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Harpers Bazaar Arabia
19-07-2025
- Harpers Bazaar Arabia
Discover Dar Al Masyaf's Malakiya Villas: The Haute Couture Staycation Right Here In Dubai
Fit for royalty, the Malakiya Villas invite guests into an exclusive realm that feels impossible to leave… There is an overwhelming feeling when wandering around Jumeirah Madinat Resort that you have stepped into an UHNW traveller's very own fantasy land. Situated on 2km of private, pristine shores, Madinat Jumeirah is designed to resemble a traditional Arabian town and comprises no fewer than four ultra-luxe hotels, myriad world-class restaurants, and even its very own souk – Souk Madinat. Specialising in resorts-with-a-resort, its hotel offerings include the bold and modern Jumeirah Al Naseem, the palatial Jumeirah Al Qasr, the waterside retreat Jumeirah Mina Al Salam and eternally elegant Dar Al Masyaf – each a miniature universe with its own distinct identity, where the common denominator is haute hospitality. Perfectly contained and expertly manicured, guests can spend days meandering Dar Al Masyaf alone – whether exploring its lush pathways, hopping onto abras to navigate its Venetian-esque waterways, listening to the early morning call of its resident peacocks or watching the sun set on its white sands, which happen to boast the best view of the Burj al Arab in all of Dubai. It is, without doubt, Dubai's inimitable magic kingdom, and home to seven royal Malakiya Villas – the jewels in the crown that speak to the uppermost echelon of seasoned travellers and luxury-living connoisseurs. These ultra-plush villas have been recently refurbished, with one concept front of mind throughout the year-long redesign: haute couture. Crafted with the same level of poetic detail as couturiers conceive their collections, stitch by stitch and sequin by sequin, so have the Malakiya Villas been meticulously considered; the creative vision of Dubai-based designer Sahar Alyaseer. The chicest haute couture is never showy, and the same rings true with Sahar's aesthetic – each villa is understatedly grand, without shouting its opulence from the rooftops. Generous windows allow the city's signature sunshine to spill into the downstairs reception rooms, where the colour palette riffs on nuance to the nth degree – tones of twine, nacre, seashell and taupe blend effortlessly to create warm spaces that feel equal parts homely and heavenly. The Malakiya mantra? Seclusion, discretion, and tailor-made service. The Villas' designs do, however, also speak to their provenance – Sahar conceived each space to reference the resort's Arabesque design, but the design codes remain simultaneously relaxed and refined, immediately making each guest feel embraced by the Malakiya way of living. Helping you settle in? A team of dedicated butlers to curate and personalise your stay from scratch. Yearning for a platter of delicious local delicacies for an afternoon snack? A tray of dates, walnuts, shelled pistachios, and candied apricots will appear in a jiffy. Missing traditionally British menus? A complete afternoon tea service can materialise upon your dining table in the time it takes you to wander from the beach and shake off your sandals at the door. A private yoga session in your garden space? No problem. Perhaps you have a special moment to celebrate… simply request for the living room to be filled with a sea of bobbing balloons, each tethered to a polaroid picture of a special memory. If Cinderella were to stay anywhere, she would be most impressed by the slight of hand of the butler team – almost imperceptibly, they can make miniature dreams come true. Featuring either two or three bedrooms, ranging from range from 275sqm up to 640sqm, each outpost also comes complete with a private plunge pool, private terrace, cabana, and its own kitchen. While the three bedroom villas are more than spacious for a full family escape, the Royal Malakiya Villa – spanning 1,014sqm – is fit for a royal court, set upon three levels and boasting its own rooftop terrace. The villas' marble-clad bathrooms feature Jacuzzi baths worthy of a queen, while further living spaces including elegant dining rooms and studies that allow for plenty of quiet, blissed-out contemplation. If you are bringing the whole family, then there are many pursuits to entertain young and old beyond your intimate villa space. Pierchic, French Riviera, Al Nafoorah, Shimmers, Pai Thai, and renowned Rockfish are just a few of Jumeirah Madinat's most beloved restaurants, while children can attend its imaginative kids clubs, and exercise addicts can steal away to the J Club Fitness Centre. Dar Al Masyaf's award-winning Talisa Spa and exclusive adult-only infinity pool that reaches out across the ocean are two of its most tranquil sanctuaries, and the resort also offers direct private access to Souk Madinat Jumeirah, for a spot of local shopping. Complimentary airport pick up and drop off will make your visit all the easier, but if you can't quite face ever leaving? You don't have to. The Malakiya Villas are also available for long-term rental – perfect for extended business trips, or those with incurable wanderlust, who simply need a wondrous place to pause.
Times
17-07-2025
- Times
12 of the best beach holiday destinations in November
First, the bad news: November in mainland Europe sees daylight hours fast diminishing, darkness by late afternoon and days of cold winds, coats and inside-out umbrellas. On the plus side, this is almost always a month free of school holidays, meaning that planes, hotels and holidays in general tend to be quieter and more affordable than in peak times. Better still, there are plenty of good options for some warm-weather days on a dreamy beach — the ultimate antidote to your end-of-year blues. From Florida, India and East Asia, where the monsoon season is wrapping up, to Australia and the southern hemisphere's summer, here are the best options for a much-deserved beach break in November. This article contains affiliate links, which may earn us revenue This innovative beacon for architecture, fringed by family-friendly beaches, is best visited in November when the furnace-like temperatures of summer in Dubai have calmed to a pleasant 20–30C. Swap the ever-busy Jumeirah Beach for the Al Mamzar Beach Park, whose sands are framed by grassy playgrounds and BBQ spots. Switch seamlessly from shopping to sunbathing at La Mer beach; for secret skyline views of the Burj Al Arab locate Black Palace beach in Al Sufouh district. They flew in Beyoncé for the January 2023 opening of Atlantis The Royal, the 795-room sister to Atlantis The Palm. • Read our full review of Atlantis The Palm• Best things to do in Dubai• Best affordable hotels in DubaiThis Eat Pray Love superstar can get very busy, but November is the start of the rainy season in Bali and, consequently, it's quieter and rooms rates are at their lowest. Fear not, there's plenty of time to schedule sunbathing around the short afternoon downpours. Avoid the crowded beaches around Nusa Dua and Kuta completely, and swerve the black-sand beaches around Seminyak, Amed and Lovina in favour of the golden sands of the Uluwatu peninsula. And don't forget to explore the dreamy offshore islands of Nusa Lembongan, Nusa Ceningan and Nusa Penida. Luxury hotel Jumeriah Bali floats like a Hindu-Javanese water temple above Dreamland beach. • Best hotels in Bali Marooned off the coast of Madagascar, Mauritius serves up spicy creole stews, hip-wiggling sega music and swoon-worthy beaches thanks to the coral reefs ringing the island, which protect its shores from strong currents and waves. Families should gravitate to the long wide sweeps of sand at Belle Mare, Mont Choisy and La Cuvette, while water sports enthusiasts will find action at Flic en Flac and Le Morne. If it's secluded perfection you seek try Gris Gris, or hop on a boat to the idyllic islands of Île aux Cerfs and Ilot Gabriel. On the less-developed east coast is the eye-catching, adult-only, five-star SALT of Palmar. • Best hotels in Mauritius• Best beaches in MauritiusThis archipelago off East Africa lays claim to some of the best and most photographed shorelines on the planet thanks to its otherworldly, sea-smoothed granite boulders fringed by dense palm trees, pearlescent sand and translucent shallows teeming with fish. The Seychelles cover girl is Anse Source d'Argent, but avoid the €10 entrance fee and Instagrammers and seek out Anse Georgette, a wide smile of sand accessed via the five-star Constance Lemuria, or Anse Lazio for top-notch snorkelling and the best sunset spot on Praslin. Keep an eye out for the opening of Canopy by Hilton Mahé on Anse à la Mouche beach in 2023. • Best beaches in the Seychelles• Best things to do in the SeychellesMark Twain described Hawaii as 'the loveliest fleet of islands that lies anchored in any ocean'. It can be an expensive getaway but, during shoulder season, crowds and prices have shrunk, temperatures remain warm with less rainfall and low humidity and it coincides with the start of humpback whale season. Iconic Waikiki Beach is worth a drive by, but adventurous travellers will love Papakolea on Big Island, a green sand beach accessible only by hiking or 4×4, or the red sand Kaihalulu on Maui's east coast. The oceanfront 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay is a carbon-neutral five-star geared entirely toward wellness. • Best hotels in HawaiiStretching for 25 miles along south-eastern Queensland, from Paradise Point to Coolangatta, this laid-back region is known for its world-class surf breaks, such as the skyscraper-backed Surfers Paradise, and immaculate sandy beaches. November marks the start of summer and the sweet spot before the crowds descend. Festival season also kicks off with music concerts and wine and food festivals, and it's the start of turtle nesting season. Families are well catered for at Coolangatta beach and Broadbeach. The four-star Sebel Twin Towns is 200m from Coolangatta beach. • Best Australia tours• Best Australian experiencesTravellers seeking a more rugged and wildlife-rich beach experience will find it on Costa Rica's coral reef-fringed beaches, which attract four species of sea turtle to its shores — including the arribadas (mass nestings) of olive ridley sea turtles on Ostional beach and green turtles at Tortuguero. November falls between the start of the dry season and the tail end of green season, so the landscape remains lush, plus you'll benefit from the perks of off-peak prices. Soak up a slice of the 'Pura Vida' on the black sands characteristic of Guanacaste and Puntarenas, or the white sands of the Nicoya Peninsula. The boutique Sendero Nosara sits inside a nature reserve steps away from the surfing waves of Playa Guiones. • Best beaches in Costa Rica• Best places to see wildlife in Costa RicaThe supermodel of the travel world is the epitome of holiday postcard perfection, with palm tree-studded islands haloed by white-sand beaches and warm azure waters — but it's not just a holiday destination reserved for honeymooners. There are Maldives resorts for everyone and November falls outside of the peak season of December to April, so you'll get more bang for your buck. It's also the beginning of manta ray season, so be sure to strap on a snorkel and glide among these gentle giants. Oaga Art Resort is a fun five-star with local art, villas with waterslides and a spa using traditional Maldivian healing. • Best overwater villas in the Maldives• Best all-inclusive hotels in the MaldivesOffering sunshine without having to spend serious money, Gran Canaria has the best beaches of the seven Canary Islands off the coast of northwest Africa, with 80 stretches of sand to choose from. Most of the action centres around the sunnier south and the beaches in the east and our picks are Maspalomas and Playa de Amadores. Look out for November's Fiesta de San Andres, a mix of street parties and live music to celebrate the patron saint of fishermen. Luxurious Hotel Riu Palace Meloneras is a 15-minute walk from Maspalomas beach. • Best all-inclusive hotels in Gran CanariaPeak season starts in mid-December, but locals know that Barbados is best in November, when the mercury averages around 28C and the rainfall, humidity and prices have dropped. By all means, snap photos of pink-sand Crane beach and lounge on the popular Miami beach, but also take time to explore the less-visited, cliff-concealed Bottom Bay on the southeast coast, quiet Cove Bay on the west coast for a spot of surfing, or the rugged and remote Cattlewash beach in the east. The all-inclusive O2 Beach Club and Spa resort on Dover beach has a brilliant rooftop pool. • Best all-inclusive hotels in BarbadosOman has 3,165km of coastline offering a mix of rocky and sandy beaches, but our pick for those searching for a sprinkle of adventure is under the radar bird-rich Masirah Island, 20km off the coast. In temperatures hovering around 25-28C, you can still camp on the beach and enjoy prime snorkelling. Best of all, its pristine sandy beaches are visited by sea turtles, so if you visit between September and December you could witness a hatching. The windy west coast is ideal for kitesurfers — Sur Masirah is one of the best spots. Stay at the welcoming Masira Island Resort. • Best hotels in Oman• Best places to visit in NovemberBy November, monsoon season in southern India has rained itself out and peak season — when temperatures range between 25C and 31C — is kicking off. Goa is still the go-to for many beach lovers, but you can get more beach for your buck without the crowds along the laidback Keralan coast. We recommend the ayurvedic-focussed five-star Niraamaya Retreats Surya Samudra, which is down the road from the historic port town of Vizhinjam and near one of the coast's top-rated beaches: Kovalam. • Best beaches in India• Where is hot in November? Sign up for the Times Travel Newsletter here.
Khaleej Times
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Khaleej Times
Frozen treats, kayaking lessons: 8 things UAE residents can get for free this summer
Although some iconic attractions in the UAE will be closed this summer, there's still no shortage of free experiences to enjoy across the country. Those who may miss out on watching the Dubai Fountain shows, or seeing flamingoes at Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary during the hot summer months will still find other ways to enjoy without having to spend even one dirham. Here are some of the things residents don't have to pay for in summer 2025: Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels. 1. Swimming, kayaking lessons What can be better in this sweltering weather than water sports. To encourage children to engage in swimming, kayaking and powerboating, kids between 7 and 16 years old are invited to join the 'Fujairah Summer' campaign that kicked off on June 25 under the slogan 'Summer Splash'. The event, which will last until July 21, 2025, also provides participants with educational activities such as awareness sessions focused on marine conservation. 2. Night beaches Dubai residents do not have to dig deeper in their pockets to enjoy swimming at three night beaches —Jumeirah 2, Jumeirah 3, and Umm Suqeim 1. Swimmers at certain spots along the roughly 800-meter stretch of beaches can enjoy stunning views of the iconic Burj Al Arab. 3. Rain shows It's true this year did not bring much rain to UAE residents. However, those missing the feeling of raindrops falling on their faces can visit Sharjah's Zawaya Walk for free daily rain shows. The shows take place for 5 minutes each at 1-hour intervals. 4. 15-day return on Amazon Delivery of Amazon orders over Dh90 will be totally free, with most products arriving within six to twelve days. The online shopping platform has recently launched a new section called 'Amazon Bazaar' for shoppers exclusively in the UAE. 5. Kids entry to Yas Island Every adult can avail of "Kids Go Free" offer on Abu Dhabi's Yas Island until September 30 by taking one child to play for free at record-breaking theme parks like Ferrari World, Yas Waterworld, Warner Bros. World, and SeaWorld Yas Island. The package also includes staying and dining at some hotels. 6. Buttermilk A " Free buttermilk for all" offer was announced at an eatery in Sharjah. Anyone who walks in Madurai Restaurant in Abu Shagara between 11am and 3pm will be served complimentary buttermilk, which is a fermented dairy drink widely consumed across South India, and is low in fat and packed with electrolytes. 7. Frozen treats Blue collar workers in the UAE are being offered free frozen treats and juices as part of Al Freej Fridge humanitarian campaign. With the goal of reducing heat-related health risks like dehydration and heat exhaustion, the campaign aims to distribute two million refreshments to workers across Dubai during peak summer. To volunteer in the campaign, residents have to fill a sign-up sheet on the Ferjan Dubai social media account. 8. AC rest stations A respite from the scorching heat is provided for free to delivery service workers in the UAE. Over 10,000 air-conditioned rest stations are available to provide workers with a place to rest throughout the peak summer period.
Time Business News
26-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Business News
Dhow Cruise Dubai Marina: A Magical New Year's Eve on the Water
As the year comes to an end, everyone looks for a special way to celebrate New Year's Eve. If you are in Dubai or planning to visit, there is no better way to welcome the new year than with a Dhow Cruise Dubai Marina. Imagine sailing on calm waters, watching the glittering skyline, and enjoying fireworks lighting up the night sky. This is what a New Year Cruise Dubai offers—a perfect mix of fun, food, and fantastic views. Dubai is known for its luxury lifestyle, modern architecture, and grand celebrations. But the Dhow Cruise Dubai Marina offers something truly unique. A dhow is a traditional wooden boat that has been beautifully restored and turned into a floating restaurant. When you board this cruise, you step into a magical world where tradition meets modern luxury. Sailing through Dubai Marina is an experience like no other. The marina is surrounded by stunning skyscrapers, luxury hotels, and beautifully lit promenades. As the boat glides smoothly over the water, you get a front-row seat to one of the most vibrant parts of Dubai. New Year's Eve is one of the most celebrated nights in Dubai, and the New Year Cruise Dubai makes it unforgettable. As the clock ticks closer to midnight, the entire city lights up with spectacular fireworks. Being on the water gives you the perfect view of these fireworks from famous landmarks like the Burj Al Arab, Atlantis, and the Palm Jumeirah. The cruise is more than just a ride. It is a full-on celebration. The evening usually starts with a warm welcome, followed by delicious food, live entertainment, and a lively atmosphere. You can enjoy live music, traditional Tanoura dance, and sometimes even a DJ who plays your favorite songs as you sail through the marina. No celebration is complete without food, and the Dhow Cruise Dubai Marina makes sure you are treated to a feast. The cruise offers a wide range of buffet-style dining options, including international cuisines, Arabic dishes, and mouth-watering desserts. Whether you are a vegetarian or a meat lover, there is something for everyone. The dinner is usually served in an open-air upper deck or an air-conditioned lower deck, depending on your preference. You can enjoy your meal while watching the beautiful reflections of Dubai's skyline on the water. The New Year Cruise Dubai is designed for all age groups. Families with kids, couples, or groups of friends will all find something to enjoy. Apart from the delicious dinner, the cruise includes several forms of entertainment. You can enjoy live music performances, traditional dances, and sometimes magic shows. As midnight approaches, the excitement grows. Everyone gathers on the deck to watch the countdown and the fireworks display. The atmosphere is filled with joy, laughter, and the sound of cheers as the new year begins. One of the best parts of the Dhow Cruise Dubai Marina is the view. As the dhow sails through the heart of Dubai Marina, you get to see some of the most famous buildings and landmarks. The Marina Mall, Cayan Tower (known as the twisted tower), and the beautifully lit promenade are just a few of the sights you will enjoy. At night, Dubai Marina turns into a magical place with lights reflecting off the water and the sounds of the city blending with the calm waves. It's the perfect setting for photos, memories, and romantic moments. Whether you are celebrating with your partner, family, or friends, the New Year Cruise Dubai is suitable for everyone. Couples can enjoy a romantic dinner under the stars, families can have fun with the entertainment and fireworks, and friends can dance and party as they sail into the new year. The cruise provides a safe, comfortable, and festive environment for all guests. With professional staff, delicious food, and non-stop entertainment, it's an experience you won't forget. Since New Year's Eve is one of the busiest nights in Dubai, it is highly recommended to book your Dhow Cruise Dubai Marina in advance. Cruises often sell out weeks before the event. You should also check what's included in your package—some cruises offer unlimited soft drinks, while others might have premium dinner options or VIP seating. Dress comfortably but remember, it's New Year's Eve, so adding a touch of glamour will make your night even more special. Also, arrive early to get the best seats and fully enjoy the evening. A Dhow Cruise Dubai Marina on New Year's Eve is truly a magical experience. It combines the beauty of Dubai's skyline, the charm of traditional dhow boats, and the excitement of New Year celebrations into one unforgettable night. Whether you are visiting Dubai or live here, this is one of the best ways to say goodbye to the old year and welcome the new one in style. So, if you are looking for a unique and memorable New Year Cruise Dubai, don't wait. Book your dhow cruise now and get ready to enjoy a night filled with joy, laughter, delicious food, and breathtaking views on the water. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Mail & Guardian
17-06-2025
- Mail & Guardian
Luxury travel: Why unconentional stays are the new 5-star
Once upon a time, luxury stays were synonymous with high-touch service, opulent dining, gold-plated fittings, Hermès amenities and even gold-plated iPads in every room (if you were lucky enough to stay at the Burj Al Arab in Dubai). Today? They could well mean sleeping on the retro sixties train La Dolce Vita Orient Express, or soaking in a copper tub in Swedish Lapland, under the Northern Lights. 2025's new luxury isn't just about indulgence. It's about experience, authenticity, hyper-personalisation, and plenty of nostalgia (to bring back the magic of simpler times and milestone moments). Antoinette Turner, GM of Flight Centre South Africa, believes the shift in our definition of luxury is rewriting the rulebook on what travellers truly value. 'Travellers are no longer satisfied with simply ticking off a destination or staying in yet another posh hotel,' says Turner. 'They're looking for meaningful, story-worthy stays, which they will remember for life. That might be a villa on the water's edge in the Ruaha National Park in Tanzania, or in a Scandi-chic floating cabin on a frozen lake in the Arctic Circle. Simply put: Unique is now trumping opulent, every time.' Luxury, redefined Fuelled by a post-pandemic appetite for reconnection with nature, with self, with others, the travel industry is witnessing a transformation. Traditional markers of luxury, such as thread count or room size, are no longer the zenith of opulence. Now, it's about curated, immersive experiences that engage the senses and stir the soul. This is particularly evident in the rise of what Amadeus calls 'Trailblazer Hotels' – properties that are destinations in their own right, bold, experiential, and purpose-driven. So distinctive, these hotels are becoming the destination, with travellers are planning their trips around the stay, rather than the other way around, seeking design-led, narrative-rich accommodations that offer cultural immersion and personal growth. From stargazing pods in remote deserts to eco-lodges in rewilded national parks and hotels built into German wartime bunkers, this trend reflects a broader move away from derivative hospitality and towards stays at 'calling card properties', often independently operated, that boast authenticity with a sense of place. Take 'The Brando' on the Tetiaroa atoll in French Polynesia. Formerly Marlon Brando's private island, this ultra-exclusive eco-resort combines barefoot luxury with serious sustainability credentials. Solar energy, seawater air conditioning, and coral reef research all sit alongside gourmet dining and private plunge pools. Set among the surrounding flora, the buildings are designed to exist within the ecosystem, not imposed upon it, integrating into their delicate natural setting. Hyper-personalisation is the new concierge Turner says today's luxury traveller wants to feel seen and 'they want to remember'. 'We're now planning trips around guests' youthful memories, favourite TV dramas and childhood books, and even trips to replicate their gap years.' Amadeus echoes this in its 2025 Trends Report, predicting a rise in highly customised stays, where technology and data create journeys tailored to individual preferences and moods. Some hotels already offer guests a choice of pillow scents, curated playlists, or itineraries based on wellness goals. Others go further, with chef-hosted foraging experiences or private concerts in off-grid settings. This trend also aligns with what Skift identifies as a move away from the anonymous grandeur of big hotel chains and towards emotionally resonant, human-led encounters. Remote and regenerative Equally prominent in the Amadeus Trends Repot is the growth of regenerative travel. No longer content with low-impact tourism, many travellers now expect their holidays to actively support the environment and local communities. 'Luxury today is about giving back, not just taking,' Turner notes. 'Clients ask about sustainability credentials and community engagement. They want to know their holiday supports local people and the planet.' A good example? Grootbos Private Nature Reserve in Gansbaai redefines luxury through conservation and community. Located in the Cape Floristic Region, it offers eco-conscious experiences like fynbos safaris and marine wildlife tours. With sustainable architecture and locally sourced cuisine, Grootbos blends indulgence with purpose in one of the world's most biodiverse regions. Amadeus predicts this will become the norm, not the niche. A growing number of hotels are embedding sustainability into their architecture, operations, and guest experience, not just as a marketing hook, but as fundamentally tied to their identity. What's driving the shift? Several forces are behind this repositioning. The Amadeus report points to a generational shift: Millennials and Gen Z travellers, who are increasingly becoming a dominant force in the luxury travel market, value emotional resonance, sustainability, and uniqueness over status or prestige. At the same time, the pandemic caused a re-evaluation of how and why people travel. Isolation and lockdowns sparked a hunger for open space, slower rhythms, and deeper connection. As Turner puts it, 'People are travelling with greater intention. They want to reconnect with nature, rediscover themselves, or mark a life milestone in a way that feels meaningful.' The industry has responded, with new hotel developments prioritising cultural authenticity, local experiences, and wellness integration. Many are embracing flexible booking models and offering digital detoxes or community engagement activities as part of the package. In the end, the future of luxury isn't about more, it's about meaning. As the lines between travel, wellbeing, and self-discovery continue to blur, hotels are no longer just places to stay – they're places to feel, to grow, and to belong. After all, a gilded lobby can't compete with a sunrise breakfast in South Africa's bushveld. Luxury has evolved and it's heading somewhere more human, more grounded, and infinitely more memorable.
