Spa Life #15

15 SPA LIFE – SUMMER 2013

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The Wisdom of Traditional Chinese Medicine

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Mysterious Chinese Character 滅(miè-extinguish) The Path to Longevity Guided by Ancient Chinese An Autobiography of Mr. Yang Xian Yi, Translator of Dream of Red Chamber The Qiang: One of China’s Minority Peoples

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It All Began With a Child's Dream

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Fresh Attitudes Stylish Living

The Wisdom of Chinese Medicine

How Would You Make Money in the Great Depression ?

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The Legend

第 三 隻眼 The Third Eye

The Hidden Bubbles Lessons Ab 256-Year-O Unfavourab Out to Be A

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Mysterious – Snow

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一滴愛的淚珠 A Drop of Tear on the Cheek of History

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心意珠寶

The Hidden Slide Behind Global Bubbles

訪澳洲中小企業協會首席執行長房梅花女士

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Mysterious Chinese Character 婦 Fù– Wife Water Knows the Answer The Freedom-loving Kazakhs

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Hollywood Sweethearts

Lessons About Longevity From A 256-Year-Old

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Unfavourable Feng Shui Turns Out to Be Auspicious

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How Would You Make Money in the Great Depression ?

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contents 68 Spicy Spas of Sri Lanka Escape

Exotic

20 MY PRIVATE IDAHO Secrets of Sun Valley

58 SRI LANKA Spicy Spas

22 SPA LIKE A STAR In LA LA Land

98 SMOOTH SMOOTHIES Power smoothie recipe 100 THE STATE OF THE NATION

66 Asian Seas Set sail in fine style

Enjoy

Enhance

106 WELLNESS Riding the new wave

26 STEP BACK IN TIME 74 BATHING TIME 28 CANYON RANCH The ultimate health retreat 34 MELATI

The scent of calmness 38 GOOD GRIEF Living life after loss 42 A FRESH LOOK Fairmont Mountain Resort

Experience

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76 NATURALLY BRONZED Aussie-made natural tanners

110 YOGA BASIC Where to begin

112 CREATING YOUR DESTINY 78 SKIN PREP TIPS For a special event

80 INSTANT BEAUTY Great results in quick time

Regulars 12 SPA NEWS 16 JUST LOVING

Enrich

74 BEAUTY SPOT 84 LET FOOD BE YOUR MEDICINE

86 GOOD FOOD

48 TWO NUGGETS OF GOLD On the gold Coast

88 KAMALAYA Cuisine

104 MARKET PLACE

54 today’s spas

92 SUGAR: The bitter sweet truth

114 subscribe & win!

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32 Melati: Scent of Calmness

62 urban beauty

90 Kamalaya Cuisine

48 Gold Nuggets

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publishing editor

contributors

Kris Abbey Alan Abbey

Christine Clais Teresa Cutter Lisa Doust Geoff Edwards Gaye Gerard Indira Kennedy Cynthia Morton Don Peers Tracey Spicer John Toomey

a r t d i r e c t i o n & d e s i g n Kris Abbey red thread

p h o t o g r a p h y Dreamstime Images

Supplied by our beautiful destinations On the cover: I took this shot on my iPhone at the InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa. It cheers you up in an instant. That story next issue! L-R: Massage at Melati, Tuna with Apple at the Langham Pasadena (USA), and the beautiful, indigenous body muds by Li’Tya.

Gaye Gerard Some I snapped on my iPhone a d v e r t i s i n g e n q u i r i e s kris@spalife.com.au

Phone +61 2 9905 0137

e d i t o r i a l e n q u i r i e s PO Box 123

Freshwater NSW 2096

Phone 02 9905 0137

Fax 02 9939 5315

kris@spalife.com.au

s u b s c r i p t i o n s spalife.com.au

betterhealthmag.com

Spa Life magazine is owned by Red Thread Communications Pty Ltd, PO Box 123, Freshwater NSW 2096.

This magazine has been output, printed and bound by The Caxton Web in Sydney, Australia.

Nothing in this magazine can be reproduced without the permission of the publisher. This magazine is intended to give general information only. It is not a substitute for professional and medical advice. Always consult your practitioner before adopting any of the advice contained in this publication. All liability arising directly or indirectly from the use of, or for any omissions in, the information given is expressly disclaimed. The opinions expressed by the authors do not necessarily reflect those of the editor or publisher. Cover price is recommended and maximum price only. Š Spa Life Issue 15

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Editor’s Words

KRIS ABBEY

W

ell it’s been quite a while between juice fasts and Lomi Lomi massages, however we are back to bring you a fresh new approach to living the Spa Life.

I’ve spent a lot of time looking at the Spa industry, how it is positioned in Australia and how I can deliver a magazine that takes you on a complete Spa journey. Last year I attended the Global Spa & Wellness Summit in Aspen, Colorado (I know, what a tough place to have to go for work!) at the Aspen Institute, an internationally famous think tank where many great people and ideas have emerged. Nothing beats crisp, clean mountain air, a cast of incredible speakers and opportunities for inspiring brainstorming to get the creative juices flowing.

The overriding theme was Wellness and what an exciting opportunity for Spa this presents. Spa is one of the original healing centres, dating back before Christ. Originally, the healing benefits came from water. Over time, this has evolved and diversified with Where you’re at is irrelevant, it is the the integration of direction you’re heading that counts. human touch, energy points and chakras, Mel Zuckerman and acceptance of indigenous therapies.

Think Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ayurvedic Medicine and Thai Spas. Technology has entered the arena, as well as product developments and high performing skincare. All of these have been geared to help clients achieve better health, becoming more centred, and emerge in a better space than when they entered the Spa. Possibly unbeknown to you, many Spa treatments you have experienced have contributed to your wellness. Even a facial gives you important quiet time, allowing your mind to relax.

So what does this mean for Australians? Well, like America, our health system is tipped heavily in the direction of sickness and we are becoming fatter and sicker by the day. Our health system will soon be popping at the seams and people will realise they need to start looking after their own health because the system can’t cope. Call me crazy, but why not focus on keeping people well, like the Ayurvedic Medicine concept. You pay your doctor to keep you well, not to help you get better when you’re sick. They are on the front foot… not the back foot, opting to be proactive, not reactive like us westerners! As a doctor, you would work mighty hard to prevent your clients from becoming unhealthy or getting sick. So why doesn’t our health system support preventative health measures?

Without getting too political, big pharmaceutical companies have a lot to answer for. They have led us to believe we can’t trust centuries of healing practices because there isn’t enough scientific evidence to support them. Do you think the Buddhist monks were thinking of double-blinded, placebo studies when they began

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meditating? And for a gazillion years they have enjoyed the health and stress-fighting benefits of this practice. Only recently has science finally proven that it is in fact a Me in Aspen valuable tool for stress management and mental clarity. If you’re interested in some light reading, there are a host of great scientific papers proving many Spa therapies have preventative health and/or healing benefits. Go to www.spaevidence.com and see for yourself a huge number of unbiased, scientific papers supporting a huge variety of services that are usually offered in good Spas.

For the most part, I applaud science and medicine for its achievements. But my point is, there is a major demand for preventive health services in our country. Spa is already in this space, and those who incorporate wellness therapies stand to grow.

Unfortunately, most people are still unsure of exactly what a Spa is. As Peter Rummell, former head of Disney Imagineering said at the Aspen Summit, the biggest hurdle the Spa industry faces is branding. “Many people in the West,” he said, “think of Spa as a place where fat, rich, white women go for pampering.”

Harsh, but sadly often true!

Regardless of the general perception, Spa is so much more than this. Genuine Spas (not a beauty salon that has “& Spa” on its signage) is much more than fluff and superficial treatments.

In the new Spa Life, you will get a good taste of all that Spa can offer. It isn’t just about pamper, but rather preventative health.

And it shouldn’t be seen as a luxury, but rather a lifestyle choice.

I’d be lying if I didn’t say some Spas are beyond my budget, but a regular massage or other therapeutic service is a good investment in your health. Even a relaxing bath with some mineral salts will do your health a world of good.

The other trend you will see in Spa is the move away from white, stark decor. The new Spas emerging have much more diversity, with more colour and personality, and have relaxed the ‘cone of silence’ approach. Clinical, muted and minimal is replaced by textured, warm and inviting. This change is reflected on the pages within. The aim is to make you feel like you’ve had a Spa escape, from the experience to the cuisine and lots of health tips in between.

Please enjoy, and if you haven’t recently had a taste of the Spa Life, I hope you find this issue relaxing, healthy and delicious.

PS. Sign up for our online magazine delivered to your in-box monthly. Filled with Spa news and deals, nutritional tips, wellness articles and more ways you can live the Spa lIfe. spalife.com.au

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spa news

The Spicers Retreats, Hotels & Lodges group have just one focus - to provide luxurious but welcoming properties, with each offering something totally different to other retreats. With seven exclusive properties around South East Queensland and the Hunter Valley, a stay at Spicers is always special. Spicers Peak Lodge (above) is an intimate destination for those wanting a peaceful escape with all the perks.

Overlooking the Great Dividing Range and Main Range National Park, this secluded, mountain-top retreat is the highest non-alpine lodge in Australia. Just two hours’ drive from Brisbane, yet with stunning views and rolling mists, it feels a world away from everyday life. Spicers Peak Lodge is also one of the ‘Luxury Lodges of Australia’, in the same company as such other esteemed properties as Qualia, Southern Ocean Lodge, Wolgan Valley and Spicers Clovelly Estate. www.spicersgroup.com.au

The newest of Spa Alila Spas opened recently at Alila Bangalore. It is the perfect place to relax and unwind, offering a peaceful sanctuary from the hustle and bustle of Bangalore city. The Spa is an exercise in understated luxury. Elegant black granite sourced from local artisans, dark wood, kota and brass detailing transform the space into an ancient south Indian temple. Brass oil lamps cast a soft glow to further enhance the relaxing environment.

Treatments use exotic ingredients sourced locally and include all the signature treatments Spa Alila do so well. www.alilahotels.com 12

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Due to demand, more and more hotels are incoporating lifestyle and wellness programs for their guests. Business travellers want hotels that offer these services so they return from their travels better for the experience... not worse!

More and more urban Spas are broadening their offering to incorporate healing treatments, which is great to see.

This has been done on a grand scale at the evian SPA at the Palace Hotel, Tokyo. Featuring panoramic views of the Imperial Palace gardens, an Alpine-inspired design and a pristine ambiance, evian SPA sets the stage for one of Tokyo’s most refined wellness experiences with its unique blend of French savoir-faire and Asian therapies.

Inspired by the journey which evian® natural mineral water takes through the French Alps, the urban Spa offers a metaphorical experience of that same journey - with treatments centred on celestial restoration, mineral enrichment, precious nourishment and renewed vitality.

For more information, or for a sticky-beak at the menu, visit en.palacehoteltokyo.com/evian_spa_tokyo.

Create a relaxing Spa-vibe Weinknow your them own home for equisite with fine pens, furniture however

by Osmen. the most This recent extensive range of stylish, design innovative to come furniture fromhas Montblanc’s been developed atelierstoismeet the patented the Montblanc Cabochon stunning jewellary collection. Made challenge of Australia’s harsh climate.

Check it out at osmen.com.au. up of colourful pieces using an exciting assortment of semiprecious and hard stones, the collection has pieces for both him and her. olelynggaard.com

Grand Wailea, Maui

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Aquarius Health Spa in Brisbane’s CBD is the brainchild of Dr Ingrid Tall and Spa specialist Allison Dale. Combining their expertise, they offer comprehensive Spa, fitness and cosmetic medicine services.

“There’s nothing like it in Brisbane,” says Dr Tall. “More and more people are looking to Spas for health, wellness, antiaging and relaxation, and here you will find everything under one roof.” Facilities include a state-of-the-art fitness centre with fully-equipped gymnasium and 22-metre swimming pool, a traditional Asian-inspired bath house, Spa, hairdressing, naturopath, plus cosmetic medicine (surgical and non-surgical).

“Whether you want to come for a swim in your lunch hour, join a belly dance class after work, or relax in the bath house with friends, our clients have choice and flexibility in a way that is an exciting first for Queensland,” says Ms Dale. “And our classes are far from run of the mill too. Options under consideration include meditation, belly dancing for fitness and Latin dance.” Visit www.aquariushealthspa.com.au

spa news

Spa is not just a pamper proposition, it is a vital part of preventative health.

Today, more and more Spas are adding alternative treatments and therapies to their menus. Why not move beyond a massage or facial and try something new? I’m loving Shirodhara and Abhyanga at the Ayurvedic Wellness Centre in Bondi NSW. ayurvedicwellnesscentre.com.au

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Softer and more breathable than cotton, the Witjuti (pronounced “wicheddy”) loungewear range is made from organic bamboo material.

Bamboo clothes are ideal for sensitive skin as bamboo fibres are pesticide, herbicide and GMO free. Bamboo clothing also has thermo regulating properties, making it wearable for every season – cool in summer and warm in winter. The material has anti-odour properties and the silk-like texture is wrinkle resistant, so no ironing is needed.

Available online via www.witjuti.com

Spa Tip: after your treatment, whether it be a massage, scrub or facial, make sure you drink plenty of water. Body work generally Go to spalife.com.au to download our new app.

Perfect if you want to keep up to date with all the Spa News, enjoy special offers, book your next escape or add a review of your latest experience. And of course Spa, shop and follow our Blog.

stimulates your lymph system and relases toxins. To help flush them from your body, a few glasses of water does the trick!

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LOVING

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Everything about Alila is top notch. A special mention must go to their Spa Cuisine. Yum! alilahotels.com

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escape

the view from poolside - INTERCONTINENTAL FIJI GOLF RESORT & SPA HOTEL story next issue

“I would rather have a mind opened by wonder than one closed by belief.”

Gerry Spence

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I

n the middle of the American Midwest lies a perfect piece of paradise, feted by film stars, writers and Presidents. Tracey Spicer uncovers the secrets of Sun Valley, Idaho.

The Kennedy family album is full of holiday snaps of Sun Valley. Jacqueline, Robert, Caroline and JFK were the epitome of ski chic. Over the past 76 years, this iconic resort has hosted everyone from Ingrid Bergman and Gary Cooper to Ernest Hemingway and the Shah of Iran.

Home of the world’s first chairlift, the 2,600-acre estate is a mecca for outdoor recreation.

The accommodation in the 148-room lodge oozes old-world style. The gilded foyer overlooks a shining ice-skating rink near a glass-encased outdoor pool. The manicured lawn embraces a glistening lake which reflects the magnificent mountains. This is your own private Idaho!

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Images courtesy of Sun Valley Resort

my private Idaho

Escape

TO THE USA Words

TRACEY SPICER Five-Star Fitness During the ski season, Sun Valley staffers will take off your boots at the end of a long day on the slopes. In summer, we are astonished by the array of activities: Olympic-sized iceskating rink, 17 tennis courts, 45 holes of golf, horse riding, fly fishing, trap and skeet shooting, bowling and the largest free outdoor symphony series in the country.

This is the Single Track capital of the United States, so we try our hands – and legs – at mountain biking. I soon realise this is not at all like the spin class at my local gym! Barely moving, my wheels spin in the dirt as I slowly slide backwards. But once I get the hang of it, hubby and I traverse some of the 250 miles of trails on this stunning property. At the end of the ride, in true Sun Valley style, a trainer offers us a massage and a refreshing drink.

Walking back to the lodge, we pass a memorial to author Ernest Hemingway, winner of the Pulitzer Prize, who finished his great novel For Whom the Bell Tolls while staying here in Sun Valley. Hemingway’s favoured sport was shooting, so we decide to take lessons from the head of the gun club, former world champion JC Dovey. The instructions are simple: nestle the gun into the fleshy part of your pecs, follow the trajectory of the bright orange trap, and aim slightly ahead of it. Hubby is a veritable sniper; I couldn’t hit the side of a barn. “I’m not letting you go until you get one,” JC laughs, “I’ve got a 100% success rate with beginners!” Sure enough, I’m soon shooting the semi-automatic like a pro. As the saying goes, “only in America…”

Creative Cuisine Idaho is known for its potatoes. But very few of these starchy vegetables are found at the resort’s restaurants. The Ram serves a blend of American and European cuisine, from Gruyere cheese fondue to escargot, Idaho lamb, stuffed pheasant and fresh seafood. Or you can catch a sleigh to the romantic Trail

Creek Cabin for locally raised beef, baby back ribs or the Hemingway Meat Loaf.

We take a gondola to the top of Bald Mountain for a light lunch at The Roundhouse, which boasts quite spectacular views. Local produce dominates the menu, including a divine green salad with goat’s cheese and four types of berries, and a nicoise featuring purple potato and fresh tuna.

At the Ram that night, we salivate over the extensive wine list: Argentinean malbec, French sancerre, Californian chardonnay and Australian shiraz. And as soon as he hears our accents, the pianist starts playing Waltzing Matilda. I request some songs from the South, but then another table of guests call for “good ol’ songs from the North”. It seems I’ve sparked a civil war! It ends when someone puts $100 on the table for “some nice, clean Mormon music”.

Idaho has the highest percentage of Mormons per capita in the US, outstripping Utah. We all laugh and shake hands, while the pianist counts his kitty. The food, service and ambience here was simply superb.

Spa to the Stars Sun Valley stands out from other five-star resorts because of its level of service. The therapists at the Salon and Day Spa have treated the cream of America’s film and music industry, as well as world leaders and captains of industry. Their boutique products include Pureology, Alterna, Jane Iredale, Prive, Cellex-C, Nioxin, John Masters Organics, Paul Mitchell and Esee.

I choose a deep tissue massage before our drive to Denver, Colorado and the long flight back to Australia. The masseuse explains he has a hearing impairment, but that this heightens his other senses, especially touch.

It turns out to be the best massage of my life!

I float out feeling like Ginger Rogers, another Sun Valley celebrity. If you stay at Sun Valley, a visit to the Spa is a must. This was our private Idaho. Why not make it yours too? S

Virgin Australia flies to Los Angeles from Sydney - daily from Brisbane - four times per week from Melbourne - three times per week Ph 136 789 www.virginaustralia.com.au United Airlines flies daily from LA to Denver, Colorado.

Ph 131 777 www.united.com Alternatively fly from LA to Hailey (only 14 miles from Sun Valley).

Stay Sun Valley Resort Sun Valley, ID Ph +1 208 622 2183 www.sunvalley.com Idaho Tourism Ph +1 208 334 2470 www.visitidaho.org

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Getting There

escape to the USA Words

KRIS ABBEY

spa like a star in LA LA land!

Y

ou don’t have to be a Hollywood star to enjoy being treated like one. The guys at Destination Fit4LA certainly know how to make you feel like a million dollars… and then some!

I arrive in LA after a long overnight flight from Australia, only to queue for two hours at customs. Gotta love LAX in the height of summer! Finally, luggage cleared and passport stamped, I step out into the beating LA heat. A chauffeur patiently holding a ‘Ms Abbey’ sign catches my eye. God knows how long he’s been waiting, but what a sight for sore eyes. Taking my bags, he escorts me to a black SUV with tinted windows (so LA!) which has the rock-star park directly outside, and me looking every bit not a rock star (rather a dishevelled, jetlagged, haven’t slept for 38

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hours nobody). Welcome to Hollywood!

We head downtown, weaving through a tapestry of LA freeways, and I glimpse the iconic ‘Hollywood’ sign up in the distant hills. “Up there is where we’re heading”, says my driver. It looks a long way away, but it’s not. Before I know it, we’ve passed through Beverly Hills with its lovely leafy streets and rich-and-famous homes and are whizzing beneath the palm trees lining Hollywood Boulevard. Five minutes later, after a climb through some narrow winding streets, we are up in the exclusive Hollywood Hills, where I’m lucky enough to enjoy a brief visit to the newest, hottest health retreat in LA – Destination Fit4LA. As we pull up, I am blown away but what I see: a spectacular 4-storey, 10-bedroom

mansion. It is sophisticated modern, with a twist of architectural brilliance. Brand new, there are still builders onsite completing an adjoining residence. The marketing material described this place as a “celebrity boot camp”, where movie stars come to get in shape for a role, but I never expected such opulence. I feel like Dorothy arriving in Emerald City.

Destination Fit4LA is what you get when you cross the concepts of savvy real estate tycoon Chasity Clark with celebrity fitness expert Lanré Idewu. The result is an amazing, expansive piece of real estate that offers the ultimate in health and fitness. The goal was to create a destination for people to come and get into the best shape of their lives, beyond that of just physical.

As I scrape my jaw off the ground, I’m greeted by two first-class athletes, eager to show me around. Apparently I’m the only guest in residence today, as the American Idol contestants have just moved out and the next group are not due for a few days. So I have the entire mansion to myself! What, no Brad Pitt?

I’m given the grand tour and find myself wishing I could stay longer. Even though everything is shiny and new, there is already a subtle sense of warmth and fun that is hard to describe. You get a strong sense of it from behind the backlit karaoke stage. Seriously, this place has its own theatrette, games area complete with billiard table, disco ball, dance floor and bar, and a kitchen that leads out to a beautiful pool and deck from where you can enjoy the view of LA below. I’m thinking this is Party Central, a ‘let’s get you fit, but let’s have some fun in the process’ kind of place.

I am shown to my room, which is almost as big as my entire house at home. It is more like four rooms. The bedroom and living area flow into a dressing room and a massive bathroom, so big it has a fireplace, TV and a bath clearly built for two! The walk-in wardrobe, which is the size of a standard hotel room, leads through to my own private Spa suite. More about that later.

Prior to my arrival, I filled out a comprehensive questionnaire about my goals and current state of fitness, health and wellbeing. From this, the Fitness Success

Teams (FST™) at Destination Fit4LA have devised a program for me. The team includes a personal trainer, nutritionist, counsellor, chef, masseuse and concierge. Calorie-specific meals are prepared fresh for guests each day.

There are even cooking classes so you can learn how to prepare healthy meals at home and continue on the path you’ve been set.

The huge stack of pillows on the bed looks very tempting, but my stay here is short so they will have to wait. Instead Lanré and I head out for a walk/jog that takes us almost beneath the iconic Hollywood sign. I’m pinching myself. I ‘Upon arrival, expect lots of smoothies have an hour one-on-one with and endless sessions of weights, boot the guy dubbed ‘the Dr Phil of camp circuits, boxing, hiking and Fitness’, who has appeared on officially sanctioned late-night dance TV programs such as Oprah, parties in the on-site disco.’

Entertainment Tonight and NBC’s Biggest Loser. I’m disappointed that I’m suffering jetlag, but at least Lanré takes pity and keeps me working at a pace that allows us to have a good chat. He certainly knows his stuff. As a fitness junky myself, I’m in heaven and absorbing his wise words like a sponge. He inspires you to follow your heart and believe the impossible is possible.

Lanré is walking proof, having grown up in Africa, where most of his family still live.

Once back at the house, we go to the media room, which is used for educational lectures and videos, and doubles as a good space to do some core work and stretching. Lanré explains it is in this room that people really find themselves. During their stay, guests are non-intrusively videoed. They also record pre-program and post-program interviews.

After their stay, it is often watching their pre-program interview that the magic really happens. They see how far they have come in such a short time, having achieved goals they didn’t think were possible.

That is what feeds the passion for Lanré, who loves to see how far a guest can change in such a short time. “Destination Fit4LA is about personal revolution,” he says. “Our immersion program is based on delivering long-term results in a short amount of time, using both fitness and education. Our guests fall in love with this experience.”

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Destination Fit4LA Hollywood Hills Los Angeles, CA inquiries@destionationfit4la.com

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After my workout, I’m in for a real treat.

This is where my private Spa suite comes in.

First up, I have an incredible results-driven facial. After analysing my skin, my therapist gives me one of the most intense facials I’ve ever had. Intense in that she gives me the works, but keeps it within the hour. The products used are her own handmade range, and boy do they work! Even though they were high performance products, they had that delicious smell of pure, natural skincare, as if the ingredients had just been picked. It is the perfect elixir for my ‘been in a plane for too long’ skin.

My next treat is a deep relaxing massage from one of LA’s finest, although I must confess my jetlag finally gets the better of me and I fall asleep within five minutes. Clearly I am deeply relaxed! I am awoken with a gentle nudge and can immediately feel that the kinks resulting from sleeping in an aeroplane seat have been well and truly ironed out. I have the feeling of being a new person. If you’ve ever had that feeling after a really good massage, you know what I mean.

Dinner upstairs at a big table in the kitchen is the cherry on this glorious cake.

Chef Brian cooks up a storm. As I’m the only guest in the house, Lanré invites some people over for me to meet. I am entertained at dinner with local gossip and entertainment industry banter from a producer, an on-set stylist and a musician with a bent for real estate. What a great night with good people and fine food… and not a drop of alcohol was had.

After a solid night’s sleep, I have a 6am appointment with trainer Austin Wheatly, who puts me through my paces. Austin was a pro footballer for the New Orleans Saints and is

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built like the proverbial. I love a good sweat, so when I was greeted with a wide, wicked smile, I knew it was game on!

Well, I think he tried to cram a week’s worth of training into one session because I was smacked out of the park. But gee it felt good. I got to experience all forms of training and utilised every muscle in my body.

It was a brilliant workout and I couldn’t help wondering what awesome shape you’d be in if you had a trainer like this every day. Of course, the session was peppered with lighthearted sledging and constant challenges – a man after my own heart.

The fitness training here is not just on-site, you also get a big taste of LA, with a shopping trip or two thrown in, of course. Hills are found to climb, there are bike paths for cycling, beach volleyball down at Santa Monica - you name it, these guys have it in their arsenal.

Just in case I haven’t said it enough, it is all about Fitness with a capital F for Fun. But now it’s time to leave and I feel very sad that it’s all gone too quickly. I feel like I’m saying goodbye to two brothers in Lanré and Austin. I enjoyed my time with them so much, their service and warmth was bigger and more impressive than the house that bowled me over when I arrived.

I hop back into the SUV to go back from where I came. This time I experience a different kind of tiredness. You know, that exquisite tiredness that comes from using muscles that have been idle for too long. If I wasn’t so tired, I would have put up a fight to stay longer!

If you want to get fit in the lap of luxury and see LA like a local, this is the Destination! S

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escape to the USA Words

KRIS ABBEY

step back in time I

f you want to spend time in Los Angeles away from the hustle and bustle, I suggest you head about 15 kilometres northeast of downtown to beautiful, historic Pasadena. And to truly capture the grace and elegance of a bygone era, you must stay at The Langham Huntington at the base of the picturesque San Gabriel Mountains. Quite simply, it is stunning!

As I drive north along Highway 110 towards Pasadena, humming The Little Old Lady from Pasadena by the Beach Boys, I’m already starting to feel the pace slow. The streets become wider, the homes bigger, the trees larger and more established.

I drive up the hotel’s perfectly manicured, horseshoe-shaped driveway and am struck by the spectacular beauty of both the property and its setting. I feel as if I’ve entered a bygone era and half expect to see horse-drawn carriages pass by.

The Langham Hotel in Pasadena is unique among LA hotels, which are mostly glitzy and new. Set on 23 lush acres overlooking San Marino, it embraces the legendary traditions of service and luxury of the original Langham grand hotel of 1865. Everything is big - the gardens, the high ceilings, the beds - yet the size is perfectly balanced with a refined elegance.

The earthy warmth and genuine pleasure of good old-fashioned service welcomes you to The Langham. Even in its opulence, I feel completely at home. I’m told this is where a lot of movie stars came for privacy in the 1950s and 60s, and it’s easy to imagine Grace Kelly as one of its guests.

I love my suite. It has a lovely big bathroom, a huge comfortable bed and gorgeous antique furniture. The floor-to-ceiling windows, lined with beautiful drapes for total privacy, allow full enjoyment of the expansive view.

I am on the club level, so I can use the club lounge any time. There is a constant supply of fresh fruit, juices, smoothies and light snacks. And if nothing takes your fancy, the chef will create something special just for you. After 5pm you can help yourself to a constant flow of Moet Champagne and mouth-watering sushi. I’m really falling in love with this place…

If you feel like taking in some sights, a long, leisurely walk - or a short shuttle ride - away is Old Pasadena. This is the city’s famed dining, shopping and entertainment district, with more than 200 buildings dating back to the 1880s and 1890s. Even if you’re not staying in the area, you really should plan a day trip to Old Pasadena. It is here in the beautiful old buildings and hidden

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alleys that you will find the best restaurants, boutiques and antique shops.

After immersing yourself in the pleasant surroundings of Old Pasadena, there is no more fitting end to the day than a visit to The Huntington Spa at The Langham. It has just undergone a major overhaul and the new 11,000-square-foot Spa features no less than 13 treatment rooms, plus a state-of-the-art fitness centre and wet area to relax in before or after your treatment.

Like many of the Langham properties, they have added the Chuan Body + Soul Spa concept, which incorporates Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) services to provide a comprehensive wellness experience. All Chuan signature treatments are based on the principles of TCM, which include the five elements, breathing rituals and acupressure.

In addition to its signature treatments, Chuan Body + Soul offers TCM therapies, including acupuncture, Ho Guan (cupping), moxibustion, ear seeds and other techniques.

I opt to have a facial that incorporates ear seeds, which are little seeds of jade that are attached to pressure points on your outer ear. Known as Auriculotherapy in TCM, this involves stimulation of the auricle of

your external ear for the treatment of health conditions that may be affecting other parts of your body. It applies the principles of acupuncture to specific points on your ear and, since no needles are involved, it can be done in a Spa setting, where it is much more relaxing.

After a wonderfully rejuvenating facial, the seeds are applied to pressure points in my ear. I’ve been travelling a lot, so some rebalancing is required. I’m told to leave the seeds in my ear and they will fall off in their own time. They feel a little funny at first, but you soon forget about them and you can barely see them as they are taped on with skin-tone tape. I love a treatment that treats and goes beyond the superficial, although the facial aspect is greatly appreciated and much needed.

I retreat to my room after a lazy wander through the gardens. I haven’t felt this relaxed in a long time. I have a deep, sound sleep and wake up feeling like I could run to the top of the mountains that fill my windows. I’m not sure if it’s the bed, the seeds, the lovely surroundings or the fact that I haven’t had to lift a finger or make a decision the entire time I’ve been here. But I’m not going to analyse why, I’m just going to plan when I’ll be back! S

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1401 South Oak Knoll Avenue, Pasadena, California 91106, USA T (+1) 626 568 3900 E tllax.info@langhamhotels.com pasadena.langhamhotels.com

escape USA Words

KRIS ABBEY

CANYON RANCH part 1: the making of C

anyon Ranch has a reputation in the United States as the standard to which all other health retreats aspire.

I was recently lucky enough to conduct a workshop at the Global Spa and Wellness Summit in Aspen Colorado, after which one of the Canyon Ranch directors invited me to experience their retreat in Tucson Arizona.

Just to give you an indication of how Canyon Ranch is perceived by the Spa industry, I mentioned to some colleagues at the summit that I was off to Grand Canyon. “Hmm, that’s nice,” was the general reaction. “Oh sorry no, I meant Canyon Ranch!” Well, that got a completely different reaction. “That is so much better than the Grand Canyon,” they all agreed. Well, having already experienced the incredible natural wonder of the Grand Canyon, I was left thinking that Canyon Ranch certainly had a lot to live up to.

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I arrive in Tucson in the heart of Arizona - the biggest state in America and also the driest and hottest. It is dry for a staggering 350 days per year! The arid landscape is stunning, the heat intoxicating, and the sky as blue as you’ve ever seen. I feel like I’m on the set of a Cowboys and Indians movie. I even catch a glimpse of a giant, three-pronged cactus, straight out of a Road Runner cartoon. It just needed a tumbleweed to roll by to complete the picture! The environment is so sharp, harsh and unique, all at the same time. It is captivatingly beautiful.

When we arrive at Canyon Ranch, I am shocked by the sight of so much greenery. It is literally an oasis in the desert.

Canyon Ranch was founded by Mel Zuckerman and his wife Enid in 1979.

Before they turned it into a luxury vacation destination dedicated to life enhancement,

Canyon Ranch was the Double-U Dude Ranch.

Dude Ranches are similar to our Farm Stays and became popular in the US with the rise of Western movies. They allow their guests to experience a somewhat edited and more luxurious version of the cowboy life.

The main reception, dining room and lounge area from the original ranch remains.

There is a lot of sturdy furniture, exposed timber beams and stone walls covered in clay.

Very warm and earthy, like most things here.

Mel’s story is an interesting one, and I was fortunate enough to hear it from the horse’s mouth. Mel, now 82, looks as fit as a fiddle and as vital as most men half his age. When he speaks, it is with humility and passion, and with much compassion for people with health struggles and weight-loss battles.

He makes it clear that if you want something bad enough, you have to work for it.

It all comes down to believing. Believing that you can be an active participant in creating your own good (or bad) health. You can’t beat mortality by an act of will, but you can prevent, delay or eliminate many of the ill-effects of an unhealthy lifestyle. The basics of living a healthy lifestyle are, in fact, quite basic! Get off the couch, put down your fork or glass, and find some creative outlet to deflate your stress. This advice comes from experience.

In a past life, Mel was an accountant for a real estate company, after which he became a home builder, then a property developer in Tucson when the area was enjoying a population boom. He enjoyed a rags to riches life, but then back to rags. Each time he had a property development win, he would make the next gamble with higher stakes.

He enjoyed the good life, but when the economy took a battering in 1963, so too did Mel. He weathered the storm for a few years to keep afloat, but the stress of it all was slowly killing him. At just 5 foot 9 inches, he weighed in at 100kg. His stress release was food, and by his own admission, Carnation Rocky Road Ice-cream was his drug of choice.

Poor diet, financial struggles and copious amounts of stress put him on the path to a breakdown - adrenal overload, high blood pressure, flirting with Type 2 diabetes, not to mention the pressure his poor mood was having on his marriage. >

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On the eve of his 40th birthday, he was in his doctor’s office awaiting the results of some health tests, imagining he was about to be told he was living in the body of a 45-yearold, or at worst 50. He was shocked to be told his biological age was that of a 70-year-old.

“I was more fearful in that moment than I had ever been in my life,” says Mel. Not even declaring bankruptcy had been as scary. “But then my doctor said the magic words: ‘There are some things we can do about this.’”

As often happens with traumatic events, this one had a momentous effect on Mel’s life. Staring at a death “I’d always thought of health as something sentence, Mel decided that happened to you, like having blue to turn the negative eyes, or being tall or short, or being good into a positive. At Enid’s insistence, he with numbers. Now I know better.” checked into a fat farm in Mexico for two weeks to lose some weight, hoping it might be the catalyst for getting on the path Water flows to feed the iconic Wentworth Falls to good health. He was the only male guest and none of the staff knew how to deal with him, let alone have a specific program to meet his needs. Mel, who is eloquent and charming, was out of his depth talking C-sections and baby fat with the other guests. On day three, he hitchhiked out of there and returned home, not having lost a pound.

Enid was angry, he was defiant, and the merry-go-round of poor communication and angry outbursts picked up pace. A mid-life crisis, a marriage breakdown, a new wife and building another business up from scratch did not help improve his health. It’s a familiar story, and a story that usually ends in one of two ways.

Mel and Enid began missing each other, and the reasons they were a couple in the first place began to gnaw away at Mel. He left his second wife to rebuild his relationship with his true love, and eventually Mel and Enid remarried.

This is when things started to turn positive for Mel. Business was back on track and, by 1978, he had a little empire going again. He had built a large portion of the houses and apartments in Tucson, but his health was not thriving to the same degree.

One day, Enid planted the seed that they

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should build a fat farm in Tucson. At the time, this didn’t register with Mel. Another little poke came when Mel’s father, aged 76, was diagnosed with lung cancer and given two months to live. He quit smoking on the spot and fought bravely for six months. His last months of life were filled with ‘If onlys’.

Approaching his 50th birthday, Mel decided he didn’t want to live with regret and ‘If onlys’. He set himself a goal of losing 30 pounds (12.5kg). Flicking through a magazine, he was lured by an ad that said “Lose a pound a day with Sheila.” It was for a Spa in California, the Oaks at Ojai, owned

by Sheila Cluff. Mel thought he might be able to lose 10 pounds and signed up, except this time he took his own car as a getaway vehicle!

Upon arrival, Mel was introduced to the Oaks fitness director, Karma Kientzler. It was at that point that good Karma showered upon Mel. She wouldn’t let him give up on himself.

She could see an unhappy, overweight person and wanted to know more about him and what he wanted to achieve during his stay. She showed him how he could do it and, most importantly, met every one of his “I can’ts” with a “You can”. She pushed him to jog for the first time in his adult life. By day 10, he had lost 13 pounds and could run a mile without stopping. The exhilaration of jogging a mile for the first time since he was a kid was the highest of highs for Mel. This time, rather than checking out early, he stayed another two weeks. During this time, he learned that the two things he’d always believed about himself – that his body was a curse, and that it would always fail him – were wrong. As he says, this was his ‘Aha!’ moment. “I’d always thought of health as something that happened to you, like having blue eyes, or being tall or short, or being good with numbers. Now I know better.”

On the drive home, Enid and Mel talked non-stop about opening their own fat farm in Tucson. For the first time in their married life, they agreed on everything. They shared a vision. They knew they would have a place with staff who genuinely cared about their guests and who understood what they wanted to achieve during their stay. 30 years ago, that >

ADVENTUROUS READER

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Canyon Ranch, Tuscon 8600 East Rockcliff Road Tucson, AZ 85750 (520) 749-9000 canyonranch.com

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was pioneering stuff. Today it is the standard for all good health retreats.

After intense planning and research, they had a reasonable idea of what they wanted their fat farm to offer. Now they just needed the location. A real estate buddy told Mel that an old Dude Ranch was for sale, but it was in a state of disarray. It turned out to be very run down and in need of love, but even then both Enid and Mel could feel the magic, the powerful energy this land held. You can still feel it here today.

Immersed in their vision, they never once stopped to think “We’ve never run a hotel, or a restaurant, and we’re about to do both!” True greenhorns, they didn’t know what they didn’t know. But passion, guts and belief got them through, and on 20 December 1979, Canyon Ranch opened with 88 staff and eight guests (of whom only one was a paying guest). And the rest is history. And yes, Karma Kientzler is an integral part of

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the Canyon Ranch team. Even today, in her 80s, she plays an important role.

I heard Mel tell this story to a room full of students who had enrolled in one of the speciality programs they offer at The Life Enhancement Centre, which is like a mini university at Canyon Ranch. In an intimate and professional environment, you can do various courses ranging from Weight Loss and Stress Management to Awakening Your Spiritual Beliefs and Reaching Your Personal Potential.

I sat in on the orientation session for the Weight Loss Program. The anxiety in the room was palpable. Most of these people were about to take their first step on an incredibly confronting journey. Mel shared his story with great clarity and honesty, causing plenty of goosebumps and tears, but above all, inspiration. By the time he had finished speaking, the anxiety in the room had been replaced by a wave of excitement and self-belief. If I had to leave Canyon Ranch right then, after less than 12 hours, I would have thought it was well worth the trip, just to have had the experience of hearing Mel Zuckerman’s story. Thankfully, I had three more days left…

Here’s what I want you to take away, says Mel: “Don’t do what I did for the first 50 years of my life. Do what I’ve done since.”

Next issue: I share the details of my time at Canyon Ranch, including two of the most incredible healing experiences I’ve ever had. What I love about this place is the wonderful fusion of natural therapies and cutting-edge science, packaged around fantastic accommodation and mouth-watering, nutritious food. In the middle of the Arizona desert, in a place developed out of a passion to inspire guests to be active participants in their own health, magic truly happens. The ‘old you’ vanishes and the ‘new you’ is appears! S

Amazing serenity away from the hustle and bustle.

There’s something about Thailand that can almost immediately have you feeling more calm, content, healthier and happier than you have in a very long time. There’s a sense of tranquillity and balance here that is so easy to tap into the second you arrive. Leave the stress and clatter behind at home and immerse yourself in indulgent bliss. Think massages and spa treatments like you’ve never had before. Think reading a book on a gorgeous beach by the aqua blue water. Think relaxing in a hammock. Think nothing. Take the opportunity to re-energise and revitalise your body and soul. You deserve it and you know you need it.

www.thailand.net.au

Tourism Authority of Thailand, Level 20, 56 Pitt St Sydney, NSW 2000, +61 2 9247 7549 33

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escape THAILAND Words & Photos

GAYE GERARD

Melati the Scent of Calmness

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“W

ould you like fresh lime in your juice, madam?” asks the bartender softly as I float in the warm water of the tropical pool at Melati Spa Resort on the stunning island of Koh Samui, Thailand.

Surrounded by palm trees, the blazing island sun caressing my shoulders, I begin to unwind and take in the stunning view of the beach as the crystal clear, light-blue water laps the shore. There is a real sense of seclusion here. You feel like you’re miles away from the rest of civilisation. And yet the fine dining restaurants, nightlife, markets and boutiques of Chaweng Beach are only a 20-minute drive away, so you have the best of both worlds.

This idyllic beachfront resort, set on flourishing manicured gardens overlooking Thongson Bay, features an harmonious blend of traditional Thai architecture - creating a village feel - with all the sophistication of a modern 5-star resort. The premium luxury villas and suites average a minimum 77 square meters of indoor and outdoor living space, and the oversized bathrooms, generous wardrobe space, soft robes, sandals and stylish woven beach bag provided in each villa make you feel like you’re in your own private oasis.

But what is a truly fabulous touch are the traditional Thai sweets that are meticulously prepared and delivered to you each evening at sundown.

Honeymooners flock here, inspired by the intimate romantic setting of the luxury villas, complete with private plunge pool and day bed. Families are also well catered for with an excellent kids’ club offering a range of activities to keep the little ones completely entertained while you take a dip in the pool, or lunch in the superb beach-view restaurant.

Meandering through the tropical walkways from my villa, a friendly gardener waves hello as I pass by. With no one else in sight, no clock ticking, no schedule to follow, I stop for a minute, close my eyes and gently breath-take in nature’s splendour. Brightly coloured flowers in full bloom blend into the beautiful landscape and a picturesque waterfall outside the main Spa pavilion makes me feel like I’m in another world.

From the moment I enter the main Spa, the aromatic oils, ambience and fresh flowers at reception transport me into a state of bliss.

One of the staff offers me a cold face towel and ice tea while I select my treatment from the extensive Spa menu. I choose the Aroma

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GETTING THERE Thai Airways flies to Bangkok and Phuket from capital cities. From these locations there are several flights direct to Koh Samui. There are currently no direct flights to Koh Samui from Australia or New Zealand.

Melati Beach Resort is located right on a secluded stretch of pristine beach with the crystal clear blue sea of Thongson Bay on the Northern Coast of Samui Island. Melati Resort is conveniently located just 15 minutes away from the Chaweng Beach shopping and entertainment venues, restaurants and a 10-minute drive from Samui Airport, as well as Fisherman’s Village. Choeng Mun Beach and Big Buddha Statue are close to this resort.

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Massage, followed by an exquisite Fruit Glow Facial which delights my senses with the local ingredients used to cleanse, exfoliate and revitalise my skin. This wonderful experience leaves me feeling deeply relaxed and my skin looking and feeling radiant.

‘Melati’ is Indonesian for Jasmine, also known as the scent of calmness, which is the essence of the Spa, where they offer a range of treatments including massages, wraps, body scrubs and deluxe rejuvenating facials which can be enjoyed in the privacy of your airconditioned villa or in one of the Spa villas.

The resort also features two Spa pavilions by the main pool overlooking the uncrowded, pristine white sandy beach where Thai massage can be enjoyed throughout the day, in between a soothing swim in the sea or reclining on the pool lounges as you soak up the golden rays with a good book.

After my Spa treatments, I take a tour of the well-equipped gym, which hosts a comprehensive list of activities including yoga and fitness classes for those wishing to maintain their health regime while on holiday.

There are two restaurants: Kan Sak Thong restaurant specialises in traditional Thai and Asian delicacies. Located at the top of the resort, it overlooks a stream of water that gently flows down through the lush gardens filled with lotus ponds, flowers and wooden bridges, which are lit up at night, creating a tranquil and tropical ambience.

The poolside restaurant, View Pha Ngan, has a spectacular view over the beach at sunset and offers a range of Western food,

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including an impressive wood-fired pizza menu. Breakfast is also served here with a large array of fresh fruit, juices and eggs prepared to your liking by the chef.

If you choose to venture out of the resort, the concierge can organise a tour to the Big Buddha, a short drive away, where you can take photos of the impressive Buddha and purchase locally-made souvenirs and handicrafts at the market. Be sure to sample the banana pancakes at one of the stands at the bottom of the Buddha, they are deliciously sweet!

If you are in Samui on a Friday night, I suggest a trip to the local fisherman’s village market at Bophut Beach, not far from the resort. You can have dinner at one of the many restaurants lining the beach and enjoy a stroll through the lively street scene. You will find an array of bars with bands playing and can sample many dishes at the Thai food stands or just browse the boutiques. If you’re up for an adventure, visit one of the Fish Spas found at Bophut and also Chaweng Beach. You sit comfortably on a cushion on the edge of a large tank of water and immerse your feet or hands so the little fish can suck off any dry, dead skin.

At first it’s a rather strange, tingling sensation, but becomes more enjoyable and leaves your feet soft and supple.

In the afternoon heat, I decide to take a swim in the warm sea, which feels more like a large bath. I swim out a short distance and do a few gentle laps of freestyle before returning to the sun lounges by the pool bar. Grabbing my towel, I walk over to the shade of a thatched roof gazebo bar and enjoy a sweet mango cocktail.

The bar is conveniently designed as a swim-up bar to service the resort’s main pool and beach lounge, serving a light menu throughout the day. Sitting here I find myself in a dreamy, chilled-out state, staring into the azure water of the swimming pool as the leaves of the palm trees sway and gently whisper all around me.

I look up as I hear a familiar-sounding Australian accent. Ben and Danica, a couple from Perth, say hello and we get acquainted, sharing tales of our holiday over a beautifully garnished cocktail. They are on their honeymoon and are very impressed with the resort’s tranquil location, their lavish pool villa and the friendly service of the staff.

“Starting each morning with the delicious buffet breakfast at the View Restaurant, with spectacular views overlooking the beach, is

heavenly,” says Danica. During their stay, they were treated to a very special romantic candlelit dinner for two, with their table ‘Melati’ is Indonesian for Jasmine, set up on the sand at also known as the scent of the water’s edge, the sun fading and the sky calmness, which is the essence of turning from shades the Spa of pink to shimmering shades of blue. The chef prepared exquisite traditional Thai dishes and sweet desserts, introducing their palates to a world of flavour as they enjoyed an enchanted evening under the stars.

Melati is truly a place of relaxation where you can let yourself go, embrace the sumptuous cuisine, the stunning views and the lavish accommodation. It is a place you will surely want to revisit. S

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escape GRIEF Words & Photos

CYNTHIA MORTON

good grief?

I

s there such a thing as feeling good and feeling grief… simultaneously?

It hasn’t happened for me yet.

But then, I’m a long way from sainthood and must confess to still dropping to my knees in dysfunctional despair from time to time. Less and less these days, but it still happens every now and then. Actually, it happened just yesterday…

Regardless of what we grieve for, if we don’t process our grief, we get stuck in it. Becoming frozen in one of ‘the seven stages of grief’ immobilises our hearts, preventing us from moving forward. And getting stuck can be just as painful as the grief itself!

The grief may be for the death of a loved one, or the death of a relationship - with a spouse, a lover, a family member or a friend - or even the death of an addictive lifestyle. Or it may be caused by trauma related to violence, abuse, neglect, abandonment or even an act of God, such as an earthquake, fire or flood. All these human challenges require us to deal with some form of grief.

Dealing with grief, loss and trauma has been a big part of my work over the past 15 years.

Those of you who know of my work with Emotional Fitness techniques know I am not a

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therapist. Just as Nigella Lawson is not a chef, but rather a cook who has become an expert through her love of cooking and dedication to her craft in her own home, I am an Emotional Personal Trainer who has learned how to help and support others through my love of recovering hope in my own life, and my vigilant dedication to practicing the craft of Emotional Fitness in my own life and in my own home. And yes, I have studied extensively at the University of Life!

But if you saw me yesterday - sitting like a child on the floor beside my bed, hugging my knees and sobbing with grief - you would be forgiven for thinking there was nothing emotionally fit about me at all.

However, I - the emotionally fit - am not always smiling, just as the physically fit are not always punching the air. Often they are facing their fears and dealing with the messy stuff in their relationships that the emotionally unfit will not.

The only way to process emotional shit is to wade through it.

Like that boy in the movie Slumdog Millionaire, the only way to hold on to his dream was to endure the stench of his own, and others’, raw sewage. Recovering hope is not always a pleasant journey every step of the way, but it is most definitely worth it.

After I put down drugs and alcohol as emotional anaesthetic, grief has always appeared like a huge wave that would drown me. I would feel a swell of anxiety begin to rise and build until it surged up my throat from inside. As the grief bubbled within me, I would become mute, unable to speak. Which is why I started researching ways to become emotionally fitter. I honestly believed my grief would overwhelm me and I would die if I didn’t learn to manage and endure it.

In my experience, grief does not just visit once. As the years pass, Mother Nature and Father Time set consistent emotional homework. But over time, all the grief about the loss or trauma will be flushed out, gone once and for all.

I’m not quite there yet, but I’m definitely on my way.

I remember my therapist in the early days telling me that the grief I had to process was

The 7 Stages of Grief 1. Shock & Denial You will probably react to learning of the loss with numbed disbelief. You may deny the reality of the loss at some level to avoid the pain. Shock provides emotional protection from being overwhelmed all at once. This may last for weeks.

2. Pain & Guilt As the shock wears off, it is replaced with the suffering of unbelievable pain. Although excruciating and almost unbearable, it is important that you experience the pain fully, and not hide it, avoid it or escape from it with alcohol or drugs. You may have guilty feelings or remorse over things you did, or didn’t do, with your loved one. Life feels chaotic and scary during this phase.

3. Anger & Bargaining Frustration gives way to anger. You may lash out and lay unwarranted blame for the grief and loss on someone else. Try to control this as it can cause permanent damage to your relationships. This is a time for the release of bottled-up emotion. You may rail against fate, asking “Why me?” You may try to bargain in vain with the powers that be for a way out of your despair; “I’ll never drink again if you just make this pain go away.”

4. ‘Depression’, Reflection & Loneliness Just when your friends think you should be getting on with your life, a long period of sad reflection will likely overtake you. This is a normal stage of grief, so don’t be ‘talked out of it’ by well-meaning outsiders. Encouragement from others is not helpful during this stage of grief.

During this time, you finally realise the true magnitude of your loss and it depresses you. You may isolate yourself on purpose, reflect on things you did before the loss, or focus on memories of the past. You may have feelings of emptiness or despair.

5. The Upward Turn As you start to adjust to life without the old lifestyle and people, your life becomes a little calmer and more organised. Your physical symptoms lessen and your ‘depression’ begins to lift.

6. Reconstruction & Working Through As you become more functional, your mind starts working again and you find yourself seeking realistic solutions to problems posed by life without your previous support systems. You start to work on practical and financial problems, reconstructing yourself and your life.

7. Acceptance & Hope During the last of the seven stages, you learn to accept and deal with the reality of your situation. Acceptance does not necessarily mean instant happiness. Given the pain and turmoil you have experienced, you can never return to the carefree, untroubled you that existed before your tragedy. But you find a way forward.

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Grief is itself a medicine.

William Cowper

Cynthia Morton is a bestselling Australian author. She is also a painter, public speaker and mother of two sons.

Cynthia is CEO and founder of the Emotional Fitness Foundation. Having worked with over 7,000 Australians facing emotionally challenging life issues, such as addiction, abuse, self-sabotaging cycles and depression, Cynthia is in high demand as an Emotional Fitness expert. www.emotionalfitness.com

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multifaceted and intense. He told me it would take years and that I would only be able to process it a little bit at a time, like squeezing toothpaste out of a tube. This is because grief is very toxic and the human heart can only manage it functionally in small pieces. He explained that when an emotional trigger arises, a little more grief is released, and that I would move through the seven stages with each piece I processed, and I would come out the other side a stronger person.

He was right.

Over the years, the grief - like bullets, or shards of glass, from my heart - have been removed one by one. For the last few years, I don’t think I’ve had to deal with any grief that I felt I couldn’t work my way through on my own.

Until this weekend.

The grief had been gradually rising since November 2010 when my husband’s mum decided to travel from the UK to Australia to be with her son. She is a wonderfully dedicated mum, and being around the two of them is truly heart-warming. In fact, witnessing their love massaged some deeprooted glass splinters that were wedged way, way down in the depths of my heart up to the surface. I have felt their painful presence and, quite frankly, my ego was shocked that there was still more grief work for me to do around female elders.

I’m expert in the art of denial, so I’d been pushing this grief back down, convincing myself I was too busy with my hectic schedule of travel and work to deal with them. I had also dropped off on working with my clinical elder as I’d been away and we were unable to coordinate our diaries. As I hid myself in work, my pain and guilt were progressively haunting me.

Then yesterday on the weekend, when I finally gave myself some time off from work, the anger became unbearable. I felt outraged, like a wounded animal caught in a trap. I screamed like a wild banshee at my darling husband. Soon after, the depression hit and I was inconsolable. The little girl in me hugged her knees and sobbed. Flooded in tears and snot, I kept saying to my hubby, “I’m not lying.

It’s true. It happened. Why would I lie? I must

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be unlovable. They don’t think I’m worth it.

How could they have stood by and watched while I was being beaten?”

You start to look forward and plan things for the future. Eventually, you will be able to think about your lost life without pain.

Sadness, yes, but the wrenching pain will be gone. You will again anticipate good times to come and again find joy in the experience of living.

The Upward Turn (steps 5, 6 then 7) happened for me late yesterday afternoon.

My darling husband, in all his wisdom, after sitting through this storm with me, lovingly lead me out the other side with his hugs, holding my hand and enjoying a movie and some divine ice cream.

I’m getting really efficient at processing bigger chunks of grief in shorter spaces of time. In the past, the grief I felt over the weekend could have taken me weeks to work through, with lost days of work and endless days of sobbing and anger. But this morning I again felt happy and hopeful.

So was it good grief? Well, yes it was good, but I’m glad now that it’s over. I feel lighter, more relieved and less stressed, as if a long, sharp shard of glass has finally been removed from the depths of my heart.

I was neither graceful nor attractive as this shard came up and out, but thank God for those who love us when we believe we are unlovable, struggling to swim in the ocean of life. Thank you my darling Mr Delicious for sitting with me in my darkest hours as you have so loyally done over the past seven years. What a blessing.

I will leave you with these Word Vitamins today and send you my heartfelt love if you are working through one of these seven stages.

If you are stuck, seek an elder or loved one who understands these stages to help you through. The pain and darkness will pass and your heart will smile again. I myself am booked in to see my wise elder next Monday.

So until next time..

There is a great step-by-step manual called Back to Life: Your Personal Guidebook to Grief Recovery by Jennie Wright - available as a downloadable PDF or hard copy from www.recover-from-grief.com. S

www.theworldofnorfolk.com.au

N O R F O L K I S L A N D 2 9 ˚ S O U T H PA C I F I C

TH TH DDI

NORFOLK ISLAND LOGO LAYOUT OPTION 2 WITH TREES ON SIDE

BRANDING PRESENTATION / STAGE 1 / 28.07.09

THEWORLD OFNORFOLK

Welcome to the World of Norfolk... ...where you can be as laid back or busy as you want to be.

www.norfolkair.com

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come up for a fresh look fairmont resort

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One of the many breathtaking views of the Blue Mountains

T

he Fairmont Resort MGallery in the Blue Mountains is set to reclaim its position as one of Australia’s premier leisure, conference and event venues, with its inspirational outlook over the Jamison Valley and its vast range of leisure facilities and activities.

The iconic hotel recently completed a $10 million renovation that saw a complete transformation of its guest rooms and public areas.

There will also soon be a major new Day Spa where the fitness centre and indoor heated pool complex are currently located.

The renovation project is part of the resort’s rebranding to the boutique MGallery label of distinctive hotels. This will see the hotel introduce a stronger regional focus that makes the most of its World Heritage-listed setting and its ethos of relaxation, rejuvenation and reconnection with nature.

The entrance lobby now features deep leather armchairs with new tables and lamps to reinforce the rustic, country club theme and create a welcoming atmosphere upon arrival. To create a feeling of warmth and comfort, there is an emphasis on natural materials, including polished, recycled timber boards and a firewood motif on the carpet.

The area is anchored by a dramatic, elk-horn chandelier suspended over Embers Bar, which now has a new balcony overlooking the valley, blending more seamlessly with its spectacular setting and providing outdoor dining directly accessible from Jamison’s restaurant. The décor draws from nature for its inspiration with a real sense of drama.

All 13 meeting rooms and the Grand Ballroom have been upgraded, with new furniture and cutting-edge technology, including a 128-seat

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A standard King Room Above: Looking up from Embers bar to the lobby

Water flows to feed the iconic Wentworth Falls

auditorium. Guest rooms have new bathrooms, bedding, joinery and carpeting, while hallways have been refreshed with new lighting, paint and carpets.

With food such a vital component in the success of the resort, the Fairmont has hired executive chef Rebecca Kaye, who sources ingredients from local producers and suppliers to ensure her menus provide the freshest, healthiest and most authentic tastes of the Blue Mountains region. For a touch of This iconic 210-room resort is back as the luxury, the new Sublime Lounge offers decadent premier Blue Mountains conferencing high teas showcasing destination after completing a major specially created treats $10 million transformation as part of its and specially blended inclusion into Accor MGallery’s collection teas. So the Fairmont now of hotels with plans of a major Day Spa celebrates the culinary development. treasures of the Blue Mountains, as well as its natural and cultural treasures.

The extensive leisure facilities make the Fairmont a destination in its own right – with indoor and outdoor swimming pools, tennis courts, billiards room and kids’ games room.

The extensive gardens have been returned to

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their best, providing a range of colourful and inspiring settings, with many lakes, fountains and waterfalls to make those walks in the fresh mountain air even more enjoyable.

Some of Australia’s most dramatic natural wonders are also right on your doorstep, with rainforests, canyons, hidden caves and endless walking trails to explore.

New owner Jerry Schwartz has also purchased the adjacent Leura Golf Course, where the 18-hole championship course features breathtaking scenery to rival any course in the world.

From bushwalking and hiking to mountain biking, horse riding, canyoning and abseiling, a conference at the Fairmont provides endless activities for team-building in spectacular surrounds. A range of teambuilding activities, including Segway Tours, can be arranged to suit every taste and budget.

The Fairmont remains a natural meeting point, with a warm, inviting atmosphere and conference facilities that can cater for up to 800 delegates. With direct access to one of the world’s true natural treasures, the Fairmont offers the opportunity to connect

with nature in more meaningful ways so delegates can gain a true sense of regeneration and rejuvenation.

With the rejuvenation of the hotel has come a regeneration of the spirit of its staff and a commitment to providing the highest levels of service. As the hotel enters a new phase, event organisers will notice the little differences that can take a conference to the next level.

The Fairmont Resort joins a number of renowned hotels in Accor’s prestigious MGallery collection, which are selected based on their vision, history, design and outstanding location. MGallery hotels are remarkable in their personality and appeal to travellers looking for distinctive services or seeking a place with a true soul. The hotel boasts a spectacular setting, glorious gardens and country-manor style architecture that makes the most of its peerless location.

It is the third MGallery in Australia, in addition to the Grand Hotel in Melbourne and Cradle Mountain Lodge in Tasmania, and the 20th MGallery in the world, joining others such as the Hotel St Moritz in Queenstown (four times awarded New Zealand Hotel of the Year), the Baltimore in Paris, the Convent Hotel in Amsterdam and Vie Hotel in Bangkok.

The Fairmont Mountain Resort epitomises a mountain hideaway and oozes comfort and warmth. It’s an easy two hour drive from Sydney.

So why not pop in for high tea or even stay awhile. It’s certainly worth a visit, and the fresh look is as clean as the mountain air.S

Entering the bathing area is like stepping into another world … it’s a place where time is forgotten

Relax, escape,

rejuvenate BATH HOUSE Open 7.30am-10pm, 7 days a week. Social relaxation, family-friendly, fun & revitalising, 20+ bathing experiences, café SPA DREAMING CENTRE Open 9am-9pm, 7 days a week. Day spa & massage centre, unique dining, serene bathing, 16+ years only

GETTING THERE From Sydney it is an easy drive following the Great Western Freeway. Road works are nearly complete and it’s dual carriage most of the way. Once you are Leura, follow the signs to the resort. You can also catch a train and disembark at Leura. Leura is a quaint mountain village with lovely boutiques, coffee shops and restaurants.

Springs Lane, Fingal (Rye), Mornington Peninsula

Fairmont Resort 1 Sublime Point Road Leura NSW 2780 Ph 02 4785 0000 www.fairmontresort.com.au

t: (03) 5950 8777 www.peninsulahotsprings.com spalife.com.au

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India 2013 October 4-7th, 2013 - Jaipur, India “A Defining Moment�

Learn more at www.globalspaandwellnesssummit.org 46

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experience

“The minute you really begin to do what you really want

to do, it’s a really di fferent kind of life.”

R Buckminster Fuller

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experience GOLD COAST, QLD Words

KRIS ABBEY

two nuggets of gold on the gold coast

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T

he Gold Coast and all its theme parks, nightclubs and busy tourist scene is not the first destination that comes to mind when you think ‘relaxing holiday’. But I’ve found a couple of little hideouts that you can escape to while the kids take to the rides.

On the QT If good food, friendly service with a smile, a touch of the quirky, lots of colour, cuteness, uniqueness and eclectic art are your thing, then QT is the place for you. The minute you enter the front doors, you feel like you’re in a time warp that is taking you back to the 1960s. Think brightly coloured melamine furniture, caramel milkshakes in giant aluminium tumblers, homemade lemonade and candy stripes. If you can capture all of that, you’ve come close to feeling the vibe that QT has created. They would say “Nostalgic surfer chic meets Miami catwalk”. I would say “Happy Days meets Vogue”. It is uber-cool laced with fun.

Your mood is elevated the instant you arrive. You can’t help but chuckle when you’re greeted at reception by someone wearing an aqua jumpsuit! I love that they’ve gone the polar opposite to what we have come to expect from five-star hotels. They are about as far away from that cookie-cutter sameness as you can go. There is still a strong focus on service and making each guest feel welcome, and a make-yourself-at-home energy surrounds you. Put your feet up and don’t stress if the kids touch things.

I just love this place. From the black-and-white-striped

SpaQ reception screams ‘Welcome’!

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bedspreads to the cruisers freely available to guests so they can ride along the Gold Coast promenade in QT style. Just when you think you’re getting used to it, you’ll be surprised again, like when you get into a lift and say hi to the American tourist inside, before realising he is simply a life-sized image superimposed on the mirror!

But it’s not just the décor and art that lures you in, special mention must go to the food. This is truly a foodie’s heaven! Creating a growing buzz since its opening, Bazaar recreates a traditional marketplace style of eating, with a modern twist. It is a totally open restaurant with floor-to-ceiling glass so you can soak up the view as you dine. That said, you are often distracted by what is going on in the kitchen. Everything is prepared before your eyes. Even the cool room with all the fresh produce is glass so you can look inside.

I’m not a smorgasbord fan. I usually equate them with overcooked food sitting in a bain-marie under bright lights that are zapping all nutritional value and flavour, so all you’re left with is a tummy ache from eating too much. That was until I experienced Bazaar – one of the three dining experiences at QT. You can go healthy and enjoy a mosaic of salads, all prepared before your eyes with colourful, fresh, organic ingredients. There is wood-fired pizza with your choice of topping, or the classic pot roasts with an assortment of condiments. You can even ask for your preferred cut of meat cooked to your liking.

There are Asian wok stations for noodles and stir-fries, a fine selection of sushi and sashimi, and my favourite, the seafood! Oh my god, the seafood! And a note to the rookie – leave some room for the wide array of deserts. If you’re not sure about anything, just ask the chefs. They are up close and personal and love spreading their contagious passion for good food, especially when it’s appreciated.

Breakfast is eagerly anticipated and does not disappoint. In fact, I would say this is the best hotel breakfast I’ve ever had in Australia.

Again, everything is prepared before you. You get to choose what you want and how you

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QT Gold Coast 7 Staghorn Avenue Surfers Paradise, QLD Phone: 61-07-5584 1200 qtgoldcoast.com.au

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want it. I especially love the daily juices and smoothies served in recycled bottles – again with that sense of fun.

Like the food, the Spa does not disappoint and the menu is equally enticing. The Spa, as I’ve come to expect with QT, is not what you expect! It is colourful, open and there is no code of silence. The change room is like a funky, high-school locker room with good old-fashioned metal lockers. No muted tones, it is all vibrant and cheery. Even the menu is written without the usual political correctness: “Just like your mind, your body isn’t static.

At spaQ we get that, and so we decided to do things a little differently ourselves to fit in with your individual groove. As well as packing our menu with some serious therapeutic punch, we made room for flexibility, customisation and individualisation.

“For a start, we don’t pressure you to make your treatment selection in advance.

Just reserve your time and then, with the help of your therapist, you can choose a treatment experience when you arrive. That way you get exactly what you need on the day, rather than something that feels so… umm, last week. That’s what we call a freshly-picked Spa experience!”

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So that’s exactly what I do, opting for the freshly-picked experience, and I look forward to it with anticipation. I allow plenty of time before my treatment so I can enjoy the hammam and ice fountain, setting the scene. Once I’m in my treatment room, I chat with the therapist about how she can best meet my needs. I’m a ‘have my cake and eat it’ girl, so we go for a power facial to get maximum results in minimum time, leaving plenty of time for a good, muchneeded remedial massage. I’ve hit pay dirt with my therapist. She was previously the product trainer for the range she is using on me, so she knows exactly what is best for me, and has a deft hand when applying them. Rock and roll!

I wouldn’t normally use words like ‘groove’ or ‘mojo’ when talking Spa experiences, but I honestly feel like a new person with more skip in my step. I can relate perfectly to how they conclude the spaQ menu: “With spicy and soothing refreshments, smooth tunes, a stylishly vibrant look and an awesome team of Spa specialists, spaQ takes a playful, frisky and light-hearted approach to feeling well and looking great. With the help of natural Spa product creator Uspa, our mission is to help you shine.”

And shine I do!

Classic 5-Star Right in the heart of Surfers Paradise there are two towers that literally, well, tower over the rest of the properties in the neighbourhood.

That’s the Hilton Hotel.

It is a combination of high-end retail and restaurants at the base, with two tall pillars of accommodation on top. They are a beacon in the skyline, similar to Centrepoint Tower in Sydney or the Chrysler Building in New York.

One pillar is the hotel, the other is apartments (or residences, as Hilton call them).

We are lucky enough to stay in one of the residences on the 33rd floor, from where you can almost see New Zealand! Everything is still shiny and new, complete with all the mod cons so you want for nothing. And if you do, anything you could possibly need is at your doorstep – just 100m from Cavill Avenue, the main strip on the Gold Coast, and the same distance to the beach.

Apart from the location, one of the attractions for me is the eforea Spa. There has been a lot of buzz around this concept and, since its development, many hotel chains have followed suit in creating their own Spa brand, yet it is the eforea concept that is winning the global Spa awards.

They have kept the concept simple, yet there is something for everyone and it is easily transferable to any of their hotels around the world. It’s probably not the best analogy, but it’s a bit like the McDonald’s concept: whether you’re in Surfers Paradise or Queenstown, there is a consistency in the level of Spa service and treatment you receive. Hilton have taken it a step further by being the first hotel group to align themselves with a Spa training school (Australia’s William Angliss) to ensure their level of service is not only consistent, but the best, and their Spa staff are continually trained to hone and develop their skills.

Hilton have adopted the butterfly as the theme for their global Spa concept. You can cocoon yourself in the sanctuary of an eforea Spa and emerge feeling lighter, brighter and all butterfly-like. After all, when you go to a

TOP: SpaQ treatment room above: Relaxation lounge THIS IMAGE: The locker room

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Hilton Surfers Paradise 6 Orchid Avenue Surfers Paradise QLD Phone: 61-07-5680800 hiltonsurfersparadise.com.au

Their

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Spa, your number one goal is to leave feeling and looking better than when you went in.

Simple really.

Hilton Hotels & Resorts have spent nearly two years developing a Spa concept that brings rejuvenation to your body, so you emerge in a better state than when you went in. They have drilled down to their core market and individual needs to create a concept that is right on the money. They have treatments have a purpose, kept it simple and, at the risk it’s not just about pamper! of sounding clichéd, they have kept it real. No intimidating spiritual awakening or complicated treatment menus, just a new concept to take us into the future of Spa. There is certainly no sign of sexual discrimination and men can feel equally at home as women. In fact, as I wait for my therapist in the relaxation lounge, there are as many men robed-up ready and waiting as women. That says something.

Part of the concept is that you begin your transformation from the moment you step over the threshold into the Spa reception.

You are already well and truly relaxed when you lie face down on the treatment bed in anticipation of the state of relaxation that is about to wash through you.

The Spa itself has been carefully designed to take you further and further from the real world and into the wonderful word of ‘you’, with ruling planets Relaxation and Bliss. As

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you move from one space to the next - from the reception area to the change rooms to the relaxation lounge - each space takes you on a subliminal journey of relaxation using lighting, aroma and music. You don’t have to force it to happen, it just does.

Of the three journeys - Essentials, Escape and Men’s - I choose a treatment from the Escape Journey, an holistic one fusing organic plant ingredients with traditional healing practices. The products used are from the Australian indigenous organic range, LI’TYA. It starts with a smoking ritual to cleanse the air, followed with a warm, soothing footbath.

OK, I’ve escaped!

After an invigorating exfoliation with Australian desert salts, I’m caked with a warm, mineral-rich Mapi body mud. While I’m wrapped in my cocoon so the mud can do its work, I enjoy the most divine scalp massage, and escape even further.

A warm in-room shower, then I surrender to the healing, grounding and spiritually uplifting rhythmic massage with warm oil.

I have now escaped so far into the land of Zen, I find it hard to walk in a straight line!

It’s amazing the journeys you can enjoy when your mind is quiet and you allow yourself to relax. On the surface, my skin feels silky smooth. Deep in my soul, I feel like I’ve travelled to a place made from silk clouds. Like all good journeys, I’m much richer for the experience. S

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today’s spa F

orget white walls, whale song and lashings of herbal tea. Australia’s Spa industry has rapidly evolved from an austere, no-nonsense enterprise to become one of the most inventive and responsive businesses in the world thanks to changing lifestyles and generational demands.

Hilton Worldwide Director of Spa Development & Operations, Vanessa Main, has been part of the booming sector for more than 15 years and says the rigid services of old have been cast aside.

“Wheatgrass shots and cold showers are long gone,” she says. “Now blokes can bring a beer and choose their massage music, hen’s parties can have manicures and martinis by the pool, and Baby Boomers can network over a pedicure in the Pinot pit.”

Strict rules, hushed tones and an exclusive stigma have been replaced by a warm, social atmosphere and an emphasis on complete customisation for the client.

“Spas went through a stage where they were very wellness driven,” she says. “No mobile phones, no noise, no alcohol. Naturopaths made their way into the arena and treatments took on a really holistic view. It was all about the quiet time.

“These concepts still have their place, but there’s so much more depth to the industry now.

People used to just look for an experience, now they demand results and customisation – a unique, efficient journey that delivers an immediate and noticeable change to skin or muscles.”

The ‘encounter’, as Vanessa describes it, has evolved and so has Spa etiquette. Generic ambient music and one-size-fits-all packages have been reworked to cater for the individual needs of each client.

“It used to be very much one flavour of herbal tea and one way of doing things,” says Vanessa. “But these days, clients are offered a beverage menu, a music menu, a choice of lighting and room temperature. You can have a tipple and lunch.

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“The lads can man up for a warm bamboo massage, catch up over a beer, then go off to a sporting event or a night on the town.

“The atmosphere is less fluffy and much less clinical.”

That change is reflected in unisex design, which has helped draw more men into Spas.

Vanessa says the men’s market has grown to at least 30% of clientele.

“At the start, Spa design and layout was really geared towards females,” she says. “Today there are dedicated male skin care lines that cater to their specific needs.

Men’s skin is thicker and more porous than women’s. Experiences are crafted for men, with treatments customised to target the back, neck and shoulders - where men really need stress relief.”

Research shows men are more impulsive about booking and are more interested in rejuvenation than pampering.

“A lot of wives and girlfriends are encouraging men to look after themselves in that regard. The stigma is gone,” says Vanessa.

Hilton’s 2012 Blue Paper on Emerging Spa Trends outlines the changes being driven by generational demands with the hyper-critical Generation X expecting Spa experiences to be environmentally friendly as well as on-trend.

“Gen X clients want to know the products are organic and the Spa has sustainability measures, such as reducing water and energy use,” explains Vanessa. “They also like to bring their smart phone to instantly share the experience on Twitter or Facebook.

“Baby Boomers are more interested in results. They have the time and income to focus on long-term health and wellbeing, and they want Spas that offer more than just quickfix wrinkle treatments.”

Along with evolving service, Vanessa says training and technology have undergone a major overhaul.

“Around 10 to 15 years ago, there wasn’t much technology in a Spa,” she says. “It was all about touch – water therapy was about as far as it went. Now you’re looking at everything from laser to micro-current technologies geared to give you top results.

Because of these constant innovations, you have to be very dynamic with training and it needs to happen more frequently.

“The whole process we now take our guests through is completely unique. It means therapists need to be flexible, think on their feet and work to a schedule, while still giving personalised service.

Customers also want their service to be far more accessible – booking online at a time that suits them. We have to be more in-tune with all of those things.”

After 30 plus years in Australia, Spas have evolved remarkably from their conservative beginnings. Vanessa says the industry is now a completely different beast.

“In the beginning, people didn’t know what disposable underwear was or what a body wrap or scrub was,” she says. “There were a lot of foreign treatments and services people were curious about.

“You now have to be immediately in tune with what the customer requires. You really need to be onto it before they realise they are after it! It’s a dynamic industry and the consumer is now far more educated and sophisticated. Spas need to be too.” S spalife.com.au

Strict rules, hushed tones and an exclusive stigma have been replaced by a warm, social atmosphere and an emphasis on complete customisation for the client.

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exotic exotic

the EXTREMLY HEAVENLY AND HEALING WATERS OF Amangalla, SRI LANKA

“An unhurried sense ofmoment time is in itself a form of wealth.”

“Whatever I am doing at the is the biggest thing in life

- whether it is conducting a symphony or peeling an orange.’

Bonnie Friedman

Artuso toscanini

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Q

uiet Times at qualia spicy spas of The location is stunning, the pristine blue waters exotic

SRI LANKA

Words & Photos

LISA DOUST

Words: kris abbey

sri lanka

glitter in the sun, the lush palm trees extend their arms to welcome you to paradise… and then you arrive at qualia…

Y

ou can literally feel the fresh winds of change breezing through Sri Lanka. After almost 30 years of civil war, followed by the devastating tsunami in 2004, this glorious teardrop-shaped island is quite literally buzzing with renewed vigour.

There are countless reasons to visit the land named ‘Serendib’ by early Arab traders.

During our 10-day stay, my partner and I saw most of the country’s south-west region. We visited an elephant orphanage, turtle sanctuary, tea plantation and fragrant spice garden. We got up close to the only existing relic of Buddha at Kandy’s Temple of the Tooth, marvelled at 1,500-year-old frescoes painted on cave walls, and walked amid the ruins of ancient kingdoms in the Cultural Triangle.

We were taken in by the natural beauty, adored the friendly locals, loved the distinct colonial style that prevails in hotels and restaurants, and were delighted to find that the ageold tradition of Ayurveda forms the basis of treatment menus in most Spas.

This beautiful country had everything we needed to feed our souls and eradicate our stress. The four glorious Spas we visited were perfect examples of all that makes Sri Lanka the ultimate holiday destination.

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Ayurveda Nivasa, Jetwing Ayurveda Pavilions An Ayurvedic treatment is just what everyone needs after a long flight, which made Jetwing Ayurveda Pavilions the perfect choice for our first few days in Colombo.

After a reviving sleep in our heavenly fourposter bed and a light and fruity breakfast, it’s time to have a chat with one of the resident Ayurvedic doctors to determine my dosha (my Ayurveda mind and body type). There are three types - Kapha, Pitta and Vata.

So my dosha is Pitta (determined by a visual assessment and my pulse). Although I’m in good health, I’m clearly a little travelweary and the good doctor recommends the Stress Relief Day Package, a 2.5-hour treatment that serves as a gentle introduction to Ayurveda and will take my dosha into account. And I don’t even have to leave our beautiful room for the treatment.

Cool and Calm My strong and competent massage therapist decides on coconut oil (for its cooling properties). She uses firm pressure to enhance my circulation, eliminate toxins and leave me feeling rejuvenated. After deeply massaging the tight muscles in my neck, shoulders and back, she asks me to turn over. It’s time for my ‘third eye’ - the middle of my forehead - to be stimulated by Shirodhara, a classic Ayurvedic

treatment whereby warm oil is poured slowly onto this point in a continuous stream.

As the vessel is positioned above my head, I close my eyes and focus on Shirodhara is said to calm the central the wonderfully comforting sensation nervous system and integrate mind that the warm oil and body. imparts. Shirodhara is said to calm the central nervous system and integrate mind and body. It is so relaxing that I drift far, far away as the circulation in my arms, legs and Kapha - tend to have a heavier frame feet is gently restored.

Waking from my slumber, I feel with good physical strength, are stable physiologically different somehow, as though by nature and live life at a leisurely pace.

I’ve been realigned from head to toe and my Calm, positive, affectionate and healthy body rhythms reset. All brain chatter has when balanced. Can gain weight and vanished and I’m no longer making mental become stubborn and lazy when out of balance. lists or planning three days ahead.

I’m given advice on how to maintain the Pitta - tend to be muscular, determined balance. It’s important to avoid spicy foods for a couple of days (as they can quickly by nature and have a sharp wit. Warm, unbalance the already warm Pitta body). I kind and good leadership skills when should prefer cooling, sweet and bitter foods, balanced. Aggressive, irritable and spend plenty of time in nature, and enjoy critical when out of balance. moonlight walks and plenty of laughter. I should also dab on oils that are cooling and Vata - tend to be thin, quick in thoughts sweet, such as lavender, sandalwood, rose, and actions, and like a lot of change. Very jasmine or mint. It sounds good to me so I creative when balanced. Anxious and tire easily when out of balance. promise to do all of the above.

The next day I’m feeling completely jetlag-free and amazingly energetic. The key

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Must-Try Treatment The Stress Relief Day Package is a great introduction to Ayurveda and includes a consultation with one of the resident doctors, treatment in the comfort of your own villa and a healthy lunch or dinner.

here, says my sensible doctor, is to retain these benefits by not overdoing things for the next couple of days (as is my nature). This is music to the ears of my Kapha man, who is happy to kick back and take life easy in our tranquil surrounds before we enter the adventurous phase of our holiday.

Although there’s no time on this trip, I love the idea of experiencing the total mind, body and soul rejuvenation of one of the Spa’s comprehensive Ayurveda programs, which run for 14, 21 or 30 days. The results are said to be astounding – purified organs, reduced body weight, stress-free mind, sparkling eyes and dazzling complexion. So where do I sign?

Why Stay Here As well as being a peaceful haven in the heart of Colombo, the accommodation is spacious and lovely, with private walled gardens and divinely comfortable beds. The restaurant serves delicious seasonal fare and the staff could not be more attentive.

Why Spa Here This is a serious Ayurvedic treatment centre.

Access to resident doctors means the holistic treatments are specifically tailored to your needs. Just perusing the extensive Spa menu is enough to set your toxins running for cover!

For a fully rounded experience, you can also take part in yoga, Ayurveda awareness classes or cooking lessons.

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Take Away An invigorated body, cleansed mind, glowing complexion and readiness to explore the colourful island.

Jetwing Ayurveda Pavilions Ethukale, Negombo Sri Lanka ph +94 31 2276719 jetwinghotels.com/ jetwingayurvedapavilions/

Six Senses Spa, The Heritance Kandalama

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o visit to Sri Lanka is complete without a tour of the Cultural Triangle, home to five UNESCO World Heritage sites. And no hotel in this part of the country is more splendid than The Heritance Kandalama, an eco-friendly hotel that is literally built into the rocky landscape.

Designed by renowned architect Geoffrey Bawa and built in the configuration of the outspread wings of a bird, the hotel sits between two giant rocks, looking out over Kandalama Lake. It spans one kilometre from end to end. There is an abundance of native plants and birds, and our knowledgeable hotel guide reminds us to lock the balcony doors on our ever-so-chic room so monkeys don’t sneak in!

Must-Try Treatment The Kandalama Combo, which combines a full body massage with a refreshing facial or rejuvenating foot treatment. You can choose from three massage styles – Balinese, Swedish or Holistic.

We spend three days in this sanctuary, using it as a base from which to explore the wealth of cultural and archaeological riches on its doorstep. Once the seat of powerful kingdoms, this is where some of the world’s finest ancient art is clustered and there are many magnificent sights to behold.

During our stay, we marvel at the sublime, ageless buddhas lining the walls in the sacred cave temples of Dambulla, ponder medieval Sri Lankan life as we walk through the ruins of Polonnaruwa and commit to climbing to the very top of Sigirya – the astonishing Lion Rock fortress replete with well-preserved frescoes of topless beauties said to have been commissioned by a rebel prince named Kashyapa.

Body of Evidence At the end of each day, we are happy to retreat to the hotel, where we refuel with a refreshing avocado juice or two, eat from the innovative menu at Heritance Cuisine and book our exploration-weary bodies in at Six Senses Spa. While I love the idea of taking a Couple’s Journey (a romantic joint massage for the loved-up, complete with chocolates, fruit and Champagne), what my aching muscles really need is the Kandalama Massage, during which two therapists work in harmony to iron out all tension.

My man agrees and we temporarily part ways.

The Kandalama Massage is one of this Spa’s signature treatments. It unites five massage styles – LomiLomi, Shiatsu, Thai,

Swedish and Balinese. There is nothing quite like having two people tend to your body at the same time. The experience is nothing short of euphoric. The complimentary pre-massage sauna and steam is a nice touch, serving to stimulate lymphatic circulation.

Afterwards I regroup with my loved one as we sit in the reception area, sip on ginger tea and rave about our massages. Our bodies have been miraculously rejuvenated and, after taking the lengthy walk back to our room, we both fall into a deliciously deep sleep.

Heritance Kandalama Dambulla, Sri Lanka ph +94 66 5555 000 heritancehotels.com/kandalama

Why Stay Here This award-winning architectural masterpiece caters for visitors of all ages and is central to the island’s Cultural Triangle. Look across at Sigiriya Rock, the eighth wonder of the world, as you float in the Infinity Pool…

Why Spa Here Six Senses Spas are renowned for applying feng shui design principles and providing the world’s finest therapists to deliver exceptional Spa services. Specialist treatments include Jet Lag Recovery, Pregnancy Massage, Indian Head Massage and a Hot Stone Massage that utilises Tibetan techniques to eliminate stress.

Take Away Increased energy, relaxed muscles, radiant skin and an appreciation for Sri Lanka’s natural splendour. >

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The Baths, Amangalla

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t is 8am and I’m doing yoga in a small open pavilion in the hotel garden. Birds are twittering, flowers are unfurling and our yoga teacher is easing us into the day. Stretching out is the perfect antidote to yesterday’s long drive south to the 17thcentury fort town of Galle.

We’re staying at Amangalla (formerly the New Oriental Hotel), which is Asia’s oldest operating hotel and sits within the well-preserved Dutch The best thing about staying longer would fort. With its graceful be the extra time you’d have to explore archways, pillared verandahs, polished every aspect of Amangalla – the library, jack-wood floors, tall pool, meditation class, guided tour, live ceilings, oversized jazz and fresh fruit cocktails at sunset. light fixtures, wicker furniture, grand dining room and butlers in crisp white, the hotel is a classic example of subcontinental elegance.

We only have a couple of days here so decide to spend them entirely within the 36-hectare hexagonal stone fort. Its beautiful colonial buildings are still in use today, with quaint shops selling all manner of crafts and upmarket homewares, where I picked up a couple of beautiful silky kaftans at Mimi Mango on Lighthouse Street. A walk to the end of the narrow streets leads to the old Dutch ramparts and seawall, where locals gather at the end of a sultry Sri Lankan day to play cricket or just socialise in the cool ocean breeze.

Amangalla 10 Church Street Fort, Galle Sri Lanka ph +94 91 223 3388 amanresorts.com/amangalla/home/aspx

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Healing Haven After a delicious lunch in the hotel’s splendid Dining Room and a leisurely stroll along the fort’s cobbled streets, it’s time for my appointment at The Baths, Amangalla’s serene Day Spa. I’ve chosen the signature Amangalla Massage, but first I’m invited to use the sauna, steam room and hydrotherapy baths that give the Spa its name.

The high ceilings, traditional archways and candlelit recesses leading to the hydrotherapy area are reminiscent of an ancient chamber of wellbeing, somewhere Sri Lanka’s kings and queens may have once

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visited to escape the pressures of leadership.

After opening up my skin’s pores in the steam room and dipping in and out of the pools set at different temperatures, I’m taken to my treatment room, a softly-lit haven filled with the sweetly seductive aromas of essential oils.

Eni, my therapist, restores my travelweary body with a heady mix of cinnamon and geranium, and a rejuvenating deep-muscle massage. Unusually, no music is played during my treatment. Eni is so intuitive that she barely utters a word, yet knows exactly where my body’s trouble spots reside. The silence is golden and the face and scalp massage I’m treated to is sensational. The circular motion and light pulling of my hair has a stimulating effect and I emerge feeling thoroughly enlivened.

Along with numerous body and beauty treatments, the Ayurvedic menu at The Baths is extensive, including treatment programs for three, seven or 14 days. The best thing about staying longer would be the extra time you’d have to explore every aspect of Amangalla – the library, pool, meditation class, guided tour, live jazz and fresh fruit cocktails at sunset. It’s one of those idyllic places where service and attention to detail is paramount, yet everything is delivered with such subtlety and style that you feel completely relaxed and at home.

As the gracious staff bid us farewell, I notice that leather Amangalla nametags have been attached to our luggage as a parting gift, a gesture as lovely and chic as the hotel itself.

Why Stay Here Amangalla is not just a hotel, it’s a destination in its own right. The location is fabulous, the suites are exquisite, the food is outstanding and Aman’s impeccable service standards prevail. The hotel also features a lovely library, plus a Barber Shop and Salon for men who like to be well groomed.

Why Spa Here Along with an enticing menu of beauty and body treatments, The Baths provides a range of personalised Ayurvedic treatments that are steeped in tradition, but delivered with modern touches. >

Must-Try Treatment If you have time, commit to the Ayurvedic Taster, a three-day program incorporating consultation with an in-house doctor, daily Ayurvedic treatment, Ayurvedic tonic and Hatha Yoga class, a personalised diet with daily herbal teas and a prepared herbal bath. You can also use the Spa’s hydrotherapy facilities for the duration of your treatment.

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Must-Try Treatment The Z Signature Massage stimulates blood flow and leaves your body feeling utterly relaxed. The Coconut Scrub is also said to work wonders.

The Wallawwa Minuwangoda Road, Kotugoda Katunayake, Sri Lanka ph +94 77 363 8381 thewallawwa.com

Take Away A deep sense of relaxation, interior-design inspiration and something lovely from one of the stylish shops within Galle Fort.

Z Spa, The Wallawwa

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he Wallawwa is our last stop and proves to be the ultimate pre-flight destination.

Secluded among acres of beautiful gardens on the outskirts of Colombo, just 20 minutes from the airport, this 18th-century manor is the epitome of Sri Lankan style and charm.

We have just over 24 hours to enjoy our luxury hideaway and we decide to do very little but eat, read and spa. After a quick chat to Maggie Roman, the delightful Spa Manager, I discover that Z Spa does not have set opening times. But because the hotel is close to the airport, it has become the destination du jour for those seeking preflight or post-flight pampering. “Our therapists are happy to work around the flight times of hotel guests,” explains Maggie. “Guests simply have to book in advance and we’ll be ready and waiting for them.”

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Knowing that we’ll be taking a long flight the following evening, Maggie recommends I book in for the Z Signature (a full-body massage designed to rejuvenate the body and stimulate blood flow), then follow up with an Aromatherapy Facial just a few hours before boarding the plane. My partner opts for the Back, Neck & Shoulders Massage and 40 minutes of Foot Reflexology, which he later describes as “an energising mix of pure pleasure and pain.”

My massage is sensational. The blend of traditional Ayurvedic and circulatory stimulation techniques are executed with tender loving care. After an hour, I feel both relaxed and revitalised. Apparently I also smell like a field of flowers, thanks to the intoxicating mix of locally sourced products that soak deep into my pores.

The 70-minute Aromatherapy Facial is one of the most relaxing I’ve ever had.

After a deep-cleansing steam and exfoliation, my therapist’s gentle hands pamper every millimetre of my face with a soothing blend of oils, leaving me in a state of total bliss. By the time the replenishing clay mask comes off, I look and feel shiny and new. My now blemishfree skin glows for a good few days after.

Dining Delights As chef Peter Kuruvita promised on My Sri Lanka (his SBS television show), we have sampled some of the most flavoursome cuisine imaginable during our Sri Lankan holiday. We’ve eaten everything from egg hoppers for breakfast in boutique hotels to spicy samosas at hole-in-the-wall cafés to seafood skewers on the beachfront in Colombo to 10-course curry feasts in upmarket restaurants.

The Verandah, the onsite restaurant at The Wallawwa, serves Asianfusion fare and is reason enough to stay here! You can order a meal at any time or have a table for two set up in the spot of your choice among the gardens. Taking our seats for an early dinner, we can tell just by perusing the menu that our trip will be ending on a high foodie note.

We decide to go all out with a three-course feast. Chef Gayan Perera’s reputation precedes him and we are totally impressed with every one of his beautifully presented dishes.

The fragrant Coconut Crumbed Tiger Prawns are cooked to perfection, the Cashew & Green Pea Curry is bursting with unexpected flavours and the Grilled Mahi Mahi is possibly the tastiest piece of fish I’ve ever tried. Then there are the heavenly desserts – Cardamom & Wasabi Ice-cream, Mango Crumble with Vanilla Custard and Orange Leaf & Lemongrass Panna Cotta. Yes, we indulged in all three!

Clinking our glasses, we agree to return to Sri Lanka in the near future to unearth more of this magical island’s treasures.

ladies weekend pamper retreats

Why Stay Here The ultra-chic accommodation is divinely romantic, the restaurant is first class, the staff are fabulously friendly and the library is filled with fascinating books on philosophy, politics and religion. Do your soul a favour and spend a couple of days absorbing the peace before venturing into the heart of Colombo or heading home.

Why Spa Here The passionate Spa team offer everything from shiatsu, Balinese deep tissue and sports massage to scrubs and body wraps, with many treatments incorporating Ayurveda. There is even a 20-minute Kid’Z Massage for children aged two to 17.

Take Away A refreshed mind and body, a satisfied appetite and a locally made trinket or two from the hotel’s sweet little boutique.

Note: If you like the idea of having a complete Sri Lankan itinerary organised by those in the know, contact the expert team at Banyan Tours. They book everything - from accommodation, cultural tours and Spa visits to cars and drivers - allowing for your specific requirements. Simply outline what you want to see and do, and your every whim will be catered for! www.banyanlanka.com S

AWARD WINNING 4.5 STAR RESORT LADIES PAMPER & COUPLES ESCAPE STAY & SPA PACKAGES FROM

$235

Phone (02) 6646 8600 www.angourieresort.com.au enquiry@angourieresort.com.au 166 Angourie Road Yamba, NSW

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exotic

sailing on the asian seas EXOTIC / eg zotik / adj: introduced from, or originating in, a foreign country; attractive or remarkably strange or unusual; bizarre.

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Alila Purnama If you’re up for some smooth sailing and you have a cool US$54,000 at your disposal, you can be aboard Alila Purnama for a week of absolute indulgence and unforgettable experiences. Translated as The Full Moon, Alila Purnama is the most luxurious liveaboard Phinisi ship in Asia, providing ultra-modern and relaxing accommodation for up to 10 guests. The 46-metre ship consists of three decks and was built by hand in the traditional style of a Phinisi.

In keeping with Alila’s emphasis on style and sustainability, the furniture throughout the ship is custom-made from teak, rattan and other locally sourced materials from Indonesia. Onboard are five well-appointed cabins designed to bring the outside in, with large wraparound windows offering 270-degree views of an incredible, ever-changing seascape. It comes with 16 staff, fully licensed PADI dive centre, Spa therapist and plenty of space for wining, dining and relaxing, while enjoying the sea breeze. For those with a taste for adventure, kayaking, fishing, snorkelling, visiting local islands and pearl farms, picnic lunch or BBQ dinner by the beach are among the many other pursuits on offer. If only... www.alilahotels.com/purnama

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enhance

Image courtesy of Ole Lynggaard Copenhagen www.olelynggaard.com

“An unhurried sense of time is in itself a form of wealth.�

Bonnie Friedman

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reward yourself and be pampered you deserve it

Relax your body, soothe your soul and uplift your spirits with a visit to Tea Tree Spa at Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley.

Indulge in our extensive spa menu or be pampered in our Spa Sanctuary or VIP suites, perfect for couples and hens groups. Our friendly, professional and highly qualified therapists are dedicated to your relaxation. Choose from the Eminence Organics or Dermalogica skin care products.

Tea Tree Spa at Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley, call +61 2 4991 0959 to book.

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feeling good, made simple

Tea Tree Spa Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley Wine Country Drive Lovedale NSW 2325 www.teatreespa.com.au spalife.com.au

lets FIGure it out Figs are believed to have originated in the Middle East, but are now grown in many parts of the world, including Australia. They are in season in Australia from late summer to mid-Autumn, so enjoy them fresh while you can. Figs are one of the highest plant sources of calcium and fibre, and contain potassium, magnesium, Vitamin B6 and antioxidants. They are rich in iron, copper and contain traces of zinc, with a mineral content much higher than most other fresh foods. Only cheese and a few nuts have a higher calcium content, and funnily enough figs are a great accompaniment to cheese for an ultra-hit of calcium! They can be included in sweet or savoury dishes, or enjoyed simply on their own.

DID YOU KNOW? • Since figs are abundant in phenols and flavonoids, they provide excellent anti-ageing effects. • Baked figs applied on the skin can calm skin inflammations. • Since fresh figs contain a good amount of water, they make a good skin cleanser. And fresh mashed figs applied on the skin can help skin problems like acne.

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enhance NATURAL BEAUTY Words

KRIS ABBEY

beauty spot Roses have antioxidant, antibacterial and antimicrobial properties.

On top of this, rose oil contains Retinol, a powerful wrinkle reducer, along with Vitamin C, omega-3, omega-6 and linolenic acid.

Having all these nutrients makes rose oil a wonderful ingredient in skincare products. And of course the smell of roses is hard to beat.

One deep breath of its sensual aroma gives your mood a boost.

So let’s make time to smell the roses, don rose-coloured glasses and add some of this sweet smelling flower to our skincare regime.

Here’s some great Aussie products that come up smelling roses...

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Here are some of my favourite Aussie brands that use pure, natural, high-grade organic Rose Oil in their products. Subtle Energies Rose & Cardamon Hand Cream ($39.95) for rose-petal smooth hands, the perfect remedy after a day in the garden trimming the roses!

To turn back the years, SODASHI’s Samadara Ultimate Age-Defying Crème ($495) is quite simply a facial in a jar! It doesn’t come cheap, but it gives your skin a noticeable lift in minutes, especially when applied with the Rose Quartz disks that come with every jar.

To spread the love to your body, I’m enjoying the Romance Body Polish

by VENUSTUS (from $25). The gorgeous thing about this polish is once you’ve rinsed it off, you don’t have to moisturise your skin since it contains Jojoba Oil and Shea Butter. A two-in-one product... love that! It gives new meaning to ‘a rosey glow’.

While the rose bears no fruit, the rose hips (the part left on the plant after a rose is done blooming) contain more Vitamin C than almost any other fruit or vegetable!

subtleenergies.com.au

And finally my must-have and carry-it-on-you-always product is SASY N SAVY Rose Petal Balancing Toner ($44). More than just a toner, I regularly apply this beautiful rose-scented spray throughout the day to keep my skin hydrated, to reduce shine and to smell like a bed of roses.

Simply divine!

Sodashi sources its therapeuticgrade Rose Oil from the beautiful Isparta Valley in Turkey. At $8,400 a litre, it is arguably the purest and most potent Rose Oil in the world.

sodashi.com

venustus.com.au

sasynsavy.com

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Did You Know?

Patchouli oil is used to treat dry skin and cellulite when blended with cypress, rosemary and juniper oils. Just add to a carrier oil (such as almond, cold-pressed soya or wheatgerm), then massage into those areas in need.

bathing times Since ancient times, bathing has been a ritual with special meaning and the wonderful properties of water have been unashamedly embraced. From healing, cleansing and relaxing in mineral-infused hot springs, to more social rituals such as the Roman Baths and Turkish Hamman, bathing has stood the test of time. The benefits of bathing, whether in hot and cold waters, natural springs or the Dead Sea, have never needed to be proven to the scientific world - they are accepted as they can be felt... from the moment you first dip your toe into the calming, soothing waters.

In the home, one of the easiest ways to unwind and relax is to draw yourself a bath.

Add bath salts or a few drops of essential oil (or both) to the water. Salts and oils have wonderful healing properties, not to mention a gorgeous smell. To create a Spa-at-home feel, light a few candles, cover your eyes with an eye pillow and lock the door if little intruders like to know what you’re up to and want to join in! Let your ritual begin.

Bathing Tips • Don’t have the water too hot, as this can damage surface capillaries in your skin.

• Have a big glass of water nearby to sip on, especially if you add salts to your bath.

• After your bath, finish with a cold shower to kick-start your circulation. This is great for your lymphatic system and helps clear toxins.

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All of our products are made from natural ingredients to nourish, exfoliate, soothe & replenish your skin without stripping it of its natural oils. At 1 Skin Solution we want to give you the ultimate home 1spa experience. Our range of luxury bath and body products is designed to leave your skin feeling soft & smelling gorgeous, while your body is left feeling relaxed & pampered.

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1skinsolution.com 1800 033 082

naturally bronzed aussie After months of hiding away under layers of clothes in winter, it’s time to start showing some more skin. As the weather warms up, wouldn’t it be nice to get a healthy summer glow… overnight? By healthy, we mean fake tanning without the nasty chemicals. Two Australian brands are primed and ready to help you attain that beautiful bronze glow, naturally, while also maintaining your health and the health of our environment.

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B

ronze skin can make you feel healthier and more confident about stepping out in more revealing summer fashion, but we all know how damaging the real deal can be. Fake tanning is better for your skin than harmful rays, but there are more fake tans available than you could count, many of which contain undesirable ingredients. Your body is too valuable to douse with unnatural and potentially harmful chemicals, and the same goes for our environment.

Aussie brands POD and Sukin are now pioneering a new approach to beauty. Their product ranges are made from natural ingredients and are 100% carbon neutral.

POD is pioneering the concept of Puraceuticals - pharmaceuticals or cosmeceuticals without the toxins. But it’s not just important what they’ve left out of their products, it’s what they put in that counts too.

Alison Vickery, founder of POD, built her company with her customers at the forefront of her concept. “It’s my experience that most women have an inclusive view of the world,” says Alison, “which means they take into account their environment. So although women want a product that works, they also want to feel good about their purchase, or at least not feel guilty.”

Sukin is an environmentally conscious skincare company offering products which have been carefully crafted with ingredients that are the best nature has to offer. Lindsay Quanborough from Sukin also believes in the real advantages of natural products.

“We know that our skin, as our largest organ, readily absorbs anything applied to it, be it moisturiser or tanning product,” she says.

“In relying on safe, natural ingredients in our formulations, we can provide the ultimate in gentle skin care.”

A strong commitment to sustainable and environmentally friendly practices is evident in the philosophies of both companies.

Sukin led the way and in 2008 was the first skincare brand in Australia to gain 100% carbon neutral accreditation from the Carbon Reduction Institute. Their tagline is “Skincare that doesn’t cost the earth”, reflecting their commitment to making affordable products, but with minimal cost to the environment.

Similarly, POD believes that small things make a big difference and are currently seeking carbon neutral accreditation, measured through Climate Friendly’s carbon credits scheme.

Sukin and POD have procedures in place at every point of their manufacturing processes to ensure their businesses are carbon neutral. The steps they have taken to do this are not radical, but reflect thoughtful approaches to sourcing, producing and packaging their products.

You may be swayed to choose a product due to the aesthetic appeal of its packaging, but the less attractive side is that this may end up contributing to landfill. POD manufactures products in the carbon neutral industrial estate of Stapylton in Queensland that uses renewable energy. They source ingredients locally to minimise carbon emissions via transport and make their packaging from recycled materials.

Sukin’s impressively low level of carbon emissions is attributed to the use of natural ingredients that require very little processing, as well as strict recycling and energy efficient manufacturing operations. To put these initiatives into perspective, Sukin’s latest carbon offset report in July 2012 explains that the company’s efforts are equivalent to removing more than 2,570 cars from the road for one year.

If a product with a kind approach to the environment, but none of the ‘nasties’, is not enough for you, then perhaps the appeal is in the results themselves.

POD’s natural fake tan not only gives you a great natural colour, it also outlasts chemical-based brands. An independent study has shown that POD SPF 15 Liquid Tan lasts longer than the two leading premium fake tans.

Sukin’s new Sunless Bronzing Gel is a gentle bronzing gel with aloe vera for skin hydration, plus Australian lemon myrtle and lime oils for an invigorating fragrance that leaves it free from the unpleasant smell usually associated with fake tanning products.

So do your part to combat climate change in style by stepping out this summer in a guiltfree, natural fake tan that is good for both your skin and the environment! S

Sukin Sunless Bronzing Gel $16.95 sukinorganics.com

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Stockists: POD Puraceuticals Liquid Tan $55 Liquid Tan Face Serum $40 podpuraceuticals.com

skin prep tips for a special event

by Christine Clais

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To achieve a flawless complexion in time for a big event, start the following skincare regime four months beforehand.

Book yourself in for a professional skin analysis Rather than self-diagnosing your skin, it is best to leave it to a professional facialist to perform a thorough skin analysis. It is paramount to use the right skincare for your particular skin type and condition. To get the best out of your session, take along the skincare products you have been using so your therapist has a clear understanding of what you have been doing with your skin.

Adopt a personalised daily skincare regime During the consultation, your facialist will recommend skincare products suited to your skin type and condition - so use them! You do not need to spend hours every day on your skin to get visible results, but you certainly need to create a twice-daily habit comprised of the following steps: cleansing your skin, applying some eye cream and applying a treatment cream to your face and neck. Of course, you must also use a sunscreen when exposing your skin to the sun.

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Perform a weekly mini facial treatment on yourself Very importantly, following the weekly habit of exfoliating your skin and applying a mask will have a positive impact on your skin.

Make sure you also obtain a professional recommendation for these products. Exfoliating your skin leaves it looking fresh and clean, and gets rid of any surface flakiness, as well as allowing deeper absorption of the active ingredients in your skincare products. Facial masks can have many benefits, depending on their formulations, including cleansing, nourishing, soothing, healing and stimulating.

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Book yourself in for three-monthly professional facial treatments A series of three professional facial treatments will take your skin to the next level of rejuvenation. Select a facial that includes the following steps: cleansing, exfoliation, steaming, extractions (no blackheads allowed by D-Day!), facial massage, mask application and moisturisation. Book your last facial two days before the big event, but omit the extraction stage! Instead, select a non-thermal skin restoring treatment as an add-on (ask your professional for LED or low-level laser modalities).

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Eat nutritional, plant-based foods Eating a plant-based diet provides your body with thousands of phytonutrients essential for the proper functioning of your skin and, as a result, enhances the way it appears, contributing to healthy, younger looking skin. The Australian National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) guidelines recommend that adults eat at least five kinds of vegetables and two kinds of fruit every day. A good way to make sure you consume these daily requirements of fruit and vegetables is to drink them! So get into those juices and smoothies!

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Get some beauty sleep In order to function well, our bodies need about eight hours of sleep every night. The first visible signs of sleep deprivation usually show as dark circles and bags under the eyes, as well as dull or drawn looking skin. This causes increased inflammation within the skin, subsequently leading to accelerated skin ageing and wrinkling. Here are a few ideas for a good night’s sleep: avoid caffeine four to six hours before bedtime, develop a regular bedtime schedule so your body clock is well regulated, and place a few drops of lavender pure essential oil on your pillow. S

Christine Clais is a French-born skin expert, educator, speaker and author with over 20 years experience in the beauty industry. Internationally, Christine is regarded as one of today’s most well-respected and sought after facialists. An advocate of integrative skincare, Christine educates women on the importance of skincare and the fundamentals of caring for your skin from the inside out. www.thefrenchfacialist.com

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Face

Body

Skin

Rejuvenation

Choose All Saints Cosmedical for the latest in anti-ageing and skin rejuvenation solutions.

Our wide menu of aesthetic treatments include: Expert anti-wrinkle and dermal filling injections, laser skin resurfacing, paramedical facials, permanent hair reduction. a full range Mind Body & Soul treatment menu.

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Suite 302/393 Bourke Street Darlinghurst 02 9357 7557 13A Buller Street, North Parramatta 02 9890 9977 spalife.com.au Email info@allsaintscosmedical.com.au www.allsaintscosmedical.com.au

instant beauty I

n our fast-paced, ‘want it now’ society, we have become accustomed to getting most things instantaneously, usually at the tap of an icon on our smart phone. This trend has crept (actually rammed hard and fast) into the beauty industry. As a result, we expect each product or treatment to... well... provide instant results! Results-driven products and treatments are in high demand. Express Facials, rapid relax and lunchtime make-overs are now all part of our beauty vernacular. Don’t get me wrong, I still love to take the time for a leisurely Spa treatment, but here are three of my favourite results-driven, rapid treatments:

FACE The new Medik8 Skin Remodelling System™ (SRS) treatment combines skin cell stimulation with high performance products from Medik8.

In under one hour, your face will be rejuvenated, toned, clarified, firmed, hydrated and de-aged. Seriously!

The SRS effectively stimulates new collagen growth in the deeper skin layers, replacing aged and sun-damaged collagen, while plumping the skin, smoothing wrinkles and tightening the skin and facial muscles. It combines five treatment technologies in one machine. The gentle massaging action delivers High Voltage Pulsatile Currents, Ultrasound, Impulse Micro-Currents, Electroporation and Iontophoresis currents to re-shape the contours of the face. Talk about multi-tasking!

This is my ultimate time-saver treatment when I need a (face) lift. www.medik8.com.au

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BODY I love, love, love this treatment. Ionithermie was developed by the French and combines cutting edge science with very natural, plantbased skincare.

The results are outstanding. If I hadn’t taken my measurements before the treatment, I wouldn’t have believed you could lose 2-5cm after one session... even more if you are prone to toxic build-up or fluid retention.

The results are truly visible.

Ionithermie works by using two kinds of electrical stimuli, accompanied with algae and thermal clay that contains active ingredients derived from the finest plant extracts. Ionithermie penetrates deep into the cellular level providing a much more effective total body cellulite treatment. The combination of the ingredients in the clay and the electrical stimulation helps draw out impurities and reduce cellulite. www.bodyelite.com.au

FINGERS & TOES I hate to admit this, but I’m not good at waiting for polish to dry on my fingers and toes. Who has the time? I’m the client who chips or smudges the polish before I’ve left the salon because I’m too impatient to wait for it to dry.

The irony being I then have to wait longer while they fix the damage I’ve done to their handiwork.

ORLY have launched smartGELS, an at-home gel manicure system. This system makes a manicurest out of us all. Even I can achieve a salon quality gel manicure in less than 20 minutes. And the rapid results do last.

Even with many trips to the beach, washing the car, doing some weeding and constantly tapping a keyboard, I had high-shine, chipfree nails for a good three weeks.

The beauty of this is you don’t have to waste time with touch-ups.

The system includes: • A 39-bulb LED light with a timer for extra fast drying (yay!)

• A Starter Kit containing the items required for application and removal, including a primer, base+top coat, remover and manicure tools • 12 smartGELS colours, which ORLY have matched to its top-selling shades If you want a quick mani or pedi at your convenience, this is a fast and economical way to meet your time-poor needs.

An added bonus is there are no toxic chemicals, such as DBP, formaldehyde or toluene, often found in nail polishes. www.orlybeauty.com.au S

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rejuvenate me program

time to get real & rejuvenated

realfoodnut.com

Rejuvenate Me is a 6-week program to get you on the path to health and vitality. There are no gimmicks or pills, just sound nutritional guidance based on your individual needs and personal goals. Kris Abbey provides weekly online support, motivation and eductaion to help you stay on track. It is NOT a diet, rather a way to eat yourself healthy. It is a jump-start program to lifelong vitality. That said, you WILL lose weight! Simply email kris@spalife.com.au or go to spalife.com.au realfoodnut.com/6-week-rejuvenate-me-program for more details.

82 There is no better time to get healthy and lose some weight than now!

enrich

Image courtesy of Ole Lynggaard Copenhagen www.olelynggaard.com

“You are what you eat.”

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enrich KEEPING IT SIMPLE Words

KRIS ABBEY realfoodnut.com

GOOD FOOD

If there is one simple tip to eating well, it is to follow the SLOW food principle. That is, eat food that is Seasonal, Local, Organic (where possible) and Whole. The more human intervention a food has suffered, the worse it is for you. If a food comes in a packet, has more than five ingredients (or ones you can’t pronounce!) and can sit on the pantry shelf for months, then it has little nutritional value and really should be avoided. Processed, refined, low-fat, diet... they’re all different words for food abuse! Fresh, juicy, crisp, colourful, nutrient-dense... they’re the words we want to use when we talk of the food we eat. We are fortunate to live in a country with an abundance of quality, fresh food. Experiment with colour and flavour (not the artifical kind) and enjoy the vitality you get with eating SLOW food.

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SlimPasta is a natural, plant-based pasta substitute. It is made from Konjac (pictured left), a vegetable mainly grown in Asia that is high in the water-soluble fibre gulcomannan.

This nutritious, low calorie, low carb pasta alternative also tastes great!

Ella’s Kitchen have a vision to help babies and toddlers eat healthier food and develop great eating habits that last a lifetime. This Aussie company always prioritises health and nutritional value, but never at the expense of taste or convenience. Their website is loaded with great tips for fussy toddlers, as well as games to encourage kids to eat their greens. The best gift you can give your child is a healthy diet.

The Pistachio Principle: Those empty shells, the signs of snacking enjoyment, give rise to an effect known as the Pistachio Principle. As one of the only in-shell nuts, pistachios also help slow consumption, while the remaining empty shells offer a visual cue to help reduce calorie intake. But the best part is they taste great!

slimpasta.com.au

HelloFresh provides a weekly delivery of delicious recipes and beautiful, seasonal, local fresh ingredients so you can easily prepare a value-for-money, nutritious meal in just 30 minutes or less. HelloFresh takes care of your meal planning and grocery shopping so all you do is cook like a MasterChef and enjoy your yummy creation.

Keep Your Nuts Cold But Eat Them Warm! Keep your nuts fresh by storing them in an airtight container in the fridge. Before eating, bring them back to room temperature or warm gently in the oven – the volatile oils that create the taste and aroma will be even nuttier!

hellofresh.com.au

ellaskitchen.com/australia

Naturally cholesterol-free pistachios are one of the lowest kilojoule, lowest fat and highest fibre nuts, as well as one of the most nutritious.

wonderfulpistachios.com.au

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enrich KAMALAYA Words

Teresa cutter thehealthychef.com.au

let food be your medicine F

rom the moment I got here, I knew I’d be coming back. I was in heaven! Kamalaya, a wellness sanctuary and holistic Spa, is located in the beautiful tropical landscape of Koh Samui, Thailand. Kamalaya translates as ‘Lotus Realm’, an enduring symbol for the unfolding of life’s potential, where people of all ages and cultures come to heal body, mind and spirit.

This is a haven for people who want to detox, de-stress, lose weight or just re-set and get fitter and healthier.

The thing I love most about this health Spa is that nothing is forced upon you. You can choose to detox if you like, but I was there to relax and rejuvenate for my year ahead. Kamalaya offers an holistic and sensible approach to healthy eating and a healthy lifestyle that will last a lifetime. The goal is to feed both the body and the mind to achieve optimum health and wellbeing for a vibrant, happy life. For a health and wellbeing philosophy to last a lifetime, it’s important to keep it real, so Kamalaya allows a little indulgence every now and again.

We are all responsible for what we put into our mouths - it’s one of the few things we can control. It is so important to think about what you put into your mouth every time you eat and drink, and be conscious of whether it has a positive or negative effect on your body.

Make every meal an opportunity to make a healthy choice.

According to an ancient ayurvedic proverb, “When diet is wrong, medicine is of no use.

When diet is correct, medicine is of no need.” A change in diet can bring about a change in health. It’s about going back to basics - eating fresh, unprocessed and seasonal food, and avoiding pesticides, preservatives, processed food, refined sugars and trans fats. Keep it simple and fresh - this is the only way. Your body will naturally heal and restore its balance.

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“When diet is wrong, medicine is of no use. When diet is correct, medicine is of no need.”

12 Steps to Eating Well

1

Eat plenty of seasonal vegetables and fresh fruit. Choose organic wherever possible.

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Foods should be served as close to their natural state as possible. No processing, additives, preservatives, artificial colours or flavours.

Use healthy cooking methods - steam, bake, grill, sauté or stir-fry.

Eliminate deep-fried foods.

Cook with lots of fresh herbs and spices for their flavour and their health and medicinal properties. This allows you to use less salt.

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Include nuts and seeds daily as they provide an abundance of minerals, vitamins, fibre and essential fats for optimum health and wellbeing.

Eat healthy, cold-pressed oils - extra virgin olive, virgin coconut, macadamia nut, rice bran, sesame, sunflower and other virgin nut and seed oils in moderation. Avoid trans fats and hydrogenated oils.

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Keep to a low allergy, low GI diet. Reduce consumption of wheat and coffee.

Stop counting calories. Just adopt a sensible approach to wellness, with healthy cuisine as your focus.

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Keep red meat to a minimum and replace with healthier protein sources, such as fish, seafood, eggs, organic chicken, turkey, beans, pulses, nuts and seeds.

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Drink plenty of water. Avoid soft drink, energy drinks and alcohol.

Reduce consumption of sugar. Use small amounts of natural sweeteners, such as stevia, raw honey, rapadura and maple syrup.

Think before you eat! Eat high quality proteins, essential fats and carbohydrate, mainly from vegetable sources.

Best Protein You need protein because it provides the amino acids necessary for building muscle, fighting disease, protecting your skin and making hormones. Fish is top of my list, followed by lean organic chicken, turkey, eggs, nuts and seeds.

Best Carbs Your body needs good quality carbohydrates for energy. Eating the right type makes all the difference between having a lean physique and looking like a marshmallow! The amount of carbohydrate you need depends on your activity level and lifestyle. Healthy carb sources include fruit, vegetables, beans, legumes, whole grains such as oats, spelt, quinoa, buckwheat, rye and brown rice.

Best Fats Vegetable sources provide the best fats because they don’t clog your arteries and they provide the best health benefits to your body. Foods such as olives, avocado, nuts and seeds, as well as their oils, are a good source of unsaturated fats, which the body needs in small quantities for optimal health and wellbeing.

Best Drinks Forget the fizz! Water and green tea are the winners here. Your body needs water to transport nutrients to your cells, as well as get rid of all the waste products from your body and help you stay hydrated, alert and fresh.

Aim to consume two litres a day. Studies show that those who consume one or two cups of green tea per day have a lower risk of certain cancers. Green tea has also been shown to increase the body’s ability to burn body fat.

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enrich recipes Words

Teresa cutter thehealthychef.com.au

kamalaya cuisine

I first discovered the benefits of nut milks when I first visited Kamalaya. They are fantastic blended with frozen banana, strawberry or blueberry when making smoothies, or served over a bowl of bircher.

Nut and seed milks are a delicious lactose free alternative to traditional dairy. Enjoying them daily can help reduce cholesterol, provide your body with essential minerals, such as calcium, magnesium and zinc, and enhance the body’s immune system. It’s basically the nuts or seeds blended with filtered water and strained. You can flavour the milk with vanilla bean or a hint of cinnamon, and for a little sweetness just throw in a few fresh pitted dates before blending. The pulp can also be reused to make delicious cookies and cakes, and as a replacement for wheat flour in most recipes.

ALMOND MILK 250g almonds (raw) 1 litre filtered water 2 fresh pitted dates or a few drops of stevia 1 tsp vanilla extract If you have time, it is best to soak the almonds in the water overnight before blending. This helps to make the milk easier to digest and blend. Place all the ingredients into a good, high-speed blender. Blend at medium to high speed until creamy white. Strain through a fine sieve and store the milk in the fridge. If you want the fibre and added protein of the almonds, don’t strain the milk, but give it a good stir before each use. It keeps for about 4 days. Serves 8.

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BREAKFAST Bircher muesli This muesli gives your body a whopping dose of fibre for a healthy digestive system, plus low GI carbs and omega-3 to support a healthy cardiovascular system and sustain your body for long-lasting energy. Yoghurt is high in calcium, phosphorous, B vitamins, protein, potassium and is a great source of lactobacillus and bifidobacteria cultures for healthy digestion.

70g rolled oats 60g walnuts or almonds, chopped 70ml almond milk or apple juice 50g grated red apple including skin 100g natural yoghurt or goat’s milk yoghurt 10g raisins or sultanas 2 tsp honey 250g fresh chopped seasonal fruit eg. pineapple, papaya, kiwi, pear, berries Mix all ingredients except the chopped fruit.

Refrigerate for 30-40 minutes. Fold in the chopped fruit. Enjoy! Serves 2.

For a gluten-free version, replace oats with ground linseed.

Wheat-free, low GI, vegetarian.

Bircher muesli INGREDIENTS

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KAMALAYA CUISINE

DINNER

LUNCH

Oven-roasted fish with broccoli & watercress dressing

Detox garden salad The ingredients have been specifically chosen to detoxify, alkalinise and heal your body. High in antioxidants and minerals.

Leafy greens are the greatest food around - an excellent source of vitamins, minerals and fibre. The darker the leaves, the more Vitamin A and iron they contain. Walnuts are high in omega-3 fats, the ultimate brain food. Avocado is a good source of potassium, a mineral that helps regulate blood pressure.

Beetroot is fantastic for the liver and gall bladder. It helps purify your blood and is rich in beta carotene and folate.

150g mixed leafy greens 80g (1) red apple, cut into small chunks with skin on 80g (1) avocado, cut into chunks 80g (1) cooked beetroot, peeled and cut into chunks 20g pumpkin seeds 20g sunflower seeds 20g walnuts Dressing 4 tbsp cold pressed olive oil 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar, apple cider vinegar or lemon juice Arrange the salad leaves into serving bowls and sprinkle on remaining ingredients.

Lightly lift the salad with your fingertips to distribute the ingredients evenly. Drizzle with dressing just before serving. Enjoy! Serves 2.

Gluten-free, low GI, vegan.

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A great source of lean protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which help prevent cardiovascular disease, high cholesterol, skin problems and depression. Fish also provides iron and minerals, especially magnesium and potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure, and is a good source of B vitamins, particularly B12, which is important for a healthy nervous system. Watercress and mint are abundant in vitamins and minerals.

The mint in this dressing can aid digestion.

Broccoli contains a protective compound called sulforaphane which offers protection against colon cancer. Rich in antioxidants, Vitamins C, E and beta-carotene, folate and fibre, necessary for a healthy body and immune system.

2 180g pieces of firm fish fillet eg. blue eye, snapper pinch of sea salt and pepper 200g broccoli, cut into chunks Watercress Mint Dressing 60g watercress 40g mint 10ml rice vinegar 40ml vegetable stock 60ml grape seed oil or light olive oil sea salt and pepper to taste Make the dressing first. Blend all ingredients in a blender for 2 minutes on high speed. Taste for seasoning and set aside. (If you want to keep the sauce longer than one day, blanch the watercress for 2 seconds in boiling water, then cool down in iced water. This keeps the

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colour in the sauce for up to 3 days). Season the fish with salt and pepper. Heat a pan with a little olive oil and cook the fish for about 2 minutes until the underside is golden. Turn the fish over and finish cooking in a 200째C oven for 6 or 7 minutes until just cooked.

Meanwhile steam or blanch the broccoli for a few minutes until just cooked. Serve fish alongside broccoli and drizzle with sauce.

Enjoy! Serves 2.

DESSERT Pineapple skewers with mint dip Pineapple contains the enzyme bromelain, which helps with your digestion by aiding the breakdown of protein. It is also a good source of Vitamin C. Chilli and lemongrass stimulates the metabolic rate and improves circulation.

250g fresh pineapple 1 tsp mild red chilli, finely chopped 1 tbsp lemongrass, finely chopped 1 tbsp mint leaf, chopped Mint Dip 150ml pineapple juice 5g mint leaf 5ml lime juice 5g lemongrass 70ml coconut milk Make the mint dip by blending all ingredients in a blender for 1 or 2 minutes. Cut pineapple into bite-sized chunks and toss with the chilli, lemongrass and mint. Skewer the pineapple onto small skewers and cook in a pan over medium heat using a little coconut or rice bran oil until lightly caramelised. Arrange on serving plates alongside a little dip. Serves 2. S

DETOX GARDEN SALAD

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enrich NOT SO SWEET Words

KRIS ABBEY realfoodnut.com

SUGAR the bitter sweet truth why we’re still fat in an era of low-fat

W

e Australians love our sugar. Over the last 50 years, we have more than doubled our consumption of sugar. We each now consume an average of 50 kg per year! That’s about 22 teaspoons per day, which is over 450 calories or 1,890 kj.

We consume more than people in European countries (who consume around 40 kg per year) and the US (who consume around 33 kg per year). Not only does sugar make us fat, it is rotting our teeth, it is a major cause of the Type II diabetes epidemic, and it can even contribute to cancer. So why are we eating so much of this nasty white powder?

Put simply, sugar is addictive. Mike Adams, founder of natualnews.com, doesn’t sugarcoat his opinion of sugar: “Refined white sugar is a pleasure drug. If you don’t believe me, just put a spoonful on your tongue and observe the instantaneous effects. You’ll experience a warming, comfortable feeling that makes you feel safe and happy. They’re not called ‘comfort foods’ by accident.

Sugar is, essentially, a legalised recreational drug that is socially acceptable to consume.

And yet, just like many other drugs, over time it destroys our health, rots our teeth, disrupts normal brain function, promotes heart disease and directly causes diabetes and obesity. The argument that ‘street drugs are outlawed because they’re dangerous to a person’s health’ falls flat on its face when you consider what sugar does to the human body. It’s a lot more dangerous than marijuana, for example, and yet marijuana is illegal to possess or consume.”

The effect sugar has on the brain is similar to pain-killing drugs such as morphine and heroin. Just like sugar, these drugs produce an almost instant feeling of calm and pleasure, making them addictive. Once food manufacturers understood this addictive effect, they began putting sugar in just about all processed food, from canned food, fruit juices and soft drinks to bread, breakfast cereals and ‘health’ bars. Even infant formula and baby food has added sugar. And now we are fatter and more addicted than ever.

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Sugar qualifies as an addictive substance in two ways: 1. Eating a small amount creates a desire for more.

2. Quitting suddenly causes withdrawal symptoms such as headaches, mood swings, cravings and fatigue.

Aside from the physical addiction, many of us have also developed an emotional addiction to sugar. How many times as a child were you rewarded with a sweet treat?

And when do you celebrate a special occasion with a bowl of fruit instead of a cake? If you’re feeling down, a cup of spinach doesn’t provide quite the same sympathetic hug as an ice cream, does it? But guess what, that sugar high is short-lived and you generally end up feeling worse. Sugar is a fattening, toxic substance, no matter how many pretty coloured sprinkles are used to disguise it.

How Did This Happen?

If we go back to caveman times, studies show our DNA was wired to taste sweet or bitter to help us distinguish between food that was poisonous and food that was safe.

Sweet mainly indicated safe. In addition, as humans cannot produce Vitamin C, we must get it from our food. And since Vitamin C is usually found in sweet foods, such as oranges, berries and plums, we can conclude that our natural desire for sweet things is our body’s way of hunting foods rich in Vitamin C. This wasn’t a problem for our waistlines in hunter-gatherer times. But today, when we reach for a chocolate bar while we’re sitting in front of a computer or TV, it’s a very different story! So next time you have a sweet craving, opt for a handful of berries or a fresh orange juice - but not a manufactured one with 11 teaspoons of sugar!

Today’s Debacle Sugar is a simple carbohydrate that is found naturally in food such as grains, beans, vegetables and fruit. In its unprocessed state, sugar also contains a variety of vitamins, minerals and enzymes. When we eat brown

rice or fruit, the natural carbohydrate is broken down steadily into separate glucose molecules.

These molecules enter our bloodstream, where they are metabolised smoothly and evenly, allowing our body to absorb the nutrients without a big spike in blood sugar and the need for large doses of insulin. Nice, simple, and what our body knows.

However, refined, processed and simple sugar - usually extracted from sugar cane or beets, and known as sucrose (aka nasty drug) - has a totally different effect It is sugar, not fat, that is on our body. It lacks any nutrients (vitamins, minerals making us fat! In a healthy, and fibre), so our body has slim person, 40% of the to work a little harder to digest it. Metabolising the sugar they eat is converted sucrose causes a depletion straight to fat. of minerals, enzymes and Vitamin B. It also pushes blood sugar levels sky-high, causing excitability and hyperactivity. Then insulin responds in a big way and our blood sugar drops to a low point, causing fatigue, weariness and depression.

This roller-coaster effect is implicated in the onset of Type II diabetes.

Just a little side note: stress depletes your body of Vitamin B. After a stressful day, on top of the stress you already have from your day, you may decide a sweet treat or glass of wine is in order – and we know alcohol is sugar. So you’re not helping the situation, you’re making it worse, further depleting your body of Vitamin B when it needs it most!

And if you think you’re doing yourself a favour by cutting fat out of your diet – since fat has 9 calories (or 37.7 kj) compared to sugar’s 4 calories (or 17 kj) - I’m about to rain on your parade again. It is sugar, not fat, that is making us fat!

Bring back omega-3s and get rid of sugar and watch how many ADHD children become normal kids! Good fats are an integral part of our diet and are generally accompanied by a host of vitamins and minerals our body needs.

Burning and storing fat is all about controlling your insulin levels. Eating refined sugar causes a spike in blood sugar, triggering

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A market currently experiencing a concerning rise in ‘hidden sugar’ levels is the Australian children’s vitamin supplement market, especially those in jelly or gum form. These supplements under current Australian law are not required to disclose the non-active ingredients in their products (which could account for over 90%). Malouf Pharmacies Director, Ian Malouf, says “Although consumers are becoming more aware of the negative impact sugar can have on their family’s health and wellbeing, they need to be extremely careful when selecting vitamins, especially for children.” If you’re not sure, ask your pharmacist.

“As a nutritionist/dietitian and as a mother, I am horrified that lollies are being sold under the guise of nutritional supplements for children”, says leading nutritionist Dr Joanna McMillan. “Adding a small dose of vitamins and minerals to a sugary lolly does not make it good for our children, not to mention the cost to parents. Nutritional supplements can be made appealing to children without excessive use of added sugars.”

Some tips for parents to help avoid high sugar children’s supplements:

1. Always check the back of the pack. Look for the ‘Contains’ section. Don’t fall for marketing gimmicks that appear on the front of packs. Understand the difference between mg (milligram) versus mcg (microgram). It takes 1,000mcg to make 1mg, so 1mg is much better than 100mcg.

2. With fish oil, look for the highest EPA (Eicosapentaenoic acid) / DHA (Docosahexaennoic acid) content.

3. Look for tooth-friendly logos on the back of the pack. You will save monumentally on your child’s dental health and your child will thank you in the long run.

4. Look for the words “contains sugar” and avoid. You can also usually see when tablets are visibly coated with sugar.

5. Look for and avoid other allergens such as yeast, gluten, dairy products, artificial colours, artificial flavours and preservatives.

6. Vitamin C degrades rapidly if exposed to light. Clear bottles always contain less Vitamin C as the glass exposes the vitamin to light, so look for opaque bottles.

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.> a release of insulin, which leads to faster fat storage. In a healthy, slim person, 40% of the sugar they eat is converted straight to fat. And in an overweight person, 60% of the sugar they eat is converted to fat!

Quitting Cold Turkey Sugar is a toxic substance that contributes nothing to your diet, except a lot of health issues. The best thing you can do is to quit eating it. But that’s easier said than done.

To successfully quit, you need to know your main offenders, since food manufacturers sneak sugar into anything and everything and in various guises. Look for words ending in ‘ose’, such as sucrose, fructose, maltose, lactose, dextrose and maltodextrose.

Avoid syrups, especially high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS). This is very cheap, so it’s used in many processed foods, but according to a study conducted by the University of Pennsylvania, it boosts fat-storing and hunger hormones. It is found in many cereal bars, fruit drinks, tomato sauce, mayonnaise, pasta sauce and salad dressings.

Sugar may be listed on food labels as brown sugar, palm sugar, cane sugar, corn syrup, fructose, fruit juice concentrate, glucose (dextrose), high-fructose corn syrup, honey, invert sugar, lactose, maltose, molasses, raw sugar, table sugar (sucrose) or syrup. Read labels carefully and don’t be surprised if you see sugar in three or four different varieties in the one product. For tips to quit, see over page.

Effects of Sugar It is believed excessive consumption of sugar may play a role in the formation of many diseases, not just obesity and Type II diabetes. Sugar: • Suppresses the immune system.

• Upsets your body’s mineral balance.

• Contributes to hyperactivity, anxiety and depression.

• Contributes to a weakened defence against bacterial infection.

• Causes kidney damage.

• Increases the risk of coronary heart disease.

• Interferes with absorption of calcium and magnesium.

• Contributes to diabetes.

• Contributes to osteoporosis.

• Causes food allergies.

• Increases fluid retention.

In Australia, consumption of soft drinks, which are sweetened with sugar, has increased by 30% in 10 years.

How Much Sugar is Hidden in Our Food?

Food

Teaspoons of sugar

Special K (40g serve)

1.5

Small tub of yoghurt (200g) 6* Small fruit juice (450ml)

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* Typically, the lower a yoghurt is in fat, the higher it is in sugar or artificial sweeteners. spalife.com.au

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Tips to Reduce Your Sugar Intake Don’t use sugar as a reward. Wrinkles, fat around your tummy and bad teeth are not rewards. A trip to a Spa is!

Eat plenty of chromium. This helps reduce cravings. Chromium is found in eggs, nuts, mushrooms, wholegrains, asparagus, liver and molasses.

Take glutamine. This supplement also helps reduce sweet cravings. A teaspoon in water will usually knock that sweet craving on its head.

Include purine-rich proteins in your diet. Sugar cravings are often a sign of a lack of protein. Dark meats contain more purines. If you’re vegetarian, good sources include kidney beans, lima beans, mushrooms, navy beans, oatmeal and peas.

Eat sweet vegetables and fruit. These are naturally sweet, healthy and delicious. That said, fruit is high in sugar and is best eaten in moderation and with protein (such as nuts or cheese) to reduce the insulin spike. The best fruit choice is thin-skinned, darker fruits, such as berries, as they are highest in antioxidants. And to reduce the sugar in your fresh juices, add a vegetable such as carrot or beetroot.

Use gentle sweets. Avoid chemicalised, artificial sweeteners and foods with added sugar. Use gentle sweeteners like raw Manuka honey, maple syrup, brown rice syrup, dried fruit, stevia and barley malt, again in moderation. If you need a sweet kick or are baking cakes, try Stevia, a herb that is 200 times sweeter than sugar. Also try Natvia, a new natural product that is derived from the freshest tips of Stevia plants and tastes just like sugar. It is a blend of Stevia and a naturally occurring nectar (known as Erythritol), which is found in melons and grapes. I also like Pure Coconut Nectar Syrup and coconut sugar.

Get more sleep, rest and relaxation. Simple carbohydrates, such as sugar, are the most readily usable forms of energy for an exhausted body and mind. If you are in a chronic state of stress or sleep deprivation, your body will crave the quickest form of energy there is: sugar.

Eliminate fat-free or low-fat packaged snack foods. These foods contain high quantities of sugar to compensate for the lack of flavour and fat, sending you on a roller-coaster ride of sugar highs and lows.

Experiment with spices. Use coriander, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and cardamom to naturally sweeten your foods and reduce cravings.

Slow down and find sweetness in non-food ways! Every craving is not a signal that your body biologically requires sugar. Cravings often have a psychological component. By identifying the psychological causes of food cravings and substituting lifestyle and relationship adjustments accordingly, you can begin to find balance and take charge of your health. When life becomes sweet enough in itself, no additives are needed! S If you would like help to kick the sugar habit, or help with other nutritional support including weight loss, email me at kris@spalife.com.au or visit realfoodnut.com and start your way on the path to vitality today.

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Luxuriate with JAYE NIEMI: hand-poured in Australia and inspired by nature

Jaye Niemi Australia P: 07 3376 3399 F: 07 3376 3332 E: info@jayeniemi.com W: www.jayeniemi.com

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smooth smoothies W

illow Stream, the signature spa brand of Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, offers Lifestyle Cuisine Plus, a new menu available upon request catering to guests with specific diet-dependent conditions such as diabetes, heart disease and gluten free, as well as unique dietary preferences including, macrobiotic, raw and vegan diets.

Complementing the new menus are Lifestyle beverages, offering five new varieties of Fairmont wellness teas, juices, shakes and more to quench thirst.

Great Life Shakes include sesame seeds, silken tofu, barley malt, bancha tea and rice milk.

Good Carbs Smoothies use mango, vanilla, barley malt, kefir, goji berries and almond milk.

Heart Wellness Shakes include pumpkin seeds, silken tofu, carrots, kiwi, orange juice, kefir and stevia.

Longevity Shakes (appropriate for DASH and Pritkin diets) incorporate cashews, strawberries, mango, vanilla, orange juice and green tea).

PRECISION SMOOTHIE 125 ml (1/2 cup) honeydew melon 125 ml (1/2 cup) frozen strawberries ½ banana 15 ml (1 tbsp) ground flax ½ packet whey powder Place melon, strawberries and banana in blender, cover and blend on high for 30-60 seconds. Add flax and whey and blend another minute (or until completely blended). Serve in large chilled glass.

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fIJI

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enrich TAKE ACTION Words

JOHN TOOMEY globalwellness.co

the state of the nation W

hat is happening with health and wellbeing in Australia? Taking a broad look at things, disease rates are getting worse, obesity is increasing and depression rates are spiralling out of control.

How can this be? Especially when you look at the number of health clubs, Spas, health resorts, organic food suppliers and health food stores around the country.

(These numbers are definitely up too). Just 25 years ago, a Personal Trainer was more of a television concept, so I’m fascinated by the huge numbers there are now.

So what’s going on? Consider this bottomline data: As each year goes by, the cost of running our health care system increases at a much faster rate than the cost of living index.

Government documents state: “The cost of healthcare in Australia grew at 1.8 times GDP between 1995 and 2004, and rose from 8% to 9.2% of GDP, against an OECD median of 8.7%.”

This means an overall increase against other systems that are also experiencing significant and continuing cost increases. In 2009, health care expenditure in Australia was $36.4 billion, an increase of $1.3 billion (4%) on the previous year. This compares to education, which cost $22.3 billion, an increase of $0.3 billion (1%).

I wonder when someone will stop and take a look and ask what is wrong with this picture. We frequently see media reports

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about the “healthcare crisis”, how we need more doctors in regional areas, more beds in hospitals and how people often wait 12 hours or more on a trolley in a casualty ward. The system is bursting at the seams, demanding ever greater expenditure.

Recently I walked into a pharmacy to have a prescription filled for a sick friend. It was late evening and I was the only customer in the store. Standing waiting, I pointed to all the drugs on the shelf behind the pharmacist and teasingly asked, “So what’s this week’s big seller?” She smiled and said, “Same as every other week – cholesterol medications.”

On 16 January 2008, Business Week magazine published an article that should have stopped the world in its tracks. It revealed that the world’s highest-selling cholesterol drug did not actually work. Rigorous statistical testing using the manufacturer’s own trials demonstrated that well over 100 people had to take the drug before one person might be saved from a heart attack. The results of independent trials put the figure at less than one in 250 people.

I wonder if we have reached a point where government budgets are so completely exhausted holding a collapsing system together that there are simply no funds available for genuine prevention programs? It seems that most of the ‘prevention’ programs we see today are aimed at steering people into the medical system for checkups or a variety of pathology tests. I believe a few

major factors keep this process evolving in a negative direction.

Firstly, there is a belief that ill health is inevitable and that if you contract a disease such as cancer, diabetes or heart disease, you are essentially unlucky, and are then treated like a victim. Our modern human consciousness seems to find some comfort in being treated like a victim. Many of us have cried out in anguish at some point or other, “It isn’t my fault!”

Secondly, there is a belief that our medical profession is the ultimate authority on health.

This may once have been true, but today the medical profession seems better designed to treat illness than prevent it.

Thirdly, just about every food producer on the planet, including the fast food giants, herald the health benefits of consuming their product.

Looking closer at these factors, I see three major challenges.

Firstly, there seems to be an unwritten rule in our society that all health professionals must defer to Western medicine. I cannot fathom this false reverence. On 28 December 2003, the Melbourne Herald Sun reported that, in 1995, over 18,000 people died in Australia as a direct result of medical negligence. Many of these deaths were attributable to adverse drug reactions.

Secondly, there is a lack of personal responsibility. At some level, deep in the subconscious, we all know our lifestyle habits often sabotage our health. For things to change, we all need to take more responsibility.

Thirdly, I believe there is a lack of guardianship in society. Many of us in the health industry know the formula for good health. We also know that ‘Big Pharma’ is protecting its market share with a fierce determination to grow that market share. We understand that if people are inspired and educated, and offered the right amount of support, they will change the way they live; they will take more responsibility. But we seem to back down from taking a leadership role in society. We play it safe. We back away from our innermost desire to create change.

I once had coffee with a lady who was a senior account executive and head of sales training for a large pharmaceutical company

in Australia which sells cardiovascular drugs.

I asked what the company’s mission was. She teased me for a while, refusing to say, but eventually revealed their plan. “Our aim”, she said, “is to have every person in Australia over 50 years of age taking at least one of our medications.” She looked strangely at me, as I think I’d just stopped breathing, then continued, “We believe that is a sound disease prevention strategy for Australia.” I have a thick hide, but that one sure knocked me sideways!

For those of us who have a pretty good handle on what it takes to be healthy and well, why do we back down from standing firm?

I’m not suggesting you begin aggressively thrusting your opinions into other people’s faces, but when an opportunity arises for you to share your wisdom, do you step up and share your viewpoint with compassion and care, or do you simply go someplace else?

Are we inherently selfish and simply taking care of our own needs?

Last year I took a good friend to an Avatar Course. He has owned a lot of health clubs and he said to me on about the fourth day, “Now I know what’s wrong with the fitness industry and why it is such a struggle. People come to us asking for help, and we put them on a fitness program. Maybe that’s not what they need.”

My concern with the fitness industry is that it might have lost sight of the reason it originally came into being. I remember talking with Brendan Edwards back in the 70s. His motivation for opening fitness centres was to share his passion for good health and fitness with other people.

At some point, this desire to serve others and help them was replaced by a relentless drive for profit. Consequently, many fitness facilities lack the stability that comes with a loyal and satisfied customer base.

If we of the ‘Good Health’ lifestyle were to really stand up and be counted, we could change this country. Big Pharma is not the enemy. They are simply companies manufacturing and selling products that the market wants to buy. Education, inspiration and support can change the buying wishes of the public and Big Pharma will respond by

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producing more health-promoting products.

In a market economy, consumers will always be the most powerful driving force.

And education will always be the most powerful influence on the consumer.

Imagine you’re with a friend who is doing something quite destructive for their health.

You resist your desire to chastise, disapprove or lecture, and compassionately ask why they are doing that. Then, whatever their answer, ask why. If you keep asking why, people will get their own answers and will, in that moment, become more responsible.

We don’t need a health war. We need more care and guardianship. We need more direct and real conversations. When a person gets to a tipping point around personal responsibility, they will begin looking for answers.

Are you making apologies for your lifestyle choices so as to not offend anyone?

If you are, perhaps you can re-think what you’re doing. I always believe that if people are criticising you, then you are having an impact on them. Your actions are shining a bright light on their own flaws.

I know two wonderful ladies in Brisbane who had an idea to teach primary school kids great habits at an early age. They put their money and their energy where their mouths were and went to work. They placed quite extraordinary water filters that delivered alive, alkaline water into each classroom. They provided the teacher with lesson plans and resources to teach the kids about hydration and good health. The kids got to drink the water through the day and could take information about the water units home to their families.

When families bought a unit (which are not expensive), a percentage of the sales covered the cost of the units in the classrooms.

Once the units were all fully funded, the same margin from each future sale goes back to the school, with the condition that the money must be spent on wellness education.

I see these ladies as brave guardians of a future generation. They are not prepared to wait around for another generation to become unhealthy and dependent on medicine. They are in action, changing the world one kid at a time! S

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enjoy

“The great man is he who does not lose his child’s heart.”

Mencius, Book IV

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Market Place Emily Larsen & Sarah Barret are the brains behind The OTi brand - stylish organisers for the modern woman whose lifestyle involves juggling obligations along with achieving personal goals. Attack that endless amount of clutter - to do lists, diary, post-it notes, phone numbers, shopping lists and school notes found in piles around the house - and pop it all in one place. Nothing says On To it like an OTi organiser! oti.net.au We have one complete pack to give away containing The Ultimate Organiser, a Monthly Planner and Shopping List Pad valued at $58.85. To enter go to our Facebook page and tell us your Juggle Tip and the best answer will win!

Celebrated for her feminine and functional designs, Donna Karan now brings her luxurious collection of hosiery to Australia.

Available exclusively from Myer.

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Yankee Candle速 has created Botanical Reed Diffusers that look and smell just like freshly cut flowers. With no alcohol content, the unique stems are designed to diffuse the fragrance in the air, providing a long lasting, concentrated fragrance. ($49.95) yankee.net.au

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We know them for exquisite pens, however the most recent design to come from Montblanc’s ateliers is the patented Montblanc Cabochon stunning jewellery collection. Made up of colourful pieces using an exciting assortment of semiprecious and hard stones, the collection has pieces for both him and her. olelynggaard.com

Perfect for this time of year are outdoor Citronella Lanterns

by WaxWorks. waxworksworks.com.au

”It’s not how much we give, but how much love we put into giving.”

Mother Teresa

The stylish, ever-smiling Rosie Condo is the passion behind Lula – Lifestyle and Wellbeing. This brand is fast becoming one of my faves, with great Spaat-home products and a gorgeous collection of vintage jewellery and clothing.

Clothing is handmade from French and Italian scarves. The softness and Wailea, Maui detail of theGrand scarves form the uniqueness of these one-off dresses. ($280) goodsie.com/store/lula/

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LULA’s range of Bath Salts (Relax, Revive, Restore, Detox & Sensual) are created with love and organic essential oils to create the perfect mood. All proudly hand-made in Hampton, Melbourne. They do great candles too! ($29.95) mylula.com

enjoy conscious living Words

INDIRA KENNEDY gorgeousallover.com

riding the new wave of wellness N

ever before has so much money and time been devoted to taking care of ourselves.

Gym fees, organic vegies, massages and alternative therapies, essential oils and candles, life coaching… the list goes on. Wonderful, enlightened understandings fuel our enthusiasm and resolve to make a positive change for ourselves.

So why do so many people still say, “I’m doing all I can for myself and yet nothing’s changing.” I see their bereft heart dimly lighting their eyes and feel deeply sad. What’s missing? Why the hole in the heart?

Too much dependency on the ‘outside’ and not enough alignment on the ‘inside’, no matter how healthy and wise the choices are, is still the problem. If you haven’t journeyed deeply into the inner space of your own conscious awareness, no matter what you choose, the change is not likely to be permanent.

To create lasting change from the inside out, there are five areas of focus that work together to advance you spiritually and elevate your life. The Five Realities of conscious living are: Remembrance, Radiance, Resonance, Resolution and Ritual. There are spiritual secrets that are at work within us, separate from the surface of life, to provide a higher perspective to inform our choices. They guide and cajole and niggle and laugh out loud in an effort to grab our attention. But do we listen and act on them?

Let’s begin the journey to the centre of our true nature through the Five Realities and explore a few spiritual secrets.

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Reality 1: Remembrance ‘Conscious living’ requires a level of wisdom born of deep enquiry about who we are and why we are here. We need to remember who we are and remember the parts of us that have gone missing. We need to reconnect them to become whole.

Balancing your physical, emotional and mental energies are a daily constant, yes?

However, that balance is hard to find if you are not anchored in the warm compassion of your own heart. Self-criticism and unworthiness, ingratitude and fear all keep us from our true essence. And that essence is pure, unadulterated, gracefully blissful love.

Spiritual Secret: ‘I am all-seeing, all-knowing’

Spiritual Secret: ‘I have a Divine purpose’

Reality 5: Ritual Bring the beautiful experiences of Spa life into conscious living by creating a daily ritual that supports the inner you. Use the secrets to make choices mindfully in your day. That means being acutely aware of why you are giving your body pure water and food, sleeping long enough, exercising in ways that are compatible with your personality, body type and general nature.

Devotion is a beautiful state of the Heart.

When you create meaningful rituals based on conscious awareness, a deeper foundation of meaning comes into being to support you – you will feel it constantly.

Reality 2: Radiance If you want success in all levels of your life, you must dip into the silence, stillness and vast space in your spiritual Heart, and learn to become the witness of all that goes on within and without. Then you will find an equipoise, a beautiful balance that feels like true north.

You feel in flow.

Radiating that flowing, harmonious light is what attracts the best into your life. You radiate joy and all the higher qualities of true power. Then your life really takes off.

Self-healing is more effective. Relationships deepen and feel more meaningful.

Reality 4: Resolution So how will you serve? What does fulfilling your spiritual purpose look like in the world?

Centring yourself through meditation will take you into your higher Self. It will also focus and polish the mind as an amazingly powerful tool to be all you resolve to be. Can you resolve your past, can you forgive others and can you resolve to follow a higher Will?

Spiritual Secret: ‘I give in gratitude and open to Grace’

Spiritual Secret: ‘My Heart has the answer’

Spiritual Secret: Build the muscle of self-trust by acknowledging your efforts and your choices

Reality 3: Resonance Once you listen to your Heart’s answers, you will find your intuition explodes, creativity opens up and you are free to create whatever your Heart desires. You begin to resonate to a higher power. You find a new level of spiritual Guidance is available.

Take these five spiritual realities consciously into your world of love, abundance, health and happiness and watch how extraordinary your new reality becomes.

The full range of spiritual secrets is available in my book. Available online at gorgeousallover.com. S

Remembrance – remembering who you are and what you truly need Radiance – radiating higher and finer energy, joyfully Resonance – resonating with higher guidance and your spiritual powers Resolution – resolve to serve and live in conscious cooperation with the Divine Ritual – ritualising your practices to build powerful habits that serve and support you

Indira Kennedy is director of Conscious Leadership and author of Gorgeous All Over ~ A Daily Guide for Women with Spirit. She is a certified executive coach and trained spiritual healer and teacher.

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The Five R’s of Spiritual Self-leadership

The luxury of the present......

The splendour of the past

Stay at the Hunter’s premier location

Mount Eyre Vineyards Holman Estate is located in the heart of Pokolbin, the Hunter Valley’s premier tourist location. Holman Estate offers spectacular views of the Hunter Valley, from the privacy of your own executive residence.

Located on an operational vineyard, you will experience what it is like to live in a French chateau or Italian villa.

You can simply spend a weekend drinking fine wine by the fireplace and strolling through the vineyards. Alternatively, enjoy the Hunter Valley Gardens, wine tasting rooms, restaurants, art galleries, hot air ballooning and a myriad of other interesting pursuits.

Whether you want a romantic escape for two, a family and friends holiday, a corporate function or even a small wedding, Holman Estate is the ideal venue. Holman Estate offers a unique opportunity or enjoy all the best the Hunter Valley has to offer, within easy reach of your own private residence.

Special Mid Week rates on request • Close to major golfing venues in the Hunter Region

The house boasts 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, a billiards room, and kitchen.

The open-plan living and dining area features cathedral ceilings and a large open fireplace.

Contact and booking details: Mount Eyre Vineyards • Phone Australia: 0438 683 973 • Phone International: +61 417 494 528 Fax International: +61 268 424 513 • Email: Holman@mounteyre.com

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raindrops on roses Act natural. Simple things created by nature, with plants, mud, water, earth, vegetables and nuts, say much without ever shouting. Think of the beautiful simplicity of a gift that is wrapped in brown paper and tied with string.

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enjoy YOGA MOVES Words

DON PEERS

yoga basics Yoga Do’s 1. Learn to breathe. Always breathe through the nose (unless it is blocked with a cold or sinus problems). This stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system which will release acetylcholine into the somatic nervous system.

This awakens and heightens our body awareness in movement and aids in relaxing the body and tense muscle tears.

2. Move with the breath. Now we are starting to breathe correctly, we only move into and out of poses with the breath. Forward bends and twists on exhalations; back bends and chest opening movements on inhalations. This is the natural inclination of the body and is the natural movement pattern of the body when united with the breath.

3. Listen. The breath is your guide. Learn to listen to it and not the ‘mind’. If the breath changes tempo, becomes raspy or you’re holding the breath, you are pushing yourself to the edge of your ability. Time to back off.

4. Sight: Move into and out of the poses with your gaze (called drishti in Yoga). Where and how we look will bend the spine accordingly and affect the stretch or stability of the pose.

5. Foundation: Like all good structures, we need solid foundations. This is grounding. Whatever is touching the earth is the grounding point. Learn how to use the hands, feet and pelvic floor to create a solid foundation and from here start the movement.

Yoga Don’ts 1. Don’t be in a rush. Learn the basics with mindfulness, so as you advance, it will be a safe, long and joyful practice.

2. Don’t copy the person next to you or be competitive. Your body is unique. Feel the pose from the inside and allow this to create the form of the pose.

3. Don’t bring your work or family to the mat, this is the time for you! A little oasis in the busy world to relax. The breath allows you to be present. After class, you will be calmer and clearer, then it’s time to take care of business.

4. Don’t eat before the class. This creates heaviness and sluggishness in the body and diverts energy to digestion.

5. Don’t skip Savasana (the corpse or rest pose) at the end of class. This allows all the work you have been doing to integrate itself into your body and its systems.

Trikonasana (triangle pose) An excellent pose to gain an understanding of alignment and balance.

The benefits of this pose are many. It will stretch and strengthen the thighs and ankles.

It stretches the hips, groin, hamstrings and calves, shoulders, chest and spine.

It stimulates the abdominal organs and improves digestion. It can also help relieve the symptoms of menopause and is great for backaches in pregnancy.

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1.

Step the legs apart and turn the right foot out to 90 degrees, keeping the middle right toe in line with the right knee and hip. Turn the left foot in slightly and align the right heel to the left instep.

2.

Keep both thighs firm to draw up the kneecaps. Roll your right thigh outward and ground the left foot, pushing the outer edge of the foot into the back of the mat. Be aware to lift and not collapse the arch of the foot. (This is important for grounding of the pose).

3.

As you exhale, extend your torso and right arm directly over the plane of the right leg. Tilt from the hip joint, not the waist. Try to keep both sides of the torso even in length, then lengthen from the tailbone toward the left heel. Now roll the right buttock under towards the inner left thigh.

4.

Place your right hand on your thigh, shin, ankle or the floor outside your right foot depending on your flexibility (don’t push it). Do this without rolling the torso inward (towards the mat). Stretch your left arm toward the ceiling, keeping the shoulder blades spreading and sense the fingers touching the ceiling. Keep your head in a neutral position or turn it to the left, eyes gazing softly at the left middle finger.

Don Peers, Senior Yoga Teacher and Teacher Trainer of Elixr School of Yoga, is a key figure in establishing the foundation and philosophy of Yoga at Elixr. Influenced by his studies in both India and Asia, Don brings a deep understanding of authentic Yoga to Elixr’s unique health club concept and prestigious Elixr School of Yoga. elixr.com.au

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enjoy YOUR DESTINY Words

GEOFF EDWARDS geoffedwards.net

change your destiny

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We are all on a different journey in life, but you can choose what path to take and your ultimate destiny. There is no need for you to live an unrewarding life. If you could live your dream, instead of just accepting whatever you’re given, just imagine for a minute what that would be like…

Your time on this earth is meant to be an adventurous and rewarding journey. It is meant to be full of love, joy, happiness and abundance - the best that life has to offer. This might be starting an exciting new business, seeking a promotion, trekking the Himalayas or simply having time to relax. To ensure you achieve this, changes may need to take place in your life.

Take a moment to reflect on what your life is about. Are you satisfied with the progress you’re making? Or do you need to change your destiny in some way? Here are some steps to support you on this exciting journey.

What is Your Life About?

Perhaps you’re feeling frustrated or ‘stuck’ in life? Discovering what your life is about is an opportunity for you to know who and what you are meant to become. Changing your destiny is about seeking happiness.

This might be material possessions, spiritual enlightenment or service to humanity. It often comes down to knowing what is important to you and what drives you.

Find some quiet time and begin answering the big questions of your life, such as: • What inspires you?

• What makes you feel great?

• What are you naturally good at? What are you passionate about?

• If you had to teach something, what would it be?

Keep your answers in a book that is easy to access and to update. This book will help sustain you and allow you to measure your growth through life.

Your destiny is something that makes you feel useful, inspiring you and giving you satisfaction. An excellent book called Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl offers an avenue to greater meaning and purpose in our lives.

Create Goals with Impact By knowing what your life is about, you can set goals to ensure your destiny is achieved, with a clear focus every day and week of your life. Goal-setting is a powerful technique that can yield strong returns in all areas of your life. One of the most important aspects of goal-setting is to notice how you will feel when you have reached your objective, as well as ensuring the goals are inspiring and measurable.

Your Ideal Day Your destiny and your goals should form the basis of your focus every day. It is important to consciously decide how you react to circumstances that could take your focus Discovering what your life is about is an away. Decisions you opportunity for you to know who and make each day should be based on your true what you are meant to become. values and should be Geoff Edwards, an internationally in accordance with your destiny. “It’s in your moments of decision that your destiny accredited Life Coach with over 25 is shaped,” says Anthony Robbins. years of coaching experience, has Maintaining resilience when you are supported many people on their thrown the next challenge will build your journey to success. capability for success, and for achievement www.geoffedwards.net of your destiny. Accept that uncertainty is here to stay and know that through this you will grow and create better outcomes. Always believe that there will be a good outcome.

Your destiny is within your control and it is important to ensure you don’t run your old stories and patterns. By eliminating these layers, you get to the truth and are driven towards your destiny. You will know when you’re living your destiny as you will be in the flow and time will stand still. Remember, your destiny is on its way to you!

7 Tips to Change Your Destiny 1. Assess your life now.

2. Discover your destiny.

3. Eliminate things that make you unhappy.

4. Set targets and focus daily.

5. Handle adversity well.

6. Never allow past experiences to determine what your possibilities are.

7. Always have positive expectations. S

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