Tag Archives: Dubai mums

The Residence Maldives | Spa by Clarins

The SPA by Clarins is exclusive to The Residence Maldives.  It is the first and only Spa by Clarins in the Maldives and offers an array of holistic treatments, pampering massages and hair services.

The spa was a 5 minute walk from our room, located on the quiet side of the island out on its own pier. All the treatment rooms have sea-facing views. The therapists are experienced and professional, and often from Thailand or Indonesia – best countries for massages in my opinion.  It was our one hour escape from the children, and that made it feel even more like a sanctuary.

It was a soothing 50-minute massage, in a tranquil couples room with a priceless view.  My husband and I tried to stay awake during the massage to savour every moment but the soothing body rub lulled us both off at some point to sleep.  A lovely variety of oils to relax or to boost energy – we must have chosen the sleepy kind.  We woke up refreshed and ready to deal with the 4 children. The massage was so revitalising that we sneaked in on another day   when the children had an hour or so at the kids club after a 4am start for fishing.

We would love to have extended our time at the spa to 90 minutes to enjoy the views longer and try other treatments but duty called.  The Maldives isn’t a place I would normally recommend a massage.  Often, they are overpriced but The Residence Maldives charges just over USD120 for a 50-minute full body massage which makes it more reasonable than most five-star hotels in Dubai.  It is worth booking it upon landing to massage away all journey stress to start the holiday a little more relaxed.

For more on dining options for the family click here

For more on the hotel click here.

For more information visit www.cenizaro.com/theresidence/maldives-fm 

The ZB Foundation - #onthewingsofanagel

On the Wings of an Angel Tee | The ZB Foundation

The ZB Foundation, established in 2012 by parents Danielle and Akber Naqvi is a Dubai-based non-profit organization that works to raise both awareness and funds for the New Born Screening in Pakistan.

They have recently teamed up with four leading UAE-based fashion designers – All Things Mochi, Reema Ameer, Bambah and Ayesha Depala – to create a series of unique T-shirts in order to raise funds.

Dubbed the #Onthewingsofanangel tee, each bears the emblem of an angel, sketched by graphic designer Dima El Atab, and are available in forever-chic black, white or grey. Each of the designers have sewn their stylish threads into the tee, making it their own.

The Dhs225 proceeds from the sale of each tee is enough to cover one new born screening test. “Our aim is to get as many women and children as possible to purchase and wear their tees and shout loud about it. It’s a fun way to raise awareness and we hope to be able to spread our mission around the region, if not globe!” says Danielle.

The tees are now available at the following stores:

Boom & Mellow – Town Centre Jumeriah Beach Road

Saucette Concept – Galleria Mall Al Wasl Road

Bambah Boutique – Jumeriah Beach Road

The Change Initiative – Shk Zayed Road

Babysouk.com – online

For more information visit The ZB Foundation,

Or visit its Instagram page The ZB Foundation. #onthewingsofanangel

Motherhood | Party Camel | We talk to owner and mum of 2 Aisha Leitner about her new booming stylish party website for children, Christmas, christenings, weddings and much more.

Aisha Leitner is the stylish mum of two beautiful children, Aliyah aged 6 and Kian aged 5.  She is originally from Kashmir but moved to the UK at 16.  After completing her studies in the UK she preferred to move away from the rain to warmer climates.  In 2001, she moved to Dubai to work with Emirates Airlines working in the HR team, and travelling the world was a dream come true.  After meeting her German husband, they decided to choose Dubai as the place to raise the children, and set up a business known as Party Camel, a brilliant ones-stop stylish party shop with items from brands also known to be stocked in famous stores like Harrods, London.  She has certainly inspired me to put together better parties for the children, Christmas and Easter.

Which area of Dubai do you live? 

The Lakes. We have recently moved here and lived at the Shangri-La hotel residence for more than 10 years prior.  We are loving the “suburban” life as my husband likes to call it. The Lakes is a great community, ideal for families with small children as all facilities are available including after school activities and we love biking everywhere.

Which curriculum did you choose for your children? 

After much consideration we opted for Dubai International Academy. It was a tough choice between this school and Kings Umm Suqiem. We decided on the IB curriculum for our children after much deliberation and we love the school they are at. It’s  very multi-cultural, they get to study German as part of the curriculum (my husband is german) and the best bit is, they get to walk to school. Which I am delighted about.

How do you juggle being a mum of two and managing your own business?

With great difficulty, I really struggle to find a balance between work, spending time with my kids, my husband and my friends. (Me time doesn’t exist anymore) But im getting better, organization is the key I find and starting the day really early.

What inspired you to create Party Camel?

My kids, I love planning parties for them and trying to make their birthdays as special as I can. I always struggled to find stylish partyware and accessories in Dubai. In the end I decided to stop complaining and open a party shop, and ive been loving every minute of it.

What kind of services does Party Camel offer if let’s say I wanted to plan something for my 5-year old daughter?

We aim to be a one-stop party shop for all your needs. We offer of course all the partyware from cups, plates, napkins, decorations and party bags and more. All in one place, and you can order form the convenience of your sofa, we deliver the next day within the UAE. In addition we can do personalized party printables, and recommend awesome vendors where you can book a birthday cake, entertainers, catering and photographers.

What 5 tips would you give to a mum planning their child’s birthday?

Get organized at least one month before the party.

Choose a theme with the birthday child, it helps tie everything together.

Personalised party printables really do add the finishing touches to any party and make the birthday child feel extra special.

Hire a photographer if your budget allows or ask a friend to take pictures, as precious memories. This then means you are not running around trying to take pictures yourself but can rather relax and enjoy the party.

Finally invest in a good cake, either your time in making one or money buying one. Cake is important, do try to have your cake and eat it on the day. And most of all enjoy the whole process.

For more information please head to Party Camel to order for your next party.