Browsing Tag

Detox

Phuket Cleanse

Posted on January 30, 2019

Where there’s a will, there’s a way. Affectionately describing my upcoming trip to Thailand’s infamous detox resort as ‘fat camp’ I received more than a few giggles from friends and family who asked if a trip to Phuket Cleanse was really necessary. I myself know just how much I’ve eaten over the festive period and I’m not afraid to admit it. Every moment with a raclette or tartiflette up in the Alps was thoroughly enjoyed and to be honest, I didn’t stop enjoying myself when I got back either. I knew ‘fat camp’ would kick me back into shape.

Arrival is fuss-free. Straight in to Phuket airport from Dubai, the transfer to Phuket Cleanse is only an hour away. We landed pretty late, so it was great to be given a very quick run through of the open plan reception/dining/games room and an update on the next day’s activities. Kick starting the trip was a 5.45am wake up call for a 4km hike up to the Big Buddha, but we weren’t quite ready for that just yet…

I’m a fussy eater at best, but armed with a list of intolerances and dislikes, the next morning I ventured into the kitchen… “I’m easy” I said, wary that this almost vegan cuisine would last the 5 whole days of my stay, “I eat egg”. So, there it was, my base protein for the copious amounts of upcoming workouts was to be based around a fair few omelette’s. This may be tougher than I thought.

The days were as easy or as hard as you wanted them to be, ranging from high intensity workouts at the nearby RAW Fitness center to aerial yoga and Pilates back at the villa. I chose to concentrate on cheese-loss and gaining muscle mass as a goal. A whole list of about 10 -12 activities were scheduled out across the venues and you could opt in for extras such as a sunset SUP or snorkel too.

We conquered the Big Buddha hike twice in our 5 days and it was grueling, but entirely worth it too as the sunrise made for an amazing visit, sans tourists. My favourite sessions were the HIIT and Strength classes, separated by about 6 hours each day, I made a point to do both. Throw in some foam rolling sessions, light meditation and a daily foot massage too, there was plenty to keep you busy if you wanted it. If, however you wanted to enjoy some of that 30*C sunshine, the pool in between classes was also a hotspot.

Not only is Phuket Cleanse the most community minded retreat I have ever set foot in, it’s also the eco-friendliest. With a real effort to cull all plastics and notes everywhere around the room reminding you to use bottled water instead of tap to brush your teeth or fill up your water bottles (all provided) rather than buy plastic bottles, it’s ticking all the right boxes.

What I was most surprised at I have to say, was my willingness to try all the food. Save for a few highly spiced options, I was loving the regular breakfast chia and coconut bowls, pak choi and vegetable medleys and even loved the various vegan cheeses.

I’m already planning my post-summer retreat, with or without friends this time as it’s such a great place to really focus on YOU. And I didn’t even miss the wine…

travel

Dhigali: The Maldives Unfiltered

Posted on October 1, 2017

I just love the Maldives, the blue open waters interspersed with these idyllic little islands that offer seclusion, peace and the ultimate retreat. Dhigali is one of the newest resorts to open in the Raa Atoll, welcoming the world only since May this year.

It’s modern and minimalistic designs attract the younger travellers and families who are looking for a little more luxury and a little less fuss. 5 star’s by all accounts, the newness of this island helps to give an almost untouched appeal to its surrounding crystal reef’s and sands. With only 180 rooms in total, 5 restaurants and 2 bars give you enough places to hideaway and enjoy the sunset from, without lacking atmosphere or losing out on your favourite seat.

An excursion list full of aquatic adventures and island hopping discoveries, there’s plenty to do both on and off Dhigali itself. It’s the perfect place to pick a sport and give it a go, as the pier drops straight onto the reef itself. Looking for a little adventure? Discover more about neighbouring Hanifaru Bay, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve where the largest seasonal groupings of manta rays are waiting amidst UV corals and the occasional whale shark too.

The highlight of this gorgeous hotspot is the bird’s nest bar – Haali, from which the sun sets directly in your eyeline, dipping below the horizon in a stunning display of shadows and light that only the Maldives is renowned for. Sitting below is a bar with swing seating that will give even the most travelled, the ‘wish you were here’ feels.

At 18.5 hectors, Dhigali is a large island for the area and the resort’s 8 room categories are all fully equipped, contemporary hideaways that offer seducing views of the Indian Ocean.

Dhigali’s dip away from the norm also extends to its various cuisine options (there’s no Teppanyaki tables here…) from exploring the spices of Asia, to the classic tastes of Europe and traditional Maldivian flavours, with a real focus on fresh Asian dishes at the infamous Battuta.

There’s a real jungle vibe throughout the island, having only relocated 30% of its natural foliage during the build, the Dhigali Spa is a hidden amongst the trees in a lush sanctuary with 12 treatment rooms all offering indigenous therapies and healing traditions. This is the ultimate place to lay back and start paying back your body.

Fitness

Testing Out: The Iyashi Dome

Posted on May 26, 2017

Now I like a sauna as much as the next person, it releases tension, water weight and of course helps you when you’re feeling slightly under the weather too, but heading into the Iyashi Dome at L’Atelier Aquafitness, I wasn’t entirely sure what I was in for…

Originating and inspired by a traditional Japanese technique called Suna Ryogo – a practice where the Japanese were burying themselves in the sand near the hot springs on a beach to eliminate toxins, the Iyashi Dome is a device using a unique technology that deeply cleanses the body, restoring balance and even said to provide somewhat slimming effects.

What it actually does in fact is emit vibrations of far-infrared rays from inside its carbon based dome – which is the same amount of infrared that we naturally produce, so not apparently a health concern (my first question). Interestingly enough, we actually generate our own far infrared rays, between 8-14 microns in fact. So when we are treated with more rays in this manner, they are naturally absorbed by the body (up to 40mm under the skin). These far infrared rays generate heat, hence the sauna-like effect.

The Iyashi Dome aims to stimulate your metabolism and trigger deep set sweating. I’m not entirely sure the concept of sweating whilst lying down is a key in losing weight, but the sweat you are said to lose on a number 10 switch is apparently the same amount as running 20kms (approx 1200 ml). Each session lasts for 30 minutes and whilst your head stays out of the Dome for comfort, the rest of your body is hidden but the towel covering the entrance, as you’ll have to strip off to get in.

One thing is for sure, it’s a great way of removing any nasty toxins, and is a great skin cleanser. Ultimately, the experience was also quite relaxing, although I could have down with a little reading material in there, as i’m used to burning my calories a little more dynamically.

Fitness

Testing Out: Aqua Biking

Posted on February 24, 2017

Ok so I have to admit, I thought this was going to be a bit like aqua-aerobics, you know, where your gran would go to the local community pool for a ‘workout’… I was pleasantly surprised. Not only is L’Atelier Aqua Biking a resistance training class, it’s also a great way to workout if you’ve got an injury. There’s 4 positions on the bike to master, as well as an off-bike section thrown in to keep you moving.

What exactly is it? Described as a mix of circuits and spinning, L’Atelier has specially designed bikes that live in the water itself. It’s not going to be an easy swim where you can keep your hair dry too, the water goes up to your chest and you get 45 mins of legs, arms and core all underwater, with LOTS of splashing about. Feeling strong? Added weights at the side will help increase the resistance, but trust me, as a first timer, it wasn’t a walk in the park.

Not only is it a fun way to workout, it’s an effective form of hydromassage, that is said to help flatten out cellulite. You’ll get less water retention with this workout and thanks to the water’s buoyancy, you’ll be supported by 50% of your body weight, so if you’re injured or over-stretched, this will reduce the risk of further injury.

It’s cold when you first get in… but after the warm up, you’ll be glad your body temperature is controlled by some cooler water. If you’re feeling particularly fit, try the more intense training or HIIT classes too where you’ll be subjected to an underwater trampoline exercise!

travel yoga

Life Well Travelled in Oman

Posted on February 7, 2017

I’m all for a weekend away, but they aren’t always as glam as Instagram makes out. More often than not, they are choc full of busy days and business dinners, so every now and then I like to take a little time out. Not just from work, but from my phone too. It’s important in this day and age to learn to switch off. There’s a new online portal H Retreats that will help take care of your digital detox too… I love Oman as a place of constant peace and tranquility, it is my go-to getaway that’s also super easy to get to!

Here’s where i’m thinking to retreat to this year:

Beachside
They work with global certified healers, guides, therapists, health and fitness experts to create bespoke programmes to comfort, strengthen and support you along your retreat. This beautiful adventure is set aside the Indian Ocean on the south coast of Oman at Al Baleed Resort in Salalah, surrounded by mountains and the sea. A great place to unwind, recharge, discover and de-stress. Whilst enjoying the perks of a luxury five-star hotel too.
When: Wednesday 22nd March – Monday 29th March 2017
What you get:
Full board – breakfast, lunch and dinner
Airport transfers
8 yoga classes
Up to 6 one-to-one holistic treatments with world renowned healers and therapists
4 therapy workshops
2 luxurious spa massages
1 group Tibetan singing bowls session
1 nutrition workshop

Mountain High
An idyllic retreat, perched 2,000 metres above sea level on the curving rim of a great canyon in the Sultanate of Oman’s vast Saiq Plateau, Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar is everything Instagram says it is. Hike through valleys bursting with date palms and orchards of pomegranate, practice sun salutations atop a mountain, try abseiling, mountain climbing, archery or mountain biking!
When: Wednesday 7th June – Monday 12th June 2017
What you get:
Full board – breakfast, lunch and dinner
Airport transfers
8 yoga classes
Up to 6 one-to-one treatments with world renowned healers and therapists
Up to 4 therapy workshops
2 luxurious spa massages
1 Qigong workshop
1 group gong meditation/sound therapy session
1 nutrition workshop

Recommended

5x Reasons To Do A Juice Cleanse

Posted on December 30, 2016

A juice cleanse (three days minimum) is a great way to jump start a healthy diet. It’s been a long old festive season, with plenty of catch up’s and evening BBQ’s choc full of neeps, tatties and tarts lining the way… but it’s time to start thinking now about how I want to shape 2017. Personally, I want to get back into shape and that’s where I know a cleanse will help.

Don’t be put off by the word cleanse, it not only helps control appetite and cravings, but is naturally lower in calories, so it provides more concentrated nutrients than we would normally eat over the same amount of time. People who have tried juicing have sometimes complained about getting headaches and inevitable hunger, but they’ve also lived to revel in that second-day euphoria too, so with anything in life, moderation is key. I wouldn’t have thought a cleanse more than once every couple of months is required, but certainly with all this holiday food – i’m keen to give it a go!

Here’s the top 5 reasons why you should join me…

GIVE YOUR DIGESTIVE SYSTEM A REST

ABUNDANT ENERGY

YOUR TASTEBUDS WILL THANK YOU

REAL, HEALTHY WEIGHT LOSS

REHYDRATION!

Cheers to a healthy and happy 2017!

Recommended travel

Discovering the Chenot Palace, Azerbaijan

Posted on October 30, 2016

Only a mere 2.5 hours from Dubai lies a much colder, greener landscape in Azerbaijan. Green farmlands and foggy hillsides are prevalent, with a 25* drop in temperature from Dubai. Where both Russian and Arabic influences are clear, but there’s a real hint of Europe across it too. We set off on our 3 hour road trip to the brand new Chenot Palace wellness resort by car. The road is winding, long and yet somewhat peaceful too. Instead of the constant hooting you hear at home, it’s a controlled chaos here on the roads.

After passing a Mishka (black bear) along the way, we knew we were headed out of Baku and towards Gabala where the wilderness resort was situated. It felt like Christmas almost, walking into their brand new foyer, with wooden design features everywhere and strong smells of burning log fires, knowing we were the first to experience everything this hotel has to offer. We enjoyed a few bio-lite evening snacks before heading up to bed. The schedule for the next two days promised only 1200 calories per day, with an extensive overview of the treatments the Chenot Health Wellness Resort is famous for in its native Italy.

DAY 1

Starting the morning off with a delicious spelt porridge and fruit, we headed into a barrage of nutritional, health and wellness check-ups so that we could identify areas that needed to be worked on across the two days. The first was a nutritional consult, which also provided information about our BMI, weight to muscle ratio and total body hydration, as well as giving us insight into our metabolic age.

Next followed a more detailed body assessment with their diagnostics screening doctor, (nothing invasive though) with collagen tests and arterial elasticity checks, followed by a full body element check, which tells you if you’ve got too much mercury or selenium in your system for example. I really wanted to get my iron count checked (being a veggie) but the medical lab for blood tests was still under construction for the weekend.

Once the more medical side of things was taken care of, I headed into a VERY interesting consultation with a Bio-Energetic doctor Mr. Ferucas. A predominantly Chinese form of energy balancing, you are asked to hold onto two golden probes whilst currents are transmitted throughout your body to find blockages. Once these blockages are found, he is then able to give you an incredibly in-depth translation. It was so interesting to listen to his account of elements in my past which had clearly shown to cause energy blockages in the meridians of my body. He then adjusted the computer to ensure that the waves going through a second time would unblock and re-energise me going forward. I almost hugged him when I left, an incredibly enlightening experience!

In order to compliment this, I was then shown straight in to the High-Tone treatment. Pads were placed on my five key pressure points and electricity flooded through me very gently, wave after wave, literally. I had on some earphones and it wasn’t long before I was fast asleep.

Up next was something a little more my style… the BEST jacuzzi bath I have ever had the pleasure of experiencing! Disco lights and jets that held you still for half an hour. This was my introduction into hydro therapy.

Escorted next door in a towel, I was covered in a detoxifying mud and wrapped up like a burrito in cling film, so far so good. Then the bed I was lying on sunk into itself with me in the middle. It feels a little bit like being born… it’s snug to say the least and the layers of covers that help aid the detoxification keep things very warm in there. Once your 20 mins of sweating it all out (literally) are done, you then move across to the shower room. This part felt a bit more like a dog-grooming parlour than luxury spa, you spread ’em against a wall whilst being hosed off of all the mud from a distance. The overall feeling is actually quite nice, you have to just get your head around the prison-esque position you’re in.

What i’ve realised here is that actually i’m not craving sugar. The food we’re given sustains you with enough energy to get through the day, sans hunger snacking. Must take more note of this when I get back home…

Day 2

As if a full day of diagnostics and treatment wasn’t enough, day 2 at the Chenot Palace started with an Energetic Massage. Implemented using NASA designed technology, their cupping treatment is enhanced by manual muscle stimulation along the meridians of your body. Not like other cupping treatments either… there’s no red rings or sore bruised muscles afterwards. This treatment uses a method that stimulates the area to bring out the toxins in a more natural pulsating movement, less chance of hickey-esque bruising and still as effective.

Moving from the full body treatment onto a more deep cleansing facial, the cups were used again but a much smaller pair. A full facial detoxification through their uniquely combined creams and cleansers left me feeling tight-skinned and totally rejuvenated. As with most facials too, you expect to bare rather red, raw skin after a good treatment, a sign I assume of thorough cleansing, but this one left you feeling healed not hurt.

The Chenot Method is found world wide in various establishments, but Azerbaijan being only its second fully owned operation. There’s rumours of a Dubai location due before the decade is out too, but I thoroughly recommend visiting the Azerbaijan hotspot, especially around January when there’s snow outside and the ski resort will be fully open.

Think of it as your New Year’s detox sorted.

*This trip was an incredible experience and all thanks to MichiDe International Luxury Hotel Representation

Recommended

Work Hard. Play Hard. Cleanse. Repeat…

Posted on November 25, 2015

Having survived the busiest month of the year, it’s high time I wrote up one of the main reasons how I have managed to stay relatively healthy here. The lovely people down at Detox Delight sent me a weeks survival kit, full of some of the tastiest soups I have ever tried! Vegan in design, these cold-pressed and pureed vegetable soups are so full of flavour… one of my favourite concoctions was the hot pink pear and beetroot combo.

Detox delight soups are neither pasteurised nor preserved in an artificial way. A healthy way to support your immune system in times of stress…

Why is cold press so good? Traditional blenders use a process that adds some heat and exposes the ingredients to air, two things that cut down on how many nutrients make their way into you directly. The cold press method extracts the goodness by pressing the fruits and vegetables without adding heat. With this method, the natural enzymes from the fibers of the fruit and vegetables are liberated. This way of extracting the goodness ensures the maximum amount of liquid from the least amount of produce.

If you haven’t tried one of their juice cleanses, then that is well worth a look, (it’s next on my list after the Christmas holidays).

The optimum balance of fruit and vegetables is crucial: Pure fruit juices contain too much fructose, which increases our blood sugar levels, triggers ravenous cravings and impairs our bodies’ ability to burn fat.