The welcome
It's raining the day I arrive, which is not quite how I imagined my introduction to a place known for being one of the most beautiful in the world. After a 50-kilometre drive from the airport along the coastal road, through cane fields and small villages, I pull up at a set of grand copper gates leading into the resort. Once security has acknowledged me, I make my way through and drive toward the entrance. Here I am greeted by two beaming footmen – one of them beats a drum to signify my arrival, while the other takes care of my luggage. I forget the grey skies as I step into the expansive lobby. Check-in takes place in a comfortable sitting area, and within a few minutes I'm in my room staring out at the ocean in front of me.
The neighbourhood
Le Saint Geran – or the Grand Dame of Mauritius as it's long been known – is set on a private peninsula at the northern tip of the Belle Mare coastline in Poste de Flacq, less than an hour by car from the Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport. On one side sits the Indian Ocean, while on the other is a calm private lagoon. The country's capital city, Port Louis, is about 50 minutes' drive from the resort.
The room
The resort has 142 rooms and suites (and one villa), and the Ocean Suite I'm staying in is light and airy and has its own furnished terrace, providing direct access to the 2km stretch of beach. Each room at One&Only has its own private terrace or first-floor balcony, and ocean, beach or lagoon views. Last year's US$55 million (Dh202m) renovation of the resort saw the rooms completely redesigned to integrate the local landscape in the interiors and infuse an island-inspired colour palette. My room has a walk-in wardrobe, hair and make-up dressing table, spacious marbled bathroom with his and hers basins, standalone tub and separate shower and toilet cubicles. There's a 24-hour butler service.
The service
Exemplary, just as you would expect from a luxury resort that has been part of the neighbourhood for 42 years and has hosted guests such as Oprah Winfrey – and my next-door neighbour during this stay, Lady in Red singer Chris de Burgh and his family, who are regulars here. And while you might expect it to be hoity-toity, the staff are more like old friends, always smiling and warm, and happy to help when necessary. The only hiccup experienced during my two-night stay was a booking mix-up at the spa, which was promptly solved without upset or need to reschedule.
The scene
Exclusive, but not elitist. Le Saint Geran offers a relaxed and welcoming resort vibe – the number of repeat guests are indicative of that. If you want complete privacy, you will be adequately treated, but if you're after a more lively evening, the resort offers that, too: there's a live band each night at La Terrasse. Those keen on a date night or celebratory dinner can "escape" to the new Nobu-like standalone Asian fusion restaurant Tapasake, hands down the best at the property.
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Read more:
My Kind of Place: Port Louis, Mauritius
Soaking it all up in Mauritius
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The food
Celebrity chef Marc de Passorio's position at the helm of the food offerings has added a new dimension to the overall resort experience. With five diverse options, it's a well-rounded offering, extending from the casual to the more refined. Perhaps the most exciting part of the recent renovation is the introduction of Tapasake. With its traditional thatched roof, fish-shaped lanterns and statement entry, it is positioned over the water, away from the other eateries. The food here is Spanish tapas meets pan-Asian, and individual dishes cost from 185 Mauritian rupees (Dh20). Prime is the resort's steak restaurant – it has a trendy dark-brown-leather aesthetic, and the menu includes some of the best Japanese and Australian cuts of beef, but be prepared, the best comes at a cost of 6,000 rupees (Dh639) for the Japanese Wagyu.
La Terrasse is the all-day dining restaurant, which offers buffets for each meal along with a la carte. Breakfast here is a hearty affair, with stations for just about everything – bread, fresh fruit, curries, pizza breads and pastries, eggs and congee.
La Pointe is the best spot for a sunset drink or afternoon light lunch. As the name suggests, it’s located on the tip of the peninsula with views of the ocean, pool and lagoon. I can recommend the sea bass (1,425 rupees [Dh152]).
For a casual coffee or sweets, L'Artisan by the lobby is a relaxing space. Salads cost from 750 rupees (Dh80), while homemade pastries cost from 165 rupees (Dh18).
Loved
The hand-on-heart gesture delivered by the staff members across the resort is endearing and a genuine touch.
Hated
The beach hawkers. They’re a constant annoyance, but as no beach is classed as private in this island nation, there’s little the resort can do about it.
The verdict
A private sanctuary that is ideal for those celebrating a special occasion, whether it be a honeymoon, anniversary or birthday.
The bottom line
Rooms at the One&Only Le Saint Geran (www.oneandonlyresorts.com) cost from Dh2,056 per room, per night during low-season, including taxes, half-board and Wi-Fi.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
The drill
Recharge as needed, says Mat Dryden: “We try to make it a rule that every two to three months, even if it’s for four days, we get away, get some time together, recharge, refresh.” The couple take an hour a day to check into their businesses and that’s it.
Stick to the schedule, says Mike Addo: “We have an entire wall known as ‘The Lab,’ covered with colour-coded Post-it notes dedicated to our joint weekly planner, content board, marketing strategy, trends, ideas and upcoming meetings.”
Be a team, suggests Addo: “When training together, you have to trust in each other’s abilities. Otherwise working out together very quickly becomes one person training the other.”
Pull your weight, says Thuymi Do: “To do what we do, there definitely can be no lazy member of the team.”
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No more lice
Defining head lice
Pediculus humanus capitis are tiny wingless insects that feed on blood from the human scalp. The adult head louse is up to 3mm long, has six legs, and is tan to greyish-white in colour. The female lives up to four weeks and, once mature, can lay up to 10 eggs per day. These tiny nits firmly attach to the base of the hair shaft, get incubated by body heat and hatch in eight days or so.
Identifying lice
Lice can be identified by itching or a tickling sensation of something moving within the hair. One can confirm that a person has lice by looking closely through the hair and scalp for nits, nymphs or lice. Head lice are most frequently located behind the ears and near the neckline.
Treating lice at home
Head lice must be treated as soon as they are spotted. Start by checking everyone in the family for them, then follow these steps. Remove and wash all clothing and bedding with hot water. Apply medicine according to the label instructions. If some live lice are still found eight to 12 hours after treatment, but are moving more slowly than before, do not re-treat. Comb dead and remaining live lice out of the hair using a fine-toothed comb.
After the initial treatment, check for, comb and remove nits and lice from hair every two to three days. Soak combs and brushes in hot water for 10 minutes.Vacuum the floor and furniture, particularly where the infested person sat or lay.
Courtesy Dr Vishal Rajmal Mehta, specialist paediatrics, RAK Hospital
How to apply for a drone permit
- Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
- Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
- Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
- Submit their request
What are the regulations?
- Fly it within visual line of sight
- Never over populated areas
- Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
- Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
- Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
- Should have a live feed of the drone flight
- Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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Tips to stay safe during hot weather
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, especially water. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can increase dehydration.
- Seek cool environments: Use air conditioning, fans, or visit community spaces with climate control.
- Limit outdoor activities: Avoid strenuous activity during peak heat. If outside, seek shade and wear a wide-brimmed hat.
- Dress appropriately: Wear lightweight, loose and light-coloured clothing to facilitate heat loss.
- Check on vulnerable people: Regularly check in on elderly neighbours, young children and those with health conditions.
- Home adaptations: Use blinds or curtains to block sunlight, avoid using ovens or stoves, and ventilate living spaces during cooler hours.
- Recognise heat illness: Learn the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke (dizziness, confusion, rapid pulse, nausea), and seek medical attention if symptoms occur.
THE CLOWN OF GAZA
Director: Abdulrahman Sabbah
Starring: Alaa Meqdad
Rating: 4/5
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What is the FNC?
The Federal National Council is one of five federal authorities established by the UAE constitution. It held its first session on December 2, 1972, a year to the day after Federation.
It has 40 members, eight of whom are women. The members represent the UAE population through each of the emirates. Abu Dhabi and Dubai have eight members each, Sharjah and Ras al Khaimah six, and Ajman, Fujairah and Umm Al Quwain have four.
They bring Emirati issues to the council for debate and put those concerns to ministers summoned for questioning.
The FNC’s main functions include passing, amending or rejecting federal draft laws, discussing international treaties and agreements, and offering recommendations on general subjects raised during sessions.
Federal draft laws must first pass through the FNC for recommendations when members can amend the laws to suit the needs of citizens. The draft laws are then forwarded to the Cabinet for consideration and approval.
Since 2006, half of the members have been elected by UAE citizens to serve four-year terms and the other half are appointed by the Ruler’s Courts of the seven emirates.
In the 2015 elections, 78 of the 252 candidates were women. Women also represented 48 per cent of all voters and 67 per cent of the voters were under the age of 40.
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The specs
- Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
- Power: 640hp
- Torque: 760nm
- On sale: 2026
- Price: Not announced yet
Ferrari 12Cilindri specs
Engine: naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12
Power: 819hp
Torque: 678Nm at 7,250rpm
Price: From Dh1,700,000
Available: Now
UPI facts
More than 2.2 million Indian tourists arrived in UAE in 2023
More than 3.5 million Indians reside in UAE
Indian tourists can make purchases in UAE using rupee accounts in India through QR-code-based UPI real-time payment systems
Indian residents in UAE can use their non-resident NRO and NRE accounts held in Indian banks linked to a UAE mobile number for UPI transactions
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
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Lexus LX700h specs
Engine: 3.4-litre twin-turbo V6 plus supplementary electric motor
Power: 464hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 790Nm from 2,000-3,600rpm
Transmission: 10-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 11.7L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh590,000
F1 The Movie
Starring: Brad Pitt, Damson Idris, Kerry Condon, Javier Bardem
Director: Joseph Kosinski
Rating: 4/5
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Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
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COMPANY%20PROFILE
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What can victims do?
Always use only regulated platforms
Stop all transactions and communication on suspicion
Save all evidence (screenshots, chat logs, transaction IDs)
Report to local authorities
Warn others to prevent further harm
Courtesy: Crystal Intelligence
The bio
Favourite food: Japanese
Favourite car: Lamborghini
Favourite hobby: Football
Favourite quote: If your dreams don’t scare you, they are not big enough
Favourite country: UAE
Company%20Profile
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