Category

Fitness

Category

Golf buggies have often been used in the past by older players, but nowadays, they have become the norm for golfers of all ages looking to enjoy the benefits of no longer needing to lug around a golf bag on their backs. Golf buggies don’t just relieve your back; there are several benefits to using a buggy during a round of golf. Once you discover the advantages for yourself, you’ll never want to go back to carrying your bag again. In our guide, you will learn how to carry golf clubs on a scooter also, we’ve detailed some of the top benefits of golf buggies and why so many golfers have added them to their essential gear.

Improved Safety

Medical experts believe that it is far better for your health when you use a golf buggy instead of lugging around your clubs when you’re on the green. The weight of carrying your clubs on your back places a significant amount of compressive force on your spine, which can lead to poor posture as well as other back issues. As you lift and drop your bag during a round more than 100 times, the weight of the golf bag can cause a great deal of torsional stress on the spin. This spinal stress can potentially lead to a lifetime of back issues. A proper golf swing can be tough on the back already, and adding to the pressure by lugging around a golf bag can leave you with many back, neck and shoulder issues later in life. Using a golf buggy will save your back and keep you fresh throughout a round of golf, which will enable you to remain flexible and pain-free while conserving energy. If you’re looking for an excellent range to find the perfect one for your check out Hillside Buggies for their exceptional choice of golf buggies.

Play Better

Many studies have shown that players that use a buggy rather than carrying a golf bag on their backs shoot lower scores. Golf buggies allow your body to contribute all of its energy towards playing golf, which improves your score and leads to a better round. Those walking the course with golf bags on their backs often find themselves more physically exhausted, which could add strokes to their score.

More Storage

Typically, most golf bags don’t have the room for extra items, and you may end up carrying more than one bag to bring your phone, water bottle, spare jacket, scorecard, or any other items with you when you play a round. When you use a golf buggy, you can store as many items as you need alongside your golf bag so that you can focus on the course and not how much you’re carrying on your back.

Saves Energy

Most golf courses are between 10 to 12 kilometres, and walking this distance while lugging a golf bag on your back can be exhausting. Golf is a game that uses all of your muscles, soft tissue, and joints. The swing of a golf club uses a significant amount of energy every time you shoot, and carrying a golf bag, which weighs around 10kg, can sap you of the necessary energy you need to have the best round possible.

According to Stephen Zieminski, Founder and CEO of internationally-renowned protein and supplements company Naked Nutrition, running a business is quite similar to cross country and track. He says, “In running, I believed from early on that you get out what you put in. Success doesn’t come overnight but if you keep at something long enough, those efforts will often, pay dividends.”

“I approach business in the same way,” Stephen adds. “It’s not one day or one decision that makes or breaks you, it’s the constant effort you put in day in and day out that determines whether you will be successful or not.”

Naked Nutrition is founded on the principles of less is more, offering nutrition products that strip away marketing and gimmicks and focus on the good stuff. It started with a core range of five single-ingredients protein powders in 2014 and now has a thirty-product strong offer which will soon include a multivitamins line.

Stephen’s mission is to “be a nutrition company with nothing to hide,” and Naked Nutrition does exactly that; foregoing artificial additives to focus on the high-quality ingredients that your body really needs.

We sit down with Stephen and talk about the early days of Naked Nutrition, how his own background as an athlete has informed his approach, and why consistency and focus are the key ingredients to success as an entrepreneur.

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your background. What inspired you to start Naked Nutrition?

I have been into physical fitness all my life. At the University of Florida, I was on the cross country and track teams and while there, was a two-time All American. My experience as an athlete created an awareness of how everything we consume affects athletic performance and overall health. The idea for Naked Nutrition was born in 2014. Looking for protein powder for myself, I found that most products were filled with long lists of artificial ingredients that I knew offered little to no nutritional value. I envisioned a line of products that would be simple, transparent, healthy, and effective. We launched with five single-ingredient protein powders and have grown to offer over 30 products.

We love your ‘Nutrition with Nothing to Hide’ mantra. Can you elaborate on some concrete ways that Naked Nutrition is promoting transparency across its supply chain and product offer?

Our goal has always been to be a nutrition company with nothing to hide. As our name implies, Naked Nutrition strips away the marketing and gimmicks many companies use today. We are constantly looking at products and highlighting the proteins and supplements that can be improved through better ingredients, fewer ingredients — or both. We meet with farmers and suppliers in person as much as possible to source ingredients that meet our strict standards.

In what ways has your own past as a cross country and track athlete influenced your approach to Naked Nutrition? What were some of your biggest learnings?

In running, I believed from early on that you get out what you put in. Success doesn’t come overnight but if you keep at something long enough, those efforts will often, pay dividends. Matter of fact, when I first started running Naked Nutrition, it took over two years for my efforts to start surfacing in the form of results.

I approach business in the same way. It’s not one day or one decision that makes or breaks you, it’s the constant effort you put in day in and day out that determines whether you will be successful or not. Since I’ve never been one to shy away from work, running and business are very appealing to me.

What are the biggest challenges to offering protein & supplement products with just 3 ingredients or less?

The challenge I most often face is finding the right people and companies to work with. The protein and supplement industry can be a scary place. So, finding people who care about the quality and integrity of their processes and the end product hasn’t been the easiest. When your products contain so few ingredients, you must ensure consistency and minimise variation as much as possible. The way we do this is through testing and various other checks and balances throughout the manufacturing process.

In your opinion, what sets Naked Nutrition from other brands in the protein and supplements market today?

Transparency, premium ingredients, and as few ingredients as possible.

What’s next for you? Any exciting projects in the pipeline?

Naked Nutrition’s goal is to offer solutions for everyone, at every time of the day. We are launching several new protein and supplement products in the coming months including a multi-vitamin and even more plant-based products.

What advice do you have for aspiring entrepreneurs looking to start their own business?

Focus on what motivates you. My motivation is growth so I focus my attention wherever will support that most. Often that means being a problem solver. Even the most competent and skilled teams will encounter challenges. Success is determined by how you tackle them.

FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT NAKEDNUTRITION.COM

Just 20 minutes outside of London, located on the edge of St Albans, is Sopwell House, a luxury country house hotel. This hidden sanctuary is home to The Club at Cottonmill, the first private members’ spa offering a vibrant haven combining the serenity of a spa with the buzz and vibrancy of a private members club sans all the stuffiness.

When Cottonmill invited House of Coco to spend the day at The Club we jumped at the chance. Cottonmill at Sopwell House, is tucked down a quiet lane in the sprawling Hertfordshire countryside within grounds surrounded by lush gardens and green fields, the perfect place to relax and unwind.

A magnificent white washed, Georgian House steeped in history, Sopwell is far from stuffy. High ceilings, velvet armchairs and vast open fireplaces are juxtaposed with sleek lines and clean simplicity. This continues through to The Club at Cottonmill.

Upon arrival I was greeted by a friendly team of hosts who get to work showing me around, giving me the low down on the facilities and my itinerary for the day.

After dropping my bag into the super swish dressing room, I headed to the Garden Room, a glass walled, chill out space perfect for relaxing in. Large, comfy loungers look out to the pretty garden while hanging egg chairs surround the statement fireplace. Here you can access the indoor-outdoor thermal pool as well as the Salt Steam Room and Organic Sauna. This is the ideal location to kick off my day and I spend an hour reading and sipping herbal tea as the sun sneaks through the glass walls, warming by skin.

By mid-morning I was looking for a change of scenery so ventured into the gardens. Designed by Anne-Marie Powell, a global medal-winning RHS Chelsea Flower Show designer, the spa gardens are a great space to put your feet up. I find myself a cabana just in front of the infinity thermal pool. Soothing bubbling water features, day beds, hot tubs and fire pits are scattered around the garden. I feel like I am at cool LA roof top pool bar. While the space is relaxing and chilled there is a social buzz too and as I look around several guests are clutching a chilled glass of Rosé. I slip on my shades and spend the next couple of hours flicking through my magazines and people watching. Every so often I slope out of the sun into one of the hot tubs or the thermal pool. This is bliss!

By midday I was feeling guilty for loafing about, there is a gym and studio in the club, but I fancied something less strenuous so had a quick swim before making my way over to the restaurant for lunch. The lunch menu for spa guests is three courses. There is plenty of choice including vegetarian and healthy options. I had the baked salmon fillet with quinoa, saffron, capers and currants served with an olive and pine nut salsa. It was delicious.

The zen vibes continued throughout the afternoon with a spa treatment. The spa menu combines advanced skin solutions with restorative treatments designed to deliver a sensory experience, soothing both the mind and body. I opted for the Amber and Quartz Body Restore Ritual. The treatment uses a heated bed of amber sand and quartz to deeply relax the body. Sand has lots of healing properties – the ancient Egyptians used hot sand baths to alleviate aching joints and muscle pains. There is a thin sheet between you and the sand bed, so you don’t have to worry about getting sand everywhere. Cocooned in the warm, amber sand, the quartz bed gently vibrates relaxing your back and neck area. The treatment begins with the chiming sound of singing bowls which are placed on your back and around the room. The harmonising chimes is intensely soothing. I instantly sink into the bed while the therapist provides an aromatherapy massage. Halfway through the massage the bed tilts raising my feet, this is to encourage blood flow. Its then tipped the opposite way while the therapist massages my shoulders and scalp. I must have drifted off to sleep because I am woken by the singing bowls.

I floated out of the treatment room straight into the Deep Relaxation Room. This zone is ideal to unwind, with heated loungers that gently vibrate and change colour. I don’t think its possible to feel this calm and peaceful. I do not want to leave but sadly I must. I headed home for an early night and had a sound nights sleep.

As it’s a private members spa, The Club area is only accessible to members and those who book Club Spa Packages. To take advantage of all the facilities I’d highly recommend upgrading to a Club package. Sopwell House offers a number of spa packages starting at £70.

Hayley Bieber, Kendal Jenner and Selena Gomez are big fans, Chrissy Teigen raves about it, so what is the buzz around lymphatic drainage therapy? I booked myself onto a course at SHE Studio to find out more about the latest celeb wellbeing trend and discover if it can improve your health.

Your lymphatic system is part of your immune system. It is essentially a network of tissues and organs that help rid the body of toxins, waste and other unwanted materials protecting you from disease by transporting infection -fighting white blood cells throughout the body.When the system gets blocked you hold onto toxins that the body does not want. Drinking plenty of water and exercise help keep your lymphatic system heathy but lymphatic drainage therapy helps move the fluids around the body and rid it of toxins quickly.

SHE Studio offers Lymphatic drainage roller treatment, Roll Slender, that delivers a 60-minute massage targeting the body in key areas. Four times more effective than a manual lymphatic massage, the Roll Slender activates the lymph system, breaks down fat tissue and tones the skin. Owner and lymphatic massage expert, Alex Martin recommended I start with two to three sessions a week for four weeks to notice a change. The treatment involves straddling and moving over the roller in various positions for a couple of minutes at a time to hit the key spots and encourage fluid to move around the body more effectively. The rollers rotate gently across the area mimicking the same technique as a massage. The treatment encompasses the whole body, massaging the back and front of your legs, tummy, arms and bum. At the same time the infrared light helps to heal your skin and muscles as well as increase collagen production to improve your skin’s strength and elasticity. My first session left me feeling a little itchy. “That’s great, it means its working” exclaimed Alex. The itching is a result of the toxins breaking down and moving about the body so its important to drink plenty of water during and after the treatment.

The lymph is connected to immunity, digestive wellbeing and even mind health. A sluggish lymphatic system can result in fatigue, poor digestion, brain fog, bloating and frequent headaches. Roll Slender treatment circulates immune cells around the body, improves the absorption of excess fluid which flushes out the toxins, helps balance your nervous system and prevents inflammation. As well as health benefits, when coupled with a healthy lifestyle it can support weight loss, reduce cellulite and tone the skin. According to Alex “The main benefits of the rollers is to stimulate the lymph nodes, distribute nutrients around the body and eliminate toxins. Regular weekly sessions can boost your over health and wellbeing.”

While lymphatic drainage therapy is big with the A-listers in Hollywood it is also nudging its way into the wellness routines of the UK’s rich and famous. Alex is discreet about her clientele but while I’m there a well know TV personality drops by to roll and I overhear another client talking about a famous singer who lives close by and regularly comes to the studio. SHE Studio is also filling the feed of the Instafamous who live in the surrounding area, with their posts and stories capturing their roll.

I was eating a balanced diet and exercising regularly while undergoing the Roll Slender course, but I noticed a change in my body shape and the texture of my skin. My tummy is a stubborn area I struggle to lose fat from but after using the roller it was visibly flatter and more toned. My bum and thighs were also less dimpled. At the end of my four-week course I had lost a total of 19 inches across my body. All I need now is a holiday to show off my new bikini bod.

To book a course of treatments or enquire about purchasing a Roll Slender contact Alex at SHE Studio.

2020 was the year our lives were tipped upside down and, in some case, given a shake up. As a result, 2021 has been a catalyst of change for most of us and one of the biggest changes has been how we approach our overall wellbeing. Covid-19 has changed the way we eat, workout, our self-care, and the wellness products we have incorporated into our daily routine. Sales of wellness tech has boomed and as the world slowly reopens, we are now more than ever, looking for ways to proactively get on top of our wellness game.

The Fitbit Luxe is the newest addition to the brand, designed to help you take a more holistic approach to your health and wellness. Luxe offers both the support and motivation you need to stay healthy in today’s world with everything from stress management tools to automatic activity and sleep tracking – all in an effortlessly chic bracelet design.

Get an insight into your wellbeing through the Health Metrics dashboard in the Fitbit app to help you identify changes in your breathing rate and heart rate variability, which could be caused by increased stress or fatigue. With Luxe, you get six-months of Fitbit Premium which gives you access to a range of workouts and nearly 200 mindfulness sessions from popular brands to manage stress. This includes Deepak Chopra’s Mindful Method, an exclusive wellness collection with more than 30 sessions to make mindfulness more accessible.

If the thought of readjusting your everyday routine or retuning to office is leaving you feeling stressed or anxious you can proactively manage it through the Stress Management Score function. This provides a daily assessment of your body’s ability to handle stress based on your activity levels, sleep and heart rate.

Keeping physically fit is a key component of overall health, but for most people, COVID-19 has changed exercise routines. With 24/7 heart rate tracking that powers many of the watch’s health, wellness and fitness tools, you can track your daily heart rate in real-time to better measure your calorie burn. You can also choose from 20 different on-wrist exercise modes including golf, pilates, spinning or tennis and for those who prefer running, biking or hiking outside, you can use connected GPS from your phone to see real-time pace and distance. If you love a home training session you can try out more than 200 guided audio and video workouts from certified personal trainers and popular brands like Aaaptiv, barre3 and POPSUGAR to name a few.

If your sleep patterns are out of sync the Sleep Core function will help you better understand your sleep quality. It also has bedtime reminders so you can establish a more consistent routine. Both light and slim, Luxe is designed for maximum comfort, making it easy to wear nightly to manage your sleep.

Additional health tools include food, hydration and weight logging, and menstrual health tracking. There is 60 new pieces of nutrition content including curated healthy recipes from Fitbit and EatingWell. The new blood glucose logging feature in the app allows you to track your blood glucose levels to see how they change throughout the day.

This piece of arm candy ticks all the boxes when it comes to health and wellness solutions. Using smart tech like Fitbit will allow you to maintain your overall wellbeing and where necessary, make adjustments to feel more positive at home and work. Small changes to your daily wellness habits can often have the biggest impact as they are easy to maintain. Poor mental health can have a huge influence on your performance and overall happiness.

Fitbit Luxe is available to pre-order from fitbit.com/uk, from £129.99

Hotels are no longer just a place to rest your head. They are an immersive lifestyle experience, somewhere to soak up local culture, reconnect with yourself and discover new things. Hotel brands are looking to provide their customers with a unique stay, a way to connect with them authentically and super-luxe brand Rosewood successfully does this, with their new in-residence programme.

Rosewood Hotels and Resorts is launching Rosewood PlaceMakers, an ambassador programme that brings together experts and innovators hailing from every corner of the world with deep roots in Rosewood’s locations. PlaceMakers span six pillars of expertise – Art & Entertainment, Style & Design, Food & Beverage, Health & Wellbeing, Family & Lifestyle, and Sustainability.

Rosewood London, the idyllic urban sanctuary in the heart of Holborn, welcomes wellness practitioners Boniface Verney-Carron and Catie Miller as the property’s inaugural Rosewood PlaceMakers. Boniface and Catie have developed unique activations and programming, digital journeys of discovery and an expertly curated destination guide, each of which is rooted in their niche area of expertise while simultaneously highlighting the essential elements and traits of the destination of London.

Boniface is an Osteopath, holistic coach and leading practitioner who runs the Verney-Carron Health Practice in Marylebone. In partnership with elite trainer and former dancer Catie Miller, Boniface is co-launching the Oona Series later this year – a community that thrives through pursuit of internal awareness and optimisation of self. Participants will receive support and guidance from experts as they lead in exercise, theory, workshops and dialogue. Oona will provide the tools to empower social, physical and mental wellbeing, to change the way people move through life.

As PlaceMakers at Rosewood London, Catie and Boniface will offer on-property multi-faceted programming including, but not limited to, an on-demand wellness portal in-room with meditation, tailored guides, workouts and bedtime stories; and a bespoke reset retreat incorporating a digital detox, personalised fitness sessions, a nutritional guide in collaboration with the hotel’s culinary team led by Executive Chef Simon Young and a natural wakeup call by a personal butler to name a few. Other PlaceMaker offerings in the works include wellness talks, podcasts and a limited edition Oona x Rosewood Fit Kit – with sustainable hand-weights, a foldable travel yoga mat, Epsom salt bath, calming pillow mist, CBD sleep tinctures and a charged amethyst crystal water bottle. There are also discussions about an Oona pop up boutique supplying curated sustainable gym wear and clean beauty products, a barre session with a takeaway smoothie truck on the renowned Rosewood London Courtyard and an illuminating panel talk with additional wellness experts for Global Wellness Day in June. Furthermore, Catie and Boniface created a bespoke Digital Destination Guides offering insider tips for navigating London, including famed hotspots from Farmacy to Gordon’s Wine Bar.

“Now more than ever before we are seeing an increased focus on the importance of holistic wellbeing in everyday life, with individuals at all stages of life looking to embark on an integrative health and wellness journey,” said Catie Miller, co-founder of Oona. “We’re proud to be teaming up with Rosewood London to bring a new type of wellness experience to the city that incorporates all the many layers of health and happiness from invigorating fitness classes to nourishing dining offerings to unique spa treatments,” added Boniface Verney-Carron, co-founder of Oona.

Rosewood London is one of the capital’s most sought after locations for wellness – with its Sense, A Rosewood Spa, the epitome of style and tranquillity. For more information on Rosewood’s PlaceMakers, please visit rosewoodhotels.com/placemakers.

There is nothing more energising and restorative than a spa break; and with a year like we’ve had – we certainly deserve one.

They say that just the act of planning a holiday does wonders for your mental health, so even if we can’t hit ‘book now’ just yet – we’ve curated some of the most luxurious spa breaks in the world to inspire all of your future travel plans and hopefully restore a little bit of your wanderlust too.

The Culloden Estate & Spa, Northern Ireland

The five-star Culloden Estate & Spa — flagship property of Hastings Hotels — has just completed a £750,000 renovation of its wellness space. The new spa now boasts a linear vitality pool with floor-to-ceiling views of the hotel’s breathtaking gardens. It also features a ‘Tylarium,’ which combines the benefits of both a sauna and a steam room. The Spa at Culloden has also revealed a new purpose-built facility called ‘The Hollywood Private Clinic’ which features a physio room and offers laser and advanced cosmetic treatments too. Not to mention, the hotel has also launched a Bridgerton Inspired Afternoon Tea – which offers a delectable menu that would surely impress even the great Lady Whistledown herself.

Maslina Resort, Croatia

A new Relais & Chateaux property, the Maslina Resort in Hvar Croatia is a mindful luxury oasis, further enhanced by the opening of its new ‘Pharomatiq Spa.’ The 650 sqm wellness space was designed with a ‘garden-to-skin’ concept that maximises locally-sourced herbs, essential oils and natural healing techniques.

The spa offers five treatment rooms including a sound healing room, fitness rooms, and activated LED light therapy showers. It also offers treatments by luxury skincare specialists L’aventure en Primitivance. In addition, all products are 100% natural and cruelty-free in-line with the hotel’s sustainable luxury philosophy too.

For those looking for a wellness overhaul, the Pharomatiq spa also offers the immersive ‘The Cure of the Adriatic Sea’ package, a four or nine-day programme which includes full-body assessment, mindfulness & movement sessions, and daily therapies tailor-made to suit each guests wellness needs.

Hotel Lou Pinet, Saint Tropez

Maison Pariente’s stylish Hotel Lou Pinet has just unveiled a new wellness partnership that adds more lustre to its already stellar Tata Harper spa. Ahead of its reopening on 13 May, the Saint Tropez hotel is welcoming Parisian beautician Martine De Richeville to offer her iconic ‘Remodelage technique’ to lucky guests. The treatment has been coined as the beauty world’s ‘secret weapon’ to a youthful and energised physique. It is non-invasive and releases the body’s cellulite strongholds and gets rid of toxins too. Perfect for ridding yourself of all your COVID-19 sins.

Zulal Wellness Resort by Chiva Som, Qatar

While Qatar is not yet open to tourism, there’s no reason we can’t pre-pre-plan an epic wellness getaway to a hotel that has been hailed as the ‘World’s Best New Wellness Retreat 2020’ by the World Spa Awards UK. Zulal Wellness Resort by Chiva Som is spread across 280,000 sqm within a private enclave north of Doha and promises a fully immersive and transformative wellness experience. We can’t wait to give it a try.

Jamaica Inn, Jamaica

With the Caribbean well on its way to the UK’s green travel list, the Jamaica Inn should certainly be on your radar when booking your next spa getaway.

The property sits just east of Ocho Rios on a striking 700-foot white sand beach. Beyond the beach, it also offers plenty of relaxation at the Ocean Spa, where guests can enjoy treatments while hanging over the sea. One of the highlights is a new CBD Massage, which will certainly wash away all of your COVID-19-related anxieties. The hotel also has a digital detox philosophy and foregoes hi-tech amenities for Jamaica’s natural wonders – and we’re all for it.

Zannier Hotels Phum Baitang, Cambodia

The Zannier Hotels Phum Baitang is part of the world-renowned Zannier Hotels portfolio and was designed to pay homage to Angkor Wat’s ancient architecture. The Spa Temple has seven treatment rooms, a sauna, steam room, yoga pavilion and 50-metre outdoor infinity pool. The treatments are all designed to help rebalance the mind and body and were inspired by the culture of the Khmer Empire. One of the highlights is the ‘Touch of Cambodia Massage’ which combines lime leaves and lemongrass with deep-tissue massage therapy to improve flexibility.

The sauna is my go-to place to chill out and ease my aching muscles after hitting the gym. The recent lockdown has meant I have not been able to go, so instead I tried the new infrared sauna blanket by Smomar. A bit like an infrared sauna, the blanket uses infrared rays that heat the body directly and promise to deliver all the same benefits but in the comfort of your own home.

The pandemic has seen a surge in sales of at-home wellness equipment like faux fur blanket. The beauty of the sauna blanket is it is compact and folds away so does not take up lots of space, unlike some gadgets. The at-home sauna equivalent looks like a sleeping blanket. You simply plug it into the socket, let it warm up for around five minutes then hop in. It recommends you wear loose clothing with long sleeves and socks. You start by setting the blanket at a low temperature and gradually turn up the heat as your body gets used to it or check it here at home sauna guide. The optimum session is between 30 minutes to one hour.

Infrared sauna’s have been around for a while but only recently become a feature in the wellness routines of celebrities like Lady Gaga, Megan Markle and the Kardashians. The benefits include reducing stress, supporting sleep, soothing muscles as well as burning calories and releasing toxins from the skin. Infrared sauna blankets harness the wellness benefits of near infrared light therapy, using specific wavelengths to permeate the skin and improve both cellular function and body balance without producing heat.

I had been smashing my workouts and runs during lockdown but really suffering with stiffness and aches as a result. I was banking on the blanket delivering the same results as a regular post-workout sauna and I was not disappointed. Straight after training I rolled it out on the floor and wrapped myself up in the cosy, warm cocoon. At first, I felt like the sausage filling of a sausage roll but soon got over that and once you relax it is a calming experience. I swiftly introduced it into my daily ‘wind down’ ritual and found it was 45 minutes where I could switch off, take a breath and listen to a podcast. It quickly gets hot in there and because you are wearing clothing you come out a bit of a red, sweaty mess. You can set a timer and there is also an automatic ‘switch off’ button just in case you fall asleep. I ended up nodding off a couple of times. After a wet, cold run in the evening the blanket was the perfect retreat to envelope my aching bones. I finished each session with an ice-cold shower which left me feeling amazing. Cleaning the blanket is easy, once it is cool just wipe it down with some anti-bac spray and as soon as its dry you can fold it up and store away. As convenient as they can be sauna blankets or regular saunas are also proven to help you lose a bit of weight, Check saunahelper.com to learn more.

I was using the blanket most days and I felt the benefits post-workout. Any tension I was carrying across my shoulders eased away, and I found my legs did not have that heavy ache I usually get the day after a run. I also noticed I was sleeping well. Whether this was down to an overall healthy wellbeing routine or the blanket, I am not sure. The 45 minutes I was spending in the blanket forced me to put down my phone and switch off from general distractions. I started to look forward to having that time to tune out for the day and decompress which was a boost to my mental wellbeing.

If you love to unwind in the sauna and are looking to upgrade your daily wellness routine, then a sauna blanket will be a great investment. The Smomar Infrared sauna blanket is available from £374.

2021 is the year for more meaningful holidays and we’re looking to expand our horizon and try our hands at learning something new when booking our holidays this year.

From daring free-diving lessons to heartache healing programmes, we’ve curated some of the most enriching luxury wellness and learning breaks from around the world. Because after the drama of the last year, there’s nothing better than a holiday that can uplift and energise the soul.

Learn to Free dive at Alphonse Island

Alphonse Island, one of the gems of the Blue Safari Seychelles portfolio, is offering free-diving experiences that will excite even the most enthusiastic adventure seeker. The free diving experiences are taught by Zimbabwean Frediving record holder Christian Burger.

The two-day free diving course covers everything from dive theory to pool skills before students can explore the depths of the Indian Ocean. There’s plenty to explore above water in Alphonse Island too with its stunning natural surroundings, exceptional facilities and first-class staff.

Alphonse Island offers freediving package from two days to seven days starting from $368 (USD) (including theory and tuition). Accommodation in a Beach Suite on a full-board basis with inter-island return flights starts from $6860 per person based on two people sharing.

For information contact reservations@alphonse-island.com. www.alphonse-island.com

Sleep under the stars in Botswana

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to sleep under the stars in the desert? Well, with luxury safari operator Desert & Delta, now you can enjoy the once-in-a-lifetime experience of sleeping out under the stars in the Salt Pans of Makgadikgadi, one of the world’s largest salt flats.

The experience is complimentary for guests staying three nights or more at Desert & Delta’s beautiful Leroo Le Tau lodge. If camping out isn’t your cup of tea, guests can choose to visit the wildlife rich Nxai Pans instead. For the ultimate luxury experience, guests can also journey to the pans via a ‘doorless’ helicopter, offering incredible views of Botswana’s unique desert landscape.

This ‘Sleep-Out Under the Stars’ experience is available from 15th August – 31st October 2021, and 15th July – 31st October 2022. While it is complimentary for guests staying three nights of more at the Leroo Le Tau Lodge, those looking for a more private experience can book a solo trip for a total of $750. For more information visit https://desertdelta.com/

Learn to build an Igloo at Hotel Le Coucou

The Hotel Le Coucou in Méribel has introduced a number of outdoor learning experiences to our elevate your next ski trip. Guests can learn to build an igloo or join a Snow Yoga or Snow boxing class, or even paraglide amongst the clouds.

Nature enthusiasts can also hike in the forest or explore the snowy landscapes with via snowshoe, snowmobile or even sled dog, proving that Méribel as more than just a ski destination. The five-star Hotel Le Coucou is part of the Maison Pariente group and has 55 suites and rooms, two private chalets and a boutique Tata Harper spa too. Perfect for a luxurious alpine experience, unlike anything else on Three Valleys.

Nightly rates at Hotel Le Coucou start from 460 Euros on a half board basis. For reservations and information email reservations@lecoucoumeribel.com. Please note that Hotel Le Coucou is only open for the ski season.

‘Heal your heartache’ at Chablé Yucatan and Chablé Maroma

There is no wellness break more enriching than one that heals the soul and Chablé Yucatan and Chablé Maroma’s bespoke ‘Heal your Heartache’ programme may be exactly what we need after all the drama of 2020.

The programme was designed to help guests rekindle an inner connection and increase their self-worth. It includes sunrise and sunset yoga in the jungle, a ‘Sound of the Sea’ massage ritual and a cleansing ‘Rain Goddess’ ritual which includes a body exfoliation (to scrub away all memories of your ex).

The experience concludes with the Temazcal ceremony which is an intense steam-house treatment that promises to reconnect guests with their inner spirit. Where do we sign up?

Rates at Chablé Yucatán start from $1,106 (approx. £790) per night for a Casita with private pool, including breakfast and taxes. Rates at Chablé Maroma start from $850 (approx. £608) per night for a Villa with a private pool, including breakfast and taxes. For more information visit https://chablehotels.com/

Master outdoor yoga at the Grand Hotel Kronenhof

The Grand Hotel Kronenhof, just six miles from St. Moritz, has installed outdoor spa platforms so you can master outdoor yoga amidst the beauty of Engadine Valley. The four wooden platforms, assembled on various levels on the hotel’s calm-inducing gardens, are the perfect socially-distance solution to learning Pilates, Yoga and Meditation. Not to mention they also offer incredible views of the glistening Val Roseg glacier and the breath-taking Staz forest too.

Grand Hotel Kronenhof summer rates start from CHF455 (approx. £390) for two people sharing a double room on a half-board basis. Alternatively, upgrade to a “Suite Summer Deal” from CHF599 (approx. £515) for two people sharing a Suite on a B&B basis. Book online at www.kronenhof.com or call +41 81 830 3030.

Amidst the crystal clear waters and rustic villas of Lake Como, a new activewear brand was born. Varenna — established in 2020 by Italian entrepreneur Arantxa Gandini — sits at the intersection of high-fashion and high-performance redefining activewear for the modern day woman.

“Wellness, elegance and beauty at the heart of everything we do,” Arantxa says as she shares the inspirations and distinctive ‘Made-in-Italy’ ethos of her luxury activewear brand.

According to Arantxa, Varenna was “born out of a desire to create clothing using conscious design methods and minimal waste.” In fact, it is the first and only activewear brand to be completely produced in Italy, utilising only high-quality recycled and biodegradable fabrics, reinforcing Arantxa’s own commitment to preserving the environment and contributing towards a greener future.

Taking inspiration from the inimitable beauty of mother nature, Varenna offers refined yet sophisticated sportswear pieces that “give life to the magic that occurs when the natural world meets wise human hands.

“Our pieces infuse the elegance and sophistication of a luxury fashion label, with the design, performance and versatility of an activewear brand,” adds Arantxa. “Our refined, minimalist aesthetic vision proves that sportswear has indeed become a new expression of contemporary elegance.”

We sit down with Varenna Founder Arantxa Gandini, who invites us to discover the world of Varenna, and learn about the tradition, innovation and passion that inform its lovingly designed and thoughtfully-made collections.

What led you to embark on your journey to create a sustainably luxury activewear brand?

I’ve always felt the need to feel beautiful and elegant, not just at the office or during special occasions, but also while training outdoors, at home, or in the gym. However, I couldn’t find any activewear brands that could satisfy this need.

Because of this, I decided to combine my two biggest passions — sports and fashion — to develop a brand that could meet the elevated tastes and standards of women like myself. So, with my business partner, we founded Varenna with a clear vision in mind. This was to contribute to women’s happiness and to create an environment where wellness, elegance and beauty are at the heart of everything we do.

Tell us more about Varenna’s design ethos. Where does the inspiration for your designs come from?

Our story begins amidst the idyllic beauty of Lake Como, my childhood home. For me, Lake Como has always been the ultimate expression of Italian beauty and way of life. It is a truly magical place where the elegance of the villas seamlessly blend with the majesty of nature.

The main inspiration for our collections come from the natural world in all its forms. From the inimitable lights, patterns, colours and geometries of nature, our collections are born. We design collections that embody the graphic quality and stark symmetries of nature, giving life to the magic that occurs when the natural world meets wise human hands.

Describe Varenna in three words. Tell us more about your brand vision and what sets you apart from other activewear brands in the market today?

Our three main keywords are fashion, sustainable and ‘Made-in-Italy.’ Our mission is as ambitious as it is simple. We combine comfort (an essential feature in any sportswear brand) and glamour, which is something any successful fashion brand has in spades.

Through our collections, we constantly redefine the concept of what an active wardrobe looks like. Our pieces infuse the elegance and sophistication of a luxury fashion label, with the design, performance and versatility of an activewear brand. Our refined, minimalist aesthetic vision proves that sportswear has indeed become a new expression of contemporary elegance.

How important is sustainability to Varenna’s ethos?

In terms of sustainability, we’re always looking for low-impact raw materials and energy solutions. We believe that offering our clients sustainable choices eventually leads to better, more conscious consumer behaviours, resulting in a greener world.

For this reason, we only work with a select network of suppliers in Northern Italy to minimise our carbon footprint. We also put our best efforts towards preventing waste and only using high-quality fabrics from recycled PET bottles and biodegradable sources.

Varenna is the first luxury activewear brand that is completely ‘Made-in-Italy,’ which we hope reaffirms Italy’s position as a leader in the fashion world. Our entire supply chain is sustainable. This begins with design and sourcing the finest recycled Italian fabrics, to our very exacting cut and assembly process, which is as close as ‘made-to-measure’ as you can possibly get in activewear.

For me, tradition, innovation and passion are three words that perfectly describe our collections, which are all lovingly designed, thoughtfully made and packaged in Italy.

What is next for Varenna? What is your long-term vision for the brand?

Our goal is to continue to design and produce elegant, mindfully-made clothes. We believe that brands today have to go beyond simply producing products, which is why we are developing a holistic brand universe that includes fashion, sports and wellbeing.

Our vision is to transform our flagship boutiques into exclusive wellness spaces, where our luxury clientele can relax and take care of their mind and body. At our Varenna boutiques, they can participate in Yoga or Pilates classes, or indulge in some traditional Italian food, reimagined through a lens of wellness and elegance.

Shop #TeamCoco’s top 10 picks from Varenna’s latest collection

  1. Varenna White Bra with Nordic Floral Print
  2. Varenna White Bra with Pink Flower Print
  3. Varenna Black Tank Top ¾ with Long Sleeves and Nordic Floral Print
  4. Varenna Corda Leggings with Ramage Print
  5. Varenna Petal Pink Leggings with Tie Dye Print
  6. Varenna Black and White Tech Polo with Shade Print
  7. Varenna Bottle Green Bra with Nordic Floral Print
  8. Varenna Pearl Grey Tech Polo with Stripes
  9. Varenna Corda and White Leggings 3/4 with Shades Print
  10. Varenna Blu Navy Tech Jersey with Long Sleeves