Latest news with #Wheely
The Herald Scotland
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Herald Scotland
Hmmm… eat your heart out, Milky Bar Kid
Reader Grace Moore was enjoying tea in a café near Glasgow Central Station. Being on her own at the time, she was doing a bit of people-watching to entertain herself. At one point she was surprised to notice an elderly lady lift her feet from the floor and scrunch herself into a vibrating ball on her chair. 'Anything wrong?' asked Grace. 'A rat!' quavered the old lady. 'I saw it run in through the front door.' Was the rat feeling a bit parched, and desperate for a coffee? Or perhaps it was hungry for a blueberry muffin? Maybe it felt lonely, was filled with existential despair, and hankered after good conversation about the meaning of life. None of the above, it transpired. One of the baristas managed to chase the rodent back outside, then explained to our correspondent that he had previously spied it being bullied by a couple of seagulls, which forced the icky critter to retreat to the safety of the coffee shop. 'So you could say it was rat-tled,' noted the barista with a grim smile. Wheely successful Proud Diary correspondent Simon Whitworth boasted to a pal in the pub: 'My dad was an accomplished guy. He had a corner office with views of the entire city, drove an expensive vehicle, and was paid to travel.' 'Impressive,' said the pal. 'Yup,' nodded Simon. 'Forty years as a bus driver.' A sweet deal Inspirational advice from reader Jean Osborne, who says: 'Remember. No matter how much chocolate you eat, your shoes will still fit.' Doggone it When reader Steven Weir was a teen he spent a lot of time with his mates in Rouken Glen Park, where they noticed a chap who always walked his six pet dogs in the afternoons. 'We started to refer to him as Dog-dude Dave,' says Steven. 'Then one day our fun was spoiled when the pooch-loving bloke bumped into a friend, and we overheard the pal refer to Dog-Dude Dave by his actual name… Alistair.' Says Steven: 'My friends and I were scunnered because we couldn't think of anything dogily alliterative to call Alistair.' Sound decision Chiropractors are those alternative medics who manipulate the body until the joints emit a loud noise. An Irish pal of reader Bruce Rawles visited a chiropractor, and genuinely said: 'I just go for the crack.' Sleep of reason Outraged Heather Rose noticed someone dumped a double mattress in her street. 'How do these people sleep at night?' she fumes.
Khaleej Times
16-06-2025
- Automotive
- Khaleej Times
Wheely Dubai experience: Luxury chauffeuring with Maybachs, S-Class, and more
When you think of a chauffeured ride, you might imagine a polished car, a sharply dressed driver, and a quiet ride to your destination. Wheely takes that base expectation and elevates it into an experience that feels meticulously curated — a seamless blend of technology, etiquette, and sheer indulgence. Having recently tried out several of Wheely's services in Dubai, including Luxe, First, and New Business, I can confidently say that this isn't just a premium ride-hailing app — it's a luxury transport experience that's designed to treat time and comfort as the ultimate commodities. Let's start with the fleet. Each vehicle I've ridden in has been pristine and impeccably maintained. The Luxe class, exclusive to Wheely Members, features the ultra-elegant Mercedes-Maybach S-Class. When asked about his driving experience, the chauffeur casually mentioned that there are currently only three Maybachs in the Dubai fleet, making it feel even more exclusive. The ride is buttery-smooth, the cabin incredibly quiet, and the interior detailing speaks volumes about refinement. Reclining seats, ambient lighting, and a sense of absolute calm made this journey feel more like a luxury lounge on wheels. The First and New Business options also delivered above expectations. The Mercedes-Benz S-Class under the First tier offers thoughtful touches like FIJI Water, Acqua Di Parma car fragrance, privacy blinds, and additional legroom — great for business professionals or anyone who values a serene, distraction-free ride. Meanwhile, New Business, featuring the BMW 5 Series, proves that even their "entry-level" tier is far from ordinary. With bottled Evian, disinfecting wipes, tissues, and dual phone chargers (yes, including USB-C for newer iPhones), it's perfectly suited for modern business travel. One of the biggest highlights was the chauffeur etiquette. Every driver I encountered was not only professional but displayed genuine courtesy and awareness. They opened doors, checked route preferences, adjusted temperature and music when requested, and offered a level of attentiveness that felt natural, never intrusive, always reassuring. In short, they behaved less like drivers and more like concierges behind the wheel. Over the span of a few weeks, I ordered pickups from Muhaisnah 4, Barsha, Palm Jumeirah, and Meydan, and the average wait time ranged between 10 to 20 minutes. Considering the level of service and the exclusivity of certain vehicle types (especially the Luxe class), this felt more than reasonable. Then there's the Wheely app — which is, in itself, a beautifully designed tool. It's fast, clean, and intuitive. One standout feature I particularly liked is the option to request only black vehicles, which subtly adds to the overall premium aesthetic. Be warned, though: filtering by colour or vehicle type can increase the waiting time slightly, but for those seeking a specific kind of experience, it's a small trade-off. Wheely also allows you to book rides for others, a great gesture for gifting or arranging business transfers, and for members, features like Airport Pickups and Chauffeur for a Day add even more polish to the overall offering. To sum it up, Wheely is for the traveller who values aesthetics and service. It's for the executive heading from meeting to meeting or the traveller who wants to feel at ease from the moment they step into the car. In a city like Dubai — where extravagance is standard and service is everything — Wheely manages to stand out by being precise, personal, and impeccably polished. Whether you're looking to impress a client or simply elevate your commute, Wheely might just become your go-to mode of luxury transport.
Times
26-05-2025
- Automotive
- Times
Would you order a £1,080 luxury chauffeur for your dog?
The American humorist and lecturer Josh Billings once declared, 'A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself.' Possibly as a result of this unconditional affection, pet ownership is now linked to lower rates of depression among urban residents, according to research from University College London. For those who wish to show their appreciation, there's a growing number of luxurious dog services. And, as the number of dogs in London outruns the number of babies (1.2 compared to 1.1 million, according to the Office for National Statistics), there is certainly a market for such pampering. Here are the most luxurious dog services available for your furry friend. Wheely provides 'exquisite chauffeur experiences' in London, and their members increasingly book their Chauffeur for a Day service for four-legged passengers. Suited drivers are all too happy to take pets to the park, then perhaps to a groom, massage or meetings with friends, and home safe again —without fussing about muddy paws in their immaculate cars. Pets are allowed in all cars, and the Wheely app allows the owner to keep track of their movements should they not be able to join them on their journey. Anyone can book Wheely, and trips start from £15. Membership is offered to the most loyal passengers (who join by member invitation or by completing at least 15 journeys within six months) at no additional cost. Members enjoy special privileges, including access to the Chauffeur for a Day service. A full day is £660 for business class (in a Mercedes-Benz E-Class, EQE or BMW 5 Series) or £1,080 for first class (the more spacious Mercedes-Benz W223 S-Class and amenities including an Acqua di Parma car diffuser in Buongiorno scent). Half-days are £360 for business class or £540 for first class. SUVS and XL cars are also • Read more luxury reviews, advice and insights from our experts With more than 14 years' experience as a vet nurse, Lilo Ask-Henriksen supports pets' long-term health through natural therapies. At her Fulham home clinic, patients are treated with Zoopharmacognosy, a new pet care approach that is recognised by some vets and rescue homes, such as the Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, especially for helping to calm scared dogs. It was pioneered by Caroline Ingraham, with whom Ask-Henricksen trained, and involves the dogs sniffing various essential oils and herbs. Ask-Henriksen uses about 60 different oils, some of which have anti-inflammatory properties. Once they are relaxed, dogs are treated to reiki and massage. Ask-Henriksen then uses blue-light therapy delivered via a handheld device to provide non-invasive pain relief, immunotherapy and recovery support. Nutrition is another central element. With a postgraduate diploma in Chinese nutritional therapy from the College of Naturopathic Medicine in London, Ask-Henriksen provides tailored dietary plans including supplements. She also works alongside traditional veterinary practices to provide the best level of care. Ask-Henriksen's clients include those who are seeking general wellness and longevity for their animals, as well as those helping pets recover from illness, accidents and surgeries. 'Dogs are part of the family, and today's dog-lovers care for them with the same devotion and thoughtfulness they'd give to any loved one,' she says. 'We are becoming increasingly aware of our own health and how holistic lifestyles are so imperative to our own wellness, so it's only natural to integrate this for your dog as well.' A 50-minute initial consultation is priced at £275, with follow-ups at £120 (25 minutes) or £235 (50 minutes). The Holistic Vet Nurse also offers home visits (£385 for one hour, although slightly more for, say, Monaco-based clients) and online consultations (£315 for 50 minutes). She also trains chefs and household staff in preparing bespoke, nutritionally balanced meals and keeps an emergency phone line open for her Alice Berwick is a dog behaviourist and trainer who started AB K9 Training in 2021 to help owners create better partnerships with their dogs, especially in busy London. 'On the streets in London there are so many dogs who are scared and overstimulated,' she says. Berwick offers weekly one-on-one sessions, and while many owners come to her for the basics — lead training and recall — they often stay on for more fun training and tricks. 'People are working so hard, it's nice for them to have one hour a week that is just for their dog,' she says. 'They can spoil them.' Berwick works with all sorts of dogs and, being certified by the Institute of Modern Dog Trainers and the Dog Training College, she only practises positive, force-free dog training. The true luxury is AB K9's personalised training plans. 'Most of the dogs I train cry when they see me, they're just so happy that it's time for a session,' Berwick says. 'I believe in positive reinforcement while setting boundaries. I always work in a gentle way and the dogs love it. It's so rewarding to see them thrive.' An initial consultation with AB K9 Training is £120, followed by one-hour sessions for £108. Clients often contact Berwick between sessions on WhatsApp too, to ensure training is on track and for an occasional confidence Established by Mary Hall 20 years ago, My Dog Walker whisks pets away to a fully secure 15-acre property with a meadow, clear running brook and access to woodlands — only 15 minutes from Putney Bridge. Daycare dogs are picked up in either a Mercedes limo cab or a repurposed London cab, air-conditioned and refurbished with Lintran transit boxes so they can keep safe and cool while in the bus lane. A purpose-built indoor 'reception area' has a range of luxury dog beds and baskets. It is air-conditioned in the summer, with underfloor heating for the winter. Outdoors, dogs can lounge in more dog beds by a 15ft swimming pool and an additional paddling pool, as well as in the lush mix of manicured and long-grass lawns under the shade of established trees. A member of the Professional Dog Walkers Association, My Dog Walker has five full-time staff who are all first aid accredited and have been with the business for many years (the longest serving has worked with them for 15 years and the newest eight). Each walker takes six dogs on at least two 90-minute walks a day. For dogs that are small, elderly or recovering from injury, there are shorter walk options in a separate area. Each dog is encouraged to explore at their own pace and to form bonds with other dogs. (My Dog Walker only takes full males until they're a year old, the age they can be neutered.) Dogs are fed per their owners' instructions, and any additional treats are organic. A day in the lap of luxury is £40 and overnight stays at the My Dog Rocks Hotel can be arranged for an additional £20 per For pets that like to party, Let's Pawty UK co-ordinates and decorates events for dogs and their friends and families. Much like at a children's birthday party, the guest of honour will enjoy a (pup-friendly) birthday cake and treats and decorations in their preferred colour palette. Sensory activities include piñatas, ball pits, obstacle courses and blowing bubbles in chicken or beef flavours. Other diversions include a personalised playlist, a selfie photo wall and a paddling pool. The birthday boy or girl takes home their special hat and bandana, while guests are gifted party favours. Let's Pawty learns as much as possible about the host to ensure their dreams come true — a recent example includes extra wrapping paper for one dog that loves shredding tissue paper. 'It's really nice to get everybody together and make memories with your pet,' says the owner-operator, Lauren Girvan. 'Their lives are quite short compared to ours.' The Pawfect Party Package, for a party of 10 people and 10 pets, is £300 for 2 hours, with £50 for each extra hour. Catering for the humans and a pet photographer comes at an extra, pre-arranged cost. Girvan and her team move around London for these events. They are often held in the dog's home and garden — or at their favourite local pub. 'It doesn't have to be focused just on the dog, but we make sure that the dog is included while the owners and the families are celebrating,' she adds. What started as a lockdown passion project has become a growing business, including corporate party planning — that's parties for employees and associates' dogs. Let's Pawty also offers cat celebrations, although the canine alternative is proving to be more popular. This arm of the business has attracted further interest around the UK, as well as internationally in France and America. Let's Pawty offers pet party hampers for events held without a party planner in attendance, including for occasions such as Valentine's Day and Christmas. These are sold on eBay and Tik Tok shop (£19.99-£24.99). When kibble simply won't do, the Egerton House Hotel's decadent Doggy afternoon tea presents three tiers of treats to your dog in the lounge of this red-brick Victorian townhouse hotel in Knightsbridge. The dining experience (£30) could include chicken liver and beef meatloaf to start, homemade peanut butter dog biscuits in the middle and a carrot cupcake with natural yoghurt to top it all off. Capturing this special experience, the charming Shelley Levy offers a personal 'pawtrait' session, where she will meet the lucky chap and live-sketch and paint their portrait. At the end of the high tea experience an A4 watercolour and mixed media artwork is mounted on a frame. (This experience is only available on Wednesdays and Fridays and costs £550, including a traditional afternoon tea for two human companions.) It's hardly likely, but if your pet is still hungry (or perhaps comes back another evening), the Egerton also offers a Dogtini experience (£30), which is a dog bowl-sized martini (homemade chicken consommé) with meat skewers in lieu of olives, served with a side of carrot crudités and a strawberry surprise for dessert. The Egerton House Hotel also offers pet-friendly rooms, which come with their own dog basket and blankets, bottled water and bowl, freshly baked bone-shaped biscuits, a special bandana and a greeting card from the director of pet relations, Matilda the Jack Russell. A studio suite (perfect for those with four extra paws) starts from £875 per night. And yes, there is a pet breakfast menu, including various porridge and scrambled egg options. Ever feel like your dog is trying to tell you something? Beth Lee-Crowther may be able to connect with your pet and give them a voice. Lee-Crowther has worked as a pet psychic for more than 20 years, with appearances on ITV's This Morning and her own four-part documentary series The Pet Psychic (2024). With only a photo and the name of your pet, she says she can connect with them through clairvoyance (seeing pictures), clairaudience (hearing words and phrases) and clairsentience (feelings within the body). 'Animals, I believe, are very psychic,' she says. 'They can show me things in my mind.' A typical session starts from £60 for one hour over the phone, and she must state that this experience is for entertainment only. Lee-Crowther believes our pets are with us for a reason, and that there are lessons they can teach us too. 'They're not just a pet — there is more relevance to why you are together.' Hoping to create a deeper connection between pets and owners, Lee-Crowther wants her work to be as enjoyable and accessible as possible. As well as her media work, she holds Facebook and TikTok Lives every Wednesday, which are free to all. (She'll also never charge when helping owners find a lost pet.) Her book, Everything You Need to Know to Become a Pet Psychic is an introductory guide to animal communication that aims to help owners create richer relationships with their pets. The Pet Psychic also hosts workshops at her home in Worcestershire (£150 for the day, in person) as well as online (£80 for a two-hour session).
Emirates Woman
17-04-2025
- Automotive
- Emirates Woman
Tired of ordinary luxury? Dubai's Wheely now has on-demand Maybach rides
Life by Aminath Ifasa 33 seconds ago In a city where luxury is measured in exclusivity, Wheely has just raised the bar. The Swiss-British chauffeur service has unveiled W heely Luxe , its most refined tier yet, granting members in Dubai something unprecedented – the ability to summon a Mercedes-Maybach S-Class at will. Until now, the Maybach, synonymous with uncompromising elegance, was reserved for private ownership or bespoke bookings. Wheely changes that, becoming the only platform to offer it on-demand, transforming even the shortest commute into a statement of discernment. The experience is designed for those who consider travel an art form. The experience goes beyond the Maybach's known comfort. With Wheely, t he cabin, a cocoon of hand-stitched leather and polished wood, is subtly scented with Aqua di Parma. Each ride comes with chilled FIJI water and San Pellegrino sparkling water, kept cool in built-in refrigerators, while Colonia-scented hand cream and plush cleansing towels complete the sensory experience. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Wheely (@wheely) 'These aren't just amenities – they're essential touches for those who appreciate true refinement,' says Omar Maatouk, Wheely's Middle East General Manager. The service also includes practical luxuries like USB-C and Lightning chargers, plus folding tables for on-the-go productivity. 'This isn't just about transport. It's about delivering a new standard of private travel, where every element is considered', says Maatouk. The launch follows Wheely's recent introduction of an SUV class for business travelers, but Wheely Luxe is a different proposition. This one is aimed at those for whom luxury is not just a preference but a prerequisite. The membership remains tightly curated, ensuring that access feels as exclusive as the experience itself. Wheely's tiered services include Luxe (Maybach S-Class), Business SUV (GMC Yukon), New Business (BMW 5 Series), First (Mercedes S-Class), and XL (Mercedes V-Class), along with airport pickups and Chauffeur for a Day for members. Their exclusive Membership program rewards frequent travelers with global access to premium services, available after 15 journeys or by invitation. In a market saturated with superlatives, Wheely has found a way to make luxury feel personal again. And for Dubai's most discerning travelers, the Maybach is now just a tap away. Learn more about their membership program on For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram Images & Feature Image: Supplied
