 100% out on the floor is non-negotiable. Off the Crossfit floor however… 😉

Having been asked which she preferred between this and the Olympics, Toomey said “the games have an unbeatable atmosphere, something which helps push you through the toughest parts. It’s all about the fans, family and community out there who are literally willing you to win.”

Well, I was certainly beyond sore the next morning, and as much as Toomey gave persuading me a good go, Crossfit isn’t my forte. But I love the feeling of inner competition it gives you, especially as a team, so it won’t be my last.

fashion

Bedouin Studios X Houndsditch

Posted on November 25, 2017

It’s great that locally based brands are taking the #PLASTICfreeSEA ethos seriously. Andraya Farrag of homegrown brand BEDOUIN just took a jump into the world of swimwear, launching in collaboration with Lisbon-based, London-born brand, Houndsditch for SS18.

Houndsditch is an environmentally friendly brand that produces their collections using post-consumer recycled materials, including plastics that would otherwise end up otherwise polluting the oceans.

“I wanted to make buying swimwear as fun as wearing it,” says Andrew Young, founder of Houndsditch.

Their gorgeous hand designed prints, with exotic hints of flora and fauna are processed into fabrics, which are then used to make the custom-made pieces. Houndsditch’s production line is predominantly made to order, which helps to further minimize fabric wastage – a relatively new concept for the conscious consumers, but one which is making a mark.

“I couldn’t wait to join forces [with Houndstich] and create a capsule collection of swimwear that perfectly compliment and co-exist with the BEDOUIN SS18 RTW collection.” Farrag of Bedouin

Designed to be mix and matched with the ready to wear collection, the Bedouin swimwear boasts an overarching Cuban theme, whilst also influenced by the elements.

Exuding cool tones of white, wheat, shades of pink, green warmed up occasionally with a hint of orange and contrasted by black. Leopard, beetles, moths and fantastical foliage are interwoven into an array of multi-colored prints.

*Cover image shot poolside at Vida Downtown*

fashion

Sapia Simone Launches Wetsuits for SS18

Posted on August 3, 2017

Whether you’re surfing in Sri Lanka, wake-surfing in Dubai or scuba diving in the cooler waters off Oman, for a couple of months a year, wetsuits are going to be part of your gear.

Dubai based designer Sapia Simone launched her label in the cooler months of 2016. It can now be found in 15 stores worldwide as well as online on Farfetch.com and seen on the pages of Conde Nast Traveller, Harpers Bazaar Arabia and Emirates Woman. Having originated in Miami, the brand exudes a tropical essence, focusing on nature, travel and fantasy across its collections.

The brand’s aim is to encourage and inspire a fresh perspective on ‘beach chic’. Sapia Simone’s design mission is to make playful and beautiful swimwear silhouettes, styles and resort wear that celebrate the active and adventurous female living across the world in a variety of sunshine societies.

Designed to provide functional support to all our aquababes, wetsuits are normally your traditional black one-piece (ok it’s sometimes grey too) what they aren’t… is very fashion focused. Yet.

Launching for the first time, September sees one of my favourite brands, SAPIA SIMONE, focusing on the more active and adventurous women. Activating in two colours, these neoprene wetsuits are modest yet sexy, with patterned sides and a front zip for wear-ability.

Why not co-ordinate with your accessories too? Who doesn’t want matching wetsuits and surf bags, designed to be completely watertight and seal in all your important belongings, so that you can surf, skate or ski with peace of mind out on the water.

Recommended

Have a Great Hair Day

Posted on July 13, 2017

I’m not a very conscientious ‘girl’, that is to say, I don’t spend a lot of time or effort finding out about the latest hair treatments or cuts and i’m certainly not ‘in the know’ when it comes to celeb stylists or beauty trends. I do spend a lot of time washing my hair, thanks to various fitness classes and of course being in and out of the water on an almost daily basis, so I do care about my hair and whether or not it’s healthy and shiny.

One person I do go for advice on all thing beauty related is my sister. With a wealth of beauty editorial positions complete with a beauty APP under her belt, she is my beauty guru. So when she said somewhere is a ‘must’ then it’s a must… and i’m SO glad she did.

Rossano Ferretti salon is Dubai’s hairdresser du jour, where you walk in to their hotel-esque villa on Beachroad, order a fancy tea and they just cut. It’s really a modern yet magical experience, having transformed by straight-ish thick locks into a shorter, more manageable and lighter style.

For the first time ever, i’m happy to leave my hair down, without fear the humidity will have me looking like Monica from friends in the Caribbean! I didn’t go for a colour, as the sun is thankfully kissing my hair naturally, but the cut is a guaranteed blow-dry free shape, created using their signature technique.

Fitness

Testing Out: 1SIX8 NuPowerYoga

Posted on June 17, 2017

Yoga is all about bending, stretching and breathing right? So power yoga… something a little stronger perhaps? Described as where strength meets flexibility, NuPowerYoga was introduced to us last week at one of my favourite hotspots, Hautletic, through Dubai based fitness studio 1six8. It cites more than just using weights in its vinyasa flow, with innovative Nubell-technology designed, circular hand weights, which are created to be ergonomically optimal, providing an even, all-round weight distribution for your hand, wrist and (occasionally) ankle too.

The benefit of all this is that it helps to alleviate any stress or tension on your joints, often seen with other weights and bells. I know from personal training that I much prefer kettle bells to barbells as I feel I can keep my wrist more controlled when using them. The creator of these circular designs did so due to an accident where he needed to regain strength in his hands and wrists.

Created in the States (of course) there’s been a real trend towards combining different fitness techniques and classes, to ultimately try and create a more thorough body workout. What Nu Power Yoga does is aid those long muscle movements in yoga by adding a little more resistance, helping to get everything firing and ultimately engage with more core.

NuPowerYoga classes start in June, at their hotspot in 168, Jumeirah Beach Road, Dubai.

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