Author: TheSpaTraveller

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…

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Here is a Pilates glossary that includes some common terms used in Pilates practice: Pilates: A physical fitness system developed by Joseph Pilates that focuses on strengthening and lengthening muscles, improving posture and flexibility, and enhancing mind-body awareness. Core: The muscles of the abdomen, lower back, and hips that provide stability and support to the spine. Matwork: The practice of Pilates exercises performed on a mat, using body weight and minimal equipment. Reformer: A Pilates equipment that uses springs and pulleys to provide resistance for Pilates exercises. Cadillac: A Pilates apparatus that consists of a table with a frame above…

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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…

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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…

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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.…

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In the relaxation room with… Susan Harmsworth MBE, founder of the ESPA range of skincare products, has built up a global spa consultancy which manages spas from Beijing to Bali and Dubai to Delhi What books or magazines do you read after a treatment? For me, spa time is about relaxing, so I don’t like to read anything too challenging – magazines and a little ‘chick lit’ perhaps. Quite often I simply spend time calming my mind by meditating and reflecting. What soothing music do you listen to when visiting a spa? It has to be very slow and calming,…

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Spa spot: Spring 2023 Where are we? The spa name is derived from the Greek word for rejuvenation and encapsulates the underlying aim of the spa, total revitalization of body and spirit in accordance with the ancient Greek maxim “a healthy mind in a healthy body”. Located next to the Ionian Sea coastline of The Dunes Beach, this is a prime sustainable destination in the Mediterranean, offering a full range of specialty treatments based on health and beauty practices of ancient Greece, utilizing the area’s exclusive natural and revitalizing ingredients, as well as products from around the globe. Treatments are…

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Daios Cove Luxury Resort and Villas – a Greek spa idyll By Chantal Borciani When it’s grey and cold at home, there is nothing quite like a sunny spa getaway. And as I sink into the cocoon of cloud-soft towels for my first 60-minute relax and renew massage at Daios Cove’s Anne Semonin Spa, the stresses and chills of home feel light years away. I’ve travelled to Daios Cove for a rejuvenating few days in the sun. It’s an easy 50-minute transfer from Heraklion airport to the stunning five-star resort on the north-eastern coast of Crete and as we wind…

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PENNY McCORMICK discovers a burgeoning spa scene in Northern Ireland. There’s a real buzz about Belfast these days. Undoubtedly since the Titanic Museum opened in 2012 the city has drawn a lot of visitors but so too have fans of Game of Thrones been flocking to Northern Ireland. Images: Courtesy featured spa and hotel Central to the renaissance of Belfast’s tourist scene has been The Merchant Hotel which offers boutique-style accommodation, a thriving Afternoon Tea scene as well as late night jazz bar and also a luxe spa opened four years ago. I stayed in the hotel (a converted bank…

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Spa days at the Aqua Sana Woburn Forest Images: Courtesy Center Parcs The spa at Center Parcs offers truly relaxing experience with six nature-inspired spas to journey through and is the first of its kind in Europe. Center Parcs short break guests are now able to book a spa session and treatments as part of their stay. Evolved from the award-winning spas currently at Center Parcs’ other four Villages, Aqua Sana Woburn Forest is just 50 minutes from London St Pancras by train making it the perfect spa destination for Spa Day visitors and Luxury Spa Break guests alike. Aqua…

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