Fitness - House Of Coco Magazine

Fitness April 10, 2018

St James’ Square: A Luxury Escape From Reality

This time of year is a mix of people attending business trips, using up last minute holidays, trying to escape the winter-like weather and then there is those of us who are work bound and longing for those holidays booked later in the year.

If you fall into the latter, we feel you! However all hope isn’t lost, as TeamCoco has found the perfect place to escape. So whether your schedule is jam packed, you don’t have the time to take off or a weekend away isn’t viable, St James’ Square is literally your dream come true. Just around the corner from Piccadilly Circus, this is one of London’s most luxurious private members clubs, in which spending just a few hours leaves you feeling refreshed and as though you have escaped reality.

With luxurious, bright and modern interiors that play on the buildings history along with a variety of St James’s Square is a city haven.

The Gymnasium suite is a state of the art facility where luxury is combined with technology, a partnership with Technogym ensures that wellness and fitness are enhanced by innovative digital equipment. The suite is also home to a Golf Academy, which is London’s newest private golf training facility with a leading tour experienced professional and the option for semi-private or group sessions. Personal training sessions are also available from bespoke sessions in body composition, yoga, boxing and Pilates, along with nutrition and general training advice to ensure a fully rounded approach to wellness.

Amongst all this there is a variety of art on the walls from artists that are available for purchase but each is selected carefully to ensure they are calming, motivational and inspirational. If the gym gets a little too much for you, then St James’s Square also has it’s own Spa, boasting the usual nails and waxing along treatments from iS clinical and Carita. We were lucky enough to have the ‘Red Carpet Experience’ which Rosie Huntington-Whitely is a fan of and we completely understand why. The treatment includes a full body hot-stone massage and a ‘fire and ice’ facial, which leave you feeling rejuvenated, relaxed and your skin glowing for days after; it’s a shame we didn’t have a red carpet to head off to!

A range of treatments are available for skin conditions such as acne, hyper pigmentation, rosacea and scaring as well as anti-ageing. There are a variety of massages and facials on offer from facial peels to facial sculpting. There is something for every individual need and the therapists are dedicated to creating bespoke treatments to meet each of them and create a personalised wellbeing experience; each treatment is tailored to rebalance the body and mind.

Following on from the spa there is a Relaxation Lounge with has a sauna, sensory shower and heated lounges, to ensure your journey of relaxation is continued. When lying in the sauna, you are able to gaze up through the sky-light to the London sky to completely lose yourself.

If this isn’t quite enough to relax you, St James’ Square has one final trick up their sleeve, Somadome; the UK’s first meditation dome. Yes, you heard us a mediation dome. Admittedly the first five or so minutes are spent documenting the experience but once the novelty wears off, it works. The dome has three healing settings that help guide you through mediation. You simply sit within the dome, pull the ‘lid’ down, pop your headphones on, select your goal and you’re good to go. The energy-healing microcrystaline tiles change colour to your selected goal and the mediation track combine colour theory with binaural beat technology; essential provide you with everything you need to focus, escape life, mediate properly and leave the dome feeling recharged.

After a workout, a spa treatment or some meditation, the changing rooms continue the luxury journey through St James’ Spa, the fluffiest towels and robes imaginable, lockers and spacious showers welcome to you in the beautiful bright environment. With amenities such as a collection of fragrances ranging from Chanel to Valentino, a rose skincare collection, cotton pads, toothbrushes and hair combs, the changing rooms have everything you may need to go straight to work, straight home or to meet friends afterwards. That even goes without mentioning the GHD straightens and Dyson hair dryer!

Other services include the concierge, mens hot shaves and dry cleaning. On your way out it’s likely you will be offered a drink from the champagne and whisky bar, if you have the time, we highly recommend to take the offer. The drinks on offer are divine and the bartenders know their stuff; also how best to round off an evening of complete relaxation?

If this all sounds like the dream way to add a little luxury into your life, then a membership is the way to go! Memberships start from £5,000 plus a £500 membership fee. This may seem a little pricey but when you see what’s included and understand the pure luxury and service then it is totally worth it. Once you sign up you begin with a bespoke ‘On-Boarding’ process, a full body composition analysis, DNAfit, a 3dYu Body scan, and a unique ‘genetic specific’ fitness programme… already sounding worth it right? These all help to see what exercise regimes, what nutritional needs you have and what treatments you may need!

Following on from this annual membership includes two Personal Training sessions and a fitness follow up after 8 weeks. Annual membership also includes the following for the spa; a skin consultation, ‘a Bespoke’ treatment, 10% off futures treatments and 10% off products. It also allows you full use of the UK’s first Somadome, The Golf Suite and the lounge which includes up to three lounge guests daily. Along the use of library/meeting room, the changing facilities and the other amenities and on top of that five Guest Passes, for when you’re feeling generous.

There are a variety of other memberships available to ensure St James’ Spa caters to your every need. So whether it be weekend visits, a quick gym session before work or a relaxing way to end your day, this private members club will truly alter your life. As soon as you enter the building St James’ Square ensures you leave all of life’s stresses at the door.

Fashion March 22, 2018

Fashion with a purpose: FREITAG

You may have caught our #TeamCoco writer, Anna’s adventures in Switzerland recently on our instagram where she explored the unexpected in Zurich; a location typically discarded as an expensive, and not-super-exciting travel destination for the millennial traveler. Of course, here at House of Coco we like to challenge our preconceptions and she got stuck into finding the unusual elements of Zurich – not least of all, the FREITAG factory.

FREITAG is a brand that isn’t particularly well-known in the UK but with the increased discussions on the eco and ethical impacts of the clothing we wear and generally what we consume, we feel this brand is tipped to explode on our shores.

Fourteen years ago, two graphic designers were searching for suitable bags to house their creative work as they travelled their home city of Zurich by bicycle. Taking unlikely inspiration from the heavy traffic route outside their window, they created their first messenger style bag made from up cycled truck tarpaulins, bicycle tubes and car seat belts. Their designs were loved by cyclists as a great option for a waterproof item with great eco credentials and since then their range has expanded to over 80 bag models and just 3 years ago they launched F-ABRIC – 100% compostable textiles from which they produce a range of clothing. This, dear friends, is the future of fashion.

On our writer, Anna’s travels, she was luckily enough to tour the factory in which these bags are made which was not the other side of the world but within Zurich itself, in the Nœrd industrial complex in Zurich-Oerlikon. Surrounded by other creative businesses, within a co-working space this is possibly one of the most forward thinking assembly lines you’ll come across.

The business itself follows a holocratic model which means that it does away with many of the hierarchical traps of your average business and empowers team members to make decisions. Touring the factory means hearing stories of how those cutting the tarps have the responsibility of how the final item will look, through their choice of tarps they use and the fulfilment team receive sweet treats from their delighted customers on the other side of the world as a mark of their appreciation.

What sets FREITAG apart from many other ‘up cycled’ products is their true attention to the eco and ethical impact of their work. Throughout the production process, decisions have been made to reduce their impact – not just are they reviving truck tarpaulins that fall out of use but they are cleaning them thoroughly with rain water, collected from the roof of the factory and they employ people locally in Zurich and elsewhere in mainland Europe to assemble the final products. We’re particularly excited to see where they take the F-ABRIC line…. imagine knowing that all our clothing products, including the buttons will compost completely, without a trace. Forget the cutting edge tech in the banks of Zurich, this is where the future is being built.

Today, 22nd March 2018, FREITAG are launching their latest bag, the F155 CLAPTON, a unique, waterproof commuter backpack with space for your laptop, comfortable straps and also five reflector panels to keep you safe on dark evenings. Plus thanks to the design creds of the team at FREITAG, we’ll think you agree with us that it’s a mighty fine addition to your wardrobe which is going to last you for a long time, no matter how much you cram into it for your pre-work yoga, work outfit and evening date requirements!

To learn more about FREITAG visit www.freitag.ch

If you want to visit the Zurich factory yourself hurry to purchase your own R223 BUSINESS BAG today (22nd March 2018) as you’ll receive a tarp ticket for a f-actory tour.

Fitness May 31, 2017

The world of Chiva-Som, Wellness Breakfast and Treatments

Last week, House of Coco Lifestyle Writer, Helena, was invited into the world of Chiva-Som, with a wellness breakfast and treatments hosted by luxury Thai health retreat in an enviable location in the heart of Chelsea.The absolutely beautiful Ashberg House was the setting for Chiva-Som’s delightful breakfast, and after doing a bit of star spotting en route (I think strolling past Hugh Grant counts), I was given a taste of Thailand in the stunning £28m home.

Chiva-Som is a luxury health retreat, set within seven acres of lush tropical gardens on the beachfront of the royal resort of Hua Hin, just 185 kilometres south of Bangkok and easily accessible by road and air. Asia’s first internationally acclaimed health resort, Chiva-Som which in Thai means “Haven of Life”, is a pioneer in combining traditional Asian therapies with western health and wellness. Thailand’s most luxurious destination spa remains unique in its dedication to total wellness, as evidenced by its comprehensive and extensive services ranging from nurturing spa to high-tech medical, and the world-class caliber of its practitioners and therapists. Grounded firmly in the belief that it is the combined health of the mind, body and spirit that leads to personal fulfillment, Chiva-Som is truly holistic in its approach. Each guest is considered not only in terms of his or her immediate mental, physical and spiritual needs, but also encouraged to embark and be guided on an ongoing journey to a healthier, happier lifestyle. I sampled the latest spa cuisine innovations by the resort’s culinary team, the resort’s head of cuisine, Chef Paisarn Cheewinsiriwat creating his own cookbook recipes along with a healthy menu which doesn’t compromise on taste stressing on the importance of balance in your diet. I was impressed, to say the least by the healthy alternative to Nutella and blown away by the absolutely delicious homemade fresh muesli which is a favourite among both guests and staff at Chiva-Som. The first rule at Chiva-Som is to forget the notion that diet and nutrition equate to uninspiring food – the innovative daily menus attest to this belief. To complement guests’ health and fitness programme, Chiva-Som offers gourmet spa cuisine prepared and presented by a team of Thai master chefs using fresh and wholesome herbs, vegetables and fruits grown in the health resort’s own organic garden.

I was fortunate to sample a neck back and shoulder massage with Senior Spa Therapist Saisamon Sriyoha, this treatment is based on Chiva-Som’s full length remedial style Deep Tissue Massage, during this session the therapist worked to loosen tight muscles around the neck and shoulders while simultaneously assessing how much tension held within the body and how best to release it. To top of the experience, the treatment was held in the gorgeous swimming pool area of the house where you can’t help but sense the calming Thai vibes.

Chiva-Som’s strict policy of no children, no mobile phones and no computers ensures that the stresses of modern day life are completely removed. Which, of course, guarantees ultimate relaxation. Careful attention has been paid to creating treatments and programmes that are personalised to the needs and desires of each individual guest. On arrival, guests receive a private consultation with a Health and Wellness Consultant to determine their current state of health and ascertain any goals they wish to achieve from their visit. For guests simply wanting to relax, the peace and tranquility are unparalleled. Manicured gardens, reflection pools, elegant Thai design and the gentle lapping of waves on the quiet beach restore a sense of harmony with nature that calms the soul. Set alongside the beach is an outdoor pool for swimming, water sports and open-air relaxation.

We’re not sure about you but #TeamCoco are completely sold and have already starting planning a get away to Chiva-Som! If the delightful staff are anything to go by, we will be looking forward to a true Thai welcome, the contagious energy and a beneficial much-needed break for the mind, body and soul.Rates at Chiva-Som start from £415 per person, per night based on two people sharing.www.chivasom.com

Fitness May 2, 2017

‘The Juice Life’ PRESS London Soup and Juice Cleanse Review

PRESS LONDON JUICE AND SOUP CLEANSE REVIEW

Tara Harris our Food Writer from the Yorkshire Food Guide, gets a taste of the ‘The Juice Life’ as part of PRESS London’s popular 3 day juice and soup cleanse programme.

Third nine course tasting menu consumed in a week, the diet was not going well for the upcoming Coachella Festival. With more restaurant reviews booked into the diary in the lead up, I needed a quick fix to get me beach body ready.

The Science

My friend introduced me to PRESS London, who offer cold-pressed, raw and unpasteurised juice and health food as part of your daily diet or as daily detoxes. Not just with a weight loss aim but also to relieve fatigue, improved immunity, heart health, circulation, digestion, strength and as an anti-inflamatory.

If I set my mind to something I’m able to be quite strict so I thought I’d give it a go. PRESS London say: “Our juices never reach above three degrees, meaning all of our bottles resemble the raw fruit and vegetables inside them, in their natural state, with the maximum level of vitamins, enzymes, minerals and nutrients possible.”

My options were to just consume their eye-catching and colourful juices as a three day ‘cleanse’, or try one of their new soup cleanses, which is a mixture of three juices and three soups that include a multitude of superfoods. With eating as a profession I went for the ‘Nourish Soup Cleanse’ as a happy medium.

The Products

I was excited to receive my box full of colourful goodness, numbered in the order to be eaten. I got started with their ‘Pineapple Aid’, labelled as hydrating also with anti-inflammatory and digestive benefits. A great start, it was as it said hydrating, and the slight hit of cayenne added to the taste. Advised to consume a juice or soup every two hours I was quickly ready for the next. Fearing the ‘Greenhouse’ juice the most which contains kale, spinach, celery, romaine, cucumber, ginger and lemon, I was actually pleasantly surprised. It took me a while to finish the 500ml bottle with it being quite heavy.

Unfortunately the ‘Skinny Veg Broth’ soup was not great. Watery and mainly tasting of vegetable stock with a slight hint of ginger. However at 45 calories for the whole soup and immune system boosting I powered through and added a few pumpkin seeds for taste. Things then got better, their ‘Tomato, Basil and Cashew’ soup was delicious. Really comforting and one that I looked forward to each day. I was impressed at the size of the soups, bowl full to the brim each time and I didn’t feel hungry. I did have a slight headache most days which I put down to cutting out caffeine during the cleanse. I didn’t need the caffeine fix though, I still felt energised.

Onto another juice next ‘Firey Apple’, its name is the perfect descriptor with apple, ginger and lemon ingredients. Again refreshing and kerbed my hunger until the final soup. I was again impressed with the ‘Mint and Pea’ soup. Full of flavour and filling. In the evening my ‘dessert’ was their ‘Vanilla Leche’ which contains water, almonds, rice, medjool date, vanilla bean, sunflower oil and pink himalayan salt. This was yum and felt like an evening treat.

Whilst working at home with the dog I had nothing to distract me until day three. I attended a Gin Tasting Experience event and watched my other half eat a waffle, meat and cheese and a pizza all in one day. One downside of the soup cleanse is that you cannot be out and about all day when doing it. Of course I consumed the gin cocktails, I ended up buying some nuts which felt like cheating and finally gave in at the end of the day by eating one (I lied two) pieces of pizza.

The Results

So to the results, I was pretty impressed. With four pounds lost after three days, my scales telling me my body fat percentage had reduced and a noticeable half or full inch lost from each area of my body. Plus I didn’t feel hungry on the cleanse and had energy. I would highly recommend the PRESS Soup and Juice Cleanse, with the biggest tip that if you’re going to do this make sure you have three days of no plans and no distractions.

House of Coco readers get one day free off a three day soup cleanse by visiting
www.press-london.com and using the code YORKFOODGUIDE at checkout.

Fitness April 25, 2017

Get your bake on with Deliciously Ella & Co

As April draws to a close have you had your monthly quotient of baked goods? If not, never fear – hide your cake obsessions behind a great cause!.The team behind Bowel Cancer Awareness Month have teamed up with celebrity chefs to suggest some yummy treats you could get baking to raise money for their cause (go to www.bowelcancerawareness.org.uk for more information)..Get that shopping list out as we’re bringing you an exclusive delicious recipe from Deliciously Ella – it’s even got potatoes in so it’s practically healthy! .

Sweet Potato Brownies

2 medium sweet potatoes

100g ground almonds 100g ground oats 12 medjool dates 2 tablespoons coconut oil 6 tablespoons raw cacao 6 tablespoons maple syrup Icing: 2 tablespoons of coconut oil 1 tablespoon of maple syrup 2 tablespoons of cacao 2 tablespoons of almond butter

How to…

Start by pre-heating the oven to 180C, then peel the sweet potatoes. Cut them into chunks and place into a steamer for about twenty minutes, until they become really soft.

Once they are perfectly soft and beginning to fall apart remove them and add them to a food processor with the pitted dates.

Put the remaining ingredients into a bowl, before mixing in the sweet potato date combination. Stir well.

Place into a lined baking dish and cook for about forty- ve to fty minutes, until you can pierce the brownie cake with a fork bringing it out dry. Remove the tray and allow it to cool for about ten minutes – this is really important as it needs this time to stick together!

While the brownies are cooling make the icing by simply melting all the ingredients together and stirring well, then place in the freezer for 30 minutes to rm up a bit. Remove the brownies from the tray, leaving it another few minutes before cutting them into squares – then spread the icing on top, dig in and enjoy!