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Healthy Ageing in Austria

Posted on 9th September 2019 | Comments Off on Healthy Ageing in Austria
Gender Medicine at la pura

gender medicine

Would you like to know your biological age, your allergies, your health forecast? La pura in the Waldviertel region of Austria is a dedicated healthy ageing resort designed exclusively for women.

More than a wellness hotel, the focus at la pura is on slowing the biological clock with treatments formulated to outsmart time. According to research, our age is determined 30 per cent by genetics, the remainder up to us to manage by our lifestyle choices and habits, good or bad. The resort attracts those who want to understand their make-up, identify and change negative lifestyle habits. The emphasis is not on anti but on healthy ageing by embracing and enhancing life‘s journey, not battling against it.

The theory is based on female-specific gender medicine developed by Dr Alexandra Kautzky-Willer of the Medical University of Vienna and healthy ageing programmes managed by Medical Director, Dr Sabine Froehlich, at la pura.  Based on science and proven evidence, ageing topics are individualised and addressed with innovative and sustainable solutions. Results not only determine the biological age, but highlight weak areas and risk factors.

There is a wide range of treatments and programmes which are custom-made and based on diagnostic tests and medical consultations, all in the name of aging gracefully.  Genetic testing tackles pre-dispositions and age-related diseases. A 3D skin analysis scans the skin to reveal collagen loss, sun damage and age. A saliva test detects silent inflammations in the body. Others include testing metabolic function and individual macronutrient needs leading to weight stability and management.  If stress is a factor, there’s mental counselling and relaxing treatments.

Originally built in 1914 as a mansion house, today it stands as a spacious health retreat with 85 guestrooms classically decorated. The Boccaccaio room, a former theatre, is the social heart where afternoon tea is served daily and the host for organised entertainment – a pianist, wine tasting or make-up workshop. Relaxed and  friendly, it’s a space for guests to share their experiences. Just over an hour from Vienna, the retreat lies in the Kamptal valley, with a river running by and a castle silhouette overhead.

The spa includes a choice of saunas, steam rooms & an infra-red cabin. Little exfoliating peeling cups are available, flavoured with mango, vanilla, or even chocolate – a refreshing touch.  And around every corner, relaxation areas appear in different modes, quiet rooms, warmed loungers, alcoves around the indoor pool and outdoor decks.

Prevention is a key component of healthy ageing.  Chinese traditional medicine is practised here as well as natural therapies such as underwater extension therapy, effective for tensions and misaligned sections of the spinal cord. “Healthy Ageing Therapy” is a revitalising manual massage using vaporised herb pouches and warm aromatic oils, individually created. Think almond and sesame oils, together with herbal mixtures of ginger, elderflower, mint and ivy.

Ad hoc botox and fillers are frowned upon. Here cosmetic and aesthetic medicine is based on the results of a Visia Scan, which detects the collagen levels, the depth of lines and wrinkles and the sun damage from which digital results calculate facial age. This test is a scientific qualifier for future and effective treatments which may take the form of thread lifting, fillers or skin rejuvenation with mesotherapy – a vitamin cocktail. A personalised serum is formulated for your skin’s requirements. For arms, legs and abdomens, the aesthetic body treatments target fat cells using suction-wave massage, reducing them via the lymphatic system, followed by an ultrasound and agent treatment to activate a fat-burning process.

Food is an integral part of a stay. The FX Mayr nutritional programme is a popular treatment to detox the intestines and improve digestion. It involves a different approach to eating and appreciating food intake.  Guests following this dine away from temptation in a separate dining room. And to maintain these culinary virtues and encourage diet lifestyle changes, cookery classes are held regularly in the show kitchen.

Guests can follow a low-calorie menu or for those wishing to indulge, dinner is a 4-course affair. Yellow turnip coconut foam soup and salmon with lukewarm orange fennel salad are examples of the creative dishes served.  Breakfast is ultra- healthy with warm millet porridge, spelt pancakes and vegan bircher served with an edible flower garnish – all too good to eat!  The restaurant spills outside, overlooking the square, a peak into everyday life in this sleepy town, known for its singer-song writer, Falco. His monument ornaments the local park.

Classes and activities for mind and body can fill your day with maybe a few new experiences thrown in. Smovey walking is trending – a one up-man-ship on Nordic walking. It involves weighted hand accessories while walking through the park and climbing through the forested area. These bright green loops help with posture and joint mobility and coordination. Along with yoga, a staple in spa resorts, classes include balance, endurance and spine care exercises. The sling workout involves muscle strengthening using ropes to stabilise the body. Days at la pura are interesting, sociable and as busy as you want them to be, including a dip in the River Kamp.

La pura offers that ray of hope to women battling with healthy ageing.It is a place to relax and to find a personalised formula to slow down the ticking clock, inside and out. A wrinkle and a wobble less, a stronger mind, a body and soul in harmony and acceptance.La pura serves a recipe that is effective, holistic and individual – a sustainable form of health prevention and healthy ageing.

la pura women’s health resort kamptal
Hauptplatz 58, 3571 Gars am Kamp, Austria
Tel.: +43 2985/26 66-741
Fax.: +43 2985/26 66-745
Mail: willkommen@lapura.at or reservierung@lapura.at

The packages:

https://www.lapura.at/en/health/healthy-aging/

https://www.lapura.at/en/health/detox/

The editor was a guest of la pura.

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Posted in Anti Aging, General, Latest News, Medical, Medical Spa, Medispas, Natural, New Age, Reviews, Wellness Holidays

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A Wellness Community on Water

Posted on 6th August 2019 | Comments Off on A Wellness Community on Water

Luxury Wellness Onboard

The wellness real estate sector has been valued as a $134 billion global industry in 2017 by the Global Wellness Institute, with a projected growth to $198 billion by 2022.  Blue World Voyages, the world’s first cruise concept dedicated to active healthy lifestyles, is a player in this sizeable industry and has announced 40 Owners Residences onboard their first vessel, which launches in 2021.

Wellness lifestyle real estate is defined as a home which has been proactively designed and built to support the holistic health of its residents. Blue World Voyages’ Owners Residences will now offer this. The team have crafted a vessel and itinerary which is centred around wellness in all its forms, from the physical and social aspects to the emotional and intellectual dimensions. Owners can benefit from being part of this wellness community on water.

Those purchasing a Residence will have access to the ship’s two floors. which are solely focused around sports and wellness. They will offer a variety of state-of-the-art facilities which are unapparelled at sea. These range from a functional training & strength conditioning centre, golf & football stimulators, various fitness studios for classes such as yoga and spinning, and a sea-water lap pool which enables guests to do their laps in the ocean. Owners will also be able to take part in a range of active programming both onboard and ashore.  Land excursions will offer everything from cycling in Castellon (Spain) and surfing in Lisbon (Portugal), to horse riding in Cherbourg (France) and learning Tai Chi in Amsterdam (Netherlands). There will also be a dedicated team of experts and specialists onboard to offer tailored advice and personal programming as well as hosting talks on their fields of interest.

The ship’s interiors, from public spaces and guest suites, to the Owners Residences, have been designed and styled by top marine design architects, Tomas Tillberg International and acclaimed interior design firm Juan Poggi Designs. Owners are free to use their property as frequently as they wish, enabling them to travel the world and live in one of the healthiest environments possible. The vessel will be home to 40 one and two bedroom Residences, priced at £1,790,000 and £2,557,000 respectively.

Our surroundings and communities directly affect our daily lifestyles and have an impact on our health. Blue World Voyages believe that our homes, our most important personal investment, should also be a positive investment in our health and wellbeing.

Contact the editor@thehealthcareholiday.comif you have an interest in the sale of these luxury floating Residences.

For more information on Blue World Voyages, read here

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Posted in General, Latest News, Natural, Ocean Cruising, Trade

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Bhutan The Land of Happiness

Posted on 2nd June 2019 | Comments Off on Bhutan The Land of Happiness
Elevated Kingdom of Bhutan

Bhutan

There is a place in the world where the wealth of the country is measured by happiness.  Squeezed between the mighty neighbours of China and India there lies this place – a Land of Happiness.

The tiny kingdom of Bhutan sits peacefully and snuggly amongst the majestic amphitheatre of the Himalayas. This remote place cuddles culture and adventure in its unspoilt and unexplored environment. Stemming from its Buddhist tradition, it has inherited the title of a spiritual and happy destination. Back in the eighth century, the tantric master guru Rinpoche brought Buddhism to Bhutan. Many others masters followed resulting in a plethora of monasteries, temples and holy sites., Bhutan is often quoted as being one of the most blessed places to visit and is the last existing Mahayana Kingdom in the world.

Healthy and holy. The kingdom  is dotted with wellbeing retreats and therapeutic, mineral-laden hot springs. The Gasa Hot Spring is in the west, Dhur Hotel Spring in the centre and Dhuenmang in the south are highly revered medicinal waters and believed to cure many ailments. Traditional Bhutanese medicine is based on Sowa Rigpa,known as the Amchi system of medicine which is one of the oldest and well documented medical traditions of the world.

Bhutan’s elevated natural surroundings are often laced in transparent mist,  oxygenated in unpolluted air. Glacier-fed rivers and lush, aromatic forests provide the ideal terrain for hiking, trekking, kayaking and mountain biking activities. And with over 670 species of birds recorded, this is a favoured destination for bird lovers and ornithologists.

Happiness and harmony weave through the land’s rich and colourful culture expressed through traditional festivals and acrobatic mask dance performances which celebrate the kingdom’s independence and sovereignty.

Almost cut off for centuries, Bhutan unlocked its doors to foreign visitors in 1974 and today fiercely guard its ancient traditions by controlling tourism numbers to maintains its beauty and serenity for its own people and visitors alike. National parks, nature preserves and wildlife sanctuaries are protected and cherished – visitors pay a fee for the honour of entering this kingdom rooted in happiness.

Dating back to the 17thcentury, Bhutan is a recognised wellbeing escape.  This is the land where happiness is measured and is rooted in  Gross National Happiness (GNH). This grandiose term is defined as a holistic and sustainable approach which balances material and non-material values with the conviction that we all search for happiness.

GNH confronts global, national and individual challenges by pointing to the non-material roots of wellbeing, offering ways to balance and satisfy needs within the limits of what nature can provide. In our world, this is hindered by boundless consumerism, widening socio-economic inequality and instability causing a decline and ultimately a depletion of natural resources. Climate change, species extinction, growing insecurity, instability and conflicts are not only diminishing our well-being but are also threatening our survival.

Bhutan’s Gross National Happiness is based on four pillars of belief. Firstly, good governance which determines the conditions and social values in which Bhutanese thrive. Secondly, sustaining socio-economic development to ensure households and families enjoy free time and leisure. Thirdly, preserving the Bhutanese culture by developing cultural resilience, maintaining cultural identity, knowledge and practices to overcome challenges and influences. Fourthly, environmental conservation to provide essential services and the aesthetic values and harmonic healing of the natural land.

Happiness is the foundation of the Kingdom of Bhutan so if you are looking for a destination and a land of happiness, you will find it here tucked away in South Asia.

Visas are necessary to help preserve the kingdom’s pillars of belief to maintain Gross National Happiness. A small price to pay to hear the silence in nature’s sound, to breathe the purity of the air and absorb the vivid colours and of course share the genuine smiles of the people. Happiness is …..

If you wish to travel to the land of happiness contact http://www.bhutanlhtours.com/

For more information: https://www.tourism.gov.bt

The scenic vistas of Bhutan

Scenery of Bhutan

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Posted in Asia, General, Latest News, Natural

Soma Manaltheeram Ayurveda Beach Village

Posted on 31st May 2019 | Comments Off on Soma Manaltheeram Ayurveda Beach Village
cottage style accommodation

Natural village setting

Soma Manaltheeram Ayurveda Beach Village is a healing and wellness resort dedicated to the “Science of Life” to restore physical, mental, spiritual and emotional equilibrium.

It is conveniently situated 21 kilometers from Thiruvananthapuram International Airport in Kerala and 9 kms from Kovalam. Majestically, it sits on the incline of a hill overlooking the sea.

This award-winning resort and sister property to Somatheeram Research Institute & Ayurveda Resort offers authentic ayurveda treatments, yoga and meditation tailored to guests needs. And with specially prescribed massages and therapies, Manaltheeram offers therapies  effective in treating various conditions such as arthritis, rheumatism and paralysis.

Accommodation is rustic-style houses and thatched garden cottages resting on the slopes giving the atmosphere of  village life embracing tradition, culture and nature. The coconut trees dotted around and splashes of yellow marigolds add colour and the concept of rejuvenation to this eco-resort.  In addition, the herb garden cultivates rare varieties preserved for use in medicines and other preparations. The open air restaurant at Manaltheeram Ayurveda Beach Village maintains a garden ambience with its wicker chairs, lawns and paved paths.

The  resort offers Ayurveda residential holistic programmes for “Panchakarma” and “Wellness” , all supported by a team of Ayurvedic doctors and mail & female masseurs to provide the best result in shortest time.

For reservations or more information on Manaltheeram Ayurveda Beach Village http://www.manaltheeram.com/

For more information on India, read here

yoga next to the sea

Perfect setting for yoga

 

 

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Posted in Anti Aging, Arthritis, Ayurveda, Holistic, Hospitals & Clinics in India, India, Mind and Spirit, Natural, Traditional, Wellness India

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Somatheeram Ayurveda Village, Kerala, India 

Posted on 31st May 2019 | Comments Off on Somatheeram Ayurveda Village, Kerala, India 
The pool

Somatheeram Ayurveda Village

Somatheeram, is the world’s first Ayurveda centre set in a resort ambiance offering Ayurveda treatments and programmes for its guests who travel from all corners of the world.

This award winning Ayurveda wellness eco resort is set in tropical gardens and enjoys a beachfront location in  Kerala, South India. It is located on Chowara Beach with over 15 acres of greenery, just 9 km south of Kovalam Beach in Trivandrum, Kerala.

In this peaceful and harmonious environment traditional ayurvedic therapy and yoga are practised. The range of Ayurveda treatments and packages include rejuvenation therapy, panchakarma, detoxification, body purification, slimming, stress management, anti-ageing, and various clinical curative treatments. The treatments are designed around therapies, a healing diet and herbal medicine, formulated under the supervision of experienced and qualified doctors and therapists.

Dosha-specific, organic, vegetarian dishes from an extensive, creative menu are served in the restaurant 200 feet above sea level complemented with superb panoramic views.

Accommodation takes the form of traditionally Kerala-style houses and cottages, all air-conditioned and equipped with modern amenities.

Somatheeram is internationally recognised for its achievements in health, social responsibility and  environmental preservation. It is the recipient of 35 major international and national awards for excellence in  Ayurveda treatments & Yoga. Of note, it holds NABH (National Accreditation Board for Hospitals and Health Care providers) accreditation,  “India’s Best Ayurvedic Resort”, including “HALL OF FAME” an Honour granted by the Government of India.  It has also been awarded “Kerala State’s Best Ayurvedic Resort” (by Government of Kerala) six times.

The essence and soul of Somatheeram is the ancient medical science of Ayurveda treatments  and Art of Yoga & Meditation.

For reservation or more information: http://www.somatheeram.in/

For more information on India read here

BSI accredited

Accredited status

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Posted in Ayurveda, Holistic, Hospitals & Clinics in India, India, Mind and Spirit, Natural, Traditional, Wellness India

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Eco Wellness In A UNESCO World Heritage Setting

Posted on 6th March 2019 | Comments Off on Eco Wellness In A UNESCO World Heritage Setting

 

….Wellbeing in tune with nature’s life forces….

Ecological Wellness can be found in the heart of the majestic Sahyadris mountain range in the Western Ghats of Maharastra: a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offering holistic rejuvenation of mind, body and soul according to ancient Ayurvedic principles.

Dharana at Shillim Estate Retreat and Spa  is an eco-wellness retreat, three hours south east of Mumbai or just over two hours from Pune. It sweeps over 3,000 acres of its own fertile valley, scattered with ecologically-designed luxurious villas, with a focus on environmental sustainability. Guests are encouraged to take short excursions, hikes and nature walks through the rice fields, bamboo plantations, lush fields and organic garden which all nurture a thriving flora and fauna eco system.

At the heart of the retreat is a philosophy of ‘Dharana’ (pronounced Dah-na) – a way of life that promotes health and wellbeing in line with the life forces of nature.  Dharana is the sacred sense of stability achieved when one aligns the inner core to the outer environment, the starting point for any form of healing.

The Dharana way of life aims to help achieve long-term internal and external wellbeing through tailor-made programmes, helping guests to choose lifestyle options that balance energies and focused on achieving calmness and contentedness.

Shillim’s extensive range of wellness programmes are all designed to help guests establish healthy habits for life. Dharana wellness experts integrate the essential philosophical, spiritual and artistic wisdom of past civilizations with contemporary, life-enhancing practices and modern diagnostics.

Dharana Life Science Programs offer a comprehensive, bespoke healing regime with deliberate attention to key issues including conflict resolution, stress management, anti-aging, weight management which focusing on fitness through wellness activities and cognitive stimulation, mindfulness through meditation and nourishment through sustainability. A consultation is offered to every guest by resident Dr. Arun Pillai, who curates a bespoke programme dependent on guest’s needs – ranging from three to 27-day schedules. The itinerary encompasses Dharana traditions including Acupressure, Acupuncture, Reiki, Pranic Healing, Ayurveda, Yoga, Chakra Cleansing, Shamanism, Meditation, Naturopathy, Hydro Therapy, Ozone Therapy, Fire Healing, Music, Dance and Body Work.

Dr. Arun Pillai, Director of Wellness says, “We focus on the five core elements (earth, fire, water, air and sky) to design the Dharana programme.  The programme starts with a full body composition analysis to determine the prakruti (nature/issues) and identify the doshas (the three energies that define every person’s makeup) of our guests. We aim to make Dharana as a way of life and not just a programme so that all our guests can sustain a healthy lifestyle and lead the ideal wellness path within and outside the retreat” 

Nourishment through Sustainability: The holistic approach of the Dharana programme is folded into every aspect of the retreat, especially at the wellness restaurant – The Green Table – which takes inspiration from a planetary diet, incorporating the five elements of Ayurveda (Water, Air, Fire, Ether and Wind), with special emphasis on organic ingredients.  The menu is a 100% forest-to-table concept with all ingredients sourced from the Shillim forest and farm. The Chef’s commitment in using organic, locally-sourced and sustainably-grown ingredients of the highest quality is apparent in every dish served from the Ayurveda Thali to the à la carte selection. Healthy offerings at The Green Table can be complimented with an aromatic treat at the Tea Room, emphasizing the medicinal properties of different ingredients and illustrating the ancient Asian culture of healing.

Getting there from the UK

Direct flights go from both London and Manchester to Mumbai approx. 9 hours, plus 3.25 hour road transfer, or indirect flight to Pune, approximately 12.5 hours with a stop-over in Delhi or Abu Dhabi followed by a 2.5 hour road transfer.

https://www.shillim.in/

 

 

 

 

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Mountains bring a breath of fresh air for asthma sufferers

Posted on 17th October 2018 | Comments Off on Mountains bring a breath of fresh air for asthma sufferers

 

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With around 5 million people in the UK suffering from asthma and a startling rising death rate of 20 per cent in five years, cures and relief therapies are vital, especially after the 2018 summer with its heatwave, hay fever and high pollen counts.

Air pollution causes the inside of lungs to become inflamed which makes it difficult for those with asthma to breathe.  Less pollution means less inflammation making breathing easier.

Zero pollution, clean air, low levels of humidity and natural breath-taking scenery are the ideal environmental conditions for asthma suffers. And these vital statistics can be found in mountain terrains such as the Southern French Alps which offers 12,000-km² of pollution-free purity. The air in the Southern French Alps has more benefits than other Alpine areas due to its unique low humidity and lack of heavy industry and benefits from 300 days of sunshine per year, topping up vital Vitamin D.

There have also been multiple studies over the years into the effectiveness of high altitude treatment for  those suffering with lung diseases.  High altitudes allow for clearer air and are mostly free from bugs such as dust mites which can cause asthma symptoms to worsen.

High-altitude treatment for asthma sufferers is not a new concept. People with lung diseases have been sent to the mountains as treatment for over a century.

 

For information on mountain escapes ideal for asthma sufferers, www.undiscoveredmountains.com

 

 

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Posted in General, Latest News, Natural, Respiratory, Wellness Holidays

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Sleep tight!

Posted on 13th February 2018 | Comments Off on Sleep tight!

pebbles 4A good night’s sleep is important for emotional, physical and mental wellbeing especially in our fast-paced lifestyles. There is an increasing number of therapies and products to help induce this much needed slumber. Hastings Hotels have introduced a natural therapy in the form of a tailor-made new Sleep Ritual spa ritual.

Performed in calming, candlelit surroundings, the ESPA Sleep Ritual is offered at The Culloden Estate & Spa and the Slieve Donard Resort & Spa in Northern Ireland. The treatment includes breathing and visualisation techniques to release physical and emotional anxiety and restore energy. A deep tissue massage to release deep-seated muscular tension is combined with hot stones and warmed fragrant ESPA oil poured onto the body. This concludes with a soothing scalp massage to relieve any final signs of stress ensuring guests completely switch off.

The 5* Culloden Estate & Spa stands on the forested slopes of the Holywood hills, overlooking Belfast Lough and the County Antrim coastline. In close proximity to Belfast City Centre, the luxurious spa is Northern Ireland’s premier sanctuary for mind, body and soul. Guests can revel in a range of ESPA products and therapies with eight treatment suites, two pre and post treatment relaxation rooms. The hotel also offers a variety of different classes at the Health Club including Aquafit, Yogalates and Pilates. Guests can also enjoy relaxing in the pool, Jacuzzi and eucalyptus steam room. In 2017, Hastings Hotels celebrated 50 years of the ownership of the jewel in its crown, the Culloden Estate & Spa, as well as the completion of a £4.8M renovation programme at the hotel over the last three years.

The Slieve Donard Resort & Spa is situated on the seashores of the Irish Sea on Newcastle Bay. The hotel looks out to the Mountains of Mourne. Set in six acres of private grounds, the property is famous for its expansive and luxurious spa. Guests can escape to a cocoon of calm with over two floors of tranquillity, including a 20 metre swimming pool and Vitality Pool, amethyst steam room and high-tech fitness studio.

www.hastingshotels.com

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The Next Big Thing in Wellness – Costa Rica 2018

Posted on 30th January 2018 | Comments Off on The Next Big Thing in Wellness – Costa Rica 2018

water-fall-2355759_1920
The Costa Rica Tourism Board has launched a new tourism strategy for 2018 – ‘Wellness Pura Vida’ – a new ethos that redefines what it means to look after the body and soul.  According to the World Health Organization, “burnout”, the state of emotional, mental, and physical exhaustion caused by excessive and prolonged stress, is now a global issue. To combat this, UK travellers are increasingly combining travel with wellness, a trend that the tourist board is responding to with this new movement for 2018.

The phrase “Pura Vida” itself can be heard echoing throughout Costa Rica. Used as a greeting or expression of happiness, the phrase literally translates to “pure life,” however its truer meaning is “full of life,” which accurately symbolises the Costa Rican mind-set of energy and positivism that awaits visitors.

Costa Rica offers a huge number of authentic natural wellness experiences for all visitors looking for a healing holiday. These activities include yoga, meditation, earthing, forest bathing, treatments with hot springs, thalassotherapy amongst others, and can be carried out in pleasant and tranquil natural spaces throughout the country. Smoking volcanoes, dense virgin forests, unique wildlife and endless tropical beaches make this Central American destination one of the most diverse places on earth for a healing holiday.

Costa Rica is not only renowned for being one of the happiest places on Earth, but also one where people live the longest. The Nicoya Peninsula has one of the highest percentages of centenarians in the world.

Visitors should live this ‘Pura Vida’ lifestyle whilst in Costa Rica, taking home new healthy habits, starting with its healthy food based mainly on grains including rice and beans (called “gallo pinto” when mixed). No trip is complete without drinking the calcium-rich water, indulging in the fresh fruits and sampling the local coffee. Other Pura Vida wellness experiences can include ‘forest baths’ (breathing in the fresh air of the forest) and ‘earthing’ (barefoot walks on the earth/sand). Reaching 100 is not guaranteed, but relaxation is!

Visitors hoping for a slice of Zen should head to the lesser known corner of Costa Rica – the Osa Peninsula. Located on the South Pacific coast, this region is a haven for those looking to experience complete unspoilt beauty and escape Wi-Fi. The opportunities for exploration are endless; iconic activities include watching the magnificent humpback whale migration, exploring the mangroves by kayak and the beaches and mountains on a recreational cycling tour, bird-watching, yoga, forest bathing and having a healthy organic meal on the beach. Visitors can expect sunrise yoga, beach Pilates and al fresco group meditation.

No wellness holiday to Costa Rica is complete without a visit to the hot springs, which are said to have healing and restorative properties due to the high mineral content. Visitors can harness the water for personal renewal by letting positive energy flow throughout the body. Arenal, Rincon de la Vieja, Miravalles Volcano, Orosi area, Perez Zeledon and the Caribbean are the country’s best destinations for thermal soaks, some of them boasting highly-rated hot springs, mud baths and spa facilities.

www.visitcostarica.com

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Connect with the cosmic energy of ancient Peru

Posted on 30th January 2018 | Comments Off on Connect with the cosmic energy of ancient Peru

41-Payment-to-the-earth-ritual

From healing spa treatments using indigenous Andean plants and herbs, to cleansing ceremonies bathed in nature and mystical culture, the Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel is offering its guests the opportunity to awaken and nourish mind, body and soul.

The hotel’s Aqlla spa uses treatments using local ingredients and curative Peruvian traditions. These include the Sabai Massage for Body & Face; a 60-minute pinda-style massage that uses warmed compresses loaded with 32 natural medicinal herbs. The Incas have used pink salt from Maras, a town near Cusco, for centuries for its energy boosting, high-mineral content and is used in the Maras Body Massage as a therapeutic natural scrub. The 90-minute treatment begins with an exfoliating salt scrub, followed by a body mask of papaya, lemon and lettuce that leaves a prolonged refreshing sensation. The treatment concludes with a relaxing massage with Andean herbal oils with medicinal attributes, including chamomile, eucalyptus and lemon grass.

Other treatments using indigenous ingredients include the Body Massage with Coca and Muña Essential Oils, which uses two time-honoured healing plants of Peru’s ancient Inca culture; Muña, renowned for being a digestive aid, as well as its soothing and calming effects on aches, pains and arthritis; and Coca leaves, loaded with vitamins, protein, calcium, iron and fibre that help to counter the effects of high altitude in the Andes. The Deep-Hydration Cleansing Facial with Quinoa taps the nutritional benefits of the quinoa to prevent premature aging of sensitive and dehydrated skin.

Beyond the spa, the Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel offers spiritual and wellness experiences that connect with the cosmic energy of ancient Peruvian civilisations, while touring nearby natural and cultural sites. During the full day Machu Picchu Mystical Tour, guests can visit the historic sanctuary with a local shaman who uses his natural gifts to help them discover the spiritual and natural energy side of Machu Picchu, as well as its magical connections to Pachamama or Mother Earth. During the visit, the shaman will lead a cleansing session, while back at the hotel in the evening; travellers will participate in a private coca leaf reading.

Guests can participate in a one-hour Payment to the Earth Ritual on the hotel’s private terrace. This traditional practice of making offerings to Pachamama, or Mother Earth, has been passed down from the time of the Incas, as Ancient Peruvians held Pachamama sacred. This ritual remains a part of daily life for many locals in surrounding regions of Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley. With a shaman and private interpreter as guides, guests can discover a realm beyond the physical world and become more open to emotional and spiritual healing. Coca, which is a traditional Peruvian symbol of community and respect, plays a significant role in the ceremony.

Rooms at the Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel start from USD 602.80 per room per night (from GBP 427) based on double occupancy and including buffet breakfast, lunch or dinner, luggage assistance between the hotel and Aguas Calientes train station

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