Author: TheSpaTraveller

The world’s top 10 luxurious spa break experiences  Janet Brice reveals some hidden gems for city spa days and rural spa breaks, from the urban jungle’s of New York and London to a royal retreat in Africa and secluded hideaway on Ian Fleming’s favourite Jamaican island… ROYAL MALEWANE, KRUGER NATIONAL PARK, SOUTH AFRICA Smart, sophisticated with all the thrills of banging about in the bush. The eight colonial rooms are outrageously extravagant (antiques, canopies, king-sized beds, Victorian baths) and the food is incredible. Singer Elton John even had the wholemeal bread flown home to him after his idyllic stay in…

The ultimate spa traveller experience JANET BRICE travels to Messinia to experience oleotherapy inspired by traditional Greek recipes using olive oil at the at the eco-friendly and award-winning Anazoe Spa at Costa Navarino How far would you travel to a spa? As I begin to relax into my olive oil and honey facial the three-and-a-half hour flight from London to Greece seems to melt away as I reflect on my first day at one of Europe’s most exciting new spa resorts. Costa Navarino, in Messinia, is exactly what spa travelling is designed for; it offers Anazoe Spa which is a…

The world’s top eco-friendly spas JANET BRICE discovers green retreats from Costa Rica to Australia where you can languish in a lagoon warmed by the nearby volcano, relax in a French-style chateau deep in a Malaysian rainforest or bubble in a hot tub perched on a Cornish cliff top… Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat, Australia According to actor Hugh Jackson “The Spa Sanctuary at Gwinganna, Australia, is quite simply world class. “One feels simultaneously immersed in nature and indulgent luxury,” said actor Hugh Jackman Fresh air, pristine water and the oldest rainforests in the world make this continent an exquisite location for…

Yoga, Pilates, and Body Balance are all physical practices that aim to improve flexibility, strength, balance, and overall wellbeing. However, there are some differences between them: Yoga: Yoga is an ancient practice that combines physical postures, breathing techniques, meditation, and relaxation. It has many different styles, such as Hatha, Vinyasa, Ashtanga, and Yin. Yoga focuses on building strength, flexibility, and balance, while also promoting relaxation and mindfulness. Pilates: Pilates is a modern form of exercise developed in the early 20th century by Joseph Pilates. It involves a series of controlled movements that target the deep muscles of the abdomen and…

Zest of wellness JANET BRICE discovers the spa retreat of the future in a modern-day Italian lemon house known as Lefay Resort & Spa, Lake Garda… I pride myself on my sense of direction but after trailing through the tranquil spa for the seventh time, as I ventured back and forth from my suite, I thought it was about time I checked the map as I didn’t want to disturb fellow spa-goers. But on careful inspection I discovered the spa at eco-friendly Lefay Resort, which sits neatly above the majestic Lake Garda in 27 acres of national parkland, is actually the…

A body balance class typically includes a series of exercises that focus on improving flexibility, balance, strength, and relaxation. The specific exercises and their order may vary depending on the instructor and the class format, but here are some common elements that you might find in a body balance class: Warm-up: The class may begin with some light cardio exercises to warm up the body and increase blood flow. Yoga-inspired poses: Body balance classes often incorporate yoga-inspired poses to improve flexibility and balance. These may include standing poses, seated poses, and poses that require you to balance on one leg.…

Asana: A physical posture or pose in yoga. Pranayama: Breathing techniques in yoga that help to control and direct the flow of breath. Bandha: Internal locks or contractions in the body used in yoga to direct energy flow. Chakra: Energy centers in the body that correspond to different physical and emotional states. Dharma: The underlying purpose or duty of an individual in life, according to yoga philosophy. Drishti: A focal point used in yoga to help maintain concentration and balance. Hatha yoga: A physical branch of yoga that focuses on asana, pranayama, and meditation techniques. Jnana yoga: The yoga path…

Feeling gilty! ANNABEL KANTARIA experiences the world’s most luxurious facial at Dubai’s stunning Jumeirah Zabeel Saray “A wrinkle is no more than a lack of collagen on the skin,” says therapist-to-the-stars Margie Lombard, creator of exclusive skincare brand Margy’s Monte Carlo. She tells me this as I lie back on a treatment bed ready to experience the 90-minute Margy’s Prestige Collagen Facial (Botox Effect) followed by the über-luxe Gold Mask Treatment, the latter of which is available only at Margy’s in Monte Carlo and at the Talise Spa in the Jumeirah Zabeel Saray on Dubai’s Palm Jumeirah. And, as celebrity facial…

A Digital Detox in a Spa with Space David van der Meulen takes some ‘time out’ to digital detox and find solace in Ontario, Canada… I was looking for a digital detox and spa with space for some much needed ‘rejuvenation time’ and that’s exactly what Ste. Anne’s Spa Retreat offered. Sitting under a 200-year-old Maple tree, the blue shadows of Lake Ontario rippling in the distance and the fragrance of lavender drifting in from the nearby fields I finally relaxed as I sipped a glass of lemon and cucumber water while waiting to be called for my milk and sesame…

LEFAY RESORT & SPA DOLOMITI The Dolomites, Italy The recently opened… Lefay Resort & SPA Dolomiti opened its doors to the mountain air last summer. Nestling within a UNESCO World Heritage site this is one of the most exciting new spa openings of 2019. One of the largest spas in the Alps, the new resort stands in the ski area of Madonna di Campiglio, in Pinzolo, the largest town in the Rendena Valley. It follows on from the success of eco-friendly Lefay Resort & SPA Lago di Garda. The spa runs over four levels: the wellness area for families with a…