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ALILA HINU BAY SALALAH lunar landscaped luxury – cool khareef

Experience the Alila Hinu Bay Salalah. Some lunar landscaped luxury, a cool khareef and green pastures with cows a short drive away. Just over an hour’s flight from Dubai. Is it for you?

Getting to the Alila Hinu Bay Salalah

FlyDubai is the easiest way to reach the hotel from Dubai. Flights leave mid afternoon and after a 1 hour 20 minute flight, it’s about a 45 minute drive to the resort.

See our travel tips about travelling from Terminal 2 Dubai. There is no time difference between Oman and Dubai. Again it’s another conveniently timed flight to return to Dubai, about 5pm. We stayed for 3 nights.

ALILA HINU BAY SALALAH DoinDubai Monica Kapila getting there

First impressions of the resort

We visited the resort during July, the time of Khareef when temperatures drop dramatically compared to much of the Middle East and a blanket of greenery covers a lot but not all of the area.

The resort itself is literally just off a quiet road where you don’t really expect anything to be! The landscaping is as yet a little harsh and rugged with dark, rocky terrain all around.

We opted for a sea view room and we liked the design and size of the room as well as the pretty patio that looked out over the rugged terrain towards the sea.

More soft scaping is in the pipeline though and this will make it much easier on the eye. There is however a real natural feel to the whole place and this combined with the totally undeveloped sea front makes for a unique setting. We liked that.

Rugged terrain between the resort and the sea

What we liked about the Alila in Salalah

The design of the resort is very elegant with high ceilings, natural materials and calm colour schemes throughout. It’s also very easy to walk around the resort and get to the two main restaurants and to the pool areas.

There is plenty of scope for beach walks with different areas to swim weather permitting. We have stayed at the Alila in Seminyak in Bali and the Alila brand was a key reason to visit the area.

ALILA HINU BAY SALALAH DoinDubai Monica Kapila Beach Beds

Food quality and variety

The food quality and menu options are both very good. We enjoyed all our meals at the resort. The Sea Salt restaurant has it’s own pool at the back that faces the lagoon with a view of the sea beyond that.

There is also a very pretty bar area that makes a lovely place to sit for a while, again weather permitting.

ALILA HINU BAY SALALAH DoinDubai Monica Kapila Sea Salt
Bar at Sea Salt

How about drinks?

There is a good variety of beverages available, we enjoyed cocktails and wine with our meals.

ALILA HINU BAY SALALAH DoinDubai Monica Kapila cocktail

Things to do in and around the resort

You can walk around the resort, or you can cycle if you prefer. The resorts provides free bikes for the duration of your stay. There are clear paths and people were biking at any time of day.

ALILA HINU BAY SALALAH DoinDubai Monica Kapila bikes for you
Bikes outside your door at Alila Hinu Bay

You can also swim in either of the 2 pools or in the sea or the lagoon, but we were not able to swim due to weather conditions.

There is also a spa where you can book a massage and use the steam/sauna facilities.

Spa reception at Alila Hinu Bay Salalah

Khareef season lowers the temperatures

It’s a good idea to go exploring with your own car or take a car and driver from the resort.

Discover the strategically important historic town of Mirbat, just near the resort. The sea is incredible and the coast line is completely natural. Temperatures do drop during Khareef, so do take a light jacket.

ALILA HINU BAY SALALAH DoinDubai Monica Kapila khareef cool
Mirbat coastline deserted natural beach

Swimming in the sea and water activities

It is not a good idea to swim in the sea at all during this season. The sea is rough and very powerful. Stick to taking pictures instead and going for coastal walks.

However outside of Khareef season up till late June and starting again late September, snorkelling, swimming and beach picnics would definitely be on the agenda.

Historic town of Mirbat – local house shown here

Is Salalah really green during Khareef

About 25 minutes drive away from the resort on the way to Salalah airport the landscape suddenly changes giving way to much softer, greener vistas.

A small turn off the main road saw us in meadows, mountains and much more verdant terrain. We saw cows crossing our road, a lot of mist in the air and we felt were we were in a Limuru tea estate in Kenya vs Salalah!

ALILA HINU BAY SALALAH DoinDubai Monica Kapila country roads
A change in landscape

We were recommended to visit the waterfalls at Ayn Athom, on the way to the airport. Definitely worth a visit, but we were there during Eid so it was quite crowded.

The main attraction is Wadi Durbat but this was closed due to hazardous road conditions. The resort will pack a picnic for you if you ask them, this is a very good idea as there are no obvious places to eat along the way.

ALILA HINU BAY SALALAH DoinDubai Monica Kapila green hillsides

Would I go again to the Alila Hinu Bay Salalah

Yes I would visit the Alila in Hinu Bay again, but I think I would go when I could enjoy the sea and some water activities. There are alot of plus points:

  • It’s an easy short flight from Dubai that arrives at a good time, so a good choice for a short break
  • The design and quality of the resort is very good and of a high standard
  • All the staff are competent, well trained and eager to please
  • The food quality is excellent
  • The setting gives your whole trip a very natural, calm feel that’s very important on a holiday and not so easy to access in such a short time
ALILA HINU BAY SALALAH DoinDubai Monica Kapila
Main swimming pool at the resort

If you’re considering a trip to Oman then you may want to visit the Six Senses Zighi Bay resort just a two and a half hour drive from Dubai, but at a much higher price point.

Disclaimer

This post was written in conjunction with the Alila Hinu Bay, but the views are all my own. More ideas about where to go in Oman here in OMAN MAGAZINE.

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Monica’s Weekend July 23rd new Japanese menu at Intersect DIFC, incredible kids summer camp at Dubai Mall & iconic movie Pulp Fiction at Cinema Akil

This week July 23rd try the new Japanese menu at Intersect DIFC, book your kids into an incredible kids summer camp at Dubai Mall & revisit iconic movie Pulp Fiction at the cool Cinema Akil in Al Serkal.

Monica Kapila joins Mark Lloyd as a guest DUBAI EYE 103.8 at 1.45pm every Friday

Missed the live broadcast on Dubai Eye? Don’t worry just listen again here. Click to listen to a fabulous chat!

We’re tasting an elegant new Japanese menu Intersect in DIFC

New Japanese menu at Intersect by Lexus DIFC

This week we’re back at Intersect by Lexus trying a beautiful new Japanese menu in a stunning space.

It’s a very relaxed space with tasteful interiors, comfortable seating set ups and a very well priced menu. Try their set lunch for either 2 or 3 courses every day except Sunday. AED 90 for 2 courses or only AED 115 for 3. Add on AED 30 for a house beverage. Sounds very civilized to me!

Think along the lines of avocado and Japanese sesame goma dressing or porcini mushroom soup to start with, then choose some sea bream, chicken or teriyaki tofu for mains.

That’s from the set lunch menu but I suggest you go for the ebi set prawns and char grilled tuna sushi from the a la carte menu! These were my favourites.

And if you want to pay less then simply use code IBL20 and you get 20% OFF YOUR FOOD AND BEVERAGE BILL providing it’s not Happy Hour drinks or the already discounted business lunch!

Check out Intersect by Lexus for delicious pictures, Happy Hour deals and great events.

CODE IBL20 get 20% off all a la carte food and beverage at Intersect by Lexus DIFC

Book your kids onto an incredible summer camp at Dubai Mall

Behind the Scenes at Dubai Mall Kids Summer Camp

I wish my kids were young enough to do this camp! Really I do, it’s a fantastic value for money, insightful and engaging 4 days of real edutainment!

This is a combination of fun and learning all at the same time. I know because experienced it for myself this week! So, it’s 4 days that take in all things aquatic, so that’s the aquarium, the underwater zoo, a ride on a glass bottomed boat and a visit to colder climes to feed the gentoo penguins.

And that’s just 1 day! Another day go to the Top of the Burj Khalifa and learn all about the making of it! Which floor does the lift go? Guess! There’s skating lessons, a visit to the cinema and how much is all this?!

4 full days from about 9.30 to 2.30 or so, all of the above and a bit more

COST AED 599 plus AED 100 if you want a little lunch pack for them as well!

AGE RANGE 7 to 14 unaccompanied

Kids aged 4 to 6 can also participate but they have to have adults with them, at an extra cost of AED 199

WHEN? From now till 1st September excluding UAE public holidays

BOOK Enquiries@thedubaiaquarium.com

At the Top of the Burj Khalifa on a summer camp for kids

Revisit the iconic movies Pulp Fiction and or Do the Right Thing at the groovy Cinema Akil

Who hasn’t heard or seen Pulp Fiction by Quentin Tarantino or the equally popular Do The Right Thing by Spike Lee?

Catch both of these movies this weekend at the very cool Cinema Akil in Al Serkal Avenue. Highlight from Pulp Fiction for me is definitely the dance between Uma Thurman and John Travolta.

And Do The Right Thing from director Spike Lee focuses on an extremely hot day in fact it’s called Broiling Brooklyn as tempers and temperatures explode into violence. Still very relevant today over 30 years after it’s initial release. Pulp Fiction is on Saturday while Do The Right Thing is on Sunday.

Monica’s Travel Tips

For anyone who’s in LONDON right now or for whoever’s going check out this very fun, free event in a very posh location! Go to Grosvenor Square in London’s Mayfair and take in some Summer in the Square vibes.

Summer in the Square July 2022 LONDON

Family friendly free activities from 12pm to 8pm EVERY DAY from 21st July to the 31st of July! Italian Gelato, Uzbek noodles, a bit of yoga, and even some afro beats dance workshops for you to try ! After or before a spot of shopping at Selfridges! Not a million miles away!

Do check out our other Travel Tips from previous shows at MONICA’S TRAVEL TIPS

Monica’s Weekend – Posts

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SIX SENSES ZIGHY BAY OMAN easy drive from Dubai, is it worth it?

Getting to the Six Senses Zighy Bay Oman

It’s an easy drive from Dubai to the Six Senses Zighy Bay Oman and takes about 2.5 hours or so. The nearest international airport is in fact Dubai, not Muscat the capital of Oman.

We drove ourselves from Dubai to the resort in our 4 door saloon car. It would be challenging doing the drive in a low suspension car. 4 wheel drives are best but we drove the last 15 to 20 minutes to the resort slowly and carefully in our own saloon car and it was fine door to door.

Do you need a visa to visit Six Senses Zighy Bay Oman?

Check what passport you have, we didn’t need visas as we have British passports but note EVERYONE NEEDS A SPECIAL BORDER PASS to visit the resort. The hotel will organise this for you once you make your booking, but do leave at least 3 to 4 working days for them to do this. You CANNOT get to the resort from the usual Oman border crossing from Dubai, it’s a slightly different border crossing, just 5 minutes drive from this usual one.

Remember KEEP your border pass with you as also need it when you leave the area to go back to Dubai at the check point on the Oman side. It seems normal for them to thoroughly search your car too.

Accommodation at Zighy Bay

It’s villa style accommodation and every villa has a pool. The beach front villas are very well located as you have direct access onto the large, private, soft sandy beach. There are a number of configurations of villa rooms depending on the size of your group from 1, 2, 3 or 4 bedroom villas. See our You Tube video here to get a real idea of where you could stay.

Six Senses Zighy Bay DoinDubai Monica Kapila pool at Villa one

The biggest villa for a party or special occasion at Zighy Bay

This would definitely be The Private Reserve that’s villa number 1, a unique property at one end of the resort that felt quite private. It has 4 bedrooms, staff quarters, a kitchen, a large pool of it’s own and a superb common area. I think it could sleep around 10 people in total. There is a good video of this villa in our You Tube video taken at the resort.

The food at Zighy Bay

The food at Zighy Bay is exceptionally good. The breakfasts at Spice Market are part of the normal room rate and really are comprehensive and fresh. The fruit counter reminded me of our stay in Seminyak in Bali! If you want turmeric and black pepper in a beetroot shot, well that’s no problem for the staff at the Spice Market.

Six Senses Zighy Bay DoinDubai Monica Kapila Beetroot turmeric black pepper shot

Expect the usual breakfast fare of avocado egg combinations, overnight oats etc but there is also a very fresh Arabic Counter if you have room!

You can choose to have lunch at Summer House or Mazzeria by the beach, we had lunch at both places. It’s obviously nice to have lunch by the beach at Mazzeria if it’s not too hot. Their tuna salad from their new Green Shack menu was very good.

Six Senses Zighy Bay DoinDubai Monica Kapila tuna salad at Mazzeria

Dinner can be taken at Spice Market or the special Sense on the Edge restaurant. I urge you to try Sense on the Edge one evening. The resort arranges to drive you in their vehicle about 10 minutes or so up the mountain to a restaurant facility carved into the rock overlooking the bay. There are both indoor and outdoor tables, we started outdoors but then moved in as it was quite hot.

SPECIAL OFFER June to October 2022 Eat With Six Senses

There is a special offer that entitles you to dinner as part of your room rate from June till October 2022. Breakfast is included in your room rate anyway. It’s a good saving as there is no where else to eat other than at the resort.

We also had an excellent Arabic style seafood dinner at Spice Market one evening. Food was high quality and portions were generous. Dinner for 2 was enough for 4! There are good vegetarian options at all the restaurants.

Can I eat anywhere other than the resort?

No that’s not possible as it’s very remote, unless you went down the mountain and into the small village, about a 20 minute drive where they may be a few small eateries. I don’t think this is worth it as coming back to the resort at night wouldn’t be so easy.

What is there to do at the Six Senses Zighy Bay?

There are a number of activities at the resort, obviously you can do a lot more on the beach and in the sea if it’s not too hot! We tried paragliding with their very experienced instructor Itsu from Bulgaria.

Six Senses Zighy Bay DoinDubai Monica Kapila paragliding

The total flight time depends on the winds but between 8 to 15 minutes or so, which doesn’t sound like much but apparently it feels like a long time when you’re free flying! The resort drives you to the taking off point and anyone accompanying the paraglider (me in this case!) can then be driven down to take pictures and video en route to the landing site back at the resort.

You could also go on a sustainability tour at the resort’s Earth Lab. We found this tour really insightful and it’s not just lip service to a bit of recycling. Have a look at the crusher where bottles are smashed and then eventually turned into pretty object d’arts.

Six Senses Zighy Bay DoinDubai Monica Kapila from old bottles at teh Earth Lab

Do also have a look at the beautiful almost hidden secret farm garden that grows a lot of the herbs and vegetables used in the restaurants of the resort.

Kids would love the Earth Lab where they can make their own soaps and take them home as souvenirs. Armande is head of sustainability at the resort and is very knowledgable about anything and everything to do with sustainability. Don’t forget to check out the sugar and ice tongs made from bamboo! Such a clever idea!

What about Wellness at Zighy Bay?

You must do the special Wellness Screening undertaken by Ayurvedic doctor Dr Peeush at the spa in the resort. You’ll receive a comprehensive set of health markers and a proper plan with advice on how to work with whatever state of fitness you have.

Don’t forget to ask him what would be the best breakfast shots for you to have in the mornings and then ask the staff at the Spice Market to make them up for you!

There is also a full spa facility with separate sauna and jacuzzi areas for men and women. There is also a hamam area too. I was very impressed with the Organic Pharmacy range of products they used in the spa. In fact they have a new shop in Marylebone High Street in London! Try their geranium face serum after a steam. There is also a well equipped gym with a beautiful garden view.

How do we get around the resort?

That’s easy, you can walk, take a bike, each villa has 2 cycles, or simply call a buggy via your G.E.M. (guest experience manager). The GEMs are there to welcome and orientate you into your room and explain all the facilities at the resort. Nothing is too much trouble for them and it’s really helpful to have one main point of contact for anything you may want. We contacted her very easily via What’s ap throughout our stay.

Overall is a trip to Six Senses Zighy Bay worth it?

This is an expensive but magical holiday, we totally enjoyed it. Here’s why:

  • For us coming from Dubai, it was very convenient not to have to apply for visas or book any flights.
  • The short door to door journey that too in our own car was definitely another big plus point.
  • On seeing the resort for the first time, you do have one of those blown away moments as the Gulf of Oman seen from the height you’re at is very impressive and awe inspiring.
  • Our beach front villa room was more Maldivian than Middle Eastern bearing in mind the remoteness of the location, and the ease of walking out onto the beach or to our own beautiful pool was very special.
  • The dinner at Sense on the Edge was something we’ll remember for a long time, particularly for the setting hewn into the rock face.
  • I loved being able to totally customise my juice shots at breakfast based on what Dr Peeyush had advised. I really valued receiving a comprehensive plan of what to incorporate into my routine after the holiday had finished.
  • Finally without exception, all the staff at the resort at all levels made you feel welcome and extended genuine hospitably to all guests. Maybe that’s a Six Senses thing, I’ll find out when I visit another Six Senses resort, one to be opened in London’s old Whiteley’s building in Bayswater and one closer to home on the Palm Jumeirah very soon.

Note: This review was written in conjunction with Six Senses Zighy Bay but the views are all my own.

Six Senses Zighy Bay DoinDubai Monica Kapila Mirror Selfie

Do leave me a comment below if you found this useful in making a decision to visit or if you have a question.

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Monica’s Weekend Eat British at Gordon Ramseys Hell’s Kitchen Dubai, Octogenarian art in DIFC and the 21st edition of Sharmilas Dance extravaganza

This week June 3rd we’re eating British classics at Gordon Ramsey’s Hell’s Kitchen at Caesars Palace, taking in some iconic art by “M” now in his 80s and dancing all the way to Mall of the Emirates for Sharmila’s 21st Dance Extravaganza

Monica Kapila and Mark Lloyd broadcast every FRIDAY on DUBAI EYE 103.8 at 1.45pm repeated on the Sunday Brunch at 1.15pm

Missed the live broadcast on Dubai Eye? Don’t worry just listen again here

Eat British at Gordon Ramseys Hell’s Kitchen Dubai

How about a Big British Lunch to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee!

Gordon Ramsey’s Hell’s Kitchen Dubai at Caesars Palace in Blue Waters island is the place to go for this Big British Lunch!

So Hell’s Kitchen was opened back in 2019 and Gordon himself opened the restaurant.

Together with his executive chef Damien, he’s  still very involved with the menus. So nothing more Gordon Ramsey than his Beef Wellington Mark! Followed by some classic Sticky Toffee Pudding.

Gordon Ramsey’s Hell’s Kitchen Dubai does has a set lunch menu and that’s a 3 course Signature lunch menu where you’d start of course with a Creaser Salad, followed by none other than the Beef Wellington followed by Gordon’s Sticky Toffee pudding! That’s Gordon’s Signature Lunch menu.

There are other options available but it’s not cheap at AED 325 BUT it’s more reasonable doing it this way as just the Beef Wellington alone would set you back AED 295 alone!

Available every day and does some with some carrots and mashed potatoes on your plate too. Or you could pop in any day of the week for a Big British Breakfast from 7.30 am to 10.30 am. Apparently there is large terrace overlooking the pool areas and it is just about cool enough I’m told to sit outside for an early breakfast or later in the evening for drinks and dinner.

Awesome Octogenarian Art from Sotheby’s Dubai in DIFC

Chow Down to DIFC from now till 1st in July and head to the Sotheby’s Dubai art gallery, originally and of course still in Sotheby’s London’s New Bond Street. They are auctioneers for art, watches, jewelry and even handbags! You’ll see 2 floors of art produced by a  very creative Chinese icon now an octogenarian apparently known as M! Do you know who I’m talking about? Nothing to do with James Bond HQ!

We’re talking about Mr. Michael Chow the celebrated and well known owner and founder of Mr Chow the high end Chinese restaurant based in London’s Knightsbridge opened back Feb 1968!  He had very European interiors, but was serving Chinese food and the waiters were all Italian!

So Mr Chow, M wasn’t only creative in the kitchen, he was very instrumental in the design and architecture of his restaurants too. And Mr Chow soon become frequented and a fave of many a celebrity, he opened branches in Las Vegas, New York, Beverly Hills.

But his first passion was painting and he’s now come back to him in his 80s! Expect to see 2 floors of 2 distinct types of art, mixed media using gold leaf, acrylic and a floor on works on paper, I get the feeling it’s quite abstract in design and I think it’s going to be quite cool place to linger for longer and take in the vibes. From now till July 1st

Giorgio Armani was so impressed with the interiors of the NYC branch of Mr Chow, he gifted M specially designed Armani tuxedos for the waiters! And in turn Mr M designed the interiors of Giorgio Armani’s boutique in Rodeo Drive in Bev Hills! So live among the legends! Entrance to the exhibition is free.

21st Dance Extravaganza by Sharmila at Mall of Emirates

Another anniversary Mark, it’s the 21st edition of Sharmila’s Dance Extravaganza at Mall of the Emirates. Performers aged 7 to adults and apparently it’s a mixture of ballet, tap, breakdance and Jazz. I know these kids work very hard thru the year practicing to carefully choreographed routines so a shout out if your child is in this show, 21st edition of Sharmilas Dance Extravaganza!

Been teaching dance in the UAE since 1999 but came here from the UK before that having been to the The Legat School of Classical Ballet, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, UK.

It’s on this weekend, on the 3rd, 4th and 5th of June with a matinee on Sunday. Tickets start at AED 160 and show in the evenings begins at 7.30pm

Thinking of a trip to London this summer? Then get 10% off if you’re a Middle Eastern resident at this iconic London hotel

UAE and all Middle Eastern residents, not only citizens can avail 10% off their stay at the St Pancras Renaissance hotel in London’s Kings Cross. Just use the CODE E81 when you book directly from their website.

A yummy recipe for you to try this weekend

CHOCOLATE CAKE

No flour, nuts or sugar, really easy recipe for your Jubilee weekend or anytime

Chocolate brownies no flour or nuts DoinDubai with strawberry slices
CHOCOLATE CAKE NO FLOUR NUTS OR SUGAR REALLY EASY
Monica’s Weekend – Posts

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