News and Reviews
Review – We Check in to Clinique la Prairie, Switzerland
By Lisa BrownFounded back in 1931 by Professor Niehans, a pioneer in the development of cell therapy, this legendary hideaway retreat on the shores of Lake Leman, Montreux has been a popular choice for elite wellness fans and A-list stars for decades. Past guests are said to include Mick Jagger, Cary Grant and Marlene Dietrich.
Review – Alice Hart Davis Checks in to Rudding Park
By Alice Hart-DavisWith 300 acres of glorious parkland around it, Rudding Park is situated near Harrogate in Yorkshire in the area known to estate agents as the ‘golden triangle’. In its pictures, the beautiful, early nineteenth-century main house looks imposing. Possibly a bit formal and fusty, I thought, but thanks largely to the charming, cheerful staff it’s not remotely intimidating. Somehow the place pulls off the trick of being immensely smart while also feeling extremely welcoming.
Review – Lynn Hyland Checks in to Coworth Park
By Lynne HylandIf you can measure a country hotel’s grandeur by the length of its driveway, you’ll get a strong hint of what to expect at Coworth Park long before you glimpse the graceful Georgian manor house itself. ‘Nice place, this,’ remarked our driver, a master of understatement, as he cruised through the gate posts and then on… and on… and on…. through 240 acres of Berkshire countryside, past lakes, polo fields, spa complex and tennis courts.
Review – We Check in to Cliveden House Hotel and Spa
By Laura IvillIn its past glory as a private country house estate, it’s said that no one would turn down an invitation to Cliveden. In its 350-year history, Cliveden has hosted every British monarch since George I and is most famous as the home of the Astors and the setting for the scandal of the Profumo Affair.
Review – The Detox Programme at Mandarin Oriental Marrakech
By Lisa BrownWith a backdrop of the snow-capped Atlas Mountains, villas that make you want to stay forever and verdant gardens showcasing a kaleidoscope of over 100,000 roses, Mandarin Oriental Marrakech is a showstopper in The Red City.
Just a fifteen-minute drive from Marrakech Menara airport and a stone’s throw from the magical Medina, resort highlights include world-class eateries, super-luxe pool villas, breathtaking gardens and some seriously stunning spa and wellness facilities.
Review – We Check in to the Culloden Estate and Spa
By Jody ThompsonBelfast is now making headlines for all the right reasons. There’s been a boom in film and TV companies shooting blockbusters here of late, and with Hollywood stars swanning about the city as a result, it’s no surprise that Belfast is increasingly being seen as a chic destination for a weekend spa break.
Review – We Check in to Preidlhof, Italy
By Toni JonesThere are some spa hotels that are all kale juice, bamboo robes, hush zones and early starts. The Preidlhof is not one of those spa hotels, as this very happy and fully recharged guest is delighted to report.
The Future of Heath and Wellness – Revealed by Clinique la Prairie
By Behiye HassanReversed ageing and advances in stem cell technology are among eight key trends in the future of health and wellness, as predicted by experts at the world-renowned Swiss wellness clinic, Clinique La Prairie.
Review – We Check in to Terre Blanche Hotel Spa Golf Resort
By Jody ThompsonAt the height of their reign as the planet’s most famous couple, Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie had their pick of the world’s most exclusive resorts to escape the prying eyes of fans and paparazzi.
One of their favourites was the five star Terre Blanche Hotel Spa Golf Resort in the beautiful Provencal hills above France’s Cote D’Azur – and having been lucky enough to spend a few days there myself, I can totally see why.
The place oozes class and is the ultimate in peace, tranquility and discreet luxury.
Daios Cove – Crete’s Hottest New Spa Destination
One of Greece’s leading resorts has unveiled a cutting-edge spa and health facility – bringing a new dimension of wellness to the island of Crete.
Review – We Check in to Amanzoe, Greece
By Lisa BrownWith its stunning rocky coastline, pine forests, olive groves and vineyards the Peloponnese is as rich in natural beauty as it is in history. The wealth of archaeological sites in the area include the Sanctuary of Asklepios at Epidaurus, with its renowned amphitheatre, and the legendary citadel of Mycenae – both are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
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Review – Linda Meredith Oxygen Facial at Four Seasons Park Lane
By Annabel KermanThe Four Seasons Hotel Park Lane has long been acknowledged as one of London’s big hitters, perched on a statement corner by the grand entrance to Hyde Park. So the invitation to review the new signature treatment menu at its eponymous spa is no small deal, particularly when these treatments include a 24-carat gold facial.
Ascending to the 10th floor the lift doors open to an ultra-modern circular reception area, all in white with floor to ceiling windows looking out to the city. Busy looking women sit around the circumference urgently tapping on tablets. Combined with the fact I am trialling an ‘Oxygen Facial’, the whole affair gains a futuristic edge.
Review – Nayara – The Award-Winning Luxury Hot Spring Spa Hotel in Costa Rica
By Emma WhitehairLocated in the Arenal Volcano National Park of Costa Rica, Nayara Springs is ideally situated for wildlife enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike. Where activities range from canyoning in the wild rainforest waterfalls, to kayaking on the tranquil lake. Followed by soaking in the natural hot-springs, heated by the third most active volcano on earth …
Review – We Check in to Nikoi Private Island, Indonesia
By Annabel KermanThe Indonesian island of Nikoi holds almost mythical status. Known as THE private island of all private islands, so desirable that it’s 15 villas can be booked up a year in advance. Those who visit are treated with a hushed reverence, not just due to the knowledge that they are clearly in possession of exceptional forward planning skills.
RAKxa Wins ‘Best Holistic Heaven’ in Condé Nast Traveller Wellness & Spa Awards
Only two years since its opening, RAKxa – Thailand’s leading integrative wellness and medical retreat – has been awarded “Best Holistic Heaven” in the prestigious Condé Nast Traveller Wellness and Spa Awards 2023.
Review – Forest Bathing at South Lodge, West Sussex
De-stress in England’s green and pleasant countryside with a Japanese practice that encourages you to touch, smell and even taste nature’s surroundings.
Clinique la Prairie Opens an Exclusive Detox Chalet in the Heart of the Swiss Alps
This summer sees the opening an exclusive Clinique La Prairie chalet in the heart of the breathtaking Alpine village, Verbier. Offering a highly exclusive detox experience in utmost privacy, this one of a kind hideaway has been devised to provide guests with outstanding health and wellness care.
Review – Juliet Kinsman Checks in to Bali’s Sacred River Spa at Four Seasons Resort at Sayan
By Juliet KinsmanAncient Balinese beliefs and practices have inspired the magical goings-on at the Sacred River Spa at Four Seasons at Sayan. This Balinese luxury hotel really is a remarkable hideaway — when I stayed the Obamas had just holidayed here. Little wonder the readers of Travel & Leisure magazine just voted it their number-one favourite stay in the whole, wide world.
The New ‘Wellbeing Sanctuary’ by Banyan Tree, Koh Samui & Krabi
Banyan Tree are known worldwide for their exceptional holistic spas and wellness facilities. The new “Wellbeing Sanctuary” by Banyan Tree provides guests with an opportunity to combine a leisure stay with a daily wellbeing programme – designed to enrich mind, body and soul.
Amanzoe Launches Personalised Individual Wellness Immersions
The birthplace of modern medicine, renowned for its philosophers, natural beauty, and healthy cuisine, Greece is soon to become the fifth Aman destination to offer personalised Individual Wellness Immersions. Three life-enhancing, multi-day programmes will launch at Amanzoe on 1 April 2020, promising guests expert guidance and cossetted time in which to reflect, recalibrate and reset the course of their long-term wellbeing.
Following the success of the multi-day Individual Wellness Immersions at Amanpuri in Thailand, Amanbagh in India, Amanoi in Vietnam and Amanemu in Japan, Aman is bringing the concept to the shores of the Peloponnese.