Living healthily is a remarkably difficult thing to do in this day and age. We are in a unique age of plenty, where delicious foods cost relatively little and all our entertainment needs are more or less spoken for. However, our well-being is suffering. Between mental health problems and barriers to physical health, many of us do not feel on top of our minds and bodies. Luckily, this can be turned around, and easily, via the picking-up of some good habits…
Get the Right Sleep
Addressing your sleep is one of the most impactful things you can do for your general well-being. Chances are that you are either sleeping too much or not nearly enough – so what can you do to rectify this? For one, you can leave your phone out of the bedroom. Blue light is deleterious to good sleep, as it affects your circadian rhythm. Besides, bringing social media and work emails into your sleeping space can’t be good for the psyche!
The ideal average amount of sleep is around seven hours. But, crucially, not all people are the same. There are also night owls and early birds, who might struggle to adhere to a strict and conventional 11-7 sleep routine. Allow yourself to go to bed when it feels natural, but make sure to make it a routine!
Spend Time on Hygiene
Basic hygiene is not something that needs explaining to anyone. But the benefits of going above and beyond are worth shouting from the rooftops about. A considered approach to personal hygiene will make you feel good, even if only on account of looking good.
A multifaceted morning routine is an easy way to inculcate good hygiene as part of your new lifestyle. Exfoliating will let your facial skin glow, and remove toxins from your pores; a teeth whitening water flosser ensures your teeth look presentable as well as remain clean. The more robust and regular your routine, the better.
Eat Well
Don’t forget about food when thinking about wellness! A good diet is imperative to your wellness, and another thing you can turn into a form of automated routine. Meal-planning and meal-prepping at the start of each week allows you to regulate your intake, and ensure you’re getting all the right vitamins throughout the week.
Live in the Present
Stress is the enemy of wellbeing, and it has a nasty and pernicious habit of sneaking in via multiple back doors. Health anxiety, work stress, low self-esteem: all of these can feed into ill mental health in many different ways. Dwelling on the past or worrying about the future can have dramatic impacts on your well-being in the present, making it imperative that you seek ways to live fully in the present.
Mindful activities like walks and outdoor exercise are great starting points for living in the present. Keeping busy is great, particularly if there is a balanced mix of solo exercise and social time with friends and family. Like a diet, your mind needs a varied diet!
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.
New to Santorini’s hotel scene is NOŪS, a unique resort that draws inspiration from the island’s traditional architecture and natural surroundings. Its suites and rooms are beautifully integrated into the landscape, using materials and textures that have been part of the island’s heritage and style for centuries. Santorini’s rich history is woven through every space but given a contemporary flair that feels modern and fresh.
NOŪS boasts an exceptional spa with 5 treatment rooms, indoor and outdoor pools, sauna, steam bath, cold tank, gym, and a special outdoor yoga area. The team of highly skilled therapists are dedicated to guiding guests on a personalised journey of wellness. NOŪS’s aim is to offer exclusive wellness treatments dedicated to the principles of ‘Ef Zin’ (Eυ Zην, the Greek principle of ‘well-being’), with a holistic approach to spa treatments that will replenish and rejuvenate your mind, body and soul.
In addition to the spa, is the Vitamin Bar, a sanctuary of health and nourishment where a variety of fresh salads, revitalising juices, wholesome cereal bars, invigorating smoothies and traditional Santorinian products will keep you energised.
You can also unwind at the resort’s poolside bar and lounge, or savour a delectable meal at the in-house restaurant, Elios, a delightful Italian-American chophouse specialising in prime steaks crafted from locally sourced ingredients hailing from Santorini and the Cycladic region. Inspired by the trattorias of Little Italy, the menu at Elio’s evokes a nostalgic spirit with its selection of specialty dishes from classical Italian cuisine.
Wine enthusiasts will delight in Santorini’s renowned white grape varieties and guests are invited to indulge in a wine tasting experience alongside their stay, savouring the exquisite regional wines and bestowing an opportunity to appreciate the rich oenological heritage of Santorini and elevating your wellness journey through the pleasure of wine.
Owned by modern-art collector Dakis Joannou, the YES! Hotel Group is the first hotel chain to introduce this concept of contemporary style to the Greek hotel space. With its array of 119 rooms and private suites nestled within an expansive architectural masterpiece that offers breathtaking vistas, exceptional culinary delights, and a tailored wellness journey, NOUS Santorini stands as your ultimate destination for holistic wellbeing and mindful living.
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.
Our girl Hannah Tan-Gillies ventured into glitzy Sloane Street to sample the newly-introduced Seed to Skin Treatments at the Carlton Jumeirah’s Peak Fitness Club & Spa.
Towering high above Sloane Street’s swanky luxury shops is the Carlton Tower Jumeirah. The hotel delivers Jumeirah Group’s famed Arabian hospitality and is home to Peak Fitness Club & Spa, which houses London’s largest, natural light-filled indoor hotel swimming pool.
It is also home to a state of the art gym and restaurant which offers breath-taking panoramic views of Knightsbridge and Chelsea below.
Located on the hotel’s 2nd and 9th floors, The Peak Fitness Club and Spa offers a selection of treatments and therapies designed to relax, awaken and brighten, from revitalising massages to deep cleansing facial and herbal remedies.
Its partnership with Seed to Skin Tuscany marks the first UK hotel partnership for wellbeing company and treats hotel guests to an array of relaxing new services at its Peak Fitness Club & Spa. This includes a signature ‘Candle Massage’ which we had the pleasure of experiencing.
To say that ‘The Peak’ takes your breath away is an absolute understatement. From the moment you set foot in the light-filled pool area, you are at once filled with a sense of calm. Balinese style sun loungers, separated by billowing cloth dividers, make you feel like you are in sunnier locales and offer a great spot to relax and unwind.
After an appropriate time lounging poolside, our therapist led us to one of the treatment rooms for our Candle Wax massage. A quick consultation is followed by a blissful treatment in which a massage candle, rich in skin conditioning ingredients, is delicately poured onto the skin and massaged with slow sweeping movements. Under your therapist’s expert fingers, all your worries will wash away and you will feel like a new human being after, refreshed, reborn and ready to take on another hectic week.
The Peak Fitness Club & Spa sets itself apart not just by the incredible treatments on offer and the breath-taking surrounds of the indoor pool, but also by the expert knowledge and hospitality of its staff, which is a stalwart of any Jumeirah property. We shall soon be returning for more.
[@portabletext/react] Unknown block type “instagramPost”, specify a component for it in the `components.types` prop
Finding engaging group activities that foster teamwork and enjoyment can be a challenge.
However, one experience that stands out above the rest is Beat the Bomb. Combining elements of immersive entertainment, team-building, and adrenaline-pumping challenges, Beat the Bomb offers an unparalleled group experience that unleashes fun and teamwork like no other.
The Thrilling Concept
Beat the Bomb introduces an innovative concept that merges escape room-style challenges with interactive technology and explosive fun. Participants are placed in a high-pressure situation where they must work together to defuse a virtual bomb within a set time limit. The immersive environment, complete with pulsating lights and heart-pounding sound effects, immediately grabs the attention of participants, setting the stage for an unforgettable adventure. Check out mission experience beat the bomb for an amazing place to try it in Atlanta.
Fostering Teamwork and Communication
One of the key aspects that set Beat the Bomb apart is its ability to promote teamwork and communication among participants. The challenges require constant collaboration and coordination, as each member of the group must contribute their unique skills and perspectives to successfully defuse the bomb. Whether it’s deciphering complex puzzles, solving riddles, or coordinating physical movements, the game demands effective communication and emphasizes the value of teamwork in achieving a common goal.
Adrenaline and Excitement
The game is an adrenaline-fueled experience that keeps participants on their toes throughout the entire session. The countdown timer creates a sense of urgency, heightening the excitement as the seconds tick away. The pressure to complete the challenges before time runs out injects an element of thrill and intensity into the experience, making every decision and action feel crucial.
Tailored Challenges for All Ages and Skill Levels
Another strength of Beat the Bomb lies in its ability to accommodate groups of various ages and skill levels. The challenges are designed to be adaptable, ensuring that both children and adults can actively participate and contribute. The experience is not only inclusive but also customizable, allowing groups to choose the difficulty level based on their preferences.
Unforgettable Memories and Lasting Bonds
Beyond the immediate thrill, Beat the Bomb creates lasting memories and fosters strong bonds among participants. The shared sense of accomplishment, the moments of laughter and problem-solving, and the sheer exhilaration of the experience forge a powerful connection within the group. Beat the Bomb catalyzes creating unforgettable memories that will be reminisced about long after the session ends.
Summary
This activity has revolutionized the group experience by combining immersive entertainment, teamwork, and adrenaline-pumping challenges. Its innovative concept, ability to foster teamwork and communication, and exhilarating atmosphere make it the ultimate group activity. With challenges suitable for all ages and skill levels, Beat the Bomb guarantees an unforgettable adventure that leaves participants with lasting memories and strengthened bonds.
Whether you are looking for the latest wellness product, heading off to a retreat to reset or want to try the newest fitness studio, we’ve got you covered. Our Wellness Editor, Anji McGrandles shares the skinny on all the hottest wellbeing news.
OTO CBD Announces New Residency at Scotland’s Iconic Gleneagles Hotel
Luxury CBD brand, OTO, has announced Gleneagles Hotel as the first five-star hotel in Scotland to offer its immersive CBD spa experiences. Beginning as a three-month residency, running from May until July 2023, the partnership will introduce OTO’s signature massages, alongside a restorative facial and new ‘CBD Glow Therapy’. A world of wellness, the Spa at Gleneagles features 20 treatment rooms, two indoor pools, an outdoor thermal pool and a state-of-the-art gym, all nestled within over 850 acres of Glorious Playground. With a number of spaces for relaxation, restoration and rejuvenation, the Spa is a truly indulgent haven.
Prices start from £145, to book call 01764 290 027 or visit Gleneagles
Restore your Divine Aura
A true haven of tranquillity on the Mediterranean coast, Cheval Blanc St-Tropez has reopened for the season focusing on new spa and wellbeing offerings. In partnership with Guerlain, Spa Cheval Blanc St-Tropez has developed exclusive new treatments including facials, body treatments and hair treatments. A must try is the Aura Divine massage which uses the soothing powers of blue labradorite stones to deliver total relaxation for the face and body. The sound of the crystal bowls enhances this divine ritual to restore inner peace and harmony.
In true Saint-Tropez style, the 30 rooms and suites offer a postcard-worthy views of the sea, of the pine forest or of the famed village of Saint-Tropez. Most rooms feature a terrace or spacious balcony surrounded by the scent of pine trees. Just a short walk from the town centre and with direct access to a private beach and infinity pool, the Maison offers the best of both worlds.
Cutting-edge Timexpert Sun Range
With the temperatures set to rise you want to be confident your skincare regime includes an effective sunscreen range. Step in Germaine de Capuccini. With one of the most advanced laboratories in Europe, carrying out cutting-edge research and development, their Timexpert Sun range consists of 13 products to include facial and body sunscreens, after-sun treatments and self-tanners that provide a tan without the need for sun exposure. A sun care range with ingredients that respects the marine flora and fauna and all with innovative textures upon application. Here at House of Coco we are big fans of the Timexpert Sun After Sun Facial Repair Treatment, 50ml £51.70. This facial sunscreen is an anti-ageing treatment that combats sun-induced wrinkles and dark spots. With ultra-light texture and protection from UVA, UVB, infrared and blue light it’s a game changer. We are also coveting the Timexpert Sun Bronze Compact Powder SPF15 £47.75
Anything but Ordinary Wellness Breaks
Known for its signature wellness program, Aleenta Resorts has launched Beyond the Ordinary Retreats, a series of specialist pop-up retreats focused on themes such as Exploring the Female Psyche. Hosted by visiting leaders-in-their-field, these new additions to the retreat roster are facilitated at the acclaimed Ayurah Wellness Centre located on the private, secluded grounds of Aleenta Phuket Phang Nga Resort & Spa. The Exploring the Feminine Psyche retreatruns6- 12 October 2023 and will integrate psychotherapy, sexology, integrative healthcare, naturopathy, plant-based cuisine, nutrition, drumming experiences, digestive health, exercise, movement, breathwork, yoga, traditional-Thai medicine, massage, bodywork and beauty-focused care.
Costs from THB 188,300 per person (single occupancy) and THB 121,100 per person (double occupancy).
Navigate Hormonal Ups and Downs
Herbal Alchemists, Jodie and Paris Welton, are the sister behind Adaptogenic Apothecary, a range of elixirs to support the vastly changing needs of the female body during the four distinct phases of the menstrual cycle. Harmony is aimed at perimenopausal women who still have cycles and includes 28 individual sachets that guide women from day 1 of their cycle, right through to the end, carefully nourishing the body throughout the natural changes and fluctuations. New to the range is ‘Freedom’ for women who no longer have menstrual cycles and/or are on HRT. Harmony is available for £45 for your first box and Freedom has an introductory offer of £40.
Fuel with Huel
For the mornings you oversleep and haven’t got time to make a nutritious breakfast grab a Huel. With a range of plant-based meal replacement shakes they are high in protein while providing a healthy balance of fat, carbohydrates, fibre and vitamins. The brand also has a range of hot and savoury lunch and dinner options. Complete with all 26 essential vitamins and minerals, phytonutrients, essential fats, high-quality protein, and slow-release carbohydrates they are convenient, affordable, vegan, and lactose-free.
Bespoke Biometric Based Nutrition
Fresh Fitness Food is the UK’s leading personalised meal delivery service, delivering ready to eat, high quality, tailored meals to your door every day. Each meal is tailored to the individual, meaning no two meals are ever the same. The bespoke meals are created based on your biometrics, activity, and health goals. A team of in-house chefs, expert nutritionists and using the latest macro-tracking technology, the meal plans are designed to provide you with everything you need for a complete nutritional intake. The result is a delicious box of fresh dishes that are healthy and big on flavour. The world-first Fresh Fitness Food App allows you to count macros, sync calorie data, view meal plans and access educational resources. The app synergises real-time data from a user’s smartwatch and automatically adapts the user’s macro calculation and delivery accordingly based on daily exercise output- creating hyper-personalised insights and tailored meal plans. Prices from £26 per day.
Protect Summer Locks
Blondes can avoid brassy summer locks with Hairstory. Best loved for its all-in-one hair cleanser ‘New Wash’, now comes with a Purple Colour Boost, for healthier, brighter blonde tresses. Purple Colour Boost is designed to be added to New Wash cleansing cream routines whenever toning is required. Using violet flowers, this botanical complex leverages the synergy of lavender, rosemary and violet extracts which are all rich in antioxidant phytochemicals to neutralise brassiness and reduce the yellowing of white, grey, and blonde hair. Hairstory Purple Colour Boost for New Wash kit retails at £58.
Losing a loved one is always difficult. Suddenly, you can’t call them or see them every day, and you might get overwhelmed by the strength of your emotions. You might forget to take care of yourself and start to shut other people out. And even though it might seem like the only way at the moment, losing yourself to grief isn’t an option. Instead, acknowledge your emotions and ease yourself through the five stages of grief. Remember to keep up with your self-care and ask for help when you need it. Here are the gentle ways to deal with grief and move from heartbreak to healing.
Stay On Top Of Your Self-Care Routine
It might be easy to forget about your well-being when you’re grieving – and it’s understandable. After all, it could be hard to believe that your loved one is truly gone. And when the emotions hit you, it can be difficult to find your way back to light. However, you need to take care of yourself even when you’re going through hard times. Give yourself time to digest the change and get plenty of rest. You could also turn to a hobby that you’ve always loved. That way, you might be able to protect your health and overall well-being.
Reflect And Remember The Happy Moments
Despite the overwhelming power of negative emotions, you should take time to remember and honour the happy memories you’ve had with your loved one. But how can you do that? One of the first steps could be attending the funeral. That could help you to deal with your feelings better. It might be challenging to pick the right outfit for such a heartbreaking occasion. Companies like Suitsmen offer a limited choice of funeral suits for men, so you have one less worry on your mind. Then, you could fully focus on your feelings and be gentle to yourself.
Acknowledge Your Feelings
While some people might drown in their grief, others could try to ignore the negative feelings completely. However, that’s not good for you either. Pushing the emotions to the side and keeping yourself busy with work could be damaging to your well-being and affect your health. Instead, accept your feelings and let them flow through your being. The five stages of grief are only natural and common. Denial, anger, bargaining, depression, acceptance – those stages can help you to deal with your grief and make it easier to accept the change.
Ask For Help When You Need It
It might seem like you’re all alone in your grief. But that’s not true. In your close circle, there might be others who are going through similar emotions. Try to talk with them, and maybe you could discuss what you’re going through. Or you could simply share your favourite memories of the loved one you’ve lost. You might also want to turn to your family and friends. They would understand that you need support and help you to go through the most difficult moments. And when it doesn’t help, you might want to turn to a qualified professional who could help you to navigate your life through the upsetting times.
Ready to get fit, transform your diet and discover a fresh sense of wellness and healthy way of living? Then look no further than the Glass House Retreat.
Founded by Joy Jarvis, who’s dedication to health and wellbeing led her to create the very best in spa, wellness and relaxation, with the aim to help those looking to renew and rebuild the mind, body and soul.
The UK’s first purpose-built detox and wellness retreat, the Glass House is a tailor-made oasis of calm, and exists to help its guests make changes and live a healthier, fitter, and more relaxed life. From the most exquisite plant based food menus, curated by head chef Miguel Gouveia, to allow for the ultimate in nutrition, combined with an extensive programme of fitness classes to suit all levels from weights and body conditioning to yoga and meditation, the retreat also offers a wide range of innovative and one of a kind indulgent Germaine De Capuccini spa treatments, including facials, body treatments as well as Cryo Chamber sessions and many more.
The Glass House Retreat, which is located in a beautiful expanse of countryside in Essex, less than an hour from central London, has been designed from scratch and built by industry experts from the ground up. It’s a visionary retreat, with an all-inclusive approach to wellness whether you’re there for just a spa day or a full detox break. The aim of Glass House Retreat is not to preach or bark orders at you; it is what you make it. If you feel like a personal training session rather than a group class, that’s fine. If you feel like staying in the heated leisure pool, no problem, a lie in, or spa treatment instead, that’s your choice! The highly experienced on-site team does recommend a programme bespoke to you, so you can really achieve the best results for yourself.
Accommodation
Glass House Retreat boasts comfy and spacious modern rooms where guests can contemplate, relax and sleep deeply – ensuring you are fully recharged and ready to take on the day’s activities. Need a break from the never-ending smart phone ping? The retreat also offers digital detox safes in which to store your phone, and if not then there’s a free high-speed WiFi available to all guests. Better still, en-suites are stocked with vegan and eco-friendly Anyah Eco Spa products, providing deep cleansing, moisturising skin protection.
Food
The Glass House retreat’s low-cholesterol plant-based diets and juices help balance nutrition, aid digestion and are great for your heart. They offer a pure detox and wellbeing experience. No junk food, just delicious organic fruits, vegetables, nuts and grains – local, fresh and delivered daily. Everything on the menu is also rich in vitamins and minerals, high in fibre, healthy, and largely unprocessed. Everything is natural and clean and just what your body craves.
Head chef, Miguel Gouveia, has been passionate about food since his childhood on the Atlantic island of Madeira. Most chefs end up on a path of indulgence, a world away from nutrition and wellbeing, however Miguel is different. He’s at the forefront of a healthy living revolution and an expert in plant-based diets. For generations society has been eating processed foods, full of salt, sugar, and fat. But people are waking up. The health fallout of poor diets cannot be denied. Miguel has been on a mission to help people lead healthier lives, after graduating from a top cuisine school in California. Now, at the Glass House, you can learn from him.
The Glass House really is more than a retreat, it’s a concept. It’s the sharing of a healthier, fitter, and more in tune way of being. Here you’ll find all the facilities you need to get fit, detox, and chill out.
The schedule differs daily and there is plenty of free time for your pre booked spa treatments.
Sample Day One:
7:00am Rise and shine
7:30am Hot water and fresh lemon
7:45am Hour-long countryside walk
9:00am Breakfast
10:00am – 1:00pm Exercise classes, free time, spa treatments
11:00am – 12:00pm Psyllium Husk Beverage
12:40pm – 1:00pm Mindfulness Class in The Dome
1:00pm Delicious Lunch
2:00pm – 5:30pm Exercise classes, free time, spa treatments
4:00pm – 4:30pm Plant based food cooking demonstration
6:15pm or 8:00pm Afternoon/Evening Entertainment (Mon-Fri)
Whether you are looking for the latest wellness product, heading off to a retreat to reset or want to try the newest fitness studio, we’ve got you covered. Our Wellness Editor, Anji McGrandles shares the skinny on all the hottest wellbeing news.
Try the limited edition DIRTEA beauty boosting menu at Farm Girl
To celebrate the launch of DIRTEA’s new ‘Beauty Mushroom’ powder – DIRTEA Tremella, they have collaborated with Farm Girl on a beauty boosting menu, jam packed with delicious skin saving drinks and dishes. Tremella aka nature’s Hyaluronic Acid is renowned for its beauty and skin enhancing properties and proven to improve skin tone, elasticity, and hydration, resulting in thicker hair, stronger nails and a reduction in fine lines and wrinkles. The Farm Girl x DIRTEA Beauty Boosting Menu will be available to enjoy at both Farm Girl Soho and South Kensington.
Feel Electric
Struggling to find time in the day to squeeze in that all important workout? Then give your fitness routine a boost with an EMS workout at Feel Electric. Get fitter faster using EMS technology to offer a time efficient and high intensity workout, suitable for even the busiest of lifestyles. Loved by athletes, footballers and celebrities, the workout is short enough to do on your lunch break and still give you enough time to get a bite to eat afterwards. Feel Electric has studios around the UK and new openings underway.
Manage monthly cramps
Period Harmony was set up by siblings, one of which was dealing with bad menstrual pain and was looking for something that was convenient, worked effectively and gentle on the body. The result is the ‘Monthly harmony patch’, an alternative, accessible solution to naturally take the edge off pain for up to eight hours during an uncomfortable period.
A new luxury resort for grown-ups brings next-level wellbeing to the Greek Islands
Opening in June 2023 on the island of Crete, beach-front resort Pnoé Breathing Life represents a new chapter for the luxury wellbeing scene in Europe. Whether you want to improve your fitness, nurture inner health or simply rest and reset, Pnoé offers a selection of wellbeing solutions. Guests will have access to recovery programmes such as Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, Zerobody and Breathwork therapy, alongside a state-of-the-art fitness facility and professional personal trainers. A stimulating workout can be balanced with a visit to the waterfalls of the wet area, the Himalayan salt stones, a wood fired sauna or the impressive ice fall. Pnoé also has an onsite beauty salon, as well as a Guest Relation Service to ensure that every need and requirement can be taken care of.
The must have gym and beach accessory for summer
The La Pochette Wet Bag is an essential for regular gym and spa lovers. Made from 100% recycled plastic bottles this stylish kit bag is perfect for storing wet swimwear and sports kit whether you are hitting the beach or relaxing at the spa. Lightweight, compact and features multiple compartments, it has a triple lock system to ensure reliable, leak proof storage of wet kit.
Get an on-demand wellness coach
Fitness entrepreneur, former professional ballerina and all-round powerhouse, Chrissy Sundt has launched Silver Linings Live, a new community-based on-demand, holistic wellness app with daily live classes. As well as delivering personalised support, it incorporates fitness and wellbeing sessions from a host of world-class experts. Silver Linings LIVE is an exclusive place, where members are prioritised, receiving information about new challenges and masterclasses first. Alongside the expert teachers and nutritionists, the Silver Linings Wellbeing community can ask questions and get responses to stay on track. Clients can arrange additional support on the community chat and book soon-to-launch ‘check ins’ with Chrissy and other experts via zoom.
Dynamic Pilates
Recently opened London Reformer Pilates is a boutique new studio, based in Marylebone. Developed by West 1 Health, they have collaborated with the experts of the London Pilates Academy to bring together the very best trainers in London. Taught by the academy’s experts, each upbeat, fitness-based reformer class of up to six people is tailored to ensure a personalised experience. Using the studio’s beautifully designed machines to support a full body workout, dynamic sequences are inclusively tailored to welcome everyone from beginners through to seasoned athletes.
Biohack your way to wellness
New, luxury wellness destination Grey Wolfe bridges advanced science with spiritual and traditional wellness practices. This wellness sanctuary focuses on tailor-made experiences, catering to people seeking alternative therapies for healing, body and health. The standout state-of-the-art biohacking treatments are what makes it unique. As well having an Infrared Sauna they offer innovative Rebalance Impulse treatment. Using a combination of stimulation and cognitive therapy, the Rebalance Impulse (RI) is targeted at fighting chronic stress, improving sleep quality, and strengthening the immune system using neuroscience with dynamic light pulses and sonotherapy. The RI gathers biofeedback and neurofeedback, to better understand how the nervous system is responding, along with your brain activity and the positive effects the body experiences during your session. All this information forms part of ‘brain training’ and is beneficial for restoring healing and relieving chronic stress, PTSD through EMDR, and improving memory, anti-ageing, emotional balance, wellbeing, enhancing sleep quality, pain management and immune system.
