The Mina Effect

The Barasti Facundo was launched early October 2008. The launch was a great success with a turnout in the thousands. Barasti Fans and first-time visitors all enjoyed the launch and feedback regarding the cocktail has been overwhelmingly positive! The 'Barasti Facundo' is now available in Barasti any time...come down and see if you can guess the secret ingredient!

Continue reading "The Barasti Facundo Cocktail - Can you guess the secret ingredient?" »

Posted by Mina Effect Team at 05:32 PM | Permalink

Barasti on Tour is back! Starting Thursday, 9th October 2008, enjoy the famous Barasti 'cool' and get a chance to win a whirlwind Tour of Sydney, Australia, for the New Years Eve celebrations. Purchase a VB, Fosters or selected Australian wine and you'll receive a scratch card offering chances to win.

Guests who scratch an Opera House symbol can fill in their details and will be entered into the major draw for the tour of Sydney. There are also various smaller prizes to be won through the scratch cards! The grand prize draw will be held on the 13th of December 2008 at a special Barasti on Tour party.

Posted by Mina Effect Team at 03:56 PM | Permalink

Ramadan Do’s and Don’ts: The local authorities become especially sensitive to social faux pas throughout Ramadan. Below are a few guidelines to keep you from offending anyone:

1. Don’t eat or drink in public before sunset. This includes consuming anything in your car / taxi and eating chewing gum.
2. Don’t smoke in public.
3. Don’t wear revealing clothes throughout Ramadan.
4. Don’t buy alcohol for a Muslim. While this rule applies all year round, penalties for breaking this rule are higher during Ramadan.
5. When at “iftar” (breaking the fast after sunset), don’t begin eating before anyone else. The communal prayer will signify the beginning of “iftar”.
6. Don’t try to coerce a Muslim into breaking his or her fast.
7. Don’t show public displays of affection.
8. Don’t raise the volume on your stereo or TV during prayer times.
9. Don’t swear in public.
10. Don’t stare or point at Emirati women. This is a general rule, but again,locals are especially sensitive to prying eyes during Ramadan.

Posted by Mina Effect Team at 11:00 AM | Permalink

Click here or on the picture below to view / download our Resort Restaurant Guide during Ramadan 2008. We invite you to celebrate Iftar at one of the Mina's many popular restaurants!

Whether you’re celebrating, relaxing, looking for the perfect candle-lit dinner or simply wanting to indulge your taste-buds, we invite you to experience our unique selection of bars and restaurants. We believe a restaurant should awaken all the senses – nothing beats the anticipation of watching gourmet chefs in action, the sizzle of food, the tantalising aromas and the vibrant activity of a world-class kitchen. We pride ourselves on ambience, through harmony of subtle lighting, tactile furnishings and inspiring, contemporary interiors. Come and enjoy the experience. We’d be delighted if you’d join us.

Posted by Mina Effect Team at 10:49 AM | Permalink

Enjoy all the action and glory of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games this Summer, live at Barasti, your favourite Bar in Dubai! Barasti is also offering 3 special winning Olympic combinations to quench your thirst and tickle your palates:

Posted by Mina Effect Team at 01:19 PM | Permalink

Enjoy the action on the playing field at Barasti Bar! Showing Tri Nations Rugby 2008 as per the schedule below:

Posted by Mina Effect Team at 11:48 AM | Permalink

A big thank you to our loyal patrons and fans for voting Barasti as the best bar in Dubai!
 

The Best in Dubai Awards, are a new concept for 2008 and voted for by the people of Dubai to celebrate the things that residents love about living in the city.  Residents voted in their thousands for their favourite shopping mall, hotel, restaurant, visitor attraction, event, event venue, bar, nightclub, health club/spa, best gallery/museum, society/social club and radio station.

Posted by Mina Effect Team at 10:53 AM | Permalink

Some insider snaps from the 6 lucky winners of the Barasti on Tour trip to the Artois Tennis Championships in June! View the photos here 

Posted by Mina Effect Team at 04:44 PM | Permalink

VB Draught Beer (from Australia) will be served exclusively at Barasti during its initial launch phase in Dubai. Check out the photos taken at Barasti every weekend, with the VB promo girls in the official VB Barasti Photo Album.

Posted by Mina Effect Team at 10:43 AM | Permalink

DUBAI, May 12, 2008: It’s official. Barasti Bar at Le Meridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina is the Best Bar in the World. The vibrant beach venue, renowned for its great music and delectable menu, topped the list of worldwide watering holes in the World’s Best Bars worldsbestbars.com Top 100 Bars.

Continue reading "Barasti named Best Bar in the World - Beachfront venue tops the list of the Top 100 Bars worldwide" »

Posted by Mina Effect Team at 03:33 PM | Permalink

Exclusive Grapefruit Vodka Launch Party at Barasti Bar, Jumeirah Beach. For a chance to be on the guest list simply SMS your name , date of birth and email address to 4544.

Posted by Mina Effect Team at 10:57 AM | Permalink

Barasti is the proud winner of the "Best Bar in Dubai" award! This honor was bestowed upon the Barasti at the What's On Awards, held at Media City on Monday, April 14th 2008.

Posted by Mina Effect Team at 03:36 PM | Permalink

Barasti the beach restaurant and bar at Le Meridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort and Marina has been named winner of Best Bar Food at the Time Out Dubai Restaurant Awards 2008.

‘The food at Barasti is a cut above the rest, and you’re also paying for amazing views over the Gulf and a back-drop of live music. The simple starters were a big hit with the Time Out critics – perfect grazing food in a sultry seafront location,’ said the judges of the winning bar.

Continue reading "Barasti named as Winner of Best Bar Food at Time Out Dubai Restaurant Awards 2008" »

Posted by Mina Effect Team at 11:33 AM | Permalink

DUBAI, March 23, 2008: Barasti at Le Méridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina is back on tour once again, with the first set of Barasti on Tour winners returning slightly hoarse from a three-day rugby spectacle after attending the Wales Vs France Six Nations match in Cardiff on March 15.

View the photos from the event

Continue reading "Barasti on Tour witness Welsh win - Six lucky Barasti customers return from three-day rugby extravaganza in Cardiff" »

Posted by Mina Effect Team at 11:09 AM | Permalink

Over 120 photos from the hottest bar on Jumeirah Beach! Check out the photos taken at Barasti on 22nd and 29th February 2008, with the Barasti on Tour promotion (...now also featuring the Fosters Girls!)

Posted by Mina Effect Team at 05:22 PM | Permalink

On Saturday March 15th, Barasti hosts the Jameson 360 St. Patrick’s Day Party, allowing you and your friends to enjoy perfectly balanced Jameson served by the best bar team in town while watching Ireland vs. England in Twickenham. You may also be in with a chance to win a 5 day trip to Dublin on the night!

Posted by Mina Effect Team at 02:01 PM | Permalink

The creative Chefs from the Le Merdien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina made a splash at the Emirates Salon Culinaire 2008 this year, grabbing the highest number of gold and silver medals ever for the hotel!

Continue reading "Le Meridien Mina Seyahi Chefs set records at the Emirates Salon Culinaire 2008" »

Posted by Mina Effect Team at 09:32 AM | Permalink

Barasti on Tour is back! Barasti is sending 6 people - 3 couples to the Wales vs France match, 15th March 2008 in Cardiff. The draw takes place on the 1st March at Barasti. This promotion is brought to you in conjunction with A&E and Fosters. Starting Wed 6th February, every AED 100 you spend gets you an entry coupon into the Rugby 6 Nations Championship draw (When you purchase Fosters you double your chance).

Posted by Mina Effect Team at 10:42 AM | Permalink

Here's what's happening at the Mina on the 14th of February!

Valentines on the Dhow

Enjoy a 5 course meal with a bottle of Rose Champagne and the trademark ambience of the Dhow for AED 1500 per couple. Romantic music for the perfect evening, courtesy the Footprints Band. Only a special Valentine’s set menu will be available and tables are reserved for couples only (no children under the age of 21 allowed). For reservations call: +971 4 3181374

The Dhow Pontoon Romantic Dinner

Enjoy dinner under the stars on the Dhow pontoon in a romantic setting for 2 only.  A spectacular 7 course set menu with a bottle of KRUG , a limo to collect you from your doorstep (Dubai only), a boat ride to the dhow, dinner and a nights stay in a Royal Club room at the Le Meridien Mina Seyahi. Also included is a Spa Treatment for 2. All this for only AED 10,000. (No discounts valid with this promotion, guests over 21yrs only. Valid for one couple and based on availability so please book well in advance). For reservations call +971 4 3181374

Continue reading "Dubai Valentines Day Dining Specials at the Le Meridien Mina Seyahi" »

Posted by Mina Effect Team at 05:48 PM | Permalink

Barasti is 'Tickled Pink' on Valentines day. With live entertainment, raffles, giveaways, and 2 dhs. from every item sold being donated to The Breast Cancer Foundation of The Emirates. Prizes for the best Pink dressed lady and gentleman. For more information, call +971 4 3181313

Posted by Mina Effect Team at 04:52 PM | Permalink

Starwood Privilege has just been launched here in UAE covering 6 UAE Hotels, including your favourite, Le Meridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina! There are 129 participating Starwood Hotels and Resorts throughout Europe, Africa, Asia/Pacific and the Middle East…

Now, as a member you dine for free for an entire year once you are accompanied by another paying guest. Add to it, you are entitled to accommodation privileges which grant you - 5% off lowest rate of the day at time of booking in EMEA different from 50% OFF CERTIFICATE.. Finally there are bouquets of local certificates to be utilised at the hosting hotel of your choice & global certificates to be used at any participating Hotel.

Continue reading "Open up to taste - The Starwood Privilege Dining Loyalty Program at the Le Meridien Mina Seyahi" »

Posted by Mina Effect Team at 04:32 PM | Permalink

As the festive season approaches, the Le Meridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina is doing all it can to prepare for the best experience for our valued guests and patrons... a complete line-up of the season's dining and entertainment at the Mina's famed outlets is already available, so you can plan and reseve well in advance. Ready for a Sunny Christmas and New Year in Dubai?

Continue reading "Dubai Festive Season Program 2007: Christmas and New Years Dining and Entertainment at Le Meridien Mina Seyahi" »

Posted by Mina Effect Team at 09:05 AM | Permalink

Barasti Bar wins award in "Loving the Weather" category!

Last night, Sir Richard Branson hosted the inaugural I ♥ DXB awards at Bussola, at the new Westin Mina Seyahi Beach Resort and Marina to celebrate the very best of the city as voted for by Virgin Atlantic passengers travelling on the London to Dubai route.

Continue reading "Loving the Weather at Barasti - Sir Richard Branson hosts DXB Awards at Mina Seyahi" »

Posted by Mina Effect Team at 11:28 AM | Permalink

A great new video we've created that uses the new Le Meridien feel and music to give a stylish look at the Le Meridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina... enjoy the journey! You can also watch the video here

Posted by Mina Effect Team at 04:43 PM | Permalink

Le Meridien Mina Seyahi launches Barasti theme nights
Beachside setting to be foundation for unique evening experiences 

Le Meridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort and Marina has launched a series of themed events at Barasti’s lower deck, Barasti Beach. Barasti is one of Dubai's perennially popular meeting places and this bar serves as a beach lounge and evening entertainment venue, in an exotic atmosphere set by the sea. 

Continue reading "Dubai Night Life - Theme Nights at Barasti Beach - From Acid Jazz, Latin, Funk, Disco to Dance...the new sessions for a new season" »

Posted by Mina Effect Team at 10:37 AM | Permalink

For the fans of the Mina's spectacular range of restaurants and bars, a Dining Loyalty Program may be just the thing to get excited about! The 'Starwood Privilege' program features a superb range of dining and add-on benefits, including the fact that the member is entitled to dine on a complimentary basis at all participating hotel restaurants when dining with at least one paying guest. Members are also entitled to receive the Starwood Privilege Rate, which is an ongoing discount of 5% off the lowest available rate of the day at the time of booking , at participating hotels in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Other exciting features include local and global benefit certificates.

At the Le Meridien Mina Seyahi, members are also entitled to additional certificates: a 3-course dinner menu for two with a bottle of house-wine and also a 50% off dining certificate for upto 10 people (minimum of 4 people).

Interested in signing up? The program currently costs AED 850 for an annual membership. Visit the website at www.starwoodhotels.com/privilege for a sign-up form and full details or call our call centre at +971 4 3977171 (Open from 9am to 1pm and 2pm to 6pm from Saturday to Wednesday and from 9am to 1pm on Thursdays). You can also email customerservice_uae@starwoodprivilege.co.uk for enquiries and to make contact. The official website also features information and details on all our participating restaurants!

Posted by Mina Effect Team at 09:56 AM | Permalink

Barasti will be celebrating the Rugby World Cup Final this Saturday! Features: 

• Live Entertainment from Dubai’s Favorite Band, “The Stompers”
• Resident DJ, Martin Metcalf live on Dubai 92 from 4pm with his weekly show, “Saturday Sanctuary”
• 4 Large Screens showing the Final from 11pm
• LCD TV’s from Sharp scattered throughout the Bar
• Themed Food & Drinks from the Rugby Nations
• Face Painters 
• Fire Throwers

Posted by Mina Effect Team at 03:00 PM | Permalink

A quick reference guide to the timings of various outlets at the Le Meridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina, Dubai during the holy month of Ramadan. 

• Horizon: 09:00 -­ 21:00 (Alcohol available after 19:00)
• Tang: 19:00 ­- 01:00 (Alcohol available)
• Barasti: 11:00 -­ 02:00 (Alcohol available after 19:00) Food available from 11:00 until 01:00
• Waves: Open 24 Hours (Alcohol available after 20:00), Breakfast - Dhs 85 (0:700 - 11:00), Lunch Buffet - Dhs.95 (12:00 - 15:00), Iftar Buffet from Sunset until 19:30 - Dhs.99, Theme Nights Buffet - Dhs.145 (19:30 - 22:30), Friday Brunch - Chd.140 (12:15 - 15:30)
• Lobby Lounge: 19:00 - 02:00
• The Dhow: 19:00 - 00:00 (Alcohol available), Dinner: 19:00 - 23:00
• Ciros: 19:00 - 01:30 (Alcohol available)
• Room Service: Available 24 hours, Iftar (Dhs. 120 pp), Sohour from 03:00 ­(Dhs. 90 pp)
• Ramadan Tent: Clubhouse and Marina Grounds, Every night from 20:00 - 03:00 (No alcohol available)
• Club Mina Pools & Water Sports: Rock Pool: 09:00 ­- 20:00, Horizon Pool: 08:00 ­- 21:00, Lap Pool: Closed, Beach: 09:00 -­ Sunset, Water Sports: 09:00 - 18:00 (Last booking at 17:00)
• Sole Senses Spa by Clarins: 09:00 ­ 21:00 (Last booking at 19:45)
• Club Mina Gymnasium: 07:00 ­- 23:00
• Penguin Club: 09:00 - 19:00

Posted by Mina Effect Team at 12:22 PM | Permalink

This Rugby World Cup (TM), enjoy all the action live and cheer on your home team at Barasti...complemented by our trademark service, refreshments and big-screen TVs!

Continue reading "Rugby World Cup (TM) in Dubai - Enjoy the action LIVE and cheer on your home team at Barasti, Le Meridien Mina Seyahi" »

Posted by Mina Effect Team at 11:23 AM | Permalink

Besides enjoying Premier League football, guests at Barasti can now watch the following Rugby matches live!

Wednesday - 22/08/07 at 23:00- France v England
Thursday - 23/08/07 at 18:30 - Wales v Argentina
Friday - 24/08/07 at 22:45 - Ireland v Italy
Saturday - 25/08/07 at 20:00 - Scotland v South Africa
Sunday - 26/08/07 at 21:30 - Wales v France

Posted by Mina Effect Team at 09:12 AM | Permalink

This summer just got a whole lot HOTTER...with Barasti! For our loyal guests and fans, Barasti is offering a special Internet-only summer offer: print out the offer (click on the image above or here for full version), fill in your details and bring it along for a free drink (2 for 1) on Tuesdays and Saturdays.

Saturdays are also feature the "On Tour with Barasti" draws (9pm) for the free Rugby World Cup tickets we're giving 14 lucky people, with travel and accomodation included!

Barasti is one of the hottest places to be in Jumeirah and Dubai...mainly because of YOU! Tell us how to make it even better... what would you like to see at Barasti?

Continue reading "The Barasti 2 for 1 Internet Offer & Free Tickets to the Rugby World Cup in Paris" »

Posted by Mina Effect Team at 01:32 PM | Permalink

Catch the action for some of the biggest sporting events in the world, at Barasti Beach. The Tri Nations can be enjoyed in airconditioned luxury, viewed on 2 flat screens and one large 4x4 projection screen with live commentary. There will be great Food specials for each match with a snack buffet available for dhs 20 per person, and for the morning matches, an open breakfast buffet for dhs 20 per person. In addition the Americas Cup will also be shown, from June to July in our upstairs bar, just in time for Sunset Cocktails, where you can try out our new frozen margaritas and strawberry daiquiris.

Continue reading "A Feast of Cool Sport at Barasti Beach - Tri Nations Rugby and the America's Cup" »

Posted by Mina Effect Team at 12:13 PM | Permalink

GM Mike Scully travelled to Las Vegas … and returned with the newest, high technology cocktail  dispensing machines in the world!  Barasti Beach is now able to serve it's customers quicker, with great new chilled cocktails that are free of preservatives, fresh, and 100% natural……..delicious Margaritas and Strawberry Daiquiris are available- by the glass or the pitcher!!!

Posted by Mina Effect Team at 11:30 AM | Permalink

We celebrated the launch of our new, very cool, Barasti Beach with its air conditioned bar & dance floor. And had a great turn out. As one of the most laid back, stunning beach settings in Dubai, we wanted to  introduce  summer spot,  so with cool cream couches and divans, Barasti  is comfortable & inviting and the place for you to eat, drink and dance! DJ Martin Metcalf and his brand new show “Saturday Sanctuary” on Dubai 92. Had its premiere live broadcast, and guests enjoyed an Arabian Barbecue and chilled margaritas as the sun set.

Continue reading "Barasti Chills out for the Summer - Chill @ Barasti and Saturday Sanctuary with DJ Martin Metcalf" »

Posted by Mina Effect Team at 02:57 PM | Permalink

We are giving away 14 TICKETS TO THE RUGBY WORLD CUP in Paris, to watch England v South Africa:

The Lucky Winners so far:
1. Nicholas Owalsky
2. Darren Davey
3. Steffen Raill
4. Kevin Noble
5. Graham Brumby
6. Grahame McCaig

Enter “on tour with Barasti” our fabulous Competition that means you and a friend could win a trip for 2, which includes flights from Dubai to Paris with Virgin Holidays, accommodation at Le Meridien Montaparnasse, Paris, and see the World Cup Rugby Match between South Africa and UK, at the state of the art Stade de France, St Denis, Paris at 8p.m. on September 14th.

Continue reading "Win Tickets to the Rugby World Cup in our “On Tour With Barasti” Promotion" »

Posted by Mina Effect Team at 05:07 PM | Permalink

Come and join us as we celebrate the launch of our new, very cool, Barasti Beach with its air conditioned bar & dancefloor. As one of the most laid back, stunning beach settings in Dubai, we want to make sure you get through summer, without a  bead of sweat, so we are making Barasti comfortable for you to eat, drink and dance!

Continue reading "The hottest bar on Jumeirah Beach - Barasti Beach “Chills” Out For Summer" »

Posted by Mina Effect Team at 05:03 PM | Permalink

For those of you eagerly awaiting the Rugby World Cup 2007 in France (and those who can't be in France to experience the action first-hand), we've got the entire schedule here for you, in Dubai / United Arab Emirates times:

Continue reading "The Rugby World Cup 2007 France Schedule - Dubai, UAE Times" »

Posted by Mina Effect Team at 03:33 PM | Permalink

Dubai’s’ favourite beachfront spot adds a new entertainment dimension.

The newly re -furbished Barasti , the premier beach bar destination, has not only extended its upper deck but now offers a lower deck  area of over 140 sq metres to accommodate the steady stream of vibrant guests and clients who want to be seen at Dubai’s’ “it” spot.

An intimate  beach lounge  environment where people can meet and relax, enjoy the view and sample  the new  menu  that will offer tapas and bite size snacks, as well as a wide selection of elegant cocktails, from frozen margaritas to special liqueurs and a full bar selection, can only add to the allure of  this gorgeous setting.

Rattan and teak themed décor capturing the essence of outdoors beach lifestyle and a gorgeous interior bar / lounge  with a dancefloor ,will be open Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 11a.m. to close and Sunday to Wednesday from 5.00 p.m. until close.

A wide selection of music from laid back jazz, beachside chill out beats, to contemporary rock and some dance music will be played nightly with resident DJ to capture the mood of the crowd. A sophisticated extension to a venue that reflects the vibrancy and personality of Dubai’s’ socialites.

Posted by Mina Effect Team at 05:23 PM | Permalink