The summer slow-down has begun – residents are flocking to cooler climes, roads are quietening and emails are met with out-of-office replies. Take advantage of the breathing room by putting yourself first, whether that means treating yourself to a spa treatment to aid with much-needed rest, savouring sweet treats at a new restaurant or something as small as adding a luxurious skincare step to your self-care routine. Rather go big? Discover a brand-new wellness retreat and let the Indian Ocean be the soundtrack of your weekend.
Where To Unwind
Paus Club is a sprawling two-storey space in Jumeirah that offers plenty for health and wellness enthusiasts, from padel courts and nourishing meals to fitness classes and artistic workshops, as well as the region’s only Vichy Bed. A Vichy Bed experience – part of the signature spa ritual at Paus – combines massage and rain-like jets for full-body exfoliation, hydration and stress relief. Stopping by for the day? Complement it with the quartz poultice massage, where heated quartz compresses are placed along key meridians in a grounding ritual that releases tension and harmonises energy. Book now
What To Shop
Spoiler alert: summer takes a toll on your skin. Layers of SPF, sweat and environmental stressors can result in build-up and subsequent breakouts, making a foolproof cleansing ritual an essential part of your skincare routine. Dior Beauty presents a do-it-all duo to cleanse, hydrate and revitalise, all without damaging the skin barrier. Le Baume Démaquillant, a cleansing balm-oil-milk hybrid, kicks off the routine, followed by La Mousse Micellaire, a gentle foaming cleanser. The cleansers are part of the Dior Prestige collection, which utilises extracts of Rose de Granville – a micronutrient-packed rose created exclusively for Dior skincare – to soothe and revitalise the skin. Shop now
What To Collect
Suzi Nassif, artist and co-founder of Al Mezzanine Art Space, has released a meaningful series of hand-painted paper planes dedicated to the countries she calls home: Lebanon and the UAE. Across Borders, On Wings Of Hope comprises six sculptures – three for each country – carefully adorned in colourful tributes. Inspired by Nassif’s childhood memories of crafting paper planes and using them as vessels to share messages of joy and love, the series counters the current political climate with works steeped in possibility and hope for a steady homeland. “Each paper plane becomes a whispered prayer of salam [peace], carrying with it the essence of home across distances that only the heart knows how to cross,” Nassif explains. The pieces are available to purchase at Al Mezzanine. Learn more
Where To Eat
If you’ve ever tried to nab a seat at bkry in Alserkal Avenue and left empty handed, we have great news. The beloved bakery has opened a second branch in Nad Al Sheba Mall, offering another opportunity to discover its award-winning sweet treats, fresh bakes, expert brews and all-day dining. The Nad Al Sheba branch is also home to exclusive pastries including an Ecuadorian chocolate brownie croissant and a cardamom kouign-amann – a croissant-brioche hybrid finished with vanilla crème diplomat. Mirroring the same warmth and minimalism as the original outpost, the space invites you to be part of the creation process with a central glass-fronted bakery that lets guests in on the action. Learn more
Where To Stay
ENVI Paje has officially landed on the pristine sands of Paje Beach, Zanzibar. The highly anticipated opening is the first Zanzibar property by UAE-headquartered Envi Lodges and offers a wellness-focused escape steeped in luxury. Watch lapping waves from your oceanfront villa, sprawl along the shore with that novel you’ve been meaning to finish, or banish distractions altogether with a range of African botanical treatments and restorative rituals. Wellness carries through to dining, too, with healthy plates built from locally sourced ingredients. If you’re seeking some me-time before jetting off with the family, a weekend immersed in nature could be just what to (travel) doctor ordered. Plus, the first one hundred travellers to check-in can avail of exclusive perks and complimentary stays. Book now
