Issuu

TRAVEL

An Italian Adventure

WELLNESS FOCUS The latest trends

RUNWAY REPORT What’s hot for the new season?

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SEPTEMBER 2026 ISSUE 251

GROUP EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Liz O’Reilly

PUBLISHER Rami Khalil

PRODUCTION MANAGER Neil Mahmood

DIGITAL DIRECTOR Nidhi Sharma

DIRECTOR OF SALES & MARKETING Nabayit Afeworki

ACCOUNTANTS Gigimon Thankachen Jyothi Johnson

DIGITAL TEAM Fareeda Abdulla Rohtih T R

OPERATIONS Kim Marshall

WEBSITE DESIGNER & DEVELOPER Alya Almuabad CONTRIBUTING EDITOR Sirine Boudjadi CONTRIBUTORS Farah Baig Gareth Woods

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Sachan Chandran PHOTOGRAPHERS Habeed P. Hameed Shareef Panhatt COVER IMAGE La Double J CREDITS IMAGE Boucheron

DISTRIBUTION MANAGER Ajit Kumar DISTRIBUTION Bahrain - Jashanmal DISTRIBUTION TEAM Nowshad Mammunhi Rajesh Kaliyath PRINTING PRESS Union Press

CONTENTS SEPTEMBER 2026

18 20 32 38 42

Editor's Letter OHLALA Fashion Picks In Case You Missed It Jewellery Edit – High Jewellery With A Human Touch OHLALA Beauty Picks

OHLALA Insights – Trends Report – Winter But Make It Lite!

A Midweek Retreat at Shine Spa, Sheraton Bahrain Hotel

Travel Escapes – Discovering The Wonders Of Puglia Chic Eats – A Life Story Told Through Food Diva Drives – A Tale Of Tech And Transformation Miss Ohlala

80 86 94 98

Editor’s Letter A new season is almost upon us. Those who travelled for the summer are returning and new friends and neighbours are arriving in our midst. In many parts of the world, the cooler season is a time of winding down, getting ready for chill winds and dark nights. But for us here in the Middle East, it sometimes feels more like a rebirth. Like phoenixes, we rise from the ashes of our scorching summer and prepare for the joys of wrapping up, but lightly, embracing new trends and getting ready to enjoy outdoor social events once again. To make sure you look the part, we have our big roundup of autumn-winter fashion trends. Trust me, there are stylish days ahead. You’ll notice some changes in this issue. We’re embracing a more wellness-focussed vibe and, in that vein, we chatted to Michèle Evrard, founder of Cosmetics 27, about her approach to regeneration and longevity, and caught up with Nasra Grimley, of Alkem Longevity and Aesthetic Clinic, to discover how beauty and wellness intertwine. We also have a special report on the wellness trends we’ll be watching in the second half of the year. Our spa experience this month was at Shine Spa at Sheraton Bahrain Hotel. I was very spoilt, but who says wellness can’t be mixed with a little indulgence. And speaking of indulgence, my colleague loved the updates at Cafe Délice while I sampled a rather fabulous feast at the recently opened Legacy, which I would thoroughly recommend. For this month’s Diva Drives, my colleague got behind the wheel of the Mercedes-Benz CLA 200 Hybrid. Meanwhile I took my own wellness very seriously with a trip to Italy – there are few things better for the mind, body and soul than time spent with good friends in a gorgeous place, you can read about my experience in our Travel Escapes pages. I hope you find something in this issue to inspire you, whether it’s to treat yourself to a spa day, head out for a lush lunch or maybe even pack your bags for a girls’ trip.

Liz O’Reilly Editorial Director editor@ohlala-magazine.com @ohlalamagazineqa

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O H L A L A FA S H I O N P I C K S

In Between

DAYS

A sleeveless dress in a slightly heavier fabric offers a little extra protection from the elements. This gorgeous number from Carolina Herrera mirrors our ever-blue skies and picks up on one of the new season’s hottest trends – embellishment.

Everybody’s talking about the fashion trends for the coming season but, since our part of the world takes a little longer to cool down than some other places, we’re lucky enough to still be wearing the transitional wardrobe of resort collections. We love how these shoulder season options offer the best of both worlds. A lightweight suit in a pretty pink is ideal for late summer events. The printed fabric brings lightness while bespoke buttons add a fun touch and you can wear this ETRO option as separates right the way through till next spring.

La Double J’s printed body would look great with white linen for a late summer beach day or over jeans when you’re on the go. Wear it your way and make it your own.

This bright coat from Tory Burch is a great option to carry you through from late summer to autumn. The fabric is substantial without being too warm and the delicate pattern would look great over white trousers and a vest while the sun’s still shining. 20

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You can never go wrong with a pair of white wide legs, specially when you pair them with something as pretty as this silky confection from Savanna, cross-season dressing with a heavier weight fabric and a showy embellishment. Perfect.

GENNY

COLOUR FOCUS

Sweet Like CHOCOLATE

JW ANDERSON 22

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TORY BURCH

CASADEI

SAINT LAURENT

LOUIS VUITTON

PESERICO

As we head into the cooler months, colours naturally become a little more muted. But, we’re not quite ready for head-to-toe blacks and greys. Instead opt for the warmth of brown in its many guises. From deep, rich chocolate to lighter, brighter caramel, this tone will give your cool season wardrobe a tasty lift.

ADDED EXTRAS

WHERE

SENSUALITY DISCOVERS

THE POWER TO SHINE

Maison Rene Caovilla’s latest collection is an expression of contemporary, self-aware and sophisticated femininity.

n irregular graphic motif creates rhythm and depth, infusing the shoes with dynamism and character. An intense, vibrant and multifaceted red illuminates every step like a spark in the night. Pumps, slingbacks and sandals define the new Allura family, shaping a refined universe. The transparent mesh upper reveals a delicate leopard motif, while tone-on-tone, hand-embroidered crystals amplify the interplay of transparency and reflection. Presented in deep red, black and soft brown, Allura combines artisanal excellence with impeccable construction. For the autumn-winter season, the iconic Galaxia returns to the spotlight, reinterpreted through a mix of glossy leather and new semi-transparent mesh punctuated with crystals, imparting movement and vitality. The Onda sandal blends minimalism, craftsmanship and a seductive spirit as crystal-covered straps trace a fluid line that wraps around the ankle and climbs up the leg, transforming the iconic serpent into a statement of contemporary glamour. Grace and poetry define the Leaf sandal, which interprets the natural elegance of the Cleo sandal through hand-embroidered tulle leaves that catch the light with every step. A bold, magnetic language emerges in the Animalier family. The Diana flat is reinvented with crystal-embellished straps that illuminate its minimalist lines, while the pattern adds distinctive personality. Cleo reasserts its status through a decisive reinterpretation, offered both in its classic version and with a platform. The animalier motif also envelops the Onda pump, energising its sleek silhouette, as well as the Chandelier sandal for a luminous, dramatic effect. Completing the selection are Ellabrita and the new Lady sandal, each interpreting the print through different sensibilities. Throughout the collection, look out for instances where Rene Caovilla meets Swarovski crystals in a pure expression of artisanal mastery where a play of reflections transforms each shoe into a fragment of a dream.

@renecaovilla

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ADDED EXTRAS

REGAL Inspirations The Victoria bag joins Carolina Herrera’s Royal collection taking its cue from the classic correspondence envelope, with an added touch of regal charm.

ike a personal handwritten letter, for which Mrs Herrera is well known – her unmistakable white envelopes edged in red, along with her bold, expressive handwriting, a small secret waiting to be discovered – Victoria forms a gesture conceived with care and intention, created to be shared and cherished over time. An emotional object, transformed into a handbag, Victoria is a piece to be treasured and kept forever. The Penny Black, Queen Victoria’s stamp, the first official postage stamp in history, dating back to 1840, along with the era’s postmark, evokes the timeless elegance of the iconic Rosetta Insignia, transforming every Victoria bag into a message, into a story yet to be opened. Victoria presents artisanal precision in a simple, geometric shape crafted from a single piece of leather. The specialist produced Baobab leather, soft, supple and fluid, brings to life a subtle design that is both chic and functional. Its metallic pieces, plated with up to 0.5 microns of gold, add a touch of sophistication, while its chain offers a dual functionality, allowing it to be worn as a shoulder bag or carried as a clutch, naturally adapting with elegant ease to every occasion.

@carolinaherrera

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ADDED EXTRAS

Into The Blue

The iconic RIMOWA suitcase gets an eye-catching new shade with a range of accessories to match.

he RIMOWA original suitcase has long been a trusted companion for discerning travellers. Now the brand has introduced Ink Blue, a new permanent hue inspired by the lasting language of ink. Used for centuries in writing, drawing and dyeing, ink leaves indelible marks that capture moments in time. RIMOWA’s Ink Blue is a deep midnight shade that offers a perfect blend of contemporaneity and legacy. The colour’s rich, luminous depth lends a captivating metallic sheen to the suitcase's surface. To accompany the launch, actress Sydney Lemmon appears in a short film travelling to Shanghai in search of love. There, she is greeted by a series of letters beautifully penned in ink calligraphy that send her on a quest with her trusted RIMOWA by her side. Highlighting RIMOWA’s style credentials, the Ink Blue colourway also extends into the Groove collection, with a cross-body bag in small and large sizes as well as a zipped pouch all in the same shade, made in Italy from soft, smooth calf leather. A full suite of seasonal travel accessories has also been imagined taking inspiration from the allure of denim and in the same hue.

@rimowa

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ADDED EXTRAS

A MEETING OF

STYLE AND SHADE In a celebration of beauty, style and female entrepreneurship, clean beauty brand Saie has announced an exclusive collaboration with Karen Wazen Collection.

ringing together Saie founder and CEO Laney Crowell and Karen Wazen, whose eponymous eyewear brand is a regional style icon and a noted supporter of the UNHCR, the partnership introduces a limited-edition co-created sunglasses style alongside a curated selection of beauty essentials. Marking the intersection of beauty and fashion through a shared vision of confidence, simplicity and elevated everyday essentials, the heart of the collection is an exclusive sunglasses frame inspired by the women who wear both brands: effortlessly chic, naturally radiant and always on the move. Crafted from premium black acetate with subtle gold co-branding and

100% UV protection, the contemporary cat-eye silhouette balances timeless sophistication with modern ease. The shades are paired with Karen’s curated Saie essentials – a Glossy Bounce Hydrating Lip Oil and Lip Liner 101 – all housed in a classic Karen Wazen pillow pouch, redesigned with subtle co-branding, and dedicated compartments for Saie beauty essentials – creating the ultimate accessory for life on the go. Customers purchasing the co-created sunglasses by Karen Wazen and Saie at its retail stores will receive exclusive Saie product samples and surprises while stocks last.

@saiebeauty @bykarenwazen

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OHLALA ICYMI

This month we bring news of international collaborations, an exciting new opening for the city, a historic exhibition and an art piece that shows how Qatar is always willing to challenge our perceptions.

A Landmark Partnership The Tiffany & Co. Design Residency Program is coming to the region to nurture a new generation of creative talent. Under the chairwomanship of HH Sheikha Shamsa bint Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, Design Commission Abu Dhabi (DCAD) has announced a landmark partnership with Tiffany & Co. to launch the programme which is a specialised residency dedicated to advancing excellence in the disciplines of jewellery and watch design. Developed in collaboration with Tiffany & Co., the residency will nurture a new generation of designers by combining the richness of local culture, architecture and artistic heritage with the house’s nearly two centuries of design innovation and creative excellence. Participants will explore the conceptual, creative and technical foundations of jewellery and watch design while developing their own design language through experimentation, research and material exploration.

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OHLALA ICYMI

An Animated History For the first time in its rich history, Miss Dior transforms into the dynamic heroine of a delightfully beautiful animated film. Created by the teams at Remembers, the renowned French animation studio founded by Ugo Bienvenu and Felix de Givry, this original film possesses the grace and poetry that charmed audiences in Arco, their acclaimed, multi-award-winning animated film co-produced by Natalie Portman and nominated for Oscars this year. The authors of this bighearted film have chosen to capture an unprecedented version of Miss Dior with a supple and lively line, retracing the history of the House of Dior's founding fragrance by celebrating the spirit of its eternal youth. A playful bee serves as a guide to a magical film that features Christian Dior's cherished roses, as well as silhouettes of his beloved sister Catherine and the Château La Colle noire – his haven of peace in the Grasse countryside. In this film-garden presenting shimmering bursts of colour, we revisit the original setting of the Provençal night, alive with fireflies and scented by flowers, that inspired the creation of La Miss. The perennial aesthetic codes of Miss Dior also appear as if by magic throughout – a giant pink bow here and a houndstooth print there, its masculine rigor serving as a visual contrast.

Historical Display Heritage house Burberry and London’s V&A Museum have announced an upcoming exhibition celebrating the iconic Burberry trench. Rare material from the Burberry Archive and the V&A collection will go on show at the museum to mark the brand’s 170th anniversary. The Burberry Trench: Crafting an Icon will run from September 21 to the beginning of January 2027 at the Prince Consort Gallery. The display traces the history of the Burberry trench from its origins as practical outerwear and military garment to a world-renowned icon of fashion, rooted in a contemporary British sensibility and celebrated globally. Beginning with ‘Invention’, the display explores Thomas Burberry’s invention of cotton gabardine in 1879 and how its use in the Burberry trench established the coat as a soughtafter piece of protective outerwear, combining function and style. It highlights the trench’s evolution into a design classic that has remained relevant for more than a century. The display concludes with ‘Creativity’, spotlighting 19 standout runway looks from the past two-and-a-half decades.

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OHLALA ICYMI

Focus on Recovery Swiss sportswear brand On and artist, singer and dancer FKA twigs have renewed their collaboration, this time shifting from the act of training to post-performance restoration with the introduction of the Cloudmonster 3 Mule at the heart of a new offering. The collection turns its focus to the art of recovery – positioning restoration not as an absence of activity, but rather an intentional element of everyday movement. The Cloudmonster 3 Mule is a new recovery-focussed slip-on, designed for slower tempos, with triple-layered CloudTec to cushion every step. This launch marks the first time On has introduced a mule silhouette. Inspired by natural pigments and the earth’s terrain, it comes in two colourways: Cacao / Espresso and Loes / Hare. Similarly crafted for the moments after movement, the footwear is accompanied by a suite of apparel and accessories.

Denim Collab Canadian pop sensation Tate McRae has become the first face of Calvin Klein's 'Feel the Fit' campaign, pulling on the perfect pair of jeans. Feel the Fit features a lineup of global talent and celebrates the confidence that comes when the fit feels right, brought to life through each talent’s own energy and style. First, Tate brings her signature movement, sensuality and attitude to the brand's iconic denim. "I’ve always been a fan of Calvin Klein jeans. Every style has its own personality, but they all give you that same undeniable confidence,” said the star. “This campaign is about that moment when you put on your favorite pair of jeans and everything just clicks. I loved being able to move, dance and bring my own energy to every look.” For autumn, Calvin Klein introduces new denim fits designed to make finding your perfect pair effortless and Tate demonstrates the point in a campaign directed by Carlijn Jacobs, in which the dancer transforms each scene through instinctive movement, bringing to life the power of pulling on the perfect pair.

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JEWELLERY EDIT

HIGH JEWELLERY WITH A HUMAN TOUCH This year’s Carte Blanche collection from Boucheron focusses on the similarities that bring us together and the differences that make us unique as human beings. 38

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JEWELLERY EDIT

very year, Carte Blanche gives Creative Director Claire Choisne an opportunity to reflect anew on what is considered precious. In 2024’s Or Bleu, she explored the increasing scarcity of water; in 2025, she addressed the disappearance of nature through Impermanence. This year, she makes the case that, in an ever more artificial world, what is truly precious is humanity. A trained jeweller, with a keen appreciation for the technical mastery that only human hands can attain, she believes that nothing will ever supplant human creativity and artisanal craftsmanship. The Human Being collection features five jewellery sets, Flower, Rain, Light, Tattoo and Checkers, through which the differences and similarities that distinguish each of us are highlighted. One and the same shape runs through every creation – yet each calls upon a different savoir-faire. Within each creation, subtle nuances emerge: a play of volume, gemstones and light, like so many expressions of our individuality. The closer you look, the more you discover, as in each of us, those details that define who we are. WHAT CONNECTS US? Claire Choisne decided to focus on an archetypal form of High Jewellery necklace to represent this common denominator. She settled on that great classic, the cluster necklace, with its grouped stones forming a unified composition. This core design is reproduced in five very Boucheron jewellery sets, each consisting of a necklace and a ring. WHAT SETS US APART? In this collection, a diversity of savoir-faire, colours and materials are employed to express our distinctive qualities and to endow each set with its own emotional character. This collection presents a profound human vision of High Jewellery, where artisans from disparate realms bring together their skills, technical know-how and artistry. Between them, they spent over 14,000 hours crafting the collection, a testament to the breadth and brilliance of the savoir-faire involved.

FLOWER The necklace is set with a 3.26-carat D VVS1 cushion-cut diamond, pink quartz totalling 1,532 carats, paved with diamonds, in pink gold, white gold and platinum. The ring is set with a 0.71-carat E VVS1 pear-cut diamond, pink quartz totalling 141 carats, paved with diamonds, in sapphire glass, in pink gold, white gold and platinum. This set, which required around 3,290 hours of work, was inspired by a motif that the studio team designed like a richly patterned floral wallpaper. From tender bud to fully unfurled petals, each stage of a flower’s blossoming unfolds across the body in a symmetrical composition where the blooms seem to spring from the very stone itself. RAIN With this set, Claire Choisne sought to create the illusion of a cascade of diamonds raining down onto the skin. The material recedes, leaving the stones seemingly suspended in space and time. In a bid to heighten the sense of transparency, the Creative Director revisited a favorite material, rock crystal. LIGHT The set took around 3,750 hours of work and the design plays with different sizes, shapes, positions and combinations of morganites – some set with diamonds – in a way that allows light to flow freely through the stones. TATTOO Taking around 3,740 hours of work, with this set, Claire Choisne sought to recreate the effect of tattoos on skin. The motifs that decorate these pieces were inspired by the aesthetic of Victorian-era tattoos. CHECKERS This set takes a textile pattern that Claire Choisne is particularly fond of, houndstooth, and transposes it into stone. Thus, jewellery almost becomes garment, in a nod to the world of couture so dear to Boucheron.

@boucheron

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HAUTE HORLOGERIE

A WORK OF TIMEKEEPING ART In honour of company founder Michel Parmigiani, Parmigiani Fleurier has released a 30th anniversary atelier piece limited to just five examples.

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HAUTE HORLOGERIE

elebrating 30 years of living legacy and independent vision, the Carillon Tourbillon is part of the Objets D’Art Collection and draws on the memory of historic watches, the intelligence of chiming mechanisms, the patience of the ateliers, the precision of the constructors, the knowledge of the artisans and the endless pursuit of balance. Taking its inspiration from an early 19th-century Perrin Frères pocket watch from the Sandoz Collection, restored by Parmigiani Fleurier in 2000, it is entirely conceived, developed, constructed, assembled and finished in-house. The white gold case includes vertical gadroons inspired by classical columns, a glass box sapphire crystal, visible hammers on the dial side and a hand-hammered Morning Blue dial. One of its most recognisable features is the four serpentine gongs. Directly inspired by the Perrin Frères pocket watch, their long undulating curves embrace the architecture of the watch, giving it its visual identity. The tourbillon and the power-reserve indicator are positioned on the reverse of the watch, where the movement opens fully to the eye. On the dial side, the reading remains clear, balanced, almost silent. The chiming complication is staged with precision. On the dial side, the hammers are visible in both their function and their mechanical choreography, revealing the very instant in which time is about to become sound. The calibre is composed of 456 components meticulously assembled by hand. Its construction is based on a highly sophisticated mechanical architecture built around two superimposed barrels, ensuring the transmission of power through the gear train and guaranteeing an exceptional 12-day power reserve. The third barrel, dedicated to the striking mechanism, is automatically rewound when the striking slide is activated, and only when the minute repeater is engaged. The four gongs compose a complete and nuanced chime: one low-pitched for the hours, one high-pitched for the minutes and two additional gongs, each with its own note, for the quarters Together, they create a four-note melody – distinctive, harmonious and immediately recognisable. Produced in only five examples, the piece is conceived for transmission, for collections that look beyond the instant, for those who recognise in an horological creation not only an achievement but a culture.

@parmigianifleurier

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OHLALA BEAUTY PICKS

SAIE SUPERSUEDE BAKED EYESHADOW

A Time Of TRANSITION MAX MARA LE PARFUM

CARON PARIS 1904 MUSC OLI

As we approach the period when the weather changes and the deep heat of summer gives way to the cooler temperatures of the winter months, our focus is on feeling good. From regenerative lip treatments and lifting facial applications to body mousses and uplifting scents, the new season is starting to look beautiful.

GUERLAIN ABEILLE ROYALE NIGHT-TAPING TREATMENT

DRIES VAN NOTEN TINTED LIP BALM

NOELIE 24H DEEP REGENERATION & LIFTING DUO 42

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LA BEAUTÉ LOUIS VUITTON MONGRAM INFRAROUGE – SATIN LIPSTICK

KAYALI YUM BOUJEE MARSHMALLOW 81 SILK SOUFFLÉ BODY CREAM

F I N D YO U R D E L I C E.

BEAUTY FOCUS

Anti-Ageing

IN A BOTTLE Dior’s scientists have created the Capture Intensive Essence Lotion, a new step in a high-performance age-defying protocol.

ior Science has been a pioneer in skin rejuvenation for more than 50 years boasting multiple international research centres, high-level scientific collaborations and a research board that brings together 18 international scientists affiliated with the most prestigious universities. Based on its cutting-edge scientific advances, Dior skincare targets the root causes of biological ageing and skin longevity markers. Thanks to innovative, natural-origin bioactives and exclusive formulation techniques with clinically proven effectiveness, it aims to visibly prolong skin’s youthfulness. Dior researchers are pioneers in the field of cutaneous mother cells, and in collaboration with Professor Knut Woltjen, Associate Professor at CiRA (Center for iPs Cell Research and Application) in Kyoto, they revealed new discoveries in 2025. They demonstrated that between the ages of 25 and 90, mother cell respiration decreases by 40%, which can affect collagen synthesis and epidermal vitality. These unpublished works gave rise to the signature Dior Capture technology: OX-C Treatment. This plant biopolymer optimises oxygen transport by 56% and ATP synthesis by 40%, resulting in an acceleration of 22% in epidermal regeneration and of 42% in dermal regeneration, for a threefold increase in type I collagen production.

NEW INTENSIVE ESSENCE LOTION In 2026, Dior Capture has reinvented the Intensive Essence Lotion. As the first step in the high-performance age-defying protocol, it prepares the skin to receive the additional skincare in the routine. It deeply hydrates the 10 layers of the epidermis for 24 hours, while reinforcing the skin barrier. This expert skincare contains the OX-C Treatment and Metaboline, a unique new complex created by Dior. Metaboline is an exclusive complex combining a post-biotic ferment and a mallow extract from the Dior gardens. Working separately and in a complementary way, they act on 10 essential regeneration proteins to increase cell anchoring promoting skin regeneration, improve cell cohesion to help restore the skin barrier and increase hydration. They also boost the strength of the stratum corneum which helps protect the skin from external elements and promote desquamation to assist in cell renewal. The lotion also includes Lily extract, a key active ingredient which boosts skin regeneration. HIGH-PERFORMANCE RESULTS Clinically proven results are visible day after day with the company’s results demonstrating that the skin gains 27% radiance and after seven days, fine lines are two times less visible.

@dior

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ESTABLISHING A NEW STANDARD OHLALA chatted to Nasra Grimley, founder and President of Alkem Longevity and Aesthetic Clinic, to learn how longevity is becoming ingrained in the beauty and well-being landscape.

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NASRA GRIMLEY

OHLALA VOICES

OHLALA – Please tell us a bit about your background, what brought you to Bahrain and how did you become involved in the wellness space? Nasra Grimley – I’m Omani, half Filipino, and Bahrain is where I’ve built my life, my family and now my career. My journey into wellness didn’t start with Alkem — it started years earlier, as a nutritionist and personal trainer. I spent that chapter of my life working directly with people, one-on-one, helping them change their habits, their bodies and honestly, their whole relationship with themselves. That hands-on experience taught me something I still carry with me every day: real transformation isn’t about a single treatment or a quick fix. It’s about the daily, unglamorous work of consistency. That belief is what eventually led me to found Alkem. I kept seeing the same gap — people wanted to invest in their health and longevity, but the options around them were either purely aesthetic or purely clinical. I wanted to build something that did both. But none of this happens in isolation. I’m also a wife and a mother of three boys, and honestly, that’s the part of my life that keeps everything else honest. Building a business is demanding, but so is showing up for your family, and I’ve learned that you can’t really talk credibly about wellness and longevity if you’re not living it yourself — in how you train, how you eat, how you show up for the people you love. OHLALA – How was Alken conceived and what was your vision for the clinic? Nasra – Alkem came from my own health journey. Going through that experience changed how I thought about health completely — it moved me away from chasing symptoms and toward wanting to understand root causes. My husband Aaron and I are both big believers in functional medicine, root-cause healing and longevity as a way of life, not just a trend, and that belief is really the foundation everything else was built on. Once I started looking at wellness through that lens, I couldn’t unsee the gap in what already existed. Aesthetics lived in one place, medicine in another, and true longevity and functional care almost nowhere at all — certainly not brought together under one roof. I wanted to build the place that didn’t exist yet. Somewhere a person could walk in for a facial and walk out having also had a real conversation about their longevity, their hormones, their blood work — the actual root of how they’re feeling, not just how they look. My vision was — and still is — for it to be Bahrain’s home for longevity, where the medical and the aesthetic finally sit under one roof.

“…real transformation isn’t about a single treatment or a quick fix. It’s about the daily, unglamorous work of consistency.” ‒ Nasra Grimley OHLALA – What makes it different to other offerings available? Nasra – I think the biggest difference is that Alkem was never built to be one thing. Most places you go to are either purely aesthetic — chasing how you look — or purely clinical. We built Alkem to sit in between those two worlds and actually connect them. The same patient who comes in for a facial can also sit down with our naturopathic doctor for hormone work, get a proper diagnostic blood panel or work with our dietician — all under one roof. The root-cause approach runs through everything we do. We’re not just treating what’s on the surface — we’re asking why it’s happening in the first place, whether that’s through functional medicine, longevity diagnostics, or simply understanding someone’s daily habits. That’s a genuinely different starting point than most aesthetic clinics work from. It’s also personal for me in a way I don’t think is common. I’m not just the founder sitting behind a desk — I’m in it. I train, I coach, I’m becoming a Pilates instructor myself, and I’ve built our membership programmes around things I actually live and believe in. And beyond the clinic itself, we’ve built a genuine community around it — through Social Wellness Club, our events, our workshops — because I don’t think longevity should feel clinical and cold. It should feel like something you want to be part of, not something you endure. www.ohlala-magazine.com

OHLALA VOICES

OHLALA – What are the most popular treatments and do you have anything new coming in the second half of the year? Nasra – Our most popular services really span the full longevity picture — IV Therapy, naturopathic medicine, hormone health, gut health, weight loss and BHRT (bioidentical hormone replacement therapy), alongside our regenerative aesthetics like injectables and facials. What I love is that these aren’t isolated visits for most of our clients anymore; they’re part of an ongoing relationship with us, where the aesthetic and the medical genuinely work together. As for what’s coming — honestly, it’s a big second half of the year for us. We’ve just launched Sculptra as a new offering and coming up is our Longevity Membership, which brings together diagnostics, IV therapy, doctor consultations and more into one ongoing programme rather than one-off visits. I’m especially excited about a second membership I’m personally leading, built around Pilates, coaching and community, specifically for women. We’re also welcoming two new doctors to the team in September, expanding into dermatology and lifestyle medicine, and we’re celebrating our third anniversary this September with some real excitement planned for our community. Beyond the clinic itself, we’re building out more experiential events — pop-ups, brand activations and a full ‘Experience Alkem’ day we’re planning with the Westin. OHLALA – You’ve been operating Alkem three years now, what have been the greatest challenges and triumphs? Nasra – The biggest challenge, honestly, was educating the market on something that didn’t really exist here before. When we opened, most people understood aesthetics clinics and they understood medical clinics, but the idea of bringing longevity, functional medicine and aesthetics together under one roof was new to Bahrain. We had to help people understand not just what we offered, but why it mattered — why looking at the root cause matters as much as treating what’s on the surface. That takes time and a lot of patience. There’s also the challenge of staying hands-on while growing. I never wanted Alkem to feel like a business I built and then stepped back from. Balancing that level of involvement with being a wife and a mother has genuinely been one of the harder parts of this journey. There were moments I had to protect what we’d built too, including our own name, which taught me early on how seriously you have to guard something you’ve poured yourself into. But the triumphs have made every bit of it worth it. Watching Alkem grow from a small space into something we’re now expanding significantly has been incredible. Being recognised with awards like UNIDO Entrepreneur of the Year and EY’s Entrepreneurial Winning Women has meant a lot, not for the recognition itself, but because it tells me the vision is resonating. And honestly, just reaching three years — building a team I’m proud of, a community that keeps showing up and a clinic that’s become something people genuinely trust with their health — that’s the real triumph. OHLALA – What are your plans for the future of Alkem and what do you see as the future of aesthetics in Bahrain? Nasra – For Alkem, the future is very clearly longevity and regenerative aesthetics — that’s the direction we’re building toward with everything we do. We’re expanding our physical space significantly to bring more of that vision to life under one roof. We’ve also just launched our franchise manuals, which means the Alkem model is now genuinely ready to grow beyond our own walls. Beyond the clinic itself, I’m building out Strata Wellbeing, bringing this same philosophy into the corporate world. 48

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As for aesthetics in Bahrain, I think that’s exactly the shift the whole market is heading toward. For a long time, aesthetics here meant purely cosmetic, surface-level treatments. That’s changing. People want regenerative approaches now — things that actually support the body’s own healing and aging process, not just mask what’s on the surface. My hope is that Alkem isn’t just riding that shift — I want us to be one of the clinics that helped define it here in Bahrain.

OHLALA – On a more personal note, as a wife, mum and entrepreneur, how do you balance all the different demands on your time and continue to innovate? Nasra – Honestly? I don’t balance. I’ve stopped pretending that’s the goal. I’m a go-getter — when something matters to me, I go for it fully, whether that’s my family, my businesses or my own training. I’ve never found peace chasing some perfect 50-50 split between all the roles I hold. What works for me instead is being fully present in whatever I’m doing in that moment. I think that mindset is actually what fuels the innovation, not something that competes with it. Being a wife and a mother doesn’t slow down how I think about business — if anything, it sharpens it. I don’t have time for ideas that don’t matter, so the ones that do get all of me. And I’m surrounded by a husband and a team who move at the same pace I do, which makes it possible to keep going for it. OHLALA – Do you have any advice for other young women wanting to enter the wellness/aesthetics industry? Nasra – Go in for the right reasons. This industry can look glamorous from the outside, but if you’re only chasing the image of it, it won’t sustain you. The women who actually last and build something meaningful here are the ones driven by real impact — genuinely wanting to change how people feel, how they age, how they show up in their own lives. That has to come first. The rest follows. Build community, not just a client base. Don’t be afraid to be genuinely present, genuinely known and genuinely invested in the people around you. And go for it fully. Don’t wait until you feel ready or until everything lines up perfectly — it never will.

@alkem.bh

Exclusively distributed across the GCC by Ali Bin Ali Beauty

Unlocking the skin’s biological intelligence

Available at select luxury retail and spa destinations across GCC Distributed exclusively by Ali Bin Ali Beauty enquiries@alibinalibeauty.com

MICHÈLE EVRARD

ALI BIN ALI BEAUTY X OHLALA

Cosmetics 27 was born from a very personal journey and a deep understanding of skin health. Can you share the story behind the creation of the brand? After a ski accident in 1996, I underwent two knee surgeries that left a long scar on my leg. Determined to erase every trace of that experience, I tested various healing creams on different parts of the scar and discovered the remarkable properties of Centella Asiatica. Where I applied it, the scar almost completely disappeared. Having studied botany and medicinal plants during my pharmacy training, I began researching this plant more deeply. From that insight, I set out to develop a product rooted in both science and personal experience: a daily skin-regenerating and protective remedy that harnesses the skin’s own healing intelligence. That product became Baume 27.

THE

Story

Behind

THE BRAND As Cosmetics 27 joins the Ali Bin Ali Beauty portfolio, founder Michèle Evrard looks back on the personal discovery that transformed her approach to skincare. Learn how one remarkable plant, Centella Asiatica, became the foundation of a regenerative philosophy that challenges conventional ideas of anti-ageing. 50

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Centella Asiatica is at the heart of Cosmetics 27 and has become one of the brand’s most recognised signatures. What first drew you to this remarkable ingredient, and why does it remain so central to your formulations today? I discovered Centella Asiatica’s remarkable properties while healing post-surgery scars. My research led me to Professor FX Maquart, a Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Professor at the University of Reims, whose pioneering work on the plant’s regenerating properties was a true inspiration. His insights helped me select the right extracts, dosages and skin biomarkers to target. I chose three of its most active molecules, three heterosides: madecassoside, asiaticoside and asiatic acid. They have exceptional repairing, regenerating and anti-inflammatory activities. Together, they form the CICA-MA2 Complex: an entirely unique proprietary ingredient, distinct from anything and any standardised extract of Centella commonly used in the industry. As a pharmacist and skincare innovator, you have long advocated a regenerative approach to beauty. What does skin regeneration mean in practical terms for consumers, and how does it differ from traditional anti-ageing skincare? Regeneration is the skin’s daily response to damage: a selfrepair mechanism rooted in homeostasis, the body’s innate drive towards balance. With age and accumulated external and internal stressors, this capacity gradually diminishes. My goal has been to restore it, to give the skin its resilience back. I rarely use the term ‘anti-ageing’. I advocate for regeneration instead. My philosophy is not about reversing time but about improving how we age. Longevity is the true purpose. Regeneration leads the path.

ALI BIN ALI BEAUTY X OHLALA

Modern lifestyles place significant stress on the skin, from environmental aggressors and pollution to lack of sleep and daily stress. How does Cosmetics 27 help support skin health and resilience in today’s world? Our first rule is to not further damage the skin, so we include soothing, anti-inflammatory ingredients and the most preventative way is to focus on antioxidants that will reinforce the skin’s resilience. One topic that is also part of our approach to skin health and protection is balancing the microbiome. The microbiome is kind of the fourth layer and very first line of defence of our skin. The probiotics fight back and prevent bacterial and other pathogen invasion. We integrate prebiotics and postbiotics in all our formulas, these help maintain the integrity of the microbiome which is increasingly attacked in our daily lives. Cosmetics 27 is known for combining pharmaceutical expertise, naturally derived ingredients and rigorous formulation standards. What principles guide product development at the brand, and why are they so important to you? My pharmacy training gave me a strong foundation in formulation: dosage, ingredient safety, absorption and efficacy. It taught me that what you apply – or ingest – has a real effect on the body. From the start, I worked with natural, plant-based ingredients while minimising chemicals, never compromising on safety or results. Each formula takes up to three years to validate.

I work until every formula meets my expectations: texture, application, finish, naturality and – most importantly – skin penetration. All our formulas are biomimetic – a concept that predates current trends. They must have a true affinity with the skin, reproducing its physico-chemical structure through lamellar emulsions, a type of emulsion that mimics the skin’s hydro-lipidic structure. We talk about ‘skin-mimetism’. It adds significant complexity to the formulation process, but it is non-negotiable. Skin barrier health has become one of the most important topics in modern skincare. How do Cosmetics 27 formulations support skin resilience and long-term barrier function, particularly in an environment where consumers are often exposed to over-treatment and excessive product use? The skin barrier is the part of the skin we have to preserve at all times. It is a barrier where many exchanges take place, water, temperature, toxins… so, it has to remain in good health and condition. It is right above the dermis and is also a promoter for dermis regeneration. So, the stronger the barrier, the better the skin structure and integrity will remain. The barrier is a hydro-lipidic structure, so it needs water and oil to maintain its activity. Omega 3 and 6 are important to reinforce the structure, as well as peptides and antioxidants. We also use ceramides in all formulas, they are an important component of the cellular membranes, helping maintain hydration and supporting cellular renewal.

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ALI BIN ALI BEAUTY X OHLALA

Baume 27 has achieved cult status among skincare enthusiasts worldwide and remains one of the brand’s most iconic products. What do you believe has made this formulation so enduringly relevant, and why does it continue to resonate with consumers today? The results! Customers stay loyal and faithful to what ‘talks’ to them. There is a solution for everyone in our products because we take care of the skin, bringing it what it needs to strive and build its resilience and maintain its balance. We pride ourselves on having a very loyal base of customers (addicts!). They might go and search for a miracle rejuvenating product, but they always come back because we are good to their skin! Looking back at the journey of Cosmetics 27, what achievement or milestone makes you most proud? Women’s – and men’s – satisfaction and loyalty! I receive very personal and moving testimonials and questions. People are most often lost with their skin and in a market overflowing with newness, extreme claims, the quest for more and better, they don’t know how to choose and what to choose. That’s why I put such importance on education and service, helping people better understand their skin and take care of it. The GCC is one of the world’s most dynamic beauty markets, with consumers who are highly educated and engaged in skincare. What aspects of Cosmetics 27 do you believe will resonate most strongly with this audience? Indeed, the GCC represents important markets, with a high level of conscience and education on beauty and aesthetics. I am convinced our approach to wellageing and skin health will resonate with their expectations. Regeneration, skin health, longevity, gentle routines, all talk to the GCC customers. Their

skin is being put through tremendous pressure from daily exposure and, very often, many treatments. We support skin repair and balance. Our products empower the skin from the microbiota to cellular regeneration. We are not a ‘trendy’ brand with miraculous results, we are anchored in longevity and our mission is to empower all skin! Looking ahead, what innovations, scientific developments or consumer shifts do you believe will shape the future of skincare and skin longevity over the next decade? AI will clearly reshape part of the market, whether it is on new concepts, research and development processes, time to market, customer data and understanding, market segmentation, creative processes and creation, personalisation of beauty; it will guide customers’ behaviours and be the source of advice. But the one thing that AI will not do is make a customer buy a product they don’t appreciate or that doesn’t do anything good for their skin! Other than this, I believe that skincare will move closer to medical, that is already happening. At C27, we conduct clinical tests tracking biomarkers to understand a product’s actual activity on the skin, rather than simply validating beauty claims. The future belongs to those who are agile and will make intelligent use of the research. As Cosmetics 27 prepares to launch across the GCC, what message would you like to share with consumers who will be discovering the brand for the first time? Just try it, experience it. Hard marketing is one thing; personal experience is the only way to know. Do not expect miracles, but better skin, good skin. The one piece of advice I would give is to stick to a routine. Results happen after a minimum of 27 days, then the key is to maintain them!

@cosmetics27 @alibinalibeauty

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WELLNESS COLUMN

THE Seasonal

RECOVERY INFRARED SAUNA, PATRICIA YORK AT PIXABAY

Glowing skin or easing inflammation? Bushra Hakim breaks down the season’s most in demand wellness treatments and what’s really behind them.

t’s that time of year again: days grow shorter, skin gets drier, joints get creakier and energy takes a nosedive. Love it or hate it, there’s no denying what the cold does to our skin and bodies. From red light pods to salt caves, this season’s treatments all promise to help you glow, recover and feel human again. Here’s what’s actually worth booking. INFRARED SAUNAS Think of an infrared sauna as the traditional sauna’s more modern cousin. Instead of simply heating the air around you, infrared technology uses light to create warmth that penetrates the body more directly. The result is a deeply warming experience without the intense heat of a conventional sauna. Infrared saunas have grown popular for relaxation, muscle recovery and blood circulation, with the gentle heat being particularly comforting when your body is feeling stiff or tired. There is also growing research into the potential cardiovascular and well-being benefits of regular sauna use. More than anything, though, it’s about stepping into a warm room, switching off your phone and simply doing nothing for half an hour.

RED LIGHT THERAPY, COURTESY OF THE TANNING SHOP

RED LIGHT THERAPY If your skin looks tired once the sun disappears, this is the one to know about. Red light therapy uses specific wavelengths of red and near-infrared light, which are thought to interact with cells and support processes involved in skin health and recovery. Its potential benefits for collagen production, inflammation reduction and muscle recovery have garnered attention on social media. For anyone whose skin tends to become dry or irritated as the weather changes, it is an intriguing treatment to add to a broader skincare and wellness routine. Although it resembles a tanning bed, red light therapy does not rely on UV radiation, making it a very different proposition altogether.

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WELLNESS COLUMN

LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE Often associated with depuffing the face, lymphatic drainage is equally beneficial as a full-body treatment. Using gentle, rhythmic movements, it encourages the natural flow of lymphatic fluid and can help with fluid retention, swelling and inflammation. This method is particularly used to support those experiencing lymphoedema and post-operative swelling but has also become a popular ritual for anyone who enjoys that lighter, less ‘puffy’ feeling afterwards. Unlike a traditional massage, it is deliberately gentle and more about stimulating the lymphatic system than working deeply into the muscles. Lymphatic drainage is brilliant for circulation and contouring, and a lot of people swear by it for that sculpted jawline effect before an event.

IV DRIP, COURTESY OF REVIV

LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE, PAOLA ORTEGA AT PEXELS

IV DRIPS This is the treatment celebrities can’t stop posting about, and the appeal makes sense during this season. Between long haul flights for the holidays, dry central heating and one too many festive nights out, IV drips promise a fast track back to feeling normal. They deliver hydration and vitamins straight into your bloodstream, which genuinely helps if you’re depleted, plus there’s a popular immune-boosting angle as cold and flu season hits. It is, however, important that one visits reputable and medically supervised clinics for safe and effective results.

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HALOTHERAPY, COURTESY OF THE INVIGORY

HYPERBARIC OXYGEN THERAPY, COURTESY OF AEON CLINIC 01

WELLNESS COLUMN

HALOTHERAPY Also known as salt therapy, Halotherapy is an alternative medicine that involves sitting back in a salt room or ‘salt cave’ where dry, fine salt particles are dispersed into the air to recreate the microclimate of an actual salt mine. Since it is soothing for the lungs and sinuses, it makes it easy for anyone battling seasonal sniffles or allergies. There’s a skin softening benefit too, and the whole experience is deeply relaxing, which makes it more of a spa ritual than a clinical therapy. HYPERBARIC OXYGEN THERAPY The hyperbaric chamber looks like something from The Matrix, but the principle behind it is surprisingly straightforward. You lie inside a pressurised chamber while breathing oxygen at a higher concentration than you normally would. More oxygen reaching your cells means faster recovery, which is why it’s long been used to speed up healing. Lately it’s found a second life in the longevity and biohacking world, with plenty buzzing about its potential anti-ageing benefits, and it’s being explored for post workout/training recovery and general well-being.

CRYOTHERAPY, COURTESY OF THE INVIGORY

CRYOTHERAPY Cryotherapy involves stepping into a chamber filled with extremely cold, dry air, often as low as minus 100 degrees Celsius, for a few short minutes at a time. Braving that kind of cold might sound like the last thing you want to do during the cold weather, but cryotherapy fans insist it’s worth it. It’s excellent for easing inflammation and speeding up muscle recovery, and the rush afterwards genuinely feels like an energy boost, better than a double espresso. If you want to take it further, you can even try contrast therapy, pairing that cold blast with a warm session straight after to get the benefits of both.

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FERRAGOSTO:

THE ITALIAN ART OF LIVING

7790 7797

laroccabh www.ohlala-magazine.com

S PA S P O T L I G H T

A MIDWEEK

RETREAT A visit to Shine Spa at Sheraton Bahrain Hotel offered Liz O’Reilly the perfect opportunity to relax and reset.

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S PA S P O T L I G H T

longside the spa, there are comprehensive fitness facilities – a mixed gym with more machines than I have, perhaps, ever seen, with pieces of Technogym equipment I didn’t even recognise. There’s also a ladies-only gym and studio space for those who prefer to work out with more privacy. Plus, having a qualified trainer on hand is great to demystify the workout experience. Those using the spa also have access to the hotel’s gorgeous outdoor pool, which sits in an oasis among the surrounding high-rise buildings and provides various exercise sessions. It really does feel like your own little slice of paradise and, if you visit in the evening, the lit-up area is beautiful. There are elevated, open-air padel courts too, where you can get your daily dose of vitamin D while going into battle with your opponent. Inside, the spa space is tranquillity embodied. Quiet tones of cream, oatmeal and pale blue invite relaxation, abstract artworks add interest and quiet, gentle music prepares you to surrender your stresses for a few hours. There are separate male and female areas, each with three treatment rooms and sauna and steam facilities, and a couple’s area offers an intimate space to enjoy tandem treatments. After sipping a welcoming cold hibiscus tea and filling out a consultation form to establish my medical history and preferences, I was introduced to my therapist, Ika, who would be looking after me for my massage and Thalgo facial. She showed me to the extensive changing area which, alongside lockers and public space, has spacious individual changing rooms, a nice touch which I was only to happy to take advantage of. Then it was time for the bliss to begin and we headed to my treatment room. The very low lighting and candles gave an immediate cue for my body to wind down as my session began with a foot ritual in which the heat and dust of the day were washed away with a coconut scrub.

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S PA S P O T L I G H T

I stretched out face down on the superbly comfortable massage bed and Ika got to work, lavishly slathering her hands with almond oil, known for its moisturising and anti-inflammatory properties, and starting at my feet. With gentle but firm movements, she manipulated and stretched my joints before using long, sure strokes to release tension in my muscles, working upwards towards my heart. At my lower back, Ika’s pressure increased as she noted some stubborn knots which she managed to release without the usual pain. My shoulders were a more difficult proposition and took some extra work with Ika warning I might feel some pain the next day – in fact, I actually felt remarkably loose and comfortable. I was just on the verge of dozing off when the massage finished and Ika spritzed my face with the lightly refreshing Thalgo Reviving Marine Mist, its delightful fragrance bringing thoughts of ocean breezes. She then applied a towel over my hair in preparation for my facial – always one of my favourite parts of any spa day. She began with the Éveil À La Mer cleansing gel oil, working a light lather into my skin with gentle movements and tapping aimed at drainage. This Thalgo hero product promises a deep cleanse, even removing waterproof make-up and leaving the skin soft and moisturised. After wiping off the residue, Ika then went for the second level with the Velvet Cleansing Milk, a creamier option with 96% natural-origin ingredients and Micronised Marine Algae Extract. The texture felt really silky and left my complexion deeply hydrated. My skin is both dry and rather sensitive, so we had discussed in advance the parts of the regular treatment I would not enjoy. Ika suggested the Thalgo Resurfacing Cream, a gentler version of the regular scrub, and told me to let her know if I was at all uncomfortable. I must admit, it did feel a little rough, but definitely not painful and I have previously discovered that scrubs at this level can be seriously beneficial, so I was happy to leave myself in Ika’s very capable hands, knowing she would not go over the top.

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S PA S P O T L I G H T

The next part of the process would usually be a steam treatment and extraction but, again, aware of how reactive my skin can be, we moved directly onto the Prodige Des Océans Le Rituel mask, which was an absolute delight. The five-minute, oxygenating and anti-ageing treatment was applied as a thick, super-cold cream that was perfect to reduce any lingering heat after the scrub. I could feel it quenching my thirsty skin and sinking in deeply as Ika administered a brief but welcome head massage which left me, once again, almost on the verge of sleep. Following the mask, Ika massaged in Prodige Des Océans Le Rituel Le Concentré, a marine-based, serum-like liquid that promises rejuvenation. The gentle massage felt fully regenerative, I must surely praise Ika’s skills in this area, and my skin was beginning to respond to the extreme level of pampering. A soothing eye cream came next, gently tapped on with featherlight movements across the delicate ocular area around the eye socket and bones, and this was followed by Thalgo’s Crème Riche Correction Rides, a rich wrinkle-correcting cream that, in my case, proved a bit of a temporary miracle worker. A coating of SPF50 sunscreen and Ika handed me a mirror to judge the results of her labours. I can honestly say, I was pleasantly surprised. My skin not only felt great, plumped and hydrated; I also looked brighter and even healthier. In fact, so marked was the effect that I’ll be booking in for a repeat run next time I have an important event. Before heading home, I stopped off in the darkened relaxation room to chill on a comfy chaise and enjoy a ginger and honey infusion, the perfect end to a perfect spa experience.

For more information or to make a booking, please call Shine Spa at Sheraton Bahrain Hotel on 1751 7714. @shinespa.bh

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OHLALA INSIGHTS

WINTER, But Make It

LITE! You’ll probably have spotted that at OHLALA, we love fashion. We really enjoy putting together our biannual trends reports, sifting through the runway and campaign images from multiple fashion houses to spot the themes that are cropping up again and again (and making our shopping lists).

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LA DOUBLE J

This season, designers seem to have decided to, almost, put winter on hold. We still have layers, some furs and warmer fabrics but there are also plenty of florals, prints and beautifully romantic dresses. Our beloved animal prints have taken a turn for the lighter, there are flounces, frills and frou-frous galore and the accessories are determined to bring the fun. It’s winter, but not as we know it.

ZIMMERMAN

CAROLINA HERRERA

JW ANDERSON

CELINE

OHLALA INSIGHTS

OSCAR DE LA RENTA

MOSCHINO

LA DOUBLE J

Patterns were everywhere on this season’s runways, from muted florals to 1960s-style paisley and psychedelics. Jackets added a touch of whimsy and there were even matching bags and dresses showing winter doesn’t have to mean dull.

MAISON MARGIELA

REPEATING PATTERNS

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FENDI

PESERICO

OHLALA INSIGHTS

FERRAGAMO

CAROLINA HERRERA

OSCAR DE LA RENTA

GENNY

Animal prints never really go out of style but this season, alongside the regular bold leopard spots, we’ve seen much subtler options embracing paler colours, black on brown and a striking zebra.

CELINE

CAROLINA HERRERA

ANIMAL MAGIC

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COACH

CHLOÉ

Red is definitely having a bit of a fashion moment as the cooler months roll in. Designers made statements with super-confident looks for day and night in head-to-toe crimson alongside fabulously textured pieces and eyecatching accessories.

ZIAD NAKAD

RED ALERT

GENNY

OSCAR DE LA RENTA

OHLALA INSIGHTS

CAROLINA HERRERA

MAISON MARGIELA

CHLOÉ

GEORGES HOBEIKA

NOON BY NOOR

ZIAD NAKAD

Romance is absolutely back this season, from flowing frills to figurehugging sequins. Floor-length gowns are very definitely party season ready but we also saw mid-calf and modest options in a range of colours from pastels to the ever-present black.

COACH

NEW ROMANTICS

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PESERICO

LOUIS VUITTON

OHLALA INSIGHTS

ZIAD NAKAD

JW ANDERSON

SAINT LAURENT

GEORGES HOBEIKA

Corsets made a return to the runways in several styles. From the sparkling 1980s’ peplum top to full-on underwear complete with suspenders. From leather to lace and paired with everything from suiting to animal print, this versatile piece has gone from underwear to day wear.

ZIMMERMAN

LINGERIE INSPIRED

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CHLOÉ

ZIMMERMANN

Lace is known the world over for its delicacy and femininity. It’s a much-loved staple of the wedding season. But paint it black and you have a whole different feel and this season, designers were all about sexy gothic vibes with skin on show and blatant abandon.

FENDI

GOTH GIRLS RULE

BRUNELLOCUCINELLI

CAROLINA HERRERA

OHLALA INSIGHTS

MOSCHINO

LA DOUBLE J

SAINT LAURENT

FERRAGAMO

FENDI

BOSS

From reliable to racy, suits appeared in everything from rich velvets to Western inspired. Skirts were short and even shorter and men’s tailoring took a bow alongside fun ruffle detailing for a more relaxed look.

ZIMMERMANN

PERFECTLY SUITED

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CASADEI

MOSCHINO

OHLALA INSIGHTS

LOUIS VUITTON

BRUNELLO CUCINELLI

FENDI

QASIMI

SAINT LAURENT RALPH LAUREN

Accessories are always where designers get to have some fun and they didn’t disappoint with bags shaped like ice buckets and bird boxes and footwear imitating cars, ballet pumps and veritable works of art.

LOUIS VUITTON

MAISON MARGIELA

FINISHING TOUCHES

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RABANNE

ZIMMERMAN

Layering presented an opportunity to jump on several trends in one go. Fluffy fur (fake we hope) was seen in the form of gilets, scarves and stoles, while swathes of fabric performed a similar function and the lingerie look made an appearance topping sweaters for winter warmth.

BURBERRY

WRAPPING UP

LOUIS VUITTON

GEORGES HOBEIKA

CAROLINA HERRERA

OHLALA INSIGHTS

Embellishments are definitely where it’s at this season. From a full-on golden creation to feathers, flounces and fringes, this season’s fashions are anything but boring!

OSCAR DE LA RENTA

BRUNELLO CUCINELLI

RABANNE

MAISON MARGIELA

MOSCHINO

GENNY

PESERICO

ALL THE BELLS AND WHISTLES

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OHLALA LOOKBOOK

FASHION TAKES

FLIGHT L’Envol, the latest collection from Ziad Nakad, takes inspiration from birds on the wing.

The Lebanese designer returned to the mountains of his homeland to introduce the 34-piece couture collection, whose name means flight in French, extending a poetic invitation to escape the noise of life and return to nature. The collection translates the sensation of birds soaring into refined designs that celebrate lightness and strength for the woman of today, as though each gown carries a story of success and creativity, with wings ready to rise to the highest summits. In a majestic visual tableau, the models appear amid the Lebanese mountains in designs that merge modernity and elegance, harmonising with the surrounding nature. The garments become an extension of the ideas of elevation, stability and freedom. The world of birds is evoked through fluid cuts and intricate details. Some gowns feature multiple layers that create a sense of movement and lightness, while others reveal delicately embroidered bird motifs that seem almost alive. Mermaid silhouettes also appear throughout the collection, expressing femininity and sophistication, with fabrics falling effortlessly to enhance the beauty of the figure. The materials range from sumptuous velvet and crystal to touches of leather, with details that bring a contemporary and daring dimension to the designs. The colour palette harmonises with the spirit of nature, embracing shades of navy, brown, burgundy and green in its many variations, a blend that brings together femininity, movement and imagination. The creative vision is completed with Swarovski stones specially designed for this collection, transforming each piece into a complete work of art where refined craftsmanship meets innovation. @ziadnakad

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DISCOVERING THE WONDERS OF

PUGLIA

Heading to Italy’s stunning trulli country, Liz O’Reilly discovered some of the region’s most unique scenery.

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T R AV E L E S C A P E S

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T R AV E L E S C A P E S

am a confirmed Italophile. From the language to the history, the almost universal love of dogs to the gorgeous scenery and, of course, the amazing food, I’ve yet to find anything about this European gem that I don’t like. That said, my visits have mostly been confined to the west, from Tuscany to Rome, down to my beloved Naples and south to Amalfi. This time though, in celebration of a friend’s ‘big’ birthday, I was happily heading to Puglia, right down in the boot on the east coast, a land of ancient customs and olive trees. I have to admit that getting there was a bit of a faff, flying into Rome then grabbing a connecting hop to Bari. But, spoiler alert, it was totally worth it! As one must when visiting Puglia, or Apulia, as it’s also known, we stayed in a converted trullo. And though it’s listed as an Airbnb, Trulli Ad Maiora was, honestly, like something out of a fairy tale. Trulli are distinctive dry stone buildings with conical rooves, often bearing mystical signs. The origins of the building method are pre-historic but the modern ones mostly date to the 19th century and they give the landscape around Alberobello, where the highest concentration is found, a truly magical quality.

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Arriving at Ad Maiora, we could scarcely believe our eyes. Even before we entered our home for the next few days, the grounds were breathtaking. Coming from our arid region, it was a real treat to arrive to the scent of multiple blooms. From roses to numerous different species of lavender alongside flowering trees and plants we couldn’t immediately identify. We were told that the gardens and grounds hold 1,950 native plants as well as 45 ancient olive trees and there’s even an organic garden, from which we could pick fresh produce. Butterflies and bees were in abundance, we adored just sitting watching them, and it felt like stepping into a little piece of paradise, even before we spotted our own large private pool, sauna and steam room and spa bath found in the secluded ‘Secret Garden’! There was also a stone gazebo with a central table and outside kitchen for al fresco dining – Ad Maiora even offers a private butler service and the option to have a personal cooking class, which we took advantage of, making the most of the balmy weather to enjoy dinner under the stars. Inside, the six-cone complex was cool, thanks to the thick stone walls and underfloor cooling. My bedroom was simply gorgeous, the feeling of sleeping under one of those iconic conical structures just never got old and the adjoining bathroom with its pale honey stone and gushing shower felt like my own private sanctuary. www.ohlala-magazine.com

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We could quite happily have spent all our time at the property but exploring was also on the menu and on our first full day, we headed into Alberobello town, just 1.5km away. The Unesco World Heritage Site is home to the region’s largest concentration of hundreds of trulli and we roamed the steeply rising streets of the Rione Monti district, where the whitewashed walls beneath their conical rooves house homes, shops, boutiques and restaurants. The area gives a real sense of history and, while the hillside trulli are beautifully preserved, we were also hugely impressed by the large, clean town square lined with restaurants, where we sampled local seafood and a refreshing spritz. We also visited Ostuni, known as La Città Bianca or The White City for its whitewashed houses. Heading to a local market, we marvelled at the huge selection of fresh fruit and vegetables; tomatoes ripened under the Italian sun and rich aromatic cheeses definitely caught our eyes. Then it was time to head upwards again, through the old city’s narrow, winding streets. Mediaeval alleys and courtyards gave the whole area an atmospheric feel, as if we’d almost stepped back in time, and it’s worth noting that local bylaws are quite strict to make sure the city’s unique feel is preserved. After a couple of days of sight-seeing, we were ready for an evening at ‘home’. Enter Chef Carmela, who came to Trulli Ad Maiora to help us make the most of that gorgeous outdoor dining space. Handing each of us an apron, she demonstrated how to make Orecchiette, the region’s traditional ‘little ear’ pasta, then set us to work as we helped her prepare succulent, spicy meatballs. That evening’s meal, under a glowing sky and gleaming garden chandelier, became one of the prized memories of our stay. The following night, it was time for the big birthday dinner at Graecalis, a rather fancy fish restaurant in nearby Polignano a Mare, kindly recommended by our host. We sat outside amid the scents of the Italian countryside, our table in a stunning setting neighbouring an ancient olive grove with fairy lights strung overhead, where we enjoyed some of the best seafood I have tasted in a very long time. Big, juicy prawns, superbly fresh and adorned with local herbs in a bisque I could have eaten just on its own. My dining companions shared a locally-caught lobster, which they declared superb. On our last day, we headed to the coastal town of Monopoli to explore the Baroque cathedral and its ancient tombs before heading back for a wellearnt afternoon by the pool with some chilled bubbles to toast our stay. Before I knew it, it was time to say farewell to Puglia but I will definitely return. We went before the summer season gained full momentum, so, though there were tourists (yes, I appreciate the irony), none of the places we visited were overly crowded and I would highly recommend a shoulder season visit. There is so much more to see and do, more iconic sites to visit and history to unwrap. And though Napoli will always be my first love, it certainly has a new contender for my affections.

@trulli_admaiora

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CHIC EATS

A LIFE STORY Told Through FOOD A visit to Legacy at Bahrain Financial Harbour introduced Liz O’Reilly to more than just a menu, it was a lifetime’s memories on a plate. 86

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CHIC EATS

t Legacy, Executive Chef Amer Alhawaj – yes, you probably know the name from MBC’s popular Top Chef TV programme – was determined to cook from the heart and use his imagination in the menu, infusing it with his own story. For example, there’s a pasta recipe much beloved of his own mother and a dish that uses fermented cucumber as spaghetti, a technique he learnt during his time in Malaysia – sounds strange, tastes amazing. After an ear-popping elevator ride to the 52nd floor and the absolutely essential marvelling at the amazing view – one of the best in Bahrain – we were quickly seated and, almost immediately, the food started to arrive with Chef Amer confessing “I wanted to show off a little, so be prepared”. A great way to start. First to the table was the chef ’s take on tuna tataki, but it’s not seared (of course it’s not). Thin slices of otoro tuna are served with sesame ponzu, tangy and nutty, alongside blood orange, avocado and herb oil (for which I have recently discovered a great affection). An amazing opening mouthful, deeply umami and a great combination of flavours. Beef tartare followed and, by now, I was prepared for something out of the ordinary. Rather than the regular raw ground beef, the Legacy version is fermented with Malaysian spices used to lightly ‘cook’ the meat and, in an added twist, it’s served with cubes of seriously crispy potato topped by fluffy shaved parmesan. It’s an interesting combination with a whole range of textures and flavours in one satisfying mouthful. The Jade Prawn Salad was a winner at our table. This was the dish that used the pickled cucumber as spaghetti and we were all excited to try it. Juicy prawns were accompanied by olives, tomatoes, peanuts and a healthy dose of Asian dressing for a dish that really lit up the taste buds.

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CHIC EATS

The cucumber spaghetti was tangy and bright without much of the acidity we’re accustomed to with Western pickling methods, its sweetness was the perfect complement to the juicy prawns and the dish disappeared embarrassingly quickly. The last of the appetisers had another Chef Amer story to tell. The Legacy Artichoke – a cheese, artichoke and spinach dip served with delicious crispy bread – was something he encountered when he first left Bahrain, at the age of 16. It was the dish that inspired him to become a chef. Served warm, a mix of aged and young cheeses strings out as you dip crispy focaccia and I can fully understand the attraction. It really is quite something and, like everything else at Legacy, the chef has made it his own. Legacy, in case you haven’t already guessed, is where the old Capital Club used to be and it’s great to the see the space back in use – particularly with that amazing view. The place is split into three with the main restaurant decorated in pale hues. Crisp white linens contrast with with leather and wood, a dark wood floor and pale patterned carpet are boosted by fun light fittings, for a touch of levity, while a dark green baby grand piano and vintage pictures on the walls add to the classy feel. Then there’s a much darker area, styled as a lounge, where the carpets and settings are more moody and a Cuban band provides entertainment. This and the smoking lounge – all deep leather chairs and a very impressive bar – are intended to become members-only areas, while the main restaurant will continue to be open to the public. Soon the mains arrived and we were served a Ricotta Gnocchi – not at all what I was expecting and not something I’ve had before but will definitely order again. It uses ricotta instead of the usual mashed potato and, of course, the chef ’s kiss is the addition of Gorgonzola to give, again, a combination of young and old cheeses with spinach and sundried tomato to balance the greasiness. All served in a rich and flavourful tomato sauce, this is a dish that would be perfect for sharing, it’s velvety, deeply moreish and very filling.

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CHIC EATS

Lobster tortellini in a lobster bisque is slow-cooked with a range of spices from star anise to cinnamon and cloves. Silky and smooth, the pasta was just the right side of al dente, the filling sweet and piquant, all thoroughly steeped in the marvellous, fragrant bisque. The dish of the day for me was the Bahraini seabream “that got lost in Paris”. This was the dish that earned Chef Amer his entry into MBC’s Top Chef, on which he competed in season nine. He explains that this recipe comes from three generations of Bahraini cooks, his grandmother, his mother and himself, each adding tiny personal touches, ingredients and techniques. Date syrup joins the traditional black lime and tamarind as the fish is dry aged for five days allowing the oils to seep into the skin. When cooked on a hot pan, that ageing gives an incredible crisp and char on the skin and the surface of the fillet. It’s served with a Bahraini herb emulsion including ingredients such as various pickles for a bright sharp tang. In both texture and flavour, this is a dish that would be hard to beat and, if you order just one thing at Legacy, it should surely be A Bahraini Fish in Paris. Desserts are also a big part of Chef Amer’s story and I could honestly have eaten the whole pannacotta by myself – a generous portion of creamy deliciousness topped with passionfruit and raspberry syrup and redolent with the Madagascar vanilla that makes the difference between good and great. Then came the finale and, we could almost say, they saved the best for last. Midnight Olive, a dessert the chef himself describes as “one of the craziest I’ve ever invented”. That invention included formulating olive oil jam – a delicate mix of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), dextrose and other secret ingredients. The chocolate mousse is also infused with EVOO and then kalamata olive crumble is added to give a briny salty hit. Top it off with Greek yoghurt, burnt honey and homemade oregano ice cream and it’s a triumphant mix of flavours, textures and even emotions as you veer from sweet to salty and crunchy to silky smooth, all in one mouthful. Chef Amer says he created it because he wanted to show off a bit – he certainly did that and it’s a signature that will rightly stick with me for a long time to come. It’s not just a dessert, it’s an experience. And that pretty much sums up what Legacy is all about.

For more information or to make a booking, please call Legacy on 1711 1122. @legacy.bahrain

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CHIC EATS

BAHRAINI

FLAVOURS MEET

CAFÉ CLASSICS

On an afternoon visit to The Gulf Hotel Bahrain Convention and Spa, Farah Baig dined at its newly refurbished Cafe Délice and discovered what makes it special – signature dishes with star Bahraini ingredients, warm hospitality and a cosy atmosphere. 90

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CHIC EATS

he thought of dining at The Gulf Hotel has always been exciting to me since they never do anything by half measures. I found that Cafe Délice is easily accessible from the parking lot and as you walk in, its facelift is evident… its elegance is understated; just so charming and cosy. Naturally, as anyone at a café would, I first gravitated to the large display of baked goods and was blown away by the sheer variety. I admired loaf cakes, croissants, artisanal chocolates and whole cakes for every occasion, each beautifully decorated, while exciting banter carried on around me. A flat white and pastry would have kept me happy, but the team was eager for my companions and I to try the made-to-order items. We soon sat down at one of the tables and before we knew it our host, Noel, and his team were serving up a feast. CAFÉ CLASSICS THE BAHRAIN WAY Driven by pure curiosity, the first dish I tucked into was the César de Mehyawa. What I appreciated immediately was the fact that Café Delice doesn’t just add a playful garnish or sprinkling of a Bahraini ingredient – it dives straight in. This salad was scrumptious, not only for its crisp gem and frisee lettuce, but the generous mehyawa Caesar dressing which builds on the classic anchovy dressing with the famed Bahraini fish sauce which not only includes anchovies or sardines but a special blend of aromatic spices. Parmesan cheese lends additional richness to this salad. It’s tart, salty and creamy all at the same time and in the best way possible. Next came the Poached Egg & Hollandaise Foam on toasted sourdough, which was generously topped with avocado mash. The drip was satisfying when we sliced into the egg and the subtle flavours make it perfect for breakfast.

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CHIC EATS

The Halloumi Manoushe was a cheese-lover’s dream. The warm dough topped with mozzarella, parmesan, akawi and halloumi inspired audible satisfaction, but it wasn’t just the cheese but the chilli honey which gave it just enough sweetness to balance the salt of the halloumi. Being a hot summer day, we requested refreshments – Peach Iced Tea, a cold brew and an Iced Spanish Latte – each created to perfection by the skilled barista. AN AMBIENCE THAT MAKES YOU SLOW DOWN While we happily sipped on our drinks and waited for our mains, I took in our surroundings. The café is now adorned in shades of beige and a beautiful emerald green that’s tastefully incorporated into the seating, main counter and even some of the chandeliers. Warm wood accents bring the space together. High chairs adorn one end of the café where you can happily work away with your laptop (yes, a laptop-friendly café in Block 338!) since plugs are comfortably accessible atop the table. Sofas, benches and dining chairs offer plenty of variety depending on whether you’re there for a quick relaxing bite or a full feast, like us! Large windows shaded by canopies allowed just enough sunshine in for us to appreciate the hotel’s greenery. The sun, visible across palm trees, was setting over Adliya by then. Something about the timing of our golden hour visit made me appreciate Cafe Délice’s beauty even more. LIGHT, FLAVOURFUL AND HEARTY MAINS We ate with our eyes first when the Chicken Scallopini arrived and eagerly passed the plate around so we could all have a taste. This panko-crusted, thin chicken cutlet was perfectly crisp and paired well with the herby sauce and fresh greens. For a fried chicken dish, I found this to be surprisingly light yet satiating. Another nod to the island came next with Sufrat Al Bahrain – a sharing tray with several local favourites including Bahraini kebab, eggs with tomato and balaleet, which is a sweet noodle dish flavoured with cardamom and topped with a savoury egg. We sampled each with some warm sesame bread. It was comfort on a tray and one we’d love to tuck into again for breakfast someday. A variety of delicious dips made with fresh ingredients and a Pepperoni El Romana pizza were the final touches to a memorable early dinner… or so I thought! 92

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CHIC EATS

CAN A DESSERT BE WORTH A LIFE SENTENCE? So, the exciting banter I mentioned earlier was about a pancake that took seven years to perfect. That’s a life sentence! But is it worth investing that much time into a pancake? And do I risk eating dessert after such a satisfying meal? The Crème Brulee Pancake soon answered my questions. When you think about pancakes, you expect a stack, but this is one, single pancake because a literal cake made in a pan is all you really need to be blown away. The exterior is crisp and the interior surprisingly soft, giving it a great contrast of textures. As for the taste, it’s got a hint of addictive saltiness to cut the sweetness and a divine buttery flavour that lingers with every bite. A dollop of mascarpone adds a light creaminess – no syrup of any kind needed here. So, what’s my verdict? Guilty… for being crave-worthy. There is no other pancake like this on the island. Finally, we couldn’t walk away from trying the Crêpe Zalabia. These luscious light crepes have a great orange flavour with crisp pistachios adding a light crunch. It’s worth mentioning that Cafe Délice’s pricing is far from the eye-watering amounts you see these days. It’s five-star quality and culinary innovation at a price point that doesn’t have to be a ‘treat’. It’s far from your average café, it’s a vibe and well worth the visit.

For more information or to make a reservation, please call Café Delice at the Gulf Hotel Bahrain Convention and Spa on 1774 6434. @cafedelicebh

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D I VA D R I V E S

A TALE OF TECH AND TRANSFORMATION OHLALA TOOK TO THE ROADS IN THE MERCEDES-BENZ CLA 200 HYBRID TO DISCOVER A SHARPER, MORE TECH SAVVY REIMAGINATION OF THE CLASSIC.

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D I VA D R I V E S

asily grabbing our attention as we approached, our MercedesBenz CLA 200 Hybrid was finished in Aqua-Mint, and, with its illuminated grille glowing, it looked as though somebody had sharpened every familiar CLA line. On opening the door, we discovered where the real transformation had happened. FROM FAMILIAR TO FRESH The bonnet stretches low and long. The roofline sweeps rearwards into the muscular GT-style tail, while short overhangs make the body look taut. Our AMG Line test car added 19-inch, five-spoke alloy wheels and deeper bodywork. Dark Night Package detailing contrasted the paintwork, while flush door handles kept the profile clean. The hybrid’s grille carried a chrome Mercedes-Benz pattern framed by light, with an illuminated star at its centre. After sunset, the CLA did not so much arrive as make an entrance. In Aqua-Mint, the CLA stood out immediately, proving that sensible hybrids need not settle for those shades so often reserved for office furniture. RECOGNISING SOMETHING SPECIAL Inside, the CLA felt far more substantial than its compact positioning suggests. Clean white MICROCUT panels swept across the black sports seats, while anthracite trim gave the dashboard a cool, architectural finish.

Ambient lighting glowed around the cabin, and the centre console appeared to float between the front seats. The seats held us snugly and memory settings with four-way lumbar support made it easy to settle in. The panoramic roof flooded the cabin with natural light, while THERMOTRONIC climate control dealt quickly with the heat. The 405-litre boot added practicality. The clean white upholstery looked fantastic, although arriving with an uncovered karak felt like an unnecessary risk. RESPONSIVE TECH The cabin was where the CLA made its strongest impression. A sweep of glass seemed to run almost from one door to the other. The instrument display flowed into the crisp 12.3-inch central touchscreen, while the front passenger received a separate OLED screen. Together, they created the widest digital landscape we had encountered in a car of this size. It looked less like a dashboard and more like the front row of a very exclusive cinema. The latest MBUX system ran on Mercedes-Benz’s new operating platform, with sharp graphics. Its Zero Layer placed useful information directly in front of us instead of burying it in menus. Smartphone integration was seamless, wireless charging kept cables out of sight and the separate OLED display gave the passenger a screen of their own without commandeering the central display.

“The sportier engine sound brought extra theatre when we wanted it, without making every trip to the shops sound like a qualifying lap.

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D I VA D R I V E S

The MBUX Virtual Assistant was the bigger surprise. After saying ‘Hey Mercedes’, we could ask a question naturally, follow it with another and continue without starting again. After years of speaking to cars as though addressing a confused relative over a bad phone connection, holding an actual conversation felt almost indecently futuristic. Augmented-reality navigation placed bright arrows over a live camera view of the road, making unfamiliar junctions easier to understand. Facial recognition worked with the selfie and video camera to personalise the cabin. Yes, the CLA has a selfie camera. We tested it with the solemn professionalism expected of motoring journalists, right up until someone suggested we try several different angles, leading to an amount of posing we would rather not document. Burmester surround sound delivered crisp, detailed audio with enough depth to make even our most overplayed tracks feel fresh again. ON THE MOVE The 1.5-litre unit developed 120kW, with a 22kW electric motor integrated into the transmission. That assistance gave the CLA an immediate lift from low speeds, helping it pull away smoothly before the petrol powertrain joined in. The transition was so discreet that we often noticed it on the display before we felt it. Under light demand, the hybrid could move electrically at urban speeds and recover energy through all eight gears. Pressing harder produced a smooth but purposeful surge, carrying the CLA to 100km/h in under eight seconds, making overtaking feel easy without becoming aggressive.

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D I VA D R I V E S

Lowered comfort suspension kept the body controlled without punishing us over rougher surfaces. The sportier engine sound brought extra theatre when we wanted it, without making every trip to the shops sound like a qualifying lap. ASSISTANCE WITHOUT INTERFERENCE Distance Assist DISTRONIC managed the gap ahead, while lane keeping and Blind Spot Assist Plus monitored traffic around us. Brake Assist and evasive steering added reassurance without constantly announcing themselves. PARKTRONIC and Parking Assist worked with a sharp 360° camera to make tight spaces less intimidating. The view was so clear that a badly judged kerb could no longer be blamed on poor visibility. PRE-SAFE protection system, a centre airbag and exit warning completed the package. MORE THAN A STYLISH UPGRADE By the end of our drive, what impressed us most was how naturally the CLA brought everything together. The technology never overwhelmed the experience, and the hybrid system matched it with smooth responses and a composed ride. The CLA could talk, recognise us, guide us through difficult junctions and take a better selfie than many smartphones. The previous model was easy to recognise. This one is difficult to forget.

For more information, please call Al Haddad Motors on 1778 5454. @alhaddadmotors

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MISS OHLALA

FASHION SHOWS ITS CONSCIENCE

This month, Miss OHLALA highlights some of the good news coming out of the fashion world where brands and designers are taking a stance for community and sustainability. We’ll be following their lead.

Japanese casual-wear giant UNIQLO continues to put its money where it’s mouth is. In the wake of devastating wildfires in Europe, the company has donated EU1 million along with 50,000 items of clothing to support affected communities in the Gironde and Var regions of France. The areas have been particularly hard hit and the cash will be split between an agency providing emergency assistance to displaced residents and Sud-Ouest Solidarité, which is supporting firefighters. The move comes on top of UNIQLO’s numerous other community and sustainability initiatives.

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Fashion icon Chanel got in ahead of a European Union ruling to announce it will no longer shred unsold goods, instead sending them to L’Atelier des Matières, its own recycling business. It had previously been revealed that Chanel Hong Kong was disposing of massive numbers of discontinued products each month – a statement the company disputed saying its practices have evolved. Instead, the brand put more than EU50 million into developing Nevold, its hub for circular materials to recycle its unwanted products.

In a case of fashion king meets the real thing, legendary designer Paul Smith has joined the Sustainable Markets Initiative’s (STI) Fashion Task Force. STI was founded by the UK’s King Charles III, when he was Prince of Wales, and is a private coalition working to push sustainability across the global fashion and textile industries. On joining the group, which only admits one new member each year, Ewan Venters, Executive Chairman at Paul Smith, said: “Sustainability and transparency remain key priorities for Paul Smith, and we are committed to continually improving our performance in both areas.”

RELAX Bespoke expertise at your service.

Beautifully cared-for hands and feet begin with Bespoke Expertise at Your Service at the Pedi:Mani:Cure Studio by Bastien Gonzalez at The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Bahrain. With a Bastien Pedicure, receive a complimentary foot and leg massage for a complete 90-minute experience at BHD 55, or visit us on Mondays to enjoy a complimentary enhancement of your choice with any pedicure.

For reservations, call +973 1758 6808 or email rc.bahrzs.spa@ritzcarlton.com

Offer is subject to availability, exclusive of taxes, gratuities, fees and other charges; does not apply to groups; cannot be combined with any other offer or promotion and is not applicable for Rewards redemption. Advance reservations are required. No refund or credit for unused portion. Void where prohibited. © 2026 The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C.

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Ohlala Bahrain September 2026