< PreviousTA K E A WA LK ON T H E W I L D S I D E Thrilling moments ensconced in rustic charm await at Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island Al Yamm Villa Resort Once on the brink of extinction, heards of Arabian oryx roam free on the island HBBR_019_090to091_Anantara_11654326.indd 9028/04/2021 12:08:31 PMLush landscapes, architectural marvels and exotic wildlife – the perfect mélange to begin the journey of marital bliss. Located three hours from Dubai, Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island is the ideal off-grid getaway. One of the largest natural islands on the UAE’s eastern coast, Sir Bani Yas has been noted by Venetian explorers since 1590 for the shimmering pearls found in its azure waters. Sustainability and conservation are at the core of the island. In the ’70s, the UAE’s founding ruler, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, embarked on the ‘greening’ of Sir Bani Yas Island to provide a refuge for the Arabian oryx, which had been hunted to the brink of extinction. Today they thrive in the thousands, and guests can marvel not only at Arabian oryx, but also at blackbuck antelope, giraffe, ostrich and cheetah, all of which roam freely. Of the three unique resorts located on the island, Al Yamm Villa Resort provides the perfect backdrop for a romantic honeymoon. Thirty palatial beachfront villas in a pearl-fi shing hideaway offer luxurious castaway accommodation reminiscent of Bedouin barasti dwellings of old. In keeping with the design aesthetic of a traditional Emirati fi shing village, the resort offers an old-school charm that exudes an aura of warmth and relaxation. Contemporary interiors are blended with Emirati-style artefacts and designs, creating coastal yet regional fl air. Lapping waves in the emerald bay surrounding the villas lull guests to sleep, only to be awakened by the song of migratory birds, roaming gazelles and fl amboyant peacocks. Allow the morning to continue with more nature with a wildlife drive, taking in the spectacle of the animals on the island. For the truly adventurous, choose instead to canter through the vast park on horseback, or opt to join a guided walk to fully immerse in the majesty of nature. Whatever you choose, the bountiful African fauna will transport you and your love to the Serengeti, where memories of a lifetime are made. For those keen to explore the rich history of the island, the resort’s culture and history tour takes guests back in time to discover its many facets. From 20-million-year-old salt domes to its greening under the Sheikh’s patronage, to the 7th century Nestorian monastery, there’s a bounty of treasures to be unearthed. Following a lazy lunch by the beach at Italian eatery Olio, head to the dense mangroves for a spot of kayaking – an ideal couple’s activity, or leap hand-in-hand into the protected reefs of Sir Bani Yas Island, to marvel at the shoals of angelfi sh, groupers, and barracuda. As you sit back and relax on your terrace, reminiscing about the activities of the day, watch the sun melt into the waves. Your only concern will be where to head for dinner with all three Anantara properties at your disposal. Rooms from Dhs1,000 per night; Anantara.com Beach villas reminiscent of Bedouin barasti dwellings are dotted along the resort’s coastline The ESCAPE WORDS: SONIA SUL TAN. PRICE APPROXIMA TE 91 HarpersBazaarArabia.com Bride Spring / Summer 2021 Journey across the wildlife park in an open-rooftop 4x4 to meet friendly cheetahs, ostriches, blackbuck antelope and giraffes Oversized doors open to the stunning views of Sir Bani Yas Island’s coastline HBBR_019_090to091_Anantara_11654326.indd 9128/04/2021 12:08:42 PMWORDS: SONIA SUL TAN. PRICE APPROXIMA TE 92 HarpersBazaarArabia.com Bride Spring / Summer 2021 PA R A D I S E , PA R T T W O Barefoot luxury awaits as Soneva Jani reveals its exciting new chapter in the heart of the Maldives The ESCAPE HBBR_019_92to93_Escape_Soneva_11643799.indd 9227/04/2021 01:00:02 PM93 HarpersBazaarArabia.com Bride Spring / Summer 2021 The ESCAPE WORDS: SONIA SUL TAN. PRICE APPROXIMA TE paradise, the resort’s many unique activities and dining experiences beckon. Start your days by riding a bamboo bike to the open-air yoga pavilion to practice your asanas in the rosy-glow of the rising sun. Spend your afternoons taking advantage of the unlimited diving and snorkelling where an underwater world of blooming corals and fl amboyantly coloured fi sh await. Soneva’s sustainability stance is an opportunity for couples to make memories that will last a lifetime. The resort’s Coral Planting experience offers guests the opportunity to be a part of the reef rehabilitation effort, where every six months, photo updates will be sent to inform you on the progress of your coral. Feast on the culinary delights at Michelin-starred chef, Mathias Dahlgren’s Overseas where fresh pescatarian dishes are sustainably caught in local waters and garnished with produce from the resort’s organic gardens. Or, indulge in a truly farm-to-table dining experience combining Chef Diana Von Cranach’s 50 years of plant-focused dining with elements of Ayurveda. From there, cycle across the island to the open-air, fl oating cinema replete with Bluetooth headphones to avoid disturbing the turtles. Couples seeking further seclusion can immerse themselves into a truly unique experience on board the resort’s Soneva in Aqua – a luxury yacht that combines unbeatable hospitality with a private boat charter. Set sail in the azure waters to Goidhoo, an uninhabited island with vibrant marine life. By day, jump hand-in-hand into the lapis lazuli waters, teeming with vibrantly coloured tropical fi sh, to explore the underwater Rose Garden, a shallow snorkelling site that offers a spectacular display of rose-shaped coral. Allow the yacht’s wellness therapist to work her magic, or simply sink into your glass-bottomed bathtub, as you unwind to the sights of marine life passing beneath. As the evening draws near, watch dolphins swim into the sunset while enjoying the gastronomical delights prepared by your private chef. Upon request, an astronomer can join guests onboard to guide you through the canopy of stars under which you will eventually be lulled to sleep beneath by the soft sound of lapping waves. Villas from Dhs6,700 per night; Soneva.com As the seaplane starts its descent into the azure waters of the Maldives and your barefoot around-the-clock butler in billowing linens approaches you, it’s time to leave the hectic planning of the wedding behind – the honeymoon has well and truly begun. It’s a rare occurrence, even in the luxury hotel-populated Maldives, that a resort can stand out amongst the splendour of nature within which it is set. Such is the magic of Soneva Jani’s newly opened ‘Chapter Two’, an extension of the resort that proudly upholds a strong environmental code without sacrifi cing on opulence. From the minute your pedicured feet hit the powdery white sand, Soneva’s Slow Life philosophy draws you in. The resort’s determination to disconnect its guests from the outside world is a honeymooner’s dream. Twenty seven one-to-four-bedroom over-water villas provide space, privacy and seclusion. Each villa’s price tag includes the resort’s new all-inclusive offering, Soneva Unlimited, giving unparalleled access to boundless fi ne dining, diving experiences, spa treatments, and seaplane transfers from Malé. Playing castaway with your beloved has never been more appealing. The interplay between fi ve-star sophistication and eco-consciousness with a side of joie de vivre is evident in the interiors of the villas. Rooms reminiscent of a refi ned adult treehouse are built with renewable plantation wood, each a charming jumble of pitched roofs and rondavels, while sunken sofas with hand-dyed cushions provide the perfect nook for enjoying the breathtaking views. The Swedish roots of interior designer and brand co-owner, Eva Malmström Shivdasani, are evident in the Scandinavian restraint of the light and bright vaulted ceilings, bamboo fl oors, and white rattan furniture. A sense of whimsy is peppered into the design where master bedrooms come with retractable ceilings enveloping you into a blanket of starry skies, and water slides lead straight into the lagoon. Although it’s hard to fathom wanting to leave your aqua Watch classic and contemporary movies beneath the stars at Cinema Paradiso Soak up the breathtaking views from every window Slide right into the ocean from your villa HBBR_019_92to93_Escape_Soneva_11643799.indd 9327/04/2021 01:00:11 PMWORDS: SONIA SUL TAN. PRICE APPROXIMA TE 94 HarpersBazaarArabia.com Bride Spring / Summer 2021 The ESCAPE A Hollywood star-worthy honeymoon awaits at Amanpuri in Phuket WORDS: SONIA SUL TAN. PRICE APPROXIMA TE TH AI TR ADITION & TR A NQUILLITY HBBR_019_094to095_Escape_Amanpuri_11649630.indd 9428/04/2021 12:11:38 PMWORDS: SONIA SUL TAN. PRICE APPROXIMA TE 95 HarpersBazaarArabia.com Bride Spring / Summer 2021 The ESCAPE rom the moment you step hand-in- hand into the hotel’s pavilion, you’ll get an immediate sense of why, for more than 30 years, Amanpuri has attracted an impressive A-list clientele. Following in the footsteps of Angelina Jolie, Leonardo Di Caprio and Mick Jagger – all of whom have been entranced by the timeless elegance and traditional architecture of the Aman brand’s fi rst-ever property, what better way to begin married life than by walking in the footsteps of some of the world’s most-famous stars? Laying claim to a coconut palm-studded peninsula and the beautiful crescent of Pansea Beach in Phuket, Amanpuri is a rare tableau of days-gone-by Thailand. Meaning ‘place of peace’ in Sanskrit, the resort exudes the grace and classic charm of its design inspired by Thailand’s ancient capital, Ayutthaya. Discretion and privacy – the two most important elements in the making of a memorable honeymoon – come in droves at this resort, which places luxury at its forefront. A sense of arrival is particularly poignant here, as your gaze falls directly upon the sprawling midnight-blue infi nity pool, framed by a plethora of palm trees stretching out to the turquoise waters of the Andaman Sea, and its white sandy shores. Such is the magic of this particular pool that it was the inspiration behind perfumer extraordinaire, Jo Malone’s Pomelo scent. Forty standalone guest pavilions and 40 private multi-bedroom villas are perfectly nestled between pockets of pink bougainvillaea. Designed by late American architect, Ed Tuttle, each polished teakwood villa is a miniature Thai temple of indulgence with spa-like bathrooms impressively occupying half of the fl oor space. Fresh orchids and Buddhist artwork further provide a sense of place. All rooms feature sundecks, some with private swimming pools for the ultimate indulgence. A morning Muay Thai boxing class in the glass-walled gym overlooking the sparkling shoreline is the perfect way to start a day on the island. Couples craving a little adventure surrounded by nature can immerse themselves in a morning rainforest trek, where indigenous birds peacefully glide across waterfalls amongst a myriad of tropical fl ora. Post-hike, head to the spa for a well-deserved massage where holistic treatments feature aromatic coconut oil and traditional herbs, after which a stroll down the monolithic stone staircase to the beach is a must. Preferably for a sun- drenched afternoon snooze, but if you’re feeling a little more energetic, take to the water for the high-octane thrill of motorized water sports, or gently drift along the waves together on paddleboards. Seasoned divers can charter one of Amanpuri’s many vessels and create their own itinerary for undisturbed underwater exploration. Before commencing your evening, take a moment to mark the sense of occasion by planting a coconut tree in the resort’s garden, noting the date and your names on a wooden board – a charming memoir of your honeymoon. Gastronomy takes a front seat at the property where each outpost delves into the different culinary traditions of Thailand, Japan, Italy and the Mediterranean – meaning you can take your taste buds on a fl ight of fancy. Buabok, the resort’s Thai restaurant offers guests an authentic dining experience, shaped by the lifelong passion and world-class culinary expertise of Executive Chef Kannika Jitsangworn. From fragrant curries to zesty salads and perfectly balanced pad Thai, Buabok’s menu provides an insight into the best of Southern Thai cuisine, using freshly sourced produce, and home-grown herbs and vegetables from the resort’s own gardens. End your evening gazing at the galaxy using Amanpuri’s top-notch astronomy equipment, with the promise of another day in paradise on the horizon. Pure bliss. Rooms from Dhs2,700 per night including breakfast; Aman.com F Oversized bathrooms feature sunken bathtubs Nestled among lush vegetation, the resort is a nature-lover’s paradise The resort boasts a number of memorable dining experiences HBBR_019_094to095_Escape_Amanpuri_11649630.indd 9528/04/2021 12:11:48 PM96 HarpersBazaarArabia.com Bride Spring / Summer 2021 COMPILED BY NOUR BOU EZZ. MAIN IMAGE: MICHELA AMPOLO/UNSPLASH. BACKST AGE AND RUNW AY IMAGES: JASON LLOYD EV ANS. PRICES APPROXIMA TE PACK ING PR ETTY Picture-perfect outfi t inspiration for your haute honeymoon wardrobe The iconic coastline of Positano, Italy HBBR_019_096to097_PackingPretty_11647957.indd 9627/04/2021 01:03:01 PM97 HarpersBazaarArabia.com Bride Spring / Summer 2021 The ESCAPE RE TRO REDU X 1. Wales Bonner at Mytheresa Cardigan, Dhs2,750 2. Lapima at Matches Fashion Sunglasses, Dhs1,795 3. Bottega Veneta Bag, Dhs10,600 4. Dolce & Gabbana Royal Gloss Shine Lip Plumper in Secret Gold, Dhs230 5. Emily P. Wheeler Ring, POA 6. Tory Burch Dress, Dhs2,675 7. Salvatore Ferragamo Shoes, Dhs3,470 1. Dolce & Gabbana Dress, Dhs6,720 2. Ralph & Russo x Linda Farrow Sunglasses, Dhs1,985 3. Gucci x Ken Scott Scarf, Dhs3,580 4. Guerlain Light-Revealing Pearls of Powder in Meteorites Pink Pearl, Dhs290 5. Fendi Bag, Dhs14,250 6. Valentino Shoes, Dhs3,435 7. Bvlgari Earrings, POA FL OR AL FANT AS Y IS ABEL MARANT S/ S21 CAROLINA HERRERA S/ S21 ETRO A/W21 MIS SONI S/ S21 1 1 2 1 3 5 6 4 2 7 3 5 6 4 7 Vintage vibes make a comeback with cool accessories that are oh-so chic Allow a blossoming print to add a feminine touch to your vacay style HBBR_019_096to097_PackingPretty_11647957.indd 9727/04/2021 01:03:12 PM98 HarpersBazaarArabia.com Bride Spring / Summer 2021 Centura necklace, POA, Van Cleef & Arpels High Jewellery The WISHLIST 98 HarpersBazaarArabia.com Bride Spring / Summer 2021 T O H AV E A N D T O H O L D PHOTOGRAPHY : PETER LANGER Van Cleef & Arpels’ cosmic- inspired Centura necklace invites brides to fall in love with the stars a million times over HBBR_019_098_Wishlist_11651487.indd 9827/04/2021 01:04:23 PMSUBS.ITP.COM DUBAI’S ART SCENE UNCOVERED subscribe now clockwise from top left Paul Morel. cover Tower Takes Off. 2021. Courtesy of the photographer. Dia al-Azzawi. cover Desert Landscape. 1978. Gouache on paper. 77.5x56cm. Courtesy of the artist, Meem Gallery and Art Dubai. Irenaeus Herok. cover Abandoned Roundabouts On A Construction Road Slowly Swallowed By Sand Near Dubai, UAE. 2017. Courtesy of the photographer. Ángeles Agrela. cover Dafne. 2021. Drawing, acrylic and pencil on paper. 200x150cm. Courtesy of the artist, Galería Yusto/Giner and Art DubaiNext >