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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

After a year of travel restrictions, you are no doubt, like me, looking for a holiday that ticks all the boxes – warm weather, powder white beaches, luxe accommodation and the opportunity to mentally recharge. Surrounded by nothing but turquoise lagoon that fades into the azure Indian Ocean is Anantara Dhigu and Veli Maldives Resorts, the perfect place to reset and reclaim your mojo.

With a renewed focus on wellness, the latest addition to the Anantara team of an on-property experts is Naturopath and Nutritional Therapist, Kelly Manning who works with guests, focussing on their nutrition to help overcome stress, sleep issues and unhealthy eating patterns, including those which may have built up over the past year, as well helping with immunity, digestion, weight management, hormones, skin and blood sugar balance.

In between relaxing in this private slice of paradise, guests can receive 90-minute nutrition and lifestyle consultations which result in a detailed assessment, a tailored diet, lifestyle and supplement plan. Kelly will also provide a handful of practical achievable recommendations to get you started during your holiday and a more detailed plan to continue at home.

There Is also the chance to join Kelly’s health and nutrition seminars during your stay. The seminars include cooking demonstrations and tastings and can be attended as a group or booked privately for a personalised session.

A calendar of Masters of Wellness in residency during the year is in place at Anantara Veli. Claude Simard is an internationally acclaimed Psycho-Energetic Massage specialist, using his highly developed sensitivity and intuition to combine therapeutic massage with Inner Child work. Claude will join the team from March 15th to the end of April. During the same period Jill Banwell will guide guests in Crystal Healing, Yoga, Massage, Meditation and Tarot. In residency from May to the end of October, Dome Srisawat is a certified Physiotherapist, specialising in Myofascial Release, a unique muscular manipulation technique to resolve acute pain and continuous aches by releasing energy blockages in the connective muscle tissues. To wrap up the year, Muayad Najemeddin will be returning during December until the end of January 2022, practicing Reiki and the healing art of Tibetan Singing Bowls.

Guests can share the facilities at family-focused Anantara Dhigu, adults-only Anantara Veli and the exclusive 20-villa Naladhu Private Island, just minutes apart by boat in the South Malé Atoll.

As relaxation and ‘me time’ have become even more important over the last 12 months, the over water Anantara Spa at Anantara Dhigu offers a newly refreshed menu with four new signature journeys, including the Sundari Sunset spa ritual, which is a deep relaxation massage on a floating platform, followed by champagne whilst watching the sun go down. Once darkness has fallen, the Moonlight Reflections spa healing ritual encompasses meditation and a healing massage on a private beach under the night sky.

The recently opened Cocoon Medical Spa located at the Balance Wellness by Anantara facility at Anantara Veli offers the highest level of aesthetic and wellness treatments performed by medical professionals. Whether guests require a vitamin IV infusion after a long flight for an energy boost or wish to turn back time with a Cleopatra 24 Carat Gold & Collagen Facial, using diamond microdermabrasion and LED Light therapy, the highly trained staff have the expertise and knowledge to formalise a programme specifically tailored to each guest. Other treatments include diamond microdermabrasion to exfoliate and increase blood flow to the skin, velashape fat blast to reduce body fat and oxygen therapy to boost energy levels.

The resorts’ overall offering comprises an impressive range of body experiences, facial treatments, Ayurvedic therapies and wellness programmes, in addition to complimentary daily yoga sessions with the yoga guru, movement therapy and fitness sessions can be booked with the resident personal trainer.

Prices for a 90-minute nutrition and lifestyle consultation start from USD 305. Seminars and cookery demonstrations start from USD 50 per person for 90 minutes. Prices for a stay at Anantara Veli start from USD 475 for an Over Water Bungalow with breakfast and at Anantara Dhigu from USD 535 for a Sunrise Beach Villa on half board basis.

For more information on Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas, please visit www.anantara.com.

2020 was the year of change. Coronavirus disrupted routines, bringing with it uncertainty, home schooling and Zoom fatigue as we juggled working from home, lockdowns and isolation. This year, it is no surprise we are looking for ways to get ahead of the game and proactively manage our wellbeing. If you haven’t yet introduced adaptogens into your wellbeing regime now is the time to get on board.

Adaptogens are non-toxic plants and herbs that claim to help the body’s resilience in dealing with physical and emotional stresses. They have been used for hundreds of years in Ayurvedic practices but are quickly becoming a big hit on the wellness scene, popping up in everything from supplements and tonics to herbal teas and smoothies. Some are also said to have anti-aging properties and are featuring in skin care products.

Adaptogens literally help the body to adapt, adjust and recalibrate itself depending on our emotional and physical surroundings. They normalise bodily imbalances by supporting adrenal function, regulating hormones, and counter the negative effects of stress. Different adaptogens have unique properties that play an essential role in supporting the mind and body and this can include aiding sleep, boosting energy and improving the immune system.

With another UK lockdown in full swing, I wanted to give myself the best chance of thriving rather surviving so started taking Ionix Supreme, a wellbeing elixir that is crammed with B vitamins and adaptogens like eleuthero, schisandra, wolfberry, red ginseng, bacopa and amla, which all support mental wellness, helping you tackle the challenges of everyday life.

Six weeks in and my sleep has improved, I have more energy and clearer skin. Unlike some supplements, this one is jam-packed with adaptogens giving your overall wellbeing an upgrade. If you are looking for more of a holistic approach to improving wellness, then this ticks all the boxes.

Here is the 6 adaptogens that you need on your radar.

Schisandra

Schisandra berries are packed with antioxidants including vitamin C, which contributes to maintaining normal function of the immune system. This is a powerful herbal adaptogen typically used to build resilience to stress and to balance energy levels.

Eleuthero

Eleuthero is commonly known as Siberian ginseng. It provides extra energy when you are run-down. Traditionally used to rebuild Chi energy, it is often used to help recovery from cold and flu. Eleuthero also helps the liver detox from harmful toxins.

Wolfberry

Thanks to its high antioxidant levels, wolfberry can help prevent anti-ageing. It supports healthy vision and healthy bowel flora and can strengthen weak muscles and ligaments.

Amla

Often used to reduce inflammation and support blood sugar control. It is a rich source of vitamin C and iron. Amla’s antibacterial and astringent properties mean it is great for the immune system.

Maca

Maca is a nutritional powerhouse that is dense in amino acids, vitamins and minerals. It is said to improve your mood and boost your libido. It is a natural energiser so increases your energy.

Ashwagandha

I can’t talk about adaptogens without mentioning the jewel in the crown, Ashwagandha. Known as the superpower amongst adaptogens, it’s taken mainly for reducing cortisol levels and lowering stress and anxiety.

As with all supplements, it is important to be aware of risks and run them past your GP if you are taking any prescribed medication, are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Ionix Supreme is available from £28

A year of tier changes, lockdown, and a constant need to adapt has meant we have all had to create new routines. Like everyone else, my world today is very different to how it was 12 months ago and as a result I have had to be kind to myself, remember that I am not operating at the same level I was pre-COVID-19 and adjust my wellness routine to reflect this.

Making small changes to your daily routine can help boost your emotional wellbeing and support your mindset in tricky times. Here are my top five wellness routines to help get you through lockdown.

Slow Mornings

Gone are the days of dashing for the train to work and grabbing a coffee on the go. Make the most of being at home and create a slow morning routine that will set you up for the day and put you in a calm space. Wake up at the same time but instead of spending 90 minutes commuting, use that time for a workout or to make a tasty nutritious breakfast. Plan your day with a cup of tea in bed, write down your to-do-list and set your intentions for a dose of clarity and positivity.

Tune out

Tune out from all the negative news and instead get lost in a good book. Reading relieves stress as it diverts your attention and stops you from thinking too much. Try and take some time out over lunch to read a few chapters and relax.

Taste the World

While we currently cannot travel, experience new cultures through cuisine. Use your evenings to cook up delicious, dishes from around the globe. Recreate that amazing Paella from Seville or transport yourself to a bustling Jamaican beach bar with some home cooked Jerk Chicken. Cooking is also great way of being mindful as it requires you to focus and be present. Global cooking might even inspire you to book your next trip.

Exercise to Reflect your Mood

WFH can leave you sedentary so getting 30 mins of exercise a day is essential to boosting your wellbeing. Build your exercise around your mood and listen to your body. If you need to wind down after a busy day then try yoga or if you are feeling tense from back-to-back Zoom calls, lace up your trainers and hit the street for a run.

Night Walk

After dinner wrap up and take a brisk 45-minute walk. This is a great way to decompress and clear your head. Listen to a positive podcast, some of my favourites include On Purpose with Jay Shetty or Oprah’s SuperSoul Conversations. If you do not fancy a podcast use the walk to focus on all the things you are grateful for. A night walk will help you wind down and tire you before bed.

Head into 2021 feeling refreshed and recharged by taking some much needed ‘time out’ to reset and restore your equilibrium.

If lockdown, dark nights and cold winter weather has left you in need of a wellbeing boost then the Six Senses Spa at The Alpina Gstaad has a wellness break designed to raise your vibes and up level your immunity.

Situated in the Swiss Alps, the spa is renowned for offering exceptional healing programmes, from ‘Yoga for Sleep’ and ‘Energy Sound Healing’, to ‘Holistic Anti-Ageing’ – think neuroscience meets ancient wisdom. Now, when we need it most, the spa has created two new programmes designed to put a positive spring in your step and kick start your new year.

Power Vibration Retreat

Turn negative energy into positive through a blend of vibratory sound and energy healing treatments, sophisticated daily mindfulness sessions and breathing techniques. The body’s subtle energy vibration is explored with different methods in order to rebalance, revitalise and reconnect with the inner self. A deep immersion into mindfulness, meditation and spiritual practices.

This retreat is ideal for anyone who needs to de-stress, this programme is about deep rest. It helps to build inner resilience and inspires more ease, peace and happiness.
From £6,245, including 6 nights’ accommodation.

Purifying Cleansing Immunity Boost Retreat, 1 – 5 days

A focused cleanse which combines customised treatments and nutritional supplements with personalised face and body treatments and the latest anti-ageing technologies, including a skin analysis.

This cleansing programme helps to boost and support your natural immunity, raises energy levels and can prompt a shift in excess weight.
From £4,932, including 4 nights’ accommodation and 3 lunches. A one-day taster is also available from £675.

For more information on the spa programmes and retreats available visit The Alpina Gstaad

Most of us are working from home right now, which has resulted in increased working hours and screen time as well as having to turn our living space into a makeshift office. If you and your workspace are in need of a wellbeing boost then try these quick wellness hacks.‍

Protect from screen effects

ilapothecary Digital Face Mist (£29/50ml) Packed with vitamins, antioxidants and anti-viral properties to help treat skin screen inflammation (Active Soy Extract is known to protect from screen effects)

‍Soothe sore eyes

Hayo’u Method Beauty Restorer (£38) Hold the cooling jade crystal over the eyes to relieve fatigue, alleviate puffy eyes or twitching eye muscles

Lift the room

ilapothecary Beat the Blues Room Spray (£10 for 15ml) This transformative blend helps to clear the atmosphere and creates an uplifting space in which to work

Relieve tension

Hayo’u Method Body Restorer (£38) Body gua sha is a quick and easy way to release tension after sitting for long periods. Press stroking across the neck and chest also boosts the immune system and circulation

Do you ever feel like you just want to press pause, slow everything down and take a breather from life? Let’s be honest, the past few months haven’t been the easiest and while we are all doing the best we can, there are days when we are just not feeling it and our mental wellbeing is in need of a boost. One of the quickest most effective ways to boost your wellbeing is breath technique and the best bit – you can access it for free anytime, anywhere. There are so many wellbeing benefits to practicing breath technique, so grab a cup of tea, take a deep breath and read my top five reasons we should all have this tool in our emotional first aid kit.

It calms you in moments of stress and overwhelm

Breathing activates your vagus nerve which shifts the brain from fight or flight mode to a calmer state. It activates our parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) which is primarily responsible for relaxation, its job is to restore, rejuvenate, heal and conserve energy and it is a bit like activating your contentment reserves.

It improves your concentration

It is easy to feel distracted when we are overwhelmed or worried. Breath technique stimulates the cerebral cortex, which is the part of the brain that plays a key role in memory, attention, perception, cognition and awareness.

It increases energy

Breathing balances our autonomic nervous system, which regulates involuntary body functions like temperature. It can lower blood pressure and improve your mood as well as boost your energy levels. As we take oxygen into our body it enters the bloodstream and is carried to your muscles, where it is either used immediately or stored.

It boosts happiness

Deep breathing triggers the release of endorphins which are chemicals produced naturally by the nervous system to cope with pain or stress. They are often called “feel-good” chemicals because they can act as a happiness booster.

Gets rid of a headache

A headache is an indicator that the brain is deprived of oxygen. By practicing breath technique, you fuel your brain with oxygen, calm your mind and should feel instant relief.

Try this simple breath technique, perfect for beginners.

  1. Sit or lie in a comfortable position.
  2. Close your eyes.
  3. Relax your muscles, let your body connect with the chair or the floor.
  4. Breathe easily and naturally.
  5. Tune into your breath, begin to breathe in through your nose for five counts, hold for five counts and release for five. Focus on your breath. Continue for three to five minutes. When you finish sit quietly for a few minutes.

Looking for a hand sanitiser glow up? Look no further. CBD has been the ‘it’ topic in the world of health, wellbeing and cosmetics since it’s legalisation in 2016, and Woodies is a new brand on the block set to push the boundaries of CBD with a moisturising hand sanitiser, perfect for the times we live in.

Founded by Jamie Wood, son of model Jo Wood and step-son of Rolling Stone guitarist Ronnie Wood, Woodies offers a constantly growing array of products which hope to aid health and happiness. The brand strives to showcase the groundbreaking positive effects it can have on the body and mind. Experts believe that CBD can assist in the maintenance of the Endo-Cannabonoid system, the primary function of which is to maintain stability across all of the body’s systems and processes, including: pain, digestion, metabolism, motor control, liver function, mood, stress, sleep, muscle formation, brown growth, cardiovascular system function, skin and nerve function.

Woodies CBD Hand Sanitiser Spray £14.99

Whilst excessive hand washing or use of alcohol-based hand sanitiser tends to reveal the cracks in people’s dry skin, CBD works to counteract this with moisturising properties. Endocannabinoids regulate the functionality of skin cells, including keratinocytes which form the protective outer layer of the skin. When CBD is applied onto the skin, the cannabinoids activate and can inhibit inflammation, itching and proliferation. At Woodies, every dose of CBD in each bottle is broken down into nanoparticles using advanced ultrasound technology to ensure that the CBD can be easily absorbed and that the skin can experience maximum moisturisation.

woodiesuk.com