Thailand
Amari hotels have launched two- and three-night packages to celebrate Loy Krathong, the Thai festival that coincides with Eid Al Adha.
The Amari Watergate in Bangkok has a two-night stay in a standard room with an upgrade to a grand deluxe room, including a Thai set dinner for two, breakfast, a complimentary krathong (banana-leaf float), a welcome drink and late check out. From 9,298 Thai baht (Dh1,105) for two nights. The package is available from November 7 to November 14.
The Amari Coral Beach Phuket has a three-night package, including a buffet Thai dinner by moonlight at the Rim Talay restaurant, breakfast, a complimentary krathong, an upgrade to a deluxe room, airport transfers and taxes.
Prices start from THB19,900 (Dh2,364) for a three-night package, available from November 8 to 12. To book, visit www.amari.com.
The Canaries
Stay in a luxurious yurt by a beach on the Canary Islands for a secluded break. The eco retreat Finca de Arrieta in Lanzarote runs on wind and solar power. Each yurt has a skylight and hardwood Mongolian furniture. The bathrooms have a walk-in shower and the outdoor area has a fully fitted kitchen and decked patio. Facilities include a 10m-long pool, a lounge area, sea and mountain views, gardens, Polynesian-style day beds for sunbathing and internet access. Things to do in and around the area include exploring the nearby fishing village, surfing and sailing, paragliding, fishing, horse riding, golf and yoga. The resort is family friendly, with a gated pool area especially for families, a play area and babysitting services.
From €665 (Dh3,295) per yurt per week (self-catering; sleeps up to four). Visit www.lanzaorteretreats.com or call 00 34 928 826720.
Cyprus
The Troödos mountains in Limassol are the setting for this Cyprus holiday in a 20-year-old stone house with a large courtyard and private garden. The recently restored house has three large one-bedroom apartments to choose from, each fitted with modern facilities and sleeping three - ideal for families. The apartments have fully equipped kitchens, an en-suite bathroom, TV and home cinema, internet access and wonderful views over the mountains. Excursions to the neighbouring villages and the beach - a 20-minute drive away - can be arranged. Baby cots can be made available on request. Over 50s: The location is also perfect for treks in the mountains and birdwatching. From £45 (Dh256 per apartment per night or €280 (Dh1,388) for two persons for one week. Linen and towels are provided for weekly stays. Book through www.responsibletravel.com.
Jordan
The eight-day Treasures of Jordan package from Bales Worldwide offers a historical insight into the country, from the preserved remains of Jerash to the splendour of Petra. Visitors will travel along the ancient and scenic King's Highway route, stopping along the way to visit Mount Nebo and the mosaics at Madaba, plus a trip across the rolling deserts of Wadi Rum, and the Dead Sea.
The eight-day trip costs from £1,070 (Dh6,076) per person, including the services of an experienced guide, local transport by private vehicle, all sightseeing as mentioned in the itinerary, entrance fees to sites, hotel accommodation and most meals. Departure on December 15. International airfare is not included. Visit www.balesworldwide.com for more information and to book.
travel@thenational.ae
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Emergency
Director: Kangana Ranaut
Stars: Kangana Ranaut, Anupam Kher, Shreyas Talpade, Milind Soman, Mahima Chaudhry
Rating: 2/5
Bob Honey Who Just Do Stuff
By Sean Penn
Simon & Schuster
Company%20Profile
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Profile Idealz
Company: Idealz
Founded: January 2018
Based: Dubai
Sector: E-commerce
Size: (employees): 22
Investors: Co-founders and Venture Partners (9 per cent)
Surianah's top five jazz artists
Billie Holliday: for the burn and also the way she told stories.
Thelonius Monk: for his earnestness.
Duke Ellington: for his edge and spirituality.
Louis Armstrong: his legacy is undeniable. He is considered as one of the most revolutionary and influential musicians.
Terence Blanchard: very political - a lot of jazz musicians are making protest music right now.
Cryopreservation: A timeline
- Keyhole surgery under general anaesthetic
- Ovarian tissue surgically removed
- Tissue processed in a high-tech facility
- Tissue re-implanted at a time of the patient’s choosing
- Full hormone production regained within 4-6 months
Kamindu Mendis bio
Full name: Pasqual Handi Kamindu Dilanka Mendis
Born: September 30, 1998
Age: 20 years and 26 days
Nationality: Sri Lankan
Major teams Sri Lanka's Under 19 team
Batting style: Left-hander
Bowling style: Right-arm off-spin and slow left-arm orthodox (that's right!)
Director: Laxman Utekar
Cast: Vicky Kaushal, Akshaye Khanna, Diana Penty, Vineet Kumar Singh, Rashmika Mandanna
Rating: 1/5
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Story%20behind%20the%20UAE%20flag
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WITHIN%20SAND
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Diriyah%20project%20at%20a%20glance
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THE LIGHT
Director: Tom Tykwer
Starring: Tala Al Deen, Nicolette Krebitz, Lars Eidinger
Rating: 3/5
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Roll of honour
Who has won what so far in the West Asia Premiership season?
Western Clubs Champions League - Winners: Abu Dhabi Harlequins; Runners up: Bahrain
Dubai Rugby Sevens - Winners: Dubai Exiles; Runners up: Jebel Ali Dragons
West Asia Premiership - Winners: Jebel Ali Dragons; Runners up: Abu Dhabi Harlequins
UAE Premiership Cup - Winners: Abu Dhabi Harlequins; Runners up: Dubai Exiles
West Asia Cup - Winners: Bahrain; Runners up: Dubai Exiles
West Asia Trophy - Winners: Dubai Hurricanes; Runners up: DSC Eagles
Final West Asia Premiership standings - 1. Jebel Ali Dragons; 2. Abu Dhabi Harlequins; 3. Bahrain; 4. Dubai Exiles; 5. Dubai Hurricanes; 6. DSC Eagles; 7. Abu Dhabi Saracens
Fixture (UAE Premiership final) - Friday, April 13, Al Ain – Dubai Exiles v Abu Dhabi Harlequins
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.
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