Signature TruePDF march 2019

12 THE SUITE LIFE EMIRATES 16 THE MOUNTAIN TOP HAVEN ANANTARA AL JABAL AL AKHDAR 18 FAR FROM THE MADDING CROWD COCO BODU HITHI 26 TAKING ON TOUGH TERRAINS FERRARI PORTOFINO 36 GAME CHA

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12 THE SUITE LIFE

EMIRATES

16 THE MOUNTAIN TOP HAVEN

ANANTARA AL JABAL AL AKHDAR

18 FAR FROM THE MADDING CROWD

COCO BODU HITHI

26 TAKING ON TOUGH TERRAINS

FERRARI PORTOFINO

36 GAME CHANGER

BMW 3 SERIES

40 NEED FOR SPEED

BENTLEY BENTAYGA SPORT

44 WELCOMING A NEW ERA

NEWS YOU CAN USE

10 TO MOM, WITH LOVE

MALABAR GOLD & DIAMONDS

FEEL THE FLAME OF THE ASADO WITH OUR LIVELY GAUCHO NIGHTS ENJOY RODIZIO-STYLE SERVICE, TABLE-SIDE SHOWMANSHIP AND THE ORIGINAL SMOKES OF CHURRASCO, SERVED

IN GENEROUS STYLE BY OUR BUDDING ‘GAUCHOS’ WHILST ENJOYING LIVE LATINO MUSIC EVERY THURSDAY, 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM

OMR 23 NET INCLUDING SOFT BEVERAGES OR OMR 33 NET INCLUDING HOUSE BEVERAGES ASADO SOUTH AMERICAN STEAKHOUSE | SHERATON OMAN HOTEL

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VOL 8 - ISSUE 11

Explore & experience

Wanderlust: n a strong desire for or impulse to wander or travel and explore the world A desire that most individuals have and that many succeed in accomplishing too After all, is life even experienced in full without travelling? The joy of travelling is an irreplaceable feeling Over the years, travelling has become less of a luxury and more of an essential part of people’s lives

Weather-beaten tracks, less-travelled journeys…we love them all In this edition where we give wing to our wanderlust, we explore various elements of travel We take a look at the exclusive and luxurious First Class Private Suites onboard Emirates Boeing 777 fleet Crafted for connoisseurs of luxury and travel, these suites are a class apart We also head to Maldives – one of our favourite archipelagos for a mindful travel experience at the Coco Bodhu Hithi resort Closer home, Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar is the ideal getaway From adventure activities to the soothing therapies at the spa, this resort is ideal to get your batteries recharged

We bring together a bevy of auto beauties in this edition We take the Ferrari Portofino to terrains less travelled for an exclusive photo shoot BMW’s popular range, the new 3 Series was launched in Oman last month We bring you all details of the trims We also take a closer look at the drop-dead gorgeous Bentayga Speed from Bentley.

JUJU, a luxury vegan footwear brand from India, has caught our sartorial attention Handcrafted and oozing of elegance, we love the brand already Read all about this unique brand in the pages ahead

Have a fabulous month ahead!

by your name on

91242930

For more information please call:

M +968 9361 5437kempinski.com/muscat

The Art of Contemporary Living

The Residences at Kempinski Hotel Muscat feature 77 beachfront apartments and villas, luxuriously designed for comfortable upscale living Ranging from a cosy Studio to the expansive One-to Three-Bedroom Residences, as well as the luxurious Two- and Three-Bedroom Villas, the Residences are crafted to signify contemporary living in the new heart of Muscat.

Novel launch from Danube Home

One of the fastest growing home

interior and décor brands

in the Middle East, Danube Home recently launched the TBK catalogue collection for its Milano

brand Milano is renowned for its

top-quality international standards The

catalogue launch was preceded by the

launch of world’s biggest man-made tile

at the brand’s showroom in Al Khuwair

Measuring 1.6m x 3.2m, the large-format

tile comes in different finishes, including

marble, granite and wood

The catalogue is designed keeping the

current minimalist design trend in mind,

while showcasing an exceptional range

of Tiles, Bathroom and Kitchen products

Additionally, it will advise and share the

latest trends and technologies for the

consumers and will surely be a guide

for all of them, while decorating a new

building, revamping a living space or just

trying to inject a new life into a room,

bathroom or kitchen The collection will

offer the best combination of products on

a pocket friendly price

Whether clients are looking to create a royal Arabian look, a stylish urban décor,

a chic contemporary modern styling or a retro classic look, there are varied themes showcasing the trendiest collection which will help to make a bold and unmistakable statement like never before

Moreover, it covers the super stylish and trendy collections of showers, mixer, door, electrical, hardware, travel shattaf, water purifier, water heater, outdoor wall and modern kitchen unit etc

Commenting on the new launch, Adel Sajan, Director of Danube Group, said,”

We are pleased to unveil our new T.B.K catalog and glad to introduce the market with world’s biggest man-made tile - which will be a practical solution for both commercial and residential projects “

He further added: “With each new catalogue we aim to raise the bar and include even more innovative products

that are unbeatable in style and quality This year as well we have incorporated detailed product descriptions while keeping the minimalist trend intact

We pride ourselves on being the only total resource for complete home solution brand in the region Each of our catalogues is a result of lot of hard work and passion to deliver the best

We simply want to give you the best shopping experience under one roof.”

Adel Sajan Director of Danube Group

EXCEPTIONAL Welcome to the

radissoncollection.com/hormuz-grand-hotel

A R A D I S S O N C O L L E C T I O N H O T E L

Travel Treats from Amouage

Innovation together with luxury and

creativity are qualities that have made

Amouage one of the finest premium

perfume and lifestyle brands in the

world The luxury brand has now added

to their exquisite range the Amouage’s

Travel Collection – a special edition for

discerning patrons on the move The

collection comprises of travel sprays,

miniatures and a solid perfume compact

The perfect accessory, the travel sprays

are presented in an elegant leather

holder with a beautifully crafted cap and

three 10ml refillable vials in Amouage’s

most popular fragrances The Men’s

Travel Sprays refill is available in Honour,

Interlude, Memoir, Epic, Lyric, Jubilation

25, Reflection, Dia and Gold The

Women’s Travel Sprays refill is available in

Honour, Interlude, Fate and Journey

Travellers can also choose elegant

frosted holders with a beautifully crafted gold cap and four 10ml refillable vials

in Amouage’s most popular fragrances;

Memoir, Epic, Lyric, Jubilation 25, Reflection, Dia and Gold

The captivatingly designed refillable solid perfume compact in gold etched with the Amouage shield is complemented with a protective case Presented with refillable fragrance discs available in Memoir, Epic, Jubilation 25, Reflection, Dia and Gold, the solid perfume can be applied to the pulse points for a fragrantly soft sensation that will linger all day

Amouage’s miniatures are presented in

a box set of six 7ml bottles for man and woman The men’s miniature collection comprises of Lyric, Epic, Memoir, Honour, Interlude and Fate or Gold, Dia, Silver, Reflection, Jubilation 25 and Beloved

The women’s comprises of Lyric, Epic,

Memoir, Honour, Interlude and Fate and/

or Gold, Dia, Ciel, Reflection, Jubilation

25 and Beloved The miniatures are the perfect way to enjoy a wide selection of Amouage most notable perfumes and ideal collector items

In addition, Amouage has extended The Secret Garden Collection to include wonderful hair mists Presented in Lilac Love and Blossom Love, the new products offer lovers of floral scents an opportunity to condition their hair with romantic aromas

The perfect travel companion, the new hair mist comes in a 50ml frosted glass bottle and is infused with Cashmilan™,

a partially hydrolysed keratin from cashmere wool which is also a hair-identical protein hydrolysate It is proven to improve definition, strength, conditioning and substantivity of hair

TO MOM, WITH LOVE

There is no truer love than the love of a mother To celebrate Mother’s Day this year, which is celebrated in the Arab world on March 21, Malabar Gold & Diamonds has unveiled a fascinating

collection of beautifully designed pendants that make for ideal gifts for moms

When Emirates first announced the First Class Private Suite aboard its Boeing 777 aircraft, the luxurious concept seemed an upgrade to their existing Private Suites But Emirates not only upgraded but introduced

an exemplary and innovative product with the new First Class Private Suites bringing one of the finest board experiences to the industry

on-The award-winning First Class Private Suites were introduced late 2017 as part of the completely refreshed interiors of Emirates’ Boeing 777 aircraft With floor to ceiling sliding doors and sleek design features inspired by the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, Emirates’ new suites takes luxury and privacy to the next level Offering up to 40 square feet of personal space each, these spacious, fully-enclosed private suites are laid out in a 1-1-1 configuration

Sir Tim Clark, President of Emirates Airline said: “Emirates pioneered the First Class private suite concept back in 2003, and today it’s the industry benchmark when it comes to first class travel Over the years

we have continually improved on our private suites, adding thoughtful refinements and features We are very excited about our new fully-enclosed suite which is a real game-changer in terms of privacy, comfort, and thoughtful luxury This is the first time an Emirates product has been so influenced by another luxury brand, but it is a natural fit as both Emirates and Mercedes-Benz have the same unwavering commitment

to fine detail, uncompromising quality, and a drive to push the boundaries.”

Emirates’ latest First Class product gives a nod to the design philosophy of the Mercedes-Benz S- Class, bringing together two global brands renowned for innovation, luxury, and comfort The collaboration inspired several design details in the private suite including the soft leather seating, high-tech control panels, and mood lighting

Extending that trademark inflight experience to exclusive on-ground services, Emirates and Benz have extended their partnership to provide a fleet of the S-Class cars as part of its complimentary Chauffeur-drive service Emirates First Class passengers arriving or departing in the UAE are driven from aircraft to home, and vice versa, in a Mercedes-Benz S-Class car

Mercedes-The new Emirates 777 First Class cabin interior uses a whole new colour palette of soft greys, cream and champagne, conveying a contemporary, open and airy feel, with quiet and timeless luxury Created in collaboration with Boeing, Rockwell Collins interior systems, Panasonic, Jacques Pierre Jean Design studio and Seattle-based design firm Teague, each fully enclosed private suite has a floor to ceiling sliding door, and combines smart technologies and intelligent design to deliver function, as well as luxury and comfort.The soft leather seat reclines into a fully flat bed and can be placed in a “zero-gravity” position inspired

by NASA technology, giving a feeling of relaxation and weightlessness The roomy suites also have ample space for passengers to change in the privacy of their suites even after the bed has been made To ensure

The Suite Life

Emirates has always been ahead in the world of aviation, be it their products, services or offerings So, it really shouldn’t come as a surprise that their First Class Private Suite is a gamechanger A closer look at the

luxurious suites featured on its Boeing 777 aircraft

all First Class customers have a view, Emirates introduced the industry’s first virtual windows for suites located in the middle aisle These virtual windows project the view from outside the aircraft using real time camera technology

In the other suites, binoculars are available for customers who want to explore the sky outside their windows

Passengers can easily communicate with the cabin crew, or request for room service using the video call function The suites also come with a service window where customers can

be served drinks and canapes undisturbed.Emirates has retained and updated the most popular features of its private suites such as: the personal mini bar for drinks and snacks within each suite; and wireless controls

to adjust seating positions, as well as to navigate Emirates’ award-winning inflight entertainment system, ice

Customers can view over 2,500 channels of demand entertainment on a 32-inch Full HD LCD TV screen, or project content from their own devices The viewing experience is now enhanced with brand new Bowers & Wilkins Active Noise Cancelling E1 headphonescreated exclusively for Emirates These headphones were designed by award-winning audio brand Bowers & Wilkins to ensure the sound was optimised for the First Class cabin environment.Each suite is fitted with an inspiration kit which features a luxury Byredo skincare collection found only on Emirates, Hydra Active moisturising pyjamas, and Bulgari amenity kits There is ample storage within the suite including a cleverly designed overhead compartment, and a full length cupboard for hanging clothes

on-As with any Emirates flight today, First Class customers can enjoy dine on demand service, with a selection of the finest cuisine prepared

by gourmet chefs, accompanied by some of the most exclusive wines, champagnes and spirits in the world They will be well looked after by Emirates’ international cabin crew representing over 135 nationalities

An artistic motif representing the Ghaf (prosopis cineraria) tree, is used as a design highlight throughout the aircraft An indigenous evergreen plant, the Ghaf is a considered the national tree of the United Arab Emirates, and has deep cultural and ecological significance.The First Class Private Suites was awarded gold

by Future Travel Experience (FTE) in the “Up in the Air” category

Created in collaboration with Boeing, Rockwell Collins interior systems, Panasonic, Jacques Pierre Jean Design studio and Seattle-based design firm Teague, each fully enclosed private suite has a floor to ceiling sliding door, and combines smart technologies and intelligent design to deliver function, as

well as luxury and comfort

Oman’s famous Green Mountain, Anantara Al Jabal

Al Akhdar Resort is an idyllic getaway from the city’s hustle and bustle

Imagine a haven where you

can shake off the worries of the world and be surrounded

by nature A place where time stands still and the gentle sounds of birdsong help you unwind Just a two-hour drive from the country’s capital city Muscat and with breathtaking views of Oman’s famous Green Mountain, Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort offers all this and more

The resort’s unique position offers a

one-of-a-kind spa and wellness experience At 2,000

metres above sea level, it provides an opportunity

to detoxify in pure mountain air with high altitude

health benefits, and is fast proving to be a magnet

for wellness travellers The spa offers a rare

opportunity to enjoy ancient holistic therapies

and feel at one with nature in one of the Middle

East’s most stunning locations

The resort hosts sunrise and sunset yoga sessions

to feel at one with the elements Signature spa

treatments include the 90-minute Rose Rescue

Ritual encompassing a facial and a

tension-relieving massage with exotic oil A special Above

the Clouds package offers two-days of wellness

activities featuring complimentary 60-minute

Anantara Spa treatments for two, daily sunrise

yoga sessions and a sumptuous breakfast All

with the opportunity to enjoy the clear night skies

before turning in while reconnecting you with the

elements

The destination is perfectly tailored to the health

conscious, and includes a specially crafted

wellness menu - from detox drinks to healthy

home-made breakfasts and heart healthy food

And with all the newfound energy, there are some

exciting activities offered by the resort to partake

in You can sip traditional Arabic coffee high up

in the mountains, while taking in the wondrous

views of wadis, or visit secluded traditional

villages, sharing a lunch with local elders How

about taking a refreshing dip in a fresh water

pool while on a cultural hike to learn more about

the country? Adrenaline fans can explore Oman’s

famous mountains and try their hand at rock

climbing

A visit between March to mid-May to the resort

provides a wonderful opportunity of spotting

Damask roses bloom on the mountain slopes,

turning them into an explosion of colour The

world-famous Omani rosewater produced from

the Damask roses has a wide array of benefits As

well as being used for cooking and as a perfume, it

is an invaluable beauty product and is also known for its medicinal qualities

Drinking rosewater has been shown to

be effective for digestive health, and the liquid can also soothe irritated skin and act as an anti-aging product In addition, its powerful antiseptic properties can help wounds, burns, scars and cuts heal faster Essential oil made from the Damask rose is used

to cure headaches

Alternatively, there are incredible mountain trails

to be ventured on, while keeping an eye out for herds of wild donkeys and goats Or walk along the wadi riverbed to discover natural pools that are home to diverse wildlife such as frogs and dragonflies The region is famous for its deciduous trees, which are called the “sweet trees.” Pomegranates, apples, peaches, plums, apricots, almonds, walnuts, grapes, pears, cherries, figs and olives are all harvested in Al Jabal Al Akhdar

At the end of August pomegranate season gets underway There is high demand for this delicious juice, which is bursting with Vitamin C and boasts an astonishing array of health properties Pomegranate juice contains higher levels of antioxidants than most other fruit juices and can help remove free radicals, protect cells from damage, and reduce inflammation It can also help combat arthritis and heart disease

The year-round luxury destination has 82 canyon view rooms and 33 private pool villas, including Oman’s most luxurious three-bedroom pool villa – taking relaxation to the next level Whether it’s a garden sanctuary or an awe-inspiring view of the canyon, the resort is perfect to unwind in where modern Omani design merges with the latest technology The ideal space to let go as you watch the sun go down while sipping a revitalising fresh juice cocktail from the privacy of your own balcony, Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar has some of the most spectacular views you can imagine Whether you crave adventure, culture or simply

a spa haven to recharge and rejuvenate, the region’s highest five-star holiday destination has something for everyone By the end of it all, you will leave feeling refreshed with a renewed sense

of vigour

Far from the

madding crowd

To be able to switch off from

mobile phones, social media

and the constant need to

be connected is a luxury

these days Signature sets

out to Coco Bodhu Hithi in

the Maldives where mindful

luxury is the key theme of the

experience

Is it truly possible to switch off in the excessively connected world

we live in today? That was the burning question on my mind as

we boarded the flight to Male from Dubai International Airport one pleasant evening Most of my two hours in the airport was spent poring over emails and replying to interesting story pitches

I had also posted on Instagram a cool shot of the coffee I had at the airport, downloaded a new app to jazz up future Instastories and chatted with a couple of buddies on Messenger So, would I really

be able to follow up on my goal to go on a digital detox and have

a mindful holiday during our stay the exquisite Coco Bodu Hithi resort over the next four days?

With this thought in mind, we stepped on to the private boat that was sent to take

us to Coco Bodu Hithi, just about 40 minutes away from the airport Most resorts

in Maldives are accessible only by boat or seaplane As poetic as it may sound, much of my apprehension melted away as soon as we stepped on to the island resort From the moment of stepping onto the picture-perfect resort, there is a beautiful feeling of tranquility that settles on you and all you want to do is forget the world that you have left behind

Home away from home

The resort, which has a mix of water villas and island villas, is spread over a palm fringed island that can be explored in less than 20 minutes We stayed Coco Residences, the most exclusive offering at Coco Bodu Hithi Set over the ocean, villa included a living room, bedroom, expansive bathroom, and an outdoor deck with

an infinity pool as well as space to lounge and dine

While I took many photos, there was not that went up on social media My mind had already switched to holiday mode and the wifi, although strong, was not tempting enough to get on to social media Digital detox was on underway The next four days were spent lounging in the pool, swimming in the ocean, which was accessible directly from our villa, lazing on the deck and enjoying specially prepared meals by the chefs – when we weren’t out indulging in various activities and experiences on the island

Spoilt for choices

Coco Bodu Hithi is home to six different F&B outlets, all of which are different from each other and bring an exciting variety to the island resort For a leisurely and unhurried breakfast, Stars is the restaurant to head to Here we enjoyed fresh cut fruits, perfect eggs and excellent coffee while soaking in the beautiful view of the ocean and palms swaying in the wind Also open for dinner, the restaurant has a fine choice of seafood specialties as well as vegetarian options If buffet breakfast is what your heart desires then Air, located on the lush green island and connected to Coco Residences by a wooden bridge, is where to head to The spread is staggering and leaves you spoilt for choice

Latitude is where we headed to for sundowners and to grab a pizza after a lazy day on the beach The casual dining outlet overlooking the pool that features jazzy lights in the evening is ideal to sit back, sink your feet into the sand and gaze at the ocean as you enjoy the different concoctions that the friendly staff create The resort also boasts of a Japanese cuisine restaurant – Tsuki Adorned with the island vibes, Tsuki had some of the best sushi and sashimi I have ever had Aqua, termed

as one of the finest seafood restaurants in Maldives (award winning as well), offers

a surreal experience of dining over the ocean with a number of decks where one can enjoy a lovely dinner comprising mostly of delectable seafood dishes

Being on an island gives the option of not having to dine the regular way – Coco Bodu Hithi arranges for special dinners on the beach as well as in the privacy

of your villa We could not go ahead with the beach dining experience as the rain gods decided to bless the island with heavy showers on the night we were booked to dine But we did indulge in a couple of in-villa dining experiences and it was heavenly

A Spa-ctacular experience

One of the most wonderful highlights of Coco Bodu Hithi is Coco Spa Set over a large, separate deck over the ocean, Coco Spa is a class apart The treatment rooms overlook the glimmering water; so does the gym and yoga and meditation deck We indulged in a mind-numbingly relaxing and rejuvenating couples’ massage that left us in a state of bliss My therapist worked through the knots on my shoulder that I had managed to accumulate over weeks of sitting

in front of a laptop and no exercise The lull of the ocean added to the therapeutic session

The island life

Azzure blue waters, lush greenery, white sandy stretches, unhurried and undisturbed moments…that’s what we experienced every day of our stay

at Coco Bodu Hithi The break from the daily hustle and bustle (with digital detox well underway) was not only beginning to be therapeutic but also take

a mindful approach to just about everything we engaged in

When looking for manta rays, which are one of the highlights of the rich under water life around Coco Body Hithi, it was with a child’s curiosity and excitement that we explored the water Every activity

on the island is fun, engaging and relaxed We set out with a group of guests one afternoon for a fishing expedition, something that I had done only once as

a child - nothing turned up on my fishing rod Luck turned in my favour on that balmy afternoon we set out and I managed to catch a local fish, which the resort cooked for us together with a splendid lunch the next day

Diving, snorkeling, kayaking, water-surfing, gliding, wake-boarding…it’s a plethora of activities that Coco Bodu Hithi offers And never a dull moment on the island Movie under the Stars is another experience that the resort offers, which we had to forgo as rains were expected and it was way too windy to set up the movie screen But we made it

para-up by ordering a special meal and watching a horror movie in the villa

After four days at Coco Bodu Hithi Resort, it was with renewed vigour and a promise to take more breaks, especially the digital world, that we left the captivating island

ﻲﻣ ﭫــــﻳﻻ ﺲــــﻧﺰـــﺑ

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Sanjeev Rana on + 968 92637189 or sanjeevrana@umsoman.com

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TAKING ON TOUGH TERRAINS

Ferrari’s powerful V8 GT, the oriented Portofino brings together versatility, power and comfort like few others A Ferrari designed to be driven every day, the Portofino also effortlessly converts from an authentic ‘berlinetta’ coupé to a drop-top capable of delivering a unique Ferrari soundtrack and superb driving pleasure even in day-to-day situations In this special photo shoot, we showcase the powerful convertible’s adaptability and sportiness as the Ferrari Portofino

performance-takes on various terrains

.