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wellness

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Our teeth are the first thing that someone sees when they are talking to us, and if our smile is wide and our teeth are white and bright then they light up our entire face.

The look for 2018 is to have a perfect ‘celebrity’ smile and we at #TeamCoco HQ are wholeheartedly into looking after our teeth, we follow some hard and fast dentistry rules to get that all-important bright smile.

We spoke to dentist to the stars Dr Richard Marques about how to look after our teeth correctly, what we should be using to achieve perfect white teeth, any trends we should be in to, and also who his famous clients are.

How long have you been a dentist to the stars?
It’s been around five years now, and with each year, more talent seem to be stepping through my door, which is fantastic.

Where is your surgery/clinic based?
It’s on Wimpole Street in the Harley Street District of Central London.

What is your most requested treatment?
At the moment, a lot of my customers are chasing the ‘Meghan Markle’ Hollywood smile. We offer the Enlighten Teeth Whitening Treatment that can whiten up to 16 shades both easily and safely so that’s a really popular one. After the initial appointment, whitening can be done at home so it’s super convenient.

What is your number one tip for cleaning teeth correctly at home?
I always recommend people to use an electric toothbrush. Ultimately, they make brushing easier meaning you can worry less about technique. They help you to maintain consistent pressure so you’re not brushing too harshly and many have timers so you know when you’ve brushed for the optimum amount of time!

Is there anything we shouldn’t be doing when we brush our teeth?
Never brush too aggressively as it can be really harmful to gums and actually start to damage the precious enamel coating of the teeth.

Can you suggest any foods to stay away from that stain the teeth?
Any highly pigmented food can stain the teeth. The biggest culprits are blueberries, beetroot, tomatoes and dark sauces such as balsamic vinegar and soy sauce. Dark drinks like tea, coffee and red wine can also stain, so always follow with a good swish of water!

What product(s) would you recommend to get perfect white teeth?
Depending on the level of results you’re looking to achieve, it’s always best to consult with your dentist and look at a professional whitening program. But day to day, a consistent oral health routine is genuinely your best bet at maintaining a naturally white smile!

What product(s) do you use personally use from your own range?
I regularly take my Co-Enzyme Q10 supplements to help maintain the strength and health of the gums, and I always use the 100% Natural Whitening Peppermint Charcoal Paste to polish my teeth before a night out or TV appearance etc.

How long should a professional whitening last?
This depends on how well you look after your teeth and the condition they’re in when the whitening is done. It also depends on the type of treatment you have – it could last 12 months or it could last a few years – everyone is different.

Are you developing any new products that we can expect to see in the future?
This year we launched the Peppermint and Strawberry Charcoal Toothpastes in the By Richard Marques range so that’s been a big focus, but we’re always looking at new product ideas and developing the range to fit consumer demand, so watch this space!

Dr Richard Marques products include Natural Whitening Peppermint Toothpaste (£24), Natural Whitening Peppermint Charcoal Toothpaste (£29), Natural Whitening Strawberry Toothpaste (£24), Super Strong Natural Whitening Mouthwash (£24), Co-Enzyme Q10 Supplements (£34) plus a number of bundles/collections from the above including toothpaste bundles (£44 – £58) and more. All available online from Dr Richard.

Well-known names that are clients of Dr Richard include Rita Ora, Nick Grimshaw, Olivier Proudlock, Binky Felstead, Pete Wicks, Louisa Johnson, Jamie Redknapp, Russel Tovey, Tom Daley, Sinitta, Rosie Fortescue, Eyal Booker, Alex Bowen, and Olivia Buckland.

If you’re looking to live out your best impression of a Slim Aarons’ photograph, then hop on a plane to the south of France and check-in to the Radisson Blu Nice. Located on the picturesque thoroughfare of the Promenade des Anglais; the Radisson Blu Nice is an icon of hospitality in the French Riviera, combining contemporary interiors, impeccable service, and all without breaking the bank. Team Coco explores the Radisson Blu Nice’s new look and discovers all the colours and flavours of the Mediterranean.

After completing a 12 million euro refurbishment, the Radisson Blu Nice is unlike any other hotel in the south of France. Utilising the calming hues of the Mediterranean sea, the hotel is painted in shades of sleet, blue, and sea-foam, highlighted with warm tones of burnt sienna and ochre. Decorated by the acclaimed Spanish Interior designer, Jaime Beriestain, the Radisson Blu Nice takes Maritime inspirations and local motifs to create a space that is both functional and sophisticated. Native yellow Mimosas inspire the lighting fixtures in the lobby, while oxidised nautical metalwork appears in clever design elements all throughout the space. The serene design aesthetic also extends into 331 generously spaced guest rooms. Azure sea views, a subtle balance of textures, beautifully tiled bathrooms, and floor-length sliding doors make the Radisson Blu Nice’s guest rooms the perfect retreat to cool-off from the heat of the Mediterranean sun.

Not only does the Radisson Blu Nice have the best rooftop pool in all of Nice, it also has the only private beach club. The Regence Plage is just a short 2 minute walk away from the hotel and is the best place to catch the sun on the beach. Guests can rent beach beds, take in the sun, and enjoy a delectable lunch menu. Try the Salade Nicoise (with no potatoes of course, according to the locals), and enjoy an Aperol Spritz by the beach. If you prefer rooftop views to the sea, then check out the hotel’s stunning rooftop restaurant – Calade. With chef Maxime Bernard at the helm, Calade combines locally sourced ingredients with haute cuisine. Try the Bruschetta to start, and then the Prawns Risotto, and top it all off with the Galet Niçoise and a glass of pale pink Rosé. We can assure you, there is no better place in the south of France to watch the sunset and enjoy breathtaking views of the Baie des Anges; and there is no place better for your next stylish stay in the Mediterranean than the Radisson Blu Nice.

Radisson Blu Nice offers accommodation on a B&B basis from €284/£248 per room per night.

For 20 years, Bluebird Chelsea has been a staple for stylish Londoners looking for a chic all day drinking and dining destination. Last year, Bluebird spread its wings openings its sister restaurant in the BBC Television Center in White City, offering the same kind of stylish dining as it’s big sister on Kingsland Road. Our resident doggie journalist, TeamCocopup Charlie, checks out Bluebird Café White City for a dog-friendly review.

Bluebird Cafe White City certainly has big shoes to fill, and it does so with its own distinct flair. West London sybarites can definitely rejoice, because here, you can expect the same familiar charms that made their sister restaurant a Chelsea landmark for over 20 years. This expansive 5000 square foot space has all the Bluebird signatures, and some new and interesting elements too. Think clever pattern play and eccentric art hanging on the walls, a show stopping art deco bar, and a cosy outdoor winter terrace that was created in collaboration with Fever Tree.

Of course it wouldn’t be Bluebird without the impeccable staff. Charlie was greeted with a friendly smile (and an appropriate amount offuss) before we even got to our booth. Once there, he was given his own little doggie water bowl and plenty of ear scratches from restaurant passerby and our lovely Italian server Maria. We kicked off with some of Bluebird’s signature cocktails.My personal favourite was the Viola Flower Bellini which was a lovely mixture of White Peach Purée, Sparkling wine, Crème de Peche and Elderflower, covered with violet and lemon air. A perfectly blended concoction that balances delicate flavours with just the right amount of booze. We then sampled Executive Chef Simon Gregory’s signature modern European menu and he certainly didn’t disappoint.

There’s plenty of goodness to choose from, but it’s here the starters are exceptional. We decided on two states to share, and they were both equally scrumptious. The Burrata and Heritage beetroot, sprinkled with walnut and truffle oil was the highlight of my meal. I even went to so far and to try and inquire where to get this lovely creamy cheesy indulgence; and I was pleasantly surprised to discover that Bluebird sources the Burrata directly from a local producer in Puglia. (which just gives me yet another reason to return to Bluebird Cafe White City for more). The grilled prawns with garlic, parsley, and tarragon butter and toasted brioche is also worth shouting about. The only problem you’ll have is that you won’t have enough! BRB, while TeamCocopup Charlie and I schedulea return visit on our diaries.

For more information visit www.bluebirdcafe.co.uk

Now that winter is in full swing, we’ve got our eyes on sunnier destinations. If you’re looking at the good old holiday counter and browsing for your own place in the sun, then definitely check out the new Divani Apollon Palace & Thalasso.

With stunning views of the sparkling Gulf of Aegina, and with one of the biggest spas in Europe, the Divani Apollon Palace & Thalasso is the perfect getaway to relax and rejuvenate in the heart of the Athenian Riviera.

In ancient Greek the word ‘thalasso’ means ‘sea’ and the word ‘therapia’ means treatment — and so Thalassotherapy uses the healing powers of the sea to create a series of wellness treatments that are not only utterly refreshing, but also use mineral-rich ocean ingredients to really give you that all natural Mediterranean glow. Sounds lush? Well, the Divani Apollon Palace & Thalasso resort has the biggest Thalassotherapy centre in Greece (the only one in Athens might I add) if you’re in the mood for some much needed pampering, definitely an lose yourself to the healing powers of the sea.

Outside the spa, the hotel also offers holistic wellbeing packages that include consultations, private training sessions, and fitness regiments. Perfect if you’re feeling inspired to add some much needed self-care into 2019.

Co-founded by best friends, Shireen Juma and Lee-Anne Solomons, The Heraia (The Her-ai-yah)is an activewear brand made by women for women. The name ‘Heraia’ was inspired by the first ever recorded women’s athletic competition, held back in 6th century B.C. The competition was made up of sixteen fierce female athletes, and held in honour of the goddess Hera.

Today, this powerful inspiration translates into The Heraia. Successfully launched last November, their sleek monochromatic activewear exudes the same quiet strength and confidence that those early Olympians represented, but for the modern woman. We catch up with Shireen Juma and Lee-Anne Solomons and talk about their journey into becoming full fledged Girl Bosses, and how their friendship has lifted them up along the way.

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your background, what inspired you to start THE HERAIA?

We have been best friends since we were little and have grown up with similar interests and values. I (Shireen) have built a long career in HR within financial services and have a more of a business background, while Lee-Anne’s focus and vast experience has been in Fashion andBuying. About 3 years ago I was made redundant which lead us to reflect on our life choices. Lee-Anne and I were having a tea and natter in bed one day (as best friends do lol) when we started discussing what we would do instead of our ‘traditional’ careers. We decided we both would love to try and start our own project and ‘The Heraia’ was born. We chose activewear as we both enjoy taking time to focus on our fitness and wellbeing.

Lee-Anne actually got made redundant a short while after that and so we had some time to put some of the wheels in motion before we both went back to work. We pumped our redundancy money into the business and we haven’t had any outside investment as of yet. 

We have worked so hard (while working full time jobs, because the bills keep coming even when you are trying to build an empire lol) to try and build a brand and finally launched last November. So we run The Heraia evenings and weekends and have tough day jobs too.

Lee-Anne and I do everything; from design, fabric and trim selection and development, to working with the factories to produce the garments, to finances and marketing, and also managing social media. We do it all —just the 2 of us. Although we are lucky to be surrounded by an amazing group of friends and family that have supported us from day one.

Where did the inspiration for the name THE HERAIA came from?

We actually spent a long time thinking of our brand name and we originally landed on different name. Then Lee-Anne came across a really cool article about what was essentially the first women’s Olympic event — it was held in honor of the goddess Hera and the event was thus called ‘The Heraia’.

The Heraia was the first recorded women’s athletic competition held at Olympia in the sixth Century BC. 16 amazing women ran races in honour of the goddess Hera. The winners were crowned with olive branches and legend says they were then blessed with strength from the goddess herself — this is the vision that we want to express through our brand.

Where do you get the inspiration for your designs?

We want create activewear to last, for women, by women. We are not about fast fashion and instead are more focused on quality, the best construction, and finishing. We handpicked the finest fabric, created bespoke luxury trims, and tried to create a chic and modern collection that will make women feel amazing. We have tried to be super thoughtful about shape, support, and silhouette and tried to consider every detail. (Even down to the gusset to eliminate the dreaded camel toe!)

Our style is simple yet stylish and we went for a monochrome palette. We made sure the black stay black no matter how much you wash them. So we really have tried to think of everything and create a product women can love and wear over and over again.

We also tried to create product that you’d be happy and comfortable to wear in life and not just at the gym. So you can mix and match or dress certain things up or get them super sweaty in a workout.We also chose to support local and manufacture in the UK.

What advice do you have for women who would like to become a GirlBoss like yourself?

SJ: We are still growing and learning all the time and our business is still very small, but we have certainly learned some important lessons along the way. My advice would be to start building your brand early, even before you have a finished product. As soon as we decided on our brand name we started to think about what we stood for and what our brand ethos and aesthetic would be. We started to build our following from day 1,so that people could buy in and begin to understand what we were about as quickly as possible. I think we now have a clear brand identity and that we are unapologetically us. We are all about girls supporting girls and honouring other women just as they are — whether you go smash workouts everyday or drink wine and eat pizza in your undies. We understand the importance of balance and created a collection with that in mind too. Something for everyone.

LS: My advice would be to try and stay positive even when things don’t seem to be going your way. People will inevitably let you down (sometimes in a major way) but try and stay focused on what you are trying to build and why you are doing what you do. Take a moment to feel the feelings (its ok to be upset or angry or frustrated) but always learn from it and keep going. We are friends first and foremost, so we always try and be kind to each other and remember that everything comes from a good place. When you are as close as sisters, its easy to lose patience with each other, or when you’re tired and over worked you can read a short email or text message the wrong way. On top of The Heraia, we naturally each have our own personal stress from high pressured day jobs or just life. So we actually need to just sit down and remind each other that we are ALWAYS on each others’ sides. When in doubt, we always try to remember the best in each other and assume the most positive intention.

What has been the biggest challenge you have faced as an entrepreneur so far?

We have honestly come up against every possible challenge and speed bump in existence. It’s been tough. People who over-promise and under-deliver, end up completely setting our process back. Creating so much extra work as well as wasting so much time and money. We didn’t have a lot to begin with so small loses/let downs actually feel like a big blow. We have persevered though and we see it as a learning curve.

We’ve had wobbles and tears, but of course we’ve had wins. Ultimately we are so proud of what we have been able to achieve on our own and that we have been able to launch product that we’re proud of this past November. Small business, Big dreams!

WWW.THEHERAIA.COM

Team Coco checked into Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort & Spa for a week of unrivalled tropical luxury. From lounging in our own private water villas, to sipping coconuts beachfront, farm-to-plate dining, and even sailing yachts among spinner dolphins; we’re letting our inner island girl free and living our best life at Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort & Spa.

A picture is worth a thousand words – and so what better way to give you some mid-week travel inspiration than by sharing our own visual diary of our dreamy trip to the Maldives? We’ll just leave these here.

The Water Villas

Think natural wood interiors, a seductively comfortable king-sized bed, and a bathroom that’s bigger than a Victorian semi-detached. The Water Villas are exactly what our travel dreams are made of. Enjoy some in-room dining on your veranda, and lounge on a hammock-directly suspended from the sea. Have a soak in your oversized oval bath tub, or better yet shower outdoors. Trust us, there’s nothing more liberating.

Dining by Design

The resort has three restaurants, and each one has its own distinct personality, but if you’re looking for a truly bespoke culinary experience — try the Shangri-La’s Dine by Design. Fancy having lunch on the equator? A barbecue in your villa? Or maybe even a dinner in the Chef’s garden? Then let the Shangri-La’s expert chefs create an unforgettable dining experience just for you. We tried their new farm-to-plate dining experience, which began with picking our choice of island grown ingredients from the chef’s garden, followed by a visit to the neighbouring town of Meedhu.

A Traditional take on Wellness

Hidden amidst large banyan trees and tropical shrubbery, CHI, The Spa has eleven spacious treatment villas, two meditation pavilions, and a yoga pavilion overlooking the ocean. We tried the Kandu Boli Ritualmassage. This traditional treatment is a soothing body and face massage, where coconut oil is rubbed on you with a hot cowrie shell – absolute relaxation.

Eco-luxury at it’s finest

At the Eco-Centre, marine biologists take guests on nature trails, while dive-masters guide diving enthusiasts across the Addu Attol’s best kept snorkel gardens. After doing our part for the environment and planting some coral in the resort’s coral farm; We went on a snorkelling excursion just a 30 minute boat ride away from the island, and swam amongst incredible aquatic wildlife and coral — even spotting some sea turtles along the way.

Sailing with the dolphins

From jungle treks and golf to coral planting and sea-bobbing, here’s plenty to do at Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort & Spa. We highly recommend venturing away from the resort’s many luxuries — and jumping onboard a Yacht for a sunset cruise like no other.During our brief expedition out to sea — we were greeted by large and friendly groups of Spinner dolphins, racing with our boat’s bow, and showing off with some pretty impressive flips too!

Room rates at Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort & Spa are from US$645 (approx. £501) per night. This is based on double occupancy and includes all taxes and fees. To book, please visit www.shangri-la.com/male/villingiliresort or call 0800 028 3337.

Not that you need an excuse to come to beautiful Bournemouth, but surely the prospect of a luxury spa break could be just the thing to get you packing your overnight bag and heading down to Dorset.

Situated just a short walk from the town’s award-winning beaches is the stylish Connaught hotel – a 4-star hotel located in Westcliff in Bournemouth. Not only is the hotel a great place to stay when visiting the town, it is also home to the super luxurious Bluewater Spa.

#TeamCoco were delighted to be invited to a fabulous VIP event which celebrated the Bluewater Spa’s exciting new look and its partnership with British lifestyle brand Temple Spa.

From local business professionals to journalists and bloggers, more than 200 esteemed guests attended the occasion who were treated to crisp glasses of Prosecco and Mediterranean-inspired canapés and complimentary spa treatments and products.

The guests were able to take a sneak peek at the newly renovated spa facilities which provides visitors an oasis to relax, retreat and recharge.

Bluewater’s partnership with Temple Spa was explained along with an overview of the benefits of their luxury products which are inspired by the scent and nourishing botanicals of the Mediterranean, Thanks to the cute little goodie bag, I can attest that the products smell exquisite and feel wonderful on the skin. My favourite? It is a tough, closely-run competition between the Be Calm Smoothing Facemask and the Peace Be Still Calming Facial Balm. These products would be ideal to use as a luxury pampering session after a busy week.

If you would rather put yourself in the hands of a professional as opposed to a bit of an indulgent DIY, you can book yourself in to the Bluewater Spa for one of their indulging treatments which includes the Mediterranean Marinade – a facial that has been designed to calm and destress skin which includes a relaxing face massage, followed by the unique Temple Spa marinade mask, the ‘Work It Out’ massage which is a deep tissue, detoxifying treatment that uses essential oils like Juniper, Lavender and Cypress and the intriguing Champagne and Truffles Deluxe Treatment which uses the brands’ award-winning skin truffle mask. Don’t worry, you get to enjoy a glass of bubbly and a delicious hand-made truffle too!

As well as it magnificent azure blue swimming pool, the facilities also include a jacuzzi, steam room and sauna, fully equipped gym and relaxation lounge and four private therapy suites including a double treatment room for you and your bestie!

Locals can book in for a treatment, but if you are planning a weekend away and want to hit the beach, the Connaught with its truly indulgent spa, fully equipped leisure club and contemporary brasserie onsite is the perfect choice for visitors seeking a 4-star, hotel stay and spa in Bournemouth.

Race you to the Spa!

I can almost smell it, Spring is on the way and with that al-fresco, instead of al-desko, lunches are on the cards. Fighting the urge to sup some Pimms at 2pm on a Friday may be tough but hold off until happy hour and slay the rest of the work on your to-do list with a bubbly can of cold brew.

Sandow’s, the UK’s original cold brew coffee brand is launching two flavoured coffee sodas: Spice, a sparking coffee blended with ginger, orange blossom and black spice and Citrus, flavoured with lemon and lime and we, busy girls at House of Coco, can’t wait.

Since setting up shop in 2014 Sandow’s has taken over the UK selling to over 600 outlets and with their new cute-as-hell stubby can range, we’ll be popping one in our tote bags as a dairy-free caffeinated pick-us-up.

Sandow’s sodas are £1.99 for 250 mls, and available from Selfridges, Whole Foods Market, selected independents and www.sandows.com

When this landed in our #TeamCoco inbox, we had to do a double take and make sure that we hadn’t missed the memo about playing pranks on Halloween but, sure enough, the world’s first pimple bar opens tomorrow – 31st October – in Antwerp.

YUN Probiotherapy are looking to burst (sorry, gross!) myths about pimples, provide private consultations, facials and any advice you’ve always wanted to seek but have had no idea where to do so. Over three floors you’ll find treatments, new products to make your face more like that angelic visage you’ve always wanted and a tasty tipple.

In addition to a novel approach to skincare, the pop-up addresses the fact that over 80% of people have had some sort of unpleasant skin problem leaving them feeling insecure and embarrassed. Hurrah! So we’re not alone in embracing ‘Netflix and Chill’ weekends due to our freaking weird early-winter skin.

Tom Verlinden is the Managing Director of Probiotherapy. Here’s what he has to say: “It’s awful to see people so embarrassed and losing confidence and that it has such a huge impact on their lives. The idea of this playful way of approaching the subject is to make it more socially acceptable; break the taboo and get people feeling able to talk about it. The Pimple bar is somewhere anyone can feel at ease; there’s really no reason to feel embarrassed or insecure. And it’s an approachable way for us to inform people about our revolutionary therapies.”

The Pimple bar will be open for 10am to 5pm every day from 27th October to 5th November ­–except Sundays and public holidays at Wiegstraat 16, 2000 Antwerpen

How many times have you heard the phrase ‘I’m so excited about Christmas; I just need a break’ since we tipped into December? According to new research by Headspace, 67% of Brits say they are more stressed than they were just 5 years ago. And let’s not even talk about Brexit…70% of us are more stressed about current affairs than we were in 2013.

Incredible #GirlBoss Dr Megan Jones Bell, Chief Science Officer at Headspace says “we’re more aware of stress than ever, but we’re not reducing our stress as effectively as we could”.

With Christmas providing a lot of stressful situations, as well as chance to wear PJs 24/7 and rekindle your love affair with Terry’s Chocolate Orange, Headspace have launched the world’s first meditation cab which has taken to the streets of London to provide us with a restful space away from the crowds and Mariah Carey.

Guided by the voice of Andy Puddicombe through the Headspace app, taxi riders can enjoy a Headspace session throughout their ride. The Mindful Cab is open to anyone in London until Thursday 6 December; to request a ride, share your desired pick-up and drop-off on Instagram of Twitter along with the hashtag #mindfulcab.

Head over to headspace.com for a special UK collection of meditations addressing common sources of stress in Britain. Merry Christmas, indeed.