Month: February 2019

Alpine Attractions Zermatt

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By Shereen Shabnam

My favourite place in Switzerland is Zermatt, situated far from the hustle and bustle of everyday life at an altitude of 1,600 metres above sea level. The historic village oozes with charm and the high street is lined with luxury shopping, world-class restaurants and local gatherings post the day’s adventures.

I usually stay at the Grand Hotel Zermatterhof Zermatt, which is more like a second home for me in Zermatt because of the warmth of the staff, the hotel location and the fact that I can see the Matterhorn from my bed as I wake up in the morning.

Dominated by the Matterhorn, Zermatt is a rare place where everything works in synergy and GCC travellers can enjoy memorable summer and winter stays that includes a generous breakfast buffet during the festive season at this majestic property.

My favourite memory from my visit is the transfer to and from the Zermatterhof and Zermatt station in a horse-drawn carriage – most places use an electric bus on the day of your arrival and departure but I always inform the desk on my preference before arrival.

Guests at the Zermatterhof can enjoy a generous breakfast buffet, mineral water and soft drinks from the minibar, Ronnefeldt-Tea, Nespresso coffee machine with capsules, use of the spa, pool, steam bath, saunas, jacuzzi, ice grotto and gym and wireless Internet in the room and in all public areas.

Once you step into the Grand Hotel Zermatterhof, hospitality and luxury takes on a whole new meaning. It is a hotel you want to spend time in, meet with other guests and enjoy a hot chocolate while gazing at the Matterhorn.

And Grand Hotel Zermatterhof is where time means something different from what it means in the city. It is the perfect place to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life.

For ski enthusiasts, there is no better place than Zermatt to flirt with adventure and enjoy the sport with untouched stunning terrain and a helicopter to give you a lift there. Zermatt is the Alps’ largest heli-skiing destination and offers the best snow with the stunning beauty of the Alps.

My last visit to Zermatt was with family so we did more exploring of the mountains, train rides to closer viewing points of the Matterhorn and the highlight for my teen was the Glacier Palace.

The Glacier Palace was filled with sparkling ice sculptures enchanting visitors with artworks carved into different designs. It is a fairy-tale palace deep under the perennial snows leading through the glacier to sites such as a glacier crevasse and an ice toboggan run.

Zermatt is a private playground for guests who truly want to get away and indulge in a memorable holiday. For me, it is always a destination I go to when I am in Switzerland.

 

 

 

 

 

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Italy is Making Waves at the Dubai International Boat Show

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Yesterday evening, guests and VIPs celebrated the official opening of the Italian pavilion at the 27th edition of the Dubai International Boat Show, which is taking place until Saturday 2 March at the Dubai Canal, Jumeirah.

The pavilion was opened by Valentina Setta, Consul General of Italy in Dubai and Gianpaolo Bruno, Italian Trade Commissioner to the UAE, Oman and Pakistan yesterday afternoon and was followed by a cocktail reception at the exhibition’s Blaze bar.

Gianpaolo Bruno, Italian Trade Commissioner to the UAE, Oman and Pakistan said, “In 2018, Italy exported Euro 34 million worth of superyachts, boats, motorboats, ships, rowing boats and canoes to the UAE, making it the largest exporter of marine products to the UAE. This is an increase of over 111 per cent compared to 2017, when Italy exported around Euro 16 million worth of marine products to the UAE, and shows how the industry in the Emirates is flourishing.

“In 2018, the UAE’s marine industry was valued at around Euro 58 billion (USD 66 billion), with the leisure boating sector making up around Euro 1.3 billion (USD 1.5 billion) of this figure. The UAE boating sector is still an emerging market and it can offer great business opportunities to Italian companies who excel in design and technology, whilst offering high-quality products and services at competitive prices.”

The pavilion features the following 12 Italian specialised marine equipment suppliers and service providers who are being supported by the Italian Trade Agency (ITA) in cooperation with the Italian Marine Industry Association (UCINA) during the event:

  1. Ascom
  2. Boat Lift
  3. Boero Yachtcoatings
  4. Fratelli Zucchini – Sealants and Adhesives
  5. GFN Marine Equipment
  6. IMET Wave Marine
  7. Ingemar
  8. Luxury Wood Italy
  9. Marinedi
  10. PMP
  11. Creazioni Nautiche by Valeo
  12. Vapsint Gas Springs and Dampers

The Italian pavilion is located at Stands E-145, part of the Equipment Supplies & Services area. The Italian Marine Industry Association,UCINA, is also located at the Italian pavilion.

 

 

 

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FERRETTI GROUP AND OCEAN 360 REDEFINE THE BENCHMARK FOR LUXURY LIFESTYLE AT SEA.

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Riva 100' Corsaro @ Dubai International Boat Show.jpg
Ferretti Group, the worldwide leading leisure yacht manufacturer, will take part in the 27th edition of the Dubai International Boat Show from February 26th to March 2nd with a wonderful fleet of 4 yachts, where will be announced its news partnership with Ocean 360, the region’s newest 360-degree leisure yachting enterprise, covering the territories of the United Arab Emirates, Oman and Egypt. The strategic move is destined to strengthen the Italian yachts producer’s position in the Middle East, by extending the customer’s experience of the luxury brand beyond the yachts, through integrated high-end services that cover all needs related to a lifestyle of indulgence at sea. Ocean 360 is the right partner to achieve this, as it is to become the region’s largest 360-degree leisure yachting enterprise and marina management venture at the highest standards of quality. 
 
“Ocean 360 is the ideal partner for us, as it lives up to our vision and our standards that position us firmly at the top of the luxury yachting. Moreover, it is well rooted in the territory, in a market like the Middle East, which is of fundamental importance for our international expansion. We are sure that thanks to Ocean 360 solidity and authority, we will be represented at our best in the UAE, Oman and Egypt countries where an ever-growing array of shipowners and enthusiasts shows interest and enthusiasm for our boats and our ‘Made in Italy’ yachting. Thanks to this agreement, Ferretti Group further strengthens its selected distribution network, made up of over 60 international dealers, which guarantees its customers the highest levels of assistance in over 80 countries” stated Alberto Galassi, CEO of Ferretti Group. “At the Dubai Boat Show, also to celebrate the partnership with Ocean 360, we will showcase some of the most prestigious yachts of our range, including one “Middle East Premiere”, the performance breath-taking Pershing 82, alongside with Ferretti Yachts 550, Riva 100’ Corsaro and Pershing 70”.

The 27th annual Dubai International Boat Show sets sail today [TUESDAY]! Dive deeper into a life at sea by exploring sumptuous superyachts, affordable boats, rip-roaring sea-toys and have-a-go fun for all the family

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The show’s 2019 theme of “Let’s all live a little” encourages all marine enthusiasts and families to enjoy all the sea has to offer –  as doors open on the region’s leading five-day leisure marine event packed with live experiences, thrills and spills

The Dubai International Boat Show is back…and it’s ready to get people taking to the water, by whatever means necessary!

Opening today (TUESDAY, Feb 26th) at Dubai Canal, the hugely popular annual show will welcome more than 800 global brands showcasing every possible route to living your best life by the sea.

Naturally, that includes boats – in excess of 400 – that visitors and buyers alike can size-up, ranging from fishing boats and weekend pleasure-craft, to jaw-dropping 50 metre superyachts, brought to Dubai exclusively by the most prestigious boat-builders from around the world.

It also means the show is a market for everything else you would find either on or alongside a yacht or boat – plus others you wouldn’t even believe existed! From SEABOB’s fastest ever underwater sled; to the Awake Rävik, a 35-mph electric surfboard with a wireless hand-held throttle; or the world’s first active shark deterrent band, the Sharkbanz – it’s safe to say that the 2019 Dubai International Boat Show has every route to your new life in water mapped-out.

The show will be easier than ever to get to. Hop on one of the constant stream of free shuttle buses departing from Dubai Mall directly to the venue, or find your sea-legs early with a cool journey down from Al Habtoor City Station by complimentary water-taxi! The show site on Dubai Canal will have vast car-parking space too, making it a breeze getting in and out of.

Running from today (TUESDAY, Feb 26th) through Saturday March 2nd, the 27th edition of the Boat Show will showcase an incredible Dh1.5 billion worth of yachts and boats. It will host 38 global and regional launches, fitting the needs of all customers, from first time boat buyers to seasoned ocean-adventurers.

As the region’s premium lifestyle event, it will also be home to swathes of unique performances, live entertainment, races and have-a-go fun throughout the week, put together to appeal to all ages, families especially.

It will feature a number of out-at-sea sailing experiences, plus sea-toy taster sessions in its debut WaterSports Village. Always a favourite, the show’s Super Car Promenade will present the most exclusive cars to ever hit the tarmac, as will two brand new hyper-car parades.

Come the weekend, the dial will be turned to ten with a thrilling live fly-board competition, starting at 6pm. Then throughout the day on Saturday, the show’s adjacent beach will be the place to be to watch the rip-roaring International Aquabike Competition, which will welcome more than 70 world-class athletes and past champions from across the world, all coming face-to-face with genuine world titles up for grabs.

Trixie LohMirmand, Senior Vice President, Exhibition and Events Management of Dubai World Trade Centre, said: “The Middle East and the UAE in particular has grown into a must-visit destination for seafarers and is entering a new golden era of recreational boating and watersports.

“As Dubai grows as an international boating destination, the Dubai International Boat Show is thrilled to be the hub of everything that makes up the ocean lifestyle. We are seeing more and more newcomers to this vibrant community, and we welcome first-time buyers, dreamers and adventurers alike to experience all that the Dubai International Boat Show has to offer.”

The show is backed by key sponsors, including Dubai Harbour by Meraas, Feadship, Yalıkavak Marina, SS Marine, Gargash and Mercedes, and hosts exhibitors from 41 different nations.

The 27th Dubai International Boat Show takes place at the Dubai Canal Jumeirah, and is open to trade visitors and the general public from 3pm – 9pm daily from February 26th to March 2, 2019. Tickets will be available at the gates for AED 60 each or visitors can pre-register online to save 15%.

Seeking the Sun – Lanzarote

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By Shereen Shabnam

Lanzaroteis the perfect weather destination for holiday seekers almost all year round with diverse landscapesthat range fromvolcanic caves, lava lakes and craters, sandy beaches and transparent waters.
The natural heritage areas, dramatic landscapes, bustling tourist towns, parks and long sandy beaches makes Lanzarote an island of exceptional beauty and an ideal place to visit. If you are a nature lover, drop in at the Parque Nacional de Timanfaya, (Timanfaya National Park) which is one of the island’s greatest tourist attractions.

With excellent year-round climate and unique landscape, Lanzarote allows sun and the beach lovers to enjoy a series of activities likediving,surfing, windsurfing, swimming and kite surfing. It is a paradise for surferswith powerful waves and on calm days, visitors can dive anywhere in Lanzarote.

If you really enjoy surfing, head to Famara Beachwhere both beginners and advanced surfers gather and head to the sea to get practice. Sailingin Lanzarote is also perfect in the summer when the island receivesTrade Winds, ensuring you can sail without risk and enjoy the full experience of being out on the water.

The weather in Lanzarote is perfect for hiking, running, golfing, trekking, bikingand much more when exploring the local outskirts. The cycle network routes to suit all levels of bikers who can enjoy the view the island offers of volcanoes and unique landscapes. Runners can enjoy trails through mountains as they come across wild coasts, cliffs and nature trails as well as shops and cafes to enjoy local food.

If you enjoy golfing, Lanzaroteis known for enjoying each hole against an unbelievable backdrop formed by sea and volcanoes.  Golf can be played year-round in favourable climatic conditions, thanks to the island’s average temperature of 22°C. The two golf courses in Lanzarote are built in perfect harmony with the landscape and close to beaches, restaurants and other leisure activities.

Families can enjoy spectacular crystal-clear waters and superb stretches of white, golden and black sand. Popular beaches are Papagayo, Puerto del Carmen and Matagorda, Famara, Arrieta, Caleton Blanco, Orzola and the island of La Graciosa.

Because of the lush vegetation and natural resources, food in Lanzarote is fresh and mostly organic and visitors can try local traditional cuisine contemporary gastronomic dishes featuring fresh seafood, vegetables and meat.

If you are my type of a holidaymaker who makes spas a reason to go on holiday, you will not be disappointed in Lanzarote which has serene and sophisticated wellness centres, spas and thalassotherapy with massages and treatments that help your mind and body reach unwind and relax.

If you like celebrations, the traditional festivals and the famous Carnival should be perfect for you and on a smaller scale, the popular markets held every Sunday morning are fun with food and music.

Another place to go with children is The Atlantic Museum, the first underwater art museum in Europe that has a large artificial reef formed by 300 sculptures made with the neutral pH concrete that will in time increase marine biomass.

For nature lovers, Cueva de los Verdes is a fascinating cave to visit, created by the eruptions of the La Corona Volcano and The Cactus Garden is perfect for walks. Then there is the Mirador del Río, whichhas a balcony from where spectacular views over the Chinijo Archipelago can be enjoyed.

If you have time, the island of La Graciosa is a must visit as it is the most distinctive island in the Canaries, with only 600 inhabitants and is an idyllic destination full of peace, nature and serenity both in the popular areas and by its many beaches. Lanzarote is indeed a destination that has all one needs in one place for visitors of all ages.

 

 

#travel #hospitality #TravelJunkie #TravelTheWorld #wanderlust #globalista #wanderer #explore #discover #traveladdict #destinations #adventure #GoingPlaces #ShereenShabnam #Tourist #LuxuryTravel #TravellingIslander #TravelDiary #Fijian #AmazingPlaces #TravellingFijian #Globetrotter #SeeTheWorld #flight #Traveller#OffTheBeatenTrack #Shereen_Shabnam

Valentines Day Gift Guide from Anker

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A selection of innovative practical gadgets that eases the life of your loved ones

Celebrate Valentine’s Day with Anker with the perfect gift for your loved ones that lasts a lot longer than flowers and chocolates. Gifting gadgets for special occasions satisfies any personality from Anker Innovations where products range from Bluetooth speakers, headphones to power banks.The products are now in major retail stores in the Middle East.

Soundcore Flare:

Soundcore Flare is a cylindrical Portable Bluetooth speaker that provides immersive 360Oall around sound with BassUpTMTechnology. The uniquely designed Flare is water proof with IPX7 protection and comes with a beat driven ambient light show as well as offers 12 hours of continuous use on one charge. A perfect gift for someone who loves music on the go.

Liberty Air:

Liberty Air, true wireless in-ear headphones come with two built-in microphones with uplink noise cancellation and filters out ambient noises to ensure you sound crystal-clear even in noisy spaces. The latest Bluetooth 5.0 technology and a FPC antenna create a rock-solid connection for skip-free music. One-Step Pairing ensures automatic connection to your device. A seamlessly concealed sensor in both the earbuds allows you to effortlessly answer calls or adjust music without reaching for your phone. The charging case provides a longer battery life on the go for the earphones.

Soundcore Space NC:

The Soundcore Space NC, the state of the art over-the-ear headphones, are affordable, extremely comfortable and have a collapsible design making them perfect for travelling. Withleading active noise cancellation technologyand exceptional battery life, it is the perfect choice for the ultimate listening experience. The convenient touch controls on the on-ear touch pads and buttons allows users to have easy control on the music playback and effortless call answering. Soundcore Space NC is perfect for long haul listening with 20 hours playtime of uninterrupted music.

PowerCore IQ 5200mAh:

The PowerCore IQ 5200mAh is compact and perfect for charging your phone on the go. Equipped with High Speed Charging Power IQ technology, it detects the optimal and fastest charge speed required for the device.  It comes in incredibly compact candy bar size with cutting-edge technology and has enough charge to power your average smartphone up to 2 times. The intelligent high-speed charging, premium battery cells, together with advanced materials ensure reliability.

Expertly Crafted – Predator 74

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By Shereen Shabnam

Sporty and sleek, Sunseeker’s largest Predator model is back with a 40-knot capability and crafted to perfectly balance style with practicality. The new Sunseeker Predator 74 epitomizes the latest Sunseeker design cues and sets new standards and benchmarks for yachting enthusiasts.

The exterior of the Sunseeker Predator 74 boasts sleek, yet oversized windows down to the side deck, which floods the interior with light and provides uninterrupted views from the saloon.

Central to its appeal, the cleverly engineered cockpit door mechanism allows it to open conventionally, but also lowers itself into the sole of the yacht. Depending on the owner’s wishes, the Predator 74 can be transformed into an ‘open’ yacht in warmer regions or a ‘closed’ yacht in cooler climates.

Relaxation areas are often the primary focus for yacht lovers and the generous saloon in the Sunseeker Predator 74 includes a sumptuous seating area, ample storage and comprehensive port side bar console; all below an extraordinary glass sliding roof.

Below deck from the saloon, there is a generous galley and three spacious en-suite cabins, comprising an aft master, starboard twin and forward VIP. The master cabin benefits from an optional walk-in wardrobe or office area.

The below deck offers complete flexibility for owners with an option to have an extended galley arrangement complete with lounge and breakfast bar seating or an additional twin guest cabin which would allow the yacht to accommodate up to eight guests in a four cabin arrangement.

The vast foredeck features a superb sunbed for soaking up the rays complete with optional pram hood canopy. Behind the Predator 74 transom, directly below the vast sunpad, the tender garage provides the space to house a new Williams 390 jet tender or Jet Ski with a hydraulic bathing platform to make launching effortless.

The transom area features an optional ‘Beach Club’ with parasol which is a Sunseeker signature feature. This area offers an inviting space for family and friends to enjoy the built-in BBQ, overhead ‘rain shower’ and fold-down transom seating.

Piercing through the waves, this yacht is powered by MAN V12 1550 horsepower engines, which give an impressive top speed of up to 35 knots. Alternatively, for the thrill seekers, the performance engine option with the MAN V12 1900 engines offers a breathtaking top speed of up to 40 knots..

From the dynamic Sport Yacht models, through its luxurious Manhattan range, iconic Predator models and its majestic Yachts range, each Sunseeker is the result of an uncompromising approach to innovative design and engineering excellence. The brand’s spirit of excellence has hence driven Sunseeker to a prominent position in the leisure marine industry.

#marine #yachts #superyachts #boats #megayachts #luxury-yacht #LifeOnWater #luxury #life_on_water #ShereenShabnam #EditorInChief #vipmarinelife #LuxuryLifestyleBlogger #MillionaireLifestyle #Islander #Fijian #Media #megayachts #Dubai #nautical #PrProfessional #influencer #JournalistUAE #onboard #cruise-life #travel #explore #wanderlust #ships #boats #Shereen_Shabnam