Make the most of the cooler weather with our guide to the perfect products to enhance a picnic in the park or a lazy day on the beach. From Panama hats to Bluetooth-enabled speakers, here is our definitive list.
Wheels and deals
Vintage-inspired Linus bikes are perhaps our favourite discovery of the year. Stocked at The Movement – an independent, urban bicycle shop run by husband-and-wife team Rooman Latif and Julie Audette at the Dubai Garden Centre – these bikes are designed in Venice, California, and inspired by French bicycle designs of the 1950s and 1960s. They can be customised with vintage bells, wicker baskets from Nantucket, wooden handlebars, leather saddles, or retro front or side packs. The bikes come in a range of colours – from cream and blue to deep red. There are also models for children: the Lil’ Dutchi is perfect for 3- to 6-year-olds, thanks to the adjustable seat and handlebars. The bikes range in price according to size and customisation, with the Lil’ Dutchi costing about Dh1,200.
• The Movement will make its Abu Dhabi debut on January 16, at the Ripe Food and Craft Market (4pm to 9pm) at Mushrif Central Park. Visit www.themovement.ae for more details
Sitting pretty
These Love Rugs by Aussie brand Basil Bangs come in brightly coloured, waterproof and stain-resistant polyester canvas, which means you can easily wipe off spills and brush off sand. At 1.8m in diameter, the rug is generously sized, and is fully lined and padded – we’ve placed it on wet grass and rocky beaches with no complaints. Best of all, it folds away perfectly and can fit in a beach bag or stroller. It also comes with an adjustable shoulder strap and a pocket for keys, cash and phone.
• Dh500 from The Corner Shop's stand at the Ripe Market, or Nest at Abu Dhabi Mall. To order online, visit www.littlemajlis.com
Music to our ears
Like music on the move? Take this to the pool, beach or park for your weekend barbecue with friends. The new Wireless Audio 360 R6 model from Samsung works with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth – you just need to download a free smartphone app to operate it. It can play music for six hours on one charge, and you can explore new music through the Wireless 360 App. We’ve been using it to stream radio stations from around the world. Lightweight and cable-free, the R6 is made to be portable and is battery-powered.
• Available in black or white, it costs Dh1,399
Hearty hampers
Considering how often we’ve been stopping for impromptu meals outdoors thanks to our ever-present picnic rug, it made sense to invest in a proper picnic basket. Tavola in Abu Dhabi Mall has large, wicker versions with cutlery and crockery for four (pictured), that cost Dh725. Heavenly Hampers, a Dubai business that delivers hampers stocked with gourmet products all over the UAE, has the “Ultimate Signature Gourmet Picnic Hamper”, a wicker picnic basket packed with plates, cutlery and glasses, plus a bottle of olive oil, a non-alcoholic sparkling drink, organic ground coffee, English Breakfast tea bags from Clipper Tea, clotted cream fudge, jars of Mrs Darlington’s lemon curd, strawberry jam and sweet apple chutney, salmon pâté from Epicure, mixed nuts, and cranberry muesli biscuits by Bisquini. Dh695.
• Visit www.heavenly-hampers.com for more information
Crowning glory
Take your efforts to protect yourself from the sun a step further with this trendy, handmade Panama hat. Starting at Dh200, and available in a range of colours and sizes, these strong and durable hats, native to Cuba, are sold at the Ripe Food and Craft Market on Fridays in Dubai’s Zabeel Park, from 9am to 3pm, or at Dubai Garden Centre on Sheikh Zayed Road.
High and dry
These Turkish towels – thin, fast-drying and space saving – are a must-have when spending a day by the water. The design-savvy towels come in a wide variety of colours, and can double as a pretty wrap in the evenings. They are available from 2birds, a Dubai pop-up shop run by two women from Australia, who are often found at outdoor markets and bazaars across the UAE.
• The towels can also be ordered online from www.littlemajlis.com and cost from Dh120 each
Stay connected
One item we insist on always stashing in our bags before heading out: a portable phone charger. We love this beautiful, clean design by Chic Buds, which works with both iPhones and Android handsets. Just plug your phone into one of these chic-looking batteries and you’re all set – but remember to recharge it between uses.
• Available at Virgin Megastore, from around Dh150. Prices differ depending on size and capacity
BBQ nights
The Shinon foldable barbecue portable grill is handy to take along on your outdoor adventures. It’s light and easy to clean, and we especially love the two built-in tools for grilling. It’s very easy to fold it all back into a simple, black case, and stow it away in your car for your next adventure.
• The grill uses charcoal, and prices start from Dh65 on Souq.com
Squeaky clean
We buy our organic hand sanitiser from the Organic Foods and Cafe in the Nation Towers Galleria. Made by Bentley Organic, it’s alcohol-free and has a delicious lemon scent. We love that it is safe for kids to use, comes out of the dispenser like a soapy foam rather than a liquid, and dissipates easily on the skin, leaving hands moisturised and fragrant. Costs Dh46.
High fliers
Fancy a go at kitesurfing, a popular pursuit on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi and at Dubai's Kite Beach? You can rent equipment on Kite Beach, or visit www.kitesurfdubai.ae and www.kitesurfinguae.com, which also offer kitesurfing starter kits. Kites range in price from Dh1,500 to Dh5,000. It's an expensive hobby, but one we're hoping to perfect next year.
artslife@thenational.ae
