Oman - House Of Coco Magazine

Canada November 9, 2023

Londons Luxuries : The Queen is Your Neighbour at Sofitel London St James

No matter where you are in the world, Sofitel Hotels and Resorts can always be found in the most glamorous buildings – a palace here, a skyscraper there… London’s offering is no different, the Sofitel London St James is actually housed in an old grand bank building on Waterloo Place, sandwiched between The Mall and Piccadilly. When you stay here, you are literally neighbours with The Queen during your stay… keep that in mind.

Bank buildings are recognisable from their impressive facades, marble floors, vaulted ceilings and huge impressive entrances, each screaming money and power more than the last. During its conversion to a hotel, these touches were softened with a tasteful decor and a fleet of smartly in line with a 5-star modern establishment, but the old time feels are all there.

There might be a huge Union Flag hanging above the door, but inside you’re greeted with a French vibe. Quite literally, staff will welcome you in both French and English, paying homage to their heritage (Sofitel was originally a French brand which was founded in France in 1964). Whether you’re in a palace in Oman, on the Palm in Dubai, or in the centre of London, their mantra is to always ‘live the French way’ – spontaneous, carefree and with an unmistakable touch of joie de vivre.

The Sofitel London St James was even designed by a French guy. The esteemed Pierre Yves-Rochon handled the transformation into a high-class hotel in 2002 and again during their most recent renovation.

The result is sublime. A modern twist on a classic now sees a sixties vibe running through the rooms, with pops of colours and Warhol icons hanging on the walls. You won’t find a tea tray or a tiny kettle in sight here, instead they’ve kept it cool with Smeg kitchen stuff and retro style iPod docks. Bathrooms are swish and romantic (they were literally designed by the French, so what else do you expect?) and the toiletries are of course by Hermès.

Guests come here for the rooms but they stay for the food. The same Wild Honey St James which once stood on St George Street is now here at the Sofitel with all the powder blue glory of its former home. It’s casual all day dining but without being too obvious you’re eating in a hotel. The menu has clearly been very cleverly composed of fine European fare and Negronis that taste like juice which has been hand squeezed from an angel.

The hotel has that great nostalgia feel. It’s a throwback to a time where guests would find a quiet corner to read a book, or take tea leisurely smoking from tobacco holders wearing long gloves. We actually arrived unceremoniously early before the previous guests had time to check out, but enjoyed a peppermint in one of the adjoining salons and listened to a live harp performance. Possibly a first for House of Coco, but hopefully not a last.

Stay in a double room at Sofitel London St James from £399 per night. Continental breakfast is £19.50; £26 for continental plus an a la carte dish. Free Wi-Fi. To book visit www.sofitelstjames.com

Beauty November 9, 2023

Relax and reset with our guide to the best global wellness breaks

With the global wellness industry currently experiencing 6.5% annual growth*, planning a wellbeing holiday to enjoy some dedicated ‘me time’ is more popular than ever.

If you’re thinking of booking your own wellness break, House of Coco has compiled some of the best global spa’s where you can relax in sumptuous surroundings and indulge in the unique wellbeing treatments on offer from luxury caviar anti-aging facial to chakra crystal balancing treatments.

Located on a beautiful secluded island, The Duniye Spa at Meeru Island Resort in the Maldives offers oriental inspired treatments, with a philosophy of ‘nurture your body, calm your mind and inspire your soul’. Time is left at the door and a new journey begins with treatments such as the renowned Coconut Hair Cream Bath, which uses the healing qualities of the palm tree family to calm. A warm blend of luxurious coconut oil is massaged gently into the scalp, following by a coconut hair mask wrapped in heated towels to deeply soften and hydrate. This beautifully fragrant and soothing approach promotes a deep sense of serenity and joy, enabling travellers to drift away and relax.

Available with Emirates Holidays, prices from £1,535 per person for a 7 night stay in a Garden Room, complimentary upgrade from breakfast to half board, complimentary return shared speedboat transfers and return flights. Price based on selected dates from 1 September to 15 October 2019 and flights from London Gatwick and London Stansted, supplements may apply for other departure airports.

Recently awarded the Hotel Spa of the Year 2018 and the World’s Best Resort Spa at the World Travel Awards. The Talise Ottoman Spa at Jumeirah Zabeel Saray in Dubai, boasts a host of unusual treatments including the innovative Hammam Coffee Peeling treatment which utilises Turkish coffee to refine and smooth the skin, leaving it firm and toned. Based on the traditional hammam sequence of exfoliation and olive soap cleansing, the ritual finishes with a full-body coffee peeling to awaken the senses, benefiting the skin and mind.

Available with Emirates Holidays, prices from £889 per person for a 3 night stay in a Superior King Room on a half board basis and return flights. Includes a complimentary one-day/one-park access to Dubai Parks and Resorts. Valid for travel on selected dates from 1 to 19 September 2019. Price based on flights from London Heathrow and London Stansted, supplements may apply for other departure airports.

Bali is ideal for a wellness retreat and Lagoon Spa at The Laguna Resort offers a blend of indigenous and contemporary treatments including a Detox Algae Body treatment. It uses blue-green algae which is rich in amino acids, minerals, trace elements and vitamins and has a highly stimulating effect on the skin and the metabolism of the skin tissue. Alternatively, for the face there is a Collagen Booster Treatment which was designed closely with Dr. Michael A. Konig, a leading authority in cosmetic treatments. With 99% collagen obtained from natural, freeze-dried collagen fibres that imitate the skin’s collagen structure, it supplies intensive moisture and promotes collagen synthesis in the skin, to reduces wrinkles, improves declining skin tone, and prevents the formation of lines and premature aging.

Available with Emirates Holidays, prices from £1,165 per person for a 7 night stay in a Deluxe Garden View Room with breakfast and return flights. Valid for travel on selected dates from 1 to 30 September 2019. Price based on flights from London Stansted and London Gatwick, supplements may apply for other departure airports.

Steps away from the coastline is Raffles Praslin Spa which has been carefully designed to calm the spirit and awaken the senses. This luxurious spa in the Seychelles features 12 treatment pavilions, showcasing the spectacular view of the blue ocean and tropical surroundings. Experience true indulgence with the Luxury Caviar Anti-Aging Facial that firms, tones, refines and deeply hydrates the skin with protein rich caviar and powerful antioxidants. An exclusive AcuLift Massage visibly firms and tones as the Marine Biomatrix Sheet provides intensive hydration to instantly restore radiance. Results are immediate, leaving the skin looking supple, healthy and luminescent. The resort also has its own outdoor yoga studio perched just above the sea with the sounds of the waves crashing below.

Available with Emirates Holidays, prices from £2,555 per person for a 7 night stay in a Garden View Pool Villa with a complimentary upgrade to half board and return flights. Valid for travel on selected dates from 1 September to 24 October 2019. Price based on flights from London Stansted and London Gatwick, supplements may apply for other departure airports.

The very best spa treatments and therapies await you at Banyan Tree, Samui, Thailand. This secret hideaway features The Rainforest, a holistic hydrotherapy wellness experience designed to heal and soothe. Treatments include the Apple Green Tea Polisher that uses natural acids from the apple and acts as a gentle cleanser while the green tea powder nourishes the skin with its anti-oxidant properties leaving your skin softer and skin cells are naturally renewed. Lose yourself in the Royal Banyan treatment that delivers the best of Eastern and Western massage techniques to improve blood circulation. Featuring a warm herbal pouch dipped in Sesame Oil the treatment also including a coriander cucumber cleanser, Royal Banyan Herbal Pouch Massage, jade Face Massage and a therapeutic Herbal Bath.

Available with Emirates Holidays, prices from £2,075 per person for a 7 night stay in a Deluxe Pool Villa with breakfast and return Emirates flights. Valid for travel on selected dates from 1 September to 24 October 2019. Price based on flights from London Gatwick, supplements may apply for other departure airports.

Anantara Al Jabel Al Akhdar Resort has a unique retreat that is perched 2,000 metres above sea level on Oman’s fabled Green Mountain and offers a range of treatments. There is the Rose Rescue Ritual, a romantic pampering from head to toe, allowing the recipient to blossom naturally with the use of fragrant roses. Alternatively, discover wellbeing remedies from the Far East through the Journey of Siam, a ritual which includes a full body steam, refreshing coconut scrub to moisturise and soften the skin, before finishing off with a compress massage combining calming remedial herbs.

Available with Emirates Holidays, prices from £995 per person for a 5 night stay in a Premier Room with a complimentary half board upgrade and return flights. Valid for travel on selected dates from 1 to 30 September 2019. Price based on flights from London Gatwick and London Stansted, supplements may apply for other departure airports.

Navasana Spa at the Outrigger Beach Resort, Mauritius is a lush sanctuary by the sea that wakens the senses with an array of new signature therapies infused with natural essential oils by Aromatherapy Associates of London. The spa is under the guidance of resort Reiki master, Jeeten, and has designed 15 new rejuvenating treatments for both men and women. Indulge in the Moroccan Rhassoul Ritual, a journey of invigorating hamman, a toxin-releasing body wrap, and an application of nourishing argan oil. For couples they have a Sensory Complicity treatment in the VIP cabin where you can enjoy two hours of bliss, and treatments including relaxing body massages, a milky bath decorated with tropical flowers and is perfect for romantic quality time.

Available with Emirates Holidays, prices from £1,239 per person for a 7 night stay in an Ocean View Room on a half board basis with return flights. Valid for travel on selected dates from 1 September to 24 October 2019. Price based on flights from London Gatwick and London Stansted, supplements may apply for other departure airports.

Please note: Prices are correct as of 26.04.19. All pricing is based on 2 adults sharing a room. Offers are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time. For more information on Emirates Holidays or to book, visit www.emiratesholidays.com or call 0208 972 8949
*2018 Global Wellness Economy Monitor by Global Wellness Institute

Adventures November 9, 2023

Top things to do in Muscat, Oman

There’s always that mid-winter lull that makes summer seem like a far and distant memory. Beach-weather in Europe is essentially a mirage in March, so we’ve got our sights set on one of 2020’s hottest travel trends: Oman. Highs of mid-20s promise the feeling of being whisked away to a far-flung destination that promises lazy afternoons spent in the sun.

Adventure is also at the core of Muscat for its multifaceted landscape made up of secret beaches, canyons and wadis (Arabic for valley). An average day might involve a hike in one of the surrounding wadis followed by a midday afternoon massage back at the hotel – right before sunset cocktails by the beach. What’s the catch? A one-off 6am wake-up call to squeeze in all of the action. That’s it – we promise!

Those clear blue skies make it the ideal time to visit, ridding you of any icky winter blues. These are the top activities we got to try on a recent #TeamCoco trip to Muscat.

Eat

Starting with food is always a good idea. Zale Lounge is a sophisticated and stylish beachside restaurant serving a blend of cuisines and pan-Asian inspired dishes. Highlights include succulent seafood options like sushi wrapped in sticky seaweed and a signature lobster salad. The mix of booths and sofas offer a laid-back vibe, cleverly softening the high-octane luxury connotative of Kempinski with a quiet palette of creams and whites. Fun features include an elaborate cocktail list that glows in the dark and live DJ sets to take you into the night. Venturing out to the city? Bait Al Luban is a top contender for Omani cuisine in a charming converted guest house overlooking the sea.

Adventure in the Wadis

The sheer beauty of the wadis makes any 6am wake-up call worth it. Witness sunrise and the arid Omani landscape light up as the sun-dappled mountains become more prominent in the eventual morning light. Wadi Tiwi’s rugged rocks and clear emerald pools beat any ordinary hike. Stumble upon mountain goats, secret coves and local villagers floating with ease from one rock to the next. #TeamCoco tip: Husaak Adventures have an excellent guiding team with extensive knowledge of Arabia’s landscapes. Don’t forget a waterproof phone case to capture the cascading waterfalls in real time.

Kayaking in Bandar Khayran

This can be adventurous or super chilled out depending on your mood. A leisurely sunset tour is as relaxing as it sounds, especially witnessing the sun’s rays sink slowly atop the surrounding mountains. The colours shift from ochre to sienna in simultaneity with the sky’s altering hues. Bandar Khayran is a top adventure location made up of several mini beaches for snorkelling and scenic beachside hikes along the rocky shorelines. Do it like the locals and picnic in between pockets of the towering cliffs for some shade and solitude.

Stay

A short 15-minute drive from the airport in Al Mouj Muscat, Kempinski Hotel is definitively luxurious, but not in terms of excess opulence. The sun-dappled lobby is perhaps the shiniest part of the hotel, but rooms have a refined elegance and a quiet palette. Having direct access to 6km of stunning coastline means you can go for a run or flop on a sun lounger. The 10 exquisite restaurants and lounge areas also promise an eclectic experience. Pamper your palate at Bukhara Restaurant for North Indian cuisine and tabasco-inspired cocktails, or The Kitchen restaurant for all-day dining on the sun-drenched terrace.

Explore the city by foot

Souks are a large part of Omani culture, offering aromatic sandalwood, fancy hookah pipes and other interesting trinkets. Taste honey-glazed dates in the vegetable market and pop your head in the buzzy fish market in Muttrah to blend in with the locals. The catch is delivered at sunrise and sells out by 11am, which is astonishing considering the sheer size and scale of the market. Muscat’s pristine streets are steeped in history; the mosques are monumental and tell stories from as far back as 627 AD. The Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque is the largest mosque in the whole of Oman and happens to be handily located in Muscat, just make sure to book a tour in advance to secure your spot.

Extras

Royal Opera House

Arts and culture abound in Oman’s premier venue for lavish ballets and eclectic concerts, hosting performances from Jazz legends and Arab pop stars. The exquisite architecture replicates modern Omani palaces and is particularly striking by night when the surrounding lights give it an otherworldly glow.

National Museum

A trip to Muscat isn’t complete without understanding its rich heritage. Delve into Muscat’s history as far back as the country’s earliest human settlement in a series of interactive exhibitions and installations at the National Museum.

Al Alam Palace

Just across from the National Museum in the heart of old Muscat, Al Alam Palace is the original ceremonial palace by Sultan Qaboos and a tourist hotspot for its flamboyant design.

Kempinski Hotel (+968 24 985000) offers a starting nightly rate of £170 inclusive of breakfast for one.

Netherlands November 9, 2023

20 reasons to visit the UAE’s undiscovered Emirate, Ras Al Khaimah later in 2020

Here at House of Coco we’re getting itchy feet and already dreaming about all the new destinations that we’re going to visit as soon as all the bans are lifted. One of the destinations we can’t wait to tick off is Ras Al Khaimah, it’s one of the world’s fastest growing tourism destinations. Juxtaposed between the Hajar Mountains and the Arabian Gulf, the destination remains a hidden gem despite its accessible location, just 45 minutes from Dubai International Airport. The destination is known as being the adventurers’ Emirate and is situated at the northernmost tip of the United Arab Emirates. Its pristine beaches and hotels offer a wide variety of activities from water sports to cookery and arts classes and temperature controlled outdoor pools, while the desert and mountains are ideal for safaris and nature trails for a true Arabian experience.

(1) The World’s Longest Zipline…

For travellers with a quest for adrenaline fuelled adventure, the Jebel Jais Flight is a must. Located on Jebel Jais, the highest mountain in the UAE, Jebel Jais Flight is the Guinness World Record’s longest zipline at 2.83km long. Adventure seekers are propelled at speeds between 120 and 150kph from a height of 1,683m above sea level.

(2) Bear Grylls Survival Academy…

Visitors in 2020 can learn the tricks to Bear Grylls survival, with a new brainchild Bear Grylls Survival Academy scheduled to open in Ras Al Khaimah at the end of January 2020. The academy on Jebel Jais, the highest mountain in the UAE, will offer participants a wide selection of courses suitable for individuals of all ages and fitness levels. The courses include half-day (five to six hours), 24 and 48-hour courses designed for families and adults. Participants will be exposed to practical and extreme survival techniques necessary to survive some of the toughest terrain in the wilderness such as: how to make a fire in the wilderness, build emergency shelters, learn best ways to use a knife for survival, remote medical trauma, training on navigation techniques, rock climbing and extreme weather survival. The Academy will be run by highly trained professionals.

(3) Five-star luxury at four-star prices…

The Emirate is home to two five-star luxury Ritz-Carlton properties. Whether a digital detox in the middle of the Arabian Desert is the order of the day or a sun-soaked beach break looking out on the Arabian Gulf, guests can sit back and relax knowing that everything is taken care of at either one of these incredible, first class properties:

The Ritz-Carlton, Al Wadi Desert amid the beauty of the Arabian Desert, invites guests to connect with nature and culture in an entirely unique way. The resort is equipped with an Equestrian Centre offering guests’ horse and camel rides to experience the desert in true style along with plenty of activities including archery and biking, four dining venues and a spa. Luxury here has no bounds, especially when it comes to the villa suites. Inspired by traditional Bedouin tents, each villa has a private pool and deck, lounge area and, of course, stunning desert views, guaranteed to create an unforgettable experience for the entire family.
The Ritz-Carlton, Al Hamra Beach is the ultimate luxury coastal retreat. Located on an isolated stretch of beach beneath the Arabian sun, this five-star resort offers guests exclusive activities and features in a secluded oasis such as snorkelling amid the coral reef, afternoon paddle boarding and owl and falconry shows for the entire family to enjoy. Guests can relax in the sun in one of the 32 beautifully designed private villas lavished with contemporary amenities, each with its own pool and direct beach access, visit the Ritz-Carlton Spa for a holistic treatment and enjoy signature fresh seafood at Shore House restaurant.

(4) Jais Sky Maze…

Visitors to the Emirate can get their adrenaline rushing at a new obstacle maze on the UAE’s highest mountain. Find your sense of adventure 10 metres above the ground as you navigate through several obstacles including rope swings, wobbly bridges, swinging loops and so much more! With two levels of endless fun, the Jais Sky Maze is suitable for adventure seekers of all ages.

(5) Viewing Deck Park on the highest peak in the UAE…

As observation decks go, it doesn’t any grander than this. Opened in early 2018, the landscaped and manicured viewing terraces at 1250m have sublime vistas of the craggy surrounding Hajar Mountains peaks and panoramas that tumble and dip down to the Gulf far below. There are binoculars, for close-up viewing, and plenty of shade provided by sails, on each of the several terraces while the main deck offers parking, toilet facilities and two cafe-kiosks for refreshments.

(6) The Dhayah Fort…

Amongst the magnificent landscapes of Ras Al Khaimah lie beautiful ancient ruins rich in history and cultural significance. Situated in northern Ras Al Khaimah amid the Dhayah oasis, is the famous Dhayah fort. This piece of architecture is steeped in historical importance and is certainly worth a visit and was originally built as a defence structure. With plenty of hiking opportunities on offer, visitors can climb the only hilltop fort still existing in the UAE to explore its history and witness the stunning backdrop of the steep dramatic mountains, surrounding palm gardens and the sea – the perfect opportunity for a quick snap and the fort is free of charge to visit.

(7) The National Museum…

Visitors can immerse themselves in the true Emirati way of life and visit the stunning riads of Ras Al Khaimah immersed in cultural heritage. Travel on a journey through time by visiting the historical sites and local museums to gain a glimpse of the Emirate’s culture, history and heritage. Set in a stunning 17th century riad, the former residence of the ruling family until the 1960’s, The National Museum is located in the western part of Ras Al Khaimah city and houses an eclectic collection of archaeological and ethnological artefacts. All exhibition rooms are situated around the beautiful inner courtyard garden and can be entered through antique wooden doors with traditional carved design. A beautiful setting for visitors to learn about architecture, pearl diving, date agriculture, farming and fishing in the various galleries, The National Museum is a must-see attraction during a visit to the Emirate.

(8) Uncover gems at the Suwaidi Pearl Farm…

Suwaidi Pearl Farm, owned by Abdullah Al Suwaidi, the grandson of one of the country’s last remaining pearl divers. It is the only pearl farm in the UAE that provides locally sourced pearls to jewellers around the world. The farm tour takes you on a 6,000-year journey through the history of Arabian pearl diving, to the days when divers would wear tortoiseshell nose-clips and had heavy rocks fastened to one ankle. Tour participants can select an oyster from a tank; maybe, if you’re lucky, yours will produce a pearl.

(9) Jais Sky Tour…

Adventure meets serenity at the Jais Sky Tour. Adventurers can fly over the awe-inspiring cliffs and canyons of Jebel Jais, as you zip from platform to platform in this unique experience. Covering a total distance of 5km via a series of seven ziplines, ranging from 337m to just over 1km, and averaging speeds of 60kph, the Jais Sky Tour will give you a panoramic, bird’s eye view of the towering Hajar mountains. Navigate your way through the sky and find yourself at the UAE’s highest sky bridge, 1,250mts above the sea level and 300mts above the ground. Pause to capture this unique moment before you cross this 15m bridge and continue the last part of your zipline journey. After an hour of soaring through the sky, we guarantee you will want to do it all over again.

(10) Discover the fascinating tribal culture…

History enthusiasts travelling to Ras Al Khaimah will find a treasure trove of archaeological sites, including 18 historic fortifications, castles and towers dating back to the Bronze Age, within accessible reach. One of the few places in the world that has continuously had settler’s for over 7,000 years, Ras Al Khaimah has a turbulent history that saw the city occupied or challenged by the Sasanians, Islamic clans of the Arabian Gulf, the Portuguese, Dutch and British Forces. Today, Ras Al Khaimah’s society can still be conceded as a tribal society, where tribes are divided into three main categories: mountain tribes, sea tribes and desert tribes. Folklore, folk music, dialogue and dance play an important role in tribes and local communities and are passed down from one generation to another.

(11) Try the new controlled bungee jump, opening in 2020…

Jebal Jais will open the first and only controlled bungee jump in the Middle East in April 2020, which will be suspended 13 metres off the ground and will be positioned 1,500 metres above sea level. Travellers will be able to enjoy the rush of a free fall of eight metres, while having the comfort that the fall is controlled making it safer than a traditional bungee jump.

(12) Relax in the hot springs in the mountains…

Located at the foot of Hajar Mountain, the Khatt Hot Springs are perfect for visitors trying to escape the hustle and bustle of the city this year. Located just ten-minutes from the Ras Al Khaimah International Airport, the healing hot springs were discovered on the edge of the desert in the beginning of the 7th century and showcase spectacular views of the valley with its date palms and numerous farms. The springs are today surrounded by wellness centres and resorts, such as the Golden Tulip Khatt Springs Resort & Spa, where visitors can enjoy a relaxing Turkish bath and sauna, spa massages and treatments, swimming pools and Ayurveda healing procedures.

(13) Dare to explore the Ghost Town of Ras Al Khaimah…

One of the more unique places to visit in Ras Al Khaimah, Jazirat Al Hamra, is an abandoned pearl fishing village which is as fascinating as it is haunting. The village is like an open-air museum, without entrance fees and audio guides, showcasing abandoned houses, schools, a mosque and marketplaces. The village was abandoned when oil wealth gave rise to rapid urbanisation in the creation of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This ghost town which visitors can simply drive through, is also famed as a site for the horror production, Djinn.

(14) Learn about the ancient tradition of falconry…

Falconry is an ancient tradition of the Bedouins and an indispensable tool for hunting in the tough conditions of the desert. In ancient times, when the falcons migrated to the Emirates, every resident caught one which would then become his partner for the whole season and a part of his family. When the temperature rose in the summer and the free-living falcons started to fly back to the North, the locals let their falcon go. Today, travellers can witness a unique falcon show at many resorts, including theThe Ritz-Carlton Al Wadi Desert, which houses the region’s most diverse and interactive displays of falcons, hawks, kestrels, owls and eagles. Visitors can witness the Resident Professional Falconers fly their team of dedicated birds of prey using both traditional Arabic and ‘modern’ Western techniques. A tour of the world class Falconry Mews and Rehabilitation and Breeding Centre also rounds off this one-of-a-kind experience.

(15) Eat a typical local meal…

From traditional Arabian cuisine to the finest restaurants, visitors will be spoilt for choice in Ras Al Khaimah. Travellers can dig into local flavours at Al Fanar, known for its machboos (a casserole of meat or fish, rice and onions cooked in spicy sauce) and its seafood dishes such as saloona samak (a stew of fish in a tomato and tamarind sauce). 2020 has also glamorously started with the relaunch of the bi-weekly island-inspired Barefoot Brunch at The Ritz-Carlton, Al Hamra Beach. Guests can enjoy a family-style feast specially designed by the luxury hotel’s culinary team, on the sand. The menu highlights a wide selection of seafood, home-smoked beef ribs, freshly shucked oysters, and more. Crowned with stunning views of the Arabian Gulf, lounge seating and a cocktail bar on the beach, live DJ and after-brunch beach party, the exclusive Barefoot Brunch is an escape to paradise.

(16) Experience the Bedouin Oasis Camp…

The first Bedouin-style desert camp in Ras Al Khaimah provides visitors with the perfect opportunity to explore desert living. This secret haven has been designed for the discerning customer, desiring a traditional magical experience of the Arabian Desert, fused with indulgence and luxury. The Bedouin Oasis Camp is an authentic reproduction of Bedouin life just as it used to be. Guests can learn how to scale the sand dunes in a four-wheel drive, ride a camel or simply just enjoy an overnight stay under the stars, with a sunset wakeup. Rooms for two adults and two children start at £176.00 per night.

(17) Enjoy all-inclusive luxury at the Rixos Bab Al Bahr…

Situated on the pristine white sands of Ras Al Khaimah’s tranquil Marjan Island, Rixos Bab Al Bahr enjoys the beautiful beach, stylish rooms, upmarket restaurants, stunning views, and comprehensive amenities you may expect from a five-star beach resort in the Middle East. With few exceptions, everything is inclusive from the kaleidoscope of cuisine in Seven Heights and the delicious selection of unlimited beverages in See & Sea, Mojito Lounge and Inferno, to the diverse choice of entertainment and nightlife, kids clubs, spa, sports, and recreational activities. Five delectable a la carte restaurants, including a steakhouse and a seafood restaurant, offer a more diverse dining experience.

(18) Eco Mangroves Kayaking in Ras Al Khaimah…

Mangroves and salt flats form a large part of the coastal and inland landscape in Ras Al Khaimah. The mangroves, which are home to a variety of wildlife, including flamingos, extend right into the centre of Ras Al Khaimah bringing a rich sense of nature into the city. Visitors can explore the mangroves by taking kayak excursions and literally lose themselves in the natural beauty. Kayaking is fun, relaxing, very low risk and easy to learn and is open to all even if you have never tried it before. More information can be found here.

(19) Ras Al Khaimah Fine Arts Festival…

The Emirate hosts the Ras Al Khaimah Fine Arts Festival from 31 January – 31 March 2020 under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, UAE Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah. The festival takes place at picturesque 17th century pearl fishing town of Al Jazirah Al Hamra. The abandoned and historic town is rumoured to be haunted. The festival will celebrate the theme of Connected Communities, emphasizing the power of art in bringing communities together and creating shared experiences. The open-air gallery, which is free of cost and open to the public, is set to welcome over 100 international and local artists from 33 countries. Furthermore, the festival will offer an expanded program of public art workshops at Al Jazirah Al Hamra and the National Museum of Ras Al Khaimah, and film screenings at VOX Cinemas in Al Hamra Mall.

(20) Relax in a rainforest…

The Ritz-Carlton, Al Wadi Desert also offers a Rainforest Experience which combines European hydrothermal culture with Middle Eastern bathing rituals, creating a rejuvenating sanctuary smack bang the Arabian desert. The experience includes 16 different stations, each traveling one step farther in the journey to relaxation.

Beauty November 1, 2021

Luxurious Beauty by Odile Paris

We are about to introduce you to the best-kept beauty secret in Paris, the stunning collection of skincare products by Odile Paris.

Each of the Odile Paris skincare products use highly concentrated, advanced botanical ingredients to create lightweight formulas. All are suitable for every skin type and are equally gentle on the skin. Designed to turn every morning and night into an indulgent beauty routine.

There are plenty of products to choose from including an anti-wrinkle serum, c complex booster, cleansing balm, eye lift, cleansing milk, extraordinary water, day cream, night cream, gel cream, and an age defying cream.

We’re going to highlight the cleansing balm, eye lift, day cream, and the gel cream, because these four products are truly outstanding. All products are available to purchase from Odile Paris.

OR, éclatant – Purify and Glow Cleansing Balm, £45

There are some perfect key ingredients in this balm that help wash away impurities and all traces of the day to reveal a silky soft and glowing complexion. They include Algae Extract, Rosemary Extract, Sweet Almond Oil, and Shea Butter. Carefully curated with the finest botanical ingredients to give a wash that provides soft, bright, and hydrated results.

OR, j’étincelle – The Flash Eye Lift, £45

This lightweight eye gel contains a wealth of potent activators to revive tired and puffy eyes. Some of the key ingredients include Rhodiola Rosea Root Extract, Yeast Extract, Caffeine, Milk Protein, and Sodium Hyaluronate. Together these products help improve the appearance of fine lines. It illuminates, invigorates, and soothes the fragile eye contour region.

Odile Paris

OR, j’aime – The Ultimate Day Cream, £70

Key ingredients in this cream include Sodium Hyaluronate, Vitamin E, Macadamia Nut Oil, and Muscat Rosemary Oil. Helping the skin throughout the day it restores moisturising ability and strengthens the epidermal defence function through a combination of two extremely effective active ingredients; Hyaluronic Acid and Fucogel®. The skin is left feeling toned and supple, whilst looking firmer and more radiant.

OR, je vis – The Ultimate Care Gel Cream, £125

The key ingredient in Odile Paris’ gel cream is Abyssine657®, which is a molecule that provides stimulation of the skin’s natural defences. Discovered in the sea, this ingredient is synthesised by a microorganism, which enables its survival in an incredibly hostile environment. It helps the skin to withstand exterior aggressions such as wind, pollution, lack of sleep, and stress. The Ultimate Care Gel Cream protects the skin, making it more beautiful, and more resilient.

France August 2, 2020

Plan a luxury post-lockdown holiday to Dubai

Dubai, known for its lavish hotels, incredible experiences, enviable skyline and contrasting desert dunes, is welcoming visitors once again following the reopening of its borders on 7th July. British visitors can expect to see a few changes as Dubai reopens with social distancing measures front of mind but can still enjoy warm hospitality, incredible experiences and plenty of sunshine. Here at House of Coco we’re ready to hop on a flight to Dubai faster than you can say ‘lavish getaway,’ so we’ve put together our roundup of the best things to do to make sure your time in Dubai is one to remember…

Luxury villas with the best hotel facilities:

Jumeirah Hotels and Resorts is welcoming guests to live the moment in complete privacy while enjoying a well-deserved change of scenery. From personal butler service to private plunge pools and exclusive gardens, enjoy a sense of comfort and tranquillity in a tantalisingly secluded environment. Jumeirah Zabeel Saray offers curated experiences that appeal to varying preferences and needs. The Ottoman themed residences deliver stunningly beautiful ocean views with a soothing blend of luxury and calm for guests to relax and unwind. Jumeirah Al Naseem recently opened two penthouses – the galley-inspired Ocean Penthouse and the spacious Royal Penthouse – offering privacy, sublime views of the Arabian Gulf, and featuring a private 11-metre infinity pool to cool off.

Guests visiting Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort will be surrounded by endless blue in an over water villa, the first of its kind in the region. Visitors can expect to wake up to stunning sunrises and spend sunny days out on the terrace suspended over the waters, whilst a Villa Host is on hand to offer personalised concierge services.

A shimmering jewel set on a seahorse-shaped island in Jumeira Bay, Bvlgari Resort Dubai is encircled by ocean views. Home to the first Bvlgari Yacht Club & Marina, its nautical spirit inspires the resort’s design, making it an oasis of luxury just minutes from the mainland. The resort offers bespoke services to every single guest, from the privacy of in-room check-in to packing and unpacking service and luxurious in-room dining.

One of a kind desert experiences:

A private hot air balloon ride across the sleeping Emirate is an unforgettable way to experience Dubai. Guests will soar up, up and away 4,000ft over the pristine sand dunes as the sun rises over the backdrop of the Hajar mountains.

Couples hot air balloon experience starting from £2,046.

Visitors can experience Dubai with a luxurious desert safari which has been meticulously designed for those who seek out the finer things in life. Explore Dubai’s Desert Conservation Reserve with a professional Conservation Guide on a wildlife drive in a plush Range Rover, before soaking in the beauty of an Arabian sunset. Guests can expect to enjoy a tranquil camel ride to a charming oasis in the desert retreat where they will spend the rest of the evening in a private cabana beside the desert oasis.

Luxurious desert safari with a private car starting from £1,300 for two.

Stargazers visiting Dubai will enjoy the out of the world pop-up Starlight Camp. Nestled within a natural amphitheatre in the dazzling Arabian desert, the Starlight Camp never fails to amaze. Offering guests a peaceful getaway in a carefully chosen location amongst the golden dunes, it is equipped with a large crystal roof tent, chic lounge, warm bonfire, dining area, BBQ facility, as well as a food and beverage trailer.

Starlight Camp starting from £470 per night for two people.

Visitors can immerse themselves in the beauty of the dunes and experience an unforgettable evening under the stars in a bespoke setup at the Nara Escape camp. Guests can tailor the private experiences to their preferences including creating their own menu with French Chef Franck Sanna, enjoying activities such as watching a fire show, a desert hike and yoga.

Experience Delicious Food

A new concept in Dubai has opened its doors for a belly of a classy chicken dinner. For a tariff of 5 JD per person, this dish will make you feel happy and satisfied. If you are looking for an upscale, luxury holiday that focuses on finer things like fine dining and mountain sledding, then Dubai will certainly fit the bill perfectly.

For a little luxury while getting away from the holiday madness, Dubai is not only rated as one of the safest cities in the world but is also known for its scrumptious food.

Dubai offers an unlimited choice of fine dining restaurant experiences. Restaurants showcasing the best of both international and local cuisine.

It has many restaurants that offer delicious food for a reasonable price. Whether you are looking for fine dining or just want to indulge in your favorite meals to celebrate being in Dubai, there are plenty in the city to choose from.

Nara Escape camp starting from £118 per person.

Iconic experiences:

Visitors to Dubai can indulge in one of the most luxurious and exclusive experiences available by taking a Dubai seaplane charter that offers panoramic views of the city. This private tour with Seawings has plenty of room and large private viewing windows, allowing guests to have uninterrupted views over the city, desert, and sea.

Seawings charter starting from £2,606.

For holidaymakers wanting to make the most of the crystal blue Arabian Gulf, Dubai offers a charter yacht and crew service for guests to cruise out of the Dubai Marina. Guests can relish in delectable refreshments and dine onboard. There is no better way to spend a luxurious day in Dubai than on the water.

EDEN Yachting prices available upon request.

Dubai takes luxurious spas to whole new level. Talise Ottoman Spa at the Jumeirah Zabeel Saray offers visitors an abundance of luxurious services in a stunning setting , leaving guests more refreshed then ever.

Prices dependent on services desired.

Those looking to travel in style can hire a private plane to Dubai with Air Charter Service from £7,910 on an eight-seater 500 Super Midsized jet. With the option of private jets, executive airline charters and group charters, there are plenty of luxurious options to land in Dubai.

For more information about planning a holiday to Dubai visit www.visitdubai.com

Destination Inspiration February 10, 2020

O-man, you’re missing out!

Why should your next trip be to Oman? We’ll tell you why. Our girl Vanessa had the pleasure to visit the Arabian peninsula last week and she hasn’t shut up about it since.

Rich in cultural history with a unique and exotic vibe, Oman is a place everyone must visit at some point in their life; mainly known for being a major oil exporter yet the country has so much more to offer. It’s history is perfect for history lovers; once under Portuguese rule with old ports, defences and a jail, which there is now no need for due its non-existent crime rate.

It’s one of the safest regions in the Middle East, has four UNESCO world heritage sites and it’s buildings are awash with pastels; no dark colours or skyscrapers here, not even in Muscat, making it simply picturesque.

As a country it is super stable and ruled by a monarchy; Sultan Qaboos bin Said al-Said attended university in the UK and made many changes to the country, modernising it and its culture. He recently passed and has been succeeded by his cousin, Haitham bin Tariq Al Said. So over the next few years it will be interesting to see what the new Sultan brings to Oman.

Omani’s are vibrant, friendly and beyond polite and the country is immersed in the culture of Islam, so throwing yourself into the culture is necessary. A visit to the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque is a highlight, with the largest carpet in the world and a 1,120 lightbulb Swarovski chandelier, it is a grounding experience; just remember to dress appropriately and respectfully. Venturing into the city to discover old Muscat, new Muscat and their ports allows you to appreciate what the country has to offer. Getting lost in the Souks is a must and even in this environment the Omani stall owners are super polite, with an array of perfume oils, trinkets, clothing and local food, it’s the perfect place to absorb the dynamic atmosphere.

Dates, obviously play a huge part in Oman and we definitely recommend trying a variety, yet they aren’t the only sweet treat in the nation. Halwa, is a sticky gelatinous dish made from brown sugar, honey, eggs and various spices, that is seriously worth indulging in.

The rest of Omani cuisine revolves around meat, spices, bread and rice. Majoboos is meal worth trying it’s rice cooked with saffron and served with a spicy meat of your choice. Mushalat is also a good option, it’s a soft flat bread stuffed with honey, meat, spinach or cheese and of course there is Shwarma.

Due to it’s ports and coast Oman is renowned for it’s seafood and if you’re a fan. Mashuai is the dish for you; roasted kingfish and savoury lemon rice. Some places also allow you to experience the traditional Oman Shuwa which is a celebratory dish of roasted lamb and rice, normally reserved for special occasions.

Oman’s landscape is breathtaking; mountains whose rock formations vary from one to the next, vast deserts with scatterings of trees and shrubs to the whitewashed buildings of the city. There is always something to look at and explore.

To get the best of Oman, you need to know where to stay… Sahab Resort and Spa is a boutique hotel in Jabal Al Akhdar, built on the canyon edge of Al Hajar Mountain range. The resort sits at 2000m above sea level so temperatures can get a little chilly but the views easily make up for that. So whether you want a little pamper or adventure this is the perfect location. Spa treatments and sunbathing vs hiking and abseiling; the choice is yours.

Mountainous landscape with breathtaking views checked off, so the next choice is of course the desert. Dunes by Al Nahda is a tented hotel in the South Batinah region, located in the heart of the desert you are surrounded by the sands of the Wadi Al Abyad. The resort is spread out over 17 acres and has 50 individual tents, an incredible restaurant, the best hotel reception you will ever encounter, an open air spa, an incredible restaurant, a bar that can conjure up any cocktail and of course a resident camel.

All in all, Oman is a secret treasure that isn’t going to be a secret for much longer.

Adventures July 14, 2019

Oman: A Lesson in Subtlety and Opulence

Oman remains one of the few comparative secrets of the Middle East, not because it has actively closed itself off from the rest of the world in the last few decades, but because unlike its neighbouring countries, it has never felt the need to shout about its presence. Unlike Dubai and Abu Dhabi, Oman has resisted becoming just another tourist hub forever aiming to outdo its neighbours. There is an air of calm confidence in all Omani things that younger countries (even the United States) cannot match. Visitors to Muscat will have their jaws unceremoniously dropped by the majesty of the architecture and opulence of the capital. There is the world’s largest crystal chandelier to ogle with a slack jaw, and the heady scents of a busy frankincense market where haggling is the norm to take in. Whether you’re a veteran visitor or a first timer, there are plenty of things vying to take your breath away. With that said, there’s no element of boasting from signage, the residents, or the tour guides met along the way.

The promise of endless relaxation and massages is more than enough to make anyone drool, especially when you take the settings into account. It was with that in mind that I left London behind. Upon landing we were greeted by a perfectly air conditioned, and miraculously, almost silent airport. This shouldn’t have been a great wonder, but compared to the mania of Heathrow it seemed almost surreal. Once acclimated to the bright sun we were whisked away to the sprawling resorts that we would call home few days — two very different resorts by the Al Nahda Group.

The resorts would see us being pampered and scrubbed, plied with rich and vibrant flavours and with freshly squeezed juices on hand throughout the day, which is exactly what I needed. Both resorts prized attention to detail, and particularly at the Dunes by Al Nahda it was possible to forget entirely about the world outside and just marvel at the beauty of the surroundings.

Al Nahda Resort and Spa

The reception of the Al Nahda Resort and Spa is deceptively small when you first emerge upon the property, but any misgivings are quickly put to rest. This is a sprawling thirty acre lagoon which features dedicated spaces for spas, restaurants, a bar, pools and silent meditation.

Our private villas which comprised of soft beds, separated kitchenettes, and bathrooms with deep baths sunk into the floor just in case the spa misses an untended knot in your muscles. Not that this ever seems likely, the spa treatments and staff are so attentive it seems unfathomable that anything could be overlooked.

With so many luxury locations competing for supremacy, it’s the little things that set locations apart. At the Al Nahda Resort and Spa the idea of ‘local’ ingredients is taken to a whole new level. In the myriad of treatments available you’ll find many of the plants you walk past on the paths that stretch through this lagoon. When you book your treatments the staff set out to pick fresh herbs to order, ensuring the fresh aromas and scents never need artificial preservation or enhancement.

As the many spa treatments threatened to overwhelm our bodies, we punctuated our visit to Oman by taking in the unmissable sights of Muscat, including the Grand Mosque and the Souq which sit in the very heart of the capital.

The Grand Mosque

The quiet hush of a holy place is one of the few experiences I think can cross boundaries and world views. It didn’t matter where visitors came from, even the children knew to fall to a respectful hush when in this place. Visiting hours are brief as this is a functioning place of worship which accommodates up to 40,000 worshippers at any one time, so if you get chance to take a tour through the mosque, jump at it! Marvel at the majesty of the eight tonne Austrian crystal chandelier and the spiralling gold detailing on every inch of spare space. Whether you’re there to appreciate the spirituality or the design, you won’t leave disappointed.

The Dunes

The Al Nahda Resort was a world of its own, but it is like other hotels I’ve seen on my travels, the same, however, cannot be said for the Dunes by Al Nahda location. Nestled away on the edge of Muscat’s sand dunes, this felt like something straight from a fairy tale — an Instagrammer’s dream brought to life, without any of the disappointments of everyday reality.

Accommodation here is comprises of a collection of luxury solid walled tents which are perfectly portioned slices of privacy. The fabric draped walls and ceilings recreated the sense of being in a real tent, without any of the drawbacks of actually camping. In place of sleeping bags and communal showers there are beds which cradle your body, and pillows so soft you might contemplate buying one as a souvenir as I almost did. The bathrooms here also make the most of the space with more sunken baths, though these were smaller than the ones we had first stretched out in on this trip. As beautiful as the rooms are, it’s hard to imagine spending much time there, with so much to do in this resort.

One of the biggest challenges at the Dunes was simply figuring out how to plan the day. With so many options of juxtaposed activities, it was hard to cram in every experience on offer. The best we came up with ran something like this: Start the day with dune bashing or quad biking over the limitless sands around the resort, feeling gravity tempt your body towards the ground. Or, take a wander on a camel to really tick off the bucket list. Then, return to the restaurant where the head chef has been playing about with new variations to the already delightful menu. The drinks are equally sublime, and despite loving nothing more than an old fashioned, I barely thought of alcohol on this trip. With that said, the bartenders are always excited to show off their skills whenever they have the chance.

Now that the adrenaline has worn off and the food has settled down, head to the spa for a treatment that can last anywhere between thirty minutes and three hours.

Our favourite treatment at the Dunes open air spa had it’s memorable ups and downs. We were covered in hot sand letting the mid morning sunlight soak into our skin, with a face mask made of only the freshest ingredients (something we had become used to in just a few days) and a masseuse hovering over us whilst we baked. As relaxing and care-filled as this all was, it quickly became obvious why our masseuse kept so close… The desert flies were just as tempted by the fresh face mask as we were, and it was only the continual careful wafting over our faces that stopped them landing.

After twenty minutes of simultaneous warming and wafting it was time to shower off… for the first time. Oh yes, this is a treatment with two showers, and there’s no denying that you spend a lot of time near naked. From here, our hot skin was cooled with a massage of yoghurt, which was far more pleasurable than initially expected. The last knots in our muscles disappeared, but we weren’t done yet. Another brief shower removed the yoghurt from our skin, and we were finally ready for a custom aromatherapy massage.

After all of this excitement, take in the last of those blissful rays with by the pool with a good book in one hand, and an ice cold drink in the other. The infinity pool awaits if you feel like putting in a few laps, but we won’t judge you if you relax on the feather soft sun loungers by the side.

When our visit was finally over, and returning to the cloudy UK became inevitable, there was a sense of longing to do more in the resorts. But, actually, we had taken in every offering and still had time to relax, which seemed impossible, but somehow it was true. The pacing at both Al Nahda resorts was perfect without ever having to think about it. The teams are accommodating and know how to make the most of every second with their guests, but still leave plenty of time to simply smile at the indescribable views.

No worries, no stress, just good food, great views and unique treatments. That is something priceless to me and what I’m pining now as I write this, well, that and another fresh glass of watermelon juice.

Booking information for Al Nahda Resort & Spa and Dunes by Al Nahda:

Al Nahda Resort & Spa

Executive Suite: From OMR 59 BB Nett for 2 adults and 2 kids below 12 years in existing bedding

Executive Suite: From OMR 99 FB for 2 adults and 2 kids below 12 years in existing bedding

For Bookings : please write to stay@alnahdaresort.com

www.alnahdaresort.com

Dunes by Al Nahda:

Luxury Tent: From OMR 149 BB Nett for 2 adults and 1 kids below 6 years in existing bedding

Luxury Tent: From OMR 199 FB Nett for 2 adults and 1 kids below 6 years in existing bedding

For Bookings : please write to stay@dunesbyalnahda.com

www.dunesbyalnahda.com

Canada May 21, 2019

#WomenWorldwide: Being your true Multi-Hyphenate Self with Artist, Amanda Morie

Here at #TeamCoco, the whole team identify as multi-hyphenates. Not content with just one path, we pursue many; creating a rich and varied (work) life for ourselves. We love interviewing fellow multi-faceted entrepreneurs and our chat today, with artist Amanda Morie is no exception.

The entrepreneur wrote a book, competed in Miss Universe, was creating artworks for galleries around the world…and teaching in an arts based school all in the same year… Read on to find out more about the wonderful Amanda Morie.

HOC: Great to meet you, Amanda! Can you tell us a little about your journey to being an artist?

Amanda: I started doing art when I was really young; I actually sketched from a really young age. I would literally just lie in bed and look at the roof and see all the shadows from my window. When I was little, I found it really hard to sleep at night. Anywhere I moved in the house when I couldn’t sleep – from the couch in the living room or even the floor, I would just look at the shadows from the light streaming in through the windows from the night and sketch them.

I started to take art classes in grade 7 and when I was 12 I actually won best artist of the year for my school! Then I had a travelling exhibition when I was 14 and my artworks travelled across Alberta, Canada. My pieces went to different galleries and museums and I couldn’t believe it that something I didn’t know very well (art) could be something I was successful at!

However, over the next few years at school I pursued music and didn’t keep up with my art classes. I got back into art again later on in high school and a painting of mine won an award from Red Cross Canada and again travelled across Canada. Again, I was amazed but didn’t really start to focus on art until I got to university.

HOC: An amazing origin story! What happened when you got to university?

Amanda: At the time, I really did see myself as a musician and that’s what I went to university for. I’d played in the symphony since I was very young and then when I got to university and started taking music classes, I had to take the other classes as well. I took classes in Art, Music, Drama, Dance… and when I took my first Art 101 class, the professor was like, ‘ holy crap, you’re amazing! Why don’t you go into art?’

I’d never really thought about it as something for me to do seriously as I’d always considered myself as a musician but I thought okay, why not give it a chance. My professor submitted my portfolio for an Art degree and I got in! I ended up with a combined degree in Music and Fine Arts painting and a degree in Elementary Education as well. I also have a degree in event planning which I feel has really helped me with my Art eg. setting up exhibitions and curating artwork for myself for different exhibitions internationally.

HOC: And how did you turn that knowledge into your career as an artist today?

Amanda: After university I started to apply some knowledge from my classes and my professors around what I should paint / how I should paint. This has got to be the worst part of university; you do what you are told to do so that you can get good grades but in the end you should really become the voice that you want to become! I was finding it hard to find that voice as Amanda Morie…

So I started to paint. I painted just anything really and tried different mediums and techniques. I started to challenge my own thoughts. For instance, in my mind, a painting wasn’t good unless it was super detailed and hyper realistic. I also felt that a painting could be magnificent if it was abstract and unique to its own.

After university I started applying to different galleries in Canada, as I was living in Alberta at the time. All the galleries turned me down! They said, ‘okay, yes you had your first solo exhibit travel around Canada when you were 15 but we need something more’. They wanted artists of a higher calibre and this really bothered me as just because I just graduated didn’t mean that I wasn’t a good artist! I started doubting myself and thinking what I’d do next. Even thinking whether I should just give up…

Really at that time, I didn’t have any support from people around me and I stopped painting for a little while. But one day, I said ‘screw it! I’m going to make my own website!’ So I started my site in 2011 and it’s not long now until that was a decade ago! My company has been running since then and I’m so glad that I built my website and also that I learnt all the tricks on how to create a gorgeous website from scratch – including doing all the coding myself!

HOC: And it all went from there?

Amanda: Yes! In 2012 I had my first sold out solo exhibition in NY and NY started to take hold of my artworks. The galleries there saw something in my art that I couldn’t see or understand just yet . I was getting a lot of requests to go to NYC and do shows – it was just amazing!

In 2012 I also published my first book – Along The Lines Of My Thoughts by Amanda Morie. The book travelled to different galleries, museums and creative spaces. For me, it was such an achievement to create a book that showcased the youth of our generation and showed them that you can be something even if you don’t feel like you can.

It doesn’t matter where you start, it matters that you believe in yourself. That’s the initial point – the initial flame – you have to believe in yourself and trust that what you have is precious, beautiful and so unique and that the world needs to see it!

In 2015 I started painting for Saatchi Art and I started showing internationally ; Hong Kong, Paris, London. I even showed at the Eiffel Tower, at the Louvre… I was nominated for a German design award in 2017 and I also did art for Armani for the Burj Khalifa in 2017.

Last year I didn’t do quite as much! I focused more on the Artist Lane Gallery, the main gallery representing me. It’s been incredible so far; I just take it day by day!

HOC: But you aren’t solely a painter and author, are you?

Amanda: Haha, no! Alongside my book tour I was also running for Miss Universe, in the Canada pageant and became a finalist. It was absolutely incredible, especially the experience of working with different charities.

I created a computer lab for SOS children charity in Nicaragua and we raised over $84,000 to create a computer lab for kids who didn’t have any source of technology whatsoever in their lives. At this time I had already graduated with my Elementary Teaching degree and I was working in a school as well as modelling, doing Miss Universe and painting…and writing my book! It was a very stressful time but I ended up creating this connection between the kids in Nicaragua and the kids that I had in my classroom.

It was so cool to see the creativity flow between Canada and Nicaragua. Even though the kids’ lifestyle and energy of their respective lives were completely different, they had the same feelings, the same appreciation for life and for being a creative being.

The school that I was working in was an art based school so each subject was taught around art. So, if you were teaching math, you had to essentially teach addition using some art form: music, dance drama . It was really interesting, as an artist, to be teaching kids these basic necessities of life but through art. It was really life changing for me and I used this experience as my inspiration to become a better artist myself. Through everyday means and matters, I grow and see art in a different way.

HOC: And it’s art and specifically, painting that has your heart?

Amanda: Absolutely! The heart is like a paintbrush when it swipes across a crisp white canvas. Every single emotion that you are feeling comes onto that canvas. Painting is so organic and so becoming of you; that’s why abstract painting in particular for me is so important and so interesting.

Being an artist doesn’t start when you are 12, it starts from the day you were born because you are growing, you are developing your taste and your style. I feel like a lot of people feel that art is easy to do but a true artist is not just developing their style when they are 20, 30, 40 , 50; they are developing it since the day they were born!

There’s this story about Picasso; he was eating in a restaurant and did a quick sketch while he was there. When he left, the waitress asked, ‘Pablo, can I keep this?’.

Do you know what he said?

‘Of course, as long as you pay me $20,000’, or whatever the amount was.

She was shocked and asked why it would cost so much when it hadn’t taken him long.

His response?

‘My dear, it didn’t take me 5 seconds to draw. It took me my whole lifetime’.

HOC: How do you balance the varying demands on your time and still manage to be creative?

Amanda: A lot of time, we as humans, have excuses for everything. Not enough time for this or that, excuse upon excuse! For me, I’m not saying that I’m not victim to the cycle of excuses, however I try to live my life to the fullest extent possible!

Every single moment not living is a moment wasted. We choose how we want to spend our time. It is our choice! I think a lot of people try too hard to make other people happy and they don’t do enough to make themselves happy, to light that fire within them. And this is a mistake. There is a saying “you only live once but, if you do it right, once is enough.”

Even though you could say I have been successful since a young age, I suppressed my dreams for years – it was exhausting! Slowly, over time, I started to listen to that little fire within me. I started to create a list of things that wanted, that I dreamed would happen. Being a musician and playing on a stage, modelling and doing commercials and publishing my own book were all paths that helped me develop a tough skin but it wasn’t until I was a finalist for Miss Universe that I truly developed a very tough skin.

Millions of people watching your every move, social media, photos, skin, the way you walk- everything. Everyone was trying to tell me what to do and how to do it. I said ‘enough!’ and created another list.

I loved to paint, travel, and I loved my business. I couldn’t give any of them up. It wasn’t a question. I loved meeting new people, learning and growing, pushing myself to the limit.

So I did three things:

I let go of all my excuses that kept me stuck
I adopted great habits and behaviours that set me up for success
Lastly, I acquired the skills necessary to make my exponential growth possible.

Art isn’t about finding the time. As artists, the time finds us through all the beautiful things around us and the things we experience. The creativity just flows from there.

HOC: We hear you love to travel; tell us a bit about your travel? Where has been your favourite place in the last year?

Amanda: Yes! I absolutely love to travel! I think I developed this taste of travel from a very young age, traveling around North America as a musician, but the best moments were with my mom and sister. My mom loved to take us on random little road trips and always let us try new things. She is absolutely amazing and I always thank her for this. I thank her for allowing my sister and me to be who we are.

This instinctual urge to travel has taken me all across South America, down to Antarctica, up to the North Pole, Alaska, all the tiny islands in Hawaii. I’ve visited almost the entirety of the South Pacific and 90% of Asia, Africa, Middle East and Europe. Yes, I have been to all seven continents!

One thing I learnt is no matter the culture, religion, language or city, we all function and work in the same way, we all smile big and we all just want to be loved. Every place has this in common and you can see it through and through. It’s amazing.

I think the most interesting places that I went to this year were Petra, Jordan, Israel and Muscat, Oman. These were places that I never thought I would ever go to, but they blew me away. Petra, being one of the 7 wonders of the world. Israel, I loved because it is the up and coming hub of the art world. Muscat because the beaches and mountains are breathtaking yet everything is so lavish and grandiose to perfection.

HOC: Why, in your opinion, is art so important?

Amanda: In my professional opinion, art is extremely important because it is one the first ways of communication; the first form of self expression and culture. Art dates back to cave paintings where we saw all these grand images of how life was. Then we move ahead to China where the first form of printmaking was invented right after paper was invented around 105 AD.

The Chinese created this form of printmaking to communicate between villages and then later on started to use it in terms of an art form. Everyone loves art, it surrounds us. Not everyone can say they appreciate it. I sometimes do meet some people who say they have blank walls with no interest in ever collecting. Regardless, we all have a favourite colour, favourite photograph, pattern etc., basically something that moves us and makes us happy.

So I believe everyone loves art whether they want to admit it or not! It’s in our human nature. Sometimes people collect paintings for investment but, the majority of us, we collect art because it makes us feel something and every time we see it hanging on our wall, we smile, leaving all the stresses of the day at the front door. Artistically speaking, I think art allows people to have a voice, to show the world the micro complexities of the heart, to share something they may not have shared if they didn’t have art.

HOC: For our creative readers, what advice would you have for them to grow their artist practices and get their work seen?

Amanda: I get a lot of messages every day from artists of all kinds asking me this very question! How did you start? How did you do it?

The best form of advice I can give is to be your unapologetic self. Show the world what you’ve got and don’t be afraid, because there are over a billion people in the world and chances are someone is going to love it! Get out of your studio, go to places you have never been to, talk to people, enjoy and cherish every moment. I also suggest supporting other artists, going to opening shows as much as possible, museums and talks. Maybe even doing an artist talk yourself!

Once you have confidence in yourself, it will shine through and people will notice. From there, anything is possible and the sky is the limit.

HOC: What artwork that you’ve created means the most to you and why?

Amanda: My favourite artwork is actually “Lights, Camera, Action” (seen to the left / above) that I created in 2015. Its acrylic on canvas, 24 x36 inches. I used it as part of my Fashion Week Collection of Paintings. It was nominated for an award in Dubai and shown for Armani at the Burj Khalifa in 2017.

I loved it so much because it was the first time I was part of NYFW in 2012. I loved watching all the other models get ready before shows, walking and then watching shows after. It’s a moment I will never forget. This is an image of Karlie Kloss from Oscar de la Renta’s show at NYFW Fall 2012. The way her energy was on the runway was infectious, full of class and yet serene. I had to paint the photo and put a little bit of my artistic flare into it.

HOC: Who / where do you get your inspiration from?

Amanda: Honestly I try not to let anything influence or inspire me. I appreciate the great masters like Monet, Matisse and De Kooning and of course the up and coming artists of our generation, however I want my voice to be my own. When I start an abstract painting I never think about what I want to do. I have no preconceived ideas.

Most of the time I grab whatever colours are closest to me. Even though I have a gorgeous easel imported from Italy, I like to paint on the floor and get messy! So I have a lot of colours lying around me. When I feel like I am “done” I take a step back, look at it for a long time, photograph it and then go back and fix it more if need be.

HOC: Finally, we feel you are going to have some great creative funk smashers…?

Amanda: Creativity is all around us. In the smile of someone walking by, or the perfectly made heart in the foam of a fresh cappuccino or the shine sparkling the waves as they roll onto the beach. It’s up to us if we want to see these beautiful things or not. For me that’s why I am never in a creative funk. I’m constantly learning, observing and trying new things.

If you asked me while I was in university if I would be painting using concrete, like I do now, I would laugh! I try to keep many paintings on the go at once as well, so I can paint some here and then, there to keep the constant flow of energy going.

Good music is a must as well to have playing in the studio, I like singer songwriters on cold rainy or snowy days and dance/ electronic on sunny days. Whatever the mood, music can really help!

Find our more about Amanda Morie and here work over on her website

Amanda is represented by Artists Lane, NY Art Gallery and in partnership with 1stdibs

Oman May 6, 2019

What a way to spend a day: 4 unmissable Muscat experiences

Have you ticked Muscat off your bucket list? Had you even thought to add it before right now? Whether the capital of Oman has been on your radar for a minute, a month, or for a lifetime; it’s somewhere you simply have to see.

If you’re not sure where to start, never fear, at House of Coco we’re never short of a few bits of travel inspo, so we’ve sampled the very best that Muscat has to offer here are our picks.

Get friendly with a camel, or a jeep

When you imagine staring out across the sand dunes of the capital you have a few different options to consider, namely, how you’re going to go, and you’re going to get there. Starting from the Dunes by Al Nahda resort you can take a short wander on a camel to capture that sense of ancient wonder. Or, you can do something that’s a little more modern and that will get the blood pumping that bit faster…

Dune bashing is a popular pass time for visitors and locals alike, and consists of being driven at speed over the teetering sand dunes that surround a luxury desert resort (the best sentences always seem a little strange the first time you read them). As your seatbelt tenses around you and you’re holding your breath, teetering over the edge (all the while in the hands of an experienced driver) the feeling isn’t dissimilar to being on a rollercoaster. Your heart jumps into your throat and suddenly you’re sliding so fast it feels like flying. If you’re worried about dune bashing but even slightly tempted, go for it! Despite our initial reservations, dune bashing is still one of our favourite Oman memories months later.

Indulge in a little retail therapy, with a lot more shouting

Though the serenity of high end boutiques is a beautiful thing, the mayhem of a market is has a certain, undeniable allure. A visit to the Muscat souq is a great way to brush up on your negotiation skills and to find some gorgeous silver pieces in the process. Whether you’re looking for a minimalist bangle to add to your capsule wardrobe or a decorative oil lamp to display proudly in your home, you’re certain to find something you love. When you’ve found something you love, be prepared to (verbally) fight for it.

Bartering, or haggling dependant on which term you prefer, is an intrinsic part of a trip to the Muscat souq, the emotions are feigned and heightened, so don’t worry when you propose a price and the seller looks back at you like you’ve offered them a chicken painted pink, it’s all part of the game! With a little skill, a lot of stubbornness and a little bit of luck, you can grab a beautiful souvenir, and a story that’s worth even more.

Get scrubbed up

After all that excitement, a scrub from the skilled hands of the team at the Uru Spa at the Al Nadha Resort and Spa is a great way to take any lingering tension out of your shoulders… and the rest of your body. Start with a rejuvenating foot scrub and then lie back and relax as your body is worked from head to toe with herbal concoctions featuring the fruits and herbs grown onsite. When you’re suitably cooled down and relaxed it’s time to hop into the steam shower and let your pores absorb all of the goodness it’s enveloped by. Finish the whole thing off with a shower and you’ll feel like a whole new person — trust us.

Count the stars

As the day in the city ends, the sky over Dunes by Al Nahda comes to life. Tucked just outside of the main city, Dunes is protected from much of the light pollution and that means a fantastic time to for stargazing. You can opt to either dine in the restaurant and finish your night with a glass of your favourite drink looking up at the sky, or you can spend the entire night that way! The team at Dunes arrange the most amazing feasts under the stars for their guests, packed with fine dining treats in perfect portions, sat on deceptively supportive cushions so you can watch the night’s sky until you’re ready to count sheep instead of stars.

Whatever you choose to do, you’ll come away feeling rested and relaxed — even after dune bashing! The most amazing thing about Oman is the sense of quiet confidence it exudes, which leaves visitors feeling safe and secure every step of the way.

So, you’ve come to the end of this article, have you booked your flights to Muscat yet?