With a dramatic stretch of coastal scenery, Route YC (Yorkshire Coast) is a fabulous staycation destination for wellness. With picture perfect beaches, hiking and biking routes as well as sailing and surfing this less travelled corner of the UK is the ideal place to escape the hustle and bustle of life.
Made up of six coastal loops, Route YC takes in Bridlington, Filey, Hornsea, Scarborough, Whitby and Withernsea with each one providing a number of ways to capture a bit of zen. TeamCoco has explored the region and collated our favourite things to do and best places to stay for a rejuvenating break.
Nestled on the edge of the rugged North Yorkshire Moors National Park the historic coastal town of Whitby is an excellent place to start your Route YC adventure. Check in to The Marine, an elegant, luxurious, hotel and restaurant. This boutique stay overlooks the harbour, take in the beautiful sea views and enjoy a relaxing start to your day over one of their delicious breakfasts.
Nearby Falling Foss is a stunning 30ft waterfall surrounded by woodland.This two-mile circular route is suitable for walkers of all levels and takes in lots of little paddling pools, other smaller waterfalls and the delightful Falling Foss tea room, the perfect pit stop for a cuppa and cake. Afterwards head to Raithwaite Spa for a few hours’ downtime. Located in the heart of flower-filled gardens, this luxury country retreat is a lovely spot to unwind.Lounge by the heated indoor pool with a book or indulge in a spa treatment with one of their expert therapists.
Further down the coast at Scarborough you can learn to surf at the picturesque Cayton Bay. Whether you are a complete novice wanting to give surfing a try for the first time or regularly hit the breakers, the Scarborough Surf School has a team of expert coaches on hand to help you chase the best waves. There’s also paddleboarding and coasteering for those who love to get active in the water.
If you don’t fancy water sports, then cycle over to the seaside resort of Bridlington.This charming ride, just over 19 miles, takes you from the market town of Driffield down peaceful country lanes through the Wolds. The route is dotted with pretty villages full of charming country pubs and cafes, ideal for a scheduled stop. Pass the Elizabethan stately home of Burton Agnes Hall and enjoy the landscape that inspired David Hockney’s Woldgate. In Bridlington you can explore the North promenade and harbour before heading to The North Star for some of the best seafood on the coast.This award-winning hotel and restaurant, located on the striking cliffs of East Yorkshire, has breath-taking views and is the perfect spot to stay the night.
Golf enthusiasts can practise their chipping at South Cliff Golf Club.Sign up for nine holes at their links course or perfect your swing at their on-site driving range.For something more relaxing book a private yoga lesson on the beach with Bec at Core Yoga. She has been practising yoga since she was 16 years old and has experience with many different yoga disciplines which is reflected in the varied unique style of classes that she offers.
Hornsea Beach is a firm favourite with cold-water swimmers.Start your day with your very own Wim Hof experience and join one of the local groups that brace the cold for an invigorating morning sea swim. Once your finished head to one of the local cafés for breakfast.We love the hearty brekkie served at the Green Owl.
South of Hornsea is Withernsea, an area is famously known for its Tolkien influence – the Lord of the Rings author, spent time here when he was a soldier during World War One. Here an epic tale is being retold up and down Route YC by the residents. The Odyssey combines stories of love and loss to the Yorkshire Coastline.A fabulous way to disconnect and enjoy nature. Download the Echoes App, find a walk near you and listen to the chapters while you discover the area, you’ll be left wanting to return to find out the next plot twist.
After a day discovering Withernsea, wind down and indulge in a bit of ‘you’ time at The Retreat in Partington. Their team of highly qualified beauty therapists deliver a range of bespoke treatments, ensuring you leave feeling recharged and rejuvenated.
Route YC is a coastal paradise, perfect for reconnecting with yourself, exploring nature and enjoying a slower pace of life.
Become a Priority Member and unlock all the itineraries for only £10 per year. More information here.
A trek to Everest Base camp involves a fair bit of preparation, even more so if you are not going with an Expedition company (I chose G Adventures). Being a novice to multiple day hikes (even summiting Mt. Fuji was just overnight), I knew I was going to have my work cut out for me. Luckily, I had the help of a good friend who was more well versed in the great outdoors than me. This roundup is a joint effort with input from my friend of over 20 years and now trekking partner in crime, Kathy. For review – the trek to Everest Base Camp is a total of 12 days. It takes 8 days (including acclimatization days) to reach Base Camp and 4 days back. Our group ended up losing a day due to bad weather, but made up for it by trekking for longer periods during our descent. Here are the essentials and comfort products I took on the trip:
The Essentials:
The Layers
If you know anything about long distance activity, it’s all about the layers. And with that, the fabrics and materials become especially important. As a rookie, I knew this – but did not fully understand how important it would become. Let’s start from outside looking in:
The Shell Jacket
It boggles my mind how the lightest, thinnest jacket is also the most expensive. It has to do with the intense layer of GORE-TEX that coats the shell. The Rab Women’s Kangri GORE-TEX Jacket has 3-Layers of GORE-TEX waterproof technology (70D) with a recycled outer fabric. There is a nice fleece lined chin guard for comfort, the adjustable two-way zipper is great for those with a short torso. And it’s totally waterproof.
Compact Down Hoody Jacket
For the record, I love hoodies. They provide extra warmth in a pinch. Once we passed Namche Bazaar (3440 m), the mornings were chilly until the sun came out to say hello. For the majority of the ascent, I wore the Rab Women’s Microlight Alpine Down Jacket. It’s tried and true – wear it on the mountain or in the city. Besides the quality, I appreciate the Rab’s colorways. If you like something with a bit more of a shine, try The Mountain Hardware Ghost Whisperer/2™. It has a flattering waistline with the best fitting hood ever. As an added bonus, both of these hoodie’s fold into small packs (included) which can double as a neck pillow.
Pants
I knew at some point, my normal exercise tights were not going to cut it. I was going to need something that was waterproof. These Mountain Hardware Women’s Stretch Ozonic™ Pants fit the bill. And since these were my only pair of fully waterproof pants, I wore the same outfit 4 days straight. I liked how the side zips made it easy to de-layer mid-trail so that I did not have to take off my boots in the process. They also kept my tights clean underneath from all the dust and were easy to clean post trek.
Mid and Base layers
The mid-layer, Cotopaxi Teca Fleece Hooded Half-Zip Jacket was great over my T-shirt during the day, or over top layers at night in the Tea Houses. The kangaroo pocket is the best. Useful for hauling your cell phone, the enormous key for your Tea House room and a travel adapter all at once. I love the Cotopaxi’s vibrant colourways. Besides being made from recycled fleece, the polyester taffeta accent is recycled from other companies’ deadstock fabric supply.
The last time I wore a base layer, I was in grade seven, cross country skiing. So yes – it’s been a while. Merino in all forms is the way to go which I rotated throughout the trip. The Rab Women’s Forge Long Sleeve Tee is a lightweight Merino blend base layer, great for warmth, breathability and to add a punch of color to your outfit.
On day 5 or 6, I switched it up and wore the MAMMUT’s Trift Long Tights under my exercise tights. I found it too hot, but perfect under my thinner waterproof trekking pants. Their tailored shape conforms to the body eliminating the need to pull them up over time. The insulating tights have merino wool which helps regulate body temperature and inhibits odors.
From the waterproof Gore-Tex® membrane to the secure-grip vibram® tread outsole, these MAMMUT Yatna II High boots worked well on the 12-day trek. Taking a short period of time to break in (less than a month), not one blister was found after the Everest Base Camp adventure. The boots retain their shape and can be resoled.
Bags
This vibrant Del Día collection from Cotopaxi turns deadstock material from other brands into backpack and packs. This Coso 2L Hip Pack – Cada Día has more pockets than a substandard zip fanny pack. The two zippered pockets connect and have a helpful reservoir for easy access to your water bottle. Perfect for the acclimatization hikes when our group did not need a full pack. It was extremely comfortable worn crossbody or around hips.
I wanted a pack that checked the boxes – light, supportive and had had tons of storage potential and found all that and more in the Mountain Hardware Scrambler™ 35L Backpack. The 4-Layer Dimension-Polyant™ fabric is durable and lightweight surviving the literal throws of a short flight from Kathmandu to Lukla. All the zippered pockets were great for stashing passports and visas while we were in transit. I was concerned that I didn’t have a rain guard for my bag, but thankfully the bag is waterproof.
Eyewear
I knew we would need to have some quality eyewear, something that looks as good as it functioned. SMITH delivered on both of the styles that I sported throughout the trip. The first is the Bobcat, with a slight wraparound fit, with ChromaPop™ lenses. The nose pads were secure and provided the best comfortable non-slip grip ever. There was minimal fogging even when I wore my neck buff. The Bobcat’s hardshell case is big enough to carry a few pairs of shades; I fit three! The SMITH Embark are equally stylish shades with cool white frames and ventilated side shields. I wore them in low lighting, mostly on the descent. Highly recommended for any sport requiring eye protection from the glaring rays.
Trekking Poles
The Mountainsmith Halite 7075 are my first pair of trekking poles. The updated version is built with aluminum and is collapsible to 16”. The wrist straps and the EVA handles are comfortable, even with gloves. Being a newbie, I really appreciated the YouTube video on how to adjust your poles. All Mountainsmith products come with the Forged for Life Guarantee, the official Mountainsmith lifetime warranty. Used more than not, I found them helpful on the descent with the uneven rocks and stairs.
Socks
I first learned of this company a few years ago, but if you are a regular to the outdoors then, you should not be a stranger to Darn Tough Vermont socks. Available in different heights and cushions (I went for midweight), the socks are guaranteed for life. Conveniently available in multipacks, like the Women’s Hiker Cushion Quiver 3-Pack. They kept my feet warm in the frigid cold nights and dry during the day. For half the trek, I wore the Arc’teryx Merino Wool Lightweight ¾ Crew Sock. I was pleasantly surprised about how well they fit well in our hiking shoes, the support given and how well they wash.
Headwear
It was after the second day when I decided it was time to start wearing some head protection. On colder days, I would wear The Reflective Lid by Smartwool. Made from Merino wool, it also has an interior headband liner which helps wick away the sweat. On warmer days, I wore the Arc’teryx RHO LTW BEANIE which had a lighter weave and accented my Rab down jacket well. After taking a few warm showers and then having to retreat in the freezing cold to get back to the room, I started to wear The Smartwool Thermal Merino Reversible Headband to bed. It was great to keep my damp hair at bay and my ears warm.
Gloves
Although you didn’t need gloves throughout the trek as much as I thought, the Rab Women’s Power Stretch Contact Grip Glove was very comfortable. Made with Polartec® Power Stretch® Pro fabric, the grippy palms made it easy to grab phones and water bottles without removal.
I ended up doubling up on the two coldest days with the MAMMUT Astro Glove. The Gore-Tex Infinium™ Windstopper® material on the back of the hand is windproof and breathable, the synthetic leather across the palm is robust and abrasion-proof. The weather was constantly changing by the hour and by the afternoon – they found themselves back in my pack. The clip is a nice feature to keep the pair together.
The Comforts:
Although our group was not camping along the trail to Everest Base Camp, our Tea House quarters were simple. All rooms had a single bed with a mattress, with some bedding provided. Some rooms had insuite washrooms, with cold water showers and others had outdoor communal bathrooms which included squat toilets (arguably more sanitary than regular toilets). All Tea Houses required you to have your own supply of toilet paper and soap (but available for purchase, should you run out).
Speaking of sanitation, along the trek, shower costs would range from $2.50-10.00. These showers were heated by gas and were relatively accessible. I never went longer than two days without one. I used a healthy amount of hand sanitizer and wet wipes, and probably could have brought more.
Après Trek:
For sleep, I used the Rab Silk Ascent Hooded Sleeping Bag Liner. Silk is a natural fiber that makes a great base layer,dispersing heat and keeping your whole body warm. It also helped to keep the sleeping bag clean. The liner protected the bag from any sweat or oils too. I found that it enhanced the insolation of the sleeping bag and was easy to pack within my bag every morning.
The Rab Down Hut Slipper was a nice addition to my après trekking look by the fireplace in the common rooms. Made with 100% recycled down and a 100% recycled Pertex® Quantum outer. Read: The slippers were toasty. There were nights when my feet felt like they were so cold (probably just more a side effect of the altitude sickness medication I was on, which affected my circulation) that I would wear them to bed and then kick them off in the middle of the night because they were so hot.
Water:
The Himalayas are known for many things, but safe drinking water is not one of them. Besides obvious particulates that can be found, the water can contain many germs and contaminants which I treated additionally with drops . Our group got efficient at treating the water to keep up with our demand on the trek.
I had the CamelBak Eddy® + filtered by LifeStraw®, 32oz Bottle with Tritan™ Renew in one side pocket of my pack. This lightweight bottle filtered the water twice to remove bacteria, parasites, and microplastics, and reduce lead, bad taste, chlorine and other unwanted chemicals. I was being hyper vigilant and would treat my water with drops even before putting it through the treatment system in the bottle. The straw cap is spill proof and easy to prime before taking it on the journey.
In the other side pocket of my pack, I had the LARQ bottle. Every LARQ Bottle utilizes PureVisTM purification technology to eradicate up to 99.9999% of bacteria, viruses and protozoa. When set to Adventure Mode, the bottle purifies water in 3 minutes. Although I could have left the drops out, I still used them regardless. I did not want to take any chances of getting sick. It was nice to have the UV-C filter as an added level of protection, as the one charge lasted the entire 12-day trek.
Snacks/Food:
It was important to support the local Tea Houses when our group could, through the purchasing of food and supplies. While food and snacks were available at every Tea House, variety was lacking. Some of the snacks were expired and the price steadily increased as our group went up the mountain.
On our trek I carried a handful of various snacks including the Herbaland Active Electrolyte Gummies and from their Snacks with Benefits line, Shroom Power,Coconut MCT Oil. Each snack tasted like candy, which was a nice change from the more robust protein I was devouring. Each has their own added benefits including essential electrolytes such as potassium, magnesium, mushroom varieties like, Turkey Tail, and Cordyceps, and well known MCT and coconut water/oil. My favorite was the Shroom Power which was flavored lemon and black tea. Throughout the hike I was craving an ice tea and ginger ale to no avail, so these were a welcomed treat. All flavors are high in protein, and fiber to help sustain energy.
After our daily trek, I had my fill of Dhal Bhat and at some points, just boiled potatoes with Yak butter depending on how I was feeling. I also brought a few freeze-dried meals including Happy Yak. Our challenge was getting hot water, well -hot enough to adequately cook our meals. But once hot, they were delicious and hardy. My favorites included the Mandarin Beef and Rice and the Granola Raspberry and Vanilla for breakfast.
Tech:
At the airport, I purchased a N-Cell SIM card which helps me stay in touch abroad and keep up on social media. Once our group was up the mountain, I purchased an Everest Link, which covered spots where the N-Cell SIM card would not work. Charging was not always free and so I relied on a few tech supplies.
The BioLite Charge 80 PD, USB-C PD Powerbank was helpful. First off, you are able to charge multiple devices at once – so I was able to charge the powerbank and charge my phone all at once. There are 2 USB-A Quick Charge Out ports available and 1 USB-C PD port which is more than sufficient for charging our phones constantly. As it got colder, I would keep the charger in my sleeping bag to work more efficiently. For the entire 12-day trek, I recharged the battery once. In a sea of black USB cords, the blue BioLite one was a strong advantage.
To utilize the charger, you need a travel adapter. Mine of choice was the Samsonite World Wide Power Adapter. It fits outlets in Australia, China, US, Europe and the UK. Nepal uses UK plugs. It has a built-in USB as well, which makes it easy to charge more devices at once. It’s red and black exterior makes it easy to spot travel essentials.
Our group were told that if the weather permitted, we could do the extremely challenging hike to Kala Patthar – (at 5,644.5 m it would have given us additional views of Everest, and neighboring mountains Nuptse and Changtse). This trek would require a reliable headlamp. I chose the BioLite HeadLamp750 (800 is now available). Unfortunately/fortunately the weather turned and we were unable to do the additional hike. I still made use of the HeadLamp750 in a few spots up the mountain, notably Dingboche (4,410 m) where the restrooms were outside in pitch black. It has an incredibly comfortable headband. The RunForever pass-thru charging feature enables you to use the headlamp and charge at the same time.
Utility/Organization:
Anyone who sets foot outdoors on an adventure knows the Victorinox Signature Lite Swiss Army Knife is a must-have with many iterations depending upon your needs. On the trek, the most useful function was the pen, which was helpful when changing SIM cards. The sharp scissors came in handy for cutting anything including our dehydrated food packets, to loose strings. The nail file helped my mid-trek jagged nails.
The GoCup and Go Bites Quattro from San Francisco’s Human Gear really put form and function together. First the GoCup, is a collapsible cup made from FDA food-grade silicone. I used it more than I thought, from brushing my teeth to drinking muscle recovery powder drinks. A press-fit lid keeps things clean during transport and features an integrated pill holder. It’s 100% BPA-free, PC-free, and phthalate-free. Having a set of utensils, like the Go Bites Quattro, was incredibly helpful. The carry case made it easy to keep the entire set together. The set includes full sized chopsticks (instead of a knife found in the Trio) and a hidden toothpick.
While Porter’s carried up 22 kg of our belongings in a duffle, I wanted to keep things organized. The AWAY Clear Pouch Set and the AWAY Insider Packing Cubes fit inside my enormous dry bag, which then fit into my duffle. The porters skillfully tied each duffle with heavy duty rope and anything could have busted under the pressure. I lost a few toiletries this way. The pouches and cubes are easy to clean post trip and can work with any sort of adventure – be it city or country.
Inside one of my pouches, I stored my mini pharmacy where I used the Human Gear GoTubb 3-Pack, to keep Tylenol and Benadryl. Though the containers are quite small they are easy to open with one hand. Although I used them for pills, they can be used for other small items like spices (or you have a scenario like mine, where periodically you keep finding chili flakes in your belongings because there was a hole in the Ziploc bag).
Skincare:
My usual routine was trimmed down as getting up early and realizing on the second day, the sun was more potent than I imagined it would be. In fact, my nose is still burnt. I was able to carry both these items from MD Solar Sciences. The Daily Perfecting Moisturizer SPF 30 was a great first layer of hydration and protection. Since I have eczema, I find that some sunscreen can either irritate my skin or dehydrate it. This one is a nice balance. To even out my skin tone, I would use the MD Mineral BB Crème SPF 50 in medium. This BB Cream feels nice and velvety smooth on your skin. It’s made with naturally-derived Eco-cert Zinc Oxide, and infused with caffeine and niacinamide to help minimize discoloration and redness.
If in the run up to Christmas, you are looking for a dose of goodness and a sprinkle of zen, we’ve got you covered. Check out our round up of the best wellness advent calendars.
This December, start each day with a bit of positive-tea with the ‘Sip the Future Hello’ advent calendar from Aussie-born tea specialists, T2. Available in two limited editions, as easy to brew teabags or loose-leaf blends, the ‘Sip the Future Hello’ advent calendar will delight any tea connoisseur. Visually stunning and guaranteed to raise a smile with its cheerful design, the ‘Sip the Future Hello’ advent calendar folds out to reveal small daily suggestions to inspire you and help boost your daily brew.
Discover a wellness goodie guaranteed to bring a little calm to your day with ESPA this advent. Each day of December begins with a harmonising gift of luxurious textures, soothing scents and powerful ingredients through the selection of 25 luxurious full size and deluxe minis, from invigorating cleansers to lavish creams and rich essential oils.
Myprotein is back with another calendar for fitness enthusiasts and health-conscious shoppers looking to stay on track during the festive period.
Each door contains a delicious snack, vitamin or pre-workout, but also a daily challenge, wellness tip or nutrition titbit to help keep you active and motivated during a time when it becomes easy to remain sedentary. Some of these include encouraging you not to count your macros, doing a random act of kindness, trying a plant-based meal and doing fifteen repetitions of any exercise.
Myvegan has launched a vegan alternative designed for those who want to partake in a plant-based diet or those looking to cut down on animal-based products. The advent calendar is the first of its kind for the brand, containing 24 vegan snacks and indulgent treats helping gym-goers and conscious eaters to stay on track during the festive period.
Countdown the days of Christmas with the Yankee Candle Advent Tree. Each door reveals one of their much loved and new fragrances, including White Night Stars and White Spruce & Grapefruit. Expect an array of candle care accessories, frosted glass tea light holder, silver wick trimmer and snuffer.
This beautifully curated advent calendar includes sustainable, natural products as well as access to insider practices and transformative tools from experts such as Deepak Chopra, Katie Brindle of Hayo’u Method and astrologer Shelley Von Strunckel. Nurture your mind, body and soul this Christmas.
Like so many of us, I have an up and down relationship with sleep. All it takes is a change in routine or something as simple as the clocks going back to throw my sleep cycle into array. If, at this time of year, you find it difficult to fall asleep, you are not alone. As days shorten with winter, our bodies’ circadian network responds biochemically to mark the change and tells our body to sleep more to sync with the external world. However due to modern lifestyles that are so often intertwined with electronic devices, irregular work patterns and more, many find it difficult to fall asleep at night after busy days full of prolonged exposure to tech, especially screens that emit blue lights (like our iPad and phone). Step in Morphée, a non-digital sleep and meditation aid, designed in collaboration with experts on sleep and sophrology (a relaxation therapy) to help improve your snooze time.
The portable circular beach wood device is no bigger than your palm and uses a simple three key system with no screens or digital interfaces, so you don’t have to worry about pesky blue light disturbing your slumber. The first key allows you to choose from one of eight themed sessions such as breathing, cardiac coherence (slowing the heart rate), napping, visualisations, and nature sounds. The second key is a choice of eight training sessions per theme and finally the third key determines the length of each session – either eight or 20 mins. The Morphée was a big hit in our house. My teenage daughter loved it and after one week reported back that it was helping her switch off her normally late-night, busy mind. I finally managed to prize it off her and also found it great for relaxing and disconnecting from the day. The first night I popped it on I went for the 20-minute session, I don’t think I got past five minutes, and I nodded off. Morphée gives you the option of a male or female audio guide, both have that chocolate smooth tone that instantly makes you drop your shoulders and unclench your jaw.The rechargeable battery gives approximately one week’s worth of daily listening, which can be heard via integrated speakers or personal headphones. What I liked most about the Morphée was it is ergonomic, great for sleep but also a good device to help you wind down. To avoid disturbing your slumber when the clocks go back try the Morphée top tips for a good night’s kip.
Turn off technology
Whether it is a new episode of your favourite show, a meme that your friend sent over or a working email that you are eager to answer, it can probably wait till tomorrow. Co-dependence of your phone is the number one enemy for making designated time to rewind your body before sleep. Make a short list of things that need your attention and turn your phone onto “don’t disturb” mode before going to bed so you won’t fall into another doom-scrolling rabbit hole.
Take a hot shower
Numerous studies have lead credibility for warm baths promoting sleep quality. The human body is conditioned to associate colder temperature with sleep, so when your body temperature drops after a hot bath, it will automatically tell your brain it is time for your body to rest. Put on some soothing music and have a few drops of essential oil in the water. Not only will it help you get sleepy, but also helps you soothe and relax after a long day.
Ensure your sleep environment is comfortable
Although it is exceedingly obvious that we should avoid any distractions if we aim to sleep better at night, we often ignore the environment around us because we are so used to our living conditions. Whether it is noise, scent, temperature or even your bed sheets, be aware of your sleep environment so you can identify any potential distractions that will keep you awake at night. Fix it if you need to.
Make yourself a hot drink
While a large meal before bed is probably going to make you toss and turn, a hot beverage is a tried-and-true method to help you feel relaxed and calm at night. There is a plethora of drinks with different active ingredients that can help induce melatonin at night too. Be it milk, hot Cocoa, chamomile tea or just water, enjoy a warm drink but make sure it doesn’t contain any caffeine or irritants, otherwise your relaxation beverage will do exactly the opposite.
Incorporate meditation to your bedtime routine
Sometimes the best way to stop a racing mind is not trying to steer away all your thoughts but rather being mindful about it. For beginners, using guided audio sessions is an easy and economical way to start the meditation journey.
Morphée is available online and at Selfridges priced at £79.99
If you’ve lost your mojo for working out and need some fitness inspo, check out our round-up of the London studios guaranteed to level up your exercise regime.
Exhale Pilates
Exhale Pilates’ founder Gaby Noble is an advocate for the true classical methodology, specifically called Contrology, Pilates, in its most authentic form. Uniting fitness and health with recovery, Gaby and her equally passionate team – all who have completed over 600 hours teacher training, are on a mission to educate and inspire people to help them realise their personal abilities through the original works of Joseph Pilates.Each intimate private session or mindfully taught class at their two north London locations focuses on the body, mind and spirit.
Brand new luxe fitness space, Sweat Society in Surbiton Surrey, is just 18 minutes from Waterloo. This chic space has a cool LED lit gym and offers a range of fitness solutions from personal training to strength classes, hybrid to spin, there’s something to suit everyone.
Volonte
Described as Chelsea’s new destination for inclusive wellbeing, Volonté offers the ultimate 360 fitness experience, sessions guide individuals to optimum vitality under the expertise of founder, Haylene and her team of instructors. They do this by energising the body with aerobic workouts, building strength and skill with purposeful, movements to restore the breath, and calmly renew the mind.
With a collective spotlight on nutrition and wellbeing, the studio has a café jam packed with a feel-good menu ideal to refuel post-workout.
Rumble
Dalton based fitness and wellness studio, Rumble, is now in three new London locations including Primrose, Fitzrovia and Shoreditch.Their popular Rumble Circuit will mix up your workout for overall body strength and fitness. From spinning to sparring and deadlifts to detoxes, combining the latest cutting-edge training with the most advanced technology – all under one roof for the ultimate fitness experience.
Vita
Vita is a boutique fitness studio situated across six floors in the super stylish Sloane Square, Chelsea. Customised ‘fusion workouts’ combine Pilates, yoga and barre techniques giving you the perfect mix of core-strengthening, muscle-lengthening and body-sculpting workouts. Vita is the fitness destination you’ll want to hang out at all day. As well as the studios, the fourth floor houses chic changing rooms, and a treatment room dedicated to physiotherapy, osteopathy, sport massage and nutrition to complete the holistic 360-degrees wellness offer. In addition, the ground floor features a health café serving up delicious breakfast bowls and supercharged salads. Book your class at Vita Boutique Fitness
Bermondsey Boxing Club
Bermondsey Boxing Club is the third venue to open in London under Manya Klempner – former blue-chip female banking executive. The boutique club is home to an impressive custom-built 18ft boxing ring and welcomes all skill levels. Take part in some solo-sparring or join one of their weekly group classes like BOX!BOX!BOX!, Fighting Fit, Boxing Medley, Boxing Tactics, and Circuit Blast. They have all the trappings of a boutique fitness studio, with the same grit and character you’d find in your local amateur club.
Award-winning five-star Relais & Châteaux hotel and spa, Cliveden House needs no introduction. This stunning, majestic manor house sits surrounded by perfectly manicured gardens on the edge of the river Thames and is the perfect countryside retreat to relax and reset. I was invited to their iconic spa to check out their new residency with sustainable skincare brand, Proverb and experience a signature treatment.
With a background in elite sports, nutrition and health, Proverb founders, Kirstie and Luke Sherriff are on a mission to deliver truly clean wellbeing products that work. The range includes refillable deodorant, hand sanitiser and their hero skincare which is showcased as part of their exclusive residency at Cliveden Spa. The couple have applied their passion for sustainable living and knowledge of sports wellness to create a unique spa experience that uses stretching and toning to create a workout for your skin.
From the moment I arrive at Cliveden I am wrapped in an envelope of zen. The grounds are a tranquil oasis, blooming with autumnal colours. I instantly unwind and after a warm welcome from the Proverb team, head to the spa. Set within a secluded walled garden, screened by mellow brick walls covered in scented roses, the spa includes an indoor pool, gym, sauna and steam, and a relaxing orangery-style room with views of the outdoor pool. My morning comprises of reading my book and hopping between the outdoor pool and hot tub.
Post swim I experienced the Proverb Skin Workout Facial. This 60-minute treatment is a specially devised high-performance skin workout like no other. I settle on the bed while the Ibiza beach club tunes fill the treatment room, a pleasant alternative to the usual generic whale music piped out in spa’s. My therapist starts by checking my range of movement with a few stretches and gentle neck rotations. She goes on to warm and prep the skin ready for the cardio section of this facial with a double cleanse and exfoliation using active natural and organic ingredients – proteins, antioxidants and enzymes formulated for lab proven results. We then move on to the workout which uses massage movements that mimic a HIIT class. The therapist’s expert hands dance across my face and neck delivering facial push presses and skipping movements. Ice globes and Gua Sha tools get to work on plumping my face, strengthening my muscles, and lifting my jowls. The energetic movements are invigorating yet surprisingly relaxing. As the face cardio comes to an end, I’m treated to a head massage.I sink further into the bed and notice not only do the products smell amazing they are delicate on my sensitive skin. My therapist finishes by checking on my range of movement, repeating the earlier assisted stretches.I am less stiff and flexible than I was before my treatment. My skin is left feeling soft and plump, a patch of dryness I’d noticed in the morning has also disappeared.I spend the journey home checking out my post-facial glow in the car mirror. I can confirm that this exclusive spa residency is going to be a HIIT.
The Proverb spa offering at Cliveden House will include a Spa Day Package and three Skin Workout Facials. Proverb Spa Days are available Monday – Wednesday from £330pp. Proverb Skin Workout Facials are available Monday – Thursday from £100pp and Friday – Sunday £120pp.
The French Alps have been renowned as a skiing destination for decades but the destination is equally desirable outside of the winter season. I visited Serre Chevalier Vallée Briançon recently for a digital detox and discover the healthy benefits of visiting this region. What often confuses people is there isn’t an actual town of Serre Chevalier, the area is made up of Briançon and a series of connecting towns. I stayed at the commune of Le Monêtier-Les-Bains noted for its dramatic alpine skyline, visible glaciers and unspoilt greenery.
For a tiny village, there is surprisingly plenty of activities to enjoy. The region has been renowned for the healing powers of its hot springs since the 4th century AD. You can soothe those aching muscles too at the stupendous Grands Bains du Monêtier. Their outdoor pool has panoramic views of Serre Chevalier Vallée. The water is naturally hot and comes out of the source at 44°C. They have jacuzzis, hammams, aqua beds and every -iums imaginable like a frigidarium. If you want a more exclusive experience, make sure you book for the Romano-Irish baths. And for the gentleman, make sure you bring swimming speedos as swimming shorts are not allowed.
Nearby is the starting point for a whitewater rafting experience with Jour de raft. This is the kind of thrilling, adrenaline-pumping experience that is suitable whether you are 8 or 80. The key is having qualified guides who can help you navigate the trickier parts of the wild and unspoilt rivers. It is the best way to admire the scenic surroundings, breathe in the alpine air and feel the crystal clear water melting from the glaciers.
Another way to appreciate the great outdoors is a fauna and flora, yoga and meditation excursion with Rando Zen. Rachel is a knowledgeable local who knows every nook and cranny of this ecosystem. She can explain to you which plants and fruits are edible and beneficial and which ones to avoid whilst taking you to remote destinations to achieve some “me time”. There is no better place to practise meditation and yoga than in the natural surroundings of Serre Chevalier.
Photo courtesy of Rachel Bourg
There are also plenty of activities that are cost-free such as a picturesque hike to the likes of Lac de l’Oule. You might be thousands of metres above sea level, but they have hikes for all abilities even if you have acrophobia as they also offer gentler trails. The area was also famously featured recently in Stage 12 of the Tour de France, which is unsurprising given how popular cycling is in the region.
Photo courtesy of David Gouel
With countless calorie-sapping adventures, you might be wondering where can you find some hearty sustenance. You’ll be surprised at how many hearty options there are in the little village of Le Monêtier-Les-Bains. Fine dining lovers should make a beeline for restaurant le 16âme. The word bistronomy perfectly encapsulates what they offer: haute cuisine offered in a relaxed bistro-style environment. Think foie gras with rhubarb confit and strawberry in a Scandi-style minimalist restaurant. Chef Julien Momon trained with the likes of 3-Michelin starred Christophe Bacquié so you are getting refined dining without the exorbitant prices. Everything is sourced ultra-locally, so their duck is from Ferme des Guibertes in Monêtier Les Bain. Free-range eggs are from his father’s farm in La Salle Les Alpes.
If you are looking for quirkier options, then Le Stabatio at Le Monêtier hôtel is the place to be. It’s one of the few places that doesn’t focus solely on classic French cuisine, so you get the likes of deconstructed tuna and wakame sushi and veal gyros with chickpeas, white sauce and harissa. You might be high up in the Alps, but it doesn’t mean you can’t sample top-quality seafood. At the restaurant La Table du Cairn, they adore their seafood dishes. Salmon gravadlax is as fresh as you would expect from a seafood restaurant on the coastline and you can try a more unusual offering in the shape of tuna ravioli.
Le Stabatio at Le Monêtier hôtel
Finally, no trip to this region is complete without visiting the old town of Briançon, a charming UNESCO World Heritage city fortified by Vauban. The picturesque old town with multi-coloured facades is a well and truly hidden gem in France. The charming, narrow cobbled streets, the quaint Place d’Armes square along with the fountains and sundials and the scenic backdrop gives the town that ethereal quality like it belongs to another era.
We all know Earth Day should be more than just a single day. That’s just a fact. To move the needle on any sort of systemic environmental change, a company should invest in these social responsibility measures from the start. It should not be a disingenuous afterthought.
A popular term you many have heard floating around in the fashion world is deadstock, which is a way of upcycling. Deadstock refers to existing fabric/material that did not sell, was produced in surplus or from previous collections that can end up in the landfill if not reused. Gaining in popularity, a British company is simply named Deadstock Fabrics. Companies use deadstock and re-create these landfill-destined fabrics into brand new products. What’s old is new again for these brands helping to slow the roll of the fast fashion engine. Below I am listing a few of the more notable one’s for you to follow:
Who knew that making clothes from deadstock saves about 10,000 pounds of CO2 emission each year? Jordan Nodarse, the Founder and Designer and his team at Boyish did. Designed in Los Angeles, Boyish uses ethical and sustainable practices when developing and manufacturing their jeans. They hunt for vintage rolls of eco-friendly fabrics to create their jeans and full collection of apparel. I myself adore the Joaquin, which can serve double duty and be worn as a dress or a jacket. To certify their sustainable efforts, Boyish has invested in metrics that reflect this effort. To achieve this, they focus on using a transparency supply chain platform, Retraced, utilizing the international Global Recycle Standard (GRS) that verifies the third-party certification of recycled content and finally measuring/scoring their sustainability performance through the Higg Index (developed by the Sustainable Apparel Coalition). The Boyish site also has a Consignment Shop that ensures that your pre-worn items will also have another life. In return, you earn money towards a new pair. Every purchase on Boyish is a win-win, as they plant a tree for every purchase on our website through 1% for the Planet and One Tree Planted.
Sustainable French fashion brand Gaâla was founded by husband-and-wife duo, Kelly de Gaâlon and Alexander Zhalezka. Being one of 8 siblings, Kelly is not a stranger to upcycling clothing. Hand-me-downs were simply a way of life. Cut to her time in Shanghai, where Kelly took her hobby and expanded it into a career. Developing Gaâla to fill a gap in the market; classic French styles made from high quality fabric sold at accessible prices. This is thanks to their team of talented tailors and cutters, who work in the small-scale workshop with ethical standards including compensation with an above living wage.
Maintaining a quality standard, Gaâla handpicks their deadstock material from around the world. From Italian fashion houses for the luxury leftover cotton, viscose and wool to Hangzhou, China, for the traditional silk.
Years ago, I came across All Things Mochi and their collection that celebrated cultural, traditional methods of embroidery all around the world. I purchased a beautiful green off the shoulder top complete with embroidered mirrors on it, and it’s definitely one of the most unique items in my closet. It’s been almost a decade since All Things Mochi started showcasing different cultures through the handicraft of local artists for a contemporary market. Since then, founder and Designer of Mochi, Ayah Tabari and her team have re-framed their business’ fast fashion model to a slowed down, refined approach. All Things Mochi now has three collections: Mochi Reconstructed, Mochi Signatures and Mochi Finds.
Mochi Reconstructed, includes repurposed pieces and Mochi fabrics from previous collections combined into one-off creations. Mochi Signatures, includes unique favorites from Mochi’s most coveted collections (much like my mirrored top). Finally, Mochi Finds are a curation of vintage classics. Same Mochi flair with and fresh new focus.
Ever since my good friend gifted me a reusable nylon bag last year, which I carry in my work bag daily – I am hooked. Since then, I have purchased a few of their well-designed/fitting masks (the adjustable nose piece, straps and neck underlay makes it the most comfortable ones I own to date!). BAGGU was created to eliminate unnecessary waste, and has made a commitment to never incinerate or landfill their deadstock products.
I find myself frequently perusing their online store for products in their coveted strawberry print. I also love that BAGGU launched a series of deadstock bags using half and half prints. They also have reusable bags are assembled from one continuous piece of recycled nylon material, with the neck of the bag used to construct the carrying pouch. And when your bag is all worn out – you can recycle it with BAGGU for a discount off a new one.
Wellbeing by the Lakes is a 4-day boutique wellness festival that is set within 26 acres of one of the world’s most beautiful sculpture parks ‘Sculpture By The Lakes’.
One of the amazing sculpture at Sculpture By The Lakes
Nestled away in the Dorset countryside in Pallington near Dorchester. Three years on from its inception, Wellness By The Lakes is the definitive festival where you can truly kick back and unwind in a unique setting.
At Wellbeing By The Lakes, there’s a myriad of fantastic talks and classes that you can attend which includes different types of yoga which includes Vinyasa Flow, Face, Rocket and Laughter yoga.
There was also an incredible Acro Yoga performance by the lakes in the park which made for a truly enriching setting.
Wellness by the Lakes at Sculpture By The Lakes
The sculpture park is made up of several lakes and even has the fast-flowing River Frome running alongside it.
There are several sculptures throughout the park which have been crafted by both the park owner, and visionary creator Simon Gudgeon as well as pieces of art from some of the UK’s leading sculptors.
Sculpture By The Lakes
Sculpture By The Lakes is a real haven of peace and tranquillity where spirit meets nature and as you might expect, it’s the perfect backdrop to the festival.
This is especially true when you are participating in classes like sound healing (including transcendent sound healing) shamanic healing meditation, crystal sound healing, gong baths, skincare workshops, flower garland workshops, breathwork workshops, forest bathing and more.
Sculpture by the Lakes
There was also a fantastic class on the law of attraction too.
The event includes a wide variety of wellness educators and advocates, from best-selling authors and life coaches to fitness and yoga instructors.
Two of the standout talks were from Dr Jenny Goodman who is a qualified medical doctor and the author of ‘Staying Alive in Toxic Times: A Seasonal Guide to Lifelong Health’.
She shared insightful knowledge on simple, yet effective changes that we can all make to make healthier and informed decisions which are kinder not only to ourselves but to the planet.
My personal favourite ‘Wellbeing by The Lakes’ moment was a phenomenal talk from the coach and celebrated author Donna Lancaster who uses her best-selling book ‘The Bridge’ to teach people about healing from grief and how to live your most authentic life.
This empathetic, empowering, beautifully written roadmap gives the reader the tools for dealing with life’s setbacks and how to heal yourself in order to become the most authentic version of yourself.
One of my favourite things to do was to meander around ‘The Market Place’ which was packed with stalls from independent and local artisan producers selling everything from jewellery, clothing and ceramics to homeware, essential oils, art and so much more.
We got to try one of the best Kombucha I have ever had in the shape of Boochacha and tried some of the incredible oils over at Ayten Aromatherapy where founder Sarah Ayten has effortlessly fused performance art with aromatherapy, creating a fantastic range of premium therapeutic grade essential oils which tackles everything from fatigue to getting your mojo back.
Wellbeing by the Lakes is the ideal remedy for helping people to relax, recharge and feel healthier and happier in the most beautiful and tranquil setting.
It’s the perfect environment to not only just enjoy a festival with a difference, but to help people to fully engage with wellness practices and experiences. It provides an enlightening experience and allows you to come away feeling fully restored and revitalised.
