Categories
Fitness Promoted

One of Australia’s Most Loved Pilates Trainers Is Coming to Kuwait

Open Space is an all women fitness studio in Kuwait that offers Reformer Pilates, Mat Pilates, and Barre. They opened a couple of years ago and focus on creating a comfortable and supportive space where women can move, train, and feel confident no matter their fitness level.

This month they’ve invited one of Australia’s most loved Pilates trainers, Victoria (also known as @vicalates). She is the founder of the Vicalates Pilates studio in Australia and is known for her clear cueing and flowing class style. She is internationally qualified and has trained under some of the world’s top Pilates instructors.

Victoria will be teaching exclusively at Open Space from January 10 to 15. Alongside her regular one hour classes, which cost KD 18, Victoria will also be running two four hour workshops during her visit. These workshops are designed for Pilates trainers who want to improve their skills and teaching. Each workshop costs KD 80.

Spaces are limited, so for the full schedule, more details, or to book a class, you can visit Open Space on Instagram @open________space or book directly through their app.

Update: One of the workshops is now fully booked.




Categories
Travel

Kuwait Airways Plans to Resume Mykonos Flights

According to the website aeroroutes.com, Kuwait Airways is planning to resume direct flights to Mykonos. According to the website Kuwait Airways used to fly to Mykonos until September 2023. I personally want Kuwait Airways to bring back their Athens route. I flew to Athens in 2023 and then 2024 via Kuwait Airways and was hoping to make it a yearly trip but then last year Kuwait Airways decided not to fly to Athens anymore.

I’ve never been to Mykonos but maybe I’ll do it this summer for a weekend although I keep hearing about how it’s super busy and not that great a place anymore. Kuwait Airways will be flying the route twice weekly starting from June 14 until September 13 using a a mix of the A320neo and A321neo. source




Categories
Gossip & Rumors Shopping

Spinneys Might Take the West Elm Location

Last summer I posted that Spinneys, the popular supermarket chain, might be coming to Kuwait in partnership with Alshaya. That turned out to be true, and now I’m being told their first location could be the recently vacated West Elm store in The Avenues.

The West Elm location didn’t make much sense to me at first, but the more I thought about it, the more it made sense. The space is pretty big, probably double the size of the old Dean & Deluca location, so size shouldn’t be an issue. It’s also right next to the escalators leading up to the valet area outside Harvey Nichols, and they’d definitely add elevators or even escalators down to the basement parking, similar to what Carrefour has, so access shouldn’t be a problem either. Spinneys is also considered a premium supermarket, so a Grand Avenues location would reinforce that.

Neither my contacts at The Avenues nor Alshaya have been able to confirm this news, so this remains a rumor for now.




Categories
News

Why the Fireworks Shows were Canceled

This morning I posted about different fireworks displays taking place around Kuwait, but one by one they were canceled. A short while ago, the Ministry of Interior issued an explanation, saying the cancellations were due to violations by the organizers.

According to the Ministry of Interior, the decision to cancel fireworks displays was due to public safety after authorities uncovered serious violations during inspections. These violations included companies operating fireworks without the required security approvals, using unsuitable storage locations, and failing to follow approved procedures for importing and storing fireworks. Due to the risks these violations posed to lives and property, the MOI decided to prohibit fireworks unless the necessary security approvals are obtained from the competent authorities. It seems many organizers didn’t manage to get the required permits in time.

If you want to read the full announcement (in Arabic), you can check it on @moi_kuw




Categories
Events Information Kuwait

New Year’s Fireworks Around Kuwait Tonight

I haven’t been posting for a few days since I wanted to take a bit of time off to enjoy the holidays. But I’m back now because a lot of people have been asking if there will be fireworks tonight, and the answer is yes and no.

If you’re asking whether there will be a huge fireworks show like the ones previously held at Kuwait Towers or earlier this year at Al Shaheed Park, then the answer is no.

However, similar to last year, there will be several fireworks displays taking place around Kuwait.

The biggest one was expected to happen at KLAND, but they announced late last night that the fireworks show has been canceled.

That means the largest displays are now likely to be at Messilah Beach, Al Kout Mall, and Al Khiran Mall. If you don’t want to drive that far, or you’re looking for something near Kuwait Towers, JON will be holding a short fireworks show that will last a few minutes.

Wherever you end up watching the fireworks from, have a great night and happy new year.

Update: Messilah Beach just announced that their fireworks show is also canceled due to “directives of the relevant security authorities.” I wonder what’s going on🤔

Update2: JON also canceled their fireworks

Update3: Al Kout Mall and Al Khiran also announced the cancelations of their shows




Categories
Food & Drinks Lists

Christmas Lunches & Dinners in Kuwait

If you’re looking for a place to dine on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, here are some restaurants in Kuwait offering special Christmas menus.

All the options are hotels, except for Vigonovo. The cheapest option I found is the Grand Majestic Hotel at KD 7.5 per person for a buffet, while the most expensive is Riccardo at KD 40 per person for a set menu. Check out the list below:

Courtyard by Marriott
Christmas Eve Dinner: KD 16.9 (Buffet)
Christmas Day Lunch: KD 18.9 (Buffet)
@courtyardkuwait

Crowne Plaza Hotel
Christmas Eve Dinner: KD 17 (Buffet)
Christmas Day Lunch: KD 18 (Buffet)
@crowneplazakuwaitatc

Grand Majestic Hotel
Christmas Eve Dinner: KD 7.5 (Buffet)
Christmas Day Dinner: KD 7.5 (Buffet)
@grandmajestichotels

Holiday Inn Salmiya
Christmas Day Lunch: KD 13.900 (Buffet)
@holidayinnkw

Jumeirah Messilah Beach
Christmas Eve Dinner: KD 25 (Buffet)
Christmas Day Lunch: KD 25 (Buffet)
@jumeirahmessilahbeach

Marina Hotel
Christmas Day Lunch: KD 18 (Buffet)
@marinahotelkwt

Park Inn By Radisson
Christmas Eve Dinner: KD 20 (Buffet)
Christmas Day Lunch: KD 20 (Buffet)
@parkinnbyradissonkuwait

Radisson Blu Hotel
Christmas Eve Dinner: KD 19.5 (Buffet)
Christmas Day Lunch: KD 21 (Buffet)
@radissonblukuwait

Riccardo
Christmas Eve Dinner: KD 40 (Set Menu)
Christmas Day Lunch: KD 40 (Set Menu)

Symphony Style Hotel
Christmas Eve Dinner: KD 18 (Buffet)
Christmas Day Lunch: KD 20 (Buffet)
@symphonystylekuwait

The St. Regis
Christmas Eve Dinner: KD 28 (Buffet)
Christmas Day Lunch: KD 28 (Buffet)
@stregiskuwait

Vigonovo
Christmas Eve Dinner: KD 15 (Set Menu)
Christmas Day Lunch: KD 15 (Set Menu)
@vigonovo_kw

Waldorf Astoria
Christmas Day Dinner: KD 26 (Set Menu)
@waldorfastoriakuwait

Main photo taken from Jumeirah Messilah Beach




Categories
Automotive

Installing the BAKFlip MX4 Truck Bed Cover on a Ranger Raptor

Before purchasing this cover for my Ranger I couldn’t find a lot of pictures of info on it for the Ranger, so figured I’d write up a post in case anyone else online is looking to get one as well.

I ordered the cover from Amazon, they don’t ship to Kuwait so had to send it to my Shop&Ship and then have them send it to Kuwait. Luckily I had a 25% discount code they had given me after they messed up the packaging of my vintage Philips walkman. Been saving it for a heavy shipment and this was the one.

There is one place in Kuwait selling the BAKFlip MX4 but for KD525 with installation. I got mine for KD322 from Amazon during their Black Friday sale plus paid KD75 for shipping after the discount. So around KD400 which is a good amount of savings.

Installation was really easy since they have a step by step guide video on YouTube on how to install it. Took around 30 minutes and I only needed a Philips screwdriver and a T30 Torx bit.

I think the cover looks really great. It has a very low profile and looks pretty OEM. On the Hilux I had a roll cover but over time with our dusty weather the rolling mechanism kept getting stiffer and stiffer. This new cover I got won’t have that problem since it flips open in three parts. Also it doesn’t take up any space inside the bed while with the roll cover the box that cover rolled into took space inside the bed. Finally if I need to remove it for so reason it’s super easy, there are two knobs I can loosen up with my hands and then pull off the cover.

So first impressions, I really like it. Now just need to see how good it still looks a year or two from now after dealing with our hot summer and dusty weather.




Categories
Food & Drinks Promoted

The Best Restaurants in Kuwait List is Out

The Deliveroo annual Restaurant Awards list is finally out, with winners voted for by people across Kuwait in 16 different categories. I just went through the list and nothing felt out of place, check out all the winners below:

Best Local Concept: Pick
Best Healthy: Ananas
Best Coffee: Caribou Coffee
Best Burger: Five Guys
Best Pizza: Pizza Hut
Best Dessert: Overjar
Best Breakfast: Lazy Cat
Best Chicken: Raising Cane’s
Best Lebanese: Mais Alghanim
Best Kuwaiti: Freej Swaileh
Best Shawarma: Shawarma Factory
Best Mexican: Chipotle
Best Italian: Melenzane
Best Indian: Asha’s
Best Asian: P.F. Chang’s
Best New to Roo: Mr. Baker




Categories
Information Shopping

Massive Closing Down Sale at West Elm

West Elm is closing down next week, so they’ve been running clearance sales to get rid of their stock. I passed by over the weekend and went back again today, only to find out they just started their big sale. Everything is now at least 70% off. Some of the accessories are even discounted by more than 90% because they have buy one get one free deals on top of the discounts.

I’m pretty sad that West Elm is closing down. It was my favorite furniture store, and we really don’t have many other places that offer a similar style.

They’re closing down on December 25, but I’d head there sooner. The store was super busy when I was there, and I’m sure a lot of the good stuff is going to get sold. Pottery Barn is also having a massive sale since they’re also closing on the 25th.




Categories
Automotive Events Promoted

The Most Exciting Racing Series in Kuwait

Over the weekend I was invited by Toyota to attend the GR Yaris Cup. I didn’t really need an invitation since I was planning to go anyway to meet up with some friends, especially since a couple of the drivers are from our circle.

For those of you who aren’t familiar with the GR Yaris Cup, it’s a racing series where 12 drivers compete against each other across multiple races. What makes it different from other races is that all the cars are built exactly the same. They’re Toyota GR Yaris cars that have been modified specifically for racing. With every driver competing in the same car, it becomes a true drivers race since it’s no longer about who has the faster car.

I initially thought this was a race series introduced by Toyota Japan, but this weekend I found out it was actually created by the AlSayer Toyota dealer and later adopted by other countries. This is now the third season of the GR Yaris Cup, and after the success of the first season, other markets wanted to bring the series to their own tracks.

It’s a great event to watch because the races are short and the cars tend to stay close together due to identical performance. That makes every lap exciting, especially when they come past the grand stands as a group. The races take place at Kuwait Motor Town and are always free to attend. There are usually activations and food trucks on site as well.

This past weekend Toyota gave us an early sneak peek at the new 2026 GR Yaris, which is finally becoming available to purchase in Kuwait. The car is being officially launched tonight and will most likely sell out tonight as well since I know a lot of car enthusiasts who want one.

The next GR Yaris Cup race will take place in January and it’s going to be a big one since it will run alongside the popular Gulf Run weekend and White Expo Market. I’ll be posting more about that next month, but for now you can check out some photos and learn more about the series on their official accounts @toyotakw and @gazooracingkw or visit the website.




Categories
Information Interesting Kuwait

KISR’s Eco Park is now open

The Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research (KISR) recently opened the first phase of its Eco Park project, a government initiative aimed at supporting urban greening and promoting sustainability in Kuwait. The Eco Park focuses on improving green spaces in urban areas while also supporting research related to desert development and urban planning.

The park officially opened earlier in the month but I kept postponing my visit because of the weather. But, on Friday when I saw the sun was out I decided to pass by and check the park out and take some photos.

It’s fairly big, depending on what you’re comparing it to. It’s much smaller than Shaheed Park and Shuwaikh Park, but bigger and more interesting than most neighborhood parks.

When you first walk in, you’re greeted with a list of rules, including a no pets allowed notice. I’m actually fine with that. I walk my dog in that area and although I always pick up after him, I know a lot of people don’t. I’d rather have a dog free park than constantly worrying about stepping in poop. Inside the park there are plants and flowers everywhere (but no grass), and two artificial lakes, one large open air lake and a smaller shaded one. On the other end of the park is a large open space that looks like it could be used to host events or activities like yoga sessions or outdoor workouts. There’s also a pathway marked with no entry signs that leads toward the second phase of the park.

I couldn’t find the park’s opening hours listed anywhere, and I didn’t see any security or staff on site to ask about the timings. I reached out to KISR on Thursday to check, but I haven’t heard back yet. That said, I drive by the park daily and haven’t seen the gate closed so far.

If you want to pass by, the park is in Salmiya, facing the Gulf Road, in front of the Cliffs Tower and just before Dar Hamad. Here is the location on Google Maps.

Update: KISR replied, the opening hours are Sat to Wed 6am–6pm and Thu to Sat 6am–9pm




Categories
Events

The Max Amini Comedy Show Just Got Canceled

I just found out that the Max Amini comedy show, which was supposed to take place this Thursday at The Arena, has been canceled. According to The Arena, the show was canceled for reasons beyond their control. My guess is that it might be related to issues surrounding some of the recent shows, but if I find out more, I’ll update this post.




Categories
Luxury Promoted

Trying Out a New Luxury Men’s Spa in Kuwait

One thing I find lacking in Kuwait is luxury men’s spas. I get a manicure and pedicure every couple of weeks, and I used to have a favorite spot in the city, but I stopped going around eight years ago when the quality dropped. So when a new luxury spa called Rainforest Park reached out to me, I was intrigued.

Rainforest Park is located in Burj Jassem across from Al Shaheed Park. It’s a very chill tower in the afternoons with plenty of parking. The spa itself is on the mezzanine floor, tucked away in a quiet corner. Once you walk in, you’re instantly met with a calming interior.

Given the name, you’d expect a connection to the rainforest, and it’s definitely there. The space is filled with lush plants, hardwood flooring, and materials that give the place a premium feel. There’s even a huge aquarium filled with exotic fish.

After checking in, I was led into a large room where my seat was waiting for me, a comfy leather spa chair that wouldn’t look out of place in a private members’ club. I was also served tea, water, and a snack. I then put on my AirPods and caught up on some YouTube subscriptions while getting my manicure and pedicure.

It was a very chill and comfortable experience in a beautiful space. One of the reasons I enjoy getting my nails done is that it helps me relax and slow my pace down. Some people do yoga or meditate, but this is what works for me, which is why the experience matters so much.

Other than manicures and pedicures, Rainforest Park also offers a range of other services including relaxing and specialty sports massages, foot reflexology, facials, a royal Moroccan bath, and body scrubs. Although Rainforest Park itself is new, it’s part of the Kingsley Spa Group (@kingsleymenspa), which also operates @rainforestmenspa (different from Rainforest Park) and @theorganicspakuwait. So while the space is new, the team behind it has plenty of experience in men’s spas and clearly knows what they’re doing.

If you’re a guy looking for a new premium spa, give Rainforest Park a try. The first twenty people to call and book and mention 248AM will receive a special gift. Check them out at @rainforestparkspa




Categories
Events Things to do

Things to do in Kuwait this Weekend

Hopefully it’s not gonna be raining all weekend because there are a few cool outdoor activities taking place. Check out this weekends events below:

Thursday, December 11
Sahara International Show Jumping Show
Jazz & Coffee Festival
RAPUNZEL – The Panto

Friday, December 12
Sahara International Show Jumping Show
Jazz & Coffee Festival
RAPUNZEL – The Panto
Voltaire Winter Market
GR Yaris Cup 3

Saturday, December 13
Sahara International Show Jumping Show
Al-Mubarakiya Women’s Photowalk
Mirror House 12th Art Festival
Journey to Christmas
Qout Market
Jazz & Coffee Festival
RAPUNZEL – The Panto
Qesati – Owning Your Life
Meteor Showers Stargazing Trip




Categories
Food & Drinks Sneak Peek

Dean & Deluca is back… kinda

Earlier this year Dean & Deluca closed down in The Avenues. They’d been open since January 2009, and I remember posting about it back then and loving the grocery section. But the café was always the most popular part of Dean & Deluca, which is why they’ve now kinda brought it back.

D&D Cafe is an Alshaya home-brew concept that’s based on the Dean & Deluca Café. D&D doesn’t actually stand for Dean & Deluca, but it’s more of a homage to the brand it’s replacing and makes it easier for previous customers to connect with. The menu brings back all the popular dishes from the old café, but in what I think is a better location with a much nicer interior.

The new café is located across from Abercrombie & Fitch, in the space where Bouchon Bakery used to be. It’s a corner spot in the Grand Avenue which gets a lot more daylight than the old location.

Since the café is still closed at the moment I was given a sneak peek ahead of their opening which is next Monday, December 15. If you want to follow them, their official Instagram account is @ddcafekw