Latest news with #Farmhouse
Emirates Woman
4 days ago
- Emirates Woman
Dreamy UAE staycations you must visit before the summer ends
The UAE's luxury hospitality scene is no stranger to grandeur—from glittering skyscraper suites to private island villas. But beyond the expected glamour lies a trio of extraordinary escapes that redefine the art of the staycation. Whether it's the silent majesty of a desert dotted with gazelles, a mangrove-fringed island where turtles nest at your doorstep, or a sun-drenched Greek fantasy on the Abu Dhabi coast, these resorts don't just promise relaxation—they deliver transformative moments. Leave the city behind and discover three addresses where nature, design, and impeccable service conspire to make ordinary weekends feel like once-in-a-lifetime journeys. Ritz Carlton Ras Al Khaimah The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert has elevated the desert retreat experience to unprecedented levels, creating a sanctuary where luxury and nature coexist in perfect harmony. Spanning 500 hectares of protected desert wilderness, this resort isn't just a place to stay—it's an immersive journey into the heart of authentic Arabian culture and ecology. The property's thoughtful design ensures minimal environmental impact while maximizing guest connection to the stunning landscape, where free-roaming Arabian oryx and graceful gazelles become part of your daily vista. Accommodations here redefine desert luxury. The Al Rimal Pool Villas offer secluded romance with private infinity pools that appear to merge with the endless dunes, while the Signature Villas provide expansive living spaces with traditional Bedouin-inspired decor and panoramic desert views through floor-to-ceiling windows. For the ultimate indulgence, the Royal Villa spans two bedrooms with a 25-meter private pool, personal majlis, and dedicated butler service—perfect for families or those seeking extra space and privacy. Dining options showcase the region's culinary diversity at its finest. Farmhouse presents a revolutionary farm-to-table concept by Michelin-starred chef Syrco Basse, where ingredients are sourced from the resort's own organic garden and local producers. Zuma brings its globally acclaimed Japanese izakaya dining to the desert, while Albahar offers authentic Arabian flavors under the stars. Unique dining experiences include private sunset dinners in the dunes and traditional Bedouin feasts complete with live music and storytelling. The resort's activity program immerses guests in authentic Emirati culture. Morning falconry displays demonstrate this ancient hunting tradition, while guided nature walks reveal the desert's surprising biodiversity. Adventurous spirits can try dune bashing or sandboarding, while those seeking tranquility might prefer sunrise yoga sessions or an evening stargazing experience with the resort's resident astronomer. The Equestrian Center offers horseback and camel rides through the dunes, including special sunset excursions. Wellness takes center stage at the resort's Rainforest facility—one of only four such hydrothermal experiences in the Ritz-Carlton global portfolio. This innovative wellness journey features therapeutic showers, ice fountains, and various steam rooms designed to detoxify and rejuvenate. The adjacent spa offers treatments blending ancient Arabic remedies with modern techniques, including a signature sand therapy massage using warm desert sand. A state-of-the-art fitness center and outdoor yoga platform complete the wellness offering. What truly distinguishes this property is its commitment to sustainability and cultural preservation. The resort actively participates in the UAE's endangered species protection programs and employs a team of resident naturalists who lead conservation initiatives. Traditional Emirati architecture informs the design, with wind towers and natural cooling techniques reducing energy consumption. Even the landscaping uses only native, drought-resistant plants. Recent additions include a new observatory for enhanced stargazing experiences and an expanded selection of cultural workshops where guests can learn traditional Arabic calligraphy, coffee preparation, or perfume blending. The resort has also introduced electric desert buggies for more sustainable dune exploration. With its perfect marriage of luxury amenities and authentic desert experiences, The Ritz-Carlton Al Wadi Desert continues to set the benchmark for eco-conscious luxury in the region. Kingfisher Retreat by Sharjah Collection Kingfisher Retreat is a sanctuary where conservation meets understated luxury, nestled on a pristine island off the coast of Sharjah. Accessible only by private boat, this secluded escape immerses guests in an untouched landscape of mangroves, home to rare birds, gazelles, and sea turtles. The retreat's 40 luxurious tents blend traditional charm with modern elegance, each featuring a private pool, ocean views, and bespoke comforts. Families and couples alike will find solace in this serene setting, where the rhythms of nature dictate the pace of the day. Dining at Al Qurm is a celebration of organic, locally sourced flavors, with menus that honor both regional and international cuisine. Beyond the table, the island invites exploration—kayak through winding mangrove channels, witness turtle hatchings along the shore, or simply unwind on the untouched beach. With a spa, curated activities, and an ambiance of effortless tranquility, Kingfisher Retreat offers a rare harmony of luxury and wilderness—a true haven for those seeking refuge in nature's embrace. Anantara Santorini Abu Dhabi Retreat Anantara Santorini Abu Dhabi Retreat distills the essence of the Aegean into a serene adults-only sanctuary along Ghantoot's coastline. Just 40 minutes from Dubai, this intimate 22-room escape blends Cycladic elegance with Arabian Gulf vistas—think whitewashed arches, infinity pools merging with seascapes, and private terraces bathed in golden sunsets. The Royal Santorini Duplex Suite sets the standard for romantic getaways, complete with private sauna and gym facilities. Dining options include Thalassa for authentic Greek seafood and Oia for Arabian-inspired cuisine, both leveraging their waterfront locations. The boutique spa's vaulted hammam provides authentic regional therapies with a Cycladic twist. The evolution of UAE staycations is perhaps most visible in these three distinct properties. No longer content with generic luxury, today's discerning travelers seek experiences that are both Instagram-worthy and deeply authentic. These resorts deliver precisely that – offering not just accommodation, but curated experiences that linger in memory long after checkout. In a market saturated with luxury options, they stand apart by honoring their unique environments while delivering uncompromising service and design. The question isn't whether to visit, but which to experience first. – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram Images: Supplied & Feature Image: @mademoisellesoph
Yahoo
12-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Bookings soar as hotel launches new pub and restaurant
A hotel in west Norfolk has seen a "significant increase in bookings" after opening a new pub and restaurant. The Farmhouse in Fincham, near Downham Market, opened The Hayloft restaurant and The Piggery pub at the start of the month. The pub is positioned on the lower floor of the hotel and the fully renovated bar space on the upper floor is now home to the restaurant. Norfolk asparagus with Binham blue, rocket salad and tomato and truffle dressing (Image: The Farmhouse at Fincham) Alongside the added space, new executive chef Calvin Holland has crafted a fresh menu centred around Norfolk products. The 250-year-old barn experienced a "crazy" few days after launching, as customers enjoyed new dishes inspired by the county. Director, David Toulson-Burke, said: "It has been a great week and the soft launch of our new menu has been well-received. READ MORE: Norfolk hailed as one of the most 'delicious corners' of the UK Since the launch, the new menu has been received well from customers (Image: The Farmhouse at Fincham) "We have continued to receive amazing feedback regarding quality and pricing. "The best sellers so far have been the ham hock, Norfolk chicken supreme and the chocolate fondant. "The staff have been coping very well with the significant increase in bookings and the new setting; feedback has been amazing and continues to be." READ MORE: Guests can choose the Farmhouse sticky toffee pudding from the menu (Image: The Farmhouse at Fincham) Diners can enjoy an extensive menu from nibbles and small plates to heartier meals and sweet treats. In the restaurant's bid to "celebrate Norfolk", Woodforde's Wherry will be available for ale lovers. Throughout June, The Farmhouse will be offering a 20pc discount on its food menu.
Eater
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Eater
Inside the New California Restaurant Opening at La Cañada's Lush Descanso Gardens
Farmhouse, the new restaurant at Descanso Gardens from chef Rich Mead, opens on May 30, serving seasonal California fare for lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch service. Occupying a former meeting room at the 150-acre urban oasis located in La Cañada-Flintridge, Farmhouse at Descanso Gardens adds a lush new dining experience for Northeast LA, Glendale, and Pasadena denizens. Mead opened Farmhouse at Roger's Gardens in 2016 with a similar approach to sustainability and seasonality, and he's brought on Adam Cherney (A.O.C., Pace, and Saltie Girl) to helm the kitchen at Descanso Gardens. Descanso Gardens opened as a botanical garden when its prior owner, Elias Manchester Boddy, sold the property to Los Angeles County. Through the help of neighbors and a trust, the property was established as a public space in 1953 (Walt Disney allegedly had considered it for a site for Disneyland). Today, it draws nearly a million visitors a year with a number of historic buildings and long walkways of lush flora. Though there's a fee to enter or annual membership options, neither is required to enter the Farmhouse restaurant. As for the food, Mead and Cherney will prepare salads, charcuterie boards, entrees, and desserts using local produce, like a grilled grass-fed culotte steak with Weiser Farms potatoes, asparagus, and cipollini onions. Coriander and cumin-spiced carrots are topped with burrata, pistachio, and mint, while seared salmon comes with ginger, leek, and Thai vinaigrette. Cocktails will employ ingredients from the adjacent gardens. Artisan William Stranger used fallen trees to build the wraparound bar that offers nice views of the garden, and the whole space incorporates a timeless, indoor-outdoor vibe that should serve as a solid place to eat. Eventually, Farmhouse will host dinners using produce sourced from the gardens. Farmhouse at Descanso Gardens is located at 1418 Descanso Drive, La Cañada-Flintridge, California, 91011, and will be open weekdays for lunch and dinner, plus weekend brunch. The last table will be seated at 8:30 p.m. Sign up for our newsletter.
Axios
28-04-2025
- Business
- Axios
Farmhouse Delivery relaunches in Austin
After a hiatus, Austin food delivery service Farmhouse Delivery is back with the help of an investment firm. Why it matters: Food delivery and meal kit providers have struggled to build sustainable business models because of the industry's high operating costs and variable margins. Farmhouse Delivery was no different, according to founder Stephanie Scherzer. "We learned so many lessons in coming back," Scherzer says. "We're trying to pick our partners more selectively and work deeper with them... We're really doubling down on the curation aspect of the business." Driving the news: After halting operations last May, a customer brought an investment firm, Palm Venture Studios, to help with funding and operations. Farmhouse slowly restarted deliveries to Austin homes in December and is fully back in operation now. The company will no longer deliver to Houston, Dallas and San Antonio homes. "We decided to just come back to our home base and start gradually and cautiously," Scherzer says. The big picture: Food delivery and meal kit companies saw a surge in business during the pandemic as customers sought an alternative to dining out and in-store grocery shopping. "We grew exponentially the year of COVID and 2021 as well, and then we did see a falloff," Scherzer says. Zoom in: During their hiatus, Scherzer says, the company worked to improve their inventory management, strengthen partnerships with farmers and pivot to a new membership model. The company is also rolling out 15-minute meal kits as part of their offerings. How it works: Farmhouse, which was founded in 2009, sources produce, eggs, dairy and meat from over 100 Texas farmers. Farmhouse delivers on Tuesdays and Fridays, and new items launch Wednesdays at noon. The items arrive in reusable bins and bags, which are picked up during the next delivery, sanitized and reused. What's next: Scherzer says she plans to double down on the company's Austin presence, including a possible storefront in the city.
Yahoo
20-03-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
OSU student who helped hurricane victims devastated by wildfires
STILLWATER, Okla. (KFOR) – A young Stillwater man, who took his fraternity brothers to help hurricane victims, now finds himself in a devastating situation after Friday's wildfires. 'My heart just kind of sank. It was like, 'All this work for nothing,'' said Corbin Lacy. Lacy had an impressive lawn care operation in Stillwater, at just 20-years-old. He has a team of employees and had high-end commercial equipment, including trailers, commercial mowers, and a leaf loader. 'You have a big vacuum and you suck up the leaves,' said Lacy. LOCAL NEWS: High fire danger predicted in Oklahoma Wednesday The equipment was stored in a metal building. Lacy said it was all worth around $150,000. 'A lot of money invested into it,' said Lacy. However, the building was located just off Highway 51, where wildfires burned through Friday. Lacy has a helping heart. Last Fall, he and his Farmhouse fraternity brothers traveled to Butler, Tennessee after Hurricane Helene. He had hoped to use his equipment to once again help around town, but his dad called Saturday with the bad news. 'He was like, 'You need to get here now.' And I was like, 'Where?' And he was like, 'At the shop. It's burned down.' I thought he was kidding,' said Lacy. It was definitely no joke. To power his machines, Lacy houses a lot of flammable material in the shed. He needs them for his job. However, this combined with wildfires can spell disaster. LOCAL NEWS: Oklahoma Insurance Department offering tips to residents impacted by wildfires 'There's a couple of mowers that got taken out,' he said pointing to the damage. 'The weed-eaters are just a straight rod, they look like a piece of rebar. Those were really good push mowers.' He has not been able to salvage anything. Lacy does have insurance. While he's working through that long process, friends are helping him get by. 'It could've been a lot worse. There are people without their homes,' said Lacy. You can Venmo Lacy (corbin-lacy) or Paypal (@corbinlacy) with the memo 'Fire donation.' You can also drop off cash or check donations to Blush Beauty Bar & Boutique at 715 S Main St, Stillwater, OK 74074. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
