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Explore the wonders of adventuring in St Lucia, nicknamed the “Helen of the West Indies,” renowned for its lush rainforests, stunning peaks, and captivating history of changing hands between the English and French. Discover world-class diving sites and immerse yourself in its natural beauty. In this article, we examine the accessible adventures on offer that will allow you to soak in the alluring beauty of the island without over-inducing an excess of adrenaline.

Adventuring in St Lucia

Bamboo rafting

One of the newest experiences on offer in St Lucia is bamboo rafting on the Roseau River. It is the longest and largest river on the island. The tranquil beauty of the river in the Anse-la-Raye Quarter is in distinct contrast to the busier resort-laden parts of northern St Lucia. The enterprise has been started by the ex-tourism minister. What is particularly impressive is not only is the raft made entirely of bamboo, but your guide sets sail only with a bamboo pole. It is an entirely non-motorised experience down to the beachfront for a carbon-neutral experience. Your local guide will serenade you with facts on the local flora, fauna and topography. Mid-journey you will break at a rustic shack where you can sample local coconuts and cocktails from a local entrepreneur. There are multiple add-ons such as a rum distillery tour (more on that later) and a segway tour.

Rainforest hike

There are numerous stunning hiking trails throughout St Lucia. One I would recommend is The En Bas Saut Falls Trail. Ideally, you’ll need a 4×4 to drive to the start of the trail near Soufrière often through rugged cobblestone roads (though we did spot one brave soul trekking up jungle slopes to the hike). The trek through the majestic rainforest takes anywhere between 1.5-2.5 hours to complete. It is a sub-4 km hike which involves uneven steps down to the waterfall and then steps back up. You’ll visit a 7-8 metre waterfall and the best part is you can swim up close for a cooling escape from the tropical heat. There will be offers of guided tours as you travel closer to the starting point of the trail. However, note that this is not essential given the route is an easily identifiable trail. The trickier part would be finding the starting point with your hire car. The best way to get there is to book a guided tour with reputable boutique hotels such as the nearby Têt Rouge Resort. The excursions are reasonably priced, and the options are varied.

Adventuring in St Lucia

Catamaran cruise

A catamaran tour is the best way to appreciate the overall magnificence of the island. Têt Rouge offers a 40 ft catamaran for hire privately. You can enjoy a sunset cruise, savour a barbecue on board, swim or snorkel in the refreshing waters or simply get taken to remote, pristine beaches. You get arguably the best angle at spotting the iconic twin peaks of Gros Piton and Petit Piton. You can peek into the most exclusive resorts on the island such as Jade Mountain Resort, or if you just want to unwind the Caribbean way, recline your back onto the catamaran trampoline, listen to the sea breeze and stare into the cloudless blue sky with a rum punch in your hands.

Cacoa Sainte Lucie

If you want an elevated dining experience and still have views of the verdant tropical rainforest, make sure you head to Cacoa Sainte Lucie. Situated in Belvedere Canaries, the site is at the perfect vantage point to soak up the surrounding greenery and the soothing ocean scenery. As they are a small-batch premium chocolate maker, the menu in their restaurant unsurprisingly contains countless cocoa. One of their signature dishes is the cocoa-crusted grilled Mahi served with a sweet chilli creole sauce. You might wonder: why add cocoa to dishes? Raw cacao is a superfood containing high doses of minerals, vitamins and antioxidants. Their chocolate trio dessert is not to be missed. They have an interactive chocolate-making workshop as well as a gift shop selling everything from gourmet chocolate truffles to hot chocolate powder (and my personal choice: a decadent chocolate lamington).

Rum distillery tour

Next to the bamboo rafting experience, you can also partake in a distillery tour at St Lucia Distillers. The tour has the perfect blend of video presentations, a brief rum-making tutorial, a kitsch carnival exhibition and an unbelievably generous rum-tasting finale. From April to November, when the sugarcane is harvested, guests can observe the harvesting at the cane fields which is a 5-minute walk from the distillery. The tour is about how they’ve used what’s abundant in nature in St Lucia to turn the product into one of the most popular spirits in the world. Their knowledgeable guides will take you around their working distillery and explain the concept in layman’s terms.

Rum is intimately linked to the carnival spirit and they have a carnival room displaying a dazzling array of fanciful costumes. The exhibition also goes in-depth about the origins and traditional practices that accompany carnivals in St Lucia. The finale of the tour is truly breathtaking. You get to sample their whole range of rums, rum-based creams and liqueurs. This is from the entry-level range to their most premium range, and it is all self-service and free pouring. This is a must for all rum aficionados. Afterwards, you should take a trip to their gift shop where their spirits are offered at factory prices.

Experience St. Lucia’s most iconic nature trails designed by your very own hiking butler! Discover more about these exclusive trails in our article on House of Coco.

There are roughly 29 flights per week flying from London to St Lucia. The average flight time is only 8 hours and 55 minutes. The lowest average temperature is in January at a barmy 26°C. March is the sunniest time of year, with over ten hours of sunlight per day. With these wonderful weather conditions and a diverse offering for tourists, make sure you consider St Lucia for your Caribbean holiday.

https://www.stlucia.org/en/

Away from the glitz of Miami and the theme parks of Orlando, Florida is a state bursting with natural beauty. You can experience the untouched beauty in places like The Charlotte Harbor Gulf Island Coast.

Often you’ll hear, Americans from the New York side gravitate towards the Atlantic side of Florida. The populace from the Midwest and centre of the country tend to travel to the Gulf side of Florida. In places like Punta Gorda and Englewood Beach, you’ll experience genuine American hospitality in a laid-back environment. There are memorable outdoor experiences you’ll remember for a lifetime.

Punta Gorda

Babcock Ranch Eco Tours

For those seeking to observe the flora and fauna of Florida, you should consider taking part in Babcock Ranch Eco Tours. Their swamp buggy eco-tour will take you through a working cattle ranch as well as through dramatic swamp lands. Throughout the 90-minute tour, you might spot majestic osprey, soft-shell turtles and wild turkeys. You are almost guaranteed to see alligators.

You get to travel through four different ecosystems. There are surprises along the way including petting a baby alligator and getting out of the buggy for a stroll through the Telegraph Cypress Swamp on a raised platform.

The Sean Connery film, Just Cause was famously filmed on the ranch and they even donated a hunting shack to the organisation.

If you are in the mood for a bite afterwards, they do have the Gator Shack restaurant. You won’t be surprised to hear they serve gator bites and wraps on their menu.

Alligator Creek Preserve

If you are looking for a relaxing nature preserve to spot wildlife that is also free of charge, do check out Alligator Creek Preserve. There are four plus miles of nature trails inside the preserve, but it is also next to the 45,000-plus acre Charlotte Harbor Preserve State Park.

They have recently rebuilt a sheltered alligator dock for you to spot the lounging reptiles. They have commercial-grade viewfinders that are coin-free to help you spot the fauna.

They are a non-profit organisation and their chief focus is educational activities for the local school children as well as raising environmental awareness and preservation for the local surroundings.

Peace River Wildlife Center

Travelling through various parts of Florida, you’ll realise their preference is not to build zoos but wildlife rescue and rehabilitation centres. At Peace River, they have an adorable collection of animal friends.

Their iconic ambassador is Luna the white Eastern Screech Owl. He is leucistic rather than albino. That means he lacks the cells that make pigments throughout his body. As they are heavily reliant on camouflage to protect themselves from larger predators, Luna stays permanently at the rescue centre for his protection.

Due to a shortage of space, they currently mainly house rescued birds. However, they are currently fundraising for a brand-new education centre in downtown Punta Gorda. With the increased capacity, they are hoping to be able to support more rescued mammals and reptiles in the coming years.

They run very strong education and awareness campaigns including responsible fishing and awareness of invasive species.

Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Gardens

Having only opened in 2017, this botanical garden is one of the most impressive you’ll encounter in the United States. This 30-acre waterfront haven consists of five ecosystems including marshlands, wetlands, mangroves, uplands and tidal basins.

They have over 4,500 plants, trees and bamboo blended in with Florida’s natural landscape. They’ve created one of the largest botanical and sculptural gardens in Florida. Highlights include a rainbow eucalyptus. You’ll need to walk up and observe the bark to see why it has the rainbow moniker.

Their cycad garden is also worth visiting. These prehistoric plants appeared on Earth before the age of the dinosaurs. Most species are in decline around the world with four species on the edge of extinction. They are hugely valuable and have been known to be a target for opportunistic thieves.

A significant part of the experience is also about art appreciation. They have some outstanding sculptures on loan at the site. The ones to highlight include Next Summer and Bibi on the Ball. Both are from Carole Feuerman. The hyper-realistic style means you need to observe the sculptures up close, where you might spot individual eyelashes or veins on the elegant legs.

Englewood Beach

Kayaking through Englewood

If you are looking for something more active. I suggest a kayaking tour with SUP Englewood. If Punta Gorda is all about the flora and fauna, then Englewood is all about embracing the Florida coastline.

They run kayaking tours in various locations, but I would recommend the Don Pedro Island State Park tour. Their knowledgeable guides will give you the best practice for ethical paddling. You’ll be able to get up close with dolphins and manatees. You might spot fascinating shellfish like conch and crabs or hear majestic coastal birds like herons and ospreys.

You can paddle through scenic mangroves or take a short walk on Don Pedro Island to observe the pristine beauty of this barrier island.

An unspoilt beach haven

Experience an uncrowded side of Florida with the pure, wide, white sandy beaches of Englewood. There is a scenic 900ft boardwalk that crosses over the beach vegetation if you want to observe the shoreline from a distance.

You’ll find all the amenities you need such as water stations, restrooms and shower facilities, but it never feels commercialised. There are no vendors to approach you selling tourist gifts. The few bars and restaurants in the area are within walking distance but not right on the beach.

You are allowed to fish on the shoreline. You can walk for miles on end with pure sand on your feet whilst admiring the captivating Floridian coastline.

For those who think Florida is overcrowded and commercialised, think again. A visit to Punta Gorda and Englewood Beach will show you what the real, pure Florida has to offer.

Factbox

Punta Gorda and Englewood Beach is Florida’s best-kept secret of a charming natural paradise located on the idyllic Southwest Gulf Coast.

This coastal community surrounding the state’s second-largest harbor sits conveniently between Tampa and Naples. British Airways and Virgin Atlantic have daily direct flights to Tampa.

For more information on the region, please visit –

https://www.pureflorida.com/

I was the only girl in my class at school that didn’t have a pony on their Christmas list. I’ve a slight fear of horses, actually, scrap that, I’m terrified of them. They are big, powerful and can be unpredictable, which is why I’ve never been one for horse riding. I’ve obviously passed this non-horsey love on to my daughter, Eden, she feels the same, so when we both signed up for equine therapy on a recent trip to California a few family members laughed. “You two, on a horse, I just can’t see it.” sniggered my husband. That only spurred us on more and on a balmy early Monday morning in Monterey County we pulled up at The Equine Healing Collaborative, a non-profit organisation that are squashing the stigma associated with therapy by making it accessible for their clients. Founder and Executive Director, Jen Fenton and her team of 43 clinicians and 37 horses are on a mission to provide a path to recovery, self-discovery, and personal growth through the use of equine assisted psychotherapy.

Equine assisted psychotherapy involves counselling with a mental health professional and time riding or caring for a horse. The horse is considered a co-therapist. Forming a relationship with an animal that weighs 1,000 pounds or more may be intimidating, but the required vulnerability and trust is part of the process.

Equine therapy isn’t new, it’s been around for a while but with us in the midst of a global mental health crisis it’s booming, Jen tells me, “Post Covid there’s been a huge uptake in treatment for anxiety and depressive related disorders, especially in young people.”

As soon as I met Jen I felt relaxed and at ease. She has best friend vibes, easy to talk to, the kind of woman you want to share a glass of wine with and download all your secrets to. A trained mental health therapist and previously a hostage negotiator, she’s got an aura that’s calming and reassuring. Originally set up in 2015, she coupled her job as a therapist with her love of horses and took therapy from the couch to the barn. Jen tells me, “I’ve seen people get more out of one session with the horse than half a dozen on the couch. Taking people out of a clinical environment helps them relax and they let their guard down which allows them to get more out of it.”

The team at The Equine Healing Collaborative, work with their clients on the same issues and challenges you might go see a regular therapist for such as past trauma, relationships, anxiety, or depression. The horse acts as a co-therapist, helping to relax clients, build trust and connection. Jen explains, “Horses are herd animals, their survival is tied to their ability to get along with the rest of the herd so they easily connect with humans.”

Every horse has its own story, all of them are rescues and the clinicians work with each one before they start working with clients, assessing how they respond to situations and stress. The horses are profiled then paired with the client based on the support they require. None of the horses are ridden, instead the therapist might run a couple of exercises that are focused on supporting the client.

When we visited, we got to meet Hermoso, a big chestnut friendly stallion. We worked with Jen and Hermoso on a couple of exercises exploring vulnerability and confidence. Jen tells me “The horses shine a light on how we are feeling, unearthing anything we might be trying to avoid. ”As part of my session with Hermoso I had to close my eyes and let the horse come to me. I immediately felt vulnerable and intimidated, Jen coached me from the side, asking me how I felt while guiding me. Following this Jen then asked me to draw a circle in the sand and think about something or someone I loved and would do anything to protect. I had to then imagine this person or thing was in the circle with me and not let Hermoso into the circle. Hermoso pushed me and my boundaries. It wasn’t easy keeping this huge horse out of my circle and I had to stand strong and confident while inside I was having a wobble. Jen told me Hermoso could pick up on how I was feeling so I had to push through it and show him I was in charge. I eventually kept him out the circle and he got the message he wasn’t getting in. Afterwards I was chatting to Jen and she said, “I think you might be operating in your comfort zone, you need to take more risks Anji.” Based on 45 minutes with the horse, my behaviours and interactions, Jen managed to pick up on this and she was right, I have been playing it safe with a few things. I left thinking about what she had said and how I might make some changes. Eden also come away with some food for thought, telling me, “I came here unconvinced but with an open mind and having spent some time with Jen and Hermoso, I can see how it would benefit not just your mental health but your mindset. It’s made me think more about self-belief and the fact that I can do anything.”

The organisations operating funds are generated by billing insurance companies and through patients paying a sliding scale of fees. Though Jen points out that the process and red tape private insurers have makes it hard for people to get mental health support. 86% of their clients are from low socio-economic backgrounds so they don’t always get reimbursed for everyone which is why they rely heavily on fundraising. She tells me “It’s frustrating, mental health support should be accessible to everyone, but the truth is if you don’t have the finances it is harder which is why we often waiver fees.” She’s also training other clinicians in equine assisted therapy as it’s “expensive and exclusive” and her goal is to bring equine therapy to as many people as possible. I have no doubt she will. We leave Jen and Hermoso with a spring in our step and a sense of achievement.

The Equine Healing Collaborative is a not-for-profit organisation that offers services based on a sliding scale fee. House of Coco travelled to Monterey County courtesy of See Monterey.

In today’s fast-paced world, where stress and burnout have become all too common, the pursuit of wellness has taken centre stage. People are seeking holistic solutions that not only address their physical wellbeing but also cater to their mental and emotional needs. Enter The Odissean Experience, a revolutionary concept in wellness and lifestyle concierge services that aims to transform the way we approach self-care, aimed at the modern, time-challenged high net worth individual.

Combining renowned partner brands, leading Harley Street Clinicians, and a specialist team of wellbeing experts this invitation only, private lifestyle club offers members access to world class wellness and lifestyle services. At the heart of The Odissean Experience lies the emphasis on personalisation. When it comes to wellbeing, we are all on our own unique journey and each member’s programme is bespoke to reflect their goals, needs and challenges. Whether it’s stress management, nutrition, fitness or emotional health, every aspect of wellness is carefully curated. Working collaboratively to guide clients towards optimal wellbeing using their knowledge and experience, they offer valuable insights and support, ensuring clients receive the most effective and comprehensive wellness solutions.

Expect high quality, one-to-one personal service, this club isn’t open to everyone, it’s a discreet pool of invited clients which is what makes their offer exceptional. Members have their own VIP lifestyle concierge manager, on hand to arrange everything from travel and dining to events, personal shopping and even real estate.

The vision behind the brand is Dr Michael Arumemi-Ikhide, an entrepreneur with over 15 years of executive board experience within aviation, travel and hospitality sectors. He says, “we set out to construct a seamlessly integrated, fully personalised, high-end wellbeing and lifestyle service that bridges the gap between holistic wellness needs and high quality, readily accessible, wellness and lifestyle resources.”

Michael continues, “The Odissean Experience is more than a private members club, the bespoke guided memberships are highly curated ecosystems covering your place of work, your home and travel, geared towards delivering life empowering and maximally transformative results. For instance, a greater sense of purpose; better human connections and relationships; significant reduction in feelings of stress and anxiety; vitality of physical and cognitive health; improved overall performance, beauty, and longevity; and wonder-filled quality living.”

As the demand for comprehensive wellness solutions continues to grow, The Odissean Experience sets a new standard, redefining what it means to truly prioritise and invest in oneself.

Join the waiting list and apply for your exclusive membership invitation here.

Many computers these days have an array of amazing features that will leave you in awe. However, no matter how good the features are, some may not be everyone’s cup of tea. In this article, titled Qualities to Look For in a Gaming PC, you’ll learn about the qualities you must look for in a Gaming PC, especially if you’re buying for the first time.

The Qualities that a Gaming PC Must Have

In this section, you’ll learn about the qualities a gaming PC must have to make it worth your purchase. With that said, here are the six qualities that you need to see in a computer before you buy a gaming pc:

1. A Strong-Enough Processor

Processors or a CPU for a gaming PC must be of the latest generation model if you want to play the latest games, as they have far more demanding requirements. However, you can get away with the older iterations of a processor if you’re playing games with less detail and action or older games. On a side note, know the size of the processor unit. Ensure you can fit every internal component inside the unit.

That aside, factor in your desk or workspace size. Small CPU towers are great for those who don’t have huge desk space but have limited upgrading capabilities. Middle-sized ones are the typically-seen classes – great all-rounders. Lastly, the large or full tower systems are easy to work with because they have ample size for all components.

2. The Ideal Graphics Card

The gaming PC you wish to buy must have the latest graphics card if you want the most optimized gaming experience. Otherwise, you can go with mid-range graphics cards, especially if you’re buying for the first time. Consider upgrading to a better graphics card once you can afford it and believe it’s time to upgrade.

3. A Strong RAM

Computers have sufficient RAM during intense amounts of data processing. The bare minimum you’ll need for gaming is around 8 GB, but for the most part, 16 GB does wonders. If you are a heavy multi-tasker during gaming, maybe 32 GB RAM will suit you better.

4. Sufficient Cooling Systems

Heat is a gaming PC’s worst nightmare because an overheating system contributes to slower performance. Some computers have built-in cooling systems and heat sinks in their components, so you’d want to be on the lookout for those. These cooling systems should be enough for now, especially if you’re a first-time buyer.

Alternatively, you can buy separate components to cool down the computer. However, that’s better off done later on.

5. A Good Array of Peripherals

Gaming PCs usually come in with a decent array of peripherals, such as a keyboard, a mouse, and a monitor if you’re purchasing one already set up. Don’t hesitate to ask about giving the PC a test run before you can say that the gaming PC you’ve tried is worth your money.

6. The External Look Sometimes Matters

Appearance is a rather subjective matter when it comes to Gaming PCs. On one end, some gamers prefer a simplistic look for their gaming setup. Sometimes the simple appearance of the gaming PC setup is mistaken as office equipment but hides a high-performing system underneath.

On the other end of the scale are gamers who prefer to deck out their gaming platform fully. They would sport a gaming mouse, a CPU unit, and a keyboard that glows with different colors since they find the look rather cool. Overall, the appearance of the gaming PC boils down to the tastes and preferences of the individual.

Purchase a Gaming PC now!

At this point, you should have learned the six qualities you need to look for before buying a gaming PC. Apply all these notes, and you should have less trouble finding the right gaming PC unit with the qualities to look for in a Gaming PC.

My moment.

As I sat on the freezing cold boulder that drew me in to the bend of the icy river, I gave in to the truth that nature was healing me. That was what I was feeling.

I slowly breathed in the oxygen that felt thick and forceful, lovingly created for me by the forests around me, and that they had kindly offered to feed me with.

Pursing my lips to prevent the leaving rush of air, I held onto the exhale with a dizzying purpose. Hearing only the sizzle of the water as it bubbled through the rocks on the river bed, I closed my eyes. Resting the back of my hands on my crossed legs, I felt the Earth pull me back to lay down in peace.

I was forest bathing, Shinrin Yoku, in the snowy Alps near Morzine.

The moment.

The trip to Morzine could have been any snowboarding trip. Adrenaline filling every moment from the unnatural downward sliding to the all-natural buzz from dancing all night in your boots following Après.

Don’t get me wrong, it was all those things and more. The food and drink scene in Morzine leaves an indelible impression, as does the historical surprises discovered by chatting to the locals.

Yet, this trip to Morzine was more memorable than ever before. Proof that even if you still haven’t fallen head over heels in love with skiing or snowboarding, it doesn’t mean you have to miss out on a snow trip with friends or family.

Simone, our magical forest bathing guide, greeted us with the calmest, warmest, and most welcoming smile to take us on our enlightening tour.

Shinrin-yoku is a widely popular medicinal practice in Japan. It offers the opportunity to reconnect with our natural ability to heal, recharge our batteries, and therapeutically remedy blood pressure issues, anxiety, and depression.

With Magical Snow Treks in Morzine, guided by Simone, you’ll fully immerse yourself into the forest, re-awakening your digital-living battered senses.

Their moment.

We began our experience at a point in the forest where we asked permission to enter. One of our group, a guy who recently lost his mother, shed a tear at this early point. The powerful pull of nature often has a visceral effect on those who least expect it, when you and your group go all in.

The still silence of our movements meant that the forest and its inhabitants were comfortable in loudly being themselves around us. We showed them that we respected their home and were giving in to whatever lessons they were to teach us, if any at all.

After moving on from the forest gate, snowshoes strapped on and full cold weather hiking gear, it was time to give and receive with the forest.

Simone is a beautiful soul wondering around in this bonhomie radiating human being. She coaches and guides in a way that makes normal-people sense. Nobody felt silly or that they were getting anything wrong. There we’re moments of silence, receiving energy, offering thanks, and deeply getting to know the forest.

She asked us to get to know part of the forest that we felt pulled to, so I made friends with a tree stump that looked like it was reaching out for a hug. I don’t feel stupid about admitting that we had a chat. I asked if they were okay with what happened, they told me that it has been hard but with the support of the entire forest, the moss, and the animals around them they were thriving.

Your moment.

I’m a tree hugging, deep thinking, energy conduit so this was heaven to me. I often feel the receiving or giving of energy intensely. However, even if none of this represents you, please give forest bathing in Morzine a shot.

You’ll experience a slow walk through nature, with time to look around and take in an environment that you rarely get to relax in.

The final piece of the journey is enjoying freshly picked Norway spruce bud tea amongst the orchid filled clearing at the end. The perfect place to chat with your group about how the last couple of hours made you feel. You may even be surprised by yourself and others.

It truly is an inspiring way to relax, just a few hours out of the day or night and the chance to see more of the area in a new and mindful way.

To book your experience visit www.morzine-avoriaz.com.

Our sleep has a huge impact on our wellbeing. Lack of sleep can leave us mentally and physically drained and a chronic lack of it puts you at greater risk of obesity and developing health conditions, such as diabetes and heart disease. Since the loss of my dad last year, I have had an up and down relationship with sleep, so when The Langham, London invited me down to road test their new sleep wellness package I packed my suitcase quicker than you can say goodnight.

One in three of us struggle with their sleep which is why Langham Hospitality Group has developed a comprehensive global sleep wellness programme in conjunction with the World Sleep Society. The new Sleep Matters programme focuses on the holistic benefits of sleep providing solutions from white noise sleep machines to wellness rituals and bedtime advice to help you get a good night’s rest.

The Langham, London is super stylish and situated within walking distance of Oxford Circus. This impressive property is perfect for a luxury five-star, city break. Inside the vibe is glamorous and opulent. As soon as you enter the grand lobby you are faced with huge dramatic chandeliers and marble columns. Beautiful flower arrangements adorn the lobby and after a swift check in I am shown up to my suite.

The Suite at The Langham, London

My suite is like a sleep haven and kitted out with a selection of goodies to help ensure I get the best night’s sleep. The décor inside is contemporary and clean, there’s lots of natural light and it’s spacious. In the corner of my room is the Mirror screen by ZENi, a virtual personal trainer that offers 10,000 classes on demand with a workout to suit you. Studies show that a light workout consisting of stretching and meditative moves like yoga help to improve sleep quality. There’s an OTO sleep pack full of CBD products and expert tips on how to get more healthy sleep.

If you are booked in a suite or Executive Room you get access to The Langham Club, an exclusive, residents-only sanctuary where you can enjoy complimentary drinks and cocktails with a selection of Hors d’oeuvres, charcuterie and cheese platters.

I was booked into Chuan Wellness Spa for a full body Harmony massage, designed to stimulate meridian harmony. This unique mind, body and soul experience uses the therapeutic elements of acupressure with various relaxation massage techniques to induce a deep sense of calm. It successfully hits the spot as I drift off to sleep just 15 minutes in. The therapist gently wakes me with an Elemental tea to compliment my treatment. The delicious combination of rose petal, hibiscus, and pepper is to help enhance my fire element. I float out of the spa and ditch exploring the West End in favour of a relaxing afternoon in my suite.

After an aperitif in The Langham Club, I head to Palm Court for dinner. Cream leather booths, ceiling to floor wall art and a plethora of chandelier and glass lighting gives the place a dazzling, Art-Deco feel. The service is slick and attentive. Dining at Palm Court is both relaxed and sophisticated. The menu is inspired by the grand cafés of Europe and uses the finest seasonal and local ingredients. I opted for a succulent steak served with greens, it was delicious. I decided to have desert back in my room so I could make the most of the sleep package.

Guests have access to a Sleep Matters Menu, which allows you to order a selection of wellness-related items during your stay, including a yoga mat and fitness ball for pre-sleep stretching; weighted blankets, a selection of pillow options and white noise sleep machines and in selected locations, Chuan elemental oils and lavender bath products for a restful soak before bedtime.

When I return to my room, I’m greeted with a chill out playlist, specially curated to help me relax. My Sleep Matters Turndown Kit includes herbal tea, branded ear plugs, pillow spray, cushioned sleep mask and Sleep Tips Cards courtesy of World Sleep Society.

After spraying my pillow and drinking my herbal tea I settled into my bed for the night. So did I get a good night’s kip? I drifted off quickly and woke up once during the night however, I managed to get straight back to sleep which I don’t often do.

The Sleep Matters package is available at global outposts of the The Langham. You can book The Langham, London Sleep Matters, Refresh and Renew Package from £800 per night for a double occupancy room. This includes:

  • Luxury accommodation
  • Daily revitalizing breakfast
  • One 60 minute Chuan Harmony massage
  • CBD OTO Mini Sleep Collections pack
  • Yoga mat or Fitness Bag in all rooms, subject to availability
  • Fitness Mirror if booking suites, subject to availability
  • Turndown amenities, including earplugs and pillow mist in all rooms and sleep masks in suites.
  • Late checkout, upon availability

Indulge in some ‘self-love’ this Valentine’s Day with our round up of some of the best wellness inspired gifts.

If you want to luxuriate with a loved one, the Euphoria Escape for couples is just for you. Set in the heart of the beautiful Greek Peloponnese, the couple’s two-day package includes spa treatments, delicious food, and dramatic landscapes, giving you an opportunity to spend time together in a quiet place of natural beauty.

The Euphoria Escape for couple’s programme is available to book either half board and or/full board from 590 Euros per couple.

LUCY® is an exclusive, sustainable, and high-tech bottle cap that cleverly filters water, controls the level of hydration, and reminds users, day by day, when it’s time to drink more, whilst on the go. Available to purchase for £119 from Waterdrop

Combining microcurrent technology with Anti-Shock System™ & T-Sonic™ massage, this fierce toning device takes face yoga to a whole new level! Tighten & firm skin for a youthful, contoured complexion, exercising the 65+ muscles in your face & neck in just 2 mins. With guided routines, experience pro-level treatments & results at home.

RRP £279.00 from FOREO

This Valentine’s treat your loved one to a sensual massage with OTO AMPLIFY body oil. This revitalising and invigorating CBD oil uses the highest quality natural hemp botanicals infused with kanuka, bergamot, and bitter orange essential oils.

£51.75 at OTO

SevenSeventeen candles are all about finding calm amidst the chaos. Hand-poured in England to ensure even fragrance distribution, they come with their own soothing mantras to restore sanity and fill your home with a mood boosting scent. 10% of profits from every sale is donated to mental health charities. The ‘All The Love’ black pomegranate vegan friendly candle comes in three sizes, from £16 available from SevenSeventeen.

The Saia Yoga Mat bag is perfect for the stylish yogi in your life. Made with super soft vegan leather and available in three different colours. £120 from SAIA

There seems to have been a shift of late and more people are having open conversations around women’s health and what exactly that means. I am of the generation where talking about periods was ‘gross’, buying tampons along with that night’s dinner offering was awkward, especially if you were doing the shopping with your new beau. Thinking back to the day my period started I remember embarrassment and hushed voices as my mother whispered through the portaloo door – only I could get my first period at Pony Club whilst wearing white jodhpurs – “make sure the pad is in the right place, god knows we don’t want a leak”.

We have come along way since then but there is still not enough being done to educate both girls and women as to how their cycle really works. Too few of us know how our cycle can work for us, not to mention the hormonal contraception we are all put on quicker than you can say “but what about condoms” from a young age and then wonder why there are so many issues with mood, libido and even fertility further down the line.

In my early thirties I started to become a lot more aware of my body both mentally and physically and realised I had been on contraception without a break for 17 years, and never thought to question it. Despite living with M.E. and depression no conversation was ever had to see if there was any correlation. I am not saying there definitively is, but maybe it would have been good to explore whether the pill was affecting my mood rather than just whack me on some antidepressants and be done with it.

I decided enough was enough and had my implant removed so I could at least see what it felt like to have a natural cycle. It took a while for my body to get used to the natural way of life but once it did, the changes were incredible. More energy, being able to feel the highs and lows of progesterone and estrogen spikes rather than a base level plateau of ‘meh’, better skin and weight loss. Sounds great huh? But the one thing that wasn’t so fun was the rage. This sounds dramatic but believe me it was like clockwork, five days before my period I became a she devil, screaming at my long-suffering partner, hating everything and everyone. I could tell this was to do with a hormonal surge but I wanted to gain a better understanding of what was happening and if there was anything I could do to help it. Enter Menstrual Cycle Coach, Carly Procter of Nourish and Flo. We worked together over a six week period (no pun intended) to really help me understand my cycle and how to work with it, rather than against it. Each weekly session centered around a different topic including nutrition, exercise, working methods eg, when to plan meetings, pitch work, admin; and as we uncovered more and more it all started to make sense – of course I’m absolutely knackered on this day, my body is trying to gear me up for menstruation and here I am asking it to get to the gym, pitch to a new client, make a three course meal and write a column. Menstrual Cycle Coaching is not about reinventing the wheel it is about learning how your body works and small changes that can be made to increase productivity, to rejoice in rest and to honour the absolute miracle us women go through monthly.

I took some time to talk to Carly further to get an understanding of what she hopes to help women achieve moving forward.

  • Before we dive in, could you give me a bit of background as to how you came to be here? Have you always worked in coaching / women’s health?

I have always been interested in health and well-being but had no idea what I wanted to do as a career. While I was figuring it out I trained as a beauty therapist in Brighton and then moved up to London and found work in a Kensington spa. I then decided I wanted a career as a nurse. After 3 years of training I really wanted to go into women’s health in some way. Things didn’t work out that way, and ended up working in the busiest ICU in London. I still had this itch to coach people, particularly women, and guide them to better health and well-being so I went part time in my nursing job and trained as a Nutritional Therapist. I specialised in women’s health, teaching women how to find the root cause of their health issues, eat better, and live a more fulfilling and healthy life. As time went by I wanted to go a little deeper and I started geeking out on all things menstrual cycles and periods. I am now a certified Menstrual Cycle Coach, teaching women how to work with their hormonal ebbs and flows, and not against them, to achieve better health and smoother periods.

  • And what was it that made you want to make the transition from nursing and nutrition to focusing more on women’s health?

The more I learnt, the more passionate I became. After my own experience of coming off hormonal contraception, I realised how little I knew about my own body. The more conversations I had with other women, the more I realised how little they also knew about their own physiology. Through no fault of their own, most didn’t know the basics of how their menstrual cycle worked. It is something that is only briefly touched on at school and then barely spoken of again, yet it is the very foundation of womanhood. For too long women have been done a disservice when it comes to their bodies and their health and I feel so passionate to be a part of what I see as a revolutionary time for women reclaiming themselves.

  • As a woman, and this is something we touched on during our coaching sessions, I feel there is still a lot of shame around discussing periods and it is all a bit taboo (even though the year is 2022) why do you think this is and what ramifications do you think that has had on women in general?

Unfortunately, we have been socially programmed for years to see periods as unpleasant, painful and disgusting. If that is all you hear then that is what you’ll believe, even if it’s untrue. It was a subject that even our own mothers or grandmothers wouldn’t talk about. It means women feel embarrassed to talk about it to the point that even buying sanitary products is a shameful experience for many. If you are reading this and feel this way, ask yourself this: why are we embarrassed about something that is so natural and the very reason we are all on this planet? How can something so incredible be seen as anything other than beautiful? Your menstrual cycle should be celebrated and not something to feel shame about!

  • When you began your journey into this subject, what did you find the most interesting or surprising aspect?

The game changer was learning the power of cyclical living. Cyclical living is about learning to adapt your life according to the phases of your menstrual cycle. Each phase has a hormone shift which enables menstruators to experience variety in their cycle. We are taught that the ups and downs of hormones are a negative thing. Where actually, if you learn how to listen to your body and adapt your life accordingly, you can use these ebbs and flows to your advantage.

  • We have spoken a lot about how we think girls should be educated about their periods and everything that surrounds them – if you could go back and talk to pre pubescent Carly, what would you say and do you have any suggestions / advice on how mothers can support their daughters through the transition?

The most valuable thing you can offer someone starting, or about to start their period is your unwavering support and an open ear. Whether it’s a daughter, a niece, or a friend’s daughter, let them know they can talk to you or come to you with any questions. Secondly, a girl’s very first period should be celebrated! This could be something simple like a girly day out, or a gift box of goodies filled with things like period products, nail polish, bubble bath and their favourite snack. Whatever you do, make it a special occasion to make their experience as positive as possible.

  • Can you give me a snapshot of how to celebrate your cycle to show how we should be using our femininity as a reason to celebrate rather than hide away?

Let’s use day one of your period as an example. Your reproductive hormones are lower in this phase, which means your energy might be less, you might have an increased appetite and you might feel a little groggy. Check in with yourself and listen to what your body is telling you. How do you feel? What feels natural and instinctive to you?

You want to focus on being as nurturing and nourishing to your body as possible. This might be allowing yourself a little extra time in bed in the morning. It might be putting on your favourite comfy clothes or lounge wear. It might be turning your phone to aeroplane mode while you sit mindfully with a warm cup of tea and a nourishing bowl of porridge. It might be running yourself a bubble bath and treating yourself to your favourite chocolate (yes, at the same time!). Your period is also the time of high intuition, so you may enjoy reflecting on the past month and journaling your thoughts and feelings. This phase is all about you and celebrating the arrival of your period with indulgence and down time.

After menstruation we move into the follicular phase, our hormones are starting to rise – this is the perfect time for earlier mornings, girly dates with friends or just treating yourself to something feminine such as flowers.

Once we move into ovulation everything is at a high – oestrogen is giving us all the good vibes and great energy. This is the perfect time to hit PB’s at the gym, putting your favourite outfit on and going dancing, flirty dates with your partner and nourishing yourself with fresh, colourful foods. Think of this time as summer solstice and that feeling of letting loose and dancing in the fields – that’s what this is about.

The fourth phase is the luteal phase, things are slowing back down ready for menstruation. We start to retreat and hibernate. I like to do things like hunker down and read my favourite book, say no to things, put boundaries in place. This is the time for boujee candles, nights in, getting cosy and preparing ourselves for the next stage.

If women can work in restructuring their cycles in this way and even look forward to each phase and what it represents, the results will be amazing.

  • If you had five minutes to educate our male counterparts – I know, it’s not much – what message would you drive home to try and get them to think about women’s health a little differently?

That their support is crucial for us to be the very best version of ourselves we can be. Men and women have very different hormone cycles. Women’s are a lot more complex, with several transitions throughout our lives. Therefore, all we ask is for your patience and understanding. Encouraging your female partners, family and friends by letting them know you are open to conversations around their hormones and menstrual cycle really is the most incredible thing you can offer a woman.

  • Do you think it is possible to restructure your life in a way that works in harmony with your cycle?

Absolutely! For too long many women have lived their lives fighting against their biology. Let’s start using what we have, by listening to our bodies, paying attention to our hormones and learning the art of cyclical living to enhance your health and well-being.

  • What do you hope to achieve as a coach when working with your clients?

I teach women how to tune into themselves to become more intuitive with their bodies to give them back control of their health and well-being. My clients learn how to eat, move, handle stress, manage their lives and celebrate their menstrual cycles for more ease and flow in their lives.

  • What is next for Nourish and Flo?

I am just so proud to be a part of a menstrual revolution that is happening right now! My focus is on working with amazing women and menstruators to inspire them to own their hormones and to embrace their menstrual cycles. I want to drive the message home that women don’t need to be suffering with problematic periods. It is completely possible and within your reach to have enjoyable menstrual cycles and I’m excited to teach you how!

To find out more about what Carly has to offer visit her IG here or drop her an email carly@nourishandflo.com

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