Wander Wellness Travel Magazine Fall 2018

IMAGE: ©GRAIL SPRINGS

$6.95

VO LU M E 4 • I S S U E 3

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10 WELLNESS TAKES FLIGHT

SELF-CARE AND HEALTHY OPTIONS AT THE AIRPORT

16 CREATING AN ESSENTIAL OIL TRAVEL KIT MAINTAIN YOUR PHYSICAL, EMOTIONAL AND MENTAL WELL-BEING ON THE ROAD

20 SHAPE SHIFTING

HOT (AND COLD) TRENDS IN FITNESS

24 BE MORE WITH LESS

BUILDING AN ETHICAL, MINIMALIST WARDROBE

30 A JUICE A DAY

ENJOY A FRESH JUICE A DAY AND DRAMATICALLY IMPROVE YOUR WELLNESS!

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36 SURFING CONFESSIONS TALES OF A SURFING ADDICT

42 ESSENTIALS

THE THINGS THAT YOU ABSOLUTELY MUST HAVE!

48 AUFGUSS

SAUNA'S ODDEST—AND MOST EXHILARATING—RITUAL

54 THE CUP RUNNETH OVER

HOLISTIC TRANSFORMATION AT GRAIL SPRINGS

62 MEET: KRISTI SOOMER

FOUNDER AND CEO OF ENCIRCLED, A TORONTO-BASED ETHICAL FASHION COMPANY

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WANDER / CONTENT / WHO WE ARE

PUBLISHER Matthew Ross EDITOR Kristina Smith WEST COAST BUREAU Mark Stanton SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER Lisa Zukerman ADVERTISING SALES adsales@wander-mag.com GUEST EDITOR, EAT WELL Eric Pateman GUEST EDITOR, LIVE WELL Chris Ryall CONTRIBUTORS Aura Cacia / Susan Czyzo Waheeda Harris / Elizabeth Heath SPECIAL THANKS Kimberly Breese / Jacqui Shannon / Tara Benson CONNECT editor@wander-mag.com

@wander.travel.mag

MARKETING & CREATIVE Springfed Creative Inc. / design@springfedcreative.ca

IMAGE: ©JEREMY-BISHOP

Springfed Creative is a strategic content company specializing in travel and destination marketing.

Wander is published by Springfed Creative Inc. and distributed through partners. No part of this publication may be copied or distributed without the written consent of the publisher. The views expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher, editor, or partners.

Proud member of the WTA

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WANDER / CONTENT / LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

While “experiential travel” was the industry buzzword a couple years back—tapping

into native cultures, meaningful interactions with locals, basically the desire to not feel like a tourist—”transformational travel” takes this further, to experiences motivated by self-reflection and personal growth, shifting perspectives, and communing with nature.

I was grateful to have the opportunity to experience this first-hand during my stay at Grail Springs Retreat in Ontario, Canada. Discover a magical forest, communing with horses, and inner transformation in my piece, “The Cup Runneth Over.”

Speaking of trends, Aufguss Sauna, an elaborate and fascinating ritual, was identified by the Global Wellness Institute in 2017 as part of a larger trend: the bold reinvention of an ancient Finnish tradition. Read a witty and personal account of this theatrical experience, and its unexpected cathartic and sensual benefits.

Plus, we’ve got sage advice on keeping well at the airport, tackling your fears through surfing, as well as ethical fashion and the joys of a minimalist wardrobe. Be sure to enter our giveaways as well: a natural supplement for women’s hormone balance and a prize pack of our top product picks this season!

As we prepare to attend the first-annual Wellness Tourism Association conference, new data on the market (defined as “travel to improve the health and wellbeing of an individual through physical, psychological, and spiritual activities”) confirms the explosive growth will continue.

Thank you for reading, and travel well, Kristina Smith wander-mag.com

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IMAGE: ©GAELLE MARCEL

The key driver, unfortunately, is a rise in mental health difficulties on a global scale. Contrary to some, we believe that wellness travel is not for the wealthy alone, but that it is for all of us: human beings, carving out beautiful lives, on this increasingly complex planet.

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TO DO THIS, YOU NEED TO EXPERIENCE SOLITUDE, WHICH MOST PEOPLE ARE AFRAID OF, BECAUSE IN THE SILENCE YOU HEAR THE TRUTH AND KNOW THE SOLUTIONS.” ~ DEEPAK CHOPRA wander-mag.com

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“TO MAKE THE RIGHT CHOICES IN LIFE, YOU HAVE TO GET IN TOUCH WITH YOUR SOUL.

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A Hyogo College of Medicine study found massage combined with aromatherapy provides stronger relief from fatigue than massage alone.1 Researchers from the World Health Organization have found that 1 in 4 adults worldwide doesn’t get enough exercise, putting "1.4 billion adults at risk of developing or exacerbating diseases linked to inactivity."2 Minimalism - the simplifying and paring down of physical clutter - shows positive mental health benefits.3

IMAGES (L TO R): ©JUSTYN-WARNER-529957; ©SARAH-DORWEILER

1. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov 2. thelancet.com 3. psychologytoday.com

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Self-Care & Healthy Options at the Airport

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By Waheeda Harris 10

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I love flying. But flying doesn’t love me.

For over 20 years I’ve circled the globe for work and vacations, regularly jetting from YYZ to every continent except Antarctica.

I’ve had the pleasure of flying in the jumbo jets, the puddle jumpers that seat 12, seaplanes, helicopters, hot air balloons and numerous trains, buses, taxis and ferries. Always eager to explore, my adventures come with a caveat: travel is not kind to me.

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My internal alarm clock adores adjusting to my destination – but avoids the reset when I return back to Canada, waking me up at disparate times of the day and night. My swollen ankles are a sign of my recent up in the air status, while my skin craves moisture the same way kids want candy.

I also became budget-(and eco) conscious, only purchasing water in places where bottled water was the only option. As I’ve become a pro at tilting my water bottle at drinking fountains, I’ve been thrilled with the increase in airports installing complimentary water dispensers for bottles.

Persistent in my on-board prevention, I’ve been the recipient of many a side eye as I twist and stretch on a plane, trying to boost my circulation as I chug water like a competitive athlete. As I tried to overcome travel’s effects on me, I realized the source of my problems could also be where I found solutions: the airport.

Scanning the shelves of airport sundry shops, I can source replacements for my on-board kit bag: travel-sized moisturizers and sunscreen, as well as lip balm and hydration tablets. And being able to chill out is easier despite the crowds: rocking chairs can be found in several American airports (CLT/ Charlotte was the first), and so are massage chairs, like Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport, where four euros buys eight minutes of shiatsu massage in the AMS Massage-O-Matic design chairs, a quick solution to boost my circulation during a layover.

Water became my raison d’etre for every flight.

I was an early adopter of having a water bottle in my carry-on entourage, not relying on the minimal glasses of water offered onboard. wander-mag.com

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IMAGES (CLOCKWISE): ©ADOBE STOCK; ©CHRISTIAN-DEKNOCK

My top three tips for airport travel: arrive early, hydrate often and indulge in me-time, airport-style.

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No need to skip a workout while on the road now either: at YYZ (Toronto) a $15 day pass allows access to the Terminal 1 location of GoodLife Fitness (another $10 includes Reebok gear rental).

YYZ travellers can also find meals for a wide range of diets (and some of my go-to choices) like Steel cut oats with fresh berries, dried fruit and almond milk from Lee Kitchen by Susur Lee, Hearth by Lynn Crawford’s Falafel and farro salad, grab and go halal and tasty Middle Eastern fare at Paramount Fine Foods (definitely order the Halloumi and spinach salad or the chicken and zucchini pizza) and kosher deli favourites from Caplansky’s Deli, like a Smoked Turkey sandwich.

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The Fairmont YVR Hotel at Vancouver International Airport has been a favourite for many years. And I’m not alone in my adoration for this property, the only Fairmont airport hotel, as it was recently named best airport hotel in North America by Skytrax World Airport Awards. I've regularly indulged in their Jetsetter tea while relaxing between flights, taken advantage of the 24-hour breakfast options from Globe YVR and booked a day room on the hotel’s Quiet Floor. But the best use of my time was the Jetlag Recovery Massage at the hotel’s Absolute Spa, which left me relaxed and with visiblyreduced swollen ankles. And my next goal: to indulge in the Fairmont Fit on the Fly program before my next departure, with passes offering access to their health club, which can include borrowing Reebok workout gear and a Re-Charge To Go Meal, a post-workout healthy option created by the Fairmont chefs.

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Another healthy option for travellers needing a spa fix is at an airport Aveda Experience Center – more than just a shop with Aveda products, staff offer complimentary herbal tea, minimassages and refreshes for hair and makeup (a welcome perk for me when I know I’m going into a meeting upon arrival). When a layover is over two hours, indulge in the XpresSpa, found in over 20 airports in the US, Europe and the Middle East. I gave myself a gift before an overnight flight from Dubai: a Rehydrating Facial that gives the skin a welcome dose of antioxidants, while reclining in an Xpress relaxation lounger.

International jetsetters should seek out Be Relax Spas, located in more than 50 airports around the world. Offering stylish travel accessories, including one of my travel must-haves, My Perfect Sleep Kit with inflatable neck pillow, sleep mask and earplugs, Be Relax offers two indulgences I highly recommend – the Vitality juice with lemon and mint to combat stress and Oxygen aromatherapy. Not sure what to choose?

Be Relax Spas offer treatments that fit into time categories from 10-15 minutes, 15-20 minutes and 30+ minutes.

Freelance journalist Waheeda Harris started travelling at a young age, curious to learn more about our planet's culture, cuisine and traditions. And despite her many travels, she still has one nemesis: jetlag.

Connect with Waheeda at about.me/waheedaharris.

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In partnership with Aura Cacia 16

IMAGE: ©ENJOYMENT-FASHION

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If you're travelling for business, you've packed essentials like your laptop, presentation and professional wardrobe. But have you considered what you can bring along to help maintain your physical, emotional and mental well-being on the road?

IMAGE: ŠAURA CACIA

On the other hand, if you're travelling for vacation, you're making sure to schlep all of the snacks, reading materials, clothing and toiletries, but what about a first aid kit of helpful DIY essential oil-based applications that will help make your trip as safe and enjoyable as possible?

What to Pack 1. Include bottles of protecting, purifying and cleansing essential oils such as tea tree, eucalyptus, lemon and sweet orange.

2. Next, include bottles of calming, relaxing and comforting essential oils such as lavender, geranium and rose otto.

3. Portable roll-on perfume made with skin care oil and essential oil.

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4. Essential oil-based face and body spray to help cope, refresh and revitalize your travel-worn mind, body and spirit (see sidebar for a balancing lavender and chamomile DIY face mist recipe!)

How to Pack It 1. Wrap anything breakable in a cushioned sleeve, but not so securely that you can't easily access it.

2. Place liquid items in a sturdy resealable plastic bag and place it in a protected area of your luggage or car.

3. Label everything.

Quick Tip: To freshen car or hotel carpets, simply sprinkle several drops purifying lemon, tea tree or eucalyptus essential oil onto them. wander-mag.com

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DIY

Face Mist with

Lavender & Chamomile Essential Oils

Ingredients:

15 drops Lavender Essential Oil 2 drops Clary Sage Essential Oil 2 drops Roman Chamomile Essential Oil 5 drops Lemon Essential Oil Âź cup water

IMAGE: ŠSHARON-MCCUTCHEON

Directions:

1. In mist bottle, combine essential oils.

2. Top off with water, replace lid and shake until well blended.

3. To use, shake bottle and mist face, avoiding eyes. wander-mag.com

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Women’s Hormone Health Giveaway Hormone decline is a health issue every woman will begin to experience sometime in her 30s.

Women older than 35 will likely spend more years in hormonal decline than not, making early intervention and sustaining balance critical for looking and feeling vibrant and youthful.

Progesterone is the key youth hormone for women. It is responsible for nearly all the mental and physical traits associated with youth and vitality including serotonin production, memory, bone strength, and conversion of stored fat to energy.

The Asensia® formula significantly improves the negative symptoms of hormone decline and imbalance that naturally occurs as a woman ages, without elevating hormone levels to an artificially high level. Many women self-report improvement within 1 week; almost all within 1 month of taking Asensia® daily.

Enter to win a 3-month supply of Asensia® and a copy of “Growing Younger Every Day” by Dr. Laurie Steelsmith!

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Lagree

cold workout classes

Created by entrepreneur Sebastien Lagree, this high-intensity, low-impact workout is this year’s IT thing, licensed by over 300 fitness studios worldwide. Lagree combines core, endurance, cardio, balance, strength and flexibility training in every move using their M3 Megaformer™ machines. If you enjoy an intense sweat session, this workout is for you.

Give heat the cold shoulder with this cool fitness concept, which promises improved blood circulation, decreased pain, and stress relief.

There are three workouts led by instructors - in 16°C (60°F), 13°C (55°F) and 7°C (45°F) temperatures - using various combinations of sandbells, slideboards, battle ropes, and dumbbells.

BEST PLACE TO TRY: Studio Lagree in Toronto, Canada. Three airy studio spaces marked by high ceilings, sleek modern decor, and outfitted with the latest M3 Megaformer machines.

BEST PLACE TO TRY: Feel the burn at Brrrn, creators of the concept, in New York City, USA. The refrigerated studio offers classes capped with a communal infrared sauna experience.

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PLOGGINg A portmanteau of jogging and the Swedish phrase 'plocka upp,' meaning pick up, plogging started as an organized activity in Scandinavia a couple of years ago and has grown in popularity thanks to social media. The concept is simple: bring a bag along on your run and pick up garbage along the way.

BEST PLACE TO TRY: Your own backyard.

Bring the kids or some friends along and power through your workout and litter in one karmic boost.

climbing Whether you're a lifelong boulderer or too scared of heights to set foot in a rock gym, it's hard not to get chills when you see a female climber complete a challenging route.

In addition to the recent uptick in women's interest in the sport, the climbing community has been in an era of "female firsts" for a while now.

In rock climbing, strength, flexibility, and nerves of steel are needed in equal measure — and more women than ever are proving that they're triple threats.

BEST PLACE TO TRY: Chalk up at The Climbing Works in Sheffield, the climbing capital of the UK, home to some of the best indoor bouldering walls in the world. wander-mag.com IMAGE: ŠBADY-QB

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on-demand yoga

rebounding

Yoga is truly for every body, wonderful for improving flexibility and balance not to mention its benefits for mental clarity and stress management. Now you can access top-notch yoga instruction from the comfort of your home or hotel room with online streaming and apps.

BEST PLACE TO TRY: Anywhere! when you subscribe to a yoga and meditation platform like Inner Dimension TV. Created by Yoga Alliancecertified E-RYT 500 instructor, Lauren Eckstrom, along with her husband Travis Eliot, IDM boasts over 60 classes created and taught by the couple including thematic Power Yoga, Meditation, Yin Yoga, Yoga for Beginners, Gentle, Restorative, and Pranayama practices.

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Move over kids...trampolines aren’t just for fun and games, or gymnasts, anymore. Trampoline workouts - called rebounding on a minitrampoline - are hugely popular with celebrities, and for good reason. The bouncing works your lower back and leg muscles; is a great cardio workout while being low-stress on the joints; boosts lymphatic drainage and immune function; improves digestion; and, it’s fun!

BEST PLACE TO TRY: Santiago, Chile at Summit Trampoline Parks, with hundreds of interconnected and wall trampolines for open jumping as well as foam pools to dive into.

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IMAGINE LOOKING INTO YOUR CLOSET EACH MORNING, SEEING EVERYTHING AND KNOWING EXACTLY WHAT TO CHOOSE, AND FEELING WONDERFUL ABOUT HOW YOU LOOK, AND WHERE YOUR CLOTHING CAME FROM. THIS IS THE MINIMALIST WARDROBE - A SELECTION OF HIGH-QUALITY, CONSCIOUS CLOTHING ITEMS THAT WORK WELL TOGETHER AND LOOK GREAT ON YOU.

BE MORE WITH LESS

IMAGES: ©ENCIRCLED

BUILDING AN ETHICAL, MINIMALIST WARDROBE

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WE SPOKE TO KRISTI SOOMER, Founder and CEO of Encircled, an eco- (and travel-) friendly clothing company based in Toronto, Ontario. Encircled makes versatile clothing from sustainable fabrics and is committed to high ethical standards in every single thing they do.

Read our "Meet" interiew with Kristi!

“Consumers value transparency from companies at a level we’ve not seen before, driven by access to information on the Internet. There is an increasing demand to understand the end to end supply chain, from where the clothing is made, the type of fabric used, and what people are being paid,” says Soomer. She says her customers are engaged and curious about their purchases, and that the trend is definitely moving toward quality 25

over quantity and being mindful of purchases.

Encircled lives its belief that transparency is essential to positive change in the fashion industry, so sustainability and conscious consumerism are at the core of every decision they make. The name originated from the idea that fashion can be full circle (their first piece, a cardigan, was named “The Cardi” in a nod to the Australian commitment to sustainability and wanderlust). They also believe strongly in inclusion; recognizing there are few ethical clothing options for plus size, the brand is introducing a greater variety of sizes.

Ethical fashion is rooted in the belief that clothing can be stylish and accessible, without exploiting people or the planet in the process. wander-mag.com

IMAGES: ©ENCIRCLED

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The fashion industry is the second largest polluting industry worldwide (after oil) because of the immense waste created during the manufacturing of clothing—end of roll fabrics, cuttings, and slightly flawed garments typically end up in landfill—not to mention the carbon footprint created when clothing is transported from country to country for different stages of production.

Buying ethical means supporting brands who care about fair labour practices, and have high environmental and waste management standards.

It also means the fabrics feel wonderful and are free of harmful chemicals. Encircled’s three core fabrics for example - modal, tencel and bamboo - are all naturally-derived, biodegradable, and sustainably sourced from regenerative crops that

do not use pesticides. The dyes as well are free of harmful chemicals which makes them kinder on your skin, health, and the environment.

Where does one start? Encircled notes that the journey to building a more ethical closet doesn’t need to be all or nothing - tossing your entire closet to replace everything at once isn’t the idea.

Start by auditing your entire wardrobe, keeping only what you love and love to wear. Donate the rest, then invest in one needed item—an ethically- and well-made shirt or pair of jeans— and simply be mindful about future purchases.

Choose fit over size, labels and numbers; with quality fabrics that will last, travel nicely and drape well. Launder with care, and your ethical and minimalist wardrobe will love you right back.

Sign up for updates from Encircled.ca and receive their excellent Minimalist Wardrobe Workbook to help you streamline your wardrobe and curate a closet full of items you love.

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We're growing!

DESTINATION SERIES The "Lonely Planet" of wellness travel, you'll find these regional guides useful both for planning your getaway and taking along on the road.

DESTINATION weddings An in-depth look at the most incredible locations and properties for your wedding, carefully curated for their focus on wellness and well-being.

BAMBOO Celebrating the growing movement toward sustainable and ethical travel options, Bamboo will inspire, educate and help you make choices for good.

Subscribe at wander-mag.com to get your complimentary copies 27

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IMAGE: ©MONIKA GRABKOWS

WANDER / FALL 18 / EAT WELL

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“I TOTALLY REGRET EATING HEALTHY TODAY.” ~ SAID NO-ONE EVER 28

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The key to long-term healthy weight is eating regularly – and no dieting.1 Enjoying foods like almonds, walnuts, avocados, green tea, and dark chocolate, along with drinking enough water, may be the secret to healthy skin.2 A diet rich in vegetables and fruits can lower blood pressure, prevent some types of cancer, and have a positive effect upon blood sugar, which can help keep appetite in check.3

IMAGES (L TO R): ©THOUGHT CATALOGUE; ©SCOTT WARMAN

1. sciencedirect.com 2. medicalnewstoday.com 3. hsph.harvard.edu

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Did you know that almost 90% of us don’t get the recommended amount of fruits and vegetables in our diet? You can vastly improve your health and wellbeing with the simple addition of just one, well-timed, freshly-pressed juice a day. Here are 3 delicious recipes to get you started courtesy of Juice Guru: Transform Your Life with One Juice a Day. wander-mag.com

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IMAGE: ©SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/JANE RIX

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Wheatgrass Cleanser Makes about 1 cup (250 mL)

Sweet and salty, with a slight kick from the ginger, this is a beautifully balanced juice, loaded with chlorophyll and a wide range of nutrients. It does, however, pack quite a punch, so you’ll want to introduce this highly nutritious juice into your diet slowly.

IMAGE: ©ISTOCKPHOTO.COM/KIRIN_PHOTO

Tips To peel ginger root quickly and easily, simply use the edge of a teaspoon. Scrape it back and forth along the root to remove the skin and reveal the yellow flesh underneath. While we recommend using fresh wheatgrass juice in this recipe, you’ll also get great results with frozen organic wheatgrass shots (available in the freezer section of most health food stores). If you are juicing wheatgrass yourself, be sure to do it before juicing the celery and ginger, so it’s ready to whisk in immediately.

Ingredients:

Instructions:

1 stalk celery, chopped 1 1⁄8-inch (3 mm) piece peeled gingerroot 2 oz. (60ml) wheatgrass juice

Using a juicer, process celery and ginger.

Add wheatgrass juice and whisk well. Serve immediately.

Juice Guru’s Tips We recommend drinking only 1 cup (250 mL) of this juice per day because of wheatgrass’s incredible vitamin and mineral content. A little is all you need. Some people find the taste of wheatgrass too sweet, and it can even elicit a gag reflex. If this happens to you, just take it slowly.

Once you start consuming wheatgrass on a regular basis (two to three times a week), you will build up a tolerance—as will your taste buds.

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Holy Basil Supreme Makes about 3 cups (750 mL) This juice tastes similar to a bowl of warm tomato basil soup on a cold winter day. The tried-and-true flavours will remind you of home. Tomato provides a rich, creamy flavour, apples bring a touch of sweetness, celery adds a tinge of saltiness, and fragrant basil complements it all perfectly.

Tomatoes provide potassium and the carotenoids alpha- and beta-carotene and lycopene. The lycopene in tomatoes has been shown to reduce the risk for heart disease, cataracts and macular degeneration.

Tip Never peel the skin from your apples before juicing. Apple skin contains an abundance of phytonutrient polyphenols, which help to regulate blood sugar.

Ingredients: 3 red apples, cored and sliced 1 celery stalk, chopped 15 sprigs fresh parsley

(about 1⁄2 bunch; see Caution, below)

1 tomato, quartered 20 drops organic holy basil extract Instructions: Using a juicer, process half each of the apples, celery, parsley and tomato. Following the same order, repeat with the remaining apples, celery, parsley and tomato.

IMAGE: ©ISTOCKPHOTO.COM/ALEXPRO9500

Add holy basil extract and whisk. Serve immediately.

Caution Certain phytonutrients in parsley—in concentrated amounts, as they are in juices—may act as a uterine stimulant and should likely be avoided during pregnancy. Because of the concentrated amount of oxalate it contains, parsley juice should also be avoided by people with kidney stones or a history of kidney stones. wander-mag.com

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Big Blue IMAGE: ©SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/JANE RIX

Makes about 2 cups (500 mL) Your kids will love the colour of this blue juice and its sweet taste—they’re out of this world (not to mention nutritious)! The berries combine with the apples and beet to create a sweet, tangy and vibrant flavour experience. Blueberries provide vitamins C and K, as well as manganese, and have been shown to benefit cognition and support cardiovascular health. Beets contain folate, potassium, copper and iron.

Ingredients: 3 red apples, cored and sliced 1⁄4 beet, halved 1 cup (250 ml) blueberries Instructions: Using a juicer, process half each of the apples, beet and blueberries. Following the same order, repeat with the remaining fruit. Whisk well and serve immediately.

Courtesy of Juice Guru: Transform Your Life with One Juice a Day

by Steve Prussack & Julie Prussack © 2016 www.robertrose.ca Reprinted with publisher permission. Available where books are sold.

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~ HENRY MILLER wander-mag.com

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“ONE'S DESTINATION IS NEVER A PLACE, BUT RATHER A NEW WAY OF LOOKING AT THINGS.”

Amongst other benefits, trying new things (like surfing!) can stimulate creativity and help you overcome fear.1 Regular sauna-going is tied to lower rates of cardiovascular disease and reduced risk of stroke, dementia and mental health issues.2 Information overload is not new, but today’s screen time is creating elevated stress levels for many people - and time in nature holds the key to natural stress relief.3

IMAGES (CLOCKWISE): ©CHRIS OSMOND; ©ADOBE STOCK; ©SCOTT JACKSON

1. huffingtonpost.com 2. wellnessevidence.com 3. alive.com

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IMAGE: ©MICHAEL-OLSEN

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People across the globe rave about how incredible surfing is, and how it’s unlike any other sport out there. Though I can’t disagree with these statements, they paint an incomplete picture of the sport. My surfing journey began ten years ago, on a spontaneous trip to a week-long surf camp, the beginning of a love-hate relationship with the sport. It’s an activity I’m addicted to for life, but it’s been the struggles, and not just the highs, that have led me there. wander-mag.com

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By Susan Czyzo

IMAGE: ©ADOBE_STOCK

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urfing isn’t easy, but you can pick up a basic level of expertise fairly quickly. Riding the whitewash of broken waves on the coasts of America and Australia gave me early confidence, hooking me just enough to make it more than a ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ activity. Out there amongst other beginners, my courage runs strong, spurred on by the motivation of being within a group of eager learners.

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It’s been progressing to catching unbroken waves, further from the shore, often amongst more experienced surfers, that has exposed a steeper learning curve. A decade out from my first ever lesson, this is still a work in progress, and often a frustrating one. I pull out of more waves that I commit to with fears of getting dumped hard, or nose-diving even harder, standing in my way. I question the skills that I’ve been working years to develop and feel frustration creep in quickly, despite knowing all too well that leaving the water disappointed, or angry, cancels out the many benefits of surfing. There are many days like this, many surf sessions that have me questioning whether to continue the long road to becoming an intermediate, nevermind an experienced, surfer. Could I not just be satisfied with being an experienced beginner? wander-mag.com

In surfing, negative self-talk doesn’t differentiate between shore and break - it effortlessly paddles its way out the back with you. Thankfully, the beauty of surfing is that it demands immense focus, especially as a beginner, which is usually enough to quiet these pester-y, unwanted thoughts. They do fight their way through at times, interrupting my focus, and clawing away at my surfing confidence, arrogantly coming out on top. So what is often not visible is this internal battle of sorts. It’s two paddles forward until I’m knocked back to where I started. Or one perfect ride followed by two empty sessions.

Further challenging the mental game that accompanies surfing, are the many things one can fear when out in the water - physical injury from falling off, from unfortunate contact with 38

IMAGES: ©CHRIS RYALL

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In surfing, negative self-talk doesn’t differentiate between shore and break - it effortlessly paddles its way out the back with you.

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IMAGES:(CLOCKWISE FROM BOTTOM LEFT) ©SUSAN_CZYZO; ©SUSAN_CZYZO; ©ADOBE_STOCK

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the board, or a submerged object. There’s also the possibility of getting swept away by unforgiving ocean currents. Combine this with panic and a lack of knowledge about the ocean, and the outcome won’t be on your side. Oh, and those grey-finned swimmers, they can produce some fear too.

Thanks to this attitude, I keep riding waves around the world, with the lifelong goal of improving my surfing confidence and skill.

Though it’s definitely not all picture-perfect waves with endless rides, without the less than ideal moments, the personal growth that this sport is known to bring about would be non-existent, and surfing wouldn’t be the remarkable sport that it is. Those too good to be true moments, when all the struggles, all the falls, all the messy sessions are instantly swept away - they’re really just a bonus. Reflecting on these polar opposite experiences has made me realize that surfing has hooked me deeper than I initially realized.

Knowing full well that it will continue to be a bumpy ride, I’m locked in for the long haul but all the more looking forward to the remainder of the journey.

Having only spent a tiny fraction of my life by, and in, the ocean, I’ve come a long way to being able to read, and make the most of, surf conditions. Fear still paralyzes me at times and that’s when I have to remind myself that respecting the ocean and the power it holds, is by far a safer strategy than fearing the earth’s most powerful body of water. Over time I’ve also come to realize that a present state of mind goes a long way towards being a safe and competent surfer.

Susan Czyzo is a physiotherapist who balances out her clinical life with writing and photography inspired by outdoor adventures. She strives to live an active, adventurous and sustainable life and hopes to inspire others to do the same. Her most recent adventures include river surfing and via ferrata.

For inspiration, visit bysusanczyzo.com and

wander-mag.com

@feelslikethirty on Instagram.

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Asian cultures believe bamboo’s deep roots denote determination, the straight stem represents honorability, its hollow interior modesty, and its simple, smooth exterior typifies morality. It is often associated with harmony and balance as well. Given these ideological attributes, we believe bamboo is a perfect metaphor for travel – ethical travel.

Welcome to Bamboo – a new property for and about ethical and responsible travel.

SUBSCRIBE TODAY! bambootravel.co 41

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WANDER / SPRING 18 / TRAVEL WELL

ESSENTIALS Their signature 3-step Honest. Wild. Beautiful. process results in pure, feel-good products made with organic and wildcrafted ingredients for beautiful, glowing skin.

Annmarie Skin Care, Travel Kits from $29.95, annmariegianni.com

featured on page

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Easy to dress up or down and worn full length or cropped. The luxe MicroModal fabric is knit and dyed in Toronto, Canada from renewably sourced beech-tree pulp.

Encircled The Dressy Sweatpant $148, encircled.ca wander-mag.com

Spark your wanderlust and find deeper meaning in your adventures with thoughtful prompts and the space to set intentions. Leatherette softcover for easy carrying.

The Mindful Traveler: Exploration Journal, $16.99, amazon.com 42

WANDER / SPRING 18 / TRAVEL WELL

ESSENTIALS

Beach towel, baby blanket, meditation platform, bed throw...this is the original round towel, beloved by surfers and fashionistas alike.

The Original West Coast Round Towel, $99.99, tofinotowelco.com

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ESSENTIALS featured on page

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Essential oils in your hotel room? It’s now possible with this USB travel diffuser. Pair with their Discover Relaxation Kit for bliss on the road.

Aura Cacia Aromatherapy Air USB Room Diffuser, $39.99, auracacia.com

Delicious new tea blends developed by renowned Ayurvedic Practitioners for the balance you need: DeCongest, Detox, Digest, Energize, Laxative, Sleep or Slim.

Davidson’s Organics Ayurvedic Infusions, from $5.50, davidsonstea.com

A sugar-free powder that rids bad breath at the source, optimizing pH levels for that just-brushed feeling anywhere, anytime.

SWISH Fresh Breath Powder, $9.99, swish-fresh-breath-powder.myshopify.com

Handloomed in India, this blanket provides gentle cushioning, support and warmth - roll it like a bolster, fold it for seated poses, and use as a cozy layer for Savasana.

Halfmoon Cotton Yoga Blanket, $46, shophalfmoon.ca

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ESSENTIALS

If you’re feeling the effects of desk life this compact stool is a must-have: the instability of the seat causes micro-movements to aid core strength, posture and circulation.

Gaiam Balance BallÂŽ Stool, $99, gaiam.com

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ESSENTIALS

Fans of Lemongrass House - purveyor of fresh, handcrafted spa products used in some of the world’s top hotels and spas - rejoice! Lemongrass House Canada recently opened an online shop for the fabulously fragrant products. Created by Thai artisans who approach their work with love and pride, each item is signed by the person who blended it, and is then packaged by hand. Here are their top picks for your next trip.

Thai Pomelo Extra Moisturizing Hand Cream Combat the effects of airplane air, hand sanitizers and harsh soaps - a best-seller!

White Orchid Face Foam Cleanser This rich cleanser lifts away surface impurities, in a convenient pump.

Green Tea Face Mist Spray to feel refreshed and energized - great for jet lag and busy schedules.

Revitalizing Foot Spray & Cream Anti-bacterial wild mint pure essential oil will bring your feet back to life after a long day.

Cucumber or Blue Chamomile After Sun Body Gel Soothing, cooling and restorative aloe vera gel to heal skin that got too much sun.

Lip Balm Featuring manuka honey to soothe and heal, it’s perfect for dehydrating airplane rides.

Blue Chamomile Kids Body Wash & Shampoo A two-in-one helps with space in the suitcase, specially formulated to be extra mild.

Mosquito Coils Made with lavender, citronella, orange peel and geranium, they are easy to travel with.

Thai Lemongrass or Thai Pomelo Shower Gel Vegetable-based shower gels with fresh plant infusions of aloe vera and cucumber.

Thai Lemongrass Room and Pillow Spray A natural deodorizer, this will even repel bed bugs and prevent lice.

BUY ONLINE AT LEMONGRASSHOUSECANADA.COM. wander-mag.com

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WANDER / FALL 18 / TRAVEL WELL

ESSENTIALS

I TOOK THESE ALONG FOR THE RIDE AT MY GRAIL SPRINGS WELLNESS RETREAT.

"I keep the Uplift roll on in my bag and rub on my wrists and neck for its quick pick-me-up and subtle fragrance."

Calm, focus, sleep, uplift these travel-friendly roll ons promote calm and ease with ingredients like Bergamot and Geranium, Ylang Ylang and Frankincense.

Province Apothecary Therapeutic Roll On, $32, provinceapothecary.com

"I’m a mosquito magnet, and this patch completely stops the itching and prevents swelling from bites, fast. Hands down the best thing since sliced bread! " Like nothing you’ve tried - this innovative medicine and chemical free adhesive patch relieves the itch of insect bites, fast, and its safe for everyone.

Moskinto Patch, £5.99, moskinto.co.uk

"Delicious! And dissolves easily. I add this to smoothies and plain water for increased focus and energy."

Ketogenic, biofermented brown rice protein with adaptogenic superherbs and supermushrooms for super benefits like increased mental stamina and energy.

Moon Juice Vanilla Mushroom Adaptogenic Protein, $50, moonjuice.com

"This lovely powder leaves my hair actually feeling fresh - love the lavender and clary sage scent too."

An organic, talc-free, tested-only-onhumans hair powder for those days of unwash. Perfect for on-the-go styling in four unique, fresh scents.

LULU ORGANICS Hair Powder, $30, luluorganics.com

“Another adventure, and I am simply loving this luggage. All I'll ever need to Wander!”

Gear Warrior™ AWD 26, $299, shop.eaglecreek.com 47

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AUFGUSS MIGHT BE SAUNA'S ODDEST —AND MOST EXHILARATING— RITUAL

By Elizabeth Heath wander-mag.com

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IMAGE: ©JAMES BEDFORD

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IMAGE:©HOTEL QUELLE

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THE FIRST TIME I ENCOUNTERED AUFGUSS, I TURNED AND WALKED AWAY, AS QUICKLY AS MY FLOPPY SPA SLIPPERS WOULD CARRY ME. was day one of our stay at Hotel Quelle, a luxury wellness resort in Italy’s mountainous South Tyrol, and I was exploring the hotel’s 10 themed saunas on my own while my husband and daughter napped. As I approached the “event sauna,” I stopped dead in my tracks: before me, in stadium-style wooden benches on the other side of a large picture-window wall, were dozens of naked people. Music was blaring from within, and everyone’s attention was focused on a bikiniclad woman who was dancing and waving a towel in the billowing steam. My first impression was that she was an overzealous sauna-goer who 49

decided to liven things up, or that I’d stumbled upon some kind of private naked sauna party.

Was she stripping? Was there a pole in that sauna?

I turned heel and headed for the hot tub.

A day later, when my husband, Paolo, and I were scurrying out of the snow sauna (exactly what it sounds like—a -5C, snow-filled chamber with an ice bench) saying “cold cold cold!” and scrambling for our robes, another saunagoer laughed at us sympathetically. “It’s really important to cool down your body temperature wander-mag.com

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IMAGES: ©PREIDLHOF

“For Germans, it’s totally normal to be naked in the sauna,” explained Steinmare.

“Italians need some convincing, but once they experience Aufguss, they are surprised and pleased.”

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IMAGE: ©RET KOPIE

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after the hot sauna,” he said. As we imagined hot mugs of tea in front of a warm fire, he explained that he was a sauna meister and a proponent of Aufguss, a sauna ritual where the presenter pours water and essential oils over the hot stones of the sauna, then uses a towel to fan hot, oilinfused steam onto attendees. Modern Aufguss adds music and lighting, while Show Aufguss incorporates theatrical-type performances, costumes and special effects.

scrub now offers the sauna ritual. Especially at hotels whose clientele are primarily Austrian and German—the South Tyrol was once part of Austria and German is still the majority language spoken there—Aufguss, it seems, is an imperative.

“Aufguss is already common in the Germanspeaking world,” explained Manuel Steinmare, a third-generation hotelier who runs Hotel Quelle with his parents and siblings, “and those guests expect to find it here.” Italian guests, like my AHHH, SO SHE WASN’T husband, who also make up a good chunk of the hotel’s business, are less used to the extremes— POLE-DANCING. not to mention the extremities bared—during SHE WAS AUFGUSSING! Aufguss. "For Germans, it’s totally normal to be naked in the sauna,” explained Steinmare. “Italians Our new sauna meister pal was Nicola Gozio, a need some convincing, but once they experience champion Aufgussmeister, and a practitioner of Show Aufguss, where he creates mini-dramas that Aufguss, they are surprised and pleased.” tell a story and arouse emotion. His favourite, Claudia Köllemann, spa director at Preidlhof of a young boy who wants to be a fireman, often – Luxury DolceVita Resort near Merano, Italy, leaves his audience in tears. Gozio explained agrees that for spa hotels of a certain level, that in the last 10 years or so, the popularity Aufguss has become as essential as eucalyptus of Aufguss has exploded in the South Tyrol, to oil: “People have really started understanding the point that the every spa hotel worth its salt 51

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IMAGES: ©JAMES BEDFORD

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the good effects of sauna, and of sweating with infusions, and that sauna is about more than just getting warm” she said. “While Aufguss is still a novelty to some of our guests, many come here because of it.”

The Aufguss equivalent of a Do Not Disturb sign was already on the hammam door when we arrived, and Gozio was waiting for us. I started one of those not-so-deft moves of wrapping my towel around my torso while I still had my robe on, hoping he and the other spa-goers milling around would get only minimal glimpses of my nakedness. I was out of luck. “No towels, naked only,” Gozio ordered, at which point Paolo balked. So I hung up my towel and followed the Aufgussmeister, naked and alone, into the steam clouds of the dark hammam.

Gozio, who was clad in a sauna skirt (sauna meisters always perform clothed), turned on a portable—and presumably humidity-proof— stereo. The lights of the dimly lit hammam changed colour as the music played, and Gozio passed a wooden bowl of homemade fruit and wander-mag.com

essential oils scrub, offering us each a small cupful. As we scrubbed, he started to fan a towel, which had the effect of moving hot steam around the room. Spinning the towel over his head in a windmill motion, he pushed hot air upwards, downwards and laterally, pausing before each person to give them a personal blast of air. As the scrub would slough off with our sweat, he’d pass the bowl again, and we’d reapply.

By day three of our stay, my dear Italian husband had grown more at ease with all the Teutonic nakedness, and we were ready to try Aufguss in the event sauna. Unlike the hammam, where temperatures are a steamy 42C with 95% humidity, the Finnish-style event sauna tops out at a lung-searing 85-95C, with humidity of only around 10%. The dry heat is intense on its own; add the air-pushing and swirling properties of Aufguss and the effect is disarmingly powerful. To help attendees cool off, the two Aufgussmeisters running this session passed around a bucket of snowballs, which melted into our skin as we rubbed them on.

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IMAGE: ©JAMES BEDFORD

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Gozio later told me that Aufguss is difficult to describe to someone who hasn’t experienced it. “People think that it’s just flipping a towel around,” he explained, “but with the music, the oils, the lights, and our passion for Aufguss…it’s a concentration of so many elements.”

And he’s right; it’s difficult to convey the intensity of Aufguss. It’s dizzyingly multi-sensorial—the combination of lights and sound, the heady aroma of essential oils, the blasts of hot air and, of course, all that sweating, stimulate feelings that are at turns cathartic, meditative, invigorated, sensual and joyful, sometimes all at once.

“Flipping a towel around” doesn’t even begin to describe it.

IF YOU WANT TO EXPERIENCE AUFGUSS, TRY ONE OF THESE SOUTH TYROL SPA HOTELS: HOTEL QUELLE offers three Aufguss sessions

per day year-round, with champion Nicola Gozio presenting Show Aufguss on weekends. The family-friendly resort offers packages that include accommodations, gourmet meals, sauna access and scheduled outdoor excursions.

PREIDLHOF HOTEL & SPA, an adults-oriented

luxury resort in the region, also offers an event sauna with Aufguss rituals. The resort’s restaurant was recently awarded a coveted Michelin star.

ACTIVE HOTEL OLYMPIC is a small, modern hotel

offering themed rooms, regional cuisine and a sauna with Aufguss rituals.

Elizabeth Heath is a travel and culinary writer living in central Italy. She is a proponent of responsible, sustainable travel that forges connections and benefits local communities.

Read more of her work at elizabethfheath.com.

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By Kristina Smith wander-mag.com

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IMAGES: ©GRAIL SPRINGS

WANDER / FALL 18 / TRAVEL WELL

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Somewhere between the Moor mud body detox and close encounter with deer in the forest it dawns on me: I am deeply, and completely, at peace.

With the world; with the moment; with - dare I imagine - myself. am staying at Grail Springs Retreat Centre for Wellbeing, an enchanting property tucked quietly away near Bancroft, Ontario, a picturesque community with a rich geological history known as the “mineral capital of Canada.”

In an area rich with deposits of magnetic quartz crystal, granite and dozens of gems, the Grail Springs property intentionally lends itself to healing and renewal with its acres of forests, wildlife, hiking trails, and stunning gardens. You intuitively sense a special energy here; a feeling of connection, and of grace.

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Prayer flags, hanging from the ancient trees surrounding the sacred labyrinth, sway in the breeze, honouring the wishes and dreams of those who have come before me. Entering the building through a castle door that welcomes “one and all,” I was warmly greeted and shown to my room, overlooking the lake, with a fresh robe waiting in the closet.

The “spa soundtrack” here is real - leaves rustling in the trees, water lapping at the shore, the wistful call of the loon. It is at once modern and medieval; humble, and entirely charming. wander-mag.com

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With its plush velvet, dark wood, rich tapestries, swords, stones and candles, I could almost imagine Albus Dumbledore emerging into the Great Room for an evening discussion around the stone hearth.

Nominated Canada's Best Wellness Retreat 2018 by the World Spa Awards and one of only three accredited Canadian members of Healing Hotels of the World, Grail Springs has earned a global reputation for providing its guests a chance to pause and reconnect with themselves. Their grounding belief is that you can’t pour from an empty cup - you must fill yourself up first to support others, and truly live the life you desire.

Founded in 1993 by Madeleine Marentette, what began as a B&B evolved into a spa. In the 2000s, she intuited a societal shift as requests for traditional beauty treatments were replaced by improving one’s overall health. She was at wander-mag.com

the forefront of what we now call the wellness movement, understanding the holistic interplay between body, mind, emotion and spirit. This led to the centre’s popularity for detoxification, but has steadily shifted more to stress-reduction and healing from anxiety and depression.

That doesn’t mean the body does not benefit here, quite the opposite! Nourishing plantbased, anti-inflammatory, whole foods, detoxifying elixirs, clean air, alkaline-rich water (from the spring-fed lake, flowing through every tap), deep stillness and wild nature, all contribute to the overall feeling of calm and renewal. Their programs are holistically designed to address the whole person: physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually.

Guests can design their own package, layering spa therapies and cleanses onto the all-inclusive Grail Experience package, or choose from their 5 to 21-night transformational programs.

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Each morning after breakfast is yoga and meditation, beginning with the lovely Grail Mantra Practice. The sessions were different each day I was there, some with more yoga and movement, others with more meditation.

We experimented with pranayama (breathing techniques) and deep belly breathing (an unexpectedly strong workout!). The sessions are appropriate for all levels, with thoughtful instructors and a blissful lack of competition.

The property features many facilities to take advantage of, including wet, dry and Infrared saunas and outdoor mineral soaker tubs (wonderful for flushing the lymphatic system) as well as a selection of canoes, kayaks and SUPs for paddling, which is how I spent one joyful afternoon. A meditative forest walk leads to the hidden crystal mound mediation area, where you can sit and absorb the beauty and energy (the forest is affectionately called “The Big Church”

by Marentette).

You can engage with others as much or as little as you like; I was told some guests connect so deeply they remain friends for years to come and often return to Grail Springs together. I encountered guests who were solo, like me, and kept to themselves, and others who were with a friend or daughter. Everyone was incredibly respectful of everyone else’s experience.

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A special attribute is the herd of horses; you can wander over the paddock and sit in the presence of these peaceful beauties, who gaze at you with such intensity it feels they can read your very soul. The equine meditation experience, led by gifted facilitators, allows an even deeper connection for peace and healing. wander-mag.com

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Their programs are holistically designed to address the whole person: physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually.

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The daily schedule includes meals, yoga, and after-dinner workshops, with plenty of time to yourself for therapies, contemplation, being active, or just taking it all in. The food was beautiful and nourishing, with a ritual to the meals that reminded me to eat more slowly and intentionally. (Sidenote: coffee is contraband here, but there is a delicious selection of herbal teas. This was something I was a little uneasy about beforehand, but found my digestive system seemed to quite appreciate the break!).

During my stay I took part in the Spiritual Enrichment Program, a newer offering designed

by Marentette. Our daily, small group workshops were led by a sweet gem named Laura, and designed to deepen the connection to our 59

inner selves through inspirational discussion, contemplative exercises, and meditations to “tap in” to our soul’s voice to heal and create.

By incorporating spiritual practices from a variety of cultures, including Buddhism and First Nations, the program offers a unique approach to self-analysis, and the opportunity to let go of old stories. I emerged with a clarity I haven’t felt in some time, and with a commitment to bring the sacred into not only my life, but my every day.

I left Grail Springs feeling lighter and sweeter, with more energy and inspiration. I believe that this magical place is all about release - to fill your cup, release the unessential, and the healing can truly take place. wander-mag.com

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My Healing Therapies Bio-Scan

An electronic, bioenergy reading of your energy levels and chakras, most guests get one done right at the onset and then again before leaving to show the change in their energy, blockages, and stress levels. A total eye-opener.

Colour Therapy Bath with Reiki

A special colour pigment, specifically chosen to enliven or calm a particular chakra energy centre that is off balance, is combined with therapeutic Dead Sea salts and essential oils for a bath that is lushly restorative. This is followed by a chakra balancing session with a Reiki practitioner, which I felt on a deeply personal level in the days following.

Moor Detox Wrap with Vichy Shower

This luscious treatment is perhaps the most unique spa therapy I’ve experienced. The entire body is exfoliated before being slathered in mineral-rich Moor mud. Then, a steam tent covers you neck to toes, and you relax while your pores open and your head is massaged. Afterwards, the unique seven-head Vichy shower rinses you off while you pray it never ends. A light massage caps off this glorious experience, which was so deeply detoxifying I found myself asleep that afternoon.

Thai Yoga Massage

This unique therapy, performed fully clothed on a mat on the floor, combines deep (yet passive) yogic stretches with tai chi, massage, and acupressure. My incredibly talented therapist, Sue, released a sciatic nerve issue that had been bothering me for months. My session was intense yet meditative; you give up control so completely toxins and energy blockages are able to release.

Plan your own transformative getaway at grailsprings.com. 2-night packages start at $265 CAD (pp per night dbl occ) and include accommodation, plant-based meals, daily yoga & meditation, saunas, hot & cold mineral tubs, hiking trails, lake activities, and evening workshops. @grailspringsretreat wander-mag.com

@GrailSpringsWellnessRetreat

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“Travel light, live light, spread the light, be the light.”

– Yogi Bhajan

Luxury Travel with a Purpose UNSURPASSED EXPERIENCES

RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL

GIVING BACK GLOBALLY

We believe that luxury travel and philanthropy are not mutually exclusive.

Our personalized journeys are designed with the benefits of both in mind, intertwining impeccable service and accommodations with the opportunity to truly experience your destination in-depth and to give back to local communities at the same time.

Our goal is to create a positive and lasting impact wherever we go, which is why we’ve created our own declaration of sustainability. We endeavor to leave all destinations our guests travel to in better condition and, we encourage all those we work with to implement sustainability goals that are realistic and attainable within their sphere of influence.

The Evolved Traveler donates a portion of every custom land journey to charitable causes around the world, so our guests can be assured that their travels are making a difference right from the very start. Our Charity Partners are a collection of nonprofit organisations our guests can choose from for us to donate to on their behalf.

evolvedtraveler.com

SOUTHEAST ASIA | CENTRAL AMERICA | INDIA & SOUTH ASIA 61 NORTH AFRICA & MIDDLE EAST | SOUTH AMERICA | CUSTOM EXPLORATIONS wander-mag.com

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Kristi is the Founder and CEO of Encircled, a Torontobased ethical fashion company and Certified B Corporation.

A former management consultant who virtually lived in airports, Kristi started Encircled with a dream of helping women travel lighter and do more with less by creating clothing that blends style with function, using highquality, sustainable fabrics.

The perfect Sunday for me starts with a challenging workout like Barry’s Bootcamp.

Post-bootcamp, I’d grab brunch with friends afterwards at one of my favourite restaurants in Toronto, Fresh. I’ll fill the day with errands, and that oh-so-vital self-care that is easy to skip out on like getting my nails painted. I also like meal prepping, and planning my week’s schedule on a Sunday night. Starting the week organized relieves so much stress for me, so I try to make Sunday my day to make it happen. Lastly, ending a Sunday with a glass of wine, and a little Netflix makes for the perfect end to the weekend. wander-mag.com

On a trip to NYC in 2012 for a conference, I got stuck in the city during Hurricane Sandy. I tried to fly out but the city shut down bridges and airports.

I was staying with a friend in the West Village.

Everyone thought people were overreacting to how bad the storm would be. Grocery store shelves were emptied. People were boarding up windows. Well, as we all know the storm was way worse than imagined! Her area lost power for over a week. I showered in a stranger’s apartment uptown because my friend had no power, and no hot water. We used her office internet in midtown as cell towers were down.

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IMAGES: ©ENCIRCLED

What does the perfect Sunday look Zany (or strange!) travel like to you? experience you can share?

WANDER / FALL 18 / TRAVEL WELL

We cooked food on her gas stove (so much quinoa!), and ate at restaurants by candlelight eating whatever food they had that was still cookable. I was there for 6 days before access to the airports was reopened and I could fly home.

It was definitely an experience I won’t forget, and one I’m actually immensely grateful for. It reminded me how much we take basic things like electricity, wifi and hot water for granted, and to be grateful for them every day.

Best wellness or travel tip?

We’re having a potluck dinner.

What do you bring?

The ability to re-create silhouettes that have been around a while into more stylish and functional clothing. I’m also very excited about the revival of onshore manufacturing in Canada. More and more people are asking, “Who made my clothes?” and THAT is exciting.

I’m not much of a cook, but I can make a pretty tasty kale salad. My secret is that I pre-massage the kale with a little olive oil and lemon so that it’s not as tough.

When packing for trips, research the destination and spend time planning out activities in advance.

If you spend time planning your outfits and making yourself wear things more than once, it’s surprising how little you need to pack. One of my biggest secrets to travelling lighter is this!

What excites you about your company?

What do you want your legacy to be?

Go-to comfort at the end of the day?

A nice, long walk with my dog, Harlow. It’s a great way to unwind and relax, after a day sitting in front of my computer and get some fresh air.

What’s in your carry on?

Everything! I usually go carry-on only for most trips, so my clothing, shoes, accessories, toiletries are all in there. I also usually carry on a backpack or large purse. A few things I keep close at hand when I travel are my passport, iPhone and charger, hand sanitizer, lip balm, and my headphones.

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I want to be known as someone who helped change the fashion industry for the better, and who held true to her values. My ultimate goal is to have an investment firm that focuses on helping grow purpose-driven product-based businesses that want to have a positive impact on the planet, I want to leave the world better off than it was before I was on it!

encircled.ca

#MoreWithLess

@getencircled wander-mag.com

IMAGE: ŠJOE-GARDNER

The amount of content available online today is astounding. In this cluttered landscape, our approach is pretty simple. Instead of yelling louder, tell a different story.

Stories that resonate, that evoke emotion, that drive action. We specialize in creating these stories, and distributing them to the right people, at the right time.

We’d love to tell yours. wander-mag.com

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