UEL Q
HOMME WWW.QUELHOMME.COM
#WHATAMAN
BODY
The
Issue
EDITOR’S JOURNAL EDITOR Calum Donoghue CONTENT CONSULTANT Ashleigh Togher
It’s our Body Issue. We all have our hang ups when it comes to our body, too big, too small, whatever it is we are conscious about it. Throughout this issue we guide you through ways to up your work-outs, interviews with fitness gurus and tips from leading experts, from looking after your scalp to keeping your smile gleaming, we have it covered.
FOOD EDITOR Theo Tritsarolis
I interview our cover star, Ben Fernandez (page 4), in LA, who talked me through his typical work out for the week and how to bulk up. He also shares the best places to visit whilst in LA LA Land.
TECH EDITOR Anthony Francis WRITERS Caroline O’Grady David Calderon Maria Jarmola Robbiie Young Jax Turner
Our resident grooming experts David Calderon and Maria Jarmola, guide us through defending your skin from winter summer and the best products to do so from page 6. On my travels I check in to two of the world’s leading wellness retreats and try my hand at golf, checking in to Hotel Camiral outside of Barcelona. On his hunt to find the best of the best, this issue Robbiie Young searches for the ultimate fitness classes from page 10, and we tell you how to ‘retox’ from page 20. Enjoy!
Calum Donoghue, Editor of Quel Homme magazine Follow us on Instagram: @Q_HOMME @CALUMDONO
Donoghue & Co Limited does not accept responsibility for unsolicited submissions, manuscripts and photographs. While every care is taken, Donoghue & Co Limited take no responsibility for omissions or errors. No part of this publication is to be copied or reproduced without the permission of the publisher, in writing. All information included, to the best of our knowledge, was correct at time of publishing. All rights reserved. For advertising enquires email contributor@quelhomme. com
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ON THE COVER
Editor Calum Donoghue meets cover star, Ben Fernandez, to talk BODY How do you stay in shape whilst traveling? This is were things get challenging for me because when I travel my normal diet and fitness routine become limited. Since I struggle to put on weight, everyday I have two to three protein shakes that comprise a majority of my diet. However, when I travel, I don’t b r i n g t h e l a rg e s u p p l e m e n t containers with me so my caloric and protein intake is all out of whack. In order to combat the change, I have to focus on eating the right foods that make up for the deficit. As for working out, I like going to local gyms because I hate small and empty hotel gyms. The energy in a busy gym always gets me pumped.
Where in your home town do you recommend QH readers visiting? Well, I am very lucky to call Los Angeles my home where pretty much all activities are a hop, skip, and a jump away. Being a fairly high-energy person, I love remaining active and doing all sorts of fitness classes throughout the city. My two favourites have to be Training Mates (www.trainingmatela.com), which is a 45 minute high-intensity circuit c l a s s a n d R I S E N AT I O N (www.rise-nation.com), which is a fast paced climbing workout. These classes kick my ass every single time. My favourite restaurant, hands down is a sushi spot called Robota Jinya (www.jinya-la.com). As for hikes, Runyon Canyon is the quintessential LA hike. However, Eaton Canyon in Pasadena is a beautiful woodsy hike leading you to an awesome waterfall at the end. Talk us through your typical diet for the week
It’s all about clean complex carbs for me. I do a lot of sweet potatoes and brown rice with my protein of choice. On an ideal day, I’ll wake up and have a banana with avocado toast on whole wheat bread. Next, I’ll workout and have my first shake of the day which is comprised of protein, a mass gainer and glutamine. For lunch, I’ll do salmon paired with roasted Brussel sprouts and broccoli (these are probably the only vegetables I like). By 4pm, I'll have another shake to hold my appetite over until dinner. My dinner foods are the same I just constantly mix and match them. I’ll put whichever protein I have available with brown rice, sweet potatoes or couscous. Lastly, I’ll have one more shake before bed. What are you favourite clothing items to work out in? I must say, I am fairly particular with my workout clothes because while at the gym I definitely want to look and feel good! That being without them. They are a mid-top
to look and feel good! That being said I am a sucker for my Nike getups! My standard workout gear consists of a Nike tank with shorts and high socks (everything allblack, of course). Regarding my shoe, my favourite sneaker ever has to be my Nike Virtues. I don’t know how I’ve lived so long without them. They are a mid-top sneaker that is so light and mobile yet has a strong support for my ankles and feet, not to mention they look so damn fresh. Of course, I’ll change it up with three quarter or full length tights under my shorts. Another great line of fitness clothes for men is by 'Charlie by MZ.' Their fitness shorts are actually my personal favourite because they are comfortable, breathable, and most importantly, flattering! What do you eat on a cheat day? Give me McDonald’s or give me death! (#2 no pickles, add Big Mac sauce…10 chicken nuggets and a large coke).
EXPERT Tips Hair by expert Barber Aaron Gibson
Washing Hair Make sure you are washing your hair and scalp properly, you should apply good pressure using the pads of your fingers when rinsing product from your hair and when applying shampoo. Rinsing shampoo doesn’t have to be such a hard scrub. Conditioning Conditioner should be applied two to three times a week for those without curly or really thick hair. Men generally don’t maintain hair long enough before it’s cut to worry about keeping its condition very healthy. If you have ‘jumpy/ fluffy’ hair, applying condition after washing it every day will help it to stay flatter, if you are someone who likes more height in their hairs appearance, don’t use conditioner, however be more gentle combing through hair that’s not conditioned. Blow drying hair To get the best look and longevity in your style, dry hair into shape when quite wet, it does not take much longer and the results are very clear. Heavy towel drying or leaving hair for a while only allows some wet hairs to be dried into a undesired position, thus leaving it harder to get the shape you want to create when you come to drying My close second is Roscoes Chicken and Waffles. How do you keep your hair, skin and teeth in good condition? My skin care regiment is from DMH Aesthetics (www.dmhaesthetics.com) located in Larchmont, Los Angeles. The wonderful team there constructed a routine that works and keeps my skin clear and even. I use an Antioxidants + Hydrating Cleanser, C + E Times Three Serum (which is used to reduce redness, smooth lines, and firm skin), and their Brightening eye serum. With my dental hygiene, I brush twice a day. Additionally, I simply follow my dentists key order to remember to floss! Flossing really does work wonders because it prevents the cavities in between teeth that brushing cannot reach or fight. On a purely aesthetic level, I do whiten my teeth once or twice a year and I just use CREST
Haircuts Most men will need to get their hair cut within 4-6 weeks. Short hairstyles show they are out of shape quicker than longer looks. Even longer hairstyles need to be maintained and cleaned up, clumpy heavy hair and long neck hair isn’t a good look!
year and I just use CREST Whitestrips. They are economical and effective! I love it because people will often compliment my white teeth and ask if I did some expensive whitening process at a doctors office. I just simply say, “Nope! I did it while sitting on my couch watching MTV’s: The Challenge.” As for my hair, I take biotin daily. These vitamins have seriously made my hair feel so much softer and fuller. Also when blow drying my hair, I use a heat protecting spray to keep it from getting damaged. What advice do you have to slim down and bulk up? Not only do you have to eat very clean but my advice for slimming down would be high-intensity workout classes. The classes are fun, effective, and keep you motivated. It is a nice feeling to know that when you are exhausted and look a hot mess you can gaze to your right or left and see a classmate going through the same thing
your right or left and see a classmate going through the same thing. Bulking up you have to be eating and lifting heavy. That doesn’t mean you go in there and start swinging the heaviest thing you can find. You have to start light, make sure your form is correct, and continue to add weight over time.
Instagram: bennzzzzy Interview by Calum Donoghue 5
Products This is too big of subject to delve deep into, but don’t be put off by products that give you a result not being in top salons. The top products and brands don’t necessarily mean they will give you the best result. Don’t use actual wax, it’s very hard to remove and builds up on your hair/scalp. For most styles, product is to hold a shape, not create it, use the correct product for your hair after drying properly! Don’t spend hundreds of pounds and don’t spend a couple of pound, go for the middle price range.
GROOMING
From preparing for your ski break to packing for a Greek island get-away, David Calderon shares tips on how to tailor your grooming to fit your climate You have a grooming routine? Great! Globetrotter? Even better! But did you know that you should be adapting your grooming routine as you travel to different destinations? Travelling to various locations with changes in temperature and moisture levels can often wreak havoc on your skin.
compounded by the fact that the minute you go inside to escape the cold you'll sit by the log-wood fireplace to warm yourself up. This exacerbates the drying out of your skin so you must invest in a heavy moisturiser - ideally one that locks in moisture for your face and hands. Since your face will be up in arms battling the cold environment you should be using a gentle facial cleanser when washing. This will keep your face immaculate without over-drying or stripping it of its natural oils. You may love your hot showers but you should keep those to a minimum when in cold weather. By showering with hot water for a prolonged period of time you'll only increase your skin's dryness. Keep it short, use warm water, and moisturise immediately after.
When facing cold temperatures the number one rule to remember is to moisturise. The icy winds and outside sub-zero temperatures will dry out your skin fast. This is
If you prefer to be clean-shaven then bad news because you should leave that razor at home. An extremely cold environment is no place for a razor. When your facial
@DriftingDCal DriftingDudes.com
skin is fighting the cold elements the last thing you want to do is to strip away with a blunt razor. Instead, bring along a shaver that allows you to get a close shave without the harm of a razor. Avoid that razor burn! If you're sporting a beard then you want to pay extra attention to that maintenance of your facial hair. Choose a beard oil to keep hair soft and moisturiser even against the freezing cold. Your grooming routine changes up a bit when going to warmer climates. Remember rule number one is to moisturise. But since you'll be in the sun much more you should choose a moisturiser that has SPF. This will keep your skin in good condition throughout the day and protect your skin from sun's rays. Any time you are in the sun you need SPF protection on any exposed skin. With heat comes more sweat so you'll want to take that into consideration during your grooming
routine. A good idea when in a warmer climate is to choose a deepcleaning face wash that is perfect for everyday use. This will help in removing all the dirt and muck that'll accumulate on your face from all your sweating without over-drying your skin. Even a gentle exfoliating cleanser would be an excellent addition to your grooming routine. A new addition to your grooming regime when in warmer destinations is to bring along a skin toner. They come in handy because of their ability to combat breakouts caused by sweat and sunblock. An added benefit is that they keep excessive facial oil at bay so you'll be less shiny. Since you'll be using sunblock on a daily basis it's a good idea to bring a skin toner along for the ride so you don't breakout. With so many men's products readily available now you can easily find a favourite to suit your travel needs wherever you go.
GROOMING
EXPERT Tips Teeth by Dr Richard Marques
Visit the Dentist See your dentist every six months for a general check-up. Even if you maintain a really good oral hygiene routine, a dentist can look for early indications of serious issues such as periodontitis (gum disease). A good dentist will also advise how to give your teeth the best possible clean!
Beauty Pie Advanced Serum-Infusion Biocellulose Anti-Aging Sheet Mask Mr. Smith Balancing Shampoo & Conditioner
L:A Bruket Lemongrass Body Lotion
With temperatures soaring to summer heights – albeit late – it’s time to get ready to combat the sizzling months ahead. By Maria Jarmola After what feels like an eternity of blistering winds in London, freezing temperatures and endless snowstorms, one must wave goodbye to winter once and for all by indulging in some skincare and haircare ceremonials. While the barbecues and beer gardens are calling, so are other less friendly facets of midsummer – combat the humidity, heat and the sun’s harmful rays and invest in high quality, hard working products with our top picks for the season.
La Roche Posay Anthelios Invisible AntiShine Mist
treatment after a day in the sun. Immunocologie Face Serum, £130 at CultBeauty, immunocologie.com. La Roche Posay Anthelios Invisible Anti-Shine Mist This product will not leave your side (or your face) this summer. P r o v i d i n g U VA a n d U V B protection in the lightness and freshness of a thermal spring water, this is sun care at its finest. Suitable for oily and blemish-prone skin as well as skin that is prone to sensitivity, the highly moisturising spray is easy to apply, quickly absorbed and delivers a double antishine action with an ultra-dry finish and not a white mark in site for skin that not only looks great but is also completely protected from the sun’s harmful rays. La Roche Posay Anthelios Invisible Anti-Shine Mist, £14 at la-rocheposay.co.uk
Immunocologie Face Serum
L:A Bruket Lemongrass Body Lotion This activating L:A Bruket body lotion has essential oils of lemongrass and rosemary which both have stimulating and astringent properties that activate the skin, whilst coconut oil, cocoa butter and shea butter work together to protect skin against harsh weather – hot or cold. L:A Bruket Lemongrass Body Lotion, £31 at Liberty London, labruket-usa.com.
Mr. Smith Balancing Shampoo & Conditioner For hair that’s lustrous on the outside and healthy on the inside, this gender-neutral, Australian wonder-brand is your secret to envy-inducing hair all summer long. The PETA-approved range is crafted with essential oils to prevent dryness using cacao seed butter and wheat protein. Everything in the range is not only infused with botanicals but is also sulphate and paraben-free.
Beauty Pie Advanced SerumInfusion Biocellulose Anti-Aging Sheet Mask The ultimate in high-tech skincare efficiency, this instant-result, moisture-intensive mask delivers an active dose of wrinkle-smoothing seaweed polysaccharides for skin that is smooth and soft. Perfect for putting in the fridge before applying for de-puffing and calming skin, each mask is infused with hydrolyzed wheat proteins that deliver a natural and almost-instant effect of smoother, softer and firmer skin. Beauty Pie Advanced Serum-Infusion Biocellulose AntiAging Sheet Mask, £55 for 5 masks at beautypie.com
Mr Smith Balancing Shampoo, £25 and Mr Smith Balancing Conditioner, £27 at Salon 64, mrsmith.com.au. Immunocologie Face Serum Designed with a triple action approach to hydrate, firm and nourish, Immunocologie Face Serum is a nutrient-rich and antiinflammatory dry oil that plumps and soothes skin for a more radiant complexion. Ideally applied before your moisturiser as a night treatment after a day in the sun.
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Brush Twice Daily In order to maintain a healthy, happy mouth you should brush your teeth at least twice a day. Bacteria naturally builds in the mouth and can be harmful if neglected. An accumulation of bacteria can cause plaque that damages tooth enamel, and can lead to gingivitis (inflammation of the gums). It is also essential for maintaining fresh breath and a clean, white smile! Eat & Drink Smart Avoid sugary foods and drinks wherever possible. Bacteria in the mouth feeds on sugar, turning it to acid that can lead to tooth decay. Drink fizzy drinks and fruit juice through a straw to minimise contact with the teeth and opt for pale foods such as chicken and fish to reduce staining. Floss & Rinse Be sure to clean between the teeth at least once a day with dental floss to remove any debris left behind that a toothbrush can’t reach, and don’t forget to rinse your mouth with a non-alcoholic mouthwash containing fluoride, to ensure your whole mouth is clean and healthy! Brush Through Bleeding Gums Though it may be uncomfortable at the time, continue to brush your teeth if your gums are bleeding. The inflammation will gradually heal, reducing redness and soreness. However, if the bleeding persists or gets worse, make an appointment to see your dentist as soon as possible as it could be a sign of gum disease.
TOOL OF THE
TREAD
By Anthony Francis
SKILLRUNTM sets a new benchmark in performance running and answers the needs of all runners, from sprinters to marathon runners and triathletes. Thanks to unique M U LT I D R I V E TECHNOLOGYT, SKILLRUNTM offers both cardio training and resistance workouts to enhance power. The interactive ‘unity’ console –the same platform and interface offered throughout the entire Technogym range - allows users to access a completely customised workout experience, engaging and motivating them through digital content, personalised training programmes and data tracking. When it comes to programmes, SKILLRUNTM offers a wide range of innovative workouts including high intensity interval training, speed resistance training and neuromuscular training, as well as immersive and entertaining programmes to motivate the user.
FITNESS
On his hunt to find the best of the best, this issue Robbiie
Young searches for the ultimate fitness classes…
In recent years, exercise classes have been growing in popularity around London. There are two companies that are talked about often within my friendship circles these are Barry’s Bootcamp and Orange Theory, although I do wish my friends were more the type for Ben and Jerry’s, but you can’t have it all. First stop, Shannon’s Class at Barry’s Bootcamp ( w w w. b a r r y s b o o t c a m p . c o m ) . Straight away I knew that it was not for the faint hearted, and I knew I was about to be pushed beyond all limits. The Monday class was Arms and Abs, but no class is ever the same, and are spaced throughout the day and week. With different areas of the body to work out, so you can choose a particular class you want dependant on the area of the body you are looking to tone up.
The classes are a mixture of treadmills and floor, you start on either the tread or floor and work with weights on endurance running and swopping over every 10 to 15 minutes. The class I went to was upbeat high energy and fun! The results from Barry’s are amazing, the classes at are intense but the results are incredible.
work out with its price a competitive £20 for a session but will be cheaper with bulk buying. I would recommend to anymore who is looking to get into shape but has some experience of exercise classes as it is very intense, but brilliant. When I arrived at the Orange T h e o r y ( w w w. o r a n g e t h e o r y fitness.com) studio in Islington I wasn’t too sure what to expect. The room had treadmills, rowing machines and space on the floor for weights, the class was not as intense as Barry’s but was still challenging and a brilliant work out.
If you book a session with Shannon “you’d better WERK!” Shannon’s class is quite possibly the only class where you’ll be made to run at speeds of over 10 miles per hour whilst listening to RuPaul and the Spice Girls. If you want a brilliant work out and be able to listen to Kylie Minogue and all of the camp queens whilst doing so, I’d go here as this is the only work out session like it, and I couldn’t recommend it more.
My session was led by a gentleman called Emmanuel. He ensured that the class was pushing themselves and that everyone was carrying out their exercise correctly, there were less people in my class so the instructor did have more time to help you if needed.
After the session there is a chance to be able to pick up a smoothie with added protein in to help give your workout that extra boost, I went for the Yogi Berry smoothie which was delicious, my only complaint would be that in the smoothie they use plastic straws. They should try and not use single use plastics to help the environment.
I started with this class on the floor and did weights and exercises to help strengthen my core and arms. After around 20 minutes I went onto the treadmill and did a series of exercises where I alternated from the treadmill to the rowing machine.
Over all, Barry’s is an exceptional
Although the music was not quite
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as camp, the atmosphere as great and everyone was pushing each other to get into the ‘orange zone’. The Orange zone is measured by your heart beat, as you register you are given a heart monitor and your progress is tracked for the whole session and its recorded by your heart beat once you hit certain BPM your colour changes, it can range from grey, green, blue, orange and red. The aim of the session is to stay in the orange zone and to collect as many ‘splat points’ as possible and again you do this by staying in the orange zone. Your performance is also on the screens for you to track so you know to push yourself harder or to try and slow down. After your session is completed you will get an email with all the info from your work out, which tells you how long you’ve been in each zone, how many calories you’ve burnt and how many ‘splat points’ you’ve earned. Over all I really enjoyed Orange Theory, its prices are £20 per session but you can buy in bulk to make the classes cheaper, I found that if you were new to bootcamps and wanted something to get you into shape this is the class for you. Results happen fast at orange theory and you can tack your progress.
FITNESS
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STAY
STEVAN
REYES
PHOTO: AKA BEVERLY HILLS
Editor Calum Donoghue meets photographer
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PHOTO: AKA BEVERLY HILLS
STAY
STAY
QH QUESTIONABLES
You are based in Miami, is this where you take most of your photography? Yes, I'm based in Miami and primarily shoot down on the beach. I really love being outdoors so most of my work is on location on the sand, in the water, or in some kind of wilderness! How is living in Miami? Living in Miami definitely has its perks like great weather (for most of the year), an amazing mix of people from all different cultures, and beautiful people! When you visit, theres no doubt you can find a ton of places for you to check out, depending on what you're into. When I'm not shooting, editing, or catching up on sleep, I love hanging at bars and lounges in Wynwood or on the beach.
34 / QUEL HOMME / ISSUE 3 / LONDON
PHOTO: AKA LOCKY BEVERLY BROWNLIE HILLS BY CALUM DONOGHUE
When did you think about becoming a photographer? I guess I've always had a knack for capturing moments and
sharing them with others. Growing up I was always the kid with the camera snapping pictures of my friends in school. When I was a junior in high school, my good friend Daniella had a ‘nice camera’, so we would come up with concepts for shoots and then have our peers bring our visions to life. I eventually bought my own camera and just kept working on creating with new people throughout college until another good friend of mine, Ren, got my foot in the door working with agencies. What have been some of your favourite shoots to do and why? Hmm, that's tough! I've been extremely fortunate in working with all-around amazing people throughout my career so far, so its hard picking some of my favorite shoots! Generally when I shoot, the model and I end up spending the whole day at the beach or wherever we shoot, so it honestly never feels
shoot, so it honestly never feels like ‘work’.
nude to create art seems at times more comfortable than wearing clothes to a model.
My favourite shoots are with people that just have a great vibe and work ethic such as Christian Hogue, Alli Martinez, M i t c h e l l Wi c k , A n t h o n y Greenfield, Ashlen Alexandra, Lucas Bloms, and Josh Cranston. Anytime I work with them, I always have a hard time choosing which to edit, they all turn out amazing.
Instagram has become a very important platform for creatives, has this changed/ helped your craft at all? Social media in general has played such a huge role in helping to bring a lot of creative and talented people together without much effort. Nowadays its fairly easy for you to contact an artist you are inspired by or be contacted by someone you would love to work with. The majority of my professional photography career has been driven via social media, more specifically Instagram, and I find it extremely fascinating. From an artist's standpoint, its really important to me to be able to see how someone wants to portray themselves to the world, and Instagram allows creatives to showcase that to whoever is willing to follow them (or creepily stalk their page). By being active on
You have often shot your models nude, how do you ensure your subject feels comfortable? A lot of it has to do with my easy-going personality, but communication and respect is key! I've heard so many horror stories of models who have been ambushed and pressured by photographers when they arrive on set expecting them to strip down and pose when that concept was never even discussed beforehand. If everyone involved is informed of the vision for a shoot, posing nude to create art seems at t honestly never feels
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page). By being active on Instagram and engaging with others, you're able to make a name for yourself, travel and work with people you want to create with. What other photographers inspire your work? The people that inspire me are an eclectic mix of artists that I have seen grow or are continuously growing to define their own style in this extremely competitive industry. New-age artists such as Kenney Sweeney, ChuanDo Tan and Frey Ow, Wong Sim, L e o n a r d o C o r r e d o r, a n d M a r i a n o Vi v a n c o d o a n amazing job at connecting the individualised beauty of a person's soul with the fluid movements their bodies are able to make. www.sreyesphotos.format.com Instagram: sreyesphotos
HOW TO
DETOX
WELLNESS
Grace Santorini is the most exclusive hotel on the popular Greek island, perched above Caldera Grace Santorini enjoys magical views from a clifftop location in one of Greece’s most romantic holiday islands. Having received consistent critical acclaim since it opened in 2008, the hotel reopened in May 2016 following extensive enhancements to its luxurious rooms and suites, restaurant and the creation of a new Champagne lounge with breath-taking views of the Caldera. The hotel’s complete renovation provides guests with a significantly upgraded experience, whilst retaining the intimacy it has become synonymous with.
Innovative design and a holistic approach for enriched luxury wellness reinforces Grace Santorini as one of the world’s top luxury boutique hotels. To meet the demands of the growing number of people seeking enhanced wellness, the hotel has created a yoga and Pilates studio with adjoining fitness area featuring the latest Technogym equipment. Complimentary group yoga sessions are offered twice daily whilst those wanting a more tailored approach can reserve private training, which can be taken within the hotel surroundings or across the rugged landscape of Santorini. www.gracehotels.com
WELLNESS The Body Holiday, St Lucia BodyHoliday is not merely a relaxing or refreshing getaway, but it is designed to leave you entirely renewed. The luxurious wellness resort in St Lucia provides a personal service of spa treatments, therapies and activities based on the four pillars of exercise, good diet, restorative beauty and relaxation. The spectacular landscape of natural waterfalls and unspoilt rainforests creates a perfect island paradise - and the resort offers every pastime possible. Guests can enjoy the use of an 18-hole championship golf course, 3 swimming pools, a class studio, PADI diving, tennis courts, fitness classes and an award-winning spa. There is a range of treatments at the spa, all designed to help enhance guest’s well-being. Recognised as one of the world’s finest destination spas, the Wellness Centre is a true sanctuary, where every soothing treatment is designed to help you unwind, recharge and rediscover a sense of well-being. From time-honoured massages and therapies for ultimate relaxation to state-of-the-art programmes for restoring optimal health, there is an endless list of luxuries to indulge in. www.thebodyholiday.com
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HOW TO
RETOX
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TRAVEL
Well done you have successfully detoxed your way to a better shape and more balanced wellbeing, but we all need to blow off steam… Here is how to RETOX in Las Vegas The words ‘boutique’ and ‘subtle’ are seldom used when describing the thousand roomed mega hotels on the Sunset Strip of Las Vegas. But the new W hotel (www.wlasvegas.com), sitting on the north end of the strip, is a rarity when it comes to size, with just 289 rooms. A show around with the hotel’s Director of Marketing, Matt Peschke, reveals the sleek interiors, which subtly brings iconic Vegas references into the modern design of the space. The Living Room, where guests leaving the suite to enjoy a night on
and visitors can mingle around the long cocktail bar, nods to iconic Vegas symbols throughout its artwork and design. From the poker card style photography hung at its far end, through to the pretty wall dividers, creating the shape of the room, made from hundreds of dice, it brings a more tasteful reflection of Sin City’s symbols. The fun and campy Away spa, decked from head to toe in hot pink, is a submerged oasis to book a treatment, hit the 24 hour gym, or to just generally detox before you retox. The QH treatment of choice has to be the Massage A Trois: a dual treatment-exfoliating bath soak detox, with hydrating body wrap, scalp massage, and full body massage. Bliss! Exclusively accessible to W guests, the open-air rooftop pool is seductively glamorous and perfect to catch some rays after a spa splurge. No poolside visit in Vegas is complete without a delicious raspberry syrup, lime and ginger
cocktail, so try the Floradora, a concoction of Hendrick’s Gin, raspberry syrup, lime and ginger beer. The Wow Suites must be booked to enjoy an indulgent visit to the W. With spacious and airy living room, dining area and completely fabulous bathroom, it makes leaving the suite to enjoy a night on the Strip a very difficult task. Guests of the W Las Vegas will also have complete access to delicious dining, including Bazaar Meat by José Andrés; Katsuya; Cleo; Umami Burger; 800 Degrees Neopolitan Pizza; Northside Café; Chinese Kitchen; and The Perq. Next to the hotel’s private entrance sits the concierge team, who become a life-line when trying to make heads or tails of the casinos, pool parties and celeb restaurants. A recommendation takes us to BAZ – A Musical Mash-Up (www.venetian.com), which, as the name suggests, is a collision of Baz
name suggests, is a collision of Baz Lurman’s most memorable movie musicals. It captures the love stories imagined by the famed director, including Romeo + Juliet, Moulin Rouge, and The Great Gatsby. The show will captivate with soul-stirring music and stunning performances from an ensemble cast of vocalists, actors, and dancers. The ultimate post show experience is a cocktail at Skyfall Lounge (www.delanolasvegas.com), with a menu rooted in classic structure but reinterpreted using contemporary techniques and unexpected flavours. The view is out of this world, stretching from the south end of the Strip, encompassing the majority of the iconic landmarks. Skyfall Lounge impresses with deep purple, red and honey gold accents and subtle cloud forms hanging overhead. Every seat in the room delivers optimal views of the sparkling Vegas skyline, while the expansive outdoor patio offers a relaxing, fresh-air escape.
TRAVEL
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BEST PLACES TO BE A… VEGAN IN LONON
FOOD
It is no secret that in the last year London’s vegan scene has escalated, Jax
Turner picks the best in the QH capital
Now that we are aware veganism is more than its once ‘bland salad’ label, we enter new territories as a vegan, with options of plant based fast food to fermented kimchi, we explore what some of the latest vegan restaurants in London have to offer. On February 6th, 2018 London opened it arms to popular US plant based food chain By Chloe ( w w w. e a t b y c h l o e . c o m ) . T h e concept for its menu design is fast vegan food with the London restaurant separating itself from its US cousins by creating a unique menu for Europe. Taking influence from the English classics, you can
from the English classics, you can find £7.80 fish and chips made with tofu and wrapped in seaweed, shepherd’s pie made with seitan, and a sticky toffee pudding made without eggs or butter. Popular options, particularly for their Instagram-worthiness, is the zero cheese ‘mac n cheese’, and the £9.00 ‘Gauc burger’, made with a black-bean patty and often partnered with sweet potato fries and a famous ‘beet ketchup’. The menu offers all the guilty pleasures of a cheat meal and all items come wrapped resembling a takeaway, however it promises a 100% vegan cuisine with no added preservatives or artificial colours. It’s good news if you’re a fan of taking your pup to dine with you with one section of the menu titled ‘Woof by Chloe’, which gives two organic options for your beloved pet, playfully named; Pupcakes and Bag O’ Dog Bones. Tucked away in the heart of Shoreditch, renowned raw-food guru Matthew Kenney and founder, lime and ginger
guru Matthew Kenney and founder Bart Roman opened the doors to their new restaurant Essence Cuisine (www.essence-cuisine.com) in September 2017. There are two experiences to choose from, a dine in menu or a grab-and-go option with its own name; Essence Express. The ethos of the restaurant is to serve food that is nutrient dense yet aesthetically pleasing remaining free-from all the usual suspects of meat, dairy, refined sugar and gluten. The dine in experience consists of all-day-breakfast, dinner and desert options as well as an impressive selection of nut milks and cold pressed juices. Whether you are the savoury or sweet type, there are charming options for both; the Garbanzo Scramble, with chickpeas replacing the eggs, comes with piquant flavours of green harissa and asparagus. For the sweet-toothed folk, the raw coconut banana pancakes topped with candied walnuts, berries, mint and vanilla ice-cream is a colourful
candied walnuts, berries, mint and vanilla ice-cream is a colourful option, topped with edible flowers. The Heriloom Lasagne from the ‘mains’ is made with macadamia ricotta and sun dried tomato mariana, wedged between thinly stacked strips of courgette. This aesthetic work of art has become a photo favourite for consumers. Essence Cuisine keeps most its ingredients in their simplest form, not compromising on nutrient density or flavour. This is certainly a place to relish over each carefully constructed ingredient, not a fast food hangout. More know for its world-class ceviche dishes, the overwhelming popularity of a recent vegan menu at COYA’s Mayfair and Bank r e s t a u r a n t s (www.coyarestaurant.com) has led to Chef Sanjay Dwivedi incorporating the best sellers into its main menu. Sanjay is an advocate for big flavours and has built a Peruvian menu which is now
FOOD
advocate for big flavours and has built a Peruvian menu which is now available world wide in the Middle East and soon to launch Monaco restaurant COYA Monte-Carlo.
and colour. The broccoli also gets a consistent shout-out, with bloggers describing the £5.95 chargrilled broccoli sprinkled with umami breadcrumbs as a highlight.
COYA’s Latin American flare doesn’t stop at the vegan dishes, with the cauliflower tiradito with winter truffle stealing the show with a complex taste. You must also order the Calabacines y Hongos, made with courgette, shiitake, mint and garlic chips. Even the guacamole starter is a show stopper, presented and prepared right in front of you.
Enter old faithful and strong standing vegan restaurant, Mildred’s (www.mildreds.co.uk). The popularity of this vegan eatery has escalated fast in recent times, but the Mildred seed was planted on Greek Street in Soho back in 1988. We wonder why Mildred’s has stood the test of time against new competition, but the answer is quite simple, with a great selection for starters, mains and deserts, you could easily spend more time deciding what to eat than eating.
Situated in SW1 tucked behind David Jones in Sloane Square we find Wulf & Lamb (www.wulfandlamb.com), the restaurant that opens the doors for ferocious herbivores and friends. Chef Franco Casolin, previously at renowned vegetarian restaurant Vanilla Black, is now part of the vegan wolf pack in west London. The menu offers similar classics to byChloe - burgers, pies and mac n cheese – at a glance, the £14.95 spicy veg burger filled with tomato, pickle and cashew aioli may seem expensive, but it comes served with sauerkraut and wedges included in the price, similarly the mac n cheese at Wulf & Lamb is a mere £1 extra. The chilli non carne is the star of the show. Made with smoky chilli of spiced mushrooms, lentils and kidney beans on basmati herb rice with cashew sour cream and zesty flavours, this dish is full of flavour and colour. The broccoli also gets a consistent shout-out, with bloggers
approach to byChloe and Wulf & Lamb, the prices are still within the same bracket, however the amount and quality of food is unmistakably superior. Although Essence cuisine can boast a far more aesthetically pleasing plate, the volume of food for an equivalent price at Mildred’s mean you would likely leave Mildred’s opening a button. If you can manage, the dessert menu really takes things to a whole new level, the raspberry crumble is quite popular. It is clear there’s an option to invite a meat-eater friend here with you for dinner. If you find yourself in the E9 postcode by Victoria Park you will f i n d t h e R e h a b Ve g a n c a f é (www.rehabhackney.com). Their ethos is simple; ‘provide healthy food and drink and enjoy life’. Their mission is to provide delicious organic homemade vegan produce that’s as locally sourced as possible to their customers. A menu with offerings of sandwiches, bowls and specials includes fermented foods and seasonal vegetables. A rainbow bowl filled with all organic ingredients; spiced heated tofu, fermented food, seasonal greens and bread for £13. It is a worthy portion of food, similar to a bowl at Mildred’s, or for something a little lighter you can opt for a simple avocado sandwich with herbs and kimchi for £7. The menu offers vegan cheese options, similar to that of Essence Cuisine, and kimchi can be added to most dishes.
A starter of smashed avocado, lime and organic corn chips is £5, which is worth every penny as you devour a generous amount of avocado with tasty black corn chips. The Srilankan curry with sweet potato, green beans with pea basmati rice priced at £13.00 is a delicious warm, hearty meal with spice and a creamy texture, albeit, the amount of sweet potato can be slightly overwhelming. If you’re looking for something a little lighter, the soul bowl with all the goodness of; carrots, beetroot, quinoa, avocado, shiitake, cashew cheese, mixed seeds and sesame dressing take your taste buds on a journey. There are also many burger options to choose from, which gives vegans a little breathing space so they don’t have to feel so limited. The mains represent a different approach to byChloe and Wulf & Lamb, the prices are still within the same
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The drinks menu starts with the usual flat whites and herb teas, then evolves to Magic Cocoa, beet latte a
evolves to Magic Cocoa, beet latte and turbo tonics. Further down the menu is a quite humorously titled ‘bad drinks’ list which includes the likes of Camden Hells lager and Crate cider. Those with the belief of ‘food be thy medicine’ would do well to visit this self-proclaimed medicinal café. In the heart of Hackney this café attracts the traditional Hackney dweller in the land of plant based foods, vegetable lattes and nut milks.
HOTEL
CAMIRAL
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TRAVEL
Hotel Cameral, set within the PGA Catalunya Resort, one of the world’s leading golfing resorts, offers luxury accommodation to stay and play If a golf course proclaimed to be the best in Spain, designed by legendary professionals, AND is on the out-skirts of Barcelona, wasn’t enough to draw you to this sleek hotel, then perhaps the stellar restaurant, vast outdoor pool and fitness centre might just be enough to twist your arm. Located on the doorstep of Girona, the 300-hectare PGA Catalunya Resort was established with two championship courses designed by European Tour board member and former tournament professional Angel Gallardo and Ryder Cup star Neil Coles. It incorporates a residents’ club and luxury 5-star hotel, Hotel Camiral.
Neil Coles. It incorporates a residents’ club and luxury 5-star hotel, Hotel Camiral. A golf lovers dream, Hotel Camiral has 145 rooms and suites with views across both top notch courses. The rooms themselves are cleanly designed, mostly white with lots of light and comfy beds. The trophy Presidential Suite is openplan which also offers breath-taking panoramic vistas over the landscaped grounds. Two bright, spacious bedrooms combine contemporary design with luxurious soft furnishings. State-of-the-art technology comes as standard, with interactive LCD screens, Wi-Fi and chargers. The two bathrooms are each finished in signature contemporary style with wood floors, floral hand painted Spanish tiles and gilt-edged mirrors. The sleek and elegant communal areas are open plan over various floors, with the lounge and restaurant fitted with floor to ceiling glass windows to lap up the
TRAVEL
Residences of the resort includes a selection of villa plots for sale, enabling owners the choice of undertaking their own project in keeping with the architectural concept of the resort, or letting the experienced Resort team take care entirely of the construction of their dream villa. www.pgacatalunya.com Espresso Mafia ceiling glass windows to lap up the Spanish sun. The restaurant, 1477, is named after a milestone date in the culinary history of Catalunya, and makes the most of local artisan food producers. The wine list is superb, with the team extremely knowledgeable about their selection of Spanish bottles, especially from the renowned wine regions of Catalunya. The team at the hotel encourage you to see the local Girona town so explore the boutique shops and charming restaurants along the River Onyar. Sit alfresco with a glass of Cold Brew at Espresso Maffia (espressomafiagirona.com) or a Catalan craft beer at Dolce Salato. Once back at the hotel head to the Pool Bar to sip a delicious cocktail in one of the lounge chairs as the sun sets over the Montseny mountains. The Lounge Bar also offers a welcoming place to gettogether for a drink or cocktail, as well as a more informal dining experience. The state-of-the-art gym space comes equipped with treadmills, elliptical, cycle and stair-climbing m a c h i n e s b y Te c h n o g y m ( w w w. t e c h n o g y m . c o m ) , a n d personal television monitors and headphones. For those who enjoy outdoor exercise, ask the team to arrange a sports activity from bike riding to horse riding, fishing and fitness, to diving in the crystal waters of the Costa Brava.
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CHARLES-LAURENT
MARCHAND
QH QUESTIONABLES
How did you start modelling? I was 20 years old and working at Walt Disney World. After a year in their international programme, I decided to spend my last month in New York City where I was hired by Abercrombie & Fitch while walking through their Fifth Avenue store. A week into the job, an agency scouter found me there. What are your favourite and least favourite things to do in the gym? Abs are my favourite, with legs being my least - arggh so hard!! Talk us through a typical work out for the week? I’ll start with some heavy cardio to stay limber and lean. From there I’ll do focused weight training, rotating muscle groups each day, but always ending with abs. What are your favourite cheat foods? Candy! It’s my drug of choice (little secret, Haribo Dragibus). What are your passions outside of modelling and fitness? I love baking and painting! Describe your personal style. Timeless elegance with a fresh and fun perspective. Where have been your favourite places to visit for work? I adore Positano in Italy, Charleston in South Carolina, and Napa in California. What would you say is your best feature? I would say my height (6.4). After which I'll let you the imagine the rest... Instagram: laurent.xiv
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STYLE
STYLE
Espresso Mafia
According to the House of Commons Environmental Audit Committee the UK uses 13 billion plastic bottles a year leading to plastic bottles making up over a third of all plastic waste that goes into the oceans. To help stop some of that plastic going back into the ocean, innovative London-based travel towel brand Dock & Bay have designed a range of sustainable men’s swimwear shorts - made from 100% recycled plastic. Dock & Bay’s environmentallyfriendly new range of swim shorts, makes use of discarded plastic bottles, helping with the global problem of plastic pollution. In keeping with their previous travel towel collections, the new range of shorts, priced at £30, feature classic striped designs in seven different colours and are all made from recycled plastic bottles, using 6 bottles per pair of shorts. In June 2017, Dock & Bay replaced all the plastic bags that they use to protect their towels during transportation to customers, with 100% biodegradable material. This will bring 200,000 single-use plastic bags out of action every year. www.dockandbay.com
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