Wellbeing Escapes Magazine - Summer 2017 by Wellbeing Escapes

QUICK ESCAPE SUMMER 2017

PACKED FULL OF EXPERT ADVICE ON HOW TO FEEL REJUVENATED AND RE-ENERGISED PLUS OUR INSIDER TIPS ON THE BEST WELLNESS DESTINATIONS AROUND THE WORLD!

Contents

What makes Aava Resort & Spa in Thailand so very special

A beginner's guide to the menopause and HRT

Building core strength through Pilates at Absolute Sanctuary in Thailand

The power of healing

Why you should visit Almar Jesolo Resort & Spa in Italy

Wellness travel trends 2017

Energy-boost breakfasts: How to get your day off to a glorious start

Captivate your senses at Out of the Blue, Capsis Elite Resort in Greece

Why you should hop on the plane to Macdonald Monchique Resort & Spa in Portugal now

1711 Ti Sana Detox Retreat & Spa in Italy – Detox at its best

Advice on banishing bloating

Best beauty products for keeping that postholiday glow

My insider’s view on Chiva-Som in Thailand

Colonics explained once and for all!

My story: kick-starting my personal wellness goals at Kamalaya Wellness Sanctuary in Thailand

Phuket Cleanse — a very special wellness retreat!

Life lessons from a professional life coach

Vegetarian diet — are you getting all you need?

Why going solo on holiday rocks

Why you need to go to Lefay Resort & Spa Lago di Garda in Italy now!

How can I sleep better? Top tips for getting quality sleep

What makes SHA Wellness Clinic in Spain special

What I loved about Shanti-Som

Where the Wellbeing Escapes team is going in 2017

BodyHoliday in St Lucia is amazing and here's why

‘So wonderful that I want to spread the word’ — Vilalara Longevity Thalassa & Medical Spa in Portugal

Focus on YOU at Villa Eden in Italy

Why it pays to book with Wellbeing Escapes

Top 5 highlights from my stay at SwaSwara in India www.wellbeingescapes.com |

A NOTE FROM STELLA

Stella Photi Founder/Managing Director Wellbeing Escapes

elcome to our ‘Quick Escape’ magazine packed with inspiring wellness destinations and expert advice! We know that it’s all too easy in our busy lives to put off taking ownership of our wellbeing but even by incorporating small changes into our daily routine, we can reap the benefits. We hope that the advice will encourage you and that you’ll soon be feeling like a newly-improved version of yourself! We’ve also included ‘insider tips’ from our team at Wellbeing Escapes who have travelled to our featured wellness places (yes, hard job but someone has to do it!) plus we’ve asked clients for feedback on what they’ve particularly loved about the destinations and programmes that they have experienced. Personal testimonials are always the best so we hope that you enjoy reading them and are motivated to go and check the places out for yourself! Don’t forget that we have exclusive deals for our clients which you can’t get directly so you’ll be sure to receive the best value plus special offers, discounts and bonuses if you book through us! Happy reading and remember ‘it’s health that is real wealth and not pieces of gold or silver’ (Mahtma Ghandi). Health and happiness.

WHAT MAKES

AAVA RESORT & SPA,

THAILAND, SO VERY SPECIAL…

romoting a philosophy of equal wellness of mind, body and soul, Aava flawlessly fuses modern trendy touches, an idyllic setting and petite spa to create a relaxing and remote beach bolthole. Our Product Director, Helen, has visited and shares her thoughts on why it’s so very special: • L ocation, location, location — think remote, rugged, unspoilt and utterly beautiful. This is how Thailand used to be and it’s truly incredible • C ontemporary and funky Scandi-style architecture, with clean lines, one-way windows and all the modcons you would expect • Aava offers fantastic value, this is affordable luxury at its best and Tatler agree with us too, listing Aava within their ‘101 Best Hotels in the World’ guide • K hanom is home to rare wild pink dolphins; take a boat trip within our ‘Discover & Unwind’ programme to catch a glimpse while you’re at Aava — it’s an unforgettable experience • T here’s a great choice of group fitness activities from Tai Chi to breath walks as well as wonderfully relaxing spa treatments – soak them up! Please visit www.wellbeingescapes.com for further information or call us on 020 3735 7555. www.wellbeingescapes.com |

“It’s an important time of life to stop and take stock of where you are both physically and emotionally”

A BEGINNER‘S GUIDE TO THE

MENOPAUSE AND HRT

r Stephanie Goodwin is a GP and a leading hormones expert with the menopause as a speciality.

As I started to approach the menopause, as did many of my patients, I realised that my knowledge around the subject was a bit patchy! So I took it upon myself to learn and train with the British Menopause Society. I’m so glad I did. After all, as a doctor, the only condition that all of my female patients will experience is the menopause. That’s a lot of women. Menopause is a definition. It means you haven’t had a period for over a year. So you don’t know you’ve had it until it has passed. The time leading up to that is called the perimenopause. That can last anything from a few months to several years. 6

What are the symptoms of the menopause? The main symptoms of depleted hormones are hot flushes, night sweats, poor sleep, anxiety, joint pains, brain fog, vaginal dryness, lack of libido. Your periods may stop, be irregular or remain regular. Sounds horrendous doesn’t it! What is HRT? Hormone replacement therapy. It replaces the female hormones — oestrogen, progesterone and sometimes testosterone. Why is it important to replace these hormones? Oestrogen is vital for our bone strength, it protects the heart, brain, vagina and bladder. Progesterone helps with mood regulation and with sleep. Testosterone is good for the heart, the

bones, our drive and sexual desire. In the short term, the symptoms of the menopause are controlled, and in the long term we are investing in significantly better health for when we are old ladies! When should you start and stop HRT? You can start on a low dose HRT as soon as you notice any of the symptoms of the perimenopause. The general advice has been to stop HRT after five years but there is no evidence to support this and if women feel well, we advise that they can continue with HRT. What are the risks? My view is that the benefits of HRT far outweigh the risks. Women often ask

me about the risk of breast cancer. For every 1000 women taking HRT, there may be an extra 5 diagnosed with breast cancer after 7.5 years. HRT may promote the growth of breast cancer cells already there but it will not give you breast cancer. The evidence seems to suggest that the synthetic progesterones may be the problem and personally I don’t prescribe those. Remember also that most women die from heart disease and evidence suggests that HRT can significantly reduce the risk of heart disease. By the way, HRT doesn’t make you fat… it’s a lack of the hormone oestrogen that does that!

structures. I do, however, feel that every woman needs an individual assessment of her symptoms and of her risk of other conditions. It’s an important time of life to stop and take stock of where you are both physically and emotionally. It should be a liberating time of life and sometimes it isn’t.

Make sure that you speak to a doctor or nurse who is interested and clued up on the menopause so that you get the best possible advice. It’s well worth it. For more information, please see: www.drstephaniegoodwin.co.uk

What are bioidentical hormones? Bioidentical hormones are hormones that are structurally the same as those that we produce in our bodies. I prefer to call them body identical to differentiate them from the hormone treatments that are specially formulated with mixtures of different hormones. In my opinion, the vast majority of women don’t need these bespoke mixtures and body identical hormones are available on the NHS but many doctors aren’t aware of it. I feel that these hormones are better tolerated as our bodies recognize them as familiar www.wellbeingescapes.com |

BUILDING CORE STRENGTH THROUGH PILATES AT

ABSOLUTE SANCTUARY IN THAILANDâ&#x20AC;Ś

ocated on the idyllic tropical island of Koh Samui, Absolute Sanctuary was the first resort to bring group Pilates reformer classes to Asia. Classes centre around the Pilates reformer machine to strengthen core muscle groups and burn fat. Unlike traditional Pilates classes which are conducted one-on-one for rehabilitative purposes or matwork based, Absolute Sanctuary offers a fun, fully interactive and dynamic group class experience. This is highly effective in building long, lean, toned muscles and giving you a slimmer figure. Classes are specifically designed to target different areas of the body to provide maximum results yet are safe for beginners. Inspired? Read here why Pilates Reformers are so powerful: 1. Builds Core Strength Pilates is the best exercise to build core strength. The core is the centre of the body just like the centre of the earth. Everything is connected

to that. Movement depends on the ability of the core to operate. When you strengthen your core, you gain greater flexibility and improve your quality of life as you age. 2. Improves Posture Pilates was developed for rehabilitation and, with those principles in mind, it helps in spinal movement. Conventional workouts tend to focus on the same muscles over and over again so this means weak muscles get weaker and strong muscles get stronger resulting in muscular imbalance. With Pilates, you focus on building the weak muscles whilst stretching the tensed muscles, resulting in a balanced body and improved posture. 3. Tones Body Pilates teaches you the correct way of engaging your muscles without using momentum like some weight exercises do. It focuses on every muscle in your body including the big ones. Focusing on the small

muscles helps to define the larger ones. Toning comes from the way the exercises define the muscles. 4. Defines Muscles Definition in the muscles arises through the way that Pilates teaches you to use the resistance on the Pilates reformer machine. The very precise, slower movement of building the muscle and then lengthening it within the same routine, results in longer, leaner muscles. Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll have a smaller shape and a better physique. 5. Helps Excel at Other Sports Many athletes include Pilates reformer as part of their training plans to ensure that no muscle groups are over or under trained, the body is nicely balanced and the core is strong. As the smaller muscles are also trained, it reduces the chance of injury and increases performance. This gentle yet effective exercise is also fantastic for athletes who are recovering from injuries.

THE POWER OF

HEALING How does it work? A healer channels energy through to a client by placing their hands on their 7 chakra energy centres — the points at which energy enters the body. How long does a session last for? It’s an hour (30 minutes each side of your body) and you lie, fully clothed, on a treatment bed.

e asked Hayley Newton, a renowned Healer based in London, to share with us what healing is all about: What exactly is healing? Healing is a natural energy therapy that complements conventional medicine by treating the whole person — mind, body and spirit. It’s a holistic approach — it believes that our whole being is interconnected and you must therefore treat the whole, not individual parts.

Why do people come to you? It varies — many people that I treat are burnt-out or stressed and I also treat cancer patients. I’ve even treated postBosnia war victims. I treat many with headaches and back problems — I think the fast pace of London life wears people down very quickly so I try to guide clients to re-balance and re-charge their batteries! Just as a car can’t run without petrol, if you put the best into your body, you will get the best out of it…

How can you help? The benefits are felt on many levels and include re-gaining balance of mind, body and emotions. I teach self-care to clients, how to look after and be gentle on themselves instead of pushing themselves to the point of illness and then having to seek help. That's not good! Balance is the key Regular healing combined with other types of self-care such as meditation and yoga as well as looking at your diet and lifestyle will reap huge benefits. It’s truly rewarding when I see clients feeling better and back on the right path! For further information, please contact: info@hayley-newton.co.uk

www.wellbeingescapes.com |

WHY YOU SHOULD VISIT

ALMAR JESOLO RESORT & SPA IN ITALY…

lmar Jesolo brilliantly combines spa, beach and city with a stylish adults-only spa offering energy massages influenced by Traditional Chinese Medicine as well as many holistic treatments. It has a private beach and alluring Venice is just nearby. Our Product Director, Helen, loved her visit and tells us why here:

}} The relaxing Almablu Spa is a true haven — very effective hydrotherapy is a speciality plus the energy-rebalancing treatments and massages have been created exclusively for the spa }} The bedrooms and suites are very inviting. Spacious, contemporary and light with soft hues that reflect the soft colours of the beach }} The wide, long beach with its sun beds and umbrellas — just made for chilling... }} The range of delicious options in the sophisticated dining areas from healthy Mediterranean cuisine and well-being food to more gourmet choices. Ideal if you want to be healthy but your companion doesn’t particularly! }} The glass cube box which houses the fitness centre is very funky and has inspiring sea views — the treadmill in your local gym will never seem the same again! 10

WELLNESS TRAVEL

TRENDS 2017 by Stella Photi

t Wellbeing Escapes we have the privileged position of speaking to our clients on a daily basis. This allows us to understand their needs but also the challenges that they are facing in their lives. Our trends are based on what is going on in real life with the real person. Education for an Active Second Part of Life Many people reaching their fifties-plus are waking up to the fact that their luxury lifestyle of “living it up” with alcohol, rich food and high stress levels is not sustainable as they enter the second half of their lives. With average lifespans getting longer, people want an active retirement with a healthy mind and body. A wellbeing holiday can provide an integrated approach to their health and they will be educated on how to lead a healthy lifestyle and kick-start a change in habits through knowledge and practice. The benefits are measurable even after a week and people are returning annually to make sure that they continue with their health improvement. Emotional Healing It is now recognised by the medical profession that there is a definite connection between one’s emotions and physical health. Trauma from relationship break-ups, bereavement,

redundancy, business failures etc can cause hormonal imbalances, major diseases and mental illness if not healed. Our clients are recognising the need to go on a wellbeing retreat where they will be nurtured, cared for and also given specialist coaching or taught techniques such as meditation or CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy) that will help them get through troubling times and also limit the damage to the body.

brutal ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach that many boot camps provide. This is an intelligent approach to fitness that addresses people’s lifestyles and preferences, and health retreats that offer a large variety of classes and specialist one-to-one fitness training from different options are gaining in popularity. This way, individuals can custom-make their own fitness holiday to suit exactly what they prefer to do.

Self Development & Awareness There will always be “seekers” in this world. Those who are far along their wellness journey and looking to learn and develop further so that they can lead what they believe to be their optimum life. These are people who want to acquire new skills, enhance their creativity and be aware of themselves, or dig deeper into something they already practise such as yoga, meditation or fitness. The world’s leading health retreats are understanding this and introducing programmes specifically for these advanced seekers.

Rest & Digital Detox As the wellness industry has developed, it has brought a huge amount of information and choices to people, many of whom previously wanted to try the latest high-tech treatment or go to the latest hot spot. Many of these ‘A type’ high-achieving individuals are going back to basics and realising that what would benefit them the most is pure relaxation and disconnecting from the technology that overpowers their lives. They want to go somewhere beautiful where they can benefit from deeply therapeutic treatments, nourishing food, plenty of sleep and little, if zero, access to their digital devices.

Tailor-Made Fitness There are a growing number of people who want to get fit without having to go through boot camps. The need for a personalised and sustainable approach to fitness is therefore replacing the

Feeling inspired? Please call us on 020 3735 7555 so we can help you to choose YOUR perfect wellness programme.

www.wellbeingescapes.com | 11

ENERGY-BOOST BREAKFASTS: HOW TO GET YOUR DAY OFF TO A

GLORIOUS START R

ebecca Hirst is a nutrition coach, TEDx speaker and founder of Glorious Wellness. She shares her tips for glorious breakfasts: Breakfast is my favourite meal. I’d happily eat it three times a day. I love it because it hints at the promise of good things ahead, a day filled with as yet unknown adventures. Especially on holiday, when breakfast is likely to be a more leisurely affair. Back home, it’s easy to make breakfast a key part of your wellness routine. Ever had a carb-heavy or sugar-laden breakfast and then found you ate poorly for the rest of the day? Me too. If things start well, they tend to end well. So give yourself the best chance of a healthy, energized, feel-good day and eat well from the get-go. Here are my three golden rules for a glorious breakfast: • Sugar leads to low energy later • Hydration before caffeination • Protein rocks

If you overdo the sugar at breakfast, you’re heading for a big energy crash mid-morning. The kind that leaves you reaching for something else sweet. Plus sugar wreaks havoc with your appetite, waistline, skin and many other things. Ditch sugar-laden cereals completely and clear your kitchen cupboards of them. Anything with more than 6g of sugar per 100g will lead to a spike and crash. Most shop-bought breakfast cereals, including the seemingly healthy ones often contain a lot more than 6g of sugar per 100g. Read labels and look for the line that says “carbohydrates, of which sugar…” and it will tell you the amount it contains.

How to avoid the sugar-fest at breakfast? Try these alternatives: • Porridge made with jumbo oats and almond milk (or whichever milk you prefer) sprinkled with sunflower, pumpkin and flax seeds and a teeny drizzle of honey • S wap sweet toast toppings for savoury. Leave aside the jam or marmalade, and opt for butter, avocado, unsweetened nut or seed butter (health food shops have a good selection) instead. One of my favourites is pumpkin seed butter — it’s a brilliant bright green and is delicious on toast • T ry making homemade granola. It literally takes 10 minutes to make and you know exactly what’s going in to it

Want to glow with good health? Then include some protein in your breakfast. It’s the building block for healthy hair, skin and nails as your body needs it to continually renew and replenish your cells. Some good sources of protein for breakfast are: 99 A couple of organic eggs 99 Nut or seed butter 99 Chia or ground flax seeds added to your smoothie 99 Granola 99 Full fat natural yogurt Breakfast like a queen. Be glorious. Stay well. For more information, visit: www.gloriouswellness.com

Hydration before caffeination: I’m a big coffee fan. Some people think that as a nutrition expert I’d be against it, but a good coffee in the morning is definitely one of life’s simple pleasures, right? Keep it to one or two cups of coffee a day and drink a glass of water or hot water and lemon before your first cup of coffee (or tea). This helps to boost your hydration levels, as you can lose several litres of water during the night. Keep sipping water throughout the day. Hydration is THE single most important thing you can do for your energy levels. Protein rocks With a bit of pre-planning, it’s easy to get some protein in at breakfast. This is a good thing, as protein keeps you feeling full for longer than a high-carb breakfast, helps stabilise your blood sugar and keeps your energy levels on an even keel.

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CAPTIVATE YOUR SENSES AT

OUT OF THE BLUE, CAPSIS ELITE RESORT IN GREECE (LIFESTYLE CRYSTAL ENERGY & CLASSIC OASIS) IN GREECE

his award-winning resort is set on a private peninsular overlooking the Aegean Sea. The spa focuses on nutrition and anti-ageing, using only the purest products (naturally, as the Cretan diet is one of the healthiest around) and you’ll be assured of a very warm welcome. Founder & Managing Director, Stella, had a wonderful time when she visited and shares why you should go here: • T he location and views are beautiful. There’s a private beach and it's within striking distance of a nearby fishing village so you can go out for a wander. Plus it's a very short transfer from the airport • T he Euphoria Spa has a oriental vibe and offers a good range of treatments — do try the rejuvenating Cretan Herbs massage with juniper, oregano, dittany and basil which is indeed very restorative

• T here are greenhouses in the grounds where fruit and vegetables are grown for the kitchen — you can’t get fresher than that and the cuisine is deliciously full of flavour • I f you are looking to eat healthier, try the ‘Banish, Balance, Boost’ programme with raw & vegan full board as well as informal talks on nutrition, positive thinking and healthy living • T he funky design at the Lifestyle Crystal Energy Hotel with quirky mosaic mannequins dotted around plus murals above the beds that will make you stop and look every time you enter your room!

MY INSIDER’S VIEW ON

CHIVA-SOM IN THAILAND…

hiva-Som is one of the best and most established destination spas in the world. Our client, Peter Rogerson, recently followed the ‘Destination Spa’ programme and shares why he thinks it’s so special:

I have been to Chiva Som twice now — it’s a brilliant place to get away from the pressures of modern living and lose yourself. The whole resort is designed so that you feel as though you are miles away from anywhere. It’s very peaceful and tranquil — a green oasis. The staffto-guest ratio makes everything feel special with someone to ensure you are looked after at the beach, pools, restaurants and gym. You agree your goals with a nurse at the start so that you can decide which treatments and classes to join. You are under no pressure to do anything, but you’d be mad not to! This is a resort that respects you for who you are. There are no muscled gym instructors pushing you beyond your limits; just coaches and instructors that work with you at a pace you can manage with a few challenges thrown in.

One of the highlights is the daily massage which is top-notch. The therapists manage your modesty and produce such a great massage that I have drifted off to sleep for five minutes or so. Of course, I blame the workout in the gym for that! And the hot steam session you take beforehand… The daily aqua aerobics class in the indoor pool is great fun and I would recommend it to all. There are fitness classes, stretch sessions, yoga, Tai Chi, kinetics and breathing sessions — yes you can even learn how to breathe properly! There are cooking lessons, talks and tours of the organic garden which produces so much of the food that you will eat. And you can break the day up with a juice, listen to the piano in the library or take a walk on the magnificent beach. Phones, cameras and laptops have to be left in your room. That ensures privacy for everybody and it also means that it’s peaceful and restful. How the world used to be I guess.

beach). Yes, portions are managed but after a day or so, you realise that you eat too much in your normal routine. I never felt hungry and looked forward to the fish and daily specials. There is a gala buffet on Saturday night where lobster, steak, sea bass and the likes are offered. You may be eating healthily but you can still enjoy the occasion! And if you love something the staff will happily get you the recipe if you ask. This is a five star resort without being stuffy. You feel lost in yourself and I have felt magical on each occasion I have been. I feel energetic, my skin feels great and I am relaxed. I have booked my next trip already. Can’t wait!

Talking of food — three healthy and tasty meals are included daily at a choice of restaurant (there's one by the www.wellbeingescapes.com | 15

COLONICS EXPLAINED ONCE AND FOR ALL!

re you curious about Colonic Hydrotherapy or have you tried it whilst on a spa holiday and would like to know more? We asked expert Colon Hydrotherapist, Margie Finchell, from London Colonics to explain more — she's been practising for 25 years so truly knows everything about it! What is Colonic Hydrotherapy? A gentle, safe internal bath of the colon (or large intestine or bowel) by means of warm, highly-filtered water. It is not habit-forming and it doesn't disturb the electrolyte balance. Colonic Hydrotherapy or Irrigation should not be confused with an enema. Enemas empty only the lower

12 inches whilst Colonic Irrigation cleanses the entire length of the 5-foot colon. Dr. Norman Walker, a noted American physician and naturopath commented “one colonic irrigation is equivalent to 30 enemas!” How long does a colonic take? Usually around 45 minutes but it varies depending on the person’s diet and lifestyle. If you are a healthy eater then it could be as short as 20 minutes whilst if you have infrequent bowel movements then it could take up to 2 hours! I feel a bit embarrassed to have one — should I? Absolutely not! Your modesty is preserved at all times and you simply pop on an open-back gown. You can chat to the hydrotherapist as it's being done or listen to music — whatever you want! Plus there is no odour or mess so there is really nothing to be embarrassed about. Won't all the good intestinal flora be washed away too? In fact, just the opposite. A cloggedup colon encourages the formation of harmful bacteria and inhibits the formation of healthy flora so a colonic promotes the proliferation of friendly flora which subsequently allows nutrients to be better absorbed.

Will I lose weight? Colonic hydrotherapy rapidly cleans out waste matter, gas, mucus and toxic substances from the colon but not body fat — you need to eat healthily and exercise for that! However, you can lose pounds of waste so will naturally feel lighter and less bloated. Who can benefit? Everyone! The colon is the sewage system and largest perpetrator of disease in the body and, like any rubbish bin, it needs to be emptied! If the colon is not kept clean, the decay and putrification are not contained just within the colon but spread rapidly to other organs, causing auto-intoxication or self-poisoning. This self-poisoning can eventually lead to depression, irritability, lack of energy, lack of enthusiasm, bad breath, breathlessness, bloating, spotty, unclear looking skin, stiff joints, premature ageing, to mention but a few effects. It's very good for maximising physical efficiency and performance too and is very beneficial for those on a detox or slimming programme. For more information, please see: http://londoncolonics.co.uk

MY STORY: KICK-STARTING MY PERSONAL

WELLNESS GOALS AT KAMALAYA WELLNESS SANCTUARY IN THAILAND

re you a busy professional who feels like you are permanently ‘online’? Are you constantly stressed and on catch-up? Do you long to address your health and eating habits?

Take inspiration from our client, Nina, who visited Kamalaya on Koh Samui to do just that. It offers holistic wellness experiences which integrate healing therapies from the East and West to support guests reaching their personal wellness goals.

I came away from a busy, stressful London life to enjoy a detox and kick-start the usual New Year health plan. Unfortunately, hitting forty comes with the realisation that you need to take proper care of your mind and body! I first visited Kamalaya three years ago having spent some time researching a few similar resorts in warm destinations and, as well as it looking beautiful, I could not find any unfavourable reviews.

“Let me start off by saying that I am most definitely not a meditating, yoga bunny but even I can feel the strong power surrounding Kamalaya. There is something magical about the place. Built on a steep hill are the wellness centre, two restaurants, pools, gym and villas surrounded simply by nature. You can view the ocean from every aspect and the views are stunning.

I decided upon the ‘Ideal Weight’ seven day programme which includes all meals and drinks (non-alcoholic naturally!) along with a selection of massages, personal training sessions, infrared saunas and acupuncture. There is also a selection of daily activities that you can join in including different yoga classes, aqua aerobics and general fitness classes. www.wellbeingescapes.com | 17

During the day, in between your appointments, you can head to the beach or the fabulous new lap pool, a stunning new addition since my last visit along with a larger gym. Both have fantastic views of the ocean which is perfect for when you are bored on the cross trainer. Everywhere feels very peaceful and relaxing and the service is possibly the best I have received anywhere; somehow they manage to remember all of our names. Kamalaya is all about community so for those travelling alone, there is a long communal table you can join for dinner. After a long journey I wasn’t feeling particularly sociable on the first night but joined for the rest of my stay. Of course, not all of those who have gone for a quiet week on their own want to join but for me it was perfect and made for some fun evenings. It resulted in me meeting up at 7 am on the beach for paddle boarding and kayaking with my new-found friends

and arranging to meet at some of the early morning yoga classes, not that we always made those mind you… Which brings me to the food which is simply delicious and surprisingly filling. For those of us on the detox menu, choices include raw Pad Thai, soups, vegetable Indian curry, pumpkin curry (my personal favourite) and mung bean pasta to name but a few. Not once did I feel I was missing out when a few around me ordered from the normal ‘à la carte menu’ and, amazingly, I didn’t crave a glass of red wine or even chocolate! I had a great array of treatments as part of my programme and also added on a couple of extras such as Reiki and a facial but, after listening to others over dinner rave about their deep tissue sports massage, I knew I had to book one too! Having suffered from lower back pain for years it was extremely helpful and one of the best treatments I have received, albeit rather painful. That along with the acupuncture and a not-entirely-pleasant cupping treatment (pretty sure I had Ikea’s whole glassware range on my back!) I feel as though there might be an end in sight. For this break, I wanted to relax in the sun without any worries, kick-start a healthier lifestyle, practise yoga and I was not disappointed. I came away three kilos lighter, slightly more adept at yoga, with new friends and, most importantly, with the Kamalaya recipe cookbook which is endlessly inspiring! I think it’s unrealistic to think that I will become a tea-total vegan but am back home and have already purchased some mung bean pasta so who knows…?! Kamalaya is a very special place; perhaps due to it being built around an ancient monk’s cave, the beautiful surroundings, the amazing practitioners and the lovely team and there is a reason why it has a high number of repeat visitors. Yes, it’s not inexpensive but it’s totally worth every penny. Will I be going again? Most definitely!”

WHY GOING

SOLO ON HOLIDAY

R O C KS! 1. 2. 3.

It’s all about YOU. No compromising, no waiting around for anyone, just doing exactly what you fancy. Sheer bliss… You’ll have the chance to get back in touch with yourself, think big thoughts and listen to your ‘inner voice’. It has all the answers, you just need down time to listen to it! You’ll be more openminded to new people and situations. Others are more likely to approach you (in a positive way!) and will go out of their way to help you. Smile at everyone that crosses your path and good things will happen…

4. 5.

You’ll feel empowered — navigating under your own steam and working everything out yourself will boost your selfconfidence and enhance your can-do attitude It’s fun! You can be whoever you want to be, you can go where you’ve always wanted to and you can try new experiences. That’s the ultimate freedom and win/win all round Now, pack your bags, off you go and have a fabulous time…!

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WHY YOU NEED TO GO TO

LEFAY RESORT & SPA

L AGO DI GARDA IN ITALY NOW!

efay affords panoramic views across Lake Garda and is surrounded by olives groves and lemon trees. Its spa fuses Classical Chinese Medicine with western science to give you highly-effective results. Our client, Amanda Hodges, had an amazing time and shares why she thinks it’s so special here: }} It’s super easy to get there and the drive to the hotel alongside the lake is gorgeous. Maybe hire a Fiat 500 and get yourself in ‘la dolce vita’ mood! }} You’ll be blown away by the entrance on arrival, the stylish, typically Italian decor, the amazing views and the clean, clean, fresh, fresh air…

}} The staff (who seem to be everywhere) are so gentle, friendly, unassuming and very efficient. The service levels are very impressive — down to the chef who boxed me up some pastries (shhhh!) when I mentioned how divine they were }} The spa is amazing and the treatments really are first-class with so much choice. We had a daily massage plus added in extras as they always somehow managed to fit us in with no rush or pressure — bliss }} The hotel is beyond eco, down to the paint on the walls! We were obsessed with the vegan olive oil shampoo and also loved

the ambient temperature throughout; the heating is regulated so there is absolute no need to fiddle around with it! }} The lunch buffet is fabulous and includes a huge selection of beautifully cooked vegetables — I mean around at least 20 different types. I was also super excited to make my own green juice each morning in the professional juicer So, what are you waiting for — head off and experience the (healthy) dolce vita for yourself…?!

HOW CAN I SLEEP BETTER? TOP TIPS FOR GET TING QUALIT Y SLEEP

eil Shah, Chief De-Stressing Officer at the Stress Management Society offers some helpful tips to help lower stress in order to get great quality sleep.

Sleep, like water and food, is vital for the maintenance of physical and mental health. People deprived of sleep exhibit symptoms such as mood swings, lack of concentration and irritability — so are therefore prime candidates for stress. And while oversleeping can make you feel tired and fatigued, getting less than you need reduces your ability to cope with stress. Stress is all about stimulation. When faced with stressful situations, our bodies become naturally stimulated in order to ‘fight or flight’ the situation. Therefore, it is important that we don’t further stimulate our bodies when in a state of stress, in order to be able to have a good night’s sleep.

ÊÊ Don’t eat or drink anything that contains sugar or caffeine before bedtime ÊÊ If you find yourself waking up at night thinking about things you have to do, keep a pad and pen close by to note them down so you can return to sleep untroubled ÊÊ Balance work and play. Stress and overwork lead to poor sleeping habits ÊÊ Don’t do anything to make the mind active just before sleep

ÊÊ Eat a balanced diet and take regular exercise. Be sure to exercise at least 4 hours before bedtime

ÊÊ Have a bedtime ritual. For instance, lie face up in bed with arms and legs slightly spread. Close your eyes. Sense the subtle sensations in your body. Focus on a point at your third eye — in between eyebrows and slightly up. Imagine a black hole and sink into it. Or count sheep!

ÊÊ Treat yourself to regular massages

ÊÊ Meditate regularly – its benefits are immense

ÊÊ Don’t expose yourself to bright lights before going to bed; it tricks your body into believing it’s time to be awake

Source: Aviva Health Check Report.

ÊÊ The body adapts quickly to routine. Going to bed and rising at the same time helps to establish a stable sleep pattern

Wellbeing Escapes offers a number of programmes that can help with sleep issues – please call us on 020 3735 7555 for further advice.

ÊÊ Don’t eat a heavy meal before retiring; however don’t go to bed feeling hungry. Instead, eat a light snack ÊÊ Occasionally drink chamomile or valerian tea before bedtime, but not so much that you have to visit the bathroom during the night

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MACDONALD MONCHIQUE RESORT & SPA — WHY YOU SHOULD HOP ON THE PLANE NOW!

}} The wonderfully spacious rooms — they are all suites with a living room, kitchenette and dining area. Perfect if you like to spread out! }} The Sensorial Spa with individually tailored treatments using luxury ESPA products and a local brand called Monchique Cosmetics which contains thermal water and medronho fruit which is rich in antioxidants — how fab is that?

his resort, set amongst mountainous woodlands, offers an idyllic place to relax. The spa has a Sensorial Spa Thermal Circuit for detoxifying and rejuvenating and be sure to head off walking in the surrounding nature. Our Wellbeing Specialist, Krasimira, tells us why she enjoyed her visit so much:

}} There are some fantastic bike routes through the mountain and Algarve coastline. The resort is a certified Bikhotel (providing approved facilities for cyclists) so it’s ideal if you love your cycling! }} The historic village of Monchique is nearby with its cobbled streets and charming architecture — take a guide walk from the hotel.

Did you know that it has the most alkaline water in Portugal too and the bottles in your bedroom contain this spring water? }} The ambiant climate all year round — it averages 24°C so it’s ideal for soaking up some Vitamin D on a lounger or getting out and about to exercise to the max in the ‘milder’ months So book up now — ’natural’ Portugal is just waiting for you plus it’s excellent value…

EXPERT ADVICE ON

BANISHING

BLOATING D

o you suffer from bloating? Help is at hand! We asked Naturopath nutritional therapist Rose Chamberlain to share her expertise:

In my clinical experience, bloating is one of the most common complaints. The cause can be linked to many different factors but most of the time it is related to food intolerances and dysbiosis (imbalance between the ratio of good bacteria vs bad bacteria in our gut). It can also be a sign of low HCL (hydrochloride acid) in our stomach. If the food ingested is not properly broken down, it can ferment and liberate gas thus resulting in bloating. Low HCL is also linked to reflux and heartburn. I like to say that digestion starts in our mouths. It is important to chew your food properly. Take your time, don't eat in front the TV or while doing something else. Never eat if you are feeling stressed as this causes our

digestive system to shut down and we can't break down the food ingested. If you constantly suffer with reflux or heartburn, instead of taking an anti-acid, you can try drinking one tablespoon of organic apple cider vinegar diluted in 100ml of water 10 minutes before your main meals. It will help to increase HCL levels. If the cause of your bloating is food intolerance, it would be helpful to avoid foods containing processed white flour and gluten, processed sugar and dairy. Cut out these foods for a week or two and then start introducing back to your diet one-byone. I normally suggest that my clients do a food journal and take notes after re-introducing the various foods, paying attention not only to physical reactions but emotional too.

one presenting several different strains and a minimum of 10 billion bacteria. To improve your gut health, increase the consumption of beans, pulses, nuts, vegetables and fruits. Aim for at least 3 portions of fruits daily especially berries and apples and 5 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 8 portions of vegetables especially ones containing resistant starches like artichoke, Jerusalem artichoke, celeriac, garlic, onions and leek. Another way to support our gut bacteria is to eat fermented foods like Kefir (fermented milk), sauerkraut, Korean kimchi, live yogurt plus Tamari sauce and cider vinegar. For more information, see: www.thehealthytree.org. Rose is also a trained expert for Map My Gut which analyses the composition of your gut health.

To address dysbiosis, the best thing is to take a good probiotic â&#x20AC;&#x201D; that is www.wellbeingescapes.com | 23

PHUKET CLEANSE

– A VERY SPECIAL WELLNESS RETRE AT!

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huket Cleanse tailors the right programme for every guest, offering yoga and meditation, cardio and strength work, outdoor activities and the very latest wellness therapies, leaving you amazed at the results. Our Product Director, Helen, tells us why she rates it so highly: }} The chefs serve a super creative, delicious and innovative cleansing menu and a juice cleanse is also an option. Cooking classes teach you how to create dishes at home and nutritional talks offer invaluable information to help maintain a healthy lifestyle }} It really is home-from-home. The social and motivational group atmosphere is infectious. A mix of international guests dine together with solo travellers and groups from Australia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Europe and the UK }} The variety of classes is impressive. There’s something for everyone from Muay Thai boxing, HIIT training

and paddle boarding, to hot yoga, meditation, dance, walks and bike rides. Plus, Phuket Cleanse's unique offerings include an immersive hypnotic transformation pod, oxygen therapy, an infrared sauna and its very own ice bath for speedy muscle recovery, reducing inflammation and anti-ageing! }} It recognises that rest and recovery are important. A traditional Thai long-tail boat ride to Coral Island on Sundays for some vitamin D and snorkelling in the crystal-clear water, as well as gentle walks along the lush mountain landscape, feature on the programme }} This isn’t about just a week or two away, this is about starting your transformation to a new you. These are just some of the reasons Phuket Cleanse truly is one of a kind. They haven’t missed a thing.

LIFE LESSONS FROM A

PROFESSIONAL LIFE COACH J

acqueline Hurst is a trailblazing ‘mind’ expert, knowledgeable public speaker and ground-breaking life coach who has helped thousands of people through their issues. She shares her favourite pieces of advice below and says ‘the journey, of course, never stops and along this journey of life, there are many signs that can help us along the way. All you have to do is be open to them’. 1. Don’t sweat the small stuff, life is just too short In other words, will that matter in 10 years time? We can all get bogged down by the tiny things in life that we think matter dramatically when, in fact, they don’t at all. We can all be accused of taking life seriously and when we do this, we are looking at the minutia and making it much bigger than it needs to be. If your best friend forgot to call you back on Thursday, give yourself a break, she simply may have just forgotten because her own life is a bit hectic right now. 2. When you want to fight harder, surrender Being a strong woman or man, being someone who can literally do anything you set your mind to, is amazing. It means you are a fighter and you will likely get what you want. Except in some cases the fight is what makes it harder and life becomes exhausting. Sometimes the fight is what creates the issue. Sometimes the letting go, the true surrender, the ‘leaning in’ to the chaos is the only answer to your problem. Trust me on this one. It works. Let go.

Sometimes there should be praise for slow as it means you are dotting your ‘i’s’ and crossing your ‘t’s’. Slow means you are connecting back to yourself, slow means that you are conscious and present and slow can be the way to catch the monkey. 4. Out of small acorns huge oak trees grow Remember that to start, you have to just simply, start. You also have to believe in yourself and your vision and that out of little tiny ideas, with a dash of belief, huge, massive, beautiful things can grow. You’ve got this. 5. You were meant to meet that person If we start to believe that things are happening just as how they are meant to happen, we stop fighting reality and life becomes easier. It’s the same with meeting people. People come in and out your life — they are teachers, as are you to them. Whoever comes in is meant to come in and they may also be meant to leave. Just go with the flow and don’t grab. Allow life to work its way out and believe in the process and how it is happening. It may not be happening the way you wanted or expected, but it is happening how it should be. Life remember, is beautiful. For more information, please visit: www.jacquelinehurst.com

3. Slowly, slowly catchy monkey A lot of the time, the things we want need patience, TLC and working towards. The perfectionists will find this hard as they beat themselves up that they didn’t ‘get it’ immediately but that never works.

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VEGETARIAN DIET

— ARE YOU GETTING ALL YOU NEED?

e asked nutritionist, Vicky Turrell, to share her expertise on what you should be getting enough of as a vegetarian: Vegetarian diets can be incredibly healthy as well as being good for the planet. More of the good stuff like fibre, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants and less of the bad things that are sadly part of the over-farmed animal food chain. Without doubt, a plant based diet is good for us and the healthiest societies across the planet are those that have a significant vegetarian element in their diets. As food writer Michael Pollan summed up in The New York Times: ‘Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants.’ As a general rule, you can’t go wrong with that! But for some, going ‘veggie’ just means giving up meat and fish, and that’s where things can go seriously wrong. Getting a balance of all the food groups is essential for good health and a healthy vegetarian diet is as much about what we put in, as what we are taking out. In my early teens, I decided to become vegetarian and 26

spent many a tedious, not to mention nutritionally deficient, mealtime eating some boiled veg and the odd potato. Occasionally, this was brightened up by a cheese and tomato pizza or a pile of pasta and a jar of sauce. It didn’t take long before I was finding my diet very limited and my energy levels were dropping. Fast forward (many) years and now, as a practising nutritionist, I still favour a largely vegetarian diet but my eyes have been opened not only to the enormous variety of food on offer, but also to the need to include adequate sources of key nutrients. When I see vegetarian clients in my clinic I look at 3 key areas: firstly protein. Protein is made up of 20 amino acids, 9 of which the body cannot produce and therefore these are known as ‘essential’. We need to take in these essential building blocks of protein through our diet. When we eat meat and fish, nature gives us a ready-made package of what we call ‘complete’ proteins which contain all 9 of the essential amino acids in roughly equal amounts. Vegetarian based proteins, with the exception of eggs, dairy, soy beans and quinoa, are incomplete protein sources. This simply means that we need to eat a range of plant based proteins (e.g. lentils, nuts, seeds, beans, peas) in order to get all of the amino acids that we need.

“Variety is not only the spice of life, but the key to a long, healthy life!”

Many traditional diets actually reflect this by combining things like rice and beans, hummus and flatbread and lentils with rice. These combinations all create complete proteins on our plates but even if we don’t eat these foods in combination, our bodies are clever enough to be able to hold onto them in what is called the ‘amino acid pool’ and combine them together later on, provided we include a mixture on a regular enough basis. The second key area is iron. Again, when we eat animal sources we are getting an easily absorbable form of iron. Although plant sources of iron are abundant — dark leafy greens, dried fruits, whole grains, to name a few, the type of iron they contain is not quite as easy to absorb as animal sources. Again, this means that we need to eat plenty of these vegetarian sources on a regular basis to ensure that our iron stores are properly replenished.

Vegetarian sources of B12 are dairy products and eggs, so it is crucial to either include these in a balanced diet or take a good supplement. In the end, the easiest way to ensure a healthy vegetarian diet is to remember that variety is crucial. The more we mix up our plant protein sources, our rainbow of colours and textures and tastes, the more certain we can be that we are getting everything we need. Variety is not only the spice of life, but the key to a long, healthy life! For more information, see www.vtnutrition.com

Linked to iron is the third key nutrient — B12. Often forgotten, B12 is not only needed in order to absorb iron but is vitally important in a huge range of other physical and mental processes. B12 deficiencies can lead to depression, fatigue, visual disturbances and memory loss, amongst a host of other things. www.wellbeingescapes.com | 27

WHAT MAKES

SHA WELLNESS CLINIC IN SPAIN SPECIAL

HA is a pioneer of integrated wellness, connecting the very best of Eastern and Western medicine. Founder and Managing Director, Stella, has been to SHA a number of times so she clearly rates it very highly! She tells us why here: ◆◆ The spa team is phenomenal with leading experts on stress management, sleep recovery, anti-ageing and detox to name but a few — this is the place to come for serious results ◆◆ Healthy nutrition is key to the wellness philosophy here and they have a truly creative approach to food which makes it tastier and more interesting than you could ever imagine ◆◆ The fitness options are varied and motivating and the SHA Academy is a neat touch with daily group activities from Nordic Walking to healthy cookery classes

◆◆ It’s perfect for discerning wellness travellers who like their wellbeing to be cutting-edge yet luxurious and wrapped up in contemporary, beautiful surroundings… ◆◆ Be sure to try the jet pools in the spa which are designed to stimulate your circulation and then plunge into the ice cold pools afterwards which help to get rid of pesky cellulite — worth it despite what you may think…! So if you are looking for a super-sleek exclusive spa with goal-driven programmes, this is THE place for you…please call us on 020 3735 7555 and we’ll be happy to get you on your way!

WHAT I LOVED ABOUT

SHANTI-SOM T

his Asian-style escape is ideal if you want yoga, nature, tranquillity and eastern spa rituals closer to home. Our client, Susan Hutton, recently tried our Wellbeing Booster programme there and very much enjoyed it. She shares why she found it special here:

◆◆ The spacious outdoor yoga sala – it’s inspiring to practise surrounded by lush scenery and the yoga teaching is a very high level. It really is for everyone so you are ‘stretched’ if you need to be or encouraged if you are new to it

◆◆ The beautiful Balinese architecture and the location. It has a stylish, boutique feel and the Oriental gardens are a lovely touch too. You feel tucked away in nature but in fact Marbella is a short drive away so perfect if you want to pop in for a wander around

◆◆ The sheer friendliness of the place – the staff are very kind and are on first-name terms with all the guests very quickly ◆◆ The food is very imaginative – I would call it Asian fusion and the flavours and variety of dishes are fabulous as well as beautifully presented. I also really liked the sharing table and enjoyed meeting fellow guests and sharing our experiences ◆◆ The semi-circular seating in the lobby area with its cosy fire where everyone seems to congregate and chat is super bonding and friendly ◆◆ The choice of spa treatments is very comprehensive and they are well-priced if you want to add in extra ones whilst there. They range from relaxing body massages to more ‘touchy-feely’ stuff like soul reading so again, something for everyone! It sounds wonderful eh? If it sounds just what you are looking for too, then please do contact us as we can get you booked and on your way! www.wellbeingescapes.com | 29

MY TOP 5 HIGHLIGHTS AT

SWASWARA RESORT IN INDIA

• T he lush and alive grounds — think dragonflies, birds of prey and curious monkeys dancing on the roof tops, as well as sacred cows lazing about on the nearby Om beach

waSwara is a serene and nurturing resort flanked by coconut groves and paddy fields. There are multiple yoga classes daily plus rejuvenating Ayurveda — come here if you want a slice of authentic India. Our Product Director, Helen, found her stay here totally inspiring and tells us why: • T op notch Ayurveda with a caring and dedicated wellness team. Their doctors and therapists are so knowledgeable and nurturing, it’s a very special experience

• H ow truly eco the resort is; pioneering and award-winning, with such attention to detail. You don’t even need to pack your own bathroom products— everything is naturally made and popped into ceramic pots for you to use and enjoy

• T he resident art teacher who helps and encourages you to let your inner child run wild with clay or paint! • A uthentic yoga and meditation with a variety of daily classes. I challenge you not to fall asleep post-lunch in the yoga nidra class, listening to the sounds of nature and the waves… If you are looking to rejuvenate and refresh, try SwaSwara — we promise you that you won’t be disappointed and will love Ayurveda forever more!

1711 TI SANA DETOX RETREAT

SPA IN ITALY

DETOX AT ITS BEST!

• T he guided morning walks along the River Adda —or pack your trainers and turn it into a decent jog!

We love it because:

• H ow very easy it is to get there. With three different airports in Milan, the transfers are short and the choice of flights is wide, meaning reasonable flight prices to boot

i Sana, in beautiful Lombardy, is renowned for its enthusiastic team and highly effective Healtheatarian programme merging science-based evidence medicine with alternative medicine, which sees the whole human body as an interconnected system of health.

• T he young team’s contagious enthusiasm for tweaking your lifestyle, to maximise your energy levels and prevent disease, really is both motivating and inspiring! • T he stylish spa… so bijoux that the fashionistas from Milan visit for spa days…

Ti Sana has kindly shared its Signature Detox Healtheatarian soup recipe (see right) which is super low in calories and full of fibre. It’s very easy to make, rich in minerals and vitamins, very low in salt and fat plus it contains lots of water so it’s detoxifying yet filling and nourishing. Give it a try!

Serves 4 99 450g courgettes or other green vegetables 99 120g celery 99 140g leeks or onions 99 100g peas 99 Handful of basil 99 Handful of parsley 99 Pinch of salt & pepper Method Cut all the vegetables into large chunks, add the peas and put in a saucepan on a high heat. Bring to the boil, leave the ingredients to boil for 5 minutes and then blend with the herbs and salt & pepper. Serve hot. www.wellbeingescapes.com | 31

BEST BEAUTY PRODUCTS FOR KEEPING THAT POST-HOLIDAY GLOW

e know how it is — you return from your holiday with THAT glow and want to do everything in your power to preserve it for as long as possible!

CARE

We’re huge fans of the holistic skincare brand, Dr. Hauschka, so asked the team to recommend its TOP 5 products to preserve that ‘just-back-from-an-amazing-wellness-break’ feeling — see below and give them a try! The products contain medicinal plant extracts and natural ingredients (certified organic as much as possible) — the brand has been around since 1935 for good reason…

CLEANSE Soothe dehydrated skin with SENSITIVE CARE CONDITIONER (£45.50 for a 28 day cycle) to support your skin’s cellular renewal and strengthen sensitised skin, revealing post-holiday rejuvenated skin. It’s oil-free so your skin can breathe freely whilst it’s going through the process.

Gentle cleansing is key to nourishing parched skin so try this SOOTHING CLEANSING MILK (£24.50) which gently removes dirt and impurities such as sun tan lotion without irritating sun-stressed skin. Apply to a damp face morning and evening and remove with a lukewarm cloth.

“ TOP 5 products to preserve that ‘just-back-from-anamazing-wellness-break’ feeling”

REVIVE

Cool and soothe sun-stressed skin with a REVITALISING FACE MASK (£38.50) which contains hydrating quince and nurturing jojoba for the ultimate after-sun mask. It will minimise pores and make your skin glow with healthy radiance!

GLOW

Use this for maximum hydration, minimum effort — TINTED DAY CREAM (£28.50). This combines nourishing avocado and almond oils with protective rose wax, beeswax and quince seeds to moisturize the skin, boosts radiance and even skin tone.

SOOTHE Don’t forget to continue with the AFTER SUN (£15.50) — this one has added ice plant extract and hydrating marigold and anthyllis, helping to regulate moisture levels for a longer-lasting tan and silky smooth skin!

So now you know how to do it — you can get trial sizes of some products too so give them a whirl!

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WHERE WE’RE GOING

IN 2017 W

e love to sample our wellness destinations ourselves (come on — perks of the job!) so thought we’d share with you where we’re planning to escape this year. Coming with us? Helen is heading off to COMO Shambhala Estate in Bali. Say no more — it’s a ‘destination’ spa so dedicated wellness is the form here with holistic treatments and goal-focussed treatments. She’s a bit of a fitness-freak too so is particularly looking forward to the Kintamani Bike Challenge which is an ascent to the crater rim of Mount Batur followed by a downhill ride through traditional villages! Stella is visiting Fusion Maia in Vietnam. She wants to combine exploring bustling Vietnam with some wellness relaxation. Fusion Maia gets such good press and there are three daily spa treatments included so you can’t help but come away feeling utterly zen…

head…! She thinks it’s the divine setting and friendly team or possibly the blissful Shirodhara treatment which led to one of the best kips of her life… Peter is off to Karkloof Safari Spa — Wellness & Wildlife Retreat in South Africa. It’s a recent addition to our portfolio and promises a fabulous mix of safari drives, spa treatments and fitness activities. How unique is that and the best bit is that you can go on drives and eat at any time of the day so it really is a break — no getting up at the crack of dawn unless you want to! Dominika is planning a trip to Marbella Club in Spain as our clients keep telling her how much they love it. Time for her to see what all the fuss is about. Plus she rather fancies the beach work outs — nothing like being distracted by the lapping waves as you go for the burn!

Krasimira recently visited Macdonald Monchique in Portugal and adored feeling ‘away from it all’ but just a short hop from London. The guided nature walks were a firm favourite as was the thermal circuit in the spa and the ESPA products — always a total treat!

Inna is visiting Borgo Egnazia (very lucky as it won the Condé Nast Traveller Spa Awards 2017) in charming Puglia to kick back and enjoy the luxury vibe and play lots of tennis. She’s got her eye on a facial in the Vair Spa too which rather cleverly uses herbs from the hotel’s kitchen garden!

Natalie is off to Shanti Maurice in Mauritius as she went a few years back and hasn’t been able to get it out of her

Please visit www.wellbeingescapes for further details on all of the above destinations.

BODYHOLIDAY IN

ST LUCIA

IS AMAZING AND HERE'S WHY

is is one of the friendliest resorts around with a h wide range of activities and a daily inclusive spa treatment. Our client, Lizzy Darnill, totally adored it and shares why here:

• T he location — utterly beautiful, tranquil and right on the beach. I adored the views from the spa pavilion – it feels like walking through a mini rainforest to get there. The resort is lush, beautiful, immaculate and spacious without feeling too big • T he wellness centre — such a huge range of treatments are included. Check your schedule a couple of weeks before you travel to guarantee that you have your treatment at your preferred times. I adored the hot stone massage and the facials are amazing too — I had one just before flying home and my skin was very soft and nourished for days afterwards • T he staff — so friendly, warm and welcoming. There is always someone to talk to and nothing is too much trouble. This atmosphere extends to the guests as well. As a solo traveller, I met a lot of new friends to try activities and share meals with. It’s an extremely sociable place but I could also have my quiet time if I wanted

• T he activities — there is something for everyone and I struggled to fit everything in! I recommend highlighting the things on the activity list that you really want to do so that you don’t miss out. The Body Guards are amazing, full of energy and positivity. I really liked the dance classes and the stretch class in the morning is really popular. Make sure you get there early to reserve your place! • T he food — I particularly loved the breakfasts from banana bread to traditional Caribbean classics, continental to cooked. If you want to eat ‘cleanly’, you can too. Or you can have a bit of everything in moderation! The BodyHoliday is a super choice if you are looking for an all-inclusive break that delivers on its promise ‘give us your body for a week and we’ll give back your mind’ — please call us on 020 3735 7555 and we can tell you more!

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“So wonderful that I want to spread the word”

VILALARA LONGEVITY THALASSA & MEDICAL SPA IN PORTUGAL

he unique fusion of Thalassa, spa and state-of-theart wellness and anti-ageing solutions provides a rejuvenating experience within lush surroundings. Natalie, our Marketing Manager, visited this leading leisure and wellness property and very much liked what she found! Here’s why: • T he ‘clinical’ (yet nurturing) approach is very comforting — the team are highly trained and experts in their fields so you just know that you are getting truly expert advice

• T he personal health check and biophysical evaluation results are carefully explained along with clear direction on how you can make improvements in areas of concern • T he setting is beautiful — framed by honeycombcoloured cliffs leading up from the beach and the architecture has shades of Gaudi with wavy curves and ochre tones. Be sure to do a cliff top walk — just go through the gate near the restaurant and you’ll find yourself following a path with dazzling sea views • I f you choose it, the detox, liquid fasting diet is very effective and you don’t feel hungry. Maybe it’s the distracting location — I tended to take my soups and juices on a day bed piled high with cushions nestled in the beautiful gardens! • T he yoga classes are excellent — inspiring teachers and our session included Tibetan singing bowls at the end as we relaxed. The fitness activities are great too and if you love tennis, then you’ll jump for joy when you see the tennis courts… • T he range of spa treatments offered is very impressive including anti-ageing, hydro jets massage, cellulite drainage and Watsu Do consider Vilalara Longevity if you are looking for a wonderful fusion of nurturing and revitalising wellness — its wellness team is incredibly talented and will go out of their way to boost your health and inspire you.

FOCUS ON YOU

AT VILLA EDEN IN ITALY

ntimate Villa Eden is great for weightloss and healthy ageing within a luxury setting and is famous amongst discreet Italians and international celebrities alike. Its medical centre maximises results and you’ll leave looking as revitalised as you feel. Our client, Jane Houghton, visited and shares her insights here: • I absolutely loved the early morning (yes 7am) walks around this incredibly beautiful part of the world. The views are stunning especially when you get to the top of the mountain (well large hill really…) • I have to say that the treatments were the best I've ever had, the therapists got to parts that others can only dream of! I arrived with a painful lower back and left with the pain completely gone

• I went because I was going through an early menopause so wanted to explore a clinical spa and get advice on how to get through this part of life. I wasn't disappointed — the doctor was incredible and offered me lots of advice which I am using on an on-going basis • A ngelika Schmid (the owner) is very present and looks incredible – she is the ultimate picture of health and a perfect advocate for Villa Eden. She checked in with every guest daily to see how we were progressing and if we had any further requirements — a wonderfully personal touch. She also gave me tips on which products to choose from their own beauty

range — she was entirely right and they work a treat (in fact I sent for more recently!) • I was on a restricted diet (as I needed to lose a few pounds) but the food is served as several courses so you feel like you are eating plenty and at a Michelin-starred restaurant — very clever Villa Eden is certainly a WOW place. From the moment you drive up to this luxurious hotel to the elegant rooms with incredible views across the gardens, a stay here will stay in your heart forever!

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WHY IT PAYS TO BOOK WITH

WELLBEING ESCAPES WHAT YOU GET

OUR VALUES

The Best Price: We have the most competitive prices, better than going directly and we have exclusive offers and bonuses

We believe you should enjoy wellbeing experiences that bring positive change into your life

Peace of Mind: Your holiday is financially protected via our ATOL bonding (no. 10269) if you purchase flights with us Expert Knowledge: Our specialist travel consultants offer exceptional service levels. We are very proud to have a service of 97% on independent review site Feefo Time Saved: Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve done the hard work and research on all our properties so you can rest assured weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve sourced only top quality destinations at the best value Loyalty Benefits: We really value our clients so give repeat client discounts and make sure you receive as many extra perks as possible

We listen to your needs and offer a highly consultative service as well as passionately believing in honesty, accuracy and quality We research all of our escapes to guarantee their authenticity and the quality of your experience We deliver a wide-range of products with a high level of advice and service throughout the booking process We're here to help and advise so please call us on 020 3735 7555. We'll be delighted to help you to find your perfect wellness destination and programme.

www.wellbeingescapes.com | 39

For further information, or to speak to one of our wellbeing travel specialists, please call 020 3735 7555 or email info@wellbeingescapes.com www.wellbeingescapes.com