No 65September/October 2015

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www.equestrio.com

SPOTLIGHTFROM GOODWOOD TO THE CURRAGH

SILVESTRE DE SOUSAA CHAMPION IN THE MAKING

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015 AED 20

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E S C A P E

Sometimes you just need a quick escape. Life won’t allow you to check out of the day-to-day and check in to an exotic location, but you do have time in Your

schedule for a quick weekend of relaxation. Equestrio Arabia enjoys a ‘stay-cation’ at the Waldorf Astoria on the Palm JumeIrah. Away From

Home

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E S C A P E

It’s been a busy few months moving to Dubai and getting to grips with a new life in the UAE. It’s been a rollercoaster of emotions in leaving my old life in England behind and embarking on the exciting adventure as Editor in Chief of

Equestrio Arabia. My calendar has been too full to escape the Dubai heat and get some respite, but it’s safe to say I was in need of a weekend of down time. Which is why an opportunity to stay at the Waldorf Astoria out on the Palm came as a very welcome surprise.

Only 20 minutes from my home in the City, a short drive out onto the Eastern stretch of Cresecent Road, felt like I was leaving the stresses behind. A ‘stay-cation’, but with all the benefits of being able to escape it all.

The hotel is a magnificent white building of Corinthian columns and balconies looking either onto the private villas of the Palm or out to the iconic skyline of the Burj Al Arab, and when the heat wave clears, the Burj Khalifa. Guests can select from 319 luxury rooms including the 390 sq. m Presidential Suite, rumoured to be the largest in Dubai. All rooms include Waldorf Astoria signature beds with 300-thread count sheetsand walk-in wardrobes, and baths big enough to do lengths in whilst you bathe yourself in the Salvatore Ferragamo products. The design includes touches of the Art Deco with the furniture having more than a nod to the hotel’s New York counterpart, but the palette used throughout the suites of creams and soothing blues are a reflection of the

turquoise sea and the 200m of white sand on the private beach. This time of year the beach may be a little too warm where the

water is like stepping into a hot bath after a morning’s hunting, but the temperature-controlled pools take care of that. I’d suggest padding round to the adults-only one, which is quieter and has a beautiful view of the sun setting over the Atlantis. Wrap yourself in one of the striped towels, order refreshments from the charming waiters bustling around and enjoy the last of the day’s rays.

Naturally, like all great hotels there is so much to do with tennis courts and a sprawling health club, but a ‘stay-cation’ is all about indulgence, so personally I wouldn’t move far from the sun lounger.

In 1032, Conrad Hilton wrote ‘The Greatest of Them All’ onto a photograph of The Waldorf Astoria in New York. His dream was to one day buy this prestigious hotel and when he realised his dream in 1949, this New York landmark became the inspiration for today’s luxury group. The set up on the Palm is a true reflection of the chain’s ethos and distinctive amongst the many hotels of the city.

SOCIAL BY HEINZ BECKThere are a few restaurant options for the evening including Lao for destination South Asian food – Ali Riaz, the concierge tells me that it’s getting quite the following – but I had been invited to try out the renowned three Michelin starred Social by Heinz Beck. Having opted for the tasting menu, I was then treated to the most

incredible display of food that came to the table like a brilliant play. An opening sequence of veal vitellato and delicate tuna, followed by specially prepared citrus-marinated Amberjack, with an interval of lobster medallions on almond cream. The scene-stealer was the fagotelli carbonara, which is a signature dish from Beck’s La Pergola restaurant in Rome, and is so mouth-wateringly good the plate deserves an Oscar. Each course was accompanied by fabulous wines, carefully orchestrated by Sarah, their knowledgeable sommelier. Not that you really require a distraction from such a beautiful meal, but do take a moment to step outside onto the balcony so you can see the glittering Dubai Marina skyline beyond the palm trees and the lit-up pool of the hotel. Also, get a slice of the drama from the kitchen, as you can see through the glass-panelled kitchen to watch the theatre of the chefs working away. When you stay at the Waldorf, enjoy an aperitif in the Serafina bar and then walk next door to Social; it is a must do on your ‘stay-cation’ agenda.

THE SPAThe 2000 sq. m spa with its private gardens and feeling of calm is an ideal place to while away a morning. A combination of

East and West philosophies are combined within the spa menu where everything from the scent in the room, to the music that accompanies your treatment is bespoke. This drawing on different attitudes, is a melting pot (very much like Dubai itself) which comes together to offer you a little of everything, but the best of it.

When I visited the spa, the pull of the ‘real world’ was starting to draw me back with numerous emails filtering through and meetings to be arranged. However, the team quickly spirited me away into one of their private spa rooms, where I felt I was locked away to be massaged and moulded.

When you go (not if), opt for your own spa suite – it is pure indulgence, which is what wallowing in the spa is all about. Your own sauna and steam room eases the aches away before you step into a beautiful oval-shaped bath floating with orchids. Once you’re at the point where you’re so relaxed you’re having trouble forming sentences, your therapist will guide you to the massage bed and ease any remaining worries away. Total bliss.

The Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah offered a fabulous opportunity to take a break – but unlike a true holiday, I’ve now found a little escape I can visit for just a couple of hours all the time.

A ‘stay-cation’, but with all

the benefits of being able to escape it all.”

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NEED TO KNOW: www.waldorfastoria.com/dubaipalm