We caught up with Dr Michael Arumemi-ikhide, entrepreneur, leading wellbeing and lifestyle curator, and founder of The Odissean Experience.
An exclusive lifestyle and wellbeing optimisation brand designed for the discerning individual with the highest of standards, The Odissean Experience brings together some of the world’s most knowledgeable experts with a strategic-interdisciplinary and needs-led approach to provide members with a bespoke, personalised experience that is designed to help them achieve unique set of goals, and ultimately, feel happier and more satisfied with their lives.
My car of choice
For me, it’s a tight duel between the Bentley Continental GT (2010-2018 model) and the Rolls-Royce Wraith. Both personify elegance and craftsmanship. Gliding, physical embodiments of excellence and quality, whilst consciously flirting with overt grandiosity, they, nevertheless, manage to exude a rarefied mixture of poise, balance, beauty and controlled power.
My favourite holiday destination
Seychelles. Holidays for me are about rest, relaxation and self (re)connection. There are few places on earth, more tranquil and idyllic than Seychelles. Reached by boat (after arriving at the main airport by air) it provides a perfect retreat and sanctuary from the hyper stimuli and activity of everyday living. Perfection.
My gadget I can’t live without
Rather predictably, it’s my iPhone. A mobile office, a news source, an educational platform (I love podcasts related to history, philosophy, science, literature and wellbeing), an entertainment system (l love listening to my Spotify playlist whilst I train) and an invaluable tool for maintaining my love of reading (thank you Audible!).
My go to fashion brand
Rather than slavish devotion to a brand, my primary consideration is always ‘what looks good on ME’. For premium causal, designed for athletic physiques, I favour Father Sons. For superior, formal wear I love Ozwald Boateng pieces. For explicitly bolder, more standout, formal pieces, I turn to Sebastian Cruz Couture.
My airline of choice
Aside from one close to my heart, I’d say Emirates. They’ve led the way in bringing contemporary luxury to the skies (both in terms of products and service standards) and they’ve played an outsized role in both connecting the globe through UAE and developing UAE into an incarnation of modernity.
My favourite watch brand
Though discontinued, I have a soft spot for Breitling for Bentley. A heady union of air (Breitling) and land (Bentley). Years ago, I received my first limited edition pair as a 30th birthday gift and I was struck by the wonderful marriage between its exquisiteness, detail, solidity and rugged earthiness.
My favourite restaurant
In London, it’s Amazonico. Worldwide, it’s got to be Al Mahara seafood restaurant located in Burj Al Arab, Dubai. Regularly featuring world renowned chefs and known for its iconic (and simply breath-taking) wall to ceiling aquarium, Al Mahara consistently delivers a ‘memory making’ culinary experience like no other. Love it.
My guility pleasure
Not telling you. No, just playing! I have plenty of quirks and esoteric interests – don’t we all? Since we’re in the world of wellness, I’ll share this: on non-diet days (known as ‘refeed days’) I love nothing more than getting to grips with sticky toffee pudding and Haagen-Dazs ice-cream!
My favourite way to give back
I follow the axiom of donating to causes which aid the most people globally. For instance, I support Cambridge University’s Centre for the Study of Existential Risk (CSER). CSER are focused on the study and mitigation of civilization ending threats, e.g. climate change, pandemics, global injustice etc.
