The royal hammam at Emirates Palace, Mandarin Oriental's spa. Photo: Mandarin Oriental
The royal hammam at Emirates Palace, Mandarin Oriental's spa. Photo: Mandarin Oriental
The royal hammam at Emirates Palace, Mandarin Oriental's spa. Photo: Mandarin Oriental
The royal hammam at Emirates Palace, Mandarin Oriental's spa. Photo: Mandarin Oriental

Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental brings world-class wellness masters to Abu Dhabi


  • English
  • Arabic

“Tell me who you are,” urges the suave, serene Frenchman before me. “Not what you do or where you’re from, but who you really are,” with emphatic emphasis on the final word.

I feel like I’ve walked into my worst nightmare. Coming from the UK, where feelings are buried and not bandied about, I expect to shuffle into my massage appointment without so much as a flash of eye contact.

In stark contrast, my ultimate massage experience with “wellness designer” Jimmy Jarnet begins with an intimate one-on-one that leaves me stuttering through well-worn cliches.

“It doesn’t matter,” he says, with a wave of his perfectly manicured hand. “Your body will tell me.”

I’m on the verge of kicking off my spa slippers and hot-footing it out of the Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental spa until the very same Britishness has me nodding with feigned enthusiasm, following Jarnet meekly through the Moroccan-inspired retreat.

'Wellness designer' Jimmy Jarnet. Photo: Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental
'Wellness designer' Jimmy Jarnet. Photo: Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental

The spa itself is impressive, especially to someone who sources their monthly rubdowns from Groupon. Each treatment room follows a different theme, ranging from a magnificent hammam to a mystical cove-like vault bathed in red light.

After a brief tour, we get down to business and internationally acclaimed Jarnet does not disappoint. A former nurse and chiropodist, the dad-of-two knows his way around the human body, but the experience is so much more than the average back rub.

As well as relieving muscle tension, the “intense energy exchange” aims to achieve body-mind symbiosis that acts as an emotional release. As the music plays and our breathing syncs, I gradually let go of my inhibitions, allowing Jarnet to bend and cradle me until I finally emerge red-eyed and floppy-limbed.

Jarnet’s residency towards the end of last year was the first in a four-month-long series at Emirates Palace, with two more wellness masters set to take over the spa for one week only until February.

Each promises moments of “serenity and self-discovery” from world-famous wellness gurus. Justin Andries came in mid-December for private energy readings and guided group meditations, while Dr Buathon Thienarrom, a holistic practitioner and founder of the Sukkasart Institute of Healing Arts in Thailand, arrives on January 25, and Harley Street's global head of aesthetics, Milena Naydenov, drops in from February 20.

With trends such as womb steaming and vampire facials flooding social media feeds, it’s clear that many are looking for ways to look and feel better. And they’re prepared to go a bit kooky to get that elusive spring in our step.

Emirates Palace’s series has the benefit of world-class practitioners, luxury surroundings and impeccable facilities, and is the perfect setting to try something a little out of the ordinary.

It’s unfamiliar, it’s a bit awkward to begin with and it requires a bit of trust in the unknown. But when such methods are championed by a self-professed spiritual square, it’s probably worth a look.

Here’s what to expect from the final two alternative wellness masters.

Mind training with Dr Buathon Thienarrom

Thienarrom is famed for her holistic approach to alternative medicine.

With a background in nursing, psychology and health psychology, she certainly knows her stuff, focusing on physical awareness as a tool for mental transformation.

During her residency, from January 25 until February 3, Thienarrom will share her expertise in Tibetan medicine, sound healing, mind training and Taoism, a Chinese philosophy based on the writings of philosopher Lao-tzu advocating humility and religious piety.

The 60-minute sessions, called ZenNaTai, cost Dh1,700, and have been specially created by Thienarrom to release chest, cranial and abdominal tension while stimulating lymphatic flow.

Guests can also boost energy flow through Thienarrom’s energy-enhancing sound-healing treatment that uses restorative vibrations from Tibetan healing bowls, said to slow brain frequencies for immediate rejuvenation and calm. The process takes 75 minutes and costs Dh2,135.

The last treatment on offer is ideal for summoning the “new year, new me” perspective. Mind transformation aims to promote emotional well-being and mind training using conscious breathing exercises.

The one-to-one takes 60 minutes and is said to transform stress into vitality for the princely sum of Dh1,700.

Going back in time with Milena Naydenov

Fancy a more sculpted and youthful appearance for 2024? Milena Naydenov is the global head of aesthetics for luxury skincare brand 111Skin and will take over the Emirates Palace spa from February 20 to 25, with a range of cutting-edge formulas specially customised for UAE guests.

Naydenov will provide three high-performance skincare treatments, each priced at Dh1,470 for 90 minutes.

The signature Harley Street facial unlocks deep nourishment and hydration; the celestial black diamond non-surgical lift is hailed as the elixir of youth and the rose gold radiance facial uses innovative massage techniques aiming for a bright and freshened pallor.

Prices and dates vary; Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, Corniche Road. More information is available at mandarinoriental.com/en/abu-dhabi/emirates-palace/spa or by contacting 02 690 7885; moauh-spa@mohg.com

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Blackpink World Tour [Born Pink] In Cinemas

Starring: Rose, Jisoo, Jennie, Lisa

Directors: Min Geun, Oh Yoon-Dong

Rating: 3/5

Specs – Taycan 4S
Engine: Electric

Transmission: 2-speed auto

Power: 571bhp

Torque: 650Nm

Price: Dh431,800

Specs – Panamera
Engine: 3-litre V6 with 100kW electric motor

Transmission: 2-speed auto

Power: 455bhp

Torque: 700Nm

Price: from Dh431,800

EA Sports FC 26

Publisher: EA Sports

Consoles: PC, PlayStation 4/5, Xbox Series X/S

Rating: 3/5

COMPANY%20PROFILE%20
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EName%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Haltia.ai%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%202023%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ECo-founders%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Arto%20Bendiken%20and%20Talal%20Thabet%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Dubai%2C%20UAE%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EIndustry%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20AI%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ENumber%20of%20employees%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2041%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFunding%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20About%20%241.7%20million%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestors%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Self%2C%20family%20and%20friends%26nbsp%3B%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
ONCE UPON A TIME IN GAZA

Starring: Nader Abd Alhay, Majd Eid, Ramzi Maqdisi

Directors: Tarzan and Arab Nasser

Rating: 4.5/5

Countries offering golden visas

UK
Innovator Founder Visa is aimed at those who can demonstrate relevant experience in business and sufficient investment funds to set up and scale up a new business in the UK. It offers permanent residence after three years.

Germany
Investing or establishing a business in Germany offers you a residence permit, which eventually leads to citizenship. The investment must meet an economic need and you have to have lived in Germany for five years to become a citizen.

Italy
The scheme is designed for foreign investors committed to making a significant contribution to the economy. Requires a minimum investment of €250,000 which can rise to €2 million.

Switzerland
Residence Programme offers residence to applicants and their families through economic contributions. The applicant must agree to pay an annual lump sum in tax.

Canada
Start-Up Visa Programme allows foreign entrepreneurs the opportunity to create a business in Canada and apply for permanent residence. 

Best Foreign Language Film nominees

Capernaum (Lebanon)

Cold War (Poland)

Never Look Away (Germany)

Roma (Mexico)

Shoplifters (Japan)

Specs

Engine: Dual-motor all-wheel-drive electric

Range: Up to 610km

Power: 905hp

Torque: 985Nm

Price: From Dh439,000

Available: Now

The years Ramadan fell in May

1987

1954

1921

1888

RESULTS
%3Cp%3E3.30pm%3A%20Al%20Maktoum%20Challenge%20Round%203%20%E2%80%93%20Group%201%20(PA)%20%2475%2C000%20(Dirt)%202%2C000m%3Cbr%3EWinner%3A%20Jugurtha%20De%20Monlau%2C%20Pat%20Dobbs%20(jockey)%2C%20Jean-Claude%20Pecout%20(trainer)%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E4.05pm%3A%20Dubai%20City%20Of%20Gold%20%E2%80%93%20Group%202%20(TB)%20%24250%2C000%20(Turf)%202%2C410m%3Cbr%3EWinner%3A%20Global%20Storm%2C%20William%20Buick%2C%20Charlie%20Appleby%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E4.40pm%3A%20Burj%20Nahaar%20%E2%80%93%20Group%203%20(TB)%20%24250%2C000%20(D)%201%2C600m%3Cbr%3EWinner%3A%20Discovery%20Island%2C%20James%20Doyle%2C%20Bhupat%20Seemar%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E5.15pm%3A%20Nad%20Al%20Sheba%20Turf%20Sprint%20%E2%80%93%20Group%203%20(TB)%20%24250%2C000%20(T)%201%2C200m%3Cbr%3EWinner%3A%20Al%20Dasim%2C%20Mickael%20Barzalona%2C%20George%20Boughey%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E5.50pm%3A%20Al%20Bastakiya%20%E2%80%93%20Listed%20(TB)%20%24170%2C000%20(D)%201%2C900m%3Cbr%3EWinner%3A%20Go%20Soldier%20Go%2C%20Adrie%20de%20Vries%2C%20Fawzi%20Nass%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E6.25pm%3A%20Al%20Maktoum%20Challenge%20Round%203%20%E2%80%93%20Group%201%20(TB)%20%24450%2C000%20(D)%202%2C000m%3Cbr%3EWinner%3A%20Salute%20The%20Soldier%2C%20Adrie%20de%20Vries%2C%20Fawzi%20Nass%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E7.10pm%3A%20Ras%20Al%20Khor%20%E2%80%93%20Conditions%20(TB)%20%24300%2C000%20(T)%201%2C400m%3Cbr%3EWinner%3A%20Al%20Suhail%2C%20William%20Buick%2C%20Charlie%20Appleby%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E7.45pm%3A%20Jebel%20Hatta%20%E2%80%93%20Group%201%20(TB)%20%24350%2C000%20(T)%201%2C800m%3Cbr%3EWinner%3A%20Alfareeq%2C%20Dane%20O%E2%80%99Neill%2C%20Charlie%20Appleby%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E8.20pm%3A%20Mahab%20Al%20Shimaal%20%E2%80%93%20Group%203%20(TB)%20%24250%2C000%20(D)%201%2C200m%3Cbr%3EWinner%3A%20Sound%20Money%2C%20Mickael%20Barzalona%2C%20Bhupat%20Seemar%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
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$1,000 award for 1,000 days on madrasa portal

Daily cash awards of $1,000 dollars will sweeten the Madrasa e-learning project by tempting more pupils to an education portal to deepen their understanding of math and sciences.

School children are required to watch an educational video each day and answer a question related to it. They then enter into a raffle draw for the $1,000 prize.

“We are targeting everyone who wants to learn. This will be $1,000 for 1,000 days so there will be a winner every day for 1,000 days,” said Sara Al Nuaimi, project manager of the Madrasa e-learning platform that was launched on Tuesday by the Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, to reach Arab pupils from kindergarten to grade 12 with educational videos.  

“The objective of the Madrasa is to become the number one reference for all Arab students in the world. The 5,000 videos we have online is just the beginning, we have big ambitions. Today in the Arab world there are 50 million students. We want to reach everyone who is willing to learn.”

The chef's advice

Troy Payne, head chef at Abu Dhabi’s newest healthy eatery Sanderson’s in Al Seef Resort & Spa, says singles need to change their mindset about how they approach the supermarket.

“They feel like they can’t buy one cucumber,” he says. “But I can walk into a shop – I feed two people at home – and I’ll walk into a shop and I buy one cucumber, I’ll buy one onion.”

Mr Payne asks for the sticker to be placed directly on each item, rather than face the temptation of filling one of the two-kilogram capacity plastic bags on offer.

The chef also advises singletons not get too hung up on “organic”, particularly high-priced varieties that have been flown in from far-flung locales. Local produce is often grown sustainably, and far cheaper, he says.

What are the influencer academy modules?
  1. Mastery of audio-visual content creation. 
  2. Cinematography, shots and movement.
  3. All aspects of post-production.
  4. Emerging technologies and VFX with AI and CGI.
  5. Understanding of marketing objectives and audience engagement.
  6. Tourism industry knowledge.
  7. Professional ethics.
Results

Stage 7:

1. Caleb Ewan (AUS) Lotto Soudal - 3:18:29

2. Sam Bennett (IRL) Deceuninck-QuickStep - same time

3. Phil Bauhaus (GER) Bahrain Victorious

4. Michael Morkov (DEN) Deceuninck-QuickStep

5. Cees Bol (NED) Team DSM

General Classification:

1. Tadej Pogacar (SLO) UAE Team Emirates - 24:00:28

2. Adam Yates (GBR) Ineos Grenadiers - 0:00:35

3. Joao Almeida (POR) Deceuninck-QuickStep - 0:01:02

4. Chris Harper (AUS) Jumbo-Visma - 0:01:42

5. Neilson Powless (USA) EF Education-Nippo - 0:01:45

The National's picks

4.35pm: Tilal Al Khalediah
5.10pm: Continous
5.45pm: Raging Torrent
6.20pm: West Acre
7pm: Flood Zone
7.40pm: Straight No Chaser
8.15pm: Romantic Warrior
8.50pm: Calandogan
9.30pm: Forever Young

Specs

Engine: 51.5kW electric motor

Range: 400km

Power: 134bhp

Torque: 175Nm

Price: From Dh98,800

Available: Now

The biog

Age: 59

From: Giza Governorate, Egypt

Family: A daughter, two sons and wife

Favourite tree: Ghaf

Runner up favourite tree: Frankincense 

Favourite place on Sir Bani Yas Island: “I love all of Sir Bani Yas. Every spot of Sir Bani Yas, I love it.”

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The burning issue

The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE. 

Read part four: an affection for classic cars lives on

Read part three: the age of the electric vehicle begins

Read part two: how climate change drove the race for an alternative 

Real estate tokenisation project

Dubai launched the pilot phase of its real estate tokenisation project last month.

The initiative focuses on converting real estate assets into digital tokens recorded on blockchain technology and helps in streamlining the process of buying, selling and investing, the Dubai Land Department said.

Dubai’s real estate tokenisation market is projected to reach Dh60 billion ($16.33 billion) by 2033, representing 7 per cent of the emirate’s total property transactions, according to the DLD.

Directed by: Craig Gillespie

Starring: Emma Stone, Emma Thompson, Joel Fry

4/5

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Updated: January 22, 2024, 11:31 AM`