[ad_1]
These are our favourite things in the UAE right now…
Upgrading my wardrobe with… The Giving Movement’s Ramadan collection
I’m not ashamed to admit my off-duty wardrobe is largely The Giving Movement sets of leggings, shorts and tees. Each season, there’s a new colourway I have to snap up, the quality is long-lasting and oh-so-comfy, and the pieces somehow make even the simplest of outfits look that little bit chicer. But they’re not just in the business of creating athleisurewear, as their new satin Ramadan collection proves. The Ramadan Luxe collection is a drop of gorgeous satin dresses, trousers and blouses in elegant colours, and when I saw the off-white, two-piece, I simply had to get it for my upcoming mini-moon. – Alice Holtham, Group Editor
Getting one step closer to ‘I do’ at… Esposa Prive
I’m on the final countdown to my June wedding, and after saying ‘Yes to the dress’ in September at the beautiful Esposa Prive, my wedding dress landed in Dubai this month. I got to see it for the first time this week, and (thankfully) it was even better than I remember. In case my future husband is reading this, I’m not going to talk about what it looks like, but putting on my dress for the first time was such a special moment. With a final few alterations, it’s going to be ready to go to Tuscany in a few weeks’ time. – Alice Holtham, Group Editor
Unwinding from a wild week, with a sundowner at… February30
The theme song to 80s sitcom Cheers, insists that sometimes you want to go to a place where everybody knows your name. Which might be true, but what is arguably more true in 2024 – is sometimes you want to go to a place where, especially after a long week of people using your name in various states of distress, nobody knows it. What I love about February 30, aside from the fantastic menu and mucho bueno sangrias, is how you can just blend into the bohemian beachy scenery. Relaxing under a haze of macrame, looking out towards the sea, and nobody shouting my name. – Miles Buckeridge, Deputy Editor, What’s On Dubai
Signing up for the pains and gains of… F45
The latest unexpected call for my 2024 fitness bingo card is F45. I’ve signed up to Palm Jumeirah faction of the cult fitness brand, with a reputation for fierce but fair workouts, that lead to dramatic conditioning results. The classes combine a mixture of HIIT sessions, functional training (which is where the ‘F’ comes from in the name), and circuit training. Each 45 minute class is designed to burn fat, build muscle, improve functional form, torch up to 1,000 calories, make you sweat through your eyeballs and dry wretch over a bin, at least the first time. I’m a week into it now, at times it’s been truly humbling, but I have never in my entire life been so hooked on a genre of exercise so quickly. Consider the Kool-Aid well and truly drunk. – Miles Buckeridge, Deputy Editor, What’s On Dubai
Experiencing reliablility with…a good old Mitsubishi Pajero
Yes, you’re surrounded by Italian supercars and German engineering on either lane, all day, every day. But when you have 16 minutes to get to a meeting with your colleague and live like a common man in a candy store, you still need to gun it. Spacious and reliable, this 7-seater is powered by a very respectable 3.8 V6 engine the last time I checked. My uber-stylish cousin also takes the coolness quotient up several notches as he blasts through big-city traffic (within the speed limit) in half-buttoned Hawaiian shirts and makes it to (almost) all his appointments, well on time. Don’t like my taste? Get off your high horse and behind the wheel of this great soccer dad car – it just might surprise you. – Dinesh Ramanathan, Deputy Editor, What’s On Abu Dhabi
Getting back to a classic pastime with…The Blame Game
This was incorrectly mailed to me last week ago, and I will not be putting RTS on it – because Amazon’s given it 4.3 out of 5, Goodreads 4.8, and a shirt I saw somewhere said, “Possession is nine-tenths of the law.” Written by a seemingly-smart gent called Denis Liam Murphy, I just might digest a few chapters of this title the next time I’m on a road trip (and not behind the wheel). While the cover suggests it could be a nice self-help book, I like my coffee hot and this is going to be a great coaster for my weekend morning brew – Dinesh Ramanathan, Deputy Editor, What’s On Abu Dhabi
Escaping the city to check out the waterfall at… Hanging Gardens in Kalba
In case you didn’t know… there’s this cool new attraction in the UAE and it’s one you just need to visit with the family. Located around an hour away from Dubai, Hanging Gardens in Kalba is home to a stunning waterfalls, gardens with vibrant flowers, hiking trails, children’s play areas and two dining spots. There’s even a train but I sadly didn’t spot it when I visited, but maybe you will get lucky. Surrounded by gorgeous nature and with the current weather, you will honestly question whether you are still in the UAE. – Aarti Saundalkar, Online Reporter
Exciting to finally visit the… Asateer tent at Atlantis the Palm
After years of reading about it, I am finally going to dine at the Asateer tent at Atlantis the Palm. I’ve heard only good things, and it looks spectacular, so I am truly excited. It’s also a suhoor which means it will be way past my ‘going out’ time, but I have a feeling the vibes alone are going to make the trek all the way to The Palm from Old Dubai worth it. Thankfully, it’s a weekend tomorrow, so I can sleep in. Aarti Saundalkar, Online Reporter
Hunting for egg-stra special Easter goodies at…Odeon
Celebrating Easter this weekend? If there’s one place in Dubai that knows how to celebrate, it’s Odeon. The French restaurant, located in Jumeirah, has a huge selection of eggs from artisanal French chocolatiers. For the little ones, there’s adorable chocolates in the shapes of unicorns, dinosaurs, and koalas from Chevalier D’argouges along with a delightful collection featuring the beloved book character T’choupi. Grown ups can savour the healthy offerings of the Allen & Rivoire range, a collaboration with celebrity chef Yannick Alleno, or indulge in the iconic Mazet chocolate from Versailles, renowned for its Praline egg. While you’re there, stock up on Easter roast dinner essentials from the gourmet or head upstairs for the Breakfast à La Francaise for unlimited pastries and coffee. – Tamara Wright, Online Reporter
Spring break fun at… OliOli
As if we needed any more excuse to visit OliOli, the immersive children’s museum has unveiled a captivating new interactive art installation just in time for the school holidays. Slide into the luminous lagoon ball pit, explore how our brains perceive virtual colours, craft your own time warp video, shape dazzling patterns on the Quantum Jungle wall adorned with 700 illuminating metal springs, and – my personal favourite – don’t miss the thrilling challenge of beating the Line Wobbler. It’s hard to say who had the most fun –Tamara Wright, Online Reporter
Dreaming of the cinnamon cruffin from… Milk Bakery and Café
One of our lovely readers insisted that Milk was their favourite restaurant – so I had to look into it. When I searched the venue on Instagram I instantly fell in love. The restaurant is inside Wasl 51, which is always a good sign, and don’t let me carry on for too long about their pastries, because I can. And in fact, I will – the cinnamon cruffin is layers upon layers of the lightest and most buttery croissant and is then filled with a Cinnamon cream cheese sauce that just oozes out of the cruffin. If you’re more into savoury, the feta and mint Danish was just as flaky and buttery with the hit of mint that was *chefs kiss*. Oh, and the hot chocolate? Topped with a torched marshmallow it was love at first sip. I felt like a kid in a cant store because of the cookies. Go for the cookies too. In the word’s of RuPaul Charles – 10s, 10s across the board. – Shelby Gee, Junior Reporter
Watching a cult classic I’ve never seen before… House M.D
Along with Dexter, House M.D has been at the top of my watch list for a long time. I recognize that much of the medical drama is extremely far-fetched and honestly, some of the scenes make my skin crawl. But the show is addictive and I did watch about seven episodes in one sitting (blame Ramadan working hours, not my unhealthy habits.) Its currently streaming on Netflix so whether you’re watching it for the first time like me, or rewatching the show, that’s where you’ll catch it. – Shelby Gee, Junior Reporter
Watch it on @netflixmena
Bejewelling Iftar at…Tiffany’s Blue Box Cafe
I haven’t really been dining out for Iftar as much as I did, say, last year, or the year before that – being in this new full-time working girlie routine is hectic as it is, even with reduced timings, because sleep is not a thing. Which is why when I was invited to try the Blue Box Cafe’s Iftar offering, it felt a little more special. The venue is all diamonds-on-the-wall-stick-your-pinky-out fancy and the menu is a cheeky tribute to an afternoon tea, but Ramadan version. Lots of little sweet and savoury bites, a pea soup which was a pleasant earthy surprise (I mean, it’s peas) and a risotto with flavourful lamb so tender, it melts in your mouth. A grand evening out – can’t complain. Manaal Fatimah, Junior Reporter
Buying things I don’t need with…colourful claw clips
Story of my life, but at this point we can all agree I’m hilariously predictable. In my ongoing effort to wear more colour, I’ve been purchasing colourful claw clips in every shape and pattern to add some joy to my outfits. They’re always handy, especially when you’ve got dense curly hair that has a mind of it’s own. Great to keep them in place and not give me a tension headache (oh, my bygone bouncy ponytail era) and they’re just so cute. Accessorising is the way to go for us basic babes. If you see me on the street, throw a claw clip at me. Manaal Fatimah, Junior Reporter
Images: Social
[ad_2]
Source link
Leave a Reply