M Is All About: Scents, scarves and shades

Make the most of summer with a special spa deal.

Make the most of the heat and relax with a yoga package at The Yas Hotel in Abu Dhabi.

Step inside for a great tan

Another week, another new Abu Dhabi beauty salon, this time around the corner from Jones the Grocer in the Al Mamoura Building. So why is this one different? Well, as well as the usual services - nails, grooming, massages - they offer a full menu of Dermalogica skincare treatments and are one of the few salons in the capital to do spray tans. At Dh175 per session, they're around Dh100 cheaper than any rival, and also one of the best we've ever tried. The brand used is the innovative SunFx, an Australian airbrush system using a formula that's 100 per cent chemical-free, delivering a fast, safe, natural-looking tan without that tell-tale "biscuity" scent. There's a shade to suit every skin tone and the tan lasts for seven to 10 days. Who needs the sun?

Bellacure Nails Spa, Muroor Road on 15th Street, 02 658 4100, www.bellacurenails.com

Yoga at Yas

For those staying in the city this summer why not take advantage of the many hotel deals around? At the top of our list is The Yas Hotel Yoga Retreat Package, the ideal way to relax and make the most of the heat. The day starts at sunrise when beginner to advanced yoga students start the session on the hotel's rooftop terrace. Next is a one-hour treatment at the Espa spa, which needs to be booked in advance. The package is for two people and includes a one-night stay in a deluxe room and dinner at any of the hotel's six restaurants. The sessions require at least four people and take place every Sunday and Monday until August 31.

Dh2,260 for two, The Yas Hotel, 02 656 0700, www.theyashotel.com

Throw on some liberty

Nothing says cosy quite like a fluffy throw at the edge of a bed. This one is part of the Liberty London for Zara Home collection, designed for kids. Any one of the collection's bibs, shoes and children's accessories would make a lovely gift for little ones. We loved the fine print so much we wanted to buy the throw for ourselves - too bad it covered only our feet.

Dh69, Zara Home, Marina Mall, 02 681 5560; Dubai Mall, 04 399 9105; and elsewhere

Scent of New York

New York's biggest name in fragrance, Bond No.9, combines its classic floral notes with a hint of the Middle East for the new perfume New York Oud. Even the traditional star-shaped bottle gets an Arabian twist with ornate metal and gold. The perfume is 30 per cent oud with musk, vetiver and rose. Bond No. 9 generally names its scents after New York City boroughs, so the unusual title is certain to tempt collectors.

Dh1,540, Saks Fifth Avenue, BurJuman Centre, 04 501 2700, and Paris Gallery shops nationwide

Step inside for a great tan

Another week, another new Abu Dhabi beauty salon, this time in the building next to Jones The Grocer and the Al Mamoura Building. So why is this one different? Well, as well as the usual services - nails, grooming, massages - it offers a full menu of Dermalogica skincare treatments and is one of the few salons in the capital to do spray tans. At Dh175 per session, they're around Dh100 cheaper than any rival, and also one of the best we've ever tried. The brand used is the innovative SunFx, an Australian airbrush system that uses a formula that's 100 per cent chemical-free, delivering a fast, safe, natural-looking tan without that telltale "biscuity" scent. There's a shade to suit every skin tone and the tan lasts for seven to 10 days. Who needs the sun?

Bellacure Nails Spa, Muroor Road on 15th Street, 02 658 4100, www.bellacurenails.com

Jeepers peepers

Tired of your run- of-the-mill gold-rimmed, crytallised, plastic sunglasses? So are we - that's why we loved this pair at first sight. Don't get us wrong, we know that a round, quirky pair of sunglasses can look a bit OTT, but the key is wearing them well. Steer clear of these bad boys if your face is round - they will only look like two saucers on a big plate. Square or oval-shaped faces are ideal for this style, but make sure you keep your clothing simple to avoid looking too try-hard. The New York-based brand Illesteva is great for a pair of timeless, yet unconventional, sunglasses, which are all handmade in Italy or Germany.

Approximately Dh1,060, check www.matchesfashion.com for availability

All wrapped up

Yes, we know that it's far too hot for scarves in June, but surely walking in from a baking-hot parking garage into an icy mall can't be good for you. Instead of carrying a cardigan around everywhere, try this Jonathan Saunders scarf that can easily fit into your handbag. The pastel-and-black floral print will go well with most colours and gives a great texture to your overall look. It's also on sale at the moment, at half its original price.

Dh900, Boutique 1, The Walk, Jumeirah Beach Residence, 04 425 7888; Mirdif City Centre, 04 284 3777; and elsewhere; www.boutique1.com