Celebrate your Love at the Longevity Wellness Resort Monchique! With unique stunning views, the spacious and comfortable suites allow you to enjoy relaxing and romantic moments for two, in total privacy, and in a natural environment full of tranquillity – the perfect place for special occasions – Dating Anniversary, Marriage Proposal, Wedding, Wedding Night, Honeymoon, Wedding Anniversary, … Nature in all its splendour …

Longevity in Love

• 1 night accommodation in a spacious and relaxing Suite Coastal View
• Upgrade to a Suite Coastal View with Garden Terrace (subject to availability)
• Sparkling Wine and Berries in the Suite upon arrival
• Continental Breakfast in the Suite
• Access to the wet areas of the Longevity Medical Spa (Sauna, Turkish Bath, Sensation Showers, Indoor Heated Pool and Gym)
• Decoration with rose petals and aromatic candles “Love Passion”
• Late check out (subject to availability)

Romance by Longevity

• 2 nights’ accommodation in a spacious and relaxing Suite Coastal View
• Upgrade to a Suite Coastal View with Garden Terrace (subject to availability)
• Sparkling Wine and Berries in the Suite upon arrival
• Continental Breakfast in the Suite
• Access to the wet areas of the Longevity Medical Spa (Sauna, Turkish Bath, Sensation Showers, Indoor Heated Pool and Gym)
• 1 Candle light dinner in the Suite (excluding drinks and service)
• Decoration with rose petals and aromatic candles “Love Passion”
• Late check out (subject to availability)

Call 0840 243 1972 or email : info@sanctuaryspaholidays.co.uk for more information

Recognizing this, we here at Sanctuary Spa Holidays are offering a rest-bite for those feeling the strain in 2012 with exclusive packages to de-stress retreats in a range of exotic, long-haul destinations:

Healthy Healing in India

The Somatheeram Ayurvedic Beach Resort in Kerela, India offers the ultimate stress management programme. Its ‘Manasanthy’ package cleverly combines yoga, meditation, Ayurveda therapy and herbal medicines to alleviate the symptoms and disorders created by stress such as migraines, asthma, hypertension and heart disease.

Kamalaya Relax and Renew in Thailand

Kamalaya  Koh Samui in Thailand focuses on the holistic methods of addressing mind, body and spirit. By assessing the strengths and weaknesses of the body through consultations combined with physical analysis, reiki and meditation,  this relax and renew package adds a new dimension to the physical examinations which most often appear as normal, despite feelings of unease, tiredness and lack of energy. Experience a range of therapies drawn from diverse healing traditions and a variety of holistic activities to de-stress, replenish depleted energy levels and boost the immune system.

Ayurvedic Treatments at The Award Winning Ananda

The Ananda Spa Retreat situated in the foothills of the Himalayas is the perfect setting to sooth away stress. Based on the concepts of Yoga, Meditation, Pranayama and Ayurveda, the Ananda Stress Management Programme guides guests through various mind and body techniques in order to create positive changes by reducing and managing stress. Treatments include ayurvedic and wellness consultations, hot and cold stone therapy, reflexology, aromatherapy massage, personalised fitness, yoga and meditation sessions.

For more information and bookings contact Sanctuary Spa Holidays.

On arrival at the Longevity Wellness Resort, these professionals will design your personal programme including physical exercise, body treatments and special meals tailored to meet your individual needs.

Dr Chauchard’s exclusive 15 days Fast Slimming and Detox program specially designed for weight and health management is ideal for anyone in need of quick results in re-balancing and reshaping.
Program includes:

• 14 nights accommodation in spacious, comfortable and fully fitted suites with breathtaking views over Monchique hills and Algarve coastline.
• Nutrition and Fitness plan.
• Meal Plan according to profile during the stay ( up to 5 meals a day).
• Access to the gym and wet areas of the SPA – Sauna, Turkish Bath, Sensation Showers and Indoor Heated Pool.*
• Access to the daily activities of the Longevity Vitality Plan, which promotes body revitalization and entertainment  – morning and afternoon walks in Monchique trails ( several difficulty levels), stretching, pilates, aquafan, aquafit and cinema nights.**
• Wireless internet access in public areas and wired access in all suites.
• Medical SPA Program, as per below description:

• 3 Preventative Medicine Consultations
• 1 Biochemistry Basic Evaluation
• 2 Biophysical Evaluations (Initial and Final)
• 2 Nutrition Consultations
• 2 Anti Oxidant Detoxifying Therapies (IV)
• 2 Oxygen Therapies (Inhalation)
• 4 Personal Training Sessions
• 4 Pressotherapies
• 2 Brush Up Skin
• 1 Longevity Body Scrub with Sea Salts and Citrus
• 2 Detox Ocean Bath
• 3 Cellutox Aroma Ocean Wraps
• 1 Muscle Melt
• 2 Longevity Relaxing Massage Rituals

*Access to the Longevity Medical Spa is only allowed to 16 years old and over.
** Access to the activities is only allowed to 16 years old and over.

For an ultimate spa holiday experience at Longevity Wellness Resort, please visit www.sanctuaryspaholidays.co.uk or call 0870 243 1972

The exclusive Rasa wing takes high-end to another elevation with its decadent suites – while the rest of the resort welcomes children, this area is adults-only.And did we mention the gardens? Palms, plumeria and bird of paradise create a lush enclave for the winding, partially shaded naturalistic swimming pool. A thin stretch of beach borders the gardens. As you’d expect, the hotel’s Chi Spa is the most posh on Penang Island and is housed in 11 serene villas surrounded by lush plants. There’s a yoga studio with regular yoga and meditation classes as well as a spa shop where you can shop for bath goodies to bring home. There are also tennis courts, a putting green and several restaurants. The service is the perfect balance of professionalism and easygoing friendliness.

CHI, The Spa at Shangri-La draws inspiration from the origins of the Shangri-La legend, a place of personal peace, enchantment and well-being.

Set within a secluded corner of the resort enclosed by soaring centuries-old rain trees and beside a tranquil seashore, CHI, The Spa offers 11 spa villas and a yoga pavilion exuding serenity, peace and solitude.  Decorated in distinctive CHI style, the spa design also incorporates indigenous Malay and Peranakan influences in its rich timber wood flooring and stone walls.  The spa menu includes Chinese and Malay treatments.  Each of the spacious villas is equipped with a private changing room, a treatment room and a private garden, all surrounded by 30 acres of lush gardens.  Outdoor rain showers are available in selected villas.

In traditional Chinese philosophy, “chi” or “Qi” is the universal life force that governs well-being and personal vitality.  For people to maintain good health, it is believed that “chi” must flow freely within the body and, when blocked, “disease” and illness follow.  Movement is therefore a key element in releasing blockages.  Body massage, exercise, stretching, hydrotherapy, and movement of the mind through relaxation and meditation combine to assist the body’s natural renewal and form the basis of the CHI spa philosophy.

REJUVENATE AT LONGEVITY MEDICAL SPA BY LA CLINIQUE DE PARIS

LONGEVITY WELLNESS RESORT MONCHIQUE

Stress isn’t something you have to accept as a part of modern life. We feel it in our bodies, we talk about it with our friends and we blame it for standing in the way of our happiness. But do we do anything about it? In fact, ignoring it can take real toll on your health.

Stress is one of the main factors that drags you down, and you will not fully refreshed until yo have source of it in your life. Stress is a term used to describe the symptoms produced when you are under excessive pressure. To some degree, its true that certain amount of stress is necessary to meet life’s challenge in the modern world,  but too much is harmful and can leave you tired, irritable and tense. Once you understand the psychological effects stress on every part of our body, you will be motivated to stop accepting it as part of life.

During high intensity stress, hormonal changes cause your body concentration to become highly focused.  The symptoms of stress result from high levels of circulating  stress hormones, such as adrenaline, which literally put your system in the state of  ’red alert’ . This results in blood sugar levels rising to provide energy, bowels emptying to make you lighter for running, pupils dilating to help you see better , respiratory rate going up so that more oxygen enters your circulation, pulse and blood pressure increasing so that more oxygen and nutrients flow to important organs and tissues and the circulation decreasing to some parts of the body so that more blood could be diverted to muscles. If you lived in the days of the caveman, the stress response might have saved your life. Changes occurring in the body help primitive man the strength to fight a predator, or flee and escape harmful situations. For the caveman, once the danger was over, the system returned to normal level but nowadays, you rarely need to fight, flee and the effects of stress build up inside you rather than getting burned off through sudden burst of physical activity.

Most of us have our personal way of reacting to stress. Some cry, others overeat, some become irritable and cranky. One of the best way to identify source of stress in your life is keep a stress diary. This involves writing down everything that makes you feel stressed, noting how you respond and how you remedy the situation to help stop the stress returning. Think about your habits and consider if any are making it worse. At the end of the week go back to the diary and try to identify the main sources of stress, how much control you have over them, and steps you can take to reduce their effects.

Exercising is a great stress reliever. Exercise will burn off stress hormones, improve your fitness level, contribute to optimum health and help you feel energized.  Stress can change your breathing patter, use refreshing breathing exercises to refresh your breathing in situation where you feel stresses. For mental focus try yoga practice – 60-90 minutes practice will really make you feel great. A quick and refreshing exercise is a Chinese technique called the inner smile. It takes only few minute and brings rapid relaxation and rejuvenation help leave tension behind.  Try aromatherapy massage as it is a pleasant way of relaxing tense muscles and easing stress and oil can be inhaled to freshen your mind and improve clarity. A number of complimentary therapies can be used for their balancing actions.

The Best Service Provider is one of four overarching categories, and Kamalaya was pitched against 43 other entrants including Day, Resort, Destination and Medical Spas to win the Best Service Provider Award – Spa Category. Other categories include Best Exporter, Best Thai-Owned Brand and Design Excellence Award. The Prime Minister’s Export Award (PM Export Award) was initiated in 1992 by the then Thai Prime Minister, and is the Thai government’s highest official award annually granted to outstanding Thai exporters of products and services, showcasing and acknowledging their top quality and high standards. The Awards are designed to raise the competitive ability of Thai products and services and maintain their sustainability and recognition in international markets.

“We honour the very best that we have – our best exporters, manufacturers, producers and service providers – for their commitment to excellence and especially their exemplary achievements”, said Her Excellency H.E. Ms. Yingluck Shinawatra, the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand.

“Thailand continues to gain more and more recognition on the world stage for its contribution to the spa and wellness industry and we are delighted to be at the forefront of that,” says Karina Stewart, co-Founder of Kamalaya. Karina continues, “It is with enormous gratitude to all our supporters both in Thailand and around the world that we accept this award and pledge to continue to raise the bar in terms of providing service to our guests.”

Kamalaya is located amid a lush, tropical landscape on the southern coast of Koh Samui, Thailand. The resort integrates healing practices and treatments from East and West, a beautiful natural environment, inspired healthy cuisine, customised programs and wellness retreats to offer a unique concept in personal wellbeing and holistic lifestyle possibilities.

For bookings and enquiries please visit www.sanctuaryspaholidays.co.uk or call 0870 243 1972.

Simon Leadsford (Publishing Director of Condé Nast Traveller) with Eve and Craig Barnard (President and Founder of The BodyHoliday)

1^st September 2011 - The BodyHoliday was last night crowned the Best Destination Spa in the World at the prestigious Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Travel Award.

This is the second award this year for The BodyHoliday having won “Favourite Spa” at the Condé Nast Traveller Readers Spa Awards earlier this year. Considered by many as the travel bible, the Readers’ Traveller Awards is based on readers’ votes on criteria including spa facilities, individual approach, ambience/design, body and facial treatments, amenities and products, exercise programmes, cuisine, as well as quality of service and staff, which highlights the finest spots to relax in the UK as well as around the globe including the best hotel spas, spa retreats, day spas and thermal spas, with the highest scorers then making it into the World’s top 25.

On receiving the award at The Royal Institute of Great Britain, President and Founder Craig Barnard said, “We are thrilled to receive our second award this year from such a major and influential travel magazine. We are especially pleased that the accolade comes directly from the readers, we work very hard to exceed our guests’ expectations and it is very rewarding to see this recognised. I look forward to welcoming guests, returning and new, from the start of October to see the extensive renovations which we are all very excited about. The BodyHoliday continues to deliver on its promise – give us your body for a week and we’ll give you back your mind.”

The BodyHoliday reopens at the start of October following a three month close for a £10million transformation of its public spaces, including an upgrade of the Wellness Centre, to create a more luxurious experience for guests. The BodyHoliday will be hosting various events on resort including Octoba Yoga – a month dedicated to yoga classes and courses; and the November WellFit Retreat – a week of intensive fitness training and workshops with Olympic legend Daley Thompson and former Gladiator Kate Staples.

For more information please call Sanctuary Spa Holidays on 0870 243 1972 or visit www.sanctuaryspaholidays.co.uk

Rajesh Ramani, Spiritual Teacher and Life Skills Trainer, recently joined the team at Kamalaya Wellness Sanctuary and Holisitc Spa, Winner of the Award for Enduring Excellence at the Tatler Spa Awards 2010 and Destination Spa of the Year in the Asia Spa Awards 2010.

Here he talks to us about stress management and personal mentoring – a key element of Kamalaya’s Stress & Burnout programmes – and why we are increasingly seeking this kind of therapy.

“In order to manage stress, first of all we need to understand it.  Whether it is in our work, family life or relationships stress is a natural mechanism of the body and mind. On a physical level, the body’s reaction to stress is protective as seen in an animal’s fight or flight response.  Normal levels of stress include pain and hunger and are required for growth and progress.  Even in work and relationships normal levels of stress are constructive and encourage us to perform to our best both physically and mentally.

Normal stress can be solved through rest, breathing and meditation, or by simply enjoying yourself, reading and having fun. But beyond constructive stress is destructive and self-created stress which can manifest as inner conflict, destructive and hurting value systems and illogical decisions and habits.  These conflicts create stress that we make for ourselves where it needn’t be.  Beliefs of not being good enough or unattainable perfection can result, leading to a downward spiral of mounting stress.

So how do we become free of stress?  At Kamalaya our Stress & Burnout programmes use a combination of stress management – physical processes that can help to reduce stress and its effects including stress releasing exercises and breath work; and stress dissolution – an inner journey that addresses the root of the stress and where it was created.  It’s by discovering these stress triggers and through this dual approach of management and dissolution that we can break destructive habits and patterns, enabling us to achieve a new balance between constructive and destructive value systems and bringing our lives back into harmony emotionally, mentally and physically.”

Click here to find out about Stress & Burnout Programmes at Kamalaya

White, brown and orange walls predominate with brightly coloured decorative tiles and touches of gold here and there creating a most pleasing Moroccan style.  And this style follows through into the spa area and the treatment rooms themselves. As you arrive at this lovely retreat with its sea view on one side and mountain view on the other, the first thing you will notice is the absolute peace and quite out here.

The retreat has six open-air salas of Thai massage and detox center features four air-conditioned suites for everything else. If you are coming here to be pampered, I thoroughly recommend you try one of the Specialty massage treatment- Tropical Indulgence – promises to: ‘Relax you to bliss with our four hand massage whilst two therapists work together in a synchronized rhythm and pressure to soothe out all your tensions knots and lull you to sleep.’ And it delivers!   All the treatments here are carried out by anatomically trained therapist who have all been to the prestigious Chiva Som and Thai Lama academy.

Absolute Sanctuary offers three, five and seven day Detox holidays programs ranging from full fasting to light vegetarian meals involving daily colon hydrotherapy sessions ( if desired), detox drinks, nutritional supplements, and yoga classes.  Plus there are various rejuvenate packages als available.And with eight  private colon hydrotherapy rooms, three full-time trained nurses to assist, and a resident wellness consultant, Absolute Sanctuary runs a highly professional service.

For an ultimate spa holidays experience, please visit www.sanctuaryspaholidays.co.uk

Our Lifehouse wellness experience needs to serve a purpose, whether to help you physically, mentally, spiritually or all of these at once! We want you to enjoy what you are doing, to enrich your knowledge and even evolve your lifestyle in some way to help improve your fitness. At Lifehouse fitness is not about gym-style fitness training, the ‘no pain, no gain’ mantra. Our fitness experts will ask you how you wish to engage in movement or what level of fitness you want to achieve. This may be for a generally active life, for a body-building competition or simply for using the stairs instead of the lift. Our philosophy is that anything that encourages a form of exercise for muscle groups whilst raising the heart rate is fitness therapy and helps promotes a good state of general health.

You may be keen to improve your health, but could have a negative perception of how a gym looks, feels and functions: a soulless environment packed with row upon row of heavy equipment, where exhausted people push themselves through repetitive sets of fun-sapping exercises. At Lifehouse we offer you something different, come and see our Playground…it really does what it says on the tin.�
Let’s play and get fit at the same time – it’s playtime after all!�

Remember the Lifehouse fitness philosophy:

The goal of training, in general, is to emphasize the transfer of fitness gained from exercise into improved performance in your sport or daily activities.

The concept that “the body knows movements, not muscles” is a switch away from traditional machine-based strength training, which focused on isolating muscles.

Lifehouse training techniques are designed to engage the body as a single coordinated system.

Movement patterns fundamental to most human activities can be recreated, and trained through repetition in the playground to enhance your movement in life. This I believe is pure definition of functional training.

Your body is your machine.

Observe the following key principles and come and ask the fitness team some questions!

1. Stand to train

2. Perform integrated exercises

3. Train in 3D

4. Maximise your function

Spring is the traditional season for having a good clean–out! It is also the ideal time to consider a detox spa holiday or cleanse.

Spring cleaning the house and opening all the windows and doors allows fresh air in which feels wonderfully rejuvenating.  Recycling unwanted clothing, old books, toys and electrical items is very satisfying and creates space for the new. The same applies to our bodies. It is natural for the body’s system to tune in with the rhythm of nature and re-charge after the dark winter months.

Detoxification is simply the elimination of toxins from the body, a process which occurs quite happily on a daily basis. However, with modern day living a little extra help is sometimes needed.  Even the healthiest of us will have toxins residing in our bodies, which we take in from food, drink and our environment. These can all serve to compromise our body’s ability to function at optimal levels.  Typical symptoms include dark circles under the eyes, bloating, poor skin tone, bad breath, weight gain, headaches, infertility and insomnia to name a few!

Many people who have cleansed delight at their increased energy and vitality. They also report  feeling less stressed and anxious with increased mental focus, improved concentration as well as enhanced sleeping patterns.  In addition there is the physical bonus of weight-loss, glowing skin, shiny hair and bright eyes!

Do I need to Detox?

If the answer is yes to the majority of these questions then perhaps a detox is the answer!

1)      Do you feel tired even when you have had a long night’s sleep?

2)      Do you feel nauseous at the thought of breakfast?

3)      Do you have dark under-eye circles?

4)      Are you often bloated or constipated?

5)      Do you often feel lethargic and low in energy?

6)      Do you have food sensitivities?

7)      Do you suffer from dry skin, psoriasis or eczema?

8)      Do you experience headaches or mood swings?

9)      Do you rarely break into a sweat?

A proper cleanse can take time and is best started under the supervision of a health professional.

At Lifehouse we have recently launched ‘The Lifehouse Cleanse’.  A package that includes a daily regime of cleansing juices, smoothies, soups, broths and salads as well as a personal detox kit, wellness consultation, spa detox treatments, unlimited use of the spa thermal area, gym and group activity schedule. Subject to a minimum 2 night stay.

Let Lifehouse make it easy!

Consider a detox at Lifehouse so that you can feel all bright and shiny both inside and out.      

A source close to the star told the Daily Mirror newspaper: “Rob suffers from crippling anxiety and has been worried about the lads’ forthcoming concerts. A friend suggested Bikram yoga to refocus his pent up energy and handle stress more effectively.”

Robbie has reportedly been attending Bikram yoga sessions for the last three months, which see him strike a number of meditative poses in a room heated to 40 degrees centigrade.

The source added: “After a couple of sessions he was hooked – and sweating like a wildebeest. While the others have stuck to the gym or pool, Robbie’s been using meditation and yoga to help his stage fright and to keep sane on tour.”

He said: “I’m not the kind of person who can do nine months. I can do two months solid, not a problem. But nine months – I’m not built for it. I go loopy. “But mentally, all I’m projecting is very positive, all I can see is it being healthy and happy and an amazing show.”

Many spa holidays comprising yoga classes and pampering treats are now available to book with Sanctuary Spa Holidays.   Shreyas Wellness Retreat (Bangalore, India) is renowned as one of the world finest yoga venues, with group and personalised yoga programs available and an exclusive star hotel to relax in afterwards.  Absolute Sanctuary , Koh Samui opened in April 2008 and has become a popular destination not only for detox and yoga holidays in Thailand but also as a yoga teacher training & retreat center

Pilates has recently enjoyed an explosion of popularity but its success is based not on a transient whim of fashion, but rather on a positive experiences of the people who have benefited from Pilates first – hand. Gone were their backaches, sore necks and strained muscles – Pilates had re-educated their mind and bodies to work in such a way that was sympathetic to their anatomy.

Modern world is constructed in order to maximise leisure time and minimise physical activity. Exercise that in the past was an integral part of life, such as walking and household tasks requiring exertion, has been supplanted by machines and cars. Since we do not walk as much or perform other physical strenuous tasks, we now need to take conscious steps to ensure that we exercise our bodies in our leisure time.

Pilates (pronounced pil -lah – teez) is a modern system of body maintenance named  after its inventor, Joseph H. Pilates. He defined it as a complete coordination of body, mind and spirit. What differentiates Pilates from other forms of exercise is its holistic approach and its combined training of mind and body to achieve correct postural alignment. Pilates considers the entire body, rather than targeting problem areas. When practising Pilates its also important to remember that the process is more important that the result – the aim is not to achieve a culturally accepted body but rather one which is naturally aligned.

The key elements of Pilates

• lengthening short muscles and strengthening weak muscles
• improving the quality of movement
• focusing on the core postural muscles to stabilize the body
• working to place the breath correctly
• controlling even the smallest movements
• understanding and improving good body mechanics
• mental relaxation

Many of the Spa Holidays we offer include Pilates classes. Have a look at the Aphrodite Hills Resort and Spa, Cyprus or  Como Shambhala Estate, Bali. These Luxury Spa Resorts provide an excellent opportunity to get inspired by experts and specialists to discover more about yourself and balanced living.

If grass root massage feels too gritty for you and if you are looking for a luxurious spa experience, check out the Six Senses Sanctuary, Phuket. Its a first wellness retreat created by Six Senses and creates the opportunity to offer Wellness through the complete assimilation of Spa, Holistic Fitness and Integrative Health. Its Spa is perfect for those hungry a wellness infusion of nutrition, yoga, T’chi and meditation.

Six Senses has a passionate ecological ethos and one particular feature of Six Senses Sanctuary in Phuket is that all the landscaping is edible. Fruits, vegetables and herbs are all being grown in a fully organic manner without the use of non-organic pesticides, under thier own supervision.

Those looking to kick start a healthy lifestyle can also combine yoga, massage and wellness at Phuket’s JW Marriott Resort and Spa which overlooks the Andaman Sea on the 17-kilometre-long Mai Khao Beach. Its extensive landscaped gardens harbour reflection and lily ponds, coconut palms and rock walls, while the property itself features ornate Thai-style roofing and combines traditional style with contemporary lines and the utmost attention to service and comfort.

The Mandara Spa covers more than 1,000-square metres, and offers a wealth of treatments, while there is also a fitness centre, teak Thai wellness sala for meditation and yoga, and many other activities and water sports to try. The spacious rooms and suites all feature garden or ocean view balconies, and all have indoor Thai salas with twin massage mats, plus rich silk fabrics and polished dark wood flooring. Dine on healthy spa dishes, authentic north Italian cuisine, the best of pan-Asian and Japanese flavours and succulent seafood while gazing at the rippling ocean.

Exercises, that slow and deepen the breathing bring a ‘feel – good’ factor to the body, while also relaxing and resting the mind. Yoga practice releases tension in the physical body and also frees obstructions in the nadis, or energy channels.  It is important to choose a posture that is comfortable and sustainable. The traditional postures for meditation such as the yoga poses of Padmasana (lotus posture) or Virasana (hero posture), hold the body in stillness on a stable foundation, while allowing energy to flow freely along the spine as start to turn our focus inward. The classical yoga asanas are designed to promote strength, balance, breath and focus. This makes them ideal exercises for all the koshas, and an excellent preparation for the meditation. Vrksasana -tree posture (above) is one of the classic yoga postures used in preparation for meditation practice.

The traditional position for meditation practice is to sit with the knees out to each side. This creates a pyramid with a firm triangular base so that it is difficult to topple over and easy to keep the spine erect, even when you are totally engrossed in inner experiences. Sitting with spine erect allows flow energy between the ‘heaven’ (light) and ‘earth’ (life) poles of our being. Energy needs to flow smoothly up and down through the physical spine and energy channels of the subtle bod, so that the brain and breathing function optimally and the chakras are balanced and full of vitality. An erect spine is quite easy to maintain if the right props are used to begin with and the right exercises are performed regularly to strengthen the muscles that hold the spine erect and open the hip joints.  However, in Western society people seldom sit in this position.

Focusing on the breath is a universal technique for enlightenment and healing, and many traditions use breathing practices wither as a way to prepare for meditation of as meditation techniques for themselves. The technique of holding the breath – either in or out , safely requires one to one teaching, but becoming aware of the breathing process and directing the flow of the breath is within the capacity of everyone. Slowing down the breathing and lengthening the  breath out switches the nervous system into its peaceful happy mode, allowing stress  to be dissolved and rest, digestion, absorption and healing to take place at every level of five koshas.

Relaxation is quite different from mediation and should not be confused with each other. Relaxation practices are done lying down in as comfortable  a position as possible. Western psychotherapists usually favor a reclining position because there technique require client to be relaxed as they follow a guided visualization or answer questions from the past.  Meditation practices takes us deeper than this, with the mind quietly focused on a single object.

The most  external levels of our being are our physical body and our energy flow. Through a sequence of gentle movements and techniques that foster awareness of the breath, we can bring both these levels into a state of harmony, so that we can sit comfortably and peacefully for meditation practice.

Essential oils are often referred to as the ’soul’ of a plant. They are produced by tiny glands in the petal of flowers, in the wood, stems and barks of trees, and in the skins of many fruits. Each oils is composed of at least 100 different chemical constituents, which are categorized as aldehydes, oxides, ketones, phenoles, esters, terpenes and alcohols. Oils have individual characteristics and when blended the different chemicals together produce a specific property – such a relaxing, uplifting or sedative  and a distinct aroma. About 300 oils are known for their healing powers, and more are continually being discovered. However, all are not used in aromatherapy.

The reasons for blending essential oils are to incorporate their different healing properties and create a particular aroma. There are no strict rules about blending , which is why aromatherapy can be a wonderful path of discovery. It is always a good idea to smell the oil before being massaged as we all have our own unique body odor which is governed by wide range of factors and same oil may smell differently on two different people.

When the massage is combined with aromatherapy, the scents of the essential oils can themselves assist in relaxation, helping to re balance the emotional tension that often leads to muscle tension. An aromatherapy massage is performed more slowly and lightly, than traditional massage. It can take anything from few minutes to couple of hours for the oils to be absorbed into the body, depending on a person;s state of health and the amount of fatty tissue.

Which ever oil you use for your massage, they will certainly help yo u to relax, while at the same time revitalizing and healing – the natural way.

It was our 10^th wedding anniversary and we wanted it to be particularly romantic, tranquil, preferably in a sunny, warm environment and not far from an international airport. We are both huge fans of wine so the combination of Portugal and wine made perfect sense. That’s how we came across Aquapura Douro Valley, the most delightful discovery since we got married. We landed in the surprisingly modern Oporto International Airport and were driven in a super comfortable private transfer to Port wine territory. 100 km of terraced land, vineyards, pine and olive trees and amazing perspectives over a lazy, shining river running through narrow canyons. The first glimpse of the hotel is of a patch of dark orange against a background of lush green woodland and thick river bends. Mesmerizing! We were very nicely received with a cup of iced tea and a steaming towel to clean our tired hands. How pleasant that was! This feeling of being welcomed and of being thoroughly looked after remained from the beginning to the end of our stay. It started with the impossibly comfortable, sleek bedroom we were assigned and continued through our first dinner at the Almapura restaurant. A perfect, intimate, delectable meal by candlelight followed by a stroll by the swimming pool and through terraced gardens under a pitch black sky with a very visible Milky Way! The next two days were as wonderful as the first one as we visited various aristocratic wine producing estates, where we were welcomed by the owners and taken to wineries rich in history and stories to try red wines that tasted like heaven and felt like smooth silk! Our last day was pure bliss as it finished at sunset on a vintage sailing boat from which all the magnificence of the Douro estates and countryside can be fully appreciated. Definitely a holiday to be remembered and repeated!

Day one | Arrival and dinner at the property

Day Two | Boat Trip in a English Vintage Boat with Quinta do Crasto Wines on board in the morning, lunch at a local restaurant on top of the river named DOC, visit to wineries such as Quinta de Napoles from Niepoort Wines or Quinta do Seixo with an interactive museum from Sandeman Wines.

Day Three | visit to palaces and museums such as Palacio de Mateus (a palace from 18^th century from Nicolau Nasoni) ,  lunch a local restaurant as Castas e Pratos in the old train station, afternoon at the spa

Day four | departure or extra visits to other wineries or historical villages. Discover the history of Vallado and D. Antonia Ferreira, the most important business woman in the Port Wine industry. Visit Lamego, headquarter of Portuguese church in the 15^th century with castles and religious museums. Taste the local treats such as peixinhos de Lamego.

Monsoon (June to July, Aug, Sept & October) is considered the best season for Ayurveda health, Detox, Wellness and beauty programmes as the atmosphere remains dust-free, moist and cool, which in turn opens up the body pores making them more receptive to herbal oils and therapy. Any Ayurveda treatments taken during the monsoon time boosts the immunity and it has long-lasting effect. The monsoons in Kerala, India do not take the pattern of incessant rains continuing for a day or week. Virtually it rains for few hours with sunny interludes.

Ayurveda is popularly associated with rejuvenation therapies comprising various massages of the body with herbal oils and powders……many people today seek youth and fitness anew by investing in an annual preventive and rejuvenating Ayurveda-based holiday! Well read and enlightened folks, tired of mainstream Allopathy drug-based treatments for the degenerative diseases of faulty and unfocused metro lifestyles which work on the principle of diminishing returns, visit Kerala to treat and heal mind and body, heart and soul.

The Ayurveda Research team at  Somatheeram Ayurveda Group has designed and developed special treaments and packages during monsson for their clients who wish to enjoy prolonged lifespan, youthfulness, stoutness, fine complexion, intellect, power of retention and strength.

Nestled amidst a natural tropical rainforest on one of the least commercially developed mountain in Berjaya Hills, Malaysia is the World’s first spa and organic wellness resort offering the ultimate in health and wellbeing enrichment.

With its poised standards in offering a complete organic luxurious experience, The Chateau takes pride in bestowing guests with the finest yet most splendid array of organic produce and products. Everything from the local farmed fruits and vegetables to the linens and room amenities would be organic. If it is not, it would be bio degradable. This is in line with their strong advocacy on environmental protection which is clearly denoted in their very own tagline ‘We have a heart for our planet’.

La Sante Organic Health Spa is the first spa in Asia to incorporate European concept and spa technologies. To name a few, there is the Herbal Bath (herbs infused sauna), Salt Grotto or Mud Chamber and an Aquaveda heated bed with automatic body exfoliation facilities.

Spa consultants, physicians, nutritionists and fitness trainers work hand in hand to design a complete program that best suits every guest.  Their beauty and wellness packages range from body pampering, weight loss, beauty essence, stress relief, fit for life, couple retreat, pre and post natal conditioning. The spa strives to fulfill the individual needs of their valued guest.

The dining experience at The Chateau is nothing less than gastronomic that would tantalize the sharpest palate. L’Assiette, the Michelin standard French Fine Dining serves the best exquisite French cuisine. La Vie – an all day dining is where one can savor an array of international selection. Belle Vue – the tea room, is a perfect location for an afternoon tea with a breathtaking view on the terrace. For the lounge lovers, there is C’est Bon – lobby longe and Salon – cigar lounge where a huge selection of organic and non organic wines and cocktails as well as the best selections of cigar are served.

Advocating a lifestyle approach to personal wellness is the mainstay of this magnificent resort where guests will leave with a definite promise to return.

There are seven major chakras and each one represents an important centre of the body’s and mind’s energy, as well as  the different stage of spiritual development. Its is when the chakras are open and receptive, the energy is free to travel between them, that we feel most at peace, grounded and balanced in life, and healthy in mind and soul.

Seven chakra

• Crown chakra
• Brow chakra
• Throat chakra
• Heart chakra
• Solar plexus chakra
• Sacral chakra
• Root chakra

The chakras are aligned from root to crown as a column of energy and they are both conduits and generators of energy. Prana, or life – force, flows through he chakras and the rest of the body along a network of channels known as nadis.

In Hindu mythology, Kundalini Shakt is a serpent goddess who lies sleep at the base of the spine, coiled round the root chakra. She represents the unfolding of the divine creative force that gives life to all things. Similarly, many practicing yogis believe kundalinin is an energy that lies sleeping at the base of your spine. Once awakened, it moves up through the seven chakras, piercing and opening each one until it reaches the crown chakra. When it’s fully arisen, this energy is believed to unlock the consciousness and bestow psychic knowledge and healing powers. Kundalini is also known by yogis as the nerve of the soul – when it’s awakened, your soul is said to align with your life’s true purpose, giving you the impetus to follow your dreams.

By practising  Yoga or going on Yoga holidays to open up our chakras, we also open up our possibilities in life. Many Spa Resorts now offer Yoga programmes which help to improve our physical health and acheive a sense of emotional wholeness, a deeper connection with those around us and a sense of harmony with the world and our part and purpose in it.

The sheer wear and tear of stress damages the cardiovascular system, suppress the immune system, impedes the digestive system, depletes your adrenals(which disrupts hormonal balance), and impairs your ability to rest and relax - not to mention the myriad psychological and emotional manifestations. High stress levels place your entire well being at risk not only damaging your physical health, but wreaking havoc on your emotional and mental equilibrium as well, thus narrowing  your ability to think clearly and objectively and function effectively, let alone enjoy life.

Stress is our response to life situations. Stressors are at least for most of us- unavoidable. It’s how we deal with them and how we ride our way through stressful times that’s important. These nutritional guidelines will support you in stressful times.

Have smaller more frequent meals. Smaller meals aid digestion and absorption of nutrients and help balance blood sugar levels, therefore balancing emotions, energy, mental clarity and focus.

Never skip meals. Under high stress, the body needs to maintain a higher level of performance, and that requires continual fuel in th form of good quality foods.

Avoid eating large meals in the evening, or eating too late at night. An early, light dinner will allow you to sleep better and wake up felling more refreshed.

Avoid refined carbohydrates (bread, biscuits, pasts, pastries, etc). These foods provide only short -lived energy bursts with little to no nutrient value. They also disrupt blood sugar balance, which leads to mood swings. High intake in the long term can cause weight gain, hormonal imbalance and fatigue problems.

Increase you intake of vegetables for their rich nutrient contents. Dark green vegetables are particularly good because they are high in magnesium, which is necessary for the healthy function of the nervous, muscular relaxation and replenishment of adrenal glands.

Reduce stimulants and relaxants like coffee, black tea, energy drinks and alcohol. Yes, they can provide short term relief, however they also reduce the effectiveness of the adrenal glands, reduce absorption of nutrients, make you dehydrated and can lead to digestive complaints.

Stay hydrated with water throughout the day. Dehydration can lead to symptoms such as headaches, indecisiveness, lack of mental clarity, cramps, fatigue and more. It is a good idea to drink water that has electrolytes for better absorption.

Eat simply and without too many ingredients.

Nourish the nerves and mind with nuts and seeds, especially walnuts and almonds, as they are rich in minerals and essential fatty acids, and nourish the brain and nervous system.

Nourish kidney and adrenal energy in the form of eggs, fish, seafood, and lamb – or soy products for vegetarians- is recommended to replenish the adrenals and rebuild physical health  from the ravages of excessive chronic stress.

Supplements can be helpful. Try B-vitamin complex for energy, mental clarity and adrenal support; Magnesium for muscle relaxation, nervous system functioning, metabolism and adrenal gland fatigue; Vitamin C for immune defence, digestive support, to reduce inflammation and adrenal gland support.  Essential fatty acids such as Omega 3s, evening primrose , and DHA can support the hormonal balance and healthy nervous system and brain function.

Bali is an obvious hub for yoga fanatics. The Balinese are Hindu, the Indonesian island is rich with natural beauty and the government support spiritual tourism including temple tours and visits to traditional healers. Demand for yoga experiences spiked recently with the publication of Elizabeth Gilbert’s best -selling memoir ’Eat, Pray, Love’ – a romantic journey of self discovery featuring a mystical encounter with a Balinese soothsayer.

Being a yogi once meant renouncing worldly pleasures for a life of solitary meditation, wandering the jungle in search of union with God. Today new-age yogis wander the globe from one retreat to another, stay in luxury spa hotels and preach the converted masses through a headset microphone.

Bali’s serene shores, enchanted forests and mysterious mountains create a perfect atmosphere for the practice of yoga and meditation. Yoga can be found all over the island, but mostly in Ubud.

Bali is internationally recognized as a unique center of healing, arts and culture. Spectacular spas, tropical resorts, holistic practitioners and artists from around the world make Bali the worlds leading destination for yoga and spiritual retreats, artists workshops, yoga vacation, deep healing and serious relaxation.

The Douro Valley is renowned for its wines and dramatic natural scenery and my wife and I had always thought about visiting it in style! Now that our children are old enough to appreciate some of life’s pleasures, we decided it was time to introduce them to good wines, good food and what we hoped would prove an excellent hotel! Indeed, our family holiday lived up to all our expectations! Being in the oldest demarcated wine region in the world, it was only natural to be driven to various traditional wine estates with extraordinary state-of-the art equipped wine cellars, where some of the best Ports and Red Wines in the world have been stored for decades and decades. The wine tastings were pure bliss and my children loved the wine games and learned a lot from them too! Also, as we are all sporty, we decided to cycle along the river to exercise our muscles and to experience the freshness of being close to a rather imposing river and its leafy banks. We had been given a picnic basket before leaving the hotel and I still remember the silence and peacefulness of the countryside whilst we ate delicious little salmon and watercress sandwiches sipping ice-cold lemonade! As we were exhausted by that time and definitely with no wish to cycle back to the hotel, we returned by boat in time to see the sun disappearing behind increasingly dark mountains. Before heading to the Almapura restaurant for an outstandingly well cooked and presented dinner, we still had time for a relaxing and aromatic massage which restored all our strength and good spirits. This is definitely a holiday to be remembered by all of us!

Day one | Arrival and dinner at the property

Day Two | Boat Trip the entire day. Sailing boat to discover the river andwine terraces, learn how to sail and picnic on board.

Day Three | visit to palaces and museums such as Douro Museum with the history of the regions and its characters, Palacio de Mateus (a palace from 18^th century from Nicolau Nasoni, lunch at a local restaurant on top of the river named DOC, afternoon at the spa or by the pool. Try our walking trails, one of them passing by the hotel and telling the story of the vineyards.

Day four | cycling day or adventure such as rafting or kayak

Day five | departure

LeSPORT Hotel in St Lucia offers a multi- award- winning BodyHoliday; a comprehensive all- inclusive physical overhaul, the soul of which is the impressive Oasis Spa. Guests receive a daily 50-minute body treatment designed to relax, rejuvenate and awaken body and mind. Post- treatment, four celebrated restaurants serve, nuritious food using local ingredients while fitness classes, watersports, golf, tennis, yoga and pilates are availabe to those looking for little activity.

Parrot Cay in the Turks and Caicos is the northern Caribbeans pre-eminent private island. Here the Como Shambhala retreat offer award-winning holistic care and state of the art facilities. Body and mind are nurtured in syncopation through complementary daily Yoga and Pilate classes taught by the world’s leading practitioners, and custom designed detoxifying diets. Nine treatment rooms, an outdoor jacuzzi garden, Pilate studio, double massage rooms and Japanese baths are all available to create and environment of complete peace and tranquility.

Chinese medicine maintains that eating with seasons is crucial for ongoing health. For example, there is a certain time of the year when we should rest and recharge and a more appropriate time for detoxifying. In nature, the growth of plants reflects how the body’s energy changes with the seasons. Greens are the traditional part of the spring diet in most cultures. Being packed with chlorophyll, which absorbs energy from sun, their use is associated with freshening, cleansing and rebuilding the body. So, spring is the ideal season for detoxifying a congested liver in preparation for the hot summer months.

Water is essential to life and bathing in cool fresh water helps cleanse and purify the body. Fresh cherries cleanse the organs from the inside during the detox.

Before you start any detox programme, it is essential to stock up on the daily essentials such as fruits, vegetable and herbs. Also, this is a good time to invest in some aromatherapy oils and a good quality body brush or loofah to brush and detoxify your skin with. The better you prepare, the easier detoxing will be.

Why go on a detox retreat?

We consume toxins in the air we breathe, and through the pesticides, hormones, antibiotics and preservatives in the food we eat. Though the body detoxs naturally through the skin, liver and kidneys, a build up of toxins can lead to excess weight, stressed skin, exhaustion and digestive disorders.

Stepping out of life to do a dedicated detox will not only help you lose weight, reduce stress, clear up skin and digestive problems and massively boost energy levels, but it may help process and let go of (possibly years) of accumulated stress and negative mental patterns – the theory is that as your physical body releases toxins, so all the negative energy that you’ve stored up on an emotional and mental level also starts to release.

What to expect on a detox retreat

Don’t undertake this challenging process lightly, and expect a real low in energy and state of mind before you start to rise. The ideal time is a week to ten days, or in the case of Ayurveda, at least two weeks.

Give up toxins such as caffeine, alcohol, wheat, red meat and (preferably) other animal proteins at least a week before you start, and once home try to sustain good eating habits – overindulging too soon will put you very quickly back into the fug-like state in which you started.

Detoxing can be more fun with a trusted friend, but the process can make you mighty grumpy, and if you’ve stuff to sort out, it’s best to go alone.

Top 5 Detox Retreats

Manaltheeram Ayurveda Rejuvenation Retreat – Kerala, India

Absolute Sanctuary - Koh Samui, Thailand

Six Senses Sanctuary - Phuket, Thailand

Chiva Som - Hua Hin, Thailand

Kamalaya Wellness Sanctuary and Holistic Spa - Koh Samui, Thailand

There are several different paths of yoga and each one take a different route to approach one ultimate goal of self realization.

The six main paths of yoga are:

Jnana yoga – This is the path of wisdom and is most suited to people with an intellectual temperament.

Bhakti yoga – This is the path of devotion and is most suited to people who are attracted to prayer.

Karma yoga – This is the path in which the practitioner devotes his or her life to selfless action.

Mantra yoga – This is the path of sacred sound. Sacred sound, phrases and words known as mantras are repeated and bring self – realization.

Raja Yoga – Raja means ‘Royal’. This is an eight step path to enlightenment and practice of posture, breath control, meditation and withdrawal of the senses.

Hatha Yoga- This is the path of physical control and is properly regarded as preparation for the pursuit of Raja yoga. It is a disciplined science encompassing all aspects of life in different ways and on different levels to balance the mind, body and spirit leading ultimately to perfect health.