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MARCH 2019

www.signatureoman.com

THE
WANDERLUST
EDITION
Travel Tales

FERRARI PORTOFINO
Maranello's Finest

JUJU
Luxury meets Craftsmanship

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CONTENTS
6 BULLETIN

12 THE SUITE LIFE

NEWS YOU CAN USE

EMIRATES

10 TO MOM, WITH LOVE

16 THE MOUNTAIN TOP HAVEN

MALABAR GOLD & DIAMONDS

ANANTARA AL JABAL AL AKHDAR

18 FAR FROM THE MADDING
CROWD
COCO BODU HITHI

26 TAKING ON TOUGH TERRAINS
FERRARI PORTOFINO

36 GAME CHANGER
BMW 3 SERIES

40 NEED FOR SPEED

BENTLEY BENTAYGA SPORT

44 WELCOMING A NEW ERA
NBO

46 SWISS PRIDE
KHIMJI'S WATCHES

48 A JOURNEY OF PASSION
ROHM

50 GAUCHO DINING
ASADO STEAKHOUSE

52 A CULINARY TRIP TO TURKEY
TURKUAZ

54 A FINE MELANGE OF FLAVOURS
SOI SOI

58 CONSCIOUS LUXURY
JUJU


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THURSDAYS
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MARCH 2019

www.signatureoman.com

THE
WANDERLUST
EDITION
Travel Tales

Explore & experience
Wanderlust: n. a strong desire for or impulse to wander or travel and
explore the world. A desire that most individuals have and that many
succeed in accomplishing too. After all, is life even experienced in full
without travelling? The joy of travelling is an irreplaceable feeling. Over
the years, travelling has become less of a luxury and more of an essential
part of people’s lives.

FERRARI PORTOFINO
Maranello's Finest

JUJU

Luxury meets Craftsmanship

signatureoman

signatureoman

VOL 8 - ISSUE 11

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
AISHA SAID AL BADI
GROUP EDITOR
MAYANK SINGH
EDITOR
ANNE KURIAN
ART
Creative Director
SANDESH S. RANGNEKAR
PRINCIPAL PHOTOGRAPHER
RAJESH RAJAN
PRODUCTION
Senior Production Manager – Print & Digital
RAMESH GOVINDRAJ

Weather-beaten tracks, less-travelled journeys…we love them all. In
this edition where we give wing to our wanderlust, we explore various
elements of travel. We take a look at the exclusive and luxurious First
Class Private Suites onboard Emirates Boeing 777 fleet. Crafted for
connoisseurs of luxury and travel, these suites are a class apart. We also
head to Maldives – one of our favourite archipelagos for a mindful travel
experience at the Coco Bodhu Hithi resort. Closer home, Anantara Al
Jabal Al Akhdar is the ideal getaway. From adventure activities to the
soothing therapies at the spa, this resort is ideal to get your batteries
recharged.

We bring together a bevy of auto beauties in this edition. We take the
Ferrari Portofino to terrains less travelled for an exclusive photo shoot.
BMW’s popular range, the new 3 Series was launched in Oman last
month. We bring you all details of the trims. We also take a closer look at
the drop-dead gorgeous Bentayga Speed from Bentley.
JUJU, a luxury vegan footwear brand from India, has caught our sartorial
attention. Handcrafted and oozing of elegance, we love the brand
already. Read all about this unique brand in the pages ahead.

ADVERTISING & MARKETING
Advertising Manager
NAVNEET MATHARU

Have a fabulous month ahead!

Media Consultant
KRUPALI SAMPAT
ASSISTANT MANAGER – BUSINESS SUPPORT
RADHA KUMAR

Anne Kurian

CORPORATE
Chief Executive Officer
ATULYA SHARMA
Executive Vice President
ALPANA ROY
Distribution
UNITED MEDIA SERVICES LLC
Published by

UNITED PRESS & PUBLISHING LLC
PO Box 3305, Ruwi, Postal Code - 112, Muscat, Sultanate of Oman
Tel: (968) 24700896, Fax: (968) 24707939
Website: www.umsoman.com
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced
without the written permission of the publisher. The publisher does
not accept responsibility for any loss occasioned to any person or
organisation acting or refraining as a result of material in this publication.
SIGNATURE accepts no responsibility for advertising content.
Copyright © 2019 United Press & Publishing LLC
Printed by Oman Printers & Stationers Ltd. Co. LLC
Correspondence should be sent to:
SIGNATURE
UNITED MEDIA SERVICES
PO Box 3305, PC 112, Ruwi, Sultanate of Oman
Fax: (968) 24707939
e-mail: , www.theluxesignature.com
For editorial enquiries: 71517210
For advertising enquiries: 93204670

6

2019

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kempinski.com/muscat


BULLETIN

Novel launch from Danube Home

O

ne of the fastest growing home
interior and décor brands
in the Middle East, Danube

Home recently launched the
TBK catalogue collection for its Milano
brand. Milano is renowned for its topquality international standards. The
catalogue launch was preceded by the
launch of world’s biggest man-made tile
at the brand’s showroom in Al Khuwair.
Measuring 1.6m x 3.2m, the large-format
tile comes in different finishes, including
marble, granite and wood.
The catalogue is designed keeping the
current minimalist design trend in mind,
while showcasing an exceptional range
of Tiles, Bathroom and Kitchen products.
Additionally, it will advise and share the
latest trends and technologies for the
consumers and will surely be a guide
for all of them, while decorating a new
building, revamping a living space or just
trying to inject a new life into a room,
bathroom or kitchen. The collection will
offer the best combination of products on

a pocket friendly price.
Whether clients are looking to create a
royal Arabian look, a stylish urban décor,
a chic contemporary modern styling or a
retro classic look, there are varied themes
showcasing the trendiest collection
which will help to make a bold and
unmistakable statement like never before.

Moreover, it covers the super stylish and
trendy collections of showers, mixer,
door, electrical, hardware, travel shattaf,
water purifier, water heater, outdoor wall
and modern kitchen unit etc.
Commenting on the new launch, Adel
Sajan, Director of Danube Group, said,”
We are pleased to unveil our new T.B.K
catalog and glad to introduce the
market with world’s biggest man-made
tile - which will be a practical solution
for both commercial and residential
projects. “
He further added: “With each new
catalogue we aim to raise the bar and
include even more innovative products

that are unbeatable in style and quality.
This year as well we have incorporated
detailed product descriptions while
keeping the minimalist trend intact.
We pride ourselves on being the only
total resource for complete home
solution brand in the region. Each of
our catalogues is a result of lot of hard
work and passion to deliver the best.
We simply want to give you the best
shopping experience under one roof.”

Adel Sajan

Director of Danube Group


Welco m e to t he

E XC E P TI O N AL

A R ADISSON COLLECTION HOTEL
radissoncollection.com/hormuz-grand-hotel


BULLETIN

Travel Treats from Amouage
Innovation together with luxury and
creativity are qualities that have made
Amouage one of the finest premium
perfume and lifestyle brands in the
world. The luxury brand has now added
to their exquisite range the Amouage’s
Travel Collection – a special edition for
discerning patrons on the move. The
collection comprises of travel sprays,
miniatures and a solid perfume compact.
The perfect accessory, the travel sprays
are presented in an elegant leather
holder with a beautifully crafted cap and
three 10ml refillable vials in Amouage’s
most popular fragrances. The Men’s
Travel Sprays refill is available in Honour,

Interlude, Memoir, Epic, Lyric, Jubilation
25, Reflection, Dia and Gold. The
Women’s Travel Sprays refill is available in
Honour, Interlude, Fate and Journey.
Travellers can also choose elegant

10

2019

frosted holders with a beautifully crafted
gold cap and four 10ml refillable vials
in Amouage’s most popular fragrances;
Memoir, Epic, Lyric, Jubilation 25,
Reflection, Dia and Gold.
The captivatingly designed refillable solid
perfume compact in gold etched with the
Amouage shield is complemented with a
protective case. Presented with refillable
fragrance discs available in Memoir, Epic,
Jubilation 25, Reflection, Dia and Gold,
the solid perfume can be applied to the
pulse points for a fragrantly soft sensation
that will linger all day.
Amouage’s miniatures are presented in
a box set of six 7ml bottles for man and
woman. The men’s miniature collection
comprises of Lyric, Epic, Memoir, Honour,
Interlude and Fate or Gold, Dia, Silver,
Reflection, Jubilation 25 and Beloved.

The women’s comprises of Lyric, Epic,

Memoir, Honour, Interlude and Fate and/
or Gold, Dia, Ciel, Reflection, Jubilation
25 and Beloved. The miniatures are the
perfect way to enjoy a wide selection of
Amouage most notable perfumes and
ideal collector items.
In addition, Amouage has extended The
Secret Garden Collection to include
wonderful hair mists. Presented in
Lilac Love and Blossom Love, the new
products offer lovers of floral scents an
opportunity to condition their hair with
romantic aromas.
The perfect travel companion, the new
hair mist comes in a 50ml frosted glass
bottle and is infused with Cashmilan™,
a partially hydrolysed keratin from
cashmere wool which is also a hairidentical protein hydrolysate. It is
proven to improve definition, strength,
conditioning and substantivity of hair.



SHOWCASE

TO MOM, WITH LOVE
There is no truer love than the love of a mother. To celebrate Mother’s Day this year, which is
celebrated in the Arab world on March 21, Malabar Gold & Diamonds has unveiled a fascinating

collection of beautifully designed pendants that make for ideal gifts for moms

12

2019



TRAVEL

The
Suite Life

Emirates has always been ahead in the world of aviation, be it their
products, services or offerings. So, it really shouldn’t come as a surprise
that their First Class Private Suite is a gamechanger. A closer look at the
luxurious suites featured on its Boeing 777 aircraft

When Emirates first announced the First Class Private Suite aboard its Boeing 777 aircraft, the luxurious
concept seemed an upgrade to their existing Private Suites. But Emirates not only upgraded but introduced
an exemplary and innovative product with the new First Class Private Suites bringing one of the finest onboard experiences to the industry.

The award-winning First Class Private Suites were introduced late 2017 as part of the completely
refreshed interiors of Emirates’ Boeing 777 aircraft. With floor to ceiling sliding doors and sleek design
features inspired by the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, Emirates’ new suites takes luxury and privacy to the next
level. Offering up to 40 square feet of personal space each, these spacious, fully-enclosed private suites are
laid out in a 1-1-1 configuration.
Sir Tim Clark, President of Emirates Airline said: “Emirates pioneered the First Class private suite concept
back in 2003, and today it’s the industry benchmark when it comes to first class travel. Over the years
we have continually improved on our private suites, adding thoughtful refinements and features. We are

very excited about our new fully-enclosed suite which is a real game-changer in terms of privacy, comfort,
and thoughtful luxury. This is the first time an Emirates product has been so influenced by another luxury
brand, but it is a natural fit as both Emirates and Mercedes-Benz have the same unwavering commitment
to fine detail, uncompromising quality, and a drive to push the boundaries.”
Emirates’ latest First Class product gives a nod to the design philosophy of the Mercedes-Benz S- Class,
bringing together two global brands renowned for innovation, luxury, and comfort. The collaboration
inspired several design details in the private suite including the soft leather seating, high-tech control
panels, and mood lighting.

Extending that trademark inflight experience to exclusive on-ground services, Emirates and MercedesBenz have extended their partnership to provide a fleet of the S-Class cars as part of its complimentary
Chauffeur-drive service. Emirates First Class passengers arriving or departing in the UAE are driven from
aircraft to home, and vice versa, in a Mercedes-Benz S-Class car.
The new Emirates 777 First Class cabin interior uses a whole new colour palette of soft greys, cream
and champagne, conveying a contemporary, open and airy feel, with quiet and timeless luxury. Created in
collaboration with Boeing, Rockwell Collins interior systems, Panasonic, Jacques Pierre Jean Design studio
and Seattle-based design firm Teague, each fully enclosed private suite has a floor to ceiling sliding door,
and combines smart technologies and intelligent design to deliver function, as well as luxury and comfort.

The soft leather seat reclines into a fully flat bed and can be placed in a “zero-gravity” position inspired
by NASA technology, giving a feeling of relaxation and weightlessness. The roomy suites also have ample
space for passengers to change in the privacy of their suites even after the bed has been made. To ensure

14

2019



TRAVEL
all First Class customers have a view, Emirates

introduced the industry’s first virtual windows
for suites located in the middle aisle. These
virtual windows project the view from outside
the aircraft using real time camera technology.
In the other suites, binoculars are available for
customers who want to explore the sky outside
their windows.

Passengers can easily communicate with the
cabin crew, or request for room service using
the video call function. The suites also come
with a service window where customers can
be served drinks and canapes undisturbed.
Emirates has retained and updated the most
popular features of its private suites such as:
the personal mini bar for drinks and snacks
within each suite; and wireless controls
to adjust seating positions, as well as to
navigate Emirates’ award-winning inflight
entertainment system, ice.
Customers can view over 2,500 channels of ondemand entertainment on a 32-inch Full HD
LCD TV screen, or project content from their
own devices. The viewing experience is now
enhanced with brand new Bowers & Wilkins
Active Noise Cancelling E1 headphonescreated
exclusively for Emirates. These headphones
were designed by award-winning audio brand
Bowers & Wilkins to ensure the sound was
optimised for the First Class cabin environment.
Each suite is fitted with an inspiration kit

which features a luxury Byredo skincare
collection found only on Emirates, Hydra
Active moisturising pyjamas, and Bulgari
amenity kits. There is ample storage within the
suite including a cleverly designed overhead
compartment, and a full length cupboard for
hanging clothes.
As with any Emirates flight today, First Class
customers can enjoy dine on demand service,
with a selection of the finest cuisine prepared
by gourmet chefs, accompanied by some of
the most exclusive wines, champagnes and
spirits in the world. They will be well looked
after by Emirates’ international cabin crew
representing over 135 nationalities.
An artistic motif representing the Ghaf
(prosopis cineraria) tree, is used as a design
highlight throughout the aircraft. An indigenous
evergreen plant, the Ghaf is a considered the
national tree of the United Arab Emirates, and
has deep cultural and ecological significance.
The First Class Private Suites was awarded gold
by Future Travel Experience (FTE) in the “Up in
the Air” category.

16

2019

Created in collaboration with Boeing,
Rockwell Collins interior systems,
Panasonic, Jacques Pierre Jean Design
studio and Seattle-based design firm
Teague, each fully enclosed private
suite has a floor to ceiling sliding door,
and combines smart technologies and
intelligent design to deliver function, as
well as luxury and comfort


TRAVEL

THE
MOUNTAIN
TOP HAVEN
Just a two-hour drive from the country’s capital
city Muscat and with breathtaking views of
Oman’s famous Green Mountain, Anantara Al Jabal
Al Akhdar Resort is an idyllic getaway from the
city’s hustle and bustle
18

2019


I

magine a haven where you
can shake off the worries of

the world and be surrounded
by nature. A place where time
stands still and the gentle
sounds of birdsong help you
unwind. Just a two-hour drive
from the country’s capital city
Muscat and with breathtaking
views of Oman’s famous
Green Mountain, Anantara Al
Jabal Al Akhdar Resort offers
all this and more.

The resort’s unique position offers a one-ofa-kind spa and wellness experience. At 2,000
metres above sea level, it provides an opportunity
to detoxify in pure mountain air with high altitude
health benefits, and is fast proving to be a magnet
for wellness travellers. The spa offers a rare
opportunity to enjoy ancient holistic therapies
and feel at one with nature in one of the Middle
East’s most stunning locations.

The resort hosts sunrise and sunset yoga sessions
to feel at one with the elements. Signature spa
treatments include the 90-minute Rose Rescue
Ritual encompassing a facial and a tensionrelieving massage with exotic oil. A special Above
the Clouds package offers two-days of wellness
activities featuring complimentary 60-minute
Anantara Spa treatments for two, daily sunrise
yoga sessions and a sumptuous breakfast. All
with the opportunity to enjoy the clear night skies

before turning in while reconnecting you with the
elements.

The destination is perfectly tailored to the health
conscious, and includes a specially crafted
wellness menu - from detox drinks to healthy
home-made breakfasts and heart healthy food.
And with all the newfound energy, there are some
exciting activities offered by the resort to partake
in. You can sip traditional Arabic coffee high up
in the mountains, while taking in the wondrous
views of wadis, or visit secluded traditional
villages, sharing a lunch with local elders. How
about taking a refreshing dip in a fresh water
pool while on a cultural hike to learn more about
the country? Adrenaline fans can explore Oman’s
famous mountains and try their hand at rock
climbing.

A visit between March to mid-May to the resort
provides a wonderful opportunity of spotting
Damask roses bloom on the mountain slopes,
turning them into an explosion of colour. The
world-famous Omani rosewater produced from
the Damask roses has a wide array of benefits. As
well as being used for cooking and as a perfume, it

is an invaluable
beauty product
and is also

known
for
its medicinal
qualities.
Drinking
rosewater has
been shown to
be effective for
digestive health,
and the liquid can
also soothe irritated
skin and act as an antiaging product. In addition,
its powerful antiseptic properties can
help wounds, burns, scars and cuts heal faster.
Essential oil made from the Damask rose is used
to cure headaches.

Alternatively, there are incredible mountain trails
to be ventured on, while keeping an eye out for
herds of wild donkeys and goats. Or walk along
the wadi riverbed to discover natural pools that
are home to diverse wildlife such as frogs and
dragonflies. The region is famous for its deciduous
trees, which are called the “sweet trees.”
Pomegranates, apples, peaches, plums, apricots,
almonds, walnuts, grapes, pears, cherries, figs and
olives are all harvested in Al Jabal Al Akhdar.

At the end of August pomegranate season gets
underway. There is high demand for this delicious

juice, which is bursting with Vitamin C and
boasts an astonishing array of health properties.
Pomegranate juice contains higher levels of
antioxidants than most other fruit juices and
can help remove free radicals, protect cells from
damage, and reduce inflammation. It can also
help combat arthritis and heart disease.
The year-round luxury destination has 82 canyon
view rooms and 33 private pool villas, including
Oman’s most luxurious three-bedroom pool villa
– taking relaxation to the next level. Whether it’s a
garden sanctuary or an awe-inspiring view of the
canyon, the resort is perfect to unwind in where
modern Omani design merges with the latest
technology. The ideal space to let go as you watch
the sun go down while sipping a revitalising
fresh juice cocktail from the privacy of your own
balcony, Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar has some of
the most spectacular views you can imagine.

Whether you crave adventure, culture or simply
a spa haven to recharge and rejuvenate, the
region’s highest five-star holiday destination has
something for everyone. By the end of it all, you
will leave feeling refreshed with a renewed sense
of vigour.


TRAVEL

Far from the
madding crowd
To be able to switch off from
mobile phones, social media
and the constant need to
be connected is a luxury
these days. Signature sets
out to Coco Bodhu Hithi in
the Maldives where mindful
luxury is the key theme of the
experience

20

2019



TRAVEL

22

2019


I

s it truly possible to switch off in the excessively connected world
we live in today? That was the burning question on my mind as
we boarded the flight to Male from Dubai International Airport

one pleasant evening. Most of my two hours in the airport was
spent poring over emails and replying to interesting story pitches.
I had also posted on Instagram a cool shot of the coffee I had at the
airport, downloaded a new app to jazz up future Instastories and
chatted with a couple of buddies on Messenger. So, would I really
be able to follow up on my goal to go on a digital detox and have
a mindful holiday during our stay the exquisite Coco Bodu Hithi
resort over the next four days?

With this thought in mind, we stepped on to the private boat that was sent to take
us to Coco Bodu Hithi, just about 40 minutes away from the airport. Most resorts
in Maldives are accessible only by boat or seaplane. As poetic as it may sound,
much of my apprehension melted away as soon as we stepped on to the island
resort. From the moment of stepping onto the picture-perfect resort, there is a
beautiful feeling of tranquility that settles on you and all you want to do is forget
the world that you have left behind.
Home away from home
The resort, which has a mix of water villas and island villas, is spread over a
palm fringed island that can be explored in less than 20 minutes. We stayed Coco
Residences, the most exclusive offering at Coco Bodu Hithi. Set over the ocean, villa
included a living room, bedroom, expansive bathroom, and an outdoor deck with
an infinity pool as well as space to lounge and dine.
While I took many photos, there was not that went up on social media. My mind
had already switched to holiday mode and the wifi, although strong, was not
tempting enough to get on to social media. Digital detox was on underway.

The next four days were spent lounging in the pool, swimming in the ocean, which
was accessible directly from our villa, lazing on the deck and enjoying specially
prepared meals by the chefs – when we weren’t out indulging in various activities
and experiences on the island.

Spoilt for choices
Coco Bodu Hithi is home to six different F&B outlets, all of which are different from
each other and bring an exciting variety to the island resort. For a leisurely and
unhurried breakfast, Stars is the restaurant to head to. Here we enjoyed fresh cut
fruits, perfect eggs and excellent coffee while soaking in the beautiful view of the
ocean and palms swaying in the wind. Also open for dinner, the restaurant has a
fine choice of seafood specialties as well as vegetarian options. If buffet breakfast is
what your heart desires then Air, located on the lush green island and connected to
Coco Residences by a wooden bridge, is where to head to. The spread is staggering
and leaves you spoilt for choice.
Latitude is where we headed to for sundowners and to grab a pizza after a lazy
day on the beach. The casual dining outlet overlooking the pool that features jazzy
lights in the evening is ideal to sit back, sink your feet into the sand and gaze at
the ocean as you enjoy the different concoctions that the friendly staff create. The
resort also boasts of a Japanese cuisine restaurant – Tsuki. Adorned with the island
vibes, Tsuki had some of the best sushi and sashimi I have ever had. Aqua, termed
as one of the finest seafood restaurants in Maldives (award winning as well), offers
a surreal experience of dining over the ocean with a number of decks where one
can enjoy a lovely dinner comprising mostly of delectable seafood dishes.


TRAVEL

24

2019


Being on an island gives the option of not having to

dine the regular way – Coco Bodu Hithi arranges for
special dinners on the beach as well as in the privacy
of your villa. We could not go ahead with the beach
dining experience as the rain gods decided to bless
the island with heavy showers on the night we were
booked to dine. But we did indulge in a couple of invilla dining experiences and it was heavenly.

A Spa-ctacular experience
One of the most wonderful highlights of Coco Bodu
Hithi is Coco Spa. Set over a large, separate deck over
the ocean, Coco Spa is a class apart. The treatment
rooms overlook the glimmering water; so does the
gym and yoga and meditation deck. We indulged in a
mind-numbingly relaxing and rejuvenating couples’
massage that left us in a state of bliss. My therapist
worked through the knots on my shoulder that I
had managed to accumulate over weeks of sitting
in front of a laptop and no exercise. The lull of the
ocean added to the therapeutic session.

The island life
Azzure blue waters, lush greenery, white sandy
stretches, unhurried and undisturbed moments…
that’s what we experienced every day of our stay
at Coco Bodu Hithi. The break from the daily hustle
and bustle (with digital detox well underway) was
not only beginning to be therapeutic but also take
a mindful approach to just about everything we
engaged in.

When looking for manta rays, which are one of
the highlights of the rich under water life around
Coco Body Hithi, it was with a child’s curiosity and
excitement that we explored the water. Every activity
on the island is fun, engaging and relaxed. We set out
with a group of guests one afternoon for a fishing
expedition, something that I had done only once as
a child - nothing turned up on my fishing rod. Luck
turned in my favour on that balmy afternoon we set
out and I managed to catch a local fish, which the
resort cooked for us together with a splendid lunch
the next day.

Diving, snorkeling, kayaking, water-surfing, paragliding, wake-boarding…it’s a plethora of activities
that Coco Bodu Hithi offers. And never a dull
moment on the island. Movie under the Stars is
another experience that the resort offers, which we
had to forgo as rains were expected and it was way
too windy to set up the movie screen. But we made it
up by ordering a special meal and watching a horror
movie in the villa.

After four days at Coco Bodu Hithi Resort, it was
with renewed vigour and a promise to take more
breaks, especially the digital world, that we left the
captivating island.