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This time of year, a combination of cold weather, central heating and lack of vitamin D can leave our skin dull and a bit lack lustre. My winter skin was desperately in need of a boost, so I booked into LondonCryo for their signature Cryofacial.

A Cryofacial uses cold temperatures to rejuvenate the face. The increase in oxygen supply boosts collagen production, improving the circulation and elasticity of the skin. Muscles retract with the cold and it has a tightening effect on the skin leaving your face looking fresher and younger. Jennifer Aniston is a big fan and credits her youthful glow at 50 down to regular treatments.

I have sensitive, breakout prone skin so I’m always cautious when it comes to trying something new, but I’d heard so many positive things about cryotherapy and its benefits, I wanted to give it a go. The Cryofacial is good for lots of skin complaints like acne and rosacea as the cold reduces the inflammation in the face.

Cryotheraphy is quickly working its way into wellbeing routines due to the mental and physical benefits it offers. LondonCryo is run by girl boss, Maria Ensabella. She is on a mission to highlight the positive impact of cryotherapy and how it can help you feel better and look better. The LondonCryo ethos is all around being your best self by proactively looking after your body and mind. The treatments they provide target sports recovery, overall wellness and anti-ageing skin treatments like the Cryofacial.

The treatment room has a spa like feel about it with low level lighting and aromatherapy scents. My therapist instantly puts me at ease by explaining what all the hi-tech equipment is and talking me through the process step by step, assuring me I won’t get frostbite. My facial is around 20 minutes and begins with cleansing and toning my skin before having a hydrating serum applied to my face. I brace myself for the cold as a metal wand with a flat, round tip is rubbed across the surface of my face, each stroke is followed with my therapist gently massaging the skin to aid lymphatic drainage. This wand cools down the skin rapidly to about minus 10 degrees and stays on each area of the skin for only a few seconds. It feels a bit like an ice cube gliding over your face, it’s not at all uncomfortable, in fact I found it quite relaxing. Halfway through the treatment the therapist passes me a mirror so I can compare the skin she has treated. The pores have minimised, my complexion is brighter and I look fresher. I can see a visible difference compared to the untreated skin. At the end of the facial another layer of serum is applied to my face and I’m all done. My therapist brings me a glass of water and turns up the lights so I can get a better look at the results. The redness from my rosacea has quietened down and my skin looks smoother, but the best bit is the results continue across the week. My make-up goes on better, a breakout I had pre-treatment fades and my other half tells me I’m glowing.

The cryotherapy facial definitely boosted my tired, winter skin and the fact it only takes 20 minutes and is non-evasive means it’s a great treatment if you’ve a big event or special occasion coming up. The Cryofacial costs £160, to book an appointment contact www.londoncryo.com or 0203 371 8900.

John Tuton knows the value of a good night’s sleep, but his mission of creating the perfect mattress, actually came about through a fateful Rugby accident. His ‘Eureka’ moment came when struggling to sleep during his recovery. He asked himself, “Why should anyone wait until pain or poor health strikes to get maximum rest and recuperation from their mattress?” – and why should they? From then – John set out to create the perfect mattress that would help everyone sleep better and in turn lead better lives, and so Mammoth was born.

10 years down the line and John has never looked back since. Today, Mammoth is a leader in sleep comfort, recommended by health professionals and used by professional athletes all over the world. Mammoth ’s Medical Grade™ Foam mattresses has been scientifically tested and proven to improve sleep – and is a testament to John Tuton’s commitment to constant innovation and reinvention.

In our latest Boss Boy Interview – John Tuton looks back at the past decade of Mammoth on his 10 year anniversary. We discuss everything from the early days of his game-changing business, the moments that have stayed with him through the years, and some key advice for aspiring Boss boys.

Tell us a little bit about yourself and what inspired you to start Mammoth?

I’ve always had a passion for health and wellbeing. I used to work in healthcare, providing medical equipment for seriously unwell patients. During this time, I discovered how getting the right mattress can really make a difference to your life.One particular case still stays with me to this very day, and is a constant reminder of Mammoth’s driving purpose to help everyone make the most of life.

I had been called in by doctors to help an elderly patient in a critical condition due to severe pressure wounds caused by a fall and subsequent long period in bed. With traditional prescribed methods failing to help, the outlook was bleak. As part of her treatment, I recommended using a new technology within a pressure relieving mattress and cushion, proven to stimulate circulation and blood flow.

The results were amazing and within a couple of weeks she was out of bed and then shortly after that, she was enjoying days out with her children and grandchildren. The thank you letter from her family was so moving, it made me realise what I wanted to do for the rest of my career.

Around the same time, I was also struggling to get a comfortable night’s rest after getting injured playing rugby, and it led to me having a ‘eureka’ moment. I began thinking, why should anyone wait until pain or poor health strikes to get maximum rest and recuperation from their mattress. So Mammoth was born with the aim of helping anyone and everyone sleep better, feel better and make the most of every day. Now in our 10th anniversary year, we are proud that our award-winning technologies are recommended by health professionals, including the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy, and used by professional athletes across a wide range of sports.

How important is sleep to our overall well-being?

We spend a third of our lives sleeping so it’s not surprising that sleep plays a vital part in our overall health and recovery. In modern life, sleep has never been more important. We live busy lives, spend too much time in front of our screens and all too often ignore our natural body clocks, so getting the recommended eight hours sleep isn’t always easy. But it’s a fact that good sleep improves our health, wellbeing and happiness.

A good night’s sleep is linked to learning faster, living longer, higher levels of creativity and performance, lower stress levels, maintaining a healthy weight and attractiveness. In fact, a good night’s sleep is even scientifically proven to extend life.

“We spend a third of our lives sleeping so it’s not surprising that sleep plays a vital part in our overall health and recovery.”

Sleep is also crucial for performance, which is why we are the ‘go-to’ provider for elite athletes and organisations, including the British Athletes Commission. We have several exciting partnerships including with the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP), the Rugby Players’ Association and we are the official mattress and pillow supplier of Tottenham Hotspur’s state-of-the-art, private player accommodation lodge, as well as the official mattress and seating partner for the Professional Cricketers’ Association (PCA).

Could you tell us a bit about Mammoth’s Medical Grade Foam Technology and PostureCell technology?

At the core of every Mammoth mattress is our Medical Grade™ Foam and PostureCell® technologies which were designed specifically to help people enjoy better sleep. In fact, these technologies are scientifically tested and shown to improve sleep by the UK Centre of Sleep Research.

Evidence shows that a lack of proper support and overheating are the two biggest obstacles to getting an uninterrupted night’s sleep. So that’s why it was important to us to develop products that help alleviate these issues.

Our Medical Grade™ Foam was developed from healthcare to ease aches and pains, and return people to good health. Our mattresses provide plenty of pressure relieving postural support through our PostureCell® technology, and it is naturally cooling – so it won’t heat up and neither will the user. It’s also hypoallergenic. Our developments and innovation have meant Mammoth are now NHS award winners.

Our mattresses are recommended by health professionals to ease aches and pains, including back pain. They are endorsed by elite athletes, national teams and their governing bodies to help them sleep better, be better and perform better.

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

Life as an entrepreneur hasn’t been easy all of the time. In the beginning I had to spend my life savings and pay my mortgage on credit cards to set up the business. Everything I had was invested into the business and I even had to go on honeymoon on a shoestring budget. It wasn’t just making sure we had enough money to start operating, it was getting suppliers and manufacturers to take us seriously for prototyping. It was a long process and I had to go back to employment for an interim period to keep the business going.

We’ve also had to face navigating a changing retail environment and further challenges when the business plateaued. After re-investing in our brand and message, we are back in growth thanks to strengthening the team, resource and capability, identifying talent and lots of hard work.

Although we’ve had difficult times, the sacrifices have been worth it.

What advice do you have for other Boss boys just starting out?

Back yourself, work hard and make sure you are going into a sector you enjoy, because it is going to be big part of your life.

Be prepared to take a risk and realise that you might no longer be able to have the ideal work, life balance. Setting up your own business is tough, and it will always infiltrate your home life.

That’s why it is important to have time off, so when you do go on holiday, make sure your phone stays in the top drawer and that you switch off. In order to do that, you have to have the ability to delegate, manage and recruit the right team as all of these are essential to running a successful business.

MAMMOTHCOMFORT.COM

In this life, it’s very rare to find your calling, and for that calling to also have a positive impact on the world we live in; but this was exactly the case with Jillian Haddad and Butter Me Up Organics. After having a fateful ‘body butter moment’ from which her business coins its name, Jillian set off to create a completely organic and sustainable beauty brand, and the rest was history.

Jillian’s genuine commitment to sustainability is the life and soul of her business. From the organic cruelty free ingredients she uses, to the glass and recycled packaging she creates — every product in Butter Me Up Organics has no negative impact on the environment. After all, why should the environment suffer for good skincare?

Tell us a little bit about yourself and what inspired you to start Butter Me Up Organics?

I grew up in a very natural minded household where we were bringing our own takeout containers, water bottles,and recycling long before it was cool. It was quite the opposite then. As an adult, I grew into my own conservation mindset and knew that if I started a business, it would need to include those elements.

I startedButter Me Up Organics in response to the lack of natural products on the market. I would shop at natural grocery stores as they were the only places that had items without all of the toxic ingredients.Even then I would leave with items I didn’t really want, as they were the only ones that didn’t have the ingredients I avoided. When I spent way too much money on a body butter that I didn’t want just because it fit my criterium, I decided then and there, I can do this and Butter Me Up Organics was born. The name pays homage to that body butter moment; and that that was the first item I made.

I vowed to create a brand that was organic, zero waste and contained no synthetic anything. I use only organic oils, butters, herbs, essential oils and botanicals to craft each item. All items are handmade, small batch and well researched. I stand behind all of them!

Butter Me Up Organics is all about all natural and organic products. Could you run us through how your products are made?

Absolutely! First, when I’m creating a new product, I spend a great deal of time researching and formulating. Every product I’ve ever made is my own unique recipe; and each item is designed for a therapeutic purpose. I use a combination of herbs, oils, butters, and essential oils for maximum effectiveness. When its time to actually make the items, I personally hand make each one. Some items take months to make as I infuse my own oils and time creates the potency. Each item is made in a small batch in my studio, which has its own commercial kitchen. All items are hand mixed, poured, and manufactured by me so that I can guarantee the quality and effectiveness of each item that gets into your hands.

How important is sustainability to your brand? Could you tell us a little bit about your sustainable practices?

This is one of the core pillars of my brand and has been since its inception. I was organic before people really knew what that was and have been zero waste since the beginning. Almost all of my containers are glass and are made of at least 30% post recycled material. All items are recyclable, labels are printed with soy inks on recycled papers, ALL of my packing materials are either up-cycled or recycled materials. I utilise paperboard tubes instead of plastic for lip balms and eyeshadows and will always choose the most Eco-friendly packaging, materials, and options for the least amount of negative earth impact.

In terms of ingredients, (which is my passion), all are organic, cruelty free, and sustainable as a whole. I am super picky about my ingredients and how/where they were sourced from. I ensure that all of my suppliers maintain the same practices I demand from mine. I was asked so many times in the beginning if I would make things non-organic and in plastic, because people didn’t really understand it. I held true to my core values and luckily we’ve moved into a time where people are waking up to the importance of sustainability and conscious brands.

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

Learning all of the things I’m not good at. Owning your own business comes with so many different elements; some which play to your strengths and some that don’t. I love the creative side where I get to make and create; and I love interacting with my customers at shows and online. However, all of the technical things that come with my business are such a challenge for me, my brain just doesn’t work like that! Luckily, there are experts who are good at those things and I defer that to them.

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

Find what makes your heart sing. It’s easy to be inspired by people and think that you should do what they do. Be inspired by them, but figure out what truly makes YOUR heart happy and don’t emulate someone else. Find YOUR calling. It’s such a gift to your soul to be doing exactly whatyou should be doing and that passion will always inspire others. It’s really true what they say, find what you love and you won’t work a day in your life. It’s so true, but be prepared to work some crazy hours!

WWW.BUTTERMEUPORGANICS.COM

The True Essence of Body Confidence

In a world where societal standards often dictate beauty, it’s refreshing to witness celebrities embracing their natural bodies with confidence and pride. The art of body confidence goes beyond physical appearance; it’s about self-love, acceptance, and breaking free from the shackles of unrealistic expectations. Let’s delve into the inspiring journeys of celebrities who have become champions of body positivity, encouraging us all to celebrate our unique selves.

The Ripple Effect: Redefining Beauty Standards

Embracing Imperfections

One of the cornerstones of body confidence is the acceptance of imperfections. Celebrities like Emma Watson and Lizzo have been vocal about embracing their flaws, sending a powerful message that beauty isn’t about conformity but about embracing what makes us unique. It’s not about striving for an ideal; it’s about celebrating the beauty in our differences.

Breaking Free from Photoshop Chains

In a digital age where airbrushed images dominate, celebrities like Jameela Jamil have taken a stand against unrealistic beauty standards. They advocate for authenticity, challenging the pervasive culture of Photoshop and filters. This shift towards unfiltered images has a profound impact, reminding us that true beauty lies in being genuine.

Empowering Through Vulnerability

Stars like Chrissy Teigen and Demi Lovato have opened up about their personal struggles, showcasing vulnerability as a strength rather than a weakness. By sharing their stories, they connect with fans on a deeper level, fostering a sense of community that transcends physical appearance.

Red Carpet Revolution: Embracing All Shapes and Sizes

Size-Inclusive Fashion Statements

Celebrities like Rebel Wilson and Ashley Graham have been at the forefront of the size-inclusive revolution in the fashion industry. They use their platforms to challenge stereotypes and redefine beauty norms. These trailblazers show that style knows no size and that confidence can be found in every curve.

Dismantling Ageism in Hollywood

Age should be celebrated, not hidden. Icons like Helen Mirren and Meryl Streep continue to grace the red carpet with elegance, proving that beauty is timeless. By embracing their age, these celebrities challenge the ageist norms prevalent in the entertainment industry, inspiring us to see the beauty in every stage of life.

Pregnancy Glow: A Radiant Celebration

Embracing the changes that come with pregnancy, celebrities like Serena Williams and Beyoncé radiate confidence on the red carpet. Their empowering maternity styles redefine societal expectations and celebrate the beauty of the female body at every stage

Social Media and Self-Love: Navigating the Digital Landscape

Authenticity in the Age of Social Media

In an era dominated by carefully curated Instagram feeds, celebrities like Chrissy Teigen and Zendaya use their platforms to showcase authenticity. They share unfiltered glimpses into their lives, encouraging followers to embrace imperfections and reject the unrealistic beauty standards perpetuated by social media.

Body-Positive Movements: From Hashtags to Empowerment

The rise of body-positive movements on social media has given birth to a new wave of empowerment. Celebrities like Jameela Jamil leverage their influence to promote self-love through initiatives like #IWeigh, inspiring a global community to measure their worth beyond physical appearance.

Silencing Body Shamers: A Celestial Triumph

Stars like Lizzo and Billie Eilish have become vocal advocates against body shaming. Their unapologetic confidence sends a clear message: nobody has the right to define our worth based on appearance. By standing up against body shamers, these celebrities empower us to embrace our bodies with pride https://www.mrskin.com/vanessa-kirby-nude-c24880.

Beyond Beauty: The Power of Self-Care

Mental Health Advocacy

The journey to body confidence often intertwines with mental health. Celebrities like Selena Gomez and Lady Gaga have been courageous in sharing their struggles, fostering a dialogue around mental well-being. Their openness reduces stigma and emphasizes the importance of self-care beyond physical appearance.

Fitness as Empowerment

Stars like Gal Gadot and Gwyneth Paltrow redefine fitness as a form of self-empowerment rather than a tool for conforming to societal standards. Their emphasis on strength and well-being over aesthetics encourages us to view exercise as a means of nurturing our bodies rather than molding them into a predefined shape.

Embracing Natural Beauty: A Holistic Approach

Celebrities like Alicia Keys and Lupita Nyong’o advocate for a holistic approach to beauty that goes beyond external appearances. By embracing natural beauty, they encourage us to prioritize self-care, nourishment, and inner well-being as integral components of our journey toward body confidence.

A Tapestry of Empowerment

In celebrating the art of body confidence, we recognize that true beauty is a tapestry woven with threads of self-love, acceptance, and individuality. Celebrities, by embracing their natural beauty, serve as beacons of inspiration, guiding us toward a more inclusive and empowering definition of beauty. As we navigate our own paths, let’s draw strength from their stories and weave our unique narratives into this vibrant tapestry of self-love.

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.

Après ski wellness

Purple Ski, the luxury chalet brand unveils, Chalet Harmony, it’s latest chic property to open in Méribel just in time for the new ski season. The brand-new build, which sleeps up to 15 in seven bedrooms, will be offering guests the perfect way to stretch out after hitting the ski trails. Available on request via Purple Ski’s concierge team, ‘snowga’ classes will see a private instructor loosen and soothe residents’ tired muscles after a day on the slopes. The session can take place in a dedicated fitness room or outside for a spot of cryotherapy! Post snowga, guests can unwind in the beautifully appointed wellness area, where they can warm up in the hot tub, ease sore limbs in the sauna or steam room, work out in the fitness room or simply relax by the large indoor swimming pool.

A seven-night stay at Chalet Harmony starts from €41,955 (`£35,977*) on a catered basis. For more information visit Purple Ski

The healthy living app

The Fast 800 app is the latest wellbeing offering of intermittent fasting guru, Dr Michael Mosley. With 700 healthy, nutritionally-balanced recipes, guided workouts, as well as mindfulness and community support, it’s like having him on speed dial. Dr Michael Mosley’s method, The Fast 800, has become one of the world’s most popular lifestyle programmes over the past few years. It’s a comprehensive, scientifically-backed weight loss programme that uses real food, nutritionally-balanced meal plans and achievable exercise programmes.

The Fast 800 is £119 for 12 weeks

Healthy, delicious food in the heart of London

Following the success of their Brompton Road site, Café Volonte has opened its doors in the heart of Piccadilly, London. With a collective spotlight on inclusive wellbeing, Volonte’s menu is built upon the principles of nutrition with each carefully considered dish features high-quality macro and micro-nutrients. Exciting new dishes include Volonté’s Chilli Bowl, Turkish Eggs on Toast, a wholemeal halloumi Breakfast Wrap, Yogi Bowl and collagen Kinder Bueno smoothie. A judge for the Great Taste Awards, and Great British Food Awards with a qualification from London’s world-famous Le Cordon Bleu, co-founder Vidushi Binani lovingly crafts each dish using sustainable, seasonal, and ethically sourced produce.

Café Volonte, 200 Piccadilly, St James’s, London, W1J 0DJ

Write your own happy ending

Heidi Hauer is on a mission to help every woman realise that she has choices in her life and that everything she is seeking is already within her power to fulfil. Heidi’s book, “The Queendom Within – Rewrite Your Fairy Tale and Create Your Own Happily Ever After” is a practical guide for women to reclaim their energy, rediscover who they are, decide what they really want and take tangible steps towards it. Practical, reassuring and truly inspiring, Heidi’s book encourages you to invest your time and energy in yourself.

Available from Amazon, RRP £12.99

Beat the bloat

Inessa Advanced Biotic Complex is a daily probiotic that contains 50 billion organisms and combines seven other probiotic strains that reduce inflammation of the colon to soothe the gut which helps with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis (IBD).As an IBD sufferer I have been taking the supplement along with their anti-inflammatory, BioSoothe for two months and have noticed I’ve had less bloating and seen a significant improvement in my symptoms. Both supplement’s come in a delayed-release capsule so that the ingredients reach the gut where they can be most effective.

Available from Inessa, RRP £38.99 for 30 days supply

Chocolate for the Body and Mind

What’s not to love about Spellbound, a new vegan chocolate line that uses plant-based ingredients and is botanically infused to support your wellbeing. Founded by Bristol-based naturopath, herbalist, and nutritional therapist, Alex Fraysse, he’s combined ancient alchemy with modern-day science, to create four distinct chocolate varieties made from entirely natural components, harmoniously aligning with the mind and body. The innovative collection includes ‘Digestif,’ ‘State of Zen,’ ‘State of Focus,’ and ‘Venus Passion,’ each offering an unparalleled flavour journey. These chocolates artfully blend the finest botanical ingredients with decadent dark chocolate, resulting in sumptuous truffles boasting exquisitely balanced taste profiles. To top it off, these indulgent and delightful creations contain no artificial additives or ingredients.

Available online, RRP from £3.50

Get twitching this autumn

It’s fair to say autumn is in full swing and who doesn’t love a gourd activity to take in the fresh weather and changing scenery? Birdwatching (which has 1.6B views and counting on TikTok!) is one of this year’s biggest trends for its mental and physical perks and now is the perfect time to partake as so many birds are underway with autumn migration. A study from King’s College London found that seeing or hearing birds improves people’s wellbeing, and the hobby is taking off with people of all ages.

For those looking to boost their wellbeing, select voco hotels, part of IHG Hotels & Resorts are offering a “Find Your Flock” package for birdwatching, which includes binoculars and birdseed.
 
The package includes “early bird” check-in and complimentary breakfast for guests. 
 

A daily shot of goodness

New gut health food brand, Deeply, has launched a range of plant-fibre prebiotics, specially formulated to ‘Feed Your Good’. Each measure provides an 100% natural, high-fibre blend of plant nutrients, vitamins, and prebiotics, designed to support immunity, and selectively feed the good bacteria living within the gut.

Good gut health can have a profound effect on both our physical and mental wellbeing, benefits include:

  • Improved mood
  • Better focus and concentration
  • Lowered risk of heart disease, stroke and Type 2 diabetes

Available in two great tasting flavours, Spinach & Kiwi with Seaweed and Carrot & Ginger with Turmeric.

Available at Deeply Foods, 28 daily measures starts at £50.

A trip to Athens is perfect for those who enjoy artisan shops, independent restaurants and boutique hotels. It is a multi-faceted city where you don’t have to plan your trip but still have plenty to do if you are based in downtown Athens.

They have a dazzling array of shopping experiences from concept stores to historic shops. One place that should be high on your list of places to visit is The Naxos Apothecary. It is the oldest herbal pharmacy in Athens.

The exposed labs will immediately attract your attention. You can observe the preparation of herbal remedies, face creams and fragrances. The Korres products you are likely to find in your home countries. However, the tailor-made face creams and bath products of The Naxos Apothecary product collection are worth purchasing. They feature a set of five fragrances inspired and named after some of the most breathtaking villages of Naxos.

Next door to the apothecary is the newly opened xenodocheio Milos boutique hotel. It is the perfect base for you to explore the city, being a short walk away from Syntagma Square. It’s the Athens equivalent of Trafalgar Square. It is the first luxury hotel from the world-renowned restaurant group, estiatorio Milos. They’ve offered elevated Greek cuisine specialising in seafood since 1979 when it was founded in Montreal.

The hotel oozes effortless elegance from the moment you step out of your car in front of the hotel. It is a 19th-century neo-classical building that was designated a landmark building by the Ministry of Culture in 1979. It is situated opposite the Old Parliament House which is now the National History Museum.

The rooms have a serene minimalist style and soothing wooden panelling that are reminiscent of Nobu Hotels. Even though they have 43 rooms only. It’s sub-divided into nine categories from your entry-level classic room to the neoclassical apartment, that is the Milos signature suite. Most of the rooms enjoy mesmerising views of the Old Parliament House or Lycabettus Hill. The summit of the latter is the highest point in central Athens.

They make exceptional use of the window area by creating a cushioned nook area, which is perfect for reading a book whilst admiring the flow of Athenians in the downtown area.

Only the very best amenities will do at xenodocheio Milos. You’ll find Simmons luxury mattresses, a Nespresso coffee machine, and an Alessi Kettle Machine. You won’t be surprised to find the toiletries are made exclusively for the hotel by The Naxos Apothecary next door. They even provide dental kits which is a rarity at most 5-star hotels.

Even though the mini-bar isn’t complimentary, it is well worth trying out the handpicked treats on display. They include Popy’s gourmet popcorn, luxury Leonidas milk chocolate and a dry “Enotria” red from the Douloufakis Winery.

You can’t talk of their hotel without mentioning their outstanding restaurant. They have branches throughout the world including London, New York and Miami. The clean design of the restaurant works perfectly with the rest of the hotel. It was designed by renowned architects, Divercity Architects.

Prominent in the design is an artist’s interpretation of a fisherman’s net on the ceiling. That is a gentle clue to the main focus of their restaurant: supremely fresh seafood. The menu includes signature dishes such as whole fish baked in sea salt and lobster from Nova Scotia either grilled or served with pasta Athenian style.

Even the breakfast buffet is filled with Greek delights. You are served with fresh juice and a break basket including Koulouri, the iconic Greek sesame bread ring. The buffet station has the signature spanakopita. The eggs of your choice cooked to order are served with local tomatoes, cheese and a smattering of olives.

Service is attentive yet discreet and you never have to wait long for any dishes to arrive. They truly embody the Greek philosophy of ‘philoxenia’, which means an act of hospitableness and welcome. Note the in-room dining is 24 hrs and carried out by the kitchen team from estiatorio Milos.

They do offer an ELEMIS SPA Suite, which is all about ‘evexia’, the Greek word for well-being. Their deeply relaxing aromatherapy massage will unwind any modern-day stresses within 60 minutes. They use Mediterranean essential oils including extracts of bitter orange, cardamon and ginger.

The massage begins with inhalation exercises and ends with a mist of Aloe Vera sprayed over the body. I would strongly recommend booking in advance as they only have one SPA suite.

Alternative dining options in the area are in abundance. Most are independently run restaurants that offer a wide variety of cuisines.
Asian food is particularly well-represented in the area.

You can enjoy comforting ramen at So so so! on Apollonos Street and in fact, most of the neighbouring restaurants offer Asian cuisine. If you want high-quality yet casual-dining sushi, there is Akira Japanese restaurant. If you fancy some aromatic Vietnamese food, there is Hanoi Vietnamese restaurant. And finally, baos are all the rage in Athens. You can enjoy very affordable baos at Thess Bao with unusual combinations like their mushroom ‘gyros’ which is served with cannabis oil.

Athens is a truly vibrant city bursting with individuality. Make sure you check out my recommendations when you are next in Greece.

For more information on the hotel, please visit –

https://www.xenodocheiomilos.com/

You might be wondering why Hollywood heavyweights like Kevin Costner and Oprah Winfrey choose to live in Santa Barbara County rather than Los Angeles. And even the likes of Harry and Meghan have chosen to call Montecito home. Much like the French Riviera, the small-city, Mayberry coastal setting is an irresistible attraction. It is popular with surfing aficionados, culture vultures and wine enthusiasts. However, paparazzi are rarely spotted in the region. In this article, we examine why Santa Barbara is ready to blossom, not just for celebrities but for the international tourism scene.

World-class hotels

Hollywood royalty adores discreet five-star hotels and it is no surprise you’ll see the likes of Jane Lynch and Michael Keaton falling in love with Hotel Californian. The ornate Spanish colonial revival architecture along with the Moorish interior from celebrity designer Martyn Lawrence Bullard is a magnet for celebrities. The Mirador Rooftop Deck, which offers panoramic 360-degree views of the Santa Ynez Mountains and the Pacific Ocean is a crowning jewel of the hotel. All of the surrounding buildings are three storeys or lower due to changed building laws post-1925. The stunning Majorelle spa is equally popular with Majorelle blue tiles that are often found in Moroccan designs

The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara is the place for celebrity weddings. Hollywood couples who have celebrated their wedding there include Nick Carter and Lauren Kitt, Fergie and Josh Duhamel, and Travis Barker and Shanna Moakler. The hotel is just slightly outside of downtown Santa Barbara and tucked away on 78 acres of land overlooking the Pacific to offer that seclusion and privacy celebrities require. You can appreciate the beauty of the surroundings by going on a nature hike along the Chumash Nature Trail. They have one of the finest steakhouses in the region with Angel Oak and their newest opening, Bacara Wine Tasting Room is attracting countless plaudits.

Funk Zone

The area by the waterfront has risen like a phoenix from the ashes in recent years. Evolving from decrepit warehouses to the trendiest district of Santa Barbara, it is now home to countless wine-tasting rooms, gourmet restaurants and art galleries. Wine appreciation rather than mere wine consumption is the name of the game here. You are very likely to encounter one of the Baldwin brothers at The Society: State & Mason, the newest wine-tasting room in the zone. Exquisite wines are either paired with tapas-style dishes or innovative truffles from Jessica Foster. Madras curry-flavoured milk chocolate anyone?

The trendy restaurants are equally in demand in this part of town. Blackbird Restaurant pays homage to one of Hollywood’s greatest directors, Alfred Hitchcock, with subtle nods including a photo with Alfred Hitchcock and a seagull on one shoulder and a blackbird on the other. The menu passionately supports local produce from Santa Barbara spiny lobster to Hope Ranch mussels. The cocktails from renowned mixologist Devon Espinosa are not to be missed. On the border of the Funk Zone, you’ll find upscale Mexican cuisine at Santo Mezcal and a meat lover’s paradise at the retro-decorated, Rare Society.

Ganna Walska Lotusland

If Willy Wonka was in the botanical industry instead of confectionery, this is precisely what he might have created. 37 acres of the most fantastical gardens and stunning architecture. Ganna Walska, who used to own the estate until she died in 1984 (aged 96), used to call herself the ‘head gardener’ and ‘enemy of the average’. It is one of the top five gardens in the world in terms of comprehensiveness. The attractions range from the immaculately pruned Japanese Garden to the imposing cactus garden to the priceless cycad garden with plants that date back to the Jurassic period. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are known to be regular visitors and live close by.

Eclectic Museums and attractions

For a city of under 89,000 inhabitants, the museum-to-local population ratio is extremely high. One of their finest is the Santa Barbara Museum of Art . With around 25,000 pieces of distinguished artwork that span over 5,000 years of human creativity, it is no surprise over 150,000 visitors flock to the museum every year. They often have special pop-up exhibitions that highlight lesser-known, yet deserving artists such as Joan Tanner. Her outlandish sculptures made of plastic corrugated roofing sheets, re-bar, cast concrete etc. were displayed earlier in the year. The museum even has Oscar links, thanks to Christopher Plummer who famously won a well-deserved Oscar for Best Supporting Actor in “Beginners”. In the film, he played Paul Chadbourne Mills who was the director of the Santa Barbara Museum of Art and came out as gay later in life at the age of 75.

For family-orientated experiences, there is MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation. The ultra-immersive installations will get your scientific brain motivated whether you are 8 or 80 and is popular with celebrities like Julie Bowen. A visit to historic Stearns Wharf is a must where you’ll find the equally interactive Sea Center. There you can touch an exotic array of marine life from sharks to rays to sea stars. To explore the rich history of the city, there is the Old Mission dating back to 1786, when the Church was building its presence in the area through these settlements. The graceful charm of the Mission has earned it the nickname “Queen of the Missions”. There is also a historic cemetery and mausoleum, a nine-room museum of classical artwork and artefacts, and numerous lush gardens.

Quirky experiences

With the philanthropic nature of the locals, you will be unsurprised to find a cat therapy cafe in the city centre. You can visit for an hour and play with 15-20 free-roaming rescue cats. They also sell apparel as well as help their resident cats find a forever, loving home. Not far away, you’ll find Salt cave Santa Barbara, the largest in North America. There are numerous therapeutic benefits to resting in their crystal cave rooms lined with pink Himalayan salt.

https://santabarbaraca.com/

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

Adventuring in St Lucia

Bamboo rafting

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

Rainforest hike

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

Adventuring in St Lucia

Catamaran cruise

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

Cacoa Sainte Lucie

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

Rum distillery tour

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Punta Gorda

Babcock Ranch Eco Tours

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

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

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

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

Alligator Creek Preserve

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

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

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

Peace River Wildlife Center

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

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

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

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

Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Gardens

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

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

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

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

Englewood Beach

Kayaking through Englewood

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

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

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

An unspoilt beach haven

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

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

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

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

Factbox

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

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

For more information on the region, please visit –

https://www.pureflorida.com/

Don’t let the change of season dim your sparkle. Here’s our guide to the best products and treatments to unlock radiant skin and enhance your wellbeing.

Ditch dull skin

Don’t suffer with dull, grey skin this autumn. Obagi Blue Peel Radiance, is a light chemical peel that will leave you with the kind of glow that has friends wanting to know your beauty secret. A specifically customised treatment, it includes deep pore cleansing, mild exfoliation and moisturisation to help rejuvenate and improve the skins complexion. This peel enhances skin smoothness and skin radiance to reveal tighter, brighter, glowing results. Suitable for most skin types including skin prone to breakouts. Book your skin consultation and appointment at Aquatox for £75.

Get a blissful glow inside and out

Hotpod Yoga is a supercharged hot yoga experience, with some practitioners suggesting that this form of yoga can promote cell renewal and hydrate the skin. By turning up the dial on a typical yoga class, you deepen the effects. Step into the pod and find yourself a million miles from the everyday. The 37°C heat warms the muscles, while the dim lighting, calming aromatherapy scent and immersive music allow your mind to switch off so you can really melt into your practice. Classes are rooted in a Vinyasa flow and are suitable for all levels. Benefits of hot yoga include:

  • Increased flexibility
  • Greater lung capacity and bone mass
  • Burns more calories
  • Helps to manage stress and mood disorders
  • It can improve skin health

Book your nearest class here

A dose of sunshine in a bottle

I’ve often wondered if cult beauty brand Sol de Janeiro is worth the hype. If you are already a fan of the iconic Bum Bum Cream then let me introduce you to the Bum Bum Body Firmeza Oil. Powered by a skin tightening Guarana Caffeine+ complex, this oil is designed to firm and tone the skin as well as decrease puffiness making it great for lymphatic massage. Personally, I like applying it on to damp skin post shower. Its softening, hydrating, and surprisingly for an oil, absorbs quickly without leaving a greasy film. And if you aren’t in the know, then we need to talk about the amazing scent that lingers throughout the day. Notes of pistachio, almond and vanilla combined with salted caramel, and sandalwood will transport you to the powder white sand of Ipanema. I guarantee, this oil will leave your skin silky soft, firm and smooth. As a brand convert, I can confirm it’s worth the hype.

Available at Space NK, RRP £52 for 100ml.

Revive and rejuvenate skin

Bring dry skin back to life with Mio’s Solar Power Sugar Body Scrub, packed with smoothing ingredients for supple and deeply exfoliated skin. After just one use this exfoliating body scrub, my skin was left feeling moisturised with a subtle radiant glow. The Golden Caster Sugar crystals gently removes dead cells from the skin’s surface. A blend of Myrtle and Olive Oil provide protection against antioxidants while Indian Fig extract and Monk’s Pepper Berry, keeps skin feeling hydrated.

Available online, RRP £23.00

For thicker hair and strong nails

Collagen is well known for being an incredible supplement for skin, hair and nails so when Supermodel, Elle McPherson added The Collagen Elixir to her wellness brand WelleCo, I knew it would be a hit. This supplement is a powerful blend of sustainably sourced marine collagen peptides formulated with natural vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, silica and digestive enzymes that work in synergy to help to hydrate from within. The results include healthy, radiant skin, strong nails, thick hair and a healthy body. For that supermodel radiance, sprinkle in your breakfast smoothie or mix with water.

Available from November at WelleCo, RRP £45

Brighten your complexion

Revive the appearance of tired, lifeless complexions with the ESPA hydrating mask. Combining a cooling isotonic cocktail of minerals, electrolytes, and energising natural actives, it will leave parched skin feeling quenched with hydration. This moisture charged mask is a quick and easy way to revitalise dry, dull skin that might be feeling the effects of hectic schedules, central heating or air conditioning.

Available at ESPA, RRP £40.00

Your skin saviour

E45 Lips & Dry Skin Balm instantly nourishes, and effectively moisturises chapped lips and patches of dry skin on the face, body, and hands. This multi-purpose balm can be used as frequently as needed, simply apply to the affected area for instant and long-lasting nourishment. The pocket-sized tube is ideal for on-the-go use and, whilst satisfyingly rich in texture, leaves no greasy residue.

Fragrance free and suitable for even the most irritated and sensitive of skins it is formulated with a unique blend of ingredients to protect and hydrate, this multi-purpose skin saviour is brimming with nourishing oils, vitamin E and softening emollients.

Available from Superdrug and Boots, RRP £6.99