Taking place tomorrow (23rd July) premium cycle clothing retailer and dedicated cycling club Rapha is uniting women across the globe with the Rapha Women’s 100 ride. The ride will see thousands of women come together to cycle 100km on the same day.
This exciting event celebrates the spirt of the global cycling community, uniting women through their love of riding. To celebrate we’ve put together 5 IDEAL reasons to join a cycling club.
Friendship
They say that we choose our friends because of mutual interests. If you’re into cycling and join a club, chances are you’ll make lots of new friends. Also say goodbye to riding solo or having to beg your old friends to come on a ride with you.
Get motivated
Even if you love cycling, sometimes you just can’t be bothered to get on your bike. However, commit to an event hosted by your cycling club and you’ll be more likely to go out on a ride. You’ll probably push yourself harder too which means your get fitter faster.
It’s Sociable
From weekly rides to monthly socials, joining a cycling club is great for your social life. Those cafe stops are great fun too.
Discover new places
Fed up of riding the same roads all the time? Join a club and you’ll find out about a whole load of new routes from your new cycling buddies – all with fantastic scenery no doubt.
Discounts and perks
There are loads of perks to joining a cycling club. For example official members of British Cycling can get 10% off everything in store at Halfords. Also, members of Rapha can enjoy priority access to annual sales and select new products at Rapha stores.
P. S In support of the event, Rapha has also released a new collection, comprising of a specially designed Women’s 100 core jersey, bra, cap and socks. Check it out here
Decked with beautiful palm fringed coastlines and exotic beaches where tranquility and serenity pervades, Goa is a beautiful place. Attracted by an alternative life and the spiritual atmosphere of India, Goa was a favourite for the hippy community in the 60s- also cheap living and hashish were a major draw. Today, Goa is known as the beach state of India and still stands out as a top rated destination for hippies and well-heeled travelers alike. Here’s our it’s pick of the best beaches:
Baga Beach
With beach parties and a great nightlife scene, Baga is the most visited Goan beach of all. There are a good number of food shacks and cafes set up in a row along the beach serving up fantastic seafood. Wind surfing, dolphin cruises and water sports also really popular here. While the beach is a major attraction, Baga is best known as the nightlife district of Goa and is home to loads of nightclubs and bars. A must-visit is Titos – this iconic club was one of the first to open in the area an Goan institution.
Agonda Beach
If you want to spend some quiet tranquil hours on a less crowded Goan beach, Agonda is a good option. With a lovely and long prestine stretch of beach, it remains one of Goa’s most unspoilt attractions. This place is popular with yogis who flock to the Yoga resorts here to meditate and take their yoga practices to next level.
Mandrem Beach
This is another sun-kissed and secluded Goan beach. Ideal for those who prefer solitude and privacy, Mandrem is a serene beach with white sand and clear water. Make sure you visit the beach at high-tide, when the sea water rushes into the Mandrem Creek – it’s a thing of beauty.
Calangute Beach
Calangute beach is another popular Goan beach draw. Being the largest beach in North Goa, it’s known as the ‘Queen of Beaches’. Calangute is great for those who love to shop. Make sure you pick up some handmade trinkets, made in Kashmir, Tibet, Indonesia and Rajasthan on your visit. For seafood lovers , this is the place. There are loads of seafood shacks -try some fried prawns paired with chilled beer – it’s an awesome combination.
Anjuna Beach
Anjuna is another mesmerizing beach that perfectly portrays the mid-1960s culture of Goa. This Hippy beach, amid the rave music and full-moon night dances will rob your heart if you are a party lover. Every Wednesday shopaholics can splurge at the beach’s Flea Market.
Palolem Beach
This unique beach with a verdant crescent-shaped coastline, bordered with cliffs and sky-kissing coconut palms is beautiful. Make sure you have at least a glass or two of Fenni, a unique Goan liqour made from the fruit surrounding the cashew nut – Palolem beach is famous for it.
Miramar Beach
Like bird watching? Then this is the beach for you. If you visit the beach between November-March, you’ll see countless migratory birds such as Gulls and Plovers. Another attraction of the beach is a long walk along the shore on a moonlit night when the light from the moon illuminates the silvery sand – it’s a stunning sight.
So now you know which the best beaches of Goa are, pack your bags and set out for an amazing Goa trip.Check Goa Tours India tour packages at.
Each year, millions of holidaymakers flock to the sandy shores of the Caribbean to experience a week or two of pure bliss. Pink tinged soft sands, colourful coral reefs, free-flowing rum and some of the most luxurious hotels in the Americas are just a few reasons why this tropical region is considered, by some, to be paradise.
We sat down with the online travel agents, Destination2.co.uk, to discover five of the most beautiful Caribbean destinations to visit.
Cuba
The Caribbean’s largest island of Cuba is the perfect combination of beautiful beaches, cobbled streets and incredible wildlife. Discover the fascinating city of Havana, with its 1950s American cars and peeling Spanish-style buildings. Old Havana is a UNESCO-protected site, with its 500 year old plazas, churches and winding streets just waiting to be explored.
Beach bums will love the pristine Cuban coastline, with its soft white sands and turquoise waters. Don your snorkel and discover a world beneath the waves, taking in the many colours of the coral and fascinating sealife here.
For a touch of luxury, travel two hours east of Havana to Varadero. Here you’ll find a selection of magnificent five star Cuba hotels, as well as some unique touches to the local area. Think candlelit cave restaurants and a House of Rum.
St Lucia
Be inspired by the mesmerising natural beauty of one of the Caribbean’s greenest islands. St Lucia combines luscious rainforests with pristine sandy beaches and colourful waterfalls, so it’s a wonderful choice for holidaymakers looking for a beachy adventure.
Head to the northern tip of the island and you’ll discover the delights of Smugglers Cove. Here you’ll experience peaceful island life on one of the best snorkeling beaches in the Caribbean. It’s located right next to Rodney Bay, a bustling marina that’s full of upmarket eateries and relaxed bars.
Adventure-seekers should head over to Soufriere, a sleepy fishing village that has a mountain backdrop and a wealth of activities. Experience some of the best views of the island, before trying your hand at ziplining, jungle biking and catamaran sailing.
Cancun
Mexico’s party capital is so much more than just Spring Break. Located on the northeastern coast of the Yucatan Peninsula, what was once a small fishing town has developed into an enormous resort destination – whether it’s an all inclusive resort in Cancun or a boutique hotel – that’s an explosion of culture, nightlife, markets and history.
Cancun is essentially split into two parts. There’s the more traditional downtown area that has lots of cantinas and bustling marketplaces. Then there’s the hedonistic hotel zone, with its miles of white sand, restaurants, bars and nightclubs. Whatever type of Mexican holiday you dream of, you’re bound to experience it in Cancun.
To discover the ruins of an ancient civilisation, head out on a day trip to Tulum. This humbling place is perched above 40-foot cliffs, and features the famous El Castillo – a striking ruin of a Mexican pyramid, one of many that stood tall over the country thousands of years ago.
If you’re looking for an adventure, then why not visit Isla Mujeres? An island not far from mainland Mexico, the beaches are beautiful and there’s always something new going on in this exciting city. Charter a private catamaran from Cancun for added elegance; though a ferry leaves from Puerto Juarez (ten minutes from Cancun) regularly and takes around 30 minutes, it does get very crowded.
Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic is one of the most diverse and exciting countries in the Caribbean. Located on the island of Hispaniola, this country boasts those typically Caribbean white beaches, turquoise lagoons and colourful waterfalls. It’s the most visited destination in the West Indies, and is a wonderful choice for those looking to experience the perfect blend of luxury and a laid-back island lifestyle.
Scuba dive in the tropical waters that surround the island, and experience life beneath the surface. Travel to Samana Bay and observe humpback whales in their natural habitat, or visit the place that the locals say have the prettiest beaches in the country – La Romana.
Adventure-seekers will love taking a cable car up to Mount Isabel del Torres, where you’ll be treated to magnificent views of the island. Culture vultures will be right at home in Puerto Plata, the ninth largest city in the country, where you can explore the Old Town and, if you visit at the right time of year, catch a carnival.
Barbados
Last but by no means least on our list is the tropical island of Barbados. Tucked away from the main hurricane belt in the southeastern most point of the lesser Antilles, Barbados is known across the globe for its pink-tinged beaches, luscious gardens and friendly locals.
Relax on the island’s golden coastline, catch the surf at Bottom Bay or chill out with a rum in the nation’s capital, Bridgetown. Bridgetown features a UNESCO World Heritage site, Historic Bridgetown and its Garrison. Here you can learn the history of one of the Caribbean’s earliest established towns, and take in some of the fascinating colonial architecture.
Explore Harrison’s Cave, a natural limestone cavern close to Bridgetown, which features streams, pools, stalagmites and stalactites – a wonderful way to spend a couple of hours for adventure-seekers.
The UK isn’t renowned for its brilliant summer weather; we’re used to rain in the middle of July, and it’s a huge treat when the sun comes out on a weekend. Naturally when it does, we usually flock to seaside towns like Brighton to make the most of the weather. However, if you don’t fancy facing that hot and crowded train to the beach, we’ve found the perfect destination.
To embrace the outdoors and revel in the summer sun without the crowds, there is no better place than the Lake District. Full of breath-taking, natural beauty and stunning surroundings, the Lake District should be your go-to when the sun comes out. Whether you want to relax, or do something a little more active, the area has something for everyone. Here’s our roundup of ideal places to visit in the Lake District this summer.
Lake District National Park
The Lake District is actually home to England’s largest National Park, England’s highest mountain, Scafell Pike and England’s largest natural lake, Windermere. It has recently been named as a World Heritage Site, joining the likes of the Grand Canyon and the Taj Mahal in its status.
Filled with communities in traditional towns like Keswick, the Lake District National Park covers 2362 square kilometres. The Park is open all the time, with no gates or barriers; you’re free to visit throughout the year, making it perfect for a quick sunny getaway!
Its scenery has inspired writers, poets and artists over the years including Beatrix Potter, William Wordsworth who wrote the quintessential Lake District poem ‘Daffodils’ and Alfred Wainwright who wrote several guidebooks on the area.
Explore the Northern Lakes
The Lake District is so big, it would be impossible to try and see it all in one weekend. However, the northern area is home to multiple attractions that are all perfect to explore in the nice weather.
Different to the usual destinations of Windermere or Ambleside, this area is home to some of the most peaceful lakes. Crummock Water is two and a half miles long and is owned by the National Trust. You can take a nine mile walk around the lake, following paths through the woods. Likewise, Loweswater is a stunning lake located in a peaceful wooded valley. Spot red squirrels on a four mile walk around the lake, or simply stop by for a drink or bite to eat.
Discover Derwentwater
A Lake District break wouldn’t be complete without a trip to Keswick and its local lake, Derwentwater. Situated perfectly between the Cat Bells fells, Friar’s Crag and the Borrowdale valley, Derwentwater is surrounded by villages and towns to explore. Keswick is an incredibly popular destination for the summer, offering boutique shops, cafes and the well-known Theatre by the Lake.
Whether you’re travelling with your other half, or the whole family is in tow, there are many different activities to get involved in. From activity centres to sites of historical importance, you can enjoy the sunshine in whichever way suits you best. Of course, you can also get on the lake itself and hire a boat for the afternoon too.
Sally Curson, founder of beauty brand Face Matters shares her top ten reasons to visit a spa
Looking for a reason to visit a spa? Whether to Detox, de-stress, pamper yourself ore reconnect with a loved one, Here are some of the best reasons to go to a spa.
RELAX
Obvious I know but for a lot of us easier said than done but a healthy mind is just as important as a healthy body.
TRY A NEW TREATMENT
If you’re a facial girl then try a massage, if you always go for nails then try a facial etc. Sometimes it’s also possible to swop 2 or 3 mini treatments for one longer pamper session. You might just get hooked on something good for you that you wouldn’t try in a local salon.
TRY A NEW EXERCISE
If you’re a gym bunny why not try some yoga or pilates; something totally different to your usual exercise routine while you have the time.
EASY DETOX
With all the peeling, chopping and blending done for you then it’s the ideal time to try a detox with none of the effort!
RECONNECT WITH A LOVED ONE
If you choose to share a spa break with a partner or friend then it’s the perfect opportunity to spend absolute quality time together, talking, and reconnecting wave lengths that are so easily lost day to day.
SWITCH OFF THE DEVICES
Go on I dare you! Scary but it can be done. And it’s oh so liberating. A few days without checking emails and social media is a complete mental clear out.
MAKE TIME FOR SOME POSITIVE THINKING
I’m a firm believer in thinking positive gets positive results. Absolute luxury to have the time to think of all the incredible things you are going to make real – with no distractions.
RECONNECT WITH YOURSELF
Grab the opportunity to relax in the most comfortable surroundings, think of all the good things in your life and what a jolly nice person you really are! And obviously how you deserve to have spa breaks more often!
OPPORTUNITY TO RE-EVALUATE LIFE
A Spa escape can give you a few days to remind yourself of the important things to you, your family and friends. Think gratitude and don’t sweat the small stuff any more.
READ A BOOK
A real one. With that lovely new book smell and pages that you actually turn. Something that will make you laugh, not have to use any brain power and just revel in the luxury of a white fluffy robe, a dip in the pool and what colour your next smoothie will be!
Could there be anything better than fish so fresh that it still smells of the sea? Yes, as a matter of fact there is – to enjoy that fish on the beach, with nothing but the lick of flames to cook it and the only soundtrack being the waves lapping the shore. Looking for the perfect place for this vision of paradise? We’ve found it.
Idea
The Red Rum restaurant is one of three at the newly opened JW Marriott Resort on Phu Quoc Island, at the very south of Vietnam. Billing itself as a beachside grill, the idea behind Red Rum is to use the freshest available local produce and cook it with the respect it deserves. When ‘local’ is the ocean, seafood takes centre stage. The island is also famous for premium, exquisite fish sauce and black, red and green pepper – meaning these beautiful ingredients are also represented proudly.
Location
The JW Marriott is on the southern tip of the Phu Quoc, which is a short plane journey from Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. The restaurant itself overlooks Bai Khem which is one of the most beautiful beaches on the island. With pristine sand, swaying palm trees and crystal clear waters only yards away, the location of Red Rum is more than idyllic.
Atmosphere
Lowly lit in the evening and with a really natural feel, this pavillion-esque restaurant is tastefully decorated to highlight the wider environment of sea and sand, as well as allowing the focus to fall on the amazing food. Go in the day for laidback dining and stunning views of the surrounding nature, or at night for a more intimate affair. Or you could do both! Local seafood that’s grilled to perfection and served beachsideis worth it any time of day.
Food
A short menu of real clarity is so welcome in a hotel restaurant, where sometimes choice can be overwhelming and wide range of cuisines and styles worrying. There are 5 or 6 fish dishes and the same amount of meat, with a barbeque doing most of the leg work, imparting smoky notes and an authentic ‘beach bar’ feel. Sides and dipping sauces are kept simple and serve to complement the fresh produce beautifully. The menu is dependent on the local fishermen’s catches of the day – emphasizing just how fresh and delicious everything is.
On our visit, local spiny lobster and beautiful red snapper were the headlining acts, along with baby squid which the surrounding waters is famous for. All were superb – so fresh, light and cooked to perfection with the reverence they deserved. The lovely, smiley and downright convivial Chef Matt offered to curate and we duly obliged – we weren’t disappointed and we’d highly recommend putting your trust in his more than capable hands if given the chance.
Drink
A strong wine list, with classics rubbing shoulders with new world wines with more tropical notes, there really is something for everyone. Local beers and a host of fruity, vibrant cocktails complete the bill.
Must-try
Put your trust in the hands of the chef and the produce, as we did, and you will be rewarded. The ‘fish platter’ was a bountiful selection of the day’s fishing rewards, and went paired harmoniously with the local dipping sauces, all zing, verve and freshness.
Why Go
Without doubt, this is our favourite type of meal, our idea of utter food heaven – freshly caught, beautiful fish cooked over flames with simplicity and clarity. Throw in some locally inspired sauces and dressings, made from the amazing fish sauce and pepper that the island is so famous for, and you have a culinary dream destination.
Here at IDEAL, it’s no secret that we love fancy hotels – if we could, we’d live in one. However, if you have limited holiday funds, staying at an expensive place isn’t always realistic – they are real budget killers after all.
Fundamentally all you need from a hotel is a bed and a shower, so during a recent trip to Copenhagen, we decided to find somewhere that was good value for money so we could spend all our money at Noma. Enter Urban House – a hybridized hotel/hostel which ended up being so much more than a reasonably priced place to rest your head.
Idea
This hotel is designed for ‘The Enlightened Traveler’. In other words, those who demand the upleveled amenities and cleanliness of a hotel, but with the heart and affordability of a hostel. For us this it was the ideal urban rest-stop. Read on for our full review…
Location
Urban House is located in the trendy area of Vesterbro, right by the train station. Like London’s Shoreditch and New York’s Williamsburg, Vesterbro heeds the hipster call and is actually number 4 on Thrillist’s top 10 most hipster neighbourhoods on Earth. Brimming with quirky cafes, restaurants and bars ,you’ll probably end up spending most of your time in this trendy district so Urban House is in the ideal location.
Atmosphere & Decor
Urban House and it’s persona fits in with the neighbourhood’s hipster vibe perfectly. It’s unique, trendy and cool. The hotel marries the best of the casual and fun environment that a hostel offers with the hip and cool surroundings of a modern boutique hotel.
There’s an obvious emphasis on design and decor here, but everything still looks accessible, affordable and real. There’s cool art displays and murals everywhere you look, adding a human touch to every nook and cranny. Industrial lighting throughout gives it that edgy, hipster vibe.
Offering a lively atmosphere, Urban House is set up to socialise. It has a vibrant social space on the ground floor and a courtyard garden. If you want a bit of peace and quiet, there’s even a designated quiet room.You can also enjoy local craft beer and live music at the bar. It’s even got tattoo parlour and a bicycle shop.
Clientele
Urban House is designed for the many not the few. From couples and families with kids to business travelers, you’ll see everyone on your stay here.
Service
As the hotel decrees ‘modern times ask for modern measures’. This is a self-service place meaning that you can check in by yourself, either online or at a check-in-counter at the hotel. This means no waiting in line, no frantic digging around in your bag for your passport, no signing of papers, none of it. You just get a code to your room and you’re done – easy and breezy. Be that as it may, the staff are there to help with any question or issues you might have – and they do it with smile.
Rooms
It’s a big ho(s)tel with 220 rooms and all the rooms are pretty basic. But they all come with free wifi (very important) and loads of power outlets. There are lots of different room categories with a blend of private and shared rooms. From ‘shoebox’ (the room name says it all) to ‘doubleheader’ (perfect for a couple) to big bungalows (for those travelling in a group), whatever your party size, they have it.
Food and Drink
The food selection is pretty limited, but you’re in an area with loads of cool restaurants, cafes and bars so that doesn’t matter. If you do decide to grab a bite to eat at Urban House, go for the hot dog, they do a damn fine one here. Served between 7 and 11 am, it’s only 75 DKK for a continental breakfast which provides just the right amount of fuel for your morning. There’s also a common kitchen where you can prepare and store your own food if you’re running low on funds. We recommend having some drinks at the bar before heading out. Copenhagen is a pricey city and compared to most places drinks here are affordable. Happy hour is from 7 to 9 pm.
Facilities
Urban House also hosts bike and running tours in the city, and yoga classes. There’s the previously mentioned communal kitchen, 24-hour laundry room and luggage lockers. Oh and there’s also a tattoo shop if you’re after some body art.
Why Go
To experience a great value hotel/hostel hybrid in the hippest part of Copenhagen.
Summer holiday season is a time of year that many of us look forward to the most, but for some it can also be a time of dread, as travelling on holiday can also mean uncomfortable journeys spent feeling nauseous. Motion sickness, or travel sickness, is extremely common and is thought to be caused by a conflict of information between the senses.
Simon Bandy from natural supplements company Veganicity has created some simple toptips for beating motion sickness, without resorting to medication, so holidays can get off to a good start:
Avoid alcohol
It can be tempting to kick-start your holiday with an alcoholic drink on the journey, particularly if travelling by plane or boat with access to a bar. However, alcohol can worsen symptoms of motion sickness, so stick to soft drinks until you arrive at your destination.
Eat an apple
Foods high in fibre help to remove nausea-inducing chemicals from your system. Try eating an apple or snack on raw vegetables during your journey if you get hungry.
Position Matters
While clearly not awash with choice in a car, seating position in larger modes of transport has a massive impact on whether or not sickness will strike. When travelling a long distance by coach, it’s important to bear in mind the prime positions and book specific seats in advance. Stagecoach Buses, for instance, offer such a service.
Try easy acupressure
This ancient Chinese healing practice of pressing or massaging certain points of the body to prevent illness is thought to help prevent travel sickness. If you’re feeling nauseous on your journey, try pressing your index and middle fingers between the two tendons on the inside of your wrist, about three finger breadths below the base of your palm.
Go for ginger
Ginger is reputed to be excellent for maintaining good health and relieving nausea. Veganicity’s Ginger Tincture (£5.95) can be added to water to help settle the stomach. Because it comes in a handy, travel-friendly 50ml bottle, it can also be carried in hand luggage when flying.
Look at the horizon
Motion sickness can sometimes be avoided by focusing on the horizon or a fixed point when travelling by car or boat.
Take deep breaths
Deep breathing can create a different rhythm pattern in the stomach, which can help to settle it when feeling nauseous. Taking a few deep breaths will also help you to relax and take your mind off the sickness, like a mini meditation.
Leave your phone alone
Avoid checking your phone or tablet or reading during your journey, particularly if travelling by car. The body’s vestibular system, which senses balance from the inner ear, tells the brain that you are moving, but the senses (your sight) tell the brain you are sitting still when focused on reading or looking at a fixed object inside the car, which can add to feelings of nausea.
Lee Westcott, a relatively young chef with an impressively rich culinary heritage (Noma, Per Se, Tom Aitkens), has now headed up Bethnal Green’s Typing Room for three years. The place opened in 2014 under the guidance of the ubiquitous Jason Atherton, and continues to thrill restaurant critics and punters alike. It’s a wonder that, with this standard of cooking and elegance, Typing Room does not yet have a certain star above the door. Could this be their year?
LOCATION
Bethnal Green Town Hall used to house another heavy hitter in Nuno Mendes, but since he moved on to pastures new (Chiltern Firehouse – you may have heard of it), and now plays host to The Typing Room. There is something of hiding in plain sight about the place – we managed to walk right past it, with google maps leading us into a school where our request for the signature yeasted cauliflower was met with bemusement. The building itself is regal and stands proud with majesty, the perfect setting for the sophisticated fare provided through its doors.
ATMOSPHERE
The effortless service does justice to the lightness of touch in all aspects of the room and food. There isn’t a whiff of stuffiness – and it’s a baking hot day – as wait staff glide between tables delivering plates and platitudes. The room is busy, with an open kitchen having the theatre covered, but a sense of privacy prevails as there is ample space between diners of different parties.
FOOD
We opted for the lunch deal, an absolute snip at around the 30 pound mark for 3 courses, with additional snacks costing an extra 4. The aforementioned snacks prove a highlight – we’re still debating which was better. Crispy cod skin with oyster emulsion and leaf is saline and quite frankly, thrilling. Even better possibly, is a pig’s head croquette with smoked apple puree, the taste of wood and fire an inspired touch. IPA sourdough with a marmite butter is almost too salty, but it’s fantastic and ever so moreish. We have to reign in temptation to request more. There follows a celebration of seasonal British ingredients with Nordic flourishes abound, the hot summer’s day demanding light dishes and the restaurant very much obliging. The much celebrated yeasted cauliflower and raisins delivers intrigue and depth, whilst heritage tomatoes, courgettes and a whey sauce split with green oil is as summery as one could imagine. The delicate continues with excellent fish courses and desserts round off the meal in a cleansing, cooling fashion.
DRINK
We weren’t in the mood for wine, and the helpful, charming waiter steered us in the direction of some superb craft ales. The wine list is as interesting and varied as you’d expect from a restaurant of this poise.
WHY GO
Get in here before the star, because, in our view, it’s only a matter of time. The fare seemed so suited to the season, so apt and synergetic, that we’re determined to visit again once the London nights get a little cooler, to see if the feat can be matched with flavours of the Autumnal. Address: Town Hall Hotel, Patriot Square, London E2 9NF, UKWebsite: www.typingroom.com
We all know the drill, at the end of every spa treatment you’re presented with a relaxing herbal tea and a form asking you to fill out your thoughts about what’s just happened. Most of us just rush through the form (the last thing you want to do after a treatment is use your brain power to evaluate something) and tick the good or excellent box without caring or really thinking. That is, unless you’ve had a really bad or a body-blowingly good experience.
It takes the perfect balance of elements to elevate your average massage into one of greatness, and Le Veranda’s simple named Le Spa ticks all the boxes perfectly. It’s so good you actually want to write in the comment section of the form to tell them so.
Welcome
A warm smile meets your arrival. The delicate smell of Lotus Flower No.3, La Veranda’s signature scent, hits you you. A crisp, refreshing welcome drink of lemongrass is served and treatment choices are presented to you. Staff are on hand to provide further detail, descriptions and recommendations – we were gently steered toward the ‘holistic’ after consultation, and boy, we were not disappointed.
Décor and Ambience
Le Spa is all minimalist elegance and sophistication. Furnished with gentle, unobtrusive hues of turquoise and yellow, from the moment you enter, a zen-like calm seems to fall over you. This is even before the expert massage (more of that later).
Furniture forgoes excessive frippery in favour of a slicker finish, which, for us, is just right for a humid climate.
Treatment
The list is varied without succumbing to the more far-out language often favoured by the industry. Clarity of description and helpful staff negate the fear one is usually gripped with when presented with the paradox of choice.
With wellness a watchword of the resort, and every fine detail tailored with this in mind, we chose the holistic massage treatment. Other options include skin beautification packages, as well as more medically inclined neuromuscular treatments, but the holistic seemed apt according to the vibe of the resort.
The massage itself takes place in a room refreshingly simple in design. Low plucks of harp provide a perfect, serene soundtrack and beds are just the right side of firm. The aroma of the resort’s artisanal organic oils smell wonderful. Often a complaint for us, but certainly not here, the headrest was soft and giving, keeping any hint of discomfort at bay.
The main event was a lesson in skill, professionalism and serenity. No aches were left unseen to during the 90 minute session, the masseuses experts in the soft, attentive holistic approach. Constant contact was maintained and at times the movements of the professional were so graceful and elegant it felt as though we were dancing. Genuinely, this was the finest massage we’ve experienced. A 10/10 knockout.
Why Go
Everyone deserves a bit of relaxation time occasionally, that’s why you come to Phu Quoc after all. So go the whole hog and treat yourself do one of the best massages you might ever have.
We were told a new spa is under construction and will be open in 3 to 4 months, in time for the island’s high season. If this is suggestion that the superb experience could be improved, we may well have to come back and visit!
If any room in the house needs to be the image of orderliness, it’s the kitchen. From preparing food to washing dishes, everything runs more smoothly with an organised kitchen. Even if practicalities should be your priority, it doesn’t mean it can’t be accomplished without making it looking good. For the most innovative, creative and stylish hacks to spruce up your kitchen read on – you won’t want to miss out.
Chopping boards with disposal
Sometimes the simplest tasks can end up taking the longest. And chopping vegetables certainly falls under that category. Removing skins, stems and seeds can be easy enough, but painstakingly collecting the waste with your hand and carrying it across to the bin for disposal can be frustratingly time-consuming. This is where chopping boards with in-built disposal come into play. The most extreme example is a pull-out chopping board with a hole that hovers over the bin. Simply scrape undesirables into the gap and directly into the bin – easy.
Cabinet with pull out shelves
Blindly stretching out a hand to grab a bowl from the farthest corner of a cabinet can be difficult enough, but actually guiding the bowl out, without knocking any of the other china over in the process, is a more than troublesome task. That is why cabinets with pull out shelves are so important. You can pluck out a plate without worrying that you’ve actually acquired something other than the intended target, and you don’t have to fret about damaging anything else by accident.
Making a (back)splash
A well-designed backsplash can act as the focal point of a kitchen. This can be achieved in variety of cost-cutting ways. A mosaic of mismatched tiles can attract attention as well as the most expensive tiles can. The cheapest and perhaps most effective way however, is to put together a backsplash composed of kitchen wallpaper. Here is where it gets interesting. Depending on your preference, you can just easily opt for vibrant pop-art style wallpaper, as imitative sleek tiling – the choice is entirely yours.
See your kitchen in a different light
By replacing garish overhead lighting, you will be able to see your kitchen in a completely different light – literally. Recent interior design trends dictate that you would be best electing for multiple fixtures scattered in strategic positions in place of just one overbearing light. By angling lights towards the cupboards and walls of the kitchen, the light is reflected back into the room, giving the illusion of the space. Equally effective is ensuring your bulbs have a colour rendition index of over 90, culminating in a warm and cosy light.
As you can see, with some straight-forward alterations you can make your kitchen an altogether better space. With the right changes you can transform your kitchen from a place you have to spend time in, to one you want to spend time in.
More often than we’d probably like to admit, lethargy derails our ambitions of actually accomplishing anything with our day. Being tired is as frustratingly commonplace as is it is debilitating. Everyone has different ways of coping. Some of us are reliant on an absurd amount of caffeine – anything from a latte to an energy drink (just as long as it gets the heart racing), whilst others swear by a carbohydrate-rich diet. What we can all agree on, is that we’d like to be more energetic than we already are, it doesn’t really matter how we get there. With this in mind, here are 4 ideal ways you can do just that.
Sleep
Sleep is the cornerstone on which your body is dependent for its base level of energy. And when this foundation falls through, your energy levels take a hit – with concentration, effort and judgement all falling through the floor. Research undertaken at the City University of New York revealed that sleep deprivation results in ‘objective changes in effort including reductions in the speed of task completion, work rates and the number of solutions attempted.’ It’s no surprise that it’s such a struggle to sort out that mounting pile of emails after a night of poor sleep.
To ensure that you arrive at work rejuvenated and at the peak of your powers, it is essential to prioritise getting a good night’s sleep. This means neglecting electronics for the last hour before bed – the blue light produced by phones, tablets and TV screens suppresses the production of the sleep-inducing chemical melatonin and getting your hands on a snug memory foam mattress.
Diet
As well as being the most important for maintaining energy levels, diet is also the most difficult to monitor properly. With the convenience of unhealthy foods providing a cheap and easy but short-lived energy boost, it feels trickier than ever to subscribe to an exclusively healthy way of eating. The shortcuts to day-round energy though, are altogether more accessible.
As they release glucose into the bloodstream slowly, complex carbohydrates are a source of long-lasting energy and oats, pulses, seeds, nuts and wholegrains are just a few tasty examples. Eating smaller portions more often, is designed to help you avoid the crashes that are common with a huge meal and will help to keep you energised for the whole day. We get that you can’t have a small meal all the time, sometimes your so ravenous that nothing but a plate piled up with food will do. Just think moderation.
Hydration
Drinking more water is the simplest change you can possibly make. But just because it’s easy, it doesn’t mean it’s any less effective. Staying hydrated boosts your energy levels as well as your ability to concentrate. The NHS recommends that the ideal amount to a drink a day is somewhere in the 2-3 litres region. Of course, this amount varies depending on the climate and whether you are exercising.
Exercise
We’re all guilty of spending too little time in the gym, and a little bit too much time in front of our TV. It is all too easy to be ensnared by a Netflix series for days and even weeks at a time, leaving your exercise regime in tatters. All is not lost however. You don’t need a drastic overhaul to increase your energy levels; it only requires a few simple changes – as this University of Georgia study shows.
Researchers found that completing just 20 minutes of exercise a day, equivalent to that of a leisurely walk, can dramatically reduce feelings of fatigue. Keeping active has a holistic effect on the body, and can be credited with improvements in your psychological well-being as well as your physical health.
A summer body is a goal for all of us, but not many of us reach it. Sometimes it’s not just about being too lazy to work out, but more about not being motivated, or simply not having enough time or the energy. Luckily, there are many ways you can work out effectively but save time, and there are other tips and tricks you can use to look your best on the beach without having to starve or spend countless hours in the gym. With this in mind we’ve asked Norah Martin from highstylife.com to share her top 10 fitness tips for lazy ladies..
You like to – move it!
The good side of workouts is that you absolutely need no accessories, equipment, or a special place to do them. Yes, some equipment is cool, for example those little weights for toning your arms, but you don’t need them. You can do some serious sweating while cleaning your kitchen or walking to work. The most important thing is to move, the more the better.
Use the TV
You can do some killer workouts while watching your favorite TV show if you only know how. Use the opening credits to do some jogging, recognize patterns and do a specific move whenever a cliché sentence or an expression is mentioned. It’s similar to drinking games, but way healthier. Instead of ending up blackout drunk, you’ll end up sweating and feeling good about yourself.
Use caffeine to help you
This trick works even better if you’re not a caffeine addict, but nevertheless, you can benefit from caffeine when working out even if you drink coffee regularly. Caffeine boosts your metabolism and gives you strength to work out longer than you usually would. Bear in mind that it’s not a miracle substance which will turn you into a Hulk and give you superhuman strength, though.
Drink more water
This may sound like a silly cliché, but it does wonders for your body. Start your day with a glass of warm water with a bit of lemon, drink a glass before every meal, and one before you go to bed. Also, try to drink at least five glasses of water during the day. This will help your body get rid of toxins, keep you hydrated, make your skin glow, and reduce your appetite.
Dance it off
As we mentioned before, any form of movement is actually a workout, so why not make things useful, beautiful, and interesting at the same time? Take up dancing lessons, learn some seductive and sensual moves, and tone up your body like a dancer. You will learn a new skill and lose weight at the same time – it’s a win-win situation.
Other kinds of sweets
Yes, fruit will never ever replace chocolate-chip raspberry ice cream, but it can get pretty close to it nevertheless. Try making homemade popsicles with fruit and mint leaves – a dessert to cool you down and boost your metabolism, and it has zero calories.
Eat differently
You know it has to come to this at one point or another – you will have to change your diet if you want good results. The changes don’t have to be drastic: swap regular pizza for a vegetarian homemade one, eat homemade ice cream instead of the one bought in stores, add supplements to your diet to make sure you’re taking in all the necessary vitamins and proteins. This ultimate supplement guide will help you see what you’ve been lacking and how to make it up quickly.
Engage body & mind
The best way to clear your mind, prepare for the stressful day ahead of you, and tone up your body is to take up yoga. It calms you down, and gives you both mental and physical strength for everyday challenges.
Leave the car
Walk and cycle everywhere – it will change your body for the better in no time. By walking everywhere you will save tons of money you would have spent on gas, and get wonderfully toned legs instead. If you can’t give up your car completely, try parking further than you usually would and walk a few blocks more.
You don’t have to leave the bed
For all the truly lazy ones out there, this is the proof that you can work out while still in bed. Do some peddlers, side kicks, leg twists, and whatnot when you don’t feel like getting up, but still feel too guilty to completely skip the exercise. No excuses!
The biggest step you are going to take is finding motivation to keep you going after the initial enthusiasm wears off. It is not easy, maybe it will be raining, or you’ll have a headache, or you are going to feel unmotivated after eating a bit too much ice cream. No worries, mistakes and little slips are all part of the process, and the most important thing is to keep going. Your amazing body will emerge and you will be happy you didn’t quit.
Meditation is an intensely personal and, for some people, private experience. It is a complete and total relaxation technique and some may need unique circumstances to help bring upon that level of rest.
For most people, however, there are basic guidelines to follow to get the most out of your meditation sessions. Here is a helpful list you can follow the next time you have a meditation session.
One
Meditation is inexorably tied to your body. If you don’t feel confident and happy with the current state of your body, you will have a very hard time relaxing properly. This applies to all aspects of your body. If you are planning on meditating later that day, try to eat extra healthy that day so when you go to meditate, you know that you’ve made healthy choices that day.
If you feel much better about your body after a shower or bath, take one before you go to meditate. Try not to eat right before you meditate, but you can eat right earlier in the day. If you feel better after stretching, do that before you meditate. Any easy to implement practice that helps put you more at ease and in a relaxing frame of mind is a good idea before you meditate.
Two
Just as you should prepare your body for meditation, you should also prepare your mind. You should look forward to meditation, so that when the time comes, you’re ready for it and in the right frame of mind. Try to lock yourself away the best you can. If you can’t get away from a phone or guests, try turning your phone off and going in another room away from people.
Three
If you have a nagging chore you need to do, finish it before you even consider meditating. You must have as clear of a mind as possible before you even consider sitting down to meditate.
Four
One of the ways that many people chose to set their mind at ease is with music. Music can be the best mood setter out there, so if you need a little extra help finding the right mood for your meditation, put on a favorite song or a song that you feel is empowering or makes you feel self confident. Get lost in the words or the beat and use it to help slide yourself into a meditative state. There is nothing wrong with using a bit of help if you need it and music is one of the best sources for that.
Five
You should make sure that your posture is good during meditation. While that may sound a bit odd, you need to make sure your back is straight and your legs crossed. If you can make it into a lotus position or the half lotus position, you’ll be in great shape. A straight back and proper posture will help your body achieve a deeper and more meaningful state of meditation.·
Six
Follow the experts. People have been refining the art of meditation for millennia and your meditation instructor has likely learned from experts and passed that knowledge on to you. While a small amount of freelancing is fine, you should stick with the original lesson as much as possible. The methods taught are like that for a reason and they have been proven to achieve the highest levels of meditative bliss. While it may be tempting to do your own thing, you should place your trust in your teacher and use the examples he or she taught you.
Seven
Meditation is habit forming. If you begin meditation and you’re serious about making it part of your life, it will be most beneficial to you if you make it a regular part of your life. You won’t experience the true benefit if you only do it once in a while. Practice does in fact make perfect in this instance and the more regular your meditation sessions are, the more you’ll enjoy it and the better you’ll feel.
Eight
Patience is key. By introducing meditation into your life, you’ve taken a single step along a path ofenlightenment and inner peace. It is a long journey, however. If you don’t feel like you’re getting the results you’re after once a week or a month has passed, be patient. There are people who spend a lifetime meditating who only reach what they are looking for after decades of practice. Stick with it and you’re sure to achieve your goal.
Meditation is a beautiful and wonderful practice that millions of people take part in every day around the world. It does, however, take years of meditation to truly see results and while that can be frustrating to some people, it is those with the foresight to stick with it that are rewarded in the end.
Are you a wine newbie looking to understand more about wine? Look no further. Our friends from Californian wine brand, Echo Falls gives us the lowdown on 10 wines from their portfolio.
Merlot
If there was a wine that could match up to your favourite cuddly jumper, Merlot would be it. So when you’re at the peek of comfort, grab a glass and fill it with its perfect partner, Merlot. Just don’t spill any… it’s a pain to get out!
Shiraz
Whether it’s dinner with friends or a cosy night with that special somewhere, this Shiraz is the perfect chaperone. Spicy (not the kind of curry spice, more of a subtle hint of pepper, maybe even a whiff of clove… its nice trust us!) and packed with blackberry flavours.
Cabernet Sauvignon
This bottle may not be the tallest, but it’s definitely dark and oh so handsome. Charming spiced aromas combine with bold blackcurrant flavours to give you a smooth tasting wine that you’d be proud to take home to your parents.
Chardonnay
The elegant classic, Chardonnay! The “I’m so famous that there are children named after me” wine. The wine that has a perfect mix of tropical fruit and spicy oak flavours that had the country in a frenzy longer than it takes to find the perfect LBD.
Chardonnay Pinot Grigio
When you have two great things you can sometimes put them together to make something amazing! Chardonnay and Pinot Grigio are great on their own, but they also work perfectly hand in hand. Much like how this bottle goes perfectly hand in hand with you… go on, pour yourself a glass.
Pinot Grigio
The fresh apple, pear and peach flavours will dance across your tongue, flirting with each and every taste bud along the way. Not literally of course- but if it was actually dancing we think it would dance the jive, a lively drink with exciting flavours!
Sauvignon Blanc
Don’t you love it when you find a wine that just goes with everything! Your favourite meal, that film you’ve been dying to see, or just your “getting ready” soundtrack. Well. You’ve found it, congratulations! Now all you need to do is enjoy.
White Zinfandel
If you were looking for a beautifully sweet drink with lively flavours then you’ve picked the right bottle. Packed with everything from the fun side of California, sweet flavours of strawberries, peachy aromas and all the celebrity juice you can handle. Okay, it doesn’t have the juice but you can read about that whilst you have a glass.
White Grenache
We know what you’re thinking, “why is this wine called White when it’s clearly a Rosé!” That’s a job for Google. All we know is it’s packed with strawberry and raspberry flavours with an amazing flowery smell. The sweet pink blush is just an added bonus – enjoy!
Pinot Grigio Rosé
Have you ever wondered how wine smells and tastes of different things? And none of them grapes! This one tastes and smells of bright plush strawberry with a smidge of raspberry. It doesn’t make sense why it tastes like that, it’s just one of life’s beautiful mysteries!
