< PreviousWords by SOPHIA SERIN THE LIFESTYLE TA STE OF TR AVE L Chef Steven Nguyen on the lavish culinary scene of Dubai, his East-meets-West philosophy, and the globetrotting ‘Madame Ling Ling’ IMAGES COUR TESY OF LING LING HBI_060_110-111_Lifestyle_13194339.indd 11019/03/2024 16:45111 HarpersBazaarArabia.com/Culture/Interiors Spring 2024 Facing page: ‘Coconut in Paradise’ comprises an exotic compôte, coconut dacquoise and sorbet This page, clockwise from top left: 24k gold A5 wagyu and lobster maki sushi roll is a signature dish at Ling Ling; Chef Steven Nguyen; Ling Ling’s terrace seating off ers scenic panoramic views of Dubai; Glossy and chic fi nishes capture the restaurant’s lively spirit Chaweng is a beverage inspired by Th ailand, featuring lime and Sriracha whereas Kozhikode marks Madame Ling Ling’s arrival in India, with pungent hints of chai spices and trails of pomegranate notes. We have created a food and beverage programme that puts Ling Ling centre stage as a leading world-class dining and entertainment concept.” Located on the 23rd fl oor accessed via private elevators, Ling Ling houses an expansive marble-rich bar, two dining lounges, a spacious terrace, a 12-seater private dining area as well as a discreet ultra-lounge club nestled in the heart of the venue, designed to off er guests a perfect place to party post dinner. With a menu that is infl uenced by multiple Asian cuisine, devising a menu to suit the diff erent fl avours, textures and ingredients was a group eff ort. As Chef Steven says, “It really comes down to the team and the talent we have found to execute the menu. It was important for us to fi nd the right people who are representative of those cuisines, and our team comprises diverse backgrounds, including Th ailand, Korea, Vietnam, Myanmar, Malaysia, and Indonesia. My brief stint in art and design school played a pivotal role in shaping my creative process. Th e key lesson I took from that experience is that, at times, you must throw every idea at the wall and see what sticks. Subsequently, we embark on a process of stripping away non-essential elements to distil the concept to its core. It’s crucial to commence with a broad approach before honing in on a fi nely tuned, focused idea. Listening to guests’ needs and desires is just one of the tools we employ to shape our ideas. My style is a mixture of East meets West, fi ltered through a modern contemporary take on traditional cuisine. I’ve taken my classic chef training and applied it to Pan-Asian cuisine. I always ask myself when creating a dish – how can we make this even better, all while respecting its roots”. After a long day creating his culinary masterpieces for the lucky clients at Ling Ling, cooking dinner for himself is not a priority. “You should never feel nervous cooking for a chef as we’re the ones who appreciate it the most when someone cooks for us. We understand how much work goes into cooking. We may just annoy you and give you a few tips here and there, but that’s because we just want to help. And if anyone wants to invite me for dinner, I’m off on Mondays and Sundays!” When Atlantis Th e Royal opened to Beyoncé belting out her most awarded songs, the world stood still and watched. With all eyes on the ultra-luxury experiential resort, the opening took us on a tour of its interiors with infi nite ceilings, bespoke art and interiors designed to dominate. Th e food and beverage options were also, as expected – awe-inspiring. Th e venue that stood out of this exclusive crowd was, and still is, Ling Ling. At the helm of the hotspot is Steven Nguyen, the multi-talented Chef de Cuisine. With his global experience seeing him in kitchens from Canada to Hong Kong, when asked how Dubai diners diff er from their international counterparts, Chef Steven says: “In Dubai, guests often have a desire for adventure and are open to sampling diverse fl avours, infl uenced by the city’s multicultural environment and luxury dining scene. Th e appetite here tends to lean towards lavish and exotic fl avours, with a preference for opulent presentations. Th e culinary landscape in Dubai caters to various international cuisines, refl ecting the cosmopolitan nature of the city”. Th e dining and ultra-lounge experience serves Asian cuisine that is meant to be shared along with an extensive bar menu that encourages guests to dine diff erently. “Inspired by izakaya, where food accompanies drinks (rather than the other way around), beverages are at the heart of the experience with an intriguing and evolving menu,” the chef explains. “Ling Ling’s culinary highlights fuse Japanese, Th ai, Vietnamese, and Korean infl uences without leaving aside the Cantonese origins of Hakkasan that are present in every course. Th e idea of the beverage off ering at Ling Ling was to create a unique journey across Asia, similar to the culinary side, which brings out the delightful fl avours of various parts of the continent. So, we created the persona of ‘Madame Ling Ling’, an adventurous and curious woman, who we would follow on her journey. Every drink is inspired by one of her stops. For instance, HBI_060_110-111_Lifestyle_13194339.indd 11120/03/2024 10:26112 HarpersBazaarArabia.com/Culture/Interiors Spring 2024 LIFESTYLE The For those who truly appreciate the culinary arts, dining can be an experience that transcends geography. These Dubai gems were selected for their ability to capture the essence of authentic cuisine TOP TABLES SOUL KITCHEN As the signage over the door suggests, this culinary haven off ers a soulful voyage guided by Levantine and Latin American fl avours. With a rich menu of dining courses and world-class beverages, Soul Kitchen retells the unique story of the Arab diaspora that travelled far and spread across Latin America. From Buenos Aires to Mexico City, these courageous souls did not only turn new doorsteps into houses, but they also took their heritage along and planted it into new soil. The local Sheri fi sh crudo is not to be missed and the restaurant specialty treats tasteful buds to the wonders of tabbouleh water and jicama crudité as an unprecedented mix. In the meantime the tamarind glazed lamb chops and the chicken shawarma empanadas brilliantly capture the restaurant’s ethos. +971 4 836 0900, soulkitchendxb.com HBI_060_112-113_TOP TABLES_13184006.indd 11219/03/2024 14:11113 HarpersBazaarArabia.com/Culture/Interiors Spring 2024 AGATHA Designed with an immaculate eye for detail, Agatha is a feast for those who dare aspire for sensory perfection. From the artwork covering the walls to the plush red furnishing and blue window arches – the space serves as a vivid starter for the night ahead. Led by Chef Lendl Pereira, Agatha’s culinary mastery is inspired by his expertise in Asian and French cuisine. The main stars of the menu include the aromatic hoisin duck, Vietnamese rack of lamb, and lobster soba noodles, among others. The delightful experience of culinary and mixology excellence is only completed with the right choice of music. Agatha’s carefully curated DJ line-up is foolproof, featuring international sensations and regional maestros. +971 4 883 2118, sevenrooms.com/reservations/agathadxbvenue SIGNOR SASSI Signor Sassi needs no introduction, especially to those who know their Italian cuisine. One of the world’s most well-known Italian restaurants since the opening of its fi rst branch in 1984 in Kingstone, London, Signor Sassi is synonymous with luxury, precision and excellence. Off ering food that delights the heart before the appetite, the restaurant’s choice of quintessentially exquisite fl avours bridges the gap between tradition and innovation while taking inspiration from the diff erent regions of Italy. Boasting a vast menu full of Italy’s most celebrated pasta, risotto and pizza dishes; the restaurant also off ers trips to the palatial villas of Lake Como thanks to its luxurious dining room and luscious green Il Giardino di Sassi. +971 4 278 4848, signorsassidubai.com AMELIA RESTAURANT AND LOUNGE A journey like no other is exactly what Amelia Restaurant and Lounge promises and delivers. Amelia’s story started at a 500-year-old historic building that was revamped and turned into a lounge restaurant to off er the best in mixology, gastronomy and music, at the heart of Beirut’s Mar Mikhael neighbourhood. Today, Amelia is also one of Downtown Dubai’s culinary and entertainment gems. Here, the theme is retro futuristic steampunk with a menu deep-rooted in Japanese and Peruvian cuisine with Mediterranean hints. Finally, the music is certainly always the cherry on top: from ethnic to lounge, deep tech, afro and progressive house. +971 4 328 2805, amelialounge.com WORDS BY NAYERA YASSER, IMAGES COURTESY OF RESPECTIVE RESTAURANTS HBI_060_112-113_TOP TABLES_13184006.indd 11320/03/2024 10:27114 HarpersBazaarArabia.com/Culture/Interiors Spring 2024 THE ESCAPE ARTY CHÂTEAU It’s no secret that this striking 21st-century château was designed by renowned architect Frank Gehry. The avant-garde masterpiece, Hotel Marqués de Riscal, is located in the medieval town of Elciego, on a winery dating back to 1858; the oldest in this region of Spain. From zigzag windows and tilted walls to green and black marble baths and fabric balloon bedside lamps, each of the 61 rooms in the hotel bear Frank’s distinctive touch. The only hotel created by the master architect, it is also home to two restaurants overseen by the famed Chef Francis Paniego. marquesderiscal.com Rich in history and continued advancement, the Hotel Marqués de Riscal holds great grandeur HBI_060_114-115_Escape News_13183667.indd 11419/03/2024 14:12115 HarpersBazaarArabia.com/Culture/Interiors Spring 2024 Our top picks to whet your appetite for travel, beauty and fashion NEWS THAT’S WILD Perched high on a mountaintop in Dominica, surrounded by tropical wilderness, and overlooking Scotts Head and Soufriere, lies Jungle Bay. Here, nature and self-care seamlessly intertwine. Enjoy a restful night’s sleep nestled in locally hand-painted bedding surrounded by bamboo furnishings and practice grounding by walking barefoot through the edible gardens of the resort. Immerse the senses during an herbal tea tasting or release tension soaking in the island’s mineral springs; every aspect of the resort invites guests to reconnect with themselves through Mother Earth. junglebaydominica.com escape THE POLYNESIAN WAY Strategically placed on the north-eastern side of Tahiti, where lush landscapes meet turquoise blue waters, the Te Moana Tahiti Resort awaits. Enjoy a day in the sun at the infi nity pool or partake in the water activities right off Te Moana’s dock. The resort’s badge of honour is found at the two outdoor restaurants, the most idyllic place to listen to small waves thump the pier’s edge while watching the sky turn from a blank canvas to a colourful painting as day turns into night. The waterfront balcony rooms with views of the volcanic Mo’orea island in the distance are particularly breathtaking. temoanatahitiresort.pf WORDS BY LA TIF AH AL-HAZZA, IMAGES COUR TESY OF RESPECTIVE BRANDS Sunglasses, Dhs2,405, Gucci Dress, Dhs2,490, Dries Van Noten Sunglasses, Dhs1,370. xpxppxp Purple fl ower earrings, Dhs790, Latelita Bag in lemon shade, Dhs2,535, JW Anderson Heels, Dhs5,280, Bottega Veneta From soothing ocean waves to lush green foliage, the diverse array of Tahiti’s landscapes are on full display at Te Moana Tahiti Resort Jungle Bay prioritises engaging in the biodiversity conversation and minimal environmental disturbance HBI_060_114-115_Escape News_13183667.indd 11519/03/2024 14:13CREDIT HERE WORDS BY A YESHA SHEHMIR, IMAGES COUR TESY OF THE LANA, DORCHESTER COLLECTION A NEW ER A Dorchester Collection’s newest gem, The Lana, has opened its doors in Dubai – making a citywide architectural statement that combines luxury, design and art Dubai Repose in bounteous beauty and elegant interiors at The Lana, Dubai HBI_060_116-117_Escape Dubai_13180479.indd 11619/03/2024 14:14117 HarpersBazaarArabia.com/Culture/Interiors Spring 2024 The ESCAPE Dorchester Collection’s hotly anticipated new opening, Th e Lana, Dubai, can’t be missed in the city’s bustling Business Bay district. Designed by Foster + Partners, the dramatic 30-storey building takes inspiration from the city’s ever-changing skyline. Th e statement, interconnected design features a central podium – Th e Lana Promenade – for retail and restaurants, as well as an infi nity rooftop pool with views over the city and desertscape beyond. A stylish expression of luxury hospitality, the hotel comprises 225 rooms and suites and eight new dining concepts – including four that have been created with three of the world’s most celebrated chefs: Jean Imbert, Martín Berasategui, and Pastry Chef, Angelo Musa. Th e soothing interiors are the work of famed Parisian design duo, Gilles & Boissier, known for their artistic inspirations. Infl uenced by the modern minimalism and the bright weather of Dubai, space and light are the defi ning features of the interiors. Th e designers took cue from the multicultural infl uence in the UAE, with a focus on intricate details, as well as the use of textures. “We wanted guests who stepped into the hotel to be moved by their environment and for the design to speak to the rich fusion of infl uences in Dubai, and its unique position as a city surrounded by a desert; the emergence of architecture in the midst of raw nature,” explains Dorothée Boissier, Co-founder and CEO of Gilles & Boissier. Th e rooms incorporate a carefully curated selection of more than 50 art pieces, commissioned by local and global artists. Th e fi ve signature suites – Marina Duplex and Marina Terrace Suites – have unique duplex layouts, double-height corner living rooms, and outdoor terraces on both levels. Th e Marina Royal Suite, a magnifi cent presidential suite, features a balcony running along the length of the building, with sweeping vistas of the Burj Khalifa, while the two-bedroom Th e Lana Royal Suite envelops the north corner of the building. Th e property will also be home to the fi rst Dior Spa in the region, set to open in April 2024. With fi ve treatment rooms and one couple’s suite, the spa’s elevated position on the 29th fl oor allows plenty of light to fl ood in. Channelling the elegance of the house of Dior, the spa will utilise cutting-edge technology in treatments, featuring Icoone Th erapy, Hydrafacial, Dior Micro-Abrasion, and the Dior Skin Light LED therapy mask. Th ree signature treatments exclusive to Th e Lana will be off ered, including Escale at Th e Lana, Dior Stone Th erapy and D-Sculpt. Th e Lana’s design further speaks of storied inspiration: “Th ere is a subtle yet purposeful sense of diff erent cultural codes in dialogue with one another throughout the hotel,” says Dorothée. “Some areas have been designed to feel a little Italian, some a little English – it is a beautiful blend that encourages visitors to interact with these environments.” Th e hotel marks history for Dorchester Collection, being the tenth hotel to represent the brand’s global sensibility of service. Th is is the fi rst new opening for the group in over ten years, aiming to set a new standard for design in Dubai. “As Dorchester Collection welcomes its fi rst guests in the Middle East, we are entering a new era in our company history,” expresses Christopher Cowdray, President of Dorchester Collection. “Th e Lana is one of the year’s most anticipated hotel openings, and we are certain it will be celebrated for its remarkable design, superb location in one of the world’s most vibrant cities and a dining scene that will certainly attract much local and international attention.” dorchestercollection.com Clockwise from top: The Lana’s architecture features grace and grandeur, with impeccable waterfront vistas; Lobby terrace sporting stone surfaces with mixed patterns and bright welcoming energy; Balconies that boast the skyline and soothing hues characterise the Marina junior suite The ESCAPE HBI_060_116-117_Escape Dubai_13180479.indd 11719/03/2024 14:14118 HarpersBazaarArabia.com/Culture/Interiors Spring 2024 IMAGES: SUPPLIED Mexico INTO THE CLIFFS The scenic Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal beckons guests to immerse in nature, Mexican culture and complete beachside beauty Breathtaking vistas and cultural gems are at the heart of Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal HBI_060_118-119_Escape Waldorf Astoria_13183503.indd 11819/03/2024 14:15119 HarpersBazaarArabia.com/Culture/Interiors Spring 2024 The ESCAPE WORDS BY LA TIF AH AL-HAZZA, IMAGES COUR TESY OF W ALDORF ASTORIA LOS CABOS PEDREGAL Organic bold shapes, striking patterns, colourful embroidery and the beauty of stone mark the exterior and interiors Right: A 360-degree immersion in naturally hewn areas with amenities of utter comfort awaits at the spa; Below: The pool area overlooks the sea, bringing ultimate vacation vibes to the fore Escaping to Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal gives ‘beach vacation’ a whole new meaning. Guests enter through a tunnel that runs through the mountains of Cabo San Lucas to fi nd a sand-coloured cliff side property on the other end. Walk to the open-air check-in desk for a birds-eye view of the entire property and instantly be mesmerised by the ocean views. Whether staying in a room, suite, casita, or villa, guests can enjoy the luxury of a plunge pool, terrace, and ocean views. Open the mesquite wooden door of your enchanting abode to fi nd a very Mexican-style welcome treat. Guests are also supplied with beach bags, leather toiletry bags, and binoculars for whale watching; no detail is overlooked. Indigenous materials can be spotted throughout the room, from the striking tree-trunk headboard to embroidered textiles and artistic pieces that pay homage to Mexican culture. Stone is found on the rooms’ balconies and throughout the resort, off ering a subtle reminder of the resort’s position – gloriously carved into a cliff . Th e mouthwatering dining experiences at the resort are unbeatable. Indulge in Travesía’s nine-course taco and beverage pairing. Each taco and drink pays homage to a diff erent region of Mexico through the ingredients used, essentially allowing guests to travel through Mexico without leaving the table. Th ink avocado, oyster, and aguachile wrapped in a jicama tortilla taco from Sinaloa, or a smoked marlin, lobster, and shrimp crispy taco from Jalisco. Perched on the edge of the cliff is El Farallon. Dinner begins with a glass of bubbly on the terrace before being seated. Select your table at your own risk, as some are more prone to playful refreshing showers from the ocean. Guests are also presented with a chalkboard list of fresh fruits. It would be a disservice to stay at the Waldorf Pedregal and not experience the 3,600-metre spa. Treatments are inspired by traditional Mexican folk healing and phases of the moon, while ingredients used are authentic to healers and shamans. Th e resort off ers a variety of unique activities to teach guests about the local culture, cuisine, and environment. As the salty sea breeze embraces your skin, experience an al fresco Mexican coff ee-tasting experience, to learn how the area’s geography, altitude, and climate aff ect the taste of each bean. Or, embark on a private reef snorkel and whale-watching tour where you’ll see families of whales breach the surface within an arm’s reach with the resort’s experienced partner, In Cabo Travel. Experience majestic moments which form lasting memories of tantalising food, cultural immersion and stunning views. waldorfastorialoscabospedregal.com HBI_060_118-119_Escape Waldorf Astoria_13183503.indd 11919/03/2024 14:15Next >