Muscat-born Sarah-Jane Dias is a former VJ and the Pantaloon Femina Miss India 2007
Where would you go?
I’m dying to go to the Maldives – it looks gorgeous, and I don’t need any another reason. Being on a beach is bliss. I love sand, whether there’s water attached or not. That’s probably because I grew up on the coast near lots of dunes and a beach.
Who would you go with?
At the moment, I’d love to take off on a holiday all by myself, something I’ve never done. If you have the freedom to travel alone, there’s so much to learn.
What would you take with you?
I’d take a book, even though I’m not an ardent reader. A book that goes with the beach, and something that won’t give me nightmares if I doze off while reading. I can’t survive without music, whether I’m on a beach, shopping or working out. My iPod is on constantly, shuffling between R&B, soul, hip hop and rock. I’ve got bits of everything, depending on my mood.
What would you do?
I would get lots of massages and totally pamper myself. I’d go for long walks exploring the area. I’d make friends with the locals, which is a fabulous way to travel and learn about a place. I love seafood, so I’d indulge in a bit of that. I guess heaven is a place with a great beach – and great prawn curry!
Interview by Abbas Marouf
Suite luxury
Qatar’s Sharq Village & Spa is a prime example of a welcome trend across the Gulf to incorporate traditional architecture and design into new developments. Its 174 rooms and suites are spread over 14, low-rise Arabic courtyard homes and they are decorated with traditional hand-made furnishings, as well as the latest luxuries and high-tech innovations. The resort’s Six Senses Spa continues the theme in its 23 treatment rooms, with mud baths and a fully equipped gym. Of course, all this style doesn’t come cheap – the rate for the “Royal Villa” is US$26,000 per night, making it one of the most expensive suites in the world.
www.sharqvillage.com
Oriental touch
The latest addition to Abu Dhabi’s grand Emirates Palace hotel and conference centre is the Anantara Spa, the design of which is inspired by Morocco and the Orient. It features Abu Dhabi’s only Moroccan hammam, with heated marble beds, water fountains, an ice shower and cave, and a relaxation area. www.emiratespalace.com
Boutique pleasures
As Dubai’s growth continues, retailers are desperate to spot a gap in the market. Ziad Matta got in there eight years ago with a franchise of Italian handbag and accessories chain Furla.
“Dubai is the most advanced city in the Gulf in so many ways, but there was nothing exciting in fashion retail,” says Matta.
In 2003, he established the Dubai franchise of the Kuwait-based fashion retailer Villa Moda. Now he has launched Boutique 1, a multi-brand store that sees recognised and emerging designers nestled side-by-side, under one roof, including Missoni and Chloe, perfumier Miller Harris, and men’s jeans from Rock & Republic.
“We want to be more than just sales people,” says Matta. “We are trying to be styling consultants.” www.boutique1.com
Style on a plate Calligraphy has entranced many artists throughout the ages and, now, beautiful lettering is serving as inspiration in a very different field. UK-based designer Living With Baraka uses historic calligraphy as the basis for patterns on its dinner sets, which are all made from the highest quality bone china. The company also designs mugs and T-shirts. With outlets in London and Leicester, Living With Baraka is now looking for distributors across the Middle East and the USA. www.livingwithbaraka.com |
