2021-11-09

The Chedi Al Bait, Sharjah - The Timeless Jewel Welcomes You Home

While being only a mere 25 minute drive from Dubai, the emirate of Sharjah beckons you in the midst of an exciting cultural renaissance, largely due to the ambitious historical preservation project at its nexus. The Chedi Al Bait, Sharjah -  a GHM hotel - is ever ready to welcome you home by revelling in its unique traditional Arabic aesthetic and history.
mylifestylenews writes.


With all the traffic and hustle and bustle of Sharjah, The Chedi Al Bait, Sharjah is an absolute private haven of tranquility that transports you to another world. This understated and luxuriously hidden gem is centrally located in the heart of Sharjah behind the old forte citadel where the history began and is ever ready for you to explore and to discover the past and present of this mesmerizing fabled hospitality in this ancient region.


From the exterior, nothing is given away, in terms of what to expect and you do wonder where the entrance is as you park your car. You are quickly greeted and then directed down a narrow alleyway and at that moment you feel that you have left normal civilization behind and entered an oasis of quiet reflection. Once you are fully immersed into The Chedi world, you have a sense of having entered a kingdom of world class elegance!


The architecture design and interior style of The Chedi never seems to fail to impress and rather to surprise you at all of their properties and always in relation to its exotic locale, history, culture and heritage with the intention of wanting you to step into the luxury of escape beyond compare. This ambitious restoration and conversion project of these historic manor houses was undertaken with the vision of embodying the cultural renaissance that has swept the Emirate.


The Chedi Al Bait, Sharjah is housed in a collection of historic manor houses that were once occupied by a well known local family in their distinct cultural setting. These preserved historic structures have been expanded to be paired with new building compounds to create The Chedi Al Bait, Sharjah, a 53-key collection of luxury guestrooms and suites that will hold you spellbound.


This luxury boutique hotel encompasses luxury bedrooms and suites in traditional Arabic architecture with so many details and elements structured in a subtle and elegant manner to admire. Simply mesmerizing!


Each building is separated on the ground level by narrow alleyways, letting you explore the unknown and unveil the layers of surprises at every corner you turn.


The Arabic architecture is very clever at hiding so many amenities, so it is fun to explore every nook and cranny and surprise yourself with all these little discoveries. The discovery begins as you are escorted to your room, as you begin to wonder how you will remember to get from point A to point B, but our host Rabi was clever at highlighting some details that are our cue to remembering how we could get around without much hassle.


Leading up on to the upper level, each individual house and building is connected by mini bridges, so that you can walk to each amenity in different ways, you will immediately immerse yourself by finding your way through by discovering its sophisticated charm from a different perspective.


Staying in The Chedi Al Bait, Sharjah, you will want to spend your entire stay cocooned in this haven of tranquility, whereby you can also spend time in the guest dedicated museum or library with its unique setting of the Al Midfa family’s residence in the past, relax in the semi-shaded swimming pool, enjoy a coffee or cake in The Café which was the heritage house of Bait Majlis Ibrahim Al Midfa, have breakfast or lunch at the inner courtyard of The Restaurant and dinner in the enchanting The Arabic Restaurant, or just enjoy the different aspects of each courtyard and marvel at the architectural detail and read about the history of the local family that first created part of this boutique hotel structure.


The property is not large yet big enough to wander around to discover its mythical charm, but then again, one of the main reasons you may decide to come is to have a break from the madness of Sharjah or Dubai and take a moment to chill, contemplate and feel pampered without worrying about sightseeing or shopping expeditions that take you away from this oasis.


We were lucky enough to score a Chedi Grand Room. The walk into the building courtyard had already captivated us, but as we climbed up some stairs and our door was opened, we realized that the rooms are an integral part of the luxury and we were already smitten with its interior and comfort, no matter what came next.


With only 9 units of The Chedi Grand Room, the luxurious room size ranges from 45-55sqm exudes in a rich wealth of Arab residential details from the heritage conveying the hospitable warmth and cultural heritage of Sharjah and indulgent modern comforts with echoes of the old world for which GHM is reknown for.


Given that the weather was still hot and the sun very bright, the design of the rooms is to mitigate bright light and create an atmosphere of coolness and calm with subdued shades of colour as well and they have judged this perfectly.


There is a living area – better known in the local vernacular as a majlis (meeting or sitting place), spread with a generous number of cushions together with bowls of dates, walnuts and dried apricots immaculately arranged on the copper top coffee table as a welcome amenity, from which you segue into the bedroom area which houses a huge four poster bed with a super luxurious Duxiana mattress from Sweden that is separated from the walk-in dressing area and then lastly, the bathroom with a large walk-in shower, double vanity and toilet room.


In room welcome amenities


The room design overall bridges the Arabic influences with Asian minimalist design and it is beautifully done. Not to mention the luxurious Acqua di Parma bathroom amenities which are an extra added value to pamper for a well deserved staycation as everything was at our fingertips and we could just lock the door and have a magical stay in our room and embrace what was prepared and arranged to enjoy.


Spacious bathroom with luxurious amenities


Once you venture out into the mini maze complex of interlinked buildings, several little alcoves strewn with cushions can be found in almost every corner, so you can find your own perfect quiet spot and just enjoy the peaceful atmosphere, or read a book per se. Utterly captivating!


The Semi shaded swimming pool


Escape the bustling lifestyle for a moment of contemplation


Mesmerize the charm of the Majlis Ibrahim Mohammed Al Madfa


A quiet corner at the Majlis Ibrahim Mohammed Al Madfa


Be inspired by the beauty of the architecture


Enjoy your me time at The Cafe


The twilight moment at the entrance of The Cafe


Bait Ibrahim Al Midfa - The Library


Well stocked library


Dinner at The Arabic Restaurant 
was an unexpectedly elevated experience and we thought the food was spot on and such a well-executed range of dishes using the Arabic spices to advantage, which we loved. No wonder, there are even diners willing to drive hundreds of kilometers from Abu Dhabi just to come here for the experience.


Breakfast obviously is the meal time so many of us look forward to start the day and this was a delight and served at the serene atmosphere of the outdoor inner courtyard at
The Restaurant.


Y
ou may also choose to sit inside which is set in a classic and chic Emirati design adorned with chic wooden screens and subdued lighting. 


There is an abundance of international, oriental and far east breakfast dishes selection, from the choice of beverages, the quality of the pastries, to the wonderful choices of big breakfasts a la American, English, healthy and so forth, it was all done a-la-minute, tasty, fresh and perfectly cooked and presented.


The eggs benedict was faultless and the yoghurt with granola and fruits was equally delicious. Don’t miss out on the 1001 nights of Arabic tea and do take time to savour the atmosphere and food with decadent flavours and lasting memories at your own pace.


The Chedi always strives to offer a completely different charm and outlook from each of their properties, so no two are alike.


The Chedi Al Bait, Sharjah is a destination that should not be missed off anyone’s itinerary when visiting the UAE.


Hence, this is the secret getaway you must at least step your foot in so you can secrete yourselves away in privacy and be looked after without leaving the environs of this enigmatic historical establishment with a discreet hospitality whilst being mesmerized with the one of a kind traditional Arabic aesthetic and history, The Chedi Al Bait, Sharjah is timeless and always has its door wide open to welcome you home.


Tried & Tested:
Location: 5/5
Design & Decor: 5/5
Room Amenities: 5/5
Housekeeping: 5/5
Food & Beverage: 4.5/5
Service: 4.5/5
Value For Money: 5/5
Experience: 5/5

Heart of Sharjah
79 Corniche Street,
Al Shiokh, Sharjah
United Arab Emirates
Tel: +971 6 502 5555
*The Chedi Al Bait, Sharjah is a GHM Hotels and a member of The Leading Hotels of the World

 Reviews are based on actual day of visit and experience. mylifestylenews reserves the right of final decision in case of any disputes. All images are photographed by mylifestylenews team without any photoshop enhancement and are the property owned by mylifestylenews unless otherwise stated. 

2021-11-08

Horological Machine No 4 The Series

Horological Machine No 4 is not a traditional wristwatch.
A traditional wristwatch has a relatively straightforward role: to tell the time. All that is needed is a hand for the hours, another for the minutes and perhaps a power reserve indicator to keep track of running ti me. HM4 has a hand for the hours, another for the minutes and a power reserve indicator. HM4 tells the time.

The aviation inspired case and engine of the HM4 are one. Neither would, nor could, exist without the other, yet each is so transcendental as to be able to stand alone as a work of art in its own right. The HM4 engine is the culmination of three long years of development. Each of the 300 plus components including the regulator and even the screws was developed specifically for this anarchistic calibre. Horizontally configured dual mainspring barrels drive two vertical gear trains, transferring power to the twin pods indicating h ours/minutes and power reserve.


But describing HM4's engine through its mechanical functionality is like describing Renoir's work through the chemical composition of his paint. Only careful contemplation enables full appreciation, and the sapphire case section and display panels top and bottom allow full access to the flawless fine finishing of HM4's intricate and vibrant micro mechanics.


The sleek aerodynamic form of Horological Machine No 4’s envelope has its roots in Maximilian Büsser's childhood passion for assembling model plane kits, though none looked remotely as futuristic as these. The striking transparent sapphire section of the case requires over 185 hours of machining and polishing to transform an opaque solid block of crystal into a complex, exquisitely curved panel allowing the light to come in and the beauty of the HM4 engine to stand out. Every component and form has a technical purpose; nothing is superfluous and every line and curve is in poetic harmony. Articulated lugs ensure supreme comfort. Highly legible time is a fringe benefit.


2021-11-05

VERSACE Eyewear Asian Design Collection

Versace Eyewear presents its first collection and campaign created exclusively for the Asian market. The campaign features celebrity and key opinion leader, Dany Lee.

VE 4407D
Glamorous squared style featuring a modern metal bridge construction and gooseneck nose pads. This sleek design boasts the new golden Greca cast metal temples. This sun model is available in burgundy with matte gold temples and violet gradient brown lenses or in black with gold temples and dark grey lenses.


VE 3302D
Fashion-forward and chic, these sunglasses boast a slightly oversized, rounded panthos frame with gooseneck nose pads. Golden Greca cast metal temples enhance the feminine design. Available in transparent red or black.

2021-11-03

VALENTINO FALL 2021 Roman Palazzo Advertising Campaign

VALENTINO FALL 2021 Roman Palazzo Advertising Campaign continues the narrative of the Creative Director, Pierpaolo Piccioli which shot the collection in Rome, in an unexpected place in which grandeur has given way to intimacy. A délabré Palazzo with no decorations or objects. An empty space where the atmosphere became empathetic thanks to a diverse humanity, a diverse casting. Zendaya is the protagonist of the new campaigns for Valentino, David Sims the photographer of this narration, shooting her with his incomparable approach at the Palace Theatre in Los Angeles. The actress has the capacity to express all the values of the brand through a single shot, turning a Valentino creation into something extraordinary. She enters the values of equality and inclusivity that Pierpaolo Piccioli and the Maison stand for, but also conveys a contemporary romanticism. paign continues the narrative of the Creative Director, which shot the collection in Rome, in an unexpected place in which grandeur has given way to intimacy.

Sims, known for pushing the boundaries of fashion photography, has captured a raw and radical theatrical act in Los Angeles. Zendaya seated at the centre of the stage in a set that recalls the classical portraiture of the sound stage theatre: the point of view has changed. It is no longer a photography set, but a proper theatre. The atmosphere merges with the gestures of the actress. Time stops behind closed doors. The ability to make a theatrical moment something authorial. Pierpaolo Piccioli continues his conscious and progressive way of making culture. The punk gesture that reopens and takes possession of the theatre, its space, and its language. The exploration, at the same time intimate and provocative, an empty space that for a moment becomes for all. The identity of Valentino today materializes with a clear and incisive sign: both sensual and romantic, nourished by memories but not nostalgic. An identity that reflects in a new generation. “Throughout an aesthetic choice, it is possible to represent a whole identity. This is the power of fashion and this is the power of human beings.” Says Pierpaolo Piccioli.

2021-11-01

A|X Armani Exchange AW2021 Collection

A|X Armani Exchange AW2021 collection reaffirms the original spirit of the brand, founded exactly thirty years ago, updating it to today's pace. After all, A|X is a metropolitan wardrobe: it has strong personality and is designed for those who fully embrace the city and its street culture.


It is constantly updated, discovering a decisively cross-gender adaptation along the way, with garments that easily shift between his and her wardrobes.

The graphics, with the nut and bolt from the launch campaign and the year 1991, are emblazoned as maxi prints on T-shirts, sweatshirts, windbreakers, down jackets and accessories celebrating the 30th anniversary, in a pure and graphic palette of black and white.


Also in black and white, on tops and sweatshirts, is the claim NEVER TOO LOUD, a reference to the brand's strong link with the world of music.

Denim is the star of the DENIM LOVE garments, made from high quality materials: parkas, gilets, dresses and suits designed to be worn as a total look or mixed with the jackets, down jackets and jumpers that complete the season's offering.

The palette of the collection is a range of concrete, asphalt jungle hues with unexpected pops of silver or touches of bright, high-vis colour.