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halaluxe.com May 8, 2020

Ramadhan Series To Listen To Right Now: Voice Of Islam

This Ramadhan, all the way from Leicester, UK sees Brother Yusuf Chambers streaming his Voice of Islam webinars with international and local guests. Halaluxe caught up with the respected Brother in Islam to speak about the daily talks, his recently concluded da’wah tour of New Zealand and Ramadhan in lockdown.

Assalamu’alaykum, Brother Yusuf. MasyaAllah, you’ve had some heavyweights as guests on your show: Abdurraheem Green, Sheikh Abdur Raheem McCarthy, Arnoud van Doorn, Lauren Booth. What do you hope to achieve and for viewers to take away from the webinars?

Walaykum Asalaam. The aim behind the webinars is to relink the ummah to the Al-Qur’an, especially in this month of Ramadhan. Additionally, to foster a sense of the ummah from around the globe as being a living growing family that they all need to tap into. Finally, the aim is to reunite us all upon Tawheed and Da’wah by showcasing the amazing efforts of Voice Of Islam and our brothers in New Zealand that have gone through huge challenges after the Christchurch Masajid attacks more than a year ago that claimed the lives of 51 people.

What have been some of your own takeaways from interviewing so many guests?

The messages have been clear and unequivocal: Islam is the solution for mankind’s worries, Al-Qur’an certainly needs to be taken more seriously as an evidential miracle, and the da’wah is an essential part of being a human wherever you are in the world today. Most of my guests have been new Muslims or reverts to the faith from around the globe; they have spoken about their struggles in coming to this faith and defined innovative solutions for passing the message of Islam in their respective communities which are nothing more than a rekindling of The Prophetic Vision of Rasulullah PBUH, the da’wah!

How has Ramadhan been for you under these circumstances?

Ramadhan has been a blessing as usual, but especially this one, we’ve been given time to read and learn the Al-Qur’an, spend time with our families and reunite with this ummah via many online forums, Alhamdulillah. The lockdown was actually much needed. Had we been free to roam around, would we have focused upon the Al-Qur’an and had time to get that quality time with our family? I doubt it!

You are in New Zealand exactly one year after those dreadful events in Christchurch, working tirelessly to raise funds via Voice of Islam to further the da’wah in New Zealand. Tell us how we can help.

We urgently need to raise £25,000 to fund da’wah materials, specialist da’wah stalls, trips across New Zealand to teach the masses about this beautiful religion and to train our fellow Muslims on how to BEST convey this message! All we need are 250 AMAZING individuals chosen by Allah SWT to be the bearers of the flag of Islam and DONATE £100 each! Donations can be made to: https://www.voiceofislam.me/support

Tell us how we can tune in to your show.

Go to https://www.facebook.com/VoiceOfIslamTV/. You can also check my Facebook, Yusuf Chambers. for guest announcements and past interviews. InsyaAllah, the show will run til the end of Ramadhan.

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halaluxe.com May 1, 2020

Places To Go (When In Lockdown)

Like many of you stuck at home during the coronavirus lockdown, it is hard to imagine life without travelling anymore. But here’s where some hotels and resorts have gone creative. From breathing exercises and easy workouts to concocting immunity-boosting drinks and home spa remedies, these fun virtual learning classes and activities are just the thing you need to keep your wanderlust dreams alive. And just to get you in the mood, the folks at Le Barthelemy Hotel & Spa in St Bart’s have recorded the sounds of the beach for your listening pleasure. Download here: https://www.lebarthelemyhotel.com/media/46905/sons-montage-barthelemy-copiemp3.zip

Aman Hotels and Resorts

Aman has always encouraged guests to “switch off” and reconnect with their mind, body and soul. This practise of wellbeing continues during this unprecedented time. Embark on a wellness journey with @amanyara_resort on Instagram, where Aman’s Wellness Immersion Manager David Melladew has released a series of health-focused videos. He’ll guide you on the right breathing techniques for optimal health, share a counter with his mixologist for the recipe on the immunity-boosting Amanyara Cooler, and more.

Nihi Sumba

With programmes streamed live from Nihi Sumba seven days a week, it’s enough to get us looking forward to plan the day’s activities. Against the backdrop of the gorgeous Indian Ocean, this daily live programming run the range of interviews (learn about the unique Sumba culture), classes (relaxing with a healing bowl), coaching tips (how to de-stress) and even kids activities (art class with boiled eggs). Get your daily fix here https://nihi.com/nihi-at-home-series

Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas

“At Home With Six Senses” is all about bringing the company’s on-property wellness programmes online. Following Six Senses’ key wellness pillars, advice, articles, interviews and video tutorials are categorised accordingly. They are Mindfulness, Eat, Sleep, Move, Live Naturally and Connect. Each programme offers practical and pragmatic ways for you to stay well, healthy and motivated during this unprecedented time. One day you will be guided on how to de-clutter your fridge, then grow your own microgreens the next. There’s even a complimentary dosha (Ayurveda body type) reading and consultation with an Ayurvedic doctor! Check out Six Senses on social media and look for the hashtag #AtHomeWithSixSenses.

Credit: Six Senses Hotels Resorts and Spas

Belmond

Belmond is amping up your stay-at-home game with its Digital Care Package that looks at both lifestyle and wellness Belmond-style. To ease your wanderlust, the company has curated “me time” ideas such as at-home spa recipes, sleeping rituals for a sound sleep, and even a lockdown reading list. They have also released the Belmond Invitations, a series of content on IGTV and Facebook that have brought viewers to a floristry masterclass with Simon Lycett and a poetry reading by Gala Gordon and Isabella Macpherson. Keep tuned to @belmond for more.

Main picture credit: Belmond

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halaluxe.com July 17, 2019

6 Masterclasses To Pick Up On Vacation

Anas ibn Malik reported: The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said, “Seeking knowledge is an obligation upon every Muslim.” (Ibn Majah)

What better way to embrace this hadith while on vacay. Interactive experiences on vacations not only provide a connection to the local community and culture, but they can make the getaway more memorable. From cooking classes to kickboxing, bring home a new skill as a souvenir.

Train with a Muay Thai pro in Bangkok

Muay Thai has gone from an ancient art of body combat to a revered national sport. At The Siam, an urban luxury hotel in the Old Bangkok quarters, guests can glove up for private lessons in their state-of-the-art Muay Thai ring with a professional trainer. And because the sport is not easy on the muscles, the hotel has designed a chef-exclusive fighter’s diet menu and spa treatment to get you re-energised.

Elevate your Japanese business etiquette in Tokyo

Learn how to exchange business cards correctly, eat sushi the right way or don the yukata like a local. The intricacies of Japanese culture are made easier with a private guide that helps you navigate the country like a pro. The two-hour insight into Japanese best business practices at Palace Hotel Tokyo will also enlighten the leisure traveller.

Revive a lost cuisine in Malacca

Be one of the few in the world to be able to cook Kristang cuisine that is rooted in a 500-year-old legacy at The Majestic Hotel Malacca. Kristang, a hybrid flavour of Malacca and Portuguese, is rich with spices and herbs that propelled 15th century Malacca into a spice hub. Paired with an exploration of the local market that introduces guests to indigenous herbs, spices and more, this culinary adventure will be one to check off the bucket list.

Brew tonics in Bali

“Jamu”, a traditional herbal concoction, is a staple in any Indonesian home. From easing indigestion to acting as a beauty aid, different jamu has different benefits. Even Indonesia President, Joko “Jokowi” Widodo, has a favourite: a ginger and turmeric brew mixed with Javanese ginger (temulawak). At Spa Village Resort Tembok Bali, hosts encourage guests to both imbibe this health elixir while learning to make one in its jamu making class.

Harmonise with a singing bowl in Koh Kood

Every week at Soneva Kiri offers the opportunity for guests to learn to strike the right harmonics with the Tibetan Singing Bowl. Long known for its effects that induces relaxation and frees up the flow of energy or “chi” through the body, the sounds produced by the bowls can also help stress reduction and holistic healing. With guidance from the resort’s Six Senses Spa therapist, guests discover the virtues of sound healing therapy that is also incorporated into one of the treatments.

Workout in the legendary waters of Bath

In the UNESCO World Heritage Site City of Bath, at the bi-level elegant Spa Village of Gainsborough Bath Spa, guests can experience a new perspective on the city’s thermal water heritage. Through the complimentary Aquasana programme, guests explore an aqua fitness session that combines stretching, Tai Chi balancing movements and core strength to increase strength and flexibility. This invigorating session will leave you feeling rejuvenated and relaxed.

Learn To (Digital) Detox at The Anambas

At a time where we are always connected, it may be hard to learn how to let go. At Bawah Reserve, disconnecting digitally is made easier with limited wifi, restful days that invite exploration of the 13 white-sand beaches, snorkeling off at any of the six lagoons and exploring any of the six stunning islands.

Main picture credit: The Siam

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halaluxe.com June 30, 2019

6 Ways Taiwan Woos The Muslim Visitor

Here’s how Taiwan’s government and various stakeholders work to charm itself into the hearts of the traveller that seeks to balance fun and faith.

1. Fun and faith: It’s easy to play and pray at major theme parks in Taiwan. Leofoo Village in Hsinchu County and Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village near Sun Moon Lake – where rollercoasters, rapid rides and cultural entertainment make an ideal family outing – have halal-certified eateries and even a musolla on site!

2. Medical tourism made easier: Hospitals hopped on the halal bandwagon, thanks to efforts made by Taiwan’s Department of Health (DOH) in encouraging halal certification among the city’s medical institutions. To date, Taiwan Adventist Hospital Taipei and Beitou Health Management Hospital are leading the way in setting up independent kitchens and prayer rooms equipped with prayer mats and times.

3. Beyond Taipei: The country really wants you to explore more of its country! Among the over 324 halal-certified hotels and restaurants include those outside Taipei such as in cities like Taichung and Kaohsiung. Case in point: Fullon Hotel and Resorts Lihpao Land, an integrated resort with a water amusement park, a multi-level outlet mall, a world class racing and go-kart circuit. Rooms are equipped with prayer mats and Qiblah direction. At its halal-certified Japanese restaurant, J San Izakaya, there is also a prayer room facility.

4. Authentic halal eats: How proud are the Taiwanese of their food? So proud in fact that you will find it easy to work your way around authentic Taiwanese cuisine that are certified halal, including the famed Taiwanese institution – Ice Monster!

5. Students team up: Even students get excited over halal. The brilliant minds at National Taiwan University of Science and Technology designed the Halal TW app to help Muslim tourists as well as residents explore Taiwan with peace of mind. It helps users locate not just halal restaurants and nearby mosques and musolla, but shares for instance, halal food sections that can be found in local grocers.

6. Strategic partnership: Taiwan Tourism Bureau continuously works with Taiwan’s Chinese Muslim Association (CMA) to oversee the halal certification of restaurants, hotels and central kitchens. The bureau also provides subsidies for the acquisition of halal certification by restaurants and hotels to encourage them to improve or renovate their facilities to fulfill Muslim guests’ needs.

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halaluxe.com May 9, 2019

5 Unforgettable Resort Arrivals

We are all about making an entrance. Here’s five most spectacular ways resorts will wow you even before you check-in.

Bawah Reserve
Fly from land and arrive on water. Your amphibious plane takes you from Batam’s International Airport for an 80-minute journey to the Riau Archipelago, the home of Bawah Reserve. The plane lands on Bawah’s spectacular waters right in front of your suite, but not before making a spectacular fly-past to give you a bird’s eye view of Bawah’s gorgeous isles and lagoons.

The Peninsula Hong Kong

Arriving Hong Kong International Airport, you will be greeted airside (!) by The Peninsula staff, fast tracked past immigration and, after identifying your luggage (the staff swiftly take this from you) whisks you out of the Arrivals Hall to your waiting car. Blink and you’ll miss it – a Phantom Rolls Royce. Painted in The Peninsula’s exclusive Brewster Green colour, the ride is a spectacular amalgamation of polished wood and leather – and style!

On a personal note: we once had a Rolls Royce transfer from The Peninsula Hong Kong to another hotel and was involved in a minor fender bender. It was raining mildly. Traffic stopped. Our driver was extremely concerned about our safety (we were ok and enjoying the whole experience of being the centre of attention!). Barely 10 minutes past before another Peninsula staffer came with another Rolls Royce to ensure we made it to our destination. Best. Experience. Ever.

Soneva Kiri

Travel by air, land and water seamlessly. From Suvarnhabumi International Airport, you fly to Koh Kood on the resort’s private plane for about 90 minutes. Your plane lands in the neighbouring Koh Mai Si in the resort’s own airport – complete with a rustic waiting lounge and fire trucks! As you disembark, Soneva Kiri’s Fridays (hosts) collect you in an electric buggy for a minute’s ride to the jetty. From here, it’s a five-minute journey on the hotel’s private boat to the resort, with just enough time to down the fresh watermelon juice onboard. And don’t worry about your luggage – they are transferred discreetly to a separate boat and will wait for you in your villa.

Shinta Mani Wild – Bensley Collection

Nestled deep within Cambodia’s South Cardamom National Park Wilderness in a pristine wildlife corridor three hours’ drive south of Phnom Penh is Shinta Mani Wild – Bensley Collection. Radical best sums up the arrival. At this luxury tented camp, you arrive at the gate lounge by road or helicopter before strapping yourself to the resort’s purpose-built 380 metre zipline to make your grand entrance to the lobby. Enroute, you will pass river and waterfalls, arriving ‘Indiana Jones style’ in the Landing Zone Bar. Those who prefer a milder entrance can also opt for the jeep transfers.

Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle

You will be greeted at Chiang Rai International Airport by Four Seasons guides who will escort you to a waiting car. Freshen up with cold face towels and sit back to enjoy the 75-minute journey past bucolic villages and emerald rice fields. Your journey ends at a small dock where you will then take a traditional long tail boat down river, arriving the Camp pier in just 10 minutes.

Main picture credit: The Peninsula Hong Kong

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halaluxe.com March 27, 2019

5 Reasons To Visit Vietnam Now

Vietnam is shedding its image as a mere backdrop for Hollywood’s war dramas, re-emerging as the hottest Southeast Asian destination today. Here, five reasons to start planning:

1. Smooth entry. Let’s start with the easy. Most ASEAN residents enjoy a 30-day visa-free policy. Visitors from Europe (United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy and Spain) enjoy 15 days visa-free entry until 2021. E-visa can be enjoyed by more than 40 over nationalities worldwide, including from Qatar, Austria and Switzerland, to name a few

2. Hassle-free flights. Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are served by major airlines. But there are also direct flights that take you to dream Vietnamese resort destinations. Korea Air flies direct from Seoul to Danang. Bangkok Airways takes you from Bangkok and into Cam Ranh/Nha Trang (where the luxurious The Anam fronts Cam Ranh Bay). Air Asia takes you from Kuala Lumpur straight into the Mekong Delta flying into Can Tho, the gateway to Azerai Can Tho.

3. Diverse landscape. Photographers have long discovered the country’s wildly varied landscapes and majestic scenery. They range from the hot and arid sand dunes of Mui Ne to the stunning terraced rice fields of Sapa. And in between, guests can experience the frenetic pace of Ho Chi Minh City, get lost in the Old Quarter labyrinth of Hanoi, marvel at the limestone karsts of Halong Bay, or bliss out at the bustling beach city of Danang.

4. UNESCO World Heritage sites. Don’t miss some of the country’s famous heritage-listed areas. A cruise into Halong Bay will acquaint you to the dramatic limestone karsts featured in the 2017 movie Kong: Skull Island. Hoi An Ancient Town is a throwback to the trading post it once was in the 15th century. And, though it needs a bit of pre-planning, the caverns in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park are certainly an adventure. Home to Son Doong cave, it has caverns so large a Boeing 747 is thought to could have flown through it!

5. Unexplored islands. Vietnam’s islands are an escape route to tranquillity. In the deep south-western reaches of Vietnam, Phu Quoc is an up-and-coming holiday destination and has been likened to Phuket before the crowds came. And just off its south coast is An Thoi Islands, a speckling of 15 isles with secluded coves and pristine beaches. Con Dao islands on Vietnam’s southeast coast remains largely untouched. The biggest of the 15-island chain that make this archipelago, Con Son, is home to the luxurious Six Senses Con Dao and colourful reefs waiting to be explored.

Visit Vietnam Tourism Board (www.vietnam.travel) for more reasons to visit Vietnam.

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halaluxe.com March 13, 2019

4 Ways To Beat The Jet Bloat

If you feel oddly bloated when flying – like a human helium balloon – that’s because you’ve got jet bloat. Beyond just gas, there’s a simple physics explanation for that: Boyle’s law. As the plane rises and air pressure drops, gas in your gut expands. That would explain the uncomfortable “gassy” feeling you get. So yes, you may find yourself wanting to fart more than usual. To avoid the makrooh (unless you fart privately!), take these four simple steps to beat jet bloat with adab:

1. Pop a probiotic. Or, get them from drinking kombucha, kefir and from foods like yoghurt, kimchi and tempeh. Probiotics can help reduce gas production and keep your gut feeling right.

2. Get moving. Get off your seat and walk off that gas before they build up. Staying seated for too long can add to severe bloating. Walking around, just for a few minutes throughout your flight can help relieve that gas.

3. Stay off the fizzy drinks. You really do not want to add more gas to an already gassed-up body.

4. Drink up. Drink more water. More toilet breaks will force you off your seat for a walkabout (see #2).

5. Watch your pre- and in-flight food. What you eat before your flight matters just as much as what you consume in-flight. Avoid complex carbs, greasy and gas-inducing foods (think beans, onions and broccoli) before a flight. These will not digest well and, with being sedentary for some time on the flight, the food will just sit in your gut and produce gas. When onboard, choose lean protein and go crazy on your salads and fruits.

Ramadhan Series To Listen To Right Now: Voice Of Islam

Places To Go (When In Lockdown)

6 Masterclasses To Pick Up On Vacation

6 Ways Taiwan Woos The Muslim Visitor

5 Unforgettable Resort Arrivals

5 Reasons To Visit Vietnam Now

4 Ways To Beat The Jet Bloat

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