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Xclusive Cruise

The weather is perfect and what better way to enjoy it, than a day out on a yacht.






I had the wonderful opportunity to experience the Dinner cruise aboard Xclusive Yachts. Xclusive Yachts, established in 2006 is Dubai's leading award winning yacht charter company. It is the only charter company to own its own fleet of yachts. It offers a luxurious experience on board from their well-maintained luxurious fleet to its quality yacht crew & professional guest relations staff.


Xclusive cruise has successfully established itself as a desirable dining experience for many tourists and residents in Dubai. It has now taken a step further to enhance the experience by collaborating with Dubai’s homegrown chain of luxury hotels – The Address Hotel, Dubai Marina.





The registration process was hassle free with all the required details along with the location map sent straight to your email and a QR code to make it easier. As we parked our car and were walking towards the yachts, we were greeted by the staff and were given directions as to where we were to head to. Our reservation was confirmed for the upper deck with a table for two.





I loved the welcome provided by the staff. They were very courteous and extremely helpful. We had a staff guide us to the yacht. We got our name checked and were led through a red carpet area to board. We got our pictures clicked, which can be later bought from them during the cruise.

We were told we had reservation on the upper deck and were guided to our table. The Sunset cruise was completely booked. It wasn’t a surprise as it’s a perfect setting for a quick romantic getaway. The welcome staff was really courteous and took care of all our needs from the start. 

The Dinner cruise starts at 8:30 p.m. and goes until 2 hours, which is perfect for dinner and conversation along with fabulous view.





The cruise was 2 hours long and it took us around the very panoramic views of the marina, The Burj-Al-Arab, The Palm Jumeirah Island and back. The Dubai temperature was cordial with easy winds to make our journey pleasurable. Pre and post dinner we were all free to move around the the vessel and take pictures or chit-chat or even just hang by the deck. 

It’s a dry cruise with no alcohol, however all that’s made up with live music and a scenic view of Dubai. Add that with good company, what more can one ask for.




The tie-up with Address Hotel for food increased my expectations and hence the Buffet wasn’t as I expected it to be. The variety and choices offered were fewer than expected.  It felt like a regular Buffet.

To begin with they had an assortment of salads and Arabic cold mezze like grilled chicken, hummous, Tzazaiki, beetroot salad to name a few,  and a soup with an array of breads.








For the mains they had Crispy Fried Fish, Green Thai chicken Curry and a Roasted Chicken dish with potatoes which is good if had warm, as it's more chewy when cold. They also had stir fried noodles and some roast veggies for vegetarians. There was also a live pasta station which was very active.




Barring the food, the cruise was amazing. It’s a great experience as you get to dine along some spectacular view.


 Contact:

Location: Unit 6, Lower Ground Retails, Dubai Marina Yacht Club, Dubai Marina, Dubai
Timings: 05:00 pm to 07:00 p.m
                20:30 pm to 22:30 a.m
Cost: AED 420 for two

Reserve your table at: 04 4573185

I was invited for the Dinner Cruisei and all views and images are © Urbanmodish, unless stated otherwise




Xclusive Cruise Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato

Elekta 7 in 1 Hair styler set

Hello Beautiful!

Today, I'm going to review the 7 in 1 hair styler set from Elekta - a professional styling tool that gives you versatility with styling to create curls, waves, spirals, volume etc. I'm going to jump straight to the point: This baby is for keeps. It is a boon for messy and lazy manes.





Initially, I wasn't really convinced that it could do what it claims to do - Versatile styling. I own a messy unruly mane, which decides on it's own how it likes to feel. If today you see me with straight tresses, you are bound to see a nest the next day (I'm not even exaggerating). So when any product claims to manage/style my hair, I can't help but laugh at the 'claims'.

So the chances that a compact box with 7 different units of small styling sets were to manage my hair did sound hilarious. My expectations, from the time I received the product till the time I started using it was meh.

I sprayed on a generous amount of heat styling product on my hair and looked at the Elekta 7 in 1 styler not hoping for any miracle. I started with the 'magic curl' brush (Oh, all the brushes have their designated names. But, I'm going to  rename some (all) of them). 

So all you do is attach the styling tool to the unit. You can either be all calm and attach it properly or be like me and almost damage it (either ways it fits). It's easy to attach, however, you will have some initial fails or you may just not.

This is my understanding of the working mechanics of the styling tool. You plug in the hungry monster and it happily blows out hot air which transfers to the attached tool through a vent and then does some magic to your hair. Once you repeat the entire process, your mane tends to look 'oomphiliciious', and lasts long without hair spray (I'm not sure if it's just with my hair).




I did not check the other brushes out until I decided to do a video on the same, which you can find HERE.

The product takes a bit of getting used to. You cannot really expect wonders the first time you use it. However, once you do get the hang of it. It is so wonderful, that you will just want to replace all your styling products with just this one. More so, when you compare its price, you just wouldn't want to think twice (voot voot, I rhymed)

It has a 'lemme dry you hair', 'Push-up', 'shine on', ' curl up', 'wave away', 'loosey woosey curlies', 'comb away' brushes that effortlessly helps you tame your mane.

So here they are:
The hungry monster
The hungry monster, has two switches on it. the lower one is to increase the heat as per your requirement. the above is to attach and detach the units to it.



The 'Comb away' brush looks simple and meh, but don't be fooled by it's ' Hey i'm just a paddle brush' look. This baby straightened my hair and kept the frizz away. 


Similar to the paddle brush, however 'shine away' tends to make your straight but nor poker straight. It makes it look naturally bouncy straight. (If that does make sense)


This baby is my favourite. Oh my God, I cannot tell you how much I loved the loose, out of bed curls you can get from this 'loosey woosey curly'. It's beautiful to say the least.

Look at what it does
So this 'wave away' brush is a bit deceptive. It looks all simple and you might just underestimate what it can do, Until you spot that magic button on it's head. Check the pictures below. This one gets you wavy curls in all dimensions.


Cool huh?



This one is like the 'push-up bra' of the tools. Though it does look like a back scratcher (versatile hehe). It is the best alternative to back combing (yay)


The curl up works like your usual curling irons, and also has a safety stand to protect you from burns. 


The humble 'lemme dry your hair' works just like your blow dryer, but in a compact version.


My advice is to give it some time, let it get used to you and vice versa, and you will definitely love it as I do. Why I keep stressing on the 'getting used to' bit is because I managed to get my hair caught up twice, once in the unit and the other time in the styling tool (sheer clumsiness). So to avoid the trauma and drama of that all, just give it some time. And if clumsy me can actually handle it like a pro (almost), then it would definitely be a piece of cake for you guys.

Cons:

* The sound (it seems like you are the antagonist in a horror flick).


Pros:

* Easy to use (once you get the hang of it)
* Effective
* User Friendly
* Wallet friendly
* Versatile styking
* Compact

Masala Pot

For an Indian, food is cooked with dollops of love and sprinkled with masala's. They are all stirred together and magic is served on plates. Every morsel bursts with flavors that take you to a land of foodness (not a typo). 





When I was invited for food tasting at Masala Pot, my expectations were of similar nature, since they catered to Indian and chinese cuisine  I looked forward to a gastronomical treat, The first thing that you tend to notice is how your food is served. The way it looks definitely alters your thinking and taste buds. At Masala Pot, they took care of both quality and taste.

We walked in to an ever smiling staff who ensured we were well served and comfortable.

As soon as were seated, we were asked about our preference, spice levels etc. We were suggested to try their Chinese cuisine and we readily agreed.

We started off with a mocktail aptly named Pinky Moon. It was refreshing and just the amount of sweetness. Pinky moon was a blend of fresh grapes, vanilla ice cream, ice and sugar. It was thick and yum.




As soon as we were comfortably settled in with the mocktail, we were served Broccoli soup. The only place I ever loved broccoli soup was Jazz by the bay, and now I have another favorite at Masala Pot. The soup was creamy and had you could easily taste all the elements - ginger, garlic, onion, green chilly, broccoli, spring onions, pepper were all in the right amount. It was literally soul food.


The soup was cleared and we were served with Lemon coriander chicken. I particularly, am not someone who likes the taste of coriander powder. So for me the dish wasn't all that amazing. However, I loved the way it was presented and I did like the subtle taste of lemon and capsicum.


We were then served Veg. Hakka noodles, Chicken fried rice and Hanan fish gravy. I loved the noodles, the vegetables were fresh and crispy just the way I like it. The fried rice did taste a little too much of soya sauce which wasn't something I particularly enjoy. However the Hanan fish gravy was just the best ever. The fish was perfectly cooked, the gravy was just perfect. It was a mouth watering curry, and I just couldn't stop eating it.




I always love concluding every meal with a nice dessert and we opted for Gudbud. Yes it sounds pretty off, but I loved the way our server described it to us, and we opted for it. I loved the way it was served. It was just so beautiful to eat. I loved the bit where you could munch in to crispy cornflakes, coupled with chocolate sauce and dry fruits.


Overall it was a wonderful spread. 

The food coupled with the service and ambiance makes it a must- visit joint. Don't forget to order Pinky moon.

Details:

Meal for two: Dhs 100

Location: 

Meena Bazaar,



I was invited to Masala Pot and all views and images are © Urbanmodish, unless stated otherwise.

Herbal essentials


I’m very skeptical like most of you to try out new skin products, however I’m a total sucker for organic and natural products. When TishTash gave me a goodie bag with Herbal Essentials I was over the moon. Herbal Essentials is 100% natural and it’s made in UAE with imported Himalayan natural ingredients.


Herbal essentials Problem Skin Scrub contains natural clay (Gopichand) – a magnesium iron and aluminum yellow earth – similar to Bentonite along with neem, brahmi, turmeric, basil, walnut shell, sunflower oil, coco palm wax.

It smells very earthy, and oddly enough I felt it smelled like cumin. I loved the fragrance, it had a soothing and relaxing effect.


It comes in n easy to use wide plastic jar with a screw up lid. The texture is that of soft clay with tiny beads which are not harsh, but easily cleanse your skin. You can use it as a scrub or as a mask. I usually apply scrubs as a mask and then scrub em away when dry. Best of both worlds isn't it?


My Review: Since I do have sensitive skin, I take a patch test before generously lathering anything on my face. If the product passes the patch test, it gets slapped on my face. Herbal Essentials problem skin scrub passed the patch test, and was generously applied on my clean face. It took around 15-20 minutes to dry. Usually with clay masks, you feel it drying as it stretches your skin absorbing all excess oils. However, I didn't feel the same with this one. I had to keep checking if the mask dried, which was a plus.


I splashed my face with lukewarm water and then scrubbed away the mask in circular motion, paying more attention to problem areas like my nose, and chin. I scrubbed away gently on my neck in upward motion and loved the soft, smooth and supple effect it left.




I didn't moisturise my skin so as to check if the scrub dries out my skin, and to my surprise it didn't.

You will start noticing the effect post the first use itself. It’s a perfect pamper jar that you could gift yourself or your loved ones, and its calming fragrance will relax your mind as well.

Put on some music and pamper yourself with the Problem Skin scrub for a more radiant YOU!

TILAL LIWA - An Arabian Getaway

Tilal Liwa is nestled snugly in the middle of the desert. It's the perfect getaway if you are looking to unwind and relax far away from the city. It took us a fun filled 3 hours 20 minutes to reach Tilal Liwas from Dubai. So if you want to travel alone to Tilal Liwa, you might want to reconsider considering the journey to Tilal Liwa.




Our first interaction with the Tilal Liwa staff was a very unpleasant one, We called to confirm the status of our booking and it took two efforts from my end and the final one from my husband to confirm that we could check in late. We were already having our doubts about the place, but boy were we glad we decided to go to Tilal Liwa.

It was a never ending journey and as we edged closer to Tilal liwa, we were enveloped by unending desert strips on either side. It was a treat to the eyes and made us more excited towards our stay.

We arrived close to 8:00 pm, As soon as we entered the premises, we were left gaping with the beauty of Arabic architecture and the magical vibe that the place resonates off. We were checked into the Oasis room which overlooked the pool. Our room was breathtakingly beautiful. It was simple yet had such a comfortable feel to it, that you just wouldn't want to leave.



The staff decorated our room with petals and swans made from towels and ensured that our experience was one to be cherished. A bottle of bubbly, along with a heart shaped cake and fruit basket waited for us. We were beyond happy and excited. We were welcomed by a gust of wind as soon as we opened the door facing the pool. It was soaked in blue lights and the wind just cajoled our tired bodies to its hypnotizing rhythm.





We were soaking in the ambiance of the place when our stomachs growled with hunger. We headed to the Al Badiya restaurant and were very graciously welcomed by the staff who escorted us to a table specially reserved for us. Candle lit dinner with a glass of wine and a buffet spread (aahh, what more can we ask for).



The Buffet was a never ending array of contemporary and regional cuisine that would satisfy both vegetarians and especially non vegetarians. From seafood in varieties of curries, grilled, baked to meat, salads to pastas, the main course had something for everyone. The dessert section was an art in itself which was bound to leave you awestruck. The food, the ever smiling and ready to assist staff and impeccable service and hospitality made it a worthwhile stay.

The next day post breakfast and taking pictures we booked ourselves a desert bike ride and a camel ride with the recreation team. The desert bike ride (not as easy as it looks) was super fun. We also got caught in sand and were rescued by the team, but had so much fun inspite of the scorching heat

The Camel was made to sit on all fours so that I could sit on it (feeling guilty already), as I could sense it was forced to do so. Word of caution, be prepared when the camel stands up, as it stands first stands on front two and then the rear, so hold onto your dear life. It was an enjoyable ride, however as I saw flies around its mouth, and the camels vain attempts to shoo them off, I felt my heart drop down to my stomach. The sight of the person walking the camel in the hot sand, made me cut short the duration and I asked him to take me back.



Post that we decided to take a dip in the pool. The pool overlooked the desert and it was such an overwhelming view. A realization of how small we are, and how lucky we were to soak in the beauty of nature. The staff organised a romantic bubble bath for us, which just was just the perfect way to end our day.





Tilal Liwa is a perfect getaway, away from the hustle and bustle and away from the stress and noise.




Watch the full video HERE
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