< Previous40 C EO M I D D L E E A S T JULY 202 1 ravel-deprived UAE residents are increasingly seeking to make the most of what’s on their doorstep, as the huge demand for upscale staycations over the past year and a half has clearly demonstrated. And for time-poor execs, ensuring that a few days away hits the spot whether in terms of escapism, food and dining, experiences or children’s activities, has never been easier or more alluring, thanks to the ultra-luxury expertise of companies such as Quintessentially that take care of planning and organising the perfect experience for time-poor, but discerning clients. Luxury guests are increasingly seek- ing bespoke holidays which offer a more private approach. These curated experi- ences reflect this trend and address the growing demand for personalised experiences in trending and emerging markets. Whether travelling to Jeddah or the Seychelles, the bespoke itineraries promise an unforgettable escape to some of the region’s most vibrant cities and island retreats. Guests can cruise the Arabian Gulf by private yacht, enjoy a majestic evening in Dubai’s sand dunes, explore the unique marine ecosystem in Abu Dhabi’s mangroves, snorkel in Saudi Arabia’s pristine coral reefs or spend an afternoon island hopping in the Seychelles, and more. “Quintessentially is a leading lifestyle concierge service that curates exceptional experiences and enhances the lifestyles of its clientele,” says Hassan Sajwani, CEO of Quintessen- T THE KEYS TO ULTRA-LUXURY MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL AND QUINTESSENTIALLY ARE BRINGING ULTRA- PERSONALISED LUXURY EXPERIENCES TO ELITE TRAVELLERS. IS IT TIME TO ELEVATE YOUR VACATION PLANS FROM THE EXCEPTIONAL TO THE SUBLIME? By JOLA CHUDY LUXURY TRAVELJULY 202 1 CEO MIDDLE E A ST 41 LUXURY TRAVEL tially Travel, Dubai. “Quintessentially answers the needs of today’s luxury traveller. Following our successful col- laboration last year, we have enhanced our partnership by debuting a series of bespoke adventures across the Middle East and Africa.” While curating a luxury portfolio of options is one thing, ultra-luxury brings intense personalisation and understand- ing of the individual client. “Travel is the ultimate way to broaden our perspectives, indulge in our passions and spark personal growth,” adds Sajwani. “It’s also an opportunity to recharge, reconnect and even to be transformed. It is no surprise that after a more than a year of travel restrictions, our guests and people all over the world are craving the ability to travel. And with that, we’ve seen a huge trend in luxury travellers seeking more personalised experiences. The expe- riences are designed for couples, families and solo travellers, who are looking for their next luxurious adventure in trending and emerging cities.” Luxury offerings The kind of personalisation that is offered takes the experience above and beyond using a broker or agent to find a suit- able destination and arrange an itinerary. Bespoke itineraries promise an unforget- table escape to some of the region’s most vibrant cities and island retreats. In the current portfolio, which is updated on an ongoing basis, guests can cruise the Arabian Gulf by private yacht, tour Doha by private helicopter, enjoy a memorable evening in Dubai, explore the breathtaking natural ecosystem in Abu Dhabi’s mangroves, marvel Saudi Arabia’s pristine coral reefs or experi- ence island hopping in the Seychelles. Each itinerary features extraordi- nary experiences unique to the destina- tion, paired with luxurious accommo- dation, flawless service and exceptional culinary offerings. “The beauty of the partnership is that each itinerary can be tailor-made to a guests’ needs, whether it be the length sonalisation,” says Candice D’Cruz, Vice President – Luxury Brands, Europe, Middle East & Africa, Marriott Interna- tional. “Along with working with Quin- tessentially and their membership base, we are also closely working with our global sales teams to maximise aware- ness of these extraordinary experiences.” of stay or the experiences included in the itinerary,” he notes. “We know that our luxury guests are looking for unparalleled experiences and with the expertise of Quintessentially who are masters of curating bespoke, one-of-a-kind experiences, we believe we are enhancing our approach to per- The great escape. Quintessentially’s bespoke itineraries promise an unforgettable retreat to some of the region’s best cities Bespoke adventure. Hassan Sajwani, CEO of Quintessentially Travel, Dubai. “WE ARE CLOSELY WORKING WITH OUR GLOBAL SALES TEAMS TO MAXIMISE AWARENESS OF THESE EXTRAORDINARY EXPERIENCES.” Hospitality expert. Candice D’Cruz, Vice President – Luxury Brands, Europe, Middle East and Africa at Marriott.42 C EO M I D D L E E A S T JULY 202 1 ulf Craft is a true trailblazer. Although today, superyachts and big boats are ubiquitous in every marina in the UAE, it was as recently as 1982 that the country had no boat-building industry to speak of. Mohammed Alshaali established a modest boat-building business in that year, the foundation for a business that today designs, builds and delivers some of the most sought-after superyachts in the world. With a diverse portfolio and several categories, Gulf Craft produces top-of-the-range floating palaces, pleasure boats and runabouts, all made in the UAE. There’s something for every aspiring boat owner. “Selling a boat, no matter the size, is selling someone their dream. Gulf Craft is a company of boaters, so we work closely with our first-time boat buyers to understand what they’re looking for and guide them to the right product. We also work with long-time yachters who know exactly what they’re looking for,” says Gulf Craft CEO, Talal Abdin Nasralla. What are some of the features and benefits owning a Gulf Craft boat or yacht? More so now than ever, people have realised the importance of self-care and want to be able to spend time with family and friends in a secluded space – boats and yachts are the best way to do that! I think more and more people are investing in yachts as it gives them the freedom of travel in style and privacy. What’s the most ambitious yacht that Gulf Craft has produced to date? The Majesty 175, the world’s larg- est composite production superyacht, proudly made in the UAE. The Majesty 175 project was four years in the making and has garnered the interest of the global yachting community since she was announced at the Monaco Yacht Show in 2016. She has gained status as an industry game changer, piquing TIME TO FLOAT? YOU’VE GOT THE MARKET SHARE, THE CORNER OFFICE (AND THE BUILDING) AND HOMES AROUND THE WORLD. IS IT TIME TO LOOK AT DIVERSIFYING YOUR INTERESTS WITH A BRAND-NEW YACHT? CEO SPEAKS WITH TALAL ABDIN NASRALLA, CEO AT GULF CRAFT, TO GET THE LOWDOWN ON BECOMING A BOAT OWNER G LEISUREJULY 202 1 CEO MIDDLE E A ST 43 LEISURE the curiosity of yachting professionals and enthusiasts who have been actively awaiting the project’s completion. At a length of 54 metres and a beam of 9.6 metres, the Majesty 175 is Gulf Craft’s largest yacht to date and cements the shipyard and the UAE’s position as a leader on the global superyacht stage. How does Gulf Craft innovate to offer something new to the market? We pride ourselves on creating a prod- uct range that suites a wide variety of clients. Currently we build boats and yachts from 31 feet to 175 feet, fishing boats to mega yachts. This is unheard of in our industry. Many yacht own- ers started with an entry-level boat and grew with us. We focus heavily on product development and innovation. Currently, we’re seeing huge interest in leisure boats, a key area for us and we are focussed on uplifting our small boats production and bringing in new designs, ideas, models, and sizes to our portfolio. We continue to introduce new technologies such as solar energy and electric propulsion and are committed to the environment and focussing on the future and sustainability. We have intro- duced advanced materials in production including Kevlar and carbon fibre. Sleek design is a Gulf Craft signature. How do you achieve such beautiful aesthetics? Over the years, Gulf Craft has collabo- rated with many exterior design firms, mostly recently with Cristiano Gatto De- sign Studio of Italy, with whom we col- laborated on our latest project, Majesty 175, the world’s largest composite-built yacht. This premiered in the UAE at the beginning of the summer. Collaboration is an opportunity to better understand international clientele as well as advanc- ing our own award-winning design team. What is your entry level product? We have a vast range of products, and try to support new boating enthusiasts into the hobby. You can purchase a small Silvercraft fishing/day boat for around $70,000. What is the experience like for a buyer or potential client to visit you at your manufacturing facility? One of the unique things about Gulf Craft is our vertically integrated manu- facturing facility in Umm Al Quwain. Clients are amazed when they tour our factory and see that we build practi- cally everything here in house. With the exception of major equipment and ma- chinery, all of our products are created under one roof, which gives us control over quality and allows us to customise to a client’s personal requirements. How do you showcase your products to your potential buyers now? Covid-19 presented many challenges as well as opportunities for us. Gulf Craft has evolved with the needs of our clients who are hesitant to travel and have start- ed using virtual platforms to interact with potential buyers. In 2021 we hosted our first virtual boat show, which was unique in its two-way interaction, and we are getting ready to launch a virtual show- room later this month. We even delivered two yachts last year over Zoom, so the pandemic has forced us to think outside the box and bring the boat buying experi- ence to the comfort of clients’ homes. Creative. Gulf Craft is giving emphasis on quality which allows the manufacturer to customise a client’s personal requirements. Creating waves. Gulf Craft is heavily focussed on product development and innovation, says Nasralla. PHO TOS: GULF CR AF T “ONE OF THE UNIQUE THINGS ABOUT GULF CRAFT IS OUR INTEGRATED MANUFACTURING FACILITY IN UMM AL QUWAIIN.”44 C EO M I D D L E E A S T JULY 202 1 STYLE “OUR PRODUCTS ARE FOR THOSE THAT APPRECIATE TRUE CRAFT AND QUALITY.” EYE ON STYLE Ultra-luxe eyewear house Akoni has redefi ned eyewear, drawing on the highest levels of craftsmanship to create sunglasses and opticals that are both ultra- stylish and made to last ashion group Balmain and eyewear experts Akoni have released a limited-edition collection that channels a 1980s pop vibe and rebellion-meets-heritage style. Adopted by celebrities including J-Lo and Beyonce, extravagant gold touches and outsize proportions are tempered with a painstakingly rigorous approach to quality and design. “Eyewear is often overlooked; people will invest in expensive shoes or bags, but overlook their sunglasses. Akoni’s products are made in Japan by master craftspeople . We pride ourselves on the frames, made of exceptional materials – the best design, quality and engineering – and they are made in limited quantities,” says Akoni CEO Rosario Toscano. For its latest collection, a collaboration with Balmain, the company has created pieces that channel the codes of the French fashion house. “We are exclusive. Our products are for those that appreciate true craft and quality, and for those who demand that their luxury goods represent the highest standards of both,” Toscano says. Designers in Los Angeles collaborated with the design team of Oliver Rousteing and the result is destined to be one of the most sought- after style statements of the summer. Available at Magrabi Boutiques in the UAE F Passion for fashion. Rosario Toscano, CEO of Akoni. Quality. Akoni’s production takes place in one of the world’s finest workshops in Japan Skill. The brand utilises only the highest quality materials and time-honoured techniques. Eye candy. Akoni aims to set itself apart by a determined commitment to craftsmanship, expertise and quality.JULY 202 1 CEO MIDDLE E A ST 45 Life’s a beach ON OR OFF THE SANDS, SUMMER ACCESSORIES ARE ABOUT PARED-BACK, RELAXED LIVING BRUNELLO CUCINELLI Women’s collection for the season STYLE ASCENO AT FARFETCH Linen sleeveless dress FARFETCH ALANUI Twilight fringed cardigan AED 8,480 BRUNELLO CUCINELLI Striped sailor-style jersey BRUNELLO CUCINELLI Shorts with printed motif BOTTEGA VENETA Jasper stone dalmatian pendant earrings PASCALE MONVOISIN AT FARFETCH 9kt yellow gold diamond Varda Nº3 ring SALVATORE FERRAGAMO Canvas sneakers JULY 202 1CEO M IDDLE E A ST 45 Life’s a beach ON OR OFF THE SANDS, SUMMER ACCESSORIES ARE ABOUT PARED-BACK, RELAXED LIVING BRUNELLO CUCINELLI Women’s collection for the season ESTYLE ASCENO AT FARFETCH Linen sleeveless dress FARFETCH ALANUI Twilight fringed cardigan AED 8,480 RUNELLO CUCINELLIBRUNELLO CUCINELLI Striped sailor-style jerseyStriped sailor style jersey BRUNELLOBRCUCINELLI Shorts with printed motif BOTTEGA VENETA Jasper stone dalmatian pendant earrings PASCALE MONVOISIN AT FARFETCH 9kt yellow gold diamond Varda Nº3 ring SALVATORE FERRAGAMO Canvas sneakers CAROLINA HERRERA HANDBAG Casual elegance for every day 46 C EO M I D D L E E A S T JULY 202 1 STYLE lato, in his masterpiece The Republic, wrote that: “The beauty of style and harmony and grace and good rhythm depends on simplicity, I mean the true simplicity of a rightly and nobly ordered mind and character.” It isn’t known whether the founder of philosophy was as well dressed as Brunello Cucinelli’s 2021 spring muses, but it’s likely that he exhibited a fair portion of refi ned toga-esque elegance. Fortunately, we’ve come a long way since the menswear of ancient Greece and as this collection shows, the pleasure of dressing well isn’t something that requires a complex philosophical approach. The colour palette covers a wide range of light neutrals, starting from mid-light hues of beige heading up to the very light sand, off-white and panama, next to which sit renewed shades of light grey. Outfi ts featuring mismatched blazers add layers of richness and versatility to suits, capable of transforming a purely formal element into an elegant and versatile everyday item. From classic cottons and summery linens to exquisite virgin wool cloths, the proposal of fabrics is concentrated on lightweight and valued materials that stand out thanks to their use of natural fi bres. P Relaxed elegance. Is this canvas and vintage calfskin urban bag from Brunello Cucinelli the ultimate weekender? Class. Chevron blazer from Brunello Cucinelli. SIMPLICITY IN ELEGANCE Style and harmony unite in a collection that exudes simplicity at its most elegantJULY 202 1 CEO MIDDLE E A ST 47 FOOD | RESTAURANTS W THE PALM LAUNCHES JULY TRUFFLE TASTING MENU The sharing menu features truffl e inspired dishes including grilled lettuce with horseradish, honey and black truffl e and a beef tartare dish, with mustard, black truffl e, and aromatic herbs. Other dishes include warm focaccia with creamy mozzarella, robiola cheese and truffl e, accompanied with a special summer salad and Colpa D’Alfredo, made of hand-made tagliatelle with Parmigiano Reggiano sauce. A previous classic, 3 Cioccolati is back on the menu, offering textures of dark and milk chocolate, with salted caramel and black truffl e. Torno Subito, W Dubai – The Palm; AED499, food only, bottle of grape included when ordering two Il Tartufo tasting menus per table. 04 245 5800; tornosubitodubai@whotels.com BUSINESS LUNCH AT BASTA! For those seeking to spice up their work-day lunch with a fl avour-fi lled fi x, why not try the business lunch at BASTA!? Select from a three-course menu offering a choice of one antipasti, a main, a dessert, and a tea or coffee to fi nish with. Basta! Renaissance Hotel Downtown Dubai; AED120 for three-course meal with tea or coffee; 04 512 5555 TRAMONTO SUNSETS AT ROBERTO’S DIFC As the sun descends, Roberto’s throws open its doors to the city’s movers and shakers for an ambient social dining experience pairing three small courses of Italian food paired with two house beverages. Diners can choose from dishes such as goat’s cheese and fi g salad with aged balsamic dressing, pecans, pomegranate or roasted baby chicken with guava, bell pepper stuffed with scamorza and almond sauce and to fi nish, mini puff with hazelnut and pistachio cream, praline ice cream, and chocolate sauce. Roberto’s, DIFC; AED250 for three courses and two house beverages; 04 386 0066, reservations@robertos.ae DELIGHTFUL DINING SIZZLING DISHES AND HOTTER THAN HOT TABLES... HERE’S OUR PICK OF MUST-TRY VENUES FOR SUMMER DINING TREATS IN DUBAI THAT WILL IMPRESS EVEN THE MOST JADED OF PALATES48 C EO M I D D L E E A S T JULY 202 1 POWERFUL GEM-ISTRY Summer is here and so is Bulgari’s incredible ode to bold colour, superlative gem-setting and artistry. In one of its most extraordinary collections to date, the Magnifi ca high-end jewellery and watches collection delivers a pinnacle of outstanding craftsmanship and beauty BY JOLA CHUDY CRAFTSMANSHIPJULY 202 1 CEO MIDDLE E A ST 49 CRAFTSMANSHIP Precious stones. Bulgari’s new jewellery collection, Magnifica, showcases the jeweller’s strenuous commitment to magnificence. Creation. Bulgari’s Baroque Spiral watch celebrates the audacity, bravery and ultimate sensuality of the Baroque movement. M ore than 350 individual masterpieces comprise the Magnifi ca Collection, Bulgari’s most valuable collection to date. A true jet-set gemstones collection that is an ode to the fi nest high jewellery that money can buy, Magnifi ca includes the rarest stones in the world. These include an incredible 131.24-carat spinel that is the fourth largest in the world, and fi ve oval, cushion-cut Paraiba tourmalines that are the rarest stones in the world. These stunning natural treasures have been transformed into works of wearable art by the master jewellers at Bulgari; in some cases pieces have had more than 2,500 hours of handwork lavished upon them. Beauty, craft and creativity converge into extraordinary works of art, a refl ection of Bulgari’s maestria in the research and use of the world’s most precious and rarest gems. This unmistakable mastery is further expressed through a collection of Secret Watches. These highly exclusive pieces are resplendent with the formidable craftsmanship of the company’s master artisans and the fi nest Swiss matchmaking expertise. One of the watches include the most expensive and precious timepiece that Bulgari has ever produced, the Ruby Metamorphosis, designed to match alongside a necklace and crafted from platinum and 6.3 carat Mozambique rubies. Timeless, feminine and unforgettable, for the fortunate few, acquiring one of these incredible works of high jewellery will be a truly sparkling journey. 350 The number of unique masterpieces Bulgari has designed for its Magnifica Collection, its most precious collection to date. STUNNING NATURAL TREASURES HAVE BEEN TRANSFORMED INTO WORKS OF WEARABLE ART BY THE MASTER JEWELLERS AT BULGARI. Exceptional. Magnifica Collection’s bold and powerful use of colour is perfectly in tune with Bulgari’s passion for vibrant gems.Next >