< Previous120 HarpersBazaarArabia.com/Culture Summer 2021 THE ESCAPE OMANI RETREAT Nestled in Oman’s northern mountainous Musandam Peninsula, a scenic journey from Dubai, is Six Senses Zighy Bay – a picturesque hideaway surrounded by rock formations leading out to the glistening waters. The village-inspired resort offers a range of 82 befi tting Omani enclave-style villas and suites, beachfront retreats and a basket-full of memorable experiences. From a mountaintop restaurant overlooking the crystal-clear waters of the Gulf of Oman, to local experiences at the Shua Shack and spice market, guests are invited to indulge in an array of dining destinations. The property also offers a range of activities from paragliding and a customised dhow cruise to fi nding mind and body serenity at the Six Senses Spa. @sixsenses.com WORDS BY VIBHA MEHT A AND A YESHA S. SHEHMIR IMAGES COUR TESY OF RESPECTIVE BRANDS AND HOTELS HBI_050_120-121_ESCAPE NEWS_Six Senses_11665034.indd 12027/09/2021 03:47:02 PM121 HarpersBazaarArabia.com/Culture Autumn 2021 Our top picks to whet your appetite for travel, beauty and fashion NEWS ISLAND SCENTS Making its debut in luxury home scents, Maldives’ Velaa Private Island has unveiled Veela Spa, a collection of three fragrances: Ocean Breeze, Velaa in Bloom and Essence of Paradise. Each scent recreates scenes from the island. Velaa Spa by Velaa Private Island. POA, velaaprivateisland.com WILD AND BEAUTIFUL Marking its very fi rst launch in Europe, the hotly anticipated One&Only Portonovi Montenegro opened its doors this year. Situated at the entrance of the gorgeous Boka Bay, the fashionable resort is surrounded by mountains next to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Kotor and a 238-berth superyacht marina and helipad. The designs of the resort recall the architectural style of old Venetian palaces of the region including grand façades, colonnades, red terracotta roofs, gardens and an extraordinary array of indoor and outdoor pools. The interiors of the guest rooms are complete with contemporary fi replaces for the cooler nights, roomy bathrooms and cosy terraces, offering exceptional views against the milieu of the mountains and bay. oneandonlyresorts.com CHIC PICKS The Sesia bag is crafted from soft-silk calfskin verifi ed to the highest environmental standards, dyed with natural pigments, and tanned and polished using subtle methods, making each bag chic. Loro Piana’s SS21 collection. Dhs16,450, loropiana.com DOWNTOWN DREAMS Newly opened in Dubai’s Burj Khalifa District, SLS Dubai is designed to bedazzle with its golden hues and awe-inspiring views. The property soars 75 fl oors to the sky with an expansive area covering 254 uniquely designed hotel rooms, 321 hotel apartments and 371 exclusive residences. Culinary destinations include Fi’lia, an authentic Italian restaurant and Carna by Dario Cecchini, a contemporary steakhouse from the famed butcher from Tuscany. Head to the luxurious Ciel Spa for mind and body rejuvenation before taking a dip in the world’s highest 350-degree rooftop infi nity pool on the 75th fl oor. sbe.com escape STRIPED SILK Scandinavian label Lescarf’s ‘camel scarf’ resembles the print of a line-drawn rose, communicating it with a romantic look. It’s fashioned from silk twill with a black striped border, then tastefully hallmarked with a charming cursive logo. Lescarf. Dhs335, matchesfashion.com MAKEOVER MAGIC Entrepreneur Reem Abou Samra’s brainchild Laloge, a luxury beauty lounge with several locations across Dubai, is where Beverly Hills meets Dubai’s unwavering glitz. laloge.com HBI_050_120-121_ESCAPE NEWS_Six Senses_11665034.indd 12127/09/2021 03:47:09 PMCREDIT HERE 122 HarpersBazaarArabia.com/Culture Autumn 2021 Perched 1,250 metres above sea level, Vals fi rst became known for its mineral-infused hot springs about a century ago. It then rose to international notoriety when Swiss architect Peter Zumthor dreamed up the award-winning thermal baths that would later be credited as his masterpiece. Today, the nonpareil complex hosts two properties: 7132, the grandiose hotel rendering homage to the village’s postcode, and the aptly named ‘House of Architects’, a 1960s-era lodge featuring a standout collection of rooms signed by Tadao Ando, Thom Mayne, Kengo Kuma and Zumthor himself. Kengo pays homage to the refi ned craftsmanship of Japanese cabinet makers and proposes an oak cocoon to guests of his rooms. Tadao celebrates the subtle beauty of Japanese tea houses, while Thom uses Vals’ atypical quartzite contrasted by futuristic capsules that house the showers. Peter’s rooms feature a technique of the Italian Renaissance, the ‘stucco lustro’, mixing up this genuinely uncanny experience for design and architecture enthusiasts. The thermal baths originally idealised by Peter in 1996 are lined with 60,000 slabs of grey quartzite quarried nearby. The monolithic structure was built around the highly mineralised hot springs and is an architectural tribute to the rocky beauty of the Vals valley. For those searching for the ultimate luxury foray, the main building houses 20 impeccably appointed rooms, including three striking penthouse suites designed by Kengo, offering spine-tingling views over the thermal baths, the picturesque village of Vals and the rugged Alpine panorama. Much like the rooms in the adjacent building, Kengo’s vast spaces draw from the craft of Japanese carpentry with oak panels and stone as the main protagonists, creating a minimalist ambience that honours the views of the surrounding landscape. A retreat of this rank would not be complete without a concomitant gastronomic gem. Silver is the two Michelin-starred restaurant run by Berlin-born Chef Mitja Birlo. Hosting what is undoubtedly one of the most titillating chef ’s tables in the world, guests can enjoy a multi-course gourmet dinner while witnessing the hustle and bustle of a starred kitchen in a setting reminiscent of a TV studio, with contrasting black walls and a full view of Chef Mitja and his ingenious team’s epicurean ballet. Patrons staying at one of the penthouse suites arrive in style in the hotel’s very own helicopter, taking alpine chic to outré new heights. 7132.com Tucked away in the sleepy alpine village of Vals, an insider hotel harbours design treasures by not one, but four world-renowned architects Alpine HIG H Overlooking the scenic mountains of Vals, the thermal bathing space is designed by Peter Zumthor HBI_050_122-123_ESCAPE_Switzerland_11666680.indd 12227/09/2021 03:48:46 PMCREDIT HERE The ESCAPE 123 HarpersBazaarArabia.com/Culture Autumn 2021 WORDS BY STEF AN HOTTINGER-BEHMER; IMAGES COUR TESY OF 7132 The entry canopy is an amalgamation of neutral shapes and lines echoing elegance. It has beautifully been designed by Morphosis The thermal baths at 7132 are an oasis of tranquillity, where grey hues pull you into a new dimension of rest and wellness combined with a spectacular view that overlooks the Alps The Spa Deluxe room featuring subtle whites and browns infused with a minimalist Japanese style HBI_050_122-123_ESCAPE_Switzerland_11666680.indd 12327/09/2021 03:48:53 PM124 HarpersBazaarArabia.com/Culture Autumn 2021 Carrying a historic charm coupled with barefoot luxury, Nikki Beach Resort & Spa Santorini is one for the books BE AC H FR ONT BE AUT Y HBI_050_124-125_ESCAPE nikki greece_11760273.indd 12427/09/2021 03:49:54 PM125 HarpersBazaarArabia.com/Culture Autumn 2021 The ESCAPE WORDS BY A YESHA S. SHEHMIR IMAGES COUR TESY OF NIKKI BEACH RESOR T & SP A SANTORINI Facing page: The Beach Club during daytime; Above, clockwise: Stunning water views from a signature room Jacuzzi, an interior view of a blue-white luxury suite and al fresco restaurant Escape at Nikki Beach Resort & Spa Santorini Set within an alluring volcanic island in Greece, the fi ve-star Nikki Beach Resort & Spa Santorini is an idyllic escape designed for the luxury traveller. With 62 rooms and suites, an immersive, buzzing beach club and international restaurants on the property, there’s never a dull moment in sight. The beachfront resort – fi lled with the island’s celebrated volcanic black-grey sand – boasts panoramic vistas of the Aegean Sea and is just a stone’s throw from Ancient Thera, the romantic village of Oia and the modern capital, Fira. For dining, the resort is home to al fresco restaurant Escape which serves Greek cuisine (a perfect spot to catch a glimpse of the famous Santorini sunset, too). Our personal favourite was the Beach Club, which serves up Nikki Beach’s global dishes amidst a live DJ, sun-kissed cabanas and a barefoot-chic ambience, poolside. The visually striking, white walls are lined with the gorgeous pink fl owering bougainvillea trees that are seen throughout Greece, making the walk to the Beach Club a postcard-pretty journey in itself. For a quieter night, opt for the private Jacuzzi in a luxury suite. Refl ecting Santorini’s charming blue and white landscapes, the exterior and interior design of the hotel recalls the ancient architecture of the island with modern infl uences. The décor of each room notes inspiration from nature’s colours and marine life, immersing visitors into a world of island serenity. To unwind, head to Nikki Spa, the wellness heart of the resort. The space boasts three spa suites with one specially designed for couples, and each treatment – with concepts by French skincare brand Clarins – is an immersive journey where every sense is delicately nurtured and awakened. For some adventure, the concierge can arrange memorable tours of the island, from culinary experiences and sunset cruises to water sports and historic sightseeing. With over two decades of history behind the brand tracing back to 1998, Nikki Beach Global has grown into a multifaceted lifestyle hospitality company spanning 13 beach clubs, fi ve hotels and resorts, a fashion division which includes lifestyle boutiques, special events and Nikki Cares, a non-profi t charity. When entrepreneur Jack Penrod introduced the very fi rst Nikki Beach in Miami’s South Beach, it was one of the few to successfully merge the disciplines of music, dining, entertainment, fashion, fi lm and art, disrupting traditional hotel models and cementing its position globally. Today, the luxury beach club concept has expanded to several picturesque locations including Saint-Tropez, France, Dubai, UAE and Monte Carlo, Monaco, to name a few. And after an experience at just one of these properties? We can bet you’ll be back. nikkibeach.com HBI_050_124-125_ESCAPE nikki greece_11760273.indd 12527/09/2021 03:50:12 PM126 HarpersBazaarArabia.com/Culture Autumn 2021 The postcard-pretty escape to the idyllic Zaya Nurai Island begins on a 15-minute boat ride off the shores of Abu Dhabi, setting the scene for the restful escape to come. Upon arrival in the private island resort, a buggy transports guests to their isolated beach villa, cocooned in the surrounding grass canopies. Along with the impressive size of the abode and masterfully designed exterior, what’s truly striking is the outdoor infi nity pool overlooking the glistening blue waters of the Arabian Gulf. The adjacent steps lead to the powder-soft seashore, where an intimate arrangement of sun loungers await in a beach setting reserved specially for guests of the villa. Each home is complemented with two bicycles, ideal for a couple’s ride by the surrounding track on a silent morning, when singing birds are all that can be heard. The villa’s island-inspired interiors – from the sand-white drapes to the hanging geometric, golden dim lighting – recall an atmosphere akin to the Maldives. The rain shower is coupled with Hermès hair products and body lotions, with scents that evoke a pristine ocean setting. It’s hard not to succumb to the seclusion of the space, designed to refl ect the abundance of nature which awaits outside. Although you wouldn’t be blamed for being tucked inside this paradisiacal enclave all day, there’s plenty to explore elsewhere on the property. The island is home to a world-class ocean-side spa, a beach club, a roster of Enveloped in dreamlike, sun-drenched nature hidden in Abu Dhabi, Zaya Nurai Island is where utter serenity dances with water-inspired luxury ISL A ND SE C LUSION activities on land and sea, as well as fi ve fi ne and casual dining outlets headed by culinary artist Marc Abed, boasting Mexican, international and sea fare. At Frangipani, a rustic-chic aesthetic meets infl uences from the Middle East, Asia and the West, with an array of highlights on the menu. Nearby, al fresco destination Hooked marries Levant cuisine with seafood, while Dusk serves Mexican specialties amidst a mesmerising backdrop of the sunset. For a boho-chic vibe, head to Smokin’ Pineapple, famed for its gourmet wood-fi red, oven pizza, and for ocean-fresh sashimi platters, scallops and carpaccio, Ginger Mermaid takes the helm. The resort is also renowned for its award-winning Nurai Spa, which specialises in rebalancing the mind, body and spirit through relaxation treatments tailored to individual desires. With its soothing architectural design, the immersive wellbeing experience begins from the very fi rst step. Each treatment is performed using high-quality products which comprise 100 per cent fragrant oils, organic and pure ingredients, applied to melt away all vestiges of stress and boost mental and physical healing. The 90-minute Nurai Signature Experience, an interactive healing ritual exclusive to the boutique resort, releases deep muscle tensions, toxins and stress to open up energy fl ow and awaken the senses. When the night falls, it’s the perfect time to meditate while listening to the tranquil music of the beach waves just outside your villa – a magical way to put a day of complete bliss to bed. zayanuraiisland.com An exterior view of a beach villa designed to blend into the landscape and refl ect the surrounding tranquillity HBI_050_126-127_ESCAPE_Zaya Nurai_11680190.indd 12627/09/2021 03:59:39 PM127 HarpersBazaarArabia.com/Culture Autumn 2021 The ESCAPE WORDS BY A YESHA S. SHEHMIR IMAGES COUR TESY OF ZA YA NURAI ISLAND From top: The rooms overlook breathtaking water views; A view from a villa bathroom washed in natural light High ceilings and sharp lines mingle with spacious terraces and palm-fringed gardens HBI_050_126-127_ESCAPE_Zaya Nurai_11680190.indd 12727/09/2021 03:59:47 PM128 HarpersBazaarArabia.com/Culture Summer 2021 Fendi’s fi rst luxurious hotel in the world in Rome is well-crafted and heavy on Italian interiors. The exquisite décor clubbed with impeccable hospitality makes the space a true immersion into the world of Fendi HBI_050_128_129_ESCAPE_Fendi_11665866.indd 12827/09/2021 04:02:53 PM129 HarpersBazaarArabia.com/Culture Autumn 2021 WORDS BY A YESHA S. SHEHMIR; IMAGES COUR TESY OF THE HOTEL The ESCAPE With notable attention to detail and refi ned interior fi nishes, Fendi Private Suites takes ‘a fashionable hideaway’ to new heights ROM A NTIC ROM E Right: The lobby features vast windows and mirrors placed in red marble frames. Golden chandeliers paired with grey-toned interiors add depth to the space, which is designed to refl ect majestic, angular patterns and slants A stone’s throw from the Spanish Steps and Trevi Fountain, the very fi rst Fendi hotel, Fendi Private Suites, is an intimate hideaway in the romantic heart of Rome. Housed within the third fl oor of the Palazzo Fendi, the hotel has been designed by renowned architect Marco Costanzi, who is also behind the maison’s new headquarters in the Palazzo della Civiltà Italiana. Accessed from the ground fl oor where classic Roman cobblestones have been recreated using the same dark red Lepanto marble as featured in the store’s staircase, the fashionable boutique hotel complements the features of many other spaces inside the Palazzo Fendi. Guests are welcomed with a suspended resin sculpture coupled with a vertical chandelier, setting the tone for what’s to come. Drawing on the historical architecture of the Palazzo, every suite is unique, with large windows that overlook picturesque views of Largo Goldoni or the streets below. The furniture is custom-designed and made by Fendi Casa, including the beds, couches and side tables. Chic glass vases and artworks are placed throughout, and stylish Jan Kath carpets cover the natural oak fl ooring. Adding a beautiful touch of modern design, each room is graced with an iconic Giò Ponti mirror. The living rooms are separated using glass panels with mesh frames and wooden desks, with the walls covered in travertine stone. Nearby, the elegant bathrooms are crafted from slabs of red Lepanto marble and white travertine. Synonymous with the same quality and tradition as the Italian luxury fashion house, Fendi Private Suites is a glamourous escape into the rich design heritage and eternal world of Fendi. fendiprivatesuites.com The suite’s bathroom highlights marbled walls with an illustrious walk-in shower for comfort and convenience HBI_050_128_129_ESCAPE_Fendi_11665866.indd 12927/09/2021 04:02:45 PMNext >