Hit List: A beachside BBQ, cat adoption day, make your own candle and more

Your weekend guide to the best things to do, see, experience and enjoy in the UAE

Courtesy Saadiyat Rotana Resort and Villas  

Feast on the beach

Round off your week with a barbecue by the beach. Nasma Beachfront Bar at Saadiyat Rotana Resort & Villas has launched a new Thursday barbecue, serving grilled meats and vegetables, alongside exotic drinks. The bar offers the perfect chilled-out vibes, with beanbags and private cabanas to watch the sun set while enjoying traditional Caribbean music. From Dh159, Thursdays, 5pm-11pm, Nasma Beachfront Bar at Saadiyat Rotana Resort & Villas, 02 697 0000

Sophie Prideaux

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Give a cat a home

Adopt-a-Cat and 31 Cats will be holding an adoption day on Friday at The City Vet in Khalifa City, Abu Dhabi, from 2pm to 7pm. A number of cuddly felines are desperately in need of a foster or forever home, including Cagney (pictured), so why not spend the day meeting them with the view to adding a cute new member to your family? Opposite Al Forsan Village, Khalifa City A, for more information visit www.facebook.com/adopt.a.cat.uae

Evelyn Lau

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Candle-making at Coya

Finally, a chance to waft the sweet but spicy odours of Coya around your house – and not those from the kitchen. The Latin-American restaurant has a “signature fragrance” emanating from its soy candles interspersed around the space. It’s a mix of sandalwood, amber, leather, spicy cinnamon, ginger, geranium, green stems and eucalyptus – and now, your house can smell like that, too. It has brought back its bespoke candle-making masterclasses to both its Abu Dhabi and Dubai restaurants, and I was keen for visitors to my lounge to draw comparisons to the much-lauded restaurant. Upon arrival, you’ll be ushered in to the exclusive members’ lounge. Candle-maker extraordinaire Julia Volet, who owns her eponymous candle brand and helped create Coya’s scent, will then guide you through the process. After melting the soy wax at the right temperature, you’ll then pour in Coya’s specially curated fragrance oil, set your wooden wick in the beautiful ceramic holder, and pour the finished mixture inside. While your candle sets, you will head back into the restaurant for a veritable feast from a set menu – a ceviche, two starters, a main and a dessert. Considering you come out with your own luxury candle to take home, and a belly bursting full of four courses of Coya’s top dishes, at Dh500, it’s very good value. Coya’s next candle masterclasses take place on March 16 and April 20 in Abu Dhabi, and March 23 and April 27 in Dubai. Dh500, including special set lunch menu. To book, email [e-mail]

Ashleigh Stewart

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Try a new breakfast spot

It doesn’t surprise me when I bump into two people I know the morning I venture out to Cassette. The newly opened cafe is tucked away inside The Courtyard in Al Quoz, Dubai, and it’s been doing the rounds on social media, thanks to its visually appealing decor. From the black-and-white tiled floors to the copper accents and fresh green hues amid light-wooden panels, this place reveals a deep love for all things rooted in art and design. Music is just as important; a carefully curated soundtrack plays, and a small collection of vinyls are for sale. As for the food, you can’t go wrong with the acai bowl and smashed avo on toast. Open daily 8am to 6pm, call 04 349 1966, @cassettedxb

Katy Gillett