By Laura Millar
Review – The Light Retreat at Ockenden Manor
By Lisa BrownThe Light Retreat takes place at Ockenden Manor – a luxurious countryside hotel with a top-class spa and the verdant backdrop of the Sussex Downs – the setting in itself should be more than enough to make your shoulders drop and instil a lighter state of mind…
Review – We Check in to St Moritz Hotel and Spa – A Cowshed Retreat on the Cornish Coast
By Jody ThompsonMention the words St Moritz to most people, and their thoughts will turn to the exclusive ski resort in the Swiss Alps. But you can have your own slice of luxury closer to home at Cornwall’s sumptuous St Moritz Hotel and Spa for the perfect winter break – and if you really want to be sporty, just swap skiing for surfing.
Aman Unveils Its First Holistic Wellness Centre at Amanpuri, Phuket
A pioneer in resort spas, Aman has always delivered a transforming, holistic wellness experience, taking care of mind, body and spirit. Now, in February 2019 Amanpuri – home to the flagship Aman Spa in Phuket, Thailand – is expanding its offerings even further with the introduction of integrative medical services and Intensive Wellness Immersions at its new and revolutionary Holistic Wellness Centre.
Gaylia Kristensen Launches First UK Pop up at Sospa, Sofitel St James
By Behiye HassanThe founder of the Australian skincare brand has partnered with the exclusive London hotel to offer her signature facial treatments in Britain for the first time.
Homegrown Healing – Luxury Spas Across Asia Source Local Ingredients for Holistic Treatments
Any property worth its locally-sourced bath salt will know that many guests crave a sense of place when they are travelling. It’s a maxim that can be applied to various elements ranging from architecture to F&B offerings. Another area that many hotels are striving to keep hyper-local is their spas.
Review – Amanda Byram Checks in to Chiva Som, Hua Hin, Thailand
By Amanda ByramSituated on a long beach in Hua Hin district, this holiday resort-come-health spa makes you acknowledge your surroundings, live in the present, slow down and smell the lotus flowers. Be prepared to abandon your mobile, disown your laptop and shun your camera. Even tablets and kindles are kindly forbidden in communal areas, so I had been warned.
Spa & Romance – The Best Retreats in the UK for a Romantic Getaway
The day of love day is almost upon us and what better way to treat your beau than a romantic spa break. From blustery coastal retreats, to cosy countryside hideaways – here’s our edit of the most romantic spa hotels in the UK.
Review – The Age-Defying Treatment that Naturally Stimulates Collagen – At BEA Skin Clinic
By Annabel KermanBianca Estelle Aesthetic’s (BEA) unassuming clinic, tucked away down a leafy west London side street, is easy to miss. Inside the decor is equally restrained; the only sign that this is something other than an ordinary health clinic is that my fellow patients look anything but under the weather.
NEW Group Yoga Retreats Introduced at Ananda
Ananda is a world-renowned wellness retreat, located at the foot of the Himalayas in India. Set among 100 acres of virgin forest, Ananda enjoys views of the mountains, the valley of the holy town of Rishikesh and the river Ganges. The 24,000 square foot Ananda Spa is a complete wellness experience offering over 80 treatments.
Review – Jo Foley Checks in to Smuk London – Belgravia’s Hot New Beauty Spot
I’m not sure how I might react if somebody told me I was looking SMUK…however if that person were Danish, I would be thrilled. For SMUK is the Danish word for beautiful…and now it is the name of a new salon, devoted to all things beauty and beautiful in Belgravia. How the locals will react to the name, remains to be seen…but in the short few months since it opened it is attracting both custom and great interest.
Review – Amanzoe – The Greek Retreat That Takes Luxury Wellness to Another Level
By Lisa BrownDramatic rocky coastlines, verdant pine forests, pretty olive groves and rolling 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.
Review – Breathe in the Beauty of Velaa Private Island
By Amanda ByramStanding out from the pack in the Maldives is not an easy task. The country consists of 1200 islands within 26 atolls and boasts over 105 resorts, each equally unique and luxurious. However there are very few which are very truly private.
The Mindfulness Experience at Abadía Retuerta LeDomaine
Abadía Retuerta LeDomaine is offering a one-of-kind ‘Mindfulness Experience’ by a leading international expert that takes a unique approach to discovering your personal path to mindfulness and wellbeing.
Rejuvenating Spa & Wellness Programmes at Mandarin Oriental Marrakech
Mandarin Oriental, Marrakech is set among 20 hectares of landscaped gardens filled with the scent of 100,000 roses, with the snow-capped Atlas Mountains providing a stunning backdrop. Located just 10 minutes’ drive from the heart of the city and the historic Medina, the hotel offers 54 private villas inspired by Berber and Andalusian-Arabic influences.
Discovery at SHA Wellness Clinic – A Reboot in the Lap of Luxury
By Lisa BrownPerched on a beautiful mountainside overlooking the Mediterranean Sea and part of the Sierra Helada Natural Park (recognised by the World Health Organisation as having one of the world’s best climates) this state of the art luxury wellbeing retreat combines western medical expertise, and proven, eastern alternative therapies.
Review – Leo Bear Checks in to Shanti Maurice – An Ayurvedic Retreat in Mauritius
By Leo BearBenefitting from a glorious natural surf break 500m offshore producing waves like something from an eau de cologne campaign, Shanti Maurice has one of the best views on Mauritius. The surf break has the added advantage of warding off cruise ships and megayachts – which for you and me, spells a blissfully quiet stay.
FX Mayr Launches a Healthy Ageing Programme
Physicians and therapists develop programmes specifically designed for individual needs. A holistic concept comprised of nutrition, movement and treatments, the principal of the cure is based upon achieving a well-functioning digestive system.
Chiva-Som’s Dr Dr Jason Culp Gives the Low-Down on Hair Health
The pressure for both men and women to flaunt a healthy mane has spawned a plethora of over-the-counter hair-care products and supplements promising quick-fix results. But although aesthetics may be front of mind for many, the state of our hair is a reflection of internal health and wellbeing. So how to restore, enhance and maintain healthy hair?
Chiva-Som’s Naturopathic Physician, Dr Jason Culp, offers some insights into maintaining optimum hair health and dealing with hair loss and thinning…
The Best Luxury Autumnal Spa Escapes in the UK
The burnt orange and golden hues of nature, roaring fires, long country walks and hearty fare – Autumn is the ideal time to pack your bags and escape to the countryside. Here’s our edit of the best retreats in the UK for some autumnal r&r.
Amanda Byram Checks in to Kamalaya and Discovers a Game Changing Retreat
By Amanda ByramKamalaya (translation Lotus Realm – a symbol for unfolding life’s potential) is a game-changer. Truly. The brainchild of John and Karina Stewart, a former traditional yogi monk and a doctor of traditional Chinese medicine, respectively, this is one hotel where you know you’ll be in great hands.
Six of the Worlds Best Spa & Wellness Retreats for Solo Travellers
By Lisa BrownWith solo travel on the rise, going it alone often means you can really unwind and get the best experience from a wellness break. From yoga and detox retreats to rejuvenating spas and wellness clinics, we’ve travelled solo to some of the best wellness spots around the globe. Here’s our pick of six retreats where you won’t feel lonesome on your ownsome.
Ayuvedic Rejuvenation at Ananda in the Himalayas
By Lisa BrownSet in a breathtaking national park, at the foothills of the Himalayas in Northern India, just 40 minutes from the yoga world capital of Rishikesh (some serious ‘omm’ going on here – it’s where The Beatles first met the Maharishi) – The Ananda is an award-winning luxury wellness retreat focussing on Ayurveda and Yoga while integrating international wellness therapies.