Shared with Société Perrier by Massimilliano Storti at Wheeler's of St. James's, DIFC, Dubai. If you fancy making this regal delight at home, see our 'how to' video

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The suites themselves overlook a rolling desert landscape, each one of them boasts a private pool and deck overlooking the infinite lines of sand dunes and lush palms, and with the lack of city lights at night, the stars ensure the sky is illuminated. During the day, a mixture of activities are also available, from desert safari's or dune-bashing, archery, wildlife drives to falconry and for the more adventurous guests, camel trekking. Enjoy the delightful view of the Arabian Oryx and desert gazelles wandering freely across the plains and dunes in front of your rooms.

Al Maha has a number of enhanced day packages for those who would like to indulge themselves and enjoy the matchless hospitality, privacy, natural beauty and absolute comfort that this desert haven is famous for, without having to spend the night. Al Maha Desert Resort and Spa differs from the typical urban hotel in that it is located outside Dubai's busy metropolis, allowing the resort to offer a secluded, unique and relaxing environment for special events. Find us dining under the stars at their signature Al Diwaan restaurant, for that little bit of an escape from our busy schedules.

What interested you in becoming a mixologist?
Massimiliano Storti: Being a mixologist to me is not just about a job, it's about heart, making something different not just bog standard cocktails, creating something new for people to enjoy. I always try to mix cocktails and cuisine, a sort of cuisine mixology, a fusion between the bar and the kitchen. For example, we have cheese infused gins, vodka infused with goose liver or even a blue cheese syrup that can be added to create cocktails.

Your competing in the DIAGEO World Class mixology championships, how is that going?
It's going really well, it's my first competition in Dubai and we had 10 minutes to create a cocktail for the panel of judges who included the Johnnie Walker Global Ambassador, and the Ambassador for A&E Middle East. I won my round which leads me to the UAE finals in June. I had to compete against other mixologists such as Hakkasan's Angus McGregor. I created a Manhattan with a twist, using Canadian maple syrup, rum and I included my homemade Vermouth (aged in a barrel).

What was the trickiest part of the trials?
When you start to make the cocktails is the hardest part, as you have 10 minutes to explain the story behind the cocktail, the inspiration and obviously the creation as well. After 2/3 weeks of preparation, you hope that it is going to be enough.

Do you have a signature (self-created) cocktail?
I don't yet, but maybe if I win the competition, this one could be my signature cocktail. In Wheeler's, the new menu will contain the signature cocktails of all of us at the bar, so they are all created and designed in house. The Aged-Martinez is one of my favourite cocktails to create.

What was your influence when creating it?
All of them are twists from the original recipe's. My influence comes from reading about the old American masters of mixology, from 1860 onwards, as they provide the basis for our cocktails, but during the Prohibition time and the tiki, Polynesian ages these recipes were twisted quite a lot. Jerry Thomas and Harry Johnson are my key influencers when creating cocktails.

What's the hardest cocktail you have ever had to make?
Personally, the flaming Blue Blazer is one of the most difficult as it has to be lit of fire when pouring. It's a cocktail made with rye or bourbon whisky, lemon peel, a spoon of sugar in boiling water and made in steel cups and mixed whilst on fire. Watch our for our own concoction called the Wheeler's Blazer coming soon.

At Wheeler's, what's the most requested cocktail?
The favourite at Wheeler's and my personal favourite is our signature cocktail - the Aged Martinez, as customer's see the barrel then they want to know what's inside.

What cocktail should we ask for that isn't on the menu?
I personally think that when the new menu comes out, every flavour you could imagine will be on there and you won't want for anything else, but of course we can personalise individual cocktails for different tastes such as smoked twists to cocktails, or even made with tobacco syrup.

Her first book ‘Make it Rock It Dress Design’, a Sewing and DIY fashion book of over 30 chic, simple and fun dresses, teaches the us how to draft patterns, as well as whole sections on techniques such a sewing, customizing and up-cycling vintage. We catch up with the Project Runway participant on her upcoming plans...

Where do you get your inspirations from?
I get my inspiration from various places, be it emotions - where I am in my life, cities, colors, or even a fabric or a design detail. I am not really inspired by designers as such. I approach design in a theatrical way, and it tends to come from my own experiences and ideas.

Who would you love to see in your designs?
Lady Gaga, Katy Perry - all the usual "out there" fashion suspects.

How was Project Runway for you? Was it as tough as we saw on the TV?
Insanely tough! Tougher then you could imagine, but the most amazing experience in my whole life. I learnt a lot about myself and my capabilities from the time on the show.

Whats your favourite piece of clothing that you have designed?
The Circle Top. Its fun, versatile and very easy to wear.

Whats your favourite fashion piece in your wardrobe?
I love the 30 dresses I made for my upcoming dress-making book, I now have a whole new wardrobe! They are easy to make and there is a dress for all occasions! My DIY dress-making book hits the shelves in Feb 2014!

If you weren't a designer, what would you be?
Probably something creative like a wedding stylist/designer, doing set designs, or being make up artist, or even a hairdresser.

What's coming up for you in the future? Where will we be seeing you next?
My book is out soon, so watch out for that! Learn to sew, design, re-work vintage and pattern-make... it's a great book for beginners all the way to those who are advanced seamstresses or designers. I'll be teaching around the city, fun DIY classes, from dress-making, to knitting, customizing/reworking vintage as well. Check out Re-Make in Al Quoz for more info on my classes. I am working with Nail Rock beauty products on a bunch of products, so check me out on Citruss TV, as well as more collaborative work coming up.

I am also training to become a personal trainer. So going to be working out around Dubai, I have helped many people from Project Runway participants, to family, friends and new clients, loose a lot of weight, get fit and enjoy working out. It's more than just a hobby now as well, I love it!

The codes of Versace were clearly visible in the fine stones and precious metals, Baroque rings mixed together a variety of precious stones, while 3D twist bands and earrings supported precious diamond settings. Cocktail rings glinted at a fresh and glamorous new creations, and the Versace Medusa was visibly enriched with diamond and crocodile texture gold, while the iconic Versace Greek key showcased an entirely new purpose and design.

It marks the beginning of a new long-term partnership between Versace Group and SAMRA International, and Versace’s commitment to the fine jewellery market. SAMRA already operates the first Versace fine jewellery boutique, opened in the Dubai Mall, Dubai in 2009. The partnership will see a roll-out of new Versace fine jewellery boutiques, with particular focus on the Middle East market and suddenly we can't wait for Christmas to come this year.

Tell us about the music scene in New York.
Eric Kupper: I was a musician playing in indie/punk bands in the early 80's and I was always into electronic music and sound recording, there seemed to be a natural shift for many of us into dance music. Similar to what happened to the Clash and New Order (formally Joy Division), it was a natural progression back then.

A legendary DJ/Producer named Justin Strauss was interested in producing a band I was in. He asked me to come in to play guitar and keyboards on a few remixes he was doing. This was 1986-87 and from there, the studio work started flowing, and I was lucky enough to be working on records that eventually became classics. Then, I started producing, writing and/or remixing my own records as well.

Who's throwing the best parties at the moment?
It seems many of the big "branded" parties have lost a little steam. There are some great festivals like Loveland in the Netherlands, and lots of great small underground parties bubbling up at the moment.

How global a DJ are you?
I have played in many countries...U.S, U.K., U.A.E., Bahrain, Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Korea, Japan, Australia, Spain, France, Italy, Netherlands, Dominican Republic, Brazil, Colombia, Venezuela, Australia, Canada, and Ireland to name but a few. My first proper DJ gig was at the Quart Festival in Kristiansand, Norway, I think it was 1996. It is an amazingly beautiful town in the South, amongst the fjords. I was playing with some other great DJ's like Ashley Beedle and rock acts like Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds.

What's the most memorable event you've played at?
Tough question as there have been so many amazing experiences, perhaps the first time I played in Korea, at M2, the crowd was so receptive and amazing.

Out of all the tunes you have created, which one 'never fails' to be a crowd puller?
A track I made some years back, "Aurora" seems to always work for me.

When all the partying is over how do you like to chill out?
I love to cook, chill with friends and chat until the small hours.

How is the international music scene in your eyes at the moment?
Although the world economy is far from perfect at the moment, there are some definite hot spots. Dubai has so many great parties and DJ's coming in; Portugal has a cool soulful house scene going on, Shanghai is also on the rise and in London, the deep house scene is going strong once again.

What can we expect from you in the future?
A live tour from Director's Cut (my partnership with Frankie Knuckles) is imminent, as is a solo tour for me. Lots of new music from myself and others on my Hysteria Records label, as well as so many Director's Cut tracks and remixes. Also, plenty of music to come via my partnership with Robert Clivilles (C+C Music Factory).

Check out Eric's favourite HotSpot in Dubai to hear some of his electronic tunes.

Method:
Step 1. Cut a nice, long slice of cucumber with a fruit slicer.

Step 2. In a mixing glass, pour 10 cubeb berries.

Step 3. Pour 6 pieces of fresh cucumber and muddle them together to help reveal all the flavours.

Step 4. Add Monin basil syrup and Gin to the mixture. Then add ice cubes and top up with Perrier.

Step 5. Stirring well with a bar spoon, place the fresh cucumber slice into the tall glass, to make it look like the picture above. Finally, Double strain the contents of the mixing glass into the tall glass, serve and enjoy.

Images © Loran Dhérines

Underneath the hotel's sparkling canopy, Yas Viceroy Abu Dhabi presents guests with a new perspective on hotel experiences, perched between city sophistication and jet-setting island glamour, facilitating a wealth of luxury experiences and entertainment. A modern Oasis, the Yas Island also boasts more than just high-octane spectating, whilst your here, get to grips with your own racing experience at Ferrari World, or cool off at Yas Waterworld.

When your there, don't forget to check out the more artistic side to Yas Island's entertainment and offerings, with a trip to the Guggenheim or Louvre's exhibition centres.

Fashion Forward presented itself as the definitive fashion platform showcasing the Middle Easts best and brightest fashion talents, and we spoke to Rabih Kayrouz on his thoughts on the occasion.

Describe your Fashion Forward Season One experience
Perfectly organised, exciting and a good start. It is very encouraging as a platform for future design talents.

How did your STARCH designers fair in their first catwalk presentation?
Bearing in mind this platform is being shared with international design talents such as Amato Couture, EZRA and Micheal Cinco, I felt they handled their shows very professionally and overall very well.

What advice were you able to share with them to prepare them for this experience?
Be yourselves! Be passionate, and to be meticulous about the execution of their pieces.

How has Fashion Forward helped these young designers?
The platform has given them exposure and recognition, and a small but nice debut into the professional world.

In terms of your own designs, what made you leave Couture to create more Pret designs?
To dress the everyday woman, I love to be able to walk down the street and see women wearing my clothes! Couture is slowly becoming extinct in my view.

Lebanon has a thriving fashion scene, often described as the Paris of the Middle East, how do you see Dubai's fashion scene progressing?
Dubai is definitely an interesting mix of talent and style, with 80% of its population being from an international origin, there is a special richness in culture and eclectic feel to the city.

As the weather heats up, this season's closing party will feature internationally acclaimed DJ's by the likes of Amirali (Crosstown Rebels) who's avant-garde concoction of electronica, techno and house and seen him win a legion of followers across the globe. Spanish Mendo (Cadenza) with his a flair for sexy, pulsating house and Jordan Peak (One Records) who is one of the most interesting and versatile new acts to emerge from the British music scene in years. His music deftly straddles the line between house and techno.

Make sure you are part of the legacy, with breathtaking views of the Dubai skyline as your backdrop and a dance floor that overlooks a pristine white beach, the Nasimi closing party will be a night to remember. Exclusive Perrier mixology cocktails will also be available to keep you refreshed throughout the day/night, ask for the fruity Florida Fizz or the sumptuous Perrier Ace.

Full DJ line up:
♫ AMIRALI (Crosstown Rebels)
♫ MENDO (Cadenza)
♫ JORDAN PEAK (One Records)
♫ Sam Farsio
♫ Daylomar
♫ Smoking Groove
♫ Haidz
Tickets, tables and timings