Our latest Wellbeing Recruit, Mike, tries Yoga for the first time

Recently one night, when speaking to my girlfriend over the phone, I confessed to her I had attempted some yoga that same afternoon. Hearing the news, she burst in laughter. Surprised and slightly annoyed by her reaction, I kept my calm and asked her what was it that she found so funny.

'Haha! Please don't be offended. I'm not laughing at the fact that you did it. I just can't picture you doing it'!
Now, I was confused. What couldn't she picture? The fact that I had tried some yoga poses out, in the comfort of my own room, or that I had made an attempt at yoga? Not investigating any further, I finally convinced myself that the reason why she laughed must have been for hearing out, from her own boyfriend, that he had (secretly) downloaded some fancy, yoga app on his lap top and, following on-screen, step-by-step instructions, ‘indulged’ in some solitary yoga.
Well now, I see…! If you put it that way, I thought, can't really blame the woman for laughing, can I?

Yoga had been an appealing subject to me for quite a while. After extensive visualising and wondering how it would feel coming out of a class, and after many turned down invitations to attend one, I finally put some courage together. So, just little over a week ago I came out of my first yoga class! Dazzled and left thinking 'wow. Oh WOW. That was great!’ I realised what a big idiot I have been for avoiding yoga this long!
On a side note, the same girl who two weeks earlier had laughed at me for telling her I did DIY yoga, was now dragging me to my first class. Ahh... What irony.

A nice and sunny Sunday morning, we walked to the gym where the class was taught. There was a dance class going on before us, and when the music inside finally stopped, the doors opened. Sweaty girls in leggings came out of the room, and blended with other not-yet-so sweaty, girls in leggings, I entered the room. Something then hit me, almost immediately. Was there anything specific that I should do, once inside? Realising it would have been helpful to know who the teacher was and where she would be sitting during class, I knew it was too late to ask now, so I panicked a little and felt completely lost for the next thirty seconds or so.
Relying on my natural human instincts, I saw what the others did and so I did the same. It looked clear that all I had to do was pick a mat in the corner and quickly rush to a ‘favourite’ spot. Having noticed that my girlfriend had already picked hers and bearing in mind our previous agreement of having to sit as far away as possible from one to another, to avoid making each other giggle, I immediately picked a spot on the other end. Total silence reigned across the room until the teacher started the class.

My heart beating slightly faster than normal for the first few minutes, I could feel the nervous excitement in my body. As we were instructed to lie down, back and feet on the floor and been told to relax and breathe, I realized we were already going through the first pose. Then as we went from one pose to another, I realised my body had been gradually relaxing and my heart slowing down. Always concentrating on my deep breaths and the teacher's soothing voice, I would look at her and peek around from time to time, just to make sure I was getting those Asanas right. Downward-facing dog, cobra pose, back bends, forward bends, high lunges, low lunges, staff pose, shoulder stand, inversions, all in a mixed succession… Hell, I certainly had not seen that coming!
I realised we were about to reach the end when, sitting down, we were told to rub our hands together and place them wherever we wanted on our bodies. 'Thank you for coming today' said the teacher, and for some reason I began smiling uncontrollably, and a few people in the class even clapped.
The class was about ninety minutes long, which I thought was the perfect amount of time.
Now with my socks and shoes back on, still smiling, foolishly thinking I was succeeding at being very discreet, I then tried approaching the teacher (whose name, I had learnt, was Emma), thinking I should say something to her. A flattering 'wow Emma. You're amazingly fit! Ah yes, I also really enjoyed your class by the way', or perhaps a more conservative line, maybe expressing what a great teacher I thought she really was? I was confused. So I walked away, only to approach her again and walk away, and approach her again for a third time. Finally glancing at me for a good amount of seconds, as she was getting her things, I am sure I was now coming across as a big weirdo. Not really caring whether I looked like one to her or not, in the end I was too shy to say anything at all, so decided to leave. My self-esteem slightly lowered, I launched a smile at my girlfriend, who too was smiling and had witnessed to the whole scene. Walking out of the room and outside the building with sunrays hitting my face, I noticed I could not yet stop smiling.

Unlike before, I now don’t see yoga as daunting. However, I can assure you I was mistaken on a few things.
Prejudice number one: yoga is a women’s thing, not so much for men. False!

There is no denying that you see more women than men around doing it. And in reference to my experience, I won’t hide that making one of the three males, out of the twenty-five students in the whole class did make me feel kind of proud, perhaps even special. But yoga certainly isn’t a women’s thing and that’s the wrong thing to assume. The male attendees are clearly on the rise. So speaking to you males out there, don’t be afraid if you make only ‘that’ very small percentage. Go enjoy being surrounded by women.

Prejudice two: yoga is a light activity and can be done by anyone. Truth is, that is not entirely the case!
Yes, I do believe yoga can be done by anyone, male of female, young or old, but consider what level your body is at, before putting yourself out there.
I attended an intermediate-advanced class and it wasn’t as easy as I had expected or even imagined. I felt my body could cope, though. Speaking as a reasonably fit male in his early twenties, who does fitness, jogging and cycling regularly, I can confidently say that my current level of fitness has certainly helped. I am not sure how convenient it would be for someone who hasn’t exercised in a while, to go straight to an intermediate-advanced class. So if you belong to the ‘couch potato’ category and think you can start by attending any class level, re-think. I suggest a beginners’ class would be a smarter choice. If, on the other hand, you are already fit enough and believe that your body can handle it, then certainly go for it! Should you be into fitness and the subject of ‘balancing mind, body and spirit’, and feel like you might need to stretch and gain some flexibility like me, then I believe yoga might just be the thing for you!
It’s fun. It’s challenging. It’s liberating. And ultimately brings important benefits to your overall health.

I can finally say that I have thoroughly enjoyed my first yoga class and am now planning on making this a habitual routine, which is why I have booked my second class for next week. Thumbs up!

Day 4 - Stella's Travel Diary - COMO Shambhala Estate

Today was a jam packed day with so many different activities! 
It was an early start at 7.30 to take part in the 2 hour rice paddy field trek which is part of the regular activity schedule. I highly recommend this, not only because the trek is fun and interesting as you learn about local life through the brilliant estate guides, but also because you get to meet other guests staying here and can connect with them.

After a late breakfast I was driven to see the local healer and had to wait in line with other women in their 30s and 40s that had either read or seen Eat, Pray, Love. I felt like a bit of a cliché, but still went out of curiosity. I had mixed feelings about my session with the healer - but I can say that he wasn't a fraud. It's definitely worth the experience if you are quite spiritual.

We asked Widi, our assistant, if he could arrange a picnic lunch by the river followed by a treatment and even with only a couple of hours notice they pulled it off seamlessly!  Our lunch was served on a bale and we chilled out there and had a dip in the rock pools until we had our treatments at the riverside treatment areas; I'm not talking about a massage bed placed on the ground by the river, but full on treatment cabins with a bath, outdoor shower and toilet - all the creature comforts all tuned in with the natural surrounds -unbelievable! I was so blissed out by this that I felt seriously drowsy!  I thought about how I would feel if I was on my own and concluded that this whole place is a 'must do' experience, with or without your partner.

Highlight of the day for me - take a guess. Yes, the whole riverside afternoon. For Mr P, the rice paddy trek. He was fascinated with the engineering of the irrigation systems and loves to trek. We all have our passions!

Day 3 - Stella's Travel Diary - COMO Shambhala Estate

Today we experienced the first daylight thunderstorm since we arrived in Bali a week ago. Pretty good for the supposedly rainy season! There was something quite therapeutic and calming  about it and the staff looked at me like I was a weirdo while I stood in the heavy rain and then went for a swim in the pool. The official estate walk was cancelled but after the rain stopped we made our own way down the 300 steps to the river and its sacred water source. On the way down the views were spectacular and we kept discovering hidden treatment areas, bales, and rock pools with decked floor and lounges! This is where John, the General Manager, must have meant when he said that we HAD to have a treatment by the river and simply hang out relaxing there. Note to self - have to do something about that tomorrow!

Our PA , Widi. Who arranges everything for us very efficiently.

The climb back up all those steps was a good workout initself and my private yoga lesson afterwards a welcome treat to stretch out my stiff muscles.  Taking in the view and all these moments, I feel very pampered and privileged to be here!

My highlight of the day. Can't decide between the hot river stone massage (yes I am a treatment junkie) and the morning meditation class. Mr P's highlight - getting to the end of another jungle gym session and also the walk down to the river. He says if I get two choices, so does he!

Day 2 - Stella's Travel Diary - COMO Shambhala Estate

This place is so stylish, but in an understated way, it doesn't intimidate you into feeling not beautiful enough to be here.

Today I had my consultation with Eve,  the resident nutritionist and a very interesting lady, and planned out my programme. Eve is a top nutritionist with serious clinical experience and an impressive holistic approach to nutrition. She left LA at the top of her game to come here and is loving it! It shows through her excitement in helping me plan my activities and treatments. 

For this Spa Holiday I have chosen the rejuvenation programme which is a mixture of rejuvenating private yoga and treatments plus some extra activities that complement the programme. It seems to be a good fit with the resort's very peaceful and nurturing atmosphere.

I was vey naughty with Mr Photi on the other hand who didnt know that he was booked in on a fitness programme until he got here as he is seriously resisting the need for more self care as he moves through middle age. He had his first jungle gym session today and his nutrition consultation.  I was both proud and amused this morning as he ordered poached eggs instead of fried. Every small step is good.

The food is spectacular. I am dreaming about abducting their chef! My  bloated belly is flattening despite having a three course meal for lunch and dinner.

Highlight of the day for me was definitely the taksu massage - a local oil massage that incorporates Thai-style stretching manipulation. For Mr P, it was being able to get to the end of the jungle gym session and gaining a sense of achievement.

Day 1 - Stella's Travel Diary - COMO Shambhala Estate

It's been my lifelong dream to visit Bali, and I feel so lucky to be able to visit COMO Shambhala Estate. I arrived here a couple of hours ago and feel overwhelmed by how fantastic this place is! You get a sense when you are driving through the village that's next to the resort, and even before you enter the gates, that this place is going to be something special. But even then, it completely blew me away. 
Bear in mind, I was just coming from an Aman resort that was pretty amazing and a hard act to follow. I have been to some seriously luxurious places in my day but this place is something else. I realised we, and they, seriously undersell it - and for the price and offers we have it's a bargain.
I start my programme tomorrow. I am doing the rejuvenation programme so will keep you updated daily of how it goes. I am staying in the Tirta Ening residence in a COMO Shambhala suite. Just had a late lunch from the raw food menu that was delicious!
Signing off now, a very happy Stella x

View from my Suite!

Like this? Check out our luxury COMO Shambhala Holidays

My living room!

Top Spa Trends for 2012

It’s All About the Food

Food has been proven to be a fantastic source of healing, and spas have really taken notice and upped their game in this department. In the UK, there has been a massive rise in awareness about how food can heal you.  With TV programmes like ‘The Food Hospital’ on Channel 4 showing the nation how they can cure some common ailments just through a change in diet and lifestyle. All of our spas now offer delicious and healthy food that can help restore and replenish the body and many also go one step further, with qualified nutritionists on staff,  explaining the ‘hows and whys’ of food being able to improve the skin and organ functions, plus they teach how to recreate spa menus at home. 

Legitimising wellness

It looks like the world of western medicine is finally catching up with many wellness principles of Eastern philosophies, and doctors who are more open to integrative medicine are busy gathering scientific data to prove their claims.  Check out www.spaevidence.com  where results of studies have been posted.   Financial pressures always drive change and preventative health is front of mind as the  NHS looks to cut costs by prescribing therapies such as meditation for mental health problems and acupuncture for insomnia to back pain.  The world’s best spas are ahead of the game with experienced practitioners offering a wide range of therapies as part of their wellness  programmes.

Spa and local culture

Mixing up a bit of local discovery with deliciously relaxing treatments is the way forward. Why travel to a beautiful unique destination and not sample the delights of the local culture? There is a real trend towards holistic holidays that embrace indigenous treatments from the surrounding area and also include authentic excursions to delve under the skin of the destination.  Delights include local walks that end up in waterfall swims, sampling organic produce on farms and adding a bit of culture to complete a well-rounded wellness experience!  

Sleep Tight

Sleep is stepping into the spotlight as the reports on how depriving yourself of sleep can not only affect your mood but can also lead to other health problems down the line. Sleep is highly restorative, but it can be difficult in our busy lives to catch enough ‘zzzz’s’ to keep feeling in fine fettle. We’ll see more and more spas devising programmes that cater for the stressed out and sleep deprived as it becomes a greater need in our modern world.   

Education, Education, Education

Pampering simply isn’t enough for spa aficionados these days. People want to learn about how their wellness experience benefits them and what tools they can take home with them to apply in their day to day lives. It ties in with the trend of discovering why certain treatments make us feel good from a scientific point of view.  Spas are more geared up than ever before to impart their wellness wisdom on their guests through expanded activity schedules including lectures and wellness techniques.  Classes often take a wonderfully interactive approach so you can practice what they preach.

A Value Proposition

There is no denying the amount of economic uncertainty rife in today’s world. ‘Trying economic times’ are buzzwords on every politician’s lips. What we’ve found is that people are shunning the glitz and swank of uber luxurious spas in favour of a more authentic experience that caters towards true wellness.  The spa-going population is now even more sophisticated and, focusing more on value rather than the cheapest price. People are discovering that the cheapest spa will not necessarily bring them a return on investment in terms of measurable health benefits and long lasting results.

Healthy ageing

This continues to be a strong trend in 2012. The focus isn’t about reducing wrinkles but about disease prevention and health enhancement.  We like the idea ‘it’s not the years in your life, but the life in your years’ that count. Personal medical evaluations are followed by personalised health plans that include treatments, education and activities that will help achieve optimum health and boost vitality. Keeping an active mind is a key part of this trend – so activities like meditation and puzzles that keep the brain alert are recommended. People are also turning to more natural skincare solutions and again nutritious food to keep their outer body a beautiful reflection of inner health.

For where to find Spa Holiday hot on the trail of these spa trends visit www.wellbeingescapes.co.uk 

Absolute Sanctuary Launches its first ever recipe book!

With constant requests from guests for recipes to take home with them to continue eating healthily at home and with a mission to spread the love for cooking healthy and tasty meals ABSOLUTE SANCTUARY has printed a cook book Food Made With Love from The love Kitchen for this dedicated purpose.The hard cover recipe book will feature enticing appetizers, vegetarian and non-vegetarian main courses, tempting guiltless desserts, as well as refreshing detox dishes in keeping with the spirit of the resort’s detox focus. A special feature of the book is the heart facts introduction to each recipe giving the nutritional benefits of the ingredients that go into the making of each dish.

Should you be interested in purchasing a cook book please email pik@absolutesanctuary.com or bookings@absolutesanctuary.com

Travel Diary - Ti Sana

Sometimes the best detox programmes can be found in the most tucked away places. This little Italian treasure has been discovered by our Spa Spy Helen. Dedicated to health and wellbeing, there is a wealth of information under it's historic roof, all only a short flight from London.
 
What were your first impressions of the resort?
My first impressions? A wonderful mix of old world charm and contemporary design –  a short transfer from the airport took me from the hustle and bustle of Milan through sweeping Italian countryside to a quaint cluster of charming Italian homes where, in the heart of this sleepy hamlet, lies Ti Sana. Constructed from part of a former Italian nobleman’s home, the thoughtful renovation, peaceful setting and caring team creates an intimate and nurturing ambience right from the start.


What do you think makes Ti Sana special?
Bags of enthusiasm from the knowledgeable, impressive young team and a strong belief in the benefits of following a raw food lifestyle.  Newly opened, with immaculate facilities, including the only Angel of Water colon hydrotherapy in Italy, Ti Sana has award-winning freestyle spa facilities, an in-house spa doctor who has published books on the subject of the colon and an authentic, balanced approach to detox and weight management.  I also loved the fact that it’s a small and personal property as there are only 22 bedrooms, so it’s ideal for the single traveller – and each room is individually designed, which makes your stay feel even more individual.


What was your favourite activity?
Apart from reaping the benefits of the well-laid out, relaxing freestyle spa, I also loved jogging with the owner, Signore D’Angelo, along the River Adda (he frequently takes guests running, or there’s a guided power walk each morning too with Mario, the fitness trainer, for those who prefer to rest their knees!).   The feeling of being in rural Italy when wondering around the little hamlet was special too – there was even a little Italian grandma doing her linen washing in the fresh water trough.  There’s a good selection of activities to keep you busy if that’s how you want to be - daily staff tips, educational lectures, group activity classes – but the sense of calm remains at Ti-Sana, so it’s just as easy to lose yourself in the little lounge and delve into a good book...
What was your most relaxing experience?
Having a massage with a therapist with who I swear had magic hands... and unwinding in the sauna (there’s even an infra-red sauna here).
How was the food?
Delicious, varied, well-presented and entirely vegetarian. The raw food specialist chef, Valerie, whipped up a different fresh juice blend each day, and, given the unlimited supply of broth each day, as well as three good sized, healthy meals each day, I definitely did not feel hungry.
Would you recommend Ti Sana?
Absolutely – this is a real find.  Authentic, intimate and so very easy to get to - a choice of four nearby airports is about as convenient as it gets.  


Fore more on a luxury spa holiday at Ti Sana visit www.wellbeingescapes.co.uk

A healthier lifestyle can prevent you from getting cancer

Drinking and smoking less and losing weight could save 134,000 cancer diagnoses each year, Cancer Research UK finds. We've been very interested to find out that making simple changes to yourlifestyle and diet can significantly cut your risk of getting cancer. http://www.guardian.co.uk/news/datablog/2011/dec/07/cancer-causes-list

Our Spy Spy Visits Canyon Ranch, Tucson, Arizona, USA

Think you know it all when it comes to Destination Spas? Well Canyon Ranch is the place the experts go to when they want to learn more. Taking the turn of Spa Spy, our Peter finds out just what makes it one of the best places for tackling your health and fitness goals.
What were your first impressions of the resort?
Considering the amazing reputation it has as a luxury spa holiday destination, it was understated and rustic but very comfortable and welcoming. There is very much a sincere focus on the health of the individuals - in mind body and spirit.
How did you find the food, was it healthy?
I found the food very healthy, fresh, plentiful, and satisfying. All the menus contain the nutritional details for each dish, i.e. calories, fat content, carbohydrates, etc. You know what you are eating. I’d call it a ‘performance food’ menu, to maximise your experience in terms of achieving your goal. Also, there was food, fruit, drinks available all the time between meal times which was great and well appreciated; there is so much going on that it is easy to forget to refresh yourself and get some energy back, so having this available was really useful!
What do you think makes Canyon Ranch special?
Definitely the high calibre of their staff. The nurses, trainers, therapists, consultants are all at the top of the game and full of knowledge, wisdom and practical advice. Many of them have been there 20 years plus, so they really know their stuff, and genuinely love working there.
What was your favourite treatment?
The ‘road warrior massage’, fantastic as a ‘recovery’ type treatment after a day of hiking or biking. Large sachets of various herbs and spices are steamed and heated and then applied to selected muscle groups. I had it after a glorious hike in the Catalina Mountains and it worked wonders.
Did you learn anything you didn’t already know from your time there?
You couldn’t help but learn if you engaged yourself even a little in the range of activities, discussions and seminars available every day. It is a learning centre as much as a destination spa and wellness resort – I felt like I was at an elite university the whole time I was there.
What was your favourite activity?
The early morning hike up into the canyons near the resort. Two and a half hours up the mountain and about an hour and a half back. You are back at Canyon Ranch in time for a late breakfast after having a great bit of exercise while watching morning break over the desert.
What was your favourite aspect of the resort?
The range and variety of activities available to you every day, it is incredible. There were up to 40 classes and seminars, with everything from high octane fitness classes to metaphysical subjects such as tarot reading.  
Did anything surprise you about the resort?
Considering all the activities going on the resort was really calm and serene. Even when it is busy, it never seems crowded due to guests being involved in different activities throughout the resort or even off the resort such as biking and hikes
What is the atmosphere at Canyon Ranch like?
I compare it to being at a top university with a highly ‘switched on’ student body. There was a level of seriousness to the way people were getting on with their programmes and daily activities. The staff had the same attitude, doing all they could to encourage the maximum effort with the joint goal of getting results. All this was tempered with a degree of mutual respect and fun that motivated you to keep coming back for more.
Who would you recommend Canyon Ranch to?
I’d recommend Canyon Ranch to someone who is genuinely serious about an investment in themselves, physically, mentally, and emotionally and who really understands the destination spa experience. For everything you give in terms of time, money, effort and dedication while you are there, you get it all back in terms of results...and with interest. It's more than a spa holiday, it's a life-changing experience. 
For more on Canyon Ranch visit our website here!
 

A Rum Affair

Nothing quite says holiday like sipping a delcious cocktail on a tropical beach paradise. But Shanti Mauricie, in Mauritius, takes it to the next level. Their rustic beach bar, the Fish and Rhum shack, has been voted 9th amongst the 50 Best Beach Bars in the world by top global travel website CNN Go.

With a drink in hand, the sand beneath your toes, glowing lanterns lighting up the midnight sea, and mauritian sega dancers swirling their brightly coloured dresses it's a heady and intoxicating way to spend a Mauritian night.

As well as cocktails, guests are offered a range of over 40 local Mauritian rums or a selection of ice cold beers from the local Mauritian brewery. Freshly caught fish and lobster is cooked on the BBQ and served alongside delicious salads featuring lettuce and vegetables grown on-site in Shanti Maurice’s herb garden.This is a luxury spa holiday with food like no other.

Shanti Maurice’s General Manager, Paul van Frank said, ‘We are extremely proud that our Fish and Rhum Shack has been recognised as one of the top Beach Bars in the world. The accolade really recognises how special the resort is and how much we value the exceptional, authentic experiences that our guests receive when staying with us.’

For a luxury spa holiday at Shanti Maurice check out our fantastic 'Discovery' holiday. 

We're still astonshed by this excellent offer at Longevity!

Exclusive 'Taste of Longevity' Luxury Short Break - Save up to 45%!

Taste the good life on an exclusive luxury spa holiday at Longevity Wellness Resort in the Portuguese Algarve. For a short time only, save up to 45% on usual rates and feel refreshed and rejuvenated in just a few days. The location in a stunning natural reserve in the mountains of the Algarve will give you a sense of calm and tranquility while you indulge in the relaxing pampering spa treatments. To take up this fantastic deal, we kindly ask you to agree to write a short review on your time at Longevity, which we will post on our website.

There are LIMITED SPACES available so act fast to make the most of this incredible offer!

	Luxury Algarve Getaway This Exclusive Escape includes: -Aromatic Body Scrub -Deeply Relaxing Cranio Facial Massage -Return Flights and Transfers -3 Nights Accomodation with Breakfast Prices from £300pp sharing, £370 single
	Become a Spa Spy like Helen! Read more about the beautiful Longevity Wellness Resort as visited by our very own Wellbeing team member Helen! Feel Insipired? Write a review of your trip to Longevity and see it appear on the website!

Postcards from Lefay

Our spa spy has proven quite the photographer with these beautiful shots from Lefay. In this interview, she gives the insider scoop on what she liked best about the resort.

What were your first impressions of the resort? I was immediately struck with the stunning views of Lake Garda, which you could just stare at for hours. There was also a great sense of space in the property. Plus, it was very eco-friendly, I was impressed by the fact there was no air-conditioning. To cool the rooms they used running cold water. It was quite high-tech there were lots of buttons everywhere and it was fun seeing what did what. There was even a button to open and shut the curtains, which I wish I could have every morning!
How did you find the food, was it healthy? On the lunch and dinner menus they have a healthy food option which tells you how many calories are in each dish. The food was absolutely gorgeous; it had a strong Italian theme and was all fresh and yummy. The salad buffet was incredible, with cheeses, hams, leafy greens, beans, antipasti and the like to choose from. You could take a buffet of salad and be totally happy for dinner. Breakfast was a decent spread, with an egg station, cereals and lovely breads.  A special touch was that they had a juicer and a big basket with apples and carrots so you could make your own fresh juice. I made my own healthy cocktail with carrots and ginger.  Be careful though, on the breakfast table there was champagne should you want it. I thought ‘ooo I could try that, but then I thought actually probably not!'
Lefay are famous for their Chinese Medical approach. How did you find it? Doctor Maurizio was really approachable and obviously very knowledgeable; he's quite a big shot in Italy. He knows a few words in English but there is a translator in the room.  Like with our other spa holidays, he talks you though your lifestyle, eating habits, checks your tongue and your pulse - the whole Chinese medicine approach is very personal. They translate the consultation into English so you have a record of it.  He prescribed me a moxibustion, which was like a hot heated rod that works on your meridians a bit like acupuncture. When the stick touched my back, I could really feel it working.
The Five different Saunas sound like an incredible experience - how did you find them? It's very European in the sense that everyone is naked, and to be honest that's not for me. They believe that when you're in the sauna you're sweating out your toxins, so it's not good to wear a swimsuit as it keeps them against your skin. Thankfully they had a separate female only sauna which had a sunset relaxation area, it was really lovely in there.
Was there anything particularly special about the spa area? The salt lake was really impressive. It was 37 degrees with a salinity of ten percent. You book into it and there's no one around so you can take all your clothes off if you want to! The whole area had lounge chairs and proper salt there. I floated around for a good 20 minutes. I felt so sleepy and blissful afterwards, I couldn't wait to get back to my room and chill out.
How did you find the resort's atmosphere? It was a really relaxed luxury spa holiday- you can wear your dressing gown everywhere, except to dinner. The service was lovely and friendly, the staff always came over to ask ‘how was your dinner'.  There was also an amazing meditation walk which took you through the beautiful grounds. I think it would be a great place for stress management.
What was your favourite part of the resort? Well I couldn't get over the views - you can just keep on looking at it, and the gardens. They allow you to make the most of it by providing lots of lounge chairs and seating areas around the property. Inside, there was a lovely ‘gentleman's' lounge with a bar area. You could cosy up in the armchairs and read a book or the newspapers which were laid out.
Any other insider tips? Remember the Italians take a siesta between 12:30-3:30, which is worth bearing in mind if you fancy visiting the nearby town. It is also well worth exploring the sensory gardens, in fact the whole place is so serence and beautiful it's great to jog or walk around.
Did anything surprise you about the resort? The Europeans often do shorter exercise classes, more frequently, which gives you a lot of variety. The Pilates and yoga classes were only half an hour long, but as no one else turned up it was like having my own private class, and the instructors were really knowledgeable, they knew exactly how to correct my postures.
Lefay have some fanstastic  packages that will leave you destressed and glowing with health. Try a rejuvenating pacackage or a chinese medicine based spa method programme.

Luxuriate at Laluna - our latest Caribbean hideaway

With its eclectic fusion of Italian influences, Balinese bounty and Caribbean charm you might think Laluna a bit of an odd mix, but it works. Voted this year as one of the top 100 best hotels in the world by Sunday Times Magazine, this chic little Caribbean bolthole on a golden Sandy beach in Grenada has proven itself a perfect spa holiday.

We've managed to secure some exclusive spa holidays at this super chilled resort. Explore the rainforest filled island, swim in secluded waterfalls,and roam around spice markets on our brand new Balance & Discovery Programme or take private yoga classes in their stunning beach-based yoga pavilion with our Exclusive Yoga Programme. Take some time to yourself and check them out!

A Massage With A Difference

Us brits can have a bit of thing about going for massages, we simply don't do it nearly as much as other cultures do.  Maybe our reserved reputation is getting the better of us, making us shy or uncomfortable about stripping down till we're in our pants only while a stranger kneads us for a good hour. And yet, it's funny as many think nothing of baring all while a beautician rips the hair from their nether-regions. It's almost as if we think that just because there are no immediate visible benefits, it's not worth spending the time or money on.

Having just had an amazing massage from one of our wellbeing experts Claire Farman I am wondering why I don't go for them more often. Claire is a gifted yoga and meditation teacher as well as a qualified homeopath. She has been studying many sacred arts of healing for over 20 years. Her own yoga and healing centre is in the aptly named Vale of Health, over looking a quiet green piece of Hamstead Heath. Full of light and energy, the treatment room is beautiful.

"So what's going on with you," asks Claire in a totally relaxed, completetly non-judgmental way. I immediately feel like I'm engaged in a heart-to-heart with a lifelong friend. After a ten minute chat, through which Claire intuits any problems or energy blocks that might need healing, the massage begins. Working her hands deep into my muscles, she covers me in skin softening shea butter. She is not always gentle, tugging on my limbs and pressing hard into my shoulder blades, with a strength that belies her slender frame. I do say 'oww' several times, but I also feel my muscles start to soften and relax. After this she places Tibetan healing bowls, each corresponding to different organs, on my body.  Each bowl is gonged in different ryhtms and patterns and I can feel my whole body vibrating pleasantly. Claire tells me the Tibetan healing bowls  use sound vibration to balance and realign the body's subtle energy systems.  

Turning me over, she asks me to pick a coloured vial (I pick pink) from a spectrum and then uses it to spray an aromatic mist of divine roses over me. It's 'gem medicine', she says, made of potentised gems and crystals such as amythyst and rose quartz.   She also gives me carefully selected homeopathic remedies that she says are to help clear emotional and pyshcial blockages.  

I leave feeling tired to my bones, it's been something of an emotional release. All I want to do is go home and go to sleep.  Which I do, and I'm out like a light.  It's a deep and delicious slumber, and the next morning when my alarm goes off I actually get out of bed with a spring in my step. Whether it's pyschological or phsycial, I certainly feel more energic and lighter- hearted. It makes me think that there is more to massaging than relaxing indulgance.

Ready to be Reformed

There's been a lot in the press of late about the benefits of Pilates, with the lovely Miss Pippa Middleton outting the muscle control method as the secret to her killer figure.  It seems important to note at this moment that the style of Pilates she was using was based around a machine called 'The Reformer', a terrifying name for a piece of Pilates apparatus designed to shape, tone and scuplt your muscles. The traditional mat based Pilates, although highly beneficial for posture and body control, does not deliver as immediate or as intense results as a Reformer.

For those of us who get a bit too little exercise, are a bit too time-starved and spend a bit too much time sitting down, a Reformer based Pilates class sounds pretty much ideal. Toned muscles, better posture, stronger core you say? Where do I sign up!

Saying that, I'd somehow managed to avoid trying a session despite endless invitations from our friends at Ten Pilates, a company that has been going from strength to strength in the fitness world. To be honest, I think the name Reformer had put me off a bit.  And, I had seen pictures - it resembled a Medieval torture wrack.

Despite this, swayed by the outstanding testimonials from people who had tried the classes, plus the dread of baring my pasty thighs in skirts over the summer,  I found myself flat on my back, heels up in one of these devices, wondering if it was all it's cranked up to be. No pain no gain right?

I needn't have been so worried. The begginners class was suitably gentle, and our instructor for the evening, Ken Fitzmaurice, a humorous Irish gentleman helped us get to grips with the equipment. I won't lie, it was hard work, but in a satisfying 'Yes I can feel myself working out right now and it feels damn good' way. It was also gentle enough to do it fairly easily.  I could feel muscles in my legs and behind that I didn't even know existed. And that's when I see the appeal.  I'm lying down and this equipment is really helping me workout muscles that other kinds of exercise just don't get to. I also feel like my spine is protected by the padded shoulder blocks on the Reformer, so my back and pelvis stay nicely aligned througout.

The next day I do feel a bit sore and stiff in my body, which I think is a good sign.  I swear my thighs seem a teency bit firmer, even just after one class, and that's enough to tantalise me into wanting to go again.
For people preparing to go on holiday, or coming back from a spa holiday I think it's a great way to get into shape and stay that way.  There are a whole variety of levels and classes to choose from so you won't get bored, and the results and benefits for your body are incredible and will help you a heck of a lot if you're sitting on your rump in an office all day.  It's definitely worth clearing some space in the diary for. 

You and Your Bump

Last night Wellbeing Escapes went to the book launch of our Chinese Medicine Expert Emma Cannon at Wodka restaurant near Hight Street Kensington. A delighted and glowing Emma was there to promote her fantastic new book You and Your bump which is all about wellbeing through pregnancy.

Using a gentle blend of ancient Chinese medicine wisdom with conventional Western medical practice, the book starts with a '360 degree' health check that takes you through some general conventions for assessing your health so you can start working on areas with any deficiencies. It has great recommendations for how to eat well to address certain problems you might be experiencing, whether in conception or pregnacy.  A must for any mother in the making!

Emma regularly contributes health tips on all areas of life to our website. Read more about her, and have a look at her wellbeing tips, this month our experts discuss Stress and Burnout

For more on our spa holidays visit www.wellbeingescapes.co.uk

Catch the Zumba Fitness Blog

In my quest to find enjoyable fitness pursuits I have recently discovered Zumba and am hooked.  For those who have not caught the Zumba bug yet, it is a high energy fitness routine based on Latin American dance moves.  The music just makes you want to move, and the one hour workout they tell me burns between 500 – 800 calories (depending how hard you work and on your base metabolic rate).  You also need to keep up with the routines so your brain gets a bit of a workout too.  Many of the spa holidays we offer include fitness classes but I was delighted to hear that our partners at Aphrodite Hills have just introduced Zumba to their weekly spa schedule.  If you are visiting, I highly recommend you give it a go as a top up to our Flexible Fitness Holiday there or even for a bit of high energy if you are having a relaxing spa holiday there.

If  you want to incorporate Zumba as part of your fitness regime at home then check out classes at your local gym or in your local newspaper.

Stella

Workplace Wellbeing

Is your workplace helping you thrive? We spend most of our lives at work, many of us hunched over our desks staring at a screen without taking regular breaks. Unhealthy habits at the workplace can damage your posture, eyesight and sanity. Luckily some simple things can be done to keep you feeling tip top at work. So grab a glass of water, sit up straight, uncross your legs and read on >>www.wellbeingescapes.co.uk and find our more about our fantastic Luxury Spa Holidays

Office Health Tips

Expert Monthly Tips - May Office Health Tips
Considering most of us spend the majority of our time at work, it's suprising that we make our health in the office our lowest priority. Stressful and competitive work environments, can stop many people from taking a proper lunch breaks, eating well or fitting in regular exercise. It can be hard to even make little changes (like stretching out in front of baffled colleagues, or allowing yourself to take that walk around the block) but if you are brave enough to you'll find you feel infinitely more refreshed productive and probably have less sick days off. Our experts have some top advice for tackling the office health minefield. Visit our spa holiday website
www.wellbeingescapes.co.uk for our expert's tips!